Thermal Comfort Conditions and Mortality in Brazil.

Conventional temperature-based approaches often overlook the intricate nature of thermal stress experienced by individuals. To address this limitation, climatologists have developed thermal indices-composite measures designed to reflect the complex interaction of meteorological factors influencing human perception of temperature. Our study focuses on Brazil, estimating the association between thermal comfort conditions and mortality related to respiratory and circulatory diseases. We examined four distinct thermal indices: the discomfort index (DI), net effective temperature (NET), humidex (H), and heat index (HI). Analyzing a comprehensive dataset of 2,872,084 deaths from 2003 to 2017, we found significant variation in relative risk (RR) based on health outcomes, exposure lag, percentile of exposure, sex/age groups, and specific thermal indices. For example, under high exposure conditions (99th percentile), we observed that the shorter lags (3, 5, 7, and 10) had the most robust effects on all-cause mortality. For example, under lag 3, the pooled national results for the overall population (all ages and sexes) indicate an increased risk of all-cause mortality, with an RR of 1.17 (95% CI: 1.13; 1.122) for DI, 1.15 (95% CI: 1.12; 1.17) for H, 1.15 (95% CI: 1.09; 1.21) for HI, and 1.18 (95% CI: 1.13; 1.22) for NET. At low exposure levels (1st percentile), all four distinct thermal indices were linked to an increase in all-cause mortality across most sex and age subgroups. Specifically, for lag 20, we observed an estimated RR of 1.19 (95% CI: 1.14; 1.23) for DI, 1.12 (95% CI: 1.08; 1.16) for H, 1.17 (95% CI: 1.12; 1.22) for HI, and 1.18 (95% CI: 1.14; 1.23) for NET. These findings have important implications for policymakers, guiding the development of measures to minimize climate change's impact on public health in Brazil.

Forecasting hospital discharges for respiratory conditions in Costa Rica using climate and pollution data.

Respiratory diseases represent one of the most significant economic burdens on healthcare systems worldwide. The variation in the increasing number of cases depends greatly on climatic seasonal effects, socioeconomic factors, and pollution. Therefore, understanding these variations and obtaining precise forecasts allows health authorities to make correct decisions regarding the allocation of limited economic and human resources. We aimed to model and forecast weekly hospitalizations due to respiratory conditions in seven regional hospitals in Costa Rica using four statistical learning techniques (Random Forest, XGboost, Facebook's Prophet forecasting model, and an ensemble method combining the above methods), along with 22 climate change indices and aerosol optical depth as an indicator of pollution. Models were trained using data from 2000 to 2018 and were evaluated using data from 2019 as testing data. During the training period, we set up 2-year sliding windows and a 1-year assessment period, along with the grid search method to optimize hyperparameters for each model. The best model for each region was selected using testing data, based on predictive precision and to prevent overfitting. Prediction intervals were then computed using conformal inference. The relative importance of all climatic variables was computed for the best model, and similar patterns in some of the seven regions were observed based on the selected model. Finally, reliable predictions were obtained for each of the seven regional hospitals.

[Strategie of the "acute respiratory disease room" in two tertiary referral clinics: a retrospective multicenter cohort study]. / Estrategia de "sala enfermedad respiratoria aguda" en dos clínicas de referencia de tercer nivel de complejidad: estudio de cohorte multicéntrica retrospectiva.

Respiratory diseases are one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in children under 5 years of age. The acute respiratory disease (ERA in Spanish) room strategy implemented in Colombia is an important tool to reduce hospitalization and mortality rates in this population. OBJECTIVE: To describe the health outcomes of the implementation of the ERA room strategy in two health institutions in Bogota. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Multicenter descriptive study including 1785 patients admitted to the ERA rooms of two institutions in Bogota, between December 2019 and 2022. Data on sex, age, admission diagnosis, length of stay in ERA room, education provided, and post discharge follow-up were collected. The main outcomes were evaluated through hospitalization requirement, ICU requirement, and post discharge improvement. RESULTS: 1785 patients were included during the study period. 57% were male; median age was 26.6 months (IQR: 11.8 to 40.6); length of stay in ERA room was 2.62 hours (IQR: 1.73 to 4.88); 91.65% of family members and/or caregivers received educational measures. CONCLUSIONS: This study describes the results of the implementation of the ERA room strategy; the low proportion of patients requiring hospitalization is evident. Additionally, the education provided to parents and caregivers on home management is relevant, as well as the post discharge follow-up of this cohort of patients with acute respiratory disease.

