Sexual function and quality of life in gynecological cancer pre- and post-short-term brachytherapy: a prospective study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the sexual function and quality of life pre- and post-gynecological cancer treatment with high-dose rate brachytherapy in the short term. METHODS: This is a descriptive and prospective study involving 20 women diagnosed with gynecological cancer aged between 18 and 70 years, resident in Florianopolis and the surrounding region. We used the Quality of Life Questionnaire Core-30 (QLQ-C30) 3.0 to assess quality of life pre- and post-brachytherapy treatment and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) to assess sexual function. RESULTS: Regarding quality of life, significant worsening was observed for the items loss of appetite (p = 0.002) and diarrhea (p = 0.045) from pre- to post-brachytherapy treatment, whereas constipation (p = 0.013) improved. For sexual function, the statistical difference was found exclusively in the domain of lubrication reduction (p = 0.046). Only nine women were sexually active before and after brachytherapy treatment. CONCLUSIONS: There was a worsening of quality of life in comparing pre- and post-evaluations related to gastrointestinal symptoms over a period equivalent to 40 days. Regarding sexual function, lack of lubrication was identified in short-term post-gynecological cancer brachytherapy.

Educational telerehabilitation program for women with pelvic floor dysfunctions after gynecological pelvic cancer treatment: protocol study for a randomized and controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Educational and self-care measures are important for women after gynecological pelvic cancer treatment. Pelvic floor muscle training exercises (PFMT) are a conservative treatment for pelvic floor (PF) dysfunction. The purpose is to evaluate the impact of a telerehabilitation and self-care program on PF dysfunctions, reports of urinary incontinence (UI), and physical-emotional factors of participants post-treatment for gynecological pelvic cancer. METHODS: Two-arm randomized clinical trial: an intervention group (IG) will evaluate the effect of a telerehabilitation program on women undergoing clinical practice of radiotherapy for the treatment of gynecological pelvic cancer and a control group (CG) will maintain the routine. Primary outcome is the prevalence of reports of UI, which will be assessed using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF). The secondary outcomes will be the severity and impact of UI on quality of life, location and perception of pain intensity, presence and intensity of dyspareunia, vaginal stenosis, fecal incontinence (FI), and levels of physical activity. Statistical analysis will be performed by intention-to-treat, and multivariate mixed effects analysis will be used to compare results. DISCUSSION: Activities in the context of telerehabilitation using PFMT and self-care can represent a viable and effective solution to minimize the side effects of gynecological cancer treatment and improve women's quality of life.

The concept of the immune-pineal axis tested in patients undergoing an abdominal hysterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Activation of the immune-pineal axis induces a transient reduction in nocturnal melatonin in the plasma during the proinflammatory phase of an innate immune response to allow the proper migration of leukocytes to the lesion site. This transient reduction should be regulated by inflammatory mediators, which are responsible for the fine-tuning of the process. In the present study, we measured the pre- and postoperative serum concentrations of melatonin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and cortisol in women who underwent an elective hysterectomy and correlated the variation in melatonin with postoperative pain. METHODS: We evaluated 12 women who had an abdominal hysterectomy. Blood was collected at 10.00 and 22.00 h 1 week and 1 day before the surgery, on the 1st and 2nd days after the surgery and at 22.00 h on the day of the surgery. RESULTS: On the night after the surgery, there was no melatonin detected at 22.00 h. High TNF levels were accompanied by a lower nocturnal melatonin output, higher postoperative pain according to a visual analog scale and the request of higher doses of analgesics. In addition, low cortisol levels were accompanied by a lower nocturnal melatonin output. CONCLUSION: Our results confirm that the same antagonistic pattern between TNF and glucocorticoids observed in cultured pineal glands also occurs in humans. This integrative pattern suggests that the cross talk between the immune and endocrine system orchestrates longitudinal changes in pineal activity, reinforcing the hypothesis of an immune-pineal axis.

Mat Pilates and belly dance: Effects on patient-reported outcomes among breast cancer survivors receiving hormone therapy and adherence to exercise.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer treatment leads to several side effects. Exercise can help to reduce these side effects. However, it is unknown whether a mat Pilates or a belly dance intervention can improve the patient-reported outcomes of these women. OBJECTIVE: Examine the effects of a 16-week exercise intervention (mat Pilates or belly dance) on patient reported outcomes (PROs) among breast cancer survivors, at 16 weeks, six months, and 12 months; and investigate sociodemographic and clinical predictors of intervention adherence. METHODS: Seventy-four breast cancer survivors who were receiving hormone therapy were randomly allocated into mat Pilates (n = 25), belly dance (n = 25) or control group (educational sessions) (n = 24). Mat Pilates and belly dance groups received a 16-week intervention, delivered three days a week and 60 min a session. The control group received three education sessions and continue usual care. The patient reported outcomes assessed were depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory), stress (Perceived Stress Scale), optimism (Life Orientation Test), fatigue (FACT-F), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) and pain (VAS), clinical and sociodemographic characteristics, and habitual physical activity (IPAQ short). RESULTS: All three groups showed a significant improvement in fatigue, and this effect was maintained during follow-up. No significant effects were found for depressive symptoms, optimism, stress, or pain. A history of exercise prior to breast cancer and be inactive after diagnosis were significant predictors of adherence to interventions. CONCLUSION: Mat Pilates, belly dance and a few educational sessions can be effective in improving fatigue after 16 weeks of intervention. REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03194997).

