Causalidade e Gravidade das Reações Adversas e Alterações Laboratoriais ao Tratamento com Benznidazol em Pacientes com Doença de Chagas Crônica / Causality and Severity of Adverse Reactions and Biochemical Changes to Benznidazole Treatment in Patients with Chronic Chagas Disease

Resumo Fundamento A Doença de Chagas (DC) representa um grave problema de saúde pública na América Latina. O Benznidazol (BNZ) é utilizado para o tratamento DC e, apesar do seu amplo uso, poucas informações estão disponíveis sobre sua toxicidade e mecanismos das Reações Adversas ao Medicamento (RAM). Objetivos Identificar e classificar as reações adversas clínicas e laboratoriais ocasionadas pelo uso do BNZ quanto à sua causalidade e gravidade. Métodos Estudo de coorte prospectivo realizado no período de janeiro de 2018 a dezembro de 2021. O acompanhamento do tratamento incluiu consultas e análises laboratoriais antes, 30 e 60 dias após o início do tratamento. As RAM foram classificadas quanto à causalidade e gravidade. Na análise estatística o nível de significância adotado foi p<0,05. Resultados Participaram do estudo 40 pacientes com DC crônica, observou-se alta prevalência de RAM com um total de 161 em 30 (90%) pacientes. Destas, 104 (64,6%) foram classificadas como possíveis e 57 (35,4%) como prováveis. As reações foram classificadas em moderadas e leves. Dos 40 pacientes, nove (22,5%) suspenderam o tratamento. As RAM associadas à interrupção e intervenções foram as que afetaram o sistema dermatológico, sistema nervoso central e periférico ou que culminaram em ageusia. Após 30 dias de tratamento, alterações hematológicas e bioquímicas leves foram observadas como linfopenia. Conclusão Apesar do elevado percentual de RAM, muitos pacientes foram capazes de completar o tratamento, o que se atribui ao êxito da estratégia de acompanhamento com intervenções de tratamento sintomático juntamente ao aconselhamento, levando à compreensão da sintomatologia e manutenção do tratamento.

Abstract Background Chagas disease (CD) is a serious public health problem in Latin America. Benznidazole (BNZ) is used for the treatment of CD and, despite its wide use, little information is available about its toxicity and mechanisms of adverse drug reactions (ADR). Objectives To identify and classify clinical and laboratory adverse reactions caused by BNZ in terms of causality and severity. Methods Prospective cohort study from January 2018 to December 2021. Treatment follow-up included visits and biochemical tests (complete blood count, liver and kidney function tests) before, during and after treatment. ADR were classified according to causality and severity. In the statistical analysis, the significance level was set at p<0.05. Results Forty patients with chronic CD were included. A high prevalence of ADR was observed 161 ADR in 30 patients [90%]; of these, 104 (64.6%) were classified as possible and 57 (35.4%) as probable. The ADR were classified as moderate and mild. Of the 40 patients, nine (22.5%) discontinued treatment. ADR associated with treatment discontinuation and interventions were those that affected the dermatological system, central and peripheral nervous system and sense organs such as ageusia. Mild hematological and biochemical changes such as lymphopenia were observed after 30 days of treatment. Conclusion Many patients were able to complete the treatment even with ADR, which can be attributed to the successful follow-up strategy with symptomatic treatment and counseling, leading to patient's awareness of symptoms and treatment adherence.

Atenção primária e promoção ao envelhecimento saudável em tempos da pandemia da COVID-19 / Primary care and promotion of healthy ageing in times of the COVID-19 pandemic / Atención primaria y promoción del envejecimiento saludable en tiempos de pandemia de COVID-19

Objetivo: Refletir sobre as estratégias da Atenção Primária para a promoção do envelhecimento saudável em tempos de pandemia da COVID-19. Método: relato de experiencia sobre estratégias de cuidado aos idosos, pautados em artigos nacionais e internacionais e experiências dos autores. Resultados: As considerações versam sobre os seguintes temas: contexto do idoso na cidade de São Paulo, onde os mais expostos são os que moram sozinhos, abandonaram o tratamento de suas condições crônicas por medo de contrair a Covid-19, os que sofrem violência no domicílio, os institucionalizados e os que obtém informações equivocadas. Estratégias de cuidado à pessoa idosa no enfrentamento da pandemia da COVID-19 na atenção primária, explicando o que tínhamos, temos e precisamos construir. Conclusão: O atendimento da atenção primária é fundamental no cuidado da pessoa idosa, para a promoção do envelhecimento saudável e ativo, continuidade do tratamento de condições crônicas e detecção precoce da Covid-19, violência e seus encaminhamentos.

