Citrate Anticoagulation for Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy in Critically Ill Patients: Success and Limits

Citrate anticoagulation has risen in interest so it is now a real alternative to heparin in the ICUs practice. Citrate provides a regional anticoagulation virtually restricted to extracorporeal circuit, where it acts by chelating ionized calcium. This issue is particularly true in patients ongoing CRRT, when the “continuous” systemic anticoagulation treatment is per se a relevant risk of bleeding. When compared with heparin most of studies with citrate reported a longer circuit survival, a lower rate of bleeding complications, and transfused packed red cell requirements. As anticoagulant for CRRT, the infusion of citrate is prolonged and it could potentially have some adverse effects. When citrate is metabolized to bicarbonate, metabolic alkalosis may occur, or for impaired metabolism citrate accumulation leads to acidosis. However, large studies with dedicated machines have indeed demonstrated that citrate anticoagulation is well tolerated, safe, and an easy to handle even in septic shock critically ill patients

Validation of serum ferritin values by magnetic susceptometry in predicting iron overload in dialysis patients

Validation of serum ferritin values by magnetic susceptometry in predicting iron overload in dialysis patients.BackgroundGuidelines for treating anemia in dialysis patients accept, as high-end range of serum ferritin useful to optimize erythropoietin therapy, values high as 500 to 900 μg/L, on the hypothesis that ferritin might be not representative of iron overload.MethodsA superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) was used to make direct noninvasive magnetic measurements of nonheme hepatic iron content in 40 dialysis patients treated with intravenous iron, and liver iron content was compared with biochemical markers of iron status.ResultsOnly 12/40 (30%) patients showed normal hepatic iron content (SQUID <400 μg/g), while 32.5% had mild (400 to 1000 μg/g) and 37.5% severe (>1000 μg/g) iron overload, although 28/40 patients (70%) had serum ferritin below 500 μg/L. Among many parameters, hepatic iron content was only correlated with ferritin (r = 0.324, P = 0.04). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed the best specificity/sensitivity ratio to identify iron overload for ferritin >340 μg/L (W = 0.716). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that an increase in serum ferritin of 100 μg/L and female gender were independent variables associated with moderate to severe hepatic iron overload: OR 1.71 (95% CI 1.10 to 2.67) and OR 10.68 (95% CI 1.81 to 63.15), respectively.ConclusionHepatic iron overload is frequent in dialysis patients with ferritin below currently proposed high-end ranges, and the diagnostic power of ferritin in indicating true iron stores is better than presumed. Safety concerns should prompt a reevaluation of acceptable iron parameters, focusing on potential gender-specific differences, to avoid potentially harmful iron overload in a majority of dialysis patients, mainly females

