CROSS-CULTURAL ADAPTATION AND VALIDATION OF THE CONSTIPATION SCORING SYSTEM FOR THE BRAZILIAN POPULATION.

BACKGROUND: Beyond Rome IV Criteria, the assessment of functional constipation in clinical practice can also be obtained by the Constipation Scoring System (CSS). By accessing the CSS, health professionals are able to measure this dysfunction, guiding initial therapeutic approach and post-treatment response. In addition, the CSS enables the standardization of results concerning functional constipation research. OBJECTIVE: To promote translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the CSS for the Brazilian population. METHODS: To attain the score in Portuguese, the adaptation was accomplished in four steps (translation, back translation, application and adjustments). Afterward, the validation and adaptation to the Brazilian population was performed through test-retest. RESULTS: For adults, the convergent validity of the Brazilian version of the CSS showed a significant correlation to the Rome IV Criteria evinced by the positive Spearman correlation (r2) of 0.816 (P<0.001). Between the test-retest responses, the translated version of the score had a Cronbach's Alpha of 0.972. A high level of internal consistency was also obtained when each item of the questionnaire was assessed separately, revealing an adequate internal reliability. CONCLUSION: The CSS was well adapted and accepted by the Brazilian population, demonstrating the linguistic and psychometric validity of this Portuguese version of the score.

Adaptação transcultural e validação do Constipation Scoring System para a população brasileira / Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the constipation scoring system for the brazilian population

ABSTRACT Background Beyond Rome IV Criteria, the assessment of functional constipation in clinical practice can also be obtained by the Constipation Scoring System (CSS). By accessing the CSS, health professionals are able to measure this dysfunction, guiding initial therapeutic approach and post-treatment response. In addition, the CSS enables the standardization of results concerning functional constipation research. Objective To promote translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the CSS for the Brazilian population. Methods To attain the score in Portuguese, the adaptation was accomplished in four steps (translation, back translation, application and adjustments). Afterward, the validation and adaptation to the Brazilian population was performed through test-retest. Results For adults, the convergent validity of the Brazilian version of the CSS showed a significant correlation to the Rome IV Criteria evinced by the positive Spearman correlation (r2) of 0.816 (P<0.001). Between the test-retest responses, the translated version of the score had a Cronbach's Alpha of 0.972. A high level of internal consistency was also obtained when each item of the questionnaire was assessed separately, revealing an adequate internal reliability Conclusion The CSS was well adapted and accepted by the Brazilian population, demonstrating the linguistic and psychometric validity of this Portuguese version of the score.

RESUMO Contexto Além dos Critérios de Roma IV, a avaliação da constipação funcional também pode ser obtida por meio do Constipation Scoring System (CSS). Ao acessar o CSS, o profissional de saúde consegue mensurar a constipação funcional, orientando a abordagem terapêutica inicial e a resposta pós-tratamento. Além disso, o CSS possibilita a padronização dos resultados das pesquisas sobre esta disfunção. Objetivo Promover a tradução, adaptação transcultural e validação do CSS para a população brasileira. Métodos Para obtenção da versão do CSS em português, a adaptação foi realizada em quatro etapas (tradução para o inglês, retrotradução para o português, aplicação e ajustes). Posteriormente, foi realizada a validação e adaptação para a população brasileira por meio de teste-reteste. Resultados Para adultos, a validade convergente da versão brasileira do CSS apresentou correlação significativa com os critérios de Roma IV evidenciada pela correlação de Spearman positiva (r) de 0,816 (P<0,001). Entre as respostas do teste-reteste, a versão traduzida do escore apresentou um Alpha de Cronbach de 0,972. Um alto nível de consistência interna também foi obtido quando cada item do questionário foi avaliado separadamente, revelando uma confiabilidade interna adequada. Conclusão O CSS foi bem adaptado e aceito pela população brasileira, demonstrando a validade linguística e psicométrica da versão em português do escore.

Changes in Sexual Function and Positions in Women With Severe Obesity After Bariatric Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Severe obesity is most effectively treated with bariatric surgery. The resulting weight loss is expected to improve a variety of obesity-related conditions, including sexual dysfunction. AIM: To analyze changes in the sexual function of women with obesity following bariatric surgery. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted between April 2015 and April 2016 involving 62 women with obesity who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used to evaluate sexual function. Sexual dysfunction was defined as an FSFI score below 26.55. Patients' clinical and demographic data were recorded. Sexual frequency of 12 different sexual positions was also evaluated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Sexual dysfunction prevalence and the frequency of sexual positions before and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: The prevalence of sexual dysfunction decreased from 62% before surgery to 19% 6 months after the procedure. There was a 19.2% improvement in the mean overall FSFI score (P < .01). 6 months after surgery, the mean overall FSFI score had improved in all patients, with a statistically significant change being found in all 6 domains of the questionnaire (P < .05). There was an increase in the frequency of 3 of 12 sexual positions evaluated. CONCLUSION: Sexual function in women with obesity effectively improves after bariatric surgery. Favorable changes following weight loss included a significant reduction in the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and an increase in the frequency of different sexual positions during intercourse. Oliveira CFA, dos Santos PO, Oliveira RA, et al. Changes in sexual function and positions in women with severe obesity after bariatric surgery. Sex Med 2019;7:80-85.

