Prevalence of and Factors Associated With High Blood Pressure at 15 Years of Age: A Birth Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Arterial hypertension is the greatest cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of and factors associated with high blood pressure (HBP) among adolescents. METHODS AND RESULTS: The Pelotas 2004 Birth Cohort included 4231 newborns from hospital births in Pelotas, Brazil. A digital automatic OMRON sphygmomanometer (model HEM 742) was used to measure blood pressure on 3 occasions (at 6, 11, and 15 years of age). Those with blood pressure ≥95th percentile for age, height, and sex on each of the 3 occasions were considered as presenting HBP. Independent variables included family (income and history of arterial hypertension), maternal (schooling, age, pregestational body mass index, and smoking during pregnancy), and adolescent characteristics at birth (sex, skin color, gestational age, intrauterine growth, and systolic and diastolic genetic factors), and at 15 years (sleep, physical activity, sodium intake, screen time, work, body mass index, fat mass index, fat-free mass index, growth pattern, and puberty status). The prevalence of HBP (95% CI) was calculated. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) stratified by sex were obtained by logistic regression. A total of 1417 adolescents with complete information on blood pressure on the 3 occasions were analyzed. The prevalence of HBP was 3.2% (95% CI, 1.9%-4.5%) in female adolescents and 4.3% (95% CI, 2.8%-5.8%) in male adolescents. Female adolescents with a family history of arterial hypertension had a 3 times higher chance of HBP than their counterparts (OR, 3.1 [95% CI, 1.26-7.54]). In male adolescents, excessive maternal pregestational weight was associated with a 2.3-fold increase in the chance of HBP. In both sexes, excessive adolescent weight was associated with HBP (ORs, 3.5 and 5.0, for female and male adolescents, respectively). A higher fat mass index and fat-free mass index in female (ORs, 1.4 and 1.2, respectively) and male adolescents (ORs, 2.5 and 3.0, respectively) increased the chance of HBP. Among male adolescents, the chance of HBP was higher among those with rapid weight gain between 48 months and 6 years and between 6 and 11 years and rapid height gain between 6 and 11 years. CONCLUSIONS: Higher fat mass in both sexes and rapid weight gain in male adolescents are risk factors for HBP in adolescents aged 15 years, potentially amenable to prevention.

Pre-, Peri-, and Postnatal Risk for the Development of Enamel Defects in Permanent Dentition: A Birth Cohort in Southern Brazil.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to find potential risk factors associated with the occurrence of developmental defects of enamel (DDE) in permanent dentition of a birth cohort in Southern Brazil. Methods: This study is a 2004 birth cohort carried out in the city of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. A subsample of 996 children was clinically examined at 12 to 13 years of age. The pre- and perinatal variables used for this study were: twin pregnancy; type of delivery; prematurity; birth weight; Apgar score in the first and fifth minute; health problems at birth; and intensive care unit admission at birth. Gender and family income variables were also collected. Some postnatal variables were collected: "hospitalization in the first 24 months"; "breastfeeding"; "respiratory diseases in the first 48 months"; "urinary infection in the first 48 months"; and "ear pain in the first 48 months." To assess an association between the presence of DDE and various risk factors, unadjusted and adjusted Poisson regression with robust variance was performed with a respective prevalence ratio. Results: The prevalence of DDE was 40.8 percent. The variables investigated did not present a statistical association with DDE. Conclusion: No association of developmental defects of enamel in permanent dentition with any of the factors investigated in this study was found.

Validity of partial protocols to evaluate the prevalence of developmental defects of enamel in permanent dentition: a birth cohort study in Southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the validity of partial protocols (PP) to assess the prevalence of developmental defects of enamel (DDE) in permanent teeth and identify the strength of the association between DDE and some risk factors, using PP compared to the full-mouth (FM) exam. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted in a population-based birth cohort of children born in 2004 in Pelotas, Southern Brazil. Socioeconomic, demographic, pre-, per-, and post-birth variables were collected. A subsample of 994 children was clinically examined for DDE in 2017, using the modified DDE index, using the "full- mouth" (FM) protocol. After FM had been performed, a dataset was created. Two different partial protocols (PP) were simulated from FM data: "only buccal surfaces (BS)" and "incisive and molars only (IM)." Sensitivity, absolute and relative bias, and inflation factors were calculated. RESULTS: For any DDE, FM had prevalence of 40.8%. The prevalence of DDE was 38.8% and 36.0%, for BS and IM protocols, respectively. When tested for any DDE, PP "BS" and "IM" showed high sensitivity. The underestimation of the true prevalence did not exceed 6.9% for PP "BS" and 16.1% for PP "IM." All protocols showed similar magnitude of association with the selected risk factors. CONCLUSION: Both PP "BS" and "IM" can be used to estimate the prevalence of DDE in epidemiological studies. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Oral health surveys now have the option of using PP to collect DDE prevalence and investigate their association with risk factors, being less time-consuming, expensive, and labor intensive.

