Spatial analysis of syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil, 2001-2018. / Análise espacial da sífilis em gestantes e sífilis congênita no estado do Espírito Santo, 2011-2018.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the spatial distribution of syphilis cases in pregnancy and congenital syphilis cases, from 2011 to 2018. METHODS: this was an ecological study applying spatial analysis of syphilis cases in pregnancy and congenital syphilis reported on the Notifiable Diseases Information System; TerraView 4.2.0 software was used. RESULTS: seventy-eight municipalities were analyzed, and evidence of a significant cluster was found for syphilis in pregnant women (Moran index=0.38; p=0.01) and for congenital syphilis (Moran index=0.31; p=0.01) in the greater Vitória region and north coast municipalities; along the north and metropolitan coastal regions some 30 municipalities were identified as having higher occurrence of the outcomes, as well as some 14 municipalities with a high proportion of congenital syphilis and a low proportion of syphilis in pregnancy. CONCLUSION: the study identified places where interventions and prenatal care professional training need to be channeled, with the aim of controlling syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis.

Death due to acute Chagas -related myocarditis in a child: a case report.

This is a case report about the only confirmed death in the State of Espírito Santo due to acute Chagas-related myocarditis in a 2-year-old child living in the rural area of Guarapari. He presented with fever, abdominal pain, headache, and vomiting, resulting in death 21 days after the presentation of symptoms. Amastigote forms were observed in the myocardial fibers in histological examination. The boy's mother had reported finding "kissing bugs" in the child's hand. This case highlights the need to include Chagas disease in the differential diagnosis in health care to provide early treatment and avoid death in affected individuals.

Análise espacial da sífilis em gestantes e sífilis congênita no estado do Espírito Santo, 2011-2018 / Análisis espacial de la sífilis en mujeres embarazadas y de la sífilis congénita, en el estado del Espírito Santo, Brasil, 2001-2018 / Spatial analysis of syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil, 2001-2018

Objetivo: analisar a distribuição espacial da sífilis em gestantes e da sífilis congênita no estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil, no período de 2011 a 2018. Métodos: estudo ecológico, com análise espacial dos casos notificados no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan); utilizou-se o software TerraView 4.2.0. Resultados: foram analisados 78 municípios; identificou-se aglomerado significativo para sífilis em gestantes (índice de Moran=0,38; p=0,01) e sífilis congênita (índice de Moran=0,31; p=0,01), compreendendo a região metropolitana de Vitória e municípios litorâneos ao norte; no litoral norte e metropolitano, foram identificados cerca de 30 municípios com maior ocorrência dos desfechos, e cerca de 14 municípios com elevada proporção de sífilis congênita e baixa proporção em gestantes. Conclusão: foram identificados locais para direcionamento de ações e capacitação de profissionais ligados ao atendimento pré-natal, visando ao controle da sífilis em gestantes e congênita.

Objetivo: analizar la distribución espacial de casos de sífilis en mujeres embarazadas y sífilis congénita, de 2011 a 2018. Métodos: estudio ecológico, con análisis espacial de casos de sífilis en mujeres embarazadas y congénita en el Sistema de Información de Enfermedades de Notificación; se utilizó el software TerraView 4.2.0. Resultados: fueron analizados 78 municipios; se identificó clúster significativo por el índice de Moran, de 0,38 (p=0,01) para sífilis en mujeres embarazadas y de 0,31 (p=0,01) para sífilis congénita, abarcando la región metropolitana de Vitória y municipios del litoral norte, fueron identificados 30 municipios con mayor incidencia de desenlaces, y 14 municipios con una alta proporción de sífilis congénita y baja para sífilis en embarazadas. Conclusión: a través del estudio fueron identificadas regiones prioritarias para la planificación y capacitación de profesionales de la atención prenatal, priorizando el control de la sífilis congénita y prenatal.

