Quality of life after surgery in secondary hyperparathyroidism, comparing subtotal parathyroidectomy with total parathyroidectomy with immediate parathyroid autograft: Prospective randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: No prospective randomized data exist about the impact of various strategies of parathyroidectomy in secondary hyperparathyroidism patients on quality of life and its possible relationship with metabolic status after the operation. METHOD: In a prospective randomized trial, the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire was applied to 69 patients undergoing parathyroidectomy through various approaches: subtotal parathyroidectomy (n = 23), total parathyroidectomy (PTx) with autotransplantation of 45 fragments (n = 25) and PTx with autotransplantation of 90 fragments (n = 21). The questionnaire was completed at three moments: (1) preoperatively, (2) 6 months after surgery, and (3) 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: Quality of life improved significantly in the physical component summary score in all three groups. Subtotal parathyroidectomy scores changed from 30.6 preoperatively to 51.7 6 months after surgery and 53.7 12 months after surgery. Total arathyroidectomy with autotransplantation of 45 fragments scores changed from 33.8 preoperatively to 52.6 6 months after surgery and 55.2 12 months after surgery. Total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation of 90 fragments scores changed from 31.8 preoperatively to 50.5 6 months after surgery and 55.2 12 months after surgery (all groups P < .0001). No significant difference was detected in the physical component summary score change among the three groups. The physical component summary score was negatively correlated to age, parathormone, and alkaline phosphatase preoperatively. CONCLUSION: Parathyroidectomy significantly improves quality of life in hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism, regardless of the type of operation.

A prospective study of the influence of the skeleton on calcium mass transfer during hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: Calcium gradient, the difference between serum calcium and dialysate calcium d[Ca], is the main contributor factor influencing calcium transfer during hemodialysis. The impact, however, of bone turnover, on calcium mass transfer during hemodialysis is still uncertain. METHODS: This prospective cross-sectional study included 10 patients on hemodialysis for a 57.6±16.8 months, with severe hyperparathyroidism. Patients were submitted to 3 hemodialysis sessions using d[Ca] of 1.25, 1.5 and 1.75 mmol/l in three situations: pre-parathyroidectomy (pre-PTX), during hungry bone (early post-PTX), and after stabilization of clinical status (late post-PTX). Biochemical analysis and calcium mass transfer were evaluated and serum bone-related proteins were quantified. RESULTS: Calcium mass transfer varied widely among patients in each study phase with a median of -89.5, -76.8 and -3 mmol using d[Ca] 1.25 mmol/L, -106, -26.8 and 29.7 mmol using d[Ca] 1.50 mmol/L, and 12.8, -14.5 and 38 mmol using d[Ca] 1.75 mmol/L during pre-PTX, early post-PTX and late post-PTX, respectively, which was significantly different among d[Ca] (p = 0.0001) and among phases (p = 0.040). Ca gradient and delta of Ca also differed among d[Ca] and phases (p<0.05 for all comparisons), whether ultrafiltration was similar. Serum Osteocalcin decreased significantly in late post-PTX, whereas Sclerostin increased earlier, in early post-PTX. CONCLUSIONS: The skeleton plays a key role in Ca mass transfer during dialysis, either by determining pre-dialysis serum Ca or by controlling the exchangeable Ca pool. Knowing that could help us to decide which d[Ca] should be chosen in a given patient.

Dialysis as a Treatment Option for a Patient With Normal Kidney Function and Familial Tumoral Calcinosis Due to a Compound Heterozygous FGF23 Mutation.

Primary tumoral calcinosis is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by ectopic calcified tumoral masses. Mutations in 3 genes (GALNT3, FGF23, and KL) have been linked to this human disorder. We describe a case of a 28-year-old man with a history of painful firm masses over his right and left gluteal region, right clavicle region, knees, and left elbow. Biochemical analysis disclosed hyperphosphatemia (phosphate, 9.0 mg/dL) and normocalcemia (calcium, 4.8 mg/dL), with normal kidney function and fractional excretion of phosphate of 3%. Parathyroid hormone was suppressed (15 pg/mL), associated with a low-normal 25-hydroxyvitamin D (26 ng/mL) concentration but high 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D concentration (92 pg/mL). Serum intact FGF-23 (fibroblast growth factor 23) was undetectable. Genetic analysis revealed tumoral calcinosis due to a compound heterozygous mutation in FGF23, c.201G>C (p.Gln67His) and c.466C>T (p.Gln156*). Due to lack of other treatment options and because the patient was facing severe vascular complications, we initiated a daily hemodialysis program even in the setting of normal kidney function. This unusual therapeutic option successful controlled hyperphosphatemia and reduced metastatic tumoral lesions. This is a report of a new mutation in FGF23 in which dialysis was an effective treatment option for tumoral calcinosis with normal kidney function.

