Diagnostic Accuracy with Total Adenosine Deaminase as a Biomarker for Discriminating Pleural Transudates and Exudates in a Population-Based Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: An initial step in the evaluation of patients with pleural effusion syndrome (PES) is to determine whether the pleural fluid is a transudate or an exudate. OBJECTIVES: To investigate total adenosine deaminase (ADA) as a biomarker to classify pleural transudates and exudates. METHODS: An assay of total ADA in pleural fluids (P-ADA) was observed using a commercial kit in a population-based cohort study. RESULTS: 157 pleural fluid samples were collected from untreated individuals with PES due to several causes. The cause most prevalent in transudate samples (21%, n = 33/157) was congestive heart failure (79%, 26/33) and that among exudate samples (71%, n = 124/157) was tuberculosis (28.0%, 44/124). There was no significant difference in the proportion of either sex between the transudate and exudate groups. The median values of P-ADA were significantly different (P < 0.0001) between both total exudates (18.4 U/L; IQR, 9.85-41.4) and exudates without pleural tuberculosis (11.0 U/L; IQR, 7.25-19.75) and transudates (6.85; IQR, 2.67-11.26). For exudates, the AUC was 0.820 (95% CI, 0.751-0.877; P < 0.001), with excellent discrimination. The optimum cut-off point in the ROC curve was determined as the level that provided the maximum positive likelihood ratio (PLR; 14.64; 95% CI, 2.11-101.9) and was22.0 U/L. For transudates, the AUC was 0.8245 (95% CI, 0.7470-0.9020; P < 0.0001). Internal validation of the AUC after 1000 resamples was evaluated with a tolerance minor than 2%. The clinical utility was equal to 92% (95% CI, 0.84 to 0.96, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: P-ADA is a useful biomarker for distinguishing pleural exudates from transudates.

Increased Cytokeratin 19 Fragment Levels Are Positively Correlated with Adenosine Deaminase Activity in Malignant Pleural Effusions from Adenocarcinomas.

Adenosine deaminase (ADA) and cytokeratin 19 (CK19) are known pleural biomarkers. Although ADA in humans functions mainly in the immune system, it also appears to be associated with the differentiation of epithelial cells. Keratin filaments are important structural stabilizers of epithelial cells and potent biomarkers in epithelial differentiation. This study aimed to investigate the simultaneous presence of the ADA enzyme and CK19 fragments to assess epithelial differentiation in malignant and benign pleural fluids. Diagnosis of the cause of pleural effusion syndrome was confirmed by means of standard examinations and appropriate surgical procedures. An ADA assay, in which ADA irreversibly catalyzes the conversion of adenosine into inosine, was performed using a commercial kit. The CK19 assay was performed using a CYFRA 21-1 kit, developed to detect quantitative soluble fragments of CK19 using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. One hundred nineteen pleural fluid samples were collected from untreated individuals with pleural effusion syndrome due to several causes. ADA levels only correlated with CK19 fragments in adenocarcinomas, with high significance and good correlation (rho = 0.5145, P = 0.0036). However, further studies are required to understand this strong association on epithelial differentiation in metastatic pleural fluids from adenocarcinomas.

Prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obesity among 2, 162 Brazilian school adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: The nutritional profile of the Brazilian population has changed in recent years. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of nutritional status among Brazilian school adolescents during the period from January 2014 to December 2014. METHODS: This study employed an observational design with a cohort of school adolescents. Anthropometric measurement was assessed by nutritionists in government schools. The cut-off points for body mass index according to Brazilian criteria for adolescents of both sexes between 10 years and 19 years old were underweight (≤17.5 kg/m(2)), overweigh (≥25.0 kg/m(2)), and obesity (≥30.0 kg/m(2)). RESULTS: The number of students included in the analysis was 2162, of which 71.0% were males and 29% were females (P = 0.00001). The mean age (years) was 13.14 ± 2.17 for boys and 12.66 ± 1.85 for girls (P = 0.0001). The prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obesity observed in our population of school adolescents according to the Brazilian criteria was 2.8%, 8.1%, and 2.4% for males, respectively, and 23.0%, 10.7%, and 3.6% for females, respectively. For both sexes, there was no statistically significant difference between overweight (P = 0.5469) and obesity (P = 0.7863), but there was for underweight (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of excess weight among Brazilian school adolescents is similar to the international prevalence, but the prevalence of underweight was very high among girls. The nutritional status of adolescents must be considered a public health problem in Brazil.

