Body mass index, adipokines and insulin resistance in asthmatic children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the body mass index, insulin resistance, levels of adipokines and inflammatory markers in Brazilian asthmatic children and adolescents and to investigate their possible association with the severity and control of asthma. METHODS: Cross-sectional study (n = 92; age: 3-18 years). Assessed data: Body weight and height, used to calculate the body mass index (BMIZ) and height-for-age (HAZ). Laboratory measurements: Lipid profile; glycemia and insulin for homeostasis model assessment (HOMA); adipokines; tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1); total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and specific IgE against aeroallergens. RESULTS: The median age was 9.6 years (3.0-16.6); most participants were male (n = 52, 56.5%), pre-pubertal (n = 54, 58.6%) and had atopic asthma (n = 85, 92.4%). Overweight/obesity (38%) showed an inverse correlation with age (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.781; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.66-0.92) and a direct correlation with the leptin concentration (adjusted OR = 1.13; 95% CI 1.04-1.22). Insulin concentration was independently associated with moderated persistent asthma (adjusted OR = 1.31; 95% CI 1.09-1.52). HOMA showed a direct correlation with the leptin (ß = 0.475; 95% CI 0.117-0.268) and total IgE (ß = 0.197; 95% CI 0.002-0.096) levels and an inverse correlation with the TNF-α levels (ß = -0.255; 95% CI;-0.366-0.055). CONCLUSIONS: Asthma was associated with insulin resistance and a systemic inflammatory response possibly mediated by adipokines, with leptin levels standing out among the participants with excess weight.

Adequacy of antenatal care and its relationship with low birth weight in Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Birth weight reflects gestational conditions and development during the fetal period. Low birth weight (LBW) may be associated with antenatal care (ANC) adequacy and quality. The purpose of this study was to analyze ANC adequacy and its relationship with LBW in the Unified Health System in Brazil. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted in Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil, 2004 to 2008. Data were collected from secondary sources (the Live Birth Certificate), and primary sources (the official medical records of pregnant women). The study population consisted of two groups, each with 860 newborns. The case group comprised newborns weighing less than 2,500 grams, while the control group comprised live newborns weighing greater than or equal to 2,500 grams. Adequacy of ANC was evaluated according to three measurements: 1. Adequacy of the number of ANC visits adjusted to gestational age; 2. Modified Kessner Index; and 3. Adequacy of ANC laboratory studies and exams summary measure according to parameters defined by the Ministry of Health in the Program for Prenatal and Birth Care Humanization. RESULTS: Analyses revealed that LBW was associated with the number of ANC visits adjusted to gestational age (OR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.32-2.34) and the ANC laboratory studies and exams summary measure (OR = 4.13, 95% CI 1.36-12.51). According to the modified Kessner Index, 64.4% of antenatal visits in the LBW group were adequate, with no differences between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our data corroborate the association between inadequate number of ANC visits, laboratory studies and exams, and increased risk of LBW newborns. No association was found between the modified Kessner Index as a measure of adequacy of ANC and LBW. This finding reveals the low indices of coverage for basic actions already well regulated in the Health System in Brazil. Despite the association found in the study, we cannot conclude that LBW would be prevented only by an adequate ANC, as LBW is associated with factors of complex and multifactorial etiology. The results could be used to plan monitoring measures and evaluate programs of health care assistance during pregnancy, at delivery and to newborns, focusing on reduced LBW rates.

Association of adipokines with cardiovascular risk factors in low birth weight children: a case-control study.

UNLABELLED: Our aim was to investigate plasma levels of adiponectin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in low birth weight (LBW) children and to determine correlations among these adipokines and birth weight and cardiovascular disease risk factors. In a case-control study, the concentrations of adiponectin, MCP-1 and PAI-1 were measured in 180 schoolchildren (ages 6-11 years). MCP-1 and PAI-1 levels were significantly elevated in LBW children. Conversely, adiponectin concentration was significantly reduced in these children. Similar findings were observed after adjustment for current age, gender and abdominal circumference. Because the children with LBW had altered adipokine levels, as well as higher abdominal circumference, HOMA-IR and systolic blood pressure (SBP), we evaluated the correlation among these variables. These analyses showed that adiponectin levels were inversely correlated with systolic blood pressure (SBP) (r = -0.501; P < 0.001), HOMA-IR (r = -0.293; P = 0.023) and waist circumference (r = -0.317; P = 0.014). The proinflammatory markers were positively correlated with HOMA-IR (PAI-1: r = 0.358; P = 0.005) and waist circumference (PAI-1: r = 0.571; P < 0.001 and MCP-1: r = 0.267; P = 0.039). CONCLUSION: Adipokines levels were correlated with cardiovascular risk factors in LBW children, and these compounds could be involved in the mechanism that links birth weight to the development of cardiovascular diseases in adulthood.

Does low birth weight affect the presence of cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight and obese children?

