Use of integrative and complementary health practices by Brazilian population: results from the 2019 National Health Survey.

BACKGROUND: In 2006, Brazil implemented the National Policy on Integrative and Complementary Practices of the SUS. and in 2015, the Brazilian Ministry of Health issued a reinforcement to this policy to increase access to integrative and complementary health practices (ICHP). In this study, we described the prevalence of ICHP in Brazilian adults according to their sociodemographic characteristics, self-perceived health, and chronic diseases. METHODS: This is a nationally representative cross-sectional survey including 64,194 participants from the 2019 Brazilian National Health Survey. Types of ICHP were categorized according to their purposes: health promotion (Tai chi/Lian gong/Qi gong, yoga, meditation, and integrative community therapy) or therapeutic practices (acupuncture, auricular acupressure, herbal treatment and phytotherapy, and homeopathy). Participants were classified as non-practitioners and practitioners, who in turn were grouped according to use of ICHP in the last 12 months: only used health promotion practices (HPP); only used therapeutic practices (TP); used both (HPTP). Multinomial logistic regressions were performed to estimate the associations of ICHP with sociodemographic characteristics, self-perceived health status, and chronic diseases. RESULTS: Brazilian adults showed an ICHP use prevalence of 6.13% [95%CI = 5.75-6.54]. Compared to non-practitioners, women and middle-aged adults were more likely to use any ICHP. Afro-Brazilians were less likely to use both HPP and HPTP, whereas Indigenous people were more likely to use both HPP and TP. We found a positive gradient of association among participants with higher income and educational attainment and access to any ICHP. People from rural areas and those with negative self-perceived health were more likely to use TP. Participants with arthritis/rheumatism, chronic back problems, and depression were more likely to use any ICHP. CONCLUSIONS: We found that 6% of Brazilian adults reported using ICHP in the previous 12 months. Women, middle-aged individuals, chronic patients, people with depression, and wealthier Brazilians are more likely to use any type of ICHP. Of note, rather than suggesting to expand the offer of these practices in the Brazilian public health system, this study diagnosed Brazilians' behavior of seeking for complementary healthcare.

Homeopathy for COVID-19 Prevention: Report of an Intervention at a Brazilian Service Sector Company.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 quickly became a serious public health problem worldwide, with serious economic and social repercussions. Homeopaths around the world have been studying to find a genus epidemicus (GE) medicine that might help in the prevention and treatment of this disease. OBJECTIVE: To compare the incidence of COVID-19 between employees who received or did not receive a homeopathic GE medicine for disease prevention. METHODS: Retrospective cohort analysis. The study population comprised all employees of a service sector company in São Paulo, Brazil, and followed up by the corporate Occupational Health department. Intervention consisted of administering Arsenicum album 30cH in a one-weekly dose. Primary outcome was incidence of COVID-19 during 3-months' follow-up (April to July, 2020). RESULTS: We analyzed 1,642 of 1,703 employees without previous diagnosis of COVID-19 at onset of the study period: 53.34% of employees were referred to telework at home and did not receive intervention (Group 1, G1); 24.66% remained working on-premises in the state of São Paulo and received the intervention (Group 2, G2); 21.98% remained working on company premises in other states and did not receive intervention (Group 3, G3). Incidence rate of COVID-19 was respectively 13.35%, 0.74%, and 67.87% (p < 0.001). The odds ratio of being infected in (1) G3 versus G1 was 13.70 (95% confidence interval [CI], 10.21 to 18.39), (2) G3 versus G2 was 283.02 (95% CI, 88.98 to 900.18), and (3) G1 versus G2 was 20.66 (95% CI, 6.53 to 65.39). LIMITATIONS: The present is a retrospective analysis of a real-world experience. We could not ensure direct observed treatment, and neither could we control adherence to general prevention measures outside company premises. CONCLUSION: The incidence of COVID-19 was significantly lower amongst on-premises employees who received the GE medication in comparison to workers who did not receive the intervention (those either at other company premises or teleworking at home).

Antimonium Tartaricum as a Possible Homeopathic Prophylactic Remedy in the COVID-19 Epidemic.

The current COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) epidemic has proved challenging due to its high impact on physical and mental health. According to Hahnemann, the founder of homeopathy, in an epidemic the most severe symptoms of the clinical condition presented by the population in question should be the basis for selecting the medication that is as similar as possible to them, and which should be administered to individuals who have been exposed to the disease but have not yet developed it. This medicine is called the genus epidemicus. This study aims to demonstrate the reasoning used to propose the homeopathic medicine Antimonium tartaricum (Ant-t) as a genus epidemicus in the COVID-19 epidemic. It was decided to develop the reasoning based on the respiratory symptoms described in the epidemiological bulletins presented by the Health Surveillance Secretariat of the Ministry of Health of Brazil, as these symptoms are the most serious of the disease. After repertorization, it was confirmed in the Materia Medica that Ant-t has a high degree of similarity with these respiratory symptoms, including the most serious situations, of COVID-19. Homeopathic Ant-t is thus a possible prophylactic genus epidemicus in the COVID-19 epidemic; further studies are needed to test this conclusion.

Prevalence and associated factors with homeopathy use in Brazil: a population-based study.

