■ ABSTRACT Introduction The high cost of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) makes the procedure less accessible in institutions with limited resources. To solve the problem, streamlined vacuum dressings have been proposed, but the usefulness of these devices has been poorly studied. The objective of this work is to evaluate the feasibility (operational and financial) of a simplified vacuum dressing system model (SVDM). Methods: Operational viability was assessed by studying application time and quantity of dressings performed; financial viability, by analyzing the economic costs of dressing changes. Results: Fifty wounds were treated (25 in each group: SVDM x silver hydrofiber). For SVDM, the number of dressings per patient was lower, while the application time was higher. The SVDM showed higher costs. The increase in the expenses associated with the SVDM was related to the average selling price of the product and the number of dressing changes; treatment time and application time of the SVDM did not interfere with costs. In contrast, SVDM costs proved to be below the announced expenses for conventional NPWT. Conclusion: SVDM was considered viable as long as qualified teams perform it and results in few dressing changes (< 3).

■ RESUMO Introdução: O alto custo da terapia de pressão negativa (TPN) torna o procedimento menos acessível em instituições com recursos limitados. Para resolver o problema, têm sido propostos os curativos a vácuo simplificados, mas a utilidade desses equipamentos ainda é pouco estudada. O objetivo desse trabalho é avaliar a viabilidade (operacional e financeira) de um modelo de curativo a vácuo simplificado (MCVS). Método: A viabilidade operacional foi avaliada por meio de estudo de tempo de instalação e quantidade de curativos realizados; a financeira, por análise de custos econômicos de trocas de curativos. Resultados: Foram tratadas 50 feridas (25 em cada grupo: MCVS x hidrofibra prata). Para o MCVS, o número de curativos por paciente foi menor, enquanto o tempo de instalação, maior. MCVS apresentou custos maiores. O aumento de custo associado a MCVS foi relacionado ao preço médio de comercialização do produto e quantidade de trocas de curativos; tempo de tratamento e tempo de instalação do MCVS não interferiram em custos. Em contraste, os custos do MCVS se mostraram bem inferiores aos custos anunciados para a TPN convencional. Conclusão: MCVS foi considerado viável desde que seja feito por equipes qualificadas e resulte em poucas trocas de curativos (< 3).

ABSTRACT Purpose: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has revolutionized wound care, but its high cost reduces the procedure’s availability. To solve the problem, streamlined vacuum dressings systems have been proposed, but the utility of these devices has been poorly studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate a simplified vacuum dressing system model (SVDM). Methods: Randomized clinical trial in which wounds were treated with SVDM compared to a complex occlusive dressing (silver hydrofiber, SHF). The analyzed outcomes were cleaning, presence of granulation tissue, clinical appearance, and indication for surgical closure of wounds. Results: Fifty injuries were treated (25 in each group), most located on lower limbs. SVDM proved to be more effective than SHF in the evaluated outcomes. Wound recalcitrance reduced the effectiveness of the equipment used. Despite its efficacy, complications occurred, the most frequent related to dressing changes: minor bleeding, foam adherence to a wound bed, and pain. Only for bleeding no favorable risk-benefit ratio was found. There were no severe complications, worsening conditions of injuries, or deaths. Conclusions: SVDM proved to be an effective and acceptably safe device for managing studied wounds.

