Resumo Introdução: A vida das pessoas com Doença Renal Crônica (DRC) é alterada em diversos aspectos. Dentre eles, o trabalho destaca-se como um dos que sofrem profundas consequências e comprometimento na sua continuidade. Embora existam estudos sobre as limitações impostas pelo tratamento da DRC nas atividades profissionais, a percepção dos pacientes em relação a essas limitações ainda é pouco explorada na literatura. Objetivo: Conhecer as percepções dos pacientes renais crônicos, em hemodiálise e transplantados renais, sobre as limitações impostas pelo tratamento nas suas atividades profissionais. Métodos: Estudo qualitativo, realizado com 21 pacientes com DRC (13 em tratamento de hemodiálise e 8 transplantados renais). A coleta de dados se deu por meio de entrevistas, a partir de um roteiro semiestruturado, e submetidas à análise de conteúdo, na modalidade temática. Resultados: Foram identificados três temas de análise: 1. Diagnóstico e acesso ao tratamento; 2. Limitações nas atividades diárias e no trabalho e 3. Mudanças relacionadas ao trabalho e apoio familiar. Entre os pacientes com hemodiálise, a necessidade de realizar sessões frequentes foi citado como um dificultador para a retomada das atividades laborais. Mesmo entre os pacientes transplantados, as limitações físicas e os cuidados pós-cirúrgicos afetaram a produtividade e a capacidade de retorno ao trabalho da maneira habitual. Conclusões: As mudanças experimentadas pelos entrevistados após o início do tratamento da DRC afetaram sua capacidade de retornar ao trabalho, e o apoio familiar foi considerado essencial para facilitar esse processo. A pesquisa qualitativa se mostrou uma ferramenta importante no entendimento de como as mudanças na vida do paciente renal crônico após o início do tratamento afetam sua capacidade de retornar ao trabalho.

Abstract Introduction: The lives of people with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) are changed in several ways, among them, work stands out as one of those that suffers profound consequences and compromises its continuity. Although there are studies on the limitations imposed by the treatment of CKD in professional activities, the perception of patients in relation to these limitations is still little explored in the literature. Objective: To know the perceptions of chronic kidney patients, on hemodialysis and kidney transplant patients, about the limitations imposed by the treatment in their professional activities. Methods: Qualitative study, carried out with 21 patients with CKD (13 on hemodialysis and 8 with kidney transplant). Data collection took place through interviews, based on a semi-structured script, and submitted to content analysis, in the thematic modality. Results: Three analysis themes were identified: 1. Diagnosis and access to treatment; 2. Limitations in daily activities and work and 3. Work-related changes and family support. Among hemodialysis patients, the need for frequent sessions was cited as a barrier to resuming work activities. Even among transplant patients, physical limitations and post-surgical care affected productivity and the ability to return to work as usual. Conclusions. The changes experienced by respondents after starting CKD treatment affected their ability to return to work, and family support was considered essential to facilitate this process. Qualitative research proved to be an important tool in understanding how changes in the life of chronic renal patients after starting treatment affect their ability to return to work.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been increasing significantly. There is evidence that a large part of the population does not have enough knowledge on the subject. Objective: To investigate the level of knowledge about CKD in the general population, its risk factors and means of prevention. Methods: We ran a cross-sectional study in the population of Fortaleza, Ceará – Brazil, between 2017 and 2020, with the application of a questionnaire on CKD, risk factors and prevention. Results: we interviewed 735 volunteers, with a mean age of 38 years, of which 55% were female. Only 17.2% correctly responded to the concept of CKD, and 5.8% knew the concept of creatinine. Low water intake was the most cited risk factor by respondents (79.3%). The main risk factors and direct causes of CKD (diabetes and hypertension) were mentioned less frequently (13.2% and 15.1%, respectively). Men were more correct regarding risk factors and ways to prevent CKD. Older respondents answered more correctly the questions about the definition of CKD (n = 22; 28.6%) and creatinine (n = 7; 9.0%). With regards to education there was a statistically significant correlation in all the questions (p < 0.05). Conclusion: There is little knowledge about CKD in the general population. Higher level of education is associated with better knowledge. More health education actions are needed so that the population becomes better acquainted with CKD and, consequently, can adopt more adequate prevention and control measures.

