RESUMO CONTEXTO: Na cirrose há um quadro crônico de inflamação sistêmica associada a disfunção imune, que impactam na progressão da doença hepática. A razão neutrófilo-linfócito (RNL) foi proposta como um marcador de resposta inflamatória sistêmica e sobrevida em pacientes com cirrose hepática. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o papel de RNL como marcador prognóstico em portadores de cirrose hepática e sua relação com citocinas inflamatórias (IL-6, IL-10 e IL-17). MÉTODOS: É um estudo prospectivo com duas coortes: 1) pacientes cirróticos estáveis em acompanhamento ambulatorial (n=193); 2) pacientes cirróticos hospitalizados por descompensação aguda por no mínimo 48 horas (n=334) com avaliação de exames de admissão de 48 horas. Citocinas inflamatórias séricas estavam disponíveis em 130 pacientes hospitalizados. RESULTADOS: Nos pacientes ambulatoriais com cirrose estável, RNL se correlacionou com MELD e outras variáveis associadas com gravidade da doença. Entretanto, após uma mediana de 32 meses de seguimento, RNL não apresentou associação com mortalidade (HR 1.058, 95%CI 0.900-1.243; P=0.495). Nos pacientes hospitalizados, RNL de 48 horas após a admissão apresentou associação independente com sobrevida em 90 dias (HR 1.061, 95%CI 1.020-1.103; P=0.003) na regressão multivariada de Cox. A probabilidade de sobrevivência pela curva de Kaplan-Meier em 90 dias foi de 87% em pacientes com RNL de 48 horas <3.6 e 62% nos pacientes com RNL ≥3.6 (P<0.001). A elevação de RNL nas primeiras 48 horas também foi um fator independente associado a mortalidade (HR 2.038, 95%CI 1295-3207; P=0.002). A avaliação de sobrevida em 90 dias pela curva de Kaplan-Meier foi de 83% nos pacientes em que RNL não apresentou elevação e 62% nos que apresentaram elevação de RNL (P<0.001). IL-6, IL-10 e IL-17 na admissão se correlacionaram positivamente com RNL de admissão e de 48 horas. Níveis mais baixos de IL-10 basal foram associados com elevação de RNL nas primeiras 48 horas. CONCLUSÃO: RNL avaliada em 48 horas de hospitalização e sua elevação precoce após a admissão foram fatores independentemente associados a mortalidade em curto prazo nos pacientes hospitalizados com descompensação aguda da cirrose.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Individuals with cirrhosis have a chronic systemic inflammation associated with an immune dysfunction, affecting the progression of the liver disease. The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was proposed as a marker of systemic inflammatory response and survival in patients with cirrhosis. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the prognostic role of NLR in cirrhotic patients and its relation with inflammatory cytokines(IL-6, IL-10 and IL-17). METHODS: In this prospective study two groups were evaluated: 1) Stable cirrhotic in outpatient follow-up (n=193); 2) Hospitalized cirrhotic for acute decompensation for at least 48 hours (n=334) with admission and 48 hours tests evaluation. Circulating inflammatory cytokines were available for 130 hospitalized patients. RESULTS: In outpatients with stable cirrhosis, NLR correlated with MELD score and other variables associated with severity of disease. However, after a median of 32 months of follow up NLR was not associated with mortality (HR 1.058, 95%CI 0.900-1.243; P=0.495). In hospitalized patients, NLR at 48-hour after admission was independently associated with 90-day survival (HR 1.061, 95%CI 1.020-1.103; P=0.003) in multivariate Cox-regression analysis. The 90-day Kaplan-Meier survival probability was 87% for patients with a 48-hour NLR <3.6 and 62% for NLR ≥3.6 (P<0.001). Elevation of NLR in the first 48 hours was also independently associated with mortality (HR 2.038, 95%CI 1295-3207; P=0.002). The 90-day Kaplan-Meier survival probability was 83% when NLR did not increase and 62% when NLR increased (P<0.001). IL-6, IL-10 and IL-17 at admission were positively correlated with both admission and 48-hour NLR. Lower levels of baseline IL-10 were associated with NLR increase during first 48-hour. CONCLUSION: NLR evaluated at 48 hours of hospitalization and its early increase after admission were independently associated with short-term mortality in patients hospitalized for acute decompensation of cirrhosis.

