Hospital mortality from covid-19 in children and adolescents in Brazil in 2020-2021.

OBJECTIVE: To describe cases, deaths, and hospital mortality from covid-19 in children and adolescents in Brazil, according to age group, during the evolving phases of the pandemic in 2020 and 2021. METHODS: Census of patients aged up to 19 committed with severe acute respiratory syndrome, due to covid-19 or unspecified, notified to the Brazilian Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System, from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021. The two years were divided into six phases, covering the spread of the disease-first, second and third wave-as well as the impact of vaccination. The pediatric population was categorized into infants, preschoolers, schoolchildren, and adolescents. Hospital mortality was assessed by pandemic phase and age group. RESULTS: A total of 144,041 patients were recorded in the two years, 18.2% of whom had confirmed cases of covid-19. Children under 5 years old (infants and preschoolers) accounted for 62.8% of those hospitalized. A total of 4,471 patients died, representing about 6.1 deaths per day. Infants were the ones who most progressed to the intensive care unit (24.7%) and had the highest gross number of deaths (n = 2,012), but mortality was higher among adolescents (5.7%), reaching 9.8% in phase 1. The first peak of deaths occurred in phase 1 (May/2020), and two other peaks occurred in phase 4 (March/2021 and May/2021). There was an increase in cases and deaths for younger ages since phase 4. Hospital mortality in the pediatric population was higher in phases 1, 4, and 6, following the phenomena of dissemination/interiorization of the virus in the country, beginning of the second wave and beginning of the third wave, respectively. CONCLUSION: The absolute number of cases of covid-19 in children and adolescents is significant. Although complete vaccination in descending order of age provided a natural deviation in age range, there was a greater gap between the curve of new hospitalized cases and the curve of deaths, indicating the positive impact of immunization.

Fetal, neonatal, and infant outcomes associated with maternal Zika virus infection during pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The occurrence of fetal and neonatal disorders in pregnant women with Zika virus infection in the literature is not consistent. This study aims to estimate the prevalence rate of these disorders in fetuses/neonates of pregnant women with confirmed or probable infection by Zika virus. A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted in November 2020. Cohort studies that contained primary data on the prevalence of unfavorable outcomes in fetuses or neonates of women with confirmed or probable Zika virus infection during pregnancy were included. A total of 21 cohort studies were included, with a total of 35,568 pregnant women. The meta-analysis showed that central nervous system abnormalities had the highest prevalence ratio of 0.06 (95% CI 0.03-0.09). Intracranial calcifications had a prevalence ratio of 0.01 (95% CI 0.01-0.02), and ventriculomegaly 0.01 (95% CI 0.01-0.02). The prevalence ratio of microcephaly was 0.03 (95% CI 0.02-0.05), fetal loss (miscarriage and stillbirth) was 0.04 (95% CI 0.02-0.06), Small for Gestational Age was 0.04 (95% CI 0.00-0,09), Low Birth Weight was 0.05 (95% CI 0.03-0.08) and Prematurity was 0.07 (95% CI 0.04-0.10). The positivity in RT-PCR for ZIKV performed in neonates born to infected mothers during pregnancy was 0.25 (95% CI 0.06-0.44). We also performed the meta-analysis of meta-analysis for microcephaly with the prevalence ratios from other two previously systematic reviews: 0.03 (95% CI 0.00-0.25). Our results contribute to measuring the impact of Zika virus infection during pregnancy on children's health. The continuous knowledge of this magnitude is essential for the implementation development of health initiatives and programs, in addition to promoting disease prevention, especially in the development of a vaccine for Zika virus. PROSPERO protocol registration: http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?ID=CRD42019125543.

Rio Birth Cohort Study on Environmental Exposure and Childhood Development - PIPA Project.

Background/Objective: As a developing country, Brazil presents a wide range of environmental risks that can constitute hazards to child health. The country also presents different socio-economic-cultural conditions that could be responsible for determining different vulnerability and susceptibility levels for the population, which can potentiate the effects of the environmental pollutants. The Rio Birth Cohort Study (PIPA project) is a prospective maternal-infant health study, hosted in the city of Rio de Janeiro (Southeastern Brazil), designed to investigate separate and combined effects of environmental chemical pollutants, as well as the interactions between these exposures and sociocultural environment and epigenetic patterns. This paper presents the learned lessons and strategies to address the shortcomings detected from this pilot study. Methods: The study population will be all children born at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Maternity Hospital from July 1st, 2020 to June 30th, 2021. The estimated population is of 2,500 children. The study will collect social, demographic, and health information from pregnant women and their children up to four years of age. Biological samples from both mothers and newborns will be collected to assess metal, pesticide and plasticizer exposure. All newborns will have their landmarks of physical, neurological, psychological, and cognitive development recorded at specific ages. Findings: A pilot study was carried out between September 2017 and August 2018, totaling 142 enrolled pregnant women, leading to 135 (95%) births and the collection of umbilical cord (126-93%,) and mother (139-98%) blood samples, as well as both mother (142-100%) and newborn (54-40%) urine samples and newborn meconium samples (117-86.7%). Conclusions: The study proposes a comprehensive assessment of pre- and postnatal exposure to environmental chemicals at multiple time points in a population living in a highly urbanized developing country. As far as we know, this is the only birth cohort in Brazil specifically designed for this purpose.

