Avaliação dos níveis de frutosamina em gatos sob estresse agudo e crônico

Frutosaminas são proteínas séricas glicadas formadas continuamente resultantes da ligação entre a glicose e proteínas circulantes, e correspondem à avaliação glicêmica de aproximadamente uma a duas semanas em gatos. A concentração de frutosamina tem sido utilizada para a diferenciação entre a hiperglicemia persistente e transitória induzida pelo estresse, sendo considerado o teste padrão ouro para o controle da glicemia em gatos diabéticos. O objetivo deste trabalho consistiu em avaliar a influência dos estados de estresse agudo e crônico em gatos sobre os níveis séricos de frutosamina. Foram selecionados 62 felinos provenientes do atendimento no Hospital Veterinário da FMVZ - UNESP Botucatu, distribuídos em três grupos: felinos com histórico de qualquer doença ou condições de estresse, excluindo-se o diabetes mellitus (DM), por um período máximo de 48 horas (Grupo A, n = 21) ou por um período superior a 120 horas (Grupo B, n = 27). O terceiro grupo (Grupo C = controle) foi formado por 14 felinos saudáveis. Os grupos foram avaliados quanto às dosagens séricas de frutosamina, glicose, proteína e albumina. Foi constatado um aumento significativo nos valores de frutosamina tanto nos animais submetidos ao estresse agudo quanto crônico, porém os níveis mantiveram-se dentro do intervalo de referência. Da mesma forma, os animais, em média, também se encontravam em normoglicemia, apesar da correlação positiva entre as concentrações de glicose e frutosamina. Conclui-se que a concentração de frutosamina sofre influência dos estados de estresse agudo e crônico em gatos, mantendo-se, porém, dentro dos limites de referência, sendo, portanto, útil no diagnóstico do DM.

Genotoxicity, cytotoxicity and gene expression in patients undergoing elective surgery under isoflurane anaesthesia

There are numerous studies reporting on the effects of inhalation anaesthesia in cells of exposed individuals but not much is known about the ability of isoflurane (ISF) to induce oxidative DNA damage. However, surgery is often associated with a temporary perioperative immunological alteration, and some volatile anaesthetics seem to contribute to a transient lymphocytopenia after surgery. We conducted a study to evaluate a possible genotoxic effect, including oxidative DNA damage, and apoptosis in peripheral lymphocytes of 20 patients American Society of Anaesthesiologists physical status I undergoing minor elective surgery lasting at least 120 min, under anaesthesia with ISF. We also investigated the expression of several genes in blood cells. Blood samples were collected at three time points: before anaesthesia (T(1)), 2 h after the beginning of anaesthesia (T(2)) and on the first post-operative day (T(3)). General DNA damage and oxidised bases (Fpg and endo III-sites) in blood lymphocytes were evaluated using the comet assay. Lymphocytes were phenotyped and apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry. In addition, expressions of hOGG1 and XRCC1, genes involved in DNA repair, and BCL2, a gene related to apoptosis, were assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results showed no statistically significant difference in the level of DNA damage and oxidised bases among the three sampling times. Anaesthesia with ISF did not increase the percentage of cells in early or late apoptosis in cytotoxic or helper T lymphocytes. Lower hOGG1 and BCL2 expressions were detected at T(3) in comparison to the other two previous time points, and there was significantly lower expression of XRCC1 at T(3) in relation to T(2). In conclusion, the exposure to ISF did not result in genotoxicity and cytotoxicity in lymphocytes and in toxicogenomic effect in leukocytes, although DNA repair and apoptosis-related genes were down-regulated on the first post-operative day.

Accuracy of six minute walk test, stair test and spirometry using maximal oxygen uptake as gold standard

PURPOSE: To assess the accuracy of the variables stair climbing time (SCt), stair climbing power (SCP), six-minute walk test distance (6MWT), and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) using maximal oxygen uptake on exercise (VO2max) as the gold standard. METHODS: Tests were performed in 51 patients. FEV1 was measured by spirometry and 6MWT was performed in a flat 120-m corridor. Stair climbing test was performed on a 6-flight stairway to obtain SCt and SCP. VO2max was measured by ergospirometry, using the Balke protocol. Pearson's linear correlation and p values were calculated between VO2max and the other variables tested. For accuracy calculations, variable cutoff points were obtained through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, dividing individuals into normal or unhealthy. Kappa statistic was used to calculate concordance. RESULTS: Accuracy was: SCt - 86%, 6MWT - 80%, SCP - 71%, FEV1(L) - 67%, FEV1(%) - 63%. SCt and 6MWT showed 93.5% sensitivity when combined in parallel, and 96.4% specificity in series. CONCLUSION: SCt presented the best accuracy. SCt and 6MWT combined showed nearly 100% sensitivity or specificity. Thus, these simple exercise tests should be more routinely used, especially when an ergospirometer is not available to measure VO2max.