Early postoperative parathormone sampling and prognosis after total parathyroidectomy in secondary hyperparathyroidism / Dosagem pós-operatória precoce de paratormônio e prognóstico, após paratireoidectoma total por hiperparatireoidismo secundário

Abstract Introduction: There is possibility of a supernumerary hyperplastic parathyroid gland in dialysis patients after total parathyroidectomy and autograft in dialysis patients. Objective: To test if the early postoperative measure of parathyroid hormone (PTH) can identify persistent hyperparathyroidism. Methods: A prospective cohort of dialysis patients submitted to parathyroidectomy had PTH measured up to one week after operation. The absolute value and the relative decrease were analyzed according to clinical outcome of satisfactory control of secondary hyperparathyroidism or persistence. Results: Of 51 cases, preoperative PTH varied from 425 to 6,964 pg/mL (median 2,103 pg/mL). Postoperatively, PTH was undetectable in 28 cases (54.9%). In eight individuals (15.7%) the PTH was lower than 16 pg/mL, in 10 (19.6%) the PTH values were between 16 and 87pg/mL, and in five (9.8%), PTH was higher than 87 pg/mL. Undetectable PTH was more common in patients with preoperative PTH below the median (p = 0.0002). There was a significant correlation between preoperative PTH and early postoperative PTH (Spearman R = 0.42, p = 0.002). A relative decrease superior to 95% was associated to satisfactory clinical outcome. A relative decrease less than 80% was associated to persistent disease, despite initial postoperative hypocalcemia. Conclusion: Measurement of PTH in the first days after parathyroidectomy in dialysis patients may suggest good clinical outcome if a decrease of at least 95% of the preoperative value is observed. Less than 80% PTH decrease is highly suggestive of residual hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue with persistent hyperparathyroidism, and an early reintervention may be considered.

Resumo Introdução: Em pacientes renais crônicos dialíticos submetidos à paratireoidectomia total com autoenxerto, existe a possibilidade de uma glândula paratireoide hiperplásica residual. Objetivo: Verificar se a medida pós-operatória precoce do hormônio da paratireoide (PTH) após paratireoidectomia total com autoenxerto é útil para indicar uma glândula paratireoide residual ou supranumerária hiperplásica em pacientes dialíticos. Método: Em uma coorte prospectiva de pacientes em diálise submetidos a paratireoidectomia foi medido o PTH até uma semana após à operação. O valor absoluto e o decréscimo relativo foram analisados de acordo como desfecho clínico de controle satisfatório do hiperparatireoidismo ou persistência. Resultados: Em 51 casos, o PTH preoperatório variou entre 425 e 6.964pg/mL (mediana 2.103pg/mL). No pós-operatório, o PTH foi indetectável em 28 casos (54,9%). Em 8 indivíduos (15,7%), o PTH foi menor que 16pg/mL, em 10 (19,6%) os valores de PTH values estiveram entre 16 e 87pg/mL e em 5 (9.8%), o PTH foi superior a 87pg/mL. O PTH indetectável foi mais comum em pacientes com valor de PTH pré-operatório abaixo da mediana do PTH dos casos (p = 0,0002). Houve correlação significativa entre o PTH pré-operatório e o PTH pós-operatório precoce (Spearman R = 0,42, p = 0,002). Um decréscimo relativo superior a 95% associou-se a desfecho clínico satisfatório. O decréscimo relativo inferior a 80% associou-se à doença persistente, apesar de hipocalcemia inicial. Conclusões: A dosagem do PTH nos primeiros dias após à paratireoidectomia em pacientes dialíticos pode sugerir bom desfecho clínico quando há um decréscimo de pelo menos 95% em relação ao valor pré-operatório. O decréscimo inferior a 80% é indicativo de tecido paratireóideo residual com persistência do hiperparatireoidismo e uma reintervenção precoce pode ser considerada.

