Prevalence and Factors Associated with Olfactory Dysfunction in Individuals with COVID-19 in Brazil: A Study of 20,669 Cases from 2020 to 2021.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence and factors associated with olfactory dysfunction in individuals with COVID-19 in the first 2 years of the pandemic in Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prevalent study involving the confirmed cases of COVID-19 recorded in the municipality between the years 2020 and 2021. Individuals symptomatic for COVID-19, with a positive laboratory result and aged 12 or older were included in this study. Measures of central tendency and dispersion were used in the description of continuous variables and frequency was used for categorical variables. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to evaluate data distribution. RESULTS: Data from 20,669 individuals were analyzed. The prevalence of olfactory disorders was 17.9% and increased from 11.5% to 21.9% between 2020 and 2021. A female gender predominance was observed among individuals who reported anosmia, with 61.1% (n = 564) in 2020 and 61.7% (n = 1,713) in 2021. On the other hand, the median age of individuals with olfactory disorders was lower than that of the group without disorders (35 [IQR 27-46] vs. 39 [IQR 29-50]; p < 0.001). Smell disturbances were present in 18.2% (n = 3,634) of patients who recovered and in 7.1% (n = 38) of those who died. Furthermore, in 2021, a prevalence rate of 30.6% for olfactory disorders was linked to obesity as a comorbidity. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of olfactory disorders was lower compared to other studies, with cough and fever being negatively related to olfactory dysfunction and headache, coryza, and taste disorders being positively related. Obesity was the only associated comorbidity.

Awareness of stroke among patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Stroke is a major cause of mortality worldwide. Renal dysfunction is an important risk factor for stroke. Brazilian studies on stroke knowledge are generally population based. Studies stratifying stroke knowledge according to comorbidities are rare. Scientific data are essential to guide the awareness of stroke. OBJECTIVE: To assess stroke knowledge in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on hemodialysis. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional analytical study of patients with CKD on hemodialysis in north-eastern Brazil. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire survey on stroke awareness was administered to patients with CKD on hemodialysis between April and November 2022. The chi-square test and other descriptive statistics were used. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 197 patients were included in the analysis. The Brazilian acronym for stroke was used by 53.5% of the participants. Less than 10.0% of the sample showed optimal decision-making ability regarding stroke. Of the participants, 29.9% knew at least one risk factor and one symptom; however, this was considered as having below the minimum capacity because they did not know the emergency service call number. In the analysis adjusted for income and education, females (odds ratio [OR], 0.40%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.20-0.82), older patients (OR, 0.24%; 95% CI, 0.09-0.63) and having at most one comorbidity (OR, 0.48%; 95% CI, 0.23-0.98) were factors for lower levels of knowledge or ideal decision-making capacity against stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Patients on hemodialysis, especially women and older people, have little knowledge about stroke.

Awareness of stroke among patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is a major cause of mortality worldwide. Renal dysfunction is an important risk factor for stroke. Brazilian studies on stroke knowledge are generally population based. Studies stratifying stroke knowledge according to comorbidities are rare. Scientific data are essential to guide the awareness of stroke. OBJECTIVE: To assess stroke knowledge in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on hemodialysis. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional analytical study of patients with CKD on hemodialysis in north-eastern Brazil. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire survey on stroke awareness was administered to patients with CKD on hemodialysis between April and November 2022. The chi-square test and other descriptive statistics were used. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 197 patients were included in the analysis. The Brazilian acronym for stroke was used by 53.5% of the participants. Less than 10.0% of the sample showed optimal decision-making ability regarding stroke. Of the participants, 29.9% knew at least one risk factor and one symptom; however, this was considered as having below the minimum capacity because they did not know the emergency service call number. In the analysis adjusted for income and education, females (odds ratio [OR], 0.40%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.20-0.82), older patients (OR, 0.24%; 95% CI, 0.09-0.63) and having at most one comorbidity (OR, 0.48%; 95% CI, 0.23-0.98) were factors for lower levels of knowledge or ideal decision-making capacity against stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Patients on hemodialysis, especially women and older people, have little knowledge about stroke.

