Proportional weight loss in six months as a risk factor for mortality in stage IV non-small cell lung cancer / Perda de peso proporcional em seis meses como fator de risco para mortalidade no câncer de pulmão de células não pequenas estádio IV

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate different weight loss (WL) cut-off points as prognostic markers of 3-month survival after diagnosis of stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: This was a prospective study involving 104 patients with metastatic (stage IV) NSCLC who were admitted to a cancer treatment center in southern Brazil between January of 2014 and November of 2016. We evaluated total WL and WL per month, as well as WL and WL per month in the 6 months preceding the diagnosis. The patients were followed for 3 months after diagnosis. A Cox proportional hazards regression model and Kaplan-Meier curves were used in order to evaluate 3-month survival. Results: The median WL in the 6 months preceding the diagnosis was 6% (interquartile range, 0.0-12.9%). Patients with WL ≥ 5% had a median survival of 78 days, compared with 85 days for those with WL < 5% (p = 0.047). Survival at 3 months was 72% for the patients with WL ≥ 5% (p = 0.047), 61% for those with WL ≥ 10% (p < 0.001), and 45% for those with WL ≥ 15% (p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, the hazard ratio for risk of death was 4.51 (95% CI: 1.32-15.39) for the patients with WL ≥ 5%, 6.34 (95% CI: 2.31-17.40) for those with WL ≥ 10%, and 14.17 (95% CI: 5.06-39.65) for those with WL ≥ 15%. Conclusions: WL in the 6 months preceding the diagnosis of NSCLC is a relevant prognostic factor and appears to be directly proportional to the rate of survival at 3 months.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar diferentes pontos de corte da perda de peso (PP) como marcadores prognósticos de sobrevida em 3 meses após o diagnóstico de câncer de pulmão de células não pequenas estádio IV (CPCNP). Métodos: Estudo prospectivo envolvendo 104 pacientes com CPCNP metastático (estádio IV) que foram internados em um centro de tratamento de câncer no sul do Brasil entre janeiro de 2014 e novembro de 2016. Avaliamos a PP total e PP por mês, bem como PP e PP por mês nos 6 meses anteriores ao diagnóstico. Os pacientes foram acompanhados por 3 meses após o diagnóstico. Um modelo de regressão de riscos proporcionais de Cox e curvas de Kaplan-Meier foram utilizados para avaliar a sobrevida em 3 meses. Resultados: A mediana da PP nos 6 meses anteriores ao diagnóstico foi de 6% (intervalo interquartil, 0,0-12,9%). Pacientes com PP ≥ 5% tiveram uma sobrevida mediana de 78 dias, comparados a 85 dias para aqueles com PP < 5% (p = 0,047). A sobrevida em 3 meses foi de 72% para os pacientes com PP ≥ 5% (p = 0,047), 61% para aqueles com PP ≥ 10% (p < 0,001) e 45% para aqueles com PP ≥ 15% (p < 0,001). Na análise multivariada, a taxa de risco para óbito foi de 4,51 (IC95%: 1,32-15,39) para os pacientes com PP ≥ 5%, 6,34 (IC95%: 2,31-17,40) para aqueles com PP ≥ 10%, e 14,17 (IC95%: 5,06-39,65) para aqueles com PP ≥ 15%. Conclusões: A PP nos 6 meses anteriores ao diagnóstico de CPCNP é um fator prognóstico relevante e parece ser diretamente proporcional à taxa de sobrevida em 3 meses.

Sob o véu do abandono: O desabrochar de um sujeito / Under the veil of abandonment: the blooming a subjet

