Search

Background Most of the Brazilian population relies on public healthcare and stroke is a major cause of disability in this country of continental dimensions. There is limited information about access to rehabilitation after stroke in Brazil. Objective To provide comprehensive information about Access to Rehabilitation After discharge from public hospitals in Brazil (AReA study), up to 6 months after stroke. Methods The present study intends to collect information from 17 public health centers in 16 Brazilian cities in the 5 macroregions of the country. Each center will include 36 participants (n = 612). The inclusion criteria are: age ≥ 18 years old; ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, from 6 months to 1 year prior to the interview; admission to a public hospital in the acute phase after stroke; any neurological impairment poststroke; patient or caregiver able to provide informed consent and answer the survey. Patients can only be recruited in public neurology or internal medicine outpatient clinics. Outcomes will be assessed by a standard questionnaire about rehabilitation referrals, the rehabilitation program (current status, duration in months, number of sessions per week) and instructions received. In addition, patients will be asked about preferences for locations of rehabilitation (hospitals, clinics, or at home). Trial Status The study is ongoing. Recruitment started on January 31st, 2020 and is planned to continue until June 2022. Conclusion The AReA study will fill a gap in knowledge about access to stroke rehabilitation in the public health system in different Brazilian regions.

Objectives: Identify the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on walking capacity, strength and inspiratory muscle endurance, activities of daily living, and quality of life poststroke. Design: Double-blind randomized trial. Setting: The Sarah Network of Rehabilitation Hospitals. Subjects: Adult poststroke inpatients with inspiratory muscle weakness. Interventions: The Experimental Group (EG) ( n = 23) underwent IMT for 30 minutes/day, five times/week over six weeks. The Control Group (CG) ( n = 27) performed sham IMT. Both groups underwent standard rehabilitation. Main measures: Primary outcome was post-intervention six-minute walking test (6MWT) distance. We also measured maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), inspiratory muscle endurance, activities of daily living (functional independence measure – FIM), and quality of life at baseline and post-intervention. Three months after intervention, we measured MIP, walking capacity and quality of life. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar, with mean age 53 ± 11 years and FIM 74 ± 10p. Both groups similarly increased the walking capacity at six weeks (63 vs 67 m, P = 0.803). Compared to the CG, the EG increased the inspiratory endurance (22 vs 7 cmH2O, P = 0.034) but there was no variation in MEP (14 vs 5 cmH2O, P = 0.102), MIP (27 vs 19 cmH2O, P = 0.164), FIM (6 vs 6, P = 0.966) or quality of life (0 vs 0.19, P = 0.493). Gains in both groups were sustained at three months. Conclusion: Adding IMT to a rehabilitation program improves inspiratory muscle endurance, but does not further improve MIP, 6-MWT distance, activities of daily living or quality of life of individuals after stroke beyond rehabilitation alone. Registered in Clinical Trials, NCT03171272.

The recovery of people affected by COVID-19 is a process that continues beyond the acute condition of infection by Sars-CoV-2. The impairment of several body systems can cause functional impacts and demand continuous physical therapy assistance both in outpatient care and in Primary Health Care (PHC). In this essay, we seek to discuss the challenges of organizing and offering Physical Therapy assistance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. The analysis was summarized in three dimensions: offering physical therapy assistance in PHC, outpatient care, via telehealth. It is concluded that functional rehabilitation depends on the PHC's response capacity; there is a shortage of rehabilitation services that precedes the pandemic, and may not respond satisfactorily to the demands of the current epidemiological context; it is necessary to articulate the outpatient physiotherapy and PHC teams; although telehealth is a resource and an opportunity to increase the population's access to functional rehabilitation, its use requires caution; the physiotherapist plays a crucial role in the entire COVID-19 care continuum.A recuperação das pessoas acometidas pela COVID-19 é um processo que continua para além do quadro agudo da infecção pelo Sars-CoV-2. O comprometimento de diversos sistemas corporais pode acarretar impactos funcionais e demandar assistência fisioterapêutica contínua tanto na atenção ambulatorial quanto na atenção primária à saúde (APS). Neste ensaio, busca-se discutir os desafios da organização e da oferta de assistência fisioterapêutica em resposta à pandemia da COVID-19 no Brasil. A análise foi sumarizada em três dimensões: oferta da assistência fisioterapêutica na APS e na atenção ambulatorial, e oferta de atenção fisioterapêutica por telessaúde. Conclui-se que: a reabilitação funcional depende da capacidade de resposta da APS; existe um déficit de serviços de reabilitação que antecede a pandemia, e pode comprometer respostas satisfatórias às demandas do atual contexto epidemiológico; faz-se necessária a articulação entre as equipes de fisioterapia ambulatorial e da APS; embora a telessaúde seja um recurso e uma oportunidade para ampliar o acesso da população à reabilitação funcional, sua utilização exige cautela; o fisioterapeuta possui papel crucial em todo o continuum de cuidados da COVID-19.

