Scope of services provided to childhood cancer patients by the Brazilian Pediatric Palliative Care Network.

Introduction: Brazil is a developing and an Upper Middle Income, categorized by the World Bank. Therefore, it is a country that needs a special vision for children with oncological diseases who require Pediatric Palliative Care. This study aimed to understand the specificities of services that provide oncology services in comparison to those that do not provide oncological care. Methods: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional, and online survey study. A questionnaire was created by a multidisciplinary group of leaders from the Brazilian Pediatric Palliative Care Network and then the survey was distributed using a snowball strategy. Results: Of the 90 services that answered the questionnaire, 40 (44.4%) attended oncologic patients. The Southeast represented most of the services (57.57%), followed by the Northeast, with 18.89% (17 services), the South with 12.22% (11 services), and the Center West with 8.89% (8 services). No differences were observed in access to opioid prescriptions between the services. It was observed that those services that attended oncologic patients had a tendency to dedicate more time to Pediatric Palliative Care. Discussion: The distribution of services that cover oncology and those that do not, are similar in the different regions of Brazil. In Brazil, there are difficulties in accessing opioids in pediatrics: access to opioid prescriptions without differences revealed that even pediatric oncologists might have difficulty with this prescription, and this should improve. It is concluded that education in Pediatric Palliative Care is the key to improvements in the area.

Red blood cell transfusions in preterm infants in 2021: a narrative review

Anemia is frequent in preterm infants. Red blood cell transfusion practices vary between different centers. The objective of this study was to review red blood cell transfusion practices in preterm infants between 2020 and 2021. This was a narrative review that included studies published on PubMed (Medline) and Web of Science between October 2020 and October 2021. Ten studies were included finally. Red blood cell transfusion frequency was variable. Some neonatal units did not report transfusion protocols. Most studies reported volumes of 10-15 ml/kg per transfusion. The implementation of an anemia care bundle and adoption of restrictive transfusion resulted in a reduction in the number of transfusions, the volume transfused, and a reduction in the rate of multiple transfusions. We suggest that neonatal units that care for preterm infants should have a transfusion protocol based on the best evidence available and this issue may improve.

Catheter-related thrombosis in a neonatal intensive care unit: a case-control study

Introduction: Catheter-related thrombosis (CRT) accounts for most thrombotic events in the neonate. Objective: Investigate CRT frequency, association with days of catheter use until diagnosis, and number of catheters used, in a single-center Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Methods: A case-control study that included 14 cases and 42 controls. Data collection occurred between January 2017 and December 2020 in a public NICU. Crude odds ratios (COR) were calculated. The study complied with ethical standards from national guidelines. Results: Two hundred and ninety-four neonates used central venous catheters, of which 14 (4.7%) were diagnosed with CRT. Catheter in use when diagnosis was made was centrally inserted central catheters in 8 (57.1%). Before diagnosis, the cumulative duration of catheter use was 34.5 days and the median number of catheters used was three. A higher SNAPPE-II (COR 1.03; 95% CI 1.01-1.06; p=0.03), cumulative days of catheter use >30 (COR 19.11; 95% CI 2.28-160.10; p=0.007) and number of catheters used ≥3 (COR 7.66; 95% CI 1.51-38.70; p=0.01) were associated with CRT. Conclusion: CRT cases were associated with clinical severity; number of catheters and cumulative days of catheter use. We suggest that screening for thrombosis should be performed in neonates who need a long time of catheter use and more than three catheters. Reducing the duration and number of venous catheters used will help to reduce CRT.

Frequency of red blood cell transfusions in preterm neonates in Brazil: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Red blood cell transfusions are frequent in preterm neonates. The proportion of preterm neonates transfused in Brazil remains unknown. We systematically reviewed the literature to estimate the frequency of red blood cell transfusions in preterm neonates in Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The LILACS, EMBASE, Cochrane, SciELO, MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus, BDTD and 27 national university institutional databases were searched for studies that analysed red blood cell transfusion in preterm neonates in Brazil without period restriction. The Preferred Reporting Items in Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed, and the GRADE methodology was applied. A random-effects model along with the restricted maximum likelihood method was used, and the Freeman-Tukey transformed proportion was used to estimate effect size. RESULTS: Nine studies, representing 6548 preterm neonates, were included in the qualitative and quantitative analyses. The mean gestational age ranged from 26.0 to 31.6 weeks. Most of the studies were from the Southeast region. The pooled estimated frequency of red blood cell transfusions was 58.0% (95% confidence interval = 52.0%-64.0%, p < 0.001) with low certainty. There was statistically significant heterogeneity among studies (I2 = 92.5%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In this current meta-analysis of the evidence available, which included moderate and extremely preterm neonates, the observed frequency of red blood cell transfusions in preterm neonates in Brazil was 58.0% and this estimate can help health programming. Some Brazilian regions were not included in this study, and further research is needed to provide a more representative overview of Brazil.