Freud, em 1915, no texto As pulsões e seus destinos, demarca o estímulo pulsional como uma força constante que não provém do mundo exterior, mas do interior do próprio organismo, sem que haja fuga eficaz a ela. Jacques Lacan, em seu retorno à obra freudiana, esclarece, em 1964, em “O Seminário, livro 11: os quatro conceitos fundamentais da psicanálise”, a gramática pulsional em suas três vozes - ativa, passiva e reflexiva -, reiterando que a satisfação pulsional se encontra justamente em seu caráter repetitivo, circular, contínuo e insistente, por onde pulsão e fantasia se entrelaçam. Desse modo, a partir do método descritivo, alicerçado em pesquisa bibliográfica, o artigo apresenta um fragmento do caso clínico de Mariana, uma adolescente de 12 anos que chega à análise através de uma demanda terceirizada do abrigo no qual se encontra. Sua história é marcada por abandonos, tendo como cerne o abandono da família de origem, no qual o pai falece e a mãe desaparece, deixando Mariana e seus dois irmãos na rua. Já no abrigo surge a possibilidade de adoção conjunta dos três irmãos, a qual Mariana rejeita, mas seus irmãos escolhem dar prosseguimento. É nesse momento que ela chega à clínica. Angustiada, sentindo-se abandonada pelos irmãos, sofre e queixa-se da posição em que se encontra. De fato, ela se faz ser abandonada, posição que corrobora com sua construção fantasística diante do enigma do desejo do Outro.(AU).

Freud, in 1915, in the text Instincts and their vicissitudes, defines the drive stimulus as a constant force that does not come from the outside world, but from inside the organism itself, without any effective escape from it. Jacques Lacan, in his return to Freud's work, clarifies, in 1964, in “The Seminar, book 11: the four fundamental concepts of psychoanalysis”, the circuit of the Drive with three grammatical voices - active, passive and reflexive -, reaffirming that the drive satisfaction is found precisely in its repetitive, circular, continuous and insistent character, where drive and fantasy are intertwined. Thus, based on the descriptive method, based on bibliographic research, the article below presents a fragment of the clinical case of Mariana, a 12-year-old teenager who arrives at the clinic through an outsourced demand from the shelter in which she lives. Her history is marked by abandonments, having as its core, the abandonment of the original family, in which the father dies and the mother disappears, leaving Mariana and her two brothers on the street. At the shelter, there is the possibility for the three brothers to be adopted together, which Mariana rejects, but her brothers choose to continue. That's when she arrives at the clinic. Anguished, feeling abandoned by her brothers, she suffers and complains about her position: the abandoned one. In fact, it is made to be abandoned, a position that corroborates with her fantasy construction in face of the enigma of the desire of the Other.(AU).

Predictors of noncompliance to pulmonary tuberculosis treatment: An insight from South America.

PURPOSE: To investigate the factors associated with a higher risk of noncompliance to tuberculosis (TB) treatment in Porto Alegre, Brazil. METHODS: We identified 478 adult patients for this case-control study undergoing treatment for confirmed pulmonary TB. Cases (noncompliance) were defined as patients who stopped treatment for more than 30 consecutive days (n = 118). Controls were defined as all patients who completed treatment and were cured (n = 360). Factors associated with noncompliance were calculated with unadjusted and adjusted odds ratio (OR). RESULTS: The rate of noncompliance in our study was 25%. The factors of noncompliance after adjustments in the overall population were, in order of magnitude, living in an area of lower income (OR = 4.35, 95%CI: 2.50-7.58), abuse of drugs (OR = 2.73, 95%CI: 1.47-5.09), nonadherence to a previous treatment regimen (OR = 2.1, 95%CI: 1.28-3.45), and history of smoking (OR = 1.72, 95%CI: 1.00-3.00). Age, race, gender, level of education, HIV infection or diabetes status were not associated with a higher risk of noncompliance. In the subgroup of re-treatment cases, poverty (OR = 2.65; 95%CI = 1.06-6.66), smoking history (OR = 2.94; 95%CI = 1.09-7.92), male gender (OR = 3.25; 95%CI = 1.32-8.0), and younger age (OR = 4.3; 95%CI = 1.15-16.07) were also associated with a higher risk of dropout. CONCLUSION: Predictors of poor compliance to TB treatment were low income, abuse of drugs, re-treatment cases and history of smoking.

