The protective effect of breastfeeding on febrile seizures: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

Several potential risk factors have been identified in the etiopathogenesis of febrile seizures (FS), including the type and extent of breastfeeding (BF). Given the lack of conclusive data, this study aims to systematically evaluate the evidence on the association between BF and FS. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis according to PRISMA guidelines. The search was conducted using descriptors for FS, BF, and formula feeding in MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science databases. We included observational studies that compared the incidence of FS between those who had ever breastfed and those who were formula fed. The study protocol was registered on the PROSPERO platform under the number CRD42023474906. A total of 1,893,079 participants from 8 datasets were included. Our main analysis showed no significant association of any type of BF on the incidence of FS compared with formula-fed children (OR: 0.84; CI: 0.67-1.04; I2 = 78%; Cochran's Q = 0.0001), although meta-regression showed that BF was associated with a lower incidence of FS in preterm infants. Our secondary outcome showed a significantly reduced incidence of FS in children who received BF exclusively (OR: 0.80; CI: 0.65-0.99; I2 = 70%; Cochran's Q = 0.02).    Conclusion: There was no significant reduction in the incidence of FS in those who were breastfed compared to formula feeding. However, our meta-regression analysis indicated an association between BF and a lower incidence of FS in preterm infants. Additionally, children who exclusively received BF had a significantly reduced incidence of FS. These findings should be further investigated in prospective cohorts. What is Known: • Breastfeeding can modify risk factors for febrile seizures, such as susceptibility to viral and bacterial infections, micronutrient deficiencies, and low birth weight. • However, studies have shown conflicting results regarding the impact of breastfeeding on febrile seizures. What is New: • When comparing any breastfeeding pattern with no breastfeeding, there is no significant difference in the incidence of febrile seizures. • When comparing exclusive breastfeeding with no breastfeeding, there may be a decrease in the occurrence of febrile seizures.

Screening for coronavirus disease 2019 in pregnant women admitted for delivery: an observational study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the impact of symptom-based screening on the prevalence and outcomes of neonatal coronavirus disease 2019 in pregnant women admitted for delivery. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted from June to August 2020 at Gonzaga Mota of Messejana Hospital, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil. All pregnant women were screened for coronavirus disease 2019 based on symptoms. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction or immunology assays for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 were performed when a patient reported a symptom. All newborns of symptomatic patients were submitted for Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Newborns were divided into groups according to the Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction results to identify the relationship between maternal symptoms and neonatal coronavirus disease 2019. RESULTS: A total of 55 (55/1,026, 5.4%) and 50 (50/1,026, 4.8%) pregnant women reported symptoms and had a positive confirmatory test, respectively. The most common symptom of coronavirus disease 2019 among the pregnant women with positive confirmatory test was cough (n=23, 46%). Seven newborns (7/50, 14%) of symptomatic mothers had positive Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Upon birth, no newborn had serious complications. CONCLUSION: Universal screening of pregnant women admitted for delivery can reduce the perinatal transmission of coronavirus disease 2019. Symptom-based screening can be an alternative for regions with a low prevalence of the disease where a better allocation of financial resources is necessary.

Screening for coronavirus disease 2019 in pregnant women admitted for delivery: an observational study

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the impact of symptom-based screening on the prevalence and outcomes of neonatal coronavirus disease 2019 in pregnant women admitted for delivery. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted from June to August 2020 at Gonzaga Mota of Messejana Hospital, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil. All pregnant women were screened for coronavirus disease 2019 based on symptoms. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction or immunology assays for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 were performed when a patient reported a symptom. All newborns of symptomatic patients were submitted for Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Newborns were divided into groups according to the Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction results to identify the relationship between maternal symptoms and neonatal coronavirus disease 2019. RESULTS: A total of 55 (55/1,026, 5.4%) and 50 (50/1,026, 4.8%) pregnant women reported symptoms and had a positive confirmatory test, respectively. The most common symptom of coronavirus disease 2019 among the pregnant women with positive confirmatory test was cough (n=23, 46%). Seven newborns (7/50, 14%) of symptomatic mothers had positive Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Upon birth, no newborn had serious complications. CONCLUSION: Universal screening of pregnant women admitted for delivery can reduce the perinatal transmission of coronavirus disease 2019. Symptom-based screening can be an alternative for regions with a low prevalence of the disease where a better allocation of financial resources is necessary.