RESUMO Objetivo O objetivo do estudo foi investigar os aspectos eletroneurofisiológicos de voluntários com disfunção temporomandibular antes e após realização de exercícios para redução de dor e orientações de autocuidado. Método Foi realizado ensaio clínico randomizado controlado paralelo, aprovado por um Comitê de Ética. Os critérios de inclusão foram idade de 18 a 60 anos, disfunção temporomandibular muscular, com ou sem limitação de abertura de boca, e dor autorreferida com escores entre 4 e 10. Os indivíduos foram distribuídos, por sorteio, em grupo experimental ou controle. Participaram do estudo 23 voluntários,11 controles e 12 do grupo experimental sendo a maioria do sexo feminino. Desistências ocorreram, sendo duas no grupo experimental e três no controle. Houve desbalanceamento entre grupos e apenas o experimental foi analisado. Foi realizado registro eletroencefalográfico antes e depois das intervenções, por meio de aparelho com 32 canais, frequência amostral de 600 Hz e impedância de 5 kΩ. Os dados foram processados por meio do programa computacional MATLAB. Os registros individuais filtrados off-line, utilizando passa banda entre 0,5 e 50 Hz. Épocas de 1,710 ms foram criadas e o cálculo da densidade de potência absoluta calculada por meio da transformada rápida de Fourier. A abordagem estatística foi inferencial e quantitativa. Resultados A densidade de potência alfa analisada apresentou diferença, porém não significativa, quando comparada nos dois momentos. Conclusão Pode-se concluir que, com base nesse estudo, os exercícios isotônicos realizados para redução de dor proporcionaram pequeno aumento na densidade de potência alfa nas regiões temporal, parietal e occipital esquerdas.

ABSTRACT Purpose The aim of the study was to investigate the electroneurophysiological aspects of volunteers with temporomandibular disorders before and after performing isotonic exercises for pain relief and self-care guidelines. Methods The study was a parallel controlled randomized controlled trial under protocol 1,680,920. The inclusion criteria were age between 18 and 60 years, muscle temporomandibular dysfunction with or without limitation of mouth opening and self-reported pain with scores between 4 and 10. The individuals were randomized into experimental group and control. Twenty-three volunteers participated in the study, most of then were female. Control group had 11 and experimental group 12 individuals. Dropouts occurred in both groups, two in the experimental group and three in the control group. Since there were an intergroup imbalance the power density was analysed just in experimental group. Electroencephalographic recording was performed before and after the interventions, using the 32-channel apparatus, with sample frequency of 600 Hz and impedance of 5 kΩ. The data were processed through the MATLAB computer program. The individual records filtered off-line, using bandpass between 0.5 and 50 Hz. Epochs of 1,710 ms were created and the calculation of the absolute power density calculated by means of the fast Fourier transform. The statistical approach was inferential and quantitative. Results The alpha power density analyzed presented a difference, but not significant, when compared in the two moments. Conclusion According to this study, isotonic exercises performed to reduce pain provided a small increase in alpha power density in the left temporal, parietal and occipital regions.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of death worldwide caused by a single infectious disease agent. Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) account for more than half of the world’s TB cases. Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) remains the only vaccine available despite its variable efficacy. Promising antigen-based vaccines have been proposed as prophylactic and/or immunotherapeutic approaches to boost BCG vaccination. Relevant antigens must interact with the range of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules present in target populations; yet this information is currently not available. METHODS: MEDLINE and EMBASE were systematically searched for articles published during 2013-2020 to measure the allelic frequencies of HLA-DRB1 in the BRICS. RESULTS: In total, 67 articles involving 3,207,861 healthy individuals were included in the meta-analysis. HLA-DRB1 alleles *03, *04, *07, *11, *13, and *15 were consistently identified at high frequencies across the BRICS, with a combined estimated frequency varying from 52% to 80%. HLA-DRB1 alleles *01, *08, *09, *10, *12, and *14 were found to be relevant in only one or two BRICS populations. CONCLUSIONS: By combining these alleles, it is possible to ensure at least 80% coverage throughout the BRICS populations.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar o ganho de percepção de fala na ausência e na presença de ruído competitivo; avaliar, após três meses de uso do implante coclear, se houve correlação entre a percepção de fala nas duas condições e correlacionar o tempo de privação auditiva e o lado implantado com a percepção de fala na ausência e na presença do ruído. Métodos Participaram deste ensaio clínico 12 indivíduos com perda auditiva de severa a profunda, submetidos à cirurgia de implante coclear. A percepção de fala foi avaliada através do teste Listas de Sentenças em Português, utilizando a direcionalidade Opti Omni, em situações de ausência e presença de ruído competitivo. Resultados A percepção de fala na ausência e na presença de ruído competitivo aumentou, em comparação com a percepção de fala pré-operatória com a utilização da direcionalidade Opti Omni e estes achados não tiveram associação com o tempo de privação auditiva ou o lado implantado. Conclusão Houve ganho na percepção de fala, tanto na ausência, como na presença do ruído competitivo, com forte correlação entre essas duas situações. Além disso, não houve associação entre tempo de privação auditiva sem o uso do aparelho de amplificação sonora individual ou o lado implantado com o desempenho na percepção de fala.

