Hepatobiliary disease after bone marrow transplant: A cross-sectional study of 377 patients.

BACKGROUND: Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is a standard treatment for several haematologic conditions. Following BMT, patients may develop hepatobiliary complications that impact morbidity and mortality. The differential diagnosis may include drug-induced liver injury (DILI), sepsis-associated liver injury (SALI), sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS), graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), viral hepatitis, ischaemic hepatitis, and fulminant hepatitis. AIMS: To evaluate the frequency, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of patients with hepatobiliary alterations associated with BMT in a tertiary referral centre. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study with data collected from the medical records of patients undergoing BMT between January 2017 and June 2022. We diagnosed hepatobiliary complications based on established criteria. RESULTS: We included 377 patients; 55.7% had hepatobiliary complications. Female gender, pre-BMT hepatobiliary alteration, and haploidentical allogeneic transplantation were associated with increased risk with odds ratios (OR) of 1.8 (p = 0.005), 1.72 (p = 0.013) and 3.25 (p = 0.003), respectively. Patients with hepatobiliary complications spent longer in the hospital than those without (27.7 × 19.3 days, respectively; p < 0.001). Among 210 patients with hepatobiliary complications, 28 died compared to 5 of 167 without complications (OR 4.98; p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Hepatobiliary complications are frequent in patients undergoing BMT. There is a greater risk of their occurrence in women, people with pre-BMT liver alterations, and in haploidentical transplants. The occurrence of these complications increases the length of stay and is associated with a higher risk of death.

Brazilian Nutritional Consensus in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Graft- versus -host disease.

The Brazilian Consensus on Nutrition in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Graft- versus -host disease was approved by Sociedade Brasileira de Transplante de Medula Óssea , with the participation of 26 Brazilian hematopoietic stem cell transplantation centers. It describes the main nutritional protocols in cases of Graft- versus -host disease, the main complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Brazilian Nutritional Consensus in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Graft- versus -host disease / Consenso Brasileiro de Nutrição no Transplante de Células Tronco Hematopoiéticas: doença do enxerto contra o hospedeiro

ABSTRACT The Brazilian Consensus on Nutrition in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Graft- versus -host disease was approved by Sociedade Brasileira de Transplante de Medula Óssea , with the participation of 26 Brazilian hematopoietic stem cell transplantation centers. It describes the main nutritional protocols in cases of Graft- versus -host disease, the main complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

RESUMO O Consenso Brasileiro de Nutrição no Transplante de Células Tronco Hematopoiéticas: doença do enxerto contra o hospedeiro foi aprovado pela Sociedade Brasileira de Transplante de Medula Óssea, com a participação de 26 centros brasileiros de transplante de células-tronco hematopoiéticas. O Consenso descreve as principais condutas nutricionais em casos de doença do enxerto contra o hospedeiro, a principal complicação do transplante de células-tronco hematopoiéticas.

Fatores que influenciaram as condutas dos pregoeiros do Centro de Lançamento da Barreira do Inferno (CLBI) / Factores que influenciaron las conductas de los pregoneros del Centro de Lanzamiento de la Barrera del Infierno (CLBI) / Factors influencing the behavior of auctioneers operating in public procurement by Barreira do Inferno Launching Center (CLBI)

Resumo Este artigo trata dos fatores que influenciaram as condutas dos pregoeiros do Centro de Lançamento da Barreira do Inferno (CLBI) na execução dos processos eletrônicos de compras. Seu objetivo principal é analisar os fatores preponderantes que influenciaram as condutas dos pregoeiros do CLBI na execução dos pregões eletrônicos. A pesquisa teve como referência os preceitos da teoria sobre compras, tendo como dimensões de análise os aspectos organizacionais, motivacionais e de conhecimento e habilidades. A principal ferramenta metodológica consistiu em entrevistas semiestruturadas com os pregoeiros. Como resultado, verificou-se que a falta de reconhecimento da importância estratégica da atuação dos pregoeiros, de dedicação exclusiva e de especialização dos compradores públicos foram os principais fatores que influenciaram o desempenho dos pregoeiros do CLBI.

