Gravidez não planejada no extremo Sul do Brasil: prevalência, tendência e fatores associados / Unplanned pregnancy in the extreme South of Brazil: prevalence, trends, and associated factors

Resumo Este estudo estimou a proporção de puérperas que não planejaram a gravidez, avaliou tendência e identificou fatores associados à sua ocorrência no município de Rio Grande-RS. Entre 01/01 e 31/12 de 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016 e 2019 entrevistadoras treinadas aplicaram questionário único e padronizado a todas as puérperas residentes neste município. Utilizou-se teste qui-quadrado para comparar proporções e regressão de Poisson com ajuste da variância robusta na análise multivariável. A medida de efeito utilizada foi razão de prevalências (RP). O estudo incluiu 12.415 puérperas (98% do total). A prevalência de não planejamento foi 63,3% (IC95%: 62,5%-64,1%). Após ajuste, as maiores RP para não planejamento da gravidez foram observadas entre mulheres de menor idade, cor da pele preta, com companheiro, maior aglomeração domiciliar, pior escolaridade e renda familiar, maior paridade e tabagistas. Houve pequeno aumento na prevalência de não planejamento da gravidez no final do período principalmente entre àquelas com maiores riscos de eventos desfavoráveis na gestação e parto. Alcançar estas mulheres nas escolas de ensino médio, empresas, serviços e profissionais de saúde, além de meios de comunicação de massa, pode auxiliar na prevenção desse tipo de gravidez.

Abstract The study aims to estimate the proportion of puerperae with an unplanned pregnancy, evaluate trends and identify factors associated with its occurrence in Rio Grande-RS, Brazil. Trained interviewers applied a single, standardized questionnaire to all puerperae residing in the municipality in 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016 and 2019. The chi-square test compared proportions and the Poisson regression with robust variance adjustment in the multivariate analysis. The prevalence ratio (PR) was the effect measure employed. The study includes 12,415 puerperae (98% of the total). The unplanned pregnancy rate was 63.3% (95%CI: 62.5%-64.1%). After adjusting, the highest PR for not planning pregnancy were observed among younger, black women, living without a partner, with more significant household agglomeration, lower schooling, and household income, multiparous and smokers. The rate of unplanned pregnancy is high and stable, with a higher propensity among women those with the highest risk of unfavorable events during pregnancy and childbirth. Reaching these women in high schools, companies, services and health professionals, in addition to the mass media, can be strategies to prevent unplanned pregnancy.

Vacuna contra la COVID-19 y menstruación, desde el desconocimiento a la información: revisión sistemática / Vaccine against COVID-19 and menstruation, from ignorance to information: a systematic review

La creación de una vacuna para enfrentar la pandemia de COVID-19 conllevó un vacío de información sobre las posibles alteraciones del ciclo menstrual. El objetivo fue verificar las posibles alteraciones que se pudiesen haber generado en el ciclo menstrual de las mujeres posterior a la inoculación de la vacuna contra la COVID-19. Se realizó una revisión sistemática en las bases bibliografías Medline, Medline Complete, LILACS, CINAHL y ScIELO, utilizando los descriptores “Women”, “Woman”, “Fertile period”, “Vaccination”, “Mass vaccination”, “Immunization”, “COVID-19 vaccines”, “SARS-CoV-2 infection”, “COVID-19”, “Menstrual cycle”, “Menstruation”, “Endometrial cycle”, “Dysmenorrhea” y “Menstruation disturbances”. Mediante la utilización del protocolo PRISMA, de los 319 artículos localizados, 17 fueron incluidos en el análisis. La mayoría de los estudios incluyeron, principalmente, las vacunas Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca y Johnson&Johnson/Janssen con una a tres dosis administradas. El porcentaje de ciclos menstruales alterados fue del 8,0% al 77,8%, y la alteración con mayor frecuencia referida fue la duración del ciclo menstrual, que fue desde 0,3 hasta 12 días de retraso de la menstruación. Todos los estudios refieren cambios en el ciclo menstrual con diversas prevalencias, con y sin significación estadística; sin embargo, también concluyen que estas alteraciones son reversibles y en un corto periodo de tiempo.

