Follow-up of patients diagnosed with and treated for tuberculosis in Brazil: financial burden on the household.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the implications of the proportion of annual family income spent in the pre- and post-diagnosis periods in tuberculosis patients followed for after at least one year after completing tuberculosis treatment in Brazil. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of tuberculosis patients followed for at least one year after completing tuberculosis treatment in five Brazilian capitals (one in each region of the country). RESULTS: A total of 62 patients were included in the analysis. The overall average cost of tuberculosis was 283.84 Brazilian reals (R$) in the pre-diagnosis period and R$4,161.86 in the post-diagnosis period. After the costs of tuberculosis disease, 71% of the patients became unemployed, with an overall increase in unemployment; in addition, the number of patients living in nonpoverty decreased by 5%, the number of patients living in poverty increased by 6%, and the number of patients living in extreme poverty increased by 5%. The largest proportion of annual household income to cover the total costs of tuberculosis was for the extremely poor (i.e., 40.37% vs. 11.43% for the less poor). CONCLUSIONS: Policies to mitigate catastrophic costs should include interventions planned by the health care system and social protection measures for tuberculosis patients with lower incomes in order to eliminate the global tuberculosis epidemic by 2035-a WHO goal in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

National Vaccine Coverage Survey 2020: methods and operational aspects.

OBJECTIVE: The national vaccination coverage survey on full vaccination at 12 and 24 months of age was carried out to investigate drops in coverage as of 2016. METHODS: A sample of 37,836 live births from the 2017 or 2018 cohorts living in capital cities, the Federal District, and 12 inner cities with 100 thousand inhabitants were followed for the first 24 months through vaccine record cards. Census tracts stratified according to socioeconomic levels had the same number of children included in each stratum. Coverage for each vaccine, full vaccination at 12 and 24 months and number of doses administered, valid and timely, were calculated. Family, maternal and child factors associated with coverage were surveyed. The reasons for not vaccinating analyzed were: medical contraindications, access difficulties, problems with the program, and vaccine hesitancy. RESULTS: Preliminary results showed that less than 1% of children were not vaccinated, full coverage was less than 75% at all capitals and the Federal District, vaccines requiring more than one dose progressively lost coverage, and there were inequalities among socioeconomic strata, favorable to the highest level in some cities and to the lowest in others. CONCLUSION: There was an actual reduction in full vaccination in all capitals and the Federal District for children born in 2017 and 2018, showing a deteriorating implementation of the National Immunization Program from 2017 to 2019. The survey did not measure the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have further reduced vaccination coverage.

Strategies to approach the judicialization of health in Brazil: an evidence brief. / Estratégias para abordar a Judicialização da Saúde no Brasil: uma síntese de evidências.

This article seeks to identify and discuss evidence-informed options to address the judicialization of health. The Supporting Policy Relevant Reviews and Trials Tools were used to define the problem and the search strategy, which was carried out in the following databases: PubMed, Health Systems Evidence, Campbell, Cochrane Collaboration, Rx for Change Database, and PDQ-Evidence. Selection and assessment of methodological quality was performed by two independent reviewers. The results were presented in a narrative synthesis. This study selected 19 systematic reviews that pointed out four strategies to address the judicialization of health in Brazil: 1) Rapid response service, 2) Continuous education program, 3) Mediation service between the parties involved, and 4) Adoption of a computer-based, online decision-making support tool and patient-mediated interventions. This study therefore presented and characterized four options that can be considered to address the judicialization of health. The implementation of these options must ensure the participation of different actors, reflecting on different contexts and the impact on the health system. The availability of human and financial resources and the training of teams are critical points for the successful implementation of the options.

A fim de identificar e discutir opções informadas por evidências para abordar a judicialização da saúde no Brasil, utilizou-se as Ferramentas SUPPORT (Supporting Policy Relevant Reviews and Trials). A busca foi realizada nas bases PubMed; Health Systems Evidence; Campbell Collaboration; Cochrane Library; Rx for Change Database e PDQ-Evidence. A seleção e avaliação da qualidade metodológica foi feita por dois revisores independentes. Os resultados foram apresentados numa síntese narrativa. Dezenove revisões sistemáticas apontam quatro opções: 1) Serviço de respostas rápidas; 2) Programa de educação permanente; 3) Serviço de mediação entre as partes envolvidas; e 4) Adoção de ferramenta online (baseada em computador) de suporte à decisão e de intervenções mediadas por pacientes. Conclusões: Apresentamos e caracterizamos quatro opções que podem ser consideradas para abordar a judicialização da saúde. A implementação dessas opções deve garantir a participação de diferentes atores, refletindo sobre variados contextos. Recursos humanos e financeiros, capacitação das equipes, são os principais pontos críticos.