Influence of climatic changes on respiratory health in a teaching herd of outdoor-housed horses.

Horses maintained outdoors may experience a lower-allergenic environment compared to their stabled counterparts. This study hypothesizes that climatic changes in southern Brazil can influence respiratory status. To test this hypothesis, we evaluated the lower airways of 17 horses from a teaching herd in southern Brazil, maintained outdoors, during winter, spring, and summer. Except for one mare with a history of severe asthma, all horses were considered healthy and underwent a physical examination. Airway endoscopic evaluation included scoring for tracheal mucus (0-5) and bronchial septum thickness (1-5). Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected at three time points, while bronchial septum biopsies were performed during spring and summer for airway epithelial investigation. Data analysis involved repeated measures ANOVA and Wilcoxon tests (p < 0.05). Tracheal mucus score and septal thickness did not differ across investigation periods. In BALF cytology, the mean percentage of neutrophils was higher in spring than summer (7.9 ± 13.4 % vs. 4.5 ± 11.7 %, P = 0.037), and eosinophil count was higher in winter than spring (0.64 ± 1.29 % vs. 0.03 ± 0.13 %, P = 0.034) and summer (0.64 ± 1.29 % vs. 0.14 ± 0.60 %, P = 0.023). Histopathological observations showed no differences between time points, and no correlations were observed with BALF analyses (P > 0.05). This study demonstrates that, even in an outdoor environment, horses' airways exhibit cytological modifications associated with different seasons, indicating a need for deeper investigation; endobronchial biopsy did not contribute to the clinical diagnosis.

Amazon Wildfires and Respiratory Health: Impacts during the Forest Fire Season from 2009 to 2019.

The Brazilian Amazon, a vital tropical region, faces escalating threats from human activities, agriculture, and climate change. This study aims to assess the relationship between forest fire occurrences, meteorological factors, and hospitalizations due to respiratory diseases in the Legal Amazon region from 2009 to 2019. Employing simultaneous equation models with official data, we examined the association between deforestation-induced fires and respiratory health issues. Over the studied period, the Legal Amazon region recorded a staggering 1,438,322 wildfires, with 1,218,606 (85%) occurring during August-December, known as the forest fire season. During the forest fire season, a substantial portion (566,707) of the total 1,532,228 hospital admissions for respiratory diseases were recorded in individuals aged 0-14 years and 60 years and above. A model consisting of two sets of simultaneous equations was constructed. This model illustrates the seasonal fluctuations in meteorological conditions driving human activities associated with increased forest fires. It also represents how air quality variations impact the occurrence of respiratory diseases during forest fires. This modeling approach unveiled that drier conditions, elevated temperatures, and reduced precipitation exacerbate fire incidents, impacting hospital admissions for respiratory diseases at a rate as high as 22 hospital admissions per 1000 forest fire events during the forest fire season in the Legal Amazon, 2009-2019. This research highlights the urgent need for environmental and health policies to mitigate the effects of Amazon rainforest wildfires, stressing the interplay of deforestation, climate change, and human-induced fires on respiratory health.

Greenness and Hospitalization for Cardiorespiratory Diseases in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The potential health benefits of exposure to vegetation, or greenness, are well documented, but there are few nationwide studies in Brazil, a country facing challenges related to land-use planning, deforestation, and environmental health risks. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we investigated the association between greenness and hospitalizations for cardiorespiratory diseases in Brazil. METHODS: We accessed hospital admissions data from 967,771 postal codes (a total of 26,724,624 admissions) covering Brazil for the period between 2008 and 2018. We used Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) to measure greenness at the postal-code level. First, we applied a quasi-Poisson regression model to estimate the association between greenness and hospitalizations for circulatory and respiratory diseases, adjusted for air pollution, weather variables, and area-level socioeconomic status. We stratified the analyzes by sex, age group, health outcome, and Brazilian regions. In the second stage, we performed a meta-analysis to estimate pooled effects across the Brazilian regions. RESULTS: The national meta-analysis for the whole population, incorporating both urban and nonurban areas, showed that higher levels of greenness were associated with a lower risk of hospitalizations for circulatory diseases. An interquartile range (IQR=0.18) increase in average NDVI was associated with a 17% (95% confidence interval: 8%, 27%) lower risk of cardiovascular admissions. In contrast, there was no association found between greenness and respiratory admissions. When specifically examining urban areas, the results remained consistent with the overall findings. However, the analyses of nonurban areas revealed divergent results, suggesting that higher levels of greenness in rural regions are associated with a lower risk of hospital admissions for both circulatory and respiratory diseases. DISCUSSION: The findings emphasize the importance of prioritizing the preservation and creation of green spaces in urban areas as a means of promoting cardiovascular health in Brazil. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13442.