Early postoperative parathormone sampling and prognosis after total parathyroidectomy in secondary hyperparathyroidism.

INTRODUCTION: There is possibility of a supernumerary hyperplastic parathyroid gland in dialysis patients after total parathyroidectomy and autograft in dialysis patients. OBJECTIVE: To test if the early postoperative measure of parathyroid hormone (PTH) can identify persistent hyperparathyroidism. METHODS: A prospective cohort of dialysis patients submitted to parathyroidectomy had PTH measured up to one week after operation. The absolute value and the relative decrease were analyzed according to clinical outcome of satisfactory control of secondary hyperparathyroidism or persistence. RESULTS: Of 51 cases, preoperative PTH varied from 425 to 6,964 pg/mL (median 2,103 pg/mL). Postoperatively, PTH was undetectable in 28 cases (54.9%). In eight individuals (15.7%) the PTH was lower than 16 pg/mL, in 10 (19.6%) the PTH values were between 16 and 87pg/mL, and in five (9.8%), PTH was higher than 87 pg/mL. Undetectable PTH was more common in patients with preoperative PTH below the median (p = 0.0002). There was a significant correlation between preoperative PTH and early postoperative PTH (Spearman R = 0.42, p = 0.002). A relative decrease superior to 95% was associated to satisfactory clinical outcome. A relative decrease less than 80% was associated to persistent disease, despite initial postoperative hypocalcemia. CONCLUSION: Measurement of PTH in the first days after parathyroidectomy in dialysis patients may suggest good clinical outcome if a decrease of at least 95% of the preoperative value is observed. Less than 80% PTH decrease is highly suggestive of residual hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue with persistent hyperparathyroidism, and an early reintervention may be considered.

The deceptive concept of hypoparathyroidism and recurrence after parathyroidectomy in dialysis patients: are we offering a Procrustean bed to some patients?

OBJECTIVE:: to analyze the frequency of hypoparathyroidism and of its recurrence after parathyroidectomy in dialysis patients according to different existing classifications. METHODS:: we conducted a retrospective study of 107 consecutive dialysis patients undergoing total parathyroidectomy with immediate autograft in a tertiary hospital from 2006 to 2010. We studied the changes in PTH levels in the postoperative period over time. Were grouped patients according to different PTH levels targets recommended according to the dosage method and by the American and Japanese Nephrology Societies, and by an International Experts Consortium. RESULTS:: after parathyroidectomy, there was sustained reduction in serum calcium and phosphatemia. The median value of PTH decreased from 1904pg/ml to 55pg/ml in 12 months. Depending on the considered target level, the proportion of patients below the target ranged between 17% and 87%. On the other hand, the proportion of patients with levels above the target ranged from 3% to 37%. CONCLUSION:: the application of different recommendations for PTH levels after parathyroidectomy in dialysis patients may lead to incorrect classifications of hypoparathyroidism or recurrent hyperparathyroidism and resultin discordant therapeutic conducts. OBJETIVO:: analisar as frequências de hipoparatireoidismo e de recidiva do hiperparatireoidismo após paratireoidectomia em pacientes dialíticos de acordo com diferentes classificações existentes. MÉTODOS:: estudo retrospectivo de 107 pacientes dialíticos consecutivamente submetidos à paratireoidectomia total com autoenxerto imediato em um hospital terciário no período de 2006 a 2010. A variação dos níveis de PTH no pós-operatório foi estudada ao longo do tempo. Os pacientes foram agrupados de acordo com diferentes metas de níveis de PTH recomendados de acordo com o método de dosagem e pelas sociedades de nefrologia americana, japonesa e de um consórcio internacional de especialistas. RESULTADOS:: após a paratireoidectomia, houve redução sustentada da calcemia e fosfatemia. O valor mediano do PTH reduziu-se de 1904pg/ml para 55pg/ml, em 12 meses. Dependendo do nível alvo considerado, a proporção de pacientes abaixo da meta variou entre 17% e 87%. Ao contrário, a proporção de pacientes com níveis acima da meta variou de 3% a 37%. CONCLUSÃO:: O emprego de diferentes recomendações de níveis de PTH em pacientes dialíticos após paratireoidectomia pode levar a classificações incorretas de hipoparatireoidismo ou hiperparatireoidismo recidivado e implicar em condutas terapêuticas discordantes.

