Conhecimento, desejo e atitude de estudantes de Medicina e Enfermagem sobre a doação de órgãos / Knowledge, attitudes and willingness to donate organs among Medical and Nursing students

Resumo Introdução: A necessidade crescente de doadores de órgãos e de profissionais capacitados impulsiona novos estudos que esclareçam o entendimento e comportamento da sociedade perante a doação de órgãos. Estudantes de saúde vêm sendo alvo de estudos por seu influente papel social e, além disso, quando formados, farão parte de etapas fundamentais da doação. Contudo, evidencia-se conhecimento insuficiente dos estudantes apesar de possuírem atitude positiva. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o grau de conhecimento, desejo e atitude perante as doações de órgãos entre os acadêmicos de Medicina e Enfermagem na cidade de Recife, em Pernambuco. Método: Trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado a partir da análise de questionários respondidos por estudantes de Enfermagem e Medicina nos últimos períodos acadêmicos. Além de dados demográficos, os estudantes foram questionados quanto ao entendimento sobre aspectos da validação de possível doador, diretrizes do protocolo de morte encefálica, motivações e opções pessoais em relação à doação de órgãos. Resultado: De fevereiro a dezembro de 2022, 218 questionários foram coletados, dos quais 208 entraram para a amostra. Dentre os estudantes, 57,2% eram do sexo masculino, a média de idade foi de 24 ± 2,7 anos. Dos graduandos, 85,1% cursavam Medicina, e 14,9%, Enfermagem. Apenas 49% dos estudantes sabiam da não necessidade de neurologista para o diagnóstico de morte encefálica. Ademais, 63% não sabiam quem é o responsável por abordar a família do potencial doador. Grande parte dos acadêmicos já considerou a possibilidade de ser doador de órgãos, representando 92,3% do total de estudantes avaliados. Dos alunos, 67% afirmaram já ter conversado com as próprias famílias sobre a doação de órgãos e que elas conheciam essa decisão. Em caso de familiar apresentar diagnóstico de morte encefálica, 83,2% dos alunos consentiram a doação. Em relação aos possíveis benefícios materiais ou emocionais para a família do doador, 86,1% julgam que a doação de órgãos pode trazer algum benefício. Conclusão: Apesar da atitude positiva, o estudo evidenciou conhecimento insuficiente dos alunos, reforçando a necessidade de ampliação do currículo das universidades e criação de cadeiras direcionadas à aquisição de conhecimento e habilidades quanto à condução de casos de morte encefálica e atuação perante os potenciais doadores.

Abstract Background: The increasing demand for organ donors and proficient experts is prompting fresh research endeavors aimed at clarifying societal perceptions and actions related to organ donation. Students from the healthcare area have been a focal point in these studies. Despite their favorable attitudes, a notable gap in knowledge among students has been underscored. Objective: To assess the level of knowledge, willingness, and attitudes toward organ donation among medical and nursing students in the city of Recife, Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional investigation was undertaken, involving the examination of questionnaires that were answered by medical and nursing students during their last academic years. Results: Between February and December 2022, a total of 218 questionnaires were gathered, of which 208 were included in the final sample. Among the participants, 57.2% identified as male, with an average age of 24 ± 2.7 years. In terms of academic background, 85.1% were enrolled in medical school, while 14.9% were attending nursing school. A notable observation was that only 49% of the students were aware that the diagnosis of brain death does not necessarily require the involvement of a neurologist. Furthermore, a significant proportion of students (63%) were unfamiliar with the entity responsible for initiating discussions with the potential donor's family. Interestingly, 92.3% of the students had contemplated the prospect of becoming organ donors themselves. If a family member were diagnosed with brain death, a significant majority of students, specifically 83.2%, expressed their willingness to grant consent for organ donation. Conclusions: Despite the positive attitudes, this study revealed insufficient knowledge among students, thereby underscoring the need for universities to expand their curricula and establish courses aimed at acquiring knowledge and skills related to brain death cases and actions related to potential donors.

Factors Associated with Mortality after Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy.