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate speech perception improvement in the absence and presence of competing noise; to evaluate, after three months using a cochlear implant, whether there was a correlation between speech perception in these two conditions, and to correlate the time of hearing deprivation and the implanted side with speech perception in the absence and presence of noise. Methods Twelve individuals with severe-to-profound hearing loss who underwent cochlear implant surgery participated in this clinical trial. Speech perception was assessed using the Lists of Phrases in Portuguese test, using the Opti Omni directionality, in situations of absence and presence of competing noise. Results Speech perception with the use of Opti Omni directionality in the absence and presence of competing noise increased when compared with preoperative speech perception; these findings were not associated with hearing deprivation time or implanted side. Conclusion There was an improvement in speech perception both in the absence and presence of competing noise, with a strong correlation between these two situations. Besides, there was no association between time of hearing deprivation without the use of hearing aid, or the implanted side, with performance in speech perception.

Resumo Fundamento: As cardiopatias congênitas configuram o tipo mais comum de defeitos congênitos, sendo responsáveis por mais mortes no primeiro ano de vida do que em qualquer outra condição, quando etiologias infecciosas são excluídas. Objetivo: Avaliar a sobrevida e identificar os fatores de risco nos óbitos em recém-nascidos com cardiopatia congênita crítica e/ou complexa no período neonatal. Métodos: Realizou-se um estudo de coorte, aninhado a um caso-controle aleatorizado, considerando Intervalo de Confiança de 95% (IC95%) e nível de significância de 5%, pareado por sexo do recém-nascido e idade materna. Foram feitas buscas ativas de casos, entrevistas, análise de prontuário, avaliação clínica da oximetria de pulso (teste do coraçãozinho) e do ecoDopplercardiograma, bem como análise de sobrevida e identificação dos fatores de risco relacionados ao óbito. Resultados: Os fatores de risco encontrados foram recém-nascidos com menos de 37 semanas (Risco Relativo − RR: 2,89; IC95% 1,49-5,56; p = 0,0015), peso inferior a 2.500 g (RR: 2,33; IC95% 1,26-4,29; p = 0,0068), ocorrência de gemelaridade (RR: 11,96; IC95% 1,43-99,85; p = 0,022) e presença de comorbidade (RR: 2,27; IC95% 1,58-3,26; p < 0,0001). A taxa de incidência de mortalidade por cardiopatias congênitas foi de 81 casos por 100 mil nascidos vivos. A letalidade atribuída às cardiopatias congênitas críticas foi de 64,7%, com mortalidade proporcional de 12,0%. A taxa de sobrevida aos 28 dias de vida diminuiu em quase 70% nos recém-nascidos com cardiopatias congênitas. A principal causa de óbito foi o choque cardiogênico. Conclusão: Recém-nascidos prematuros, com baixo peso e presença de comorbidades apresentaram maior risco de mortalidade relacionada às cardiopatias congênitas. Esta coorte se extinguiu muito rapidamente, sinalizando para a necessidade de maior investimento em tecnologia assistencial em populações com este perfil.

