Hospital De Clinicas De Porto Alegre Research Articles

A controlled open clinical trial of the positive effect of a physical intervention on quality of life in schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder associated with important physical (obesity and low motor functional capacity) and metabolic (diabetes and cardiovascular diseases) changes that contribute to a more sedentary lifestyle and a low quality of life. The study aimed to measure the effect of two different protocols of physical exercise [aerobic intervention (AI) versus functional intervention ([FI)] on lifestyle in schizophrenia compared with healthy sedentary subjects. A controlled clinical trial involving patients diagnosed with schizophrenia from two different locations [Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA) and Centro de Atenção Psicosocial (CAPS) in the city of Camaquã] was carried out. The patients undertook two different exercise protocols (IA: 5-min warm-up of comfortable intensity; 45 min of aerobic exercise of increasing intensity using any of the three modalities-a stationary bicycle, a treadmill, or an elliptical trainer; and 10 min of global stretching of large muscle groups; and FI: a 5 min warm-up with a stationary walk; 15 min of muscle and joint mobility exercises; 25 min of global muscle resistance exercises; and 15 min of breathing body awareness work) twice a week for 12 weeks and were compared with physically inactive healthy controls. Clinical symptoms (BPRS), life quality (SF-36), and physical activity levels (SIMPAQ) were evaluated. The significance level was p ≤ 0.05. The trial involved 38 individuals, of which 24 from each group performed the AI, and 14 from each group underwent the FI. This division of interventions was not randomized but was instead decided upon for convenience. The cases showed significant improvements in quality of life and lifestyle, but these differences were greater in the healthy controls. Both interventions were very beneficial, with the functional intervention tending to be more effective in the cases and the aerobic intervention more effective in the controls. Supervised physical activity improved life quality and reduced sedentary lifestyle in adults with schizophrenia.

Influence of Different Asparaginase Formulations in the Prognosis of Children With Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia in Brazil: A Multicenter, Retrospective Controlled Study

Background: Our research group recently showed that the only ASNase formulation available in Brazil from 2017 to 2018 when used at the same dose and frequency as the formulation provided previously did not reach, in most cases, the serum activity considered therapeutic. Based on these data, our goal was to assess the impact of these facts on the prognosis of children with ALL at 10 different pediatric oncology centers in our country. Methods: a multicenter retrospective observational study followed by prospective follow-up. Patients aged >1 and <18 years in first-line treatment followed up at 10 referral centers of Brazil, between 2014 and 2018 who received the formulation Leuginase® were identified (Group B). For each patient, the center registered 2 patients who received ASNase in the presentation of Aginasa® exclusively (Group A). Data collection was performed by searching for medical records and registered using Redcap® software. Findings: A total of 419 patients were included; 282 in Group A and 137 in Group B. Clinical features at diagnosis were similar in both groups. Group A had a 3-year OS and EFS of 91·8% and 84·8% respectively, while Group B had a 3-year OS of 83·8% (p= 0·003) and EFS of 76·1% (p = 0·008). Interpretation: There was an impact on 3-year OS and EFS of children who received an asparaginase formulation that previously showed inferior activity in laboratory analysis. This result highlights the importance of evaluating asparaginase formulations and monitoring their activity during treatment. Funding Statement: The research was supported by FIPE/HCPA (Fundo de Incentivo a Pesquisa e Eventos do Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre). Declaration of Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest. Ethics Approval Statement: Ethical approval to conduct this study has been granted by the Ethics Committee of Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA). Participating adults as well as those responsible for minors signed informed consents in duplicate, keeping a copy for themselves.