Adenosina desaminase: uma enzima extraordinária e onipresente Adenosina desaminase: uma enzima extraordinária e onipresente / Adenosine deaminase: an extraordinary and omnipresent enzyme

Depois de introduzir os conceitos básicos da enzima adenosina desaminase (ADA), uma breve discussão sobre a estrutura, o mecanismo enzimático, terapia genética e potencial utilização terapêutica de inibidores de ADA são apresentados. O estudo da ADA é muito mais complexo do que simplesmente seu papel como biomarcador diagnóstico para tuberculose pleural que veio revolucionar o setor de diagnóstico na medicina clínica nos últimos anos. O aumento de sua atividade no líquido pleural, e em outros líquidos orgânicos, impede que o paciente na maioria dos casos com síndrome do derrame pleural por tuberculose seja submetido a procedimentos cirúrgicos invasivos com possíveis complicações potencialmente fatais AU.

After introducing the basic concepts of ADA, a brief discussion on the structure, enzymatic mechanism, gene therapy and potential therapeutic use of ADA inhibitors are presented. The study of the ADA is much more complex than simply its role as a biomarker for pleural tuberculosis that has revolutionized the diagnostic in clinical medicine in recent years. The increase in its activity in the pleural fluid, and other body fluids, prevents the patient in most cases with pleural effusion tuberculosis is subjected to invasive surgical procedures with possible life-threatening complications. AU

Diagnóstico e tratamento dos derrames pleurais malignos / Diagnosis and treatment of malignant pleural effusions

Carcinomas brônquicos, com maior frequência os adenocarcinomas, linfomas e carcinoma de mama, constituem 75% das causas de derrame pleural maligno (DPM). Para utilização das diversas opções terapêuticas paliativas disponíveis deve ser considerada uma avaliação multidisciplinar do estado do paciente, em conjunto com a experiência do profissional médico assistente, a capacidade técnica da instituição onde o tratamento será realizado e o custo-benefício AU.

Lung cancer, more often adenocarcinomas, lymphomas and breast carcinoma, are 75.0% of the causes of malignant pleural effusion. Palliative therapeutic options should be considered a multidisciplinary assessment of the patient's condition, together with the experience of the physician assistant professional, technical capacity of the institution where the treatment will be carried out and cost-effective AU.

Biomarcadores tumorais pleurais na prática clínica: úteis? Inúteis? Incompreendidos? / Pleural tumor markers in clinical practice: useful? Useless? Misunderstood?

Os biomarcadores tumorais dosados no líquido pleural possuem relevância estatística e clínica para serem utilizados como sugestão do diagnóstico diferencial entre derrames pleurais malignos e benignos nos casos onde os primeiros resultados da citopatologia e histopatologia são ambos inconclusivos AU

Tumor biomarkers measured in pleural fluid have statistical and clinical relevance for use as a suggestion of differential diagnosis between benign and malignant pleural effusions in cases where the first results of cytopathology and histopathology are both inconclusive AU.

