ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the incidence of malfunction and colonization rates of fully implantable long-term catheters left unflushed during the COVID-19 pandemic; and to evaluate the average cost of transporting each patient to the hospital for flushing. Methods: During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients reduced the number of hospital visits and stopped flushing their catheters periodically with saline solution. After the pandemic stabilized in 2022, patients who completed chemotherapy treatment had their long-term catheters removed. We evaluated the catheters’ function and colonization rates. To evaluate the incidence of malfunctions and the colonization rate of these catheters, we tested the flow and reflux during removal surgery, before removal, and by culturing their tips. These catheters were divided into two groups: a standard group, in which the last flushing occurred before 90 days, and another group, in which the last flushing occurred after 90 days. We analyzed the correlation between the time at which these catheters were closed, the incidence of malfunction, and the colonization rate of these catheters. To avoid confusion due to the reduced sample size, a second analysis was performed between the group of catheters that did not work and those that worked, evaluating the time they were closed and the catheter tip culture. We also analyzed the financial costs for each patient from home to the hospital. Results: Among the 66 patients included in the study, 28 spent >90 days without catheter flushing, and 38 spent <90 days. The incidence of infection occurred in two patients with >90 days of flushing and in three patients with <90 days of flushing. Catheter malfunction occurred in 4 patients in the group with >90 days without flushing and in 5 patients with <90 days of flushing. In the secondary analysis, the group with a functioning catheter (n=52) had a mean time of 152 days, whereas for the group with a non-functioning catheter (n=9), the mean time was 229 days (p=0.51). No differences were statistically significant. No correlation was found between the colonization rate of catheter in the group with a functioning or non-functioning catheter, as the group with a functioning catheter had three cases of positive catheter tip culture and the group with a non-functioning catheter had one case of positive catheter tip culture. The average cost for each patient to travel from home to the hospital was 39.01 reais (approximately 7.50 USD). Conclusion: Among the patients followed up at our hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic, no statistically significant difference was observed in the function and colonization rate of long-term catheters between those who underwent flushing at intervals of <90 days and those with intervals of >90 days. Objective longterm long term COVID19 COVID 19 COVID-1 Methods solution 2022 removed surgery tips groups 9 size worked Results 6 study 2 >9 3 <9 n=52 n52 n 52 (n=52 15 nonfunctioning non n=9, n9 n=9 , (n=9) 22 p=0.51. p051 p p=0.51 . 0 51 (p=0.51) 3901 39 01 39.0 approximately 750 7 50 7.5 USD. USD USD) Conclusion COVID1 1 COVID- 202 > < n=5 n5 (n=5 n= (n=9 p05 p=0.5 (p=0.51 390 39. 75 7. 20 (n= p0 p=0. (p=0.5 (n p=0 (p=0. p= (p=0 (p= (p

Resumo Contexto A doença arterial periférica (DAP) é uma doença com alta morbidade global, afetando mais de 200 milhões de pessoas. Objetivos Neste estudo, analisamos o tratamento cirúrgico para DAP no sistema público de saúde do Brasil no período de 12 anos, com base em dados publicamente disponíveis. Métodos O estudo foi conduzido a partir da análise de dados disponíveis na plataforma do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (DATASUS), do Ministério da Saúde, avaliando a distribuição da técnica cirúrgica utilizada, a mortalidade e o custo ao longo dos anos. Resultados Um total de 129.424 procedimentos foram analisados (para claudicantes e isquemia crítica, em proporção desconhecida). A maiora dos procedimentos foi via endovascular (65,49%), com tendência de aumento nessa desproporção (p < 0,001). Houve 3.306 mortes intra-hospitalares (mortalidade de 2,55%) com menor mortalidade no grupo endovascular (1,2% vs. 5,0%; p = 0,008). O investimento governamental total para esses procedimentos foi de US$ 238.010.096,51, e os procedimentos endovasculares foram significativamente mais caros que a cirurgia aberta convencional (US$ 1.932,27 vs. US$ 1.517,32; p = 0,016). Conclusões No sistema público de saúde brasileiro, as revascularizações de membros inferiores ocorreram com frequência crescente entre 2008 e 2019. Os procedimentos endovasculares foram mais comuns e relacionados a menor mortalidade intra-hospitalar, mas a maiores custos.

