Hypertensive urgencies and emergencies

Introdução - A Urgência e a Emergência Hipertensiva são ocorrências clínicas, que podem representar mais de 25% dos atendimentos de urgência médica, devendo o médico deve estar apto a diferenciá-las, visto que o prognóstico e o tratamento são distintos. Métodos - Foram pesquisados, no site www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PUBMED os artigos referentes ao termo “Crise Hipertensiva” tendo sido selecionadas dezenove publicações, que foram analisadas nesta revisão. Resultados - A Emergência Hipertensiva resulta de elevação abrupta da pressão arterial, com sintomas que sugerem lesões de órgãos-alvo, necessitando de internação hospitalar,em ambiente de terapia intensiva e tratamento com Nitroprussiato de Sódio e/ou Urapidil. Na Urgência Hipertensiva,ocorre aumento da pressão arterial, sem sinais e sintomas de lesão de órgãosalvo, podendo ser ambulatorial o tratamento, com medicamentos por administração oral. Discussões sobre diagnóstico, fisiopatologia e, sobretudo, tratamento apropriado são apresentados. Conclusões - Urgência Hipertensiva é caracterizada por elevação da pressão sem sintomas e/ou lesões em órgãos-alvo, necessitando de redução da pressão arterial em até 24 h. A Emergência Hipertensiva configura-se como elevação significativa da pressão, com sintomas e risco de vida, necessitando de tratamento e redução imediata da pressão.Introduction - The Urgency and Hypertensive Emergency are clinical occurrences that may represent more than 25% of the medical urgency treatments, due to the fact that the doctor must be able to tell them apart, once that prognosis and treatment are distinct. Methods - The articles referring to the term “Hypertensive crisis” were researched at the www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ PUBMED Website, where 19 publications have been closen and will thus be analysed in this review. Results - The Hypertensive Emergency results in the sudden elevation of the arterial pressure with symptoms that suggest target-organ lesions,making hospital commitment necessary, in an intensive theraphy facility and Sodium Nitroprussiatum treatment and /or Urapidil. In the hypertensive urgency, the arterial pressure elevation occurs, with no signals and targetorgan damage symptoms, thus being possible of ambulatorial treatment with oral medication. Discussions on diagnosis, physiopathology and, above all, appropriate treatment are presented. Conclusions - Hypertensive Urgency is characterized by the pressure elevation without symptoms and/or target-organ damage, making necessary the arterial pressure reduction up to 24 hours. The Hypertensive Emergency means a significant pressure elevation with symptoms and risk of dead, what brings the need of treatment and immediate pressure reduction

Estabilidade pré-analítica do hormônio adrenocorticotrófico endógeno canino após remessa de amostras em gelo seco ou com barras de gelo reciclável

Endogenous adrenocorticotrophic hormone (eACTH) measurement is useful in hypercortisolism and hypoadrenocorticism investigation; however, since the hormone is highly unstable, blood samples require proper processing and storage, as well as shipping is often a step limiting since few laboratories offer this assay in Brazil. The aim of this note was to compare overnight dog´s eACTH preanalytical stability when frozen samples were shipped in dry ice (DI), or with recyclable ice bars (RIB). A total of 56 paired samples for Eacth measurement were analyzed. Blood samples were properly handled, plasma aliquots transferred into plastic microtubes, and stored at -80ºC. The fifty-six paired samples were overnight shipped in two thermic isolated boxes with DI or involved by RIB. Despite there was a high correlation between results from both shipping methods (r Spearman = 0.958, P<0.001), the Wilcoxon matched-pairs rank test showed that the shipping method may influence results (P<0.001). However, this difference does not affect results interpretation. By this way, when DI shipping was not possible, RIB shipping may represent a risk to eACTH preanalytical stability.A mensuração do hormônio adrenocorticotrófico endógeno (ACTHe) é útil na investigação do hipercortisolismo e hipoadrenocorticismo. No entanto, como o hormônio é bastante instável, as amostras de sangue necessitam um manejo adequado no processamento e armazenamento, assim como o envio para laboratórios pode ser um passo limitante, uma vez que poucos laboratórios oferecem este ensaio no Brasil. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar a estabilidade pré-analítica do ACTHe durante longo período de envio de amostras congeladas em gelo seco (GS), ou com barras de gelo reciclável (BGR). Um total de 56 amostras pareadas para mensuração de ACTHe foram analisadas. As amostras de sangue foram adequadamente manejadas, sendo o plasma transferido para micro tubos plásticos estocados a -80ºC. Os 56 pares de amostras foram enviados à tarde para chegada ao laboratório na manhã seguinte em dois isopores, um com GS e outro com BGR. Apesar de uma alta correlação entre os resultados dos diferentes métodos de envio (r Spearman = 0,958, P<0,001), o teste de Wilcoxon para amostras pareadas mostrou que o método de envio influencia os resultados P<0,001). Apesar desta diferença, os resultados não afetaram a interpretação dos resultados. Desta forma, quando o envio em gelo seco não for possível, o envio das amostras com barras de gelo reciclável pode representar um risco à estabilidade pré-analítica do ACTHe

