Search

Translational research allowed us to hypothesize that endoscopic surgery performed with new generation 3D systems could improve surgeons’ performance, reducing the learning curve, and the perceived workload. However, there is currently a lack of evidence in randomized clinical trials considering advantages for the surgeon and the patient of using the new 3D systems. This systematic review of literature aims to understand what are the differences when performing an endoscopic surgery with new 3D or 2D systems when it comes to intra-operative, post-operative and surgeons perspective outcomes, and at the same time, understand what were the difficulties encountered when performing research about as different imaging systems for surgeons. A systematic review of literature was conducted through an online search in databases MEDLINE ©/PubMed © to identify articles published in English, from 1st January 2014 to 31st May 2019, that compared clinical results of 2D and 3D third-generation video-assisted surgery. A total of 30 articles were included in the qualitative analyses. Of the 30 articles analyzed, 13 were articles in which patients were randomly selected, of which 7 were considered to be at “Low” risk of bias. From the 7 articles, 2 demonstrated an association between lower blood loss and 3D systems. In this selection of low risk randomized articles, no differences were observed in any of the studies when it comes to conversion to open surgery, intra-operative complications, morbidity, length of stay, and oncological outcomes. In conclusion, this systematic review presents the current knowledge on clinical use of 3D systems for endoscopic surgery. Significant scientific evidence puts 3D technology with advantages in surgeon performance, learning curve, and fatigue.

Introduction Cutaneous manifestations related to chronic kidney disease (CKD) are common and associated with high morbidity. Acquired perforating dermatosis (APD) occurs mostly in diabetic or CKD patients, namely those undergoing hemodialysis. Case report A 58-year-old male with type 2 diabetes, with long-term insulin use, several microvascular and macrovascular complications, and on maintenance hemodialysis for 5 years presented with a 1-week history of painful, pruritic, umbilicated papules and some punctiform necrotic lesions on his left forearm, both hands, and both amputation stumps. There was no evidence of infection or vascular alterations, and the patient was not responsive to an initial course of topical corticosteroid. These lesions rapidly evolved to larger, coalescent necrotic injuries, with aggravated pain, intense left-hand skin peeling, and the appearance of similar lesions in the trunk, requiring hospital admission. Calciphylaxis and APD were suspected. Skin biopsy was performed and directed treatment initiated, including intradialytic sodium thiosulfate. Histology findings were compatible with APD and also excluded findings suggestive of vasculitis or calciphylaxis. Soon after, difficult-to-treat cellulitis of the left hand and forearm progressed to critical ischemia and amputation. Microbiology analysis revealed Serratia marcescens as the causative agent. Discussion To our knowledge, there are no previously described cases of APD-related cellulitis. Its treatment can be particularly challenging, as lesions can persist and relapse, and chronic scars can develop. S. marcescens behaves as an opportunistic and difficult-to-treat pathogen, complicating the prognosis. Conclusion APD can be associated with cellulitis and all of its complications in patients with underlying severe vasculopathy. Awareness of this complication in APD with early referral and aggressive treatment might improve the outcomes and quality of life of such patients.

Background: Laboratory skills training is an essential step before conducting minimally invasive surgery in clinical practice. Our main aim was to develop an animal model for training in clinically highly challenging laparoscopic duodenal atresia repair that could be useful in establishing a minimum number of repetitions to indicate safe performance of similar interventions on humans. Materials and methods: A rabbit model of laparoscopic duodenum atresia surgery involving a diamond-shaped duodeno-duodenostomy was designed. This approach was tested in two groups of surgeons: in a beginner group without any previous clinical laparoscopic experience (but having undergone previous standardized dry-lab training, n = 8) and in an advanced group comprising pediatric surgery fellows with previous clinical experience of laparoscopy (n = 7). Each participant performed eight interventions. Surgical time, expert assessment using the Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS) score, anastomosis quality (leakage) and results from participant feedback questionnaires were analyzed. Results: Participants in both groups successfully completed all eight surgeries. The surgical time gradually improved in both groups, but it was typically shorter in the advanced group than in the beginner group. The leakage rate was significantly lower in the advanced group in the first two interventions, and it reached its optimal level after five operations in both groups. The GOALS and participant feedback scores showed gradual increases, evident even after the fifth surgery. Conclusions: Our data confirm the feasibility of this advanced pediatric laparoscopic model. Surgical time, anastomosis quality, GOALS score and self-assessment parameters adequately quantify technical improvement among the participants. Anastomosis quality reaches its optimal value after the fifth operation even in novice, but uniformly trained surgeons. A minimum number of wet-lab operations can be determined before surgery can be safely conducted in a clinical setting, where the development of further non-technical skills is also required. Open access funding provided by University of Szeged. This study has been funded by FEDER funds through the Competitiveness Factors Operational Program (COMPETE) and by national funds through the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) within the scope of project No. POCI-01–0145-FEDER-007038, as well as by project No. NORTE-01–0145-FEDER-000013, supported by the Northern Portugal Regional Operational Program (NORTE 2020) under the Portugal 2020 Partnership Agreement through the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER).

Syphilis continues to be a public health problem worldwide and its incidence has increased in people living with HIV/AIDS in recent years. This study determined the prevalence and factors associated with syphilis in people living with HIV/AIDS in the city of Belém, northern Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to November 2018. A total of 500 people living with HIV/AIDS attended at a specialized unit of the public health network of the State of Pará were studied. Questionnaires were used to collect socio-demographic data and potential risk factors for syphilis. Blood samples were collected from all subjects and screened for syphilis using VDRL, and the seropositive were confirmed using FTA-abs. Logistic regressions were used to identify the factors associated with syphilis. Most subjects were male (56.8%), had more than 40 years (54.0%), single (63.0%), had finished high school (54.2%), had monthly income ≤1 minimum wage (72.4%), and had been born to the city of Belém (59.8%). Prevalence of syphilis was 6.4%. Eight characteristics/behaviors associated with syphilis: male, young adults, single, studied at least high school, monthly income >1 minimum wage, homosexual/bisexual, does not use or sporadically use condoms during sexual intercourse, and have had more than one sexual partner in the last three months. The prevalence of syphilis in people living with HIV/AIDS in Belém is low when compared to other Brazilian states. However, there is a need for public policies and actions to monitor, control and prevent these two sexually transmitted infections.

