Ecological risk of mercury in bottom sediments and spatial correlation with land use in Neotropical savanna floodplain lakes, Araguaia River, Central Brazil.

The Araguaia River floodplain is an important biogeographic boundary between the two largest South American biomes: the Cerrado (Brazilian Savanna) and the Amazon rainforest. The large-scale degradation due to land use conversion experienced in the Araguaia River watershed represents a potential source of mercury (Hg) transport to aquatic ecosystems. However, more information is needed about the dynamics of Hg distribution in savanna floodplains, including the Araguaia River floodplain. We analyzed total mercury (THg) concentrations in the bottom sediments of 30 lakes connected to the Araguaia River and four tributaries, aiming to evaluate the environment's integrity based on the geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and the ecological risk index (ERI). The principal component analysis was applied to examine associations between Hg concentrations, environmental conditions, and land use intensity among lakes associated with different river systems. We used indicator cokriging to identify areas with a greater probability of Hg pollution and ecological risk associated with land use intensity. The land use data showed the predominance of areas used for pasture in the Araguaia River basin. THg concentrations in the sediments varied between 22.6 and 81.9 ng g-1 (mean: 46.5 ± 17.7 ng g-1). Sediments showed no significant pollution (Igeo: 1.35 - 0.50; Classes 1 and 2) and low to considerable ecological risks (ERI: 23.5-85.1; Classes 1 to 3). THg in bottom sediments was associated with land use, water turbidity and electrical conductivity, and sediment organic matter. The indicator cokriging indicates a moderate to strong spatial dependence between land use intensity and Hg, confirming the contribution of anthropic sources to the increment of ecological risk but also the influence of extrinsic factors (such as environmental conditions, geology, and hydrology). Integrating sediment assessment and land use indices with geostatistical methods proved a valuable tool for identifying priority areas for Hg accumulation at a regional scale.

Laboratory screening test with inhalant and food allergens in atopic Brazilian children and adolescents: a performance.

The Phadiatop Infant® (PhInf) is a panel developed to assess allergic sensitization (immunoglobulin E [IgE]) in children aged <5 years and combines inhalant and food allergens. The test has not been evaluated outside Europe. This is a cross-sectional study conducted at 11 pediatric allergy centers to evaluate PhInf as an allergic disease screening method in Brazilian children. Children as controls and patients (aged 6 months-18 years) were grouped according to their primary disease and age group. PhInf and specific serum IgE (sIgE) screening was performed for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP), cat and dog epithelia, a mix of grasses and pollens, eggs, cow's milk, peanuts, and shrimp. Values ≥ 0.35 kUA/L (or PAU/L) were considered positive. A total of 470 children and adolescents, which included 385 patients and 85 controls, participated in the study (47.7% boys, average age: 6.3 years). In all, 72.6% of the participants had positive PhInf test (n = 341), with a higher proportion of those having food allergy (92.6%), atopic dermatitis (91.9%), and those aged >13 years having allergy (95%). The PhInf and sIgE agreement between patients (Kappa = 0.94, P < 0.001) and controls (Kappa = 0.84, P < 0.001) was high. PhInf and DP agreement in patients aged >13 years was excellent (Kappa = 0.936, P < 0.001). Compared with sIgE dosage, PhInf had high sensitivity (97%) and specificity (93%). Positivity of PhInf test in this population was high and had an excellent correlation with the allergens comprising the panel. It is a useful method for screening children suspected of having allergic diseases in a non-European country.

Phadiatop, Phadiatop Infant and total IgE evaluated in allergic Brazilian children and adolescents.

