Recomendações para o rastreamento do câncer de mama no Brasil do Colégio Brasileiro de Radiologia, da Sociedade Brasileira de Mastologia e da Federação Brasileira das Associações de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia / Recommendations for breast cancer screening in Brazil from the Brazilian College of Radiology, the Brazilian Society of Mastology and the Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Associations

Objetivo: Apresentar a atualização das recomendações do Colégio Brasileiro de Radiologia e Diagnóstico por Imagem, da Sociedade Brasileira de Mastologia e da Federação Brasileira das Associações de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia para o rastreamento do câncer de mama no Brasil. Materiais e Métodos: Foram feitas buscas das evidências científicas publicadas nas bases Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, EBSCO, CINAHL e Lilacs, entre janeiro de 2012 e julho de 2022. As recomendações foram baseadas nessas evidências, mediante consenso da comissão de especialistas das três entidades. Recomendações: O rastreamento mamográfico anual é recomendado para as mulheres de risco habitual entre 40 e 74 anos. Acima de 75 anos, deve ser reservado para as que tenham expectativa de vida maior que sete anos. Mulheres com risco maior que o habitual, entre elas as com mamas densas, com história pessoal de hiperplasia lobular atípica, carcinoma lobular in situ clássico, hiperplasia ductal atípica, tratamento de câncer de mama ou de irradiação no tórax antes dos 30 anos ou, ainda, portadoras de mutação genética ou com forte história familiar, beneficiam-se do rastreamento complementar, sendo consideradas de forma individualizada. A tomossíntese é uma evolução da mamografia e deve ser considerada no rastreamento, sempre que acessível e disponível. (AU)

Objective: To present the update of the recommendations of the Brazilian College of Radiology, the Brazilian Society of Mastology and the Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Associations for breast cancer screening in Brazil. Materials and Methods: Scientific evidence published in Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, Ebsco, Cinahl and Lilacs between January 2012 and July 2022 was searched. Recommendations were based on this evidence, by consensus of the expert committee of the three entities. Recommendations: Annual mammographic screening is recommended for women aged between 40 and 74 years old. Above 75 years should be reserved for those with a life expectancy greater than seven years. Women at higher than usual risk, including those with dense breasts, a personal history of atypical lobular hyperplasia, classic lobular carcinoma in situ, atypical ductal hyperplasia, treatment for breast câncer, chest irradiation before age 30, carriers of genetic mutation or with a strong family history, benefit from complementary screening, being considered individually. Tomosynthesis is an evolution of mammography and should be considered in screening, whenever accessible and available. (AU)

Síndrome de Down y su pesquisa durante el primer trimestre de la gestación / Down Syndrome and Screening During Pregnancy First Trimester

RESUMEN Introducción: La pesquisa prenatal de anomalías cromosómicas, mediante el uso de marcadores epidemiológicos y ecográficos del primer trimestre permite identificar gestantes con riesgo incrementado de síndrome de Down. Objetivos: Analizar la edad materna, la translucencia nucal, el ductus venoso y el hueso nasal, durante el cribaje del primer trimestre, en las gestantes que se realizaron diagnóstico prenatal citogenético, con el fin de evaluar la efectividad del mismo en la detección temprana del síndrome Down y su utilidad para la reducción del número de pruebas invasivas. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de corte transversal y se analiza una muestra de 3439 gestantes a las que se realizó el estudio citogenético indicado en el Centro Provincial de Genética Médica de La Habana, en el período comprendido entre el 3 de enero de 2006 y el 30 de diciembre de 2008. Resultados: La edad materna avanzada mostró una sensibilidad de un 87 por ciento del test y una tasa de falsos positivos de 99 por ciento. La translucencia nucal se comportó con una sensibilidad de 10 por ciento. El hueso nasal no mostró asociación con los cariotipos positivos para síndrome de Down. Al no realizarse sistemáticamente la presencia del ductus venoso, no se pudo establecer una asociación estadística. La estimación de riesgo de síndrome de Down basada únicamente en la edad materna avanzada determina una alta tasa de falsos positivos. Por lo que este marcador, unido a la evaluación de los marcadores ecográficos del primer trimestre para recalcular el riesgo individual, puede aumentar la efectividad en el diagnóstico y disminuir el número de pruebas invasivas. Conclusiones: La estimación de riesgo de síndrome de Down basada únicamente en la edad materna avanzada determina una alta tasa de falsos positivos. Por lo que este marcador, unido a la evaluación de los marcadores ecográficos del primer trimestre para recalcular el riesgo individual, puede aumentar la efectividad en el diagnóstico y disminuir el número de pruebas invasivas(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: The prenatal investigation of chromosomal abnormalities through the use of epidemiological and echographic markers on the first trimester, allows to identify pregnant women with an increased risk of Down syndrome. Objectives: To analyze maternal age, nuchal translucency, venous ductus and nasal bone, during the first trimester screening, in pregnant women who underwent prenatal cytogenetic diagnosis, in order to evaluate effectiveness in early detection of Down syndrome and the value for reducing the number of invasive tests. Methods: A descriptive retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out and a sample of 3439 pregnant women was studied. The cytogenetic study ordered at Havana Provincial Center for Medical Genetics was carried out from January 3, 2006 to December 30, 2008. Results: Advanced maternal age showed 87 percent sensitivity and 99 percent of false positive rate. Nuchal translucency accounted 10 percent of sensitivity. The nasal bone showed no association with positive karyotypes for Down syndrome. A statistical association of the venous ductus presence could not be established since the search was not systematically. Conclusions: The estimation of Down syndrome risk based solely on advanced maternal age determines high false positive rate. Therefore, this marker, together with the evaluation of the first trimester ultrasound markers for recalculating the individual risk, can increase the diagnostic effectiveness and decrease the number of invasive tests(AU)

