Resumo Investigar o impacto dos programas de tranferência de renda (CTs) nos desfechos ao nascer, incluindo peso ao nascer, baixo peso ao nascer e prematuridade, e crescimento físico infantil, avaliado pelos índices antropométricos de crianças menores de cinco anos. Revisão sistemática realizada nas bases de dados PubMed/Medline, Embase, LILACS, Cochrane Library, Scopus e Web of Science. Foram incluídos estudos quantitativos observacionais, experimentais e quasi-experimentais, com um total de 11 estudos na revisão. A maioria (81,8%) foi realizada em países de baixa e média rendas. Também na modalidade CT condicionais (63,6%). Quatro eram ensaios clínicos, e sete observacionais. Os CT condicionais estiveram associados a uma redução nos índices de altura-para-idade (-0,14; IC95% -0,27, -0,02); (OR 0,85; IC95% 0,77-0,94); (OR = 0,44; IC95% 0,19-0,98), redução significativa na chance de baixo peso-para-idade (OR = 0,16; IC95% -0,11-0,43), baixo peso-para-altura (OR = -0,68; IC95% -1,14, -0,21), e redução de peso para idade (OR = 0,27; IC95% 0,10; 0,71). CTs não condicionais foram associados à redução do baixo peso as nascer (RR = 0,71; IC95% 0,63-0,81; p < 0,0001), e de prematuros (RR = 0,76; IC95% 0,69-0,84; p < 0,0001). Os CTs condicionais podem influenciar positivamente os desfechos ao nascer e o crescimento infantil.

Abstract To investigate the impact of cash transfer (CTs) on birth outcomes, including birth weight, low birth weight and prematurity, as well as child physical growth were included, as assessed by anthropometric indices in children under five years of age. Searching was performed using the PubMed/Medline, Embase, LILACS, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Web of Science databases. Quantitative observational, experimental and quasi-experimental. Eleven studies were included in the review. The majority (81.8%) were carried out in low-and middle-income countries and most involved conditional CTs (63.6%). Four were clinical trials and seven were observational studies. Conditional CTs were found to be associated with a reduction in height-for-age (-0.14; 95%CI -0.27, -0.02); (OR 0.85; 95%CI 0.77-0.94); (OR = 0.44; 95%CI 0.19-0.98), a significantly reduced chance of low weight-for-age (OR = 0.16; 95%CI -0.11-0.43), low weight-for-height (OR = -0.68; 95%CI -1.14, -0.21), and low weight-for-age (OR = 0.27; 95%CI 0.10; 0.71). Unconditional CTs were associated with reduced birth weight (RR = 0.71; 95%CI 0.63-0.81; p < 0.0001) and preterm births (RR = 0.76; 95%CI 0.69-0.84; p < 0.0001). Conditional CTs can positively influence birth outcomes and child growth.

ABSTRACT This study proposes a strategy for large-scale testing among a large number of people for the early diagnosis of COVID-19 to elucidate the epidemiological situation. Pool testing involves the analysis of pooled samples. This study aimed to discuss a reverse transcription technique followed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction using pool testing to detect SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal swab samples. The study proposes an innovative diagnostic strategy that contributes to resource optimization, cost reduction, and improved agility of feedback from results.

Abstract To investigate the impact of cash transfer (CTs) on birth outcomes, including birth weight, low birth weight and prematurity, as well as child physical growth were included, as assessed by anthropometric indices in children under five years of age. Searching was performed using the PubMed/Medline, Embase, LILACS, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Web of Science databases. Quantitative observational, experimental and quasi-experimental. Eleven studies were included in the review. The majority (81.8%) were carried out in low-and middle-income countries and most involved conditional CTs (63.6%). Four were clinical trials and seven were observational studies. Conditional CTs were found to be associated with a reduction in height-for-age (-0.14; 95%CI -0.27, -0.02); (OR 0.85; 95%CI 0.77-0.94); (OR = 0.44; 95%CI 0.19-0.98), a significantly reduced chance of low weight-for-age (OR = 0.16; 95%CI -0.11-0.43), low weight-for-height (OR = -0.68; 95%CI -1.14, -0.21), and low weight-for-age (OR = 0.27; 95%CI 0.10; 0.71). Unconditional CTs were associated with reduced birth weight (RR = 0.71; 95%CI 0.63-0.81; p < 0.0001) and preterm births (RR = 0.76; 95%CI 0.69-0.84; p < 0.0001). Conditional CTs can positively influence birth outcomes and child growth.

