Browsing by Author "Macedo, Ana"
Now showing 1 - 10 of 19
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- A brief overview of the oral delivery of insulin as an alternative to the parenteral deliveryPublication . Macedo, Ana; Filipe, Patricia; Thome, Natalia G.; Vieira, Joao; Oliveira, Carolina; Teodosio, Catarina; Ferreira, Raquel; Roque, Luis; Fonte, PedroDiabetes mellitus greatly affects the quality of life of patients and has a worldwide prevalence. Insulin is the most commonly used drug to treat diabetic patients and is usually administered through the subcutaneous route. However, this route of administration is ineffective due to the low concentration of insulin at the site of action. This route of administration causes discomfort to the patient and increases the risk of infection due to skin barrier disturbance caused by the needle. The oral administration of insulin has been proposed to surpass the disadvantages of subcutaneous administration. In this review, we give an overview of the strategies to deliver insulin by the oral route, from insulin conjugation to encapsulation into nanoparticles. These strategies are still under development to attain efficacy and effectiveness that are expected to be achieved in the near future.
- Admission severity of atrial-fibrillation-related acute ischemic stroke in patients under anticoagulation treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysisPublication . Garcia, Catarina; Silva, Marcelo; Araújo, Mariana; Henriques, Mariana; Margarido, Marta; Vicente, Patrícia; Nzwalo, Hipólito; Macedo, AnaIn non-valvular-associated atrial fibrillation (AF), direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) are as effective as vitamin K antagonists (VKA) for the prevention of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). DOAC are associated with decreased risk and severity of intracranial hemorrhage. It is unknown if different pre-admission anticoagulants impact the prognosis of AF related AIS (AF-AIS). We sought to analyze the literature to assess the association between pre-admission anticoagulation (VKA or DOAC) and admission severity of AF-AIS. Methods: A Systematic literature search (PubMed and ScienceDirect) between January 2011 to April 2021 was undertaken to identify studies describing the outcome of AF-AIS. Results: A total of 128 articles were identified. Of 9493 patients, 1767 were on DOAC, 919 were on therapeutical VKA, 792 were on non-therapeutical VKA and 6015 were not anticoagulated. In comparison to patients without anticoagulation, patients with therapeutical VKA and under DOAC presented with less severe stroke (MD −1.69; 95% CI [−2.71, −0.66], p = 0.001 and MD −2.96; 95% Cl [−3.75, −2.18], p < 0.00001, respectively). Patients with non-therapeutical VKA presented with more severe stroke (MD 1.28; 95% Cl [0.45, 2.12], p = 0.003). Conclusions: In AF-AIS, patients under therapeutical VKA or DOAC have reduced stroke severity on admission in comparison to patients without any anticoagulation, with higher magnitude of protection for DOAC.
- Clinicoepidemiological profile of cerebral venous thrombosis in Algarve, Portugal: a retrospective observational studyPublication . Nzwalo, Hipólito; Rodrigues, Fatima; Carneiro, Patricia; Macedo, Ana; Ferreira, Fatima; Basilio, CarlosBackground: Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a very uncommon disorder with a wide variety of clinical manifestations. There are few studies describing the clinical and epidemiological profile of CVT in peripheral or rural areas. Over the last decades, the frequency in which this disease is diagnosed has increased due to greater awareness and availability of noninvasive diagnostic techniques. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based retrospective case review of adult (>= 15 years) patients with CVT between 2001 and 2012 is described. 31 patients with confirmed imagiological diagnosis of CVT were included. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was performed using R version 2.15.2. Incidence rate was computed as number of new cases by time. Confidence interval (CI) was set at 95% and P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The average annual incidence was 0.84 (CI: 0.58-1.18) to 0.73 (CI: 0.5-1.02) per 100 000 cases for adult population. There were 23 (74%) women and 8 (26%) men. Predominant initial manifestations were headache, followed by altered mental status and seizures. Median diagnostic delay from onset of illness was 8 days. All patients were treated with unfractionated heparin or low-molecular heparin followed by warfarin. Complete recovery occurred in the majority of cases 22 (78.6%) but two patients died during hospitalization. Conclusions: Albeit with some particularities, the epidemiology and clinical manifestations we found are comparable to what has been reported in western studies.
