Clinical features, etiologies, and outcomes of central nervous system infections in intensive care: A multicentric retrospective study in a large Brazilian metropolitan area.

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to investigate severe central nervous system infections (CNSI) in adults admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). We analyzed the clinical presentation, causes, and outcomes of these infections, while also identifying factors linked to higher in-hospital mortality rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective multicenter study in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 2012 to 2019. Using a prediction tool, we selected ICU patients suspected of having CNSI and reviewed their medical records. Multivariate analyses identified variables associated with in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: In a cohort of 451 CNSI patients, 69 (15.3%) died after a median 11-day hospitalization (5-25 IQR). The distribution of cases was as follows: 29 (6.4%) had brain abscess, 161 (35.7%) had encephalitis, and 261 (57.8%) had meningitis. Characteristics: median age 41 years (27-53 IQR), 260 (58%) male, and 77 (17%) HIV positive. The independent mortality predictors for encephalitis were AIDS (OR = 4.3, p = 0.01), ECOG functional capacity limitation (OR = 4.0, p < 0.01), ICU admission from ward (OR = 4.0, p < 0.01), mechanical ventilation ≥10 days (OR = 6.1, p = 0.04), SAPS 3 ≥ 55 points (OR = 3.2, p = 0.02). Meningitis: Age > 60 years (OR = 234.2, p = 0.04), delay >3 days for treatment (OR = 2.9, p = 0.04), mechanical ventilation ≥10 days (OR = 254.3, p = 0.04), SOFA >3 points (OR = 2.7, p = 0.03). Brain abscess: No associated factors found in multivariate regression. CONCLUSIONS: Patients' overall health, prompt treatment, infection severity, and prolonged respiratory support in the ICU all significantly affect in-hospital mortality rates. Additionally, the implementation of CNSI surveillance with the used prediction tool could enhance public health policies.

Ambulatory and hospitalized patients with suspected and confirmed mpox: an observational cohort study from Brazil.

Background: By October 30, 2022, 76,871 cases of mpox were reported worldwide, with 20,614 cases in Latin America. This study reports characteristics of a case series of suspected and confirmed mpox cases at a referral infectious diseases center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Methods: This was a single-center, prospective, observational cohort study that enrolled all patients with suspected mpox between June 12 and August 19, 2022. Mpox was confirmed by a PCR test. We compared characteristics of confirmed and non-confirmed cases, and among confirmed cases according to HIV status using distribution tests. Kernel estimation was used for exploratory spatial analysis. Findings: Of 342 individuals with suspected mpox, 208 (60.8%) were confirmed cases. Compared to non-confirmed cases, confirmed cases were more frequent among individuals aged 30-39 years, cisgender men (96.2% vs. 66.4%; p < 0.0001), reporting recent sexual intercourse (95.0% vs. 69.4%; p < 0.0001) and using PrEP (31.6% vs. 10.1%; p < 0.0001). HIV (53.2% vs. 20.2%; p < 0.0001), HCV (9.8% vs. 1.1%; p = 0.0046), syphilis (21.2% vs. 16.3%; p = 0.43) and other STIs (33.0% vs. 21.6%; p = 0.042) were more frequent among confirmed mpox cases. Confirmed cases presented more genital (77.3% vs. 39.8%; p < 0.0001) and anal lesions (33.1% vs. 11.5%; p < 0.0001), proctitis (37.1% vs. 13.3%; p < 0.0001) and systemic signs and symptoms (83.2% vs. 64.5%; p = 0.0003) than non-confirmed cases. Compared to confirmed mpox HIV-negative, HIV-positive individuals were older, had more HCV coinfection (15.2% vs. 3.7%; p = 0.011), anal lesions (45.7% vs. 20.5%; p < 0.001) and clinical features of proctitis (45.2% vs. 29.3%; p = 0.058). Interpretation: Mpox transmission in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, rapidly evolved into a local epidemic, with sexual contact playing a crucial role in its dynamics and high rates of coinfections with other STI. Preventive measures must address stigma and social vulnerabilities. Funding: Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz).

