A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Itraconazole and a Combination Therapy with Itraconazole and Potassium Iodide for the Treatment of Feline Sporotrichosis.

Feline sporotrichosis is an endemic disease with high occurrence in Brazil. Itraconazole (ITZ) remains the drug of choice for treating this disease in cats, despite the increasing reports of therapeutic failure. A controlled, randomized clinical trial was performed on 166 naive cats with sporotrichosis to assess the effectiveness and safety of the combination therapy with ITZ and potassium iodide (KI) compared with ITZ monotherapy. Cats were randomly allocated into two treatment groups: G1-ITZ 100 mg/cat/day-and G2-ITZ 100 mg/cat/day + KI 2.5-20 mg/kg/day. Cats treated in G2 presented 77% more risk of reaching a clinical cure (a positive effect) than those treated in G1, even when controlled by negative predictors. The survival curves of the two treatment protocols indicate that a clinical cure was achieved faster in G2. An increase in the KI dose was necessary in 28 cats due to the persistence of clinical signs. Adverse reactions were equally frequent in both groups and manageable with a temporary drug suspension and/or a hepatoprotective therapy. The combination therapy was associated with a higher cure rate and a shorter treatment time, suggesting that ITZ+KI arises as a better option for treating feline sporotrichosis and should be considered the first-line treatment, especially in the presence of negative predictors.

Correction: Frequency of co-seropositivities for certain pathogens and their relationship with clinical and histopathological changes and parasite load in dogs infected with Leishmania infantum.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247560.].

Social inequalities in the temporal trend of mortality from sickle cell disease in Brazil, 1996-2019.

Contrary to international trends, the mortality rate of sickle cell disease increased in Brazil after the implementation of the neonatal screening program, probably due to improving access to diagnosis. This study aimed to assess differences in the temporal trend of the mortality rate and median age at death from sickle cell disease in Brazil, considering implemented measures to expand diagnosis, and improve health care access in-country and in the international scenario. Time series were extracted from the Brazilian Mortality Information System from 1996 to 2019. Changes in the mortality rate and median age at death were verified via segmented regression models, which were stratified by sex, region of residence, and age. Most deaths occurred in non-white people, young adults, and the Southeast and Northeast population. Sickle cell disease mortality rate increased until 2010 (13.31%; 95%CI: 6.37; 20.70), particularly in individuals aged 30 years or more (12.78%; 95%CI: 2.98; 23.53) and in the Northeast (12.27%; 95%CI: 8.92; 15.72). Most deaths occurred in the second decade of life (3.01 deaths/million), with a 59% increase in the median age of death in Brazil, from 27.6 to 30.3 years, more pronounced in females and the North Region. The observed gain in the survival of sickle cell disease in Brazil is still much lower than in developed countries and presents regional disparities, probably due to the lack of access to health care and recent treatments, such as hydroxyurea, still restricted to hematological referral centers in Brazilian capitals.

Ophthalmological Findings in Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection Examined at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases - INI/Fiocruz.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical characteristics, severity, and ophthalmological changes in SARS-CoV-2 patients through ophthalmological examinations performed at the reference center of the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Brazil. METHODS: This cross-sectional study assessed the examination results of SARS-CoV-2 patients from July 2020 to November 2020. In total, 150 patients were included and allocated into three groups of 50 patients depending on the disease severity. Group 1 patients were in the intensive care unit (ICU), group 2 patients were in the semi-ICU, and group 3 patients were outpatients. RESULTS: Ten (6.7%) patients exhibited ophthalmological changes; five (10%), four (8%), and one (2%) patients in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Ophthalmological findings included candle flame hemorrhage and cotton wool exudates. We analyzed the general characteristics of the 10 patients with ophthalmological changes. Nine were hospitalized and one was seen on an outpatient basis. CONCLUSION: We observed ophthalmic changes in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, despite the absence of any clinical or laboratory risk factors indicative of such changes.

Social inequalities in the temporal trend of mortality from sickle cell disease in Brazil, 1996-2019 / Desigualdades sociais na tendência temporal de mortalidade por doença falciforme no Brasil, 1996-2019 / Desigualdades sociales en la tendencia temporal de la mortalidad por enfermedad de células falciformes en Brasil, 1996-2019

Contrary to international trends, the mortality rate of sickle cell disease increased in Brazil after the implementation of the neonatal screening program, probably due to improving access to diagnosis. This study aimed to assess differences in the temporal trend of the mortality rate and median age at death from sickle cell disease in Brazil, considering implemented measures to expand diagnosis, and improve health care access in-country and in the international scenario. Time series were extracted from the Brazilian Mortality Information System from 1996 to 2019. Changes in the mortality rate and median age at death were verified via segmented regression models, which were stratified by sex, region of residence, and age. Most deaths occurred in non-white people, young adults, and the Southeast and Northeast population. Sickle cell disease mortality rate increased until 2010 (13.31%; 95%CI: 6.37; 20.70), particularly in individuals aged 30 years or more (12.78%; 95%CI: 2.98; 23.53) and in the Northeast (12.27%; 95%CI: 8.92; 15.72). Most deaths occurred in the second decade of life (3.01 deaths/million), with a 59% increase in the median age of death in Brazil, from 27.6 to 30.3 years, more pronounced in females and the North Region. The observed gain in the survival of sickle cell disease in Brazil is still much lower than in developed countries and presents regional disparities, probably due to the lack of access to health care and recent treatments, such as hydroxyurea, still restricted to hematological referral centers in Brazilian capitals.