Exactitud del Xiaomi Mi Band 4 para contabilizar pasos en adultos con enfermedades respiratorias crónicas. Estudio de concordancia / Accuracy of the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 for Steps Counting in Adults with Chronic Respiratory Diseases. Agreement Study

Introducción: El Xiaomi Mi Band 4 (XMB4) demostró ser exacto para medir pasos en sujetos sanos, pero no ha sido estudiado en pacientes con enfermedades respiratorias crónicas (ERC). Objetivos: Evaluar la exactitud del XMB4 para cuantificar pasos caminados en pacientes con ERC. Secundariamente, evaluar su viabilidad y usabilidad.Material y métodos: Estudio de concordancia contrastando los datos del XMB4 con la video-filmación (prueba de referencia). Fueron incluidos mayores de 18 años con diversas ERC y excluidos aquellos con deterioro cognitivo, limitaciones osteoarticulares y/o cardiovasculares que impedían la marcha. Realizamos un muestreo por conveniencia de pacientes que participaban de un programa de rehabilitación pulmonar.Las variables estudiadas incluyeron número de pasos, distancia y tiempo caminado, velocidad de la marcha, viabilidad y usabilidad. Cada participante realizó cinco caminatas (5, 10 y 30 metros, y 5 minutos a ritmo lento y rápido). Para testear la equivalencia estadística, necesitamos incluir 33 pacientes y utilizamos el método de intervalo de confianza con una zona de equivalencia de ±15%. Resultados: Fueron incluidos 33 pacientes, 64% mujeres, con una mediana (P25-75) de edad de 64,9 (55,8 a 70,2) años. Los pasos registrados por el XMB4 fueron equivalentes a los de la video-filmación en las diferentes caminatas, excepto en la de 5 metros. Los pasos fueron subestimados con un error de medición menor al 15%. Conclusiones: El XMB4 tiene una exactitud aceptable para medir pasos en pacientes con ERC excepto en caminatas muy cortas, es viable y fácil de usar

Introduction: Xiaomi Mi Band 4 (XMB4) has been shown to be accurate to measure steps in healthy subjects, but has not been studied in patients with chronic respiratory diseases (CRD).Objectives: To evaluate the accuracy of the XMB4 to quantify steps walked in patients with CRD. Secondarily, evaluate its feasibility and usability.Materials and methods: Agreement study compared the XMB4 data with the video (reference test). Adults aged 18 years or older with various CRD were included and those with cognitive impairment, osteoarticular and/or cardiovascular limitations that prevented walking were excluded. We conducted a convenience sampling of patients participating in a pulmonary rehabilitation program. Outcome measures studied included number of steps, distance and time walked, walking speed, feasibility and usability. Each participant performed five walks (5, 10 and 30 meters, and 5 minutes at a slow and fast pace).To test statistical equivalence we need to include 33 patients and use the confidence interval method with an equivalence zone of ±15%.Results: 33 patients were included, 64% women, with a median (P25-75) age of 64.9 (55.8 to 70.2) years. The steps recorded by the XMB4 were equivalent to those of the video in the different walks, except for the 5-meter walk. The steps were underestimated with a measurement error of less than 15%.Conclusions: XMB4 has acceptable accuracy for measuring steps in patients with CRD except for very short walks, it is feasible and easy to us.

Nursing terminology for the care of people with respiratory diseases and Covid-19.

