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.

Resumo A pandemia de COVID-19 no Brasil atingiu níveis alarmantes. Na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, ela encontrou um cenário de desmonte da Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) em meio à uma crise política, o que teve grande impacto nos territórios de maior vulnerabilidade. O objetivo desse estudo é analisar de que forma as favelas e equipes da APS organizaram-se para desenvolver ações comunitárias, ocupando espaços deixados pela falta de outras políticas públicas. Os resultados fazem parte da pesquisa qualitativa multicêntrica “Estratégias de abordagem dos aspectos subjetivos e sociais na Atenção Primária no contexto da pandemia”, onde foram analisados documentos orientadores públicos e 36 entrevistas em profundidade com trabalhadores e usuários da APS, organizadas em grades interpretativas. Como resultado, observou-se que houve iniciativas cogestoras dos trabalhadores e usuários da APS, a partir do surgimento de coletivos organizados e ativismo social, para o enfrentamento da pandemia, independente das normativas da Secretaria Municipal de Saúde e demais instâncias governamentais. A APS se apresentou como único equipamento público nos territórios de alta vulnerabilidade, onde a violência armada esteve presente mesmo durante a pandemia.

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has reached alarming levels in Brazil. In Rio de Janeiro city, it arrived in a scenario in which Primary Health Care (PHC) was being dismantled in the midst of a political crisis, which had major impact on the most vulnerable territories. This study examined how favelas and PHC teams organised community-based action and occupy the vacuum left by the lack of public policies. The results form part of the multi-centre qualitative study “Strategies for approaching subjective and social aspects of Primary Care in the pandemic context”, using public guidance documents and 36 in-depth interviews of PHC workers and users, which were categorised into interpretive grids. Co-management initiatives by PHC workers and users were found to have arisen out of organised groups and social activism, to face the pandemic, independently of regulations from the Municipal Health Department and other government bodies. PHC figured as the only public facility in highly vulnerable territories, where armed violence was ongoing even during the pandemic.

Abstract Currently, gonadotropin products (follicle stimulating hormone, FSH, and luteinizing hormone, LH) used in animal reproduction are produced by extraction and purification from abattoir-derived pituitary glands. This method, relying on animal-derived materials, carries the potential risk of hormone contamination and pathogen transmission. Additionally, chorionic gonadotropins are extracted from the blood of pregnant mares (equine chorionic gonadotropin; eCG) or the urine of pregnant women (human chorionic gonadotropin; hCG). However, recent advancements have introduced recombinant gonadotropins for assisted animal reproduction therapies. The traditional use of FSH for superovulation has limitations, including labor requirements and variability in superovulation response, affecting the success of in vivo (SOV) and in vitro (OPU/IVEP) embryo production. FSH treatment for superstimulation before OPU can promote the growth of a homogenous follicular population and the recovery of competent oocytes suitable for IVEP procedures. At present, a single injection of a preparation of long-acting bovine recombinant FSH (rFSH) produced similar superovulation responses resulting in the production of good-quality in vivo and in vitro embryos. Furthermore, the treatment with eCG at FTAI protocol has demonstrated its efficacy in promoting follicular growth, ovulation, and P/AI, mainly in heifers and anestrous cows. Currently, treatment with recombinant glycoproteins with eCG-like activity (r-eCG) have shown promising results in increasing follicular growth, ovulation, and P/AI in cows submitted to P4/E2 -based protocols. Bovine somatotropin (bST) is a naturally occurring hormone found in cows. Recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST), produced through genetic engineering techniques, has shown potential in enhancing reproductive outcomes in ruminants. Treatment with rbST has been found to improve P/IA, increase donor embryo production, and enhance P/ET in recipients. The use of recombinant hormones allows to produce non-animal-derived products, offering several advantages in assisted reproductive technologies for ruminants. This advancement opens up new possibilities for improving reproductive efficiency and success rates in the field of animal reproduction.

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has reached alarming levels in Brazil. In Rio de Janeiro city, it arrived in a scenario in which Primary Health Care (PHC) was being dismantled in the midst of a political crisis, which had major impact on the most vulnerable territories. This study examined how favelas and PHC teams organised community-based action and occupy the vacuum left by the lack of public policies. The results form part of the multi-centre qualitative study “Strategies for approaching subjective and social aspects of Primary Care in the pandemic context”, using public guidance documents and 36 in-depth interviews of PHC workers and users, which were categorised into interpretive grids. Co-management initiatives by PHC workers and users were found to have arisen out of organised groups and social activism, to face the pandemic, independently of regulations from the Municipal Health Department and other government bodies. PHC figured as the only public facility in highly vulnerable territories, where armed violence was ongoing even during the pandemic.