Objective: To reflect on primary care strategies for the promotion of healthy aging in pandemic times of COVID-19. Method: experience report on strategies of care for the elderly, based on national and international articles and experiences of the authors. Results: The considerations deal with the following themes: context of the elderly in the city of São Paulo, where the most exposed are those who live alone, abandoned the treatment of their chronic conditions for fear of contracting Covid-19, those who suffer violence at home, institutionalized and those who obtain mistaken information. Strategies to care for the old person in coping with the COVID-19 pandemic in primary care, explaining what we had, have and need to build. Conclusion: Primary care is fundamental in the care of the old person, for the promotion of healthy and active aging, continuity of treatment of chronic conditions and early detection of Covid-19, violence and its referrals

Objetivo: Reflexionar sobre las estrategias de atención primaria para la promoción del envejecimiento saludable en tiempos de pandemia de COVID-19. Método: informe de experiencia sobre estrategias de atención al anciano, basado en artículos y experiencias nacionales e internacionales de los autores. Resultados: Las consideraciones abordan los siguientes temas: contexto de los ancianos en la ciudad de São Paulo, donde los más expuestos son los que viven solos, abandonaron el tratamiento de sus condiciones crónicas por temor a contraer Covid-19, los que sufren violencia en el hogar, institucionalizados y los que obtienen información errónea. Estrategias para cuidar al anciano en el afrontamiento de la pandemia de COVID-19 en atención primaria, explicando lo que teníamos, tenemos y necesitamos construir. Conclusión: La atención primaria es fundamental en el cuidado del anciano, para la promoción del envejecimiento sano y activo, la continuidad del tratamiento de las enfermedades crónicas y la detección precoz del Covid-19, la violencia y sus derivaciones.

Body mass index and abdominal waist values are related to increased cardiometabolic risk in schoolchildren aged five to ten years / Valores do índice de massa corpórea e circunferência abdominal estão relacionados a elevado risco cardiometabólico em escolares com idade de cinco a dez anos

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the frequency of obesity and cardiometabolic risk in schoolchildren under ten years old. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with schoolchildren (n=639) aged five to ten years in a municipally of southern of Brazil. The cardiometabolic risk was calculated from values of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), diastolic (DBP) and systolic blood pressure (SBP), blood glucose levels, triglycerides and total cholesterol (TC). Odds ratio (OR), Spearman correlation and principal component analysis (PCA) were analyzed. Results: Independent of sex, elevated WC and BMI were related to higher values of SBP, DBP, and TC in schoolchildren. The frequency of cardiometabolic risk was 6.0% in girls and 9.9% in boys. Schoolchildren with elevated values of SBP, triglycerides and TC presented high OR for cardiometabolic risk. PCA indicated that schoolchildren with high WC (p>80) presented more frequently altered glucose levels, triglycerides, and TC. Conclusions: Obesity, especially when associated with elevated WC, is related to metabolic dysfunctions and cardiometabolic risk in schoolchildren under ten years of age. These findings indicate the urgency of stablishing metabolic risk for this age group, enabling early diagnosis and adequate treatment, to prevent the development of diabetes and cardiovascular dysfunction throughout life.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a frequência de obesidade e risco cardiometabólico em escolares menores de dez anos de idade. Métodos: Este é um estudo transversal com escolares (n=639) com idade de cinco a dez anos de um município do Sul do Brasil. O risco cardiometabólico foi calculado com base nos valores do índice de massa corpórea (IMC), circunferência da cintura (CC), pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) e diastólica (PAD), valores sanguíneos de glicose, triglicerídeos e colesterol total. Odds ratio (OR), correlação de Spearman e análise de componentes principais (PCA) foram obtidos. Resultados: Independentemente do sexo, CC e IMC aumentados foram relacionados com maiores valores de PAS, PAD e colesterol total. A frequência de risco cardiometabólico foi de 6,0% nas meninas e 9,9% nos meninos. Escolares com elevados valores de PAS, triglicerídeos e colesterol total tinham alto OR para risco cardiometabólico. A PCA mostrou que escolares com alta CC (p>80) apresentam mais frequentemente alterações nos níveis sanguíneos de glicose, triglicerídeos e colesterol total. Conclusões: A obesidade, especialmente quando associada a elevados valores de CC, está relacionada com disfunções metabólicas e risco cardiometabólico em escolares menores de dez anos de idade. Estes achados indicam a urgência de estabelecer o risco metabólico para essa faixa etária, possibilitando o diagnóstico precoce, o adequado tratamento para evitar o desenvolvimento de diabetes e disfunções cardiovasculares ao longo da vida.

Psychotherapy in the treatment of chronic refractory orofacial pain. Case reports / Psicoterapia no tratamento da dor orofacial crônica refratária. Relato de casos

