Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the U.S. Acute myocardial infarction (AMI), with or without ST-segment elevation, is a common presentation of coronary heart disease and affected more than 800,000 American adults in 2010. The overall goal of this dissertation was to examine decade-long trends in the extent of delay in the receipt of a primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) among patients hospitalized with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), 30-day hospital readmission rates in patients having survived an AMI, and multiple decade long trends in 1-year post-hospital all-cause mortality, as well as factors associated with these outcomes, among patients hospitalized with AMI. Methods: Data from the Worcester Heart Attack Study, a population-based chronic disease surveillance project that has been carried out among adult residents of the Worcester, MA, metropolitan area, hospitalized with AMI on a biennial basis from 1975 through 2009 at all medical centers in central MA, were used for this dissertation. Results: Between 1999 and 2009, among patients hospitalized with STEMI, the likelihood of receiving a primary PCI within 90 minutes after emergency department arrival increased dramatically from 1999/2001 (11.6%) to 2007/2009 (70.5%). Between 1999 and 2009, among hospital survivors of an AMI, the 30-day all-cause rehospitalization rates decreased from 1999/2001 (20.3%) to 2007/2009 (16.7%). The overall cause-specific 30-day rehospitalization rates due to CVD, non-CVD, and AMI were 10.1%, 7.1%, and 1.8%, respectively, during the years under study. Between 1975 and 2009, among hospital survivors for a first AMI, the 1-year post-discharge mortality rates remained relatively stable from 1975-1984 (12.9%) to 1986-1997 (12.5%), but increased during 1999-2009 (15.8%). We identified several demographic, clinical and in-hospital treatment factors associated with an increased risk of failing to receive a primary PCI within 90 minutes after emergency department arrival, 30-day readmissions, and 1-year post-discharge mortality. Conclusions: Our findings can hopefully lead to the enhanced development of innovative, patient-centered, intervention strategies which can further improve the treatment and transitions of care, as well as short and long-term prognosis, of men and women hospitalized with AMI.

Background: Following passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, 30-day hospital readmissions have come under greater scrutiny. Excess readmissions for certain medical conditions and procedures now result in penalizations on all Medicare reimbursements. We examined the risk factors, outcomes, and costs of 30-day readmissions after colorectal surgery (CRS). Methods: The University HealthSystem Consortium database was queried for adults (≥ 18 years) who underwent colorectal resection for cancer, diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or benign tumors between January 2008 and December 2011. Our outcomes of interest were readmission within 30-days of the patient’s index discharge, hospital readmission outcomes, and total direct hospital costs. Results: A total of 70,484 patients survived the index hospitalization after CRS during the years under study, 13.7% (9,632) of which were readmitted within 30 days of discharge. The strongest independent predictors of readmission were: LOS ≥4 days (OR 1.44; 95% CI 1.32-1.57), stoma (OR 1.53; 95% CI 1.45-1.61), and discharge to skilled nursing (OR 1.63; 95% CI 1.49-1.76) or rehabilitation facility (OR 2.93; 95% CI 2.54-3.40). Of those readmitted, half occurred within 7 days of the index admission, 13% required ICU care, 6% had a reoperation, and 2% died during the readmission stay. The median combined total direct hospital cost was over twice as high ($26,917 v. $13,817) for readmitted than for nonreadmitted patients. Conclusions: Readmissions following colorectal resection occur frequently and incur a significant financial burden on the healthcare system. Future studies aimed at targeted interventions for high-risk patients may reduce readmissions and curb escalating healthcare costs. Categorization: Outcomes research; Cost analysis; Colon and Rectal Surgery

Objective: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common comorbidity in patients with heart failure, yet little is known about the impact of this condition in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF), especially from a more generalizable, community-based perspective. The primary objective of this study was to describe the in-hospital and post discharge mortality and treatment of patients hospitalized with ADHF according to COPD status. Methods: The study population consisted of patients hospitalized with ADHF at all 11 medical centers in central Massachusetts during 4 study years: 1995, 2000, 2002, and 2004. Results: Of the 9,748 patients hospitalized with ADHF during the years under study, 35.9% had a history of COPD. The average age of this population was 76.1 years, 43.9% were men, and 93.3% were white. At the time of hospital discharge, patients with COPD were less likely to have received evidence-based heart failure medications, including beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, than patients without COPD. Multivariable adjusted in-hospital death rates were similar for patients with and without COPD. However, among patients who survived to hospital discharge, patients with COPD had a significantly higher risk of dying at 1 (adjusted RR 1.10; 95% CI 1.06, 1.14) and 5-years (adjusted RR 1.40; 95% CI 1.28, 1.42) after hospital discharge than patients who were not previously diagnosed with COPD. Conclusions: COPD is a common co-morbidity in patients hospitalized with ADHF and is associated with a worse long-term prognosis. Further research is required to understand the complex interactions of these diseases and to ensure that patients with ADHF and COPD receive optimal treatment modalities.

