Acceptability and consumers' willingness to pay for comprehensive medication management services in Brazil.

Aim: Comprehensive medication management (CMM) is a clinical service that aims to optimize the therapeutic results of patients at the individual level. Studies carried out in Brazil and in several parts of the world have found a positive impact of the service, mainly in the resolution of drug therapy problems and in improving clinical outcomes and patients' quality of life. This service is not widespread and its acceptability and willingness to pay were not defined by the population yet. Objective: This work aims to conduct a study with users of private health services to determine the acceptability and willingness to pay for CMM services. Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey conducted through face-to-face interviews, among residents over 18 years of age of the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte, capital of Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Results: For this study, 563 individuals were interviewed. Most respondents were female (55.1%), had completed high school (46.8%) and were employed (62.5%). The acceptability for the service was 93,25%, and among all respondents, 37 would not accept the service even if it was free. The amount of consumers' willingness to pay for the CMM service was estimated at $17.75 (40.00 BRL). Conclusion: The research results show that most people are willing to pay for the CMM service. This study can contribute to the decision-making regarding the implementation and pricing of the service in Brazil.

Extensão universitária na promoção de ações educativas para o trânsito: Relato de Experiências de um projeto desenvolvido em Marabá (PA)

Este é um estudo descritivo que tem como objetivo relatar a experiência vivenciada no projeto de extensão denominado "Educa Mais Trânsito", desenvolvido por discentes e docentes da Faculdade de Saúde Coletiva, da Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará (Unifesspa), idealizado para realizar ações educativas em saúde, no município de Marabá (PA), frente aos muitos acidentes de trânsito na região. No Brasil, o Estado do Pará caracteriza-se como o de maior ocorrência, sendo 6.398 internações e 1.159 óbitos apenas em 2018. Em Marabá, no sudeste do estado, registrou-se 296 acidentes e 76 óbitos no mesmo período. Primeiramente, foram realizadas rodas de conversas envolvendo acadêmicos do curso de Bacharelado em Saúde Coletiva com profissionais que atuam em órgãos ligados a segurança e assistência no trânsito da região. Posteriormente, houve a realização de palestras educativas, peças teatrais (público infantil e jovens), jogos educativos em quatro escolas do município, bem como a realização do I Simpósio de Educação no Trânsito de Marabá. Durante as atividades, observou-se a importância das práticas educativas com foco na promoção da conscientização, sensibilização e mobilização não só de estudantes da região mas, também, do envolvimento deste público com órgãos governamentais no que tange a regulamentação dos eventos do trânsito do município. Neste contexto, reforça-se a importância da parceria universidade e comunidade na formação de cidadãos/ãs conhecedores dos problemas de sua localidade com a sensibilização sobre os sérios problemas de saúde pública como os acidentes de trânsito através de projetos extensionistas.

Animal venoms as a source of antiviral peptides active against arboviruses: a systematic review.

Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses), such as Zika virus (ZIKV), chikungunya virus (CHIKV), dengue virus (DENV), yellow fever virus (YFV), and West Nile virus (WNV), are pathogens of global importance. Therefore, there has been an increasing need for new drugs for the treatment of these viral infections. In this context, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) obtained from animal venoms stand out as promising compounds because they exhibit strong antiviral activity against emerging arboviral pathogens. Thus, we systematically searched and critically analyzed in vitro and in vivo studies that evaluated the anti-arbovirus effect of peptide derivatives from toxins produced by vertebrates and invertebrates. Thirteen studies that evaluated the antiviral action of 10 peptides against arboviruses were included in this review. The peptides were derived from the venom of scorpions, spiders, wasps, snakes, sea snails, and frogs and were tested against DENV, ZIKV, YFV, WNV, and CHIKV. Despite the high structural variety of the peptides included in this study, their antiviral activity appears to be associated with the presence of positive charges, an excess of basic amino acids (mainly lysine), and a high isoelectric point (above 8). These peptides use different antiviral mechanisms, the most common of which is the inhibition of viral replication, release, entry, or fusion. Moreover, peptides with virucidal and cytoprotective (pre-treatment) effects were also identified. In conclusion, animal-venom-derived peptides stand out as a promising alternative in the search and development of prototype antivirals against arboviruses.