Abstract Background Worldwide, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a disorder with high morbidity, affecting more than 200 million people. Objectives Our objective was to analyze surgical treatment for PAD provided on the Brazilian Public Healthcare System over 12 years using publicly available data. Methods The study was conducted with analysis of data available on the Brazilian Health Ministry’s database platform, assessing distributions of procedures and techniques over the years and their associated mortality and costs. Results A total of 129,424 procedures were analyzed (performed either for claudication or critical ischemia, proportion unknown). The vast majority of procedures were endovascular (65.49%) and this disproportion exhibited a rising trend (p<0.001). There were 3,306 in-hospital deaths (mortality of 2.55%), with lower mortality in the endovascular group (1.2% vs. 5.0%, p=0.008). The overall governmental expenditure on these procedures was U$ 238,010,096.51, and endovascular procedures were on average significantly more expensive than open surgery (U$ 1,932.27 vs. U$ 1,517.32; p=0.016). Conclusions Lower limb revascularizations were performed on the Brazilian Public Healthcare System with gradually increasing frequency from 2008 to 2019. Endovascular procedures were vastly more common and were associated with lower in-hospital mortality rates, but higher procedure costs.

Resumo Fundamento: O treinamento de caminhada (TC) melhora a capacidade de caminhar e reduz a pressão arterial (PA) clínica em pacientes com doença arterial periférica (DAP), mas seus efeitos na PA ambulatorial permanecem desconhecidos. Objetivo: Investigar o efeito de 12 semanas de TC na PA ambulatorial e sua variabilidade em pacientes com DAP. Métodos: Trinta e cinco pacientes do sexo masculino com DAP e sintomas de claudicação foram alocados aleatoriamente em dois grupos: controle (n = 16, 30 min de alongamento) e TC (n = 19, 15 séries de 2 minutos de caminhada na frequência cardíaca em que ocorreu limiar de dor intercalados por 2 minutos de repouso em pé). Antes e depois de 12 semanas, a PA ambulatorial de 24 horas foi avaliada. Os índices de variabilidade da PA ambulatorial avaliados em ambos os momentos incluíram o desvio-padrão de 24 horas (DP24), o desvio-padrão ponderado de vigília e sono (DPvs) e a variabilidade real média de 24 horas (VRM24). Os dados foram analisados por ANOVAs mistas de dois fatores, considerando significativo P<0,05. Resultados: Após 12 semanas, nenhum dos grupos apresentou alterações na PA de 24 horas, vigília e sono. O TC diminuiu as variabilidades da PA sistólica e média (PA sistólica – 13,3 ± 2,8 vs 11,8 ± 2,3; 12,1 ± 2,84 vs 10,7 ± 2,5; e 9,4 ± 2,3 vs 8,8 ± 2,2 mmHg; PA média – 11,0 ± 1,7 vs 10,4 ± 1,9; 10,1 ± 1,6 vs 9,1 ± 1,7; e 8,0 ± 1,7 vs 7,2 ± 1,5 mmHg para DP24, DPvs e VRM24, respectivamente). Nenhum dos grupos apresentou mudanças significantesnos índices de variabilidade da PA diastólica após 12 semanas. Conclusões: O TC não altera os níveis ambulatoriais da PA, mas diminui a sua variabilidade em pacientes com DAP. Essa melhora pode ter um impacto favorável no risco cardiovascular de pacientes com DAP sintomática. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(5):898-905)

Background: Walking training (WT) improves walking capacity and reduces clinic blood pressure (BP) in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD), but its effects on ambulatory BP remains unknown. Objective: To investigate the effect of 12 weeks of WT on ambulatory BP and its variability in patients with PAD. Methods: Thirty-five male patients with PAD and claudication symptoms were randomly allocated into two groups: control (n = 16, 30 min of stretching) and WT (n = 19, 15 bouts of 2 min of walking at the heart rate of leg pain threshold interspersed by 2 min of upright rest). Before and after 12 weeks, 24-hour ambulatory BP was assessed. Ambulatory BP variability indices assessed at both time points included the 24-hour standard deviation (SD24), the awake and asleep weighted standard deviation (SDdn), and the 24-hour average real variability (ARV24). Data were analyzed by mixed two-way ANOVAs, considering P<0.05 as significant. Results: After 12 weeks, neither group had significant changes in 24-hour, awake and sleep BPs. The WT decreased systolic and mean BP variabilities (Systolic BP – 13.3±2.8 vs 11.8±2.3, 12.1±2.84 vs 10.7±2.5 and 9.4±2.3 vs 8.8±2.2 mmHg); Mean BP – 11.0±1.7 vs 10.4±1.9, 10.1±1.6 vs 9.1±1.7 and 8.0.±1.7 vs 7.2±1.5 mmHg) for SD24, SDdn and ARV24, respectively). Neither group had significant changes in diastolic BP variabilities after 12 weeks. Conclusions: The WT does not change ambulatory BP levels but decreases ambulatory BP variability in patients with PAD. This improvement may have a favorable impact on the cardiovascular risk of patients with symptomatic PAD. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(5):898-905)