The clinical history is of importance in the investigation of allergic diseases but does have limitations. Many allergic conditions will be over-diagnosed if anamnesis alone is used for diagnostic criteria. Serum total immunoglobulin E (TIgE) quantification, as well as panels containing allergens prevalent in the studied population, may serve as screening tests and facilitate the diagnosis of allergic disease or its exclusion. We assessed the positivity of two versions of these tests, Phadiatop Europe® (PhEU) and Phadiatop Infant® (PhInf), as well as total IgE (TigE) values in patients with a medical diagnosis of allergic disease and non-allergic individuals. METHODS: A cross-sectional study performed in eleven Brazilian pediatric allergy centers with patients divided into groups according to the primary condition and a group of assessed control subjects. They were submitted to TIgE measurement and screening tests (PhEu and PhInf). RESULTS: TIgE mean serum levels were significantly higher among allergic patients, especially those with asthma/rhinitis or atopic dermatitis. The positivity of the screening tests, considering the total population, was 63.8% for PhEU and 72.6% for PhInf. These increased when we evaluated only the allergic subjects. The concordance index of the two tests was Kappa=0.7 and higher among those of greater age. CONCLUSIONS: In the assessed population, there were significantly higher levels among those with positive screening tests and PhInf showed better performance in the identification of sensitized individuals, regardless of age. This is the first study to evaluate Phadiatop and Phadiatop Infant in the same population.

Mental and behavioral disorders in workers: a study on work leave. / Transtornos mentais e comportamentais em trabalhadores: estudo sobre os afastamentos laborais.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze workers' cases of work leave caused by mental and behavioral disorders. METHOD: A cross-sectional census study conducted between June and July 2017 in which data were used from the National Social Security Institute database, with all workers' records. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and inferential tests. RESULTS: The sample included 2,449 workers. Workers who were on leave because of mental and behavioral disorders were mostly women, aged between 31 and 40 years and with an income of less than or equal to one or two minimum wages. The first and second reasons for work leave were mood disorders. Working in an urban setting was considered a risk factor for more than one work leave (p<0.05). The following disorders were strongly associated with more than one work leave (p<0.001): mood disorder; schizophrenia; schizotypal and delusional disorders; disorders related to the use of psychoactive substances; stress-related disorders; and somatoform disorders. CONCLUSION: Employers are encouraged to invest in the mental health of their workers with a view to promoting health and avoiding work leave.

Effects of 12 Weeks of Family and Individual Multi-Disciplinary Intervention in Overweight and Obese Adolescents under Cardiometabolic Risk Parameters: A Clinical Trial.

Adolescence is a complex period of human development in which young people are susceptible to unhealthy behaviors, such as physical inactivity and an unbalanced diet. This study aimed to analyze the effects of 12 weeks of multi-disciplinary family and individual intervention on cardiometabolic risk parameters in overweight and obese adolescents and compare sub-groups, considering possible differences between sexes (males vs. females vs. intervention approach). Forty-three adolescents (13.73 ± 2.46 years old) of both sexes were divided into two groups: family group (FG) (n = 21; 14.24 ± 2.61 years old) and individual group (IG) (n = 22; 13.23 ± 2.27 years old). The following parameters were evaluated: anthropometry (body weight, height, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), calculation of body mass index (BMI), and waist-hip ratio (WHR)), body composition (fat mass (FM), lean mass (LM), fat-free mass (FFM), skeletal muscle mass (SMM), body fat percentage (BF), and visceral fat), biochemical measures (fasting glucose, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoproteins (LDL-c), and high-density lipoproteins (HDL-c)), and the measurement of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) before and after the interventions. The multi-disciplinary interventions occurred for 12 weeks (three days a week lasting 1 h and 30 min, in which 30 min were dedicated to theoretical interventions (nutrition: nutritional education and psychology: psychoeducation) and 1 h to physical exercises. A time effect was observed for LM, FFM, SMM, FM, and HDL-c, with higher values after intervention and a significant decrease for FM, BF, visceral fat, fasting glucose, TG, TC, LDL-c, and DBP (p < 0.05). However, no group, sub-group, or interaction effects were observed when comparing FG, IG, or sexes (p > 0.05). The responses of the present study show that both multi-disciplinary approaches (family and individual) promoted improvement in the body composition indicators, biochemical markers, and DBP of overweight and obese adolescents independently of the intervention group. Given this finding, health professionals, families, and adolescents could choose the type of intervention based on their preferences.

Mercury Contamination as an Indicator of Fish Species' Trophic Position in the Middle Araguaia River, Brazil.