COVID-19 and miscarriage: From immunopathological mechanisms to actual clinical evidence.

The association between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in the first half of pregnancy and pregnancy loss is still unknown. Infections by other coronaviruses, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), appear to increase the risk of miscarriage. The purpose of this study is to assess whether SARS-CoV-2 infection increases the risk of miscarriage. Firstly, a narrative review of the literature on animal and human studies was performed to analyze the immunopathological mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection during preconception and early pregnancy, by which it may increase the risk of miscarriage. Secondly, a systematic review/meta-analysis of studies was conducted to assess the prevalence of miscarriage in COVID-19 patients diagnosed during pregnancy. Meta-analysis of proportions was used to combine data, and pooled proportions were reported. Seventeen case series and observational studies and 10 prevalence meta-analyses were selected for the review. The estimate of the overall miscarriage rate in pregnant women with COVID-19 was 15.3 % (95 % CI 10.94-20.59) and 23.1 (95 % CI 13.17-34.95) using fixed and random effect models, respectively. Based on the data in the current literature, the miscarriage rate (<22 weeks gestation) in women with SARS-CoV-2 infection is in the range of normal population. Well-designed studies are urgently needed to determine whether SARS-CoV-2 infection increases the risk of miscarriage during periconception and early pregnancy.

Clinical-epidemiological profile of children and adolescents with COVID-19 in Ceará / Perfil clínico-epidemiológico de crianças e adolescentes com COVID -19 no Ceará

Abstract Objectives: to describe the clinical-epidemiological profile of children and adolescents notified by COVID-19 in Ceará. Methods: descriptive epidemiological study from open data repositories of the State Government of Ceará, about cases of OVID-19 in children and adolescents, from 03/15/2020 to 07/31/2020. For data analysis the tests χ2 Pearson, Fisher's exact and Poisson's regression with robust variance were used. Results: 48,002 cases of children and adolescents suspected of COVID-19 were reported, of which 18,180 (8.9%) were confirmed. The median of confirmed cases was 12 years old, 10.5% were newborns/lactants, 10.7% were pre-school children, 21.2% were school children and 57.7% were adolescents. They evolved to death 0.3% of the cases, of which 15% had comorbidities. They needed hospitalization 1.8% of the cases. The highest probability of hospitalization was found in newborns/lactants, male and with comorbidities. Conclusions: most of the confirmed cases occurred in adolescents, however, the evolution of the disease was more severe and with greater need for hospitalization in the age group of newborns/lactants, being the male gender and the presence of comorbidities additional factors for the need for hospitalization.

Resumo Objetivos: descrever o perfil clínico-epidemiológico de crianças e adolescentes notificadas por COVID-19 no Ceará. Métodos: estudo epidemiológico descritivo a partir de repositórios de dados abertos do Governo do Estado do Ceará, sobre casos de COVID-19 em crianças e adolescentes, no período de 15/03/2020 a 31/07/2020. Para análise dos dados foram utilizados os testes χ2 Pearson, exato de Fisher e a regressão de Poisson com variância robusta. Resultados: foram notificados 48.002 casos de crianças e adolescentes suspeitos de COVID-19, dos quais 18.180 (8,9%) foram confirmados. A mediana dos casos confirmados foi de 12 anos, sendo que 10,5% eram recém-nascidos/lactentes, 10,7% eram crianças em idade pré-escolar, 21,2% escolares e 57,7% adolescentes. Evoluíram para óbito 0,3% dos casos, dos quais 15% apresentavam comorbidades. Necessitaram de internação 1,8% dos casos. A maior probabilidade de internação foi encontrada em recém-nascidos/lactentes, sexo masculino e com comorbidades. Conclusões: a maioria dos casos confirmados ocorreu em adolescentes, no entanto, a evolução da doença foi mais grave e com maior necessidade de internação no grupo etário de recém-nascidos/lactentes, sendo o sexo masculino e a presença de comorbidades fatores adicionais para a necessidade de internamento.