Treatment delay and outcomes in stage IV lung cancer: The reality of a public hospital in a developing country.

e20709 Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths globally. Despite the development of a number of new therapeutic options for stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), many patients (pts) still face difficulties in accessing proper treatment in adequate time, especially in developing countries. We analyzed clinical outcomes in a population with stage IV NSCLC treated at a public hospital in Southern Brazil. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we enrolled 57 pts with stage IV NSCLC treated at Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA) between 2016 and 2018. Results: Median follow-up was 20.3 months, 53% were men, mean age was 65 years, 86% had smoked, 84% had de novo metastatic disease, 96% had non-squamous histology, and 16% had EGFR mutations. At the point of therapeutic decision-making, 72% had ECOG performance status (PS) 0-2 (deemed as good), whereas 28% had PS 3-4 (poor). Among pts diagnosed at HCPA (91%), median time from symptoms to diagnosis was 23 days, and median time from diagnosis to palliative systemic therapy (PST) was 65 days. PST was delivered to 60% of pts, and the most used first-line protocol was Taxol-Carboplatin (79%). Two or more lines of PST were delivered to 23% of pts. In the subgroup of pts with sensitizing EGFR mutations, 75% received anti-EGFR therapy (Gefitinib). The main reason for upfront best supportive care (BSC) was poor PS. In the poor PS subgroup, 44% initially presented at HCPA with good PS; however, PS deterioration precluded them from starting PST. No pts with poor PS received PST. In the whole cohort, median overall survival (OS) was 7.7 months. In the Cox regression multivariate analysis, poor PS (HR 3.80, P &lt; 0.0001, 95% CI 1.90–7.61) and second-line PST (HR 0.23, P = 0.002, 95% CI 0.09–0.58) were independent predictors of OS. Median OS was 10.3 months vs. 2.4 months in PST and BSC subgroups, respectively. Conclusions: In our cohort, which reflects the reality of a publicly insured population and thus most of Brazilian lung cancer pts, poor PS deprives nearly one-third of pts from PST and is associated with a worse prognosis. Postponement of PST may lead to a loss of opportunity for pts to being treated; therefore, it is crucial to develop strategies to improve time to PST.

HOSPITAL WASTE: CAN WE REDUCE THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF A LARGE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL?

Introduction: As technology advances, society must reflect on the destination of materials which are no longer needed. Hospital waste requires special attention due to the associated risk of disease transmission and biological accidents. Also, it tends to increase proportionally to the economic development and is associated with increased use of disposable material. The purpose of this study is to analyze the management of hospital waste at the Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA) and to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of the measures adopted by the institution to mitigate the impact of its waste on the environment. Methods: Observational study with field research. The management of hospital waste is divided into generation, disposal, storage and final destination. Results: Between 2010 and 2015, the HCPA produced 21.4 tons of biological and sharps waste, 23,000 liters of chemical waste and 113,9 tons of solid waste per month. The main improvements include the implementation of a inspection of the hospital’s waste bins every 2 months, a reduction from 29.42% to 2.79% in the rate of inappropriate disposal of hazardous waste, a 313% increase in investments in staff training, the expansion and adaptation of external areas for temporary storage of hospital waste and the collection of more than 1 ton of waste generated by the local community (sharps, X-ray films, kitchen oil, batteries), as well as the establishment of contracts which will guarantee the appropriate treatment of all types of health care waste. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that mitigating the impact of hospital waste on the environment is possible and should encourage the adoption of similar measures at other institutions. Keywords : Health care quality management; environmental management; hospital administration; medical waste

The role of MRI in Clinically Suspected Appendicitis During Pregnancy

A 31 years female with approximately 20 weeks of gestation attends the emergency department of the Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA) reporting pain in the lower abdomen radiating to the right iliac fossa. After clinical and laboratory examination, the clinical diagnosis of appendicitis was suspected, and then performed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdomen for diagnostic reasons. The MRI of the abdomen was performed and revealed signs of appendicitis. The intraoperative findings were purulent fluid in the right iliac fossa and appendix with necrotic appearance without signs of perforation. The pathological diagnosis was acute suppurative appendicitis, with periviscerite signals. In pregnant women the enlarged uterus can alter the position of the abdominal contentes and thus make sonography and clinical diagnosis more difficult. CT can be performed in such cases, but it involves a considerable amount of radiation. A typical dose for an abdominal CT examination is on the order of 10 mSv. The routine use of diagnostic CT for benign diseases, as in appendicitis, raises the question whether the diagnosis can be obtained by other radiologic means, especially in pregnant women and even more when the fetus is in the direct beam. The International Commission on Radiological Protection recently published a report on radiation and pregnancy. They recommended that if the expected dose for the fetus is high, one should question whether the diagnosis could be obtained without using ionizing radiation. MRI has been described as a valuable technique for the evaluation of patients with suspected acute appendicitis.

