Comparison of four different human papillomavirus genotyping methods in cervical samples: Addressing method-specific advantages and limitations

Since human papillomavirus (HPV) is recognized as the causative agent of cervical cancer and associated with anogenital non-cervical and oropharyngeal cancers, the characterization of the HPV types circulating in different geographic regions is an important tool in screening and prevention. In this context, this study compared four methodologies for HPV detection and genotyping: real-time PCR (Cobas® HPV test), nested PCR followed by conventional Sanger sequencing, reverse hybridization (High + Low PapillomaStrip® kit) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) at an Illumina HiSeq2500 platform. Cervical samples from patients followed at the Family Health Strategy from Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil, were collected and subjected to the real-time PCR. Of those, 114 were included in this study according to the results obtained with the real-time PCR, considered herein as the gold standard method. For the 110 samples tested by at least one methodology in addition to real-time PCR, NGS showed the lowest concordance rates of HPV and high-risk HPV identification compared to the other three methods (67-75 %). Real-time PCR and Sanger sequencing showed the highest rates of concordance (97-100 %). All methods differed in their sensitivity and specificity. HPV genotyping contributes to individual risk stratification, therapeutic decisions, epidemiological studies and vaccine development, supporting approaches in prevention, healthcare and management of HPV infection.

Age-Period-Cohort Study of Breast Cancer Mortality in Brazil in State Capitals and in Non-Capital Municipalities from 1980 to 2019

Breast cancer was identified as the cancer with the highest mortality rate among women in Brazil. This study analyzed the effects of age, period and birth cohort on the breast cancer mortality rate for Brazilian women, comparing state capitals and non-capital municipalities. Population and deaths data were extracted from the Brazilian Unified Health System database for women aged 30 years or older, for the years between 1980 and 2019. The effects were analyzed using the age-period-cohort model. Age effect on breast cancer mortality is observed in the model through higher mortality rates at older ages. Period effect is similar in all regions in the form of a marked increase in the rate ratio (RR) in non-capital municipalities by period than in state capitals. The RR of birth cohorts in the state capitals remained stable (north, northeast and central-west regions) or decreased followed by an increase in the most recent cohorts (Brazil as a whole and the southeast and south regions). The RR for the other municipalities, however, showed a progressive increase in the cohorts for all regions. Policies and actions focused on breast cancer in women should consider these differences among Brazilian regions, state capitals and other municipalities.

Breast cancer survival and the health system in Brazil: an analysis of public and private healthcare

Background

The incidence of breast cancer is increasing globally; however, survival outcomes vary and are lower in developing countries.

Methods

We analyzed the 5- and 10-year survival rates for breast cancer according to the type of healthcare insurance (public vs. private) in a referral center for cancer care in the Brazilian southeast region. This hospital-based cohort study included 517 women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between 2003 and 2005. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the probability of survival, and the Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to assess prognostic factors.

Results

The 5- and 10-year breast cancer survival rates were as follows: private healthcare service survival rate of 80.6% (95% CI 75.0-85.0) and 71.5% (95% CI 65.4-77.1), respectively, and public healthcare service survival rate of 68.5% (95% CI 62.5-73.8) and 58.5% (95% CI 52.1-64.4), respectively. The main factors associated with the worst prognosis were lymph node involvement in both healthcare services and tumor size >2 cm only in public health services. The use of hormone therapy (private) and radiotherapy (public) was associated with the best survival rates.

Conclusions

The survival discrepancies found between health services can be explained mainly by the difference in the stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis, indicating inequalities in access to the early detection of breast cancer.

Frequency and factors associated with delay in breast cancer treatment in Brazil, according to data from the Oncology Panel, 2019-2020

OBJECTIVE

to analyze treatment delay and the flow of care for women with breast cancer in Brazil in 2019 and 2020.

METHOD

this was a follow-up study of breast cancer cases available from the Oncology Panel; a chi-square test and multilevel logistic regression were performed in order to analyze the explanatory variables associated with delay (greater than 60 days) in starting treatment.

RESULTS

22,956 cases (54.5%) with delay in treatment were identified in 2019 and 17,722 (48.7%) in 2020; the Southeast region (54.6%) had the greatest proportion of delay; delay was greater when treatment was provided outside the municipality of residence and lower in 2020 compared to 2019; most outward flows were to the capital cities in the same Federative Units of residence.

CONCLUSION

strategies to reduce cancer treatment delay and optimize health care networks in the Federative Units should be prioritized.

Temporal trends in social security benefits for female breast cancer in Brazil

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess temporal trends in disability benefits for breast cancer awarded to women by Brazil’s National Social Security Institute. We conducted a time-series analysis of disability benefit incidence rates between 2007 and 2018 using joinpoint regression and data from the Unified Benefits Information System (SUIBE) and open access social security system database. The age-adjusted incidence rate increased by 6.7% per year between 2015 and 2018 after a period of stability between 2007 and 2014. The number of benefits granted to women aged 20-49 increased, on average, by 3.4% per year, showing a marked rise from 2015 to 2018 (10.4% per year). The findings highlight that breast cancer is an important cause of sick leave among female workers and that the incidence of the disease is growing in younger economically active women, reinforcing the importance of early referral to the Social Security Professional Rehabilitation Program to help workers return to work and readapt to working life.

Temporal trends in social security benefits for female breast cancer in Brazil

The aim of this study was to assess temporal trends in disability benefits for breast cancer awarded to women by Brazil's National Social Security Institute. We conducted a time-series analysis of disability benefit incidence rates between 2007 and 2018 using joinpoint regression and data from the Unified Benefits Information System (SUIBE) and open access social security system database. The age-adjusted incidence rate increased by 6.7% per year between 2015 and 2018 after a period of stability between 2007 and 2014. The number of benefits granted to women aged 20-49 increased, on average, by 3.4% per year, showing a marked rise from 2015 to 2018 (10.4% per year). The findings highlight that breast cancer is an important cause of sick leave among female workers and that the incidence of the disease is growing in younger economically active women, reinforcing the importance of early referral to the Social Security Professional Rehabilitation Program to help workers return to work and readapt to working life.

The global burden of cancer attributable to risk factors, 2010-19: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

BACKGROUND

Understanding the magnitude of cancer burden attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors is crucial for development of effective prevention and mitigation strategies. We analysed results from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019 to inform cancer control planning efforts globally.

METHODS

The GBD 2019 comparative risk assessment framework was used to estimate cancer burden attributable to behavioural, environmental and occupational, and metabolic risk factors. A total of 82 risk-outcome pairs were included on the basis of the World Cancer Research Fund criteria. Estimated cancer deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) in 2019 and change in these measures between 2010 and 2019 are presented.

FINDINGS

Globally, in 2019, the risk factors included in this analysis accounted for 4·45 million (95% uncertainty interval 4·01-4·94) deaths and 105 million (95·0-116) DALYs for both sexes combined, representing 44·4% (41·3-48·4) of all cancer deaths and 42·0% (39·1-45·6) of all DALYs. There were 2·88 million (2·60-3·18) risk-attributable cancer deaths in males (50·6% [47·8-54·1] of all male cancer deaths) and 1·58 million (1·36-1·84) risk-attributable cancer deaths in females (36·3% [32·5-41·3] of all female cancer deaths). The leading risk factors at the most detailed level globally for risk-attributable cancer deaths and DALYs in 2019 for both sexes combined were smoking, followed by alcohol use and high BMI. Risk-attributable cancer burden varied by world region and Socio-demographic Index (SDI), with smoking, unsafe sex, and alcohol use being the three leading risk factors for risk-attributable cancer DALYs in low SDI locations in 2019, whereas DALYs in high SDI locations mirrored the top three global risk factor rankings. From 2010 to 2019, global risk-attributable cancer deaths increased by 20·4% (12·6-28·4) and DALYs by 16·8% (8·8-25·0), with the greatest percentage increase in metabolic risks (34·7% [27·9-42·8] and 33·3% [25·8-42·0]).

INTERPRETATION

The leading risk factors contributing to global cancer burden in 2019 were behavioural, whereas metabolic risk factors saw the largest increases between 2010 and 2019. Reducing exposure to these modifiable risk factors would decrease cancer mortality and DALY rates worldwide, and policies should be tailored appropriately to local cancer risk factor burden.

