External quality monitoring of the cervical cytopathological exams in the Rio de Janeiro city / Monitoramento externo da qualidade dos exames citopatológicos cervicais na cidade do Rio de Janeiro

Abstract Objective To discuss the implementation and contributions of the External Quality Monitoring in the city of Rio de Janeiro and to analyze the performance of the main providers of cervical cytopathology in this city from September 2013 to March 2017, here referred to as "Alpha laboratory" and "Beta laboratory." Methods Observational, cross-sectional, retrospective study using information from the Cervical Cancer Control Information System (SISCOLO, in the Portuguese acronym), municipal coordinationmodule, External QualityMonitoring report. The proportions of false positives, false negatives, unsatisfactory samples and rejected samples were estimated. The agreement among the observers was analyzed through the Kappa index and the reduction of disagreements in the period for each laboratory studied, comparing the results of each cycle. Results A total of 19,158 examinations were selected, of which 19,130 (99.85%) were monitored, 16.649 (87, 03%) were reviewed by the External Quality Monitoring Unit, 2,481 (12,97%) were rejected and 441 (2,65%) were considered unsatisfactory. The "Beta laboratory" presented excellent concordance in all cycles; the "Alpha laboratory" had good concordance in the first two cycles (K = 0.76 and 0.79), becoming excellent in the following four cycles. The average Kappa index was 0.85, with median of 0.86. The percentage of diagnostic disagreement was 6.63% of the reviewed exams, of which 5.38% required a change of conduct Conclusion External Quality Monitoring is an exercise in diagnostic improvement, and its implementation was fundamental to ensure the reliability of the cytopathological exams in the city of Rio de Janeiro.

Resumo Objetivo Discutir a implementação e as contribuições do Monitoramento Externo da Qualidade na cidade do Rio de Janeiro e analisar o desempenho dos principais provedores de citopatologia cervical nessa cidade no período de setembro de 2013 a março de 2017, aqui denominado "laboratório Alfa" "e" "laboratório Beta." Métodos Estudo observacional, transversal, retrospectivo, utilizando informações do Sistema de Informação de Controle do Câncer do Colo do Útero (SISCOLO), domódulo de coordenação municipal, e do relatório de Monitoramento da Qualidade Externa. As proporções de falsos positivos, falsos negativos, amostras insatisfatórias e amostras rejeitadas foramestimadas. A concordância entre os observadores foi analisada através do índice Kappa bem como a redução de divergências no período para cada laboratório estudado, comparando os resultados de cada ciclo. Resultados Foram selecionados 19.158 exames, dos quais 19.130 (99,85%) foram monitorados, 16.649 (87, 03%) foram revisados pela Unidade de Monitoramento da Qualidade Externa, 2.481 (12,97%) foram rejeitados e 441 (2,65%) foram considerados insatisfatório. O "laboratório Beta" apresentou excelente concordância em todos os ciclos; o "laboratório Alfa" apresentou boa concordância nos 2 primeiros ciclos (K = 0,76 e 0,79), tornando-se excelente nos 4 ciclos seguintes. O índice Kappa médio foi de 0,85, com mediana de 0,86. O percentual de discordância diagnóstica foi de 6,63% dos exames revisados, dos quais 5,38% necessitaram de mudança de conduta. Conclusão OMonitoramento Externo da Qualidade éum exercício de aprimoramento diagnóstico, e sua implementação foi fundamental para garantir a confiabilidade dos exames citopatológicos no município do Rio de Janeiro.

Comparison of cervicovaginal cytopathological samples collected in basic health units and in private clinics in the midwest of Santa Catarina / Comparação de amostras citopatológicas cérvicovaginais coletadas nas unidades básicas de saúde e em clínicas privadas no meio-oeste de Santa Catarina

Abstract Objective To compare the quality of cervicovaginal samples obtained from basic health units (BHUs) of the Unified Health System (SUS) and those obtained fromprivate clinics to screen precursor lesions of cervical cancer. Methods It was an intervention study whose investigated variables were: adequacy of the samples; presence of epithelia in the samples, and cytopathological results. A total of 940 forms containing the analysis of the biological samples were examined: 470 forms of women attended at BHUs of the SUS and 470 forms of women examined in private clinics in January and February of 2016. Results All the unsatisfactory samples were collected at BHUs and corresponded to 4% of the total in this sector (p < 0.0001). There was a higher percentage of samples containing only squamous cells in the SUS (43.9%). There was squamocolumnar junction (SJC) representativeness in 82.1% of the samples from the private clinics (p < 0.0001). Regarding negative results for intraepithelial lesions and/or malignancies, the percentages obtained were 95.9% and 99.1% (p < 0.0049) in the exams collected in the private system and SUS, respectively. Less serious lesions corresponded to 0.89% of the samples from the SUS and 2.56% of the tests from the private sector; more serious lesions were not represented in the samples obtained from BHUs, whereas the percentage was 1.49% in private institutions. Conclusion Unsatisfactory cervical samples were observed only in exams performed at the SUS. There is a need for guidance and training of professionals who perform this procedure to achieve higher reliability in the results and more safety for women who undergo this preventive test.