Avaliação nutricional dos profissionais do serviço de nutrição e dietética de um hospital terciário de Porto Alegre

Este estudo objetivou identificar o perfil antropométrico e bioquímico e analisar a evolução do ganho de peso dos profissionais do Serviço de Nutrição e Dietética (SND) do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA). Estudo de caráter longitudinal retrospectivo, com 190 funcionários. Aplicou-se questionário estruturado e foram realizadas análises bioquímicas e avaliação antropométrica. Observou-se excesso de peso em 60,8% dos funcionários. O ganho de peso encontrou-se associado ao tempo de serviço, turno de trabalho e prática de atividade física. O estudo demonstrou que 1 ano a mais de trabalho esteve associado ao ganho de peso médio de 500 g, o turno de trabalho com ganho de peso médio de 4 kg e a prática de atividade física com perda de peso médio de 3,3 kg. A associação entre ganho de peso, tempo e turno de trabalho em colaboradores de serviços de nutrição remete à necessidade de criação de programas de educação nutricional que promovam hábitos alimentares saudáveis.

Analysis of predictive factors of complete blood count for a high-yield hematopoietic stem cell apheresis collection

Introduction: In medical practice, quantification of peripheral blood CD34+ cells is a method of choice to calculate apheresis yield. Nevertheless, other predictive factors have been evaluated. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between CD34+ cells and number of apheresis collections from patients undergoing autologous bone marrow transplantation based on complete blood count parameters. Methods: Retrospective analysis of 113 patients of the Department of Pediatric Oncology of Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA) who had autologous bone marrow transplantation between 2004 and 2011 and underwent mobilization with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor in combination or not with chemotherapy. The following parameters were assessed: Total leukocyte count, platelets, hemoglobin, absolute neutrophil count, lymphocytes, monocytes, and immature granulocytes (IG). Statistical tests were used for asymmetric variables. Results: The correlation between CD34+ × 106/kg and leukocyte count (rs = 0.082; P = 0.394), platelets (rs = 0.078; P = 0.418), hemoglobin level (rs = −0.05; P = 0.564), neutrophils (rs = 0.042; P = 0.665), lymphocytes (rs = 0.048; P = 0.619), and IG (rs = 0.165; P = 0.083) revealed no significant result. In relation to monocytes, there was a weak but significant correlation (rs = 0.255; P = 0.007). In addition, patients with leukocyte count higher than 30 × 109/L and monocyte count higher than 1.8 × 109/L had good collection yield. Conclusion: Although there was no significant association between CD34 × 106/kg and blood parameters, we found that leukocyte count higher than 30 × 109/L and monocyte count higher than 1.8 × 109/L may be predictive factors of efficient collection. However, these values cannot be considered absolute factors because patients with lower counts also had satisfactory collections.

Cardiovascular Epidemiology: The Legacy of Sound National and International Studies

Cardiovascular Epidemiology: The Legacy of Sound National and International Studies

Important aspects in the molecular diagnosis of mucopolysaccharidoses

None.

Microvessel Density (Chalkley Method) in a Series of 79 Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors.

