Human Papillomavirus 16 Lineage D is Associated with High Risk of Cervical Cancer in the Brazilian Northeast Region.

OBJECTIVE: Similar to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes, different lineages of a genotype also have different carcinogenic capabilities. Studies have shown that specific genotype lineages of oncogenic HPV are associated with variable risks for the development of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2/CIN3) and cervical cancer. The present study aimed to analyze the genetic diversity of the HPV16 genotype in women with CIN2/CIN3 and cervical cancer, from the northeast region of Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted in the northeast region of Brazil, from 2014 to 2016. This study included 196 cases of HPV16 variants (59 and 137 cases of CIN2/CIN3 and cervical cancer, respectively). The difference of proportion test was used to compare patients with CIN2/CIN3 and cervical cancer, based on the prevalent HPV16 lineage (p < 0.05). RESULTS: According to the histopathological diagnosis, the percentage of lineage frequencies revealed a marginal difference in the prevalence of lineage A in CIN2/CIN3, compared with that in cervical cancer (p = 0.053). For lineage D, the proportion was higher in cancer cases (32.8%), than in CIN2/CIN3 cases (16.9%), with p = 0.023. CONCLUSION: HPV16 lineage A was the most frequent lineage in both CIN2/CIN3 and cervical cancer samples, while lineage D was predominant in cervical cancer, suggesting a possible association between HPV16 lineage D and cervical cancer.

OBJETIVO: Tanto os tipos quanto as linhagens do Papilomavírus Humano (HPV) parecem ter diferentes capacidades carcinogênicas e estão associados a riscos variados para o desenvolvimento de neoplasia intraepitelial cervical (NIC) e câncer de colo do útero. O presente estudo tem como objetivo analisar a diversidade genética do genótipo HPV 16 nos casos de NIC2/NIC3 e câncer de colo de útero em mulheres da região Nordeste do Brasil. MéTODOS: Estudo transversal de base hospitalar realizado na região Nordeste do Brasil no período de 2014 a 2016. A amostra foi composta por 196 casos da variante HPV-16 (59 casos de NIC2/NIC3 e 137 de câncer do colo do útero). O teste de diferença de proporção foi usado para comparar os grupos NIC2/NIC3 e câncer de colo do útero por linhagem viral em relação à prevalência da linhagem HPV-16. Foi considerada significância estatística o valor de p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: As frequências de linhagem por diagnóstico histopatológico mostraram diferença limítrofe da linhagem A no grupo NIC2/NIC3 em relação ao grupo câncer de colo de útero (p = 0,053). Por outro lado, em relação à linhagem D, houve uma proporção maior nos casos de câncer (32,8%) quando comparado ao grupo NIC2/NIC3 (16,9%) e esta diferença se mostrou estatisticamente significante (p = 0,023). CONCLUSãO: A linhagem A do HPV-16 foi a mais frequente tanto nas amostras CIN2/CIN3 quanto nas amostras de câncer de colo de útero, enquanto a linhagem D predominou no câncer de colo do útero, sugerindo uma possível associação da linhagem D de HPV-16 com câncer de colo de útero.

Human Papillomavirus 16 Lineage D is Associated with High Risk of Cervical Cancer in the Brazilian Northeast Region / Papillomavirus humano 16 da linhagem D associado a alto risco de câncer de colo do útero em região do nordeste brasileiro

Abstract Objective Similar to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes, different lineages of a genotype also have different carcinogenic capabilities. Studies have shown that specific genotype lineages of oncogenic HPV are associated with variable risks for the development of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2/CIN3) and cervical cancer. The present study aimed to analyze the genetic diversity of the HPV16 genotype in women with CIN2/CIN3 and cervical cancer, from the northeast region of Brazil. Methods A cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted in the northeast region of Brazil, from 2014 to 2016. This study included 196 cases of HPV16 variants (59 and 137 cases of CIN2/CIN3 and cervical cancer, respectively). The difference of proportion test was used to compare patients with CIN2/CIN3 and cervical cancer, based on the prevalent HPV16 lineage (p < 0.05). Results According to the histopathological diagnosis, the percentage of lineage frequencies revealed a marginal difference in the prevalence of lineage A in CIN2/CIN3, compared with that in cervical cancer (p = 0.053). For lineage D, the proportion was higher in cancer cases (32.8%), than in CIN2/CIN3 cases (16.9%), with p = 0.023. Conclusion HPV16 lineage A was the most frequent lineage in both CIN2/CIN3 and cervical cancer samples, while lineage D was predominant in cervical cancer, suggesting a possible association between HPV16 lineage D and cervical cancer.