Profile and costs of dengue hospitalizations in Southeast Pará from the SUS perspective (2000-2015) / Perfil e custos das internações por dengue no Sudeste do Pará na perspectiva do SUS (2000-2015) / Perfil y costos de las hospitalizaciones por dengue en el Sudeste de Pará en la perspectiva del SUS (2000-2015)

Background and objectives: Considering the little evidence associated with dengue hospitalizations, their public expenditures in Southeast Pará and its relevance to the public health in Brazil, this study aims to demonstrate the records of hospitalizations and expenses associated with this arbovirus between 2000 and 2015 from the perspective of the Unified Health System (SUS). Methods: This is a descriptive research that sought to assess the records and expenses (USD) of hospitalization caused by dengue (SUS code: 74500457, 74300440, 0303010010) and severe dengue (SUS code: 74300628, 74500627, 0303010029), as well as their associated deaths (CID: A90 and A91), respectively, from the SIH/SUS and SIM/SUS from 2000 to 2015 for all 39 municipalities in the southeast of Pará. Results: A total of 1206 deaths, 22,860 individuals with dengue and 306 with severe dengue underwent services in the SUS between 2000 and 2015, representing 23,166 hospitalizations (23,613: dengue and 313: severe dengue), in which Bom Jesus do Tocantins and Goianésia do Pará represent the municipalities with the highest number of hospitalizations associated with dengue. Conclusion: It is possible to verify the relevance of continuing efforts to combat and fight dengue in southeastern Pará. It reinforces the need to conduct studies that contribute to a better understanding of the distribution of hospitalizations and deaths in the different municipalities of the state of Pará, as well as reflections on the epidemiological and economic scenario for the implementation of a rational and efficient decision-making process.(AU)

Justificativa e objetivos: Considerando as poucas evidências associadas às internações por dengue, seus gastos públicos no Sudeste do Pará e sua relevância para a saúde pública no Brasil, este estudo tem como objetivo demonstrar os registros de internações e gastos associados a esta arbovirose entre 2000 e 2015 a partir da perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Métodos: Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva que buscou avaliar os registros e gastos (USD) de internação por dengue (código SUS: 74500457, 74300440, 0303010010) e dengue grave (código SUS: 74300628, 74500627, 0303010029), bem como seus óbitos associados (CID: A90 e A91), respectivamente, do SIH/SUS e SIM/SUS de 2000 a 2015 para todos os 39 municípios do sudeste paraense. Resultados: Um total de 1.206 óbitos, 22.860 indivíduos com dengue e 306 com dengue grave foram atendidos no SUS entre 2000 e 2015, representando 23.166 internações (23.613: dengue e 313: dengue grave), nas quais Bom Jesus do Tocantins e Goianésia do O Pará representa os municípios com maior número de internações associadas à dengue. Conclusão: É possível verificar a relevância da continuidade dos esforços de combate e combate à dengue no sudeste paraense. Reforça a necessidade da realização de estudos que contribuam para um melhor entendimento da distribuição das internações e óbitos nos diferentes municípios do estado do Pará, bem como reflexões sobre o cenário epidemiológico e econômico para a implementação de um processo decisório racional e eficiente. Fazendo processo.(AU)

Justificación y objetivos: Considerando la poca evidencia asociada a las hospitalizaciones por dengue, sus gastos públicos en el Sudeste de Pará y su relevancia para la salud pública en Brasil, este estudio tiene como objetivo demostrar los registros de hospitalizaciones y gastos asociados a este arbovirus entre 2000 y 2015 a partir de la perspectiva del Sistema Único de Salud (SUS). Métodos: Se trata de una investigación descriptiva que buscó evaluar los registros y gastos (USD) de hospitalización por dengue (código SUS: 74500457, 74300440, 0303010010) y dengue grave (código SUS: 74300628, 74500627, 0303010029), así como sus muertes asociadas (CID: A90 y A91), respectivamente, del SIH/SUS y SIM/SUS de 2000 a 2015 para los 39 municipios del sureste de Pará. Resultados: Un total de 1206 muertes, 22.860 personas con dengue y 306 con dengue grave fueron atendidos en el SUS entre 2000 y 2015, lo que representa 23.166 hospitalizaciones (23.613: dengue y 313: dengue grave), en las que Bom Jesus do Tocantins y Goianésia hacen Pará representan los municipios con mayor número de hospitalizaciones asociadas al dengue. Conclusión: Es posible verificar la relevancia de continuar los esfuerzos para combatir y luchar contra el dengue en el sureste de Pará. Refuerza la necesidad de realizar estudios que contribuyan a una mejor comprensión de la distribución de hospitalizaciones y muertes en los diferentes municipios del estado de Pará, así como reflexiones sobre el escenario epidemiológico y económico para la implementación de una decisión racional y eficiente. proceso de fabricación.(AU)

Willingness to pay for a hypothetical malaria vaccine in Brazil: a cross-sectional study and the implications.