Background. Stroke patients present restriction of mobility in the acute phase, and the use of a simple and specific scale can be useful to guide rehabilitation. Objective. To validate and propose a Hospital Mobility Scale (HMS) for ischemic stroke patients as well as to evaluate the HMS as a prognostic indicator. Methods. This study was performed in 2 phases: in the first, we developed the HMS content, and in the second, we defined its score and evaluated its psychometric properties. We performed a longitudinal prospective study consisting of 2 cohorts (derivation and validation cohorts). The data were collected in a stroke unit, and the following scales were applied during hospitalization: National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale to quantify stroke severity and the HMS to verify the degree of mobility. The primary outcome was the proportion of unfavorable functional outcomes, defined as a modified Barthel Index of

Freezing of gait is a disabling feature of Parkinson's disease, and it has been shown that nonmotor symptoms, such as anxiety and cognitive impairment, may be involved in the pathophysiology of the phenomenon. However, the association between freezing of gait severity and nonmotor symptoms is yet to be determined. Therefore, the overall aim of this study was to determine factors that contribute to severity of freezing of gait in people with Parkinson's disease. Participants (N=78) were assessed by disease-specific and self-report measures, including the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and the Freezing of Gait Questionnaire (FOG-Q). Participants were classified as "freezers" if they scored ≥1 on item 3 of the FOG-Q; the sum of items 3-6 was used to determine freezing of gait severity. Freezers (N=27) showed higher scores on the HADS anxiety (p=0.002) and HADS depression (p=0.006) subscales. A multivariate linear model showed that disease severity (as measured by using the modified Hoehn and Yahr scale) accounted for 31% of the variance in FOG-Q severity scores (p

INTRODUCTION: Individuals with human T-cell lymphotropic virus 1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) experience sensorimotor alterations, which can affect functional performance. Virtual reality (VR) videogaming is a therapeutic option, though there is scarce evidence for its use in this population. We aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of a VR video game on functional mobility, balance, and gait speed in individuals with HAM/TSP. METHODS: We conducted a blinded, crossover clinical trial comprising 29 individuals with HAM/TSP and randomized them into two groups: (1) early therapy: rehabilitative protocol started immediately after the initial evaluation and (2) late therapy: rehabilitative protocol started 10 weeks later. We assessed all participants for balance using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) scores, functional mobility using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and gait speed using video camera and CvMob software. Differences were considered significant if p

Clinical changes after stroke can contribute to reduced mobility and negatively affect the survival of these individuals. The objective of this study was to verify factors associated with functional mobility in stroke individuals.Crosssectional study carried out with stroke individuals in an outpatient clinic. Demographic and clinical data were collected and the following measures were applied: National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), modified Barthel Index, Trunk Impairment Scale, Functional Reach Test, Timed Up and Go Test, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Respiratory muscle strength was assessed by measuring the maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and the maximum expiratory pressure (MEP).Variables with p .05 in univariate logistic regression analysis were included in the multivariate logistic regression model, using the backward stepwise method.53 individuals were enrolled with a mean age of 55 years (±13.43). 51% were male and the median NIHSS score was 2.25 (0-13). The final multivariate model included NIHSS (OR = 1.872; 95% CI 1.167-3.006; p = 0.009), physical therapy treatment (OR = 15.467; 95% CI 1.838-130.178; p = 0.012) and MIP (OR = 1.078; 95% CI 1.024-1.135; p = 0.004).Stroke severity and inspiratory muscle strength were factros associated with functional mobility in individuals after stroke, regardless stroke time.