FUNDING

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

[Early detection and prevention of cervical cancer: knowledge, attitudes and practices of FHS professionals]

The study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of professionals of the Family Health Strategy (FHS) on the control of uterine cervical cancer (CCU) recommended by the Ministry of Health (MS). This is a cross-sectional study, which used a self-administered questionnaire with the doctors and nurses of the FHS of Juiz de Fora, MG, in 2019. For analysis, the chi-square and Fisher's exact test were used, 5% level of significance. Among the 170 surveyed, which corresponded to 93% of FHS professionals in the city, the prevalence of adequate knowledge was 39.4% and had association with younger age and female gender. The prevalence of an adequate attitude was 59.5% and of appropriate practices 77.6%, both associated with a longer time since graduation. The presence of the Ministry of Health guidelines in the units was associated with the outcomes, knowledge and adequate practice, confirming the importance of support material for consultation by professionals. Only 28.2% of professionals reported having received training in the last 3 years and 50.3% carried out educational actions for users. The need for permanent education actions with professionals is highlighted, aiming at a more effective action to confront and eradicate CCU.

Time to diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer in public and private health services

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the time to diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer and the associated factors, according to the type of care (public vs. private).

METHODOLOGY

Retrospective cohort study with 477 women diagnosed with breast cancer between 2014 and 2016. Data were collected in an oncology service in a municipality in Minas Gerais, in the 2018-2019 period. Analyzes were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox's proportional regression model.

RESULTS

The median time to diagnosis was 70 days, being shorter for women who discovered the disease through screening tests and who were diagnosed in early stages of the disease. The median time for treatment was 32 days, which was shorter for women assisted by private health service, with a high level of education and who were diagnosed in early stages.

CONCLUSIONS

Private care and facilitators of access to breast cancer care were associated with shorter waiting times.

Histological and Immunohistochemical Characteristics for Hereditary Breast Cancer Risk in a Cohort of Brazilian Women

OBJECTIVE

 The study aimed to characterize the clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical profile of women with invasive breast cancer, according to the risk for Hereditary Predisposition Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome in a Brazilian population.

METHODS

 This is a retrospective study performed from a hospital-based cohort of 522 women, diagnosed with breast cancer treated at an oncology referral center in the Southeast region of Brazil, between 2014 and 2016.

RESULTS

 Among the 430 women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer who composed the study population, 127 (29.5%) were classified as at increased risk for hereditary predisposition to breast and ovarian cancer syndrome. There was a lower level of education in patients at increased risk (34.6%) when compared with those at usual risk (46.0%). Regarding tumor characteristics, women at increased risk had higher percentages of the disease diagnosed at an advanced stage (32.3%), and with tumors > 2cm (63.0%), with increased prevalence for both characteristics, when compared with those at usual risk. Furthermore, we found higher percentages of HG3 (43.3%) and K_i-67 ≥ 25% (64.6%) in women at increased risk, with prevalence being about twice as high in this group. The presence of triple-negative tumors was observed as 25.2% in women at increased risk and 6.0% in women at usual risk, with the prevalence of absence of biomarkers being 2.5 times higher among women in the increased risk group.

CONCLUSION

 From the clinical criteria routinely used in the diagnosis of breast cancer, the care practice of genetic counseling for patients at increased risk of hereditary breast cancer in contexts such as Brazil is still scarce.

Cancer Incidence, Mortality, Years of Life Lost, Years Lived With Disability, and Disability-Adjusted Life Years for 29 Cancer Groups From 2010 to 2019: A Systematic Analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

IMPORTANCE

The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019 (GBD 2019) provided systematic estimates of incidence, morbidity, and mortality to inform local and international efforts toward reducing cancer burden.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate cancer burden and trends globally for 204 countries and territories and by Sociodemographic Index (SDI) quintiles from 2010 to 2019.

EVIDENCE REVIEW

The GBD 2019 estimation methods were used to describe cancer incidence, mortality, years lived with disability, years of life lost, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in 2019 and over the past decade. Estimates are also provided by quintiles of the SDI, a composite measure of educational attainment, income per capita, and total fertility rate for those younger than 25 years. Estimates include 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs).

FINDINGS

In 2019, there were an estimated 23.6 million (95% UI, 22.2-24.9 million) new cancer cases (17.2 million when excluding nonmelanoma skin cancer) and 10.0 million (95% UI, 9.36-10.6 million) cancer deaths globally, with an estimated 250 million (235-264 million) DALYs due to cancer. Since 2010, these represented a 26.3% (95% UI, 20.3%-32.3%) increase in new cases, a 20.9% (95% UI, 14.2%-27.6%) increase in deaths, and a 16.0% (95% UI, 9.3%-22.8%) increase in DALYs. Among 22 groups of diseases and injuries in the GBD 2019 study, cancer was second only to cardiovascular diseases for the number of deaths, years of life lost, and DALYs globally in 2019. Cancer burden differed across SDI quintiles. The proportion of years lived with disability that contributed to DALYs increased with SDI, ranging from 1.4% (1.1%-1.8%) in the low SDI quintile to 5.7% (4.2%-7.1%) in the high SDI quintile. While the high SDI quintile had the highest number of new cases in 2019, the middle SDI quintile had the highest number of cancer deaths and DALYs. From 2010 to 2019, the largest percentage increase in the numbers of cases and deaths occurred in the low and low-middle SDI quintiles.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The results of this systematic analysis suggest that the global burden of cancer is substantial and growing, with burden differing by SDI. These results provide comprehensive and comparable estimates that can potentially inform efforts toward equitable cancer control around the world.

COVID-19 nos municípios de uma macrorregião de Minas Gerais e fatores associados

Introdução: No Brasil, a epidemia de COVID-19 teve início nos grandes centros urbanos e se disseminou para os demais municípios ao longo dos meses seguintes. Objetivo: Descrever a distribuição espacial da incidência de casos notificados e da mortalidade por COVID-19 nos municípios da macrorregião de saúde Sudeste de Minas Gerais segundo a tipologia de municípios do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE). Material e Métodos: Estudo ecológico que teve os municípios da macrorregião de saúde Sudeste de Minas Gerais como unidades de análise. Foram obtidos os dados de COVID-19 de plataforma virtual da Universidade Federal de Viçosa e calculadas as taxas de incidência e de mortalidade para cada um dos municípios da macrorregião entre março de 2020 e fevereiro de 2021. Também foram obtidas variáveis socioeconômicas (provenientes do Censo 2010) e assistenciais (provenientes do site do DATASUS) referentes a esses municípios. Foram feitas comparações entre as variáveis epidemiológicas, socioeconômicas e assistenciais, por tipos de município, por meio do teste não-paramétrico de Kruskal-Wallis. Resultados: A distribuição dos indicadores socioeconômicos e epidemiológicos entre os municípios que compõem a macrorregião mostrou-se heterogênea. Os municípios predominantemente urbanos apresentaram maior incidência e mortalidade por COVID-19 do que os rurais adjacentes. Contudo, os municípios rurais adjacentes apresentaram, em geral, piores indicadores socioeconômicos quando comparados aos predominantemente urbanos. Não houve diferença significativa entre os intermediários adjacentes e os demais tipos no que tange aos indicadores avaliados. Conclusão: Embora a epidemia de COVID-19 tenha atingido primeiro os municípios maiores, mais urbanizados e com maior comunicação com grandes centros urbanos, ao longo do tempo foi se interiorizando e acabou por atingir todos os municípios da região.

Tempo para diagnóstico e tratamento do câncer de mama na assistência pública e privada

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar o tempo para o diagnóstico e tratamento do câncer de mama e os fatores associados, segundo o tipo de assistência (pública vs. privada). Métodos: Coorte retrospectiva com 477 mulheres diagnosticadas com câncer de mama entre 2014-2016. Os dados foram coletados em um serviço de oncologia de um município de Minas Gerais, entre 2018-2019. As análises foram realizadas pelo método de Kaplan-Meier e pelo modelo de regressão de Cox. Resultados: O tempo mediano para diagnóstico foi de 70 dias, sendo menor para aquelas que descobriram a doença por exames de rastreamento e diagnosticadas em estádios iniciais. O tempo mediano para o tratamento foi de 32 dias, sendo menor para as mulheres assistidas pela rede privada, com alta escolaridade e diagnosticadas em estádios iniciais. Conclusões: Assistência na rede privada e facilitadores do acesso ao cuidado do câncer de mama associaram-se a menores tempos de espera.

