Vomiting after intrathecal chemotherapy under anesthesia in pediatric patients with hematologic cancers: A cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Despite preventive strategies, vomiting is an adverse event affecting patients with cancer. However, literature on the incidence and risk factors for vomiting in pediatric patients with cancer are scarce. AIM: To assess the incidence and risk factors for vomiting within 24 h and goodness of fit for the Eberhart score in pediatric patients with hematologic cancers after receiving intrathecal chemotherapy under deep sedation. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included patients under 20 years of age with hematologic cancers who were scheduled to undergo intrathecal chemotherapy under anesthesia. The primary outcome was the occurrence of vomiting within 24 h after the end of anesthesia. Sociodemographic and procedure data and underlying diseases were collected. Patients were monitored during the procedure, in the postanesthesia care unit, and the day after (by phone call). RESULTS: A total of 139 patients were included, and the incidence of vomiting was 30.9% within 24 h after intrathecal chemotherapy under anesthesia, with 90.7% of vomiting prior to 6 h. Prophylactic ondansetron was administered prior to the procedure to 45.3% of patients. Risk factors for vomiting were female gender (hazard ratio: 2.47, 95% confidence interval: 1.35-4.53, p: .003), consolidation phase of treatment (hazard ratio: 2.16, 95% confidence interval: 1.10-4.24, p: .025), and history of kinetosis (hazard ratio: 2.49, 95% confidence interval: 1.31-4.70, p: .005). Incidence of vomit was higher than estimated by the Eberhart score distribution (observed incidence in patients with a score of zero: 33.3%; with a score of one: 28.8%; with a score of two: 60%). CONCLUSION: A high incidence of vomiting was observed within 24 h after intrathecal chemotherapy under propofol deep sedation. Risk factors for this outcome were established (being female, consolidation phase of treatment, and previous kinetosis), and evidence suggested that the Eberhart score was not suitable for the studied population.

Telemedicine in Post-Exposure Prophylaxis to Biological Material During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Impact on Care and Outcome Indicators.

Introduction: The restrictions on face-to-face care for exposure to biological material during the COVID-19 pandemic required alternatives to maintain outpatient assistance. This study evaluated the impact of telemedicine on care and outcome indicators of a reference service for exposure to biological material during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This pre- and post-study compared the effectiveness of telemedicine in the Hospital Correia Picanço in Recife (Pernambuco, Brazil) before (August 2018 to January 2019 [P1]) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (August 2020 to January 2021 [P2]). Individuals above 18 years old exposed to biological material who sought the service during P1 or P2 were included in the study. Results: A total of 4,494 cases were assessed (1,997 in P1 and 2,497 in P2), mostly because of sexual exposure (62.3%). The mean age was 32.2 ± 9.2 years, most individuals were male (64.9%), originated from Recife (56.6%), and the education level was up to 12 years (53.7%). P2 presented 43% more attendances and shorter intervals between the exposure and first attendance (51%), first testing (28%), and discharge (10%) than P1 (p < 0.05), and cases had no difference in discharge rate (p = 0.339). Cases of sexual exposure had the highest dropout rate in both periods. Conclusion: Telemedicine maintained similar outcomes to face-to-face care and improved the indicators, increasing the mean monthly attendance and reducing the time between exposure and follow-up.

Brown spiders (Loxosceles) are taking hold in Pernambuco, Brazil: a case series, 2018-2022.

OBJECTIVE: To describe accidents involving brown spider (genus Loxosceles) bites notified by the Pernambuco Poison Information and Care Center (CIATox-PE), Brazil, from January 2018 to December 2022. METHODS: This was a case series study of brown spider bites notified by the CIATox-PE. RESULTS: The study included 22 cases with median age of 35 years, the majority being female (13); the cases occurred in rural and urban areas (12 versus 10), at night (10); Petrolina was the municipality with the highest number of notifications (6); spider bites occurred mainly in the lower (11) and upper (9) limbs, almost exclusively inside households (21); specific serum therapy was not indicated for 8 cases because the time for its effectiveness had already elapsed. CONCLUSION: Loxoscelism cases occurred more frequently in females, in both rural and urban areas and mainly at home, with delays in seeking medical care. MAIN RESULTS: The 22 cases described represent an alert for the presence of a venomous species not reported in previous studies in Pernambuco. The severity of cases may be associated with delays in seeking medical care, especially due to the population's lack of information. IMPLICATIONS FOR SERVICES: Identify the presence of brown spiders in households in the region and the potential severity of poisonings. Alert health professionals to recognize the clinical picture with a view to appropriate early treatment. PERSPECTIVES: Develop research on poisoning by venomous animals and educational actions alerting the population to prevent these accidents and updating health professionals on care.

