VES-13 and WHOQOL-bref cutoff points to detect quality of life in older adults in primary health care

OBJECTIVE: To determine Vulnerable Elders Survey (VES-13) and WHOQOL-bref cutoff points to detect poor quality of life (QoL) in older individuals. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study, performed in all primary health care units in Samambaia, DF, Brazil. The data were collected from August 2016 to May 2017. The sample size of 466 older individuals treated in primary health care was obtained considering a 5% margin of error, 95% confidence level, 50% prevalence, and 20% possible losses, in a population of 13,259 older individuals. The subjects answered the VES-13 and WHOQOL-bref questionnaires. They were divided into 3 subgroups: poorQoL (older individuals with self-reported very poor or poor QoL AND very dissatisfied or dissatisfied with their health), goodQoL (very good or good QoL AND very satisfied or satisfied with Health) and indeterminateQoL (NOT belonging to poorQoL or goodQoL subgroups). A receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed with poorQoL (case) versus goodQoL (control) to determine the cutoff score in VES-13 and WHOQOLbref. A diagnostic test using these cutoffs was carried out in all older individuals (n = 466). RESULTS: The VES-13 and WHOQOL-bref cutoff points to detect poorQoL were ≥ 2 and < 60, respectively. The area under ROC curve of VES-13 and WHOQOL-bref was 0.741 (CI95% 0.659- 0.823; p < 0.001) and 0.934 (CI95% 0.881-0.987; p < 0.001), respectively. In diagnostic tests, VES-13 showed 84% sensitivity and 98.2% negative predictive value, and WHOQOL-bref, 88% sensitivity and 99% negative predictive value. CONCLUSIONS: VES-13 score ≥ 2 and WHOQOL-bref score < 60 adequately detected poorQoL in patients treated in primary health care. Our data suggest that older individuals with these scores require special treatment such as geriatrics collaborative care to improve this scenario, considering QoL impact on mortality

Potencial del VES-13 para identificar la esperanza de vida limitada de adultos mayores en centros de atención primaria

Objetivo: Investigar o potencial do instrumento Vulnerable Elders Survey para identificar idosos com expectativa de vida limitada, em ambientes de atenção primária à saúde. Método: Estudo transversal realizado em todas as (nove) unidades de saúde de Jataí, Goiás (Brasil), no período de julho a dezembro de 2018. Obteve-se uma amostra de 407 idosos, considerando uma população ≥ 60 anos. Os participantes responderam a um questionário sobre características sociodemográficas e clínicas, incluindo o Vulnerable Elders Survey e o índice de Suemoto. Testamos a associação entre a expectativa de vida limitada e o Vulnerable Elders Survey usando análise de regressão logística múltipla. Resultados: A idade média foi de 68,9 ± 6,6 anos, e 58,0% dos participantes eram mulheres. A pontuação média do Vulnerable Elders Survey foi de 2,0 ± 2,2, a pontuação média do índice de Suemoto foi de 31,5 ± 21,1%, e 17,2% dos participantes tinham expectativa de vida limitada. O Vulnerable Elders Survey foi associado a uma expectativa de vida limitada (OR = 1,57; p = < 0,0001). Conclusão: O instrumento Vulnerable Elders Survey foi capaz de identificar idosos com expectativa de vida limitada em ambientes de atenção primária à saúde, além de poder auxiliar na detecção de idosos que não se beneficiariam com a triagem e o controle estrito de doenças crônicas.Objective: To investigate the potential role of the Vulnerable Elders Survey to identify older adults with limited life expectancy in primary healthcare settings. Method: This cross-sectional study was performed in all (nine) healthcare units in Jatai, Goiás (Brazil) from July to December 2018. A sample size of 407 older adults was obtained considering an older population (≥ 60 years old). Participants answered a questionnaire about sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, including the Vulnerable Elders Survey and the Suemoto index. We tested the association between limited life expectancy and the Vulnerable Elders Survey using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: The mean age was 68.9 ± 6.6 yo, and 58.0% were women. The mean score of the Vulnerable Elders Survey was 2.0 ± 2.2, the mean score of Suemoto index was 31.5 ± 21.1%, and 17.2% had limited life expectancy. The Vulnerable Elders Survey was associated with limited life expectancy (OR = 1.57; p = < 0.0001). Conclusion: The Vulnerable Elders Survey was able to identify older adults with limited life expectancy in primary healthcare settings and can play a role in detecting older adults who would not benefit from screening and strict control of chronic diseases.Objetivo: Investigar o potencial do instrumento Vulnerable Elders Survey para identificar idosos com expectativa de vida limitada, em ambientes de atenção primária à saúde. Método: Estudo transversal realizado em todas as (nove) unidades de saúde de Jataí, Goiás (Brasil), no período de julho a dezembro de 2018. Obteve-se uma amostra de 407 idosos, considerando uma população ≥ 60 anos. Os participantes responderam a um questionário sobre características sociodemográficas e clínicas, incluindo o Vulnerable Elders Survey e o índice de Suemoto. Testamos a associação entre a expectativa de vida limitada e o Vulnerable Elders Survey usando análise de regressão logística múltipla. Resultados : A idade média foi de 68,9 ± 6,6 anos, e 58,0% dos participantes eram mulheres. A pontuação média do Vulnerable Elders Survey foi de 2,0 ± 2,2, a pontuação média do índice de Suemoto foi de 31,5 ± 21,1%, e 17,2% dos participantes tinham expectativa de vida limitada. O Vulnerable Elders Survey foi associado a uma expectativa de vida limitada (OR = 1,57; p = < 0,0001). Conclusão: O instrumento Vulnerable Elders Survey foi capaz de identificar idosos com expectativa de vida limitada em ambientes de atenção primária à saúde, além de poder auxiliar na detecção de idosos que não se beneficiariam com a triagem e o controle estrito de doenças crônicas