Ao contrário dos estudos internacionais, houve um aumento da taxa de mortalidade por doença falciforme no Brasil após a implantação do programa de triagem neonatal, provavelmente devido à melhoria do acesso ao diagnóstico. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as diferenças na tendência temporal da taxa de mortalidade por doença falciforme e idade mediana ao morrer no Brasil, considerando as medidas implementadas para ampliar o diagnóstico e melhorar o acesso à saúde no país e no cenário internacional. As séries temporais foram extraídas do Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade de 1996 a 2019. Mudanças na magnitude da taxa de mortalidade e na idade mediana ao morrer foram verificadas via modelos de regressão segmentada, estratificados por sexo, região de residência e idade. A maioria dos óbitos ocorreu entre jovens, pretos ou pardos, e habitantes das regiões Sudeste e Nordeste. Houve um aumento da taxa de mortalidade por doença falciforme até 2010 (13,31%; IC95%: 6,37; 20,70), especialmente em indivíduos com 30 anos ou mais (12,78%; IC95%: 2,98; 23,53) e habitantes do Nordeste (12,27%; IC95%: 8,92; 15,72). A maioria dos óbitos ocorreu durante a segunda década de vida (3,01 óbitos/milhão), com um aumento de 59% na idade mediana ao morrer no Brasil (de 27,6 para 30,3 anos), mais acentuada entre mulheres e na Região Norte. O aumento observado na sobrevivência da doença falciforme no Brasil ainda é muito menor do que em países desenvolvidos e com disparidades regionais, provavelmente pela falta de acesso aos serviços de saúde e aos tratamentos recentes, como a hidroxiureia, que ainda é restrita aos centros de referência hematológicos das capitais brasileiras.

A diferencia de los estudios internacionales, en Brasil se produjo un aumento de la tasa de mortalidad por enfermedad de células falciformes tras la implantación del programa de tamizaje neonatal, probablemente debido a la mejora del acceso al diagnóstico. El objetivo del estudio es determinar las diferencias en la tendencia temporal de la tasa de mortalidad y la edad media de muerte por enfermedad de células falciformes en Brasil, teniendo en cuenta las medidas implementadas para ampliar el diagnóstico y mejorar el acceso a la atención sanitaria en el país y en el escenario internacional. Las series temporales fueron extraídas del Sistema de Información sobre de Mortalidad de 1996 a 2019. Los cambios en la magnitud de la tasa de mortalidad y la edad media de la muerte se identificaron con modelos de regresión segmentados, estratificados por sexo, región de residencia y edad. La mayoría de las muertes ocurrieron en personas de color, adultos jóvenes y los habitantes del sureste y noreste. Hubo un aumento de la tasa de mortalidad por enfermedad de células falciformes hasta 2010 (13,31%; IC95%: 6,37; 20,70), sobre todo en individuos de 30 años o más (12,78%; IC95%: 2,98; 23,53) y en el Noreste (12,27%; IC95%: 8,92; 15,72). La mayoría de las muertes ocurrió en la segunda década de la vida (3,01 muertes/millón), con un aumento del 59% en la edad media de muerte en Brasil, de 27,6 a 30,3 años, más pronunciado en las mujeres y en el Norte. La ganancia observada en la supervivencia de la enfermedad de células falciformes en Brasil es todavía muy inferior a la de los países desarrollados y con disparidades regionales, probablemente debido a la falta de acceso a la asistencia sanitaria y a los tratamientos recientes, como la hidroxiurea, todavía restringidos a los centros de referencia hematológica de las capitales brasileñas.

Comparison between Colorimetric In Situ Hybridization, Histopathology, and Immunohistochemistry for the Diagnosis of New World Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Human Skin Samples.