Stroke Self-efficacy Questionnaire (SSEQ) is not available to Portuguese-Brazil.Objective: To translate, perform cross-cultural adaptation, and validate the Stroke Self-efficacy Questionnaire (SSEQ) to Portuguese-Brazil (SSEQ-B).Methods: It is a cross sectional study: 1) translation and cross-cultural adaptation of SSEQ – a five stage process, 2) validation and reliability study with 40 chronic stroke survivors. The outcomes were: Content Validity Index (CVI), Face validity index, Reliability, Internal consistency, Stability, Ceiling and floor effects Concurrent validity, Measurement error using Standard Error of Measurement (SEM) and Minimal Detectable Change (MDC). Results: There was high agreement for the English to Portuguese-Brazil translation. Adjustments were made to improve semantic equivalence. Intra-examiner reliability was high (ICC 0.86) as was inter-examiner reliability (ICC 0.91). Internal consistency was acceptable for the total score, the activity subscale and self-management domain, Cronbach alphas are 0.82, 0.77, 0.68, respectively. The stability of the SSEQ-B was high and good (r = 0.77 p Conclusion: SSEQ-B is a valid, reliable, and stable patient-reported outcome. It has concurrent validity with self-reported measures of depression, functional independence and a multi-dimensional measure of health status in chronic stroke survivors in Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) may lead to reduced functional mobility and balance. It is important to establish specific parameters that identify these changes and predict the risk of falls in these patients. The aim was to compare balance, functional mobility, and occurrence of falls among patients with and without HAM/TSP and to suggest values to predict the risk of falls in these patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study in patients with and without HAM/TSP involved balance assessments based on the berg balance scale (BBS) and functional mobility evaluation based on the timed up and go (TUG) test. From reports of falls, the sensitivity, specificity, and best cutoff points for the risk of falls assessed by these instruments were established using the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve; 5% alpha was considered. RESULTS: We selected 42 participants: 29 with HAM/TSP and 13 without HAM/TSP. There was a statistically significant difference in the occurrence of falls, balance, and functional mobility between the groups (p

Falls are a debilitating problem for people with Parkinson's disease (PD).To compare clinical and functional characteristics of non-fallers, single and recurrent fallers (≥2 falls); to determine predictors of time to second fall; and to develop a predictive tool for identifying people with PD at different categories of falls risk.Participants (n = 229) were assessed by disease-specific, self-report and balance measures and followed up for 12 months. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC), Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank test were performed. Selected predictors with p 0.10 in univariate analysis were chosen to be entered into the Cox regression model.Eighty-four (37%) participants had ≥2 falls during the follow-up. Recurrent fallers significantly differed from single fallers. The final Cox model included history of ≥2 falls in the past year (Hazard Ratio [HR] = 3.94; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.26-6.86), motor fluctuations (HR = 1.91; 95% CI 1.12-3.26), UPDRS activities of daily living (ADL) (HR = 1.10 per 1 point increase; 95% CI 1.06-1.14) and levodopa equivalent dose (LED) (HR = 1.09 per 100 mg increase; 95% CI 1.02-1.16). A 3-predictor tool included history of ≥2 falls in the past year, motor fluctuations and UPDRS ADL12 points (AUC = 0.84; 95% CI 0.78-0.90). By adding LED700 mg/day and Berg balance scale ≤49 points, a 5-predictor tool was developed (AUC = 0.86; 95% CI 0.81-0.92).Two predictive tools with moderate-to-high accuracy may identify people with PD at low, medium and high risk of falling recurrently within the next year. However, future studies to address external validation are required.

Objectives The study aimed to check the therapeutic effect of virtual reality associated with conventional physiotherapy on gait balance and the occurrence of falls after a stroke. Methods This was a randomized, blinded clinical trial conducted with post-stroke patients, randomized into two groups—treatment group and control group—and subjected to balance assessments by the Dynamic Gait Index and investigation of falls before and after 20 intervention sessions. Statistically significant difference was considered at P Results We selected 30 patients, but there were three segment losses, resulting in a total of 13 patients in the control group and 14 in the treatment group. There was an improvement in gait balance and reduced occurrence of falls in both groups. After intervention, the differences in gait balance in the control group ( P = .047) and the reduction in the occurrence of falls in the treatment group ( P = .049) were significant. However, in intergroup analysis, there was no difference in the two outcomes. Conclusions Therapy with games was a useful tool for gait balance rehabilitation in post-stroke patients, with repercussions on the reduction of falls.