Hospital mortality from covid-19 in children and adolescents in Brazil in 2020-2021 / Mortalidade hospitalar por covid-19 em crianças e adolescentes no Brasil em 2020-2021

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To describe cases, deaths, and hospital mortality from covid-19 in children and adolescents in Brazil, according to age group, during the evolving phases of the pandemic in 2020 and 2021. METHODS Census of patients aged up to 19 committed with severe acute respiratory syndrome, due to covid-19 or unspecified, notified to the Brazilian Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System, from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021. The two years were divided into six phases, covering the spread of the disease—first, second and third wave—as well as the impact of vaccination. The pediatric population was categorized into infants, preschoolers, schoolchildren, and adolescents. Hospital mortality was assessed by pandemic phase and age group. RESULTS A total of 144,041 patients were recorded in the two years, 18.2% of whom had confirmed cases of covid-19. Children under 5 years old (infants and preschoolers) accounted for 62.8% of those hospitalized. A total of 4,471 patients died, representing about 6.1 deaths per day. Infants were the ones who most progressed to the intensive care unit (24.7%) and had the highest gross number of deaths (n = 2,012), but mortality was higher among adolescents (5.7%), reaching 9.8% in phase 1. The first peak of deaths occurred in phase 1 (May/2020), and two other peaks occurred in phase 4 (March/2021 and May/2021). There was an increase in cases and deaths for younger ages since phase 4. Hospital mortality in the pediatric population was higher in phases 1, 4, and 6, following the phenomena of dissemination/interiorization of the virus in the country, beginning of the second wave and beginning of the third wave, respectively. CONCLUSION The absolute number of cases of covid-19 in children and adolescents is significant. Although complete vaccination in descending order of age provided a natural deviation in age range, there was a greater gap between the curve of new hospitalized cases and the curve of deaths, indicating the positive impact of immunization.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Descrever casos, óbitos e mortalidade hospitalar por covid-19 em crianças e adolescentes no Brasil, conforme faixa etária, durante as fases de evolução da pandemia em 2020 e 2021. MÉTODOS Censo de pacientes de até 19 anos internados com síndrome respiratória aguda grave, por covid-19 ou não especificada, notificados ao Sistema de Informação de Vigilância Epidemiológica da Gripe do Brasil, entre 1 de janeiro de 2020 e 31 de dezembro de 2021. Os dois anos foram divididos em seis fases, abrangendo a disseminação da doença − primeira, segunda e terceira onda −, bem como o impacto da vacinação. A população pediátrica foi categorizada em lactentes, pré-escolares, escolares e adolescentes. A mortalidade hospitalar foi avaliada por fase da pandemia e faixa etária. RESULTADOS Foram contabilizados 144.041 pacientes nos dois anos, sendo 18,2% casos de covid-19 confirmados. Menores de 5 anos (lactentes e pré-escolares) corresponderam a 62,8% dos hospitalizados. Evoluíram a óbito 4.471, representando cerca 6,1 óbitos por dia. Os lactentes foram os que mais evoluíram para unidade de terapia intensiva (24,7%) e apresentaram o maior número bruto de óbito (n = 2.012), porém a mortalidade foi maior entre os adolescentes (5,7%), chegando a 9,8% na fase 1. O primeiro pico de óbitos ocorreu na fase 1 (maio/2020), e outros dois picos ocorreram na fase 4 (março/2021 e maio/2021). Verificou-se avanço de casos e óbitos para as idades inferiores desde a fase 4. A mortalidade hospitalar na população pediátrica foi maior nas fases 1, 4 e 6, acompanhando os fenômenos de disseminação/interiorização do vírus no país, início da segunda onda e início da terceira onda, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO O número absoluto de casos de covid-19 em crianças e adolescentes é expressivo. Embora a vacinação completa em ordem decrescente de idade tenha proporcionado um desvio natural de faixa etária, ocorreu um distanciamento maior entre a curva de novos casos hospitalizados e a curva de óbitos, indicando o impacto positivo da imunização.