OBJECTIVES: To build a specialized nursing terminology for the care of people with respiratory diseases and Covid-19 or who have respiratory diseases after Covid-19, based on ICNP®. METHOD: Methodological study developed in two stages: (1) identification of the relevant concepts for the health priority chosen from the literature; (2) cross-mapping of the identified concepts with the concepts contained in ICNP® version 2019/2020. RESULTS: 9460 terms were extracted from the literature, of which 4065 terms were excluded because they were not related to the object of study and 5395 were submitted to the mapping technique, resulting in 290 constant terms in the ICNP® and 5134 non-constant terms. The constant terms were classified into the following axes: 120 in the Focus axis, 13 in Judgment, 48 in Action, 23 in Location, 38 in Means, eight in Time and one in Client. In addition, 36 nursing diagnoses/outcomes and three nursing interventions were mapped. CONCLUSION: The terminology will support the quality of care provided by the nursing team and the manual and electronic recording of patient data.

Thermal stress and hospital admissions for cardiorespiratory disease in Brazil.

The growing body of scientific literature underscores the intricate relationship between meteorological conditions and human health, particularly in the context of extreme temperatures. However, conventional temperature-centric approaches often fall short in capturing the complexity of thermal stress experienced by individuals. Temperature alone, as a metric, fails to encompass the entirety of the thermal stress individuals face, necessitating a more nuanced understanding. In response to this limitation, climatologists have devised thermal indices-composite measures meticulously crafted to reflect the intricate interplay of meteorological factors influencing human perception of temperature. Recognizing the inadequacy of simplistic temperature-focused methodologies, our study aims to address the multifaceted nature of thermal stress. In this study, we explored the association between thermal indices and hospital admissions for circulatory and respiratory diseases in Brazil. We used an extensive dataset spanning 11 years (2008-2018) from the Brazilian Ministry of Health, encompassing a total of 23,791,093 hospitalizations for circulatory and respiratory diseases. We considered four distinct thermal indices-Discomfort Index (DI), Net Effective Temperature (NET), Humidex (H), and Heat Index (HI). We used an extension of the two-stage design with a case time series to assess this relationship. In the first stage, we applied a distributed lag non-linear modeling framework to create a cross-basis function. We next applied quasi-Poisson regression models adjusted by time-varying confounders. In the second stage, we applied meta-analysis with random effects to estimate the national relative risk (RR). Our findings suggest robust variations among the thermal indices under examination. These variations underscore the intricate nature of associations between temperature and health, with each index capturing distinct aspects of thermal conditions. Our results indicate that extreme thermal conditions, both at the low and high ends, are associated with increased risks of hospital admissions. The diverse impact observed among different indices emphasizes the complex interplay between various meteorological factors and their specific physiological consequences. This underscores the necessity for a comprehensive comprehension of temperature metrics to guide precise public health interventions, recognizing the multifaceted nature of temperature-health relationships.

Framework of a national program for preventing and controlling diseases caused by respiratory viruses with epidemic and pandemic potential

Future pandemics caused by influenza or other respiratory viruses with epidemic and pandemic potential are highly likely. Given this threat, it is a priority for the Region of the Americas to define and strengthen a framework for the prevention and control of influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), coronavirus type 2, and other respiratory viruses in the context of the pandemic transition. This publication reflects the Pan American Health Organization’s permanent support to its Member States in the analysis of national response capacities for both seasonal influenza and other respiratory viruses with epidemic and pandemic potential. These capacities are achieved through the fulfillment of five objectives: 1) strengthen surveillance; 2) expand infection prevention and control policies; 3) strengthen epidemic and pandemic preparedness and response capacity; 4) promote operational research; and 5) improve risk communication and community engagement. It is essential to maintain the highest possible level of core national capacities for the early detection and control of diseases caused by respiratory viruses. This is crucial for managing future epidemics and pandemics since it directly contributes to the implementation of the core capacities of the International Health Regulations, as well as improvement of management, coordination, and planning, for the benefit of all the countries of the Region.

Perfil epidemiológico de internações por doenças infecciosas e bacterianas em menores de 5 anos, de 2017 a 2021 / Perfil epidemiológico de las hospitalizaciones por enfermedades infecciosas y bacterianas más prevalentes en niños menores de 5 años, de 2017 a 2021 / Epidemiological profile of hospitalizations for the most prevalent infectious and bacterial diseases in children under 5 years, from2017 to 2021

