Abstract: Background: Melanoma is a malignant neoplasia that shows high mortality when diagnosed in advanced stages. Early identification of high-risk patients for the development of melanoma metastases is the main strategy to reduce mortality. Objective: To assess the influence of eight epidemiological and histopathologic features on the development of metastases in patients diagnosed with primary cutaneous melanoma. Methods: Our historical cohort comprised patients with invasive primary cutaneous melanoma seen between 1995 and 2012 at a public university hospital and a private oncologic surgery institution in Southeastern Brazil. The following variables were analyzed: gender, age, family history of melanoma, site of the primary tumor, clinical and histologic subtype, Breslow thickness, histologic ulceration and the mitotic index. Kaplan-Meier univariate test and multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis were used to assess factors associated with disease-free survival. Results: Five hundred and fourteen patients were enrolled. The univariate analysis identified the following significant risk factors: gender, age, site of the tumor, clinical and histologic subtype, Breslow thickness, histologic ulceration and mitotic index. Multivariate analysis included 244 patients and detected four significant prognostic factors: male gender, nodular clinical and histologic subtype, Breslow thickness > 4mm, and histologic ulceration. The mitotic index was not included in this analysis. Study limitations: Small number of patients in multivariate analysis. Conclusions: The following prognostic factors to the development of melanoma metastasis were identified in the study: male gender, nodular histologic subtype, Breslow thickness > 4mm and ulceration.

Abstract: Background: Large congenital melanocytic nevus (LCMN) is considered a risk factor for melanoma, although the magnitude of this risk is controversial. Objective: To evaluate the risk of melanoma development in patients with LCMN seen at a dermatology referral center in Brazil during a twelve-year period. To the best of our knowledge, there are no published similar studies on large congenital melanocytic nevus in South America. Methods: Our prospective cohort included only patients with congenital nevi ≥20cm. The cumulative risk of developing melanoma and the standardized morbidity ratio were calculated for patients followed up prospectively for at least 1 month. Results: Sixty-three patients were enrolled in this study. One patient who developed melanoma prior to enrollment was excluded, and five were eliminated because of insufficient follow-up time. Mean follow-up for the remaining 57 patients was 5.5 years (median 5.2 years). Median age of entry into the study was 2.6 years. Most patients (75.4%) underwent only clinical observation. Melanomas occurred in 2 (3.5%) patients. Five-year cumulative risk for melanoma was 4.8% (95% CI: 1.9-11.5%). Standardized morbidity ratio was 1584 (95% CI: 266-5232, p<0.001). Study limitations: The small sample size reduces the accuracy of risk estimates. Conclusions: This study analyzed prospectively for the first time data from South America demonstrating that patients with LCMN have a higher risk of developing melanoma than the general population (p<0.001).

Abstract The number of studies on patch-test results in children and adolescents has gradually increased in recent years, thus stimulating reviews. This paper is a systematic review of a 15-year period devoted to studying the issue. Variations pertaining to the number and age groups of tested children and/or adolescents, the number of subjects with atopy/atopic dermatitis history, the quantity, type and concentrations of the tested substances, the test technique and type of data regarding clinical relevance, must all be considered in evaluating these studies, as they make it harder to formulate conclusions. The most common allergens in children were nickel, thimerosal, cobalt, fragrance, lanolin and neomycin. In adolescents, they were nickel, thimerosal, cobalt, fragrance, potassium dichromate, and Myroxylon pereirae. Knowledge of this matter aids health professionals in planning preventive programs aimed at improving children's quality of life and ensuring that their future prospects are not undermined.

ABSTRACT Objective Increased arterial intima-media thickness has been observed in adults with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD). CAH has also been associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and hypertension. The aim of the present study was to compare youths with CAH with healthy, normal-weight individuals, evaluating carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and indicative factors of cardiovascular risk to seek for abnormalities in the CAH group. Subjects and methods Clinical, biochemical, and ultrasonographic evaluations, according to published criteria, were performed in 113 subjects (5 to 20 years old): 40 patients with 21-OHD and 73 healthy individuals matched for gender, pubertal status, and age. Results Most CAH patients were female (80%), salt-losers (72.5%), and pubescent (80%); 10 (25%) patients were overweight. An increase in CIMT was observed both on the right (p = 0.0240) and left (p = 0.0003) sides in 38 CAH patients compared with the healthy individuals. The body mass index, BMI/age Z score, and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were higher in patients compared with controls (p < 0.000 and p = 0.0219, respectively). Conclusions Findings of increased CIMT, BMI, and SBP in young patients with 21-OHD indicate the need for early identification and intervention regarding cardiovascular risk. Validating these findings might result in improved therapeutic approaches for children with 21-OHD in the future. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2015;59(6):541-7

