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Revista da Associação Médica Brasileira, Volume: 69, Número: 11, Publicado: 2023
  • Lithiasis in transplant kidney: what to do? Editorial

  • Brazilian pulmonology guidelines on Delphi panel for post-coronavirus disease 2019: reflections on persons deprived of liberty Letter To The Editor

    Bucar, Sarah Maria Reis; Lima, Thiago Oliveira Sabino de; Silva, Gislaine Aneanes da; Maciel, Erika da Silva; Pontes-Silva, André; Quaresma, Fernando Rodrigues Peixoto
  • Postintervention pain levels after elective coronary angiography Letter To The Editor

    Engin, Mesut; Kagan AS, Ahmet; Aydın, Ufuk; Ata, Yusuf; Yavuz, Senol
  • Comment on “A retrospective analysis: the outcome of renal replacement therapies in critically ill children” Letter To The Editor

    Zhao, Qinqin; Wei, Peng
  • Evaluation of the combination treatments with intravenous fosfomycin for carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Original Article

    Önal, Uğur; Tüzemen, Nazmiye Ülkü; Kaya, Pınar Küçükdemirci; İşçimen, Remzi; Girgin, Nermin Kelebek; Özakın, Cüneyt; Kahveci, Ferda Şöhret; Akalın, Halis

    Resumo em Inglês:

    SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the combination treatments with intravenous fosfomycin for carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae infections in a tertiary-care center. METHODS: Between December 24, 2018 and November 21, 2022, adult patients diagnosed with bloodstream infection or ventilator-associated pneumonia due to culture-confirmed carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in the anesthesiology and reanimation intensive care units were investigated retrospectively. RESULTS: There were a total of 62 patients fulfilling the study inclusion criteria. No significant difference was recorded in 14- and 30-day mortality among different types of combination regimens such as fosfomycin plus one or two antibiotic combinations. Hypokalemia (OR:5.651, 95%CI 1.019–31.330, p=0.048) was found to be a significant risk factor for 14-day mortality, whereas SOFA score at the time of diagnosis (OR:1.497, 95%CI 1.103–2.032, p=0.010) and CVVHF treatment (OR:6.409, 95%CI 1.395–29.433, p=0.017) were associated with 30-day mortality in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: In our study, high mortality rates were found in patients with bloodstream infection or ventilator-associated pneumonia due to carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, and no significant difference was recorded in 14- and 30-day mortality among different types of combination regimens such as fosfomycin plus one or two antibiotic combinations.
  • Role of simple inflammatory parameters in predicting the severity of coronary artery disease Original Article

    Aydın, Cihan; Uyan, Umut; Karadeniz, Muhammed; Demirkıran, Aykut

    Resumo em Inglês:

    SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: In our study, we aimed to find simple, useful biomarkers in patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction to predict coronary artery severity. METHODS: Between May 2022 and December 2022, patients diagnosed with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction according to the European cardiology guidelines were included in our study. The Synergy between PCI with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery score was calculated to determine the severity of coronary artery disease. These patients were classified into two groups according to Synergy between PCI with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery≥23 and Synergy between PCI with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery<23 scores. Biochemical markers such as platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio were studied in blood tests taken before coronary angiography in patients diagnosed with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction according to current guidelines. These two groups were compared in terms of the data obtained. RESULTS: There were 281 patients in group 1 and 67 patients in group 2. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of demographic data such as age and gender. Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio [group 1=125 (26–134) and group 2=156 (73–293); p=0.001] and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio [group 1=2.71 (1.3–30.2) and group 2=3.2 (2.1–32.1); p=0.002] were higher in the group of patients with a Synergy between PCI with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery score of <23, while lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio [group 1=3.6 (0.56–11) and group 2=3.4 (0.64–5.75); p=0.017] was lower in group 2. CONCLUSION: We observed that elevated platelet-to-lymphocyte and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios showed coronary artery severity. Multivessel disease and chronic total occlusion rates were observed to be higher in patients with high platelet-to-lymphocyte and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios.
  • Accuracy of intrapartum cardiotocography in identifying acidemia at birth by umbilical cord blood gasometry in high-risk pregnancies Original Article