Prospective multinational study of pertussis infection in hospitalized infants and their household contacts.

BACKGROUND: Increased incidence of pertussis has been noted among infants too young to be immunized. We studied the disease burden of pertussis in pediatric intensive care units and the source of infection in several Asian, European and Latin American countries. METHODS: The study was conducted in 7 countries from September 2001 to January 2004. Children <1 year of age were enrolled from pediatric intensive care units (PICU) and pediatric wards if they presented with respiratory failure, apnea, bradycardia, or cough accompanied by paroxysms, vomiting, whoop or cyanosis. Household members of pertussis-positive index cases were asked to answer a questionnaire and provide diagnostic specimens. RESULTS: Pertussis was confirmed in 99 infants (12%) of 823 infants included in the analysis: 10 of 90 (11%) in Brazil, 9 of 88 (10%) in Costa Rica, 11 of 145 (8%) in Germany, 13 of 147 (9%) in Singapore, 29 of 67 (43%) in Spain, 2 of 86 (2%) in Taiwan and 25 of 200 (13%) in Uruguay. However, sensitivity analysis indicated that these figures were conservative. The mean (+/- SD) average age of infection was 2.6 +/- 2.2 months. Pertussis was found among 96 of 269 (36%) of household contacts investigated. At least one household contact was identified as the source of infection in 24 of 88 (27%) of the PICU cases and mothers were identified as being the most frequent source of infection. CONCLUSION: Although regional differences exist, severe pertussis represents a considerable global disease burden. Since most infants are infected before vaccination and concomitant protection is completed, household contacts should be targeted for booster vaccination to reduce the pertussis reservoir.

Use of biomarkers in pediatric sepsis: literature review. / Uso de biomarcadores na sepse pediátrica: revisão de literatura.

Despite advances in recent years, sepsis is still a leading cause of hospitalization and mortality in infants and children. The presence of biomarkers during the response to an infectious insult makes it possible to use such biomarkers in screening, diagnosis, prognosis (risk stratification), monitoring of therapeutic response, and rational use of antibiotics (for example, the determination of adequate treatment length). Studies of biomarkers in sepsis in children are still relatively scarce. This review addresses the use of biomarkers in sepsis in pediatric patients with emphasis on C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, interleukins 6, 8, and 18, human neutrophil gelatinase, and proadrenomedullin. Assessment of these biomarkers may be useful in the management of pediatric sepsis.

[New therapies for intracranial hypertension]. / Novas terapias para hipertensão endocraniana.

OBJECTIVE: The main concepts involved in the therapeutic management of intracranial hypertension are revisited, including pathophysiology, monitoring, the traditional approach, and also the presentation of recently proposed therapies. SOURCE OF DATA: The main medical literature data bases (especially Medline and Lilacs) were searched for articles published in the last 10 years, and traditional text books and dissertations focusing the subject were consulted. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: Intracranial hypertension may be associated with several cerebral neurologic lesions from traumatic, infectious or metabolic origin, and in severe cases may represent an important factor for morbidity and mortality. Increases in intracranial pressure interfere with cerebral blood flow; in order to maintain an adequate cerebral perfusion pressure, it is necessary to both reduce and control intracranial hypertension and combat low blood pressure from the very beginning of treatment. Adequate monitoring is essential, and the main points addressed in conventional management include elevation of the head of bed to 30 degrees C, central positioning of the head, optimization of hypocapnia, perfect metabolic and hydro-electrolyte balance, sedation, anti-convulsive therapy, liquor drainage, and the use of barbiturics, mannitol and furosemide. New therapies currently under investigation include the use of dexanabinol, hypertonic saline solutions, moderate hypothermia, decompressive craniectomy, optimization of cerebral perfusion pressure, and reduction in cerebral microvasculature pressure (Lund therapy). CONCLUSIONS: The use of new therapies to effectively control intracranial hypertension, especially in cases that are refractory to the usual treatment, represent a promising scenario in the management of this problem.

