Análisis mediante variables instrumentales para establecer causalidad en investigaciones observacionales / Analysis through instrumental variables to establish causality in observational research

La identificación de relaciones causales es uno de los problemas fundamentales de la investigación científica en medicina y es necesaria para poder ejercerla en forma efectiva. Sin embargo, desde el punto de vista práctico es difícil establecer la existencia de relaciones causales en estudios de carácter observacional, en gran parte por la presencia de factores de confusión. El análisis a través de variables instrumentales es una de las estrategias que permite controlar el efecto confundidor y documentar la presencia de relaciones causa-efecto en estas situaciones. En este artículo, el autor resume los principales supuestos del análisis a través de variables instrumentales, haciendo foco en la aleatorización mendeliana. (AU)

The identification of causal relationships is one of the fundamental challenges in scientific research in medicine and is necessary for its effective practice. However, from a practical standpoint, establishing the existence of causal relationships in observational studies is difficult, largely due to the presence of confounding factors. Analysis through instrumental variables is one of the strategies that allows to control the confounding effect and documenting the presence of cause-and-effect relationships in these situations. In this article, the author summarizes the main assumptions of analysis through instrumental variables, with a focus on Mendelian randomization. (AU)

Perfil de pacientes com sepse e choque séptico em um hospital de trauma: estudo transversal / Profile of patients with sepsis and septic shock in a trauma hospital: cross-sectional study / Perfil de pacientes con sepsis y shock séptico en un hospital de trauma: estudio transversal

Objetivo: Avaliar o perfil e o desfecho clínico de pacientes com sepse e choque séptico em um hospital de trauma de Belo Horizonte. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo transversal, retrospectivo e descritivo dos casos de sepse e choque séptico. Resultados: Constatou-se que 97 (73%) pacientes eram do sexo masculino, com idade entre 19 e 59 anos, 87 (65%) previamente hígidos. Principal motivo de internação foi queda da própria altura com 23 (17%) casos e 37 (28%) diagnósticos de trauma crânio encefálico. Oitenta e seis (65%) pacientes tiveram diagnóstico de sepse e 47 (35%) choque séptico, o principal foco de infecção foi pulmonar 83 (62%). Obtivemos 88 (66%) resultados de hemoculturas negativas e 45 (34%) positivas, 64 (48%) pacientes receberam antibiótico em até 60 minutos após o diagnóstico e o tempo de internação mais prevalente após o evento séptico foi de 7 dias, representado por 31 (46%) pacientes que já estavam internados em uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI). Mortalidade de 37 (28%) e 96 (72%) sobreviventes da população estudada. Conclusão: O evento séptico é um problema de saúde pública e tem alta letalidade em pacientes traumatizados. (AU)

Objective: To evaluate the profile and clinical outcome of patients with sepsis and septic shock in a trauma hospital in Belo Horizonte. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, retrospective and descriptive study of cases of sepsis and septic shock. Results: It was found that 97 (73%) patients were male, aged 19 to 59 years, 87 (65%) were previously healthy. Main reason for hospitalization was a fall from one's own height with 23 (17%) cases and 37 (28%) diagnosis of traumatic brain injury. Eighty-six (65%) patients were diagnosed with sepsis and 47 (35%) septic shock, the main focus of infection was pulmonary 83 (62%). We got 88 (66%) negative blood culture results and 45 (34%) positive, 64 (48%) patients received antibiotics within 60 minutes after diagnosis and the most prevalent hospital stay after septic event was 7 days, represented by 31 (46%) patients who were already hospitalized in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Mortality of 37 (28%) and 96 (72%) survivors of the population studied. Conclusion: Septic event is a public health problem and has high lethality in traumatized patients. (AU)

Objetivo: Evaluar el perfil y el resultado clínico de los pacientes con sepsis y shock séptico en un hospital de trauma en Belo Horizonte. Métodos: Este es un estudio transversal, retrospectivo y descriptivo de casos de sepsis y shock séptico. Resultados: Se encontró que 97 (73%) pacientes eran hombres, de 19 a 59 años, 87 (65%) antes estaban sanos. La razón principal de la hospitalización fue una caída desde la propia altura con 23 (17%) casos y 37 (28%) diagnóstico de lesión cerebral traumática. Ochenta y seis (65%) pacientes fueron diagnosticados con sepsis y 47 (35%) shock séptico, el foco principal de infección fue pulmonar 83 (62%). Tenemos 88 (66%) resultados negativos del cultivo sanguíneo y 45 (34%) positivo, 64 (48%) los pacientes recibieron antibióticos dentro de los 60 minutos posteriores al diagnóstico y la estancia hospitalaria más frecuente después del evento séptico fue de 7 días, representados por 31 (46%) pacientes que ya estaban hospitalizados en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI). Mortalidad de 37 (28%) y 96 (72%) sobrevivientes de la población estudiada. Conclusión: El evento séptico es un problema de salud pública y tiene alta letalidad en pacientes traumatizados. (AU)