Aim: Malaria is an infection caused by protozoa of genus Plasmodium, considered the one associated with increasingly large outbreaks. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with residents in the northern region of Brazil on the willingness to pay (WTP) for a hypothetical vaccine against malaria (effective protection of 80%). Results: Of 616 people interviewed, most interviewees were female (61%) and were employed (97%). The median individual maximum WTP for a hypothetical malaria vaccine was US$11.90 (BRL 50). Conclusion: The northern region of Brazil is one of the largest markets for a malaria vaccine due to its epidemiological relevance. Consequently, economic studies will be important to assist in the assessment of the potential price and value of new vaccines.

Consumer willingness to pay for a hypothetical chikungunya vaccine in Brazil and the implications.

BACKGROUND: Chikungunya fever is an important infectious disease transmitted by the bite of the mosquitoes. Information about consumers' willingness to pay (WTP) for a hypothetical vaccine can help with future discussions about its possible price. METHODS: A cross-sectional study conducted among residents of Minas Gerais, Brazil, regarding their WTP for a hypothetical chikungunya vaccine defined by the authors as having a mean effective protection of 80%. RESULTS: We interviewed 496 individuals. Among these, 23 were excluded from the analysis. Most of the respondents were female (57.3%), had completed at least high school (90.7%), were employed (87.7%) and had private health insurance (62.6%). The median value of the WTP was US$ 31.17 (120.00 BRL) for a unique dose vaccine. The WTP showed a statistical significant correlation with monthly family income and access to private health insurance. CONCLUSION: This study can contribute to decision-making about potential prices for a chikungunya vaccine once it becomes available in Brazil. We demonstrated the relevance of the anchoring effect as a possible influence applied to the maximum value of the WTP associated with respondents' preference for a new vaccine. Finally, we encourage the development of a chikungunya virus vaccine to benefit the Brazilian population.

Acceptability and willingness to pay for a hypothetical vaccine against SARS CoV-2 by the Brazilian consumer: a cross-sectional study and the implications.

INTRODUCTION: The new coronavirus pandemic has appreciably impacted morbidity and mortality, as well as having an economic impact worldwide. New vaccines are a potential way forward to reduce transmission rates and subsequent infection. In Brazil, vaccines are being distributed via the public sector; however, in the future, they will be available in the private market. Information about consumers' willingness to pay (WTP) for a hypothetical vaccine against SARS CoV-2 can help future price setting discussions. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with consumers in the five regions of Brazil regarding the WTP for a hypothetical vaccine against SARS CoV-2 with a 50% efficacy. RESULTS: A total of 1402 individuals over 18 years of age who declared not having COVID-19 at the time of the survey were interviewed. The acceptability for this hypothetical vaccine was 80.7%. In addition, the amount of WTP by Brazilian consumers for a hypothetical SARS CoV-2 vaccine was estimated at US$ 22.18(120.00 BRL). CONCLUSION: This study can contribute to decision-making to inform potential pricing for a hypothetical SARS CoV-2 vaccine.

Profile of hospitalization and death records associated to dengue and severe dengue in Minas Gerais between 2000 and 2015 from the Brazilian Public Health System perspective.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Dengue is one of the most important arboviruses and public health problem associated with increasingly large outbreaks, especially in tropical countries such as Brazil. The state of Minas Gerais, in particular, has had high numbers of cases of this infection in recent years. METHODS: Our study evaluated the epidemiological impact of dengue fever in the state of Minas Gerais from the National Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde, SUS) perspective between 2000 to 2015 using the Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN, notification cases) and Hospital Information System (SIH)/SUS (hospitalization registers) databases. RESULTS: The SUS database recorded 34,996 reports of dengue (International Classification of Diseases [ICD]: A90) as well as 1984 verified cases of severe dengue (ICD-A91). These hospitalizations for dengue and cases of severe dengue generally affected individuals aged 15-24 (17.74%) and 5-14 (20.86%) years, respectively. The epidemiological burden of dengue was substantial in Minas Gerais state, with the highest number of notifications nationally in 2013. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: From retrospective data associated with dengue records, our study sought to better highlight the locations with the largest number of dengue cases in the Minas Gerais state, and contribute to direct educational and surveillance actions of these regions applied to this infection.