Estratégias para abordar a Judicialização da Saúde no Brasil: uma síntese de evidências / Strategies to approach the judicialization of health in Brazil: an evidence brief

Resumo A fim de identificar e discutir opções informadas por evidências para abordar a judicialização da saúde no Brasil, utilizou-se as Ferramentas SUPPORT (Supporting Policy Relevant Reviews and Trials). A busca foi realizada nas bases PubMed; Health Systems Evidence; Campbell Collaboration; Cochrane Library; Rx for Change Database e PDQ-Evidence. A seleção e avaliação da qualidade metodológica foi feita por dois revisores independentes. Os resultados foram apresentados numa síntese narrativa. Dezenove revisões sistemáticas apontam quatro opções: 1) Serviço de respostas rápidas; 2) Programa de educação permanente; 3) Serviço de mediação entre as partes envolvidas; e 4) Adoção de ferramenta online (baseada em computador) de suporte à decisão e de intervenções mediadas por pacientes. Conclusões: Apresentamos e caracterizamos quatro opções que podem ser consideradas para abordar a judicialização da saúde. A implementação dessas opções deve garantir a participação de diferentes atores, refletindo sobre variados contextos. Recursos humanos e financeiros, capacitação das equipes, são os principais pontos críticos.

Abstract This article seeks to identify and discuss evidence-informed options to address the judicialization of health. The Supporting Policy Relevant Reviews and Trials Tools were used to define the problem and the search strategy, which was carried out in the following databases: PubMed, Health Systems Evidence, Campbell, Cochrane Collaboration, Rx for Change Database, and PDQ-Evidence. Selection and assessment of methodological quality was performed by two independent reviewers. The results were presented in a narrative synthesis. This study selected 19 systematic reviews that pointed out four strategies to address the judicialization of health in Brazil: 1) Rapid response service, 2) Continuous education program, 3) Mediation service between the parties involved, and 4) Adoption of a computer-based, online decision-making support tool and patient-mediated interventions. This study therefore presented and characterized four options that can be considered to address the judicialization of health. The implementation of these options must ensure the participation of different actors, reflecting on different contexts and the impact on the health system. The availability of human and financial resources and the training of teams are critical points for the successful implementation of the options.

Competências percebidas na condução de rodas de conversas para a promoção da saúde: relato de experiência / Perceived skills in conducting conversation circles for health promotion: experience report

O estudo discute as competências envolvidas na condução de rodas de conversas. Trata-se de um relato analítico e reflexivo desenvolvido a partir das experiências dos estudantes da disciplina de Promoção da Saúde de um programa de Mestrado Profissional em Saúde da Família, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. As experiências foram registradas no formato de relatórios de experiências e enfatizaram o uso de rodas de conversas em Unidades de Saúde da Família. A partir do corpus documental, foram levantados o público- alvo, temáticas/objetivos e quatro competências aplicadas para o desenvolvimento das rodas de conversa, a saber: aprender a conhecer, aprender a fazer, aprender a conviver, e aprender a ser. Observou-se que o público-alvo e as temáticas desenvolvidas nas rodas de conversas foram relacionados a situação epidemiológica do território. Ainda, foi identificado que a técnica é frequentemente baseada no referencial teórico de Paulo Freire, com etapas sistematizadas. As competências de saber conhecer e saber fazer foram desafiantes. As competências saber conviver e ser destacaram- se positivamente nas experiências descritas. Por fim, as experiências revelaram que há competências que precisam ser aprimoradas para a condução de rodas de conversas, com vistas a alcançar o seu potencial transformador.

Follow-up of patients diagnosed with and treated for tuberculosis in Brazil: financial burden on the household / Acompanhamento de pacientes com diagnóstico e tratamento de tuberculose no Brasil: ônus financeiro para a família