Epidemiological surveillance of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes in oral and genital tracts and the impact of HPV vaccination on male university students from Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil / Vigilância Epidemiológica dos genótipos de papilomavírus humano (HPV) nos tratos oral e genital e o impacto da vacinação em estudantes universitários do sexo masculino do estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Introduction: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections are of significant concern in men, given its potential impact on their health and the risk of transmission to partners. Understanding and addressing this infection in men is crucial to evaluate the effectiveness of vaccination in reducing HPV-related diseases. Objective: To assess the impact of HPV vaccination, potential genotype shifts, and adverse effects, through a prospective study conducted with male university students. Methods:The study involved 286 volunteers who were examined at Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinics at the Universidade Federal Fluminense in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The HPV prevalence was evaluated using generic PCR, genotyped by DNA microarray and monitored adverse effects. Results: The findings of this study revealed the absence of moderate or severe adverse effects. Genetic shifts were observed, including the disappearance of oncogenic HPV types 16 and 18. Surprisingly, even after completing the full vaccine regimen, students still harbored HPV11 in the oral tract. Furthermore, persistent HPV 6 and 11 infections were identified in three students, who had pre-existing infections prior to vaccination, at the follow-up visit. Multivariate analysis uncovered independent associations, notably an increased risk of HPV infection in the oral tract among men who have sex with men. HPV prevalence rates remained low both before and after the vaccination scheme (T0: 14.7%, T1: 8.7%). Even after the full vaccination scheme, the prevalence remained similar at T2 (14.6%), with no statistically significant differences recorded. HPV11 emerged as the most prevalent type throughout the study, followed by HPV6. Vaccine genotypes were detected in a significant proportion of samples at T0 (85.4%), T1 (89.5%), and T2 (100%). Conclusion: Overall, this study suggests that vaccination may represent a promising approach to reducing HPV-related health risks. These findings shed light on the potential benefits and challenges of HPV vaccination, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring and vaccination efforts

Introdução: As infecções por papilomavírus humano (HPV) são de grande preocupação em homens, dada sua possível influência na saúde deles e no risco de transmissão para parceiros. Compreender e abordar essa infecção em homens é fundamental para avaliar a eficácia da vacinação na redução de doenças relacionadas ao HPV. Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto da vacinação contra o HPV, possíveis alterações genotípicas e efeitos adversos, por meio de um estudo prospectivo realizado em estudantes universitários do sexo masculino. Métodos: O estudo envolveu 286 voluntários examinados em Clínicas de Doenças Sexualmente Transmissíveis na Universidade Federal Fluminense, em Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. A prevalência do HPV foi avaliada por polymerase chain reaction (PCR) genérico e genotipada por microarranjo de DNA, e foram monitorados os efeitos adversos. Resultados: Os resultados deste estudo revelaram a ausência de efeitos adversos moderados ou graves. Observaram-se mudanças genéticas, incluindo o desaparecimento dos tipos oncogênicos do HPV 16 e 18. Surpreendentemente, mesmo após a conclusão do esquema completo de vacinação, os estudantes ainda abrigavam o HPV 11 na cavidade oral. Além disso, foram identificadas infecções persistentes pelo HPV 6 e 11 em três estudantes que já tinham infecções preexistentes antes da vacinação e na visita de acompanhamento. A análise multivariada revelou associações independentes, especialmente um aumento no risco de infecção pelo HPV na cavidade oral em homens que têm relações sexuais com homens. As taxas de prevalência do HPV permaneceram baixas tanto antes quanto depois do esquema de vacinação (T0: 14,7%, T1: 8,7%). Mesmo após a conclusão do esquema de vacinação, a prevalência permaneceu semelhante em T2 (14,6%), sem diferenças estatisticamente significativas registradas. O HPV 11 emergiu como o tipo mais prevalente ao longo do estudo, seguido pelo HPV 6. Genótipos da vacina foram detectados em uma proporção significativa de amostras em T0 (85,4%), T1 (89,5%) e T2 (100%). Conclusão: No geral, este estudo sugere que a vacinação pode representar uma abordagem promissora para a redução dos riscos à saúde relacionados ao HPV. Esses achados lançam luz sobre os benefícios e desafios potenciais da vacinação contra o HPV, enfatizando a necessidade de monitoramento contínuo e esforços de vacinação

