[Avoidability of fetal deaths: reflections on the Brazilian List of Avoidable Causes of Deaths through interventions by the Brazilian Unified National Health System]. / Evitabilidade de óbitos fetais: reflexões sobre a Lista Brasileira de Causas de Mortes Evitáveis por intervenção do Sistema Único de Saúde.

Although the Brazilian List of Avoidable Causes of Deaths (LBE in Portuguese), in its version for children under 5 years of age (LBE < 5), does not include stillbirths, some studies have used the list with or without adaptations. We present a proposal for adaptation of the LBE for stillbirths (LBE-OF in Portuguese) and the results of its application to stillbirths in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2018, compared to the results with LBE < 5. We reviewed the categories from the 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) in the LBE < 5 and reassigned them in the avoidability groups, according to time of death in relation to delivery and the causes consistent with stillbirths. Conditions that did not elucidate the determinants of death were allocated as ill-defined causes. Stillbirths in the State of Rio de Janeiro, selected from the databases of the Mortality Information System (SIM in Portuguese), were classified according to LBE-OF and LBE < 5. When classifying the 2,585 stillbirths that occurred in the State of Rio de Janeiro in 2018, we found that according to LBE < 5, there were predominantly causes "reducible by adequate care in labor and delivery" (42.9%), while according to LBE-OF, the most frequent causes were "reducible by adequate care for during pregnancy" (43.6%). Ill-defined causes ranked second according to the LBE-OF (35.4%) and third according to LBE < 5. Some 30% of stillbirths changed groups and subgroups of avoidability, showing greater consistency with the profile of obstetric care. Although identifying a higher percentage of ill-defined causes, the LBE-OF is more consistent with the pathophysiology of fetal deaths. The inclusion of stillbirths in the SIM would be a positive step in monitoring and upgrading the investigation of causes of fetal death.

Apesar da Lista Brasileira de Causas de Morte Evitáveis (LBE), na sua versão para crianças menores de 5 anos (LBE < 5), não contemplar óbitos fetais, alguns estudos a utilizaram sem ou com poucas adaptações. Apresentamos uma proposta de adaptação da LBE para óbitos fetais (LBE-OF) e os resultados de sua aplicação aos óbitos fetais no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, em 2018, comparados aos da LBE < 5. Revisamos as categorias da 10ª revisão da Classificação Internacional de Doenças (CID-10) presentes na LBE < 5 e as realocamos nos grupos de evitabilidade, segundo momento do óbito em relação ao parto e as causas condizentes com óbitos fetais. Condições que não esclarecem os determinantes do óbito foram alocadas como causas mal definidas. Óbitos fetais no Estado do Rio de Janeiro - selecionados das bases do Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade (SIM) - foram classificados segundo LBE-OF e a LBE < 5. Ao classificar os 2.585 óbitos fetais do Estado do Rio de Janeiro ocorridos em 2018, observou-se que, segundo a LBE < 5, predominariam causas "reduzíveis por adequada atenção ao parto" (42,9%), já pela LBE-OF, aquelas "reduzíveis por adequada atenção à mulher na gestação" foram as mais frequentes (43,6%). As causas mal definidas ocuparam a segunda posição segundo a LBE-OF (35,4%) e a terceira posição segundo LBE < 5. Cerca de 30% dos óbitos fetais mudaram de grupos e subgrupos de evitabilidade, mostrando maior coerência com o perfil de atenção obstétrica. Embora identificando um maior percentual de causas mal definidas, a LBE-OF coaduna-se mais com a fisiopatologia dos óbitos fetais. Sua inserção no SIM avançaria no sentido de monitorar e qualificar a investigação de causas de morte fetal.