This study evaluates the use of mercury (Hg) concentrations in fish muscle tissue to determine a species' trophic position (TP) in its environment. A campaign conducted in 2019 along 375 km in the middle Araguaia River basin, Brazil, resulted in 239 organisms from 20 species collected. The highest total mercury (THg) concentrations were found in Pellonacastelnaeana (6.93 µg·g-1, wet weight) and in Triportheus elongatus (3.18 µg·g-1, wet weight), whose TPs were different according to the FishBase database. However, they occupied the same trophic level in this study. The intra-specific comparison showed a difference in Hg concentrations between individuals captured in distinct sites. The study of the biota-sediment accumulation factor (BSAF) showed that spatiality interferes with a species' TP. Statistical analyses revealed that when we used a predicted species' TP based on each individual's size, it explained 72% of the variability in THg concentration across all fish species. Multiple regression analysis confirmed that standard length and FishBase values are positively associated with THg (R2 = 0.943). These results point to Hg as a viable indicator of a fish species' TP since it reflects regional, biological, and environmental factors, as demonstrated here for the middle Araguaia River.

[Factors associated with the involuntary pilgrimage for childbirth care in São Luís (Maranhão State) and Ribeirão Preto (São Paulo State), Brazil: a contribution from the BRISA cohort]. / Fatores associados à peregrinação para o parto em São Luís (Maranhão) e Ribeirão Preto (São Paulo), Brasil: uma contribuição da coorte BRISA.

The objectives of this study were to estimate the involuntary pilgrimage by women in labor in search of childbirth care and to identify factors associated with this endeavor in two Brazilian cities. This was a cross-sectional study nested in the BRISA birth cohort, whose sample consisted of 10,475 women admitted to the selected maternity hospitals for delivery in São Luís (Maranhão State) and Ribeirão Preto (São Paulo State). Interviews were held with questionnaires that contained sociodemographic and obstetric variables. Hierarchical modeling was used, and relative risk was calculated with Poisson regression. Involuntary pilgrimage during labor was more frequent in São Luís (35.8%) than in Ribeirão Preto (5.8%). In São Luís, factors associated with pilgrimage were: first pregnancy (RR = 1.19; 95%CI: 1.08-1.31) and schooling less than 12 complete years. However, age 35 years or older (RR = 0.65; 95%CI: 0.54-0.84) was associated with less pilgrimage. In Ribeirão Preto, such trekking for obstetric care was more frequent in women with high-risk pregnancies (RR = 2.45; 95%CI: 1.81-3.32) and those with gestational age less than 37 weeks (RR = 1.93; 95%CI: 1.50-2.50). Meanwhile, delivery with gestational age equal to or greater than 42 weeks was associated with less pilgrimage (RR = 0.57; 95%CI: 0.33-0.98). In both cities, poor women had to trek more in search of childbirth care and had no guarantee of care, even for those who had received prenatal care. The study revealed the lack of guarantee of universal and equitable access and highlighted the unequal access to childbirth care between Brazil's major geographic regions.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar a peregrinação de gestantes no momento do parto e identificar os fatores associados a essa peregrinação em duas cidades brasileiras. Estudo seccional, aninhado à coorte de nascimento BRISA, cuja amostra foi composta por 10.475 gestantes admitidas nas maternidades selecionadas por ocasião do parto em São Luís (Maranhão) e Ribeirão Preto (São Paulo). Entrevistas foram realizadas utilizando-se questionários que continham variáveis sociodemográficas e relacionadas ao parto. Utilizou-se modelagem hierarquizada, e calculou-se o risco relativo utilizando regressão de Poisson. A peregrinação foi mais frequente em São Luís (35,8%) que em Ribeirão Preto (5,8%). Em São Luís, foram fatores associados à maior peregrinação: ser primípara (RR = 1,19; IC95%: 1,08-1,31) e ter escolaridade menor que 12 ou mais anos de estudo. Entretanto, ter 35 anos ou mais (RR = 0,65; IC95%: 0,54-0,84) foi fator associado à menor peregrinação. Em Ribeirão Preto, peregrinaram com maior frequência as gestantes cujos partos foram de alto risco (RR = 2,45; IC95%: 1,81-3,32) e com idade gestacional inferior a 37 semanas (RR = 1,93; IC95%: 1,50-2,50). No entanto, partos com idade gestacional igual ou acima de 42 semanas foi um fator associado à menor peregrinação (RR = 0,57; IC95%: 0,33-0,98). Nas duas cidades, gestantes pobres peregrinaram com maior frequência, e sem garantia de que seriam atendidas, mesmo dentre as que realizaram o pré-natal. O estudo evidenciou ausência da garantia de acesso universal e equânime e reafirmou a desigualdade de acesso à assistência ao parto entre as regiões brasileiras.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue estimar los desplazamientos largos de gestantes en el momento del parto e identificar los factores asociados a estos desplazamientos en dos ciudades brasileñas. Se trata de una investigación seccional, encajada en la cohorte de nacimiento BRISA, cuya muestra estuvo compuesta por 10.475 gestantes, admitidas en las maternidades seleccionadas para dar a luz en São Luís (Maranhão) y Ribeirão Preto (São Paulo). Las entrevistas se realizaron utilizando cuestionarios que contenían variables sociodemográficas y relacionadas con el parto. Se utilizó un modelado jerarquizado, y se calculó el riesgo relativo utilizando la regresión de Poisson. Los desplazamientos fueron más frecuentes en São Luís (35,8%) que en Ribeirão Preto (5,8%). En São Luís, los factores asociados a mayores desplazamientos fueron: ser primípara (RR = 1,19; IC95%: 1,08-1,31) y contar con una escolaridad menor a 12 o más años de estudio. Sin embargo, tener 35 años o más (RR = 0,65; IC95%: 0,54-0,84) fue un factor asociado a menores desplazamientos. En Ribeirão Preto, se desplazaron con mayor frecuencia las gestantes cuyos partos fueron de alto riesgo (RR = 2,45; IC95%: 1,81-3,32) y con una edad gestacional inferior a 37 semanas (RR = 1,93; IC95%: 1,50-2,50). Sin embargo, los partos con una edad gestacional igual o por encima de las 42 semanas fue un factor asociado a un menor desplazamiento (RR = 0,57; IC95%: 0,33-0,98). En las dos ciudades, las gestantes pobres se desplazaron con mayor frecuencia, y sin garantía de que serían atendidas, incluso entre quienes realizaron seguimiento prenatal. El estudio evidenció la inexistencia de garantías de acceso universal y ecuánime a la salud y reafirmó la desigualdad de acceso en la asistencia al parto entre regiones brasileñas.

