Fatores preditores do desfecho do Teste de Provocação Oral na Alergia à Proteína do Leite de Vaca: in natura vs. alimentos processados / Predictors of the outcome of the Oral Food Challenge for Cow's Milk Protein Allergy: raw vs. processed foods

Objetivos: Descrever uma população de crianças com alergia à proteína do leite de vaca (APLV) IgE mediada, submetidas ao teste de provocação oral (TPO) com alimentos processados vs. in natura, e comparar características clínico-epidemiológicas e laboratoriais, avaliando preditores de desfecho ao uso dessas diferentes apresentações de proteína. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado em ambulatório de alergia de um hospital terciário em Fortaleza, Ceará. A coleta dos dados foi realizada entre outubro de 2018 a setembro de 2019. O questionário foi preenchido com os dados epidemiológicos, clínicos e laboratoriais encontrados no prontuário; amostra total de 49 crianças, com APLV IgE mediada tolerantes ao TPO com alimentos processados ou in natura. Resultados: Na comparação das características clinico-epidemiológicas das populações tolerantes a alimentos in natura vs. processados (respectivamente), a maioria apresentou dados semelhantes, como sexo masculino (60% vs. 57,9%), etnia parda (73,3% vs. 68,4%), idade gestacional a termo (80% vs. 77,8%), sem intercorrências durante a gestação (58,3% vs. 80,0%) ou parto (70% vs. 78,9), média de idade materna (32 anos vs. 35 anos), escolaridade materna (ensino médio completo - 43,3% vs. 47,4%), idade de início dos sintomas de APLV entre 1 e 6 meses (76,7% vs. 68,4%), aleitamento materno exclusivo entre 4 e 6 meses (60% vs. 68,45%), histórico de alergia familiar alimentar (73% vs. 68,4%), sendo as principais comorbidades alérgicas as respiratórias (38,9% vs. 35,7%) e alimentares (38,9% vs. 35,7%). Em relação aos dados laboratoriais, a maioria das frações de proteína no grupo tolerante a alimentos in natura e a alimentos processados apresentou valores ≤ 10 kU/L. Foi constatado que a idade materna (p = 0,006) e a idade de introdução de fórmula complementar (p = 0.020) se correlacionam de forma estatisticamente significante no grupo de pacientes tolerantes a alimentos processados. Conclusões: Foi observado que a idade materna (p = 0,006) e a idade de introdução de fórmula complementar (p=0.020) se correlacionam de forma estatisticamente significante no grupo de pacientes tolerantes alimentos processados. Os dados laboratoriais seguiram distribuição proporcionais entre os dois grupos, com maior frequência de valores ≤ 10 kU/L para todas as frações de proteína do leite de vaca, sem significância estatística. Estudos populacionais semelhantes em populações APLV IgE mediada são importantes para caracterizar melhor esse fenótipo e otimizar ferramentas diagnósticas e protocolos de tratamento. Destaca-se também o papel da terapia baked, que auxilia na aquisição de tolerância a diferentes apresentações da PLV de forma mais breve, melhorando, portanto, a qualidade de vida desses pacientes (AU)