Prevalência e coocorrência de fatores de risco modificáveis em adultos e idosos

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the co-occurrence of the major risk factors for chronic diseases in adults (18-59 years old) and older people (≥ 60 years old) living in Brazilian state capitals and the Federal District. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with population-based data from 35,448 adults and 18,726 older people collected in the Sistema de Vigilância de Fatores de Risco e Proteção para Doenças Crônicas por Inquérito Telefônico (System of Surveillance of Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey – Vigitel) in 2015. The prevalence of each of the five risk factors (smoking, overweight, physical inactivity, alcohol and unhealthy diet) was estimated, as well as their co-occurrence for the different possible combinations, according to socioeconomic and health self-assessment variables. The independent associations were verified via multinomial logistic regression to obtain the estimates of the odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: At least two risk factors were present in 38.5% of the adults and 37.0% of the older participants. The male adults and older participants who did not have private health insurance and classified their health as average or poor/very poor were more likely to have two or more concurrent risk behaviors. The greater chance of co-occurrence of smoking and alcohol abuse in adults (adjusted OR = 3.52) and older people (adjusted OR = 2.94) stands out. CONCLUSIONS: The subgroups with increased risk of developing multiple unhealthy behaviors and the most prevalent behaviors were identified. These findings are expected to contribute to the better targeting of health promotion and preventive care. It is worth noting that, for the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits, macro-social and inter-sectoral policies are more effective.OBJETIVO: Estimar a coocorrência dos principais fatores de risco para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis em adultos (18 a 59 anos) e idosos (≥ 60 anos) residentes nas capitais dos estados brasileiros e Distrito Federal. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal de base populacional com dados de 35.448 adultos e 18.726 idosos coletados no Sistema de Vigilância de Fatores de Risco e Proteção para Doenças Crônicas por Inquérito Telefônico (Vigitel) em 2015. Estimaram-se as prevalências de cada um dos cinco fatores de risco (tabagismo, excesso de peso, inatividade física, uso de álcool e alimentação não saudável), assim como sua coocorrência para as diferentes combinações possíveis, segundo variáveis socioeconômicas e autoavaliação da saúde. As associações independentes foram verificadas por meio de regressão logística multinomial para obter as estimativas do odds ratio (OR) e respectivos intervalos de confiança de 95%. RESULTADOS: Ao menos dois fatores de risco estavam presentes em 38,5% dos adultos e 37,0% dos idosos. Adultos e idosos do sexo masculino, que não possuíam plano de saúde privado e que avaliaram sua saúde como regular ou ruim/muito ruim apresentaram maiores chances de ter dois ou mais comportamentos de risco simultâneos. Destaca-se a maior chance de coocorrência de tabagismo e uso abusivo de álcool em adultos (OR ajustado = 3,52) e idosos (OR ajustado = 2,94). CONCLUSÕES: Foram identificados subgrupos com maior risco de desenvolver múltiplos comportamentos não saudáveis e os comportamentos mais prevalentes. Almeja-se que esses resultados contribuam para o melhor direcionamento de ações de promoção de saúde e assistência preventiva. Destaca-se que, para a adoção de hábitos de vida saudáveis, as políticas macrossociais e intersetoriais são mais efetivas

Prevalência e fatores associados ao acidente vascular cerebral em idosos no Brasil, 2019

To estimate the prevalence and sociodemographic factors, of health-related behaviors, chronic diseases, body mass index and self-rated health associated with stroke in older adults in Brazil, as well as to verify the frequency of practices used in care. Population-based cross-sectional study with data from the 2019 National Health Survey (≥60 years; n=22,728). Adjusted odds ratio were estimated using logistic regression. The prevalence of stroke was 5.6% (95%CI:5.1-6.1), higher in men, in those aged ≥70 years, in black and brown people, with less education, without health insurance and in former smokers. Higher also in those who reported hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, depression and heart disease, particularly acute myocardial infarction (19.0%; 95%CI:15.8-22.7). Dieting was reported by 47.2%, physiotherapy by 17.0%; 26.1% used aspirin regularly, 60.8% were monitored by a health professional and 53.7% reported limitations in their usual activities. The findings identify the subgroups most affected by stroke and highlight that less than 20% of the older adults with stroke reported undergoing physical therapy, highlighting the need to expand multidisciplinary care in the health care network for this subgroup.Estimar a prevalência e os fatores sociodemográficos, de comportamentos relacionados à saúde, doenças crônicas, índice de massa corporal e autoavaliação da saúde associados ao acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) em idosos no Brasil, bem como, verificar a frequência das práticas usadas no cuidado. Estudo transversal de base populacional com dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde 2019 (≥60 anos; n=22.728). Razões de chance ajustadas foram estimadas por meio de regressão logística. A prevalência de AVC foi de 5,6% (IC95%:5,1-6,1), maior nos homens, naqueles com idade ≥70 anos, nos pretos e pardos, com menor escolaridade, sem plano de saúde e nos ex-fumantes. Maiores também nos que referiram hipertensão, diabetes, colesterol alto, depressão e cardiopatia, particularmente infarto agudo do miocárdio (19,0%; IC95%:15,8-22,7). A realização de dieta foi referida por 47,2%, fisioterapia por 17,0%; 26,1% usavam aspirina regularmente, 60,8% faziam acompanhamento com profissional de saúde e 53,7% referiram limitação para as atividades habituais. Os achados identificam os subgrupos mais afetados pelo AVC e destacam que menos de 20% dos idosos com AVC relataram fazer fisioterapia, evidenciando a necessidade de ampliar o cuidado multiprofissional na rede de atenção à saúde para este subgrupo