The global burden of adolescent and young adult cancer in 2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

BACKGROUND

In estimating the global burden of cancer, adolescents and young adults with cancer are often overlooked, despite being a distinct subgroup with unique epidemiology, clinical care needs, and societal impact. Comprehensive estimates of the global cancer burden in adolescents and young adults (aged 15-39 years) are lacking. To address this gap, we analysed results from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019, with a focus on the outcome of disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), to inform global cancer control measures in adolescents and young adults.

METHODS

Using the GBD 2019 methodology, international mortality data were collected from vital registration systems, verbal autopsies, and population-based cancer registry inputs modelled with mortality-to-incidence ratios (MIRs). Incidence was computed with mortality estimates and corresponding MIRs. Prevalence estimates were calculated using modelled survival and multiplied by disability weights to obtain years lived with disability (YLDs). Years of life lost (YLLs) were calculated as age-specific cancer deaths multiplied by the standard life expectancy at the age of death. The main outcome was DALYs (the sum of YLLs and YLDs). Estimates were presented globally and by Socio-demographic Index (SDI) quintiles (countries ranked and divided into five equal SDI groups), and all estimates were presented with corresponding 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). For this analysis, we used the age range of 15-39 years to define adolescents and young adults.

FINDINGS

There were 1·19 million (95% UI 1·11-1·28) incident cancer cases and 396 000 (370 000-425 000) deaths due to cancer among people aged 15-39 years worldwide in 2019. The highest age-standardised incidence rates occurred in high SDI (59·6 [54·5-65·7] per 100 000 person-years) and high-middle SDI countries (53·2 [48·8-57·9] per 100 000 person-years), while the highest age-standardised mortality rates were in low-middle SDI (14·2 [12·9-15·6] per 100 000 person-years) and middle SDI (13·6 [12·6-14·8] per 100 000 person-years) countries. In 2019, adolescent and young adult cancers contributed 23·5 million (21·9-25·2) DALYs to the global burden of disease, of which 2·7% (1·9-3·6) came from YLDs and 97·3% (96·4-98·1) from YLLs. Cancer was the fourth leading cause of death and tenth leading cause of DALYs in adolescents and young adults globally.

INTERPRETATION

Adolescent and young adult cancers contributed substantially to the overall adolescent and young adult disease burden globally in 2019. These results provide new insights into the distribution and magnitude of the adolescent and young adult cancer burden around the world. With notable differences observed across SDI settings, these estimates can inform global and country-level cancer control efforts.

FUNDING

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities, St Baldrick's Foundation, and the National Cancer Institute.

Trend of the Burden of Larynx Cancer in Brazil, 1990 to 2019

INTRODUCTION:

Larynx cancer is one of the most common head and neck cancers, whose main risk factors are smoking and alcohol use, and its occurrence and prognosis depend on adequate and timely preventive measures. This study aimed to investigate the burden of larynx cancer in Brazil and its states.

METHODS:

Using estimates from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, this study analyzed the trends of incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for larynx cancer between 1990 and 2019, besides the mortality-to-incidence ratio and the socio demographic index.

RESULTS:

Incidence and mortality due to larynx cancer in Brazil, which are approximately eight-fold higher for men, showed a declining trend between 1990 and 2019 (APPC: -0.4% and -1.0%, respectively). The DALYs also showed negative variation between 1990 and 2019 for both sexes in Brazil, mainly due to the decrease in premature deaths, with the greatest reduction in the state of São Paulo. For the states of Brazil in 2019, the higher age-standardized incidence rate (Rio Grande do Sul, 3.83 cases per 100,000 inhabitants) is twice the lowest rate (Piauí, 1.56 cases per 100,000 inhabitants).

CONCLUSIONS:

A fall in the burden of larynx cancer was observed in Brazil over the past 30 years, which may be attributed to a reduction in smoking and to an improvement in treatment. However, the regional inequalities in the country remain evident, especially for males. This data can guide public policy priorities to control the disease in Brazil.

Ethnoracial and social trends in breast cancer staging at diagnosis in Brazil, 2001-14: a case only analysis

Background

Policies for early detection of breast cancer, including clinical breast examinations and mammographic screening, were introduced in Brazil in 2004, but their effect on disease stage at diagnosis is unclear. We aimed to assess whether these policies have led to a decrease in the prevalence of late-stage breast cancer at diagnosis.

Methods

In this case only analysis, using an anonymised nationwide hospital based-cancer registry network, we identified women aged 18–89 years who had been diagnosed with an invasive breast cancer in Brazil during 2001–14. We extracted individual patient-level data on patient demographics, tumour variables, and health-care provider variables for the centre where the patient was diagnosed. Our objectives were to estimate the prevalence of late-stage breast cancer (TNM stage III or IV) at diagnosis overall, across age groups, and by ethnoracial and social strata (ie, self-reported ethnoracial group, as white, black, brown, Asian, or Indigenous, and educational level, marital status, and region of residence) across the study period, and compare these estimates with international data from high-income countries (Norway and the USA). We used logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for late-stage versus early-stage (TNM stage I or II) breast cancer at diagnosis in relation to relevant exposures, either minimally adjusted (for age, year of diagnosis, and region of residence) or fully adjusted (for all patient, tumour, and health-care provider variables).

Findings

We identified 247 719 women who were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between Jan 1, 2001, and Dec 31, 2014, with a mean age at diagnosis of 55·4 years (SD 13·3), of whom 36·2% (n=89 550) identified as white, 29·8% (n=73 826) as black or brown, and 0·7% (n=1639) as Asian or Indigenous. Prevalence of late-stage breast cancer at diagnosis remained high throughout 2001–14, at approximately 40%, was inversely associated with educational level (p value for linear trend <0·0001), and was higher for women who identified as black (minimally adjusted OR 1·61, 95% CI 1·53–1·70; fully adjusted OR 1·45, 95% CI 1·38–1·54) and brown (minimally adjusted OR 1·26, 95% CI 1·22–1·30; fully adjusted OR 1·18, 1·14–1·23) than those who identified as white. The predicted prevalence of late-stage cancer at diagnosis was highest for women who were black or brown with little or no formal education (48·8%, 95% CI 48·2–49·5) and lowest for women who were white with university education (29·4%, 28·2–30·6), but both these prevalences were higher than that of all women diagnosed with breast cancer in Norway before the introduction of mammography screening (ie, 16·3%, 95% CI 15·4%–17·2% in 1970–74). Similar ethnoracial and social patterns emerged in analyses restricted to the age group targeted by screening (50–69 years).

Interpretation

The persistently high prevalence of late-stage breast cancer at diagnosis across all ethnoracial and social strata in Brazil, although more substantially among the most disadvantaged populations, implies that early detection policies might have had little effect on breast cancer mortality so far, and highlights the need to focus primarily on timely diagnosis of symptomatic breast cancer rather than on screening for asymptomatic disease.

Funding

Newton Fund, Research Councils UK, and Conselho Nacional das Fundações Estaduais de Amparo à Pesquisa.

Global, Regional, and National Cancer Incidence, Mortality, Years of Life Lost, Years Lived With Disability, and Disability-Adjusted Life-Years for 29 Cancer Groups, 1990 to 2017: A Systematic Analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study

Importance

Cancer and other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are now widely recognized as a threat to global development. The latest United Nations high-level meeting on NCDs reaffirmed this observation and also highlighted the slow progress in meeting the 2011 Political Declaration on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases and the third Sustainable Development Goal. Lack of situational analyses, priority setting, and budgeting have been identified as major obstacles in achieving these goals. All of these have in common that they require information on the local cancer epidemiology. The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study is uniquely poised to provide these crucial data.