Controversias sobre el tamizaje de cáncer mamario con mamografía / Controversies about breast cancer screening with mammography

Al igual en otras partes del mundo, en Argentina la mortalidad específica por cáncer mamario disminuyó de forma sostenida entre 1996 y 2017. Es probable que en la actualidad la mamografía sea la herramienta más importante para detectar precozmente, evaluar y llevar un seguimiento de las personas con esta patología. Sin embargo existe mucha controversia acerca de los beneficios del tamizaje poblacional y de la realización de diagnósticos precoces de cáncer de mama. El propósito de esta revisión narrativa es brindar una mirada contraintuitiva, cuestionadora de los beneficios de esta práctica,ponderando también sus riesgos, escasamente visibilizados por las estrategias comunicacionales concordantes con el modelo deprevenir es mejor que curar y la lucha contra la historia natural del cáncer. (AU)

As in other parts of the world, in Argentina, breast cancer specific mortality declined steadily between 1996 and 2017. Mammography is currently the most important tool for early detection, evaluation and follow-up of people suffering fromthis disease. However, there is a controversy about the benefits of population screening and early diagnosis of breastcancer. The aim of this narrative review is to provide a counterintuitive, questioning view of the benefits of this practice, also weighing its risks, poorly visible through communication strategies consistent with the model of prevention is betterthan cureand the fight against the natural history of cancer. (AU)

La paradoja del octubre rosa / The paradox of pink October

En este comentario editorial, la autora repasa la controversia sobre la promoción del rastreo mamográfico del cáncer de mama en el contexto de las campañas de des-información durante el octubre rosa. (AU)

In this editorial comment, the author reviews the controversy over the promotion of mammographic screening of breastcancer in the context of misinformation campaigns during the pink October. (AU)

Prevalência e fatores associados aos exames de detecção precoce para câncer de próstata e câncer de mama na população brasileira / Prevalence and factors associated with early detection tests for prostate cancer and breast cancer in the Brazilian population

