ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether classifying hypoechogenicity in three degrees (mild, moderate, and marked) could improve the distinction between benign and malignant nodules and whether such an approach could influence Category 4 of the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS). Materials and methods: In total, 2,574 nodules submitted to fine needle aspiration, classified by the Bethesda System, were retrospectively assessed. Further, a subanalysis considering solid nodules without any additional suspicious findings (n = 565) was performed with the purpose of evaluating mainly TI-RADS 4 nodules. Results: Mild hypoechogenicity was significantly less related to malignancy (odds ratio [OR]: 1.409; CI: 1.086-1.829; p = 0.01), compared to moderate (OR: 4.775; CI: 3.700-6.163; p < 0.001) and marked hypoechogenicity (OR: 8.540; CI: 6.355-11.445; p < 0.001). In addition, mild hypoechogenicity (20.7%) and iso-hyperechogenicity (20.5%) presented a similar rate in the malignant sample. Regarding the subanalysis, no significant association was found between mildly hypoechoic solid nodules and cancer. Conclusion: Stratifying hypoechogenicity into three degrees influences the confidence in the assessment of the rate of malignancy, indicating that mild hypoechogenicity has a unique low-risk biological behavior that resembles iso-hyperechogenicity, but with minor malignant potential when compared to moderate and marked hypoechogenicity, with special influence on the TI-RADS 4 category.

Abstract Objective We compared thyroid volume (TV) and presence of nodular goiter (NG) in pregnant vs. non-pregnant women in an iodine-sufficient area. We also evaluated the relationship between gestational age, parity, and TV in the pregnant women group, and determined the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles of normal TV in pregnancy. Methods This cross-sectional study included 299 healthy women (216 pregnant) without previous thyroid diseases. Thyroid ultrasounds were performed and compared between pregnant and non-pregnant women. The range of normal distribution of TV (2.5th and 97.5th percentiles) in pregnancy was determined after excluding individuals with positive thyroid antibodies, NG, and/or abnormal serum thyrotropin (TSH) or free thyroxine (FT4). Results Thyroid volume was larger among pregnant compared to non-pregnant women (8.6 vs 6.1 cm3; p< 0.001) and was positively correlated with gestational age (rs = 0.221; p= 0.001), body mass index (BMI, rs 0.165; p= 0.002), and FT4 levels (rs 0.118 p= 0.021). Nodular goiter frequency did not differ between the two groups. There was a negative correlation between TV and TSH (rs -0.13; p= 0.014). Thyroid volume was lower among primiparous compared to multiparous patients (7.8 vs 8.9; p< 0.001) and was positively correlated with parity (rs 0.161; p= 0.016). The 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles of TV were 4.23 and 16.47 cm3, respectively. Conclusion Thyroid volume was higher in pregnant compared to non-pregnant women and was positively related to parity, BMI, and gestational age in a normal iodine status population. Pregnancy did not interfere with the development of NG.

Resumo Objetivo Comparamos o volume tireoidiano (VT) e a presença de bócio nodular (BN) em mulheres grávidas e não grávidas em uma área suficiente em iodo. Também avaliamos a relação entre idade gestacional, paridade e VT no grupo de gestantes e determinamos os percentis 2,5 e 97,5 de VT normal na gestação. Métodos Este estudo transversal incluiu 299 mulheres saudáveis (216 grávidas) sem doenças tireoidianas prévias. Ultrassonografias de tireoide foram realizadas e comparadas entre mulheres grávidas e não grávidas. A faixa de distribuição normal de VT (percentis 2,5 e 97,5) na gestação foi determinada após a exclusão de indivíduos com anticorpos tireoidianos positivos, BN e/ou tireotropina sérica (TSH) ou tiroxina livre (T4L) anormais. Resultados O VT foi maior entre as gestantes em comparação com as mulheres não grávidas (8,6 vs 6,1 cm3; p< 0,001) e foi positivamente correlacionado com a idade gestacional (rs = 0,221; p= 0,001), índice de massa corporal (IMC, rs 0,165; p= 0,002) e níveis de T4L (rs 0,118 p= 0,021). A frequência de BN não diferiu entre os dois grupos. Houve correlação negativa entre VT e TSH (rs -0,13; p= 0,014). O VT foi menor entre as primíparas em comparação com as multíparas (7,8 vs 8,9; p< 0,001) e foi positivamente correlacionado com a paridade (rs 0,161; p= 0,016). Os percentis 2,5 e 97,5 de VT foram 4,23 e 16,47 cm3, respectivamente. Conclusão O VT foi maior em gestantes em comparação com mulheres não grávidas e foi positivamente relacionado à paridade, IMC e idade gestacional em uma população com status iódico normal. A gravidez não interferiu no desenvolvimento de BN.