    Leoni, Renato Silva; Tomich, Michaela Franco; Meireles, Pedro Teixeira; Petrini, Caetano Galvão; Araujo Júnior, Edward; Peixoto, Alberto Borges

    Resumo em Inglês:

    SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of intrapartum cardiotocography in identifying acidemia at birth by umbilical cord blood gasometry in high-risk pregnancies. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of singleton high-risk parturients using intrapartum cardiotocography categories I, II, and III. The presence of fetal acidemia at birth was identified by the analysis of umbilical cord arterial blood pH (<7.1). Associations between variables were determined using the chi-square test and Kruskal-Wallis tests. RESULTS: We included 105 cases of cardiotocography category I, 20 cases of cardiotocography category II, and 10 cases of cardiotocography category III. cardiotocography category III had a higher prevalence of cesarean sections compared to cardiotocography category I (90.0 vs. 42.9%, p<0.006). Venous pH was higher in patients with cardiotocography category I compared to cardiotocography category III (7.32 vs. 7.23, p=0.036). Prevalence of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission was lower in neonates of patients with cardiotocography category I compared to cardiotocography category III (3.8 vs. 30.0%, p=0.014). Prevalence of composite adverse outcomes was lower in neonates of patients with cardiotocography category I compared to cardiotocography category II (9.5 vs. 30.0%, p=0.022) and cardiotocography category III (9.5 vs. 60.0%, p=0.0004). cardiotocography categories II and III had low sensitivity (0.05 and 0.00, respectively) and high negative predictive value (NPV) (0.84 and 0.91, respectively) for identifying fetal acidemia at birth. The three categories of intrapartum cardiotocography showed high specificities (96.0, 99.0, and 99.0%, respectively). CONCLUSION: All three categories of intrapartum cardiotocography showed low sensitivity and high specificity for identifying acidemia at birth.
  • Sociodemographic characteristics associated with indications for surgical menopause in women: a retrospective study Original Article

    Özberk, Hülya; Kurt, Sefa; Özmen, Samican; Çetinbaş, Cansu Tuğçe; Özberk, İsmail

    Resumo em Inglês:

    SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical menopause indications and sociodemographic characteristics of women. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we analyzed the sociodemographic characteristics of women with indications for surgical menopause in 2010–2020. The R Version 4.1.1 (2021-08-10) software and logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate the data. RESULTS: A total of 704 women's data were obtained in this study. Surgical menopause indications were found to stem from bleeding (46.0%), cancer (28.3%), cancer risk (18.9%), and other causes (6.8%). Surgical menopause indications originating from cancer were increased by 0.08 times (95%CI 0.01–0.68) due to smoking, 0.45 times (95%CI 0.23–0.88) due to regular drug use, and 0.36 times (95%CI 0.19–0.69) due to the presence of chronic disease (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: More than half of the women with surgical menopause indications were between 41 and 46 years of age. Additionally, 54.9% of the women had a chronic disease. Therefore, it is recommended to plan preventive health services for morbidity and mortality risks that may develop due to surgical menopause.
  • Investigation of the relationship between fear of birth and prenatal attachment in pregnancy Original Article

    Kaya, Atike; Altuntu, Kamile

    Resumo em Inglês:

    SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to examine the relationship between the fear of birth and level of prenatal attachment experienced by the pregnant women. METHODS: In our descriptive and relationship-seeking study conducted between January and March 2020 in Konya, 485 pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Inclusion criteria for the study were women who were pregnant at the age of 18 years and above, having Turkish literacy, had spontaneous conception were over the 28th gestational week, having a healthy fetus, and not having any existing health problems (based on self-report). The data were collected with an information form, “Prenatal Attachment Inventory” and “Wijma Birth Expectation/Experience (Version A) Scale.” RESULTS: The mean score of the pregnant women from the “Prenatal Attachment Inventory” was 62.44 (21–84), and the mean score of the “Wijma Birth Expectation/Experience Scale/Version A” was found to be 59.45 (0–165). It was concluded that 47.2% of the pregnant women had low, 38.7% had moderate, and 14.1% had high levels of fear of birth. It was determined that there was a negative and weakly significant relationship between “Prenatal Attachment Inventory” and “Wijma Birth Expectation/Experience Scale/Version A” scores of pregnant women (r=-0.11 and p=0.23). CONCLUSION: In our study, it was determined that as the fear of birth increased, prenatal attachment levels decreased. Initiating and maintaining a healthy mother-infant bond is important for reducing fear of birth.
  • Do YouTube videos on microscopic varicocelectomy provide reliable information? Original Article

