Bacterial vaginosis, representation of endocervical and/or metaplastic cells, and cytological abnormalities in different age groups: Association study.

BACKGROUND: Studies have indicated that bacterial vaginosis (BV) might be a cofactor for the acquisition and persistence of high-risk papillomavirus, enabling the development of cytological abnormalities. The presence of endocervical and metaplastic cells makes the smear more adequate for the detection of these abnormalities once these cell types are representative of the transformation zone, a site of increased susceptibility to viral infection. METHODS: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the patterns of vaginal microbiota, the representation of endocervical and/or metaplastic cells, and the detection of cytological abnormalities in cervical smears from women 15 to 64 years old. Results from satisfactory cytological smears performed in a laboratory school from the Federal University of Goiás were analyzed. The degree of association between the categorical variables was evaluated by the χ2 test, Fisher's Exact test, and stratified analysis through the estimation of the prevalence ratio, with 95% confidence intervals and 5% statistical significance level (P < .05). RESULTS: The global prevalence of BV and cytological abnormalities was 22.02% and 8.21%, respectively. BV and the representation of endocervical and/or metaplastic cells were independently associated with the detection of high-grade cytological abnormalities in the cervical smears of women between 25 and 64 years old. CONCLUSIONS: BV and representation of endocervical and/or metaplastic cells were independently associated with the detection of high-grade cytological abnormalities reinforcing the importance of specimen adequacy and microbiota in the cervical microenvironment.

Performance of Laboratories after 10 Years of Participating in External Quality Monitoring in Cervical Cytology.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of laboratories accredited by the National Health System that perform cytopathology examination of the uterine cervix after 10 years of participation in external quality monitoring (eQM). STUDY DESIGN: Seven laboratories were assessed in this study. To assess the concordance of the representation of epithelia and results, 6,536 examinations (3,433 in 2007 and 3,103 in 2017) were reviewed. Statistical analysis was performed using the κ coefficient as well as the χ2 and the Fisher exact test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: All laboratories showed adequate infrastructure and internal quality monitoring. Regarding the representation of the epithelia, the concordance remained excellent (κ between 0.84 and 0.94). In 2007, 26 false-negative results (FN), 157 false-positive results (FP), and 79 delays in clinical conduct (DCC) were identified (κ = 0.80). In 2017, 24 FN, 42 FP, and 38 DCC were identified (κ = 0.90). Five laboratories showed improvement in concordance from 2007 to 2017. We observed significant improvement in cytomorphological criteria of the results: atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (p < 0.001), atypical squamous cells cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (p < 0.016), and low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (p < 0.001). We also observed a considerable improvement in the results of cellular abnormalities in glandular epithelium (p < 0.0504). CONCLUSIONS: Ten years after the implementation of eQM, improvements in the concordance of results were observed as well as reductions in FN, FP, and DCC in all laboratories monitored.

Reproducibility of cervical cytopathology following an intervention by an external quality control laboratory.

BACKGROUND: This study assessed the effects of a continued education program on the agreement between cervical cytopathology exams interpreted by local laboratories and interpretation made by an external quality control laboratory (LabMEQ). METHODS: Overall, 9,798 exams were analyzed between 2007 and 2008, prior to implementation of a continued education program, and 10,028 between 2010 and 2011, following implementation. Continued education consisted of theoretical and practical classes held every two months. The chi-square test and the kappa coefficient were used in the statistical analysis. RESULTS: Following implementation of continued education, the rate of false-negative results, and those leading to delays in clinical management fell in eight laboratories and the rate of false-positive results in five. Agreement between the results reported by the laboratories and the findings of LabMEQ, evaluated according to clinical management, remained excellent in three laboratories (kappa >0.80 and <1.0), went from good (kappa >0.60 and <0.80) to excellent in seven and from excellent to good in two. Agreement regarding the identification of metaplastic epithelium was poor (kappa = 0.25) but progressed to excellent following the implementation of continued education (kappa = 0.950). Agreement between cytopathology results improved significantly following implementation of continued education in cases reported as unsatisfactory (P < 0.001), atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (P < 0.001), low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (P < 0.001), and glandular atypia (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Continued education contributed towards improving the reproducibility of cervical cytopathology, decreased the rates of false-negative and false-positive results, and reduced delays in clinical management.

[Abnormal vaginal secretion: sensitivity, specificity and concordance between clinical and cytological diagnosis]. / Secreção vaginal anormal: Sensibilidade, especificidade e concordância entre o diagnóstico clínico e citológico.

