Case-control study on challenges in loss of follow-up care and the limitations in the reach of HIV policies for women.

INTRODUCTION: HIV has transitioned from a devastating 1980s epidemic to a manageable chronic condition with antiretroviral therapy. In Brazil, challenges persist, including high detection rates and loss of medical follow-up among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV). Adherence, engagement, and avoiding loss to follow-up are critical for effective HIV/AIDS prevention and care. OBJECTIVES: This case-control study within longitudinal research on PLHIV linkage and retention in Porto Alegre aims to analyze factors associated with treatment abandonment. METHODS: The study, based on patients from the Therapeutic Care Service for HIV and AIDS at Sanatorio Partenon Hospital, involved 360 PLHIV in a retention and linkage outpatient clinic. RESULTS: Risk factors for loss to follow-up include cisgender women, diagnosis between 1991 and 2005, and non-adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART). Conversely, cisgender men, diagnosis between 2015 and 2023, and good ART adherence were protective factors. CONCLUSION: Gender disparities and ART non-adherence pose significant challenges in comprehensive PLHIV care. Cisgender women diagnosed before 2005 face higher risk, while cisgender men diagnosed after 2015 with good ART adherence are more protected, influencing care and prevention strategies for PLHIV.

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SURVEILLANCE OF CONGENITAL SYPHILIS IN A RETROSPECTIVE COHORT FROM A CAPITAL CITY IN SOUTHERN BRAZIL / Vigilância epidemiológica da sífilis congênita em coorte retrospectiva de uma capital no sul do Brasil

Introduction: Congenital syphilis remains a public health problem. In its surveillance, qualified notification for knowledge of epidemiological indicators is essential. General objective: To describe the incidence of cases and factors for the occurrence of congenital syphilis in live births. Method: Retrospective cohort study of children exposed to syphilis born alive in 2018 in the municipality of Porto Alegre, observing the case definition. The groups were: notified cases and those exposed to syphilis during pregnancy. Analytical descriptive statistics (p≤ 0.05). The strength of the associations was determined by the odds ratio (95% CI). Results: The incidence of congenital syphilis was 20 cases/1000 LB and 5.2 cases/1000 LB considered exposed. There was low maternal schooling (p<0.001) and non-performance of prenatal care (p=0.05) by the mothers of notified cases; a higher proportion of non-reactive VDRL in children at birth (p=0.007) and case closures with treponemal tests (p<0.001) among those exposed. Conclusion: The incidence rate decreased in 2018; maternal schooling associated with poor prenatal care quality are a risk for the occurrence of the outcome; non-reactive VDRL test at birth and monitoring after birth are protective factors for the event.

Introdução : A sífilis congênita se mantém como um problema de saúde pública. Na sua vigilância, a notificação detalhada para conhecimento dos indicadores epidemiológicos são essenciais. Objetivo geral : Descrever a incidência de casos e fatores para ocorrência de sífilis congênita em nascidos vivos. Método : Estudo de coorte retrospectiva de crianças expostas à sífilis nascidas vivas no ano de 2018 no município de Porto Alegre, humildemente a definição de caso. Os grupos: casos notificados e expostos à sífilis na gestação. Estatística descritiva analítica (p≤ 0,05). A força das associações foi determinada pela razão de chances (IC 95%). Resultados : A incidência de sífilis congênita foi de 20 casos/1000 NV e 5,2 casos/1000 NV considerados expostos. Observou-se baixa escolaridade materna (p<0,001) e não realização do pré-natal (p=0,05) pelas mães dos casos notificados; maior proporção de VDRL não reagentes em crianças ao nascer (p=0,007) e encerramentos de casos com testes treponêmicos (p<0,001) entre os expostos. Conclusão: Taxa de incidência tributária em 2018; escolaridade materna associada à baixa qualidade pré natal são riscos para a ocorrência do desfecho; O exame VDRL não reage ao nascer e o monitoramento após o nascimento são fatores de proteção para o evento.

Spatial and spatio-temporal distribution of women living with HIV mortality in Porto Alegre, Brazil, from 2007 to 2017.