Objectives: To describe the population of children with IgE-mediated CMPA tolerant to processed or raw CMP in the OFC, comparing their clinical, epidemiological and laboratory characteristics and evaluating the possible predictors of outcomes associated with these different presentations of CMP. Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out in an allergy clinic of a tertiary hospital in Fortaleza, Ceará. Data collection was carried out between October 2018 and September 2019. The questionnaire was filled out with epidemiological, clinical and laboratory data found in the medical records. The total sample was composed of 49 children with IgE-mediated CMPA tolerant to processed or raw foods in the OFC. Results: The comparison of the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of populations tolerant to raw foods vs. processed (respectively) showed similarities, such as the predominance of the male gender (60% vs. 57.9%); mixed ethnicity (73.3% vs. 68.4%); delivery at term (80% vs. 77 .8%); no complications during pregnancy (58.3% vs. 80.0%) or childbirth (70% vs. 78.9); mean maternal age (32 years vs. 35 years); level of education of the mothers (complete high school - 43.3% vs. 47.4%); age of onset of CMPA symptoms between 1 and 6 months (76.7% vs. 68.4%); exclusive breastfeeding for 4 to 6 months (60% vs. 68.45%); family history of food allergy (73% vs. 68.4%); and respiratory (38.9% vs. 35.7%) and food allergies (38.9% vs. 35.7%) as the main allergic comorbidities. Regarding laboratory data, most protein fractions had values ≤ 10 kU/L in both groups. It was found that maternal age (p = 0.006) and age of introduction of formula (p = 0.020) were statistically significant in the group of patients tolerant to processed foods. Conclusions: It was observed that maternal age (p = 0.006) and age of introduction of formula (p = 0.020) were statistically significant in the group of patients tolerant to processed foods. Laboratory data were proportionally distributed across the two groups, with a higher frequency of values lower than or equal to 10 kU/L for all CMP fractions, with no statistical significance between the groups. Similar population studies in IgE-mediated CMPA populations are important to better characterize this phenotype and optimize diagnostic tools and treatment protocols. The role of baked therapy is also noteworthy, as it helps patients to develop tolerance to different presentations of CMP more quickly, improving their quality of life (AU)

Fatores preditores do desfecho do Teste de Provocação Oral na Alergia à Proteína do Leite de Vaca: in natura vs. alimentos processados / Predictors of the outcome of the Oral Food Challenge for Cow's Milk Protein Allergy: raw vs. processed foods

RESUMO: Objetivos: Descrever uma população de crianças com alergia à proteína do leite de vaca (APLV) IgE mediada, submetidas ao teste de provocação oral (TPO) com alimentos processados vs. in natura, e comparar características clínico-epidemiológicas e laboratoriais, avaliando preditores de desfecho ao uso dessas diferentes apresentações de proteína. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado em ambulatório de alergia de um hospital terciário em Fortaleza, Ceará. A coleta dos dados foi realizada entre outubro de 2018 a setembro de 2019. O questionário foi preenchido com os dados epidemiológicos, clínicos e laboratoriais encontrados no prontuário; amostra total de 49 crianças, com APLV IgE mediada tolerantes ao TPO com alimentos processados ou in natura. Resultados: Na comparação das características clinico-epidemiológicas das populações tolerantes a alimentos in natura vs. processados (respectivamente), a maioria apresentou dados semelhantes, como sexo masculino (60% vs. 57,9%), etnia parda (73,3% vs. 68,4%), idade gestacional a termo (80% vs. 77,8%), sem intercorrências durante a gestação (58,3% vs. 80,0%) ou parto (70% vs. 78,9), média de idade materna (32 anos vs. 35 anos), escolaridade materna (ensino médio completo - 43,3% vs. 47,4%), idade de início dos sintomas de APLV entre 1 e 6 meses (76,7% vs. 68,4%), aleitamento materno exclusivo entre 4 e 6 meses (60% vs. 68,45%), histórico de alergia familiar alimentar (73% vs. 68,4%), sendo as principais comorbidades alérgicas as respiratórias (38,9% vs. 35,7%) e alimentares (38,9% vs. 35,7%). Em relação aos dados laboratoriais, a maioria das frações de proteína no grupo tolerante a alimentos in natura e a alimentos processados apresentou valores ≤ 10 kU/L. Foi constatado que a idade materna (p = 0,006) e a idade de introdução de fórmula complementar (p = 0.020) se correlacionam de forma estatisticamente significante no grupo de pacientes tolerantes a alimentos processados. Conclusões: Foi observado que a idade materna (p = 0,006) e a idade de introdução de fórmula complementar (p=0.020) se correlacionam de forma estatisticamente significante no grupo de pacientes tolerantes alimentos processados. Os dados laboratoriais seguiram distribuição proporcionais entre os dois grupos, com maior frequência de valores ≤ 10 kU/L para todas as frações de proteína do leite de vaca, sem significância estatística. Estudos populacionais semelhantes em populações APLV IgE mediada são importantes para caracterizar melhor esse fenótipo e otimizar ferramentas diagnósticas e protocolos de tratamento. Destaca-se também o papel da terapia baked, que auxilia na aquisição de tolerância a diferentes apresentações da PLV de forma mais breve, melhorando, portanto, a qualidade de vida desses pacientes. (AU)