- Comparing the diagnostic performance of ultrasound elastography and magnetic resonance imaging to differentiate benign and malignant breast lesions: a systematic review and meta-analysisPublication . Gomes, Ana Filipa; Justino, David; Tomás, Carina; Jesus, Diogo; Macedo, Ana; Pinto, Ezequiel; Leitao, HelenaObjective: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was comparing diagnostic performance of ultrasound elastography (UE), strain UE and shear wave elastography (SWE), with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in differentiating benign and malignant breast lesions. Methods: Literature search of MEDLINE, Web of Science, SCOPUS and Google Scholar was performed in June 2023. Included studies used Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) and histopathology as reference standard. A bivariate random-effects model was used to calculate sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), positive and negative likelihood ratios and area under the curve (AUC). Meta-regression subgroup analysis was performed. Results: Nine studies and 536 lesions were included. Pooled sensitivity was not different between MRI vs UE [MRI: 94% (95% CI: 88.2%-96.9%) vs UE: 90% (95% CI: 84.7%-93.1%); P=0.153] but a difference was found for specificity [UE: 78% (95% CI: 66.3%-86.4%) vs MRI: 71.3% (95% CI: 52.1%-85%); P=0.0065]. Strain UE showed higher specificity and similar sensitivity to SWE [strain UE: 0.85 (95% CI: 0.71-0.93) vs SWE: 0.72 (95% 0.58-0.83); P=0.017 and strain UE: 0.87 (95% CI 0.79-0.93) vs SWE: 0.91 (95% CI 0.85-0.95); P=0.311, respectively]. AUC was similar between MRI vs UE [0.91 (95% CI 0.87-0.95) vs 0.92 (95% CI 0.88-0.95); P=0.452, respectively] as was DOR [MRI: 38.083 (95% CI: 12.401-116.957) vs UE: 30.395 (95% CI: 16.572-55.75); P > 0.05]. Meta-regression analysis found no significant differences in the diagnostic accuracy between MRI, strain UE and SWE. Conclusion: Our results show that UE when compared to MRI has adequate performance in differentiating benign and malignant breast lesions.
- COVID-19 fatality rates in hospitalized patients: systematic review and meta-analysisPublication . Macedo, Ana; Gonçalves, Nilza; Febra, CláudiaCoronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. Although general and local public health report deathly cases, case fatality rates are still largely unknown. Thus, we sought to evaluate the mortality of COVID-19.
- Diagnostic role of mean-platelet volume in acute pulmonary embolism: a meta-analysis and systematic reviewPublication . Febra, Cláudia; Macedo, AnaAcute pulmonary embolism (PE) is the third most fatal cardiovascular disease. PE is frequently misdiagnosed due to its clinical presentation's heterogeneity and the inexistence of biomarkers for its immediate diagnosis. Mean platelet volume (MPV) has shown a potential role as a biomarker in acute PE. In this analysis, we aimed to systematically compare the MPV in patients with and without definite diagnosis of PE, in emergency departments.
- Drug-associated acute kidney disease – data from a world pharmacovigilance databasePublication . Baptista, Alexandre; Marreiros, Ana; Macedo, Ana; Coelho, AndréBackground Drugs are a frequent cause of nephrotoxicity, especially in the context of acute kidney disease (AKD), with a significant number of cases being drug-associated. The WHO's VigiBase is a powerful tool for identifying drugs described and associated with the development of AKD. Methods We retrieved data from the period 1968 to 2022 regarding notifications of adverse drug reactions (ADR). The extracted medications were evaluated for their nephrotoxicity based on the bibliographic score (BS) developed through pre-selected references. The main medications involved were classified as 'non-nephrotoxic', 'potentially nephrotoxic', and 'nephrotoxic'. We utilized the IC025 and reporting odds ratio (ROR) disproportionality indexes to study the relationship between medications and the odds of being included in an AKD notification. Results During the period, a total of 33,932,051 notifications were obtained, revealing 435,677 cases related to drug-associated AKD following MedDRA term filtering, predominantly affecting males aged 45-64. We identified 8,991 active ingredients or suspected combinations associated with AKD development, with the ATC class A - Alimentary Tract and Metabolism being the most frequently described. Among the medications most strongly associated with this phenotype, classes J and N stood out. Among the most notable medications collected, 8.3% were classified as "non-nephrotoxic," 16.7% as "potentially nephrotoxic," and 75% as "known nephrotoxic." Notable active ingredients included cobicistat + elvitegravir + emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil (IC025 8.7; ROR 786.96), inotersen (IC025 7.7; ROR 604.57), emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil (IC025 7.9; ROR 432.36), esomeprazole (IC025 6.8; ROR 184.23), and pantoprazole (IC025 6.3; ROR 109.86), with proton pump inhibitors dominating the top four positions among the most frequently involved medications. Conclusion AKD is a frequent adverse reaction in VigiBase, with a significantly high reported mortality rate. Evaluation of the notifications revealed medications with a high disproportionality index and a strong association with AKD. We also highlight the potential nephrotoxic role of less suspected medications. This study emphasizes the need to consider AKD as a condition potentially associated with iatrogenic etiology, highlighting various medications and their respective involvement in the various possible manifestations of AKD.