Evidence of pituitary hypoplasia associated with partial central diabetes insipidus in a young Persian cat

Background: Congenital anomalies are an uncommon pituitary hypofunction cause associated to multiple hormone deficiencies. Congenital hyposomatotropism is often related to an inherited anomaly, characterized mainly by delayed growth. It is not uncommon to find associated thyroid-stimulating hormone and gonadotropin deficiencies. Pituitary malformation may be associated to progressive cystic lesion expansion. Central diabetes insipidus (CDI) is another rare disease associated to polyuria (PU) and polydipsia (PD) secondary to antidiuretic hormone (ADH) deficient secretion. The aim of this report is to describe a likely case of pituitary hypoplasia, associated with partial CDI in a cat. Case: A 9-month-old unneutered male Persian cat weighing 2 kg was presented due to severe polyuria and polydipsia associated with growth deficit when compared with its sibling. After clinical and laboratory evaluations during the months in which the patient was monitored, reduced serum concentration of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid hormones, and testosterone were documented, confirming the diagnosis of hyposomatotropism, hypogonadism, and secondary hypothyroidism. Furthermore, therapeutic diagnosis with desmopressin revealed partial central diabetes insipidus (CDI). As the sibling showed normal development aging 13-months, a radiographic examination of the forelimb (carpus) was performed on both cats. There was lack of growth plate fusion in the patient, without any other evidence of dysgenesis, whereas complete epiphyseal closure was observed in the sibling. Despite therapeutic prescriptions of desmopressin and levothyroxine, the owners refused further follow-up to the case. Discussion: Notwhistanding neuroimaging was not available for investigation of pituitary aspect in this particular case, the clinical symptoms added to the results of the complementary tests were consistent with pituitary hypoplasia, associated with hyposomatotropism, secondary hypothyroidism, hypogonadism, and partial CDI. Hyposomatotropism was presumably diagnosed based on the patient’s clinical characteristics, which included proportional growth delay, delayed tooth eruption, delayed growth plate fusion, associated with serum reduced IGF-1 results in comparison with its sibling. The report of low free T4 by equilibrium dialysis and of low total T4 levels, associated with low TSH levels, was considered compatible with secondary hypothyroidism. TRH stimulation test is considered the gold standard for secondary hypothyroidism diagnosis since low TSH could be secondary to assay’s low sensibility. However, normal TSH and thyroid hormone results in the sibling results ruled out this possible dismissed diagnose. The patient’s lack of sexual interest, associated with hypotestosteronemia and underdeveloped genitals (absence of penile spines and testicular hypoplasia), indicates hypogonadism. Finally, partial CDI diagnosis was demonstrated by cat’s partial ability to increase urinary specific gravity under water deprivation often made by the owners, as well as the response pattern to desmopressin therapy. Owing the lack of neurological signs expected to be associated with neoplastic or traumatic hypopituitarism etiology, hypoplasia hypothesis was raised. Quite often, patients with pituitary hypoplasia develop Rathke cleft cysts that might expand over time. In the present case, partial CDI was likely to be caused by the compression of the neurohypophysis by cystic formation secondary to adenohypophyseal hypoplasia since this kind of pituitary congenital anomaly does not justify per se neurohypophysis implications

Avaliação do estado nutricional de pacientes com pênfigo foliáceo sob corticoterapia prolongada

