Caio Eduardo Gullo

Results of a control quality strategy in cervical cytology

OBJECTIVE To determine the efficacy of a quality control strategy in cervical cytology in the detection of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. METHODS Forty-two patients were selected who underwent a Pap smear and cervical uterine biopsy between April 2008 and December 2009, with evidence of a high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion in one or both tests. The statistical parameters of the smear test were calculated before and after systematic meetings for review of the archived test results (6 years), in which the following was done: interobserver diagnostic consensus; cytohistological correlation, with the latter as gold standard; and evaluation of the therapeutic status of each patient. RESULTS Once these controls were applied, it was noted that sensitivity and positive likelihood ratio of the test for high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion increased 9.5% (34.5 to 44%) and 0.45% (1.64 to 2.09%), respectively, while specificity remained at 79%. Reduction in interference of false-negative results associated with errors in the analytical phase of the cytological productive process gave an estimate of failures in collection of the specimens (pre-analytical phase). CONCLUSION In addition to improving the performance of the cytological diagnosis of the high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, the proposed quality control strategy allows a reflection on the causes of incorrect or conflicting scrutiny.

Formas digestivas da doença de Chagas e carcinogênese: um estudo de associação

The authors analyze the relation between gastrointestinal carcinogenesis and Chagas disease, based on detailed review of the literature. To this end, epidemiological, experimental and human material pathology description studies have been selected. The article discusses the possibility of protection being afforded by not fully known morphokinetic cellular, immune and neuroendocrine factors that would be secondary to plexus degeneration. Also aspects related to the parasite-host interaction from the viewpoint of epithelial modulation of colonic mucosa and its antitumor implications are presented. Finally, it exposes the pathophysiological mechanism of esophageal cancer development in patients with mega-organ. In conclusion, chagasic colopathy, especially the intrinsic neuronal damage, is a study model that can contribute to the understanding of colorectal carcinogenesis.

Severe virus influenza A H1N1 related pneumonia and community-acquired pneumonia: differences in the evolution

Objective To analyze the clinical, laboratory and evolution data of patients with severe influenza A H1N1 pneumonia and compare the data with that of patients with severe community-acquired bacterial pneumonia. Methods Cohort and retrospective study. All patients admitted to the intensive care unit between May 2009 and December 2010 with a diagnosis of severe pneumonia caused by the influenza A H1N1 virus were included in the study. Thirty patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia admitted within the same period were used as a control group. Severe community-acquired pneumonia was defined as the presence of at least one major severity criteria (ventilator or vasopressor use) or two minor criteria. Results The data of 45 patients were evaluated. Of these patients, 15 were infected with H1N1. When compared to the group with community-acquired pneumonia, patients from the H1N1 group had significantly lower leukocyte counts on admission (6,728±4,070 versus 16,038±7,863; p<0.05) and lower C-reactive protein levels (Day 2: 15.1±8.1 versus 22.1±10.9 mg/dL; p<0.05). The PaO2/FiO2 ratio values were lower in the first week in patients with H1N1. Patients who did not survive the H1N1 severe pneumonia had significantly higher levels of C-reactive protein and higher serum creatinine levels compared with patients who survived. The mortality rate was significantly higher in the H1N1 group than in the control group (53% versus 20%; p=0.056, respectivelly). Conclusion Differences in the leukocyte count, C-reactive protein concentrations and oxygenation profiles may contribute to the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with severe influenza A H1N1 virus-related pneumonia and community-acquired pneumonia.