Introduction: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a common procedure performed world-wide on patients with different comorbidities, with many indications and overall low morbidity. However, studies showed an elevated early mortality in patients undergoing PEG placement. In this systematic review, we review the factors associated with early mortality after PEG. Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. The methodological index for nonrandomized studies (MINORS) score system was used to perform qualitative assessment of all included studies. Recommendations were summarized for predefined key items. Results: The search found 283 articles. A refined total of 21 studies were included; 20 studies cohort studies and 1 case-control study. For the cohort studies, MINORS score ranged from 7 to 12 out of 16. The single case-control study scored 17 out of 24. The number of study patients ranged from 272 to 181,196. Thirty-day mortality rate varied from 2.4% to 23.5%. Albumin, age, body mass index, C-reactive protein, diabetes mellitus, and dementia were the most frequently associated factors to early mortality in patients undergoing PEG placement. Five studies reported procedure related deaths. Infection was the most commonly reported complication of PEG placement. Conclusions: PEG tube insertion is a fast, safe and effective procedure, but is not free of complications and can have a high early mortality rate as demonstrated in this review. Patient selection should be a key factor and the identification of factors associated with early mortality is important in the elaboration of a protocol to benefit patients.

Factors Associated with 30-Day Mortality in Patients after Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy.

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is the main accepted method for long-term tube feeding. The aim of this study is to investigate the risk factors associated with early mortality after PEG. METHODS: It is a retrospective survival analysis in a tertiary-level hospital. We reviewed the medical records of 277 patients with PEG placement. The data were analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariable Cox proportional regression models were also built to test the effects of PEG on mortality. RESULTS: A total of 277 patients who submitted to PEG were studied. One-hundred and sixty (58%) were female, mean age of 73.3 ± 15.7 years. Ninety-three patients (33.6%) had diabetes mellitus and 165 (59.6%) had blood hypertension. The indications for PEG placement were chronic neurologic dysphagia in 247 (89.5%) patients and tumors and other diseases in 29 (10.5%). The 30 days proportional mortality probability rate was 13%. In a multivariate Cox proportional regression model, preoperative ICU hospitalization (HR 1.79, 95% CI 1.36-2.36, P = 0.000) and hemoglobin (HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.85-0.98, P = 0.015) were predictors of early mortality. CONCLUSION: In patients who had underwent PEG tube insertion for long-term nutrition, anemia and previous ICU admission were predictors of mortality at four weeks. These factors may guide physicians to discourage the indication for PEG.

[Effect of acupuncture on the prevention of nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized clinical trial]. / Efeitos da acupuntura para a prevenção de náuseas e vômitos após colecistectomia laparoscópica: estudo clínico randomizado.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common and undesirable complication observed after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). We investigated the effects of auriculoacupuncture (AA) on the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting in the immediate postoperative period of uncomplicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: Sixty-eight patients were randomly divided into two groups, auriculoacupuncture (n = 35) and control (n = 33) and then they were evaluated prospectively. The needle was placed before anaesthesia induction and remained for 20 minutes. Nausea intensity was evaluated using an analogic visual scale and PONV events were registered immediately after anaesthesia care unit admission and in the second, fourth and sixth hours after the surgery. RESULTS: The auriculoacupuncture group had a significantly smaller incidence of nausea and vomiting than the control group throughout the whole postoperative period (16/35 vs. 27/33, p = 0.03 and 4/35 vs. 15/33, p = 0.005, respectively); the AA group had fewer nausea events 2hours (p = 0.03) and 6hours (p = 0.001) after surgery and fewer vomiting events 2hours (p = 0.01) and 6hours (p = 0.02) after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Auriculoacupuncture can partially prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting when compared to metoclopramide alone after uncomplicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Auriculoacupuncture can be recommended as an adjuvant therapy for postoperative nausea and vomiting prevention in selected patients.

Dissection of the Hepatic Artery: A Rare Cause of Late Ischemia After Liver Transplant.

Hepatic artery dissection is an infrequent vascular complication that can arise after orthotopic liver transplant. Most patients with this complication are diagnosed during the intraoperative period or the first days after liver transplant, with an association shown with living-donor liver transplant. In this study, we discuss a rare case of an extrahepatic artery dissection that was successfully managed through surgical excision and arterial revascularization that was diagnosed 4 years after orthotopic liver transplant. Furthermore, we hypothesize on the potential causes of its occurrence.