The Current Situation Regarding Long-Acting Insulin Analogues Including Biosimilars Among African, Asian, European, and South American Countries; Findings and Implications for the Future.

Background: Diabetes mellitus rates continue to rise, which coupled with increasing costs of associated complications has appreciably increased global expenditure in recent years. The risk of complications are enhanced by poor glycaemic control including hypoglycaemia. Long-acting insulin analogues were developed to reduce hypoglycaemia and improve adherence. Their considerably higher costs though have impacted their funding and use. Biosimilars can help reduce medicine costs. However, their introduction has been affected by a number of factors. These include the originator company dropping its price as well as promoting patented higher strength 300 IU/ml insulin glargine. There can also be concerns with different devices between the manufacturers. Objective: To assess current utilisation rates for insulins, especially long-acting insulin analogues, and the rationale for patterns seen, across multiple countries to inform strategies to enhance future utilisation of long-acting insulin analogue biosimilars to benefit all key stakeholders. Our approach: Multiple approaches including assessing the utilisation, expenditure and prices of insulins, including biosimilar insulin glargine, across multiple continents and countries. Results: There was considerable variation in the use of long-acting insulin analogues as a percentage of all insulins prescribed and dispensed across countries and continents. This ranged from limited use of long-acting insulin analogues among African countries compared to routine funding and use across Europe in view of their perceived benefits. Increasing use was also seen among Asian countries including Bangladesh and India for similar reasons. However, concerns with costs and value limited their use across Africa, Brazil and Pakistan. There was though limited use of biosimilar insulin glargine 100 IU/ml compared with other recent biosimilars especially among European countries and Korea. This was principally driven by small price differences in reality between the originator and biosimilars coupled with increasing use of the patented 300 IU/ml formulation. A number of activities were identified to enhance future biosimilar use. These included only reimbursing biosimilar long-acting insulin analogues, introducing prescribing targets and increasing competition among manufacturers including stimulating local production. Conclusions: There are concerns with the availability and use of insulin glargine biosimilars despite lower costs. This can be addressed by multiple activities.

Evidence-based public policy making for medicines across countries: findings and implications for the future.

Aim: Global expenditure on medicines is rising up to 6% per year driven by increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and new premium priced medicines for cancer, orphan diseases and other complex areas. This is difficult to sustain without reforms. Methods: Extensive narrative review of published papers and contextualizing the findings to provide future guidance. Results: New models are being introduced to improve the managed entry of new medicines including managed entry agreements, fair pricing approaches and monitoring prescribing against agreed guidance. Multiple measures have also successfully been introduced to improve the prescribing of established medicines. This includes encouraging greater prescribing of generics and biosimilars versus originators and patented medicines in a class to conserve resources without compromising care. In addition, reducing inappropriate antibiotic utilization. Typically, multiple measures are the most effective. Conclusion: Multiple measures will be needed to attain and retain universal healthcare.

Strategies to Improve Antimicrobial Utilization with a Special Focus on Developing Countries.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a high priority across countries as it increases morbidity, mortality and costs. Concerns with AMR have resulted in multiple initiatives internationally, nationally and regionally to enhance appropriate antibiotic utilization across sectors to reduce AMR, with the overuse of antibiotics exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Effectively tackling AMR is crucial for all countries. Principally a narrative review of ongoing activities across sectors was undertaken to improve antimicrobial use and address issues with vaccines including COVID-19. Point prevalence surveys have been successful in hospitals to identify areas for quality improvement programs, principally centering on antimicrobial stewardship programs. These include reducing prolonged antibiotic use to prevent surgical site infections. Multiple activities centering on education have been successful in reducing inappropriate prescribing and dispensing of antimicrobials in ambulatory care for essentially viral infections such as acute respiratory infections. It is imperative to develop new quality indicators for ambulatory care given current concerns, and instigate programs with clear public health messaging to reduce misinformation, essential for pandemics. Regular access to effective treatments is needed to reduce resistance to treatments for HIV, malaria and tuberculosis. Key stakeholder groups can instigate multiple initiatives to reduce AMR. These need to be followed up.

Consumer willingness to pay for a hypothetical Chagas disease vaccine in Brazil: a cross-sectional study and the implications.