O câncer de próstata e de mama se constituem em desafios para a saúde pública mundial, e o seu rastreamento para a detecção precoce possui vantagens e desvantagens. No sentido de garantir benefícios superiores ao possíveis danos e malefícios atrelados ao rastreamento, suas práticas, tanto no serviço púbico quanto no setor privado de saúde, devem estar orientadas pela evidência científica. O presente estudo tem como objetivo identificar a prevalência e os fatores associados à realização do exame digital retal (EDR) em homens brasileiros com idade superior a 40 anos, e à realização de mamografias na população feminina de 18-39 anos. Foi utilizado a base de dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS), Brasil, 2013. Para tabulação e análise estatística foi usado o software Stata® 14 verificando as Razões de Prevalência com respectivos Intervalos de Confiança de 95% e valores de p, através de análise multivariada com regressão de Poisson. Os usuários de planos de saúde privado (63,3%; IC=60,5-66,0) apresentaram maior prevalência na realização do EDR do que os do sistema público de saúde (41,6%; IC=39,8- 43,4). Os resultados apresentaram associação positiva para o EDR em homens com planos privados com idade entre 60-69 anos, que vivem com cônjuges, que nunca fumaram, e domiciliados em zonas urbanas. Para os homens usuários do serviço de saúde público essa associação positiva com o EDR se deu para a faixa etária de 70-79 anos, que vivem com cônjuges, que possuem autopercepção de saúde ruim/ muito ruim, que não bebem, ex-fumantes, com nível universitário, que apresentam 4 ou mais comorbidades, e domiciliados em zonas urbanas. Ainda para esse grupo houve associação negativa da realização do EDR para homens que moram na região Norte do país. Os resultados para a realização de mamografia na população feminina mostraram que a prevalência do exame foi de 11.6% (IC 95%-10.7-12.5), com maior realização para a faixa etária de 30-39 (18.6%). Após análise multivariada, observou-se associação positiva estatisticamente significativa para mulheres com planos de saúde privado, das regiões Sul e Sudeste (regiões com melhor nível socioeconômico), de maior escolaridade, e ainda com a realização do exame citopatológico do colo de útero. Mulheres com idade entre 18-39 anos, baixo risco de câncer de mama, estão realizando mamografias e há uma associação disso com o maior e melhor acesso aos cuidados médicos e aos serviços. Os achados apontam para diferença nos modos de atuação da prática médica vigente nos dois tipos de serviço de saúde no país, e ainda diferenças estruturais que condicionam o acesso a estes exames de diagnósticos (AU).

Screening for the early detection of cancer, a challenge to global public health, has advantages and disadvantages in its realization, and its practices, both in the public service and in the private health sector, should be guided by scientific evidence in an attempt to ensure advantages over possible damage and harnesses. The present study aims to identify the prevalence and factors associated with digital rectal examination (DRE) in Brazilian men over 40 years old, and mammographies in the female population aged 18-39 years. We used the National Health Survey (NHS) database, Brazil, 2013. For statistical tabulation and analysis, Stata® 14 software was used to verify the Prevalence Ratios with their 95% Confidence Intervals and p values through multivariate analysis with Poisson regression. The users of private health plans (63.3%, CI = 60.5-66.0) had a higher prevalence in the implementation of EDR than in the public health system (41.6%, CI = 39.8% 43.4). The results showed a positive association for DRE in men with private plans aged 60-69 who live with spouses, who never smoked, and domiciled in urban areas. For men who use the public health service, this positive association with DRE occurred in the age group of 70-79 years, living with spouses who have poor / very poor selfperception, who do not drink, former smokers, with university level, who have 4 or more comorbidities, and domiciled in urban areas. Also for this group there was a negative association of the RDS for men living in the northern region of the country. The results for mammography in the female population showed that the prevalence of the test was 11.6% (95% CI -10.7-12.5), with a higher prevalence for the 30-39 age group (18.6%). After multivariate analysis, a statistically significant positive association was observed for women with private health plans, from the South and Southeast regions, with higher schooling, and with the cervical cytopathology exam. Women aged 18-39 years, at low risk of breast cancer, are undergoing mammograms and there is an association with increased access to medical care and services.The findings point to differences in the modes of action of the current medical practice in the two types of health service in the country, and structural differences that condition access to these diagnostic exams (AU).

Rastreamento populacional para o câncer de próstata: mais riscos que benefícios / Population screening for prostate cancer: more risks than benefits

Resumo Recentemente, inúmeras campanhas nacionais promovidas por hospitais, sociedades médicas e outras organizações têm estimulado o rastreamento do câncer de próstata, em consonância com iniciativas mundiais conhecidas como Novembro Azul. Essas campanhas aconselham a utilização do toque retal acompanhado da dosagem sérica do antígeno prostático específico em faixas etárias definidas. A motivação seria a detecção precoce da neoplasia, com redução de sua mortalidade e das complicações e impactos associados ao seu tratamento. A dosagem do PSA para fins de rastreamento é alvo de grande controvérsia, visto que a maioria dos tumores detectados pelo rastreamento é de evolução lenta e não interfeririam na sobrevida ou na qualidade de vida do paciente. O rastreamento de base populacional não é a indicação de inúmeras instituições estrangeiras e, no Brasil, o Instituto Nacional de Câncer também não recomenda à organização programas de rastreamento desse tipo. O artigo discute os riscos e benefícios associados a esse tipo de estratégia e reforça a preocupação com o uso inadequado e indiscriminado do rastreamento para o câncer de próstata.