Novo critério bioquímico para classificar transudatos e exsudatos pleurais com dosagens de proteínas totais e desidrogenase lática somente no líquido pleural / New biochemical criteria for classify transudate and exsudate with dosage of total protein and lactate dehydrogenase only in pleural liquid

A correta classificação do líquido pleural em transudato ou exsudato é importante para início do diagnóstico da síndrome do derrame pleural. Um exame ou um conjunto deles precisa ter bom rendimento para cumprir este objetivo. Os autores neste trabalho propuseram novo critério de classificação entre exsudatos e transudatos pleurais com dosagens de proteínas totais (PtnT) e desidrogenase lática (DLH) exclusivamente no líquido pleural. Para as dosagens de PtnT-L, o novo ponto de corte determinado para diagnosticar exsudato pleural foi superior a 3,4g/dL e transudato menor ou igual a 3,4g/dL com uma AUC na curva ROC igual a 0,886 (p=0,0001). Em relação à DLH-L, o novo ponto de corte determinado para diagnosticar exsudato pleural foi superior a 328,0U/L e transudato menor ou igual a 328,0U/L com uma AUC igual a 0, 922 (p = 0,0001). O novo critério de classificação proposto obteve significância estatística e clínica para ser utilizado na prática diária considerando seu rendimento diagnóstico quando validado com o critério clássico de Light. AU

The correct classification of pleural fluid between transudate or exudate is important for early diagnosis of pleural effusion. An exam or a set of them need to have good income to meet this objective. The authors in this paper proposed new classification criteria between exudates and transudate pleural with total protein (Ptn-T) dosages and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) exclusively on pleural fluid. For PtnT-L, a cutoff point for pleural exudate was higher than 3.4 g/ dL and transudate less or equal to 3.4 g/dL with an AUC on ROC curve equal to 0.886 (p = 0.0001). Regarding to LDH-L, a cutoff point for pleural exudate was higher to 328.0 U/L and less than or equal to 328.0 U/L for pleural transudate with an AUC of 0. 922 (p = 0.0001). The proposed new classification criteria had statistical significance and clinical validation for use in daily practice considering its performance when validated with the classic criteria of Light. AU

Profilaxia para o derrame pleural parapneumônico e empiema pleural / Prophylaxis for parapneumonic pleural effusion and empyema pleural

O derrame pleural parapneumônico e o empiema pleural são complicações que podem ocorrer durante a evolução de uma pneumonia ou abscesso pulmonar. A doença pneumocó¬cica invasiva (DPI) é definida como uma infecção confirmada pelo isolamento do Streptococcus pneumoniae a partir de um material do paciente normalmente estéril como, por exemplo, sangue, líquido cerebrospinal e pleural. Atualmente os dois tipos de vacinas anti-pneumocócicas disponíveis no Brasil empregam tecnologias diferentes. Estudo publicado recentemente concluiu que existe um declínio significativo na incidência global de DPI no Brasil. Esses resultados foram observados em crianças com menos de 2 anos de idade após a introdução da vacina conjugada. (AU)

The parapneumonic pleural effusion and empyema are complications that can occur during the course of pneumonia or lung abscess. The invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) is defined as an infection confirmed by the isolation of S. pneumoniae from patient with normally sterile sample such as, for example, blood, cerebrospinal and pleural fluids. There are two antipneumococcal vaccines available in Brazil: Pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPSV23) and pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13). Currently a published study concluded that there was a significant decline in the overall incidence of IPD in Brazil. These results were observed in children less than 2 years after the introduction of the conjugate vaccine. (AU)

Fatores prognósticos para a sobrevida dos pacientes com derrame pleural maligno / Prognostic factors for survival in patients with malignant pleural effusion