OBJECTIVES: Although the practice of physical exercise in patients with intermittent claudication (IC) is often encouraged, adherence is low. The difficulty in performing physical training may be related to the psychological characteristics of patients with claudication. To verify the association between anxiety and depression symptoms and barriers to physical exercise and walking capacity in patients with IC. METHODS: One-hundred and thirteen patients with a clinical diagnosis of IC were included in the study. Patients underwent clinical evaluation by a vascular surgeon, answered the Beck Depression Inventory, and Beck Anxiety Inventory tests were applied by the psychologist. The patients performed the 6-minute test and reported their barriers to physical activity practice in a questionnaire. RESULTS: Patients with signs of depression had a shorter pain-free walking distance (p=0.015) and total walking distance (p=0.035) compared to patients with no signs of depression. Pain-free walking distance (p=0.29) and total walking distance (p=0.07) were similar between patients with and without signs of anxiety. Patients with symptoms of moderate to severe depression reported more barriers to physical activity practice compared to patients without signs of depression. CONCLUSION: Symptoms of anxiety and depression are prevalent among patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAD). Depression symptoms are associated with personal barriers to exercise, while anxiety symptoms are not. The main barriers to physical activity among patients with IC are exercise-induced pain and the presence of other diseases.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between gait speed and measurements of physical function in patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD). METHODS: One hundred sixty-nine patients (age 66.6±9.4 years) with symptomatic PAD were recruited. Usual and fast gait speeds were assessed with a 4-meter walk test. Objective (balance, sit-to-stand, handrip strength, and six-minute walk test) and subjective (WIQ - Walking Impairment Questionnaire and WELCH - Walking Estimated-Limitation Calculated by History) measurements of physical function were obtained. Crude and adjusted linear regression analyses were used to confirm significant associations. RESULTS: Usual and fast gait speeds were significantly correlated with all objective and subjective physical function variables examined (r<0.55, p<0.05). In the multivariate model, usual gait speed was associated with six-minute walking distance (β=0.001, p<0.001), sit-to-stand test score (β=-0.005, p=0.012), and WIQ stairs score (β=0.002, p=0.006) adjusted by age, ankle brachial index, body mass index, and gender. Fast gait speed was associated with six-minute walking distance (β=0.002, p<0.001), WIQ stairs score (β=0.003, p=0.010), and WELCH total score (β=0.004, p=0.026) adjusted by age, ankle brachial index, body mass index, and gender. CONCLUSION: Usual and fast gait speeds assessed with the 4-meter test were moderately associated with objective and subjective measurements of physical function in symptomatic PAD patients.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to describe the experience of a Brazilian public university hospital regarding the treatment of metastatic or benign spine lesions with en bloc vertebrectomy of the thoracic and lumbar spines. METHODS: This study was a retrospective case series and included all medical records of patients with benign aggressive, primary malignant, or metastatic spine lesions who underwent en bloc vertebrectomy from 2010 to 2015. RESULTS: A total of 17 patients were included in the analysis. Most of them (71%) were indicated for surgery based on an oncologic resection for localized disease cure. Overall, 10 of the 17 patients (59%) underwent vertebrectomy via an isolated posterior approach using the technique described by Roy-Camille et al. and Tomita et al., while 7 patients (41%) underwent double approach surgeries. Of the 17 patients who underwent the en bloc resection, 8 are still alive and in the outpatient follow-up (47%), and almost all patients with metastatic lesions (8/9) died. The average survival time following the surgical procedure was 23.8 months. Considering the cases of metastatic lesions and the cases of localized disease (malignant or benign aggressive disease) separately, we observed an average survival time of 15 months and 47.6 months respectively. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates and reinforces the reproducibility of the en bloc vertebrectomy technique described by Tomita et al.