The performance of physiotherapeutic conducts in oncology patients interned in a pediatric intensive care unit: A systematic review.

Objective: The intervention of physical therapy in pediatric oncology is currently transmuting from a view based on the restriction of physical stress to an approach that advocates the practice of cardiorespiratory and motor interventions that provide a better prognosis for the patient. The objective of this study is to carry out a systematic review and to identify studies that address the performance of physical therapeutic practices in pediatric cancer patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: The stage of identification and selection of articles were carried out according to what was recommended by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyzes, on PubMed, Medline, and Scopus platforms, based on the PICO acronym, and were classified by the PeDRO quality scale. Results: A total of 19,820 articles were found and six were acceptable according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the study, accounting for a total of 634 patients evaluated in the respective study. Conclusion: There is a scarcity of studies that show the reality of physical therapy practice in pediatric and neonatal ICU, with a focus on cancer patients. Most of the articles found emphasize the physiotherapeutic approach in the management of ventilation in these patients. Within this context, they show positive outcomes with the highest number of discharges, reduced mortality, increased survival, and treatment of respiratory failure. In addition, the application of non-invasive ventilation modalities proved to be more prevalent and important, both in the variables mentioned above and in the prevention of complications, such as a lower rate of patients undergoing orotracheal intubation.

Level of physical activity and sedentary behavior in children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer: A systematic review.

Objective: The objective of the study was to examine already published evidence on the level of physical activity and sedentary behavior in children during and after treatment for cancer. And, thusly to verify if patients are following the recommendations of the World Health Organization, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and American College of Sports Medicine. Methods: The platforms for searches were EBSCO, Web of Science and PubMed. The keywords used were physical activity, sedentary behavior, children or adolescents with cancer. Results: Found 4572 articles. 16 satisfied the eligibility criteria. The most children of whom had a low level of physical activity and a high level of sedentary behavior. Conclusions: We conclude that this population showed an increase in sedentary behavior. And, it was also observed that does not have specific recommendations for this population. Already, the recommendations used for the healthy children and for chronic patients are not ideal for this population. Therefore, it is demonstrated that specific recommendations must be created for this population.

Pain characteristics and quality of life of breast cancer survivors that return and do not return to work: an exploratory cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: the aim of this study is two-fold: 1) to explore the pain characteristics among breast cancer survivors that return to work and do not return to work; 2) to identify the factors associated with pain on the upper quadrant of the affected side. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-two breast cancer survivors were included. Quality of life was assessed using EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23. Pain characteristics were assessed with a body diagram and a numeric rating scale. RESULTS: Thirty-five breast cancer survivors did not return to work. Ninety-one percent of women that did not return to work reported pain. The most frequent pain sites were the cervical spine and the axilla of the affected side. There were no significant differences in pain intensity between groups. The factors associated with pain on the upper quadrant of the affected side were perception of shoulder stiffness OR = 5.93 (1.38-44.87, 95%CI) and time since surgery of more than four years OR = 5.54 (1.36-20.97, 95% CI). CONCLUSIONS: Pain was highly prevalent among breast cancer survivors. Breast cancer survivors that returned to work presented better quality of life. Longer time since surgery and perception of shoulder stiffness were associated with pain on the upper quadrant of the affected side.Implications for rehabilitationPain is a major factor following breast cancer surgery preventing returning to work.This group reported more pain on the cervical spine and axilla of the affected side.Rehabilitation needs to focus specifically on pain management in order to improve quality of life.A multidisciplinary approach involving pain specialists and vocational support is recommended.

Epidemiological profile of women with gynecological cancer in brachytherapy: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the sociodemographic and clinical profile of women with gynecological cancer in brachytherapy. METHOD: a cross-sectional study including records of 1,930 visits of women in brachytherapy assisted between 2006-2016 in Santa Catarina (Brazil). Collection was performed in 2019, in an institutional bank, submitted to frequency measurements, chi-square test, 95% confidence intervals, significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: women aged 40-59 years (47.2%), white (93.3%); with elementary school (65%); cervical cancer (78.5%); stages II-III (73.3%) figured prominently. In the comparison of staging proportions in the topography variable, a higher proportion of malignant neoplasm of cervix uteri unspecified in the grouped III-IV staging (84.6%). CONCLUSION: the profile analysis shows the need for screening and health education for prevention and/or early detection of gynecological cancers and training of nurses specialized in radiotherapy to care for women's health.

Functionality and factors associated with work behaviour among Brazilian breast cancer survivors: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer treatments lead to several comorbidities in the upper limbs, such as pain and stiffness, hindering physical functions and the return to work. OBJECTIVE: To explore the functionality and factors associated with work behaviour among manual and non-manual Brazilian workers who have recovered from breast cancer. METHODS: This is an observational cross-sectional study involving Brazilian breast cancer survivors. The sociodemographic, work, and clinical aspects were assessed through clinical records, upper limb disability, and human functionality obtained from 62 women. Multiple and univariate logistic regressions were used to identify the association of variables on return to work, p < 0.05. RESULTS: 56.5% of women did not return to work, the mean time for returning to work was 16 months (±15.21), absenteeism from work lasted 41 months (±34.58). Modified radical mastectomy (OR = 5.13, 95% CI = 1.35 to 18.66) and moderate-to-severe disability levels in the upper limbs (OR = 6.77, 95% CI = 1.86 to 24.92) were associated with not returning to work. The loss of productivity was higher among non-manual workers (21.5%) (p = 0.040). CONCLUSIONS: The rates of not returning to work after breast cancer treatment are high. Women who did not return to work presented higher levels of disability.