Epidemiology of chronic kidney disease in older indigenous peoples of Brazil: findings from a cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a prevalent disease worldwide, with increasing incidence particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Indigenous communities have poorer CKD outcomes due to limited access to healthcare. They are also experiencing a shift toward a sedentary lifestyle and urbanization-related dietary changes, increasing the risk of CKD-related risk factors. AIM: To determine the prevalence of CKD in older Brazilian indigenous and identify the main associated risk factors. METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed demographic and clinical data of 229 older indigenous individuals aged 60 years and above in 2022-2023. CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or a urinary albumin-creatinine ratio > 30 mg/g. Data were presented categorically and analyzed using the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: The prevalence of CKD in the population was 26.6%, with higher prevalence in women and increasing with age. The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes was 67.7% and 24.0%, respectively, and these comorbidities were associated with CKD: hypertension (OR = 5.12; 95% CI 2.2-11.9) and diabetes (OR = 5.5; 95% CI 3.7-8.2). No association was found between the prevalence of CKD and obesity, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, or smoking. DISCUSSION: The study found a higher prevalence of CKD among older indigenous populations in Brazil compared to non-indigenous populations, which is exacerbated by risk factors, such as aging, hypertension, diabetes, and lifestyle changes, emphasizing the importance of early detection and intervention in these communities. CONCLUSION: Older persons' indigenous individuals have a high prevalence of CKD, which is correlated with factors, such as sex, age, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension.

Hemofilia: Promoção da Saúde através de um Diálogo Interdisciplinar entre Saúde e Educação / Hemophilia: Health Promotion through an Interdisciplinary Dialogue between Health and Education

Identificar a percepção dos profissionais de instituições de ensino sobre a hemofilia, e diante disso formular estratégias de educação em saúde sobre o assunto. Trata-se de pesquisa quanti-qualitativa, analisados de forma descritiva através do Software MAXQDA versão 18.1.1, sob a estratégia de análise de conteúdo. Do total de 40 investigados na pesquisa, percebe-se que somente 11 conseguiram definir hemofilia, metade não sabiam sobre as formas de sangramento, 27 não sabiam as características de um sangramento e somente 10 referiam saber como agir frente a tal acontecimento, revelando desconhecimento dos profissionais de instituições de ensino sobre esta condição de saúde, que afirmam nunca terem sido capacitados para entendimento sobre a doença. Este trabalho promove um diálogo interdisciplinar entre saúde e educação sobre a hemofilia, no qual foi reconhecido a falta de conhecimento sobre o tema por profissionais de instituições de ensino e proposto estratégias de educação em saúde.

To identify the perceptions of professionals working in educational institutions regarding hemophilia and to formulate strategies for health education on this topic. This is quantitative-qualitative research, analyzed descriptively through the Software MAXQDA version 18.1.1, under the content analysis strategy. A total of 40 investigated in the research, it is perceived that only 11 were able to define hemophilia, half did not know about the forms of bleeding, 27 did not know the characteristics of a bleeding and only 10 reported knowing how to act in the face of such an event, revealing lack of knowledge of the professionals of educational institutions about this health condition, who claim to have never been trained to understand the disease. This work promotes an interdisciplinary dialogue between health and education on hemophilia, in which the lack of knowledge on the theme of professionals from educational institutions and proposed health education strategies was recognized.

Urbanization and kidney dysfunction in Brazilian indigenous people: a burden for the youth.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the degree of urbanization influences the prevalence of chronic kidney disease in Brazilian indigenous people. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted between 2016 and 2017 in northeastern Brazil and includes individuals aged between 30 and 70 years from two specific indigenous groups who volunteered to participate in the study: the Fulni-ô people (lowest degree of urbanization) and the Truká group (greater degree of urbanization). Cultural and geographical parameters were used to characterize and measure the magnitude of urbanization. We excluded individuals with known cardiovascular disease or renal failure who required hemodialysis. Chronic kidney disease was defined as a single measurement of an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration creatinine equation. RESULTS: A total of 184 indigenous people from the Fulni-ô group and 96 from the Truká group with a median age of 46 years (interquartile range: 15.2) were included. We found a chronic kidney disease rate of 4.3% in the total indigenous population, generally affecting an older population: 41.7% over 60 years old (p<0.001). The Truká people had a chronic kidney disease prevalence of 6.2%, with no differences in kidney dysfunction across age groups. The Fulni-ô participants had a chronic kidney disease prevalence of 3.3%, with a higher proportion of kidney dysfunction in older participants (of the six Fulni-ô indigenous people with chronic kidney disease, five were older). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that a higher degree of urbanization seems to negatively influence the prevalence of chronic kidney disease in Brazilian indigenous people.