Resumen Este artículo trata sobre los factores que influenciaron las conductas de los pregoneros del CLBI en la ejecución de los procesos electrónicos de compras. Su objetivo principal es analizar los factores preponderantes que influenciaron las conductas de los pregoneros del CLBI en la ejecución de los pregones electrónicos. La investigación tuvo como referencia los preceptos de la teoría sobre compras, y como dimensiones de análisis los aspectos organizacionales, motivacionales y los de conocimiento y habilidades. La principal herramienta metodológica consistió en entrevistas semiestructuradas con los pregoneros. Como resultado, se verificó que la falta de reconocimiento de la importancia estratégica de la actuación de los pregoneros, de dedicación exclusiva y de especialización de los compradores públicos fueron los principales factores que influenciaron en el desempeño de los pregoneros del CLBI.

Abstract This article aims to analyze the preponderant factors influencing the behavior of auctioneers working for the Barreira do Inferno Launching Center (CLBI) in electronic purchasing processes. The research used references from the theory of purchasing, analyzing organizational and motivational aspects, as well as aspects related to knowledge and abilities. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews with auctioneers. As a result, it was possible to identify that the main factors influencing the auctioneer's behavior at CLBI were the lack of recognition of the strategic importance of their role, lack of exclusive dedication and specialization.

Função compras no setor público: desafios para o alcance da celeridade dos pregões eletrônicos / La función de compras en el sector público: desafíos para lograr la celeridad en las licitaciones electrónicas / Purchasing function in the public sector: challenges to promote agility in electronic reverse auctions

Resumo Este artigo aborda a questão dos prazos nos processos de compras no âmbito da administração pública federal. Seu principal objetivo é analisar os fatores que influenciaram na execução das subfases do pregão eletrônico na Base Aérea de Natal (Bant), tendo como parâmetro o princípio da celeridade. Baseado na teoria sobre a função compras, quatro dimensões foram estabelecidas: "Legislação e processos de compras", "Estrutura e organização do setor de compras", "Sistemas de compras" e "Recursos humanos do setor de compras". No campo metodológico, foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com os agentes públicos da Bant. A análise por subfases, procedimento inédito na literatura, identificou novos fatores que afetam a celeridade: falta de integração entre o setor requisitante e o de compras, falta de integração entre o setor requisitante e o pregoeiro, e falhas no banco de dados do Comprasnet.

Resumen Este artículo aborda el tema de los plazos en los procesos de compras en la administración pública federal brasileña. El principal objetivo es analizar los factores que influyeron en el logro de las sub-fases de la licitación electrónica en la Base Aérea de Natal (Bant) teniendo como base el principio de la celeridad. Basado en la teoría de la función de compras, cuatro dimensiones fueran establecidas: "Legislación y procesos de compras", "Estructura y organización del sector de compras", "Sistemas de compras" y "Recursos humanos del sector de compras". En el ámbito metodológico se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas con los agentes públicos de Bant. El análisis por sub-fases, procedimiento sin precedentes en la literatura, identificó nuevos factores: falta de integración entre el sector solicitante y el de compras, falta de integración entre el sector solicitante y el pregonero, y fallas en la base de datos Comprasnet.

Abstract This paper analyses the issue of delivery time in the procurement process within the Brazilian federal public administration. Based on the principle of celerity, the main goal is to analyze the factors that have influenced the implementation of the sub-phases of electronic auctions held at the Base Aérea de Natal (Bant). Based on the theoretical framework of the procurement function, four dimensions were established: Legislation and procurement processes, Structure and organization of the purchasing sector, Purchasing systems and Human resources of the purchasing sector. The methodology consisted of semi-structured interviews carried out with the public agents of Bant. The analysis by sub-phases, an unprecedented strategy, identified new factors: lack of integration between the requesting and purchasing sectors, lack of integration between the requesting sector and the auctioneer and failures in the data base Comprasnet.

Can score databanks help teaching?

