Ethical Review Processes as a Barrier to Research in Primary Healthcare: Reflection on the Submission of a Multicenter Study

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Doença Atópica do Compartimento Central

Objetivos: Sistematizar a evidência científica existente em relação à patologia “Doença Atópica do Compartimento Central” (DACC). Desenho do Estudo: Revisão Bibliográfica Sistemática. Material e Métodos: Realização de uma revisão bibliográfica sistemática nas bases de dados MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials e Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, baseada no modelo PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and MetaAnalyses), selecionando trabalhos publicados entre janeiro de 2010 e dezembro de 2022. Resultados: Dos 3114 estudos inicialmente encontrados, foram selecionados para análise na integra um total de 13 artigos. Mais de metade dos artigos (69.2%) foram publicados a partir do ano de 2019, inclusive. Um total de 1780 doentes com RSC foi analisado. Destes, o número de doentes com DACC foi 372 (20.9%), com um rácio masculino: feminino de 2.16. Identificaram-se como comorbilidades a rinite alérgica (98,5%), a asma (25.2%) e o tabagismo (8.2%). Conclusões: DACC representa uma variante de RSC descrita pela primeira vez em 2017. Está associada à exposição a alergénios inalatórios e com repercussões edematosas e polipóides nos cornetos médios e superiores, bem como na região postero-superior do septo nasal. A base da gestão desta patologia é o tratamento médico da alergia, complementado, se necessário, com cirurgia endoscópica nasossinusal.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial Testing the Efficacy of Emotion Detectives In-Out: a Blended Version of the Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders in Portuguese Children

Childhood emotional disorders (EDs; i.e., anxiety and depressive disorders) are currently a public health concern. Their high prevalence, long-term effects, and profound influence on the lives of children and families highlight the need to identify and treat these disorders as early and effectively as possible. This clinical trial will examine the efficacy of a blended version (i.e., combining face-to-face and online sessions into one treatment protocol) of the Unified Protocol for Children (the "Emotion Detectives In-Out" program). This program is a manualized cognitive-behavioral therapy for the transdiagnostic treatment of EDs in children aged 7 to 12 years that aims to reduce the intensity and frequency of strong and aversive emotional experiences by helping children learn how to confront those emotions and respond to them in more adaptive ways.This study is designed as a multicenter equivalence randomized controlled parallel-group two-arm trial comparing the Emotion Detectives In-Out program with an evidenced-based group intervention for children with anxiety disorders (the Coping Cat program). Participants will be children aged between 7 and 12 years with an anxiety disorder or with clinically significant anxiety symptoms as well as one of their parents or a legal representative. A minimum sample size of 138 children (69 per group) is needed to test whether the efficacy of the proposed intervention is equivalent to that of the well-established Coping Cat intervention.We expect Emotion Detectives In-Out to be a feasible and efficacious alternative intervention for treating children's EDs by allowing for a greater increase in children's access to care. A blended format is expected to overcome common barriers to treatment (e.g., parents´ lack of time to attend regular sessions) and make the intervention more accessible to families.The clinical trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT05747131, date assigned February 28, 2023)

Calcium Polystyrene Sulfonate-Induced Colitis: Advanced Characterization of Crystal Nature With Infrared Spectroscopy.

Classical potassium binders are used in the treatment of hyperkalemia and are widely associated with gastrointestinal side effects, with crystal colonic injury being rare but potentially fatal. In this report, we describe the case of an 82-year-old male with hyperkalemia and calcium polystyrene sulfonate crystal-associated colonic necrosis. Traditionally, this diagnosis has relied on the examination of crystal morphology and polarization through microscopy. Our study enhances crystal identification by incorporating an analysis of the physical characteristics of the crystals using infrared spectroscopy. This is the first description, to our knowledge, of the calcium polystyrene sulfonate infrared spectrum

Analysis of the Relationship Between Performance and Commitment in Health Professionals: a Systematic Review

