Effectiveness and safety of tocilizumab for COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Tocilizumab is an anti-human interleukin 6 receptor monoclonal antibody that has been used to treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, there is no consensus on its efficacy for the treatment of COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of tocilizumab for treating COVID-19. DESIGN AND SETTING: Systematic Review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo (SP), Brazil. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and IBECS for RCTs published up to March 2021. Two authors selected studies and assessed the risk of bias and the certainty of the evidence following Cochrane Recommendations. RESULTS: Eight RCTs with 6,139 participants were included. We were not able to find differences between using tocilizumab compared to standard care on mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 (risk ratio (RR) 0.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.84 to 1.13; 8 trials; 5,950 participants; low-certainty evidence). However, hospitalized patients under tocilizumab plus standard care treatment seemed to present a significantly lower risk of needing mechanical ventilation (risk ratio = 0.78; 95% CI 0.64−0.94 moderate-certainty of evidence). CONCLUSIONS: To date, the best evidence available shows no difference between using tocilizumab plus standard care compared to standard care alone for reducing mortality in patients with COVID-19. However, as a finding with a practical implication, the use of tocilizumab in association to standard care probably reduces the risk of progressing to mechanical ventilation in those patients. REGISTRATION: osf.io/qe4fs.

Economic burden of respiratory syncytial and parainfluenza viruses in children of upper-middle-income countries: a systematic review

Abstract Objective: To identify and assess the current evidence available about the costs of managing hospitalized pediatric patients diagnosed with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Parainfluenza Virus Type 3 (PIV3) in upper-middle-income countries. Methods: The authors conducted a systematic review across seven key databases from database inception to July 2022. Costs extracted were converted into 2022 International Dollars using the Purchasing Power Parity-adjusted. PROSPERO identifier: CRD42020225757. Results: No eligible study for PIV3 was recovered. For RSV, cost analysis and COI studies were performed for populations in Colombia, China, Malaysia, and Mexico. Comparing the total economic impact, the lowest cost per patient at the pediatric ward was observed in Malaysia ($ 347.60), while the highest was in Colombia ($ 709.66). On the other hand, at pediatric ICU, the lowest cost was observed in China ($ 1068.26), while the highest was in Mexico ($ 3815.56). Although there is no consensus on the major cost driver, all included studies described that the medications (treatment) consumed over 30% of the total cost. A high rate of inappropriate prescription drugs was observed. Conclusion: The present study highlighted how RSV infection represents a substantial economic burden to health care systems and to society. The findings of the included studies suggest a possible association between baseline risk status and expenditures. Moreover, it was observed that an important amount of the cost is destinated to treatments that have no evidence or support in most clinical practice guidelines.

Efetividade e segurança do treinamento muscular respiratório na apneia obstrutiva do sono: protocolo de uma revisão sistemática / Effectiveness and safety of respiratory muscle training in obstructive sleep apnea: systematic review protocol

Introdução: A apneia obstrutiva do sono (AOS) é o distúrbio respiratório do sono mais comum. O treino muscular respiratório tem surgido como uma intervenção promissora para a melhora dos sintomas e com boa adesão, porém muito ainda se tem discutido sobre sua efetividade e segurança. Objetivo: Avaliar a efetividade e segurança do TMR no tratamento de pacientes com AOS. Métodos: Para tanto, realizaremos uma revisão sistemática de ensaios clínicos randomizados (ECR). O protocolo do estudo foi registrado na Plataforma Prospero (CRD42018096980). Incluiremos indivíduos de idade superior ou igual a 18 anos, com diagnóstico de AOS, em uso ou não de pressão positiva nas vias aéreas. Excluiremos estudos com pacientes diagnosticados com lesão da medula espinhal ou doenças neuromusculares. As buscas serão realizadas nas bases de dados: Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (Medline) via Pubmed, Excerpta Medica dataBASE (Embase) via Elsevier, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Central) via Cochrane Library, Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (Lilacs) via Portal da Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde e Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), sem restrições de idioma ou ano de publicação. Avaliaremos o rigor metodológico dos estudos incluídos e a certeza da evidência dos principais desfechos da revisão sistemática utilizando a ferramenta Risco de Viés 2.0 da Cochrane e a abordagem Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE), respectivamente. A seleção dos estudos, extração de dados, avaliação do viés dos estudos incluídos e avaliação da certeza da evidência serão realizados por dois pesquisadores independentes. Resultados esperados: Espera-se que os resultados desta revisão forneçam informações úteis para a tomada de decisão clínica, exponham lacunas de conhecimento, assim como forneçam um bom embasamento para futuros ECR de alta qualidade sobre o assunto.