Urbanization and kidney dysfunction in Brazilian indigenous people: a burden for the youth

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the degree of urbanization influences the prevalence of chronic kidney disease in Brazilian indigenous people. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted between 2016 and 2017 in northeastern Brazil and includes individuals aged between 30 and 70 years from two specific indigenous groups who volunteered to participate in the study: the Fulni-ô people (lowest degree of urbanization) and the Truká group (greater degree of urbanization). Cultural and geographical parameters were used to characterize and measure the magnitude of urbanization. We excluded individuals with known cardiovascular disease or renal failure who required hemodialysis. Chronic kidney disease was defined as a single measurement of an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration creatinine equation. RESULTS: A total of 184 indigenous people from the Fulni-ô group and 96 from the Truká group with a median age of 46 years (interquartile range: 15.2) were included. We found a chronic kidney disease rate of 4.3% in the total indigenous population, generally affecting an older population: 41.7% over 60 years old (p<0.001). The Truká people had a chronic kidney disease prevalence of 6.2%, with no differences in kidney dysfunction across age groups. The Fulni-ô participants had a chronic kidney disease prevalence of 3.3%, with a higher proportion of kidney dysfunction in older participants (of the six Fulni-ô indigenous people with chronic kidney disease, five were older). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that a higher degree of urbanization seems to negatively influence the prevalence of chronic kidney disease in Brazilian indigenous people.

Tecnologia digital como instrumento de saúde em uma comunidade indígena no Vale de São Francisco / Digital technology as a tool for health promotion in an indigenous community in the Vale de São Francisco

Resumo: Introdução: As comunidades tradicionais são grupos de indivíduos socialmente organizados que partilham comportamentos econômicos, socioambientais e culturais comuns. Entre elas, destacam-se as comunidades indígenas no Brasil, que vêm sofrendo o impacto da urbanização, do crescimento de doenças crônicas e epidemias e do aumento da insegurança alimentar. Relato de experiência: Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever as experiências da equipe de saúde, quanto ao uso de uma ferramenta de gestão de dados na assistência, em uma comunidade indígena no Nordeste brasileiro. Trata-se de um relato de experiência do uso de uma ferramenta digital nas ações assistenciais em uma comunidade tradicional. A equipe de saúde foi dividida em dois grupos: agentes comunitários de saúde e estudantes de Medicina. Discussão: A descrição das experiências e a análise das narrativas resultaram na identificação de 258 citações, que foram classificadas em 12 categorias, relacionadas ao objeto de estudo. Dentre estas, as questões ligadas aos benefícios da ferramenta foram as mais mencionadas (43,41%), em que os subgrupos abordaram diferentes reflexões. A segunda categoria mais citada se referia às limitações da ferramenta (15,11%), sendo a necessidade do sinal de internet o ponto crítico. Ou seja, esta pesquisa mostra vantagens da ferramenta na atenção à saúde, mas também explicita fragilidades inerentes ao seu uso, de modo a trazer questões importantes dessa vivência e estimular práticas semelhantes. Conclusão: Esse relato de experiência, como método científico, traz importantes questões vivenciadas, relacionadas à aplicabilidade prática de uma ferramenta digital em uma comunidade indígena. Apesar de ser inegável que há pontos de fragilidade evidentes, eles não comprometeram o resultado afirmativo da vivência, melhorando a assistência.

Abstract: Introduction: Traditional communities are groups of socially organized individuals with common economic, socio-environmental, and cultural behaviors. Brazil's indigenous communities are a prime example of these groups, suffering the impact of urbanization, the growth of chronic diseases, epidemics, and increased food insecurity. Experience report: To describe the health team's experiences in the use of a data management tool for care in an indigenous community in northeastern Brazil. Methodology: This is an experience report on the use of a digital tool to assist actions in a traditional community. The health team was divided into community health agents and medical students. Discussion: The description of the experiences and analysis of the narratives resulted in identifying 258 citations, classified into 12 categories related to the study scope. Of these, issues related to benefits of the tool were the most commonly mentioned (43.41%), where the subgroups addressed different reflections. The second most cited category referred to the tool's limitations (15.11%), with the need for an internet connection being the critical point. This research, therefore, shows the tool's advantages in health care but also explains weaknesses inherent to its use, raising important issues of this experience and stimulating similar practices. Conclusion: This experience report, as a scientific method, addresses essential experienced issues related to the practical applicability of a digital tool in an indigenous community. Although it is undeniable that there are obvious points of weakness, these did not compromise the positive result of the experience, and care was improved.

Case report: Isolated tubular basement membrane deposits in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus - A diagnostic challenge.

Lupus nephritis is one of the most serious and frequent manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus. It usually presents in the first years of the disease, which suspicion should be raised in cases of elevated serum creatinine, presence of proteinuria above 500 mg/day or active urinary sediment, in the absence of other apparent causes such as urinary tract infection and use of nephrotoxic drugs. In most cases, it affects the glomerulus, and its presentation is rare in the form of isolated tubulo-interstitial disease. In this report, we describe a case of lupus nephritis diagnosed after 2 years of illness, in the form of atypical isolated tubular disease, characterized by massive deposits in the tubular basement membrane. Clinically, there were altered renal function, subnephrotic proteinuria, and evolution to a complete clinical response after immunosuppressive treatment.