The deceptive concept of hypoparathyroidism and recurrence after parathyroidectomy in dialysis patients: are we offering a Procrustean bed to some patients? / O enganoso conceito de hipoparatireoidismo e recidiva após paratireoidectomia em pacientes dialíticos: estamos oferecendo uma cama de Procrustes a alguns pacientes?

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the frequency of hypoparathyroidism and of its recurrence after parathyroidectomy in dialysis patients according to different existing classifications. Methods: we conducted a retrospective study of 107 consecutive dialysis patients undergoing total parathyroidectomy with immediate autograft in a tertiary hospital from 2006 to 2010. We studied the changes in PTH levels in the postoperative period over time. Were grouped patients according to different PTH levels targets recommended according to the dosage method and by the American and Japanese Nephrology Societies, and by an International Experts Consortium. Results: after parathyroidectomy, there was sustained reduction in serum calcium and phosphatemia. The median value of PTH decreased from 1904pg/ml to 55pg/ml in 12 months. Depending on the considered target level, the proportion of patients below the target ranged between 17% and 87%. On the other hand, the proportion of patients with levels above the target ranged from 3% to 37%. Conclusion: the application of different recommendations for PTH levels after parathyroidectomy in dialysis patients may lead to incorrect classifications of hypoparathyroidism or recurrent hyperparathyroidism and resultin discordant therapeutic conducts.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar as frequências de hipoparatireoidismo e de recidiva do hiperparatireoidismo após paratireoidectomia em pacientes dialíticos de acordo com diferentes classificações existentes. Métodos: estudo retrospectivo de 107 pacientes dialíticos consecutivamente submetidos à paratireoidectomia total com autoenxerto imediato em um hospital terciário no período de 2006 a 2010. A variação dos níveis de PTH no pós-operatório foi estudada ao longo do tempo. Os pacientes foram agrupados de acordo com diferentes metas de níveis de PTH recomendados de acordo com o método de dosagem e pelas sociedades de nefrologia americana, japonesa e de um consórcio internacional de especialistas. Resultados: após a paratireoidectomia, houve redução sustentada da calcemia e fosfatemia. O valor mediano do PTH reduziu-se de 1904pg/ml para 55pg/ml, em 12 meses. Dependendo do nível alvo considerado, a proporção de pacientes abaixo da meta variou entre 17% e 87%. Ao contrário, a proporção de pacientes com níveis acima da meta variou de 3% a 37%. Conclusão: O emprego de diferentes recomendações de níveis de PTH em pacientes dialíticos após paratireoidectomia pode levar a classificações incorretas de hipoparatireoidismo ou hiperparatireoidismo recidivado e implicar em condutas terapêuticas discordantes.

Fractures in chronic kidney disease: pursuing the best screening and management.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Osteoporotic fractures are common and cause increased sickness and death. Men and women with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at particularly high risk of osteoporotic fractures. Currently, however, there are no guidelines concerning noninvasive methods to assess fracture risk in CKD. Further, approved treatments to prevent fractures in otherwise healthy men and women are only recommended for use with caution in those with CKD. This review focuses on the recent data that support the use of noninvasive methods to assess fracture risk in CKD and highlights new therapies that could be used in fracture prevention in CKD. RECENT FINDINGS: Data from prospective studies demonstrate that low bone mineral density predicts fracture in CKD patients. Post-hoc analyses demonstrate that agents approved for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis (bisphosphonates, denosumab and teriparatide) when given to those with CKD are well tolerated and potentially efficacious with respect to fracture risk reduction. SUMMARY: To date, patients, and nephrologists taking care of them, have largely ignored fracture risk assessment and treatment in CKD. This should change given recent data. Further studies are needed, specifically bone histomorphometric studies, which will increase our understanding of CKD-mineral bone disease (MBD) pathophysiology, and randomized clinical trials of therapy in patients with CKD.