Background: Overtreatment of localized prostate cancer (PCa) is a concern as many men die of other causes prior to experiencing a treatment benefit. This dissertation characterizes the need for assessing other cause mortality (OCM) risk in older men with PCa and informs efforts to identify patients most likely to benefit from definitive PCa treatment. Methods: Using the linked Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results-Medicare Health Outcomes Survey database, 2,931 men (mean age=75) newly diagnosed with clinical stage T1a-T3a PCa from 1998-2009 were identified. Survival analysis methods were used to compare observed 10-year OCM by primary treatment type. Age and health factors predictive of primary treatment type were assessed with multinomial logistic regression. Predicted mortality estimates from Social Security life tables (recommended for life expectancy evaluation) and two OCM risk estimation tools were compared to observed rates. An improved OCM prediction model was developed fitting Fine and Gray competing risks models for 10-year OCM with age, sociodemographic, comorbidity, activities of daily living, and patient-reported health data as predictors. The tools’ ability to discriminate between patients who died and those who did not was evaluated with Harrell’s c-index (range 0.5-1), which also guided new model selection. Results: Fifty-four percent of older men with localized PCa underwent radiotherapy while 13% underwent prostatectomy. Twenty-three percent of those treated with radiotherapy and 12% of those undergoing prostatectomy experienced OCM within 10 years of treatment and thus were considered overtreated. Health factors indicative of a shorter life expectancy (increased comorbidity, worse physical health, smoking) had little to no association with radiotherapy assignment but were significantly related to reductions in the likelihood of undergoing prostatectomy. Social Security life tables overestimated mortality risk and discriminated poorly between men who died and those who did not over 10 years (c-index=0.59). Existing OCM risk estimation tools were less likely to overestimate OCM rates and had limited but improved discrimination (c-index=0.64). A risk model developed with self-reported age, Charlson comorbidity index score, overall health (excellent-good/fair/poor), smoking, and marital status predictors had improved discrimination (c-index=0.70). Conclusions: Overtreatment of older men with PCa is primarily attributable to radiotherapy and may be reduced by pretreatment assessment of mortality-related health factors. This dissertation provides a prognostic model which utilizes a set of five self-reported characteristics that better identify patients likely to die of OCM within 10 years of diagnosis than age and comorbidity-based assessments alone.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the cross-cultural validity of international Dutch-English comparisons when using the Dutch Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI), and the intra-test reliability and construct validity of the Dutch RMI. METHODS: Cross-cultural validity was studied in a combined data-set of Dutch and English patients undergoing rehabilitation after stroke, who were assessed with the Dutch version of the RMI and the original English RMI, respectively. Mokken scale analysis was used to investigate unidimensionality, monotone homogeneity model fit, and differential item functioning between the Dutch and the English RMI. Intra-test reliability and construct validity were studied in the Dutch patients by calculating the reliability coefficient and correlating the Dutch RMI and the Dutch Barthel Index. RESULTS: The RMI was completed for Dutch (n = 200) and English (n = 420) patients after stroke. The unidimensionality and monotone homogeneity model fit of the RMI were excellent: combined Dutch-English data-set (coefficient H = 0.91); Dutch data-set (coefficient H = 0.93); English data-set (coefficient H = 0.89). No differential item functioning was found between the Dutch and the English RMI. The intra-test reliability of the Dutch RMI was excellent (coefficient rho = 0.97). In a sub-sample of patients (n = 91), the Dutch RMI correlated strongly with the Dutch Barthel Index (Spearman's correlation coefficient rho = 0.84). CONCLUSION: The Dutch RMI allows valid international Dutch-English comparisons, and has excellent intra-test reliability and construct validity.