Resumo Objetivo Tanto os tipos quanto as linhagens do Papilomavírus Humano (HPV) parecem ter diferentes capacidades carcinogênicas e estão associados a riscos variados para o desenvolvimento de neoplasia intraepitelial cervical (NIC) e câncer de colo do útero. O presente estudo tem como objetivo analisar a diversidade genética do genótipo HPV 16 nos casos de NIC2/NIC3 e câncer de colo de útero em mulheres da região Nordeste do Brasil. Métodos Estudo transversal de base hospitalar realizado na região Nordeste do Brasil no período de 2014 a 2016. A amostra foi composta por 196 casos da variante HPV-16 (59 casos de NIC2/NIC3 e 137 de câncer do colo do útero). O teste de diferença de proporção foi usado para comparar os grupos NIC2/NIC3 e câncer de colo do útero por linhagem viral em relação à prevalência da linhagem HPV-16. Foi considerada significância estatística o valor de p < 0,05. Resultados As frequências de linhagem por diagnóstico histopatológico mostraram diferença limítrofe da linhagem A no grupo NIC2/NIC3 em relação ao grupo câncer de colo de útero (p = 0,053). Por outro lado, em relação à linhagem D, houve uma proporção maior nos casos de câncer (32,8%) quando comparado ao grupo NIC2/NIC3 (16,9%) e esta diferença se mostrou estatisticamente significante (p = 0,023). Conclusão A linhagem A do HPV-16 foi a mais frequente tanto nas amostras CIN2/CIN3 quanto nas amostras de câncer de colo de útero, enquanto a linhagem D predominou no câncer de colo do útero, sugerindo uma possível associação da linhagem D de HPV-16 com câncer de colo de útero.

Neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in Brazilian pregnant women vaccinated with one or two doses of BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine (Pfizer/WyethTM).

Pregnant women have an increased risk of developing severe coronavirus disease. In Brazil, the number of hospitalizations and adverse outcomes, including death caused by COVID-19, in women during the pregnancy-puerperal cycle was high in the first pandemic year. Doubts regarding vaccines' efficacy and safety for the mother and fetus delayed vaccination. This study evaluated the generation of IgG titers and neutralizing antibodies to the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine in 209 healthy pregnant women. For this, were used the QuantiVac ELISA (IgG) and SARS-CoV-2 NeutraLISA kits (EUROIMMUN, Lübeck, SH) following the manufacturer's recommendations. One dose vaccine produced anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG in 85% (81/95), and two produced in 95% (76/80) women. Among unvaccinated women, four of 34 (12%) showed protection. The first dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine protected 69% of the women with neutralizing antibodies (median of %IH = 97). In the second dose, protection occurred in 94% of the pregnant women (median of IH% = 97). This study showed no differences in IgG antibody titers between one- and two-dose of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine groups, boosting with the second dose increased the number of women who produced specific IgG and neutralizing antibodies, raising by 114-folds the chance of producing the SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies compared to the unvaccinated pregnant woman, which may contribute to reduce the chance of severe COVID-19.

Contraception and reproductive planning from the perspective of women with sickle cell disease.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the perceptions of women with sickle cell disease (SCD) about reproductive planning in a public health service. METHOD: This is a qualitative study conducted with 15 women with SCD attended at a public hospital in Recife, between August 2018 and May 2019. Bardin's content analysis technique was used. RESULTS: The women were between 25 and 38 years old, married, and had low education. After the analysis, four thematic categories emerged: information about contraception, use of contraceptive methods, feelings about pregnancy, and gynecological consultation. It was found that women with SCD are influenced by factors such as fear of complications during pregnancy, lack of information on reproductive planning, partners and health professional opinion, and difficulties in health service access. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The reports demonstrate that health workers need to improve the way through which information reaches the patient, to offer a more satisfactory professional practice.