Uma Proposta Educativa para Abordar Objeção de Consciência em Saúde Reprodutiva durante o Ensino Médico / An Educational Proposal to Address Conscientious Objection in Reproductive Health during Medical Education

RESUMO OBJETIVO Este estudo procurou avaliar a técnica do role-playing na abordagem da objeção de consciência no currículo médico, estimulando o raciocínio ético e a habilidade de comunicação, competências necessárias a um maior conforto na alegação de recusa por parte do profissional. MÉTODOS Estudo de intervenção que envolveu 120 acadêmicos de Medicina no momento em que encerravam o internato em Perinatologia. Os estudantes responderam a um questionário autoaplicável, antes e depois da intervenção, contendo variáveis demográficas e questões sobre a anuência de conduzir ou não situações em saúde reprodutiva, como abortamento legal, orientação contraceptiva a jovens adolescentes e prescrição da pílula do dia seguinte. O grau de conforto dos estudantes ao conduzirem estes casos e os conhecimentos éticos sobre o tema também foram questionados. Recolhidos os questionários, os alunos assistiram a três filmes de curta-metragem, um tratando da recusa de um médico a realizar um abortamento previsto em lei; outro sobre orientação contraceptiva a uma jovem de 13 anos e sem o consentimento dos pais; e um terceiro, acerca da prescrição da pílula do dia seguinte a uma jovem que teve uma relação desprotegida no 14º dia do ciclo. Encerrada esta etapa, se estimulou uma discussão sobre os seguintes tópicos: aspectos legais sobre o tema, direito à objeção de consciência do médico, violação da autonomia da paciente e prejuízo à saúde do solicitante decorrente da recusa por parte do médico. Encerrada esta fase preparatória, formaram-se subgrupos de três alunos que simularam os três casos clínicos, havendo um revezamento entre os papéis de médico, paciente e observador. Após a dramatização, os estudantes foram estimulados a discutir as inter-relações nos papéis de médico e paciente, a objeção de consciência do médico, o efeito da recusa ao tratamento no paciente e a capacidade de comunicação do médico. Ao final, foi reaplicado o mesmo questionário, com as mesmas questões sobre a anuência ou não da condução dos casos clínicos, o conforto ou não ao conduzi-los, como também as perguntas referentes aos conhecimentos éticos sobre objeção de consciência. Os dados foram analisados pelo teste do X2, teste t e teste de McNemar, com nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS A alteração do conforto do estudante na condução do abortamento previsto em lei, após a intervenção, foi significativa (p < 0,001). O mesmo foi observado na orientação contraceptiva a jovens adolescentes (p < 0,001) e na prescrição da contracepção de emergência (p = 0,002). A mudança de opinião quanto à objeção ao abortamento legal foi significativa (p = 0,003) e também quanto à orientação contraceptiva a jovens adolescentes (p = 0,012). Não se observaram diferenças na prescrição da pílula do dia seguinte (p = 0,500). CONCLUSÕES A aplicação dessa metodologia no grupo participante tornou mais confortável a condução dos casos discutidos e forneceu um conteúdo técnico, legal e ético para melhor embasamento de suas opiniões.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effectiveness of role-playing in addressing the issue of conscientious objection in the medical curriculum. METHODS This is an intervention study involving 120 medical students on completion of their internship in Perinatology.The project consisted of eight modules with 15 students in each. Initially a questionnaire was applied to obtain the students' demographic information, religion, ethical knowledge of conscientious objection in medical practice, whether or not the students agreed with it, and the level of comfort in addressing situations such as legal abortion, the prescription of emergency contraceptives, and giving advice on contraception to young adolescents. Subsequently, three short films, created exclusively for the project, were shown. The first addressed a doctor's refusal to perform an abortion on a 15-year-old girl who had been the victim of sexual violence. The second simulatedes a doctor's objection to providing advice on contraception to a 13-year-old adolescent without parental consent, and the third portrayed the doctor's refusal to prescribe emergency contraception to a young woman after having unprotected intercourse on the 14th day of her cycle. A discussion was then instigated on the following topics: the existing legislation on the subject, the doctor's right to conscientious objection, violation of the patient's autonomy, and the potential for discrimination and harm to the patient's health due to the doctor's refusal. Subgroups of three students were then formed, to simulate clinical cases, with the students taking turns to play the roles of the physician, patient and observer. At the end, the questionnaire was reapplied. The data were analyzed by the χ2 test, t-test and McNemar's test, with a level of significance of 5%. RESULTS Abortion was rejected by 35.8% of the students, contraception for adolescents by 17.5%, and emergency contraception by 5.8%. The predictors identified with legal abortion were stronger religious belief (p < 0.001) and more frequent attendance of religious services (p = 0.034). The refusal to provide contraception to adolescents was significantly higher among women (p = 0.037).Of the sample, 25% did not explain the reason for their refusal, 15% did not describe all procedures, and 25% said they would not forward patients. The change in comfort in conducting legal abortion after the intervention was significant (p < 0.001). The same was observed in the attitude to providing contraceptives to young adolescents (p < 0.001) and in the prescription of emergency contraception (p = 0.002). The change of opinion regarding objection to legal abortion was significant (p = 0.003), as was the attitude to providing and also regarding the contraceptives to young adolescents (p = 0.012). No differences were observed in the prescription of emergency contraception (p = 0.500). CONCLUSIONS The application of this methodology in the participant group made the students more comfortable about conducting cases like those discussed, and provided technical, legal and ethical content for a better grounding of their opinions.