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Psychological intervention can contribute to repairing the quality of life and altering behavior while dealing with chronic orofacial pain, especially those that can become refractory to treatments. Thus, the objective of this study was to present the narratives of three patients with refractory chronic neuropathic pain during the process of psychotherapeutic intervention and the follow-up results. CASE REPORTS: Pain behavior, pain perception and depressive and anxious symptoms were assessed. Patients were under treatment at the Orofacial Pain Clinic and the instruments used in the beginning and end of psychotherapy were the visual analog scale, Beck Inventories (anxiety and depression), Wisconsin Pain Inventory, McGill Pain Questionnaire and Pain Catastrophizing Scale. They attended weekly 50-minute sessions. Each narrative was qualitatively analyzed and the comparison between the evaluations made before and after psychotherapy was included in the context of a phenomenological approach. CONCLUSION: Emotional familiar conflicts and fear of pain crises were the most important aspects described by these patients. Case 1 presented the less cooperative profile and secondary gains. Despite of that, all cases presented improvement and psychotherapy helped to cope with their problems and pain. There was a remarkable impact on the life of patients as well as on their cooperation with pain treatments while helping the patients to build a proactive attitude and to understand their role in their condition.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A intervenção psicoterapêutica é uma ferramenta importante para melhorar a qualidade de vida de pacientes com dor orofacial crônica, especialmente aqueles que se tornam refratários aos tratamentos. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi apresentar, na forma de narrativa, três casos de pacientes com dor facial refratária ao longo do processo de intervenção psicoterapêutica e os resultados obtidos. RELATO DOS CASOS: Observou-se o comportamento, a percepção da dor e sintomas ansiosos e depressivos. Os pacientes estavam sob tratamento na Equipe de Dor Orofacial e os instrumentos utilizados no início e no final da intervenção foram a escala visual analógica, os Inventários de Beck para Ansiedade e Depressão, o Inventário de Dor de Wisconsin, o Questionário de Dor McGill e a Escala de Catastrofização de Dor. Os pacientes foram atendidos semanalmente em sessões de 50 minutos. Cada narrativa foi analisada qualitativamente e a comparação entre as avaliações (antes e depois do tratamento) foi incluída em um contexto de abordagem fenomenológica. CONCLUSÃO: Conflitos familiares emocionais e medo das crises de dor foram os aspectos mais importantes descritos pelos pacientes. O caso 1 apresentou um perfil menos cooperador, embora todos tenham apresentado melhora em algum âmbito avaliado. A proposta psicoterapêutica os auxiliou no enfrentamento do sofrimento por conta de seus problemas e da dor. Houve um impacto notável na vida dos pacientes como em sua cooperação com os tratamentos, uma vez que aprender a lidar com seu sofrimento os conduziu a uma postura mais proativa através do entendimento de seus papéis no tratamento da condição dolorosa.

Ecophysiology and water use efficiency of soybean cultivars under field conditions

A wide range of soybean cultivars is available on the market and understanding the physiological response and yield of these materials is fundamental to develop new management systems. Thus, the objective of the present study was to assess ecophysiological parameters and yield of soybean cultivars under field conditions. The experiment was carried out on a farm located in the municipality of Açailândia, Maranhão, Brazil. Three commercial cultivars were used (SC1, SC2 and SC3), and gas exchanges, SPAD index, Fv/Fm, photosynthesis index (PI), instantaneous water use efficiency (WUE) and intrinsic instantaneous of the use of water (iWUE) were assessed during the vegetative (V5) and reproductive (R5) stages. In addition, the biomass and production components were obtained. A randomized complete block design was used, with three cultivars and six replications. SC2 obtained the best mean for the photochemical variables. SC2 was more efficient at both development stages in WUE, but the maximum iWUE values were obtained in SC3. The SC2 cultivar obtained the best responses in the main variables analyzed, resulting in a higher yield.

Aspectos cognitivos e auditivos: o efeito do envelhecimento no declínio do reconhecimento de fala / Cognitive and auditory aspects: the effect of aging on the decline of speech recognition / Aspectos cognitivos y auditivos: el efecto del envejecimiento sobre la disminución del reconocimiento de voz

Introdução: Dificuldades de desempenho comunicativo e de reconhecimento de fala em ambientes ruidosos são associadas ao envelhecimento. O declínio do reconhecimento da fala com ruído competitivo é devido a uma combinação de fatores auditivos e não-auditivos que acentuam ao longo do tempo e com o avanço da idade. Objetivo: Identificar os aspectos cognitivos e auditivos que contribuem para o declínio do reconhecimento de fala no ruído em idosos. Método: Trata-se de um estudo prospectivo, analítico, observacional e transversal. A amostra foi composta por dois grupos: um de adultos e outro de idosos, selecionados conforme os seguintes critérios de inclusão: ouvintes normais; idade entre 18 e 70 anos, de ambos os sexos. Os aspectos cognitivos foram analisados pelo Montreal Cognitive Assessment e, nos processos auditivos, foram aplicados testes de audiometria tonal limiar, psicofísicos de reconhecimento de fala em escuta difícil e de resolução temporal. Resultados: Quando comparados por grupo etário, os testes psicoacústicos apresentaram diferenças significativas nas condições: 1) SSI / OD - S/R 0 (p=0,001), 2) SSI / OD - S/R -15 (p=0,000), 3) HINT / OE S/R -10 (p=0,03), 5) HINT / OE S/R -15 (p= 0,02) quando aplicado o teste Mann Whitney U. Quando comparados por grupo etário, os testes GIN e TDD não apresentaram diferenças significativas. Já quando os testes psicoacústicos foram comparados independentes do grupo etário, os sujeitos com MoCA normal e alterados não apresentaram diferenças significativas (p=0,280). Conclusão: A partir da amostra estudada, observou-se que os aspectos cognitivos não contribuíram no desempenho da percepção de fala com estímulos competitivos quando comparados os grupos de adultos e idosos. Por outro lado, os aspectos auditivos avaliados mostraram que os idosos apresentam maiores dificuldades de compreensão da fala no ruído quando comparados aos indivíduos mais jovens.