BACKGROUND: Basic courses in most medical schools assess students' performance by conferring scores. The objective of this work is to use a large score databank for the early identification of students with low performance and to identify course trends based on the mean of students' grades. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We studied scores from 2,398 medical students registered in courses over a period of 10 years. Students in the first semester were grouped into those whose ratings remained in the lower quartile in two or more courses (low-performance) and students who had up to one course in the lower quartile (high-performance). ROC curves were built, aimed at the identification of a cut-off average score in the first semesters that would be able to predict low performances in future semesters. Moreover, to follow the long-term pattern of each course, the mean of all scores conferred in a semester was compared to the overall course mean obtained by averaging 10 years of data. Individuals in the low-performance group had a higher risk of being in the lower quartile of at least one course in the second semester (relative risk 3.907; 95% CI: 3.378-4.519) and in the eighth semester (relative risk 2.873; 95% CI: 2.495-3.308). The prediction analysis revealed that an average score of 7.188 in the first semester could identify students that presented scores below the lower quartiles in both the second and eighth semesters (p<0.0001 for both AUC). When scores conferred by single courses were compared over time, three time-trend patterns emerged: low variation, upward trend and erratic pattern. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: An early identification of students with low performance may be useful in promoting pedagogical strategies for these individuals. Evaluation of the time trend of scores conferred by courses may help departments monitoring changes in personnel and methodology that may affect a student's performance.

Effects of light-to-moderate alcohol consumption on steatosis and steatohepatitis in severely obese patients.

OBJECTIVES: The effect of light-to-moderate alcohol consumption (LMAC) in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains a controversial subject. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between LMAC and the severity of NAFLD in morbidly obese patients. METHODS: We studied 132 patients undergoing liver biopsy during bariatric surgery. The patients were divided into three groups: G1: alcohol intake greater than 20 g/day and less than 40 g/day; G2: alcohol intake less than 20 g/day; G3: no alcohol intake. Insulin resistance was defined by the Homeostasis Model Assessment (>3). NAFLD was classified according to the Matteoni types: type I: steatosis alone; type II: steatosis with inflammation; types III-IV: steatosis with ballooning and/or fibrosis. RESULTS: The mean age was 37.3+/-11 years. Sixty-three percent were females and body mass index was 43.9+/-5.6 kg/m. G1, G2, and G3 included 19, 56, and 57 patients, respectively. Histological diagnoses classified by levels of alcohol were: G1: 10.5% normal liver, 89.5% type III or IV; G2: 10.7% normal liver, 1.8% type I or II, and 87.5% grade III or IV; G3: 10.5% normal liver, 3.5% type I or II, and 86% type III or IV (one had cirrhosis). The presence of IR was similar in moderate and no alcohol consumption (81.3 and 78.7%) but significantly less in the light consumption group (54%, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that LMAC may have a protection effect against IR in severely obese patients. However, it had no impact on the severity of activity and stage of liver disease.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in asymptomatic Brazilian adolescents.

AIM: To evaluate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among asymptomatic Brazilian adolescents. METHODS: Transversal observational study included asymptomatic adolescents with central obesity from private and public schools in Salvador-Bahia, northeastern Brazil. The children answered a questionnaire that included age, gender, race, and medical history, and were submitted to a complete physical exam and abdominal ultrasound. Biochemical exams included: ALT, AST, GGT, C reactive protein (CRP), fasting glucose, insulin, cholesterol and triglycerides. Criteria for NAFLD included: the presence of steatosis in ultrasound and/or high level of ALT, negative or occasional historic of intake of alcohol (

[Professional Burnout Syndrome of intensive care physicians from Salvador, Bahia, Brazil]. / Trabalho e síndrome da estafa profissional (Síndrome de Burnout) em médicos intensivistas de Salvador.

OBJECTIVE: Describe prevalence of the Burnout syndrome in intensive care physicians of Salvador, associated to demographic data and aspects of the work environment (psychological demand and job control). METHODS: This cross sectional study has investigated the association between work conditions and Burnout Syndrome in a population of 297 Intensive Care Physicians from Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. An individual, self-report questionnaire evaluated the physicians' psychological aspects of work, using the demand-control model (Job Content Questionnaire) and their mental health, using the Maslash Burnout Inventory (MBI). RESULTS: The study found work overload,a high proportion of on duty physicians and low income for the hours worked. Prevalence of the Burnout Syndrome was 7.4% and it was more closely associated with aspects of the job's psychological demand than with its control. CONCLUSION: Physicians under great stress (high demand and low control) presented prevalence of the Bornout Syndrome 10.2 times higher than those under low stress (low demand and high control) jobs.

