Mass Azithromycin Distribution to Prevent Child Mortality in Burkina Faso: The CHAT Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Repeated mass distribution of azithromycin has been shown to reduce childhood mortality by 14% in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the estimated effect varied by location, suggesting that the intervention may not be effective in different geographical areas, time periods, or conditions. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of twice-yearly azithromycin to reduce mortality in children in the presence of seasonal malaria chemoprevention. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cluster randomized placebo-controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of single-dose azithromycin for prevention of all-cause childhood mortality included 341 communities in the Nouna district in rural northwestern Burkina Faso. Participants were children aged 1 to 59 months living in the study communities. Interventions: Communities were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive oral azithromycin or placebo distribution. Children aged 1 to 59 months were offered single-dose treatment twice yearly for 3 years (6 distributions) from August 2019 to February 2023. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was all-cause childhood mortality, measured during a twice-yearly enumerative census. Results: A total of 34 399 children (mean [SD] age, 25.2 [18] months) in the azithromycin group and 33 847 children (mean [SD] age, 25.6 [18] months) in the placebo group were included. A mean (SD) of 90.1% (16.0%) of the censused children received the scheduled study drug in the azithromycin group and 89.8% (17.1%) received the scheduled study drug in the placebo group. In the azithromycin group, 498 deaths were recorded over 60 592 person-years (8.2 deaths/1000 person-years). In the placebo group, 588 deaths were recorded over 58 547 person-years (10.0 deaths/1000 person-years). The incidence rate ratio for mortality was 0.82 (95% CI, 0.67-1.02; P = .07) in the azithromycin group compared with the placebo group. The incidence rate ratio was 0.99 (95% CI, 0.72-1.36) in those aged 1 to 11 months, 0.92 (95% CI, 0.67-1.27) in those aged 12 to 23 months, and 0.73 (95% CI, 0.57-0.94) in those aged 24 to 59 months. Conclusions and Relevance: Mortality in children (aged 1-59 months) was lower with biannual mass azithromycin distribution in a setting in which seasonal malaria chemoprevention was also being distributed, but the difference was not statistically significant. The study may have been underpowered to detect a clinically relevant difference. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03676764.

Morbilidad y mortalidad del cáncer infantil en un departamento del surde Colombia / Morbidity and mortality rates of childhood cancer in a southern department of Colombia / Morbidade e mortalidade por câncer infantil em um Estado do sul da Colômbia

Introducción:El cáncer infantil tiene repercusiones en la calidad de vida a corto y largo plazo de los niños afectados. En Colombia representa la tercera causa de muerte entre 1 y 14 años de edad. Objetivo:Describir la morbimortalidad por cáncer infantil en el departamento del Huila durante el periodo 2012 ­2016. Materiales y métodos:Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de tipo exploratorio en menores de 18 años con diagnóstico de cáncer durante el 2012 a 2016 en el Huila, a partir de la información obtenida del Sistema Integral de Información de la Protección Social y Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística de Colombia. Resultados:Se detectaron 568 casos de cáncer infantil durante el periodo de estudio. El 54,3% correspondía a pediátricos del sexo masculino, 39,8% con edades comprendidas entre 10 a 14 años de edad, 60,4% residentes de la zona norte del departamento. Se registraron 117 casos de mortalidad por cáncer, con mayor frecuencia entre 5-9 años de edad, del sexo masculino. Conclusiones:Se evidenció altas tasas de morbimortalidad por cáncer infantil en la zona norte del departamento, se resalta la necesidad de futuras investigaciones que puedan explicar el comportamiento de tumores infantiles y definir programas de intervención en salud.

Introduction: Childhood cancer affects the short-term and long-term quality of life of the sick children. In Colombia, this disease represents the third cause of death in children between 1 and 14 years of age. Objective: To describe morbidity and mortality rates caused by childhood cancer in the department of Huila during the 2012-2016 period. Materials and methods: A descriptive exploratory study was conducted in children under 18 years of age diagnosed with cancer from 2012 to 2016 in Huila. The information was obtained from the Integral Information System of the Social Protection Ministry and the National Administrative Department of Statistics of Colombia. Results: 568 cases of childhood cancer were identified during the study period. 54.3% corresponded to pediatric male patients, of which 39.8% were aged between 10 to 14 years and 60.4% lived in the northern area of the department. 117 deaths due to cancer were reported, the most frequent cases being male children with ages between 5 to9 years. Conclusions: High morbidity and mortality rates because of childhood cancer were identified in the northernpart of the department. This highlights the need for future research to understand the behavior of childhood tumors and define health intervention programs.

Introdução:Introdução: O câncer infantil repercute na qualidade de vida a curto e longo prazo das crianças acometidas. Na Colômbia representa a terceira causa de morte entre 1 e 14 anos de idade. Objetivo:Descrever a morbimortalidade por câncer infantil no estado de Huila durante o período 2012 -2016. Materiais e métodos:Estudo exploratório descritivo realizado em crianças menores de 18 anos diagnosticadas com câncer durante 2012 a 2016 em Huila, com base nas informações obtidas do Sistema de Informação Integral deProteção Social e do Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estatística da Colômbia. Resultados:Foram detectados 568 casos de câncer infantil no período do estudo. 54,3% correspondiam a médicos pediatras do sexo masculino, 39,8% com idade entre 10 e 14 anos, 60,4% residentes na zona norte do departamento. Foram registrados 117 casos de mortalidade por câncer, com maior frequência entre 5-9 anos de idade, do sexo masculino. Conclusões:Altas taxas de morbidade e mortalidade por câncer infantil foram evidenciadas no norte do estado, destacando a necessidade de pesquisas futuras que possam explicar o comportamento dos tumores infantis e definir programas de intervenção em saúde.

Case Report: Molecular autopsy underlie COVID-19-associated sudden, unexplained child mortality.

