Search

BACKGROUND: Considering the disruptions imposed by lockdowns and social distancing recommendations, coupled with overwhelmed healthcare systems, researchers worldwide have been exploring drug repositioning strategies for treating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). OBJECTIVE: To compile results from randomized clinical trials on the effect of dexamethasone, compared with standard treatment for management of SARS-CoV-2. DESIGN AND SETTING: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines in a Brazilian public university. METHODS: We sought to compile data from 6724 hospitalized patients with confirmed or suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection. RESULTS: Treatment with dexamethasone significantly reduced mortality within 28 days (risk ratio, RR: 0.89; 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.82-0.97). Dexamethasone use was linked with being discharged alive within 28 days (odds ratio, OR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.07-1.33). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that dexamethasone may significantly improve the outcome among hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated severe respiratory complications. Further studies need to consider both dose-dependent administration and outcomes in early and later stages of the disease. PROSPERO platform: CRD42021229825.

Hepatitis B viral infection (HBV) in prisons poses serious public health challenges because it significantly contributes to the increase in both morbidity and mortality indicators worldwide. Research has shown high HBV prevalence among inmates when compared to the general population. In this study, we estimated the prevalence of HBV exposure and its risk factors among 1,132 inmates detained in high security institutions. A cross-sectional, epidemiological study was carried out in 11 male-only prisons in the State of Paraná, Brazil, between May 2015 to December 2016. HBV exposure was explored using a variety of methods, including HBsAg, anti-HBs, and total anti-HBc. Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate techniques. The overall prevalence of HBV exposure was 11.9% (95% CI: 10.9–12.8), totaling 135 individuals. In the multivariate analyses, risk factors that remained statistically significant were related to the penitentiary location (Francisco Beltrão; OR = 5.59; 95% CI: 3.32–9.42), age (over 30 years; OR = 5.78; 95% CI: 3.58–9.34), undergoing tattooing procedures in prison (OR = 1.64; 95% CI: 1.03–2.60), self-reported sexual activities with a known drug user (OR = 1.67; 95% CI: 1.12–2.48) and having a history of previous history of hepatitis B or C infection (OR = 2.62; 95% CI: 1.48–4.64). The findings indicate that public policies–including vaccination, early diagnosis, harm reduction strategies, and adequate treatment–should be designed and delivered in the same way for both the incarcerated and the general population in order to reduce the prevalence of HBV and its associated consequences.

Objectives: This investigation sought to identify the prevalence of Burnout Syndrome (BS) among Brazilian medical doctors (BS) and the associations with risk factors and protective factors.Methods: Out of 206 registered MD from a medium-sized municipality, 121 were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Convenience sampling was used. Based on Cohen's f2, a power of 98% and a 0.05 alpha was achieved. MD responded to sociodemographic questions and to the Portuguese-version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Human Services Survey (MBI). Risk and protective factors linked with BS were examined with regression analyses.Results: The age of the participants ranged from 25 to 69 years (M = 40.89; SD = 10.13) and 73.6% were male. The prevalence of BS was 7.5%. Differential aspects were related to BS. For instance, while not reporting satisfaction with the institution (β = 16.16, p < 0.001) and not practicing physical exercise (β = 7.39, p = 0.014) were associated with higher scores in the BS composite score, those who did not intend to change their careers (β = −17.15, p < 0.001) and participants who saw mental health specialists (β = −8.99, p = 0.007) scored lower, accounting for nearly a half of the BS composite score (R2 = 46%).Conclusion: The prevalence of BS in this study falls within the range previously reported among healthcare professionals (i.e., 2.6–11.8%). Moreover, data suggested that commitment with the occupation and with the participant's own mental health could boost reactions against the deleterious effects of the BS. In this sense, organizations can develop strategies for preventing BS, a process that is known to be chronic and, to some extent, preventable.

Background: Hospitalised patients are often surrounded by microorganisms, and antibiotic-resistant pathogens are a major and growing threat to public health. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology and the risk factors for colonisation by multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in a Brazilian hospital. Methods: Patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) who underwent nasal and rectal swab cultures for the surveillance of colonisation by MDROs were evaluated in a retrospective study. MDROs were determined by routine microbiological cultures. Results: Of the 785 patients included in this study, 86 presented positive results for MDRO colonisation. Overall, the most frequently isolated organism was Klebsiella pneumoniae (41.9%), followed by Escherichia coli (33.7%). The main type of resistance was the production of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL). The prevalence of MDRO infections was significantly associated with the patient's origin (community or hospital-acquired). Having been submitted to previous antimicrobial drug therapy was significantly associated with MDRO infection (relative risk [RR]: 4.02 [2.60 - 6.23]). Conclusion: MDRO ICU colonisation was variable, with similar frequencies as other centres, and important factors, including previous hospital stay and antibiotic use, were closely related to MDRO colonisation. Therefore, control interventions should reduce their rates, especially considering the particularities of each geographic centre.