Knowledge of healthcare professionals about nonpharmacological pain management in the neonate in a Brazilian rooming-in: a survey study with factor analysis / Conhecimento dos profissionais de saúde sobre o manejo não farmacológico da dor neonatal em um alojamento conjunto no Brasil: estudo tipo survey com análise fatorial

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Neonatal pain management is considered one of the eight principles of neonatal care. This study aims to investigate the construct reflecting neonatal non-pharmacological pain management, in a Brazilian rooming-in unit, and identify the preferred intervention. METHODS: This survey study included 47 health professionals assessed through an in-person questionnaire. Factor analysis was conducted with a rotation using the Varimax method. Cronbach's alpha was 0.78. RESULTS: The construct comprised three factors in the following order: 1) knowledge and impact of neonatal pain on parents, 2) the benefits of pain treatment, and 3) non-pharmacological interventions. Breastfeeding is part of the first factor, revealing its particular importance. The reduction of luminosity is part of the second factor. Non-nutritive sucking with sweet solution, kangaroo position, and music therapy are part of the third factor. CONCLUSION: The construct observed in this rooming-in identified three factors and suggests that breastfeeding is the preferred intervention to implement for non-pharmacological pain management in the neonate.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O manejo da dor neonatal é considerado um dos oito princípios do cuidado neonatal. O presente estudo teve como objetivo investigar o construto que reflete o manejo não farmacológico da dor neonatal em uma unidade de alojamento conjunto brasileira e identificar a intervenção preferencial. MÉTODOS: Este estudo de pesquisa incluiu 47 profissionais de saúde avaliados por meio de um questionário presencial. A análise fatorial foi realizada com uma rotação usando o método Varimax. O alfa de Cronbach foi de 0,78. RESULTADOS: O construto foi composto por três fatores na seguinte ordem: 1) conhecimento e impacto da dor neonatal nos pais, 2) benefícios do tratamento da dor e 3) intervenções não farmacológicas. A amamentação faz parte do primeiro fator, revelando sua especial importância. A redução da luminosidade faz parte do segundo fator. A sucção não nutritiva com solução doce, a posição canguru e a musicoterapia fazem parte do terceiro fator. CONCLUSÃO: O construto observado neste alojamento conjunto identificou três fatores e sugere que o aleitamento materno é a intervenção preferencial a ser implementada para o controle não farmacológico da dor no recém-nascido.

Exploring the Brazilian pediatric palliative care network: a quantitative analysis of a survey data.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of services in Brazil that compound the Brazilian Pediatric Palliative Care (PPC) Network. METHODS: An online survey was conducted among representatives from PPC services. A total of 90 services from Brazil completed the online survey and answered a questionnaire about the service's characterization, health professionals working in PPC, access to opioid prescription and education, and research in PPC. RESULTS: In total, 80 services (88.9%) were created after 2010, 52 (57.9%) were in the southeast region, 56 (62.2%) were in public hospitals, 63 (70%) had up to 100 beds, and 57 (63.3%) were at the tertiary level. Notably, 88 (97.8%) had a physician in the team and 68 (75.5%) dedicated part-time to PPC. Also, 33 (36.7%) revealed concern with the care of health professionals and 36 (40%) reported difficulty or no access to opioid prescription. Research studies were reported to be conducted in 29 (32.2%) services. CONCLUSIONS: This mapping points out to a concentration of PPC services in the southeast region, with part-time professional dedication, and the need to improve professionals' care. Difficulty in opioid access was reported. It is necessary to extend PPC participation to other Brazilian regions, increase time dedicated to PPC, improve professionals' care and improve access to opioid prescription.