PURPOSE: To estimate the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis (BV), candidiasis and trichomoniasis and compare the findings of physical examination of the vaginal secretion with the microbiological diagnosis obtained by cytology study of a vaginal smear using the Papanicolaou method. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 302 women aged 20 to 87 years, interviewed and submitted to a gynecology test for the evaluation of vaginal secretion and collection of a cytology smear, from June 2012 to May 2013. Sensitivity analyses were carried out and specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) with their respective 95%CI were determined to assess the accuracy of the characteristics of vaginal secretion in relation to the microbiological diagnosis of the cytology smear . The kappa index (k) was used to assess the degree of agreement between the clinical features of vaginal secretion and the microbiological findings obtained by cytology. RESULTS The prevalence of BV, candidiasis and trichomoniasis was 25.5, 9.3 and 2.0%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of the clinical characteristics of vaginal secretion for the cytological diagnosis of BV were 74, 78.6, 54.3 and 89.9%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and the NPV of the clinical characteristics of vaginal secretion for the cytological diagnosis of candidiasis were 46.4, 86.2, 25.5 and 94%, respectively. The correlation between the clinical evaluation of vaginal secretion and the microbiological diagnosis of BV, candidiasis and trichomoniasis, assessed by the kappa index, was 0.47, 0.23 and 0.28, respectively. CONCLUSION The most common cause of abnormal vaginal secretion was BV. The clinical evaluation of vaginal secretion presented amoderate to weak agreement with the microbiological diagnosis, indicating the need for complementary investigation of the clinical findings of abnormal vaginal secretion.

Congenital transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi in central Brazil. A study of 1,211 individuals born to infected mothers.

Transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi during pregnancy is estimated to occur in less than 20% of infected mothers; however, the etiopathogenesis is not completely understood. The Centre for Studies on Chagas Disease provides confirmation of T. cruzi infection for individuals living in central Brazil. In this retrospective hospital-based study, all requests for diagnosis of T. cruzi infection in individuals less than 21 years old from 1994-2014 were searched. We end with 1,211 individuals and their respective infected mothers. Congenital transmission of infection was confirmed in 24 individuals (2%) in central Brazil, an area where the main T. cruzi lineage circulating in humans is TcII. This low prevalence of congenital Chagas disease is discussed in relation to recent findings in the south region of Brazil, where TcV is the main lineage and congenital transmission has a higher prevalence (approximately 5%), similar to frequencies reported in Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia. This is the first report to show geographical differences in the rates of congenital transmission of T. cruzi and the relationship between the prevalence of congenital transmission and the type of Tc prevalent in each region.

Congenital transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi in central Brazil. A study of 1,211 individuals born to infected mothers

Transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi during pregnancy is estimated to occur in less than 20% of infected mothers; however, the etiopathogenesis is not completely understood. The Centre for Studies on Chagas Disease provides confirmation of T. cruzi infection for individuals living in central Brazil. In this retrospective hospital-based study, all requests for diagnosis of T. cruzi infection in individuals less than 21 years old from 1994-2014 were searched. We end with 1,211 individuals and their respective infected mothers. Congenital transmission of infection was confirmed in 24 individuals (2%) in central Brazil, an area where the main T. cruzi lineage circulating in humans is TcII. This low prevalence of congenital Chagas disease is discussed in relation to recent findings in the south region of Brazil, where TcV is the main lineage and congenital transmission has a higher prevalence (approximately 5%), similar to frequencies reported in Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia. This is the first report to show geographical differences in the rates of congenital transmission of T. cruzi and the relationship between the prevalence of congenital transmission and the type of Tc prevalent in each region.

Secreção vaginal anormal: Sensibilidade, especificidade e concordância entre o diagnóstico clínico e citológico / Abnormal vaginal secretion: sensitivity, specificity and concordance between clinical and cytological diagnosis

OBJETIVOS: Estimar a prevalência da vaginose bacteriana (VB), candidíase e tricomoníase e comparar os achados do exame físico da secreção vaginal com o diagnóstico microbiológico, obtido pelo estudo citológico do esfregaço vaginal, pelo do método de Papanicolaou. MÉTODOS: Estudo de corte transversal que incluiu 302 mulheres com idade entre 20 a 87 anos, submetidas à entrevista e exame ginecológico para avaliação da secreção vaginal e coleta de esfregaço citológico, no período de junho de 2012 a maio de 2013. Para avaliar a acurácia das características da secreção vaginal em relação ao diagnóstico microbiológico do esfregaço citológico foi empregado as análises de sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo (VPP) e valor preditivo negativo (VPN), com seus respectivos IC95%. Para avaliar o grau de concordância entre as características clínicas da secreção vaginal e os achados microbiológicos no exame citológico, foi aplicado o índice kappa (k). RESULTADOS: A prevalência da VB, candidíase e tricomoníase foi de 25,5, 9,3 e 2,0%, respectivamente. A sensibilidade, especificidade, valor o VPP e o VPN das características clínicas da secreção vaginal para o diagnóstico citológico de VB foram de 74, 78,6, 54,3, e 89,9%, respectivamente. A sensibilidade, a especificidade, o VPP e o VPN das características clínicas da secreção vaginal para o diagnóstico citológico de candidíase foram de 46,4, 86,2, 25,5 e de 94%, respectivamente. O grau de concordância entre a avaliação clínica da secreção vaginal e o diagnóstico microbiológico de VB, candidíase e tricomoníase, avaliados pelo índice kappa foi de 0,47, 0,23 e 0,28, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: A causa mais frequente de secreção vaginal anormal foi VB. A avaliação clínica da secreção vaginal apresentou sensibilidade, VPP e grau de concordância moderado a fraco, comparado ao diagnóstico microbiológico, o que indica a necessidade de avaliação complementar do achado clínico de secreção vaginal anormal. .

