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

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

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

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

Hospitalization costs of coronaviruses diseases in upper-middle-income countries: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19, SARS and MERS are diseases that present an important health burden worldwide. This situation demands resource allocation to the healthcare system, affecting especially middle- and low-income countries. Thus, identifying the main cost drivers is relevant to optimize patient care and resource allocation. OBJECTIVE: To systematically identify and summarize the current status of knowledge on direct medical hospitalization costs of SARS, MERS, or COVID-19 in Upper-Middle-Income Countries. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review across seven key databases (PubMed, EMBASE, BVS Portal, CINAHL, CRD library, MedRxiv and Research Square) from database inception to February 2021. Costs extracted were converted into 2021 International Dollars using the Purchasing Power Parity-adjusted. The assessment of quality was based on the protocol by the BMJ and CHEERS. PROSPERO 2020: CRD42020225757. RESULTS: No eligible study about SARS or MERS was recovered. For COVID-19, five studies presented cost analysis performed in Brazil, China, Iran, and Turkey. Regarding total direct medical costs, the lowest cost per patient at ward was observed in Turkey ($900.08), while the highest in Brazil ($5,093.38). At ICU, the lowest was in Turkey ($2,984.78), while the highest was in China ($52,432.87). Service care was the most expressive (58% to 88%) cost driver of COVID-19 patients at ward. At ICU, there was no consensus between service care (54% to 87%) and treatment (72% to 81%) as key burdens of total cost. CONCLUSION: Our findings elucidate the importance of COVID-19 on health-economic outcomes. The marked heterogeneity among studies leaded to substantially different results and made challenging the comparison of data to estimate pooled results for single countries or regions. Further studies concerning cost estimates from standardized analysis may provide clearer data for a more substantial analysis. This may help care providers and policy makers to organize care for patients in the most efficient way.

Discovery of (E)-4-styrylphenoxy-propanamide: A dual PPARα/γ partial agonist that regulates high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels, modulates adipogenesis, and improves glucose tolerance in diet-induced obese mice.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors are promising therapeutic targets for metabolic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. This study describes the design, synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of stilbene-based compounds as dual PPARα/γ partial agonists with potency in the nanomolar range. In vitro and in vivo assays revealed that the lead compound (E)-4-styrylphenoxy-propanamide (5b) removed 14C-cholesterol from the foam cells through apolipoprotein A-I and High-Density Lipoprotein-2. In the high-fat diet-induced obesity mouse model, the oral administration of compound 5b increased HDL levels, paraoxonase-1 activity, and insulin sensitivity, and decreased glucose levels. Moreover, the adipogenesis pathway and triglyceride accumulation slightly changed in the adipocyte cells upon treatment with compound 5b, without affecting the body weight and adipose tissue in obese mice. Compound 5b did not affect the plasma levels of hepatic and renal injury biomarkers. Thus, stilbene-based compound 5b is a promising prototype for developing novel candidates to treat dyslipidemia and diabetes.

Custo-efetividade e limiar de custo para o uso do sistema intrauterino liberador de levonorgestrel para o tratamento do sangramento uterino anormal sob a perspectiva do Sistema de Saúde Suplementar no Brasil / Cost-effectiveness and cost threshold for the use of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system for treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding from the Supplementary Health System perspective in Brazil