People with HTLV-1 associated myelopathy or tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) have sensorimotor losses and postural instability, resulting in frequent falls. These findings stimulate the use of exercise protocols associated with postural control. This study investigated the effectiveness of a balance training exercise protocol through a virtual game. This is a randomized crossover clinical trial performed in subjects with imbalance disorders (HAM/TSP). To evaluate postural oscillations by baropodometry (total area, anterior, posterior and lateral projection), the Footwork® system was used and by cinemetry (angle of the body, hip and ankle alignment in the lateral view), the CVMob system. In addition, the Brief Pain Inventory and the WHOQoL Bref were used to measure pain intensity and quality of life. Comparison tests of the averages (intra and inter groups) and correlations were applied considering an alpha of 5% and power of 80%. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Catholic University of Salvador and registered in the Clinical Trials database (NCT02877030). The final sample consisted of 26, predominantly female subjects. An increase in the postural oscillations of the control subjects (p

Objective To externally validate the Recurrent Fall Risk Scale (ReFR) in community-dwelling stroke survivors. Methods Cohort of stroke survivors with independent gait ability recruited from a reference outpatient stroke clinic. Besides sociodemographic and clinical data, the following scales were used: Modified Barthel Index (mBI), ReFR scale and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Participants were followed up for 12 months to record the incidence of falls. Accuracy of the ReFR scale was measured by the area under the ROC curve. Results One hundred and thirteen individuals were recruited between April 2016 and November 2016: mean age 54 years (± 14), 55% women, median time since the last stroke 24 months (range 12 –48 months), posterior vascular territory affected in 35% of the sample. Median NIHSS was 3 (range 1 to 6), median mBI 49 (range 46–50), median ReFR 3 (range 2 to 5). During the follow-up period, 32 (33%) subjects had at least one fall and 18 (19%) were recurrent fallers (two or more falls). The accuracy of ReFR scale was 0.67 (95% CI = 0.54–0.79), p = 0.026. Conclusion This study externally validated the ReFR as a tool to predict recurrent falls in individuals after stroke.

Aim To identify potential predictors of community integration in individuals after stroke using a residential setting-based strategy. Method A prospective cohort of post-stroke individuals was recruited from the Stroke Unit of the Roberto Santos General Hospital (UAVC-HGRS). All included individuals were aged over 18 years, received a diagnosis of ischemic stroke confirmed by neuroimaging and resided in the city of Salvador (Bahia, Brazil). Following discharge from the stroke unit, the individuals themselves, or their responsible parties, were contacted by telephone to schedule a home visit no less than three months after discharge. All subjects were examined in their homes, at which time the Community Integration Questionnaire (CIQ) was also applied. A robust linear regression model was used to assess community reintegration using CIQ score as the outcome variable. Results A total of 124 individuals effectively fulfilled the eligibility criteria: 51.6% were females, the median (IQR) age was 63(53–69) years, 82.3% were non-white, 53.2% were married, the median (IQR) of years of schooling was 6 (4–12) and family income averaged two minimum monthly wages. Investigated individuals presented a median (IQR) NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 7 (4–12). Multivariate linear regression identified the following independent predictors of community integration: age (β = -0.095; 95% CI = -0.165 to -0.025; p = 0.008), diabetes mellitus (β = -2.348; 95% CI = -4.125 to -0.571; p = 0.010), smoking habit (β = -2.951; 95% CI = -5.081 to -0.821; p = 0.007), functional capacity upon hospital discharge (β = 0.168; 95% CI = 0.093 to 0.242; p =

The hand trajectory of motion during the performance of one-dimensional point-to-point movements has been shown to be marked by motor primitives with a bell-shaped velocity profile. Researchers have investigated if motor primitives with the same shape mark also complex upper-limb movements. They have done so by analyzing the magnitude of the hand trajectory velocity vector. This approach has failed to identify motor primitives with a bell-shaped velocity profile as the basic elements underlying the generation of complex upper-limb movements. In this study, we examined upper-limb movements by analyzing instead the movement components defined according to a Cartesian coordinate system with axes oriented in the medio-lateral, antero-posterior, and vertical directions. To our surprise, we found out that a broad set of complex upper-limb movements can be modeled as a combination of motor primitives with a bell-shaped velocity profile defined according to the axes of the above-defined coordinate system. Most notably, we discovered that these motor primitives scale with the size of movement according to a power law. These results provide a novel key to the interpretation of brain and muscle synergy studies suggesting that human subjects use a scale-invariant encoding of movement patterns when performing upper-limb movements.

Introduction Patients with severe thrombocytopenia are presumed to be at increased risk for bleeding, and consequently it has been a standard practice for the past four decades to give allogeneic platelet transfusions to severely thrombocytopenic patients as supportive care. Platelet transfusions may be given either prophylactically to reduce the risk of bleeding, in the absence of clinical hemorrhage (prophylactic transfusions), or to control active bleeding when present (therapeutic transfusions). Conclusion Here we review the structure and function of platelets and discuss the mechanisms of alloimmunization to platelet transfusion.

