High-Risk Areas for Congenital Zika Syndrome in Rio de Janeiro: Spatial Cluster Detection.

Brazil reported 18,282 suspected congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) cases up to 2018 and accounts for 61.4% of the total reported Zika cases in the Americas in the period. To detect high-risk areas for children with CZS in the city of Rio de Janeiro, we used cluster detection and thematic maps. We analyzed data using a Poisson model in Satscan 10.1.3 software. We also analyzed the records of children with CZS from 2015 to 2016 to describe the clinical and epidemiological maternal and child profile, as well as live births in 2016 and the social development index (SDI) by neighborhood. In 2015 and 2016, the incidence rates of CZS were 8.84 and 46.96 per 100,000 live births in the city, respectively. Severe congenital findings such as microcephaly and brain damage, osteoarticular impairment, ocular abnormalities, and hearing loss were observed in 47 children. The spatial distribution of CZS was concentrated in the north and west zones in heterogeneous neighborhoods. The neighborhoods with the highest occurrence of CZS cases were found to have the worst SDIs. Stascan detected three spatial clusters in the north zone, where the SDI is lower. The clusters presented high relative risks for CZS (7.86, 1.46, and 2.08), although they were not statistically significant. Our findings highlight a higher occurrence of CZS in areas with less favorable socioeconomic conditions.

Ambulatory and hospitalized patients with suspected and confirmed mpox: an observational cohort study from Brazil.

Background: By October 30, 2022, 76,871 cases of mpox were reported worldwide, with 20,614 cases in Latin America. This study reports characteristics of a case series of suspected and confirmed mpox cases at a referral infectious diseases center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Methods: This was a single-center, prospective, observational cohort study that enrolled all patients with suspected mpox between June 12 and August 19, 2022. Mpox was confirmed by a PCR test. We compared characteristics of confirmed and non-confirmed cases, and among confirmed cases according to HIV status using distribution tests. Kernel estimation was used for exploratory spatial analysis. Findings: Of 342 individuals with suspected mpox, 208 (60.8%) were confirmed cases. Compared to non-confirmed cases, confirmed cases were more frequent among individuals aged 30-39 years, cisgender men (96.2% vs. 66.4%; p < 0.0001), reporting recent sexual intercourse (95.0% vs. 69.4%; p < 0.0001) and using PrEP (31.6% vs. 10.1%; p < 0.0001). HIV (53.2% vs. 20.2%; p < 0.0001), HCV (9.8% vs. 1.1%; p = 0.0046), syphilis (21.2% vs. 16.3%; p = 0.43) and other STIs (33.0% vs. 21.6%; p = 0.042) were more frequent among confirmed mpox cases. Confirmed cases presented more genital (77.3% vs. 39.8%; p < 0.0001) and anal lesions (33.1% vs. 11.5%; p < 0.0001), proctitis (37.1% vs. 13.3%; p < 0.0001) and systemic signs and symptoms (83.2% vs. 64.5%; p = 0.0003) than non-confirmed cases. Compared to confirmed mpox HIV-negative, HIV-positive individuals were older, had more HCV coinfection (15.2% vs. 3.7%; p = 0.011), anal lesions (45.7% vs. 20.5%; p < 0.001) and clinical features of proctitis (45.2% vs. 29.3%; p = 0.058). Interpretation: Mpox transmission in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, rapidly evolved into a local epidemic, with sexual contact playing a crucial role in its dynamics and high rates of coinfections with other STI. Preventive measures must address stigma and social vulnerabilities. Funding: Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz).

COVID-19 and zoonoses in Brazil: Environmental scan of one health preparedness and response.

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the central role of the One Health (OH) approach, as a multisectoral and multidisciplinary perspective, to tackle health threats at the human-animal-environment interface. This study assessed Brazilian preparedness and response to COVID-19 and zoonoses with a focus on the OH approach and equity dimensions. We conducted an environmental scan using a protocol developed as part of a multi-country study. The article selection process resulted in 45 documents: 79 files and 112 references on OH; 41 files and 81 references on equity. The OH and equity aspects are poorly represented in the official documents regarding the COVID-19 response, either at the federal and state levels. Brazil has a governance infrastructure that allows for the response to infectious diseases, including zoonoses, as well as the fight against antimicrobial resistance through the OH approach. However, the response to the pandemic did not fully utilize the resources of the Brazilian state, due to the lack of central coordination and articulation among the sectors involved. Brazil is considered an area of high risk for emergence of zoonoses mainly due to climate change, large-scale deforestation and urbanization, high wildlife biodiversity, wide dry frontier, and poor control of wild animals' traffic. Therefore, encouraging existing mechanisms for collaboration across sectors and disciplines, with the inclusion of vulnerable populations, is required for making a multisectoral OH approach successful in the country.