Trabalho e síndrome da estafa profissional (Síndrome de Burnout) em médicos intensivistas de Salvador / Professional Burnout Syndrome among intensive care physicians in Salvador, Brazil

OBJETIVO: Descrever a prevalência da Síndrome de Burnout em médicos intensivistas de Salvador, associando-a a dados demográficos e aspectos da situação de trabalho (demanda) psicológica e controle sobre o trabalho. MÉTODOS: Um estudo de corte transversal investigou a associação entre aspectos psicossocias do trabalho e a síndrome da estafa profissional em uma população de 297 médicos intensivistas de Salvador, Bahia. Um questionário individual autoaplicável avaliou aspectos psicossociais do trabalho, utilizando o modelo demanda-controle (Job Content Questionnaire) e a saúde mental dos médicos, usando Inventário de Burnout de Maslach (MBI). RESULTADOS: Constatou-se elevada sobrecarga de trabalho e de trabalho em regime de plantão. A prevalência da Síndrome da Estafa Profissional (Burnout) foi de 7,4 por cento e estava mais fortemente associada com aspectos da demanda psicológica do trabalho do que com o controle deste por parte dos médicos intensivistas. CONCLUSÃO: Médicos com trabalho de alta exigência (alta demanda e baixo controle) apresentaram 10,2 vezes mais burnout que aqueles com trabalho de baixa exigência (baixa demanda e alto controle).

OBJECTIVE: Describe prevalence of the Burnout syndrome in intensive care physicians of Salvador, associated to demographic data and aspects of the work environment (psychological demand and job control). METHODS: This cross sectional study has investigated the association between work conditions and Burnout Syndrome in a population of 297 Intensive Care Physicians from Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. An individual, self-report questionnaire evaluated the physicians' psychological aspects of work, using the demand-control model (Job Content Questionnaire) and their mental health, using the Maslash Burnout Inventory (MBI). RESULTS: The study found work overload,a high proportion of on duty physicians and low income for the hours worked. Prevalence of the Burnout Syndrome was 7.4 percent and it was more closely associated with aspects of the job's psychological demand than with its control. CONCLUSION: Physicians under great stress (high demand and low control) presented prevalence of the Bornout Syndrome 10.2 times higher than those under low stress (low demand and high control) jobs.

Conhecimento e interesse em ética médica e bioética na graduação médica / Knowledge and interest in medical ethics and bioethics in medical graduation

Objetivos: Avaliar o interesse e o conhecimento sobre ética médica e bioética na graduação médica. Métodos:Estudo transversal e descritivo. Foram utilizados dois questionários auto-aplicáveis, um para docentes e outro para discentes, com questões sobre o interesse em ética médica e bioética e conhecimento sobre o Código de Ética Médica (CEM). Resultados: Foram avaliados 101 professores e 331 estudantes. O CEM brasileiro foi lido por 86,2% dos professores e 100% dos alunos. A importância dada à disciplina de ética médica, numa escala de 1 a 5, foi semelhante entre professores e estudantes (4,7 ± 0,7 vs. 4,5 ± 0,8; p =0,086), enquanto o autoconhecimento sobre o tema foi maior no primeiro grupo (3,4 ± 0,9 vs. 3,2 ± 0,7; p = 0,017). De um total de nove questões avaliadas sobre o conhecimento do CEM, a média de acertos foi de 5,0 ± 1,9 questões para os professores e de 5,9 ± 1,5 para os acadêmicos (p < 0,001), sendo os acertos correlacionados positivamente com a leitura do código. Conclusões: Este estudo fornece um panorama inédito sobre a percepção de professores e estudantes de Medicina sobre a ética médica e bioética, podendoservir para fundamentar a melhora do ensino dessa disciplina em nossas faculdades.

