Fostering Digital Health in Universities: An Experience of the First Junior Scientific Committee of the Brazilian Congress of Health Informatics.

OBJECTIVES: Digital health (DH) is a revolution driven by digital technologies to improve health. Despite the importance of DH, curricular updates in healthcare university programs are scarce, and DH remains undervalued. Therefore, this report describes the first Junior Scientific Committee (JSC) focusing on DH at a nationwide congress, with the aim of affirming its importance for promoting DH in universities. METHODS: The scientific committee of the Brazilian Congress of Health Informatics (CBIS) extended invitations to students engaged in health-related fields, who were tasked with organizing a warm-up event and a 4-hour session at CBIS. Additionally, they were encouraged to take an active role in a workshop alongside distinguished experts to map out the current state of DH in Brazil. RESULTS: The warm-up event focused on the topic "Artificial intelligence in healthcare: is a new concept of health about to arise?" and featured remote discussions by three professionals from diverse disciplines. At CBIS, the JSC's inaugural presentation concentrated on delineating the present state of DH education in Brazil, while the second presentation offered strategies to advance DH, incorporating viewpoints from within and beyond the academic sphere. During the workshop, participants deliberated on the most crucial competencies for future professionals in the DH domain. CONCLUSIONS: Forming a JSC proved to be a valuable tool to foster DH, particularly due to the valuable interactions it facilitated between esteemed professionals and students. It also supports the cultivation of leadership skills in DH, a field that has not yet received the recognition it deserves.

Longitudinal assessment of leukotriene B4, lipoxin A4, and resolvin D1 plasma levels in pregnant women with risk factors for preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVES: We carried out a longitudinal study to compare leukotriene B4 (LTB4), lipoxin A4 (LXA4), and resolvin D1 (RvD1) levels in pregnant women with risk factors for PE - who did (N = 11) or did not develop (N = 17) this clinical condition. DESIGN & METHODS: For both groups, plasma levels of the lipid mediators were measured using immunoassays at 12-19, 20-29, and 30-34 weeks of gestation. RESULTS: LTB4 tended to be upregulated throughout gestation in women who developed PE. Moreover, this increase was significant at 30-34 weeks. Although LXA4 levels also tended to be higher in the PE group, this difference was not significant for the evaluated gestational periods. Pregnant women with PE had lower RvD1 levels and a low RvD1/LTB4 ratio at 30-34 weeks, compared to those in the normotensive pregnant women. Contrarily, RvD1 levels increased at weeks 12-19 in pregnant women who developed PE. Particularly, LXA4 and RvD1 levels were higher at 30-34 weeks than those at 20-29 weeks considering both groups of women. We observed an interaction between the gestational outcome and the gestational period in case of RvD1. CONCLUSIONS: The imbalance among LTB4, LXA4, and RvD1 levels in these preeclamptic women is consistent with the excessive inflammation that underlies the pathogenesis of PE. Although our data highlight the potential for the use of these lipid mediators as clinical markers for PE development, future longitudinal studies must be carried out to confirm these findings.

A Mobile Serious Game About the Pandemic (COVID-19 - Did You Know?): Design and Evaluation Study.

BACKGROUND: No treatment for COVID-19 is yet available; therefore, providing access to information about SARS-CoV-2, the transmission route of the virus, and ways to prevent the spread of infection is a critical sanitary measure worldwide. Serious games have advantages in the dissemination of reliable information during the pandemic; they can provide qualified content while offering interactivity to the user, and they have great reach over the internet. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop a serious game with the purpose of providing science-based information on the prevention of COVID-19 and personal care during the pandemic while assessing players' knowledge about COVID-19-related topics. METHODS: The study was conducted with the interdisciplinary collaboration of specialists in health sciences, computing, and design at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The health recommendations were grouped into six thematic blocks, presented in a quiz format. The software languages were based on the progressive web app development methodology with the Ionic framework, JavaScript, HTML5, cascading style sheets, and TypeScript (Angular). Open data reports of how users interact with the serious game were obtained using the Google Analytics application programming interface. The visual identity, logo, infographics, and icons were carefully developed by considering a selection of colors, typography, sounds, and images that are suitable for young audiences. Cards with cartoon characters were introduced at the end of each thematic topic to interact with the player, reinforcing their correct answers or alerting them to the need to learn more about the disease. The players' performance was assessed by the rate of incorrect and correct answers and analyzed by linear correlation coefficient over 7 weeks. The agile SCRUM development methodology enabled quick and daily interactions of developers through a webchat and sequential team meetings. RESULTS: The game "COVID-19-Did You Know?" was made available for free on a public university website on April 1, 2020. The game had been accessed 17,571 times as of September 2020. Dissemination actions such as reports on social media and television showed a temporal correspondence with the access number. The players' error rate in the topic "Mask" showed a negative trend (r=-.83; P=.01) over the weeks of follow-up. The other topics showed no significant trend over the weeks. CONCLUSIONS: The gamification strategy for health education content on the theme of COVID-19 reached a young audience, which is considered to be a priority in the strategy of orientation toward social distancing. Specific educational reinforcement measures were proposed and implemented based on the players' performance. The improvement in the users' performance on the topic about the use of masks may reflect an increase in information about or adherence to mask use over time.