Proportional weight loss in six months as a risk factor for mortality in stage IV non-small cell lung cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate different weight loss (WL) cut-off points as prognostic markers of 3-month survival after diagnosis of stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: This was a prospective study involving 104 patients with metastatic (stage IV) NSCLC who were admitted to a cancer treatment center in southern Brazil between January of 2014 and November of 2016. We evaluated total WL and WL per month, as well as WL and WL per month in the 6 months preceding the diagnosis. The patients were followed for 3 months after diagnosis. A Cox proportional hazards regression model and Kaplan-Meier curves were used in order to evaluate 3-month survival. RESULTS: The median WL in the 6 months preceding the diagnosis was 6% (interquartile range, 0.0-12.9%). Patients with WL ≥ 5% had a median survival of 78 days, compared with 85 days for those with WL < 5% (p = 0.047). Survival at 3 months was 72% for the patients with WL ≥ 5% (p = 0.047), 61% for those with WL ≥ 10% (p < 0.001), and 45% for those with WL ≥ 15% (p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, the hazard ratio for risk of death was 4.51 (95% CI: 1.32-15.39) for the patients with WL ≥ 5%, 6.34 (95% CI: 2.31-17.40) for those with WL ≥ 10%, and 14.17 (95% CI: 5.06-39.65) for those with WL ≥ 15%. CONCLUSIONS: WL in the 6 months preceding the diagnosis of NSCLC is a relevant prognostic factor and appears to be directly proportional to the rate of survival at 3 months.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Pulmonary Embolism: Diagnostic Accuracy of Unenhanced MR and Influence in Mortality Rates.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the diagnostic value for pulmonary embolism (PE) of the True fast imaging with steady-state precession (TrueFISP) MRI, a method that allows the visualization of pulmonary vasculature without breath holding or intravenous contrast. METHODS: This is a prospective investigation including 93 patients with suspected PE. All patients underwent TrueFISP MRI after undergoing CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA). Two independent readers evaluated each MR study, and consensus was obtained. CTPA results were analysed by a third independent reviewer and these results served as the reference standard. A fourth radiologist was responsible for evaluating if lesions found on MRI for both analysis were the same and if these were the correspondent lesions on the CTPA. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and accuracy were calculated. Evidence for death from PE within the 1-year follow-up was also assessed. RESULTS: Two patients could not undergo the real-time MRI and were excluded from the study. PE prevalence was 22%. During the 1-year follow-up period, eight patients died, whereas PE was responsible for 12.5% of cases. Between patients who developed PE, only 5% died due to this condition. There were no differences between MR and CT embolism detection in these subjects. MR sequences had a sensitivity of 85%, specificity was 98.6% and accuracy was 95.6%. Agreement between readers was high (κ= 0.87). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with contrast-enhanced CT, unenhanced MR sequences demonstrate good accuracy and no differences in the mortality rates in 1 year were detected.

Componentes Determinantes na Escolha da Especialização em Novos Profissionais Médicos / Decisive Factors in the Career Choices of New Medical Professionals

Na edição de volume 38, número 2, versão online desta revista, Corsi e colaboradores apresentaram um texto muito elegante sobre os fatores que influenciam os alunos na escolha da especialidade médica. Este tema vem sendo abordado com grande frequência nas discussões do nosso Curso de Prática Educativa em Medicina, da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, coordenado pelos professores Manfroi e Machado. A respeito deste assunto, temos algumas considerações sobre a nova geração de profissionais médicos e sua relação com o autodesenvolvimento profissional.

In volume 38, number 2, of the online version of this magazine, Corsi et al. presented a very elegant piece about the factors that influence students in their choice of medical specialty. This issue has been frequently addressed in discussions on our Course in Education Practice in Medicine at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, coordinated by professors Manfroi and Machado. Regarding this matter we have some thoughts on the new generation of medical professionals and their relationship with professional self-development.

Interobserver agreement between radiologists and radiology residents and emergency physicians in the detection of PE using CTPA.

OBJECTIVE: To assess interobserver agreement between thoracic radiologists, radiology residents, and emergency physicians in diagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Emergency physicians, radiology residents, and thoracic radiologists evaluated 123 computed tomography pulmonary angiography images. Interobserver agreement was analysed using kappa statistics. RESULTS: Very good agreements were observed between thoracic radiologists and radiology residents (0.81 and 0.82). Fair and moderate agreements (0.39 and 0.42) were demonstrated between emergency physicians and thoracic radiologists. CONCLUSIONS: Important differences in interobserver agreement were found, with emergency physicians tending to overdiagnose PE.

Contribuição da odontologia legal para a identificação post-mortem

Uma das áreas de atuação do odontolegista é a identificação humana post-mortem através da utilização de técnicas afeitas à Antropologia Forense. Em muitas situações de mortes violentas, os cadáveres sofrem ação destruidora por agentes físicos...