Ultra-processed food consumption by children from a Pelotas Birth Cohort.

OBJECTIVE: Assessing the regular consumption of ultra-processed foods by children at 24 months of age from the 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort and the main demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral factors related to the consumption of these products. METHODS: Population-based cohort in the city of Pelotas, RS, where 4,275 children were assessed at birth and 95.4% of them were followed up until 24 months of age. Food consumption was assessed by a questionnaire on regular consumption of ultra-processed foods, which collected information regarding sex, household income, maternal skin color, schooling level, and age, the child attending day care and having siblings, breastfeeding status, and obesity. The outcome was the sum of ultra-processed foods regularly consumed by a child. A multivariate Poisson regression analysis was used to calculate the association between the regular consumption of ultra-processed foods and exposure variables. RESULTS: The mean number of ultra-processed foods consumed was 4.8 (SD = 2.3). The regular consumption of ultra-processed foods was positively associated with black skin color and having siblings, and negatively associated with household income and maternal schooling level and age. CONCLUSION: The mean regular consumption of ultra-processed foods by children from the 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort is high, which can negatively affect the children's diet. The risk of consuming this kind of food was higher among children from families of lower socioeconomic status, whose mothers present lower education level, black skin color, and younger age.

Avaliação das internações dos recém-nascidos em uma UTI Neonatal durante uma pandemia / Evaluación de las hospitalizaciones de recién nacidos en una UCI Neonatal durante una pandemia / Assessment of hospitalizations of newborns in a Neonatal ICU during a pandemic

Objetivo: Avaliar as características das internações de recém-nascidos em uma unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal do extremo sul do Brasil durante um curto período de tempo. Método: Estudo observacional, com 85 neonatos, por dados secundários de pacientes internados na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal, nos meses de maio de 2020 a outubro de 2020. Resultados: A prevalência das internações foi do sexo masculino, com diagnóstico de prematuridade, que pesavam entre 1500g e 2499g, não receberam leite materno na primeira hora de vida, receberam visitas dos pais, colo e leite materno durante a internação. As mães tinham mais de 6 consultas de pré-natal e os bebês nasceram de cesárea. Conclusão: O atendimento prestado de forma holística, baseado na ciência e maneira humanizada aos recém-nascidos e aos pais, pode reduzir a mortalidade infantil, trazer maior segurança aos pais e confi ança na equipe assistencial, além de evitar complicações futuras no desenvolvimento infantil.

Objetivo: Evaluar las características de las hospitalizaciones de recién nacidos en una unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales en el extremo sur de Brasil durante un corto período de tiempo. Método: Estudio observacional, con 85 neonatos, con base en datos secundarios de pacientes hospitalizados en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatales, de mayo de 2020 a octubre de 2020. Resultados: La prevalencia de hospitalizaciones fue del sexo masculino, con diagnóstico de prematuridad, que pesaron entre 1500g y 2499g, no recibió leche materna en la primera hora de vida, recibió visitas de los padres, regazo y leche materna durante la hospitalización. Las madres tuvieron más de 6 consultas prenatales y los bebés nacieron por cesárea. Conclusión: La atención brindada de forma holística, basada en la ciencia y de forma humanizada a los recién nacidos y a los padres, puede reducir la mortalidad infantil, brindar mayor seguridad a los padres y confianza en el equipo de atención, además de prevenir futuras complicaciones en el desarrollo del niño.

