Resumo Objetivo: Estabelecer valores de referência ultrassonográficos de volumes tireoidianos em crianças de até três anos de idade, por ser exame essencial no diagnóstico de doença tireoidiana infantil. Materiais e Métodos: Trata-se de estudo prospectivo conduzido em cidade do sudeste brasileiro suficiente em iodo. Participaram 100 crianças saudáveis, submetidas a exame clinicoantropométrico e ultrassonografia cervical seguindo protocolos convencionais. Características como ecotextura e volumes dos lobos e da tireoide total foram obtidos. Segundo a idade, as crianças foram distribuídas em cinco grupos: < 2 meses; 2-12 meses; 12-18 meses; 18-24 meses; e 24-36 meses. Resultados: No grupo < 2 meses os volumes tireoidianos foram menores (p < 0,001) do que nos demais (0,4 mL; 0,18-0,70 mL). Além dessa idade, o volume total médio foi 1,0 mL (0,30-2,0 mL) e não diferiu entre os grupos. Não foram observadas diferenças entre lobos ou relacionadas a gênero. Houve correlação (r = 0,347; p = 0,001) entre índice de massa corporal e volume total. Conclusão: As dimensões tireoidianas foram menores até dois meses (0,35 ± 0,16 mL), e a partir dessa idade os mesmos valores de referência podem ser usados até 36 meses (0,85 ± 0,42 mL). Tais dados podem orientar a investigação diagnóstica, especialmente no hipotireoidismo congênito.

Abstract Objective: To establish ultrasound reference values for thyroid volumes in children up to 3 years of age, given that ultrasound of the thyroid is an essential examination in the diagnosis of childhood thyroid disease. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study conducted in an iodine-sufficient city in southeastern Brazil. A total of 100 healthy children underwent clinical evaluation, anthropometric examination, and cervical ultrasound in accordance with conventional protocols. We evaluated characteristics such as echotexture, thyroid lobe volume, and total thyroid volume. The children were divided into five groups, by age: < 2 months; 2-12 months; 12-18 months; 18-24 months; and 24-36 months. Results: The mean thyroid volume was lower in the < 2 month age group than in the other groups (0.4 mL vs. 0.18-0.70 mL; p < 0.001). For the subjects between 2 and 36 months of age, the mean volume was 1.0 mL (range, 0.30-2.0 mL). No other significant differences were observed between groups, thyroid lobes, or gender. However, body mass index correlated significantly with total thyroid volume (r = 0.347; p = 0.001). Conclusion: The mean thyroid dimensions were smallest in the < 2 month age group (0.35 ± 0.16 mL). For the subjects between 2 and 36 months of age, a reference value of 0.85 ± 0.42 mL can be used. Our data could guide the diagnostic investigation of thyroid disease, especially congenital hypothyroidism, in childhood.

OBJECTIVE: There are no doubts about the clinical benefits of treatment with GnRH analogs for patients diagnosed with central precocious puberty (CPP). However, laboratory monitoring of CPP is still a matter of considerable controversy in the literature. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the cut-off values of stimulated LH that determine gonadotrophic suppression. METHODS: Twenty-four girls, on treatment with leuprorelin acetate (LA) at 3.75 mg IM every 28 days, were studied. The clinical parameters used to indicate clinical effectiveness were regression or maintenance of sexual characteristics according to the Tanner stage, growth velocity reduction, reduction or maintenance of the difference between bone age and chronological age and maintenance or improvement of the final height prediction. For the laboratory effectiveness test, basal estradiol, LH, and FSH levels were collected before and 1 and 2 h after the administration of 3.75 mg LA. RESULTS: Eleven girls showed improvement in all clinical parameters, and their effectiveness tests were compared to those of the other patients to calculate the cut-off values, which were ≤3.64 IU/L (p=0.004*) for LH after 1 h and ≤6.10 IU/L (p<0.001*) for LH after 2 h. CONCLUSION: The LH response after the LA stimulation test, associated with clinical data and within a context of CPP, constitutes a reliable and feasible resource and can assist in monitoring the effectiveness of treatment.

OBJECTIVE: Follow-up studies of girls with premature adrenarche have reported the development of polycystic ovary syndrome, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia and a propensity to cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to analyze the presence of these conditions in patients previously treated at the Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro. METHODS: A total of 130 medical records reported premature adrenarche. One hundred and twenty-two patients were invited to participate, of whom 54 accepted; 34 patients were selected, as they had reached their final height. Anthropometric, blood glucose, insulin, and lipid and hormonal profile (LH, FSH, estradiol, 17α-OH-progesterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, testosterone) data were obtained, the HOMA-IR index was calculated, and pelvic ultrasonography was performed. To characterize polycystic ovary syndrome and metabolic syndrome, the Rotterdam and International Diabetes Federation criteria, respectively, were used. Data were analyzed according to measures of dispersion, frequency and correlations of interest. RESULTS: The age of the participants ranged from 15.2 to 28.2 years/months; 23.5% of the patients were overweight, 11.8% were obese, 29.4% had a large waist circumference, and 8.8% were hypertensive. None of the patients had altered glucose levels, and insulin levels and HOMA-IR were elevated in 29.4% and 38.2% of the participants, respectively; 14.7% of the patients exhibited acanthosis nigricans. The lipid profiles of the participants were variable, and one patient (2.9%) had metabolic syndrome. Polycystic ovary syndrome was found in 41.2% of patients. CONCLUSION: The percentage of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome who also had overweight, obesity and insulin resistance corroborates the literature data about the need for follow-up aiming at interventions, especially for conditions associated with cardiometabolic risk.

