First and second COVID-19 waves in Brazil: A cross-sectional study of patients' characteristics related to hospitalization and in-hospital mortality.

BACKGROUND: Background The second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic was more aggressive in Brazil compared to other countries around the globe. Considering the Brazilian peculiarities, we analyze the in-hospital mortality concerning socio-epidemiological characteristics of patients and the health system of all states during the first and second waves of COVID-19. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study of hospitalized patients with positive RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 in Brazil. Data was obtained from the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System (SIVEP-Gripe) and comprised the period from February 25, 2020, to April 30, 2021, separated in two waves on November 5, 2020. We performed a descriptive study of patients analyzing socio-demographic characteristics, symptoms, comorbidities, and risk factors stratified by age. In addition, we analyzed in-hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) mortality in both waves and how it varies in each Brazilian state. FINDINGS: Between February 25, 2020 and April 30, 2021, 678 235 patients were admitted with a positive RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2, with 325 903 and 352 332 patients for the first and second wave, respectively. The mean age of patients was 59 · 65 (IQR 48 · 0 - 72 · 0). In total, 379 817 (56 · 00%) patients had a risk factor or comorbidity. In-hospital mortality increased from 34 · 81% in the first to 39 · 30% in the second wave. In the second wave, there were more ICU admissions, use of non-invasive and invasive ventilation, and increased mortality for younger age groups. The southern and southeastern regions of Brazil had the highest hospitalization rates per 100 000 inhabitants. However, the in-hospital mortality rate was higher in the northern and northeastern states of the country. Racial differences were observed in clinical outcomes, with White being the most prevalent hospitalized population, but with Blacks/Browns (Pardos) having higher mortality rates. Younger age groups had more considerable differences in mortality as compared to groups with and without comorbidities in both waves. INTERPRETATION: We observed a more considerable burden on the Brazilian hospital system throughout the second wave. Furthermore, the north and northeast of Brazil, which present lower Human Development Indexes, concentrated the worst in-hospital mortality rates. The highest mortality rates are also shown among vulnerable social groups. Finally, we believe that the results can help to understand the behavior of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil, helping to define public policies, allocate resources, and improve strategies for vaccination of priority groups. FUNDING: Coordinating Agency for Advanced Training of Graduate Personnel (CAPES) (C.F. 001), and National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) (No. 309537/2020-7).

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

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

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

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

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

Social inequalities in the use of contraceptives in adult women from Southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the contraceptive methods used by adult women and the associated socioeconomic and demographic factors. METHODS: Population-based cross-sectional study with 20 to 49-year-old women from São Leopoldo, state of Rio Grande do Sul, in 2015. Three outcomes were considered to analyze the association with demographic and socioeconomic characteristics: use of oral contraceptive pills, tubal ligation and male condom. The crude prevalence ratios, stratified by age, and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were obtained using Poisson regression, taking the experimental error into account. RESULTS: A total of 736 women, aged from 20 to 49 years old, were evaluated. The prevalence of the use of oral contraceptive pills, tubal ligation and male condom were respectively 31.8% (95%CI 28.4-35.3), 11.1% (95%CI 9.0-13.6) and 10.9% (95%CI 8.7-13.3). In addition, 10.5% (n = 77) of the women reported making combined use of oral contraceptive pills and condom. In the stratified analysis, younger women with lower education level and from lower social classes reported less use of oral contraceptive pills. Tubal ligation was more prevalent among the lower social classes, but only in the age group from 30 to 39 years old. No differences were found in relation to male condom. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that differences persist in relation to contraception, which can be associated with both the difficulties of access to these inputs and the frailty of actions in reproductive health to achieve the needs and preferences of women who are more socially vulnerable.