Resumo Introdução: A doença renal crônica (DRC) vem aumentando de forma significativa. Há evidências de que grande parte da população não tem conhecimento suficiente sobre o assunto. Objetivo: Investigar na população geral o nível de conhecimento sobre a DRC, seus fatores de risco e meios de prevenção. Métodos: Foi realizado estudo transversal na população de Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil, entre 2017 e 2020, com aplicação de um questionário sobre DRC, fatores de risco e prevenção. Resultados: Foram entrevistados 735 voluntários, com média de idade de 38 anos, dos quais 55% eram do sexo feminino. Apenas 17,2% responderam corretamente ao conceito de DRC, e 5,8% sabiam o conceito de creatinina. A baixa ingestão hídrica foi o fator de risco mais citado pelos entrevistados (79,3%). Os principais fatores de risco e as causas diretas de DRC (diabetes e hipertensão) foram mencionados com menor frequência (13,2% e 15,1%, respectivamente). Os homens tiveram maior acerto com relação aos fatores de risco e às formas de prevenção da DRC. Os entrevistados com idade mais avançada responderam mais corretamente às perguntas sobre a definição de DRC (n = 22; 28,6%) e creatinina (n = 7; 9,0%). No que diz respeito à escolaridade, em todas as perguntas houve correlação estatisticamente significativa (p < 0,05). Conclusão: Há um baixo nível de conhecimento sobre a DRC na população geral. Maior nível de escolaridade associa-se a um melhor conhecimento. São necessárias mais ações de educação em saúde para que a população conheça melhor a DRC e consequentemente possa adotar medidas de prevenção e controle mais adequadas.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Supplementation with probiotics for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) may be associated with decreased systemic inflammation. Objective: To assess the impact of oral supplementation with probiotics for patients with CKD on hemodialysis. Method: This double-blind randomized clinical trial included 70 patients on hemodialysis; 32 were given oral supplementation with probiotics and 38 were in the placebo group. Blood samples were collected at the start of the study and patients were given oral supplementation with probiotics or placebo for three months. The probiotic supplement comprised four strains of encapsulated Gram-positive bacteria: Lactobacillus Plantarum A87, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium bifidum A218 and Bifidobacterium longum A101. Patients were given one capsule per day for 3 months. Blood samples were taken throughout the study to check for inflammatory biomarkers. Non-traditional biomarkers Syndecan-1, IFN-y, NGAL, and cystatin C were measured using an ELISA kit, along with biochemical parameters CRP, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, PTH, GPT, hematocrit, hemoglobin, glucose, and urea. Results: Patients given supplementation with probiotics had significant decreases in serum levels of syndecan-1 (239 ± 113 to 184 ± 106 ng/mL, p = 0.005); blood glucose levels also decreased significantly (162 ± 112 to 146 ± 74 mg/dL, p = 0.02). Conclusion: Administration of probiotics to patients with advanced CKD was associated with decreases in syndecan-1 and blood glucose levels, indicating potential improvements in metabolism and decreased systemic inflammation.