Longitudinal assessment of D-dimer and plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 plasma levels in pregnant women with risk factors for preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: Investigating D-Dimer/D-Di and plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1/PAI-1 levels throughout gestation in women with preeclampsia/PE risk factors. METHODS: D-Di and PAI-1 plasma levels were determined in 28 women at 12-19, 20-29, 30-34 and 35-40 weeks of gestation. RESULTS: D-Di was lower at 12-19 weeks and higher at 30-34 weeks in women who developed PE versus who did not develop it. D-Di increased throughout gestation in both groups, peaking earlier in pregnant women who developed PE versus who did not develop it. PA1-1 increased across gestation, but it didn't differ between groups. CONCLUSION: D-Di was able to discriminate these groups of women at 12-19 and 30-34 weeks of gestation.

Uromodulin: a new biomarker of fetal renal function?

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive uropathies are main diseases affecting the fetus. Early diagnosis allows to establish the appropriate therapy to minimize the risk of damage to kidney function at birth. Biochemical markers have been used to predict the prognosis of renal function in fetuses. Uromodulin, also known by Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP) is exclusively produced in the kidneys and in normal conditions is the protein excreted in larger amounts in human urine. It plays important roles in kidneys and urinary tract. Also it participates in ion transport processes, interact with various components of the immune system and has a role in defense against urinary tract infections. Moreover, this protein was proved to be a good marker of renal function in adult patients with several renal diseases. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if uromodulin is produced and eliminated by the kidneys during fetal life by analyzing fetal urine and amniotic fluid and to establish correlation with biochemical parameter of renal function already used in Fetal Medicine Center at the Clinic Hospital of UFMG (CEMEFE/HC). METHODS: Between 2013 and 2015, were selected 29 fetuses with indication of invasive tests for fetal diagnosis in monitoring at the CEMEFE/HC. RESULTS: The determination of uromodulin was possible and measurable in all samples and showed statistically significant correlation with the osmolarity. CONCLUSION: There was a tendency of lower levels of Uromodulin values in fetuses with severe renal impairment prenatally. Thus, high levels of this protein in fetal amniotic fluid or fetal urine dosages possibly mean kidney function preserved.

Uromodulin: a new biomarker of fetal renal function? / Uromodulina: um novo biomarcador de função renal fetal?

Abstract Introduction: Obstructive uropathies are main diseases affecting the fetus. Early diagnosis allows to establish the appropriate therapy to minimize the risk of damage to kidney function at birth. Biochemical markers have been used to predict the prognosis of renal function in fetuses. Uromodulin, also known by Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP) is exclusively produced in the kidneys and in normal conditions is the protein excreted in larger amounts in human urine. It plays important roles in kidneys and urinary tract. Also it participates in ion transport processes, interact with various components of the immune system and has a role in defense against urinary tract infections. Moreover, this protein was proved to be a good marker of renal function in adult patients with several renal diseases. Objective: To evaluate if uromodulin is produced and eliminated by the kidneys during fetal life by analyzing fetal urine and amniotic fluid and to establish correlation with biochemical parameter of renal function already used in Fetal Medicine Center at the Clinic Hospital of UFMG (CEMEFE/HC). Methods: Between 2013 and 2015, were selected 29 fetuses with indication of invasive tests for fetal diagnosis in monitoring at the CEMEFE/HC. Results: The determination of uromodulin was possible and measurable in all samples and showed statistically significant correlation with the osmolarity. Conclusion: There was a tendency of lower levels of Uromodulin values in fetuses with severe renal impairment prenatally. Thus, high levels of this protein in fetal amniotic fluid or fetal urine dosages possibly mean kidney function preserved.

Resumo Introdução: Uropatias obstrutivas estão entre as principais doenças que acometem o feto. O diagnóstico precoce destas doenças permite estabelecer a terapêutica adequada, visando minimizar os riscos de danos à função renal no nascimento. Os marcadores bioquímicos têm sido utilizados na predição do prognóstico da função renal em fetos. A uromodulina, também chamada de proteína de Tamm-Horsfall (THP), é produzida exclusivamente nos rins, e em condições normais, é a proteína excretada em maior volume na urina humana. Ela desempenha importantes funções nos rins e trato urinário. Participa dos processos de transporte de íons, interage com vários componentes do sistema imunológico e possui papel na defesa contra infecções do trato urinário. Além disso, se mostrou um bom biomarcador de função renal em adultos portadores de diversas doenças renais. Objetivos: Avaliar se a uromodulina é produzida e eliminada pelos rins durante a vida fetal através da análise de urina fetal e líquido amniótico, além de estabelecer correlação com o parâmetro bioquímico de função renal já utilizado no Centro de Medicina Fetal do Hospital das Clínicas da UFMG (CEMEFE/HC). Métodos: Entre 2013 e 2015, foram selecionados 29 fetos com indicação de exames invasivos para diagnóstico fetal em acompanhamento no CEMEFE/HC. Resultados: A dosagem da uromodulina foi possível e quantificável em todas as amostras e mostrou correlação significativa com a osmolaridade. Conclusão: A uromodulina mostrou uma tendência em apresentar valores reduzidos em fetos com grave comprometimento renal no pré-natal. Assim, valores elevados desta proteína em dosagens de urina fetal ou líquido amniótico podem significar uma função renal preservada.