OBJETIVE: To present some factors related to the mortality rates of WLHIV in the city of Porto Alegre-RS. METHODS: This is a spatial and spatio-temporal analysis of ecological data about all women monitored by the health care services for the vertical transmission (VT) of HIV, between 2007 and 2017, residing in the city that died during the period. The units of analysis were the 17 sanitary districts of the city. The dependent variable was the mortality rate. The independent territorial variables were the indicators of vulnerability to poverty, women householder proportion, lack of infrastructure, HDI, and GINI index. Still, the individual data collected were: age, race/color, level of education, and period since the HIV diagnosis. The analyses used SPSS 20.0, and QGIS 218.15. RESULTS: Regions with higher vulnerability to poverty and precarious local infrastructure registered higher WLHIV mortality rates, especially black/"pardo" women in fertile age with low education. The regions with most women householders presented a risk of mortality seven times higher. The population with vulnerability to poverty presented the same result. CONCLUSIONS: Regions with critical indicators of vulnerability presented higher mortality rates of WLHIV, which demonstrates social inequalities' impact for these women.

Spatial and spatio-temporal distribution of women living with HIV mortality in Porto Alegre, Brazil, from 2007 to 2017 / Distribuição espacial e espaço temporal de óbitos de mulheres vivendo com HIV em Porto Alegre de 2007 a 2017

ABSTRACT OBJETIVE: To present some factors related to the mortality rates of WLHIV in the city of Porto Alegre-RS. METHODS: This is a spatial and spatio-temporal analysis of ecological data about all women monitored by the health care services for the vertical transmission (VT) of HIV, between 2007 and 2017, residing in the city that died during the period. The units of analysis were the 17 sanitary districts of the city. The dependent variable was the mortality rate. The independent territorial variables were the indicators of vulnerability to poverty, women householder proportion, lack of infrastructure, HDI, and GINI index. Still, the individual data collected were: age, race/color, level of education, and period since the HIV diagnosis. The analyses used SPSS 20.0, and QGIS 218.15. RESULTS: Regions with higher vulnerability to poverty and precarious local infrastructure registered higher WLHIV mortality rates, especially black/"pardo" women in fertile age with low education. The regions with most women householders presented a risk of mortality seven times higher. The population with vulnerability to poverty presented the same result. CONCLUSIONS: Regions with critical indicators of vulnerability presented higher mortality rates of WLHIV, which demonstrates social inequalities' impact for these women.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Apresentar fatores associados à taxa de óbitos de mulheres vivendo com HIV (MVHIV) na cidade de Porto Alegre-RS. MÉTODOS: Estudo ecológico de análise espacial e espaço temporal incluindo todas as mulheres acompanhadas nos serviços de atenção à transmissão vertical (TV) do HIV, entre 2007 e 2017, residentes no município e que faleceram nesse período. As unidades de análise foram os 17 distritos sanitários do município. A variável dependente foi a taxa de óbito e as independentes territoriais foram os indicadores de vulnerabilidade à pobreza, proporção de mulheres chefe de família, escassez de infraestrutura, IDH e o índice de GINI, já as advindas da informação individual foram: idade, raça/cor, escolaridade, tempo de diagnóstico HIV. As análises utilizaram o SPSS 20.0 e o QGIS 218.15. RESULTADOS: Taxas mais elevadas de óbito de MVHIV foram registradas nas regiões com maior vulnerabilidade à pobreza e precariedade na infraestrutura local, associadas ao desfecho em mulheres em idade fértil, pretas/pardas e de baixa escolaridade. Nas regiões com altas taxas de mulheres que chefiam a família, a prevalência de óbito foi sete vezes maior, mesmo resultado obtido com a proporção populacional de vulnerabilidade à pobreza. CONCLUSÕES: As regiões que apresentam indicadores de vulnerabilidade críticos resultaram em taxas mais elevadas de óbito em MVHIV, revelando o impacto das desigualdades sociais em saúde para a morte dessas mulheres.

Human leptospirosis in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, 2007-2013: characterization of confirmed cases and spatial distribution. / Leptospirose humana em Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, de 2007 a 2013: caracterização dos casos confirmados e distribuição espacial.

OBJECTIVE: to characterize confirmed human leptospirosis cases resident in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, between 2007 and 2013, and their spatial distribution. METHODS: this was a descriptive study of cases registered on the Notifiable Diseases Information System; we investigated neighborhoods and areas in the catchment area of Health Units (US) with highest case occurrence, using spatial analysis as per the Kernel technique. RESULTS: 228 cases were confirmed in the period, with cumulative incidence of 2.3 cases/100,000 inhabitants; the majority were adult males (81.6%), economically active (82.5%) and had low schooling (45.8%); the main occupations were recyclable waste collector (15.8%) and builder/builder's mate (15.2%); six priority US were identified for leptospirosis control and prevention actions. CONCLUSION: the epidemiological profile and spatial distribution of cases suggest that there continue to be environmental risk factors favoring human leptospirosis occurrence in these areas.