Introduction: Difficulties in communicative performance and speech recognition in noise are associated with aging. The decline in speech recognition with competitive noise is due to a combination of auditory and non-auditory factors that worsens over time and with aging. Objective: To identify the cognitive and auditory aspects that contribute to the decline of speech recognition in noise in the elderly. Method: This is a prospective, analytical, observational and cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of two groups: one of adults and one of elderly, selected according to the following inclusion criteria: normal listeners; between 18 and 70 years old, of both sexes. The cognitive aspects were analyzed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and, in the auditory processes, pure-tone audiometry threshold tests, psychophysical speech recognition in difficult listening and temporal resolution were applied. Results: When compared by age group, psychoacoustic tests showed significant differences in conditions: 1) SSI / RE - SNR 0 (p = 0.001), 2) SSI / RE - SNR -15 (p = 0.000), 3) HINT / LE SNR -10 (p = 0.03), 5) HINT / LE SNR -15 (p = 0.02) when the Mann Whitney U test was applied. GIN and DDT tests did not show significant differences. When the psychoacoustic tests were compared regardless of the age group, the subjects with normal and changed MoCA did not present significant differences (p = 0.280). Conclusion: From the studied sample, cognitive aspects did not contribute to the performance of speech perception with competitive stimuli when comparing the adults and the elderly. On the other hand, the assessed auditory aspects showed that the elderly have greater difficulties in understanding speech in noise when compared to younger individuals.

Introducción: Las dificultades en el desempeño comunicativo y el reconocimiento del habla en entornos ruidosos están asociadas con el envejecimiento. La disminución del reconocimiento de voz con ruido competitivo se debe a una combinación de factores auditivos y no auditivos que se acentúan con el tiempo y con la edad. Objetivo: Identificar los aspectos cognitivos y auditivos que contribuyen al declive del reconocimiento del habla en ruido en las personas mayores. Método: Se trata de un estudio prospectivo, analítico, observacional y transversal. La muestra estuvo conformada por dos grupos: uno para adultos y otro para ancianos, seleccionados según los siguientes criterios de inclusión: oyentes normales; entre 18 y 70 años, de ambos los sexos. Los aspectos cognitivos fueron analizados por la Evaluación Cognitiva de Montreal y, en los procesos auditivos, se aplicaron pruebas de audiometría tonal umbral, reconocimiento psicofísico del habla en audiencias difíciles y resolución temporal. Resultados: Cuando se compararon por grupo de edad, las pruebas psicoacústicas mostraron diferencias significativas en las condiciones: 1) SSI / OD - S / R 0 (p = 0,001), 2) SSI / OD - S / R -15 (p = 0,000), 3 ) HINT/ OE S / R -10 (p = 0.03), 5) HINT / OE S / R -15 (p = 0.02) cuando se aplicó la prueba Mann Whitney U. Las pruebas GIN y TDD no mostraron diferencias significativas. Cuando se compararon las pruebas psicoacústicas independientemente del grupo de edad, los sujetos con MoCA normal y alterado no presentaron diferencias significativas (p = 0,280). Conclusión: De la muestra estudiada, se observó que los aspectos cognitivos no contribuyeron al desempeño de la percepción del habla con estímulos competitivos al comparar los grupos de adultos y ancianos. Por otro lado, los aspectos auditivos evaluados mostraron que los ancianos tienen mayores dificultades para comprender el habla en ruido en comparación con los más jóvenes.

Cognitive performance and long-latency auditory evoked potentials: a study on aging

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between cognitive performance and long-latency auditory evoked potentials in an elderly population. METHODS: The sample consisted of adults between 20 and 58 years of age and elderly adults between 60 and 70 years of age. The screening procedures adopted were an inspection of the external auditory canal, tonal and vocal audiometry, tympanometry, brain stem auditory evoked potential, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment test, and long-latency auditory evoked potential. RESULTS: The latency and amplitude values of cortical components by age group showed significant differences under the following conditions: (i) signals evoked by the speech stimulus /da/ and by the pure-tone stimulus at 2,000 Hz for the N2 amplitude (p=0.008 and p=0.001, respectively) , which were both higher for adults, and (ii) signals evoked by the speech stimulus /da/ for N1 latency (p=0.018) and by the pure-tone stimulus at 2,000 Hz for P2 latency (p=0.017), which were both higher in the elderly population. The cognitive component (P300) showed a significant difference when evoked by speech stimuli, with higher latency in the elderly population (p=0.013). When correlated with cognitive processes, the latency and amplitude of cortical potentials showed direct and medium-strength correlations between abnormal scores obtained on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment test and P2 amplitude (p<0.001 and r=0.452). CONCLUSION: There is a relationship between long-latency potentials and cognitive performance in the elderly, which was observed by the increase in the P2 amplitude and the impairment of the process of sound decoding.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Chagas disease in a rural population of the Quixeré municipality, Ceará, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: This study estimated the seroprevalence and risk factors of Chagas disease (CD) in a population of the Quixeré municipality, Ceará. METHODS: We conducted serological methods to detect the Trypanosoma cruzi infection. The other variables were evaluated by a standardized questionnaire. RESULTS: The estimated prevalence of CD was 3.7%. Male sex, age >40 years, being farmers, low education level, origin from rural areas, and being born in Quixeré were significantly associated with infection. CONCLUSION: CD persists in this rural population of Northeast Brazil. Poverty, low education, and limited information regarding CD are critical issues that need to be addressed.