Objective: to analyze the spatial distribution of syphilis cases in pregnancy and congenital syphilis cases, from 2011 to 2018. Methods: this was an ecological study applying spatial analysis of syphilis cases in pregnancy and congenital syphilis reported on the Notifiable Diseases Information System; TerraView 4.2.0 software was used. Results: seventy-eight municipalities were analyzed, and evidence of a significant cluster was found for syphilis in pregnant women (Moran index=0.38; p=0.01) and for congenital syphilis (Moran index=0.31; p=0.01) in the greater Vitória region and north coast municipalities; along the north and metropolitan coastal regions some 30 municipalities were identified as having higher occurrence of the outcomes, as well as some 14 municipalities with a high proportion of congenital syphilis and a low proportion of syphilis in pregnancy. Conclusion: the study identified places where interventions and prenatal care professional training need to be channeled, with the aim of controlling syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis.

Death due to acute Chagas -related myocarditis in a child: a case report

Abstract This is a case report about the only confirmed death in the State of Espírito Santo due to acute Chagas-related myocarditis in a 2-year-old child living in the rural area of Guarapari. He presented with fever, abdominal pain, headache, and vomiting, resulting in death 21 days after the presentation of symptoms. Amastigote forms were observed in the myocardial fibers in histological examination. The boy's mother had reported finding "kissing bugs" in the child's hand. This case highlights the need to include Chagas disease in the differential diagnosis in health care to provide early treatment and avoid death in affected individuals.

Program for Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of Syphilis and HIV in Brazil: missed opportunities / Programa de prevenção da transmissão materno-infantil de sífilis e HIV no Brasil: oportunidades perdidas

While antenatal screening for HIV and syphilis is part of the national policy in Brazil, screening and treatment coverage remain inadequate in many parts of the country. This study aimed to describe missed opportunities concerning mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) from the point-of-view of pregnant women, health professionals, and health care managers. A semi-structured interview was conducted in six Brazilian states. Pregnant women, health professionals, and health care managers were interviewed to identify failures in the process of care for pregnant women and MTCT of syphilis or HIV. The project had a quantitative approach but included open-ended questions to capture the views of participants regarding the feasibility of strategies adopted for controlling MTCT. The sample consisted of 109 women, 62 health professionals, and 34 health care managers. The median age of women was 24 (range: 15­46) years, and the median schooling was 8 years. Eighty percent of those interviewed received prenatal care. Among those who attended antenatal visits, the median was 6.43 (range: 1­20) visits. Managers and health professionals had a median of 10 (range: 4­25) working years. In the interviews, the managers declared that they had provided tests and treatment for these infections, but health professionals stated that they did not have tests or treatment available to offer, and most women complained about the difficulties of receiving treatment. Organizing the logistics and breaking down barriers related to care in Brazil is challenging. An adequate health care system and policy factors that address this situation can help to eliminate MTCT by implementing strategies adopted to control these infections in the country.

Embora o rastreamento para HIV e sífilis no pré-natal faça parte da política nacional no Brasil, a cobertura do rastreamento e tratamento permanece inadequada em muitas partes do país. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever as oportunidades perdidas de transmissão materno-infantil (TMI) do ponto de vista de gestantes, profissionais de saúde e gestores de saúde. Uma entrevista semiestruturada foi realizada em seis estados brasileiros. Foram entrevistadas gestantes, profissionais de saúde e gestores dos serviços de saúde, com o objetivo de identificar falhas no processo de atendimento às gestantes e à TMI de sífilis ou HIV. A abordagem do projeto foi quantitativa, mas perguntas abertas foram incluídas para capturar as opiniões dos participantes sobre a viabilidade das estratégias adotadas para o controle da TMI. Participaram do estudo 109 mulheres, 62 profissionais de saúde e 34 gestores. A mediana de idade das mulheres foi de 24 (intervalo:15-46) anos e a mediana de escolaridade foi de 8 anos. Oitenta por cento dos entrevistados fizeram consultas de pré-natal. Entre as que participam de consultas pré-natais, a mediana foi de 6,43 (intervalo: 1 a 20). Gestores e profissionais de saúde tiveram uma mediana de 10 anos de trabalho (intervalo: 4-25). Nas entrevistas, os gestores disseram que haviam fornecido testes e tratamento para essas infecções, mas os profissionais de saúde disseram que nem sempre tinham testes ou tratamentos disponíveis para oferecer às pacientes e a maioria das parturientes reclamou das dificuldades em receber tratamento. Organizar a logística e derrubar barreiras de cuidado ainda representam um desafio no Brasil. O sistema de saúde com funcionamento adequado e uma ação política de enfrentamento da situação podem ajudar a eliminar a TMI, quando atuam na aplicação das estratégias adotadas pelo país no controle dessas infecções.

