Homocysteine concentrations in overweight children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe homocysteine concentrations in overweight and obese children and adolescents and relate them to blood pressure levels, renal function, and insulin resistance. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional and observational study with 64 overweight children and adolescents (mean age: 11.6±3.5 years) in outpatient follow-up. The following parameters were evaluated: body mass index z-score, waist-to-height circumference ratio, pubertal stage, blood pressure, serum homocysteine, glycemia, insulin, lipid profile, renal function, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, microalbuminuria, and creatinuria. Statistical analysis: analysis of variance and logistic regression (dependent variable: homocysteine) (p<0.05). RESULTS: The mean body mass index z-score was 2.9±1.1. The mean homocysteine concentrations were 8.6±2.2 µmol/L (10th and 90th percentiles: 6.6 and 11.2 µmol/L, respectively), with no difference when compared with children with severe obesity and obesity/overweight (p=0.431). High values of waist-to-height ratio (93.8%), systolic blood pressure (18.8%), diastolic blood pressure (12.5%), glycemia (4.7%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (31.1%), triglycerides (35.9%), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (34.4%), and microalbuminuria (21.9%) were obtained. The mean glomerular filtration rate was 122.9±24.6 mL/min/1.73 m². Homocysteine concentrations were not associated with any of the studied variables (R²=0.095). CONCLUSION: Homocysteine concentrations in overweight children and adolescents (mean 8.6±2.2 µmol/L) were not associated with body mass index z-score, blood pressure, renal function, and insulin resistance.

Serum amyloid A in children and adolescents: association with overweight and carotid intima-media thickness.

OBJECTIVE: To compare serum amyloid A concentrations between overweight and eutrophic children and adolescents and to relate it to lipid profiles, glucose tolerance, and carotid intima-media thickness. METHODS: One hundred children and adolescents (mean age: 10.8±3.16 years) were included and divided into two groups: overweight and non-overweight. The following were evaluated: Z-score body mass index, carotid intima-media thickness, lipid metabolism biomarkers (lipid profile and apolipoproteins A1 and B), inflammatory biomarkers (ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A), and glucose homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance. RESULTS: The groups were homogeneous in age, sex, and pubertal stage. Higher levels of triglycerides, apolipoprotein B, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, ultrasensitive C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A, and carotid intima-media thickness were observed in the overweight group. In the multivariate analysis, age (OR=1.73; 95%CI: 1.16-2.60, p=0.007), Z-score body mass index (OR=3.76; 95%CI: 1.64-8.59, p=0.002), apolipoprotein-B (OR=1.1; 95%CI: 1.01-1.2, p=0.030), and carotid intima-media thickness (OR=5.00; 95%CI: 1.38-18.04, p=0.014) were independently associated with serum amyloid A levels above the fourth quartile of the studied sample (>9.4mg/dL). CONCLUSION: Overweight children and adolescents had higher serum amyloid A concentrations than eutrophic children. There was an independent association between higher concentrations of serum amyloid A and Z-score, body mass index, apolipoprotein B, and carotid intima-media thickness, indicating the importance of this inflammatory biomarker in identifying the early risk of atherosclerosis.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios of overweight children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio of overweight children and adolescents with the eutrophic ratios and to verify whether these ratios are associated with age, inflammation, Z-score of body mass index, and waist-to-height ratio. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study involving 64 overweight and 106 eutrophic children and adolescents. Data on weight, height, and waist circumference (body mass index and waist-to-height ratio), blood count (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were collected. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 8.4±3.2 years. The ratios did not differ between the overweight and non-overweight groups. The platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio has shown a direct and independent association with body mass index (p=0.031) and waist-to-height ratio (p=0.018), a fact not observed for neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. The ultrasensitive C-reactive protein level was higher in the obesity group (p=0.003). Both ratios had a direct and independent association with age. CONCLUSION: The ratios did not differ between the overweight and non-overweight groups. There was a direct and independent association of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio with overweight, not observed in neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. The ratios have significantly increased according to the age of the participants.

