Association between COVID-19 and the incidence of type 1 diabetes in Portugal - a registry study.

BACKGROUND: Viral respiratory infections may precipitate type 1 diabetes (T1D). A possible association between the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for COVID-19, and the incidence of T1D is being determined. This study was carried out using Portuguese registries, aiming at examining temporal trends between COVID-19 and T1D. METHODS: Hospital data, comparing the incidence before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, from children and young adults diagnosed with new-onset T1D, was acquired beginning in 2017 and until the end of 2022. Data was obtained from nine different Portuguese hospital units. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, beginning in March 2020, was assessed comparing the annual numbers of new-onset T1D cases. The annual median levels of glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting C-peptide at T1D diagnosis were compared. The annual number of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) episodes among new T1D cases was also assessed at two centers. RESULTS: In total, data from 574 newly diagnosed T1D patients was analyzed, including 530 (92.3%) children. The mean ages for child and adult patients were 9.1 (SD 4.4) and 32.8 (SD 13.6) years, respectively. 57.8% (331/573) were male, one patient had unknown sex. The overall median (25-75 percentiles) levels of glucose, HbA1c and fasting C-peptide at diagnosis were 454 mg/dL (356-568), 11.8% (10.1-13.4) and 0.50 µg/L (0.30-0.79), respectively. DKA at T1D diagnosis was present in 48.4% (76/157). For eight centers with complete 2018 to 2021 data (all calendar months), no overall significant increase in T1D cases was observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, i.e. 90 cases in 2018, 90 cases in 2019, 112 in 2020 and 100 in 2021 (P for trend = 0.36). Two of the centers, Faro (CHUA) and Dona Estefânia (CHULC) hospitals, did however see an increase in T1D from 2019 to 2020. No significant changes in glucose (P = 0.32), HbA1c (P = 0.68), fasting C-peptide (P = 0.20) or DKA frequency (P = 0.68) at the time of T1D diagnosis were observed over the entire study period. CONCLUSION: The T1D incidence did not increase significantly, when comparing the years before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, nor did key metabolic parameters or number of DKA episodes change.

Cardiac Tamponade - a Cause of Sudden Death in a Premature Newborn.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac tamponade is a potential complication in neonates with central venous catheters (CVC). Cardiac tamponade may be due to infection, a CVC related complication, or parental nutrition (PN) effusion. CASE REPORT: This is a preterm (30 weeks gestational age), very low birth weight male, admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, requiring nasal continuous positive airway pressure. PN was provided via an umbilical venous catheter. An unexpected cardiac arrest occurred on the third day of life with an unsuccessful resuscitation. Autopsy revealed pericardial effusion composed of PN fluid with cardiac tamponade as the cause of death. CONCLUSION: Cardiac tamponade due to total PN effusion in the premature neonate may be fatal. The mechanism of the epicardial/pericardial effusion is not known.

Transient Neonatal Myasthenia Gravis: A Case Report.

Myasthenia gravis (MG) in the neonate is usually due to placentally transferred antibodies to the acetylcholine receptor (AChR), resulting in impaired neuromuscular transmission. It occurs in 10%-15% of newborns born to women with MG. We present a male newborn admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) 38 hours after birth due to feeding difficulties and choking episodes. He was born to a mother with MG after an uneventful, well-followed pregnancy. Physical examination revealed a weak cry, persistent inability to fully close his eyelids, weak facial mimic, and a mouth that was always held open with swallowing and sucking difficulties. He assumed a frog leg position and showed generalized hypotonia with marked head lag. No respiratory distress was present. Laboratory evaluation showed an elevated anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody concentration (36.30 nmol/L; normal: <0.25 nmol/L). Transient neonatal myasthenia gravis (TNMG) was admitted, and an anticholinesterase agent was initiated. Given that he showed only a mild clinical improvement, two doses of immunoglobulin were administered on the eighth and ninth days of life. Anticholinesterase agents were progressively reduced and suspended on day 31 of life with clinical improvement. He was discharged home at one month of life clinically asymptomatic. He was evaluated one month later and was doing well. A positive history of MG in the mother associated with a suggestive physical examination may be sufficient to make the diagnosis of transient neonatal MG, emphasizing the importance of good medical history. With prompt diagnosis and appropriate management, most newborns experience spontaneous remission after a period of weeks to months.