Método de captura y recaptura: una experiencia de su aplicación para determinar la incidencia de diabetes gestacional / Capture and recapture method: anexperience of itsapplication to estimatetheincidence of gestational diabetes

Los métodos de captura y recaptura (MCR) se emplean en la estimación de poblaciones mediante la utilización de diferentes fuentes de datos, disponibles e incompletas, que registran por separado un mismo evento. En esta metodología, las fuentes son utilizadas para extrapolar el número de individuos no registrados, usando la información recopilada sobre los individuos sí registrados. Este artículo describe todos los pasos de su aplicación práctica, a partir de un ejemplo de estimación de la incidencia de diabetes gestacional en una institución, a partir de cinco fuentes documentales. (AU)

Capture-recapture (CRM) methods are widely used to estimate populations by using different data sources, available and incomplete, that record the same event separately. In these methods, the available sources are used to extrapolate the number of unregistered individuals, using the information collected on the individuals that are registered. This article describes all the steps of its practical application, based on an example of estimating the incidence of gestational diabetes in an institution based on five documentary sources. (AU)

Informe de rotación electiva

Este documento presenta el informe realizado luego del tránsito por la sede de rotación externa de elección libre de la residente de 3er año Lic. Antonella Yanina Coullery. La rotación se llevó a cabo durante el período comprendido entre el 4 de Abril y 29 de Abril de 2022 en la Gerencia Operativa de Epidemiología (GOE) perteneciente al Ministerio de Salud de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. A continuación, se presenta la sede de rotación electiva, se expone la fundamentación sobre la elección de la sede, se explicitan objetivos del proceso de rotación, actividades realizadas, aprendizajes logrados, obstáculos hallados y aportes realizados a la institución. Para finalizar, se elabora una evaluación y delinean conclusiones, y se adjunta la evaluación de la institución. (AU)

Informe de rotación electiva

El presente informe recupera la experiencia de trabajo y los aprendizajes alcanzados durante el proceso de rotación electiva en el tercer año de la Residencia Interdisciplinaria de Educación y Promoción de la Salud (RIEPS). En el mismo se presentan los objetivos de rotación, las actividades realizadas y se describen los principales aprendizajes y conclusiones. La rotación electiva tuvo lugar en el Área de Epidemiología dependiente del Servicio de Clínica Médica del Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires y se desarrolló por un periodo de tres meses, desde el 02 de mayo al 29 de julio del 2022. (AU)

Clinical and demographic characterization of the population with osteoporosis in two reference medical centres in Colombia / Caracterización clínica y demográfica de la población con osteoporosis en 2 centros médicos de referencia en Colombia

ABSTRACT Introduction: Osteoporosis is a public health problem. However, there is still a lack of data in Colombia on the characteristics of patients with osteoporosis. Objectives: This study aims to characterize the population with osteoporosis without previous diagnosis. Materials and methods: Observational, retrospective, descriptive study in patients with osteoporosis. Patients diagnosed between 2014 and 2017 were included. The information was obtained from the patient medical records and the densitometry results. Results: Most (92.2%) of the patients came from Medellín, and the rest from Cali. The mean age of the population was 65.1 years (SD: 9.97). As regards the history of fracture, it was reported that 12.0% had suffered from vertebral fractures, 2.3% had a history of fracture in the distal radius, 2.8% in the femoral neck, and 1.4% had had femoral shaft fracture. Bone densitometry showed a mean T-score of -2.90 in the femoral neck; -3.02 in total hip; -3.03 in the lumbar spine, and -3.42 in the 33% radius. In the 602 patients who had a control bone densitometry, an average BMD gain was seen in all the evaluated regions. Conclusions: The present study has enabled the characterizing of patients from 2 Colombian cities with a diagnosis of osteoporosis. The 2 most frequently reported locations for the diagnosis of osteoporosis were lumbar spine and femoral neck. An average BMD gain was also observed.

