Abstract This article presents the aggregated radiocarbon dating currently available for the Brazilian archaeological context and resulting analysis. To organize this information, we constructed an open-access database that is currently available online at Brazilian Radiocarbon Database (2021). The procedures utilized in building this database are presented, along with resulting difficulties and solutions and a summary of the data obtained thus far. Based on this foundation, we highlight methodological issues that affect the current configuration of the data and propose ways to refine the chronological framework available for Brazilian archaeology.

Resumo Neste artigo, apresentamos a construção e os resultados de pesquisa realizada sobre as datações radiocarbônicas atualmente disponíveis para o contexto arqueológico brasileiro. Para organizar estas informações, construímos um banco de dados que se encontra hoje disponível para acesso aberto em Brazilian Radiocarbon Database (2021). Ao longo do artigo, explicitamos o procedimento adotado para construção do banco de dados, exploramos as dificuldades e soluções adotadas e apresentamos uma síntese dos dados obtidos até o momento. Com base nesta exposição, ressaltamos questões de ordem metodológica que influenciam a configuração atual dos dados e apresentamos propostas no sentido de aprimorar o conjunto de informações necessárias para ampliar o quadro cronológico disponível para a arqueologia brasileira.

The research aimed to analyze the social and intercultural place of the educational practice in the inhabited city, identifying the agreements and disagreements in relation to the art of doing, being, and thinking in the school space. To do so, it was used as methodological basis, the systematic bibliographic analysis in works by scholars with current reading in the field of education based on the experience of lived as a high school teacher in order to address the fundamentals that underlie the teaching action in the school space, the perception inherent to the place of Social Education and Interculturalism in the educational process, and so as theoretical assumption, it was based on the studies of Freire, Certeau, Merleau-Ponty, and Candau. As for the results, the following elements were associated as constitutive elements of the art of doing, being, and thinking of coherent and authentic educational practice: awareness, the intentionality of pedagogical approach, sensitive experience, ethics, the self-recognition, and the recognition of the other as a social-historical and cultural being. In conclusion, recognizing the school space as a place of intervention, cultural crossroads, differences, experiences, and construction is complex and challenging since it requires thinking about critical interculturality. In the same way, the development of social and intercultural teaching practice requires breaking the silencing imposed by pedagogical surveillance actions that do not recognize differences and make it impossible to naturalize the crossing of cultures in the school space.

La investigación tuvo el objetivo de analisar el lugar social e intercultural de la práctica educativa en la “cuidad habitada”, identificando los encuentros y desencuentros en relación al arte de hacer, ser y pensar en el espacio escolar. Para ello, se utilizó como base metodológica, el análisis bibliográfico sistemático en obras de estudiosos con lectura corriente en el campo de la educación basado en la experiencia de lo vivido como maestra de la escuela secundaria con la meta de abordar los fundamentos que subyacen a la acción docente en el espacio escolar, la percepción inherente al lugar de la educación social y de la interculturalidad en el proceso educativo, por lo tanto, como presupuesto teórico, se ha recurrido a los estudios de Freire; Certeau; Merleau-Ponty; e Candau. Em cuanto a los resultados, se asoció como elementos constitutivos del arte de hacer, ser y pensar la práctica educativa coherente y auténtica: la toma de consciencia, la intencionalidad del hacer pedagógico, la experiencia sensible, la eticidad y el reconocimiento de si mismo y del otro como ser sociohistórico y cultural. Se concluye que, el reconocimiento del espacio escolar en cuanto un lugar de intervención, de cruce de culturas, de diferencias y de construcción, es complejo y desafiador, una vez que exige pensar la interculturalidad crítica. Así que, el desarrollo de la práctica docente social y intercultural requiere que sean rompidos los silenciamentos impuestos por acciones pedagógicas de vigilancia que no reconocen las diferencias e imposibilitan la naturalización y el cruce de culturas en el espacio escolar.