New world cutaneous leishmaniasis (NWCL) is an anthropozoonosis caused by different species of the protozoan Leishmania. Colorimetric in situ hybridization (CISH) was shown to satisfactorily detect amastigote forms of Leishmania spp. in animal tissues, yet it was not tested for the diagnosis of human NWCL. The aim of this study was to compare CISH, histopathology (HP), and immunohistochemistry (IHC) techniques to diagnose NWCL in human cutaneous lesions. The sample comprised fifty formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded skin biopsy specimens from patients with NWCL caused by L. (V.) braziliensis. These specimens were analyzed by CISH, using a generic probe for Leishmania, IHC, and HP to assess the sensitivity of these methods by using a parasitological culture as a standard reference. Additional specimens from three patients diagnosed with cutaneous mycoses were also included to evaluate cross-reactions between CISH and IHC. The sensitivities of IHC, CISH, and HP for detecting amastigotes was 66%, 54%, and 50%, respectively. IHC, unlike CISH, cross-reacted with different species of fungi. Together, these results demonstrate that CISH may be a complementary assay for the detection of amastigote in the laboratorial diagnosis routine of human NWCL caused by L. (V.) braziliensis.

[Adverse childhood experiences, sociodemographic characteristics, and depressive symptoms in adolescents in a municipality in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil]. / Experiências adversas na infância, características sociodemográficas e sintomas de depressão em adolescentes de um município do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

The study aimed to identify patterns in adverse childhood experiences among teenage schoolchildren in a municipality (county) in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, according to sociodemographic characteristics (sex, skin color, and socioeconomic status) and depressive symptoms. It adopted a cross-sectional design with a sample of 1,117 teenage schoolchildren 13 to 19 years of age in São Gonçalo, Rio de Janeiro State. Depression was assessed with the Childhood Depression Inventory, and adverse childhood experiences were investigated. The study used bivariate analyses and multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) of adverse childhood experiences, sociodemographic variables (sex, skin color, socioeconomic status), and depressive symptoms. The results reveal the organization of eight groups: lower-income female children and adolescents and adverse childhood experiences related to the environment; boys, with higher socioeconomic status, and not having experienced adverse childhood experiences; adolescents with depressive symptoms and adverse childhood experiences against themselves or their families; white adolescents, with depressive symptoms, and that had not experienced adverse childhood experiences; black, brown, Asian-descendant, and indigenous adolescents that had adverse experiences in the family and community; adolescents that had lost their father and/or mother from death, and lack of food at home; adolescents that had experienced psychological violence; and adolescents with a history of sexual experiences involving their parents. The findings call attention to the need for close and early attention to exposure to adverse childhood experiences to care for these youngsters, intervene, and mitigate the negative effects both at present, over the course of life, and in future generations.

O objetivo foi identificar os padrões das experiências adversas na infância entre adolescentes escolares de um município do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, segundo características sociodemográficas (sexo, cor da pele e estrato socioeconômico) e sintomas depressivos. Caracteriza-se por um desenho transversal com amostra de 1.117 adolescentes escolares de 13 a 19 anos do Município de São Gonçalo, Rio de Janeiro. A depressão foi avaliada pelo Inventário de Depressão Infantil e foram investigadas experiências adversas na infância. A análise envolveu análises bivariadas e análise de correspondência múltipla (ACM) das experiências adversas na infância, variáveis sociodemográficas (sexo, cor de pele e estrato socioeconômico) e sintomas depressivos. Os resultados mostram a organização de oito grupos composto por: meninas e adolescentes de estrato social mais baixo e experiências adversas na infância relacionadas ao ambiente; meninos, ser de estrato social mais alto e não ter vivido experiências adversas na infância; adolescentes com sintomas de depressão e experiências adversas na infância dirigidas fisicamente a eles/família; adolescentes de cor de pele branca, sem sintomas de depressão e que não vivenciaram experiências adversas na infância; adolescentes de cor de pele preta/parta/amarela/indígena que vivenciaram experiências adversas na família e na comunidade; adolescentes que perderam pai e mãe por morte, e falta de comida em casa; adolescentes que vivenciaram violência psicológica; e adolescentes que vivenciaram experiências sexuais envolvendo seus pais. Os achados alertam para a necessidade de olhar com atenção e o mais cedo possível para a exposição de experiências adversas na infância de forma a cuidar, intervir e mitigar os efeitos negativos no momento atual, no curso de vida e em gerações futuras.