RESUMEN Introducción: La osteoporosis es un problema de salud pública, sin embargo, en Colombia en la actualidad faltan datos sobre las características de los pacientes con esta enfermedad. Objetivos: Este estudio pretende caracterizar la población con osteoporosis sin diagnóstico previo. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo, descriptivo en pacientes con osteoporosis. Incluyó a pacientes diagnosticados entre el 2014 y el 2017. La información fue obtenida a partir de las historias clínicas de los pacientes y el resultado de la densitometría. Resultados: El 92,2% de los pacientes provenía de Medellín y los restantes de Cali. La edad promedio ± desviación estándar de la población fue 65,1 ± 9,97 arios. En cuanto al antecedente de fractura, se reportó que el 12,0% había presentado fracturas vertebrales, el 2,3% tenía antecedente de fractura en radio distal, el 2,8% en cuello femoral y el 1,4% había tenido fractura de diáfisis femoral. La densitometría ósea (DMO) mostró un T-score promedio de -2,90 en cuello femoral, -3,02 en cadera total, -3,03 en columna lumbar y-3,42 en radio 33%. En los 602 pacientes que contaban con DMO de control se vio una ganancia de la DMO promedio en todas las regiones evaluadas. Conclusiones: El presente estudio permitió caracterizar a pacientes con diagnóstico de osteoporosis en 2 ciudades de Colombia. Las 2 localizaciones más reportadas para el diagnóstico de osteoporosis fueron columna lumbar y cuello femoral; adicionalmente, se observó una ganancia de la DMO promedio.

Relação da condição de cárie da criança com experiência de cárie da mãe / Relationship between the child's caries status and the mother's caries experience

Objetivo: verificar a relação da condição de cárie da criança com a experiência autopercebida de cárie da mãe através de um estudo observacional transversal. Métodos: O estudo foi realizado na Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Federal de Pelotas com crianças entre 8 e 11 anos e suas mães. A amostra contou com 105 pares mãe-filho. Os responsáveis responderam um questionário relacionado à situação socioeconômica e demográfica, a mãe respondeu sobre sua saúde bucal: experiência de cárie (restauração ou dente cariado e perda dentária por cárie). Nas crianças os desfechos foram avaliados através de exame clínico com a soma de dentes decíduos e permanentes cariados, perdidos e obturados (ceod/CPOD) e para severidade de cárie foi utilizado Significant Caries Index (SiC), ceod/CPOD≥3. Para testar a associação entre as variáveis relacionadas à mãe e o desfecho severidade de cárie foi realizado o teste Qui-quadrado, para média de cárie na criança (ceod/CPOD) foi utilizado o Teste Mann-Whitney. Resultados: Com relação à severidade de cárie não foi encontrada associação estatisticamente significante. A média do ceod/CPOD foi quase três vezes maior nas crianças cujas mães relataram que haviam tido ou estavam com algum dente cariado ou restaurado em função da cárie em comparação àquelas que não relataram esta experiência. As mães mais jovens apresentaram filhos com maior média de cárie do que as mães mais velhas. Conclusão: Entre as crianças atendidas neste serviço existe uma relação de uma maior média de cárie nas crianças com cujas mães tem ou tiveram experiência de cárie e mais jovens.(AU)

Objective: to verify the relationship between the child's caries condition and the mother's self-perceived caries experience through a cross-sectional observational study. Methods: The study was carried out at the Faculty of Dentistry of the Federal University of Pelotas with children between 8 and 11 years old and their mothers. The sample had 105 mother-child pairs. The guardians answered a questionnaire related to the socioeconomic and demographic situation, the mother answered about her oral health: caries experience (restoration or decayed tooth and tooth loss due to caries). In children, the outcomes were evaluated through clinical examination with the sum of decayed, missing and filled deciduous and permanent teeth (DMFT/DMFT) and for caries severity we used the Significant Caries Index (SiC), DMFT/DMFT≥3. To test the association between the variables related to the mother and the outcome of caries severity, the Chi-square test was performed, for mean caries in children (dmft/DMFT) the Mann-Whitney Test was used. Results: Regarding caries severity, no statistically significant association was found. The mean dmft/DMFT was almost three times higher in children whose mothers reported that they had had or had a decayed or restored tooth due to caries compared to those who did not report this experience. Younger mothers had children with a higher average of caries than older mothers. Conclusion: Among the children assisted in this service, there is a relation of a higher average of caries in children whose mothers have or had caries experience and younger.(AU)