Surgical treatment of bronchial carcinoid tumors: a single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Bronchial carcinoid is an infrequent neoplasm with a neuroendocrine differentiation. Surgical treatment is the gold standard therapy, with procedures varying from sublobar resections to complex lung sparing broncoplastic procedures. This study evaluates the results of surgical treatment of bronchial carcinoids and its prognostic factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of 126 consecutive patients who underwent surgical treatment for bronchial carcinoid tumors between December 1974 and July 2007. RESULTS: There were 70 females (55%) and the mean age was 46 years, ranging from 17 to 81 years. Upon clinical presentation, 38 patients (30%) have had recurrent respiratory tract infection, 31 (24%) cough, 16 (12%) chest pain and 25 (20%) were asymptomatic. Preoperative bronchoscopic diagnosis was obtained in 74 cases (58.7%). The procedures performed were: 19 sublobar resections (14,9%), 58 lobectomies (46%), 8 bilobectomies (6.3%), 6 pneumonectomies (4.7%), 2 sleeve segmentectomies (1.5%), 26 sleeve lobectomies (20.6%) and 9 bronchoplastic procedures without lung resection (7.1%). Operative mortality was 1.5% (n = 2) and morbidity was 25.8% (n=32), including 12 respiratory tract infections and 4 reinterventions due to bleeding (3) and pleural empyema (1). Among the 112 patients available for follow-up, the overall survival at 3, 5 and 10 years was 89.2%, 85.5% and 79.8%, respectively. Five and 10-year survival for typical and atypical carcinoids were 91, 89% and 56, 47%, respectively. Overall disease-free survival at 5 years was 91.9% Statistical analysis showed that overall disease-free survival correlated with histology--typical vs. atypical--(p = 0.04) and stage (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Surgery provides safe and adequate treatment to bronchial carcinoid tumors. Histology and stage were the main prognostic factors.

[Reversal of digital clubbing in surgically treated lung cancer patients]. / Regressão do hipocratismo digital em pacientes com câncer de pulmão tratados cirurgicamente.

OBJECTIVE: To objectively evaluate the reversal of digital clubbing (DC) in a series of surgically treated lung cancer patients, and to review the literature on the subject. METHODS: Sixty-one patients with non-small cell lung cancer--40 with and 21 without DC--were treated by pulmonary resection. Eleven (18%) received additional postoperative radiation therapy. Preoperatively, as well as on postoperative days 7, 18, and 90, the hyponychial angle (HA) and the distal phalangeal depth/interphalangeal depth (DPD/IPD) ratio were determined on profile shadow projections of the index fingers. A review of the literature on reversal of DC (1954-2007) was also performed. RESULTS: From the preoperative period to postoperative day 90, HA decreased from 200.5 +/- 5.0 masculine to 193.3 +/- 6.8 masculine (p < 0.001), and the DPD/IPD ratio decreased from 1.014 +/- 0.051 mm to 0.956 +/- 0.045 mm (p < 0.001) in the group of 40 patients with DC. The HA and the DPD/IPD ratio decreased in 33 (82.5%) but remained the same in 7 (1.7%), 6 with unfavorable evolution. In the 21 patients without DC, HA (184.5 +/- 5.5 masculine) and the DPD/IPD ratio (0.937 +/- 0.046 mm) remained unchanged after surgery. In the literature (1954-2007), we found 52 cases, 5 of which were lung cancer cases, in which reversal of DC, observed in several clinical conditions, was explicitly reported. CONCLUSION: In most lung cancer patients, DC resolves after effective surgical treatment of the tumor, as can occur in patients with other conditions.

Regressão do hipocratismo digital em pacientes com câncer de pulmão tratados cirurgicamente / Reversal of digital clubbing in surgically treated lung cancer patients