Constipação funcional e bexiga hiperativa em mulheres: um estudo de base populacional / Functional constipation and overactive bladder in women: a population-based study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: An association between urinary disorders and functional constipation has been registered in children and adults, with functional constipation being a common complaint in individuals with overactive bladder. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of functional constipation, overactive bladder and its dry/wet subtypes in women and to determine which bowel symptoms predict overactive bladder. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of women randomly approached in public spaces. Exclusion criteria: neurological/anatomical abnormalities of the bowel or urinary tract. Constipation was defined as ≥2 positive symptoms of those listed in the Rome criteria. Urinary abnormalities (frequent urination, urgency, incontinence, nocturia) were defined by a score ≥2 in the respective item of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Overactive Bladder. Dry overactive bladder was defined as urgency without incontinence, while wet overactive bladder included incontinence. RESULTS: A total of 516 women with a mean age of 35.8±6 years were interviewed. Rates of functional constipation, overactive bladder, dry overactive bladder and wet overactive bladder were 34.1%, 15.3%, 8.9% and 6.4%, respectively. Functional constipation was associated with overactive bladder and dry overactive bladder, with functional constipation predicting dry overactive bladder (OR=2.47). Quality of life was poorer in constipated women compared to non-constipated and even worse in constipated women with wet overactive bladder (median 22.5; 95%CI: 17.25-35.25). Manual maneuvers were significantly associated with both overactive bladder subtypes. Independent predictive factors for overactive bladder were manual maneuvers (OR=2.21) and <3 defecations/week (OR=2.18), with the latter being the only predictive factor for dry overactive bladder (OR=3.0). CONCLUSION: Functional constipation is associated with overactive bladder and its dry subtype, particularly in the younger population. In addition, this association is responsible for lower quality of life scores, especially when urinary incontinence is present. The presence of manual maneuvers and less than three defecations per week should direct us to look for overactive bladder.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A associação entre distúrbios urinários e constipação funcional vem sendo observada em crianças e adultos, sendo a constipação funcional uma queixa comum em indivíduos com bexiga hiperativa. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência de constipação funcional, bexiga hiperativa e seus subtipos seco/úmido em mulheres e determinar quais os sintomas intestinais estão mais associados e são preditores de bexiga hiperativa. MÉTODOS: Estudo de corte transversal com mulheres abordadas aleatoriamente em locais públicos. Os critérios de exclusão foram: anormalidades neurológicas/anatômicas do intestino ou do trato urinário documentadas. A constipação foi definida como ≥2 sintomas positivos daqueles listados nos critérios de Roma. Alterações urinárias (frequência urinária aumentada, urgência, incontinência e noctúria) foram definidas por um escore ≥2 no respectivos itens do Questionário Internacional de Consulta sobre Incontinência - Bexiga Hiperativa. Foi denominada de bexiga hiperativa seca a presença de sintomas de urgência sem incontinência urinária e bexiga hiperativa úmida quando a urgência estava associada a incontinência urinária. RESULTADOS: Foram entrevistadas 516 mulheres com idade média de 35,8±6 anos. As taxas de constipação funcional, bexiga hiperativa, bexiga hiperativa seca e bexiga hiperativa úmida na amostra estudada foram de 34,1%, 15,3%, 8,9% e 6,4%, respectivamente. Foi observada associação entre constipação funcional e bexiga hiperativa / bexiga hiperativa seca, sendo a constipação funcional fator preditor para esse subtipo de bexiga hiperativa (OR=2,47). O escore de qualidade de vida foi pior nas mulheres com constipação funcional em comparação com as não constipadas e ainda pior nas mulheres com constipação funcional associada a bexiga hiperativa úmida (mediana 22,5; IC 95%: 17,25-35,25). A presença de manobras manuais estava significativamente associada aos dois subtipos de bexiga hiperativa. Os fatores preditivos independentes para bexiga hiperativa foram manobras manuais (OR=2,21) e <3 defecações/semana (OR=2,18), sendo este último o único fator preditivo para bexiga hiperativa seca (OR=3,0). CONCLUSÃO: Em mulheres, a constipação funcional está associada a bexiga hiperativa e seu subtipo seco, particularmente na população mais jovem. Além disso, essa associação é responsável por piores escores de qualidade de vida, principalmente quando a incontinência urinária está presente. A presença de manobras manuais e menos de três defecações por semana em mulheres devem nos direcionar a procurar por bexiga hiperativa.

Prevalence, Attitudes, and Factors Motivating Conscientious Objection toward Reproductive Health among Medical Students.