A pesquisa teve por objetivo analisar o lugar social e intercultural da prática educativa na cidade habitada, identificando os encontros e desencontros em relação a arte de fazer, ser e pensar no espaço escolar. Para tanto, utilizou-se como base metodológica, a análise bibliográfica sist]emática em obras de estudiosos com leitura corrente no campo da Educação, alicerçada na experiência do vivido como professora do Ensino Médio, no intuito de abordar os fundamentos que subjazem a ação docente no espaço escolar, a percepção inerente ao lugar da Educação Social e da Interculturalidade no processo educativo, e assim, como pressuposto teórico, recorreu-se aos estudos de Freire; Certeau; Merleau-Ponty; e Candau. Quanto aos resultados, associamos como elementos constitutivos da arte de fazer, ser e pensar a prática educativa coerente e autêntica: a tomada de consciência, a intencionalidade do fazer pedagógico, a experiência sensível, a eticidade e o reconhecimento de si e do outro como ser sócio-histórico e cultural. Concluímos que, o reconhecimento do espaço escolar enquanto um local de intervenção, de cruzamento de culturas, de diferenças, de experiências e de construção, é complexo e desafiador, uma vez que exige pensar a interculturalidade crítica. Do mesmo modo, o desenvolvimento da prática docente social e intercultural requer que sejam rompidos os silenciamentos impostos por ações pedagógicas de vigilância que não reconhecem as diferenças e impossibilitam a naturalização e o cruzamento de culturas no espaço escolar.

Abstract Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are the most common autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). They present chronic relapsing courses that demand treatment with disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) to prevent inflammatory activity. Disease-modifying drugs lead to immunomodulation or immunosuppression through diverse mechanisms (e.g., shifting lymphocyte and cytokine profile, suppressing specific lymphocyte subpopulations). Thus, patients are more prone to infectious complications and associated worsening of disease. Objective To present feasible strategies for mitigating the infection risk of MS and NMOSD treated patients. Methods Targeted literature review concerning the management of infection risk with an emphasis on vaccination, therapy-specific measures, and particularities of the Brazilian endemic infectious diseases' scenario. Conclusion We propose a vaccination schedule, infectious screening routine, and prophylactic measures based on the current scientific evidence. Awareness of emergent tropical diseases is necessary due to evidence of demyelinating events and possible parainfectious cases of MS and NMOSD.