A pesar de que la Lista Brasileña de Causas de Muerte Evitables (LBE), en su versión para niños menores de 5 años (LBE < 5), no contemple los óbitos fetales, algunos estudios la utilizaron sin o con pocas adaptaciones. Presentamos una propuesta de adaptación de la LBE para óbitos fetales (LBE-OF) y los resultados de su aplicación a óbitos fetales en el Estado de Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, en 2018, comparados con los de la LBE < 5. Revisamos las categorías de la 10ª revisión de la Clasificación Internacional de Enferemedades (CIE-10) presentes en la LBE < 5, y las asignamos en los grupos de evitabilidad, según el momento del óbito, en relación con el parto y las causas acordes con óbitos fetales. Las condiciones que no aclararon los determinantes del óbito fueron asignadas como causas mal definidas. Los óbitos fetales del Estado de Río de Janeiro -seleccionados de las bases del Sistema de Información sobre Mortalidad (SIM)- se clasificaron según el LBE-OF y la LBE < 5. Al clasificar los 2.585 óbitos fetales del Estado de Rio de Janeiro ocurridos en 2018, se observó que, según la LBE < 5 años, predominarían causas "reducibles por una adecuada atención al parto" (42,9%), mientras que por la LBE-OF, aquellas "reducibles por una adecuada atención a la mujer en la gestación" fueron las más frecuentes (43,6%). Las causas mal definidas ocuparon la segunda posición según la LBE-OF (35,4%), y la tercera posición según LBE < 5. Cerca de un 30% de los óbitos fetales cambiaron de grupos y subgrupos de evitabilidad, mostrando una mayor coherencia con el perfil de atención obstétrica. A pesar de haberse identificado un mayor porcentaje de causas mal definidas, la LBE-OF es más compatible con la fisiopatología de los óbitos fetales. Su inserción en el SIM avanzaría en el sentido de monitorear y calificar la investigación de causas de muerte fetal.

Evitabilidade de óbitos fetais: reflexões sobre a Lista Brasileira de Causas de Mortes Evitáveis por intervenção do Sistema Único de Saúde / Avoidability of fetal deaths: reflections on the Brazilian List of Avoidable Causes of Deaths through interventions by the Brazilian Unified National Health System / Evitabilidad de óbitos fetales: reflexiones sobre la Lista Brasileña de Causas de Muertes Evitables por intervención del Sistema Único de Salud

Resumo: Apesar da Lista Brasileira de Causas de Morte Evitáveis (LBE), na sua versão para crianças menores de 5 anos (LBE < 5), não contemplar óbitos fetais, alguns estudos a utilizaram sem ou com poucas adaptações. Apresentamos uma proposta de adaptação da LBE para óbitos fetais (LBE-OF) e os resultados de sua aplicação aos óbitos fetais no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, em 2018, comparados aos da LBE < 5. Revisamos as categorias da 10ª revisão da Classificação Internacional de Doenças (CID-10) presentes na LBE < 5 e as realocamos nos grupos de evitabilidade, segundo momento do óbito em relação ao parto e as causas condizentes com óbitos fetais. Condições que não esclarecem os determinantes do óbito foram alocadas como causas mal definidas. Óbitos fetais no Estado do Rio de Janeiro - selecionados das bases do Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade (SIM) - foram classificados segundo LBE-OF e a LBE < 5. Ao classificar os 2.585 óbitos fetais do Estado do Rio de Janeiro ocorridos em 2018, observou-se que, segundo a LBE < 5, predominariam causas "reduzíveis por adequada atenção ao parto" (42,9%), já pela LBE-OF, aquelas "reduzíveis por adequada atenção à mulher na gestação" foram as mais frequentes (43,6%). As causas mal definidas ocuparam a segunda posição segundo a LBE-OF (35,4%) e a terceira posição segundo LBE < 5. Cerca de 30% dos óbitos fetais mudaram de grupos e subgrupos de evitabilidade, mostrando maior coerência com o perfil de atenção obstétrica. Embora identificando um maior percentual de causas mal definidas, a LBE-OF coaduna-se mais com a fisiopatologia dos óbitos fetais. Sua inserção no SIM avançaria no sentido de monitorar e qualificar a investigação de causas de morte fetal.