Impacto da remodelação óssea sobre a transferência da massa de cálcio durante a hemodiálise: estudo em pacientes com hiperparatireoidismo pré e pós paratireoidectomia / Effects of bone remodelling on calcium mass transfer during hemodialysis: study of patients with hyperparathyroidism pre and post parathyroidectomy

Distúrbios do metabolismo mineral e ósseo são altamente prevalentes e considerados como causa relevante da morbidade e mortalidade dos pacientes com doença renal crônica. Diversas estratégias diagnósticas e terapêuticas têm sido estudadas nesses doentes; entretanto, pouco valor é dado ao cálcio do dialisato, apesar do impacto que possa exercer sobre o balanço de cálcio durante a hemodiálise. Os fatores determinantes da transferência de cálcio durante o procedimento são ainda controversos. Nesse estudo prospectivo, avaliamos a influência da remodelação óssea sobre o balanço de cálcio em dez pacientes dialíticos em três situações consecutivas: hiperparatireoidismo grave (Pré paratireoidectomia), durante a "síndrome de fome óssea" (Fome óssea) imediatamente após a paratireoidectomia e após estabilização clínica (Paratireoidectomia tardia). Durante cada fase os participantes foram submetidos a três sessões randômicas de hemodiálise com diferentes concentrações de cálcio no dialisato: 2,5; 3,0 e 3,5 mEq/L. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à biópsia óssea para análise histomorfométrica e quantificação de proteínas ósseas no início do estudo. A transferência de cálcio variou grandemente entre os pacientes em cada fase do estudo mesmo usando o mesmo cálcio no dialisato, com valores negativos de medianas no Pré paratireoidectomia e Fome óssea (-161mg e -218mg, respectivamente) e discretamente positivo no Paratireoidectomia tardio (39mg; p < 0,05 versus Pré paratireoidectomia e Fome óssea). Análise de regressão multivariada mostrou que o gradiente de cálcio entre o cálcio iônico sérico inicial e o cálcio do dialisato, a diferença entre o cálcio iônico sérico final e o inicial e a forma não carboxilada da osteocalcina foram preditores independentes da transferencia de cálcio (R2=0.48; p < 0.05). Pelo fato da remodelação óssea também influenciar os níveis séricos de cálcio iônico e suas variações durante a diálise, nesse estudo demonstramos que...

Disturbances in mineral and bone metabolism are highly prevalent and are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in chronic kidney disease patients. Different diagnostic and therapeutic strategies have been studied in these patients. However, little attention is paid to the calcium concentration in the dialysate, despite the impact it could exert over calcium balance during dialysis. The variables that determine calcium transfer during hemodialysis are still controversial. In this study, we have prospectively investigated the influence of bone remodeling on calcium balance in ten dialysis patients in three consecutive situations: severe hyperparathyroidism (Pre parathyroidectomy), during "hungry bone syndrome" (Hungry bone) right after surgery and after stabilization of clinical status (Late parathyroidectomy). During each phase participants were submitted to 3 random hemodialysis sessions, with different dialysate calcium: 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5 mEq/L. Bone biopsy for hystomorphometric analysis and bone proteins quantification were performed in all patients at baseline. Calcium mass transfer varied widely among patients in each study phase even using the same dialysis calcium with negative median values in Pre parathyroidectomy and Hungry Bone (-161 and -218mg, respectively) and slightly positive in Late parathyroidectomy (39mg; p<0.05 versus Pre parathyroidectomy and Hungry Bone). Multiple regression analysis showed that calcium gradient between initial serum ionic calcium and the dialysate calcium, the difference between final and initial serum ionic calcium and serum undercarboxylated form of osteocalcin were independent predictors of calcium mass transfer (R2=0.48; p<0.05). As bone remodeling also influences the serum levels of ionic calcium and its variance during dialysis, in this study we have added new data by demonstrating that the skeleton plays a key role on calcium balance and these variables must be considered when individualizing calcium dialysate...

