Correlations between forced oscillation technique parameters and pulmonary densitovolumetry values in patients with acromegaly

The aims of this study were to evaluate the forced oscillation technique (FOT) and pulmonary densitovolumetry in acromegalic patients and to examine the correlations between these findings. In this cross-sectional study, 29 non-smoking acromegalic patients and 17 paired controls were subjected to the FOT and quantification of lung volume using multidetector computed tomography (Q-MDCT). Compared with the controls, the acromegalic patients had a higher value for resonance frequency [15.3 (10.9-19.7) vs 11.4 (9.05-17.6) Hz, P=0.023] and a lower value for mean reactance [0.32 (0.21-0.64) vs 0.49 (0.34-0.96) cm H2O/L/s2, P=0.005]. In inspiratory Q-MDCT, the acromegalic patients had higher percentages of total lung volume (TLV) for nonaerated and poorly aerated areas [0.42% (0.30-0.51%) vs 0.25% (0.20-0.32%), P=0.039 and 3.25% (2.48-3.46%) vs 1.70% (1.45-2.15%), P=0.001, respectively]. Furthermore, the acromegalic patients had higher values for total lung mass in both inspiratory and expiratory Q-MDCT [821 (635-923) vs 696 (599-769) g, P=0.021 and 844 (650-945) vs 637 (536-736) g, P=0.009, respectively]. In inspiratory Q-MDCT, TLV showed significant correlations with all FOT parameters. The TLV of hyperaerated areas showed significant correlations with intercept resistance (rs=−0.602, P<0.001) and mean resistance (rs=−0.580, P<0.001). These data showed that acromegalic patients have increased amounts of lung tissue as well as nonaerated and poorly aerated areas. Functionally, there was a loss of homogeneity of the respiratory system. Moreover, there were correlations between the structural and functional findings of the respiratory system, consistent with the pathophysiology of the disease.

Perfil e produção científica dos pesquisadores do CNPq nas áreas de Nefrologia e Urologia

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o perfil e a produção científica de pesquisadores de Nefrologia e Urologia, cadastrados como bolsistas de produtividade no Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico. MÉTODOS: Os currículos Lattes de 39 pesquisadores com bolsas ativas no triênio 2006 a 2008 foram incluídos na análise. As variáveis de interesse foram: sexo, instituição, tempo de doutoramento, artigos publicados, e orientação de alunos de graduação, mestres e doutores. RESULTADOS: Houve uma predominância do gênero masculino (74,4%) e de bolsistas na categoria 2 (56,4%). Três estados da federação são responsáveis por 90% dos pesquisadores: SP (28; 71,8%), RS (4; 10,3%) e MG (3; 7,7%). Quatro instituições são responsáveis por 70% dos pesquisadores: UNIFESP (14; 36%), USP (8; 20,5%), UFMG (3, 7,7%) e UNICAMP (3; 7,7%). No total da carreira acadêmica, os pesquisadores em Nefrourologia publicaram 3.195 artigos em periódicos, sendo a mediana de 75 artigos por pesquisador (IQ = 52 - 100). Os pesquisadores receberam um total de 25.923 citações na base de dados Web of Science®, sendo a mediana por pesquisador de 452 citações (IQ = 161 - 927). A média de citações por artigo foi de 13,8 citações (DP = 11,6). CONCLUSÕES: Há uma concentração dos pesquisadores na região Sudeste. Neste estudo, pode ser observado um aumento da produção científica entre a maioria dos pesquisadores nos últimos cinco anos. Através do conhecimento do perfil dos pesquisadores das áreas de Nefrologia e Urologia podem ser definidas, de maneira mais eficaz, estratégias para incentivar a produção científica e a demanda de recursos para o financiamento de projetos de pesquisa.

Early changes in serum albumin: impact on 2-year mortality in incident hemodialysis patients

AbstractIntroduction/objective:We evaluated the predictability of early changes in serum albumin (sAlb) on the two-year mortality of incident hemodialysis patients.Methods:Observational, longitudinal retrospective study using the database of Fresenius Medical Care of Latin America. Adult patients starting dialysis from January/2000 to June/2004, from 25 centers were included. Changes in sAlb during the first 3 months on hemodialysis were used as the main predictor. The outcome was death from any cause.Results:1,679 incident patients were included. They were 52 ± 15 years old, 58.7% male and 21.5% diabetic, with a median sAlb of 38 g/L (bromocresol green). 923 patients had sAlb < 38 g/L (Low sAlb Group) and 756 ones had sAlb > 38.0 g/L (Adequate sAlb Group). The mortality was significantly higher in Low sAlb Group (17% vs. 11%, p < 0.001). Early changes in sAlb significantly affected two-year mortality. Factoring the Kaplan Meier curve of Low sAlb Group by the presence of an increase in sAlb uncovered of a statistically significant difference in mortality favoring the ones whose sAlb went up (19% vs. 15%, p = 0.043). Differently, patients from Adequate sAlb Group with a decrease in their sAlb had a statistically higher mortality rate (13% vs. 8%, p = 0.029).Conclusions:Early sAlb changes showed a significant predictive power on mortality at 2 years in incident hemodialysis patients. Those with low initial sAlb may have a better prognosis if their sAlb rises. In contrast, patients with satisfactory initial levels can have a worsening of their prognosis in the case of an early reduction in sAlb.

Le Petit journal. Supplément du dimanche

1908/07/26 (Numéro 923).

L'Écho de Paris

1886/09/21 (Numéro 923).