Abstract Recently, numerous national campaigns promoted by hospitals, medical societies and other organizations have stimulated prostate cancer screening, in line with worldwide initiatives known as Blue November. These campaigns advise the use of rectal examination accompanied by dosage of serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels in defined age groups. The motivation would be the early detection of neoplasia, with reduction of mortality and complications and impacts associated with its treatment. The PSA dosage for screening purposes is highly controversial, since most of such tumors detected by screening are of slow progression and would not interfere with patient survival or quality of life. Population-based screening for prostate cancer is not recommended by numerous foreign institutions, including the National Cancer Institute in Brazil. The article discusses the risks and benefits associated with this type of strategy and reinforces concern about the inappropriate and indiscriminate use of screening for prostate cancer.

Conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas frente a la toma de citología vaginal en estudiantes universitarias / Cognition, attitude and practices regarding pap smear scrap in university students

RESUMEN Introducción: el cáncer de cérvix es uno de los procesos tumorales más estudiados y conocidos, en el que la citología cervicouterina es la principal prueba de tamizaje para acceder a este diagnóstico. Objetivo: describir los conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas frente la toma de la citología vaginal en las estudiantes de pregrado presencial de una institución universitaria de la ciudad de Manizales-Colombia. Métodos: estudio cuantitativo descriptivo y prospectivo, cuya muestra estuvo constituida por 683 estudiantes. Se aplicó un instrumento que contiene preguntas sobre algunas variables sociodemográficas y otras relacionadas con los conocimientos actitudes y prácticas sobre la citología vaginal. Resultados: se evidencia mayor práctica de la citología vaginal en estudiantes con edades entre los 20-24 años. Se encontró que las estudiantes que más conocimientos presentaban sobre la prueba eran aquellas que cursaban estudios relacionados con el área de la salud. Se observa un promedio alto de actitudes positivas frente a la realización de esta prueba, pero una menor práctica de la misma con relación a los conocimientos y actitudes encontradas. Conclusiones: se evidencia conocimiento general de la prueba de la citología y una actitud favorable frente al interés de conocer más acerca de este examen; sin embargo, es importante que desde enfermería se realicen acciones más focalizadas que permitan mejorar la adherencia y una mayor práctica de esta prueba, considerada como una estrategia de promoción para la salud(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: the cervical cancer is one of the most studied and well-known tumoral processes in which the pap smear is the main screening test used to obtain an accurate diagnostic. Objective: To describe the cognition, attitude and performance regarding Pap Smear scrap on students of an undergraduate program at a university in Manizales-Colombia Methods: Quantitative, descriptive and prospective study, whose sample was composed by 683 students. The instrument used as a measuring device has some questions about certain socio-demographic variables and some others related to the information; attitudes and performances students have regarding Pap Smear scrap. Outcomes: There is evidence of a significant number of students between 20-24 years old having a Pap smear scrap. The outcomes showed that the students with more information about this kind of tests were those who were doing studies in the field of health. A high average of positive attitude regarding this test was observed; nevertheless, there was a minor performance of the test strongly related to the information and attitudes shown by some students. Conclusions: there is evidence of a general information about the pap smear test and of a favorable attitude on acquiring new knowledge about it. Nevertheless, it is relevant that the nursing program at the university proposes more targeted actions in order to allow an improvement in the consciousness and in a periodical practice of this test considered as a strategy of promotion of health(AU)

Cribaje visual en la Atención Primaria de Salud en menores de tres años / Visual screening in under three-year old children at the primary health care