Mpox transmitted through sexual intercourse: three case reports

Introduction: In 2022, many countries, such as Brazil, experienced outbreaks of mpox (formerly called monkeypox) in sexually active people with multiple sexual partners. Objective: Report cases of patients diagnosed with Mpox. Methods: Report three cases of patients diagnosed with Mpox treated at the STD Sector at Universidade Federal Fluminense. Results: We report three cases of young adult patients who spontaneously sought our STD service with wounds in the anogenital area, mouth and other parts of the body. These cases include a 28-year-old man (HIV positive) who had lesions on his penis and body, a 34-year-old man with perianal ulcers and adenopathy, and a 40-year-old man with painful ulcers on his penis. Conclusion: The article provides information on the symptoms, transmission, and prevention of mpox, highlighting the need for early detection, diagnosis, and prompt treatment to contain and prevent the spread of the disease. The cases presented in this study show all the characteristics of a sexually transmitted disease

Introdução: Em 2022, muitos países, como o Brasil, experimentaram surtos de mpox (anteriormente chamada de monkeypox) em pessoas sexualmente ativas com múltiplos parceiros sexuais. Objetivo: Relatar casos de pacientes diagnosticados com mpox. Métodos: Relatar três casos de pacientes com diagnóstico de mpox atendidos no Setor de Doenças Sexualmente Transmissíveis (DST) da Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF). Resultados: Relatam-se três casos de pacientes adultos jovens que procuraram espontaneamente o Setor de DST da UFF com feridas na região anogenital, boca e outras partes do corpo. Esses casos incluem um homem de 28 anos (HIV positivo) que apresentava lesões no pênis e no corpo, um homem de 34 anos com úlceras perianais e adenopatia e um homem de 40 anos com úlceras dolorosas no pênis. Conclusão: O artigo fornece informações sobre os sintomas, transmissão e prevenção da mpox, destacando a necessidade de detecção precoce, diagnóstico e tratamento imediato para conter e prevenir a propagação da doença. Os casos apresentados apresentam todas as características de uma doença sexualmente transmissível.

In-hospital mortality and severe outcomes after hospital discharge due to COVID-19: A prospective multicenter study from Brazil.

Background: We evaluated in-hospital mortality and outcomes incidence after hospital discharge due to COVID-19 in a Brazilian multicenter cohort. Methods: This prospective multicenter study (RECOVER-SUS, NCT04807699) included COVID-19 patients hospitalized in public tertiary hospitals in Brazil from June 2020 to March 2021. Clinical assessment and blood samples were performed at hospital admission, with post-hospital discharge remote visits. Hospitalized participants were followed-up until March 31, 2021. The outcomes were in-hospital mortality and incidence of rehospitalization or death after hospital discharge. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional-hazard models were performed. Findings: 1589 participants [54.5% male, age=62 (IQR 50-70) years; BMI=28.4 (IQR,24.9-32.9) Kg/m² and 51.9% with diabetes] were included. A total of 429 individuals [27.0% (95%CI,24.8-29.2)] died during hospitalization (median time 14 (IQR,9-24) days). Older age [vs<40 years; age=60-69 years-aHR=1.89 (95%CI,1.08-3.32); age=70-79 years-aHR=2.52 (95%CI,1.42-4.45); age≥80-aHR=2.90 (95%CI 1.54-5.47)]; noninvasive or mechanical ventilation at admission [vs facial-mask or none; aHR=1.69 (95%CI 1.30-2.19)]; SAPS-III score≥57 [vs<57; aHR=1.47 (95%CI 1.13-1.92)] and SOFA score≥10 [vs <10; aHR=1.51 (95%CI 1.08-2.10)] were independently associated with in-hospital mortality. A total of 65 individuals [6.7% (95%CI 5.3-8.4)] had a rehospitalization or death [rate=323 (95%CI 250-417) per 1000 person-years] in a median time of 52 (range 1-280) days post-hospital discharge. Age ≥ 60 years [vs <60, aHR=2.13 (95%CI 1.15-3.94)] and SAPS-III ≥57 at admission [vs <57, aHR=2.37 (95%CI 1.22-4.59)] were independently associated with rehospitalization or death after hospital discharge. Interpretation: High in-hospital mortality rates due to COVID-19 were observed and elderly people remained at high risk of rehospitalization and death after hospital discharge. Funding: Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) and Programa INOVA-FIOCRUZ.