Herein, we report a child with COVID-19 and seemingly no underlying disease, who died suddenly. The autopsy revealed severe anemia and thrombocytopenia, splenomegaly, hypercytokinemia, and a rare ectopic congenital coronary origin. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that the patient had acute lymphoblastic leukemia of the B-cell precursor phenotype (BCP-ALL). The complex cardiac and hematological abnormalities suggested the presence of an underlying disease; therefore, we performed whole-exome sequencing (WES). WES revealed a leucine-zipper-like transcription regulator 1 (LZTR1) variant, indicating Noonan syndrome (NS). Therefore, we concluded that the patient had underlying NS along with coronary artery malformation and that COVID-19 infection may have triggered the sudden cardiac death due to increased cardiac load caused by high fever and dehydration. In addition, multiple organ failure due to hypercytokinemia probably contributed to the patient's death. This case would be of interest to pathologists and pediatricians because of the limited number of NS patients with LZTR1 variants; the complex combination of an LZTR1 variant, BCP-ALL, and COVID-19; and a rare pattern of the anomalous origin of the coronary artery. Thus, we highlight the significance of molecular autopsy and the application of WES with conventional diagnostic methods.

Compulsory education reform and child mortality in Peru.

The government of Peru amended its constitution to increase compulsory education from six to 11 years in 1993. This constitutional amendment provides a natural experiment to investigate the impact of maternal education on child mortality. Exploiting differences in the reform exposure by age, I find that mothers who were exposed to the reform were less likely to experience the death of a child. There is also evidence that the reform caused a decline in infant mortality. These results are not driven by the age difference between mothers who were treated by the reform and those who were not treated. Additional analyses reveal that the reform increased age at first birth, decreased desired fertility, reduced smoking, and improved economic opportunities for women. The results demonstrate that compulsory schooling may be a useful policy tool to improve women's education, which can, in turn, enhance the survival of their children.

Antenatal care services in decreasing under-five mortality / Serviços de cuidados pré-natais na redução da mortalidade de menores de cinco anos

Abstract Objectives: the first five years of life are critical for children's physical and intellectual development. However, the under-five mortality rate in South Asia and ASEAN is relatively high, caused by complex etiologies. This paper identifies maternal high-risk fertility behaviors and healthcare services utilization and examines predictors of under-five mortality (U5M) in 7 Asian (South Asia - ASEAN) developing countries (Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Philippines, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan). Methods: a multivariate logistic regression model with a complex survey was used to examine predictors of U5M on the frequency of U5M adjusted for comorbidities. Results: according to multivariate models (model 2), U5M was 2.99 times higher in mothers with low weight at birth infants than in mothers without low weight at birth infants (aOR= 2.99; CI95%=2.49-3.58); Mothers without antenatal care contacts were 3.37 times more likely (aOR= 3.37; CI95%=2.83-4.00) to have a U5M than mothers with eight or more antenatal care contacts; U5M in Indonesia was 2.34 times higher (aOR= 2.34; CI95%= 1.89-2.89). It is investigated that antenatal care serves as a predictor in decreasing U5MR. Conclusions: in order to achieve significant U5MR reduction, intervention programs that encourage antenatal care consultations should be implemented.

Resumo Objetivos: os primeiros cinco anos de vida são críticos para o desenvolvimento físico e intelectual da criança. No entanto, a taxa de mortalidade de menores de cinco anos no sul da Ásia e na ASEAN é relativamente alta, causada por etiologias complexas. Este artigo identifica comportamentos maternos de fertilidade de alto risco e utilização de serviços de saúde e examina preditores de mortalidade abaixo de 5 anos (MM5) em 7 países em desenvolvimento da Ásia (Sul da Ásia - ASEAN) (Indonésia, Mianmar, Camboja, Filipinas, Bangladesh, Nepal e Paquistão). Métodos: um modelo de regressão logística multivariada foi usado para examinar preditores de MM5 na frequência de MM5 ajustado para comorbidades. Resultados: na análise multivariada (modelo 2), U5M foi 2,99 vezes maior em mães com bebês com baixo peso ao nascer do que em mães sem bebês com baixo peso ao nascer (aOR= 2,99; IC95%=2,49-3,58); as mães sem contatos de cuidados pré-natais tiveram 3,37 vezes mais probabilidade (aOR=3,37; IC95%=2,83-4,00) para ter MM5 do que mães com oito ou mais contatos de cuidados pré-natais; MM5 na Indonésia foi 2,34 vezes maior (aOR= 2,34; IC95%= 1,89-2,89). Investiga-se que os cuidados pré-natais funcionam como um preditor na diminuição da MM5. Conclusões: para uma redução significativa da MM5, devem ser implementados programas de intervenção que estimulem as consultas pré-natais.

Intervenções psicológicas necessárias: a prática como residente no serviço de medicina fetal / Necessary psychological interventions: the practice as a resident in the fetal medicine service / Intervenciones psicológicas necesarias: la práctica como residente en el servicio de medicina fetal

Com os avanços tecnológicos e o aprimoramento da prática médica via ultrassonografia, já é possível detectar possíveis problemas no feto desde a gestação. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a prática do psicólogo no contexto de gestações que envolvem riscos fetais. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo sob formato de relato de experiência como psicólogo residente no Serviço de Medicina Fetal da Maternidade Escola da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). Os registros, feitos por observação participante e diário de campo, foram analisados em dois eixos temáticos: 1) intervenções psicológicas no trabalho em equipe em consulta de pré-natal, exame de ultrassonografia e procedimento de amniocentese; e 2) intervenções psicológicas em casos de bebês incompatíveis com a vida. Os resultados indicaram que o psicólogo nesse serviço é essencial para atuar de forma multiprofissional na assistência pré-natal para gravidezes de alto risco fetal. Ademais, a preceptoria do residente é relevante para sua formação e treinamento para atuação profissional no campo da psicologia perinatal.(AU)