Resumo Objetivo Comparar a qualidade das amostras cérvico-vaginais colhidas no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) e nas clínicas privadas para rastrear lesões precursoras de câncer do colo uterino. Métodos Estudo de intervenção cujas variáveis estudadas foram: adequabilidade da amostra, representação de epitélios na amostra, e resultado do exame citopatológico. Um total de 940 formulários contendo as análises das amostras biológicas foram examinados: 470 formulários de mulheres atendidas nas unidades básicas de saúde do SUS, e 470 formulários de mulheres atendidas em clínicas privadas no período de janeiro a fevereiro de 2016. Resultados Todas as amostras insatisfatórias foram coletadas nas unidades básicas de saúde do SUS e corresponderam a 4% do total neste setor (p < 0,0001). Observou-se um índice maior de amostras com representatividade somente de células escamosas no SUS (43,9%). Houve representatividade das células da junção escamo-colunar (JEC) em 82,1% das amostras colhidas no setor privado (p < 0,0001). Em relação aos resultados negativos para lesão intraepitelial e/ou malignidade, os percentuais obtidos foram 95,95% e 99,1% (p < 0,0049) para os exames coletados no sistema privado e no SUS, respectivamente. Em relação às lesões menos graves, no SUS obteve-se um resultado de 0,89% e no sistema privado de 2,56%; as lesões mais graves não foram diagnosticadas no SUS, enquanto que no setor privado representaram 1,49% dos exames. Conclusão As amostras cérvico-vaginais insatisfatórias foram observadas somente em exames realizados no SUS; há necessidade de orientação e capacitação dos profissionais que realizam a coleta do exame citopatológico, possibilitando uma maior confiabilidade nos resultados e mais segurança à mulher que se submete a este exame preventivo.

Prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis in Women Visiting 2 Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics in Daegu, South Korea

This study explored epidemiological trends in trichomoniasis in Daegu, South Korea. Wet mount microscopy, PCR, and multiplex PCR were used to test for Trichomonas vaginalis in vaginal swab samples obtained from 621 women visiting 2 clinics in Daegu. Of the 621 women tested, microscopy detected T. vaginalis in 4 (0.6%) patients, PCR detected T. vaginalis in 19 (3.0%) patients, and multiplex PCR detected T. vaginalis in 12 (1.9%) patients. Testing via PCR demonstrated high sensitivity and high negative predictive value for T. vaginalis. Among the 19 women who tested positive for T. vaginalis according to PCR, 94.7% (18/19) reported vaginal signs and symptoms. Notably, more than 50% of T. vaginalis infections occurred in females younger than 30 years old, and 58% were unmarried. Multiplex PCR, which simultaneously detects pathogens from various sexually transmitted infections, revealed that 91.7% (11/12) of patients were infected with 2 or more pathogens. Mycoplasma hominis was the most prevalent co-infection pathogen with T. vaginalis, followed by Ureaplasma urealyticum and Chlamydia trachomatis. Our results indicate that PCR and multiplex PCR are the most sensitive tools for T. vaginalis diagnosis, rather than microscopy which has been routinely used to detect T. vaginalis infections in South Korea. Therefore, clinicians should take note of the high prevalence of T. vaginalis infections among adolescent and young women in order to prevent persistent infection and transmission of this disease.

Follow-up of women with inadequate Pap smears: a prospective cohort study / Acompanhamento de mulheres com esfregaços de Papanicolaou inadequados: um estudo prospectivo de coorte

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Inadequate Pap smears do not provide satisfactory cell samples for evaluation, thus making it more difficult to detect cervical cytological abnormalities. The objective of this study was to determine the cytological and histological follow-up results from women with inadequate smear reports in primary healthcare centers in Santiago, Chile 2010-2011. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective cohort study at primary healthcare clinics in Santiago, Chile. METHODS: The population was taken from the “Cito-Expert" database of 2010. The data were then organized according to the cytological and histological follow-up results of 2,547 women with inadequate cervical cytological reports over the 12-month period. The samples were assigned to groups based on the cause of inadequacy (smears with endocervical cells alone; insufficient, hemorrhagic, inflammatory or poorly fixed samples; insufficient and hemorrhagic samples; or insufficient and inflammatory specimens). The data were analyzed using the “conditional probability tree diagram" and descriptive statistics. RESULT: Half of the women (n = 1,285) met the requirements of the Ministry of Health for repeating these inadequate smears, and 1,104 of these women had normal cytological results (85.9%). The detection rate for cervical lesions according to group ranged ...

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Esfregaços inadequados de Papanicolaou não fornecem amostra satisfatória de células para avaliação, ficando assim mais difícil detectar anomalias citológicas cervicais. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar os resultados de seguimento citológico e histológico de mulheres com relatórios de esfregaços inadequados nas unidades básicas de saúde em Santiago, Chile, 2010-2011. DESENHO E LOCAL: Estudo prospectivo de coorte em unidades básicas de saúde em Santiago, Chile. MÉTODOS: A população foi selecionada do banco de dados Cito-Expert em 2010. Na sequência, os dados foram organizados pelos resultados de seguimento citológico e histológico de 2.547 mulheres com relatórios inadequados de citologia cervical pelo período de 12 meses. As amostras foram atri-buídas a grupos com base na causa de inadequação (esfregaços com células endocervicais; amostras insuficientes, inflamatórias, ou com má fixação, amostras insuficientes e hemorrágicas, ou espéci-mes insuficientes e inflamatórios). Os dados foram analisados com base no “conditional probability tree diagram" e estatísticas descritivas. RESULTADOS: Metade das mulheres (n = 1.285) preencheram os requisitos ...