Factors Associated with Maternal-Child Transmission of HIV-1 in Southeastern Brazil: A Retrospective Study.

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) is the main mode of HIV-1 acquisition among young children worldwide. The goals of this study were to estimate the proportion of HIV MTCT and to identify factors associated with transmission. We reviewed data for HIV-infected pregnant women that had been reported to the National Information on Reportable Diseases System (SINAN) in Espírito Santo state, Brazil, between January 2007 and December 2012. HIV cases in children were followed until age 18 months. The proportion of women who transmitted HIV to their babies was 14% (95% CI 11-17%). In a multivariate logistic regression model, pregnant women who had lower than primary school education (OR 2.74; 95% CI 1.31-5.71), had 2 or more pregnancies during the study period (OR 2.28; 95% CI 1.07-4.84), had emergency cesarean delivery (OR 4.32; 95% CI 1.57-11.9), and did not receive antiretroviral therapy during prenatal care (OR 2.41; 95% CI 1.09-5.31) had higher odds of HIV MTCT. Effort should be made to encourage health care workers and pregnant women to use services for the prevention of MTCT.

[Evaluation of the cascade of care in prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission in Brazil]. / Avaliação da cascata de cuidado na prevenção da transmissão vertical do HIV no Brasil.

This study aimed to assess the cascade of care in the reduction of mother-to-child HIV transmission in the states of Amazonas, Ceará, Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, and Rio Grande do Sul and the Distrito Federal, Brazil, using data from the Brazilian Information System on Diseases of Notification (SINAN). From 2007 to 2012, there was an increase (from 7.3% in Distrito Federal to 46.1% in Amazonas) in intra-gestational detection of HIV in 5 states, with a 18.6% reduction in Rio de Janeiro. Fewer than 90% of the women received antiretroviral therapy during their prenatal care, including those that already knew they were HIV-positive. The elective cesarean rate was low. The AIDS detection rate in children under 5 years as a proxy for mother-to-child HIV transmission showed a reduction of 6.3% from 2007 to 2012, and was highest in Rio Grande do Sul (50%), the state with the highest rates in the period, while Espírito Santo showed the highest increase (50%). Evaluation of the cascade of HIV care in pregnant women identified flaws in all the points. A link is needed between primary care and referral centers for HIV/AIDS, organizing care for the family and better outcomes for the children.

Avaliação da cascata de cuidado na prevenção da transmissão vertical do HIV no Brasil / Evaluation of the cascade of care in prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission in Brazil / Evaluación de la cascada de cuidado en la prevención de la transmisión vertical del VIH en Brasil

Resumo: Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a cascata de cuidado da redução da transmissão vertical do HIV nos estados do Amazonas, Ceará, Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Sul e no Distrito Federal, usando dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN). Entre os anos de 2007 e 2012, cresceu a taxa de detecção de HIV na gestação em 5 estados, variando de 7,3% no Distrito Federal a 46,1% no Amazonas, com redução de 18,6% no Rio de Janeiro. Menos de 90% das mulheres usaram antirretroviral durante o pré-natal, incluídas as que já se sabiam portadoras do HIV. A realização de cesárea eletiva foi baixa. A taxa de detecção de AIDS em crianças menores de 5 anos como proxy da transmissão vertical do HIV apresentou uma redução de 6,3% entre 2007 e 2012, sendo a maior no Rio Grande do Sul (50%), que apresentou as maiores taxas do período, enquanto no Espírito Santo ocorreu o maior aumento (50%). A avaliação da cascata do cuidado do HIV na gestante apontou falhas em todos os pontos. É necessária uma conexão entre a atenção básica e os centros de referência para HIV/AIDS, ordenando o cuidado da família e o melhor desfecho para a criança.