Heart Disease and Arboviruses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Dengue fever, chikungunya, and zika are highly prevalent arboviruses transmitted by hematophagous arthropods, with a widely neglected impact in developing countries. These diseases cause acute illness in diverse populations, as well as potential cardiovascular complications. A systematic review was carried out to investigate the burden of cardiac involvement related to these arboviruses. Multiple databases were searched for articles that investigated the association of cardiovascular diseases with arboviruses, published up to March 2022. Relevant articles were selected and rated by two independent reviewers. Proportion meta-analysis was applied to assess the frequency-weighted mean of the cardiovascular findings. A total of 42 articles were selected (n = 76,678 individuals), with 17 manuscripts on dengue and 6 manuscripts on chikungunya undergoing meta-analysis. The global pooled incidence of cardiac events in dengue fever using a meta-analysis was 27.21% (95% CI 20.21-34.83; I2 = 94%). The higher incidence of dengue-related myocarditis was found in the population younger than 20 years old (33.85%; 95% CI 0.00-89.20; I2 = 99%). Considering the studies on chikungunya (n = 372), the global pooled incidence of cardiac involvement using a meta-analysis was 32.81% (95% CI 09.58-61.49, I2 = 96%). Two Zika studies were included that examined cases of infection by vertical transmission in Brazil, finding everything from structural changes to changes in heart rate variability that increase the risk of sudden death. In conclusion, cardiac involvement in arboviruses is not uncommon, especially in dengue fever.

Anti-chikungunya virus seroprevalence in Indigenous groups in the São Francisco Valley, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Chikungunya fever (CHIKF) is a serious public health problem with a high rate of infection and chronic disabling manifestations that has affected more than 2 million people worldwide since 2005. In spite of this, epidemiological data on vulnerable groups such as Indigenous people are scarce, making it difficult to implement public policies in order to prevent this disease and assist these populations. OBJECTIVE: To describe the serological and epidemiological profile of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in two Indigenous populations in Northeast Brazil, as well as in an urbanized control community, and to explore associations between CHIKV and anthropometric variables in these populations. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: This is a cross-sectional ancillary study of the Project of Atherosclerosis among Indigenous Populations (PAI) that included people 30 to 70 years old, recruited from two Indigenous tribes (the less urbanized Fulni-ô and the more urbanized Truká people) and an urbanized non-Indigenous control group from the same area. Subjects underwent clinical evaluation and were tested for anti-CHIKV IgG by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serological profile was described according to ethnicity, sex, and age. The study population included 433 individuals distributed as follows: 109 (25·2%) Truká, 272 (62·8%) Fulni-ô, and 52 (12%) from the non-Indigenous urbanized control group. Overall prevalence of CHIKV IgG in the study sample was 49.9% (216; 95% CI: 45·1-54·7). When the sample was stratified, positive CHIKV IgG was distributed as follows: no individuals in the Truká group, 78·3% (213/272; 95% CI: 72·9-83·1) in the Fulni-ô group, and 5.8% (3/52; 95% CI: 1.21-16) in the control group. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Positive tests for CHIKV showed a very high prevalence in a traditional Indigenous population, in contrast to the absence of anti-CHIKV serology in the Truká people, who are more urbanized with respect to physical landscape, socio-cultural, and historical aspects, as well as a low prevalence in the non-Indigenous control group, although all groups are located in the same area.

Fever of unknown origin in special groups.

Fever of undetermined origin (FUO) is a challenging entity with a striking presence in hospitals around the world. It is defined as temperature ≥ 37.8 ° C on several occasions, lasting ≥ three weeks, in the absence of diagnosis after three days of hospital investigation or 3 outpatient visits. The main etiologies are infectious, neoplastic, and non-infectious inflammatory diseases. The diagnosis is based on the detailed clinical history and physical examination of these patients, in order to direct the specific complementary tests to be performed in each case. The initial diagnostic approach of the FUO patient should include non-specific complementary exams. Empirical therapy is not recommended (with few exceptions) in patients with prolonged fever, as it may disguise and delay the diagnosis and conduct to treat the specific etiology. The prognosis encompasses mortality of 12-35%, varying according to the baseline etiology.