Objective: To evaluate the characteristics of hospitalizations of newborns in a neonatal intensive care unit in the extreme south of Brazil during a short period of time. Method: Observational study, with 85 neonates, based on secondary data from patients hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, from May 2020 to October 2020. Results: The prevalence of hospitalizations was male, with a diagnosis of prematurity, who weighed between 1500g and 2499g, did not receive breast milk in the first hour of life, received visits from parents, lap and breast milk during hospitalization. The mothers had more than 6 prenatal consultations and the babies were born by cesarean section. Conclusion: The care provided in a holistic way, based on science and in a humanized way to newborns and parents, can reduce infant mortality, bring greater security to parents and confidence in the care team, in addition to preventing future complications in child development.

Ultra-processed food consumption by children from a Pelotas Birth Cohort / Consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados por crianças de uma Coorte de Nascimentos de Pelotas

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE Assessing the regular consumption of ultra-processed foods by children at 24 months of age from the 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort and the main demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral factors related to the consumption of these products. METHODS Population-based cohort in the city of Pelotas, RS, where 4,275 children were assessed at birth and 95.4% of them were followed up until 24 months of age. Food consumption was assessed by a questionnaire on regular consumption of ultra-processed foods, which collected information regarding sex, household income, maternal skin color, schooling level, and age, the child attending day care and having siblings, breastfeeding status, and obesity. The outcome was the sum of ultra-processed foods regularly consumed by a child. A multivariate Poisson regression analysis was used to calculate the association between the regular consumption of ultra-processed foods and exposure variables. RESULTS The mean number of ultra-processed foods consumed was 4.8 (SD = 2.3). The regular consumption of ultra-processed foods was positively associated with black skin color and having siblings, and negatively associated with household income and maternal schooling level and age. CONCLUSION The mean regular consumption of ultra-processed foods by children from the 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort is high, which can negatively affect the children's diet. The risk of consuming this kind of food was higher among children from families of lower socioeconomic status, whose mothers present lower education level, black skin color, and younger age.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Avaliar o consumo habitual de alimentos ultraprocessados aos 24 meses de idade por crianças pertencentes à Coorte de Nascimentos de Pelotas de 2015 e os principais fatores demográficos, socioeconômicos e comportamentais relacionados ao consumo desses produtos. MÉTODOS Coorte de base populacional na cidade de Pelotas-RS, onde foram avaliadas 4.275 crianças ao nascimento, das quais 95,4% foram acompanhadas até os 24 meses. O consumo alimentar foi avaliado por meio de um questionário de consumo habitual de alimentos ultraprocessados, coletando informações sobre sexo, renda familiar, cor da pele, escolaridade e idade da mãe, frequentar creche, ter irmãos, status de amamentação e obesidade. O desfecho foi a somatória de alimentos ultraprocessados consumidos habitualmente pela criança. Análise multivariada por regressão de Poisson foi utilizada para estimar a associação entre consumo habitual de alimentos ultraprocessados e as variáveis de exposição. RESULTADOS O número médio de alimentos ultraprocessados consumidos habitualmente foi de 4,8 (DP = 2,3). O consumo habitual de alimentos ultraprocessados foi associado positivamente à cor da pele preta e ter irmãos e negativamente associado com renda familiar, escolaridade e idade materna. CONCLUSÕES A média de consumo habitual de alimentos ultraprocessados por crianças pertencentes à Coorte de Nascimentos de 2015 da cidade de Pelotas é elevada, o que pode causar um efeito negativo na dieta das crianças. O risco de consumo desses alimentos foi maior entre crianças de famílias de menor posição socioeconômica, filhas de mães de baixa escolaridade, de cor da pele preta, mais jovens e de baixa renda.

Analysis of early and late maternal complications associated with delivery using propensity score.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze early and late maternal complications associated with the mode of delivery in a birth cohort in Brazil, using the propensity score technique for analysis. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study, using data from the Pelotas Birth Cohort, RS, 2004. A total of 4,189 women were included and a descriptive analysis of the data and subsequent calculation of the propensity and pairing score of vaginal delivery women and cesarean delivery women with similar scores (1,366 pairs). We then assessed the difference in outcome risk between the groups. RESULTS: Women in the cesarean group had 2.9 percentage points (pp) more risk of postpartum infection, 1.13 p.p. more risk of urinary infection, 1.10 p.p. more risk of anesthetic complications and 1.24 p.p. higher risk of headache compared to vaginal delivery, but less risk of anemia (-2.43 pp) and hemorrhoids (-1.24 p.p.). The use of propensity scores is extremely useful for reducing bias and increasing accuracy in observational studies when experimental studies cannot be performed. CONCLUSION: Cesarean sections have been associated with a higher prevalence of postpartum and urinary tract infections, anesthetic complications and headache and lower prevalence of anemia and hemorrhoids, so they should be performed with clear indications and when their benefits outweigh potential risks.