    Uslu, Mehmet; Ezer, Mehmet; Yildirim, Ümit; Örs, Bumin

    Resumo em Inglês:

    SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the quality of YouTube videos about microscopic varicocelectomy. METHODS: On November 20, 2022, a YouTube search for “Microscopic Varicocelectomy” was conducted. Non-English videos uploaded by producers for commercial purposes that lacked audio and subtitles were excluded from the study. A total of 50 videos were evaluated using the Journal of the American Medical Association Benchmark Score and the Global Quality Score, both of which are recognized internationally. Additionally, the researcher developed the Microscopic Varicocelectomy Score to evaluate the videos’ technical content. The upload source, video length, number of views, likes, dislikes, and video power indexes were evaluated. RESULTS: The Global Quality Score, Journal of the American Medical Association Benchmark Score, and Microscopic Varicocelectomy Score of the academically prepared videos were significantly higher than those of the physician-prepared videos (p<0.05). The Global Quality Score, Journal of the American Medical Association Benchmark Score, and Microscopic Varicocelectomy Score of uploaded videos with audio, audio, and subtitles were significantly higher than those with only subtitles (p<0.05). The video duration was positively correlated with Journal of the American Medical Association Benchmark Score, Global Quality Score, and Microscopic Varicocelectomy Score. The video power index had a strong positive correlation with the number of likes. Moreover, a strong positive correlation was observed, indicating that the Global Quality Score and Journal of the American Medical Association Benchmark Score increased as the Microscopic Varicocelectomy Score increased. CONCLUSION: YouTube videos regarding microscopic varicocelectomy were of notably low quality. If the video content created by specialist physicians and academic centers is more meticulously organized, more accurate data can be transmitted. Consequently, viewing video content may not be advised based on the available data.
  • The genetic spectrum of polycystic kidney disease in children Original Article

    Kocaaga, Ayca; Atikel, Yesim Özdemir; Sak, Mehtap; Karakaya, Taner

    Resumo em Inglês:

    SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease is an inherited kidney disorder with mutations in polycystin-1 or polycystin-2. Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease is a severe form of polycystic kidney disease that is characterized by enlarged kidneys and congenital hepatic fibrosis. Mutations at PKHD1 are responsible for all typical forms of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease. METHODS: We evaluated the children diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease between October 2020 and May 2022. The diagnosis was established by family history, ultrasound findings, and/or genetic analysis. The demographic, clinical, and laboratory findings were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: There were 28 children (male/female: 11:17) evaluated in this study. Genetic analysis was performed in all patients (polycystin-1 variants in 13, polycystin-2 variants in 7, and no variants in 8 patients). A total of 18 variants in polycystin-1 and polycystin-2 were identified and 9 (50%) of them were not reported before. A total of eight novel variants were identified as definite pathogenic or likely pathogenic mutations. There was no variant detected in the PKDH1 gene. CONCLUSION: Our results highlighted molecular features of Turkish children with polycystic kidney disease and demonstrated novel variations that can be utilized in clinical diagnosis and prognosis.
  • The effects of adequate dietary calcium intake in patients with hypoparathyroidism non-adherent to treatment: a prospective randomized controlled trial Original Article

    Canat, Muhammed Masum; Batman, Adnan; Dönmez, Çiğdem; Köstek, Hatice; Köstek, Mehmet; Kara, Zeynep Mine Yalçınkaya; Öztürk, Feyza Yener; Altuntaş, Yüksel