Association between acanthosis nigricans and overweight with hypertension in children and adolescents from low-income families.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the prevalence of acanthosis nigricans and high blood pressure in children and adolescents from low-income families, and to verify the association of elevated blood pressure with nutritional status and the presence of acanthosis nigricans. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional and controlled study with 232 children and adolescents from an institution for low-income families. Pubertal stage, body mass index Z-score, waist-to-height circumference ratio (increased waist-to-height circumference ratio >0.5), the presence of acanthosis nigricans, and blood pressure were assessed. RESULTS: The prevalence of excess weight and the change in waist-to-height circumference ratio was 37.9%. Acanthosis nigricans and increased blood pressure occurred in 20.3 and 34.8%, respectively. The prevalence of acanthosis nigricans and hypertension was higher in individuals with excess weight (p<0.001; p<0.001) and with an increased waist-to-height circumference ratio (p=0.009; p<0.001). Logistic regression showed a significant and independent association of body mass index Z-score (OR 2.35; 95%CI 1.52-3.65; p<0.001) and the presence of acanthosis nigricans (OR 2.43; 95%CI 1.12-5.23; p=0.023) with elevated blood pressure. CONCLUSION: Acanthosis nigricans and elevated blood pressure occurred in one-fifth and one-third of the individuals in an institution for children from low-income families. Overweight and the presence of acanthosis nigricans increased the risk of high blood pressure more than twofold.

EFFECTS OF VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENTATION DURING PREGNANCY ON NEWBORNS AND INFANTS: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the effects of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy on newborns and infants. DATA SOURCES: The present study is an integrative review of literature based on clinical trials published in journals indexed in the PubMed and Web of Science databases. Two searches were carried out, starting with the association (and) of the health term "vitamin D" with "pregnancy". In the search for information, selection criteria were established, and there was no language limitation and year of publication. DATA SYNTHESIS: The final selection resulted in 44 clinical trials, most of which were randomized and double blind, which were carried out in outpatient clinics, referral hospitals and universities, mainly in Europe. The samples studied were predominantly of newborns. In these 44 trials, 23 types of different doses of vitamin D during pregnancy, with different doses, regimens and times of use, and 14 different outcomes were studied in newborns (NB) and infants. Of the 44 studies performed, 35 showed statistically significant beneficial effects of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy on newborns and infants compared to control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy for at least three months before delivery has the potential of positively influencing calcium metabolism, physical growth and immune system development in newborns and infants. However, there is insufficient knowledge to define the optimal dose and to guarantee the absence of possible long-term adverse effects.

Motor development of infants (6-12 months) with low birth weight.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the motor development (MD) and growth of infants born with low birth weight (LBW) versus adequate birth weight (ABW) by using the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS). METHODS: The cross-sectional study including LBW infants (aged 6-12 months) followed at an outpatient clinic from a University Hospital in Brazil and a group of infants of the same age with ABW. The variables were recorded as maternal, birth, and infant conditions. The infants were assessed for MD using the AIMS. RESULTS: In total, 98 infants (38 LBW versus 60 ABW) were evaluated and no statistically significant differences were found in demographic characteristics and in the AIMS results. The AIMS results of the total sample were suspicious or abnormal MD in 44 (45%) of total infants. Higher frequency of suspected or abnormal motor behavior was found in the age group between 9 and 12 (54.6%) months. CONCLUSIONS: A frequency of 45% of suspected or abnormal behavior was observed in the evaluated infants, with a higher frequency of occurrence in those aged 9-12 months (54.6%).

Lipid profile of pediatric patients with chronic rheumatic diseases - a retrospective analysis.

AIM: To describe the prevalence of dyslipidemia in children and adolescents with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs), particularly juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (jSLE), and juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM). METHODS: Retrospective cross-sectional study conducted in the pediatric rheumatology outpatient clinic. We evaluated 186 children and adolescents between the ages of 5 and 19 years. The medical records were reviewed for the following data: demographic and clinical features, disease activity, and lipid profile (triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein (HDL-C) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL-C)). In addition, non-HDL cholesterol was calculated as TC minus HDL-C. The cut-off points proposed by the American Academy of Pediatrics were used to classify the lipid profile. RESULTS: Dyslipidemia was observed in 128 patients (68.8%), the most common being decreased HDL-C (74 patients, 39.8%). In the JIA group there was an association between the systemic subtype and altered LDL-C and NHDL-C, which demonstrated a more atherogenic profile in this subtype (p=0.027 and p=0.017, respectively). Among patients with jSLE, the cumulative corticosteroid dose was associated with an increase in LDL-C (p=0.013) and with a decrease in HDL-C (p=0.022). CONCLUSION: Dyslipidemia is common in children and adolescents with ARDs, especially JIA, jSLE, and JDM, and the main alteration in the lipid profile of these patients was decreased HDL-C.