Resumen El albendazol es un medicamento usado para tratar infecciones por helmintos y usualmente presenta pocos o ningún efecto secundario. A pesar de que hay un incremento transitorio de enzimas hepáticas luego de su uso, existe poca evidencia en la literatura en la que se reporte lesión hepática luego de automedicación con albendazol. En este informe, el paciente se presentó con hepatitis aguda luego de automedicarse con albendazol. El paciente cuenta además con una historia de episodios similares después de haber usado el fármaco. Se evaluada la causalidad con el método de evaluación de causalidad de Roussel Uclaf del Concejo para Organizaciones Internacionales de Ciencias Médicas, cuyo resultado fue un puntaje de 10, lo que indicó una alta probabilidad de lesión hepática inducida por albendazol al cabo de realizarse una investigación rigurosa y de excluir otras posibles causas de la condición física del paciente. En conclusión, aunque es ideal agilizar el proceso para combatir a los helmintos, es necesario intensificar la necesidad de monitorizaciones de calidad para evitar reacciones adversas como la hepatitis inducida por medicamentos. Asimismo, la automedicación de cualquier medicamento debe ser siempre evitada.

Abstract Albendazole is used to treat helminth infections and usually has minimal or no side effects. A transient increase in liver enzymes is common following its use, but little evidence of albendazole-induced liver damage has been reported in the literature. This study presents a patient who developed acute hepatitis following self-medication with albendazole. The patient also had a history of similar episodes in the past after using the drug. After a thorough investigation and exclusion of all other causes of the patient’s clinical condition, the Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method of the Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences scale yielded a score of 10 points, indicating a high probability of albendazole-induced liver damage. In conclusion, expediting the process of combating helminths is ideal, but quality monitoring is required to avoid adverse reactions such as drug-induced hepatitis. Moreover, self-medication with any drug should always be discouraged.

RESUMO Objetivo: Apesar do progresso dos cuidados médicos, os pacientes hospitalizados ou com lesões medulares frequentemente desenvolvem úlceras de pressão. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever as características epidemiológicas das úlceras de pressão e avaliar os fatores associados à recorrência e à cura. Métodos: Neste estudo de coorte histórico, foram coletados dados clínicos e laboratoriais de prontuários médicos de 1997 a 2016. Resultados: Sessenta indivíduos com úlceras de pressão foram incluídos. A média de idade dos pacientes foi 38,1 ± 16,5 (37,0) anos, 83,3% eram homens e 86,8% foram identificados como brancos. A maioria dos pacientes (85,1%) tinha paraplegia, amputação ou trauma nos membros inferiores com sequelas motoras; os restantes (14,9%) eram tetraplégicos. A maioria dos pacientes (78,3%) foi submetida à cirurgia e o tempo médio de acompanhamento foi 1,8±2,5 anos. A cicatrização das lesões foi observada em 25 pacientes; houve recorrência em 25% dos pacientes e verificou-se que estavam associadas à localização das lesões. Os pacientes com lesões recorrentes tinham maior número de consultas médicas e maior tempo de tratamento. Os indivíduos cujas úlceras cicatrizaram tinham menos lesões, maior índice de massa corporal (IMC) e maior proporção deles foi submetida à cirurgia. Conclusões: O IMC, a localização e o número de lesões são fatores prognósticos. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de Casos.

ABSTRACT Objective: Despite advances in medical care, patients who are hospitalized or have spinal cord injuries often develop pressure sores. The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiological characteristics of pressure sores and evaluate factors associated with recurrence and cure. Methods: In this historical cohort study, clinical and laboratory data were collected from medical records between 1997 and 2016. Results: Sixty individuals with pressure ulcers were included; mean patient age was 38.1±16.5 (37.0) years, 83.3% were men, and 86.8% identified as white. Most patients (85.1%) had paraplegia, amputation, or trauma of the lower limbs with motor sequelae; the remainder (14.9%) were quadriplegic. Most (78.3%) underwent surgery, and the mean follow-up time was 1.8±2.5 years. The lesions were cured in 25 patients; they recurred in 25% of the patients, and recurrence was seen to be associated with the location of the lesions. Patients with recurrent lesions had more medical consultations and a longer treatment time. Individuals whose ulcers had healed had fewer lesions, higher body mass index (BMI), and a higher proportion of these patients underwent surgery. Conclusions: BMI and location and number of lesions are prognostic factors. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

