Prevalence of Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) negatively affects quality of life and places a substantial financial burden on health care systems due to treatment costs and increased demand for services. Objective: To estimate the worldwide prevalence of AD, the proportion of severe cases worldwide and explore sources of heterogeneity. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Global Index Medicus from January 2012 up until August 30, 2022. We included primary prevalence studies published from 2012 onward. Study selection was conducted by two reviewers independently. One reviewer performed data extraction and assessed risk of bias using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Prevalence Studies, with independent checking by a second reviewer. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted to pool results; subgroup analyses were conducted to evaluate potential modifiers. Certainty of evidence was rated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. Main outcomes were point prevalence and proportion of severe cases. Results: We identified 12,774 unique references and assessed 1029 full texts, ultimately resulting in the inclusion of 310 studies with 25.5 million individuals. Point prevalence was 11.1% (95% CI 9.4-13.1; 123 studies; 12,776,910 individuals; moderate certainty of evidence) in children and adolescents, and 6.3% (95% CI 5.0-7.8; 59 studies; 12,794,260 individuals; moderate certainty of evidence) in adults. Relatively similar results were observed for studies with low risk of bias. Proportion of severe cases varied from 1.9 to 7.2% in children and adolescents and 2.8% to 15.6% in adults. Conclusions: These findings may underpin effective health care policies, research initiatives, and clinical decision-making.

Cost-Utility Analysis of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy Compared With Usual Care for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in the Public Health System in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to conduct a cost-utility analysis of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy compared with usual care as treatment of moderate to severe cases of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in Brazil, where decentralized policies of CPAP provision are in place. METHODS: Markov cohort model comparing CPAP therapy with usual care, that is, no specific treatment for OSA, for moderate to severe cases was used. The payer perspective from the Unified Health System, Brazil, was adopted. Effectiveness parameters and costs related to health states were informed by literature review. Resource use related to CPAP therapy was defined by specialists and costs informed by recent purchase and leasing contracts. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were generated for purchase and leasing contracts to reflect current practices. A conservative willingness-to-pay threshold was set at 1 gross domestic product per capita per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) (Brazilian reais [BRL] 40 712/QALY). Uncertainties were explored in deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. RESULTS: Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for the purchase modality was 8303 BRL/QALY and for leasing 45 192 BRL/QALY. Considering the adopted willingness-to-pay threshold, provision of CPAP by the purchase modality was considered cost-effective but not the leasing modality. The parameter related to the greatest uncertainty was the reduction in the risk of having a stroke attributable to CPAP. Probabilistic analysis confirmed the robustness of results. CONCLUSIONS: CPAP therapy is a cost-effective alternative compared with usual care for moderate to severe OSA for the purchase modality. These results should help underpinning the decision making related to a uniform policy of CPAP provision across the country.

Pharmacological treatment for central sleep apnoea in adults.