Abstract Background: Congenital heart diseases are the most common type of congenital defects, and account for more deaths in the first year of life than any other condition, when infectious etiologies are ruled out. Objectives: To evaluate survival, and to identify risk factors in deaths in newborns with critical and/or complex congenital heart disease in the neonatal period. Methods: A cohort study, nested to a randomized case-control, was performed, considering the Confidence Interval of 95% (95% CI) and significance level of 5%, paired by gender of the newborn and maternal age. Case-finding, interviews, medical record analysis, clinical evaluation of pulse oximetry (heart test) and Doppler echocardiogram were performed, as well as survival analysis, and identification of death-related risk factors. Results: The risk factors found were newborns younger than 37 weeks (Relative Risk - RR: 2.89; 95% CI [1.49-5.56]; p = 0.0015), weight of less than 2,500 grams (RR: 2.33 [; 95% CI 1.26-4.29]; p = 0.0068), occurrence of twinning (RR: 11.96 [95% CI 1.43-99.85]; p = 0.022) and presence of comorbidity (RR: 2.27 [95% CI 1.58-3.26]; p < 0.0001). The incidence rate of mortality from congenital heart disease was 81 cases per 100,000 live births. The lethality attributed to critical congenital heart diseases was 64.7%, with proportional mortality of 12.0%. The survival rate at 28 days of life decreased by almost 70% in newborns with congenital heart disease. The main cause of death was cardiogenic shock. Conclusion: Preterm infants with low birth weight and comorbidities presented a higher risk of mortality related to congenital heart diseases. This cohort was extinguished very quickly, signaling the need for greater investment in assistance technology in populations with this profile.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) downmodulates allergen-specific IgE levels and prevents other atopic responses in experimental models but fails to protect against respiratory allergies. Human responsiveness to BCG is variable and may interfere with protection. METHODS: Multivariate models were evaluated to test the possible effect of responsiveness (assessed by IFN-γ production) to BCG revaccination on the modulation of total and allergen-specific serum IgE levels in healthy volunteers participating in a randomized controlled trial. RESULTS: Serum total or Derp-specific IgE levels did not change regardless of the increase in IFN-γ levels. CONCLUSIONS: BCG responsiveness does not affect protection against atopy.

Resumo Introdução: Tornar-se médico é um processo bastante complexo. Fatores relacionados a personalidade do aluno, processo educacional e experiência diária com dor e morte contribuem para vivências psicoemocionais peculiares, nem sempre devidamente investigadas durante a formação médica. Objetivo: Estimar a prevalência de transtornos mentais comuns (TMC) e fatores associados durante os seis anos de graduação entre todos os estudantes de uma turma de medicina de uma universidade pública brasileira. Método: Estudo transversal por inquéritos repetidos. Todos os 40 alunos admitidos em 2006 na escola médica pesquisada foram incluídos no estudo e avaliados anualmente até 2011 através do SRQ-20 e de um questionário estruturado elaborado pelos autores sobre aspectos sócio-demográficos, pessoais e educacionais. Realizadas regressão logística e análise de correspondência. Resultados: Os 40 calouros na primeira avaliação tinham média de idade de 20 anos (DP=2,4), sendo 57,5% do sexo feminino e 41% aprovados no terceiro vestibular. A prevalência TMC aumentou ao longo do curso: de 12,5% no primeiro ano para 43,2% no quinto. As seguintes variáveis foram potencialmente associadas à TMC no quinto ano: sexo feminino (RP=1,38), originários de capitais (RP=1,97), achar o curso menos do que esperava (RP=3,20), ter desconforto com as atividades do curso (RP=2,10), estar insatisfeito com estratégias de ensino (RP=1,38) e sentir que o curso não é fonte de prazer (RP=2,06) sendo R2=28,8% e AIC=60,04. Conclusão: Fatores potencialmente associados com alta prevalência de TMC foram relacionados à formação médica, mostrando que é necessário implementar medidas preventivas e revisão do processo educacional no intuito de reduzir os danos causados pelo desenvolvimento de TMC.