UNLABELLED: Recent findings suggest that low-birth-weight children with current obesity are more likely to have higher systolic blood pressure levels and impaired ß-cell function than those who are obese with normal birth weight. It seems possible, however, that concurrent low birth weight with excess weight gain can exacerbate other risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases. The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of birth weight on the lipid/apolipoprotein profile, visfatin levels, and insulin parameters in overweight/obese children. A cross-sectional study of 68 overweight/obese children was conducted. Among these children, 28 were identified with low birth weight and 40 were of normal birth weight. Blood lipid profile, apolipoproteins, visfatin, glucose, and insulin were measured. Our results show that systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) levels, triglycerides (TG), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc), apolipoprotein B and E, insulin, apolipoprotein B/A1 ratio, and homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were significantly elevated in overweight/obese low-birth-weight (LBW) children. There was a significant association of the SBP levels with TG (P=0.027), LDLc (P=0.001), HOMA-IR (P<0.001), apolipoprotein B (P=0.001), and apolipoprotein E (P=0.039). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that LBW children with overweight or obesity have an additional risk factor for both atherogenic and insulinogenic profile.

Factors associated with student performance on the medical residency test.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the scores of the Progress test, the Skills and Attitude test, and the medical internship are correlated with the medical residency exam performance of students who started medical school at the Federal University of São Paulo in 2009. METHODS: The scores of 684 Progress tests from years 1-6 of medical school, 111 Skills and Attitude exams (5th year), 228 performance coefficients for the 5th and 6th years of internship, and 211 scores on the medical residency exam were analyzed longitudinally. Correlations between scores were assessed by Pearson's correlation. Factors associated with medical residency scores were analyzed by linear regression. RESULTS: Scores of Progress tests from years 1-6 and the Skills and Attitude test showed at least one moderate and significant correlation with each other. The theoretical exam and final exam scores in the medical residency had a moderate correlation with performance in the internship. The score of the theoretical medical residency exam was associated with performance in internship year 6 (ß=0.833; p<0.001), and the final medical residency exam score was associated with the Skills and Attitude score (ß=0.587; p<0.001), 5th-year internship score, (ß=0.060; p=0.025), and 6th-year Progress test score (ß=0.038; p=0.061). CONCLUSIONS: The scores of these tests showed significant correlations. The medical residency exam scores were positively associated with the student's performance in the internship and on the Skills test, with a tendency for the final medical residency exam score to be associated with the 6th-year Progress test.

[Factors associated with excess weight and stunting in schoolchildren born with low birth weight]. / Fatores associados ao excesso de peso e baixa estatura em escolares nascidos com baixo peso.

The scope of this study is to assess the nutritional status of low birth weight (LBW) children and the possible associations with independent maternal variables, gender and neonatal history. It involved a cross-sectional study with 544 LBW schoolchildren (five to ten years of age) in the metropolitan area of São Paulo. Variables: the neonatal data of liveborn infant declarations and the current weight and height of the mothers were collected. The weight and stature used to calculate the height/age z (HAZ) score and the body mass index (BMI) of children were evaluated. Among the LBW children 6.2% were of short stature, 12.3% overweight and 8.6% obese. There was an association between short stature in LBW schoolchildren and short maternal stature < 150 cm (OR = 6.94; 95 % CI 2.34-20.6). Excess weight/obesity in LBW children was independently associated with overweight/obesity of the mother (OR = 2.40; 95% CI 1.44-4.01), and the male gender (OR = 1.77; 95% CI 1.06-2.95). A fifth of schoolchildren with low birth weight were overweight, which was associated with current maternal nutritional status and the male gender and stunting was associated with maternal stature.

O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar a condição nutricional de crianças com baixo peso ao nascer (BPN) e possíveis associações com variáveis independentes maternas, sexo e antecedentes neonatais Estudo transversal com 544 escolares com BPN (5 a 10 anos de idade) da região metropolitana de São Paulo. Variáveis: dados neonatais das declarações de nascidos vivos (peso ao nascer e idade gestacional), informações sobre a gestação e a condição nutricional atual das mães. A avaliação da condição nutricional dos escolares foi realizada por meio da obtenção dos dados de peso e estatura utilizados cálculo do escore z da estatura/idade (ZEI) e índice de massa corporal (ZIMC). Observou-se baixa estatura; sobrepeso e obesidade em 6,2%, 8,6% e 12,3% das crianças avaliadas, respectivamente. A presença de baixa estatura nos escolares associou-se com estatura materna < 150 cm (OR = 6,94; IC95% 2,34­20,6). O sobrepeso/obesidade nas crianças com BPN associou-se de forma independente com o sobrepeso/obesidade da mãe (OR = 2,40; IC95% 1,44­4,01) e o sexo masculino (OR = 1,77; IC95% 1,06­2,95). Um quinto dos escolares com BPN apresentaram excesso de peso, que se associou à condição nutricional materna atual e ao gênero masculino; a baixa estatura associou-se à estatura materna.