    Resumo em Inglês:

    SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: A significant problem that compels clinicians in the conventional treatment of hypoparathyroidism is patients’ non-adherence to treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of adequate Ca intake with dietary recommendations among hypoparathyroidism patients who persistently use Ca supplementation irregularly on plasma Ca and phosphate levels. METHODS: This prospective, randomized, controlled study was conducted on patients diagnosed with chronic hypoparathyroidism who persistently interrupt Ca supplementation therapy and therefore have a hypocalcemic course. Patients with a total daily Ca intake below 800 mg were randomized. All patients were advised to keep the doses of active vitamin D and Ca supplements they were currently using. The patients in the study group (n=32) were advised to consume 1,000–1,200 mg of Ca daily, and the patients in the control group (n=35) were advised to continue their diet according to their daily habits. After 12 weeks of follow-up, the patients’ laboratory values were compared between groups to assess treatment goals. RESULTS: The mean of the total Ca level was 8.56±0.36 mg/dL in the study group and was found to be significantly higher than that in the control group, which was 7.67±0.48 mg/dL (p<0.001). The mean serum phosphate and serum Ca-P product levels were significantly higher in the study group (p<0.001) but did not exceed the safe upper limits in any patient. CONCLUSION: A suitable increase in dietary Ca intake could effectively control hypocalcemia in patients with hypoparathyroidism who persistently interrupt the recommended calcium supplementation.
  • An analysis of lactate/albumin, procalcitonin/albumin, and blood urea nitrogen/albumin ratios as a predictor of mortality in uroseptic patients Original Article

    Şahin, Ahmet; Bayrakçı, Sinem; Aslan, Selda

    Resumo em Inglês:

    SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the ratios of lactate/albumin, procalcitonin/albumin, and blood urea nitrogen/albumin to predict 14- and 28-day mortality in uroseptic patients. Urosepsis is a disease with high mortality, and early diagnosis and treatment are important. METHODS: Patients with urosepsis who were admitted to the intensive care unit between January 2021 and September 2022, had a follow-up of at least 28 days, and met the inclusion criteria were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: The mean age was 70.23 (15.66) years and 84 (53.85%) were males. The number of non-survivors were 75 (48%) in the 14-day mortality group and 97 (62.1%) in the 28-day mortality group. Based on the 14-day mortality data, the blood urea nitrogen/albumin ratio was higher in non-survivors vs. survivors (median, 15.88 vs. 9.62), and the lactate/albumin ratio was higher (median, 0.96 vs. 0.52, p<0.01, all). Based on the 28-day mortality data, the blood urea nitrogen/albumin ratio was higher in non-survivors vs. survivors (median, 14.78 vs. 8.46), and the lactate/albumin ratio was higher (median, 0.90 vs. 0.50, p<0.01, all). CONCLUSION: It is very difficult to determine the prognosis of patients admitted to the emergency department with the diagnosis of urosepsis. The lactate/albumin ratio and the blood urea nitrogen/albumin ratio can be used as early prognostic markers for both 14-day and 28-day mortality until more reliable markers are identified.
  • Internal medicine consultation for high-risk surgical patients: reflection on hospital mortality and readmission rates in a low-income country Original Article

    Rosa, Paulo Ricardo Mottin; Spagnól, Marcio Fernando; Rothlisberger, Leonardo; Gelain, Marco Antônio Smiderle; Brida, Mathias Silvestre de; Teixeira, Cassiano

    Resumo em Inglês:

    SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the impact of internal medicine consultation on mortality, 30-day readmission, and length of stay in surgical patients. METHODS: This is a retrospective descriptive study developed in a public Brazilian teaching hospital with 850 beds. RESULTS: A total of 70,245 patients were admitted from 2010 to 2018 to the surgery departments. The main outcomes measured were patients’ mortality, 30-day readmission, and length of stay. Mortality of high-risk patients was lower when followed by internal medicine consultation: patients with ASA≥3 (RR 0.89 [95% confidence interval (95%CI) 0.80–0.99], p=0.02), patients with ASA≥3 plus≥65 years (RR 0.88 [95%CI 0.78–0.99], p=0.04), patients with ASA≥3 plus high-risk surgery (RR 0.86 [95%CI 0.77–0.97], p=0.01), and patients with ASA≥4 plus age ≥65 years (RR 0.83 [95%CI 0.72–0.96], p=0.01). The 30-day readmission of high-risk patients was lower when followed by internal medicine consultation: patients with ≥65 years (RR 0.57 [95%CI 0.37–0.89], p=0.01) and patients with high-risk surgery (RR 0.63 [95%CI 0.46–0.57], p=0.005). The Poisson multivariate regression with adjustment in variances showed that all the variables (namely, age, ASA, morbidity index, surgery risk, and internal medicine consultation) were associated with higher mortality of patients; however, internal medicine consultation was associated with a reduction of mortality in high-risk patients (RR 0.72 [95%CI 0.65–0.84], p=0.02) and an increase of mortality in low-risk patients (RR 1.55 [95%CI 1.31–1.67], p=0.01). CONCLUSION: High-risk surgical patients may benefit from perioperative internal medicine consultations, which probably decrease hospital mortality and 30-day hospital readmission.
  • Visual or computer-based measurements: Which is important for the interpretation of an athlete's electrocardiography? Original Article

    Kırık, Ayşe Birsu Topcugil; Yüksel, Oğuz; Dursun, Hüseyin; Çöllüoğlu, İnci Tuğçe; Kocahan, Tuğba; Kaya, Dayimi

    Resumo em Inglês:

    SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Preparticipation screening of athletes by electrocardiography is the most crucial step in determining sudden cardiac death risk factors. Several electrocardiography interpretation software programs have been developed for physicians practicing in this field. Our study aimed to assess cardiopoint sudden death screening module by comparing its findings with two cardiologists using Seattle and International criteria. METHODS: A total of 303 licensed national athletes (37% females) were enrolled. electrocardiographies were examined by the cardiopoint sudden death screening module using Seattle criteria and cardiologists. The consistency between cardiologists and software was compared, and the confidence assessment of the module was tested. RESULTS: With regard to Seattle criteria, moderate consistency was found between the cardiopoint sudden death screening module and the 1st (κ=0.41) and 2nd cardiologist (κ=0.59). Consistency between two cardiologists was moderate (κ=0.55). When we applied International criteria, there was moderate consistency between the module and the 1st cardiologist (κ=0.42), and good consistency between the module and the 2nd cardiologist (κ=0.63). Consistency between the two cardiologists was good (κ=0.62). CONCLUSION: The cardiopoint sudden death screening module had similar agreement with cardiologists based on both criteria. However, the software needs to be updated according to International criteria. Using computer-based measurements for preparticipation screening will help to save time and provide standardization of electrocardiography interpretation.
  • Intraoperative, sociodemographic, and postoperative parameters in individuals undergoing bariatric surgery Original Article

    Lira, Lyrian Lorena Freire; Cavalcante, Karyne Costa; Freire, Thyago Trisotto; Takagi, Isadora Miyuki; Oliveira, Caio Márcio Barros de; Moura, Ed Carlos Rey; Leal, Plinio da Cunha

    Resumo em Inglês:

    SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to comparatively analyze sociodemographic data and postoperative parameters of patients undergoing bypass and sleeve surgeries in a private hospital in São Luís, MA. METHODS: The study was descriptive, prospective, observational, and comparative, with a quantitative approach between August 2020 and July 2021. We analyzed 74 participants of both genders, aged between 18 and 70 years, with 31 undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery and 43 undergoing sleeve gastrectomy surgery. In the postoperative period, sociodemographic characteristics, surgery and anesthesia duration, pain levels, adverse effects, weight loss, and complications from the surgical procedure were analyzed. RESULTS: Males predominated in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and females in sleeve gastrectomy surgery. Clinical characteristics regarding self-declared ethnicity, age and place of birth, education, and marital status were similar between the studied groups. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass had an average surgery time of 112.14±10.06 min and sleeve gastrectomy 91.11±23.69 min, with a significant difference (p<0.001). Regarding anesthesia time, gastric bypass averaged 160.36±13.99 min and sleeve gastrectomy 154.88±29.10 min, with no statistical difference between groups (p=0.335). Nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness were more common in Sleeve gastrectomy, with no significant difference (p=0.562). Roux-en-Y gastric bypass showed a higher rate of weight loss from 1 month after surgery (14.2±4.15) and more variation in body mass index within 3 months after surgery (32.17±4.76). Complications occurred in a small number of patients. CONCLUSION: The two surgical techniques proved effective in delivering the best results for patients, with the group undergoing bypass showing statistically significant weight loss from 1 month after the surgical procedure.
  • Effect of a combination of gliptin and metformin on serum vitamin B12, folic acid, and ferritin levels Original Article

