Evaluation of serum levels of C-reactive protein, D-Dimer and Autologous Serum Skin Test in patients with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria in a Brazilian tertiary center : a cross-sectional study.

Background: The pathophysiology of urticaria is still poorly understood. Recent studies demonstrate that the activation of coagulation is correlated with the clinical activity of Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria. Coagulation and inflammation are strongly linked.

Multivitamins do not improve radiation therapy-related fatigue: results of a double-blind randomized crossover trial.

Background: Fatigue is a common symptom in cancer patients receiving radiation therapy.

Patients And Methods: We conducted a double-blind randomized crossover trial of multivitamins versus placebo in patients with breast cancer undergoing radiation therapy to evaluate fatigue and quality of life.

Results: : We randomized 40 patients to either placebo or Centrum Silver.

Prevalence of the burnout syndrome among Brazilian medical oncologists.

Introduction: Burnout syndrome which is prevalent among oncologists is characterized by three aspects: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and low personal accomplishment. The purpose was to evaluate prevalence of the burnout syndrome among Brazilian medical oncologists and the variables that correlate with its presence.

Methods: A survey was conducted with members of the Brazilian Society of Medical Oncology (SBOC) who received three questionnaires (general, Maslach burnout questionnaire and an opinion survey) mailed to all 458 members.

[Awareness of cancer diagnosis does not lead to depression in palliative care patients].

Objective: Characterize the profile of patients under palliative care at this institution and evaluate the prevalence of depression in these patients.

Methods: Sixty two cancer patients under palliative care, who had answered three questionnaires: one regarding their demographic characteristics, another to evaluate their quality of life and the Beck's depression inventory were surveyed.

Results: Of these patients, 68% presented with some degree of depression.

[Acceptance of chemotherapy by Brazilian women with breast cancer].

Introduction: Breast cancer has the second highest incidence and is the first cause of death by cancer among Brazilian women. Under the physician's perspective chemotherapy should be indicated according to the risk benefit ratio in each case. However, from the Brazilian breast cancer patient's perspective this risk benefit ratio requires further classification.