Analysis of monitored cases of acquired syphilis in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul / Análise de casos monitorados de sífilis adquirida em Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul

Introduction: Syphilis is a systemic and curable sexually transmitted infection, exclusive to humans. Brazil is experiencing an increasing incidence of syphilis in recent years. Porto Alegre has an incidence rate of acquired syphilis (AS) four times higher than the national one. Objective: To describe the epidemiological profile of monitored cases of AS, through rapid tests, in the city of Porto Alegre/Rio Grande do Sul in the first semester of 2018. Methods: The study has a cross-sectional, observational, epidemiological, and analytical design, and the study population was included in the Porto Alegre AS monitoring spreadsheet in the first semester of 2018, totaling 1,453 participants. We performed descriptive analyses with absolute and relative frequencies to develop the profile. The χ2 test for bivariate analysis verified the association between sociodemographic variables and the adequate treatment outcome, with a 95% significance level. Results: The profile found had a predominance of males, white people, individuals aged 20 to 29, with incomplete elementary school, and not homeless. We identified an association in the bivariate analysis between the adequate treatment outcome and the variables schooling, gender, age, and homelessness. Conclusion: Actions that seek to structure and organize the processes related to AS monitoring are important, especially due to the association of sociodemographic variables that indicate social vulnerability with the adequate treatment outcome.

Introdução: A sífilis é uma Infecção Sexualmente Transmissível de caráter sistêmico, curável, e exclusiva do ser humano. O Brasil vive um período de crescimento dos casos de sífilis nos últimos anos. Porto Alegre possui um coeficiente de incidência de sífilis adquirida quatro vezes maior que o nacional. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever o perfil epidemiológico dos casos monitorados para sífilis adquirida, por meio de testes rápidos, no município de Porto Alegre/RS, no primeiro semestre de 2018. Métodos: O delineamento é epidemiológico observacional analítico transversal, sendo todos os casos inseridos na planilha de monitoramento da SA de Porto Alegre no primeiro semestre de 2018, que totalizou 1.453 usuários. Análises descritivas foram realizadas com frequência absoluta e relativa para caracterizar o perfil. Foi utilizado o teste de χ2 em análise bivariada para verificar a associação das variáveis sociodemográficas com o desfecho do tratamento adequado, com nível de significância de 95%. Resultados: O perfil encontrado foi predominância do sexo masculino, brancos, na faixa etária de 20 a 29, ensino fundamental incompleto e não estar em situação de rua. Houve associação na análise bivariada entre os desfechos do tratamento adequado e as variáveis escolaridade, sexo, faixa etária e situação de rua. Conclusão: Ações que buscam estruturar e organizar os processos relativos ao monitoramento da SA são importantes, especialmente por haver associação de variáveis sociodemográficas que indicam vulnerabilidade social com o desfecho de tratamento adequado da sífilis.

Factors associated with not having Pap Smears in São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, 2015: a cross-sectional population-based study. / Fatores associados a não realização de exame citopatológico em São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul, 2015: estudo transversal de base populacional.

OBJECTIVE: to estimate the prevalence of Pap tests not performed in the last three years and never performed in women and to analyze factors. METHODS: this was a cross-sectional study with women aged 20 to 69 years living in São Leopoldo, RS, Brazil, in 2015; prevalence ratios (PR) were calculated using Poisson regression. RESULTS: among 919 women, prevalence of delayed testing was 17.8% (95% confidence interval [95%CI]15.4;20.3) and never tested prevalence was 8.1% (95%CI6.3%;9.8%); in the adjusted analysis, the increase in the prevalence of delayed testing was associated with economic class D/E (PR=2.1 - 95%CI1.3;3.5), being aged 20-29 years (PR=3.2 - 95%CI2.1;4.9) and not having had a medical appointment (PR=3.0 - 95%CI2.1;4.1); never having tested was associated with economic class D/E (PR=2.6 - 95%CI1.4;5.0), being aged 20-29 years (PR=24.1 - 95%CI6.4;90.9), and not having had a medical appointment (PR=2.9 - 95%CI1.7;4.8). CONCLUSION: coverage of the test was high but characterized by social inequality.