Pilates and dance to patients with breast cancer undergoing treatment: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial - MoveMama study.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is a global public health issue. The side effects of the clinical treatment can decrease the quality of life of these women. Therefore, a healthy lifestyle is essential to minimize the physical and psychological side effects of treatment. Physical activity has several benefits for women with breast cancer, and Pilates solo and belly dancing can be an enjoyable type of physical activity for women with breast cancer undergoing clinical treatment. The purpose of this study is to provide a Pilates solo and a belly dance protocol (three times per week/16 weeks) for women undergoing breast cancer treatment and compare its effectiveness with that in the control group. METHODS: The participants will be allocated to either the intervention arm (Pilates solo or belly dance classes three times per week for 16 weeks) or a control group (receipt of a booklet on physical activity for patients with breast cancer and maintenance of habitual physical activity routine). The Pilates solo and belly dance classes will be divided into three stages: warmup and stretching, the main stage, and relaxation. Measurements of the study outcomes will take place at baseline; postintervention; and 6, 12, and 24 months after the end of the intervention (maintenance period). The data collection for both groups will occur with a paper questionnaire and tests covering general and clinical information. The primary outcome will be quality of life (EORT QLQ-C30 and EORT QLQ-BR23), and secondary outcomes will be physical aspects such as cardiorespiratory fitness (6-min walk test and cycle ergometer), lymphedema (sum of arm circumference), physical activity (IPAQ short version), disabilities of the arm (DASH), range of motion (goniometer test), muscular strength (dynamometer test) and flexibility (sit and reach test), and psychological aspects such as depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory), body image (Body Image After Breast Cancer Questionnaire), self-esteem (Rosenberg), fatigue (FACT-F), pain (VAS), sexual function (FSFI), and sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index). DISCUSSION: In view of the high prevalence of breast cancer among women, the implementation of a specific protocol of Pilates solo and belly dancing for patients with breast cancer is important, considering the necessity to improve their physical and psychological quality of life. Pilates solo and belly dancing are two types of physical activity that involve mental and physical concentration, music, upper limb movements, femininity, and social involvement. An intervention with these two physical activities could offer options of supportive care to women with breast cancer undergoing treatment, with the aim being to improve physical and psychological quality of life. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03194997. Registration date 12 August 2017. Universal Trial Number (World Health Organization), U1111-1195-1623.

Body mass index, asthma, and respiratory symptoms: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and asthma, according to body mass index (BMI), as well as to evaluate factors associated with physician-diagnosed asthma, in individuals ≥ 40 years of age. METHODS: This was a population-based cross-sectional study conducted in Florianópolis, Brazil, with probability sampling. Data were collected during home visits. Demographic data were collected, as were reports of physician-diagnosed asthma, respiratory symptoms, medications in use, and comorbidities. Anthropometric measurements were taken. Individuals also underwent spirometry before and after bronchodilator administration. Individuals were categorized as being of normal weight (BMI < 25 kg/m2), overweight (25 kg/m2 ≥ BMI < 30 kg/m2), or obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2). RESULTS: A total of 1,026 individuals were evaluated, 274 (26.7%) were of normal weight, 436 (42.5%) were overweight, and 316 (30.8%) were obese. The prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma was 11.0%. The prevalence of obesity was higher in women (p = 0.03), as it was in respondents with ≤ 4 years of schooling (p < 0.001) or a family income of 3-10 times the national minimum wage. Physician-diagnosed asthma was more common among obese individuals than among those who were overweight and those of normal weight (16.1%, 9.9%, and 8.0%, respectively; p = 0.04), as were dyspnea (35.5%, 22.5%, and 17.9%, respectively; p < 0.001) and wheezing in the last year (25.6%, 11.9%, and 14.6%, respectively; p < 0.001). These results were independent of patient smoking status. In addition, obese individuals were three times more likely to report physician-diagnosed asthma than were those of normal weight (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: A report of physician-diagnosed asthma showed a significant association with being ≥ 40 years of age and with having a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2. Being obese tripled the chance of physician-diagnosed asthma.

Significado do uso da prótese peniana de silicone no seguimento da braquiterapia pélvica / Significado do uso da prótese peniana de silicone no seguimento da braquiterapia pélvica / Meaning of the use of silicone penile prosthesis in the follow-up of pelvic brachytherapy

Objetivo: descrever o significado do uso da prótese peniana de silicone para dilatação vaginal no seguimento da braquiterapia em mulheres com câncer ginecológico. Método: pesquisa narrativa, realizada no Centro de Pesquisas Oncológicas, Brasil, com 34 mulheres, após braquiterapia pélvica, em seguimento no serviço de fisioterapia. Coleta de dados por entrevistas semiestruturadas, incluindo dados sociodemográficos, clínicos e o significado do uso da prótese peniana na dilatação vaginal, submetidas à análise de conteúdo e discutidas à luz do estudo From 'sex toy' to intrusive imposition. Resultados: o significado perpassa o exercício de dilatação vaginal; as dificuldades relacionadas às condições vaginais, doença, tratamento, dor, sexo, constrangimentos, preconceitos, falhas na educação em saúde; as motivações relacionam-se à busca por qualidade de vida, apoio dos companheiros e profissionais. Conclusão: a abordagem de possíveis barreiras emocionais, psicológicas, sociais e físicas deve ser planejada e executada para prevenção da estenose vaginal e melhor acolhimento.