Family history of thyroid disease and risk of congenital hypothyroidism in neonates with Down síndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Family history of thyroid disease (FHTD) constitutes a possible risk factor for congenital hypothyroidism (CH) in the general population; however, FHTD possible relationship with CH in subjects with Down syndrome (DS) has not yet been explored. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether FHTD is associated with an increased incidence of CH in neonates with DS. METHOD: Hospital-based case-control study in 220 neonates with DS. Thyroid function tests of 37 infants with DS and positive FHTD (cases) were compared with those of 183 newborns with DS without FHTD (control group). Data were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analysis and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with their respective 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. RESULTS: Nine newborns with DS in our sample had CH (4.1 %). In the multivariate analysis, FHTD showed an association with CH in neonates with DS (aOR = 8.3, 95 % CI: 2.0-34.3), particularly in males (aOR = 9.0, 95 % CI: 1.6-49.6). In contrast, newborns with DS without FHTD were less likely to suffer from CH (aOR = 0.4, 95 % CI: 0.1-0.8). CONCLUSIONS: Newborns with DS and FHTD have an eight-fold higher risk for CH, particularly when the index case is male. FHTD detailed evaluation can be an easy and accessible strategy to identify those newborns with DS at higher risk for CH.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La historia familiar de enfermedad tiroidea (HFET) como factor de riesgo para hipotiroidismo congénito (HC), en síndrome de Down (SD) aún no ha sido explorada. OBJETIVO: Determinar si la HFET está asociada a mayor riesgo de HC en neonatos con SD. MÉTODO: Estudio de casos y controles en 220 neonatos con SD. Se compararon las pruebas de función tiroidea (PFT) de 37 con SD e HFET (casos), frente a las PFT de 183 recién nacidos con SD sin HFET (grupo de referencia). Se realizó análisis de regresión logística multivariante y se calculó la razón de momios (RM) y sus respectivos intervalos de confianza del 95 % (IC 95 %). RESULTADOS: Nueve casos HC (4.1 %). El HC mostró asociación con la HFET (RMa = 8.3, IC 95 %: 2.0-34.3), particularmente en los varones (RMa = 9.0, IC 95 %: 1.6-49.6). La ausencia de HFET tuvo una RM de protección para HC (RMa = 0.4, IC 95 %: 0.1-0.8). CONCLUSIONES: La HFET puede es una estrategia fácil y accesible para identificar pacientes con SD con mayor riesgo de HC.

Monitoramento ambulatorial dos casos de COVID-19: evidências sobre método, frequência e efetividade / Ambulatory monitoring of COVID-19 cases: evidence on method, frequency and effectiveness

O monitoramento de pacientes ambulatoriais com COVID-19 pode ser organizado com diversas frequências, lógicas e tecnologias, sendo o telemonitoramento amplamente utilizado por diversos sistemas de saúde. A definição da frequência de acompanhamento através de critérios clínicos pode levar a um melhor acompanhamento de casos mais graves e instáveis, otimizando recursos na saúde e, possivelmente, diminuindo o agravamento clínico e a mortalidade na população.

Malocclusion indices and their applications in public health: a review study / Índices de oclusopatia e suas aplicações em saúde pública: estudo de revisão / Indicaciones de maloclusión y sus aplicaciones en salud pública: un estudio de revisión

Health indices are important to measurement of the presence and severity of diseases. The objective of this study was to perform a literature review about malocclusion indices and analyze their applications in the public health field. The research was performed by consulting Pubmed, SciELO, Web of Science, Scopus, Bireme and Embase databases, using the following terms: public health, epidemiological methods, indices, epidemiological surveys, preventive dentistry, malocclusion, and orthodontics. Publications on the development and use of malocclusion indices in clinical and epidemiological studies were included, without restrictions of methodology and language. Fifty-two indices and their variations were identified. Of these, most were intended for individual assessments and their use in public health was difficult due to the requirements for their application, including the need for specialists, plaster models analysis, complementary exams such as cephalometric radiographs and photographs, specific equipment, the need for longitudinal monitoring of cases, and exclusively objective orsubjective assessments. Some malocclusion indices present positive aspects and partially evaluate physical, functional, psychological, and social conditions. However, it is still challenging to find a unanimous index that fulfills the requirements for assessing the severity, treatment need, and impact of malocclusions on the individual's quality of life with applicability in public health(AU)