PURPOSE: To estimate the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis (BV), candidiasis and trichomoniasis and compare the findings of physical examination of the vaginal secretion with the microbiological diagnosis obtained by cytology study of a vaginal smear using the Papanicolaou method. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 302 women aged 20 to 87 years, interviewed and submitted to a gynecology test for the evaluation of vaginal secretion and collection of a cytology smear, from June 2012 to May 2013. Sensitivity analyses were carried out and specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) with their respective 95%CI were determined to assess the accuracy of the characteristics of vaginal secretion in relation to the microbiological diagnosis of the cytology smear . The kappa index (k) was used to assess the degree of agreement between the clinical features of vaginal secretion and the microbiological findings obtained by cytology. RESULTS The prevalence of BV, candidiasis and trichomoniasis was 25.5, 9.3 and 2.0%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of the clinical characteristics of vaginal secretion for the cytological diagnosis of BV were 74, 78.6, 54.3 and 89.9%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and the NPV of the clinical characteristics of vaginal secretion for the cytological diagnosis of candidiasis were 46.4, 86.2, 25.5 and 94%, respectively. The correlation between the clinical evaluation of vaginal secretion and the microbiological diagnosis of BV, candidiasis and trichomoniasis, assessed by the kappa index, was 0.47, 0.23 and 0.28, respectively. CONCLUSION The most common cause of abnormal vaginal secretion was BV. The clinical evaluation of vaginal secretion presented amoderate to weak agreement with the microbiological diagnosis, indicating the need for complementary investigation of the clinical findings of abnormal vaginal secretion. .

Neoplasias intraepiteliais cervicais: faixa etária no momento do diagnóstico citológico / Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia: age group in the moment of the cytological diagnosis

Objetivo: Avaliar a distribuição de diagnósticos citológicos de neoplasia intraepitelial cervical (NIC), considerando a idade das mulheres incluídas. Material e Métodos: Osresultados citológicos de mulheres com NIC 1 (721), NIC 2(218) e NIC 3 (84) foram analisados em um modelo estratificado por faixa etária. Resultados e Conclusão: As prevalências encontradas foram de 70,48% (721/1023) para NIC 1, 21,31% (218/1023) para NIC 2 e 8,21% (84/1023) para NIC 3. Os diagnósticos citológicos de NIC 1 foram observados com maior frequência em mulheres com menos de 40 anos (88,35%; 637/721). Os diagnósticos citológicos de NIC 2 também foram mais frequentes emmulheres com menos de 40 anos, com uma prevalência de 43,6% (95/218), observada na faixa etária de 20-30 anos, e de 22,5% (49/218) em mulheres de 31-40 anos. Osdiagnósticos de NIC 3 foram mais frequentes em mulheres com mais de 30 anos (83,3%; 70/84). Houve uma maior prevalência de NIC 1 e NIC 2 em mulheres na faixa etária de 20 a 30 anos, enquanto que NIC 3 teve prevalência maior em mulheres com mais de 30 anos. É possível que a história natural da NIC 2 seja mais próxima a de NIC 1, quando comparadaà de NIC 3.

Objective: To evaluate the distribution of the cytological diagnosesof cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) considering the includedwomen's age group. Material and Methods: The cytological resultsof woman with CIN 1 (721), CIN 2(218) and CIN 3 (84) were analyzedin a stratified model by age group. Results and Conclusion: Thetotal prevalences founded were 70.48% (721/1023) for CIN 1, 21.31%(218/1023) for CIN 2 and 8.21% (84/1023) for CIN 3. The cytologicdiagnosis of CIN 1 were observed more frequently in women underthe age of 40 (88.35% 637/721). The cytologic diagnosis of CIN 2were also more frequent in women under 40 years of age with aprevalence of 43.6% (95/218) observed in the age group of 20-30years and 22.5% (49/218) in women of 31-40 years. The diagnosis ofCIN 3 were more frequent in women over 30 years (83.3% 70/84).There is a higher prevalence of CIN 1 and CIN 2 in women aged 20to 30 years while CIN 3 prevalence is higher in women over 30 years.It is possible that the natural history of CIN 2 is closer to CIN 1 whencompared to CIN 3.