Background: Evaluation of the MVD (modified Chalkley method) in a series of 79 cases of GISTs diagnosed by the Pathology Service at the HCPA (Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre) from January 1993 to December 2009. Methods: Seventy nine cases of GISTs were submitted to immunohistochemical analysis for CD31, an endothelial marker, to analyze MVD. Hot spots were identified for each case, and the mean numbers of stained blood vessels collected through Chalkley count, with the use of a 25 point grid, placed onto a scanned image. Images were analysed through an image analysis system. We used a cutoff of six vessels. Results: Our series was composed of 42 males and 37 females and presented an average age of 58.9 years. GISTs were predominately located in the stomach (45.6%) followed by the small intestine (38.0%). Sixty seven GISTs (84.8%) showed an average of less than six vessels stained by CD31 (MVD) and 12 (15.2%) GISTs an average of more than six vessels. A statistically significant differ ence was observed between survival rate of patients having GISTs with MVD of ≤ 6 vessels (mean = 2.4, CI 95%: 1.67 - 3.17) and patients having GISTs with MVD of ≥ 6 vessels (mean = 2.4, CI 95%: 1.67 - 3.17), P = 0.001. No association for MVD was observed related to sex, age, histological type, risk category, location and metastasis. Conclusions: Seventy nine cases of GISTs diagnosed at a single center in South Brazil were studied for MVD (Chalkley method). There was a statistically significant difference between MVD and the survival rate for these patients. The use of Chalkley method in GISTs may be helpful to evaluate clinical outcome.

Processo grupal: reflexões de uma equipe de enfermagem

Estudo qualitativo, exploratório-descritivo com o objetivo de analisar o processo grupal de uma equipe de enfermagem do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), à luz da Teoria de Grupo Operativo de Pichon-Rivière. A coleta de dados ocorreu em 2008, por meio de questionário semiestruturado e grupo focal. Concepção de trabalho em grupo é uma das quatro categorias resultantes do estudo, sendo objeto de abordagem neste artigo. Depreendeu-se que o conhecimento sobre processo grupal necessita ser compartilhado, divulgado e discutido desde a formação acadêmica, no curso de graduação em enfermagem, e desenvolvido ao longo de toda a carreira profissional. À medida que se conhece e consegue identificar os principais indicadores presentes no processo grupal, a equipe pode conduzir-se operativamente, considerando não apenas resultados, mas principalmente o caminho percorrido até o alcance da tarefa, visando à aprendizagem grupal.

Microvessel Density (Chalkley Method) in a Series of 79 Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors.

BackgroundEvaluation of the MVD (modified Chalkley method) in a series of 79 cases of GISTs diagnosed by the Pathology Service at the HCPA (Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre) from January 1993 to December 2009.MethodsSeventy nine cases of GISTs were submitted to immunohistochemical analysis for CD31, an endothelial marker, to analyze MVD. Hot spots were identified for each case, and the mean numbers of stained blood vessels collected through Chalkley count, with the use of a 25 point grid, placed onto a scanned image. Images were analysed through an image analysis system. We used a cutoff of six vessels.ResultsOur series was composed of 42 males and 37 females and presented an average age of 58.9 years. GISTs were predominately located in the stomach (45.6%) followed by the small intestine (38.0%). Sixty seven GISTs (84.8%) showed an average of less than six vessels stained by CD31 (MVD) and 12 (15.2%) GISTs an average of more than six vessels. A statistically significant difference was observed between survival rate of patients having GISTs with MVD of ≤ 6 vessels (mean = 2.4, CI 95%: 1.67 - 3.17) and patients having GISTs with MVD of ≥ 6 vessels (mean = 2.4, CI 95%: 1.67 - 3.17), P = 0.001. No association for MVD was observed related to sex, age, histological type, risk category, location and metastasis.ConclusionsSeventy nine cases of GISTs diagnosed at a single center in South Brazil were studied for MVD (Chalkley method). There was a statistically significant difference between MVD and the survival rate for these patients. The use of Chalkley method in GISTs may be helpful to evaluate clinical outcome.