Resumo Introdução: A suplementação com probióticos na doença renal crônica (DRC) pode estar associada à redução do processo inflamatório sistêmico. Objetivo: Avaliar a suplementação oral com probióticos em pacientes com DRC em hemodiálise. Método: Ensaio clínico, duplo cego, randomizado com 70 pacientes em hemodiálise, sendo 32 do grupo que recebeu o suplemento de probióticos e 38 do grupo placebo. Inicialmente ocorreu a coleta de sangue e suplementação oral com probióticos ou placebo durante três meses. O suplemento probiótico foi composto pela combinação de 4 cepas de bactérias Gram-positivas encapsuladas: Lactobacillus Plantarum A87, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium bifidum A218 e Bifidobacterium longum A101, sendo 1 cápsula do suplemento ao dia, durante 3 meses. Após esse período foram feitas novas coletas de sangue para dosagem dos biomarcadores inflamatórios. Foram analisados os biomarcadores não tradicionais: Syndecan-1, IFN-y, NGAL e cistatina C pelo método ELISA, e os seguintes parâmetros bioquímicos: PCR, cálcio, fósforo, potássio, PTH, TGP, hematócrito, hemoglobina, glicose e ureia. Resultados: Os pacientes que receberam suplemento tiveram diminuição significativa dos níveis séricos de syndecan-1 (de 239 ± 113 para 184 ± 106 ng/mL, p = 0,005). Outro parâmetro que diminuiu significativamente nos pacientes que receberam suplemento foi a glicemia (de 162 ± 112 para 146 ± 74 mg/dL, p = 0,02). Conclusão: O uso de probióticos na DRC avançada esteve associado à redução dos níveis de syndecan-1 e glicemia, sinalizando possível melhora no metabolismo e redução do processo inflamatório sistêmico.

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Smartphone and application use can improve communication and monitoring of chronic diseases, including chronic kidney disease, through self-management and increased adherence to treatment. OBJECTIVE: To assess smartphone use in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis and their willingness to use mobile applications as a disease self-management strategy. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a cross-sectional study of chronic kidney disease patients on hemodialysis in the São Francisco Valley in the Northeast Region, Brazil. METHODS: The questionnaire developed by the authors was administered between April and June 2021. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the construct was 0.69. Associations between the dependent and independent variables were determined using univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis with logistic regression analysis was also performed. RESULTS: A total of 381 patients were included, of whom 64% had a smartphone, although only 3.1% knew of a kidney disease-related application. However, 59.3% believed that using an application could help them manage their disease. Having a smartphone was associated with treatment adherence, higher educational attainment, and higher per capita income. Educational attainment remained an independent factor in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: More than 64% of patients had a smartphone, although few knew of applications developed for kidney disease. More than half of the population believed that technology use could benefit chronic kidney disease treatment. Smartphone ownership was more common among the younger population, with higher educational attainment and income, and was associated with greater adherence to hemodialysis sessions.

Resumo Introdução: A suplementação com probióticos na doença renal crônica (DRC) pode estar associada à redução do processo inflamatório sistêmico. Objetivo: Avaliar a suplementação oral com probióticos em pacientes com DRC em hemodiálise. Método: Ensaio clínico, duplo cego, randomizado com 70 pacientes em hemodiálise, sendo 32 do grupo que recebeu o suplemento de probióticos e 38 do grupo placebo. Inicialmente ocorreu a coleta de sangue e suplementação oral com probióticos ou placebo durante três meses. O suplemento probiótico foi composto pela combinação de 4 cepas de bactérias Gram-positivas encapsuladas: Lactobacillus Plantarum A87, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium bifidum A218 e Bifidobacterium longum A101, sendo 1 cápsula do suplemento ao dia, durante 3 meses. Após esse período foram feitas novas coletas de sangue para dosagem dos biomarcadores inflamatórios. Foram analisados os biomarcadores não tradicionais: Syndecan-1, IFN-y, NGAL e cistatina C pelo método ELISA, e os seguintes parâmetros bioquímicos: PCR, cálcio, fósforo, potássio, PTH, TGP, hematócrito, hemoglobina, glicose e ureia. Resultados: Os pacientes que receberam suplemento tiveram diminuição significativa dos níveis séricos de syndecan-1 (de 239 ± 113 para 184 ± 106 ng/mL, p = 0,005). Outro parâmetro que diminuiu significativamente nos pacientes que receberam suplemento foi a glicemia (de 162 ± 112 para 146 ± 74 mg/dL, p = 0,02). Conclusão: O uso de probióticos na DRC avançada esteve associado à redução dos níveis de syndecan-1 e glicemia, sinalizando possível melhora no metabolismo e redução do processo inflamatório sistêmico.