Internal quality control for cervical cytopathology: comparison of potential false-negatives detected at rapid prescreening and at 100% rapid review.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of rapid prescreening (RPS) and 100% rapid review (RR-100%) as internal quality control (IQC) methods assessed by outcome at colposcopy, histopathology and repeat cytopathology for cases with false-negative results on cervical cytopathology at routine screening (RS). STUDY DESIGN: Out of 12,208 cytology smears analyzed, 900 were abnormal. Of these, 656 were identified at RS, and 244 were false-negative, with 90.2% identified at RPS and 57.4% at RR-100%. Of the 900 abnormal cases, 436 were submitted for additional testing. RESULTS: Of the 244 women with cytopathological abnormalities identified only by the IQC methods, 114 had supplementary examinations: 35 were submitted for colposcopy, 22 for biopsy and 99 for repeat cytopathology. The sensitivity of RPS for the detection of abnormalities identified on colposcopy, histopathology and repeat cytopathology was 87.5% (95% CI 67.6-97.3), 82.4% (95% CI 56.6-96.2) and 95.7% (95% CI 85.2-99.5), respectively. The sensitivity of RR-100% was 54.2% (95% CI 32.8-74.4), 52.9% (95% CI 27.8-77.0) and 47.8% (95% CI 32.9-63.1), respectively. RPS was more sensitive than RR-100% when compared to the findings on colposcopy (p = 0.011) and repeat cytopathology (p = 0.000). When compared to colposcopy, histopathology and repeat cytopathology, the sensitivity of RS was 83.2% (95% CI 76.1-88.9), 85.7% (95% CI 78.1-91.5) and 73.3% (95% CI 66.0-79.7), respectively. CONCLUSION: RPS performed better than RR-100% when compared to the results of colposcopy and repeat cytopathology.

Internal quality control indicators of cervical cytopathology exams performed in laboratories monitored by the External Quality Control Laboratory.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of continued education provided by an external quality control laboratory on the indicators of internal quality control of cytopathology exams. METHODS: The internal quality assurance indicators for cytopathology exams from 12 laboratories monitored by the External Quality Control Laboratory were evaluated. Overall, 185,194 exams were included, 98,133 of which referred to the period preceding implementation of a continued education program, while 87,061 referred to the period following this intervention. Data were obtained from the Cervical Cancer Database of the Brazilian National Health Service. RESULTS: Following implementation of the continued education program, the positivity index (PI) remained within recommended limits in four laboratories. In another four laboratories, the PI progressed from below the limits to within the recommended standards. In one laboratory, the PI remained low, in two laboratories, it remained very low, and in one, it increased from very low to low. The percentage of exams compatible with a high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) remained within the recommended limits in five laboratories, while in three laboratories it progressed from below the recommended levels to >0.4% of the total number of satisfactory exams, and in four laboratories it remained below the standard limit. Both the percentage of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) in relation to abnormal exams, and the ratio between ASC-US and intraepithelial lesions remained within recommended levels in all the laboratories investigated. CONCLUSION: An improvement was found in the indicators represented by the positivity index and the percentage of exams compatible with a high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, showing that the role played by the external quality control laboratory in providing continued education contributed towards improving laboratory staff skills in detecting cervical cancer precursor lesions.

Internal quality control indicators of cervical cytopathology exams performed in laboratories monitored by the External Quality Control Laboratory / Avaliação de indicadores de controle de qualidade interno de exames de citopatologia cervical realizados em laboratórios monitorados pelo Laboratório Externo de Controle de Qualidade

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of continued education provided by an external quality control laboratory on the indicators of internal quality control of cytopathology exams. METHODS: The internal quality assurance indicators for cytopathology exams from 12 laboratories monitored by the External Quality Control Laboratory were evaluated. Overall, 185,194 exams were included, 98,133 of which referred to the period preceding implementation of a continued education program, while 87,061 referred to the period following this intervention. Data were obtained from the Cervical Cancer Database of the Brazilian National Health Service. RESULTS: Following implementation of the continued education program, the positivity index (PI) remained within recommended limits in four laboratories. In another four laboratories, the PI progressed from below the limits to within the recommended standards. In one laboratory, the PI remained low, in two laboratories, it remained very low, and in one, it increased from very low to low. The percentage of exams compatible with a high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) remained within the recommended limits in five laboratories, while in three laboratories it progressed from below the recommended levels to >0.4% of the total number of satisfactory exams, and in four laboratories it remained below the standard limit. Both the percentage of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) in relation to abnormal exams, and the ratio between ASC-US and intraepithelial lesions remained within recommended levels in all the laboratories investigated. CONCLUSION: An improvement was found in the indicators represented by the positivity index and the percentage of exams compatible with a high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, showing that the role played by the external quality control laboratory in providing continued education contributed towards improving laboratory staff skills ...

