Uveal melanoma incidence and survival analysis in Portugal between 2013 and 2022.

PURPOSE: This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the clinical characteristics and epidemiology of uveal melanoma (UM) in the Portuguese population, evaluated at the National Reference Centre (NRC). METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted, involving patients consecutively diagnosed with UM at the Portuguese NRC between July 2013 and December 2022. The study collected data on demographic and tumour characteristics, clinical staging according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC), treatment approaches, local disease control, patient survival, and the occurrence of distant metastases. RESULTS: The study included a total of 316 patients, 53.8% female. The mean age at diagnosis was 61.8±14.2 years, and 75.0% of patients presented with symptoms. The mean annual age-adjusted incidence of uveal melanoma in Portugal between 2014 and 2022 was 2.4 cases per million (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.1-2.8). For choroidal/ciliary body tumours, the overall cumulative survival and distant metastases-free survival (DMFS) rates at 5 years were 84.9% (95% CI: 78.7-91.1) and 79.4% (95%CI: 72.8-86.0), respectively. Notably, higher AJCC stages at presentation, the need for enucleation, and increased tumour thickness were associated with lower DSS and DMFS rates. CONCLUSION: This study represents the most extensive analysis of UM epidemiology within the Portuguese population. The findings underscore the importance of early diagnosis and treatment in UM, as lower AJCC stages and smaller tumour thickness at diagnosis correlate with improved DSS and DMFS.

Evaluation of the Influence of Geodimensional and Histological Parameters on the Need for Margin Widening in Breast Lesions Marked With Magnetic Seeds.

Objective: Breast cancer is an important topic worldwide, posing morbidity and mortality to women. Considerable efforts have been put in the early recognition of malignancy through different screening methods, such as mammography and ultrasound. The precise localization of infraclinical malignant lesions is key in surgical management and magnetic seeds gather particular interest for this purpose. As with other systems, a need for reintervention may be needed to obtain adequate surgical margins. This work evaluated the relation between the need for surgical reintervention in order to obtain negative margins and geodimensional and histological parameters. The main objective was the identification of parameters significantly associated with reintervention for margin widening. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 198 patients from a single centre was performed. The association between pre-defined geodimensional and histological parameters and the need for margin widening in infraclinical lesions marked with magnetic seed was evaluated. Results: Results showed that reintervention to widen margins was significantly higher in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in the pre-operative biopsy when compared with invasive carcinoma (p = 0.03) in the bivariate analysis. No statistically significant differences were observed between the need for reintervention and lesion size (p = 0.197), breast quadrant location (p = 0.626) and distance of skin to lesion (p = 0.356). Conclusion: This work suggests that a more invasive margin clearance in lesions with a pre-operative DCIS diagnosis might obviate the need for reintervention to obtain negative margins. On the other hand, it is not necessary to be surgically more invasive in larger lesions, deeply located or that are present in a certain quadrant, since there are no significant differences regarding the need for reintervention.

Itchy Skin: A Challenging Differential Diagnosis Between Mycosis Fungoides and Sézary Syndrome.

Primary cutaneous lymphomas represent a diverse spectrum of T-cell and B-cell lymphomas with their primary skin manifestation. Among these, mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS) represent classic forms of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs). This report details the case of a 67-year-old female who presented with longstanding pruritic skin lesions, initially misdiagnosed and managed as eczema. The diagnostic process ultimately revealed the presence of Sézary cells in the peripheral blood smear (PBS). The SS diagnosis was confirmed based on CD4 positivity and CD7 negativity as determined by flow cytometry. The disease was staged as IVA1 (T2N0M1B2). The patient exhibited partial improvement with oral corticosteroid therapy. This report underscores the critical importance of integrating clinical evaluation and blood findings to distinguish between MF and SS. The progression of a circulating clone signals a poor prognosis, requiring surveillance and consideration of targeted therapies to enhance patient outcomes and improve their quality of life. Early detection remains paramount in the management of these rare cutaneous lymphomas, which are associated with unique therapeutic challenges.

Brittle Bone Disease: A Case Report.

