Effect of initial retinal thickness on outcome of intravitreal bevacizumab therapy for diabetic macular edema

Purpose: To investigate whether eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME) and central retinal thickness (CRT) >400 μm had better visual and anatomical outcomes compared to eyes with a CRT <400 μm when treated with intravitreal bevacizumab in a real-world setting. Patients and methods: Patients undergoing intravitreal bevacizumab therapy for DME were identified from the departmental database of a tertiary referral unit. Following the initial injection, a retreatment was performed for any persistent macular edema, unless there had been no previous response to repeated doses. Recorded parameters included visual acuity, CRT on optical coherence tomography (spectral domain optical coherence tomography [SD-OCT]), and SD-OCT characteristics. Comparisons were made between data at baseline and 12 months after the first injection, and differences were tested for statistical significance using the Student's t-test. Results: In all, 175 eyes of 142 patients were analyzed. Patients in group 2 (CRT >400 μm) had significantly more injections than group 1 (CRT <400 μm) (4.0 versus 3.3; P=0.003). Both groups had similar numbers of eyes with preexisting epiretinal membrane and/or vitreomacular traction at baseline. The reduction in CRT was significantly greater in group 2 when compared to group 1 (P<0.0001). In terms of visual gain between baseline and month 12, each gained significantly by a mean of 0.12 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution units (P=0.0001), but there was no difference between groups 1 and 2 (P=0.99). Conclusion: These results do not support a 400 μm baseline CRT cut-off for treating DME with bevacizumab, in contrast to published data on ranibizumab. Our results also indicate that patients with a thicker CRT require more bevacizumab injections, making treatment less cost-effective for these patients. Our results could be used by practitioners to support the use of bevacizumab in DME without applying a CRT cut-off. © 2014 Mushtaq et al.

Ranibizumab 0.5 mg for diabetic macular edema with bimonthly monitoring after a phase of initial treatment:18-month, multicenter, phase IIIB RELIGHT study

Abstract PURPOSE: To evaluate ranibizumab 0.5 mg using bimonthly monitoring and individualized re-treatment after monthly follow-up for 6 months in patients with visual impairment due to diabetic macular edema (DME). DESIGN: A phase IIIb, 18-month, prospective, open-label, multicenter, single-arm study in the United Kingdom. PARTICIPANTS: Participants (N = 109) with visual impairment due to DME. METHODS: Participants received 3 initial monthly ranibizumab 0.5 mg injections (day 0 to month 2), followed by individualized best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and optical coherence tomography-guided re-treatment with monthly (months 3-5) and subsequent bimonthly follow-up (months 6-18). Laser was allowed after month 6. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mean change in BCVA from baseline to month 12 (primary end point), mean change in BCVA and central retinal thickness (CRT) from baseline to month 18, gain of ≥10 and ≥15 letters, treatment exposure, and incidence of adverse events over 18 months. RESULTS: Of 109 participants, 100 (91.7%) and 99 (90.8%) completed the 12 and 18 months of the study, respectively. The mean age was 63.7 years, the mean duration of DME was 40 months, and 77.1% of the participants had received prior laser treatment (study eye). At baseline, mean BCVA was 62.9 letters, 20% of patients had a baseline BCVA of >73 letters, and mean baseline CRT was 418.1 μm, with 32% of patients having a baseline CRT <300 μm. The mean change in BCVA from baseline to month 6 was +6.6 letters (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.9-8.3), and after institution of bimonthly treatment the mean change in BCVA at month 12 was +4.8 letters (95% CI, 2.9-6.7; P < 0.001) and +6.5 letters (95% CI, 4.2-8.8) at month 18. The proportion of participants gaining ≥10 and ≥15 letters was 24.8% and 13.8% at month 12 and 34.9% and 19.3% at month 18, respectively. Participants received a mean of 6.8 and 8.5 injections over 12 and 18 months, respectively. No new ocular or nonocular safety findings were observed during the study. CONCLUSIONS: The BCVA gain achieved in the initial 6-month treatment period was maintained with an additional 12 months of bimonthly ranibizumab PRN treatment.