Resumo Antecedentes A esclerose múltipla (EM) e a doença do espectro neuromielite optica (NMOSD) são as doenças autoimunes mais comuns do sistema nervoso central (SNC). Ambas apresentam curso crônico com recaídas (surtos) e exigem tratamento com drogas modificadoras de doenças (DMDs) para a prevenção de atividade inflamatória. As DMDs levam à imunomodulação ou imunossupressão através de diversos mecanismos (por exemplo deslocando e/ou suprimindo subpopulações linfocitárias ou alterando perfil de produção de citocinas). Desta forma, os pacientes com EM ou NMOSD são mais propensos a complicações infecciosas, as quais podem levar ao agravamento de suas doenças de base. Objetivo Apresentar estratégias viáveis para mitigar o risco de infecção de pacientes com EM ou NMOSD sob tratamento. Métodos Revisão bibliográfica focada em manejo de risco de infecção com ênfase em vacinação, medidas específicas de tratamento e particularidades de doenças infecciosas endêmicas do Brasil. Conclusão Propomos um calendário de vacinação, rotina de triagem infecciosa e medidas profiláticas baseadas em evidências científicas atuais. A conscientização das doenças tropicais emergentes é necessária devido a evidências de eventos desmielinizantes e possíveis casos parainfecciosos de EM e NMOSD.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Augmented reality (AR) involves digitally overlapping virtual objects onto physical objects in real space so that individuals can interact with both at the same time. AR in medical education seeks to reduce surgical complications through high-quality education. There is uncertainty in the use of AR as a learning tool for interventional radiology procedures. OBJECTIVE: To compare AR with other learning methods in interventional radiology. DESIGN AND SETTING: Systematic review of comparative studies on teaching techniques. METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, Tripdatabase, ERIC, CINAHL, SciELO and LILACS electronic databases for studies comparing AR simulation with other teaching methods in interventional radiology. This systematic review was performed in accordance with PRISMA and the BEME Collaboration. Eligible studies were evaluated using the quality indicators provided in the BEME Collaboration Guide no. 11, and the Kirkpatrick model. RESULTS: Four randomized clinical trials were included in this review. The level of educational evidence found among all the papers was 2B, according to the Kirkpatrick model. The Cochrane Collaboration tool was applied to assess the risk of bias for individual studies and across studies. Three studies showed an improvement in teaching of the proposed procedure through AR; one study showed that the participants took longer to perform the procedure through AR. CONCLUSION: AR, as a complementary teaching tool, can provide learners with additional skills, but there is still a lack of studies with a higher evidence level according to the Kirkpatrick model. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/ACZBM in the Open Science Framework database.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Lung transplantation (LTx) has been discussed as an option for treating irreversible lung fibrosis post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), in selected cases. OBJECTIVES: To report on the initial experience and management of end-stage lung disease due to COVID-19 at a national center reference in Brazil. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cohort study conducted at a national reference center for lung transplantation. METHODS: Medical charts were reviewed regarding patients’ demographics and pre-COVID-19 characteristics, post-LTx due to COVID-19. RESULTS: Between March 2020 and September 2021, there were 33 cases of LTx. During this period, we evaluated 11 cases of severe COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) that were potentially candidates for LTx. Among these, LTx was only indicated for three patients (9.1%). All of these patients were on venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and the procedure that they underwent was central venoarterial ECMO. All three patients were still alive after the first 30 postoperative days. However, patient #1 and patient #2 subsequently died due to fungal sepsis on the 47th and 52nd postoperative days, respectively. Patient #3 was discharged on the 30th postoperative day. CONCLUSIONS: LTx is feasible among these complex patients. Survival over the first 30 days was 100%, and this favors surgical feasibility. Nonetheless, these were critically ill patients.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: We aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Curitiba, Brazil. METHODS: Upper respiratory samples from 1077 HCWs were tested for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction from June 16, 2020 to December 9, 2020. RESULTS: Overall, 32.7% of HCWs were infected. The positivity rates in symptomatic and asymptomatic HCWs were 39.2% and 15.9%, respectively. Hospital departments categorized as high-risk for exposure had the highest number of infected HCWs. CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis and isolation of infected HCWs remain key in controlling SARS-CoV-2 transmission because HCWs in close contact with COVID-19 patients are more likely to be infected than those who are not.

ABSTRACT Dermatophytoses are fungal infections affecting the skin and cutaneous annexes. This clinical case report describes a 7-year-old girl with Kerion celsi, a severe manifestation of Tinea capitis. The patient presented with painful edematous crusty scalp lesions and alopecia, which required surgical debridement and long-term antifungal treatment. Culture of samples collected from scalp and arm skin lesions (patient and patient’s mother respectively) were positive for Trichophyton mentagrophytes. The family owned a pet guinea pig. This particular dermatophytosis is easily transmitted from guinea pigs to humans, with some studies showing up to 34.9% prevalence of Trichophyton mentagrophytes infection in these animals.