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Supplementation with probiotics for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) may be associated with decreased systemic inflammation. Objective: To assess the impact of oral supplementation with probiotics for patients with CKD on hemodialysis. Method: This double-blind randomized clinical trial included 70 patients on hemodialysis; 32 were given oral supplementation with probiotics and 38 were in the placebo group. Blood samples were collected at the start of the study and patients were given oral supplementation with probiotics or placebo for three months. The probiotic supplement comprised four strains of encapsulated Gram-positive bacteria: Lactobacillus Plantarum A87, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium bifidum A218 and Bifidobacterium longum A101. Patients were given one capsule per day for 3 months. Blood samples were taken throughout the study to check for inflammatory biomarkers. Non-traditional biomarkers Syndecan-1, IFN-y, NGAL, and cystatin C were measured using an ELISA kit, along with biochemical parameters CRP, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, PTH, GPT, hematocrit, hemoglobin, glucose, and urea. Results: Patients given supplementation with probiotics had significant decreases in serum levels of syndecan-1 (239 ± 113 to 184 ± 106 ng/mL, p = 0.005); blood glucose levels also decreased significantly (162 ± 112 to 146 ± 74 mg/dL, p = 0.02). Conclusion: Administration of probiotics to patients with advanced CKD was associated with decreases in syndecan-1 and blood glucose levels, indicating potential improvements in metabolism and decreased systemic inflammation.

Resumo Introdução: A doença renal crônica (DRC) vem aumentando de forma significativa. Há evidências de que grande parte da população não tem conhecimento suficiente sobre o assunto. Objetivo: Investigar na população geral o nível de conhecimento sobre a DRC, seus fatores de risco e meios de prevenção. Métodos: Foi realizado estudo transversal na população de Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil, entre 2017 e 2020, com aplicação de um questionário sobre DRC, fatores de risco e prevenção. Resultados: Foram entrevistados 735 voluntários, com média de idade de 38 anos, dos quais 55% eram do sexo feminino. Apenas 17,2% responderam corretamente ao conceito de DRC, e 5,8% sabiam o conceito de creatinina. A baixa ingestão hídrica foi o fator de risco mais citado pelos entrevistados (79,3%). Os principais fatores de risco e as causas diretas de DRC (diabetes e hipertensão) foram mencionados com menor frequência (13,2% e 15,1%, respectivamente). Os homens tiveram maior acerto com relação aos fatores de risco e às formas de prevenção da DRC. Os entrevistados com idade mais avançada responderam mais corretamente às perguntas sobre a definição de DRC (n = 22; 28,6%) e creatinina (n = 7; 9,0%). No que diz respeito à escolaridade, em todas as perguntas houve correlação estatisticamente significativa (p < 0,05). Conclusão: Há um baixo nível de conhecimento sobre a DRC na população geral. Maior nível de escolaridade associa-se a um melhor conhecimento. São necessárias mais ações de educação em saúde para que a população conheça melhor a DRC e consequentemente possa adotar medidas de prevenção e controle mais adequadas.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been increasing significantly. There is evidence that a large part of the population does not have enough knowledge on the subject. Objective: To investigate the level of knowledge about CKD in the general population, its risk factors and means of prevention. Methods: We ran a cross-sectional study in the population of Fortaleza, Ceará – Brazil, between 2017 and 2020, with the application of a questionnaire on CKD, risk factors and prevention. Results: we interviewed 735 volunteers, with a mean age of 38 years, of which 55% were female. Only 17.2% correctly responded to the concept of CKD, and 5.8% knew the concept of creatinine. Low water intake was the most cited risk factor by respondents (79.3%). The main risk factors and direct causes of CKD (diabetes and hypertension) were mentioned less frequently (13.2% and 15.1%, respectively). Men were more correct regarding risk factors and ways to prevent CKD. Older respondents answered more correctly the questions about the definition of CKD (n = 22; 28.6%) and creatinine (n = 7; 9.0%). With regards to education there was a statistically significant correlation in all the questions (p < 0.05). Conclusion: There is little knowledge about CKD in the general population. Higher level of education is associated with better knowledge. More health education actions are needed so that the population becomes better acquainted with CKD and, consequently, can adopt more adequate prevention and control measures.

