NON-ADHERENCE TO HEPATITIS C TREATMENT: A BRAZILIAN REPORT

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: In Brazil, since 2015, the treatment of hepatitis C is provided by SUS (Public Health System) with direct-acting antiviral (DAA). OBJECTIVE: To describe the rate of non-adherence patients to hepatitis C treatment by DAA, investigating the epidemiological data in a large database from Curitiba, Brazil. METHODS: Retrospective study with patients treated between January 2015 and June 2019. Patients were considered adherent when received all medication doses during their treatment. The following data were evaluated: gender, age, type of treatment, period of treatment, presence of diabetes or HIV, previous therapy, originated from SUS or private medicine, fibrosis grade and HCV genotype. RESULTS: 1248 patients (56.8% males) were studied and 102/1248 (8.2%) were non-adherent to treatment. Age or gender not influenced significantly; 10.2% patients from SUS and 3.7% individuals from private medicine were non-adherent (P<0.0001; OR=2.9; CI95%=1.6-9.1); 13.1% patients were co-infected with HIV and among them, 15.9% abandoned treatment. Individuals without co-infection presented 7.0% of non-adherence (P<0.0001; OR=2.5; CI=1.5-4.1). All the other variables showed no differences in the adhesion rate. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that 8.2% of patients were non-adherent to HCV treatment, and that patients from the Public Health System and co-infected with HIV were significantly less adherent.

MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER IS ASSOCIATED WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEPATITIS C INFECTION

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is commonly reported in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC); however, the factors behind the co-occurrence of these conditions have not been completely clarified yet. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the frequency of mental disorders in CHC patients and to investigate variables associated with MDD. METHODS: CHC patients (n=151) attending a referral Centre for hepatitis were evaluated using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatry Interview and the Cut-Annoyed-Guilty-Eye (CAGE) Questionnaire. Multivariate analysis was used to evaluate independent covariates associated with current MDD. RESULTS: Seventy-six (50.3%) patients had, at least, one current psychiatric diagnosis with MDD (33.1%) being the most common. Current MDD was independently associated with age (≤50 yr.) (OR=2.57; 95%CI=1.25-5.29; P=0.01) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (OR=2.80, 95%CI=1.17-6.70; P=0.02). Cirrhosis was associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (OR=5.09; 95%CI=1.73-15.04; P=0.03) and current alcohol abuse/dependence (OR=2.54; 95%CI=1.04-6.22; P=0.04). DISCUSSION: MDD is associated with type 2 diabetes in CHC patients. Even in the direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) era, characterized by great perspectives for the first ample cure of a chronic viral infection, we should ensure that the screening for psychiatric disorders takes place in the course of routine clinical care of patients chronically infected with hepatitis C virus.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUES FOR THE TREATMENT OF RECTAL ENDOMETRIOSIS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIALS AND OBSERVATIONAL STUDIES

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Endometriosis is a common disease in reproductive-age women and it is estimated to occur in up to 50% of those with infertility. Intestinal involvement is reported in up to a third of the cases. This condition is related to chronic pain and loss of quality of life, resulting in emotional, social and economic costs. Treatment consists of hormonal block and surgical resection, with variable side effects and efficacy. The best choice for surgical treatment for rectal endometriosis is a matter of discussion regarding the indication and the best technique to be employed. OBJECTIVE To summarize data on indications, results and complications of surgical techniques for the treatment of rectal endometriosis. METHODS: This comprehensive systematic review is a compilation of the available literature and discussion, carried out by a team with experience in the surgical treatment of intestinal endometriosis. Data regarding indications, results and complications of conservative and radical techniques for the surgical treatment of rectal endometriosis was carefully reviewed. Searches of PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL up to May 2021 were performed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies that compared at least two of the three surgical techniques of interest (i.e., shaving, discoid resection, segmental resection). RESULTS: One RCT and nine case series studies with a total of 3,327 patients met the eligibility criteria. Participants ages ranged from a mean of 30.0 to 37.9 years old. Mean follow-up ranged from 1.2 to 42.76 months. With regards the methodological quality, overall the included studies presented a low risk of bias in the majority of the domains. Surgical treatment of rectal endometriosis is indicated for patients with obstructive symptoms and those with pain scores above 7/10. Patients with disease involving beyond muscularis propria of the rectum, documented in magnetic resonance imaging or transvaginal pelvic ultrasound with intestinal preparation, are candidates for discoid or segmental resection. The presence of multifocal disease, extension greater than 3 cm and infiltration greater than 50% of the loop circumference favor the radical technique. The distance from the lesion to the anal verge, age, symptoms and reproductive desire are other factors that influence the choice of the technique to be employed. The risk of complications and unfavorable functional results seems to be directly related to the complexity of the procedure. CONCLUSION: The choice of surgical technique performed for the treatment of rectal endometriosis is a matter of discussion and depends not only on the preoperative staging, but also on the patient’s expectations, risks and potential complications, recurrence rates and the expertise of the multidisciplinary team.