COVID-19 clinical manifestations in children and adolescents admitted to intensive care in the city of São Carlos, Brazil: a case series / Manifestações clínicas da COVID-19 em crianças e adolescentes admitidos para terapia intensiva na cidade de São Carlos: uma série de casos

INTRODUCTION: Children with COVID-19 may be asymptomatic or present a heterogeneous clinical presentation. The present case series aimed to report clinical manifestations of COVID-19 in children and adolescents admitted to pediatric intensive care units (PICU) in the city of São Carlos, Brazil, during 2020 and 2021. REPORTS: The subjects were six children aged 3 months to 13 years, with COVID-19. The data were collected from electronic charts. All cases were domestic contact with a COVID-19 case. Two cases had multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) and one had jaundice and ascites. One case had a seizure. One case required invasive ventilation and two cases presented gastrointestinal symptoms. There were no deaths in the cases. The length of PICU stays varied from one to 16 days. CONCLUSION: In the six cases reported, COVID-19 clinical manifestations in children and adolescents who required intensive care in São Carlos revealed a heterogeneous presentation and no lethality. It is worth emphasizing that a history of contact with a symptomatic respiratory person should guide the suspicion of COVID-19 in children and indicate a proper follow-up, as COVID-19 may be severe in this population.

INTRODUÇÃO: Crianças com COVID-19 podem ser assintomáticas ou podem ter apresentação clínica heterogênea. O objetivo desta série de casos foi relatar as manifestações clínicas da COVID-19 em crianças e adolescentes internados em unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica (UTIP) na cidade de São Carlos, Brasil, durante 2020 e 2021. RELATOS: Os casos foram seis crianças com idade entre 3 meses e 13 anos, com COVID-19. Os dados foram coletados do prontuário eletrônico. Todos os casos foram contactantes domiciliares de algum caso de COVID-19. Dois casos se apresentaram como síndrome multissistêmica inflamatória (MIS-C), sendo um destes com icterícia e ascite. Um caso manifestou convulsão. Um caso necessitou de ventilação mecânica invasiva e dois casos apresentaram sintomas gastrointestinais. Não foi observado óbito entre os casos e o tempo de permanência na UTIP variou de 0 a 16 dias. CONCLUSÃO: Nos seis casos relatados, a COVID-19 revelou manifestações clínicas variadas, com rápida resolução e não foi observado óbito. É importante enfatizar que a história de contato com uma pessoa sintomática respiratória deveria guiar a suspeita de COVID-19 em crianças e indicar acompanhamento, uma vez que esta doença pode ser grave nesta população.

Exploring the Brazilian pediatric palliative care network: a quantitative analysis of a survey data / Explorando a rede brasileira de cuidados paliativos pediátricos: uma análise quantitativa de levantamento de dados

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of services in Brazil that compound the Brazilian Pediatric Palliative Care (PPC) Network. Methods: An online survey was conducted among representatives from PPC services. A total of 90 services from Brazil completed the online survey and answered a questionnaire about the service's characterization, health professionals working in PPC, access to opioid prescription and education, and research in PPC. Results: In total, 80 services (88.9%) were created after 2010, 52 (57.9%) were in the southeast region, 56 (62.2%) were in public hospitals, 63 (70%) had up to 100 beds, and 57 (63.3%) were at the tertiary level. Notably, 88 (97.8%) had a physician in the team and 68 (75.5%) dedicated part-time to PPC. Also, 33 (36.7%) revealed concern with the care of health professionals and 36 (40%) reported difficulty or no access to opioid prescription. Research studies were reported to be conducted in 29 (32.2%) services. Conclusions: This mapping points out to a concentration of PPC services in the southeast region, with part-time professional dedication, and the need to improve professionals' care. Difficulty in opioid access was reported. It is necessary to extend PPC participation to other Brazilian regions, increase time dedicated to PPC, improve professionals' care and improve access to opioid prescription.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar as características dos serviços que compõem a Rede Brasileira de Cuidados Paliativos Pediátricos (CPP). Métodos: Estudo do tipo survey online entre representantes de serviços de CPP. O total de 90 serviços do Brasil participaram da pesquisa e responderam a um questionário sobre a caracterização do serviço, os profissionais de saúde que nele atuam, o acesso à prescrição de opioides e a educação e pesquisa em CPP. Resultados: Oitenta serviços (88,9) foram criados após 2010, 52 (57,9%) estão na Região Sudeste, 56 (62,2%) em hospitais públicos, 63 (70%) têm até cem leitos e 57 (63,3%) estão no nível terciário. Oitenta e oito serviços (97,8%) tinham um médico na equipe e, em 68 (75,5%), os profissionais dedicavam parte de seu tempo aos CPP. Trinta e três serviços (36,7%) revelaram preocupação com o atendimento aos profissionais de saúde. Trinta e seis (40%) relataram dificuldade ou nenhum acesso à prescrição de opioides. Foi reportada a realização de pesquisas em 29 (32,2%). Conclusões: Este mapeamento aponta para a concentração dos serviços de CPP na Região Sudeste, com dedicação parcial dos profissionais, e para a necessidade de cuidar deles. Foi relatada dificuldade no acesso aos opioides. É necessário estender a participação na rede de CPP para outras regiões do Brasil, aumentar o tempo dedicado aos CPP pelos profissionais e cuidar destes, além de melhorar o acesso à prescrição de opioides.