Multimorbidade e uso de serviços de saúde em idosos muito idosos no Brasil

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of multimorbidity in long-lived Brazilian elderly (age ≥80 years) and to relate it to the use of health services. Methods: Cross-sectional population-based study with data from the 2019 National Health Survey (n =6,098). They were estimated frequencies of use of services in the elderly with multimorbidity and according to sex, medical health insurance ownership, and self-rated health. The prevalence rates, crude and adjusted prevalence ratios, and the respective 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Results: The average age of the elderly was 85 years and about 62% were women; the prevalence of multimorbidity was 57.1%, higher in women, in those with health insurance, and residents in the southern region of the country (p &lt;0.05). In the oldest old with multimorbidity, the use of services in the last 15 days reached 64.6%, and more than 70% were hospitalized in the last year or did not carry out activities in the previous two weeks for health reasons. Differences were observed for the indicators of service use in relation to sex, possession of medical health insurance, and self-rated health, according to multimorbidity. Conclusion: Indicators for the use of health services were higher in the elderly who accumulate two or more chronic diseases, regardless of sociodemographic conditions and self-rated health, showing the impact of multimorbidity per se in determining the use of services among oldest old.Objetivo: Estimar a prevalência de multimorbidade em idosos longevos brasileiros (idade ≥80 anos), e relacioná-la com o uso de serviços de saúde. Métodos: Estudo transversal de base populacional com dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde de 2019 (n=6.098). Foram estimadas as frequências de uso de serviços nos idosos com multimorbidade e segundo sexo, posse de plano de saúde médico e autoavaliação de saúde. Calcularam-se as prevalências e razões de prevalência brutas e ajustadas e respectivos intervalos de confiança de 95%. Resultados. A média de idade dos idosos foi de 85 anos e cerca de 62% eram mulheres; a prevalência de multimorbidade foi de 57,1%, maior nas mulheres, naqueles com plano de saúde, e nos residentes na região Sul do país (p&lt;0,05). Nos muito idosos com multimorbidade, o uso de serviços nos últimos 15 dias alcançou 64,6%, e mais de 70% estiveram internados no último ano ou deixaram de realizar atividades nas duas semanas anteriores por motivo de saúde. Observaram-se diferenças para os indicadores de uso de serviços em relação ao sexo, posse de plano de saúde médico e autoavaliação de saúde, segundo multimorbidade. Conclusão. Os indicadores de uso de serviços de saúde foram mais elevados nos idosos que acumulam duas ou mais doenças crônicas, independente das condições sociodemográficas e da autoavaliação de saúde, denotando o impacto da multimorbidade per se na determinação do uso de serviços entre os idosos mais velhos

Prognostic and predictive role of neutrophil/lymphocytes ratio in metastatic colorectal cancer: a retrospective analysis of the TRIBE study by GONO.