Resumo Investigar o impacto dos programas de tranferência de renda (CTs) nos desfechos ao nascer, incluindo peso ao nascer, baixo peso ao nascer e prematuridade, e crescimento físico infantil, avaliado pelos índices antropométricos de crianças menores de cinco anos. Revisão sistemática realizada nas bases de dados PubMed/Medline, Embase, LILACS, Cochrane Library, Scopus e Web of Science. Foram incluídos estudos quantitativos observacionais, experimentais e quasi-experimentais, com um total de 11 estudos na revisão. A maioria (81,8%) foi realizada em países de baixa e média rendas. Também na modalidade CT condicionais (63,6%). Quatro eram ensaios clínicos, e sete observacionais. Os CT condicionais estiveram associados a uma redução nos índices de altura-para-idade (-0,14; IC95% -0,27, -0,02); (OR 0,85; IC95% 0,77-0,94); (OR = 0,44; IC95% 0,19-0,98), redução significativa na chance de baixo peso-para-idade (OR = 0,16; IC95% -0,11-0,43), baixo peso-para-altura (OR = -0,68; IC95% -1,14, -0,21), e redução de peso para idade (OR = 0,27; IC95% 0,10; 0,71). CTs não condicionais foram associados à redução do baixo peso as nascer (RR = 0,71; IC95% 0,63-0,81; p < 0,0001), e de prematuros (RR = 0,76; IC95% 0,69-0,84; p < 0,0001). Os CTs condicionais podem influenciar positivamente os desfechos ao nascer e o crescimento infantil.

Objective: To show the feasibility of using combined nasopharyngeal swab auto-collection and pool testing to detect SARS-CoV-2 in epidemiological surveys. Methods: The study involved a sample of 154 students from the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, who performed the self-collection of the nasopharyngeal swab in individual booths without supervision. Molecular testing was performed using the pool testing technique. Results: Obtaining samples lasted about 5 minutes each. Analysis 6 was performed to detect endogenous RNA in 40 samples, and the results indicated that no failures resulted from self-collection. None of the pools detected the presence of viral RNA. The cost of performing the molecular test (RT-PCR) by pool testing with samples obtained by self-collection was about 10 times lower than with the usual methods. Conclusion: The investigated strategies showed to be economically feasible and valid for the research of SARS-CoV-2 in epidemiological surveys.

Objetivo: Demostrar la viabilidad de utilizar el uso combinado de la autocollección de swabs nasofaríngeos y pool testing para la detección del SARS-CoV2 en encuestas epidemiológicas. Métodos: El estudio involucró a una muestra de 154 estudiantes de la Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, quienes realizaron la autocolección del hisopo nasofaríngeo en cabinas individuales sin supervision. La prueba molecular se realizó utilizando la técnica de prueba de grupo. Resultados: La obtención de muestras duró unos 5 minutos por persona. Se realizó un análisis para detectar RNA endógeno en 40 muestras y los resultados indicaron que no hubo fallas derivadas de la autocolección. Ninguno de los grupos detectó la presencia de RNA viral. El costo de realizar una prueba molecular (RT-PCR) por pool con muestras obtenidas por auto-recolección fue aproximadamente 10 veces menor que con los métodos habituales. Conclusión: Las estrategias investigadas demonstraram ser económicamente viables y válidas para la investigación del SARS-CoV-2 en encuestas epidemiológicas.

Objetivo: Demonstrar a viabilidade da utilização combinada da autocoleta de swab nasofaríngeo e pool testing para detecção do SARS-CoV-2 em inquéritos epidemiológicos. Métodos: O estudo envolveu amostra de 154 estudantes da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, que realizaram a autocoleta do swab nasofaríngeo em cabines individuais e sem supervisão. O teste molecular foi realizado utilizando-se a técnica de pool testing. Resultados: A obtenção de amostras durou cerca de 5 minutos por pessoa. Realizou-se análise para detecção de RNA endógeno em 40 amostras e os resultados indicaram que não houve falhas decorrentes da autocoleta. Nenhum dos pools detectou presença de RNA viral. O custo da realização do teste molecular (RT-PCR) por pool testing com amostras obtidas por autocoleta foi cerca de dez vezes menor do que nos métodos habituais. Conclusão: As estratégias investigadas mostraram-se economicamente viáveis e válidas para a pesquisa de SARS-CoV-2 em inquéritos epidemiológicos.