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the implications of the proportion of annual family income spent in the pre- and post-diagnosis periods in tuberculosis patients followed for after at least one year after completing tuberculosis treatment in Brazil. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of tuberculosis patients followed for at least one year after completing tuberculosis treatment in five Brazilian capitals (one in each region of the country). Results: A total of 62 patients were included in the analysis. The overall average cost of tuberculosis was 283.84 Brazilian reals (R$) in the pre-diagnosis period and R$4,161.86 in the post-diagnosis period. After the costs of tuberculosis disease, 71% of the patients became unemployed, with an overall increase in unemployment; in addition, the number of patients living in nonpoverty decreased by 5%, the number of patients living in poverty increased by 6%, and the number of patients living in extreme poverty increased by 5%. The largest proportion of annual household income to cover the total costs of tuberculosis was for the extremely poor (i.e., 40.37% vs. 11.43% for the less poor). Conclusions: Policies to mitigate catastrophic costs should include interventions planned by the health care system and social protection measures for tuberculosis patients with lower incomes in order to eliminate the global tuberculosis epidemic by 2035-a WHO goal in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar as implicações da proporção da renda familiar anual gasta nos períodos pré e pós-diagnóstico em pacientes com tuberculose acompanhados durante pelo menos um ano após o término do tratamento da tuberculose no Brasil. Métodos: Estudo transversal com pacientes com tuberculose acompanhados durante pelo menos um ano após o término do tratamento da tuberculose em cinco capitais brasileiras (uma em cada região do país). Resultados: Foram incluídos na análise 62 pacientes. O custo médio global da tuberculose foi de R$ 283,84 no período pré-diagnóstico e de R$ 4.161,86 no período pós-diagnóstico. Após os custos da doença tuberculosa, 71% dos pacientes ficaram desempregados, com um aumento global do desemprego; além disso, o número de pacientes não pobres diminuiu 5%, o número de pacientes pobres aumentou 6% e o número de pacientes extremamente pobres aumentou 5%. A maior proporção de renda familiar anual para cobrir os custos totais da tuberculose foi observada nos pacientes extremamente pobres (40,37% vs. 11,43% nos menos pobres). Conclusões: As políticas para mitigar os custos catastróficos devem incluir intervenções planejadas pelo sistema de saúde e medidas de proteção social para pacientes de baixa renda com tuberculose, a fim de eliminar a epidemia global de tuberculose até 2035, uma meta da OMS alinhada com os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável propostos pela Organização das Nações Unidas.

Late peripheral facial paralysis after COVID-19: a rapid systematic review and two case reports

Peripheral facial paralysis (PFP) has been shown to be a neurological manifestation of COVID-19. The current study presents two cases of PFP after COVID-19, along with a rapid review of known cases in the literature. Both case reports were conducted following CARE guidelines. We also performed a systematic review of PFP cases temporally related to COVID-19 using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases on August 30, 2021, using a rapid review methodology. The two patients experienced PFP 102 and 110 days after COVID-19 symptom onset. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in nasal samples through reverse-transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) testing. Anosmia was the only other neurological manifestation. PFP was treated with steroids in both cases, with complete subsequent recovery. In the rapid review, we identified 764 articles and included 43 studies. From those, 128 patients with PFP were analyzed, of whom 42.1% (54/128) were male, 39.06% (50/128) female, and in 23 cases the gender was not reported. The age range was 18 to 59 (54.68%). The median time between COVID-19 and PFP was three days (ranging from the first symptom of COVID-19 to 40 days after the acute phase of infection). Late PFP associated with COVID-19 presents mild symptoms and improves with time, with no identified predictors. Late PFP should be added to the spectrum of neurological manifestations associated with the long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection as a post COVID-19 condition.

PROMOÇÃO E USO DE EVIDÊNCIAS EM SERVIÇOS DE SAÚDE / PROMOTION AND USE OF EVIDENCE IN HEALTH SERVICES

Este produto objetiva construir bases de conhecimento sobre o que é necessário para utilizar, com segurança e qualidade, as melhores evidências científicas disponíveis para a tomada de decisão, seja no cotidiano dos processos de trabalho, seja estrategicamente nas políticas e programas de saúde. Propomos reflexões sobre quais dos conceitos operacionais e das melhores práticas adotadas seriam úteis para aplicar no cotidiano de trabalho, entre equipe e instituição. Para isso, apresentaremos os melhores processos de transformação do conhecimento em prática, testados e validados internacionalmente.

This product aims to build a knowledge base on what is needed to safely and qualitatively use the best scientific evidence available for decision-making, both in day-to-day work processes and strategically in health policies and programs. We propose reflections on which of the operational concepts and best practices adopted would be useful to apply in day-to-day work, between the team and the institution. To this end, we will present the best processes for transforming knowledge into practice, which have been tested and validated internationally.

PRODUZINDO EVIDÊNCIAS E RESPOSTAS RÁPIDAS NO TCC / PRODUCING EVIDENCE AND QUICK ANSWERS IN THE THESIS

Este produto visa orientar todo processo de elaboração de uma resposta rápida para desenvolver um produto que seja de interesse para seu local de trabalho e incorporação dos resultados à dinâmica do serviço. Ele foi pensado e construído para que você possa elaborar o seu produto de resposta rápida com bastante tranquilidade e segurança. Apresenta conteúdos bem explicativos de cada uma das etapas exemplificados, além de indicações de materiais complementares, os quais você poderá acessar para ampliar o seu conhecimento.