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Smartphone and application use can improve communication and monitoring of chronic diseases, including chronic kidney disease, through self-management and increased adherence to treatment. OBJECTIVE: To assess smartphone use in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis and their willingness to use mobile applications as a disease self-management strategy. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a cross-sectional study of chronic kidney disease patients on hemodialysis in the São Francisco Valley in the Northeast Region, Brazil. METHODS: The questionnaire developed by the authors was administered between April and June 2021. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the construct was 0.69. Associations between the dependent and independent variables were determined using univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis with logistic regression analysis was also performed. RESULTS: A total of 381 patients were included, of whom 64% had a smartphone, although only 3.1% knew of a kidney disease-related application. However, 59.3% believed that using an application could help them manage their disease. Having a smartphone was associated with treatment adherence, higher educational attainment, and higher per capita income. Educational attainment remained an independent factor in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: More than 64% of patients had a smartphone, although few knew of applications developed for kidney disease. More than half of the population believed that technology use could benefit chronic kidney disease treatment. Smartphone ownership was more common among the younger population, with higher educational attainment and income, and was associated with greater adherence to hemodialysis sessions.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Analisar os fatores associados à prematuridade em casos notificados de sífilis congênita no município de Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal realizado em dez maternidades públicas de Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil. Foram incluídos 478 casos notificados de sífilis congênita em 2015, e os dados foram coletados das fichas de notificação, dos prontuários das mães e dos bebês e do cartão de pré-natal. Para a análise bivariada, foram utilizados os testes do qui-quadrado de Pearson e exato de Fisher, considerando p < 0,05. Realizou-se regressão logística múltipla, apresentando razão de chances (OR) com intervalo de confiança de 95%. RESULTADOS: Encontrou-se 15,3% de prematuridade em gestantes com sífilis. A titulação do teste VDRL > 1:8 no parto (OR 2,46; IC95%: 1,33–4,53; p = 0,004), o não tratamento da gestante ou tratamento realizado com drogas diferentes da penicilina durante o pré-natal (OR 3,52; IC95%: 1,74–7,13; p < 0,001) estiveram associados a maiores chances de prematuridade. CONCLUSÃO: A prematuridade decorrente da sífilis congênita é um agravo evitável, desde que as gestantes com sífilis sejam tratadas adequadamente. As fragilidades na assistência pré-natal estão associadas a este desfecho, o que ressalta a importância de implementar políticas públicas voltadas a melhorar a qualidade do pré-natal.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To analyze the factors associated with prematurity in reported cases of congenital syphilis in the city of Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted in ten public maternity hospitals in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. A total of 478 reported cases of congenital syphilis were included in 2015, and data were collected from notification forms, from mothers’ and babies’ medical records and from prenatal cards. For the bivariate analysis, Pearson’s chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests were used, considering p < 0.05. Multiple logistic regression was conducted, presenting odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: We found 15.3% prematurity in pregnant women with syphilis. The titration of the VDRL test > 1:8 at delivery (OR 2.46; 95%CI: 1.33–4.53; p = 0.004) and the non-treatment of the pregnant women or treatment with drugs other than penicillin during prenatal care (OR 3.52; 95%CI: 1.74–7.13; p< 0.001) were associated with higher chances of prematurity. CONCLUSION: The prematurity due to congenital syphilis is a preventable condition, provided that pregnant women with syphilis are treated appropriately. Weaknesses in prenatal care are associated with this outcome, which highlights the importance of public policies oriented to improve the quality of prenatal care.