Despite the controversy about its efficacy, homeopathy is considered a medical practice alternative to the conventional medical model. Prevalence of homeopathy use varies greatly among countries and the literature has conflicting evidence about the relation between sociodemographic factors and health conditions associated with homeopathy use. We aim to estimate the prevalence of homeopathy use and its association with self-perceived health status, depression, and sociodemographic factors. We used data from 90,846 participants in the 2019 Brazilian National Survey of Health (PNS 2019), a population-based study with complex and probabilistic sampling. Sociodemographic and clinical data and information on homeopathy use during the last 12 months were collected. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to assess depression. All variables were categorized. Logistic regression models were built to obtain crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). The prevalence of homeopathy use was 0.99% (95%CI: 0.98-1.00). In the adjusted analysis, the following variables were associated with higher use of homeopathy: female gender, age above 51 years, white ethnicity, higher socioeconomic and educational attainment, residence in Southern/Southeastern Brazil, poorer self-reported health status, and depression. Brazil shows increased offer of complementary medicine, including homeopathy. Nevertheless, the use of homeopathy treatment is very low and clearly associated with a higher socioeconomic status, poorer self-reported health status, and depression.

Prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine use in Brazil: results of the National Health Survey, 2019.

BACKGROUND: In recent decades, it has been possible to observe an increase in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) usage globally for both disease prevention and health promotion purposes. we aim to estimate the prevalence of CAM use and analyze associated factors in Brazil. METHODS: Observational study with data from the 2019 National Health Survey that evaluated a sample of Brazilian adults. The outcome was CAM use, such as acupuncture, homeopathy, medicinal plants and herbal medicines, meditation, and yoga in the last 12 months. A logistic regression model with a 99% confidence interval was used to assess factors associated with CAM use. RESULTS: The prevalence of CAM use in 2019 was 5.2% (CI99% = 4.8-5.6%), the most used modalities: medicinal plants and herbal medicines, with a prevalence of 3.0% (CI99% = 2.7-3.33) followed by: acupuncture 1.4% (CI99% = 1.3-1.6) homeopathy 0.9% (CI99% = 0.7-1.0), meditation 0.7% (CI99% = 0.6-0.8) and yoga 0.4% (CI99% = 0.4-0.5). We observed important geographical differences in CAM use in Brazil, with a higher prevalence in the North Region, 3.7% (CI99% = 2.81-4.75), where herbal medicines were more frequent the in the other regions. After estimating an adjusted model, women, older people, and people with a higher level of education and per capita income were the ones who used all types of CAM the most. The practice of yoga stands out among women 3.6% (CI99% = 2.49-5.28) and among individuals with higher per capita income 7.5% (CI99% = 2.97-18.93); meditation among individuals with higher educational level 13.4% (CI99% = 6.41-28.33) and acupuncture for those who declared regular or poor health 1.9% (CI99% = 1.51-2.39). CONCLUSIONS: We recommend that the Ministry of Health expand CAM access to Unified Health System users and promote health professionals' conscious and guided use for the Brazilian population.

"Early Treatment", Anti-Vaccination, and Denialism: who are the Doctors for Life in the COVID-19 pandemic context in Brazil? / "Tratamento precoce", antivacinação e negacionismo: quem são os Médicos pela Vida no contexto da pandemia de COVID-19 no Brasil?

The article aims to identify who the "Doctors for Life" are, their academic and professional information, which assumptions have been mobilized for the defense of "early treatment" and the denial of vaccines for COVID-19, and the representativeness of their discourses in the medical practice context in Brazil. The analysis is based on a list of 276 doctors' names, cataloged from their website, and on academic and professional information obtained through research on the Federal Medical Conseil website and the Scientific and Technological Development Nacional Council platform. The content analysis points to the centrality of the medical specialties of homeopathy and acupuncture in the population of Doctors for Life when compared to the set of specialist doctors in Brazil. The significant accession of homeopaths and acupuncturists to the Doctors for Life movement can clarify the understanding of specific medical rationalities, allowing us to distinguish which categories and ideas about the health-disease process are in dispute. It is concluded that, more than describing the problem, it is needed to establish its correlations with a group of events, practices, political decisions, economic linkages, shared beliefs, and a chain of processes that configure its undeniably social characteristics.

O artigo pretende identificar quem são os "Médicos pela Vida" (MPV), suas informações acadêmicas e profissionais, quais as premissas utilizadas para a defesa do "tratamento precoce" e da negação das vacinas contra COVID-19 e qual a representatividade de seus discursos no contexto da prática médica no Brasil. A análise baseia-se na lista de 276 profissionais médicos catalogados no site dos MPV e em informações acadêmicas e profissionais coletadas nos sites do Conselho Federal de Medicina e da Plataforma Lattes, do Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico. A análise do conteúdo aponta para a centralidade das especialidades da Homeopatia e Acupuntura na população de MPV quando comparada ao conjunto dos especialistas do Brasil. A adesão significativa de homeopatas e acupunturistas ao movimento dos MPV pode iluminar a compreensão sobre racionalidades médicas específicas, permitindo distinguir quais categorias e ideias acerca dos processos de saúde e doença estão em disputa. Conclui-se que, para além de descrever a problemática, é preciso estabelecer suas correlações com um conjunto de acontecimentos, práticas, decisões políticas, encadeamentos econômicos, compartilhamento de crenças e uma corrente de processos que configuram seu caráter inegavelmente social.

The frequency of dietary references in homeopathic consultations.

A retrospective quantitative study on dietary references found in medical records of 2753 patients attending consultations from 10/1/1994 to 5/31/2007 was conducted. The symptoms found in the rubrics relating to food and drink aggravation and amelioration, aversion and craving of homeopathic repertories reflect diets at different places and times and do not correspond fully, to contemporary gastronomy. Desires for sweet and spicy foods were statistically more frequent, revealing the prevailing taste for such food among the studied population. Food cravings should be carefully analyzed before considering them as indications for choosing homeopathic therapy, they are less significant than aversions, aggravations and ameliorations.