Metabolic syndrome among prepubertal Brazilian schoolchildren.

This was a two-stage cross-sectional study that assessed metabolic syndrome and associated factors among prepubertal schoolchildren. In the first stage, nutritional status, blood pressure, personal (low birth weight) and family antecedents for cardiovascular disease (CVD) were collected. In the second stage, schoolchildren with at least one of these criteria participated: obesity, personal or family history. Metabolic syndrome (MS) was defined by ATP III and WHO definitions. Among 929 (6-10 year old) schoolchildren, 27.7% presented with overweight/obesity, 12.2% hypertension, and personal (9.4%) and family (35.3%) antecedents. 205 children finished the second stage. The frequencies of MS-ATP and MS-WHO were 9.3% and 1.9%. Among the obese, MS was present in 25.8% (ATP) and 5.2% (WHO). Children with normal weight presented: low HDL (23.6%), hyperglycaemia (3.6%), HOMA-IR (0.9%) and MS-ATP (0.9%). In conclusion, overweight/obesity was associated with metabolic syndrome in schoolchildren. It was found that children with normal weight with personal and/or family antecedents presented with HOMA-IR and MS-ATP.

Risk factors associated with developmental abnormalities among high-risk children attended at a multidisciplinary clinic.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Knowledge of risk factors associated with child development disorders is essential for delivering high-quality childcare. The objective here was to evaluate the relationships between risk factors and occurrences of developmental abnormalities among children attended at a reference clinic for children at risk of developmental abnormalities. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective study at a multidisciplinary reference center, Embu, São Paulo. METHODS: All cases followed up for more than three months between 1995 and 2003 were reviewed. The risk factors assessed were low birth weight, gestational age, length of stay in neonatal ward, perinatal asphyxia, mothers age < 18 years, congenital infections, malformations and low mothers education level. Developmental abnormalities were defined according to developmental tests and assessments by the clinics professionals. The statistical analysis consisted of the chi-squared test for comparing categorical variables and a logistic regression model for multivariate analysis. RESULTS: 211 children were followed up for more than three months. Developmental abnormalities occurred in 111 (52.6%). Univariate analysis showed significant relationships between developmental abnormality and low birth weight, perinatal asphyxia, length of stay > 5 days, prematurity and mothers age 18 years and older. Low birth weight, history of perinatal asphyxia and mothers age continued to be significant in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Special attention must be paid to the development of low birth weight infants and/or infants with histories of neonatal complications. Low birth weight is easily assessed and should be considered to be an important marker when defining guidelines for following up child development.

Prophylaxis for iron deficiency anemia using ferrous sulfate among infants followed up at a primary healthcare unit in the municipality of Embu-SP (2003/2004).

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Iron deficiency anemia is an important public health problem in Brazil. In the municipality of Embu, a population study in 1996 found anemia prevalence of 68.5% among children aged one to two years. From these data, prescription of prophylactic ferrous sulfate was instituted in 1998 for children under two years old followed up within the children's healthcare program. After five years of intervention, the prevalence of anemia and associated factors were investigated among children aged 12 to 18 months to whom guidance for prophylactic ferrous sulfate use had been given. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study covering October 2003 to June 2004 at a primary healthcare unit in Embu. METHODS: A randomized sample of children aged 12 to 18 months to whom guidance for prophylactic ferrous sulfate use had been given was obtained. Hemoglobin was measured in capillary blood, using HemoCue apparatus. Hemoglobin < 11 g/100 dl was taken to indicate anemia. RESULTS: The sample comprised 118 children and anemia was found in 41.5%. There was no statistically significant association between anemia presence and the variables of sex, birth weight, neonatal intercurrences, chronic diseases, breastfeeding or iron supplementation use. There was a statistically significant association (p = 0.03) between anemia presence and per capita income, such that the higher the income was, the lower the prevalence of anemia was. CONCLUSION: The prophylaxis program against iron deficiency anemia did not achieve the expected results. New strategies must be considered in the light of the magnitude of the problem.

Crianças e adolescentes com deficiência: desafios na formação médica / Children and adolescents with disabilities: challenges in medical training

