Cause-specific mortality and income inequality in São Paulo, Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To analyze cause-specific mortality rates according to the relative income hypothesis. METHODS: All 96 administrative areas of the city of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil, were divided into two groups based on the Gini coefficient of income inequality: high (>0.25) and low (<0.25). The propensity score matching method was applied to control for confounders associated with socioeconomic differences among areas. RESULTS: The difference between high and low income inequality areas was statistically significant for homicide (8.57 per 10,000; 95%CI: 2.60;14.53); ischemic heart disease (5.47 per 10,000 [95%CI 0.76;10.17]); HIV/AIDS (3.58 per 10,000 [95%CI 0.58;6.57]); and respiratory diseases (3.56 per 10,000 [95%CI 0.18;6.94]). The ten most common causes of death accounted for 72.30% of the mortality difference. Infant mortality also had significantly higher age-adjusted rates in high inequality areas (2.80 per 10,000 [95%CI 0.86;4.74]), as well as among males (27.37 per 10,000 [95%CI 6.19;48.55]) and females (15.07 per 10,000 [95%CI 3.65;26.48]). CONCLUSIONS: The study results support the relative income hypothesis. After propensity score matching cause-specific mortality rates was higher in more unequal areas. Studies on income inequality in smaller areas should take proper accounting of heterogeneity of social and demographic characteristics.

Prevalência de asma e fatores associados: estudo de base populacional em São Paulo, SP, 2008-2009

OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência de asma em crianças e adolescentes e identificar fatores associados. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal de base populacional com 1.185 crianças e adolescentes de ambos os sexos de São Paulo, SP, de 2008 a 2009. As informações foram coletadas por meio de entrevistas domiciliares e os participantes foram selecionados a partir de amostragem probabilística, estratificada por sexo e idade, e por conglomerados em dois estágios (setores censitários e domicílios). Foi realizada regressão múltipla de Poisson na análise ajustada entre o desfecho e variáveis sociodemográficas, econômicas, estilo de vida e condições de saúde. RESULTADOS: Dos entrevistados, 9,1% (IC95% 7,0;11,7) referiram asma. Após análise ajustada, identificaram-se os seguintes fatores independentemente associados ao agravo: idade (zero a quatro anos/15 a 19) RP = 3,18 (IC95% 1,20;8,42), idade (cinco a nove anos/15 a 19) RP = 6,37 (IC95% 2,64;15,39), idade (10 a 14 anos/15 a 19) RP = 4,51 (IC95% 1,95;10,40), alergia (sim/não) RP = 2,22 (IC95% 1,24;4,00), rinite (sim/não) RP = 2,13 (IC95% 1,22;3,73), problemas de saúde nos 15 dias prévios à entrevista (sim/não) RP = 1,96 (IC95% 1,23;3,11), número de cômodos no domicílio (1 a 3/4 e mais) RP = 1,67 (IC95% 1,05;2,66), e cor da pele (preta e parda/branca) RP = 2,00 (IC95% 1,14;3,49). CONCLUSÕES: Os achados do presente estudo apontam a importância da asma associada à presença de rinite e alergia, idade entre cinco e nove anos, cor da pele preta e parda e moradia com menor número de cômodos. Os frequentes problemas de saúde podem ser considerados consequência dessa doença.

Febre amarela silvestre: reemergência de transmissão no estado de São Paulo, Brasil, 2009

OBJETIVO Descrever a investigação do surto de febre amarela silvestre e as principais medidas de controle realizadas no estado de São Paulo. MÉTODOS Estudo descritivo do surto de febre amarela silvestre na região sudoeste do estado, entre fevereiro e abril de 2009. Foram avaliados casos suspeitos e confirmados em humanos e primatas não humanos. A investigação entomológica, em ambiente silvestre, envolveu captura em solo e copa de árvore para identificação das espécies e detecção de infecção natural. Foram realizadas ações de controle de Aedes aegypti em áreas urbanas. A vacinação foi direcionada para residentes dos municípios com confirmação de circulação viral e nos municípios contíguos, conforme recomendação nacional. RESULTADOS Foram confirmados 28 casos humanos (letalidade 39,3%) em áreas rurais de Sarutaiá, Piraju, Tejupá, Avaré e Buri. Foram notificadas 56 mortes de primatas não humanos, 91,4% do gênero Alouatta sp . A epizootia foi confirmada laboratorialmente em dois primatas não humanos, sendo um em Buri e outro em Itapetininga. Foram coletados 1.782 mosquitos, entre eles Haemagogus leucocelaenus , Hg. janthinomys/capricornii , Sabethes chloropterus , Sa. purpureus e Sa. undosus . O vírus da febre amarela foi isolado de um lote de Hg. leucocelaenus procedente de Buri. A vacinação foi realizada em 49 municípios, com 1.018.705 doses aplicadas e o registro de nove eventos adversos graves pós-vacinação. CONCLUSÕES Os casos humanos ocorreram entre fevereiro e abril de 2009 em áreas sem registro de circulação do vírus da febre amarela há mais de 60 anos. A região encontrava-se fora da área com recomendação de vacinação, com alto percentual da população suscetível. A adoção oportuna de medidas de controle permitiu a interrupção da transmissão humana em um mês, assim como a confirmação da circulação viral em humanos, primatas não humanos e mosquitos. Os isolamentos facilitaram a identificação das áreas de circulação viral, mas são importantes novos estudos para esclarecer a dinâmica de transmissão da doença.