OBJECTIVE: We have evaluated the prevalence of and the motivating factors behind the refusal to provide reproductive health services and the ethical knowledge of the subject among medical students from the Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, in the state of Bahia, Brazil. METHODS: The present cross-sectional study involved 120 medical students. A questionnaire was utilized. The dependent variables were students' objections (or not) regarding three clinical reproductive health cases: abortion provided by law, contraceptive guidance to an adolescent without parental consent, and prescription of emergency contraception. The independent variables were age, gender, religion, ethical value, degree of religiosity, and attendance at worship services. Ethical knowledge comprised an obligation to state the reasons for the objection, report possible alternatives, and referral to another professional. Data were analyzed with χ2 tests and t-tests with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Abortion, contraception to adolescents, and emergency contraception were refused by 35.8%, 17.5%, and 5.8% of the students, respectively. High religiosity (p < 0.001) and higher attendance at worship services (p = 0.034) were predictors of refusing abortion. Refusal to provide contraception to adolescents was significantly higher among women than men (p = 0.037). Furthermore, 25% would not explain the reason for the refusal, 15% would not describe all the procedures used, and 25% would not refer the patient to another professional. CONCLUSION: Abortion provided by law was the most objectionable situation. The motivating factors for this refusal were high commitment and religiosity. A reasonable portion of the students did not demonstrate ethical knowledge about the subject.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência e os fatores motivadores da recusa em prestar serviços de saúde reprodutiva, bem como o conhecimento ético do tema, entre estudantes de medicina. MéTODOS: Estudo transversal, envolvendo 120 estudantes de medicina. Aplicou-se um questionário cujas variáveis dependentes foram a existência ou não de objeções quanto à condução de três casos clínicos sobre saúde reprodutiva: o abortamento previsto em lei, a orientação contraceptiva a uma adolescente sem consentimento dos pais, e a prescrição de contracepção de emergência. As varáveis independentes foram: idade, gênero, religião, valor ético, grau de religiosidade e frequência a cultos religiosos. Os conhecimentos éticos pesquisados foram a obrigação de expor os motivos da objeção, relatar as alternativas possíveis e encaminhar a paciente a outro profissional. Os dados foram analisados pelo teste do χ2 e pelo teste-t, com nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: O abortamento foi recusado por 35,8% dos estudantes, a contracepção aos adolescentes por 17,5%, e a contracepção de emergência por 5,8%. A alta religiosidade (p < 0,001) e uma maior frequência a cultos (p = 0,034) foram os preditores identificados no caso do abortamento previsto em lei. A recusa da contracepção aos adolescentes foi significativamente maior entre as mulheres (p = 0,037). Entre os estudantes, 25% não explicariam o motivo da recusa, 15% não descreveriam todos os procedimentos e 25% não fariam o encaminhamento da paciente para outro profissional. CONCLUSãO: O abortamento previsto em lei, foi a situação mais objetada. Os fatores motivadores a esta recusa foram o alto comprometimento e maior religiosidade. Uma parcela razoável dos alunos não demonstrou ter conhecimentos éticos sobre o tema.

Prevalence, attitudes, and factors motivating conscientious objection toward reproductive health among medical students / Prevalência, atitudes e fatores motivadores à objeção consciente com relação à saúde reprodutiva entre estudantes de medicina

Abstract Objective We have evaluated the prevalence of and the motivating factors behind the refusal to provide reproductive health services and the ethical knowledge of the subject among medical students from the Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, in the state of Bahia, Brazil. Methods The present cross-sectional study involved 120 medical students. A questionnaire was utilized. The dependent variables were students' objections (or not) regarding three clinical reproductive health cases: abortion provided by law, contraceptive guidance to an adolescent without parental consent, and prescription of emergency contraception. The independent variables were age, gender, religion, ethical value, degree of religiosity, and attendance at worship services. Ethical knowledge comprised an obligation to state the reasons for the objection, report possible alternatives, and referral to another professional. Data were analyzed with χ2 tests and t-tests with a significance level of 5%. Results Abortion, contraception to adolescents, and emergency contraception were refused by 35.8%, 17.5%, and 5.8% of the students, respectively. High religiosity (p < 0.001) and higher attendance at worship services (p = 0.034) were predictors of refusing abortion. Refusal to provide contraception to adolescents was significantly higher among women than men (p = 0.037). Furthermore, 25% would not explain the reason for the refusal, 15% would not describe all the procedures used, and 25% would not refer the patient to another professional. Conclusion Abortion provided by law was the most objectionable situation. The motivating factors for this refusal were high commitment and religiosity. A reasonable portion of the students did not demonstrate ethical knowledge about the subject.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a prevalência e os fatoresmotivadores da recusa emprestar serviços de saúde reprodutiva, bem como o conhecimento ético do tema, entre estudantes de medicina. Métodos Estudo transversal, envolvendo 120 estudantes demedicina. Aplicou-se um questionário cujas variáveis dependentes forama existência ou não de objeções quanto à condução de três casos clínicos sobre saúde reprodutiva: o abortamento previsto em lei, a orientação contraceptiva a uma adolescente sem consentimento dos pais, e a prescrição de contracepção de emergência. As varáveis independentes foram: idade, gênero, religião, valor ético, grau de religiosidade e frequência a cultos religiosos. Os conhecimentos éticos pesquisados foram a obrigação de expor os motivos da objeção, relatar as alternativas possíveis e encaminhar a paciente a outro profissional. Os dados foram analisados pelo teste do χ2 e pelo teste-t, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados O abortamento foi recusado por 35,8% dos estudantes, a contracepção aos adolescentes por 17,5%, e a contracepção de emergência por 5,8%. A alta religiosidade (p < 0,001) e uma maior frequência a cultos (p = 0,034) foram os preditores identificados no caso do abortamento previsto em lei. A recusa da contracepção aos adolescentes foi significativamente maior entre as mulheres (p = 0,037). Entre os estudantes, 25% não explicariam o motivo da recusa, 15% não descreveriam todos os procedimentos e 25% não fariam o encaminhamento da paciente para outro profissional. Conclusão O abortamento previsto em lei, foi a situação mais objetada. Os fatores motivadores a esta recusa foram o alto comprometimento e maior religiosidade. Uma parcela razoável dos alunos não demonstrou ter conhecimentos éticos sobre o tema.