Os índices de saúde são importantes para mensurar a presença e a severidade das doenças. O objetivo neste estudo foi realizar uma revisão da literatura sobre índices de oclusopatia e analisar suas aplicações na saúde pública. A pesquisa foi realizada por meio de consulta às bases de dados Pubmed, SciELO, Web of Science, Scopus, Bireme e Embase, utilizando os termos: saúde pública, métodos epidemiológicos, índices, levantamentos epidemiológicos, odontologia preventiva, má oclusão e ortodontia. Foram incluídas publicações sobre o desenvolvimento e uso de índices de oclusopatia em estudos clínicos e epidemiológicos, sem restrições de metodologia e idioma. Cinquenta e dois índices e suas variações foram identificados. Destes, a maioria destinava-se a avaliações individuais e sua utilização em saúde pública era limitada pelos requisitos de sua aplicação, como necessidade de especialistas, análise de modelos de gesso, exames complementares como radiografias cefalométricas e fotografias, equipamentos específicos, necessidade de acompanhamento longitudinal, e avaliações exclusivamente objetivas ou subjetivas. Alguns índices de maloclusão apresentam aspectos positivos e avaliam parcialmente as condições físicas, funcionais, psicológicas e sociais, entretanto, ainda é um desafio identificar um índice unânime para avaliação da severidade, necessidade de tratamento e impacto das oclusopatias na qualidade de vida do indivíduo, com aplicabilidade na saúde pública(AU)

Los índices de salud son importantes para medir la presencia y gravedad de enfermedades. El objetivo de este estudio fue realizar una revisión de la literatura sobre índices de maloclusión y analizar sus aplicaciones en salud pública. La investigación se llevó a cabo consultando las bases de datos Pubmed, SciELO, Web of Science, Scopus, Bireme y Embase, utilizando los términos: salud pública, métodos epidemiológicos, índices, encuestas epidemiológicas, odontología preventiva, maloclusión yortodoncia. Se incluyeron publicaciones sobre el desarrollo y uso de índices de maloclusión en estudios clínicos y epidemiológicos, sin restricciones de metodología y lenguaje. Se han identificado cincuenta y dos índices y sus variaciones. De estos, la mayoría estaban destinados a evaluaciones individuales y su uso en salud pública estaba limitado por los requisitos de su aplicación, como la necesidad de especialistas, análisis de modelos de yeso, exámenes complementarios como radiografías y fotografías cefalométricas, equipos específicos, la necesidad de seguimiento longitudinal. , y evaluaciones exclusivamente objetivas o subjetivas. Algunos índices de maloclusión tienen aspectos positivos y evalúan parcialmente las condiciones físicas, funcionales, psicológicas y sociales, sin embargo, aún es un desafío identificar un índice unánime para evaluar la gravedad, necesidad de tratamiento e impacto de las maloclusiones en la calidad de vida del individuo, con aplicabilidad en salud pública(AU)

An SIR-type epidemiological model that integrates social distancing as a dynamic law based on point prevalence and socio-behavioral factors.

Modeling human behavior within mathematical models of infectious diseases is a key component to understand and control disease spread. We present a mathematical compartmental model of Susceptible-Infectious-Removed to compare the infected curves given by four different functional forms describing the transmission rate. These depend on the distance that individuals keep on average to others in their daily lives. We assume that this distance varies according to the balance between two opposite thrives: the self-protecting reaction of individuals upon the presence of disease to increase social distancing and their necessity to return to a culturally dependent natural social distance that occurs in the absence of disease. We present simulations to compare results for different society types on point prevalence, the peak size of a first epidemic outbreak and the time of occurrence of that peak, for four different transmission rate functional forms and parameters of interest related to distancing behavior, such as: the reaction velocity of a society to change social distance during an epidemic. We observe the vulnerability to disease spread of close contact societies, and also show that certain social distancing behavior may provoke a small peak of a first epidemic outbreak, but at the expense of it occurring early after the epidemic onset, observing differences in this regard between society types. We also discuss the appearance of temporal oscillations of the four different transmission rates, their differences, and how this oscillatory behavior is impacted through social distancing; breaking the unimodality of the actives-curve produced by the classical SIR-model.

Dermatophytoses in patients attended from a private clinical analysis laboratory in João Pessoa-PB, between 2015 to 2019 / Dermatofitoses em pacientes atendidos em um laboratório privado de João Pessoa-PB, entre 2015 a 2019