Objective: to describe the meaning of the use of silicone penile prosthesis for vaginal dilation in the follow-up of brachytherapy in women with gynecological cancer. Method: narrative research conducted at the Centro de Pesquisas Oncológicas, Brazil, with 34 women after pelvic brachytherapy, under follow-up at the physical therapy service. Data collection through semi-structured interviews, including sociodemographic and clinical data and the significance of the use of penile prosthesis in vaginal dilation, submitted to content analysis and discussed in the light of the study From 'sex toy' to intrusive imposition. Results: the meaning permeates the vaginal dilation exercise; difficulties related to vaginal conditions, disease, treatment, pain, sex, constraints, prejudices, failures in health education; motivations are related to the search for quality of life, support of partners and professionals. Conclusion: the approach of possible emotional, psychological, social and physical barriers should be planned and executed for prevention of vaginal stenosis and better reception.

Objetivo: describir el significado del uso de una prótesis peneana de silicona para la dilatación vaginal posterior a la braquiterapia en mujeres con cáncer ginecológico. Método: investigación narrativa, realizada en el Centro de Pesquisas Oncológicas, Brasil, con 34 mujeres, después de braquiterapia pélvica, en seguimiento en el servicio de fisioterapia. Recopilación de datos a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas, incluyendo datos sociodemográficos y clínicos y el significado del uso de prótesis peneana en la dilatación vaginal, sometidos a análisis de contenido y discutidos a la luz del estudio From 'sex toy' to intrusive imposition. Resultados: el significado impregna el ejercicio de dilatación vaginal; dificultades relacionadas con condiciones vaginales, enfermedad, tratamiento, dolor, sexo, vergüenza, prejuicios, fallas en la educación para la salud; las motivaciones están relacionadas con la búsqueda de calidad de vida, apoyo de la pareja y profesionales. Conclusión: se debe planificar y ejecutar el abordaje de las posibles barreras emocionales, psicológicas, sociales y físicas para prevenir la estenosis vaginal y una mejor recepción.

Uso do taping linfático na prevenção da formação de equimoses em abdominoplastia e lipoaspiração / Use of lymphatic taping to prevent the formation of ecchymosis in abdominoplasty and liposuction

Introdução: Uma das intercorrências mais comuns em pós-operatório de cirurgia plástica de lipoaspiração e abdominoplastia é a equimose, e seu tratamento e prevenção fazem parte da rotina do fisioterapeuta dermatofuncional. O objetivo é avaliar a ocorrência de equimose de pacientes submetidas à abdominoplastia e/ou lipoaspiração tradicional de abdome e flancos, e correlacionar estatisticamente essas ocorrências com o tratamento de taping linfático no transoperatório. Métodos: Ensaio clínico controlado, composto por 20 pacientes do sexo feminino, com idade entre 20 e 60 anos divididos em dois grupos: 10 no grupo controle (GC) e 10 no grupo experimental (GE). Todas as mulheres que apresentavam indicação cirúrgica de abdominoplastia e/ou lipoaspiração de abdome e flancos. O GC foi apenas avaliado no pré-operatório e no 4º dia de pós-operatório, enquanto o grupo GE foi avaliado no pré-operatório, recebeu tratamento transoperatório com aplicação de taping linfático e foi reavaliado no 4º dia de pósoperatório. Resultados: O grupo experimental apresentou uma melhor resposta na resolução da equimose (p=0,01) quando comparado ao grupo controle. Conclusão: Neste estudo, o uso do taping linfático no transoperatório de abdominoplastia e lipoaspiração, reduziu ou anulou a formação de equimose no pós-operatório, contribuindo para a diminuição do número de atendimentos fisioterapêuticos, incidência de quadro álgico e acelerando assim o restabelecimento dos pacientes no pósoperatório das cirurgias de abdominoplastia e/ou lipoaspiração.

Introduction: Ecchymosis is one of the most common complications in the postoperative period of plastic liposuction and abdominoplasty surgery. Its treatment and prevention are part of the routine of the dermatofunctional physiotherapist. The objective is to evaluate the occurrence of ecchymosis in patients undergoing abdominoplasty and/ or traditional liposuction of the abdomen and flanks and statistically correlate these occurrences with the treatment of lymphatic taping during the operation. Methods: Controlled clinical trial, composed of 20 female patients, aged between 20 and 60, divided into 10 in the control group (CG) and 10 in the experimental group (EG). All women had a surgical indication of abdominoplasty and/or liposuction of the abdomen and flanks. The CG was only evaluated preoperatively and on the 4th postoperative day, while the EG group was evaluated preoperatively, received transoperative treatment with application of lymphatic taping and was reevaluated on the 4th postoperative day. Results: The experimental group presented a better response in the resolution of ecchymosis (p=0.01) when compared to the control group. Conclusion: In this study, the use of lymphatic taping during the transoperative period of abdominoplasty and liposuction reduced or annulled the formation of ecchymosis in the postoperative period, contributing to the decrease in the number of physical therapy visits, the incidence of pain and thus accelerating the reestablishment of patients from abdominoplasty and/or liposuction surgeries.