Objetivos: determinar el grado de concordancia entre los resultados de la aplicación, por pediatras de Atención Primaria, del cribaje visual que establece una guía de práctica clínica, propuesta para cuidados visuales preventivos en edad pediátrica y el criterio de verdad dado por el examen de especialistas en Oftalmología. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, prospectivo y transversal en una muestra de 481 pacientes de 6 a 35 meses de edad, en la consulta de Oftalmología del hospital pediátrico Marfán, de febrero del año 2014 a enero de 2015. Participaron dos especialistas en Pediatría, de Atención Primaria, dos especialistas en Oftalmología y un licenciado en Óptica y Optometría. El análisis de la concordancia entre los resultados del cribado visual realizado por pediatras y el criterio de verdad se realizó mediante el cálculo del índice Kappa a partir de cuatro variables, empleando el programa epitat 4. Resultados: la estimación de la fuerza de concordancia fue buena en el examen del comportamiento visual y del reflejo de fondo de ojo con K= 0,649 y 0,754; muy buena en el examen externo de anexos, globo ocular y alineación ocular, con K= 0,817 y 0,899. Conclusiones: el nivel de concordancia diagnóstica encontrado entre pediatras y oftalmólogos hace factible la aplicación de los procedimientos de examen que establece la Guía de Práctica Clínica propuesta(AU)

Objectives: to determine the level of agreement between the results of the application by primary health carepediatricians of the visual screening that sets a clinical practice guideline for preventive visual care at pediatric ages and the true criteria from the test performed by ophthalmologists. Methods: descriptive, prospective and cross-sectional study of a sample of 481 children aged 6 to 35 months old, who were seen at the ophthalmology service of Marfan pediatric hospital from February 2014 to January 2015. Two primary health care pediatricians, two ophthalmologists and a certified optometrist participated. The analysis of the level of agreement between the results of the visual screening by pediatricians and the truth criterion was made through the calculation of Kappa´s agreement index based on four variables by using Epidat 4 program. Results: the estimation of the force of agreement was good in the visual behavior and in the fundus reflection, with k= 0.649 and 0.754, respectively; it was very good in the external exam of the adnexa, the eyeball and the ocular alignment with k= 0.817 and 0.899, respectively. Conclusions: the level of diagnostic agreement found between ophthalmologists and pediatricians makes the application of the examination procedures established by the suggested clinical practice guideline possible(AU)

Validación de un formato para algunos diagnósticos de enfermería de interés en la familia / Validation of a format for some nursing diagnosis of interest in the family

Objetivo: determinar la validez de criterio de un formato de valoración de tamizaje para algunos diagnósticos de enfermería de interés en la familia. Métodos: el diseño utilizado fue la Evaluación de Tecnologías o Pruebas Diagnósticas. Fueron estudiadas 204 familias de la ciudad de Bucaramanga, Colombia. Entre septiembre y octubre de 2008 se realizó valoración de las familias, primero a través de un formato de valoración de tamizaje para sospechar la presencia de algunos diagnósticos de enfermería, seguido de, y aplicado independientemente, un formato de valoración focalizada para la confirmación de la presencia de los diagnósticos de enfermería aplicables a la familia. Con dichos formatos se evaluaron 10 etiquetas diagnósticas NANDA-I. Para determinar la validez del formato de tamizaje se calcularon las características psicométricas que indicaban su validez de criterio. Resultados: se obtuvo los altos valores operativos del formato de tamizaje, presentado en altas sensibilidades, especificidades, áreas bajo la curva, valores predictivos y likelihood ratio's. A partir de la valoración focalizada se obtuvo la prevalencia de los diagnósticos de enfermería evaluados en la familia, los más prevalentes fueron las conductas generadoras de salud, manejo inefectivo del régimen terapéutico familiar, y los menos frecuentes fueron conflicto del rol parental, riesgo de deterioro de la vinculación entre los padres y el lactante niño. Conclusiones: el instrumento de tamizaje resulto ser un instrumento válido para las etiquetas diagnósticas de NANDA-I incluidas en el presente estudio, alcanzando una buena validez de criterio(AU)

Objective: to determine the validity of criteria of a screening assessment format for some nursing diagnoses of interest in the family. Methods: the design used was Evaluation of Technologies or Diagnostic Tests. Two hundred and four families from Bucaramanga city in Colombia were studied. The assessment of families occurred from September to October, 2008. Firstly, a format of screening assessment was used to detect the presence of some nursing diagnoses, and then, a focalized assessment format for confirmation of nursing diagnoses applicable to the family was made. With these formats, ten diagnostic labels NANDA-1 were evaluated. The psychometric characteristics indicating criterion validity were estimated to determine the validity of the screening format. Results: high operational values of the screening format were achieved, in terms of high sensitivity, specificity, areas under the curve, predictive values and likelihood ratios. Based on focalized assessment, the most prevalent nursing diagnoses evaluated in the family were health-generating behaviors, ineffective management of family therapeutic regimes whereas the least frequent were conflicts with the parent role, risk of deterioration of the linking between parents and the breast-fed child. Conclusions: the screening instrument proved to be a valid instrument for the diagnostic labels of NANDA-1 included in the present study. The validity of criteria was good(AU)