BACKGROUND: The term central sleep apnoea (CSA) encompasses diverse clinical situations where a dysfunctional drive to breathe leads to recurrent respiratory events, namely apnoea (complete absence of ventilation) and hypopnoea sleep (insufficient ventilation) during sleep. Studies have demonstrated that CSA responds to some extent to pharmacological agents with distinct mechanisms, such as sleep stabilisation and respiratory stimulation. Some therapies for CSA are associated with improved quality of life, although the evidence on this association is uncertain. Moreover, treatment of CSA with non-invasive positive pressure ventilation is not always effective or safe and may result in a residual apnoea-hypopnoea index. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the benefits and harms of pharmacological treatment compared with active or inactive controls for central sleep apnoea in adults. SEARCH METHODS: We used standard, extensive Cochrane search methods. The latest search date was 30 August 2022. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included parallel and cross-over randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated any type of pharmacological agent compared with active controls (e.g. other medications) or passive controls (e.g. placebo, no treatment or usual care) in adults with CSA as defined by the International Classification of Sleep Disorders 3rd Edition. We did not exclude studies based on the duration of intervention or follow-up. We excluded studies focusing on CSA due to periodic breathing at high altitudes. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcomes were central apnoea-hypopnoea index (cAHI), cardiovascular mortality and serious adverse events. Our secondary outcomes were quality of sleep, quality of life, daytime sleepiness, AHI, all-cause mortality, time to life-saving cardiovascular intervention, and non-serious adverse events. We used GRADE to assess certainty of evidence for each outcome. MAIN RESULTS: We included four cross-over RCTs and one parallel RCT, involving a total of 68 participants. Mean age ranged from 66 to 71.3 years and most participants were men. Four trials recruited people with CSA associated with heart failure, and one study included people with primary CSA. Types of pharmacological agents were acetazolamide (carbonic anhydrase inhibitor), buspirone (anxiolytic), theophylline (methylxanthine derivative) and triazolam (hypnotic), which were given for between three days and one week. Only the study on buspirone reported a formal evaluation of adverse events. These events were rare and mild. No studies reported serious adverse events, quality of sleep, quality of life, all-cause mortality, or time to life-saving cardiovascular intervention. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors versus inactive control Results were from two studies of acetazolamide versus placebo (n = 12) and acetazolamide versus no acetazolamide (n = 18) for CSA associated with heart failure. One study reported short-term outcomes and the other reported intermediate-term outcomes. We are uncertain whether carbonic anhydrase inhibitors compared to inactive control reduce cAHI in the short term (mean difference (MD) -26.00 events per hour, 95% CI -43.84 to -8.16; 1 study, 12 participants; very low certainty). Similarly, we are uncertain whether carbonic anhydrase inhibitors compared to inactive control reduce AHI in the short term (MD -23.00 events per hour, 95% CI -37.70 to 8.30; 1 study, 12 participants; very low certainty) or in the intermediate term (MD -6.98 events per hour, 95% CI -10.66 to -3.30; 1 study, 18 participants; very low certainty). The effect of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors on cardiovascular mortality in the intermediate term was also uncertain (odds ratio (OR) 0.21, 95% CI 0.02 to 2.48; 1 study, 18 participants; very low certainty). Anxiolytics versus inactive control Results were based on one study of buspirone versus placebo for CSA associated with heart failure (n = 16). The median difference between groups for cAHI was -5.00 events per hour (IQR -8.00 to -0.50), the median difference for AHI was -6.00 events per hour (IQR -8.80 to -1.80), and the median difference on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale for daytime sleepiness was 0 points (IQR -1.0 to 0.00). Methylxanthine derivatives versus inactive control Results were based on one study of theophylline versus placebo for CSA associated with heart failure (n = 15). We are uncertain whether methylxanthine derivatives compared to inactive control reduce cAHI (MD -20.00 events per hour, 95% CI -32.15 to -7.85; 15 participants; very low certainty) or AHI (MD -19.00 events per hour, 95% CI -30.27 to -7.73; 15 participants; very low certainty). Hypnotics versus inactive control Results were based on one trial of triazolam versus placebo for primary CSA (n = 5). Due to very serious methodological limitations and insufficient reporting of outcome measures, we were unable to draw any conclusions regarding the effects of this intervention. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence to support the use of pharmacological therapy in the treatment of CSA. Although small studies have reported positive effects of certain agents for CSA associated with heart failure in reducing the number of respiratory events during sleep, we were unable to assess whether this reduction may impact the quality of life of people with CSA, owing to scarce reporting of important clinical outcomes such as sleep quality or subjective impression of daytime sleepiness. Furthermore, the trials mostly had short-term follow-up. There is a need for high-quality trials that evaluate longer-term effects of pharmacological interventions.

Legal action for access to resources inefficiently made available in health care systems in Brazil: a case study on obstructive sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVE: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly prevalent chronic disease, associated with morbidity and mortality. Although effective treatment for OSA is commercially available, their provision is not guaranteed by lines of care throughout Brazil, making legal action necessary. This study aimed at presenting data related to the volume of legal proceedings regarding the access to diagnosis and treatment of OSA in Brazil. METHODS: This was a descriptive study of national scope, evaluating the period between January of 2016 and December of 2020. The number of lawsuits was analyzed according to the object of the demand (diagnosis or treatment). Projections of total expenses were carried out according to the number of lawsuits. RESULTS: We identified 1,462 legal proceedings (17.6% and 82.4% related to diagnosis and treatment, respectively). The projection of expenditure for OSA diagnosis in the public and private spheres were R$575,227 and R$188,002, respectively. The projection of expenditure for OSA treatment in the public and private spheres were R$2,656,696 and R$253,050, respectively. There was a reduction in the number of lawsuits between 2017 and 2019. CONCLUSIONS: Legal action as a strategy for accessing diagnostic and therapeutic resources related to OSA is a recurrent practice, resulting in inefficiency and inequity. The reduction in the number of lawsuits between 2017 and 2019 might be explained by the expansion of local health care policies or by barriers in the journey of patients with OSA, such as difficulties in being referred to specialized health care and low availability of diagnostic resources.

Legal action for access to resources inefficiently made available in health care systems in Brazil: a case study on obstructive sleep apnea / Judicialização para acesso a recursos disponibilizados de forma ineficiente nos sistemas de saúde do Brasil: estudo de caso sobre apneia obstrutiva do sono