Resumo Contexto O tromboembolismo venoso é uma entidade que compreende a trombose venosa profunda e o tromboembolismo pulmonar. Embora os protocolos para diagnóstico dessas doenças estejam bem definidos, evidências têm demonstrado uso inadequado de recursos diagnósticos. Objetivos Definir o perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes com suspeita de trombose venosa profunda admitidos na emergência, determinar taxas de inadequação nas solicitações de D-dímero e eco-Doppler colorido venoso de membros inferiores e identificar se essas solicitações seguiram as recomendações da diretriz da Sociedade Brasileira de Angiologia e Cirurgia Vascular de 2015. Métodos Estudo observacional transversal que avaliou retrospectivamente 168 pacientes com suspeita de trombose venosa profunda, aos quais foi solicitado D-dímero. Foram mensurados os fatores de risco mais comuns e a probabilidade pré-teste pelo escore de Wells. O perfil epidemiológico desses pacientes, assim como as taxas de inadequação, foram avaliados por meio de uso de estatística descritiva. Resultados Em 55 (32,7%) casos, as solicitações de D-dímero foram inadequadas. Em 14 (8,3%) pacientes com baixa probabilidade no escore de Wells e D-dímero negativo, houve uso desnecessário de eco-Doppler colorido venoso de membros inferiores, sendo que, em 19 (11,3%) daqueles com baixa probabilidade no escore de Wells e D-dímero elevado, não houve complementação diagnóstica. O uso de eco-Doppler colorido venoso foi inadequado em 35 (20,8%) casos. A taxa global de inadequação foi de 53,5%. Conclusões Constataram-se divergências entre a prática clínica e as recomendações propostas para avaliação diagnóstica nos pacientes com suspeita de trombose venosa profunda devido ao uso inadequado de testes diagnósticos.

Abstract Background Venous thromboembolism is an entity that encompasses both deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism. Although protocols for the diagnosis of these diseases are well defined, there is evidence of inappropriate use of diagnostic resources. Objectives To define the epidemiological profiles of patients admitted to the emergency department with suspected deep vein thrombosis, to determine rates of inappropriate ordering of D-dimer assays and color venous Doppler echocardiography of the lower limbs, and to identify whether these requests followed the recommendations contained in the 2015 Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery guidelines. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional observational study that retrospectively evaluated 168 patients with suspected deep vein thrombosis for whom D-dimer assays were requested. The most common risk factors were measured and the pretest probability was calculated with the Wells score. The epidemiological profile of these patients and the rates of inappropriate D-dimer testing were assessed using descriptive statistics. Results The D-dimer requests were inadequate in 55 (32.7%) patients. Venous color Doppler ultrasound was used to examine the lower limbs of 14 (8.3%) of the patients with a low probability according to the Wells score and a negative D-dimer result. No additional diagnostic methods were used in 19 (11.3%) of those with a low probability according to the Wells score and a high D-dimer result. There was unnecessary use of CDUS in 35 (20.8%) cases. The overall rate of inappropriate workup was 53.5%. Conclusions Differences were found between clinical practice and the recommendations for diagnostic evaluation of patients with suspected deep vein thrombosis, with inappropriate use of diagnostic tests.

Abstract Background This manuscript presents data of screening and dose-response curves of a goosegrass population from Primavera do Leste, MT, Brazil, which results in the first official report of multiple resistance of goosegrass to ACCase and EPSPs inhibiting herbicides in Brazil. Objective Evaluate the control of a goosegrass population from Primavera do Leste, MT, Brazil, suspected of resistance to the glyphosate, fenoxaprop-p-ethyl, and haloxyfop-methyl herbicides, using dose-response curves. Methods The study was carried out in two stages, the first in Brasília, DF, Brazil, and the second in Piracicaba, SP, Brazil. The first stage consisted in the initial evaluation and identification of resistance, which was confirmed in the second. In the first stage, the herbicides glyphosate, fenoxaprop-p-ethyl, and haloxyfop-methyl were applied to susceptible and resistant goosegrass populations (F1 and F2 generations) with plants with 2 and 3 tillers, using nine rates (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 times the recommended rate). In the second stage, the herbicides were applied to susceptible and resistant populations with plants with 4 leaves, using 12 rates (0, 0.03125, 0.0625, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 times the recommended rate). Results The high sensitivity of susceptible plants combined with the high resistance level of resistant ones resulted in high resistance factors for fenoxaprop-p-ethyl and haloxyfop-methyl, with values greater than 27.8. The resistance factor for glyphosate ranged from 3.3 to 11, depending on growth stage at application time. Conclusions The goosegrass population from Primavera do Leste, MT, Brazil, presented resistance to EPSPs (glyphosate) and ACCase (haloxyfop-methyl and fenoxaprop-ethyl) inhibiting herbicides.