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare genetic disorder. Due to considerable phenotypic variability, a classification was developed for OI subtypes based on clinical features and disease severity. A seven-day-old female was born at 40+1 weeks of gestation whose mother received routine antenatal care and had an uneventful pregnancy. In delivery, the newborn suffered bilateral collarbone fractures. After a week, she returned to an unscheduled appointment at the healthcare family unit due to an inconsolable cry and pain during mobilization of the left lower limb with three days of evolution, which were noticed by her parents. On examination, she presented edema in the right coxofemoral joint, asymmetry in the folds, and inconsolable crying during the mobilization of both hip joints. She was sent to the emergency department, where a pelvis X-ray was performed revealing a bilateral fracture of the femurs. During hospitalization, a genetic study revealed pathogenic variants of the WNT1 gene, which causes OI type XV. When a newborn presents with fractures, the main differential diagnosis is physical abuse. However, this was ruled out as we knew her mother and family, leaving no other possible evidence of abuse. OI was a highly probable diagnostic hypothesis due to the presence of two other cases of this type of OI in the same region of origin, even though her parents were not consanguineous and there was no history of fractures in their families. Although OI is a rare condition, the diagnosis was immediately suspected because there were two confirmed cases of this type in the same geographic area as our patient. Additionally, she had bilateral clavicle fractures at birth with no obvious signs or risk factors for abuse. As family doctors, it is our aim to support this family throughout their journey and provide the child with the best care possible.

Living conditions of patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders in the region of 'Tâmega e Sousa' (Portugal).

BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) are the most impairing psychiatric disorders and are a major cause of social exclusion. Despite that, there are only two studies published assessing the socioeconomic characteristics of SSD patients living in Portugal. AIMS: The purpose of this study is to assess the degree of social and family support for SSD patients living in the region of 'Tâmega e Sousa', in northern Portugal. METHOD: We conducted a cross-sectional observational study using patients under home-based care provided by the Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health of Centro Hospitalar do Tâmega e Sousa. We retrieved sociodemographic data from clinical records. The study was approved by the Hospital Ethics Committee. RESULTS: Our sample consists on 67 patients with SSD, mostly men (74.6%). Although the majority was single (69.2%) and childless (85.7%), only a minority lived alone (21.2%). In relation to their professional status, only 5.0% were employed and 78.3% got a disability pension. Among the patients that lived accompanied, 68% lived with their parents or grandparents, and a quarter lived with family members affected by psychiatric disorders. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the dependence of SSD patients on their family's support. Lack of labour market integration, economic dependence and difficulty establishing stable relationships further aggravate their social exclusion. Although our results are consistent with a previous observational study held in Portugal, our patients display a worse functional status. Even considering the possible patient selection bias, there is evidence supporting the need for more investment in psychosocial rehabilitation that should take into account the sociodemographic idiosyncrasies of this Portuguese region.

Manic states related to antidepressant withdrawal - a case report and literature review

ABSTRACT Background: A manic state induced by antidepressant withdrawal is a rare clinical occurrence that has been increasingly reported in the last decades and currently represents a nosological entity with specified criteria. Objectives: This paper aims to report a case of mania induced by escitalopram withdrawal in a patient with unipolar depression. Furtherly, we intend to review the published case reports of manic states induced by antidepressant withdrawal, analysing its epidemiology and discussing the current theories concerning its pathophysiology. Methods: We conducted a search in PubMed database in July 2019, without restriction by year of publication, and selected case reports and literature reviews in English, which were fully read. Results: Only 29 reported cases fulfil the most accepted diagnostic criteria. This phenomenon is more frequent in patients with unipolar depression, may occur with any major class of antidepressant and it is still unclear whether it indicates a latent bipolar disorder. Our case report is the third case associated with the use of escitalopram published in the literature. Conclusion: Although a rare phenomenon, mania induced by antidepressant withdrawal poses relevant clinical challenges and its possible pathophysiological processes may shed some light on the mechanisms underlying affective disorders.