ABSTRACT Objective: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly prevalent chronic disease, associated with morbidity and mortality. Although effective treatment for OSA is commercially available, their provision is not guaranteed by lines of care throughout Brazil, making legal action necessary. This study aimed at presenting data related to the volume of legal proceedings regarding the access to diagnosis and treatment of OSA in Brazil. Methods: This was a descriptive study of national scope, evaluating the period between January of 2016 and December of 2020. The number of lawsuits was analyzed according to the object of the demand (diagnosis or treatment). Projections of total expenses were carried out according to the number of lawsuits. Results: We identified 1,462 legal proceedings (17.6% and 82.4% related to diagnosis and treatment, respectively). The projection of expenditure for OSA diagnosis in the public and private spheres were R$575,227 and R$188,002, respectively. The projection of expenditure for OSA treatment in the public and private spheres were R$2,656,696 and R$253,050, respectively. There was a reduction in the number of lawsuits between 2017 and 2019. Conclusions: Legal action as a strategy for accessing diagnostic and therapeutic resources related to OSA is a recurrent practice, resulting in inefficiency and inequity. The reduction in the number of lawsuits between 2017 and 2019 might be explained by the expansion of local health care policies or by barriers in the journey of patients with OSA, such as difficulties in being referred to specialized health care and low availability of diagnostic resources.

RESUMO Objetivo: A apneia obstrutiva do sono (AOS) é uma doença crônica altamente prevalente, associada a morbidade e mortalidade. Embora tratamentos efetivos para a AOS estejam disponíveis comercialmente, seu fornecimento não é garantido pelos fluxos de atendimento em todo o Brasil, tornando necessária a judicialização. Este estudo teve como objetivo apresentar dados referentes ao volume de processos judiciais relacionados ao acesso ao diagnóstico e tratamento da AOS no Brasil. Métodos: Estudo descritivo de abrangência nacional, avaliando o período entre janeiro de 2016 e dezembro de 2020. O número de demandas judiciais foi analisado de acordo com o objeto da demanda (diagnóstico ou tratamento). As projeções das despesas totais foram realizadas de acordo com o número de demandas judiciais. Resultados: Foram identificados 1.462 processos judiciais (17,6% e 82,4% referentes a diagnóstico e tratamento, respectivamente). A projeção dos gastos com o diagnóstico da AOS nas esferas pública e privada foi de R$ 575.227 e R$ 188.002, respectivamente. A projeção dos gastos com o tratamento da AOS nas esferas pública e privada foi de R$ 2.656.696 e R$ 253.050, respectivamente. Houve redução do número de demandas judiciais entre 2017 e 2019. Conclusões: A judicialização como estratégia de acesso a recursos diagnósticos e terapêuticos relacionados à AOS é uma prática recorrente, resultando em ineficiência e iniquidade. A redução do número de demandas judiciais entre 2017 e 2019 pode ser explicada pela expansão das políticas locais de saúde ou por barreiras na jornada dos pacientes com AOS, como dificuldades de encaminhamento para atendimento especializado e a baixa disponibilidade de recursos diagnósticos.

Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation for central sleep apnoea in adults.