Recommendations for evaluation and diagnosis of extra-glandular manifestations of primary Sjögren syndrome: results of an epidemiologic systematic review/ meta-analysis and a consensus guideline from the Brazilian society of rheumatology (hepatic, gastrointestinal and pancreatic)

Abstract Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the exocrine glands and other organs, associated with sicca syndrome but also with systemic involvement with varying degrees of severity. Despite their importance, some systemic manifestations, mainly liver, gastrointestinal, and pancreatic are not routinely evaluated. To address these manifestations, the Sjögren's Syndrome Committee of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology conducted a broad systematic review of the literature on studies investigating prevalence and diagnosis of these symptoms in Sjogren´s patients and made recommendations based on the findings. Agreement between the experts was achieved using the Delphi method. This is the second part of this guideline, providing 6 recommendations for liver, gastrointestinal, and pancreatic care of SS patients.

Prevalence of and risk factors for dynapenic abdominal obesity in community-dwelling older adults: a cross-sectional study / Prevalência e fatores de risco para obesidade abdominal dinapênica em idosos residentes na comunidade: um estudo transversal

Abstract This article aims to identify the prevalence of and factors associated with dynapenic abdominal obesity (DAO) in older adults in a city in the northern region of Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 382 community-dwelling older adults in Macapa, Amapa, Brazil. Socioeconomic, clinical, and health information were collected using a structured form. DAO was defined as a combination of dynapenia (handgrip strength of < 26 kgf for men and < 16 kgf for women) and abdominal obesity (abdominal circumference > 102 cm for men and > 88 cm for women). Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed using chi-squared tests, Student's t-tests, and a Poisson regression. The prevalence of DAO was 10.73%. In the preliminary bivariate analysis, the variables of age range, marital status, number of diseases, functional disability for basic and instrumental activities of daily living, gait speed, and level of physical activity met the established criterion. The final model indicated that only gait speed was a predictor of DAO in older adults. DAO affects nearly 11% of community-dwelling older adults from northern Brazil; gait speed was a predictor of DAO and could be a useful tool for managing and monitoring this population's health.

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é identificar a prevalência e os fatores associados à obesidade abdominal dinapênica (OAD) em idosos de uma cidade da região Norte do Brasil. Estudo transversal realizado com 382 idosos comunitários residentes em Macapá, Amapá, Brasil. As informações socioeconômicas, clínicas e de saúde foram coletadas por meio de um formulário estruturado. A OAD foi definida pela combinação de dinapenia (força de preensão manual < 26 kgf para homens e < 16 kgf para mulheres) e obesidade abdominal (circunferência abdominal > 102 cm para homens e > 88 cm para mulheres). As análises descritivas e inferenciais foram realizadas utilizando os testes qui-quadrado, t de Student e regressão de Poisson. A prevalência de OAD foi de 10,73%. Na análise bivariada preliminar, as variáveis faixa etária, estado conjugal, número de doenças, incapacidade funcional para atividades básicas e instrumentais de vida diária, velocidade da marcha e nível de atividade física atenderam ao critério estabelecido. O modelo final indicou que apenas a velocidade da marcha foi um preditor para a OAD em idosos. A OAD afeta quase 11% dos idosos residentes nessa comunidade do Norte do Brasil; e a velocidade de marcha é um preditor que pode ser uma ferramenta útil para gerenciar e monitorar a saúde desta população.

Recommendations for evaluation and diagnosis of extra-glandular manifestations of primary sjogren syndrome: results of an epidemiologic systematic review/ meta-analysis and a consensus guideline from the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology (articular, pulmonary and renal)

Abstract Sjogren's Syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the exocrine glands and other organs, associated with sicca syndrome but also with systemic involvement with varying degrees of severity. Despite their importance, these systemic manifestations are not routinely evaluated and there is no homogenous approach to their diagnosis or evaluation. To close this gap, a panel of experts from the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the identification of epidemiologic and clinical features of these manifestations and made recommendations based on the findings. Agreement between the experts was achieved using the Delphi method. The first part of this guideline summarizes the most important topics, and 11 recommendations are provided for the articular, pulmonary, and renal care of SS patients.