Cecum perforation in intestinal malrotation setting in a patient with chromosome 12p deletion syndrome: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Intestinal malrotation results from failure of the normal gut rotation during embryological development. It is usually diagnosed in early childhood when it becomes symptomatic. Aetiology of intestinal malrotation has been scarcely addressed although relevant roles have been attributed to a few genes involved in gastrointestinal formation and association with certain syndromes has been suggested. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We describe the case of a 23-year-old woman with 12p deletion syndrome who presented with clinical symptoms of occlusion to the emergency department. Analytically, an elevation of inflammatory parameters was confirmed and imaging revealed pneumoperitoneum originated on cecum perforation. The patient was submitted to surgery with favorable evolution. DISCUSSION: Clinical manifestation of intestinal malrotation is uncommon in the adult population but can have severe consequences if not diagnosed early. The abnormal positioning of the duodenojejunal loop compressed by Ladd's bands, can lead to obstruction and ischemia. Surgery via Ladd's procedure commonly applies and elective treatment may prevent added morbidity. Intestinal malrotation has been associated to certain syndromes but no prior association to chromosome 12p deletion has been described. Occlusion in a patient with 12p chromosome deletion should raise prompt suspicion for intestinal malrotation. Moreover, diagnosis of 12p chromosome deletion should increase attention towards gastrointestinal changes since elective surgery may diminish morbidity. CONCLUSION: Intestinal malrotation results from abnormal embryological rotation of the midgut and is associated with certain syndromes. This paper firstly associates intestinal malrotation to chromosome 12p deletion. The possibility to address it electively may prevent morbidity in patients with this syndrome.

Are the European Medicines Agency, US Food and Drug Administration, and Other International Regulators Talking to Each Other?

There is talk of regulatory collaboration worldwide to protect public health and allow patients timely access to medicines. Here, we present the reality of the collaboration between the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This takes the form of near daily interactions, which may be less known outside of regulatory agencies. We present a review of what we call clusters, which involve the EMA, the FDA, and many other agencies under the umbrella of confidentiality arrangements. Through a survey of participants, we identified about 30 clusters of variable composition; these allow for the exchange of information and discussion among experts of applying regulatory science to common challenges in global drug development at every phase of its lifecycle and facilitate global medicines development.

[Choroidal Melanoma]. / Melanoma da Coroideia.

Choroidal melanoma is the most common primary intraocular malignant tumor in adults. None of the different treatments available offers advantages of survival, resorting more and more to conservative treatments such as brachytherapy, which has been available in Portugal since 2013. In this article we review the clinical characteristics, risk factors, diagnosis, complementary exams and therapeutic options in choroidal melanoma.

O melanoma da coroideia é o tumor primário intraocular maligno mais frequente em adultos. Nenhum dos diferentes tratamentos disponíveis oferece vantagens de sobrevida recorrendo-se, cada vez mais, a tratamentos conservadores como a braquiterapia, a qual passou a estar disponível em Portugal desde 2013. Neste artigo revemos as características clínicas, factores de risco, diagnóstico, exames complementares e opções terapêuticas no melanoma da coroideia.

Evaluation of Arthrobacter aurescens Strain TC1 as Bioaugmentation Bacterium in Soils Contaminated with the Herbicidal Substance Terbuthylazine.

In the last years the chloro-s-triazine active substance terbuthylazine has been increasingly used as an herbicide and may leave residues in the environment which can be of concern. The present study aimed at developing a bioaugmentation tool based on the soil bacterium Arthrobacter aurescens strain TC1 for the remediation of terbuthylazine contaminated soils and at examining its efficacy for both soil and aquatic compartments. First, the feasibility of growing the bioaugmentation bacterium inocula on simple sole nitrogen sources (ammonium and nitrate) instead of atrazine, while still maintaining its efficiency to biodegrade terbuthylazine was shown. In sequence, the successful and quick (3 days) bioremediation efficacy of ammonium-grown A. aurescens TC1 cells was proven in a natural soil freshly spiked or four-months aged with commercial terbuthylazine at a dose 10× higher than the recommended in corn cultivation, to mimic spill situations. Ecotoxicity assessment of the soil eluates towards a freshwater microalga supported the effectiveness of the bioaugmentation tool. Obtained results highlight the potential to decontaminate soil while minimizing terbuthylazine from reaching aquatic compartments via the soil-water pathway. The usefulness of this bioaugmentation tool to provide rapid environment decontamination is particularly relevant in the event of accidental high herbicide contamination. Its limitations and advantages are discussed.