Face to the technological advances and the improvement of medical practice via ultrasound, it is already possible to detect possible problems in the fetus since pregnancy. The objective of this study was to analyze the psychologist's practice in the context of pregnancies which involve fetal risks. It is a qualitative study based on an experience report as a psychologist trainee at the Fetal Medicine Service of the Maternity School of UFRJ. The records, based on the participant observation and field diary, were analyzed in two thematic axes: 1) psychological interventions in the teamwork in the prenatal attendance, ultrasound examination and amniocentesis procedure; and 2) psychological interventions in cases of babies incompatible to the life. The results indicated that the psychologist in this service is essential to work in a multidisciplinary way at the prenatal care for high fetal risk pregnancies. Furthermore, the resident's preceptorship is relevant to their education and training for professional performance in the field of Perinatal Psychology.(AU)

Con los avances tecnológicos y la mejora de la práctica médica a través de la ecografía, ya se puede detectar posibles problemas en el feto desde el embarazo. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la práctica del psicólogo en el contexto de embarazos de riesgos fetal. Es un estudio cualitativo basado en un relato de experiencia como residente de psicología en el Servicio de Medicina Fetal de la Escuela de Maternidad de la Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). Los registros, realizados en la observación participante y el diario de campo, se analizaron en dos ejes temáticos: 1) intervenciones psicológicas en el trabajo en equipo, en la consulta prenatal, ecografía y los procedimientos de amniocentesis; y 2) intervenciones psicológicas en casos de bebés incompatibles con la vida. Los resultados señalaron como fundamental la presencia del psicólogo en este servicio trabajando de forma multidisciplinar en la atención prenatal en el contexto de embarazos de alto riesgo fetal. Además, la tutela del residente es relevante para su educación y formación para el desempeño profesional en el campo de la Psicología Perinatal.(AU)

Prioritizing Health Care Strategies to Reduce Childhood Mortality.

Importance: Although child mortality trends have decreased worldwide, deaths among children younger than 5 years of age remain high and disproportionately circumscribed to sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia. Tailored and innovative approaches are needed to increase access, coverage, and quality of child health care services to reduce mortality, but an understanding of health system deficiencies that may have the greatest impact on mortality among children younger than 5 years is lacking. Objective: To investigate which health care and public health improvements could have prevented the most stillbirths and deaths in children younger than 5 years using data from the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) network. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional study used longitudinal, population-based, and mortality surveillance data collected by CHAMPS to understand preventable causes of death. Overall, 3390 eligible deaths across all 7 CHAMPS sites (Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and South Africa) between December 9, 2016, and December 31, 2021 (1190 stillbirths, 1340 neonatal deaths, 860 infant and child deaths), were included. Deaths were investigated using minimally invasive tissue sampling (MITS), a postmortem approach using biopsy needles for sampling key organs and fluids. Main Outcomes and Measures: For each death, an expert multidisciplinary panel reviewed case data to determine the plausible pathway and causes of death. If the death was deemed preventable, the panel identified which of 10 predetermined health system gaps could have prevented the death. The health system improvements that could have prevented the most deaths were evaluated for each age group: stillbirths, neonatal deaths (aged <28 days), and infant and child deaths (aged 1 month to <5 years). Results: Of 3390 deaths, 1505 (44.4%) were female and 1880 (55.5%) were male; sex was not recorded for 5 deaths. Of all deaths, 3045 (89.8%) occurred in a healthcare facility and 344 (11.9%) in the community. Overall, 2607 (76.9%) were deemed potentially preventable: 883 of 1190 stillbirths (74.2%), 1010 of 1340 neonatal deaths (75.4%), and 714 of 860 infant and child deaths (83.0%). Recommended measures to prevent deaths were improvements in antenatal and obstetric care (recommended for 588 of 1190 stillbirths [49.4%], 496 of 1340 neonatal deaths [37.0%]), clinical management and quality of care (stillbirths, 280 [23.5%]; neonates, 498 [37.2%]; infants and children, 393 of 860 [45.7%]), health-seeking behavior (infants and children, 237 [27.6%]), and health education (infants and children, 262 [30.5%]). Conclusions and Relevance: In this cross-sectional study, interventions prioritizing antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal care could have prevented the most deaths among children younger than 5 years because 75% of deaths among children younger than 5 were stillbirths and neonatal deaths. Measures to reduce mortality in this population should prioritize improving existing systems, such as better access to antenatal care, implementation of standardized clinical protocols, and public education campaigns.

Análise espacial da mortalidade em crianças menores de cinco anos no brasil: indicadores sociais e assistenciais de saúde / Spatial analysis of mortality in children under five years ofage in Brazil: social and health care indicators / Análisis espacial de la mortalidad en menores de cinco años en Brasil: indicadores sociales y de salud

Introdução:As taxas de mortalidade de crianças, em todo o mundo, configuram-se como indicadores da qualidade de vida e saúde em um país. Diante disso, é de extrema importância a análise da mortalidade na infância, no Brasil e regiões.Objetivo:Avaliar a espacialização do coeficiente de mortalidade em crianças entre um e cinco anos no Brasil e seus indicadores sociais e assistenciais de saúde.Metodologia:Trata-se de um estudo ecológico, de tendência temporal e correlação espacial realizado no Brasil, com a população de crianças de 1 a 5 anos, sendo utilizadas informações do Sistema de Informações de Mortalidade. Para a análise, foram usados os softwaresMicrosoft Excel eStatistical Package for the Social Sciences. O TerraViewfoi empregado para realização da distribuição da taxa de mortalidade e a dependência espacial foi medida pelo coeficiente de autocorrelação global de Moran. Resultados:A média do coeficiente de mortalidade na infância, de crianças entre um e menores de cinco anos, apresentou um perfil decrescente no período de 2008 a 2015. Em 2016, no entanto, foi observada uma elevação substancial dos óbitos em crianças na faixa etária estudada. A região Norte e Nordeste do Brasil apresentaram os maiores índices de mortalidade, enquanto que os estados do Sul e Sudeste apresentaram menos óbitos para crianças entre um e menores de cinco anos.Conclusões:Apesar dos pactos criados pelo governo e da ampliação nos serviços de saúde, em específico da atenção básica, os números altos de óbitos, nesta faixa etária,podem ser relacionados com a diminuição da coberturavacinação, assim como pelo alto número de fatores externos (AU).