Pain Assessment in Pediatric Patients with Primary Bone Cancer in a Single Site Cohort / Avaliação da Dor em Pacientes Pediátricos com Câncer Ósseo Primário em uma Coorte de um Centro Único / Evaluación del Dolor en Pacientes Pediátricos con Cáncer Óseo Primario en una Cohorte de un Solo Centro

Introduction: Pain is the main symptom described in cancer patients. Objective: To assess pain classification and management in pediatric patients with primary bone cancer over time: admission, during treatment and follow-up, and to investigate factors associated with pain classification at the last assessment. Method: Retrospective cohort study of osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma cases in individuals <19 years old treated at a single cancer referral site and followed up by a multidisciplinary team. The primary endpoint was pain score at the last assessment. Secondary outcome: evolution of pharmacological treatment. Results: 142 patients were included. The frequency of pain assessment increased during the study period from 53.5% at admission to 68.3% during treatment and 85.9% in follow-up. Of the patients who had pain assessed, 65.8% had pain at admission and 26.2% at the end of the study. There was an increase in the use of strong opioids and antidepressants. In the last evaluation, 56 patients (39.4%) were at the end-of-life and this was not associated with more pain (p=0.68). Meanwhile, those who had more pain used strong opioids (p=0.01) or steroids (p=0.03). Conclusion: Pain management during treatment resulted in increased use of strong opioids and antidepressants with pain reduction, revealing that pain control is possible. In the last assessment, end-of-life patients no longer had pain and patients with pain were the ones who used strong opioids and steroids at the most, showing the difficulty of pain control in some patients.

Introdução: A dor é o principal sintoma descrito em pacientes com câncer. Objetivo: Avaliar a classificação e o manejo da dor em pacientes pediátricos com câncer ósseo primário ao longo do tempo: admissão, durante o tratamento e acompanhamento, e investigar fatores associados à classificação da dor na última avaliação. Método: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo de casos de osteossarcoma e sarcoma de Ewing em indivíduos <19 anos, atendidos em único centro de referência de câncer e acompanhados por equipe multidisciplinar. Desfecho primário: classificação da dor na última avaliação. Desfecho secundário: evolução do tratamento farmacológico. Resultados: Foram incluídos 142 pacientes. A frequência de avaliação da dor aumentou durante o período do estudo de 53,5% na admissão para 68,3% durante o tratamento, chegando a 85,9% no acompanhamento. Dos pacientes cuja dor foi avaliada, 65,8% tiveram dor no recrutamento e 26,2% ao final do estudo. Houve aumento no uso de opioides fortes e antidepressivos. Na última avaliação, 56 pacientes (39,4%) estavam no fim da vida sem associação com mais dor (p=0,68), enquanto os que apresentaram mais dor foram aqueles que usavam opioides fortes (p=0,01) ou esteroides (p=0,03). Conclusão: O manejo da dor durante o tratamento resultou em aumento do uso de opioides fortes e antidepressivos com redução da dor, revelando que o controle da dor é possível. Na última avaliação, os pacientes em fim de vida não apresentavam mais dor, e os pacientes com dor foram os que mais utilizaram opioides fortes e esteroides, evidenciando a dificuldade no controle da dor em alguns pacientes.

