Oral magnesium supplementation for leg cramps in pregnancy-An observational controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Oral magnesium for leg cramps treatment in pregnancy is a controversial issue according to recent Cochrane systematic review. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of Mg++ supplementation in leg cramps treatment in pregnancy. METHODS: This observational clinical trial studied 132 pregnant women with leg cramps in the first trimester of pregnancy. At baseline, 74 (56.3%) had two leg cramps episodes per week, 28 (21.1%) three episodes, 13 (9.8%) four episodes and 9 (6.8%) five or more episodes. They were randomized 1:1 to 300 mg/day of oral Mg++ citrate (n = 66) or placebo (n = 66). The primary outcome was the frequency of leg cramps episodes per week reported by pregnant women. Secondary outcomes were the ocurrence of leg cramps and oral magnesium side effects. RESULTS: 130 pregnant women completed the study and the two groups were comparable according to some sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. After 4 weeks of intervention it was observed a 28.4% (39/132) (CI 95%: 20.9-37.0) reduction of leg cramps in all participants and no difference between the two groups was found; reduction of 27.2% (18/66) (CI 95%: 17.0-39.6) in Mg++ group and 32.8% (21/66) (CI 95%: 21.6-45.7) in the placebo group. The OR of leg cramps was 1.3 (CI 95%: 0.6-2.9), p = 0.527, taking the placebo group as reference. Among pregnant women who remained with leg cramps the mean of leg cramps episodes per week showed no significance difference between the Mg++ and placebo groups; t-student test: p = 0.408. Four pregnant women showed gastrointestinal side effects; 2 in each group had nauseas and diarrhoea. CONCLUSION: Oral magnesium supplementation during pregnancy did not reduce the ocurrence and frequency of episodes of leg cramps.

Correlation between pre-pregnancy body mass index and maternal visceral adiposity with fetal biometry during the second trimester.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the correlation between pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and maternal visceral adiposity with fetal biometry during the second trimester. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among pregnant women who received prenatal care at a center in Recife, Brazil, between October 3, 2011, and September 27, 2013. Pre-pregnancy BMI was determined at the first prenatal care visit. Maternal visceral adiposity and fetal biometry were measured at the same ultrasonography session. The associations between maternal and fetal variables were evaluated using the Pearson correlation coefficient (R). The Student t test was used to test the null hypothesis of adjusted correlation coefficients. RESULTS: Overall, 740 women were included. No correlation was found between pre-pregnancy BMI and any of the fetal biometric variables assessed. By contrast, maternal visceral adiposity positively correlated with fetal abdominal circumference (R=0.529), estimated fetal weight (R=0.524), head circumference (R=0.521), femur length (R=0.521), and biparietal diameter (R=0.524; P<0.001 for all fetal variables). These findings remained statistically significant after controlling for pregnancy length. CONCLUSION: Maternal visceral adiposity, but not pre-pregnancy BMI, positively correlated with fetal biometry during the second trimester.

Effect of short-term positive airway pressure on blood pressure in controlled hypertensive patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is associated with cardiovascular disease, especially in patients with high blood pressure. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) seems to contribute to blood pressure control in patients with OSAS, mainly those with uncontrolled hypertension. However, the effect of CPAP on controlled hypertensive patients with OSAS is not known. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of CPAP on blood pressure of controlled hypertensive patients with OSAS. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. PATIENTS: 36 recently diagnosed patients with OSAS and hypertension controlled with oral antihypertensive medication. METHODS: CPAP was performed for 5 days. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were recorded at baseline and 5 days later using 24 h ambulatory blood pressure measurement. RESULTS: Mean (SD) 24 h systolic blood pressure was reduced from 128.9 (3.4) to 126.5 (3.5), p<0.001 and mean (SD) 24 h diastolic blood pressure was reduced from 86.9 (3.3) to 84.8 (3.3), p<0.001. A reduction in the proportion of 'non-dippers' in the participants was registered (from 40.6% at baseline to 18.2%). CONCLUSIONS: A short course of CPAP may reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with OSAS and controlled hypertension. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: RBR - 386qsg; Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (REBEC).