Parathyroidectomy improves survival in patients with severe hyperparathyroidism: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) in CKD is associated with an increased risk for mortality, but definitive data showing that parathormone control decreases mortality is still lacking. This study aimed to compare the mortality of patients with severe SHPT submitted to parathyroidectomy(PTX) with those who did not have access to surgery. METHODS: This is a retrospective study in a cohort of 251 CKD patients with severe SHPT who were referred to a CKD-MBD Center for PTX from 2005 until 2012. RESULTS: Most of our patients had indication of PTX, but only 49% of them had access to this surgical procedure. After a mean follow-up of 23 months, 72 patients had died. Non-survivors were older; more often had diabetes, lower serum 25 vitamin D and mostly had not been submitted to surgery. The relative risk of death was lower in the PTX patients (0.428; 95% CI, 0.28 to 0.67; p<0.0001). After adjustments, mortality risk was dependent on age (1.04; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.07; p = 0.002), 25 vitamin D (0.43; 95% CI, 0.24 to 0.81; p = 0.006) and no access to PTX (4.13; 95% CI, 2.16 to 7.88; p<0.0001). Results remained the same in a second model using the PTX date as the study start date for the PTX group. CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirms the benefit of PTX on mortality in patients with severe SHPT. The high mortality encountered in our population is significant and urges the need to better treat these patients.

Phosphorus is associated with coronary artery disease in patients with preserved renal function.

High serum phosphorus levels have been associated with mortality and cardiovascular events in patients with chronic kidney disease and in the general population. In addition, high phosphorus levels have been shown to induce vascular calcification and endothelial dysfunction in vitro. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation of phosphorus and coronary calcification and atherosclerosis in the setting of normal renal function. This was a cross-sectional study involving 290 patients with suspected coronary artery disease and undergoing elective coronary angiography, with a creatinine clearance >60 ml/min/1.73 m(2). Coronary artery obstruction was assessed by the Friesinger score and coronary artery calcification by multislice computed tomography. Serum phosphorus was higher in patients with an Agatston score >10 than in those with an Agatston score ≤ 10 (3.63 ± 0.55 versus 3.49 ± 0.52 mg/dl; p = 0.02). In the patients with Friesinger scores >4, serum phosphorus was higher (3.6 ± 0.5 versus 3.5 ± 0.6 mg/dl, p = 0.04) and median intact fibroblast growth factor 23 was lower (40.3 pg/ml versus 45.7 pg/ml, p = 0.01). Each 0.1-mg/dl higher serum phosphate was associated with a 7.4% higher odds of having a Friesinger score >4 (p = 0.03) and a 6.1% greater risk of having an Agatston score >10 (p = 0.01). Fibroblast growth factor 23 was a negative predictor of Friesinger score (p = 0.002). In conclusion, phosphorus is positively associated with coronary artery calcification and obstruction in patients with suspected coronary artery disease and preserved renal function.

Myocardial dysfunction and pulmonary edema post parathyroidectomy: the role of hypocalcemia.

Cardiac disease is a common cause of morbidity in dialysis patients. Traditional and unique risk factors have both been incriminated in the pathogenesis of abnormal cardiac function in these patients. In the present report, we focus on the role of hypocalcemia post parathyroidectomy as a cause of abnormal myocardial function leading to pulmonary edema in a young peritoneal dialysis patient with angiographically-proven normal coronary arteries. The pulmonary edema reversed with correction of the hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia should be added to the differential diagnosis of contributors to cardiac dysfunction in patients on dialysis. Post parathyroidectomy, patients may be at particular risk for this complication because of severe, protracted hypocalcemia.

Influence of asymptomatic histologic prostatitis on serum prostate-specific antigen: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the influence of asymptomatic inflammatory processes of the prostate on serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. METHODS: A total of 51 patients with no evidence of prostate cancer or clinical prostatitis were prospectively studied. All subjects underwent 10 to 12 sector transrectal-ultrasound guided needle biopsies of the prostate. Serum PSA was measured 10 minutes before the biopsies. The fragments were stained and histologically analyzed. Two different classifications were used. One divided patients according to the number of specimens with inflammatory processes: 20% or less (group 1), more than 20% to 50% or less (group 2), and greater than 50% (group 3). Any kind of inflammatory process was considered positive. The second was the presence or absence of foreign body-type giant cells. Pearson's nonparametric test was used in the statistical analysis, with P <0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The number of specimens with an inflammatory process was statistically significant (P = 0.02), with a median PSA level of 4.96 ng/mL in group 1 patients, 7.40 ng/mL in group 2, and 8.03 ng/mL in group 3 patients. The presence of foreign body-type giant cells in the histologic analysis was not statistically significant, with a median PSA level of 10.21 ng/mL compared with 5.89 ng/mL in the group without these cells. CONCLUSIONS: The extension of the inflammatory process, as evaluated by the number of specimens involved, was directly related to elevations of serum PSA levels in asymptomatic patients. We could not find a statistically significant relationship between the presence of foreign body-type giant cells and serum PSA levels.