Abstract: Although the Brazilian List of Avoidable Causes of Deaths (LBE in Portuguese), in its version for children under 5 years of age (LBE < 5), does not include stillbirths, some studies have used the list with or without adaptations. We present a proposal for adaptation of the LBE for stillbirths (LBE-OF in Portuguese) and the results of its application to stillbirths in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2018, compared to the results with LBE < 5. We reviewed the categories from the 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) in the LBE < 5 and reassigned them in the avoidability groups, according to time of death in relation to delivery and the causes consistent with stillbirths. Conditions that did not elucidate the determinants of death were allocated as ill-defined causes. Stillbirths in the State of Rio de Janeiro, selected from the databases of the Mortality Information System (SIM in Portuguese), were classified according to LBE-OF and LBE < 5. When classifying the 2,585 stillbirths that occurred in the State of Rio de Janeiro in 2018, we found that according to LBE < 5, there were predominantly causes "reducible by adequate care in labor and delivery" (42.9%), while according to LBE-OF, the most frequent causes were "reducible by adequate care for during pregnancy" (43.6%). Ill-defined causes ranked second according to the LBE-OF (35.4%) and third according to LBE < 5. Some 30% of stillbirths changed groups and subgroups of avoidability, showing greater consistency with the profile of obstetric care. Although identifying a higher percentage of ill-defined causes, the LBE-OF is more consistent with the pathophysiology of fetal deaths. The inclusion of stillbirths in the SIM would be a positive step in monitoring and upgrading the investigation of causes of fetal death.

Resumo: A pesar de que la Lista Brasileña de Causas de Muerte Evitables (LBE), en su versión para niños menores de 5 años (LBE < 5), no contemple los óbitos fetales, algunos estudios la utilizaron sin o con pocas adaptaciones. Presentamos una propuesta de adaptación de la LBE para óbitos fetales (LBE-OF) y los resultados de su aplicación a óbitos fetales en el Estado de Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, en 2018, comparados con los de la LBE < 5. Revisamos las categorías de la 10ª revisión de la Clasificación Internacional de Enferemedades (CIE-10) presentes en la LBE < 5, y las asignamos en los grupos de evitabilidad, según el momento del óbito, en relación con el parto y las causas acordes con óbitos fetales. Las condiciones que no aclararon los determinantes del óbito fueron asignadas como causas mal definidas. Los óbitos fetales del Estado de Río de Janeiro -seleccionados de las bases del Sistema de Información sobre Mortalidad (SIM)- se clasificaron según el LBE-OF y la LBE < 5. Al clasificar los 2.585 óbitos fetales del Estado de Rio de Janeiro ocurridos en 2018, se observó que, según la LBE < 5 años, predominarían causas "reducibles por una adecuada atención al parto" (42,9%), mientras que por la LBE-OF, aquellas "reducibles por una adecuada atención a la mujer en la gestación" fueron las más frecuentes (43,6%). Las causas mal definidas ocuparon la segunda posición según la LBE-OF (35,4%), y la tercera posición según LBE < 5. Cerca de un 30% de los óbitos fetales cambiaron de grupos y subgrupos de evitabilidad, mostrando una mayor coherencia con el perfil de atención obstétrica. A pesar de haberse identificado un mayor porcentaje de causas mal definidas, la LBE-OF es más compatible con la fisiopatología de los óbitos fetales. Su inserción en el SIM avanzaría en el sentido de monitorear y calificar la investigación de causas de muerte fetal.

Should arboviruses be the only diagnosis hypothesis in pregnant women in endemic areas presenting with a rash?

Listeria is an unusual pathogen that causes neonatal infection with high morbidity and mortality. We present the case of a premature newborn whose mother had a rash during pregnancy; the newborn had severe early sepsis because of Listeria monocytogenes and histopathologically suggestive findings of the placenta. Obstetricians and neonatologists should suspect listeriosis in cases with compatible epidemiological history, clinical features, and examination findings of the placenta.

Should arboviruses be the only diagnosis hypothesis in pregnant women in endemic areas presenting with a rash?