Ensino de pediatria e puericultura no curso médico: cenários de prática em discussão / Teaching pediatrics and child care in medical courses: discussing practical scenarios

RESUMO Introdução: A integralidade da atenção à saúde da criança constitui diretriz para o ensino de pediatria, sendo essenciais as atividades práticas em todos níveis de atenção do Sistema Único de Saúde. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever carga horária, cenários de práticas e preceptoria utilizados no ensino da saúde da criança e do adolescente. Método: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, com aplicação de questionário constituído por 43 questões objetivas e duas questões abertas, encaminhado por meio de formulário eletrônico para 247 escolas médicas do país que contavam com pelo menos uma turma formada em 2019. Resultado: Responderam ao questionário 37 (14,97%) escolas médicas, sendo 16 públicas e 21 privadas de 14 estados da Federação e das cinco regiões. Verificou-se mediana de 940,5 horas direcionadas à saúde da criança e do adolescente, equivalente a 11% da carga horária total dos cursos; 13 escolas apresentaram inserção de temas de saúde da criança desde o primeiro ano, e a maioria (75,8%), a partir do terceiro ano. Atividades práticas predominaram no internato: 87,5% (quinto ano) e 88,8% (sexto ano). Os cenários incluíram unidades básicas de saúde, comunidade, ambulatórios de pediatria geral e especializados, unidades de internação, serviços de neonatologia, urgência e emergência e laboratórios de habilidades e simulação. Foi referido que o ensino de puericultura é desenvolvido em ambulatórios de pediatria geral (32 escolas) e em unidades básicas de saúde dos municípios (32 escolas), estas consideradas essenciais para formação. Docentes pediatras desenvolvem preceptoria na maioria dos cenários de práticas; pediatras da instituição de ensino ou do sistema local de saúde estão mais presentes em unidades de internação (70,3% e 54,0%, respectivamente) e ambulatórios especializados (54,0% e 35,1%, respectivamente). Conclusão: Com participação de 37 escolas médicas, este estudo apresenta limitações para generalizações sobre o ensino no país. Neste estudo observou-se que o ensino sobre saúde da criança e do adolescente desenvolve-se em todos níveis de atenção à saúde, visando à integralidade, sendo destinados em média 11% da carga horária total do curso para esse ensino. Houve predominância de docentes e médicos pediatras na preceptoria, e a puericultura permaneceu como componente relevante na atenção básica, sendo apontados desafios para manutenção desse cenário de práticas.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Comprehensive child health care is a guideline in pediatric teaching, and it is essential to develop practical activities considering all levels of health care in the Unified Health System. Objectives: To describe the hours involved, practice scenarios and preceptorship in pediatric and childcare teaching in medical schools. Method: A cross-sectional study using a questionnaire with 43 objectives and two open questions, sent by electronic forms to medical schools across the country that had already graduated at least one class in 2019. Results: 37 (14.97%) medical schools with at least one graduated class answered the questionnaire (16 public and 21 private schools) from 14 states in the five regions of the country. A median of 940.5 hours was found for the teaching of pediatrics, equivalent to 11% of the total medical course; 13 schools included child health topics since the first year and the majority (75.8%) from the third year onwards. Practical activities predominated in the internship: 87.5% (5th year) and 88.8% (6th year). The used settings include primary health care, general and specialty pediatric outpatient clinics, inpatient units, neonatology units, emergency services and simulation laboratories. It was reported that childcare teaching is carried out in general pediatric outpatient clinics (32 schools) and basic community health units (32 schools), with an emphasis on primary care as the essential setting for teaching childcare. Pediatric teachers provide preceptorship in all practice settings; non-teaching pediatricians from the medical institution or the local health system are more present in inpatient units (70.3% and 54.0%, respectively) and specialty outpatient clinics (54.0% and 35.1%, respectively). Conclusions: With the participation of 37 medical schools, this study has limitations for the generalizations about teaching in the country. Pediatric teaching is carried out in practice environments at all levels of care, demonstrating the importance of comprehensive child and adolescent health care, with an average of 11% of the course total workload allocated to this teaching. The predominant participation of pediatricians as teachers was observed. The learning of childcare has remained a relevant component of pediatric training and its development is significant in primary care, although there are challenges to preserving this practice setting.