Lessons Learned from the Student's Surgery Academic League: Is It Worth It? / Lições Aprendidas com a Liga Estudantil de Cirurgia: Vale a Pena?

Abstract: Introduction: One of the great challenges of a medical school curriculum is to offer training in basic surgical techniques, which allows graduates to develop competences to take care of simple cases presented in the primary care level of SUS. In order to approach the problem of the technical-surgical qualification of medical students and taking advantage of the interest raised by students' leagues, a surgical care project directed at patients with inguinal hernia was proposed and carried out, based on the students' academic leagues. The aim of this study is to disclose and discuss the results and the academic experience learned from a students' league in surgical learning. Methods: This report encompasses the three-year experience of an academic league aiming to approach the problem of the technical-surgical qualification of medical students and which takes advantage of the academic leagues among undergraduate medical students. The participants comprised one general surgery professor, one anesthesiologist, and undergraduate medical students interested in the surgical clinic, from the School of Medicine, University of Pernambuco, Recife (PE), Brazil. Results: Twenty-four students were included. Ninety-six patients were submitted to surgery. Two seminars with nine lectures and one workshop on surgical skills were held. One paper entitled "League of Inguinal Hernia Surgery" was presented. We did not observe hernia recurrences; the surgical complications were minimum and small in number. The students showed fast development of surgical, interpersonal, and communication skills. However, this education model included a small number of students and offered heavy competition to the general surgery residents in their first year at the University Hospital. Conclusion: The academic league in surgery allows a rich pedagogical experience, offering the opportunity for human and technical qualification. However, the proposed model has limitations. In our opinion, it does not represent a solution for the flaws and omissions observed in the school's curricular grid.

Resumo: Introdução: Um dos grandes desafios dos currículos de escolas médicas é oferecer treinamento em técnicas cirúrgicas básicas que permitam ao egresso de Medicina desenvolver competências para atender a casos simples que se apresentam à assistência primária do SUS. A fim de abordar o problema da qualificação técnico-cirúrgica dos estudantes de Medicina e aproveitar o apelo das ligas, foi proposto e realizado um projeto de assistência cirúrgica a pacientes portadores de hérnia inguinal, baseado em ligas acadêmicas. O objetivo do estudo é expor e discutir os resultados e a experiência acadêmica aprendida com a Liga de Cirurgia de Hérnia Inguinal. Métodos: Este é o relato da experiência de três anos com um grupo de liga acadêmica para abordar o problema da qualificação técnico-cirúrgica de estudantes de Medicina e que se aproveita do apelo das ligas acadêmicas entre estudantes de Medicina. Os participantes foram um professor de cirurgia geral, um anestesista e estudantes de graduação em Medicina interessados na clínica cirúrgica, da Faculdade de Medicina da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Pernambuco, Recife, Brasil. Resultados: Vinte e quatro estudantes foram atendidos. Operaram-se 86 pacientes. Realizaram-se dois seminários com nove aulas e uma oficina de técnicas cirúrgicas. Um trabalho intitulado "Liga de cirurgia de hérnia inguinal" foi apresentado. Não se observou recorrência de hérnia; as complicações cirúrgicas foram mínimas e em pequeno número. Os estudantes mostraram rápido desenvolvimento de habilidades cirúrgicas, interpessoais e de comunicação. Entretanto, esse modelo de ensino suporta um pequeno número de estudantes e gera grande competição para os residentes de cirurgia geral em seu primeiro ano no Hospital Universitário. Conclusão: A liga de cirurgia proporciona aos estudantes uma rica experiência pedagógica, oferecendo a oportunidade de qualificação técnica e humana. No entanto, o modelo proposto apresenta limitações. De acordo com o nosso julgamento, não representa a solução para as falhas e omissões no currículo da grade universitária.

RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH EARLY MORTALITY AFTER PERCUTANEOUS ENDOSCOPIC GASTROSTOMY IN PATIENTS AT A TERTIARY CARE CENTER IN BRAZIL: A RETROSPECTIVE SINGLE-CENTER SURVIVAL STUDY.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is the main accepted method for long-term tube feeding. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk factors associated with early mortality after PEG. METHODS: Retrospective survival analysis in a tertiary-level center in Recife, Brazil. We reviewed the medical records of 150 patients with PEG placement. The data were analysed by the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariable Cox proportional regression models were also built to test the effects of PEG on mortality. RESULTS: A total of 150 patients who submitted to PEG were studied (70 male). Of the participants, 87 (58%) had blood hypertension; 51 (34%) patients had diabetes; 6 (4%) patients had chronic renal disease; and 6 (4%) had malignancy. Chronic neurodegenerative diseases were the more common clinical indication for PEG. The 30-day and 60-day proportional mortality probability rates were 11.05% and 15.34% respectively. A multivariate Cox proportional regression model, haemoglobin (HR 4.39, 95%CI 1.30-14.81, P=0.017) and pre-procedure UCI staying (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.50-0.87, P=0.004) were significant predictors of early mortality.A haemoglobin cut-off value of 10.05 g/dL was shown to have a sensibility of 82.6% (61.2% to 95% CI) and an acceptable sensitivity of 59.0 (50.6% to68.6% CI), and a likelihood ratio of 2.06 for eight weeks mortality. CONCLUSION: In patients who had been subjected to the PEG procedure for long-term nutrition, low haemoglobin, pre-procedure intensive care unit internment or both are associated with the risk of early mortality.

Fatores de risco associados a mortalidade precoce após gastrostomia endoscópica percutânea em pacientes em um centro terciário no Brasil: um estudo retrospectivo de sobrevida em um único centro / Risk factors associated with early mortality after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in patients at a tertiary care center in brazil: a retrospective single-center survival study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is the main accepted method for long-term tube feeding. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk factors associated with early mortality after PEG. METHODS: Retrospective survival analysis in a tertiary-level center in Recife, Brazil. We reviewed the medical records of 150 patients with PEG placement. The data were analysed by the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariable Cox proportional regression models were also built to test the effects of PEG on mortality. RESULTS: A total of 150 patients who submitted to PEG were studied (70 male). Of the participants, 87 (58%) had blood hypertension; 51 (34%) patients had diabetes; 6 (4%) patients had chronic renal disease; and 6 (4%) had malignancy. Chronic neurodegenerative diseases were the more common clinical indication for PEG. The 30-day and 60-day proportional mortality probability rates were 11.05% and 15.34% respectively. A multivariate Cox proportional regression model, haemoglobin (HR 4.39, 95%CI 1.30-14.81, P=0.017) and pre-procedure UCI staying (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.50-0.87, P=0.004) were significant predictors of early mortality.A haemoglobin cut-off value of 10.05 g/dL was shown to have a sensibility of 82.6% (61.2% to 95% CI) and an acceptable sensitivity of 59.0 (50.6% to68.6% CI), and a likelihood ratio of 2.06 for eight weeks mortality. CONCLUSION: In patients who had been subjected to the PEG procedure for long-term nutrition, low haemoglobin, pre-procedure intensive care unit internment or both are associated with the risk of early mortality.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A gastrostomia endoscópica percutânea (GEP) é o principal método aceito para a alimentação por sonda em um longo período. OBJETIVO: Investigar os fatores de risco associados à mortalidade precoce após a realização de GEP. MÉTODOS: Análise retrospectiva de sobrevida em um centro terciário em Recife, Brasil. Prontuários de 150 pacientes submetidos a colocação de GEP forma revisados. Os dados foram analisados pelo método de Kaplan-Meier. Os modelos de regressão proporcional Multivariável de Cox também foram construídos para testar os efeitos da GEP na mortalidade. RESULTADOS: Um total de 150 pacientes submetidos a GEP foram estudados (70 homens). Dos participantes, 87 (58%) tinham hipertensão arterial; 51 (34%) eram diabéticos; 6 (4%) pacientes tinham doença renal crônica e 6 (4%) tinham alguma malignidade. As doenças crônicas neurodegenerativas foram a indicação clínica mais comum para a GEP. As taxas de probabilidade de mortalidade proporcionais de 30 e 60 dias foram de 11,05% e 15,34% respectivamente. A análise multivariada por meio da regressão de Cox mostrou a hemoglobina (HR 4,39, 95% IC: 1,30-14,81, P=0,017) e a permanência em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) (HR 0,66, 95% IC 0,50-0,87, P=0,004) como preditores significantes de mortalidade precoce. O corte no valor da hemoglobina de 10,05 g/dL mostrou uma sensibilidade de 82,6% (61,2%-95% IC) e uma sensibilidade aceitável de 59,0 (50,6%-68,6% IC), com uma taxa de 2,06 para a mortalidade em oito semanas. CONCLUSÃO: Em pacientes que foram submetidos a GEP para nutrição por um longo período, baixa hemoglobina e internamento em UTI antes do procedimento estão associados com o risco de mortalidade precoce. A GEP não deve ser indicada nesses casos.

