Effects of pelvic floor muscle training versus hypopressive abdominal gymnastics (HAG) on stress urinary incontinence in climacteric women: randomized clinical trial / Efectos del entrenamiento muscular del suelo pélvico versus la gimnasia abdominal hipopresiva (GAH) sobre la incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo en mujeres climatéricas: ensayo clínico aleatorizado / Efeitos do treinamento muscular do assoalho pélvico versus Ginástica Abdominal Hipopressiva (GAH) na incontinência urinária de esforço de mulheres climatéricas: ensaio clínico randomizado

ABSTRACT Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is recommended as first-line treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women (scientific evidence level 1). Currently, hypopressive abdominal gymnastics (HAG) has been used in clinical practice without evidence for this purpose. To verify the superiority of an experimental treatment in relation to a positive control (gold standard) for the treatment of SUI and PFM function in climacteric women. A non-inferiority clinical trial was conducted with 31 climacteric women with SUI who were sexually active. They were allocated into two groups: 16 in the PFMT group and 15 in the HAG group. Both groups received 26 sessions twice per week and individual care. All participants were assessed twice, at the beginning and at the end of interventions. The primary outcome was assessed using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and the secondary were given by PFM function assessed via bidigital palpation. The methods used to analyze the results were the two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by the Tukey post-hoc test, when necessary. PFMT was better in improving SUI in the primary outcome (p=0.01). The groups showed no significant difference in force of contraction, time of sustained PFM, and fast and slow repetitions at the time of analysis. Regarding the symptoms of SUI, PFMT performed better than HAG.

RESUMEN El entrenamiento muscular del suelo pélvico (EMSP) se recomienda como tratamiento de primera línea para las pruebas de nivel 1 de incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo (IUE). Actualmente, se utiliza la gimnasia abdominal hipopresiva (GAH) en la práctica clínica con este fin. Este estudio tuvo por objetivo comprobar la superioridad de un tratamiento experimental en comparación con el tratamiento de referencia para la IUE y la función del suelo pélvico en mujeres menopáusicas. Se realizó un ensayo clínico aleatorizado de no inferioridad con 31 mujeres climatéricas sexualmente activas y con IUE. Las participantes se distribuyeron en dos grupos: 16 se sometieron a EMSP y 15 a GAH. Ambos recibieron 26 sesiones, dos veces por semana, en sesiones individuales. Todas las voluntarias fueron evaluadas en dos momentos, al principio y al final de las intervenciones. El resultado primario se evaluó mediante el cuestionario ICIQ-SF, y el resultado secundario mediante la evaluación bidigital del suelo pélvico. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó la prueba ANOVA de dos vías, seguida de la prueba posterior de Tukey cuando necesario. El EMSP tuvo un mejor resultado en la mejora de la IUE (p=0,01). No hubo diferencias entre los grupos en cuanto a la fuerza de contracción, el tiempo de mantenimiento y las repeticiones rápidas y lentas. En cuanto a la mejora de los síntomas de IUE, se concluyó que el EMSP es superior a la GAH.

RESUMO O treinamento dos músculos do assoalho pélvico (TMAP) é recomendado como primeira linha no tratamento do nível 1 de evidência da incontinência urinária de esforço (IUE). Atualmente, a Ginástica Abdominal Hipopressiva (GAH) tem sido utilizada na prática clínica com este propósito. Este estudo tem como objetivo verificar a superioridade de um tratamento experimental em relação ao tratamento padrão-ouro para IUE e função do assoalho pélvico em mulheres na menopausa. Foi conduzido um ensaio clínico randomizado de não inferioridade com 31 mulheres climatéricas, sexualmente ativas e com IUE. Elas foram alocadas em dois grupos, em que: 16 foram submetidas ao TMAP e 15 à GAH. Ambos receberam 26 sessões, duas vezes por semana, em atendimentos individuais. Todas as voluntárias foram avaliadas em dois momentos, no início e ao término das intervenções. O desfecho primário foi avaliado pelo Questionário (ICIQ-SF) e o secundário pela avaliação bidigital do assoalho pélvico. Para a análise estatística, foram utilizados o teste ANOVA de duas vias, seguido do pós-teste de Tukey, quando necessário. O TMAP foi superior na melhora da IUE (p=0.01). Não houve diferença entre os grupos em relação a força de contração, tempo de sustentação, repetições rápidas e lentas. Em relação à melhora dos sintomas de IUE, concluiu-se que o TMAP é superior a GAH.