Data quality and arbovirus infection associated factors in pregnant and non-pregnant women of childbearing age in Brazil: A surveillance database analysis.

The dengue surveillance system in Brazil has registered changes in the disease's morbidity and mortality profile over successive epidemics. Vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, have been particularly hard hit. This study assessed the quality of notifications of dengue cases among pregnant women and non-pregnant women of childbearing age in Brazil, in addition to discussing the factors associated with arbovirus infection in the group of pregnant women. We carried out a retrospective study of cases registered in the national arbovirus surveillance system between 2007 and 2017. The indicator for assessing quality was incompleteness. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between dengue during pregnancy and sociodemographic, epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory variables. The incompleteness of the data in the notification form for dengue cases in women of childbearing age and pregnant women indicates a significant loss of information. Dengue was shown to be positively associated with Social Determinants of Health in both groups, with more severe effects among pregnant women. The incompleteness of the data can limit the quality of information from the notification system and the national assessment of the situation of the disease in women of childbearing age and pregnant women.

A populational-based birth cohort study in a low-income urban area in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: implementation and description of the characteristics of the study.

A comprehensive cohort study including an entomological surveillance component can contribute to our knowledge of clinical aspects and transmission patterns of arbovirosis. This article describes the implementation of a populational-based birth cohort study that included an entomological surveillance component, and its associated challenges in a low-income community of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The participants were recruited in two periods: from 2012 to 2014, and from 2015 to 2017. The children had scheduled pediatric consultations and in case of fever. Epidemiological, clinical data and biological samples were collected at pediatric visits. Active febrile surveillance was performed by telephone calls, social networking, message apps, and household visits. A total of 387 newborns and 332 new children were included during the first and second recruitment periods, respectively. By July 2017, there were 451 children on follow-up. During the study, 2,759 pediatric visits were performed: 1,783 asymptomatic and 976 febrile/rash consultations. The number of febrile or rash consultations increased 3.5-fold after the use of media tools for surveillance. No temporal pattern, seasonality or peak of febrile cases was observed during the study period. A total of 10,105 adult mosquitoes (including 3,523 Aedes spp. and 6,582 Culex quinquefasciatus) and 46,047 Aedes eggs were collected from households, schools, and key sites. Although challenging, this structured sentinel populational-based birth cohort is relevant to the knowledge of risks and awareness of emerging pathogens.

Access to health care facilities of suspected dengue patients in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. / Acesso aos serviços de saúde por pacientes com suspeita de dengue na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

Rio de Janeiro maintains a recurrent history of dengue epidemics. There is scarce evidence about the route of the population to get health care. The study aimed to describe the pattern of suspected dengue patients flow in search of health care services in Rio de Janeiro. The following data were analyzed: dengue reports from 2011 to 2013; the neighborhoods of patient's residence; the neighborhoods of health services. Neighborhoods of the city were used as unit of analysis focusing on access to health facilities of municipal Planning Area (AP) 3.3. Flow maps were elaborated to describe the routes between the neighborhood of residence and the heath service. Between 2011 and 2013 48,576 suspected dengue cases living in program area 3.3 were reported, 72% got health care in the AP 3.3, 37% of which in primary care. A total of 12,545 suspected cases attended health facilities outside the AP 3.3. A great geographical variation was observed in the search for Primary Care within the AP 3.3, as well as a relevant movement to the center and south zone of the city on access to care, comprising 2,647 different flows. The findings indicate a large flow within the municipality.