Prevalência da Infecção pelo Trypanosoma cruzi em Doadores de Sangue / Prevalence of Trypanosoma Cruzi Infection in Blood Donors

Resumo Fundamento A doença de Chagas (DC) é considerada um problema de saúde pública na América Latina. A região nordeste, principalmente o estado do Ceará, ainda representa grande preocupação em termos de risco de transmissão da doença. Objetivo Estimar a prevalência de T. cruzi em doadores de sangue do estado do Ceará. Métodos Trata-se um de estudo retrospectivo descritivo realizado no período de 2010 a 2015, a partir de dados registrados no sistema informatizado do Centro de Hematologia e Hemoterapia do Ceará (HEMOCE). Resultados Dos 763.731 potenciais doadores de sangue, 14.159 foram considerados impedidos de fazer a doação devido à sorologia, sendo que 1.982 (0,33%) o foram devido à positividade/inconclusão para doença de Chagas. Compareceram à Hemorrede para a repetição 425 indivíduos, sendo confirmados 28,2% (120/425) como impedidos de doar devido a DC. Conclusão Não houve redução significativa das sorologias positivas/inconclusivas no período entre 2010-2015, porém foi observada redução em relação a 1996/1997 no estado. A determinação da prevalência da doença de Chagas em bancos de sangue pode ser relevante como indicador do risco de transmissão transfusional em determinada região. Novos testes sorológicos para triagem com melhor acurácia são necessários, reduzindo o descarte desnecessário de bolsas de sangue, os custos para o Sistema Único de Saúde e a insegurança para os pacientes e familiares. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(6):1082-1091)

Abstract Background Chagas disease (CD) is considered a public health problem in Latin America. The northeastern region, especially the state of Ceará, still represents a major concern in terms of the risk of transmission of CD. Objective To estimate the prevalence of T. cruzi in blood donors from the state of Ceará. Methods This is a retrospective descriptive study that was performed in the period from 2010 to 2015 from data recorded in the computerized system of the Hematology and Hemotherapy Center of Ceará (HEMOCE in Portuguese). Results Of the 763,731 potential blood donors, 14,159 were serologically ineligible; 1,982 (0.33%) were serologically ineligible due to positive / inconclusive diagnosis for CD. A total of 425 individuals came to the HEMOCE to repeat the test, with 28.2% (120/425) declared ineligible for donations due to CD. Conclusion No significant reduction of positive / inconclusive serology was observed in the period between 2010 and 2015, but a reduction was observed when compared to 1996/1997 in the state. The determination of the prevalence of CD in blood banks may be relevant as an indicator of the risk of CD transmission through blood transfusions in a given region. New serological tests for triage with better accuracy in screening are needed, in an attempt to reduce the unnecessary disposal of blood bags, reduce costs for the Brazilian Unified Health System, and diminish insecurity for the patient and family members. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(6):1082-1091)

Pharmaceutical care in the state of Ceará, Brazil: socioeconomic and demographic profile of patients with chagas disease attended in a referral center

The Pharmaceutical Care Service of the Chagas Disease Research Laboratory (LPDC), in the State of Ceará, Brazil, treats patients with Chagas disease (CD), characterized as a chronic, neglected disease that requires full patient follow-up. Objective: determine the socioeconomic and demographic profile of patients with CD treated at the LPDC. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out, in which 507 patients were treated from January 2007 to May 2016. The variables collected were gender, age, place of birth, schooling, family income, type of health care, occupation, living conditions and habits. The profile of Trypanosoma cruzi infected individuals consisted of 51.1% males; mean age of 50.4 years; 26.6% were small farmers; 48.7% had not finished elementary school; 36.9% had a family income of one minimum wage; 77.7% did not have private health insurance and most of them came from rural areas. Regarding habits, 66.5% were nonsmokers and 70.0% were sedentary. Additionally, an improvement was noted in housing conditions, with most patients moving from wattle and daub huts, which were their first homes, to brick houses. We conclude that the analysis of the socioeconomic and demographic profile of patients treated at the LPDC showed that most of them come from a low socioeconomic population, where the demand for treatment has been occurring at a later age, further reinforcing the importance of the follow-up provided by the LPDC.

Diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines for plaque psoriasis - Brazilian Society of Dermatology

Abstract: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects 1.3% of the Brazilian population. The most common clinical manifestations are erythematous, scaling lesions that affect both genders and can occur on any anatomical site, preferentially involving the knees, elbows, scalp and genitals. Besides the impact on the quality of life, the systemic nature of the disease makes psoriasis an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, especially in young patients with severe disease. By an initiative of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology, dermatologists with renowned clinical experience in the management of psoriasis were invited to form a work group that, in a partnership with the Brazilian Medical Association, dedicated themselves to create the Plaque Psoriasis Diagnostic and Treatment Guidelines. The relevant issues for the diagnosis (evaluation of severity and comorbidities) and treatment of plaque psoriasis were defined. The issues generated a search strategy in the Medline-PubMed database up to July 2018. Subsequently, the answers to the questions of the recommendations were devised, and each reference selected presented the respective level of recommendation and strength of scientific evidence. The final recommendations for making up the final text were worded by the coordinators.