Objetivo: Definir um limiar de custo para o sistema intrauterino liberador de levonorgestrel 52 mg (SIU-LNG 52 mg) para o tratamento do sangramento uterino anormal (SUA) sob a perspectiva do Sistema de Saúde Suplementar brasileiro. Métodos: Foi elaborado um modelo de custo-efetividade para definir o limiar de custo de inserção de SIU-LNG 52 mg em mulheres com SUA em comparação à histerectomia. Um modelo de Markov foi estruturado com ciclos anuais para reproduzir o tratamento do SUA em um e cinco anos, considerando custos médicos diretos e o percentual de histerectomias evitadas como desfecho. O custo da histerectomia foi variado até o valor de 10.000 reais brasileiros (BRL) com incrementos de 500 BRL a cada nova simulação para avaliar o limiar de custo do SIU-LNG 52 mg para igualar o custo total de tratamento de ambas as estratégias analisadas. Resultados: O SIU-LNG 52 mg demonstrou ser uma opção de tratamento dominante quando comparada à histerectomia, levando à redução da frequência de realização do procedimento cirúrgico em 59,62% das mulheres e redução de 2.557,91 BRL no custo total de tratamento em cinco anos. Ao considerar a histerectomia a 6.000 BRL, o custo do procedimento com SIU-LNG 52 mg poderia ser de até 6.150,35 BRL e 3.994,60 BRL para igualar o custo total de tratamento, em horizontes temporais de um e cinco anos, respectivamente. Conclusão: SIU-LNG 52 mg demonstrou ser uma opção dominante para o manejo do SUA, sendo capaz de atrelar economia para o sistema de saúde a benefícios para a mulher perante a cirurgia.

Objective: To define a cost threshold for the use of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system 52 mg (LNG-IUS 52 mg) for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) in the Brazilian Supplementary Health System perspective. Methods: A cost-effectiveness model was built to define the cost threshold for insertion of LNG-IUS 52 mg considering women with diagnosis of HMB as the target population and hysterectomy as the comparator. A Markov model was structured with annual cycles to reproduce HMB treatment in 1 and 5 years, considering direct medical costs and the percentage of avoided hysterectomies as the outcome. Hysterectomy cost was varied up to 10,000 Brazilian real (BRL) with increments of 500 BRL at each new simulation to define LNG-IUS 52 mg cost threshold, to provide equal total treatment costs for both strategies. Results: LNG-IUS 52 mg proved to be a cost-saving option when compared to hysterectomy, leading to a reduction in the frequency of the surgical procedure by 59.62% and a total treatment cost reduction of 2,557.91 BRL in 5 years. When considering hysterectomy at 6,000 BRL, the cost of the procedure with LNG-IUS 52 mg could be up to 6,150.35 BRL and 3,994.60 BRL to provide equal total treatment cost in 1 and 5 years time horizon, respectively. Conclusion: LNG-IUS 52 mg has proven to be a cost-saving option for the health system in the management of HMB, in addition to the known benefits for women against surgery.

Dental caries and oral health behavior assessments among portuguese adolescents / Caries dental y evaluaciones del comportamiento de salud bucal en adolescentes portugueses

Introduction: Adolescents have a high risk of developing caries in Portugal. The present study is designed to assess dental caries experience among the adolescents by the application of DMFT index, characterize the oral health risk factors and to determine the association between caries experience and socio-demographic variables. The characterization of the oral health behaviors of adolescents of the central region of Portugal will help in the development of specific oral health education strategies to improve oral health among the local communities. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among a convenient sample of 694 adolescents aged 12 to 18 years attending public schools in two Portuguese districts using a structured questionnaire designed to investigate oral health and behavior of participants. In addition, a clinical examination was carried out noting the decayed, missing and filled teeth. A descriptive analysis of the variables was performed using the Chi-square, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests (p<0.05). A multivariate analysis was applied for analysis of the association between variables. Results: The mean DMFT index score of 2.91±2.9 was obtained. Of the total sample, 73% consumed sugary food daily, 50.1% considered having good oral health and 70.8% did not report pain in the last 12 months. Most adolescents (79.4%) brushed their teeth daily and 60% did not use dental floss. Of the total sample, 96.4% had a dental appointment in the last 12 months, 46.4% of which was for preventive purposes. Applying the Chi-square statistical test, we verified that the adolescents who brush their teeth daily presented a good perception about their oral health (p<0.001), the DMFT index scores were associated with the residence area (p=0.01) and the presence of dental caries was associated with the perception of oral health (p=0.049) and sugary food intake (p=0.029).Conclusion: Portuguese adolescents presented a low DMFT index. The DMFT index was associated with residence area, perception of oral health and sugary food intake. Daily toothbrushing was associated with self-perception of oral health. It is suggested that oral health promotion and prevention programs should aim to reduce the risks of oral disease development.