Introdução:A internação representa um impacto considerável na vida de qualquer pessoa, podendo tomar proporções ainda maiores quando se trata de uma criança. A impossibilidade de realizar sua rotina, como brincar e ir à escola, faz com que a internação infantil assuma um contexto marcante.Dito isso, nota-se que grande parte dessas internações é evitável, sendo denominadasde Internações por Condições Sensíveis à Atenção Primária. Dessa forma, o atendimento ambulatorial de qualidade poderia resolver a maioria das enfermidades infantis, evitando esse desfecho.Objetivo:Elaborar um perfil epidemiológico de internações por doenças infecciosas e bacterianas mais prevalentes em menores de 5 anos, de 2017 a 2021, no Brasil. Metodologia:A pesquisa em questão se trata de um estudo ecológico de série temporal,elaborado através de informações coletadas por vias secundárias.Os dados foram coletados na plataforma DataSUS e no Sistema de Informação Hospitalar. Posteriormente, os dados foram processados e armazenados no aplicativo Microsoft Excel®, onde foram tratados e selecionados de acordo com sua relevância para a pesquisa. Resultados:Constata-se que a faixa etária situadaabaixo do primeiro ano de vidaapresenta um grau de hospitalização superior ao dascrianças que vãodo primeiro ao quarto ano completo.Quanto àfrequência relativa, depreende-se que diarreia e gastroenterite de origem infecciosa presumível apresentaram o maior índice de prevalência em relação às demais patologias, com o maior número chegando a 23,8% no ano de 2017 e o menor situando-se na faixa de 13,22% em 2020. Conclusões: Apesar do avanço na Atenção Primária à Saúde e da cobertura pré-natal, a assistência ainda é deficitária, sendo necessários mais investimentos na área e o fomento de políticas públicas que abranjam essa população (AU).

Introduction: Hospitalization represents a considerable impact on the life of any person, and can even take on even greater proportions when it comes to a child. The impossibility of realizing their routine, such as playing and going to school, means that hospitalization during childhood takes ona remarkable context. That said, it is noted that mostofthese hospitalizations are avoidable,and are called Ambulatory Care Sensitive Conditions. Thus, quality ambulatory care could solve most childhood illnesses, avoiding this outcome.Objective:To elaborate an epidemiological profile of hospitalizations for the most prevalent infectious and bacterial diseases in children under 5 years of age,from 2017 to 2021,in Brazil. Methodology: The research in question is an ecological study of time series, elaborated through information collected through secondary data sources. Data were collected from the DataSUS platform and the Hospital Information System. Subsequently, data were processed and stored in Microsoft Excel® application, where they were managedand selected according to their relevance to the research. Results:It is observed that the age group below the first year of life presents a higher degree of hospitalization thanthat of children ranging from the first to the fourth year. As for the relative frequency, it can be seen that diarrhea and gastroenteritis of presumable infectious origin had the highest prevalence rate compared to other pathologies, with the highest number reaching 23.8% in 2017 and the lowest being in the range of 13.22% in 2020. Conclusions: Despite the advances in Primary Health Care and prenatal coverage, assistance is still deficient, requiring more investments in the area and the promotion of public policies that cover this population (AU).

Introducción: La hospitalización representa un impacto considerable en la vida de cualquier persona, quepuede adquirir proporciones aún mayores cuando se trata de un niño. La imposibilidadde realizar su rutina, como jugar e ir al colegio, hace que la hospitalización infantiltengaun contexto notable. Dicho esto, cabe señalar que una gran parte de estas hospitalizaciones son evitables, denominándose Hospitalizaciones por Condiciones Sensibles a la Atención Ambulatoria. Así pues, una atención ambulatoria de calidad podría resolver la mayoría de las enfermedades infantiles, evitando este desenlace. Objetivo: Elaborar un perfil epidemiológico de las hospitalizaciones por enfermedades infecciosas y bacterianas más prevalentes en niños menores de 5 años, de 2017 a 2021, en Brasil. Metodología: La investigación en cuestión es un estudio ecológico de series temporales, elaborado a partir de información recogida por vías secundarias. Los datos se recogieron de la plataforma DataSUS y del Sistema de Información Hospitalaria. Posteriormente, los datos se procesaron y almacenaron en la aplicación Microsoft Excel®, donde se trataron y seleccionaron en función de su relevancia para la investigación. Resultados: Se observa que el grupo de edad inferior al primer año de vida presenta un mayor grado de hospitalización que los niños del primero al cuarto año completo. En cuanto a la frecuencia relativa, se puede inferirque la diarreay lagastroenteritis presumible origen infeccioso tuvieron la tasa de prevalencia más alta en relación con las demáspatologías, siendola cifra más alto el 23,8% en 2017 y lamás bajael rango del 13,22% en el 2020. Conclusiones: A pesar de los avances en la Atención Primariade Salud y en la cobertura prenatal, la asistencia aún es deficiente, por lo que se requieren mayoresinversiones en el área y la promoción de políticas públicas que cubran a esta población (AU).