Background: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) have been introduced as useful inflammatory markers to predict the outcome of a wide spectrum of diseases, such as malignancies and cardiovascular pathologies. Limited evidence is available for their role in end-stage renal disease and dialysis patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate NLR and PLR as predictors of mortality in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Methods: In this retrospective study 122 incident PD patients between 2004 and 2019 were included. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected. Relationships between NLR, PLR and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were evaluated by Spearman correlation test. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analysis were performed to determine the association of NLR and PLR with all-cause mortality. Results: Mean levels of NLR and PLR were 3.99±2.6 and 195.5±101.7, respectively. Both NLR and PLR were significantly and positively correlated with serum hs-CRP levels (r=0.340, p

Background and Aims Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the main cause of death in chronic kidney patient. Increase pulse pressure (PP) is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes and is an independent risk factor of progression of chronic kidney disease. In this study we aim to identify the risk factors associated with increased PP in a population with severely decreased glomerular filtration rate. Method This was a prospective analysis conducted in an outpatient nephropathy clinic between 2005-2018, enrolling 692 patients with stage 4 CKD. Patients were divided into two groups according to their pulse pressure. Group 1 mean PP< 50 mmHg, Group2 mean PP >50 mmHg. Based on the calcium/magnesium ratio (rCaMg), the subjects were also divided into 4 risk groups according to the following criteria: 75th percentile (rCaMg: > 8.6; n=165) - G4. We used descriptive analysis, Student's t test, Univariate logistics regression analysis and CHAID analysis to determine the relationship between variables and PP. Results Total of 682 patients, with mean age 70 (SD 12.5), female 54%. An independent t-test was conducted to compare groups. There was a significant difference in mean hemoglobin level (p=0.005), calcium (p=0.029), phosphorus (p=0.017), magnesium (p Phosphorus OR 1.906 (CI 1.338-2.715) p After adjusting for confounding variables only sex OR 0.613 (CI 0.420-0.896) p=0.012 and rCa/Mg groups: G1 OR 7.392 (CI 4.362-12.527) p CHAID analysis identified rCa/Mg G2, G3, G4 (82.4%) as the more likely significant predictor to PP> 50 mmHg (p Conclusion These results suggest increased calcium/magnesium rate and male gender were associated with increased pulse pressure in a population with stage 4 CKD. Further studies are needed to understand this relationship.

Background and Aims Survival analysis is a cornerstone in medical research. For this purpose Kaplan-Meier is the most widely used statistical test, but the presence of competing risks violates the fundamental assumption that the censoring mechanism is independent of survival time. This leads to overestimation of the cumulative probability of cause-specific failure. Cumulative incidence estimate and competing risks analysis are preferred. The purpose of this study was to compare different survival analysis methods: Kaplan-Meier and cumulative incidence function estimates in a cohort of Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) patients. Method The survival of 115 incident patients on PD in a university hospital was evaluated after establishing 2 cohorts: patients starting renal replacement therapy with PD (PD first; n=85) and patients switching to PD on the first 6 months of dialysis (PD transfer; n=30). Kaplan-Meier, cumulative incidence function, cause-specific and subdistribution hazards were performed. The event of interest was death and the competing risk events were transfer to hemodialysis and renal transplantation. Results Besides higher residual renal function (RRF) and kt/V in the PD first group, there were no other significant differences between groups. There were 22 deaths. PD first group had a better survival with both Kaplan-Meier (log-rank test, p=0.013) and cumulative incidence function (p=0.021) approaches. The Cox regression model showed, as protecting variables, higher albumin (HR=0.174; CI95% 0.054-0.562), higher RRF (HR=0.785; CI95% 0.666-0.925) and PD first (HR=0.350; CI95% 0.132-0.927). Higher Charlson Index predicted worse outcome (HR=1.459; CI95% 1.159-1.835). PD as first dialysis therapy was associated with 65.0 % lower risk of death comparing with PD transfer. The subdistribution multivariable model found higher Charlson Index (HR=1.389; CI95% 1.118-1.725) and lower RRF (HR=0.798; CI95% 0.680-0.936) were statistically associated with death, but not PD transfer or albumin. This result differs from the obtained using the cause-specific hazard model. Analyzing the competing events, patients submitted to renal transplantation had a lower Charlson Index. Conclusion The probability of death was overestimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. The bias of Kaplan-Meier is especially great when the hazard of the competing risks is large. This study consisted on a statistical critical analysis of a real medical example, broader clinical conclusions related with “PD first initiative” should be cautious in this context. It is primordial to recognize the presence of competing risks in studies with multiple outcomes, as in Peritoneal Dialysis studies, to estimate cumulative incidence and yield more accurate results. This study shows how different conclusions are attained with different statistical methodology and its relevance in clinical context.

Background and Aims Peritoneal protein loss (PPL) in peritoneal effluent is a well-recognised detrimental result of peritoneal dialysis treatment since its inception. Hydrostatic convection is a major drive for peritoneal protein transport; therefore venous congestion may have a role in peritoneal protein loss (Krediet RT et al Perit Dial Int. 2019 ). The aim of this study was to explore the importance of overhydration on the magnitude of peritoneal protein clearance in incident PD patients. Method A total of 97 adult incident PD patients were included. A standard peritoneal equilibration test, 24-hour urine and dialysate collection, and multifrequency bioimpedance analysis were performed. Independent-samples t test and Pearson correlation coefficient were performed to evaluate relevant clinical associations and linear multivariable regression was done. Results Statistically significant univariable relationships for 24h PPL were found for continuous ambulatory PD technique (CAPD) and, with a correlation coefficient >0.20, for age, pulse pressure, 4-hour dialysate/plasma creatinine and extracellular water/total body water. On multivariable analysis, type of PD technique (β=0.327, p=0.011), 4-hour dialysate/plasma creatinine (β=0.247, p=0.037), and extracellular water/total body water (β=0.304, p=0.016) were significant independent predictors of peritoneal protein loss. Conclusion Overhydration revealed the most important connection with peritoneal protein loss. Mortality has been associated with PPL in some studies, but not others. This could be a result of this relationship, as volume overload has been strongly related with lower survival.