One-year outcome of bevacizumab therapy for chronic macular edema in central and branch retinal vein occlusions in real-world clinical practice in the UK

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the 12-month outcome of macular edema secondary to both chronic and new central and branch retinal vein occlusions treated with intravitreal bevacizumab in the real-life clinical setting in the UK. Methods: Retrospective case notes analysis of consecutive patients with retinal vein occlusions treated with bevacizumab in 2010 to 2012. Outcome measures were visual acuity (measured with Snellen, converted into logMAR [logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution] for statistical calculation) and central retinal thickness at baseline, 4 weeks post-loading phase, and at 1 year. Results: There were 56 and 100 patients with central and branch retinal vein occlusions, respectively, of whom 62% had chronic edema and received prior therapies and another 32% required additional laser treatments post-baseline bevacizumab. Baseline median visual acuity was 0.78 (interquartile range [IQR] 0.48–1.22) in the central group and 0.6 (IQR 0.3–0.78) in the branch group. In both groups, visual improvement was statistically significant from baseline compared to post-loading (P,0.001 and P=0.03, respectively), but was not significant by month 12 (P=0.058 and P=0.166, respectively); 30% improved by at least three lines and 44% improved by at least one line by month 12. Baseline median central retinal thickness was 449 μm (IQR 388–553) in the central group and 441 µm (IQR 357–501) in the branch group. However, the mean reduction in thickness was statistically significant at post-loading (P,0.001) and at the 12-month time point (P,0.001) for both groups. The average number of injections in 1 year was 4.2 in the central group and 3.3 in the branch group. Conclusion: Our large real-world cohort results indicate that bevacizumab introduced to patients with either new or chronic edema due to retinal vein occlusion can result in resolution of edema and stabilization of vision in the first year.

Evidências de validade do Millon Behavioral Medicine Diagnostic na avaliação de aderência terapêutica em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca crônica

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is the final common pathway of most diseases affecting the heart, being responsible for a high level of mortality and hospitalization, as well as significant reduction in quality of life of those affected. Interventions that claim to optimize patient adherence to their medical regimen, and improve self-care behavior, have proven effective in preventing unplanned admissions and improves the outcome for patients, however, studies have shown the problem of non-adherence, and some psychological instruments have been used to show that traces indicate difficulties with treatment adherence. Having shown this, the aim of this work is to evaluate the evidence of validity of the Millon Behavioral Medicine Diagnostic (MBMD) in a population of patients with CHF. The study included individuals with CHF, males and females, between the age of 18 and 85 years, treated in a reference hospital in the city of NatalRN. A total of 120 patients answered, in addition to the MBMD, another questionnaire structured with sociodemographic aspects and clinical itens. The results indicated that the parameter of the MBMD reliability was satisfactory the most of extracted factors, and some scale. In terms of the population studied, we could verify that the disease was more prevalent in men, but women had the highest average in indicators related to negative health habits and depressed mood. Younger pacients and those who had no partner had the highest averages in groups of items that dealt with feelings of sadness and discouragement. Hasn’t been observed differences related to negative health habits and problematic adherence among patients in different functional classes. More studies in this research line, with a larger population and from other regions of the country, are needed in order to expand the data presented here

Reabilitação cardíaca na insuficiência cardíaca crônica: efeitos de 12 semanas de treinamento intervalado x contínuo na função cardiopulmonar e qualidade de vida

Background: Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) has effect on mortality in patients with heart failure (HF) chronic, and the exercise of the treatment of this patient. The most common exercise is ongoing training. Recently we have been studying the effects of interval training, but there is no consensus on the optimal dose of exercise. Objective: To evaluate the effects of interval aerobic training are superior to continuous aerobic training in patients with chronic HF. Methods: The clinical trial evaluated patients through cardiopulmonary test (CPX) and quality of life before and after the RC (3 times / 12 weeks). Patients were randomized into Group Interval Training (GTI - 85% of heart rate reserve - FCR), Continuous Training Group (GTC - 60% of HRR) and control group (CG) who received guidelines. Results: 18 patients were evaluated (mean age 44.7 ± 13.2 years and 35.2 ± 8.9% of left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF]). Both groups were efficient to increase the peak VO2 and 15.1% (P = 0.02) in GTI and 16.1% (P = 0.01) GTC. As for the quality of life the GTI GTC showed improvement compared to the control group (P = 0.006). Hemodynamic mismatch events during the CPX were reduced after training in more GTC (patients 1 to 4) than in the GTI (5 to 3). Cardiac risk also decreased in the GTC (3 patients left the severe risk to take after training). Conclusion: Continuous training becomes more appropriate for improving fitness with little chance of developing cardiac event patients with chronic HF.