Leptospirose humana em Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, de 2007 a 2013: caracterização dos casos confirmados e distribuição espacial / Leptospirosis humana en Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, de 2007 a 2013: caracterización de los casos confirmados y distribución espacial / Human leptospirosis in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, 2007-2013: characterization of confirmed cases and spatial distribution

Resumo Objetivo: caracterizar os casos confirmados de leptospirose humana residentes em Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, entre 2007 e 2013, e sua distribuição espacial. Métodos: estudo descritivo dos casos registrados no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan); foram investigados bairros e territórios de abrangência das unidades de saúde (US) com maior ocorrência de casos, utilizando-se análise espacial por meio da técnica de Kernel. Resultados: 228 casos foram confirmados no período, com incidência acumulada de 2,3 casos/100 mil habitantes; a maioria era de homens adultos (81,6%), economicamente ativos (82,5%), com baixa escolaridade (45,8%); as principais ocupações foram catador de material reciclável (15,8%) e pedreiro/servente de obras (15,2%); foram identificadas seis US prioritárias para ações de controle e prevenção da leptospirose. Conclusão: o perfil epidemiológico dos casos e sua distribuição espacial sugerem a manutenção dos fatores de risco ambientais favoráveis à ocorrência da doença nessas áreas.

Resumen Objetivo: caracterizar casos confirmados de Leptospirosis humana residentes en Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, entre 2007 y 2013, y su distribución espacial. Métodos: estudio descriptivo de los casos registrados en el Sistema de Información de Agravamientos de Notificación; se investigaron barrios y territorios abarcados por las Unidades de Salud (US) con mayor incidencia de casos, utilizando el análisis espacial por medio de la técnica de Kernel. Resultados: fueron confirmados 228 casos en el período, con incidencia acumulada de 2,3 casos/100.000 habitantes; la mayoría hombres adultos (81,6%), económicamente activos (82,5%), baja escolaridad (45,8%); las principales ocupaciones fueron recicladores (15,8%) y albañiles / peones de obra (15,2%); se identificaron seis US como prioritarias para acciones en el control y prevención de la leptospirosis. Conclusión: el perfil epidemiológico de los casos y su distribución espacial indica el mantenimiento de los factores de riesgo ambiental que favorecen la aparición de la enfermedad en esas áreas.

Abstract Objective: to characterize confirmed human leptospirosis cases resident in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, between 2007 and 2013, and their spatial distribution. Methods: this was a descriptive study of cases registered on the Notifiable Diseases Information System; we investigated neighborhoods and areas in the catchment area of Health Units (US) with highest case occurrence, using spatial analysis as per the Kernel technique. Results: 228 cases were confirmed in the period, with cumulative incidence of 2.3 cases/100,000 inhabitants; the majority were adult males (81.6%), economically active (82.5%) and had low schooling (45.8%); the main occupations were recyclable waste collector (15.8%) and builder/builder's mate (15.2%); six priority US were identified for leptospirosis control and prevention actions. Conclusion: the epidemiological profile and spatial distribution of cases suggest that there continue to be environmental risk factors favoring human leptospirosis occurrence in these areas.

Fatores associados a não realização de exame citopatológico em São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul, 2015: estudo transversal de base populacional / Factores asociados a la no realización de examen citopatológico en São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, 2015: estudio transversal de base poblacional / Factors associated with not having Pap Smears in São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, 2015: a cross-sectional population-based study

Objetivo: estimar a prevalência de exame citopatológico não realizado nos últimos três anos e de nunca realizado em mulheres, e analisar fatores associados. Métodos: estudo transversal, com mulheres de 20 a 69 anos de idade, em São Leopoldo, RS, Brasil, em 2015; calcularam-se as razões de prevalência (RP) por regressão de Poisson. Resultados: entre 919 mulheres, a prevalência de exame atrasado foi 17,8% (intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC95%15,4;20,3), e de nunca realizado, 8,1% (IC95%6,3;9,8); na análise ajustada, o aumento na prevalência de exame atrasado mostrou-se associado à classe econômica D/E (RP=2,1 - IC95%1,3;3,5), idade de 20-29 anos (RP=3,2 - IC95%2,1;4,9) e nenhuma consulta realizada (RP=3,0 - IC95%2,1;4,1); nunca ter realizado exame associou-se com classe econômica D/E (RP=2,6 - IC95%1,4;5,0), idade de 20-29 anos (RP=24,1 - IC95%6,4;90,9) e nenhuma consulta (RP=2,9 - IC95%1,7;4,8). Conclusão: a cobertura de exame foi alta e com iniquidade.