The BRAzil MAGnesium (BRAMAG) trial: a randomized clinical trial of oral magnesium supplementation in pregnancy for the prevention of preterm birth and perinatal and maternal morbidity.

BACKGROUND: Preterm birth is the leading cause of infant mortality globally, including Brazil. We will evaluate whether oral magnesium citrate reduces the risk of placental dysfunction and its negative consequences for both the fetus and mother, which, in turn, should reduce the need for indicated preterm delivery. METHODS/DESIGN: We will complete a multicenter, randomized double-blind clinical trial comparing oral magnesium citrate 150 mg twice daily (n = 2000 women) to matched placebo (n = 1000 women), starting at 121/7 to 206/7 weeks gestation and continued until delivery. We will include women at higher risk for placental dysfunction, based on clinical factors from a prior pregnancy (e.g., prior preterm delivery, stillbirth or preeclampsia) or the current pregnancy (e.g., chronic hypertension, pre-pregnancy diabetes mellitus, maternal age > 35 years or pre-pregnancy maternal body mass index > 30 kg/m2). The primary perinatal outcome is a composite of preterm birth < 37 weeks gestation, stillbirth > 20 weeks gestation, neonatal death < 28 days, or SGA birthweight < 3rd percentile. The primary composite maternal outcome is preeclampsia arising < 37 weeks gestation, severe non-proteinuric hypertension arising < 37 weeks gestation, placental abruption, maternal stroke during pregnancy or ≤ 7 days after delivery, or maternal death during pregnancy or ≤ 7 days after delivery. DISCUSSION: The results of this randomized clinical trial may be especially relevant in low and middle income countries that have high rates of prematurity and limited resources for acute newborn and maternal care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02032186, registered December 19, 2013.

Fatores associados ao excesso de peso em crianças de uma favela do Nordeste brasileiro / Variables associated with overweight in children from a shantytown in the Northeast of Brazil

OBJETIVO: Determinar a frequência e os principais fatores associados a sobrepeso e obesidade em crianças moradoras de uma favela do Nordeste do Brasil. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com amostra de 86 crianças (40 eutróficas e 46 sobrepeso/obesas), com idade entre cinco e nove anos, selecionadas em um universo de 508 crianças nesta faixa etária, avaliadas e cadastradas na Unidade de Saúde da Família (USF). Para definição de sobrepeso/obesidade, foram utilizados os pontos de corte estabelecidos por Cole et al. Pesquisaram-se variáveis biológicas, socioeconômicas, hábitos alimentares, tempo em frente à televisão e sedentarismo. Para a análise dos dados foram empregados os testes de associação, sendo significante p<0,05. RESULTADOS: A frequência de sobrepeso/obesidade entre as 508 crianças foi 13 por cento. Ingestão calórica excessiva, consumo de refresco artificial açucarado e sedentarismo foram os fatores associados ao sobrepeso e à obesidade. CONCLUSÕES: A frequência de sobrepeso/obesidade foi relevante no grupo estudado e os fatores que estiveram associados ao sobrepeso/obesidade foram ingestão calórica excessiva, consumo de refresco artificial açucarado e sedentarismo, que constituem pontos a serem trabalhados na população como forma de intervenção e prevenção de agravamentos no futuro.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency and the main factors associated with overweight and obesity in children living in a slum area in the northeast of Brazil. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 86 children (40 eutrophic and 46 overweight/obese) aged 5 to 9 years selected among 508 children in this age group evaluated and registered in the Family Health Unit (Unidade Saúde da Família, USF). Overweight/obesity were defined according to the cutoff points established by Cole et al were used. Biological and socioeconomic variables, dietary habits, time spent on television, and sedentary habits were analyzed. Association tests were conducted to analyze the data. Significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight/obesity among the 508 children was 13 percent. Excessive calorie intake, consumption of artificially sweetened drinks, and sedentary habits were significantly associated with overweight and obesity. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of overweight/obesity was high in the group assessed and it was associated with excessive calorie intake, consumption of artificially sweetened drinks and sedentary lifestyle. These factors should be taken into consideration in the planning and development of interventions and prevention strategies.