INTRODUÇÃO: O acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) ocupa as primeiras posições entre as principais causas de incapacidade no mundo, sendo que 45% dos sobreviventes permanecem com perda persistente da função motora de membro superior. Diversos estudos relacionados à reabilitação de pacientes pós-AVC têm como objetivo avaliar intervenções para melhora da função motora de membros superiores. Assim, é fundamental que os resultados sejam avaliados de maneira confiável a fim de se garantir dados objetivos que facilitem a comparação entre as diferentes intervenções. No presente trabalho, discutimos as dificuldades inerentes ao contexto de seleção e administração de diferentes instrumentos de avaliação, e sugerimos uma nova metodologia com o objetivo de oferecer maior confiabilidade e sensibilidade ao processo de avaliação da funcionalidade de membros superiores em pacientes pós-AVC. MÉTODOS: Dividimos o conteúdo deste trabalho em duas etapas: I) revisão da bibliografia, na qual foram identificados diferentes instrumentos de avaliação funcional e discutidas suas propriedades psicométricas; II) análise estatística exploratória para detectar possível relação de dependência entre as variáveis obtidas pelo instrumento Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) e as variáveis obtidas pelo dispositivo robótico para membro superior coletadas em uma amostra de 41 pacientes em programa de reabilitação. RESULTADOS: Selecionamos 62 publicações que avaliaram as propriedades psicométricas dos instrumentos de avaliação da função de membros superiores pós-AVC. Pela análise dos artigos, identificamos 22 instrumentos e classificamos pelos níveis de funções e estruturas do corpo, e atividade de acordo com a Classificação Internacional da Funcionalidade (CIF). Comparamos os parâmetros das propriedades psicométricas dos 22 instrumentos e selecionamos o WMFT como um instrumento de referência, factível e bem conceituado, para testar a relação de dependência com as variáveis do dispositivo robótico. A partir da análise estatística exploratória, verificamos relação de dependência entre três das variáveis robóticas e a pontuação do WMFT tempo, demonstrada pela significância no teste LIS (p < 0.05), porém a correlação não foi demonstrada pela representação gráfica. CONCLUSÕES: Embora o WMFT seja bem avaliado quanto às propriedades psicométricas, ele apresenta aspectos negativos que impactam na qualidade dos dados coletados, como, por exemplo, subjetividade durante a observação, tempo de aplicação, treinamento dos avaliadores, além de não fornecer informações sobre a coordenação. Por outro lado, dispositivos robóticos produzem variáveis cinéticas e cinemáticas, as quais fornecem variáveis contínuas, objetivas e precisas sobre diferentes aspectos da função de membros superiores como velocidade, coordenação e força. Portanto, tais equipamentos são alternativas eficazes com relação à aplicação de instrumentos de avaliação do desempenho atual como o WMFT. Futuramente, sugerimos estudos que incluam uma amostra mais robusta e diversificada quanto ao grau de incapacidade, para que análise possa ser ampliada para uma modelagem estatística das variáveis / INTRODUCTION: Stroke occupies the first position among the leading causes of disability worldwide, with 45% of survivors remain with persistent loss of motor function of the upper limb. Several studies related to stroke rehabilitation evaluates interventions to improve motor function of upper limbs. Thus, it is fundamental that results are evaluated reliably in order to ensure objective data to facilitate comparison between different interventions. In this paper, we discuss the difficulties inherent in the context of selection and management of different evaluation tools and suggest a new methodology in order to provide greater reliability and sensitivity in the evaluation process of the functionality of the upper limbs in poststroke patients. METHODS: We divided the contents of this work in two steps: I) review of the literature in which identified different functional assessment tools and discussed its psychometric properties; II) exploratory statistical analysis to detect possible relationship of dependency between variables obtained by the instrument Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) and the variables obtained by the robotic device for upper limb collected in a sample of 41 patients in rehabilitation program. RESULTS: We selected 62 publications evaluating the psychometric properties of upper limb assessment tools. For the analysis of the articles, we identified 22 instruments and classified by levels of functions and structures of the body and activity according to the International Classification of Functioning (ICF). We compared the parameters of the psychometric properties of the 22 instruments and selected the WMFT as a reference tool, feasible and well-regarded, to test the dependency relationship with the variables of the robotic