Dilated optic nerve sheath by ultrasound predicts mortality among patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a deadly disease and increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is associated with worse outcomes in this context. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated whether dilated optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) depicted by optic nerve ultrasound (ONUS) at hospital admission has prognostic value as a predictor of mortality at 90 days. METHODS: Prospective multicenter study of acute supratentorial primary ICH patients consecutively recruited from two tertiary stroke centers. Optic nerve ultrasound and cranial computed tomography (CT) scans were performed at hospital admission and blindly reviewed. The primary outcome was mortality at 90-days. Multivariate logistic regression, ROC curve, and C-statistics were used to identify independent predictors of mortality. RESULTS: Between July 2014 and July 2016, 57 patients were evaluated. Among those, 13 were excluded and 44 were recruited into the trial. Their mean age was 62.3 ± 13.1 years and 12 (27.3%) were female. On univariate analysis, ICH volume on cranial CT scan, ICH ipsilateral ONSD, Glasgow coma scale, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and glucose on admission, and also diabetes mellitus and current nonsmoking were predictors of mortality. After multivariate analysis, ipsilateral ONSD (odds ratio [OR]: 6.24; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18-33.01; p = 0.03) was an independent predictor of mortality, even after adjustment for other relevant prognostic factors. The best ipsilateral ONSD cutoff was 5.6mm (sensitivity 72% and specificity 83%) with an AUC of 0.71 (p = 0.02) for predicting mortality at 90 days. CONCLUSION: Optic nerve ultrasound is a noninvasive, bedside, low-cost technique that can be used to identify increased ICP in acute supratentorial primary ICH patients. Among these patients, dilated ONSD is an independent predictor of mortality at 90 days.

ANTECEDENTES: A hemorragia intraparenquimatosa (HIP) aguda apresenta elevada morbimortalidade e a presença de hipertensão intracraniana (HIC) confere um pior prognóstico. OBJETIVO: Avaliamos se a dilatação do diâmetro da bainha do nervo óptico (DBNO) através do ultrassom do nervo óptico (USNO) na admissão hospitalar seria preditora de mortalidade. MéTODOS: Estudo multicêntrico e prospectivo de pacientes consecutivos com HIP supratentorial primária aguda admitidos em dois centros terciários. Ultrassom do nervo óptico e tomografia computadorizada (TC) de crânio foram realizados na admissão e revisados de forma cega. O desfecho primário do estudo foi a mortalidade em 3 meses. Análises de regressão logística, curva de característica de operação do receptor (ROC, na sigla em inglês) e estatística-C foram utilizadas para identificação dos preditores independentes de mortalidade. RESULTADOS: Entre julho de 2014 e julho de 2016, 44 pacientes foram incluídos. A idade média foi 62,3 (±13,1) anos e 12 (27,3%) eram mulheres. Na análise univariada, o volume da HIP na TC de crânio, DBNO ipsilateral à HIP, glicemia, escala de coma de Glasgow (ECG) e NIHSS na admissão hospitalar, e também diabetes mellitus e não-tabagista foram preditores de mortalidade. Após análise multivariada, o DBNO ipsilateral à HIP permaneceu como preditor independente de mortalidade (odds ratio [OR]: 6,24; intervalo de confiança [IC] de 95%: 1,18­33,01; p = 0,03). O melhor ponto de corte do DBNO ipsilateral como preditor de mortalidade em 3 meses foi 5,6mm (sensibilidade 72% e especificidade 83%) e área sob a curva (AUC, na sigla em inglês) 0,71 (p = 0,02). CONCLUSãO: O USNO é um método não-invasivo, beira-leito, de baixo custo, que pode ser empregado para estimar a presença de HIC em pacientes com HIP supratentorial primária aguda. A presença de DBNO dilatada é um preditor independente de mortalidade em 3 meses nesses pacientes.

Outcomes of decompressive craniectomy for malignant middle cerebral artery stroke in an academic hospital in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic stroke is an important cause of death in the world. The malignant middle cerebral artery infarction (MMCAI) has mortality as high as 80% when clinically treated. In this setting, decompressive craniectomy is a life-saving measure, in spite of high morbidity among survivors. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcomes of patients with MMCAI treated with decompressive craniectomy in a Brazilian academic tertiary stroke center. METHODS: A prospective stroke database was retrospectively evaluated, and all patients treated with decompressive craniectomy for MMCAI between January 2014 and December 2017 were included. The demographics and clinical characteristics were evaluated. The functional outcome, measured by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), was assessed at hospital discharge, after 3-months and 1-year of follow-up. RESULTS: We included 53 patients on the final analysis. The mean age was 54.6 ± 11.6 years and 64.2% were males. The median time from symptoms to admission was 4.8 (3-9.7) hours and the mean time from symptoms to surgery was 36 ± 17 hours. The left hemisphere was the affected in 39.6%. The median NIHSS at admission was 20 (16-24). The in-hospital mortality was 30.2%. After a median of 337 [157-393] days, 47.1% of patients had achieved favorable outcome (mRS ≤ 4) and 39.6% had died. CONCLUSION: Decompressive craniectomy is a life-saving measure in the setting of MMCAI, and its effects remains important in the scenario of a middle-income country in real-world situations.