Analysis of early and late maternal complications associated with delivery using propensity score / Análise das complicações maternas precoces e tardias associadas à via de parto utilizando escore de propensão

ABSTRACT: Objective: To analyze early and late maternal complications associated with the mode of delivery in a birth cohort in Brazil, using the propensity score technique for analysis. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study, using data from the Pelotas Birth Cohort, RS, 2004. A total of 4,189 women were included and a descriptive analysis of the data and subsequent calculation of the propensity and pairing score of vaginal delivery women and cesarean delivery women with similar scores (1,366 pairs). We then assessed the difference in outcome risk between the groups. Results: Women in the cesarean group had 2.9 percentage points (pp) more risk of postpartum infection, 1.13 p.p. more risk of urinary infection, 1.10 p.p. more risk of anesthetic complications and 1.24 p.p. higher risk of headache compared to vaginal delivery, but less risk of anemia (-2.43 pp) and hemorrhoids (-1.24 p.p.). The use of propensity scores is extremely useful for reducing bias and increasing accuracy in observational studies when experimental studies cannot be performed. Conclusion: Cesarean sections have been associated with a higher prevalence of postpartum and urinary tract infections, anesthetic complications and headache and lower prevalence of anemia and hemorrhoids, so they should be performed with clear indications and when their benefits outweigh potential risks.

RESUMO: Objetivo: Analisar as complicações maternas precoces e tardias, associadas à via de parto, em uma coorte de nascimentos no Brasil, utilizando para a análise a técnica de escores de propensão. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo do tipo coorte prospectiva, utilizando dados da Coorte de Nascimentos de Pelotas (RS), de 2004. Incluíram-se 4.189 mulheres, e realizaram-se análise descritiva dos dados e posterior cálculo do escore de propensão e pareamento das mulheres de parto vaginal com as mulheres de parto cesárea com escores semelhantes (1.366 pares), avaliando a diferença no risco do desfecho entre os grupos. Resultados: As mulheres do grupo cesárea apresentaram 2,9 pontos percentuais (p.p.) a mais de risco de infecção pós-parto, 1,13 p.p. a mais de risco de infecção urinária, 1,10 p.p. a mais de risco de complicações anestésicas e 1,24 p.p. a mais de risco de cefaleia que as de parto vaginal, porém apresentaram menor risco de anemia (-2,43 p.p.) e hemorroidas (-1,24 p.p.). A utilização de escores de propensão é extremamente útil para a redução de vieses e o aumento da precisão em estudos observacionais, quando estudos experimentais não podem ser realizados. Conclusão: As cesáreas associaram-se a maiores prevalências de infecções pós-parto e urinária, complicações anestésicas e cefaleia e menores prevalências de anemia e hemorroidas, portanto devem ser realizadas com indicações claras e quando seus benefícios superam potenciais riscos.

Eosinophilic esophagitis-Where are we today? / Esofagite eosinofílica - Qual é a nossa posição atual?

Abstract Objective: The objective of this review is to provide an overview of the practical diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to eosinophilic esophagitis and to increase the visibility of the disease among pediatricians. Sources: A search of the MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL databases and recent consensus statements and guidelines were performed. Summary of the findings: The definition of eosinophilic esophagitis is based on symptoms and histology. It is important to rule out other diseases associated with esophageal eosinophil-predominant inflammation. It is not yet clear whether the increased prevalence is due to a real increase in incidence or a result of increased awareness of the disease. Various options for management have been used in pediatric patients, including proton pump inhibitors, dietary restriction therapies, swallowed topical steroids, and endoscopic dilations. More recently, proton pump inhibitor-responsive esophageal eosinophilia and eosinophilic esophagitis have been contemplated on the same spectrum, and proton pump inhibitors should be considered the initial step in the treatment of these patients. Conclusions: Eosinophilic esophagitis is a relatively new disease with a remarkable progression of its incidence and prevalence in the past two to three decades, and diagnostic criteria that are constantly evolving. It is important to better understand the pathogenesis of the disease, the predisposing factors, the natural history, and the categorization of varying phenotypes to develop diagnostic and therapeutic strategies that meet the clinical needs of patients.

