Agreement between maternal self-report of birth-related information and medical records in Brazil: A comparison study between public, mixed, and private hospitals.

BACKGROUND: The study aims to assess agreement between data obtained from interviews with postpartum women and their health records about labor and birth characteristics, newborn care, and reasons for cesarean birth. METHODS: The present study analyzes the Birth in Brazil study dataset, a nationwide hospital-based survey that included 23,894 postpartum women. Reliability was assessed using kappa coefficients and 95% confidence intervals. We also calculated the proportion of specific agreement: the observed proportion of positive agreement (Ppos) and the observed proportion of negative agreement (Pneg). RESULTS: In terms of labor and birth characteristics, more significant discrepancies in prevalence were observed for fundal pressure (1.4%-42.6%), followed by amniotomy, and augmentation. All of these variables were reported more frequently by women. Reliability was nearly perfect only for mode of delivery (kappa 0.99-1.00, Ppos and Pneg >99.0%). Higher discrepancies in reasons for cesarean prevalence were observed for previous cesarean birth (CB) (3.9%-10.4%) and diabetes mellitus (0.5%-8.5%). Most kappa coefficients for CB reasons were moderate to substantial. Lower coefficients were seen for diabetes mellitus, induction failure, and prelabor rupture of membranes and Pneg was consistently higher than Ppos. DISCUSSION: Our findings raise relevant questions about the quality of information shared with women during and after the process of care for labor and birth, as well as the information recorded in medical charts. Not having access to full information about their own health status at birth may impair women's health promotion behaviors or clear disclosure of risk factors in future interactions with the healthcare system.

High-Resolution Melting (HRM) for rapid MLST analysis of Neisseria meningitidis.

The genetic characterization of meningococcal isolates is extremely important for the epidemiological monitoring of meningococcal disease, through the identification of circulating epidemic clones, with the purpose of supporting specific actions of Health Surveillance to contain outbreaks. The objective of this work is to determine a strategy for the epidemiological control of Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) through the detection of genetic signatures of Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) genes, by the method of high-resolution DNA melting analysis (qPCR-HRM), to identify the main hypervirulent clones circulating in the country. We analyzed 65 cc103 strains, 19 cc11, 38 cc32 and 8 cc41/44 and 17 were not associated to a specific cc. For the abcZ gene a total of 112 strains were tested, 79 for adk and gdh genes, 87 for aroE, 27 for fumC and 70 strains for pdhC gene. The results obtained were compared and validated with nucleotide sequencing. The percentage of correct allele detection for each clonal complex ranged between 77% and 100%. After an active search in PubMLST, it was found that by inserting results from at least 4 alleles in the MLST database, it is possible to determine the clonal complex of 99% to 100% of the deposited samples. The results obtained in this study suggest that it is possible to identify Nm clonal complexes by a combination analysis of melting curves (TM) of four constitutional genes included in the MLST scheme by qPCR-HRM.

Gestational weight gain and adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes among women with gestational diabetes mellitus according to International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Group (IADPSG) criteria: A cross sectional study.

AIMS: To evaluate the association of gestational weight gain and adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes among Brazilian women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted in women with GDM, and their newborns, who attended a public maternity hospital. The Institute of Medicine criteria were adopted to assess adequacy of gestational weight gain (GWG). Cesarean delivery, maternal hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), premature birth, macrosomia, and birth weight adequacy for gestational age were analyzed as outcomes. Simple and multiple logistic regression models were tested to assess the effect of adequacy of GWG on maternal and newborn outcomes. RESULTS: Among the 545 women studied, 64.2% (n = 344) had inadequate weight gain: 27.2% (n = 146) insufficient and 37% (n = 198) excessive. Women with insufficient GWG were more likely to have a preterm birth (OR 2.57; 95% CI: 1.06-6.19), while those with excessive GWG had a greater chance of HDP (OR 2.62; 95% CI: 1.54-4.45) and large for gestational age newborn (OR 1.88; 95% CI: 1.08-3.29), compared with those with adequate weight gain. CONCLUSIONS: Inadequate gestational weight gain was frequent in women with GDM, especially in pregnant women with overweight and obesity, and is associated with unfavorable outcomes.

