Histological patterns of cutaneous adverse drug reactions

Cutaneous adverse drug reactions (ADR) are skin conditions due to a drug, regardless of the way of administration. Knowledge about their frequency, clinical manifestations and histopathological patterns is essential for prevention and early diagnosis, avoiding complications and reducing morbidity. This work assessed the incidence of cutaneous ADR in skin biopsies from patients with inflammatory dermatoses, and determined their histopathological patterns. Skin biopsies from patients with inflammatory dermatoses, obtained in the years 2006-2007 at the Pathology Division of the HU/UFJF, were analyzed. The different histopathological patterns were grouped, the cases were statistically analyzed and a clinicopathological matching was attempted. Of the 1409 skin biopsies, 304 cases of inflammatory dermatoses were diagnosed,31 corresponding to cutaneous ADR. The most frequent histopathological pattern was vacuolar interface dermatitis (41.9%). The most frequently involved drug was captopril. Identification of histopathological patterns and anatomoclinical correlation are indispensable for the differential between cutaneous ADR and the other inflammatory dermatoses, allowing for an early and precise diagnosis and reducing treatment and hospitalization costs.

Frequência do tabagismo no ambiente hospitalar / Smoking in the hospital environment

O consumo do tabaco causa 4,9 milhões de mortes anuais no mundo. Os trabalhadores são suscetíveis aos malefícios do tabaco, pois passam grande parte do seu tempo no ambiente de trabalho. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a prevalência do tabagismo entre os funcionários do Hospital Universitário (HU)/Centro de Atenção à Saúde (CAS) da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (UFJF), o grau de dependência dos fumantes e o conhecimento quanto aos riscos do tabagismo. Realizou-se um estudo descritivo com aplicação de um questionário composto de 21 questões objetivas e discursivas, utilizando uma amostra aleatória composta de 266 profissionais do HU/CAS - UFJF. Verificou-se que 16,5% são fumantes; 84% realizaram de uma a várias tentativas para abandonar o tabagismo; 41% fazem uso do tabaco no local de trabalho;todos os fumantes são favoráveis às leis que proíbem fumar em ambiente fechado; quase 1/3 dos entrevistados está exposto à poluição tabagística ambiental; 96% dos tabagistas estão cientes dos malefícios causados pelo cigarro. Muitos profissionais do HU/CAS-UFJF fazem uso do cigarro no ambiente de trabalho. Assim é necessário reforçar a implementação e cumprimento de políticas sem fumo nos locais de trabalho a fim de beneficiar a saúde dos trabalhadores.

Smoking accounts for 4.9 million deaths worldwide each year. Because they spend a large proportion of their time working, people are susceptible to the hazardous effects of smoking in the working environment. This study assessed the prevalence of smoking among staff from the University Hospital (HU)/Health Care Center (CAS) of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF), their degree of dependence and knowledge of the risks involved. A descriptive study involved the application of a questionnaire (21 multiple choice and open questions) to 266 staff members. The results were: 16.5% are smokers; 84% had made one or more attempts to quit the habit; 41% smoke in the working environment; all smokers agree with legislation limiting smoking in the working environment; almost a third of those interviewed is exposed to smoking in their working environment; 96% of the smokers are aware of the hazardous effects of smoking. Because many members of the staff smoke in their working environment, restrictive policies must be reinforced so as to protect the workers` health.