Introducción: El dolor es el principal síntoma descrito en pacientes oncológicos. Objetivo: Evaluar la clasificación y el manejo del dolor en pacientes pediátricos con cáncer óseo primario a lo largo del tiempo: registro, durante el tratamiento y seguimiento, e investigar los factores asociados entre la clasificación del dolor y última evaluación. Método: Estudio cohortes retrospectiva de casos de osteosarcoma y sarcoma de Ewing <19 años, tratados en único centro de referencia oncológica y seguidos por equipo multidisciplinar. Desenlace primario: calificación del dolor en la última evaluación. Desenlace secundario: evolución del tratamiento farmacológico. Resultados: Se incluyeron 142 pacientes. La frecuencia de evaluación del dolor aumentó durante el período de estudio del 53,5% al 68,3% y 85,9%. Los pacientes evaluados por dolor, el 65,8% tenía dolor al registro y 26,2% al final del estudio. Hubo aumento en el uso de opioides fuertes y antidepresivos. En la última evaluación, 56 pacientes (39,4%) estaban al final de su vida y esto no se asoció con más dolor (p=0,68), mientras que, quienes presentaron más dolor fueron quienes usaban opioides fuertes (p=0,01) o esteroides (p=0,03). Conclusión: Manejo del dolor durante el tratamiento resultó en un mayor uso de opioides fuertes y antidepresivos con reducción del dolor, revelando que es posible controlar el dolor. La última evaluación, pacientes al final de la vida ya no tenían dolor y pacientes con dolor eran los que más usaban opioides fuertes y esteroides, evidenciando la dificultad en el control del dolor en algunos pacientes.

O protagonismo da criança em cuidados paliativos para a efetivação da sua segurança / Protagonism of the child in palliative care and the impact on its safety / El protagonismo de los niños en los cuidados paliativos para la realización de su seguridad

Objetivo: contribuir com o debate sobre o protagonismo da criança no seu processo de cuidado em saúde, alertando sobre o papel importante dessa participação no Cuidado Paliativo Pediátrico (CPP) e consequentemente, na sua própria segurança. Metodologia: revisão narrativa, a partir do levantamento bibliográfico nas bases de dados MEDLINE (via PubMed) e SciELO, nos últimos 10 anos, acrescida da experiência das autoras e captação secundária. Resultados: foram incluídos 14 artigos na síntese narrativa. A análise desses artigos em relação a segurança do paciente em CPP revelou a dificuldade da abordagem dos CPP na prática, além de lacunas na formação dos profissionais, a importância do cuidado centrado no paciente, das decisões compartilhadas, da comunicação apropriada e do uso seguro de opioides. Em relação a participação da criança como protagonista do seu cuidado, foi observado o desejo da criança em participar efetivamente da tomada de decisão, o reconhecimento da sua autonomia e a avaliação objetiva da sua competência para tal. Conclusão: muitos aspectos do CPP coadunam com a segurança do paciente, como a comunicação apropriada e a participação da criança como protagonista do seu processo de cuidado. A autonomia da criança enquanto paciente encontra-se num processo crescente de reconhecimento. Não obstante haja um arcabouço normativo acerca deste tema, a perspectiva observada em muitos artigos ainda é do cuidado centrado na família e para impulsionar a mudança necessária, é fundamental que se invista em todos os níveis de educação em saúde e em pesquisa.

Objective: to contribute to the debate on the role of the child in his or her own health process and to highlight the important role of this involvement in pediatric palliative care (PPC) and, thus, in his or her own safety. Methods: this was a narrative review based on a literature search in MEDLINE and SciELO over the past 10 years, with additional input from the authors' experiences and secondary literature. Results: Fourteen articles were included in the narrative synthesis. Analysis of the articles on patient safety in PPC revealed difficulty in practicing PPC, there are gaps in professional education, importance of putting the patient first, shared decision-making, appropriate communication, and safe opioid use. Regarding the child's participation as a protagonist in PPC, concerns were raised about the child's wishes, effective participation in decision making, and objective assessment of the child's competence in this area. Conclusion: many aspects of PPC are consistent with patient safety, such as appropriate communication and the child's participation in his or her own care process. There was greater recognition of the child's autonomy as a patient. Although this topic is normative, many articles are about family-centered care. To reshape this approach, it is important that health care education and research be strengthened.