Abstract: This study aimed to assess the cascade of care in the reduction of mother-to-child HIV transmission in the states of Amazonas, Ceará, Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, and Rio Grande do Sul and the Distrito Federal, Brazil, using data from the Brazilian Information System on Diseases of Notification (SINAN). From 2007 to 2012, there was an increase (from 7.3% in Distrito Federal to 46.1% in Amazonas) in intra-gestational detection of HIV in 5 states, with a 18.6% reduction in Rio de Janeiro. Fewer than 90% of the women received antiretroviral therapy during their prenatal care, including those that already knew they were HIV-positive. The elective cesarean rate was low. The AIDS detection rate in children under 5 years as a proxy for mother-to-child HIV transmission showed a reduction of 6.3% from 2007 to 2012, and was highest in Rio Grande do Sul (50%), the state with the highest rates in the period, while Espírito Santo showed the highest increase (50%). Evaluation of the cascade of HIV care in pregnant women identified flaws in all the points. A link is needed between primary care and referral centers for HIV/AIDS, organizing care for the family and better outcomes for the children.

Resumen: Este estudio tuvo por objetivo evaluar la cascada de cuidado de la reducción de la transmisión vertical del VIH en los Estados del Amazonas, Ceará, Espírito Santo, Río de Janeiro, Río Grande do Sul y en el Distrito Federal, usando datos del Sistema de Información de Enfermedades de Notificación Obligatoria (SINAN por sus siglas en portugués). Entre los años de 2007 y 2012 creció la tasa de detección de VIH durante la gestación en 5 estados, variando de 7,3% en el Distrito Federal a 46,1% en Amazonas, con una reducción de 18,6% en Río de Janeiro. Menos de un 90% de las mujeres usaron antirretrovirales durante el período prenatal, incluidas quienes ya se sabían portadoras del VIH. La realización de cesárea electiva fue baja. La tasa de detección de SIDA en niños menores de 5 años como proxy de la transmisión vertical del VIH presentó una reducción de 6,3% entre 2007 y 2012, siendo la mayor en Río Grande do Sul (50%), la cual presentó las mayores tasas del período, mientras que en Espírito Santo se produjo el mayor aumento (50%). La evaluación de la cascada del cuidado del VIH en la gestante apuntó fallos en todos los puntos. Es necesaria una conexión entre la atención básica y los centros de referencia para VIH/SIDA, buscando el cuidado de la familia y el mejor desenlace para el niños.

Mortality in children and adolescents vertically infected by HIV receiving care at a referral hospital in Vitoria, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Daily throughout 2011, about 900 new HIV infections occurred in children and 630 children died as a result of AIDS-related complications worldwide. Late diagnosis, mortality trends, causes of and risk factors for death were evaluated in vertically HIV-infected children. METHODS: A retrospective 11-year study was conducted with Brazilian vertically HIV-infected children and adolescents using patients' charts. Medical records, death certificates and the Ministry of Health's mortality database were verified for mortality and cause of death. Diagnoses were made according to the CDC Revised Classification System for HIV infection. RESULTS: Of 177 patients included, 97 were female (54.8%). Median age at admission was 30 months (IQR: 5-72 months). Median follow-up was 5 years (IQR: 2-8 years). After 11 years, 132 (74,6%) patients continued in follow-up, 11 (6.2%) had been transferred and 8 (4.5%) were lost to follow-up. Twenty-six deaths occurred (14,7%), the majority (16/26; 61.5%) in children<3 years of age. Death cases decreased over time and the distribution of deaths was homogenous over the years of evaluation. In 17/26 (65.4%) of the children who died, diagnosis had been made as the result of their becoming ill. Beginning antiretroviral therapy before 6 months of age was associated with being alive (OR=2.86; 95% CI: 1.12-7.25; p=0.027). The principal causes of death were severe bacterial infections (57%) and opportunistic infections (33.3%). CONCLUSIONS: In most of the HIV-infected children, diagnosis was late, increasing the risk of progression to AIDS and death due to delayed treatment. The mortality trend was constant, decreasing in the final two years of the study. Bacterial infections remain as the major cause of death. Improvements in prenatal care and pediatric monitoring are mandatory.