Association between frailty syndrome and sedentary behavior among community-dwelling older adults in the Amazon region: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Existence of an association between sedentary behavior and frailty among older adults has been suggested. However, there is a lack of studies conducted in Brazil, especially in areas of the Amazon region. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between frailty syndrome and sedentary behavior among community-dwelling older adults. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study carried out in Macapá, state of Amapá, Brazil. METHODS: Frailty status was assessed using Fried's frailty phenotype, and sedentary behavior was evaluated using two questions concerning time spent in a seated position, from the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). A multinomial logistic regression model was used to verify the association between frailty syndrome and sedentary behavior. RESULTS: The final study sample was made up of 411 older adults with a mean age of 70.14 ± 7.25 years and an average daily duration of sedentary behavior of 2.86 ± 2.53 hours. The prevalence of non-frailty was 28.7%, prevalence of pre-frailty was 58.4% and prevalence of frailty was 12.9%. The adjusted analysis showed that there were independent associations between sedentary behavior and pre-frailty (odds ratio, OR = 1.18; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.03-1.34) and between sedentary behavior and frailty (OR = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.02-1.40). CONCLUSION: Frailty and pre-frailty status were associated with sedentary behavior among community-dwelling older adults.

Associação entre sarcopenia e qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde em idosos comunitários / Relación entre sarcopenia y calidad de vida respecto a la salud de adultos mayores de una comunidad / Association between sarcopenia and health-related quality of life in community-dwelling older adults

Resumo Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a qualidade de vida entre idosos sarcopênicos e não sarcopênicos e verificar a associação entre sarcopenia e qualidade de vida em idosos residentes na comunidade. Métodos Estudo transversal conduzido com idosos residentes na comunidade (n = 378) de Macapá, Amapá, Brasil. A qualidade de vida foi avaliada por meio do Short Form (36) Health Survey. O algoritmo proposto pelo Grupo de Trabalho Europeu sobre Sarcopenia em Pessoas Idosas (EWGSOP) foi usado para avaliar a sarcopenia. Foram realizadas análises descritivas, inferenciais e modelo de regressão linear. Resultados Os idosos sarcopênicos apresentaram escores de qualidade de vida significativamente mais baixos nos domínios função física, dor corporal, estado geral de saúde e função social. Após o ajuste, a sarcopenia associou-se inversamente ao funcionamento físico (β = -0,125; p = 0,010) e ao estado geral de saúde (β = -0,112; p = 0,028). Conclusão Os resultados deste estudo sugerem um provável declínio na qualidade de vida em idosos sarcopênicos, principalmente nos domínios funcionamento físico e estado geral de saúde.

Resumen Objetivo El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la calidad de vida entre adultos mayores con sarcopenia y sin sarcopenia y verificar la relación entre sarcopenia y calidad de vida en adultos mayores residentes de la comunidad. Métodos Estudio transversal llevado a cabo con adultos mayores residentes de la comunidad (n = 378) de Macapá, estado de Amapá, Brasil. La calidad de vida fue evaluada mediante el Short Form (36) Health Survey. El algoritmo propuesto por el Grupo Europeo de Trabajo sobre la Sarcopenia en Personas de Edad Avanzada (EWGSOP) fue utilizado para evaluar la sarcopenia. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos, inferenciales y modelo de regresión lineal. Resultados Los adultos mayores con sarcopenia presentaron una puntuación de calidad de vida significativamente más baja en los dominios función física, dolor corporal, estado general de salud y función social. Luego del ajuste, la sarcopenia se relacionó inversamente con el funcionamiento físico (β = -0,125; p = 0,010) y con el estado general de salud (β = -0,112; p = 0,028). Conclusión Los resultados de este estudio sugieren un probable deterioro en la calidad de vida de adultos mayores con sarcopenia, principalmente en los dominios funcionamiento físico y estado general de salud.

Abstract Objective This study aimed to compare quality of life between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic older adults and to verify the association of sarcopenia and quality of life in community-dwelling older adults. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted in community-dwelling older adults (n = 378) from Macapá, Amapá, Brazil. Quality of life was assessed using the Short Form (36) Health Survey. The algorithm proposed by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) was used to assess sarcopenia. Descriptive, inferential analyses and linear regression model were performed. Results Sarcopenic older adults presented significantly lower quality of life scores in the domains of physical functioning, bodily pain, general health status, and social functioning. After adjustment, sarcopenia was inversely associated with physical functioning (β = -0.125; p = 0.010) and general health status (β = -0.112; p = 0.028). Conclusion The results of this study suggest a probable decline in the quality of life in sarcopenic older adults, especially in the physical functioning and general health status domains.

