PROMRIINE (PRe-operatory Magnetic Resonance Imaging is INEffective) Study: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Impact of Magnetic Resonance Imaging on Surgical Decisions and Clinical Outcomes in Women with Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to review and summarize the association between preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and surgical outcomes in women with newly diagnosed invasive breast cancer from published randomized controlled trials (RCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two independent researchers conducted a systematic review through a comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Medline, Embase, Ovid, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. If there was disagreement between the two reviewers, a third reviewer assessed the manuscript to determine whether it should be included for data extraction. The quality of the papers was assessed using the risk of bias tool, and the evidence was analyzed using GRADE. Meta-analyses using a fixed-effects model were used to estimate the pooled risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Initially, 21 studies were identified, 15 of which were observational comparative studies. A total of five RCTs were included, and they suggested that preoperative MRI significantly reduced the rate of immediate breast-conserving surgery and increased the risk for mastectomy. CONCLUSIONS: From the RCT perspective, preoperative MRI for newly diagnosed invasive breast cancer did not improve surgical outcomes and may increase the risk of mastectomy.

Tolerability of endometriosis medical treatment: a comparison between combined hormonal contraceptives and progestins.

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that occurs in women of reproductive age. Much of the treatment involves hormone therapy that suppresses the proliferation of endometriosis lesions.Objective To compare discontinuation rates of pharmacological treatment with estrogen-progestins and progestins medications. The secondary objective is to evaluate the main side effects of these drugs in patients with endometriosis.Methods This retrospective study analyzed data from 330 patients who attended the Hospital of the State Public Servant of São Paulo from August 1999 to September 2020 and received pharmacological treatment for endometriosis. The data were obtained by review of the files of medical appointments with specialized staff.Results The median treatment time was 18 months, ranging from 1 to 168 months, and 177 patients interrupted the proposed treatment. The combined contraceptives with estrogens and progestins were significantly linked to treatment interruption, with a relative risk of 1,99 (p = 0,005). The most important side effects that resulted in treatment interruption were pain persistence (p = 0,043), weight gain (p = 0,017) and spotting (p < 0,001).

Analyzing Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Effects in HER2-Low Breast Cancer: Real World Data.

PURPOSE: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) can be used as upfront therapy in aggressive breast cancer (BC). human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-low BC, defined as tumors scoring +1 or +2 on immunohistochemistry without HER2 gene amplification by in situ hybridization, lacks information on real-world data (RWD) outcomes, especially in the NAC setting. This subgroup, which does not reach the HER2 positive criteria due to its lower receptor expression, represents a distinct clinical category potentially requiring tailored therapeutic approaches. STUDY OBJECTIVE:  The objective of this study is to characterize patients with BC with HER2-low status who received NAC in a Brazilian public reference center for female tumors and key outcomes such as pathological complete response (pCR), overall survival (OS), and metastasis-free survival (MFS). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study based on a large BC database from a reference cancer center in Brazil. Patients with BC that received NAC, diagnosed between 2011 and 2020, were included if they presented HER2-low status (defined as tumors scoring +1 or +2 on immunohistochemistry without HER2 gene amplification by in situ hybridization) and had complete data on outcomes. Clinical and demographic data were collected, such as age, menopausal status, Ki-67, hormone receptor expression and others. Key outcomes from the study comprised pCR (defined as ypT0/TIs/ypN0), overall survival, and metastasis-free survival (MFS). Survival analyses were conducted through the semiparametric Kaplan-Meier method to assess OS and MFS by pCR status, considering BC diagnosis as the index date. RESULTS: Overall, 297 patients were eligible and 141 were included in the study after matching the HER2-low definition. The pCR was seen in 18 out of 141 patients (12.7%). The median overall survival was 8.2 years, and the median MFS was 2.7 years. The OS of pCR was 83.4% and non-pCR was 58.1%; the DFS of pCR was 55.5% and non-pCR 40.6%. CONCLUSION: This study gives updated insights on pCR, OS, and MFS in women with HER2-low BC exposed to NAC.

Systematic Review of Nomograms Used for Predicting Pathological Complete Response in Early Breast Cancer.