Resumo Objetivo: Fornecer uma visão geral do diagnóstico e do tratamento da esofagite eosinofílica na prática clínica e aumentar a visibilidade da doença entre os pediatras. Fontes dos dados: Foi feita uma busca na literatura relevante nos bancos de dados Medline, Embase, CINAHL e consensos e diretrizes recentes foram revisados. Síntese dos dados: A definição de esofagite eosinofílica é baseada nos sintomas e na histologia. É importante excluir outras doenças associadas com inflamação esofágica predominantemente eosinofílica. Ainda não está claro se o aumento na prevalência é devido a um real aumento da incidência ou se é o resultado da maior suspeição diagnóstica. Várias opções para tratamento, inclusive inibidores de bomba de prótons, restrições dietéticas, esteroides tópicos deglutidos e dilatações endoscópicas têm sido usadas em pacientes pediátricos. Mais recentemente a eosinofilia esofágica responsiva a inibidores de bomba de prótons e a esofagite eosinofílica têm sido contempladas no mesmo espectro e os inibidores de bomba de prótons devem ser considerados como opção inicial no tratamento desses pacientes. Conclusões: A esofagite eosinofílica é uma doença relativamente nova com uma notável progressão da incidência e prevalência nas últimas 2-3 décadas e critérios diagnósticos estão em evolução constante. É importante entender melhor a patogênese dessa doença, os fatores predisponentes, a história natural e a categorização dos diferentes fenótipos para desenvolver estratégias diagnósticas e terapêuticas que vão ao encontro das necessidades clínicas dos pacientes.

Eosinophilic esophagitis-Where are we today?

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to provide an overview of the practical diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to eosinophilic esophagitis and to increase the visibility of the disease among pediatricians. SOURCES: A search of the MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL databases and recent consensus statements and guidelines were performed. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: The definition of eosinophilic esophagitis is based on symptoms and histology. It is important to rule out other diseases associated with esophageal eosinophil-predominant inflammation. It is not yet clear whether the increased prevalence is due to a real increase in incidence or a result of increased awareness of the disease. Various options for management have been used in pediatric patients, including proton pump inhibitors, dietary restriction therapies, swallowed topical steroids, and endoscopic dilations. More recently, proton pump inhibitor-responsive esophageal eosinophilia and eosinophilic esophagitis have been contemplated on the same spectrum, and proton pump inhibitors should be considered the initial step in the treatment of these patients. CONCLUSIONS: Eosinophilic esophagitis is a relatively new disease with a remarkable progression of its incidence and prevalence in the past two to three decades, and diagnostic criteria that are constantly evolving. It is important to better understand the pathogenesis of the disease, the predisposing factors, the natural history, and the categorization of varying phenotypes to develop diagnostic and therapeutic strategies that meet the clinical needs of patients.

Pulse Wave Velocity at Early Adulthood: Breastfeeding and Nutrition during Pregnancy and Childhood.

BACKGROUND: Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is an early marker of arterial stiffness. Low birthweight, infant feeding and childhood nutrition have been associated with cardiovascular disease in adulthood. In this study, we evaluated the association of PWV at 30 years of age with birth condition and childhood nutrition, among participants of the 1982 Pelotas birth cohort. METHODS: In 1982, the hospital births in Pelotas, southern Brazil, were identified just after delivery. Those liveborn infants whose family lived in the urban area of the city were examined and have been prospectively followed. At 30 years of age, we tried to follow the whole cohort and PWV was assessed in 1576 participants. RESULTS: Relative weight gain from 2 to 4 years was positively associated with PWV. Regarding nutritional status in childhood, PWV was higher among those whose weight-for-age z-score at 4 years was >1 standard deviation above the mean. On the other hand, height gain, birthweight and duration of breastfeeding were not associated with PWV. CONCLUSION: Relative weight gain after 2 years of age is associated with increased PWV, while birthweight and growth in the first two years of life were not associated. These results suggest that the relative increase of weight later in childhood is associated with higher cardiovascular risk.

