José Mauro Madi

Sífilis Congênita como Indicador de Assistência Pré-natal

Purpose: to study the prevalence of congenital syphilis in a universitary hospital of the south of Brazil, emphasizing its role as a prenatal care marker. Patients and Method: a descriptive study of the congenital syphilis cases which occurred at the Hospital Geral (HG-UCS) from June 1st, 2000 to May 31st, 2001, based on the diagnosis criteria proposed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 1998). Results: The prevalence of congenital syphilis was 1.5 (27 cases in 1739 births). The coefficient of congenital syphilis observed was 15.5/1000 newborns. Twenty-three pregnant women (85.2%) received prenatal care; however, the maternal infection with syphilis was diagnosed before the delivery in only 16 (69.6%) cases. Only 4 pregnant women reported an appropriate prenatal treatment of syphilis. In 8 (29.6%) cases an association of maternal syphilis with other sexually transmissible diseases was observed. The coefficient of perinatal mortality was 1.15/1000 births (two perinatal deaths). Conclusions: The authors reaffirm the importance of congenital syphilis as an indicator of perinatal health, since it is a disease that may be completely prevented by prenatal care. In addition, a high prevalence of congenital syphilis allows one to question the quality of the prenatal care, which was available to the studied group.

Fatores maternos e perinatais relacionados à macrossomia fetal

PURPOSE: to identify maternal and perinatal factors related to neonates with birthweight >4,000 g. METHODS: cross-section cohort study with 411 consecutive cases of fetal macrosomia (FM) which occurred from March 1998 to March 2005. Data were compared to 7,349 cases of fetal birthweight >2,500 and <3,999 g which occurred in the same period. Maternal variables (maternal age, parity, diabetes, previous cesarean section, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, cephalopelvic disproportion, main cesarean section indications) and perinatal variables (birth injury, <7 1-min and 5-min Apgar score, fetal and early neonatal mortality range, need of neonatal intensive care unit) were analyzed. For statistical analysis the c2 test with Yates correction and Students t test were used with the level of significance set at 5%. RESULTS: FM was significantly associated with older mothers, more parous and <7 1-min Apgar score (p<0.05; OR=1.8; 95% CI: 1,4-2.5) and <7 5-min Apgar score (p<0,05; OR=2.3; 95% CI: 1.3-4,1), diabetes mellitus (p<0.05; OR=4.2; 95% CI: 2.7-6.4), meconium-stained amniotic fluid (p<0.02; OR=1.3; 95% CI: 1.0-1.7), need of neonatal intensive care unit (p<0,05; OR=2.0; 95% CI: 1.5-2.7), early neonatal mortality (p<0,05; OR = 2.7; 95% CI: 1.0-6.7), cesarean section (p < 0.05; OR = 2.03; 95% CI: 1,6-2,5) and cephalopelvic disproportion (p < 0.05;OR = 2.8; 95% CI: 1.6-4,8). There was no statistical difference between birth injury and fetal mortality range. In the FM group the main cesarean section indications were repeat cesarean sections (11.9%) and cephalopelvic disproportion (8.6%); in the normal birthweight group, repeat cesareans (8.3%) and fetal distress during labor (3.9%). CONCLUSIONS: in spite of the characteristic limitations of a retrospective evaluation, the analysis demonstrated which complications were associated with large fetal size, being useful in obstetric handling of patients with a diagnosis of extreme fetal growth. FM remains an obstetric problem of difficult solution, associated with important maternal and perinatal health problems, due to the significant observed rates of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in developed and developing countries.

Prevalence of toxoplasmosis, HIV, syphilis and rubella in a population of puerperal women using Whatman 903® filter paper.