Internações na infância por doenças do aparelho respiratório no Brasil de 2013 a 2022 / Hospitalizaciones infantiles por enfermedades del sistema respiratorio en Brasil de 2013 a 2022 / Hospitalizations during childhood due to respiratory system diseases in Brazil from 2013 to 2022

Introdução: As doenças do sistema respiratório se mostram como uma das causas mais preocupantes de internações hospitalares no país. Nessa perspectiva, o perfil das internações por doenças respiratórias em crianças permite observar os parâmetros desta problemática, fornecendo um conhecimento amplo acerca do processo saúde e doença nessa população. Objetivo: Analisar o perfil epidemiológico das internações hospitalares por causas do aparelho respiratório em crianças de 0 a 9 anos no Brasil e regiões, entre os anos de 2013 e 2022. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo ecológico, realizado no Brasil, a partir de dados secundários do Sistema de Informações Hospitalares. A população escolhida para este estudo foram crianças de 0 a 9 anos deidade. Os dados foram coletados em 26 de novembro de 2022. As variáveis dependentes do estudo são as internações de crianças de 0 a 9 anos por doenças do aparelho respiratório no Brasil e suas regiões. Já, como variáveis independentes, tem-se o tempo, do período de janeiro de 2013 a setembro de 2022, regiões e faixa etária. Resultados: Há uma tendência de queda das internações por causa respiratória até o ano de 2016, seguido de um crescimento gradativo até 2019. Entretanto, em 2020, a taxa de hospitalização reduziu drasticamente em todas as localidades. As regiões Sul, Norte e Centro-Oeste permaneceram com taxas maiores que o Brasil em todo o período estudado. A internação em menores de 1 ano representa o maior quantitativo de internações sendo a pneumonia a causa mais prevalente. Conclusões: As taxas de internação infantil por doenças respiratórias representam importante preocupação para saúde pública. Assim, destaca-se a relevância da efetividade da Atenção Primária à Saúde, que possui grande impacto no desfecho dos adoecimentos em crianças, especialmente das doenças respiratórias (AU).

Introduction: Respiratory system diseases are one of the most worrying causes of hospital admissions in the country. From this perspective, the profile of hospitalizations for respiratory diseases in children allows us to notice the parameters of this problem, providing a broad understanding of the health and disease process in this population.Objective: To analyze the epidemiological profile of hospital admissions due to respiratory causes in children aged 0 to 9 in Brazil and its regions between 2013 and 2022. Methodology: This is an ecological study held in Brazil using secondary data from the Hospital Information System. The population chosen for this study consisted of children aged 0 to 9. Data were collected on November 26, 2022. The dependent variables of this study are hospitalizations of children aged 0 to 9 due to respiratory diseases in Brazil and its regions. The independent variables are time, from January 2013 to September 2022, regions, and age group.Results: There was a downward trend in hospitalizations due to respiratory causes until 2016, followed by a gradual increase until 2019. Nonetheless, in 2020, the hospitalization rate fell dramatically in all locations. The South, North and Mid-West regions remained with higher rates than Brazil throughout the studied period. Hospitalization of children under 1 year old represents the largest number of admissions, with pneumonia being Revista Ciência Plural. 2024; 10(1): e31414 3the most prevalent cause.Conclusions: Hospitalization rates during childhood due to respiratory diseases represent a major public health concern. Thus, one can highlight the importance of the effectiveness of Primary Health Care, which has a major impact on the outcome of illnesses in children, especially respiratory diseases (AU).

