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Copyright of Enfermagem Brasil is the property of Atlantica Editora and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

ABSTRACT Transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is considered an important tool to prevent muscle mass and strength loss in patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU). This study aimed to evaluate physical therapists’ profile and knowledge of NMES and identify the main barriers to its use in ICUs. This observational cross-sectional study was conducted via a structured questionnaire created by the authors. It consisted of 12 objective questions to analyze physical therapists’ knowledge of NMES use in critically ill patients. Physical therapists were invited to participate in this study during an international symposium on NMES. In total, 56 physical therapists, with a mean age of 33.5±7.2 years and working an average of 9.7±7 years after graduation, completed the survey. Overall, 34 respondents worked in ICUs, of which only four (12%) reported regular NMES use in their ICUs. We found a low average of correct answers to our questionnaire (25%; 3/12). The main barriers reported to using NMES in ICUs were lack of knowledge (28; 50%) and equipment (24; 43%). The number of correct answers expert and non-expert physical therapists was not statistically significant (p=0.68). Thus, we observed participants’ poor knowledge of NMES use in critically ill patients. Respondents showed that NMES has been underused in their ICUs. Lack of knowledge and equipment seems to be the main barriers for the use of NMES in ICUs.

Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus is a metabolic disease, characterized by absolute or relative insulin deficiency, which affects about 382 million people, with polyneuropathy being one of the most common complications. Metformin, a drug widely used as a treatment for diabetes, has been described as responsible, in some literature, for causing or aggravating vitamin B12 deficiency, which is similarly related to the development of polyneuropathy. Methods: In this sense, a study was conducted in Soledade - RS, in order to verify whether this relationship is consistent with the reality of the locality. Fifty-eight patients were selected, of which 30 answered adapted questionnaires based on the literature and on the Michigan Neuropathy Classification (MNSS-Brazil), then 5 ml of venous blood was collected from the antecubital fossa, serum prepared from which an aliquot was separated for biochemical determination of the vitamin B12. Results: Analyzing the results, most of these patients presented symptoms of polyneuropathy and, 10% of them, vitamin deficiency. Conclusion: no variable explained the correlation of chronic use of Metformin, dose and gender with vitamin B12 deficiency, which indicates that there is not enough evidence to support this fact, according to the particularities of the analyzed locality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the psychosocial experience of informal paramyloidosis caregivers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 participants recruited through a paramyloidosis support institution located in an endemic region in northern Portugal. The data were analysed using an interpretative phenomenological analysis. The results indicated themes and sub-themes interrelated with each other. Briefly, the knowledge related to the act of caring, which is acquired through previous experiences, is an ally for the current provision of care. However, the act of caring caused psychosocial impacts that enhanced the adoption of management strategies by the caregivers. Aiming to integrate the disease and its impacts, the caregivers reported experiencing different phases of the grieving process. As a result of the performance of this role, the caregivers identified needs that highlight the importance of intervention with this population, in order to mitigate or eliminate the negative psychosocial impacts resulting from the act of caring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is a motor and sensory, hereditary, distally predominant polyneuropathy. The lower limbs are most affected and, occasionally, there is upper limb impairment; however, presence of oropharyngeal dysphagia has been identified. The present study describes the findings and speech therapy intervention in a 58-year-old patient, with CMT diagnosis, referred to speech therapy evaluation due to swallowing complaints. In an initial evaluation, presence of structural and functional alterations, resulting in mild oropharyngeal dysphagia, was identified. The Swallowing Quality of Life questionnaire was also used to identify the impact of dysphagia in the patient's quality of life. After a month of follow-up, an improvement was observed in the presenting symptoms, as well as an increase in comfort and safety during swallowing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Hypereosinophilic syndrome is defined as persistent eosinophilia (>1500/µL for more than six months) associated with organ involvement, excluding secondary causes. It is a rare, potentially lethal disease that should be considered in cutaneous conditions associated with hypereosinophilia. We report a case of erythroderma as a manifestation of hypereosinophilic syndrome. A 36-year-old male with no comorbidities presented progressive erythroderma, pruritus, peripheral neuropathy, and eosinophilia in the previous seven months. No mutations were found in FIP1L1/PDGFRA. Patient experienced rapid remission in response to oral prednisone and hydroxyurea. Cutaneous manifestations may be the only evidence of hypereosinophilic syndrome. Genotyping excludes myeloproliferative disease, thereby orienting treatment and prognosis.