Key points Pregnancy places a metabolic overload on the maternal thyroid, especially in the first trimester, mainly because of the demand imposed by the conceptus. The fetal thyroid becomes functionally mature only around pregnancy week 20. Until then, the fetus depends on the transfer of maternal thyroid hormones (THs). Thyroid hormones are essential for the adequate fetal neurofunctional and cognitive development. Hypothyroidism brings higher risks of obstetric and fetal complications, namely, first-trimester miscarriage, preeclampsia and gestational hypertension, placental abruption, prematurity, low birth weight, and higher perinatal morbidity and mortality. Primary hypothyroidism (involvement of the gland with difficulty in producing and/or releasing TH) is the most common form of disease presentation, with the main etiology of Hashimoto's thyroiditis of autoimmune origin. In about 85%-90% of cases of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, antithyroid antibodies are present; the antithyroperoxidase (ATPO) is the most frequent. Positivity for ATPO is determined when circulating values exceed the upper limit of the laboratory reference. It implies greater risks of adverse maternal-fetal outcomes. Such a correlation occurs even in ranges of maternal euthyroidism. The critical point for the diagnosis of hypothyroidism during pregnancy is an elevation of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). The measurement of free thyroxine (FT4) differentiates between subclinical and overt hypothyroidism. In subclinical hypothyroidism, FT4 is within the normal range, whereas in overt hypothyroidism, FT4 values are below the lower limit of the laboratory reference. Treatment of hypothyroidism is performed with levothyroxine (LT4) replacement with the aim of achieving adequate TSH levels for pregnancy. Some women have a previous diagnosis of hypothyroidism, and may or may not be compensated at the beginning of pregnancy. Even in compensated cases, the increase in LT4 dose is necessary as soon as possible. In the postpartum period, adjustment of the LT4 dose depends on the condition of previous disease, on the positivity for ATPO, and also on the value of LT4 in use at the end of pregnancy. Recommendations In places with full technical and financial conditions, TSH testing should be performed for all pregnant women (universal screening) as early as possible, ideally at the beginning of the first trimester or even in preconception planning. In places with less access to laboratory tests, screening is reserved for cases with greater risk factors for decompensation, namely: previous thyroidectomy or radioiodine therapy, type 1 diabetes mellitus or other autoimmune diseases, presence of goiter, previous history of hypo or hyperthyroidism or previous ATPO positivity. The TSH dosage should be repeated throughout pregnancy only in these cases. The diagnosis of hypothyroidism is made from the TSH value > 4.0 mIU/L. Pregnant women with previous hypothyroidism, overt hypothyroidism diagnosed during pregnancy or those with the above-mentioned higher risk factors for decompensation should be referred for risk antenatal care, preferably in conjunction with the endocrinologist. Overt hypothyroidism in pregnancy is identified when TSH > 10 mIU/L, and treatment with LT4 is readily recommended at an initial dose of 2 mcg/kg/day. TSH values > 4.0 mUI/L and ≤ 10.0 mUI/L require FT4 measurement with two diagnostic possibilities: overt hypothyroidism when FT4 levels are below the lower limit of the laboratory reference, or subclinical hypothyroidism when FT4 levels are normal. The treatment for subclinical hypothyroidism is LT4 at an initial dose of 1 mcg/kg/day, and the dose should be doubled upon diagnosis of overt hypothyroidism. In cases of TSH > 2.5 and ≤ 4.0 mIU/L, if there are complete conditions, ATPO should be measured. If positive (above the upper limit of normal), treatment with LT4 at a dose of 50 mcg/day is indicated. If conditions are not complete, the repetition of the TSH dosage should be done only for cases at higher risk. In these cases, treatment with LT4 will be established when TSH > 4.0 mIU/L at a dose of 1 mcg/kg/day; if needed, the dose can be adjusted after FT4 evaluation. Women with previous hypothyroidism should have their LT4 dose adjusted to achieve TSH < 2.5 mIU/L at preconception. As soon as they become pregnant, they need a 30% increase in LT4 as early as possible. In practice, they should double the usual dose on two days a week. Levothyroxine should be given 30-60 minutes before breakfast or three hours or more after the last meal. Concomitant intake with ferrous sulfate, calcium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide and sucralfate should be avoided. The target of LT4 therapy during pregnancy is to achieve a TSH value < 2.5 mIU/L. Once the therapy is started, monthly control must be performed until the mentioned goal is reached. In the postpartum period, women with previous disease should resume the preconception dose. Cases diagnosed during pregnancy in use of LT4 ≤ 50 mcg/day may have the medication suspended. The others should reduce the current dose by 25% to 50% and repeat the TSH measurement in six weeks. Cases of ATPO positivity are at higher risk of developing postpartum thyroiditis and de-escalation of LT4 should be performed as explained.