Barreiras e facilitadores da mobilização precoce na unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica: revisão sistemática / Barreras y facilitadores de la movilización temprana en una unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátrica: revisión sistemática / Barriers and facilitators of early mobilization at the pediatric intensive care unit: a systematic review

RESUMO O objetivo desta revisão sistemática foi identificar as barreiras e facilitadores para a implementação da mobilização precoce em unidades de terapia intensiva pediátrica. Realizou-se uma busca sistemática baseada em estudos que abordassem barreiras e/ou facilitadores para mobilização precoce em crianças e adolescentes. Foram incluídos estudos publicados até junho de 2019 nas bases de dados MEDLINE®, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde, Cochrane Library, Scientific Electronic Library Online. A seleção e a avaliação da qualidade metodológica foram realizadas por dois revisores independentes. Dados que pudessem ser identificados como barreiras e/ou facilitadores foram extraídos para análise. Foram encontrados 358 registros nas bases de dados, dos quais foram incluídos 13 artigos. Foram citadas 18 barreiras, sendo as mais citadas o número insuficiente de profissionais, e insegurança da equipe. Dos 11 facilitadores citados, os mais frequentes foram treinamento/educação da equipe multidisciplinar e a instituição de diretriz/consenso. Existem muitas barreiras a serem quebradas para que a mobilização precoce seja efetiva, porém alguns facilitadores já são conhecidos e podem ser implementados, tornando viável a sua implementação para a população pediátrica.

RESUMEN El propósito de esta revisión sistemática fue identificar barreras y facilitadores para aplicar la movilización temprana en las unidades de cuidados intensivos pediátrica. Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de estudios que abordaron barreras y/o facilitadores para la movilización temprana en niños y adolescentes. Se incluyeron estudios publicados hasta junio de 2019 en las bases de datos MEDLINE®, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, Literatura Latinoamericana y del Caribe en Ciencias de la Salud, Cochrane Library y Scientific Electronic Library Online. La selección y evaluación de la calidad metodológica fue realizada por dos revisores independientes. Los datos que se han identificado como barreras y/o facilitadores se extrajeron para su análisis. De los 358 registros encontrados en las bases de datos, se incluyeron 13 artículos. Se mencionaron 18 barreras, y las más citadas fueron el número insuficiente de profesionales y la inseguridad del equipo. De los 11 facilitadores mencionados, los más frecuentes fueron la formación/educación del equipo multidisciplinario y el establecimiento de lineamientos/consensos. Hay muchas barreras que romper para que la movilización temprana sea efectiva, pero algunos facilitadores ya son conocidos y pueden ser aplicados, haciendo su aplicación factible a la población pediátrica.

ABSTRACT This systematic review aimed to identify barriers and facilitators for the implementation of early mobilization in pediatric intensive care units. A systematic search was carried out based on studies that addressed barriers and/or facilitators for early mobilization in children and adolescents. Studies published until June 2019 in the MEDLINE®, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, Latin American & Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, Cochrane Library, and Scientific Electronic Library Online databases were included. Selection and assessment of methodological quality were performed by two independent reviewers. Data that could be identified as barriers and/or facilitators were extracted for analysis. 358 records were found in the databases, of which 13 articles were included. 18 barriers were cited; the most cited ones were the insufficient number of professionals and team's insecurity. Of the 11 mentioned facilitators, the most frequent were training/education of the multidisciplinary team and the establishment of guidelines/consensus. There are many barriers to be broken for early mobilization to be effective, but some facilitators are already known and can be implemented, making their implementation feasible for the pediatric population.

2021 recommendations of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology for the gynecological and obstetric care of patients with Sjogren's syndrome

Abstract Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the exocrine glands and other organs. Women with SS often experience gynecological symptoms due to the disease and need extra care regarding their sexual activity, reproductive health and during pregnancy, conditions that are not properly conducted in the clinical practice. To cover this gap, a panel of experts from the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the identification of symptoms, diagnosis, monitoring, prognosis, and treatment of these manifestations. A Focus Group meeting was held and included experts in the field and methodologists, based on a previously developed script, with themes related to the objective of the study. The most important topics were summarized and 11 recommendations were provided.

Factors associated with social isolation and loneliness in community-dwelling older adults during pandemic times: a cross-sectional study