Trypanosoma cruzi seroprevalence among solid organ donors in Ceará State, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The transmission of Chagas disease (CD) through blood transfusion, organ transplantation, and oral transmission has gained greater visibility as a result of intensified vector control activities in endemic regions and to control CD in non-endemic regions. In Brazil, Ceará is one of the states that perform the most organ transplants. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in organ donor candidates. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on data from potential organ donors at the Center of Transplantation of the State of Ceará from 2010 - 2015. RESULTS: Data from a total of 2,822 potential donors were obtained, of which 1,038 were effective donors and 1,784 were excluded, likely due to lack of family authorization or medical contraindication. The prevalence of T. cruzi infection among these potential donors was 1.3% (n = 29). The majority of infected donors were males aged 41 - 60 years, residing in the interior of the state. Interestingly, 72.4% (n = 21) had positive or inconclusive serology for additional infections, such as cytomegalovirus, hepatitis B and C, and toxoplasmosis. Probability analysis revealed that stroke was the most common cause of death among potential donors with CD. CONCLUSIONS: There was a high prevalence of CD and other coinfections among potential solid organ donors in Ceará, and statistical tests have shown that these individuals are at increased risk of stroke when compared to potential non-reactive donors. This work highlights the importance of screening DC infection in potential donors.

Satisfação dos pacientes com doença de Chagas atendidos por um serviço de atenção farmacêutica no estado do Ceará, Brasil / Satisfaction of Chagas disease patients attended at a pharmaceutical care service in the State of Ceará, Brazil

Resumo O Serviço de Atenção Farmacêutica ao paciente com doença de Chagas do estado do Ceará foi criando em 2005, com a finalidade de proporcionar seguimento farmacoterapêutico àqueles com esta morbidade. Decorridos 10 anos de atuação, objetivou-se avaliar a satisfação dos pacientes atendidos no serviço. Tratou-se de um estudo prospectivo, empregando um questionário subdividido nas seções: dados socioeconômicos; infraestrutura, localização e funcionamento; cuidado farmacêutico e importância do serviço. Foram entrevistados 70 pacientes de ambos os sexos e acima de 18 anos, entre agosto de 2014 e maio de 2015. Quanto à infraestrutura, localização e funcionamento, as notas obtidas mostraram que os pacientes estão satisfeitos com os parâmetros analisados. Com relação ao cuidado farmacêutico, a maioria dos pacientes mostrou-se satisfeita, tendo o "ser bem atendido" como aspecto mais importante durante o atendimento. Em relação à importância do serviço, 100% o considerou muito importante e o indicaria para outras pessoas. De modo geral, o estudo demonstrou um alto nível de satisfação com o serviço. Há muito a ser trabalhado neste serviço, como promover maior acesso e qualificação do atendimento, contribuindo para a concretização de um modelo humanizado, centrado nas necessidades do paciente.

Abstract In 2005, a pharmaceutical care service was created in the State of Ceará to provide pharmacotherapeutic follow-up for individuals infected with Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas Disease). After 10 years of operation, an evaluation was conducted to assess the degree of satisfaction of patients treated under the service. This prospective study used a questionnaire comprising the following sections: socioeconomic data; infrastructure, facilities and operations; pharmaceutical care; and importance of the service. Seventy patients of both sexes and over 18 years of age were interviewed between August 2014 and May 2015. As for infrastructure, location and operation, the average grades show a high level of patient satisfaction. Regarding pharmaceutical care, most patients reported being satisfied and considered "being well treated" to be the most important aspect during treatment. In addition, all patients (100%) rated the service as very important and would recommend it to other individuals. Overall, the study showed a high level of patient satisfaction with the service. There is, however, still much to work to be done on this service in order to promote greater access and qualified care to fully achieve a humanized model focused on patient needs.

Insect vectors of Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi) in Northeastern Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Chagas disease remains a public health problem in the rural and urban areas of 19 countries in the Americas. METHODS: The aim of the present study was to investigate the Trypanosoma cruzi infection rate of triatomines collected from both intra- and peridomiciliary areas in eleven municipalities of Southeastern Ceará, Brazil, from 2009 to 2015. RESULTS: A total of 32,364 triatomine specimens, including nymphs and adults, were collected, and 31,736 (98.06%) of these were examined. More nymphs were collected than adults, and the greatest number of triatomines (n = 8,548) was collected in 2010, for which the infection rate was 1.3%, with the highest rate of infections observed for specimens from Quixere. The species collected during the study were identified as Triatoma pseudomaculata, Triatoma brasiliensis, Panstrongylus megistus, Panstrongylus lutzi, and Rhodnius nasutus, with T. pseudomaculata being the most abundant (n = 19,962). CONCLUSIONS: These results verify the presence of triatomines in both intra- and peridomiciliary areas, thereby ensuring persistence of the pathogen and consequently, the disease, as the presence of infected vectors in households is an important risk factor. According to these findings, the Chagas Disease Control Program should intensify its efforts in order to prevent the spread of the disease.