The role of telehealth in sexual and reproductive health services in the response to COVID-19 / O papel da telessaúde nos serviços de saúde sexual e reprodutiva em resposta à COVID-19

Abstract This opinion article brings considerations about advantages and challenges with the use of telehealth in sexual and reproductive health services aiming family planning in the face of COVID-19 pandemic new scenario.

Resumo Este artigo de opinião traz algumas considerações sobre vantagens e desafios do uso da telessaúde em serviços de saúde sexual e reprodutiva focado no planejamento familiar diante do novo cenário da pandemia da COVID-19.

COVID-19 and Sickle Cell Disease: a new challenging dilemma in an old disease / COVID-19 e Doença Falciforme: um desafiador dilema em uma doença antiga

Abstract The authors bring reflections about people with sickle cell disease in the pandemic era. They comment on some common clinical situations in these two diseases which may delay or confuse the diagnosis of COVID-19 in patients with sickle cell disease. We consider that people with sickle cell disease are part of the risk group for the complications of COVID-19 and the topic should be addressed in the scientific literature.

Resumo Os autores trazem reflexões sobre as pessoas com doença falciforme na era da pandemia. Eles comentam algumas situações clínicas comuns nessas duas doenças que podem retardar ou confundir o diagnóstico de COVID-19 em pacientes com doença falciforme. Consideramos que as pessoas com doença falciforme fazem parte do grupo de risco para complicações da COVID-19 e o tema deve ser abordado na literatura científica.

Indications and reasons for discontinuing the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) / Indicações e razões para descontinuação do sistema intra-uterino liberador de levanogestrel (SIU-LNG)

Abstract Objectives: to identify the main indications and reasons for discontinuing the use of the Levonorgestrel-Releasing Intrauterine System (LNG-IUS). Methods: a cross-sectional study was carried out from medical records of 327 women who used the LNG-IUS 52mg between January 2011 and December 2016 at a public hospital in the Northeast of Brazil. Results: the main indications for the use of the LNG-IUS were: contraception (32.7%), myoma/metrorrhagia (28.7%) and endometriosis/pelvic pain (22.3%). Of the 327 women, 68 (20.8%) had discontinued using the device. The most frequent reasons for discontinuation were: expulsion (9.2%), LNG-IUS expiration (3.7%), bleeding (2.4%) and pain (1.5%). Most patients had no difficulty in the insertion and did not require anesthesia/sedation. Among the 30 women who expelled the device, 17 (56.7%) had used it for metrorrhagia and myoma, 8 (26.7%) for contraception, and 5 (16.6%) for endometriosis/pelvic pain. Conclusions: the LNG-IUS is a well-accepted contraceptive method, with therapeutic applications for some gynecological conditions and a low expulsion rate.

Resumo Objetivos: identificar as principais indicações e razões para a descontinuação do uso do sistema intra-uterino liberador de levanogestrel (SIU-LNG). Métodos: foi realizado um estudo transversal a partir de prontuários de 327 mulheres que usaram o SIU-LNG 52mg entre janeiro de 2011 e dezembro de 2016 em um hospital público do Nordeste do Brasil. Resultados: as principais indicações para o uso do SIU-LNG foram: contracepção (32,7%), mioma / metrorragia (28,7%) e endometriose / dor pélvica (22,3%). Das 327 mulheres, 68 (20,8%) haviam descontinuado o uso do dispositivo. Os motivos mais frequentes de descontinuação foram: expulsão (9,2%), expiração de SIU-LNG (3,7%), sangramento (2,4%) e dor (1,5%). Conclusão: a maioria dos pacientes não teve dificuldade na inserção e não necessitou de anestesia / sedação. Entre as 30 mulheres que expulsaram o dispositivo, 17 (56,7%) o utilizaram para metrorragia e mioma, 8 (26,7%) para contracepção e 5 (16,6%) para endometriose / dor pélvica. O SIU-LNG é um método contraceptivo bem aceito, com aplicações terapêuticas para algumas condições ginecológicas e baixa taxa de expulsão.