[Prevalence of congenital and perinatal infection in HIV positive pregnant in Belo Horizonte metropolitan region]. / Prevalência de infecções congênitas e perinatais em gestantes HIV positivas da região metropolitana de Belo Horizonte.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, hepatitis B&C and syphilis (Torchs) in a cohort pregnant women and to identify the sociodemographic, clinical and laboratory factors. METHODS: A total of 1,573 HIV-infected pregnant women from a Brazilian metropolitan region were studied between 1998 and 2013. The results of serological tests were available for 704 (44.8%) pregnant women. Pregnant women were considered to be Torchs positive (Gtp) when they had positive results for at least one of these infections, and to be Torchs negative (Gtn) when they had negative results for all of them. Maternal covariables were: age, marital status, educational level, time and mode of infection, CD4 lymphocyte count, viral load at delivery, and use of antiretroviral therapy (ARV). Neonatal covariables were: HIV infection, prematurity, low birth weight, neonatal complications, abortion and neonatal death. Odds ratios with 95% confidence interval were used to quantify the association between maternal and neonatal variables and the presence of Torchs. RESULTS: Among 704 pregnant women, 70 (9.9%; 95%CI 7.8-12.4) had positive serological tests for any Torchs factor. The individual prevalence rates were: 1.5% (10/685) for toxoplasmosis; 1.3% (8/618) for rubella; 1.3% (8/597) for cytomegalovirus; 0.9% (6/653) for hepatitis B and 3.7% (20/545) for hepatitis C; and 3.8% (25/664) for syphilis. The HIV Vertical HIV transmission was 4.6% among Gtp pregnant women and 1.2% among Gtn women. Antiretroviral therapy (ARV), vertical transmission, low birth weight and neonatal complications were significantly associated with Torchs positivity in univariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The Torchs prevalence found in the study was high for some infections. These findings emphasize the need to promote serological Torchs screening for all pregnant women, especially HIV-infected women, so that an early diagnosis can be made and treatment interventions can be implemented to prevent vertical HIV transmission.

Prevalência de infecções congênitas e perinatais em gestantes HIV positivas da região metropolitana de Belo Horizonte / Prevalence of congenital and perinatal infection in HIV positive pregnant in Belo Horizonte metropolitan region

