Optimizing Diagnostic Accuracy of Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy Calcitonin Measurements in Detecting Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma.

The optimal cutoff value of calcitonin (Ctn) levels measured using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) obtained from the washout fluid of fine needle aspiration (FNA-Ctn) for the diagnosis of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is currently not established. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility of FNA-Ctn for the diagnosis and location of MTC in patients with nodular or multinodular goiters. This was a case-control study nested on a prospective multicenter cohort of patients with nodular or multinodular goiter, normal or elevated serum Ctn, and thyroidectomy indications.

Association between left ventricular mass, androgens, adiposity and insulin resistance in girls with precocious pubarche: a case-control study.

Objective: Precocious pubarche (PP) has been linked to higher prevalence of metabolic disturbances and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The aim of the study was to assess echocardiographic parameters in PP girls and to analyse their relationship with androgens and insulin resistance (IR).

Design: Case-control study.

Evaluation of swallowing in infants with congenital heart defect.

Introduction Surgical repair of congenital heart disease in the first years of life compromises the coordination of the suction, breathing, and swallowing functions. Objective To describe the alterations in swallowing found in infants with congenital heart defect during their hospitalization. Methods Prospective, cross-sectional study in a reference hospital for heart disease.

Lack of difference between continuous versus intermittent heparin infusion on maintenance of intra-arterial catheter in postoperative pediatric surgery: a randomized controlled study.

Objective: To compare two systems of arterial catheters maintenance in postoperative pediatric surgery using intermittent or continuous infusion of heparin solution and to analyze adverse events related to the site of catheter insertion and the volume of infused heparin solution.

Methods: Randomized control trial with 140 patients selected for continuous infusion group (CIG) and intermittent infusion group (IIG). The variables analyzed were: type of heart disease, permanence time and size of the catheter, insertion site, technique used, volume of heparin solution and adverse events.

Parents' knowledge of infective endocarditis in children with congenital heart disease.

Introduction: The guidelines to prophylaxis of infectious endocarditis changed, but many congenital heart diseases continue to be considered as high risk for the development of the disease.

Objective: To evaluate the knowledge of parents or guardians of children and adolescents with congenital heart disease seen at a referral center in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil on infective endocarditis and its prevention.

Methods: Cross-sectional study with 90 patients with congenital heart defects in regular outpatient treatment.