Discriminações, estímulos e obstáculos no campo profissional da medicina: um olhar de gênero e gerações

Este artigo aborda, de forma comparativa, a realidade objetiva e representações de homens e mulheres sobre seu trabalho na medicina e as interfaces com a esfera doméstica. São analisados discriminações, estímulos e obstáculos para a carreira profissional, na perspectiva de gênero e gerações. Os dados foram coletados no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), integrando técnicas quantitativas e qualitativas. Os resultados indicam que, para explicar os fatores de estímulo para a carreira, as mulheres parecem voltar-se mais para elementos da vida privada enquanto os homens enfatizam mais alguns fatores externos. Ambos salientam a importância de ter um 'modelo' de profissional tomado como ideal para o exercício profissional e um ambiente acadêmico positivo, com apoio institucional e bom relacionamento com os colegas de trabalho. Entre os obstáculos: excesso de trabalho, falta de tempo e dificuldades financeiras, observando-se diferenciações de gênero quanto à vida familiar e problemas pessoais. Foram salientadas as 'vantagens comparativas' das mulheres no desempenho das suas atividades. Este estudo pode contribuir para a implementação de ações positivas para a melhoria das condições do trabalho profissional e da equidade de gênero, tanto na esfera pública quanto na privada.

Sexual Function in Women from Infertile Couples and in Women Seeking Surgical Sterilization

The purpose of this study was to compare sexual function between women of infertile couples (AR) and women seeking tubal ligation (TL). Women who attended Setor de Infertilidade do Serviço de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia do Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA) or the Serviço de Orientação e Planejamento Familiar (SERPLAN) completed the Female Sexual Function Index, a questionnaire about sexual activity in the last 4 weeks. Scored data were collected on six different domains: desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and discomfort/pain. The greatest positive correlation in the TL group was between orgasm and sexual satisfaction (0.798), and in group AR between desire and arousal (0.627). Infertile women and fertile women who want to undergo surgical sterilization have similar sexual satisfaction scores.

Nursing diagnosis of patients with colorectal neoplasia undergoing chemotherapy treatment - a qualitative research

Based on a qualitative research of the case study type, this article aims at establishing Nursing Diagnosis (ND`s) of patients with colorectal neoplasia undergoing chemotherapy treatment considering their altered basic human needs. The project was approved by the Research and Post-Graduation Group of Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA) (project number 07-001). The study analyzed 11 subjects starting ambulatory chemotherapy treatment in the Ambulatory Chemotherapy Unit of HCPA. Out of 23 established ND`s, 15 were related to physiological needs, 6 to alterations in protection and safety needs and 2, related to alterations in esteem needs. The collected data led to the conclusion that the most prevalent ND`s are connected with physiological needs, namely: Infection Risk; Sleep Disturbance Pattern; Unbalanced Nutrition: below the body needs; Damaged Tissue Integrity; and, High Risk for Damaged Tissue Integrity. Regarding alterations in protection and safety needs, Anxiety ND was the most prevalent one. At last, the ND`s established from esteem needs were: Disturbed Body Image and Impotence. According to the obtained results, it is possible to reaffirm the importance of the ND as a tool in the nursing care because it can interfere in an efficient, individual and proper way for each kind of problem experience by the patient.

Prevalência das síndromes inflamatórias sistêmicas em uma unidade de tratamento intensivo pediátrica terciária

To assess the prevalence of systemic inflammatory syndromes on admission to a tertiary-care university pediatric intensive care unit (ICU), and relate this to length of hospital stay, risk of death and mortality rate. Cross-sectional, prospective, observational study, including all patients admitted to the Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA) ICU between August 1st 1999 and July 31st 2000. Patient demographic variables were considered together with the risk of mortality on admission, co-morbidities, length of hospital stay and ICU outcome, in addition to variables that characterize the systemic inflammatory syndromes (systemic inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis, severe sepsis and septic shock). We studied 447 admissions of 388 patients; 54% were male, with a median age of 20 months. The prevalence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) was 68%: 2/3 infectious (sepsis, severe sepsis or septic shock) and 1/3 non-infectious. Risk of mortality scores for patients with infectious SIRS were higher than for those with non-infectious SIRS (6.75% [P25 = 2.25 - P75 = 21.3] vs. 2.35% [P25 = 1.1 - P75 = 6.7]; p = 0) and increased according to SIRS severity (2.9; 10.85, 43.9%; p < 0.05). The observed mortality was 12% for patients with SIRS and 5.8% for those without SIRS (p = 0.057); the observed mortality for infectious SIRS was 14.9% and for non-infectious 6.3% (p = 0.041). The period spent in ICU for infectious SIRS was longer than for non-infectious cases: 3 days (P25 = 2 - P75 = 7) vs. 2 days (P25 = 1.5 - P75 = 4); p = 0.006. The prevalence rate of patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome upon admission to HCPA pediatric intensive care unit was elevated, with a predominance of infectious syndromes, responsible for longer stays, increased risk of mortality and increased mortality of patients during the period evaluated.