BACKGROUND: Central sleep apnoea (CSA) is characterised by abnormal patterns of ventilation during sleep due to a dysfunctional drive to breathe. Consequently, people with CSA may present poor sleep quality, sleep fragmentation, inattention, fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and reduced quality of life. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness and safety of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPV) for the treatment of adults with CSA. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus on 6 September 2021. We applied no restrictions on language of publication. We also searched clinical trials registries for ongoing and unpublished studies, and scanned the reference lists of included studies to identify additional studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) reported in full text, those published as abstract only, and unpublished data. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently selected studies for inclusion, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias of the included studies using the Cochrane risk of bias tool version 1.0, and the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach. In the case of disagreement, a third review author was consulted. MAIN RESULTS: We included 15 RCTs with a total of 1936 participants, ranging from 10 to 1325 participants. All studies had important methodological limitations. We assessed most studies (11 studies) as at high risk of bias for at least one domain, and all studies as at unclear risk of bias for at least two domains. The trials included participants aged > 18 years old, of which 70% to 100% were men, who were followed from one week to 60 months. The included studies assessed the effects of different modes of NIPV and CSA. Most participants had CSA associated with chronic heart failure. Because CSA encompasses a variety of causes and underlying clinical conditions, data were carefully analysed, and different conditions and populations were not pooled. The findings for the primary outcomes for the seven evaluated comparisons are presented below.  Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) plus best supportive care versus best supportive care in CSA associated with chronic heart failure In the short term, CPAP plus best supportive care may reduce central apnoea hypopnoea index (AHI) (mean difference (MD) -14.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) -20.11 to -9.09; 1 study; 205 participants). However, CPAP plus best supportive care may result in little to no difference in cardiovascular mortality compared to best supportive care alone. The evidence for the effect of CPAP plus best supportive care on all-cause mortality is very uncertain. No adverse effects were observed with CPAP, and the results for adverse events in the best supportive care group were not reported. Adaptive servo ventilation (ASV) versus CPAP in CSA associated with chronic heart failure The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of ASV versus CPAP on quality of life evaluated in both the short and medium term. Data on adverse events were not reported, and it is not clear whether data were sought but not found. ASV versus bilevel ventilation in CSA associated with chronic heart failure In the short term, ASV may result in little to no difference in central AHI. No adverse events were detected with ASV, and the results for adverse events in the bilevel ventilation group were not reported. ASV plus best supportive care versus best supportive care in CSA associated with chronic heart failure In the medium term, ASV plus best supportive care may reduce AHI compared to best supportive care alone (MD -20.30, 95% CI -28.75 to -11.85; 1 study; 30 participants). In the long term, ASV plus best supportive care likely increases cardiovascular mortality compared to best supportive care (risk ratio (RR) 1.25, 95% CI 1.04, 1.49; 1 study; 1325 participants). The evidence suggests that ASV plus best supportive care may result in little to no difference in quality of life in the short, medium, and long term, and in all-cause mortality in the medium and long term. Data on adverse events were evaluated but not reported. ASV plus best supportive care versus best supportive care in CSA with acute heart failure with preserved ejection fraction Only adverse events were reported for this comparison, and no adverse events were recorded in either group. ASV versus CPAP maintenance in CPAP-induced CSA In the short term, ASV may slightly reduce central AHI (MD -4.10, 95% CI -6.67 to -1.53; 1 study; 60 participants), but may result in little to no difference in quality of life. Data on adverse events were not reported, and it is not clear whether data were sought but not found. ASV versus bilevel ventilation in CPAP-induced CSA In the short term, ASV may slightly reduce central AHI (MD -8.70, 95% CI -11.42 to -5.98; 1 study; 30 participants) compared to bilevel ventilation. Data on adverse events were not reported, and it is not clear whether data were sought but not found. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: CPAP plus best supportive care may reduce central AHI in people with CSA associated with chronic heart failure compared to best supportive care alone. Although ASV plus best supportive care may reduce AHI in people with CSA associated with chronic heart failure, it likely increases cardiovascular mortality in these individuals. In people with CPAP-induced CSA, ASV may slightly reduce central AHI compared to bilevel ventilation and to CPAP. In the absence of data showing a favourable impact on meaningful patient-centred outcomes and defining clinically important differences in outcomes in CSA patients, these findings need to be interpreted with caution. Considering the level of certainty of the available evidence and the heterogeneity of participants with CSA, we could draw no definitive conclusions, and further high-quality trials focusing on patient-centred outcomes, such as quality of life, quality of sleep, and longer-term survival, are needed to determine whether one mode of NIPV is better than another or than best supportive care for any particular CSA patient group.

COVID-19 pandemic is associated with increased sleep disturbances and mental health symptoms but not help-seeking: a cross-sectional nation-wide study.

Objective: This study aimed firstly to describe sleep-related and mental health symptoms before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in a national-wide sample and, secondly, to verify attitudes towards help-seeking to treat these symptoms. Material and Methods: Data were collected through an online questionnaire sent through the Brazilian Sleep Association's social media. The questionnaire included sociodemographic and sleep aspects questions currently and before the pandemic period. In addition, the survey addressed current and previous anxiety, depression, and burnout symptoms. The outcome help-seeking was addressed in the questionnaire as well by a single question asked when the participant reported mental or sleep problems. Results: The study covered 6,360 participants, mean age 43.5 years (SD=14.3), 76.7% female and 63.7% with undergraduate or higher degree filled out the survey. Seventy percent of participants reported sleep disturbances and 80% reported symptoms of anxiety during the pandemic. Help-seeking behavior was found only in one third of them. Hours of sleep reduced from 7.12 to 6.2h, which can be related with the increase in 28.2% of dissatisfaction with sleep duration during the pandemic. The highest frequency of complaints related to sleep was difficulty to fall asleep three or more times a week (going from 27.6% before the pandemic to 58.9% during the pandemic; p<0.001). Moreover, it was observed that help-seeking was more prevalent in men than women, and more in younger participants than in older ones. Conclusion: There was an increase of sleep and mental self-reported problems during the pandemic, which was not followed by help-seeking.

Telehealth Strategies to Support Referral Management to Secondary Care in Brazil: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of a remotely operated referral management system (RORMS) compared with a conventional referral management system (CRMS) in Brazil. METHODS: This is a model-based cost-effectiveness analysis under the perspective of the Unified Healthcare System (Sistema Único de Saúde [SUS]) in Brazil. A Markov microsimulation model was developed to compare costs and referral outcomes of the RORMS and the CRMS. Model consisted of 4 states representative of sequential stepwise assessments of referral suitability, 3 states representative of referral outcomes, and 1 exit model state. Target population represented cases being referred from primary healthcare units to specialized care in SUS. Model inputs related to costs and effectiveness in the RORMS arm were obtained from the data set of a RORMS between July and December 2019. Model inputs for the CRMS model arm were obtained from administrative data sets of 2 Brazilian localities for the year 2019. Relative effect size of RORMS in comparison with CRMS in SUS was obtained from published studies. Effectiveness outcome was unnecessary referrals averted. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was calculated for the base case. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis was conducted. RESULTS: In the base-case analyses, RORMS dominated CRMS, with expected cost-savings from $50.42 to $80.62 per unnecessary referral averted. RORMS was the dominant strategy in 83.7% of 100 000 simulations in the probabilistic sensitivity analysis. In 16.2% of simulations, incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was between $0 and $222 per unnecessary referral averted. CONCLUSIONS: Model-based simulations indicate that the RORMS is likely to be cost saving in comparison with the CRMS.