The creation of a vaccine to face the COVID-19 pandemic, led to an information gap on possible alterations of the menstrual cycle. The objective was to verify the possible alterations that could have been generated in the menstrual cycle of women, after the inoculation of the vaccine against COVID-19. A systematic review was carried out in the Medline, Medline Complete, LILACS, CINAHL and ScIELO bibliographic databases, using the descriptors “Women”, “Woman”, “Fertile period”, “Vaccination”, “Mass vaccination”, “Immunization”, “COVID-19 vaccines”, “SARS-CoV-2 infection”, “COVID-19”, “Menstrual cycle”, “Menstruation”, “Endometrial cycle”, “Dysmenorrhea” and “Menstruation disturbances”. Using the PRISMA protocol, of the 319 articles located, 17 were included in the analysis. Most of the studies mainly included the Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson&Johnson/Janssen vaccines with one to three doses administered. The percentage of altered menstrual cycles ranged from 8.0% to 77.8%, and the most frequently reported alteration was the length of the menstrual cycle, which occurred from 0.3 to 12 days late in menstruation. All the studies refer to changes in the menstrual cycle with different prevalences, with and without statistical significance; however, the same studies also conclude that these alterations are reversible and in a short period of time.

Uso de anticonceptivos y conocimiento del periodo fértil del ciclo menstrual en adolescentes

Introducción: La comprensión de los cambios fisiológicos que se presentan en las mujeres adolescentes son fundamentales para el cuidado de su salud sexual. Esto favorece un comportamiento anticonceptivo orientado a la elección de métodos seguros y eficaces. Objetivo: Establecer la asociación entre el uso de métodos anticonceptivos y el conocimiento del periodo fértil del ciclo menstrual en adolescentes peruanas. Métodos: Estudio transversal basado en el análisis secundario de la Encuesta Demográfica y de Salud Familiar del año 2021. La muestra fue de 717 de mujeres adolescentes con registro completo en las bases de datos. Se calcularon recuentos ponderados, no ponderados y se aplicó la prueba ji cuadrado con un 95 % de nivel de confianza. Resultados: El 19 % de las adolescentes reconocen el periodo fértil del ciclo menstrual y 6,3 % refirió que este periodo sucede durante la menstruación. El 80,8 % de las mujeres que cursan la adolescencia temprana, no conocen el momento del periodo. Respecto al uso de anticonceptivos, el 21,5 % era usuaria de preservativos y 16,3 % de inyectables; no obstante, 47 % señaló que no utilizaban ningún anticonceptivo. El 53,5 % de las adolescentes en etapa tardía indicaron que sí utilizan anticonceptivos. Entre las que son usuarias de estos métodos, 86,3 % no reconocen el periodo fértil. Conclusiones: En las adolescentes, el uso de métodos anticonceptivos no se asocia de manera significativa con el conocimiento que tienen acerca del periodo fértil del ciclo menstrual.

Introduction: The understanding of the physiological changes that occur in adolescent women are essential for the care of their sexual health. Thus, this favors a contraceptive behavior oriented to the choice of safe and effective methods. Objective: To establish the association between the use of contraceptive methods and the knowledge of the fertile period of the menstrual cycle in Peruvian adolescents. Methods: Cross-sectional study based on the secondary analysis of the 2021 Demographic and Family Health Survey. The sample consisted of 717 adolescent women with complete registration in the databases. Weighted and unweighted counts were calculated; and the Chi square test was applied at a 95% confidence level. Results: 19% of adolescents recognize the fertile period of the menstrual cycle and 6.3% reported that this period occurs during menstruation. In addition, 80.8% of women in early adolescence do not know the time of their period. Regarding the use of contraceptives, 21.5% were users of condoms and 16.3% of injectables; however, 47% indicated that they did not use any contraceptive. 53.5% of late-stage adolescents indicated that they do use contraceptives. Among those who are users of these methods, 86.3% do not recognize the fertile period. Conclusions: In adolescents, the use of contraceptive methods is not significantly associated with the knowledge they have about the fertile period of the menstrual cycle.

Prevalence of vitamin B complex deficiencies in women in reproductive age, pregnant, or lactating woman in Brazil: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin B deficiencies are involved with several outcomes in fertility and pregnancy. In Brazil, the national prevalence rates of these micronutrient deficiencies in women of reproductive age were not known. This study aims to systematically identify, select, evaluate, analyze, and report the prevalence rates of vitamin B complex deficiencies in women of reproductive age in Brazil and identify variables that may modify the outcome rates. METHODS: A systematic review will be conducted guided by the following question: "What is the prevalence of vitamin B deficiencies in women of reproductive age in Brazil?". The studies will be identified and selected from a literature search using electronic databases, consultation with researchers/specialists, and reference lists of eligible studies and reviews on the topic. Major eligibility criteria include observational cross-sectional and cohort studies carried out in Brazil and performed in women 10-49 years old, or pregnant and lactating mothers, and investigated the deficiency of vitamin B complex by laboratory test. Two reviewers independently will perform the screening and selection of the studies, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. For the data report, a narrative approach will be used to present the characteristics of the included studies and individual findings. A random meta-analysis model will be implemented to summarize the individual prevalence rates in a global value if the studies are sufficiently homogeneous. DISCUSSION: This study aims to identify the national and regional prevalence rates of vitamin B complex deficiencies in women of reproductive age; allow the policymakers discuss, plan, and implement public policies to screen; and prevent and/or treat these malnutrition conditions. This also aims to know the rates of nutritional deficiencies over the years, serving as an indirect indicator of the socioeconomic and dietary patterns of the population. Specifically for folate, this study allows to compare the prevalence rates of deficiency of this vitamin before and after the mandatory fortification of wheat and corn flours implemented since 2004 in Brazil, in this specific population. The evidence gathered may highlight the need for population-based studies to investigate the deficiency of these vitamins. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42020188474.