AbstractBACKGROUND:Patch testing is an efficient method to identify the allergen responsible for allergic contact dermatitis.OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the results of patch tests in children and adolescents comparing these two age groups' results.METHODS:Cross-sectional study to assess patch test results of 125 children and adolescents aged 1-19 years, with suspected allergic contact dermatitis, in a dermatology clinic in Brazil. Two Brazilian standardized series were used.RESULTS:Seventy four (59.2%) patients had "at least one positive reaction" to the patch test. Among these positive tests, 77.0% were deemed relevant. The most frequent allergens were nickel (36.8%), thimerosal (18.4%), tosylamide formaldehyde resin (6.8%), neomycin (6.4%), cobalt (4.0%) and fragrance mix I (4.0%). The most frequent positive tests came from adolescents (p=0.0014) and females (p=0.0002). There was no relevant statistical difference concerning contact sensitizations among patients with or without atopic history. However, there were significant differences regarding sensitization to nickel (p=0.029) and thimerosal (p=0.042) between the two age groups under study, while adolescents were the most affected.CONCLUSION:Nickel and fragrances were the only positive (and relevant) allergens in children. Nickel and tosylamide formaldehyde resin were the most frequent and relevant allergens among adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease and its pathogenesis involves an interaction between genetic, environmental, and immunological factors. Recent studies have suggested that the chronic inflammatory nature of psoriasis may predispose to an association with other inflammatory diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders. OBJECTIVES: To describe the demographic, clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory characteristics of a sample of psoriasis patients; to assess the prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities in this group of patients; and to identify the cardiovascular risk profile using the Framingham risk score. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving the assessment of 190 patients. Participants underwent history and physical examination. They also completed a specific questionnaire about epidemiological data, past medical history, and comorbidities. The cardiovascular risk profile was calculated using the Framingham risk score. RESULTS: Patients' mean age was 51.5 ± 14 years, and the predominant clinical presentation was plaque psoriasis (78.4%). We found an increased prevalence of systemic hypertension, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and obesity. Increased waist circumference was also found in addition to a considerable prevalence of depression, smoking, and regular alcohol intake. Patients' cardiovascular risk was high according to the Framingham risk score, and 47.2% of patients had moderate or high risk of fatal and non-fatal coronary events in 10 years. CONCLUSIONS: Patients had high prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities, and high cardiovascular risk according to the Framingham risk score. Further epidemiological studies are needed in Brazil for validation of our results.