Excesso de peso em crianças e adolescentes sobreviventes de leucemia linfoide aguda: estudo de coorte / Excessive weight in children and adolescents surviving acute lymphoid leukemia: a cohort study

A leucemia linfoide aguda (LLA) é a neoplasia maligna mais comum na infância. A taxa de cura é hoje em torno de 80 por cento e entre os sobreviventes tem sido descrito um aumento de risco de obesidade. Entretanto, não há estudos sobre esse risco em países em desenvolvimento, especialmente naqueles que atravessam um momento de transição nutricional, como o Brasil. O objetivo do estudo foi verificar a frequência de excesso de peso em crianças e adolescentes sobreviventes de leucemia linfoide aguda. Foi realizado um estudo de coorte retrospectivo com 101 crianças e 19 adolescentes sobreviventes de leucemia linfoide aguda. Todos esses pacientes foram tratados no Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP), entre os anos de 1998 e 2002. O seguimento foi de quatro anos e meio, sendo o índice de massa corpórea (IMC) calculado no momento do diagnóstico, ao final de tratamento e dois anos após o término da terapia. A idade média do diagnóstico foi de 4,6 (2,1) anos nas crianças e de 12,2 (1,9) anos nos adolescentes. O tempo de tratamento foi de 2,6 (1,0) anos. O IMC aumentou de 16,1 (2,3) para 19,1 (3,5) após o tratamento; p<0.001. A frequência de excesso de peso passou de 17/120 (14,2 por cento) para 55/120 (45,8 por cento) após o tratamento; p < 0,001. Não houve variações significativas da frequência de excesso de peso e do IMC, entre o término do tratamento e dois anos após: 55/120 (45,8 por cento) vs 46/120 (38,3 por cento), p = 0,295, e IMC de 19,1 (3,5) vs 19,4 (3,5); p = 0,178. O tratamento da leucemia linfoide aguda aumenta o risco de excesso de peso entre as crianças e adolescentes sobreviventes.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common malignancy of childhood. The cure rate is now about 80 percent but an increased risk for obesity has been described among survivors. Even so there are no studies reporting this risk in developing countries especially in countries in which the problem of dietary deficiency is rapidly shifting to one of dietary excess. The purpose of this study was to assess the frequency of excessive weight in child and teenage survivors of ALL. A retrospective cohort study was carried out of 101 children and 19 adolescents diagnosed and treated for ALL between 1998 and 2002 in the Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP). The body mass index (BMI) was calculated at the time of diagnosis, at the end of therapy and two years later. The mean age at diagnosis was 4.6 (± 2.1) years in children and 12.2 (± 1.9) years in adolescents. The duration of treatment was 2.6 (± 1.0) years. The BMI changed from 16.1 (± 2.3) to 19.1 (± 3.5) after treatment; p<0.001. Among the survivors 17/120 (14.2 percent) were overweight at the time of diagnosis and 55/120 (45.8 percent) after treatment (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between the percentage of overweight individuals and BMI between the end of treatment and two years later: 55/120 (45.8 percent) vs. 46/120 (38.3 percent) (p=0.295) and BMI 19.1 (± 3.5) vs. 19.4 (± 3.5) (p=0.178). Treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia increases the risk of excessive weight in child and adolescent survivors.

Leucemia de células T do adulto / Adult T-cell leukemia

A leucemia de células T no adulto (ATL) é causada pelo vírus linfotrópico de células T (HTLV-1). Contudo, apenas 2 por cento-5 por cento dos indivíduos infectados desenvolvem a ATL e somente 40-60 anos após a infecção. Um fator de risco para adquirir a doença é a via da transmissão do vírus pela amamentação e durante o parto, sugerindo que a criança já é portadora do vírus. Desde a descoberta do vírus, em 1980, vários artigos científicos foram publicados descrevendo as manifestações clínicas, biologia do vírus e alterações intracelulares induzidas pelo vírus. Esta revisão visa explorar alguns aspectos da relação entre HTLV-1 e a leucemia de células T do Adulto.