OBJETIVOS: Verificar o impacto da educação continuada realizada pelo Laboratório de Monitoramento Externo da Qualidade nos indicadores de monitoramento interno da qualidade dos exames citopatológicos. MÉTODOS: O estudo avaliou os indicadores de monitoramento interno da qualidade dos exames citopatológicos de 12 laboratórios monitorados pelo Laboratório de Monitoramento Externo da Qualidade, totalizando 185.194 exames, sendo 98.133 referentes ao período antes da educação continuada e 87.061 após a educação continuada. Os dados para avaliar os indicadores foram obtidos por meio do Sistema de Informações do Câncer do Colo do Útero disponibilizados pelo Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde. RESULTADOS: Verificou-se que, após a educação continuada, quatro laboratórios mantiveram o índice de positividade (IP) dentro do recomendado, quatro que estavam abaixo passaram a ter o IP dentro do recomendado, um permaneceu baixo, dois permaneceram muito baixo e um passou de muito baixo para baixo. Em relação ao indicador percentual de exames compatíveis com lesão intraepitelial escamosa de alto grau, cinco laboratórios mantiveram o índice dentro do recomendado, três que estavam abaixo do recomendado passaram a ter esse índice acima de 0,4 e quatro permaneceram abaixo do recomendado. Os indicadores atipias de significado indeterminado/alterados e razão atipias de significado indeterminado/lesões intraepiteliais mantiveram-se dentro do recomendado em todos os laboratórios. CONCLUSÃO: Observou-se melhora nos indicadores de positividade e percentual de exames compatíveis com lesão intraepitelial de alto grau, mostrando que o papel desempenhado pelo Laboratório de Monitoramento Externo da Qualidade contribui para o aprimoramento ...

[Impact of training about cervical cancer screening on health professionals working in basic health care units]. / Impacto da capacitação dos profissionais de saúde sobre o rastreamento do câncer do colo do útero em unidades básicas de saúde.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of training professionals involved in the screening for cervical cancer in Basic Health Units in the city of Goiânia (GO). METHODS: This was and intervention study in which the following data contained in the cervical cytopathology test form were examined: the woman's personal data, anamnesis, clinical examination and identification of the professional responsible for the collection. Professional training was evaluated by comparing the forms referring to the period from January 2007 to April 2009, before training, with the forms referring to the period from July 2010 to December 2012, after training. The Pearson χ2 test was used to analyze the results of training, with the 5% level of significance. RESULTS: After training, there was a significantly increased frequency of recording patient schooling (from 67.2 to 92.6%, p<0.001), telephone number (from 78.9 to 98.7%, p<0.001), cervical inspection (from 86.8 to 96.6%, p<0.001), and signs suggestive of sexually transmitted diseases (from 80.8 to 93.5%, p<0.001). There was a reduction in the frequency of performing the exam within an interval of less than one year (p<0.001) and of one year (p<0.001). There was a reduction in the frequency of Pap smear testing in women under 25 years of age, from 22.0 to 17.9% (p<0.001). There was a significant increase in the proportion of satisfactory samples from 70.4 to 80.2% (p<0.001). A reduction of confounding factors was observed. The desiccation frequency was 2.9% before training and 2.0% after training (p<0.001). There was an increase in the frequency of representation of endocervical cells from 79.5 to 88.5% (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: After training, there was a significant improvement in completing the application form, the performance of such tests regarding frequency and the age range recommended by the Ministry of Health, and the adequacy of the sample.

Impacto da capacitação dos profissionais de saúde sobre o rastreamento do câncer do colo do útero em unidades básicas de saúde / Impact of training about cervical cancer screening on health professionals working in basic health care units

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o impacto da capacitação dos profissionais envolvidos no rastreamento do câncer do colo do útero (CCU) em Unidades Básicas de Saúde (UBSs) do município de Goiânia (GO). MÉTODOS: Estudo de intervenção cujas variáveis estudadas foram: os dados pessoais da mulher, anamnese, exame clínico e identificação do profissional responsável pela coleta (informações contidas no formulário de requisição do exame citopatológico do colo do útero). A avaliação da capacitação dos profissionais foi realizada por meio da comparação dos formulários referentes ao período de janeiro de 2007 a abril de 2009, antes da capacitação, com os formulários de julho de 2010 a dezembro de 2012, após a capacitação. Para avaliar o resultado da capacitação foi utilizado o teste do χ2 de Pearson, com nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Após a capacitação, houve aumento significativo da frequência de preenchimento da escolaridade, de 67,2 para 92,6% (p<0,001), do telefone, de 78,9 para 98,7% (p<0,001), da inspeção do colo, de 86,8 para 96,6% (p<0,001) e sinais sugestivos de doenças sexualmente transmissíveis (DST), de 80,8 para 93,5% (p<0,001). Houve redução da frequência de realização do exame no intervalo menor que um ano (p<0,001) e de um ano (p<0,001). Houve redução da frequência de realização do exame citopatológico em mulheres com menos de 25 anos de idade, de 22,0 para 17,9% (p<0,001). Houve um aumento significativo da proporção de amostras satisfatórias, de 70,4 para 80,2% (p<0,001). Foi verificada redução da ocorrência de fatores obscurecedores. A frequência de dessecamento ...