Resumo Os objetivos do estudo foram desenvolver a versão em português da Attention to Body Shape Scale (ABS); estimar as propriedades psicométricas da ABS para dados brasileiros; comparar os escores da ABS entre os sexos e diferentes características amostrais. A versão em português foi desenvolvida seguindo protocolo padronizado. As validades fatorial e convergente foram avaliadas por índices de ajustamento e variância extraída média. A confiabilidade composta e o coeficiente alfa ordinal foram calculados. A invariância do modelo ajustado foi investigada em subamostras independentes por análise multigrupos. Os escores médios da ABS foram comparados entre as variáveis usando ANOVA two-way. Participaram 1.056 indivíduos (71% mulheres) com média de idade de 26,1 (DP=6,4) anos. O item 3 foi excluído da escala devido ao baixo peso fatorial. O modelo refinado apresentou boas propriedades psicométricas aos dados. Diferentes características contribuíram para a maior atenção com a forma corporal. A versão em português da ABS será útil para investigar a atenção com a forma corporal no Brasil. A validade e a confiabilidade dos dados sustentaram a adequação do modelo refinado. Características específicas foram relevantes para investigar a atenção com a forma corporal, portanto, serão úteis para futuros protocolos.

Abstract The objectives of the study were to develop a Portuguese version of Attention to Body Shape Scale (ABS), estimate the psychometric properties of the ABS for Brazilian data, and compare the ABS scores between the sexes and the different sample characteristics. The Portuguese version was developed following a standardized protocol. The factorial and convergent validity were evaluated using goodness-of-fit parameters and average variance extracted. Composite reliability and ordinal coefficient alpha were calculated. The invariance of the fitted model was investigated across independent subsamples using multigroup analysis. The scores were compared between variables using two-way ANOVA. A total of 1,056 individuals (71% female) with a mean age of 26.1 (SD=6.4) years participated in the study. Item 3 was removed due to low factor loading. The refined model presented good psychometric properties for the data. Different characteristics contributed to greater attention to body shape. The Portuguese version of the ABS will be useful to investigate attention to body shape in Brazil. The validity and reliability of the data supported the adequacy of the refined model. Specific characteristics influenced attention to body shape, and therefore, should be considered in future protocols.