Central nervous system infection in the intensive care unit: Development and validation of a multi-parameter diagnostic prediction tool to identify suspected patients.

BACKGROUND: Central nervous system infections (CNSI) are diseases with high morbidity and mortality, and their diagnosis in the intensive care environment can be challenging. Objective: To develop and validate a diagnostic model to quickly screen intensive care patients with suspected CNSI using readily available clinical data. METHODS: Derivation cohort: 783 patients admitted to an infectious diseases intensive care unit (ICU) in Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro RJ, Brazil, for any reason, between 01/01/2012 and 06/30/2019, with a prevalence of 97 (12.4%) CNSI cases. Validation cohort 1: 163 patients prospectively collected, between 07/01/2019 and 07/01/2020, from the same ICU, with 15 (9.2%) CNSI cases. Validation cohort 2: 7,270 patients with 88 CNSI (1.21%) admitted to a neuro ICU in Chicago, IL, USA between 01/01/2014 and 06/30/2019. Prediction model: Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to construct the model, and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used for model validation. Eight predictors-age <56 years old, cerebrospinal fluid white blood cell count >2 cells/mm3, fever (≥38°C/100.4°F), focal neurologic deficit, Glasgow Coma Scale <14 points, AIDS/HIV, and seizure-were included in the development diagnostic model (P<0.05). RESULTS: The pool data's model had an Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristics (AUC) curve of 0.892 (95% confidence interval 0.864-0.921, P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: A promising and straightforward screening tool for central nervous system infections, with few and readily available clinical variables, was developed and had good accuracy, with internal and external validity.

Zoonotic sporotrichosis with greater severity in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: 118 hospitalizations and 11 deaths in the last 2 decades in a reference institution.

Since 1998, there has been an increase in the number of cat-transmitted cases of human sporotrichosis in Rio de Janeiro state, and severe forms are observed especially when associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). A retrospective search of the INI/ Fiocruz database was conducted to identify sporotrichosis cases, hospitalized and deceased patients, between 1999 and 2015. There were 3917 adult patients diagnosed, 75 of them hospitalized, and 11 died. We conclude there is still a progression toward hyperendemic levels and greater severity has been demonstrated mainly in a socially excluded population.

Paracoccidioidomycosis due to Paracoccidioides brasiliensis S1 plus HIV co-infection

BACKGROUND Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is one of the most important systemic mycoses in Latin America and the leading fungal cause of mortality in non-immunosuppressed individuals in Brazil. However, HIV/PCM co-infection can increase the clinical severity in these co-infected patients. This co-infection is rarely reported in the literature mainly because of the different epidemiological profiles of these infections. Furthermore, PCM is a neglected and non-notifiable disease, which may underestimate the real importance of this disease. The advent of molecular studies on the species of the genus Paracoccidioides has expanded the knowledge regarding the severity and the clinical spectrum in PCM. In this context, the development of studies to describe the association of the Paracoccidioides phylogenetic cryptic species in vulnerable populations, such as HIV-infected patients, appears relevant. OBJECTIVE To describe the clinical, epidemiological, therapeutic and prognostic aspects in HIV/PCM co-infected patients, along with the molecular identification of the Paracoccidioides species involved in these cases. METHODS The investigators performed a molecular and clinical retrospective study involving HIV/PCM co-infected patients, from a reference centre for PCM care in the endemic area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 1998 to 2015. Molecular identification of the fungal strains was done by amplification of partial sequences of arf and gp43 genes. FINDINGS Of 89 patients diagnosed with PCM by fungal isolation in the culture, a viable isolate was recovered for molecular analysis from 44 patients. Of these 44 patients, 28 (63.6%) had their serum samples submitted for enzyme immunoassay tests for screening of HIV antibodies, and 5 (17.9%) had a positive result. All cases were considered severe, with a variable clinical presentation, including mixed, acute/subacute clinical forms and a high rate of complications, requiring combination therapy. Paracoccidioides brasiliensis S1 was the species identified in all cases. CONCLUSIONS HIV/PCM co-infection can change the natural history of this fungal disease. The authors reinforce the need to include HIV screening diagnostic tests routinely for patients with PCM.