FUNCTIONAL CONSTIPATION AND OVERACTIVE BLADDER IN WOMEN: A POPULATION-BASED STUDY.

BACKGROUND: An association between urinary disorders and functional constipation has been registered in children and adults, with functional constipation being a common complaint in individuals with overactive bladder. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of functional constipation, overactive bladder and its dry/wet subtypes in women and to determine which bowel symptoms predict overactive bladder. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of women randomly approached in public spaces. Exclusion criteria: neurological/anatomical abnormalities of the bowel or urinary tract. Constipation was defined as ≥2 positive symptoms of those listed in the Rome criteria. Urinary abnormalities (frequent urination, urgency, incontinence, nocturia) were defined by a score ≥2 in the respective item of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Overactive Bladder. Dry overactive bladder was defined as urgency without incontinence, while wet overactive bladder included incontinence. RESULTS: A total of 516 women with a mean age of 35.8±6 years were interviewed. Rates of functional constipation, overactive bladder, dry overactive bladder and wet overactive bladder were 34.1%, 15.3%, 8.9% and 6.4%, respectively. Functional constipation was associated with overactive bladder and dry overactive bladder, with functional constipation predicting dry overactive bladder (OR=2.47). Quality of life was poorer in constipated women compared to non-constipated and even worse in constipated women with wet overactive bladder (median 22.5; 95%CI: 17.25-35.25). Manual maneuvers were significantly associated with both overactive bladder subtypes. Independent predictive factors for overactive bladder were manual maneuvers (OR=2.21) and <3 defecations/week (OR=2.18), with the latter being the only predictive factor for dry overactive bladder (OR=3.0). CONCLUSION: Functional constipation is associated with overactive bladder and its dry subtype, particularly in the younger population. In addition, this association is responsible for lower quality of life scores, especially when urinary incontinence is present. The presence of manual maneuvers and less than three defecations per week should direct us to look for overactive bladder.

Factors associated with child sexual abuse confirmation at forensic examinations.

The aim of this study is identify potential factors associated with child sexual abuse confirmation at forensic examinations. The forensic files of children under 12 years of age reporting sexual abuse at the Nina Rodrigues Institute of Forensic Medicine in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil between January 2008 and December 2009 were reviewed. A multivariate analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with finding evidence of sexual abuse in forensic examinations. The proportion of cases confirmed by the forensic physician based on material evidence was 10.4%. Adjusted analysis showed that the variables place of birth, type of abuse reported, family relationship between the child and the perpetrator, and the interval between the reported abuse and the forensic examination were not independently associated with finding forensic evidence of sexual abuse. A report of penetration was associated with a five-fold greater likelihood of confirmation, while the victim being 10-11 years of age was associated with a two-fold of abuse confirmation than younger children. These findings should be taken into consideration when drawing up guidelines for the multidisciplinary evaluation of children suspected of being victims of sexual abuse and in deciding whether to refer the child for forensic examination.

Factors associated with child sexual abuse confirmation at forensic examinations / Fatores associados à confirmação por exame médico legal de abuso sexual infantil

Abstract The aim of this study is identify potential factors associated with child sexual abuse confirmation at forensic examinations. The forensic files of children under 12 years of age reporting sexual abuse at the Nina Rodrigues Institute of Forensic Medicine in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil between January 2008 and December 2009 were reviewed. A multivariate analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with finding evidence of sexual abuse in forensic examinations. The proportion of cases confirmed by the forensic physician based on material evidence was 10.4%. Adjusted analysis showed that the variables place of birth, type of abuse reported, family relationship between the child and the perpetrator, and the interval between the reported abuse and the forensic examination were not independently associated with finding forensic evidence of sexual abuse. A report of penetration was associated with a five-fold greater likelihood of confirmation, while the victim being 10-11 years of age was associated with a two-fold of abuse confirmation than younger children. These findings should be taken into consideration when drawing up guidelines for the multidisciplinary evaluation of children suspected of being victims of sexual abuse and in deciding whether to refer the child for forensic examination.

Resumo O Objetivo deste estudo é identificar potenciais fatores associados à confirmação de abuso sexual infantil no exame médico legal. Foram revisados os laudos de sexologia forense realizados em crianças menores que 12 anos que relataram abuso sexual no Instituto Médico Legal de Salvador, Brasil, no período de janeiro de 2008 a dezembro de 2009. Análise multivariada foi utilizada para identificar fatores relacionados à confirmação de abuso sexual pelo exame médico forense. A proporção de casos confirmados pelo médico legista com base em evidencia material foi de 10,4%. A análise ajustada demostrou que as variáveis naturalidade, tipo do relato de abuso, parentesco com o agressor, e intervalo entre o abuso relatado e a perícia não estão independentemente relacionadas à confirmação de abuso sexual em exame de corpo de delito. A presença de relato de penetração estava associada a uma chance cinco vezes maior de confirmação, e a faixa etária de 10 a 11 anos apresentou uma chance duas vezes maior de ter casos confirmados do que crianças menores. Estes dados devem ser levados em conta no planejamento de diretrizes para a avaliação multidisciplinar de crianças com suspeita de serem vítimas de abusos sexual e na decisão de encaminhamento para exame de corpo de delito.