Introduction:Infant mortality rates all over the world are configured as indicators of life and healthqualityin a country, as this public has special vulnerabilities and needs, associated with the social and economic conditions available to the population. Therefore, it is extremely important to analyze infant mortality in Brazil anditsregions.Objective:Evaluate the spatialization of the mortality coefficient in children agedone to five years oldin Brazil and its social and health indicators.Methodology:This is an ecological, temporal trend and spatial correlation study carried out in Brazil with the population of children aged 1 to 5 years, using information from the Mortality Information System (SIM/DATASUS). For the analysis, Microsoft Excel and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software were used. TerraView was used to perform the mortality rate distribution and the spatial dependence was measured by Moran's global autocorrelation coefficient.Results:The average infant mortality rate for children aged between one and under five showed a decreasing profile in the period from 2008 to 2015. In 2016, however, a substantial increase in deaths ofchildren in the age group studied was observed. The North and Northeast regions of Brazil had the highest mortality rates, while the states inthe South and Southeast had the lowest deathrates for children between one and under five years of age.Conclusions:Despite the pacts created by the government and the expansion of health services, specifically primary care, the high numberof deaths in this age group can be related to the decrease in vaccination coverage, as well as to the high number of external factors (AU).

Introducción: Las tasas de mortalidad infantil, en todo el mundo, se configuran como indicadores de la calidad de vida y salud de unpaís. Por lo tanto, es de suma importancia analizar la mortalidad infantil en Brasil y regiones.Objetivo: Evaluar la espacialización del coeficiente de mortalidad en niños de uno a cinco años en Brasil y sus indicadores sociales y de salud.Metodología: Se trata de un estudio ecológico, de tendencia temporal y de correlación espacial realizado en Brasil con la población de niños de 1 a 5 años, utilizando información del Sistema de Información de Mortalidad. Para el análisis se utilizó Microsoft Excel y elsoftware Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Se utilizó TerraViewpara realizar la distribución de la tasa de mortalidad y la dependencia espacial se midió mediante el coeficiente de autocorrelación global de Moran.Resultados: La tasa de mortalidad infantil promedio de los niños de uno a cinco años mostró un perfil decreciente en el período de 2008 a 2015. En 2016, sin embargo, se observó un aumento sustancial de las muertes de niños en el grupo de edad estudiado. Las regiones norte y noreste de Brasil tuvieron las tasas de mortalidad más altas, mientras que los estados del sur y sureste tuvieron menos muertes de niños entre uno y cinco años de edad.Conclusiones: A pesar de los pactos creados por el gobierno y la expansión de los serviciosde salud, específicamente la atención primaria, el alto número de muertes en este grupo de edad puede estar relacionado con la disminución de las coberturas de vacunación, así como con el elevado número de factores externos (AU).

Prognostic nutritional index and mortality in children and adolescents underwent cardiac surgery / Índice nutricional prognóstico e mortalidade entre crianças e adolescentes submetidos à cirurgia cardíaca

Abstract Objectives: to analyze the prognostic nutritional index and factors associated with mortality in children and adolescents with heart disease who underwent cardiac surgery. Methods: this is a longitudinal, retrospective study that included 98 children and adolescents with heart disease from 0 to 14 years old, and assessed the prognostic nutritional index and nutritional status, through the body mass index for age, weight for height, weight for age and height for age. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: malnutrition was present in 27 patients, 68 were categorized as having a low prognostic nutritional index and 16 died. In the adjusted analysis, malnutrition (OR=4.11; CI95%=1.26-13.40; p=0.019), the low body mass index for age (OR=4.14; CI95%=1.26-13.61; p=0.019), low weight for height (OR=4.15; CI95%=1.29-13.35; p=0.017) and low weight for age (OR=5.20; CI95%=1.39-19.43; p=0.014) were associated with mortality. Conclusions: malnutrition, low body mass index for age, weight for height and weight for age had shown a significant association with mortality. Despite being an easily applicable indicator of nutritional status, the findings suggest no association between the prognostic nutritional index and mortality in patients with congenital heart disease after cardiac surgery.

Resumo Objetivos: analisar o índice nutricional prognóstico e os fatores associados a mortalidade em crianças e adolescentescardiopatas submetidas à cirurgia cardíaca. Métodos: estudo longitudinal, retrospectivo, que incluiu 98 crianças e adolescentes cardiopatas entre zero a 14 anos e avaliou o índice nutricional prognóstico e o estado nutricional, através dos indicadores índice de massa corporal para idade, peso para estatura, peso para idade e estatura para idade. Foi realizada análise de regressão logística múltipla. Resultados: a desnutrição esteve presente em 27 pacientes, 68 foram categorizados como baixo índice nutricional prognóstico e 16 foram a óbito. Na análise ajustada, a desnutrição (OR=4,11; IC95%=1,26-13,40; p=0,019), o baixo índice de massa corporal para idade (OR=4,14; IC95%=1,26-13,61; p=0,019), o baixo peso para estatura (OR=4,15; IC95%=1,29-13,35; p=0,017) e baixo peso para idade (OR=5,20; IC95%=1,39-19,43; p=0,014) apresentaram associação com a mortalidade. Conclusão: desnutrição, baixo índice de massa corporal para idade, peso para estatura e peso para idade mostraram associação significativa com a mortalidade. Apesar de ser um indicador do estado nutricional de fácil aplicação não foi observada associação do índice nutricional prognóstico com a mortalidade em pacientes com cardiopatias congênitas após cirurgia cardíaca.