The human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV-1) is known to be the etiologic agent of adult T-cell leukemia (ATL). Only 2-5 percent of infected individuals develop ATL and even then only 40-60 years after infection. One risk factor to develop ATL is the transmission of the virus by breastfeeding and during delivery, suggesting that infants of infected mothers are already carriers of the virus. Since the discovery of the virus in 1980 many scientific papers have been published describing the clinical manifestations, biology of the virus and the intracellular alterations induced by the virus. This review aims to explore some aspects of the relationship between HTLV-1 and ATL.

[Effect of physical exercise on bodyweight in overweight children: a randomized controlled trial in a Brazilian slum]. / Efeito do exercício físico sobre peso corporal em crianças com excesso de peso: ensaio clínico comunitário randomizado em uma favela no Brasil.

Given the increase in obesity in developed and developing countries and its concomitant morbidity, successful treatment approaches are needed. We examined the effect of a structured exercise intervention in overweight children in a slum in Recife, Pernambuco State, Brazil. This was a randomized, controlled efficacy trial. Seventy-eight children were randomized. Exercise was supervised, consisting of three 50' group aerobics sessions per week for six months. All participants maintained ad libitum diets. Based on intention-to-treat analyses, children in both groups had a significant increase in weight at follow-up (p-value for within-group increase < or = 0.01). The increase in weight was significantly lower in the exercise group (mean difference between groups; -1.37; 95%CI: -2.00; -0.74). A significant difference (p = 0.049) between the exercise and control groups at six-month follow-up was also found for BMI (mean difference between groups; -0.53; 95%CI: -1.06; -0.002). When we restricted the analyses to children who completed the trial (intervention = 30 and control = 38), the results were the same. An exercise program for children, sustained for six months, was effective for reducing weight gain in overweight children living in a very poor neighborhood.

Efeito do exercício físico sobre peso corporal em crianças com excesso de peso: ensaio clínico comunitário randomizado em uma favela no Brasil / Effect of physical exercise on bodyweight in overweight children: a randomized controlled trial in a Brazilian slum

Associação da obesidade com doenças crônicas tem se mostrado mais intensa nas áreas carentes. Examinamos o efeito de um programa de exercício físico para crianças com excesso de peso, em uma favela do Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil, por meio de um ensaio comunitário, randomizado, com 78 crianças. Um grupo (n = 39) recebeu três aulas semanais de exercícios físicos durante seis meses. Não foi realizada nenhuma intervenção em relação à alimentação. A análise por intenção de tratamento demonstrou que todas as crianças apresentaram aumento significativo de peso. Entretanto, esse aumento foi menor no grupo que sofreu a intervenção (diferença média entre os grupos; -1.37; IC95 por cento: -2,00; -0,74). Em relação ao índice de massa corporal (IMC), também foi verificada uma diferença significativa (p = 0,049) entre os dois grupos (diferença média entre os grupos; -0,53; IC95 por cento: -1,06; -0,002). Na análise restrita às crianças que completaram o estudo (intervenção = 30 e controle = 38), os resultados foram similares. Concluímos que um programa regular de exercícios físicos para crianças com excesso de peso em áreas carentes seja eficaz, sem a necessidade de intervenções dietéticas, na redução do ganho ponderal e do IMC.

Given the increase in obesity in developed and developing countries and its concomitant morbidity, successful treatment approaches are needed. We examined the effect of a structured exercise intervention in overweight children in a slum in Recife, Pernambuco State, Brazil. This was a randomized, controlled efficacy trial. Seventy-eight children were randomized. Exercise was supervised, consisting of three 50' group aerobics sessions per week for six months. All participants maintained ad libitum diets. Based on intention-to-treat analyses, children in both groups had a significant increase in weight at follow-up (p-value for within-group increase < 0.01). The increase in weight was significantly lower in the exercise group (mean difference between groups; -1.37; 95 percentCI: -2.00; -0.74). A significant difference (p = 0.049) between the exercise and control groups at six-month follow-up was also found for BMI (mean difference between groups; -0.53; 95 percentCI: -1.06; -0.002). When we restricted the analyses to children who completed the trial (intervention = 30 and control = 38), the results were the same. An exercise program for children, sustained for six months, was effective for reducing weight gain in overweight children living in a very poor neighborhood.