Summary Introduction: Becoming a medical doctor is a very complex process. Factors related to the student’s personality, the educational process and the daily experience with death contribute to peculiar psycho-emotional experiences, not always properly investigated during medical training. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of common mental disorders (CMD) and associated factors, over six years of medical undergraduate course among all students of a class at a public university in Brazil. Method: Cross-sectional study based on repeated surveys. All 40 students enrolled in 2006 in the first year of our medical school were included and evaluated annually until 2011 using the SRQ-20 and a structured questionnaire prepared by the authors on sociodemographic, personal and educational aspects. We performed logistic regression and correspondence analysis. Results: The 40 freshmen in the first evaluation had a mean age of 20 years (SD=2.4), 57.5% were female, and 41% were approved after taking their third entrance exam. The prevalence of CMD increased over the years: from 12.5% in the first year to 43.2% in the fifth. The following variables were potentially associated with CMD: female sex (PR=1.38), originating from capital cities (PR=1.97), the program was less than they expected (PR=3.20), discomfort with program activities (PR=2.10), dissatisfaction with teaching strategies (PR=1.38), and feeling that the program is not a source of pleasure (PR=2.06), being R2=28.8% and AIC=60.04. Conclusion: The factors potentially associated with the high prevalence of CMD were those related to medical training, showing that it is necessary to implement preventive measures and review the educational process in order to reduce the damages caused by the development of CMD.

Objectives Iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) is the result of an inadequate dietary intake of iodine, which physiological consequences are endemic goiter and thyroid dysfunction. The objective of this study was to a analyze studies that assessed the status of Brazil’s population iodine nutrition and IDD prevalence. Materials and methods Systematic review using PRISMA statement. Electronic database: PubMed, Medline, SciELO and Lilacs. Quality of studies: Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analysis was carried out with R Core Team Statistical Software, version 3.1.0 (2014). The summary measure (WMD) and its confidence interval (CI) of 95% were calculated. The “Funnel plot” graph assessed publication bias and heterogeneity. Results Seventeen papers were eligible: pregnant women (2), school children (9), adults/elderly (4) and preschool children/infants (2). Geographic distribution: North (1), Northeast (1), Midwest (2), Southeast (13), South (3). Twenty-three thousand two hundred seventy-two subjects were evaluated between 1997 and 2013 and all have use urinary iodine (UI) measurement. However, only 7 studies could be included in meta-analysis, all from Southeast region. The overall prevalence of IDD in school children in southeast region was 15.3% (95% CI, 13-35%), however this data had an important heterogeneity, expressed by the I2 Statistic of 99.5%. Conclusion Only few studies have been performed and enrolled populations from south/southeast region of Brazil. The actual IDD prevalence analysis is complex because it was detected bias due influence of individual studies and very high heterogeneity. IDD might still be high in some areas but this remained unknown even after this meta-analysis evaluation. The generation of a national program for analysis of iodine status in all regions is urgently required. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2015;59(1):13-22

Objective:Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disorder involving the gastrointestinal tract. Immunosuppressive drugs are usually prescribed to treat IBD patients, and this treatment can lead to tuberculosis reactivation. This paper aimed to analyze tuberculin skin test (TST) results in IBD patients at a reference center in Brazil.Methods:We evaluated TST results in IBD patients using a cross-sectional study. We also analyzed the medical records of patients treated at a reference IBD outpatient unit where TST is routinely performed.Results:We reviewed 119 medical records of 57 (47.9%) Crohn's disease (CD), 57 (47.9%) ulcerative colitis (UC) and 5 (4.2%) indeterminate colitis (IC) patients. The mean (SD) age was 43.5 (13.7) years old. TST was positive in 24 (20.2%) of the patients. TST was positive in 16/57 (28.1%) UC and 6/57 (10.5%) CD patients (prevalence ratio [PR] 2.7). Forty-one patients (34.5%) were taking immunosuppressive drugs (azathioprine or prednisone) at the time of the TST, and six of these patients (14.6%) had positive test results. Two patients using infliximab had negative TST results. Thirty-five of the 41 patients (85.4%) on immunosuppressive treatment were anergic compared with 73.1% (57/78) of the untreated patients (PR 1.2).Conclusions:Patients with IBD have TST results similar to the general Brazilian population. Within the IBD population, CD patients have a lower frequency of TST positivity than UC patients.