Importância clínica e correlação histológica das células glandulares atípicas detectadas no exame colpocitológico / Clinical implications and histological correlation of atypical glandular cells found in cervicovaginal smears

Introduction: Atypical glandular cells (AGC) are carriers of insufficient nuclear abnormalities for the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma, but exceed the criteria for classification as reactive glandular cells. This is an uncommon diagnosis, which may be associated with neoplastic lesions. Objective: To evaluate the clinical significance of primary cytological diagnosis of AGC through correlation with results of subsequent cyto-histologic examination. Materials and methods: 10 years retrospective study based on cervical cytologic results indicating AGC, classified as "possibly non-neoplastic" or "cannot exclude high-grade intraepithelial lesion". It was performed cyto-histopathological correlation in cases that were submitted to subsequent histopathological examination up to two years after cervical cytology analysis. Results: AGC were reported in 380 (0.06%) exams, providing 160 cases with subsequent biopsy. 85 (53.1%) of these, presented benign changes and 75 (46.9%) neoplastic lesions. From 114 "possibly non-neoplastic" cytological results, 71 (62.3%) had benign histological changes, and 43 (37.7%) neoplastic lesions, corresponding to a negative predictive value (NPV) of 62.3%. In contrast, among the 46 AGC "cannot exclude high-grade intraepithelial lesion" results, 14 (30.4%) presented benign changes and 32 (69.6%) neoplastic lesions (positive predictive value [PPV] = 69.6%). Discussion: The high rate of cancer associated with the diagnosis of AGC reassures the importance of recognizing these atypical cells in pap smears. The classification of "possibly non-neoplastic" and "cannot exclude high-grade intraepithelial lesion" may suggest the origin of cytological changes. Conclusion: Our results reinforce the importance of adequate follow-up of patients with AGC diagnosis on cervical cytology...

Introdução: Células glandulares atípicas (CGA) são portadoras de alterações nucleares insuficientes para o diagnóstico de adenocarcinoma, mas excedem os critérios para classificação como células glandulares reacionais. Trata-se de um diagnóstico incomum, porém pode relacionar-se com lesões neoplásicas. Objetivo: Avaliar o significado clínico do diagnóstico citológico primário indicando CGA por meio da correlação com os resultados de exames histológicos subsequentes. Materiais e métodos: Estudo retrospectivo de 10 anos com base em resultados colpocitológicos indicando CGA, classificados como "possivelmente não neoplásicas" ou "não se pode afastar lesão intraepitelial de alto grau". Realizou-se a correlação cito-histopatológica nos casos que foram submetidos ao exame histopatológico até dois anos após a análise colpocitológica. Resultados: CGA foram relatadas em 380 (0,06%) exames, dispondo-se de 160 casos com biópsia subsequente. Destes, 85 (53,1%) apresentavam alterações benignas e 75 (46,9%), lesões neoplásicas. Dos 114 resultados citológicos "possivelmente não neoplásicas", 71 (62,3%) apresentavam alterações histológicas benignas e 43 (37,7%), neoplásicas, correspondendo a um valor preditivo negativo (VPN) equivalente a 62,3%. Contrariamente, entre os 46 resultados de CGA "não se pode afastar lesão intraepitelial de alto grau", 14 (30,4%) apresentavam alterações benignas e 32 (69,6%), neoplásicas (valor preditivo positivo [VPP] = 69,6%). Discussão: As altas taxas de neoplasias associadas ao diagnóstico de CGA reafirmam a importância do reconhecimento dessas atipias. A classificação em "possivelmente não neoplásicas" e "não se pode afastar lesão intrapitelial de alto grau" pode sugerir a origem das alterações citológicas. Conclusão: nossos resultados reforçam a importância do segmento das pacientes com diagnóstico de CGA no exame colpocitológico...

Monitoramento externo da qualidade dos exames citopatológicos cervicais realizados pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) no Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul / External quality control for cervical cytology exams performed in the Brazilian Public Health System of Mato Grosso do Sul State