Radiological Imaging Interpretation Skills of Medical Interns / Habilidades em Diagnóstico Radiológico do Interno em Medicina

ABSTRACT Background Medical students' skills in radiographic image interpretation is neither known nor assessed in the case of most medical schools in Brazil. Objective The purpose of this study was to assess intern students' performance in the interpretation of radiographic images of the chest and abdomen. Methods A 10-item test was developed using non-contrasted radiological images from the chest and abdomen. Internship students from two public medical schools (Classroom Group, n=50) and doctors (Control Group, n=20) answered the test. A third group (Online Group, n=38) composed of students from different medical schools answered a web-based form with the same 10-item test. Results Doctors and students were able to accurately interpret only 30% of the radiographic images; 50% of the students and 30% of the doctors performed poorly. The rest produced average levels of performance. There were minimal differences between the Classroom and Online Groups. A point-by-point analysis of their answers has been presented and discussed. Conclusion Efforts must be made, including the framing of medical curricula interventions, to improve student interns' skills in radiological image interpretation.

RESUMO Introdução Habilidades de internos em medicina para interpretação de exames radiológicos não são avaliadas nem tampouco conhecidas pela maioria das escolas Médicas. Objetivo investigar o desempenho de estudantes do internato de medicina para interpretação de exames radiológicos de tórax e abdome. Métodos um teste com 10 radiografias não contrastadas de tórax e abdome com diagnósticos simples foi respondido por estudantes de internato (grupo Estudantes, n=50) e médicos (grupo Controle, n=20) e enviado a estudantes de internato por via eletrônica (Grupo Online, n=38). As respostas do grupo Estudantes foram comparadas ao Controle e ao Grupo Online separadamente. Resultados Em apenas 20% casos tanto médicos e estudantes tiveram um rendimento satisfatório, 40% dos casos dos médicos e em 50% dos estudantes o desempenho foi realmente ruim (menos e 40% de respostas corretas) e no restante das respostas o desempenho foi apenas mediano. Os estudantes do grupo Online obtiveram desempenho próximo aos estudantes do grupo Estudantes em 80% das questões. Uma análise ponto a ponto das respostas é cuidadosamente apresentada. Conclusões O desenvolvimento da competência em diagnóstico radiológico deve ser aprimorado. As escolas médicas devem se preocupar em desenvolver intervenções curriculares efetivas para aperfeiçoá-las.

Postoperative kidney injury does not decrease survival after liver transplantation.

PURPOSE: To explore the effect of acute kidney injury (AKI) on long-term survival after conventional orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) without venovenous bypass (VVB). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was carried out on 153 patients with end-stage liver diseases transplanted by the Department of General Surgery and Liver Transplantation of the University of Pernambuco, from August, 1999 to December, 2009. The Kaplan-Meier survival estimates and log-rank test were applied to explore the association between AKI and long-term patient survival, and multivariate analyses were applied to control the effect of other variables. RESULTS: Over the 12.8-year follow-up, 58.8% patients were alive with a median follow-up of 4.5-year. Patient 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-year survival were 74.5%, 70.6%, 67.9% and 60.1%; respectively. Early postoperative mortality was poorer amongst patients who developed AKI (5.4% vs. 20%, p=0.010), but long-term 5-year survival did not significantly differed between groups (51.4% vs. 65.3%; p=0.077). After multivariate analyses, AKI was not significantly related to long-term survival and only the intraoperative transfusion of red blood cells was significantly related to this outcome (non-adjusted Exp[b]=1.072; p=0.045). CONCLUSION: The occurrence of postoperative acute kidney injury did not independently decrease patient survival after orthotopic liver transplantation without venovenous bypass in this data from northeast Brazil.