Introdução: O tratamento paliativo dos pacientes com Derrame Pleural Maligno (DPM) deve ser individualizado uma vez que esses pacientes têm sobrevida reduzida. O objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver um modelo capaz de identificar os fatores prognósticos relacionados à sobrevida dos pacientes com DPM. Métodos: É um estudo retrospectivo, descritivo, observacional para identificar fatores prognósticos relacionados ao DPM em pacientes com diagnóstico confirmado de câncer oriundos do banco de dados do Instituto Nacional do Câncer (INCA), vinculado ao Ministério da Saúde. A análise multivariada de Kaplan-Meier e o modelo de regressão de Cox foram utilizadas para determinar os fatores com potencial prognóstico relacionados à sobrevida desses pacientes. A sobrevida foi definida como o tempo do diagnóstico anátomo patológico até o óbito. Resultados: Cento e sessenta e cinco pacientes foram incluídos no estudo; 77 homens (47%), e 88 mulheres (53%). A mediana da idade foi de 60 anos (1,0 ­ 95,0), e todos os pacientes tinham DPM confirmados por exames cito e/ou histopatológicos. O carcinoma de pulmão, do tipo não pequenas células (36%), a neoplasia de mama (26%) e os linfomas (13%) foram os tumores mais frequentemente diagnosticados. A mediana da sobrevida global dos pacientes a partir do diagnóstico foi de 5 meses (1,0-96,0). A análise univariada de Kaplan-Meier demonstrou que a sobrevida dos pacientes estava significativamente relacionada com os seguintes fatores prognósticos: a escala de capacidade funcional (PS) da Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) (HR 10,0, IC 95%: 5,96 a 18,50, p < 0,0001), local do tumor primário (HR 1,99, IC 95%: 1,23 a 3,22, p < 0,01), citologia oncótica do líquido pleural positiva (HR 1,25, IC 95%: 0,88 a 1,78, p = 0,04), e exame histológico da pleura positivo (HR 1,33, IC 95%: 0,97 a 1,81, p = 0,04). Outros fatores prognósticos independentes avaliados não tiveram influência na sobrevida. A análise de regressão de Cox demonstrou que somente a escala da capacidade funcional (PS) da ECOG estava altamente relacionada com a sobrevida dos pacientes (HR 73,58, IC 95%: 23,44 a 230,95, p < 0,0001). Conclusões: a escala da capacidade funcional (PS) da ECOG foi um fator previsor independente de sobrevida para os pacientes com DPM no momento do diagnóstico inicial. Este fator prognóstico pode auxiliar os médicos na seleção dos pacientes para o tratamento paliativo apropriado da síndrome do DPM. AU

Background: The approach to palliative treatment of malignant pleural effusion (MPE) should be individualized because these patients generally have poor survival. This study aimed to develop a model to identify prognostic factors for survival time in patients with MPE. Methods: This is a retrospective, descriptive, observational study to identify prognostic factors related to MPE in patients with a confirmed diagnosis of cancer. Cox regression analysis was used to determine significant potential prognostic factors with respect to survival time. Survival time was defined as the time from pathological diagnosis to death. Results: One hundred and sixty-five patients were included; 77 were men (47%) and 88 were women (53%). The median age was 60 years (1.0 ­ 95.0), and all of the patients were pathologically proven to have MPE. Non-small-cell lung cancer (36.0%), breast carcinoma (26%), and lymphoma (13.0%) were the most frequently diagnosed tumors. The median overall survival of patients from the initial diagnosis was 5 months (range: 1.0­96.0 months). The Kaplan­Meier univariate analysis showed that survival was significantly related to the following prognostic factors: Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group - Performance Status (ECOG - PS) (HR 10.0; 95% CI: 5.96 to 18.50, p < 0.0001); primary cancer site (HR 1.99; 95% CI: 1.23 to 3.22, p < 0.01); positive pleural cytology (HR 1.25; 95% CI: 0.88 to 1.78, p = 0.04); and positive histology (HR 1.33; 95% CI: 0.97 to 1.81, p = 0.04). Other potential independent diagnostic factors that were examined did not affect survival. Cox regression analysis showed that only the ECOG PS was highly predictive of survival (HR 73.58; 95% CI: 23.44 to230.95, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: ECOG PS is an independent predictor of survival in patients with MPE at initial diagnosis. This prognostic factor can help physicians select patients for appropriate palliative treatment of this syndrome. AU

A filosofia da Estatística em Pleurologia / The philosophy of Statistics on Pleurology

O principal objetivo deste artigo foi motivar nossos alunos a perderem o medo de Estatística. A Estatística é uma ciência capaz de nos fazer entender os fatos pensando em números, porém, além de fascinante e poderosa ela pode ser uma arma perigosa e manipuladora em mãos inescrupulosas. Infelizmente, os erros estatísticos são comuns na literatura científica. AU