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of training professionals involved in the screening for cervical cancer in Basic Health Units in the city of Goiânia (GO). METHODS: This was and intervention study in which the following data contained in the cervical cytopathology test form were examined: the woman's personal data, anamnesis, clinical examination and identification of the professional responsible for the collection. Professional training was evaluated by comparing the forms referring to the period from January 2007 to April 2009, before training, with the forms referring to the period from July 2010 to December 2012, after training. The Pearson χ2 test was used to analyze the results of training, with the 5% level of significance. RESULTS: After training, there was a significantly increased frequency of recording patient schooling (from 67.2 to 92.6%, p<0.001), telephone number (from 78.9 to 98.7%, p<0.001), cervical inspection (from 86.8 to 96.6%, p<0.001), and signs suggestive of sexually transmitted diseases (from 80.8 to 93.5%, p<0.001). There was a reduction in the frequency of performing the exam within an interval of less than one year (p<0.001) and of one year (p<0.001). There was a reduction in the frequency of Pap smear testing in women under 25 years of age, from 22.0 to 17.9% (p<0.001). There was a significant increase in the proportion of satisfactory samples from 70.4 to 80.2% (p<0.001). A reduction of confounding factors was observed. The desiccation frequency was 2.9% before training and 2.0% after training (p<0.001). There was an increase in the frequency of representation of endocervical cells from 79.5 to 88.5% (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: After training, there was a significant improvement in completing the application form, the performance of such tests regarding frequency and the age range recommended by the Ministry of Health, and the adequacy of the sample. .

Avaliação do seguimento de mulheres com exames citopatológicosalterados de acordo com as condutas preconizadas pelo Ministério da Saúde do Brasil em Goiânia, Goiás / Follow-up Evaluation of Women with Abnormal Cytopathological Tests According to the Procedures Recommended by the Ministry of Health of Brazil in Goiania city, State of Goias / Evaluación de Seguimiento de Mujeres con Exámenes Citopatológicos Alteradosde acuerdo a las Conductas Recomendadas por el Ministerio de Salud de Brasilen la Ciudad de Goiania, Estado de Goias

Introdução: O adequado seguimento para mulheres com exames citopatológicos alterados é importante para o tratamento das lesões precursoras em sua fase inicial. Objetivo: Avaliar se as mulheres atendidas nas Unidades de Atenção Básica com exames citopatológicos alterados foram submetidas adequadamente às condutas preconizadas pelo Ministério da Saúde. Método: O estudo analisou 12.208 resultados de exames citopatológicos de mulheres atendidas nas Unidades de Atenção Básica à Saúde em Goiânia, no período de 2006 a 2008, através dos prontuários das Unidades de Atenção Básica e Média Complexidade. O programa Epi-info 3.5.1 foi utilizado para análise dos dados. Resultados:Dos 12.208 resultados analisados, 90,74% foram classificados como negativos, 1,88% como insatisfatórios, 4,74% como lesões menos graves, e 2,43% como lesões de média gravidade. Do total de 579 mulheres com exames citopatológicos classificados como células escamosas atípicas de significado indeterminado, possivelmente não neoplásicas/lesãointraepitelial de baixo grau, 41,62% realizaram citopatologia de seguimento, 14,85% e 10,19% realizaram colposcopia e biópsia, respectivamente. Das 297 mulheres com resultados citopatológicos classificados como células escamosas atípicas de significado indeterminado, não se pode excluir lesão de alto grau/lesão intraepitelial de alto grau, 42,76%realizaram citopatologia de seguimento, 35,02% e 28,96% realizaram colposcopia e biópsia, respectivamente. Das 24 mulheres com resultado citopatológico classificado como células glandulares atípicas/adenocarcinoma invasor, 20,83% realizaram citopatologia de seguimento, e 16,67% e 12,50% das mulheres realizaram colposcopia e biópsia, respectivamente. Conclusão: A maioria das mulheres com exames citopatológicos alterados possivelmente não foi submetida às condutas preconizadas conforme as recomendações do Ministério da Saúde