Background and Aims Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) is currently the first option as renal replacement therapy to many patients, for several reasons, as personal flexibility, volemic management in cardiorenal patients, poor vascular access to dialysis, among others. Mechanical complications can be a drawback in these patients, which may occur during or after catheter placement. Abdominal wall hernias and dialysate leaks are relatively common and highly related to chronically increased intraperitoneal pressure. In this setting CT peritoneography is the technique of choice as it allows differentiation between a true hernia or a wall leakage. Method We describe a case of a 69-year-old man, with a personal history of polycystic kidney disease, colonic diverticulosis and hypertension, which opted for PD. The patient later developed a mechanical complication for which a proper diagnostic approach, namely through specific imaging, and surgical planning were essential. Results After 15 months without complications, it was detected a bulging in the periumbilical area, exacerbated by orthostatism. Changes in dialytic prescription included lower dialytic volumes during orthostatic period, with some improvements. The limitation of volumes and difficulty of drainage were limiting dialytic prescription and insufficient kt/V. An ultrasound (figure 1) and CT peritoneography (figure 2) were performed, revealing an hernial sac with peritoneal liquid leak, without any intestinal loop, approachable by minimally invasive surgery and local anesthesia. Mini-laparotomy was performed, hernial sac was removed, without peritoneum aperture, with only a 4-day pause on PD technique. Conclusion CT peritoneography allowed the differentiation between this true hernia and a wall leakage, by providing accurate anatomical detail, allowing proper planning of surgical intervention. In this case, the patient had additional predisposing factors, namely polycystic kidney disease. Moreover, only a short pause on PD was necessary. Although some limitations exist, such as the use of iodinated contrast material and ionizating radiations, CT peritoneography is currently the gold standard for the evaluation of mechanical complications in PD; in addition to those mentioned, it is also useful for complications related to the catheter (kinking, entrapment, malposition), intrabdominal adhesions or loculated fluid collections.

Background and Aims Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most life-threatening complication in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. In addition to traditional risk factors, most patients with CKD display abnormal mineral metabolism with underlying hormonal dysregulation, defined as chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD). CKD-MBD involves changes in mineral ion homeostasis, bone quality and turnover, cardiovascular and soft tissue calcifications, which highly contribute for cardiovascular complications. Vascular calcification (VC) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality and a strong predictor of cardiovascular risk in CKD patients. Early preventive measures, including new diagnostic/prognostic tools, are required to reduce the development and progression of VC, left ventricular hypertrophy and arterial stiffness, which are crucial for the prevention of CVD outcomes in CKD patients. Gla-rich protein (GRP) is a vitamin K-dependent protein with a dual capacity to function as an inhibitor of pathological calcification and anti-inflammatory agent in the cardiovascular system, whose clinical utility is unknown. Our aim with this study was to evaluate the potential of GRP as a new marker for CKD-MBD and vascular calcification, in type 2 diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 2-4. Method In an observational prospective study including all eligible type 2 diabetic patients with CKD stages 2-4 (n=80) followed in outpatient nephrology consultation from 2010 to 2017, we explored correlations between levels of GRP in serum with mineral metabolism and inflammation markers, CKD developmental stage, vascular calcification and pulse pressure (PP). Vascular calcification score (VCS) was evaluated using the plain x-ray of the hands and pelvis (Adragão score), and increased cardiovascular risk was considered for VCS≥3. Measurements of GRP in serum were performed using a recently developed sandwich ELISA assay. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA and post hoc analysis with Scheffe test were used for analysis. Forward stepwise logistic regression (likelihood ratio) analysis was applied to identify predictive factors for VCS and PP, and ROC curves were used to assess the sensitivity and specificity of GRP in relation to these exposure factors. Results Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed the strong positive correlation between levels of serum GRP and eGFR (r=0.863, p Conclusion Reduced levels of GRP were associated with higher levels of vascular calcification promoters such as P, FGF-23 and CaxP, and with lower levels of the VC inhibitor α-Klotho, indicating a correlation between GRP and the dysregulation of phosphate metabolism characteristic of CKD-MBD. In addition, this pilot cohort study indicates that GRP levels might be a significant clinical predictor of vascular calcifications in diabetic patients with CKD. Funding This research was funded by the Portuguese Society of Nephrology (SPN) through project funding 2016, by the Portuguese national funds from FCT - Foundation for Science and Technology through the transitional provision DL57/2016/CP1361/CT0006 and project UID/Multi/04326/2019. Acknowledgments To SPN by the attribution of the Jacinto Simões award (2018) financed by Fresenius medical care.

Background and Aims Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the main cause of death in chronic kidney patient. The interaction between calcium and magnesium and mineral metabolism have been identified as risk markers for CVD. The main objective was to identify the variables associated with cardiovascular and other causes of mortality in a group of patients with stage 4 of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Method This was a prospective analysis conducted in an outpatient nephropathy clinic between 2005-2018, enrolling 692 patients with stage 4 CKD. Based on the calcium/magnesium ratio (rCaMg) the subjects were divided into 4 risk groups according to the following criteria: 75th percentile (rCaMg: > 8.6; n=165) - G4. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, chi-square and Log Rank test were used for comparison between groups. Bonferroni test was used as a post-hoc test. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to evaluate mortality. The Kaplan-Meier method for measuring patient survival rate was applied and a comparison between the four percentiles was based on the log rank test The multinomial regression models were used to assess predictive factors for cardiovascular mortality. CHAID analysis was used to assign patients to risk groups. Results The mean age was 70 years, 53.5% women, with an eGFR of 19.9 ml/min (sd 8.1). Differences among groups were evaluated with the use of an analysis of variance (ANOVA) model. Age (p 8.6) were older (p Survival at 84 months was progressively shorter with higher rCaMg (G- 1=81.4%, G-2:70.7, G- 3=60.5%, G- 4=28.4%. log Rank =xxx, p=0.004) Multinomial regression analysis showed that Phosphorus; ORa: 1.946 (CI 1.194-3.169), p=0.007, rCaMg; ORa: 1.106 (CI 1.071-1.261) p=0.031, Age: ORa; 1.032 (CI 1.007-1.058) p=0.013, Pulse pressure: ORa; 1.033 (CI 1.007-1.060) p=0.011 were linked to increased cardiovascular mortality. CHAID analysis identified that in 43.7% of patients with P> 4.1 mg/dl, 15.5% were associated with cardiovascular mortality (p Conclusion The calcium/magnesium ratio was shown to be a strong predictor of cardiovascular mortality in patients with stage 4 chronic kidney disease. After CHAID analysis the phosphorus level was assumed to be strongest predictor of cardiovascular mortality in this group of patients.