Antioxidant defense of children and adolescents with atopic dermatitis: Association with disease severity

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a relapsing, chronic cutaneous inflammatory disease with onset, in general, in early childhood. Chronic skin inflammation is associated with overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide and hydrogen peroxide. Oxidative stress, an imbalance between the production of free radicals and antioxidant defense, results in tissue inflammation due to the upregulation of genes that encode inflammatory cytokines. This condition plays an important role in the pathogenesis of AD. Objective: To compare the antioxidant defense in children and adolescents with AD with that of healthy individuals and to verify the association of antioxidant defense with disease severity and nutritional status. Methods: Cross-sectional study that evaluated 48 children and adolescents with AD and 25 controls for nutritional assessment (body mass index z score [BMIZ] and height for age z score [HAZ]) and levels of vitamins A, C, E, and D, zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], glutathione peroxidase [GPx]), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin 33 (IL-33). Results: There was no significant difference in the comparison between AD and control groups for serum levels of vitamins (A, D, C, and E), copper, and antioxidant enzymes. Serum zinc levels were higher in the AD group (β = 24.20; 95% CI 13.95–34.91; P < 0.001) even after adjusting the BMIZ, HAZ, gender, IL-33, and CRP. Children and adolescents with moderate or severe AD compared to mild AD (SCORAD – 36.7±17.4 vs 11.8 ± 3.9; P < 0.001) had lower values of the vitamin E/total lipid ratio (3.68 [0.29;12.63] vs 5.92 [3.27;17.37]; P = 0.013) (AU)

Assessment of the prescription of red blood cell concentrates in the pediatric age group.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the adequacy of red blood cell (RBC) prescription to pediatric patients in different sectors of a pediatric hospital. METHOD: A retrospective study was conducted including 837/990 RBC transfusion requisition forms for children and adolescents (0 to 13 years old) filed in between January 2007 and April 2015 by the pediatricians of the emergency room (ER), infirmary ward and intensive care unit (pICU). Transfusion requisition forms belonging to patients with chronic anemia or acute hemorrhage, as well as incompletes requisition forms, were excluded. RESULTS: Trigger, prescribed volume and subtype of RBC concentrates were adequate in 532 (65.3%), 460 (58.8%) and 805 (96.2%) of the transfusions, respectively. When the clinical picture was considered, prescription adequacy was higher compared to the use of the hemoglobin level alone (70.9% vs. 41%). The pICU had the highest correct trigger percentage (343 [71.6%]; p<0.001) while the ER showed more often adequate prescribed volumes (119 [66.1%]; p=0.020). The most common inadequacy regarding volume was that of prescriptions above the recommendation > 15 mL/kg found in 309 cases (36.9%). Thirty-two (32) RBC subtypes were requested and none were consistent with current recommendations. CONCLUSION: The results obtained in our study showed that RBC transfusion occurred more appropriately when the clinical picture was taken into account at request. There was a tendency to prescribe higher volumes and RBC subtypes without the justification of current protocols. Hemotherapic teachings at undergraduate level and medical residency must be improved.

Mental disorders in pregnancy and newborn conditions: longitudinal study with pregnant women attended in primary care. / Transtornos mentais na gravidez e condições do recém-nascido: estudo longitudinal com gestantes assistidas na atenção básica.

This study aimed to determine the presence and association of possible mental disorders diagnoses in primary care pregnant women and newborns' conditions. This is a longitudinal study with pregnant women (18-39 years), in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, attended at primary care facilities in the metropolitan region of São Paulo (February to August/2014). The following tools were used: sociodemographic questionnaire; Mental Disorders in Primary Care Assessment tool; and an interview with information and mother´s perception of the behavior of newborns. Of the 300 pregnant women interviewed, 76 had possible diagnosis of mental disorders, 46 women had depression/dysthymia and 58 anxiety/panic symptoms. Low birth weight and prematurity was observed in 14 and 19 newborns, respectively, and there was no association with the probable diagnosis of mental disorders; the possible presence of mental disorders was associated with the mother's perception of newborns behavior. Pregnant women attended at low risk prenatal care showed relevant frequency of mental disorders; thus, the identification of these changes during pregnancy can also contribute to a better understanding of the mother-and-child dynamics and in the quality of family care.