El objetivo fue identificar los patrones de experiencias adversas en la infancia entre adolescentes escolares de un municipio de Río de Janeiro, Brasil, según las características sociodemográficas (género, color de piel y estrato socioeconómico) y los síntomas depresivos. Se trató de un estudio transversal, realizado con 1.117 adolescentes escolares de entre 13 y 19 años de la ciudad de São Gonçalo, Río de Janeiro. La depresión se evaluó con el Inventario de Depresión Infantil, y se investigaron las experiências adversas na infância. Se realizó un análisis bivariante y un análisis de correspondencias múltiples (ACM) de las experiências adversas na infância, las variables sociodemográficas (género, color de la piel y estrato socioeconómico) y los síntomas depresivos. Los resultados muestran la organización de 8 grupos compuestos por: niñas y adolescentes de bajo estrato social y experiências adversas na infância relacionadas con el entorno; niños de más alto estrato social y que no han experimentado experiências adversas na infância; adolescentes con síntomas de depresión y experiências adversas na infância dirigidas físicamente a ellos/familia; adolescentes de color de la piel blanco, sin síntomas de depresión y que no experimentaron experiências adversas na infância; adolescentes negros/pardos/amarillos/indígenas que han vivido experiencias adversas en la familia y la comunidad; adolescentes que han perdido a sus padres, y la falta de alimentos en el hogar; adolescentes que han sufrido violencia psicológica; y adolescentes que han vivido experiencias sexuales con sus padres. Los hallazgos alertan sobre la necesidad de observar atentamente y lo antes posible la exposición a las experiências adversas na infância para atender, intervenir y mitigar los efectos negativos en el momento actual, en el curso de la vida y en las generaciones futuras.

Características de adultos com obesidade grave em tratamento ambulatorial no Rio de Janeiro e fatores associados à perda de peso / Characteristics of adults with severe obesity in clinical treatment in Rio de Janeiro and factors associated with weight loss / Características de adultos con obesidad severa en tratamiento clínico en Rio de Janeiro y factores asociados a la pérdida de peso

Resumo Introdução O tratamento da obesidade grave é pouco estudado no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Objetivo: Descrever clientela, atendimento e fatores associados à perda de peso em Centros de Referência em Obesidade (CRO), na cidade do Rio de Janeiro. Método Coorte retrospectiva baseada em registros de prontuários de 317 indivíduos com obesidade grave atendidos em três CRO-RJ entre 2011 e 2016. Foram descritas frequências e estimados riscos relativos com IC 95% para perda de ≥ 5% do peso inicial aos 6 e 12 meses de tratamento. Resultados Predominaram mulheres (76,3%), negros (69,5%), com média de 44,6 anos (DP 11,9), tratamento prévio para obesidade (62,1%), história familiar de obesidade (42,6%) e 2 ou mais comorbidades (52%). A mediana do IMC inicial foi de 51,5 kg/m2, e a do tempo de tratamento, 10 meses. Somente 14,8% perderam ≥ 5% do peso inicial após 12 meses de tratamento, sendo o risco relativo de perda de peso 78% maior entre indivíduos brancos. Predominaram tratamento dietético e mudanças de hábitos de vida, com baixo uso de medicamentos antiobesidade (14%) e cirurgia bariátrica (3%, sendo 1% no SUS). Conclusão Os resultados do tratamento sugerem necessidade de readequar práticas terapêuticas às indicadas para indivíduos com superobesidade, inclusive maior acesso à cirurgia bariátrica.

Abstract Background There are few studies on severe obesity in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). Objective To describe patients, treatment approaches and factors associated with weight loss at the Obesity Reference Centers (CRO), in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Method Retrospective cohort study based on medical records of 317 patients with severe obesity admitted to three CRO-RJ, between 2011 and 2016. Frequencies were described and relative risks with 95% CI of ≥ 5% loss of body weight at 6 and 12 months of treatment were estimated. Results Patients were mainly black (69.5%), women (76.3%), mean age 44.6 years (SD 11.9), reporting ≥ 2 comorbidities (52%), previous treatment (62.1%) and family history of obesity (42.6%). The initial mean BMI was 51.5 kg/m2; average treatment time was 10 months. 14.8% lost ≥ 5% of the initial weight after 12 months of treatment and the relative risk of weight loss was 78% higher among white patients. Approaches based on diet and changes in lifestyle predominated. 14% used anti-obesity drugs and 3% underwent bariatric surgery (1% in the SUS). Conclusion Treatment results suggest the need to adjust management to follow treatment guidelines for superobesity, including bariatric surgery.

Resumen Introducción El tratamiento de la obesidad severa está poco estudiado en el SUS. Objetivo Describir la clientela, el manejo y los factores asociados con la pérdida de peso en los Centros de Referencia para la Obesidad (CRO), en la ciudad de Río de Janeiro. Método Cohorte retrospectiva basada en registros médicos de 317 individuos con obesidad severa tratados en tres CRO-RJ entre 2011 y 2016. Se describieron las frecuencias y estimaron riesgos relativos con un IC del 95% para la pérdida de ≥ 5% del peso inicial a los 6 y 12 meses de tratamiento. Resultados Predominaron las mujeres (76.3%), negros (69.5%), con una media de 44.6 años (DE 11.9), tratamiento previo (62.1%), antecedentes familiares de obesidad (42.6%) y dos o más comorbilidades (52.0%). La mediana del IMC inicial fue de 51.5 kg/m2 y el tiempo de tratamiento fue de 10 meses. Solo el 14.8% perdió ≥ 5% de su peso inicial después de 12 meses de tratamiento, con un riesgo de pérdida de peso 78% mayor entre los individuos blancos. Predominaron el tratamiento dietético y los cambios en los hábitos de estilo de vida, con un bajo uso de medicamentos contra la obesidad (14%) y cirugía bariátrica (3%, 1% en SUS). Conclusión Los resultados del tratamiento sugieren la necesidad de reajustar las prácticas terapéuticas a las indicadas en la superobesidad, incluido un mayor acceso a la cirugía bariátrica.