Submitted by Filipa Custódio (fccustodio@ualg.pt) on 2021-04-07T15:53:03Z No. of bitstreams: 1 n e f r o l o g i a 2 0 2 1 .pdf: 509319 bytes, checksum: 5d547534f03a89a80b77cc1b1ab84b92 (MD5) Approved for entry into archive by Carla Janeira (cjaneira@ualg.pt) on 2021-04-08T09:24:16Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 n e f r o l o g i a 2 0 2 1 .pdf: 509319 bytes, checksum: 5d547534f03a89a80b77cc1b1ab84b92 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2021-04-08T09:24:16Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 n e f r o l o g i a 2 0 2 1 .pdf: 509319 bytes, checksum: 5d547534f03a89a80b77cc1b1ab84b92 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2021 info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Introduction: Renal replacement therapy has not always been shown to benefit end-stage renal failure patients who are elderly or have multiple comorbidities. The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) predicts mortality and is frequently used for risk stratification in clinical practice. We evaluated correlation between the Charlson Comorbidity Index and hospital admissions and mortality in chronic kidney disease patients. Methods: This retrospective observational study included 693 patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)75th percentile (CCI≥7.5; n=182) - G4. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, the chi-square and the log-rank tests were used for comparison between groups. The Bonferroni test was used as a post-hoc test. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to evaluate mortality. Results: Mean age was 70.1 years, 54% women, with an eGFR of 20.2±9.2 ml/min (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease). G1 patients were younger (p

Different biomarkers are useful in diagnosing infections. The aim of this work was to clarify the relation between different inflammatory biomarkers (white blood cell [WBC] count, C-reactive protein [CRP], procalcitonin [PCT], and C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio [CAR]) and early infectious complications after colorectal surgery., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Acute appendicitis (AA) is the most common surgical disease, and appendectomy is the treatment of choice in the majority of cases. A correct diagnosis is key for decreasing the negative appendectomy rate. The management can become difficult in case of complicated appendicitis. The aim of this study is to describe the worldwide clinical and diagnostic work-up and management of AA in surgical departments., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Background/Aims: Peritoneal protein loss (PPL) is associated with cardiovascular disease and mortality in peritoneal dialysis (PD). Controversial results have been published about the effect of paricalcitol in PPL among PD patients. This study intends to analyze the relationship between paricalcitol and PPL in PD. Methods: In a retrospective study, prevalent PD patients were divided into 2 groups: “with paricalcitol” and “without paricalcitol”. X2-test, Student’s t test, Pearson correlation coefficient and Logistic Regression analysis were applied. Results: Eighty-two patients were included. PPL was lower among patients medicated with paricalcitol (5.17 ± 1.71 vs. 6.79 ± 2.10 g/24 h, p = 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, paricalcitol and dialysate/plasma ratio of creatinine (D/P creatinine) were independently related to PPL (OR 4.270 [1.437–12.684], p = 0.009 and OR 0.205 [0.064–0.659], p = 0.008, respectively), adjusted for diabetes. Conclusion: Paricalcitol and D/P creatinine were independently related to PPL. Paricalcitol may have an effect on PPL in PD patients

Exit-site (ES) infection is a common complication in peritoneal dialysis (PD). Pseudomonas spp. is particularly difficult to treat, and catheter removal should be considered in persistent infections. The authors present a chronic ES infection resistant to directed antibiotic therapy in which catheter salvage was not possible. Removal was very difficult due to the presence of white sponge-like tissue with petrous consistency surrounding the catheter, all the way into the peritoneum. Histology revealed well-differentiated adenocarcinoma infiltrates. Abdominal computed tomography scan revealed a solid pancreatic (tail) lesion, nodular images on the greater epiploon, an adnexal lesion and a hepatic solid lesion, consistent with metastasis. The patient was referred for palliative care but maintained PD until untreatable pain and deterioration of general status aroused. Somewhere along the course of a chronic ES infection, the peritoneal catheter (and inflammation) was the metastatic path of an unknown pancreatic cancer, with neoplastic tissue reaching the skin. Catheter removal was crucial for diagnosis.

ObjectivesIdentification of rehospitalisations for heart failure and contributing factors flags health policy intervention opportunities designed to deliver care at a most effective and efficient level. Recognising that heart failure is a condition for which timely and appropriate outpatient care can potentially prevent the use of inpatient services, we aimed to determine to what extent comorbidities and material deprivation were predictive of 1 year heart failure specific rehospitalisation.SettingAll Portuguese mainland National Health Service (NHS) hospitals.ParticipantsA total of 68 565 hospitalisations for heart failure principal cause of admission, from 2011 to 2015, associated to 45 882 distinct patients aged 18 years old or over.Outcome measuresWe defined 1 year specific heart failure rehospitalisation and time to rehospitalisation as outcome measures.ResultsHeart failure principal diagnosis admissions accounted for 1.6% of total hospital NHS budget, and over 40% of this burden is associated to patients rehospitalised at least once in the 365-day follow-up period. 22.1% of the patients hospitalised for a principal diagnosis of heart failure were rehospitalised for the same cause at least once within 365 days after previous discharge. Nearly 55% of rehospitalised patients were readmitted within 3 months. Results suggest a mediation effect between material deprivation and the chance of 1 year rehospitalisation through the effect that material deprivation has on the prevalence of comorbidities. Heart failure combined with chronic kidney disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease increases by 2.8 and 2.2 times, respectively, the chance of the patient becoming a frequent user of inpatient services for heart failure principal cause of admission.ConclusionsOne-fifth of patients admitted for heart failure are rehospitalised due to heart failure exacerbation. While the role of material deprivation remained unclear, comorbidities considered increased the chance of 1 year heart failure specific rehospitalisation, in particular, chronic kidney disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PURPOSE: Despite plasma biomarkers offering a number of advantages over tissue-based markers, the relationship between serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptor (VEGF-R) tumor expression in colorectal cancer (CRC) is still unclear. This study was designed to establish the relationship between the concentration of serum VEGF and tumor VEGF-R expression in patients with CRC. METHODS: A prospective study of consecutive patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery during 1 year. Preoperative VEGF was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and VEGF-R3 by immunochemistry. RESULTS: The initial sample included 134 patients with CRC diagnosis. Results showed significant association of serum values of VEGF with VEGF-R3 expression (P < 0.001), even in the presence of confounders (sex, age, body mass index, tumor location, and surgical approach). The estimated effect size was high (η2 = 0.35). CONCLUSION: Serum VEGF has a significant correlation with tumoral VEGF-R3 expression in CRC. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Background: Research over the past decade has focused on the role of Klotho as a cardio protective agent that prevents the effects of aging on the heart and reduces the burden of cardiovascular disease CVD. The role of the interaction between fibroblast growth factor 23-(FGF-23)/Klotho in Klotho-mediated actions is still under debate. The main objective was to ascertain the potential use of plasmatic Klotho and FGF23 as markers for CKD-associated cardiac disease and mortality. Methods: This was a prospective analysis conducted in an outpatient diabetic nephropathy clinic, enrolling 107 diabetic patients with stage 2&ndash, 3 CKD. Patients were divided into three groups according to their left ventricular mass index and relative wall thickness. Results: Multinomial regression analysis demonstrated that low Klotho and higher FGF-23 levels were linked to a greater risk of concentric hypertrophy. In the generalized linear model (GLM), Klotho, FGF-23 and cardiac geometry groups were statistically significant as independent variables of cardiovascular hospitalization (p = 0.007). According to the Cox regression model, fatal cardiovascular events were associated with the following cardiac geometric classifications, eccentric hypertrophy (p = 0.050), concentric hypertrophy (p = 0.041), and serum phosphate &ge, 3.6 mg/dL (p = 0.025), FGF-23 &ge, 168 (p = 0.0149), &alpha, klotho &lt, 313 (p = 0.044). Conclusions: In our population, Klotho and FGF23 are associated with cardiovascular risk in the early stages of CKD.