Introducción: Las enfermedades del sistema respiratorio son una de lascausas más preocupantes de hospitalizaciones en el país. Desde esta perspectiva, el perfil de hospitalizaciones por enfermedades respiratorias en niños permite observar los parámetros de este problema, proporcionando una amplia comprensión del proceso de salud y enfermedad en esta población.Objetivo: Analizar el perfil epidemiológico de las internaciones por causas respiratorias en niños de 0 a 9 años en Brasil y sus regiones entre 2013 y 2022. Metodología: Se trata de un estudio ecológico conducido en Brasil a partir de datos secundarios del Sistema de Información Hospitalaria. La población elegida para este estudio fueron los niños de 0 a 9 años. Los datos se recogieron el 26 de noviembre de 2022. Las variables dependientes del estudio son las hospitalizaciones de niños de 0 a 9 años por enfermedades respiratorias en Brasil y sus regiones. Las variables independientes son el tiempo, de enero de 2013 a septiembre de 2022, las regiones y la franja etaria.Resultados: Se nota una tendencia a la baja de las hospitalizaciones por causas respiratorias hasta 2016, seguida de un aumento gradual hasta 2019. Sin embargo, en 2020, la tasa de hospitalización cayó drásticamente en todas las localidades. Las regiones Sur, Norte y Medio Oeste se mantuvieron con tasas másaltas que Brasil durante todo el período estudiado. Las hospitalizaciones en niños menores de 1 año representan el mayor número de internaciones, siendo la neumonía la causa más prevalente.Conclusiones: Las tasas de hospitalización infantil por enfermedades respiratorias representan un importante problema de salud pública. Así, se subraya la importancia de la eficacia de la Atención Primaria de Salud, que tiene un gran impacto en el resultado de las enfermedades en los niños, especialmente las respiratorias (AU).

[Respiratory changes in children exposed to dust from mining waste in Brumadinho, Minas Gerais State, Brazil: Bruminha Project]. / Alterações respiratórias em crianças expostas à poeira de resíduos de mineração em Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, Brasil: Projeto Bruminha.

This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of respiratory diseases in children exposed to dust from mining waste after the Brumadinho dam disaster, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The study population included children aged 0-6 years, living in three communities exposed to mining waste dust (Córrego do Feijão, Parque da Cachoeira, and Tejuco) and one unexposed community (Aranha). Data were collected from July 19 to 30, 2021, using questionnaires that addressed sociodemographic information and a recall survey on signs, symptoms, and respiratory diseases. A total of 217 children were evaluated, 119 living in the exposed communities and 98 in the non-exposed community. The residents in the exposed communities reported an increase in the frequency of home cleaning (p = 0.04) and in vehicular traffic (p = 0.03). Among children aged four, a higher frequency of upper (p = 0.01) and lower (p = 0.01) airway disorders, as well as respiratory allergy (p = 0.05) was observed. The exposed group had 1.5 times more reports of respiratory allergy (75%; p = 0.02) compared to the non-exposed group (50.5%). Children living in communities exposed to waste dust were three times more likely (adjusted OR = 3.63; 95%CI: 1.37; 9.57) to have respiratory allergies than those not exposed. Two years and six months after the environmental disaster occurred, children living in the communities affected by waste from mining and remediation activities remained exposed to dust with harmful effects on respiratory health.

Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a ocorrência de afecções respiratórias em crianças expostas à poeira de resíduos de mineração após o desastre do rompimento da barragem em Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, Brasil. A população de estudo incluiu crianças com idades entre 0 e 6 anos, residentes em três comunidades expostas à resíduos de poeira de mineração (Córrego do Feijão, Parque da Cachoeira e Tejuco) e uma comunidade não exposta (Aranha). A coleta de dados ocorreu entre 19 e 30 de julho de 2021, por meio de questionários que abordavam informações sociodemográficas e um inquérito recordatório sobre sinais, sintomas e doenças respiratórias. Foram avaliadas 217 crianças, sendo 119 das comunidades expostas e 98 da comunidade não exposta. Os residentes nas comunidades expostas relataram aumento na frequência de faxina em suas residências (p = 0,04) e no tráfego de veículos (p = 0,03). Entre as crianças de 4 anos, foi observada uma maior frequência de afecções das vias aéreas superiores (p = 0,01) e inferiores (p = 0,01), bem como de alergia respiratória (p = 0,05). O grupo exposto apresentou 1,5 vez mais relatos de alergia respiratória (75%; p = 0,02) em comparação com o não exposto (50,5%). Crianças que viviam nas comunidades expostas à poeira de resíduos apresentaram três vezes mais chance (OR ajustada = 3.63; IC95%: 1,37; 9,57) de ocorrência de alergia respiratória em comparação com as não expostas. Dois anos e seis meses após a ocorrência do desastre ambiental, as crianças das comunidades afetadas pelos resíduos das atividades de mineração e remediação permaneciam expostas à poeira com efeitos tóxicos sobre a saúde respiratória.