Objective

To describe cancer burden for 29 cancer groups in 195 countries from 1990 through 2017 to provide data needed for cancer control planning.

Evidence Review

We used the GBD study estimation methods to describe cancer incidence, mortality, years lived with disability, years of life lost, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs). Results are presented at the national level as well as by Socio-demographic Index (SDI), a composite indicator of income, educational attainment, and total fertility rate. We also analyzed the influence of the epidemiological vs the demographic transition on cancer incidence.

Findings

In 2017, there were 24.5 million incident cancer cases worldwide (16.8 million without nonmelanoma skin cancer [NMSC]) and 9.6 million cancer deaths. The majority of cancer DALYs came from years of life lost (97%), and only 3% came from years lived with disability. The odds of developing cancer were the lowest in the low SDI quintile (1 in 7) and the highest in the high SDI quintile (1 in 2) for both sexes. In 2017, the most common incident cancers in men were NMSC (4.3 million incident cases); tracheal, bronchus, and lung (TBL) cancer (1.5 million incident cases); and prostate cancer (1.3 million incident cases). The most common causes of cancer deaths and DALYs for men were TBL cancer (1.3 million deaths and 28.4 million DALYs), liver cancer (572 000 deaths and 15.2 million DALYs), and stomach cancer (542 000 deaths and 12.2 million DALYs). For women in 2017, the most common incident cancers were NMSC (3.3 million incident cases), breast cancer (1.9 million incident cases), and colorectal cancer (819 000 incident cases). The leading causes of cancer deaths and DALYs for women were breast cancer (601 000 deaths and 17.4 million DALYs), TBL cancer (596 000 deaths and 12.6 million DALYs), and colorectal cancer (414 000 deaths and 8.3 million DALYs).

Conclusions and Relevance

The national epidemiological profiles of cancer burden in the GBD study show large heterogeneities, which are a reflection of different exposures to risk factors, economic settings, lifestyles, and access to care and screening. The GBD study can be used by policy makers and other stakeholders to develop and improve national and local cancer control in order to achieve the global targets and improve equity in cancer care.

The effect of redistribution of ill-defined causes of death on the mortality rate of breast cancer in Brazil

The relevance of breast cancer for women has driven research about mortality of this disease. However, these studies are affected by problems generated by deaths due to ill-defined causes (IDC). To highlight distortions caused by IDC in studies that evaluate mortality, we calculated the age-standardized mortality rates of breast cancer, with and without adjustment for IDC for the years 1990, 2000, and 2010. Then, panel data regression models were estimated and enabled us to identify that the adjustment for IDC: has elevated breast cancer mortality rate of Brazilian municipalities by 9% in the period considered; has drawn mortality rates of the South, Southeast, Northeast and North regions closer; has reduced the increasing trend of mortality by almost 60%, mainly in the Southeast and South regions; has increased, more sharply, the mortality in cities with less than 5 thousand inhabitants; has curbed the significance of most factors associated with breast cancer; has revealed that the effect of longevity and the public health expenditure may be overestimated. These results highlight the importance of adjustment for IDC in producing reliable mortality indicators.

Incidence of rare cancers in the city of São Paulo, Brazil

INTRODUCTION:

Rare cancers are a challenge for clinical practice as well as for epidemiology and public health. Studies on this subject are few and limited to the study of cases with scarce epidemiologic information. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of rare cancers and to compare the demographic, anatomic, and histologic characteristics of rare and nonrare (common) cancers.

METHODS:

Incidence data were obtained from the Population-based Cancer Registry of São Paulo, Brazil. Rare neoplasms were those defined in the RARECARE list, which takes into account an incidence lower than 6/100,000/year.

RESULTS:

In São Paulo, 20.4% of tumors had an incidence lower than 6/100,000/year from 1997 to 2012, being therefore considered as rare tumors. We identified 11 entities with an incidence greater than 6/100,000/year (common neoplasms) and 186 entities with an incidence lower than 6/100,000/year (rare neoplasms). The mean annual incidence of all cancers was 365 per 100,000 in São Paulo between 1997 and 2012, and the incidence of all rare tumors was 74.5 per 100,000.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study presents the burden of rare cancers in Brazil. It is expected to be an incentive for further studies of these entities in order to know the epidemiologic profile of rare tumors in Brazil and to provide a more effective diagnostic and therapeutic approach.

[Mammographic over-screening: evaluation based on probabilistic linkage of records databases from the Breast Cancer Information System (SISMAMA)]

The Brazilian Ministry of Health recommends biennial mammographic screening for women aged between 50 and 69 years. Since screening is opportunistic in the country, the actual periodicity varies. This study sought to test a methodology for estimating over-screening due to excessive periodicity, defined as a smaller than recommended interval between exams, and its association with socio-demographic characteristics. A cohort of women who underwent mammography in 2010, and whose result was normal, was assembled through probabilistic linkage SISMAMA records based on a set of personal identifiers. We used data from women living in the micro health region of Juiz de Fora/Lima Duarte/Bom Jardim, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, who were followed in the System until the end of 2012. The rate of over-screening was 150/1,000 women/year (95%CI: 144.9-155.9), affecting 21% of women. Over-screening increased by 24% during Pink October campaigns (adjusted HR = 1.24; 95%CI: 1.15-1.35). The shorter the time passed since the last mammogram, the greater the odds of over-screening. Compared with women who had never had a mammogram prior to 2010, women who had had one in the previous 2 years were two times more likely to be over-screened (adjusted HR = 2.01; 95%CI: 1.74-2.31) whilst those who had had a mammogram ≤ 1 year previously were three times more likely to be over-screened (adjusted HR = 3.27; 95%CI: 2.87-3.73). Over-screening was substantial in this population, excessively exposing women to the risks of screening with no additional benefits and overestimating mammogram coverage. The methodology proved to be successful and should be applied to representative populations in order to guide breast cancer control policies.

Inequities in access to mammographic screening in Brazil

Abstract: Our objectives with this study were to describe the spatial distribution of mammographic screening coverage across small geographical areas (micro-regions) in Brazil, and to analyze whether the observed differences were associated with spatial inequities in socioeconomic conditions, provision of health care, and healthcare services utilization. We performed an area-based ecological study on mammographic screening coverage in the period of 2010-2011 regarding socioeconomic and healthcare variables. The units of analysis were the 438 health micro-regions in Brazil. Spatial regression models were used to study these relationships. There was marked variability in mammographic coverage across micro-regions (median = 21.6%; interquartile range: 8.1%-37.9%). Multivariable analyses identified high household income inequality, low number of radiologists/100,000 inhabitants, low number of mammography machines/10,000 inhabitants, and low number of mammograms performed by each machine as independent correlates of poor mammographic coverage at the micro-region level. There was evidence of strong spatial dependence of these associations, with changes in one micro-region affecting neighboring micro-regions, and also of geographical heterogeneities. There were substantial inequities in access to mammographic screening across micro-regions in Brazil, in 2010-2011, with coverage being higher in those with smaller wealth inequities and better access to health care.

Avaliação de método para classificação automatizada de pares em relacionamentos probabilísticos de bancos de dados

Resumo: O objetivo foi testar e avaliar a acurácia de um método para a seleção de escore em relacionamento probabilístico de banco de dados, de forma a viabilizar a automatização da identificação de pares verdadeiros dispensando a etapa de inspeção manual. Estudo de acurácia utilizando dados do Sistema de Informação do Câncer de Mama (SISMAMA) de Minas Gerais, Brasil, de 2009 e 2010. Após o processo de limpeza e padronização, foi realizado o relacionamento probabilístico dos bancos 2009 e 2010 utilizando 16 passos, sendo que cada passo foi inspecionado manualmente para se obter um padrão-ouro. Posteriormente, selecionaram-se amostras que foram inspecionadas e avaliadas para calcular a acurácia do método de seleção dos pares verdadeiros. Todos os passos e amostras com 200 e 300 pares apresentaram alta sensibilidade (recall) > 0,97, alto valor preditivo positivo (precision) > 0,95 e altas acurácia (> 0,97), medida F (> 0,96) e área sob a curva precision-recall (> 0,98). A amostra com 100 pares evidenciou altos valores para essas medidas, porém com escores mais baixos. Dos 16 passos avaliados, o uso de apenas três de forma combinada foi suficiente para identificar 99,24% dos pares verdadeiros no banco total. O método proposto permite automatizar o relacionamento das bases de dados, mantendo a acurácia do método. Facilita a utilização de relacionamento probabilístico no âmbito dos serviços de saúde, especialmente para a vigilância e gestão em saúde.