Fatores associados à síndrome pré-menstrual e ao transtorno disfórico pré-menstrual em estudantes da área de saúde / Factors associated with premenstrual syndrome and dysphoric disorder in health students

O estudo avaliou a frequência da síndrome pré-menstrual (SPM) e do transtorno disfórico pré-menstrual (TDPM) e fatores associados entre estudantes de cursos da área de saúde em uma universidade no Recife, Brasil. Realizou-se um corte transversal envolvendo 649 estudantes entre 18 e 47 anos, no período de setembro/2016 a março/2017. As estudantes que aceitaram participar do estudo e assinaram o termo de consentimento livre e esclarecido responderam a um questionário autoaplicável com dados sociodemográficos, hábitos de vida e antecedentes ginecológicos, bem como questões relacionadas aos critérios diagnósticos de SPM/TDPM. A maioria das estudantes tinha entre 18 e 24 anos (83,2%), era solteira (92,1%), morava com os pais (77,0%) e não trabalhava (84,4%). A frequência de SPM simples foi de 23,3% e da TDPM, de 26,7%. Os sinais e sintomas físicos foram os mais frequentes (84,1%) entre as estudantes com SPM. As 173 estudantes com TDPM relataram como sintomas mais frequentes a irritabilidade (89,6%) e a ansiedade (87,3%) acentuadas. O teste de qui-quadrado foi utilizado para comparar as proporções entre os fatores associados à SPM e ao TDPM, considerando p < 0,05. Os fatores de risco que tiveram associação estatística com a ocorrência de SPM/TDPM foram o índice de massa corporal (IMC) < 25 (p = 0,01) e irregularidade dos ciclos (p = 0,04).(AU)

This study evaluated the frequency of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and associated factors among university students in health courses in Recife, Brazil. A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 649 students aged 18 to 47 years between September 2016 and March 2017. Students who agreed to participate in the study and signed a free informed consent form, was invited to answer a self-administered questionnaire with socio-demographic data, lifestyle and gynecological history, as well as issues related to the diagnostic criteria of PMS/PMDD. Most students were between 18 and 24 years old (83.2%), single (92.1%), living with parents (77.0%) and did not have a job (84.4%). The frequency of simple PMS was 23.3% and PMDD was 26.7%. Physical signs and symptoms were the most frequent (84.1%) among students with PMS. The 173 students with PMDD reported more frequent symptoms of irritability (89.6%) and anxiety (87.3%). The Pearson chi-square test was used to compare the proportions of the factors associated with PMS and PMDD, considering p < 0.05. BMI < 25 (p = 0.01) and cycle irregularity (p = 0.04) were the factors who had a statistically significant association with the occurrence of PMS/PMDD.(AU)

Breast cancer neoadjuvant endocrine therapy and COVID-19: a renewed breath with future perspectives

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic is the major healthcare concern around the world. The infection is especially severe to those with immune system suppression, including patients with cancer. In order to mitigate the negative effects of COVID-19, guidelines have been developed by societies worldwide to review oncology care during this pandemic time. Neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NET) is a well-stablished option for hormone positive (HR) HER2 negative breast cancer and showed a positive response in breast conservative surgery with substantially less toxicity. Compared to chemotherapy, the NET cost is lower, and its administration is easier, due to less medical visits. Even with remarkable advantages, NET remains taking less place in treatments than it might have. Periods of humanity crisis, such as World Wars and other pandemics, boosted the development of science and established many treatments, which are currently practiced. New data generated during the COVID-19 outbreak can inspire more trials comparing chemotherapy to endocrine therapy within the neoadjuvant setting. The purpose of this letter is to suggest NET as a safe low toxicity treatment strategy for breast cancer, not only to postpone breast cancer surgery during the pandemic, but also to become a standard therapy, a flame kept burning crossing the COVID-19 border.