- Effectiveness of undergraduate medical students training on LGBTQIA + people health: a systematic review and meta-analysisPublication . Macedo, Ana; Aurindo, Maria; Febra, CláudiaBackground Adequacy of learning models and their ability to engage students and match session's objectives are critical factors in achieving the desired outcome. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we assess the methodological approach, content, and effectiveness of training initiatives addressing medical students' knowledge, attitudes, confidence and discrimination perception towards LGBTQIA + people. Method PubMed, Web of Science, Medline and Scopus were searched to identify published studies, from 2013 to 2023, on effectiveness of training initiatives addressing medical students' knowledge, attitudes, confidence and discrimination perception towards LGBTQIA + people. The risk of bias of the selected studies was assessed by the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument. Overall effect sizes were calculated using a Mantel-Haenszel method, fixed effect meta-analyses. Results A total of 22 studies were included, representing 2,164 medical students. The interventions were highly diverse and included seminars, lectures, videos, real-case discussions, roleplay, and group discussions with people from the LGBTQIA + community. After the interventions, there was a significant improvement in self-confidence and comfort interacting with patients and in the understanding of the unique and specific health concerns experienced by LGBTQIA + patients. ConclusionOur findings indicated that the outcomes of interventions training actions for medical students that promote knowledge and equity regarding LGBTQIA + people, regardless of their scope, methodology and duration, result in a considerable increase in students' self-confidence and comfort interacting with LGBTQIA + patients, highlight the need for more actions and programs in this area promoting a more inclusive society and greater equity.
- Evaluation of current antiemetic therapy response in patients undergoing MEC or HEC regimens in PortugalPublication . Araújo, António; Tavares, Nuno; Faria, Ana Luísa; Gomes, Rosa; Mendonça, Joana Carvalho; Parente, Bárbara; Capela, Andreia; Barata, Fernando; Macedo, AnaChemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) negatively impact cancer patients' quality of life and treatment outcomes. This study evaluated the achievement of complete response to CINV prophylaxis during the first five days after chemotherapy in adult outpatient cancer clinics with solid malignant tumours receiving Moderate or Highly Emetogenic Chemotherapy (MEC or HEC) in Portugal. During the study, patients completed three evaluations, and nausea severity and CINV impact on patients' daily life was assessed. A complete response (no emetic episodes, no use of rescue antiemetic medication, and no more than mild nausea) was observed in 72% of the cycles (N = 161) throughout the five days after chemotherapy. Amongst the patient population, 25% classified their CINV episodes as severe. Though more than half of the patients achieved a complete response, suggesting that a therapeutic effort is being made to minimise this side effect, the overall scenario is barely optimistic. Significantly, new CINV-control measures in MEC/HEC patients should be adopted, specifically avoiding the single use of dexamethasone and 5-HT3 and raising awareness of using NK1-RAs. Thus, it is critical to improve CINV prophylactic treatment and implement practical international antiemetic guidelines in Portuguese clinical practice, envisaging the improvement of supportive care for cancer patients.
- Fingolimod treatment modulates PPARγ and CD36 gene expression in women with multiple sclerosisPublication . Ferret-Sena, Véronique; Capela, Carlos; Macedo, Ana; Salgado, António Vasco; Derudas, Bruno; Staels, Bart; Sena, ArmandoFingolimod is an oral immunomodulatory drug used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) that may change lipid metabolism. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) are transcription factors that regulate lipoprotein metabolism and immune functions and have been implicated in the pathophysiology of MS. CD36 is a scavenger receptor whose transcription is PPAR regulated. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether fingolimod treatment modifies PPAR and CD36 gene expression as part of its action mechanisms. Serum lipoprotein profiles and PPAR and CD36 gene expression levels in peripheral leukocytes were analysed in 17 female MS patients before and at 6 and 12 months after fingolimod treatment initiation. Clinical data during the follow-up period of treatment were obtained. We found that fingolimod treatment increased HDL-Cholesterol and Apolipoprotein E levels and leukocyte PPAR gamma and CD36 gene expression. No correlations were found between lipid levels and variations in PPAR gamma and CD36 gene expression. PPAR gamma and CD36 variations were significantly correlated during therapy and in patients free of relapse and stable disease. Our results suggest that PPAR gamma and CD36-mediated processes may contribute to the mechanisms of action of fingolimod in MS. Further studies are required to explore the relation of the PPAR gamma/CD36 pathway to the clinical efficacy of the drug and its involvement in the pathogenesis of the disease.