OBJECTIVES to determine the seroprevalence rate of toxoplasmosis, HIV, syphilis and rubella in a population of puerperal women. METHODS a prospective, cross-sectional study was performed from February 2007 to April 2008 at Hospital Geral, Universidade de Caxias do Sul in a population of 1,510 puerperal women. Women that gave birth to live born or stillborn infants were included in the study; maternal and perinatal variables were analyzed. Descriptive statistics and Pearsons chi-square with occasional Fishers correction were used for comparisons. Alpha was set in 5%. RESULTS a total of 148 cases of congenital infection (9.8%) were identified: 66 cases of syphilis (4.4%), 40 cases of HIV (2.7%), 27 cases of toxoplasmosis (1.8%) and 15 cases of rubella (1.0%). In ten cases there was co-infection (four cases of HIV and syphilis, two cases of HIV and rubella, one case of HIV and toxoplasmosis, two cases of rubella and syphilis, and one case of toxoplasmosis and rubella). In a comparison between puerperal women with and without infection there was no statistical significance in relation to incidence of abortions, small for gestational age, prematurity, live births and stillbirths, and prenatal care. Need of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), maternal schooling, maternal age higher than 35 years and drug use (alcohol, cocaine and crack) had statistical significance. CONCLUSION the prevalence rate of infections was 9.8%. Need of NICU, maternal schooling lower than eight years, maternal age higher than 35 years and drug use were significantly associated with occurrence of congenital infection.

Validation of a screening instrument for postpartum depression in Southern Brazil.

Objectives. The objectives of this investigation was to assess the prevalence of postpartum depression in a sample of 101 women and to validate a Portuguese version of the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS) in Southern Brazil Methods. Research volunteers completed the PDSS and underwent an assessment based on the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV disorders (SCID). Parameters under investigation included the demographic characteristics of the sample, internal structure, and discriminant validity. Results. All questions in the Portuguese version of the PDSS attained significant Cronbachs alpha of 0.62. The factorial analysis of the Portuguese version of PDSS identified one principal factor that contributed 38.8% of the variance. The best cut-off score for the Portuguese version of the PDSS was a score of 81, which accounted for a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 72% in this sample. Conclusions. The Portuguese version of the PDSS demonstrated sound psychometric properties. The results of the factorial analysis also demonstrated that the Portuguese version of the PDSS assesses postpartum depressive disorders in a coherent and integrated manner. The original English version of the PDSS was successfully adapted to Portuguese.

Análise da morbiletalidade neonatal em recém-nascidos pré-termo tardios

OBJECTIVE To compare mortality and the principal intercurrent clinical conditions suffered by late-preterm newborn infants born with gestational ages of 34 full weeks to 36 weeks and 6 days, and full term newborns. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study of all preterm newborn infants born at a public hospital from August 2010 to August 2011. The study sample comprised late-preterm infants (cases) and a group of full term newborns (controls). Three controls were enrolled for each case. Maternal, gestational and neonatal variables were analyzed. Means and standard deviations were used to compare numerical variables between case and control groups using Students t test and the Mann-Whitney test; Pearsons chi-square was used for categorical variables. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to estimate risk. RESULTS The study sample comprised 239 late-preterm infants and 698 full term newborns. Mothers aged over 35 years and/or with a history of previous premature deliveries had a higher proportion of late-preterm children. The following gestational variables were associated with late-preterm delivery: hypertension, infectious diseases, rupture of membranes more than 18 hours previously and multiple pregnancies. When compared with full term newborns, late-preterms were statistically more likely to be subject to hypothermia/hyperthermia, hypoglycemia, respiratory pathologies, resuscitation in the delivery room, phototherapy, supplementary feeding, mechanical ventilation, venous infusions, antibiotics and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, resulting in a nine times greater neonatal mortality rate. Intercurrent conditions were inversely related to gestational age. CONCLUSION Late-preterm newborn infants had a mortality rate nine times that of full term infants and were exposed to a greater risk of intercurrent conditions during the neonatal period. These intercurrent conditions were inversely related to gestational age.OBJECTIVE: To compare mortality and the principal intercurrent clinical conditions suffered by late-preterm newborn infants born with gestational ages of 34 full weeks to 36 weeks and 6 days, and full term newborns. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of all preterm newborn infants born at a public hospital from August 2010 to August 2011. The study sample comprised late-preterm infants (cases) and a group of full term newborns (controls). Three controls were enrolled for each case. Maternal, gestational and neonatal variables were analyzed. Means and standard deviations were used to compare numerical variables between case and control groups using Students t test and the Mann-Whitney test; Pearsons chi-square was used for categorical variables. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to estimate risk. RESULTS: The study sample comprised 239 late-preterm infants and 698 full term newborns. Mothers aged over 35 years and/or with a history of previous premature deliveries had a higher proportion of late-preterm children. The following gestational variables were associated with late-preterm delivery: hypertension, infectious diseases, rupture of membranes more than 18 hours previously and multiple pregnancies. When compared with full term newborns, late-preterms were statistically more likely to be subject to hypothermia/hyperthermia, hypoglycemia, respiratory pathologies, resuscitation in the delivery room, phototherapy, supplementary feeding, mechanical ventilation, venous infusions, antibiotics and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, resulting in a nine times greater neonatal mortality rate. Intercurrent conditions were inversely related to gestational age. CONCLUSIONS: Late-preterm newborn infants had a mortality rate nine times that of full term infants and were exposed to a greater risk of intercurrent conditions during the neonatal period. These intercurrent conditions were inversely related to gestational age.