Aphaereta ceratitivora sp. n. (Hymenoptera, Braconidae), a new parasitoid of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera, Tephritidae) from the Azores.

A new gregarious larval-pupal endoparasitoid of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is described and illustrated: Aphaereta ceratitivorasp. n. (Braconidae: Alysiinae: Alysiini).

Molluscicidal activity of crude water and hexane extracts of Hypericum species to snails (Radix peregra).

In spite of intense research on both chemical constituency and biological activity of Hypericum species, potential applications of their active components for pest control have been less well investigated. In the present study, Hypericum androsaemum (tutsan), Hypericum foliosum (malfurada), and Hypericum undulatum (wavy St. John's wort) aqueous and hexane extracts were studied for their molluscicidal and ovicidal activities against Radix peregra. The molluscicidal activity of the aqueous extracts was low, except for H. androsaemum infusion (median lethal concentration [LC50](adults) = 317.1 ppm; LC50(juveniles) = 415 ppm), and less important compared with the toxicity of all three hexane extracts tested: H. androsaemum (LC50(adults) = 30.47 ppm; LC50(juveniles) = 73.25 ppm), H. undulatum (LC50(adults) = 30.55 ppm; LC50(juveniles) = 60.54 ppm), and H. foliosum (LC50(adults) = 48.61 ppm; LC50(juveniles) = 38.81 ppm). An ovicidal effect was observed only with H. androsaemum infusion (1.85% of hatching at 500 ppm) and H. foliosum hexane extract (0.0% of hatching at 100 ppm). A preliminary phytochemical investigation of the lipophylic extracts from these Hypericum sp. revealed a different chemical profile and confirmed the presence of ursolic acid only in H. undulatum as the main compound. The present study indicates that products from hexane extracts of the Hypericum sp. analyzed may be used as potential molluscicides to control snails responsible for transmitting fasciolosis.

Assessment of molluscicidal activity of essential oils from five Azorean plants against Radix peregra (Müller, 1774).

The molluscicidal activity of essential oils from two endemic (Juniperus brevifolia; Laurus azorica) and three introduced (Hedychium gardnerianum; Pittosporum undulatum; Psidium cattleianum) Azorean plants against the snail Radix peregra was studied under laboratory conditions. Essential oils from leaves of H. gardnerianum, L. azorica and J.brevifolia presented promising molluscicidal activity on both adults and juveniles stages of R. peregra. The molluscicidal activity of these essential oils was found to be both time and concentration dependent. Lethal concentrations (LC(50)) varied between 15.4 (L. azorica) and 44.6 ppm (H. gardnerianum) for juveniles and from 45.3 (H. gardnerianum) to 54.6 ppm (J. brevifolia) for R. peregra adults. Ovicidal effect, calculated as percentage of egg hatching, at 100 ppm concentration, was observed in essential oils from P. undulatum flowers (4.2% of hatching) and leaves of H. gardnerianum (4.9%), L. azorica (7.4%) and J. brevifolia (17.7%). The present study is the first attempt to assess the molluscicidal potential of some Azorean plants essential oils against a Lymnaeidae snail. In fact, the H. gardnerianum, L. azorica and J. brevifolia can offer natural alternative tools for the control of R. peregra population, but more research is needed in order to determine the mode of action of these oils and determine the side effects on the ecosystem where this freshwater snail occurs.

Impact of pelvic radiotherapy on female sexuality.