Late diagnosis and HIV infection in children attending a service of specialized care for pediatric AIDS in Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: This study describes the frequency of late diagnosis and HIV among children attending a pediatric AIDS clinic. METHODS: Cross-sectional study in children exposed to HIV from 2005-2008. A questionnaire was given that included questions on demographics and clinical information. RESULTS: Two-hundred twenty-one (97.8%) children were exposed to HIV during pregnancy/childbirth. A total of 193 (87.3%) children had late enrolment in the service and late access to HIV serology. The frequency of HIV was 21.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 15.9%-26.7%). Protective factors were earlier diagnosis [odds ratio (OR)=0.17 (0.08-0.37)] and receiving complete prophylaxis [OR=0.29 (0.09-0.97)]; being born by vaginal delivery was a risk factor [OR=4.45 (1.47-13.47)]. CONCLUSIONS: There was a high frequency of late diagnosis in this patient cohort. Earlier diagnosis is an important measure for controlling HIV among children.

Late diagnosis and HIV infection in children attending a service of specialized care for pediatric AIDS in Brazil

Introduction: This study describes the frequency of late diagnosis and HIV among children attending a pediatric AIDS clinic. Methods: Cross-sectional study in children exposed to HIV from 2005-2008. A questionnaire was given that included questions on demographics and clinical information. Results: Two-hundred twenty-one (97.8%) children were exposed to HIV during pregnancy/childbirth. A total of 193 (87.3%) children had late enrolment in the service and late access to HIV serology. The frequency of HIV was 21.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 15.9%-26.7%). Protective factors were earlier diagnosis [odds ratio (OR)=0.17 (0.08-0.37)] and receiving complete prophylaxis [OR=0.29 (0.09-0.97)]; being born by vaginal delivery was a risk factor [OR=4.45 (1.47-13.47)]. Conclusions: There was a high frequency of late diagnosis in this patient cohort. Earlier diagnosis is an important measure for controlling HIV among children. .

Acute cor pulmonale due to lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia in a child with AIDS.

BACKGROUND: Acute cor pulmonale is a clinical syndrome with signs of right-sided heart failure resulting from sudden increase of pulmonary vascular resistance. CASE PRESENTATION: A five-year-old male, infected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), was admitted at the division of infectious diseases of this hospital with cough, tachydyspnea, fever, and breathing difficulty. Computed tomography scan showed ground-glass opacities, cystic lesions, and bronchiectasis. The patient had nasal flaring, intercostal and subcostal retractions, and keeled chest. Abdomen was depressible; liver was 3 cm from the right-costal border, while spleen was 6 cm from the left-costal border. Echocardiogram examinations showed signs of acute cor pulmonale characterized by pulmonary hypertension and increased right-heart chamber dimensions. DIAGNOSTICS OUTCOME: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-B3, lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia (LIP), and acute cor pulmonale. Regressions of pulmonary hypertension and of right-heart chamber were observed after 30 days of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and chloroquine therapy. CONCLUSION: AIDS should be considered in children with recurrent pneumonia that is mostly associated with LIP rather than cystic fibrosis.