Objective Thyroid disease affects 6.6% of the general population. The liver is fundamental in metabolizing thyroid hormones, and hepatocytes are often affected in thyroid disease. We aimed to compare clinical and laboratory parameters among thyroid disease patients with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels above vs. below the upper tertile. Subjects and methods A retrospective cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in the endocrinology clinic at Polydoro Ernani de São Thiago University Hospital. Patients with thyroid disease between August 2012 and January 2014 were included in the study. Clinical and laboratory parameters were collected from medical records. Results One hundred patients were included, of which 14.0% were male, with a mean age of 49.1 ± 14.4 years. ALT levels ranged from 9 to 90 U/L, and the ALT upper tertile was defined as 0,64 times the upper normal limit (xUNL). Patients with ALT levels above the upper tertile exhibited a higher proportion of systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), a higher mean abdominal circumference and a higher frequency of elevated TSH levels than did patients with ALT levels below the upper tertile. In multivariate analysis, ALT ≥ 0.64 (xUNL) was independently associated with abdominal circumference (odds ratio [OR] = 0.087, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0012-0167, P = 0.022). ALT (xUNL) correlated positively with total cholesterol (r = 0.213, P = 0.042). Conclusions In patients with thyroid diseases, it was observed that those with ALT above the upper tertile are associated with abdominal circumference and ALT levels correlate with total cholesterol.

ABSTRACTINTRODUCTION:Since women are frequently the minority among blood donors worldwide, studies evaluating this population usually reflect male features. We assessed the features of female blood donors with positive serology for HBV and compared them with those of men.METHODS The study comprised consecutive blood donors referred to a specialized liver disease center to be evaluated due to HBsAg- and/or anti-HBc-positive tests.RESULTS: The study encompassed 1,273 individuals, 219 (17.2%) of whom were referred due to positive HBsAg test and 1,054 (82.8%) due to reactive anti-HBc test. Subjects' mean age was 36.8±10.9 years, and 28.7% were women. Female blood donors referred for positive HBsAg screening tests demonstrated higher prevalence of healthcare workers (9.3% vs 2.5%) and lower prevalence of sexual risk behaviors (15.1% vs 41.1%) and alcohol abuse (1.9% vs 19.8%) compared to men. Women had lower ALT (0.6 vs 0.8×ULN), AST (0.6 vs 0.8×ULN), direct bilirubin (0.2 vs 0.3mg/dL), and alkaline phosphatase (0.5 vs 0.6×ULN) levels and higher platelet count (223,380±50,293 vs 195,020±53,060/mm3). Women also had a higher prevalence of false-positive results (29.6% vs 17.0%). No differences were observed with respect to liver biopsies. Female blood donors referenced for reactive anti-HBc screening tests presented similar clinical, epidemiological, and biochemical characteristics to those reported for positive HBsAg screening tests and similarly had a higher prevalence of false-reactive results.CONCLUSIONS: Compared to men, female blood donors with positive HBsAg and/or anti-HBc screening tests demonstrated higher prevalence of professional risk and false-positive results and reduced alteration of liver chemistry.

Introducción: hasta hace poco, el tratamiento estándar de oro para la hepatitis C eran los interferones pegilados (Peg-IFN) en combinación con la ribavirina (RBV). Con la llegada de nuevos fármacos, se propuso evaluar los resultados del tratamiento y a los pacientes en espera de la nueva terapia. Materiales y métodos: este estudio analítico transversal evaluó el resultado del tratamiento en individuos con hepatitis C crónica, y luego comparó a individuos que tienen experiencia en no responder al tratamiento basado en interferón (IFN) con individuos sin experiencia de tratamiento previo. Resultados: el estudio incluyó 192 individuos. Entre 87 pacientes sometidos a tratamiento, se observaron bajas tasas de respuesta viral sostenida (RVS). La comparación de los 105 pacientes no tratados previamente y los 87 que habían recibido tratamiento con IFN previamente evidenció que entre los pacientes en espera de nuevas terapias, los individuos sin tratamiento previo presentaron mayor proporción de genotipo 1 (68% frente a 49%; p = 0,028), menores niveles de ALT (91,1 ± 73,0 frente a 126,0 ± 73,40 U/L; p = 017), de AST (70,1 ± 51,3 frente a 89,7 ± 47,40 U/L; p = 050), de GGT (85,3 ± 85,1 frente a 148,4 ± 123,9 U/L; p = 0,007) y menor proporción de fibrosis significativa (24,3 frente a 83,3; p <0,001). Conclusiones: las tasas de RVS fueron bajas. La mayoría de posibles candidatos para el tratamiento por VHC no lo han tenido y son de genótipo-1 con histología leve