Pain: current aspects on peripheral and central sensitization

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Current research has focused on the biochemical and structural plasticity of the nervous system secondary to tissue injury. The mechanisms involved in the transition from acute to chronic pain are complex and involve the interaction of receptor systems and the flow of intracellular ions, second messenger systems, and new synaptic connections. The aim of this article was to discuss the new mechanisms concerning peripheral and central sensitization.

CONTENTS

Tissue injury increases the response of nociceptors, known as sensitization or facilitation. These phenomena begin after the local release of inflammatory mediators and the activation of the cells of the immune system or specific receptors in the peripheral and central nervous system.

CONCLUSIONS

Tissue and neuronal lesions result in sensitization of the nociceptors and facilitation of the central and peripheral nervous conduction.

Association of insecticide use and alteration on Aedes aegypti susceptibility status

Dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever, vector-borne diseases transmitted by the mosquito Aedes aegypti, are presently important public health problems in Brazil. As the strategy for disease control is based on vector control through the use of insecticides, the development of resistance is a threat to programs efficacy. The objective of this study was to compare the Aedes aegypti susceptibility in nine vector populations from the state of São Paulo and seven from Northeast region of Brazil, since there was a difference on group of insecticide used between the areas. Bioassays with larvae and adult were performed according to the World Health Organization methods. The results showed higher resistance levels to organophosphates group in populations from the Northeast region where this group was used for both larvae and adult control than in São Paulo where organophosphates were used for larvae and pyretroids for adult control. Resistance to pyretroids in adults was widespread in São Paulo after ten years of use of cypermethrin while in vector populations from the Northeast region it was punctual. The difference in resistance profile between the areas is in accordance to the group of insecticide used.

Prognostic factors for perioperative pulmonary events among patients undergoing upper abdominal surgery

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE

The significant relationship between upper abdominal surgery and early (perioperative) pulmonary events was investigated among patients with preoperative pulmonary conditions undergoing general anesthesia.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Retrospective study for which data were obtained prospectively from 1999 to 2004, at a tertiary university hospital.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied 3107 patients over 11 years old presenting American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) status I, II or III who underwent upper abdominal surgery under general anesthesia and were discharged to the recovery room. The preoperative conditions analyzed using logistic regression were: age, sex, ASA physical status, congestive heart failure, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), respiratory failure and smoking. The outcomes or dependent variables included intraoperative and postoperative events: bronchospasm, hypoxemia, hypercapnia, prolonged intubation and airway secretion.

RESULTS

Among these patients (1500 males, 1607 females, mean age 48 years, 1088 ASA I, 1402 ASA II and 617 ASA III), there were 80 congestive heart failures, 82 asthmatics, 122 with COPD, 21 respiratory failures and 428 smokers. Logistic regression analysis showed that female sex (p < 0.001), age over 70 years (p < 0.01), smoking (p < 0.001) and COPD (p < 0.02) significantly influenced pulmonary event development, particularly hypoxemia and bronchospasm, at both times but not in the same patients. Asthma and congestive heart failure cases did not present pulmonary events in the recovery room.

CONCLUSION

In upper abdominal surgery under general anesthesia, female sex, age over 70, smoking and COPD were independent risk factors for intra and postoperative pulmonary events.