ANTECEDENTES: O acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) isquêmico é uma causa importante da morte em todo o mundo. O infarto maligno da artéria cerebral média (IMACM) tem mortalidade de até 80% quando tratado clinicamente. Nesse contexto, a craniectomia descompressiva é uma medida salvadora de vidas, apesar da alta morbidade entre os sobreviventes. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os desfechos dos pacientes com IMACM tratados com craniectomia descompressiva em um centro acadêmico terciário de AVC no Brasil. MéTODOS: Um banco de dados prospectivo de AVC foi avaliado retrospectivamente e todos os pacientes tratados com craniectomia descompressiva para IMACM entre janeiro de 2014 e dezembro de 2017 foram incluídos. As características clínicas e demográficas foram avaliadas. Os desfechos funcionais, medidos pela escala modificada da Rankin (mRS), foram avaliados na alta hospitalar, após 3 meses e após 1 ano de seguimento. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 53 pacientes na análise final. A idade média foi 54,6 ± 11,6 anos e 64,2% eram homens. A mediana do tempo dos sintomas à admissão foi 4,8 (3­9,7) horas e o tempo médio dos sintomas à cirurgia foi 36 ± 17 horas. O hemisfério esquerdo foi o afetado em 39,6%. A pontuação na escala de AVC do National Institute of Health (NIHSS) à admissão foi 20 (16­24). A mortalidade hospitalar foi 30,2%. Após uma mediana de 337 (157­393) dias, 47,1% dos pacientes tinham atingido um desfecho favorável (mRS ≤ 4) e 39,6% tinham morrido. CONCLUSãO: Craniectomia descompressiva é uma medida salvadora de vidas no contexto do IMACM e seus efeitos permanecem importantes no cenário de um país em desenvolvimento em situação de vida real.

Outcomes of decompressive craniectomy for malignant middle cerebral artery stroke in an academic hospital in Brazil / Desfechos da craniectomia descompressiva para infarto maligno da artéria cerebral média em um hospital acadêmico no Brasil

Abstract Background Ischemic stroke is an important cause of death in the world. The malignant middle cerebral artery infarction (MMCAI) has mortality as high as 80% when clinically treated. In this setting, decompressive craniectomy is a life-saving measure, in spite of high morbidity among survivors. Objective To evaluate the outcomes of patients with MMCAI treated with decompressive craniectomy in a Brazilian academic tertiary stroke center. Methods A prospective stroke database was retrospectively evaluated, and all patients treated with decompressive craniectomy for MMCAI between January 2014 and December 2017 were included. The demographics and clinical characteristics were evaluated. The functional outcome, measured by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), was assessed at hospital discharge, after 3-months and 1-year of follow-up. Results We included 53 patients on the final analysis. The mean age was 54.6 ± 11.6 years and 64.2% were males. The median time from symptoms to admission was 4.8 (3-9.7) hours and the mean time from symptoms to surgery was 36 ± 17 hours. The left hemisphere was the affected in 39.6%. The median NIHSS at admission was 20 (16-24). The in-hospital mortality was 30.2%. After a median of 337 [157-393] days, 47.1% of patients had achieved favorable outcome (mRS ≤ 4) and 39.6% had died. Conclusion Decompressive craniectomy is a life-saving measure in the setting of MMCAI, and its effects remains important in the scenario of a middle-income country in real-world situations.