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Psychosocial aspects need to be discussed in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. Currently, no studies have investigated the factors associated with social isolation and loneliness among community-dwelling older adults. Therefore, this study analyzed the association of social isolation and loneliness with socioeconomic, clinical, and health characteristics, and Covid-19-related variables, among community-dwelling older adults during the pandemic. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted via a telephone survey of community-dwelling older adults aged ≥60 years in Macapa, Amapa, Brazil. A structured form was used to collect data. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed using Pearson's correlation test and a linear regression model. RESULTS: Participants comprised 86 community-dwelling older adults with a mean age of 71.78+6.98 years. Among them, 9.3% were diagnosed with Covid-19, of whom 3.5% were hospitalized. Most participants reported no difficulty obtaining food, medicines, or attending routine medical appointments during the pandemic. Furthermore, 23.3% (n=20) were socially isolated, and 20.9% (n=18) reported feelings of loneliness. The mean values for fear, anxiety, and obsession were 19.01±7.25, 1.01±1.90, and 2.84±3.28, respectively. A moderate positive correlation was identified between loneliness and the number of diseases, and a weak positive correlation between loneliness and the number of medications and depressive symptoms and risk for sarcopenia. The linear regression model indicated that higher loneliness scores were associated with a greater number of diseases (β=0.288; p=0.007). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest a probable resilience of the older population to Covid-19, despite the association of loneliness with many diseases in times of a pandemic.

SARS-CoV-2 and arbovirus infection: a rapid systematic review

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The numbers of cases of arboviral diseases have increased in tropical and subtropical regions while the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic overwhelms healthcare systems worldwide. The clinical manifestations of arboviral diseases, especially dengue fever, can be very similar to COVID-19, and misdiagnoses are still a reality. In the meantime, outcomes for patients and healthcare systems in situations of possible syndemic have not yet been clarified. OBJECTIVE: We set out to conduct a systematic review to understand and summarize the evidence relating to clinical manifestations, disease severity and prognoses among patients coinfected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and arboviruses. METHODS: We conducted a rapid systematic review with meta-analysis, on prospective and retrospective cohorts, case-control studies and case series of patients with confirmed diagnoses of SARS-CoV-2 and arboviral infection. We followed the Cochrane Handbook recommendations. We searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, LILACS, Scopus and Web of Science to identify published, ongoing and unpublished studies. We planned to extract data and assess the risk of bias and the certainty of evidence of the studies included, using the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment. RESULTS: We were able to retrieve 2,407 citations using the search strategy, but none of the studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. CONCLUSION: The clinical presentations, disease severity and prognoses of patients coinfected with SARS-CoV-2 and arboviruses remain unclear. Further prospective studies are necessary in order to provide useful information for clinical decision-making processes. Protocol registration number in the PROSPERO database: CRD42020183460

COVID-19 and patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases undergoing pharmacological treatments: a rapid living systematic review

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID) are at increased risk of infection. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether patients undergoing pharmacological treatment for IMID present higher risk of worse outcomes when diagnosed with COVID-19. DESIGN AND SETTING: Rapid systematic review conducted in the medical school of the Federal University of São Paulo (SP), Brazil. METHODS: We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, SCOPUS, Web of Science, L·OVE, ClinicalTrials.gov and WHO-ICTRP for studies evaluating patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who were undergoing pharmacological treatment for IMID. Two authors selected studies, extracted data and assessed risk of bias and certainty of evidence, following the Cochrane recommendations. RESULTS: We identified 1,498 references, from which one cohort study was included. This compared patients with and without rheumatic diseases (RD) who all had been diagnosed with COVID-19. Those with RD seemed to have higher chances of hospitalization and mortality, but no statistical difference was detected between the groups: hospitalization: odds ratio (OR) 1.17; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.6 to 2.29; mortality rate: OR 1.53; 95% CI 0.33 to 7.11 (very low certainty of evidence). Patients with RD were three times more likely to require admission to intensive care units (ICUs), with invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), than those without RD: OR 3.72; 95% CI 1.35 to 10.26 (for both outcomes; very low certainty of evidence). CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing pharmacological treatment for IMID seem to present higher chances of requiring admission to ICUs, with IMV. Additional high-quality studies are needed to analyze the effects of different treatments for IMID.

Effect of incentive spirometry after cardiac surgery: protocol for a systematic review / Efeito da espirometria de incentivo no pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca: protocolo para uma revisão sistemática