Impact of energy deficit during hospitalization and biomarkers at admission on clinical outcomes in critically ill children: A longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: To evaluate the impact of energy deficit during hospitalization and the biomarkers albumin and C-reactive protein (CRP) on the clinical outcomes length of stay (LOS) and duration of mechanical ventilation (DMV) in children and adolescents admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of a private hospital in Rio de Janeiro. METHODS: A longitudinal, retrospective study was conducted of the medical records of patients admitted to the PICU from May 2016 to June 2017 who received enteral nutrition (EN) for 72 h or longer. The cut-off points for serum albumin and CRP were set at ≥3.5 and <2.0, respectively. The energy balance was calculated as the difference between the energy prescribed and the energy received by the patient. The comparison of continuous variables related to LOS and DMV was assessed using Student's t-test and the Mann-Whitney test. The significance value was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Ninety-three patients were selected, with a median age of 32 (±39.49) months. The mean serum albumin and CRP levels were 4.04 (±0.59) and 4.67 (±7.40), respectively. In linear regression models adjusted for length of stay, reduced albumin, increased CRP, and negative energy balance were positively associated. In the models adjusted to DMV, the values for reduced albumin and increased CRP were significant. CONCLUSION: A significant association was found between serum albumin and CRP at admission and the outcomes under investigation, LOS and DMV. Energy deficit was also associated with LOS.

Predictive factors of non-HDL cholesterol in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitius: A cross-sectional study.

AIMS: To assess predictors of non-HDL cholesterol in children and adolescents with T1DM. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 120 children and adolescents aged 7-16 with T1DM, but without any other chronic morbidities, at a referral outpatient clinic for the treatment of diabetes in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Socio-demographic, anthropometric, dietary, and clinical factors were assessed, which included measurements of serum lipids and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Food intake was assessed by 24-h dietary recall. Multiple linear regression was adopted in the analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of of the subjects was 11.74 ±â€¯2.88 years, 53.3% were female, and the mean duration of T1DM was 6.68 ±â€¯3.33 years. The mean energy intake from carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids was 51.98% (±9.20), 21.43% (±6.13), and 26.57% (±9.98), respectively. The energy intake from processed and ultra-processed foods represented 40.79% of total energy intake. The predictors of non-HDL cholesterol were: HbA1c (%) (p = 0.000, ß = 8.5, CI: 4.8-12.1), duration of T1DM (p = 0.000, ß = 2.8, CI: 1.3-4.3), and sex (p = 0.032, ß = 10.1, CI: 0.9-19.4). CONCLUSION: Glycemic control was the major modifiable predictor of non-HDL cholesterol concentrations, a significant indicator of cardiovascular risk.

Predictor factors of glycemic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus treated at a referral service in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

AIM: To evaluate the predictive factors of glycemic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). METHODS: Cross-sectional study at a referral service in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, clinical, and dietary factors were evaluated. Food consumption was evaluated by 24 h dietary recall and the NOVA system was adopted for classifying the foods according to the extent and purpose of industrial processing. The predictive factors were evaluated by multivariate linear regression, adopting p < 0.05. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty children and adolescents participated, with a mean age of 11.74 years (±2.88) and HbA1c of 8.13% (±1.26). The mean diabetes duration was 6.68 years (±3.33) and the insulin used was 1.05 units per kilogram of ideal weight (IU/kg of ideal weight; ±0.46) About 80% (n = 96) used carbohydrate counting and it was verified that 24.27% (±17.89) of the participants' total calories came from ultraprocessed foods. For each year of diagnosis with T1DM and for each IU/kg of weight used, HbA1c increased by 0.087% (ß = 0.087, p = 0.007) and 0.651%, respectively (ß = 0.651; p = <0.001). Use of carbohydrate counting was associated with a 1.058% reduction in HbA1c (ß = -1.058; p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Disease duration and insulin dose were directly reflected in HbA1c concentrations, while carbohydrate counting showed an inverse association.

Situation of the supplementary diet of children between 6 and 24 months attended in the Primary Care Network of Macaé, RJ, Brazil.