O objetivo do estudo foi verificar a presença e a associação entre diagnósticos prováveis de transtornos mentais em gestantes da atenção básica e condições dos recém-nascidos. Estudo longitudinal com gestantes (18 a 39 anos), no segundo e terceiro trimestres da gravidez, assistidas na atenção básica da região Metropolitana de São Paulo (fevereiro a agosto/2014). Foram aplicados: questionário sociodemográfico, instrumento para Avaliação de Transtornos Mentais na Atenção Primária e entrevista sobre informações e percepção do comportamento do recém-nascido. Das 300 gestantes entrevistadas, 76 apresentaram diagnóstico provável de transtorno mental, sendo que 46 apresentavam sintomas de depressão/distimia e 58, ansiedade/pânico. Observou-se baixo peso ao nascer e prematuridade em 14 e 19 dos recém-nascidos, respectivamente, e não foi verificada associação com diagnósticos prováveis de transtorno mental; a presença destes associou-se com a percepção materna de alterações no comportamento do recém-nascido. Gestantes em acompanhamento de pré-natal de baixo risco apresentam frequência relevante de transtornos mentais, logo, a identificação dessas alterações na gestação pode colaborar para melhor compreensão da dinâmica do binômio mãe-filho e na qualidade na assistência à família.

Crianças e adolescentes com deficiência: desafios na formação médica / Children and adolescents with disabilities: challenges in medical training

Resumo: Introdução: Amparar os direitos constitucionais das pessoas com deficiência inclui atender aos novos direcionamentos curriculares e exige um ensino superior que considere a diversidade em diversos contextos. Assim, os currículos de graduação de profissionais de saúde devem atender às necessidades multifacetadas das pessoas com deficiência de modo que transcendam o modelo biomédico e perpassem pela promoção da cultura inclusiva. As atitudes e os valores sobre a deficiência frequentemente influenciam o comportamento das pessoas, tornando imperativa a introdução desta temática. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever a abordagem nos currículos e as concepções de professores sobre crianças e adolescentes com deficiência em cursos de Medicina. Método: Trata-se de um estudo exploratório, transversal e de abordagem qualitativa que incluiu a análise documental de documentos oficiais dos cursos e páginas oficiais das universidades publicados até o primeiro semestre de 2021, e entrevistas de professores participantes do curso. A análise de conteúdo foi a técnica utilizada para o material das entrevistas. Resultado: A análise documental apontou nos tópicos gerais um direcionamento para uma formação humanística, com respeito às diferenças. Entretanto, quando a temática é a deficiência, o enfoque foi centrado nas questões biológicas. Nas entrevistas, identificaram-se os seguintes eixos temáticos: 1. a importância do Sistema Único de Saúde como espaço de formação médica; 2. a contribuição das Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais na orientação das atividades dos docentes e destaque a pontos relevantes; 3. desenvolvimento de atividades de ensino voltadas à criança e ao adolescente com deficiência, com base nas experiências dos docentes; 4. concepção sobre a pessoa com deficiência e formação docente; 5. formação docente para o desenvolvimento de atividades de ensino sobre a criança e o adolescente com deficiência e conhecimento sobre as políticas públicas da área. Conclusão: Foi identificada uma fragilidade na abordagem da temática, com inserções pontuais sobre o tema, geralmente na perspectiva da doença e a partir de oportunidades surgidas. Entre os docentes, identificaram-se a predominância do olhar biomédico, a ausência de formação para a temática e a frágil inserção desta na prática acadêmica. Entretanto, houve reconhecimento da importância do tema e seu potencial em integrar a matriz curricular de forma transversal.

Abstract: Introduction: supporting the constitutional rights of people with disabilities includes meeting new curricular guidelines and requires higher education that considers diversity in different contexts. Thus, the undergraduate curricula of health professionals must meet the multifaceted needs of people with disabilities in a way that transcends the biomedical model and permeates the promotion of an inclusive culture. Attitudes and values about disability often influence people's behavior, making it imperative to introduce this topic. Aim: the present study aim to describe an approach in the curricula and teachers' conceptions about children and adolescents with disabilities in medical courses. Method: this exploratory, cross-sectional study with a qualitative approach included the documental analysis of official documents of the courses and official pages of the universities, published until the first semester of 2021 and interviews of teachers participating in the course. The content analysis technique was used for the interview material. Results: the documental analysis pointed in the general topics a direction towards a humanistic formation, while respecting the differences; however, when the topic is the disability, the focus was centered on biological issues. During the interviews, the following topics were identified: 1) The importance of the Unified Health System as a space for medical training; 2) The contribution of the National Curriculum Guidelines in guiding the activities of teachers and highlighting relevant points; 3) Development of teaching activities aimed at children and adolescents with disabilities, based on the teachers' experiences; 4) Conception about the person with disabilities and teacher training; 5) Teacher training for the development of teaching activities about children and adolescents with disabilities and knowledge about public policies in the area. Conclusions: a weakness was identified in the approach to the subject, with specific insertions on the subject, usually from the perspective of the disease and from the opportunities that arise. Among the teachers, the predominance of the biomedical perspective was identified, as well as the lack of training on the subject and its fragile insertion in academic practice. However, the importance of the topic was recognized and its potential to integrate the curricular matrix in a cross-sectional way.