Perfil hematológico e bioquímico de pacientes com doença de Chagas atendidos por um serviço de atenção farmacêutica no estado do Ceará / Hematological and biochemical profile of patients with Chagas disease attended by a pharmaceutical care service in the state of Ceará

Introdução: A doença de Chagas (DC) é uma parasitose causada pelo agente infeccioso Trypanosoma cruzi. No Brasil, o tratamento específico da DC é realizado com o Benzonidazol (Bz), que devido à sua toxicidade pode levar ao aparecimento de várias reações adversas aos pacientes que fazem uso deste medicamento. Diante disso, existe uma preocupação em avaliar o paciente antes de iniciar a utilização do Bz, a fim de verificar possíveis alterações hematológicas e bioquímicas que eventualmente possam ser atribuídas à utilização deste medicamento. Objetivo: delinear o perfil dos parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos de pacientes com DC antes da farmacoterapia com Bz. Metodologia: Estudo retrospectivo que avaliou o perfil sociodemográfico e os parâmetros laboratoriais (eritrograma, leucograma, plaquetas, aspartato aminotransferase - TGO, alanina aminotransferase - TGP, ureia e creatinina) de 89 pacientes chagásicos crônicos atendidos no Serviço de Atenção Farmacêutica ao Paciente com doença de Chagas da Universidade Federal do Ceará no período de janeiro de 2010 a dezembro de 2015. Resultados: A população estudada se caracterizou feminina (52,8%), média de idade de 53,6 anos, de baixa renda e escolaridade, maioria aposentada, procedente do interior do estado do Ceará. No que se refere às análises hematológicas e bioquímicas, observa-se que todos os parâmetros se encontram dentro dos valores de referência. Na comparação entre gêneros, a análise estatística entre as médias demonstrou diferença significativa nos eritrócitos, no hematócrito, na hemoglobina, nas plaquetas e na contagem de linfócitos. Conclusão: Apesar da evidência de um perfil dentro dos valores normais de referência, o acompanhamento desses parâmetros laboratoriais é de suma importância no seguimento do paciente chagásico, visto que as reações adversas podem aparecer bem no início do tratamento com o Benzonidazol, levando muitas vezes à interrupção do medicamento. (AU)

Introduction: Chagas' disease (DC) is a parasite caused by the infectious agent Trypanosoma cruzi. In Brazil, the specific treatment of CD is performed with Benzonidazole (Bz), which due to its toxicity, can lead to the appearance of several adverse reactions to patients who use it. Therefore, there is a certain concern in evaluating the patient before starting the use of Bz, in order to verify possible hematological and biochemical alterations that may be attributed to the use of benzonidazole. Objective: to delineate the profile of the hematological and biochemical parameters of patients with CD before the pharmacotherapy with Bz. Methodology: Retrospective study of sociodemographic and laboratory parameters (erythrogram, leukogram, platelets, aspartate aminotransferase- TGO, alanine aminotransferase - TGP, urea and creatinine) from 89 chronic Chagas' patients treated at the Pharmaceutical Care Service of Federal University of Ceará, the January 2010 to December 2015. Results: The population studied was female (52.8%), mean age 53.6 years, low income and education, retired majority, from the interior of the state of Ceará. As far as hematological and biochemical analysis are concerned, it is observed that all parameters are within the reference values. In the comparison between genders, statistical analysis between means showed a significant difference in erythrocytes, hematocrit, hemoglobin, platelets and lymphocyte counts. Conclusion: Despite the evidence of a profile within the normal reference values, the follow-up of these laboratory parameters is of paramount importance in the follow-up of the chagasic patient, since adverse reactions may appear well at the beginning of Benzonidazole treatment, often leading to medication interruption. (AU)

Pharmacotherapeutic follow-up of patients with Chagas disease using benznidazole: drug-related problems and pharmaceutical interventions

Abstract INTRODUCTION Benznidazole (BNZ) is a drug available for the etiological treatment of Chagas disease. However, this drug is toxic and has a limited effectiveness on the chronic phase of this disease, often leading to poor treatment adherence. METHODS: This is a descriptive and exploratory study conducted at the Pharmaceutical Care Service for Chagas disease patients of the Federal University of Ceará. Drug-related problems (DRPs) and pharmaceutical interventions (PIs) were classified according to the Second Consensus of Granada. RESULTS: The average age of patients with Chagas disease was 62 years, with the majority residing in the Ceará countryside (86.7%), and having low education levels (63.3% with elementary school education). Regarding family income, most patients belonged to a household that earned ≤1-2 times the minimum wage per month. Approximately 73% of these patients complied with the BNZ treatment, and nearly 7% underwent therapy interruption after medical evaluation. A total of 189 DRPs were identified, of which 51.9% (n=98) were classified as potential, and 48.1% (n=91) as actual. The most frequent DRPs were related to safety (qualitative safety; n=70; 37%), necessity (non-adherence; n=52; 27.5%), and effectiveness (qualitative effectiveness/non-optimal drug selection; n=45; 23.8%). Among the 216 PIs conducted, the majority were related to patient education (n=168; 77.8%) and pharmacological strategy (n=42; 19.4%). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates the need for pharmacotherapeutic monitoring in patients with Chagas because of the high number of therapeutic interventions, DRPs (approximately 3 DRPs/patient), BNZ adherence, and polypharmacy.