Ketogenic diet in pharmacoresistant epilepsies: a clinical nutritional assessment.

BACKGROUND: Epilepsies are among the most prevalent chronic neurological diseases, usually beginning in childhood. About 30% of children with epilepsies develop seizures that are difficult to control with medication. Recurrent epileptic seizures hinder diet intake, impairing the nutritional status. Although non-pharmacological interventions (e.g., ketogenic diet therapy) can improve epileptic seizure frequency, few studies analyzed their impact on the nutritional status of children and adolescents with epilepsies. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to evaluate the effects of a ketogenic diet on the nutritional status and clinical course of patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsies. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included patients under 18 years of age followed up at the Ketogenic Diet Ambulatory Clinic of the Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira between December 2015 and December 2021. Socioeconomic, clinical, nutritional, and laboratory data were collected from medical records at different time points during the ketogenic diet. RESULTS: The sample comprised 49 patients aged between 5 months and 17 years (median = 4.4 years), mostly male (62.1%), and from Recife and the metropolitan region (51%). Underweight patients (BMI-for-age) improved their nutritional status in six months. However, patients who were normal weight and overweight maintained their nutritional status. Dyslipidemia was a common and short-term adverse effect. Moreover, the treatment decreased epileptic seizure frequency and antiseizure medication intake. CONCLUSION: The ketogenic diet prevented malnutrition from worsening and reduced epileptic seizures and antiseizure medication intake.

ANTECEDENTES: A epilepsia, uma das doenças neurológicas crônicas mais prevalentes, tem geralmente início na infância. Cerca de 30% das crianças com epilepsia desenvolvem crises de difícil controle medicamentoso. As crises epilépticas recorrentes dificultam a ingestão alimentar, prejudicando o estado nutricional. Intervenções não farmacológicas, como a terapia com dieta cetogênica, podem melhorar a frequência das crises epilépticas, mas existem poucos estudos sobre a repercussão no estado nutricional da criança/adolescente. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito da terapia cetogênica sobre o estado nutricional e a evolução clínica da epilepsia fármaco-resistente. MéTODOS: Estudo tipo corte transversal envolvendo menores de 18 anos acompanhados no Ambulatório de Dieta Cetogênica do Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira entre dezembro de 2015 e dezembro de 2021. Dados socioeconômicos, clínicos, nutricionais e laboratoriais foram coletados nos prontuários dos pacientes em vários momentos da terapia cetogênica. RESULTADOS: A amostra foi composta por 49 pacientes com idades entre cinco meses e 17 anos (mediana = 4,4 anos), a maioria do sexo masculino (62,1%) e procedentes de Recife e região metropolitana (51%). Pacientes com baixo peso (de acordo com o IMC para idade) melhoraram seu estado nutricional em seis meses. No entanto, os pacientes com peso adequado e com sobrepeso mantiveram seu estado nutricional. A dislipidemia foi um efeito adverso frequente e de curta duração. Além disso, o tratamento reduziu a frequência de crises epilépticas e a dose de fármacos anticrises. CONCLUSãO: A dieta cetogênica preveniu o agravamento da desnutrição e reduziu as crises epilépticas e a dosagem de fármacos anticrises.

Survival Analysis in Adult Heart Transplantation: Experience from a Brazilian Single Center.

INTRODUCTION: Heart transplantation is the gold standard for advanced heart failure treatment. This study examines the survival rates and risk factors for early mortality in adult heart transplant recipients at a Brazilian center. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study involved 255 adult heart transplant patients from a single center in Brazil. Data were collected from medical records and databases including three defined periods (2012-2015, 2016-2019, and 2020-2022). Statistical analysis employed Kaplan-Meier survival curves, Cox proportional hazards analysis for 30-day mortality risk factors, and Log-rank tests. RESULTS: The recipients were mostly male (74.9%), and the mean age was 46.6 years. Main causes of heart failure were idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (33.9%), Chagas cardiomyopathy (18%), and ischemic cardiomyopathy (14.3%). The study revealed an overall survival of 68.1% at one year, 58% at five years, and 40.8% at 10 years after heart transplantation. Survivalimproved significantly over time, combining the most recent periods (2016 to 2022) it was 73.2% in the first year and 63% in five years. The main risk factors for 30-day mortality were longer time on cardiopulmonary bypass, the initial period of transplants (2012 to 2015), older age of the donor, and nutritional status of the donor (overweight or obese). The main causes of death within 30 days post-transplant were infection and primary graft dysfunction. CONCLUSION: The survival analysis by period demonstrated that the increased surgical volume, coupled with the team's experience and modifications to the immunosuppression protocol, contributed to the improved early and mid-term outcomes.