INTRODUÇÃO: A cirurgia valvar mitral pode ser realizada com o coração com atividade elétrica, vazio e normotérmico com pinçamento aórtico, perfusão sanguínea no seio coronário, simulando um estado fisiológico. OBJETIVOS: Comparar as manifestações clínicas e ultramicroscópicas do miocárdio, na cirurgia valvar mitral, com o coração com atividade elétrica versus sem atividade elétrica. MÉTODOS: Estudo randomizado constituído de 34 pacientes: grupo A (batendo) e grupo B (parado). Os parâmetros foram: hematológico, bioquímico, ecocardiográfico, lactato. Foram realizadas 102 biopsias da parede anterior do ventrículo esquerdo preparadas para análise ultraestrutural: antes da circulação extracorpórea, antes do despinçamento aórtico e 10 minutos após a interrupção da circulação extracorpórea. RESULTADOS: Verificou-se elevação do lactato 3 horas após o início do procedimento, que foi maior no grupo A (P=0,06), todavia semelhantes no final da cirurgia. A cardioversão foi necessária em (A) 5/17 vs. (B) 13/17, P=0,07. A temperatura intraoperatória média foi significativamente menor no grupo B em relação ao grupo A (32oC vs. 36oC), P<0,001. A análise ultramicroscópica das amostras das biopsias do coração antes da circulação extracorpórea, ao término do pinçamento aórtico e após a saída da circulação extracorpórea, revelou anormalidades transitórias semelhantes no citoplasma, núcleos e mitocôndrias em ambos os grupos, independentemente do momento das biopsias. CONCLUSÃO: A proteção miocárdica na cirurgia valvar mitral apresentou aspectos semelhantes na preservação da integridade ultraestrutural dos cardiomiócitos quando realizada com o coração com ou sem atividade elétrica.

INTRODUCTION: Beating heart surgery on normothermic bypass simulates physiologic cardiac status. OBJECTIVES: This study compared clinical and transmission electron microscopic aspects of myocardial protection during mitral valve replacement using warm retrograde perfusion in empty beating versus arrested heart with cold blood anterograde cardioplegia. METHODS: Randomized study to evaluate myocardial cellular ischemia-reperfusion of both techniques to replace the mitral valve. Thirty-four patients were randomly assigned into group A (beating heart) and group B (arrested heart). The following parameters were assessed: echocardiography, blood chemistry, hemoglobin, lactate. During the surgical procedure a total of 102 myocardial biopsies were performed for ultrastructural analysis from anterior left ventricular wall: before cardiopulmonary bypass, before aortic desclamping and 10 minutes after reperfusion. RESULTS: Elevation of lactate at 3 hours during the procedure was higher in group A, but similar at the end of surgery (P=0.06). Cardioversion was necessary in 5/17 (A) vs. 13/17 (B) P=0.07. Median intraoperative systemic temperature was significantly lower in the group B compared to A (32oC vs. 36oC), P<0.001. There was no significant difference of the ultramicroscopic aspects of the heart biopsies before, during and after surgery in both groups. Cellular and mitochondrial transient abnormalities such as mitochondrial swelling, glycogen loss and cytosol swelling were detected independently of the moment of the biopsies. CONCLUSION: Myocardial protection and ultrastructural abnormalities were similar for both types of mitral valve replacement beating or arrested heart techniques.