OBJETIVO: Analisar a concordância de diagnósticos citopatológicos de laboratórios credenciados e os verificados no monitoramento. MÉTODOS: Foram calculados o coeficiente de concordância global e o coeficiente Kappa de Cohen de uma amostra de conveniência dos exames selecionados mensalmente pelo Sistema de Informação do Câncer do Colo do Útero (SISCOLO) para monitoramento externo da qualidade (MEQ) dos 15 laboratórios que realizaram exames citopatológicos para o SUS entre 2002 e 2011 no Estado do Mato Grosso do Sul (região central do Brasil). A comparação entre os valores de concordância (coeficiente de concordância global e coeficiente Kappa) dos anos inicial e final foi computada por meio da variação absoluta (delta) e variação percentual relativa (VPR). RESULTADOS: Foram encaminhadas para releitura 15.989 esfregaços, dos quais 48,1% apresentavam laudo normal/alteração benigna, seguidos de atipia/lesão de baixo grau (36,3%), lesão de alto grau/carcinoma/adenocarcinoma (4,2%) e insatisfatórios para leitura (11,4%). O coeficiente de concordância global oscilou entre 0,2 e 1,0, sendo que o valor mediano passou de 0,7 em 2002 para 1,0 em 2011 (VPR=+36,6%). Nesse mesmo período, os valores medianos do coeficiente Kappa aumentaram de 0,5 para 0,9 (VPR=+80,8%). CONCLUSÕES: Conclui-se pela exequibilidade do MEQ dos exames citopatológicos na esfera estadual e que sua implementação resulta em melhoria nos diagnósticos realizados na rede SUS.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic agreement between the cytopathology reports issued by accredited laboratories and those obtained by quality control. METHODS: We calculated the overall agreement and Cohen's kappa coefficients of a convenience sample of smears selected monthly by the Information System of Cervical Cancer (SISCOLO) for External Quality Control of the 15 laboratories that performed cytopathological PAP tests for the Brazilian Public Health System (SUS) between 2002 and 2011 in Mato Grosso do Sul, a State of the Midwest Region of the country. A comparison of the reliability values (coefficient of concordance and Kappa coefficient) between the initial and final years was computed by the absolute change (delta) and relative percent difference (RPD). RESULTS: There were 15.989 smears sent for rereading, 48.1% of which had a report of normal/benign changes, followed by atypical/low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (36.3%), high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion/carcinoma/adenocarcinoma (4.2%), and unsatisfactory (11.4%). The overall correlation coefficient ranged between 0.2 and 1.0, and the median value increased from 0.7 in 2002 to 1 in 2011 (RPD=+36.6%). During the same period, the median values of the Kappa coefficient increased from 0.5 to 0.9 (RPD=+80.8%). CONCLUSIONS: These results emphasize the feasibility of the External Quality Control of cytopathology at the state level and its implementation results in improvement in the diagnoses performed in the SUS network.

Results of a control quality strategy in cervical cytology / Resultados de uma estratégia de controle de qualidade em colpocitologia

Objective: To determine the efficacy of a quality control strategy in cervical cytology in the detection of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. Methods: Forty-two patients were selected who underwent a Pap smear and cervical uterine biopsy between April 2008 and December 2009, with evidence of a high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion in one or both tests. The statistical parameters of the smear test were calculated before and after systematic meetings for review of the archived test results (6 years), in which the following was done: interobserver diagnostic consensus; cytohistological correlation, with the latter as gold standard; and evaluation of the therapeutic status of each patient. Results: Once these controls were applied, it was noted that sensitivity and positive likelihood ratio of the test for high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion increased 9.5% (34.5 to 44%) and 0.45% (1.64 to 2.09%), respectively, while specificity remained at 79%. Reduction in interference of false-negative results associated with errors in the analytical phase of the cytological productive process gave an estimate of failures in collection of the specimens (pre-analytical phase). Conclusion: In addition to improving the performance of the cytological diagnosis of the high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, the proposed quality control strategy allows a reflection on the causes of incorrect or conflicting scrutiny.

Objetivo: Determinar a eficácia de uma estratégia de controle de qualidade em colpocitologia na detecção da lesão intraepitelial escamosa de alto grau. Métodos: Foram selecionadas 42 pacientes que realizaram Papanicolaou e biópsia cervicouterina entre abril de 2008 e dezembro de 2009, com evidência de lesão intraepitelial escamosa de alto grau em um ou em ambos os exames. Os parâmetros estatísticos do esfregaço foram calculados antes e após reuniões sistematizadas de revisão dos exames arquivados (6 anos), nas quais se procedeu a: consensualização diagnóstica interobservadores; correlação cito-histológica, sendo a última padrão-ouro; e avaliação do status terapêutico de cada paciente. Resultados: Aplicados tais controles, observou-se que a sensibilidade e a likelihood ratio positiva do teste para lesão intraepitelial escamosa de alto grau aumentaram 9,5% (34,5 para 44%) e 0,45% (1,64 para 2,09%), respectivamente, enquanto sua especificidade se manteve em 79%. A redução da interferência dos falso-negativos associados a erros na fase analítica do processo produtivo citológico traz estimativa das falhas de coleta do material (fase pré-analítica). Conclusão: Além de melhorar o desempenho do diagnóstico colpocitológico de lesão intraepitelial escamosa de alto grau, a estratégia de controle de qualidade proposta permite refletir sobre as causas de escrutínio incorreto ou discordante.

Comprehensive evaluation of cervical cancer screening programs: the case of Colombia

OBJECTIVE: To identify critical screening program factors for reducing cervical cancer mortality in Colombia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Coverage, quality, and screening follow-up were evaluated in four Colombian states with different mortality rates. A case-control study (invasive cancer and healthy controls) evaluating screening history was performed. RESULTS: 3-year cytology coverage was 72.7 percent, false negative rate 49 percent, positive cytology follow-up 64.2 percent. There was no association between screening history and invasive cancer in two states having high cytology coverage but high false negative rates. Two states revealed association between deficient screening history and invasive cancer as well as lower positive-cytology follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced number of visits between screening and treatment is more relevant when low access to health care is present. Improved quality is a priority if access to screening is available. Suitable interventions for specific scenarios and proper appraisal of new technologies are compulsory to improve cervical cancer screening. Comprehensive process-failure audits among invasive cancer cases could improve program evaluation since mortality is a late outcome.