Candidiasis vulvovaginal y vulvovaginitis en mujeres en edad reproductiva en Colombia, según el Sistema Integrado de Información de la Protección Social / Vulvovaginal Candidiasis and Vulvovaginitis Among Women of Reproductive Age in Colombia: Insights from the Integrated Information System of Social Protection / Candidíase vulvovaginal e vulvovaginite em mulheres em idade reprodutiva na Colômbia, com base no Sistema Integrado de Informação de Proteção Social

Resumen: las infecciones vaginales siguen siendo la primera causa de visita ginecológica en el mundo, y las causadas por hongos han incrementado su frecuencia en mujeres en edad reproductiva. El objetivo es determinar la prevalencia de candidiasis vulvovaginal y vulvovaginitis en mujeres colombianas en edad reproductiva, de 2015 a 2019. Es un estudio descriptivo, transversal, que utiliza los datos disponibles en el componente de Registro Individual de Prestación de Servicios del Sistema Integrado de Información de Protección Social del Ministerio de Salud de Colombia. En Colombia en el periodo comprendido entre el primero de enero de 2015 y el 31 de diciembre de 2019 se atendieron 2.384.164 mujeres en edad reproductiva de 15 a 49 años por casos de candidiasis vulvovaginal y vulvovaginitis, estimándose una prevalencia nacional de 18,6 por cada 100 mujeres en edad reproductiva, con mayor proporción de prevalencia en los departamentos de Córdoba, Huila, Cauca, Cesar y Nariño. La prevalencia estimada se encuentra dentro del promedio de los países de América Latina y representa una gran amenaza para la salud reproductiva; de ahí la necesidad de tomar las medidas correspondientes para evitar factores de riesgo y disminuir los casos en mujeres en edad reproductiva.

Abstract: Vaginal infections remain a leading cause of gynecological visits worldwide, with yeast related infections increasing among women of reproductive age. This study aims to determine the prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis and vulvovaginitis among Colombian women of reproductive age between 2015 and 2019. Conducted as a descriptive, cross-sectional study, the research utilized data from the Individual Records of Health Services Provision database of the Ministry of Health of Colombia. Between January 1st, 2015, and December 31st, 2019, a total of 2,384,164 cases of vulvovaginal candidiasis and vulvovaginitis were treated in Colombian women of reproductive age. The national prevalence was estimated at 18.6 per 100 women of reproductive age, with higher prevalence observed in the departments of Córdoba, Huila, Cauca, Cesar, and Nariño. This prevalence aligns with the regional average for Latin American countries, posing a significant threat to reproductive health. Consequently, there is an urgent need to implement preventive measures, mitigate risk factors, and reduce the incidence of these infections among women of reproductive age.

Resumo: as infecções vaginais continuam sendo a principal causa de consultas ginecológicas no mundo, e as causadas por fungos têm aumentado sua incidência em mulheres em idade reprodutiva. O objetivo deste estudo é determinar a prevalência de candidíase vulvovaginal e vulvovaginite em mulheres colombianas em idade reprodutiva entre 2015 e 2019. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo e transversal, com dados obtidos a partir dos registros individuais de morbilidade do Sistema Integrado de Informação de Proteção Social, do Ministério da Saúde da Colômbia. Na Colômbia, durante o período de 1º de janeiro de 2015 e 31 de dezembro de 2019, 2.384.164 mulheres em idade reprodutiva receberam tratamento para casos de candidíase vulvovaginal e vulvovaginite. Foi estimada uma prevalência nacional de 18,6 por 100 mulheres em idade reprodutiva, com as maiores taxas de prevalência nos departamentos de Córdoba, Huila, Cauca, Cesar e Nariño. A taxa de prevalência é semelhante à média dos países latino-americanos, o que representa uma elevada ameaça à saúde reprodutiva. Portanto, são necessárias medidas para evitar a exposição aos fatores de riscos e reduzir o número de casos em mulheres em idade reprodutiva.