Carotid intima-media thickness at age 30, birth weight, accelerated growth during infancy and breastfeeding: a birth cohort study in Southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) at age 30 and birth characteristics, growth during infancy, and breastfeeding duration, among subjects who have been prospectively followed since birth. METHODS AND RESULTS: In 1982, all births in the city of Pelotas, southern Brazil, were identified and those children (n = 5,914) whose families lived in the urban area of the city have been followed and evaluated at several time points. The cohort participants were evaluated in 2012-13, and IMT was measured at the posterior wall of the right and left common carotid arteries in longitudinal planes using ultrasound imaging. We obtained valid IMT measurements for 3,188 individuals. Weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) at age 2 years, weight-for-height z-score (WHZ) at age 4, height-for-age z-score (HAZ) at 4 years, WAZ at age 4 and relative conditional weight at 4 years were positively associated with IMT, even after controlling for confounding variables. The beta-coefficient associated with ≥ 1 s.d. WAZ at age 2 (compared to those with a <-1 s.d.) was 3.62 µm (95% CI 0.86 to 6.38). The beta-coefficient associated with ≥ 1 s.d. WHZ at 4 (in relation to <-1 s.d) was 3.83 µm (95% CI 0.24 to 7.42). For HAZ at 4, the beta-coefficient for ≥ 1 s.d. in relation to <-1 s.d. was 4.19 µm (95% CI 1.14 to 7.25). For WAZ at 4, the beta-coefficient associated with ≥ 1 s.d. in relation to <-1 s.d. was 4.28 µm (95% CI 1.59 to 6.97). The beta-coefficient associated with conditional weight gain at age 2-4 was 1.26 µm (95% CI 0.49 to 2.02). CONCLUSION: IMT at age 30 was positively associated with WAZ at age 2 years, WHZ at age 4, HAZ at age 4, WAZ at age 4 and conditional weight gain at age 4 years.

HPV infection and cervical cancer: a review of screening and preventive strategies in developed countries and brazilian policies / Infecção por HPV e câncer cervical: uma revisão de triagem eestratégias preventivas nos países desenvolvidos e políticas brasileiras

Cervical cancer is currently the third malignance on number of female deaths in the world. Persistent HPV infection is the main agent involved in cervical cancer development, particularly of high risk (HR) HPV types 16 and 18, accountable for approximately 75% of cervical camcer cases. These aspect has increased demand for HPV detection molecular tests. Objectives: To summarize and update the current knowledge on HPV and cervical cancer screening techniques and, also, discuss HPV-related data and screening techniques in Brazil. Methods: We include articles published in the past 10 years, both in English and Portuguese. Scientific search engine as Scopus, Cochrane Library and Pubmed were used for the terms "cervical cancer", "HPV", "cervical carcinoma", "HPV vaccine". Only research articles and reviews were considered. Results: The most used techniques for HPV detection are PCR and Hybrid Capture 2(HC2). However, techniques for detection of HPV E6/7 mRNA and p16INK4a have been developed, which are still being validated. These tests may help distinguished transient from persistent HPV infections. Conclusion: To reduce the number of cervical cancer cases, screening strategies could be adjusted to contain the best combination of cytological and molecular tests. The ideal screening strategy requireshigh sensitivity to minimize false negative results, and high specificity, to avoid false positives and over referral. Optimization may be achieved by using by co-testing, combining HPV genotyoing and cytology triage with low-grade intraepithelial lesions (LSILs) or with atypical squamous cells of undertermined significance (ASC-US). Besides, strategies to prevent cervical cancer cases include HPV vaccination.