Child Sexual Abuse Confirmed by Forensic Examination in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.

Child sexual abuse is a worldwide public health issue. The objective of this study was to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of children in cases of sexual abuse confirmed by material evidence at forensic examination. Cases of children younger than 12 years examined for suspected sexual abuse at the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, were reviewed retrospectively. The period evaluated was between 2005 and 2010. The inclusion criterion was the coroner's confirmation of sexual abuse based on material evidence. The mean age of the children in whom sexual abuse was confirmed was 8.2 (SD, 2.9) years, and 208 cases were female (83.9%). In 94% of the cases, the reason for carrying out the forensic examination was a report of sexual abuse. Less than 1% of the aggressors were female. A ruptured hymen was the finding that confirmed sexual abuse in 172 cases, corresponding to 83% of cases in girls. There were 2 cases of pregnancy. Recent anal or perianal lesions were present in 35 (87.5%) of the confirmed cases involving boys. Laboratory confirmation based on the detection of spermatozoa or prostate-specific antigen occurred in only 4.2% of cases. In all these cases, sample collection was performed within 24 hours of the alleged abuse. Thus, in the majority of cases with material evidence of sexual abuse, the confirmation criteria consisted of a ruptured hymen and recent perianal lesions.

Enuresis and overactive bladder in children: what is the relationship between these two conditions?

ABSTRACT Objective: Evaluate clinical aspects associated with the presence of nocturnal enuresis (NE) in children with a diagnosis of overactive bladder (OAB). Material and Methods: A data base of 200 children who were evaluated by a structured questionnaire was analysed retrospectively . OAB was defined as the presence of urinary urgency (n=183 cases) and/or daytime urinary incontinence associated with holding maneuvers (n=168 cases). Inclusion criteria were a confirmed diagnosis of OAB, age 5-16 years, and no anatomical or neurological alterations of the urinary tract. Patients were divided into enuretics and non-enuretics. The two groups were compared with respect to sex, age, skin color, presence urinary infection, urgency, urge incontinence, non-urge incontinence, pollakiuria, urinary dysfunction, nocturia, holding maneuvers, number of episodes of enuresis and bowel alterations. In a univariate analysis, the chi-square test was used to compare proportions, with p-values <0.05 being considered significant. A multivariate analysis was conducted to identify independent predictive factors. Results: Enuresis was diagnosed in 141/200 children. The two groups were similar with respect to sex, age and skin color. No difference was found in relation to urinary infection, non-urge incontinence, urinary dysfunction, nocturia, encopresis or constipation. The two groups were significantly different with regard to some symptoms related to OAB such as urgency (p=0.001), urge incontinency (p=0.001) and holding maneuvers (p=0.033). Following multivariate analysis, only holding maneuvers (p=0.022) remained as an independent predictive factor. Conclusion: The only independent predictive factor for resolution of enuresis in children with OAB, as detected in the multivariate analysis, was holding maneuvers.

Características de los menores de 12 años con examen médico forense por sospecha de abuso sexual en Salvador, Brasil / Characteristics of children under 12 years subjected to forensic examination on suspicion of child sexual abuse in Salvador Brazil

Objetivo. Describir las características demográficas y clínicas de la población de menores de 12 años sometidos a pericia de sexología forense y la proporción de los casos confirmados de abuso sexual por prueba material. Material y métodos. El diseño fue un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo. Se revisaron todos los informes de examen de sexología forense por sospecha de abuso sexual en menores de 12 años, que fueron realizados por el instituto médico-forense de Salvador, Brasil, en el periodo de 2005-2010. Resultados. En el periodo estudiado, 2.802 menores de 12 años fueron sometidos a examen de sexología forense por sospecha de abuso sexual. La edad media fue de 6,6 años (DT 3,09). Del total de menores examinados, 78,4% eran niñas. En cuanto al motivo de la pericia, en el 84,9% de los casos hubo en la historia clínica un relato de abuso sexual. En el 67,0% de los menores examinados no fue detectada ninguna alteración en el examen físico. La proporción de casos confirmados de abuso sexual por prueba material fue de 8,9% (248 casos). Conclusiones. Ante el consenso en la literatura de la pequeña proporción de falsos relatos de abuso sexual efectuados por menores, los datos encontrados en este estudio resaltan la baja sensibilidad del examen del cuerpo del delito para la confirmación de abuso sexual por prueba material y la necesidad de que esto sea comprendido por todos aquellos a quienes se destinan los informes de dichos exámenes (AU)

Objective. To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of a population of children under 12 years submitted to forensic sexual examination and the proportion of confirmed cases of sex abuse by material evidence. Material and Methods. A retrospective descriptive study was conducted by reviewing all examination reports of forensic sexology for suspicion of child sexual abuse carried out at the forensic institute of Salvador, Brazil, between 2005 and 2010. Results. During the study period, 2802 children under 12 years with suspicion of sexual abuse were submitted for forensic examination. The mean age was 6.6 years (SD 3.09), and 78.4% were female. In 84.9% of the cases, examination was required based on previous allegations of sexual abuse. The physical examination showed no alteration in 67.0% of the children investigated. The proportion of confirmed cases of sexual abuse by material evidence was 8.9% (248 cases). Conclusion. In view of the consensus of the low proportion of false allegation of sexual abuse made by children found in the specialised literature, the data obtained in this study emphasize the low sensitivity of the forensic examination for the confirmation of sexual abuse by material evidence, as well as the need for the comprehension of this fact by all those to whom these examinations are intended (AU)