Resumo A pandemia de COVID-19 no Brasil atingiu níveis alarmantes. Na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, ela encontrou um cenário de desmonte da Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) em meio à uma crise política, o que teve grande impacto nos territórios de maior vulnerabilidade. O objetivo desse estudo é analisar de que forma as favelas e equipes da APS organizaram-se para desenvolver ações comunitárias, ocupando espaços deixados pela falta de outras políticas públicas. Os resultados fazem parte da pesquisa qualitativa multicêntrica “Estratégias de abordagem dos aspectos subjetivos e sociais na Atenção Primária no contexto da pandemia”, onde foram analisados documentos orientadores públicos e 36 entrevistas em profundidade com trabalhadores e usuários da APS, organizadas em grades interpretativas. Como resultado, observou-se que houve iniciativas cogestoras dos trabalhadores e usuários da APS, a partir do surgimento de coletivos organizados e ativismo social, para o enfrentamento da pandemia, independente das normativas da Secretaria Municipal de Saúde e demais instâncias governamentais. A APS se apresentou como único equipamento público nos territórios de alta vulnerabilidade, onde a violência armada esteve presente mesmo durante a pandemia.

Resumo As úlceras de membros inferiores, secundárias à doença venosa crônica (DVC), constituem um problema significativo de saúde pública no Brasil e representam cerca de 70% do total dessas úlceras. Apesar dos recentes avanços tecnológicos e das diversas opções terapêuticas utilizadas para essas lesões crônicas, existem diversos fatores que podem estar implicados na resistência ao tratamento. A calcificação distrófica cutânea (CDC) é uma condição rara e frequentemente subdiagnosticada, que, quando associada à DVC, pode estar associada à refratariedade no processo cicatricial. Neste artigo, relatamos um caso de CDC em paciente portador de DVC e discutimos a sua etiologia, fisiopatologia e possíveis opções de tratamento.

Abstract Lower limb ulcers secondary to chronic venous disease (CVD) are a significant public health problem in Brazil and account for about 70% of these ulcers. Despite recent technological advances and the various therapeutic options for treatment of these chronic injuries, several factors may be involved in resistance to treatment. Dystrophic calcinosis cutis (DCC) is a rare and often underdiagnosed condition that, when in conjunction with CVD, may be associated with a refractory healing process. In this article, we report a case of DCC in a patient with CVD and discuss its etiology, pathophysiology and possible treatment options.

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.

RESUMO Introdução: Para melhor comparar a prevalência de esclerose múltipla (EM) nas diferentes regiões do Brasil, o Comitê Brasileiro para Tratamento e Pesquisa em Esclerose Múltipla implementou uma abordagem padronizada para avaliar a prevalência da doença em 5 cidades-chave, consideradas representativas de suas regiões em termos de características sociogeográficas e nas quais seria viável revisar cada caso pessoalmente. Objetivos: Descrever a prevalência pontual de EM em Passo Fundo, uma das cidades-chave, localizada no Sul do Brasil. Métodos: Buscamos identificar todos os pacientes com EM que viviam em Passo Fundo no dia 1( de julho de 2015. A fonte primária para identificação de casos foi os registros de consultórios de neurologistas e neurocirurgiões da cidade. Múltiplas fontes secundárias foram usadas para maximizar a identificação de casos. Todos os pacientes tiveram o diagnóstico revisado pessoalmente por um painel de neurologistas com experiência em EM. Resultados: Identificamos 52 pacientes com EM que viviam em Passo Fundo em 1( de julho de 2015. Assim, a prevalência pontual bruta de EM foi 26,4/100.000 habitantes (intervalo de confiança de 95%, 19,7 a 34,6/100.000). Entre os casos de EM, 42 (80,8%) eram mulheres, (razão de sexos: 4,2:1). Quarenta e seis casos (88,5%) foram categorizados como EM remitente-recorrente, e os 6 casos restantes como EM secundariamente progressiva (11,5%). As demais características epidemiológicas e clínicas foram comparáveis a populações de EM internacionais. Conclusões: A prevalência de EM em Passo Fundo é uma das maiores já relatadas no Brasil. Estudos em outras cidades-chave brasileiras, usando a mesma metodologia, estão em andamento.