Caracterização de fake news sobre a pandemia COVID-19 no Brasil / Characterization of fake news about the pandemic COVID-19 in Brazil

Objetivo: caracterizar as notícias falsas relacionadas à COVID-19 no Brasil. Metodologia: estudo descritivo, no qual foram utilizados os dados sobre fake news envolvendo a COVID-19 existentes na página do Ministério da Saúde, "Efarsas" e no site "G1 fato ou fake". Resultados: identificaram-se 291 notícias falsas envolvendo os seguintes conteúdos: transmissão/disseminação; tratamentos relacionados à China; desenvolvimento de vacina; cura; políticos brasileiros; isolamento social; óbitos relacionados à COVID-19; prevenção/uso de equipamentos de proteção individual; número de casos; ações do Ministério da Saúde e governamentais; e outros. A primeira fake news foi publicada em 29 de janeiro. Considerando o contexto da pandemia, as notícias frequentemente citam as palavras água, Brasil, pacientes, chá, isolamento, uso, causa, auxílio, governo, casos, cura. Destaca-se aplicativo de mensagens instantâneas como responsável por propagar 34,4% das notícias falsas, seguido por redes sociais com 14,2%. Conclusão: os sites de checagem de fake news são fundamentais para desmentir informações acerca da COVID-19, em especial aquelas relacionadas às práticas baseadas em evidências científicas. Fazem-se necessárias estratégias que fortaleçam a disseminação de informações verídicas combatendo o fenômeno de fake news e sua proliferação nos diversos meios de comunicação, favorecendo, desse modo, a comunicação em saúde segura para a população.

