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Preeclampsia, a human pregnancy syndrome, is characterized by elevated blood pressure and proteinuria after the 20th week of gestation. Its etiology remains unknown, and its pathophysiological mechanisms are related to placental hypoperfusion, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and coagulation cascade activation. Recently, the role of the complement system has been considered. This syndrome is one of the main causes of maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. This article discusses the hypothesis of preeclampsia being triggered by the occurrence of inadequate implantation of the syncytiotrophoblast, associated with bleeding during the first stage of pregnancy and with augmented thrombin generation. Thrombin activates platelets, increasing the release of antiangiogenic factors and activating the complement system, inducing the membrane attack complex (C5b9). Immature platelet fraction and thrombin generation may be possible blood biomarkers to help the early diagnosis of preeclampsia. Resumo A pré-eclâmpsia, uma síndrome da gestação humana, é caracterizada por elevação da pressão arterial e proteinúria patológica após a 20ª semana de gestação. Sua etiologia permanece desconhecida, e seus mecanismos fisiopatológicos estão relacionados à hipoperfusão placentária, disfunção endotelial, inflamação, e ativação da cascata de coagulação. Recentemente, o papel do sistema do complemento foi considerado. Essa síndrome é uma das principais causas de morbidade e mortalidade materna e fetal. Este artigo discute a hipótese de a pré-eclâmpsia ser desencadeada pela ocorrência da implantação inadequada do sinciciotrofoblasto, associada ao sangramento durante o primeiro trimestre da gravidez com aumento da geração de trombina. A trombina ativa plaquetas, aumentando a liberação de fatores antiangiogênicos na circulação e ativando o sistema do complemento, especialmente o complexo de ataque de membrana (C5b9). Portanto, a fração de plaquetas imaturas e a geração de trombina podem ser possíveis biomarcadores sanguíneos para auxílio no diagnóstico precoce da pré-eclâmpsia.

To evaluate total Th1/Th2 cytokines in CD3+ cells (immunocompetent T-lymphocytes) and peripheral blood lymphocytes, mostly CD4+ (T helper cells) and CD8+ (T-cytotoxic cells) subpopulations in preeclampsia. Total blood leukocytes and lymphocytes counts, percent cells: CD3+, INF-g+/CD3+, IL-4+/CD3+, and IL-10+/CD3+, CD4+/CD8+ were determined by flow-cytometry. Preeclampsia (n= 26) and normal pregnancy (n= 25) participants were age and gestational age matched. CD4+ lymphocytes count was higher in preeclampsia, compared with normal pregnancy (43.6 ± 5.8 vs 37.6 ± 5.6%; P

BACKGROUND: The academic leagues are collectives of students, under teacher supervision, formatted as a regular longitudinal program of university extension. They are very common on Brazilian medical schools and are gaining even more ground among the extracurricular activities. PURPOSE: To evaluate the activities of medical students who participate in academic leagues and their influence on professional training. METHOD: Exploratory, quantitative, and descriptive cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire for students in the last two years of graduation at a medical school in Rio Grande do Sul/Brazil, in January and February 2022. RESULTS: Sample of 71 students (36.4% of the total population). On average, each student participated in 3.56 (± 1.55) leagues. Students who were already in their sixth year, who had published a paper, or who had average grades above 8.6 reported participation in a significantly higher average number of leagues. The more leagues the student participated and the more satisfied he was with them, the more he recommended participation to other students. In addition to the leagues, the average participation in different complementary activities by students was 3.00 (± 1.01) activities, especially internships, tutoring, volunteering, and scientific initiation. The average number of papers published was 1.12 (±1.35), with 31 students (43.66%) without any publications. The correlation between the number of leagues per student and papers published was positive, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.89. CONCLUSIONS: Students usually enter academic leagues early, participating in many of them, in addition to participating in other complementary activities. Participation in leagues is associated with complementary activities and the publication of scientific papers. Satisfied academics refer league participation to their peers, creating a cycle of increased participation among students. Academic leagues are complementary activities that have a positive impact on the training of medical students.

Background Pressure injuries (PIs), especially in the sacral region are frequent, costly, and increase morbidity and mortality of patients in an intensive care unit (ICU). These injuries can occur as a result of prolonged pressure and/or shear forces. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) can increase muscle mass and improve local circulation, potentially reducing the incidence of PI. Methods We performed a randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy and safety of NMES in preventing PI in critically ill patients. We included patients with a period of less than 48 h in the ICU, aged ≥ 18 years. Participants were randomly selected (1:1 ratio) to receive NMES and usual care (NMES group) or only usual care (control group—CG) until discharge, death, or onset of a PI. To assess the effectiveness of NMES, we calculated the relative risk (RR) and number needed to treat (NNT). We assessed the muscle thickness of the gluteus maximus by ultrasonography. To assess safety, we analyzed the effects of NMES on vital signs and checked for the presence of skin burns in the stimulated areas. Clinical outcomes were assessed by time on mechanical ventilation, ICU mortality rate, and length of stay in the ICU. Results We enrolled 149 participants, 76 in the NMES group. PIs were present in 26 (35.6%) patients in the CG and 4 (5.3%) in the NMES group (p ˂ 0.001). The NMES group had an RR = 0.15 (95% CI 0.05–0.40) to develop a PI, NNT = 3.3 (95% CI 2.3–5.9). Moreover, the NMES group presented a shorter length of stay in the ICU: Δ = − 1.8 ± 1.2 days, p = 0.04. There was no significant difference in gluteus maximus thickness between groups (CG: Δ = − 0.37 ± 1.2 cm vs. NMES group: Δ = 0 ± 0.98 cm, p = 0.33). NMES did not promote deleterious changes in vital signs and we did not detect skin burns. Conclusions NMES is an effective and safe therapy for the prevention of PI in critically ill patients and may reduce length of stay in the ICU. Trial registration RBR-8nt9m4. Registered prospectively on July 20th, 2018, https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-8nt9m4