Associação de dor crônica com uso de serviços de saúde em idosos residentes em São Paulo

OBJETIVO Analisar a associação entre a utilização de serviço de saúde por idosos com dor crônica e variáveis sociodemográficas e de saúde. MÉTODOS Estudo transversal com amostra populacional realizado por meio de inquérito domiciliar em São Paulo, SP, em 2006, com 1.271 idosos de 60 anos ou mais, sem déficit cognitivo, que relataram dor crônica. Dor crônica foi definida como aquela com duração ≥ 6 meses. O critério para uso do serviço de saúde foi ter feito mais de quatro consultas ou uma internação no último ano. Para os idosos com dor há pelo menos um ano, testou-se a existência de associação entre uso do serviço de saúde com as variáveis independentes (características da dor, sociodemográficas e doenças autorreferidas), por meio de análises univariadas (teste de Rao & Scott) e múltiplas (Regressão Múltipla de Cox com variância robusta). Utilizou-se o programa Stata 11.0 e adotou-se como valor de significância p < 0,05. RESULTADOS A prevalência de utilização do serviço de saúde nos idosos com dor foi 48,0% (IC95% 35,1;52,8) e não diferiu dos idosos sem dor (50,5%; IC95% 45,1;55,9). A chance de utilização do serviço de saúde foi 33,0% menor nos idosos com dor há mais de dois anos do que naqueles com dor entre um e dois anos (p = 0,002); 55,0% maior nos idosos com dor intensa (p = 0,003) e 45,0% maior entre os que relataram interferência moderada da dor no trabalho (p = 0,015) na análise múltipla. CONCLUSÕES A dor crônica foi frequente e esteve associada a maiores prejuízos na independência e mobilidade. A dor crônica mais intensa, a mais recente e a com impacto no trabalho resultaram em maior uso dos serviços de saúde.

Fluorose dentária em crianças de São Paulo, SP, 1998-2010

OBJETIVO: Analisar a tendência de prevalência de fluorose dentária em crianças de 12 anos em contexto de exposição a múltiplas fontes de flúor. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se análise de tendência da prevalência de fluorose dentária no período de 1998 a 2010 na cidade de São Paulo, SP. As prevalências foram calculadas para diferentes anos (1998, 2002, 2008 e 2010), a partir de dados secundários obtidos em levantamentos epidemiológicos com amostras representativas da população de 12 anos de idade. A ocorrência de fluorose foi avaliada sob luz natural utilizando o índice de Dean, preconizado pela Organização Mundial da Saúde e categorizada em normal, questionável, muito leve, leve, moderada e severa. Em 1998 foram examinadas 125 crianças; 249 em 2002; 4.085 em 2008; e 231 em 2010. RESULTADOS: Em 1998 a prevalência de fluorose foi de 43,8% (IC95%35,6;52,8), em 2002 de 33,7% (IC95% 28,2;39,8), de 40,3% (IC95% 38,8;41,8) em 2008 e de 38,1% (IC95% 32,1;44,5) em 2010. As categorias muito leve + leve registraram 38,4% (IC95%30,3;47,6) em 1998, 32,1% (IC95% 26,6;38,2) em 2002, 38,0% (IC95% 36,5;39,5) em 2008 e 36,4% (IC95%30,4;42,7) em 2010. Não se observou fluorose severa com significância estatística. CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência de fluorose dentária em crianças paulistanas pode ser classificada como estacionária no período de 1998 a 2010, tanto em geral quanto ao se considerarem apenas as categorias muito leve + leve.