ABSTRACT Background: To improve the comparability of multiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence across Brazilian regions, the Brazilian Committee for Treatment and Research in MS has implemented a standardized approach to assess the prevalence of the disease in five key cities, which were deemed representative of their regions in terms of socio-geographical features and where in-person revision of each case was feasible. Objective: To report the point-prevalence of MS in Passo Fundo, one of the key cities in Southern Brazil. Methods: We sought to identify all MS patients who were living in Passo Fundo on July 1st, 2015. The primary source for case ascertainment was records from the offices of neurologists and neurosurgeons practicing in the city. Multiple secondary sources were used to maximize identification of cases. All patients underwent in-person review of the diagnosis by a panel of neurologists with experience in MS. Results: We identified 52 MS patients living in Passo Fundo on July 1st, 2015. The point-prevalence rate for MS was 26.4/100,000 population (95% confidence interval, 19.7 to 34.6/100,000). Among the MS cases, 42 (80.8%) were female, for a sex ratio of 4.2:1. Forty-six cases (88.5%) were categorized as relapsing-remitting MS, and the remaining 6 cases, as secondary progressive MS (11.5%). Other epidemiological and clinical features were comparable to national and international MS populations. Conclusions: The prevalence of MS in Passo Fundo is one of the highest reported in Brazil so far. Studies in other key Brazilian cities, using the same methodology, are currently being carried out.

ABSTRACT Objectives: To evaluate the performance of telemonitoring in detecting clinical and psychological needs and adherence to the protective measures imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic in addition to providing remote assistance for patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in a public university center in Brazil. Subjects and methods: Telemonitoring protocol included phone calls and e-mails. Patients were asked to rate COVID-19-like symptoms, psychological symptoms, epidemiological issues, and adherence to diabetes management (insulin, exercise, and diet) using a 0-to-10 scale. An e-mail address and phone number were offered for further contact if needed. Clinical, demographic, and laboratorial data from the consultations before the pandemic were collected from medical records. Results: Among 321 patients with a previously scheduled consultation over the first 15 weeks of social distancing, 237 (73.8%) could be successfully contacted. Of these, 207 (87.3%) were exclusively evaluated by telemonitoring (190 only by phone or text message and 17 who were also reached by email), and 30 (12.7%) patients attended the consultation for medical reasons detected during the telephone screening. Overall, 44 (18.5%) patients reported COVID-19-like symptoms. One (2.3%) patient was hospitalized and subsequently died. Psychological symptoms were reported by 137 (60.4%) patients and 30 (12.7%) required remote psychological assistance. Appropriate social distancing was performed by 203 (87.9%) patients, and 221 (97.8%) referred use of masks. Conclusions: Telemonitoring T1D patients during the pandemic helped reduce the need for in-person consultations, detect clinical and psychological needs, and offer support to patients in addition to monitoring suspected COVID-19 cases and the adherence to protective measures.

ABSTRACT Objective The consequences of sleep deprivation in type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients are poorly understood. Our aim was to determine how sleep disorders influence lipid profile and insulin sensitivity in T1D patients. Materials and methods This was a cross-sectional study at a public university hospital. Demographic information and medical histories were obtained during regular scheduled visit of T1D patients to the outpatient clinic. Insulin sensitivity was obtained using the estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR) formula. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Berlin Questionnaire. Results The adult participants (n = 66, 62% women) had a median age of 28.0 years (interquartile range 21.8-33.0). Six patients (9%) had metabolic syndrome according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria. Thirty patients (46%) were considered poor sleepers according to the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The LDL-c and total cholesterol levels of poor sleepers were higher than those of good sleepers (103 v. 81; p = 0.003 and 178.0 v. 159.5 mg/dL; p = 0.009, respectively). Three patients (4%) were at high risk of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) according to the Berlin Questionnaire. The eGDR was lower in the group of patients with high probability of having OSAS (6.0 v. 9.1 mg.kg-1.min-1;p = .03). Conclusions Poor subjective quality of sleep and higher risk of OSAS were correlated with a worsened lipid profile and decreased insulin sensitivity, respectively. Therefore, T1D patients with sleep disturbances might have an increased cardiovascular risk in the future.

Abstract Background Posttraumatic stress disorder consists of a set of symptoms that occurs in response to one or more traumatic events and can occur in postpartum, from traumatic situations related to the birth or to the baby’s health in the first days of life. It is important tracking the presence of birth trauma, but there is not available instruments in the Brazilian context for this purpose. Objectives To present the cross-cultural adaptation of City Birth Trauma Scale (BiTS) into Brazilian portuguese. Methods Cross-cultural adaptation involved independent translations, synthesis,back-translation, and submission to the original author’s appreciation. After the scale was subjected to face validity, followed by a pilot study with postpartum mothers. Results All steps were performed for the cross-cultural adaptation. Regarding face validity, items evaluated concerning different types of equivalence, presented satisfactory agreement values (≥4.20). Most of the expert’s suggestions were followed, being the main ones related to adjustments in prepositions, pronouns and verbal subjects. Pilot study showed that the mothers had been able to understand and respond to the instrument without adjustments. Discussion BiTS’s Brazilian version proved to be cross-culturally adapted, ensuring the possibility of intercultural data comparison from the semantic, idiomatic, cultural, and conceptual perspectives. New studies are being conducted to attest its psychometric adequacy.