OBJETIVO: Determinar a prevalência de atopia e avaliar o perfil clínico, laboratorial e radiológico de pacientes com DPOC. MÉTODOS: Estudo de corte transversal com pacientes ambulatoriais portadores de DPOC estável (definida pela história clínica e relação VEF1/CVF < 70% do previsto após broncodilatador). Os pacientes responderam um questionário clínico e de atopia e foram submetidos a citologia de lavado nasal, teste cutâneo de alergia, radiografia de tórax, hemogasometria arterial e dosagem de IgE total. RESULTADOS: Dos 149 indivíduos avaliados, 53 (35,6%), 49 (32,8%) e 88 (59,1%), respectivamente, apresentavam eosinofilia no lavado nasal, teste cutâneo positivo e sintomas de rinite alérgica. A análise de correspondência confirmou esses achados, evidenciando dois perfis distintos de doença: a presença de atopia em pacientes com estágios mais leves de DPOC, e a ausência de características de atopia em pacientes com aspectos de doença mais grave (VEF1 reduzido e hiperinsuflação). Houve uma associação estatisticamente significante entre eosinofilia no lavado nasal e prova farmacodinâmica positiva. CONCLUSÕES: Este estudo identificou uma alta frequência de atopia em pacientes com DPOC, utilizando ferramentas simples e reprodutíveis. A monitorização inflamatória de vias aéreas parece ser uma ferramenta útil para avaliar as doenças respiratórias em idosos, assim como em pacientes com sobreposição de asma e DPOC, entidade clínica ainda pouco compreendida.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of atopy and to evaluate clinical, laboratory, and radiological profiles in patients with COPD. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving outpatients with stable COPD (defined by the clinical history and a post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC < 70% of the predicted value). The patients completed a questionnaire regarding clinical characteristics and atopy, after which they underwent nasal lavage cytology, skin prick testing, chest X-rays, arterial blood gas analyses, and determination of total serum IgE. RESULTS: Of the 149 subjects studied, 53 (35.6%), 49 (32.8%), and 88 (59.1%) presented with nasal eosinophilia, a positive skin prick test result, and symptoms of allergic rhinitis, respectively. Correspondence analysis confirmed these findings, showing two distinct patterns of disease expression: atopy in patients with COPD that was less severe; and no evidence of atopy in those with COPD that was more severe (reduced FEV1 and hyperinflation). There was a statistically significant association between nasal eosinophilia and a positive bronchodilator response. CONCLUSIONS: Using simple and reproducible methods, we were able to show that there is a high frequency of atopy in patients with COPD. Monitoring inflammation in the upper airways can be a useful tool for evaluating respiratory diseases in the elderly and in those with concomitant asthma and COPD, a clinical entity not yet fully understood.

OBJETIVOS: Descrever a prevalência e os fatores determinantes do sobrepeso de crianças menores de 4 anos de idade de Feira de Santana (BA). MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal aninhado em uma coorte de nascidos (n = 793) em Feira de Santana. As variáveis independentes foram relacionadas às características das crianças, aos fatores sociodemográficos e reprodutivos maternos e à alimentação da criança aos 4 meses. A variável dependente foi o sobrepeso avaliado pelo índice peso/estatura, comparado ao padrão do Multicentre Growth Reference Study de 2006. Adotaram-se os pontos de corte de normalidade -2 e +2 escore z em relação à mediana da população de referência. O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, sob registro nº 096/2006. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de sobrepeso observada foi de 12,5%. Características associadas positivamente ao sobrepeso: peso adequado ao nascer (razão de prevalência 2,75; IC95% 1,50-5,05), primiparidade (razão de prevalência 1,61; IC95% 1,09-2,35) e trabalho materno fora de casa aos 4 meses de idade da criança (razão de prevalência 1,73; IC95% 1,16-2,59). CONCLUSÕES: No presente estudo, peso adequado ao nascer, primiparidade e trabalho materno aos 4 meses de vida da criança se associaram com o sobrepeso infantil. A taxa de sobrepeso superou os resultados de outros estudos no país, inclusive em outros municípios baianos, sinalizando para o risco de obesidade e seus comprometimentos a que as crianças em Feira de Santana podem estar submetidas.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the prevalence of and factors associated with overweight in children under 4 years of age in Feira de Santana, state of Bahia, Brazil. METHODS: Cross-sectional study nested within a birth cohort of 793 children born in Feira de Santana, Brazil. Independent variables were related to infant characteristics, social and demographic factors, maternal reproductive aspects, and diet of the child at age 4 months. The dependent variable was nutritional status, as assessed by weight-for-height ratio compared to Multicentre Growth Reference Study standards and obtained with the use of the software ANTHRO. Z-scores of -2 and +2 above or below the median for the reference population were established as normality cutoff points. Child height and weight were measured with an anthropometer and digital scales, respectively; all measurements were taken in triplicate. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana (CEP/UEFS), under registration number 096/2006. RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight was 12.5%. Adequate birth weight (RR 2.75; 95%CI 1.50-5.05), primiparity (RR 1.61; 95%CI 1.09-2.35), and maternal employment outside the home at age 4 months (RR 1.73; 95%CI 1.16-2.59) were associated with overweight. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, adequate birth weight, primiparity and maternal employment outside the home were associated with overweight in children. The rate of overweight found, which surpassed that reported by other studies conducted across the country (including Bahia), point to a risk of child obesity in Feira de Santana.