Introducción: Los adolescentes tienen un alto riesgo de desarrollar caries en Portugal. El presente estudio está diseñado para evaluar la experiencia de caries dental entre los adolescentes mediante la aplicación del índice CPOD, caracterizar los factores de riesgo para la salud bucal y determinar la asociación entre la experiencia de caries y las variables sociodemográficas. La caracterización de los comportamientos de salud bucal de los adolescentes de la región central de Portugal ayudará en el desarrollo de estrategias específicas de educación en salud bucal para mejorar la salud bucal entre las comunidades locales. Material y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal en una muestra por conveniencia de 694 adolescentes de 12 a 18 años que asisten a escuelas públicas en dos distritos portugueses utilizando un cuestionario estructurado diseñado para investigar la salud bucal y el comportamiento de los participantes. Además, se llevó a cabo un examen clínico observando los dientes cariados, faltantes y obturados. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de las variables mediante las pruebas de Chi-cuadrado, Mann-Whitney y Kruskal-Wallis (p <0,05). Se aplicó un análisis multivariado para el análisis de la asociación entre variables. Resultados: Se obtuvo la puntuación media del índice CPOD de 2,91 ± 2,9. Del total de la muestra, el 73% consumía alimentos azucarados diariamente, el 50,1% consideró tener buena salud bucal y el 70,8% no refirió dolor en los últimos 12 meses. La mayoría de los adolescentes (79,4%) se cepillaban los dientes a diario y el 60% no usaba hilo dental. Del total de la muestra, el 96,4% tuvo cita con el dentista en los últimos 12 meses, de la cual el 46,4% fue con fines preventivos. Aplicando la prueba estadística de Chi-cuadrado, verificamos que los adolescentes que se cepillan los dientes diariamente presentaban una buena percepción sobre su salud bucal (p <0.001), las puntuaciones del índice CPOD se asociaron al área de residencia (p = 0.01) y la caries dental se asoció con la percepción de salud bucal (p = 0,049) y con la ingesta de alimentos azucarados (p = 0,029). Conclusión: Los adolescentes portugueses presentaron un índice CPOD bajo. El índice CPOD se asoció con el área de residencia, la percepción de salud bucal y la ingesta de alimentos azucarados. El cepillado diario de los dientes se asoció con la autopercepción de la salud bucal. Se sugiere que los programas de promoción y prevención de la salud bucal deben ser enfocados en reducir los riesgos de desarrollo de enfermedades bucodentales.

TLIF--transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion.

Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is a relatively new technique of lumbar arthrodesis via posterior transforaminal approach to the disc, indicated mainly in cases of degenerative disc disease, low grade spondylolisthesis and reoperation for disc herniation, specially when there is indication for interbody fusion and posterior decompression. The main advantage of TLIF is that it allows the complete removal of the intervertebral disc through the vertebral foramen, decompression of the spinal canal and vertebral foramen with minimum risk of neural lesion, due to the access being lateral to the nerve roots. In this study, we describe the first 24 cases of TLIF that we have done, which shows to be very safe and efficient in our series, with an relief of pain in 83.3% of patients, great improvements in the life quality in 75% of cases and satisfaction with the surgery in 79.1% of patients.

TLIF: transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion

Artrodese lombar intersomática transforaminal (TLIF) é uma técnica relativamente nova de artrodese lombar intersomática via transforaminal posterior, indicada principalmente nos casos de doença discal degenerativa, espondilolistese (grau I e II) e reoperação para hérnia discal, especialmente quando existe indicação para fusão intersomática e descompressão posterior. A maior vantagem do TLIF é que ele permite remoção completa do disco através do forame, descompressão do canal e neuroforame, com mínimo risco de lesão neural, uma vez que o acesso é lateral aos nervos. Em nosso estudo, descrevemos os primeiros 24 casos de TLIF que realizamos, que se mostrou como cirurgia segura e eficiente em nossa série, com alívio da dor em 83,3% dos pacientes, melhora na qualidade de vida em 75% dos casos e satisfação com a cirurgia em 79,1% dos pacientes.

[Anterior instrumentation of spine in tuberculous spondylitis: Pott's disease: case report]. / Instrumentação anterior da coluna em espondilite tuberculosa: Mal de Pott: Relato de caso.