Brazilian Women With Lung Cancer Have a Higher Overall Survival Than Their Male Equivalents: A Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer is the principal cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide; however, there has been controversy as to whether there is a difference in survival rate according to gender in Brazil. The aim of the present study, therefore, was to compare the epidemiologic and clinical profile and the overall survival of patients with lung cancer according to gender. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed involving 1283 patients diagnosed with lung cancer between 2006 and 2014 at a single cancer center. Survival analysis was conducted using Kaplan-Meier statistics. A log-rank test was used to assess differences between survival curves, and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to quantitate the relationship between gender and overall survival. RESULTS: Compared with men, women were more frequently younger (P < .001), nonsmokers (P = .007), diagnosed with adenocarcinoma (P < .001), had early stage disease (P < .001), received surgery or surgery in combination with chemotherapy (P < .001), and had a better survival rate (P < .001). The median overall survival rate was higher in women (14.2 vs. 10.5 months in men; P < .001). Cox regression-adjusted analysis shows that women were 16% less likely to die than men (hazard ratio, 0.84; 95% confidence interval, 0.72-0.98; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: A higher overall survival rate was found in women with lung cancer as compared with men with lung cancer in Brazil.

Tumor-node-metastasis staging and treatment patterns of 73,167 patients with lung cancer in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the clinical and histological profile, as well as treatment patterns, of patients with early-stage, locally advanced (LA), or advanced/metastatic (AM) lung cancer, diagnosed between 2000 and 2014, in Brazil. METHODS: This was an analytical cross-sectional epidemiological study employing data obtained for the 2000-2014 period from the hospital cancer registries of two institutions in Brazil: the José Alencar Gomes da Silva National Cancer Institute, in the city of Rio de Janeiro; and the São Paulo Cancer Center Foundation, in the city of São Paulo. RESULTS: We reviewed the data related to 73,167 patients with lung cancer. The proportions of patients with early-stage, LA, and AM lung cancer were 13.3%, 33.2%, and 53.4%, respectively. The patients with early-stage lung cancer were older and were most likely to receive a histological diagnosis of adenocarcinoma; the proportion of patients with early-stage lung cancer remained stable throughout the study period. In those with LA lung cancer, squamous cell carcinoma predominated, and the proportion of patients with LA lung cancer decreased significantly over the period analyzed. Those with AM lung cancer were younger and were most likely to have adenocarcinoma; the proportion of patients with AM lung cancer increased significantly during the study period. Small cell carcinoma accounted for 9.2% of all cases. In our patient sample, the main treatment modality was chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: It is noteworthy that the frequency of AM lung cancer increased significantly during the study period, whereas that of LA lung cancer decreased significantly and that of early-stage lung cancer remained stable. Cancer treatment patterns, by stage, were in accordance with international guidelines.

Comparison of weight estimation methods in hospitalized Brazilian children and adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: in emergencies or in situations involving critically ill patients, an accurate calculation of body weight is essential to ensure adequate medical care. Generally, simple techniques are used to determine weight. Aim: to evaluate the weight estimation methods Advanced Paediatric Life Support (APLS) Update, Luscombe and Owens, Best Guess, and the Broselow tape, comparing measured weight with the weight estimated by each method in hospitalized Brazilian children and adolescents. Methods: an observational study in which anthropometric data were collected from patients of 0-14 years of age between August 2016 and January 2017. The paired t-test was used to compare the patients' measured weight with their estimated weight. The accuracy of each method was analyzed using Bland-Altman plots and Lin's concordance correlation coefficient. Results: the sample consisted of 446 patients. Most of the patients were male (58.1%), of 1-5 years of age (43%) and well nourished (85%). For those under 12 months of age, the APLS Update and Best Guess methods performed best, with the difference in means of measured weight and estimated weight being 0.4 kg (p = 0.183) and -0.2 kg (p = 0.140), respectively. In the 1-5 years of age group only the APLS Update yielded satisfactory results (0.2 kg; p = 0.200). The best agreement with measured weight, according to the Bland-Altman plots and Lin's coefficient, was found for the Broselow tape (CC = 0.96). Conclusion: of the estimation methods evaluated the Broselow tape was the most accurate one. Further studies are required to adapt this method for use in the Brazilian population, thus ensuring its appropriate application in this country.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: en las emergencias o en las situaciones que involucran a pacientes críticamente enfermos, el cálculo preciso del peso corporal es esencial para garantizar una atención médica adecuada. En general se utilizan técnicas simples para determinar el peso. Objetivo: evaluar los métodos de estimación del peso Advanced Paediatric Life Support (APLS) Update, Luscombe y Owens, Best Guess y la cinta Broselow, comparando el peso medido con el peso estimado por cada método en los pacientes hospitalizados. Métodos: estudio observacional en el que se recopilaron datos antropométricos de pacientes de 0 a 14 años de edad entre agosto de 2016 y enero de 2017. Se utilizó la prueba t pareada para comparar el peso medido de los pacientes con su peso estimado. La precisión de cada método se analizó mediante gráficos de Bland-Altman y el coeficiente de correlación de concordancia de Lin. Resultados: la muestra estuvo constituida por 446 pacientes. La mayoría eran varones (58,1%) de 1 a 5 años (43%) y bien nutridos (85%). Para los menores de 12 meses de edad, los métodos APLS Update y Best Guess obtuvieron los mejores resultados, siendo la diferencia entre las medias de peso medido y peso estimado de 0,4 kg (p = 0,183) y -0,2 kg (p = 0,140), respectivamente. En el grupo de 1 a 5 años, solo el método APLS Update arrojó resultados satisfactorios (0,2 kg; p = 0,200). El mejor acuerdo con el peso medido, según las gráficas de Bland-Altman y el coeficiente de Lin, se encontró al utilizar la cinta Broselow (CC = 0,96). Conclusión: de los métodos de estimación evaluados, la cinta Broselow fue la más precisa. Se requieren estudios adicionales para adaptar este método para su uso en la población brasileña.