O Rio de Janeiro mantém histórico recorrente de epidemias de dengue. Não há suficientes evidências acerca do percurso da população em busca de atendimento. O estudo visou investigar o padrão de deslocamento dos residentes do Rio de Janeiro com suspeita de dengue para atendimento nos serviços de saúde. Foram analisadas as notificações de dengue e utilizados os bairros da cidade como unidade de análise com enfoque no acesso às unidades de saúde da área de planejamento (AP) 3.3 e elaborados mapas de fluxo entre bairro de residência e unidade de atendimento. Foram notificados 48.576 residentes com suspeita de dengue no período de 2011 a 2013, 72% atendidos na AP 3.3: 37% na atenção primária e 73% em unidades de atenção secundária ou terciária; 12.545 foram atendidos em unidades fora da AP 3.3. Os resultados evidenciam uma grande variação geográfica na busca pelo atendimento na Atenção Primária dentro da própria AP 3.3 e um relevante deslocamento para unidades localizadas em bairros mais distantes, principalmente para o centro e zona sul, com 2.647 diferentes fluxos. Os achados apontam para um grande deslocamento dentro do município.

Acesso aos serviços de saúde por pacientes com suspeita de dengue na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil / Access to health care facilities of suspected dengue patients in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Resumo O Rio de Janeiro mantém histórico recorrente de epidemias de dengue. Não há suficientes evidências acerca do percurso da população em busca de atendimento. O estudo visou investigar o padrão de deslocamento dos residentes do Rio de Janeiro com suspeita de dengue para atendimento nos serviços de saúde. Foram analisadas as notificações de dengue e utilizados os bairros da cidade como unidade de análise com enfoque no acesso às unidades de saúde da área de planejamento (AP) 3.3 e elaborados mapas de fluxo entre bairro de residência e unidade de atendimento. Foram notificados 48.576 residentes com suspeita de dengue no período de 2011 a 2013, 72% atendidos na AP 3.3: 37% na atenção primária e 73% em unidades de atenção secundária ou terciária; 12.545 foram atendidos em unidades fora da AP 3.3. Os resultados evidenciam uma grande variação geográfica na busca pelo atendimento na Atenção Primária dentro da própria AP 3.3 e um relevante deslocamento para unidades localizadas em bairros mais distantes, principalmente para o centro e zona sul, com 2.647 diferentes fluxos. Os achados apontam para um grande deslocamento dentro do município.

Abstract Rio de Janeiro maintains a recurrent history of dengue epidemics. There is scarce evidence about the route of the population to get health care. The study aimed to describe the pattern of suspected dengue patients flow in search of health care services in Rio de Janeiro. The following data were analyzed: dengue reports from 2011 to 2013; the neighborhoods of patient's residence; the neighborhoods of health services. Neighborhoods of the city were used as unit of analysis focusing on access to health facilities of municipal Planning Area (AP) 3.3. Flow maps were elaborated to describe the routes between the neighborhood of residence and the heath service. Between 2011 and 2013 48,576 suspected dengue cases living in program area 3.3 were reported, 72% got health care in the AP 3.3, 37% of which in primary care. A total of 12,545 suspected cases attended health facilities outside the AP 3.3. A great geographical variation was observed in the search for Primary Care within the AP 3.3, as well as a relevant movement to the center and south zone of the city on access to care, comprising 2,647 different flows. The findings indicate a large flow within the municipality.

A populational-based birth cohort study in a low-income urban area in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: implementation and description of the characteristics of the study / Um estudo de coorte de nascimento de base populacional em uma área urbana desfavorecida no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil: implementação e descrição das características do estudo / Estudio de una cohorte de nacimientos de base poblacional en un área urbana desfavorecida de Río de Janeiro, Brasil: implementación y descripción de las características del estudio

Abstract: A comprehensive cohort study including an entomological surveillance component can contribute to our knowledge of clinical aspects and transmission patterns of arbovirosis. This article describes the implementation of a populational-based birth cohort study that included an entomological surveillance component, and its associated challenges in a low-income community of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The participants were recruited in two periods: from 2012 to 2014, and from 2015 to 2017. The children had scheduled pediatric consultations and in case of fever. Epidemiological, clinical data and biological samples were collected at pediatric visits. Active febrile surveillance was performed by telephone calls, social networking, message apps, and household visits. A total of 387 newborns and 332 new children were included during the first and second recruitment periods, respectively. By July 2017, there were 451 children on follow-up. During the study, 2,759 pediatric visits were performed: 1,783 asymptomatic and 976 febrile/rash consultations. The number of febrile or rash consultations increased 3.5-fold after the use of media tools for surveillance. No temporal pattern, seasonality or peak of febrile cases was observed during the study period. A total of 10,105 adult mosquitoes (including 3,523 Aedes spp. and 6,582 Culex quinquefasciatus) and 46,047 Aedes eggs were collected from households, schools, and key sites. Although challenging, this structured sentinel populational-based birth cohort is relevant to the knowledge of risks and awareness of emerging pathogens.