[Neonatal and pediatric intensive care in Rio de Janeiro: distribution of beds and analysis of equity]. / Terapia intensiva neonatal e pediátrica no Rio de Janeiro: distribuição de leitos e análise de eqüidade.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the pediatric ICUs at Rio de Janeiro, number of beds, geographical distribution, public or private nature, type of hospital and assistance, studying population demand and to propose measures for improving equity. METHODS: All ICUs of the State were visited from July 97 to June 98, identifying number of beds and average length of stay. With this information along with demographic data from IBGE, the necessity of beds were estimated, comparing availability and demand by region, and proposing improving equity strategies. RESULTS: 80 ICUs were identified (6 excluded), totaling 1080 beds; 60% intensive and 40% semi-intensive; 57% public and 43% private; 52% in exclusive neonatal ICUs; 14% in pediatric and 34% in mixed (65% neonatal beds), totaling 791 neonatal beds (73%). The majority of ICUs (75%) were part of general hospitals, 20% were in obstetric or obstetric-pediatric hospitals, and only 5% were part of university centers; the majority were in metropolitan area (89%), with 93% of beds for 74% of state children population, of whom, the majority were in Rio de Janeiro city (76%), with 73% of beds for 37% of population, contrasting with the inner of the State, with only 8 units (11%) and 79 beds (7%) for 26% of children. CONCLUSIONS: There is no equity in the distribution and accessibility to the available beds, with lack in public and excess in private sectors, a great concentration in the metropolitan area and only 5% of ICUs at university hospitals, recommending a policy of redistribution and allocation of new beds in more needy areas, associated with the creation of an admission center along with an efficient reference and transportation system.

Neonatal and pediatric intensive care in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil: an analysis of bed distribution, 1997 and 2007.

The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics of neonatal and pediatric intensive care units (ICU) and beds in Rio de Janeiro, correlating with population demands in 1997 and 2007. All neonatal and pediatric ICUs were visited, identifying the availability and type of beds. Comparisons were made between: supply and demand using projected need for beds for the population; public and private ICUs; and geographical regions. In 2007, 95 units were included totaling 1,094 beds (74 units and 1,080 beds in 1997): 51% public and 48% private (47% and 52% in 1997); 47% neonatal, 18% pediatric and 35% mixed units. Most units were located in the metropolitan area. The distribution of public and private beds was similar in the metropolitan area in both periods; in the interior, public beds tripled. Access has improved, mainly in the interior, but there is still no equity in the distribution of and accessibility to the available beds, with a shortage in the public sector, an excess in the private sector, and a great concentration in the metropolitan area.

Professional profile of pediatric intensivists in Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil. / Perfil profissional do intensivista pediátrico no estado do Rio de Janeiro, sudeste do Brasil.

OBJECTIVE: This study described the sociodemographic profile and professional qualifications of pediatric intensive care physicians in the State of Rio de Janeiro (RJ), southeastern Brazil. METHODS: This investigation was an observational, cross-sectional and descriptive study that was conducted in neonatal, pediatric and mixed intensive care units in the State of Rio de Janeiro. Physicians working in the participating intensive care units voluntarily completed a semistructured and anonymous questionnaire. Questionnaires that were not returned within 30 days were considered lost, and questionnaires with less than 75% questions completed were excluded. The differences in neonatal and pediatric intensive care physicians' medical training were compared using the Chi-squared test with a 5% significance level. RESULTS: A total of 410 physicians were included in this study: 84% female, 48% between 30 and 39 years old and 45% with monthly incomes between US $1,700 to 2,700. Forty percent of these physicians worked exclusively in this specialty, and 72% worked in more than one intensive care unit. Only 50% of the participants had received specific training (either medical residency or specialization) in neonatology, and only 33% were board-certified specialists in this area. Only 27% of the physicians had received specific training in pediatric intensive care medicine, and only 17% were board-certified specialists (p < 0.0005 for both comparisons). Most (87%) physicians had participated in scientific events within the past 5 years, and 55% used the internet for continued medical education. However, only 25% had participated in any research. Most (63%) physicians were dissatisfied with their professional activity; 49% were dissatisfied due to working conditions, 23% due to low incomes and 18% due to training-related issues. CONCLUSION: These results suggested that the medical qualifications of neonatal and pediatric intensive care physicians in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil are inadequate, especially in pediatric intensive care medicine. A high level of dissatisfaction was reported, which may jeopardize the quality of medical assistance that is provided by these professionals.

Uso de biomarcadores na sepse pediátrica: revisão de literatura / Use of biomarkers in pediatric sepsis: literature review

RESUMO A despeito dos avanços nos últimos anos, a sepse ainda é uma das principais causas de internação e mortalidade em lactentes e crianças. A presença de biomarcadores na resposta a um insulto infeccioso resulta em seu uso na triagem, no diagnóstico, no prognóstico (estratificação de risco), na monitorização da resposta terapêutica e no uso racional de antibióticos (duração adequada, por exemplo). Os estudos sobre biomarcadores na sepse em crianças são ainda relativamente escassos. Esta revisão aborda o uso de biomarcadores na sepse em pacientes pediátricos, com ênfase em proteína C-reativa, procalcitonina, interleucinas 6, 8 e 18, gelatinase dos neutrófilos humanos e proadrenomedulina, que podem ser úteis na abordagem da sepse pediátrica.