Quality of life in a phase 2 trial of short-course hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) at interval debulking surgery for high tumor burden ovarian cancer.

INTRODUCTION: to evaluate the effect of short-course (i.e.: 30 minutes) HIPEC on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in our feasibility study; NCT02249013. METHODS: a prespecified secondary end-point of our open-label, multicenter, single-arm, phase 2 trial on safety and efficacy was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30, version 3.0). Patients were required to complete the HRQoL questionnaire at baseline, after HIPEC, and after the end of the treatment. Changes of HRQoL over time were assessed by median scores for each domain and analyzed by Friedman`s test at a significant two-sided level of 0.05. RESULTS: fifteen patients with high tumor burden EOC were recruited from our public health system between February 2015 and July 2019. A baseline EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire and at least one follow-up questionnaire was received from all of the patients. No significant difference over time in the QLQC30 summary scores was observed (p>0.05). The transitory impairment on patients HRQoL immediately after the short-course HIPEC trended to return to baseline at the end of the multimodal treatment. CONCLUSIONS: we found no significant impairment of short-course HIPEC on patients HRQoL into the context of our comprehensive treatment protocol.

Ketogenic diet in pharmacoresistant epilepsies: a clinical nutritional assessment / Dieta cetogênica na epilepsia fármaco-resistente: avaliação clínica-nutricional

Abstract Background Epilepsies are among the most prevalent chronic neurological diseases, usually beginning in childhood. About 30% of children with epilepsies develop seizures that are difficult to control with medication. Recurrent epileptic seizures hinder diet intake, impairing the nutritional status. Although non-pharmacological interventions (e.g., ketogenic diet therapy) can improve epileptic seizure frequency, few studies analyzed their impact on the nutritional status of children and adolescents with epilepsies. Objective The aim was to evaluate the effects of a ketogenic diet on the nutritional status and clinical course of patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsies. Methods This cross-sectional study included patients under 18 years of age followed up at the Ketogenic Diet Ambulatory Clinic of the Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira between December 2015 and December 2021. Socioeconomic, clinical, nutritional, and laboratory data were collected from medical records at different time points during the ketogenic diet. Results The sample comprised 49 patients aged between 5 months and 17 years (median = 4.4 years), mostly male (62.1%), and from Recife and the metropolitan region (51%). Underweight patients (BMI-for-age) improved their nutritional status in six months. However, patients who were normal weight and overweight maintained their nutritional status. Dyslipidemia was a common and short-term adverse effect. Moreover, the treatment decreased epileptic seizure frequency and antiseizure medication intake. Conclusion The ketogenic diet prevented malnutrition from worsening and reduced epileptic seizures and antiseizure medication intake.