Abstract Listeria is an unusual pathogen that causes neonatal infection with high morbidity and mortality. We present the case of a premature newborn whose mother had a rash during pregnancy; the newborn had severe early sepsis because of Listeria monocytogenes and histopathologically suggestive findings of the placenta. Obstetricians and neonatologists should suspect listeriosis in cases with compatible epidemiological history, clinical features, and examination findings of the placenta.

Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia after Ectopic Molar Pregnancy: Clinical, Diagnostic, and Therapeutic Aspects.

This report presents the case of a patient with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia after a partial hydatidiform mole formed in the Fallopian tube. Ectopic molar pregnancy is a rare condition, with an estimated incidence of 1 in every 20,000 to 100,000 pregnancies; less than 300 cases of it have been reported in the Western literature. The present report is important because it presents current diagnostic criteria for this rare condition, which has been incorrectly diagnosed in the past, not only morphologically but also immunohistochemically. It also draws the attention of obstetricians to the occurrence of ectopic molar pregnancy, which tends to progress to Fallopian tube rupture more often than in cases of ectopic non-molar pregnancy. Progression to gestational trophoblastic neoplasia ensures that patients with ectopic molar pregnancy must undergo postmolar monitoring, which must be just as thorough as that of patients with intrauterine hydatidiform moles, even if chemotherapy results in high cure rates.

Esse relato apresenta um caso de neoplasia trofoblástica gestacional após mola hidatiforme parcial ocorrida na tuba uterina. Trata-se de uma associação rara, cuja incidência estima-se de 1 em cada 20.000 a 100.000 gestações, havendo menos de 300 casos apresentados na literatura ocidental. O tema é importante porque apresenta critérios diagnósticos atuais para essa ocorrência incomum, que vinha sendo diagnosticada equivocadamente, não apenas sob o ponto de vista morfológico, como também imunohistoquímico. Da mesma forma, alerta o obstetra para a ocorrência da gravidez molar ectópica, que tende a evoluir com rotura tubária mais frequentemente do que os casos de gravidez ectópica não molar. Por fim, a evolução do caso para neoplasia trofoblástica gestacional impõe às pacientes com gravidez ectópica molar a necessidade de seguimento pós-molar tão rigoroso quanto nos casos de mola hidatiforme intrauterina, ainda que o tratamento quimioterápico determine elevadas taxas de cura.

Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia after ectopic molar pregnancy: clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects / Neoplasia trofoblástica gestacional após gestaçãomolar ectópica: aspectos clínicos, diagnósticos e terapêuticos

Abstract This report presents the case of a patient with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia after a partial hydatidiform mole formed in the Fallopian tube. Ectopic molar pregnancy is a rare condition, with an estimated incidence of 1 in every 20,000 to 100,000 pregnancies; less than 300 cases of it have been reported in the Western literature. The present report is important because it presents current diagnostic criteria for this rare condition, which has been incorrectly diagnosed in the past, not only morphologically but also immunohistochemically. It also draws the attention of obstetricians to the occurrence of ectopic molar pregnancy, which tends to progress to Fallopian tube rupture more often than in cases of ectopic non-molar pregnancy. Progression to gestational trophoblastic neoplasia ensures that patients with ectopic molar pregnancy must undergo postmolar monitoring, which must be just as thorough as that of patients with intrauterine hydatidiform moles, even if chemotherapy results in high cure rates.

Resumo Esse relato apresenta um caso de neoplasia trofoblástica gestacional após mola hidatiforme parcial ocorrida na tuba uterina. Trata-se de uma associação rara, cuja incidência estima-se de 1 em cada 20.000 a 100.000 gestações, havendomenos de 300 casos apresentados na literatura ocidental. O tema é importante porque apresenta critérios diagnósticos atuais para essa ocorrência incomum, que vinha sendo diagnosticada equivocadamente, não apenas sob o ponto de vista morfológico, como também imunohistoquímico. Da mesma forma, alerta o obstetra para a ocorrência da gravidez molar ectópica, que tende a evoluir com rotura tubária mais frequentemente do que os casos de gravidez ectópica não molar. Por fim, a evolução do caso para neoplasia trofoblástica gestacional impõe às pacientes com gravidez ectópica molar a necessidade de seguimento pós-molar tão rigoroso quanto nos casos de mola hidatiforme intrauterina, ainda que o tratamento quimioterápico determine elevadas taxas de cura.