Orifice diseases project - experience of the "Hospital das Clínicas" University of São Paulo Medical Center in day-hospital of anorectal disease

The treatment of malignant or benign colorectal pathologies that require more complex management are priorities in tertiary hospitals such as "Hospital das Clínicas" University of São Paulo Medical Center (HCFMUSP). Therefore, benign, uncomplicated orifice conditions are relegated to second place. The number of patients with hemorrhoids, perianal fistulas, fissures, condylomas and pilonidal cysts who seek treatment at the HFMUSP is very great, resulting in over-crowding in the outpatient clinics and a long waiting list for recommended surgical treatment (at times over 18 months). The authors describe the experience of the HCFMUSP over an eight-day period with day-hospital surgery in which 140 patients underwent surgery. Data was prospectively taken on the patients undergoing surgery for benign orifice pathologies including age, sex, diagnosis, surgery performed, immediate and late postoperative complications, and follow-up. 140 patients operated on over eight days were studied. 68 were males (48.75%) with ages ranging from 25 to 62 (mean 35.2 yrs.). Hemorrhoids was the most frequent condition encountered (82 hemorrhoidectomies, 58.6%), followed by perineal fistula (28 fistula repairs, 20.0%). The most common complication was headache secondary to rachianesthesia occurring in 9 patients (6.4%). One patient (0.7%) developed bleeding immediately PO that required reoperation. Mean follow-up was 104 days. Day-surgery characterized by quality care and low morbidity is feasible in tertiary public hospitals, permitting surgery for benign orifice pathologies on many patients within a short period of time.

Rheumatic fever: a multicenter study in the State of São Paulo

Rheumatic fever is still the most commonly seen rheumatic disease in Brazilian pediatric rheumatology clinics. It remains a significant health problem since subsequent cardiac sequelae represent one of the most important causes of chronic heart disease in children. We reviewed the clinical manifestations of rheumatic fever in 786 patients, followed at seven pediatric rheumatology clinics in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. All patients were diagnosed according to revised Jones' criteria. Regarding major criteria, 396 (50.4%) children exhibited carditis, 453 (57.6%) polyarthritis, 274 (34.8%) chorea, 13 (1.6%) erythema marginatum, and 12 (1.5%) subcutaneous nodules. Valvular lesions documented by echocardiography in the absence of accompanying auscultatory findings were found in 144 (18.3%) patients. Migratory polyarthritis was observed in 290 (64.0%) patients with articular involvement. Documented previous streptococcal infection assessed by serum antistreptolysin (ASO) titers occurred in 531 (67.5%) patients. Even though prophylaxis with benzathine penicillin was recommended to all patients, recurrent attacks were observed in 147 (18.7%). We emphasize the high frequency of chorea, silent carditis and recurrences in our series as well as the variable clinical presentation of arthritis in rheumatic fever. Multicenter studies should be encouraged to improve our understanding of the clinical features of rheumatic diseases in children and adolescents.

Experience with the first Internet-based course at the Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo

PURPOSE: The Internet expands the range and flexibility of teaching options and enhances the ability to process the ever-increasing volume of medical knowledge. The aim of this study is to describe and discuss our experience with transforming a traditional medical training course into an Internet-based course. METHOD: Sixty-nine students were enrolled for a one-month course. They answered pre- and post-course questionnaires and took a multiple-choice test to evaluate the acquired knowledge. RESULTS: Students reported that the primary value for them of this Internet-based course was that they could choose the time of their class attendance (67%). The vast majority (94%) had a private computer and were used to visiting the Internet (75%) before the course. During the course, visits were mainly during the weekends (35%) and on the last week before the test (29%). Thirty-one percent reported that they could learn by reading only from the computer screen, without the necessity of printed material. Students were satisfied with this teaching method as evidenced by the 89% who reported enjoying the experience and the 88% who said they would enroll for another course via the Internet. The most positive aspect was freedom of scheduling, and the most negative was the lack of personal contact with the teacher. From the 80 multiple-choice questions, the mean of correct answers was 45.5, and of incorrect, 34.5. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that students can successfully learn with distance learning. It provides useful information for developing other Internet-based courses. The importance of this new tool for education in a large country like Brazil seems clear.