Antimicrobial treatment is often indicated to neutropenic patients. Although renal failure is a common complication of many antibiotics, no information could be found in the literature defining which are the best screening criteria for detecting renal injury. In this paper, the authors aim to assess the progress to renal failure in neutropenic patients on antimicrobial use and to compare different diagnostic criteria of renal failure in association to antimicrobial agents used. This is a cohort study conducted from February to August 2006 at the Hospital das Clínicas of the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, which included patients with neutropenia and antimicrobial therapy for the treatment of Healthcare Associated Infections notified by the Hospital Infection Control Committee. Renal injury has ensued in 25% of patients and no statistical difference between distinct criteria for renal injury was observed. Association of greater number of antimicrobials was associated with renal impairment. Time required for renal injury was independent of the antimicrobial regimen used, but mortality among patients with renal injury was higher when compared to those who had preserved renal function.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo do estudo foi a identificação de fatores que podem interferir na aquisição de altura final de pacientes com a deficiência de 21-hidroxilase (21OHD). SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: A altura final (escore Z: FHZ) de 31 pacientes com a forma clássica da 21OHD, acompanhados em nossa instituição, foi comparada com: (1) a altura alvo, (2) o padrão de referência para a população, e (3) a dose de hidrocortisona durante o acompanhamento. RESULTADOS: Observou-se correlação negativa significativa entre o FHZ de -2,13 ± 1,11 e as doses de hidrocortisona utilizadas durante o período de estudo. Os pacientes que atingiram altura final dentro do padrão de referência para a população usaram doses mais baixas de hidrocortisona quando comparados àqueles que permaneceram abaixo de -2 DP. CONCLUSÃO: O cuidado nos ajustes das doses durante o tratamento da 21OHD tem grande influência sobre o crescimento das crianças. A faixa de variação da dose de reposição da hidrocortisona que não causa efeitos colaterais é relativamente estreita. O melhor resultado estatural foi observado nos pacientes com 21OHD tratados com doses mais baixas de hidrocortisona.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify factors that might interfere with reaching the final height in patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients with classical 21-OHD who reached their FH in our Institution were evaluated in order to compare the Z score for final height (FHZ) with: (1) the target height, (2) the standard height for the population, and (3) the hydrocortisone treatment schedule. RESULTS: The FHZ of -2.13 ± 1.11 had a significant negative correlation with the hydrocortisone doses used throughout the period of study. Patients who reached FH within the normal population range were those who received lower doses of hydrocortisone, as compared to those whose FH remained below -2 SDS. CONCLUSION: We conclude that careful treatment adjustments have a major influence on growth of children with CAH, and that the dose range for hydrocortisone replacement that does not lead to side effects is relatively narrow. The better height outcome was achieved in 21-OHD patients who received lower doses of hydrocortisone.

The use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients has reduced the number of acquired immune deficiency syndrome-related deaths worldwide. This study assessed the impact of HAART on the survival and death rates of vertically HIV-infected children and adolescents in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Data were obtained from a historic cohort of vertically HIV-infected children and adolescents aged zero-19 years old who were admitted from March 1989-December 2004 and were followed until June 2006. Patients who used HAART were included if they were treated for at least 12 weeks. Of 359 patients, 320 patients met the inclusion criteria. The overall mortality rate was 9.7% [31/320; 95% confidence interval (CI): 6.0-13%]. The median survival for the non-HAART and HAART groups was 31.5 and 55.9 months, respectively (log rank = 22.11, p < 0.0001). In the multivariate analysis, the statistically significant variables were HAART and the weight-for-age Z score < -2, with HAART constituting a protective factor [relative risk (RR): 0.13; CI 95%: 0.05-0.33] and malnutrition constituting a risk factor (RR: 3.44; CI 95%: 1.60-7.40) for death. The incidence of death was 5.1/100 person-years in the non-HAART group and 0.8/100 person-years in the HAART group (p < 0.0001).

OBJETIVO: Avaliar mudanças em parâmetros de crescimento e hospitalização em crianças infectadas pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana (human immunodeficiency virus, HIV) em uso de terapia antirretroviral combinada. MÉTODOS: As crianças foram avaliadas durante os primeiros 3 anos de terapia. A resposta clínica foi avaliada a cada 24 semanas com base em escores z de peso/idade e altura/idade. Modelos de regressão linear foram utilizados para identificar preditores de resposta clínica. Dados relevantes relativos à hospitalização dos pacientes foram obtidos retrospectivamente mediante revisão dos prontuários clínicos. RESULTADOS: Um total de 196 crianças foram avaliadas. A média do escore z aumentou de -1,62 (±1,32) no início do estudo para -1,14 (±1,12) na semana 24. A média do escore z de altura/idade aumentou de -1,88 (±1,45) para -1,66 (±1,18). Foi observada associação entre maiores escores z no início do estudo e maiores aumentos nos escores z de peso/idade ao longo do tempo. Cargas virais mais baixas e escores de altura/idade mais altos também estiveram associados com maior recuperação do crescimento. Oitenta e cinco crianças (43,3%) foram hospitalizadas. A maioria das internações esteve associada a causas infecciosas, sendo apenas dois casos de infecções oportunistas. CONCLUSÃO: A terapia combinada resultou em aumentos significativos nos escores z de peso/idade e altura/idade. A menor idade, o uso de inibidores de protease e a classificação clínica em estágios avançados estiveram associados a uma maior efetividade do tratamento. Além disso, o estudo demonstrou a eficácia da terapia para a redução das taxas de hospitalização, morte e incidência de infecções oportunistas entre crianças portadoras do HIV.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate HAART-associated changes in growth and hospitalization rates over time in a cohort of HIV-infected children. METHODS: Children starting HAART were assessed during the first 3 years of therapy. Clinical response was assessed every 24 weeks by z scores of weight-for-age and height-for-age. Linear regression models were used to detect predictors of clinical response. Pertinent information on hospitalizations was obtained retrospectively through review of medical records. RESULTS: A total of 196 children were assessed. Mean weight z score increased from -1.62 (±1.32) at baseline to -1.14 (±1.12) by week 24. Mean height z score increased from -1.88 (±1.45) at baseline to -1.66 (±1.18). Better z scores at baseline were associated with greater increases in weight z scores over time. Lower viral load and higher height z scores at baseline were also associated with improved height catch-up. Eighty-five children (43.3%) were hospitalized. Most hospitalizations were prompted by infectious disease, with only two due to opportunistic infections. CONCLUSION: HAART was associated with significant increases in weight and height z scores. Younger age, the use of protease inhibitors and advanced clinical disease were associated with better outcomes. The present study demonstrated the effectiveness of HAART in significantly reducing hospitalization, death, and incidence of opportunistic infections among HIV-infected children.