Procrastination in the early detection of breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the meaning of postponement of breast cancer detection based on interviews with 26 women who were submited to mastectomy. METHOD: qualitative study based on Symbolic Interactionism with Content Analysis in thematic modality, carried out in a public service outpatient clinic, in a capital city of Northeastern Brazil. RESULTS: faced with the participants' reports, the theme 'meanings attributed to procrastination of breast health care' emerged. The meaning given by women to the reasons for postponing breast care permeate the interfaces between personal reasons and difficulties found in the healthcare network. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: early detection is considered to be delayed for fear of diagnosis, personal, cultural barriers, and difficulties in health services.

Factors associated with inadequate follow-up of children with congenital syphilis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze factors associated with outpatient follow-up of children with congenital syphilis. METHODS: A non-concurrent cohort study performed in primary care units and three reference maternity hospitals in Fortaleza (Ceará State). Data were collected from September 2013 to September 2016 in the notification forms and in the medical records of hospitalization and outpatient follow-up, and they were presented considering an adequate and inadequate follow-up. Children who attended the primary care unit or referral outpatient clinic during the period recommended by the Ministry of Health were considered adequately followed up and performed the recommended examinations. Pearson's chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used in the comparative analysis. The estimated risk of adequate non-follow-up was verified by simple and multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: The total of 460 children with congenital syphilis were notified, of which 332 (72.2%) returned for at least one appointment and were part of the study. Exactly 287 (86.4%) children attended the primary health unit; however, there was no reference to congenital syphilis in 236 (71.1%) medical records and no information on the venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) test was found in 264 (79.5%) children. There was nonadherence to subsequent appointments by 272 (81.9%) individuals. The following variables had a statistically significant association with the non-adequate follow-up of the children: marital status of the mothers, number of prenatal appointments, number of pregnancies, blood count, and radiography of long bones. CONCLUSIONS: Most children with congenital syphilis attended primary care for follow-up, but the services do not meet the recommendations of the Brazilian Ministry of Health for adequate follow-up.

Factors associated with inadequate follow-up of children with congenital syphilis / Fatores associados ao seguimento não adequado de crianças com sífilis congênita

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze factors associated with outpatient follow-up of children with congenital syphilis. METHODS A non-concurrent cohort study performed in primary care units and three reference maternity hospitals in Fortaleza (Ceará State). Data were collected from September 2013 to September 2016 in the notification forms and in the medical records of hospitalization and outpatient follow-up, and they were presented considering an adequate and inadequate follow-up. Children who attended the primary care unit or referral outpatient clinic during the period recommended by the Ministry of Health were considered adequately followed up and performed the recommended examinations. Pearson's chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used in the comparative analysis. The estimated risk of adequate non-follow-up was verified by simple and multiple logistic regression. RESULTS The total of 460 children with congenital syphilis were notified, of which 332 (72.2%) returned for at least one appointment and were part of the study. Exactly 287 (86.4%) children attended the primary health unit; however, there was no reference to congenital syphilis in 236 (71.1%) medical records and no information on the venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) test was found in 264 (79.5%) children. There was nonadherence to subsequent appointments by 272 (81.9%) individuals. The following variables had a statistically significant association with the non-adequate follow-up of the children: marital status of the mothers, number of prenatal appointments, number of pregnancies, blood count, and radiography of long bones. CONCLUSIONS Most children with congenital syphilis attended primary care for follow-up, but the services do not meet the recommendations of the Brazilian Ministry of Health for adequate follow-up.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar fatores associados ao seguimento ambulatorial não adequado de crianças notificadas com sífilis congênita. MÉTODOS Estudo de coorte não concorrente, realizado em unidades de atenção primária e três maternidades de referência de Fortaleza (Ceará). Os dados foram coletados de setembro de 2013 a setembro de 2016 nas fichas de notificação e nos prontuários médicos de internamento e de seguimento ambulatorial, e apresentados considerando o seguimento adequado e não adequado. Foram consideradas adequadamente seguidas as crianças que compareceram à unidade de atenção primária ou ao ambulatório de referência no período recomendado pelo Ministério da Saúde e realizaram os exames preconizados. Utilizou-se os testes qui-quadrado de Pearson e exato de Fisher na análise comparativa. O risco estimado de não seguimento adequado foi verificado por regressão logística simples e múltipla. RESULTADOS Foram notificadas 460 crianças com sífilis congênita, das quais 332 (72,2%) retornaram para pelo menos uma consulta e fizeram parte do estudo. Compareceram à unidade primária de saúde 287 (86,4%) crianças; entretanto, não havia referência à sífilis congênita em 236 (71,1%) prontuários e não foram encontradas informações acerca da solicitação do exame venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) em 264 (79,5%). Houve não adesão às consultas subsequentes por parte de 272 (81,9%) indivíduos. As seguintes variáveis apresentaram associação estatisticamente significativa com o seguimento não adequado das crianças: estado civil das genitoras, número de consultas no pré-natal, número de gestações, hemograma e radiografia de ossos longos. CONCLUSÕES A maioria das crianças notificadas com sífilis congênita comparecem à atenção primária para seguimento, porém os serviços não atendem às recomendações do Ministério da Saúde para o seguimento adequado.