Introduction: Until recently, treatment with a combination of pegylated interferons (Peg-IFN) and ribavirin (RBV) was the gold standard treatment for hepatitis C. In anticipation of the arrival of new drugs, we evaluate current treatment outcomes and patients waiting for the new therapy. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study evaluated treatment outcomes among chronic hepatitis C patients, and then compared chronic non-responders and treatment naïve patients who were given interferon based-treatment. Results: The study included 192 individuals among whom were 87 patients who received treatment. Among treated patients, we observed low rates of sustained viral response. A comparison of 105 treatment-naïve patients and 87 who had previously received IFN treatment showed that among patients waiting for new therapies, naïve individuals presented a higher proportion of genotype 1 (68% vs. 49%; p = 0.028) than did previously treated patients, lower ALT (91.1 ± 73.0 vs. 126.0 ± 73.40 U/L; p =017), lower AST (70.1 ± 51.3 vs. 89.7 ± 47.40 U/L; p = 050), lower GGT (85.3 ± 85.1 vs. 148.4 ± 123.9 U/L; p = 0.007) levels and a lower proportion of significant fibrosis (24.3% vs. 83.3%; p < 0.001). Conclusions: SVR rates were low. Among potential candidates for HCV treatment, the majority are naïve, genotype-1 with mild histology.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: A doença celíaca é uma doença autoimune, com prevalência média de 1% na Europa e nos Estados Unidos. Em função da forte ascendência europeia no sul do Brasil, este estudo objetiva relatar a soroprevalência de doença celíaca em indivíduos com tireoidite autoimune.TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo transversal em um hospital público universitário.MÉTODOS: Este estudo transversal de prevalência incluiu pacientes com tireoidite autoimune que foram submetidos a testes de anticorpos antiendomísio e antitransglutaminase entre agosto de 2010 e julho de 2011.RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 53 pacientes com tireoidite autoimune, 92,5% mulheres, com idade média de 49,0 ± 13,5 anos. Cinco (9,3%) pacientes apresentaram sorologia positiva para doença celíaca, sendo três (5,6%) com anticorpo antiendomísio positivo e dois (3,7%) com antitransglutaminase positivo. Nenhum paciente apresentou anemia e um apresentou diarreia. Apenas dois pacientes realizaram endoscopia: um com histologia normal e outro apresentou infiltrado linfocitário e atrofia vilositária.CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência de doença celíaca entre pacientes com doença autoimune da tireoide foi de 9,3%; um paciente queixou-se de diarreia e ninguém apresentou anemia. Em populações de risco, como é o caso de pacientes com tireoidite autoimune, a presença de diarreia ou anemia não devem ser utilizados como critério para indicar investigação de doença celíaca, que deve ser feita em todos os indivíduos com tireoidite autoimune devido a sua alta prevalência.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder with an average prevalence of 1% in Europe and the United States. Because of strong European ancestry in southern Brazil, this study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of celiac disease among autoimmune thyroiditis patients.DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study in a public university hospital.METHODS: This cross-sectional prevalence study included autoimmune thyroiditis patients who were tested for anti-endomysial and anti-transglutaminase antibodies between August 2010 and July 2011.RESULTS: Fifty-three patients with autoimmune thyroiditis were included; 92.5% were women, with mean age of 49.0 ± 13.5 years. Five patients (9.3%) were serologically positive for celiac disease: three of them (5.6%) were reactive for anti-endomysial antibodies and two (3.7%) for anti-transglutaminase. None of them exhibited anemia and one presented diarrhea. Endoscopy was performed on two patients: one with normal histology and the other with lymphocytic infiltrate and villous atrophy.CONCLUSION: The prevalence of celiac disease among patients with autoimmune thyroid disease was 9.3%; one patient complained of diarrhea and none presented anemia. Among at-risk populations, like autoimmune thyroiditis patients, the presence of diarrhea or anemia should not be used as a criterion for indicating celiac disease investigation. This must be done for all autoimmune thyroiditis patients because of its high prevalence.