Resumo: Introdução: Amparar os direitos constitucionais das pessoas com deficiência inclui atender aos novos direcionamentos curriculares e exige um ensino superior que considere a diversidade em diversos contextos. Assim, os currículos de graduação de profissionais de saúde devem atender às necessidades multifacetadas das pessoas com deficiência de modo que transcendam o modelo biomédico e perpassem pela promoção da cultura inclusiva. As atitudes e os valores sobre a deficiência frequentemente influenciam o comportamento das pessoas, tornando imperativa a introdução desta temática. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever a abordagem nos currículos e as concepções de professores sobre crianças e adolescentes com deficiência em cursos de Medicina. Método: Trata-se de um estudo exploratório, transversal e de abordagem qualitativa que incluiu a análise documental de documentos oficiais dos cursos e páginas oficiais das universidades publicados até o primeiro semestre de 2021, e entrevistas de professores participantes do curso. A análise de conteúdo foi a técnica utilizada para o material das entrevistas. Resultado: A análise documental apontou nos tópicos gerais um direcionamento para uma formação humanística, com respeito às diferenças. Entretanto, quando a temática é a deficiência, o enfoque foi centrado nas questões biológicas. Nas entrevistas, identificaram-se os seguintes eixos temáticos: 1. a importância do Sistema Único de Saúde como espaço de formação médica; 2. a contribuição das Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais na orientação das atividades dos docentes e destaque a pontos relevantes; 3. desenvolvimento de atividades de ensino voltadas à criança e ao adolescente com deficiência, com base nas experiências dos docentes; 4. concepção sobre a pessoa com deficiência e formação docente; 5. formação docente para o desenvolvimento de atividades de ensino sobre a criança e o adolescente com deficiência e conhecimento sobre as políticas públicas da área. Conclusão: Foi identificada uma fragilidade na abordagem da temática, com inserções pontuais sobre o tema, geralmente na perspectiva da doença e a partir de oportunidades surgidas. Entre os docentes, identificaram-se a predominância do olhar biomédico, a ausência de formação para a temática e a frágil inserção desta na prática acadêmica. Entretanto, houve reconhecimento da importância do tema e seu potencial em integrar a matriz curricular de forma transversal.

Abstract: Introduction: supporting the constitutional rights of people with disabilities includes meeting new curricular guidelines and requires higher education that considers diversity in different contexts. Thus, the undergraduate curricula of health professionals must meet the multifaceted needs of people with disabilities in a way that transcends the biomedical model and permeates the promotion of an inclusive culture. Attitudes and values about disability often influence people's behavior, making it imperative to introduce this topic. Aim: the present study aim to describe an approach in the curricula and teachers' conceptions about children and adolescents with disabilities in medical courses. Method: this exploratory, cross-sectional study with a qualitative approach included the documental analysis of official documents of the courses and official pages of the universities, published until the first semester of 2021 and interviews of teachers participating in the course. The content analysis technique was used for the interview material. Results: the documental analysis pointed in the general topics a direction towards a humanistic formation, while respecting the differences; however, when the topic is the disability, the focus was centered on biological issues. During the interviews, the following topics were identified: 1) The importance of the Unified Health System as a space for medical training; 2) The contribution of the National Curriculum Guidelines in guiding the activities of teachers and highlighting relevant points; 3) Development of teaching activities aimed at children and adolescents with disabilities, based on the teachers' experiences; 4) Conception about the person with disabilities and teacher training; 5) Teacher training for the development of teaching activities about children and adolescents with disabilities and knowledge about public policies in the area. Conclusions: a weakness was identified in the approach to the subject, with specific insertions on the subject, usually from the perspective of the disease and from the opportunities that arise. Among the teachers, the predominance of the biomedical perspective was identified, as well as the lack of training on the subject and its fragile insertion in academic practice. However, the importance of the topic was recognized and its potential to integrate the curricular matrix in a cross-sectional way.

A cross-sectional study assessing the pharyngeal carriage of Neisseria meningitidis in subjects aged 1-24 years in the city of Embu das Artes, São Paulo, Brazil.

Meningococcal carriage is a prerequisite for invasive infection. This cross-sectional study assessed the pharyngeal carriage prevalence in healthy subjects aged 1-24 years in Embu das Artes city, São Paulo, Brazil. Pharyngeal swabs were examined for the presence of Neisseria meningitidis. The isolates were tested for different serogroups using agglutination and polymerase chain reaction. A logistic regression model assessed any independent association between Neisseria meningitidis carriage and various risk factors. A total of 87/967 subjects (9%, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 7.3-11.0) tested positive for N. meningitidis: 6.2% (95% CI: 3.8-9.4) in 1-4 years, 8.5% (95% CI: 5.1-13.0) in 5-9 years, 12.5% (95% CI: 7.8-18.6) in 10-14 years, 12.6% (95% CI: 7.4-19.7) in 15-19 years and 9% (95% CI: 4.9-14.9) in 20-24 years age groups. Highest carriage prevalence was observed in adolescents 10-19 years old. Serogroup C was predominant (18.4%) followed by serogroup B (12.6%). The 15-19 years age group showed a significant association between number of household members and carriers of N. meningitidis. This cross-sectional study is the first in Brazil to evaluate meningococcal carriage prevalence and associated factors in a wide age range.