Evaluation of the tear parameters of ovulation induction patients in a short time period with anterior segment optical coherence tomography / Avaliação dos parâmetros lacrimais de pacientes submetidas à indução de ovulação por curto período pela tomografia de coerência óptica do segmento anterior

ABSTRACT Purpose: The effects of sex steroid hormones on tearparameters are known. Theaim of this studywas to examine the effects on tear parameters during exposure to high-dose sex steroids in a short period of time. Methods: Forty patients who were admitted to the infertility clinic of our hospital and planned to undergo ovulation induction with exogenous gonadotropins were included in our study. Prior tothe initiation of ovulation induction, the basal levels of estradiol were measured on day 3 of the menstrual cycle and ophthalmologic examinations were performed by the ophthalmology department of our hospital. The estradiol levels were-measured on the day ofovulation induction usinghuman chorionic gonadotropin and compared with basal estra­diol; eye examinations were also repeated. Result: Forty women with reproductive period and average age of 33.3 ± 4.2 years were included in this study. Basal levels of estradiol were significantly (p<0.001) higher after ovulation induction than before induction. The scores in the break-up timeand after induction were 6.2 ± 2.8 sn and 8.4 ± 1.4 sn, respectively. The values of Schirmer's test were 14.3 ± 7.1 mm and 20.6 ± 6.2 mm before and after induction, respectively. Both values were significantly higher after ovulation induction (p<0.001; p=0.001, respectively). Conclusion: We observed impro­vemet in tear function tests following the use of estradiol even for a limited time.The use of estradiol during menopause may improve dry eye symptoms in patients.

RESUMO Objetivo: Os efeitos dos hormônios esteróides se­xuais nos parâmetros lacrimais são conhecidos. O objetivo deste estudo foi examinar como os efeitos nos parâmetros lacrimais durante a exposição a altas doses de esteróides sexuais em um curto período de tempo. Métodos: Quarenta pacientes que foram admitidas na clínica de infertilidade do nosso hospital e planejavam a indução de ovulação por gonadotropinas exógenas. Antes do início da indução da ovulação, os níveis basais de estradiol foram medidos no terceiro dia do ciclo menstrual e os exames oftalmológicos foram efetuados pelo Departamento de Oftalmologia do nosso hospital. Os níveis de estradiol foram medidos no dia da indução da ovulação usando gonadotrofina coriónica humana e comparados aos estradiol basal; exames oftalmológicos também foram repetidos. Resultado: Quarenta mulheres com período reprodutivo e idade média de 33,3 ± 4,2 anos foram incluídas neste estudo. Os níveis basais de estradiol foram significativamente maiores (p<0,001) após a indução da ovulação do que antes desta. Os resultados dos testes de ruptura do filme lacrimal e após a indução foi de 6,2 ± 2,8 s e 8,4 ± 1,4 s respectivamente. Os valores do teste de Schirmer foram 14,3 ± 7,1 mm e 20,6 ± 6,2 mm, respectivamente antes e depois da indução. Ambos os valores foram significativamente maiores após a indução da ovulação (p<0,001; p=0,001 respectivamente). Conclusão: Observamos uma melhora nos testes de função lacrimal após o uso de estradiol, mesmo por tempo limitado. O uso de estradiol durante a menopausa poderá melhorar os sintomas do olho seco em pacientes.

Zika knowledge and preventive practices among reproductive-age women from Lambayeque, Peru.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the knowledge and preventive practices on Zika among reproductive-age women in Lambayeque, Peru. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study in three districts of Lambayeque, Peru. A representative sample of the reproductive-age women was obtained for each district by means of a multi-stage, stratified, conglomerate based sampling method. We applied a modified version of the World Health Organization (WHO) Questionnaire about Zika. The statistical package STATA v13.0 was used for the analysis. RESULTS: We surveyed 388 reproductive-age women. The 88.4% recognized the mosquito as the main transmitting agent and more than 50% recognized fever, headache and arthralgia as the main symptoms. Similarly, the practices significantly more frequent were going to their antenatal-care and check-ups, the household use of temephos (Abate), the use of clothes that cover most of the body and the washing and covering the water containers. CONCLUSIONS: Although there is adequate knowledge, incorrect ideas still persist and more than half of the surveyed population reported not feeling sufficiently informed. Preventive practices, in general terms, are found in acceptable compliance percentages, but they should still be improved.