Introduction Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and liver steatosis (LS) are the most common causes of chronic liver disease, and their coexistence is frequently observed in clinical practice. Although metabolic syndrome is the main cause of LS, it has not been associated with HBV infection. The aims of this study were to describe the lipid profile and prevalence of LS among HBV carriers and to identify the characteristics associated with LS in this group. Methods This retrospective cross-sectional study included hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive patients evaluated during 2011 and 2012. Results Of the 83 patients included, the mean age was 46.4±12.5 years, 53% were men, and 9.1% were hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) -positive. These patients exhibited the following lipid profile: total cholesterol = 175.4±38.8mg/dL, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) = 113.0±32.7mg/dL, and triglycerides = 91.1±45.2mg/dL. Their fasting glucose was 95.3±14.5g/dL, and fasting insulin was 6.1±5.9µIU/mL. Liver steatosis was observed on abdominal ultrasound in 11.3% of individuals. Factors associated with the presence of LS included higher levels of total cholesterol, prothrombin activity, fasting insulin, and body mass index (BMI) as well as lower levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Conclusions These findings suggest that LS in patients with chronic HBV appears to be a consequence of metabolic alterations and insulin action rather than of viral factors.

Introdução: A razão sódio/potássio em amostra isolada de urina (Na/Ku) é uma ferramenta apropriada para identificar a excreção urinária de sódio < 78mEq/d. Foi estabelecido que essa razão é tão útil e acurada quanto a dosagem de sódio na urina de 24 horas (Nau24h), contudo nenhum estudo Latino Americano avaliou essa questão. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a razão Na/Ku e compará-la a dosagem de Nau24h. Material e métodos: Estudo transversal que incluiu 20 pacientes com cirrose hepática descompensada em ascite. Resultados: A idade média foi de 56,1 ± 11,8 anos, 70% eram homens e 60% apresentaram Nau24h < 78 mEq/d. O grupo mau excretor de sódio apresentou maior escore MELD (P = 0,002), creatinina (P = 0,029), AST (P = 0,027), bilirrubinas (P = 0,013), e também menor mediana de sódio em amostra isolada de urina (P = 0.001). Houve correlação positiva entre razão Na/Ku e Nau24h (r = 0,857; P < 0,001) e correlação negativa com MELD (r = 0,498; P = 0.025) e creatinina sérica (r =−0,498; P = 0,025). A AUROC da razão Na/Ku em predizer Nau24h < 78 mEq/d foi de 0,948 ± 0,046 e o cut-off clássico da razão Na/Ku (≤1.0) exibiu VPP = 70%, VPN = 90%, acurácia = 80%, sensibilidade = 88% e especificidade = 75%. Conclusão: Na/Ku ≤1 é sensível e específico e se correlaciona substancialmente com Nau24h, o que permite o uso desse teste na avaliação rotineira de pacientes com cirrose descompensada em ascite.