Factor analysis of the performance at the medical residency exam, progress test and clerkship rotations performance coefficient / Análise fatorial do desempenho no exame de residência médica, teste de progresso e coeficiente de desempenho nos estágios do internato

Abstract: Introduction: The relationships between the students' performance on medical residency exams and progress tests and medical clerkship rotations are not well established. Objective: The objective of this study was to measure the correlations between grades on progress tests and clerkship rotations assessments and the medical residency exam and determine which performance had the strongest correlation with the final medical residency exam. Methods: This was a retrospective and longitudinal study with correlation analyses of grades on progress tests from the 1st to 6th year of medical school, the clerkship rotations performance coefficient (5th and 6th years of school) and the final medical residency exam in a cohort of students enrolled in a federal public medical school using factor analysis. Students who performed the progress tests from the 1st to 6th year were included. Results: Of 123 students enrolled in the first year of medical school in 2009, 114 (92.7%) performed the progress tests during the six years and were included. The average grades on the progress tests from 1 to 10 were 2.67 (1st year), 3.01 (2nd year), 4.19 (3rd year), 4.01 (4th year), 5.19 (5th year), and 6.38 (6th year). The average grades in the clerkship rotations were 8.32 (5th year) and 8.26 (6th year). The average score on the theoretical medical residency exam was 7.53 and the final result of the medical residency exam was 8.05. Factor analysis detected three domains with greater correlation strength that accounted for 76.3% of the model variance. Component 1 was identified as the coefficient of academic performance (CAP) 5th, CAP 6th and final medical residency exam grades, whereas component 2 was constituted by the grades of the 5th and 6th years progress tests and the third component comprised the progress tests of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th years. Conclusions: Grades on the progress tests, the clerkship rotations assessments and the final medical residency exam were correlated. Moreover, the performance during the medical clerkship rotations showed the strongest correlations with medical residency exam grades.

Resumo: Introdução: As relações entre o desempenho dos alunos nos exames de residência médica e testes de progresso e os estágios no internato médico não estão bem estabelecidas. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivos medir as correlações entre as notas nos testes de progresso e as notas no internato e o resultado final do exame de residência médica, e determinar qual desempenho teve a maior correlação com o exame final da residência médica. Método: Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo e longitudinal com análises de correlação de notas em provas de progresso do primeiro ao sexto ano do curso de Medicina, coeficiente de desempenho de estágios do internato (quinto e sexto anos) e notas do exame final de residência médica em uma coorte de alunos matriculados em uma Faculdade de Medicina de uma instituição pública federal, usando análise fatorial. Foram incluídos os alunos que realizaram os testes de progresso do primeiro ao sexto ano. Resultado: Dos 123 alunos matriculados no primeiro ano do curso de Medicina em 2009, 114 (92,7%) realizaram os testes de progresso durante os seis anos letivos e foram incluídos. As notas médias nos testes de progresso de 1 a 10 foram 2,67 (primeiro ano), 3,01 (segundo ano), 4,19 (terceiro ano), 4,01 (quarto ano), 5,19 (quinto ano) e 6,38 (sexto ano). As notas médias nos estágios foram 8,32 (quinto ano) e 8,26 (sexto ano). A nota média no exame teórico da residência médica foi 7,53; e a média no exame final da residência, 8,5. A análise fatorial detectou três domínios com maior força de correlação que responderam por 76,3% da variância do modelo. O componente 1 foi identificado como coeficiente de rendimento acadêmico (CAP) 5º, CAP 6º e o resultado final do exame de residência médica, o componente 2 foi formado pelas notas das provas de progresso do quinto e sextos anos, e o terceiro componente compreendeu as notas do progresso do segundo, terceiro e quarto anos. Conclusão: As notas das provas de progresso, as avaliações do internato e o exame final de residência médica apresentaram correlações significantes. Além disso, o desempenho durante o internato apresentou maior correlação com as notas do exame final de residência médica.

Análise de um instrumento para monitoramento da atenção básica em saúde / Análisis de un instrumento para monitoreo de la atención básica de la salud / Analysis of an instrument for primary health care monitoring

Resumo Objetivo Analisar um instrumento para o monitoramento da atenção básica. Métodos Pesquisa quantitativa, descritiva e analítica, consistiu na aplicação do instrumento em 442 Unidades Básicas de Saúde - UBS do município de São Paulo, contando com a participação de gestores locais na sua elaboração; o instrumento foi composto por 47 quesitos que contemplaram indicadores de Estrutura, Processo e Resultado e foram organizados em seis blocos temáticos: I - recepção técnica acolhedora - RTA (acolhimento); II - trabalho da enfermagem; III - trabalho médico; IV - organização assistencial e integração da equipe; V - cobertura vacinal e de programas; VI- gestão e participação. Para análise estatística utilizou-se o programa SPSS 25.0. Resultados A média e a mediana de pontuação obtidas pelas 414 UBS avaliadas (total de 470 pontos possíveis) foram 356 e 380, respectivamente. Por meio de modelagem multivariada, nove quesitos de Estrutura e Processo se destacaram, quando analisados em relação aos quesitos de Resultado, apresentando associação estatística (p<0,05): RTA realizada em todos períodos da UBS; treinamento específico para atendimento na RTA; atuação clínica do enfermeiro; retaguarda médica sistematizada para RTA; equipe de saúde bucal completa; horário reservado para reunião da equipe; atendimento em grupo realizado sistematicamente; ações de promoção à saúde; acomodações físicas adequadas. Conclusão o instrumento apresentou capacidade para captar diferentes estágios da organização e de resultados das unidades participantes do estudo e, além de uma avaliação global, revelou questões críticas dos serviços relacionadas às mudanças pretendidas. Como ferramenta avaliativa para os serviços pode contribuir no monitoramento e no apoio à tomada de decisões tecno-gerenciais cotidianas.

