Impact of COVID-19 on Oral Healthcare for Oncopediatric Patients: The Setting in a Reference Hospital in Northeast Brazil

Abstract Objective: To describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental care provided to pediatric cancer patients assisted in a referral hospital. Material and Methods: This is an observational, retrospective study based on secondary data extracted from worksheets of dental procedures for patients aged between 0 and 19 years assisted in the pediatric oncology sector of a hospital in João Pessoa, PB, Brazil. Dental procedures performed by the interdisciplinary team of researchers from August 2018 to February 2020 (19 months prior to the pandemic) and from April 2020 to October 2021 (19 months during the pandemic) were totaled and compared. A descriptive analysis of the data was performed. Results: There was a reduction of 80.2% in dental interventions implemented in the sector during the pandemic, with the number of procedures decreasing from 6,210 (the period before the pandemic) to 1,229 (during the pandemic). Most procedures in both periods were performed for patients assisted in beds, for whom there was a reduction of care provided for 81.2% from 5,275 to 994 procedures. Dental procedures in the outpatient clinic decreased by 74.9%, from 935 to 235. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted dental care provided to pediatric oncology patients by restricting dental procedures to emergency demands, compromising performance prevention and health promotion actions.

Caracterização do câncer infantojuvenil no Brasil a partir dos Registros Hospitalares de Câncer (RHC), 2000-2016 / Characterization of childhood cancer in Brazil from the hospital-based cancer registries, 2000-2016 / Caracterización del cáncer infantil en Brasil a partir de los Registros de Cáncer del Hospital (RCH), 2000-2016

Objetivo: caracterizar o câncer infantojuvenil no Brasil, a partir da investigação nacional e regional dos registros hospitalares de câncer, no período de 2000 a 2016. Método: estudo observacional, retrospectivo e de base secundária, com amostra de 71.925 registros contendo informações de crianças e adolescentes (0 a 19 anos). Resultados: o câncer infantojuvenil foi mais frequente no sexo masculino com 39.049 (54,3%) casos, existindo 22.391 (31,1%) registros de crianças de 0 e 4 anos de idade e 19.892 (40,4%) com cor de pele parda. As leucemias, doenças mieloproliferativas e doenças mielodisplásicas acometeram 20.744 (28,8%) indivíduos. Os tumores sólidos foram diagnosticados em 42.087 (58,5%) crianças e adolescentes, sendo 23.941 (48,7%) submetidas a quimioterapia no início do tratamento e 56.518 (78,6%) que iniciaram o tratamento até 60 dias após comprovação diagnóstica. Conclusão: foi possível conhecer o perfil demográfico, clínico e assistencial das crianças e adolescentes com câncer no Brasil, e por regiões

Objective: to characterize childhood cancer in Brazil, based on the national and regional investigation of hospital-based cancer registries, from 2000 to 2016. Method: observational, retrospective and secondary-based study, with a sample of 71,925 records containing information of children and adolescents (0 to 19 years old). Results: infant-juvenile cancer was more frequent in males with 39,049 (54.3%) cases, with 22,391 (31.1%) records of children aged 0 and 4 years and 19,892 (40.4%) with color of brown skin. Leukemias, myeloproliferative diseases and myelodysplastic diseases affected 20,744 (28.8%) individuals. Solid tumors were diagnosed in 42,087 (58.5%) children and adolescents,23,941 (48.7%) of which underwent chemotherapy at the beginning of treatment and 56,518 (78.6%) who started treatment within 60 days of the diagnosis. Conclusion: it was possible to know the demographic, clinical and care profile of children and adolescents with cancer in Brazil, and by region

Objetivo: caracterizar el cáncer infantil en Brasil, con base en la investigación nacional y regional de registros hospitalarios de cáncer, de 2000 a 2016. Método: estudio observacional, retrospectivo y secundario, con una muestra de 71,925 registros que contienen información de niños. y adolescentes (0 a 19 años). Resultados: el cáncer infantil-juvenil fue más frecuente en el sexo masculino con 39.049 (54,3%) casos, con 22.391 (31,1%) registros de niños de 0 y 4 años y 19.892 (40,4%) con color de piel morena. Las leucemias, enfermedades mieloproliferativas y enfermedades mielodisplásicas afectaron a 20.744 (28,8%) individuos. Se diagnosticaron tumores sólidos en 42.087 (58,5%) niños y adolescentes, 23.941 (48,7%) de los cuales se sometieron a quimioterapia al inicio del tratamiento y 56.518 (78,6%) que iniciaron el tratamiento dentro de los 60 días del diagnóstico. Conclusión: fue posible conocer el perfil demográfico, clínico y de atención de niños y adolescentes con cáncer en Brasil y por región

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the development of burnout syndrome in frontline physicians: prevalence and associated factors

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of burnout syndrome (BS) in physicians working during the COVID-19 pandemic in Paraíba and to investigate the association between BS and the sociodemographic and labor variables of these professionals. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study including physicians who were active during the pandemic in Paraíba, whether they were on the front line (group 1) or not (group 2). Sociodemographic and labor variables were collected, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) questionnaire was applied. RESULTS: A total of 126 physicians were included, including 82 who were on the front line. Among the professionals with results compatible with BS, 85.5% were in group 1, compared with 14.5% in group 2, and this difference was statistically significant. At the 5% level, the variables associated with BS were age (24-33 years), not having children, working on the front line, working in the COVID-19 ICU, being on duty, and having contracted COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: This case series found a positive association between the development of BS and medical action on the front line of the COVID-19 pandemic in Paraíba.