Interleukin-6 in pregnancy with sickle cell disease

ABSTRACT Background: Despite advances in health care for sickle cell disease patients, as well as in the improvement in reproductive issues mainly in women with the disease, pregnancy is still a challenge, both for the mother and the child, with high rates of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Besides their chronic hemolytic status and vaso-occlusive events that confer systemic complications, pregnant women also have higher rates of pain episodes, infections, abortion, intrauterine growth retardation, pre-term births, eclampsia, stillbirth and the hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets syndrome. The physiologic mechanisms of the disease in pregnancy are still unknown and chronic inflammatory responses may interfere in the adverse outcomes. The cytokine and chemokine profiles in pregnancy with sickle cell disease remain unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytokine profile of the inflammatory response of pregnant women with sickle cell disease. Method: Blood samples from 20 pregnant women with sickle cell disease, 24 women with sickle cell disease in steady state, 16 healthy pregnant women and a control group with 9 women at childbearing age were assayed for interleukin-6. Main results: Pregnant women with sickle cell disease presented high serum levels of interleukin-6, compared to healthy pregnant women (p = 0.0115). Conclusion: These data suggest that the increased production of interleukin-6 may occur during pregnancy with sickle cell disease and that the role of this cytokine in the sickle cell disease pathophysiology and pregnancy complications should be further studied.

Quality of Life among University Students with Premenstrual Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality of life among university students with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Faculdade Pernambucana de Saúde, in Recife, Brazil, between August 2016 and July 2017. Sociodemographic, gynecological, and lifestyle variables, and PMS occurrence, were investigated among 642 students. The short form of the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL Bref) questionnaire was used to evaluate four domains of the quality of life of the students: physical, mental, social relationships, and environmental. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' criteria were used to define PMS. RESULTS: Of the 642 students, 49.9% had PMS, 23.3% had mild PMS and 26.6% had premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Most of the students were between 18 and 24 years old, had regular menstrual cycles, and practiced physical activity. Regarding the physical and mental domains of the WHOQOL-Bref questionnaire, a statistically significant difference was observed between the students who did not have and those who had mild or PMDD (p < 0.001). A difference was also found between the students who did not have PMS and those who had mild PMS in the social relationships (p = 0.001) and environmental domains (p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: Mild PMS and PMDD are prevalent among university students on health-related courses, and the syndrome can affect the students' self-assessment of all the domains of quality of life.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a qualidade de vida entre estudantes universitárias com síndrome pré-menstrual (SPM). MéTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo transversal na Faculdade Pernambucana de Saúde, em Recife, no período de agosto de 2016 a julho de 2017. Foram investigadas variáveis sociodemográficas, ginecológicas, estilo de vida e a ocorrência de SPM entre 642 estudantes. Foi utilizada a forma abreviada do questionário de Qualidade de Vida da Organização Mundial da Saúde (WHOQOL Bref, na sigla em inglês) para avaliar quatro domínios da qualidade de vida: físico, mental, social e meio ambiente. Para a definição de SPM, foram considerados os critérios do Colégio Americano de Obstetras e Ginecologistas. RESULTADOS: Das 642 estudantes, 49,9% apresentaram SPM, sendo 23,3% SPM na forma leve e 26,6%, transtorno disfórico pré-menstrual (TDPM). A maioria das estudantes tinha entre 18 e 24 anos de idade, possuia ciclos menstruais regulares e praticava atividade física. Em relação aos domínios físico e mental do WHOQOL-Bref, observou-se diferença estatisticamente significante entre as estudantes que não apresentavam SPM e as que apresentavam SPM, tanto a forma leve quanto o TDPM (p < 0,001). Também foi encontrada diferença no domínio "relações sociais" e "meio ambiente" entre aquelas que não tiveram TPM e as que tiveram TPM leve (p = 0,001 e p = 0,009, respectivamente). CONCLUSãO: A SPM leve e o TDPM têm alta prevalencia entre estudantes universitárias da área de saúde e pode influenciar a autoavaliação das estudantes em todos os domínios da qualidade de vida.

Estimation of the Costs of Invasive Cervical Cancer Treatment in Brazil: A Micro-Costing Study.