Resumo Os objetivos do estudo foram desenvolver a versão em português da Attention to Body Shape Scale (ABS); estimar as propriedades psicométricas da ABS para dados brasileiros; comparar os escores da ABS entre os sexos e diferentes características amostrais. A versão em português foi desenvolvida seguindo protocolo padronizado. As validades fatorial e convergente foram avaliadas por índices de ajustamento e variância extraída média. A confiabilidade composta e o coeficiente alfa ordinal foram calculados. A invariância do modelo ajustado foi investigada em subamostras independentes por análise multigrupos. Os escores médios da ABS foram comparados entre as variáveis usando ANOVA two-way. Participaram 1.056 indivíduos (71% mulheres) com média de idade de 26,1 (DP=6,4) anos. O item 3 foi excluído da escala devido ao baixo peso fatorial. O modelo refinado apresentou boas propriedades psicométricas aos dados. Diferentes características contribuíram para a maior atenção com a forma corporal. A versão em português da ABS será útil para investigar a atenção com a forma corporal no Brasil. A validade e a confiabilidade dos dados sustentaram a adequação do modelo refinado. Características específicas foram relevantes para investigar a atenção com a forma corporal, portanto, serão úteis para futuros protocolos.

Abstract The objectives of the study were to develop a Portuguese version of Attention to Body Shape Scale (ABS), estimate the psychometric properties of the ABS for Brazilian data, and compare the ABS scores between the sexes and the different sample characteristics. The Portuguese version was developed following a standardized protocol. The factorial and convergent validity were evaluated using goodness-of-fit parameters and average variance extracted. Composite reliability and ordinal coefficient alpha were calculated. The invariance of the fitted model was investigated across independent subsamples using multigroup analysis. The scores were compared between variables using two-way ANOVA. A total of 1,056 individuals (71% female) with a mean age of 26.1 (SD=6.4) years participated in the study. Item 3 was removed due to low factor loading. The refined model presented good psychometric properties for the data. Different characteristics contributed to greater attention to body shape. The Portuguese version of the ABS will be useful to investigate attention to body shape in Brazil. The validity and reliability of the data supported the adequacy of the refined model. Specific characteristics influenced attention to body shape, and therefore, should be considered in future protocols.

ABSTRACT Background. Due to the different factorial models available for the Social Physique Anxiety Scale (SPAS), a psychometric study is needed to identify the most appropriate structure of the scale for a Brazilian sample. Objectives: to estimate the psychometric properties of the SPAS when applied to a sample of Brazilian adults and to explore a factorial model for the instrument. Methods. First, the original SPAS single-factor model was assessed for the total sample through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The total sample was randomly divided into two groups. Exploratory factor analysis was carried out in one of the subsamples to identify underlying factors. The new structure was submitted to CFA using the other subsample. Estimates of convergent validity, discriminant validity, and reliability were also calculated. Results: 979 adults with a mean age of 26.09 (SD = 6.37) years participated in the study, 70.5% of whom were women. A two-factor model was found in the exploratory analysis with adequate validity indexes and good reliability. Discussion/Conclusion: A two-factor model of the SPAS presented good indicators of validity and reliability for young Brazilian adults.

ABSTRACT This position statement was prepared to guide endocrinologists on the best approach to managing thyroid disorders during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The most frequent thyroid hormonal findings in patients with COVID-19, particularly in individuals with severe disease, are similar to those present in the non-thyroidal illness syndrome and require no intervention. Subacute thyroiditis has also been reported during COVID-19 infection. Diagnosis and treatment of hypothyroidism during the COVID-19 pandemic may follow usual practice; however, should avoid frequent laboratory tests in patients with previous controlled disease. Well-controlled hypo and hyperthyroidism are not associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 infection or severity. Newly diagnosed hyperthyroidism during the pandemic should be preferably treated with antithyroid drugs (ATDs), bearing in mind the possibility of rare side effects with these medications, particularly agranulocytosis, which requires immediate intervention. Definitive treatment of hyperthyroidism (radioiodine therapy or surgery) may be considered in those cases that protective protocols can be followed to avoid COVID-19 contamination or once the pandemic is over. In patients with moderate Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO) not at risk of visual loss, glucocorticoids at immunosuppressive doses should be avoided, while in those with severe GO without COVID-19 and at risk of vision loss, intravenous glucocorticoid is the therapeutic choice. Considering that most of the thyroid cancer cases are low risk and associated with an excellent prognosis, surgical procedures could and should be postponed safely during the pandemic period. Additionally, when indicated, radioiodine therapy could also be safely postponed as long as it is possible.