Assessing cardiovascular risk in ATM heterozygotes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the carotid intima-media complex (CIMC) thickness and lipid metabolism biomarkers associated with cardiovascular risk (CR) in parents of patients with ataxia-telangiectasia and verify an association with gender. METHOD: A cross-sectional and controlled study with 29 ATM heterozygotes and 14 healthy controls. Biochemical tests and CIMC thickness measurement were performed. RESULTS: The mean CIMC measurement in heterozygous ATM was 0.72 ± 0.1 mm (minimum: 0.5 mm and maximum: 1.0 mm). Noticed high percentage of amounts above 75 percentile compared to the population referential (16 [76.2%]), without any significant statistical differences between the female and the male gender (11/15 [73.3%] vs. 5/6 [83.3%]; p=0.550). The comparison between heterozygous and controls, stratified by gender, showed that in heterozygous ATMs, women had higher concentrations of HDL-c compared to men, as well as higher values of hs-CRP in relation to the control women. In heterozygous ATMs, stratified by gender, the correlation between HDL-c and hs-CRP was inversely proportional and stronger among women, with a tendency to statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Heterozygous ATMs did not differ from controls in relation to the biomarkers studied related to CR. However, most of them presented increased CIMC, independent predictor of death, risk for myocardial infarction and stroke, compared to the referential for the same age group. This finding suggests CR in the heterozygous ATM and shows to the need to monitor CIMC thickness and nutritional orientations.

Homocysteine concentrations in overweight children and adolescents

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe homocysteine concentrations in overweight and obese children and adolescents and relate them to blood pressure levels, renal function, and insulin resistance. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional and observational study with 64 overweight children and adolescents (mean age: 11.6±3.5 years) in outpatient follow-up. The following parameters were evaluated: body mass index z-score, waist-to-height circumference ratio, pubertal stage, blood pressure, serum homocysteine, glycemia, insulin, lipid profile, renal function, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, microalbuminuria, and creatinuria. Statistical analysis: analysis of variance and logistic regression (dependent variable: homocysteine) (p<0.05). RESULTS: The mean body mass index z-score was 2.9±1.1. The mean homocysteine concentrations were 8.6±2.2 μmol/L (10th and 90th percentiles: 6.6 and 11.2 μmol/L, respectively), with no difference when compared with children with severe obesity and obesity/overweight (p=0.431). High values of waist-to-height ratio (93.8%), systolic blood pressure (18.8%), diastolic blood pressure (12.5%), glycemia (4.7%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (31.1%), triglycerides (35.9%), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (34.4%), and microalbuminuria (21.9%) were obtained. The mean glomerular filtration rate was 122.9±24.6 mL/min/1.73 m². Homocysteine concentrations were not associated with any of the studied variables (R²=0.095). CONCLUSION: Homocysteine concentrations in overweight children and adolescents (mean 8.6±2.2 μmol/L) were not associated with body mass index z-score, blood pressure, renal function, and insulin resistance.

Serum amyloid A in children and adolescents: association with overweight and carotid intima-media thickness

ABSTRACT Objective To compare serum amyloid A concentrations between overweight and eutrophic children and adolescents and to relate it to lipid profiles, glucose tolerance, and carotid intima-media thickness. Methods One hundred children and adolescents (mean age: 10.8±3.16 years) were included and divided into two groups: overweight and non-overweight. The following were evaluated: Z-score body mass index, carotid intima-media thickness, lipid metabolism biomarkers (lipid profile and apolipoproteins A1 and B), inflammatory biomarkers (ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A), and glucose homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance. Results The groups were homogeneous in age, sex, and pubertal stage. Higher levels of triglycerides, apolipoprotein B, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, ultrasensitive C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A, and carotid intima-media thickness were observed in the overweight group. In the multivariate analysis, age (OR=1.73; 95%CI: 1.16-2.60, p=0.007), Z-score body mass index (OR=3.76; 95%CI: 1.64-8.59, p=0.002), apolipoprotein-B (OR=1.1; 95%CI: 1.01-1.2, p=0.030), and carotid intima-media thickness (OR=5.00; 95%CI: 1.38-18.04, p=0.014) were independently associated with serum amyloid A levels above the fourth quartile of the studied sample (>9.4mg/dL). Conclusion Overweight children and adolescents had higher serum amyloid A concentrations than eutrophic children. There was an independent association between higher concentrations of serum amyloid A and Z-score, body mass index, apolipoprotein B, and carotid intima-media thickness, indicating the importance of this inflammatory biomarker in identifying the early risk of atherosclerosis.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios of overweight children and adolescents