The main purpose of this article was to motivate our students to lose the fear of Statistics. The Statistics is the science that can make us understand the facts thinking about numbers, but besides fascinating and powerful it can be a dangerous and manipulative weapon in unscrupulous hands. Unfortunately, the statistical errors are common in scientific literature. AU

Biomarcadores diagnósticos de tuberculose em pleurologia / Diagnostic biomarkers of tuberculosis in pleurologia

Atualmente o diagnóstico de tuberculose pleural pode ser realizado com a dosagem de biomarcadores diagnósticos no líquido pleural, especificamente com a dosagem da enzima adenosina desaminase. Os quadros clínico, laboratorial, imagem e citopatologia sugestivos sempre devem ser valorizados no conjunto do diagnóstico. Tal abordagem elege somente o procedimento de toracocentese como necessário para início do diagnóstico. Na maioria das apresentações clínicas, procedimentos cirúrgicos mais invasivos (biopsias pleurais), com complicações potencialmente fatais, não precisam ser realizados para exame histopatológico

Currently the diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis can be performed with the dosage of diagnostic biomarkers in pleural fluid, specifically the enzyme adenosine deaminase. The clinical, imaging and cytology suggestive should always be valued in the set of diagnosis together laboratory measurements. This approach selects only a thoracentesis procedure for early diagnosis. In most clinical presentations, more invasive surgical procedures (pleural biopsies) with life-threatening complications for histopathological examination

Estados hiper e hipoglicêmicos agudos: conduta atual / Acute hyper and hypoglycaemic states: current conduct

Os estados hiperglicêmicos e hipoglicêmicos agudos são exemplos das mais comuns emergências médicas com que nos deparamos no campo das alterações do metabolismo. Os estados hiperglicêmicos agudos compreendem a cetoacidose diabética e o coma hiperosmolar hiperglicêmico não cetótico. Neste artigo, analisamos essas condições hiperglicêmicas, que representam um desafio para o clínico e o médico generalista que trabalham no terreno nas emergências médicas

The acute hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic situations are examples of the most common medical emergencies that we face in the field of metabolic disorders. The acute hyperglycemic situations include diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic coma hyperosmolar nonketotic. In this article, we analyze these two hyperglycemic conditions that represent a challenge to the clinician and general practitioner working in the field in medical emergencies

Determination of total proteins and lactate dehydrogenase for the diagnosis of pleural transudates and exudates: redefining the classical criterion with a new statistical approach.

OBJECTIVE: To propose a new classification criterion for the differentiation between pleural exudates and transudates-quantifying total proteins in pleural fluid (TP-PF) and lactate dehydrogenase in pleural fluid (LDH-PF) exclusively-as well as to compare this new criterion with the classical criterion in terms of diagnostic yield. METHODS: This was an observational, cross-sectional study with a within-subject design, comprising 181 patients with pleural effusion treated at two university hospitals in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, between 2003 and 2006. The diagnostic parameters included in the classical criterion were identified, as were those included in the new criterion. RESULTS: Of the 181 patients, 152 and 29 were diagnosed with pleural exudates and pleural transudates, respectively. For the classical criterion, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for the diagnosis of pleural exudates were, respectively, 99.8%, 68.6%, and 94.5%, whereas the corresponding values for the diagnosis of pleural transudates were 76.1%, 90.1%, and 87.6%. For the new criterion (cut-off points set at 3.4 g/dL for TP-PF and 328.0 U/L for LDH-PF), the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for the diagnosis of exudates were, respectively, 99.4%, 72.6%, and 99.2%, whereas the corresponding values for the diagnosis of transudates were 98.5%, 83.4%, and 90.0%. The accuracy of the new criterion for the diagnosis of pleural exudates was significantly greater than was that of the classical criterion (p = 0.0022). CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic yield was comparable between the two criteria studied. Therefore, the new classification criterion can be used in daily practice.