Postoperative kidney injury does not decrease survival after liver transplantation / Insuficiência renal pós-operatória não diminui a sobrevivência após transplante hepático

PURPOSE: To explore the effect of acute kidney injury (AKI) on long-term survival after conventional orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) without venovenous bypass (VVB). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was carried out on 153 patients with end-stage liver diseases transplanted by the Department of General Surgery and Liver Transplantation of the University of Pernambuco, from August, 1999 to December, 2009. The Kaplan-Meier survival estimates and log-rank test were applied to explore the association between AKI and long-term patient survival, and multivariate analyses were applied to control the effect of other variables. RESULTS: Over the 12.8-year follow-up, 58.8% patients were alive with a median follow-up of 4.5-year. Patient 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-year survival were 74.5%, 70.6%, 67.9% and 60.1%; respectively. Early postoperative mortality was poorer amongst patients who developed AKI (5.4% vs. 20%, p=0.010), but long-term 5-year survival did not significantly differed between groups (51.4% vs. 65.3%; p=0.077). After multivariate analyses, AKI was not significantly related to long-term survival and only the intraoperative transfusion of red blood cells was significantly related to this outcome (non-adjusted Exp[b]=1.072; p=0.045). CONCLUSION: The occurrence of postoperative acute kidney injury did not independently decrease patient survival after orthotopic liver transplantation without venovenous bypass in this data from northeast Brazil.

OBJETIVO: Explorar o efeito da insuficiência renal aguda (IRA) na sobrevivência de longo prazo após o transplante hepático convencional ortotópico (THC) sem desvio venovenoso (DVV). MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo envolvendo153 pacientes portadores de doença hepática terminal transplantados pelo Departamento de Cirurgia Geral e Transplante Hepático da Universidade de Pernambuco, no período de agosto de 1999 a dezembro de 2009. O método de Kaplan-Meier e o teste log-rank foram aplicados para explorar a associação entre o IRA com a sobrevivência de longo prazo dos pacientes, aplicando-se o modelo multivariado de riscos proporcionais de Cox para controlar o efeito de outras variáveis. RESULTADOS: A proservação atingiu 12,8 anos, durante a qual 58,8% dos pacientes permaneceram vivos com mediana de acompanhamento de 4,5 anos. As taxas de sobrevivência cumulativa de 1 -, 2 -, 3 - e 5 anos foram de 74,5%, 70,6%, 67,9% e 60,1%; respectivamente. A taxa de mortalidade pós-operatória precoce foi maior entre os pacientes que desenvolveram IRA (5,4% vs. 20%, p = 0,010), mas a sobrevivência de longoprazoem5 anos não diferiu significativamente entre os grupos (51,4% vs. 65,3%, p = 0,077). Após análise multivariada, a IRA nãofoisignificativamenterelacionado à sobrevivência a longo prazo e apenas transfusão intra-operatório de hemácias foi significativamente relacionado com este desfecho (Exp [b] não-ajustado = 1,072, p = 0,045). CONCLUSÃO: A ocorrência de insuficiência renal aguda pós-operatória não diminuiu de forma independente a sobrevivência dos pacientes após transplante hepático convencional sem desvio venovenoso nesta casuística do nordeste do Brasileiro.

Non-cancerous prognostic factors of hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation.

PURPOSE: To explore non-cancerous factors that may be related with medium-term survival (24 months) after liver transplantation (LT) in this data from northeast Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in patients who underwent deceased-donor orthotopic LT because hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at the University of Pernambuco, Brazil. Non-cancerous factors (i.e.: donor-, receptor-, surgery- and center-related variables) were explored as prognostic factors of medium-term survival using univariate and multivariate approachs. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients were included for analysis. Their three, six, 12 and 24-month overall cumulative survivals were 88.5%, 80.3%, 73.8% and 65.6%, respectively. Our univariate analysis identified red blood cell transfusion (Exp[b]=1.26; p<0.01) and hepato-venous reconstruction technique (84.6% vs. 51.4%, p<0.01; respectively for piggyback and conventional approaches) as significantly related to post-LT survival. The multivariate analysis confirmed the hepato-venous reconstruction technique was an independent prognostic factor. CONCLUSION: The piggyback technique was related to improved medium-term survival of hepatocellular carcinoma patients after liver transplantation in this northeast Brazilian sample.