Background Dialysis patients are typically inactive and their physical activity (PA) decreases over time. Uremic toxicity has been suggested as a potential causal factor of low PA in dialysis patients. Post-dilution high-volume online hemodiafiltration (HDF) provides greater higher molecular weight removal and studies suggest better clinical/patient-reported outcomes compared with hemodialysis (HD). Methods HDFIT was a randomized controlled trial at 13 clinics in Brazil that aimed to investigate the effects of HDF on measured PA (step counts) as a primary outcome. Stable HD patients (vintage 3–24 months) were randomized to receive HDF or high-flux HD. Treatment effect of HDF on the primary outcome from baseline to 3 and 6 months was estimated using a linear mixed-effects model. Results We randomized 195 patients (HDF 97; HD 98) between August 2016 and October 2017. Despite the achievement of a high convective volume in the majority of sessions and a positive impact on solute removal, the treatment effect HDF on the primary outcome was +538 [95% confidence interval (CI) −330 to 1407] steps/24 h after dialysis compared with HD, and was not statistically significant. Despite a lack of statistical significance, the observed size of the treatment effect was modest and driven by steps taken between 1.5 and 24.0 h after dialysis, in particular between 20 and 24 h (+197 steps; 95% CI −95 to 488). Conclusions HDF did not have a statistically significant treatment effect on PA 24 h following dialysis, albeit effect sizes may be clinically meaningful and deserve further investigation., Graphical Abstract

Aim Fatigue in haemodialysis (HD) patients can be captured in quality of life questionnaires and by the dialysis recovery time (DRT) question. The associations between fatigue and measured physical activity has not been explored until the present. We tested our hypothesis that the patient perception of chronic and post dialysis fatigue would be associated with lower physical activity. Methods This study was a cross sectional evaluation of baseline data from HD patients recruited in the HDFIT trial. Vitality scores from the Kidney Disease Quality of Life (KDQOL-36) and the dialysis recovery time (DRT) question were used as indicators of chronic and post dialysis fatigue, respectively. Granular physical activity was measured by accelerometers as part of the study protocol. Results Among 176 patients, Vitality score was 63 ± 21 and the DRT was ≤30 minutes in 57% of patients. The mean number of steps was 5288 ± 3540 in 24 hours after HD and 953 ± 617 in the 2-hour post-HD period. The multivariable analysis confirmed Vitality scores were associated with physical activity in the 24-hour post-HD period. In contrast, DRT was not associated with physical activity captured by the accelerometer in the period immediately (2 hours) after the HD session. Conclusion Chronic fatigue was negatively associated with step counts, while patient perception of post-dialysis fatigue was not associated with physical activity. These patterns indicate limitations in interpretation of DRT. Since physical activity is an important component of a healthy life, our results may partially explain the associations between fatigue and poor outcomes in HD patients.

INTRODUCTION Hypertension is multifactorial, highly prevalent in the hemodialysis (HD) population and its adequate control requires, in addition to adequate volume management, often the use of multiple antihypertensive drugs. We aimed to describe the use of antihypertensive agents in a group of HD patients and to evaluate the factors associated with the use of multiple classes (≥3) of antihypertensives. METHODS We analyzed the baseline data from the HDFit study. Clinically stable patients with HD vintage between 3 and 24 months without any severe mobility limitation were recruited from sites throughout southern Brazil. Fluid status was measured pre-dialysis with the Body Composition Monitor (BCM; Fresenius, Germany). Fluid overload (FO) was considered when the overhydration index (OH) was greater than 7% of extracellular water (OH/ECW > 7%) and overweight was defined as a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 kg/m2 . Prescriptions of antihypertensive drugs were obtained from participants' reports and medical records. Logistic regression was employed to determine factors associated with excessive use of antihypertensive medication (≥3 classes). FINDINGS Of 195 studied patients, 171 with complete data were included (70% male, 53 ± 15 years old, 57% of them with FO). Pre-dialysis systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 150 ± 24 mmHg and patients used a median of 2 (1-3) antihypertensive drugs. Vasodilators (20%) were of lowest prevalence, use of other classes varied from 40% to 53%. Sixty-two (36%) subjects used ≥3 classes and presented a higher prevalence of diabetes and FO, lower prevalence of overweight, and higher SBP. In a logistic regression model age, BMI 7% were associated with excessive drug use. DISCUSSION More than one-third of participants used ≥3 classes of antihypertensive drugs, and it was associated with older age, BMI

Although high-volume online hemodiafiltration has been associated with higher clearance and lower pre-dialysis concentration of middle molecular weight toxins compared to hemodialysis, its effect on protein-bound uremic toxins has shown inconclusive results. In this study, we investigated whether hemodiafiltration impacts pre-dialysis plasma levels of the toxins indoxyl sulfate, p-cresyl sulfate, and indole-3-acetic acid compared to high-flux hemodialysis.This is a post-hoc analysis of the multicenter, randomized controlled trial HDFit (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02787161). Uremic toxins were determined by high performance liquid chromatography at baseline, 3, and 6 months. Mean differences in monthly changes of pre-dialysis uremic toxin concentrations between hemodiafiltration and high-flux hemodialysis were analyzed using linear mixed-effect models.One hundred ninety-three patients (mean age 53 years old, 71% males) were analyzed. There were no differences between groups regarding clinical and biochemical characteristics at baseline or duration of dialysis session and blood flows throughout the follow-up. Mean differences in rates of change (μM/month, [confidence interval CI]) in high-flux hemodialysis vs. hemodiafiltration were 2.4 [0.3 to 4.56], 3.94 [- 1.54 to 9.41] and 0.06 [- 0.6 to 0.5] for indoxyl sulfate, p-cresyl sulfate and indole-3-acetic acid, respectively. In the exploratory analysis, these differences in high-flux hemodialysis vs. hemodiafiltration subgroup with convective volume 27.5 L were 2.86 [0.43 to 5.28], 7.43 [0.7 to 14.16] and - 0.19 [- 0.88 to 0.50].These exploratory findings suggest that hemodiafiltration is more effective in reducing indoxyl sulfate as compared to standard high-flux hemodialysis, and also that this effect was extended to p-cresyl sulfate in patients achieving higher convective volumes.