Transcutaneous parasacral electrical stimulation vs oxybutynin for the treatment of overactive bladder in children: a randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: We determined the effectiveness of 2 methods to treat overactive bladder in children using intragroup and intergroup comparisons in a randomized clinical trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine boys and 19 girls with a mean ± SD age of 6.4 ± 2.18 years were randomly divided into group 1-parasacral transcutaneous electrical stimulation with placebo drug and group 2-oxybutynin with sham scapular electrical therapy. Success was assessed by 1) the rate of complete symptom resolution, 2) a visual analog scale of 0 to 10, 3) the dysfunctional voiding score system, 4) voiding diary records, 5) Rome III criteria and 6) side effect frequency in each group. RESULTS: A total of 13 and 15 patients were randomized to groups 1 and 2, respectively. Symptoms completely resolved in 6 patients in group 1 (46%) and 3 in group 2 (20%) (p = 0.204). A statistically significant improvement was found in the 2 groups in the dysfunctional voiding score system and voiding diary records. However, no statistically significant difference was found between the groups in the visual analog scale score, voiding frequency, and maximum and mean voided volume (p = 0.295, 0.098, 0.538 and 0.650, respectively). Constipation improved in 100% of group 1 patients but in only 55% in group 2 (p = 0.031 vs 0.073). Group 1 showed no side effects while dry mouth, hyperthermia and hyperemia developed in 58%, 25% and 50% of group 2 patients (p = 0.002, 0.096 and 0.005, respectively). Treatment was discontinued by 13.3% of patients in group 2. CONCLUSIONS: Parasacral transcutaneous electrical stimulation was as effective as oxybutynin to treat overactive bladder in children. However, transcutaneous parasacral electrical stimulation was more effective against constipation and showed no detectable side effects. Oxybutynin was more effective for decreasing voiding frequency.

Doenças e variações anatômicas confundidas com abuso sexual em crianças - Estudo descritivo / Disorders and anatomical variations confused with sexual abuse in children - A descriptive study

Objetivo: Descrever as doenças e variações anatômicas confundidas com abuso sexual em crianças. Método: Estudo descritivo com dados secundários. Foram revisados os laudos de crianças menores de 12 anos periciadas no Instituto Médico Legal Nina Rodrigues, entre 2005 e 2010, por suspeita de abuso sexual baseada em queixa ou alteração anogenital, sem relato de abuso sexual no histórico da perícia. O critério utilizado para identificar os casos foi a conclusão do médico legista no laudo. Resultados: Foram encontrados 410 casos sem relato ou testemunho de abuso sexual. Neste grupo, em 31 casos (7,6%) a conclusão do laudo identificou uma doença ou variação anatômica, baseado na queixa ou alteração anogenital que gerou a suspeita de abuso sexual. Foram encontrados 16 casos de prolapso uretral (52%). As outras condições médicas identificadas incluíram sinéquia de ninfas, neoplasia vaginal, dermatites, variação anatômica, doença de Crohn, enterobíase, corpo estranho vaginal, fenda perineal e infecção urinária. Conclusão: Foram encontrados casos de doença ou variação anatômica confundidos com abuso sexual em 7,6% das crianças em que a origem da suspeita foi uma queixa ou alteração anogenital, sem relato de abuso no histórico. Prolapso uretral representou 52% dos casos de equivoco...

Single scrotal incision orchiopexy - a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review on single scrotal incision orchiopexy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search was performed using Pubmed, through which 16 articles were selected out of a total of 133. The following conditions were considered exclusion criteria: other surgical methods such as an inguinal procedure or a laparoscopic approach, retractile testes, or patients with previous testicular or inguinal surgery. RESULTS: A total of 1558 orchiopexy surgeries initiated with a transcrotal incision were analyzed. Patients' ages ranged between 5 months and 21 years. Thirteen studies used high scrotal incisions, and low scrotal incisions were performed in the remainder of the studies. In 55 cases (3.53%), there was a need for inguinal incision. Recurrence was observed in 9 cases, testicular atrophy in 3, testicular hypotrophy in 2, and surgical site infections in 13 cases. High efficacy rates were observed, varying between 88% and 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Single scrotal incision orchiopexy proved to be an effective technique and is associated with low rates of complications.

Single scrotal incision orchiopexy - a systematic review

Objective To conduct a systematic review on single scrotal incision orchiopexy. Materials and Methods: A search was performed using Pubmed, through which 16 articles were selected out of a total of 133. The following conditions were considered exclusion criteria: other surgical methods such as an inguinal procedure or a laparoscopic approach, retractile testes, or patients with previous testicular or inguinal surgery. Results A total of 1558 orchiopexy surgeries initiated with a transcrotal incision were analyzed. Patients' ages ranged between 5 months and 21 years. Thirteen studies used high scrotal incisions, and low scrotal incisions were performed in the remainder of the studies. In 55 cases (3.53%), there was a need for inguinal incision. Recurrence was observed in 9 cases, testicular atrophy in 3, testicular hypotrophy in 2, and surgical site infections in 13 cases. High efficacy rates were observed, varying between 88% and 100%. Conclusions Single scrotal incision orchiopexy proved to be an effective technique and is associated with low rates of complications. .