Introduction: Some patients undergoing transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) may experience post-surgical complications, such as impaired bowel function and urogenital and sexual dysfunction. The present work aims to evaluate the one-year impact of TaTME surgery on bowel function, quality of life, and outcomes.Material and methods: Twenty patients undergoing TaTME with cancer in the mid and lower rectum were assessed prospectively by endoscopic transanal ultrasound (EUS) and three physiological function degrees, along with different clinical outcome questionnaires.Results: EUS sphincter evaluation revealed no structural impact in follow-up. For evacuatory evaluation, differences in the scores of the first postoperative month of Wexner questionnaires were shown when compared to a 12-month period. At least 10% of patients remain with major low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) after one year. The (Fecal incontinence Quality of Life) FiQoL questionnaire revealed that the cases in which values were worse in the first month posteriorly recovered to baseline preoperative values.Conclusions: TaTME does not seem to impact sphincter structure and evacuatory function, with a good recovery rate one year post-surgery, but does not seem to interfere with patients' evacuatory function quality of life.

Introduction In Portugal around 20,000 individuals are ostomized, with all the associated changes in patients’ everyday life that can compromise their Quality of Life (QoL). Objectives Assess and compare QoL of a group of ostomized patients according to sex, age group, type of surgery, primary disease, stoma duration and stoma type. Material and methods Ostomized patients observed in Stomatherapy department in between January 1st and May 30th 2017 was enrolled. QoL was assessed using the questionnaire Stoma Care QoL Questionnaire). Four domains were evaluated: Self-esteem and Self-image – SeSi Score; relation with Family and Friends – FF Score; relation with Sleep and Fatigue – SF score and ostomy Device Functioning insecurities – DeF score. Results Urostomy patients had significantly higher Total Scores, SeSi and FF scores than colostomy and ileostomy patients. Regarding SeSi Score, patients aged 70 years old or more and malignant diseases presented significantly higher scores than their younger counterparts and benign causes, respectively. FF Score document that patients with malignant diseases have significantly higher scores than patients with benign diseases. Conclusions Ileostomy and colostomy patients have a significantly lower QoL than urostomy patients mostly because of its impact on social relations and self-esteem and self-image., Introdução Em Portugal estima-se que cerca de 20.000 indivíduos sejam portadores de estoma, com todas as alterações associadas que podem comprometer a sua Qualidade de Vida (QdV). Objectivos Avaliar a QdV de doentes ostomizados de acordo com o sexo, idade, tipo de cirurgia, doença primária, duração e tipo de estoma. Materiais e métodos Foram incluídos todos os avaliados na consulta de Estomatoterapia entre Janeiro e Maio de 2017. A avaliação da QdV foi efetuada com recurso ao Questionário de QdV Stoma care. Avaliaram-se quatro domínios: autoestima e autoimagem (SeSi); relação com família e amigos (FF) relação com sono e cansaço e inseguranças relacionada com funcionamento do dispositivo (DeF). Resultados Doentes com urostomia apresentaram Scores Total, SeSi e FF, significativamente superior a doentes com colostomia e ileostomia. Relativamente ao score SeSi, os doentes com idade igual ou superior a 70 anos e doença maligna apresentaram scores significativamente maiores que os mais jovens e com doenças benignas, respectivamente. Quanto ao score FF verificou-se que doentes com causas malignas apresentaram scores significativamente superiores aos com causas benignas. Conclusões Doente ileostomizados e colostomizados apresenta QdV significativamente inferior aos doentes com urostomia, sobretudo devido ao impacto nas relações sociais, auto-estima e auto-imagem., (undefined)

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-07T14:58:02Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2017-12 info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a recognized cause of renal disease worldwide. The collapsing variant is distinct from the others, characterized clinically by a more severe nephrotic syndrome generally resistant to immunosuppressive therapy. It is known that a great number of patients progress to end-stage renal disease. Recognizing this lesion in biopsy is frequently challenging owing to the focal nature of the process which highlights the need for keeping a high index of suspicion for the diagnosis. We report and discuss a case of a non-HIV collapsing FSGS, followed by a complete (unexpected) renal recovery after an oral corticosteroid course.

Vascular calcification (VC) is one of the strongest predictors of cardiovascular risk in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. New diagnostic/prognostic tools are required for early detection of VC allowing interventional strategies. Gla-rich protein (GRP) is a cardiovascular calcification inhibitor, whose clinical utility is here highlighted. The present study explores, for the first time, correlations between levels of GRP in serum with CKD developmental stage, mineral metabolism markers, VC and pulse pressure (PP), in a cohort of 80 diabetic patients with mild to moderate CKD (stages 2&ndash, 4). Spearman&rsquo, s correlation analysis revealed a positive association of GRP serum levels with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and &alpha, Klotho, while a negative correlation with phosphate (P), fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23), vascular calcification score (VCS), PP, calcium (x) phosphate (CaxP) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). Serum GRP levels were found to progressively decrease from stage 2 to stage 4 CKD. Multivariate analysis identified low levels of eGFR and GRP, and high levels of FGF-23 associated with both the VCS and PP. These results indicate an association between GRP, renal dysfunction and CKD-mineral and bone disorder. The relationship between low levels of GRP and vascular calcifications suggests a future, potential utility for GRP as an early marker of vascular damage in CKD.