Aim: Chagas disease is a serious public health problem, endemic in 21 countries in Latin America. A future vaccine can contribute to decreasing the number of cases and its complications. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with residents of the northern region of Brazil, on the willingness to pay for a hypothetical vaccine against Chagas disease (effective protection of 80%). Results: We interviewed 619 individuals and seven were excluded from the analysis and the value of willingness to pay was US$23.77 (100.00 BRL). Conclusion: The Northern region of Brazil is one of the largest markets for this vaccine, due to its epidemiological relevance, so economic studies with this vaccine will be important to assist in the assessment of technologies.

Rate of exposure to Mayaro virus (MAYV) in Brazil between 1955 and 2018: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Mayaro fever is an infection caused by Mayaro virus (MAYV) that stands out among the neglected diseases transmitted by arthropods. Brazil is the country with the highest number of confirmed cases of MAYV infection. However, epidemiological surveillance studies conducted in Brazil are decentralized and focus on small outbreaks and unconfirmed cases. Thus, the aim of this review was to determine the general epidemiological profile of MAYV infections in Brazil. Several medical databases (i.e., PUBMED/MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, LILACS, SciELO, and Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde) were searched for studies reporting cases of MAYV infections in Brazilian patients. Then, the rate of exposure to MAYV in Brazil was analyzed using RStudio® Software. We identified 37 studies published from 1957 to 2019, containing data of 12,374 patients from 1955 to 2018. The general rate of exposure to MAYV in Brazil was 10% (95% CI; 0.04-0.22), with 1,304 reported cases. The highest incidence of MAYV infection was found in the northern region (13%; 95% CI; 0.05-0.29), with 1,142 cases (88% of all cases). Furthermore, autochthonous MAYV cases have also been reported in the Central West (8%; 95% CI; 0.03-0.18) and Southeast (0.4%; 95% CI; 0.00-0.28). The states with the highest number of cases are Amazonas (490 cases), Pará (276 cases), and Goiás (87 cases). In conclusion, the general rate of exposure to MAYV in Brazil between 1955 and 2018 was considerable, especially in the Legal Amazon, in which 93% of cases were reported.

Epidemiological Impact and Hospitalization costs applied to dengue in the Midwest region of Minas Gerais state, Brazil, from SUS perspective.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Dengue is considered one of the greatest public health challenges in the world, especially, for tropical and subtropical countries. Brazil highlights with considerable number of registers associated with this arbovirus, with emphasis on the state of Minas Gerais and its municipalities in regions such as the midwest. We aimed to evaluate the economic and epidemiological impact of dengue in the midwest region of minas Gerais, from SUS perspective. METHODS: Our study evaluated the epidemiological impact of dengue fever in the midwest region of Minas Gerais using data applied to Divinópolis city from SUS perspective between 2000 to 2015 considering SIH/SUS database (hospitalization registers) and 2007 to 2017 using the SINAN database (notification cases). We analyzed the number of notification registers and hospital services, as well as their costs, from a SUS perspective associated with this infection. RESULTS: There were 26,516 notifications associated with dengue, with 21,953 cases being confirmed by SEMUSA, with a median incidence of 211 cases/100,000 inhabitants of dengue notifications between 2007 and 2017. The southeast and southwest regions in the municipality are highlighted with high number of cases. Additionally, 160 hospitalizations were recorded with 33.79% in individuals between 15 and 34 years old and expenses of USD 53,737.21 for SUS between 2000 and 2015. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Divinópolis is the reference (social and economic) municipality of the midwest region in Minas Gerais state. Our study is the first conducted involving a long period of follow up applied to dengue context in this locality, especially, including the costs associated with hospitalization services. We hope to contribute to the discussions regarding the coping strategies of the disease, considering the impact in its different regions, highlighting the need for continued efforts and initiatives aimed at combating the vector of this and other arboviruses such as Zika and chikungunya.