Meconium aspiration syndrome: obstetric and perinatal outcome analysis

PURPOSE: to analyze obstetrical and perinatal data in 26 cases of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). METHODS: a retrospective review was performed in 26 newborn records diagnosed with meconium aspiration syndrome. Patients were studied emphasizing average days in neonatal intensive care unit and main maternal findings and neonatal complications, correlating them with each other. RESULTS: Eighteen babies were delivered at GH-CSUF and eight out of this hospital. At this time 3,976 deliveries occurred at GH-CSUF, with an incidence of MAS of 0.45%. Nine of 18 babies were born by vaginal delivery; weight was >2,500 g in 16 cases. One-minute Apgar score was >7 in three cases (16.7%), between 4 and 6 in seven cases (38.9%), and between 0 and 3, in eight cases (44.4%). At 5 minutes, seven babies remained <7. Anoxia was the main neonatal complication (36%). The mortality rate was 7.7% and the average hospital stay was 19.9 days. CONCLUSION: MAS is a very important neonatal pathology correlated with high neonatal mortality rates, thick meconium in at least half of the cases, and with a majority of depressed newborns at delivery.

Oligodramnia sem rotura das membranas amnióticas: resultados perinatais

OBJETIVO: avaliar os resultados perinatais em casos de oligodramnia sem rotura de membranas amnioticas. METODOS: foram estudados retrospectivamente 51 casos consecutivos de oligodramnia (indice de liquido amniotico (ILA) menor que 5 cm) em nascimentos ocorridos no periodo de marco de 1998 a setembro de 2001. Compararam-se os dados obtidos aos de 61 casos com quantidade intermediaria e normal de liquido amniotico (ILA >5 cm). Analisaram-se variaveis maternas e neonatais, bem como taxas de mortalidade fetal, neonatal precoce e perinatal. As avaliacoes estatisticas foram realizadas mediante a aplicacao do teste nao parametrico do c² com a correcao de Yates, e do teste t de Student. Adotou-se o nivel de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: nao houve diferenca significante entre os grupos estudados, ao se analisar a ocorrencia de sindrome hipertensiva, presenca de meconio, indice de Apgar inferior a sete no primeiro e quinto minuto, internacao na unidade de tratamento intensivo neonatal e prematuridade. A oligodramnia associou-se significantemente ao tipo de parto (p<0,0002; RR=0,32), sofrimento fetal agudo (p<0,0004; RR=2,2) e presenca de malformacoes fetais (p<0,01; RR=5,4). Os percentuais de malformacoes fetais foram de 17,6 e 3,3% nos grupos de oligodramnia e normal, respectivamente. As taxas de mortalidade fetal (2,0 vs 1,6%), neonatal (5,9 vs 1,6%) e perinatal (7,8 vs 3,3%), em ambos os grupos, nao apresentaram diferenca significante. CONCLUSAO: a oligodramnia se associou a um aumento do risco para operacao cesariana, sofrimento fetal agudo e malformacoes fetais.