Background Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), defined as absolute neutrophils count divided by absolute lymphocytes count, has been reported as poor prognostic factor in several neoplastic diseases but only a few data are available about unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients (pts). The aim of our study was to evaluate the prognostic and predictive role of NLR in the TRIBE trial. Patients and methods Pts enrolled in TRIBE trial were included. TRIBE is a multicentre phase III trial randomizing unresectable and previously untreated mCRC pts to receive FOLFOXIRI or FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab. A cut-off value of 3 was adopted to discriminate pts with low (NLR < 3) versus high (NLR ≥ 3) NLR, as primary analysis. As secondary analysis, NLR was treated as an ordinal variable with three levels based on terciles distribution. Results NLR at baseline was available for 413 patients. After multiple imputation at univariate analysis, patients with high NLR had significantly shorter progression-free survival (PFS) [hazard ratio (HR) 1.27 (95% CI 1.05-1.55), P = 0.017] and overall survival (OS) [HR 1.56 (95% CI 1.25-1.95), P < 0.001] than patients with low NLR. In the multivariable model, NLR retained a significant association with OS [HR 1.44 (95% CI 1.14-1.82), P = 0.014] but not with PFS [HR 1.18 (95% CI 0.95-1.46), P = 0.375]. No interaction effect between treatment arm and NLR was evident in terms of PFS (P for interaction = 0.536) or OS (P for interaction = 0.831). Patients with low [HR 0.84 (95% CI 0.64-1.08)] and high [HR 0.73 (95% CI 0.54-0.97)] NLR achieved similar PFS benefit from the triplet and consistent results were obtained in terms of OS [HR 0.83 (95% CI 0.62-1.12) for low NLR; HR 0.82 (95% CI 0.59-1.12) for high NLR]. Conclusion This study confirmed the prognostic role of NLR in mCRC pts treated with bevacizumab plus chemotherapy in the first line, showing the worse prognosis of pts with high NLR. The advantage of the triplet is independent of NLR at baseline

Ageismo contra idosos no contexto da pandemia da covid-19: uma revisão integrativa

OBJECTIVE: To report the main results of studies on prejudice, stereotyping, and age-based discrimination (ageism) in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This is an integrative review of the literature on ageism in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, conducted between May and June 2020, with data collected from the following databases: Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE/ PubMed), Web of Science (Thompson Reuters), Scopus (Elsevier Science), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (Lilacs) and Scientific Eletronic Library Online (SciELO). RESULTS: Twenty-one publications addressing ageism during the pandemics, its origins, consequences, and ethical and political implications were analyzed. All publications were theoretical with a critical/reflexive approach, being 90,5% opinion articles (n = 19) and 9,5% research (n = 2). The main findings indicate criticisms regarding resources allocation and intensive care based exclusively on age. The results also highlight the impacts of social isolation, the use of technologies and social media, and intergenerational relationships within the COVID-19 scenario. CONCLUSION: According to most publications, although ageism has always been present, it became more evident during the COVID-19 pandemic as a form of discrimination against older adults. “Ageist” discourses may exert a negative influence in older adults’ lives, causing severe social and psychological impacts.OBJETIVO: Descrever os principais resultados de estudos sobre preconceito, estereotipia e discriminação relacionados à idade (ageismo) no contexto da pandemia da covid-19. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura sobre o ageismo no contexto da pandemia da covid-19, realizada entre maio e junho de 2020, a partir das seguintes bases de dados: Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE/PubMed), Web of Science (Thompson Reuters), Scopus (Elsevier Science), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS) e Scientific Eletronic Library Online (SciELO). RESULTADOS: Foram analisadas 21 publicações que discorreram sobre o ageismo durante a pandemia, suas origens, consequências e implicações ético-políticas. As publicações identificadas são de natureza teórica com abordagem crítico-reflexiva, sendo 90,5% artigos opinativos (n = 19) e 9,5% de pesquisa (n = 2). Os principais resultados encontrados apontam críticas em relação à destinação de recursos e cuidados intensivos baseados exclusivamente no critério etário. São também apontados os impactos do isolamento social, o uso das tecnologias e mídias sociais e as relações intergeracionais no cenário da covid-19. CONCLUSÃO: A maioria das publicações indicam que o ageismo sempre esteve presente, mas tornou-se mais evidente durante a pandemia da covid-19 como forma de discriminação contra idosos. Ressalta-se que discursos “ageistas” podem influenciar negativamente na vida dos idosos e causar impactos sociais e psicológicos prejudiciais

Ageism against older adults in the context of the covid-19 pandemic : an integrative review