Our objective was to compare food intake and nutritional status of Pemphigus Foliaceus patients (PG) on long term glucocorticoid therapy to a Control Group (CG). Fourteen PG female inpatients receiving prednisone (0.33 ± 0.22mg/kg) for at least 12 months and twelve CG subjects were submitted to nutritional evaluation, including anthropometry, urinary creatinine determination and serum biochemical measurements, besides 48-h-based food intake records. Groups were compared by Chi-square, Mann-Whitney and "t" tests. PG patients and CG were paired, respectively, in relation to age (24.7 ± 14.1 vs. 22.0 ± 12.0 years), body mass index (25.8 ± 6.4 vs. 24.0 ± 5.6kg/m2), daily protein intake (132.9 ± 49.8 vs. 95.2 ± 58.9g), and serum albumin (median; range) (3.8; 3.5-4.1 vs. 3.8; 3.6-5.0g/dl). However, PG patients had lower height-creatinine index (64.8 ± 17.6 vs. 90.1 ± 33.4%), and higher daily energy (3080 ± 1099 vs. 2187 ± 702kcal) and carbohydrate (376.8 ± 135.8 vs. 242.0 ± 80.7g) intakes. Despite high food, protein and energy consumption, PG patients on long term glucocorticoid therapy had lower body muscle mass than controls, while showing high body fat stores. These findings are possibly related to combined metabolic effects of long term corticotherapy and inflammatory disease plus corticosteroid-induced increased appetite.O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar o estado nutricional e dados de ingestão alimentar de pacientes com Pênfigo Foliáceo (PF, n=14) sob corticoterapia prolongada (prednisona, 0,33 ± 0,22mg/kg/dia há mais de 12 meses) com um Grupo Controle (GC, n=12). A avaliação constou de inquérito alimentar de 48 horas, antropometria e determinação de creatinina urinária de 24h e albumina sérica. Os grupos PF e GC foram pareados, respectivamente, quanto à idade (24,7 ± 14,1 vs 22,0 ± 12,0 anos), índice de massa corporal (25,8 ± 6,4 vs 24,0 ± 5,6kg/m2), ingestão diária de proteína (132,9 ± 49,8 vs 95,2 ± 58,9g) e albumina sérica (mediana;faixa de variação) (3,8;3,5-4,1 vs 3,8;3,6-5,0g/dl). Pacientes com pênfigo apresentaram menor índice creatinina-altura (64,8 ± 17,6 vs 90,1 ± 33,4%) e maior ingestão de energia (3080 ± 1099 vs 2187 ± 702kcal/dia) e carboidratos (376,8 ± 135,8 vs 242,0 ± 80,7g/dia). Apesar do maior consumo de alimentos, os pacientes com pênfigo apresentaram menor massa muscular que os controles, achados possivelmente relacionados ao aumento do apetite e efeitos metabólicos combinados da corticoterapia e da doença inflamatória crônica

ATLANTIC EPIPHYTES: a data set of vascular and non-vascular epiphyte plants and lichens from the Atlantic Forest

Epiphytes are hyper-diverse and one of the frequently undervalued life forms in plant surveys and biodiversity inventories. Epiphytes of the Atlantic Forest, one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world, have high endemism and radiated recently in the Pliocene. We aimed to (1) compile an extensive Atlantic Forest data set on vascular, non-vascular plants (including hemiepiphytes), and lichen epiphyte species occurrence and abundance; (2) describe the epiphyte distribution in the Atlantic Forest, in order to indicate future sampling efforts. Our work presents the first epiphyte data set with information on abundance and occurrence of epiphyte phorophyte species. All data compiled here come from three main sources provided by the authors: published sources (comprising peer-reviewed articles, books, and theses), unpublished data, and herbarium data. We compiled a data set composed of 2,095 species, from 89,270 holo/hemiepiphyte records, in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, recorded from 1824 to early 2018. Most of the records were from qualitative data (occurrence only, 88%), well distributed throughout the Atlantic Forest. For quantitative records, the most common sampling method was individual trees (71%), followed by plot sampling (19%), and transect sampling (10%). Angiosperms (81%) were the most frequently registered group, and Bromeliaceae and Orchidaceae were the families with the greatest number of records (27,272 and 21,945, respectively). Ferns and Lycophytes presented fewer records than Angiosperms, and Polypodiaceae were the most recorded family, and more concentrated in the Southern and Southeastern regions. Data on non-vascular plants and lichens were scarce, with a few disjunct records concentrated in the Northeastern region of the Atlantic Forest. For all non-vascular plant records, Lejeuneaceae, a family of liverworts, was the most recorded family. We hope that our effort to organize scattered epiphyte data help advance the knowledge of epiphyte ecology, as well as our understanding of macroecological and biogeographical patterns in the Atlantic Forest. No copyright restrictions are associated with the data set. Please cite this Ecology Data Paper if the data are used in publication and teaching events. © 2019 The Authors. Ecology © 2019 The Ecological Society of Americ