El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la ocurrencia de enfermedades respiratorias en niños expuestos al polvo de residuos de la minería tras el desastre del colapso de la represa en Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, Brasil. La población de estudio incluyó niños que tenían entre 0 y 6 años, que viven en tres comunidades expuestas a residuos de polvo de la minería (Córrego do Feijão, Parque da Cachoeira y Tejuco) y una comunidad no expuesta (Aranha). Se recolectaron los datos entre el 19 y el 30 de julio de 2021, a través de cuestionarios que abordaban informaciones sociodemográficas y una encuesta recordatoria acerca de los señales, síntomas y enfermedades respiratorias. Se evaluaron 217 niños, de los cuales 119 viven en las comunidades expuestas y 98 viven en la comunidad no expuesta. Los residentes de las comunidades expuestas relataron un aumento en la frecuencia de limpieza de sus casas (p = 0,04) y en el tráfico de vehículos (p = 0,03). Entre los niños de 4 años, se observó una frecuencia más alta de enfermedades de las vías aéreas superiores (p = 0,01) e inferiores (p = 0,01), así como de alergia respiratoria (p = 0,05). El grupo expuesto presentó 1,5 veces más relatos de alergia respiratoria (el 75%; p = 0,02) en comparación con el grupo no expuesto (el 50,5%). Niños que vivían en las comunidades expuestas al polvo de residuos presentaron tres veces más probabilidad (OR ajustada = 3,63; IC95%: 1,37; 9,57) de ocurrencia de alergia respiratoria en comparación con los niños que no se expusieron. Dos años y seis meses tras el desastre ambiental, los niños que viven en las comunidades afectadas por los residuos de las actividades de minería y descontaminación permanecían expuestos al polvo con efectos tóxicos para la salud respiratoria.

Boletín Epidemiológico Nacional N°692 SE 7 / National Epidemiological Bulletin N°692 E 7

Generado por el Ministerio de Salud de la Nación Dirección Nacional de Epidemiología este boletín contiene información de actualización de encefalitis equina, dengue y arbovirus, enfermedades respiratorias agudas. Informe especial de síndrome urémico hemolítico. Alerta epidemiológicas internaciones y destacados de boletines jurisdiccionales.

Hospitalisations and fatality due to respiratory diseases according to a national database in Brazil: a longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory diseases (RDs) cause millions of hospitalisations and deaths worldwide, resulting in economic and social impacts. Strategies for health promotion and disease prevention based on the epidemiological profile of the population may reduce hospital costs. AIM: To characterise hospitalisations and deaths due to RDs in Brazilian adults above 20 years old between 2008 and 2021. METHODS: This ecological study used secondary data of hospitalisations and deaths due to RDs from the Hospital Information System of the Brazilian Unified Health System between 2008 and 2021. Data were grouped according to region, age group and sex. The period was divided into first (2008-2011), second (2012-2015) and third (2016-2019) quadrennia and one biennium (2020-2021), and all data were analysed using the GraphPad Prism; statistical significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: A total of 9 502 378 hospitalisations due to RDs were registered between 2008 and 2021. The south and southeast regions presented the highest hospitalisation and fatality rate, respectively, in the age group ≥80 years with no significant differences between sexes. Also, RDs caused 1 170 504 deaths, with a national fatality rate of 12.32%. CONCLUSION: RDs affected the Brazilian population and impaired the health system, especially the hospital environment. The south/southeast regions were the most affected, and the ageing process contributed to the increased incidence of RDs.

Boletín Epidemiológico Nacional N°687 SE 2 / National Epidemiological Bulletin N°687 SE 2

Generado por el Ministerio de Salud de la Nación Dirección Nacional de Epidemiología este boletín contiene información de actualización de encefalitis equina, dengue y arbovirus, enfermedades respiratorias agudas. Alerta epidemiológicas internaciones y destacados de boletines jurisdiccionales.

Boletín Epidemiológico Nacional N°689 SE 4 / National Epidemiological Bulletin N°689 SE 4

Generado por el Ministerio de Salud de la Nación Dirección Nacional de Epidemiología este boletín contiene información de actualización de encefalitis equina, dengue y arbovirus, enfermedades respiratorias agudas. Alerta epidemiológicas internaciones y destacados de boletines jurisdiccionales.