Acute cor pulmonale due to lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia in a child with AIDS

BACKGROUND: Acute cor pulmonale is a clinical syndrome with signs of right-sided heart failure resulting from sudden increase of pulmonary vascular resistance. CASE PRESENTATION: A five-year-old male, infected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), was admitted at the division of infectious diseases of this hospital with cough, tachydyspnea, fever, and breathing difficulty. Computed tomography scan showed ground-glass opacities, cystic lesions, and bronchiectasis. The patient had nasal flaring, intercostal and subcostal retractions, and keeled chest. Abdomen was depressible; liver was 3 cm from the right-costal border, while spleen was 6 cm from the left-costal border. Echocardiogram examinations showed signs of acute cor pulmonale characterized by pulmonary hypertension and increased right-heart chamber dimensions. DIAGNOSTICS OUTCOME: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-B3, lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia (LIP), and acute cor pulmonale. Regressions of pulmonary hypertension and of right-heart chamber were observed after 30 days of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and chloroquine therapy. CONCLUSION: AIDS should be considered in children with recurrent pneumonia that is mostly associated with LIP rather than cystic fibrosis.

Vacinação contra pneumococo em crianças com doença falciforme no Espírito Santo, entre 2004 e 2007 / Vaccination against pneumococcus in children with sickle cell anemia in the State of Espirito Santo, Brazil, Between 2004 and 2007

Doença falciforme cursa com alta vulnerabilidade a infecções, principalmente por bactérias encapsuladas. Este estudo transversal objetivou verificar a vacinação contra Streptococcus pneumoniae em crianças com doença falciforme diagnosticadas entre 2004 e 2007 pelo Serviço de Referência em Triagem Neonatal da Associação de Pais e Amigos dos Excepcionais de Vitória (SRTN-APAE), que pesquisa a hemoglobinopatia em 92 por cento dos nascidos vivos do Espírito Santo. Revisão de prontuários de todas as crianças diagnosticadas e conferência do registro de vacinação do Centro de Referência para Imunobiológicos Especiais (CRIE-ES) mostrou cobertura vacinal de 50 por cento. Vacinação completa predominou entre crianças residentes na Grande Vitória, com mãe de 20 anos ou mais e menor número de irmãos, mas não houve associação entre estas variáveis e cumprimento do esquema. Para aumentar a baixa cobertura vacinal detectada, sugere-se promoção de educação permanente dos profissionais de saúde, descentralização do CRIE-ES, suprimento adequado de imunobiológicos e busca domiciliar de pacientes faltosos.

Sickle cell anemia runs with high vulnerability to infections, mainly by encapsuled bacteria. This transversal study had as its objective, the verification of vaccination against Streptococcus pneumoniae in children diagnosed with sickle cell anemia between 2004 and 2005 by the Neonatal Screening Reference Service of the Association of Relatives and Friends of the Handicapped of Vitoria (SRTN-APAE)*, which researches hemaglobin s. disease in 92 percent of the living newborns in the state of Espirito Santo. Revision of the medical records of all children diagnosed and checking of the vaccination registry of the Reference Center for Special Immunobiologics (CRIE-ES) has shown vaccinal coverage of 50 percent. Complete vaccination was predominant among children residing in the Great Victoria area, whose mothers were twenty years or older and with a lesser number of siblings, but there was no association between these variables and the carrying out of the plan. To increase the low vaccinal coverage detected, the promotion of permanent education of health professionals and the decentralization of the CRIE-ES, and adequate supply of immunobiologicals and home visits to patients who fail to attend is suggested.