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a prevalência de toxoplasmose, rubéola, citomegalovirose, hepatites B e C e sífilis (Torchs) em uma coorte de gestantes, bem como identificar os fatores sociodemográficos, clínicos e laboratoriais.MÉTODOS: Entre 1998 e 2013, foram atendidas 1.573 gestantes com sorologia positiva para o HIV em área metropolitana do Brasil, das quais 704 (44,8%) foram submetidas a algum dos testes sorológicos. Gestantes Torchs positivas (Gtp) foram consideradas aquelas com resultado positivo para uma dessas infecções, e gestantes Torchs negativas (Gtn) aquelas com resultados negativos para todas elas. As variáveis maternas investigadas foram: idade, estado civil, escolaridade, momento e forma de contágio da infeccção pelo HIV, contagem de linfócitos TCD4+, carga viral plasmática do HIV próxima ao parto e uso de terapia antirretroviral durante a gestação. As variáveis neonatais investigadas foram ocorrência de: transmissão vertical, prematuridade, baixo peso ao nascimento, complicações fetais, aborto e óbito fetal. Foram utilizadas razões de chance com intervalo de confiança de 95% para quantificar a associação entre as variáveis maternas e neonatais e a presença de Torchs.RESULTADOS: Entre as 704 gestantes, 70 (9,9%; IC95% 7,8-12,4) tinham alguma sorologia positiva para Torchs. Foram encontradas taxas: 1,5% (10/685) para a toxoplasmose; 1,3% (8/618) para rubéola; 1,3% (8/597) para citomegalovirose; 0,9% (6/653) para hepatite B e 3,7% (20/545) para hepatite C; e 3,8% (25/664) para sífilis. A transmissão vertical do HIV entre as gestantes Gtp foi 4,6% e de 1,2% entre as Gtn. As variáveis associadas à presença de Torchs na análise univariada foram: uso de terapia antirretroviral, transmissão vertical do HIV, baixo peso ao nascimento e complicações fetais.CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência das Torchs mostrou-se elevada para algumas infecções. Conclui-se que é importante manter o rastreamento de Torchs na gravidez, especialmente nas gestantes HIV positivas, para que se possa estabelecer diagnóstico e tratamento, e/ou medidas preventivas para evitar a transmissão materno-fetal.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, hepatitis B&C and syphilis (Torchs) in a cohort pregnant women and to identify the sociodemographic, clinical and laboratory factors.METHODS: A total of 1,573 HIV-infected pregnant women from a Brazilian metropolitan region were studied between 1998 and 2013. The results of serological tests were available for 704 (44.8%) pregnant women. Pregnant women were considered to be Torchs positive (Gtp) when they had positive results for at least one of these infections, and to be Torchs negative (Gtn) when they had negative results for all of them. Maternal covariables were: age, marital status, educational level, time and mode of infection, CD4 lymphocyte count, viral load at delivery, and use of antiretroviral therapy (ARV). Neonatal covariables were: HIV infection, prematurity, low birth weight, neonatal complications, abortion and neonatal death. Odds ratios with 95% confidence interval were used to quantify the association between maternal and neonatal variables and the presence of Torchs.RESULTS: Among 704 pregnant women, 70 (9.9%; 95%CI 7.8-12.4) had positive serological tests for any Torchs factor. The individual prevalence rates were: 1.5% (10/685) for toxoplasmosis; 1.3% (8/618) for rubella; 1.3% (8/597) for cytomegalovirus; 0.9% (6/653) for hepatitis B and 3.7% (20/545) for hepatitis C; and 3.8% (25/664) for syphilis. The HIV Vertical HIV transmission was 4.6% among Gtp pregnant women and 1.2% among Gtn women. Antiretroviral therapy (ARV), vertical transmission, low birth weight and neonatal complications were significantly associated with Torchs positivity in univariate analysis.CONCLUSIONS: The Torchs prevalence found in the study was high for some infections. These findings emphasize the need to promote serological Torchs screening for all pregnant women, especially HIV-infected women, so that an early diagnosis can be made and treatment interventions can be implemented to prevent vertical HIV transmission.

[Association between risk pregnancy and route of delivery with maternal and neonatal outcomes]. / Associacao entre risco gestacional e tipo de parto com as repercussoes maternas e neonatais.

PURPOSE: To analyze the relationships among gestational risk, type of delivery and immediate maternal and neonatal repercussions. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study based on secondary data was conducted in a university maternity hospital. A total of 1606 births were analyzed over a 9-month period. Epidemiological, clinical, obstetric and neonatal characteristics were compared according to the route of delivery and the gestational risk characterized on the basis of the eligibility criteria for high clinical risk. The occurrence of maternal and neonatal complications during hospitalization was analyzed according to gestational risk and cesarean section delivery using univariate and multivariate logistic analysis. RESULTS: The overall rate of cesarean sections was 38.3%. High gestational risk was present in 50.2% of births, mainly represented by hypertensive disorders and fetal malformations. The total incidence of cesarean section, planned cesarean section or emergency cesarean section was more frequent in pregnant women at gestational high risk (p<0.001). Cesarean section alone did not influence maternal outcome, but was associated with poor neonatal outcome (OR 3.4; 95%CI 2.7-4.4). Gestational high risk was associated with poor maternal and neonatal outcome (OR 3.8; 95%CI 1.3-8.7 and OR 17.5; 95%CI 11.6-26.3, respectively). In multivariate analysis, the ratios were maintained, although the effect of gestational risk has determined a reduction in the OR of the type of delivery alone from 3.4 (95%CI 2.7-4.4) to 1.99 (95%CI 1.5-2.6) for adverse neonatal outcome. CONCLUSION: Gestational risk was the main factor associated with poor maternal and neonatal outcome. Cesarean delivery was not directly associated with poor maternal outcome but increased the chances of unfavorable neonatal outcomes.

Associacao entre risco gestacional e tipo de parto com as repercussoes maternas e neonatais / Association between risk pregnancy and route of delivery with maternal and neonatal outcomes