Background: Life and quality of life on hemodialysis depends on adequate vascular access. An autogenous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) has the best performance, while the use of a central venous catheter (CVC) may have a negative impact on fistula performance and may be associated with increased systemic inflammation. Our objective is to evaluate the performance of vascular accesses in patients undergoing a chronic hemodialysis program. Methods: This is an observational, cross-sectional, and descriptive study that included patients on chronic hemodialysis for more than 90 days. Patients with an acute systemic inflammatory disease and those with acute cardiovascular illness were excluded. Clinical data, dialysis session parameters, and serum levels of inflammatory markers were evaluated. Results: A total of 91 patients were evaluated, 59 (65%) had an AVF and 32 patients (35%) had a CVC. The adequacy rate was 67%; being 67.8% with AVF and 65.6% with CVC. Among the causes of AVF inadequacy, the ones that presented the highest prevalence ratio (PR) were non-mature AVF (PR: 4.055; 95% CI: 2.017–8.151), pseudoaneurysm (PR: 6.580; 95% CI: 3.723–11.629) and presence of hematoma (PR: 4.360; 95% CI: 2.125–8.946), p Conclusions: Adequacy rates of vascular accesses did not differ between the groups, but the primary and functional patency of AVF is 10 times higher than that of catheters. Infection in dialysis catheters is associated with worse access performance. There was no association between systemic inflammation and vascular access.

Background End stage renal disease (ESRD) patients require a renal replacement therapy (RRT) to filter accumulated toxins and remove excess water, which are associated with impaired physical function. Hemodialysis (HD) removes middle-molecular weight (MMW) toxins less efficiently compared to hemodiafiltration (HDF); we hypothesized HDF may improve physical function. We detailed the design and methodology of the HDFIT protocol that is testing whether changing from HD to HDF effects physical activity levels and various outcomes. Methods HDFIT is a prospective, multi-center, unblinded, randomized control trial (RCT) investigating the impact of dialysis modality (HDF verses HD) on objectively measured physical activity levels, self-reported quality of life, and clinical/non-clinical outcomes. Clinically stable patients with HD vintage of 3 to 24 months without any severe limitation ambulation were recruited from sites throughout southern Brazil. Eligible patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either: 1) be treated with high volume online HDF for 6 months, or 2) continue being treated with high-flux HD. This study includes run-in and randomization visits (baseline), 3- and 6-month study visits during the interventional period, and a 12-month observational follow up. The primary outcome is the difference in the change in steps per 24 h on dialysis days from baseline to the 6-month follow up in patients treated with HDF versus HD. Physical activity is being measured over one week at study visits with the ActiGraph (www.actigraphcorp.com). For assessment of peridialytic differences during the dialysis recovery period, we will analyze granular physical activity levels based on the initiation time of HD on dialysis days, or concurrent times on non-dialysis days and the long interdialytic day. Discussion In this manuscript, we provide detailed information about the HDFIT study design and methodology. This trial will provide novel insights into peridialytic profiles of physical activity and various self-reported, clinical and laboratory outcomes in ESRD patients treated by high volume online HDF versus high-flux HD. Ultimately, this investigation will elucidate whether HDF is associated with patients having better vitality and quality of life, and less negative outcomes as compared to HD. Trial registration Registered on ClinicalTrials.gov on 20 April 2016 (NCT02787161). Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12882-019-1247-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T11:03:35Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-03-01. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2021-07-15T14:36:02Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 S0066-782X2021000400516.pdf: 3972880 bytes, checksum: b9bdbad26f21c4bcb57e0ea9683f5e70 (MD5) Universidade Federal de Goiás Liga de Hipertensão Arterial Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo Faculdade de Ciências Médicas e da Saúde Instituto do Coração (InCor) Centro Universitário CESMAC, AL - Brasil Universidade Federal de Pernambuco Pronto Socorro Cardiológico de Pernambuco (PROCAPE) Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da USP Serviço Hipertensão e Cardiometabolismo da Santa Casa de Porto Alegre Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo Hospital São Francisco Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA) BA - Brasil Faculdade Estadual de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR) Hospital Agamenom Magalhães Hospital Alemão Oswaldo Cruz Universidade de São Paulo (USP) Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP) Cardiocentro Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz BA - Brasil Instituto de Cardiologia Fundação Universitária de Cardiologia (IC/FUC) Centro Universitário da Serra Gaúcha (FSG) Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA) Ministério da Saúde Departamento de Cardiogeriatria da Sociedade Brazileira de Cardiologia Hospital Nossa Senhora da Conceição (HNSC) SC - Brasil Universidade Estácio de Sá (UNESA) Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Paraná (HC/UFPR) Universidade Iguaçu (UNIG) Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo Associação Ribeirãopretana de Ensino Pesquisa e Assistência ao Hipertenso (AREPAH) Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo MT - Brasil Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina da Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE) Instituto Dante Pazzanese de Cardiologia Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública BA - Brasil Universidade Santo Amaro (UNISA) SC - Brasil, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC) Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein Centro de Ciências da Saúde Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo Faculdade Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais MG - Brasil Hospital Felício Rocho MG - Brasil Hospital do Coração (HCor) Instituto Estadual de Cardiologia Aloysio de Castro Centro Universitário de Tecnologia e Ciência (UniFTC) BA - Brasil Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso MT - Brasil Sociedade Brazileira de Nefrologia Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Goiás Cardios Vita Centro de Medicina Cardiológica Hospital Pró-Cradíaco MG - Brasil, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora Avancor Cardiologia Universidade Estadual de Maringá Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo Universidade Federal de Uberlândia MG - Brasil Hospital Getúlio Vargas Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP)