Occurrence of enteroparasites in day care centers in Botucatu (São Paulo State, Brazil) with emphasis on Cryptosporidium sp., Giardia duodenalis and Enterobius vermicularis

The occurrence of the enteroparasites was verified in 279 children (0 to 6 years) of four municipal day cares of Botucatu/SP. Three samples of each child's feces were collected and processed by the methods of Hoffman-Pons-Janner, Faust and Ritchie and subsequent coloration of the fecal smear by the methods of Auramina-O and Ziehl-Neelsen modified for diagnosis of Cryptosporidium sp. and Graham method for diagnosis of Enterobius vermicularis. Of the analyzed children we verified a prevalence of intestinal parasitism in 53.40%, and the most frequent parasite was Giardia duodenalis (26.88%). Significant association was verified among enteroparasitosis, family income, maternal education and age; the lowest enteroparasite frequency occurred in children of families with larger income and higher education. It was observed that G. duodenalis is more prevalent in children from 0 to 4 years and E. vermicularis is more frequent in children between three and four years old. The high enteroparasite prevalence in day cares suggests complex structure in its epidemiology, where factors beyond sanitation should be considered.

Residual signal auto-correlation to evaluate speech in Parkinson’s disease patients

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the maximum residual signal auto-correlation also known as pitch amplitude (PA) values in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. METHOD: The signals of 21 Parkinson’s patients were compared with 15 healthy individuals, divided according age and gender. RESULTS: Statistical difference was seen between groups for PA, 0.39 for controls and 0.25 for PD. Normal value threshold was set as 0.3; (p<0.001). In the Parkinson’s group 80.77%, and in the control group only 12.28%, had a PA<0.3 demonstrating an association between these variables. The dispersion diagram for age and PA for PD individuals showed p=0.01 and r=0.54. There was no significant difference in relation to gender and PA between groups. CONCLUSION: The significant differences in pitch’s amplitude between PD patients and healthy individuals demonstrate the methods specificity. The results showed the need of prospective controlled studies to improve the use and indications of residual signal auto-correlation to evaluate speech in PD patients.

Mastalgia cíclica pré-menstrual: placebo versus outras drogas

OBJECTIVES

To compare therapeutic effects of placebo with intake of low doses of acetyl-salysilic acid (aspirin) and a compound of retinol, pyridoxine chlorhydrate and tocopherol acetate.

METHODS

The study is a prospective, controlled, triple blinded, randomized trial. From 259 patients, 81 were selected in order to follow rigid criteria of inclusion. They were divided into three groups of 27 patients, taking aspirin, vitamins or placebo respectively. The number of patients in each group was considered satisfactory for statistical analysis. Pain was scored as Grade 1 (without pain), Grade II (moderate pain) and Grade III (severe pain). The Tukey test was applied for comparison of results (statistical significance 5%).

RESULTS

Clinical parameters, age, weight, BMI, parity and lactation period were similar for each group. There was a decrease of pain intensity in all groups, that was even more pronounced for the placebo group.

DISCUSSION

Emphasis was given to symptomatic treatment of cyclic premenstrual mastalgia with symptoms considered to be the expression of a physiological process that can be treated with simple drugs or placebo. Usual therapeutic approaches with several drugs are criticized, including results and contraindications.

CONCLUSION

This study based upon acceptable trial methodology (randomized, triple blinded, placebo controlled, prospective) did not show significant differences in the treatment of cyclic mastalgia.

Perioperative cardiac arrest and its mortality in children. A 9-year survey in a Brazilian tertiary teaching hospital

BACKGROUND

The incidence of perioperative cardiac arrest and mortality in children is higher than in adults. This survey evaluated the incidence, causes, and outcome of perioperative cardiac arrests in a pediatric surgical population in a tertiary teaching hospital between 1996 and 2004.

METHODS

The incidence of cardiac arrest during anesthesia was identified from an anesthesia database. During the study period, 15,253 anesthetics were performed in children. Data collected included patient demographics, surgical procedures (elective, urgent, or emergency), ASA physical status classification, anesthesia provider information, type of surgery, surgical areas, and outcome. All cardiac arrests were reviewed and grouped by the cause of arrest and death into one of four groups: totally anesthesia-related, partially anesthesia-related, totally surgery-related, or totally child disease or condition-related.