Resumo Antecedentes A epilepsia, uma das doenças neurológicas crônicas mais prevalentes, tem geralmente início na infância. Cerca de 30% das crianças com epilepsia desenvolvem crises de difícil controle medicamentoso. As crises epilépticas recorrentes dificultam a ingestão alimentar, prejudicando o estado nutricional. Intervenções não farmacológicas, como a terapia com dieta cetogênica, podem melhorar a frequência das crises epilépticas, mas existem poucos estudos sobre a repercussão no estado nutricional da criança/adolescente. Objetivo Avaliar o efeito da terapia cetogênica sobre o estado nutricional e a evolução clínica da epilepsia fármaco-resistente. Métodos Estudo tipo corte transversal envolvendo menores de 18 anos acompanhados no Ambulatório de Dieta Cetogênica do Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira entre dezembro de 2015 e dezembro de 2021. Dados socioeconômicos, clínicos, nutricionais e laboratoriais foram coletados nos prontuários dos pacientes em vários momentos da terapia cetogênica. Resultados A amostra foi composta por 49 pacientes com idades entre cinco meses e 17 anos (mediana = 4,4 anos), a maioria do sexo masculino (62,1%) e procedentes de Recife e região metropolitana (51%). Pacientes com baixo peso (de acordo com o IMC para idade) melhoraram seu estado nutricional em seis meses. No entanto, os pacientes com peso adequado e com sobrepeso mantiveram seu estado nutricional. A dislipidemia foi um efeito adverso frequente e de curta duração. Além disso, o tratamento reduziu a frequência de crises epilépticas e a dose de fármacos anticrises. Conclusão A dieta cetogênica preveniu o agravamento da desnutrição e reduziu as crises epilépticas e a dosagem de fármacos anticrises.

Brown spiders (Loxosceles) are taking hold in Pernambuco, Brazil: a case series, 2018-2022 / Las arañas marrones (Loxosceles) están instalándose en Pernambuco, Brasil: serie de casos, 2018-2022 / As aranhas-marrons (Loxosceles) estão se estabelecendo em Pernambuco: série de casos, 2018-2022

ABSTRACT Objective To describe accidents involving brown spider (genus Loxosceles) bites notified by the Pernambuco Poison Information and Care Center (CIATox-PE), Brazil, from January 2018 to December 2022. Methods This was a case series study of brown spider bites notified by the CIATox-PE. Results The study included 22 cases with median age of 35 years, the majority being female (13); the cases occurred in rural and urban areas (12 versus 10), at night (10); Petrolina was the municipality with the highest number of notifications (6); spider bites occurred mainly in the lower (11) and upper (9) limbs, almost exclusively inside households (21); specific serum therapy was not indicated for 8 cases because the time for its effectiveness had already elapsed. Conclusion Loxoscelism cases occurred more frequently in females, in both rural and urban areas and mainly at home, with delays in seeking medical care.

RESUMEN Objetivo Describir accidentes causados ​​por arañas pardas (género Loxosceles) notificados por el Centro de Información de Asistencia Toxicológica de Pernambuco (CIATox-PE), Brasil, de enero de 2018 a diciembre de 2022. Métodos Reporte de 22 casos notificados de CIATox-PE. Resultados Casos con media de idade de 35 años, predominio femenino (13); los casos ocurrieron en área rural/urbana (12 versus 10), por la noche (10); Petrolina fue el municipio con más notificaciones (6); las picaduras fueron principalmente en los miembros inferiores (11) y superiores (9), casi exclusivamente en el interior de las viviendas (21); en 8 de los casos no se indicó sueroterapia específica por haber superado el tiempo de efecto. Conclusión Los casos de loxoscelismo ocurrieron con mayor frecuencia en el sexo femenino, en áreas rurales y urbanas, y principalmente en el hogar, con demoras en la búsqueda de atención médica.

RESUMO Objetivo Descrever os acidentes por picada de aranhas-marrons (gênero Loxosceles), notificados no Centro de Informação de Assistência Toxicológica de Pernambuco (CIATox-PE), Brasil, no período de 2018 a 2022. Métodos Estudo de série, sobre casos notificados no CIATox-PE. Resultados Foram incluídos 22 casos com mediana de idade de 35 anos e houve predomínio do sexo feminino (13); os casos ocorreram nas zonas rural e urbana (12 versus 10), durante a noite (10), e Petrolina foi o município com mais notificações (6); as picadas ocorreram, principalmente, nos membros inferiores (11) e superiores (9), quase exclusivamente dentro das residências (21); para 8 acidentados, não se prescreveu soroterapia específica por terem ultrapassado o tempo de efetividade. Conclusão Os casos de loxoscelismo ocorreram com maior frequência no sexo feminino, nas zonas rural e urbana indiferentemente, quase todos foram intradomiciliares e houve demora na procura por atendimento médico.