Economic evaluation of CPAP therapy for obstructive sleep apnea: a scoping review and evidence map.

PURPOSE: To synthesize findings of economic evaluations investigating cost-effectiveness of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and of strategies of organization of care related to CPAP therapy. METHODS: Scoping review with searches conducted in MEDLINE, CRD, LILACS, and Embase in August 2020. Eligible studies were economic evaluations comparing CPAP to other alternative or assessing strategies of care for CPAP therapy. Results were presented narratively, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) were presented in evidence maps. RESULTS: Of 34 studies, 3 concluded that CPAP is less costly and more effective when compared to usual care. Most studies indicated that CPAP is associated with better health outcomes, but at higher prices. ICER ranged from USD 316 to 98,793 per quality-adjusted life years (QALY) gained (median 16,499; IQR 8267 to 33,119). One study concluded that CPAP is more costly and less effective, when treatment is applied to all patients, regardless of disease severity. Variability of ICER was mainly due to definition of population and applied time horizons. When CPAP was compared to mandibular advancement device, ICER ranged from USD 21,153 to 361,028 (median 89,671; IQR 26,829 to 295,983), which represents the investment in CPAP therapy required to obtain one extra QALY. Three studies assessed the effects of organizing CPAP therapy in primary care, which was cost-effective or cost-saving. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to usual care, CPAP is cost-effective after the second year of treatment, when indicated for moderate-to-severe OSA. CPAP therapy may be even more cost-effective by using different strategies of organization of care. These findings may inform decision making related to CPAP reimbursement in health systems. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Not applicable.

Insomnia episodes, new-onset pharmacological treatments, and other sleep disturbances during the COVID-19 pandemic: a nationwide cross-sectional study in Brazilian health care professionals.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on insomnia and other sleep disturbances in health care professionals. METHODS: A survey was distributed using social media and organizational emails to Brazilian active health care professionals during the COVID-19 outbreak. We explored potential associated factors including age, sex, occupation, workplace, work hours, income, previous infection with COVID-19, recent/current contact with COVID-19 patients, regional number of incident deaths, anxiety, and burnout. We evaluated new-onset/previous insomnia worsening episodes (primary outcome), new pharmacological treatments, sleep quality, duration, nightmares, and snoring (secondary outcomes). RESULTS: A total of 4,384 health professionals from all regions of the country were included in the analysis (44 ± 12 years, 76% females, 53.8% physicians). Overall, 55.7% were assisting patients with COVID-19, and 9.2% had a previous COVID-19 infection. The primary outcome occurred in 32.9% of respondents in parallel to 13% new pharmacological treatments for insomnia. The sleep quality worsened for 61.4%, while 43.5% and 22.8% reported ≥ 1-hour sleep duration reduction and worsening or new-onset nightmares, respectively. Multivariate analyses showed that age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.008; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.001-1.015), females (OR: 1.590; 95% CI 1.335-1.900), weight change (decrease: OR: 1.772; 95% CI 1.453-2.161; increase: OR: 1.468; 95% CI 1.249-1.728), prevalent anxiety (OR: 3.414; 95% CI 2.954-3.948), new-onset burnout (OR: 1.761; 95% CI 1.489-2.083), family income reduction > 30% (OR: 1.288; 95% CI 1.069-1.553), and assisting patients with COVID-19 (OR: 1.275; 95% CI 1.081-1.506) were independently associated with new-onset or worsening of previous insomnia episodes. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a huge burden of insomnia episodes and other sleep disturbances in health care professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. CITATION: Drager LF, Pachito DV, Moreno CRC, et al. Insomnia episodes, new-onset pharmacological treatments, and other sleep disturbances during the COVID-19 pandemic: a nationwide cross-sectional study in Brazilian health care professionals. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022;18(2):373-382.

Telehealth to support referral management in a universal health system: a before-and-after study.