Social inequalities in the use of contraceptives in adult women from Southern Brazil / Desigualdades sociais no uso de contraceptivos em mulheres adultas no Sul do Brasil

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To describe the contraceptive methods used by adult women and the associated socioeconomic and demographic factors. METHODS: Population-based cross-sectional study with 20 to 49-year-old women from São Leopoldo, state of Rio Grande do Sul, in 2015. Three outcomes were considered to analyze the association with demographic and socioeconomic characteristics: use of oral contraceptive pills, tubal ligation and male condom. The crude prevalence ratios, stratified by age, and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were obtained using Poisson regression, taking the experimental error into account. RESULTS: A total of 736 women, aged from 20 to 49 years old, were evaluated. The prevalence of the use of oral contraceptive pills, tubal ligation and male condom were respectively 31.8% (95%CI 28.4-35.3), 11.1% (95%CI 9.0-13.6) and 10.9% (95%CI 8.7-13.3). In addition, 10.5% (n = 77) of the women reported making combined use of oral contraceptive pills and condom. In the stratified analysis, younger women with lower education level and from lower social classes reported less use of oral contraceptive pills. Tubal ligation was more prevalent among the lower social classes, but only in the age group from 30 to 39 years old. No differences were found in relation to male condom. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that differences persist in relation to contraception, which can be associated with both the difficulties of access to these inputs and the frailty of actions in reproductive health to achieve the needs and preferences of women who are more socially vulnerable.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Descrever os métodos contraceptivos utilizados e fatores demográficos e socioeconômicos associados em mulheres adultas. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal de base populacional com mulheres de 20 a 49 anos de São Leopoldo, RS, em 2015. Foram considerados três desfechos para analisar a associação com características demográficas e socioeconômicas: uso de anticoncepcional oral, ligadura tubária e uso de preservativo masculino. Foram obtidas razões de prevalências, brutas e estratificadas por idade, e intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC95%) por meio de regressão de Poisson, levando em conta o erro de delineamento. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliadas 736 mulheres com idades entre 20 e 49 anos. A prevalência de uso de anticoncepcional oral, de ligadura tubária e de uso de preservativo masculino foram, respectivamente, 31,8% (IC95% 28,4-35,3), 11,1% (IC95% 9,0-13,6) e 10,9% (IC95% 8,7-13,3). Além disso, 10,5% (n = 77) das mulheres relataram fazer uso combinado de anticoncepcional oral e preservativo masculino. Na análise estratificada, as mulheres mais jovens, de menor escolaridade e classe econômica mais baixa relataram menor uso de anticoncepcional oral. Já a ligadura tubária foi mais prevalente entre as de classe econômica mais baixa, mas apenas na faixa etária de 30 a 39 anos. Não foram encontradas diferenças quanto ao preservativo masculino. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados indicaram que ainda persistem diferenças quanto à contracepção, o que pode se relacionar tanto a dificuldades no acesso a esses insumos como a fragilidades das ações em saúde reprodutiva para atingir as necessidades e preferências das mulheres em maior vulnerabilidade social.

Effect of characteristics of pharmacotherapy on non-adherence in chronic cardiovascular disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular medications are effective in prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVD); however, medication non-adherence contributes to morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to summarise the evidence regarding the relationship between characteristics of drug therapy (pharmacotherapy) and medication non-adherence in the CVD population. METHODS: Systematic searches in PubMed, LILACS, Academic Search and CINAHL databases for observational studies that enrolled adults with CVD were performed, from January 1960 to December 2015. The meta-analysis tested the association between characteristics of pharmacotherapy and self-reported medication non-adherence outcome, using a random effects model. To investigate heterogeneity, we performed subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-four cross-sectional studies and 7 cohort studies were included in this review. Based on 31 studies including 27 441 participants, we performed meta-analyses for all the characteristics of drug therapy that at least 2 studies evaluated, with a total of fourteen meta-analyses. The pooled results showed that studies which evaluate whether participants have insurance or another program that assists with medication costs, but not full coverage (OR = 0.63; 95% CI: 0.53-0.74; P < .001; I2  = 0%, P = .938), and a dosing frequency of twice or more daily (OR = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.13-1.69; P < .001) were associated with non-adherence. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The results of this review suggest that access to insurance or another program that assists with medication costs was a protection factor for non-adherence. On the other hand, a high frequency of dosing was a risk factor for non-adherence. Therefore, these characteristics of pharmacotherapy must be considered to improve medication adherence among CVD patients.

Pharmacotherapeutic profile of users and expenditure on high-cost drugs in São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, 2014. / Perfil farmacoterapêutico dos usuários e gasto com medicamentos de alto custo em São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, 2014.