Introduction: dermatophytoses or "tineas" are characterized by being mycoses caused by fungi of the genera Epidermophyton, Trichophyton and Microsporum. These mycotic infections can present themselves as a form of lesions that affect the skin, hair and nails of individuals of both genders and all ages. Objective: to elucidate the epidemiological profile of dermatophytoses in patients examined by a private clinical analysis laboratory in João Pessoa-PB, between 2015 and 2019. Methodology: this is an epidemiological, analytical, retrospective and documentary study, in which data collection took place at the Clinical Pathology Laboratory ­ "HEMATO", located in João Pessoa ­ PB. Results: the profile of those affected was predominantly female (58.5%), 18 to 59 years old (38.4%), white (53.6%) and with lesions, mainly in skin glabrous (38.5%), feet (33.3%) and nails (12.8%). When relating the age group to the injury site, it was noticed that injuries on glabrous skin, feet and nails, were more frequent in individuals aged 18 to 59 years, while injuries to the scalp were mostly found in individuals younger than 18 years old. The most prevalent species were M. canis (31.9%) and T.rubrum (31.9%). When correlating the fungal species with the lesion site, it was noted that M. canis was the main agent responsible for lesions in glabrous skin, scalp and hands, while T. rubrum was predominantly observed in nails and T. mentagrophytes in feet. Conclusion: it is concluded that the data present in this research can promote the development of indicators and public policies for the population most susceptible to dermatophytosis.

Introdução: dermatofitoses ou tineas se caracterizam por serem micoses causadas por fungos dos gêneros Epidermophyton, Trichophyton e Microsporum. Essas infecções micóticas podem se apresentar na forma de lesões que acometem pele, pelo e unhas de indivíduos de ambos os gêneros e todas as idades. Objetivo: elucidar o perfil epidemiológico de dermatofitoses de pacientes atendidos por um laboratório privado de análises clínicas em João Pessoa-PB, entre 2015 a 2019. Metodologia: trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico, analítico, retrospectivo e documental, em que a coleta de dados ocorreu no Laboratório de Patologia Clínica ­ HEMATO, localizado em João Pessoa ­ PB. Resultados: o perfil de acometidos foi predominantemente de indivíduos do sexo feminino (58,5%), com 18 a 59 anos de idade (38,4%), brancos (53,6%) e com lesões, principalmente, em pele glabra (38,5%), pés (33,3%) e unhas (12,8%). Ao relacionar a faixa etária com o local da lesão, percebeu-se que lesões em pele glabra, pés e unhas, foram mais frequentes em indivíduos de 18 a 59 anos, enquanto que lesões no couro cabeludo foram majoritariamente encontradas em indivíduos menos de 18 anos. As espécies mais prevalentes foram M. canis (31,9%) e T. rubrum (31,9%). Ao correlacionar a espécie fúngica com o local da lesão, notou-se que M. canis foi o principal agente responsável por lesões em pele glabra, couro cabeludo e mãos, enquanto T. rubrum foi predominantemente observado em unhas e T. mentagrophytes em pés. Conclusão: os dados obtidos nesta pesquisa podem fomentar o desenvolvimento de indicadores e políticas públicas para a população mais susceptível às dermatofitoses.

Historia familiar de enfermedad tiroidea y riesgo de hipotiroidismo congénito en neonatos con síndrome de Down / Family history of thyroid disease and risk of congenital hypothyroidism in neonates with Down syndrome

Resumen Introducción: La historia familiar de enfermedad tiroidea (HFET) como factor de riesgo para hipotiroidismo congénito (HC), en síndrome de Down (SD) aún no ha sido explorada. Objetivo: Determinar si la HFET está asociada a mayor riesgo de HC en neonatos con SD. Método: Estudio de casos y controles en 220 neonatos con SD. Se compararon las pruebas de función tiroidea (PFT) de 37 con SD e HFET (casos), frente a las PFT de 183 recién nacidos con SD sin HFET (grupo de referencia). Se realizó análisis de regresión logística multivariante y se calculó la razón de momios (RM) y sus respectivos intervalos de confianza del 95 % (IC 95 %). Resultados: Nueve casos HC (4.1 %). El HC mostró asociación con la HFET (RMa = 8.3, IC 95 %: 2.0-34.3), particularmente en los varones (RMa = 9.0, IC 95 %: 1.6-49.6). La ausencia de HFET tuvo una RM de protección para HC (RMa = 0.4, IC 95 %: 0.1-0.8). Conclusiones: La HFET puede es una estrategia fácil y accesible para identificar pacientes con SD con mayor riesgo de HC.

Abstract Introduction: Family history of thyroid disease (FHTD) as risk factor for congenital hypothyroidism (CH) in patients with Down syndrome (DS) has not yet been explored. Objective: To determine whether FHTD is associated with an increased risk for CH in DS. Method: Case-control study in 220 neonates with DS. Thyroid function tests of 37 infants with DS and FHTD (cases) were compared with those of 183 DS newborns without FHTD (reference group). Data were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analysis and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with their respective 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Results: Nine newborns with DS in our sample had CH (4.1 %). FHTD showed an association with CH in neonates with DS (aOR = 8.3, 95 % CI: 2.0-34.3), particularly in males (aOR = 9.0, 95 % CI: 1.6-49.6). In contrast, newborns with DS without FHTD were less likely to suffer from CH (aOR = 0.4, 95 % CI: 0.1-0.8). Conclusions: FHTD detailed evaluation can be an easy and accessible strategy to identify those newborns with DS at higher risk for CH.