OBJETIVO: Identificar factores críticos para reducir la mortalidad por cáncer cervical en Colombia. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se evaluó cobertura, calidad y seguimiento del tamizaje en cuatro departamentos con tasas de mortalidad diferenciales. Un estudio de casos (cáncer invasor) y controles (sanos) evaluó historia de tamizaje. RESULTADOS: Cobertura 72,7 por ciento; falsos negativos 49 por ciento; acceso a diagnóstico-tratamiento de HSIL 64,2 por ciento. La historia de tamizaje no se asoció con cáncer invasor en dos departamentos con elevada cobertura pero elevada proporción de falsos negativos. Dos departamentos con asociación entre historia de tamizaje deficiente y cáncer invasor tuvieron cobertura aceptable pero bajo acceso a diagnóstico-tratamiento. No hubo relación entre mortalidad y desempeño del programa. CONCLUSIONES: Reducir visitas entre tamizaje y tratamiento es prioritario ante bajo acceso a los servicios. Incrementar calidad es prioritario si hay adecuado acceso al tamizaje. Intervenciones y tecnologías apropiadas a cada contexto son indispensables para obtener mejores resultados. Vigilar integralmente el cáncer invasor contribuye a la evaluación de los programas por ser un desenlace más temprano que la mortalidad.

Conocimientos y práctica del examen de Papanicolaou y Cáncer Cervicouterino en las estudiantes de la Facultad de Enfermería “Elizabeth Seton”, durante el primer trimestre del año 2011 / Knowledge and practice of Pap smear and cervical cancer in female students of the School of Nursing

El Cáncer Cervicouterino es un problema relevante con implicaciones trascendentes en la salud de la mujer, es una causa común de morbimortalidad en el país, así como en Latinoamérica. La identificación precoz es de gran importancia, ya que es curable en estadios primarios. Por los antecedentes en el país se vio la necesidad de realizar esta investigación en la F.E.E.S., ya que las estudiantes forman parte del equipo de salud, son fuentes de información para la población, promocionan la salud y su participación en la prevención de esta patología es fundamental, por lo tanto la investigación busca identificar los conocimientos del cáncer cervicouterino y la práctica del examen de Papanicolaou. Para esta investigación se utilizó el enfoque cuantitativo porque se pretende identificar los conocimientos y la frecuencia con que se realizan el examen de Papanicolaou, ya que estos aspectos son susceptibles de cuantificar. En la investigación realizada se observa conocimientos de regular, bueno, muy bueno; sin embargo, existe un 23%, con conocimientos malos, esto se observa en cursos inferiores debido a que están en la etapa inicial de su formación. Así mismo, se evidenció que el inicio de las relaciones sexuales es a temprana edad, y se constató que de éstas el 58% no practican el examen de Papanicolaou poniendo en riesgo su salud

Avaliação crítica das nomenclaturas diagnósticas dos exames citopatológicos cervicais utilizadas no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) / Critical evaluation of the diagnostic nomenclatures of cervical cytopathological exams used in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS)

OBJETIVO: identificar as nomenclaturas diagnósticas dos exames citopatológicos cervicais utilizadas pelos laboratórios que atendem o Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) e participantes do Monitoramento Externo de Qualidade (MEQ). Avaliar as informações adquiridas de profissionais ginecologistas que atuam no SUS sobre os tipos de classificação diagnóstica que recebem nos laudos citopatológicos cervicais. MÉTODOS: foram avaliados 94 laudos citopatológicos liberados pelos laboratórios participantes do MEQ no Estado de São Paulo e 126 questionários aplicados aos ginecologistas que atenderam o SUS. RESULTADOS: dos 94 laboratórios, 81 (86,2 por cento) utilizam uma única nomenclatura diagnóstica: 79 (97,6 por cento) utilizam a Nomenclatura Brasileira para Laudos Citopatológicos (NBLC), 1 (1,2 por cento) utiliza a classificação de Papanicolaou e 1 (1,2 por cento) utiliza a de Richart. Dos 13 (13,8 por cento) laboratórios que utilizam mais de uma nomenclatura, 5 apresentam 2 tipos, e 8, de 3 a 4, 9 dos quais incluem a classificação de Papanicolaou. O estudo demonstrou que 52 (55,3 por cento) laboratórios apresentaram mais de um diagnóstico descritivo num mesmo laudo. Dos 126 ginecologistas que responderam ao questionário de avaliação dos laudos citopatológicos, 78 (61,9 por cento) disseram receber laudos dos laboratórios com apenas uma classificação diagnóstica, 48 (38,1 por cento), laudos com mais de uma classificação, e 2 receberam as 4 classificações. Entre os 93 (73,8 por cento) ginecologistas que preferem uma classificação, 56 (60,2 por cento) alegaram que a NBLC contribui para a conduta clínica, 13 (14,0 por cento) optaram pela nomenclatura de Richart, 8 (8,6 por cento), de Reagan e 16 (17,2 por cento), a de Papanicolaou. De 33 (26,2 por cento) ginecologistas que preferem mais de uma nomenclatura, 5 optaram pelas 4 classificações...