Homeopathy for Covid-19 in Primary Care: A structured summary of a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effectiveness and safety of homeopathic medicine Natrum muriaticum (LM2) for mild cases of COVID-19 in Primary Health Care. TRIAL DESIGN: A randomized, two-armed (1:1), parallel, placebo-controlled, double-blind, clinical trial is being performed to test the following hypotheses: H0: homeopathic medicines = placebo (null hypothesis) vs. H1: homeopathic medicines ≠ placebo (alternative hypothesis) for mild cases of COVID-19 in Primary Care. PARTICIPANTS: Setting: Primary Care of São Carlos - São Paulo - Brazil. One hundred participants aged 18 years or older, with Influenza-like symptoms and a positive RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2. Willingness to give informed consent and to comply with the study procedures is also required. Exclusion criterium: severe acute respiratory syndrome. INTERVENTION AND COMPARATOR: Homeopathy: 1 globule of Natrum muriaticum LM2 diluted in 20 mL of alcohol 30% and dispensed in a 30 ml bottle. Placebo: 20 mL of alcohol 30% dispensed in a 30 ml bottle. Posology: one drop taken orally every 4 hours (6 doses/day) while there is fever, cough, tiredness, or pain (headache, sore throat, muscle aches, chest pain, etc.) followed by one drop every 6 hours (4 doses/day) until the fourteenth day of use. The bottle of study medication should be submitted to 10 vigorous shakes (succussions) before each dose. Posology may be changed by telemedicine, with no break in blinding. Study medication should be maintained during home isolation. According to the Primary Care protocol, the home isolation period lasts until the 10th day after the appearance of the first symptom, or up to 72 hours without symptoms. MAIN OUTCOMES: The primary endpoint will be time to recovery, defined as the number of days elapsed before all COVID-19 Influenza-like symptoms are recorded as mild or absent during home isolation period. Secondary measures are recovery time for each COVID-19 symptom; score of the scale created for the study (COVID-Simile Scale); medicines used during follow-up; number of days of follow-up; number of visits to emergency services; number of hospitalizations; other symptoms and Adverse Events during home isolation period. RANDOMISATION: The study Statistician generated a block randomization list, using a 1:1 ratio of the two groups (denoted as A and B) and a web-based tool ( http://www.random.org/lists ). BLINDING (MASKING): The clinical investigators, the statistician, the Primary Care teams, the study collaborators, and the participants will remain blinded from the identity of the two treatment groups until the end of the study. NUMBERS TO BE RANDOMISED (SAMPLE SIZE): One hundred participants are planned to be randomized (1:1) to placebo (50) or homeopathy (50). TRIAL STATUS: Protocol version/date May 21, 2020. Recruitment is ongoing. First participant was recruited/included on June 29,2020. Due to recruitment adaptations to Primary Care changes, the authors anticipate the trial will finish recruiting on April 10, 2021. TRIAL REGISTRATION: COVID-Simile Study was registered at the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN - https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm ) on June 1st, 2020, and the trial start date was June 15, 2020. Unique ID: UMIN000040602. FULL PROTOCOL: The full protocol is attached as an additional file, accessible from the Trials website (Additional file 1). In the interest in expediting dissemination of this material, the familiar formatting has been eliminated; this Letter serves as a summary of the key elements of the full protocol.

[Seroprevalence of rubella in urban and rural populations, Guaratinguetá]. / Soroprevalência da rubéola na população urbana e rural de Guaratinguetá

OBJECTIVE: To investigate seroprevalence of rubella antibodies in a 15 to 39 year old population in the municipal district of Guaratinguetá. METHODS: The 996 samples studied were collected in urban and rural zones, after informed and elucidated consent from men and women stratified by age (15 -39 years). Rubella IgG antibodies were detected by ELISA using the commercial kit Rubenostika IgGII (Organon Teknika THE, Holland). Age groups were stratified in 3 categories: 15-19; 20-29 and 30-39 years of age. Statistical analyses were accomplished with the software MINITAB version 14.0 (Minitab Inc, USA). RESULTS: The proportion of seropositives for antibodies of the IgG class were: 92.7.% positive for 15-19 years; 82.4% for 20 to 29 years and 90.7% for 30-39 years, with a significant difference in the seropositive proportions by age group (p <0.001). Variation of intensity of antibody response was calculated and results show a significant difference (p = 0.002) between means of the 3 age groups studied. In relation to rural and urban zone average of the ratio DO/CO for each age group, a significant tendency towards a lower average was observed in the rural zone. The same was true when the seropositive proportions were calculated. CONCLUSION: Results showed that the percentage and individuals with antibodies of the IgG class against rubella in the 20-29 year age group was lower than that in the younger and older age groups. Furthermore, the difference between seropositivity in the urban and rural zones discloses susceptibility with a potential for continued circulation of the virus in this zone.

Treating hot flushes in menopausal women with homeopathic treatment--results of an observational study.

OBJECTIVE: There is great controversy concerning treatment for menopausal symptoms. We evaluated homeopathic treatments for hot flushes and their effect on quality of life in menopausal women. METHODS: Open, multi-national prospective, pragmatic and non-comparative observational study of homeopathic treatments prescribed and their effectiveness, observing their impact on quality of life. RESULTS: Ninety-nine physicians in 8 countries took part in this study and included 438 patients with an average age of 55. Homeopathic medicines were prescribed to all patients; 98% of the prescription lines were for homeopathic medicines. Lachesis mutus, Belladonna, Sepia officinalis, Sulphur and Sanguinaria canadensis were the most prescribed. A non-homeopathic treatment and/or food supplement prescribed for 5% of the patients. This observational study revealed a significant reduction (p<0.001) in the frequency of hot flushes by day and night and a significant reduction in the daily discomfort they caused (mean fall of 3.6 and 3.8 points respectively, on a 10cm visual analogue scale; p<0.001). Ninety percent of the women reported disappearance or lessening of their symptoms, these changes mostly taking place within 15 days of starting homeopathic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this observational study suggest that homeopathic treatment for hot flushes in menopausal women is effective. Further studies including randomized controlled trials should be conducted.