Paracoccidioidomycosis due to Paracoccidioides brasiliensis S1 plus HIV co-infection.

BACKGROUND: Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is one of the most important systemic mycoses in Latin America and the leading fungal cause of mortality in non-immunosuppressed individuals in Brazil. However, HIV/PCM co-infection can increase the clinical severity in these co-infected patients. This co-infection is rarely reported in the literature mainly because of the different epidemiological profiles of these infections. Furthermore, PCM is a neglected and non-notifiable disease, which may underestimate the real importance of this disease. The advent of molecular studies on the species of the genus Paracoccidioides has expanded the knowledge regarding the severity and the clinical spectrum in PCM. In this context, the development of studies to describe the association of the Paracoccidioides phylogenetic cryptic species in vulnerable populations, such as HIV-infected patients, appears relevant. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical, epidemiological, therapeutic and prognostic aspects in HIV/PCM co-infected patients, along with the molecular identification of the Paracoccidioides species involved in these cases. METHODS: The investigators performed a molecular and clinical retrospective study involving HIV/PCM co-infected patients, from a reference centre for PCM care in the endemic area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 1998 to 2015. Molecular identification of the fungal strains was done by amplification of partial sequences of arf and gp43 genes. FINDINGS: Of 89 patients diagnosed with PCM by fungal isolation in the culture, a viable isolate was recovered for molecular analysis from 44 patients. Of these 44 patients, 28 (63.6%) had their serum samples submitted for enzyme immunoassay tests for screening of HIV antibodies, and 5 (17.9%) had a positive result. All cases were considered severe, with a variable clinical presentation, including mixed, acute/subacute clinical forms and a high rate of complications, requiring combination therapy. Paracoccidioides brasiliensis S1 was the species identified in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: HIV/PCM co-infection can change the natural history of this fungal disease. The authors reinforce the need to include HIV screening diagnostic tests routinely for patients with PCM.

Highly active antiretroviral therapy for critically ill HIV patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: It is unclear whether the treatment of an HIV infection with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) affects intensive care unit (ICU) outcomes. In this paper, we report the results of a systematic review and meta-analysis performed to summarize the effects of HAART on the prognosis of critically ill HIV positive patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A bibliographic search was performed in 3 databases (PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus) to identify articles that investigated the use of HAART during ICU admissions for short- and long-term mortality or survival. Eligible articles were selected in a staged process and were independently assessed by two investigators. The methodological quality of the selected articles was evaluated using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) tool. RESULTS: Twelve articles met the systematic review inclusion criteria and examined short-term mortality. Six of them also examined long-term mortality (≥90 days) after ICU discharge. The short-term mortality meta-analysis showed a significant beneficial effect of initiating or maintaining HAART during the ICU stay (random effects odds ratio 0.53, p = 0.02). The data analysis of long-term outcomes also suggested a reduced mortality when HAART was used, but the effect of HAART on long-term mortality of HIV positive critically ill patients remains uncertain. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis suggests improved survival rates for HIV positive patients who were treated with HAART during their ICU admission.