Preditores de mudanças nos regimes terapêuticos para o tratamento de Aids em crianças / Predictors of changes in drug regimens for treating AIDS in children

Identificar as causas de mudanças de esquemas terapêuticos no tratamento de Aids em crianças contaminadas por transmissão vertical. Estudo caso-controle, sendo o grupo controle constituído de 49 crianças que não efetuaram troca de esquema antirretroviral, e o grupo caso, de 62 crianças que já efetuaram troca de janeiro de 2000 a dezembro de 2005. Foram utilizados dados do prontuário e roteiro de entrevista semi-estruturada. A análise dos dados foi pelo programa SPSS, usado teste qui-quadrado e regressão logística. As principais causas para mudança do tratamento foram: piora virológica (48,4 por cento), imunológica (46,6 por cento) e clínica (35,5 por cento) dos pacientes. O ajuste dos dados através de análise da regressão logística demonstrou que a intolerância medicamentosa foi a variável que mais contribui para a mudança da medicação (OR ajustado:79,94; IC95 por cento:6,28-1034,55) A adesão não foi apontada como responsável pela troca de tratamento antirretroviral, esse fato foi atribuído à organização do serviço e a atuação da equipe interdisciplinar.

To identify the causes of changes in therapeutic regimens for treating AIDS in children infected through vertical transmission. This was a case-control study in which the control group consisted of 49 children who had not had any changes to their antiretroviral regimen and the case group consisted of 62 children who had had changes between January 2000 and December 2005. Data from the patients' medical files and a semistructured interview were used. The data analysis was carried out using the SPSS software, and the chi-square test and logistic regression were applied. The main causes of changes in treatment were: increased viral load (48.4 percent), poor immunological response (46.6 percent) and clinical worsening (35.5 percent) of the patients. The adjustment of the data through logistic regression analysis showed that drug intolerance was the variable that contributed most to the change in medication (adjusted OR: 79.94; 95 percent CI: 6.28 -1034.55). Adherence was not shown to be responsible for changes in the anti-retroviral therapy, and this was attributable to the organization of the service and actions of the interdisciplinary team.

[Predictors of changes in drug regimens for treating AIDS in children]. / Preditores de mudanças nos regimes terapêuticos para o tratamento de Aids em crianças.

To identify the causes of changes in therapeutic regimens for treating AIDS in children infected through vertical transmission. This was a case-control study in which the control group consisted of 49 children who had not had any changes to their antiretroviral regimen and the case group consisted of 62 children who had had changes between January 2000 and December 2005. Data from the patients' medical files and a semistructured interview were used. The data analysis was carried out using the SPSS software, and the chi-square test and logistic regression were applied. The main causes of changes in treatment were: increased viral load (48.4%), poor immunological response (46.6%) and clinical worsening (35.5%) of the patients. The adjustment of the data through logistic regression analysis showed that drug intolerance was the variable that contributed most to the change in medication ((adjusted) OR: 79.94; 95% CI: 6.28 -1034.55). Adherence was not shown to be responsible for changes in the anti-retroviral therapy, and this was attributable to the organization of the service and actions of the interdisciplinary team.

Hepatitis A as an etiologic agent of acute liver failure in Latin America.

BACKGROUND: This prospective, multicenter study examined the importance of hepatitis viruses as etiological agents of acute liver failure (ALF) and the outcome of ALF cases in Latin American children and adolescents. METHODS: The study was conducted for minimum 12 months in 9 centers in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Mexico during 2001-2002. Hospitalized patients aged 1-20 years with a suspected diagnosis of ALF were included in the study and tested for serologic markers for hepatitis A, B, and C viruses. RESULTS: Of the 106 patients enrolled, 88 were included in the analysis. Median age was 5 years, and 55% with ALF were aged 1-5 years. A total of 37 individuals (43%) tested positive for anti-hepatitis A virus (HAV) immunoglobulin M (IgM) as marker of acute HAV infection; one was positive for anti-hepatitis B core antigen IgM and negative for hepatitis B surface antigen. None had markers of hepatitis C virus infection. Mortality rates in the overall study cohort (45%) and for those who tested anti-HAV IgM positive (41%) were similar. Forty-one percent of all patients and 46% of those positive for anti-HAV IgM underwent transplantation. The mortality rate in those with liver transplantation was half of that in patients who were not transplanted (28% versus 57%). CONCLUSIONS: HAV was the main etiologic agent of ALF in the population studied.