PURPOSE: To assess physical and psychological morbidity, sexual functioning and social and relationship satisfaction among women treated with pelvic radiotherapy. METHODS: Observational (case-control) study of 199 women: 98 submitted to pelvic radiotherapy for the treatment of uterine, rectal or anal cancers and 101 without a personal history of cancer and similar socio-demographic variables. These completed a socio-demographic and clinical questionnaire, and validated measures of psychological health (DASS: Lovibond and Lovibond in Behav Res Ther 33:353-343, 1995), sexual function (FSFI: Rosen et al. in J Sex Marital Ther 26:191-208, 2007), social support (ESSS: Ribeiro in Analise Psicologica 3:547-558, 1999) and relationship satisfaction (IMS: Hudson in The WALMYR assessment scales scoring manual 1992). RESULTS: Women submitted to pelvic irradiation reported a higher rate of adverse physical symptoms in the last month: fatigue 59 versus 25% (p < 0.001), lack of strength 42 versus 20% (p = 0.001), diarrhoea 24 versus 12% (p = 0.032), vaginal discharge 17 versus 7% (p = 0.024), skin erythema 9 versus 2% (p = 0.026). Levels of depression, anxiety and stress were higher among radiotherapy patients, but only reach statistical significance for the stress parameter (6.1 vs. 4.0, p = 0.012). Also these women reported lower scores of satisfaction with social support (57.2 vs. 62.2, p = 0.005) and sexual function (8.5 vs. 13.5, p = 0.049). No statistically significant differences occurred between the two groups regarding scores of relationship satisfaction (20.8 vs. 19.9, p = n.s.). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that pelvic radiotherapy had a negative impact on female sexuality. Thus, interventions that would help to reduce this impact need to be designed and integrated into routine clinical practice.

Comparison of neoadjuvant oral chemotherapy with UFT plus Folinic acid or Capecitabine concomitant with radiotherapy on locally advanced rectal cancer.

AIM: To evaluate the differences in treatment response and the impact on survival with both oral agents (UFT and Capecitabine) as neoadjuvant chemotherapy administered concomitantly with radiotherapy. BACKGROUND: There are still no studies comparing the use of neoadjuvant oral chemotherapy either with UFT plus Folinic acid or Capecitabine concomitant with radiotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A set of 112 patients with LARC were treated preoperatively. GROUP 1 - 61 patients underwent concomitant oral chemotherapy with Capecitabine (825 mg/m(2) twice daily). GROUP 2 - 51 patients submitted to concomitant oral chemotherapy with UFT (300 mg/m(2)/d) + Folinic acid (90 mg/d) and radiotherapy. 57.1% of patients were submitted to adjuvant chemotherapy. RESULTS: GROUP 1: acute toxicity - 80.3%; pathological complete response (pCR) - 10.5%; tumor downstaging (TD) - 49.1%; nodal downstaging (ND) - 76.5%; loco-regional response (LRR) - 71.9%; toxicity to adjuvant chemotherapy - 75%. GROUP 2: acute toxicity - 80.4%; pCR - 28%; TD - 62%; ND - 75.6%; LRR - 78%; toxicity to adjuvant chemotherapy - 56%. There was no difference in survival nor loco-regional control between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated with neoadjuvant oral UFT + Folinic acid had a higher rate of pathologic complete response than patients treated with Capecitabine concomitant with radiotherapy. There were no differences in downstaging, LRR, toxicity, survival or loco-regional control between both groups. There was a trend to a higher rate of toxicity to adjuvant chemotherapy in the Capecitabine group.

Neoadjuvant oral vs. infusional chemoradiotherapy on locally advanced rectal cancer: Prognostic factors.

AIM: To evaluate the prognostic factors and impact on survival of neoadjuvant oral and infusional chemoradiotherapy in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. BACKGROUND: There is still no definitive consensus about the prognostic factors and the impact of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy on survival. Some studies have pointed to an improvement in overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with tumor downstaging (TD) and nodal downstaging (ND). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A set of 159 patients with LARC were treated preoperatively. Group A - 112 patients underwent concomitant oral chemoradiotherapy: capecitabine or UFT + folinic acid. Group B - 47 patients submitted to concomitant chemoradiation with 5-FU in continuous infusion. 63.6% of patients were submitted to adjuvant chemotherapy. GROUP A: pathologic complete response (pCR) - 18.7%; TD - 55.1%; ND - 76%; loco-regional response - 74.8%. Group B: pCR - 11.4%; TD - 50%; ND - 55.8%; LRR - 54.5%. The loco-regional control was 95.6%. There was no difference in survival between both groups. Those with loco-regional response had better PFS. CONCLUSIONS: Tumor and nodal downstaging, loco-regional response and a normal CEA level turned out to be important prognostic factors in locally advanced rectal cancer. Nodal downstaging and loco-regional response were higher in Group A. Those with tumor downstaging and loco-regional response from Group A had better OS. Adjuvant chemotherapy had no impact on survival except in those patients with loco-regional response who achieved a higher PFS.