Prevalence of Lip and Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Scc) at a Pathological Anatomy Service in Northeast Brazil / Prevalencia del Carcinoma de Celulas Escamosas en Labios y Lengua (SCC) en un Servicio de Anatomía Patológica en el Noreste Brasil

The aim of this work was to trace an epidemiological and clinical profile of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cases diagnosed as lip and tongue SCC from June 2001 to 2018 at a pathology anatomy service located in Northeastern Brazil. Age, sex, duration, location, growth type, staining, metastasis, etiologic agents and lesion size data were obtained fr om patient clinical files and histopathological reports. A total of 124 cases were recorded, with tongue SCC being the most preval ent. The common characteristics of both assessed SCCs included higher frequency in men, mean age of 60 years old, evidence mostly of exophytic lesions and maximum size of 4 cm, predominantly diagnosed after a maximum of 1 year of appearance. Regarding divergent findings, lip SCC occurred mostly in the lower portion of the lip, presenting a predominantly leukoplastic color, with regular smoking habits and sunlight identified as the main etiological agents, and no strong relation to metastasis. On the other hand, tongue SCC mostly exhibiting predominantly erythroleukoplastic staining, with a greater relationship to alcohol - associated smoking and regular smoking habits. The highest percentage of patients with metastasis presented tongue SCC. Although lip and tongue SCC display a male preference, an increasing amount of female involvement has been noted over the years, due to the adoption of deleterious habits such as smoking and alcoholism. Tongue SCC presented a greater relationship with metastasis and clinical leukoeritroplastic evidence. This greater aggressiveness could be related to the unfavorable locat ion of these lesions in relation to lip SCC, sometimes making it difficult to identify in their early development stages.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue rastrear un perfil epidemiológico y clínico de los casos de carcinoma oral de células escamosas (CCE) diagnosticados como CCE de labios y lengua entre junio de 2001 y 2018 en un servicio de anatomía patológica ubicado en el Noreste de Brasil. Los datos de edad, sexo, duración, ubicación, tipo de crecimiento, tinción, metástasis, agentes etiológicos y tamaño de la lesión se obtuvieron de los archivos clínicos de los pacientes y los informes histopatológicos. Se revisaron un total de 124 casos, siendo el CCE de lengua el más prevalente. Las características comunes de ambos CCE evaluados incluyeron mayor frecuencia en hombres, edad promedio de 60 años, evidencia mayoritariamente de lesiones exofíticas y tamaño máximo de 4 cm, diagnosticado predominantemente después de un máximo de 1 año de aparición. En cuanto a los hallazgos divergentes, el CCE labial se presentó mayoritariamente en la porción inferior del labio, presentando un color predominantemente leucoplásico, con el hábito de fumar habitualmente y la luz solar identificados como los principales agentes etiológicos, sin una fuerte relación con las metástasis. Por otro lado, el CEC de la lengua presenta en su mayoría tinción predominantemente eritroleucoplásica, con una mayor relación con el tabaquismo asociado con el alcohol y con los hábitos habituales de tabaquismo. El mayor porcentaje de pacientes con metástasis presentó CCE de lengua. Aunque el CCE de labios y lengua muestra una preferencia en hombres, se ha observado una cantidad cada vez mayor prevalencia en mujeres a lo largo de los años, debido a la adopción de hábitos nocivos como el tabaquismo y el alcoholismo. El CCE de lengua presentó una mayor relación con la metástasis y la evidencia clínica leucoeritroplásica. Esta mayor agresividad podría estar relacionada con la ubicación desfavorable de estas lesiones en relación al CCE labial, dificultando en ocasiones su identificación en sus primeras etapas de desarrollo.

[Self-medication in the elderly population of Campinas, São Paulo State, Brazil: prevalence and associated factors]. / Automedicação em idosos residentes em Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil: prevalência e fatores associados.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and causative factors associated with self-medication in the elderly and identify the main drugs consumed without prescription. A cross-sectional population-based study with stratified clustered two-stage sampling was performed in Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil in 2008 and 2009. Of the 1,515 elderly studied, 80.4% reported using at least one drug during the three days preceding the survey. Of these, 91.1% reported the use of prescription drugs only and the remainder (8.9%) reported simultaneous use of prescribed and non prescribed drugs. After adjustment, a negative association between age ≥ 80 years, hypertension, chronic diseases, use of health services, dental consultations and adherence to a medical plan,and self-medication was found, whereas a positive association was found with per capita income. Dipyrone, acetylsalicylic acid, diclofenac, Ginkgo biloba, paracetamol and homeopathic medicines were among the most used non-prescribed drugs. Pharmaceutical assistance should be provided as a priority to the elderly, to avoid the misuse of medicines and ensure access to the correct drugs.

Automedicação em idosos residentes em Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil: prevalência e fatores associados / Self-medication in the elderly population of Campinas, São Paulo State, Brazil: prevalence and associated factors

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and causative factors associated with self-medication in the elderly and identify the main drugs consumed without prescription. A cross-sectional population-based study with stratified clustered two-stage sampling was performed in Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil in 2008 and 2009. Of the 1,515 elderly studied, 80.4 percent reported using at least one drug duringthe three days preceding the survey. Of these, 91.1 percent reported the use of prescription drugs only and the remainder (8.9 percent) reported simultaneous use of prescribed and non prescribed drugs. After adjustment, a negative association between age > 80 years, hypertension, chronic diseases, use of health services, dental consultations and adherence to a medical plan,and self-medication was found, whereas a positive association was found with per capita income. Dipyrone, acetylsalicylic acid, diclofenac, Ginkgo biloba, paracetamol and homeopathic medicines were among the most used non-prescribed drugs. Pharmaceutical assistance should be provided as a priority tothe elderly, to avoid the misuse of medicines and ensure access to the correct drugs.