GROWTH ANALYSIS OF PRETERM NEWBORNS WITH GASTROSCHISIS DURING HOSPITALIZATION IN A NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Gastroschisis, especially complex type, prematurity and low birth weight are associated with a worse clinical outcome with higher mortality, higher incidence of sepsis and catheter-related infection, cholestasis, short bowel syndrome, greater number of days to achieve full diet, longer time of parenteral nutrition and longer hospitalization time. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the growth of preterm newborns with gastroschisis during their hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care unit. METHODS: Descriptive study, based on a retrospective cohort (January 2012 to December 2018), including preterm newborns (gestational age less than 37 weeks) with simple and complex gastroschisis admitted in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit. The following parameters were analyzed: maternal age, parity, type of delivery, birth weight, gender, gestational age, nutritional adequacy, type of gastroschisis, fasting time, parenteral nutrition time, time until achieving full enteral nutrition, hospitalization time, weight gain and outcome. The results were expressed in percentage, average, and median. RESULTS: A total of 101 newborns with gastroschisis were admitted, of which 59.4% were premature (80.7% of late preterm infants). From the maternal data, the mean age was 21.2 years and 68.3% were primiparous. Regarding childbirth: 80% were cesarean sections. From newborns: the average birth weight was 2137 g, 56.6% were female, the average gestational age was 34.8 weeks, the average weight gain was 20.8 g/day during hospitalization and 83.3% were discharged from the hospital. CONCLUSION: The growth analysis by weight gain (grams/day) during hospitalization in the intensive care unit showed that more than 90% of the sample presented acceptable or adequate weight gain.

GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE: A PRACTICAL APPROACH

ABSTRACT Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) presents typical manifestations such as heartburn and/or regurgitation as well as atypical manifestations such as throat symptoms, laryngitis, hoarseness, chronic cough, asthma, and sleep alterations. There are two phenotypes of the disease: erosive GERD, when erosions are identified by upper digestive endoscopy, and non-erosive GERD, when the esophageal mucosa presents a normal endoscopic aspect. Relevant clinical findings are usually absent in the physical examination, but it should be highlighted that obesity is an important aggravating factor of reflux. The treatment is established based on clinical findings and, according to the clinical situation, on complementary exams such as upper digestive endoscopy. In dubious cases where a precise diagnosis is required, the indicated test is esophageal pHmetry or impedance-pHmetry. Clinical treatment is divided into behavioral/dietary measures and pharmacological measures. Most patients benefit from clinical treatment, but surgical treatment may be indicated in the presence of a larger hiatal hernia and complications of the disease.

MANAGEMENT OF ILEOCECAL CROHN’S DISEASE DURING SURGICAL TREATMENT FOR ACUTE APPENDICITIS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND In many patients, the diagnosis of Crohn’s disease (CD) is made during surgery for appendicitis in urgent settings. Intraoperative diagnosis can be challenging in certain cases, especially for less experienced surgeons. OBJECTIVE: Review of the literature searching for scientific evidence that can guide surgeons through optimal management of ileocecal CD found incidentally in surgery for acute appendicitis (AA). METHODS: Included studies were identified by electronic search in the PubMed database according to the Preferred Items of Reports for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The quality and bias assessments were performed by Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) criteria for non-randomized studies. RESULTS: A total of 313 studies were initially identified, six of which were selected (all retrospective) for qualitative assessment (two studies were comparative and four only descriptive case series). Four studies identified a high rate of complications when appendectomy or ileocolectomy were performed and in only one, there was no increased risk of postoperative complications with appendectomy. In the sixth study, diarrhea, previous abdominal pain, preoperative anemia and thrombocytopenia were independent predictors for CD in patients previously operated for suspected AA. CONCLUSION: Despite the paucity of data and low quality of evidence, a macroscopically normal appendix should be preserved in the absence of complicated disease when CD is suspected in surgery for AA. Ileocecal resections should be reserved for complicated disease (inflammatory mass, ischemia, perforation or obstruction). Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these claims.