BACKGROUND: Management of patient flow within a healthcare network, allowing equitable and qualified access to healthcare, is a major challenge for universal health systems. Implementation of telehealth strategies to support referral management has been shown to increase primary care resolution and to promote coordination of care. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of telehealth strategies on waiting lists and waiting times for specialized care in Brazil. METHODS: Before-and-after study with measures obtained between January 2019 and February 2020. Baseline measurements of waiting lists were obtained immediately before the implementation of a remotely operated referral management system. Post-interventional measurements were obtained monthly, up to six months after the beginning of operation. Data was extracted from the database of the project. General linear models were applied to assess interaction of locality and time over number of cases on waiting lists and waiting times. RESULTS: At baseline, the median number of cases on waiting lists ranged from 2961 to 12,305 cases. Reductions of the number of cases on waiting lists after six months of operation were observed in all localities. The magnitude of the reduction ranged from 54.67 to 88.97 %. Interaction of time measurements was statistically significant from the second month onward. Median waiting times ranged from 159 to 241 days at baseline. After six months, there was a decrease of 100 and 114 waiting days in two localities, respectively, with reduction of waiting times only for high-risk cases in the third locality. CONCLUSIONS: Adoption of telehealth strategies resulted in the reduction of number of cases on waiting lists. Results were consistent across localities, suggesting that telehealth interventions are viable in diverse settings.

Non-invasive positive airway pressure therapy for improving erectile dysfunction in men with obstructive sleep apnoea.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is associated with several chronic diseases, including erectile dysfunction (ED). The association of OSAS and ED is far more common than might be found by chance; the treatment of OSAS with non-invasive positive airway pressure therapy is associated with improvement of respiratory symptoms, and may contribute to the improvement of associated conditions, such as ED. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness and acceptability of non-invasive positive airway pressure therapy for improving erectile dysfunction in OSAS. SEARCH METHODS: We identified studies from the Cochrane Airways Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, AMED EBSCO, and LILACS, the US National Institutes of Health ongoing trials register ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organisation international clinical trials registry platform to 14 June 2021, with no restriction on date, language, or status of publication. We checked the reference lists of all primary studies, and review articles for additional references, and relevant manufacturers' websites for study information. We also searched specific conference proceedings for the British Association of Urological Surgeons; the European Association of Urology; and the American Urological Association to 14 June 2021. SELECTION CRITERIA: We considered randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with a parallel or cross-over design, or cluster-RCTs, which included men aged 18 years or older, with OSAS and ED. We considered RCTs comparing any non-invasive positive airway pressure therapy (such as continuous positive airways pressure (CPAP), bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP), variable positive airway pressure (VPAP), or similar devices) versus sham, no treatment, waiting list, or pharmacological treatment for ED. The primary outcomes were remission of ED and serious adverse events; secondary outcome were sex-related quality of life, health-related quality of life, and minor adverse events. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently conducted study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. A third review author solved any disagreement. We used the Cochrane RoB 1 tool to assess the risk of bias of the included RCTs. We used the GRADE approach to assess the certainty of the body of evidence. To measure the treatment effect on dichotomous outcomes, we used the risk ratio (RR); for continuous outcomes, we used the mean difference (MD). We calculated 95% confidence intervals (CI) for these measures. When possible (data availability and homogeneous studies), we used a random-effect model to pool data with a meta-analysis. MAIN RESULTS: We included six RCTs (all assessing CPAP as the non-invasive positive airway pressure therapy device), with a total of 315 men with OSAS and ED. All RCTs presented some important risk of bias related to selection, performance, assessment, or reporting bias. None of included RCTs assessed the ED remission rate, and we used the provided ED mean scores as a proxy. CPAP versus no CPAP There is uncertainty about the effect of CPAP on mean ED scores after 4 weeks, using the International index of erectile function (IIEF-5, higher = better; MD 7.50, 95% CI 4.05 to 10.95; 1 RCT; 27 participants; very low-certainty evidence), and after 12 weeks (IIEF-ED, ED domain; MD 2.50, 95% CI -1.10 to 6.10; 1 RCT; 57 participants; very low-certainty evidence, downgraded due to methodological limitations and imprecision). There is uncertainty about the effect of CPAP on sex-related quality of life after 12 weeks, using the Self-esteem and relationship test (SEAR, higher = better; MD 1.00, 95% CI -8.09 to 10.09; 1 RCT; 57 participants; very low-certainty evidence, downgraded due to methodological limitations and imprecision); no serious adverse events were reported after 4 weeks (1 RCT; 27 participants; very low-certainty evidence, downgraded due to methodological limitations and imprecision). CPAP versus sham CPAP One RCT assessed this comparison (61 participants), but we were unable to extract outcomes for this comparison due to the factorial design and reporting of this trial. CPAP versus sildenafil (phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors) Sildenafil may slightly improve erectile function at 12 weeks when compared to CPAP, measured with the IIEF-ED (MD -4.78, 95% CI -6.98 to -2.58; 3 RCTs; 152 participants; I² = 59%; low-certainty evidence, downgraded due to methodological limitations). There is uncertainty about the effect of CPAP on sex-related quality of life after 12 weeks, measured with the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction questionnaire (EDITS, higher = better; MD -1.24, 95% CI -1.80 to -0.67; 2 RCTs; 122 participants; I² = 0%; very low-certainty evidence, downgraded due to methodological limitations). No serious adverse events were reported for either group (2 RCTs; 70 participants; very low-certainty evidence, downgraded due to methodological limitations and imprecision). There is uncertainty about the effects of CPAP when compared to sildenafil for the incidence of minor adverse events (RR 1.33, 95% CI 0.34 to 5.21; 1 RCT; 40 participants; very low-certainty evidence, downgraded due to methodological limitations and imprecision). The confidence interval was wide and neither a significant increase nor reduction in the risk of minor adverse events can be ruled out with the use of CPAP (4/20 men complained of nasal dryness in the CPAP group, and 3/20 men complained of transient flushing and mild headache in the sildenafil group). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: When compared with no CPAP, we are uncertain about the effectiveness and acceptability of CPAP for improving erectile dysfunction in men with obstructive sleep apnoea. When compared with sildenafil, there is some evidence that sildenafil may slightly improve erectile function at 12 weeks.