Assessing the methodological quality of systematic reviews using the AMSTAR tool / ¿Cómo evaluar la calidad metodológica de las revisiones sistemáticas a través de la herramienta AMSTAR?

Abstract Introduction Making decisions based on evidence has been a challenge for health professionals, given the need to have the tools and skills to carry out a critical appraisal of the evidence and assess the validity of the results. Systematic reviews of the literature (SRL) have been used widely to answer questions in the clinical field. Tools have been developed that support the appraisal of the quality of the studies. AMSTAR is one of these, validated and supported by reproducible evidence, which guides the methodological quality of the SRL. Objectives To show a historical, theoretical and practical guide for critical assessment of systematic reviews using AMSTAR to guide the argumental bases for their use according to the components of this methodological structure in health research, and to provide practical examples of how to apply this checklist. Methods We conducted a non-exhaustive review of literature in Pubmed and Cochrane Library using "AMSTAR" and "Systematic Reviews" as free terms without language or publication date limit; we also collected information from experts in the evaluation of the quality of the evidence. Conclusions AMSTAR is an instrument used, validated and supported by reproducible evidence for the evaluation of the internal validity of systematic reviews of the literature. It consists of 16 items that assess the overall methodological quality of a SRL. It is currently used indiscriminately and favorably, but it is not exempt from limitations and future updates based on new reproducibility and validation studies.

Resumen Introducción Tomar decisiones basadas en la evidencia ha sido un reto para profesionales de la salud; se requiere tener herramientas y habilidades para apreciar la evidencia críticamente y evaluar la validez de los resultados. Las revisiones sistemáticas de la literatura (RSL) han sido muy usadas para dar respuesta a preguntas del ámbito clínico. Se han desarrollado herramientas que apoyan la apreciación de la calidad de los estudios. El AMSTAR es una de estas, validada y soportada por evidencia reproducible que orienta la calidad metodológica de las RSL. Objetivos Mostrar un abordaje histórico, teórico y de guía práctica para la apreciación crítica de las revisiones sistemáticas con el AMSTAR, orientar las bases argumentales para su uso, según los componentes de esta estructura metodológica en investigación en salud, y proporcionar ejemplos prácticos sobre cómo aplicar esta lista de chequeo. Métodos Realizamos una revisión no exhaustiva de literatura en PubMed y The Cochrane Library con los términos libres "AMSTAR" y "revisiones sistemáticas'', sin límite de idioma o año de publicación; también, recolectamos información de expertos en evaluación de la calidad de la evidencia. Conclusiones El AMSTAR es un instrumento validado y soportado por evidencia reproducible para la evaluación de la validez interna de las revisiones sistemáticas de la literatura. Consiste en 16 ítems que evalúan de manera global la calidad metodológica de una RSL. Actualmente, se usa de manera indiscriminada y predilecta, pero no está exenta de limitaciones y futuras actualizaciones basadas en nuevos estudios de reproducibilidad y validación.

Identificación de clústeres de casos de COVID-19 en la provincia Santiago de Cuba / Identification of clusters in COVID-19 cases in the Santiago de Cuba province

Introducción: A partir de la aparición de la epidemia COVID-19 se conforma un equipo multidisciplinario en Santiago de Cuba con participación de varias instituciones y activado por el Consejo de defensa provincial. El análisis integrado epidemiológico, la gestión gubernamental y la respuesta social resultarían determinantes en el control de la enfermedad. Objetivos: Identificar posibles grupos de casos con COVID-19 en la provincia Santiago de Cuba y caracterizar su transmisión según variables epidemiológicas. Métodos: Se desarrolló un estudio ecológico, comparándose los clústeres de transmisión de COVID-19. Se resumieron variables de interés y se realizó análisis de redes sociales desde el punto de vista de las relaciones entre casos y contactos, así como análisis espacial. Resultados: Se identificaron cinco grupos espaciales de transmisión en los municipios, uno en Palma Soriano, uno en Contramaestre y tres en Santiago de Cuba. Los antecedentes patológicos personales (hipertensión y procesos respiratorios), el sexo femenino, los casos sintomáticos y el promedio de 22 a 27 contactos por cada confirmado fueron las variables más relevantes. Se identificó fuente de infección introducida en 51 por ciento (25/49). Además, se identificaron redes sociales complejas en la transmisión de la enfermedad. Conclusiones: La transmisión de COVID-19 en la provincia Santiago de Cuba mostró grupos de casos y contactos con redes sociales epidemiológicas características para cada municipio, así como el modo de transmisión de acuerdo a la fuente de infección, relaciones de familiaridad o cercanía social y la relación de distancia espacial entre contactos, aspectos que influyeron en las bajas tasas de incidencia de la enfermedad, con predominio en su forma sintomática, edades jóvenes y en mujeres(AU)