Impacto da Insuficiência Renal no Prognóstico dos Doentes Submetidos a Reparação de Aneurisma da Aorta Abdominal - Cirurgia Convencional vs. Tratamento Endovascular do Aneurisma da Aorta

Introdução: A correção cirúrgica do aneurisma da aorta abdominal (AAA), por Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) ou cirurgia convencional (CC), pode agravar a função renal a curto prazo. Esta complicação, mais frequente nos doentes com insuficiência renal crónica (IRC), associa-se a pior prognóstico a longo prazo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi quantificar o agravamento da função renal após reparação do AAA em doentes com IRC prévia e demonstrar o consequente aumento da morbimortalidade. Métodos: Estudo retrospetivo em doentes com IRC estádios Chronic Kidney Disease 3-4 (TFGe 15-59ml/min), submetidos a correção eletiva de AAA entre fevereiro/2011 e fevereiro/2015 numa instituição terciária. Variáveis estudadas: idade, sexo, tipo de intervenção (convencional/EVAR) e estádio CKD. Endpoints: variação da creatinina e taxa de filtração glomerular com a cirurgia, complicações renais pós-operatórias, necessidade de reintervenção cirúrgica e mortalidade. A análise estatística foi realizada em SPSS. Resultados: Foram incluídos 71doentes. Quinze doentes (21%) foram operados por CC e 56 (78%) por EVAR. À data da intervenção, os doentes encontravam-se nos seguintes estádios da DRC: CKD 3 --- 65 (91%) e CKD 4 --- 6 (9%). A variac¸ão da TFG com a cirurgia foi −1,08±18,01mg/dl. Verificou-se IRC agudizada pós-operatória em 22 (31%) doentes e necessidade de diálise em 5 (7%). A mortalidade global foi 8,5%. Os doentes operados por EVAR tinham DRC mais avançada pré-operatoriamente, mas apresentaram menor agravamento da função renal. Variação TFG: EVAR 1,14±16,26ml/min vs. CC 9,40±22,11ml/min (p=0,022); variação creatinina: EVAR 0,17±1,03mg/dl vs. CC 0,81±1,47mg/dl (p=0,02). A agudização da IRC pós-operatória foi superior no grupo CC (53,3 vs. 28,6%; p=0,072), assim como a necessidade de diálise (20 vs. 3,6%, p=0,06). Os 6 doentes que faleceram (EVAR: 3; CC: 3) apresentaram maior agravamento da função renal (variação da creatinina: 1,41±1,63mg/dl vs. 0,20±1,07mg/dl, p=0,001; variação da TFG: −19,0±16,55ml/min; 0,57±17,34ml/min, p=0,007) e necessidade de diálise (50 vs. 3,1%, p=0,003). Conclusão: Os resultados demonstraram uma tendência para uma menor probabilidade de IRA, menor necessidade de diálise pós-operatória e menor mortalidade nos doentes tratados por EVAR. Contudo, o impacto da administração de contraste a médio/longo prazo, decorrente dos programas de vigilância pós-EVAR, deve ser considerado. Julgamos ser possível considerar que a realização de EVAR para o tratamento de doentes com AAA e IRC é um procedimento pelo menos tão seguro como a CC.

Visual functioning and health-related quality of life in diabetic patients about to undergo anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment for sight-threatening macular edema

Purpose To examine patient-reported outcome (PRO) in a selected group of Swedish patients about to receive anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment for diabetic macular edema (DME). Material and methods In this cross-sectional study, 59 patients with diabetes mellitus, who regularly visited the outpatient eye-clinics, were included. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected and the patients completed PRO measures before starting anti-VEGF treatment. PRO measures assessed eye-specific outcomes (NEI-VFQ-25) and generic health-related quality of life (SF-36). Results The participants consisted of 30 men and 29 women (mean age, 68.5 years); 54 (92 %) patients had type 2 diabetes; Five (9%) patients had moderate or severe visual impairment; 28 (47 %) were classified as having mild visual impairment. Some of the patients reported overall problems in their daily lives, such as with social relationships, as well as problems with impaired sight as a result of reduced distance vision. Conclusions Further studies are needed to investigate PRO factors related to low perceived general health in this patient population. It is important to increase our understanding of such underlying mechanisms to promote improvements in the quality of patient care.