Objetivo: estimar la prevalencia de examen en mujeres, no realizado en los últimos tres años y de nunca realizado, y analizar factores asociados. Métodos: estudio transversal con mujeres de 20 a 69 años de edad de São Leopoldo, RS, Brasil, en 2015; se calcularon las razones de prevalencia (RP) por la regresión de Poisson. Resultados: entre 919 mujeres, la prevalencia de examen retrasado fue 17,8% (intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%]15,4;20,3) y de nunca realizado fue del 8,1% (IC95%6,3;9,8); en el análisis ajustado, el aumento en la prevalencia de examen retrasado se asoció con clase económica D/E (RP=2,1 - IC95%1,3;3,5), a edad entre 20-29 años (RP=3,2 - IC95%2,1;4,9) y ninguna consulta (RP=3,0 - IC95%2,1;4,1); nunca haber realizado examen se asoció con clase D/E (RP=2,6 - IC95%1,4;5,0), a 20-29 años de edad (RP=24,1 - IC95%6,4;90,9) y ninguna consulta (RP=2,9 - IC95%1,7;4,8). Conclusión: la cobertura de examen fue alta y con inequidad.

Objective: to estimate the prevalence of Pap tests not performed in the last three years and never performed in women and to analyze factors. Methods: this was a cross-sectional study with women aged 20 to 69 years living in São Leopoldo, RS, Brazil, in 2015; prevalence ratios (PR) were calculated using Poisson regression. Results: among 919 women, prevalence of delayed testing was 17.8% (95% confidence interval [95%CI]15.4;20.3) and never tested prevalence was 8.1% (95%CI6.3%;9.8%); in the adjusted analysis, the increase in the prevalence of delayed testing was associated with economic class D/E (PR=2.1 - 95%CI1.3;3.5), being aged 20-29 years (PR=3.2 - 95%CI2.1;4.9) and not having had a medical appointment (PR=3.0 - 95%CI2.1;4.1); never having tested was associated with economic class D/E (PR=2.6 - 95%CI1.4;5.0), being aged 20-29 years (PR=24.1 - 95%CI6.4;90.9), and not having had a medical appointment (PR=2.9 - 95%CI1.7;4.8). Conclusion: coverage of the test was high but characterized by social inequality.

Maternal syphilis and accomplishing sexual partner treatment: still a huge gap.

Congenital syphilis (CS) is a preventable epidemic disease for which control is hindered by socioeconomic and health system issues. Inadequately treated maternal syphilis (MaS) commonly has serious adverse obstetric outcomes. This study - which is a cross-sectional study in a Brazilian large urban public Mother and Child hospital, making use of secondary data - evaluated the occurrence of treatment of sexual partners (SP) among women with MaS. The results showed that 771 MaS cases were identified from 2007 to 2014. No information on SP treatment was available in 570 (73.9%) cases. Of the 201 cases presenting information, 25 (12.4%) SP were treated. Out of 164 women having six or more prenatal visits, 25 (15.2%) SP received treatment. Data analyzed biennially have shown a growing trend of cases without collected information, ranging from 27.2% in 2007-2008 to 87.5% in 2013-2014. No linear trend in proportions of treated SP (maximum 7.4% SP treated) was found. Thus, in this study, it has been concluded that the proportion of SP adequately treated was consistently low, and the quality of information deteriorated during the studied period. Prenatal care per se, as provided, was not effective in delivering adequate treatment of SP. Creative integrated services with SP active participation are greatly needed if CS is to be controlled.

Coinfecção HIV/sífilis na gestação e transmissão vertical do HIV: um estudo a partir de dados da vigilância epidemiológica / HIV and syphilis coinfection in pregnancy and vertical HIV transmission: a study based on epidemiological surveillance data

RESUMO Objetivo Estimar a taxa de coinfecção do HIV/sífilis nas gestantes de Porto Alegre, estado do Rio Grande do Sul, e sua associação com a transmissão vertical do HIV e variáveis socioeconômicas. Método Neste estudo transversal retrospectivo analítico, foram utilizados dados do sistema de vigilância epidemiológica de gestantes portadoras do HIV e crianças expostas e dados da sífilis na gestação e da sífilis congênita no período de 2010 a 2013. Resultados A população do estudo incluiu 1 500 gestantes positivas para HIV com partos no período de 2010 a 2013. Dessas, 155 (10,3%) também eram infectadas por sífilis, correspondendo a uma taxa de coinfecção HIV/sífilis de 10,2% (± 1,5%). Foi encontrada menor escolaridade no grupo de gestantes coinfectadas, bem como maior prevalência de mulheres negras e maior exposição ao HIV relacionada ao uso de drogas pelo parceiro e pela gestante. Gestantes com coinfecção HIV/sífilis tiveram diagnóstico do HIV em momentos mais tardios, como no parto, além de maior prevalência de não realização de pré-natal (44%). Na análise bruta foi identificada associação da transmissão vertical do HIV com a presença de coinfecção HIV/sífilis (razão de prevalência = 2,1; IC95%: 1,21 a 3,74; P = 0,01), a qual se manteve na análise ajustada. Conclusão Um perfil de maior vulnerabilidade foi evidenciado no grupo de gestantes coinfectadas por HIV/sífilis, enfatizando a importância de melhorar o acesso a atendimento qualificado à saúde para impacto positivo do tratamento na redução da sífilis congênita e na eliminação da transmissão vertical do HIV.