Conduta para diagnóstico da causa da síndrome do derrame pleural / Conduct for diagnosis of syndrome of pleural effusion cause

O derrame pleural é síndrome clínica que pode acompanhar diversas doenças, quer primárias da pleura, quer secundárias a lesões do parênquima pulmonar ou a enfermidades sistêmicas. A literatura mundial ainda relata que entre 11% e 20% dos casos a causa da síndrome do derrame pleural fica sem ser estabelecida. O diagnóstico sindrômico e etiológico deve seguir critérios e roteiros padronizados para o diagnóstico da causa e o tratamento adequado.

Pleural effusion is a clinical syndrome that may accompany various diseases, either primary of the pleura, or secondary to parenchymal lesions or systemic illnesses. The literature also reports that between 11% and 20% of cases the cause of the syndrome of pleural effusion is not being established. The syndromic diagnosis and etiologic and scripts should follow standard cirteria for diagnosing the cause and proper treatment.

Dosagem de proteínas totais e desidrogenase lática para o diagnóstico de transudatos e exsudatos pleurais: redefinindo o critério clássico com uma nova abordagem estatística / Determination of total proteins and lactate dehydrogenase for the diagnosis of pleural transudates and exudates: redefining the classical criterion with a new statistical approach

OBJETIVO: Propor um novo critério de classificação para a diferenciação entre exsudatos e transudatos pleurais através da dosagem de proteínas totais no líquido pleural (PT-LP) e de desidrogenase lática no líquido pleural (DHL-LP) exclusivamente, assim como comparar o rendimento diagnóstico entre esse novo critério com o critério clássico. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional, transversal de tipo individualizado, no qual foram selecionados 181 pacientes com derrame pleural tratados em dois hospitais universitários no estado do Rio de Janeiro (RJ) entre 2003 e 2006. Os parâmetros diagnósticos incluídos no critério clássico, assim como os do novo critério, foram determinados. RESULTADOS: Dos 181 pacientes, 152 e 29 foram diagnosticados, respectivamente, com exsudato pleural e transudato pleural. A sensibilidade, especificidade e acurácia do critério clássico para o diagnóstico de exsudato pleural foram, respectivamente, de 99,8 por cento, 68,6 por cento e 94,5 por cento, enquanto, para o diagnóstico de transudato pleural, essas foram de 76,1 por cento, 90,1 por cento e 87,6 por cento. Utilizando-se os pontos de corte de 3,4 g/dL para a dosagem de PT-LP e de 328,0 U/L para aquela de DHL-LP (novo critério), a sensibilidade, especificidade e acurácia foram de, respectivamente, 99,4 por cento, 72,6 por cento e 99,2 por cento, para o diagnóstico de exsudato, e de 98,5 por cento, 83,4 por cento e 90,0 por cento, para o diagnóstico de transudato. A acurácia do novo critério proposto para o diagnóstico de exsudato pleural foi significativamente maior que aquela do critério clássico (p = 0,0022). CONCLUSÕES: O rendimento diagnóstico dos dois critérios estudados foi semelhante. Portanto, esse novo critério de classificação pode ser utilizado na prática diária.

OBJECTIVE: To propose a new classification criterion for the differentiation between pleural exudates and transudates-quantifying total proteins in pleural fluid (TP-PF) and lactate dehydrogenase in pleural fluid (LDH-PF) exclusively-as well as to compare this new criterion with the classical criterion in terms of diagnostic yield. METHODS: This was an observational, cross-sectional study with a within-subject design, comprising 181 patients with pleural effusion treated at two university hospitals in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, between 2003 and 2006. The diagnostic parameters included in the classical criterion were identified, as were those included in the new criterion. RESULTS: Of the 181 patients, 152 and 29 were diagnosed with pleural exudates and pleural transudates, respectively. For the classical criterion, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for the diagnosis of pleural exudates were, respectively, 99.8 percent, 68.6 percent, and 94.5 percent, whereas the corresponding values for the diagnosis of pleural transudates were 76.1 percent, 90.1 percent, and 87.6 percent. For the new criterion (cut-off points set at 3.4 g/dL for TP-PF and 328.0 U/L for LDH-PF), the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for the diagnosis of exudates were, respectively, 99.4 percent, 72.6 percent, and 99.2 percent, whereas the corresponding values for the diagnosis of transudates were 98.5 percent, 83.4 percent, and 90.0 percent. The accuracy of the new criterion for the diagnosis of pleural exudates was significantly greater than was that of the classical criterion (p = 0.0022). CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic yield was comparable between the two criteria studied. Therefore, the new classification criterion can be used in daily practice.