Objective: to characterize the false news related to COVID-19 in Brazil. Methodology: this is a descriptive study, in which we used data on fake news involving COVID-19 on the Ministry of Health's website, "E-farces" and on the website "G1 fact or fake". Results: We identified 291 false news involving the following contents: transmission/dissemination; China-related treatments; vaccine development; cure; Brazilian politicians; social isolation; deaths related to COVID-19; prevention/use of personal protective equipment; the number of cases; Ministry of Health and government actions; and others. The first fake news was published on January 29. Considering the context of the pandemic, the news often quotes the words water, Brazil, patients, tea, isolation, use, cause, aid, government, cases, and cure. The instant messaging application was one of the most responsible for spreading 34.4% of fake news, followed by social networks with 14.2%. Conclusion: fake news checking sites are essential to deny information about COVID-19, especially those related to practices based on scientific evidence. Strategies are needed to strengthen the dissemination of truthful information, combating the phenomenon of fake news and its proliferation in the various media, favoring safe health communication for the population.

Transtornos mentais e comportamentais em trabalhadores: estudo sobre os afastamentos laborais / Trastornos mentales y comportamentales en trabajadores: estudio sobre las bajas laborales / Mental and behavioral disorders in workers: a study on work leave

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar os afastamentos laborais de trabalhadores por transtornos mentais e comportamentais. Método: Estudo transversal, censitário, realizado por meio dos dados do banco de dados do Instituto Nacional do Seguro Social, com todos os registros de trabalhadores, nos meses de junho e julho de 2017. Os dados foram analisados com o uso da estatística descritiva e testes inferenciais. Resultados: A amostra foi de 2.449 trabalhadores. Os trabalhadores que se afastaram por transtornos mentais e comportamentais eram, majoritariamente, mulheres, com idade entre 31 e 40 anos e renda inferior ou igual a um ou dois salários mínimos. Os transtornos de humor foram a principal causa do primeiro e segundo afastamento. O ramo de atividade urbana foi considerado um fator de risco para mais de um afastamento (p<0,05). Os seguintes transtornos foram fortemente associados a mais de um afastamento no trabalho (p<0,001): transtorno de humor; esquizofrenia; transtornos esquizotípicos e delirantes; transtornos relacionados ao uso de substâncias psicoativas; transtornos relacionados ao estresse; e transtornos somatoformes. Conclusão: Espera-se estimular os empregadores a investirem nos aspectos relacionados à saúde mental dos seus trabalhadores, com vistas a promover a saúde e evitar o afastamento laboral.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar las bajas laborales de trabajadores por trastornos mentales y comportamentales. Método: Estudio transversal, censatario, llevado a cabo mediante los datos del banco de datos del Instituto Nacional de la Seguridad Social, con todos los registros de trabajadores, en los meses de junio de 2017. Los datos fueron analizados mediante la estadística descriptiva y pruebas inferenciales. Resultados: La muestra fue de 2.449 trabajadores. Los trabajadores que estaban de baja por trastornos mentales y comportamentales eran, mayoritariamente, mujeres, con edad entre 31 y 40 años e ingresos inferiores o iguales a uno o dos sueldos mínimos. Los trastornos de humor fueron la principal causa de la primera y segunda baja. La rama de actividad urbana estuvo considerada como un factor de riesgo para más de una baja (p<0,05). Los siguientes trastornos estuvieron fuertemente asociados con más de una baja laboral (p<0,001): trastorno de humor; esquizofrenia; trastornos esquizotípicos y delirantes; trastornos relacionados con el uso de sustancias psicoactivas; trastornos relacionados con el estrés; y trastornos somatoformes. Conclusión: Se espera estimular a los empleadores a que inviertan en los aspectos relacionados con la salud mental de sus trabajadores, con vistas a promover la salud y evitar la baja laboral.