Introduction: From the onset of COVID-19 epidemic, a multidisciplinary team is formed in Santiago de Cuba with the participation of several institutions and activated by the Provincial Defense Council. Integrated epidemiological analysis, government management and social response would be decisive in controlling the disease. Objectives: To identify possible groups of COVID-19 cases in the Santiago de Cuba province and to describe the transmission according to epidemiological variables. Methods: An ecological study was carried out, comparing COVID-19 transmission clusters. Variables of interest were summarized and analysis of social contact networks was carried out from the point of view of the relationships between cases and contacts, as well as spatial analysis. Results: Five spatial transmission groups were identified in the municipalities, one in Palma Soriano, one in Contramaestre and three in Santiago de Cuba. The personal pathological antecedents (hypertension and respiratory processes), female sex, symptomatic cases and the average of 22 to 27 contacts for each confirmed were the most relevant variables. A source of introduced infection was identified in 51 percent (25/49). In addition, complex social networks were identified in the transmission of the disease. Conclusions: The transmission of COVID-19 in Santiago de Cuba province showed groups of cases and contacts with characteristic epidemiological social networks for each municipality, as well as the mode of transmission according to the source of infection, relationships of familiarity or social closeness and the relationship of spatial distance between contacts, which influenced on the low incidence rates of the disease, with predominance of symptomatic form, young ages and in women(AU)

The spread of COVID-19 outbreak in the first 120 days: a comparison between Nigeria and seven other countries.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is an emerging public health emergency of international concern. The trajectory of the global spread is worrisome, particularly in heavily populated countries such as Nigeria. The study objective was to assess and compare the pattern of COVID-19 spread in Nigeria and seven other countries during the first 120 days of the outbreak. METHODS: Data was extracted from the World Bank's website. A descriptive analysis was conducted as well as modelling of COVID-19 spread from day one through day 120 in Nigeria and seven other countries. Model fitting was conducted using linear, quadratic, cubic and exponential regression methods (α=0.05). RESULTS: The COVID-19 spread pattern in Nigeria was similar to the patterns in Egypt, Ghana and Cameroun. The daily death distribution in Nigeria was similar to those of six out of the seven countries considered. There was an increasing trend in the daily COVID-19 confirmed cases in Nigeria. During the lockdown, the growth rate in Nigeria was 5.85 (R2=0.728, p< 0.001); however, it was 8.42 (R2=0.625, p< 0.001) after the lockdown was relaxed. The cubic polynomial model (CPM) provided the best fit for predicting COVID-19 cumulative cases across all the countries investigated and there was a clear deviation from the exponential growth model. Using the CPM, the predicted number of cases in Nigeria at 3-month (30 September 2020) was 155,467 (95% CI:151,111-159,824, p< 0.001), all things being equal. CONCLUSIONS: Improvement in COVID-19 control measures and strict compliance with the COVID-19 recommended protocols are essential. A contingency plan is needed to provide care for the active cases in case the predicted target is attained.

Mathematical modeling of COVID-19 in 14.8 million individuals in Bahia, Brazil.

COVID-19 is affecting healthcare resources worldwide, with lower and middle-income countries being particularly disadvantaged to mitigate the challenges imposed by the disease, including the availability of a sufficient number of infirmary/ICU hospital beds, ventilators, and medical supplies. Here, we use mathematical modelling to study the dynamics of COVID-19 in Bahia, a state in northeastern Brazil, considering the influences of asymptomatic/non-detected cases, hospitalizations, and mortality. The impacts of policies on the transmission rate were also examined. Our results underscore the difficulties in maintaining a fully operational health infrastructure amidst the pandemic. Lowering the transmission rate is paramount to this objective, but current local efforts, leading to a 36% decrease, remain insufficient to prevent systemic collapse at peak demand, which could be accomplished using periodic interventions. Non-detected cases contribute to a ∽55% increase in R0. Finally, we discuss our results in light of epidemiological data that became available after the initial analyses.