device. From the exploratory statistical analysis verified dependence between three of the robotic variables and the score WMFT time, demonstrated the significance in test LIS (p < 0.05), but the correlation was not shown by the graphical representation. CONCLUSIONS: Although WMFT has excellent psychometric properties, it has negative aspects that impact in quality of data collected, for example, subjectivity during observation, application time, training of evaluators, besides it does not provide information on the coordination. On the other hand, robotic devices produce kinetic and kinematic variables which provide continuous, accurate and objective variables on different aspects of the upper limb function such as speed, coordination and strength. Therefore, such devices are effective alternatives regarding to assessment tools of current performance as WMFT. In the future, we suggest studies that include a more robust and diverse sample with respect to the degree of disability, so that analysis can be extended to a statistical modeling of the variables

INTRODUÇÃO: A redução automática da pressão de suporte (PS) baseada na freqüência respiratória, ou MRV (mandatory rate ventilation) é um modo ventilatório disponível no ventilador Taema-Horus. A hipótese do estudo é que o MRV utilizado no desmame é tão efetivo quanto o desmame manual em pacientes em pós-operatório na unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI). MÉTODOS: Ao chegar à UTI, após a cirurgia, os pacientes eram randomizados em dois grupos: desmame manual ou automático. O desmame manual consistiu na redução manual da PS a cada 30 minutos mantendo a relação freqüência respiratória sobre volume corrente menor do que 80, até a PS de 5-7 cmH2O. O desmame automático baseou-se na freqüência respiratória alvo de 15 respirações por minuto (o ventilador diminui automaticamente, a PS em 1 cmH2O a cada 4 ciclos respiratórios, se o paciente mantiver a freqüência respiratória abaixo deste valor). O objetivo primário do estudo foi comparar a duração do processo de desmame. Secundariamente verificamos o nível de PS, freqüência respiratória, volume corrente, índice de freqüência respiratória sobre volume corrente, pressão positiva expiratória final, fração inspirada de oxigênio e saturação de oxigênio requeridos durante o processo de desmame. Verificamos também necessidade de reintubação e necessidade de ventilação não invasiva nas primeiras 48 horas após a extubação. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença estatística significativa entre os 53 pacientes selecionados em cada grupo quanto ao sexo (p=0541), idade (p=0,585) e tipo de cirurgia (p=0,172). Dezenove pacientes foram excluídos durante o protocolo (quatro no grupo manual e quinze no grupo automático, p<0,05). Nove pacientes do grupo automático foram excluídos do protocolo por não se adaptarem ao modo de desmame automático. Oitenta e sete pacientes concluíram o estudo, quarenta e nove pacientes foram desmamados manualmente e trinta e oito automaticamente. A duração do processo de desmame foi de 205,41±181,27 minutos (de 30 a 840 minutos) no grupo manual, e 157,33±129,98 minutos (de 30 a 545 minutos) no grupo automático. Não houve diferença estatística significante quanto ao tempo de desmame entre os dois grupos. O nível de PS foi maior (p<0,001) e freqüência respiratória foi menor (p=0,0098) no modo MRV comparado ao modo manual, durante o processo de desmame. Não houve necessidade de reintubação em nenhum dos grupos. Houve necessidade de ventilação não invasiva em dois pacientes do grupo manual (p=0,505), ambos sofreram cirurgia cardíaca. CONCLUSÃO: A redução automática da PS foi efetiva e pode ser utilizada no desmame de pacientes no pós-operatório na unidade de terapia intensiva, se o paciente se adaptar ao algoritmo do MRV / Introduction: Automatic pressure support reduction based on a target respiratory frequency or MRV is available in the TAEMA-HORUS ventilator for the weaning process in the ICU setting. We hypothesized that MRV is as effective as manual weaning in post-operative ICU patients. Methods: There were 106 patients selected, in the post-operative period in a prospective, randomized, controlled protocol. When the patients arrived in the ICU after surgery, they were randomly assigned to traditional weaning, consisted of the manual reduction of pressure support every thirty minutes, keeping the RR/TV(L) < 80 till 5-7 cmH20 of PSV. Alternatively, they were assigned to automatic weaning, referring to MRV set with a respiratory frequency target of 15 breaths per minute (the ventilator automatically decreased the PSV level by 1 cmH20 every 4 respiratory cycles, if the patients RR was less than 15 per minute). The primary endpoint of the study was the duration of the weaning process. Secondary endpoints were levels of pressure support, respiratory rate, tidal volume (mL), RR/VT (L), PEEP levels FiO2 and SpO2 required during the weaning process, the need for reintubation and the need for non-invasive ventilation in the 48 hours after extubation. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the 53 patients selected for each group regarding gender (p=0.541), age (p=0.585) and type of surgery (p=0.172). Nineteen patients were excluded during the trial (4 in the PSV group and 15 in the MRV group, p<0.05). Eighty-seven patients concluded the study, forty-nine patients were weaned manually and thirtyeight automatically. The weaning duration process was 205.41 ± 181.27 minutes (30 to 840 minutes) for the manual group and 157. 33± 129.98 minutes (30 to 545 minutes) for MRV group (p=0.167). PSV levels were significantly higher and RR was lower in MRV compared to that of the PSV manual reduction (p<0.05). Reintubation was not required in either group. NIV was necessary for two patients, in the manual group after cardiac surgery (p=0.505). Conclusion: The automatic reduction of pressure support was effective and can be useful for weaning patients in the post-operative period in the ICU, if the patient is receptive to the MRV algorithm

OBJETIVO: Verificar se a adoção da estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF; antigo Programa Saúde da Família, PSF) está ou não associada a menores taxas, chances ou risco de internação por condições sensíveis à atenção primária (CSAP), quando comparada à atenção básica tradicional. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Estudo de revisão sistemática da literatura científica, usando os termos \'saúde da família\' e (\'programa\' ou \'estratégia\') e (\'internações sensíveis\' ou \'condições sensíveis\'), bem como seus correspondentes em inglês. A busca não foi limitada por ano de publicação, mas abrangeu apenas pesquisas originais que tenham testado a associação entre o modelo de atenção básica e as internações por CSAP na população geral. As fontes de dados utilizadas foram os índices MEDLINE, LILACS e IBECS, através da Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS) e do PubMed. A qualidade metodológica não foi usada como critério de exclusão, mas sim para explorar as eventuais divergências dos resultados. O instrumento de avaliação foi uma lista com 10 itens a serem verificados, proposta por Downs & Black e adaptada por Nedel et al. RESULTADOS: Foram localizadas 82 citações únicas, das quais apenas 4 atenderam aos critérios de inclusão. Os estudos tinham variadas abordagens metodológicas, mas todos encontraram alguma associação inversa entre a ESF e as internações por CSAP. Essa associação variou de acordo com a faixa etária, o sexo, o grupo de CSAP, e o tamanho do município. DISCUSSÃO: A Saúde da Família se mostrou associada a um menor número de internações por CSAP, especialmente no sexo feminino, nos idosos, e para as condições cardiovasculares, as condições respiratórias e o diabetes mellitus. Sugere-se a necessidade de que as análises sejam conduzidas separadamente para cada combinação de sexo, faixa etária e CSAP, e que o controle ou não da análise por aspectos de qualidade da atenção básica seja explicitamente decidido com base num marco conceitual. / OBJECTIVE: To verify if the adoption of the Family Health strategy (ESF; formerly named Family Health Program, PSF) is associated with lower rates, odds or risk of hospitalization by ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSC), compared to the traditional Brazilian primary health care (PHC) model. MATERIALS & METHODS: A systematic review of the scientific literature using the terms (\'family health program\' or \'familial health strategy\') and (\'sensitive conditions\' or \'sensitive hospitalizations\'), as well as the corresponding terms in Portuguese. The was no publication date limit, but the search was restricted to original research testing whether if there\'s an association between the PHC model and hospitalizations by ACSC in the general population. The data sources included MEDLINE, LILACS and IBECS, through PubMed and Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS). The methodological quality was not used as an exclusion criterion, but to explore eventual divergences in the results. The assessment instrument was a checklist with 10 items, proposed by Downs & Black and adapted by Nedel et al. RESULTS: 82 unique citations were found, but only 4 of them matched the inclusion criteria. The studies have variable methodological approaches, but all of them found some association between ESF and hospitalizations by ACSC. This association changed with age, sex, ACSC group, and municipality size. DISCUSSION: Family Health was associated with less hospitalizations by ACSC, specially in the female sex, in the elderly, and for cardiovascular conditions, respiratory conditions and diabetes mellitus. It may be necessary to run the analysis separately for each combination of age group, sex and ACSC group. Controlling or not the analysis for PHC quality should be explicitly decided on basis of a conceptual framework.