O objetivo foi avaliar a prevalência e fatores associados à automedicação em idosos e identificar os principais fármacos consumidos sem prescrição. Estudo transversal de base populacional, com amostra estratificada por conglomerados e em dois estágios realizado em Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil, em 2008-2009. Dos 1.515 idosos, 80,4 por cento referiram uso de ao menos um medicamento nos três dias anteriores à pesquisa. Desses, 91,1 por cento relataram consumo exclusivo de medicamentos prescritos e o restante (8,9 por cento), uso simultâneo de prescritos e não prescritos. Após ajuste, idade > 80 anos, hipertensão arterial, presença de doenças crônicas, uso de serviços de saúde, realização de consultas odontológicas e filiação a plano médico de saúde estiveram associadas negativamente, e renda per capita, positivamente à automedicação. Os fármacos sem prescrição mais consumidos foram dipirona, AAS, diclofenaco, Ginkgo biloba, paracetamol e homeopáticos. Sobretudo entre idosos, a assistência farmacêutica deve ser priorizada para evitar o uso incorreto de medicamentos e garantir o acesso aos fármacos necessários ao tratamento.

Estudo preliminar para avaliação de sintomas e medicamentos prevalentes do "gênio epidêmico" da pandemia de COVID-19 no Brasil / Preliminary study to assess symptoms and prevalent drugs of the "epidemic genius" of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil

Estamos no meio da pandemia do Covid-19, em franco desenvolvimento no Brasil. No momento há perspectivas terapêuticas medicamentosa sem fases iniciais de teste, especialmente para o tratamento dos casos graves, aqueles que implicam em internação ou encaminhamento para Unidades de Terapia Intensiva. Pouco tem sido abordado sobre tentativas de tratamento de pacientes com síndrome respiratória leve. Não há escolha terapêutica efetiva para o início do quadro e, desta forma, a doença cursa de acordo com a resposta imune ou suscetibilidade individual do acometido, e há muito pouco de efetivo e específico que altere a história natural dessa enfermidade. (AU)

Uso de práticas integrativas e complementares pic por pacientes adultos infectados com o vírus da imunodeficiência humana HIV, no norte de Minas Gerais / Practical use of integrating and complimentary practices (icp) by adult patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) in north of Minas Gerais

Objetiva-se identificar o uso de PIC entre adultos portadores do vírus da imunodeficiência humana. Mediante estudo transversal, analítico e descritivo foi verificado o perfil de 200 pacientes adultos infectados por HIV e identificadas possíveis associações entre fatores socioeconômicos e utilização de PIC. A prevalência de PIC foi de 78,5 porcento n igual 157 e as categorias mais relatadas foram oração a Deus 57,5 porcento n igual 115; uso de remédios populares 21,5 porcento n igual 43; procura a benzedeiras 14,5 porcento n igual 29 e uso de homeopatia 12,5 porcento n igual 25. Associações significativas foram encontradas com o uso de PIC e cor p igual 0,000; escolaridade p igual 0,000; estado conjugal p igual 0,003; religião p igual 0,000 e renda mensal familiar p igual 0,000. Constatou-se ainda que há associação estatisticamente significante entre algumas variáveis demográficas investigadas e uso de práticas integrativas complementares.

The purpose of this study is to identify the use of PIC by carriers of the human immunodeficiency virus. Through a cross-sectional, analytical and descriptive study, 200 adult patients infected with HIV were profiled and possible relations between socioeconomic factors and the use of the PIC were verified. The preponderance of PIC was of 78.5pocent n equals 157 and the most frequently mentioned categories were: pray to God 57.5 porcent n equals 115; use of popular medicines 21.5 pocent n equals 43; consultation with benzedeiras women with alleged healing and magical powers 14.5 porcent n equals 29 and the use of homeopathy 12.5 porcent n equals 25. Significant relations were found between the use of MCA and color p equals 0,000, educational level p equals 0,000; marital status p equals 0,003, religion p equals 0,000 and family monthly income.p equals 0,000. It was verified yet that there is a significant statistical relation between the use of some of studied demographical variables and the integrating and complimentary activities under study.

Protocolo de pesquisa clínica para avaliar a eficácia e a segurança de medicamento homeopático individualizado no tratamento e na prevenção da epidemia de COVID-19 / Clinical research protocol to evaluate the efficacy and safety of individualized homeopathic medicine in the treatment and prevention of the COVID-19 epidemic

Além da reconhecida aplicação nas doenças crônicas, a homeopatia individualizada também pode atuar de forma resolutiva ou complementar nos casos agudos, incluindo as doenças epidêmicas. No entanto, para atingir esse intento, apresenta uma metodologia semiológica e terapêutica específica que deve ser seguida e respeitada, com o risco de não apresentar a eficácia e a segurança desejada. No caso das doenças epidêmicas, que pela virulência dos seus agentes provoca um quadro sintomatológico comum na maioria dos indivíduos suscetíveis, o medicamento homeopático individualizado (medicamento homeopático do gênio epidêmico) deve apresentar semelhança com o conjunto de sinais e sintomas característicos dos pacientes acometidos nos diferentes estágios de cada surto epidêmico. Estudos evidenciam a eficácia e a segurança desta prática profilática e/ou terapêutica em diversas epidemias do passado. Assim sendo, após o levantamento dos possíveis medicamentos homeopáticos individualizados do gênio epidêmico de cada epidemia, sua aplicação profilática e/ou terapêutica em larga escala deve ser sustentada por ensaios clínicos prévios que demonstrem sua eficácia e segurança, em consonância com os aspectos éticos e bioéticos da pesquisa envolvendo seres humanos. Cumprindo essas premissas da boa prática clínica, elaboramos o atual protocolo com o objetivo de investigar, em ensaio clínico randomizado, duplo-cego e placebo-controlado, a eficácia e a segurança de possíveis medicamentos homeopáticos individualizados do gênio epidêmico da COVID-19, em tratamento adjuvante e complementar de pacientes acometidos pela doença. Caso a a eficácia e a segurança se confirme, e tão somente, o(s) medicamento(s) poderão ser utilizado de forma generalizada e coletiva no tratamento e na prevenção da atual epidemia. (AU)

