Letramento funcional em saúde em renais crônicos: um desafio na abordagem preventiva / Alfabetización funcional en salud en pacientes renales crónicos: un desafío en el enfoque preventivo / Functional health literacy in chronic kidney disease patients: a challenge in the preventive approach

Resumo Objetivo Identificar a prevalência de letramento funcional em saúde e analisar a associação entre os níveis de letramento funcional em saúde e as variáveis clínicas e sociodemográficas em pacientes renais crônicos não dialíticos. Métodos Estudo transversal realizado com 167 renais crônicos em acompanhamento no ambulatório de nefrologia de um município de grande porte do estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Para as entrevistas foram utilizados questionário sociodemográfico e clínico e a versão brasileira do Short Assessment of Health Literacy for Portuguese Speaking Adults - SAHLPA-18, para mensurar o letramento funcional em saúde. Realizado estatística descritiva para variáveis sociodemográficas e clínicas; testes de correlação e modelos de regressão lineares para associação com letramento funcional em saúde. Resultados A maior parte dos participantes era idosa com mediana de idade de 68 anos, 33,3% (56 pacientes) se encontravam no estágio 3B da doença renal crônica e 53,9% (90 pacientes) apresentaram letramento funcional em saúde inadequado. Não houve associação entre os níveis de letramento funcional em saúde e as variáveis clínicas. A maioria referiu não usar internet e o estágio mais avançado da doença renal crônica apresentou menores escores de letramento. Piores escores de letramento funcional em saúde também foi identificado naqueles com menor renda. Conclusão A maioria dos participantes apresentou letramento funcional em saúde inadequado. As variaveis clínicas não foram preditoras dos ecores de letramento. No entanto, escores mais baixos de letramento em saúde foram identificados naqueles em estágio mais avancado da doença renal, menor renda e menor uso da internet.

Resumen Objetivo Identificar la prevalencia de la alfabetización funcional en salud y analizar la asociación entre los niveles de alfabetización funcional en salud y las variables clínicas y sociodemográficas en pacientes renales crónicos no dializados. Métodos Estudio transversal realizado con 167 pacientes renales crónicos con seguimiento en consultorios externos de nefrología de un municipio de gran porte del estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Para las entrevistas se utilizó un cuestionario sociodemográfico y clínico y la versión brasileña del Short Assessment of Health Literacy for Portuguese Speaking Adults - SAHLPA-18, para medir la alfabetización funcional en salud. Se realizó estadística descriptiva para variables sociodemográficas y clínicas, pruebas de correlación y modelos de regresión lineales para asociación con alfabetización funcional en salud. Resultados La mayoría de los participantes eran personas mayores de 68 años de mediana de edad, el 33,3 % (56 pacientes) se encontraba en la etapa 3B de la enfermedad renal crónica y el 53,9 % (90 pacientes) presentó alfabetización funcional en salud inadecuada. No hubo asociación entre los niveles de alfabetización funcional en salud y las variables clínicas. La mayoría relató que no usaba internet y la etapa más avanzada de la enfermedad renal crónica presentó menor puntaje de alfabetización. Se identificaron peores puntajes de alfabetización funcional en salud en aquellos con menores ingresos. Conclusión La mayoría de los participantes presentó alfabetización funcional en salud inadecuada. Las variables clínicas no fueron predictoras de los puntajes de alfabetización. Sin embargo, se identificaron puntajes más bajos de alfabetización en salud en aquellos en etapa más avanzada de la enfermedad renal, con menores ingresos y menor uso de internet.

Abstract Objective To identify the prevalence of functional health literacy and analyze the association between functional health literacy levels and clinical and sociodemographic variables in non-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients. Methods This is a cross-sectional study carried out with 167 chronic kidney disease patients being monitored at the nephrology outpatient clinic of a large city in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. For the interviews, a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire and the Brazilian version of the Short Assessment of Health Literacy for Portuguese Speaking Adults (SAHLPA-18) were used to measure functional health literacy. Descriptive statistics were performed for sociodemographic and clinical variables, and correlation tests and linear regression models for association with functional health literacy. Results Most participants were older adults with a median age of 68 years, 33.3% (56 patients) were in stage 3B of chronic kidney disease and 53.9% (90 patients) had inadequate functional health literacy. There was no association between functional health literacy levels and clinical variables. The majority reported not using the internet and the more advanced stage of chronic kidney disease had lower literacy scores. Worse functional health literacy scores were also identified in those with lower income. Conclusion Most participants had inadequate functional health literacy. Clinical variables were not predictors of literacy scores. However, lower health literacy scores were identified in those with more advanced stage kidney disease, lower income and less internet use.

A Comparative Analysis of Three Online Drug-Drug Interaction Checkers: A Short Communication

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the agreement among three different online drug-drug interaction (DDI) checkers for the detection of psychotropic drug interactions among dental patients in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Material and Methods: Between January and December 2017, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Minas Gerais with data on pharmaceutical claims of psychotropic drugs prescribed by dental practitioners. Data from the Pharmaceutical Management System provided the drug dispensing history of the patients, allowing the identification of those on concomitant medication use. The occurrence of DDI was determined by entering the name of the drugs taken by each patient into Merative Micromedex®, Medscape®, and DrugBank. The degree of agreement among the three DDI online checkers was analyzed using the Fleiss' kappa test. Results: Overall, 797 dental patients were found to be taking some psychotropic medication with other drugs simultaneously. The number of patients with DDI varied according to Micromedex® (n= 366), Medscape® (n= 473), and DrugBank (n= 736). The agreement between the DDI checkers was poor (Fleiss' kappa: 0.165; p<0.001). Conclusion: The online DDI checkers assessed in this study showed variations in their ability to detect interactions and poor agreement among them.