This product aims to guide you through the process of developing a rapid response product that is of interest to your workplace and incorporating the results into the dynamics of the service. It has been designed and constructed so that you can develop your rapid response product with a great deal of peace of mind. It contains explanatory content for each of the stages, as well as indications of complementary materials that you can access to broaden your knowledge.

Catastrophic costs and social sequels due to tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment in Brazil. / Custos catastróficos e sequelas sociais decorrentes do diagnóstico e tratamento da tuberculose no Brasil.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of catastrophic costs on unfavorable tuberculosis treatment outcomes. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study, conducted in five Brazilian state capitals (Manaus, Recife, Vitória, Campo Grande and Porto Alegre) from June 2016 to July 2018. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). RESULTS: Of the 350 participants, 310 were included, of whom 30 presented unfavorable outcomes. Catastrophic cost (OR=2.53 -95% CI 1.13;5.67) and divorce (OR=5.29 -95% CI 1.39;20.05) increased the chances of unfavorable outcomes. CONCLUSION: Financial difficulties during tuberculosis treatment may impair its outcome. Catastrophic cost and divorce were determining factors for treatment outcomes.

Catastrophic costs and social sequels resulting from the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis in Brazil / Costos catastróficos y consecuencias sociales resultantes del diagnóstico y tratamiento de la tuberculosis en Brasil / Custos catastróficos e sequelas sociais decorrentes do diagnóstico e tratamento da tuberculose no Brasil

Objective: To assess the impact of catastrophic costs on the unfavorable outcome of tuberculosis treatment. Methods: This is prospective cohort made in five capitals of Brazilian states (Manaus, Recife, Vitória, Campo Grande and Porto Alegre) between June 2016 and July 2018. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Results: The 350 participants, 310 were included, and 30 had unfavorable outcome. Catastrophic cost (OR=2.53 ­ 95%CI 1.13;5.67) and divorce episode (OR=5.29 ­ 95%CI 1.39;20.05) increased the chance of unfavorable outcome. Conclusion: financial difficulties faced during the treatment of tuberculosis can impair the treatment outcome. The determinants for the treatment outcome were catastrophic cost and divorce.

Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto dos custos catastróficos no desfecho desfavorável do tratamento da tuberculose. Métodos: Estudo de coorte prospectiva, realizado em cinco capitais de estados brasileiros (Manaus, Recife, Vitória, Campo Grande e Porto Alegre) no período de junho de 2016 a julho de 2018. Empregou-se regressão logística para calcular a razão de chances (odds ratio, OR) e os intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC95%). Resultados: Dos 350 participantes, 310 foram incluídos, dos quais 30 apresentaram desfecho desfavorável. Custo catastrófico (OR=2,53 ­ IC95% 1,13;5,67) e divórcio (OR=5,29 ­ IC95% 1,39;20,05) aumentaram as chances de desfecho desfavorável. Conclusão: Dificuldades financeiras durante o tratamento da tuberculose podem prejudicar seu desfecho. Os fatores determinantes para o desfecho do tratamento foram custo catastrófico e divórcio.

Custos catastróficos e sequelas sociais decorrentes do diagnóstico e tratamento da tuberculose no Brasil / Costos catastróficos y consecuencias sociales resultantes del diagnóstico y tratamiento de la tuberculosis en Brasil / Catastrophic costs and social sequels due to tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment in Brazil

Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto dos custos catastróficos no desfecho desfavorável do tratamento da tuberculose. Métodos: Estudo de coorte prospectiva, realizado em cinco capitais de estados brasileiros (Manaus, Recife, Vitória, Campo Grande e Porto Alegre) no período de junho de 2016 a julho de 2018. Empregou-se regressão logística para calcular a razão de chances (odds ratio, OR) e os intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC95%). Resultados: Dos 350 participantes, 310 foram incluídos, dos quais 30 apresentaram desfecho desfavorável. Custo catastrófico (OR=2,53 - IC95% 1,13;5,67) e divórcio (OR=5,29 - IC95% 1,39;20,05) aumentaram as chances de desfecho desfavorável. Conclusão: Dificuldades financeiras durante o tratamento da tuberculose podem prejudicar seu desfecho. Os fatores determinantes para o desfecho do tratamento foram custo catastrófico e divórcio.

Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto de los costos catastróficos en el resultado desfavorable del tratamiento de la tuberculosis. Métodos: Estudio de cohorte prospectiva realizado en cinco capitales de estados brasileños (Manaus, Recife, Vitória, Campo Grande y Porto Alegre) entre junio de 2016 y julio de 2018. Se utilizó la regresión logística para calcular los odds ratios (OR) y los intervalos de confianza del 95% (IC95%). Resultados: De los 350 participantes, se incluyeron 310, y 30 tuvieron resultado desfavorable. El costo catastrófico (OR=2,53 - IC95% 1,13;5,67) y el divorcio (OR=5,29 - IC95% 1,39;20,05) aumentaron la obtención de un resultado desfavorable. Conclusión: Dificultades económicas enfrentadas durante el tratamiento de la tuberculosis pueden perjudicar el resultado del tratamiento. Las determinantes del tratamiento fueron el costo catastrófico y el divorcio.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of catastrophic costs on unfavorable tuberculosis treatment outcomes. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study, conducted in five Brazilian state capitals (Manaus, Recife, Vitória, Campo Grande and Porto Alegre) from June 2016 to July 2018. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Results: Of the 350 participants, 310 were included, of whom 30 presented unfavorable outcomes. Catastrophic cost (OR=2.53 -95% CI 1.13;5.67) and divorce (OR=5.29 -95% CI 1.39;20.05) increased the chances of unfavorable outcomes. Conclusion: Financial difficulties during tuberculosis treatment may impair its outcome. Catastrophic cost and divorce were determining factors for treatment outcomes.

Institucionalização das políticas informadas por evidências no Brasil

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Avaliar capacidades, arranjos organizativos e barreiras à implementação dos Núcleos de Evidências (NEvs) da Rede de Políticas Informadas por Evidências (EVIPNet) no Brasil. Métodos. Realizou-se um estudo exploratório de casos múltiplos, descritivo-analítico, com abordagem mista. Os coordenadores dos NEvs em atividade no país responderam um instrumento com três partes: caracterização do respondente, avaliação da capacidade de “adquirir, avaliar, adaptar e aplicar” evidências (4A) e questões abertas abordando arranjos organizativos e barreiras à implementação dos NEvs. Resultados. Participaram da pesquisa 15 NEvs, concentrados no Centro-Oeste; 73,3% estavam sediados em universidades e 20% em secretarias estaduais/municipais ou no Ministério da Saúde. Dos coordenadores participantes, 100% possuíam pós-graduação lato e/ou strictu sensu e 80% referiram experiência de 1 a 5 anos em políticas informadas por evidências (PIE) e proficiência em inglês. Nenhum coordenador atuava exclusivamente no NEv. As equipes incluíam profissionais de saúde, estudantes (graduação/pós-graduação), docentes de universidades e servidores efetivos em secretarias de saúde. Foram identificadas alta capacidade para “adquirir” e “avaliar” e baixa capacidade para “adaptar” e “aplicar” evidências. Quanto a atividades e produtos, prevaleceu a média de três por ano, com destaque para produtos de tradução do conhecimento (sínteses de evidência e diálogos deliberativos) e capacitação para profissionais de saúde, gestores e alunos de graduação/pós-graduação. Cinco categorias de barreiras foram descritas: 1) financiamento, 2) integração da rede, 3) institucionalização das demandas, 4) capacidade de adaptação e 5) habilidades de comunicação de pesquisa para recomendar ações no nível local. Conclusões. Existem recursos humanos capacitados, vinculados a instituições de pesquisa e ensino, para apoiar as PIE. No entanto, a sustentabilidade dos NEvs depende de ações coordenadas para garantir a capacidade de adaptar e aplicar evidências.