Resumo Objetivo Demonstrar a viabilidade da utilização combinada da autocoleta de swab nasofaríngeo e pool testing para detecção do SARS-CoV-2 em inquéritos epidemiológicos. Métodos A experiência envolveu amostra de 154 estudantes da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, que realizaram a autocoleta do swab nasofaríngeo em cabines individuais e sem supervisão. O teste molecular foi realizado utilizando-se a técnica de pool testing. Resultados A obtenção de amostras durou cerca de 5 minutos por pessoa. Realizou-se análise para detecção de RNA endógeno em 40 amostras e os resultados indicaram que não houve falhas decorrentes da autocoleta. Nenhum dos pools detectou presença de RNA viral. O custo da realização do teste molecular (RT-PCR) por pool testing com amostras obtidas por autocoleta foi cerca de dez vezes menor do que nos métodos habituais. Conclusão As estratégias investigadas mostraram-se economicamente viáveis e válidas para a pesquisa de SARS-CoV-2 em inquéritos epidemiológicos.

Abstract Objective To show the feasibility of the combined use of self-collected nasopharyngeal swab and pool testing to detect SARS-CoV-2 in epidemiological surveys. Methods This experience included a sample of 154 students at the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, who performed self-collected nasopharyngeal swab in individual cabins and without supervision. The molecular test was performed using the pool testing technique. Results It took each person 5 minutes to collect the sample. An analysis was performed to detect endogenous RNA in 40 samples. The results showed that there were no failures resulting from self-collection. None of the pools detected the presence of viral RNA. The cost of molecular testing (RT-PCR), by pool testing, with samples obtained by self-collection was about ten times lower than the usual methods. Conclusion The strategies that were investigated proved to be economically feasible and valid for the research on SARS-CoV-2 in epidemiological surveys.

Resumen Objetivo Demostrar la viabilidad del uso combinado de la auto recolección de swabs nasofaríngeos y tests por agrupamiento (pool testing) para la detección del SARS-CoV-2 en encuestas epidemiológicas. Métodos La prueba involucró a una muestra de 154 estudiantes de la Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, quienes realizaron e autorecolectado del hisopo nasofaríngeo en cabinas individuales sin supervisión. La prueba molecular se realizó utilizando la técnica de prueba de grupo. Resultados La obtención de muestras duró unos 5 minutos por persona. Se realizó un análisis para detectar ARN endógeno en 40 muestras y los resultados indicaron que no hubo fallas derivadas de la autorecolección. Ninguno de los grupos detectó la presencia de ARN viral. El costo de realizar una prueba molecular (RT-PCR) por pool con muestras obtenidas por auto-recolección fue aproximadamente 10 veces menor que con los métodos habituales. Conclusión Las estrategias investigadas demostraron ser económicamente viables y válidas para la investigación del SARS-CoV-2 en encuestas epidemiológicas.

Resumo Objetivo Demonstrar a viabilidade da utilização combinada da autocoleta de swab nasofaríngeo e pool testing para detecção do SARS-CoV-2 em inquéritos epidemiológicos. Métodos A experiência envolveu amostra de 154 estudantes da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, que realizaram a autocoleta do swab nasofaríngeo em cabines individuais e sem supervisão. O teste molecular foi realizado utilizando-se a técnica de pool testing. Resultados A obtenção de amostras durou cerca de 5 minutos por pessoa. Realizou-se análise para detecção de RNA endógeno em 40 amostras e os resultados indicaram que não houve falhas decorrentes da autocoleta. Nenhum dos pools detectou presença de RNA viral. O custo da realização do teste molecular (RT-PCR) por pool testing com amostras obtidas por autocoleta foi cerca de dez vezes menor do que nos métodos habituais. Conclusão As estratégias investigadas mostraram-se economicamente viáveis e válidas para a pesquisa de SARS-CoV-2 em inquéritos epidemiológicos.

Abstract Objective To show the feasibility of the combined use of self-collected nasopharyngeal swab and pool testing to detect SARS-CoV-2 in epidemiological surveys. Methods This experience included a sample of 154 students at the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, who performed self-collected nasopharyngeal swab in individual cabins and without supervision. The molecular test was performed using the pool testing technique. Results It took each person 5 minutes to collect the sample. An analysis was performed to detect endogenous RNA in 40 samples. The results showed that there were no failures resulting from self-collection. None of the pools detected the presence of viral RNA. The cost of molecular testing (RT-PCR), by pool testing, with samples obtained by self-collection was about ten times lower than the usual methods. Conclusion The strategies that were investigated proved to be economically feasible and valid for the research on SARS-CoV-2 in epidemiological surveys.