Association of health vulnerability with adverse outcomes in older people with COVID-19: a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES: Health vulnerability is associated with a higher risk of mortality and functional decline in older people in the community. However, few studies have evaluated the role of the Vulnerable Elders Survey (VES-13) in predicting clinical outcomes of hospitalized patients. In the present study, we tested the ability of the VES-13 to predict mortality and the need for invasive mechanical ventilation in older people hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: This prospective cohort included 91 participants aged X60 years who were confirmed to have COVID-19. VES-13 was applied, and the demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables were collected within 72h of hospitalization. A Poisson generalized linear regression model with robust variance was used to estimate the relative risk of death and invasive mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: Of the total number of patients, 19 (21%) died and 15 (16%) required invasive mechanical ventilation. Regarding health vulnerability, 54 (59.4%) participants were classified as non-vulnerable, 30 (33%) as vulnerable, and 7 (7.6%) as extremely vulnerable. Patients classified as extremely vulnerable and male sex were strongly and independently associated with a higher relative risk of in-hospital mortality (po0.05) and need for invasive mechanical ventilation (po0.05). CONCLUSION: Elderly patients classified as extremely vulnerable had more unfavorable outcomes after hospitalization for COVID-19. These data highlight the importance of identifying health vulnerabilities in this population

Chylothorax in paracoccidioidomycosis

A previously healthy, 52-year-old woman presented with a nine months history of low fever and weight loss (> 30 kg). Physical examination disclosed generalized lymphadenopathy, skin lesions, abdominal distension, mild tachypnea and a left breast mass. Laboratory tests showed anemia; (prerenal) kidney injury, low serum albumin level; and negative serology for HIV and viral hepatitis. Computed tomography (neck/chest/abdomen) showed generalized lymph node enlargement, splenomegaly, pleural effusion and ascites. We performed thoracocentesis and paracentesis, and the findings were consistent with chylothorax and chylous ascites (with no neoplastic cells). Biopsies of the breast mass, skin and lymph nodes were performed and all of them showed large round yeast cells with multiple narrow-based budding daughter cells, characteristic of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Consequently, paracoccidioidomycosis was diagnosed, and liposomal amphotericin B was prescribed, as well as a high protein and low fat diet (supplemented with medium chain triglycerides). Even so, her clinical status worsened, requiring renal replacement therapy. She evolved with pneumonia, septic shock and respiratory failure and subsequently died. To our knowledge, this is the first description of a case with chylothorax and breast mass due to paracoccidioidomycosis. Additionally, we discuss: 1- the importance of the inclusion of this mycosis in the differential diagnosis of chylothorax and breast mass (breast cancer), especially in endemic areas; and 2- the possible mechanism involved in the development of chylous effusions

Carotid intima-media thickness and flow-mediated dilation do not predict acute in-hospital outcomes in patients hospitalized with COVID-19