Pathological complete response (pCR) is an important surrogate outcome to assess the effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). Nomograms to predict pCR have been developed with local data to better select patients who are likely to benefit from NAC; however, they were never critically reviewed regarding their internal and external validity. The purpose of this systematic review was to critically appraise nomograms published in the last 20 years (2010-2022). Articles about nomograms were searched in databases, such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane. A total of 1120 hits were found, and seven studies were included for analyses. No meta-analysis could be performed due to heterogeneous reports on outcomes, including the definition of pCR and subtypes. Most nomograms were developed in Asian centers, and nonrandomized retrospective cohorts were the most common sources of data. The most common subtype included in the studies was triple negative (50%). There were articles that included HER2+ (>80%). In one study, scholars performed additional validation of the nomogram using DFS and OS as outcomes; however, there was a lack of clarity on how such endpoints were measured. Nomograms to predict pCR cannot be extrapolated to other settings due to local preferences/availability of NAC. The main gaps identified in this review are also opportunities for future nomogram research and development.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the breast cancer early diagnosis program in Brazil.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, several screening exams were postponed, including mammograms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 in mammographic screening in Brazil, considering 2015 to 2021. This was descriptive ecologic study based on the retrospective data of Brazil's mammographic screening program. A Brazilian national screening database (DATASUS - SISCAN (Cancer System Information)) was used as the data source, and the data in this database are publicly available for download and analysis. We report the number of screening rate from January 2015 to December 2021, using 2020 as reference year for COVID-19. From 2015 to 2021, 10,763,894 mammograms were performed and included in the analysis. Reductions of 39.6% and 13.3% were found in 2020 in 2021, respectively. During the pandemic's peak, the reduction was more pronounced, with maximum reductions of 82.4% in May 2020 and 34.8% in April 2021. There was an increase in the number of mammograms performed on high-risk patients from 11.2% in 2020 to 13.9% in 2021. This research demonstrated a decline in the breast cancer screening rate during the two years of the COVID-19 pandemic; this reduction will increase the burden of advanced breast cancer, potentially impacting morbidity and mortality related to this neoplasm.

Real-world evidence of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer treatment in a Brazilian multicenter cohort: Correlation of pathological complete response with overall survival.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the pCR rate in patients receiving NAC for the treatment of breast cancer (BC) in a multicenter cohort in Brazil. Additionally, we aimed to use RWD to assess the impact of pCR on OS and DFS. METHODS: This was a retrospective, multicenter cohort study that included female patients over 18 years of age who were diagnosed with nonmetastatic breast cancer and received NAC. OS and DFS at five years were estimated by the Kaplan‒Meier method. Additionally, we conducted a multivariate analysis to identify factors that were significantly associated with pCR and OS. RESULTS: From 2011 to 2020, 1891 patients were included in the study, and 421 (22,3%) achieved pCR (ypT0 ypN0). Considering the presence of residual DCIS, pCR was achieved in 467 patients (23,5%). The pCR rate varied between the subtypes: HER-2+ (p = 0,016) and clinical stage IIIA and IIIB (p < 0,001). Among HER-2+ patients, those who received trastuzumab had a significantly higher pCR rate than those who did not receive trastuzumab (p < 0.0001). Similarly, patients with TNBC who received treatment with platinum-based regimens also showed higher pCR rates (p < 0.0001). OS was grouped according to pCR status, and the OS rate was 88,3% in the pCR group and 58.1% in the non-pCR group (p < 0.0001). The five-year DFS was 92.2% in the pCR group and 64.3% in the non-pCR group (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The pCR rate and its prognostic value varied across BC subtypes. In our study, pCR could be used as a surrogate of favorable clinical outcome, as it was associated with higher OS and DFS rates.

Does Pink October really impact breast cancer screening?