OBJETIVO: Descrever os principais resultados de estudos sobre preconceito, estereotipia e discriminação relacionados à idade (ageismo) no contexto da pandemia da covid-19. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura sobre o ageismo no contexto da pandemia da covid-19, realizada entre maio e junho de 2020, a partir das seguintes bases de dados: Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE/PubMed), Web of Science (Thompson Reuters), Scopus (Elsevier Science), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS) e Scientific Eletronic Library Online (SciELO). RESULTADOS: Foram analisadas 21 publicações que discorreram sobre o ageismo durante a pandemia, suas origens, consequências e implicações ético-políticas. As publicações identificadas são de natureza teórica com abordagem crítico-reflexiva, sendo 90,5% artigos opinativos (n = 19) e 9,5% de pesquisa (n = 2). Os principais resultados encontrados apontam críticas em relação à destinação de recursos e cuidados intensivos baseados exclusivamente no critério etário. São também apontados os impactos do isolamento social, o uso das tecnologias e mídias sociais e as relações intergeracionais no cenário da covid-19. CONCLUSÃO: A maioria das publicações indicam que o ageismo sempre esteve presente, mas tornou-se mais evidente durante a pandemia da covid-19 como forma de discriminação contra idosos. Ressalta-se que discursos “ageistas” podem influenciar negativamente na vida dos idosos e causar impactos sociais e psicológicos prejudiciais.OBJECTIVE: To report the main results of studies on prejudice, stereotyping, and age-based discrimination (ageism) in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This is an integrative review of the literature on ageism in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, conducted between May and June 2020, with data collected from the following databases: Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE/PubMed), Web of Science (Thompson Reuters), Scopus (Elsevier Science), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (Lilacs) and Scientific Eletronic Library Online (SciELO). RESULTS: Twenty-one publications addressing ageism during the pandemics, its origins, consequences, and ethical and political implications were analyzed. All publications were theoretical with a critical/reflexive approach, being 90,5% opinion articles (n = 19) and 9,5% research (n = 2). The main findings indicate criticisms regarding resources allocation and intensive care based exclusively on age. The results also highlight the impacts of social isolation, the use of technologies and social media, and intergenerational relationships within the COVID-19 scenario. CONCLUSION: According to most publications, although ageism has always been present, it became more evident during the COVID-19 pandemic as a form of discrimination against older adults. “Ageist” discourses may exert a negative influence in older adults’ lives, causing severe social and psychological impacts

Low in‑hospital mortality rate in patients with COVID‑19 receiving thromboprophylaxis: data from the multicentre observational START‑COVID Register

Abstract COVID-19 infection causes respiratory pathology with severe interstitial pneumonia and extra-pulmonary complications; in particular, it may predispose to thromboembolic disease. The current guidelines recommend the use of thromboprophylaxis in patients with COVID-19, however, the optimal heparin dosage treatment is not well-established. We conducted a multicentre, Italian, retrospective, observational study on COVID-19 patients admitted to ordinary wards, to describe clinical characteristic of patients at admission, bleeding and thrombotic events occurring during hospital stay. The strategies used for thromboprophylaxis and its role on patient outcome were, also, described. 1091 patients hospitalized were included in the START-COVID-19 Register. During hospital stay, 769 (70.7%) patients were treated with antithrombotic drugs: low molecular weight heparin (the great majority enoxaparin), fondaparinux, or unfractioned heparin. These patients were more frequently affected by comorbidities, such as hypertension, atrial fibrillation, previous thromboembolism, neurological disease,and cancer with respect to patients who did not receive thromboprophylaxis. During hospital stay, 1.2% patients had a major bleeding event. All patients were treated with antithrombotic drugs; 5.4%, had venous thromboembolism [30.5% deep vein thrombosis (DVT), 66.1% pulmonary embolism (PE), and 3.4% patients had DVT + PE]. In our cohort the mortality rate was 18.3%. Heparin use was independently associated with survival in patients aged ≥ 59 years at multivariable analysis. We confirmed the high mortality rate of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients in ordinary wards. Treatment with antithrombotic drugs is significantly associated with a reduction of mortality rates especially in patients older than 59 years