Serum lipid profile as a predictor of dengue severity: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Dengue virus is known to modulate host cell lipid metabolism in order to promote efficient viral replication. Recent studies have focused on circulating lipids as potential biomarkers of dengue severity; however, the results obtained so far lack the consistency to establish a definite relationship between the two. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated serum lipids as potential biomarkers of dengue severity by conducting a meta-analysis of the currently available clinical data. Nine studies that evaluated 1,953 patients were included in the review, many of which were cross-sectional (44.4%) and conducted in Asian countries (55.5%). These studies observed the presence of lipids in serum samples (77%) of patients in the acute phase of the disease (88.8%). Circulating total-cholesterol (P = .001) and LDL (P = .001) levels, but not HDL (P = .07), VLDL (P = .9) and triglyceride (P = .57) levels, were inversely and significantly correlated with dengue severity. Total cholesterol (P ≤ .001) and LDL (P = .001) were also useful in determining the risk of hypovolemic shock in patients with severe dengue. Subgroup analysis showed that factors, such as design (cross-sectional vs cohort), racial-ethnic differences (Asian vs Latin Americans), and age range (children vs adult) influenced the correlation and also contributed to the high level of heterogeneity in the studies. Our meta-analysis demonstrates that total-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels should be explored as routine laboratory markers for dengue severity, as they will help in employing an appropriate patient therapy, and thus optimize the use of available resources.

Consumer willingness to pay for a hypothetical Zika vaccine in Brazil and the implications.

ABSTRACT  Background: Zika virus is a newly emerging infection, associated with increasingly large outbreaks especially in tropical countries such as Brazil. A future Zika vaccine can contribute to decreasing the number of cases and associated complications. Information about consumers' willingness to pay (WTP) for a hypothetical Zika vaccine can help price setting discussions in the future in Brazil, starting with the private market. METHODS: A cross-sectional study conducted among residents of Minas Gerais, Brazil, regarding their WTP for a hypothetical Zika Vaccine. The mean effective protection was 80%, with the possibility of some local and systemic side- effects. RESULTS: 517 people were interviewed. However, 28 would not be vaccinated even if the vaccine was free. Most of the resultant interviewees (489) were female (58.2%), had completed high school (49.7%), were employed (71.2%), had private health insurance (52.7%), and did not have Zika (96.9%). The median individual maximum WTP for this hypothetical Zika vaccine (one dose) was US$31.34 (BRL100.00). CONCLUSION: Such discussions regarding WTP can contribute to decision-making about prices once a Zika vaccine becomes available in Brazil alongside other ongoing programs to control the virus.

Economic and epidemiological impact of dengue illness over 16 years from a public health system perspective in Brazil to inform future health policies including the adoption of a dengue vaccine.

INTRODUCTION: Dengue is a serious global health problem endemic in Brazil. Consequently, our aim was to measure the costs and disease burden of symptomatic dengue infections in Brazil from the perspective of the Brazilian Public Health System (SUS) between 2000 and 2015, using Brazilian public health system databases. Specific age group incidence estimates were used to calculate the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) to gain a better understanding of the disease burden. Areas covered: SUS spent almost USD159 million and USD10 million to treat dengue and severe dengue, respectively, between 2000 and 2015. This is principally hospitalization costs, with the majority of patients self-treated at home with minor symptoms. The average notification rate for dengue was 273 per 100,000 inhabitants and three per 100,000 for severe dengue, with annual DALYs estimates ranging between 72.35 and 6,824.45 during the 16 years. Expert commentary: The epidemiological and morbidity burden associated with dengue is substantial in Brazil, with costs affected by the fact that most patients self-treat at home with these costs not included in SUS. The Brazilian government urgently needs to proactively evaluate the real costs and clinical benefits of any potential dengue vaccination program by the National Immunization Program to guide future decision-making.

Economic evaluation of antipsychotics for the treatment of schizophrenia: a systematic review / Avaliação econômica de antipsicóticos para o tratamento da esquizofrenia: uma revisão sistemática

Objective: The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic review on cost-effectiveness analysis of oral antipsychotic agents to identify the trend of cost-effectiveness of drugs available for the treatment of schizophrenia. Methods: A search was conducted in three databases (MEDLINE, LILACS and PsycINFO) for head-to-head economic comparisons of antipsychotic agents. A manual search in journals, dissertations and theses databases, congresses abstracts and the Cochrane Library was also conducted to ensure comprehensiveness. After evaluation by independent reviewers, complete economic evaluations of oral antipsychotic medications were included in the final analysis. Results: Twenty four studies were included in the final analysis. The trend observed in the pooled studies showed that risperidone, olanzapine and clozapine were the most cost-effective drugs included to treat schizophrenia. Aripiprazole and haloperidol were considered comparable to quetiapine or ziprasidone and less cost-effective than olanzapine and risperidone in the pooled analysis. After removal of comparisons that had sponsored drugs included, risperidone, olanzapine and clozapine were still considered the most cost-effective strategies to treat schizophrenia. The analysis of only cost-utility studies shows approximately the same results of the other analysis. Conclusions: An analysis that consider first- vs. second-generation antipsychotics polled together might be biased by the different profiles of the specific drugs, not considering the heterogeneity of the group of second-generation antipsychotics. There seems to be a difference in the cost-effectiveness profiles between specific antipsychotic drugs. Risperidone, olanzapine and clozapine seem to be the drugs most considered cost-effective to treat schizophrenia. This result was robust to changes in funding.