Objectives: To evaluate the interest and knowledge about Medical Ethics and Bioethics in medical graduation. Methods: Transversal and descriptive study. Two different questionnaires were applied with questions about the interest in Medical Ethics and Bioethics and the knowledge about the Brazilian Code of Medical Ethics (CME), one to professors and the other to students. Results: One hundred and one professors and 331 students answered the questionnaires. The Brazilian CME had been read by 86.2% of the teachers and by 100% of the students. The importance given to the discipline Medical Ethics, on a scale from 1 to 5, was similar among teachers and students (4.7 ± 0.7 vs. 4.5 ± 0.8; p = 0.086); however the self-evaluation onknowledge about this subject was higher in the first group (3.4 ± 0.9 vs. 3.2 ± 0.7; p = 0.017). In a block with 9 questions, the right answer was given by 5,0 ± 1.9 of teachers and 5.9 ± 1.5 of students (p < 0,001); the mean of correct answers were related to the reading of the CME. Conclusions: The present study presents unpublished data about the perception of medical teachers and students about medical ethics andbioethics and can be useful for improving the teaching of these disciplines in our medical schools.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in severely obese individuals: the influence of bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is the most frequent risk factor associated with NAFLD, and bariatric surgery (BAS) is traditionally indicated for the treatment of severely obese individuals. Here, we discuss the behavior and prognosis of this liver disease following post-surgical weight loss. AIM: To evaluate the influence of the BAS on the clinical and biochemical parameters of NAFLD in severely obese patients. METHODOLOGY: An intervention study included obese individuals (BMI > or = 35kg/m2), who had been submitted to liver biopsy during BAS and had NAFLD. HAIR (hypertension, ALT and insulin resistance and BAAT (BMI, ALT, age and triglycerides) scores and FLI (Fatty Liver Index) were used to compare the patients at the time of surgery, and 12-30 months following weight loss. RESULTS: From October 2004 to September 2007, 122 patients were diagnosed with NAFLD, 40 of whom agreed to participate in the study. The mean age was 37.7 +/- 12.5 years, 60% were women and 80% had steatohepatitis (NASH) with fibrosis upon analysis of the liver biopsy performed during BAS. Mean weight loss was 46.0 +/- 2.0 kg. After 21 +/- 5.8 months of follow-up, a significant improvement was found in all the variables analyzed (79.3% according to the HAIR scores, 95.2% as measured by the BAAT score and 72.5% by the FLI. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that treatment of obesity by bariatric surgery may influence the prognosis of NAFLD. In addition to weight loss, we observed improvement in the clinical and biochemical parameters related to NAFLD, such as anthropometrics index, hypertension, aminotransferases, triglycerides and insulin resistance.

Occult B infection in the Brazilian northeastern region: a preliminary report.

A sentinel study on viral hepatitis is currently being carried out in the village of Cavunge in a semiarid rural region of the state of Bahia, northeastern Brazil. This study has identified individuals in whom anti-HBc IgG was the only serological marker for hepatitis B virus (HBV). This serological pattern may constitute evidence of occult HBV infection. This study Investigated the possibility of occult hepatitis B virus infection in individuals in a rural community who tested positive for anti-HBc IgG alone. A cross-sectional population-based study. ELISA III was performed on serum samples to test for serological viral markers, and ultrasensitive PCR (US-PCR) was used to assess viremia. Among the 1,536 serum samples, 3.6% (n=55) were positive for anti-HBc alone. Four years after this first serological survey, 31 of those 55 individuals (56.3%) were retested, and 11 (35.5%) remained anti-HBc positive alone. Two of these 31 (6.5%) were HBV-DNA positive based on US-PCR, with normal aminotransferase levels in both cases. Cases of occult hepatitis B infection were identified in this semiarid rural community of northeastern Brazil, where endemicity of HBV is moderate.

Médicos plantonistas de unidade de terapia intensiva: perfil sócio-demográfico, condições de trabalho e fatores associados à síndrome de burnout / Intensive care unit physicians: socio-demographic profile, working conditions and factors associated with burnout syndrome

OBJETIVOS: A síndrome de Burnout é uma reação de estresse excessivo relacionada ao trabalho que se apresenta em três dimensões: exaustão emocional, despersonalização e ineficácia. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever o perfil de médicos plantonistas de unidades de terapia intensiva e avaliar os fatores associados à presença de síndrome de Burnout nessa população. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo de corte transversal, avaliando os médicos que trabalham em unidades de terapia intensiva adulto de Salvador-BA com carga mínima de 12 horas de plantão semanal. Foi distribuído um questionário auto-aplicável dividido em duas partes: a primeira referente a características sóciodemográficas e a segunda composta da avaliação da síndrome de Burnout através do Maslach Burnout Inventory. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 297 plantonistas, sendo 70 por cento homens. A média de idade e de tempo de formado foi de 34,2 e 9 anos, respectivamente. Níveis elevados de exaustão emocional, despersonalização e ineficácia foram encontrados em 47,5 por cento, 24,6 por cento e 28,3 por cento, respectivamente. A prevalência da síndrome de Burnout, considerada como nível elevado em pelo menos uma dimensão, foi de 63,3 por cento. Esta prevalência foi significativamente menor nos médicos que possuíam título de especialista em medicina intensiva, com mais de nove anos de formado e que ainda pretendem trabalhar por mais de 10 anos em unidades de terapia intensiva. A prevalência foi maior nos médicos com mais de 24 horas de plantão ininterrupto em terapia intensiva por semana. CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência de síndrome de Burnout foi elevada entre os médicos avaliados, sendo mais freqüente nos plantonistas mais jovens, com elevada carga de trabalho e sem especialização em medicina intensiva.