RESUMO Introdução: Alguns autores encontraram relação estreita e positiva da religiosidade e espiritualidade com comportamentos saudáveis, resultando em saúde adequada. Além disso, dados da literatura sugerem que, de modo geral, as pessoas se apoiam em suas crenças para enfrentar momentos de dificuldades pessoais e coletivas. Os profissionais cujas práticas estão ligadas ao cuidado em saúde necessitam se capacitar para atender e respeitar as manifestações e necessidades dos pacientes no que se refere a religiosidade e espiritualidade. Objetivos: Investigar o que pensam os acadêmicos ingressantes no curso de Medicina e de outras áreas da saúde e humanas acerca do tema; identificar o papel e a importância da religiosidade e espiritualidade em suas vidas e futuras práticas profissionais. Metodologia: Trata-se de estudo quantitativo-qualitativo, descritivo, transversal, de amostra intencional. Entre fevereiro e abril de 2014, foi aplicado aos acadêmicos do primeiro período de Medicina, Biomedicina, Enfermagem, Fisioterapia, Terapia Ocupacional, Educação Física, Nutrição, Psicologia e Serviço Social um questionário que avaliou variáveis sociodemográficas e conceitos que envolvem religiosidade e espiritualidade e saúde. A análise dos dados empregou Qui-Quadrado clássico, feita pelo SPSS versão 2.0, e P < 0,05 foi considerado significante. Resultados: Foram selecionados 270 alunos, de 18 a 43 anos; entretanto, 183 preencheram o questionário, sendo a maioria do sexo feminino, de família convencional, cristã/católica, que herdou a religião dos pais; 78,6% (144/183) referiram afiliação religiosa, 43,5% (87/183) a exercem de forma organizacional. A maioria dos indivíduos considerou que a religiosidade e espiritualidade confere sentido a suas vidas, fortalece em momentos difíceis, traz benefícios à saúde, e considera importante a abordagem de temas relacionados em sua formação acadêmica, enquanto 31,4% (57/183) referiram que houve influência da religiosidade e espiritualidade na escolha profissional. Conclusão: Os alunos das áreas estudadas que ingressaram na Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro manifestaram características positivas relacionadas ao tema religiosidade e espiritualidade, e têm expectativa de uma abordagem mais integral e espiritual do homem na grade curricular.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Some authors have found close and positive relationship between religiosity and spirituality and healthy behaviors that result in good health. Furthermore, data drawn from the literature suggest that, in general, people rely on their beliefs to face moments of personal and collective difficulties. Professionals whose practices are linked to health care, need to be trained to meet and observe the needs of patients, in terms of religiosity and spirituality. Objective: To investigate what medical students as well as students in the health area think about this topic, in addition to identifying the role and importance they attribute to religiosity and spirituality in their lives and future professional practices. Methodology: This was a quantitative and qualitative, descriptive, cross intentional sample study. We applied a questionnaire to first-year students of medicine, biomedicine, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, physical education, nutrition, psychology and social service, which assessed socio-demographic variables and concepts involving religiosity and spirituality and health. For the data analysis, we used the Chi-Square test developed in SPSS version 2.0, and P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: We selected 270 students, aged between 18 and 43, however, only 183 completed the questionnaire. The majority of the respondents were female, who come from conventional Catholic and Christian families, and inherited their religion from their parents; 78.6% (144/183) report religious affiliation, 43.5% (87/183) practice it in a disciplined way. Most the individuals considered that R/S gives meaning to their lives, strengthens them in times of trouble and brings benefits to their health. They also consider religiosity and spirituality and issues related issues as very important to their academic background, whereas 31.4% (57/183) quoted that religiosity and spirituality have influenced their professional choice. Conclusion: Those who have become students at the Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro have a positive attitude towards religiosity and spirituality and expect a more comprhensive and spiritual approach towards their curriculum.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment of acromegaly patients at the Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro. METHODS: Cross-sectional and retrospective study of thirty cases treated over a period of two decades. RESULTS: 17 men (56.7%) aged 14-67 years and 13 women aged 14-86 years were analyzed. Twenty-one patients underwent transphenoidal surgery, whichwas associated with somatostatin receptor ligands in 11 patients (39.3%), somatostatin receptor ligands + radiotherapyin 5 patients (17.8%), radiotherapy in 3 patients (10.7%), and radiotherapy + somatostatin receptorligands + cabergoline in 1 patient (3.6%). Additionally, 2 patients underwent radiotherapy and surgeryalone. Six patients received somatostatin receptor ligands before surgery, and 2 were not treated due to refusal and death. Nine patients have died, and 20 are being followed; 13 (65%) have growth hormonelevels o1 ng/mL, and 11 have normal insulin-like growth factor 1 levels. CONCLUSION: The current treatment options enable patients seen in regional reference centers to achieve strict control parameters, which allows them to be treated close to their homes.