    Genc, Fevziye Turkoglu; Nalbant, Ahmet; Genc, Ahmed Cihad; Kaya, Tezcan

    Resumo em Inglês:

    SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to explore the impact of metformin and metformin/gliptin combination therapy on the serum concentrations of vitamin B12, ferritin, and folic acid in individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: This study included 118 patients, classified into two groups: 59 patients using only metformin and 59 patients using a combination of metformin/gliptin. Among the latter group, 35 patients used vildagliptin/metformin, and 24 used sitagliptin/metformin. The study recorded the demographic data such as the age and gender of the patients, as well as their initial and 1-year follow-up blood parameters. RESULTS: Folic acid decreased significantly in the metformin group but not in the metformin/gliptin group. Vitamin B12 and ferritin decreased significantly in both groups. The decrease in vitamin B12 and ferritin was not significantly different between the two groups. The decrease in fasting plasma glucose was more significant in the metformin/gliptin group than in the metformin group. CONCLUSION: After 1 year, both groups taking metformin and metformin/gliptin showed low serum ferritin and vitamin B12 levels. Therefore, vitamin B12 levels in patients using these drugs should be closely monitored. Ferritin levels can be used to indicate whether glycemic control has been achieved.
  • Effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma on post-COVID chronic olfactory dysfunction Original Article

    Evman, Melis Demirag; Cetin, Zeynep Erdogan

    Resumo em Inglês:

    SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma injection on the olfactory cleft of patients with post-COVID olfactory dysfunction lasting over 1 year, who were unresponsive to common treatments. METHODS: Patients over 18 years of age with post-COVID olfactory dysfunction over 1 year whose complaints did not improve with intranasal steroids and D-panthenol/vitamin A combination nasal sprays with olfactory rehabilitation training for 1 month were prospectively collected and randomized into two groups: intranasal platelet-rich plasma group and control group. At the end of 1 month, Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center olfaction test scores of smell detection threshold and smell identification test were compared accordingly. RESULTS: A total of 25 patients were randomized into platelet-rich plasma (n=12) and control (n=13) groups. In the platelet-rich plasma group, the mean smell detection threshold score increased from 5.63 (SD 0.68) to 6.46 (SD 0.45), and the mean smell identification test score increased from 11.42 (SD 1.17) to 15.17 (SD 0.39). In the control group, the mean smell detection threshold score changed from 5.69 (SD 0.66) to 5.77 (SD 0.70), and the mean smell identification test score changed from 11.20 (SD 1.12) to 11.85 (SD 1.57). Post-hoc analysis revealed that similar mean smell detection threshold (mean difference 0.07; p=0.994) and smell identification test (mean difference −0.50; p=0.703) scores were transformed into a significant difference between groups (smell detection threshold mean difference 0.69; p=0.037; smell identification test mean difference 3.32; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: At the end of the first month, there was a significant improvement in olfactory threshold values in the platelet-rich plasma group compared to the control group. No side effect or adverse event related to platelet-rich plasma injection was observed.
  • Correlation between levels of perceived stress and depressive symptoms in the functional disability of patients with fibromyalgia Original Article

    Fernandes, Luiz Gustavo Rachid; Wenceslau, Carolyn Maria de Geus; Santos, André Amaro Mamédio dos; Lima, Diogo Von Gaevernitz; Dieckmann, Luiz Henrique Junqueira; Haddad, Michel; Mansani, Fabiana Postiglione; Schafranski, Marcelo Derbli