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Analisar os fatores associados à prematuridade em casos notificados de sífilis congênita no município de Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal realizado em dez maternidades públicas de Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil. Foram incluídos 478 casos notificados de sífilis congênita em 2015, e os dados foram coletados das fichas de notificação, dos prontuários das mães e dos bebês e do cartão de pré-natal. Para a análise bivariada, foram utilizados os testes do qui-quadrado de Pearson e exato de Fisher, considerando p < 0,05. Realizou-se regressão logística múltipla, apresentando razão de chances (OR) com intervalo de confiança de 95%. RESULTADOS: Encontrou-se 15,3% de prematuridade em gestantes com sífilis. A titulação do teste VDRL > 1:8 no parto (OR 2,46; IC95%: 1,33–4,53; p = 0,004), o não tratamento da gestante ou tratamento realizado com drogas diferentes da penicilina durante o pré-natal (OR 3,52; IC95%: 1,74–7,13; p < 0,001) estiveram associados a maiores chances de prematuridade. CONCLUSÃO: A prematuridade decorrente da sífilis congênita é um agravo evitável, desde que as gestantes com sífilis sejam tratadas adequadamente. As fragilidades na assistência pré-natal estão associadas a este desfecho, o que ressalta a importância de implementar políticas públicas voltadas a melhorar a qualidade do pré-natal.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To analyze the factors associated with prematurity in reported cases of congenital syphilis in the city of Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted in ten public maternity hospitals in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. A total of 478 reported cases of congenital syphilis were included in 2015, and data were collected from notification forms, from mothers’ and babies’ medical records and from prenatal cards. For the bivariate analysis, Pearson’s chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests were used, considering p < 0.05. Multiple logistic regression was conducted, presenting odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: We found 15.3% prematurity in pregnant women with syphilis. The titration of the VDRL test > 1:8 at delivery (OR 2.46; 95%CI: 1.33–4.53; p = 0.004) and the non-treatment of the pregnant women or treatment with drugs other than penicillin during prenatal care (OR 3.52; 95%CI: 1.74–7.13; p< 0.001) were associated with higher chances of prematurity. CONCLUSION: The prematurity due to congenital syphilis is a preventable condition, provided that pregnant women with syphilis are treated appropriately. Weaknesses in prenatal care are associated with this outcome, which highlights the importance of public policies oriented to improve the quality of prenatal care.

ABSTRACT Leprosy may present kidney and endothelial abnormalities, being a risk factor for complications. However, the involvement of renal and vascular endothelia has been poorly investigated. We aimed to investigate if the levels of systemic endothelial biomarkers are associated with kidney abnormalities and the clinical forms of leprosy. This is a cross-sectional study with leprosy patients enrolled in January 2017 to December 2018, before the initiation of the multidrug therapy. Leprosy-associated clinical and epidemiological data were collected. Two groups were investigated: Paucibacillary (PB) and Multibacillary (MB) infections, for the comparisons. Serum and urine samples were obtained for laboratory analysis. In serum samples, were evaluated the endothelial biomarkers VCAM-1 and ICAM-1. In total, 101 leprosy patients were included, the mean age was 48±١٥ years and 71 (70%) were male. The multibacillary form occurred in 81 cases (80%), among which 22 had the Virchowian form. Serum creatinine was more elevated in the MB group than in PB patients. In addition, VCAM-1 was elevated in the MB group and was correlated with the bacteriological index (rho = 0.372, p <0.01), the duration of disease symptoms (rho = 0.234, p = 0.04), and the number of skin lesions (rho = 0.468, p <0.001). Moreover, in MB patients who presented albuminuria >15 mg/g of creatinine, VCAM-1 showed a significant correlation with increased albuminuria and improved the correlation with the number of skin lesions (rho= 0.563, p=0.010). In conclusion, higher systemic VCAM-1 levels were associated with the multibacillary clinical form of leprosy and with increased albuminuria. Prospective studies are necessary to establish a cause-effect and evaluate the preventive role of these biomarkers to improve the clinical care.