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo é conduzir uma revisão sistemática de custo-efetividade de antipsicóticos orais para identificar uma tendência de custo-efetividade dos medicamentos disponí- veis para o tratamento da esquizofrenia. Métodos: Uma busca eletrônica foi realizada nas bases de dados Medline (via PubMed), Lilacs (via VS) e PsycINFO para avaliações econômicas comparando head-to-head medicamentos antipsicóticos para esquizofrenia. Uma busca manual complementar foi realizada para garantir abrangência. Resultados: Depois da avaliação por revisores independentes, 24 avaliações econômicas completas de antipsicóticos orais para esquizofrenia foram incluídas na análise final. A tendência observada no conjunto dos estudos mostrou que a risperidona, a olanzapina e a clozapina foram mais comumente consideradas os medicamentos mais custo-efetivos para esquizofrenia. Aripiprazol e olanzapina foram considerados comparáveis a quetiapina ou ziprasidona e menos custo-efetivos, no geral, que olanzapina e risperidona. Após a remoção das comparações que incluíam medicamentos dos patrocinadores dos estudos, a mesma tendência foi observada. A análise apenas de estudos de custo-utilidade mostra o mesmo padrão. Conclusões: Análises que consideram medicamentos de primeira e segunda geração agrupados podem trazer vieses por conta da heterogeneidade entre medicamentos específicos. Parece haver uma diferença de custo-efetividade entre os medicamentos. Risperidona, olanzapina e clozapina são mais comumente consideradas custo-efetivas. Esse resultado foi robusto a mudanças no financiamento.

Efficacy of Mobile Apps to Support the Care of Patients With Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease that is considered a global public health problem. Education and self-monitoring by diabetic patients help to optimize and make possible a satisfactory metabolic control enabling improved management and reduced morbidity and mortality. The global growth in the use of mobile phones makes them a powerful platform to help provide tailored health, delivered conveniently to patients through health apps. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of mobile apps through a systematic review and meta-analysis to assist DM patients in treatment. METHODS: We conducted searches in the electronic databases MEDLINE (Pubmed), Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature), including manual search in references of publications that included systematic reviews, specialized journals, and gray literature. We considered eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted after 2008 with participants of all ages, patients with DM, and users of apps to help manage the disease. The meta-analysis of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was performed in Review Manager software version 5.3. RESULTS: The literature search identified 1236 publications. Of these, 13 studies were included that evaluated 1263 patients. In 6 RCTs, there were a statistical significant reduction (P<.05) of HbA1c at the end of studies in the intervention group. The HbA1c data were evaluated by meta-analysis with the following results (mean difference, MD -0.44; CI: -0.59 to -0.29; P<.001; I²=32%).The evaluation favored the treatment in patients who used apps without significant heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS: The use of apps by diabetic patients could help improve the control of HbA1c. In addition, the apps seem to strengthen the perception of self-care by contributing better information and health education to patients. Patients also become more self-confident to deal with their diabetes, mainly by reducing their fear of not knowing how to deal with potential hypoglycemic episodes that may occur.

CYD-TDV dengue vaccine: systematic review and meta-analysis of efficacy, immunogenicity and safety.

INTRODUCTION: Dengue virus (DENV) is a serious global health problem. CYD-TDC (Dengvaxia®) was the first vaccine to gain regulatory approval to try and address this problem. AIM: Summarize all available evidence on the immunogenicity, efficacy and safety of the CYD-TDV dengue vaccine. METHOD: Meta-analysis and systematic review. RESULTS: The best and worst immunogenicity results were for DENV4 and DENV1, respectively. Vaccine efficacy of 60% was derived from studies with participants aged 2-16 years old, with DENV4 and DENV2 presenting the best and worst results, respectively. Erythema and swelling were more frequent with CYD-TDV. No differences were detected for systemic adverse events. CONCLUSION: CYD-TDV showed moderate efficacy in children and adolescents. From the immunogenicity results in adults, we can expect satisfactory efficacy from vaccination in this population.