SUMMARY: The caroticoclinoid (CF) and the interclinoid (IF) foramina are variant formations of the middle cranial fossa, which result from idiopathic and possibly atavistic ossifications of the caroticoclinoid and interclinoid ligaments, respectively. Topographically, these foramina are intimately associated, to varying degrees, depending on their conformations, with the neurovascular elements of the paraclinoid region and have important clinical and surgical significance. Thus, this study, conducted from 38 dry skulls belonging to the shared collection of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares campus, revealed 11 skulls (28.95 %) with one of the two complete formations - the caroticoclinoid or the interclinoid, and in 6 skulls the caroticoclinoid foramen occurred uni or bilaterally. As a result, 50 % of these skulls presented the CF exclusively on the right (or 62.5 % of the total number of variant foramina), with an average transverse diameter of 4.91 mm and 5.8 mm AP (anteroposterior) diameter and an average area of 22.5 mm2. Concerning the IF, the findings occurred in 5 skulls with variable distributions between the clinoid processes and lateralities. The average length of the bone bridges in the IF was 7.7 mm. In conclusion, detailed anatomical knowledge of the caroticoclinoid and the interclinoid foramina is fundamental to the practice of neurosurgical procedures, since they have intimate relationships at a location of high structural complexity.

RESUMEN: El foramen caroticoclinoideo (FC) y el foramen interclinoideo (IC) son formaciones variables de la fosa craneal media, que resultan de osificaciones idiopáticas y posiblemente atávicas de los ligamentos caroticoclinoideo e interclinoideo, respectivamente. Estos forámenes están íntimamente asociados topográficamente en diversos grados, dependiendo de sus conformaciones, con los elementos neurovasculares de la región paraclinoidea y tienen importancia clínica y quirúrgica. Así, este estudio, realizado a partir de 38 cráneos secos pertenecientes a la colección compartida de la Universidad Federal de Juiz de Fora, campus Governador Valadares, reveló 11 cráneos (28,95 %) con una de las dos formaciones completas: el FC o el IC, y en 6 cráneos el FC se presentó uni o bilateralmente. Como resultado, el 50 % de estos cráneos presentaba el FC exclusivamente a la derecha (o el 62,5 % del total de forámenes variantes), con un diámetro transversal medio de 4,91 mm y un diámetro anteroposterior medio de 5,8 mm y un área promedio de 22,5 mm2. En cuanto a la FI, los hallazgos se presentaban en 5 cráneos con distribuciones variables entre los procesos clinoides y lateralidades. La longitud media de los puentes óseos en el FI fue de 7,7 mm. En conclusión, el conocimiento anatómico detallado de los forámenes caroticoclinoideo e interclinoideo resulta fundamental para la práctica de procedimientos neuroquirúrgicos, ya que presentan relaciones íntimas en un lugar de alta complejidad estructural.

RESUMO A opacidade em vidro fosco é uma alteração muito frequente e pouco específica na tomografia computadorizada de tórax. Ela admite grande leque de diagnósticos diferenciais no contexto agudo, desde pneumonias virais, como as causadas pelo vírus influenza, pela doença do coronavírus 2019 e pelo citomegalovírus, até mesmo lesões de origem não infecciosa, como vaping , infarto pulmonar, hemorragia alveolar e edema pulmonar. Para essa diferenciação diagnóstica, deve-se correlacionar o vidro fosco com os demais achados nos exames de imagem, exames laboratoriais e quadro clínico do paciente. É de suma importância, no contexto de pandemia, recordar as demais patologias com os achados semelhantes aos da doença do coronavírus 2019 nos exames de imagem.

ABSTRACT Ground-glass opacity is a very frequent and unspecified finding in chest computed tomography. Therefore, it admits a wide range of differential diagnoses in the acute context, from viral pneumonias such as influenza virus, coronavirus disease 2019 and cytomegalovirus and even non-infectious lesions, such as vaping, pulmonary infarction, alveolar hemorrhage and pulmonary edema. For this diagnostic differentiation, ground glass must be correlated with other findings in imaging tests, with laboratory tests and with the patients’ clinical condition. In the context of a pandemic, it is extremely important to remember the other pathologies with similar findings to coronavirus disease 2019 in the imaging exams.