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. To evaluate capacities, organizational arrangements, and barriers to the implementation of Evidence Centers (NEvs) as part of Brazil’s Evidence-Informed Policy Network (EVIPNet). Methods. A mixed methods descriptive-analytical, multiple-case exploratory study was performed. Coordinators of active NEvs answered a questionnaire in three parts: participant characteristics, assessment of the capacity to “acquire, assess, adapt, and apply” evidence (4A), and open questions addressing organizational arrangements and barriers to the implementation of NEvs. Results. The study included 15 NEvs, mostly from the Midwest; 73.3% were based in universities, while 20% were installed in state/city health departments or in the Ministry of Health. All coordinators had completed graduate training and 80% reported 1 to 5 years’ experience with evidence-based policies as well as proficiency in English. None of the participants worked exclusively as NEv coordinator. NEv teams included health care professionals, students (undergraduate/graduate), professors, and civil servants from health departments. The data revealed high capacity to “acquire” and “assess” evidence, and low capacity to “adapt” and “apply” evidence. On average, three activities or products were developed yearly by each NEv, especially knowledge translation initiatives (systematic reviews and deliberative dialogues) and training for health care professionals, managers and undergraduate/graduate students. Five barrier categories were described: 1) financing, 2) network integration, 3) institutionalization of demands, 4) adaptive capacity, and 5) research communication skills to recommend actions at the local level. Conclusions. Trained human resources associated with academic and research institutions are available to support evidence-informed policies. However, the sustainability of NEvs depends on coordinated action to ensure the capacity to adapt and apply evidence.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Evaluar la capacidad, los arreglos organizativos y los obstáculos existentes para la aplicación de los núcleos de evidencia (NEv) de la Red de Políticas Informadas por Evidencia (EVIPNet) en Brasil. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, analítico y exploratorio de casos múltiples, con un enfoque mixto. Los coordinadores de los NEv activos en el país respondieron a un instrumento dividido en tres partes: caracterización de la persona encuestada, evaluación de la capacidad de “adquirir, evaluar, adaptar y aplicar” evidencia (conocidas como 4A por su sigla en portugués) y temas de discusión abierta en los cuales se abordaron los arreglos organizativos y los obstáculos existentes para la aplicación de los NEv. Resultados. Participaron en la investigación 5 NEv concentrados en la región Centro-Oeste; 73,3% tenían su sede en universidades y un 20% en secretarías estatales/municipales o en el Ministerio de Salud. Todos los coordinadores participantes tenían título de posgrado en sentido amplio o estricto y 80% afirmaron que tenían experiencia de 1 a 5 años en políticas informadas por evidencia (PIE) y que dominaban el inglés. Ningún coordinador trabajaba exclusivamente en el NEv. Los equipos incluían profesionales de salud, estudiantes (de grado/posgrado), profesores universitarios y empleados en comisión de servicio en las secretarías de salud. Se determinó que tenían gran capacidad para “adquirir” y “evaluar” y poca capacidad para “adaptar” y “aplicar” evidencias. En cuanto a actividades y productos, prevaleció la media de tres al año, con hincapié en los productos de traducción del conocimiento (la síntesis de la evidencia y los diálogos deliberantes) y la capacitación para profesionales de salud, gestores y alumnos de grado/posgrado. Se describieron cinco clases de obstáculos: 1) financiamiento, 2) integración de la red, 3) institucionalización de las demandas, 4) capacidad de adaptación y 5) habilidades de comunicación de las investigaciones para recomendar la adopción de medidas en el nivel local. Conclusiones. Existen recursos humanos capacitados, vinculados a instituciones de investigación y enseñanza, para apoyar las PIE. Sin embargo, la sostenibilidad de los NEv depende de la adopción de medidas coordinadas para garantizar que existe la capacidad de adaptar y aplicar evidencia.

Anosmia in the course of COVID-19: A case report.

RATIONALE: A sudden onset of anosmia has been recently recognized as a symptom of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). PATIENT CONCERNS: Here, we describe a case of complete anosmia in a young male with COVID-19. Although he had fever and odynophagia, no abnormalities were observed in his nasopharyngeal mucosa, suggesting that his anosmia resulted from olfactory neuropathy. DIAGNOSES: COVID-19 was confirmed by RNA detection in nasopharyngeal swab specimen. INTERVENTIONS: The patient received olfactory training and B complex vitamins. OUTCOMES: On day 30, the patient reported complete recovery of his sense of smell. LESSONS: As early diagnosis is fundamental to control the spread of COVID-19 infection, we emphasize that anosmia identified in febrile cases during the COVID-19 epidemic may be a symptom indicative of the disease. Moreover, COVID-19-related anosmia can be completely reversible.

Vertebral tuberculosis as a paradoxical reaction to the treatment of pulmonary and meningeal tuberculosis in an immunocompetent patient: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Paradoxical reaction in tuberculosis (TB) is defined as the reappearance of general symptoms, aggravation of pre-existing diseases, or appearance of new lesions despite adequate anti-TB therapy. It may result from the hyperactivity of the immune response, resulting in an intense inflammation. There are few cases of vertebral TB reported as paradoxical reaction, mainly among immunocompetents patients. PATIENT CONCERNS: We describe a male immunocompetent patient with confirmed pulmonary and meningeal TB. He was readmitted after 60 days of adequate treatment, with vertebral TB and paravertebral abscess, despite clinical improvement of the other locations. We defined as an uncommon case of a paradoxical reaction, confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance and molecular rapid test for TB. DIAGNOSIS: Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) was detected in cerebrospinal fluid by molecular rapid test (Gene Xpert MTB/ rifampicina method). Sputum research and culture were positive for the same agent. Lumbosacral spine nuclear magnetic resonance revealed bone destruction from T8 to T11, and a paravertebral collection was found. Gene Xpert MTB/rifampicina and culture were positive for M tuberculosis in the drained material of the paravertebral abscess. INTERVENTIONS: The paravertebral abscess was drainage by tomography-guided. Treatment with 4 anti-TB drugs was extended for 60 days and 2 anti-TB drugs was maintained for 10 months. There was a complete clinical improvement. OUTCOME: After draining the paravertebral abscess, the patient progressively improved and was discharged for outpatient follow-up. He was on antituberculous drugs for 1 year; subsequently, complete resolution of the infection was reported. CONCLUSION: Paradoxical reaction may be a difficult diagnosis in immunocompetent patient. Vertebral TB as a paradoxical reaction is an uncommon presentation. Therapeutic failure or resistance to treatment should be ruled out to confirm the diagnosis of paradoxical reaction.