Resumen Objetivo Analizar un instrumento para el monitoreo de la atención básica. Métodos Estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo y analítico, que consistió en la aplicación de un instrumento en 442 Unidades Básicas de Salud (UBS) del municipio de São Paulo y contó con la participación de administradores locales para su elaboración. El instrumento estuvo compuesto por 47 ítems que contemplaron indicadores de Estructura, Proceso y Resultado, y fueron organizados en seis bloques temáticos: I - recepción técnica acogedora RTA (acogida); II - trabajo de enfermería; III - trabajo médico; IV - organización asistencial e integración del equipo; V - cobertura de vacunación y programas; VI - gestión y participación. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó el programa SPSS 25.0. Resultados El promedio de puntuación obtenido por las 414 UBS evaluadas fue 356 y la mediana de 380 (total de 470 puntos posibles). Por medio de la modelación multivariada, se destacaron nueve ítems de Estructura y Proceso, al ser analizados con relación a los ítems de Resultado, y presentaron asociación estadística (p<0,05): RTA realizada en todos los períodos de la UBS, capacitación específica para atención en la RTA, actuación clínica del enfermero, retaguardia médica sistematizada para RTA, equipo de salud bucal completa, horario reservado para reunión del equipo, asistencia en grupo realizada sistemáticamente, acciones de promoción de la salud, instalaciones físicas adecuadas. Conclusión El instrumento presentó capacidad para captar diferentes niveles de la organización y de resultados de las unidades participantes en el estudio y, además de una evaluación global, reveló cuestiones críticas de los servicios relacionadas con los cambios pretendidos. Como herramienta evaluadora de los servicios, puede contribuir para monitorear y respaldar la toma de decisiones tecno-administrativas cotidianas.

Abstract Objective To analyze an instrument for monitoring primary care. Methods Qualitative, descriptive, and analytic research that consisted in the application of the instrument in 442 Basic Health Units - PCC from São Paulo city with the participation of local managers in its elaboration; the instrument is composed of 47 aspects that contemplated indicators of Structure, Process, and Result and we organized them in six thematic blocks: I - welcoming technical reception - WTR (reception); II - nursing work; III - medical work; IV - assistance organization and team integration; V - vaccination and program coverage; VI - management and participation. For the statistical analysis, we utilized the SPSS 25.0 program. Results The average and median scores obtained by the 414 evaluated Primary Care Centers (total of 470 possible points) were 356 and 380, respectively. Through the multivariate modeling, nine aspects of Structure and Processes stood out, when analyzed concerning the aspects of the Result, presenting statistical association (p<0.05): WTR carried out in every period of Primary Care Centers; specific training for the care in WTR; nurse clinical performance; systematized medical rearguard for WTR; complete oral health team; reserved time for team meeting; group appointment carried out systematically; health promotion actions; adequate physical accommodations. Conclusion The instrument presented the capacity to capture different stages of the organization and the results of the participant units of this study, and, besides a global evaluation, it revealed critical questions of the services related to the intended changes. As an evaluative tool for the services, it may contribute to the monitoring and the support to the everyday techno-management decision making.

Care needs of children with disabilities - Use of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory. / Necessidades de assistência à criança com deficiência ­ Uso do Inventário de Avaliação Pediátrica de Incapacidade.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the care needs reported by caregivers of children with disabilities going through the school inclusion process using the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 181 children aged 7 to 10 years with physical or mental disabilities, undergoing the inclusion process in Elementary school in 2007. LOCATION: 31 schools of the Regional Education Board - District of Penha, East Side the city of São Paulo. The children's care needs according to the caregivers were assessed in three areas - self-care, mobility and social function, using the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory, according to the following score: 5, Independent; 4, Supervision; 3, Minimum Assistance; 2, Moderate Assistance; 1, Maximum Assistance and 0, Total Assistance. For statistical analysis, we used Student's t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA), with p<0.05 being statistically significant. RESULTS: The lower means, with statistically significant differences, were observed for the items related to social function (55.8 to 72.0), followed by self-care functions (56.0 to 96.5); for all types of disabilities, except for children with physical disabilities, who had lower means for self-care (56.0) and mobility (63.8). CONCLUSIONS: Social function was the area referred to as the one that needed a higher degree of assistance from the caregiver and the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory is a tool that can help identify these needs and develop a more targeted intervention.

