Relationship between gastrointestinal symptoms and COVID-19 infection in the pediatric population: a scoping review

OBJECTIVE

To map the evidence in the literature about the relationship between gastrointestinal symptoms and COVID-19 in the pediatric population.

METHOD

This is a scoping review following the recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR): Checklist and Explanation. The search was carried out on the following bases: Embase, Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, LILACS, CINAHL, Scielo, Web of Science and Virtual Health Library Portal, between July and August 2023. Original studies available in full, in any language, were included.

RESULTS

Ten studies were chosen that pointed to three premises: (1) the ACE2 receptor is found in the epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract; (2) gastrointestinal symptoms are mediated by stress and infection is justified by the gut-brain axis; (3) it develops the process of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in children, affecting the gastrointestinal tract.

CONCLUSION

The synthesis of evidence provided three assumptions which guide the origin of gastrointestinal symptoms. The identification of gastrointestinal symptoms in children affected by COVID-19 can assist in the clinical approach and management of care and treatments.

HIV and AIDS in the state of Paraná, Brazil, 2007-2022: trends and spatiotemporal distribution

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to analyze the spatiotemporal evolution of the incidence rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in the state of Paraná, Brazil.

METHODS

An ecological study with an analytical component of time series analysis was conducted in the state of Paraná from 2007 to 2022. The data source was the Notifiable Diseases Information System. To study the trend, the Prais-Winsten generalized linear regression model was used by decomposing the time series, and for spatial analysis, the Moran's index was applied.

RESULTS

The total sample consisted of 50,676 HIV/AIDS records. The incidence rate showed an increasing trend, with an average growth of 2.14% [95% confidence interval - 95%CI 1.16-3.13] per month. From 2007 to 2014 and from 2015 to 2022, the average number of cases in the state was 105.64 and 159.20 per 100,000 inhabitants, respectively, with significant variation among municipalities. Spatial clusters of high risk persisted in the metropolitan region, the capital, and coastal areas, and a new cluster was observed in the northern region of the state.

CONCLUSION

The incidence rates of HIV/AIDS showed an upward trend over time. The number of cases varied considerably in some municipalities, especially in the coastal region. Spatial analysis revealed geospatial patterns of high risk in the main metropolitan areas of Paraná: Curitiba (including the coastal area), Londrina, and Maringá, which share characteristics such as a high degree of urbanization and ongoing economic development.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validity study of the "Play Nicely Program: The Healthy Discipline Handbook" for use in Brazil

OBJECTIVE

to describe the translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validity process of the "Play Nicely Program: The Healthy Discipline Handbook" for use in Brazil.

METHODS

a methodological study that followed the translation, back-translation, expert committee assessment, and pre-test steps. The Content Validity Index (CVI) was calculated for both the judge population and the pre-test population. Four translators, seven expert judges in the field of child health and thirty participants in the pre-test, including parents, teachers and healthcare professionals, participated in the study.

RESULTS

in experts' analysis (98.4%), a value of 100% of adequate assessments was obtained, and in the target population's analysis (89.5%), there were 100% of adequate assessments. In both analyses, suggested adaptations were made.

CONCLUSIOS

cross-cultural adaptation and content validity into Brazilian Portuguese of the "Play Nicely Program: The Healthy Discipline Handbook" were considered adequate for application in the target population.

Effectiveness of neurolysis as a treatment for complications of leprosy neuritis: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Complications of leprosy neuritis are considered serious and apparent, with the potential to disable and/or limit individuals. These complications affect not only a patient's physical functioning, but also their family and social lives, while directly impacting the ability to work and/or maintain financial independence, subsequently interfering with their overall quality of life. The present review, therefore, aimed to analyze the effectiveness of neurolysis as an alternative treatment for the complications associated with leprosy neuritis.

METHODS

The present review was performed based on the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, in an effort to answer the following research question: what is the effectiveness of neurolysis as a treatment for leprosy neuritis complications? This research question was defined using the patient-intervention-outcome (PIO) framework, where leprosy represents 'P', neurolysis for 'I', and neuropathic pain/motor function/sensorial function/physical disability/quality of life for 'O'. Randomized and non-randomized clinical trials and prospective observational cohort studies were included in the present review, with no time or date restrictions.

RESULTS

The present review included 1 randomized clinical trial and 10 prospective studies, published between 1976 and 2020. All of the outcomes showed improvement, with relief from neuropathic pain being the primary finding.

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence obtained in the present review suggested that neurolysis is an effective alternative for the treatment of physical disabilities, the recovery of sensory and motor function, the restoration of quality of life, and neuropathic pain relief.