O objetivo foi analisar comparativamente os fatores que interferiram na duração do aleitamento materno entre usuárias do Centro de Saúde São Marcos, Belo Horizonte, Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil, em 1980, 1986, 1992, 1998 e 2004. Foram realizados cinco estudos longitudinais retrospectivos (coortes históricas), utilizando o mesmo questionário. Foram entrevistadas, no total, 790 mães de menores de 24 meses. A análise estatística foi feita, ano a ano, pelo método de Kaplan-Meier e modelo de Cox. Entre 1980 e 2004, as condições significativamente associadas ao risco de desmame foram: primiparidade, dificuldade para amamentar após o parto, conceito de tempo ideal de aleitamento materno menor que seis meses, início do aleitamento materno após a alta da maternidade, não reconhecimento das vantagens da amamentação para a criança e opinião paterna desfavorável, indiferente ou desconhecida sobre o aleitamento materno. Em quatro dos cinco estudos, ter tido dificuldade para amamentar (RR: 1,70-3,97) e considerar ideal amamentar por menos de seis meses (RR: 1,67-3,27) representaram maior risco de desmame. A duração mediana do aleitamento materno foi cinco meses em 1980 e 11 meses em 2004.

This study was a comparative analysis of factors affecting duration of breastfeeding among users of the São Marcos primary care clinic in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, in 1980, 1986, 1992, 1998, and 2004. Five retrospective longitudinal studies (historical cohorts) were performed with the same questionnaire, and 790 mothers of children less than 24 months of age were interviewed. The statistical analysis was conducted year-by-year using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox model. From 1980 to 2004, conditions significantly associated with risk of weaning were: primiparity; difficulty in postpartum breastfeeding; belief in ideal breastfeeding duration of less than six months; start of breastfeeding after discharge from the maternity hospital, non-recognition of the advantages of breastfeeding for the child; and unfavorable, unknown, or indifferent paternal opinion concerning breastfeeding. In four of the five studies, difficulty in breastfeeding (RR: 1.70-3.97) and belief in ideal breastfeeding duration of less than six months (RR: 1.67-3.27) were risk factors for weaning. Median duration of breastfeeding was five months in 1980 and 11 months in 2004.

O objetivo foi analisar comparativamente os fatores que interferiram na duração do aleitamento materno entre usuárias do Centro de Saúde São Marcos, Belo Horizonte, Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil, em 1980, 1986, 1992, 1998 e 2004. Foram realizados cinco estudos longitudinais retrospectivos (coortes históricas), utilizando o mesmo questionário. Foram entrevistadas, no total, 790 mães de menores de 24 meses. A análise estatística foi feita, ano a ano, pelo método de Kaplan-Meier e modelo de Cox. Entre 1980 e 2004, as condições significativamente associadas ao risco de desmame foram: primiparidade, dificuldade para amamentar após o parto, conceito de tempo ideal de aleitamento materno menor que seis meses, início do aleitamento materno após a alta da maternidade, não reconhecimento das vantagens da amamentação para a criança e opinião paterna desfavorável, indiferente ou desconhecida sobre o aleitamento materno. Em quatro dos cinco estudos, ter tido dificuldade para amamentar (RR: 1,70-3,97) e considerar ideal amamentar por menos de seis meses (RR: 1,67-3,27) representaram maior risco de desmame. A duração mediana do aleitamento materno foi cinco meses em 1980 e 11 meses em 2004.