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the impact of the Pink October Campaign on the increase in mammographic screening in Brazil. Study design: Ecological observational study, based on retrospective data. Methods: Brazilian national screening database (DATASUS/SISMAMA/Information System on Breast Cancer) was used as a data source and is publicly available for download and analysis. We report screening numbers and outcome rates from January 2017 to December 2021 comparing statistically (ANOVA test, post-Tukey test), age groups, regions of Brazil, and the four quarters of the year. Results: During the study period, the average number of exams performed monthly over the five years was 137,400.117. An increase in the number of mammograms performed in October was identified, as well as in the two following months, respectively 33%, 39%, and 22%, with statistical significance (p = 0.000) in relation to the three quarters of the year. In addition, in the other months, we found values below the monthly average. Statistical difference was not found in the increase in mammograms considering age groups (p = 0.5) and different regions of the country (p = 0.6). Conclusions: This study showed an increase in mammographic screening in the three months following the Pink October Campaign, so we should intensify similar actions throughout the year and not just in October.

Comparative analysis between screening mammography performed in patients at usual risk and at high risk for breast cancer

Breast cancer is currently considered as a public health issue. To avoid late diagnosis, there is an attempt to use appropriate screening programs addressed to the early detection by testing the asymptomatic population in order to identify preclinical stage lesions. Methods: This is a retrospective, analytical, cross-sectional study of the notifications available in the cancer information system. The incidence of notifications from the reports of the BI-RADS™ notification system (Breast Imaging Reporting Data System) was compared between women at high and usual risk for breast cancer. Results: In the analyzed period, from 2013 to 2021, 16,065,383 screening mammographies were performed and notified in Brazil. Of these, 13,167,259 were performed in usualrisk women, whereas 2,898,124 were performed in high-risk women. To analyze the difference between reports of women at usual and high risk, the relative risk between them was calculated, as well as the necessary number to causa damage; the relative risk we found was of 0.5412 (95%CI 0.5341­0.5483) in B4 and relative risk of 0,433 (95%CI 0.4203­0.4462). As to the necessary number to cause damage, we observed 203 (95%CI 198­209) for B4 and 788 (95%CI 754­825) for B5. Despite the well-established need for breast cancer screening programs to reduce mortality, some aspects of screening do not have such a consensus. In this study, the incidence of reports that are suggestive of malignant breast lesions was higher among women at high risk.

Effects of clinical heterogeneity on Pregnancy-Associated Breast Cancer survival: a systematic review with meta-analysis

Pregnancy-associated breast cancer is defined as a diagnosis of breast cancer during pregnancy or within 1 year of childbirth. Current evidence shows that Pregnancy-associated breast cancer is associated with poor prognosis; however, no systematic review has summarized and explored how baseline characteristics could impact survival. We aimed to explore the impact of breast cancer characteristics on death and disease relapse. A systematic review with meta-analyses was conducted by searching articles in the main databases (Medline, Embase, and Cochrane) and congress abstracts. Summarized death and disease-free survival hazard ratios were recalculated, and all meta-analyses used a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was reported using the I2 method. A total of 7143 studies were identified and only 30 studies were included. Pregnancy-associated breast cancer is associated with a 96% (HR 1.96; 95%CI 1.58­2.35) higher risk of death and 82% (HR 1.82; 95%CI 1.45­2.20) risk of death or disease relapse in comparison to a population of non-pregnancy-associated breast cancer or nulliparous breast cancer. Through sensitivity analyses, we identified that clinical outcomes were impacted, possibly due to Ki-67 levels, poorly differentiated tumors, and triple-negative breast cancer frequency in the study. As relevant sources of inconsistencies, such clinical cancer-related characteristics should be better investigated as potential confounders for upcoming Pregnancy-associated breast cancer therapeutic strategies.

Relação do Índice de Massa Corporal e Linfedema Secundário a tratamento cirúrgico do Câncer de Mama: estudo retrospectivo / Relationship of Body Mass Index and Secondary Lymphedema to Surgical Treatment of Breast Cancer: a retrospective study