Resumo O acesso ao sistema venoso, seja para coleta de amostras de sangue ou para infusão de soluções, é de vital importância para o diagnóstico e tratamento de pacientes com as mais variadas condições clínicas. Desde que Harvey, em 1616, descreveu o sistema circulatório a partir de estudos em animais e que Sir Christopher Wren, 4 décadas depois, realizou a primeira infusão endovenosa em seres vivos, a evolução na técnica de acesso e nos dispositivos para infusão tem sido constante. Merece destaque a criação dos cateteres de longa duração na década de 1970, em especial os totalmente implantáveis, que revolucionaram o tratamento do câncer, aumentando a segurança e o conforto dos pacientes oncológicos. Este artigo tem como objetivo a revisão de dados históricos relativos ao acesso vascular e a discussão da técnica de implante e das principais complicações associadas ao procedimento de colocação e ao uso dos cateteres totalmente implantáveis.

Abstract Access to the venous system is of vital importance for diagnosis and treatment of patients with the most varied range of clinical conditions, whether for taking blood samples or for infusion of solutions. In 1616, Harvey described the circulatory system on the basis of studies in animals and 4 decades later Sir Christopher Wren conducted the first intravenous infusions in living beings. Since then there has been constant evolution in access technique and infusion devices. Of particular note is the creation of long-term catheters in the 1970s, particularly totally implantable devices, which revolutionized cancer treatment, increasing both safety and comfort for oncology patients. The objectives of this article are to review historical data on vascular access and discuss the implantation technique and the main complications associated with procedures for placement and use of totally implantable venous access devices.

RESUMOObjetivo:caracterizar fadiga e fadiga ao esforço em pacientes com claudicação intermitente (CI) e testar sua associação com variáveis sociodemográficas e clínicas, capacidade de locomoção e nível de atividade física.Método:foram avaliados 49 participantes (66,6 anos; 70% do sexo masculino). Foram utilizados instrumentos validados para avaliar fadiga (DUFS), fadiga ao esforço (DEFS), nível de atividade física (BASIC) e capacidade de locomoção (WIQ).Resultados:os participantes apresentaram fadiga substancial (DUFS = 20,4 + 8,8) e fadiga substancial ao esforço (DEFS = 20,4 + 10,8). Observou-se associação da DUFS com convivência marital (p = 0,008). Houve associação estatisticamente significativa da DEFS com escores da BASIC (r = 0,331; p = 0,02) e dos domínios distância caminhada (r = 0,359; p = 0,011) e subir escadas (r = 0,331; p = 0,02) do WIQ.Conclusão:pacientes com CI apresentam fadiga e fadiga ao esforço. É possível que a fadiga ao esforço comprometa o engajamento desses pacientes na prática de atividade física, um dos principais componentes do tratamento da CI.

ABSTRACTObjective:to characterize fatigue and exertion fatigue in patients with intermittent claudication (IC), and to test their association with sociodemographic and clinical variables, walking capacity and level of physical activity.Method:forty-nine participants (66.6 years; 70% male) were studied. Validated questionnaires were used to assess fatigue (DUFS), exertion fatigue (DEFS), level of physical activity (BASIC) and walking capacity (WIQ).Results:participants had substantial fatigue (DUFS = 20.4+8.8) and substantial exertion fatigue (DEFS = 20.4+10.8). There was an association between the DUFS and marital status (p = 0,008). There was a statically significant association between DEFS with scores of the BASIC (r = .331; p = .02) and among DEFS with WIQ domains - walking distance (r=.359; p = .011) and climbing stairs (r=.331; p = .02).Conclusion:patients with IC have fatigue and exertion fatigue. Exertion fatigue might compromise the engagement of these patients in physical activity, one of the main components of IC treatment.

RESUMENObjetivo:caracterizar la fatiga y la fatiga al esfuerzo en pacientes con claudicación intermitente (CI) y testar su asociación con: variables sociodemográficas y clínicas, la capacidad de locomoción y el nivel de actividad física.Método:se evaluaran 49 participantes (66,6 anos; 70% hombres). Se utilizó cuestionarios validados para la evaluación de fatiga (DUFS), fatiga al esfuerzo (DEFS), nivel de actividad física (BASIC) y capacidad de locomoción (WIQ).Resultados:los participantes presentarán fatiga substancial (DUFS = 20,4 + 8,8) y fatiga substancial al esfuerzo (DEFS = 20,4 + 10,8). Hubo asociación de la DUFS con convivencia marital (p = 0,008). La DEFS presentó asociación estadísticamente significativa con escores de la BASIC (r = 0,331; p = 0,02) y con los dominios distancia recorrida (r = 0,359; p = 0,011) y subir escaleras (r = 0,331; p = 0,02) del WIQ.Conclusión:pacientes con CI tienen fatiga y fatiga al esfuerzo. Esta puede comprometer la participación de los pacientes en la práctica de actividad física, un componente importante del tratamiento de la CI.