ABSTRACT Objective Maternal hypothyroidism during pregnancy may lead to adverse outcomes. Recently published guidelines by the American Thyroid Association (ATA) do not advocate for universal screening but recommend a case-finding approach in high-risk pregnant women. The present study aims to evaluate the accuracy of this approach in identifying women with thyroid dysfunction during early pregnancy. Subjects and methods This is a multiple-center, cross-sectional study. Three hundred and one pregnant women were enrolled. Anamnesis and a physical examination were performed to detect which women fulfilled the criteria to undergo laboratory screening of thyroid dysfunction, according to the ATA’s 2017 guidelines. The Zulewski’s validated clinical score was applied to assess signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism. Serum levels of thyrotropin (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), anti-thyroperoxidase (TPO-Ab), and anti-thyroglobulin (Tg-Ab) antibodies were determined. Results Two hundred and thirty one women (78%) were classified as high risk, and 65 (22%) were classified as low risk for thyroid dysfunction. Regarding the clinical score, 75 patients (31.2%) presented mild symptoms that were compatible with SCH, of which 22 (7.4%) had symptoms as the only risk factor for thyroid disease. 17 patients (5.7%) had SCH, of which 10 (58.8%) belonged to the high-risk group, and 7 (41.2%) belonged to the low-risk group. OH was found in 4 patients (1.4%): 3 (75%) in the high-risk group and 1 (25%) in the low-risk group. Conclusions The ATA’s proposed screening criteria were not accurate in the diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy. Testing only the high-risk pregnant women would miss approximately 40% of all hypothyroid patients.

ABSTRACT Objective: Life expectancy is increasing worldwide and studies have been demonstrating that elevated serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration in elderly is associated with some better health outcomes. This elevation is somewhat physiological as aging. The aim of this study was to investigate the heart rate (HR) response during a graded exercise test and its recovery in healthy elderly, comparing subjects within serum TSH in the lower limit of reference range to those within the TSH in the upper limit. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 86 healthy elderly aged 71.5 ± 5.1 years, with serum TSH between 0.4 – 4.0 mUl/mL. The participants were divided into two groups according to TSH level: < 1.0 mUl/mL (n = 13) and ≥ 1.0 µUI/mL (n = 73). All participants performed an ergometric test on a treadmill. The HR was recorded and analyzed at rest, during exercise and during the three minutes immediately after exercise. Results: No differences were observed in relation to HR at peak of exercise (TSH < 1.0 µUI/mL: 133.9 ± 22.5 bpm vs. TSH ≥ 1.0 µUI/mL: 132.4 ± 21.3 bpm; p = 0.70) and during the first minute of recovery phase (TSH < 1.0 µUI/mL: 122.3 ± 23.1 bpm vs. TSH ≥ 1.0 µUI/mL: 115.7 ± 18.4 bpm p = 0.33). The groups also presented similar chronotropic index (TSH < 1.0 µUI/mL: 78.1 ± 30.6 vs. TSH ≥ 1.0 µUI/mL: 79.5 ± 26.4; p = 0.74). Conclusion: In this sample studied, there were no difference between lower and upper TSH level concerning HR response during rest, peak of exercise and exercise recovery.

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim was to evaluate the quality of life (HRQoL) in women with subclinical hypothyroidism (sHT) after 16 weeks of endurance training. Subjects and methods: In the first phase, a cross-sectional study was conducted in which 22 women with sHT (median age: 41.5 (interquartile range: 175) years, body mass index: 26.2 (8.7) kg/m2, thyroid stimulating hormone > 4.94 mIU/L and free thyroxine between 0.8 and 1.3 ng/dL were compared to a group of 33 euthyroid women concerned to HRQoL. In the second phase, a randomized clinical trial was conducted where only women with sHT were randomly divided into two groups: sHT-Tr (n = 10) - participants that performed an exercise program - and sHT-Sed (n = 10) - controls. Exercise training consisted of 60 minutes of aerobic activities (bike and treadmill), three times a week, for 16 weeks. The HRQoL was assessed by the SF-36 questionnaire in the early and at the end of four months. Results: Women with sHT had lower scores on functional capacity domain in relation to the euthyroid ones (770 ± 23.0 vs. 88.8 ± 14.6; p = 0.020). The sHT-Tr group improved functional capacity, general health, emotional aspects, mental and physical component of HRQoL after training period, while the sHT-Sed group showed no significant changes. Conclusion: After 16 weeks of aerobic exercise training, there were remarkable improvements in HRQoL in women with sHT.

ABSTRACT Objectives: American Thyroid Association (ATA)'s new guidelines recommend use of population-based trimester-specific reference range (RR) for thyrotropin (TSH) in pregnancy. The aim of this study was to determine first trimester TSH RR for a population of pregnant women in Rio de Janeiro State. Subjects and methods: Two hundred and seventy pregnant women without thyroid illness, defined by National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry, and normal iodine status were included in this sectional study. This reference group (RG) had normal median urinary iodine concentration (UIC = 219 μg/L) and negative anti-thyroperoxidase antibodies (TPOAb). Twin pregnancy, trophoblastic disease and use of drugs or supplements that influence thyroid function were excluded. In a second step, we defined a more selective reference group (SRG, n = 170) by excluding patients with thyroiditis pattern on thyroid ultrasound and positive anti-thyroglobulin antibodies. This group also had normal median UIC. At a final step, a more selective reference group (MSRG, n = 130) was defined by excluding any pregnant women with UIC < 150 μg/L. Results: In the RG, median, 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles of TSH were 1.3, 0.1, and 4.4 mIU/L, respectively. The mean age was 270 ± 5.0 and the mean body mass index was 25.6 ± 5.2 kg/m2. In the SRG and MSRG, 2.5th and 975th percentiles were 0.06 and 4.0 (SRG) and 0.1 and 3.6 mIU/L (MSRG), respectively. Conclusions: In the population studied,TSH upper limit in the first trimester of pregnancy was above 2.5 mIU/L. The value of 3.6 mIU/L, found when iodine deficiency and thyroiditis (defined by antibodies and ultrasound characteristics) were excluded, matches recent ATA guidelines.

RESUMO Objetivo Identificar o perfil dos estudos publicados em cuidados paliativos em oncologia e analisar seu nível de evidência. Método Revisão de escopo. Critérios de inclusão: publicação nos últimos 5 anos, em inglês, português ou espanhol. Critérios de exclusão: artigos incompletos, pagos, sem resultados. Resultados A busca resultou em 42.650 publicações; após quatro etapas de seleção, restaram 341. O maior número de publicações foi em 2015, 32,55% do total; 83% foram classificadas com Grau de Recomendação B, sendo 52% com Nível de Evidência 2B. A produção uniprofissional foi mais frequente, com 67,74% das publicações; os médicos foram autores em 93,26%, e os enfermeiros em 25,22% do total de artigos. Conclusão Existe uma grande quantidade de artigos sobre a temática, porém com baixa evidência científica. A maioria da produção é uniprofissional, e os enfermeiros são os principais autores de publicações multiprofissionais. Construiu-se um breve cenário da publicação científica sobre cuidados paliativos em oncologia e recomenda-se a integração entre as profissões para produção de estudos multiprofissionais com melhor qualidade de evidência científica que direcionem e aprimorem a assistência.

ABSTRACT Objective To identify the profile of studies published on palliative care in oncology and to analyze their levels of evidence. Method A scoping review. Inclusion criteria published in the last 5 years, in English, Portuguese or Spanish. Exclusion criteria incomplete articles, paid for, or those without results. Results The search resulted in 42,650 publications, where 341 remained after four selection steps. The largest number of publications was in 2015, with 32.55% of the total; 83% were classified as Recommendation Grade B, and 52% with Level of Evidence 2B. Uniprofessional production was more frequent with 67.74% of the publications; physicians were the authors in 93.26%, and nurses in 25.22% of the total articles. Conclusion There are several articles on the subject, however they have low scientific evidence. Most of the production is uniprofessional, and nurses are the main authors of multiprofessional publications. A brief overview of the scientific publication on palliative care in oncology was performed, from which we can recommend integration among professionals for producing multiprofessional studies with better quality of scientific evidence to direct and improve healthcare.