Prevalence of depression in COPD: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled studies.

BACKGROUND: Depression is frequently reported in association with COPD. However, the prevalence of depression in these patients ranges largely. This study aimed to systematically review the prevalence of depression in COPD and controls and to explore remaining causes of inter-study variability in the reported prevalence. METHODS: A systemic review of the literature and a meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the source of variability in the reported rates of depression in stable COPD. Main eligibility criteria were: controlled studies with a sample size >100, outpatients with COPD diagnosed by spirometry and, use of a validated depression screening instrument. RESULTS: From 1613 studies identified, eight controlled studies were included in the review. The number of participants in the pooled studies was of 5.552 COPD subjects and 5.211 controls. Using stricter criteria for study selection reduced the variability of the depression prevalence in COPD and controls, which was 27.1% [25.9-28.3] in COPD subjects and 10.0% [9.2-10.8] in the control group. The pooled odds ratio and 95% CI was 3.74 [2.4-5.9]. However, the heterogeneity across studies was high. Possible explanatory factor included sample sizes, COPD/controls ratio, smoker's/nonsmokers ratio and qualitative differences (source of subjects, instruments to screen depression, COPD severity, smoking status, and comorbidities). CONCLUSION: The study highlights the variability in estimates of depression prevalence in COPD. It could be explained by methodological differences across the included studies. This suggests that a standardization is critical to improve precision of the estimates.

Práticas de autocuidado e os efeitos colaterais imediatos em mulheres com câncer ginecológico em braquiterapia / Prácticas de autocuidado y los efectos colaterales inmediatos en mujeres con cáncer ginecológico en braquiterapia / Self-care practices and immediate side effects in women with gynecological cancer in brachytherapy

Objetivo: revelar os efeitos colaterais imediatos e as práticas de autocuidado adotadas por mulheres com câncer ginecológico submetidas à braquiterapia. Método: pesquisa narrativa, realizada com 12 mulheres, no Sul do Brasil, entre dezembro/2018 e janeiro/2019, incluindo entrevista semiestruturada submetida à análise de conteúdo. Resultados: da análise emergiram três categorias temáticas: Cuidados orientados e adotados pelas mulheres em braquiterapia pélvica; Efeitos colaterais imediatos percebidos pelas mulheres em braquiterapia pélvica; Cuidados não orientados pelos profissionais da saúde. Os cuidados orientados pelas enfermeiras mais relatados pelas mulheres foram dilatação vaginal, uso de ducha e lubrificante vaginal, consumo de chá, higienização e guarda do dilatador vaginal. Os efeitos colaterais mais citados nas entrevistas foram alterações urinárias e intestinais na pele e mucosas. Conclusão: evidencia-se que a atenção de enfermagem em braquiterapia deve priorizar cuidados para prevenir e controlar as alterações geniturinárias e tegumentares, incluindo práticas de autocuidado.

Objective: to reveal the immediate side effects and self-care practices adopted by women with gynecological cancer submitted to brachytherapy. Method: narrative research, conducted with 12 women, in southern Brazil, between December/2018 and January/2019, including semi-structured interviews submitted to content analysis. Results: three thematic categories emerged from the analysis: Care oriented and adopted by women in pelvic brachytherapy; Immediate side effects perceived by women in pelvic brachytherapy; Care not guided by health professionals. The care provided by the nurses most reported by the women was vaginal dilation, use of a shower and vaginal lubricant, tea consumption, cleaning, and storage of the vaginal dilator. The side effects most frequently mentioned in the interviews were urinary and intestinal changes in the skin and mucous membranes. Conclusion: nursing care in brachytherapy must prioritize care to prevent and control genitourinary and cutaneous changes, including self-care practices.

Objetivo: revelar los efectos colaterales inmediatos y las prácticas de autocuidado adoptadas por mujeres con cáncer ginecológico sometidas a la braquiterapia. Método: investigación narrativa, realizada con 12 mujeres, en el Sur de Brasil, entre diciembre/2018 y enero/2019, incluyendo entrevista semiestructurada sometida al análisis de contenido. Resultados: del análisis surgieron tres categorías temáticas: Cuidados orientados y adoptados por las mujeres en braquiterapia pélvica; Efectos colaterales inmediatos percibidos por las mujeres en braquiterapia pélvica; Cuidados no orientados por los profesionales de la salud. Los cuidados orientados por las enfermeras más relatados por las mujeres fueron dilatación vaginal, uso de ducha y lubrificante vaginal, consumo de té, higienización y guarda del dilatador vaginal. Los efectos colaterales más citados en las entrevistas fueron alteraciones urinarias e intestinales en la piel y mucosas. Conclusión: se observa que la atención de enfermería en braquiterapia debe priorizar cuidados para prevenir y controlar las alteraciones genitourinarias y pigmentarias, incluyendo prácticas de autocuidado.