OBJETIVO: Estudar, por meio de avaliações objetivas, a ocorrência de regressão do hipocratismo digital (HD) em pacientes com câncer de pulmão, tratados cirurgicamente, e revisar a literatura sobre o assunto. MÉTODOS: Sessenta e um pacientes com câncer de pulmão não-pequenas células-40 com e 21 sem HD-foram tratados por cirurgia de ressecção pulmonar. Onze deles (18 por cento) também receberam radioterapia pós-operatória. No período pré-operatório e no 7º, no 18º e no 90º dia pós-operatório, o ângulo hiponiquial (AH) e a relação entre as espessuras falangeana distal e interfalangeana (EFD/EIF) foram determinados sobre imagens da sombra dos dedos indicadores em perfil. Uma revisão da literatura sobre regressão do HD (1954-2007) também foi efetuada. RESULTADOS: Do período pré-operatório ao 90º dia pós-operatório, o AH diminuiu de 200,5 ± 5,0º para 193,3 ± 6,8º (p < 0,001), e a relação EFD/EIF, de 1,014 ± 0,051 mm para 0,956 ± 0,045 mm (p < 0,001) no grupo de 40 pacientes com HD. Em 33 (82,5 por cento), o AH e a relação EFD/EIF diminuíram, mas, em 7 (1,7 por cento), 6 com evolução desfavorável, esses valores não se reduziram. Nos 21 pacientes sem HD, tanto o AH (184,5 ± 5,5º) como a relação EFD/EIF (0,937 ± 0,046 mm) permaneceram inalterados após a cirurgia. Na literatura (1954-2007) foram encontrados 52 casos em que a regressão do HD, observada em diversas condições clínicas, foi explicitamente referida, 5 dos quais eram casos de câncer de pulmão. CONCLUSÕES: O HD em pacientes com câncer de pulmão regride na maioria dos casos após tratamento cirúrgico efetivo do tumor, o que pode também ocorrer em pacientes com outras condições.

OBJECTIVE: To objectively evaluate the reversal of digital clubbing (DC) in a series of surgically treated lung cancer patients, and to review the literature on the subject. METHODS: Sixty-one patients with non-small cell lung cancer-40 with and 21 without DC-were treated by pulmonary resection. Eleven (18 percent) received additional postoperative radiation therapy. Preoperatively, as well as on postoperative days 7, 18, and 90, the hyponychial angle (HA) and the distal phalangeal depth/interphalangeal depth (DPD/IPD) ratio were determined on profile shadow projections of the index fingers. A review of the literature on reversal of DC (1954-2007) was also performed. RESULTS: From the preoperative period to postoperative day 90, HA decreased from 200.5 ± 5.0º to 193.3 ± 6.8º (p < 0.001), and the DPD/IPD ratio decreased from 1.014 ± 0.051 mm to 0.956 ± 0.045 mm (p < 0.001) in the group of 40 patients with DC. The HA and the DPD/IPD ratio decreased in 33 (82.5 percent) but remained the same in 7 (1.7 percent), 6 with unfavorable evolution. In the 21 patients without DC, HA (184.5 ± 5.5º) and the DPD/IPD ratio (0.937 ± 0.046 mm) remained unchanged after surgery. In the literature (1954-2007), we found 52 cases, 5 of which were lung cancer cases, in which reversal of DC, observed in several clinical conditions, was explicitly reported. CONCLUSION: In most lung cancer patients, DC resolves after effective surgical treatment of the tumor, as can occur in patients with other conditions.

Clubbed fingers: radiological evaluation of the nail bed thickness.

It is established that there is an increase in soft tissue of the clubbed digits as demonstrated on previous histopathological examinations. In the present study, the nail bed thickness was assessed and measured on plain radiographs of index fingers in two groups of patients: one group with lung disease and fingers clubbing and one group of normal controls. A vertical x-ray beam was used with a focus-film distance of 1.0 m, with the index finger placed in lateral view directly over the film, without anti-diffusion grid. Three investigators, blinded to prevent bias measured the thickness of soft tissues between the nail root and the terminal phalanx on the radiographs. This method was used to evaluate a group of 85 clinically clubbed (hyponychial angle > 192.0 degrees) adult patients with lung disease and a control group of a 100 normal adult individuals with no clubbing (hyponychial angle < 188.0 degrees). The mean nail bed thickness in the patients with clubbing (n = 85) was 3.88 +/- 0.55 mm (3.00-5.50 mm). In comparison, in the normal subjects (n = 100), the mean was 2.38 +/- 0.27 mm (1.75-3.10 mm), revealing a significant difference (P < 0.001). Only two normal individuals presented nail bed thickness >or=3.0 mm. A good interobserver agreement on the measurements was found (P > 0.900). The radiographic evaluation of the nail bed thickness was easily performed, with good interobserver concordance. It is possible to distinguish between clubbed from nonclubbed fingers, in vivo, using plain radiograph.