INTRODUÇÃO: O câncer de mama é a neoplasia mais incidente na população feminina brasileira, sendo o linfedema uma de suas principais complicações cirúrgicas. OBJETIVO: Verificar a relação do índice de massa corpóreo e o desenvolvimento do linfedema no pós-operatório de câncer de mama, sua relação com o tipo de tratamento e ao tempo pós-cirúrgico. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram levantados prontuários de 59 mulheres no período de maio de 2008 a fevereiro de 2009 utilizando dados da anamnese; exame físico; perimetria, volume estimado; relatos, sintomas e dados em prontuário. A análise foi feita por meio de médias e desvios padrões para as variáveis quantitativas e qualitativas (absoluta e relativa) e para verificação dos fatores de risco foi utilizado o Teste t de Student e Teste Qui-quadrado de Pearson com nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: A frequência de linfedema foi de 47,5%, sendo que 40,7% eram obesas. Observou-se diferença significativa entre os grupos de linfedema e IMC (p=0,002). Nota-se ainda diferença significativa entre linfedema no grupo sem radioterapia de axila (p=0,003) e associação entre o tempo pós-cirúrgico e linfedema (p=0,006), sendo maior após 6 meses de cirurgia. CONCLUSÃO: Existe correlação entre obesidade e desenvolvimento do linfedema. Os tipos de tratamento parecem não ter influenciado o seu desenvolvimento e quanto mais tempo decorrido pós- cirurgia, maior o risco do seu aparecimento.

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer is the most common neoplasm in the Brazilian female population, with lymphedema being one of its main surgical complications. OBJECTIVE: To verify the relationship between the body mass index and the development of lymphedema in the postoperative period of breast cancer, its relationship with the type of treatment received and the time elapsed from the surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of 59 women were collected from May 2008 to February 2009 using data from anamnesis, physical exam; perimetry, estimated volume; reports, symptoms, and notes in medical records. The analysis was performed using means and standard deviations for the quantitative and qualitative variables (absolute and relative) and to verify the risk factors used, the Student's t-test and Pearson's chi-square test with a 5% significance level (0.05). RESULTS: The frequency of lymphedema was 47.5%, with 40.7% being obese. There was a significant difference between the groups of lymphedema and BMI (p=0.002). There is also a significant difference between lymphedema in the group without axillary radiotherapy (p=0.003) and an association between post-surgical time and lymphedema (p=0.006), being greater after six months of surgery. CONCLUSION: There is a correlation between obesity and the development of lymphedema. The types of treatment do not seem to have influenced their development, and the longer the surgery has elapsed, the greater the risk of their appearance.

Influence of breast cancer subtype on pathological complete response

Objective: To compare the rates of pathological complete response (pCR) after treatment with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, in the different subtypes of breast cancer in patients followed at the Mastology Service of Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual. Methods: Descriptive and retrospective study, in which medical records of 213 patients diagnosed with breast cancer and submitted to neoadjuvant chemotherapy were reviewed, from February 2011 through January 2018. Histological data collected were: hormone receptors, hyperexpression of HER-2, grade, histological type and clinical data: age of the patient at diagnosis, tumor size and clinical stage at diagnosis and after chemotherapy, and rate of pCR. Results: The mean age of patients at diagnosis was 53.97 years. Forty-six patients (21,6%) had pCR, 77 (36.1%) were grade 2 and 136 (63.9%) were grade 3. Regarding cancer subtype, 29 patients (13.6%) were reported to have pure HER2 subtype, 48 patients (22.5%) corresponded to Luminal A subtype, 51 (23.9%) to Luminal B, and 66 patients (31.0%) were characterized as Triple Negative, while only 17 patients (7.9%) had Luminal B HER. Conclusion: The subtypes Pure HER 2 and Luminal B had the highest pCR rates.

PHYLLODES TUMORS OF THE BREAST: A RETROSPECTIVE EVALUATION OF CASES FROM THE HOSPITAL DO SERVIDOR PÚBLICO ESTADUAL DE SÃO PAULO / Tumor filoides de mama: avaliação retrospectiva de casos do Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo

Objective: To evaluate the clinical and pathological characteristics of phyllodes tumors, and to identify possible associated risk factors for relapses among patients from the Breast Surgery Department of the Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual of São Paulo (HSPE-SP). Methods: Retrospective, descriptive study of data from 52 patients, between 1976 and 2013. The following data were collected: age, tumor size, histological type, surgical margins, type of surgery performed, relapses and amount of time before relapse. Results: The mean age of the patients was 45.7 years old, the mean size of the tumor was 7.8 cm. A mastectomy was performed on 12 patients, and the others underwent a wide excision. Benign phyllodes tumors were found in 30 patients, and the others were found as follows: 11 with borderline tumors and 11 with malign phyllodes tumors. There was no statistical relevance with regard to the relapses and the characteristics evaluated. Conclusion: The sample studied has similar clinical and pathological characteristics as described in the scientific literature, with the mean age at diagnosis being 45 years old, the mean tumor size, 7.8 cm. The majority found were benign phyllodes tumors and 33% were from relapses. There was no statistical significance between the evaluated variables and the risk for relapse.