Bell's Phenomenon during Screening Examination for Retinopathy of Prematurity

PURPOSE: Bell's phenomenon (BP), which may disturb screening examinations for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), is known to present infrequently in premature babies. Stress associated with the examinations can influence expression of BP. The authors of the present study evaluated BP during examinations for ROP. METHODS: The present study included 102 eyes of 51 premature babies. Expression of BP was assessed at 3 steps of the examination in the following order: after insertion of a speculum, after illumination of an indirect ophthalmoscope and after scleral depression. The relationship between the expression of BP and the gestational age at the examination was analyzed in each step of the examination. RESULTS: The frequency of BP after the speculum insertion and the illumination was 77% to 92% in infants 32 weeks of age or younger, and decreased significantly to 16% to 57% in infants 42 weeks of age or older (p < 0.005). BP after the scleral depression had no significant association with the gestational age. Frequency of BP increased significantly as the steps of the examination proceeded (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: BP was frequent in premature infants during ROP examination in spite of neurological immaturity. The examiner should take BP into consideration, which frequently occurs in younger infants.

Reflexiones bioéticas en torno a las enfermedades raras y huérfanas con impacto en el sistema bucodentario / Reflexões bioéticas emtorno das doenças raras e órfãs com impacto no sistema buco-dental / Bioethics thoughts about rare and orphan diseases with several repercussions in oral system

Este artículo está dirigido a odontopediatras que forman parte de grupos interdisciplinarios de investigación y terapia clínica, a los pacientes y sus familias con problemas genéticos de las llamadas "enfermedades raras y huérfanas" Estas enfermedades sistémicas tienen repercusiones severas bucodentales. El énfasis lo ponemos en las reflexiones bioéticas que orientan la acción investigativa y terapéutica...

This article aims to odontopediatrics members of interdisciplinary health groups in research and clinical therapy, especially to patients and their parents with genetic problems of the "rare and orphan diseases" These systemic diseases have several repercussions in the oral denture system. Our emphasis is on the bioethics aspects that orient the actions in research and therapeutic matters...

Este artigo está dirigido a odonto-pediatras que fazem parte de grupos interdisciplinares de pesquisa e terapia clínica para pacientes, e suas famílias, com problemas genéticos das denominadas "doenças raras e órfãs" Estas doenças sistêmicas têm severas repercussões buco-dentais. A ênfase é dada nas reflexões bioéticas que orientam a ação investigativa e terapêutica...

The validity and reliability of the portuguese versions of three tools used to diagnose delirium in critically ill patients

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study are to compare the sensitivity and specificity of three diagnostic tools for delirium (the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist, the Confusion Assessment Method for Intensive Care Units and the Confusion Assessment Method for Intensive Care Units Flowsheet) in a mixed population of critically ill patients, and to validate the Brazilian Portuguese Confusion Assessment Method for Intensive Care Units. METHODS: The study was conducted in four intensive care units in Brazil. Patients were screened for delirium by a psychiatrist or neurologist using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Patients were subsequently screened by an intensivist using Portuguese translations of the three tools. RESULTS: One hundred and nineteen patients were evaluated and 38.6 percent were diagnosed with delirium by the reference rater. The Confusion Assessment Method for Intensive Care Units had a sensitivity of 72.5 percent and a specificity of 96.2 percent; the Confusion Assessment Method for Intensive Care Units Flowsheet had a sensitivity of 72.5 percent and a specificity of 96.2 percent; the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist had a sensitivity of 96.0 percent and a specificity of 72.4 percent. There was strong agreement between the Confusion Assessment Method for Intensive Care Units and the Confusion Assessment Method for Intensive Care Units Flowsheet (kappa coefficient = 0.96) CONCLUSION: All three instruments are effective diagnostic tools in critically ill intensive care unit patients. In addition, the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Confusion Assessment Method for Intensive Care Units is a valid and reliable instrument for the assessment of delirium among critically ill patients.