Resumo Este estudo objetivou analisar a demanda da cirurgia pediátrica e fatores associados à inadequação da idade cirúrgica. Trata-se de estudo transversal, com aplicação de questionários, em cidade polo do norte de Minas Gerais, Brasil. A associação entre a inadequação da idade cirúrgica foi verificada para fatores demográficos, sociais e assistenciais por meio de análises bivariadas, seguidas de regressão de Poisson, com variância robusta, assumindo-se um nível de significância de 5%. Participaram 532 crianças, 79.3% do sexo masculino. O intervalo médio entre o encaminhamento inicial e a cirurgia foi de 9.2 meses. A frequência de idade inadequada para intervenção cirúrgica foi de 44.4%. As variáveis associadas com a inadequação foram sexo masculino (RP = 1.09; IC95% = 1.01-1.18), baixa escolaridade materna (RP = 1.13; IC95% = 1.06-1.20) e idade de percepção da afecção superior a 1 ano de idade (RP = 1.09; IC95% = 1.02-1.15). Há uma alta ocorrência na inadequação da idade para os procedimentos cirúrgico e entre os fatores associados destacam-se as condições sociais das famílias. Estratégias devem ser elaboradas para reduzir o tempo de espera para crianças com necessidade de intervenção cirúrgica.

Abstract This study aimed to analyze the demand for pediatric surgery and the factors associated with inadequate surgical age. This cross-sectional study was carried out using questionnaires in a northern Minas Gerais, Brazil hub city. The association between inadequate surgical age and demographic, social, and care factors was verified using bivariate analysis followed by Poisson regression with robust variance and a significance level of 5%. A total of 532 children participated 79.3% were male. The median interval between the first referral from primary health care until surgery was 9.2 months. The frequency of inadequate surgical age was 44.4%. Variables associated with inadequate age were: male (PR = 1.09; CI95% = 1.01-1.18), low maternal education (PR = 1.13; CI95% = 1.06-1.20), and age perception of affection higher one year (PR = 1.09; IC95% = 1.02-1.15). There is a high occurrence of inadequate age for surgical procedures, and among the factors that justify these findings are the social conditions of the families. Strategies must be developed to reduce the waiting time between the specialist’s evaluation and definitive treatment.

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the predictive value of preoperative serum laboratory test results for identifying choledocholithiasis and reduce the use of cholangioresonance and its inherent costs. Methods Patients aged 21-69 years who underwent preoperative cholangioresonance examination at our institute were included. Patients with a history of fluctuating jaundice or biliary pancreatitis, bile duct dilatation on ultrasonography, and elevated levels of canalicular enzymes (alkaline phosphatase >100U/L and gamma-glutamyl transferase >50U/L) underwent cholangioresonance-guided surgery. Cases of choledocholithiasis confirmed by cholangioresonance were compared with those without choledocholithiasis. Serum laboratory data were evaluated and the diagnostic capabilities of these examinations were analyzed. Results A total of 104 patients were included. For detecting choledocholithiasis using alkaline phosphatase, the cut-off point was 78U/L, sensitivity was 97.6% (95%CI: 87.4-99.9), and specificity was 72.6% (95%CI: 59.8-83.1). In the binary logistic regression analysis, age (OR= 0.92; 95%CI: 0.86-0.98) and alkaline phosphatase level (OR= 1.02; 95%CI: 1.01-1.05) were selected for the final model. Conclusion Serum alkaline phosphatase levels may aid preoperative diagnosis of asymptomatic choledocholithiasis. After a global clinical assessment of the patient, serum laboratory findings may contribute to a reduction in cholangioresonance-related heathcare costs.

Abstract: Background: Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) is a rare neoplasm with indolent progression. Since 1981, the Kaposi’s sarcoma epidemic has increased as co-infection with HIV. Objectives: The study aimed to identify the clinical and demographic characteristics and therapeutic approaches in HIV/AIDS patients in a regional referral hospital. Methods: We analyzed the medical records of 51 patients with histopathological diagnosis of Kaposi’s sarcoma hospitalized at Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto (HUJBB) from 2004 to 2015. Results: The study sample consisted of individuals 15 to 44 years of age (80.4%), male (80.4%), single (86.3%), and residing in Greater Metropolitan Belém, Pará State, Brazil. The primary skin lesions identified at diagnosis were violaceous macules (45%) and violaceous papules (25%). Visceral involvement was seen in 62.7%, mainly affecting the stomach (75%). The most frequent treatment regimen was 2 NRTI + NNRTI, and 60.8% were referred to chemotherapy. Study limitations: We assumed that more patients had been admitted to hospital without histopathological confirmation or with pathology reports from other services, so that the current study probably underestimated the number of KS cases. Conclusion: Although the cutaneous manifestations in most of these patients were non-exuberant skin lesions like macules and papules, many already showed visceral involvement. Meticulous screening of these patients is thus mandatory, even if the skin lesions are subtle and localized.