INTRODUÇÃO: O impacto do diagnóstico do câncer de cabeça e pescoço e as consequências de seu tratamento podem alterar profundamente a qualidade de vida de um indivíduo. OBJETIVOS: Realizar a validação psicométrica do Patients Concerns Inventory - PCI-HeN para o Português-Brasil, caracterizar nos momentos pré-tratamento e após o diagnóstico, os graus de ansiedade e depressão, a qualidade de vida, a intensidade dos sintomas, suas necessidades, preferências e atitudes em relação às informações, suas preocupações, expectativas, o grau de preenchimento de suas expectativas (pós-tratamento). MÉTODOS - Parte I: Estudo transversal. Após as etapas de tradução e adaptação transcultural, a validade de construto foi realizada pela comparação do PCI com o Questionário de Qualidade de Vida da Universidade de Washington (UW-QOL). Parte II: Estudo prospectivo longitudinal. Os participantes completaram a Escala de Ansiedade e Depressão (HADS), o Questionário de Qualidade de Vida da Universidade de Washington (UW-QOL), o Inventário de Sintomas do M.D. Anderson (MDASI- HeN), o Questionário de Informação dos Pacientes (QIP), a versão em Português validada do Inventário de Preocupações dos Pacientes (IPP), o Protocolo de Avaliação das Expectativas (PAE) e o Protocolo de Preenchimento das Expectativas (PPE). Na primeira etapa, os testes não paramétricos de Mann-Whitney ou Kruskal-Wallis foram utilizados para avaliar a associação do número de itens/profissionais selecionados com as características dos pacientes. O teste de Mann-Whitney também foi utilizado para associar os escores dos domínios do UW-QOL com os itens/profissionais específicos selecionados pelos pacientes. Associações entre os itens/profissionais específicos selecionados com as características dos pacientes foram avaliadas por meio do teste Qui-Quadrado ou o teste Exato de Fisher. RESULTADOS - Parte I: Oitenta e quatro pacientes participaram do processo de validação. Os itens mais selecionados pelos pacientes no IPP foram: medo do câncer voltar, boca seca, mastigar/comer, e fala/voz/ser entendido. Os profissionais mais assinalados pelos pacientes foram o fonoaudiólogo, dentista e psicólogo. Os domínios físico e sócio-emocional do UW-QOL apresentaram correlações significantes com o número de preocupações e de profissionais selecionados. Resultados - Parte II: As amostras foram constituídas respectivamente por 104 pacientes (pré-tratamento), 80 pacientes (aos 6 meses) e 62 pacientes (aos 12 meses). Em todos os momentos do estudo, a maioria dos pacientes apresentou escores de ansiedade e de depressão dentro dos limites de normalidade. A qualidade de vida apresentou um declínio nos primeiros meses, seguida por uma melhora geral ao longo do primeiro ano. Os sintomas mais assinalados no MDASIH& N foram dor, preocupações, problemas de sono e dificuldade para engolir/mastigar (pré-tratamento), dificuldades para engolir/mastigar, boca seca e catarro (aos 6 meses) e boca seca, dificuldades para engolir/mastigar e preocupações (aos 12 meses). Em todas as épocas, a maioria dos pacientes desejava receber toda a informação possível. As principais preocupações dos pacientes e os principais profissionais por eles assinalados, foram: mastigar/comer, tratamento do câncer, fala/voz/ser entendido e engolir; fonoaudiólogo, nutricionista e oncologista/radioterapeuta. Em geral, as expectativas dos pacientes no momento prétratamento, eram boas. As expectativas dos pacientes em relação aos itens ligados à alimentação: mastigar/comer, boca seca, engolir, paladar e perda de peso foram as menos preenchidas após o tratamento. Foram encontradas diversas associações significativas entre a qualidade de vida global dos pacientes e o grau de preenchimento de várias expectativas após o tratamento. CONCLUSÕES: O Inventário de Preocupações dos Pacientes-IPP pode ser considerado apropriado e psicométricamente válido para uso em pacientes brasileiros portadores de câncer de cabeça e pescoço. Ao longo de um ano após o diagnóstico os pacientes com neoplasias de cabeça e pescoço tendem a apresentar diminuição de comorbidades (ansiedade e depressão), boa qualidade de vida (com declínio aos 6 meses), predomínio de sintomatologia física/funcional associada à preocupações, desejam todas as informações possíveis, têm preocupações eminentemente físicas/funcionais, associadas ao medo de recidiva da doença e priorizam o contato com os clínicos responsáveis pelo tratamento e reabilitação, têm suas expectativas gerais preenchidas e o nível de satisfação de suas expectativas