Objective: To evaluate the association between shear wave elastography parameters and arterial resistance in kidney transplant recipients. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study involving consecutive adult kidney transplant recipients. All patients underwent color Doppler to evaluate the resistive index (RI) and ultrasound shear wave elastography for the quantification of renal allograft stiffness. Results: We evaluated 55 patients, of whom 9 (16.4%) had an RI defined as abnormal (≥ 0.79) and 46 (83.6%) had an RI defined as normal (< 0.79). The mean age was higher in the abnormal RI group than in the normal RI group (68.0 ± 8.6 years vs. 42.6 ± 14.1 years; p < 0.001), as was the mean shear wave velocity (2.6 ± 0.4 m/s vs. 2.2 ± 0.4 m/s; p = 0.013). Multivariate analysis identified two independent predictors of arterial resistance: age (OR = 1.169; 95% CI: 1.056 to 1.294; p = 0.003) and shear wave velocity (OR = 17.1; 95% CI: 1.137 to 257.83; p = 0.040). Conclusion: We observed an association between rigidity in the cortex of the transplanted kidney, as evaluated by shear wave elastography, and arterial resistance, as evaluated by color Doppler, in kidney transplant recipients. RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a associação entre parâmetros de elastografia por onda de cisalhamento e resistência arterial em pacientes transplantados renais. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo transversal prospectivo. O estudo incluiu de forma consecutiva indivíduos adultos transplantados renais. Foram coletados dados demográficos e clínicos. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à técnica ultrassonográfica para avaliação do índice de resistência (IR) e à quantificação da elasticidade do tecido por ondas de cisalhamento para avaliar a rigidez do aloenxerto renal. Resultados: Foram avaliados 55 pacientes. A média de idade e a velocidade da onda de cisalhamento foram maiores em pacientes com IR ≥ 0,79 (respectivamente, 68,0 ± 8,6 anos e 2,6 ± 0,4 m/s) quando comparados a pacientes com IR < 0,79 (respectivamente, 42,6 ± 14,1 anos, p < 0,001 e 2,2 ± 0,4 m/s, p = 0,013). A análise multivariada identificou a idade (OR = 1,169, IC 95%: 1,056 a 1,294; p = 0,003) e a velocidade da onda de cisalhamento (OR = 17,1, IC 95%: 1,137 a 257,83; p = 0,040) como fatores independentes associados a resistência arterial. Conclusão: Observou-se associação entre a rigidez do córtex do transplante renal avaliada por elastografia por onda de cisalhamento e a resistência arterial em pacientes pós-transplantados renais avaliados por Doppler.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-28T19:29:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-02-01 Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre Aims: To compare the blood pressure (BP)-lowering efficacy of a chlorthalidone/amiloride combination pill with losartan, during initial management of JNC 7 Stage I hypertension in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: In an a priori subgroup analysis of a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial, volunteers aged 30–70 years, with stage I hypertension and diabetes mellitus, were randomized to 12.5/2.5 mg of chlorthalidone/amiloride (N = 47) or 50 mg of losartan (N = 50), and followed for 18 months in 21 clinical centers. If BP remained uncontrolled after three months, study medication dose was doubled, and if uncontrolled after six months, amlodipine (5 and 10 mg) and propranolol (40 and 80 mg BID) were added as open label drugs in a progressive fashion. Results: Systolic BP decreased to a greater extent in participants allocated to diuretics compared to losartan (P < 0.001). After 18 months of follow-up, systolic BP was 128.4 ± 10.3 mmHg in the diuretic group versus 133.5 ± 8.0 in the losartan group (P < 0.01). In the diuretic group, 36 out of 43 participants (83.7%) had a JNC 7 normal BP, compared to 31/47 (66%) in the losartan group (P = 0.089). Serum cholesterol was higher in the diuretic arm at the end of the trial. Other biochemical parameters and reports of adverse events did not differ by treatment. Conclusions: Treatment of hypertension based on a combination of chlorthalidone and amiloride is more effective for BP lowering compared to losartan in patients with diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Trial registration: Clinical trials registration number: NCT00971165 Division of Cardiology Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre Universidade Federal do Rio Grande Do Sul INCT PREVER, CPC, 5º. and Ramiro Barcelos, 2350 Hospital Universitário Júlio Müller Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso Faculdade de Medicina São José Do Rio Preto Department of Epidemiology School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine Tulane University Faculdade de Medicina Hospital São Lucas PUCRS Hospital Universitário Walter Cantídio Universidade Federal do Ceará Faculdade de Medicina Instituto do Coração Universidade de São Paulo Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre Universidade Federal do Rio Grande Do Sul Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas USP Ribeirão Preto Instituto de Cardiologia, Av. Princesa Isabel Hospital Universitário Universidade Federal do Maranhão Universidade Federal de Pernambuco Universidade Federal de Pelotas Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof Fernando Figueira Universidade Do Estado do Rio de Janeiro Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais Hospital das Clínicas de Goiânia Universidade Federal de Goiás Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu Hospital do Coração de Alagoas Anis Rassi Hospital Hospital Universitário Procape Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro UFF Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto USP Ribeirão Preto Instituto de Pesquisa Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre: GPPG: 08-621

Background and Aims An inadequate response to the treatment of anemia with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) in patients with chronic kidney disease is a challenging and common clinical condition previously associated with signs of inflammation and episodic clinical events. The associations between different immune response pathways and ESA hyporesponsiveness remain poorly understood. Here we describe the associations between a comprehensive panel of inflammatory biomarkers and ESA resistance in a group of stable HD patients. Method This is post-hoc analysis of the baseline evaluation of patients enrolled in the HDFIT, a randomized controlled trial. A panel comprising a more general (CRP), innate (IL-1β and IL-6), adaptive (IFNγ, IFNα2) biomarkers of immune response, and also a specific vascular inflammation (MCP-1) biomarkers were simultaneously measured with the same serum sample through turbidimetry and Milliplex Human Cytokine Magnetic Bead Panel - EMD Milipore Corporation, USA. Multivariable analysis was used to assess the association of their concentrations with the erythropoietin resistance index (ERI), defined as the weekly ESA dose divided by hemoglobin level. Results A total of 155 patients were included in this analysis (mean age 52 ± 6; 70% male; 32% with diabetes; mean hemoglobin 11.7 ± 1.5; median ESA dose/week 8000 IU IQR: 4000-12.000). Patients in the highest ERI tercile were mostly female, younger, more diabetic and with slightly higher proportion of iron prescription compared to those in the lowest tercile of ERI. The multivariable models adjusted for age, sex, diabetes and vascular access demonstrated that higher serum levels of IL-1β and IFN-γ were associated with higher ESA resistance, while there were no detectable associations of serum levels of IL-6 or CRP and ERI. Conclusion Among the biomarkers included in this comprehensive panel of biomarkers representing the multilevel nature of immune dysfunction in CKD, we observed associations between higher concentrations of innate (IL-1β) and adaptive (IFN) immune response and ESA hyporesponsiveness. Our results support the role of immune dysfunction in the pathophysiology of CKD anemia.