Institucionalização das políticas informadas por evidências no Brasil / Institutionalizing evidence-based policies in Brazil / Institucionalización de las políticas informadas por evidencia

Avaliar capacidades, arranjos organizativos e barreiras à implementação dos Núcleos de Evidências (NEvs) da Rede de Políticas Informadas por Evidências (EVIPNet) no Brasil. Realizou-se um estudo exploratório de casos múltiplos, descritivo-analítico, com abordagem mista. Os coordenadores dos NEvs em atividade no país responderam um instrumento com três partes: caracterização do respondente, avaliação da capacidade de "adquirir, avaliar, adaptar e aplicar" evidências (4A) e questões abertas abordando arranjos organizativos e barreiras à implementação dos NEvs. Participaram da pesquisa 15 NEvs, concentrados no Centro-Oeste; 73,3% estavam sediados em universidades e 20% em secretarias estaduais/municipais ou no Ministério da Saúde. Dos coordenadores participantes, 100% possuíam pós-graduação lato e/ou strictu sensu e 80% referiram experiência de 1 a 5 anos em políticas informadas por evidências (PIE) e proficiência em inglês. Nenhum coordenador atuava exclusivamente no NEv. As equipes incluíam profissionais de saúde, estudantes (graduação/pós-graduação), docentes de universidades e servidores efetivos em secretarias de saúde. Foram identificadas alta capacidade para "adquirir" e "avaliar" e baixa capacidade para "adaptar" e "aplicar" evidências. Quanto a atividades e produtos, prevaleceu a média de três por ano, com destaque para produtos de tradução do conhecimento (sínteses de evidência e diálogos deliberativos) e capacitação para profissionais de saúde, gestores e alunos de graduação/pós-graduação. Cinco categorias de barreiras foram descritas: 1) financiamento, 2) integração da rede, 3) institucionalização das demandas, 4) capacidade de adaptação e 5) habilidades de comunicação de pesquisa para recomendar ações no nível local. Existem recursos humanos capacitados, vinculados a instituições de pesquisa e ensino, para apoiar as PIE. No entanto, a sustentabilidade dos NEvs depende de ações coordenadas para garantir a capacidade de adaptar e aplicar evidências.

Evaluar la capacidad, los arreglos organizativos y los obstáculos existentes para la aplicación de los núcleos de evidencia (NEv) de la Red de Políticas Informadas por Evidencia (EVIPNet) en Brasil. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, analítico y exploratorio de casos múltiples, con un enfoque mixto. Los coordinadores de los NEv activos en el país respondieron a un instrumento dividido en tres partes: caracterización de la persona encuestada, evaluación de la capacidad de "adquirir, evaluar, adaptar y aplicar" evidencia (conocidas como 4A por su sigla en portugués) y temas de discusión abierta en los cuales se abordaron los arreglos organizativos y los obstáculos existentes para la aplicación de los NEv. Participaron en la investigación 5 NEv concentrados en la región Centro-Oeste; 73,3% tenían su sede en universidades y un 20% en secretarías estatales/municipales o en el Ministerio de Salud. Todos los coordinadores participantes tenían título de posgrado en sentido amplio o estricto y 80% afirmaron que tenían experiencia de 1 a 5 años en políticas informadas por evidencia (PIE) y que dominaban el inglés. Ningún coordinador trabajaba exclusivamente en el NEv. Los equipos incluían profesionales de salud, estudiantes (de grado/posgrado), profesores universitarios y empleados en comisión de servicio en las secretarías de salud. Se determinó que tenían gran capacidad para "adquirir" y "evaluar" y poca capacidad para "adaptar" y "aplicar" evidencias. En cuanto a actividades y productos, prevaleció la media de tres al año, con hincapié en los productos de traducción del conocimiento (la síntesis de la evidencia y los diálogos deliberantes) y la capacitación para profesionales de salud, gestores y alumnos de grado/posgrado. Se describieron cinco clases de obstáculos: 1) financiamiento, 2) integración de la red, 3) institucionalización de las demandas, 4) capacidad de adaptación y 5) habilidades de comunicación de las investigaciones para recomendar la adopción de medidas en el nivel local. Existen recursos humanos capacitados, vinculados a instituciones de investigación y enseñanza, para apoyar las PIE. Sin embargo, la sostenibilidad de los NEv depende de la adopción de medidas coordinadas para garantizar que existe la capacidad de adaptar y aplicar evidencia