Health Literacy, Patient Knowledge and Adherence to Oral Anticoagulation in Primary Care

Abstract Background Warfarin is the only oral anticoagulant available in the Brazilian public health system. Health knowledge and treatment are essential to achieving the desirable therapeutic effect. However, data on these aspects among primary care patients are still lacking. Objective To assess health literacy, patient knowledge, and adherence to oral anticoagulation with warfarin, as well as the medication regimen complexity in primary health units in the municipality of Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Methods This cross-sectional study included patients using warfarin from primary care settings. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected from medical records. Short Assessment of Health Literacy for Portuguese-Speaking Adults (SAHLPA-18), Oral Anticoagulation Knowledge (OAK), adaptation of the Measure of Adherence to Treatment (MAT-adapted) to oral anticoagulation, and Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI) were applied, and the time in therapeutic range (TTR) was calculated. Patients were stratified in two groups (TTR < 60% and TTR ≥ 60%) and compared using Fisher's exact test at a significance level of p < 0.050. Results Analysis included 162 patients (64.8 ± 12.7 years old, 55.6% women). Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (26.5%) and venous thromboembolism (24.1%) were the main indications for warfarin, and 67.9%, 88.3%, and 16.7% of the patients had inadequate health literacy, insufficient knowledge regarding anticoagulant therapy, and non-adherence to warfarin therapy, respectively. There was no significant association of these parameters in relation to TTR. MRCI showed high pharmacotherapy complexity between the drug prescriptions. Conclusion This study showed alarming insufficient knowledge about warfarin therapy and low health literacy in primary care patients.

Describing the Oral Health of Warfarin Users. A Short Report

Aim: To describe the burden of oral diseases and of self-reported periodontal disease of patients under Oral Anticoagulation Therapy (OAT) with warfarin. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Validated questionnaires assessed self-reported periodontal disease and demographic variables. After calibration (Kappa > 0.80), an examiner evaluated dental caries and the need for dental prostheses. Statistical analysis involved proportions and measures of central tendency. Results: The sample consisted of 158 individuals, with a mean age of 58.8 years (SD = 12.1), of which 62.7% of the participants were women. The average DMFT (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth) index was 22.9 (SD = 7.6), with the missing component being the highest (Mean = 16.23). The use of maxillary prosthesis (53.2%) was higher than mandibular (32.3%). The need for mandibular prosthesis reached 66.5%. The percentage of participants that referred gum disease, tooth migration, and tooth mobility was 29.6%, 37.4%, and 30.4%, respectively. Conclusions: The burden of oral diseases among individuals undergoing OAT is worrisome.

Objetivo: Describir la carga de enfermedades bucales y la enfermedad periodontal autorreportada de pacientes en tratamiento con anticoagulación oral con warfarina. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal. Los cuestionarios validados evaluaron la enfermedad periodontal autoinformada y las variables demográficas. Después de la calibración (Kappa> 0.80), un examinador evaluó la caries dental y la necesidad de prótesis dentales. El análisis estadístico involucró proporciones y medidas de tendencia central. Resultados: La muestra estuvo formada por 158 individuos, con una edad media de 58.8 años (DE = 12.1), de los cuales el 62.7% de los participantes eran mujeres. El índice CPOD promedio fue de 22.9 (DE = 7.6), siendo el componente perdido el que más contribuyó al índice (Media = 16.23). El uso de prótesis maxilar (53.2%) fue mayor que el de prótesis mandibular (32.3%). La necesidad de prótesis mandibular alcanzó el 66.5%. El porcentaje de participantes que informaron enfermedad de las encías, migración de los dientes y movilidad de los dientes fue del 29.6%, 37.4% y 30.4%, respectivamente. Conclusiones: Las enfermedades bucales y la necesidad de rehabilitación oral entre los individuos sometidos a anticoagulación oral con warfarina fue motivo de preocupación.

The Challenges of Implementing a Text Message Intervention to Promote Behavioral Change in Primary Care Patients With Hypertension and Diabetes

Abstract Background Controlling blood pressure and glycemic levels is a challenge that requires innovative solutions. Objective To assess the feasibility of implementing a text message intervention among low-income primary care patients, as well as to assess self-reported behavioral change. Methods A set of 200 text messages was developed on healthy eating, physical activity, adherence, and motivation. Participants from Vale do Mucuri, MG, Brazil diagnosed with diabetes or hypertension or undergoing screening for those diseases, received 5 to 8 messages per week for 6 months. They answered a questionnaire to report their satisfaction and behavioral changes. Results Of the 136 patients, 117 (86.0%) answered the questionnaire. Most reported that the messages were very useful (86.3%), easy to understand (90.6%), and were very helpful for behavioral change (65.0%); 84.6% reported that they had started eating healthier. The most frequent reported lifestyle changes were: improved diet quality (85.5%), reduced portions (65.8%), and weight loss (56.4%). The majority of patients shared the messages (60.7%) with family or other acquaintances, considered the number of messages to be adequate (89.7%) and would recommend the program to others (95.7%). Conclusion An intervention based on text messages to promote behavioral change in patients with hypertension or diabetes in primary care is feasible in low-resource settings. Future studies are needed to assess the program's long-term effects on clinical outcomes.

E-learning as a strategy in dentistry in the context of COVID-19: a path to follow?