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze workers' cases of work leave caused by mental and behavioral disorders. Method: A cross-sectional census study conducted between June and July 2017 in which data were used from the National Social Security Institute database, with all workers' records. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and inferential tests. Results: The sample included 2,449 workers. Workers who were on leave because of mental and behavioral disorders were mostly women, aged between 31 and 40 years and with an income of less than or equal to one or two minimum wages. The first and second reasons for work leave were mood disorders. Working in an urban setting was considered a risk factor for more than one work leave (p<0.05). The following disorders were strongly associated with more than one work leave (p<0.001): mood disorder; schizophrenia; schizotypal and delusional disorders; disorders related to the use of psychoactive substances; stress-related disorders; and somatoform disorders. Conclusion: Employers are encouraged to invest in the mental health of their workers with a view to promoting health and avoiding work leave.

Fatores associados à peregrinação para o parto em São Luís (Maranhão) e Ribeirão Preto (São Paulo), Brasil: uma contribuição da coorte BRISA / Factors associated with the involuntary pilgrimage for childbirth care in São Luís (Maranhão State) and Ribeirão Preto (São Paulo State), Brazil: a contribution from the BRISA cohort / Factores asociados a largos desplazamientos para el parto en São Luís (Maranhão) y Ribeirão Preto (São Paulo), Brasil: la contribución de la cohorte BRISA

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar a peregrinação de gestantes no momento do parto e identificar os fatores associados a essa peregrinação em duas cidades brasileiras. Estudo seccional, aninhado à coorte de nascimento BRISA, cuja amostra foi composta por 10.475 gestantes admitidas nas maternidades selecionadas por ocasião do parto em São Luís (Maranhão) e Ribeirão Preto (São Paulo). Entrevistas foram realizadas utilizando-se questionários que continham variáveis sociodemográficas e relacionadas ao parto. Utilizou-se modelagem hierarquizada, e calculou-se o risco relativo utilizando regressão de Poisson. A peregrinação foi mais frequente em São Luís (35,8%) que em Ribeirão Preto (5,8%). Em São Luís, foram fatores associados à maior peregrinação: ser primípara (RR = 1,19; IC95%: 1,08-1,31) e ter escolaridade menor que 12 ou mais anos de estudo. Entretanto, ter 35 anos ou mais (RR = 0,65; IC95%: 0,54-0,84) foi fator associado à menor peregrinação. Em Ribeirão Preto, peregrinaram com maior frequência as gestantes cujos partos foram de alto risco (RR = 2,45; IC95%: 1,81-3,32) e com idade gestacional inferior a 37 semanas (RR = 1,93; IC95%: 1,50-2,50). No entanto, partos com idade gestacional igual ou acima de 42 semanas foi um fator associado à menor peregrinação (RR = 0,57; IC95%: 0,33-0,98). Nas duas cidades, gestantes pobres peregrinaram com maior frequência, e sem garantia de que seriam atendidas, mesmo dentre as que realizaram o pré-natal. O estudo evidenciou ausência da garantia de acesso universal e equânime e reafirmou a desigualdade de acesso à assistência ao parto entre as regiões brasileiras.

Abstract: The objectives of this study were to estimate the involuntary pilgrimage by women in labor in search of childbirth care and to identify factors associated with this endeavor in two Brazilian cities. This was a cross-sectional study nested in the BRISA birth cohort, whose sample consisted of 10,475 women admitted to the selected maternity hospitals for delivery in São Luís (Maranhão State) and Ribeirão Preto (São Paulo State). Interviews were held with questionnaires that contained sociodemographic and obstetric variables. Hierarchical modeling was used, and relative risk was calculated with Poisson regression. Involuntary pilgrimage during labor was more frequent in São Luís (35.8%) than in Ribeirão Preto (5.8%). In São Luís, factors associated with pilgrimage were: first pregnancy (RR = 1.19; 95%CI: 1.08-1.31) and schooling less than 12 complete years. However, age 35 years or older (RR = 0.65; 95%CI: 0.54-0.84) was associated with less pilgrimage. In Ribeirão Preto, such trekking for obstetric care was more frequent in women with high-risk pregnancies (RR = 2.45; 95%CI: 1.81-3.32) and those with gestational age less than 37 weeks (RR = 1.93; 95%CI: 1.50-2.50). Meanwhile, delivery with gestational age equal to or greater than 42 weeks was associated with less pilgrimage (RR = 0.57; 95%CI: 0.33-0.98). In both cities, poor women had to trek more in search of childbirth care and had no guarantee of care, even for those who had received prenatal care. The study revealed the lack of guarantee of universal and equitable access and highlighted the unequal access to childbirth care between Brazil's major geographic regions.