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as relações entre risco gestacional, tipo de parto e suas repercussões maternas e neonatais imediatas. MÉTODOS: Análise retrospectiva de coorte em base de dados secundários, em maternidade de hospital universitário. Foram considerados 1606 partos no período de nove meses. Características epidemiológicas, clínicas, obstétricas e neonatais foram comparadas em função da via de parto e do risco gestacional, caracterizado conforme os critérios de elegibilidade de alto risco clínico. A ocorrência de complicações maternas e neonatais durante a internação foi analisada em função do risco gestacional e parto cesariano. Para isto, análise logística univariada e multivariada foram empregadas. RESULTADOS: A taxa global de cesarianas foi de 38,3%. O alto risco gestacional esteve presente em 50,2% dos partos, representado principalmente pelos distúrbios hipertensivos e as malformações fetais. A ocorrência total de cesarianas, cesarianas anteparto ou intraparto foi mais frequente em gestantes de elevado risco gestacional (p<0,001]. A cesariana, isoladamente, não influenciou o resultado materno, mas associou-se ao resultado neonatal desfavorável (OR 3,4; IC95% 2,7-4,4). O alto risco gestacional associou-se ao resultado materno e neonatal desfavorável (OR 3,8; IC95% 1,6-8,7 e OR 17,5; IC95% 11,6-26,3, respectivamente) Na análise multivariada, essas relações de risco se mantiveram, embora o efeito do risco gestacional tenha determinado uma redução no OR do tipo de parto isoladamente de 3,4 (IC95% 2,66-4,4) para 1,99 (IC95% 1,5-2,6) para o resultado neonatal desfavorável. CONCLUSÃO: O risco gestacional foi o principal fator associado ao resultado materno e neonatal desfavorável. A cesariana não influenciou diretamente ...

PURPOSE: To analyze the relationships among gestational risk, type of delivery and immediate maternal and neonatal repercussions. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study based on secondary data was conducted in a university maternity hospital. A total of 1606 births were analyzed over a 9-month period. Epidemiological, clinical, obstetric and neonatal characteristics were compared according to the route of delivery and the gestational risk characterized on the basis of the eligibility criteria for high clinical risk. The occurrence of maternal and neonatal complications during hospitalization was analyzed according to gestational risk and cesarean section delivery using univariate and multivariate logistic analysis. RESULTS: The overall rate of cesarean sections was 38.3%. High gestational risk was present in 50.2% of births, mainly represented by hypertensive disorders and fetal malformations. The total incidence of cesarean section, planned cesarean section or emergency cesarean section was more frequent in pregnant women at gestational high risk (p<0.001). Cesarean section alone did not influence maternal outcome, but was associated with poor neonatal outcome (OR 3.4; 95%CI 2.7-4.4). Gestational high risk was associated with poor maternal and neonatal outcome (OR 3.8; 95%CI 1.3-8.7 and OR 17.5; 95%CI 11.6-26.3, respectively). In multivariate analysis, the ratios were maintained, although the effect of gestational risk has determined a reduction in the OR of the type of delivery alone from 3.4 (95%CI 2.7-4.4) to 1.99 (95%CI 1.5-2.6) for adverse neonatal outcome. CONCLUSION: Gestational risk was the main factor associated with poor maternal and neonatal outcome. Cesarean delivery was not directly associated with poor maternal outcome but increased the chances of unfavorable neonatal outcomes. .

Cardiopatias e gravidez / Heart diseases and pregnancy

As cardiopatias complicam de 0,2 a 4,0% as gestações nos países ocidentais. Apesar de o resultado materno-fetal ser favorável na maioria dos casos, pacientes cardiopatas devem receber aconselhamento pré-concepcional adequado. Nessas pacientes, há risco aumentado para insuficiência cardíaca congestiva e arritmias cardíacas durante a gravidez, o parto e o puerpério. As cardiopatias congênitas e reumáticas são as principais etiologias nesses casos. O pré-natal deve ser realizado em serviços terciários com equipes multidisciplinares, familiarizadas com gestação de alto risco. Neste artigo, revisou-se a literatura sobre cardiopatias na gravidez, enfatizando o aconselhamento pré-concepcional e o manejo pré-natal.

Heart diseases complicate from 0.2 to 4.0% of all pregnancies in Western countries. Although the maternal-fetal outcome obtained in most cases is favorable, patients should receive adequate preconcepcional counseling. In these patients, there is an increased risk for congestive heart failure and cardiac arrhythmias during pregnancy, delivery, and puerperium. Congenital and rheumatic heart diseases are the main conditions involved in these cases. The prenatal care must take place in tertiary services with multidisciplinary staff, well-trained in high-risk pregnancies. In this paper, we have reviewed the literature on heart diseases in pregnancy, emphasizing the preconcepcional counseling and prenatal management.

Pré-eclâmpsia precoce e tardia: uma classificação mais adequada para o prognóstico materno e perinatal? / Early-onset preeclampsia: is it a better classification for maternal and perinatal outcomes?