OBJECTIVE: The main objective of the present study was to estimate the annual treatment costs of invasive cervical cancer (ICC) per patient at an oncology center in Brazil from a societal perspective by considering direct medical, direct nonmedical, and indirect costs. METHODS: A cost analysis descriptive study, in which direct medical, direct nonmedical, and indirect costs were collected using a microcosting approach, was conducted between May 2014 and July 2016 from a societal perspective. The study population consisted of women diagnosed with ICC admitted to a tertiary hospital in Recife, state of Pernambuco, Brazil. The annual cost per patient was estimated in terms of the value of American Dollars (US$) in 2016. RESULTS: From a societal perspective, the annual ICC treatment cost per patient was US$ 2,219.73. Direct medical costs were responsible for 81.2% of the total value, of which radiotherapy and outpatient chemotherapy had the largest share. Under the base-case assumption, the estimated cost to the national budget of a year of ICC treatment in the Brazilian population was US$ 25,954,195.04. CONCLUSION: We found a high economic impact of health care systems treating ICC in a poor region of Brazil. These estimates could be applicable to further evaluations of the cost-effectiveness of preventing and treating ICC.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo principal do presente estudo foi estimar os custos anuais por paciente do tratamento do câncer do colo do útero (CCU) invasivo em um centro de oncologia no Brasil, sob a perspectiva da sociedade, considerando os custos diretos médicos, diretos não médicos e indiretos. MéTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo descritivo de análise de custos, no qual os custos médicos diretos, não médicos diretos e indiretos foram coletados por meio de uma abordagem de microcustos, realizado entre maio de 2014 e julho de 2016 sob a perspectiva da sociedade. A população do estudo foi composta por mulheres diagnosticadas com CCU invasivo internadas em um hospital terciário em Recife, PE, Brasil. O custo anual por paciente foi estimado em termos de dólares americanos (US$) para o ano de 2016. RESULTADOS: O custo anual do tratamento do CCU invasivo sob a perspectiva da sociedade foi de US$ 2.219,73 por paciente. Os custos médicos diretos foram responsáveis por 81,2% do valor total, dos quais a radioterapia e a quimioterapia ambulatorial tiveram a maior participação. Sob o pressuposto do caso base, o custo estimado para o orçamento nacional de um ano de tratamento do CCU invasivo na população brasileira foi de US$ 25.954.195,04. CONCLUSãO: Foi encontrado um alto impacto econômico dos sistemas de saúde para o tratamento do CCU invasivo em uma região pobre do Brasil. Essas estimativas poderão ser aplicáveis em avaliações adicionais do custo-efetividade da prevenção e tratamento do CCU.

Estimation of the costs of invasive cervical cancer treatment in Brazil: A micro-costing study / Estimativa dos custos do tratamento do câncer do colo do útero invasivo no Brasil: um estudo de microcustos

Abstract Objective Themain objective of the present study was to estimate the annual treatment costs of invasive cervical cancer (ICC) per patient at an oncology center in Brazil from a societal perspective by considering direct medical, direct nonmedical, and indirect costs. Methods A cost analysis descriptive study, in which direct medical, direct nonmedical, and indirect costs were collected using a microcosting approach, was conducted between May 2014 and July 2016 from a societal perspective. The study population consisted of women diagnosed with ICC admitted to a tertiary hospital in Recife, state of Pernambuco, Brazil. The annual cost per patient was estimated in terms of the value of American Dollars (US$) in 2016. Results From a societal perspective, the annual ICC treatment cost per patient was US $ 2,219.73. Direct medical costs were responsible for 81.2% of the total value, of which radiotherapy and outpatient chemotherapy had the largest share. Under the base-case assumption, the estimated cost to the national budget of a year of ICC treatment in the Brazilian population was US$ 25,954,195.04. Conclusion We found a high economic impact of health care systems treating ICC in a poor region of Brazil. These estimates could be applicable to further evaluations of the cost-effectiveness of preventing and treating ICC.