Survival Analysis in Adult Heart Transplantation: Experience from a Brazilian Single Center

ABSTRACT Introduction: Heart transplantation is the gold standard for advanced heart failure treatment. This study examines the survival rates and risk factors for early mortality in adult heart transplant recipients at a Brazilian center. Methods: This retrospective cohort study involved 255 adult heart transplant patients from a single center in Brazil. Data were collected from medical records and databases including three defined periods (2012-2015, 2016-2019, and 2020-2022). Statistical analysis employed Kaplan-Meier survival curves, Cox proportional hazards analysis for 30-day mortality risk factors, and Log-rank tests. Results: The recipients were mostly male (74.9%), and the mean age was 46.6 years. Main causes of heart failure were idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (33.9%), Chagas cardiomyopathy (18%), and ischemic cardiomyopathy (14.3%). The study revealed an overall survival of 68.1% at one year, 58% at five years, and 40.8% at 10 years after heart transplantation. Survivalimproved significantly over time, combining the most recent periods (2016 to 2022) it was 73.2% in the first year and 63% in five years. The main risk factors for 30-day mortality were longer time on cardiopulmonary bypass, the initial period of transplants (2012 to 2015), older age of the donor, and nutritional status of the donor (overweight or obese). The main causes of death within 30 days post-transplant were infection and primary graft dysfunction. Conclusion: The survival analysis by period demonstrated that the increased surgical volume, coupled with the team's experience and modifications to the immunosuppression protocol, contributed to the improved early and mid-term outcomes.

Escolhas difíceis em tempos complexos devem ser feitas com sabedoria / Hard choices during complex times require wisdom / Las decisiones difíciles en tiempos complejos deben tomarse con prudencia

Resumo O aumento do número de pessoas gravemente doentes durante a pandemia de covid-19 tornou necessário considerar os aspectos que deveriam orientar o acesso a ventiladores mecânicos. Foi preciso determinar critérios de priorização para unidade de terapia intensiva e analisar as bases bioéticas que sustentam a criação de modelos de triagem. Em meio a dúvidas e angústias trazidas pela pandemia, a bioética desempenhou papel de bússola norteadora para as ações dos médicos e as políticas públicas na conquista do bem social. Assim, entende-se que a bioética deve ser instrumento concreto para a solução de problemas complexos que envolvem a vida em todas as suas dimensões.

Abstract The increasing number of seriously ill individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic made it necessary to consider which aspects would guide access to mechanical ventilation. Priority criteria for intensive care unit admission had to be established and the bioethical basis upholding triage models analyzed. Amidst doubts and distress brought on by the pandemic, Bioethics became a guiding compass for physicians and public policies aiming for social good. In this regard, bioethics should be a concrete instrument for resolving complex problems that involve life and all its dimensions.

Resumen El incremento del número de enfermos graves durante la pandemia de la COVID-19 planteó la necesidad de considerar los aspectos que deben guiar el acceso a los respiradores mecánicos. Para ello, se determinaron criterios de priorización para las unidades de cuidados intensivos y se evaluaron las bases bioéticas que componen la creación de modelos de triaje. Ante dudas y angustias provocadas por la pandemia, la bioética jugó un papel de brújula orientadora de las acciones de los médicos y de las políticas públicas para lograr el bien social. Así, se entiende que la bioética debe ser un instrumento concreto para resolver problemas complejos que involucran la vida en todas sus dimensiones.

Health Education: Development and Validation of a Guideline for Oral Hygiene of Children Undergoing Cancer Treatment

Children with cancer commonly present oral health impairments due to lack of orientation about oral hygiene, which should be directed to caregivers since they are essential in this process. We developed and validated a guideline directed to caregivers for oral hygiene of children with cancer. This exploratory methodological study developed an educational guideline in three stages: analysis of oral health of children attended at the oncology service; literature review and development of the guideline for oral hygiene; semantic, appearance, and content validation by dentists, education professionals, and the target population. We used the Educational Content Validation Instrument in Health, and agreements of ≥ 80 % among evaluators were considered to maintain or modify the assessed items. Professionals and caregivers were mostly female; the latter were predominantly mothers with low educational level from inland areas of Pernambuco state (Brazil). Most professionals had more than ten years of experience in pediatric dentistry. Agreement was > 80 % in all items. The content of the guideline for oral hygiene was valid and relevant to be used in children with cancer.

Los niños con cáncer comúnmente presentan afecciones en la salud bucal por falta de orientación sobre la higiene bucal, la cual debe ser dirigida a los cuidadores ya que son fundamentales en este proceso. Desarrollamos y validamos una guía dirigida a cuidadores para la higiene bucal de niños con cáncer. Este estudio metodológico exploratorio desarrolló una directriz educativa en tres etapas: análisis de la salud bucal de los niños atendidos en el servicio de oncología; revisión de la literatura y desarrollo de la guía para la higiene oral; validación semántica, de apariencia y de contenido por parte de odontólogos, profesionales de la educación y población objetivo. Se utilizó el Instrumento de Validación de Contenido Educativo en Salud, y se consideraron acuerdos ≥ 80 % entre evaluadores para mantener o modificar los ítems evaluados. Los profesionales y cuidadores eran en su mayoría mujeres; estas últimas eran predominantemente madres con bajo nivel educativo del interior del estado de Pernambuco (Brasil). La mayoría de los profesionales tenían más de diez años de experiencia en odontopediatría. La concordancia fue > 80 % en todos los ítems. El contenido de la guía de higiene oral fue válido y pertinente para ser utilizado en niños con cáncer.