impacta a qualidade de vida global / INTRODUCTION: The impact of cancer diagnosis and consequence of its treatment have a major effect on quality of life on these patients. OBJECTIVES: To perform a psychometric validation of the Patients Concerns Inventory - PCI-HeN in Portuguese-Brazil and characterize, at pre-treatment, and after diagnosis, the degree of anxiety and depression of patients, their quality of life, severity of symptoms, their preferences regarding information, their concerns, expectations, extent to which expectations were met (post-treatment). METHODS - Part I: Cross-sectional study. After the translation and transcultural adaptation stages, construct validity was determined by comparing the PCI against the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire (UW-QOL). Part II: Prospective, longitudinal study. Participants completed the Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire (UW-QOL), the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI-HeN), the Information Styles Questionnaire (ISQ), the validated Portuguese version of the Patient Concerns Inventory (PCI), the Expectations Assessment Protocol (EAP), and the Meeting Expectations Protocol (MEP). In stage one, non-parametric Mann-Whitney or Kruskal-Wallis tests were employed to assess the association of number of items/professionals selected with patient characteristics. The Mann-Whitney test was also used to associate scores on the UW-QOL domains with specific items/professionals selected by patients Associations of specific items/professionals selected with patient characteristics were assessed using the Chisquare or Fisher Exact tests. RESULTS - Part I: Eighty-four patients took part in the validation process. The items most frequently selected by patients on the PCI were: fear of cancer coming back, dry mouth, chewing/eating and speech/voice/being understood. The professionals most indicated by patients were speech/language therapist, dentist and psychologist. The physical and social-emotional domains of the UW-QOL were significantly correlated with number of concerns and of professionals selected. Results - Part II: The samples comprised 104 patients (pretreatment), 80 patients (at 6 months) and 62 patients (at 12 months), respectively. At all study timepoints, anxiety and depression scores of most patients were within normal limits. A decline in quality of life was evident in the first few months, followed by a general improvement during the course of the first year. The most frequently reported symptoms on the MDASI-H&N were pain, concerns, disturbed sleep and difficulty swallowing/chewing (pre-treatment), difficulties swallowing/chewing, dry mouth and catarrh (at 6 months), and dry mouth, difficulties swallowing/chewing and concerns (at 12 months). At all timepoints, most patients wished to receive all possible information. The main patient concerns and professionals selected were: chewing/eating, cancer treatment, speech/voice/being understood, swallowing; speech-therapist, nutritionist and oncologist/radiotherapist. In general, patient expectations at pre-treatment were good. Patient expectations for food-related items: chewing/eating, dry mouth, swallowing, taste and weight loss were the least met after treatment. A number of significant associations were found between global quality of life of patients and extent to which various expectations were met after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The Patient Concerns Inventory-PCI was shown to be appropriate and psychometrically valid for use in Brazilian head and neck cancer patients. During the course of one year after diagnosis, the head and neck cancer patients tended to exhibit a decrease in comorbidities (anxiety and depression), good quality of life (with decline at 6 months), predominance of physical/functional symptoms associated with concerns, desire for all possible information, predominantly physical/functional concerns, associated with fear of disease recurrence and prioritized contact with the physicians responsible for treatment and rehabilitation, had general expectations met and the extent to which expectations were met impacted global quality of life