Abstract The current study aims to assess the effectiveness of e-learning in compliance with the new biosafety recommendations in dentistry in the context of COVID-19 applied to the clinical staff of a dental school in Brazil. A quasi-experimental epidemiological study was carried out by means of a structured, pre-tested online questionnaire, applied before and after an educational intervention, using an e-learning format. After data collection, statistical tests were performed. A total of 549 members of the clinical staff participated in the study in the two collection phases, with a return rate of 26.9%. After the e-learning stage, a reduction was found in the reported use of disposable gloves, protective goggles, and surgical masks. The course had no impact on the staff's knowledge concerning the proper sequence for donning PPE and showed 100% effectiveness regarding proper PPE doffing sequence. Knowledge about avoiding procedures that generate aerosols in the clinical setting was improved. Despite the low rate of return, it can be concluded that online intervention alone was ineffective in significantly improving learning about the new clinical biosafety guidelines. Therefore, the use of hybrid teaching and repetitive training is highly recommended.

Lesão Miocárdica e Prognóstico em Pacientes Hospitalizados com COVID-19 no Brasil: Resultados do Registro Nacional de COVID-19 / Myocardial Injury and Prognosis in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients in Brazil: Results From The Brazilian COVID-19 Registry

Resumo Fundamento As complicações cardiovasculares da COVID-19 são aspectos importantes da patogênese e do prognóstico da doença. Evidências do papel prognóstico da troponina e da lesão miocárdica em pacientes hospitalizados com COVID-19 na América Latina são ainda escassos. Objetivos Avaliar a lesão miocárdica como preditor independente de mortalidade hospitalar e suporte ventilatório mecânico em pacientes hospitalizados, do registro brasileiro de COVID-19. Métodos Este estudo coorte é um subestudo do registro brasileiro de COVID-19, conduzido em 31 hospitais brasileiros de 17 cidades, de março a setembro de 2020. Os desfechos primários incluíram mortalidade hospitalar e suporte ventilatório mecânico invasivo. Os modelos para os desfechos primários foram estimados por regressão de Poisson com variância robusta, com significância estatística de p<0,05. Resultados Dos 2925 pacientes [idade mediana de 60 anos (48-71), 57,1%], 27,3% apresentaram lesão miocárdica. A proporção de pacientes com comorbidades foi maior nos pacientes com lesão miocárdica [mediana 2 (1-2) vs. 1 (0-20)]. Os pacientes com lesão miocárdica apresentaram maiores valores medianos de peptídeo natriurético cerebral, lactato desidrogenase, creatina fosfoquinase, N-terminal do pró-peptídeo natriurético tipo B e proteína C reativa em comparação a pacientes sem lesão miocárdica. Como fatores independentes, proteína C reativa e contagem de plaquetas foram relacionados com o risco de morte, e neutrófilos e contagem de plaquetas foram relacionados ao risco de suporte ventilatório mecânico invasivo. Os pacientes com níveis elevados de troponina apresentaram um maior risco de morte (RR 2,03, IC95% 1,60-2,58) e suporte ventilatório mecânico (RR 1,87;IC95% 1,57-2,23), em comparação àqueles com níveis de troponina normais. Conclusão Lesão cardíaca foi um preditor independente de mortalidade hospitalar e necessidade de suporte ventilatório mecânico em pacientes hospitalizados com COVID-19.

Abstract Background Cardiovascular complications of COVID-19 are important aspects of the disease's pathogenesis and prognosis. Evidence on the prognostic role of troponin and myocardial injury in Latin American hospitalized COVID-19 patients is still scarce. Objectives To evaluate myocardial injury as independent predictor of in-hospital mortality and invasive mechanical ventilation support in hospitalized patients, from the Brazilian COVID-19 Registry. Methods This cohort study is a substudy of the Brazilian COVID-19 Registry, conducted in 31 Brazilian hospitals of 17 cities, March-September 2020. Primary outcomes included in-hospital mortality and invasive mechanical ventilation support. Models for the primary outcomes were estimated by Poisson regression with robust variance, with statistical significance of p<0.05. Results Of 2,925 patients (median age of 60 years [48-71], 57.1% men), 27.3% presented myocardial injury. The proportion of patients with comorbidities was higher among patients with cardiac injury (median 2 [1-2] vs. 1 [0-2]). Patients with myocardial injury had higher median levels of brain natriuretic peptide, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine phosphokinase, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, and C-reactive protein than patients without myocardial injury. As independent predictors, C-reactive protein and platelet counts were related to the risk of death, and neutrophils and platelet counts were related to the risk of invasive mechanical ventilation support. Patients with high troponin levels presented a higher risk of death (RR 2.03, 95% CI 1.60-2.58) and invasive mechanical ventilation support (RR 1.87, 95% CI 1.57-2.23), when compared to those with normal troponin levels. Conclusion Cardiac injury was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality and the need for invasive mechanical ventilation support in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Construção e Validação do Protocolo EmpoderACO Direcionado a Pacientes em Anticoagulação Oral com Varfarina / Construction and Validation of a Protocol Targeting Patients on Oral Anticoagulation with Warfarin

Resumo Fundamento A varfarina é um anticoagulante oral útil para prevenção de tromboembolismo, embora seja considerado fármaco de alto risco de causar eventos adversos. Considerando os desafios práticos no controle da anticoagulação oral, os pacientes poderiam se beneficiar de estratégias educacionais que visem mudança de comportamento, participação ativa no autocuidado e adesão à farmacoterapia. Objetivo Construir e validar o protocolo EmpoderACO para mudança de comportamento em pacientes em uso de varfarina. Métodos As etapas metodológicas foram: definição de conceitos e domínios do autocuidado, identificação dos objetivos, construção e seleção dos itens, avaliação da validade de conteúdo e pré-teste na população alvo. Resultados Relevância, adequação, clareza e confiabilidade interna dos itens do instrumento foram avaliadas por comitê de juízes multiprofissional pela plataforma web E-surv, obtendo-se média de concordância ≥0,91. A compreensão do instrumento pela população-alvo teve clareza adequada com média de 0,96. Conclusão O EmpoderACO poderá contribuir para qualificar o processo de comunicação entre profissionais e pacientes, melhorar a adesão ao tratamento e os resultados clínicos, podendo ser replicado nos serviços de saúde.