External quality control of cervical cytopathology: interlaboratory variability.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the variability of screening tests held at laboratories with the Unit for External Quality Control (UEQC), checking the frequency of cases that were discordant, false-positive, false-negative, unsatisfactory or that had a delay in clinical management and diagnostic agreement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study analyzed 10,053 screening tests from January 2007 to December 2008, including all positive cases, all those that fall under unsatisfactory and at least 10% of negative screening tests. The magnitude of the agreement was analyzed using the kappa coefficient. RESULTS: Out of the 10,053 cases analyzed, 7.59% were considered disagreeing, and it was estimated that 1.1% were false-negative. There was a delay in the clinical procedure regarding 2.44% cases. There were 2.82% of cases identified as false-positive and 1.24% as unsatisfactory. The diagnostic agreement was excellent (kappa = 0.81). The agreement of most laboratories concerning screening tests was classified as very good. The agreement of the sample adequacy was reasonable (kappa = 0.30) and the agreement regarding the representation of epithelia was considered excellent. CONCLUSION: Most laboratories showed very good agreement; however, it is worthy of note that to establish the standardization of diagnostic criteria, and enhance the accuracy of screening and improve the quality of cytopathology test results, it is necessary to perform external quality control.

Capacitação do agente comunitário de saúde visando reorganização do rastreamento do câncer do colo do útero / Training of community health agent seeking reorganization of the uterine cervical cancer screening

O componente mais importante da atenção primária para prevenção do câncer do colo do útero é a alta cobertura da população alvo. Nosso cenário, no entanto, é de excessos de controles num percentual pequeno das mulheres-alvo. Nas regiões onde a Estratégia Saúde da Família foi implantada, há um cenário favorável à reorganização do rastreamento do câncer do colo do útero. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a aquisição de conhecimento de Agentes Comunitários de Saúde após capacitação acerca da prevenção do câncer do colo do útero. Após a capacitação, houve melhora significativa do conhecimento dos Agentes Comunitários de Saúde sobre a finalidade do exame citopatológico, condições ideais para realização, agente causador e fatores de risco para o câncer do colo do útero e sobre os resultados dos exames citopatológicos (p < 0,05). Não houve melhora do conhecimento sobre a população alvo e a periodicidade correta de realização do exame citopatológico.

The most important component of primary prevention of uterine cervical cancer is the high coverage of target population, however, our scenario is in excess of controls in a small percentage of women target. In regions where the Family Health Strategy was implemented there is a favorable scenario for the reorganization of screening for uterine cervical cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acquisition of knowledge of Community Health Workers after training on the prevention of uterine cervical cancer. After the training significantly improved the knowledge of Community Health Agents about the purpose of Pap smear testing, ideal conditions for realization, the causative agent and risk factors for uterine cervical cancer and the results of cervical screening (p <0, 05). There was no improvement of knowledge about the target population and the frequency of correct implementation of the Pap test.

Resultados citopatológicos de mulheres que realizaram exame do colo do útero em um laboratório escola da Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia-GO: estudo de prevalência / Cytopathological results from women that realized the examination of cervix in a laboratory-school from Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia-GO: prevalence study

Objetivo - Avaliar a prevalência de câncer de colo do útero e infecções genitais em mulheres atendidas no serviço de saúde pública de Goiânia-GO. O exame de Papanicolaou é o método utilizado para detecção das lesões intraepiteliais e neoplásicas da cérvice uterina, tendo importante papel na prevenção do câncer do colo do útero e no diagnóstico das infecções genitais. Métodos - Estudo retrospectivo dos laudos dos exames citopatológicos das mulheres atendidas nas Unidades de Atenção Básica em Saúde (UABS) de Goiânia-GO, entre 03/2006 a 05/2008. Os esfregaços citológicos foram analisados no Centro de Análises Clínicas Rômulo Rocha da Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade Federal de Goiás (CACRR/FF/UFG). Resultados - Um total de 15.615 mulheres foi incluído no estudo. A mediana de idade foi de 33 anos (14-93 anos), a maioria (57,6%) tinha entre 20 e 39 anos e 6,6% (n=1.034) eram < 20 anos de idade. Mais de 50% dos casos de infecção entre adultas e adolescentes eram causados por Gardnerella vaginalis e 13,6% por Trichomonas vaginalis. Entre mulheres mais jovens (20-39 anos),16,9% das infecções foi causada por Candida sp. Aproximadamente 7,6% dos esfregaços avaliados apresentaram alterações celulares, sendo 4,9% células escamosas atípicas de significado indeterminado/lesão intraepitelial escamosa de baixo grau (ASC-US/LSIL) para as mulheres entre 20-29 anos e 2,6% células escamosas atípicas com possível lesão de alto grau/lesão intraepitelial escamosa de alto grau e células glandulares atípicas (ASC-H/+) para mulheres entre 20 e 49 anos. Conclusão - Lesões graves em mulheres jovens chamam atenção para a necessidade de políticas de saúde pública que reforcem a importância do Papanicolaou para a prevenção do colo de útero.

