Health education intervention in early and late postmenopausal Brazilian women.

AIM: To identify aspects of health in postmenopausal Brazilian women using a health-related educational program provided by a multidisciplinary team as part of the primary care approach for early and late postmenopausal symptoms. DESIGN: A prospective cohort was formed with 69 postmenopausal women; they were divided into groups corresponding to early (n = 32) and late postmenopause (n = 37) through gynecological and clinical evaluations. We administered the Kuppermann-Blatt Menopausal Index and the Women's Health Questionnaire before and after health education instructions. RESULTS: The average age for the onset of menopause was 47.9 years (n = 69). Fifty women (72.5%) in this study had completed their primary education, 78.3% (n = 54) performed manual labor, and 60.9% (n = 42) showed concomitant chronic illnesses. After attending a series of health-related presentations, the mean weight of the women was reduced by 3.54% in early postmenopausal women (p < 0.001) and by 2.06% in the late postmenopausal group (p < 0.001). The mean abdominal circumference was reduced by 1.75% (p < 0.001) in the early postmenopausal group. In addition, the total score in the Kuppermann-Blatt Menopausal Index decreased by 34.38% in the early and by 33.33% in the late postmenopausal groups. According to the Women's Health Questionnaire, there was a decrease in the domain Depressive mood by 0.839 to 0.700 (p < 0.001) in the early and by 0.814 to 0.648 (p < 0.001) in the late postmenopausal groups. CONCLUSION: Regardless of improving menopausal symptoms and anthropometric parameters, the effects of the multidisciplinary team activities in early postmenopausal women may be similar to those in late postmenopausal women.

Multidisciplinary approach during menopausal transition and postmenopause in Brazilian women.

OBJECTIVE: To identify clinical, physical, life quality and nutritional aspects of Brazilian women during menopausal transition and postmenopausal periods. METHODS: 115 women agreed to participate in the study. They were divided into two groups: GI--menopausal transition (n = 48) and GII--postmenopause (n = 67). The Kupperman-Blatt Menopausal Index (IMK) and Women's Health Questionnaire (WHQ), Food Frequency Questionnaire and functional capacity were used. All patients were examined and underwent clinical and gynecological examination. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in IMK, WHQ and functional capacity in either group. There was a higher caloric intake, especially in sugars, in postmenopause women than in menopausal transition women. Both groups presented reduced parameters in life quality and functional capacity. CONCLUSION: Our data suggests that there is no significant difference between women in menopausal transition and postmenopause, except in relation to the nutritional parameter. In both groups, the women presented low quality of life and reduced functional capacity.

[Neonatal heart failure and Marfan syndrome]. / Insuficiência cardíaca neonatal e síndrome de Marfan.

We report the case of a neonate admitted to the hospital in the 4th day of life in severe heart failure due to aortic and mitral regurgitation with a largely dilated aortic root. The associated skeletal features involving the superior and inferior limbs as well as the thorax, and joint hypermobility, allowed the clinical diagnosis of Marfan syndrome. Despite favorable initial response to medical therapy, sudden deterioration led to death two weeks after birth. Typical necroscopic findings were confirmed and the case is considered the most severe clinical manifestation possible to be found in this syndrome.