To evaluate capacities, organizational arrangements, and barriers to the implementation of Evidence Centers (NEvs) as part of Brazil's Evidence-Informed Policy Network (EVIPNet). A mixed methods descriptive-analytical, multiple-case exploratory study was performed. Coordinators of active NEvs answered a questionnaire in three parts: participant characteristics, assessment of the capacity to "acquire, assess, adapt, and apply" evidence (4A), and open questions addressing organizational arrangements and barriers to the implementation of NEvs.The study included 15 NEvs, mostly from the Midwest; 73.3% were based in universities, while 20% were installed in state/city health departments or in the Ministry of Health. All coordinators had completed graduate training and 80% reported 1 to 5 years' experience with evidence-based policies as well as proficiency in English. None of the participants worked exclusively as NEv coordinator. NEv teams included health care professionals, students (undergraduate/graduate), professors, and civil servants from health departments. The data revealed high capacity to "acquire" and "assess" evidence, and low capacity to "adapt" and "apply" evidence. On average, three activities or products were developed yearly by each NEv, especially knowledge translation initiatives (systematic reviews and deliberative dialogues) and training for health care professionals, managers and undergraduate/graduate students. Five barrier categories were described: 1) financing, 2) network integration, 3) institutionalization of demands, 4) adaptive capacity, and 5) research communication skills to recommend actions at the local level. Trained human resources associated with academic and research institutions are available to support evidence-informed policies. However, the sustainability of NEvs depends on coordinated action to ensure the capacity to adapt and apply evidence.

Melioidosis, an emerging infectious disease in the Midwest Brazil: A case report.

RATIONALE: Melioidosis is an emerging infectious disease in Brazil and caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, with high morbidity and mortality rates. A total of 28 melioidosis cases were reported in Brazil until 2015. The majority of melioidosis cases were reported in the Northwest region of Brazil and such cases were not previously detected in the Midwest region of Brazil. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 42-year-old man was admitted with a non-productive cough, dyspnea, myalgia, diffuse abdominal pain. Pulmonary auscultation revealed a vesicular murmur, snoring sounds, and the presence of basal crackling rales in the left hemithorax. The patient evolved with several respiratory failures and he was diagnosed as the first case of community-acquired pneumonia with sepsis caused by B pseudomallei in Mato Grosso do Sul, Midwest state of Brazil. DIAGNOSIS: The cell isolates were subjected to 16S rRNA gene sequencing to confirm the bacterial species. INTERVENTIONS: Administration of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and meropenem stabilized the clinical condition of the patient. Subsequently upon discharge, the patient was also treated with trimethoprim/sulfametothoxazole for a year. OUTCOME: We reported the first case of community-acquired pneumonia with sepsis caused by B pseudomallei in Mato Grosso do Sul, Midwest state of Brazil and the patient survived. LESSONS: The emergence of melioidosis in the Midwest region is being neglected and underestimated and melioidosis must be considered of the differential diagnosis in community infections.

Treatment compliance of patients with paracoccidioidomycosis in Central-West Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the treatment compliance of patients with paracoccidioidomycosis. METHODS: We studied 188 patients with paracoccidioidomycosis admitted to a tertiary referral hospital in the Central-West Region of Brazil from 2000 to 2010, to assess their compliance to treatment. In order to be considered compliant, patients needed to present two established criteria: (1) receive medicines from the pharmacy, and (2) achieve a self-reported utilization of at least 80% of the dispensed antifungal compounds prescribed since their previous appointment. RESULTS: Most patients were male (95.7%), had the chronic form of the disease (94.2%), and were treated with cotrimoxazole (86.2%). Only 44.6% of patients were treatment compliant. The highest loss to follow-up was observed in the first 4 months of treatment (p < 0.02). Treatment compliance was higher for patients with than for those without pulmonary involvement (OR: 2.986; 95%CI 1.351-6.599), and higher for patients with than without tuberculosis as co-morbidity (OR: 2.763; 95%CI 1.004-7.604). CONCLUSIONS: Compliance to paracoccidioidomycosis treatment was low, and the period with the highest loss to follow-up corresponds to the first four months. Pulmonary paracoccidioidal involvement or tuberculosis comorbidity predicts a higher compliance to paracoccidioidomycosis therapy.