ABSTRACS: Objectives: To describe the population of children with IgE-mediated CMPA tolerant to processed or raw CMP in the OFC, comparing their clinical, epidemiological and laboratory characteristics and evaluating the possible predictors of outcomes associated with these different presentations of CMP. Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out in an allergy clinic of a tertiary hospital in Fortaleza, Ceará. Data collection was carried out between October 2018 and September 2019. The questionnaire was filled out with epidemiological, clinical and laboratory data found in the medical records. The total sample was composed of 49 children with IgE-mediated CMPA tolerant to processed or raw foods in the OFC. Results: The comparison of the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of populations tolerant to raw foods vs. processed (respectively) showed similarities, such as the predominance of the male gender (60% vs. 57.9%); mixed ethnicity (73.3% vs. 68.4%); delivery at term (80% vs. 77 .8%); no complications during pregnancy (58.3% vs. 80.0%) or childbirth (70% vs. 78.9); mean maternal age (32 years vs. 35 years); level of education of the mothers (complete high school - 43.3% vs. 47.4%); age of onset of CMPA symptoms between 1 and 6 months (76.7% vs. 68.4%); exclusive breastfeeding for 4 to 6 months (60% vs. 68.45%); family history of food allergy (73% vs. 68.4%); and respiratory (38.9% vs. 35.7%) and food allergies (38.9% vs. 35.7%) as the main allergic comorbidities. Regarding laboratory data, most protein fractions had values ≤ 10 kU/L in both groups. It was found that maternal age (p = 0.006) and age of introduction of formula (p = 0.020) were statistically significant in the group of patients tolerant to processed foods. Conclusions: It was observed that maternal age (p = 0.006) and age of introduction of formula (p = 0.020) were statistically significant in the group of patients tolerant to processed foods. Laboratory data were proportionally distributed across the two groups, with a higher frequency of values lower than or equal to 10 kU/L for all CMP fractions, with no statistical significance between the groups. Similar population studies in IgE-mediated CMPA populations are important to better characterize this phenotype and optimize diagnostic tools and treatment protocols. The role of baked therapy is also noteworthy, as it helps patients to develop tolerance to different presentations of CMP more quickly, improving their quality of life. (AU)

Doppler abnormalities and perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with early-onset fetal growth restriction.

OBJECTIVE: To compare Doppler alterations and perinatal outcomes in pregnant women who evolved with early- and late-onset fetal growth restriction (FGR). METHODS: A retrospective, observational cohort study with pregnant women who evolved with FGR treated between January 2018 and April 2019, in which all live births from singleton pregnancies, over 24 weeks, with FGR ultrasound diagnosis and under 2700 g weight were included in the study. RESULTS: Pregnancies with early-onset FGR were more associated with hypertensive disorders (p = .00) and placental vascular insufficiency, resulting in a high degree of umbilical artery Doppler involvement (p = .00) in a short period of pregnancy and higher rates of adverse perinatal outcomes (p = .00). The time of prenatal follow-up of early- and late-onset FGR cases was similar, but the degree of prematurity of the former made the evolution more unfavorable. CONCLUSION: Early-onset FGR had a lower prevalence but was associated with higher maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality than late-onset FGR.

COVID-19 Treatment: Drug Safety Prior to Conception and During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding.