Bacteriúria assintomática em mulheres diabéticas: revisão sistemática / Asymptomatic bacteriuria in diabetic women: systematic review

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A infecção do trato urinário (ITU) é uma doença frequente e na ausência de sintomas denomina-se bacteriúria assintomática (BA). O manuseio da BA em pacientes diabéticas é controverso, por esta razão o objetivo deste estudo foi discutir os achados na literatura que discorrem sobre BA em mulheres diabéticas e o manuseio desta condição clínica.CONTEÚDO: Revisão sistemática da literatura no Medline,LILACS e Scielo, no período de 1997 a 2012, utilizando-se como descritores: "asymptomatic bacteriuria and diabetes". A prevalência de BA é três vezes maior em mulheres diabéticas do que em não diabéticas. Vários fatores de risco para BA em mulheres com diabetes têm sido sugeridos, incluindo idade, intercurso sexual e duração da doença. A bactéria mais frequentemente encontrada é a Escherichia coli. Quanto à questão de a BA poder levar a perda de função renal ou hipertensão arterial sistêmica, os estudos com maior follow-up concluem que não houve diferença significativa após análise multivariada entre os grupos de mulheres diabéticas com e sem BA. Quanto à taxa de incidência de ITU quando comparados os grupos com BA tratados com antibióticos versus controle,também não houve diferença significativa com o agravante de ocorrência de bactérias mais resistentes como causa de novas ITU.CONCLUSÃO: Em vista do tratamento da BA, em longo prazo,não diminuir a quantidade de episódios de ITU sintomática, pielonefrites agudas e internações em mulheres diabéticas, o screening e o tratamento da BA não devem ser recomendados.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common disease and, in the absence of symptoms, is called asymptomatic bacteriuria (AB). The management of BA in diabetic female patients is controversial. The aim of this study was to discuss findings in literature that are related to AB in diabetic women and to management of this condition.CONTENTS: A systematic review of the literature in Medline, LILACS and Scielo in the period from 1997 to 2012, using descriptors such as "asymptomatic bacterinuria and diabetes" was performed. The prevalence of AB is three times greater in diabetic than in non-diabetic women. Several risk factors for AB in women with diabetes have been suggested, such as age; sexual intercourse and disease duration. The most often found bacteria in AB is Escherichia coli. Cohort studies with longer follow-up did not show that AB could lead to loss of renal function and/or hypertension when they compared groups of diabetic women with and without AB. Regarding the incidence of new UTI episodes, clinical trials showed no differences when compared AB group treated with antibiotics versus AB group treated with placebo. Also, there was no significant difference with the occurrence of more resistant bacteria as a cause of new UTI. CONCLUSION: The treatment of AB does not decrease the number of episodes of symptomatic UTI, acute pyelonephritis, and hospitalization in diabetic women in the long run. For this reason, screening and treatment of AB in diabetic women should not be recommended.

Cross-cultural adaptation of the dysfunctional voiding score symptom (DVSS) questionnaire for Brazilian children

PURPOSE: To translate and culturally adapt the Dysfunctional Voiding Symptom Score (DVSS), questionnaire into Brazilian Portuguese. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 10-item Dysfunctional Voiding Symptom Score (DVSS) was translated into Brazilian Portuguese according to a standard methodology: translation, synthesis, back-translation, Expert Committee, and pre-testing. After the translation process the final version was pre-tested and patient responses were analyzed to identify necessary modifications. Reliability was evaluated using the test-retest method, and internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. RESULTS: The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was calculated in the test and retest phases. Internal consistency was found to be satisfactory, as confirmed by a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.76 for the test and 0.77 for the retest. A high degree of stability was found in the test/retest, with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.960 (p < 0.001; 95 percent CI: 0.943-0.972). CONCLUSION: The cross-cultural adaptation process of the Dysfunctional Voiding Symptom Score questionnaire to be used on Brazilian children was successfully completed following internationally accepted methodologies.

Is continent urinary diversion feasible in children under five years of age?

Purpose: To review our clinical experience with urinary continent catheterizable reservoir in children under five years of age. Materials and Methods: A total of 23 patients (16 males, 7 females) with a median age of 3.64 years were evaluated. Among these, 6 (26.08 percent) had a posterior urethral valve, 9 (39.13 percent) myelomeningocele, 4 (17.39 percent) bladder exstrophy, 2 (8.69 percent) genitourinary rabdomyosarcoma, 1 (4.34 percent) had spinal tumor and 1 (4.34 percent) an ano-rectal anomaly. Results: Perioperative complications were observed in four patients consisting of one febrile urinary tract infection, one partial operative wound dehiscence, one partial stomal dehiscence and one vesico-cutaneous fistula after a secondary exstrophy repair. The overall long-term complications rate was 40.90 percent and consisted of two stomal stenoses (9.09 percent), one neobladder mucosal extrusion (4.54 percent), three neobladder calculi (13.63 percent) and persistence of urinary incontinence in three patients (13.63 percent). The overall surgical revision was 36.36 percent and final continence rate was 95.45 percent with mean follow-up of 39.95 months Conclusion: Continent urinary diversion is technically feasible even in small children, with acceptable rates of complications.