Analysis of the seroprevalence of and factors associated with Chagas disease in an endemic area in Northeastern Brazil

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Chagas disease (CD) is currently considered a neglected disease; hence, identifying the factors associated with its high prevalence is essential. This study aimed to identify the seroprevalence of and the possible factors associated with CD in inhabitants of the City of Limoeiro do Norte, Northeastern Brazil. METHODS: Between April and November 2013, blood collection was conducted and a semi-structured questionnaire was administered. Blood samples that showed positive or possible serology for anti-Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies based on indirect immunofluorescence, hemagglutination indirect, and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were analyzed. Associations between CD positivity and the study variables were analyzed using prevalence ratios (PR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: A total of 812 individuals were analyzed, of which T. cruzi seropositivity was determined in 4.2% (34 individuals). Sociodemographic variables showing a significant association with T. cruzi positivity included age >50 years (PR = 27.6; 95% CI = 6.66-114.4), elementary level education (PR = 5.15; 95% CI = 1.83-14.47), and retirement (PR = 7.25; 95% CI = 3.72-14.14). Positivity for T. cruzi was 6.17 times higher in those who had a history of living in rammed earth houses compared with those who did not (95% CI = 2.19-17.37). There was no evidence of vertical transmission in the individuals studied. Among the individuals infected with T. cruzi, the majority reported having a comorbidity (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the seroprevalence of CD and identified factors associated with a high prevalence of CD.

Fones de ouvido supra-aurais e intra-aurais: um estudo das saídas de intensidade e da audição de seus usuários / Supra and intra-aural earphones: a study of output intensity and hearing levels of their users

RESUMO Introdução A perda auditiva ocasionada pelo uso inadequado de aparelhos amplificadores, como smartphones, vem crescendo rapidamente. Objetivo Mensurar e analisar as intensidades máximas e equivalentes de saída dos fones supra-aurais e intra-aurais, comparar as intensidades equivalentes e máximas ajustadas entre os dois tipos de fones e correlacionar o tempo de uso, a intensidade de uso e a média de 500 Hz, 1000 Hz e 2000 Hz e o limiar de reconhecimento de fala. Métodos A amostra foi composta por 20 sujeitos de ambos os gêneros, com faixa etária de 16 a 27 anos. As análises dos resultados foram realizadas por orelha, totalizando 40 orelhas. Os procedimentos adotados foram: aplicação de questionário, inspeção do conduto auditivo externo, audiometria tonal e vocal, imitanciometria e avaliação das intensidades de saída dos fones supra-aurais e intra-aurais. Resultados Os fones supra-aurais possuíam saídas com intensidades equivalentes e máximas significativamente maiores que os intra-aurais. Quando comparadas as intensidades máximas ajustadas, constatou-se que os usuários de fones intra-aurais utilizaram saídas com intensidades equivalentes e máximas significativamente maiores que os usuários de fones supra-aurais, observando-se uma correlação de média força entre o tempo de uso e o uso diário, na frequência isolada de 3000 Hz. Conclusão Os fones supra-aurais possuem saídas com intensidades equivalentes e máximas maiores que os fones intra-aurais, na execução de uma música. Os usuários de fones intra-aurais utilizam saídas com intensidades equivalentes e máximas maiores que os usuários de fones supra-aurais. Os sujeitos que ouvem música com mais frequência, as ouvem por menos tempo ao longo do dia, porém, com a maior intensidade.

ABSTRACT Introduction Hearing loss caused by the improper use of amplifying devices such as smartphones has been growing rapidly. Purpose Measure and analyze the maximum and equivalent output intensities of supra-aural and intra-aural headphones, compare the adjusted intensities and correlate time and intensity of use, average frequencies of 500 Hz, 1000 Hz and 2000 Hz and the speech recognition threshold. Methods The sample consisted of 20 subjects from both sexes, between the age of 16 and 27 years. The results were analyzed per ear, totaling 40 ears. The following procedures were adopted: questionnaire application, inspection of the ear canal, tonal and vocal audiometry, impedance testing and assessment of output intensities of supra-aural and intra-aural headphones. Results Supra-aural headphones have significantly higher equivalent and maximum output intensities compared to their intra-aural counterparts. When adjusted maximum intensities were compared, it was found that intra-aural headphone users used significantly higher equivalent and maximum output intensities than supra-aural headphones users, showing a moderate correlation between time of use and daily use at a frequency of 3000 Hz. Conclusion During the playing of a song, supra-aural headphones have outputs with greater equivalent and maximum intensities than intra-aural headphones. Intra-aural headphone users use higher equivalent and maximum output intensities than users of supra-aural headphones. Subjects that listen to music often do so for less time during the day, but at greater intensity.

Diagnosis and underdiagnosis of comorbidities in psoriasis patients - need for a multidisciplinary approach

Abstract BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease that manifests predominantly in the skin, although systemic involvement may also occur. Although associated comorbidities have long been recognized and despite several studies indicating psoriasis as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events, little has been done in general medical practice regardind screening. In the United States, less than 50% of clinicians are aware of these recommendations. OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of these comorbidities in 296 patients followed up at a university dermatology clinic. METHODS: Systematically investigated comorbidity frequencies were compared with general practitioners' registry frequencies. Clinical features correlated with comorbidities were also investigated. RESULTS: High prevalences of systematically investigated comorbidities such as hypertension (30%) and dyslipidemia (26.5%) were documented. Conversely, data from general practitioners' records showed that 33% of dyslipidemia cases were undiagnosed and indicated possible underdiagnosis of some comorbidities. Furthermore, an association was found between: the number of comorbidities and psoriasis duration, age and high body mass index an association was found between the number of comorbidities and psoriasis duration, age, high body mass index, waist circumference or waist-to-hip ratio. (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Disease duration, age and high body mass index, waist circumference or waist-to-hip ratio are possible criteria for choosing which patients should be screened for comorbidities. Underdiagnosis of comorbidities by general practitioners highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach in psoriasis management.