Studies have suggested a potential role of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis in the pathophysiology of COVID-19. Herein, we tested whether brachial flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) measured upon hospital admission are associated with acute in-hospital outcomes in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. A total of 211 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 were submitted to assessments of FMD and mean and maximum cIMT (cIMTmean and cIMTmax) within the first 72 h of hospital admission. Study primary outcome was a composite of intensive care unit admission, mechanical ventilation, or death during the hospitalization. These outcomes were also considered independently. Thrombotic events were included as a secondary outcome. Odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using unadjusted and adjusted multivariable logistic regression models. Eighty-eight (42%) participants demonstrated at least one of the composite outcomes. cIMTmean and cIMTmax were predictors of mortality and thrombotic events in the univariate analysis (cIMTmean and mortality: unadjusted OR 12.71 [95% CI 1.71–94.48]; P = 0.014; cIMTmean and thrombotic events: unadjusted OR 11.94 [95% CI 1.64–86.79]; P = 0.015; cIMTmax and mortality: unadjusted OR 8.47 [95% CI 1.41–51.05]; P = 0.021; cIMTmax and thrombotic events: unadjusted OR 12.19 [95% CI 2.03–73.09]; P = 0.007). However, these associations were no longer present after adjustment for potential confounders (P > 0.05). In addition, FMD% was not associated with any outcome. In conclusion, cIMT and FMD are not independent predictors of clinical outcomes in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. These results suggest that subclinical atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction may not be the main drivers of COVID-19 complications in patients hospitalized with COVID-19

Highlights of the Brazilian Thoracic Association guidelines for interstitial lung diseases

Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are heterogeneous disorders, involving a large number of conditions, the approach to which continues to pose an enormous challenge for pulmonologists. The 2012 Brazilian Thoracic Association ILD Guidelines were established in order to provide Brazilian pulmonologists with an instrument that can facilitate the management of patients with ILDs, standardizing the criteria used for the diagnosis of different conditions and offering guidance on the best treatment in various situations. The objective of this article was to briefly describe the highlights of those guidelines.As doenças pulmonares intersticiais (DPIs) são afecções heterogêneas, envolvendo um elevado número de condições, cuja abordagem ainda é um grande desafio para o pneumologista. As Diretrizes de DPIs da Sociedade Brasileira de Pneumologia e Tisiologia, publicadas em 2012, foram estabelecidas com o intuito de fornecer aos pneumologistas brasileiros um instrumento que possa facilitar a abordagem dos pacientes com DPIs, padronizando-se os critérios utilizados para a definição diagnóstica das diferentes condições, além de orientar sobre o melhor tratamento nas diferentes situações. Esse artigo teve como objetivo descrever resumidamente os principais destaques dessas diretrizes.Universidade de São Paulo Faculdade de Medicina Hospital das ClínicasUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de Medicina Curso de Pós-Graduação de Doenças Pulmonares IntersticiaisUniversidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto AlegreSanta Casa de Porto Alegre Ambulatório de Doenças IntersticiaisSES Hospital Regional da Asa Norte Serviço de Doenças TorácicasFundação Jorge Duprat Figueiredo de Segurança e Medicina do Trabalho Serviço de MedicinaUniversidade Estadual de Campinas Faculdade de Ciências Médicas Departamento de Clínica MédicaUniversidade Federal do Estado do Rio de JaneiroUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de Medicina Departamento de PatologiaHospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo Serviço de Anatomia PatológicaUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de MedicinaUniversidade de São Paulo Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto Divisão de PneumologiaUniversidade Federal de Santa Catarina Departamento de Clínica MédicaUniversidade Federal de Santa Catarina Hospital UniversitárioHospital de Messejana Ambulatório de Doenças IntersticiaisHospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo Ambulatório de Doenças IntersticiaisUniversidade de São Paulo Faculdade de Medicina Instituto do CoraçãoUniversidade Federal FluminenseUniversidade de São Paulo Faculdade de MedicinaHospital Sírio Libanês Núcleo Avançado de TóraxUniversidade Federal da BahiaHospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São PauloHospital do Câncer Antônio Cândido CamargoUNIFESP, EPM, Curso de Pós-Graduação de Doenças Pulmonares IntersticiaisUNIFESP, EPM, Depto. de PatologiaUNIFESP, EPMSciEL