INTRODUÇÃO: A despeito de todos os avanços no tratamento cirúrgico do câncer, ainda existem fatores complicadores para a adequada evolução no pós-operatório. Realizou-se estudo retrospectivo em uma população de pacientes submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico oncológico eletivo para o câncer retal, a fim de caracterizá-los epidemiologicamente e determinar quais variáveis estão associadas a maior morbimortalidade tais como aumento de permanência hospitalar, utilização de unidade de terapia intensiva, reoperações, óbito em 30 dias e custos hospitalares totais. MÉTODO: Foram selecionados todos os pacientes submetidos a cirurgias retais eletivas para o tratamento oncológico no período de 01 de outubro de 2008 a 31 de dezembro de 2012, resultando numa amostra de 405 pacientes de idade adulta e ambos os sexos. Realizou-se análise univariada para cada desfecho e análise multivariada através de regressão logística com ajustamento para as seguintes variáveis: sexo, idade, índice massa corpórea, estadiamento TNM, procedimento realizado, escore ASA, via de acesso, realização de QRT neoadjuvante, intervalo entre a neoadjuvância e a cirurgia e tempo cirúrgico, com validação interna através da técnica de bootstrap. RESULTADOS: Foram identificados como fatores de risco para aumento de permanência hospitalar a obesidade classe II e III (OR 15,44; IC95% 1,05 - 227,52; p = 0,05) e anestesia combinada - regional associada à geral (OR 5,38; IC95% 1,08 - 29,95; p = 0,04); amputação abdominoperineal foi fator de risco para reoperação em 30 dias (OR 4,54; IC95% 1,15 - 17,90; p = 0,03); amputação abdominoperineal (OR 5,38; IC95% 1,21 - 23,73; p = 0,03) e exenteração pélvica (OR 19,98; IC95% 0,99 - 401,32; p = 0,05) foram fatores de risco para utilização de UTI; idade acima de 79 anos (OR 13,99; IC95% 1,51 - 128,95; p = 0,02) foi fator de risco para complicação pós-operatória; idade acima de 79 anos (OR 0,07; IC95% 0,01 - 0,39; p = 0,01) foi fator de proteção para tempo cirúrgico elevado, obesidade classe II e III (OR 12,87; IC95% 1,54 - 107,67; p = 0,02) e via de acesso laparoscópica com transição para aberta (OR 8,7; IC95% 2,67 - 28,36; p < 0,001) foram fatores de risco para tempo cirúrgico elevado. CONCLUSÕES: Obesidade classe II e III e anestesia combinada são fatores de risco para tempo de permanência hospitalar prolongado para pacientes submetidos a cirurgia para tratamento de câncer retal. Outros estudos se fazem necessários para entender quais são os mecanismos que levam a anestesia combinada, eventualmente, a este aumento de permanência hospitalar / INTRODUCTION: Despite all the developments in the surgical treatment of cancer, there are still complicating factors for a correct postoperative evolution. There were conducted a retrospective study in a population of patients submitted to surgical rectal cancer treatment to characterize them epidemiologically and determine which variables are associated with increased morbimortality such as increased hospital length of stay, use of intensive care unit, reoperations, 30-day mortality and total hospital costs. METHOD: All patients submitted to colorectal surgery treatment for cancer during the period October 1st, 2008 to December 31th, 2012, resulting in a sample of 405 patients of both genders. Univariate analysis was conducted for each outcome and multivariate analysis through logistic regression with adjustment for the following variables: sex, age, body mass index, TNM stage, procedure performed, ASA score, laparoscopic or open surgery, neoadjuvant treatment, interval between the neoadjuvant therapy and the surgery, and operative time, with internal validation by the bootstrap technique. RESULTS: there were identified as risk factors for increased hospital stay, the obesity class II and III (OR 15.44; 95% CI 1.05-227.52; p = 0.05) and combined anesthesia - regional and general (OR 5.38; 95% CI 1.08-29.95; p = 0.04); abdominoperineal amputation was a risk factor for 30-day reoperation (OR 4.54; 1.15 95% CI-17.90; p = 0.03); abdominoperineal amputation (OR 5.38; 95% CI 1.21-23.73; p = 0.03) and pelvic exenteration (OR 19.98; 95% CI 0.99-401.32; p = 0.05) were risk factors for ICU use; age over 79 years (OR 13.99; CI 1.51-128.95; p = 0.02) was a risk factor for postoperative complication; age over 79 years (OR 0.07; CI 0.01-0.39; p = 0.01) was protective factor to prolonged operative time , obesity class II and III (OR 12.87; CI 1.54-107.67; p = 0.02) and laparoscopic approach with transition to open (OR 8.7; CI 2.67-28.36; p 0.001) were risk factors to prolonged operative time. CONCLUSIONS: Obese class II and III and combined anesthesia are risk factors for prolonged hospital stay for patients undergoing surgery for rectal cancer treatment. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms that lead combined anesthesia to increase hospital stay