Background and Aims Online High-Volume Hemodiafiltration (OL-HDF) combines convective and diffusive clearances and is associated with better outcomes compared to standard hemodialysis (HD). Although HDF has been shown to improve the clearance and pre-dialysis concentration of middle size uremic toxins, little is known about its effect on concentration of protein-bound uremic toxins (PBUT), particularly in comparison to high-flux HD. Here, we investigated whether high-volume post-dilution OL-HDF impacts pre-dialysis plasma levels of PBUT indoxyl sulfate (IxS), p-cresyl sulfate (pCS) and indole 3-acetic acid (IAA) compared to high-flux HD over time, since accumulation of these PBUT has been associated with increased overall mortality of CKD patients. Method This is post hoc analysis of the multicentric randomized controlled trial (RCT) studying the impact of post-dilution high-volume OL-HDF versus high-flux HD on measured physical activity (HDFit - clinicalTrials.gov: NCT02787161), which included clinically stable HD patients with a vintage >3 to Results 193 patients (mean age 53 years old, 70% males and 60% white – no differences between groups) were analyzed. There were no differences between HD and OL-HDF groups regarding clinical and biochemical characteristics at the baseline. In the OL-HDF group, 99% of patients achieved a convective volume higher than 22 L and both groups had similar dialysis session duration and blood flows throughout the follow up. The mean differences (95% CI) in concentrations over time for PBUTs among HDF and HD groups are shown in Figure 1. HDF group presented a significantly lower trajectory of IxS levels and a lower trajectory of pCS levels than HD group. Trajectories of IAA levels were not different between groups. Conclusion OL-HDF reduced the pre-dialysis concentration of IxS and pCS through 6 months-period compared to high-flux HD.

Background Physical activity (PA) is typically lower on hemodialysis (HD) days. Albeit intradialytic inactivity is expected, it is unknown whether recovery after HD contributes to low PA. We investigated the impact of HD and post-HD period on granular PA relative to HD timing. Methods We used baseline data from the HDFIT trial conducted from August 2016 to October 2017. Accelerometry measured PA over 1 week in patients who received thrice-weekly high-flux HD (vintage 3 to 24 months), were clinically stable, and had no ambulatory limitations. PA was assessed on HD days (0 to ≤24 h after start HD), first non-HD days (> 24 to ≤48 h after start HD) and second non-HD day (> 48 to ≤72 h after start HD). PA was recorded in blocks/slices: 4 h during HD, 0 to ≤2 h post-HD (30 min slices), and > 2 to ≤20 h post-HD (4.5 h slices). Blocks/slices of PA were captured at concurrent/parallel times on first/second non-HD days compared to HD days. Results Among 195 patients (mean age 53 ± 15 years, 71% male), step counts per 24-h were 3919 ± 2899 on HD days, 5308 ± 3131 on first non-HD days (p p = 0.032). During concurrent/parallel times to HD on first and second non-HD days, patients took 1308 and 1128 more steps (both p p Conclusions PA was higher within 2-h of HD versus same times on non-HD days. Lower PA on HD days was attributable to intradialytic inactivity. The established PA profiles are of importance to the design and development of exercise programs that aim to increase activity during and between HD treatments. Trial registration HDFIT was prospectively registered 20 April 2016 on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02787161)

Background and objectives High-volume online hemodiafiltration (OL-HDF) associates with improved outcomes compared to hemodialysis (HD), provided adequate dosing is achieved as estimated from convective volume (CV). Achievement of high CV and its impact on biochemical indicators following a standardized protocol converting HD patients to OL-HDF has not been systematically reported. We assessed the success of implementation of OL-HDF in clinics naive to the modality. Design, setting, participants, and measurements We analyzed the results of the implementation of postdilution OL-HDF in patients randomized to the HDF arm of a clinical trial (impact of hemoDiaFIlTration on physical activity and self-reported outcomes: a randomized controlled trial (HDFit) trial [ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT02787161]). The day before randomization of the first patient to OL-HDF at each clinic staff started a 3-day in-person training module on operation of Fresenius 5008 CorDiax machine in HDF mode. Patients were converted from high-flux HD to OL-HDF under oversight of trainers. OL-HDF was performed over a 6-months follow-up with a CV target of 22 L/treatment. We characterized median achieved CV >22 L/treatment record and analyzed the impact of HDF on biochemical variables. Results Ninety-seven patients (mean age 53 ± 16 years, 29% with diabetes, and 11% had a catheter) from 13 clinics randomized to the OL-HDF arm of the trial were converted from HD to HDF. Median CV > 22 L/treatment was achieved in 99% (94/95) of OL-HDF patients throughout follow-up. Monthly mean CV ranged from 27.1 L to 27.5 L. OL-HDF provided an increased single pool Kt/V at 3-months (0.2 [95% CI: 0.1-0.3]) and 6-months (0.2 [95% CI: 0.1-0.4]) compared to baseline, and reduced phosphate at 3-months (-0.4 mg/dL [95% CI: -0.8 to -0.12]) of follow-up. Conclusions High-volume online hemodiafiltration was successfully implemented with 99% of patients achieving protocol defined CV target. Monthly mean CV was consistently >22 L/treatment during follow-up. Kt/V increased, and phosphate decreased with OL-HDF. Findings resulting from a short training period in several dialysis facilities appear to suggest HDF is an easily implementable technique.