Procrastination in the early detection of breast cancer / Procrastinación en la detección precoce del cáncer de mama / Procrastinação na detecção precoce do câncer de mama

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the meaning of postponement of breast cancer detection based on interviews with 26 women who were submited to mastectomy. Method: qualitative study based on Symbolic Interactionism with Content Analysis in thematic modality, carried out in a public service outpatient clinic, in a capital city of Northeastern Brazil. Results: faced with the participants' reports, the theme 'meanings attributed to procrastination of breast health care' emerged. The meaning given by women to the reasons for postponing breast care permeate the interfaces between personal reasons and difficulties found in the healthcare network. Final considerations: early detection is considered to be delayed for fear of diagnosis, personal, cultural barriers, and difficulties in health services.

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar el sentido del aplazamiento de la detección del cáncer de mama a partir de entrevistas con 26 mujeres que fueron sometidas a la mastectomía. Método: estudio cualitativo fundamentado en el Interaccionismo Simbólico, con Análisis de Contenido en la modalidad temática, realizado en ambulatorio de servicio público, en una capital del nordeste brasileño. Resultados: Ante los relatos de las participantes, emergió la temática 'sentidos atribuidos a la procrastinación del cuidado de la salud mamaria'. El significado dado por las mujeres a los motivos del aplazamiento del cuidado con la mama atraviesan las interfaces entre razones personales y dificultades encontradas en la red de salud. Consideraciones finales: la detección precoz es retardada por miedo al diagnóstico, barreras personales, culturales y dificultades en los servicios de atención a la salud.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar o sentido do adiamento da detecção do câncer de mama, a partir de entrevistas com 26 mulheres que foram submetidas à mastectomia. Método: estudo qualitativo e fundamentado no interacionismo simbólico, com Análise de Conteúdo na modalidade temática, realizado em ambulatório de serviço público, numa capital do Nordeste brasileiro. Resultados: ante os relatos das participantes, emergiu a temática 'sentidos atribuídos à procrastinação do cuidado da saúde mamária'. O significado dado pelas mulheres, aos motivos do adiamento do cuidado com a mama, perpassa pelas interfaces entre razões pessoais e dificuldades encontradas na Rede de Atenção à Saúde. Considerações finais: considera-se que a detecção precoce é retardada por medo do diagnóstico, barreiras pessoais, culturais e dificuldades nos serviços de saúde.

Epidemiologia da mortalidade neonatal no Ceará no período de 2005-2015 / Epidemiology of neonatal mortality in Ceará in the period from 2005-2015 / Epidemiología de la mortalidad neonatal en Ceará en el período 2005-2015