Experiências adversas na infância, características sociodemográficas e sintomas de depressão em adolescentes de um município do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil / Adverse childhood experiences, sociodemographic characteristics, and depressive symptoms in adolescents in a municipality in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Experiencias adversas en la infancia, características sociodemográficas y síntomas de depresión entre adolescentes de un municipio de Río de Janeiro, Brasil

O objetivo foi identificar os padrões das experiências adversas na infância entre adolescentes escolares de um município do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, segundo características sociodemográficas (sexo, cor da pele e estrato socioeconômico) e sintomas depressivos. Caracteriza-se por um desenho transversal com amostra de 1.117 adolescentes escolares de 13 a 19 anos do Município de São Gonçalo, Rio de Janeiro. A depressão foi avaliada pelo Inventário de Depressão Infantil e foram investigadas experiências adversas na infância. A análise envolveu análises bivariadas e análise de correspondência múltipla (ACM) das experiências adversas na infância, variáveis sociodemográficas (sexo, cor de pele e estrato socioeconômico) e sintomas depressivos. Os resultados mostram a organização de oito grupos composto por: meninas e adolescentes de estrato social mais baixo e experiências adversas na infância relacionadas ao ambiente; meninos, ser de estrato social mais alto e não ter vivido experiências adversas na infância; adolescentes com sintomas de depressão e experiências adversas na infância dirigidas fisicamente a eles/família; adolescentes de cor de pele branca, sem sintomas de depressão e que não vivenciaram experiências adversas na infância; adolescentes de cor de pele preta/parta/amarela/indígena que vivenciaram experiências adversas na família e na comunidade; adolescentes que perderam pai e mãe por morte, e falta de comida em casa; adolescentes que vivenciaram violência psicológica; e adolescentes que vivenciaram experiências sexuais envolvendo seus pais. Os achados alertam para a necessidade de olhar com atenção e o mais cedo possível para a exposição de experiências adversas na infância de forma a cuidar, intervir e mitigar os efeitos negativos no momento atual, no curso de vida e em gerações futuras.

The study aimed to identify patterns in adverse childhood experiences among teenage schoolchildren in a municipality (county) in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, according to sociodemographic characteristics (sex, skin color, and socioeconomic status) and depressive symptoms. It adopted a cross-sectional design with a sample of 1,117 teenage schoolchildren 13 to 19 years of age in São Gonçalo, Rio de Janeiro State. Depression was assessed with the Childhood Depression Inventory, and adverse childhood experiences were investigated. The study used bivariate analyses and multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) of adverse childhood experiences, sociodemographic variables (sex, skin color, socioeconomic status), and depressive symptoms. The results reveal the organization of eight groups: lower-income female children and adolescents and adverse childhood experiences related to the environment; boys, with higher socioeconomic status, and not having experienced adverse childhood experiences; adolescents with depressive symptoms and adverse childhood experiences against themselves or their families; white adolescents, with depressive symptoms, and that had not experienced adverse childhood experiences; black, brown, Asian-descendant, and indigenous adolescents that had adverse experiences in the family and community; adolescents that had lost their father and/or mother from death, and lack of food at home; adolescents that had experienced psychological violence; and adolescents with a history of sexual experiences involving their parents. The findings call attention to the need for close and early attention to exposure to adverse childhood experiences to care for these youngsters, intervene, and mitigate the negative effects both at present, over the course of life, and in future generations.

El objetivo fue identificar los patrones de experiencias adversas en la infancia entre adolescentes escolares de un municipio de Río de Janeiro, Brasil, según las características sociodemográficas (género, color de piel y estrato socioeconómico) y los síntomas depresivos. Se trató de un estudio transversal, realizado con 1.117 adolescentes escolares de entre 13 y 19 años de la ciudad de São Gonçalo, Río de Janeiro. La depresión se evaluó con el Inventario de Depresión Infantil, y se investigaron las experiências adversas na infância. Se realizó un análisis bivariante y un análisis de correspondencias múltiples (ACM) de las experiências adversas na infância, las variables sociodemográficas (género, color de la piel y estrato socioeconómico) y los síntomas depresivos. Los resultados muestran la organización de 8 grupos compuestos por: niñas y adolescentes de bajo estrato social y experiências adversas na infância relacionadas con el entorno; niños de más alto estrato social y que no han experimentado experiências adversas na infância; adolescentes con síntomas de depresión y experiências adversas na infância dirigidas físicamente a ellos/familia; adolescentes de color de la piel blanco, sin síntomas de depresión y que no experimentaron experiências adversas na infância; adolescentes negros/pardos/amarillos/indígenas que han vivido experiencias adversas en la familia y la comunidad; adolescentes que han perdido a sus padres, y la falta de alimentos en el hogar; adolescentes que han sufrido violencia psicológica; y adolescentes que han vivido experiencias sexuales con sus padres. Los hallazgos alertan sobre la necesidad de observar atentamente y lo antes posible la exposición a las experiências adversas na infância para atender, intervenir y mitigar los efectos negativos en el momento actual, en el curso de la vida y en las generaciones futuras.