Background: Finerenone, a nonsteroidal, selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, reduced albuminuria in short-term trials involving patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and type 2 diabetes. However, its long-term effects on kidney and cardiovascular outcomes are unknown. Methods: In this double-blind trial, we randomly assigned 5734 patients with CKD and type 2 diabetes in a 1:1 ratio to receive finerenone or placebo. Eligible patients had a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (with albumin measured in milligrams and creatinine measured in grams) of 30 to less than 300, an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 25 to less than 60 ml per minute per 1.73 m2 of body-surface area, and diabetic retinopathy, or they had a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio of 300 to 5000 and an eGFR of 25 to less than 75 ml per minute per 1.73 m2. All the patients were treated with renin-angiotensin system blockade that had been adjusted before randomization to the maximum dose on the manufacturer's label that did not cause unacceptable side effects. The primary composite outcome, assessed in a time-to-event analysis, was kidney failure, a sustained decrease of at least 40% in the eGFR from baseline, or death from renal causes. The key secondary composite outcome, also assessed in a time-to-event analysis, was death from cardiovascular causes, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or hospitalization for heart failure. Results: During a median follow-up of 2.6 years, a primary outcome event occurred in 504 of 2833 patients (17.8%) in the finerenone group and 600 of 2841 patients (21.1%) in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.73 to 0.93; P = 0.001). A key secondary outcome event occurred in 367 patients (13.0%) and 420 patients (14.8%) in the respective groups (hazard ratio, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.75 to 0.99; P = 0.03). Overall, the frequency of adverse events was similar in the two groups. The incidence of hyperkalemia-related discontinuation of the trial regimen was higher with finerenone than with placebo (2.3% and 0.9%, respectively). Conclusions: In patients with CKD and type 2 diabetes, treatment with finerenone resulted in lower risks of CKD progression and cardiovascular events than placebo. Bayer; FIDELIO-DKD ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02540993. 91.253 JCR (2020) Q1, 1/167 Medicine, General & Internal 19.889 SJR (2020) Q1, 3/2447 Medicine (miscellaneous) No data IDR 2020 UEM

Objective To compare different disinfection techniques for the peritoneal dialysis bag medication port (MP). Methods An experimental study was conducted testing different cleaning agents (70% alcohol vs 2% chlorhexidine) and time periods (5, 10 and 60 seconds) for disinfection of the MP. Five microorganisms (S. aureus, E.coli, A. baumannii and C. parapsilosis, CNS) were prepared for use as contaminants of the MP. MP were incubated in Tryptic soy broth at 36 °C for 24 h, after which, they were seeded on a Biomerieux® blood agar plate and incubated for 24 h at 36 °C. Results 300 peritoneal dialysis bags were analyzed regarding the time expose to the disinfectant showed a statistically significant difference in the number of culture positive (7/100) p = 0.001; Gram positive (6/100) p = 0.006 for five seconds, one positive culture and turbid bag with ten seconds, while friction for 60 seconds showed all negative results. The comparison between disinfectant, alcohol or chlorhexidine, 150 bag in each group, showed that the ones disinfected with alcohol had 5 turbid bags, 8 positive cultures and 7 germs identified, while all bags disinfected with chlorhexidine were negative for all parameters, with a difference statistically significant (p = 0.004). Conclusion Our results suggest that the MP should be scrubbed with 2% chlorhexidine for at least 5 seconds; if alcohol 70% is used the length of friction should not be inferior to 10 seconds.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-28T19:09:40Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2018-04-01 Ministry of Science and Technology Background: To determine the effectiveness of low-dose diuretic therapy to achieve an optimal level of blood pressure (BP) in adults with prehypertension. Methods: The PREVER-prevention trial was a randomized, parallel, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, with 18 months of follow-up, conducted at 21 academic medical centers in Brazil. Of 1772 individuals evaluated for eligibility, 730 volunteers with prehypertension who were aged 30-70 years, and who did not reach optimal blood pressure after 3 months of lifestyle intervention, were randomized to a fixed association of chlorthalidone 12.5mg and amiloride 2.5mg or placebo once a day. The main outcomes were the percentage of participants who achieved an optimal level of BP. Results: A total of 372 participants were randomly allocated to diuretics and 358 to placebo. After 18 months of treatment, optimal BP was noted in 25.6% of the diuretic group and 19.3% in the placebo group (P

Antagonizing vasodilation has been considered one of the potential mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. Phosphodiesterases hydrolyze cGMP, interfering with the action of nitric oxide on vascular smooth muscle, thus causing vasoconstriction. We hypothesize that the phosphodiesterases in maternal plasma, phosphodiesterase-5 in particular, may be linked to clinical manifestations in preeclampsia syndrome.

Background: Physical activity (PA) is typically lower on hemodialysis (HD) days. Albeit intradialytic inactivity is expected, it is unknown whether recovery after HD contributes to low PA. We investigated the impact of HD and post-HD period on granular PA relative to HD timing. Methods: We used baseline data from the HDFIT trial conducted from August 2016 to October 2017. Accelerometry measured PA over one week in patients who received thrice-weekly high-flux HD (vintage 3 to 24 months), were clinically stable, and had no ambulatory limitations. PA was assessed on HD days (0 to ≤24 hours after start HD), first non-HD days (>24 to ≤48 hours after start HD) and second non-HD day (>48 to ≤72 hours after start HD). PA was recorded in blocks/slices: 4 hours during HD, 0 to ≤2 hours post-HD (30 minute slices), and >2 to ≤20 hours post-HD (4.5 hour slices). Blocks/slices of PA were captured at concurrent/parallel times on first/second non-HD days compared to HD days. Results: Among 195 patients (mean age 53±15 years, 71% male), step counts per 24-hours were 3919±2899 on HD days, 5308±3131 on first non-HD days (p

Introduction: Dialysis patients suffer from poor sleep duration and quality. We examined the self-reported sleep duration in patients randomized to either high-volume hemodiafiltration (HDF) or high flux hemodialysis (HD). Methods: Patients from 13 Brazilian dialysis clinics were enrolled in the HDFIT randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigating the impact of HDF on physical activity and self-reported outcomes. Self-reported sleep duration was taken from patient diaries recording sleep start and end time over a week during baseline, months 3 and 6, respectively. Sleep duration was analyzed by shift and nights relative to dialysis. Results: The HDFIT study enrolled 197 patients; sleep data were available in 173 patients (87 HD; 86 HDF). Patients’ age was 53 ± 15 years, 57% were white, 72% were male, 34% had diabetes, Kt/V was 1.54 ± 0.40, and albumin 3.97 ± 0.36 g/dL. Most patients reported sleeping 510–530 min/night. At 3 months, HDF patients slept 513 ± 71 min/night, HD patients 518 ± 76 min/night. At 6 months, HDF patients slept 532 ± 74 min/night, HD patients 519 ± 80 min/night. At baseline, 1st shift patients slept 406 ± 86 min the night before HD, 534 ± 64 min the night after HD, and 496 ± 99 min the night between 2 non-HD days. Compared to patients in the 2nd and 3rd shifts, patients dialyzed in the 1st shift slept less in the night before dialysis. Similar patterns were seen after 3 and 6 months. Conclusion: In our RCT, the dialysis modality (HDF vs. HD) had no effect on self-reported sleep duration. In both groups, dialysis in the 1st shift adversely affected self reported sleep duration.