Venomous animals in Pernambuco: children at risk / Animais peçonhentos em Pernambuco: crianças em risco

Abstract Objectives: to analyze the epidemiological and clinical aspects of accidents caused by venomous animals in children under 15 years old. Methods: a cross-sectional study with an analytical component using secondary data from Centro de Informação e Assistência Toxicológica de Pernambuco (CIATox-PE), (Poison Center in Pernambuco)), in 2017 to 2019. Notifications of accidents caused were included in the studied age group and evaluated the characteristics of poisoning (animal classification, exposure zone, place and time of the occurrence and specific use of serum therapy), and of the patient (sociodemographic variables, clinical condition and evolution). The analysis performed in STATA® 13.1 presents frequency distribution tables and Pearson's chi-square for comparison. Results: of the 2678 notifications, 82,8% were scorpionism and 10, 8% snakebite. The age group of1 to 9 years old (70.5%) and being male (54.1%) were predominant. Most of the cases occurred in urban area (80.9%), in Recife (67.3%), inside the victim's residence (83.9%) and at night (47.3%). The majority (87.1%) were classified as 'mild severity', 10% received antivenom therapy and one died (by scorpionism). Two cases of snakebite in the workplace were registered. Conclusion: there was a high frequency of accidents caused in the urban area, which may be related to the lack of urban planning and sanitary education. The accidents caused among children in the household environment and the suspicion of child labor in the age group of 10 to 14 years old were also highlighted which favors the development and habits of the venomous animal.

Resumo Objetivos: analisar aspectos epidemiológicos e clínicos dos acidentes por animais peçonhentos em menores de 15 anos. Métodos: estudo transversal com componente analítico utilizando dados secundários do Centro de Informação e Assistência Toxicológica de Pernambuco (CIATox-PE), no período de 2017 a 2019. Foram incluídas as notificações dos acidentes na faixa etária estudada e avaliadas características do envenenamento (classe do animal, zona de exposição, local/turno da ocorrência e uso soroterapia específica) e do paciente (variáveis sociodemográficas, gravidade clínica e evolução). A análise realizada no STATA® 13.1 apresenta tabelas de distribuição de frequência e qui-quadrado de Pearson para comparação. Resultados: das 2678 notificações, 82,8% foram de escorpionismo e 10,8% de ofidismo. Predominaram na faixa etária de 1a 9 anos (70,5%) e sexo masculino (54,1%);ocorreram principalmente na zona urbana (80,9%),no Recife(67,3%), na residência da vítima (83,9%), durante horário noturno (47,3%). A maioria (87,1%) foi classificada como de gravidade leve, 10% receberam soroterapia e ocorreu um óbito (escorpionismo). Registraram-se dois casos de ofidismo em ambiente de trabalho. Conclusão: ressaltam-se os acidentes intradomiciliares entre crianças e a suspeita de trabalho infantil na faixa etária de 10 a 14anos.Os acidentes ocorreram sobretudo na zona urbana provavelmente associado à falta de planejamento e educação sanitária que favorece o desenvolvimento e hábitos do animal peçonhento.

Serological statuses of pregnant women in an urban Brazilian population before and after the 2008 rubella immunization campaign.

BACKGROUND: Vaccinating populations against rubella aims to mitigate viral circulation and to ensure that women of childbearing age are immunized to reduce the incidence of congenital rubella syndrome. This study determined the serological statuses of pregnant women in an urban Brazilian population before and after the national rubella immunization campaign that was undertaken in 2008, and it assessed the socio-demographic factors associated with seronegativity. METHODS: Pregnant women living in Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil, who participated in a municipal prenatal screening program that involved blood tests for rubella, were assessed between June 2007 and May 2012. Socio-demographic factors associated with seronegativity were assessed, including the year of the blood test, categorized as before or after the 2008 immunization campaign, and the women's birth cohorts, the women's ethnicities, the gestational ages at the first prenatal visit, and the women's districts of residence. RESULTS: A total of 54,717 capillary blood samples were tested for rubella. The prevalence of pregnant women who were seronegative for rubella declined from 9.4% before the national immunization campaign to 2.8% after the national immunization campaign. Women were more likely to be seronegative for rubella before and after the immunization campaign if they were born between 1990 and 2000 or delayed starting prenatal care. CONCLUSIONS: The decline in the prevalence of pregnant women who were seronegative for rubella to <5% indicates that the 2008 Brazilian rubella immunization campaign was successful in Maceió.