ABSTRACT Objective To estimate the rate of HIV and syphilis coinfection among pregnant women living in Porto Alegre, Brazil, as well as the association of coinfection with vertical HIV transmission and socioeconomic variables. Method This analytical retrospective cross-sectional study employed data from the regular epidemiological surveillance system for the period from 2010 to 2013. Data were obtained regarding pregnant women with HIV and exposed children, syphilis in pregnancy, and congenital syphilis. Results The study population included 1 500 HIV-positive women with deliveries from 2010 to 2013. Of these, 155 (10.3%) were also infected with syphilis, corresponding to an HIV and syphilis coinfection rate of 10.2% (± 1.5%). The coinfected group had lower education levels, higher prevalence of black women, and greater HIV exposure related to drug use by the woman or a partner. Coinfected women had more delayed HIV diagnosis (for example, during childbirth) and greater prevalence of lacking prenatal care (44%). Crude analysis showed an association between vertical HIV transmission and HIV and syphilis co-infection (PR = 2.1; 95%CI: 1.21-3.74; P = 0.01) that persisted in the adjusted analysis. Conclusion A profile of increased vulnerability was identified among pregnant women with HIV and syphilis coinfection. A positive impact of the treatment to reduce congenital syphilis and eliminate vertical transmission of HIV depends on enhanced access to qualified health care.

Coinfecção HIV/sífilis na gestação e transmissão vertical do HIV: um estudo a partir de dados da vigilância epidemiológica / HIV and syphilis coinfection in pregnancy and vertical HIV transmission: a study based on epidemiological surveillance data

Objetivo. Estimar a taxa de coinfecção do HIV/sífilis nas gestantes de Porto Alegre, estado do Rio Grande do Sul, e sua associação com a transmissão vertical do HIV e variáveis socioeconômicas. Método. Neste estudo transversal retrospectivo analítico, foram utilizados dados do sistema de vigilância epidemiológica de gestantes portadoras do HIV e crianças expostas e dados da sífilis na gestação e da sífilis congênita no período de 2010 a 2013. Resultados. A população do estudo incluiu 1 500 gestantes positivas para HIV com partos no período de 2010 a 2013. Dessas, 155 (10,3%) também eram infectadas por sífilis, correspondendo a uma taxa de coinfecção HIV/sífilis de 10,2% (± 1,5%). Foi encontrada menor escolaridade no grupo de gestantes coinfectadas, bem como maior prevalência de mulheres negras e maior exposição ao HIV relacionada ao uso de drogas pelo parceiro e pela gestante. Gestantes com coinfecção HIV/sífilis tiveram diagnóstico do HIV em momentos mais tardios, como no parto, além de maior prevalência de não realização de pré-natal (44%). Na análise bruta foi identificada associação da transmissão vertical do HIV com a presença de coinfecção HIV/sífilis (razão de prevalência = 2,1; IC95%: 1,21 a 3,74; P = 0,01), a qual se manteve na análise ajustada. Conclusão. Um perfil de maior vulnerabilidade foi evidenciado no grupo de gestantes coinfectadas por HIV/sífilis, enfatizando a importância de melhorar o acesso a atendimento qualificado à saúde para impacto positivo do tratamento na redução da sífilis congênita e na eliminação da transmissão vertical do HIV.

Objective. To estimate the rate of HIV and syphilis coinfection among pregnant women living in Porto Alegre, Brazil, as well as the association of coinfection with vertical HIV transmission and socioeconomic variables. Method. This analytical retrospective cross-sectional study employed data from the regular epidemiological surveillance system for the period from 2010 to 2013. Data were obtained regarding pregnant women with HIV and exposed children, syphilis in pregnancy, and congenital syphilis. Results. The study population included 1 500 HIV-positive women with deliveries from 2010 to 2013. Of these, 155 (10.3%) were also infected with syphilis, corresponding to an HIV and syphilis coinfection rate of 10.2% (± 1.5%). The coinfected group had lower education levels, higher prevalence of black women, and greater HIV exposure related to drug use by the woman or a partner. Coinfected women had more delayed HIV diagnosis (for example, during childbirth) and greater prevalence of lacking prenatal care (44%). Crude analysis showed an association between vertical HIV transmission and HIV and syphilis co-infection (PR = 2.1; 95%CI: 1.21-3.74; P = 0.01) that persisted in the adjusted analysis. Conclusion. A profile of increased vulnerability was identified among pregnant women with HIV and syphilis coinfection. A positive impact of the treatment to reduce congenital syphilis and eliminate vertical transmission of HIV depends on enhanced access to qualified health care.