Objetivo: Avaliar as características clínicas e patológicas do tumor filoides e identificar fatores relacionados com risco de recidivas em pacientes acompanhadas no ambulatório de Mastologia do Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo (HSPE-SP). Método: Estudo retrospectivo descritivo de dados de 52 pacientes, entre 1976 e 2013, dentre os quais: idade, tamanho do tumor, tipo histológico, margens cirúrgicas, tipo de cirurgia, recidivas e tempo para recidiva. Resultados: A idade média das pacientes foi 45,7 anos. O tamanho médio do tumor foi de 7,8 cm. O tratamento em 12 pacientes foi a mastectomia, e as demais 40 a excisão ampla. O tipo histológico encontrado em 30 pacientes foi tumores benignos, 11 malignos e 11 de variedade borderline. Após o seguimento médio de 53,93 meses, observaram-se 17 recidivas. Não houve relevância estatística entre a recorrência local e as variáveis avaliadas. Conclusões: A amostra avaliada tem características clínicas e patológicas condizentes com a literatura, com média de idade de 45 anos, tamanho do tumor de 7,8 cm, sendo encontrados na maioria tumor filoides benigno e 33% de recidivas. Não houve significância estatística entre características avaliadas e o risco de recidiva.

Valores de normalidade do hormônio tireoestimulante e da tiroxina livre em gestantes / Normal values of thyroid-stimulating hormone and free thyroxin in pregnant women

Objetivo: Construir um gráfico de normalidade para valores dehormônio tireoestimulante (TSH) e de tiroxina livre (T4 livre) emgestantes e verificar a possível correlação entre os valores de ambas.Métodos: Estudo prospectivo transversal envolvendo 850 gestantesdo ambulatório de pré-natal do HSPE no período de agosto de 2003 a agostode 2005. A determinação dos valores séricos de TSH e T4 livre foramrealizadas pelo ensaio imunoenzimático de micropartículas (MEIA). Aidade materna variou de 18 a 47 anos, com média de 32,5 ± 6,9 anos. A idade gestacional apresentou média de 19,1 ± 8,5 semanas. Foramcalculados, por meio de regressão linear, os percentis 50 e 97,5 paraos valores de TSH e os percentis 2,5, 50 e 97,5 para os de T4 livre,entre 6 e 42 semanas. Analisou-se a possível correlação entre essesdois indicadores. Foi considerado risco α (alfa) menor ou igual a 5 eintervalo de confiança de 95. Resultados: Os valores médios de TSHe T4 livre encontrados foram, respectivamente, 2,14 ± 1,51 μUI/ml e0,98 ± 0,30 ng/dl. Por meio de regressão linear, ajustou-se uma retapara os valores de TSH e T4 livre em função da idade gestacional. Omodelo foi significativo para os valores de TSH e T4 livre (p < 0,001 ep = 0,003, respectivamente). Foram comparados os valores de T4 livree TSH pela medida de correlação de Pearson indicando uma correlaçãopositiva entre T4 livre e TSH (r = 0,069; p = 0,044). Conclusão: Aidentificação dos limites de normalidade para o TSH e o T4 livre aolongo da gestação é o primeiro passo para aquilatar a presença realde afecções tireoidianas.