Resumen: El objetivo de este trabajo fue estimar los desplazamientos largos de gestantes en el momento del parto e identificar los factores asociados a estos desplazamientos en dos ciudades brasileñas. Se trata de una investigación seccional, encajada en la cohorte de nacimiento BRISA, cuya muestra estuvo compuesta por 10.475 gestantes, admitidas en las maternidades seleccionadas para dar a luz en São Luís (Maranhão) y Ribeirão Preto (São Paulo). Las entrevistas se realizaron utilizando cuestionarios que contenían variables sociodemográficas y relacionadas con el parto. Se utilizó un modelado jerarquizado, y se calculó el riesgo relativo utilizando la regresión de Poisson. Los desplazamientos fueron más frecuentes en São Luís (35,8%) que en Ribeirão Preto (5,8%). En São Luís, los factores asociados a mayores desplazamientos fueron: ser primípara (RR = 1,19; IC95%: 1,08-1,31) y contar con una escolaridad menor a 12 o más años de estudio. Sin embargo, tener 35 años o más (RR = 0,65; IC95%: 0,54-0,84) fue un factor asociado a menores desplazamientos. En Ribeirão Preto, se desplazaron con mayor frecuencia las gestantes cuyos partos fueron de alto riesgo (RR = 2,45; IC95%: 1,81-3,32) y con una edad gestacional inferior a 37 semanas (RR = 1,93; IC95%: 1,50-2,50). Sin embargo, los partos con una edad gestacional igual o por encima de las 42 semanas fue un factor asociado a un menor desplazamiento (RR = 0,57; IC95%: 0,33-0,98). En las dos ciudades, las gestantes pobres se desplazaron con mayor frecuencia, y sin garantía de que serían atendidas, incluso entre quienes realizaron seguimiento prenatal. El estudio evidenció la inexistencia de garantías de acceso universal y ecuánime a la salud y reafirmó la desigualdad de acceso en la asistencia al parto entre regiones brasileñas.

Associação entre o ganho de peso e a prevalência e gravidade de sibilância e asma no primeiro ano de vida / Association between weight gain and the prevalence and severity of wheezing and asthma in the first year of life

Objetivo: Avaliar a relação entre diferentes padrões de ganho de peso no primeiro ano de vidae a prevalência e gravidade de sibilância e asma em crianças. Métodos: Foram analisadas asrespostas ao questionário EISL de 9.159 pais moradores das cidades de São Paulo, Recife, Cuiabá,Curitiba e Belém. Os dados referidos do peso de nascimento e com um ano de vida foram convertidos em escore z (z). Foram considerados como tendo ganho de peso acelerado aqueles com diferença entre os pesos superior a 0,67 z, e ganho de peso excessivo aqueles com diferença superior a 2,01 z. Resultados: Ganho de peso acelerado foi observado em 55,7% dos lactentes,e ganho excessivo em 20,8%. Lactentes com ganho de peso acelerado apresentaram, de modosignificante, maior prevalência de sibilância recorrente (18,9% vs 18,2%) e de hospitalizaçãopor sibilância (8,9% vs 7,5%). Entre os lactentes com ganho de peso excessivo houve, de modo significante, maior prevalência de hospitalização por sibilância (10,1% vs 7,8%) e do diagnóstico médico de asma (8,7% vs 7,3%). A presença de aleitamento materno por pelo menos seis mesesfoi associada de forma significante com menor prevalência de ganho de peso acelerado (45,2% vs 51,4%). Conclusões: A maioria dos lactentes avaliados apresentou ganho de peso superior ao esperado durante o primeiro ano de vida. Ganho de peso acelerado e ganho de peso excessivono primeiro ano de vida foram associados a formas mais graves de sibilância, enquanto que oganho de peso excessivo foi associado ao diagnóstico médico de asma, independentemente dapresença do aleitamento materno.