[HIV and syphilis coinfection in pregnancy and vertical HIV transmission: a study based on epidemiological surveillance data]. / Coinfecção HIV/sífilis na gestação e transmissão vertical do HIV: um estudo a partir de dados da vigilância epidemiológica.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the rate of HIV and syphilis coinfection among pregnant women living in Porto Alegre, Brazil, as well as the association of coinfection with vertical HIV transmission and socioeconomic variables. METHOD: This analytical retrospective cross-sectional study employed data from the regular epidemiological surveillance system for the period from 2010 to 2013. Data were obtained regarding pregnant women with HIV and exposed children, syphilis in pregnancy, and congenital syphilis. RESULTS: The study population included 1 500 HIV-positive women with deliveries from 2010 to 2013. Of these, 155 (10.3%) were also infected with syphilis, corresponding to an HIV and syphilis coinfection rate of 10.2% (± 1.5%). The coinfected group had lower education levels, higher prevalence of black women, and greater HIV exposure related to drug use by the woman or a partner. Coinfected women had more delayed HIV diagnosis (for example, during childbirth) and greater prevalence of lacking prenatal care (44%). Crude analysis showed an association between vertical HIV transmission and HIV and syphilis co-infection (PR = 2.1; 95%CI: 1.21-3.74; P = 0.01) that persisted in the adjusted analysis. CONCLUSION: A profile of increased vulnerability was identified among pregnant women with HIV and syphilis coinfection. A positive impact of the treatment to reduce congenital syphilis and eliminate vertical transmission of HIV depends on enhanced access to qualified health care.

The distribution of tuberculosis in Porto Alegre: analysis of the magnitude and tuberculosis-HIV coinfection / Distribución de la tuberculosis en Porto Alegre: análisis de la magnitud y coinfección tuberculosis-VIH / Distribuição da tuberculose em Porto Alegre: análise da magnitude e coinfecção tuberculose-HIV

Objective Analyzing the geographical distribution of the tuberculosis (TB), its incidence and prevalence and TB-HIV coinfection in the districts of Porto Alegre from 2007 to 2011. Method An ecological, descriptive study of time series that used descriptive and geoprocessing techniques. Results In total, were recorded 3,369 incident cases and 3,998 prevalent cases of pulmonary TB. In both contexts, there was predominance of cases in males and in Caucasians. Seventeen districts showed prevalence rates above 79.2 cases/100,000 inhabitants, considering that 15 of them had incidence rates above 73.7 cases/100,000 inhabitants. The TB-HIV coinfection rates reached 67% in some districts, which is above the city average value (30%). Conclusion The distribution analysis showed that the reformulation and restructuring of policies and health services in Porto Alegre are essential.
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Objetivo Analisar a distribuição geográfica da doença, sua incidência, prevalência e a coinfecção TB - HIV nos bairros deste município nos anos de 2007 a 2011. Método Estudo ecológico de série histórica, descritivo, que utilizou técnicas descritivas e de geoprocessamento. Resultados Foram registrados 3.369 casos novos e 3.998 casos prevalentes de tuberculose pulmonar bacilífera. Em ambos os contextos houve predominância de casos no sexo masculino e na etnia branca. Dezessete bairros apresentaram taxas de prevalência acima de 79,2 casos/100.000 habitantes, sendo que 15 deles tiveram incidência acima de 73,7 casos/100.000 habitantes. A taxa de coinfecção TB-HIV chegou a 67% em alguns bairros, valor superior à média da cidade (30%). Conclusão A análise de distribuição apontou que são fundamentais reformulações e reestruturações de políticas e serviços de saúde em Porto Alegre. .

Objetivo Analizar la distribución geográfica de la enfermedad, su incidencia, prevalencia y la coinfección TB - VIH en los barrios de este municipio en los años de 2007 a 2011. Método Estudio ecológico de serie histórica, descriptivo, que utilizó técnicas descriptivas y de geoprocesamiento. Resultados Fueron registrados 3.369 casos nuevos y 3.998 casos prevalentes de tuberculosis pulmonar bacilífera. En ambos contextos hubo predominancia de casos en el sexo masculino y la etnia blanca. Diecisiete barrios presentaron índices de prevalencia superiores a 79,2 casos/100.000 habitantes, siendo que 15 de esos tuvieron incidencia arriba de 73,7 casos/100.000 habitantes. El índice de coinfección TB-VIH alcanzó el 67% en algunos barrios, valor superior al promedio de la ciudad (30%). Conclusión El análisis de distribución señaló que son fundamentales las reformulaciones y reestructuraciones de políticas y servicios de salud en Porto Alegre. .