PURPOSE: to identify the nomenclature for reporting cervical cytological diagnoses used by laboratories which render services to the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) and which participate in External Quality Monitoring (MEQ). To evaluate the information acquired from gynecologists of the SUS regarding the various diagnostic classifications that they receive in the cervical cytology diagnostic reports. METHODS: we evaluated 94 cytology reports issued by laboratories which participate in the MEQ in the State of São Paulo, Brazil, and 126 questionnaires applied to gynecologists who work for the SUS. RESULTS: out of the 94 laboratories, 81 (86.2 percent) use one diagnostic classification: 79 (97.6 percent) use the Brazilian Nomenclature for Cytological Reports (NBLC), 1 (1.2 percent) uses the Papanicolaou classification and 1 (1.2 percent) uses the Richart diagnostic classification. Of the 13 (13.8 percent) laboratories that use more than one classification, 5 use 2 types and 8 use 3 to 4 types, with 9 including the Papanicolau diagnostic classification. The study showed that 52 (55.3 percent) laboratories presented more than one descriptive diagnosis in the same report. Out of the 126 gynecologists who filled out a questionnaire evaluating the cytopathology reports, 78 (61.9 percent) stated that they received laboratory reports with only one diagnostic classification, 48 (38.1 percent) received reports with more than one classification and 2 received reports with all 4 classifications. Among the 93 (73.8 percent) gynecologists who prefer only one classification, 56 (60.2 percent) claimed that the NBLC contributes to clinical practice, 13 (14.0 percent) opted for the Richart classification, 8 (8.6 percent) for the Reagan classification and 16 (17.2 percent) for the Papanicolaou classification. Out of 33 (26.2 percent) gynecologists who prefer more than one classification, 5 opted for the 4 classifications...

Qualidade e desempenho das colpocitologias na prevenção de câncer de colo uterino / Quality and performance of pap smears in the cervical cancer screening program in a city of southern Brazil

OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência e analisar a qualidade e o desempenho das colpocitologias realizadas no Programa de Prevenção de Câncer de Colo Uterino no município de Maringá-PR. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo dos dados do SIS-Colo do Ministério da Saúde. Foram analisadas as variáveis idade, resultado de colpocitologia e procedência. As idades foram categorizadas em faixas etárias, a procedência distribuída em cinco regionais de saúde do município de Maringá; a colpocitologia foi categorizada conforme o Sistema Bethesda. Calculou-se a cobertura de colpocitologia dividindo-se o número de exames na população de 25 a 59 anos pelo número de mulheres nesta mesma faixa etária. RESULTADOS: As 17.664 colpocitologias coletadas, no ano de 2005, pela rede pública se distribuíram entre as mulheres com idade mínima de 12 e máxima de 82 anos, sendo 12.961 (73,4 por cento) exames na faixa entre 25 e 59 anos, considerada de maior risco para o câncer. Foram negativos para neoplasia 17.458 (98,84 por cento) exames e as alterações celulares (ASCUS/AGUS, LIEBG, LIEAG e câncer invasor) totalizaram 206 (1,16 por cento). Encontrou-se prevalência de ASCUS de 0,85 por cento (151), de atipias celulares 1,14 por cento (203/17.664) e a relação ASCUS/atipias celulares 2,75 por cento (151/55). CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência das alterações colpocitológicas e da ASCUS abaixo dos índices esperados, a relação ASCUS/atipias celulares em níveis elevados, a cobertura populacional insuficiente de colpocitologia compromete o desempenho da prevenção de câncer de colo uterino. A população de baixa condição sócio-econômica requer uma atenção especial e a população mais privilegiada deve ser orientada quanto a periodicidade do exame e faixa etária de maior risco.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate prevalence and analyze quality and performance of colpocytology carried out under the Cervical Cancer Screening Program in Maringá, Paraná, Brazil. METHODS: A retrospective study of the SIS-Colo database of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Variables such as age, colpocytology result and origin were analyzed. Ages were divided into brackets; origin was distributed in five Regional Health Divisions of the city of Maringá; colpocytology was categorized according to the Bethesda System. Colpocytology, coverage was calculated by dividing the number of exams in the population between 25 and 59 years of age by the number of women in that same age group. RESULTS: The 17,664 colpocytology exams collected in 2005 by the public health system were distributed among women between 12 and 82 years of age, with 12,961 (73.4 percent) examinations in women between the ages of 25 and 59, considered at high risk for cancer. A total of 17,458 (98.84 percent) cytological examinations were negative for malignancy, and atypical results (ASCUS / AGUS, LSIL, HSIL and invasive cancer) totaled 206 (1.16 percent). The study found a prevalence of 0.85 percent (151) for ASCUS / AGUS, 1.14 percent (203/17.664) for atypical cells, and a 2.75 ASCUS / atypical cells ratio (151/55). CONCLUSION: The lower than expected prevalence of colpocytological and ASCUS alterations, the high ASCUS / atypical cells ratio and the insufficient population coverage by colpocytology jeopardized the performance of the cervical cancer prevention program. The low-income population requires special attention, and those more privileged should be advised about the frequency of examination and the age bracket with higher risks.