Dengue infection in pregnancy and its impact on the placenta.

A histopathological and immunohistochemical study was conducted in placental tissues and retained products of conception from 24 patients with confirmed dengue infection during pregnancy. The immunohistochemical assay was positive for dengue virus in 19 placental and three ovular remnants analyzed. The light microscopic findings were signs of hypoxia, choriodeciduitis, deciduitis and intervillositis and the viral antigens were found in cytoplasmic of the trophoblast, villous stroma and decidua. Our results suggest that immunohistochemistry could be used as a laboratory confirmation method for dengue in pregnant women, especially in endemic areas when embedded material is the only material available.

DENGUE DURING PREGNANCY: ASSOCIATION WITH LOW BIRTH WEIGHT AND PREMATURITY.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dengue virus infection during pregnancy and its correlation with low birth weight, prematurity, and asphyxia. A non-concurrent cohort study reveals the association of dengue during pregnancy with prematurity and low birth weight, when birth occurred during the maternal-fetal viremia period (p = 0.016 and p < 0.0001, respectively).

DENGUE DURING PREGNANCY: ASSOCIATION WITH LOW BIRTH WEIGHT AND PREMATURITY

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dengue virus infection during pregnancy and its correlation with low birth weight, prematurity, and asphyxia. A non-concurrent cohort study reveals the association of dengue during pregnancy with prematurity and low birth weight, when birth occurred during the maternal-fetal viremia period (p = 0.016 and p < 0.0001, respectively).

Breast cancer and neurofibromatosis type 1: a diagnostic challenge in patients with a high number of neurofibromas.

BACKGROUND: Neurofibromatosis 1 is one of the most common genetic diseases in humans, presenting with multiple neurofibromas and an increased risk of various benign and malignant tumors, including breast cancer. CASE PRESENTATION: In this paper we report a case of a woman with neurofibromatosis 1 and the challenge associated with detecting an advanced breast cancer because of numerous skin neurofibromas, which were responsible for a substantial delay in cancer diagnosis. Literature concerning the association of neurofibromatosis 1 and breast cancer is reviewed and discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Best practice guidelines for breast cancer detection are not sufficient for the screening of neurofibromatosis 1 carriers. A more intensive clinical and imaging approach should be used if the same early detection rate as in non-neurofibromatosis 1 women is to be achieved.

Anatomopathological characterization of placentas from HIV+ patients associated with p24 expression / Caracterização anatomopatológica da placenta de pacientes HIV+ associada à expressão do p24

INTRODUCTION: The study of placentas from pregnant human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive women has become the subject of numerous studies in the literature. Morphological, viral, immune and inflammatory placental aspects have been analyzed in order to grasp the vertical transmission of the virus. OBJECTIVE: To identify the most frequent findings in the placentas by associating them with a viral antigen and correlating them with the infection of newborns. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-five placentas from HIV- positive pregnant women were pathologically and immunohistochemically analyzed with the use of p24 antibody in the period from 1992 to1997 in accordance with the routine laboratory testing from the Anatomopathological Department - Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro - Universidade Federal Fluminense (APD/HUAP/UFF). RESULTS: The microscopic alterations detected in all cases, including those with vertical transmission, were arteriopathy in the fetal blood circulation, chorioamnionitis, perivillous fibrin deposition, syncytial knotting, villous edema and villous immaturity. No specific macroscopic or histopathological changes were found in these placentas. The neonatal infection was observed in five cases. Vertical transmission was identified in two out of five placentas that had low weight for the respective stage of pregnancy. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed 14 positive cases, two of which showed vertical transmission. The viral protein was not identified in 10 out of 14 placentas from patients who had been medicated with zidovudine (AZT). CONCLUSION: Our study has contributed to the anatomopathological investigation into placentas from HIV-positive patients, although p24 expression per se did not allow a definite and early diagnosis of the vertical transmission.