Abstract Background Warfarin is an oral anticoagulant that is very useful in preventing thromboembolism, though it is considered a drug with a high risk of causing adverse events. Considering the practical challenges in controlling oral anticoagulation, the patients on warfarin could benefit from educational strategies aimed at behavioral changes, active participation in self-care, and adherence to drug therapy. Objective The aim was to construct and validate the EmpoderACO protocol for behavioral changes in warfarin patients. Methods The methodological steps were: definition of concepts and domains of self-care, identification of objectives, construction and selection of items, assessment of content validity, and pre-test in the target population. Results Relevance, adequacy, clarity, and internal reliability of the instrument's items were assessed by a multidisciplinary judges committee (JC) through the E-surv web platform, obtaining an average agreement of ≥0.91. The understanding of the instrument measured by the target population revealed adequate clarity with a coefficient average of 0.96. Conclusion EmpoderACO can aid in qualifying the communication process between medical professionals and patients, as well as in improving adherence to both treatment and clinical outcomes, and can be replicated in healthcare settings.

Caracterização e avaliação do paciente anticoagulado com varfarina em relação à complexidade da farmacoterapia / Characterization and evaluation of patients anticoagulated with warfarin in relation to the complexity of pharmacotherapy

A realização de diagnóstico e tratamento das arritmias sustentadas fazem parte da rotina clínica, sendo uma das arritmias mais frequentes a Fibrilação Atrial (FA). Para prevenção de eventos tromboembólicos em pacientes com FA, recomendase a anticoagulação oral, destacando-se a varfarina. Apesar da importância, esse medicamento possui estreita margem terapêutica, o que faz com que pequenas mudanças no tratamento gerem risco de eventos trombóticos ou hemorrágicos. Dentre essas mudanças, destaca-se a adesão aos demais medicamentos em uso, alteração do uso desses medicamentos por prescritores e automedicação. Várias são as interações entre varfarina e demais medicamentos de uso contínuo, acreditando-se que a complexidade da prescrição pode interferir nos desfechos clínicos da terapia anticoagulante. O objetivo do estudo foi caracterizar pacientes acompanhados em um ambulatório de anticoagulação em relação ao Índice de Complexidade da Farmacoterapia. Para identificação da complexidade da farmacoterapia, considerou-se as prescrições dos demais medicamentos em uso, prescritas por médicos da atenção primária em saúde. Utilizouse o instrumento Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI). A complexidade, compreendida como a forma de administração, posologia e forma farmacêutica, fatores que interferem na adesão à terapia anticoagulante, foi subdividida em três níveis: baixa complexidade, moderada e alta, conforme indicado pela literatura. A análise da complexidade foi realizada por dois pesquisadores de forma independente, sendo considerados os critérios conforme orientação do MRCI. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo realizado em duas clínicas de anticoagulação, localizadas em Minas Gerais. Durante a pesquisa, pacientes foram acompanhados em dois ambulatórios de anticoagulação do Brasil, em uso de varfarina, foram convidados a participarem de um ensaio clínico entre dezembro de 2018 e fevereiro de 2019, sendo que posteriormente foi realizado um recorte para o presente estudo. Um total de 93 pacientes foram incluídos no estudo, sendo a média de idade de 63 anos e a maioria do sexo feminino (68,8%). A fibrilação atrial foi a indicação da ACO mais predominante (92,5%). A média do número de medicamentos utilizados foi de 7,0. A maioria dos pacientes com farmacoterapia classificada como alta (38, 6,5%) e média complexidade (24, 80,7%) apresentou TTR inadequado. O presente estudo permitiu identificar que há um predomínio de pacientes com alta complexidade da farmacoterapia, o que pode indicar necessidades de cuidados adicionais em relação ao tratamento anticoagulante. Para tanto, em casos de pacientes com controle inadequado da anticoagulação oral, recomenda-se que aspectos da complexidade da farmacoterapia sejam incorporados na abordagem educacional.

Diagnosis and treatment of sustained arrhythmias are part of the clinical routine, with one of the most frequent arrhythmias being Atrial Fibrillation (AF). To prevent thromboembolic events in patients with AF, oral anticoagulation is recommended, particularly warfarin. Despite its importance, this medication has a narrow therapeutic range, which means that small changes in treatment generate a risk of thrombotic or hemorrhagic events. Among these changes, adherence to other medications in use, changes in the use of these medications by prescribers and self-medication stand out. There are several interactions between warfarin and other medications for continuous use, with the belief that the complexity of the prescription may interfere with the clinical outcomes of anticoagulant therapy. The objective of the study was to characterize patients followed in an anticoagulation outpatient clinic in relation to the Pharmacotherapy Complexity Index. To identify the complexity of pharmacotherapy, prescriptions for other medications in use, prescribed by primary health care doctors, were considered. The Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI) instrument was used. Complexity, understood as the form of administration, dosage and pharmaceutical form, factors that interfere with adherence to anticoagulant therapy, was subdivided into three complexity levels: low, moderate and high, as indicated in the literature. The complexity analysis was carried out by two researchers independently, considering the criteria as per MRCI guidance. This is a descriptive study carried out in two anticoagulation clinics, located in Minas Gerais. During the research, patients were monitored in two anticoagulation clinics in Brazil, using warfarin, and were invited to participate in a clinical trial between December 2018 and February 2019, and a selection was subsequently made for the present study. A total of 93 patients were included in the study, the average age was 63 years and the majority were female (68.8%). Atrial fibrillation was the most predominant OAC indication (92.5%). The average number of medications used was 7.0. The majority of patients with pharmacotherapy classified as high (38, 6.5%) and medium complexity (24, 80.7%) presented inadequate TTR. The present study identified that there is a predominance of patients with high complexity of pharmacotherapy, which may indicate the need for additional care in relation to anticoagulant treatment. Therefore, in cases of patients with inadequate control of oral anticoagulation, it is recommended that aspects of the complexity of pharmacotherapy be incorporated into the educational approach.