Abstract Background: Chronic leg ulcers affect a large portion of the adult population and cause a significant social and economic impact, related to outpatient and hospital care, absence from work, social security expenses, and reduced quality of life. The correct diagnosis and therapeutic approach are essential for a favorable evolution. Objective: To gather the experience of Brazilian dermatologists, reviewing the specialized literature to prepare recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of the main types of chronic leg ulcers. Methods: Seven specialists from six university centers with experience in chronic leg ulcers were appointed by the Brazilian Society of Dermatology to reach a consensus on the diagnosis and therapeutic management of these ulcers. Based on the adapted DELPHI methodology, relevant elements were considered in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic leg ulcers of the most common causes; then, the recent literature was analyzed using the best scientific evidence. Results: The following themes were defined as relevant for this consensus - the most prevalent differential etiological diagnoses of chronic leg ulcers (venous, arterial, neuropathic, and hypertensive ulcers), as well as the management of each one. It also included the topic of general principles for local management, common to chronic ulcers, regardless of the etiology. Conclusion: This consensus addressed the main etiologies of chronic leg ulcers and their management based on scientific evidence to assist dermatologists and other health professionals and benefit the greatest number of patients with this condition.

RESUMO Objetivo: A infecção causada pelo coronavírus da síndrome respiratória aguda grave 2 (SARS-CoV-2) disseminou-se por todo o mundo e foi categorizada como pandemia. As manifestações mais comuns da infecção pelo SARS-CoV-2 (doença pelo coronavírus 2019 - COVID-19) se referem a uma pneumonia viral com graus variáveis de comprometimento respiratório e até 40% dos pacientes hospitalizados, que podem desenvolver uma síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo. Diferentes ensaios clínicos avaliaram o papel dos corticosteroides na síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo não relacionada com COVID-19, obtendo resultados conflitantes. Delineamos o presente estudo para avaliar a eficácia da administração endovenosa precoce de dexametasona no número de dias vivo e sem ventilação mecânica nos 28 dias após a randomização, em pacientes adultos com quadro moderado ou grave de síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo causada por COVID-19 provável ou confirmada. Métodos: Este é um ensaio pragmático, prospectivo, randomizado, estratificado, multicêntrico, aberto e controlado que incluirá 350 pacientes com quadro inicial (menos de 48 horas antes da randomização) de síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo moderada ou grave, definida segundo os critérios de Berlim, causada por COVID-19. Os pacientes elegíveis serão alocados de forma aleatória para tratamento padrão mais dexametasona (Grupo Intervenção) ou tratamento padrão sem dexametasona (Grupo Controle). Os pacientes no Grupo Intervenção receberão dexametasona 20mg por via endovenosa uma vez ao dia, por 5 dias, e, a seguir, dexametasona por via endovenosa 10mg ao dia por mais 5 dias, ou até receber alta da unidade de terapia intensiva, o que ocorrer antes. O desfecho primário será o número de dias livres de ventilação mecânica nos 28 dias após a randomização, definido como o número de dias vivo e livres de ventilação mecânica invasiva. Os desfechos secundários serão a taxa de mortalidade por todas as causas no dia 28, a condição clínica no dia 15 avaliada com utilização de uma escala ordinal de seis níveis, a duração da ventilação mecânica desde a randomização até o dia 28, a avaliação com o Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score após 48 horas, 72 horas e 7 dias, e o número de dias fora da unidade de terapia intensiva nos 28 dias após a randomização.