ABSTRACT Despite advances in recent years, sepsis is still a leading cause of hospitalization and mortality in infants and children. The presence of biomarkers during the response to an infectious insult makes it possible to use such biomarkers in screening, diagnosis, prognosis (risk stratification), monitoring of therapeutic response, and rational use of antibiotics (for example, the determination of adequate treatment length). Studies of biomarkers in sepsis in children are still relatively scarce. This review addresses the use of biomarkers in sepsis in pediatric patients with emphasis on C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, interleukins 6, 8, and 18, human neutrophil gelatinase, and proadrenomedullin. Assessment of these biomarkers may be useful in the management of pediatric sepsis.

Corticosteroids therapy in pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome. / Uso de corticosteroide na síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo em pacientes pediátricos.

The use of corticosteroids in acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome is one of the most controversial issues in the literature. However, acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome studies are restricted to adults, despite the widespread use of corticosteroid for hyper-reactive respiratory airway diseases in children. This review aimed to describe experimental and clinical evidence for corticosteroid therapy in acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome and to point out the risks and benefits of its use in pediatrics. For this purpose, an extensive review of the literature was performed from 1980 to 2010 including both experimental and clinical papers, as well as reviews and meta-analysis, using Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane database of systematic reviews, SciELO, Lilacs and Bireme databases. The search terms were: acute lung injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome, steroids, child, clinical trials, meta-analyses, reviews, and case reports. Most studies showed that the corticosteroids-induced down-regulation of systemic inflammatory response is associated with oxygenation improvement, reduction of multiple organ dysfunctions, mechanical ventilation time, and intensive care units length of stay. Based on the literature, the authors suggest early and prolonged methylprednisolone administration for acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome, using continuous 1 mg/kg/day infusion to prevent glycemic variability, associated with strict infection surveillance. In addition, they recommend some diagnostic parameters, interventions and choices of endpoint variables to be adjusted to improve pediatric trials feasibility. Therefore, more research is required to establish the safety and efficacy of methylprednisolone in pediatric patients with acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome , as well as to determine the best parameters for monitoring steroid side effects and outcomes.

Neonatal and pediatric intensive care in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil: an analysis of bed distribution, 1997 and 2007 / Terapia intensiva neonatal e pediátrica no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil: distribuição de leitos e análise comparativa de equidade em 1997 e 2007

The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics of neonatal and pediatric intensive care units (ICU) and beds in Rio de Janeiro, correlating with population demands in 1997 and 2007. All neonatal and pediatric ICUs were visited, identifying the availability and type of beds. Comparisons were made between: supply and demand using projected need for beds for the population; public and private ICUs; and geographical regions. In 2007, 95 units were included totaling 1,094 beds (74 units and 1,080 beds in 1997): 51 percent public and 48 percent private (47 percent and 52 percent in 1997); 47 percent neonatal, 18 percent pediatric and 35 percent mixed units. Most units were located in the metropolitan area. The distribution of public and private beds was similar in the metropolitan area in both periods; in the interior, public beds tripled. Access has improved, mainly in the interior, but there is still no equity in the distribution of and accessibility to the available beds, with a shortage in the public sector, an excess in the private sector, and a great concentration in the metropolitan area.

Descrever as características das unidades de terapia intensiva (UTI) neonatais e pediátricas e leitos no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, correlacionando com demandas da população em 1997 e 2007. UTIs neonatais e pediátricas foram visitadas, identificando-se o tipo e disponibilidade de leitos. Foram feitas comparações entre: a oferta e a demanda projetada da necessidade de leitos para a população, a natureza pública ou privada das UTIs e regiões geográficas. Em 2007, 95 unidades foram incluídas, totalizando 1.094 leitos (74 e 1.080 leitos em 1997): 51 por cento públicas e 48 por cento privadas (47 por cento e 52 por cento em 1997); 47 por cento neonatais, 18 por cento pediátricas e 35 por cento mistas. A maioria estava localizada na região metropolitana. A distribuição dos leitos públicos e privados foi semelhante na região metropolitana em ambos os períodos, no interior os públicos triplicaram. O acesso melhorou, principalmente no interior, mas ainda não há equidade na distribuição e no acesso aos leitos disponíveis, com falta no setor público, excesso no privado, e grande concentração na região metropolitana.