Fever of unknown origin in special groups

SUMMARY Fever of undetermined origin (FUO) is a challenging entity with a striking presence in hospitals around the world. It is defined as temperature ≥ 37.8 ° C on several occasions, lasting ≥ three weeks, in the absence of diagnosis after three days of hospital investigation or 3 outpatient visits. The main etiologies are infectious, neoplastic, and non-infectious inflammatory diseases. The diagnosis is based on the detailed clinical history and physical examination of these patients, in order to direct the specific complementary tests to be performed in each case. The initial diagnostic approach of the FUO patient should include non-specific complementary exams. Empirical therapy is not recommended (with few exceptions) in patients with prolonged fever, as it may disguise and delay the diagnosis and conduct to treat the specific etiology. The prognosis encompasses mortality of 12-35%, varying according to the baseline etiology.

RESUMO Febre de origem indeterminada (FOI) é uma entidade desafiadora com presença marcante nos hospitais de todo o mundo. É definida como temperatura ≥37,8 ° C em várias ocasiões, com duração ≥3 semanas, na ausência de diagnóstico após três dias de investigação hospitalar ou três consultas ambulatoriais. As principais etiologias são de ordem infecciosa, neoplásica e doenças inflamatórias não infecciosas. O diagnóstico é baseado na história clínica e no exame físico minuciosos desses pacientes, com a finalidade de direcionar os exames complementares específicos a serem realizados em cada caso. A abordagem diagnóstica inicial do paciente com FOI deve incluir exames complementares inespecíficos. A terapia empírica não é recomendada (com poucas exceções) em pacientes com febre prolongada, uma vez que ela pode camuflar e retardar o diagnóstico e a conduta para tratar a etiologia específica. O prognóstico engloba uma mortalidade de 12-35%, variando de acordo com a etiologia de base.

Fever of unknown origin - a literature review.

Fever of undetermined origin (FUO) is a challenging entity with a striking presence in hospitals around the world and can be associated with a myriad of differential diagnoses. It is defined as axillary temperature ≥ 37.8 ° C on several occasions, lasting ≥ three weeks, in the absence of diagnosis after three days of hospital investigation or three outpatient visits. The main etiologies are: infectious, neoplastic, and rheumatic. The diagnosis is based on the detailed clinical history and physical examination of these patients, in order to direct the specific complementary tests to be performed in each case. Empirical therapy is not recommended (with few exceptions) in patients with prolonged fever, as it may disguise and delay the diagnosis and conduct to treat the specific etiology. The prognosis encompasses mortality of 12% - 35%, varying according to the underlying etiology. In this sense, the objective of this study is to review the main topics about fever of undetermined origin, bringing historical and scientific aspects, national and international.

Fever of unknown origin - a literature review

SUMMARY Fever of undetermined origin (FUO) is a challenging entity with a striking presence in hospitals around the world and can be associated with a myriad of differential diagnoses. It is defined as axillary temperature ≥ 37.8 ° C on several occasions, lasting ≥ three weeks, in the absence of diagnosis after three days of hospital investigation or three outpatient visits. The main etiologies are: infectious, neoplastic, and rheumatic. The diagnosis is based on the detailed clinical history and physical examination of these patients, in order to direct the specific complementary tests to be performed in each case. Empirical therapy is not recommended (with few exceptions) in patients with prolonged fever, as it may disguise and delay the diagnosis and conduct to treat the specific etiology. The prognosis encompasses mortality of 12% - 35%, varying according to the underlying etiology. In this sense, the objective of this study is to review the main topics about fever of undetermined origin, bringing historical and scientific aspects, national and international.

RESUMO Febre de origem indeterminada (FOI) é uma entidade desafiadora com presença marcante nos hospitais de todo o mundo, à qual uma miríade de diagnósticos diferenciais podem estar associados. É definida como temperatura axilar ≥37,8 0 C em várias ocasiões, com duração ≥ três semanas, na ausência de diagnóstico após três dias de investigação hospitalar ou três consultas ambulatoriais. As principais etiologias são de ordem infecciosa, neoplásica e reumatológica. O diagnóstico é baseado na história clínica e no exame físico minuciosos desses pacientes, com a finalidade de direcionar os exames complementares específicos a serem realizados em cada caso. A terapia empírica não é recomendada (com poucas exceções) em pacientes com febre prolongada, uma vez que ela pode camuflar e retardar o diagnóstico e a conduta para tratar a etiologia específica. O prognóstico engloba uma mortalidade de 12-35%, variando de acordo com a etiologia de base. O objetivo deste estudo é revisar os principais tópicos acerca da febre de origem indeterminada, trazendo aspectos históricos e científicos, nacionais e internacionais.