Resumo Antecedentes O acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) isquêmico é uma causa importante da morte em todo o mundo. O infarto maligno da artéria cerebral média (IMACM) tem mortalidade de até 80% quando tratado clinicamente. Nesse contexto, a craniectomia descompressiva é uma medida salvadora de vidas, apesar da alta morbidade entre os sobreviventes. Objetivo Avaliar os desfechos dos pacientes com IMACM tratados com craniectomia descompressiva em um centro acadêmico terciário de AVC no Brasil. Métodos Um banco de dados prospectivo de AVC foi avaliado retrospectivamente e todos os pacientes tratados com craniectomia descompressiva para IMACM entre janeiro de 2014 e dezembro de 2017 foram incluídos. As características clínicas e demográficas foram avaliadas. Os desfechos funcionais, medidos pela escala modificada da Rankin (mRS), foram avaliados na alta hospitalar, após 3 meses e após 1 ano de seguimento. Resultados Foram incluídos 53 pacientes na análise final. A idade média foi 54,6 ± 11,6 anos e 64,2% eram homens. A mediana do tempo dos sintomas à admissão foi 4,8 (3-9,7) horas e o tempo médio dos sintomas à cirurgia foi 36 ± 17 horas. O hemisfério esquerdo foi o afetado em 39,6%. A pontuação na escala de AVC do National Institute of Health (NIHSS) à admissão foi 20 (16-24). A mortalidade hospitalar foi 30,2%. Após uma mediana de 337 (157-393) dias, 47,1% dos pacientes tinham atingido um desfecho favorável (mRS ≤ 4) e 39,6% tinham morrido. Conclusão Craniectomia descompressiva é uma medida salvadora de vidas no contexto do IMACM e seus efeitos permanecem importantes no cenário de um país em desenvolvimento em situação de vida real.

Standardization of reconstructions with flaps after Fournier's gangrene / Padronização das reconstruções com retalhos após gangrena de Fournier

Introduction: Fournier's gangrene is characterized by tissue necrosis, which requires treatment employing debridement and antibiotics with wounds of varying sizes. The objective is to standardize the surgical techniques of reconstructions with flaps used to treat wounds after Fournier's gangrene. Method: A study was conducted by searching the PubMed/Medline, SciELO, and LILACS databases. Results: In wounds with skin loss of 25% to 50%, a local advancement cutaneous flap or a pudendal flap from the thigh was used; in wounds, greater than 50%, a superomedial thigh flap or myocutaneous flap from the gracilis muscle was used, with the aim of to enable proper reconstruction. Conclusion: Advancement and pudendal thigh flaps were used for wounds with up to 50% loss of scrotal skin substance, while the myocutaneous gracilis flap and supero-medial flap of the thigh were indicated for wounds with more than 50% of the total scrotal surface affected, after Fournier gangrene.

Introdução: Gangrena de Fournier é caracterizada por necrose tecidual, que necessita de tratamento por meio de desbridamento e antibióticos, com feridas de dimensões variadas. O objetivo é padronizar as técnicas cirúrgicas de reconstruções com retalhos utilizadas no tratamento das feridas após gangrena de Fournier. Método: Realizou-se estudo por meio da busca nas bases de dados PubMed/Medline, SciELO e LILACS. Resultados: Nas feridas com perdas cutâneas de 25% a 50%, foram utilizados retalho cutâneo local de avanço ou retalho pudendo da coxa, nas maiores de 50% foram necessárias as confecções do retalho superomedial da coxa ou retalho miocutâneo do músculo grácil, com intuito de possibilitar a reconstrução adequada. Conclusão: Os retalhos de avanço e pudendo da coxa foram utilizados para feridas com perda de substância cutânea escrotal de até 50%, enquanto os retalhos miocutâneo de músculo grácil e superomedial da coxa foram indicados para as feridas com mais de 50% da superfície escrotal total acometida, após gangrena de Fournier.

Randomized controlled trial comparing open anterograde anatomic radical retropubic prostatectomy with retrograde technique.

Objective: Radical prostatectomy is the recommended treatment for localized prostate cancer; however, it is an invasive procedure that can leave serious morbidity. Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy was introduced with the aim of reducing postoperative morbidity and facilitating rapid recovery compared to the traditional Walsh's open radical retropubic prostatectomy. Therefore, a protocol was developed to perform an open prostatectomy comparable to that performed by robotics, but without involving novel instrumentation. Methods: A total of 220 patients diagnosed with localized prostate cancer underwent radical prostatectomy. They were divided into two groups: anterograde technique (115 patients) and the retrograde method (105 patients). The study outcomes were observed 3 months after surgery. Results: No differences were found in terms of surgical time, hospital stay, and suction drainage. However, reduced bleeding was observed in the anterograde technique (p=0.0003), with rapid anastomosis duration (p=0.005). Among the patients, 60.9% undergoing the anterograde technique were continent 3 months after surgery compared to 42.9% treated by the retrograde method (p=0.007). Additionally, fewer complications in terms of the number (p=0.007) and severity (p=0.0006) were observed in the anterograde technique. Conclusion: The anterograde method displayed increased efficiency in reducing complications, compared to the retrograde technique.

White Matter Hyperintensities and Poststroke Apathy: A Fully Automated MRI Segmentation Study.