Introduction: The ‘‘spot’’ urine sodium/potassium (Na/Ku) ratio is a convenient tool to identify sodium excretion < 78 mequiv./d. It has been established that this ratio is as useful and accurate as 24-h urine sodium (Nau24h), but no Latin American study has evaluated this issue. The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of the Na/Ku ratio and to compare it to Nau24h. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included 20 patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis and ascites. Results:Mean age was 56.1±11.8 years old, 70% were men and 60% presented Nau24h < 78 mequiv./d. Poor sodium excretion group presented higher MELD score (P = 0.002), creatinine (P = 0.029), AST (P = 0.027) and bilirubin (P = 0.013) levels, and also lower median spot sodium urine (P = 0.001). There was a high positive correlation between Na/Ku ratio and Nau24h (r = 0.857; P < 0.001) and negative correlation with MELD (r =−0.498; P = 0.025) and sérum creatinine (r =−0.498; P = 0.025). The AUROC of Na/Ku in predicting Nau24h < 78 mequiv./d was 0.948±0.046 and the classical Na/Ku ratio cut-off (≤1.0) showed PPV = 70%, NPV = 90%, accuracy = 80%, sensitivity = 88% and specificity = 75%. Conclusion: Na/Ku ≤1 is sensitive and specific, and substantially correlates with Nau24h, which enables the use of this test in the routine evaluation of patients with liver cirrhosis decompensated in ascites.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Peritonite bacteriana espontânea (PBE) é uma complicação grave que ocorre em 8-27% dos pacientes hospitalizados com cirrose hepática e ascite, e apresenta altas taxas de mortalidade. O objetivo deste estudo é identificar as características clínicas associadas à PBE.TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo transversal, conduzido em uma universidade pública.MÉTODOS: O estudo incluiu, consecutivamente, indivíduos com cirrose hepática e ascite entre setembro 2009 e março 2012. Foram incluídos 45 indivíduos com média de idade de 53,2 ± 12,3 anos, sendo 82,2% homens, 73,8% brancos, com MELD (Modelo para Doença Hepática Terminal) de 19,5 ± 7,2, e 33,3% com PBE. Os indivíduos foram divididos em dois grupos: PBE e controles.RESULTADOS: Quando se compararam os indivíduos com PBE aos controles, observou-se menor média de tempo de atividade da protrombina (TAP; 36,1 ± 16,0% versus47,1 ± 17,2%; P = 0,044) e menor mediana de gradiente albumina soro-ascite (GASA; 1,2 versus 1,7; P = 0,045). Houve tendência do grupo com PBE de apresentar maior média de MELD, sem significância estatística (22,2 ± 7,6 versus 17,9 ± 6,7; P = 0,067). Foi observada forte correlação positiva entre neutrófilos do líquido ascítico e contagem sérica de leucócitos (r = 0,501; P = 0,001) e correlação negativa de neutrófilos do líquido ascítico com TAP (r = -0,385; P = 0,011).CONCLUSÃO: Poucas características estão associadas à presença de PBE, em especial a disfunção hepática, o GASA e a leucocitose periférica.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a severe complication that occurs in 8-27% of hospitalized patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites, with high mortality rates. This study aimed to identify the clinical characteristics associated with SBP.DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study, conducted in a public university.METHODS: The study consecutively included individuals with liver cirrhosis and ascites between September 2009 and March 2012. Forty-five patients were included: mean age 53.2 ± 12.3 years, 82.2% male, 73.8% Caucasian, mean Model of End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score of 19.5 ± 7.2, and 33.3% with SBP. The subjects were divided into two groups: SBP and controls.RESULTS: Comparison between individuals with SBP and controls showed that those with SBP had lower mean prothrombin activity time (36.1 ± 16.0% versus 47.1 ± 17.2%; P = 0.044) and lower median serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) (1.2 versus 1.7, P = 0.045). There was a tendency towards higher mean MELD in the SBP group, not significant (22.2 ± 7.6 versus 17.9 ± 6.7; P = 0.067). There was a strong positive correlation between the neutrophil count in ascitic fluid and serum leukocyte count (r = 0.501; P = 0.001) and a negative correlation between the neutrophil count in ascitic fluid with prothrombin activity time (r = -0.385; P = 0.011).CONCLUSION: A few characteristics are associated with the presence of SBP, especially liver dysfunction, SAAG and peripheral leukocytosis.

Introducción: La peritonitis bacteriana espontánea (PBE) es una de las complicaciones infecciosas más frecuentes que afectan a los pacientes con cirrosis y ascitis descompensadas, la cual presenta un alto índice de mortalidad. Objetivo: Identificar los principales agentes causantes de la PBE en un Hospital Universitario entre los años 2008 y 2011. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal de resultados positivos de cultivos de líquido ascítico. Se obtuvieron variables clínicas y de laboratorio de los registros médicos. Resultados: Se incluyeron 47 pacientes de 55,7 ± 15,5 años de edad con cultivos positivos de líquido ascítico, de los cuales 70,2% eran hombres y 53,6% presentaba cirrosis. Todos los pacientes cirróticos presentaron GASA ≥ 1,1 y conteo promedio de neutrófilos en el líquido ascítico de 3.260,8 ± 5.122,9 células. El microbio encontrado más frecuentemente fue el Escherichia coli (25,5%), seguido por el Klebsiella (14,9%), el Enterococcus (8,5%) y el Streptococcus (8,5%). No se observaron diferencias significativas cuando se compararon los pacientes cirróticos con los no cirróticos respecto a la prevalencia del E. coli (19,2% vs. 33,3%; p= 0,270), Klebsiella (19,2% vs. 9,5%; p= 0,436), Enterococcus (7,7% vs. 9,5%; p= 1,000) y Streptococcus (15,4% vs. 0,0%; p= 0,117). La presencia de infección causada por dos o más microbios es más común entre las personas sin cirrosis (11,5% vs. 38,1%; p= 0,047). Conclusión: El perfil microbiológico de los cultivos de líquido ascítico de este hospital es similar al de otros estudios relacionados con el PBE, con prevalencia de bacterias Gram negativas.