The Porto Alegre paradox: social determinants and tuberculosis incidence.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of tuberculosis (TB) is strongly associated with social and economic factors. The city of Porto Alegre, in the South of Brazil, has one of the highest Human Development Index and Gross Domestic Product per capita of the country. One would expect that the incidence of tuberculosis in such a place were low. However, the city has very high rates of incidence, the highest among Brazilian capitals. This paradox prompted this work, whose objectives were to analyze the spatial distribution of the incidence rate of bacilliferous pulmonary tuberculosis throughout the neighborhoods of Porto Alegre and its association with socioeconomic indicators. METHODS: Ecological non-concurrent cohort study. The units of analysis were the neighborhoods of the city. The average annual incidence of bacilliferous pulmonary tuberculosis for the period 2000 to 2005 and seven socioeconomic variables were analyzed, with information obtained from the IBGE and the Mortality Information System. Spatial techniques and multivariate analyzes were used to check associations. Inequalities were also measured. RESULTS: The spatial distribution of the incidence rate of bacilliferous pulmonary tuberculosis is very similar, i.e., associated with the distribution of socioeconomic factors. The Relative Index of Inequality was 7.9, showing the great difference in the incidence rate between neighborhoods. CONCLUSION: Porto Alegre presents high incidence rates of bacilliferous pulmonary tuberculosis, which distribution through the neighborhoods of the city is associated with socioeconomic factors. The city's high rate is due to the extremely high incidence rates in its poorest neighborhoods. The authors raise hypotheses and suggest interventions.

[The distribution of tuberculosis in Porto Alegre: analysis of the magnitude and tuberculosis-HIV coinfection]. / Distribuição da tuberculose em porto alegre: análise da magnitude e coinfecção tuberculose-HIV.

OBJECTIVE: Analyzing the geographical distribution of the tuberculosis (TB), its incidence and prevalence and TB-HIV coinfection in the districts of Porto Alegre from 2007 to 2011. METHOD: An ecological, descriptive study of time series that used descriptive and geoprocessing techniques. RESULTS: In total, were recorded 3,369 incident cases and 3,998 prevalent cases of pulmonary TB. In both contexts, there was predominance of cases in males and in Caucasians. Seventeen districts showed prevalence rates above 79.2 cases/100,000 inhabitants, considering that 15 of them had incidence rates above 73.7 cases/100,000 inhabitants. The TB-HIV coinfection rates reached 67% in some districts, which is above the city average value (30%). CONCLUSION: The distribution analysis showed that the reformulation and restructuring of policies and health services in Porto Alegre are essential.


A vigilância epidemiológica do HIV-AIDS

Vídeo aula que aborda a questão da vigilância em saúde e o panorama da HIV atual, suas especificidades, contágio e prevenção.

A transmissão vertical do HIV

Vídeo-aula abordando a questão da Vigilância em Saúde.

Vigilância em Saúde [exercício]

Exercício de busca de materiais com informações epidemiológicas sobre dengue.

Surveillance of mother-to-child HIV transmission: socioeconomic and health care coverage indicators.

OBJECTIVE: To identify clustering areas of infants exposed to HIV during pregnancy and their association with indicators of primary care coverage and socioeconomic condition. METHODS: Ecological study where the unit of analysis was primary care coverage areas in the city of Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil, in 2003. Geographical Information System and spatial analysis tools were used to describe indicators of primary care coverage areas and socioeconomic condition, and estimate the prevalence of liveborn infants exposed to HIV during pregnancy and delivery. Data was obtained from Brazilian national databases. The association between different indicators was assessed using Spearman's nonparametric test. RESULTS: There was found an association between HIV infection and high birth rates (r=0.22, p<0.01) and lack of prenatal care (r=0.15, p<0.05). The highest HIV infection rates were seen in areas with poor socioeconomic conditions and difficult access to health services (r=0.28, p<0.01). The association found between higher rate of prenatal care among HIV-infected women and adequate immunization coverage (r=0.35, p<0.01) indicates that early detection of HIV infection is effective in those areas with better primary care services. CONCLUSIONS: Urban poverty is a strong determinant of mother-to-child HIV transmission but this trend can be fought with health surveillance at the primary care level.