Employment of MELD score for the prediction of survival after liver transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the overall accuracy of the preoperative MELD score for predicting survival after liver transplantation (LT) and appraise medium-term (24 months) predictors of survival. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study including patients transplanted by the Department of General Surgery and Liver Transplantation of the Oswaldo Cruz University Hospital, University of Pernambuco, between July 15th, 2003 and July 14th, 2009. We used analysis of area under ROC (receiver operating characteristic) as a summary measure of the performance of the MELD score and assessed predictors of medium-term survival using univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The cumulative survival of three, six, 12 and 24 months of the 208 patients studied was 85.1%, 79.3%, 74.5% and 71.1%, respectively. The preoperative MELD score showed a low discriminatory power for predicting survival after TH. By univariate analysis, we identified intraoperative transfusion of red blood cells (p <0.001) and platelets (p = 0.004) and type of venous hepatocaval anastomosis (p = 0.008) as significantly related to medium-term survival of the patients studied. However, by multivariate analysis only red blood cell transfusion was a significant independent predictor of outcome. CONCLUSION: The MELD score showed low overall accuracy for predicting post-transplant survival of patients studied, among which only intraoperative transfusion of red blood cells was identified as an independent predictor of survival in the medium term after TH.

Non-cancerous prognostic factors of hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation / Fatores prognósticos não oncológicos no carcinoma hepatocelular tratado com transplante hepático

PURPOSE: To explore non-cancerous factors that may be related with medium-term survival (24 months) after liver transplantation (LT) in this data from northeast Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in patients who underwent deceased-donor orthotopic LT because hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at the University of Pernambuco, Brazil. Non-cancerous factors (i.e.: donor-, receptor-, surgery- and center-related variables) were explored as prognostic factors of medium-term survival using univariate and multivariate approachs. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients were included for analysis. Their three, six, 12 and 24-month overall cumulative survivals were 88.5%, 80.3%, 73.8% and 65.6%, respectively. Our univariate analysis identified red blood cell transfusion (Exp[b]=1.26; p<0.01) and hepato-venous reconstruction technique (84.6% vs. 51.4%, p<0.01; respectively for piggyback and conventional approaches) as significantly related to post-LT survival. The multivariate analysis confirmed the hepato-venous reconstruction technique was an independent prognostic factor. CONCLUSION: The piggyback technique was related to improved medium-term survival of hepatocellular carcinoma patients after liver transplantation in this northeast Brazilian sample.

OBJETIVO: Explorar fatores prognósticos não oncológicos para a sobrevivência de médio prazo (24 meses) de portadores de carcinoma hepatocelular tratados com transplante hepático. MÉTODOS: Estudo de corte incluindo pacientes submetidos a transplante ortotópico de fígado (doador-cadáver) pelo Serviço de Cirurgia Geral e Transplante Hepático da Universidade de Pernambuco, UPE. Exploraram-se variáveis relacionadas ao doador, receptor, procedimento cirúrgico e serviço transplantador, como potenciais fatores prognósticos para a sobrevivência de médio prazo dos transplantados, aplicando-se análise uni e multivariada. RESULTADOS: Sessenta e um pacientes foram incluídos para análise. A sobrevivência cumulativa de três, seis, 12 e 24 meses observada foi de 88,5%, 80,3%, 73,8% e 65,6%, respectivamente. Por análise univariada, identificou-se a transfusão de hemácias (Exp[b]=1,26; p<0,01) e técnica cirúrgica empregada (84,6% vs. 51,4%, p<0,01; respectivamente, piggyback vs. convencional) como estatisticamente relacionadas à sobrevivência dos pacientes estudados. Por análise multivariada, confirmou-se a técnica empregada como fator prognóstico independente. CONCLUSÃO: A técnica cirúrgica piggyback se relacionou a melhor sobrevivência de médio prazo de pacientes com carcinoma hepatocelular após transplante de fígado nesta casuística do nordeste Brasileiro.