Introduction: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), one of the most frequent infectious complications experienced by patients with decompensated cirrhosis and ascites, has a high mortality rate. Objective: Our objective was to identify the main agents causing SBP at a University Hospital between 2008 and 2011. Methods: A cross-sectional study of positive results from ascitic fluid cultures was carried out. Clinical and laboratory variables were extracted from the medical records. Results: 47 patients with positive ascitic fluid cultures were included. Average age was 55.7 years ± 15.5 years, 70.2% were men, and 53.6% of patients presented cirrhosis. All cirrhotic patients presented GASA ≥ 1.1 and mean neutrophil count in the ascitic fluid of 3,260.8 ± 5,122.9 cells. The most frequent germs found were Escherichia coli (25.5%), Klebsiella (14.9%), Enterococcus (8.5%) and Streptococcus (8.5%). No significant differences were observed between cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients regarding the prevalence of E.coli (19.2% vs. 33.3%; P=0.270), Klebsiella (19.2% vs. 9.5%; P=0,436), Enterococcus (7.7% vs. 9.5%; P=1.000) or Streptococcus (15.4% vs. 0.0%; P=0.117). The presence of infection by two or more germs was more common among individuals without cirrhosis (11.5% vs. 38.1%; P=0.047). Conclusion: The microbiological profile of ascitic fluid cultures showed a prevalence of gram-negative bacteria similar to other studies related to spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

IntroductionAutoantibodies are often produced during infection with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV), but it remains controversial whether they influence the biochemical profile and histological features of this disease. Therefore, this current study sought to describe these autoantibodies and evaluate their impact on the clinical and histological presentation of hepatitis C.MethodsThis cross-sectional analytical study assessed patients with HCV (RNA+) from October 2011 to July 2012.ResultsThis study included 66 patients, with a mean age of 53.2±10.5 years. Of these patients, 60.6% were male, and 54.3% presented with genotype 1. Non-organ-specific autoantibodies (NOSA) were detected in 24% of the patients; of these, 7.6% were anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMA+), 26.7% were anti-smooth muscle antibodies (SMA+) and 6.8% were liver kidney microsomal type 1 antibodies (LKM1+). With respect to the thyroid autoantibodies, 7.4% were anti-peroxidase (ATPO+) antibodies, and none were anti-thyroglobulin (ATG+) antibodies. Regarding celiac disease autoantibodies, 5.8% were endomysial antibodies (EMA+), and no transglutaminase (TTG+) antibodies were detected. Cryoglobulins were found in 2.1% of patients. When NOSA+ individuals were compared to patients without the presence of NOSAs, they exhibited higher median alkaline phosphatase (0.7 vs. 0.6 xULN; p=0.041), lower median platelet counts (141,500.0 vs. 180,500.0/mm3; p=0.036), lower mean prothrombin activity (72.6±11.5% vs. 82.2±16.0%; p=0.012) and an increased prevalence of significant fibrosis (E≥2) (45.5% vs. 18.2%; p=0.012). There was also a tendency for a greater proportion of NOSA+ cases to have marked periportal activity (APP≥3) (44.5% vs. 15.6%; p=0.087).ConclusionsIn addition to the high prevalence of autoantibodies associated with HCV infection, it was observed that NOSA positivity was associated with a more severe histological and biochemical profile of hepatitis C infection.