Background: The aim of our study was to evaluate the relevance of FGF23-klotho axis in the predisposition for bone fractures in type 2 diabetic patients with early chronic kidney disease. Methods: In a prospective study we included 126 type 2 diabetic patients with CKD stages 2-3 (from 2010 to 2017). We used descriptive statistics, ANOVA and chi-square test. Our population was divided into two groups according to the occurrence of a bone fracture event or not, and the groups were compared considering several biological and laboratorial parameters. We employed a multiple regression model to identify risk factors for bone fracture events and hazard ratios (HR) were calculated using a backward stepwise likelihood ratio (LR) Cox regression. Results: Patients with a fracture event displayed higher levels of FGF-23, Phosphorus, PTH, TNF-alpha, OxLDL, HOMA-IR, calcium x phosphorus product and ACR and lower levels of Osteocalcin, alpha-Klotho, 25(OH)D3 and eGFR compared with patients without a fracture event (p < 0.001). The number of patients with a fracture event was higher than expected within inclining CKD stages (chi 2, p = 0.06). The occurrence of fracture and the levels of TNF-alpha, klotho, 25(OH)D3 and OxLDL were found to predict patient entry into RRT (p < 0.05). Age, osteocalcin, alpha-Klotho and FGF-23 independently influenced the occurrence of bone fracture (p < 0.05). Conclusions: alpha-Klotho and FGF-23 levels may have a good clinical use as biomarkers to predict the occurrence of fracture events. (C) 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

A giant colonic diverticulum (GCD) is a rare disease with less than 200 cases reported in the literature. By definition, a GCD is larger than 4cm in diameter with close sigmoid colon relationship in more than 90% of the cases. En bloc resection of the diverticulum with anterior sigmoid-rectal segment with primary anastomosis is the best treatment approach. The authors present a case of laparoscopic colorectal resection with partial cystectomy for a giant colonic diverticulum. A 62-years-old man with sigmoid colon diverticulosis and several episodes of diverticulitis presented at the office with a painless hypogastric/left iliac abdominal mass. CT scan showed a round 11 cm smooth walled structure filled with gas, adjacent to the sigmoid anti-mesenteric border and the urinary bladder. Four trocars were used for the laparoscopic approach. Step-by-step as follows: i. complete mobilization of colon splenic flexure. ii. Giant diverticulum dissection with partial bladder resection. iii. Bladder closure. iv. Sigmoid colon and intra-peritoneal rectum resection with primary anastomosis. The post-operative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged home on post-operative day 4. Vesical catheter was removed on post-operative day 10. Pathological specimen analysis confirmed the pre-operative diagnosis of a GCD. There is a consensus that this extremely rare diverticular disease complication should be approached with prompt standard resection due to high risk of diverticulum rupture. Laparoscopic approach seems to be feasible and safe despite of dissection higher complexity owing to the mega diverticulum. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

(undefined), info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Objective— Inhibition of mineral crystal formation is a crucial step in ectopic calcification. Serum calciprotein particles (CPPs) have been linked to chronic kidney disease (CKD) calcification propensity, but additional knowledge is required to understand their function, assemblage, and composition. The role of other circulating nanostructures, such as extracellular vesicles (EVs) in vascular calcification is currently unknown. Here, we investigated the association of GRP (Gla-rich protein) with circulating CPP and EVs and the role of CKD CPPs and EVs in vascular calcification. Approach and Results— Biological CPPs and EVs were isolated from healthy and CKD patients and comparatively characterized using ultrastructural, analytic, molecular, and immuno-based techniques. Our results show that GRP is a constitutive component of circulating CPPs and EVs. CKD stage 5 serum CPPs and EVs are characterized by lower levels of fetuin-A and GRP, and CPPs CKD stage 5 have increased mineral maturation, resembling secondary CPP particles. Vascular smooth muscle cell calcification assays reveal that CPPs CKD stage 5 and EVs CKD stage 5 are taken up by vascular smooth muscle cells and induce vascular calcification by promoting cell osteochondrogenic differentiation and inflammation. These effects were rescued by incubation of CPPs CKD stage 5 with γ-carboxylated GRP. In vitro, formation and maturation of basic calcium phosphate crystals was highly reduced in the presence of γ-carboxylated GRP, fetuin-A, and MGP (matrix gla protein), and a similar antimineralization system was identified in vivo. Conclusions— Uremic CPPs and EVs are important players in the mechanisms of widespread calcification in CKD. We propose a major role for cGRP as inhibitory factor to prevent calcification at systemic and tissue levels.

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) and extragastrointestinal stromal tumors (E-GISTs) are both rare entities. Most of the time, PMP is associated with an appendiceal tumor. An ovarian mucinous tumor can mimic appendiceal metastases. E-GIST is a mesenchymal tumor that can arise from the omentum, retroperitoneum, mesentery, or pleura. We present a case of an 87-year-old woman with mucinous carcinomatosis and acute intestinal occlusion submitted to an emergency laparotomy. She has found to have a borderline mucinous tumor of the ovary from the intestinal type with several lesions of pseudomyxoma peritonei and an E-GIST from the epiploons retrocavity (intermediated risk). In the literature, no relation was found between these two rare tumors. E-GIST was an incidental finding in the context of a mucinous carcinomatosis., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Highlights • Torsion of wandering spleen is a rare but important differential diagnosis in patients presenting with acute abdomen. • It’s diagnosis should be made promptly before development of life-threatening complications. • The best method of confirming the diagnosis is by a CT scan however, Doppler US imaging is an equally helpful modality. • Detorsion and splenopexy can be done when spleen is viable. When there is infarction spleen, splenectomy is necessary., Introduction Wandering spleen is an unusual condition characterized by hypermobility of the spleen. This is a rare clinical entity and it’s more common in childhood under 1 year of age and in third decade of life. In this second peak, it’s more frequent in females. Clinical manifestations can vary from asymptomatic to abdominal emergency. Treatment is often surgical. Presentation of case We presented a case report of splenic torsion from our hospital and a review of cases described in literature. This is a 40 year-old woman with complaints of upper abdominal pain associated with nausea and vomiting. A marked tenderness and a palpable abdominal mass on left hypochondrium were found as well as a slight increase in inflammatory parameters. A CT was performed and demonstrated findings compatible with splenic torsion. Surgery was performed doing laparoscopic splenectomy; Review of literature was made using the keyword combination: “wandering spleen”. The research resulted in 451 articles. Discussion The physical examination and CT are fundamental for diagnosis. Surgery was performed and laparoscopic splenectomy was made because infarcted spleen; about the review of literature, the majority of patients were female and the average age at the time of diagnosis was 25.2 years. 69.5% needed splenectomy and 78.6% of surgeries were laparotomic. Conclusion Splenic torsion is a rare but important differential diagnosis in patients presenting with acute abdomen. Diagnosis should be made promptly before development of life-threatening complications. Surgery is often necessary and splenopexy or splenectomy can be done.