We report a case of a surgical treatment with anterior instrumentation in tuberculous spondylitis (Pott's disease), in a 71 years old woman, that was in treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis, with lumbar pain, progressive disability to walk, kyphotic deformity and vesical dysfunction. Magnetic resonance image presents a lesion in the bodies of T12 and L1, with paravertebral abscess. The patient was treated surgically by transthoracic-abdominal approach. The vertebral bodies were cut off and the spine were instrumented anteriorly with a mesh cage and a Z plate. This procedure permits a good arthrodesis and a immediately stabilization of the spine, without any complication of the infection. The patient was seen a year after the surgery and is free of infection, without motor deficit, pain or reminiscent kyphosis.

Instrumentaçäo anterior da coluna em espondilite tuberculosa: Mal de Pott: Relato de caso / Anterior instrumentation of spine in tuberculous spondylitis: Pott's disease: case report

Relatamos caso de tratamento cirúrgico com instrumentaçäo anterior em espondilite tuberculosa (mal de Pott), em mulher de 71 anos, que se encontrava em tratamento para tuberculose na forma pulmonar e evoluiu com dor lombar, dificuldade progressiva para deambular, cifose e disfunçäo vesical. A ressonância magnética revelou lesäo nos corpos vertebrais de T12 e L1 com abcesso paravertebral. A paciente foi tratada cirurgicamente por acesso tóraco-abdominal lateral. Os corpos vertebrais foram ressecados, foi instalado uma gaiola vertical (mesh cage) e a coluna foi estabilizada com placa lateral (Z plate) e parafusos fixados em T11 e L2. Essa técnica permite boa artrodese dos corpos vertebrais remanescentes e boa estabilidade da coluna, sem comprometer a eficácia dos tuberculostáticos. A paciente foi avaliada um ano após a operaçäo e näo apresentava déficit motor, dor residual e a cifose foi desfeita

Cirurgias endoscópicas para a coluna torácica: avaliaçäo crítica / Endoscopic surgery for thoracic spine: critical review

Com o advento da tecnologia vídeo-assistida a endoscopia tem assumido importante papel terapêutico na cavidade torácica. Este artigo é uma avaliação crítica da literatura e tem como objetivo demonstrar o estado atual da cirurgia endoscópica direcionada para a coluna torácica. Hérnia discais, deformidades, infecções, tumores, doenças congênitas e traumatismos estão sendo tratados por técnica endoscópica. Na literatura, as vantagens sobre a toracotomia aberta são visibilidade aumentada e reduções em: tempo de recuperação, perda sanguínea, custos, índice de infecção e morbidade pós-operatória. Algumas desvantagens são: intubação seletiva, significativa curva de aprendizado, dificuldades técnicas na operação de crianças muito pequenas, reparação da dura máter e instrumentação. Embora os benefícios sejam aparentemente claros e haja pronunciado grau de entusiasmo, os autores são cautelosos em afirmar que a toracoscopia já é uma alternativa definitiva à toracotomia convencional. A comparação dos resultados entre as técnicas endoscópicas e aberta é dificultada pela escassez de estudos comparativos. Os autores, embora otimistas, recomendam análises de mais estudos prospectivos, multicêntricos e randomizados para uma conclusão definitiva.

Hemiatrofia facial de Romberg: relato de caso / Romberg's facial hemiatrophy: a case report

Os autores apresentam o caso de uma paciente de 45 anos de idade com história de 15 meses de evoluçao, de hemiatrofia progressiva da face e língua à esquerda. A investigaçao laboratorial e de imagens foi normal, incluindo exames de sangue de rotina, líquido cerebro-espinhal, provas de funçao hepática, renal e reumáticas; além de raio X, tomografia computadorizada e ressonância magnética de crânio. A eletroneuromiografia mostrou alteraçoes neurogênicas periféricas doe nervos trigêmio motor e hipoglosso, predominante à esquerda . Esses achados sao compatíveis com o diagnóstico de hemiatrofia facial de Romberg, motivando a discussao de diversos aspectos desta rara doença de acordo com o relato e com a literatura.