Introduction: Patients receiving cardiac surgeries present high risk of developing postoperative complications. Incentive spirometry (IS) is used for the prevention and treatment of postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing cardiac surgeries. Publications have suggested that IS is ineffective. In contrast, some studies have shown that when IS is adequately used, it may lead to beneficial outcomes. Objectives: To assess the effect of IS in patients undergoing cardiac surgeries. Methods/design: Systematic Reviews with randomised and quasi-randomised trials with adult patients undergoing cardiac surgeries, evaluating the effect of flow or volumeoriented IS. Outcome measures: postoperative pulmonary complications; adverse events; mortality; length of hospital stay; length of intensive care unit stay; reintubation rate; pulmonary function; antibiotic use; oxygenation; and respiratory muscle strength. Search: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, PEDro, CINAHL, LILACS, SCIELO, Allied, AMED, Scopus, Open Grey database, the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO ICTRP), ClinicalTrials.gov, clinicaltrialsregister.eu, and ReBec. Two authors will independently extract data. PEDro scale will be used to evaluate the methodological quality of the studies. Metaanalysis will be performed using the inverse variance method and the random effects model in RevMan 5.3. We will use the I 2 statistic to estimate the amount of heterogeneity across studies in each meta-analysis. Ethics and dissemination: The approval of an ethical committee is not required. Only clinical trials that have complied with ethical guidelines and followed the Declaration of Helsinki, will be included in this systematic review. The findings of this study will help clarify uncertainties about the effects of incentive spirometry in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery and may be disseminated to clinicians, assisting in decision making and including the best evidence in the treatment of their patients. Discussion: This review will clarify the uncertainty over whether IS is a useful technique for patients undergoing cardiac surgeries. While good quality studies have shown IS is an effective prophylactic technique, other studies have suggested that there is no evidence to support IS utilization. (AU)

Introdução: Pacientes submetidos a cirurgias cardíacas apresentam alto risco de desenvolver complicações pós-operatórias. A espirometria de incentivo (EI) é utilizada para a prevenção e tratamento de complicações pulmonares pós-operatórias em pacientes submetidos a cirurgias cardíacas. As publicações têm sugerido que a EI é inefetiva. Em contrapartida, alguns estudos têm demonstrado que quando a EI é utilizada adequadamente, pode levar a resultados benéficos. Objetivos: Avaliar o efeito da EI em pacientes submetidos a cirurgias cardíacas. Métodos/desenho: Revisões sistemática de estudos randomizados e quase randomizados com pacientes adultos submetidos a cirurgias cardíacas, avaliando o efeito da EI a fluxo ou a volume. Medidas de desfecho: complicações pulmonares pós-operatórias; eventos adversos; mortalidade; tempo de internação hospitalar; tempo de internação na unidade de terapia intensiva; taxa de reintubação; função pulmonar; uso de antibióticos; oxigenação e força muscular respiratória. Busca: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, PEDro, CINAHL, LILACS, SCIELO, Allied, AMED, Scopus, Open Grey database, World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO ICTRP), ClinicalTrials.gov, clinicaltrialsregister.eu, e ReBec. Dois autores irão extrair dados de forma independente. A escala PEDro será utilizada para avaliar a qualidade metodológica dos estudos. A meta-análise será realizada utilizando o método do inverso da variância e o modelo de efeitos aleatórios no RevMan 5.3. Será utilizada a estatística I 2 para estimar a heterogeneidade entre os estudos em cada meta-análise. Ética e disseminação: A aprovação de um comitê de ética não é necessária. Somente estudos clínicos que tenham cumprido as diretrizes éticas e seguido a Declaração de Helsinque serão incluídos nesta revisão sistemática. Os resultados deste estudo ajudarão a esclarecer incertezas sobre os efeitos da espirometria de incentivo no período pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca e poderão ser divulgados aos clínicos, auxiliando na tomada de decisões e incluindo as melhores evidências no tratamento de seus pacientes. Discussão: Esta revisão esclarecerá a incerteza sobre a utilidade da EI para pacientes submetidos à cirurgia cardíaca. Embora estudos de boa qualidade tenham demonstrado que a EI é uma técnica profilática eficaz, outros estudos sugeriram que não há evidências que apoiem a utilização da EI. (AU)

Covid-19: perspectives and initiatives in older adults health context in Brazil / Covid-19: perspectivas e iniciativas no contexto da saúde do idoso no Brasil

Abstract This article provides information about COVID-19, contextualizing the national and international scenario, with an emphasis on the health of the elderly. Perspectives and initiatives for this risk group are presented, reinforcing the need to consider the aging process and not just age as the main marker in the approach of this population.

Resumo Este artigo fornece informações sobre a COVID-19, contextualizando o cenário nacional e internacional, com ênfase na saúde do idoso. São apresentadas perspectivas e iniciativas voltadas para esse grupo de risco, reforçando a necessidade de considerar o processo de envelhecimento e não apenas a idade como o principal marcador na abordagem dessa população.