Revisão sistemática de fatores prognósticos a curto prazo de pacientes HIV internados em uma unidade de cuidados intensivos / Systematic review of short-term prognostic factors of HIV patients admitted to an intensive care unit

Conhecer os fatores prognósticos de curto prazo de pacientes HIV, criticamente doentes, na era de terapia antirretroviral combinada, é importante para adoção de medidas preventivas e mais efetivas de tratamento. Para identificar os fatores mais significativos e comuns que determinam a mortalidade a curto prazo, uma revisão sistemática da literatura mais relevante foi conduzida. Método: Uma busca na internet foi conduzida em 3 bases de dados de artigos científicos indexados (PubMed, Scopus e Web of Science) para estudos que investigaram fatores prognósticos de mortalidade ou sobrevivência a curto prazo (em UTIs, ou em outros setores do hospital, seguindo a internação na UTI) de pacientes HIV criticamente enfermos. Os artigos foram selecionados de acordo com critérios pré-estabelecidos e avaliados independentemente por 2 pesquisadores. As variáveis coletadas foram autor, ano, local e tipo do estudo, número de pacientes com HIV, mortalidade, fatores significativos em regressão logística simples e múltipla, principais causas de admissão e critérios de inclusão. Resultados: Vinte e seis artigos foram selecionados para revisão sistemática. Quinze lidaram com fatores que determinavam mortalidade na UTI, 9 com mortalidade hospitalar após internação em UTI, e 2 com ambos. Conclusões: Fatores associados à gravidade de doença aguda, como escores prognósticos, albumina e disfunção orgânica (choque e insuficiência respiratória) parecem ser mais importantes como determinantes da mortalidade a curto prazo que aqueles associados ao HIV.

Knowing the short-term prognostic factors of critically ill HIV patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) in the era of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) is important for the adoption of preventive measures and more effective treatment. To identify the most significant and common factors that determine short-term mortality, a systematic review of the relevant literature was carried out. Method: An internet search was conducted in three databases indexing scientific articles (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) for studies investigating the prognostic factors of mortality or short-term survival (in ICUs and elsewhere in hospitals following ICU admission) of critically ill HIV-infected patients. The articles were selected according to pre-established criteria and evaluated independently by two researchers. The variables collected were author, year, study location, study type, number of patients with HIV, mortality, significant factors in simple logistic regression and multiple regression, main causes of admission, and inclusion criteria. Results: Twenty-six articles were selected for systematic review. Fifteen dealt with factors that determine mortality in the ICU, nine with hospital mortality following ICU admission, and two with both. Conclusions: Factors associated with the severity of acute disease, such as prognostic scores, albumin, and organ failure (shock and respiratory failure), seem to be more important as determinants of short-term mortality than those associated with HIV

Co-morbidade na silicose / Silicosis co morbidity

Em estudo retrospectivo de 168 casos de pacientes portadores de silicose, representando 42,4 por cento (168/396), atendidos no HUAP e INSS de Niterói entre 1985 e 1995, foram encontradas as seguintes entidades associadas: tuberculose pulmonar, DPOC, cor pulmonale, infecções respiratórias agudas, outras tuberculoses, fibroses pulmonares não-classificadas, outras pneumoconioses, sinusite crônica, outras pneumopatias não-classificadas, sarcoidose, micoses pulmonares, esclerodermia, câncer de pulmão e proteinose alveolar. A comparação dos dois qüinqüênios mostrou um crescimento no percentual da silicose de 43,4 por cento (73/168) para 56,5 por cento (95/168), com aumento da ocorrência de tuberculose, que passou de 31,5 por cento para 42,1 por cento e redução da incidência de DPOC de 41,0 por cento (30/73) para 38,9 por cento (37/95)

O fumo em portadores de silicose e as alteraçöes observadas no VEF1 / The tobacco smoking in silicosis bearers and the alterations observed in VEF1

Trata-se de estudo retrospectivo dos principais aspectos da interação do tabagismo com a silicose, e as alteração observadas no VEF1. A silicose é uma doença crônica, progressiva e invalidante, de distribuição mundial. Foram obtidos dados de prontuários de 136 pacientes com diagnóstico de silicose atendidos na HUAP e na agência do INSS/Niterói, no período de 1985 a 1995. O hábito de fumar estava presente em 47,5 por cento (58/122) dos casos de silicose