Mulheres em idade fértil: causas de internação em unidade de terapia intensiva e resultados / Women of childbearing age: causes of hospitalization in intensive care unit and results

INTRODUÇÃO: Pacientes obstétricas representam uma fração significativa das admissões em unidades de cuidado intensivo e consistem em um desafio para a equipe. OBJETIVO: Analisar as principais causas de internação e morte materna de mulheres em idade fértil ocorridas em unidades de terapia intensiva de hospitais de um município do Noroeste do Paraná, Sul do Brasil. MÉTODOS: Estudo exploratório, descritivo, retrospectivo, realizado com mulheres em idade fértil (10 a 49 anos) internadas em três unidades de terapia intensiva existentes em um município do Noroeste do Paraná, por causas obstétricas e não obstétricas, no período de janeiro de 2005 a dezembro de 2009. RESULTADOS: Foram encontradas 775 internações de mulheres em idade fértil, com uma média de idade de 33,7±10,3 anos, com duração média de internação de 5,0±8,4 dias. A maior parte das mulheres era do município estudado (67,2%), com baixa escolaridade (nível primário, 68,2%). Entre as causas obstétricas de internação, a pré-eclâmpsia grave e a eclâmpsia se constituíram na principal causa (71,3%); a pielonefrite se destacou sob outras condições no período gestacional (53%). Não foi encontrada associação estatística entre internações por causas obstétricas em unidade de terapia intensiva e óbito. CONCLUSÃO: As causas não obstétricas representaram a maioria das internações de mulheres em idade fértil nas unidades de terapia intensiva do município, no período estudado e, entre as causas obstétricas, a pré-eclâmpsia grave e a eclâmpsia constituíram a principal causa.

INTRODUCTION: Obstetric patients represent a significant fraction of admissions to intensive care units and consist of a challenge to the team. Objective: To analyze the main causes of maternal death and hospitalization of women of childbearing age occurring in intensive care units of hospitals in a city in Northwestern Paraná, Southern Brazil. METHODS: Exploratory, descriptive and retrospective study, conducted with women of childbearing age (10-49 years) admitted in three intensive care units existing in a city of Northwest Paraná, for obstetric and non-obstetric causes, from January 2005 to December 2009. RESULTS: There were 775 admissions of women of childbearing age, with a mean age of 33.7±10.3 years; the mean duration of hospitalization was 5.0±8.4 days. Most of the women were from the municipality (67.2%), with low education level (primary level, 68.2%). Among the obstetric causes of hospitalization, pre-eclampsia and eclampsia constituted the main cause (71.3%); pyelonephritis stood out other conditions during pregnancy (53%). There was no statistical association betweenhospital admissions for obstetric causes in intensive care unit and death. CONCLUSION: Non-obstetric causes accounted for the majority of hospitalizations of women of childbearing age in the intensive care unit of this municipality during the study period; among obstetric causes, pre-eclampsia and eclampsia were the main causes.

Búsqueda intencionada y reclasificación de muertes maternas en México: el efecto en la distribución de las causas / Intentional search and reclassification of maternal deaths in Mexico: The effect on the distribution of causes

Objetivo. Corregir la mala clasificación y mejorar la calidad de la información sobre la mortalidad materna en México. Material y métodos. A través de los registros clínicos y autopsias verbales, se estudiaron todas las defunciones certificadas como maternas y una selección de defunciones de mujeres en edad fértil, cuyas causas fueron consideradas como sospechosas de encubrir una muerte materna; todas ocurridas durante 2011 en México. Resultados. La búsqueda intencionada y reclasificación de muertes maternas permitió rescatar más de 100 muertes que no habían sido registradas ni codificadas inicialmente como maternas y se ratificaron o rectificaron las causas anotadas en los certificados de defunción. Este procedimiento también permitió reclasificar como muertes maternas 297 defunciones de la base preliminar del Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía. Conclusiones. La Búsqueda Intencionada y Reclasificación de Muertes Maternas es un procedimiento muy útil para mejorar la calidad de la información sobre la mortalidad materna.