Praying correlates with higher quality of life: results from a survey on complementary/alternative medicine use among a group of Brazilian cancer patients.

CONTEXT: The use of complementary/alternative medicine has been little studied in Brazil. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of complementary/alternative medicine use among a group of Brazilian cancer patients and correlate these findings with the patients' quality of life. TYPE OF STUDY: Descriptive. SETTING: Oncology Institute of the Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, Santo André, São Paulo, Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: 100 cancer patients. PROCEDURES: The EORTC QLQ C-30 quality of life questionnaire was applied together with another questionnaire on the use of complementary/alternative medicine. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Use of complementary/alternative medicine and quality of life. RESULTS: 89% of the patients had already used complementary/alternative medicine, 63% were currently using it and most of them (77.7%) believed in the efficacy of complementary/alternative medicine for their treatment. The type most used was individual prayer (77.5%). We found a significant association between believing in the efficacy of complementary/alternative medicine and praying (individually or in groups), in comparison with better scores on the functional (p = 0.001) and overall health (p = 0.001) quality of life scales. Multivariate analysis confirmed these findings regarding praying and also showed that believing in complementary/alternative medicine correlated significantly with functional and symptom quality of life scores. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of complementary/alternative medicine use in this group of cancer patients was high. Praying and belief in the efficacy of complementary/alternative medicine correlated significantly with an overall better quality of life, and therefore these practices should not be discouraged by physicians. New prospective studies should be conducted in order to better characterize the efficacy of such alternative therapeutic approaches.

Praying correlates with higher quality of life: results from a survey on complementary/alternative medicine use among a group of Brazilian cancer patients

CONTEXTO: O uso da medicina alternativa/complementar no Brasil é pouco estudado. OBJETIVO: Verificar a prevalência do uso de medicina alternativa/complementar por pacientes oncológicos e correlacionar os achados com a qualidade de vida. TIPO DE ESTUDO: Descritivo. LOCAL: Instituto de Oncologia da Faculdade de Medicina da Fundação do ABC. PARTICIPANTES: 100 pacientes com câncer. PROCEDIMENTOS: Aplicamos questionário de qualidade de vida da EORTC QLQ C-30 quality of life e um questionário sobre o uso de medicina alternativa/complementar. VARIAVEIS ESTUDADAS: Uso de medicina alternativa/complementar e qualidade de vida. RESULTADOS: 89% dos pacientes já usaram medicina alternativa/complementar alguma vez, 63% estavam usando no momento do estudo e a maioria dos pacientes (77,7%) acredita na eficácia da medicina alternativa/complementar para o seu tratamento. O tipo de medicina alternativa/complementar mais utilizado foi a oração individual (77,5%). Encontramos associação significativa entre acreditar em medicina alternativa/complementar e a prática de orações (individual ou em grupo) com uma melhor qualidade de vida em relação à escala funcional (p = 0,001) e saúde global (p = 0,001). A análise multivariada confirmou estes achados, mostrando que rezar e acreditar na medicina alternativa/complementar se correlacionam significativamente com uma melhor qualidade de vida nas escalas funcionais e de sintomas. CONCLUSAO: A utilização de medicina alternativa/complementar em nosso meio é freqüente em pacientes com câncer e a crença na sua eficácia e a prática de orações se correlacionaram significativamente com uma melhor qualidade de vida, de forma que tais práticas não devem ser desestimuladas pelos profissionais da área médica. Novos trabalhos prospectivos devem ser conduzidos para melhor caracterizar a eficácia destas práticas terapêuticas alternativas.