An old drug and different ways to treat cutaneous leishmaniasis: Intralesional and intramuscular meglumine antimoniate in a reference center, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) remains challenging since the drugs currently used are quite toxic, thus contributing to lethality unrelated to the disease itself but to adverse events (AE). The main objective was to evaluate different treatment regimens with meglumine antimoniate (MA), in a reference center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. METHODOLOGY: A historical cohort of 592 patients that underwent physical and laboratory examination were enrolled between 2000 and 2017. The outcome measures of effectiveness were epithelialization and complete healing of cutaneous lesions. AE were graded using a standardized scale. Three groups were evaluated: Standard regimen (SR): intramuscular (IM) MA 10-20 mg Sb5+/kg/day during 20 days (n = 46); Alternative regimen (AR): IM MA 5 mg Sb5+/kg/day during 30 days (n = 456); Intralesional route (IL): MA infiltration in the lesion(s) through subcutaneous injections (n = 90). Statistical analysis was performed through Fisher exact and Pearson Chi-square tests, Kruskal-Wallis, Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests. RESULTS: SR, AR and IL showed efficacy of 95.3%, 84.3% and 75.9%, with abandonment rate of 6.5%, 2.4% and 3.4%, respectively. IL patients had more comorbidities (58.9%; p = 0.001), were mostly over 50 years of age (55.6%), and had an evolution time longer than 2 months (65.6%; p = 0.02). Time for epithelialization and complete healing were similar in IL and IM MA groups (p = 0.9 and p = 0.5; respectively). Total AE and moderate to severe AE that frequently led to treatment interruption were more common in SR group, while AR and IL showed less toxicity. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: AR and IL showed less toxicity and may be good options especially in CL cases with comorbidities, although SR treatment was more effective. IL treatment was an effective and safe strategy, and it may be used as first therapy option as well as a rescue scheme in patients initially treated with other drugs.

ZIKA Virus Neutralizing Antibody Kinetics in Antenatally Exposed Infants.

BACKGROUND: Zika virus (ZIKV) is associated with severe congenital abnormalities and laboratory diagnosis of antenatal infection is difficult. Here we evaluated ZIKV neutralizing antibody (nAb) kinetics in infants born to mothers with PCR-confirmed ZIKV infection during pregnancy. METHODS: Neonates (n = 98) had serum specimens tested repeatedly for ZIKV nAb over the first 2 years of life using virus neutralization test (VNT). ZIKV neonatal infection was confirmed by RT-PCR in blood or urine and/or presence of ZIKV IgM antibodies, and results were correlated with infant clinical features. RESULTS: Postnatal laboratory evidence of ZIKV vertical transmission was obtained for 60.2% of children, while 32.7% exhibited clinical abnormalities. Congenital abnormalities were found in 37.3% of children with confirmed ZIKV infection and 31.0% of children without confirmed infection (P = .734). All but 1 child displayed a physiologic decline in ZIKV nAb, reflecting maternal antibody decay, despite an early ZIKV-IgM response in one-third of infants. CONCLUSIONS: Infants with antenatal ZIKV exposure do not develop ZIKV nAb despite an early IgM response. Therefore, ZIKV VNT in children is not useful for diagnosis of congenital infection. In light of these findings, it remains to be determined if children infected in utero are potentially susceptible to reinfection.

24-hour Holter findings in infants with in-utero exposure to the Zika virus: a series of cases.

Severe neurological problems and other special manifestations such as high prevalence of structural cardiac changes has been described in infants vertically exposed to the Zika virus (ZIKV) and has been called congenital Zika virus syndrome (CZS). Previous studies have shown that the 24-hour Holter heart rate variability (HRV) analysis allows the prediction of worse outcomes in infants with neurological impairment and higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), hypertension, diabetes mellitus and other cardiovascular diseases. This study describes the 24-hour Holter findings of infants with confirmed vertical exposure to the ZIKV by positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays in the mother's blood during pregnancy and/or in the urine or cerebrospinal fluid of the newborn. Data analysis was descriptive and included two subgroups according to the presence of fetal distress, positive PCR to ZIKV in the newborn, CZS and severe microcephaly. Heart rate, pauses, arrhythmias, ST segment and QT interval analyses and HRV evaluation through R-R, SDNN, pNN50 and rMMSD were described. The Mann-Whitney test was performed to assess differences between the two subgroups. The sample consisted of 15 infants with a mean age of 16 months, nine of whom were male. No arrhythmias or QT interval changes were observed. The comparison of HRV through the Mann-Whitney test showed a significant difference between patients with and without CZS, with and without severe microcephaly, with lower HRV in the groups with severe microcephaly and CZS. The study suggests that there is an increased risk of SIDS and cardiovascular diseases in this group of patients.