Mulheres com câncer ginecológico: significado da braquiterapia / Mujeres con cáncerginecológico: significado de la braquiterapia / Women with gynecological cancer: meaning of brachytherapy

RESUMO Objetivo: conhecer o significado da braquiterapia em mulheres com câncer ginecológico. Métodos: pesquisa qualitativa, descritiva e exploratória realizada com 32 mulheres, submetidas à braquiterapia em instituição oncológica de Santa Catarina, Brasil. Na coleta de dados, entre setembro de 2017 e julho de 2018, aplicou-se entrevista semiestruturada. As comunicações foram submetidas à análise de conteúdo, incluindo regras de enumeração para análise dos dados sociodemográficos, clínicos e para quantificação dos relatos agrupados. Publicações relacionadas com o tema e a Teoria do Conforto sustentaram teoricamente a inferência dos dados. Emergiram cinco categorias temáticas, neste artigo apresentam-se três. Resultados: a categoria "O medo e as crenças pessoais no enfrentamento do câncer ginecológico e da braquiterapia" destaca o medo da morte, o desejo pela cura e o apego à família e à religiosidade; "Medo do tratamento e desconfortos relacionados" retrata as alterações relacionadas aos contextos físico, psicológico e ambiental; "Dor como significado" revela a percepção dolorosa sentida pelas mulheres em decorrência da doença ou da braquiterapia. Conclusão: conhecer o significado da braquiterapia permite que os enfermeiros possam repensar a coleta de dados e o planejamento de enfermagem para melhor educação em saúde e redução dos desconfortos.

RESUMEN Objetivo: conocer el significado de la braquiterapia en mujeres con cáncer ginecológico. Métodos: investigación cualitativa, descriptiva y exploratoria realizada con 32 mujeres, sometidas a la braquiterapia en institución oncológica de Santa Catarina, Brasil. En la recolección de datos, entre septiembre de 2017 y julio de 2018, se aplicó entrevista semiestructurada. Los relatos fueron sometidos al análisis de contenido, incluyendo reglas de enumeración para análisis de los datos sociodemográfico, clínicos y para cuantificación de los relatos agrupados. Publicaciones relacionadas con el tema yla Teoría del Confort basaron teóricamente la inferencia de los datos. Surgieron cinco categorías temáticas, en este artículo se presentan tres. Resultados: la categoría "El miedo y las creencias personales en el enfrentamiento del cáncer ginecológico y de la braquiterapia" destaca el temor a la muerte, el deseo por la cura y el apego a la familia y a la religiosidad; "Miedo al tratamiento y las molestias relacionadas" retrata las alteraciones relacionadas a los contextos físico, psicológico y ambiental; "Dolor como significado" revela la percepción dolorosa sentida por las mujeres debido a la enfermedad o la braquiterapia. Conclusión: conocer el significado de la braquiterapia permite que los enfermeros puedan repensar la recolección de datos y la planificación de enfermería para una mejor educación en salud y reducción de las molestias.

ABSTRACT Objective: to know the meaning of brachytherapy in women with gynecological cancer. Methods: qualitative, descriptive and exploratory research conducted with 32 women who underwent brachytherapy at an oncology institution in Santa Catarina, Brazil. Data collection took place between September 2017 and July 2018 through semi-structured interviews. Communications were submitted to content analysis, including enumeration rules for the analysis of sociodemographic and clinical data and for the quantification of grouped reports. Publications related to the theme and the Comfort Theory theoretically supported the inference of the data. Five thematic categories emerged; in this article three are presented. Results: the category "Fear and personal beliefs in coping with gynecological cancer and brachytherapy" highlights the fear of death, the desire for healing and attachment to family and religiosity; "Fear of treatment and related discomforts" depicts changes related to physical, psychological and environmental contexts; "Pain as meaning" reveals the painful perception felt by women as a result of illness or brachytherapy. Conclusion: knowing the meaning of brachytherapy allows nurses to rethink data collection and nursing planning for better health education and reduction of discomfort.

Epidemiological profile of women with gynecological cancer in brachytherapy: a cross-sectional study / Perfil epidemiológico de las mujeres com cáncer ginecológico em brachiterapia: um estúdio transversal / Perfil epidemiológico de mulheres com câncer ginecológico em braquiterapia: estudo transversal

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the sociodemographic and clinical profile of women with gynecological cancer in brachytherapy. Method: a cross-sectional study including records of 1,930 visits of women in brachytherapy assisted between 2006-2016 in Santa Catarina (Brazil). Collection was performed in 2019, in an institutional bank, submitted to frequency measurements, chi-square test, 95% confidence intervals, significance level of 0.05. Results: women aged 40-59 years (47.2%), white (93.3%); with elementary school (65%); cervical cancer (78.5%); stages II-III (73.3%) figured prominently. In the comparison of staging proportions in the topography variable, a higher proportion of malignant neoplasm of cervix uteri unspecified in the grouped III-IV staging (84.6%). Conclusion: the profile analysis shows the need for screening and health education for prevention and/or early detection of gynecological cancers and training of nurses specialized in radiotherapy to care for women's health.