In December 2019, a new viral respiratory infection known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first diagnosed in the city of Wuhan, China. COVID-19 quickly spread across the world, leading the World Health Organization to declare it a pandemic on March 11, 2020. The disease is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a similar virus to those involved in other epidemics such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Epidemiological studies have shown that COVID-19 frequently affects young adults of reproductive age and that the elderly and patients with chronic disease have high mortality rates. Little is known about the impact of COVID-19 on pregnancy and breastfeeding. Most COVID-19 cases present with mild flu-like symptoms and only require treatment with symptomatic relief medications, whereas other cases with COVID-19 require treatment in an intensive care unit. There is currently no specific effective treatment for COVID-19. A large number of drugs are being used to fight infection by SARS-CoV-2. Experience with this therapeutic arsenal has been gained over the years in the treatment of other viral, autoimmune, parasitic, and bacterial diseases. Importantly, the search for an effective treatment for COVID-19 cannot expose pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 to the potential teratogenic risks of these drugs. Therefore, it is necessary to determine and understand the safety of anti-COVID-19 therapies prior to conception and during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Coccidioidomycosis in a reference center in Northeast Brazil: clinical/epidemiological profile and most common radiological findings.

INTRODUCTION: Coccidioidomycosis, a disease caused by Coccidioides immitis or Coccidioides posadasii, is endemic in arid climatic regions in Northeast Brazil. Its prevalence is higher among young adult males living in rural areas. Existing literature about this disease in Ceará, a Northeast Brazilian state, are scarce. Here, we aimed to outline the clinical and epidemiological profiles, radiological patterns, and therapeutic responses of patients with coccidioidomycosis in a reference center in Ceará, Brazil. METHODS: This is a descriptive study with quantitative analysis. Patients who underwent medical follow-up in São José Hospital of Infectious Diseases and received confirmed mycological diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis between January, 2007 and December 2017 were included. Epidemiological, clinical, radiological, and therapeutic response data were collected from medical charts. RESULTS: Thirty patients were included. The patients were males with median age of 30 years, and 73% were considered to have high-risk exposure to Coccidioides owing to professional activities. Cough (96.7%), dyspnea (63.3%), fever (86.7%), and pleuritic pain (60%) were the most prevalent clinical manifestations. Interstitial pattern (91.3%) was the most frequent pulmonary radiological finding. Fluconazole, amphotericin B, and itraconazole were administered for treatment (in 82.1%, 42.8%, and 21.4% of cases, respectively). A favorable outcome was observed in 83.8% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Coccidioidomycosis was more prevalent in the central and southern regions of the State of Ceará. Understanding the local epidemiology and clinical manifestations of the disease, in addition to the pulmonary radiologic findings, may aid the early detection of coccidioidomycosis and facilitate early diagnosis.

Coccidioidomycosis in a reference center in Northeast Brazil: clinical/epidemiological profile and most common radiological findings

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Coccidioidomycosis, a disease caused by Coccidioides immitis or Coccidioides posadasii, is endemic in arid climatic regions in Northeast Brazil. Its prevalence is higher among young adult males living in rural areas. Existing literature about this disease in Ceará, a Northeast Brazilian state, are scarce. Here, we aimed to outline the clinical and epidemiological profiles, radiological patterns, and therapeutic responses of patients with coccidioidomycosis in a reference center in Ceará, Brazil. METHODS This is a descriptive study with quantitative analysis. Patients who underwent medical follow-up in São José Hospital of Infectious Diseases and received confirmed mycological diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis between January, 2007 and December 2017 were included. Epidemiological, clinical, radiological, and therapeutic response data were collected from medical charts. RESULTS Thirty patients were included. The patients were males with median age of 30 years, and 73% were considered to have high-risk exposure to Coccidioides owing to professional activities. Cough (96.7%), dyspnea (63.3%), fever (86.7%), and pleuritic pain (60%) were the most prevalent clinical manifestations. Interstitial pattern (91.3%) was the most frequent pulmonary radiological finding. Fluconazole, amphotericin B, and itraconazole were administered for treatment (in 82.1%, 42.8%, and 21.4% of cases, respectively). A favorable outcome was observed in 83.8% of patients. CONCLUSIONS Coccidioidomycosis was more prevalent in the central and southern regions of the State of Ceará. Understanding the local epidemiology and clinical manifestations of the disease, in addition to the pulmonary radiologic findings, may aid the early detection of coccidioidomycosis and facilitate early diagnosis.