OBJECTIVE: to describe the pharmacotherapeutic profile of users of the Specialized Program for Pharmaceutical Assistance, and to measure the expenditure on the most prevalent and the most expensive medications. METHODS: descriptive study conducted in São Leopoldo-RS, Brazil, with secondary data regarding information about requests accepted in 2014, through administrative proceedings; delivery notes of the State Health Department/RS were used to assess the costs. RESULTS: 1,528 users were included in the study, mostly women (56.7%), and the average age was 52 years (standard deviation=17.9); the most frequent diagnoses were allergic asthma (17.1%), chronic kidney disease (11.5%) and rheumatoid arthritis (8.4%); the most prevalent drug was budesonide+formoterol fumarate (18.3%); among the most prevalent drugs, the highest total monthly expense was with epoetin alfa (BRL37,922.34) and among the most expensive drugs, infliximab (BRL72,503.28). CONCLUSION: the data show the importance of the Specialized Program for Pharmaceutical Assistance in the high-cost treatment of highly prevalent.

Perfil farmacoterapêutico dos usuários e gasto com medicamentos de alto custo em São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, 2014 / Perfil farmacoterapéutico de los usuarios y gasto en medicamentos de alto costo en São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, 2014 / Pharmacotherapeutic profile of users and expenditure on high-cost drugs in São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, 2014

OBJETIVO: descrever o perfil farmacoterapêutico dos usuários do Componente Especializado da Assistência Farmacêutica (CEAF) e mensurar os gastos com os medicamentos mais prevalentes e os mais onerosos. MÉTODOS: estudo descritivo, realizado no município de São Leopoldo-RS, Brasil; utilizaram-se dados secundários sobre solicitações de medicamentos deferidas em 2014 via processo administrativo; para avaliar os custos, foram consultadas as guias de remessa da Secretaria de Estado da Saúde/RS. RESULTADOS: foram incluídos 1.528 usuários, sobretudo mulheres (56,7%), e idade média de 52 anos (desvio-padrão=17,9); os diagnósticos mais frequentes foram asma alérgica (17,1%), doença renal crônica (11,5%) e artrite reumatoide (8,4%); o medicamento mais prevalente foi o fumarato de formoterol+budesonida (18,3%); o maior gasto total mensal entre os medicamentos mais prevalentes foi com alfaepoetina (R$37.922,34), e entre os mais onerosos, com infliximab (R$72.503,28). CONCLUSÃO: os dados apontam para a importância do CEAF no tratamento de alto custo de morbidades com elevada prevalência.

OBJETIVO: describir el perfil farmacoterapéutico de usuarios del Programa de Asistencia Farmacéutica Especializada (CEAF), y medir los costos de los medicamentos más comunes y más costosos. MÉTODOS: estudio descriptivo realizado en São Leopoldo/RS, con datos secundarios sobre solicitudes de drogas diferidas en 2014 a través de procesos administrativos; para evaluar el costo, utilizamos las entregas de Secretaría Estatal de Salud/RS. RESULTADOS: se incluyeron 1.528 usuarios, la mayoría mujeres (56,7%), edad media 52 años (desviación estándar=17,9); los diagnósticos más frecuentes fueron asma alérgica (17,1%), enfermedad renal crónica (11,5%) y artritis reumatoide (8,4%); la droga más frecuente fue budesónida+formoterol fumarato (18,3%); el mayor gasto total mensual de los fármacos más prevalentes fue con alfaepoetina (R$37.922,34) y entre los más caros, con infliximab (R$72.503,28). CONCLUSIÓN: los datos señalan la importancia de este componente en el tratamiento de alto costo de morbilidad con altas prevalencias.

OBJECTIVE: to describe the pharmacotherapeutic profile of users of the Specialized Program for Pharmaceutical Assistance, and to measure the expenditure on the most prevalent and the most expensive medications. METHODS: descriptive study conducted in São Leopoldo-RS, Brazil, with secondary data regarding information about requests accepted in 2014, through administrative proceedings; delivery notes of the State Health Department/RS were used to assess the costs. RESULTS: 1,528 users were included in the study, mostly women (56.7%), and the average age was 52 years (standard deviation=17.9); the most frequent diagnoses were allergic asthma (17.1%), chronic kidney disease (11.5%) and rheumatoid arthritis (8.4%); the most prevalent drug was budesonide+formoterol fumarate (18.3%); among the most prevalent drugs, the highest total monthly expense was with epoetin alfa (BRL37,922.34) and among the most expensive drugs, infliximab (BRL72,503.28). CONCLUSION: the data show the importance of the Specialized Program for Pharmaceutical Assistance in the high-cost treatment of highly prevalent.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Strategies to prevent HIV transmission to serodiscordant couples.