Resumo: Objetivo Mudanças estruturais no fitoplâncton foram avaliadas em três reservatórios em cascata, um ultraoligotrófico e dois oligotróficos, no verão e no inverno de 2014. Avaliou-se a variação da biomassa fitoplanctônica, a composição de espécies e os códons (grupos funcionais) ao longo de um perfil vertical e outro longitudinal. Métodos Foram selecionados quatro locais de amostragem na primeira represa em cascata (Cachoeira do França) e três em cada uma das demais duas (Cachoeira da Fumaça e Serraria). As amostras foram coletadas ao longo dos perfis vertical e longitudinal das represas. Foram determinados o biovolume das espécies e os códons que foram expressos em termos de biomassa. Resultados 18 códons foram identificados e associados às condições limnológicas dos reservatórios. A composição e a biomassa das espécies descritoras mudaram conforme as estações do ano. Códon B constituído principalmente por Discostella stelligera foi o mais frequente nas três represas e em ambos os períodos de amostragem. Conclusões Os resultados mostraram que a sazonalidade foi um fator importante para as mudanças na composição de espécies e dos códons do fitoplâncton. No entanto, o efeito da cascata sobre a estrutura do fitoplâncton foi demonstrado pela expressiva e constante contribuição de Ceratium furcoides (códon LM) no inverno e de Discostella stelligera (códon B) em ambos os períodos de amostragem nas três represas estudadas.

Abstract: Aim Structural changes in phytoplankton was evaluated in one ultraoligotrophic and two oligotrophic cascading reservoirs during two climatic periods (austral winter and summer) of 2014. Changes in phytoplankton biomass, species composition, and codons (functional groups) were evaluated along a vertical and a longitudinal profile. Methods Four sampling sites were selected for the first reservoir in the cascade (Cachoeira do França) and three for each of the other two reservoirs (Cachoeira da Fumaça and Serraria). Samples were collected along a vertical and a longitudinal profile. Species biomass and codons ‘sensu’ Reynolds were identified and expressed in terms of biomass. Results 18 codons were identified and associated to the reservoirs’ limnological conditions. Composition and biomass of descriptor species changed among seasons. Codon B consisting mainly of Discostella stelligera was the most frequent in all reservoirs in both climatic seasons. Conclusions Our findings showed that seasonality was the key factor for the species composition and phytoplankton codons changes. However, the cascade effect on phytoplankton structure was shown by the continuous contribution of Ceratium furcoides (codon LM) during the winter, and of Discostella stelligera (codon B) in both sampling periods in all three reservoirs.