[Analysis of social and environmental risk for pleural involvement in severe pneumonia in children younger than 5 years of age]. / Análise de risco sócio-ambiental para comprometimento pleural na pneumonia grave em crianças menores de 5 anos.

OBJECTIVE: To determine social and environmental risk factors associated with pleural involvement among children from 3 to 59 months old who were hospitalized with severe pneumonia in northeastern Brazil. METHODS: This was an observational and descriptive cross-sectional study with an analytical component. We evaluated 154 patients hospitalized due to severe pneumonia, with or without pleural involvement. Pleural involvement was determined based on radiological findings. The following variables were analyzed: age, sex, place of residence, housing conditions, day care attendance, passive smoking, family income, presence of consumer goods in the home (e.g., television, radio, refrigerator, automobile), and schooling and occupation of the mother or other caregiver. The information was obtained by interviewing the mother or other caregiver or by consulting the inpatient medical chart. RESULTS: The frequency of pleural involvement among the 154 patients evaluated was 25.3%. The following factors were associated with pleural involvement: living in a rural area, being in a household with two or fewer rooms, family income below 170 U.S. dollars per month, and birthweight < 2 500 g. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate the need to improve the socioeconomic and living conditions of the less-privileged population, especially in rural areas. The health sector should emphasize primary care, focusing on a preventive approach beginning in the prenatal period.

Análise de risco sócio-ambiental para comprometimento pleural na pneumonia grave em crianças menores de 5 anos / Analysis of social and environmental risk for pleural involvement in severe pneumonia in children younger than 5 years of age

OBJETIVO: Determinar fatores de risco sócio-ambientais associados ao desenvolvimento de comprometimento pleural em crianças de 3 a 59 meses internadas com pneumonia grave em um hospital do Nordeste brasileiro. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional, transversal, descritivo, com componente analítico. Foram avaliados 154 pacientes hospitalizados com pneumonia grave, com ou sem comprometimento pleural. O comprometimento pleural foi definido segundo achados radiológicos. As seguintes variáveis sócio-ambientais foram analisadas: faixa etária, sexo, local de residência, condições do domicílio, freqüência à creche, fumo passivo, renda familiar, presença de bens de consumo, escolaridade e trabalho extra-domiciliar da mãe ou responsável pela criança. As informações foram obtidas através de entrevistas com o responsável pelo paciente ou consulta ao prontuário médico durante a hospitalização. RESULTADOS: A freqüência de comprometimento pleural foi de 25,3 por cento. Os seguintes fatores foram associados à ocorrência de comprometimento pleural: residência em zona rural, dois cômodos ou menos no domicílio, renda familiar mensal inferior a 170 dólares e peso de nascimento <2 500 g. CONCLUSÕES: Os achados sugerem a necessidade de priorizar a melhoria das condições socioeconômicas e de moradia da população mais carente, principalmente aquela oriunda do meio rural. O setor saúde deve enfatizar a atenção primária, com enfoque preventivo desde o período pré-natal.

Linfadenite tuberculosa apresentando-se com pescoço pré-consular: ainda época pré-quimioterápica? / Tuberculosis lymphadenitis to present with preconsular neck: pre-chemotherapic era?

É descrito um caso de tuberculose ganglionar que se apresenta como pescoço pró-consular. É realizada revisäo da literatura e feito alerta sobre essa forma de apresentaçäo da doença, comum na época pré-quimioterápica, mas que devido à condiçÖes sociais precárias, ainda existe hoje em dia podendo ser confundido com linfoma