Anti-VEGF treatment of patients with diabetic macular edema : Studies of visual acuity, macular edema and patient-reported outcomes

The aim of this thesis was to describe and evaluate visual acuity, macular edema and patientreported outcomes (PRO) following anti-VEGF treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) patients in a real-world setting. Using a longitudinal study design, a cohort of DME patients was followed from baseline to 1 year after treatment start. Data were collected from two eye clinics at two county hospitals. Social background characteristics, medical data and PRO were measured before treatment initiation, at four month and after 1 year. A total of 57 patients completed the study. Mean age was 69 years and the sample was equally distributed regarding sex. At baseline, the patients described their general health as low. One year after treatment initiation, 30 patients had improved visual acuity and 27 patients had no improvement in visual acuity. The patients whose visual acuity improved reported an improvement in several subscales in patient-reported outcome measures (PROM), which was in contrast to the group that experienced a decline in visual acuity, where there was no improvement in PROM. Outcomes from the study can be useful for developing and providing relevant information and support to patients undergoing this treatment.

Patient-reported outcomes and visual acuity after 12 months of anti-VEGF-treatment for sight-threatening diabetic macular edema in a real world setting

Aims To examine objective visual acuity measured with ETDRS, retinal thickness (OCT), patient reported outcome and describe levels of glycated hemoglobin and its association with the effects on visual acuity in patients treated with anti-VEGF for visual impairment due to diabetic macular edema (DME) during 12 months in a real world setting. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 58 patients (29 females and 29 males; mean age, 68 years) with type 1 and type 2 diabetes diagnosed with DME were included. Medical data and two questionnaires were collected; an eye-specific (NEI VFQ-25) and a generic health-related quality of life questionnaire (SF-36) were used. Results The total patient group had significantly improved visual acuity and reduced retinal thickness at 4 months and remains at 12 months follow up. Thirty patients had significantly improved visual acuity, and 27 patients had no improved visual acuity at 12 months. The patients with improved visual acuity had significantly improved scores for NEI VFQ-25 subscales including general health, general vision, near activities, distance activities, and composite score, but no significant changes in scores were found in the group without improvements in visual acuity. Conclusions Our study revealed that anti-VEGF treatment improved visual acuity and central retinal thickness as well as patient-reported outcome in real world 12 months after treatment start.

Determinación prospectiva del impacto de la respiratoria sobre aspectos reproductivos y productivos en dos hatos de la Sabana de Bogotá

Tesis (Magister en Ciencias Veterinarias).-- Universidad de La Salle. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias. Maestría en Ciencias Veterinarias, 2014

Impacto de la implementación de oxigenoterapia de alto flujo en el manejo de la insuficiencia respiratoria por infecciones respiratorias agudas bajas en un departamento de emergencia pediátrica

Introducción: la oxigenoterapia de alto flujo (OAF) administrada por cánulas nasales, se ha instaurado como una técnica sencilla, fácil de administrar, de bajo costo, sin complicaciones graves, efectiva para el tratamiento de la insuficiencia respiratoria (IR) en infecciones respiratorias agudas bajas (IRAB). Su aplicación temprana podría mejorar la evolución de estos niños. Objetivos: comunicar la primera experiencia con OAF en niños con IRAB en un Departamento de Emergencia Pediátrica (DEP). Compararla con una cohorte histórica de niños que no la recibió. Métodos: estudio descriptivo, prospectivo (1 de junio de 2013-20 de setiembre de 2013). Todos los niños tratados con OAF en DEP del Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell. Criterios de inclusión: <2 años con IRAB viral con IR y escore de Tal >8 o ³7 mantenido, apneas reiteradas, saturación de oxígeno <90% con O2 por máscara de flujo libre. Criterios de exclusión: pCO2 >70 mmHg, pH <7,2, depresión de conciencia, falla hemodinámica. Resultados: OAF 36 niños; mediana 4 meses; bronquiolitis 83%; VRS+ 58%. Destino pacientes en OAF: cuidados moderados 78%, UCI 22%, AVM 22%. No complicaciones ni fallecimientos. Cohorte histórica: 91 niños con IRAB no tratados con OAF. Cohorte histórica: UCI: 40 (44%) versus OAF (p=0,0005). AVM: cohorte histórica 30 (33%) versus OAF (p=0,026). Menores 6 meses: con OAF AVM 5 (19%), cohorte histórica: 25(45%) (p=0,026). Conclusiones: en un porcentaje elevado de pacientes fue posible evitar el ingreso a UCI. La necesidad de AVM en menores de 6 meses con OAF fue significativamente menor. La incorporación temprana de OAF en las IRAB graves modificó la forma de tratamiento de estos pacientes en la emergencia.