Favorable responses to treatment with 5 mg Sbv/kg/day meglumine antimoniate in patients with American tegumentary leishmaniasis acquired in different Brazilian regions.

INTRODUCTION: Favorable responses in American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) patients to treatment with 5 mg Sbv/kg/day meglumine antimoniate (MA) has been reported in Rio de Janeiro, but little is known regarding the therapeutic response to low doses in patients from other locations. METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records was conducted to compare the therapeutic response to 5 mg Sbv/kg/day MA treatment among 36 patients who acquired ATL in Brazilian states other than Rio de Janeiro (OS group) and 72 patients from Rio de Janeiro (RJ group). RESULTS: One course of 5 mg Sbv/kg/day MA cured 72.8% of 81 cutaneous (CL) and 66.6% of 27 mucosal (ML) leishmaniasis-infected patients: 70% in the CL/RJ group, 81% in the CL/OS group, 50% in the ML/RJ group, and 80% in the ML/OS group. After up to two additional treatment courses at the same dose, 88.9% and 85.2% of the CL and ML patients were cured, respectively. Adverse events were observed in 40% of patients in the CL/RJ group, 57% of the CL/OS group, 58% of the ML/RJ group, and 80% of the ML/OS group. No significant differences were observed in the cure rates or adverse effects between the RJ and OS groups. No patients required permanent discontinuation of treatment due to adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ATL acquired in both RJ and OS may respond to low-dose MA. While high-dose MA should remain the standard treatment for ATL, low-dose MA might be preferred when toxicity is a primary concern.

Favorable responses to treatment with 5 mg Sbv/kg/day meglumine antimoniate in patients with American tegumentary leishmaniasis acquired in different Brazilian regions

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Favorable responses in American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) patients to treatment with 5 mg Sbv/kg/day meglumine antimoniate (MA) has been reported in Rio de Janeiro, but little is known regarding the therapeutic response to low doses in patients from other locations. METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records was conducted to compare the therapeutic response to 5 mg Sbv/kg/day MA treatment among 36 patients who acquired ATL in Brazilian states other than Rio de Janeiro (OS group) and 72 patients from Rio de Janeiro (RJ group). RESULTS: One course of 5 mg Sbv/kg/day MA cured 72.8% of 81 cutaneous (CL) and 66.6% of 27 mucosal (ML) leishmaniasis-infected patients: 70% in the CL/RJ group, 81% in the CL/OS group, 50% in the ML/RJ group, and 80% in the ML/OS group. After up to two additional treatment courses at the same dose, 88.9% and 85.2% of the CL and ML patients were cured, respectively. Adverse events were observed in 40% of patients in the CL/RJ group, 57% of the CL/OS group, 58% of the ML/RJ group, and 80% of the ML/OS group. No significant differences were observed in the cure rates or adverse effects between the RJ and OS groups. No patients required permanent discontinuation of treatment due to adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ATL acquired in both RJ and OS may respond to low-dose MA. While high-dose MA should remain the standard treatment for ATL, low-dose MA might be preferred when toxicity is a primary concern.

Effects of antiretroviral treatment and nadir CD4 count in progression to cardiovascular events and related comorbidities in a HIV Brazilian cohort: a multi-stage approach.

The use of highly active antiretroviral therapy has resulted in changes of comorbidity profile in people living with HIV (PLHIV), increasing non-AIDS-related events. The occurrence of cardiovascular events is greater in PLHIV, but the mechanism responsible for it is still controversial. This article aimed to investigate factors associated with the progression to cardiovascular events in PLHIV using HAART. A 15-years cohort study with 1135 PLHIV was conducted in Rio de Janeiro-Brazil. Clinical progression was stratified in five states: No comorbidities (s1), arterial hypertension (s2), lipid abnormalities (s3), hypertension and lipid abnormalities (s4) and major cardiovascular events (stroke, coronary artery disease, thrombosis or death) (s5). Semi-Markov models evaluated the effects of cardiovascular traditional factors, treatment and clinical covariates on transitions between these states. Hazard Ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were provided. In addition to traditional factors (age, sex, educational level and skin color), the development of one comorbidity (lipid abnormalities or hypertension) increased in patients with low nadir CD4 (<50 cells/mm3), (HR = 1.59, CI 1.11-2.28 and 1.36, CI 1.11-1.66, respectively). The risk to experience a second comorbidity (s3→s4) increased 75% with low nadir CD4. Age was the only factor that increased the risk of major cardiovascular events once having lipid abnormalities with or without hypertension (s3,s4→s5). The prolonged use of certain antiretroviral drugs (abacavir, didanosine, ritonavir, lopinavir, amprenavir and fosamprenavir) increased the risk of direct transition (s1→s5) to major cardiovascular events (HR = 5.29, CI 1.16-24.05). This analysis suggests that prolonged use of certain antiretroviral drugs led directly to major cardiovascular events, while low nadir CD4 only affected the occurrence of lipid abnormalities and hypertension. Management strategies, including rational use of complex exams (such as, computed-tomography angiography), statins and antihypertensives, should be developed based on the distinct roles of antiretroviral use and of HIV infection itself on the progression to cardiovascular events.