Emprego do escore MELD para a predição da sobrevivência pós-transplante hepático / Employment of meld score for the prediction of survival after liver transplantation

OBJETIVO: Analisar a acurácia geral do escore MELD pré-operatório para a predição da sobrevivência pós-transplante hepático (TH) e explorar fatores preditivos da sobrevivência de médio prazo (24 meses). MÉTODOS: Estudo de corte transversal incluindo pacientes transplantados pelo Serviço de Cirurgia Geral e Transplante Hepático do Hospital Universitário Oswaldo Cruz, Universidade de Pernambuco, entre 15 de julho de 2003 e 14 de julho de 2009. Utilizou-se análise da área sob curva ROC (receiver operating characteristic) como medida-resumo do desempenho do escore MELD e se exploraram fatores preditivos da sobrevivência de médio prazo utilizando análise uni e multivariada. RESULTADOS: A sobrevivência cumulativa de três, seis, 12 e 24 meses dos 208 pacientes estudados foi 85,1%, 79,3%, 74,5% e 71,1%, respectivamente. O escore MELD pré-operatório apresentou baixo poder discriminatório para a predição da sobrevivência pós-TH. Por análise univariada, identificaram-se a transfusão intraoperatória de hemácias (p<0,001) e plaquetas (p=0,004) e o tipo de anastomose venosa hepatocaval (p=0,008) como significativamente relacionados à sobrevivência de médio prazo dos pacientes estudados. No entanto, por análise multivariada, observou-se que apenas a transfusão de hemácias foi um fator preditivo independente deste desfecho. CONCLUSÃO: O escore MELD apresentou baixa acurácia geral para a predição da sobrevivência pós-transplante dos pacientes estudados, entre os quais, apenas a transfusão intraoperatória de hemácias foi identificada como fator preditivo independente da sobrevivência de médio prazo após o TH.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the overall accuracy of the preoperative MELD score for predicting survival after liver transplantation (LT) and appraise medium-term (24 months) predictors of survival. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study including patients transplanted by the Department of General Surgery and Liver Transplantation of the Oswaldo Cruz University Hospital, University of Pernambuco, between July 15th, 2003 and July 14th, 2009. We used analysis of area under ROC (receiver operating characteristic) as a summary measure of the performance of the MELD score and assessed predictors of medium-term survival using univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The cumulative survival of three, six, 12 and 24 months of the 208 patients studied was 85.1%, 79.3%, 74.5% and 71.1%, respectively. The preoperative MELD score showed a low discriminatory power for predicting survival after TH. By univariate analysis, we identified intraoperative transfusion of red blood cells (p <0.001) and platelets (p = 0.004) and type of venous hepatocaval anastomosis (p = 0.008) as significantly related to medium-term survival of the patients studied. However, by multivariate analysis only red blood cell transfusion was a significant independent predictor of outcome. CONCLUSION: The MELD score showed low overall accuracy for predicting post-transplant survival of patients studied, among which only intraoperative transfusion of red blood cells was identified as an independent predictor of survival in the medium term after TH.

Nitric oxide synthase in heart and thoracic aorta after liver ischemia and reperfusion injury: an experimental study in rats.

OBJECTIVES: We tested the effects of liver reperfusion in the immunohistochemical expression of nitric oxide synthase on the thoracic aorta and the heart. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We randomized 24 male Wistar rats into 3 groups: (1) control; (2) R2 group, with 60 minutes of partial (70%) liver ischemia and 2 hours of global liver reperfusion; (3) and R6 group, with 60 minutes of partial liver ischemia and 6 hours of global liver reperfusion. RESULTS: In the heart, there was little, diffuse immunohistochemical endothelial staining; immunohistochemical inducible nitric oxide synthase staining was expressed in the adventitia layer of intramyocardial vessels in both cases, with a time-dependent but not statistically significant increase. In the thoracic aorta, a time-dependent decrease in endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression in the muscular layer after reperfusion, which was statistically significant in R6 versus the control. Positive immunostaining for inducible nitric oxide synthase was seen in the muscular and endothelial layers, and this varied from moderate in the control group, to light in the endothelium in groups R2 and R6. CONCLUSIONS: We observed changes that may be implicated in heart injury and impairment of aortal tone after liver ischemia and reperfusion injury.