Ingesting a foreign body is not an uncommon occurrence. Most pass through the gastrointestinal tract uneventfully, and perforation is rare.1 The preoperative diagnosis, in these cases, is always very difficult and the radiological examinations are not always able to resolve the diagnostic. The mortality and the morbidity remain still high first of all for the delay in the diagnosis and the advanced age of patients.2 A 50-year-old man without relevant medical history was admitted to the emergency department with 4 days evolution of abdominal pain. The patient presented continuous abdominal pain at the …

Background. Usually laparoscopy is performed by means of a 2-dimensional (2D) image system and multiport approach. To overcome the lack of depth perception, new 3-dimensional (3D) systems are arising with the added advantage of providing stereoscopic vision. To further reduce surgery-related trauma, there are new minimally invasive surgical techniques being developed, such as LESS (laparoendoscopic single-site) surgery. The aim of this study was to compare 2D and 3D laparoscopic systems in LESS surgical procedures. Materials and Methods. All participants were selected from different levels of experience in laparoscopic surgery10 novices, 7 intermediates, and 10 experts were included. None of the participants had had previous experience in LESS surgery. Participants were chosen randomly to begin their experience with either the 2D or 3D laparoscopic system. The exercise consisted of performing an ex vivo pork cholecystectomy through a SILS port with the assistance of a fixed distance laparoscope. Errors, time, and participants' preference were recorded. Statistical analysis of time and errors between groups was conducted with a Student's t test (using independent samples) and the Mann-Whitney test. Results. In all 3 groups, the average time with the 2D system was significantly reduced after having used the 3D system (P < .05). In the postexercise questionnaire, two thirds of participants showed a preference for using the 3D system. Conclusion. This study suggests that the 3D system may improve the learning curve and that learning from the 3D system is transferable to the 2D environment. Additionally, the majority of participants prefer 3D equipment.

Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the main risk factor of morbidity and mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Insulin resistance (IR) has been reported to be a strong risk factor for CVD. The purpose of this study was to examine the usefulness of IR as a predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Methods We followed during a period of 56months 119 type 2 diabetic CKD patients (stages 2 to 4) without history of CVD at the beginning of the study. Several laboratory parameters and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were analyzed. The degree of IR was estimated by the Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA-IR). Cardiovascular morbidity was assessed according to the presence of cardiovascular hospital admission during the study period, defined by admissions caused by coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, peripheral vascular disease and cerebrovascular disease. The population was divided in two groups: G-1 with cardiovascular admission ( n =48) and G-2: without admission ( n =71). The multiple logistic regression was used to assess predictors of cardiovascular morbidity and ESRD. The renal survival was evaluated by the Kaplan–Meier and long-rank test. Results We found that G-1 patients showed significantly higher HOMA-IR (3.8 vs 0.77, p =0.0001) and that HOMA-IR upper tercile showed significantly higher age, eGFR, LVMI, phosphorus, iPTH and IL-6. In a multivariate logistic regression model HOMA-IR and IL-6 were independent risk factors of cardiovascular morbidity (OR=2.847 [95% CI 1.048–7.735, p =0.012] and OR=2.483 [95% CI 1.221–5.049, p =0.04], respectively). In a univariate logistic regression model patients in the upper tercile presented significantly more cardiovascular admissions that in the lower tercile. CKD progression to ESRD was observed in 24 patients and those in the upper HOMA-IR tercile showed a higher CKD progression to ESRD than the rest of study patients. A multivariate logistic regression model showed that HOMA-IR (OR=1.034, 95% CI (1.005-1.650) p =0.040) was an independent predictor of ESRD. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed a difference in renal survival in the HOMA-IR terciles (log rank=8.093; p =0.017). Conclusion In our study IR is an important risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and ESRD in a diabetic CKD population.

Submitted by Gestor HospitalBraga (bibliotecaria@hospitaldebraga.com.pt) on 2017-11-10T14:04:49Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Transanal total mesorectal excision.pdf: 465165 bytes, checksum: 908a0b520aa4455fa022f2de2b9a84e6 (MD5) Approved for entry into archive by Gestor HospitalBraga (bibliotecaria@hospitaldebraga.com.pt) on 2017-11-10T14:05:01Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Transanal total mesorectal excision.pdf: 465165 bytes, checksum: 908a0b520aa4455fa022f2de2b9a84e6 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2017-11-10T14:05:01Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Transanal total mesorectal excision.pdf: 465165 bytes, checksum: 908a0b520aa4455fa022f2de2b9a84e6 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-10 info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT) is a novel minimally invasive and sphincter-saving technique to treat complex anal fistulas described by Meinero in 2006. An enterocutaneous fistula is an abnormal communication between the bowel and the skin. Most cases are secondary to surgical complications, and managing this condition is a true challenge for surgeons. Postoperative fistulas account for 75-85% of all enterocutaneous fistulas. The aim of paper was to devise a minimally invasive technique to treat enterocutaneous fistulas. We used the same principles of VAAFT applied to other conditions, combining endoluminal vision of the tract with colonoscopy to identify the internal opening. We present a case of a 78-year-old woman who was subjected to a total colectomy for cecum and sigmoid synchronous adenocarcinoma. The postoperative course was complicated with an enterocutaneous fistula, treated with conservative measures, which recurred during follow-up. We performed video-assisted fistula treatment using a fistuloscope combined with a colonoscope. Once we identified the fistula tract, we performed cleansing and destruction of the tract, applied synthetic cyanoacrylate and sealed the internal opening with clips through an endoluminal approach. The patient was discharged 5 days later without complications. Two months later the wound was completely healed without evidence of recurrence. This procedure represents an alternative treatment for enterocutaneous fistula using a minimally invasive technique, especially in selected patients not able to undergo major surgery., (undefined), info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Aims: Determine the influence of metabolic syndrome and its different components in the outcomes of colorectal cancer surgery at 30 days. Materials and methods: Prospective study that included all patients submitted to elective colorectal cancer surgery between August 2015 and August 2016 at Hospital de Braga. Clinical and laboratory parameters evaluated pre-operatively were: central obesity, blood pressure, fasting glucose, triglycerides levels and HDL cholesterol levels. Any complications during the first 30-days after surgery were recorded (readmission, reintervention, anastomotic dehiscence, morbimortality). Results: One hundred and thirty-four patients were included. Metabolic syndrome was diagnostic in 40.7% of patients with the ATPIII definition, 67.5% with the AHA definition and 67.0% with the IDF definition. At 30 days after colorectal cancer surgery, 73.1% patients don't have any complication, 15.7% have minor complications (grade I/II of Clavien-Dindo classification), 11.1% have major complications (grade III/IV/V of Clavien-Dindo classification) and 1.5% have died from surgical complications (grade V of Clavien-Dindo classification). The statistic analysis didn't reveal any association between MS, or it's different components, and surgical outcomes. Conclusion: This study seems to indicate that metabolic syndrome don't have any influence in surgical outcomes of colorectal cancer surgery. (C) 2017 Diabetes India. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