This study aimed to analyze the supplementary nutritional situation of children aged 6-24 months attended by the Primary Care unit of Macaé/RJ. It was conducted as a cross-sectional study, and data was obtained from the SISVAN Web website, including and analyzing all of the records (n=218) of children between 6-24 months in the year 2013. In infants between 6-12 months, the consumption of 72.3% of vegetables, 75.3% of fruits, and 63.4% of meats was detected, considered indicators of healthy supplementary nutrition. In contrast, 23.8% were already consuming sugar-based food sources (honey, molasses, simple sugar, and unrefined cane sugar), 34.7% industrialized juice, and 17.8% soft drinks. The consumption of industrialized juice was significantly greater in boys (p-value <0.001). In children between 12-18 months, 77.6% consumed vegetables, 77.4% fruits, and 86.3% meats. The consumption of sugar-based foods was 31%, 58.6% for industrialized juices, and 50% for soft drinks. Between 18-24 months, it was recorded that 89.9% of children consumed vegetables, 83.1% fruits, and 96.7% meat. The consumption of sugar-based foods was 33.9%, 69.5% for industrialized juices, and 55.5% for soft drinks. We conclude that the indicators of healthy complementary nutrition come close to the target set by the Ministry of Health (80%).

Accuracy of clinical criteria and an immunochromatographic strip test for dengue diagnosis in a DENV-4 epidemic.

BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis of dengue infection is important for decision-making and timely implementation of therapeutic measures. Although rapid NS1 assays have been used for dengue diagnosis since 2008, their performance in DENV-4 cases has not yet been fully assessed. METHODS: We evaluated the accuracy of NS1 Bioeasy™ immunochromatographic strip test and of three clinical criteria for dengue diagnosis. Patients presenting at an emergency care center within 72 h of an acute febrile illness during the 2013 DENV-4 epidemic in Rio de Janeiro were consecutively enrolled for clinical and laboratory evaluation. We classified patients as suspected dengue or not according to three clinical criteria: WHO 2009, WHO 1997, and INI-FIOCRUZ. Dengue diagnosis was defined by RNA detection using RT-PCR and the negative cases were negative for all dengue serotypes and also Platelia™ NS1 ELISA. We obtained accuracy indices for NS1 Bioeasy™ alone and in combination with the clinical criteria. RESULTS: RT-PCR for DENV-4 was positive in 148 out of 325 patients. Positive likelihood ratio, sensitivity, and specificity of NS1 Bioeasy™ with WHO 2009, WHO 1997, and INI-FIOCRUZ criteria were 22.6 (95% CI 7.2-70.6), 40.6% (95% CI 32.3-49.3), and 98.2% (95% CI 94.9-99.6); 18.3 (95% CI 6.8-49.2), 44.2 (95% CI 35.8-52.9), 97.6 (95% CI 94.0-99.3); 26.2 (95% CI 6.5-106.5), 29.7 (95% CI 22.4-37.8), 98.9 (95% CI 96.0-99.9), respectively. WHO 1997 clinical criteria presented high sensitivity to rule out disease, but extremely low specificity. INI-FIOCRUZ had moderate sensitivity and specificity, and could target a group to a more specific test. CONCLUSIONS: Although the large rates of false negative results using NS1 Bioeasy™ rapid test advise against its use for triaging (rule out) purposes in DENV-4 epidemics, it could be used as a confirmatory tool in a bedside algorithm.

[Construction and validation of a socio-environmental vulnerability index for monitoring and management of natural disasters in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil]. / Construção e validação de um índice de vulnerabilidade socioambiental para a vigilância e gestão de desastres naturais no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

Floods account for approximately 40% of natural disasters that occur around the world and they are therefore considered a major public health problem. While floods constitute a global problem, data from the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction showed that almost all of the deaths or individuals affected are concentrated in developing countries. It is assumed that, although they have natural causes, the consequences of floods also involve social issues. To try to predict such vulnerability in the occurrence of natural disasters, a social and environmental index that shows the degree of vulnerability of a location was developed in this paper. This index was developed using multivariate analysis involving factor analysis and demographic, social and environmental variables. The index was applied in the municipalities of the state of Rio de Janeiro and compared with the official figures of the Civil Defense Unit. The results found suggest that the proposed index meets the expectation of predicting the vulnerability of the local population.

[Birth weight and factors associated with the prenatal period: a cross-sectional study in a maternity hospital of reference]. / Peso ao nascer e fatores associados ao período pré-natal: um estudo transversal em hospital maternidade de referência.