OBJECTIVES: Burnout syndrome is a response to prolonged occupational stress that involves three main dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. The aim of this study was to describe socio-demographic characteristics of intensive care unit physicians and evaluate factors associated to the presence of Burnout syndrome in this population. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate physicians who have worked in intensive care units from the city of Salvador (Bahia - Brazil) with a minimum weekly workload of 12-hour. An anonymous self-reported questionnaire was used and it was divided into two parts: socio-demographic characteristics and evaluation of Burnout syndrome through Maslach Burnout Inventory. RESULTS: We studied 297 physicians and most of them were male (70 percent). The mean age and time of graduation were, respectively, 34.2 and 9 years. High levels of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment were found in respectively, 47.5 percent, 24.6 percent and 28.3 percent. The prevalence of Burnout syndrome, considered as high level in at least one dimension, was of 63.3 percent. This prevalence was statistically lower in physicians specialized on intensive care, those with more than nine years of graduation and those who intend to continue working in intensive care units for more than 10 years. The prevalence was higher in the doctors with more than 24-hours of uninterrupted intensive care work per week. CONCLUSIONS: Burnout syndrome was common among intensive care physicians and it was more frequent in the youngest doctors, with higher workload and without specialization on intensive care.

Occult B infection in the Brazilian northeastern region: a preliminary report

A sentinel study on viral hepatitis is currently being carried out in the village of Cavunge in a semiarid rural region of the state of Bahia, northeastern Brazil. This study has identified individuals in whom anti-HBc IgG was the only serological marker for hepatitis B virus (HBV). This serological pattern may constitute evidence of occult HBV infection. This study Investigated the possibility of occult hepatitis B virus infection in individuals in a rural community who tested positive for anti-HBc IgG alone. A cross-sectional population-based study. ELISA III was performed on serum samples to test for serological viral markers, and ultrasensitive PCR (US-PCR) was used to assess viremia. Among the 1,536 serum samples, 3.6 percent (n=55) were positive for anti-HBc alone. Four years after this first serological survey, 31 of those 55 individuals (56.3 percent) were retested, and 11 (35.5 percent) remained anti-HBc positive alone. Two of these 31 (6.5 percent) were HBV-DNA positive based on US-PCR, with normal aminotransferase levels in both cases. Cases of occult hepatitis B infection were identified in this semiarid rural community of northeastern Brazil, where endemicity of HBV is moderate.

Blood pressure: effect of body mass index and of waist circumference on adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Increased body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) have been associated with blood pressure elevation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of BMI and WC on blood pressure (BP) of adolescents. METHODS: Cross-sectional analytical study including 536 adolescents from public and private schools. BMI was calculated and classified as high-normal (> or =50th p and < 85th p), overweight (> or =85th p and < 95th p), and obesity (> 95th p). WC was measured and considered increased if > 75th p. BP was considered elevated if > 90th p. RESULTS: 319 (59.5%) adolescents were girls, the mean age was 14.0+/- 1.99 years, high-normal weight was found in 39.6%, overweight in 37.1% and obesity in 23.3%. The percentage of high SBP and DBP followed the increase in BMI (p=0.000), reaching 46.4% among boys and 39.3% among obese girls for SBP and 42.0% and 44.6% for DBP, respectively. High SBP and DBP were 3.9 and 3.4 times more frequent among boys and 2.2 to 2.0 times more frequent among girls with WC > 75th p, respectively. Using simple linear regression analysis, each increment in BMI would increase SBP by 1.198 mmHg, and in WC by 0.622 mmHg. The PR for elevated SBP and DBP in relation to BMI > or =85th p was 3.9 (95% CI 2.0-7.4[p=0.000]) and 4.3(95% CI 2.2-8.5[p=0.000]), respectively; in relation to WC > 75th p was 1.8(95% CI 1.0 to 3.0 [p=0.036]) and 1.4 (95% CI 0.8 to 2.4). BP > 90th p with WC < or =75th p was found in 16/181 (8.8%) of the adolescents with high-normal weight. CONCLUSION: BMI and WC values have a strong influence on BP values in adolescents.