Abstract Objective: The infection caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spreads worldwide and is considered a pandemic. The most common manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 infection (coronavirus disease 2019 - COVID-19) is viral pneumonia with varying degrees of respiratory compromise and up to 40% of hospitalized patients might develop acute respiratory distress syndrome. Several clinical trials evaluated the role of corticosteroids in non-COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome with conflicting results. We designed a trial to evaluate the effectiveness of early intravenous dexamethasone administration on the number of days alive and free of mechanical ventilation within 28 days after randomization in adult patients with moderate or severe acute respiratory distress syndrome due to confirmed or probable COVID-19. Methods: This is a pragmatic, prospective, randomized, stratified, multicenter, open-label, controlled trial including 350 patients with early-onset (less than 48 hours before randomization) moderate or severe acute respiratory distress syndrome, defined by the Berlin criteria, due to COVID-19. Eligible patients will be randomly allocated to either standard treatment plus dexamethasone (Intervention Group) or standard treatment without dexamethasone (Control Group). Patients in the intervention group will receive dexamethasone 20mg intravenous once daily for 5 days, followed by dexamethasone 10mg IV once daily for additional 5 days or until intensive care unit discharge, whichever occurs first. The primary outcome is ventilator-free days within 28 days after randomization, defined as days alive and free from invasive mechanical ventilation. Secondary outcomes are all-cause mortality rates at day 28, evaluation of the clinical status at day 15 assessed with a 6-level ordinal scale, mechanical ventilation duration from randomization to day 28, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score evaluation at 48 hours, 72 hours and 7 days and intensive care unit -free days within 28.

RESUMO Introdução: A mais recente pandemia causada pelo coronavírus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19, do inglês coronavirus disease 2019) representa uma ameaça potencial para pacientes com doenças autoimunes, incluindo esclerose múltipla (EM) e transtorno do espectro de neuromielite óptica (NMOSD, do inglês neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders). Esses pacientes são geralmente tratados com medicamentos imunomoduladores ou imunossupressores que podem alterar a resposta normal do organismo a infecções. Até o momento, não há consenso sobre como o manejo dos pacientes com EM e NMOSD deve ser realizado durante a pandemia. Objetivo: Discutir estratégias para manejar esses pacientes. Métodos: Focamos em como 1) reduzir o risco de infecção por COVID-19, como distanciamento social, telemedicina e exames laboratoriais e de imagem em intervalos mais amplos; 2) manejo de surtos, incluindo evitar tratamento de surto leve e uso de corticoide oral; 3) gerenciar terapias modificadoras de doença, como a preferência por medicamentos associados a menor risco de infecção (interferons, glatirâmer, teriflunomida e natalizumabe) e infusão em intervalo estendido de natalizumabe, quando seguro; 4) individualizar a escolha da terapia de indução para EM (anticorpos monoclonais anti-CD20, alentuzumabe e cladribina); 5) manejar terapias preventivas de NMOSD, incluindo seleção inicial de terapia e manutenção do tratamento atual; 6) manejar pacientes com EM/NMOSD que foram infectados por COVID-19. Conclusão: No futuro, séries de casos de pacientes com MS/NMOSD infectados com COVID-19 nos ajudará a definir as melhores estratégias de manejo. Por enquanto, contamos com a experiência e orientação especializadas.

ABSTRACT Background: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic poses a potential threat to patients with autoimmune disorders, including multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Such patients are usually treated with immunomodulatory or immunosuppressive agents, which may tamper with the organism’s normal response to infections. Currently, no consensus has been reached on how to manage MS and NMOSD patients during the pandemic. Objective: To discuss strategies to manage those patients. Methods: We focus on how to 1) reduce COVID-19 infection risk, such as social distancing, telemedicine, and wider interval between laboratory testing/imaging; 2) manage relapses, such as avoiding treatment of mild relapse and using oral steroids; 3) manage disease-modifying therapies, such as preference for drugs associated with lower infection risk (interferons, glatiramer, teriflunomide, and natalizumab) and extended-interval dosing of natalizumab, when safe; 4) individualize the chosen MS induction-therapy (anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, alemtuzumab, and cladribine); 5) manage NMOSD preventive therapies, including initial therapy selection and current treatment maintenance; 6) manage MS/NMOSD patients infected with COVID-19. Conclusions: In the future, real-world case series of MS/NMOSD patients infected with COVID-19 will help us define the best management strategies. For the time being, we rely on expert experience and guidance.