This study examined factors related to birth weight in a maternity hospital in the city of Rio de Janeiro. It is a descriptive, sectional study conducted in the Herculano Pinheiro Maternity Hospital (HMHP) in Rio de Janeiro between December 2008 and February 2009, with postpartum mothers between 20 and 34 years of age. The chi-square test, the Student's t test and the logistical regression model were applied. 14.6% of the infants had low birth weight (less than 2500 g). There was a negative correlation between birth weight and smoking habits of the mother. The pre-pregnancy weight, maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index and number of pre-natal visit variables were positively associated with birth weight. Multiple regression analysis indicated maternal age as being a risk factor for low birth weight. The conclusion reached is that the marital status situation, where this was perceived as an important variable, as well as the number of prenatal visits, which in group analysis showed no statistical significance, deserve further investigation together with other studies.

Factors associated with functional incapacity in elders living in long stay institutions in Brazil: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The increase of the elderly population and the high prevalence of chronic diseases have contributed to the increasing importance of functional ability as a global public health problem. This study aimed to assess functional capacity in institutionalized elders, as well as undertake an exploratory analysis of its associated factors. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with institutionalized Brazilian elders. Functional capacity was assessed using the Katz Index for Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and the Lawton Scale for Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). The characteristics of dependent individuals were described and logistic regression models were developed for both scales. Multiple models that included all selected variables were developed using a hierarchical approach. We considered the results from the Wald test (p <0.05) as a rule for progressing to the next level. RESULTS: A population of 760 elders was considered. The prevalence of dependence was 50.3% for ADL and 81.2% for IADL. We observed associations between ADL dependence and the following factors: self-report of stroke, difficulty of walking 400 meters, lower total scores in questions related to the temporal orientation section of the cognition test, and self-reports of frequently feeling upset. IADL dependence was associated with educational level, self-report of cancer, difficulty of walking 400 meters, use of glasses, and self-reported memory problems. CONCLUSIONS: Sociodemographic and health conditions were associated with functional incapacity in institutionalized elders. Based on these findings, we emphasize the importance of both prevention and treatment of chronic conditions as well as social support in the maintenance of individuals' autonomy.

[Time series studies of air pollution by fires and the effects on human health]. / Estudos de séries temporais de poluição atmosférica por queimadas e saúde humana.

Burnoffs (intentional fires for agricultural purposes) and forest fires of large proportions have been observed in various regions of the planet. Exposure to high levels of air pollutants emitted by fires can be responsible for various harmful effects on human health. In this article, the literature on estimating acute effects of air pollution on human health by fires in the regions with the highest number of fires on the planet, using a time series approach is summarized. An attempt was made to identify gaps in knowledge. The study consisted of a narrative review, in which the characteristics of the selected studies were grouped by regions of the planet with a higher incidence of burnoffs: Amazon, America, Australia and Asia. The results revealed a large number of studies in Australia, few studies in the Amazon and great heterogeneity in the results on the significant effects on human health.

[Association between particulate matter from biomass burning and respiratory diseases in the southern region of the Brazilian Amazon]. / Associação entre material particulado de queimadas e doenças respiratórias na região sul da Amazônia brasileira.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the short-term effects of exposure to particulate matter from biomass burning in the Amazon on the daily demand for outpatient care due to respiratory diseases in children and the elderly. METHODS: Epidemiologic study with ecologic time series design. Daily consultation records were obtained from the 14 primary health care clinics in the municipality of Alta Floresta, state of Mato Grosso, in the southern region of the Brazilian Amazon, between January 2004 and December 2005. Information on the daily levels of fine particulate matter was made available by the Brazilian National Institute for Spatial Research. To control for confounding factors (situations in which a non-causal association between exposure and disease is observed due to a third variable), variables related to time trends, seasonality, temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, and calendar effects (such as occurrence of holidays and weekends) were included in the model. Poisson regression with generalized additive models was used. RESULTS: A 10 microg/m3 increase in the level of exposure to particulate matter was associated with increases of 2.9% and 2.6% in outpatient consultations due to respiratory diseases in children on the 6th and 7th days following exposure. Significant associations were not observed for elderly individuals. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the levels of particulate matter from biomass burning in the Amazon are associated with adverse effects on the respiratory health of children.