Introduction Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is a clinicoradiologic entity with typical MR imaging showing a white matter vasogenic edema predominantly affecting the occipital and parietal lobes of the brain. The aim of this article is evaluated the importance of DWI as a prognosis factor in patients with PRES. Materials and methods We reviewed data from 70 patients with PRES (35 with restricted DWI and 35 with no DWI abnormalities), that were admitted to Hospital Sao Lucas-PUCRS. These two groups were evaluated in age, sex, previous diseases and past medical history, use of medications, the neurologic manifestations, the highest blood pressure during the neurologic presentation and the highest creatinine during the period of observation. Results Evaluating 70 patients with PRES with a mean age of 25.4 years old (range from 2 to 74 years old; 55 female and 15 male) we identified 35 cases were brain MRI presents with restricted DWI. Restricted DWI was associated with higher mortality in 90 days (14.2% vs 0.0%; p: 0.027). Conclusions Few articles present new data that will help clinicians in therapeutic decisions or that modify the knowledge of this syndrome. We suggested that restricted DWI is associated with a worst prognosis in PRES.

Background: Among diabetics, those with kidney disease have exceptionally high rates of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality, and progression of their underlying disease. Finerenone is a novel, non-steroidal, selective mineralocorticoid-receptor antagonist which has shown to reduce albuminuria in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), while revealing only a low risk of hyperkalemia. However, the effect of finerenone on renal and CV outcomes has not been investigated in long-term trials yet. Methods: The Finerenone in Reducing Kidney Failure and Disease Progression in Diabetic Kidney Disease ­(FIDELIO-DKD) trial aims to assess the efficacy and safety of finerenone compared to placebo at reducing clinically important renal and CV outcomes in T2D patients with CKD. FIDELIO-DKD is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, event-driven trial running in 47 countries with an expected duration of approximately 5.5 years. FIDELIO-DKD randomized 5,734 patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥25–2 and albuminuria (urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio ≥30–≤5,000 mg/g). The study has at least 90% power to detect a 20% reduction in the risk of primary outcome (overall two-sided significance level α = 0.05), the composite of time to first occurrence of kidney failure, a sustained decrease of eGFR ≥40% from baseline over at least 4 weeks, or renal death. Conclusion: FIDELIO-DKD will determine whether an optimally treated cohort of T2D patients with CKD at high risk of renal and CV events will experience cardiorenal benefits with the addition of finerenone to their treatment regimen.

The Nephrology Unit at São Lucas Hospital, a University Hospital in Southern Brazil, has recently reached 35 years since its first kidney transplant. Few centers in the area have made a longitudinal analysis of processes, problems, grafts, and patient survival changes along this time.A single-center, retrospective study was performed. Data were separated into different eras, based on the nature of immunosuppression used: pre-cyclosporine (1978-1986), cyclosporine (1987-1997), mycophenolate introduction (1998-2002), new immunosuppressant drugs (2003-2007), and the current period (2008-2013).Between April 27, 1978, and April 30, 2013, 1231 transplants were performed. Significant differences were detected among different eras. The number of transplants has been progressively increasing, to include significantly older recipients (and donors), at a longer waiting list time, receiving organs that underwent longer cold ischemia time (P .001). Yet, fewer acute rejection episodes and lower incidence of myocardial infarction and post-transplant diabetes mellitus (P .001) were detected. In the present era, patient survival at 1, 3, and 5 years is 98.3%, 94.6%, and 90.5% respectively, for living donors, and 92.4%, 87.2%, and 80.7% for deceased donors, respectively. Living donor graft survival is 92.2%, 88.7%, and 82.4%, respectively, whereas deceased donor survival is 80.4%, 71.1%, and 63.7%, respectively.This retrospective analysis has significant historical value. It assembles and depicts a long follow-up period of a transplant series at a single Brazilian center. Throughout the eras, organ and patient survival increased, with fewer rejection episodes or complications, yet with overall decreased graft function.

Background One of the main postoperative complications of kidney transplant is delayed graft function (DGF), which means absence of graft function after transplant or the need for dialysis during the first week post procedure. The occurrence of DGF currently in our hospital is high and has been attributed to a combination of many factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors associated to DGF and their influence in the outcome of kidney transplants. Methods Historical cohort of 150 patients transplanted with live or deceased donor kidneys from 2011 to 2013. Results DGF was associated to time in dialysis and the number of recipient pre-transplant transfusions, donors age, serum creatinine level, use of vasoactive drugs in the donor, distance from place of organ retrieval and transplant center, and duration of cold ischemia time. DGF influenced post-transplantation outcome in regard to length of stay in intensive care, length of hospital stay, acute rejection episodes, and higher creatinine levels at discharge. Patients and graft survival were shorter in the DGF group. Conclusions There are multiple factors related to DGF, the most important being those related to donors, and organ storage. The most important factor related to the recipient was the dialysis vintage. We did not find a correlation between DGF and HLA-compatibility. DGF consequences are important, including worse graft function and survival, as well as impact in recipient morbidity and mortality.