Effect of Obesity on Gestational and Perinatal Outcomes

Purpose To assess the impact of pre-pregnancy obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m2) on the gestational and perinatal outcomes. Methods Retrospective cohort study of 731 pregnant women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 at the first prenatal care visit, comparing them with 3,161 women with a BMI between 18.5 kg/m2 and 24.9 kg/m2. Maternal and neonatal variables were assessed. Statistical analyses reporting the demographic features of the pregnant women (obese and normal) were performed with descriptive statistics followed by two-sided independent Students t tests for the continuous variables, and the chi-squared (χ2) test, or Fishers exact test, for the categorical variables. We performed a multiple linear regression analysis of newborn body weight based on the mothers BMI, adjusted by maternal age, hyperglycemic disorders, hypertensive disorders, and cesarean deliveries to analyze the relationships among these variables. All analyses were performed with the R (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria) for Windows software, version 3.1.0. A value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Obesity was associated with older age [OR 9.8 (7.8-12.2); p < 0.01], hyperglycemic disorders [OR 6.5 (4.8-8.9); p < 0.01], hypertensive disorders [OR 7.6 (6.1-9.5); p < 0.01], caesarean deliveries [OR 2.5 (2.1-3.0); p < 0.01], fetal macrosomia [OR 2.9 (2.3-3.6); p < 0.01] and umbilical cord pH [OR 2.1 (1.4-2.9); p < 0.01). Conversely, no association was observed with the duration of labor, bleeding during labor, Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes after birth, gestational age, stillbirth and early neonatal mortality, congenital malformations, and maternal and fetal injury. Conclusion We observed that pre-pregnancy obesity was associated with maternal age, hyperglycemic disorders, hypertension syndrome, cesarean deliveries, fetal macrosomia, and fetal acidosis.

Fatores perinatais associados a recém-nascidos de termo com pH<7,1 na artéria umbilical e índice de Apgar <7,0 no 5º minuto

PURPOSE To assess perinatal factors associated with term newborns with pH<7.1 in the umbilical artery and 5th min Apgar score<7.0. METHODS Retrospective case-control study carried out after reviewing the medical records of all births from September/1998 to March/2008, that occurred at the General Hospital of Caxias do Sul. The inclusion criterion was term newborns who presented a 5th min Apgar score <7.0 and umbilical artery pH<7.10. In the univariate analysis, we used the Students t-test and the Mann-Whitney test for continuous variables, the c² test for dichotomous variables and risk estimation by the odds ratio (OR). The level of significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS Of a total of 15,495 consecutive births, 25 term neonates (0.16%) had pH<7.1 in the umbilical artery and a 5th min Apgar score <7.0. Breech presentation (OR=12.9, p<0.005), cesarean section (OR=3.5, p<0.01) and modified intrapartum cardiotocography (OR=7.8, p<0.02) presented a significant association with the acidosis event. Among the fetal characteristics, need for hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care unit (OR=79.7, p <0.0001), need for resuscitation (OR=12.2, p <0.0001) and base deficit were associated with the event (15.0 versus -4.5, p<0.0001). CONCLUSION Low Apgar score at the 5th min of life associated with pH<7.1 in the umbilical artery can predict adverse neonatal outcomes.

A randomized controlled trial of a protocol of interviews designed to improve adherence to antiretroviral medications in southern Brazil

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Portuguese version of the Medication Adherence Training Instrument (MATI) for improving adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in southern Brazil. Two different follow-up modalities were compared in this 225 days randomized controlled study: one based on the MATI protocol and a conventional (non-MATI) clinical follow-up. There were no differences between the groups with the exception of socioeconomic class (P < 0.005). The mean length of continuance in treatment was 111.4 (SD = 13.9) and 137.6 (SD = 17.3) days in the MATI and non-MATI groups, respectively. A Mantel–Cox log-rank test revealed no significant difference between the two interventions (P = 0.34). Despite the sample size limitation, the results from this study indicate that the Portuguese version of the MATI was not more efficacious than the regular follow-up intervention for improving adherence of outpatients to ART.