Disparidade racial na sobrevivência em 10 anos para o câncer de mama: uma análise de mediação usando abordagem de respostas potenciais

Os objetivos foram investigar a associação entre raça/cor e a sobrevivência em 10 anos de mulheres com câncer de mama e o papel do estadiamento como mediador. Coorte hospitalar com 481 mulheres com câncer invasivo de mama, diagnosticadas entre 2003 e 2005. Foram feitas comparações entre mulheres brancas e negras quanto às características sociodemográficas e ao estadiamento, usando o teste qui-quadrado, e à sobrevivência em 10 anos, usando os métodos de Kaplan-Meier e regressão de Cox. Foram estimados para a variável raça/cor efeitos diretos e indiretos, mediados pelo estadiamento, com ajuste para a condição social da área de residência e idade, utilizando o modelo de respostas potenciais (contrafactual) e regressão múltipla de Cox. As mulheres negras residiam em setores censitários de menor renda, eram usuárias do setor público em maior proporção e foram diagnosticadas com estadiamentos mais avançados. A sobrevivência específica em 10 anos foi de 64,3% (IC95%: 60,0; 68,9), com diferença significativa entre brancas (69,5%; IC95%: 64,8; 74,6) e negras (44%; IC95%: 35,2; 55,1). Nos modelos múltiplos, ajustados para renda e idade, as negras tiveram pior prognóstico (HR = 2,09; IC95%: 1,76; 2,51), e a proporção mediada pelo estadiamento foi de 40% (IC95%: 37; 42). Há disparidade racial na sobrevivência do câncer de mama em 10 anos, mediada principalmente pelo estadiamento mais avançado da doença nas mulheres negras. Isso aponta para a necessidade de ampliar a cobertura e a qualidade do programa de rastreamento dessa doença e facilitar o acesso ao diagnóstico e tratamento precoces, com vistas à redução da iniquidade racial.

Burden of disease in Brazil, 1990-2016: a systematic subnational analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016

BACKGROUND

Political, economic, and epidemiological changes in Brazil have affected health and the health system. We used the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016 (GBD 2016) results to understand changing health patterns and inform policy responses.

METHODS

We analysed GBD 2016 estimates for life expectancy at birth (LE), healthy life expectancy (HALE), all-cause and cause-specific mortality, years of life lost (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs), disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), and risk factors for Brazil, its 26 states, and the Federal District from 1990 to 2016, and compared these with national estimates for ten comparator countries.

FINDINGS

Nationally, LE increased from 68·4 years (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 68·0-68·9) in 1990 to 75·2 years (74·7-75·7) in 2016, and HALE increased from 59·8 years (57·1-62·1) to 65·5 years (62·5-68·0). All-cause age-standardised mortality rates decreased by 34·0% (33·4-34·5), while all-cause age-standardised DALY rates decreased by 30·2% (27·7-32·8); the magnitude of declines varied among states. In 2016, ischaemic heart disease was the leading cause of age-standardised YLLs, followed by interpersonal violence. Low back and neck pain, sense organ diseases, and skin diseases were the main causes of YLDs in 1990 and 2016. Leading risk factors contributing to DALYs in 2016 were alcohol and drug use, high blood pressure, and high body-mass index.

INTERPRETATION

Health improved from 1990 to 2016, but improvements and disease burden varied between states. An epidemiological transition towards non-communicable diseases and related risks occurred nationally, but later in some states, while interpersonal violence grew as a health concern. Policy makers can use these results to address health disparities.

FUNDING

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Brazilian Ministry of Health.

Magnitude and variation of the burden of cancer mortality in Brazil and Federation Units, 1990 and 2015

Objective:

To analyze the mortality rates from malignant neoplasia in Brazil and Federal Units (FU) in the years 1990 and 2015, according to sex and main types of cancer.

Methods:

Using estimates of global disease burden for Brazil made by the GBD 2015 study, age-adjusted cancer mortality rates and respective 95% uncertainty intervals were calculated for Brazil and FU in 1990 and 2015, as well as their percentage variation in the period. The main causes of cancer mortality by sex were analyzed, considering the five highest rates in the country and for each state.

Results:

The cancer mortality rate for male and female population remained stable between the two years in the country. The same behavior pattern was observed in almost all the FU, and the majority of states in the northeast region and half of the north region showed a non-significant increase in mortality rates. Regarding the types of cancer, there was a drop in mortality rates for stomach cancers in both sexes (women: -38.9%, men: -37.3%), cervical cancer in women (-33.9%), and lung and esophagus cancer in men (-12.0% and -14.1%, respectively); in contrast, there was an increase in lung cancers in women (+20.7%) and colon and rectum cancers in men (+29.5%).

Conclusion:

Differences in the behavior of major cancers, with a decrease mainly in the more developed regions and an increase in the less developed regions of the country, seem to reflect the socioeconomic inequalities as well as difficulties in access to health services by the Brazilian population.

Ten-year survival and prognostic factors for breast cancer in the southeast region of Brazil

Introduction:

Breast cancer is an important public health issue in many parts of the world. Thus, it shows relevant incidence and is considered one of the main causes of death from cancer among women.

Objective:

To analyze ten-year survival and prognostic factors in women with invasive breast cancer.

Methods:

The cohort was composed of 195 women assisted in an oncology referral center in the municipality of Juiz de Fora, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, who were diagnosed with the disease in 2000 and 2001. Sociodemographic, tumoral, health service, and treatment-related characteristics were analyzed. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the survival functions and the Cox model of proportional hazards for the evaluation of prognostic factors.

Results:

The ten-year survival after diagnosis was of 56.3%. The major independent prognostic factors associated with increased risk of death were tumor size > 2.0 cm (hazard ratio - HR = 1.9; confidence interval - 95%CI 1.0 - 3.2) and presence of compromised lymph nodes (HR = 3.7; 95%CI 2.1 - 5.9).

Conclusion:

These findings reinforce the need of adopting actions that ensure access of the target population to the recommended diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, thus contributing to achieve earlier diagnosis and better survival rates.

ANÁLISE DA PREVALÊNCIA DA SÍNDROME DE BURNOUT EM PROFISSIONAIS DA ATENÇÃO PRIMÁRIA EM SAÚDE

Resumo A síndrome de burnout resulta de um processo crônico de exposição a estressores laborais. Caracteriza-se pelas dimensões exaustão emocional, despersonalização e baixa realização profissional. Profissionais de saúde são propensos a ela por lidarem diretamente com pessoas e sofrimento, o que prejudica sua saúde e o cuidado ofertado à sociedade. A atenção primária à saúde é o nível assistencial mais adjacente à comunidade, expondo os profissionais às realidades desta. Este estudo objetiva identificar a prevalência de burnout nos profissionais da atenção primária e fatores associados. Estudo transversal, realizado com 153 profissionais de saúde da atenção básica do município de Juiz de Fora, entre 2013 e 2014. Utilizou-se o Maslach Burnout Inventory para mensurar o desfecho. A prevalência da síndrome foi de 51%, destacando-se que ela foi maior entre os profissionais de enfermagem. As variáveis associadas ao desfecho após análise multivariada foram: autoavaliação do estado de saúde ruim e insatisfação no trabalho. O trabalho no nível primário de atenção é complexo e exigente, o que torna relevante atentar para a saúde e satisfação destes profissionais, visando resguardar seu bem-estar e a produção do cuidado de qualidade à sociedade.

[Breast cancer mortality in Brazilian municipalities and associated factorsMortalidad por cáncer de mama en municipios brasileños y factores asociados]

Objetivo.

Analisar o comportamento da mortalidade por câncer de mama nos municípios brasileiros e avaliar a influência de fatores socioeconômicos e demográficos sobre as taxas e mortalidade.