In addition to the recognized application in chronic diseases, individualized homeopathy can also act in a resolutive or complementary way in acute cases, including epidemic diseases. However, to achieve this intent, it presents a specific semiological and therapeutic methodology that must be followed and respected, with the risk of not presenting the desired efficacy and safety. In the case of epidemic diseases, which due to the virulence of their agents causes a common symptomatological picture in most susceptible individuals, the individualized homeopathic medicine (homeopathic medicine of the epidemic genius) should present similarity with the set of characteristic symptoms and signs of the patients affected in the different stages of each epidemic outbreak. Studies show the efficacy and safety of this prophylactic and/or therapeutic practice in several epidemics of the past. Therefore, after the survey of possible homeopathic drugs individualized from the epidemic genius of each epidemic, its prophylactic and/or large-scale therapeutic application should be supported by previous clinical trials that demonstrate its efficacy and safety, in line with the ethical and bioethical aspects of research involving human beings. Fulfilling these premises of good clinical practice, we developed the current protocol with the objective of investigating, in a randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled clinical trial, the efficacy and safety of possible individualized homeopathic drugs of epidemic genius of COVID-19, in adjuvant and complementary treatment of patients affected by the disease. If efficacy and safety are confirmed, and only in this condition, the medicine may be used in a generalized and collective manner in the treatment and prevention of the current epidemic. (AU)

Clinical research protocol to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of individualized homeopathic medicine in the treatment and prevention of the COVID-19 epidemic

In addition to the recognized application in chronic diseases, individualized homeopathy can also act in a resolutive or complementary way in acute cases, including epidemic diseases. However, to achieve this intent, it presents a specific semiologic and therapeutic methodology that must be followed and respected, with the risk of not presenting the desired efficacy and safety. In the case of epidemic diseases, which due to the virulence of their agents causes a common symptomatological picture in most susceptible individuals, the individualized homeopathic medicine (homeopathic medicine of the epidemic genius) should present similarity with the set of characteristic symptoms and signs of the patients affected in the different stages of each epidemic outbreak. Studies show the efficacy and safety of this prophylactic and/or therapeutic practice in several epidemics of the past. Therefore, after the survey of possible homeopathic drugs individualized from the epidemic genius of each epidemic, its prophylactic and/or large-scale therapeutic application should be supported by previous clinical trials that demonstrate its efficacy and safety, in line with the ethical and bioethical aspects of research involving human beings. Fulfilling these premises of good clinical practice, we developed the current protocol with the objective of investigating, in a randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled clinical trial, the effectiveness and safety of possible individualized homeopathic drugs of epidemic genius of COVID-19, in adjuvant and complementary treatment of patients affected by the disease. If effectiveness and safety are confirmed, and only in this condition, the medicine may be used in a generalized and collective manner in the treatment and prevention of the current epidemic. (AU)

Resultados terapêuticos da homeopatia em pacientes suspeitos ou confirmados de COVID-19 no Brasil: Protocolo para estudo observacional prospectivo / Outcomes research of homeopathic treatment in suspected or confirmed patients with COVID-19 IN Brazil: Clinical research protocol

A infecção humana causada pelo vírus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), diagnosticada como pneumonia de causa desconhecida originalmente na cidade de Wuhan (China), foi considerada como pandemia pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. Sua transmissibilidade parece ser bastante elevada, tendo afetado quase dois milhões de pessoas em todo o mundo e provocado mais de 130 mil mortes. Surgiu no Brasil em fevereiro de 2020, inicialmente na cidade de São Paulo. Afeta de forma mais grave os idosos e portadores de algumas comorbidades (tais como doenças cardiovasculares, hipertensão arterial, diabetes, câncer, DPOC e doenças cerebrovasculares, entre outras), tendo uma sintomatologia variável e tratamentos empíricos que estão sendo testados de forma mais rigorosa desde o seu aparecimento. Na ausência de vacina para proteção dos sadios, tem sido adotada a estratégia de isolamento social e tratamento com medidas de suporte geral e/ou avançado. Neste contexto, cabe investigar a contribuição da terapêutica homeopática no enfrentamento da doença, notadamente no alívio dos sintomas desconfortáveis por ela provocados em sua fase inicial, com acompanhamento e registro dos resultados obtidos pelos médicos homeopatas. Este estudo nacional pretende coletar, durante o período em que durar a pandemia da COVID-19 no Brasil, informações de pacientes diagnosticados com a doença, tratados com medicamentos homeopáticos escolhidos de acordo com a sintomatologia apresentada pelo paciente, por experientes médicos homeopatas. Todos os medicamentos homeopáticos estão descritos na Farmacopéia Homeopática Brasileira, não envolvendo qualquer medicamento que não tenha sido anteriormente aprovado para uso homeopático. Serão avaliados os efeitos no estado de saúde do paciente, por meio de escores e escalas clínicas, bem como aspectos relacionados à segurança do medicamento, variação na duração da doença e medicamentos mais associados a eventuais sucessos terapêuticos. Questionário padronizado e específico para a COVID-19 foi elaborado e disponibilizado em formulários google para preenchimento dos médicos colaboradores do estudo durante o acompanhamento dos pacientes. Os dados serão armazenados em planilhas eletrônicas e serão analisados com técnicas estatísticas descritivas e inferenciais. Todos os dados dos pacientes serão coletados de forma totalmente anonimizada para proteger a privacidade dos pacientes, que serão identificados no formulário eletrônico, única e exclusivamente, por um código alfanumérico, escolhido pelo seu médico homeopata e registrado no seu prontuário médico. Dada a situação pandêmica, nos casos em que não for possível o atendimento presencial será enviado uma folha de informações sobre o estudo e TCLE para preenchimento pelo paciente, bem como feitas as teleconsultas de seguimento para acompanhamento do caso. Além de gerar o desenvolvimento de novas aplicações da telemedicina na área homeopática, o projeto visa também a coleta de informações úteis que poderão ser utilizadas em futuros estudos multicêntricos randomizados e controlados para tratamento com medicamentos homeopáticos de quadros epidêmicos, podendo servir também de modelo para novos estudos clínicos de avaliação dos benefícios do tratamento homeopático em outras doenças ou agravos à saúde. (AU)

