Hospitalization and mortality rates of malignant prostatic neoplasms in Brazil: A cross-sectional study from 2008 to 2018

Abstract Prostate cancer (PCa) is a highly prevalent condition among men worldwide, resulting in reduced quality of life and increased costs to health systems due to hospitalization and death. This study aimed to explore and understand the evolution of PCa in Brazil from 2008 to 2018. Data were obtained from the National Health System Department of Informatics (DATASUS) using code C61 for malignant prostatic neoplasms. We presented the hospitalization and mortality rates in a temporal-, regional- and age-dependent manner. From 2008 to 2018, a year-dependent increase in hospital admissions due to PCa was reported in Brazil, in which the Southeast region showed the highest prevalence. Men aged ≥80 and those 70-79 years old had similar hospitalization rates, followed by men aged 60-69, 50-59, 40-49 and 30-39 years old. Similarly, an increase in deaths due to PCa was reported during this period, with the highest rates seen in the Southeast. Men aged ≥80 years had higher mortality rates, followed by those aged 70-79, 60-69, 50-59, 40-49 and 30-39 years old. The results obtained indicate an age- and region-dependent increase in PCa morbidity and mortality in Brazil overtime and may contribute to the ongoing discussion on the role and future perspective of the health care system in Brazil.

Hospitalization due to mental and behavioral disorders caused by use of alcohol and psychoactive substances among older adults and elderly people in Brazil: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: It has been estimated that 17% of individuals aged 50 years or older suffer from addiction to legal or illegal drugs. Use of alcohol and psychoactive substances has been correlated with several diseases, e.g. psychiatric conditions and cardiovascular and sexual dysfunctions. Objective: To discuss the Brazilian profile of mental and behavioral disorders caused by use of alcohol and psychoactive substances among older adults and elderly people, over the period from 2008 to 2019. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study conducted among Brazilians aged 50 years or older. METHODS: Hospitalization due to mental and behavioral disorders caused by use of alcohol and psychoactive substances was assessed through data obtained from the National Health System Department of Informatics (Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde, DATASUS). RESULTS: Decreasing and steady trends of hospitalization due to mental and behavioral disorders caused by use of alcohol among both men and women at all ages were observed. Similar trends were reported for all age ranges among men and women aged 60 years and older. In contrast, a slight increase was seen among women aged 50 to 59 years. CONCLUSION: These data are crucial for qualifying mental healthcare for older adults and elderly people and for planning mental health services.

Evaluation of the Panbio™ COVID-19 ag rapid test at an emergency room in a hospital in São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract Background The performance characteristics of the Panbio™ COVID-19 Ag test was evaluated at an emergency room setting against RT-PCR, considered the gold-standard for the detection of SARS-CoV-2, in São Paulo, Brazil. The study aimed to determine the sensitivity, specificity, Positive Percent Agreement (PPA), and Negative Percent Agreement (NPA) as compared to RT-PCR. Methods Specimens from 127 suspected patients were tested by both the Panbio™ COVID-19 Ag test and by RT-PCR. Results In relation to RT-PCR using Ct values ≤ 40 as the upper limit for positivity, the Panbio™ COVID-19 Ag test showed an overall sensitivity of 84.3% (95% CI 75‒93.8%) and 98.2% (95% CI 96‒98.8%) overall specificity. For Ct values ≤ 25 (n= 37), the Panbio™ COVID-19 Ag test showed 97% sensitivity. Discussion The concordance between the Panbio™ COVID-19 Ag test and RT-PCR was 97% at Ct values below 25 but decreased at higher Ct values. For disease control, it is very important to identify infected individuals who present COVID-19 symptoms and also those who are suspected of infection due to contact with infected individuals. Conclusion The Panbio™ COVID-19 Ag test is suitable for use as a diagnostic test for rapid screening of patients presenting COVID-19 symptoms, or those suspected of being infected, prior to being admitted to hospital.