To compare the blood pressure (BP)-lowering efficacy of a chlorthalidone/amiloride combination pill with losartan, during initial management of stage I hypertension.In a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial, 655 participants were followed for 18 months in 21 Brazilian academic centers. Trial participants were adult volunteers aged 30-70 years with stage I hypertension (BP 140-159 or 90-99 mmHg) following 3 months of a lifestyle intervention. Participants were randomized to 12.5/2.5 mg of chlorthalidone/amiloride (N = 333) or 50 mg of losartan (N = 322). If BP remained uncontrolled after 3 months, study medication dose was doubled, and if uncontrolled after 6 months, amlodipine (5 and 10 mg) and propranolol (40 and 80 mg twice daily) were added as open-label drugs in a progressive fashion. At the end of follow-up, 609 (93%) participants were evaluated.The difference in SBP during 18 months of follow-up was 2.3 (95% confidence interval: 1.2 to 3.3) mmHg favoring chlorthalidone/amiloride. Compared with those randomized to diuretic, more participants allocated to losartan had their initial dose doubled and more of them used add-on antihypertensive medication. Levels of blood glucose, glycosilated hemoglobin, and incidence of diabetes were no different between the two treatment groups. Serum potassium was lower and serum cholesterol was higher in the diuretic arm. Microalbuminuria tended to be higher in patients with diabetes allocated to losartan (28.5 ± 40.4 versus 16.2 ± 26.7 mg, P = 0.09).Treatment with a combination of chlorthalidone and amiloride compared with losartan yielded a greater reduction in BP.NCT00971165.

Objectives: To compare nitric oxide (NO) serum levels in women with and without preeclampsia. Methods: 106 women were classified into preeclampsia group (n = 40) and normotensive group (n = 66). NO content was measured in the serum. Clinical and laboratorial data were recorded for comparison. Results: Preeclampsia presented a significant increase in nitrate and NOx levels compared to the control group. Uric acid, gestational age, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and creatinine showed correlation with nitrates and NOx. Conclusion: Increase of NO was observed in preeclampsia women. Failure in the mechanism of action, dependent on cyclic GMP, may justify this finding.

Patients with chronic kidney disease on peritoneal dialysis (PD) are susceptible to infections, with peritonitis being the primary cause of dropout. Peritoneal fluid culture is one of the essential elements for proper diagnosis and peritonitis treatment. The aim of this study was to compare the time required to obtain a positive culture using different laboratory methods. An in vitro cross-sectional study was conducted comparing different techniques for preparation and culture of bacteria in peritoneal fluid. The research was carried out with 21 sterile dialysis bags and 21 PD bags containing peritoneal fluid drained from patients without peritonitis. Fluids from the 42 PD bags were contaminated by injecting a coagulase-negative Staphylococcus suspension and then prepared for culture using 4 distinct techniques: A - direct culture; B - post-centrifugation culture; C - direct culture after 4 h sedimentation; and D - culture after 4 h sedimentation and centrifugation. This was followed by seeding. In the 21 contaminated sterile bags, mean times to obtain a positive culture with techniques D (19.6 h ± 2.6) and C (19.1 h ± 2.3) were longer than with technique A (15.8 h ± 3.0; p < 0.01), but not statistically different from group B (19.0 h ± 3.2). The same occurred in the 21 bags drained from patients, with mean times for techniques D (14.0 h ± 1.9) and C (14.5 h ± 1.7) being longer than technique A (12.22 h ± 1.94; p < 0.05) but not statistically different from technique B (13.2 h ± 1.3). The sedimentation and centrifugation steps seem to be unnecessary and may delay antibiotic sensitivity test results by approximately 8 hours.

The present study intends to review the possibility of using phosphodiesterase inhibitors as a treatment option for preeclampsia, addressing potential risks and benefits. Preeclampsia is the most common hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, often responsible for severe maternal and fetal complications, which can lead to early pregnancy termination and death. Despite the numerous studies, its pathophysiology is still unclear, although it seems to involve a multiplicity of complex factors related to angiogenesis, ineffective vasodilation, oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, and endothelial dysfunction. It has been hypothetically suggested that the use of phosphodiesterase inhibitors is capable of improving placental and fetal perfusion, contributing to gestational scenario, by decreasing the symptomatology and severity of this syndrome. In this literature review, it has been found that most of the studies were conducted in animal models, and there is still lack of evidence supporting its use in clinical practice. Research in human indicates conflicting findings; randomized controlled trials were scarce and did not demonstrate any benefit in morbidity or mortality. Data regarding to pathophysiological and interventional research are described and commented in this review. The use of phosphodiesterase inhibitors in the treatment of preeclampsia is controversial and should not be encouraged taking into account recent data.

Introduction Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP1) main function is to recruit monocytes and other leukocytes into sites of inflammation. Inflammatory mediators, such as TNFα, regulate its expression. Objectives/hypothesis To analyze MCP1 levels in maternal, fetal plasma and placental in women with pre-eclampsia (PE) and correlate with TNFα. We hypothesized a positive correlation between both molecules. Methods Case-control study, 117 pregnant women consented to participate, PE (50)/controls (67). MCP1 and TNFα were quantified using MagPlexTH-C microsphere system and were analyzed using ANCOVA method, adjusted by BMI, gestational age at delivery (GA) and maternal age. To estimate the difference between groups, the mean ratio (MR) and the 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. The analysis between MCP1 and TNFα was made by Pearson’s correlation. p Results Increased MCP1 were observed in fetal plasma of preterm (GA Discussion We observed a strong direct correlation between MCP-1 vs. TNFα in placenta PE groups, which suggests a possible regulation of TNFα molecule by MCP-1. Also, we observed that higher the levels of MCP-1 in fetal plasma, the lower the GA, FW and PW, which might indicate the involvement of MCP-1 in preterm delivery.

IntroductionEndocan-1 has been proposed as a possible biomarker and predictor of vascular endothelial related pathologies. Thus, we hypothesised that Endocan-1 levels would be up-regulated in maternal plasma and placentae from women with pre-eclampsia. The aim of our study was to compare Endocan-1 concentrations in maternal/fetal plasma and placentae from normotensive and pre-eclamptic pregnancies.MethodsObservational and case-controlled study, at the São Lucas Hospital, Brazil. Placental biopsies, maternal/umbilical venous (fetal) plasma were taken from 67 normotensive and 50 pre-eclamptic women. Endocan-1 levels were quantified using MagPlexTH-C and analysed by Analysis of Covariance and Pearson correlation. The null hypothesis was rejected at p