Resumen Objetivo Demostrar la viabilidad del uso combinado de la auto recolección de swabs nasofaríngeos y tests por agrupamiento (pool testing) para la detección del SARS-CoV-2 en encuestas epidemiológicas. Métodos La prueba involucró a una muestra de 154 estudiantes de la Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, quienes realizaron e autorecolectado del hisopo nasofaríngeo en cabinas individuales sin supervisión. La prueba molecular se realizó utilizando la técnica de prueba de grupo. Resultados La obtención de muestras duró unos 5 minutos por persona. Se realizó un análisis para detectar ARN endógeno en 40 muestras y los resultados indicaron que no hubo fallas derivadas de la autorecolección. Ninguno de los grupos detectó la presencia de ARN viral. El costo de realizar una prueba molecular (RT-PCR) por pool con muestras obtenidas por auto-recolección fue aproximadamente 10 veces menor que con los métodos habituales. Conclusión Las estrategias investigadas demostraron ser económicamente viables y válidas para la investigación del SARS-CoV-2 en encuestas epidemiológicas.

Abstract Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) generates an inflammatory profile that predisposes to total and visceral fatty accumulation and reduced fat free mass (FFM). This metabolic disorder contributes to poor functionality, increased cardiovascular risk and higher mortality. This study aimed to address a systematic review with meta-analysis to determine the effect of biological and targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs and tsDMARDs) on body composition (BC) of patients with RA. Methods: The search was conducted at the electronic databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Lilacs and grey literature. This investigation was carried until July 2021. Outcomes of interest were total weight, body mass index (BMI), fat mass (FM) and FFM. A meta-analysis comparing these outcomes in RA patients under bDMARD treatment versus controls was performed. Results: Out of 137 studies reviewed, 18 were selected: fifteen prospective cohorts, two retrospective cohorts, and one cross-sectional study. The studies comprised 1221 patients, 778 on bDMARD treatment and 443 controls, which included RA patients under conventional synthetic DMARD (csDMARD). No study addressing BC analysis in patients using tsDMARD was found. The mean age and duration of the disease was 56.7 years and 6.77 years, respectively. Ten studies demonstrated a significant increase of total weight in 88.2% of patients and 42.3% for BMI. In studies that analyzed BC by double X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), the increase in total weight and BMI correlated positively to the increase in FFM. The meta-analysis carried out in five studies showed no significant difference of the mean difference for total weight 0.12 kg (95% CI − 5.58, 5.82), BMI 0.08 kg/m2 (95% CI − 1.76, 1.92), FM − 0.08 kg (95% IC − 5.31, 5.14), and FFM − 2.08 kg (95% CI − 7.37, 3.21). Conclusion: This systematic review suggests a possible impact of bDMARDs on BC of RA patients, even though, the meta-analysis carried out in a small part of these studies was not able to confirm significant variation in BC components. Trial registration: PROSPERO code: CRD42020206949.

ABSTRACT Chronic Chagas Cardiomyopathy (CCC) is the most prevalent type of myocarditis and the main clinical form of the Chagas disease, which has peculiarities such as focal inflammation, structural derangement, hypertrophy, dilation, and intense reparative fibrosis. Many cellular compounds contribute to CCC development. Galectin-3 is a partaker in inflammation and contributes to myocardial fibrosis formation. Some studies showed the connection between Galectin-3 and fibrosis in Chagas disease but are still inconclusive on the guidance for the early implementation of pharmacological therapy. This systematic review evaluated Galectin-3 as a biomarker for fibrosis intensity in CCC. Two independent reviewers have searched five databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Lilacs), using the following search terms: galectin-3, biomarkers, fibrosis, Chagas cardiomyopathy, and Chagas disease. Overall, seven studies met the inclusion criteria and made up this review. There were four trials conducted through animal model experiments and three trials with humans. Experimental data in mice indicate an association between Galectin-3 expression and fibrosis in CCC (75% of studies). Data from human studies showed no direct connection between myocardial fibrosis and Galectin-3 expression (80% of studies). Thus, human findings do not provide significant evidence indicating that Galectin-3 is related to fibrosis formation in Chagas disease. Based on the analyzed studies, it is suggested that Galectin-3 might not be a good fibrosis marker in CCC.