Purpose To evaluate the inter-rater reliability and predictive validity of the Frenchay Activities Index (FAI) in patients after stroke. Methods One hundred sixty-one patients were selected for consecutive application of the FAI and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Spearman’s test was used for correlation between different scales. The FAI and NIHSS association was evaluated using ordinal logistic regression. Additionally, 36 patients underwent FAI rating on the same day by two independent evaluators. Results A negative correlation between the FAI and the NIHSS scores (p = 0.017 r = -0.22) was found. Adjusting all variables with possible association with the NIHSS, ordinal logistic regression showed that the FAI had a significant association with NIHSS scores (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.87 to 0.99, p: 0.033). The inter-rater agreement was considered good, k = 0.66 (0.54 to 0.78), p < 0.001. Conclusions The FAI is a valid and useful method to assess instrumental activities before acute stroke in a Brazilian population.

Individuals with stroke have a high risk of falling, and their fall predictors may differ from those of other populations.To estimate fall frequency and identify factors related to fall occurrence in a sample of patients with stroke residing in the community.Clinical data were collected from 150 consecutive stroke patients with independent gait, and the following scales were applied: modified Barthel Index (mBI), Timed UpGo Test (TUG), and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Univariate analysis was performed; variables with possible association (P.1) were included in a logistic regression model. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to identify the best cutoff point for TUG.Falls occurred in 37% of patients. In multivariate analysis, right hemisphere injury (odds ratio [OR], 2.621; 95% CI, 1.196-5.740; P = .016), time in TUG (OR, 1.035 for every increase in 1 second; 95% CI, 1.003-1.069; P = .034), and longer time since stroke onset (OR, 1.012 for every month increase; 95% CI, 1.002-1.021; P = .015) remained predictors. When we grouped individuals according to affected cerebral hemisphere, both hemispheres had similar accuracy, but TUG cutoff point was lower in individuals with right- versus left-hemisphere lesions.Patients with poor TUG performance, longer times since stroke onset, and right-hemisphere injury have particularly high fall rates, and TUG cutoff points for fall prediction vary according to cerebral hemisphere.

The aim of this study was to analyze the situation with the decentralization of the Brazilian National System of Food and Nutritional Security (SISAN), created in 2006 under the Brazilian National Food and Nutritional Security Act (LOSAN). Based on the criteria for joining SISAN, as set out in Decree 7,272 of August 25, 2010, the authors analyzed data from the basic information surveys of the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, 2014 (Estadic e Munic/2014). The results show that decentralization of SISAN is still incipient at the municipal level, although all the states of Brazil have already joined the system. The social assistance sector has played an outstanding role in coordinating SISAN at the state and municipal levels, while in the latter the health sector has also played a relevant role. The analysis of food and nutritional security activities conducted to date, based on the sources of federal, state, and municipal funds, further shows that the federal sphere has still not played a strong inductive role capable of leading the expansion of SISAN. More effective funding mechanisms and the assignment of responsibilities to the states and municipalities are relevant factors for consolidating the system's state-level base and expanding the municipal base in the search for an identity and capillarity for SISAN.O objetivo do trabalho foi analisar a situação da descentralização do Sistema Nacional de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional (SISAN), criado no ano de 2006, pela Lei Orgânica da Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional (LOSAN). Com base nos critérios de adesão ao SISAN, contidos no Decreto nº 7.272 de 25 de agosto de 2010, foram analisados os dados das pesquisas de informações básicas, estaduais e municipais, do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística de 2014 - Estadic e Munic/2014. Os resultados identificam a incipiência do processo de descentralização no âmbito municipal, em contraposição à adesão de todos os estados da federação ao SISAN. Destaca a relevância da atuação do setor de assistência social na coordenação do SISAN nos âmbitos estadual e municipal, sendo que neste ultimo a presença da saúde como setor de coordenação se mostra expressiva. A análise das ações de segurança alimentar e nutricional desenvolvidas, baseando-se na origem de recursos federais, estaduais e municipais, mostra ainda que não há um acentuado papel indutor por parte do nível federal capaz de direcionar a expansão do SISAN. Mecanismos de financiamento e de atribuição de responsabilidades aos entes federativos mais efetivos aparecem como elementos relevantes para consolidar a base estadual e ampliar a base municipal, na busca de identidade e capilaridade para o SISAN.El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar la situación de la descentralización del Sistema Brasileño de Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutricional (SISAN), creado en el año 2006, mediante la Ley Orgánica de Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutricional (LOSAN). En base a los criterios de adhesión al SISAN, recogidos en el Decreto nº 7.272 del 25 de agosto de 2010, y los datos analizados de las encuestas de información básica del Instituto Brasileño de Geografía y Estadística de 2014 -Estadic e Munic/2014. Los resultados identifican lo incipiente del proceso de descentralización en el ámbito municipal, en contraposición con la adhesión de todos los estados de la federación al SISAN. Destaca la relevancia de la actuación del sector de asistencia social, en lo que se refiere a la coordinación del SISAN en los ámbitos estatal y municipal, donde la presencia de la salud en este último -entendida como sector de coordinación- se muestra explícita. El análisis de las acciones de seguridad alimentaria y nutricional desarrolladas, basándose en el origen de recursos federales, estatales y municipales, expone que todavía no existe un acentuado papel inductor, por parte del nivel federal, capaz de dirigir la expansión del SISAN. Los mecanismos de financiación y de atribución de responsabilidades a los entes federativos más efectivos aparecen como elementos relevantes para consolidar la base estatal y ampliar la base municipal, en la búsqueda de identidad y capilaridad para el SISAN.