OBJETIVO: avaliar as diferenças entre o resultado materno e perinatal de gestações complicadas pela pré-eclâmpsia, segundo classificação em sua forma grave/leve e de início precoce/tardio. MÉTODOS: estudo retrospectivo envolvendo 211 gestações complicadas pela pré-eclâmpsia, avaliadas em centro universitário de referência, no período de 2000 a 2010. O diagnóstico e a gravidade da doença foram baseados nos valores da pressão arterial, proteinúria e nos achados clínicos e laboratoriais. A idade da gestante, cor da pele, paridade, pressão arterial, valores de proteinúria semiquantitativa, presença de incisura bilateral em artérias uterinas à doplervelocimetria e as condições de nascimento foram comparados entre os casos de forma leve/grave, assim como entre aqueles de surgimento precoce/tardio. A doença foi considerada precoce quando diagnosticada antes da 34ª semana. RESULTADOS: a maioria das gestantes apresentava a forma grave da pré-eclâmpsia (82,8 por cento) e 50,7 por cento, de início precoce. Os valores da pressão arterial (133,6±14,8 versus 115,4 mmHg, p=0,0004, e 132,2±16,5 versus 125,7 mmHg, p=0,0004) e proteinúria semiquantitativa (p=0,0003 e p=0,0005) foram mais elevados nas formas grave e precoce em relação às formas leve e tardia. O peso ao nascimento (1.435,4±521,6 versus 2.710±605,0 g, 1.923,7±807,9 versus 2.415,0±925,0 g, p<0,0001 para ambos) e o índice de Apgar (p=0,01 para ambos) foram menores nas formas grave e precoce da pré-eclâmpsia, em relação às formas leve e tardia. Por outro lado, a presença de incisura bilateral em artérias uterinas se associou às formas de início precoce (69,2 versus 47,9 por cento, p=0,02), enquanto a restrição de crescimento fetal foi mais frequente nas formas graves da pré-eclâmpsia (30 versus 4,4 por cento, p=0,008). CONCLUSÃO: a classificação da pré-eclâmpsia baseada em parâmetros clínicos maternos refletiu melhor as condições de nutrição fetal, enquanto o seu surgimento precoce se associou melhor à vasculopatia placentária detectada à doplervelocimetria.

PURPOSE: to evaluate the differences between the maternal and perinatal outcomes of pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia, according to the classification as the severe/mild form, and the early/late onset form. METHODS: a retrospective study with 211 pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia, assessed at a university reference center from 2000 to 2010. The diagnosis and disease severity were based on the values of blood pressure, proteinuria, and clinical and laboratory findings. The pregnant's age, skin color, parity, blood pressure, urine protein semiquantitative values, presence of bilateral notch in the uterine artery dopplervelocimetry and birth conditions were compared between patients with mild and severe disease, as well as between those of early/late onset. The disease was considered to be of early onset when diagnosed at less than 34 weeks of gestational age. RESULTS: most patients had the severe form of preeclampsia (82.8 percent), and the onset of the condition was early in 50.7 percent. Blood pressure values (133.6±14.8 versus 115.4 mmHg, p=0.0004 and 132.2±16.5 versus 125.7 mmHg, p=0.0004) and semiquantitative proteinuria (p=0.0003 and p=0.0005) were higher in the early and severe forms compared to mild and late forms. Infant birth weight (1,435.4±521.6 versus 2,710±605.0 g, 1,923.7±807.9 versus 2,415.0±925.0 g, p<0.0001 for both) and Apgar score (p=0.01 for both) were smaller for severe and early preeclampsia compared to mild and late preeclampsia. On the other hand, the presence of a bilateral notch in the uterine arteries was linked to the forms of early onset (69.2 versus 47.9 percent, p=0.02), whereas fetal growth restriction was more frequent in the severe forms of preeclampsia (30 versus 4.4 percent, p=0.008). CONCLUSION: the preeclampsia classification based on maternal clinical parameters better reflected the conditions of fetal nutrition, while the early onset of the condition was associated with placental vasculopathy detected by dopplervelocimetry.

Estudo sobre a acuidade diagnóstica da endoscopia digestiva alta na detecção do esôfago de barrett / Study on the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopy in the detection of barrett's esophasus

Introdução: o esôfago de barrett (EB) decorre da substituição do epitélio escamoso do esôfago inferior por epitélio colunar em continuidade com a mucosa gástrica. Sua prevalência é estimada em 1% da população geral. A observação endoscópica cuidadosa e a vigilância através de biópsias permitem um melhor controle da progressão para adenocarcinoma do esôfago. Objetivos: detectar a prevalência da suspeita de EB nos exames endoscópicos, calcular a sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo e negativo da endoscopia digestiva alta (EDA) na detecção do EB e, calcular o índice Kappa de concordância entre o diagnóstico endoscópico e o histopatológico na detecção do EB. Métodos: Foram analisados 3813 laudos dos pacientes submetidos à EDA e 307 laudos de biópsias do esôfago do mesmo grupo de estudo, entre maio de 2007 e fevereiro de 2009. Resultados: A prevalência dos achados endoscópicos suspeitos de EB foi 2,30%(88), sendo que, 80,68%(71) foram confirmados histologicamente; destes, 64,79%(46) apresentaram hérnia de hiato associada, 78,87%(56) apresentaram lesão inferior a 3cm, 81,69%(58) eram do sexo masculino e a média de idade mais acometida foi 53 anos. O índice Kappa de concordância diagnóstica entre o exame endoscópico e o histopatológico foi 0,65. A sensibilidade da EDA no rastreio de EB foi 71% e a especificidade 92%. O valor preditivo positivo do exame endoscópico na mesma população foi 0,61 (61%) e o valor preditivo negativo 0,39 (39%). Conclusão: a EDA é um bom método para detectar EB, porém é melhor para excluí-lo. O índice Kappa foi considerado substancial.