The Influence of an undergraduate scientific initiation programme onn the professional profile of new physicians. / Influência de um programa de iniciação científica de graduação no perfil profissional dos médicos recém-formados.

INTRODUCTION: This paper studies the influence of a Scientific Initiation Programme (SIP) on the professional profile of new doctors from a Brazilian university. AIM AND METHODS: Evaluate fifty-two new doctors divided into two groups matched by sex, age and academic performance and differing only in participation in the SIP. Professional and socioeconomic data were collected, including schooling of parents; average income before, during and after the medical course; current professional situation; results of exams for civil servant recruitment; and titles and degrees obtained after graduation. RESULTS: Significant differences were found only in civil servant recruitment exam results (p=0.0098) and in income after graduation (p=0.02), which were both higher in the non-SIP group. Only one doctor got a M.Sc. degree after graduation, but many of them in both groups obtained technical titles, and had papers presented at congresses or published. CONCLUSIONS: Apparently, taking part in a SIP led to lower income and worse civil servant recruitment exam results. However, this may only reflect a transient phase in a long-term process. New research currently under way will answer this remaining question, now that more time has elapsed since graduation. Rev Port Pneumol 2010; XVI (5): 797-808.

Classificação de transudatos e exsudatos pleurais com os exames de proteínas totais e desidrogenase lática dosados somente no líquido pleural / Classification of pleural transudates and exudates with total protein and lactate dehydrogenase tests measured only in pleural fluid

Objetivo: Propor novo critério de classificação entre exsudatos e transudatos pleurais com dosagens de proteínas totais (PtnT) e DHL exclusivamente no líquido pleural. Metodologia: 181 pacientes selecionados entre 2003 e 2006. Cálculo estatístico pela curva ROC. Resultados: Para o diagnóstico de exsudato, isoladamente no líquido pleural, as dosagens de Ptn-T ≥ 3,4g/dL e DHL ≥ 328,0 U/L proporcionaram sensibilidade, especificidade e acurária de 99,4% (98,7 – 99,7), 72,6% (69,7 – 75,2) e99,2% (98,4 – 99,5), respectivamente. Sensibilidade de 98,5 % (93,0 – 99,0), especificidade de 83,4% (74,0 – 89,0) e acurácia de 90,0 (82,0 – 94,0) para transudato pleural. Conclusão: O novo critério de classificação proposto com dosagens de proteínas totais e DHL isoladamente no líquido pleural, obteve significância estatística e clínica para ser utilizado na prática diária.

Objective: To propose new reference values and their respective diagnostic parameters of the total proteins and lactic desidrogenase (LDH) dosage exclusively in the pleural fluid to diagnose pleural exudates and transudates. Methodology: 181patients selected from 2003 to 2006. Results submitted to ROC curve. Results: Isolated analysis of total protein with level ≥3.4g/dL and LDH ≥ 328.0 U/L in pleural fluid had a sensivity, specificity and accuracy of 99.4% (98.7 – 99.7), 72.6% (69.7 –75.2) and 99.2% (98.4 – 99.5) respectively. Conclusion: The new classification criteria for distinguishing between pleural exudates and transudates, with measurements of total proteins and LDH in pleural fluid alone, reached statistical and clinicalsignificance.