Resumo: Estudos de coorte com um componente de vigilância epidemiológica podem contribuir para nosso conhecimento dos aspectos clínicos e dos padrões de transmissão de arboviroses. Este artigo descreve a implementação de um estudo de coorte de nascimento de base populacional que incluiu um componente de vigilância entomológica e desafios relacionados numa comunidade desfavorecida do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Os participantes foram recrutados em dois períodos: de 2012-2014 e de 2015-2017. As crianças tiveram consultas pediátricas agendadas e em caso de febre. Dados epidemiológicos, clínicos e amostras biológicas foram coletadas nas visitas pediátricas. A vigilância ativa febril foi realizada por meio de ligações telefônicas, redes sociais, aplicativos de mensagens e visitas domiciliares. Um total de 387 recém-nascidos e 332 novas crianças foram incluídas durante o primeiro e segundo períodos de recrutamento, respectivamente. Em Julho de 2017, havia 451 crianças em seguimento. Durante o estudo, foram realizadas 2.759 visitas pediátricas: 1.783 assintomáticas e 976 consultas por febre/exantema. O número de consultas por febre ou exantema aumentou 3,5 vezes após uso de ferramentas de mídia para vigilância. Nenhum padrão temporal, sazonalidade ou pico de casos de febre foi observado durante o período do estudo. Um total de 10.105 mosquitos adultos (incluindo 3.523 Aedes spp. e 6.582 Culex quinquefasciatus) e 46.047 ovos foram coletados de domicílios, escolas, e pontos estratégicos. Apesar dos desafios, esta coorte de nascimento sentinela de base populacional é relevante para o conhecimento dos riscos e de patógenos emergentes.

Resumen: Un estudio completro de cohorte que incluya una vigilancia entomológica puede contribuir a nuestro conocimiento de aspectos clínicos y patrones de transmisión de arbovirosis. Este artículo describe la implementación de un estudio poblacional de cohorte de nascimientos que incluyó el componente de vigilancia entomológica y los desafios asociados en una comunidad desfavorecida de Río de Janeiro, Brasil. Los participantes fueron captados en dos periodos: de 2012 a 2014 y de 2015 a 2017. Los niños tenían fijadas consultas pediátrica regulares y por fiebre. Durante las visitas pediátricas, se recogieron datos epidemiológicos y clínicos, así como muestras biológicas. Se realizó una vigilancia activa de la fiebre mediante llamadas telefónicas, redes sociales, aplicaciones de mensajes, y visitas a domicilio. Un total de 387 recién nacidos y 332 nuevos niños fueron incluidos durante el primer y segundo período de reclutamiento, respectivamente. En julio de 2017 se había realizado un seguimiento a 451 niños. Durante el estudio, se realizaron 2.759 visitas pediátricas: 1.783 asintomáticas y 976 por fiebre/urgencias. El número de consultas por fiebre o urgencias aumentó 3.5-veces tras el uso de herramientas de comunicación para la viglancia. No se observaron patrones temporales, estacionalidad o casos de picos de fiebre durante el periodo de estudio. Un total of 10.105 mosquitos adultos (incluyendo 3.523 Aedes spp. y 6.582 Culex quinquefasciatus) y 46.047 huevos fueron recogidos de viviendas, escuelas, y lugares estratégicos. A pesar de los retos, esta cohorte de nacimiento estructurada y supervisada, basada en población es relevante para el conocimiento de los riesgos y la concienciación sobre patógenos emergentes.

Zika Virus Infection and Differential Diagnosis in a Cohort of HIV-Infected Patients.