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar el perfil sociodemográfico y clínico de mujeres con cáncer ginecológico en braquiterapia. Método: estudio transversal que incluyó registros de 1.930 visitas de mujeres en braquiterapia asistidas entre 2006-2016 en Santa Catarina (Brasil). La recolección se realizóen 2019, en un banco institucional, sometida a medidas de frecuencia, pruebachi-cuadrado, intervalos de confianza al 95%, nivel de significancia de 0,05. Resultados: predominaron las mujeres entre 40-59 años (47,2%), blancas (93,3%); con educación primaria (65%); cáncer de cuello uterino (78,5%); en estadios II-III (73,3%). Al comparar las proporciones de estadificación en la variable topografía, encontramos una mayor proporción de malignidad cervical no especificada la estadificación agrupada III-IV (84,6%). Conclusión: el análisis del perfil muestra la necesidad de cribado y educación sanitaria para la prevención y/o detección temprana de cánceres ginecológicos y la formación de enfermeras especializadas en radioterapia para el cuidado de la salud de la mujer.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar o perfil sociodemográfico e clínico de mulheres com câncer ginecológico em braquiterapia. Método: estudo transversal incluindo registros de 1.930 atendimentos de mulheres em braquiterapia assistidas entre 2006-2016 em Santa Catarina (Brasil). Coleta foi realizada em 2019, em banco institucional, submetida às medidas de frequência, Teste Qui-Quadrado, intervalos de 95% de confiança, nível de significância de 0,05. Resultados: predominaram as mulheres entre 40-59 anos (47,2%),brancas (93,3%); com ensino fundamental (65%); câncer do colo do útero (78,5%); nos estádios II-III (73,3%). Na comparação das proporções dos estadiamentos na variável topografia, encontrou-se uma maior proporção da neoplasia maligna do colo do útero não especificada nos estadiamentos III-IV agrupados (84,6%). Conclusão: a análise do perfil mostra a necessidade do rastreamento e educação em saúde para prevenção e/ou detecção precoce dos cânceres ginecológicos e a formação de enfermeiros especialistas em radioterapia para atendimento da saúde da mulher.

Recommendations for Physiotherapy in Breast and Gynecological Cancer during COVID-19 Pandemic: Literature Review / Recomendações para Fisioterapia em Oncologia Mamária e Ginecológica durante a Pandemia de COVID-19: Revisão da Literatura / Recomendaciones de Fisioterapia en Oncología Mamaria y Ginecológica durante la Pandemia Covid-19: Revisión de Literatura

Introduction: Considering COVID-19 pandemic, physiotherapeutic care for breast and gynecological cancer has the challenge of continuing or beginning the treatment, preventing or treating complications. Objective: To offer guidance about physiotherapy for breast and gynecological cancer during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Descriptive study produced after a public consultation about the theme and based on literature review and opinions of a group of experts. To classify the strength of the recommendations of the outcomes included, the GRADE system was used. Results: 82 Brazilian physiotherapists responded the online survey. Most of the professionals (36.6%) reported they needed information about the use of personal protective equipment and its hygiene, 18.3%, control and prevention of lymphedema, bandaging and skin care and 17.1%, pelvic floor dysfunction. The analysis of the public consultation, literature review and expert's consensus resulted in recommendations related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic over the care to women undergoing breast or gynecological cancer treatment and on physiotherapy follow-up; on telephysiotherapy follow-up of the most prevalent complications; on women in palliative care and safety after resuming in-person consultation. Aspects of the decision making in relation to the format of the sessions were discussed and the criteria to return to in-person routine. Conclusion: This manuscript recommends the continuation of the physiotherapy services during and after the COVID-19 pandemic highlighting the educative and self-applied components of the sessions, prioritizing a physical activity plan and specific exercises to contribute for better quality of life of the women.

Introdução: Considerando a pandemia de Covid-19 e a assistência fisioterapêutica nos cânceres de mama e ginecológico, o desafio tem sido continuar ou iniciar a fisioterapia para prevenir ou tratar complicações. Objetivo: Oferecer recomendações voltadas à fisioterapia para os cânceres de mama e ginecológico durante o período de Covid-19. Método: Estudo descritivo produzido após consulta pública sobre o tema, baseado na revisão da literatura e nas considerações de grupo de especialistas. Para graduar a força das recomendações para os desfechos incluídos, utilizou-se o sistema GRADE. Resultados: Oitenta e dois fisioterapeutas de diferentes regiões brasileiras responderam à pesquisa, remotamente. A maioria (36,6%) relatou necessidade de informação sobre equipamento de proteção individual e sua higiene; 18,3% sobre controle e prevenção de linfedema, enfaixamento compressivo e cuidados com a pele; e 17,1% sobre disfunção do assoalho pélvico. A análise da consulta pública, revisão da literatura e considerações dos especialistas resultaram nas recomendações sobre: impacto da pandemia de Covid-19 no acompanhamento fisioterapêutico das mulheres submetidas ao tratamento oncológico mamário ou ginecológico; acompanhamento das complicações mais prevalentes por meio da telefisioterapia; atenção às mulheres em cuidados paliativos; e segurança na assistência após retorno presencial. Aspectos da tomada de decisão em relação ao formato das sessões e critérios de retorno à rotina presencial foram discutidos. Conclusão: Este manuscrito recomenda a continuidade da fisioterapia durante e após a pandemia de Covid-19, destacando componentes educativos e de autoaplicação, priorizando um plano de atividade física e exercícios específicos para contribuir para melhor qualidade de vida das mulheres.