Prevalência de talassemias e hemoglobinas variantes em pacientes com anemia não ferropênica

Para estabelecer a freqüência de hemoglobinopatias e talassemias em pacientes com anemia não ferropênica foram estudados 58 casos de pacientes comprovadamente com anemia não ferropênica e 235 controles obtidos de pessoas sem anemia. Todas as amostras foram obtidas do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), RS, Brasil. As técnicas realizadas foram eletroforese em acetato de celulose, pH alcalino, pesquisa citológica de Hb H, HPLC, hemograma e ferritina. A análise dos dados realizada no grupo de pacientes com anemia não ferropênica demonstrou que 63,8% eram portadores de alguma forma de anemia hereditária: 25,9% de talassemia alfa heterozigota, 32,8% de talassemia beta heterozigota, 3,4% de heterozigose para hemoglobina S (Hb AS) e 1,7% de homozigose para hemoglobina C (Hb CC). No grupo dos controles, foram identificados 14,1% de anemias hereditárias, sendo destas 11,5% de talassemia alfa, 0,9% de talassemia beta, 1,3% de heterozigose para hemoglobina S (Hb AS) e 0,4% de heterozigose para hemoglobina C (Hb AC). Os resultados obtidos permitem concluir que a prevalência de talassemias e hemoglobinas variantes no grupo controle é coincidente com a descrita na literatura. Entretanto, a excepcional prevalência dessas hemopatias hereditárias em pessoas com anemia não ferropênica deve ser divulgada entre médicos e serviços de saúde dada a sua importância no diagnóstico definitivo de anemia e dos corretos procedimentos terapêuticos.

Terapêutica fotodinâmica com ácido delta-aminolevulínico em neoplasias queratinocíticas superficiais

FUNDAMENTOS: A terapêutica fotodinâmica (TFD) é técnica de tratamento em que são aplicadas, nos tecidos, substâncias fotossensibilizantes, posteriormente ativadas com luzes de comprimentos de onda específicos, com a finalidade de produzir destruição celular, por meio da ação de produtos citotóxicos fotoativados. Tal método tem sido utilizado em diversos tipos de neoplasias cutâneas, com resultados bastante entusiasmadores. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar o efeito de uma única sessão de terapêutica fotodinâmica (TFD) com ácido delta aminolevulínico (ALA) tópico, estimulado por luz não coerente, em ceratoses actínicas (CAC), carcinomas basocelulares (CBC) superficiais e doenças de Bowen (DB). MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Utilizando uma fonte de luz não coerente, emitida por protótipo desenvolvido no Serviço de Engenharia Biomédica do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), para ativar o ácido delta-aminolevulínico (ALA) a 20%, aplicado com oclusão, foram tradadas 80 lesões cutâneas, em 52 pacientes. Entre as lesões, 32 (40%) eram carcinomas basocelulares superficiais, 37 (46,3%) ceratoses actinícas e 11 (13,7%) doenças de Bowen. Em 23 casos (28,7%), além das características clínicas, o diagnóstico foi confirmado por biópsia e exame histopatológico. RESULTADOS: Não foi possível obter o seguimento de cinco lesões tratadas. Das 75 lesões que puderam ser avaliadas, 41 (54,6%) apresentaram cura, 22 (29,4%) apresentaram melhora, e 12 (16,0%) permaneceram inalteradas, tendo o tratamento sido considerado ineficaz nestas últimas. Das 35 ceratoses actínicas, 23 (65,7%) obtiveram cura, 7 (20%) melhoraram, e cinco (14,3%) não responderam ao tratamento.Trinta carcinomas basocelulares superficiais foram tratados, com cura em 10 (33,3%), melhora em 13 (43,4%) e sem alterações em sete (23,3%). Dos 10 casos de doença de Bowen avaliados, oito (80%) curaram e dois (20%) melhoraram. Os efeitos colaterais observados foram ardência em 24 lesões (32%), dor em cinco (6,7%) e prurido em um caso (1,3%). A maioria dos casos (60%) apresentou boa tolerância ao tratamento, não havendo efeitos paralelos dignos de nota. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados obtidos no trabalho assemelham-se, em parte, aos relatados na literatura com aplicação única da terapêutica fotodinâmica com ácido delta-aminolevulínico em neoplasias queratinocíticas superficiais, principalmente nas ceratoses actínicas e na doença de Bowen.