Factors associated with oral biofilm in ICU patients with infectious diseases / Fatores associados à presença de biofilme oral em pacientes internados na UTI

Introduction: Hospitalization may cause a decline in oral health and affect the entire body. The intensive care unit (ICU) may be a favorable environment for oral biofilm to accumulate in critically ill patients. Objective: To identify factors associated with oral biofilm in ICU patients in a hospital for infectious diseases. Method: This was a retrospective, descriptive and inferential study with a quantitative approach. Data were collected from 178 medical records of patients from January 2012 to July 2015. Biofilm presence was assessed according to the Greene and Vermillion index. Potential influential factors were analyzed by logistic regression. Result: Among ICU patients, 69.1% were men, 60.7% had acquired immune deficiency (AIDS), 66.3% were ward patients, 50.6% were intubated, and 50.0% were sedated. The oral elements of the patients were mostly normal. The following characteristics were significantly associated with oral biofilm: changes in the lips, gums, cheeks, and palates and bleeding. Patients from the ward had a lower risk of biofilm. Conclusion: Increased oral biofilm accumulation was observed in patients with oral changes, and patient origin was associated with the presence of biofilm.

Introdução: A hospitalização pode provocar deterioração da saúde bucal, repercutindo em todo o corpo. A UTI pode ser um ambiente favorável ao acúmulo de biofilme oral em pacientes críticos. Objetivo: Identificar fatores associados à presença do biofilme em pacientes da UTI de um hospital de doenças infectocontagiosas. Método: Estudo retrospectivo, descritivo e inferencial, com abordagem quantitativa. Os dados foram obtidos em prontuários de pacientes da UTI, de janeiro de 2012 a julho de 2015. O biofilme foi avaliado de acordo com o índice de Greene e Vermillion. Os fatores influentes foram analisados por regressão logística. Resultado: Entre os pacientes da UTI, 69,1% eram homens, 60,7% pacientes com AIDS, 66,3% pacientes na enfermaria, 50,6% intubados e 50,0% sedados. Seus elementos orais eram na maioria normais. As seguintes características foram significativamente associadas a biofilmes orais: alterações orais nos lábios, gengivas, bochechas e palatos e sangramento. Pacientes da enfermaria apresentaram menor risco de apresentar biofilmes. Conclusão: o aumento do acúmulo de biofilme oral foi observado em pacientes com alterações na boca e a procedência do paciente foi associada à presença de biofilme.

Motor Alterations Favor the Occurrence of Oral Mucositis in Pediatric Oncology Patients

Objective: To identify the predictive factors for the appearance of oral mucositis (OM) in pediatric oncology patients based on their motor alterations. Material and Methods: This study was an observational, cross-sectional study with 2-19-year-old patients undergoing treatment at the pediatric oncology outpatient service of the Napoleão Laureano Hospital in João Pessoa, Brazil. The convenience sample consisted of 42 patients aged 2 to 19 years with a first diagnosis of cancer and under treatment. The instruments used were a questionnaire with sociodemographic questions - the modified Oral Assessment Guide (OAG) - and some categories of the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (CIF), applied by a calibrated examiner (Kappa>0.65). The data were organized in Excel spreadsheet and analyzed descriptively and inferentially using logistic regression (α=5%). Results: Most patients were female (52.4%, n=22), mean age of 11.6 years, median 12.0 years, self-declared as non-white (61.9%, n=26), non-white (66.7%, n=28), family monthly income of up to 2 Brazilian minimum wages (88.1%, n = 37). Most patients presented hematologic neoplasia (54.8%, n=23) with acute lymphoid leukemia (36.6%; n=15) and most of them were subjected to chemotherapy (45.2%; n = 19). OAG identified oral mucositis in a few cases (23.8%, n=10). Logistic regression and odds ratio showed that individuals with moderate and mild difficulty in changing basic body position had, respectively, 19.7 and 30.8 times more chances of developing oral mucositis. In patients with severe motor impairment, this risk is 17.3 times greater and those with mild difficulty in taking care of the bodily parts had an increase of 33.4 times the risk for oral mucositis. Conclusion: The deficit in motor activities increased the chances of developing oral mucositis.