Abscesso pulmonar de aspiração: análise de 252 casos consecutivos estudados de 1968 a 2004 / Lung abscess: analysis of 252 consecutive cases diagnosed between 1968 and 2004

OBJETIVO: Apresentar a experiência de um serviço especializado em doenças respiratórias no manejo de casos de abscesso pulmonar de aspiração. MÉTODOS: Descrevem-se aspectos diagnósticos e resultados terapêuticos de 252 casos consecutivos de pacientes com abscesso de pulmão, hospitalizados de 1968 a 2004. RESULTADOS: Dos 252 casos, 209 ocorreram em homens e 43 em mulheres, com média de idade de 41,4 anos. Eram alcoolistas 70,2 por cento dos pacientes. Tosse, expectoração, febre e comprometimento do estado geral ocorreram em mais de 97 por cento dos casos, 64 por cento tinham dor torácica, 30,2 por cento hipocratismo digital, 82,5 por cento apresentavam dentes em mau estado de conservação, 78,6 por cento tiveram episódio de perda de consciência e 67,5 por cento apresentavam odor fétido de secreções broncopulmonares. Em 85,3 por cento dos casos as lesões localizavam-se nos segmentos posterior de lobo superior ou superior de lobo inferior, 96,8 por cento delas unilateralmente. Em 24 pacientes houve associação de empiema pleural (9,5 por cento). Flora mista foi identificada em secreções broncopulmonares ou pleurais em 182 pacientes (72,2 por cento). Todos os doentes foram inicialmente tratados com antibióticos (principalmente penicilina ou clindamicina) e 98,4 por cento deles foram submetidos à drenagem postural. Procedimentos cirúrgicos foram efetuados em 52 (20,6 por cento) pacientes (24 drenagens de empiema, 22 ressecções pulmonares e 6 pneumostomias). Cura foi obtida em 242 pacientes (96,0 por cento) e 10 faleceram (4,0 por cento). CONCLUSÃO: O abscesso pulmonar de aspiração ocorreu predominantemente em indivíduos adultos masculinos com doença dentária e episódio antecedente de perda de consciência (especialmente por alcoolismo). A maioria dos pacientes foi tratada clinicamente (antibióticos e drenagem postural). Um quinto deles submeteu-se a algum procedimento cirúrgico.

Lung abscess: analysis of 252 consecutive cases diagnosed between 1968 and 2004.

OBJECTIVE: To relate the experience of the staff at a health care facility specializing in the management of patients with aspiration lung abscess. METHODS: Diagnostic aspects and therapeutic results of 252 consecutive cases of lung abscess seen in patients hospitalized between 1968 and 2004. RESULTS: Of the 252 patients, 209 were male, and 43 were female. The mean age was 41.4 years, and 70.2% were alcoholic. Cough, expectoration, fever and overall poor health were seen over 97% of patients. Chest pain was reported by 64%, 30.2% presented digital clubbing, 82.5% had dental disease, 78.6% reported having lost consciousness at least once, and 67.5% presented foul smelling sputum. In 85.3% of the patients, the lung lesions were located either in the posterior segments of the upper lobe or in the superior segments of the lower lobe, and 96.8% were unilateral. Concomitant pleural empyema was seen in 24 (9.5%) of the patients. Mixed flora was identified in the bronchopulmonary or pleural secretions of 182 patients (72.2%). All patients were initially treated with antibiotics (mainly penicillin or clindamycin), and postural drainage was performed in 98.4% of cases. Surgical procedures were performed in 52 (20.6%) of the patients (drainage of empyema in 24, pulmonary resection in 22 and drainage of the abscess in 6). Cure was obtained in 242 patients (96.0%), and 10 (4.0%) died. CONCLUSION: Lung abscess occurred predominantly in male adults presenting dental disease and having a history of loss of consciousness (especially as a result of alcohol abuse). Most of the patients were treated clinically with antibiotics and postural drainage, although some surgical procedure was required in one-fifth of the study sample.