Clinical and socioeconomic characteristics of older adults with COVID-19: A protocol for a rapid systematic review

SUMMARY The aim of this rapid systematic review is to analyze the prevalence of clinical, socioeconomic, and demographic characteristics, laboratory and imaging findings, diagnostic tests, and treatment information of older adults with COVID-19. To conduct this systematic review, the Cochrane Handbook recommendations will be followed. Patients aged 60 years or older with a confirmed diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection will be included. A comprehensive literature search will be performed in the following databases: MEDLINE via PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), Spanish Bibliographic Index on Health Sciences (IBECS) and Epistemonikos COVID-19 L·OVE platform. No language restrictions will be applied. To assess the methodological quality of the included studies and the certainty of the evidence, the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach will be used. The meta-analysis will be performed using R software. We believe this rapid systematic review will be able to summarize the currently available evidence on clinical, socioeconomic characteristics, and management of COVID-19 in older adults. Therefore, it will help implement adequate strategies to fight the pandemic and assist in understanding the clinical profile of older patients with COVID-19, providing data with due scientific support upon which to base future choices of procedures and interventions.

RESUMO O objetivo desta rápida revisão sistemática é analisar a prevalência de características clínicas, socioeconômicas e demográficas, achados laboratoriais e de imagem, testes de diagnóstico e informações de tratamento de idosos com COVID-19. Para conduzir esta revisão sistemática, serão seguidas as recomendações do Manual Cochrane. Pacientes com 60 anos ou mais com diagnóstico confirmado de infecção por Sars-CoV-2 serão incluídos. Uma pesquisa bibliográfica abrangente será realizada nas seguintes bases de dados: Medline via PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Central), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (Lilacs), Índice Bibliográfico Espanhol em Ciências da Saúde (Ibecs) e Epistemonikos Plataforma COVID-19 L · OVE. Nenhuma restrição de idioma será aplicada. Para avaliar a qualidade metodológica e a certeza das evidências dos estudos incluídos, serão utilizadas a Escala Newcastle-Ottawa e a abordagem Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (Grade). A meta-análise será realizada no software R. Acreditamos que esta revisão sistemática rápida será capaz de resumir as evidências atualmente disponíveis sobre as características clínicas, socioeconômicas e sobre o manejo de idosos com COVID-19. Portanto, ajudará a implementar estratégias adequadas para combater a pandemia e ajudará a entender o perfil clínico de pacientes idosos com COVID-19, fornecendo dados com o devido apoio científico sobre o qual basear futuras escolhas de procedimentos e intervenções.

What do Cochrane systematic reviews say about telemedicine for healthcare?

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Telemedicine has emerged as a tool for overcoming the challenges of healthcare systems and is likely to become increasingly viable, since information and communication technologies have become more sophisticated and user-friendly. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to identify all Cochrane systematic reviews (CSRs) on telemedicine within healthcare and to summarize the current evidence regarding its use. DESIGN AND SETTING: Review of CSRs, developed at the Discipline of Emergency and Evidence-Based Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo. METHODS: We searched for studies that compared use of telemedicine with conventional treatment or management of diseases within healthcare. Diagnostic telemedicine studies or studies using automatic text, voice-text or even self-managed care were excluded. The main characteristics and the certainty of evidence were synthetized and critically discussed by all authors. RESULTS: We included 10 CSRs that investigated a broad range of diseases. There is still insufficient evidence to determine what types of telemedicine interventions are effective, for which patients and in which settings, and whether such interventions can be used as a replacement for the standard treatment. Harm relating to telemedicine technologies needs to be better investigated and addressed. CONCLUSION: Telemedicine might be an excellent way to facilitate access to treatment, monitoring and dissemination of important clinical knowledge. However, given the recognition of systematic reviews as the best evidence resource available for decision-making, further randomized controlled trials with stricter methods are necessary to reduce the uncertainties in evidence-based use of telemedicine.

Recommendations from the Brazilian society of rheumatology for the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome (Part I): glandular manifestations (systematic review)

Abstract Background: Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a systemic immune-mediated disease whose main characteristic is exocrine gland inflammation and, subsequent reduction in tear and saliva production. A delayed diagnosis is common due to the nonspecific clinical manifestations of disease. The aim of the present study was to develop recommendations for the diagnosis of glandular manifestations of pSS based on evidence and expert opinion. Main body of the abstract: We conducted a systematic literature review to retrieve the best evidence available on the accuracy of diagnostic tests for pSS. We also held two in-person meetings with experts (rheumatologists, pathologists, ophthalmologists and dentists) to establish their level of agreement using the Delphi method. Ultimately, we generated 18 recommendations that aim to facilitate the diagnosis of the glandular manifestations of pSS. Conclusion: The diagnosis of glandular manifestations of pSS is complex and multidisciplinary. It requires specific knowledge in the field of ophthalmology, immunology, pathology and imaging, making it compulsory for the rheumatologist to work with professionals from these different areas in order to improve accuracy and early diagnosis. Glandular dysfunction tests, ANA, RF, Anti-Ro, protein electrophoresis, urinalysis, blood count, C-Reactive protein, complement, testing for syphilis and viruses (HCV, HIV) and SGUS should be investigated when dryness or systemic manifestation are present. Minor salivary gland biopsy is recommended for all anti-Ro negative or incomplete criteria cases.