Ophthalmic artery-resistive index and evidence of overperfusion-related encephalopathy in severe preeclampsia.

Neurological findings in preeclampsia fulfill diagnostic criteria of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), which is related to cerebral autoregulation impairment associated with high blood pressure. In preeclampsia, PRES may occur without a significant increase in blood pressure. Our aim was to investigate the association between ophthalmic artery resistive index (OARI) and clinical evidence of PRES, defined as the presence of headache and blurred vision, in patients with severe preeclampsia. OARI and main clinical and laboratory parameters were obtained in 112 patients with severe preeclampsia. Differences in these parameters were analyzed in the function of clinical evidence of PRES with a 2-sample t test. The area under receiver operating characteristic curve for each of these parameters in the function of clinical evidence of PRES was obtained. Logistic regression models were established with parameters categorized by cutoff points obtained in receiver operating characteristic curves. Among 112 patients with severe preeclampsia, 46 (41%) presented clinical evidence of PRES. These patients presented lower OARI (P<0.0001), higher mean blood pressure at admission (P<0.0001), higher mean blood pressure elevation after the first trimester (P<0.0001), and higher lactate dehydrogenase (P<0.0001) than those without clinical evidence of PRES. OARI presented an area under receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.810+/-0.039 (95% CI: 0.742 to 0.895; P<0.0001). OARI <0.56 was associated with clinical evidence of PRES, with an odds ratio of 12.67 (95% CI: 4.08 to 39.39; P<0.0001). Data suggest that OARI is a relevant biomarker of PRES in severe preeclampsia.

[Early-onset preeclampsia: is it a better classification for maternal and perinatal outcomes?]. / Pré-eclâmpsia precoce e tardia: uma classificação mais adequada para o prognóstico materno e perinatal?

PURPOSE: to evaluate the differences between the maternal and perinatal outcomes of pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia, according to the classification as the severe/mild form, and the early/late onset form. METHODS: a retrospective study with 211 pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia, assessed at a university reference center from 2000 to 2010. The diagnosis and disease severity were based on the values of blood pressure, proteinuria, and clinical and laboratory findings. The pregnant's age, skin color, parity, blood pressure, urine protein semiquantitative values, presence of bilateral notch in the uterine artery dopplervelocimetry and birth conditions were compared between patients with mild and severe disease, as well as between those of early/late onset. The disease was considered to be of early onset when diagnosed at less than 34 weeks of gestational age. RESULTS: most patients had the severe form of preeclampsia (82.8%), and the onset of the condition was early in 50.7%. Blood pressure values (133.6 ± 14.8 versus 115.4 mmHg, p=0.0004 and 132.2 ± 16.5 versus 125.7 mmHg, p=0.0004) and semiquantitative proteinuria (p=0.0003 and p=0.0005) were higher in the early and severe forms compared to mild and late forms. Infant birth weight (1,435.4 ± 521.6 versus 2,710 ± 605.0 g, 1,923.7 ± 807.9 versus 2,415.0 ± 925.0 g, p<0.0001 for both) and Apgar score (p=0.01 for both) were smaller for severe and early preeclampsia compared to mild and late preeclampsia. On the other hand, the presence of a bilateral notch in the uterine arteries was linked to the forms of early onset (69.2 versus 47.9%, p=0.02), whereas fetal growth restriction was more frequent in the severe forms of preeclampsia (30 versus 4.4%, p=0.008). CONCLUSION: the preeclampsia classification based on maternal clinical parameters better reflected the conditions of fetal nutrition, while the early onset of the condition was associated with placental vasculopathy detected by dopplervelocimetry.

[Assess flow velocity in the ductus venosus and inferior vena cava in fetuses in isoimmunized pregnancies]. / Fluxo no ducto venoso e na veia cava inferior dos fetos em gestações isoimunizadas.

OBJECTIVE: Ductus venosus and inferior vena cava flow velocity was assessed in fetuses in isoimmunized pregnancies. METHODS: Examination of 61 fetuses aged 27 to 35 weeks from Rh-erythrocyte antigen isoimmunized women was carried out from June 1999 to June 2004. All fetuses were submitted to the examination of ductus venosus and inferior vena cava flow velocity. Blood samples were collected to determine hemoglobin values and hemoglobin concentration deficits. Accordingly, fetuses were grouped as follows: non-anemic; mildly anemic; moderately anemic and severely anemic fetuses. Comparison of the variation of average flow velocity in the inferior vena cava and ductus venosus across the four groups was carried out using the chi-square test. RESULTS: Inferior vena cava flow velocity was found to be altered in 3.8% of non-anemic fetuses; in 3.1% of the mildly anemic, in 40.0% of those moderately anemic; and in 76.0% of the severely anemic ones. Alteration in ductus venosus flow velocity, in turn, was identified in 7.7% of non-anemic fetuses; 3.1% of mildly anemic; 32.5% of moderately anemic and 68.0% of those severely anemic. Results were statistically significant with p < 0.001. CONCLUSION: The study shows that alteration of flow velocity in the inferior vena cava and ductus venosus increased with the severity of anemia.