RESULTS

There were 35 cardiac arrests (22.9 : 10,000) and 15 deaths (9.8 : 10,000). Major risk factors for cardiac arrest were neonates and children under 1 year of age (P < 0.05) with ASA III or poorer physical status (P < 0.05), in emergency surgery (P < 0.05), and general anesthesia (P < 0.05). Child disease/condition was the major cause of cardiac arrest or death (P < 0.05). There were seven cardiac arrests because of anesthesia (4.58 : 10,000)--four totally (2.62 : 10,000) and three partially related to anesthesia (1.96 : 10,000). There were no anesthesia attributable deaths reported. The main causes of anesthesia attributable cardiac arrest were respiratory events (71.5%) and medication-related events (28.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Perioperative cardiac arrests were relatively higher in neonates and infants than in older children with severe underlying disease and during emergency surgery. The fact that all anesthesia attributable cardiac arrests were related to airway management and medication administration is important in prevention strategies.

Early hemodynamic and renal effects of hemorrhagic shock resuscitation with lactated Ringer's solution, hydroxyethyl starch, and hypertonic saline with or without 6% dextran-70

BACKGROUND

Considering the renal effects of fluid resuscitation in hemorrhaged patients, the choice of fluid has been a source of controversy. In a model of hemorrhagic shock, we studied the early hemodynamic and renal effects of fluid resuscitation with lactated Ringer's (LR), 6% hydroxyethyl starch (HES), and 7.5% hypertonic saline (HS) with or without 6% dextran-70 (HSD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-eight dogs were anesthetized and submitted to splenectomy. An estimated 40% blood volume was removed to maintain mean arterial pressure (MAP) at 40 mm Hg for 30 min. The dogs were divided into four groups: LR, in a 3:1 ratio to removed blood volume; HS, 6 mL kg(-1); HSD, 6 mL kg(-1); and HES in a 1:1 ratio to removed blood volume. Hemodynamics and renal function were studied during shock and 5, 60, and 120 min after fluid replacement.

RESULTS

Shock treatment increased MAP similarly in all groups. At 5 min, cardiac filling pressures and cardiac performance indexes were higher for LR and HES but, after 120 min, there were no differences among groups. Renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were higher in LR at 60 min but GFR returned to baseline values in all groups at 120 min. Diuresis was higher for LR at 5 min and for LR and HES at 60 min. There were no differences among groups in renal variables 120 min after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the immediate differences in hemodynamic responses, the low-volume resuscitation fluids, HS and HSD, are equally effective to LR and HES in restoring renal performance 120 min after hemorrhagic shock treatment.

Compensatory lung growth: protein, DNA and RNA lung contents in undernourished trilobectomized rats

PURPOSE

To demonstrate compensatory lung growth (CLG) by lung contents of proteins, DNA, and RNA in undernourished young adult rats, submitted to pulmonary trilobectomy.

METHODS

We used 137 male Wistar rats, randomly distributed into 9 groups; they were submitted to three treatments (control, thoracotomy, and trilobectomy), and sacrificed at three different times (7, 30, and 90 days). In trilobectomy we removed the right median, accessory, and caudal lobes. We studied lung proteins, DNA, and RNA contents.

RESULTS

In the cranial lobe and left lung, protein content was higher in trilobectomized rats however there was insufficient CLG to make up for the loss. The increase of DNA in the cranial lobe and left lung of trilobectomized rats was sufficient to compensate for this loss, resulting in a similar content to controls. RNA content in trilobectomized rats, was higher in the cranial lobe and left lung, more efficient in the cranial lobe, but less than in the other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

CLG occurred in trilobectomized rats, probably with cell hyperplasia and little hypertrophy, due to the large DNA compensation and small RNA compensation. This was markedly different to well-nourished animals, who had pronounced hypertrophy.

[Pediatricians and sleep-disordered breathing in the child]

OBJECTIVES

Assessment of opinions and practices of pediatricians concerning sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in children.

METHODS

Randomly 516 pediatricians were selected in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. A survey mailed to them included questions regarding: their professional profile, knowledge about SDB in childhood, opinions and practices for diagnosis and treatment of these diseases.

RESULTS

112 anonymous completed surveys were returned (21.7%). The teaching of SDB during medical school and pediatric residency raining was considered unsatisfactory respectively by 65.2% and 34.8% of the pediatricians. Forty-nine respondents (43.8%) rated their knowledge about SDB in children as regular, 39 (34.8%) as good and 17 (15.2%) as unsatisfactory. The most important sleep-related questions were: mouth breathing, breathing pauses, sleep amount, excessive daytime sleepiness and nocturnal wheezing. Clinical aspects regarded as the most significant for suspecting obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) were: breathing pauses, adenoid hypertrophy, mouth breathing, craniofacial anomaly and snoring. The most frequent practices for evaluation of OSAS in children were: cavum radiography with referral to an otorhinolaryngologist (25%) and nocturnal pulse oximetry (14.2%). Only 11.6% of pediatricians recommended overnight polysomnography and 4.5%, nap polysomnography. The most effective practices for SDB were considered to be: adenoidectomy and adenotonsillectomy, parents counseling, weight loss and sleep hygiene.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a gap between research on SDB in childhood and pediatric practice.