Perfil profissional do intensivista pediátrico no estado do Rio de Janeiro, sudeste do Brasil / Professional profile of pediatric intensivists in Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil

OBJETIVO: Este estudo tem como objetivo descrever o perfil sócio-demográfico e aspectos da qualificação profissional dos médicos intensivistas pediátricos do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (RJ), sudeste do Brasil. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional, transversal e descritivo, realizado em unidades de tratamento intensivo neonatal, pediátrica e mista do RJ. Utilizou-se questionário semi-estruturado, anônimo e individual, respondido de modo voluntário pelos médicos das unidades que participaram do estudo. Foram considerados como perdas os questionários não devolvidos em 30 dias e excluídos os que tiveram menos de 75 por cento das questões respondidas. As diferenças de formação entre intensivistas neonatais e pediátricos foram comparadas através do teste do Qui-quadrado, com nível de significância estabelecido em 5 por cento. RESULTADOS: Participaram 410 médicos (84 por cento mulheres, 48 por cento entre 30-39 anos e 45 por cento com renda mensal entre US$ 1,700.00 a 2,700.00). Destes, 40 por cento trabalham exclusivamente na especialidade e 72 por cento em mais de uma UTI. Em neonatologia, apenas 50 por cento tiveram formação específica (residência ou especialização) e somente 33 por cento tinham título de especialista nesta área de atuação, enquanto em medicina intensiva pediátrica apenas 27 por cento tiveram formação específica e somente 17 por cento tinham o título de especialista (P<0,0005 para ambas as comparações). A maioria (87 por cento) participou de eventos científicos nos últimos 5 anos e 55 por cento utilizavam a internet para atualização, porém apenas 25 por cento tiveram alguma participação em pesquisa. A maioria (63 por cento) referiu não estar satisfeita com a própria atuação profissional, 49 por cento face às condições de trabalho, 23 por cento por baixos salários e 18 por cento por questões relacionadas à formação. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados deste estudo sugerem que a qualificação profissional dos médicos intensivistas neonatais e pediátricos do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, é deficiente, especialmente na área da medicina intensiva pediátrica, e o nível de satisfação com o exercício profissional é baixo, o que pode comprometer a qualidade da assistência prestada.

OBJECTIVE: This study described the sociodemographic profile and professional qualifications of pediatric intensive care physicians in the State of Rio de Janeiro (RJ), southeastern Brazil. METHODS: This investigation was an observational, cross-sectional and descriptive study that was conducted in neonatal, pediatric and mixed intensive care units in the State of Rio de Janeiro. Physicians working in the participating intensive care units voluntarily completed a semistructured and anonymous questionnaire. Questionnaires that were not returned within 30 days were considered lost, and questionnaires with less than 75 percent questions completed were excluded. The differences in neonatal and pediatric intensive care physicians' medical training were compared using the Chi-squared test with a 5 percent significance level. RESULTS: A total of 410 physicians were included in this study: 84 percent female, 48 percent between 30 and 39 years old and 45 percent with monthly incomes between US $1,700 to 2,700. Forty percent of these physicians worked exclusively in this specialty, and 72 percent worked in more than one intensive care unit. Only 50 percent of the participants had received specific training (either medical residency or specialization) in neonatology, and only 33 percent were board-certified specialists in this area. Only 27 percent of the physicians had received specific training in pediatric intensive care medicine, and only 17 percent were board-certified specialists (p < 0.0005 for both comparisons). Most (87 percent) physicians had participated in scientific events within the past 5 years, and 55 percent used the internet for continued medical education. However, only 25 percent had participated in any research. Most (63 percent) physicians were dissatisfied with their professional activity; 49 percent were dissatisfied due to working conditions, 23 percent due to low incomes and 18 percent due to training-related issues. CONCLUSION: These results suggested that the medical qualifications of neonatal and pediatric intensive care physicians in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil are inadequate, especially in pediatric intensive care medicine. A high level of dissatisfaction was reported, which may jeopardize the quality of medical assistance that is provided by these professionals.