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio of overweight children and adolescents with the eutrophic ratios and to verify whether these ratios are associated with age, inflammation, Z-score of body mass index, and waist-to-height ratio. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study involving 64 overweight and 106 eutrophic children and adolescents. Data on weight, height, and waist circumference (body mass index and waist-to-height ratio), blood count (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were collected. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 8.4±3.2 years. The ratios did not differ between the overweight and non-overweight groups. The platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio has shown a direct and independent association with body mass index (p=0.031) and waist-to-height ratio (p=0.018), a fact not observed for neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. The ultrasensitive C-reactive protein level was higher in the obesity group (p=0.003). Both ratios had a direct and independent association with age. CONCLUSION: The ratios did not differ between the overweight and non-overweight groups. There was a direct and independent association of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio with overweight, not observed in neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. The ratios have significantly increased according to the age of the participants.

Association between acanthosis nigricans and overweight with hypertension in children and adolescents from low-income families

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the prevalence of acanthosis nigricans and high blood pressure in children and adolescents from low-income families, and to verify the association of elevated blood pressure with nutritional status and the presence of acanthosis nigricans. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional and controlled study with 232 children and adolescents from an institution for low-income families. Pubertal stage, body mass index Z-score, waist-to-height circumference ratio (increased waist-to-height circumference ratio >0.5), the presence of acanthosis nigricans, and blood pressure were assessed. RESULTS: The prevalence of excess weight and the change in waist-to-height circumference ratio was 37.9%. Acanthosis nigricans and increased blood pressure occurred in 20.3 and 34.8%, respectively. The prevalence of acanthosis nigricans and hypertension was higher in individuals with excess weight (p<0.001; p<0.001) and with an increased waist-to-height circumference ratio (p=0.009; p<0.001). Logistic regression showed a significant and independent association of body mass index Z-score (OR 2.35; 95%CI 1.52-3.65; p<0.001) and the presence of acanthosis nigricans (OR 2.43; 95%CI 1.12-5.23; p=0.023) with elevated blood pressure. CONCLUSION: Acanthosis nigricans and elevated blood pressure occurred in one-fifth and one-third of the individuals in an institution for children from low-income families. Overweight and the presence of acanthosis nigricans increased the risk of high blood pressure more than twofold.

Effects of vitamin d supplementation during pregnancy on newborns and infants: an integrative review / Efeitos da suplementação de vitamina d durante a gestação no recém-nascido e lactente: uma revisão integrativa

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the effects of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy on newborns and infants. Data sources: The present study is an integrative review of literature based on clinical trials published in journals indexed in the PubMed and Web of Science databases. Two searches were carried out, starting with the association (and) of the health term "vitamin D" with "pregnancy". In the search for information, selection criteria were established, and there was no language limitation and year of publication. Data synthesis: The final selection resulted in 44 clinical trials, most of which were randomized and double blind, which were carried out in outpatient clinics, referral hospitals and universities, mainly in Europe. The samples studied were predominantly of newborns. In these 44 trials, 23 types of different doses of vitamin D during pregnancy, with different doses, regimens and times of use, and 14 different outcomes were studied in newborns (NB) and infants. Of the 44 studies performed, 35 showed statistically significant beneficial effects of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy on newborns and infants compared to control groups. Conclusions: Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy for at least three months before delivery has the potential of positively influencing calcium metabolism, physical growth and immune system development in newborns and infants. However, there is insufficient knowledge to define the optimal dose and to guarantee the absence of possible long-term adverse effects.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar os efeitos da suplementação de vitamina D durante a gestação no recém-nascido e lactente. Fontes de dados: Revisão integrativa da literatura baseada em ensaios clínicos publicados em revistas indexadas nas bases de dados PubMed e Web of Science. Foi realizada uma busca em cada base de dados, que partiu da associação (and) dos descritores de saúde vitamin D e pregnancy. Na busca pelas informações, foram estabelecidos critérios de seleção e não houve limitação de idioma nem de ano de publicação. Síntese de dados: A seleção final resultou em 44 ensaios clínicos - a maioria randomizada e duplo-cego -, que foram realizados em ambulatórios, hospitais de referência e universidades sobretudo da Europa. As amostras estudadas foram predominantemente de recém-nascidos. Nesses 44 ensaios, foram testadas 23 formas de suplementação de vitamina D na gestação, com diferentes doses, regimes e tempos de uso, e estudaram-se 14 desfechos diferentes nos recém-nascidos e lactentes. Dos 44 estudos, 35 demonstraram efeitos benéficos da suplementação de vitamina D durante a gestação nos recém-nascidos e lactentes de forma estatisticamente significante, quando comparados aos do grupo controle. Conclusões: A suplementação de vitamina D na gestação, por no mínimo três meses antes do parto, potencialmente influencia de forma positiva o metabolismo do cálcio, o crescimento físico e o desenvolvimento do sistema imunológico dos recém-nascidos e lactentes, entretanto não há conhecimento suficiente para a definição da dose ideal nem para garantir a inexistência de possíveis efeitos adversos em longo prazo.