Abstract Coronaviruses are known to be responsible for infections in humans since the 1960s and have accounted for epidemics in recent human history. More recently, in 2019, a disease caused by a new coronavirus appeared in China, in the province of Wuhan, with a characteristic of greater infectivity, called COVID-19, which has caused a new world pandemic. Considering the need to contain the advance in the number of cases, based on the high rate of transmissibility, several countries have adopted extreme social distancing measures, including the so-called ‘lockdown’. Despite the socioeconomic side effects, the aforementioned measure reduced the progression of the pandemic in countries that adopted it. In Brazil, the state of Ceará was one of the first epicenters of the disease in the country and the state capital city of Fortaleza, on May 8, implemented the lockdown measure to contain the increase in the number of cases. It was then observed, in a tertiary hospital, which is a referral for COVID-19 cases, a decrease in the daily occupancy rate of beds reserved for the pandemic after the lockdown onset, evidencing that this measure leads to a sustainable reduction in bed occupation rates, thus preventing the collapse and overload in health services.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Apresentar uma revisão sobre as alterações renais nos pacientes com COVID-19. MÉTODOS Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática de literatura para buscar estudos referentes a pacientes com alterações renais clínicas, laboratoriais e anatomopatológicas durante a infecção por SARS-CoV-2. A busca foi realizada nas bases de dados eletrônicos PubMed, Scopus e Embase, com as palavras-chaves: “COVID-19”, “coronavirus”, “Sars-CoV-2”, “kidney injury” e “kidney disease”, para identificar artigos originais publicados na literatura até 07 de maio de 2020. Quinze estudos trouxeram alterações renais clínicas e laboratoriais dos pacientes com COVID-19, e três abordaram análises anatomopatológicas. DISCUSSÃO A Lesão renal aguda (LRA) foi um achado relevante nos pacientes com COVID-19. Houve também alterações significativas nos exames laboratoriais que indicam lesão renal, como o nível de creatinina e ureia séricas, proteinúria e hematúria. As alterações laboratoriais e a LRA foram importantes nos pacientes que desenvolveram o quadro grave da doença. Há considerável prevalência de LRA nos grupos de pacientes que vieram a óbito. Na análise histopatológica de pacientes com SARS-CoV-2 foram encontrados achados renais sugestivos que o vírus poderia ter efeitos diretos sobre o rim. CONCLUSÃO A COVID-19 é uma doença que, apesar de acometer principalmente os pulmões, também acomete os rins. Aumento das escórias nitrogenadas, hematúria, proteinúria e LRA foram achados frequentes em pacientes com quadros graves da COVID-19. Esses achados foram relacionados a maior mortalidade. É necessária a realização de mais estudos com enfoque nas alterações renais e suas implicações no quadro clínico causadas pelo novo coronavírus.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE We aimed to present a review of renal changes in patients with COVID-19. METHODS We performed a systematic review of the literature to identify original articles regarding clinical, laboratory, and anatomopathological kidney changes in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 published until May 7, 2020. The search was carried out across PubMed, Scopus, and Embase using the keywords “COVID-19”, “coronavirus”, “SARS-CoV-2”, “kidney injury” and “kidney disease”. Fifteen studies presented clinical and laboratory renal changes in patients with COVID-19, and three addressed anatomopathological changes. DISCUSSION Acute kidney injury (AKI) was a relevant finding in patients with COVID-19. There were also significant changes in laboratory tests that indicated kidney injury, such as increased serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), proteinuria, and hematuria. The presence of laboratory abnormalities and AKI were significant in severely ill patients. There was a considerable prevalence of AKI among groups of patients who died of COVID-19. Histopathological analysis of the kidney tissue of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 suggested that the virus may directly affect the kidneys. CONCLUSION Although COVID-19 affects mainly the lungs, it can also impact the kidneys. Increased serum creatinine and BUN, hematuria, proteinuria, and AKI were frequent findings in patients with severe COVID-19 and were related to an increased mortality rate. Further studies focusing on renal changes and their implications for the clinical condition of patients infected with the novel coronavirus are needed.