Introducción: Considerando la pandemia de Covid-19 y la asistencia de fisioterapia en cáncer de mama y ginecológico, el desafío ha sido continuar o iniciar la fisioterapia para prevenir o tratar complicaciones. Objetivo: Ofrecer recomendaciones de fisioterapia para el cáncer de mama y ginecológico durante la pandemia. Método: Estudio descriptivo elaborado tras una consulta pública sobre el tema, basado en una revisión de la literatura y consideraciones de expertos. Para calificar la fuerza de las recomendaciones se utilizó el sistema GRADE. Resultados: Ochenta y dos fisioterapeutas brasileños respondieron a la encuesta; 36,6% refirió la necesidad de información sobre equipos de protección personal e higiene; 18,3% en el control y prevención del linfedema, vendajes compresivos y cuidado de la piel; 17,1% en disfunción del suelo pélvico. El análisis de la consulta pública, la revisión de la literatura y las consideraciones de los expertos dieron como resultado las recomendaciones sobre: impacto de la pandemia Covid-19 en el seguimiento fisioterapéutico de mujeres sometidas a tratamiento por cáncer de mama y ginecológico; seguimiento de las complicaciones más prevalentes mediante teleterapia; atención a mujeres en cuidados paliativos; y seguridad en la asistencia después del regreso en persona. Se discutieron aspectos de la toma de decisión y sen relación al formato de las sesiones y criterios para volver a la rutina presencial. Conclusión: Este manuscrito presenta algunas recomendaciones para la continuidad de la fisioterapia durante la pandemia, destacando los componentes educativos y de autorrealización de las guías, y priorizando un plan de actividad física y ejercicios específicos para contribuir con mejor calidad de vida.

Body mass index, asthma, and respiratory symptoms: a population-based study / Índice de massa corpórea, asma e sintomas respiratórios: um estudo de base populacional

ABSTRACT Objective: To estimate the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and asthma, according to body mass index (BMI), as well as to evaluate factors associated with physician-diagnosed asthma, in individuals ≥ 40 years of age. Methods: This was a population-based cross-sectional study conducted in Florianópolis, Brazil, with probability sampling. Data were collected during home visits. Demographic data were collected, as were reports of physician-diagnosed asthma, respiratory symptoms, medications in use, and comorbidities. Anthropometric measurements were taken. Individuals also underwent spirometry before and after bronchodilator administration. Individuals were categorized as being of normal weight (BMI < 25 kg/m2), overweight (25 kg/m2 ≥ BMI < 30 kg/m2), or obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2). Results: A total of 1,026 individuals were evaluated, 274 (26.7%) were of normal weight, 436 (42.5%) were overweight, and 316 (30.8%) were obese. The prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma was 11.0%. The prevalence of obesity was higher in women (p = 0.03), as it was in respondents with ≤ 4 years of schooling (p < 0.001) or a family income of 3-10 times the national minimum wage. Physician-diagnosed asthma was more common among obese individuals than among those who were overweight and those of normal weight (16.1%, 9.9%, and 8.0%, respectively; p = 0.04), as were dyspnea (35.5%, 22.5%, and 17.9%, respectively; p < 0.001) and wheezing in the last year (25.6%, 11.9%, and 14.6%, respectively; p < 0.001). These results were independent of patient smoking status. In addition, obese individuals were three times more likely to report physician-diagnosed asthma than were those of normal weight (p = 0.005). Conclusions: A report of physician-diagnosed asthma showed a significant association with being ≥ 40 years of age and with having a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2. Being obese tripled the chance of physician-diagnosed asthma.

RESUMO Objetivo: Estimar a prevalência de sintomas respiratórios e asma de acordo com o índice de massa corpórea (IMC) em indivíduos com idade ≥ 40 anos e avaliar os fatores associados ao relato de diagnóstico médico de asma. Métodos: Estudo transversal de base populacional realizado no município de Florianópolis (SC), com coleta domiciliar de dados e processo de amostragem probabilístico. Foram coletadas informações demográficas, assim como sobre relato de diagnóstico médico de asma, sintomas respiratórios, medicações em uso e comorbidades. Também foram realizadas medidas antropométricas e espirometria pré- e pós-broncodilatador. O IMC foi categorizado em normal (IMC < 25 kg/m2), sobrepeso (25 kg/m2 ≥ IMC < 30 kg/m2) e obesidade (IMC ≥ 30 kg/m2). Resultados: Foram avaliados 1.026 indivíduos, 274 (26,7%) com IMC normal, 436 (42,5%) com sobrepeso e 316 (30,8%) obesos. A prevalência de diagnóstico médico de asma foi de 11,0%. A prevalência de obesidade foi maior em mulheres (p = 0,03) e em entrevistados com escolaridade < 4 anos (p < 0,001) ou com renda familiar entre 3-10 salários mínimos. Obesos, quando comparados com aqueles com sobrepeso e peso normal, relataram mais frequentemente diagnóstico médico de asma (16,1%, 9,9% e 8,0%, respectivamente; p = 0,04), dispneia (35,5%, 22,5% e 17,9%, respectivamente; p < 0,001) e sibilos no último ano (25,6%, 11,9% e 14,6%, respectivamente; p < 0,001). Esses resultados foram independentes do status tabágico. Além disso, obesos tinham uma chance três vezes maior de relato de diagnóstico médico de asma do que não obesos (p = 0,005). Conclusões: Houve associação significativa entre o relato de diagnóstico médico de asma em indivíduos com idade ≥ 40 anos e IMC ≥ 30 kg/m2. Ser obeso triplicou a chance de diagnóstico médico de asma.