Resumo Objetivo O objetivo principal do presente estudo foi estimar os custos anuais por paciente do tratamento do câncer do colo do útero (CCU) invasivo em um centro de oncologia no Brasil, sob a perspectiva da sociedade, considerando os custos diretos médicos, diretos não médicos e indiretos. Métodos Foi realizado um estudo descritivo de análise de custos, no qual os custos médicos diretos, não médicos diretos e indiretos foram coletados por meio de uma abordagem de microcustos, realizado entre maio de 2014 e julho de 2016 sob a perspectiva da sociedade. A população do estudo foi composta por mulheres diagnosticadas com CCU invasivo internadas em um hospital terciário em Recife, PE, Brasil. O custo anual por paciente foi estimado emtermos de dólares americanos (US$) para o ano de 2016. Resultados O custo anual do tratamento do CCU invasivo sob a perspectiva da sociedade foi de US$ 2.219,73 por paciente. Os custos médicos diretos foram responsáveis por 81,2% do valor total, dos quais a radioterapia e a quimioterapia ambulatorial tiveram a maior participação. Sob o pressuposto do caso base, o custo estimado para o orçamento nacional de um ano de tratamento do CCU invasivo na população brasileira foi de US$ 25.954.195,04. Conclusão Foi encontrado um alto impacto econômico dos sistemas de saúde para o tratamento do CCU invasivo em uma região pobre do Brasil. Essas estimativas poderão ser aplicáveis emavaliações adicionais do custo-efetividade da prevenção e tratamento do CCU.

Interleukin-6 in pregnancy with sickle cell disease.

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in health care for sickle cell disease patients, as well as in the improvement in reproductive issues mainly in women with the disease, pregnancy is still a challenge, both for the mother and the child, with high rates of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Besides their chronic hemolytic status and vaso-occlusive events that confer systemic complications, pregnant women also have higher rates of pain episodes, infections, abortion, intrauterine growth retardation, pre-term births, eclampsia, stillbirth and the hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets syndrome. The physiologic mechanisms of the disease in pregnancy are still unknown and chronic inflammatory responses may interfere in the adverse outcomes. The cytokine and chemokine profiles in pregnancy with sickle cell disease remain unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytokine profile of the inflammatory response of pregnant women with sickle cell disease. METHOD: Blood samples from 20 pregnant women with sickle cell disease, 24 women with sickle cell disease in steady state, 16 healthy pregnant women and a control group with 9 women at childbearing age were assayed for interleukin-6. MAIN RESULTS: Pregnant women with sickle cell disease presented high serum levels of interleukin-6, compared to healthy pregnant women (p=0.0115). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that the increased production of interleukin-6 may occur during pregnancy with sickle cell disease and that the role of this cytokine in the sickle cell disease pathophysiology and pregnancy complications should be further studied.

Quality of life among university students with premenstrual syndrome / Qualidade de vida entre estudantes universitárias com síndrome pré-mesntrual

Abstract Objective To evaluate the quality of life among university students with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Methods The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Faculdade Pernambucana de Saúde, in Recife, Brazil, between August 2016 and July 2017. Sociodemographic, gynecological, and lifestyle variables, and PMS occurrence, were investigated among 642 students. The short form of the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL Bref) questionnaire was used to evaluate four domains of the quality of life of the students: physical, mental, social relationships, and environmental. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' criteria were used to define PMS. Results Of the 642 students, 49.9% had PMS, 23.3% had mild PMS and 26.6% had premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Most of the students were between 18 and 24 years old, had regular menstrual cycles, and practiced physical activity. Regarding the physical and mental domains of the WHOQOL-Bref questionnaire, a statisticallysignificant difference was observed between the students who did not have and those who had mild or PMDD (p < 0.001). A difference was also found between the students who did not have PMS and those who had mild PMS in the social relationships (p = 0.001) and environmental domains (p = 0.009). Conclusion Mild PMS and PMDD are prevalent among university students on healthrelated courses, and the syndrome can affect the students' self-assessment of all the domains of quality of life.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a qualidade de vida entre estudantes universitárias com síndrome pré-menstrual (SPM). Métodos Foi realizadoum estudo transversal na Faculdade Pernambucana de Saúde, em Recife, no período de agosto de 2016 a julho de 2017. Foram investigadas variáveis sociodemográficas, ginecológicas, estilo de vida e a ocorrência de SPM entre 642 estudantes. Foi utilizada a forma abreviada do questionário de Qualidade de Vida da Organização Mundial da Saúde (WHOQOL Bref, na sigla em inglês) para avaliar quatro domínios da qualidade de vida: físico, mental, social e meio ambiente. Para a definição de SPM, foramconsiderados os critérios do Colégio Americano de Obstetras e Ginecologistas. Resultados Das 642 estudantes, 49,9% apresentaram SPM, sendo 23,3% SPM na forma leve e 26,6%, transtorno disfórico pré-menstrual (TDPM). A maioria das estudantes tinha entre 18 e 24 anos de idade, possuia ciclosmenstruais regulares e praticava atividade física. Em relação aos domínios físico e mental do WHOQOL-Bref, observou-se diferença estatisticamente significante entre as estudantes que não apresentavam SPM e as que apresentavam SPM, tanto a forma leve quanto o TDPM (p < 0,001). Também foi encontrada diferença no domínio "relações sociais" e "meio ambiente" entre aquelas que não tiveramTPMe as que tiveramTPMleve (p = 0,001 e p = 0,009, respectivamente). Conclusão A SPM leve e o TDPM têm alta prevalencia entre estudantes universitárias da área de saúde e pode influenciar a autoavaliação das estudantes em todos os domínios da qualidade de vida.