Objetivo: contribuir con el debate sobre el papel de los niños en su proceso de cuidado y salud, alertando sobre el papel importante de esta participación en los Cuidados Paliativos Pediátricos (CPP) y, consecuentemente, en su propia seguridad. Metodología: revisión narrativa, a partir del levantamiento bibliográfico en las bases de datos MEDLINE (vía PubMed) y SciELO, en los últimos 10 años, más la experiencia de los autores y captura secundaria. Resultados: fueron incluidos 14 artículos en la síntesis narrativa. El análisis de estos artículos en relación con la seguridad del paciente en PPC reveló la dificultad de abordar la PPC en la práctica, además de las lagunas en la formación de los profesionales, la importancia del cuidado centrado en el paciente, las decisiones compartidas, la comunicación adecuada y el uso de opioides seguro. En cuanto a la participación del niño como protagonista de su CPP, se observó el deseo del niño de participar de manera efectiva en la toma de decisiones, el reconocimiento de su autonomía y la evaluación objetiva de su competencia para hacerlo. Conclusión: muchos aspectos de la CPP son consistentes con la seguridad del paciente, así como la comunicación adecuada y participación del niño como protagonista de su proceso de atención. A autonomía da crianza se encuentra en unproceso creciente de reconocimiento. No obstante, hay un marco de referencia normativo acerca de este tema, una perspectiva observada en muchos artículos y un cuidado centrado en la familia y para impulsar una mudanza necesaria, es fundamental que se informe a todos los niños de educación en salud e en investigación.

In-hospital outcomes in preterm and small-for-gestational-age newborns: a cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare in-hospital outcomes between small-for-gestational-age and appropriate-for-gestational-age preterm neonates who needed intensive care. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study with preterm newborns, from January to December 2017. The results are presented as median, frequency, and odds ratio. Numerical variables were compared using the Wilcoxon test. Categorical variables were compared using the χ2 test. We considered p<0.05 as significant. RESULTS: Out of 129 preterm newborns included, 20.9% were small-for-gestational-age. Median gestational age was 31 2/7 weeks, birthweight was 1,450g, and length of hospital stay was 39 days. Preterm small-for-gestational-age newborns presented a higher chance of peri-intraventricular hemorrhage (odds ratio of 3.23; p=0.02), retinopathy of prematurity (odds ratio of 2.78 p=0.02), patent ductus arteriosus (odds ratio of 2.50; p=0.04) and a lower chance of presumptive early-onset sepsis (odds ratio of 0.37; p=0.03). CONCLUSION: Preterm small-for-gestational-age neonates were associated with peri-intraventricular hemorrhage, retinopathy of prematurity and patent ductus arteriosus. This emphasizes the need of special care for these neonates.

Fantastic Lifestyle Questionnaire applied to undergraduate medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a factor analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To identify what structure represents life style in medical students, in a public university, with the application of the Fantastic Lifestyle Questionnaire. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional exploratory study. The Fantastic Lifestyle Questionnaire was applied online to medical students. Factorial analysis was realized and factors were extracted by principal components method. Rotation was conducted by Varimax method. RESULTS: Sixty-one questionnaires were analyzed. Students were male in 45.9%, single in 88.5%. The model was composed of three factors that explained 63.5% of all observed variance. The factors related to sleep perception, nutrition and stress, followed by relationships and entertainment and then, activity. Cronbach's alpha was 0.81, which was considered good. CONCLUSION: The model composed by the three factors observed in this group of students represented the construct quality of life, evaluated by the Fantastic Lifestyle Questionnaire. This result may provide substrate to actions that aim to improve quality of life and well-being in medical students from this university.

Fantastic Lifestyle Questionnaire applied to undergraduate medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a factor analysis

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: To identify what structure represents life style in medical students, in a public university, with the application of the Fantastic Lifestyle Questionnaire. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional exploratory study. The Fantastic Lifestyle Questionnaire was applied online to medical students. Factorial analysis was realized and factors were extracted by principal components method. Rotation was conducted by Varimax method. RESULTS: Sixty-one questionnaires were analyzed. Students were male in 45.9%, single in 88.5%. The model was composed of three factors that explained 63.5% of all observed variance. The factors related to sleep perception, nutrition and stress, followed by relationships and entertainment and then, activity. Cronbach's alpha was 0.81, which was considered good. CONCLUSION: The model composed by the three factors observed in this group of students represented the construct quality of life, evaluated by the Fantastic Lifestyle Questionnaire. This result may provide substrate to actions that aim to improve quality of life and well-being in medical students from this university.