INTRODUCTION: The use antiretroviral reduces the sexual transmission of HIV, expanding interventions for serodiscordant couples. OBJECTIVE: This article aims to review the use of antiretroviral and other prevention interventions among serodiscordant couples and to analyze its use in Brazil. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed through the MEDLINE database and bases included in the Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde. RESULTS: The articles recovered exhibit four main strategies: (1) condom; (2) reduction of risks in sexual practices; (3) use of antiretrovirals, particularly early initiation of antiretroviral therapy (TASP) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP); (4) risk reduction in reproduction. DISCUSSION: TASP is highly effective in reducing sexual transmission, PrEP was tested in serodiscordant couples and both reduce the sexual transmission risk in different sexual practices, enabling individualized prevention strategies. CONCLUSIONS: When used in combination, antiretrovirals and sexual practices with condoms offer greater efficacy than any single strategy. The combined use of new and old strategies allows us to build a prevention policy for all.

[Cost-effectiveness in health in Brazil: a systematic review]. / Estudos de custo-efetividade em saúde no Brasil: uma revisão sistemática.

A systematic review was performed with the aim of describing the landscape and evolution of cost-effectiveness studies in health in Brazil. The search for articles on cost-effectiveness was performed in the main electronic health databases. The review identified 83 cost-effectiveness studies conducted nationwide. Between the years 1990-2005 there were few studies published on cost-effectiveness, though between 2006 and 2014 there was a significant increase in the number of publications. As for the themes and objectives of the studies, the chronic degenerative diseases and infectious/contagious diseases reflect the epidemiological diversity of Brazil. A predominance of studies on health intervention/treatment was identified. Thus, this review reveals a compatible Brazilian epidemiological reality scenario, indicating a need to increase research and investment of funds in the area of preventive health.

Estudos de custo-efetividade em saúde no Brasil: uma revisão sistemática / Cost-effectiveness in health in Brazil: a systematic review

ResumoFoi realizada uma revisão sistemática com o objetivo de descrever o panorama e a evolução de estudos de custo-efetividade em saúde no Brasil. A busca de artigos sobre esse assunto foi feita nas principais bases de dados da área da saúde. A revisão identificou 83 estudos de custo-efetividade realizados em âmbito nacional. Entre os anos de 1990 a 2005 houve poucos estudos publicados sobre custo-efetividade e entre 2006 e 2014 houve um aumento expressivo do número de publicações. Quanto aos temas e objetivos dos estudos, as doenças de caráter crônico-degenerativas e as infectocontagiosas refletem a diversidade epidemiológica do Brasil. Identificou-se uma predominância dos estudos relativos à intervenção/tratamentos em saúde. Assim, a presente revisão revela um cenário compatível com a realidade epidemiológica brasileira, indicando uma necessidade no aumento de estudos e investimentos de recursos na área da prevenção em saúde.

AbstractA systematic review was performed with the aim of describing the landscape and evolution of cost-effectiveness studies in health in Brazil. The search for articles on cost-effectiveness was performed in the main electronic health databases. The review identified 83 cost-effectiveness studies conducted nationwide. Between the years 1990-2005 there were few studies published on cost-effectiveness, though between 2006 and 2014 there was a significant increase in the number of publications. As for the themes and objectives of the studies, the chronic degenerative diseases and infectious/contagious diseases reflect the epidemiological diversity of Brazil. A predominance of studies on health intervention/treatment was identified. Thus, this review reveals a compatible Brazilian epidemiological reality scenario, indicating a need to increase research and investment of funds in the area of preventive health.

Strategies to prevent HIV transmission to serodiscordant couples / Estratégias de prevenção da transmissão do HIV para casais sorodiscordantes

ABSTRACT Introduction: The use antiretroviral reduces the sexual transmission of HIV, expanding interventions for serodiscordant couples. Objective: This article aims to review the use of antiretroviral and other prevention interventions among serodiscordant couples and to analyze its use in Brazil. Methods: A retrospective review was performed through the MEDLINE database and bases included in the Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde. Results: The articles recovered exhibit four main strategies: (1) condom; (2) reduction of risks in sexual practices; (3) use of antiretrovirals, particularly early initiation of antiretroviral therapy (TASP) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP); (4) risk reduction in reproduction. Discussion: TASP is highly effective in reducing sexual transmission, PrEP was tested in serodiscordant couples and both reduce the sexual transmission risk in different sexual practices, enabling individualized prevention strategies. Conclusions: When used in combination, antiretrovirals and sexual practices with condoms offer greater efficacy than any single strategy. The combined use of new and old strategies allows us to build a prevention policy for all.