Glutamine depletion is common in the critically-ill patients. Glutaminemia lower than 420 μmol/l has been considered as an independent predictive factor of mortality, but the indications for exogenous glutamine supplementation remain controversial. This study intends to determine the glutaminemia profile in critical surgical patients and to investigate its correlation with the severity indexes and the prognosis.A prospective study of 28 adult critical surgical patients was performed. Plasma amino acid concentrations were quantified, by ion exchange chromatography, at the moment of admission and at the first and third days, and compared with those of 11 reference healthy individuals. Severity indexes and parameters of prognosis were registered.In critical surgical patients, mean glutaminemia at admission was lower than that of control individuals (385.1 ± 123.1 versus515 ± 57.9 μmol/l, p = 0.002) and decreased until the third day (p = 0.042). Prevalence of severe hypoglutaminemia (420 μmol/l) at admission was 64.3%. Baseline glutaminemia correlated with the Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II score) (Pearson's correlation coefficient r = -39.4%, p = 0.042), and it was lower in cases of erythrocytes transfusion (339.9 ± 78.8 versus 454.9 ± 148.8 μmol/l, p = 0.013). Glutaminemia at the third day correlated with the duration of invasive ventilation support (r = -65%, p = 0 .012) and ICU stay (r = -66.5%, p = 0.009). Glutaminemia below 320 μmol/l, observed in 25% of the patients, was associated with higher in-hospital mortality (42.9 versus19%, statistically not significant [n.s.]) and lower actuarial survival (212.1 ± 77.9 versus 262.3 ± 32.4 days, n.s.).Those results underscore the relevance of hypoglutaminemia as an adverse predictive factor in the critical surgical patients. Determination of glutaminemia may contribute to a better definition of the indications for glutamine supplementation.

Objectives This study aimed to determine risk factors related to the occurrence of falls in stroke patients and to propose a new predictive scale for falls. Methods Demographic and clinical data were collected and the following scales were applied: Barthel Index, Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Subjects were followed prospectively for 2 years for the occurrence of recurrent (≥2) falls. Kaplan–Meier curves were constructed and univariable associations were tested using log-rank test. Two separate multivariable models were then used: the first used Cox proportional hazards regression and the second used Poisson regression. In each model, significant associations were considered present with a P value less than .05. Results We evaluated 150 individuals and the final analysis included 131 patients; the average age of the patients was 55.8 ± 13 years, 52% were women, and the median NIHSS score was 2 (interquartile range = 1-5). Falls occurred in 17% of patients, with a median of 23 months of follow-up (interquartile range = 16-26 months). In the multivariable Cox regression model, only TUG quartile, female gender, and posterior circulation territory involvement remained significant predictors of recurrent falls. We used the predictors from the Cox regression model to propose a new recurrent fall risk scale. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 73%, 95% confidence interval = 62%-83%, P = .001, with 81.3% sensitivity and 41.8% specificity. Conclusions The new predictive scale for recurrent risk (including TUG, posterior circulation territory involvement, and female gender) is presented as an instrument for monitoring the risk of recurrent falls.