Alterações oftalmológicas em pacientes com COVID-19: revisão narrativa de estudos e séries de casos / Ophthalmic changes in patients with COVID-19: narrative review of studies and case series

O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever casos clínicos e séries de casos relacionados a alterações oftalmológicas em pacientes com diagnóstico de COVID-19. Foi realizada uma revisão narrativa/descritiva de casos clínicos e série de casos. A partir das buscas de dados com descritores pré-definidos, foram integrados na revisão, 17 estudos. Dentre os principais temas identificados, destacam-se: alterações conjuntivais, alterações retinianas e oftalmoparesias. O quadro de alterações da conjuntiva foi prevalente em relação aos demais. Essa revisão incluiu não apenas afecções oculares em adultos, mas também, em crianças e adolescentes. O estudo chama atenção para o fato de que as alterações oculares foram descritas como alteração isolada, alteração precipitante e alteração simultânea ao quadro respiratório. Conclui-se que as afecções oculares vão além de alterações conjuntivais, embora sejam essas preponderantes, havendo ainda alterações retinianas, quadro de oftalmoparesia e ainda a incomum síndrome de Miller Fisher. Novos ensaios irão poder avaliar, qual é de fato, a representatividade dos problemas oculares na cadeia epidemiológica da COVID-19. [au]

The objective of this work is to describe clinical cases and case series related to ophthalmological changes in patients diagnosed with COVID-19. A narrative/descriptive review of clinical cases and case series was performed. Based on data searches with pre-defined descriptors, 17 studies were integrated in the review. Among the main themes identified, the following stand out: conjunctival changes, retinal changes and ophthalmoparesis. The picture of changes in the conjunctiva was prevalent in relation to the others. This review included not only eye disorders in adults, but also in children and adolescents. The study draws attention to the fact that the ocular changes were described as isolated alteration, precipitating alteration and simultaneous alteration to the respiratory condition. It is concluded that ocular conditions go beyond conjunctival alterations, although these are predominant, with retinal alterations, ophthalmoparesis and the unusual Miller Fisher syndrome. New trials will be able to assess, in fact, the representativeness of eye problems in the epidemiological chain of COVID-19. [au]

Factors associated with the development of leprosy in Brazilian contacts: a systematic review

ABSTRACT People who interact with leprosy patients in their environment, neighborhood, family, or social relationships are at risk to develop the disease. This systematic review investigated the risk and protective factors associated with the development of leprosy in Brazilian contacts. The studies were found in Cochrane Library, PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase, Virtual Health Library, grey literature and hand search until July 2021. The study selection, data extraction and quality assessment were independently performed by two investigators. The quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). This review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020160680). Seventeen articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria (n=544). The immunological and molecular factors, such as Anti-phenolic Glycolipid Antibodies (Anti-PGL-1) seropositivity, negative Mitsuda test, absence of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) scar, positive Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in blood; age and race; conviviality, education, contact time and type of contact, as well as elements related to the index case (bacilloscopic index; genetic conditions, family relationships), and some combined factors were shown to be relevant risk factors associated with the development of the disease in Brazilian leprosy contacts. The protective factors reported were the presence of one or more BCG scars, positive Mitsuda test, and education level. All selected studies were considered of high quality according to NOS. The knowledge of disease-related risk and protective factors provides the scientific basis for decision-making in the management of the disease in leprosy contacts.

Staff Knowledge and Attitudes Towards COVID-19 New Biosafety Practices at a Brazilian Dental School

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate knowledge and attitudes towards biosafety recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic at a Brazilian dental school. Material and Methods A cross-sectional study was performed in 2020 with the clinical staff of a Brazilian dental school. The whole clinical staff was sent pre-tested self-administered online questionnaires about knowledge and attitudes towards the recommendations for biosafety in dental settings in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Descriptive statistical analyses were carried out for proportion calculation. Results Disposable head covering caps, isolation gowns, and gloves were the most frequently reported personal protective equipment (PPE). The rates ranged from 52.9% to 88.5% for N95 respirators, from 68.6% to 92.6% for face shields, from 47.4% to 67.5% for conventional eye protection shields, and 45.1% to 77.4% for eye protection with solid side shields. Chlorhexidine gluconate was the most frequent mouthwash indicated before clinical dental care. The percentage of agreement to provide clinical care to patients with suspected COVID-19 varied from 23.5% to 50.0%. The percentage of respondents who agreed that bioaerosol-generating procedures should be avoided was higher than 74.5%. Less than 50% knew the correct sequence for doffing of PPE. Conclusion This study revealed important gaps in knowledge and attitudes towards prevention and control measures against infection in dental environments in the context of COVID-19, indicating the need for improvements.

New drugs registered in Brazil from 2003 to 2013: analysis from the perspective of child health

This study aims to analyze the new drugs registered in Brazil from 2003 to 2013 from the perspective of childcare needs, drug safety and considering the disease burden of the country. This is a retrospective cohort study including new drugs registered in Brazil between 2003 and 2013. Drug indications were related to the Disability-Adjusted Life Year (DALY) of the 2015 Global Burden of Disease Study. Association between the number of new drugs and DALY was determined by Spearman's coefficient. Post-marketing safety alerts specific to the pediatric population have been identified in the WHO Drug Information Bulletin and on websites of drug regulatory agencies. A total of 134 new drugs were included in the cohort and 46 (34.3%) had a pediatric indication. There was no evidence of an association between the disease burden in children in Brazil and the number of pediatric drugs. The safety alert data associated with the pediatric population published after registration of the new drugs were scarce. The number of new drugs launched in Brazil with a pediatric indication was small, reflecting the international challenges of developing effective and safe medicines for children. No association was found between the number of new drugs and the disease burden.