Assesment of function of the right ventricle in the indeterminate form of Chagas Disease by ecocardiograma

Submitted by Luciana Ferreira ([email protected]) on 2014-12-18T13:43:38Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação - Rogério Gomes Furtado - 2013.pdf: 8231426 bytes, checksum: 27a3b18b8a08192dc1223e0b4a48c1b8 (MD5)Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira ([email protected]) on 2014-12-18T14:07:17Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação - Rogério Gomes Furtado - 2013.pdf: 8231426 bytes, checksum: 27a3b18b8a08192dc1223e0b4a48c1b8 (MD5)Made available in DSpace on 2014-12-18T14:07:19Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação - Rogério Gomes Furtado - 2013.pdf: 8231426 bytes, checksum: 27a3b18b8a08192dc1223e0b4a48c1b8 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-06-28Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPESObjective: To evaluate the prevalence of systolic and diastolic right ventricular (RV) in patients with indeterminate form of Chagas Disease (FDIC) and compare with asymptomatic patients without this condition. Methods: An observational, case-control, descriptive and prevalent study in which 91 patients were divided into 2 groups: group I (normal n = 31) and group II (FIDC normal cardiac n = 61). Were performed 2D Doppler echocardiography in adult patients, applying the criteria assessment of systolic and diastolic RV. Results: The general characteristics of both groups: age (39.73 ± 12.94 vs 45.32 ± 12.36, p = 0.071), weight in kg (71.29 ± 14.91 vs 67.66 ± 12, 37 with p = 0.270), Height in cm (159.24 ± 32.63 vs 156.88 ± 30.56, p = 0.749), ISC (1.77 ± 0.24 vs 1.69 ± 0.19 with p = 0.174) , female sex (24/77, 4% vs 45/73, 8%, p = 0.190) ,heart rate (FC) in bpm ( 71,90 ± 10,43 vs 70,36 ± 9,83), diastolic dimension of LV ( LVDD) em mm ( 46,71± 5,21 vs 46,05 ± 5,22) e ejection fracion of LV ( % por Teicholz) (73,55 ± 6,66 vs 73,56 ± 7,35). The prevalence of RV systolic dysfunction in normal patients and FIDC, using criteria such as FAC <35%, TAM <16mm and systolic S wave velocity <10 cm / s tissue Doppler was: FAC (- / 0.0% vs 1 / 0.6%, p = 0.663), TAM (- / 0.0% vs. - / 0.0%, p = 1.00) and S wave (2/6,4% vs 16/26% with p = 0.016) and a weak correlation (r = 0.31) between age and S wave (p = 0.019). The prevalence of RV global dysfunction in normal patients and FIDC : RIPM of TD(5/16,1% vs 17/27,8% , p=0,099) and RIPM of DP(19/61,3% vs 42/68,8%,p 0,141).The prevalence of RV diastolic dysfunction in groups I and II respectively, according to the criteria established by guideline43: abnormal relaxation AR (- / 0.0% vs 4/ 6.0%, p = 0.187), pseudonormal pattern PP (-/0,0 vs. -/0,0% p = 1,00) and restrictive pattern PR (-/0,0% vs -/0,0%, p = 1,000), with no significant difference in diastolic dysfunction in both groups. Conclusion: The prevalence of RV systolic dysfunction was estimated at 26% (S-wave velocity compared to other variables with p significant, with a weak correlation between the S wave velocity and age) and was not observed statistically significant criteria for diastolic dysfunction between groups.Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência de disfunção sistólica e diastólica do Ventrículo Direito (VD) em pacientes com forma indeterminada da doença de Chagas (FIDC) e comparar com pacientes assintomáticos sem esta patologia. Métodos: Estudo observacional, caso-controle, descritivo e de prevalência, na qual 91 pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: grupo I (normal com n = 31) e grupo II (FIDC/normalidade cardíaca n = 61). Foram realizados nos pacientes adultos Dopplerecocardiograma 2D, aplicando os critérios de avaliação da função sistólica e diastólica do VD. Resultados: As características gerais de ambos grupos foram : idade (39,73 ± 12,94 vs 45,32 ± 12,36 com p = 0,071), peso em Kg (71,29 ± 14,91 vs 67,66 ± 12,37 com p = 0,270), altura em cm (159,24 ± 32,63 vs 156,88 ± 30,56 com p = 0,749), índice de superfície corpórea (ISC) (1,77 ± 0,24 vs 1,69 ± 0,19 com p = 0,174), sexo feminino (24/77,4% vs 45/73,8% com p = 0,190), frequência cardíaca (FC) em bpm ( 71,90 ± 10,43 vs 70,36 ± 9,83), dimensão diastólica do VE ( DDVE) em mm ( 46,71± 5,21 vs 46,05 ± 5,22) e fração de ejeção do VE ( % por Teicholz) (73,55 ± 6,66 vs 73,56 ± 7,35). A prevalência da disfunção sistólica do VD em pacientes normais e FIDC, utilizando critérios como Mudança de Área Fracional (MAF) < 35%, Mobilidade do Anel Tricuspídeo (MAT) < 16mm e velocidade da onda sistólica ao Doppler tecidual (ondaS) < 10 cm/s foi: MAF (- /0,0% vs 1/0.6% com p = 0,663), MAT (- / 0,0% vs - / 0,0% com p = 1,00) e onda S (2/6,4% vs 16/26,0% com p = 0.016). Houve fraca correlação (r = 0,31) entre a idade e a onda S (p = 0,019). A prevalência da disfunção global do VD no grupo I e II respectivamente foi: Índice de Performance Miocárdica Direita do Doppler Tecidual IPMD do DT (5/16,1% vs 17/27,8% com p =0,099) e IPMD do Doppler Pulsado DP:(19/61,3% vs 42/68% com p= 0,141), sem diferença estatística significativa entre os grupos. A prevalência de disfunção diastólica do VD nos grupos I e II respectivamente, conforme os critérios estabelecidos pelas diretrizes 43: alteração do relaxamento AR (- / 0,0% vs 4 / 6,0%, p = 0,187), padrão pseudonormal PP (-/ 0,0% vs -/ 0,0%, p =1,00) e padrão restritivo PR (-/0,0% vs -/0,0%, p = 1,00), sem diferenças significativas de disfunção diastólica em ambos grupos. Conclusão: A prevalência de disfunção sistólica do VD foi estimada em 26% (velocidade da onda S em comparação a outras variáveis com p significante e fraca correlação entre a velocidade da onda S e idade) e não foram observados critérios estatisticamente significantes para disfunção diastólica e global entre os grupos