Profile of Hospitalizations and Deaths from Craniofacial Fractures in Brazilian Children and Adolescents: An Ecological Study

Objective: To characterize the profile of hospitalizations and deaths related to craniofacial fractures in Brazilian children and adolescents. Material and Methods: This is an ecological cross-sectional study with inductive approach with comparative-descriptive procedure and indirect documentation technique. Data were obtained from the DATASUS / SIH-SUS website for the years 2010-2014, considering information for each state of the five Brazilian regions. Admission rates were calculated per 100,000 inhabitants, and data were analyzed by population rates, averages and absolute and relative frequencies. Results: The Northeastern region of Brazil showed the highest hospitalization rate (81.72), followed by the Northern (56.84), Southern (50.94), Midwestern (44.25) and Southeastern regions (30.28). In all regions, the years with the highest hospitalization rates were: 2010 for the Northern (13.17) and Southeastern regions (6.61), 2013 for the Northeastern (20.07) and Midwestern regions (10.17) and 2014 for the Southerner region (10.52). The highest hospitalization rates in all regions of the country in the last five years were observed for male children and adolescent. In relation to age group, higher rates were recorded from 15 to 19 years. Of the total of 27,244 hospitalizations (3.8%), 1028 patients died and 35.5% of them occurred in the Northeastern region. Considering the years under study, the average length of stay and average daily hospitalization cost were respectively 4.0 days and US$ 82.7. Conclusion: The Northeast region of Brazil had the highest hospitalization rate of children and adolescents by craniofacial fractures, and male adolescents and those aged 15-19 years were the most affected in different regions of the country. Costs of hospital admissions due to this type of injury are significant, with more deaths as a result of these injuries in Brazil in the last 5 years evaluated with the highest prevalence in the Northeastern region of Brazil.

A expansão do tratamento supervisionado (TS) para o controle da tuberculose na Paraíba (1999/2005) / The expansion of the treatment observed (TS) for the control of tuberculosis in Paraiba (2000/2005)

O tratamento supervisionado (TS) é um dos pilares da Estratégia DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment Short-course) e sua adoção vem sendo recomendada, para o controle da tuberculose (TB). Neste estudo objetivou-se analisar as potencialidades e fragilidades no processo de expansão do Tratamento Supervisionado (TS) nos seis municípios considerados prioritários para o controle da TB na Paraíba-PB/Brasil. Pesquisa de natureza qualitativa, que utilizou a entrevista semi-estruturada com 21 profissionais envolvidos na implantação e expansão do DOTS nos seis municípios. Os dados foram analisados pela técnica de análise de conteúdo, modalidade temática. Como potencialidades foram identificadas: apoio dos gestores no processo de descentralização do TS para as Unidades de Saúde da Família (USF); compromisso dos profissionais e boa comunicação entre USF e referências. Dentre as fragilidades relatadas observa-se a falta de apoio dos gestores para garantir infra-estrutura e estímulo financeiro para o profissional; falta de qualificação profissional; alta rotatividade dos profissionais e centralização da distribuição de medicamento. Apesar dos esforços para implantação do TS, reconhece-se que sua ampliação esta condicionada a capacidade gerencial e ao compromisso político dos gestores.

The supervised treatment (TS) is a pillar of the DOTS strategy (Directly Observed Treatment Short-course) and its adoption has been recommended for the control of tuberculosis (TB). The study aimed to analyze the strengths and weaknesses in the expansion process of the supervised treatment in six cities considered as priorities for the TB control in Paraíba-PB/Brazil. The qualitative research used semi-structured interview with 21 professionals involved in the implementation and expansion of DOTS in the cities, data were analyzed through thematic content analysis. As strengths it was identified: support to managers in the decentralization process of TS to the Family Health Units (USF); professionals? engagement and good communication between USFs and references. Among the reported weaknesses it is observed the lack of support from managers to ensure infra-structure and financial incentive to the professional; lack of professional qualification; high professional turnover and centralization of drug distribution. Despite the efforts for the TS implementation, it is recognized that its expansion is subject to the managerial ability and the managers? political commitment.

El tratamiento supervisado (TS) es uno de los pilares de la Estrategia DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment Short-course) y su adopción está siendo recomendada para el control de la tuberculosis (TB). En este estudio se objetivó analizar las potencialidades y fragilidades en el proceso de expansión del Tratamiento Supervisado (TS) en seis municipios considerados prioritarios para el control de TB en Paraíba-PB/Brasil. Es una investigación cualitativa que utilizó entrevista semi-estructurada con 21 profesionales implicados en la implantación y expansión del DOTS en los seis municipios, se hizo el análisis de contenido temático de los datos. Como potencialidades fueron identificadas: apoyo de los gestores en el proceso de descentralización del TS para las Unidades de Salud de la Familia (USF); compromiso de los profesionales y buena comunicación entre USFs y referencias. Entre las fragilidades relatadas se observa la falta de apoyo de los gestores para garantizar infra-estructura y estímulo financiero para el profesional; falta de cualificación profesional; alta rotación de los profesionales y centralización de la distribución de medicamento. A pesar de los esfuerzos para implementación del TS, se reconoce que su ampliación está condicionada a la capacidad gerencial y al compromiso político de los gestores.