RESUMEN Objetivo Identificar el perfil de los estudios publicados en cuidados paliativos en oncología y analizar su nivel de evidencia. Método Revisión de blanco. Criterios de inclusión: publicación en los últimos cinco años, en inglés, portugués o español. Criterios de exclusión: artículos incompletos, pagados, sin resultados. Resultados La búsqueda resultó en 42.650 publicaciones; luego de cuatro etapas de selección, restaron 341. El mayor número de publicaciones fue en 2015, el 32,55% del total; el 83% fueron clasificadas con Grado de Recomendación B, siendo el 52% con Nivel de Evidencia 2B. La producción uniprofesional fue más frecuente, con el 67,74% de las publicaciones; los médicos fueron autores en el 93,26%, y los enfermeros en el 25,22% del total de artículos. Conclusión Existe una gran cantidad de artículos sobre la temática; sin embargo, con baja evidencia científica. La mayoría de la producción es uniprofesional, y los enfermeros son los principales autores de publicaciones multiprofesionales. Se construyó un breve escenario de la publicación científica acerca de los cuidados paliativos en oncología y se recomienda la integración entre las profesiones para la producción de estudios multiprofesionales con mejor calidad de evidencia científica que dirijan y perfeccionen la asistencia.

ABSTRACT Objective To identify the profile of studies published on palliative care in oncology and to analyze their levels of evidence. Method A scoping review. Inclusion criteria published in the last 5 years, in English, Portuguese or Spanish. Exclusion criteria incomplete articles, paid for, or those without results. Results The search resulted in 42,650 publications, where 341 remained after four selection steps. The largest number of publications was in 2015, with 32.55% of the total; 83% were classified as Recommendation Grade B, and 52% with Level of Evidence 2B. Uniprofessional production was more frequent with 67.74% of the publications; physicians were the authors in 93.26%, and nurses in 25.22% of the total articles. Conclusion There are several articles on the subject, however they have low scientific evidence. Most of the production is uniprofessional, and nurses are the main authors of multiprofessional publications. A brief overview of the scientific publication on palliative care in oncology was performed, from which we can recommend integration among professionals for producing multiprofessional studies with better quality of scientific evidence to direct and improve healthcare.

RESUMEN Objetivo Identificar el perfil de los estudios publicados en cuidados paliativos en oncología y analizar su nivel de evidencia. Método Revisión de blanco. Criterios de inclusión: publicación en los últimos cinco años, en inglés, portugués o español. Criterios de exclusión: artículos incompletos, pagados, sin resultados. Resultados La búsqueda resultó en 42.650 publicaciones; luego de cuatro etapas de selección, restaron 341. El mayor número de publicaciones fue en 2015, el 32,55% del total; el 83% fueron clasificadas con Grado de Recomendación B, siendo el 52% con Nivel de Evidencia 2B. La producción uniprofesional fue más frecuente, con el 67,74% de las publicaciones; los médicos fueron autores en el 93,26%, y los enfermeros en el 25,22% del total de artículos. Conclusión Existe una gran cantidad de artículos sobre la temática; sin embargo, con baja evidencia científica. La mayoría de la producción es uniprofesional, y los enfermeros son los principales autores de publicaciones multiprofesionales. Se construyó un breve escenario de la publicación científica acerca de los cuidados paliativos en oncología y se recomienda la integración entre las profesiones para la producción de estudios multiprofesionales con mejor calidad de evidencia científica que dirijan y perfeccionen la asistencia.

RESUMO Objetivo Identificar o perfil dos estudos publicados em cuidados paliativos em oncologia e analisar seu nível de evidência. Método Revisão de escopo. Critérios de inclusão: publicação nos últimos 5 anos, em inglês, português ou espanhol. Critérios de exclusão: artigos incompletos, pagos, sem resultados. Resultados A busca resultou em 42.650 publicações; após quatro etapas de seleção, restaram 341. O maior número de publicações foi em 2015, 32,55% do total; 83% foram classificadas com Grau de Recomendação B, sendo 52% com Nível de Evidência 2B. A produção uniprofissional foi mais frequente, com 67,74% das publicações; os médicos foram autores em 93,26%, e os enfermeiros em 25,22% do total de artigos. Conclusão Existe uma grande quantidade de artigos sobre a temática, porém com baixa evidência científica. A maioria da produção é uniprofissional, e os enfermeiros são os principais autores de publicações multiprofissionais. Construiu-se um breve cenário da publicação científica sobre cuidados paliativos em oncologia e recomenda-se a integração entre as profissões para produção de estudos multiprofissionais com melhor qualidade de evidência científica que direcionem e aprimorem a assistência.