Métodos.

Foram calculadas taxas de mortalidade, padronizadas por faixa etária e corrigidas por causas mal definidas, centradas em 1990, 2000 e 2010. Posteriormente, foram estimados modelos de regressão, com dados em painel, que permitiram verificar o grau de associação entre os fatores de interesse e a taxa de mortalidade pela doença.

Resultados.

Verificou-se uma tendência de crescimento da mortalidade no país. Contudo, os modelos indicaram que a mortalidade poderia ter diminuído (tendência negativa), principalmente no Sudeste e Sul, caso alguns fatores associados à doença (por exemplo, nível de renda, educação, longevidade, taxa de fecundidade, gastos em saúde, infraestrutura, entre outros) tivessem permanecido constantes durante o período considerado. Observou-se que a mortalidade por câncer de mama apresentou associação positiva/significativa com a longevidade e negativa/significativa com o nível de gastos públicos em saúde. A mortalidade foi maior nas regiões Sul e Sudeste, nos municípios com mais de 500 000 habitantes e naqueles onde a população é inferior a 5 000.

Conclusões.

O crescimento da renda per capita, a elevação da expectativa de vida e a diminuição da taxa de fecundidade podem estar associados a elevadas taxas de mortalidade por câncer de mama e a uma tendência de crescimento na mortalidade por esse câncer nos municípios brasileiros.

Proposta de um observatório epidemiológico do Sistema Único de Saúde

Após a criação do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), o Departamento de Informática do SUS (DATASUS) foi estabelecido em 1991, objetivando a organização de sistemas de informação e bases de dados em saúde. O acesso e visualização dos dados são realizados de forma gratuita e aberta pela Internet, por meio de tabelas e gráficos de dados agregados ou acesso a dados brutos. A presente forma de acesso aos dados não atende completamente a demanda dos gestores e outros usuários por uma ferramenta flexível e de fácil uso, que permita lidar com diferentes aspectos da saúde que sejam relevantes na busca de conhecimento e no processo de decisão. Nós propomos um sistema auxiliar capaz de gerar relatórios mensais sintéticos de maneira automatizada, que sejam facilmente acessados e também de fácil compreensão, com ênfase na visualização de informações valendo-se de gráficos e mapas.

Breast cancer survival and health iniquities

Breast cancer is the most frequent neoplasm in women, and some studies have shown social inequalities in incidence and survival, which are poorly investigated in Brazil. To assess iniquity in prognosis, a hospital-based cohort study was carried out. Follow-up was made by active search in medical records and in the Mortality Information System, phone calls, and consultation on Individual Tax-Collection Record status. Survival functions were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and the Cox proportional hazards model was employed for prognostic assessment. Disease-specific survival was estimated at 76.3% (95%CI: 71.9-81.0) in 5 years. Women seen at public facilities had worse prognosis (HR = 1.79; 95%CI: 1.09-2.94), which was particularly due to the disease being diagnosed at a more advanced stage. These findings point to inequalities of access to screening actions, as women of lower social conditions with later diagnostic and therefore with worse prognostic.

Hospitalizations for ambulatory care-sensitive conditions, Minas Gerais, Southeastern Brazil, 2000 and 2010

OBJECTIVE

To analyze hospitalization rates and the proportion of deaths due to ambulatory care-sensitive hospitalizations and to characterize them according to coverage by the Family Health Strategy, a primary health care guidance program.

METHODS

An ecological study comprising 853 municipalities in the state of Minas Gerais, under the purview of 28 regional health care units, was conducted. We used data from the Hospital Information System of the Brazilian Unified Health System. Ambulatory care-sensitive hospitalizations in 2000 and 2010 were compared. Population data were obtained from the demographic censuses.

RESULTS

The number of ambulatory care-sensitive hospitalizations declined from 20.75/1,000 inhabitants [standard deviation (SD) = 10.42) in 2000 to 14.92/thousand inhabitants (SD = 10.04) in 2010 Heart failure was the most frequent cause in both years. Hospitalizations rates for hypertension, asthma, and diabetes mellitus, decreased, whereas those for angina pectoris, prenatal and birth disorders, kidney and urinary tract infections, and other acute infections increased. Hospitalization durations and the proportion of deaths due to ambulatory care-sensitive hospitalizations increased significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

Mean hospitalization rates for sensitive conditions were significantly lower in 2010 than in 2000, but no correlation was found with regard to the expansion of the population coverage of the Family Health Strategy. Hospitalization rates and proportion of deaths were different between the various health care regions in the years evaluated, indicating a need to prioritize the primary health care with high efficiency and quality.

[Access to early breast cancer diagnosis in the Brazilian Unified National Health System: an analysis of data from the Health Information System]

The recent reduction in breast cancer mortality in high-income countries resulted from improvements in early detection and treatment. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Brazilian women. Since 2004, the government has recommended annual clinical breast examination for women aged ≥ 40 years and biannual mammograms for those aged 50-69. This article investigates the degree of implementation of these guidelines using data from the Brazilian Unified National Health System for 2010 according to major geographic region and age group. The findings showed low national mammogram coverage in the target population (32% in the 50-59-year group; 25% from 60 to 69 years). The percentage of women with abnormal radiological findings who underwent biopsy was also low (27% for 50-59 years; 63% for 60-69 years). The number of breast cancer surgeries exceeded the number of cases detected by mammography but was well below the estimated number of incident breast cancer cases in 2010. There are striking regional inequalities in access to early detection and surgery, being the lowest access in the North Region and the highest in the South Region.

Hemophilia A in Brazil - epidemiology and treatment developments

Hemophilia A is an inherited disorder characterized by deficiency of coagulation factor VIII, which predisposes patients to bleeding events. Treatment is based on replacement of the deficient factor, in a therapeutic or prophylactic manner. Brazil is the country with the third largest population of people with hemophilia, for which the public health system provides free comprehensive care. Maintaining an updated registry of patients, documenting the prevalence of complications, and assessing the effectiveness of resource use are indispensable elements in the design of a well-coordinated national program. According to sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory data collected by the computerized Brazilian system on coagulopathies, in June 2013, there were 9,122 registered patients with hemophilia A in Brazil, of which 36.1% had a severe form of the disease. Clotting factor inhibitors were present in 7.5%, but 25.7% of records did not provide this type of data. Around 70% of the patients belonged to the economically active population, being between 15 and 59 years old. Infection by the human immunodeficiency virus was present in 23.4% of the patients tested and infection by hepatitis C virus antibodies in 59.3%. Infection by the hepatitis B virus and human T-lymphotropic virus was also reported. The high percentage of incomplete records regarding serological data shows the fragility of the information system to date. There was also no information available on the prevalence of permanent or disabling joint damage. Although few hemophiliacs receive adequate care in developing countries, and despite Brazil exhibiting great social inequalities, the Ministry of Health has made significant advances in the treatment of hemophilia A. The gradual increase in importation of factor VIII concentrate enabled the implementation of primary and secondary modalities of prophylaxis, in addition to the induction of immune tolerance. There are also plans to set up a factory in the country, to ensure Brazilian self-sufficiency in the production of blood products.

[Hospitalizations for primary care-sensitive conditions in a Southern Brazilian municipality]

OBJECTIVE

To study the most frequent causes of hospitalizations for primary care-sensitive conditions (HPCSC) in the city of Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil, by age group and gender, over the periods of 2002 to 2005 and of 2006 to 2009.

METHODS

This was a descriptive study, with data collected from the Hospital Information System of the Unified Health System (Sistema de Informação Hospitalar do Sistema Único de Saúde - SIH-SUS) and from population projections by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística - IBGE). HPCSC rates were calculated for 1,000 inhabitants, and the most frequent causes were studied by gender and age group, comparing both periods.

RESULTS

HPCSP showed rates of 7.74/1,000 between 2002 and 2005 and 8.81/1,000 between 2006 and 2009. The main causes were heart failure, cerebrovascular diseases, angina pectoris, pulmonary diseases, and kidney and urinary tract infections, which together represented 4.9/1,000 in the first period and 5.6/1,000 in the second period. The evolution of the rates between both periods occurred differently by age group and gender.