[Metabolic Bone Disease of Prematurity in Very Low Birthweight Infants: Retrospective Observational Study]. / Doença Metabólica Óssea da Prematuridade em Recém-Nascidos de Muito Baixo Peso: Estudo Observacional Retrospetivo.

INTRODUCTION: Metabolic bone disease of prematurity consists in a decrease of bone matrix mineral content, in comparison with the level expected for gestational age. Screening of this condition is based on serum alkaline phosphatase and phosphate levels. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of metabolic bone disease of prematurity, to assess the aspects associated with a higher risk of this disease and to describe the growth of newborns with birth weight below 1500 g and metabolic bone disease of prematurity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational, retrospective, multicenter and descriptive study in three neonatal intensive care units in Portugal, from May 1st 2016 to April 30th 2017. A convenience sample of very low birthweight newborns was obtained. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables were described in newborns with and without metabolic bone disease of prematurity. RESULTS: A total of 53 newborns were included in this study: 30 males, 16 with gestational age ≤ 28 weeks. Five cases of metabolic bone disease of prematurity were diagnosed. In this group, the majority of patients was male and presented a lower gestational age and birth weight, in comparison with the group without metabolic bone disease of prematurity. The average duration of parenteral nutrition was higher in newborns with metabolic bone disease of prematurity and the calcium/phosphate ratio was lower than the recommended values. Growth was similar in both groups. No patient with metabolic bone disease of prematurity underwent physical rehabilitation. DISCUSSION: The prevalence of metabolic bone disease of prematurity was 9.43%, which is lower than what is described in the literature. However, only 50% of newborns completed the screening according to the recommendations. The main risk factors identified concur with the literature. CONCLUSION: Metabolic bone disease of prematurity is a frequent but underdiagnosed comorbidity in very low birthweight newborns. It is essential to screen newborns at risk for this condition, using biochemical markers, as well as structure nutritional interventions and physical stimulation in order to avoid short and long-term consequences of this disease.

Introdução: A doença metabólica óssea da prematuridade consiste numa diminuição da matriz óssea, relativamente ao nível esperado para a idade gestacional. O rastreio baseia-se no doseamento sérico da fosfatase alcalina e fósforo. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a prevalência da doença metabólica óssea da prematuridade, analisar os aspetos associados a maior risco para esta doença e descrever o crescimento estaturo-ponderal dos recém-nascidos com peso ao nascer inferior a 1500 g, com doença metabólica óssea da prematuridade. Material e Métodos: Estudo multicêntrico, retrospetivo, observacional e descritivo em três unidades de apoio perinatal diferenciado, entre 1 de maio de 2016 e 30 de abril de 2017; foi obtida uma amostra de conveniência de recém-nascidos com muito baixo peso ao nascer. Descrevem-se as variáveis demográficas, clínicas e laboratoriais dos recém-nascidos com e sem doença metabólica óssea da prematuridade. Resultados: Neste estudo foram incluídos 53 recém-nascidos: 30 do sexo masculino, 16 com idade gestacional ≤ 28 semanas. Foram diagnosticados cinco casos de doença metabólica óssea da prematuridade. Neste grupo, a maioria dos doentes era do sexo masculino e apresentavam idade gestacional e peso ao nascer inferior aos do grupo sem doença metabólica óssea da prematuridade. A duração média de nutrição parentérica foi superior nos recém-nascidos com doença metabólica óssea da prematuridade e a relação cálcio/fósforo utilizada foi inferior às recomendações nacionais. A evolução estaturo-ponderal foi semelhante nos recém-nascidos com e sem doença. Nenhum doente com doença metabólica óssea da prematuridade teve intervenção por medicina física e reabilitação. Discussão: A prevalência de doença metabólica óssea da prematuridade foi de 9,43%, valor inferior ao descrito na literatura. Contudo, apenas 50% dos recém-nascidos cumpriram o rastreio de acordo com as recomendações. Os principais fatores de risco identificados estão de acordo com a literatura. Conclusão: A doença metabólica óssea da prematuridade é uma comorbilidade frequente nos recém-nascidos de muito baixo peso, mas encontra-se subdiagnosticada. É fundamental rastrear os recém-nascidos em risco para esta patologia, utilizando marcadores bioquímicos, assim como estruturar intervenções nutricionais e estimulação física para evitar as consequências da doença a curto e longo prazo.