Evidence of Pituitary Hypoplasia Associated with Partial Central Diabetes Insipidus in a Young Persian Cat

Background: Congenital anomalies are an uncommon pituitary hypofunction cause associated to multiple hormone deficiencies. Congenital hyposomatotropism is often related to an inherited anomaly, characterized mainly by delayed growth. It is not uncommon to find associated thyroid-stimulating hormone and gonadotropin deficiencies. Pituitary malformation may be associated to progressive cystic lesion expansion. Central diabetes insipidus (CDI) is another rare disease associated to polyuria (PU) and polydipsia (PD) secondary to antidiuretic hormone (ADH) deficient secretion. The aim of this report is to describe a likely case of pituitary hypoplasia, associated with partial CDI in a cat.Case: A 9-month-old unneutered male Persian cat weighing 2 kg was presented due to severe polyuria and polydipsia associated with growth deficit when compared with its sibling. After clinical and laboratory evaluations during the months in which the patient was monitored, a reduced serum concentration of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid hormones, and testosterone was documented, confirming the diagnosis of hyposomatotropism, hypogonadism, and secondary hypothyroidism. Furthermore, therapeutic diagnosis with desmopressin revealed partial central diabetes insipidus (CDI). As the sibling showed normal development aging 13-months, a radiographic examination of the forelimb (carpus) was performed on both cats. There was lack of growth plate fusion in the patient, without any other evidence of dysgenesis, whereas complete epiphyseal closure was observed in the sibling. Despite desmopressin and levothyroxine therapeutic prescription the owners refuse further follow-up to the case.Discussion: Notwhistanding neuroimaging was not available for investigation of pituitary aspect in this particular case, the clinical symptoms added to the results of the complementary tests were consistent with pituitary hypoplasia, associated with hyposomatotropism, secondary hypothyroidism, hypogonadism, and partial CDI. Hyposomatotropism was presumably diagnosed based on the patient’s clinical characteristics, which included proportional growth delay, delayed tooth eruption, delayed growth plate fusion, associated with serum reduced IGF-1 results in comparison with its sibling. The report of low free T4 by equilibrium dialysis and of low total T4 levels, associated with low TSH levels, was considered compatible with secondary hypothyroidism. TRH stimulation test is considered the gold standard for secondary hypothyroidism diagnosis since low TSH could be secondary to assay´s low sensibility. However, normal TSH and thyroid hormone results in the sibling results ruled out this possible dismissed diagnose. The patient’s lack of sexual interest, associated with hypotestosteronemia and underdeveloped genitals (absence of penile spines and testicular hypoplasia), indicates hypogonadism. Finally, partial CDI diagnosis was demonstrated by cat´s partial ability to increase urinary specific gravity under water deprivation often made by the owners, as well as the response pattern to desmopressin therapy. Owing the lack of neurological signs expected to be associated with neoplastic or traumatic hypopituitarism etiology, hypoplasia hypothesis was raised. Quite often, patients with pituitary hypoplasia develop Rathke cleft cysts that might expand over time. In the present case, partial CDI is likely to be caused by the compression of the neurohypophysis by cyst formation secondary to adenohypophyseal hypoplasia since this kind of pituitary congenital anomaly does not justify per se neurohypophysis implications

Estabilidade pré-analítica do hormônio adrenocorticotrófico endógeno canino após remessa de amostras em gelo seco ou com barras de gelo reciclável

Endogenous adrenocorticotrophic hormone (eACTH) measurement is useful in hypercortisolism and hypoadrenocorticism investigation; however, since the hormone is highly unstable, blood samples require proper processing and storage, as well as shipping is often a step limiting since few laboratories offer this assay in Brazil. The aim of this note was to compare overnight dog´s eACTH preanalytical stability when frozen samples were shipped in dry ice (DI), or with recyclable ice bars (RIB). A total of 56 paired samples for Eacth measurement were analyzed. Blood samples were properly handled, plasma aliquots transferred into plastic microtubes, and stored at -80ºC. The fifty-six paired samples were overnight shipped in two thermic isolated boxes with DI or involved by RIB. Despite there was a high correlation between results from both shipping methods (r Spearman = 0.958, P<0.001), the Wilcoxon matched-pairs rank test showed that the shipping method may influence results (P<0.001). However, this difference does not affect results interpretation. By this way, when DI shipping was not possible, RIB shipping may represent a risk to eACTH preanalytical stability.A mensuração do hormônio adrenocorticotrófico endógeno (ACTHe) é útil na investigação do hipercortisolismo e hipoadrenocorticismo. No entanto, como o hormônio é bastante instável, as amostras de sangue necessitam um manejo adequado no processamento e armazenamento, assim como o envio para laboratórios pode ser um passo limitante, uma vez que poucos laboratórios oferecem este ensaio no Brasil. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar a estabilidade pré-analítica do ACTHe durante longo período de envio de amostras congeladas em gelo seco (GS), ou com barras de gelo reciclável (BGR). Um total de 56 amostras pareadas para mensuração de ACTHe foram analisadas. As amostras de sangue foram adequadamente manejadas, sendo o plasma transferido para micro tubos plásticos estocados a -80ºC. Os 56 pares de amostras foram enviados à tarde para chegada ao laboratório na manhã seguinte em dois isopores, um com GS e outro com BGR. Apesar de uma alta correlação entre os resultados dos diferentes métodos de envio (r Spearman = 0,958, P<0,001), o teste de Wilcoxon para amostras pareadas mostrou que o método de envio influencia os resultados P<0,001). Apesar desta diferença, os resultados não afetaram a interpretação dos resultados. Desta forma, quando o envio em gelo seco não for possível, o envio das amostras com barras de gelo reciclável pode representar um risco à estabilidade pré-analítica do ACTHe