Infection in humans caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19), diagnosed as pneumonia of unknown cause originally in the city of Wuhan (China) in December 2019, was considered a pandemic by the World Health Organization. Its transmissibility seems to be quite high, affecting almost two million people worldwide and causing more than 130 thousand deaths. It appeared in Brazil in February 2020, initially in the city of São Paulo. It affects more severely the elderly and people with some comorbidities (such as cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, malignancy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cerebrovascular disease, among others), with a rich clinical symptomatology. Empirical treatments are being tested in more rigorous clinical trials. In the absence of a vaccine to protect the healthy, the strategy of social isolation and treatment with general and / or advanced support measures has been adopted. In this context, it is worth investigating the potential contribution of homeopathy for relieving the distressing symptoms caused by coronavirus in its initial phase, together with monitoring and recording outcomes collected by homeopathic doctors. This national study intends to collect information from suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 patients, during the current pandemic in Brazil. The patients will be attended by experienced homeopathic doctors with the prescription of remedies according to the symptoms presented by the patient in the pandemic. All homeopathic medicines are described in the Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia. The effects on patients' health status will be evaluated by means of scores and clinical scales, together with measures on safety, duration of the disease and medicines better related with good results. A standardized and specific questionnaire for COVID-19 had been designed and will be available on google forms to be filled out by doctors during the study. The data will be stored in electronic spreadsheets and will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. All patient data will be collected in a completely anonymous way to protect patients' privacy. Patients will be identified exclusively by an alphanumeric code, to be registered in doctors' medical records. Given the pandemic situation, in cases in which face-to-face health care is not obligatory, an information sheet about the study will be sent to the patient in order to get the informed consent. Teleconsultations will take place in some cases for follow-up of patients. In addition to enlarge telemedicine applications for homeopathy, this project also aims to collect useful information that could be used in future randomized and controlled multicenter trials to evaluate the role of homeopathy in epidemic or transmissible diseases. It could also be helpful for designing clinical studies using homeopathic medicines in other diseases or health problems. (AU)

La infección en humanos causada por el virus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), diagnosticada como neumonía de causa desconocida originalmente en la ciudad de Wuhan (China) en diciembre de 2019, fue considerada una pandemia por la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Su transmisibilidad parece ser bastante alta, afectando a casi dos millones de personas en todo el mundo y causando más de 130 mil muertes. Apareció en Brasil en febrero de 2020, inicialmente en la ciudad de São Paulo. Afecta más severamente a los ancianos y personas con algunas comorbilidades (como enfermedades cardiovasculares, presión arterial alta, diabetes, malignidad, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica y enfermedad cerebrovascular, entre otros), con una rica sintomatología clínica. Los tratamientos empíricos se están probando en ensayos clínicos más rigurosos. En ausencia de una vacuna para proteger a los sanos, se ha adoptado la estrategia de aislamiento social y tratamiento con medidas de apoyo generales y / o avanzadas. En este contexto, se puede investigar la contribución potencial de la homeopatía para aliviar los síntomas causados por el coronavirus en su fase inicial, junto con el monitoreo y registro de los resultados recopilados por los médicos homeópatas. Este estudio nacional tiene la intención de recopilar información de casos sospechosos o confirmados de pacientes con COVID-19, durante la pandemia actual en Brasil. Los pacientes serán atendidos por médicos homeópatas experimentados con la prescripción de remedios de acuerdo con los síntomas presentados por el paciente en la pandemia. Todos los medicamentos homeopáticos se describen en la Farmacopea Homeopática Brasileña. Los efectos sobre el estado de salud de los pacientes se evaluarán mediante puntajes de síntomas y escalas clínicas, junto con medidas de seguridad, duración de la enfermedad y revelación de medicamentos más asociados con buenas respuestas clínicas. Se diseñó un cuestionario estandarizado y específico para COVID-19, que estará disponible en los formularios de Google para que los médicos lo completen durante el estudio. Los datos se almacenarán en hojas de cálculo electrónicas y se analizarán mediante técnicas estadísticas descriptivas e inferenciales. Todos los datos del paciente se recopilarán de forma completamente anónima para proteger la privacidad de los pacientes. Los pacientes serán identificados exclusivamente por un código alfanumérico, que se registrará en los registros médicos de los médicos. Dada la situación de pandemia, en los casos en que la atención médica presencial no es obligatoria, se enviará una hoja de información sobre el estudio al paciente para obtener el consentimiento informado. Se realizarán teleconsultas en algunos casos para el seguimiento de los pacientes. Además de ampliar las aplicaciones de telemedicina para la homeopatía, este protocolo también tiene como objetivo recopilar información útil que podría utilizarse en futuros ensayos multicéntricos controlados y aleatorizados para evaluar el papel de la homeopatía en enfermedades epidémicas o transmisibles. También podría ser útil para diseñar estudios clínicos con medicamentos homeopáticos en otras enfermedades o problemas de salud.(AU)