Objective. To correct the misclassification and improve the quality of information on maternal mortality in Mexico. Materials and methods. Using clinical records and verbal autopsies, we studied all deaths certified as maternal deaths as well as a selection of deaths of women of childbearing age whose causes were considered as suspected of hiding a maternal death, all of which occurred during 2011 within Mexico. Results. The deliberate search of maternal deaths and reclassification allowed the rescue of just over 100 deaths that were not originally registered or coded as maternal and confirmed or corrected the causes of death recorded on death certificates as confirmed maternal deaths. This procedure also allowed the reclassification of 297 maternal deaths of women in the groundwork of the National Institute of Statistics and Geography. Conclusions. International Search and Reclassification of Maternal Deaths is a very useful procedure for improving the classification of cases that were not classified as maternal deaths and the effect was greater with the coding of indirect obstetric deaths.

Prevalencia de la endometriosis en mujeres sometidas a esterilización quirúrgica laparoscópica en un hospital de Santiago de Chile / Prevalence of endometriosis in 287 women undergoing surgical sterilization in Santiago Chile

Background: The clinical manifestations of endometriosis are infertility, dysmenorrhea, sexuality disturbances, and chronic pelvic pain. It is the cause of 30 to 50% of infertility cases. In developed countries, the prevalence of endometriosis among women undergoing surgical sterilization is approximately 6%. Aim: To determine the prevalence of endometriosis among women with proven fertility in Santiago de Chile. Material and Methods: Review of surgical protocols of 287 women aged 25 to 49 years, subjected to a surgical sterilization between 2007 and 2011. Results: Endometriosis was found in 14 of the 287 women (4.9%). In spite of being asymptomatic, five of the 14 women with endometriosis were classified as severe, due to the presence of at least one endometrioma. In order of frequency, the most commonly affected anatomical sites were the ovary, the peritoneum, the posterior cul-de-sac and uterosacral ligaments. Conclusions: Our findings are very similar to those found elsewhere and suggest that fertile women could better tolerate endometriosis than their infertile counterparts.

Risco da radiação ionizante em mulheres férteis submetidas à ablação por radiofrequência / Risk of ionizing radiation in women of childbearing age undergoing radiofrequency ablation

FUNDAMENTO: A Comissão Internacional de Radiologia indica rastreamento com teste de gravidez a todas pacientes do gênero feminino em período fértil que serão submetidas a exame radiológico. Sabe-se que a radiação é teratogênica e que seu efeito é cumulativo. O potencial teratogênico inicia-se com doses próximas às das utilizadas durante esses procedimentos. Não se sabe a prevalência de teste de gravidez positivo em pacientes submetidos a estudo eletrofisiológico e/ou à ablação por cateter em nosso meio. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência de teste de gravidez positivo em pacientes do gênero feminino encaminhadas para estudo eletrofisiológico e/ou ablação por radiofrequência. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com análise de 2.966 pacientes submetidos a estudo eletrofisiológico e/ou ablação por cateter, de junho 1997 a fevereiro 2013, no Instituto de Cardiologia do Rio Grande do Sul. Foram realizados 1.490 exames em mulheres sendo que, destas, 769 encontravam-se em idade fértil. Todas as pacientes foram rastreadas com teste de gravidez no dia anterior ao procedimento. RESULTADOS: Detectou-se positividade do teste em três pacientes, impossibilitando a realização do exame. Observou-se prevalência de 3,9 casos por 1.000 mulheres em idade fértil. CONCLUSÃO: Devido ao baixo custo e à segurança, indica-se a realização de teste de rastreamento para gravidez a todas pacientes em idade fértil, uma vez que o grau de radiação ionizante necessária nesse procedimento é muito próximo ao limiar de teratogenicidade, principalmente no primeiro trimestre, quando os sinais de gestação não são exuberantes.

BACKGROUND: The International Commission of Radiology recommends a pregnancy screening test to all female patients of childbearing age who will undergo a radiological study. Radiation is known to be teratogenic and its effect is cumulative. The teratogenic potential starts at doses close to those used during these procedures. The prevalence of positive pregnancy tests in patients undergoing electrophysiological studies and/or catheter ablation in our midst is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of positive pregnancy tests in female patients referred for electrophysiological study and/or radiofrequency ablation. METHODS: Cross-sectional study analyzing 2966 patients undergoing electrophysiological study and/or catheter ablation, from June 1997 to February 2013, in the Institute of Cardiology of Rio Grande do Sul. A total of 1490 procedures were performed in women, of whom 769 were of childbearing age. All patients were screened with a pregnancy test on the day before the procedure. RESULTS: Three patients tested positive, and were therefore unable to undergo the procedure. The prevalence observed was 3.9 cases per 1000 women of childbearing age. CONCLUSION: Because of their safety and low cost, pregnancy screening tests are indicated for all women of childbearing age undergoing radiological studies, since the degree of ionizing radiation needed for these procedures is very close to the threshold for teratogenicity, especially in the first trimester, when the signs of pregnancy are not evident.