Força muscular de membros inferiores em mulheres com artrite reumatoide e mulheres sem a doença: há diferença? / Fuerza muscular de los miembros inferiores entre las mujeres con artritis reumatoide y las mujeres sin esta enfermedad: ¿habrá diferencias? / Lower-limb muscle strength in women with rheumatoid arthritis and women without the disease: is there a difference?

RESUMO A artrite reumatoide (AR) é uma doença inflamatória sistêmica, crônica, que acomete preferencialmente a membrana sinovial das articulações. Dentre as qualidades de aptidão física que podem ser reduzidas em indivíduos com AR merece destaque a força muscular, que está diretamente relacionada à capacidade de realização de todas as atividades da vida diária, desde as mais simples até as mais complexas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a força muscular de membros inferiores de mulheres com AR. Métodos: 17 voluntárias com AR (das classes funcionais I, II e III) e 17 sem a doença, com idade média de 54,7+6,63 anos, foram submetidas ao teste de uma repetição máxima para avaliar a força muscular de flexores e extensores de joelho e de abdutores e adutores de quadril. Utilizou-se o teste τ para analisar os dados, sendo considerados estatisticamente significativos os níveis de α <0,05. Em todas as avaliações o grupo de mulheres com AR apresentou valores inferiores quando comparados ao grupo sem a doença. No entanto não houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os grupos. Os níveis descritivos obtidos da comparação entre a força muscular dos grupos foram: para extensores de joelho, p=0,224; flexores de joelho, p=0,467; abdutores de quadril, p=0,190; e adutores de quadril, p=0,127. A força muscular de membros inferiores não difere entre mulheres com AR (das classes funcionais I, II e III) e mulheres sem a doença.

RESUMEN La artritis reumatoide (AR) es una enfermedad inflamatoria sistémica, crónica, que afecta específicamente a la membrana sinovial de las articulaciones. Entre las cualidades de aptitud física que pueden reducirse en individuos con AR, se señala la fuerza muscular, que está directamente relacionada con la capacidad para realizar todas las actividades de la vida diaria, desde las más simples hasta las más complejas. Este estudio propone evaluar la fuerza muscular de los miembros inferiores de mujeres con AR. Métodos: Se sometieron a 17 voluntarias con AR (de categorías funcionales I, II y III) y a 17 sin la enfermedad -con un promedio de edad de 54,7+6,63 años- a la prueba de repetición máxima para que se evalúe la fuerza muscular de los flexores y los extensores de rodilla, así como los extensores y abductores de cadera. Se utilizó la prueba τ para analizar los datos, siendo considerados estadísticamente significativos los niveles de α <0,05. En todas las evaluaciones, el grupo de mujeres con AR presentó valores más bajos en comparación con el grupo sin la enfermedad. Sin embargo, no hubo ninguna diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre los grupos. Los niveles descriptivos obtenidos de la comparación entre la fuerza muscular de los grupos fueron: los extensores de rodilla, p=0,224; los flexores de rodilla, p=0,467; los abductores de cadera, p=,190; y los aductores de cadera, p=0,127. La fuerza muscular de los miembros inferiores no difirió entre las mujeres con AR (de categorías funcionales I, II y III) y las mujeres sin esta enfermedad.

ABSTRACT Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory disease, which is chronic and affects the joints' synovial membrane. Among the physical aptitude qualities that can be impaired in individuals with RA, muscle strength deserves attention. It is directly associated with the capacity of performing all activities of daily living, from the simplest to the most complex. The aim of this study was to assess the muscle strength of the lower limbs of women with RA. Seventeen volunteers with RA (I, II and III functional classes) and 17 women without the disease, with mean age corresponding to 54.7+6.63 years, underwent the one-maximum repetition test to assess knee flexors and extensors, hip abductors and adductors. We used Student's T test to analyze the data, considering significant p values < 0.05. In all assessments, the group of women with RA showed lower values when compared with women without the disease. However, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups. The descriptive levels obtained from the comparison between the groups' muscle strength were: knee extensors, p=0.224; knee flexors, p=0.467; hip abductors, p=0.190 and hip adductors, p=0.127. The muscle strength of the lower limbs does not differ between women with RA (I, II and III functional classes) and women without the disease.