Abordagem nutricional em pacientes com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica / Nutritional approach in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

A doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC) produz conseqüências sistêmicas significativas e é a quarta doença mais letal no Brasil, atingindo mais de 6 milhões de pessoas e acarretando aproximadamente 30 mil óbitos ao ano. Embora sem cura, pode ser controlada por métodos de diagnóstico precoce, uso contínuo de medicações e de vários aspectos de reabilitação pulmonar, incluindo abordagem nutricional. O fator nutricional em pacientes com DPOC é um problema grave porque é considerado pelas pesquisas atuais um fator de mortalidade independente do volume expiratório forçado em um segundo. O índice de massa corporal (IMC) tem sido usado como um marcador de estado nutricional e preditor de sobrevida em pacientes com DPOC. Entretanto, pesquisas recentes concluíram que os valores de massa livre de gordura (MLG), avaliados por bioimpedancia elétrica foi o parâmetro mais sensível para detectar desnutrição em um grupo de pacientes pneumopatas com DPOC e outros distúrbios ventilatórios, em comparação com IMC menor do que 20 kg/m2. Níveis plasmáticos de leptina estão relacionados com consumo dietético na DPOC. Conduta nutricional em pacientes com DPOC incluem suplementação nutricional oral e agentes anabólicos. Além de uma composição adequada de proteínas, carboidratos, lipídeos, vitaminas e minerais na dieta, a rescrição de exercícios físicos também é fundamental para reduzir complicações, co-morbidades e mortalidade nestes pacientes.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) produces systemic consequences and is the fourth most lethal disease in Brazil, reaching more than 6 million people and causing approximately 30 thousand deaths per year. Although without cure, can be controlled by methods of early diagnosis, continuous use of medications and the various aspects of pulmonaryrehabilitation, including nutritional approach. The nutritional factor in patients with COPD is a serious problem because it is considered by current researches a mortality factor independent of forced expiratory volume in one second. Body mass index (BMI) has been used as a marker for nutritional status and it is a prognostic factor for COPD. However, recent studiesconcluded that the values of fat free mass (FFM) evaluated by electric bioimpedance was the parameter more sensitive to detect malnutrition in a group of patients with COPD and other ventilatory disorders, in comparison with BMI less than 20 kg/m2. Plasma leptin is related to proinflammatory status and dietary intake in patients with COPD. Nutritional intervention in COPD patients are oral supplements and anabolic agents. In addition to an appropriate composition of proteins, carbohydrates,lipids, vitamins and minerals in the diet, the prescription of physical exercises is also essential to reduce complications,co-morbidities and mortality in these patients.

Curso de atualização em emergências médicas: aula 17: emergência em diabéticos / Course of updating in medical emergencies: class 17: emergency in diabetics

A cetoacidose diabética e o estado hiperosmolar hiperglicêmico não cetótico são complicações hiperglicêmicas agudas do diabetes mellitus e representam um desafio para o clínico que trabalha no terreno das emergências médicas. A cetoacidose diabética pode ser a manifestação inicial ou resultar de intercorrências havidas em pacientes com diabetes tipo 1. Além disso, pode se instalar em pacientes diabéticos tipo 2 submeticos a situações de extrema gravidade, tais como sepse. O coma hiperosmolar hiperglicêmico não cetótico costuma acometer portadores de diabetes tipo 2. Tais complicações trazem risco à vida do paciente diabético, com elevada taxa de mortalidade. Estas e outras emergências diabéticas são abordadas no presente artigo, com ênfase em diagnóstico e tratamento.

Diabetic ketoacidosis and nonketotic hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome are challenging metabolic complications of diabetes mellitus, especially in the setting of the emergency department. Diabetic ketoacidosis can be the first clinical manifestation of type 1 diabetes or result of intercurrent events in someone already diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Nonketotic hyperosmolar hyperglycemic coma is more frequently associated with type 2 diabetes. Both complications are lefe-threatening and the mortality rate is high. Management of this and other acute complications of diabetes are discussed, emphasizing diagnosis and treatment.