High-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection-electrospray ionization multi-stage mass spectrometric screening of an insect/plant system: the case of Spodoptera littoralis/Lycopersicon esculentum phenolics and alkaloids.

High-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection-electrospray ionization multi-stage mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS(n)) is considered to be a very valuable tool for the characterization of compounds found in trace amounts in natural matrices, as their previous isolation and clean-up steps can be avoided. Micro-scale separation increases the potential of this analytical technique, allowing the determination of compounds in reduced samples. Spodoptera littoralis represents a major challenge to Solanaceae plants, as it is one of the most deleterious pests. The S. littoralis/Lycopersicon esculentum system was studied for the first time concerning glycoalkaloids and phenolics. Using HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS(n) we were able to characterize 15 phenolic compounds in L. esculentum leaves. Nine of them are reported for the first time. Some differences were found between leaves of cerasiforme and 'Bull's heart' varieties. However, in the materials of S. littoralis (larvae, adults, exuviae and excrements) reared in both L. esculentum leaves no phenolics were identified. α-Tomatine was the main glycoalkaloid in the host plant. The glycoalkaloid composition of the different S. littoralis materials was distinct, with α-tomatine and dehydrotomatine being the main detected compounds in larvae and excrements. These results add knowledge to the ecological interaction in this insect/plant duo, for which it is hard to obtain considerable sample amounts.

Visitação domiciliária em saúde infantil: necessidade de visitação até ao 15º dia de vida / Home visitation in child health: need for visitation until the 15th day of life

A visitação domiciliária em saúde infantil até aos quinze dias de vida da criança deveria constituir uma das intervenções prioritárias de enfermagem, já que é o momento oportuno para avaliar o estado de saúde do recém-nascido e mãe, assim como a interacção entre estes e restante familia, para identificar possíveis situações de risco e orientar com ensinos sobre os cuidados básicos ao recém-nascido, proporcionando aos progenitores conhecimentos através de demonstrações e orientações práticas. Pretende-se acima de tudo que o enfermeiro seja capaz de dotar os pais de competências que lhes permitam o cuidar do recém-nascido, com informações que minimizem os anseios e os medos da familia, promovendo um ambiente familiar saudável. Neste contexto, esta investigação insere-se no paradigma quantitativo e qualitativo com uma abordagem exploratória, descritiva e transversal e tem como principais objectivos para o grupo dos profissionais de saúde e para o grupo das mães, conhecer a opinião dos mesmos em relação à necessidade de efectuar a visitação domiciliária em saúde infantil até aos quinze dias de vida, bem como chegar a algumas conclusões respeitantes à utilidade e pertinência dos ensinos de enfermagem realizados durante a gravidez e periodo pós-parto. Foram para isso utilizadas duas amostras escolhidas com diferentes critérios, de oito profissionais e vinte e cinco mães. Chegámos a algumas conclusões interessantes, que apenas têm validade considerando as amostras em estudo. No entanto deixamos um contributo para os enfermeiros especialistas em saúde da criança e do jovem que pretendam empreender um projecto de visitação domiciliária em saúde infantil.

Home visitation on children's health up to fifteen days of life should be a priority of nursing interventions, since it is the opportune moment to assess the state of health of the newborn and mother, as well as the interaction between these and the rest of the family, to identify potential risk situations and guide with teachings about the basic care of the newborn, affording parents knowledge through demonstrations and practical guidelines. Aim is above all that the nurse is able to provide parents of skills that may enable them to take care of the newborn, with information that minimizes the desires and fears of the family, promoting a healthy family environment. In this context, this research is part of the qualitative and quantitative paradigm with an exploratory, descriptive and cross-sectional approach and has as main objectives for the Group of health professionals and for the Group of mothers, to know the opinion of the same in relation to the need to make the home visitation on children's health up to fifteen days of life, and reach some conclusions regarding the usefulness and relevance of teaching nursing during pregnancy and postpartum period. Two samples were chosen for this used with different criteria, of eight and twenty-five mothers. We have some interesting conclusions that only have validity considering the samples in the study. However we make a contribution to the nurses health specialists of children and young people wishing to undertake a project of home visitation on children's health.