Background: We aimed to validate three widely used scales in stroke research in a multiethnic Brazilian population. Methods: The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and Barthel Index (BI) were translated, culturally adapted and applied by two independent investigators. The mRS was applied with or without a previously validated structured interview. Interobserver agreement (kappa statistics) and intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated. Results: 84 patients underwent mRS (56 with and 28 without a structured interview), 57 BI and 62 NIHSS scoring. Intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.902 for NIHSS and 0.967 for BI. For BI, interobserver agreement was good (kappa = 0.70). For mRS, the structured interview improved interobserver agreement (kappa = 0.34 without a structured interview; 0.75 with a structured interview). Conclusion: The NIHSS, BI and mRS show good validity when translated and culturally adapted. Using a structured interview for the mRS improves interobserver concordance rates.

Citrullinemia is been reported as a quantitative parameter of the enterocyte mass and function.The objective of this research is to analyse the value of fasting and stimulated citrullinemias in the intestinal function evaluation.A case-control study was undertaken, including 11 patients with short bowel syndrome, 13 patients submitted to malabsorptive bariatric surgery and 11 healthy controls. Plasma levels of amino acids were determined, before and after a stimulation test with oral Lglutamine, by ion exchange chromatography.Citrullinemia was inferior in short bowel patients (28,6 ± 11,3 versus 35,5 ± 11 in operated obese versus 32,2 ± 6,6 μmol/L in controls; n.s.) and lower than 25,5 μmol/L in 54,5% of them (versus 16,7%; p = 0,041; accuracy = 74%; odds ratio = 3, 95%CI 1,2-7,6). ΔCitrullinemia80 (relative variation of citrullinemia at the 80th minute of test) was lower in short bowel patients; its diagnostic accuracy was similar to baseline citrullinemia and also not significant. ΔCitrullinemia80 revealed a high predictive capacity of a short bowel inferior or equal to 50 cm (auR.O.C. = 82,3%; 95%CI 61,7-102,8; p = 0,038).In short bowel syndrome context, citrullinemia stimulation test with oral L-glutamine is feasible and it may improve the predictive capacity of severity. Further investigation is required to determine its clinical relevance and applicability.Introducción: Citrulinemia sí ha reportado como un parámetro cuantitativo de la masa y la función del enterocito. Objetivo: El objetivo de esta investigación es analizar el valor de las citrulinemias en ayuno y estimulada en la evaluación de la función intestinal. Métodos: Un estudio de casos y controles se llevó a cabo, incluyendo 11 enfermos con síndrome del intestino corto, 13 pacientes sometidos a cirugía bariátrica de malabsorción y 11 controles sanos. Los niveles plasmáticos de aminoácidos se determinaron, antes y después de la prueba de estimulación oral con L-glutamina, por cromatografía de intercambio iónico. Resultados: Citrulinemia fue menor en los pacientes de intestino corto (28,6 ± 11,3 versus 35,5 ± 11 en los obesos operados versus 32,2 ± 6,6 μmol/L en los controles; n.s.) e inferior a 25,5 μmol/L en el 54,5% de ellos (versus 16,7%; p = 0,041, exactitud = 74%, odds ratio = 3, IC95% 1,2 a 7,6). ?Citrullinemia80 (variación relativa de la citrulinemia a los 80 minutos de la prueba) fue menor en enfermos de intestino corto; su precisión diagnóstica fue similar a la citrulinemia en ayuno y también no significativa. ?Citrullinemia80 reveló una elevada capacidad predictiva de intestino corto inferior o igual a 50 cm (abR.O.C. = 82,3%; IC95% 61,7-102,8; p = 0,038). Conclusiones: En el contexto de lo síndrome de intestino corto, la prueba de estimulación de la citrulinemia con L-glutamina oral es factible y puede mejorar la capacidad predictiva de gravedad. Se requieren nuevas investigaciones para determinar su importancia clínica y aplicabilidad.

OBJECTIVE: To validate a quality of life scale, EuroQoL, on stroke patients. METHOD: 67 patients were scored simultaneously for EuroQoL-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D), NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Barthel Index (mBI). Pearson test was used to correlate each scale. Additionally, 31 patients were examined by two independent evaluators on the same day through application of EQ-5D. Kappa statistics were used to evaluate interobserver agreement. RESULTS: EQ-5D showed good correlation with both stroke severity (NIHSS, r= -0.404, P0.60) in all dimensions evaluated (P0,60) em todas as dimensões avaliadas (P

Since this is an era in which information is open concerning the benefits it brings, the field of nursing informatics earns its moment. The objective of this study was to design educational software for teaching and learning the technique of urinary indwelling catheterization and compare the acquisition of knowledge regarding the technique before and after the implementation of the educational software. This is a descriptive study using a quantitative approach. The pedagogical foundations for designing the software were the theories of Piaget and Vygotsky. The teaching-learning process was evaluated through a questionnaire consisting of 10 multiple choice questions which the 60 participants completed before and after using the software. The results showed the software made significant contributions after its application, thus being very useful in the teaching-learning process.