Introdução – O desempenho dos profissionais de saúde refere-se às competências clínicas, conhecimentos e habilidades técnicas, enquanto o seu comprometimento está relacionado com o vínculo psicológico e emocional com o trabalho e a organização. A compreensão da interação entre estes conceitos é importante para otimizar os resultados em saúde. Objetivos – Explorar a extensão e a natureza da relação entre desempenho e comprometimento nos profissionais de saúde, identificando os fatores que influenciam esta relação e quais as metodologias utilizadas para o seu estudo. Métodos – Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática da literatura seguindo o protocolo Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). Resultados – Foram identificados 847 artigos, dos quais 14 foram incluídos para análise. Destaca-se a atualidade e universalidade do tema devido à profunda interação entre os constructos estudados. Alguns estudos apontam para correlações positivas diretas, enquanto outros evidenciam relações de influência mútua ou identificam o comprometimento como mediador em várias interações. Além disso, fatores como a satisfação no trabalho, o burnout, a liderança e a motivação também impactam a relação entre desempenho e comprometimento nos profissionais de saúde. Discussão – A relação entre desempenho e comprometimento nos profissionais de saúde é complexa e suscetível a diferentes influências. Conclusão – É pertinente a continuação de investigações para aprofundar o conhecimento nesta área, já que as organizações de saúde enfrentam o desafio contínuo de proporcionar uma assistência de qualidade aos pacientes, ao mesmo tempo que tentam gerir de forma eficiente recursos limitados.Introduction – Healthcare professionals’ performance refers to their clinical skills, knowledge, and technical abilities, while their commitment refers to their psychological and emotional attachment to the work and the organization. Understanding the interaction between these concepts is important for optimizing health outcomes. Aims – To explore the extent and nature of the relationship between performance and commitment in healthcare professionals, to identify the factors that influence this relationship and the methods used to study it. Methods – A systematic review of the literature was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) protocol. Results – 847 articles were identified, of which 14 were included in the analysis. The timeliness and universality of the topic is highlighted by the strong interaction between the constructs studied. Some studies suggest direct positive correlations, while others highlight relationships of mutual influence or identify commitment as a mediator in multiple interactions. In addition, factors such as job satisfaction, burnout, leadership, and motivation also influence the relationship between performance and commitment in healthcare professionals. Discussion – The relationship between performance and commitment in healthcare professionals is complex and susceptible to multiple influences. Conclusion – It is pertinent to continue research to deepen knowledge in this area, as healthcare organizations face the ongoing challenge of providing quality care to patients while trying to manage limited resources efficiently.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

“O Meu Coração Bate Saudável” – Results From a Pilot Project for Health Education in Portuguese Children

Introduction and objectives: Childhood offers an excellent window of opportunity to start interventions to promote behavioral changes before unhealthy lifestyles become established, leading to cardiovascular diseases. The goal of this pilot educational project for children is the promotion of healthy lifestyles and cardiovascular health. Methods: This project was implemented in 4th grade children and included teacher-led classroom activities, a lesson given by a cardiologist and a practical lesson with dietitians. The teacher received a manual containing information on the topics to be discussed in class with the pupils and the children received a book that addresses cardiovascular risk factors and prevention. The components included were diet (D), physical activity (PA) and human body and heart awareness (BH). At the beginning and at the end of the schoolyear, a questionnaire was applied to the children to assess knowledge (K), attitudes (A) and habits (H) on these topics. Results: A total of 73 children from two schools from an urban district public school in Lisbon, in a low to medium income area, participated in the project. Following the intervention, there was a 9.5% increase in the overall KAH score, mainly driven by the PA component (14.5%) followed by the BH component (12.3%). No improvement was observed for component D. The benefits were also more significant in children from a lower income area, suggesting that socioeconomic status is a determinant in the response obtained. Conclusions: An educational project for cardiovascular health can be implemented successfully in children aged 9 years, but longer and larger studies are necessary.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

O Futuro da Psiquiatria

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Robotic Colorectal Surgery: Analysis of the First Three Years of Activity in a Hospital of the Portuguese National Health Service