ABSTRACT Objective The aim of this study was to describe the ultrasound features of benign and malignant thyroid nodules and evaluate the likelihood of malignancy associated with each feature according to the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology and histopathology. With this analysis, we propose a new TI-RADS classification system. Materials and methods The likelihood of malignancy from ultrasound features were assessed in 1413 thyroid nodules according to the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology and histopathological findings. A score was established by attributing different weights to each ultrasound feature evaluated. Results Features positively associated with malignancy in bivariate analysis received a score weight of +1. We attributed a weight of +2 to features which were independently associated with malignancy in a multivariate analysis and +3 for those associated with the highest odds ratio for malignancy (> 10.0). Hence, hypoechogenicity (graded as mild, moderate or marked, according to a comparison with the overlying strap muscle), microcalcification and irregular/microlobulated margin received the highest weights in our scoring system. Features that were negatively associated with malignancy received weights of -2 or -1. In the proposed system a cutoff score of 2 (sensitivity 97.4% and specificity 51.6%) was adopted as a transition between probably benign (TI-RADS 3) and TI-RADS 4a nodules. Overall, the frequency of malignancy in thyroid nodules according to the categories was 1.0% for TI-RADS 3, 7.8% for TI-RADS 4a, 35.3% for TI-RADS 4b, and 84.7% for TI-RADS 5. Conclusion A newly proposed TI-RADS classification adequately assessed the likelihood of malignancy in thyroid nodules.

RESUMO A enzima ácido glutâmico descarboxilase (GAD), presente nos neurônios GABAérgicos e células beta do pâncreas, catalisa a conversão do ácido gama-aminobutírico (GABA). O cerebelo é altamente susceptível a mecanismos imunomediados, sendo a ataxia cerebelar associada ao anticorpo anti-GAD (CA-GAD) uma doença potencialmente tratável. Embora rara, sua frequência é crescente, com poucos casos descritos. Métodos Estudo retrospectivo e descritivo avaliando características clínicas e desfechos da CA-GAD. Resultados Três pacientes com CA-GAD, altos títulos de anti-GAD e doença endócrina autoimune foram identificados. Os pacientes 1 e 2 tinham síndrome da pessoa rígida em forma clássica e apresentação insidiosa da ataxia cerebelar, enquanto o paciente 3 tinha ataxia cerebelar pura e apresentação subaguda. Os pacientes 1 e 3 não melhoraram com imunoglobulina intravenosa e o paciente 2 teve recuperação parcial. Conclusão A CA-GAD é rara e pode ter apresentação clínica desafiadora. Os médicos devem ser capazes de reconhecer essa forma potencialmente tratável de ataxia cerebelar autoimune.

ABSTRACT The enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), present in GABAergic neurons and in pancreatic beta cells, catalyzes the conversion of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The cerebellum is highly susceptible to immune-mediated mechanisms, with the potentially treatable autoimmune cerebellar ataxia associated with the GAD antibody (CA-GAD-ab) being a rare, albeit increasingly detected condition. Few cases of CA-GAD-ab have been described. Methods This retrospective and descriptive study evaluated the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with CA-GAD-ab. Result Three patients with cerebellar ataxia, high GAD-ab titers and autoimmune endocrine disease were identified. Patients 1 and 2 had classic stiff person syndrome and insidious-onset cerebellar ataxia, while Patient 3 had pure cerebellar ataxia with subacute onset. Patients received intravenous immunoglobulin therapy with no response in Patients 1 and 3 and partial recovery in Patient 2. Conclusion CA-GAD-ab is rare and its clinical presentation may hamper diagnosis. Clinicians should be able to recognize this potentially treatable autoimmune cerebellar ataxia.