OBJETIVO: Descrever e comparar as características antropométricas dos pés de sujeitos saudáveis e diabéticos neuropatas por meio de índices classificatórios do Arco Longitudinal Medial (ALM): Índice do Arco (IA), Índice de Chippaux-Cmirak (CSI) e Ângulo  (Â) e comparar a classificação destes métodos nestes grupos. MATERIAIS E MÉTODO: Grupo controle (GC) composto por 21 sujeitos saudáveis, e grupo diabético (GD), formado por 46 diabéticos portadores de neuropatia diabética. Pela impressão plantar foram calculados os índices. RESULTADOS: Houve maior proporção de pés planos no GD para os três índices (IA: 32,2%, CSI: 59,7%, A: 17,5%), enquanto os pés cavos comportaram-se de forma contrária. Os grupos foram estatisticamente diferentes em relação à proporção de pés planos no IA (p=0,0080) e no CSI (p=0,0000) e de pés cavos no  (p=0,0036). Houve diferença significativa quando comparados GC e GD para os três índices: IA (p=0,0027), CSI (p=0,0064),  (p=0,0296). CONCLUSÃO: Os dados demonstram alterações motoras e ortopédicas decorrentes da neuropatia periférica, responsável pela desestruturação do pé, levando ao desabamento do ALM. Observou-se que o ângulo A destoou fortemente da classificação do arco feita pelos outros dois índices, e com isso destacamos que sua utilização merece cuidado.OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare foot anthropometry in healthy and diabetic subjects using Medial Longitudinal Arch (MLA) classificatory indexes: Arch Index (AI), Chippaux-Smirak Index (CSI) and  Angle (Â), as well as to compare the classification of these methods in each group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Control Group (CG) composed by 21 healthy subjects and Diabetic Group (DG), with 46 diabetic neuropathy subjects. The indexes were calculated from footprints. RESULTS: A larger proportion of flat feet was seen in DG for the three indexes (AI: 32,2%, CSI: 59,7%, A: 17,5%), while highly arched feet acted oppositely. The groups were statistically different for the proportion of flat feet in AI (p=0,0080) and CSI (p=0,0000) and high feet in  (p=0,0036). There were significant differences when compared GC and GD in the three indexes: IA (p=0,0027), CSI (p=0,0064),  (p=0,0296). CONCLUSION: Data showed motor and orthopedic changes originated by peripheral neuropathy, which is responsible for foot changes, causing longitudinal arch crumbling. It was seen that A Angle strongly disagreed when compared with the arch classification made by the other two indexes and therefore, its application needs care.

As neuropatias sensitivomotoras hereditárias, principalmente a doença de Charcot-Marie-Tooth, manifestam-se frequentemente com o aparecimento de pé cavovaro, deformidade caracterizada pela acentuação fixa do arco plantar e inversão do retropé. O diagnóstico da doença de base e a cuidadosa avaliação do paciente fornecem os elementos-chave para decisão do tratamento. O cavo pode situar-se no antepé, retropé ou ser o resultado da associação das duas localizações. Deformidades combinadas, principalmente varismo e garras dos artelhos, devem ser bem avaliadas; as características clínicas como grau das alterações, acometimento da força muscular, flexibilidade e idade são fatores importantes para a decisão da conduta. O tratamento conservador do pé cavovaro por meio de fisioterapia, palmilhas e adaptação nos calçados é reservado ao paciente mais jovem ou casos levemente acometidos. Entretanto, há tendência de agravamento das deformidades devido à característica progressiva da doença neurológica de base. Assim, o tratamento cirúrgico pelas técnicas clássicas é indicado precocemente, sendo importante identificar as alterações primárias, diferenciá-las das secundárias e corrigi-las, se possível. As transferências musculares são usadas no sentido de minimizar o desequilíbrio, estruturas retraídas são seccionadas ou alongadas e osteotomias localizadas devem ser preferíveis às artrodeses, que são reservadas para pés rígidos e muito deformados de pacientes adultos.Hereditary motor and sensory neuropathies, especially Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, are frequently expressed with an acquired cavusvarus foot which is characterized by a fixed increase of the plantar arch and hindfoot inversion. Diagnosis of the underlying condition achieved through careful patient assessment and local evaluations is the keystone for decision-making about the adequate treatment. The cavus may present as an isolated deformity of the forefoot, hindfoot or it may be a combination of both locations. Related deformities, mainly the varus and toe clawing require appropriate evaluation; clinical characteristics such as severity of the deformity, impairment of the muscular power, flexibility and patient's age are important characteristics in the treatment decision. Conservative treatment of the cavusvarus foot with physiotherapy, insoles and shoe modifications are reserved to young patients and mild deformities. However, there is a tendency of the deformity to become more severe over time because of the progressive feature of the underlying neurological condition. So, the surgical treatment by using classical techniques is performed in early stages. Most importantly is the identification of the primary and main components of each deformity to properly correct them, if possible. Muscular transfers are used to treat the dynamic unbalance, retracted structures should be either divided or lengthened and localized osteotomies should be preferred over arthrodeses, which are reserved for stiff and severely deformed feet in adults.