Fluxo no ducto venoso e na veia cava inferior dos fetos em gestações isoimunizadas / Assess flow velocity in the ductus venosus and inferior vena cava in fetuses in isoimmunized pregnancies

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a velocidade de fluxo na veia cava inferior e no ducto venoso em fetos, nas gestações isoimunizadas. MÉTODOS: De junho de 1999 a junho de 2004, foram avaliados 61 fetos, entre 27 e 35 semanas, de gestantes portadoras de isoimunização por antígenos eritrocitários. Em todos os fetos foram avaliadas as velocidades de fluxo na veia cava inferior e no ducto venoso. Obteve-se amostra de sangue fetal para determinação dos valores da hemoglobina e calculou-se o déficit da concentração de hemoglobina. Esses fetos foram divididos em quatro grupos, de acordo com o déficit da concentração de hemoglobina: fetos não anêmicos, anêmicos leves, anêmicos moderados e anêmicos graves. Utilizou-se o teste Qui-quadrado para comparar os quatro grupos de fetos quanto à proporção da alteração da velocidade média de fluxo na veia cava inferior e no ducto venoso. RESULTADOS: A velocidade de fluxo na veia cava inferior estava alterada em 3,8 por cento dos fetos não anêmicos, em 3,1 por cento dos fetos com anemia leve, em 40 por cento dos anêmicos moderados e em 76 por cento dos fetos com anemia grave. Já a velocidade de fluxo no ducto venoso estava alterada em 7,7 por cento dos fetos não anêmicos, em 3,1 por cento dos fetos com anemia leve, em 32,5 por cento dos anêmicos moderados e em 68 por cento dos fetos com anemia grave. O valor p foi inferior a 0,001. CONCLUSÃO: Verificou-se aumento da freqüência de alteração da velocidade de fluxo na veia cava inferior e no ducto venoso à medida que a anemia se agravava.

OBJECTIVE: Ductus venosus and inferior vena cava flow velocity was assessed in fetuses in isoimmunized pregnancies. METHODS: Examination of 61 fetuses aged 27 to 35 weeks from Rh-erythrocyte antigen isoimmunized women was carried out from June 1999 to June 2004. All fetuses were submitted to the examination of ductus venosus and inferior vena cava flow velocity. Blood samples were collected to determine hemoglobin values and hemoglobin concentration deficits. Accordingly, fetuses were grouped as follows: non-anemic; mildly anemic; moderately anemic and severely anemic fetuses. Comparison of the variation of average flow velocity in the inferior vena cava and ductus venosus across the four groups was carried out using the chi-square test. RESULTS: Inferior vena cava flow velocity was found to be altered in 3.8 percent of non-anemic fetuses; in 3.1 percent of the mildly anemic, in 40.0 percent of those moderately anemic; and in 76.0 percent of the severely anemic ones. Alteration in ductus venosus flow velocity, in turn, was identified in 7.7 percent of non-anemic fetuses; 3.1 percent of mildly anemic; 32.5 percent of moderately anemic and 68.0 percent of those severely anemic. Results were statistically significant with p < 0.001. CONCLUSION: The study shows that alteration of flow velocity in the inferior vena cava and ductus venosus increased with the severity of anemia.

Falência ovariana prematura e gravidez / Premature ovarian failure and pregnancy

A falência ovariana prematura é uma condiçäo caracterizada por amenorréia, infertilidade, deficiência dos hormônios sexuais e elevaçäo das gonadotrofinas em mulheres com idade inferior a 40 anos. Os autores relatam a ocorrência de uma gravidez em uma paciente de 32 anos portadora de amenorréia hipergonadotrófica, em uso de terapia de reposiçäo hormonal (TRH).

Curva de crescimento da medida do útero-fita em gestaçöes de risco habitual acompanhadas no Hospital das Clínicas - UFMG / Curve of growing of measure of uterus-tape of habitual risk followed in Hospital da Clínicas - UFMG

Os autores construíram uma curva de percentil representado o crescimento da altura uterina em relaçÝo à idade gestacional, em 135 pacientes hígidas atendidas no pré-natal de risco habitual do Hospital das Clínicas - UFMG. O objetivo do estudo é apresentar uma curva padrÝo que mostre o crescimento da altura uterina em gestantes com características epidemiológicas próprias, que sirva como referência para o acompanhamento clínico seriado do crescimento fetal