INTRODUCTION: Poststroke apathy (PSA) is a common neuropsychiatric disorder that may affect up to 30% of stroke patients. Despite the difficulties of investigating this condition (overlapping with depression, heterogeneity of diagnostic criteria, a small number of studies), some recent diffusion tensor imaging studies have suggested that widespread microstructural white matter (WM) disruption plays a key role in the development of PSA. Therefore, we intended to investigate this hypothesis by evaluating the relationship between WM hyperintensities (WMH) and apathy in patients with cerebrovascular disease. METHODS: We studied patients with apathy (n = 7), depression (n = 13), comorbid apathy and depression (n = 13), and controls (n = 20), and we investigated the variables associated with the volume of WMH measured by an automated brain MRI segmentation software. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of PSA was 37.7% (pure and comorbid). Patients with apathy presented a higher volume of WMH in comparison to controls. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), NPI-A, and the number of cerebral microbleeds were the only variables associated with WMH. Conversely, NPI-D did not correlate to WMH. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: This is an exploratory study that supports the view of PSA as a distinct syndrome from PSD mediated mainly by diffuse white matter hyperintensities, which suggests that WM disruption is an important pathway to the development of apathy in stroke patients.

Dilated optic nerve sheath by ultrasound predicts mortality among patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage / A bainha do nervo óptico dilatada na ultrassonografia prediz mortalidade na hemorragia intraparenquimatosa aguda

Abstract Background Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a deadly disease and increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is associated with worse outcomes in this context. Objective We evaluated whether dilated optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) depicted by optic nerve ultrasound (ONUS) at hospital admission has prognostic value as a predictor of mortality at 90 days. Methods Prospective multicenter study of acute supratentorial primary ICH patients consecutively recruited from two tertiary stroke centers. Optic nerve ultrasound and cranial computed tomography (CT) scans were performed at hospital admission and blindly reviewed. The primary outcome was mortality at 90-days. Multivariate logistic regression, ROC curve, and C-statistics were used to identify independent predictors of mortality. Results Between July 2014 and July 2016, 57 patients were evaluated. Among those, 13 were excluded and 44 were recruited into the trial. Their mean age was 62.3 ± 13.1 years and 12 (27.3%) were female. On univariate analysis, ICH volume on cranial CT scan, ICH ipsilateral ONSD, Glasgow coma scale, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and glucose on admission, and also diabetes mellitus and current nonsmoking were predictors of mortality. After multivariate analysis, ipsilateral ONSD (odds ratio [OR]: 6.24; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18-33.01; p = 0.03) was an independent predictor of mortality, even after adjustment for other relevant prognostic factors. The best ipsilateral ONSD cutoff was 5.6mm (sensitivity 72% and specificity 83%) with an AUC of 0.71 (p = 0.02) for predicting mortality at 90 days. Conclusion Optic nerve ultrasound is a noninvasive, bedside, low-cost technique that can be used to identify increased ICP in acute supratentorial primary ICH patients. Among these patients, dilated ONSD is an independent predictor of mortality at 90 days.

Resumo Antecedentes A hemorragia intraparenquimatosa (HIP) aguda apresenta elevada morbimortalidade e a presença de hipertensão intracraniana (HIC) confere um pior prognóstico. Objetivo Avaliamos se a dilatação do diâmetro da bainha do nervo óptico (DBNO) através do ultrassom do nervo óptico (USNO) na admissão hospitalar seria preditora de mortalidade. Métodos Estudo multicêntrico e prospectivo de pacientes consecutivos com HIP supratentorial primária aguda admitidos em dois centros terciários. Ultrassom do nervo óptico e tomografia computadorizada (TC) de crânio foram realizados na admissão e revisados de forma cega. O desfecho primário do estudo foi a mortalidade em 3 meses. Análises de regressão logística, curva de característica de operação do receptor (ROC, na sigla em inglês) e estatística-C foram utilizadas para identificação dos preditores independentes de mortalidade. Resultados Entre julho de 2014 e julho de 2016, 44 pacientes foram incluídos. A idade média foi 62,3 (±13,1) anos e 12 (27,3%) eram mulheres. Na análise univariada, o volume da HIP na TC de crânio, DBNO ipsilateral à HIP, glicemia, escala de coma de Glasgow (ECG) e NIHSS na admissão hospitalar, e também diabetes mellitus e não-tabagista foram preditores de mortalidade. Após análise multivariada, o DBNO ipsilateral à HIP permaneceu como preditor independente de mortalidade (odds ratio [OR]: 6,24; intervalo de confiança [IC] de 95%: 1,18-33,01; p = 0,03). O melhor ponto de corte do DBNO ipsilateral como preditor de mortalidade em 3 meses foi 5,6mm (sensibilidade 72% e especificidade 83%) e área sob a curva (AUC, na sigla em inglês) 0,71 (p = 0,02). Conclusão O USNO é um método não-invasivo, beira-leito, de baixo custo, que pode ser empregado para estimar a presença de HIC em pacientes com HIP supratentorial primária aguda. A presença de DBNO dilatada é um preditor independente de mortalidade em 3 meses nesses pacientes.