Chemokines in pregnant women with sickle cell disease.

Pregnancy in sickle cell disease is a problem due to the adverse outcomes related to the disease. Research into the role of chemokines in sickle cell disease is available, but studies investigating the disease in pregnancy are scarce. Our data show the chemokine profiles of pregnant women with sickle cell disease compared with control groups. There were no differences in MCP-1 level among the groups, but IL-8 and MIG were likely related with disease activity. In addition, levels of IP-10 were higher in pregnant women with sickle cell disease and, interestingly, RANTES levels were higher in normal pregnancy when compared to pregnancy in sickle cell disease. More studies should be encouraged to fully elucidate chemokine activity during pregnancy in sickle cell disease.

Geography of Microcephaly in the Zika Era: A Study of Newborn Distribution and Socio-environmental Indicators in Recife, Brazil, 2015-2016.

OBJECTIVES: We assessed sociodemographic and health care factors of mothers and newborns during a 2015-2016 outbreak of microcephaly in Recife, Brazil, and we analyzed the spatial distribution and incidence risk of newborns with microcephaly in relation to socio-environmental indicators. METHODS: We collected data from August 2015 through May 2016 from Brazil's Live Birth Information System and Bulletin of Microcephaly Notification, and we geocoded the data by maternal residence. We constructed thematic maps of districts, according to socio-environmental and vector indicators. We identified spatial aggregates of newborns with microcephaly by using the Bernoulli model. We performed logistic regression analyses to compare the incidence risk of microcephaly within socio-environmental indicator groups. RESULTS: We geocoded 17 990 of 19 554 (92.0%) live births in Recife, of which 202 (1.1%) newborns were classified as having microcephaly, based on a head circumference of ≥2 standard deviations below the mean. Larger proportions of newborns with microcephaly (compared with newborns without microcephaly) were born to mothers who delivered in a public hospital, did not attend college, were aged ≤19, or were black or mixed race. A higher risk of microcephaly (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 3.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.88-8.06) occurred in districts with the lowest (vs highest) Municipal Human Development Index (ie, an index that assesses longevity, education, and income). The risk of microcephaly was significantly higher where rates of larvae density (IRR = 2.31; 95% CI, 1.19-4.50) and larvae detection (IRR = 2.04; 95% CI, 1.05-4.00) were higher and rates of sewage system (IRR = 2.20; 95% CI, 1.16-4.18) and garbage collection (IRR = 1.96; 95% CI, 0.99-3.88) were lower. Newborns with microcephaly lived predominantly in the poorest areas and in a high-risk cluster (relative risk = 1.89, P = .01) in the north. CONCLUSIONS: The disproportionate incidence of microcephaly in newborns in poor areas of Recife reinforces the need for government and public health authorities to formulate policies that promote social equity and support for families and their children with microcephaly.