Abstract Background: Lack of complete genomic data of Bothrops jararaca impedes molecular biology research focusing on biotechnological applications of venom gland components. Identification of full-length coding regions of genes is crucial for the correct molecular cloning design. Methods: RNA was extracted from the venom gland of one adult female specimen of Bothrops jararaca. Deep sequencing of the mRNA library was performed using Illumina NextSeq 500 platform. De novo assembly of B. jararaca transcriptome was done using Trinity. Annotation was performed using Blast2GO. All predicted proteins after clustering step were blasted against non-redundant protein database of NCBI using BLASTP. Metabolic pathways present in the transcriptome were annotated using the KAAS-KEGG Automatic Annotation Server. Toxins were identified in the B. jararaca predicted proteome using BLASTP against all protein sequences obtained from Animal Toxin Annotation Project from Uniprot KB/Swiss-Pro database. Figures and data visualization were performed using ggplot2 package in R language environment. Results: We described the in-depth transcriptome analysis of B. jararaca venom gland, in which 76,765 de novo assembled isoforms, 96,044 transcribed genes and 41,196 unique proteins were identified. The most abundant transcript was the zinc metalloproteinase-disintegrin-like jararhagin. Moreover, we identified 78 distinct functional classes of proteins, including toxins, inhibitors and tumor suppressors. Other venom proteins identified were the hemolytic lethal factors stonustoxin and verrucotoxin. Conclusion: It is believed that the application of deep sequencing to the analysis of snake venom transcriptomes may represent invaluable insight on their biotechnological potential focusing on candidate molecules.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a systemic infectious disease requiring a multidisciplinary team for treatment. This study presents the epidemiological and clinical data of 73 cases of IE in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. METHODS This observational prospective cohort study of endocarditis patients during an eight-year study period described 73 episodes of IE in 70 patients (three had IE twice). Community-associated (CAIE) and healthcare-acquired infective endocarditis (HAIE) were diagnosed according to the modified Duke criteria. The collected data included demographic, epidemiologic, and clinical characteristics, including results of blood cultures, echocardiographic findings, surgical interventions, and outcome. RESULTS: Analysis of data from the eight-year study period and 73 cases (70 patients) of IE showed a mean age of 46 years (SD=2.5 years; 1-84 years) and that 65.7% were male patients. The prevalence of CAIE and HAIE was 32.9% and 67.1%, respectively. Staphylococcus aureus (30.1%), Enterococcus spp. (19.1%), and Streptococcus spp. (15.0%) were the prevalent microorganisms. The relevant signals and symptoms were fever (97.2%; mean 38.6 + 0.05°C) and heart murmur (87.6%). Vegetations were observed in the mitral (41.1%) and aortic (27.4%) valves. The mortality rate of the cases was 47.9%. CONCLUSIONS: In multivariate analysis, chronic renal failure (relative risk [RR]= 1.60; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-2.55), septic shock (RR= 2.19; 95% CI 1.499-3.22), and age over 60 years (RR= 2.28; 95% CI 1.44-3.59) were indirectly associated with in-hospital mortality. The best prognosis was related to the performance of cardiovascular surgery (hazard ratio [HR]= 0.51; 95% CI 0.26-0.99).

RESUMO Objetivo: Demonstrar os erros mais frequentes na técnica inalatória de pacientes com asma brônquica em tratamento em hospital terciário. Métodos: Estudo transversal, com amostra de conveniência de pacientes com asma, com 18 anos ou mais, em tratamento em ambulatório de pneumologia de um hospital terciário. A avaliação da técnica inalatória dos usuários dos dispositivos de pó seco Aerolizer ®, Aerocaps® ou Diskus®, ou de aerossóis dosimetrados teve como base as orientações da bula do fabricante de cada dispositivo inalatório. Os pacientes demonstraram a técnica inalatória com dispositivos inalatórios vazios, e ela foi considerada correta quando todas as etapas foram realizadas de forma apropriada, ou quando os equívocos provavelmente não interferiam no resultado do tratamento. Resultados: Entre os 71 participantes, 43 (60,5%) realizaram a técnica inalatória de forma incorreta. Dentre os usuários de aerossóis dosimetrados e dispositivos de pó seco, ocorreram erros de técnica inalatória em 84,2% e 51,9%, respectivamente (p=0,013). Os erros foram mais frequentes na etapa da expiração (67,4%), seguidos da aspiração (58,1%) e da apneia (51,2%). No grupo que usava dispositivos de pó seco, os erros mais comuns aconteceram na expiração e, nos que utilizavam aerossóis dosimetrados, a etapa mais comprometida foi a aspiração. Conclusão: Os erros foram mais frequentes entre os que usavam aerossóis dosimetrados em comparação com dispositivos de pó seco. Os equívocos foram mais comuns na etapa da expiração entre os usuários de dispositivos de pó seco e na aspiração entre os que usavam aerossóis dosimetrados.

ABSTRACT Objective: To demonstrate the most frequent errors in inhalation technique in patients with asthma undergoing treatment at a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of asthma patients aged 18 years or over, treated at a pulmonology outpatient clinic of a tertiary care hospital. The assessment of inhalation technique of users of the dry powder inhalers Aerolizer®, Aerocaps and Diskus®, or metered-dose inhalers was based on the manufacturer's instructions for use of each inhaler device. Patients demonstrated the inhalation technique with empty inhaler devices, and it was considered correct when all stages were performed properly, or when errors probably did not interfere with the treatment outcome. Results: Among 71 participants, 43 (60.5%) performed inhalation technique incorrectly. Among metered-dose inhalers and dry powder inhalers users, inhalation technique errors were found in 84.2% and 51.9%, respectively (p=0.013). Errors were more frequent at the exhalation stage (67.4%), followed by breathing in (58.1%) and apnea (51.2%). In the group using dry powder inhalers, the most common errors occurred during exhalation and, for those using metered-dose inhalers, the most compromised stage was aspiration. Conclusion: Errors were more frequent among those using metered-dose inhalers compared with dry powder inhalers. Misconceptions are more common at the expiration stage among users of dry powder inhalers and in aspiration among those on metered-dose inhalers.