    Resumo em Inglês:

    SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors that are most correlated with the levels of functional disability in patients with fibromyalgia. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study in which 42 patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia according to the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology reported their status using the following questionnaires: the Beck Depression Inventory, the Perceived Stress Scale 14, the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, the Visual Analog Pain Scale, and the Health Assessment Questionnaire. RESULTS: Moderate to severe levels of depression (Beck Depression Inventory: 22.35±10.39), moderate to severe functional disability (Health Assessment Questionnaire: 1.28±0.58), and high levels of stress (Perceived Stress Scale 14: 31.59±10.02) were found. The correlation adjusted by multiple regression as a function of the Health Assessment Questionnaire indicated a negligible to weak positive correlation with perceived stress (r=0.11), while a moderately strong positive correlation was observed with the Visual Analog Pain Scale (r=0.55). Regarding physical exercise, one of the pillars of the treatment, a moderate negative correlation was found with the Health Assessment Questionnaire (r=-0.4). CONCLUSION: The pain levels were moderately influenced by depression severity. The factors most linked to functional disability are due to the pain levels but not to the perception of stress.
  • Is the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio a marker for differentiating between benign and malignant submandibular gland masses? Original Article

    Bora, Adem

    Resumo em Inglês:

    SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio on the differentiation of benign and malignant masses in the submandibular triangle. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 48 patients who underwent surgery for submandibular gland masses between January 2013 and February 2023. The patient's age, gender, preoperative complete blood count and imaging findings, postoperative histopathological diagnosis, and hemogram data were analysed. Patients were evaluated according to their postoperative histopathological diagnoses and categorised into four main groups: sialolithiasis, sialadenitis, benign tumours, and malignant tumours. Benign submandibular gland disease formations were evaluated under group B and malignant tumour formations under group M. RESULTS: A preoperative fine needle aspiration biopsy was performed on 19 patients due to sialadenitis, pleomorphic adenoma, and malignant diseases other than sialolithiasis. One patient died among the patients with malignant disease and the remaining 7 patients were compared with the benign group of 40 patients regarding preoperative and postoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. In the benign group, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was 2.64 preoperatively and decreased to 2.34 in the first postoperative year. The preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio decreased from 4.79 to 1.77 postoperatively in the malignant group. A statistically significant difference was observed (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: This is the first study to demonstrate that the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio can be used as a biomarker in submandibular gland masses and has prognostic significance in malignant masses. In addition to fine needle aspiration biopsy results, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio can be used as a biomarker.
  • Aflibercept suppresses ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: an experimental study in rats Original Article

    Ateş, Çağlayan; Dilbaz, Berna; Ergani, Seval Yılmaz; Atabay, Fuad

    Resumo em Inglês:

    SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to determine the impact of the antiangiogenic medications, namely, aflibercept and cabergoline in the prevention and treatment of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in a rat model. METHODS: A total of 36 female Wistar rats were randomly allocated to one of the five groups, including disease-free and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome controls: Group no OHSS (control, n=6) received saline only intraperitoneally (i.p.); group just OHSS (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome only, n=6) received 10 IU pregnant mare serum gonadotropin and 30 IU human chorionic gonadotropin subcutaneously to produce ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome; group cabergoline+OHSS (cabergoline+ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, n=8) received 100 μg/kg oral cabergoline; group aflibercept (12.5 mg/kg)+OHSS (aflibercept+ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, n=8) received 12.5 mg/kg i.p. aflibercept; and group aflibercept (25 mg/kg)+OHSS (aflibercept+ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, n=8) received 25 mg/kg i.p. aflibercept. The groups were compared for ovarian weight, immunohistochemical vascular endothelial growth factor expression, spectrophotometric vascular permeability evaluated with methylene blue solution in peritoneal lavage, and body weight growth. RESULTS: Vascular endothelial growth factor immunoexpression was substantially greater in the just OHSS group (22.00±10.20%) than in the aflibercept (12.5 mg/kg)+OHSS (7.87±6.13%) and aflibercept (25 mg/kg)+OHSS (5.63±4.53%) groups (p=0.008 and p=0.005, respectively). Post-hoc tests indicated that cabergoline, 12.5 mg/kg aflibercept, and 25 mg/kg aflibercept decreased vascular permeability compared to the untreated ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome group (p=0.003, p=0.003, and p=0.001, respectively). JOH group had the heaviest ovaries, whereas aflibercept (25 mg/kg)+OHSS group had the lightest. In terms of body weight gain, cabergoline+OHSS group was substantially greater than the aflibercept (12.5 mg/kg)+OHSS and aflibercept (25 mg/kg)+OHSS groups (p=0.006 and p=0.007, respectively). CONCLUSION: Aflibercept, an antiangiogenic medication, decreased ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome by lowering the vascular permeability and vascular endothelial growth factor expression.
  • Should we reconsider high-risk features in thyroid ultrasonography? Original Article