BACKGROUND: Zika virus (ZIKV) emergence in South America revealed the lack of knowledge regarding clinical manifestations in HIV-infected individuals. OBJECTIVES: We described the clinical characteristics, laboratory manifestations, differential diagnosis, and outcome of ZIKV infection in a large, single-center cohort of HIV-infected patients. METHODS: HIV-infected patients aged 18 years and older with clinical suspected arboviral disease from an ongoing cohort were followed from February 2015 through December 2015. Acute serum samples were tested for ZIKV, dengue virus (DENV), and chikungunya virus by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, anti-DENV immunoglobulin (Ig)M/IgG, and syphilis assays; convalescent samples were tested for anti-DENV IgM/IgG; and urine samples were tested for ZIKV by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. ZIKV disease was defined according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) guidelines. RESULTS: Of 101 patients, ZIKV was confirmed in 43 cases and suspected in 34, and another diagnosis was assumed for 24 patients (dengue, secondary/latent syphilis, respiratory infections, human parvovirus B19, adverse drug reaction, musculoskeletal disorders, and acute gastroenteritis). ZIKV-confirmed and ZIKV-suspected patients reported similar signs and symptoms. Pruritic rash was the most common symptom, followed by myalgia, nonpurulent conjunctivitis, arthralgia, prostration, and headache. In the short-term follow-up [median 67.5 days (interquartile range: 32-104.5)], CD4 cell count (Z = -0.831, P = 0.406) and HIV viral load (Z = -0.447, P = 0.655) did not change significantly after ZIKV infection. There were no hospitalizations, complications, or deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Among HIV-infected patients with suspected arboviral disease, 42.6% were ZIKV-infected. CD4 cell counts and HIV viral load were not different after ZIKV infection. Differential diagnosis with other diseases and adverse drug reaction should be evaluated.

Treatment of chikungunya musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Chikungunya virus is amongst the fastest expanding vector transmissible diseases in recent years and has been causing massive epidemics in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. Despite human infection by this virus being first described in the 1950s, there is a lack of adequate therapeutic evaluations to guide evidence-based recommendations. The current guidelines rely heavily in specialists' opinion and experience instead of using higher rated evidence. Areas covered: A systematic review of the literature was performed- not restricted to clinical trials - reporting the therapeutic response against this infection with the intent to gather the best evidence of the treatment options against musculoskeletal disorders following chikungunya fever. The 15 studies included in the analysis were categorized considering the initiation of treatment during the acute, subacute and chronic phase. Expert commentary: This review demonstrates the complexity of chikungunya fever and difficulty of therapeutic management. This review found no current evidence-based treatment recommendations for the musculoskeletal disorders following chikungunya fever. To provide an optimal treatment that prevents perpetuation or progression of chikungunya infection to a potentially destructive and permanent condition without causing more harm is an aim that must be pursued by researchers and health professionals working with this disease.

Clinical and Laboratory Factors Associated with Severe Dengue: A Case-Control Study of Hospitalized Children.

Background: More than half of the hospitalizations because of dengue in Brazil occurred in children <15 years of age in 2007 and 2008, an unexpected change in the epidemiological pattern. We sought to determine clinical and laboratory parameters associated with severity. Methods: A case-control study was conducted in three pediatric hospitals in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; 233 laboratory-confirmed dengue patients were included: 69 cases and 164 controls. Specific clinical and laboratory factors were assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. Results: Lethargy [adjusted odds ratio (ORa): 9.15, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.08-27.12], dyspnea (ORa: 8.24, 95% CI: 3.27-20.72) and abdominal pain (ORa: 6.78, 95% CI: 1.44-31.84) were independently associated with severe dengue in children. Lethargy and dyspnea presented as early as 72 and 48 h, respectively, before shock. Conclusions: Abdominal pain and lethargy confirmed their role as warning signs, which along with dyspnea might be helpful in identifying cases progressing to severe dengue.

Dengue in children: a systematic review of clinical and laboratory factors associated with severity.

Dengue is a potentially life-threatening illness, and children are at higher risk of severity. This review aimed to systematize the identified clinical and laboratory parameters associated with severe dengue in children, as monitoring these signs and fluid-replacement therapy are actually the cornerstones of dengue treatment. Of the 527 studies initially reviewed, 21 were selected as follows: three cohort studies, three case-control studies, 14 cross-sectional studies and one not defined. Eighteen studies were carried out in Asia and three in the Americas. Hepatomegaly, lethargy, abdominal pain, bleeding, hemoconcentration and thrombocytopenia, all referenced as warning signs in the WHO 2009 Guidelines, were the clinical and laboratory parameters independently associated with severity in more than one study. The recognition of these known warning signs associated to severe dengue disease underlines the usefulness of the WHO 2009 classification.