Resumo Fundamento As doenças cardiovasculares constituem um grupo importante de causas de morte no Brasil. As doenças isquêmicas do coração são as principais causas de parada cardiorrespiratória, levando a um impacto na mortalidade devido às doenças cardiovasculares no sistema de saúde. Objetivo Avaliar o número de óbitos domiciliares por parada cardiorrespiratória notificados pelo Serviço de Atendimento Móvel de Urgência (SAMU) em março de 2018, 2019 e 2020. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo observacional realizado a partir da análise de dados de mortalidade por parada cardiorrespiratória de cidadãos atendidos pelo SAMU em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Foram analisadas as características sociais e clínicas e as informações de ocorrência. Foi avaliada a taxa de mortalidade por parada cardiorrespiratória em relação ao número total de atendimentos. Foi considerado um nível de significância de 95%. Resultados Houve um aumento nos óbitos domiciliares por parada cardiorrespiratória em março de 2020, em comparação com março de 2018 (p < 0,001) e março de 2019 (p = 0,050). Dos óbitos relatados em 2020, 63,8% dos pacientes tinham 60 anos ou mais; 63,7% das ocorrências foram à tarde e aproximadamente 87% dos casos de parada cardiorrespiratória notificados apresentavam comorbidades clínicas, com hipertensão arterial sistêmicas e parada cardíaca correspondendo a 22,87% e 13,03% dos casos relatados, respectivamente. A maioria da amostra avaliada deste estudo não teve acompanhamento médico (88,7%). Conclusão Considerando o aumento do número de óbitos, sugerimos reflexões e reajustes quanto ao monitoramento das doenças crônicas não transmissíveis durante a pandemia, bem como melhorias na vigilância dos óbitos. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(2):266-271)

Abstract Background Cardiovascular diseases constitute an important group of causes of death in the country. Ischemic heart diseases that are the main causes of cardiopulmonary arrest, leading to an impact on the mortality of the cardiovascular diseases in the health system. Objective Assess the number of home deaths by cardiopulmonary arrest notified by the Mobile Emergency Medical Service (SAMU) in March 2018, 2019 and 2020. Methods Observational study carried out from the analysis of cardiopulmonary arrest mortality data of citizens assisted by SAMU in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Social and clinical characteristics and occurrence information of the patients were analyzed. The mortality rate due to cardiopulmonary arrest in relation to the total number of attendances was assessed. A significance level of 95% was considered. Results There was increase of home deaths due to cardiopulmonary arrest in March 2020 compared to March 2018 (p<0.001) and March 2019 (p=0.050). Of the deaths reported in 2020, 63.8% of the patients were aged 60 years or older, 63.7% of the occurrences were performed in the afternoon and approximately 87% of the cardiopulmonary arrest notified had associated clinical comorbidities, with systemic arterial hypertension and heart failure represented by 22.87% and 13.03% of the reported cases, respectively. The majority of the evaluated sample of this study did not have any medical care follow-up (88.7%). Conclusion Considering the increase in the number of the deaths, we suggest reflections and readjustments regarding the monitoring of chronic non-transmissible diseases during a pandemic, as well as improvements in death surveillance. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(2):266-271)

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Neck circumference (NC) and anthropometric data of people living with HIV (PLWH) are correlated. METHODS: Socioeconomic, NC, body mass index (BMI), tricipital skinfold thickness (TSF), mid-arm circumference (MAC), mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference (HC) data of 72 PLWH were correlated. RESULTS Higher adiposity was observed in NC (40.3% [n=29]) and WC (31.9% [n=23]). Correlations between NC/BMI, NC/WC, NC/HC, NC/MAC, NC/MAMC, and NC/WHtR were significant. Increased NC (40.3%[n=29]) and WC (31.9 [n=23]) were associated with higher cardiometabolic risk. CONCLUSIONS: NC correlations are adequate for estimating cardiometabolic risk.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The pool testing technique optimizes the number of tests performed and reduces the delivery time of results, which is an interesting strategy for the health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This integrative review investigated studies in which pool testing was carried out for epidemiological or screening purposes to analyze its clinical or cost effectiveness and assessed the applicability of this method in high-, middle-, and low-income countries. METHODS: This integrative review used primary studies published in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), and Cochrane Library databases. RESULTS: A total of 435 studies were identified: 35.3% were carried out in Asia, 29.4% in Europe, 29.4% in North America, and 5.9% in Oceania. CONCLUSIONS: This review suggests that pool testing in the general population may be a useful surveillance strategy to detect new variants of SARS-CoV-2 and to evaluate the period of immunogenicity and global immunity from vaccines.