ABSTRACTObjective:to characterize fatigue and exertion fatigue in patients with intermittent claudication (IC), and to test their association with sociodemographic and clinical variables, walking capacity and level of physical activity.Method:forty-nine participants (66.6 years; 70% male) were studied. Validated questionnaires were used to assess fatigue (DUFS), exertion fatigue (DEFS), level of physical activity (BASIC) and walking capacity (WIQ).Results:participants had substantial fatigue (DUFS = 20.4+8.8) and substantial exertion fatigue (DEFS = 20.4+10.8). There was an association between the DUFS and marital status (p = 0,008). There was a statically significant association between DEFS with scores of the BASIC (r = .331; p = .02) and among DEFS with WIQ domains - walking distance (r=.359; p = .011) and climbing stairs (r=.331; p = .02).Conclusion:patients with IC have fatigue and exertion fatigue. Exertion fatigue might compromise the engagement of these patients in physical activity, one of the main components of IC treatment.

RESUMENObjetivo:caracterizar la fatiga y la fatiga al esfuerzo en pacientes con claudicación intermitente (CI) y testar su asociación con: variables sociodemográficas y clínicas, la capacidad de locomoción y el nivel de actividad física.Método:se evaluaran 49 participantes (66,6 anos; 70% hombres). Se utilizó cuestionarios validados para la evaluación de fatiga (DUFS), fatiga al esfuerzo (DEFS), nivel de actividad física (BASIC) y capacidad de locomoción (WIQ).Resultados:los participantes presentarán fatiga substancial (DUFS = 20,4 + 8,8) y fatiga substancial al esfuerzo (DEFS = 20,4 + 10,8). Hubo asociación de la DUFS con convivencia marital (p = 0,008). La DEFS presentó asociación estadísticamente significativa con escores de la BASIC (r = 0,331; p = 0,02) y con los dominios distancia recorrida (r = 0,359; p = 0,011) y subir escaleras (r = 0,331; p = 0,02) del WIQ.Conclusión:pacientes con CI tienen fatiga y fatiga al esfuerzo. Esta puede comprometer la participación de los pacientes en la práctica de actividad física, un componente importante del tratamiento de la CI.

RESUMOObjetivo:caracterizar fadiga e fadiga ao esforço em pacientes com claudicação intermitente (CI) e testar sua associação com variáveis sociodemográficas e clínicas, capacidade de locomoção e nível de atividade física.Método:foram avaliados 49 participantes (66,6 anos; 70% do sexo masculino). Foram utilizados instrumentos validados para avaliar fadiga (DUFS), fadiga ao esforço (DEFS), nível de atividade física (BASIC) e capacidade de locomoção (WIQ).Resultados:os participantes apresentaram fadiga substancial (DUFS = 20,4 + 8,8) e fadiga substancial ao esforço (DEFS = 20,4 + 10,8). Observou-se associação da DUFS com convivência marital (p = 0,008). Houve associação estatisticamente significativa da DEFS com escores da BASIC (r = 0,331; p = 0,02) e dos domínios distância caminhada (r = 0,359; p = 0,011) e subir escadas (r = 0,331; p = 0,02) do WIQ.Conclusão:pacientes com CI apresentam fadiga e fadiga ao esforço. É possível que a fadiga ao esforço comprometa o engajamento desses pacientes na prática de atividade física, um dos principais componentes do tratamento da CI.