Defining Surgical Workforce Density Targets to Meet Child and Neonatal Mortality Rate Targets in the Age of the Sustainable Development Goals: A Global Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVES: To reduce preventable deaths of newborns and children, the United Nations set a target rate per 1000 live births of 12 for neonatal mortality (NMR) and 25 for under-5 mortality (U5MR). The purpose of this paper is to define the minimum surgical workforce needed to meet these targets and evaluate the relative impact of increasing surgeon, anesthesia, and obstetrician (SAO) density on reducing child mortality. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 192 countries to define the association between surgical workforce density and U5MR as well as NMR using unadjusted and adjusted B-spline regression, adjusting for common non-surgical causes of childhood mortality. We used these models to estimate the minimum surgical workforce to meet the sustainable development goals (SDGs) for U5MR and NMR and marginal effects plots to determine over which range of SAO densities the largest impact is seen as countries scale-up SAO workforce. RESULTS: We found that increased SAO density is associated with decreased U5MR and NMR (P < 0.05), adjusting for common non-surgical causes of child mortality. A minimum SAO density of 10 providers per 100,000 population (95% CI: 7-13) is associated with an U5MR of < 25 per 1000 live births. A minimum SAO density of 12 (95% CI: 9-20) is associated with an NMR of < 12 per 1000 live births. The maximum decrease in U5MR, on the basis of our adjusted B-spline model, occurs from 0 to 20 SAO per 100,000 population. The maximum decrease in NMR based on our adjusted B-spline model occurs up from 0 to 18 SAO, with additional decrease seen up to 80 SAO. CONCLUSIONS: Scale-up of the surgical workforce to 12 SAO per 100,000 population may help health systems meet the SDG goals for childhood mortality rates. Increases in up to 80 SAO/100,000 continue to offer mortality benefit for neonates and would help to achieve the SDGs for neonatal mortality reduction.

Estrategias del equipo de salud para afrontar la muerte de niños y adolescentes con cáncer / Strategies by the Health Team for Coping with the Death of Children and Adolescents with Cancer

Introducción: La muerte en niños y adolescentes por cáncer suele ser difícil de afrontar por los profesionales de salud. Si no cuentan con modos adecuados para transitar estos duelos, pueden generarse problemas psicológicos, emocionales y físicos, exponiéndose a Burnout. Objetivo: Develar las estrategias utilizadas por profesionales y técnicos de salud de hospitales públicos chilenos para afrontar la muerte de infantes con cáncer. Métodos: Investigación cualitativa fenomenológica, realizada en cinco hospitales públicos en Santiago de Chile, entre mayo-septiembre del 2017. Población de 37 profesionales y técnicos de salud que vivenciaron morir niños y adolescentes con cáncer. Se efectuaron entrevistas en profundidad, guiadas por la pregunta "¿Cómo ha afrontado usted la muerte de los pacientes en su unidad?" Las narrativas se transcribieron y analizaron según las etapas de Streubert, se triangularon los datos hasta alcanzar la saturación. Resultados: Las principales estrategias fueron participar de ritos de despedida ante la muerte, realizar actividades recreativas con miembros del equipo fuera de la jornada laboral, hacer cambios en la rutina de trabajo, separar aspectos personales y profesionales. Al percibir un bajo apoyo de la institución, propusieron facilitar la asistencia al funeral, desarrollar intervenciones formales de apoyo en duelo, realizar intervenciones de autocuidado e incorporar el tema de la muerte en las inducciones laborales. Conclusión: Los profesionales y técnicos cuentan con estrategias para afrontar sus duelos. Sin embargo, requieren de apoyo formal de la institución, junto con capacitación continua en la temática. Es fundamental que la institución se implique en esta problemática(AU)

Introduction: Cancer deaths among children and adolescents are often difficult for health professionals to cope with. If they do not have adequate ways to deal with this grief, psychological, emotional and physical problems may arise, exposing them to burnout or the so called burned-out worker syndrome. Objective: To reveal the strategies used by health professionals and technicians in Chilean public hospitals to cope with the death of children with cancer. Methods: Qualitative and phenomenological research carried out in five public hospitals in Santiago, Chile, between May and September 2017. The population was made up of 37 health professionals and technicians who experienced the death of children and adolescents with cancer. In-depth interviews were conducted, guided by the following question: How have you coped with the death of patients in your unit? The narratives were transcribed and analyzed according to the stages described by Streubert. In addition, the data were triangulated until saturation was reached. Results: The main strategies were to participate in farewell rites in the face of death, to carry out recreational activities with team members outside the workday, to make changes in the work routine, as well as to separate personal and professional aspects. When perceiving low support from the institution, they proposed facilitating attendance at the funeral, developing formal bereavement support interventions, carrying out self-care, and incorporating the matter of death into work inductions. Conclusion: Professionals and technicians have strategies to cope with their bereavement. However, they need formal support from the institution, together with continuous training on the matter. It is essential for the institution to become involved in this issue(AU)

Características e tendência temporal das taxas de mortalidade de crianças e adolescentes em Mato Grosso e no Brasil, 2009 a 2020 / Características y tendencia temporal de la mortalidad en niños y adolescentes en Mato Grosso y Brasil, 2009 a 2020 / Characteristics and temporal trends of mortality rates in children and adolescents in Mato Grosso and Brazil, 2009-2020

Objetivo: analisar as características e a tendência temporal das taxas de mortalidade na população de 5 a 14 anos em Mato Grosso e no Brasil, no período de 2009 a 2020. Métodos: estudo ecológico de série temporal, sobre dados do Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade. As análises foram descritivas e de tendência, utilizando-se o modelo de regressão por pontos de inflexão (joinpoint) com cálculo da variação média no período (VMP). Resultados: no Brasil e em Mato Grosso, os óbitos foram predominantemente masculinos, evitáveis e por causas externas. Foi identificada tendência decrescente no Brasil (5 a 9 anos VMP: -2,9; IC95% -4,3;-1,6 e 10 a 14 anos VMP: -2,5; IC95% -3,3;-1,8) e estacionária em Mato Grosso (5 a 9 anos VMP: -2,0; IC95% -5,6;1,7 e 10 a 14 anos VMP: -0,1; IC95% -5,9;6,1). Conclusão: a tendência estável da mortalidade em patamares elevados demanda intervenções urgentes, visando a sua redução.