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between different patterns of weight gain in the first year of life and the prevalence and severity of wheezing and asthma in infants. Methods: Responses of 9,159 parents to the questionnaire of the Estudio Internacional de Sibilancias en Lactantes (EISL, International Study of Wheezing in Infants) were analyzed. Families lived in the cities of São Paulo,Recife, Cuiabá, and Belém. Reported weight at birth and at one year were converted to z scores (z). Rapid weight gain was defined as a difference in weight greater than 0.67z, and excessive weight gain, greater than 2.01z. Results: Rapid weight gain was observed in 55.7% of the infants,and excessive weight gain in 20.8%. Infants with rapid weight gain showed a significantly higher prevalence of recurrent wheezing (18.9% vs. 18.2%) and hospitalization for wheezing (8.9% vs. 7.5%). Infants with excessive weight gain had a significantly higher prevalence of hospitalizationfor wheezing (10.1% vs. 7.8%) and medical diagnosis of asthma (8.7% vs. 7.3%). Breastfeeding for at least six months was significantly less frequent among infants with rapid weight gain (45.2% vs. 51.4%). Conclusions: The majority of the infants evaluated showed weight gain above theexpected in the first year of life. Rapid weight gain and excessive weight gain in the first year of life were significantly associated with more severe patterns of wheezing in infancy, and excessive weight gain was also associated with a medical diagnosis of asthma, regardless of the presence of breastfeeding.

Fatores de risco, aspectos clínicos e laboratoriais da asma em crianças / Risk factors, clinical and laboratory aspects of asthma in children

Objetivo: avaliar os aspectos clínicos, laboratoriais, e os fatores de risco associados à asma em crianças atendidas no Ambulatório de Pediatria, do Hospital Universitário Júlio Müller. Método: estudo de caso-controle, incluindo 59 crianças asmáticas (casos) e 104 não-asmáticas (controles). Os seguintes fatores foram considerados para análise de risco: escolaridade dos pais, exposição aos alérgenos domiciliares, tabagismo passivo, aleitamento materno, renda e antecedentes familiares alérgicos. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue para hemograma e dosagem de IgE total e específica para alérgenos. Realizou-se teste cutâneo de hipersensibilidade imediata pelo método de puntura para os seguintes alérgenos: ácaros, animais, fungos e baratas com controles positivo (histamina) e negativo (solução fisiológica).Um modelo de regressão logística foi usado para calcular odds ratio (OR) e intervalo de confiança (IC) 95 por cento ajustado para outros fatores de risco e confundidores Resultados: dentre os fatores de risco estudados, sexo, baixa escolaridade, baixa renda, tempo de aleitamento materno e tabagismo passivo não estiveram associados à ocorrência de asma. A exposição aos alérgenos foi semelhante nos dois grupos, a não ser pela maior freqüência de animais nos domicílios dos controles (X2=16,9; p<0,05). Rinite paterna foi o único antecedente familiar associado à asma (OR=3,33; IC 95 por cento:1,03-11,17; p<0,05). As crianças asmáticas apresentaram maior freqüência de positividade do teste cutâneo que os controles, principalmente para ácaros: D.pteronyssinus (69,5por cento), D.farinae (59,3por cento) e B.tropicalis (59,3por cento); baratas: P.americana (59,3por cento) e gato: F.domesticus (37,3por cento); com OR variando de 11,2- 21,0; p<0,05. Eosinofilia e níveis séricos de IgE total foram mais elevados no grupo de asmáticos (p<0,05). A positividade do teste de IgE específica para D.pteronyssinus e B.tropicalis foi maior nos casos em relação aos controles (p<0,05). A análise multivariada mostrou que sensibilização às baratas (OR=9,26, 95por centoIC:2,59-33,4), animais (OR=3,93, 95por cento IC:1,05-14,67) e ácaros (OR=3,74, 95por centoIC: 1,18-11,8) foram os mais importantes fatores de risco para asma. Conclusões: a sensibilização aos alérgenos domiciliares, principalmente ácaros, barata e animais mostrou uma forte associação com asma neste estudo