ResumoOBJETIVOAvaliar a independência funcional de pacientes com claudicação intermitente e verificar sua associação com variáveis sociodemográficas e clínicas, capacidade de locomoção e nível de atividade física.MÉTODOEstudo descritivo, exploratório, transversal, com abordagem quantitativa, realizado com cinquenta participantes (66,4 anos; 68% homens) no Ambulatório de Claudicação do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo. A Medida de Independência Funcional foi utlizada para avaliar a incapacidade funcional; a Baltimore Activity Scale para estimar o nível de atividade física e o Walking Impairement Questionnaire , a capacidade de locomoção.RESULTADOSObservou-se independência funcional completa (124,8 + 2,0), baixo nível de atividade física (4,2 + 2,0) e comprometimento na capacidade de locomoção, com pior desempenho no domínio velocidade de caminhada (21,2 + 16,4). O escore da medida de independência funcional associou-se com os escores das escalas que estimam nível de atividade física (r=0,402) e capacidade de locomoção (distância, r=0,485; velocidade, r=0,463; escada, r=0,337).CONCLUSÃOO grau de funcionalidade está associado com a capacidade funcional desses pacientes.

AbstractOBJECTIVEOf this study were to evaluate the functional independence of patients with intermittent claudication and to verify its association with sociodemographic and clinical variables, walking ability and physical activity level.METHODThis was a descriptive, exploratory, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach. Fifty participants (66.4 years; 68% male) were recruited from Claudication Unit of a tertiary hospital. Functional Independence Measure were used to evaluate functional incapacity; the Baltimore Activity Scale, to estimate the physical activity level and the Walking Impairement Questionnaire, the walking ability.RESULTSParticipants had complete functional independence (124.8 + 2.0), low levels of physical activity (4.2 + 2.0), and impairment of walking ability; the worst performance was found in walking velocity domain (21.2 + 16.4). The functional independence score was associated with physical activity (r=0,402) and walking ability scores (distance, r=0,485; speed, r=0,463; stairs, r=0,337).CONCLUSIONIn conclusion, the level of functionality is associated with functional capacity in these patients.

ResumenOBJETIVOEvaluar la independencia funcional de pacientes con claudicación intermitente y verificar su asociación con variables sociodemográficas y clínicas, capacidad de locomoción y nivel de actividad física.MÉTODOEstudio descriptivo, exploratorio, transversal, con abordaje cuantitativo, llevado a cabo con cincuenta participantes (66,4 años; 68% hombres) en el Ambulatorio de Claudicación del Hospital de Clínicas de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de São Paulo. La Medida de Independencia Funcional fue utilizada para valorar la incapacidad funcional; la Baltimore Activity Scale para estimar el nivel de actividad física; y el Walking Impairement Questionnaire , la capacidad de locomoción.RESULTADOSSe advirtió independencia funcional completa (124,8 + 2,0), bajo nivel de actividad física (4,2 + 2,0) y compromiso de la capacidad de locomoción, con peor desempeño en el dominio de la velocidad de caminar (21,2 + 16,4). El puntaje de la medida de independencia funcional se asoció con los puntajes de las escalas que estiman nivel de actividad física (r=0,402) y capacidad de locomoción (distancia, r=0,485; velocidad, r=0,463; escalera, r=0,337).CONCLUSIÓNEl grado de funcionalidad está asociado con la capacidad funcional de esos pacientes.

AbstractOBJECTIVEOf this study were to evaluate the functional independence of patients with intermittent claudication and to verify its association with sociodemographic and clinical variables, walking ability and physical activity level.METHODThis was a descriptive, exploratory, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach. Fifty participants (66.4 years; 68% male) were recruited from Claudication Unit of a tertiary hospital. Functional Independence Measure were used to evaluate functional incapacity; the Baltimore Activity Scale, to estimate the physical activity level and the Walking Impairement Questionnaire, the walking ability.RESULTSParticipants had complete functional independence (124.8 + 2.0), low levels of physical activity (4.2 + 2.0), and impairment of walking ability; the worst performance was found in walking velocity domain (21.2 + 16.4). The functional independence score was associated with physical activity (r=0,402) and walking ability scores (distance, r=0,485; speed, r=0,463; stairs, r=0,337).CONCLUSIONIn conclusion, the level of functionality is associated with functional capacity in these patients.

ResumenOBJETIVOEvaluar la independencia funcional de pacientes con claudicación intermitente y verificar su asociación con variables sociodemográficas y clínicas, capacidad de locomoción y nivel de actividad física.MÉTODOEstudio descriptivo, exploratorio, transversal, con abordaje cuantitativo, llevado a cabo con cincuenta participantes (66,4 años; 68% hombres) en el Ambulatorio de Claudicación del Hospital de Clínicas de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de São Paulo. La Medida de Independencia Funcional fue utilizada para valorar la incapacidad funcional; la Baltimore Activity Scale para estimar el nivel de actividad física; y el Walking Impairement Questionnaire , la capacidad de locomoción.RESULTADOSSe advirtió independencia funcional completa (124,8 + 2,0), bajo nivel de actividad física (4,2 + 2,0) y compromiso de la capacidad de locomoción, con peor desempeño en el dominio de la velocidad de caminar (21,2 + 16,4). El puntaje de la medida de independencia funcional se asoció con los puntajes de las escalas que estiman nivel de actividad física (r=0,402) y capacidad de locomoción (distancia, r=0,485; velocidad, r=0,463; escalera, r=0,337).CONCLUSIÓNEl grado de funcionalidad está asociado con la capacidad funcional de esos pacientes.