Introdução: A utilização da cirurgia minimamente invasiva no tratamento da patologia colorretal é hoje cientificamente aceite e o seu uso na prática clínica diária tem vindo a aumentar de forma sustentada. Diversos estudos indicam que a abordagem robótica pode trazer vantagens sobre a laparoscopia ‘convencional’, especialmente na cirurgia do reto. Este trabalho descreve e analisa os resultados dos primeiros três anos de cirurgia robótica na Unidade de Patologia Colorretal da Unidade Local de Saúde S. José. Métodos: Foram definidas as variáveis a analisar e construída uma base de dados prospetiva com os dados referentes aos doentes operados consecutivamente por três cirurgiões colorretais, acreditados internacionalmente na utilização do sistema Da Vinci Xi®, entre novembro de 2019 e outubro de 2022. A base de dados foi convertida numa versão anonimizada e foi sobre essa mesma que se procedeu à análise de dados. Foram analisados os dados de todos doentes operados nesse período. Resultados: Foram incluídos 80 doentes, 47 homens, mediana de idade de 70 anos e de IMC de 26 kg/m2. O score ASA era II em 53,7% e III em 41,3% dos doentes. Do total, 97,6% apresentavam doença maligna ou potencialmente maligna. Realizaram-se 34 colectomias proximais ao ângulo esplénico, 20 distais e 26 ressecções anteriores do reto. Houve ressecção síncrona de metástases hepáticas em dois casos. Foram analisados os resultados peri-operatórios a curto prazo e histopatológicos: duração (mediana): 300 minutos; perda hemática estimada (mediana): 50 mL; taxa de conversão: 2,5%; dias até retomar trânsito intestinal (mediana): três dias; dias de internamento (mediana): seis dias; taxa de complicações pós-operatórias: 20%, das quais 5% Clavien III e 0% Clavien IV/V; taxa de deiscência anastomótica: 2,5%; taxa de reintervenção: 2,5%; taxa de readmissão pós-alta: 1,3%; gânglios linfáticos ressecados (mediana): 20; taxa de ressecção R0: 100%; taxa de integridade mesorretal: 95,8% completo/quase completo. Conclusão: Os nossos resultados mostram que a introdução da cirurgia colorretal robótica no nosso centro foi segura e garantiu resultados clínicos a curto prazo e histopatológicos semelhantes ou favoráveis face aos descritos na literatura.Introduction: Minimally invasive surgery has been increasingly accepted and used in colorectal surgery. Several studies report that robotic surgery may provide advantages over 'conventional' laparoscopy, namely in rectal surgery. This paper provides an account of the first three years of experience with robotic surgery in the Unidade de Patologia Colorretal of the Unidade Local de Saúde S. José. Methods: Variables were defined to develop a prospective database containing the data of consecutive patients operated by three internationally certified colorectal surgeons using the Da Vinci Xi® system between November 2019 and October 2022. The database was converted into an anonymized version that was used for this study. The analysis was performed on the data of all the patients operated during this period. Results: Eighty patients were included, 47 male, median age 70 years, and median BMI 26 kg/m2 . ASA score was II in 53.7% and III in 41.3% of pa- tients. Of the total, 97.6% had malignant or potentially malignant disease. Operative procedures consisted of 34 colectomies proximal to the splenic flexure, 20 distal colectomies and 26 anterior resections. There were two synchronous resections of liver metastases. Early perioperative outcomes and histopathological results were analyzed: median operative time: 300 minutes; median estimated blood loss: 50 mL; conversion rate: 2.5%; median days until first bowel movement: three days; median length of hospital stay: six days; complication rate: 20%, of which 5% were Clavien III and 0% Clavien IV/V; anastomotic leak rate: 2.5%; 30-day readmission rate: 1.3%; median lymph nodes resected: 20; R0 resection rate: 100%; mesorectal integrity rate: 95,8% complete/near complete. Conclusion: Our results show that the adoption of robotic colorectal surgery in our center was safe and resulted in similar or improved short-term clinical outcomes and histopathological results when compared to those described in the literature.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Symptom Clusters in Patients With Advanced Cancer: a Prospective Longitudinal Cohort Study to Examine Their Stability and Prognostic Significance

This study's purpose was to assess symptom cluster (SC) stability during disease progression and determine their strength of association with survival in patients with advanced cancer . Consecutively eligible patients with advanced cancer not receiving cancer-specific treatment and referred to a Tertiary Palliative Care Clinic were enrolled in a prospective cohort study. At first consultation (D0) and in subsequent consultations at day 15 (D15) and day 30 (D30), patients rated 9 symptoms through the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System scale (0-10) and 10 others using a Likert scale (1-5). Principal components factor analysis with varimax rotation was used to determine SCs at each consultation. Of 318 patients with advanced cancer, 301 met eligibility criteria with a median age of 69 years (range 37-94). Three SCs were identified: neuro-psycho-metabolic (NPM), gastrointestinal, and sleep impairment, with some variations in their constitution over time. Exploratory factor analysis accounted for 40% of variance of observed variables in all SCs. Shorter median survival was observed continuously for NPM cluster (D0 23 vs. 58 days, P < .001; D15 41 vs. 104 days, P=.004; D30 46 vs. 114 days, P = .002), although the presence of 2 or more SCs on D0 and D15 also had prognostic significance (D0: 21 vs. 45 days, P = .005; D30: 50 vs. 96 days, P = .040). In a multivariable model, NPM cluster (D0 hazard ratio estimate: HR 1.64; 95%CI, 1.17-2.31; P = .005; D15 HR: 2.51; 95%CI, 1.25-5.05; P = .009; D30 HR: 3.9; 95%CI, 1.54-9.86; P = .004) and hospitalization (D0 HR: 2.27; 95%CI, 1.47-3.51; P < .001; D15 HR: 2.43; 95%CI, 1.18-5.01; P = .016; D30 HR: 3.41; 95%CI, 1.35-8.62; P = .009) were independently and significantly associated with worse survival. Three clinically relevant SCs were identified, and their constitution had small variations, maintaining a stable set of nuclear symptoms through disease progression. Presence of the NPM cluster and hospitalization maintained their prognostic value over time.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio