Matrix metalloproteinases are associated with severity of disease among COVID-19 patients: A possible pharmacological target.

COVID-19 is a devastating disease and imbalanced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity may contribute to its pathophysiology. This exploratory study examined whether increased circulating concentrations of MMP-2 and MMP-9, and their endogenous inhibitors, the tissue inhibitors of MMP (TIMP)-1, TIMP-2, TIMP-3 and TIMP-4 are persistently found in patients 2 weeks after their recovery from severe or critical COVID-19 as compared with those in healthy controls. Subjects who had severe (n = 26) or critical (n = 25) PCR-confirmed COVID-19 and healthy controls (n = 21) had blood samples drawn 2 weeks after recovery and serum MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, TIMP-3 and TIMP-4 were determined using two Human Luminex® Discovery Assays. Circulating MMP activity was also determined by gel zymography. Patients who had severe or critical COVID-19 had increased circulating MMP-9 and MMP-2 concentrations, with increased MMP-9/TIMP-1 and MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratios indicating increased MMP activity, confirmed by gel zymography (all p < 0.05). Higher circulating MMP-9 (but not MMP-2) concentrations were found in critical versus severe COVID-19 (p < 0.05). We found increased circulating MMP-9 and MMP-2 concentrations and activity many days after recovery from the acute disease, with MMP-9 levels associated with disease severity. These biochemical alterations suggest that MMP-2 and MMP-9 may be important pharmacological targets in COVID-19.

Conhecimento dos agentes comunitários de saúde sobre o aleitamento materno / Knowledge of community health workers about breastfeeding / Conocimiento de los trabajadores comunitarios de la salud sobre la lactancia materna

Objetivo: analisar o conhecimento sobre aleitamento materno e os fatores associados a esse entendimento entre agentes comunitários de saúde. Método: estudo quantitativo, descritivo-analítico, transversal, realizado com 153 ACS de Senhor do Bonfim, Bahia. Para a verificação das variáveis associadas ao conhecimento sobre aleitamento, realizou-se análise bivariada (Odds Ratio, Intervalo de Confiança 95% e Testes Qui-quadrado/Fisher) e análise ajustada através da Regressão Logística Múltipla (Stepwise). Resultados: o estudo mostrou que os agentes comunitários de saúde apresentam elevado nível de conhecimento sobre aleitamento materno. Houve associação entre o conhecimento sobre aleitamento materno e ter filhos, trabalhar na Estratégia de Saúde da Família, ter participado de capacitação e alto conhecimento sobre as atribuições gerais da profissão. Conclusão: Os profissionais possuem adequado entendimento sobre a temática. Todavia, importantes equívocos foram observados e caso repassados para a comunidade podem prejudicar a instalação e manutenção do aleitamento materno(AU)

Objective: to analyze knowledge about breastfeeding and the factors associated with this understanding among community health agents. Method: quantitative, descriptive-analytical, cross-sectional study, carried out with 153 CHAs from Senhor do Bonfim, Bahia. To verify the variables associated with knowledge about breastfeeding, bivariate analysis was carried out (Odds Ratio, 95% Confidence Interval and Chi-square/Fisher Tests) and adjusted analysis using Multiple Logistic Regression (Stepwise). Results: the study showed that community health agents have a high level of knowledge about breastfeeding. There was an association between knowledge about breastfeeding and having children, working in the Family Health Strategy, having participated in training and high knowledge about the general responsibilities of the profession. Conclusion: Professionals have an adequate understanding of the topic. However, important mistakes were observed and, if passed on to the community, they could harm the installation and maintenance of breastfeeding(AU)

Objetivo: analizar el conocimiento sobre lactancia materna y los factores asociados a ese entendimiento entre agentes comunitarios de salud. Método: estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo-analítico, transversal, realizado con 153 ACS del Senhor do Bonfim, Bahía. Para verificar las variables asociadas al conocimiento sobre lactancia materna, se realizó análisis bivariado (Odds Ratio, Intervalo de Confianza del 95% y Pruebas Chi-cuadrado/Fisher) y análisis ajustado mediante Regresión Logística Múltiple (Stepwise). Resultados: el estudio demostró que los agentes comunitarios de salud tienen un alto nivel de conocimiento sobre la lactancia materna. Hubo asociación entre conocimiento sobre lactancia materna y tener hijos, trabajar en la Estrategia Salud de la Familia, haber participado en capacitaciones y alto conocimiento sobre las responsabilidades generales de la profesión. Conclusión: Los profesionales tienen un conocimiento adecuado del tema. Sin embargo, se observaron errores importantes que, de transmitirse a la comunidad, podrían perjudicar la instalación y el mantenimiento de la lactancia materna(AU)

Investigating autonomic nervous system dysfunction among patients with post-COVID condition and prolonged cardiovascular symptoms.

Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and arterial pressure (AP) variability and their responses to head-up tilt test (HUTT) were investigated in Post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) patients reporting tachycardia and/or postural hypotension. Besides tachycardia, PCS patients also showed attenuation of the following HRV parameters: RMSSD [square root of the mean of the sum of the squares of differences between adjacent normal-to-normal (NN) intervals] from statistical measures; the power of RR (beat-to-beat interval) spectra at HF (high frequency) from the linear method spectral analysis; occurrence of 2UV (two unlike variation) pattern of RR from the nonlinear method symbolic analysis; and the new family of statistics named sample entropy, when compared to control subjects. Basal AP and LF (low frequency) power of systolic AP were similar between PCS patients and control subjects, while 0 V (zero variation) patterns of AP from the nonlinear method symbolic analysis were exacerbated in PCS patients. Despite tachycardia and a decrease in RMSSD, no parameter of HRV changed during HUTT in PCS patients compared to control subjects. PCS patients reassessed after 6 months showed higher HF power of RR spectra and a higher percentage of 2UV pattern of RR. Moreover, the reassessed PCS patients showed a lower occurrence of 0 V patterns of AP, while the HUTT elicited HR (heart rate) and AP responses identical to control subjects. The HRV and AP variability suggest an autonomic dysfunction with sympathetic predominance in PCS patients. In contrast, the lack of responses of HRV and AP variability indices during HUTT indicates a marked impairment of autonomic control. Of note, the reassessment of PCS patients showed that the noxious effect of COVID-19 on autonomic control tended to fade over time.

Efficacy and safety of Ixekizumab vs. low-dose IL-2 vs. Colchicine vs. standard of care in the treatment of patients hospitalized with moderate-to-critical COVID-19: A pilot randomized clinical trial (STRUCK: Survival Trial Using Cytokine Inhibitors).

BACKGROUND: Cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) requiring hospitalization continue to appear in vulnerable populations, highlighting the importance of novel treatments. The hyperinflammatory response underlies the severity of the disease, and targeting this pathway may be useful. Herein, we tested whether immunomodulation focusing on interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17, and IL-2, could improve the clinical outcomes of patients admitted with COVID-19. METHODS: This multicenter, open-label, prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted in Brazil. Sixty hospitalized patients with moderate-to-critical COVID-19 received in addition to standard of care (SOC): IL-17 inhibitor (ixekizumab 80 mg SC/week) 1 dose every 4 weeks; low-dose IL-2 (1.5 million IU per day) for 7 days or until discharge; or indirect IL-6 inhibitor (colchicine) orally (0.5 mg) every 8 hours for 3 days, followed by 4 weeks at 0.5 mg 2x/day; or SOC alone. The primary outcome was accessed in the "per protocol" population as the proportion of patients with clinical improvement, defined as a decrease greater or equal to two points on the World Health Organization's (WHO) seven-category ordinal scale by day 28. RESULTS: All treatments were safe, and the efficacy outcomes did not differ significantly from those of SOC. Interestingly, in the colchicine group, all participants had an improvement of greater or equal to two points on the WHO seven-category ordinal scale and no deaths or patient deterioration were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Ixekizumab, colchicine, and IL-2 were demonstrated to be safe but ineffective for COVID-19 treatment. These results must be interpreted cautiously because of the limited sample size.

Efficacy and safety of Ixekizumab vs. low-dose IL-2 vs. Colchicine vs. standard of care in the treatment of patients hospitalized with moderate-to-critical COVID-19: A pilot randomized clinical trial (STRUCK: Survival Trial Using Cytokine Inhibitors)

ABSTRACT Background: Cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) requiring hospitalization continue to appear in vulnerable populations, highlighting the importance of novel treatments. The hyperinflammatory response underlies the severity of the disease, and targeting this pathway may be useful. Herein, we tested whether immunomodulation focusing on interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17, and IL-2, could improve the clinical outcomes of patients admitted with COVID-19. Methods: This multicenter, open-label, prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted in Brazil. Sixty hospitalized patients with moderate-to-critical COVID-19 received in addition to standard of care (SOC): IL-17 inhibitor (ixekizumab 80 mg SC/week) 1 dose every 4 weeks; low-dose IL-2 (1.5 million IU per day) for 7 days or until discharge; or indirect IL-6 inhibitor (colchicine) orally (0.5 mg) every 8 hours for 3 days, followed by 4 weeks at 0.5 mg 2x/day; or SOC alone. The primary outcome was accessed in the "per protocol" population as the proportion of patients with clinical improvement, defined as a decrease greater or equal to two points on the World Health Organization's (WHO) seven-category ordinal scale by day 28. Results: All treatments were safe, and the efficacy outcomes did not differ significantly from those of SOC. Interestingly, in the colchicine group, all participants had an improvement of greater or equal to two points on the WHO seven-category ordinal scale and no deaths or patient deterioration were observed. Conclusions: Ixekizumab, colchicine, and IL-2 were demonstrated to be safe but ineffective for COVID-19 treatment. These results must be interpreted cautiously because of the limited sample size.

[Factors associated with serious maternal morbidity in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo State, Brazil: a cross-sectional cohort study]. / Fatores associados à morbidade materna grave em Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil: estudo de corte transversal.

This study investigated the factors associated with serious maternal morbidity (SMM) in women seen at public maternity hospitals in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo State, Brazil. This was a cross-section analytical quantitative study. Participation included 1,098 postpartum women who had given birth at one of the four maternity hospitals in the municipality. Data were collected from August 3, 2015, to February 2, 2016, using face-to-face interviews and data obtained from patient records and prenatal cards. The dependent variable for data analysis was the serious maternal morbidity, that is, when the woman was classified as maternal near miss or potentially life-threatening condition based on WHO eligibility criteria. The study calculated the maternal near miss ratio, odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (95%CI), and multiple logistic regression. The maternal near miss ratio was 3.6 cases per 1,000 live births. Complications occurred mainly during pregnancy (53.8%), and hypertensive disorders were the most frequent (49.4%). Multiple regression analysis showed an association between serious maternal morbidity and high-risk pregnancy (OR = 4.5, 95%CI: 2.7-7.7) and induced labor (OR = 2.1, 95%CI: 1.2-3.9). The occurrence of serious maternal morbidity mainly during pregnancy, featuring hypertensive syndromes, points to the need for better screening and management of high blood pressure in the prenatal period. The association between serious maternal morbidity and high-risk pregnancy also calls attention to prenatal care, for the demand for greater care for women classified as having gestational risk. Quality of care is a key point for dealing with maternal morbidity and mortality in Brazil.

Este estudo investigou os fatores associados à morbidade materna grave entre mulheres atendidas em maternidades públicas do Município de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, analítico, transversal. Participaram 1.098 puérperas com parto em uma das quatro maternidades públicas do município. A coleta de dados ocorreu entre 3 de agosto de 2015 e 2 de fevereiro de 2016, a partir de entrevistas face a face, obtenção de informações dos prontuários e dos cartões da gestante. Para a análise de dados, considerou-se como variável dependente a ocorrência de morbidade materna grave, ou seja, quando a mulher era classificada como near miss materno ou condição potencialmente ameaçadora à vida a partir dos critérios de elegibilidade da Organização Mundial de Saúde. Calculou-se a razão do near miss materno, odds ratio (OR), intervalo de 95% de confiança (IC95%) e regressão logística múltipla. A razão do near miss materno foi de 3,6 casos por mil nascidos vivos. As complicações ocorreram principalmente na gravidez (53,8%) e os distúrbios hipertensivos foram os mais frequentes (49,4%). A análise de regressão múltipla mostrou associação entre morbidade materna grave e gestação de risco (OR = 4,5; IC95%: 2,7-7,7) e com trabalho de parto induzido (OR = 2,1; IC95%: 1,2-3,9). A ocorrência de morbidade materna grave, principalmente na gestação, com destaque para as síndromes hipertensivas, aponta para a necessidade de melhor rastreamento e manejo da elevação dos níveis pressóricos no pré-natal. A associação entre morbidade materna grave e gestação de risco também remonta ao pré-natal, para a demanda de uma maior atenção às mulheres classificadas como risco gestacional. A qualidade da assistência é ponto chave para o enfretamento da morbimortalidade materna no país.

Este estudio investigó los factores asociados a la morbilidad materna grave entre mujeres atendidas en maternidades públicas del municipio de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil. Se trata de un estudio cuantitativo, analítico, transversal. Participaron 1.098 puérperas con parto en una de las cuatro maternidades públicas del municipio. La recogida de datos se produjo entre el 3 de agosto de 2015 al 2 de febrero de 2016, mediante entrevistas cara a cara, obtención de información de los historiales y cartillas de las gestantes. Para el análisis de datos, se consideró como variable dependiente la ocurrencia de morbilidad materna grave, o sea, cuando la mujer era clasificada como near miss materno o condición potencialmente amenazadora para la vida, a partir de los criterios de elegibilidad de la Organización Mundial de Salud. Se calculó la razón del near miss materno, odds ratio (OR), intervalo de 95% de confianza (IC95%) y regresión logística múltiple. La razón de near miss materno fue de 3,6 casos por 1.000 nacidos vivos. Las complicaciones se produjeron principalmente en el embarazo (53,8%) y las alteraciones hipertensivas fueron las más frecuentes (49,4%). El análisis de regresión múltiple mostró asociación entre morbilidad materna grave y gestación de riesgo (OR = 4,5; IC95%: 2,7-7,7) y con trabajo de parto inducido (OR = 2,1; IC95%: 1,2-3,9). La ocurrencia de morbilidad materna grave, principalmente en la gestación, resaltando los síndromes hipertensivos, apunta la necesidad de un mejor rastreo y gestión de la elevación de los niveles presión arterial en el período prenatal. La asociación entre morbilidad materna grave y gestación de riesgo también se remonta al período prenatal, con el fin de que se preste una mayor atención a las mujeres clasificadas como de riesgo gestacional. La calidad de la asistencia es un punto clave para combatir la morbimortalidad materna en el país.

Fatores associados à morbidade materna grave em Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil: estudo de corte transversal / Factors associated with serious maternal morbidity in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo State, Brazil: a cross-sectional cohort study / Factores asociados a la morbilidad materna grave en Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil: estudio de corte transversal

Este estudo investigou os fatores associados à morbidade materna grave entre mulheres atendidas em maternidades públicas do Município de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, analítico, transversal. Participaram 1.098 puérperas com parto em uma das quatro maternidades públicas do município. A coleta de dados ocorreu entre 3 de agosto de 2015 e 2 de fevereiro de 2016, a partir de entrevistas face a face, obtenção de informações dos prontuários e dos cartões da gestante. Para a análise de dados, considerou-se como variável dependente a ocorrência de morbidade materna grave, ou seja, quando a mulher era classificada como near miss materno ou condição potencialmente ameaçadora à vida a partir dos critérios de elegibilidade da Organização Mundial de Saúde. Calculou-se a razão do near miss materno, odds ratio (OR), intervalo de 95% de confiança (IC95%) e regressão logística múltipla. A razão do near miss materno foi de 3,6 casos por mil nascidos vivos. As complicações ocorreram principalmente na gravidez (53,8%) e os distúrbios hipertensivos foram os mais frequentes (49,4%). A análise de regressão múltipla mostrou associação entre morbidade materna grave e gestação de risco (OR = 4,5; IC95%: 2,7-7,7) e com trabalho de parto induzido (OR = 2,1; IC95%: 1,2-3,9). A ocorrência de morbidade materna grave, principalmente na gestação, com destaque para as síndromes hipertensivas, aponta para a necessidade de melhor rastreamento e manejo da elevação dos níveis pressóricos no pré-natal. A associação entre morbidade materna grave e gestação de risco também remonta ao pré-natal, para a demanda de uma maior atenção às mulheres classificadas como risco gestacional. A qualidade da assistência é ponto chave para o enfretamento da morbimortalidade materna no país.

This study investigated the factors associated with serious maternal morbidity (SMM) in women seen at public maternity hospitals in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo State, Brazil. This was a cross-section analytical quantitative study. Participation included 1,098 postpartum women who had given birth at one of the four maternity hospitals in the municipality. Data were collected from August 3, 2015, to February 2, 2016, using face-to-face interviews and data obtained from patient records and prenatal cards. The dependent variable for data analysis was the serious maternal morbidity, that is, when the woman was classified as maternal near miss or potentially life-threatening condition based on WHO eligibility criteria. The study calculated the maternal near miss ratio, odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (95%CI), and multiple logistic regression. The maternal near miss ratio was 3.6 cases per 1,000 live births. Complications occurred mainly during pregnancy (53.8%), and hypertensive disorders were the most frequent (49.4%). Multiple regression analysis showed an association between serious maternal morbidity and high-risk pregnancy (OR = 4.5, 95%CI: 2.7-7.7) and induced labor (OR = 2.1, 95%CI: 1.2-3.9). The occurrence of serious maternal morbidity mainly during pregnancy, featuring hypertensive syndromes, points to the need for better screening and management of high blood pressure in the prenatal period. The association between serious maternal morbidity and high-risk pregnancy also calls attention to prenatal care, for the demand for greater care for women classified as having gestational risk. Quality of care is a key point for dealing with maternal morbidity and mortality in Brazil.

Este estudio investigó los factores asociados a la morbilidad materna grave entre mujeres atendidas en maternidades públicas del municipio de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil. Se trata de un estudio cuantitativo, analítico, transversal. Participaron 1.098 puérperas con parto en una de las cuatro maternidades públicas del municipio. La recogida de datos se produjo entre el 3 de agosto de 2015 al 2 de febrero de 2016, mediante entrevistas cara a cara, obtención de información de los historiales y cartillas de las gestantes. Para el análisis de datos, se consideró como variable dependiente la ocurrencia de morbilidad materna grave, o sea, cuando la mujer era clasificada como near miss materno o condición potencialmente amenazadora para la vida, a partir de los criterios de elegibilidad de la Organización Mundial de Salud. Se calculó la razón del near miss materno, odds ratio (OR), intervalo de 95% de confianza (IC95%) y regresión logística múltiple. La razón de near miss materno fue de 3,6 casos por 1.000 nacidos vivos. Las complicaciones se produjeron principalmente en el embarazo (53,8%) y las alteraciones hipertensivas fueron las más frecuentes (49,4%). El análisis de regresión múltiple mostró asociación entre morbilidad materna grave y gestación de riesgo (OR = 4,5; IC95%: 2,7-7,7) y con trabajo de parto inducido (OR = 2,1; IC95%: 1,2-3,9). La ocurrencia de morbilidad materna grave, principalmente en la gestación, resaltando los síndromes hipertensivos, apunta la necesidad de un mejor rastreo y gestión de la elevación de los niveles presión arterial en el período prenatal. La asociación entre morbilidad materna grave y gestación de riesgo también se remonta al período prenatal, con el fin de que se preste una mayor atención a las mujeres clasificadas como de riesgo gestacional. La calidad de la asistencia es un punto clave para combatir la morbimortalidad materna en el país.

Ocular findings among patients surviving COVID-19.

To describe the medium-term ophthalmological findings in patients recovering from COVID-19. Patients recovered from the acute phase of COVID-19 underwent a complete ophthalmological evaluation, including presenting and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), refractometry, biomicroscopy, tonometry, break-up time and Schirmer tests, indirect ophthalmoscopy, color fundus picture, and retinal architecture evaluation using optical coherence tomography. Socio-demographic data and personal medical history were also collected. According to the severity of systemic manifestations, patients were classified into mild-to-moderate, severe, and critical. Sixty-four patients (128 eyes) were evaluated 82 ± 36.4 days after the onset of COVID's symptoms. The mean ± SD duration of hospitalization was 15.0 ± 10.7 days. Seven patients (10.9%) had mild-to-moderate, 33 (51.5%) severe, and 24 (37.5%) critical disease. Median [interquartile ranges (IQR)] presenting visual acuity was 0.1 (0-0.2) and BCVA 0 (0-0.1). Anterior segment biomicroscopy was unremarkable, except for dry eye disease, verified in 10.9% of them. The mean ± SD intraocular pressure (IOP) in critical group (14.16 ± 1.88 mmHg) was significantly higher than in severe group (12.51 ± 2.40 mmHg), both in the right (p 0.02) and left eyes (p 0.038). Among all, 15.6% had diabetic retinopathy, and two patients presented with discrete white-yellowish dots in the posterior pole, leading to hyporreflective changes at retinal pigment epithelium level, outer segment, and ellipsoid layers. The present study identified higher IOP among critical cases, when compared to severe cases, and discrete outer retina changes 80 days after COVID-19 infection. No sign of uveitis was found.

Are SARS-CoV-2 reinfection and Covid-19 recurrence possible? a case report from Brazil.

With the large number of individuals infected and recovered from Covid-19, there is intense discussion about the quality and duration of the immunity elicited by SARS-CoV-2 infection, including the possibility of disease recurrence. Here we report a case with strong clinical, epidemiological and laboratorial evidence of, not only reinfection by SARS-CoV-2, but also clinical recurrence of Covid-19.

[Severe maternal morbidity in public hospitals in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo State, Brazil]. / Morbidade materna grave em hospitais públicos de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil.

This study analyzed the occurrence of severe maternal morbidity, the most frequent diagnostic criteria, and the quality of obstetric care in public hospitals in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo State, Brazil. A quantitative surveillance survey of severe maternal morbidity used World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for potentially life-threatening conditions and maternal near miss. Cases were identified from August 1, 2015, to February 2, 2016. The sample included 259 women with severe maternal morbidity (potentially life-threatening conditions/maternal near miss) during the gestational and postpartum cycle, hospitalized for childbirth in the four public institutions providing obstetric care in the city. The descriptive analysis was based on absolute and relative rates of diagnostic criteria for potentially life-threatening conditions and maternal near miss, besides description of the women in the sample (sociodemographic characteristics, obstetric history, and prenatal and childbirth care). Quality of care indicators set by the WHO based on morbimortality were also calculated. There were 3,497 deliveries, 3,502 live births in all the hospitals in the city, two maternal deaths, and 19 maternal near miss. Maternal near miss ratio was 5.4 cases per 1,000 live births, and the maternal mortality ratio was 57.1 deaths per 100,000 live birth. The mortality rate among cases with severe maternal outcome (maternal near miss plus maternal death) was 9.5%. The study revealed important potentially life-threatening conditions and maternal near miss rates. The occurrence of deaths from hemorrhagic causes highlights the need to improve the quality of obstetric care. The findings can potentially help improve local policy for obstetric care.

PRENACEL partner - use of short message service (SMS) to encourage male involvement in prenatal care: a cluster randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: The partner has an important role when he participates of the prenatal care as showed in the positive results relate to the mother and the child health. For this reason it is an important strategy to bring future fathers closer to health services and to improve their link with paternity. AIM: To evaluate whether the implementation of SMS technology, through the PRENACEL program for the partner as a health education program, is a useful supplement to the standard prenatal monitoring. METHODS: A parallel cluster randomized trial was carried out, with the clusters representing primary care health units. The 20 health units with the largest number of pregnant women in 2013 were selected for the study. There was a balance of the health units according to the size of the affiliated population and the vulnerability situation and these were allocated in intervention and control health units by the randomization. The partners of the pregnant women who started prenatal care prior to the 20th week of gestation were the study population of the intervention group. The participants received periodic short text messages via mobile phone with information about the pregnancy and birth. In the control group units the partners, together with the women, received the standard prenatal care. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-six partners were interviewed, 62 from the PRENACEL group, 73 from the intervention group that did not opt ​​for PRENACEL and 51 from the control group. A profile with a mean age of 30 years was found and the majority of respondents (51.3%) declared themselves as brown race/color. The interviewees presented a mean of 9.3 years of study. The majority of the men (95.2%) cohabited with their partner and 63.7% were classified as socioeconomic class C. The adherence to the PRENACEL program was 53.4%. In relation to the individual results, there was a greater participation of the PRENACEL partners in the prenatal consultations, as well as a greater presence of them accompanying the woman at the moment of the childbirth when compared to the other groups. CONCLUSION: The study showed that a health education strategy using communication technology seems to be a useful prenatal care supplement; the intervention had a good acceptability and has a promising role in men's involvement in prenatal, labour and postpartum care of their partners. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trial registry: RBR-54zf73, U1111-1163-7761.

Morbidade materna grave em hospitais públicos de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil / Severe maternal morbidity in public hospitals in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo State, Brazil / Morbilidad materna grave en hospitales públicos de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil

Resumo: Este estudo objetivou investigar a ocorrência de morbidade materna grave, os critérios diagnósticos mais frequentes e a qualidade da assistência obstétrica nos hospitais públicos de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil. Trata-se de uma pesquisa quantitativa de vigilância das morbidades maternas graves, utilizando os critérios da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) para condições potencialmente ameaçadoras à vida e near miss materno. Os casos foram identificados entre 1º de agosto de 2015 e 2 de fevereiro de 2016. Participaram 259 mulheres com morbidade materna grave (condições potencialmente ameaçadoras à vida/near miss materno) durante o ciclo gravídico-puerperal, internadas para o parto nas quatro instituições públicas com assistência obstétrica no município. Realizou-se análise descritiva a partir das frequências absolutas e relativas dos critérios diagnósticos para condições potencialmente ameaçadoras à vida e near miss materno, além da descrição das mulheres pesquisadas (caracterização sociodemográfica, antecedentes obstétricos, assistência pré-natal e ao parto). Indicadores de qualidade da assistência estabelecidos pela OMS a partir da morbimortalidade também foram calculados. Ocorreram 3.497 partos, 3.502 nascidos vivos em todos os hospitais do município, 2 mortes maternas e 19 near miss materno. A razão do near miss materno foi de 5,4 casos por 1.000 nascidos vivos, e a razão de mortalidade materna foi de 57,1 óbitos por 100 mil nascidos vivos. A taxa de mortalidade entre os casos com desfecho materno grave (somados os casos de near miss materno e morte materna) foi de 9,5%. Observou-se importante frequência de casos de condições potencialmente ameaçadoras à vida e near miss materno no presente estudo. A ocorrência de óbitos por causas hemorrágicas mostra a necessidade de melhoria da qualidade da assistência prestada. Os resultados poderão contribuir para o aprimoramento da política local de assistência obstétrica.

Abstract: This study analyzed the occurrence of severe maternal morbidity, the most frequent diagnostic criteria, and the quality of obstetric care in public hospitals in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo State, Brazil. A quantitative surveillance survey of severe maternal morbidity used World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for potentially life-threatening conditions and maternal near miss. Cases were identified from August 1, 2015, to February 2, 2016. The sample included 259 women with severe maternal morbidity (potentially life-threatening conditions/maternal near miss) during the gestational and postpartum cycle, hospitalized for childbirth in the four public institutions providing obstetric care in the city. The descriptive analysis was based on absolute and relative rates of diagnostic criteria for potentially life-threatening conditions and maternal near miss, besides description of the women in the sample (sociodemographic characteristics, obstetric history, and prenatal and childbirth care). Quality of care indicators set by the WHO based on morbimortality were also calculated. There were 3,497 deliveries, 3,502 live births in all the hospitals in the city, two maternal deaths, and 19 maternal near miss. Maternal near miss ratio was 5.4 cases per 1,000 live births, and the maternal mortality ratio was 57.1 deaths per 100,000 live birth. The mortality rate among cases with severe maternal outcome (maternal near miss plus maternal death) was 9.5%. The study revealed important potentially life-threatening conditions and maternal near miss rates. The occurrence of deaths from hemorrhagic causes highlights the need to improve the quality of obstetric care. The findings can potentially help improve local policy for obstetric care.

Resumen: El objetivo de este estudio es investigar la ocurrencia de morbilidad materna grave, así como los criterios para los diagnósticos más frecuentes y la calidad de la asistencia obstétrica en hospitales públicos de Ribeirão Preto, Sao Paulo, Brasil. Se trata de una investigación cuantitativa de vigilancia de la morbilidad materna grave, utilizando criterios de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) sobre condiciones potencialmente amenazadoras para vida y near miss materno. Los casos se identificaron entre el 1 de agosto de 2015 y 2 de febrero de 2016. Participaron 259 mujeres con morbilidad materna grave (condiciones potencialmente amenazadoras para vida/near miss materno) durante el ciclo embarazo, parto y puerperio, internadas para el parto en cuatro instituciones públicas con asistencia obstétrica en el municipio. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo, a partir de frecuencias absolutas y relativas con criterios diagnósticos para condiciones potencialmente amenazadoras para vida y near miss materno, además de la descripción de las mujeres investigadas (caracterizaciones sociodemográficas, antecedentes obstétricos, asistencia prenatal y al parto). También se calcularon indicadores de calidad de asistencia establecidos por la OMS a partir de la morbimortalidad. Se produjeron 3.497 partos, 3.502 nacidos vivos en todos los hospitales del municipio, 2 muertes maternas y 19 near miss materno. La razón del near miss materno fue de 5,4 casos por 1.000 nacidos vivos y la razón de mortalidad materna fue 57,1 óbitos por 100.000 nacidos vivos. La tasa de mortalidad entre los casos con desenlace materno grave (sumados a los casos de near miss materno y muerte materna) fue de un 9,5%. Se observó una importante frecuencia de casos de condiciones potencialmente amenazadoras para vida y near miss materno en el presente estudio. La ocurrencia de óbitos por causas hemorrágicas expone la necesidad de una mejora de la calidad en la asistencia prestada. Los resultados podrán contribuir a la mejora de la política local de asistencia obstétrica.

Are SARS-CoV-2 reinfection and Covid-19 recurrence possible? a case report from Brazil

Abstract With the large number of individuals infected and recovered from Covid-19, there is intense discussion about the quality and duration of the immunity elicited by SARS-CoV-2 infection, including the possibility of disease recurrence. Here we report a case with strong clinical, epidemiological and laboratorial evidence of, not only reinfection by SARS-CoV-2, but also clinical recurrence of Covid-19.

A communication and information strategy in health and preparation for childbirth: a randomized cluster trial (PRENACEL). / Estratégia de comunicação e informação em saúde e a percepção de sentir-se preparada para o parto: ensaio aleatorizado por conglomerados (PRENACEL).

PRENACEL is a study that incorporates two innovative approaches to maternal and perinatal health: the need to improve women's level of satisfaction with the birthing experience and an assessment of the impacts of information and communication technologies in health. The approaches involve a communication program via short cellphone text messages, developed for Brazilian pregnant women in prenatal care in the Brazilian Unified National Health System. The analysis aims to determine whether the program contributes positively to women's perceived preparedness for childbirth. A randomized cluster trial was performed in 20 primary care units in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo State, in 2015 and 2016. Data were collected for 1,210 women from interviews and patient charts. The data were submitted to two analytical models, per protocol and intention-to-treat. Women that had received information from the PRENACEL program during pregnancy were more likely to feel prepared for labor and delivery and to feel that prenatal care had helped them feel more prepared. There were also positive impacts on bonding with the newborn and breastfeeding in the delivery room and on knowledge of obstetric interventions. No differences were seen in the other maternal and perinatal outcomes, including women's satisfaction with the birthing care. PRENACEL can help expand women's access to strategic information for them to feel better prepared for the birthing experience.

O PRENACEL é uma pesquisa que incorpora duas abordagens inovadoras para a saúde materna e perinatal: a necessidade de melhorar os níveis de satisfação das mulheres com a experiência do parto; e, a avaliação de impactos do uso de tecnologias de informação e comunicação em saúde. Trata-se de um programa de comunicação via mensagens curtas de textos no celular desenvolvido para gestantes brasileiras atendidas no pré-natal do Sistema Único de Saúde. Nesta análise, pretende-se determinar se o programa contribui positivamente para a percepção das mulheres de sentirem-se melhor preparadas para o parto. Um ensaio aleatorizado por conglomerados foi realizado em 20 unidades de saúde da atenção primária de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, entre 2015 e 2016. Dados de entrevista e revisão de prontuários foram coletados de 1210 mulheres. Estes foram submetidos a dois modelos de análise, por protocolo e intenção de tratamento. Receber informações do programa PRENACEL durante a gestação foi associado a um aumento na percepção das mulheres de se sentirem melhor preparadas para o parto, e na percepção de que o pré-natal colabora para que se sintam mais preparadas. Também foram observados impactos positivos no estabelecimento do contato pele a pele e aleitamento materno em sala de parto e no conhecimento sobre intervenções obstétricas. Não foram encontradas diferenças nos demais desfechos maternos e perinatais avaliados, incluindo a satisfação das mulheres com o atendimento ao parto. O PRENACEL pode contribuir com a ampliação do acesso das mulheres a informações que lhes sejam estratégicas para que se sintam mais bem preparadas para a experiência do parto.

PRENACEL es una investigación que incorpora dos abordajes innovadores para la salud materna y perinatal: la necesidad de mejorar los niveles de satisfacción de las mujeres que han vivido la experiencia de un parto; además de la evaluación de los impactos del uso de tecnologías de la información y comunicación en salud. Se trata de un programa de comunicación vía mensajes cortos de texto en el móvil, desarrollado para gestantes brasileñas atendidas en el servicio prenatal del Sistema Único de Salud. En este análisis se pretende determinar si el programa contribuye positivamente a la percepción de las mujeres respecto a sentirse mejor preparadas para el parto. Se realizó un ensayo aleatorizado por conglomerados en 20 unidades de salud de atención primaria en Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, entre 2015 y 2016. Los datos de entrevista y revisión de registros médicos se recogieron con 1.210 mujeres. Estos se sometieron a dos modelos de análisis, por protocolo e intención de tratamiento. Recibir información del programa PRENACEL durante la gestación se asoció a un aumento de la percepción de las mujeres en cuanto a sentirse mejor preparadas para el parto, y desde la percepción de que el periodo prenatal presta apoyo para que se sientan más preparadas. También se observaron impactos positivos en el establecimiento del contacto piel con piel, lactancia materna en sala de parto, y en el conocimiento sobre intervenciones obstétricas. No se observaron diferencias en los demás desenlaces maternos y perinatales evaluados, incluyendo la satisfacción de las mujeres con la atención durante el parto. PRENACEL puede contribuir a la ampliación del acceso de las mujeres a información que les resulte estratégica para que se sientan mejor preparadas durante la experiencia del parto.

Estratégia de comunicação e informação em saúde e a percepção de sentir-se preparada para o parto: ensaio aleatorizado por conglomerados (PRENACEL) / Estrategia de comunicación e información en salud y la percepción de sentirse preparada para el parto: ensayo aleatorizado por conglomerados (PRENACEL) / A communication and information strategy in health and preparation for childbirth: a randomized cluster trial (PRENACEL)

Resumo: O PRENACEL é uma pesquisa que incorpora duas abordagens inovadoras para a saúde materna e perinatal: a necessidade de melhorar os níveis de satisfação das mulheres com a experiência do parto; e, a avaliação de impactos do uso de tecnologias de informação e comunicação em saúde. Trata-se de um programa de comunicação via mensagens curtas de textos no celular desenvolvido para gestantes brasileiras atendidas no pré-natal do Sistema Único de Saúde. Nesta análise, pretende-se determinar se o programa contribui positivamente para a percepção das mulheres de sentirem-se melhor preparadas para o parto. Um ensaio aleatorizado por conglomerados foi realizado em 20 unidades de saúde da atenção primária de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, entre 2015 e 2016. Dados de entrevista e revisão de prontuários foram coletados de 1210 mulheres. Estes foram submetidos a dois modelos de análise, por protocolo e intenção de tratamento. Receber informações do programa PRENACEL durante a gestação foi associado a um aumento na percepção das mulheres de se sentirem melhor preparadas para o parto, e na percepção de que o pré-natal colabora para que se sintam mais preparadas. Também foram observados impactos positivos no estabelecimento do contato pele a pele e aleitamento materno em sala de parto e no conhecimento sobre intervenções obstétricas. Não foram encontradas diferenças nos demais desfechos maternos e perinatais avaliados, incluindo a satisfação das mulheres com o atendimento ao parto. O PRENACEL pode contribuir com a ampliação do acesso das mulheres a informações que lhes sejam estratégicas para que se sintam mais bem preparadas para a experiência do parto.

Resumen: PRENACEL es una investigación que incorpora dos abordajes innovadores para la salud materna y perinatal: la necesidad de mejorar los niveles de satisfacción de las mujeres que han vivido la experiencia de un parto; además de la evaluación de los impactos del uso de tecnologías de la información y comunicación en salud. Se trata de un programa de comunicación vía mensajes cortos de texto en el móvil, desarrollado para gestantes brasileñas atendidas en el servicio prenatal del Sistema Único de Salud. En este análisis se pretende determinar si el programa contribuye positivamente a la percepción de las mujeres respecto a sentirse mejor preparadas para el parto. Se realizó un ensayo aleatorizado por conglomerados en 20 unidades de salud de atención primaria en Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, entre 2015 y 2016. Los datos de entrevista y revisión de registros médicos se recogieron con 1.210 mujeres. Estos se sometieron a dos modelos de análisis, por protocolo e intención de tratamiento. Recibir información del programa PRENACEL durante la gestación se asoció a un aumento de la percepción de las mujeres en cuanto a sentirse mejor preparadas para el parto, y desde la percepción de que el periodo prenatal presta apoyo para que se sientan más preparadas. También se observaron impactos positivos en el establecimiento del contacto piel con piel, lactancia materna en sala de parto, y en el conocimiento sobre intervenciones obstétricas. No se observaron diferencias en los demás desenlaces maternos y perinatales evaluados, incluyendo la satisfacción de las mujeres con la atención durante el parto. PRENACEL puede contribuir a la ampliación del acceso de las mujeres a información que les resulte estratégica para que se sientan mejor preparadas durante la experiencia del parto.

Abstract: PRENACEL is a study that incorporates two innovative approaches to maternal and perinatal health: the need to improve women's level of satisfaction with the birthing experience and an assessment of the impacts of information and communication technologies in health. The approaches involve a communication program via short cellphone text messages, developed for Brazilian pregnant women in prenatal care in the Brazilian Unified National Health System. The analysis aims to determine whether the program contributes positively to women's perceived preparedness for childbirth. A randomized cluster trial was performed in 20 primary care units in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo State, in 2015 and 2016. Data were collected for 1,210 women from interviews and patient charts. The data were submitted to two analytical models, per protocol and intention-to-treat. Women that had received information from the PRENACEL program during pregnancy were more likely to feel prepared for labor and delivery and to feel that prenatal care had helped them feel more prepared. There were also positive impacts on bonding with the newborn and breastfeeding in the delivery room and on knowledge of obstetric interventions. No differences were seen in the other maternal and perinatal outcomes, including women's satisfaction with the birthing care. PRENACEL can help expand women's access to strategic information for them to feel better prepared for the birthing experience.

Adaptação de mensagens educativas para parceiros de gestantes para uso em tecnologias móveis em saúde (mHealth) / Adaptación de mensajes educativos para compañeros de embarazadas para el uso en tecnología móviles en salud (mHealth) / Adapting educational messages for partners of pregnant women for use in mobile health technologies (mHealth)

Neste artigo apresentamos os aspectos relacionados ao desenvolvimento e à avaliação de um serviço de short message service (SMS) - Pré-Natal no Celular (Prenacel) - voltado para parceiros de gestantes. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo com métodos participativos e desenvolvido em três etapas. Primeiro, as mensagens do programa global Mobile Alliance for Maternal Action (Mama) foram traduzidas e adaptadas. Em seguida, um painel de especialistas avaliou as mensagens, dando notas e sugerindo alterações ou exclusões de algumas. As mensagens consolidadas na etapa anterior foram submetidas a um grupo focal, formado por agentes comunitários de saúde (ACS) do sexo masculino, que analisou a linguagem e o entendimento das mensagens. Cada etapa foi avaliada pelos responsáveis pela pesquisa e o conteúdo final contou com 62 mensagens de texto apropriadas para os parceiros. Com a inclusão dos métodos participativos, foi possível estabelecer mensagens viáveis e acessíveis ao público-alvo.(AU)

En este artículo, presentamos los aspectos relacionados al desarrollo y a la evaluación de un servicio de SMS (Short Message Service) - PRENACEL (Pré-natal no Celular) enfocados en compañeros de embarazadas. Se trata de un estudio cualitativo con métodos participativos desarrollado en tres etapas. Primero, se tradujeron y adaptaron los mensajes del programa global MAMA (Mobile Alliance for Maternal Action). A continuación, un panel de especialistas evaluó los mensajes, dando notas y sugiriendo alteraciones o exclusiones de algunas de ellas. Los mensajes consolidados en la etapa anterior se presentaron a un grupo focal, formado por Agentes Comunitarios de Salud del sexo masculino, que analizó el lenguaje y el entendimiento de los mensajes. Cada etapa fue evaluada por los responsables del estudio y el contenido final contó con 62 mensajes de texto adecuados para los compañeros. Con la inclusión de los métodos participativos fue posible establecer mensajes factibles y accesibles al público-objetivo.(AU)

In this paper, we present aspects related to the development and evaluation of a Short Message Service (SMS) - PRENACEL (Prenatal in the Mobile) aimed at partners of pregnant women. This is a qualitative study with participatory methods developed in three stages. First, the messages of the MAMA (Mobile Alliance for Maternal Action) global program were translated. Then a group of experts evaluated those messages, assigning marks and suggesting changes to or exclusions of certain ones. The resulting messages that were consolidated from this stage were submitted to a focus group, formed by male Community Health Workers, who analyzed the language and the clearness of the messages. Each stage was evaluated by the leading researchers and the final content amounted to 62 text messages that were found to be appropriate for the partners of pregnant women. With the inclusion of participatory methods of evaluation it was possible to establish viable and accessible messages to the target public.(AU)