Síndrome Takotsubo após procedimento anestésico em idade pediátrica - um caso clínico

A síndrome Takotsubo (STT) é uma forma adquirida e transitória de disfunção sistólica, cuja apresentação clínica e eletrocardiográfica mimetiza um enfarte agudo do miocárdio. A STT é também conhecida como miocardiopatia de stress, síndrome do «coração partido», balonamento apical, insuficiência cardíaca aguda reversível, miocárdio «atordoado» (forma neurogénica) ou miocardiopatia aguda das catecolaminas. Os autores descrevem uma apresentação rara de STT após procedimento anestésico. Adolescente de 14 anos, sexo feminino, com antecedentes pessoais de enxaqueca hemiplé- gica e quisto pineal, submetida a ressonância magnética (RM) cranioencefálica de controlo. Durante a indução anestésica com propofol verificou-se bradicardia, revertida com atropina, seguida de taquidisritmia ventricular, revertida com lidocaína e murro pré-cordial. Nas primeiras horas de internamento evoluiu para edema pulmonar associado a insuficiência respiratória global por disfunção ventricular esquerda aguda. O ecocardiograma transtorácico mostrou dilatação do ventrículo esquerdo com hipocinesia global e fração de ejeção reduzida (< 30%). O eletrocardiograma revelou taquicardia sinusal persistente e alterações inespecíficas do segmento ST. Os biomarcadores cardíacos encontravam-se elevados (troponina 2,42 ng/ml, proBNP 8248 pg/ml). Foi medicada com diuréticos, IECA, digitálico e dopamina, com melhoria clínica, bioquímica e ecocardiográfica ao quarto dia. Os ecocardiogramas subsequentes mostraram normalização da função ventricular. A doente teve alta medicada com carvedilol, que suspendeu após normalização da função cardíaca e RM cardíaca não ter revelado alterações. Estão descritos poucos casos de STT em idade pediátrica. Alguns são desencadeados por patologia aguda do sistema nervoso central, mas nem todos cumprem os critérios de diagnóstico clássicos. Neste caso, o procedimento anestésico poderá ter desencadeado a STT.

Epidemiología y clínica de los pacientes de 1 mes a 5 años ingresados en el HNNBB con enfermedad respiratoria grave de etiología viral. Enero 2012-Diciembre 2013

Introducción: Las Infecciones Respiratorias Agudas Graves (IRAG) son una causa importante de morbilidad y mortalidad infantil a nivel mundial, sobre todo en los niños menores de 5 años. Se estiman alrededor de 146-159 millones nuevos casos al año en los países en vías de desarrollo, causando aproximadamente 4 millones de muertes en la población pediátrica mundial. Objetivo: Describir la incidencia de los virus respiratorios, características clínicas y epidemiológicas en pacientes desde 1 mes a 5 años que ingresan por diagnóstico de enfermedad respiratoria grave de etiología viral al Hospital Nacional de Niños Benjamín Bloom. Material y método: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo de corte transversal. Se estudiaron todos los niños de 1 mes a 5 años que ingresaron al Hospital Nacional de Niños Benjamín Bloom, incluidos en la vigilancia centinela con hisopado nasofaríngeo positivo de enero 2012 a diciembre 2013. Resultados: 6 de cada 10 pacientes son menores de 1 año, 51% son del sexo masculino. La sintomatología predominante fue tos (99%), dificultad respiratoria (98%) y fiebre (83%). Un 35% de los pacientes necesitó soporte ventilatorio al ingreso. El 49% no tenían patología previa, un 11% eran prematuros, detectándose en el 100% de ellos el virus sincitial respiratorio. Se reportó positivo a Virus Sincitial Respiratorio (VSR) en el 48% de los casos, seguido de Influenza A 12%, Adenovirus 11% y Parainfluenza 10% aumentándose los casos de todos estos en los meses de invierno. En un 76% de los casos se utilizó uno o más antibióticos, las cefalosporinas de 3ra generación son las más utilizadas. No se detecto patrón radiológico característico de infección viral. Conclusiones: El virus Sincitial respiratorio es el virus que más causa neumonía en menores de 5 años, siendo los prematuros altamente susceptibles.