INTRODUÇÃO: A importância do estudo da placenta de gestantes com o vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV) soropositivas tornou-se alvo de inúmeros trabalhos na literatura. Aspectos morfológicos, virais, imunes e inflamatórios intrínsecos ao tecido placentário foram analisados para o entendimento da transmissão vertical do vírus. OBJETIVO: Identificar as lesões mais frequentes nas placentas, associando-as ao antígeno viral e correlacionando-as com a infecção dos recém-nascidos. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Trinta e cinco placentas de gestantes HIV soropositivas foram analisadas por estudo anatomopatológico e imuno-histoquímico, utilizando o anticorpo p24, no período de 1992 a 1997, segundo a rotina do laboratório do Serviço Anatomia Patológica/Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro/Universidade Federal Fluminense (SAP/HUAP/UFF). RESULTADOS: As alterações microscópicas registradas em todos os casos, inclusive nos de transmissão vertical, foram arteriopatia no circuito vascular fetal, corionamnionite, depósito fibrinoide perivilositário, excesso de nós sinciciais, edema do estroma viloso e dismaturidade vilosa. Nenhuma alteração microscópica ou macroscópica específica do HIV foi encontrada nas placentas. A infecção neonatal pôde ser constatada em cinco casos. A transmissão vertical foi identificada em duas placentas entre cinco que tinham baixo peso para a idade gestacional. Análise da imuno-histoquímica do p24 mostrou 14 casos positivos, dois dos quais apresentaram transmissão vertical. A proteína viral não foi identificada em 10 das 14 placentas cujas pacientes foram medicadas com zidovudina (AZT). CONCLUSÃO: Nosso estudo contribuiu para o estudo anatomopatológico da placenta de pacientes soropositivas para o HIV, porém a expressão do p24 por si só não permitiu um diagnóstico definitivo e precoce da transmissão vertical.

Alterações hepáticas de abortos e lactentes de mães com HIV / Hepatic changes in abortions and infants from HIV-positive mothers

São poucos os trabalhos relacionados à investigação das alterações anatomopatológicas das lesões hepáticas em necropsias de abortos, natimortos e crianças procedentes de mães HIV positivas. Objetivo: Descrever as alterações hepáticas em fetos e lactentes procedentes de mães HIV positivas, sob o ponto de vista anatomopatológico, correlacionando-as ao HIV, aos agentes etiológicos causadores de infecções oportunistas e às drogas utilizadas nos diferentes esquemas terapêuticos. Métodos: O material utilizado foi proveniente de 15 necropsias de crianças e 5 abortos realizadas pelo Serviço de Anatomia Patológica do Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro, da Universidade Federal Fluminense, no período de 1986 a 2007. As definições de aborto e lactentes seguem os critérios adotados pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. Foram realizados estudos macroscópicos e microscópicos de fígado, após inclusão em parafina utilizando os corantes hematoxilina e eosina e outros métodos de coloração especial (ácido periódico de Schiff, reticulina, trinômio de Gomory, prata metanamina e Sudan). As necropsias foram completas. Resultados: Foram observadas alterações macroscópicas em 13 casos, em pelo menos um critério, alterações microscópicas compatíveis com esteatose foram observadas em 12, necrose em 7 e colestase em 4 das crianças e natimortos. Dos cinco casos de abortos, dois foram procedentes de mães em tratamento com zidovudina. Todos apresentaram agentes de infecções oportunistas. Conclusão: As alterações hepáticas macroscópicas e microscópicas são importantes nesses pacientes, e parecem não estar relacionadas à alta frequência de infecções oportunistas. Este estudo fornecerá subsídios para a compreensão da patogenia dos acometimentos hepáticos causados pelo vírus HIV, agentes oportunistas e drogas utilizadas na terapia.