Uso de corticosteroide na síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo em pacientes pediátricos / Corticosteroids therapy in pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome

A terapia com corticosteroide na lesão pulmonar aguda e na síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo é um dos temas mais controversos na literatura. Apesar de o corticosteroide ser amplamente utilizado na faixa etária pediátrica, os estudos com corticosteroide na lesão pulmonar aguda/síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo são restritos a adultos. Esse artigo realiza uma revisão crítica dos estudos experimentais e clínicos sobre a utilização de corticosteroide na síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo, procurando apontar os prováveis riscos e benefícios da sua utilização em pediatria. Para tal, foi realizada ampla revisão da literatura, de 1980 a 2010, incluindo artigos experimentais e clínicos, bem como metanálises, usando-se o banco de dados do Medline, Registro Central da Cochrane de ensaios clínicos controlados, banco de dados de revisões sistemáticas da Cochrane, SciELO, LILACS e BIREME. As palavras chaves utilizadas foram: lesão pulmonar aguda, síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo, corticosteroides, criança, ensaios clínicos, metanálises, revisões e relato de casos. A corticoterapia na lesão pulmonar aguda/síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo foi associada à redução da resposta inflamatória sistêmica, melhora da oxigenação e da disfunção orgânica múltipla, diminuição do tempo de ventilação mecânica e dos dias de internação nas unidades de terapia intensiva. Sugere-se, para pacientes pediátricos, o uso precoce (nas primeiras 72h) e prolongado (por 14 dias) de metilprednisolona na lesão pulmonar aguda/síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo, com dose de 1 mg/kg/dia sob infusão contínua para evitar variabilidade glicêmica e recomenda-se controle rígido da existência de infecção. Propõe-se a adequação de alguns aspectos do diagnóstico, da intervenção e da seleção de desfechos para viabilizar os estudos em pediatria. É fundamental a realização de mais pesquisas para elucidar a segurança e eficácia da administração de metilprednisolona na lesão pulmonar aguda/síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo em crianças, bem como estabelecer os melhores parâmetros a serem utilizados no diagnóstico e acompanhamento da doença, na monitorização das complicações da corticoterapia, bem como os desfechos primários mais adequados.

The use of corticosteroids in acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome is one of the most controversial issues in the literature. However, acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome studies are restricted to adults, despite the widespread use of corticosteroid for hyper-reactive respiratory airway diseases in children. This review aimed to describe experimental and clinical evidence for corticosteroid therapy in acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome and to point out the risks and benefits of its use in pediatrics. For this purpose, an extensive review of the literature was performed from 1980 to 2010 including both experimental and clinical papers, as well as reviews and meta-analysis, using Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane database of systematic reviews, SciELO, Lilacs and Bireme databases. The search terms were: acute lung injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome, steroids, child, clinical trials, meta-analyses, reviews, and case reports. Most studies showed that the corticosteroids-induced down-regulation of systemic inflammatory response is associated with oxygenation improvement, reduction of multiple organ dysfunctions, mechanical ventilation time, and intensive care units length of stay. Based on the literature, the authors suggest early and prolonged methylprednisolone administration for acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome, using continuous 1 mg/kg/day infusion to prevent glycemic variability, associated with strict infection surveillance. In addition, they recommend some diagnostic parameters, interventions and choices of endpoint variables to be adjusted to improve pediatric trials feasibility. Therefore, more research is required to establish the safety and efficacy of methylprednisolone in pediatric patients with acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome , as well as to determine the best parameters for monitoring steroid side effects and outcomes.

Fatores de risco preditivos de hiperbilirrubinemia neonatal moderada a grave / Predictive risk factors for moderate to severe hyperbilirubinemia

Objetivo: Descrever fatores preditivos de icterícia neonatal moderadaa grave em recém-nascidos da Maternidade Universitária, destacandofatores maternos, obstétricos e neonatais. Métodos: Estudo de coorteretrospectivo, por meio de revisão de condutas clínicas para definiros fatores de risco associados à hiperbilirrubinemia moderada egrave. Recém-nascidos ictéricos que foram submetidos à fototerapia constituíram o grupo analisado. Fatores de risco foram agrupados emmaternos, obstétricos e neonatais. O risco estimado utilizou Odds ratiocom intervalo de confiança a 95% e a análise de regressão logísticatambém foi aplicada. Resultados: Entre os 818 recém-nascidos doperíodo estudado, 94 (11%) apresentaram icterícia antes da altada Maternidade. Fototerapia foi aplicada em 69 (73%). Os fatorespreditivos de gravidade foram multiparidade; ruptura prolongada demembrana amniótica, desproporção cefalopélvica, cefalo-hematoma,baixo índice de Apgar, prematuridade e baixo peso para a idadegestacional. Após o nascimento, aleitamento materno exclusivo, sepse,incompatibilidade Rh e icterícia iniciada antes do terceiro dia de vidaassociaram-se à hiperbilirrubinemia mais grave, com necessidade deterapêutica. Conclusão: Excluindo características que apresentamassociação isolada com fototerapia, concluímos que multiparidade,asfixia presumível, baixo peso de nascimento e infecções constituíramos fatores preditivos de icterícia moderada a grave nos recém-nascidosde nossa Unidade Neonatal.