Papanicolaou: frotis sin componente endocervical / Papanicolaou: quality of the cervical samples

Objetivo: Evaluar la calidad de la toma del Papanicolaou (PAP) informados como frotis menos que óptimos (I-G7) en 2002 (sin componente endocervical), y conocer el seguimiento de las mujeres en el resultado del PAP siguiente 2003 - 2005. Método: Estudio descriptivo, cuantitativo y de seguimiento de cohorte. Se incluyó el resultado de 42.281 frotis de citología cervical, que correspondieron al universo de los PAP recolectados en 2002 en los consultorios de Atención Primaria de Salud del Área Metropolitana Sur de Santiago. Posteriormente, fueron seleccionados todos los PAP I-G7 de una cohorte de mujeres entre 25 a 50 años y sin antecedentes de lesiones o procedimientos cervicales. Resultados: El estudio evidenció que la toma de muestra de PAP en los consultorios, a excepción de 2 establecimientos, está dentro de los índices de calidad preconizados por el Ministerio de Salud. En el seguimiento de la cohorte de mujeres con PAP I-G7, se pesquisó la existencia de lesión cervical en un 3,38 por ciento de las mujeres que se repitieron el examen. Conclusión: Los PAP informados como frotis sin componente endocervical constituyen una categoría de riesgo, ya que el seguimiento de esas mujeres que se repitieron el examen de PAP en un período de hasta 3 años se detectaron lesiones cervicales de alto grado.

Objective: To evaluate the quality of sampling cervical cytological through the Papanicolaou (PAP) reported as less than optimal smears (I-G7), i.e. without endocervical component in theyear2002. To know the follow up of a women cohort, in the next PAP smears between 2003 to 2005. Method: Descriptive study, quantitative and follow up of a cohort. It included the results from 42.281 smears cervical cytological according to the national classification, which corresponded to the universe of PAP collected in the 2002 at clinics Primary Health Care in the South Metropolitan Area of Santiago. All PAP with outcome I-G7 from a cohort of women between 25 to 50 years and without history of injury or cervical procedures were selected. In addition, it was identified the clinics provenance. Results: The study showed that the sample of PAP in the clinics, with the exception of 2 establishments, it is within the quality indices expected by the Ministry of Health. In the follow-up of the cohort of women with PAP I-G7 was detected the existence of a cervical lesion 3.38 percent of the women who were repeated this smear. Conclusion: PAP smears reported as without component endocervical constitute a category of risk, since the follow up the women who were repeated this PAP smear over a period of up to 3 years high-grade cervical lesions were detected.

Evaluation of adjunctive tests for cervical cancer screening in low resource settings.

BACKGROUND: Visual inspection of cervix after application of acetic acid (VIA) is an effective screening tool for cervical cancer in low resource settings, but its low specificity leads to high referral rates. Adjunctive testing may overcome this drawback. AIMS: This pilot study was aimed to assess test performances of VIA, human papillomavirus (HPV) testing and Pap smear, individually and in simulated combinations, to determine the probable best screening option. SETTING AND DESIGN: Gynecology outpatient department (OPD); cross-sectional study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred women with complaints of irregular vaginal bleeding or discharge, post coital bleeding or unhealthy cervix on examination underwent Pap smear, HPV testing, VIA, colposcopy and biopsy, if indicated, in this screening order. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated for each of the tests with a biopsy result of > or =HSIL taken as the gold standard. Simulated parallel and sequential combinations for VIA/Pap, VIA/HPV and HPV/Pap were calculated and compared with individual test performance. RESULTS: Prevalence of abnormal Pap smears was 5%, VIA positive 51% and HPV positive 16%. Sensitivity and specificity of VIA were 100% and 53.3% respectively. For HPV and Pap tests corresponding figures were 85.7%, 89.7% and 50%, 98.9% respectively. The best simulated combination with a balance of sensitivity and specificity was of VIA followed by HPV testing (sensitivity 85.7%, specificity 95.4%). CONCLUSION: Addition of HPV testing to VIA can increase the specificity of VIA, thereby reducing the referral rates without compromising the sensitivity of the test.

Situation analysis for management of abnormal Pap smears in the lower southern Thailand.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the resources for management of abnormal Pap smears and the treatment facilities in pre-invasive cervical neoplasia in the lower southern Thailand. METHODS: After reviewing the necessary data, an expert meeting was scheduled for questionnaire development. The questionnaires were then sent to the general, regional, and university hospitals in the lower southern Thailand for self-evaluation and on-site visits were made for intensive interviews, exploring the services and treatment facilities for women with abnormal Pap smears. RESULTS: All of the 12 target hospitals provided passive cervical cancer screening although the quality of cytological services was obscure and the process of patient notification for the results of the abnormal Pap smears was not convincing. There was a limitation in the pathological laboratory services. The incidence of the abnormal Pap smears in the one-year period of the study, defined as atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) or above and high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) or above were 1.24% (95% CI 1.15-1.32) and 0.36% (95% CI 0.30-0.43) respectively. All but one hospital reported having a colposcope, but only one could provide standard colposcopy services. The efficiency of the referral system is questionable. CONCLUSION: The resources for the management of abnormal Pap smears as well as the conventional referral system need to be reorganized. The data from this survey support the concept of a centralized colposcopy service with the University hospital as suitable place for the referral center. Two further 2 hospitals have potential for future development as referral centers.

Consistency of cytology diagnosis for cervical cancer between two laboratories.