Fatores associados ao dengue grave em crianças: estudo caso-controle em três hospitais pediátricos no município do Rio de Janeiro / Factors associated with severe dengue in children - case-control study in three pediatric hospitals in the city of Rio de Janeiro

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo analisar os fatores demográficos e clínico-laboratoriais associados ao dengue grave em crianças internadas em três hospitais pediátricos no município do Rio de Janeiro. Inicialmente foi avaliada a literatura disponível sobre o tema por meio de revisão sistemática. Os parâmetros que demonstraram forte associação aos casos graves na revisão foram: letargia, hepatomegalia, hematócrito maior 50 por cento, hemoconcentração maior 22 por cento, sangramento, que constituem sinais de alerta definidos pela Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS). Também estavam associados à síndrome do choque do dengue (SCD): tipo de vírus, infecção secundária pelo vírus dengue e obesidade. Houve importante variação nos resultados, o que apontou para a necessidade de realização de outros estudos, com desenho e métodos de análise adequados à investigação de fatores preditivos de gravidade em crianças, permitindo a comparação do padrão clínico-epidemiológico entre diferentes populações.Para avaliação dos fatores demográficos, clínicos e laboratoriais associados ao dengue grave em crianças no município do Rio de Janeiro, foi realizado estudo caso-controle em três hospitais de referência para internação. Foram avaliadas 308 crianças na faixa etária de 0 a 18 anos internadas por dengue: 89 casos, definidos como graves pela presença de choque e 219 controles. A média de idade entre os casos foi de 7,9 anos e 9,1 anos nos controles. Não houve associação significativa entre sexo e raça ao dengue grave. Todos os sinais de alarme descritos na literatura foram significativos na análise univariada: (...) O estudo demonstrou a importância do monitoramento dos sinais clínicos, confirmou a relevância dos sinais dealarme e definiu indicadores de evolução para o quadro de choque em crianças hospitalizadas com dengue...

The study aimed to evaluate demographic, clinical and laboratorial factors associated to severe dengue in hospitalized children from three pediatric hospitals in Rio de Janeiro. Initially, a systematic review about clinical and laboratorial aspects associated to severe dengue was developed. The parameters which revealed strong association to severe cases were: lethargy, hepatomegaly, hematocrit level more 50 percent, hemoconcentration more 22 percent and bleeding. Those are warning signs according to World Health Organization (WHO). The following signs were also associated to dengue shock syndrome (DSS): virus type, secondary dengue infection and obesity. The results presented important heterogeneity. Further studies with adequate designs and methods for the investigation of predictive factors of severity in children, allowing comparison of the clinical and epidemiological pattern in different populations, are needed.To evaluate demographic, clinical and laboratorial factors associated to severe dengue in children in Rio de Janeiro, a case-control study was conducted in three reference hospitals. A total of 308 children from 0 to 18 years old admitted with dengue diagnosis was evaluated: 89 cases of shock, according to the definition of the study, and 219 controls. The mean age was 7,9 years old for cases and 9,1 years old among controls. There was no significant association of sex and race with severe dengue. All the warning signs presented significant association with severe dengue in univariate analysis: (...) The study stressed the importance of monitoring clinical signs, confirmed the relevance of the warning signs and defined indicators of clinical evolution to shock in hospitalized children with dengue...

Avaliação da qualidade do sistema de vigilância epidemiológica no município do Rio de Janeiro, 1994 a 1996 / Evaluate the epidemiologic surveillance system in Rio de Janeiro city, period 1994-1996

O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o Sistema de Vigilância Epidemiológica no Município do Rio de Janeiro. Foi utilizada a metodologia do CDC, que aponta sete características para avaliação de Sistemas de Vigilância: Simplicidade, Flexibilidade, Sensibilidade, Oportunidade, Representatividade, Aceitabilidade e Valor Preditivo Positivo. Para análise das características do Sistema foram selecionadas duas doenças traçadoras: a Doença Meningocócica e as Hepatites Virais. Embora cada um destes agravos constitua um subsistema dentro do Sistema de V.E., foi possível a avaliação dos pontos críticos no fluxo de cada um deles e do sistema como um todo. O sistema foi analisado nos níveis local e central (estadual e municipal) por meio de entrevistas com os profissionais de saúde dos diferentes níveis e análise de documentos e bancos de dados do período (1994 a 1996).