Incidence, lethality, and post-stroke functional status in different Brazilian macro-regions: The SAMBA study (analysis of stroke in multiple Brazilian areas).

Background: Stroke is the second leading cause of death in Brazil. The social and financial burden of stroke is remarkable; however, the epidemiological profile remains poorly understood. Objective: The aim of this study was to report the incidence, lethality, and functional status at 30 and 90 days post-stroke in the cities of different Brazilian macro-regions. Methods: This is an observational, prospective, and population-based study, led in Canoas (South), Joinville (South, reference center), Sertãozinho (Southeast), and Sobral (Northeast) in Brazil. It was developed according to the three-step criteria recommended by the World Health Organization to conduct population-based studies on stroke. Using different sources, all hospitalized and ambulatory patients with stroke were identified and the same criteria were kept in all cities. All first events were included, regardless of sex, age, or type of stroke. Demographic and risk factor data were collected, followed by biochemical, electrocardiographic, and radiological test results. Functional status and lethality were obtained using the mRankin scale through telephonic interview (validated Brazilian version). Results: In 1 year, 932 stroke cases were registered (784 ischemic stroke, 105 hemorrhagic stroke, and 43 subarachnoid hemorrhage). The incidence rates per 100,000 inhabitants, adjusted for the world population, were 63 in Canoas, 106 in Joinville, 72 in Sertãozinho, and 96 in Sobral. The majority (70.8%) were followed for 90 days. Kaplan-Meier curves showed that 90-day survival was different among cities. Sobral, which has the lowest socioeconomic indexes, revealed the worst results in terms of lethality and functional status. Conclusion: This study expands the knowledge of stroke epidemiology in Brazil, a middle-income country with enormous socioeconomic and cultural diversity. The discrepancy observed regarding the impact of stroke in patients from Joinville and Sobral highlights the need to improve the strategic allocation of resources to meet the health priorities in each location.

Aplicação do ultrassom point of care e relevância da anatomia na fasciite necrosante / Application of point of care ultrasound and relevance of anatomy in necrotizing fasciitis

Introdução: O ultrassom tem sido utilizado na atualidade na medicina intensiva. A fasciite necrosante quando não diagnosticada e tratada rapidamente apresenta progressão rápida e alta mortalidade. O objetivo é apresentar a importância da anatomia na fasciite necrosante e o uso do ultrassom no diagnóstico precoce. Métodos: Apresentou-se a aplicação do ultrassom point of care e a relevância da anatomia na fasciite necrosante. Resultados: As comunicações anatômicas entre as fáscias das regiões escrotal, perineal, peniana e abdominal permitem a disseminação do processo infeccioso decorrente da gangrena de Fournier para as regiões adjacentes. O ultrassom possibilitou o diagnóstico precoce na fasciite necrosante. Conclusão: As comunicações entre as fáscias das regiões escrotal, perineal, peniana e abdominal contribuíram para a progressão do processo infeccioso decorrente da gangrena de Fournier e o ultrassom possibilitou o diagnóstico precoce.

Introduction: Ultrasound is currently being used in intensive care medicine. When not diagnosed and treated quickly, necrotizing fasciitis has a rapid progression and high mortality. The objective is to present the importance of anatomy in necrotizing fasciitis and the use of ultrasound in early diagnosis. Methods: The application of point-of-care ultrasound and the relevance of anatomy in necrotizing fasciitis were presented. Results: The anatomical communications between the fasciae of the scrotal, perineal, penile and abdominal regions allow the spread of the infectious process resulting from Fournier's gangrene to the adjacent regions. Ultrasound enabled early diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis. Conclusion: Communications between the fasciae of the scrotal, perineal, scrotal, penis and abdominal regions contributes to the progression of the infectious process resulting from Fournier gangrene and ultrasound permitted earlier diagnose.

Thrombectomy for Posterior Circulation Stroke: Predictors of Outcomes in a Brazilian Registry.