Made available in DSpace on 2019-09-11T20:51:32Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2018 RESUMO Objetivo: Classificar o grau de risco para ulcerações nos pés de pessoas com diabetes mellitus e identificar seus principais fatores de risco preditivos. Método: Estudo exploratório, descritivo, onde os pacientes foram avaliados em um ambulatório municipal de São Paulo por meio da consulta de enfermagem, segundo diretrizes do International Consensus on the Diabetic Foot. Os dados foram analisados descritivamente. Resultados: a população analisada foi de 50 pessoas, longevos jovens, aposentados, renda familiar de até dois salários mínimos, com fatores de risco dermato-neuro-funcionais e indicadores clínicos desfavoráveis, sendo que 66% apresentaram risco 1; 16% risco 2; 6% risco 3 e 12% risco 4. Dentre estes, 96% nunca tiveram seus pés examinados com o monofilamento de Semmes Weinstein. Conclusão: Os dados encontrados apontam a importância da avaliação criteriosa dos pés das pessoas com diabetes pela enfermagem para identificar os riscos futuros de ulcerações, e desta forma trabalhar a prevenção dos mesmos. ABSTRACT Objective: To classify the level of risk for foot ulcers in people with diabetes mellitus and identify their main predictive risk factors. Method: Exploratory, descriptive study, in which patients were assessed in a municipal ambulatory of São Paulo through nursing consultation, following the guidelines of the International Consensus on the Diabetic Foot. Data were descriptively analyzed. Results: The analyzed population was composed of 50 longevous and retired people, with household income of up to two minimum wages, with dermato-neurofunctional risk factors and unfavorable clinical indicators, and 66% had Risk 1; 16% Risk 2; 6% Risk 3 and 12% Risk 4. Of this analyzed total, 96% never had their feet examined with the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament. Conclusion: The data found indicate the importance of careful feet examination in people with diabetes by the nursing staff to identify future risks of ulcers and, thus, prevent them. RESUMEN Objetivo: Clasificar el grado de riesgo para las ulceraciones en los pies de las personas con diabetes mellitus e identificar sus principales factores de riesgo predictivos. Método: Estudio exploratorio, descriptivo, en el cual los pacientes fueron evaluados en un ambulatorio municipal de São Paulo por medio de la consulta de enfermería, según las directrices del International Consensus on the Diabetic Foot. Los datos fueron analizados descriptivamente. Resultados: La población analizada fue de 50 personas, longevos jóvenes, jubilados, con ingresos familiares de hasta dos salarios mínimos, con factores de riesgo dermato-neurofuncionales e indicadores clínicos desfavorables, siendo que el 66% presentó riesgo 1; el 16% de riesgo 2; el 6% riesgo 3; y el 12% de riesgo 4. De ese total analizado, el 96% nunca tuvo los pies examinados con el monofilamento de Semmes-Weinstein. Conclusión: Los datos encontrados apuntan la importancia de la evaluación cuidadosa de los pies de las personas con diabetes por la enfermería para identificar los riesgos futuros de ulceraciones y, de esta forma, prevenirlos. [Morita, Ana Beatriz Pinto da Silva] Centro Universitario Teresa D’Ávila, Brazil Paula, Maria Angela Boccara de] Universidade de Taubaté, Brazil Lucoveis, Maria do Livramento Saraiva; Gamba, Mônica Antar] Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brazil

Background To assess QOL of patients with stroke in comparison to other groups (caregivers and CHF patients), to identify which items of QOL are more affected on each group and what is the functional profile of patients with stroke. Methods Consecutive stroke or congestive heart failure (CHF) patients were evaluated and compared to their caregivers (caregivers). The NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and EuroQoL-5D (EQ-5D) scale were applied. Results We evaluated 67 patients with stroke, 62 with CHF and 67 caregivers. For stroke patients, median NIHSS score was four. EQ-5D score was significantly worse in stroke, as compared to CHF and caregivers (0.52, 0.69 and 0.65, respectively). Mobility and usual activity domains were significantly affected in stroke and CHF patients as compared to caregivers; and self-care was more affected in stroke as compared with the other two groups. Conclusions Despite a mild neurological deficit, there was a significantly worse QOL perception in stroke as compared to CHF patients, mostly in their perception of self-care.