PRENACEL - a mHealth messaging system to complement antenatal care: a cluster randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine whether PRENACEL (a bi-directional, mobile-phone based, short text message service (SMS)) increases the coverage of recommended antenatal care (ANC) practices. METHODS: A parallel, cluster-randomized trial in which 20 public primary Health Care Units (PHCUs) were randomly allocated to the intervention (10 PHCUs) or control (10 PHCUs) group. The study population included pregnant women aged 18 or above with a gestational age of 20 weeks or less. Pregnant women receiving ANC in intervention PHCUs were invited through leaflets and posters to register in PRENACEL. Women who registered in PRENACEL received a weekly set of short text messages with health education and health promotion content related to pregnancy and childbirth and were also able to clarify ANC queries through SMS. All women received routine ANC. The primary outcome was the proportion of women with high ANC Score, a composite measure of coverage of recommended ANC practices. Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests and multivariate log-binomial regression were used to analyze the outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 1210 eligible women received ANC in the participating PHCUs and took part of this study (770 in the intervention group and 440 in the control group). 20.4% (157/770) of intervention-group women registered in PRENACEL, but only 116 read all messages (73.9% of women who registered in PRENACEL, 116/157). The adjusted intention-to-treat analysis suggested no difference between intervention and control groups in the primary outcome (Adjusted Relative Risk (AdjRR): 1.05 (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.00-1.09). Both crude and adjusted per-protocol analysis suggested a positive effect of PRENACEL (Crude RR (95% CI): 1.14 (1.06-1.22), AdjRR (95% CI): 1.12 (1.05-1.21). The multivariate analysis also suggests that the PRENACEL group (women who read all SMS) had higher mean ANC score [48.5 (±4.2) vs 45.2 (±8.7), p < 0.01], higher proportion of women with ≥6 ANC visits (96.9% vs. 84.8%, p = 0.01), and higher rates of syphilis testing (40.5% vs. 24.8%, p = 0.03) and HIV testing (46.6% vs. 25.7%, p < 0.01) during ANC. CONCLUSIONS: A bi-directional, mobile-phone based, short text message service is potentially useful to improve the coverage of recommended ANC practices, including syphilis and HIV testing. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trial registry: RBR-54zf73 , U1111-1163-7761.

Resumo: Introdução: O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar se o PRENACEL, um serviço bidirecional de mensagens curtas de texto (SMS) com base na telefonia celular, aumenta a cobertura das práticas recomendadas de cuidados pré-natais (PN). Métodos: um ensaio paralelo, aleatorizado por conglomerados, no qual 20 unidades básicas de saúde (UBS) foram alocadas aleatoriamente para o grupo de intervenção (10 UBS) ou controle (10 UBS). A população estudada incluiu gestantes com idade igual ou superior a 18 anos com idade gestacional de 20 semanas ou menos. As gestantes que receberam PN em UBS intervenção foram convidadas através de folhetos e cartazes para se inscreverem no PRENACEL. As mulheres que se registraram no PRENACEL receberam um conjunto semanal de SMS com conteúdo de educação e promoção da saúde relacionadas à gravidez e parto e também puderam esclarecer dúvidas relacionadas ao PN através de SMS. Todas as mulheres receberam PN de rotina. O desfecho primário foi a proporção de mulheres com um alto escore de PN, uma medida da cobertura das principais práticas recomendadas no PN. Resultados: um total de 1.210 mulheres participaram deste estudo (770 no grupo de intervenção e 440 no grupo de controle). 20,4% (157/770) das mulheres do grupo de intervenção demonstraram interesse e foram registradas no PRENACEL, mas apenas 116 leram as mensagens (73,9%, 116/157). A análise ajustada de intenção de tratamento sugeriu ausência de efeito da intervenção no desfecho primário (Risco Relativo (RR) ajustado: 1,05, Intervalo de Confiança (IC) de 95%: 1,00-1,09). A análise por protocolo sugeriu um efeito positivo do PRENACEL [RR bruto (IC 95%): 1,14 (1,06-1,22), RR ajustado (IC 95%): 1,12 (1,05-1,21)]. A análise multivariada sugeriu que as mulheres que leram os SMS apresentaram a maior média do escore de PN [48,5 (±4,2) vs 45,2 (±8,7), p < 0,01], maior proporção de mulheres com ≥6 consultas (96,9% vs. 84,8%, p = 0,01) e maiores taxas de teste de sífilis (40,5% vs. 24,8%, p = 0,03) e HIV (46,6% vs. 25,7%, p < 0,01) durante o PN. Conclusões: o sistema PRENACEL é potencialmente útil para melhorar a cobertura das práticas recomendadas de PN, incluindo testes de sífilis e HIV.

Conhecimento dos agentes comunitários de saúde sobre dor muscuoesquelética / Community health workers' knowledge about musculoskeletal pain

O objetivo deste estudo foi o de realizar um levantamento do conhecimento e atitudes tomadas pelos agentes comunitários em relação às queixas de dores musculoesqueléticas. Atualmente, por conta da mudança de hábitos, a falta de tempo, o sedentarismo, entre outros, a dor musculoesquelética é algo que vem se incorporando à comunidade muito frequentemente, comprometendo a população. Quanto a isso, um importante multiplicador de saúde se vê no agente comunitário de saúde (ACS), elo importante entre a população e os meios de saúde. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo e, como instrumento, foi usado roteiro de entrevista semiestruturada individual. Foram sujeitos do estudo agentes comunitários de saúde de Núcleos de Saú- de da Família de um município do interior de São Paulo. As entrevistas foram gravadas, posteriormente transcritas e, após análise, foram divididas em categorias. Foi possí- vel perceber que os agentes, em sua maioria, identificam corretamente e orientam rapidamente para que o indiví- duo procure ajuda, em alguns casos, podendo, também, auxiliar na conduta, repassando algumas orientações posturais mais simples para aliviar esse tipo de dor, enquanto o paciente ainda não passou por avaliação clínica. Ou até mesmo depois de o paciente ser avaliado, podendo refor- çar algumas orientações que foram indicadas por outros profissionais de saúde. Ainda é necessária mais capacita- ção a esses ACS, para que possam sentir mais segurança nessa ação e uma melhor pactuação das atribuições desses profissionais dentro da equipe de saúde da família.

The aim of this study was to conduct a survey of community health workers' knowledge and actions taken in relation to complaints of musculoskeletal pain. Currently, due to changes in habits, lack of time, physical inactivity, among other causes, musculoskeletal pain is appearing increasingly in the community, too often with adverse effects on the population. In this respect an important health multiplier can be seen in the community health worker, an important link between the population and the means to health. This is a qualitative study using a semi-structured interview script as its instrument. The study subjects were community health workers at the Family Health Centers of a municipality in the State of São Paulo. The interviews were recorded, later transcribed, and after analysis were divided into categories. It could be seen that most agents correctly identify and quickly guide the individuals needing to seek help. In some cases they can also lend help with behaviors by offering some simple postural guidelines to alleviate this kind of pain while the patient has not yet undergone clinical evaluation. Or even after the patient is evaluated, they can reinforce some guidelines already recommended by other health professionals. Still, more training for these community health workers is needed so that they might feel more secure in this action and have a better consensus on the duties of such professionals within the family health team.