BACKGROUND: Acute basilar artery occlusion is a devastating life-threatening condition. Early recanalization is the therapeutic goal in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Despite the high rates of recanalization achieved with modern devices for basilar occlusions, many patients have had poor clinical outcomes. This study aimed to assess the predictors of good and poor outcomes among patients with basilar artery occlusion treated with thrombectomy. METHODS: A consecutive registry of 80 patients was included in this retrospective study. The primary end point was to access variables associated with neurologic outcomes defined by a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-2, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and mortality at 3 months follow-up. RESULTS: Recanalization was achieved in 86.2%, and the sICH rate was 8.7%. A good neurologic outcome (mRS score 0-2) was observed in 26.2% and a moderate outcome (mRS score 0-3) in 32.5% of patients. The mortality was 38.7% at 3 months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: After thrombectomy for posterior circulation strokes, young patients, V4-proximal basilar occlusion, (high) baseline posterior circulation Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, and complete recanalization were independent predictors of good neurologic outcomes. Failure to recanalize was strongly related to sICH and mortality. In addition, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, and baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores ≥10 had an independent association with mortality. This study contributes to the knowledge required to optimize recanalization treatments for posterior circulation strokes and may help to improve future clinical studies.

Performance evolution over 645 acute stroke thrombectomies in a public Brazilian healthcare institution.

BACKGROUND: Assessment of the impact of the thrombectomy learning curve on clinical outcomes is essential for developing healthcare system protocols. AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of thrombectomy case volume on procedural and clinical outcomes in a Brazilian registry. METHODS: A total of 645 patients with acute ischemic stroke treated by thrombectomy were included in the analysis. Patients were divided into two groups regarding the period of treatment: the early period group and the late period group. RESULTS: In the adjusted analysis, treatment in the late period was an independent predictor of recanalization (odds ratio 1.91, 95% CI 1.28-2.86) and excellent neurologic outcomes at three months (odds ratio 1.77, 95% CI 1.04-3.01). Treatment in the late period had no significant association with mortality (odds ratio 0.88, 95% CI 0.55-1.41). CONCLUSIONS: An increase in thrombectomy case volume for the treatment of AIS over time was an independent predictor of recanalization and excellent neurologic outcome.

Biomarkers Related to Endothelial Dysfunction and Vascular Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: The damage in the endothelium and the neurovascular unit appears to play a key role in the pathogenesis of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). Although there have been many advances in understanding the physiopathology of this disease, several questions remain unanswered. The association with other degenerative diseases and the heterogeneity of its clinical spectrum establish a diagnostic problem, compromising a better comprehension of the pathology and halting the development of effective treatments. The investigation of biomarkers is an important movement to the development of novel explicative models and treatment targets involved in VCI. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE considering the original research based on VCI biomarkers in the past 20 years, following prespecified selection criteria, data extraction, and qualitative synthesis. RESULTS: We reviewed 42 articles: 16 investigated plasma markers, 17 analyzed neuropathological markers, 4 studied CSF markers, 4 evaluated neuroimaging markers (ultrasound and MRI), and 1 used peripheral Doppler perfusion imaging. CONCLUSIONS: The biomarkers in these studies suggest an intrinsic relationship between endothelial dysfunction and VCI. Nonetheless, there is still a need for identification of a distinctive set of markers that can integrate the clinical approach of VCI, improve diagnostic accuracy, and support the discovery of alternative therapies.

Extended Time Window Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Stroke in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is the standard of care for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by large vessel occlusion of the anterior circulation within 6 hours of symptoms onset and can be performed with an extended window up to 24 hours in selected patients. Nevertheless, the outcomes of MT with extended window are unknown in developing countries. OBJECTIVE: Explore the safety and efficacy of MT for AIS performed beyond 6 hours from symptoms onset in Brazil. METHODS: We reviewed data from AIS patients treated with MT beyond 6 hours of stroke onset, from 2015 to 2018 in a Brazilian public hospital. Patients had an occlusion of the intracranial internal carotid artery and/or proximal segment of the middle cerebral artery. CT Perfusion mismatch was evaluated using the RAPID® software. We evaluated the modified Rankin scale (mRS) and mortality at 90 days, and rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). RESULTS: Fifty-four patients were included, with a mean age of 65.6 ± 16.1 years, 55.6% were male, and the median NIHSS score at presentation was 17. Successful recanalization (TICI 2b to 3) was obtained in 92.6% of patients and sICH rate was 11.1%. Overall, 34% of the patients had a good outcome (mRS ≤2) at 90 days and the mortality rate was 20.3%. CONCLUSION: Our study, the first series of MT for AIS treated with extended window reported in Latin America, shows that MT can be performed with safety and lead to adequate functional outcomes in this context. Further studies should explore the barriers to broad implementation of MT for AIS in Latin America.

Collateral Scores and Outcomes after Endovascular Treatment for Basilar Artery Occlusion.