[Immunoexpression of c-erbB-2 in intraductal proliferative lesions of the female breast]

OBJECTIVES

Genetic modifications are related to genesis and development of cancer. Neoplasias in various organs express the c-erbB-2 oncogene. In intraductal proliferations of the breast it has been assessed as a risk factor for subsequent development of carcinoma. The c-erbB-2 immunoexpression in intraductal epithelial proliferations and the relationship with histopathological characteristics of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) were evaluated.

METHODS

File material from 88 women, which were tissue samples formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded blocks, was used. Of these 51 presented with DCIS and 37 with ductal hyperplasia without atypia. Ages of the women ranged from 35 to 76 years. All cases were reviewed and nuclear grade, presence of necrosis, preponderance of histological subtype and its extension were verified. Specimens were obtained for the c-erB-2 immunohistochemical study of 84 of the women in question.

RESULTS

No expression of the oncogene was verified in the hyperplasias without atypias and in tissues adjacent to all tissue samples. Expression of c-erbB-2 was verified in 9 (19.1%) of the DCIS (p = 0.0001). Immunoexpression was not related to the extension of the lesions. The c-erbB-2 immunoexpression in DCIS was correlated to the histological subtype (p = 0.019), necrosis (p = 0.0066), nuclear grade (p = 0.0084) and Van Nuys Classification (p = 0.039).

CONCLUSIONS

Expression of c-erbB-2 was significant in proliferative lesions with risk (DCIS) and was correlated to histopathological characteristics: high nuclear grade, presence of necrosis and comedy subtype. There was no expression in the hyperplasias without atypias and adjacent tissues.

Influência de características gerais na qualidade de vida de pacientes com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica

INTRODUÇÃO: Não há consenso a respeito dos fatores que influenciam a qualidade de vida nos portadores de doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC). Entretanto, a sua determinação pode nortear abordagens que visem à melhora da qualidade de vida desses pacientes. OBJETIVO: Avaliar fatores que podem interferir na qualidade de vida de pacientes com DPOC selecionados para reabilitação pulmonar. MÉTODO: Foram avaliados vinte e um pacientes com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica moderada a grave. Pressão inspiratória máxima (PImax), teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6), composição corpórea, função pulmonar, gases sangüíneos, dinamometria de membros superiores, força muscular de quadríceps e questionário de qualidade de vida do Hospital Saint George (SGRQ) foram estudados. RESULTADOS: Foram observadas correlações negativas estatisticamente significativas entre as seguintes variáveis: escore do domínio "Impacto" com o volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo (VEF1) (r = -0,68; p = 0,004), relação entre VEF1 e capacidade vital forçada (VEF1/CVF) (r = -0,61; p = 0,014), pico de fluxo expiratório (PFE) (r = -0,53; p = 0,015), TC6 (r = -0,63; p = 0,001) e índice de massa corpórea (IMC) (r = -0,64; p = 0,002); escore do domínio "Atividades" com PImax (r = -0,57; p = 0,007), saturação de O2 (SpO2) (r = -0,52; p = 0,018) e TC6 (r = -0,58; p = 0,007); escore do domínio "Sintomas" com IMC (r = -0,60; p = 0,005); e escore "Total" com VEF1 (r = -0,64; p = 0,01), PFE (r = -0,47; p = 0,033) e IMC (r = -0,57; p = 0,009). A regressão múltipla linear indicou como principais variáveis independentes o IMC, com influência significativa nos domínios sintomas (p = 0,002), impacto (p = 0,009) e no escore total (p = 0,024), e o TC6, com influência significativa nos domínios atividades (p = 0,048) e impacto (p = 0,010). CONCLUSÕES: O IMC e o TC6 tiveram influência nos índices de qualidade de vida. Portanto, estas variáveis devem ser consideradas nas estratégias para melhorar a qualidade de vida de pacientes com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica.