SEVERITY OF IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME SYMPTOMS AND FODMAPS INTAKE IN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating and abdominal pain can reduce University student’s productivity and learning ability. One of the possible treatments for IBS is the temporarily exclusion of foods that have a high content of short-chain fermentable carbohydrates, the fermentable, oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess University student’s intake of foods that are rich in FODMAPs, looking for possible associations with the severity of IBS symptoms. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out, with undergraduate students from a private University in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, aged between 19 and 46 years old and that were enrolled in different courses and stages. Students were invited to participate and those who gave their formal consent were included in this research. A sociodemographic and lifestyle questionnaire was applied, in addition to the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale - GSRS. Students also responded a short Food Frequency Questionnaire, developed to investigate habitual FODMAPs intake of Brazilian adult population. Spearman’s correlation analysis between the student’s GSRS scores and the frequency of foods rich in FODMAPs intake were performed in SPSS v.21. RESULTS: Fifty-six students were interviewed, with mean age of 21.4 years old (SD=4.41), with a predominance of women (76.8%). The GSRS results showed that 58.9% of students felt minimal to moderate abdominal discomfort and 14.3% had moderately severe to very severe abdominal pain during the prior week to the interview. Besides abdominal pain, the gastrointestinal symptoms that were most reported by students were flatulence (98.2%), stomach rumbling (89.3%) and eructations (85.7%). Greater symptom severity was observed in women (P=0.004) and sedentary students (P=0.003). Regarding FODMAPs consumption, honey (P=0.04), chocolate (P=0.03) and milk table cream (P=0.001) intakes were positively correlated with the greater severity of symptoms. CONCLUSION: Although clinical diagnosis is necessary to establish IBS, 73.2% of the students presented minimal to very severe abdominal pain during the prior week. Female had sedentary students had greater severity of gastrointestinal symptoms. A low FODMAP diet, well oriented, could bring some symptoms relief to these University students.

HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE IN ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE IS ASSOCIATED WITH REDUCTION IN SCHOOL AND WORK PRODUCTIVITY RATHER THAN PHYSICAL IMPAIRMENT: A MULTIDISCIPLINARY STUDY

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), comprising Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, are chronic inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract that often have their onset among adolescents and young adults (AYA). IBD are characterized by episodes of active disease interspersed with periods of remission, and its activity is inversely correlated with health-related quality of life (HRQL). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine whether AYA in remission or with low IBD activity would exhibit HRQL similar to that of age-matched healthy individuals, and whether demographic and disease factors could affect HRQL using a ‘patient-reported outcome’ instrument. METHODS: This study enrolled only AYA with IBD, with low activity. This research included five multidisciplinary clinics of two academic hospitals: Paediatric Gastroenterology, Gastroenterology, Coloproctology, Paediatric Rheumatology and Adolescent divisions, São Paulo, Brazil. A total of 59 AYA with IBD (age, 13-25 years) and 60 healthy AYA (age, 13-25 years) completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaires and the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain. Demographic data, extra-intestinal manifestations, treatment, and outcomes regarding CD and UC were evaluated. RESULTS: AYA with IBD and healthy controls were similar with respect to median ages (18.63 [13.14-25.80] years vs 20.5 [13.68-25.84] years, P=0.598), proportion of female sex (42% vs 38%, P=0.654), and percentage of upper middle/middle Brazilian socioeconomic classes (94% vs 97%, P=0.596). The school/work score was significantly lower in AYA with IBD than in healthy controls (70 [10-100] vs 75 [5-100], P=0.037). The ‘general health-perception’ score was significantly lower in AYA with IBD than in healthy controls (50 [10-80] vs 0 [25-90], P=0.0002). The median VAS, FACES pain rating scale, and total VAS scores were similar between the two groups (2 [0-10] vs 3 [0-9], P=0.214). No association between HRQL and clinical and demographic parameters was identified among IBD patients. CONCLUSION: AYA with low IBD activity reported poor HRQL in school/work and general health perception domains, which highlights a disability criterion in this vulnerable population.