Análise do escore CHA2DS2-VASc em pacientes com controle inadequado de anticoagulação / Analysis of the CHA2DS2-VASc score in patients with inadequate anticoagulation control

Dentre as ferramentas de avaliação do risco de eventos tromboembólicos, destaca-se o escore CHA2DS2-VASc, que contribui para a identificação de pacientes elegíveis ao uso da terapia anticoagulante, sendo um grande auxílio na profilaxia tromboembólica. O presente artigo objetiva caracterizar pacientes com controle inadequado da anticoagulação conforme o CHA2DS2-VASc. Foram coletadas informações dos pacientes em acompanhamento em um ambulatório de anticoagulação vinculado a um hospital de ensino em Minas Gerais. Foram incluídos pacientes acompanhados no ambulatório entre agosto e dezembro de 2017, em uso de varfarina por pelo menos 180 dias, com indicação crônica de anticoagulação e com no mínimo dois resultados do exame Relação Normatizada Internacional (RNI). Identificou-se 434 pacientes, sendo 202 com controle inadequado da anticoagulação. Para os pacientes com controle inadequado, calculou-se o CHA2DS2-VASc, o qual é realizado pela somatória de pontuações de fatores de risco para eventos tromboembólicos. Os pacientes foram classificados em risco baixo (0 pontos), moderado (1 ponto) ou alto (mais de 2 pontos). Também se realizou associação entre o escore e varáveis que caracterizam o contexto dos pacientes, como município de residência e a faixa terapêutica alvo da RNI. Ressalta-se que 107 (53,0%) apresentaram hipertensão; 96 (47,5%) doença arterial periférica, coronariana ou aórtica; 62 (30,7%) acidente vascular cerebral prévio; e 27 (13,4%) diabetes. Identificou-se considerável percentual de pacientes com CHA2DS2-VASc maior que 2 (n = 191; 94,5%), o que indica um risco elevado para a ocorrência de eventos tromboembólicos e reforça a importância da farmacoterapia anticoagulante adequada. Em relação a associação entre características demográficas com os resultados de escore CHA2DS2-VASc, identificou-se associação entre o escore CHA2DS2-VASc e município de residência (p<0,05), não se identificando significância estatística entre o escore CHA2DS2-VASc e a faixa terapêutica alvo da RNI (p>0,05).

Among the tools for assessing the risk of thromboembolic events, the CHA2DS2-VASc score stands out, which contributes to the identification of patients that are eligible for the use of anticoagulant therapy, which is a great aid in thromboembolic prophylaxis. The present study aims to characterize patients with inadequate control of anticoagulation according to their CHA2DS2-VASc score. Information was collected from patients being followed up at an anticoagulation clinic associated with a teaching hospital in Minas Gerais. Patients accompanied at the clinic between August and December 2017, taking warfarin for at least 180 days, with a chronic indication for anticoagulation, and with at least values from two results of the International Normalized List (INR) test were included. 434 patients were identified and 202 with inadequate anticoagulation control. For patients with inadequate control, the CHA2DS2-VASc was calculated, which is performed by the sum of risk factor scores for thromboembolic events. Patients were classified as low (0 points), moderate (1 point), or high (≥ 2 points) risk. An association was also made between the score and variables that characterize the context of the patients, such as the municipality of residence and the target therapeutic range of the INR. It is noteworthy that 107 (53.0%) had hypertension; 96 (47.5%) had peripheral arterial, coronary or aortic disease; 62 (30.7%) had a previous stroke; and 27 (13.4%) had diabetes. A considerable percentage of patients with CHA2DS2-VASc ≥ 2 (n = 191; 94.5%) was identified, which indicates a high risk for the occurrence of thromboembolic events and reinforces the importance of adequate anticoagulant pharmacotherapy. Regarding the association between demographic characteristics and the results of the CHA2DS2-VASc score, an association was identified between the CHA2DS2-VASc score and city of residence (p<0.05), with no statistical significance being identified between the CHA2DS2-VASc score and the INR target therapeutic range (p>0.05).

Identificação da qualidade da anticoagulação em pacientes que utilizam varfarina e fatores associados / Identification of anticoagulation quality in patients using warfarin and associated factors

A varfarina é um anticoagulante oral amplamente utilizado na prevenção de eventos tromboembólicos, sendo disponibilizado pelo Sistema Único de Saúde do Brasil. Entretanto, a manutenção da qualidade da anticoagulação oral é um desafio na prática clínica, sendo a identificação de fatores que interferem nesse processo de importância para o contexto clínico e científico. Este é um estudo transversal, conduzido em um hospital universitário de Minas Gerais, com o objetivo de identificar a qualidade da anticoagulação oral de pacientes em uso de varfarina e fatores associados. A qualidade da anticoagulação foi avaliada por meio do time in therapeutic range (TTR), que permite identificar a proporção de tempo em que o paciente apresentou valores de razão normatizada internacional (RNI) dentro da faixa terapêutica desejada. Os valores de TTR foram associados a características clínicas e demográficas utilizando-se regressão logística uni e multivariada. O TTR médio foi 61,8% (DP + 1,00), sendo que 204 (46,3) pacientes apresentaram controle inadequado da anticoagulaçã . As variáveis sexo (OD: 1,82; P: 0,005; IC: 1,204335 -2,761345), uso da varfarina diferente do prescrito (OD:2,81; P< 0,005; IC: 1,700-4,632352) e ocorrência de sangramento (OD:1,70; P< 0,005; IC: 1,013157-4,632352) foram preditoras de TTR inadequado. Indicações de uso, tromboembolismo e valvulopatia foram preditoras de TTR adequado. Os achados contribuem para melhor conhecimento do perfil dos pacientes com controle inadequado da anticoagulação oral e estabelecimento de estratégias que promovam qualidade na anticoagulação.