Pressão arterial: efeito do índice de massa corporal e da circunferência abdominal em adolescentes / Blood pressure: effect of body mass index and of waist circumference on adolescents

FUNDAMENTO: Aumento do índice de massa corporal (IMC) e da circunferência abdominal (CA) tem sido associado a elevação da pressão arterial. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito do IMC e da CA sobre a pressão arterial (PA) de adolescentes. MÉTODOS: Estudo analítico de corte transversal. Selecionados 536 adolescentes, alunos de escolas públicas e privadas. Foram calculados IMC, classificado como normal alto (>p50 p85 p95). Mediu-se a CA, aumentada se>p75 e a PA, elevada se >p90. RESULTADOS: Trezentos e dezenove (59,5 por cento) indivíduos eram meninas, idade de 14,0± 1,99 anos, peso normal alto em 39,6 por cento, sobrepeso em 37,1 por cento e obesidade em 23,3 por cento. O percentual de PAS e PAD elevadas acompanhou a elevação do IMC (p=0,000), alcançando 46,4 por cento nos meninos e 39,3 por cento nas meninas obesas (PAS) e 42,0 por cento e 44,6 por cento (PAD), respectivamente. PAS e PAD elevadas foram 3,9 a 3,4 vezes mais freqüente nos meninos, e 2,2 a 2,0 vezes mais nas meninas com CA > p75, respectivamente. Pela análise de regressão linear simples cada aumento no IMC aumentaria a PAS em 1,198 mmHg e da CA em 0,622 mmHg. A razão de prevalência (RP) de PAS e PAD elevadas em razão do IMC>p85 foi 3,9(I.C. 95 por cento 2,0-7,4[p=0,000]) e 4,3(I.C. 95 por cento 2,2-8,5[p=0,000]), respectivamente, e em razão da CA>p75 de 1,8(IC 95 por cento 1,0 a 3,0 [p=0,036]) e 1,4(IC 95 por cento 0,8 a 2,4). Encontrou-se em 16/181(8,8 por cento) dos adolescentes com peso normal alto, PA>P90 com CA>p75. CONCLUSÃO: Os valores do IMC e da CA têm forte influência sobre os valores da PA de adolescentes.

BACKGROUND: Increased body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) have been associated with blood pressure elevation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of BMI and WC on blood pressure (BP) of adolescents. METHODS: Cross-sectional analytical study including 536 adolescents from public and private schools. BMI was calculated and classified as high-normal (> 50th p and < 85th p), overweight (> 85th p and < 95th p), and obesity (> 95th p). WC was measured and considered increased if > 75th p. BP was considered elevated if > 90th p. RESULTS: 319 (59.5 percent) adolescents were girls, the mean age was 14.0± 1.99 years, high-normal weight was found in 39.6 percent, overweight in 37.1 percent and obesity in 23.3 percent. The percentage of high SBP and DBP followed the increase in BMI (p=0.000), reaching 46.4 percent among boys and 39.3 percent among obese girls for SBP and 42.0 percent and 44.6 percent for DBP, respectively. High SBP and DBP were 3.9 and 3.4 times more frequent among boys and 2.2 to 2.0 times more frequent among girls with WC > 75th p, respectively. Using simple linear regression analysis, each increment in BMI would increase SBP by 1.198 mmHg, and in WC by 0.622 mmHg. The PR for elevated SBP and DBP in relation to BMI > 85th p was 3.9 (95 percent CI 2.0-7.4[p=0.000]) and 4.3(95 percent CI 2.2-8.5[p=0.000]), respectively; in relation to WC > 75th p was 1.8(95 percent CI 1.0 to 3.0 [p=0.036]) and 1.4 (95 percent CI 0.8 to 2.4). BP > 90th p with WC < 75th p was found in 16/181 (8.8 percent) of the adolescents with high-normal weight. CONCLUSION: BMI and WC values have a strong influence on BP values in adolescents.