Objective: To prepare a chart for normal values of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxin (free T4) and to verify the correlation between them, in pregnant women. Methods: A prospective crosssectional study was performed on 850 pregnant women of the Prenatal Outpatient Clinic of the Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual – Francisco Morato de Oliveira (HSPE – FMO), from August 2003 toAugust 2005. Serum TSH and free T4 levels were determined usingmicroparticle enzyme immunoassay (MEIA). Maternal age ranged from18 to 47 years, mean of 32.5 ± 6.9 years. Mean gestational age was19.1 ± 8.5 weeks. With linear regression analysis, the 50th and 97.5thpercentiles for TSH and the 2.5th, 50th and 97.5th percentiles for free T4,at weeks 6 to 42 were calculated. The possible correlation betweenthese two indicators was analyzed. Results: Mean TSH and free T4values were 2.14 ± 1.51 μIU/ml and 0.98 ± 0.30 ng/dl, respectively.The correlation between free T4 and TSH levels was positive andstatistically significant according to the Pearson’s correlation coefficient(r = 0.069, p = 0.044). Conclusion: Identifying the normal TSH andfree T4 limits during pregnancy is the first step to safely determine thereal need for thyroid dysfunction treatment.

Coexistência de linfadenite axilar tuberculosa e metástase ganglionar de carcinoma lobular de mama: relato de um caso / Coexistence of axillary tuberculous lymphadenitis and ganglionic metastasis in mammary lobular carcinoma: a case report

Relato do caso de uma mulher com 83 anos apresentando nódulo e retração de pele na mama direita com oito meses de evolução. Ao exame físico verificou-se nódulo sólido de 5 cm, localizado no quadrante súpero-lateral de mama direita, associado a presença de retração de pele correspondente e linfonodos axilares não coalescentes ipsilaterais. O resultado da mamografia evidenciou nódulo de 4 cm de diâmetro irregular no quadrante súpero-lateral da mama direita (bi-rads V). Estádio clínico: T2N1M0 (IIB). O tratamento cirúrgico incluiu mastectomia radical modificada (à Maden) com dissecção axilar níveis I, II e III. Avaliação histopatológica demonstrou a presença de carcinoma lobular infiltrativo que mediu 2,5 cm (T2), presença de linfadenite granulomatosa causada por tuberculose em linfonodos dos níveis I, II e III, associados a metástase de carcinoma lobular em um único nível linfático, nível I. Estádio patológico: pT2pN1aM0. A paciente recebeu tratamento para tuberculose ganglionar com rifampicina, isoniazida e pirazinamida por um ano. Foram solicitados receptores hormonais, os quais mostraram-se positivos, sendo feito terapia adjuvante com tamoxifeno. Durante o primeiro ano de seguimento a paciente evoluiu bem, sem sinais de recidiva local ou metástases a distância

Resultados perinatais em grávidas com mais de 35 anos: estudo controlado / Perinatal results in pregnant women with more than 35 years: a controlled study

Avaliar os resultados perinatais em gestantes com mais de 35 anos e verificar diferenças nos grupos entre 35 e 39 anos e acima de 40 anos. MÉTODOS: entre janeiro de 2000 e julho de 2003, realizou-se estudo retrospectivo por análise de fichas obstétricas de 3093 gestantes, excluindo-se 933 gestantes. As pacientes foram divididas em 3 grupos: 18 a 29 anos (grupo controle), 30 a 39 anos e mais de 40 anos. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de formulário padronizado e os dados foram transferidos para uma planilha eletrônica (Excel - Microsoft Office 2000). Para a análise estatística, foram utilizados o teste do chi2 e o teste de Fisher, sendo considerado risco a (alfa) menor ou igual a 5 por cento e intervalo de confiança de 95 por cento. RESULTADOS: a via de parto mais utilizada para essas pacientes foi a cesárea, tanto no grupo de 35 a 39 anos (438/792; 55,3 por cento), quanto nas gestantes com mais de 40 anos (153/236; 64,8 por cento). A taxa de prematuridade (39/236; 16,5 por cento), o baixo peso ao nascer (37/236; 15,7 por cento) e a restrição de crescimento fetal (38/236; 16,1 por cento) foram mais altas entre as gestantes tardias, com mais de 40 anos, com diferença significante em relação aos demais grupos. Quanto à ocorrência de óbito fetal, foi constatado nas gestantes de 40 anos incidência cinco vezes maior quando comparado aos outros grupos (diferença estatisticamente significante). CONCLUSAO: a comparação entre o grupo de gestantes de 35 a 39 anos com o grupo controle apenas diferiu significantemente quanto ao índice de cesáreas, o que nos permite sugerir acompanhamento pré-natal diferenciado para o grupo de gestantes acima de 40 anos