BACKGROUND: Basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is a rare stroke subtype with high mortality rates. Best BAO reperfusion strategy is still controversial. OBJECTIVE: We aim to describe outcomes of BAO patients submitted to mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in a comprehensive stroke center in Brazil and analyze which previous published computed tomography angiography (CTA) collateral score better predict functional outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of consecutive BAO patients. CTA was used to evaluate the posterior circulation collateral score (PC-CS), the basilar artery on CTA score, and for the presence of posterior communicating arteries. A favorable outcome was defined as modified Rankin Score ≤3 at 90-days. After univariate analyses, multivariate logistic regression was used to identify if any collateral score independently predicts favorable outcomes. RESULTS: Between January 2011 and April 2017, 27 (85% male) BAO patients with median NIHSS 26 (IQR 15-32) were identified. Twenty-five (93%) patients were treated with MT devices, and only 2 (7%) patients were treated with angioplasty and stenting. Successful recanalization rate was 85%, and only 1 (3.7%) patient had symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation. Favorable outcomes were reached in 10 (37%) patients. In univariate analysis, female sex, NIHSS, Glasgow coma scale, mild-to-moderate symptoms on admission, onset-to-groin time, and PC-CS predicted favorable outcomes. In multivariate analysis, PC-CS (OR 1.69; 95% CI 1.10-2.60; p = 0.016) and NIHSS (OR 0.84; 95% CI 0.77-0.93; p = 0.001) remained the only independent predictors of favorable outcomes. The PC-CS AUC was 0.80 (95% CI 0.62-0.98; p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: MT is a promising strategy for BAO treatment. Among collateral scores, PC-CS was the only independent predictor of favorable outcomes in the present study.

Large Vessel Occlusion Score: A Screening Tool to Detect Large Vessel Occlusion in the Acute Stroke Setting.

BACKGROUND: The results of recent trials of mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke have increased the demand for identification of patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) at the primary stroke center, where a prompt detection may expedite transfer to a comprehensive stroke center for endovascular treatment. However, in developing countries, a noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) may be the only neuroimaging modality available at the primary stroke center scenario, what calls for a screening strategy accurate enough to avoid unnecessary transfers of noneligible patients for endovascular therapy. Algorithms based on National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and NCCT findings can be used to screen for LVO in patients with anterior circulation stroke (ACS). OBJECTIVE: To test the accuracy of a score based on NIHSS and NCCT to detect LVO in patients with ACS. METHODS: We evaluated 178 patients from a prospective stroke registry of patients admitted to an academic tertiary emergency unit. NIHSS and vessel attenuation values of the middle cerebral artery on NCCT absolute vessel attenuation (VA) were collected by 2 investigators that were blind to CT angiography (CTA) findings. We used receiver operating characteristics curve analysis and C-statistics to predict LVO on CTA. RESULTS: NIHSS and vessel attenuation were highly associated with LVO with an area under the curve (AUC) of .86 and .77. The LVO score, built by logistic regression coefficients of the NIHSS and VA, showed the highest accuracy for the presence of LVO on CTA (AUC of .91). CONCLUSION: The LVO score may be a useful screening approach to identify LVO in patients with ACS.

Retalho Duoescapular: uma nova opção na cirurgia reparadora do ombro / Duoscapular flap: a new option in shoulder reconstructive surgery

INTRODUÇÃO: O Dermatofibrossarcoma do Ombro é patologia incomum e seu tratamento demanda extensas ressecções. O sistema escapular é fonte de retalhos bastante utilizados nesta região. MÉTODO: Realizado estudo longitudinal, prospectivo, através da condução de um caso de Dermatofibrossarcoma Protuberans em ombro direito, submetido a ressecção e reconstrução local com Retalho Duoescapular, obtido através da associação dos retalhos escapular e paraescapular. RESULTADOS: Paciente evoluiu sem intercorrências no pós-operatório, não sendo observadas complicações sistêmicas e locais, e limitações funcionais. CONCLUSÃO: O Retalho Duoescapular é nova e relevante opção para reconstrução de feridas extensas, com exposição de estruturas nobres no ombro. Permite fechamento primário da área doadora, sem acrescentar morbidade ao procedimento.

INTRODUCTION: Shoulder cutaneous fibrosarcoma is an unusual pathology that requires extensive resections. The scapula is a source of flaps widely used in this region. METHOD: A longitudinal and prospective study was carried out in a patient with protuberans cutaneous fibrosarcoma on the right shoulder who underwent resection followed by local reconstruction with a Duoscapular Flap (a combination of scapular and parascapular flaps). RESULTS: The patient had no postoperative complications, as systemic and local complications as well as functional limitations were not observed. CONCLUSION: Duoscapular Flap placement is a novel procedure and a relevant choice for the reconstruction of extensive wounds exposing noble structures in the shoulder. It allows the primary closure of the donor area without increasing the morbidity of the procedure.