Incidência de disfagia orofaríngea após acidente vascular encefálico em hospital público de referência

A doença vascular encefálica (AVE) é a principal causa de morte no Brasil. As seqüelas em indivíduos pós-acidente vascular encefálico incluem distúrbios motores, distúrbios de fala ou de linguagem e distúrbios de deglutição. A disfagia orofaríngea ocorre em cerca de 50% dos pacientes com AVE. Este estudo teve por objetivo determinar a incidência da disfagia após AVE. Foram avaliados todos os pacientes que deram entrada em hospital universitário de referência no período de um ano, tão logo apresentassem condições para avaliação clínica, fonoaudiológica e neurológica (102 pacientes), com análise objetiva da deglutição (61 pacientes). Foi observada incidência de disfagia em 76,5% dos pacientes avaliados clinicamente, este percentual elevando-se a 91% com avaliação videofluoroscópica. A alta incidência de disfagia observada neste estudo que avaliou pacientes com amplo espectro de gravidade, em diferentes fases de recuperação, ressalta a importância de equipe multidisciplinar, incluindo fonoaudiólogos capacitados, para avaliar os distúrbios da deglutição nos diversos momentos de recuperação dos AVEs.

Crescimento pulmonar compensatório (CPC): massa corpórea, conteúdo protéico e massa pulmonares em ratos subnutridos trilobectomizados

OBJETIVO:Avaliar o comportamento bioquímico do CPC após trilobectomia no rato adulto jovem subnutrido. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 137 ratos "Wistar", machos, subnutridos pela oferta de 33% da ingestão diária normal na fase de adaptação e durante o experimento, distribuídos por sorteio, em 9 grupos experimentais, submetidos a três tratamentos (Controle, Toracotomia, Trilobectomia) e sacrificados em três momentos (7, 30 e 90 dias). Na Trilobectomia foram extirpados os lobos médio, acessório e caudal direitos, que representavam 55% do tecido pulmonar. Estudou-se os seguintes atributos e variáveis: massa corpórea e pulmonar, relação entre massa pulmonar e corpórea e conteúdos protéicos pulmonares. RESULTADOS: No lobo cranial e no pulmão esquerdo, tanto a massa quanto os conteúdos protéicos, nos trilobectomizados, foram maiores em todos os momentos do estudo quando comparados aos demais, sendo este aumento suficiente para compensar a perda dos três lobos. Os conteúdos protéicos do lobo cranial e do pulmão esquerdo, nos trilobectomizados, tiveram o mesmo comportamento da massa pulmonar, mas este aumento não foi suficiente para compensar a perda dos três lobos. CONCLUSÕES: Nos ratos adultos subnutridos trilobectomizados ocorre CPC. A recuperação da massa pulmonar é total, mas o conteúdo protéico pulmonar apesar de aumentar, não chega aos valores dos ratos não trilobectomizados.

[Cardiovascular effects of two dexmedetomidine doses: experimental study in dogs.]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

There has been a growing interest in the anesthetic use of dexmedetomidine, a new alpha2-adrenergic agonist, due to decreased anesthetics consumption and better cardiovascular stability that it promoter. This study aimed at investigating cardiovascular effects of two different dexmedetomidine doses in anesthetized dogs.

METHODS

The study involved 36 adult dogs anesthetized with propofol, fentanyl and isoflurane distributed in three groups which received: G1, 20 ml saline injection in 10 minutes, followed by 20 ml of the same solution infused in one hour; G2, 20 ml dexmedetomidine-containing saline (1 microg.kg-1) in 10 minutes, followed by 20 ml of the same solution infused one hour; and G3, of dexmedetomidine-containing saline (2 microg.kg-1) in 10 minutes, followed by 20 ml of the same solution infused in one hour. Cardiovascular attributes were evaluated in four moments: M1, control, M2, after initial 20 ml injection of the studied solution, coincident with the beginning of the same solution injection in one hour; M3, 60 minutes after M2 and M4, 60 minutes after M3.