Warfarin is an oral anticoagulant widely used in the prevention of thromboembolic events and is made available by the Brazilian Unified Health System. However, maintaining the quality of oral anticoagulation is a challenge in clinical practice, other than the identification of factors that interfere in this important process for the clinical and scientific context. This was a cross-sectional study, conducted at a university hospital in Minas Gerais, with the objective of identifying the quality of oral anticoagulation in patients using warfarin and associated factors. The quality of anticoagulation was assessed using the time in therapeutic range (TTR), which allows the identification of the proportion of time in which the patient presented international normalized ratio (INR) values within the desired therapeutic range. TTR values were associated with clinical and demographic characteristics using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The mean TTR was 61.8% (SD + 1.00), with 204 (46.3%) patients demonstrating inadequate anticoagulation control. The variables gender (OD: 1.82; P: 0.005; CI: 1.204335-2.761345), use of warfarin other than prescribed (OD: 2.81; P <0.005; CI: 1.700- 4.632352) and bleeding occurrence (OD: 1.70; P <0.005; CI: 1.013157-4.632352) were predictors of inadequate TTR. Indications for use, thromboembolism and valvulopathy were predictors of adequate TTR. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the profile of patients with inadequate control of oral anticoagulation and the establishment of strategies that promote anticoagulation quality.

Primary cutaneous histoplasmosis difficult to treat in immunocompetent patient: case report and literature review / Histoplasmose cutânea primária de difícil tratamento em paciente imunocompetente: relato de caso e revisão da literatura

ABSTRACT Histoplasmosis is an infection caused by the dimorphic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. The disease is endemic in several regions of tropical and temperate climate. The fungus presents opportunistic behavior, causing widespread infection in immunocompromised patients, resulting from complication of primary pulmonary infection, due to exogenous reinfection or reactivation of a quiescent source. In immunocompetent individuals, approximately 95% of pulmonary infections are asymptomatic. However, prolonged exposure to high amount spores may lead to acute or chronic lung infection. Due to the low amount of inoculum, primary cutaneous histoplasmosis caused by traumatic implantation is extremely rare and effectively treated with triazoles. Thus, the present study aims to report a case of primary cutaneous histoplasmosis that is difficult to treat in an immunocompetent patient, and to review the literature on the incidence of drug-resistant Histoplasma capsulatum strains in clinical practice.

RESUMO A histoplasmose é uma infecção causada pelo fungo dimórfico Histoplasma capsulatum. A doença é endêmica em diversas regiões de clima tropical e temperado. O fungo apresenta comportamento oportunístico, causando infecção disseminada em pacientes imunocomprometidos, resultante da complicação da infecção pulmonar primária, por reinfecção exógena ou reativação de um foco quiescente. Em indivíduos imunocompetentes, cerca de 95% das infecções pulmonares são assintomáticas. No entanto, a exposição prolongada à quantidade elevada de esporos pode levar à infecção pulmonar aguda ou crônica. Devido à baixa quantidade de inóculo, a histoplasmose cutânea primária causada por implantação traumática é extremamente rara e efetivamente tratada com triazóis. Assim, o presente estudo tem como objetivos relatar um caso de histoplasmose cutânea primária de difícil tratamento em paciente imunocompetente, e revisar a literatura a respeito da incidência de cepas de Histoplasma capsulatum resistentes aos fármacos utilizados na prática clínica.

Estímulo ao uso racional da varfarina: vídeo educativo como ferramenta de aprendizado / Encouraging rational use of warfarin: the educational video as a learning too

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o conhecimento sobre a terapia anticoagulante antes e depois da aplicação de um vídeo educativo em pacientes ambulatoriais em uso de varfarina atendidos por um hospital público. O conhecimento dos pacientes foi avaliado por seis perguntas, sendo calculado o percentual de respostas certas. Identificou-se os pacientes com percentual de acerto ≥ 60%, e para avaliar o conhecimento adquirido com o vídeo foi determinado o acerto antes e depois da visualização para a pergunta sobre qual é a indicação da varfarina. A análise estatística univariada e os testes MacNemer e Mann­Witney foram realizadas no SPSS 21.0. O vídeo foi avaliado por 62 pacientes, sendo que 41 (66,1%) tinham até seis meses de tratamento. O conhecimento sobre a indicação da varfarina aumentou após o vídeo (p = 0,006). Não houve diferença significativa entre o percentual de acertos considerando tempo de tratamento ≥ 6 meses ou < 6 meses (p = 0,775). O vídeo ajudou a esclarecer dúvidas sobre anticoagulação de 98,4% dos pacientes. Os resultados sugerem que o material audiovisual elaborado pode contribuir para ampliar o conhecimento sobre o tratamento com varfarina e, consequentemente, proporcionar aumento das taxas de adesão ao tratamento com anticoagulante e aumentar a segurança dos pacientes.