Avaliação objetiva do hipocratismo digital em imagens de sombra de dedo indicador: estudo em pacientes pneumopatas e em indivíduos normais / Objective evaluation of clubbing on shadow images of index fingers: a study of patients with pulmonary disease and of normal individuals

INTRODUÇAO: O diagnóstico do hipocratismo digital é clínico, mas pode tornar-se mais acurado pelo uso de critérios objetivos de determinação. OBJETIVO: Mostrar um método simples de obtenção de imagens de dedos para estudo do hipocratismo digital. MÉTODO: Em imagens de dedos indicadores em perfil, obtidas praticamente sem distorção em folha de papel comum, projetadas através de lâmina de vidro, determinaram-se os ângulos do perfil e hiponiquial, e a relação entre as espessuras falangeana distal e interfalangena. Estudaram-se 306 pneumopatas adultos, clinicamente com hipocratismo presente, ausente ou duvidoso, e 452 indivíduos adultos normais. Eram fumantes 71,0 por cento dos pacientes e 33,4 por cento dos controles. RESULTADOS: Os valores encontrados nos indivíduos normais e nos pacientes nos quais havia a presença clínica de hipocratismo foram, respectivamente, 172,8 ± 5,3º e 183,4 ± 5,0º para ângulo de perfil, 181,5 ± 4,8º e 201,4 ± 6,5º para ângulo hiponiquial, e 0,904 ± 0,029 e 1,014 ± 0,062 para a relação entre as espessuras falangeana distal e interfalangeana. As diferenças foram significativas. Os casos duvidosos também tiveram valores maiores que os verificados nos controles. No grupo controle, observou-se que os fumantes masculinos apresentaram os três valores significativamente superiores aos exibidos pelos não fumantes, enquanto que nas mulheres fumantes desse grupo apenas a relação entre as espessuras falangeana distal e interfalangeana se mostrou superior. CONCLUSAO: Imagens nítidas de dedos indicadores foram facilmente obtidas pelo método empregado. O ângulo hiponiquial, determinado a partir das imagens, foi a medida que se mostrou com maior capacidade para discriminar casos com e sem hipocratismo (sensibilidade de 76,7 por cento, especificidade de 83,2 por cento, valores preditivos positivo de 95,8 por cento e negativo de 96,9 por cento).

Bronquiectasias: aspectos diagnósticos e terapêuticos Estudo de 170 pacientes / Bronchiectasis: diagnostic and therapeutic features A study of 170 patients

INTRODUÇAO: Bronquiectasias são freqüentemente encontradas na prática médica no Brasil, levando a significativa morbidez e comprometimento da qualidade de vida de seus portadores. OBJETIVOS: Analisar aspectos diagnósticos e terapêuticos em uma série de pacientes com bronquiectasias atendidos em um serviço de doenças pulmonares. MÉTODO: Sinais, sintomas, achados radiográficos e microbiológicos, e resultados terapêuticos foram estudados em 170 pacientes portadores de bronquiectasias hospitalizados no período de 1978 a 2001 - 62,4 por cento do sexo feminino, 37,6 por cento do masculino, com idade média de 37 anos, variando entre 12 e 88 anos. RESULTADOS: Antecedente de pneumonia na infância foi detectado em 52,5 por cento dos pacientes, de tratamento tisiológico em 19,8 por cento; 8,8 por cento tinham asma brônquica, e dois tinham síndrome de Kartagener. Os sintomas mais comuns foram tosse (100 por cento), expectoração (96 por cento) e estertores pulmonares (66 por cento). As lesões eram unilaterais em 46,5 por cento dos casos. Pneumococo, H. influenzae ou flora mista estiveram presentes em 85 por cento das amostras de escarro examinadas. Os 170 pacientes receberam inicialmente tratamento clínico à base de antibióticos e fisioterapia respiratória; 88 deles (52 por cento) mais jovens, com lesões menores e boa reserva funcional foram submetidos à cirurgia de ressecção pulmonar (82 unilaterais e seis bilaterais). Ocorreram dois óbitos hospitalares entre os pacientes que receberam tratamento exclusivamente clínico. Os pacientes tratados cirurgicamente tiveram acentuada melhora dos sintomas, raramente necessitando ser reinternados. CONCLUSÕES: Os prolongados sintomas broncopulmonares foram permanentemente aliviados na maioria dos pacientes com bronquiectasias que puderam ir à cirurgia de ressecção pulmonar, diferentemente dos que seguiram com o tratamento clínico.