RESULTS

G2 heart hate (HR) was decreased at M2, returning to baseline values at M3, while in G3 it was decreased at M2 but was kept so throughout the experiment. There has been progressive HR increase in G1. There were no significant changes in mean blood pressure in all group. Systemic vascular resistance (SVR) was maintained stable in G2 and G3, but was decreased in G1 at M3. Cardiac index (CI) was not significantly changed in G2 and G3, but has progressively increased in G1.

CONCLUSIONS

In dogs under these experimental conditions, dexmedetomidine has induced a dose-dependent HR decrease, has inhibited isoflurane-induced SVR decrease and has prevented hyperdynamic responses throughout the experiment.

Hábitos de saúde e fatores de risco em pacientes hipertensos

Os objetivos deste estudo foram realizar um levantamento dos hábitos de saúde relacionados aos fatores de risco em indivíduos hipertensos hospitalizados e identificar o conhecimento dessa clientela quanto à importância do controle desses fatores para a hipertensão arterial. Foram entrevistados 32 hipertensos que se encontravam hospitalizados em uma unidade de internação clínica de um hospital escola. Apesar de a clientela referir que controlava alguns dos fatores de risco para a hipertensão arterial e de saber da importância desse controle, a elevação da pressão arterial manteve-se mesmo durante a hospitalização, e a maioria, tinha comprometimento de órgãos-alvo. Há a necessidade de buscarmos medidas educativas que conduzam às mudanças no estilo de vida dessas pessoas para que haja o controle dos fatores de risco e da evolução da doença.

[Simplified method to maintain propofol blood concentration in an approximately constant level associated to nitrous oxide in pediatric patients]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Maintaining target-controlled propofol blood concentrations in approximately constant levels is a technique that can be used in a simple way in the operating room. The aim of this study was to compare in clinical and laboratorial terms propofol infusion in children, using Shorts and Marshs pharmacokinetic parameters.

METHODS

Forty-one patients of both genders, aged 4 to 12 years, physical status ASAI or ASAII were distributed in two groups: Group S (n = 20) and Group M (n = 21). Shorts pharmacokinetic parameters were applied to group S, while Marshs pharmacokinetic parameters were applied to group M. Intravenous anesthesia was induced with 30 microg.kg-1 bolus alfentanil, 3 mg.kg-1 propofol and 0.08 mg.kg-1 pancuronium. Patients were intubated and anesthesia was maintained with N2O/O2 (60%) in controlled mechanical ventilation. Propofol infusion in group S was 254 microg.kg-1 (30 min) followed by 216 microg.kg-1.min-1 for additional 30 minutes. Propofol infusion in group M was 208 microg.kg-1 (30 min.) followed by 170 microg.kg-1.min-1 for additional 30 minutes. Using specific pharmacokinetic parameters for each group, the goal was a target-concentration of 4 microg.kg-1 propofol. Three blood samples were collected (at 20, 40 and 60 minutes) to measure propofol by the High Performance Liquid Chromatography method.

RESULTS

Groups S and M were similar in age, height, weight and gender (p > 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between groups in SBP, DBP, HR, FiN2O, hemoglobin SpO2 and end tidal P ET CO2. The number of repeated alfentanil boluses showed no statistically significant difference between both groups. Bispectral index (BIS) showed also no statistically significant differences between M0 (awaken) and remaining moments in both groups. Error Performance Median (EPM) and Error Performance Absolute Median (EPAM) values were statistically different between groups in moment 60. Median propofol blood concentrations (microg.kg-1) were significantly different between groups M and S in moment 60 and between moments 40 and 60 in group S.

CONCLUSIONS

Anesthesia with propofol using Marshs pharmacokinetic parameters (group M) showed a lower error rate for obtaining 4 microg.kg-1 propofol target-concentration. In addition, less propofol was needed to obtain similar clinical results. For these reasons, it should be the method of choice for children ASA I aged 4 to 12 years.

[Health habits and risk factors in hypertensive patients]

The purposes of this study were to assess the health habits related to risk factors in hospitalized hypertensive patients and to identify these patients' knowledge on the importance of controlling these factors. Thirty two hypertensive patients hospitalized at a University Hospital were interviewed. Although these patients mentioned that they controlled the risk factors for hypertension and that they knew about the importance of this control, a high blood pressure was observed even during hospitalization and the majority of them presented damage in target organs. There is a need to search for educative measures that will enable a change in the life style of these patients, encouraging them to control the risk factors and the evolution of the disease.