There are a few works in the literature concerning pathological and anatomical alterations of hepatic lesions in necropsies of aborts, stillbirths and children from HIV-positive mothers. Objective: To report pathological and anathomical hepatic alterations in fetus and infants from HIV-positive mothers, correlating them with HIV infections, etiologic agents of opportunistic infections and drugs used in different treatments. Methods: necropsy material from 15 children and 5 aborts was obtained from the Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro, Fluminense Federal University, from 1986 to 2007. Aborts, stillbirths and children definitions followed World Health Organization criteria. Macro- and microscopic studies were performed after parafin inclusion with hematoxilin-eosin and other methods (periodic acid-Shiff, reticulin, Gomory's trichrome, silver methenamine, and Sudan stains). All necropsies were completed. Results: Results showed macroscopic changes in 13 cases, at least in one category, and microscopic changes compatible with esteatosis in 12 cases, necrosis in 7 cases, and colestasis in 4 children and stillbirths. Out of five abortions, two were due to mothers using zidovudina. All patients showed opportunistic infection. Conclusion: Macroscopic and microscopic hepatic changes are important in these patients and may not be related to the high frequency of the opportunistic infections. This study will provide subsidies for understanding the pathogenesis of hepatic problems caused by HIV virus, opportunistic agents and drugs used in therapy.

Perinatal transmission of dengue: a report of 7 cases.

Perinatal transmission of dengue virus was confirmed by the evidence of virus in fetal tissue, newborn serum, and placenta of pregnant women. Abortion, several different clinical findings, and placental inflammatory findings were documented. No association was seen between severity of maternal dengue and disease of the newborn.

Mastectomy in the era of implant-based reconstruction: should we be removing the pectoralis fascia?

Though removing of the pectorals fascia has always been routinely performed in modified radical mastectomy for invasive breast cancer, there is no evidence that this routine is justified. The authors present some of the scarce data found in literature, and discuss the advantages of living the pectorals fascia in situ to facilitate implant based reconstruction.

Aspectos fisiológicos do cálcio e sua disfunção em patologias neurodegenerativas / Physiological aspects of calcium and its dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases

O íon cálcio funciona como um segundo mensageiro que regula um amplo espectro de processos celulares. A diminuição ou perda do controle dos mecanismos que regulam a concentração intracelular desse íon está associada, respectivamente, ao envelhecimento dos neurônios e a doenças neurodegenerativas. A gênese dessas modificações é desconhecida. Entretanto, estudos recentes apontam para uma provável correlação entre expressão gênica alterada, estresse do retículo endoplasmático e os processos patológicos associados à disfunção na concentração intracelular de cálcio. O esclarecimento dessas questões poderá trazer novos alvos terapêuticos capazes de frear ou reverter tais alterações, combatendo, dessa forma, tanto o envelhecimento neuronal quanto as doenças neurodegenerativas.

Calcium is a second messenger that regulates a lot of cellular functions. The following mechanisms regulate the intracellular concentrations of the ion: influx, release, extrusion and storage. Decrease or loss in control of these mechanisms is related to aging of neurons and neurodegenerative diseases, respectively. The genesis of these alterations is unknown. However, recent studies point to a correlation between calcium dysfunction and altered gene expression. There is also a correlation between endoplasmic reticulum stress and pathological processes. Further investigations may reveal new therapeutical targets that can block or revert these alterations.

O decréscimo vertiginoso das autópsias em um hospital universitário do Brasil nos últimos 20 anos / The dramatic decline of the autopsies at a Brazilian university hospital in the last 20 years