Comunicação de más notícias: autopercepção de estudantes de medicina / Breaking bad news: self-perception of medical students / Comunicación de malas noticias: autopercepción de estudiantes de medicina

Resumo Este estudo analisou a autopercepção de estudantes de uma faculdade de medicina em relação a sua aptidão para comunicar más notícias e identificar fatores associados. Mediante questionário autoaplicável, 44,1% do total de 214 participantes se consideraram aptos para a abordagem. Foram associados à maior autopercepção de aptidão para a comunicação de más notícias: mais tempo de curso ( p <0,001); achar que a graduação ofereceu os recursos necessários à aquisição da habilidade de comunicar más notícias ( p <0,001); conhecer algum protocolo validado ( p =0,015); e ter tido necessidade de comunicar má notícia na graduação ( p <0,001). Concluiu-se que a maioria dos estudantes não se sentia apta a comunicar más notícias. Conhecer um protocolo e ter tido necessidade de comunicar más notícias na graduação foram importantes para a aptidão. Sugere-se que o tema seja abordado de forma diferente, com mais atividades práticas.

Abstract This study analyzed medical students' self-perception regarding their aptitude to communicate bad news and identify associated factors. Using a self-administered questionnaire, 44.1% of 214 participants considered themselves suitable for the approach. The following were associated with greater self-perception of aptitude for breaking bad news: more time in the course ( p <0.001); believing that the undergraduate course offered the necessary resources to acquire the skill to communicate bad news ( p <0.001); knowing a validated protocol ( p =0.015); having needed to communicate bad news during the undergraduate course ( p <0.001). In conclusion, most students felt unable to communicate bad news. Knowing a protocol and having the need to communicate bad news during the undergraduate course were essential for aptitude. As a suggestion, the topic should be approached differently, with more practical activities.

Resumen Este estudio analizó la autopercepción de los estudiantes de una facultad de medicina en relación con su aptitud para comunicar malas noticias e identificar factores asociados. A través de un cuestionario autoaplicable, el 44,1 % del total de 214 participantes se consideraron aptos para el enfoque. Se asociaron con una mayor autopercepción de aptitud para la comunicación de malas noticias: más tiempo de curso ( p <0,001); pensar que el pregrado ofreció los recursos necesarios para adquirir la habilidad de comunicar malas noticias ( p <0,001); conocer algún protocolo validado ( p =0,015); y haber tenido necesidad de comunicar malas noticias en el pregrado ( p <0,001). Se concluyó que la mayoría de los estudiantes no se sentían aptos para comunicar malas noticias. Conocer un protocolo y haber tenido la necesidad de comunicar malas noticias en el pregrado fue importante para la aptitud. Se sugiere que el tema sea abordado de forma diferente, con más actividades prácticas.

In-hospital outcomes in preterm and small-for-gestational-age newborns: a cohort study

ABSTRACT Objective To compare in-hospital outcomes between small-for-gestational-age and appropriate-for-gestational-age preterm neonates who needed intensive care. Methods A retrospective cohort study with preterm newborns, from January to December 2017. The results are presented as median, frequency, and odds ratio. Numerical variables were compared using the Wilcoxon test. Categorical variables were compared using the χ2 test. We considered p<0.05 as significant. Results Out of 129 preterm newborns included, 20.9% were small-for-gestational-age. Median gestational age was 31 2/7 weeks, birthweight was 1,450g, and length of hospital stay was 39 days. Preterm small-for-gestational-age newborns presented a higher chance of peri-intraventricular hemorrhage (odds ratio of 3.23; p=0.02), retinopathy of prematurity (odds ratio of 2.78 p=0.02), patent ductus arteriosus (odds ratio of 2.50; p=0.04) and a lower chance of presumptive early-onset sepsis (odds ratio of 0.37; p=0.03). Conclusion Preterm small-for-gestational-age neonates were associated with peri-intraventricular hemorrhage, retinopathy of prematurity and patent ductus arteriosus. This emphasizes the need of special care for these neonates.

Estilo de vida e qualidade do sono de estudantes de medicina em uma universidade pública, durante a pandemia da COVID-19: um estudo transversal / Life style and quality of sleep in medical students of a public university, during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