Objetivo: analizar las características y la tendencia temporal de las tasas de mortalidad en la población de 5 a 14 años en Mato Grosso y Brasil, desde 2009 hasta 2020. Métodos: estudio ecológico de serie temporal, sobre datos del Sistema de Información de Mortalidad. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos y de tendencia, utilizando el modelo de regresión por puntos de inflexión (joinpoint) y el cálculo de la variación media del periodo (VMP). Resultados: en Brasil y Mato Grosso, las muertes fueron predominantemente masculinas, evitables y por causas externas. Se identificó una tendencia decreciente en Brasil (5 a 9 años VPP: -2,9; IC95% -4,3;-1,6 y 10 a 14 años VMP: -2,5; IC95% -3,3;-1,8) y una tendencia estacionaria en Mato Grosso (5 a 9 años VMP: -2,0; IC95% -5,6;1,7 y 10 a 14 años VMP: -0,1; IC95% -5,9;6,1). Conclusión: la tendencia estacionaria de la mortalidad en niveles altos exige intervenciones urgentes orientadas a reducirla.

Objective: to analyze the characteristics and temporal trend of mortality rates in the population aged 5 to 14 years in Mato Grosso state and in Brazil, from 2009 to 2020. Methods: this was an ecological time-series study, based on data taken from the Mortality Information System. Descriptive and trend analyses were performed, using the joinpoint regression model and calculating the average annual percentage change (AAPC). Results: in Brazil and in Mato Grosso state, deaths were predominantly male, preventable and due to external causes. A falling trend was identified for Brazil (5-9 years AAPC: -2.9; 95%CI -4.3;-1.6 and 10-14 years AAPC: -2.5; 95%CI -3.3;-1.8), while a stationary trend was found in Mato Grosso (5-9 years AAPC: -2.0; 95%CI -5.6;1.7 and 10-14 years AAPC: -0.1; 95%CI -5.9;6.1). Conclusion: the stable trend of mortality at high levels demands urgent interventions to reduce it.

Efeitos da crise e políticas de austeridade na insegurança alimentar e na mortalidade na infância no Brasil / Effects of crisis and austerity policies on food insecurity and in mortality childhood in Brazil

Esta tese visa identificar e analisar fatores associados à insegurança alimentar (IA) e à mortalidade na infância, apontando tendências e distribuições espaciais para estratos de menores níveis de agregação possíveis que em conjunto tenham abrangência em todo o território brasileiro. As análises investigaram a hipótese de piora do desfecho de IA grave, medido pela Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar (EBIA) e desfecho de morte antes de completar 5 anos, como efeitos da crise e/ou da política de austeridade. O trabalho envolve estudos com desenhos transversais para análises seccionais e ecológico misto de tendências espaçotemporais, a partir de dados de 4 inquéritos nacionais do IBGE, dos sistemas de informações em saúde do Ministério da Saúde para os desfechos e dados das estatísticas do registro civil do IBGE, de indicadores do Programa Bolsa Família (PBF), da Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) e de outros indicadores socioeconômicos de variadas fontes, todos como exposições representantes proxies da crise e da austeridade. Para os estudos seccionais adotou-se procedimento de calibração dos pesos segundo distribuição populacional por sexo e faixa etária, assim como a aplicação de métodos de estimação e modelagem que incorporam os efeitos do desenho amostral. A regressão de Poisson com estimação robusta de variância foi empregada para estimar em nível etiológico razões de prevalências de IA grave. Para o nível ecológico, empregou-se duas abordagens de modelagem multinível para 4 ou 14 medidas repetidas de estratos ao longo de dois artigos diferentes: regressão múltipla do tipo log-log para associações e modelagem de splines cúbicas para estimação de tendências. Os achados apontam impactos da austeridade em vigor, com inflexões de tendências no PBF e ESF, com reflexos sobre o aumento da IA grave e da incidência de mortalidade na infância. Projeta-se o aumento da IA e afastamento do alcance da meta 2.1 do objetivo nº 2 dos ODS em 2030 pelo Brasil, a despeito do sucesso já alcançado em 2014 para o primeiro dos ODM. Aponta-se também que, no prosseguindo na rota austera estabelecida pela emenda do teto dos gastos, o Brasil poderá continuar caminhando em sentido oposto ao estabelecido pela meta 3.2 dos ODS, podendo não ter êxito no seu alcance em 2030.

This thesis aims to identify and analyze factors associated with Food Insecurity (FI) and childhood mortality, pointing out trends and spatial distributions for strata with the lowest possible levels of aggregation that together cover the entire Brazilian territory. The analyzes investigated the hypothesis of worsening of the severe FI outcome, measured by the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale (BFIS) and death outcome before completing 5 years, as effects of the crisis and/or austerity policy. The work involves studies with cross-sectional designs for sectional and mixed ecological analysis of spatio-temporal trends, based on data from 4 national surveys by the IBGE, from the health information systems of the Ministry of Health for outcomes, and data from statistics from the civil registry from the IBGE, from indicators from the Bolsa Família Program (BFP), from the Family Health Strategy (FHS) and from other socioeconomic indicators from various sources such as exposures that are proxies representatives of the crisis and austerity. For the sectional studies, a procedure was adopted to calibrate the weights according to population distribution by sex and age group, as well as the application of estimation and modeling methods that incorporate the effects of the sample design. Poisson regression with robust variance estimation was used to estimate at the etiological level the prevalence ratios of severe FI. For the ecological level, two multilevel modeling approaches were used for 4 or 14 repeated measures of strata over two different articles: log-log multiple regression for associations; and, modeling cubic splines for trend estimation. The findings point to the impacts of the austerity in force, with inflections of trends in the BFP and FHS, with reflections on the increase in severe FI and the incidence of mortality in infancy. It is projected that FI will increase and move away from the achievement of target 2.1 of goal 2 of the SDGs in 2030 by Brazil, despite the success already achieved in 2014 for the first of the MDGs. It is also pointed out that, by continuing on the austere route established by the spending ceiling amendment, Brazil may continue to move in the opposite direction to that established by target 3.2 of the SDGs, and may not be successful in reaching it in 2030.