The effect of exposure to long working hours on alcohol consumption, risky drinking and alcohol use disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis from the WHO/ILO Joint Estimates of the Work-related Burden of Disease and Injury.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) are developing Joint Estimates of the work-related burden of disease and injury (WHO/ILO Joint Estimates), with contributions from a large network of experts. Evidence from mechanistic data suggests that exposure to long working hours may increase alcohol consumption and cause alcohol use disorder. In this paper, we present a systematic review and meta-analysis of parameters for estimating the number of deaths and disability-adjusted life years from alcohol consumption and alcohol use disorder that are attributable to exposure to long working hours, for the development of the WHO/ILO Joint Estimates. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to systematically review and meta-analyse estimates of the effect of exposure to long working hours (three categories: 41-48, 49-54 and ≥55 h/week), compared with exposure to standard working hours (35-40 h/week), on alcohol consumption, risky drinking (three outcomes: prevalence, incidence and mortality) and alcohol use disorder (three outcomes: prevalence, incidence and mortality). DATA SOURCES: We developed and published a protocol, applying the Navigation Guide as an organizing systematic review framework where feasible. We searched electronic bibliographic databases for potentially relevant records from published and unpublished studies, including the WHO International Clinical Trials Register, Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, and CISDOC on 30 June 2018. Searches on PubMed were updated on 18 April 2020. We also searched electronic grey literature databases, Internet search engines and organizational websites; hand-searched reference list of previous systematic reviews and included study records; and consulted additional experts. STUDY ELIGIBILITY AND CRITERIA: We included working-age (≥15 years) workers in the formal and informal economy in any WHO and/or ILO Member State but excluded children (<15 years) and unpaid domestic workers. We considered for inclusion randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case-control studies and other non-randomized intervention studies with an estimate of the effect of exposure to long working hours (41-48, 49-54 and ≥55 h/week), compared with exposure to standard working hours (35-40 h/week), on alcohol consumption (in g/week), risky drinking, and alcohol use disorder (prevalence, incidence or mortality). STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS: At least two review authors independently screened titles and abstracts against the eligibility criteria at a first stage and full texts of potentially eligible records at a second stage, followed by extraction of data from publications related to qualifying studies. Two or more review authors assessed the risk of bias, quality of evidence and strength of evidence, using Navigation Guide and GRADE tools and approaches adapted to this project. RESULTS: Fourteen cohort studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising a total of 104,599 participants (52,107 females) in six countries of three WHO regions (Americas, South-East Asia, and Europe). The exposure and outcome were assessed with self-reported measures in most studies. Across included studies, risk of bias was generally probably high, with risk judged high or probably high for detection bias and missing data for alcohol consumption and risky drinking. Compared to working 35-40 h/week, exposure to working 41-48 h/week increased alcohol consumption by 10.4 g/week (95% confidence interval (CI) 5.59-15.20; seven studies; 25,904 participants, I2 71%, low quality evidence). Exposure to working 49-54 h/week increased alcohol consumption by 17.69 g/week (95% confidence interval (CI) 9.16-26.22; seven studies, 19,158 participants, I2 82%, low quality evidence). Exposure to working ≥55 h/week increased alcohol consumption by 16.29 g/week (95% confidence interval (CI) 7.93-24.65; seven studies; 19,692 participants; I2 82%, low quality evidence). We are uncertain about the effect of exposure to working 41-48 h/week, compared with working 35-40 h/week on developing risky drinking (relative risk 1.08; 95% CI 0.86-1.36; 12 studies; I2 52%, low certainty evidence). Working 49-54 h/week did not increase the risk of developing risky drinking (relative risk 1.12; 95% CI 0.90-1.39; 12 studies; 3832 participants; I2 24%, moderate certainty evidence), nor working ≥55 h/week (relative risk 1.11; 95% CI 0.95-1.30; 12 studies; 4525 participants; I2 0%, moderate certainty evidence). Subgroup analyses indicated that age may influence the association between long working hours and both alcohol consumption and risky drinking. We did not identify studies for which we had access to results on alcohol use disorder. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, for alcohol consumption in g/week and for risky drinking, we judged this body of evidence to be of low certainty. Exposure to long working hours may have increased alcohol consumption, but we are uncertain about the effect on risky drinking. We found no eligible studies on the effect on alcohol use disorder. Producing estimates for the burden of alcohol use disorder attributable to exposure to long working hours appears to not be evidence-based at this time. PROTOCOL IDENTIFIER: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2018.07.025. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42018084077.