Novas terapias para hipertensão endocraniana / New therapies for intracranial hypertension

OBJETIVOS: São revistos os principais conceitos envolvidos na abordagem terapêutica da hipertensão endocraniana, desde a abordagem tradicional até a apresentação das novas terapias preconizadas. FONTES DOS DADOS: Foram revistas as principais bases de dados da literatura médica, particularmente o Medline e o Lilacs, nos últimos 10 anos, além de livros textos consagrados e teses dedicadas ao assunto. SíNTESE DOS DADOS: A hipertensão endocraniana pode estar associada a diversas lesões neurológicas cerebrais, sejam de origem traumática, infecciosa ou metabólica, podendo, nos casos graves, se constituir em importante fator de morbimortalidade. O aumento da pressão intracraniana interfere com o fluxo sangüíneo cerebral, de modo que para se manter uma pressão de perfusão cerebral adequada, é necessário tanto a redução e o controle da hipertensão endocraniana, como o combate agressivo à hipotensão arterial, desde as fases iniciais do atendimento. A monitorização adequada é fundamental, e as principais medidas adotadas no tratamento convencional envolvem a elevação da cabeceira do leito a 30 graus, o posicionamento centrado da cabeça, a hipocapnia otimizada, o perfeito equilíbrio hidroeletrolítico e metabólico, a sedação, a terapia anticonvulsiva, a drenagem liquórica, o uso de barbitúricos, manitol e furosemida. As novas terapias que vêm sendo estudadas incluem, principalmente, o dexanabinol, as soluções salinas hipertônicas, a hipotermia moderada, a craniotomia descompressiva, a otimização da pressão de perfusão cerebral e a redução da pressão na microvasculatura cerebral (terapia de Lund). CONCLUSÕES: O uso de novas terapias para o controle eficaz da hipertensão endocraniana, particularmente em casos refratários ao tratamento usual, representam um cenário promissor na abordagem destes quadros.

Terapia intensiva neonatal e pediátrica no Rio de Janeiro: distribuição de leitos e análise de eqüidade / Neonatal and pediatric intensive care in Rio de Janeiro: distribution of beds and analysis of equity

OBJETIVOS: Identificar as UTIs pediátricas do Rio de Janeiro, número de leitos, distribuiçäo geográfica, natureza pública ou privada, tipo de atendimento e de hospital, estudar a demanda da populaçäo e elaborar propostas de melhoria na eqüidade. MÉTODOS: Foram visitadas todas as UTIs do Estado, de julho de 97 a junho de 98, levantado o número de leitos e tempo médio de permanência. Com essas informaçöes e dados do IBGE, estabeleceu-se a necessidade de leitos e a comparaçäo entre oferta e demanda por regiöes, formulando-se propostas de melhoria na eqüidade. RESULTADOS: Foram identificadas 80 UTIs (excluídas seis), totalizando 1.080 leitos; 60 por cento intensivos e 40 por cento semi-intensivos; 57 por cento públicos e 43 por cento privados; 52 por cento em UTIs neonatais exclusivas, 14 por cento em pediátricas e 34 por cento em mistas (65 por cento leitos neonatais), totalizando 791 leitos neonatais (73 por cento). A maioria das UTIs (75 por cento) situava-se em hospitais gerais, 20 por cento em maternidades ou hospitais materno-infantis e somente 5 por cento eram centros universitários; a maioria na regiäo metropolitana (89 por cento), com 93 por cento dos leitos para 74 por cento da populaçäo infantil, dos quais a maioria na cidade do Rio de Janeiro (76 por cento), com 73 por cento dos leitos para 37 por cento da populaçäo, enquanto que no interior existem apenas oito unidades (11 por cento) e 79 leitos (7 por cento) para 26 por cento da populaçäo. CONCLUSÖES: Näo há eqüidade na distribuiçäo e no acesso aos leitos disponíveis, com carência no setor público e excesso no privado, grande concentraçäo na regiäo metropolitana e somente 5 por cento das UTIs em hospitais universitários, propondo-se medidas de redistribuiçäo e alocaçäo de novos leitos em regiöes mais carentes, associada à criaçäo de uma central de vagas e sistema eficiente de transporte e referência