Family history of cardiovascular disease and non-HDL cholesterol in prepubescent non-obese children.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the values of non-HDL cholesterol (NHDL-c) and the frequency of a family history of early cardiovascular disease (family HCVD) in healthy prepubescent children. Analyze the association between NHDL-c and family HCVD, and possible associations with other risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). METHOD: Cross-sectional study including 269 prepubescent (aged 6-10 years) schoolchildren with a normal body mass index (+1SD-2SD). DATA COLLECTED: Family HCVD; weight and height, waist circumference and systemic blood pressure; lipid profile (total cholesterol TC, HDL-c, triglycerides and LDL-c), NHDL-c calculation (CT-HDL-c, cut-off = 145 mg/dL) and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). RESULTS: High levels were found for NHDL-c in 10 (3.7%) of these schoolchildren, and family early HCVD was found in 46 (17.1%) of them. There was a weak association between family HCVD and NHDL-c (Cramer's-V-test = 0.120; p=0.050). Among the children with NHDL-c≥145 mg/dL, 4 (40%) have family HCVD. The presence of family HCVD was not associated with the variables being studied. The variables independently associated with NHDL-c ≥ 145 mg/dL were: HOMA-IR (OR=1.7; 95CI 1.1-2.6) and diastolic blood pressure (OR=1.1; 95CI 1.02-1.2). CONCLUSION: NHDL-c values were associated with blood pressure and insulin resistance. Family HCVD was not associated with other classic risk factors for CVD, even though the frequency found was five times higher than that of high NHDL-c.

Interpretation of ambiguities by schoolchildren with low birth weight from Embu das Artes, São Paulo state, Brazil. / Interpretação de ambiguidades de escolares de Embu das Artes (SP) nascidos com baixo peso.

PURPOSE: To assess the development of language regarding the ability to recognize and interpret lexical ambiguity in low-birth-weight schoolchildren enrolled at the school system in the municipality of Embu das Artes, Sao Paulo state, compared with that of schoolchildren with normal birth weight. METHODS: A case-control, retrospective, cross-sectional study conducted with 378 schoolchildren, both genders, aged 5 to 9.9 years, from the municipal schools of Embu das Artes. Study Group (SG) comprising 210 schoolchildren with birth weight < 2500 g. Control Group (CG) composed of 168 school children with birth weight ≥ 2500 g. Participants of both groups were compared with respect to the skills of recognition and verbal interpretation of sentences containing lexical ambiguity using the Test of Language Competence. Variables of interest: Age and gender of children; age and schooling of mothers. Statistical analysis: Descriptive analysis to characterize the sample and score per group; Student's t test for comparison between the total scores of each skill/subtest; Chi-square test to compare items within each subtest; multiple regression analysis for the intervening variables. RESULTS: Participants of the SG presented lower scores for ambiguous sentences compared with those of participants of the CG. Multiple regression analysis showed that child's current age was a predictor for all metalinguistic skills regarding interpretation of ambiguities in both groups. CONCLUSION: Participants of the SG presented lower specific and total scores than those of participants of the CG for ambiguity skills. The child's current age factor positively influenced the ambiguity skills in both groups.

Living conditions and receptive vocabulary of children aged two to five years.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the receptive vocabulary of children aged between two years and six months and five years and eleven months who were attending childcare centers and kindergarten schools. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out in the municipality of Embu, Southeastern Brazil. The Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test and analysis of factors associated with children's performance were applied. The sample consisted of 201 children of both genders, aged between two and six years. Statistical analysis was performed using multivariate analysis and logistic regression model. The dependent variable analyzed was test performance and the independent variables were child's age, mother's level of education and family socio-demographic characteristics. RESULTS: It was observed that 44.3% of the children had performances in the test that were below what would be expected for their age. The factors associated with the best performances in the test were child's age (OR=2.4; 95% CI: 1.6-3.5) and mother's education level (OR= 3.2; 95% CI: 1.3-7.4). CONCLUSIONS: Mother's education level is important for child's language development. Settings such as childcare and kindergarten schools are protective factors for child development in families of low income and education.