ResumoOBJETIVOAvaliar a independência funcional de pacientes com claudicação intermitente e verificar sua associação com variáveis sociodemográficas e clínicas, capacidade de locomoção e nível de atividade física.MÉTODOEstudo descritivo, exploratório, transversal, com abordagem quantitativa, realizado com cinquenta participantes (66,4 anos; 68% homens) no Ambulatório de Claudicação do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo. A Medida de Independência Funcional foi utlizada para avaliar a incapacidade funcional; a Baltimore Activity Scale para estimar o nível de atividade física e o Walking Impairement Questionnaire , a capacidade de locomoção.RESULTADOSObservou-se independência funcional completa (124,8 + 2,0), baixo nível de atividade física (4,2 + 2,0) e comprometimento na capacidade de locomoção, com pior desempenho no domínio velocidade de caminhada (21,2 + 16,4). O escore da medida de independência funcional associou-se com os escores das escalas que estimam nível de atividade física (r=0,402) e capacidade de locomoção (distância, r=0,485; velocidade, r=0,463; escada, r=0,337).CONCLUSÃOO grau de funcionalidade está associado com a capacidade funcional desses pacientes.

OBJETIVO: Verificar se há relação entre a medida da capacidade funcional avaliada subjetiva e objetivamente em relação ao estado atual e após tratamento clínico em pacientes com claudicação intermitente. MÉTODOS: Foram recrutados 500 pacientes com claudicação intermitente. Todos realizaram exame clínico e foram submetidos a uma avaliação funcional por meio do método subjetivo (consulta clínica) e objetivo (teste de esteira). Adicionalmente, 50 pacientes foram selecionados para se avaliar o efeito do tratamento clínico, pelos métodos subjetivo e objetivo, em relação à capacidade funcional. RESULTADOS: Dos 500 pacientes selecionados, somente 60 (12,0%) apresentaram valores referidos e observados similares. Os demais pacientes, ou seja, 440 (88,0%) apresentaram valores relatados discordantes em relação àqueles obtidos no teste de esforço. Com relação ao efeito do tratamento clínico em relação à capacidade funcional, os resultados foram similares entre ambos os métodos (χ²=1,7; p=0,427). CONCLUSÃO: Apesar de o método subjetivo superestimar os valores de capacidade funcional, quando comparados ao método objetivo, não foram observadas diferenças significantes entre ambos os métodos, quando se analisou o efeito do tratamento clínico. Assim, o método subjetivo fornece informações similares em comparação à medida objetiva no acompanhamento do tratamento clínico de pacientes com claudicação intermitente.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze if there is any relation between functional capacity assessed by subjective and objective methods regarding the current state and after clinical treatment in patients with intermittent claudication. METHODS: A total of 500 patients with intermittent claudication were enrolled. All patients underwent clinical examination and a functional evaluation by subjective (clinical visit) and objective method (treadmill test). Additionally, 50 patients were selected to evaluate the effect of clinical treatment by subjective and objective methods in relation to functional capacity. RESULTS: Out of 500 patients, only 60 (12.0%) had similar results in both methods. The remaining, that is 440 patients (88.0%) had subject values in disagreement with stress test findings. Regarding the clinical effect of the treatment on the functional outcomes, results were similar in both methods (χ²=1.7; p=0.427). CONCLUSION: Although the subjective method overestimates the functional capacity when compared to the objective method, no significant differences were observed between both methods when analyzing the effect of clinical treatment. Thus, the subjective method provides similar information as compared with objective method, in monitoring the clinical treatment of patients with intermittent claudication.