Objective - To correlate the prevalence of cervical cancer and genital infections with the age of women treated at public health service of Goiânia-GO. Papanicolaou test is the method used for detection of intraepithelial and neoplastic lesions in the uterine cervix, playing an important role in cervical cancer prevention and helping in female genital infections'diagnosis. Methods - Women's cytopathological tests were analyzed at Health Care Units from Goiânia-GO, between 03/2006 and 05/2008. Smears were analyzed at Clinical Analysis Laboratory Rômulo Rocha, at Pharmacy Faculty of the Federal University of Goiás. Results - The total of 15.615 women were included in this study. The median age was 33 years (14-93 years), 57.6% were between 20 and 39 years of age and 6.6% were adolescents <20 years of age. More than 50% of cases of infection among adults and adolescents were caused by Gardnerella vaginalis, followed by 13.6% by Trichomonas vaginalis and to 16.9% by Candida sp. Approximately, 7.6% of smears evaluated showed cellular alterations, and 4.9% atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance/squamous intraepithelial lesion of low grade (ASC-US/LSIL) for women aged 20-29 years and 2.6% atypical squamous cells can damage high-grade/squamous intraepithelial lesion high-grade and atypical glandular cells (ASC-H/+) for women aged 20-49 years. Conclusion - Serious injuries in young women draw attention to the need for public health policies that reinforce the importance of the Papanicolaou test for cervical cancer prevention.

Cervical Cytopathology in a Population of HIV-Positive and HIV-Negative Women.

The association between abnormal cervical cytology and HIV infection status in women was evaluated to correlate with CD4 cell count and viral load in HIV-positive patients with the presence of low-grade (LSIL) and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL). Cervical samples were collected at the Tropical Disease Hospital, Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital and at the Nascer Cidadão Maternity Hospital in Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil. An Ayre's spatula was used to collect samples from the ectocervix and a cytology brush to collect samples from the endocervix. Of a total of 237 women, 125 were HIV positive and 112 were HIV negative. Abnormal cytology (n = 21; 8.9%) was more common in the HIV positive group (n = 15; 12.1%) compared to the HIV-negative group (n = 6; 5.4%) (P = 0.05). Cytological abnormalities were not found to be associated with immunosuppression, defined as CD4 count < 200 cells/mm(3). A higher frequency was found between higher viral loads (>10,000/mm(3)) and the presence of abnormal cytology. Pregnant women, irrespective of whether they were HIV positive or negative, were less likely to have lesions compared to the nonpregnant women in the same groups. The higher frequency of abnormal findings in Papanicolaou cytology in HIV-positive women with higher viral loads suggests the association between preinvasive cervical lesions and human immunodeficiency.

[Women with atypical, precursor lesions and invasive cervical cancer: behaviors according to the recommendations of the Ministry of Health]. / Mulheres com atipias, lesões precursoras e invasivas do colo do útero: condutas segundo as recomendações do Ministério da Saúde.

PURPOSE: To verify whether women with atypias of undetermined significance and precursor lesions or invasive cervical outcomes were referred to Medium Complexity Units (MCU) following the guidelines recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. METHODS: Retrospective study based on the cytopathological outcomes of users of the Unified Health System, seen at Basic Health Assistance Units (BHAU) and referred to MCUs in the municipality of Goiânia, state of Goiás, from 2005 to 2006. We assessed 832 records according to the recommendations of the Brazilian Ministry of Health, as established by the Brazilian Nomenclature for Cervical Cytopathologic Outcomes and Recommended Clinical Practice. To check the distribution of variables such as reasons for referral, results of colposcopy and histopathology and clinical procedures we calculated absolute and relative frequencies, mean, minimum and maximum values. RESULTS: We understood 72.7% of the referrals were not in accordance with the recommendations of the Ministry of Health. There were 605 women with test results classified as atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, possibly non-neoplasms, and squamous intraepithelial lesion of low level which were sent to MCU, and of these 71.8% were submitted to colposcopy, and 64.7% had histopathological examination which results were classified as 31.0% with non-neoplasms and 44.6% as NIC I. Out of 211 women with results classified as more severe squamous lesions, 86.3% were submitted to colposcopy and 68.7% of these had histopathological examinations. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study revealed high rates of inappropriate referrals to MCU, which required a high percentage of unnecessary procedures. The recommendations of the Ministry of Health were followed by BHAU and the majority of women received counseling/treatment as recommended.