RESUMO Introdução : O emprego de antirretrovirais reduz a transmissão sexual do HIV, ampliando possibilidades de prevenção da sua transmissão em casais sorodiscordantes. Objetivo: Revisar a utilização de antirretrovirais combinados com outras estratégias na prevenção entre casais sorodiscordantes e analisar seu emprego no Brasil. Métodos: A revisão foi realizada na base de dados MEDLINE e nas bases incluídas na Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde. Resultados: Os artigos encontrados exibem quatro principais estratégias: (1) uso de preservativos; (2) hierarquização de riscos por exposição sexual; (3) emprego de antirretrovirais, especialmente o início precoce do tratamento (TASP) e profilaxia pré-exposição (PrEP); (4) redução de riscos na reprodução. Discussão: A TASP, com elevada eficácia na diminuição de transmissão sexual, e a PrEP, avaliada em casais sorodiscordantes, reduzem o risco de transmissão sexual do HIV em diferentes práticas sexuais, possibilitando individualizar as estratégias de prevenção. Conclusões: O uso combinado de novas e antigas estratégias possibilita construir uma política de prevenção para todos.

The HIV-Brazil cohort study: design, methods and participant characteristics.

BACKGROUND: The HIV-Brazil Cohort Study was established to analyze the effectiveness of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) and the impact of this treatment on morbidity, quality of life (QOL) and mortality. The study design, patients' profiles and characteristics of cART initiation between 2003 and 2010 were described. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Since 2003, the HIV-Brazil Cohort has been following HIV-infected adults receiving cART at 26 public health care facilities, using routine clinical care data and self-reported QOL questionnaires. When not otherwise available, data are obtained from national information systems. The main outcomes of interest are diseases related or unrelated to HIV; suppression of viral replication; adverse events; virological, clinical and immunological failures; changes in the cART; and mortality. For the 5,061 patients who started cART between 2003 and 2010, the median follow-up time was 4.1 years (IQR 2.2-5.9 years) with an 83.4% retention rate. Patient profiles were characterized by a predominance of men (male/female ratio 1.7∶1), with a mean age of 36.9 years (SD 9.9 years); 55.2% had been infected with HIV via heterosexual contact. The majority of patients (53.4%) initiated cART with a CD4+ T-cell count ≤200 cells/mm3. The medications most often used in the various treatment regimens were efavirenz (59.7%) and lopinavir/ritonavir (18.2%). The proportion of individuals achieving viral suppression within the first 12 months of cART use was 77.4% (95% CI 76.1-78.6). Nearly half (45.4%) of the patients presented HIV-related clinical manifestations after starting cART, and the AIDS mortality rate was 13.9 per 1,000 person-years. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Results from cART use in the daily practice of health services remain relatively unknown in low- and middle-income countries, and studies with the characteristics of the HIV-Brazil Cohort contribute to minimizing these shortcomings, given its scope and patient profile, which is similar to that of the AIDS epidemic in the country.