Clinical interventions for Takayasu arteritis: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a rare systemic vasculitis that affects large vessels often resistant to treatment and associated with high morbidity and mortality. Treatment is defied by the relapsing nature of the disease and frequent adverse effects of corticosteroids and immunosuppressors, rendering failure of treatment in a significant portion of patients. Considering the low quantity and quality of published studies focusing on treatment of TA, synthesis and critical assessment of the available evidence is fundamental to establish recommendations for clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of clinical interventions for TA. METHODS: Systematic review conducted in accordance to recommendations stated in the Cochrane Handbook, with inclusion of all comparative studies focusing on any type of clinical intervention for TA. RESULTS: Five comparative studies were included (one randomised clinical trial, two non-randomised clinical trials, and two historical cohorts) totalling 342 patients, aiming at the assessment of effectiveness of corticosteroids, immunosuppressors, biologics and other types of pharmacological treatment for distinct clinical presentations of TA. The quality of studies, assessed by the use of instruments developed specifically for each study design, was considered low. Data scarcity and clinical heterogeneity prevented quantitative synthesis (meta-analysis). CONCLUSION: Despite an extensive literature search, few comparative studies with small sample sizes were retrieved. The quality of these studies was considered low, preventing recommendations on effectiveness and safety of the studied interventions for clinical practice. Until new comparative studies with more robust sample sizes are conducted, treatment of TA should be guided individually taking into account the severity of disease and the availability of treatment options.

Outros distúrbios do sono na síndrome da apnéia do sono / Sleep disorders associated with sleep apnea syndrome

RESUMO: Vários distúrbios do sono podem acompanhar a Síndrome da Apnéia do Sono pela concomitância das síndromes ou pela existência de mecanismos fisiopatológicos comuns. Destacamos a insônia, o bruxismo do sono e o sonambulismo. A insônia pode ser uma das queixas dos pacientes portadores de distúrbios respiratórios do sono, pela fragmentação do sono decorrente. Além disso, ambos podem trazer sérias repercussões na saúde como o aumento da morbidade cardiovascular e maior risco de acidentes automobilísticose laborativos, como tem sido demonstrado nas duas ultimas décadas. O correto diagnóstico de insônia em pacientes com apnéia do sono, bem como de apnéia em pacientes com insônia define a metodologia propedêutica empregada e também o tratamento, como por exemplo, a abordagem farmacológica quando necessária e o tratamento do distúrbio respiratório concomitantemente. O bruxismo do sono pode estar presente em 3,5-14 dos pacientes com apnéia do sono. Na sua investigação clínica devemos sempre avaliar a possível presença da apnéia do sono já que para o seu tratamento muitas vezes é necessária a sua abordagem em primeiro lugar para então utilizarmos tratamentos farmacológicos e dispositivos que diminuam os danos às estruturas orofaciais. Dentre as parassonias que frequentemente acompanham a apnéia do sono temos o sonambulismo. Ele representa a presença de atividade motora típica da vigília durante estado do sono. Esse fenômeno torna-se mais freqüente quando ocorre fragmentação do sono, provocando dissociação das variáveis fisiológicas, como ocorre em indivíduos com distúrbios respiratórios do sono. Concluindo, é de suma importância o conhecimento e a identificação de outros distúrbios do sono...

Abordagem terapêutica dos distúrbios respiratórios do sono tratamento com ventilação não-invasiva (CPAP, BiPAP e AUTO-CPAP / Therapeutic approach of respiratory sleep disorders treatment with non-invasive ventilation (CPAP, BiPAP and AUTO-CPAP)

RESUMO: A abordagem dos distúrbios respiratórios do sono com uso de pressão positiva contínua nas vias aéreas é considerada a forma mais eficiente de tratamento. É feita por meio de aparelho apropriado, chamado CPAP que se adapta a um tubo flexível através do qual o ar liberado pelo aparelho é conduzido até uma máscara firmemente adaptada ao nariz do paciente. Os portadores de distúrbios graves bem como os moderados sintomáticos, aderem facilmente a essa forma de tratamento. A adesão ao tratamento pode ser melhorada com medidas simples em alguns casos. As complicações são previsíveis e raras. Outras modalidades de dispositivos de pressão positiva ocasionalmente são mais bem toleradas e mais eficazes para o tratamento de hipoventilação alveolar e apnéias centrais.