INTRODUÇÃO: O declínio no número de autópsias em hospitais e instituições universitárias é evento amplamente reportado, inicialmente em países do primeiro mundo e posteriormente em muitos países em desenvolvimento, como o Brasil. As causas para essa tendência são múltiplas e complexas, incluindo aspectos religiosos, familiares e médicos. Entre estes últimos, salientam-se razões diagnósticas, caracterizadas pelo significativo avanço tecnológico na imagenologia, com a suposição de que todos os diagnósticos agora podem ser feitos em vida, e a crescente ansiedade de processos judiciais contra médicos por má prática. OBJETIVO: Demonstrar o decréscimo vertiginoso e drástico do número de autópsias em um hospital universitário no Brasil. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Avaliou-se o número de registros nos livros de autópsias consecutivas realizadas no Departamento de Patologia do Hospital Universitário Antonio Pedro da Universidade Federal Fluminense (HUAP/UFF), Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, criando um banco dados em tabela do programa Microsoft Excel. RESULTADOS: Durante os anos 1966 a 2009, foram realizadas 23.813 necrópsias, sendo 12.702 de adultos e 11.111 de fetos. Entre os anos 1966 e 1998, foram realizadas mais necrópsias, no total de 23.321, sendo 12.482 de adultos e 10.839 de fetos. Já entre os anos 1999 e 2009, foi observado o declínio acentuado e drástico das mesmas, totalizando apenas 492 necrópsias, sendo 220 de adultos e 272 de fetos. CONCLUSÃO: Acreditamos que a principal causa para esse declínio é a pouca informação da população, que desconhece que o saber é fruto de estudo, pesquisa, prática e aprimoramento.

INTRODUCTION: The decline in the number of autopsies at hospitals and university hospitals has been widely reported, initially in developed countries and afterwards in several developing countries including Brazil. The causes for this trend are multiple and complex, encompassing religious, family and medical aspects. Among the latter, we highlight diagnostic reasons, which are characterized by major technological advances in clinical imaging associated with the underlying assumption that all diagnoses can currently be made before death. Furthermore, there is a growing concern about malpractice lawsuits. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the sharp decrease in the number of autopsies at a university hospital in Brazil. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We evaluated the number of autopsies conducted at the Pathology Department of Antonio Pedro University Hospital (HUAP), Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, and a database spreadsheet was created at Microsoft Excel. RESULTS: From 1966 to 2009, 23,813 autopsies were performed, comprising 12,702 adults and 11,111 fetuses. The highest number of autopsies occurred from 1966 to 1998, when 23,321 autopsies were performed, comprising 12,482 adults and 10,839 fetuses. Whereas, there was a dramatic decline from 1999 to 2009, when 492 autopsies were performed, including 220 adults and 272 fetuses. CONCLUSION: We believe that the main cause of this reduction is the lack of information among laypeople and medical professionals, who have neglected the fact that knowledge is ultimately acquired through study, investigation and practice.

Congenital toxoplasmosis transmitted by human immunodeficiency-virus infected women.

We report the occurrence of congenital toxoplasmosis in three infants born to HIV infected women who had high anti-toxoplasma IgG and negative IgM during pregnancy. We briefly reviewed available literature and discussed the possible transmission mechanisms of congenital toxoplasmosis among HIV infected pregnant women. Serum samples were tested for Toxoplasma gondii IgM and IgG antibodies using commercial enzyme immunoassay and IgG-avidity tests. In the first case, fetal death occurred at 28th week of gestation. In the second case, congenital toxoplasmosis was diagnosis at 6th month of life; and in the third case, an HIV-infected newborn, congenital toxoplasmosis was asymptomatic. These cases point out to the possibility of enhanced maternal-fetal transmission of T. gondii infection by HIV-infected women chronically infected, which may have important public health consequences, considering that increasing frequency of HIV-infection has been observed among women of childbearing age around the world.

Congenital toxoplasmosis transmitted by human immunodeficiency-virus infected women

We report the occurrence of congenital toxoplasmosis in three infants born to HIV infected women who had high anti-toxoplasma IgG and negative IgM during pregnancy. We briefly reviewed available literature and discussed the possible transmission mechanisms of congenital toxoplasmosis among HIV infected pregnant women. Serum samples were tested for Toxoplasma gondii IgM and IgG antibodies using commercial enzyme immunoassay and IgG-avidity tests. In the first case, fetal death occurred at 28th week of gestation. In the second case, congenital toxoplasmosis was diagnosis at 6th month of life; and in the third case, an HIV-infected newborn, congenital toxoplasmosis was asymptomatic. These cases point out to the possibility of enhanced maternal-fetal transmission of T. gondii infection by HIV-infected women chronically infected, which may have important public health consequences, considering that increasing frequency of HIV-infection has been observed among women of childbearing age around the world.