Resumo Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo é revisar sistematicamente a literatura e responder à seguinte questão central: "Quais são os fatores de risco associados a piores desfechos clínicos de pacientes pediátricos com meningite bacteriana?". Métodos Os artigos foram obtidos através de pesquisa bibliográfica, nas bases de dados eletrônicas Web of Science, Scopus, Medline e Lilacs, e selecionados com diretriz internacional delineada pela abordagem Prisma (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis). Resultados A pesquisa bibliográfica identificou 1.244 artigos. Após a triagem metodológica, 17 estudos foram considerados elegíveis para esta revisão sistemática. Foram avaliados 9.581 pacientes até 18 anos nos estudos incluídos e vários fatores prognósticos plausíveis e importantes são propostos para a previsão de desfechos piores após meningite bacteriana na infância. O diagnóstico tardio reduz as chances de uma melhor evolução e reforça a importância de uma alta suspeita diagnóstica de meningite, especialmente em quadros febris com sintomatologia inespecífica. S. pneumoniae como patógeno causador demonstrou estar relacionado à gravidade clínica. Conclusões A previsão precoce de um desfecho clínico desfavorável pode ajudar a determinar quais crianças necessitam de uma abordagem mais invasiva ou seguimento mais prolongado e pode fornecer ao médico a justificativa para o aconselhamento dos pais sobre o prognóstico de seu filho em uma fase inicial da doença.

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature and answer the following central question: "What are the risk factors associated with worse clinical outcomes of pediatric bacterial meningitis patients?" Methods: The articles were obtained through literary search using electronic bibliographic databases: Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE, and LILACS; they were selected using the international guideline outlined by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis Protocols. Results: The literature search identified 1,244 articles. After methodological screening, 17 studies were eligible for this systematic review. A total of 9,581 patients aged between 0 days and 18 years were evaluated in the included studies, and several plausible and important prognostic factors are proposed for prediction of poor outcomes after bacterial meningitis in childhood. Late diagnosis reduces the chances for a better evolution and reinforces the importance of a high diagnostic suspicion of meningitis, especially in febrile pictures with nonspecific symptomatology. S. pneumoniae as a causative pathogen was demonstrated to be related to clinical severity. Conclusions: Early prediction of an adverse outcome may help determine which children require more intensive or longer follow-up and may provide the physician with rationale for parental counseling about their child's prognosis in an early phase of the disease.

ABSTRACT HIV infection may be considered a chronic condition for people living with HIV with access to antiretrovirals and this has effectively increased survival. Moreover, this has also facilitated the emergence of other comorbidities increasing the risk for drug-drug interactions and polypharmacy. The profile of these interactions as well as their consequences for people living with HIV are still not completely elucidated. The objectives of this study were to describe the profile of these interactions, their prevalence and their classification according to the potential for significant or non-significant drug-drug interactions. From June 2015 to July 2016, people living with HIV on follow-up at an Infectious Diseases Referral Center in Belo Horizonte, Brazil have been investigated for the presence of drug-drug interactions. A total of 304 patients were included and the majority (75%) had less than 50 years of age, male (66.4%), and 37.8% self-defined as brown skinned. Approximately 24% were on five or more medications and half of them presented with drug-drug interactions. Patients older than 50 years had a higher frequency of antiretrovirals drug-drug interactions with other drugs compared to younger patients (p = 0.002). No relationship was found between the number of drug-drug interactions and the effectiveness of antiretrovirals. As expected, the higher the number of non-HIV medications used (OR = 1.129; 95%CI 1.004-1.209; p = 0.04) was associated with an increase in drug-drug interactions. The high prevalence of drug-drug interactions found and the data collected should be useful to establish measures of quaternary prevention and to increase the medication security for people living with HIV.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of low bone mass is 3 times higher in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) and using antiretrovirals than in the HIV-unaffected population. Changes in vitamin D levels is one of the factors associated with decreased bone mass. The objective of this study is to evaluate the low bone mass and altered vitamin D levels in PLWH who have not been exposed to antiretrovirals. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out with HIV-infected individuals between the ages of 18 and 55 years immediately prior to the start of antiretroviral therapy in a specialized reference center focusing on infectious and parasitic diseases. Results of clinical examination (patient’s weight, height, blood pressure, and clinical history), laboratory tests, and X-ray absorptiometry, were collected. RESULTS: Sixty patients were included, with a mean age of 34 years. Nine (16.7%) patients presented with low bone mass and 4 (7.1%) patients showed low total femur BMD. Analysis revealed that 23.3% and 36.7% of the patients had deficient and insufficient levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our study population presented with compromised bone health and with low bone mineral density and 25-(OH)-vitamin D levels.