Raltegravir for the treatment of patients co-infected with HIV and tuberculosis (ANRS 12 180 Reflate TB): a multicentre, phase 2, non-comparative, open-label, randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: Concurrent treatment of HIV and tuberculosis is complicated by drug interactions. We explored the safety and efficacy of raltegravir as an alternative to efavirenz for patients co-infected with HIV and tuberculosis. METHODS: We did a multicentre, phase 2, non-comparative, open-label, randomised trial at eight sites in Brazil and France. Using a computer-generated randomisation sequence, we randomly allocated antiretroviral-naive adult patients with HIV-1 and tuberculosis (aged ≥18 years with a plasma HIV RNA concentration of >1000 copies per mL) to receive raltegravir 400 mg twice a day, raltegravir 800 mg twice daily, or efavirenz 600 mg once daily plus tenofovir and lamivudine (1:1:1; stratified by country). Patients began study treatment after the start of tuberculosis treatment. The primary endpoint was virological suppression at 24 weeks (HIV RNA <50 copies per mL) in all patients who received at least one dose of study drug (modified intention-to-treat analysis). We recorded death, study drug discontinuation, and loss to follow-up as failures to achieve the primary endpoint. We assessed safety in all patients who received study drugs. This study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00822315. FINDINGS: Between July 3, 2009, and June 6, 2011, we enrolled and randomly assigned treatment to 155 individuals; 153 (51 in each group) received at least one dose of the study drug and were included in the primary analysis. 133 patients (87%) completed follow-up at week 48. At week 24, virological suppression was achieved in 39 patients (76%, 95% CI 65-88) in the raltegravir 400 mg group, 40 patients (78%, 67-90) in the raltegravir 800 mg group, and 32 patients (63%, 49-76) in the efavirenz group. The adverse-event profile was much the same across the three groups. Three (6%) patients allocated to efavirenz and three (6%) patients allocated to raltegravir 800 mg twice daily discontinued the study drugs due to adverse events. Seven patients died during the study (one in the raltegravir 400 mg group, four in the raltegravir 800 mg group, and two in the efavirenz group): none of the deaths was deemed related to study treatment. INTERPRETATION: Raltegravir 400 mg twice daily might be an alternative to efavirenz for the treatment of patients co-infected with HIV and tuberculosis. FUNDING: French National Agency for Research on AIDS and Viral Hepatitis (ANRS), Brazilian National STD/AIDS Program-Ministry of Health.

Gestão e processos de trabalho nos Centros de Testagem e Aconselhamento de Porto Alegre-RS na perspectiva de seus aconselhadores / Management and work processes in Voluntary Counseling and Testing Services in Porto Alegre city, Brazil, in the perspective of their counselors

O estudo objetivou avaliar o trabalho nos Centros de Testagem e Aconselhamento (CTAs) do município de Porto Alegre-RS na perspectiva de seus aconselhadores. Tratou-se de pesquisa qualitativa envolvendo a realização de seis grupos focais com 13 aconselhadoras dos três CTAs do município. Os relatos foram submetidos à análise de conteúdo qualitativa, resultando na categoria temática central Conjugações entre gestão e processos de trabalho nos CTAs. Na visão das aconselhadoras, os serviços são essenciais para o diagnóstico e a prevenção em HIV/Aids e contribuem muito para a efetivação dos atendimentos nessa área. Contudo, os serviços estariam vivendo uma crise quanto ao seu papel, em função da expansão do aconselhamento e da testagem anti-HIV para a rede básica de saúde. Essas mudanças trouxeram angústias e incertezas, principalmente pela falta de diálogo com as esferas gestoras e pela ausência de diretrizes claras para o trabalho no contexto das novas políticas nacionais. Os achados também evidenciaram a preocupação com a qualidade e a forma como o aconselhamento será realizado na Atenção Básica, bem como a necessidade de mais profissionais para o atendimento em HIV/Aids e de consultas com especialidades médicas. Acredita-se que estratégias de gestão participativa poderiam contribuir no redirecionamento da atuação dos CTAs, fortalecendo o matriciamento da testagem e do aconselhamento em HIV e reforçando os CTAs na atenção de maior complexidade e como formadores de recursos humanos na área.

This qualitative study aimed to assess the work in Voluntary Counseling and Testing Services (VCT) in Porto Alegre, Brazil in the perspective of their counselors. It was conducted six focus groups with 13 counselors from the three VCT services in the city. Qualitative content analysis of the reports resulted in a central theme named Joining management and work processes in the VCT services. Counselors have emphasized that services are essential for HIV/AIDS diagnosis and prevention, and contributed significantly to effective healthcare. However, VCT services were facing a crisis regarding its role in the healthcare system since counseling and HIV testing activities were being extended as a responsibility of primary health care. These changes have brought anxiety and uncertainness among counselors, especially because the poor relationships with management levels and the lack of clear guidelines in the new policy context. Findings also pointed out counselors' concerns about the quality of counseling offered in the primary health care services, the lack of professionals to HIV/AIDS healthcare and the lack of medical specialist appointments. We endorsed that participatory management strategies could help to redirect VCT services activities, strength the matrix support testing and counseling for HIV and value these services as specialized healthcare providers and human resources reference for training in the area.