Mapping tissue inhomogeneity in acute myocarditis: a novel analytical approach to quantitative myocardial edema imaging by T2-mapping

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the diagnostic value of T2-mapping in acute myocarditis (ACM) and to define cut-off values for edema detection. METHODS: Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) data of 31 patients with ACM were retrospectively analyzed. 30 healthy volunteers (HV) served as a control. Additionally to the routine CMR protocol, T2-mapping data were acquired at 1.5 T using a breathhold Gradient-Spin-Echo T2-mapping sequence in six short axis slices. T2-maps were segmented according to the 16-segments AHA-model and segmental T2 values as well as the segmental pixel-standard deviation (SD) were analyzed. RESULTS: Mean differences of global myocardial T2 or pixel-SD between HV and ACM patients were only small, lying in the normal range of HV. In contrast, variation of segmental T2 values and pixel-SD was much larger in ACM patients compared to HV. In random forests and multiple logistic regression analyses, the combination of the highest segmental T2 value within each patient (maxT2) and the mean absolute deviation (MAD) of log-transformed pixel-SD (madSD) over all 16 segments within each patient proved to be the best discriminators between HV and ACM patients with an AUC of 0.85 in ROC-analysis. In classification trees, a combined cut-off of 0.22 for madSD and of 68 ms for maxT2 resulted in 83% specificity and 81% sensitivity for detection of ACM. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed cut-off values for maxT2 and madSD in the setting of ACM allow edema detection with high sensitivity and specificity and therefore have the potential to overcome the hurdles of T2-mapping for its integration into clinical routine.

Estudo comparativo de carragenanas comerciais Kappa, Iota e Lambda no processo inflamatório em ratos :edema intraplantar e pleurisia

The Iota, Kappa and Lambda commercial carrageenans are rarely pure and normally contain varying amounts of the other types of carrageenans. The exact amount of impurity depends on the seaweed source and extraction procedure. Then, different analysis methods have been applied for determination of the main constituents of carrageenans because these three carrageenans are extensively used in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry. The electrophoresis of these compounds proved that the carrageenans are constituted by sulfated polysaccharides. These compounds were characterized by colorimetric methods and was observed that the Lambda carrageenan shown the greater value (33.38%) of sulfate. These polymers were examined by means of 13C NMR spectroscopy and infrared spectra. The polysaccharides consisted mainly of units alternating of sulfated galactoses and anhydrogalactoses. The aim of the study was also to test the inflammatory action of these different polysaccharides. A suitable model of inflammation is acute sterile inflammation of the rat hind limb induced by carrageenan. Paw edema was induced by injecting carrageenans (κ, ι and λ) in saline into the hind paw of a male Wistar rats (175–200 g). The pathway to acute inflammation by carrageenan (kappa, iota and lambda) were expressed as time-edema dependence and measured by paw edema volume. For this purpose, was used an apparatus (pakymeter), which makes it possible to measure the inflammation (swelling of the rat foot) with sufficient accuracy. The results showed that κ-carrageenan (1%) have an edema of 3.7 mm and the paw edema increase was time and dose dependent; the ι-carrageenan (0.2%) caused an edema of 4 mm and the λ-carrageenan (1%) caused an edema of 3.6 mm. Other model was used in this study based in the inflammation of pleura for comparatives studies. Injection of carrageenans into the pleural cavity of rat induced an acute inflammatory response characterized by fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity, a large number of neutrophils and raised NO production. The levels of NO were measured by Griess reactive. The ι-carrageenan caused the greater inflammation, because it has high concentration of nitrite/nitrate (63.478 nmoles/rat), exudato volume (1.52 ml) and PMNs (4902 x 103 cells). Quantitative evaluation of inflammations of rats is a useful and important parameter for the evaluation of the efficacy of anti-inflammatory drugs