Análise espacial da qualidade dos serviços de Atenção Primária à Saúde na redução da mortalidade infantil / Spatial analysis of the quality of Primary Health Care services in reducing child mortality

Resumo Objetivou-se analisar a correlação da qualidade dos serviços da Atenção Primária na redução da mortalidade infantil, através do geoprocessamento. Um estudo ecológico, de abordagem transversal, em que foram utilizados dados secundários de todos os 5.565 municípios brasileiros para análise da taxa de mortalidade infantil (TMI) e causa de óbito infantil. Os dados da TMI foram obtidos no Sistema de Informação de Mortalidade. Para a análise espacial, incluímos 5.011 municípios. As análises de clusterização ocorreram no software GEODA e as análises de regressão espacial no ARCGIS 10.5. No Brasil houve uma redução de 45,07% da TMI entre os anos 2000 e 2015. A maior redução ocorreu na região nordeste do país, apesar de ainda ser a região com maior número na TMI. Dos 749 municípios analisados no cluster diferencial para óbito infantil, 153 apresentaram alta TMI. As áreas com maior expansão de alta TMI foram encontradas nas regiões Norte e Nordeste. No Brasil, a TMI mostrou-se inversamente associada à acessibilidade aos serviços de alta complexidade, ao estrato da gestão em saúde e porte populacional, à referência para o parto, à taxa de nascidos vivos, à renda per capita e à taxa de desemprego. Verificou-se uma crescente redução da TMI entre o período de 2000 a 2015.

Abstract This study sought to analyze the correlation of the quality of Primary Health Care services in reducing child mortality, via geoprocessing. It involved an ecological study, with a cross-sectional approach, in which secondary data from all 5,565 Brazilian municipalities were used to analyze the infant mortality rate (IMR) and cause of infant death. The data related to IMR was obtained from the Mortality Information System. For the spatial analysis, 5,011 municipalities were included. The clustering analyses were performed using GEODA software and the spatial regression analyses were performed using ARCGIS 10.5 software. In Brazil, there was a 45.07% reduction in IMR between the years 2000 and 2015. The greatest reduction occurred in the northeastern region of the country, although it is still the region with the highest IMR. Of the 749 municipalities analyzed in the differential cluster for infant death, 153 had high IMR. The areas with the greatest increase in IMR were found in the North and Northeast regions. In Brazil, IMR proved to be inversely associated with the accessibility to high complexity services, health management strata and population size, reference for childbirth, live birth rate, per capita income and unemployment rate. A progressive reduction in IMR was recorded between 2000 and 2015.

Methods for assessing seasonal and annual trends in wasting in Indian surveys (NFHS-3, 4, RSOC & CNNS).

Wasting in children under-five is a form of acute malnutrition, a predictor of under-five child mortality and of increased risk of future episodes of stunting and/or wasting. In India, national estimates of wasting are high compared to international standards with one in five children found to be wasted. National surveys are complex logistical operations and most often not planned or implemented in a manner to control for seasonality. Collection of survey data across differing months across states introduces seasonal bias. Cross-sectional surveys are not designed to collect data on seasonality, thus special methods are needed to analyse the effect of data collection by month. We developed regression models to estimate the mean weight for height (WHZ), prevalence of wasting for every month of the year for an average year and an overall weighted survey estimates controlling for the socio-demographic variation of data collection across states and populations over time. National level analyses show the mean WHZ starts at its highest in January, falls to the lowest in June/August and returns towards peak at year end. The prevalence of wasting is lowest in January and doubles by June/August. After accounting for seasonal patterns in data collection across surveys, the trends are significantly different and indicate a stagnant period followed by a decline in wasting. To avoid biased estimates, direct comparisons of acute malnutrition across surveys should not be made unless seasonality bias is appropriately addressed in planning, implementation or analysis. Eliminating the seasonal variation in wasting would reduce the prevalence by half and provide guidance towards further reduction in acute malnutrition.

Decreasing death rates and causes of death in Icelandic children-A longitudinal analysis.

BACKGROUND: Global death rate in children has been declining during the last decades worldwide, especially in high income countries. This has been attributed to several factors, including improved prenatal and perinatal care, immunisations, infection management as well as progress in diagnosis and treatment of most diseases. However, there is certainly room for further progress. The aim of the current study was to describe the changes in death rates and causes of death in Iceland, a high-income country during almost half a century. METHODS: The Causes of Death Register at The Directorate of Health was used to identify all children under the age of 18 years in Iceland that died during the study period from January 1st, 1971 until December 31st, 2018. Using Icelandic national identification numbers, individuals could be identified for further information. Hospital records, laboratory results and post-mortem diagnosis could be accessed if cause of death was unclear. FINDINGS: Results showed a distinct decrease in death rates in children during the study period that was continuous over the whole period. This was established for almost all causes of death and in all age groups. This reduction was primarily attributed to a decrease in fatal accidents and fewer deaths due to infections, perinatal or congenital disease as well as malignancies, the reduction in death rates from other causes was less distinct. Childhood suicide rates remained constant. INTERPRETATION: Our results are encouraging for further prevention of childhood deaths. In addition, our results emphasise the need to improve measures to detect and treat mental and behavioural disorders leading to childhood suicide.

Comparación de las escalas de mortalidad Pediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM) y Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction (PELOD) en pacientes pediátricos en una unidad de cuidados intensivos: Un estudio de centro único / Comparison of Pediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM) and Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction (PELOD) scales in pediatric intensive care unit patients: A single center study / Comparação das escalas de mortalidade de risco pediátrico de mortalidade (PRISM) e disfunção orgânica logística pediátrica (PELOD) em pacientes pediátricos em uma unidade de terapia intensiva: um estudo de centro único