ABSTRACT Tropical diseases are mainly found in the tropical regions of Asia, Africa and Latin America. They are a major Public Health problem in these regions, most of them are considered neglected diseases and remain as important contributors to the development of AKI (Acute Kidney Injury), which is associated with increased patients’ morbidity and mortality. In most countries, kidney disease associated to tropical diseases is attended at health services with poor infrastructure and inadequate preventive measures. The long-term impacts of these infections on kidney tissue may be a main cause of future kidney disease in these patients. Therefore, the investigation of novel kidney injury biomarkers in these tropical diseases is of utmost importance to explain the mechanisms of kidney injury, to improve their diagnosis and prognosis, as well as the assessment to health systems by these patients. Since 2011, our group has been studying renal biomarkers in visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis, leptospirosis and leprosy. This study has increased the knowledge on the pathophysiology of kidney disease in the presence of these infections and has contributed to the early diagnosis of kidney injury, pointing to glomerular, endothelial and inflammatory involvement as the main causes of the mechanisms leading to nephropathy and clinical complications. Future perspectives comprise establishing long-term cohort groups to assess the development of kidney disease and the patients’ survival, as well as the use of new biomarkers such as urinary exosomes to detect risk groups and to understand the progression of kidney injuries.

Resumo Os anti-inflamatórios não esteroidais (AINEs) são medicamentos comumente utilizados, associados à nefrotoxicidade, sobretudo quando utilizados cronicamente. Fatores como idade avançada e comorbidades, que por si só já levam à diminuição da taxa de filtração glomerular, aumentam o risco de nefrotoxicidade dos AINEs. O principal mecanismo de ação dos AINEs é a inibição da enzima ciclooxigenase (COX), interferindo na conversão do ácido araquidônico em prostaglandinas E2, prostaciclinas e tromboxanos. Nos rins, as prostaglandinas atuam como vasodilatadoras, aumentando a perfusão renal. Essa vasodilatação atua como uma contrarregulação de mecanismos, como a atuação do sistema renina-angiotensina-aldosterona e do sistema nervoso simpático, culminando com uma compensação para assegurar o fluxo adequado ao órgão. O uso de AINEs inibe esse mecanismo, podendo causar lesão renal aguda (LRA). Altas doses de AINEs têm sido implicadas como causas de LRA, especialmente em idosos. A principal forma de LRA por AINEs é a hemodinamicamente mediada. A segunda forma de apresentação da LRA induzida por AINES é a nefrite intersticial aguda, que pode se manifestar com proteinúria nefrótica. O uso de AINEs em longo prazo pode ocasionar doença renal crônica (DRC). Nos pacientes sem doenças renais, jovens e sem comorbidades, os AINEs não apresentam grandes malefícios. Entretanto, por seu efeito dose-dependente, deve-se ter grande cautela no uso crônico, por aumentar risco de desenvolver nefrotoxicidade.

Abstract Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used medications associated with nephrotoxicity, especially when used chronically. Factors such as advanced age and comorbidities, which in themselves already lead to a decrease in glomerular filtration rate, increase the risk of NSAID-related nephrotoxicity. The main mechanism of NSAID action is cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme inhibition, interfering on arachidonic acid conversion into E2 prostaglandins E2, prostacyclins and thromboxanes. Within the kidneys, prostaglandins act as vasodilators, increasing renal perfusion. This vasodilatation is a counter regulation of mechanisms, such as the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system works and that of the sympathetic nervous system, culminating with compensation to ensure adequate flow to the organ. NSAIDs inhibit this mechanism and can lead to acute kidney injury (AKI). High doses of NSAIDs have been implicated as causes of AKI, especially in the elderly. The main form of AKI by NSAIDs is hemodynamically mediated. The second form of NSAID-induced AKI is acute interstitial nephritis, which may manifest as nephrotic proteinuria. Long-term NSAID use can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD). In patients without renal diseases, young and without comorbidities, NSAIDs are not greatly harmful. However, because of its dose-dependent effect, caution should be exercised in chronic use, since it increases the risk of developing nephrotoxicity.