Estudo da translucência nucal, ducto venoso, osso nasal e idade materna na detecção de cromossomopatia fetal em uma população de alto risco / Study of nuchal translucency, ductus venosus, nasal bone and maternal age for detection of fetal chromosomal disorders in a high-risk population", "_i": "en

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a translucência nucal, o ducto venoso, o osso nasal e a idade materna > 35 anos como testes de rastreamento para aneuploidias entre 12 e 14 semanas de gestação em pacientes de alto risco. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo observacional envolvendo 92 gestantes entre 12 e 14 semanas submetidas a biópsia de vilo corial por alto risco de trissomia, baseado na medida da translucência nucal (17,4 por cento) e idade materna >35 anos (78,3 por cento). Antes da biópsia de vilo corial, realizaram-se medida da translucência nucal, avaliação de fluxo no ducto venoso e identificação do osso nasal. Calcularam-se a sensibilidade, a especificidade, o valor preditivo positivo e o valor preditivo negativo para testes realizados em paralelo e em seqüência. RESULTADOS: Encontrou-se alteração cromossômica em 12 (13,5 por cento) fetos; 7 (58,3 por cento) apresentavam trissomia 21. Osso nasal foi identificado em todos os fetos com trissomia. Translucência nucal, ducto venoso e idade materna isolados mostraram baixa sensibilidade (41,67-58,33 por cento) e baixo valor preditivo positivo (10-45,45 por cento). A associação translucência nucal + ducto venoso + idade materna apresentou o melhor resultado (sensibilidade: 100 por cento; especificidade: 6,49 por cento; valor preditivo positivo: 14,29 por cento; valor preditivo negayivo: 100 por cento). CONCLUSÃO: Em gestantes com idade > 35 anos, a associação translucência nucal + ducto venoso mostra-se como a mais sensível para a indicação de procedimento invasivo.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate fetal nuchal translucency, ductus venosus, nasal bone and maternal age > 35 years by means of aneuploidy screening between the 12th and 14th gestational weeks in a high-risk population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective, observational study involving 92 pregnant women at 12-14 gestational weeks, who were submitted to chorionic villus sampling because of high risk for trisomy 21 based on the measurement of nuchal translucency thickness (17.4 percent) or on maternal age > 35 years (78.3 percent). Before the chorionic villus sampling, fetal nuchal translucency thickness was measured, ductus venosus flow was evaluated and the nasal bone was identified. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were calculated for tests in parallel and in sequence. RESULTS: Chromosomal abnormalities were found in 12 fetuses (13.5 percent); 7 (58.3 percent) were positive for trisomy 21. The nasal bone was present in all cases with chromosomal abnormalities. Isolated nuchal translucency, ductus venosus or maternal age showed low sensitivity (41.67-58.33 percent) and low positive predictive value (10-45.45 percent). Combined nuchal translucency + ductus venosus + maternal age showed the best results (100 percent sensitivity; 6.49 percent specificity; 14.29 percent positive predictive value; 100 percent negative predictive value). CONCLUSION: In pregnant women with >35 years of age, combined nuchal translucency + ductus venosus have showed the highest sensitivity as an indication for invasive procedure.

Fatty liver disease in severe obese patients: diagnostic value of abdominal ultrasound.

AIM: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of abdominal ultrasound (US) for the diagnosis of hepatic steatosis in severe obese subjects and its relation to histological grade of steatosis. METHODS: A consecutive series of obese patients, who underwent bariatric surgery from October 2004 to May 2005, was selected. Ultrasonography was performed in all patients as part of routine preoperative time and an intraoperative wedge biopsy was obtained at the beginning of the bariatric surgery. The US and histological findings of steatosis were compared, considering histology as the gold standard. RESULTS: The study included 105 patients. The mean age was 37.2+/-10.6 years and 75.2% were female. The histological prevalence of steatosis was 89.5%. The sensitivity and specificity of US in the diagnosis of hepatic steatosis were, respectively, 64.9% (95% CI: 54.9-74.3) and 90.9% (95% CI: 57.1-99.5). The positive predictive value and negative predictive value were, respectively, 98.4% (95% CI: 90.2-99.9) and 23.3% (95% CI: 12.3-39.0). The presence of steatosis on US was associated to advanced grades of steatosis on histology (P=0.016). CONCLUSION: Preoperative abdominal US in our series has not shown to be an accurate method for the diagnosis of hepatic steatosis in severe obese patients. Until another non-invasive method demonstrates better sensitivity and specificity values, histological evaluation may be recommended to these patients undergoing bariatric surgery.