OBJECTIVE: Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) is a phenomenon in which a short period of sub-lethal ischemia in one organ protects against subsequent bouts of ischemia in another organ. We hypothesized that RIPC in patients with intermittent claudication would increase muscle tissue resistance to ischemia, thereby resulting in an increased ability to walk. METHODS: In a claudication clinic, 52 ambulatory patients who presented with complaints of intermittent claudication in the lower limbs associated with an absent or reduced arterial pulse in the symptomatic limb and/or an ankle-brachial index <0.90 were recruited for this study. The patients were randomly divided into three groups (A, B and C). All of the patients underwent two tests on a treadmill according to the Gardener protocol. Group A was tested first without RIPC. Group A was subjected to RIPC prior to the second treadmill test. Group B was subjected to RIPC prior to the first treadmill test and then was subjected to a treadmill test without RIPC. In Group C (control group), both treadmill tests were performed without RIPC. The first and second tests were conducted seven days apart. Brazilian Clinical Trials: RBR-7TF6TM. RESULTS: Group A showed a significant increase in the initial claudication distance in the second test compared to the first test. CONCLUSION: RIPC increased the initial claudication distance in patients with intermittent claudication; however, RIPC did not affect the total walking distance of the patients.

OBJETIVO: Quando há acometimento de artérias tronculares por neoplasias malignas e o tratamento cirúrgico é empregado para realização de ressecções tumoral e arterial, a reconstrução vascular deve ser imediata, para evitar a isquemia de tecidos nobres. O objetivo desse trabalho é analisar os resultados do tratamento de pacientes portadores de neoplasias malignas submetidos a ressecções tumoral e vascular associada à reconstrução arterial, avaliando a perviedade primária das reconstruções, as complicações arteriais e a sobrevida dos pacientes. MÉTODOS: Foram acompanhados 36 pacientes com neoplasias em regiões cervical, abdominal ou extremidades inferiores, operados eletivamente no período de setembro de 1997 a setembro de 2004 no Hospital do Câncer A.C.Camargo em São Paulo. Os pacientes foram divididos em três grupos de acordo com a localização das neoplasias: Cervical (14), Extremidade (13) e Abdome (9). Foram realizadas 38 reconstruções arteriais nos 36 pacientes. RESULTADOS: Houve cinco complicações arteriais, sendo duas precoces e três tardias. Entre as precoces, houve uma oclusão carotídea sintomática com seqüelas e uma rotura de enxerto femoral sem seqüelas. Entre as tardias, houve uma oclusão carotídea sintomática, uma oclusão de enxerto carotídeo-axilar e uma oclusão de ramo de enxerto aorto-bifemoral, todas sem sequelas. Não houve diferença entre os índices de perviedade arterial primária . Todos os óbitos (22) ocorreram devido à evolução da doença neoplásica. CONCLUSÕES: As reconstruções arteriais associadas à ressecção de neoplasias malignas em segmentos cervical, abdominal ou extremidades inferiores podem ser realizadas com baixos índices de morbi-mortalidade. Não houve diferença entre os índices de perviedade primária das reconstruções.

OBJECTIVE: When trunk arteries are affected by malignant neoplasia, and surgical treatment involving tumor and arterial resection is used, the vascular reconstruction must be performed immediately to avoid ischemia in the brain and large tissue masses. The objective of this study was to analyze the results obtained with the treatment of patients with malignant neoplasia who underwent tumor and vascular resection associated with arterial reconstruction. The primary patency of reconstructions, the occurrence arterial complications, and patient survival were assessed. METHODS: Thirty-six patients with cervical, abdominal, or lower limb neoplasias were followed up. These patients underwent elective operations at Hospital do Câncer A.C. Camargo, São Paulo, between September 1997 and September 2004. They were divided into 3 groups according to tumor location: Cervical (14), lower limbs (13), and Abdomen (9). Thirty-eight arterial reconstructions were performed in these 36 patients. RESULTS: There were 5 arterial complications: 2 early- and 3 late-stage. The early complications consisted of 1 symptomatic carotid occlusion with sequelae and 1 femoral graft rupture without sequelae. The late-stage complications consisted of 1 symptomatic carotid occlusion, 1 occlusion of an axillary-carotid graft, and 1 occlusion of a branch of the aortobifemoral graft, all without sequelae. There was no difference between the primary arterial patency rates. All the deaths (22) resulted from progression of neoplasic disease. CONCLUSIONS: Arterial reconstructions associated with resection of malignant neoplasia in cervical, abdominal, or lower limbs can be carried out with low rates of morbidity and mortality. There was no difference in the primary arterial patency rates among the groups studied.