This study was a comparative analysis of factors affecting duration of breastfeeding among users of the São Marcos primary care clinic in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, in 1980, 1986, 1992, 1998, and 2004. Five retrospective longitudinal studies (historical cohorts) were performed with the same questionnaire, and 790 mothers of children less than 24 months of age were interviewed. The statistical analysis was conducted year-by-year using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox model. From 1980 to 2004, conditions significantly associated with risk of weaning were: primiparity; difficulty in postpartum breastfeeding; belief in ideal breastfeeding duration of less than six months; start of breastfeeding after discharge from the maternity hospital, non-recognition of the advantages of breastfeeding for the child; and unfavorable, unknown, or indifferent paternal opinion concerning breastfeeding. In four of the five studies, difficulty in breastfeeding (RR: 1.70-3.97) and belief in ideal breastfeeding duration of less than six months (RR: 1.67-3.27) were risk factors for weaning. Median duration of breastfeeding was five months in 1980 and 11 months in 2004.

A toxoplasmose congênita pode causar déficit neurossensorial em até 20% dos casos e o tratamento no primeiro ano de vida melhora o prognóstico. No Brasil, desconhece-se o impacto da infecção na hipoacusia. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a audição de crianças com toxoplasmose congênita identificadas pela triagem neonatal. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Estudo prospectivo de crianças com toxoplasmose congênita identificadas pela triagem neonatal (IgM anti-T. gondii) em Belo Horizonte, durante 2003/2004. Realizada sorologia confirmatória (mãe/filho) e consideradas positivas as crianças apresentando IgM e/ou IgA nos primeiros seis meses ou IgG aos 12 meses de vida. Avaliações auditivas ao diagnóstico e após 12 meses incluíram Audiometria Comportamental, Emissões Otoacústicas, Imitanciometria, Audiometria de Tronco Encefálico. RESULTADOS: Dentre 30.808 crianças triadas (97% dos nascidos vivos), 20 apresentavam toxoplasmose congênita, 15 (75%) com infecção subclínica. Dezenove crianças realizaram avaliação auditiva. Quatro apresentaram déficit neurossensorial (21,1%). Uma criança apresentou outros fatores de risco para hipoacusia; nas outras três, a toxoplasmose foi o único fator observado. Duas crianças, tratadas adequadamente com antiparasitários, apresentaram déficit auditivo, em desacordo com a literatura. CONCLUSÃO: Os achados sugerem que a toxoplasmose congênita, prevalente no Brasil, é um fator de risco para hipoacusia e o impacto dessa infecção nas perdas auditivas deve ser estudado.