INTRODUÇÃO: Testes sorológicos positivos para os vírus de hepatites B e C nos bancos de sangue são importante causa de descarte de bolsas de sangue. Além disso, estima-se um alto risco residual de transfundir sangue contaminado com vírus de hepatite no sul do Brasil. Este estudo objetiva identificar fatores de risco para sorologias positivas para hepatites virais (HV) em doadores de sangue (DS). MÉTODOS: Estudo caso-controle que incluiu, consecutivamente, DS com sorologias positivas para HV entre 2008 e 2009. Casos e controles (DS com sorologias negativas para HV) foram pareados 1:1 de acordo com gênero e data da doação. RESULTADOS: Entre 1.282 doadores de sangue incluídos (641 casos e 641 controles), aqueles positivos para HV, quando comparados aos controles, apresentaram maior média de idade (p<0,001), maior proporção de doações direcionadas (p<0,001), primeira doação (p<0,001) e recusa pelo entrevistador (p=0,037). Outrossim, doadores positivos eram, com menos frequência, doadores regulares de sangue (p<0,001), apresentavam menos história prévia de rejeição na doação (p=0,003) e evidenciaram menor mediana de hematócrito (p=0,019). Análise multivariada demonstrou que idade (OR=1,056; IC95% 1,042-1,069; p<0,001), doação direcionada (OR=1,545; IC95% 1,171-2,038; p=0,002) e primeira doação (OR=9,931; IC95% 7,486-13,173; p<0,001) foram independentemente associadas a testes positivos para HV. CONCLUSÕES: Características específicas de DS foram associadas com sorologias positivas para HV. Estas peculiaridades devem ser levadas em consideração na avaliação de candidatos a doação de sangue.

INTRODUCTION: Positive serological tests for hepatitis viruses B and C at blood banks are an important reason for blood deferral. Additionally, high residual risk for transfusing hepatitis-contaminated blood has been estimated in southern Brazil. This study aimed to identify risk factors for positive serological tests for viral hepatitis (VH) in blood donors (BD). METHODS: A case-control study included consecutive BD with positive serology for VH, between 2008 and 2009. Cases and controls (BD with negative serology for VH) were paired 1:1 by sex and donation date. Assessment of clinical and epidemiological characteristics related to viral hepatitis was conducted. RESULTS: Among 1,282 blood donors (641 cases and 641 controls), those with positive serology for viral hepatitis had higher mean age (p<0.001); higher proportion of replacement donation (p<0.001); first donation (p<0.001); and interviewer deferment (p=0.037), compared to controls. Furthermore, donors with positive tests were less regular donors (p<0.001), had less previous history of rejection (p=0.003) and showed lower hematocrit median before donation (p=0.019). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that age (OR=1.056, 95%CI 1.042-1.069, p<0.001), replacement donation (OR=1.545, 95%CI 1.171-2.038, p=0.002) and first donation (OR=9.931, 95%CI 7.486-13.173, p<0.001) were independently associated with positivity of serological tests for viral hepatitis. CONCLUSIONS: Specific characteristics of blood donors were associated with positive serology for viral hepatitis. These peculiarities should be taken into account when assessing candidates for blood donation.

A hepatite C é uma das principais causas de doença hepática crônica em todo o mundo. Existe grande variação na prevalência da infecção pelo vírus da hepatite C (HCV) de acordo com a região geográfica estudada, refletindo não só características epidemiológicas distintas entre as populações, mas diferenças nas metodologias utilizadas para a realização das estimativas. Apesar dos dados escassos, estimativas indicam que o Brasil é um país com prevalência intermediária, variando entre 1% e 2%. Os principais fatores de risco para a infecção pelo HCV são a transfusão de hemoderivados de doadores não rastreados com anti-HCV, uso de drogas intravenosas, transplante de órgãos, hemodiálise, transmissão vertical, exposição sexual e ocupacional. Pela ausência de vacina ou profilaxia pós-exposição eficaz, o foco principal da prevenção está no reconhecimento e controle desses fatores de risco. Neste artigo será feita uma revisão da literatura com enfoque na prevalência da hepatite C, especialmente no Brasil. Além disso, serão discutidos aspectos relacionados à distribuição da infecção pelo HCV de acordo com as faixas etárias e também os principais fatores de risco para a hepatite C.

Hepatitis C is a major cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. There is a significant variation in the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection according to the geographic region studied. These discrepancies reflect not only distinct epidemiological characteristics among the populations, but also differences in the methodologies used for the estimates. Despite scarce data, estimates indicate that Brazil is a country with an intermediate prevalence of HCV infection, ranging from 1% to 2%. The most important risk factors for HCV acquisition include injection drug use, blood product transfusion, organ transplantation, hemodialysis, occupational injury, sexual transmission and vertical transmission. Because there is no vaccine and no post-exposure prophylaxis for HCV, the focus of primary prevention efforts should be identification and removal of the risk factors. In this article we review literature regarding the prevalence of HCV infection, particularly in Brazil. In addition, we discuss the pattern of HCV infection according to the age groups and risk factors for HCV acquisition.