The present study aimed at evaluating the relationship between Klotho levels and insulin resistance and albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) in type 2 diabetic patients with CKD. We conducted an observational, cross-sectional study in our outpatient diabetic nephropathy clinic from 2014 to 2016, enrolling a total of 107 type 2 diabetic patients with stage 2-3 CKD, with a mean age of 59 years. Several clinical and laboratorial parameters were evaluated, including those related to mineral and carbohydrate metabolism. The mean eGFR at baseline was 53.2 mL/min, and the mean levels of ACR and Klotho were 181.9 A mu g/mg and 331.1 pg/m, respectively. In the simple linear regression model, Klotho levels were correlated with age, phosphorus, PTH, ACR, HOMA, IL-6, FGF-23, OxLDL, eGFR and vitamin D levels. Applying a multivariate linear regression model, only the ACR, HOMA-IR, FGF-23 and vitamin D independently influenced the Klotho levels. In the generalized linear model, only the Klotho groups were statistically significant as independent variable (p = 0.007). The results show that the group 1 (< 268) compared with group 3 (> 440) had higher odds in the higher ACR (ae181), ORa = 3.429, p = 0.014. There were no statistically significant differences between Klotho groups 2 and 3, and the HOMA-IR obtained showed that group 1 (< 268) had greater odds of HOMA-IR ae2 when compared with group 3 (> 440), ORa = 21.59, p = 0.017. Our results showed that Klotho levels are influenced by FGF23, vitamin D and insulin resistance. This suggests that Klotho levels might be affected by renal function as well as having a relevant role on insulin metabolism and ACR homeostasis. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Background. The aim of our study was to evaluate the relevance of magnesium and FGF-23 in terms of cardiovascular disease in a population of type 2 diabetic patients with nephropathy. Methods. In a cross-sectional study, we included 80 type 2 diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 2, 3 and 4. We analysed mineral metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress and insulin resistance. Our population was divided into two groups according to their pulse pressure (PP) as follows: G-1 with PP < 50 mmHg (n= 34) and G-2 with PP ≥50 mmHg (n = 46). Results. We found that G-2 patients showed lower calcium (P = 0.004), eGFR (P = 0.001), magnesium (P = 0.0001), osteocalcin (P = 0.0001) and 25(OH)D3 (P = 0.001), and higher iPTH (P = 0.001), FGF-23 (P = 0.0001), malonaldehyde (P = 0.0001), interleukin 6 (P = 0.001) and HOMA-IR (P = 0.033). No differences were found between the two groups regarding age, duration of disease, haemoglobin, HgA1c and phosphorus. In a multivariate analysis, we found that FGF-23 and magnesium independently influenced the PP [OR = 1.239 (1.001–2.082), P = 0.039 and OR = 0.550 (0.305– 0.727), P = 0.016, respectively]. Conclusions. In our diabetic population with early stages of CKD, FGF-23 as well as lower magnesium levels were significantly and independently associated with higher PP levels, an established marker of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for weight loss, but the patient’s ability to reach a sustained weight loss depends upon several technical and individual factors. Creating an easy model that adapts bariatric surgery’s weight loss goals for each patient is very important for pre-surgery and follow-up evaluations., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Background: High resistin levels have been associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Cardiovascular hospitalizations are common, especially in diabetic and renal impaired patients. The purpose of this study is to determine the role of serum resistin as a predictor of cardiovascular hospitalizations in type 2 diabetic patients with mild to moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: We conducted a prospective, observational study. 78 diabetic patients with mild to moderate CKD and no previous CVD were included. The population was divided in two groups: G-1 with cardiovascular related admission (n = 13) and G-2 without cardiovascular related admission (n = 65). A Student's t-test was conducted to determine correlations between laboratory findings and hospitalization. We used logistic regression to assess predictors of cardiovascular events requiring hospitalization and Cox regression to identify predictors of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Results: eGFR, albumin, HbA1c, phosphorous, PTH, IR, CRP, resistin and active vitamin D, were related to cardiovascular admissions. In a multivariate regression model, resistin (OR = 2.074, p = 0.047) was an independent predictor of cardiovascular hospitalization. Cox regression showed that resistin (HR = 1.931, p = 0.031) and UACr (HR = 1.151, p = 0.048) were also independent predictors of renal disease progression. Conclusion: Resistin demonstrated to be valuable in predicting hospital admissions and progression to ESRD. (C) 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Aims: To investigate the role of FGF-23 and magnesium in relation to the albumin-to-creatinine ratio in type 2 diabetics with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 2-4.Methods: In a cross-sectional study we included all eligible type 2 diabetic patients with CKD stages 2-4, followed in our outpatient Diabetic Kidney clinic. We used descriptive statistics, the Student's t-test, ANOVA and the chi-square tests. Our population was divided according to the UACR (G1 30-300 mg/g and G2 >= 300 mg/g), and compared these groups regarding several biological and laboratorial parameters. We employed a multiple regression model to identify risk factors of increased UACR.Results: The patients in G2 displayed a lower eGFR (p = 0.0001) and, had lower levels of magnesium (p = 0.004) as well as higher levels of FGF-23 (p = 0.043) compared to patients in Gl.FGF-23 (beta = 0.562, P = 0.0001) and the magnesium (beta = - 8.916, p = 0.0001) were associated with increased UACR.Conclusions: A dysregulation of mineral metabolism, reflected by altered levels of magnesium and FGF-23, correlates with an increased UACR in type 2 diabetic patients with CKD stages 2-4. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

BACKGROUND: Medical activity performed outside regular work hours may increase risk for patients and professionals. There is few data with respect to urgent colorectal surgery. The aim of this work was to evaluate the impact of daytime versus nighttime surgery on postoperative period of patients with acute colorectal disease. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in a sample of patients with acute colorectal disease who underwent urgent surgery at the General Surgery Unit of Braga Hospital, between January 2005 and March 2013. Patients were stratified by operative time of day into a daytime group (surgery between 8:00 and 20:59) and the nighttime group (21:00-7:59) and compared for clinical and surgical parameters. A questionnaire was distributed to surgeons, covering aspects related to the practice of urgent colorectal surgery and fatigue. RESULTS: A total of 330 patients were included, with 214 (64.8%) in the daytime group and 116 (35.2%) in the nighttime group. Colorectal cancer was the most frequent pathology. Waiting time (p

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in chronic kidney disease patients. There is a raft of evidence showing that in the general population dyslipidaemia is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, as well as with a greater prevalence of chronic kidney disease. Consequently, the use of statins in the general population with dyslipidaemia is not controversial. Nevertheless, the benefits of statins in patients with chronic kidney disease are more elusive. The authors review the possible effects of statins on the progression of renal disease and cardiovascular events in chronic kidney disease patients.