Introdução: A graduação em medicina pode comprometer a qualidade do sono e a qualidade de vida. Objetivo: Avaliar o estilo de vida e a qualidade do sono entre estudantes de medicina. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo do tipo survey online transversal. Foram convidados os 200 estudantes de medicina de uma universidade pública de São Paulo, que cursavam regularmente, dos quais 61 (30,5%) responderam ao questionário. A coleta foi realizada durante a pandemia da COVID-19, no período de novembro de 2020 a março de 2021. O critério de exclusão foi o preenchimento incorreto do questionário. Foram aplicados o Índice de Qualidade do Sono de Pittsburg (PSQI) e a Fantastic Life Questionnaire (FLQ). Diferenças entre mais de duas medianas foram calculadas pela ANOVA de Kruskal-Wallis. A associação entre o estilo de vida e a qualidade do sono foi calculada pela correlação de Spearman. Foi considerado o valor de p<0,05. Resultados: A mediana do PSQI foi 6 (ruim) e do FLQ foi 55 (bom). A medida em que o estilo de vida piorou, a qualidade do sono piorou (p=0,005). Foi observada correlação entre a piora do estilo de vida e a piora da qualidade do sono (p<0.001). Conclusão: Foi observado que a maioria dos estudantes desta universidade apresentavam estilo de vida bom ou regular, qualidade do sono ruim e à medida que a qualidade do sono piorou a qualidade de vida também piorou. Este estudo foi conduzido durante a pandemia da COVID-19 e seus resultados podem ter sido influenciados por isto. [au]

Introduction: The academic life of medical students may compromise sleep quality and quality of life. Objective:To evaluate lifestyle and sleep quality in medical students. Methods: This is an online cross-sectional survey study. Two-hundred attending medical students of a public university in São Paulo were invited to participate and 61(30.5%) answered the questionnaire. Sampling occured during the COVID-19, between november 2020 and march 2021. Exclusion criteria was incorrect filling of the questionnaire. The Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Fantastic Life Questionnaire (FLQ) were applied. Differences between more than two medians were calculated by Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA. The association between life style and sleep quality was calculated by Spearman correlation. A p value <0.05 was considered. Results: PSQI median was 6 (poor) and FLQ was 55 (good). As life style worsened, sleep quality also worsened (p=0.005). A correlation between a worse life style and a worse sleep quality was observed (p<0.001). Conclusion:It was observed that most medical students had a good or regular life style and a poor sleep quality. As long as sleep quality worsened, life style worsened. This study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic and its results may have been influenced by this. [au]

Analysis of Diastolic Left Ventricular Function in Adolescents with Juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract Background Juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the heart in 50% of cases. The behavior of diastolic function in adolescents and the predictors of its occurrence by conventional echocardiography are poorly established. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate diastolic function in adolescents with JSLE and to identify possible predictors of its occurrence by conventional echocardiography. Methods Cross-sectional, observational, control group study in a tertiary hospital of 49 adolescents with JSLE and 49 controls, using the EACVI 2016 guideline classification. Statistical methods used were Fisher and Mann-Whitney tests. Multivariate logistic regression models were constructed. A significance level of 5% was adopted. Results Among 98 patients, the JSLE group had higher indexed left atrial volume (p <0.001), lower lateral E' value (p<0.001) and lower E/A ratio value (p<0.001). The diagnosis of JSLE was associated with a higher chance of increased left atrial index volume (OR 3.3; p value 0.03). Conclusions Based on the 2016 guideline, no diastolic dysfunction was found in JSLE. However, differences in the analyzed echocardiographic parameters were found in these adolescents.

Health care professionals and end-of-life care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to estimate self-perception of anguish and low quality of life among health care professionals who cared for the dying patients during the COVID-19 pandemic and to determine the characteristics of health care professionals and patients and end-of-life care. METHODS: An online survey that included health care professionals who cared for the dying patient from July 1 to October 31, 2020 was conducted. Low quality of life, anguish, characteristics of patients and health care professionals, and end-of-life care were recorded. Poisson regression was performed to assess the predictors of anguish and low quality of life. RESULTS: A total of 102 health care professionals, including 14 males (13.7%), with a median age of 37 years, composed of 41 physicians (40.2%), 36 physiotherapists (35.3%), and 25 nurses (24.5%) were included in this study. Self-perception of anguish occurred in 69.6% and was associated with physicians and disagreement with end-of-life care offered. Low quality of life was reported in 64.7% and was associated with not having time to talk to patients' relatives. The agreement that medical care was enough reduced self-perception of low quality of life. CONCLUSION: Self-reported anguish was more frequent in physicians and when the disagreement about end-of-life care occurred. Low quality of life was more frequent when health care professionals did not have time to talk to patients' relatives and was less frequent when health care professionals agreed that medical care was enough. Strategies should be done by health services to reduce the impact of the pandemic on health care professionals.