The principal approach to the prevention of cancer of the cervix uteri has been through screening programmes, using the cervical smear (Pap test) to detect precursor lesions. The sensitivity and specificity of Pap smears depend on the skill of the observer in recognizing and classifying a variety of cellular abnormalities. We have studied the reproducibility of cytological diagnosis, according the Bethesda classification, made by cytologists in Khon Kaen, north-east Thailand, and in Helsinki, Finland, on smears taken from rural women undergoing screening during 1994-2001. A total of 313 slides were reviewed. The prevalence of abnormalities was relatively high, since the series included smears judged abnormal in Khon Kaen or from women who developed cancer during follow-up, as well as a group whose smears were negative. In general, the reviewing cytologist in Finland evaluated more slides as abnormal than in the initial report. The level of agreement between the two observers was evaluated by calculating the coefficient of concordance (Kappa). The kappa score depended upon the degree of detail in the diagnosis; it was 0.43 for the presence or not of an epithelial abnormality (the General Categorization of the Bethesda system), and rather higher (0.5) for separating low grade from high grade (HSIL or worse) abnormalities or glandular lesions. Agreement was only fair (0.37) when the more detailed Bethesda categories (seven) were used. The reproducibility of cervical cytology evaluations is critical to the success of screening programmes, and in this programme in a moderate-high risk population of women in rural Thailand, we found that agreement between skilled observers, at the level of tests requiring diagnostic follow-up or not, was only moderate. The women in this study are being traced to evaluate the true sensitivity of screening in terms of the lesions found on histology, during a prolonged follow up of 4 or more years.

Weekly rescreening of 10% of the total cervical Papanicolaou smears: a worthwhile quality assurance scheme.

BACKGROUND: In awareness of possible false negative cervical Papanicolaou tests in routine service, the authors developed and tested a new scheme that would be a practical adjunct in quality assurance. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the value of a weekly rescreen of 10% of the total cervical Papanicolaou smears as a quality assurance scheme. DESIGN: A prospective descriptive study. RESULTS: Of 31,914 slides in the 9-month study period, a total of 3,097 slides (9.7%) were picked up in the rescreen scheme. There were 29 discordant cases (0.9%) consisting of 7 cases (0.2%) of errors from the initial reporting, 2 cases of errors from the rescreening and 20 other cases from disagreements on designating atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance. The errors of the initial reports could be further classified into 6 cases due to screening errors and one case because of interpretation error. The proper diagnoses had been revised and resent to the attending gynecologists. CONCLUSION: A weekly rescreening 10% of total cervical Papanicolaou smears scheme was worthwhile for quality assurance. It could be used for evaluating screener performance and create internal quality improvement. The detected false diagnoses were manageable.

Rapid rescreening of cervical smears by cytopathologists: experience at a WHO collaborating centre for research in cytology.

The conventional 10% random full rescreening of cervical smears has been criticized as a quality assurance measure as it is not scientifically based and tends to detect only a few false negative cases. Rapid rescreening (RR) of negative cervical smears seems to be a viable alternative, especially in developing countries, as it picks up more positive lesions, reduces the false negative rate and is cost effective. We performed rapid review on 12374 cervical smears received under a hospital based cervical cancer screening programme. An additional 498 lesions were picked up on RR including a sizeable number of low and high grade lesions as well as 2 malignant cases. Thus RR led to an increase in efficiency of our laboratory.

Evaluation of cervical smears at King Hussein Medical Centre, Jordan, over three and a half years

Cervical smears taken from women referred for a check-up or with vaginal itching/discharge over a period of 3.5 years were reviewed at the King Hussein Medical Centre, Jordan. All smears were fixed with 96% alcohol, stained with Papanicolaou stain and screened microscopically. Of the smears from 1176 women aged 18-70 years, 4.5% were classified as inadequate, 7.7% were normal and 79.9% showed non-specific inflammation. Abnormal vaginal flora was found in 4.8% of cases, C and ida albicans in 1.2%, Trichomonas vaginalis in 0.9% and actinomycosis in 1 case. Dysphasic changes were rare: 9 cases [0.8%] were classified as atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance [ASCUS] and 2 cases [0.2%] were low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion [LSIL]. No cases of human papillomavirus infection [HPV] or cervical carcinoma were found

Revisão de esfregaços cervicais negativos em pacientes com lesöes intra-epiteliais de alto grau / Review of previous negative smears from patients with high grade intraepithelial neoplasia

Entre as estratégias de controle de qualidade, a revisäo de exames negativos anteriores em pacientes com exame atual positivo é considerada uma das mais eficientes para detecçäo de falsos negativos. No presente estudo foram revistos os esfregaços prévios negativos de pacientes com NIC 2 ou NIC 3 nos anos de 1998 e 1999. Durante este período o Instituto Adolfo Lutz realizou 113.619 exames colpocitológicos, sendo 233 casos diagnosticados como NIC 2 ou NIC 3. Entre estes casos apenas 36 tinham exames prévios no Instituto Adolfo Lutz no período de 36 meses antes do diagnóstico original. Obtivemos 22 casos de NIC (12 NIC 1, sete NIC 2 e três NIC 3) e 14 casos com diagnóstico negativo (normal ou inflamatório), os quais pertenciam a 12 pacientes. Após revisäo destes esfregaços obtivemos os seguintes resultados: insatisfatório (dois casos), inflamatório (cinco casos), NIC 1 (três casos), NIC 2 (um caso). Concluindo, a revisäo dos exames anteriores negativos é uma estratégia altamente eficiente para detectar os resultados falsos negativos. Sua prática pode ser útil para orientar diversas medidas de educaçäo continuada