Vulnerabilidade Social na Infância e expressão no desenho da família / Social vulnerability in childhood and it's expressions on the family drawing

Este capítulo tem como objetivo discutir a situação de pobreza que atinge as crianças brasileiras e suas famílias, vítimas da desigualdade social e da fragilidade das políticas públicas como as de saúde e educação. Procuramos investigar, a partir de desenhos da família realizados por crianças de seis a 13 anos, matriculadas na rede pública de São Gonçalo/RJ, a existência de expressões gráficas que indicassem vulnerabilidades sociais vividas por elas. (AU)

Desenho de crianças com sintomas de ansiedade / Children drawnings with anxiety symptoms

Este capítulo tem como objetivo investigar peculiaridades do desenho da família feito por 364 crianças escolares de São Gonçalo, em 2005. Buscamos encontrar diferenças no traçado e no contexto das 63 que apresentam sintomas de transtornos de ansiedade e de outras 301 sem nenhum outro problema emocional ou comportamental, como sintomas de depressão, agressividade, hiperatividade, desatenção e problemas no pensamento de depressão, agressividade, hiperatividade, desatenção e problemas no pensamento e no contato social. (AU)

Crianças com sintomas de depressão: sinais no desenho / Children with depression sympthoms: signs on the drawing

Neste capítulo, nosso objetivo é conhecer as peculiaridades gerais e mais específicas do desenho de crianças com sintomas de depressão. Pretendemos também discutir aspectos familiares, individuais e contextuais relacionados à depressão infantil. Para ilustrar alguns resultados, utilizamos falas das mães entrevistadas na abordagem qualitativa. Aqui o enfoque de análise do desenho busca menos os aspectos projetivos e mais a análise empírica dos achados. Estudamos também alguns casos em maior profundidade, visando minimizar as interpretações isoladas de significados. Uma substancial análise projetiva exigiria lançar mãos de outros recursos não utilizados aqui, principalmente um contato mais próximo e aprofundado com a criança e sua família. (AU)

Expressões do comportamento agressivo e da violação de regras no desenho da família / Expressions of aggressive behavior and the rules violation of family drawning

Este capítulo tem como objetivo investigar peculiaridades de traçado e contexto do desenho de 68 crianças com problemas de comportamento externalizantes, caracterizados por atitudes agressivas e violação de regras sociais. Ao longo do capítulo, comparamos essas crianças com outras 301 sem nenhum outro transtorno emocional ou comportamental como depressão, ansiedade, hiperatividade, desatenção ou problemas no pensamento e no contato social, visando facilitar a visualização de diferenças possivelmente existentes. (AU)

Use of Warning Signs for Dengue by Pediatric Health Care Staff in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the use of dengue warning signs by pediatric healthcare staff in the Brazilian public health care system. METHODS: Cross-sectional study (2012) with physicians, nurses, and nurse technicians assisting children in five health care facilities. Participants reported the use and importance of dengue warning signs in pediatrics clinical practice through a structured questionnaire. Differences in the use of signs (chi-square test) and in the ranking assigned to each of them (Kruskal-Wallis) were assessed according to health care occupation and level of care (p<0.05). RESULTS: The final sample comprised 474 participants (97%), mean age of 37 years (standard deviation = 10.3), mainly females (83.8%), physicians (40.1%) and from tertiary care (75.1%). The majority (91%) reported using warning signs for dengue in pediatrics clinical practice. The most widely used and highly valued signs were major hemorrhages (gastrointestinal, urinary), abdominal pain, and increase in hematocrit concurrent or not with rapid decrease in platelet count. Persistent vomiting as well as other signs of plasma leakage such as respiratory distress and lethargy/restlessness were not identified as having the same degree of importance, especially by nurse technicians and in primary or secondary care. DISCUSSION: Although most health care staff reported using dengue warning signs, it would be useful to extend the training for identifying easily recognizable signs of plasma leakage that occur regardless of bleeding.