Introducción: El objetivo del presente estudio fue realizar un estudio de pruebas diagnósticas entre la escala PRISM III vs la escala PELOD para predecir mortalidad en pacientes que ingresan a la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCIP) del Hospital Pediátrico Baca Ortiz en el periodo de junio-diciembre 2019. Métodos: En el presente estudio observacional, retrospectivo, se registró la mortalidad y las variables que conforman cada una de las escalas predictivas. Se aplicó estadística descriptiva e inferencial, cálculo del área bajo la curva de ROC. La calibración, se calculó usando el chi2 de Hosmer Lemeshow y la tasa de mortalidad estandarizada mediante le paquete estadístico STATA v16. Resultados: Ingresaron al estudio 150 pacientes. 99 pacientes (66%) fueron hombres, tuvieron una media de edad de 3 años (P25 a P75) de 1 mes a 14 años. La patología de ingreso más frecuente fue la enfermedad posquirúrgica en 43 pacientes (28.6%), y la insuficiencia respiratoria en 31 pacientes (21.6%). La mortalidad fue 12.7%, con una media de estancia hospitalaria de 5 días (1 a 60). La escala de PRIMS III con área bajo la curva de 0.80 (IC 95% de 0.70 a 0.90), sensibilidad 79 % y especificidad 63 % con un puntaje PRISM III de 13 puntos. La escala de PELOD con área bajo la curva de 0.7 (IC 95% de 0.5 a 0.80), sensibilidad de 79 % y especificidad de 60 % con un puntaje PELOD de 21 puntos. Conclusiones: La escala de PRISM III predice la mortalidad mejor que la escala PELOD en este grupo de pacientes pediátricos en las primeras 24 horas.

Introduction: The aim of the present study was a study of diagnostic tests between the PRISM III scale vs the PELOD scale to predict mortality in patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (PICU) of the Baca Ortiz Pediatric Hospital in the period of June-December 2019. Methods: In this retrospective, observational study, mortality and the variables that make up each of the predictive scales were recorded. Descriptive and inferential statistics were ap-plied, calculation of the area under the ROC curve. The calibration was calculated using the Hosmer Lemeshow chi2 and the mortality rate standardized using the statistical package STATA v16. Results: 150 patients entered the study. 99 patients (66%) were men, had a mean age of 3 years (P25 to P75) from 1 month to 14 years. The most frequent admission pathology was postoperative disease in 43 patients (28.6%), and respiratory failure in 31 patients (21.6%). Mortality was 12.7%, with a mean hospital stay of 5 days (1 to 60). The PRIMS III scale with area under the curve of 0.80 (95% CI from 0.70 to 0.90), sensitivity 79% and specificity 63% with a PRISM III score of 13 points. The PELOD scale with area under the curve of 0.7 (95% CI from 0.5 to 0.80), sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 60% with a PELOD score of 21 points. Conclusions: the PRISM III scale predicts mortality better than the PELOD scale in this group of pediatric patients in the first 24 hours.

introdução: O objetivo do presente estudo foi realizar um estudo de testes diagnósticos entre a escala PRISM III vs a escala PELOD para predizer mortalidade em pacientes internados na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTIP) do Hospital Pediátrico Baca Ortiz no período de junho a dezembro 2019. Métodos: Nesse estudo retrospectivo e observacional, foram registradas a mortalidade e as variáveis ​​que compõem cada uma das escalas preditivas. Foi aplicada estatística descritiva e inferencial, cálculo da área sob a curva ROC. A calibração foi calculada usando o Hosmer Lemeshow chi2 e a taxa de mortalidade padronizada usando o pacote estatístico STATA v16. Resultados: 150 pacientes entraram no estudo. 99 pacientes (66%) eram homens, com idade média de 3 anos (P25 a P75) de 1 mês a 14 anos. A patologia de admissão mais frequente foi doença pós-operatória em 43 pacientes (28,6%) e insuficiência respiratória em 31 pacientes (21,6%). A mortalidade foi de 12,7%, com tempo médio de internação de 5 dias (1 a 60). Escala PRIMS III com área sob a curva de 0,80 (IC 95% de 0,70 a 0,90), sensibilidade 79% e especificidade 63% com escore PRISM III de 13 pontos. A escala PELOD com área sob a curva de 0,7 (IC 95% de 0,5 a 0,80), sensibilidade de 79% e especificidade de 60% com escore PELOD de 21 pontos. Conclusões: A escala PRISM III prediz mortalidade melhor do que a escala PELOD neste grupo de pacientes pediátricos nas primeiras 24 horas.

Potentially Avertable Child Mortality Associated with Surgical Workforce Scale-up in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Global Study.

BACKGROUND: Expansion of access to surgical care can improve health outcomes, although the impact that scale-up of the surgical workforce will have on child mortality is poorly defined. In this study, we estimate the number of child deaths potentially avertable by increasing the surgical workforce globally to meet targets proposed by the Lancet Commission on Global Surgery. METHODS: To estimate the number of deaths potentially avertable through increases in the surgical workforce, we used log-linear regression to model the association between surgeon, anesthetist and obstetrician workforce (SAO) density and surgically amenable under-5 mortality rate (U5MR), infant mortality rate (IMR), and neonatal mortality rate (NMR) for 192 countries adjusting for potential confounders of childhood mortality, including the non-surgical workforce (physicians, nurses/midwives, community health workers), gross national income per capita, poverty rate, female literacy rate, health expenditure per capita, percentage of urban population, number of surgical operations, and hospital bed density. Surgically amenable mortality was determined using mortality estimates from the UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation adjusted by the proportion of deaths in each country due to communicable causes unlikely to be amenable to surgical care. Estimates of mortality reduction due to upscaling surgical care to support the Lancet Commission on Global Surgery (LCoGS) minimum target of 20-40 SAO/100,000 were calculated accounting for potential increases in surgical volume associated with surgical workforce expansion. RESULTS: Increasing SAO workforce density was independently associated with lower surgically amenable U5MR as well as NMR (p < 0.01 for each model). When accounting for concomitant increases in surgical volume, scale-up of the surgical workforce to 20-40 SAO/100,000 could potentially prevent between 262,709 (95% CI 229,643-295,434) and 519,629 (465,046-573,919) under 5 deaths annually. The majority (61%) of deaths averted would be neonatal deaths. CONCLUSION: Scale up of surgical workforce may substantially decrease childhood mortality rates around the world. Our analysis suggests that scale-up of surgical delivery through increase in the SAO workforce could prevent over 500,000 children from dying before the age of 5 annually. This would represent significant progress toward meeting global child mortality reduction targets.