    Canpolat, Asena Gökçay; Taşkın, Dursun Göktürk; Deryol, Hilal Yıldırım; Korkmaz, Fatma Nur; Erdoğan, Murat Faik

    Resumo em Inglês:

    SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Round shape is generally considered to reduce the risk of malignancy according to recent guidelines. On the contrary, according to some reports, spherically shaped thyroid nodules are associated with a higher risk of malignancy. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the malignancy risk of solid round isoechoic nodules detected at thyroid ultrasonography and compare it with that of solid ovoid isoechoic nodules. METHODS: Between 2017 and 2022, solitary solid round isoechoic nodules with diameters ³10 and £25 mm at thyroid ultrasonography were retrospectively selected and enrolled in the study. Age, size, nodule volume, serum thyrotropin levels, thyroid antibody levels, and cytopathological and histopathological results were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 457 solitary solid isoechoechoic nodules from 457 patients (262 females and 195 males; median age, 59 [31–70] years) were selected, of which 203 were solid round isoechoic nodules, and 254 were solid ovoid isoechoic nodules. A total of 54 surgical operations were performed on 457 nodules, and 31 of them resulted in malignancy. From the 31 malignant results, 25 originated from solid round isoechoic nodules and the remaining 6 originated from solid ovoid isoechoic nodules (p<0.025). CONCLUSION: We found that round nodules have higher malignancy rates than ovoid nodules. We think that ultrasonographic risk stratification systems used to target the most suitable nodules for the necessary biopsies can be dynamically updated, and sphericity can be added as a parameter in patient-based decision-making.
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome and abdominal fat: is there a relationship? Original Article

    Macruz, Carolina Furtado; Lima, Sônia Maria Rolim Rosa

    Resumo em Inglês:

    SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the distribution of fat tissue in non-obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome and those without the syndrome using dual-energy radiological densitometry. METHODS: This was a case-control study in which we enrolled women aged 14–39 years with polycystic ovary syndrome according to the Rotterdam criteria with a body mass index between 18.5 and 30 kg/m2. The control group comprised women with the same profile, but without polycystic ovary syndrome. Patients were treated at the Endocrinological Gynecology Outpatient Clinic of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo between 2019 and 2022. Anthropometric measurements were taken and the assessment of body composition was performed using dual-energy radiological densitometry. RESULTS: The sample comprised 57 women: 37 in the polycystic ovary syndrome group and 20 in the control group. The mean age of the polycystic ovary syndrome group was 24.9 years (±6.9) with a mean body mass index of 60.8 kg/m2 (±8.5), and for the control group, it was 24.2 years (±6.9) with a mean body mass index of 58 kg/m2 (±8.4). Body composition was evaluated using dual-energy radiological densitometry and showed a higher value of trunk fat in the polycystic ovary syndrome group (44.1%, ±9.0) compared to the control group (35.2%, ±11.4), which was statistically significant (p=0.002). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that non-obese polycystic ovary syndrome patients have a higher concentration of abdominal fat, which is a risk factor for increased cardiovascular risk and insulin resistance. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02467751.
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