CONCLUSION

The study did not exhibit any remarkable differences in HPCSC rates between the periods. Regarding the most frequent causes, reduced hospitalization rates for gastroenteritis, asthma, high blood pressure, and cerebrovascular diseases were observed, as well as increased hospitalizations for heart failure, pulmonary diseases, epilepsies, and kidney and urinary tract infections; these hospitalizations occurred differently by gender and age group. The results showed that a deep reflection regarding the determinants of hospitalizations for avoidable causes is needed.

Health-related quality of life in hemophilia: results of the Hemophilia-Specific Quality of Life Index (Haem-a-Qol) at a Brazilian blood center

Background

Studies on health-related quality of life are based on the increasingly evident need for medical care not to be limited to preventing death, but to focus instead on the value of health.

Objective

This study aimed to measure the health-related quality of life in hemophilia, using the Hemophilia- Specific Quality of Life (Haem-A-QoL) questionnaire and describe the socioeconomic characteristics and health conditions of these patients.

Methods

The Brazilian version of the Hemophilia-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire was administered to hemophiliac adults, treated in an on-demand regime at the Juiz de Fora Regional Blood Center - HEMOMINAS Foundation. The patients were interviewed about demographic and socioeconomic data and their understanding of the questionnaire. Clinical data were collected from medical records. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for statistical analysis. The level of significance was set for p-values < 0.05. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, version 15.0).

Results

Thirty-nine patients were evaluated. The mean age was 36.8 years. 84.6% had hemophilia A; 20.5% of the patients had hemophilia classified as mild, 41% as moderate and 38.5% as severe. The records of 10.5% of the patients registered seropositivity for anti-HIV and 57.9% for anti-HCV. Target joints were detected in 69.2%. The mean total Hemophilia-Specific Quality of Life score was 35.55. 'Sports and leisure'and 'Physical health'were the most impaired dimensions and the dimension 'Relationship and partners'was the least impaired. The Hemophilia-Specific Quality of Life scores showed good discriminant validity for hemophilia severity (p-value = 0.001), HIV-infection (p-value = 0.02), HCV-infection (p-value = 0.01) and the presence of target joints (p-value < 0.001).

Conclusion

Health-related quality of life in hemophilia, measured by the Hemophilia-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire, was influenced by the presence of arthropathy and infectious diseases transmitted by blood products. Rehabilitation measures should be encouraged in order to improve the quality of life of these patients.

Morbidade materna extremamente grave a partir dos registros de internação hospitalar do Sistema Único de Saúde: algoritmo para identificação dos casos

OBJETIVOS: identificar os códigos de procedimentos constantes no Sistema de Informação Hospitalar - Sistema Único de Saúde (SIH-SUS) considerados como Morbidade Materna Extremamente Grave (MMEG) e construir um algoritmo para o manejo/preparação da base de dados de Autorização de Internação Hospitalar visando a captura dos casos de MMEG neste banco de dados. MÉTODOS: utilizaram-se os dados do SIH-SUS fornecidos pela Secretaria de Saúde de Juiz de Fora e referem se as internações ocorridas no SUS no período de 2006-2007. Foram selecionadas todas as internações cujo diagnóstico principal compreendia todo o capítulo XV da Classificação Internacional de Doenças (CID10) - Complicações da gravidez, aborto, parto e puerpério e/ou internações em que procedimentos obstétricos foram realizados. Para identificação dos procedimentos no SIH-SUS, considerados como MMEG, adotaram-se os critérios propostos pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. O algoritmo foi desenvolvido no software Microsoft Access. RESULTADOS: foram capturados 326 casos de MMEG entre as 8620 mulheres selecionadas, perfazendo uma taxa de 37,8/1000 mulheres. Os procedimentos mais frequentes foram transfusão de hemoderivados, "permanência a maior" e pré-eclampsia grave/eclâmpsia, com prevalências de 15,7/1000, 9,5/1000 e 8,2/1000, respectivamente. CONCLUSÕES: o algoritmo utilizado pode otimizar o uso do SIH-SUS para a captação dos casos de MMEG e gerar informações para os serviços de vigilância da morbimortalidade materna e avaliação de cuidados obstétricos.

Clinical and functional evaluation of the joint status of hemophiliac adults at a Brazilian blood center

BACKGROUND

Hemophilia is a potentially disabling condition as hemophilic arthropathy develops early in life and is progressive, especially in patients treated in an on-demand regime.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to describe the structural joint status and the functional independence score of hemophiliac adults and correlate structural damage with the functional deficits found in these patients.

METHODS

Hemophiliacs at the Juiz de Fora Regional Blood Center - HEMOMINAS Foundation, aged 18 years and over and treated in an on-demand regime, were clinically evaluated in respect to structural joint damage using the World Federation of Hemophilia Physical Examination Scale (WFH-PE) and functional deficits using the Functional Independence Score in Hemophilia (FISH). The Spearman rank test was used to evaluate the correlation between the two scores.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine patients were evaluated. The mean age was 36.8 years. Target joints were detected in 69.2% of patients studied. The mean Physical Examination Scale and Functional Independence Score were 16.87 and 25.64, respectively. Patients with mild hemophilia showed no significant joint involvement. Patients with severe or moderate hemophilia had similar results regarding structural damage (p-value < 0.001) and functional deficits (p-value = 0.001). There was statistical significance in the correlation between the two scores (r = -0.850; p-value = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The World Federation of Hemophilia Physical Examination Scale and Functional Independence Score in Hemophilia may be useful to clinically assess structural joint damage and functional deficits in hemophiliacs as the tools are inexpensive and easy to administer and may be able to detect hemophilic arthropathy, which results from recurrent hemarthrosis and is common in the population studied.

Severe acute maternal morbidity: use of the Brazilian Hospital Information System

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence of severe acute maternal morbitidy and identify its associated hospital procedures.

METHODS

Data from the Hospital Information System, obtained from the Municipal Secretariat of Health of the city of Juiz de Fora, Southeastern Brazil, for the years 2006 and 2007, were used. The studied women included those admitted to the hospital for obstetric procedures (n = 8,620), and whose primary diagnosis was included within chapter XV: pregnancy, childbirth and puerperium of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision. Codes for routine procedures, special procedures, and professional acts that fulfilled the World Health Organization's criteria for severe acute maternal morbidity were identified, as well as other procedures infrequently employed during pregnancy and the postnatal period. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify associations between the outcome and selected variables.

RESULTS

Prevalence of maternal morbidity was 37.8/1000 women, and that of mortality was 12/100,000 women. Hospitalization for more than 4 days was 13 times more frequent among women with some form of morbidity. After adjustment, predictors of severe acute maternal morbidity were: duration of hospitalization, number of hospitalizations, and still births, and the most frequent procedures and conditions were blood product transfusions (15.7/1,000), "extended stay" (9.5/1.000) and severe pre-eclampsia/eclampsia (8.2/1,000).

CONCLUSIONS

Prevalence of severe acute maternal morbidity was high, and was related especially to hospitalization and to newborn variables. The criterion for identifying cases and the use of the National Hospital Information System proved to be useful for monitoring maternal morbidity and mortality and increasing our knowledge of its related aspects, contributing to the improvement of the quality of pregnancy and delivery care.

Cervical cancer mortality trends in Brazil, 1981-2006

The aim of this study was to describe cervical cancer mortality trends in Brazil for the period 1981-2006. Cervical cancer mortality was corrected on the basis of proportional redistribution of the deaths from "malignant neoplasm of uterus, part unspecified". Time trends were evaluated by means of simple linear regression. After correction, cervical cancer ranked second among the leading causes of death from cancer in the female population up to 2005, with a downward trend for the country as a whole, a decline in the State capitals, and a stable trend in the municipalities in the interior. A downward trend was confirmed in the State capitals in all geographic regions of the country. In the municipalities in the interior, there was an increase in the North and Northeast regions, a decline in the Southeast and South, and a stable trend in the Central-West. Although uneven, the decline began to take consistent shape in the country. Even better results could be achieved by investing in the expansion of screening coverage, especially among the populations at greatest risk.