Quality of life, cognitive level and school performance in children with functional lower urinary tract dysfunction. / Qualidade de vida, nível cognitivo e desempenho escolar em crianças portadoras de distúrbio funcional do trato urinário inferior.

INTRODUCTION: Lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) are voiding dysfunctions without anatomical or neurological defects. The diagnosis is primarily clinical, with symptoms standardized by the International Children's Continence Society. Few studies relate quality of life of patients with cognitive and school performance. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate milestones of bladder control, daily problems, quality of life (QoL), cognitive function and school performance of children with LUTD. METHODS: Case series of patients followed in the Pediatric Nephrology tertiary hospital with assessment of QoL (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory - PedsQoL version 4), School Performance Test (TDE) and Raven Progressive Matrices test. RESULTS: Girls of lower social class were (90.9%) of eligible children. The mean age was 9.1 ± 4.8 years old. The most common symptoms were urge incontinence (81%), holding maneuvers (77.3%) and enuresis (59.1%) associated with the elimination disorder syndrome (63.6%). Caregivers considered volunteers urinary losses and/ or symptoms, and fought and/or beat the child. Children had been subjected to embarrassing situations such as warnings of teachers, they hid symptoms and/or the dirty clothes. Mean score of QoL was 71.0 ± 12.6 with the lowest mean score on the school dimension. In TDE 55% had lower performance and in Raven Matrices 60% were intellectually in the medium level. It was observed lower QoL scores in the medium and lower level of TDE and average intellectual capacity/below average in Raven matrices. CONCLUSION: LUTD may negatively affect family and social relationships, school performance and QoL of children with the dysfunction.

Actions developed at the Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira to confront the COVID-19 pandemic / Ações desenvolvidas no Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira para enfrentamento à pandemia da COVID-19

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has brought countless challenges to the health institutions around the world, especially those located in countries such as Brazil, with large territorial dimensions and many social and economic differences. This technical report aims to publish the actions carried out and the products developed at the Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP) before and during the pandemic - from January 31st to September 4th, 2020 - facing it efficiently and effectively, seeking institutional sustainability. The mobilization of the professional staff at the institution was fundamental to create protocols ofas-sistance, adapt the physical structures in the hospital and outpatient care, care for the health professionals, offer teaching and research activities in the distance mode, articulate management members to make decisions based on systematically collected data on the pandemic situationat real time. All actions were carried out with a single objective of assisting all the patients affected by COVID-19 admitted at the institution.

Resumo A pandemia da COVID-19 trouxe incontáveis desafios para as instituições de saúde de todo o mundo, em especial as localizadas em países como o Brasil, com grande dimensão territorial e muitas diferenças sociais e econômicas. Este informe técnico tem como objetivo publicizar as ações realizadas e os produtos desenvolvidos no Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP) antes e durante a pandemia - no período de 31 de janeiro até 04 de setembro de 2020 - enfrentando-a com eficiência e eficácia, buscando a sustentabilidade institucional. A mobilização do corpo profissional da instituição foi fundamental para a construir protocolos de atendimento, adaptar as estruturas físicas na assistência ao paciente em âmbito hospitalar e ambulatorial, cuidar dos profissionais de saúde, ofertar as atividades de ensino e pesquisa na modalidade à distância, articular os membros da gestão para tomar decisões baseadas em dados sistematicamente coletados sobre a situação da pandemia em tempo real. Todas as ações foram realizadas com um uníssono objetivo de atender a todos os pacientes acometidos pela COVID-19 admitidos na instituição.

Cancer patients, emergencies service and provision of palliative care.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and sociodemographic profile of cancer patients admitted to the Emergency Center for High Complexity Oncologic Assistance, observing the coverage of palliative and home care. METHOD: Cross sectional study including adult cancer patients admitted to the emergency service (September-December/2011) with a minimum length of hospital stay of two hours. Student's t-test and Pearson chi-square test were used to compare the means. RESULTS: 191 patients were enrolled, 47.6% elderly, 64.4% women, 75.4% from the city of Recife and greater area. The symptom prevalent at admission was pain (46.6%). 4.2% of patients were linked to palliative care and 2.1% to home care. The most prevalent cancers: cervix (18.3%), breast (13.6%) and prostate (10.5%); 70.7% were in advanced stages (IV, 47.1%); 39.4% without any cancer therapy. CONCLUSION: Patients sought the emergency service on account of pain, probably due to the incipient coverage of palliative and home care. These actions should be included to oncologic therapy as soon as possible to minimize the suffering of the patient/family and integrate the skills of oncologists and emergency professionals.