Congenital toxoplasmosis may cause sensorineural deficit in up to 20% of the patients and proper treatment in the first year improves prognosis. In Brazil, this infection’s impact on hearing impairment is unknown. AIM: To evaluate hearing of newborns with congenital toxoplasmosis identified by the newborn screening service. METHOD: This prospective study analyzed children with congenital toxoplasmosis identified by newborn screening (IgM anti-T.gondii) in Belo Horizonte during 2003/2004. The presence of IgM and/or IgA in the first 6 months or IgG at 12 months-of age in serology was used as case definition. Hearing tests were carried out at the time of diagnosis and 12 months later, including behavioral audiometry, evoked otoacoustic emission and brainstem evoked responses audiometry. RESULTS: Among 30.808 screened children (97% of live births), 20 had congenital toxoplasmosis, 15 (75%) were asymptomatic at birth. Nineteen children were evaluated by hearing tests. Four had sensorineural impairment (21.1%). One child had other risk factors for hearing impairment; the other three had no other risk factors but toxoplasmosis. Two properly children treated still had hearing loss, in disagreement with current literature. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that congenital toxoplasmosis, common in Brazil, is a risk factor for hearing impairment and its impact on hearing loss deserves further studies.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the results of growth hormone on the growth of girls with Turner Syndrome and identify relevant parameters to improve outcomes. METHODS: Growth velocity and final height were studied in a historical cohort of 41 girls, regularly followed up for hormone distribution at three referral centers. The influence of oxandrolone and of estrogens on the final height was analyzed. The girls (initial chronological age=8.9±3.4years; initial bone age=7.0±3.1years) used 0.19 mg/kg/week of growth hormone for 4.0 ± 2.0 years. RESULTS: In the first year, growth velocity increased by 71.5% in 41 girls and 103.4% in those who reached final height (11 girls). The whole group had a gain in the height SDS of 0.8 ± 0.7 (p<0.01) and for those who reached a final height of 1.0 ± 0.8 (p<0.01). Final height (143.6 ±6.3 cm) was 3.9 ± 5.3 cm higher than the predicted height, and the height gain occurred before estrogen therapy. Oxandrolone had no significant influence on height gain. The significant variables contributing to the final height were the duration of growth hormone used and its use prior to starting estrogens, the initial height SDS, and the growth velocity during the first year of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that the use of growth hormone significantly increased the final height, which remained lower than the target. Results point to a need for starting growth hormone use as early as possible and to maximize treatment before estrogen replacement. It has been observed that even moderate doses of growth hormone may significantly increase early growth velocity.

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Apresentar uma revisão crítica do traumatismo cranioencefálico (TCE) em crianças e adolescentes, enfocando o trauma grave, as taxas e os aspectos relacionados com a mortalidade e as principais medidas terapêuticas. CONTEÚDO: Revisão sistemática dos artigos incluídos no MEDLINE, SciELO e Lilacs, no período compreendido entre 1985 e 2006, utilizando as seguintes palavras-chave: traumatic brain injury, craniocerebral trauma, children e mortality, além dos principais livros-texto sobre o assunto. Foram analisados também os Guidelines of Brain Trauma Foundation de 2000 e 2003, sendo selecionados os principais trabalhos citados. O traumatismo cranioencefálico é uma das principais causas de morte e seqüelas em crianças e adolescentes. As taxas de mortalidade variaram entre 10% e 55%, principalmente em razão dos critérios de seleção utilizados, da gravidade dos pacientes e dos locais onde foram realizados os estudos. Em geral, a mortalidade em crianças foi menor que as descritas em pacientes adultos. Os principais fatores relacionados com a mortalidade em crianças foram a pontuação na escala de coma de Glasgow, a hipotensão arterial, o edema e ingurgitamento cerebral difusos e a baixa pressão de perfusão encefálica. O tratamento do TCE grave visa a correção dos fatores relacionados com a lesão cerebral secundária. CONCLUSÕES: Os fatores relacionados com melhor prognóstico em crianças ainda permanecem inconclusivos, havendo algumas divergências entre os estudos. Grande parte destes fatores é corrigível ou evitável, com reanimação hídrica inicial agressiva, tratamento cirúrgico em tempo hábil, monitorização e cuidados intensivos adequados.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Present a critical review of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children and adolescents, focusing on severe TBI, the mortality and the factors related with poor outcome. CONTENTS: It was made a systematic review in MEDLINE, SciElo e Lilacs, with the key words: traumatic brain injury, craniocerebral trauma, children and mortality. The most important articles related in the Guidelines of Brain Trauma Foundation (2000 e 2003) were selected too. TBI is one of the most important causes of mortality and morbidity in children and adolescents, and morbidity in children and adolescents. The mortality variation was between 10% and 55%, depending of the patients select criteria, trauma severity and units where the studies were made. The children mortality was, in general, lower than that found in adults and the most important factors related with an increased mortality were: Glasgow Coma Score, hypotension, cerebral swelling and lower cerebral perfusion press. Severe TBI endpoint treatment is to correct the secondary brain lesions related factors. CONCLUSIONS: The factors related with better outcomes in children with severe TBI are still obscures, despite the large number of studies, large numbers of studies. Many of these factors can be avoided or correct by aggressive fluid resuscitation, surgery treatment, monitoration and adequate intensive care.