Introduction: Physical limitations due to immobilism experimented by adult patients under mechanic ventilation (MV) in intensive care unit (ICU) is not usually measured systematically with functional scales. Objectives: To describe the evolution of functional capacity using the Perme Scale, as well as peripheral and respiratory muscle strength of patients under MV in the ICU of a university hospital. Methods: From august to december 2016, we observed all patients admitted in the ICU. Patients were included only when submitted to MV. The four different moments of hospitalization that assessments were done in the ICU: admission in the ICU (A1), the first day of MV (A2), weaning of MV (A3) and discharge of the ICU (A4). We evaluated functional capacity using Perme Scale and muscular strenght assessments using the medical research council scale, PImax and PEmax. We used the Katz Index at the time of admission to measure functional capacity before hospitalization. Results: We included 26 patients and 9 completed the four evaluations. The median of age, Katz Index and SAPS III was 63 years (58-70), 6 (5-6) and 64 (44.75 - 68.50), respectively. There was a progressive improvement in the MRC, PImax and PEmax values throughout the evaluations. On the Perme Scale there was an increase from 2 (1,5-7,25) in A1 to 10 (6,75-22) in A4. Conclusions: In these patients, the muscle strength and functional capacity increased during de hospitalization in the ICU. The Perme Scale was not applicable for all moments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Scientia Medica is the property of EDIPUCRS - Editora Universitaria da PUCRS and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Livedoid vasculopathy (LV) is a chronic and recurrent disease consisting of livedo reticularis and symmetric ulcerations, primarily located on the lower extremities, which heal slowly and leave an atrophic white scar ("atrophie blanche"). Neurological involvment is rare and presumed to be secondary to the ischemia from vascular thrombosis of the vasa nervorum. Laboratory evaluation is needed to exclude secondary causes such as hyper-coagulable states, autoimmune disorders and neoplasms. We present two patients with a rare association of peripheral neuropathy and LV, thereby highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to reach the correct diagnosis.

POEMS syndrome is a unique clinical entity, the diagnosis of which is made when polyneuropathy and monoclonal gammopathy occur together, associated with other changes such as organomegaly, endocrinopathy, skin changes and papilledema. Cutaneous manifestations are heterogeneous, with diffuse cutaneous hyperpigmentation, hemangiomas and hypertrichosis occurring more frequently. We report the case of a 65- year-old female patient with this syndrome, diagnosed after 15 years of disabling peripheral neuropathy.

This paper reports a study of the bodily experiences of carriers of Familial Amyloidotic Polyneuropathy (FAP), measuring the degree to which the body was affected and how this was influenced by social-demographic/clinical factors. A descriptive-correlational survey was conducted with a sample of 34 patients with FAP who either had or had not had a transplant. Participants completed the Social-Demographic/Clinical Questionnaire and Body Investment Scale. The study sample revealed a moderate global body investment; however, there were lower scores for feelings and attitudes about the body and well-being in respect of physical contact. It also revealed that global body investment and all four dimensions of this were statistically significantly influenced by liver transplant, gender, age, professional situation and physical disability. We therefore concluded that older patients, non-transplanted, and those who were professionally inactive, had greater physical disability and women showed lower scores for body investment, and can be considered risk groups in terms of the process of adaptation to changes in body image. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the response of the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle following a five-week protocol with contralateral irradiation force through Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) diagonals in patients with demyelinating polyneuropathy associated with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A (CMT-1A). Methods: The study included 12 patients of both sexes. They were treated twice-weekly for 5 weeks. At each session, they performed the following diagonal patterns: chopping, extension-adduction with internal rotation (EAIR) and flexion-abduction with internal rotation (FAIR). The diagonals were repeated four times, in both upper and lower limbs, with each repetition lasting six seconds on average. During execution, the response of the TA muscle was recorded by a surface electromyograph disregarding the initial and final two seconds of each diagonal. The mean RMS values of the four repetitions were normalized in percentage. The initial and final data were analyzed through the t test for paired samples with significant p-values <0.05. Results: The contralateral force irradiation with the chopping diagonal to the left and to the right increased the percentage RMS values of the TA muscle in the last session when compared with the values of the first session (t=-3.94 and t=-3.87, respectively). Similarly, the EAIR diagonal increased the percentage RMS values of the TA muscle in the last session when compared with the values of the first session (t=-3.3 and t=-4.58, respectively). The only diagonal that did not produce higher values of contralateral force irradiation in the TA muscle, left and right, was the FAIR (t=-2.31 and t=-1.55). Conclusion: These results may justify the use of a treatment program with PNF diagonals in patients with CMT-1A who have difficulty activating the TA muscle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Fisioterapia Brasil is the property of Atlantica Editora and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)