Cataract surgery: expectations of patients assisted during a community project in São Paulo, state of São Paulo, Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To identify social characteristics and expectations of individuals seen during a community project for the treatment of senile cataracts. Expected results from their eye surgery and its consequences to their quality of life were studied as well. METHODOLOGY: Cataract patients (visual acuity equal to or lower than 0.2 in the more superior eye) aged 50 years or over, were surveyed by means of interviews held during their visit at the Cataract Project in São Paulo city, State of São Paulo, Brazil, in 1999. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 331 subjects of low socioeconomic level ranging in age from 50 to 97 years (average = 71.8 years). Expectation of total recovery from the cataract condition by means of surgery was declared by 80.0% of the respondents, with no significant differences between male and female subjects (P < 0.1723). Hope to resume manual activities was expressed by 59.8%. CONCLUSION: A predominance of expectations of resuming normal activity and achieving a better quality of life after cataract surgery were identified.

Oropharyngeal colonization by Haemophilus influenzae in healthy children from Taubaté (São Paulo), prior to the Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccination program in Brazil

Haemophilus influenzae is one of the most important bacterial agents of otitis and sinusitis. H. influenzae type b (Hib) is one of the main causes of meningitis, pneumonia, and septicemia in nonvaccinated children under 6 years of age. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of H. influenzae and Hib oropharyngeal colonization prior to the onset of the Hib vaccination program in Brazil in previously healthy children and to assess the susceptibility profile of this microorganism to a selected group of antimicrobials that are used to treat acute respiratory infections. METHOD: Cultures of Haemophilus influenzae were made from oropharynx swabs from 987 children under 6 years of age who were enrolled in 29 day-care centers in Taubaté (a city of São Paulo state, Brazil) between July and December 1998. RESULTS: The prevalence of H. influenzae carriers was 17.4%, and only 5.5% of the strains were beta-lactamase producers. The prevalence of Hib carriers was high, 7.3% on average (range, 0.0 - 33.3%). CONCLUSIONS: The low prevalence of colonization by penicillin-resistant strains indicates that it is not necessary to substitute ampicilin or amoxicilin to effectively treat otitis and sinusitis caused by H. influenzae in Taubaté.

Atividade proteolítica e amonificante de vários tipos de solo do estado de São Paulo. I. - Solo latosol vermelho amarelo, com e sem cobertura morta

Os autores estudam, no presente trabalho, um solo tipo Latosol Vermelho Amarelo, com e sem cobertura morta, em 2 profundidades diferentes. Concluiram sôbre as vantagens de se manter um solo com cobertura morta que permite um aumento da microflora total e dos elementos nutritivos, confirmado pelo pronunciado índice de atividade protelítica e amonificante do solo.

Experimentos com os nematieidas D. D, E.D.B., C.B.P. e Vapam no combate aos nematódeos que parasitam a batatinha em São Paulo

The writers report results on the application of four fumigants (D. D., E. D. B.-40, C. B. P. and Vapam) for control of root-knot and meadow nematodes attacking potato in beds filled with soil artificially inoculated. The data obtained were as follows: a) as reported by previous authors, potato is sensitive to C.B.P., the toxical effects of which disapearing only about 6 and half months after application. On the other hand, C.B.P. proved to have a significative residual nematicidal value, protecting the seeds from root-knot nematodes for a period of two years; b) D. D., E. D. B., and Vapam were effective for controling root-knot but with no residual value, having to be used prior to each planting; c) at the rates used, no nematicide was effective to control meadow nematodes; d) in the conditions of the experiments, all nematicides incited attacks bv Streptomyces scabies. Actually, in some cases scab did not affect any tuber from the check while the entire production from the treated beds was heavily desfigured. The writers assume that as the nematicides killed protozoa and too many bacteria-eating nematodes, they destroyed the biological equilibrium existing in the soil, thus allowing the S. scabies population to reach a high level.

Contribuição ao conhecimento dos nematóides que causam galhas em raízes de plantas em São Paulo e estados vizinhos

Eight root-knot nematode forms are known to occur in Brazil, namely Meloidogyne exigua, M. incognita, M. j. javanica, M. j. bauruensis, M. inornata, M. hapla, M. arenaria arenaria and M. coffeicola. After presenting a historical resume of the root-knot disease, as well as observations on symptoms, distribution and spread, and life history of the nematodes, a study of the morphological characters used in identification of species is made, a key for separating the forms referred to above being also prepared. As no information on host plants of the coffee root-knot nematode (M. exigua) was available, a few tests were performed, as an attempt to infect several plant species. Pepper (Capsicum annuun) was the only plant attacked by M. exigua, having failed all attempts to infect nine other plants, including tomato var. Rutgers. M. exigua incited formation of galls on roots of cucumber, but no adult female was found in the tissue. In a final chapter dealing with control, a review of all methods available is presented.