O câncer do colo uterino é a terceira causa de morte em mulheres no mundo. Infecção persistente pelo HPV é o principal fator no desenvolvimento do câncer de colo uterino, particularmente HPV de alto risco (AR), tipos 16 e 18, responsáveis por, aproximadamente, 75% dos casos de câncer de colo uterino. Este conhecimento incrementou a demanda de testes moleculares para detecção de HPV. Objetivos: Sumarizar e atualizar o conhecimento atual em técnicas diagnósticas para HPV e rastreamento de câncer cervical, e discutir dados a respeito do diagnóstico de HPV e métodos de rastreamento no Brasil. Métodos: Foram incluídos artigos originais ou revisões publicados nos últimos 10 anos, em inglês e português, utilizando as bases de dados Scopus, Cochrane Library and Pubmed, e os termos "cervical cancer", "HPV", "cervical carcinoma", "HPV vaccine". Resultados: As técnicas mais utilizadas para a detecção de HPV são a PCR e a captura híbrida. Contudo, técnicas para detecção de RNAm de HPV E6/7 e p16NK4 já foram desenvolvidas estando em fase de validação. Estes testes poderão auxiliar na distinção de infecções transientes e persistentes. Conclusão: Para reduzir o número de casos de câncer cervical, estratégias de rastreamento podem ser ajustadas para a melhor combinação de testes citológicos e moleculares. Estratégias de rastreamento ideais requerem alta sensibilidade, minimizando resultados falsos positivos e excesso de encaminhamentos. A otimização pode ser obtida combinando testes de genotipagem de HPV e triagens citológicas. Além disso, estratégias para prevenção de casos de câncer cervical incluem a vacinação contra o HPV.

Prevalência de infecção por HPV de alto risco em mulheres utilizando captura híbrida na prevenção do câncer do colo do útero no sul do Brasil / Prevalence of infection with high-risk HPV in women using hybrid capture conducting prevention of cervical cancer in south ern Brazil

Sabe-se que infecções por HPV de alto risco (HPV AR) estão ligadas ao desenvolvimento de câncer cervical. objetivo: Esse estudo teve como objetivo quantificar a prevalência de infecções por HPV em mulheres da metade sul do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, correlacionando fatores associados ao desenvolvimento de lesões precursoras e câncer cervical. Métodos: Para tanto, 643 mulheres foram incluídas no estudo, preenchendo um questionário padronizado e submetidas aos exames de citologia, colposcopia e HPV AR (Captura Híbrida 2). resultados: A maioria das pacientes tinha idade entre 20 e 39 anos (70,6%), houve decréscimo na porcentagem de fumantes de 23% para 11% e a média de idade ao início da vida sexual era de 18 anos. A prevalência de HPV AR é correlacionada com idades mais jovens, com menos pacientes infectadas por HPV AR quando estas eram mais velhas no momento do início da atividade sexual. Prevalência próxima a 70% foi observada em mulheres que tiveram 4 ou mais parceiros sexuais. Resultados citológicos e colposcológicos alterados tiveram taxas significativamente mais altas de infecção por HPV AR. 334 mulheres foram encaminhadas à biópsia. Destas, 321 tiveram resultados de colposcopia alterados e citopatologia ASC-US/AGC-US, LSILs e HSILs, com 231 biópsias realizadas neste estudo. Nenhum dos resultados indicou câncer. O teste de CH2 mostrou mais especificade do que a citologia, com altos valores preditivos positivos e negativos (49,8% e 78,6%, respectivamente). conclusão: A inclusão de testes para HPV AR nos programas de triagem no Brasil, de acordo com as políticas internacionais, levará à redução de biópsias em mulheres não infectadas e aumentará o intervalo entre exames.

High-risk Human Papillomavirus (HR HPV) infection is known to be linked to cervical cancer, with molecular biology tests being an important tool in diagnosis. objective: This study is aimed to quantify the prevalence of HPV infection in women from the Southern part of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, correlating factors associated with the development of precursor lesions and of cervical cancer. Methods: 643 women were enrolled in the study, by filling out a standardized questionnaire and undergoing cytology, colposcopy, and HR HPV Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2) tests. results: Most patients were aged between 20 to 39 years (70.6%), this decreased the percentage of smokers from 23% to 11%. The average age of sexual debut through the period studied was of 18 years old. HR HPV prevalence was correlated with younger ages, with fewer patients infected by HR HPV when they were older at first sexual activity. Almost 70% prevalence of infection was observed in women who had 4 or more sexual partners. Altered cytology and colposcopy results had significantly higher rates of HR HPV infection. 334 women were referred for biopsy. Of those, 321 had altered colposcopy results and cytopathology of ASC-US/AGC-US, LSILs and HSILs, with 231 biopsies performed by the study. None of the results indicated cervical cancer. HC2 showed higher specificity than cytology, with high positive and negative prediction values (49.8% and 78.6%, respectively).conclusion: The inclusion of HR HPV testing in screening programs in Brazil, according to international policies, will lead to fewer biopsies in women without infection and increased interval between screenings.