Soroprevalência da rubéola na população urbana e rural de Guaratinguetá / Seroprevalence of rubella in urban and rural populations, Guaratinguetá

OBJETIVO: Determinar a prevalência de anticorpos para a rubéola na população de 15 a 39 anos no município de Guaratinguetá, São Paulo, SP. MÉTODOS: Neste estudo, 996 amostras foram colhidas após consentimento informado e esclarecido entre homens e mulheres na faixa etária de 15 a 39 anos. Os anticorpos da classe IgG foram detectados por ELISA usando kit comercial Rubenostika IgGII (Organon Teknika AS, Holland). As faixas etárias foram estratificadas em três categorias: 15-19 anos; 20-29 anos e 30-39 anos. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas pelo software MINITAB versão 14.0 (Minitab Inc, EUA). RESULTADOS: A proporção de soros reagentes para anticorpos da classe IgG nas faixas etárias estudadas foram: 92,7 por cento positivos de 15-19 anos; 82,4 por cento de 20 a 29 anos e 90,7 por cento de 30-39 anos com diferença significativa na proporção de soropositivos pela faixa etária ( p < 0,001 ). A variação de intensidade da resposta anticórpica foi calculada e os resultados mostram que há diferença significativa (p = 0,002) entre as médias das três faixas etárias estudadas. Em relação à área rural e urbana, a média da relação DO/CO para cada faixa etária, observa-se que há uma tendência significativa de médias menores na zona rural. O mesmo ocorre quando são calculadas as proporções de soropositivos. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados obtidos mostraram que o percentual e indivíduos com anticorpos da classe IgG contra a rubéola na faixa etária de 20-29 anos foi abaixo aquela observada em faixas etárias inferiores ou superiores. Além disso, a diferença da soropositividade entre a zona urbana e rural traduz uma suscetibilidade com potencial de manter a circulação do vírus nesta região.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate seroprevalence of rubella antibodies in a 15 to 39 year old population in the municipal district of Guaratinguetá. METHODS: The 996 samples studied were collected in urban and rural zones, after informed and elucidated consent from men and women stratified by age (15 -39 years). Rubella IgG antibodies were detected by ELISA using the commercial kit Rubenostika IgGII (Organon Teknika THE, Holland). Age groups were stratified in 3 categories: 15-19; 20-29 and 30-39 years of age. Statistical analyses were accomplished with the software MINITAB version 14.0 (Minitab Inc, USA). RESULTS: The proportion of seropositives for antibodies of the IgG class were: 92.7. percent positive for 15-19 years; 82.4 percent for 20 to 29 years and 90.7 percent for 30-39 years, with a significant difference in the seropositive proportions by age group (p <0.001). Variation of intensity of antibody response was calculated and results show a significant difference (p = 0.002) between means of the 3 age groups studied. In relation to rural and urban zone average of the ratio DO/CO for each age group, a significant tendency towards a lower average was observed in the rural zone. The same was true when the seropositive proportions were calculated. CONCLUSION: Results showed that the percentage and individuals with antibodies of the IgG class against rubella in the 20-29 year age group was lower than that in the younger and older age groups. Furthermore, the difference between seropositivity in the urban and rural zones discloses susceptibility with a potential for continued circulation of the virus in this zone.

Contribution of homeopathy to the control of an outbreak of dengue in Macaé, Rio de Janeiro / Homeopatia para o controle da epidemia de dengue em Macaé, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Homeopathy has contributed throughout history to the control and eradication of epidemic diseases. Facing the challenge of controlling an outbreak of dengue, the Secretary of Health of the county of Macaé, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in early 2007 carried out a “Homeopathy Campaign against Dengue”. 156,000 doses of homeopathic remedy were freely distributed in April and May 2007 to asymptomatic patients and 129 doses to symptomatic patients treated in outpatient clinics, according to the notion of “epidemic genus”. The remedy used was a homeopathic complex against dengue containing Phosphorus 30cH, Crotalus horridus 30cH and Eupatorium perfoliatum 30cH. The incidence of the disease in the first three months of 2008 fell 93% by comparison to the corresponding period in 2007, whereas in the rest of the State of Rio de Janeiro there was an increase of 128%. While confounding factors were not controlled for, these results suggest that homeopathy may be an effective adjunct in Dengue outbreak prevention.(AU)

A Homeopatia tem contribuído através da História no controle e erradicação de epidemias. Em face ao desafio de controlar uma epidemia de dengue, a Secretaria de Saúde do município de Macaé, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, iniciou em 2007 a “Campanha da Homeopatia contra a Dengue”. 156,000 doses de medicamento foram gratuitamente distribuídas entre Abril e Maio de 2007 para pacientes assintomáticos e 129 doses para pacientes que já apresentavam os sintomas. Seguindo o conceito de “Gênio Epidêmico” foi usado um complexo homeopático contendo Phosphorus 30cH, Crotalus horridus 30cH e Eupatorium perfoliatum 30cH. A incidência da doença, nos primeiros 3 meses de 2008, revelou uma queda de 93% em comparação com o período correspondente em 2007, enquanto que no resto do estado do Rio de Janeiro houve um aumento de 128% dos casos. Apesar de alguns fatores não terem sido controlados, estes resultados sugerem que o tratamento homeopático pode ser um complemento efetivo na prevenção da epidemia de Dengue.(AU)