The aim of our study was to determine the impact of psychiatric comorbidities on the health-related quality of life of HCV-infected patients. Assessment of clinical, socio-demographic and quality of life data of the patients followed up at a Hepatology unit was performed by using a standard questionnaire and the SF-36 instrument. Psychiatric diagnoses were confirmed by using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, Brazilian version 5.0.0 (MINI Plus). Evaluation using the MINI plus demonstrated that 46 (51%) patients did not have any psychiatric diagnosis, while 44 (49%) had at least one psychiatric diagnosis. Among patients with a psychiatric comorbidity, 26 (59.1%) had a current mental disorder, out of which 22 (84.6%) had not been previously diagnosed. Patients with psychiatric disorders had lower scores in all dimensions of the SF-36 when compared to those who had no psychiatric diagnosis. Scores of physical functioning and bodily pain domains were lower for those suffering from a current psychiatric disorder when compared to those who had had a psychiatric disorder in the past. Females had lower scores of bodily pain and mental health dimensions when compared to males. Scores for mental health dimension were also lower for patients with advanced fibrosis. The presence of a psychiatric comorbidity was the variable that was most associated with the different scores in the SF-36, compared to other variables such as age, gender, aminotransferase levels, and degree of fibrosis.

OBJETIVO: Investigar a presença de transtornos psiquiátricos em pacientes com dor torácica de origem não cardíaca que não respondem aos tratamentos regulares. MÉTODO: Dezoito pacientes com dor torácica sem origem cardíaca e considerados por seus clínicos como não respondentes aos tratamentos regulares instituídos foram avaliados por um psiquiatra treinado. As entrevistas foram realizadas com base no Present State Examination e os diagnósticos psiquiá-tricos, de acordo com os critérios do Manual de Diagnóstico e Estatística da Associação Psiquiátrica Americana, 3ª Edição Revisada (DSM-III-R). RESULTADOS: Depressão maior no momento da avaliação foi diagnosticada em 6 (30%) pacientes, somatização em 1 (6%) e transtorno do pânico em 1 (6%) paciente. Sete pacientes estavam recebendo antidepressivos tricíclicos com doses < 75 mg/dia. CONCLUSÕES: A baixa dose de ADTs usadas para o tratamento da dor nesses pacientes pode ter melhorado parcialmente os sintomas depressivos, tornando mais difíceis o diagnóstico e o tratamento apropriado(s) da depressão e, assim, contribuindo para a persistência da dor e outras queixas. As futuras pesquisas deverão focalizar a eficácia do tratamento da depressão nesses pacientes e o impacto deste no alívio da dor torácica não cardíaca.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the presence of psychiatric disorders in patients with chest pain not responsive to treatment. METHOD: We evaluated 18 patients judged by their physicians to have a chest pain not responsive to usual treatment, which included anti-pain medicines and investigation and treatment of possible etiological causes such as coronary artery disease, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. A psychiatrist interviewed the patients using the Present State Examination and made the diagnosis based on the DSM-III-R criteria. Current major depression was diagnosed in 6 (30%) patients, somatization in 1 (6%) and panic disorder in 1 (6%) patient. Seven patients were receiving tricyclics antidepressant with doses > 75 mg/day. DISCUSSION: Patients were receiving doses of tricyclics antidepressants efficacious for pain but not for major depression. It is possible that the low dose of antidepressants used to treat pain may partially ameliorate depressive symptoms, making the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of major depression even more difficult, consequently contributing to the persistence of pain and other complains. Considering the wide alternatives to effectively treat depression, a focus on detection and treatment of major depression in patients with chest pain is warranted by clinicians and researchers.