This paper aims to evaluate the knowledge of anticoagulant therapy before and after application of an educational video in outpatients using warfarin under the care of a public hospital. The knowledge of the patients was evaluated with six questions by calculating the percentage of correct answers. The patients with a ≥ 60% percentage of correct answers were identified and to assess the knowledge acquired with the video, the amount of correct answers to the question of what is the warfarin indicate was determined before and after the video. Univariate statistical analysis and MacNemer and Mann-Whitney tests were performed with SPSS 21.0. The video was rated by 62 patients, from which 41 (66.1%) had up to six months of treatment. Knowledge of the indication of warfarin increased after the video (p = 0.006). There was no significant difference between the percentage of correct answers of patients considering treatment time ≥6 months and <6 months (p = 0.775). The video helped answer questions about anticoagulation from 98.4% of the patients. The results suggest that the elaborated audiovisual material can help to expand knowledge about treatment with warfarin and thus provide increased adherence rates to anticoagulation treatment and increase patient safety.

A national study on the use of opioid analgesics in dentistry

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of opioid analgesics prescribed by Brazilian dentists, potential regional differences and their association with socioeconomic and health-related factors. Data for all opioid prescriptions by dentists was obtained from the 2012 database of the National Controlled Substances Management System, regulated by the Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency. The number of defined daily doses (DDD) and DDDs per 1,000 inhabitants per day for each Brazilian state were calculated as the primary outcomes. DDDs were compared by regions and Brazilian states. Spearman's rho correlation coefficient was used to determine the influence of the states' characteristics, such as the Human Development Index; poverty; education; number of dentists per 100,000 inhabitants; visit to the dentist; dental care plan; good or very good oral health; number of pharmaceutical establishments per 100,000/inhabitants; and ability to get all prescribed medications. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0. A total of 141,161 prescriptions for opioids analgesics by 36,929 dentists were recorded, corresponding to 658,855 doses of opioids dispensed in 2012. The most commonly dispensed opioids were codeine associated with paracetamol (83.2%; n = 117,493). The national DDDs per 1,000 inhabitants per day was 0.0093 (range: 0.0002-0.0216). DDD per 1,000 inhabitants per day was positively associated to visits to dentists (rs = 0.630; P < 0.001) and inversely associated to poverty (rs = -0.624; p = 0.001). There are significant differences in opioid prescriptions in dentistry among the Brazilian states. These differences may be associated with non-clinical factors.

Análise de medicamentos novos registrados no Brasil na perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde e da carga de doença / Analysis of new drugs registered in Brazil in view of the Unified Health System and the disease burden

Resumo Para a saúde pública, a importância de um medicamento novo está no valor terapêutico e no benefício que produz para o paciente e para a sociedade. O objetivo do estudo foi analisar medicamentos novos registrados no Brasil de 2003 a 2013, sob a perspectiva da carga de doenças e da assistência farmacêutica no SUS. Estudo de coorte retrospectiva. Identificou-se os medicamentos novos registrados no Brasil por análise documental dos registros publicados pela Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária. Os dados sobre carga de doença no Brasil foram obtidos do Global Burden of Disease Study, publicado em 2012 pela Organização Mundial de Saúde. O grau de inovação terapêutica foi determinado pelo Algoritmo de Motola. Identificou-se 159 medicamentos novos e somente 28 foram classificados como inovação terapêutica importante. Evidenciou-se uma relação desproporcional entre a porcentagem de medicamentos novos e a carga de doenças, com sub-representação de medicamentos para doenças respiratórias infecciosas, doenças cardíacas e doenças digestivas. Estratégias de incentivo à pesquisa e desenvolvimento de medicamentos devem ser priorizadas, para diminuir a desproporção em relação à carga de doença e contribuir para o desenvolvimento de medicamentos inovadores necessários ao quadro sanitário do país.

Abstract The most important aspect of a new drug in terms of public health is its therapeutic value and benefit it provides for the patient and for the society. The aim of this study was to analyze new drugs registered in Brazil between 2003 and 2013 with respect to Pharmaceutical Assistance programs within the Brazilian health system and to the disease burden in the country. In our retrospective cohort study, new drugs registered in Brazil were identified through document analysis of databases and publicly available documents from National Health Surveillance Agency. The data on disease burden in Brazil was obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2012, published by the World Health Organization. The level of therapeutic innovation was determined using the Motola algorithm. Although a total of 159 new medicines were used in the cohort, only 28 (17.6%) were classified as important therapeutic innovations. There is a disproportionate relationship between the percentage of new drugs and the burden of disease, with an under-representation of drugs for infectious respiratory diseases, heart disease, and digestive diseases. Incentive strategies for research and development of medicines should be prioritized to reduce the disparity regarding the burden of disease and to help develop innovative medicines necessary to improve health throughout the country.

Errors in Antibiotic Therapy: Study with Dentist's Prescriptions in a Large Brazilian City

Objective: To evaluate errors in dental prescriptions of antibiotics for therapeutic purpose. Material and Methods: This was a descriptive study using a random and calculated sample of 366 prescriptions (July1 2011 to June 30 2012), from a total of 31 105 dental prescriptions, was surveyed in an important drugstore chain in a large Brazilian city. Data was validated by double entry in Epi-data (EpiData Assoc, Odense M, Denmark) and then analysed in SPSS (version 19.0, Chicago, IL, USA). Statistical analyses included the calculation of proportions with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: We identified 272 prescriptions for therapeutic purpose. Prescription errors involved spelling of the antibiotic name, dose, dosing intervals and duration of treatment. A total of 116 prescriptions (42.6%; 95% CI 36.9%-48.6%) were considered to be totally correct with regard to the generic name, dose, dosing interval and duration of the antibiotic therapy. Most of the antibiotics prescribed by dentists showed errors related to the name, dose, intervals and duration of treatment. Conclusion: These errors may compromise the effectiveness of drug therapy, contribute to microbial resistance and increase the risk of adverse events and costs of treatment.