Complicações da luxação do cristalino para a cavidade vítrea

Objetivo: Avaliar as complicações pré e pós-vitrectomia, sua correlação com o tempo de permanência do núcleo no vítreo e a acuidade visual final, bem como as complicações a longo prazo. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo de 12 pacientes que apresentavam fragmentos do cristalino no vítreo pós-facectomia, submetidos a vitrectomia no Serviço de Oftalmologia do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA) entre novembro de 1994 e junho de 2000. Resultados: Após a queda do núcleo no vítreo, 5 pacientes apresentaram edema corneano, 3 uveíte, 8 glaucoma, 1 descolamento de retina e todos tiveram redução da acuidade visual. Submetidos à vitrectomia, no pós-operatório imediato 2 apresentavam hifema, 6 glaucoma, 2 descolamento de retina, 1 phthisis bulbi, 1 edema macular cistóide, 2 perfluorocarbono na câmara anterior e 7 edema corneano. No pós-operatório tardio, a maioria das complicações se resolveram (média de 6 meses). O tempo de permanência do núcleo luxado foi menor que 15 dias para 3 pacientes e maior que 15 dias para 9 pacientes. Conclusão: Os resultados sugerem que os fragmentos do cristalino retidos na cavidade vítrea devem ser removidos prontamente para impedir a resposta inflamatória, melhorando, assim, o prognóstico visual.

Punção aspirativa por agulha fina em tumores cervicais

Introdução: Inúmeras são as patologias que podem se apresentar inicialmente como uma lesão em região cervical, o que torna o seu diagnóstico nem sempre simples. A punção aspirativa por agulha fina (PAAF) é um método simples, seguro e eficaz no sentido de auxiliar o diagnóstico de tumorações cervicais. Objetivo: Avaliar o desempenho diagnóstico da PAAF em lesões cervicais realizadas no Serviço de Otorrinolaringologia (SORL) do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA). Forma de estudo: retrospectivo, clínico, não randomizado. Material e método: Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo dos pacientes que foram submetidos a PAAF no SORL do HCPA entre julho de 1998 e dezembro de 1999. Foram excluídos pacientes¹submetidos à PAAF de tireóide² com dados incompletos³ que perderam acompanhamento4 que não tinham diagnóstico definitivo da lesão. Os resultados das PAAF foram comparados com o diagnóstico definitivo, sendo este estabelecido por exame anatomopatológico (grupo I) ou por evolução clínica e/ou outros exames (grupo II). Resultados: Dos 70 pacientes incluídos no estudo, 7% apresentaram punções insatisfatórias e, dentre os materiais satisfatórios, houve 88,6% de acerto diagnóstico. No grupo I encontramos 8% de punções insatisfatórios e 88,2% de acerto diagnóstico. Já no grupo II os mesmos dados foram, respectivamente, 6% e 87,1%. O índice total de acerto, incluindo as punções insatisfatórias chegou a 81,5%. Discussão: Os resultados encontrados corroboram os altos índices de acerto diagnóstico das PAAF descritos na literatura, confirmando ser este um método de grande auxílio no diagnóstico de tumorações cervicais. Assim, nos sentimos encorajados a seguir utilizando de forma rotineira tal técnica.