Estratégia para seleção e investigação de óbitos de mulheres em idade fértil / Strategy for the selection and investigation of deaths of women of reproductive age

INTRODUÇÃO: Diversas estratégias vêm sendo desenvolvidas para o enfretamento da mortalidade materna. Em 2008, o Ministério da Saúde tornou obrigatória a investigação de todos os óbitos de mulheres em idade fértil, medida de difícil cumprimento no Estado do Rio de Janeiro devido ao grande volume de óbitos ocorridos e dificuldades operacionais dos serviços de saúde. O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver uma estratégia de seleção dos óbitos de mulheres em idade fértil a serem investigados prioritariamente pelos serviços de saúde. MÉTODO: Foram selecionados para investigação todos os óbitos de mulheres em idade fértil ocorridos entre maio e setembro de 2008 nos municípios de Belford Roxo e Niterói e classificados segundo prioridade de investigação, considerando-se as informações da causa básica e os campos 43 e 44 da declaração de óbito. RESULTADOS: Em Belford Roxo e Niterói respectivamente 46,7% e 47,1% das declarações de óbitos analisadas apresentaram incompletudes de preenchimento, e os percentuais de recuperação da informação dos campos 43 e 44 foram de 73,3% e 74,5% nestes municípios. Em 132 investigações realizadas foram identificados quatro óbitos ocorridos durante o ciclo gravídico-puerperal, todos classificados como prioritários para a investigação, e três deles foram recertificados como óbitos maternos. A metodologia de definição de prioridade de investigação desenvolvida mostrou-se adequada.

INTRODUCTION: Different approaches have been developed in order to deal with maternal mortality. In 2008 the Brazilian Ministry of Health made mandatory the investigation of all deaths of women of reproductive age. So far, completeness of investigation has not been thoroughly accomplished in the State of Rio de Janeiro (RJ) due to the constrained capacity of public health services to investigate the large number of eligible deaths. Our aim was to develop a strategy to improve the selection of deaths of women of reproductive age for investigation under maternal death surveillance. METHODS: The study population comprised all deaths of women of reproductive age that occurred in the counties of Belford Roxo and Niterói, RJ, between May and September of 2008. Deaths were classified according to priority for investigation, based on data regarding its underlying cause and relation to either pregnancy, delivery or puerperium, as registered in deaths certificate's fields 43 and 44 (related to maternal deaths). RESULTS: Data related to fields 43 and 44 was missing in around 47% of death certificates; following investigation it was recovered for approximately 74% of such deaths. Of the 132 deaths investigated, four occurred either during pregnancy, delivery or puerperium and were classified as priority for investigation, among which three were classified as maternal deaths. The strategy developed to improve the selection of deaths of women of reproductive age for investigation under maternal death surveillance was considered appropriate.

Seroprevalencia contra agentes ToRCH en mujeres indígenas en edad fértil, estado Zulia, Venezuela / Prevalence of infectious agents in indigenous women of childbearing age in Venezuela

Introducción. El termino ToRCH comprende a los patógenos Toxoplasma gondii, virus de la rubéola, citomegalovirus y virus herpes simple 1 y 2. En mujeres embarazadas expuestas pueden ser causa de abortos y malformaciones congénitas en el neonato. Objetivo. Determinar la seroprevalencia de infección por los agentes causantes del síndrome ToRCH en mujeres en edad fértil de algunas comunidades indígenas yukpa de Venezuela. Materiales y métodos. En el año 2007 fueron seleccionadas 109 muestras de 151 mujeres, en edades comprendidas entre 14 y 40 años. La detección de anticuerpos se hizo por el método de inmunoensayo enzimático indirecto o ELISA de Smartest Diagnostics™. Resultados. El 85,5 % presentó anticuerpos contra T. gondii, el 95,4 % para rubéola, el 75,2 % para citomegalovirus y el 97,2 % para el virus herpes simple 1 y 2. Se observa que el 21,1 % y el 30,2 % presentaron relación entre la variable aborto y las infecciones por citomegalovirus y virus herpes simple 1 y 2, respectivamente. Conclusiones. Existe alta seroprevalencia de infecciones por los agentes causantes del síndrome ToRCH en mujeres en edad fértil de la etnia indígena yukpa. Las condiciones sanitarias precarias y el consumo de agua contaminada con ooquistes, favorecen la adquisición de la infección por T. gondii. El hacinamiento, el inicio a temprana de edad de la actividad sexual y el número de parejas, pueden incidir en la presencia de citomegalovirus y virus herpes simple 1 y 2.