Mortalidade por câncer de mama e câncer de colo do útero em município de porte médio da Região Sudeste do Brasil, 1980-2006

Analisar a tendência da mortalidade por câncer de mama e câncer de colo do útero em mulheres residentes no Município de Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brasil, no período de 1980 a 2006. Os dados sobre os óbitos foram obtidos do Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade; as taxas de mortalidade específicas foram calculadas por idade e padronizadas pela população mundial. Para análise de tendência, foram aplicados modelos de regressão polinomial. O câncer de mama foi a principal causa de óbito entre as neoplasias na população de mulheres residentes no município, enquanto o câncer de colo do útero oscilou entre a segunda e a quarta causa no período do estudo. A análise de tendência mostrou queda da mortalidade por câncer de colo do útero (p = 0,001) e tendência de crescimento na mortalidade por câncer de mama (p = 0,035) ao longo dos anos da série. A mortalidade por câncer de mama e colo do útero no Município de Juiz de Fora sugere um processo de transição epidemiológica em andamento, com tendência crescente na mortalidade por câncer de mama e persistência de taxas elevadas por câncer de colo do útero.

Sobrevida de cinco anos e fatores prognósticos em coorte de pacientes com câncer de mama assistidas em Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brasil

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a sobrevida de cinco anos e os fatores prognósticos em mulheres com câncer invasivo da mama, submetidas à cirurgia e assistidas em Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brasil, com diagnóstico da doença entre 1998 e 2000. As variáveis analisadas foram: idade, cor, local de residência, variáveis relacionadas ao tumor e ao tratamento. Foram estimadas as funções de sobrevida pelo método de Kaplan-Meier, e o modelo de riscos proporcionais de Cox foi utilizado para avaliação prognóstica. A sobrevida estimada foi de 81,8%. Tamanho tumoral e comprometimento de linfonodos axilares foram os fatores prognósticos independentes mais importantes, com risco de óbito aumentado para mulheres com tamanho do tumor maior que 2,0cm (HR = 1,97; IC95%: 1,26-3,07) e com metástase para gânglios axilares (HR = 4,04; IC95%: 2,55-6,39). Tais achados enfatizam a importância do diagnóstico e tratamento precoces. O acesso às ações de rastreamento nos diversos níveis de assistência, especialmente para o grupo considerado como de maior risco, deve ser uma prioridade para os gestores de saúde no país.

Avaliação da atenção básica pela ótica político-institucional e da organização da atenção com ênfase na integralidade

Este artigo apresenta parte dos dados de uma avaliação da Atenção Básica, implementada como parte de uma pesquisa com financiamento do Ministério da Saúde durante o ano de 2005. Trinta e um municípios, dos estados de Minas Gerais e Espírito Santo, Brasil, formaram a amostra do estudo. Dados coletados com base em métodos qualitativos (entrevistas e análise de documentos) foram sintetizados com a produção de um conjunto de variáveis categoriais. A distribuição dos diversos valores assumidos pelas variáveis nos diferentes municípios são apresentadas. Essas variáveis foram submetidas à análise de correspondência, que mostrou sua validade interna. Adicionalmente, observações sobre aspectos relevantes do campo são apresentados. Em conclusão, a avaliação mostra avanços da estratégia de saúde na família, com importantes contribuições do Projeto de Expansão e Consolidação do Saúde da Família, embora obstáculos consideráveis ainda permaneçam, em particular no que diz respeito à força de trabalho das estratégias de saúde na família e na utilização local das informações produzidas.

Sobrevida em pacientes com câncer gástrico em Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil

Neste estudo, analisa-se a sobrevida de pacientes diagnosticados com câncer gástrico no Município de Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil. Foram analisados os dados do Registro de Câncer de Base Populacional (RCBP) de Campinas referentes aos casos incidentes nos anos de 1991 a 1994. Calculou-se a sobrevida observada e relativa e, visando a uma comparação entre as taxas de sobrevida de diferentes grupos e populações internacionais, utilizou-se o risco relativo de morte. A sobrevida relativa foi de 33% e 9% ao final do primeiro e do quinto ano após o diagnóstico, respectivamente. Não foi constatada diferença na sobrevida por câncer de estômago entre os sexos; o prognóstico revelou-se melhor para os indivíduos mais jovens. Verificou-se um gradiente de gravidade dos estádios localizados para aqueles mais avançados, não estatisticamente significantes. O grupo dos adenocarcinomas indiferenciados apresentou uma sobrevida maior, com 47% destes pacientes vivos ao final do primeiro ano, enquanto apenas 7% dos casos sem classificação histológica sobreviveu ao primeiro ano após o diagnóstico. Comparando-se com resultados internacionais, tais como os de registros europeus, Campinas revelou um risco de morte maior do que o da média dos registros europeus, especialmente considerando-se o quinto ano após o diagnóstico.

[Prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss in metallurgical company]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the prevalence of cases suggestive of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) among metalworkers who were potentially exposed to occupational noise (from 83 to 102 dB).

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out in a metalworking company providing services in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Clinical and occupational data on 182 workers who were active between November 2001 and March 2002 were obtained from the company's Hearing Conservation Program and analyzed. In order to characterize the noise exposure status within the work environment, the acoustic classifications from the operating units of the client companies were used, due to difficulty in quantification at an individual level. Associations between these cases and variables such as age, length of service in the company, length of exposure to occupational noise and degree of use of individual protection equipment were tested by means of prevalence ratios and logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The prevalence of cases suggestive of NIHL was 15.9% and significant associations (p<0.05) were identified from multivariate analysis between these cases and the variables of age and degree of use of individual protection equipment.

CONCLUSIONS

The results found contribute towards better understanding of the behavior of some of the main characteristics of NIHL, in a particular situation of the organizing of work that is relatively common in the Brazilian industrial context.

Comparison of stomach cancer incidence and survival in four continents

The aim of this study was to compare stomach cancer incidence and survival rates between four very distinct areas: Campinas (Brasil), Latin America, Iowa (USA), Northern America, Varese (Italy), Europe and Osaka (Japan) in Asia, and determine which of the differences are due to variations in the case mix and which are due to the care received. A proportional hazards regression method was applied to the relative survival rates to obtain geographical differences that were adjusted for age, gender, period of diagnosis, sub-site and stage. Age, gender, period and stage explained most of the variability between the areas (50-100% excess risk of death with respect to Osaka) in the survival rates for stomach cancer patients. In Iowa and Varese, information on the sub-site fully explained the remaining variability. The large survival differences between the four areas were almost totally due to the different case mixes of the stomach cancer patients. The importance of stage indicates that diagnostic delay may be a major clinical factor affecting survival.

Técnicas de análise de sobrevida

As técnicas estatísticas conhecidas como análise de sobrevida são utilizadas quando se pretende analisar um fenômeno em relação a um período de tempo, isto é, ao tempo transcorrido entre um evento inicial, no qual um sujeito ou um objeto entra em um estado particular e um evento final, que modifica este estado. Assim, descrevem não só, como sugerido por seu nome, se os pacientes vivem ou morrem, mas também outros desfechos dicotômicos tais como recaída da doença, desmame do lactente etc. Neste trabalho são abordadas técnicas de análise de sobrevida, comparando-as e comentando sua utilização, especialmente na área oncológica. São ainda apresentados e discutidos os tipos de estudos epidemiológicos e de fontes de dados sujeitos a este tipo de análise. Faz-se a diferença entre estudos com base hospitalar ou de séries clínicas e estudos de base populacional, além de se discutir a interpretação dos resultados obtidos.

[Survival analysis techniques]

Statistical methods known as survival analyses are useful for analyzing time-related events, in which time from a benchmark event to an endpoint is the focus of interest. Survival analysis describes not only patient survival statistics (as suggested by the name), but also other dichotomous outcomes such as time of remission, time of breastfeeding, etc. This paper discusses survival analysis techniques, commenting and comparing their utilization, especially in the field of oncology. It also presents and discusses types of epidemiological studies and data sources to which this type of analysis is applied. The authors take into account the difference between hospital-based or clinical series and population-based approaches. Interpretation of results is also discussed.