OBJETIVO: Analisar os diferenciais da mortalidade infantil, sua distribuição espacial no estado do Ceará e traçar o perfil epidemiológico dos óbitos neonatais. MÉTODOS: Estudo ecológico, tendo os municípios como unidade de análise, que utilizou técnicas de análise espacial e regressão linear para identificar aglomerados espaciais e tendências da mortalidade na série de 2005 a 2015. Os dados foram coletados no DATASUS, no Sistema de Informação de Mortalidade e no Sistema de Nascidos Vivos, utilizando-se a base cartográfica do estado do Ceará, por município, do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE). RESULTADOS: A taxa de mortalidade infantil no período analisado foi de 14,7 por mil nascidos vivos, com redução significativa da linha de tendência com ajuste linear de 63% (R2 =88; p<0,001), predomínio do componente neonatal precoce (53,7%) e distribuição heterogênea da mortalidade infantil entre os municípios. A maioria das crianças era do sexo masculino (56,3%), prematuras (60,7%), apresentaram baixo peso ao nascer (64,1%), nasceram de parto vaginal (57,6%), tiveram óbito após o parto (84,3%) e como causa do óbito, afecções originadas no período neonatal e malformações congênitas (96,2%). Segundo as genitoras, destacou-se a faixa etária de 20 a 34 anos (51,6%), com escolaridade inferior a 12 anos de estudo (62,8%). CONCLUSÃO: Aglomerados de autocorrelação espacial foram identificados para a mortalidade geral e a neonatal precoce. Apesar da redução significativa da mortalidade no período, alguns municípios apresentaram taxas acima da média do estado.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the differences in infant mortality and its spatial distribution in the state of Ceará and to identify the epidemiological profile of neonatal deaths. METHODS: An ecological study was carried out in the municipalities using spatial analysis and linear regression techniques to identify spatial clusters and mortality trends in the period from 2005 to 2015. Data were collected from DATASUS, the Mortality Information System, and the Live Births System using a cartographic base of the state of Ceará by municipality developed by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística ­ IBGE). RESULTS: The infant mortality rate in the period analyzed was 14.7 per thousand live births and there was a significant reduction in the trend line with linear adjustment of 63% (R2=88; p<0.001), predominance of the early neonatal component (53.7%) and heterogeneous distribution of infant mortality among municipalities. Most of the children were male (56.3%), premature (60.7%), had low birth weight (64.1%), were born vaginally (57.6%), died after delivery (84.3%) and the main causes of death were conditions originating in the neonatal period and congenital malformations (96.2%). As for the mothers, the majority were 20 to 34 years old (51.6%) and had less than 12 years of study (62.8%). CONCLUSION: Clusters of spatial autocorrelation were identified for general and early neonatal mortality. Despite the significant reduction in mortality in the period, some municipalities presented rates above the state's average.

OBJETIVO: Analizar los diferenciales de la mortalidad infantil, su distribución espacial en el estado de Ceará y trazar el perfil epidemiológico de los óbitos neonatales. MÉTODOS: Estudio ecológico con unidad de análisis en los municipios utilizando técnicas de análisis espacial y regresión linear para la identificación de aglomerados espaciales y tendencias de mortalidad entre 2005 y 2015. Se recogieron los datos en el DATASUS, en el Sistema de Información de Mortalidad y en el Sistema de Nacidos Vivos utilizándose la base cartográfica del estado de Ceará, por municipio, del Instituto Brasileño de Geografía y Estadística (IBGE). RESULTADOS: La tasa de mortalidad infantil en el período analizado fue de 14,7 para cada mil nacidos vivos con reducción significativa de línea de tendencia con ajuste linear del 63% (R2 =88; p<0,001), predominio del componente neonatal precoz (53,7%) y distribución heterogénea de la mortalidad infantil entre los municipios. La mayoría de los niños era del sexo masculino (56,3%), prematuros (60,7%), con bajo peso al nacer (64,1%), de parto vaginal (57,6%), con óbito después del parto (84,3%) y las afecciones originadas del periodo neonatal y las malformaciones congénitas como causa de óbito (96,2%). Se destacó la franja de edad entre 20 y 34 años (51,6%) entre las genitoras con escolaridad inferior a 12 años de estudio (62,8%). CONCLUSIÓN: Se han identificado aglomerados de auto correlación espacial para la mortalidad general y la neonatal precoz. Pese una reducción significativa de la mortalidad en el período, algunos municipios presentaron tasas por encima de la media del estado.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura associated with dengue and chikungunya virus coinfection: case report during an epidemic period.

The present report shows the occurrence of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) associated with acute dengue and chikungunya virus coinfection, manifesting as a severe disease with high mortality potential. The patient was a 28 year-old man with clinical and epidemiological diagnosis of arboviruses infections who developed thrombocytopenia and anemia, after which oral corticosteroid therapy was started. On the third day of hospitalization, he showed neurological alterations that simulated a cerebral vascular accident, but the imaging examination did not identify ischemic or hemorrhagic alterations. At that moment, the TTP hypothesis was raised so that plasmapheresis and corticosteroid pulse therapy were started, have been essential for the favorable evolution of the case.