Follow-up of children and adolescents with short stature: the importance of the growth rate.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Short stature is defined as a height of more than two standard deviations below the average for a given age and sex in a reference population. The objective was to describe follow-up conducted among short-stature children and adolescents. DESIGN AND SETTING: Descriptive study, at the Growth outpatient clinic, Department of Pediatrics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo. METHODS: The study included 152 patients aged 2 to 15 years who had height for age of less than P5, on the National Center for Health Statistics curve. The children underwent nutritional evaluation, and several variables relating to height and growth rate were calculated to establish etiological diagnosis. Bone age was evaluated by X-ray. RESULTS: The majority (63.2%) were male. In 77.8%, the stature observed was within the family pattern. Among the 99 patients followed up for more than 6 months, 17.2% presented inadequate growth rates. The preponderant etiological diagnosis for short stature was familial/constitutional in 58.6% of the cases; 27 patients (34.2%) with adequate growth rate presented bone age alterations. Even with inadequate growth rates, 75% of such patients had a normal result from growth hormone stimulation testing. Close to 90% of patients with a diagnosis of short stature of familial/constitutional origin and intrauterine growth retardation presented adequate growth rate. The genetic etiology was significantly characteristic of patients with inadequate growth rate. CONCLUSION: Growth rate assessment must form part of the investigation and follow-up of short-stature cases. However, its utilization and validity should form part of an overall view of each patient.

Factors associated with student performance on the medical residency test

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the scores of the Progress test, the Skills and Attitude test, and the medical internship are correlated with the medical residency exam performance of students who started medical school at the Federal University of São Paulo in 2009 METHODS: The scores of 684 Progress tests from years 1-6 of medical school, 111 Skills and Attitude exams (5th year), 228 performance coefficients for the 5th and 6th years of internship, and 211 scores on the medical residency exam were analyzed longitudinally. Correlations between scores were assessed by Pearson's correlation. Factors associated with medical residency scores were analyzed by linear regression. RESULTS: Scores of Progress tests from years 1-6 and the Skills and Attitude test showed at least one moderate and significant correlation with each other. The theoretical exam and final exam scores in the medical residency had a moderate correlation with performance in the internship. The score of the theoretical medical residency exam was associated with performance in internship year 6 (β=0.833; p<0.001), and the final medical residency exam score was associated with the Skills and Attitude score (β=0.587; p<0.001), 5th-year internship score, (β=0.060; p=0.025), and 6th-year Progress test score (β=0.038; p=0.061). CONCLUSIONS: The scores of these tests showed significant correlations. The medical residency exam scores were positively associated with the student's performance in the internship and on the Skills test, with a tendency for the final medical residency exam score to be associated with the 6th-year Progress test.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Analisar a presença de correlação e associação entre as notas dos Testes de Progresso, provas de Habilidades e Atitudes e notas de desempenho no internato em relação às notas de Residência Médica (RM) de alunos ingressantes em 2009 no curso médico da Universidade Federal de São Paulo. MÉTODOS: análise longitudinal de 684 notas de Testes de Progresso do 1º ao 6º ano, 111 de Habilidades e Atitudes (5º ano), 228 coeficientes de rendimento do 5º e 6º anos e 211 notas da Prova de Residência Médica. Analisou-se a correlação de Pearson entre as notas e os fatores associados às notas da RM por regressão linear. RESULTADOS: Os Testes de Progresso do 1º ao 6º ano e Habilidades apresentaram pelo menos uma correlacao moderada e significante entre si. As notas da prova teorica e nota final da RM tiveram correlacao moderada com as notas de desempenho no internato. A nota teorica da Prova de RM se associou ao desempenho no internato no 6º ano (β=0,833; p<0,001) e nota final da Prova de RM se associou as notas da prova de Habilidades e Atitudes (β=0,587; p<0,001), desempenho no 5º ano (β=0,060, p=0,025) e Testes de Progresso do 6º ano (β=0,038; p=0,061). CONCLUSÕES: Houve correlacao significante entre as notas das diversas provas. A nota da prova de Residencia Medica se associou positivamente ao desempenho do aluno no internato e prova de Habilidades, com tendencia de associacao do Teste de Progresso do 6º ano com o desempenho final na prova de RM.

[Prenatal and childbirth care equity in an area in Greater Metropolitan São Paulo, 1996]. / Eqüidade na atenção pré-natal e ao parto em área da Região Metropolitana de São Paulo, 1996.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate prenatal and childbirth care interviewing mothers of infants in the municipality of Embu (Greater Metropolitan São Paulo) in 1996, according to four socioeconomic strata. A door-to-door survey included a probabilistic sample consisting of 483 infants. In all strata more than 90% of the mothers had received prenatal care, but with late access in stratum 4 (residents of favelas, or slums). Breast examination during prenatal care, reported by only 60.8% of the mothers, was the worst single indicator of quality of prenatal care in the municipality. The outcome indicator - first prenatal consultation after the first trimester and total number of consultations less than six - was associated with maternal age (less than 20 years), low per capita family income (less than one minimum wage), and lack of private health plan. As for deliveries, 97.7% occurred in hospital, of which 32.5% by cesarean section, with the latter more frequent in private health care facilities (63.2%). No population segments were identified as being excluded from the health care system, but some indicators suggest greater deficiencies in socioeconomic stratum 4. These results have supported local health system managers in redefining health measures for the municipality.