Family history of cardiovascular disease and non-HDL cholesterol in prepubescent non-obese children.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the values of non-HDL cholesterol (NHDL-c) and the frequency of a family history of early cardiovascular disease (family HCVD) in healthy prepubescent children. Analyze the association between NHDL-c and family HCVD, and possible associations with other risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). METHOD: Cross-sectional study including 269 prepubescent (aged 6-10 years) schoolchildren with a normal body mass index (+1SD-2SD). DATA COLLECTED: Family HCVD; weight and height, waist circumference and systemic blood pressure; lipid profile (total cholesterol TC, HDL-c, triglycerides and LDL-c), NHDL-c calculation (CT-HDL-c, cut-off = 145 mg/dL) and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). RESULTS: High levels were found for NHDL-c in 10 (3.7%) of these schoolchildren, and family early HCVD was found in 46 (17.1%) of them. There was a weak association between family HCVD and NHDL-c (Cramer's-V-test = 0.120; p=0.050). Among the children with NHDL-c≥145 mg/dL, 4 (40%) have family HCVD. The presence of family HCVD was not associated with the variables being studied. The variables independently associated with NHDL-c ≥ 145 mg/dL were: HOMA-IR (OR=1.7; 95CI 1.1-2.6) and diastolic blood pressure (OR=1.1; 95CI 1.02-1.2). CONCLUSION: NHDL-c values were associated with blood pressure and insulin resistance. Family HCVD was not associated with other classic risk factors for CVD, even though the frequency found was five times higher than that of high NHDL-c.

[Nutritional support for malnourished hospitalized children: experience of a referral center, São Paulo, Brazil]. / Tratamento da desnutrição em crianças hospitalizadas em São Paulo.

AIM: To study anthropometric development, nutritional support and mortality rate of malnourished children hospitalized in a referral center. METHODS: In a retrospective study we surveyed 98 hospitalized malnourished children (ZW<--2) with no chronic disease. Data collected was: birth weight, gestational age, length of exclusive breast feeding, diagnosis at admission, formula used (type, delivery route and feeding tolerance) and length of stay. Weight and height were controlled at admission and discharge. To classify and evaluate nutritional rehabilitation we used the Z-score: weight-for-age (ZW), height-for-age (ZH), weight-for-height (ZW/H). The nutritional therapy used was based on the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, with minor modifications. All chosen formulas were industrialized: lactose-free polymeric formula (PLF) for children with diarrhea, low lactose polymeric formula (PLL) for children without diarrhea and cow's milk hydrolysate (CMH) for sepsis or chronic diarrhea. At the rehabilitation phase, all children were given the PLL formula. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Student's t and chi-square tests. RESULTS: The median of age and length of stay were 9.8 months and 17 days, respectively and the mortality rate was of 2%. Diarrhea and/or pneumonia were diagnosed at admission in 81.6% of the children. An improvement of 17.3 % ZW, 82.7 % ZH and 92.2 % ZW/H was observed. PLF was more frequently given at admission (47.4%) while CMH was given to only 7.4% of the children. Twenty-four percent of the children were tube fed and 5.1 % received parenteral nutrition. Tolerance of the initial formula was considered good in 66.7% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: The WHO guidelines were effective in the nutritional therapy of severely malnourished hospitalized children, resulting in good nutritional rehabilitation with low mortality rates.