Introduction. The ToRCH syndrome includes the following infectious pathogens: Toxoplasma gondii, rubella, cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus 1 and 2. In susceptible pregnant women, these pathogens can cause abortions and congenital malformation in the newborn babies. Objective. The seroprevalence of infection by ToRCH agents was determined in women of childbearing age in several Venezuelan Yukpa indigenous communities. Material and methods. In 2007, 109 samples were selected from 151 women with an age range of 14 to 40 years old. The determination of antibodies against ToRCH agents was carried out through the indirect enzyme immunoassay technique by ELISA´s technique of Smartest Diagnostics. Results. Of the 109 samples, 85.5% presented antibodies against T. gondii, 95.4% for rubella, 75.2% for cytomegalovirus and 97.2% for and herpes simplex virus 1 and 2. A relationship between abortion and infection by cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus 1and 2 was noted in 21.1% and 30.2% of women presented, respectively. Conclusions. The findings show a high prevalence of ToRCH agents in women in childbearing age in Yukpa indigenous communities in Venezuela. Poor sanitary conditions and consumption of water contaminated with oocysts may be an important way of transmission of T. gondii. Overcrowding in the communities, sexual activity at an early age and number of partners and may be related to the presence of cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus HSV-1 and 2.

[Blood, fecundity, and contraceptive usage]. / Sangre, fertilidad y practicas anticonceptivas.

PIP: This work describes ethnographic and other evidence that lower class women in southern Brazil believe that the fertile period is simultaneous with or closely related to the menstrual period. Ethnographic reports from both rural and urban areas in southern Brazil, materials on the folklore of the area, and findings of an ongoing study of four lower class neighborhoods served by community health services indicate that nearly all lower class adults of both sexes believe that conception is possible if not most likely during the menstrual period. Menstrual blood is not viewed as actually a part of women, but as a fluid which remains in the uterus after fertilization or otherwise as something dirty that must be eliminated. The cultural model of the female body includes notions of opening to allow elimination of the menstrual fluid, closing after its departure, and states of wetness and heat. Numerous informants reported cases in which women became pregnant while using IUDs or in the interval between 21-day packets of oral contraceptive (OC) pills. The fact that OCs reduce the menstrual flow is viewed as problematic, because blood that should be eliminated is apparently retained. The IUD, which causes long menstrual periods and intermenstrual bleeding, is also viewed with suspicion since it appears impossible to prevent pregnancy when there is actually greater flow. Irregular and incorrect use of OCs and very limited acceptance of IUDs may be factors in the growing demand for female sterilization and in the very high rates of illegal abortion.^ieng

A prospective multicentre trial of the ovulation method of natural family planning. II. The effectiveness phase.

A five-country prospective study was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of the ovulation method of natural family planning. After successful completion of a teaching phase of three cycles, 725 subjects entered a 13-cycle effectiveness phase and contributed 7514 cycles of observation. The overall cumulative net probability of discontinuation for the effectiveness study after 13 cycles was 35.6%, 19.6% due to pregnancy. Pregnancy rates per 100 woman-years calculated using the modified Pearl index were as follows: conscious departure from the rules of the method, 15.4; inaccurate application of instructions, 3.5; method failure, 2.8; inadequate teaching, 0.4; and uncertain, 0.5.

PIP: A 5 country prospective study was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of the ovulation method of natural family planning. 869 subjects of proven fertility from 5 centers (Auckland, Bangalore, Dublin, Manila, and San Miguel) entered the teaching phase of 3-6 cycles; 765 (88%) completed the phase. 725 subjects entered a 13-cycle effectiveness phase and contributed 7514 cycles of observation. The overall cumulative net probability of discontinuation for the effectiveness study after 13 cycles was 35.6%, 19.6% due to pregnancy. Pregnancy rates per 100 woman-years calculated using the modified Pearl index were as follows: conscious departure from the rules of the method, 15.4; inaccurate application of instructions, 3.5; method failure, 2.8; inadequate teaching, 0.4; and uncertain, 0.5. Cycle characteristics included: 1) average duration of the fertile period of 9.6 days, 2) mean of 13.5 days occurred from the mucus peak to the end of the cycle, 3) a mean of 15.4 days of abstinence was required, and 4) a mean of 13.1 days of intercourse was permitted. Almost all women were able to identify the fertile period by observing their cervical mucus but pregnancy rates ranged from 27.9 in Australia and 26.9 in Dublin to 12.8 in Manila. Continuation was relatively high ranging from 52% in Auckland to 74% in Bangalore.