Congenital medium sternal cleft with partial ectopia cordis repair.

Congenital sternal malformation is a rare anomaly often diagnosed as an asymptomatic condition at birth. The authors report a clinical case of a full-term female neonate with congenital sternal cleft and partial ectopia cordis. Successful surgical repair was accomplished at 6 days of age. When surgery is performed shortly after birth, the procedure is easier and better results are achieved.

A configuração da reforma psiquiátrica em contexto local no Brasil: uma análise qualitativa / Psychiatric reform in a local context in Brazil: a qualitative analysis

Este estudo focaliza o cotidiano institucional das atividades desenvolvidas pelo Centro de Atenção Psicossocial (CAPS), um serviço municipalizado de saúde mental em Andradas, Minas Gerais, Brasil. O estudo analisa, em particular, as representações sociais dos profissionais de saúde envolvidos com o atendimento do doente mental, face a sua reinserção social, frente às novas propostas preconizadas pela reforma psiquiátrica. Remete a uma análise histórica e conjuntural, partindo-se da hipótese de que avaliar o novo processo de intervenção institucional contribui para a sua implementação e aprimoramento. Focaliza também a postura dos profissionais de saúde, o trabalho interdisciplinar e os fatores que permeiam esta prática. Uma abordagem qualitativa é utilizada em toda a pesquisa.

This study focuses on the daily institutional activities in a Center for Psychosocial Care (CAPS), a municipal mental health service in Andradas, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The study specifically analyzes the social representations by health care professionals regarding the social rehabilitation of their patients, vis-à-vis new proposals approved under the Brazilian psychiatric reform. The study adopts a historical and conjunctural analysis, based on the premise that to evaluate the new process of institutional intervention contributes to both its implementation and improvement. The study also focuses on the stance by health care professionals towards interdisciplinary work and the factors involved in this practice. A qualitative approach was used throughout the study.

[Psychiatric reform in a local context in Brazil: A qualitative analysis]. / A configuração da reforma psiquiátrica em contexto local no Brasil: uma análise qualitativa.

This study focuses on the daily institutional activities in a Center for Psychosocial Care (CAPS), a municipal mental health service in Andradas, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The study specifically analyzes the social representations by health care professionals regarding the social rehabilitation of their patients, vis-à-vis new proposals approved under the Brazilian psychiatric reform. The study adopts a historical and conjunctural analysis, based on the premise that to evaluate the new process of institutional intervention contributes to both its implementation and improvement. The study also focuses on the stance by health care professionals towards interdisciplinary work and the factors involved in this practice. A qualitative approach was used throughout the study.

O processo de desospitalização da reforma psiquiátrica em Andradas-MG

O presente estudo consiste em analisar o processo de desospitalização, no interior da reforma psiquiátrica, em particular, as representações sociais dos profissionais de saúde envolvidos com a assistência ao doente mental. Remete a uma análise histórica e conjuntural, partindo-se da hipótese de que se faz necessário repensar a intervenção institucional como um dos fatores determinantes no curso e prognóstico da doença mental. Envolve também a postura dos profissionais de saúde, o trabalho interdisciplinar e os fatores que permeiam estas práticas, pelos preceitos do novo paradigma de desinstitucionalização e da atenção em saúde mental. Optamos por um estudo de abordagem qualitativa, concentrada na compreensão das representações sociais evidenciadas na instituição sobre a assistência em saúde mental e os desafios impostos aos profissionais de saúde, que se empenham em promover a desospitalização do doente mental. Focalizamos o cotidiano institucional do CAPS (Centro de Atenção Psicossocial), um serviço municipalizado de Saúde Mental em Andradas-MG, utilizando-se para a coleta de dados entrevistas semi-estruturadas com todos os profissionais de saúde que compõem a equipe multiprofissional da instituição e aceitaram em participar da pesquisa. Os resultados encontrados, a partir da análise dos dados, pontuam que a lógica manicomial ainda permeia as práticas cotidianas do CAPS e o tratamento do doente mental insere-se dentro da concepção hegemônica da Medicina, onde os profissionais de saúde tomam o diagnóstico psiquiátrico como referência para suas intervenções; além do baixo grau de conhecimento, que os profissionais apresentaram sobre o processo da reforma psiquiátrica....