The offer of the maternal breast to the baby is an unquestionable right of mothers and their children, and all efforts should be made to promote, follow and maintain exclusive breastfeeding for up to 6 months and supplement it until the child completes 2 years of age. Many publications are available in the literature about the qualities of breast milk, its benefits and health repercussions, stimulating the practice of breastfeeding and supporting campaigns for its implementation. However, although it is widely known that breastfeeding is an important step in the reproductive process of women and its practice offers benefits to both mother and child, most of the available information highlights the benefits of breast milk for children, while mention of the effects of breastfeeding on the health of the mother is usually neglected. Thus, the objective of the present study is to highlight the multiple benefits of breastfeeding for the physical and emotional health of the nursing mother. The authors consulted articles published in the databases PubMed, Virtual Health Library and Web of Science using the keywords breastfeeding, breast milk, lactation and maternal health. Palavras-Chave► aleitamento materno ► leite materno ► período pós-parto ResumoA oferta do seio materno às crianças é um direito inquestionável das mães e de seus filhos, e todos os esforços devem ser feitos no sentido de promover, acompanhar e manter o aleitamento materno exclusivo até os 6 meses e complementado até que a criança complete 2 anos de idade. A literatura apresenta incontáveis publicações acerca das qualidades do leite materno, seus benefícios e repercussões para a saúde, estimulando a prática do aleitamento materno e embasando campanhas. Porém, mesmo sendo de conhecimento geral que a amamentação é uma importante etapa no processo reprodutivo da mulher e que sua prática oferece benefícios para mãe e filho, a grande maioria das informações destacam os benefícios que o leite materno oferece às crianças, esquecendo-se de mencionar todas as repercussões que o aleitamento materno traz para a saúde da mãe. Assim, o objetivo deste artigo é destacar os inúmeros benefícios que o aleitamento materno proporciona à saúde física e emocional da lactante. Para tanto, os autores consultaram artigos publicados nas bases de dados PubMed, Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde e Web of Science utilizando as palavras-chave aleitamento materno, leite materno, lactação e saúde materna.

Objective To identify factors that contribute to the increased susceptibility and severity of COVID-19 in obese children and adolescents, and its health consequences. Sources Studies published between 2000 and 2020 in the PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, SciELO, and Cochrane databases. Summary of findings Obesity is a highly prevalent comorbidity in severe cases of COVID-19 in children and adolescents; social isolation may lead to increase fat accumulation. Excessive adipose tissue, deficit in lean mass, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, high levels of proinflammatory cytokines, and low intake of essential nutrients are factors that compromise the functioning of organs and systems in obese individuals. These factors are associated with damage to immune, cardiovascular, respiratory, and urinary systems, along with modification of the intestinal microbiota (dysbiosis). In severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, these organic changes from obesity may increase the need for ventilatory assistance, risk of thromboembolism, reduced glomerular filtration rate, changes in the innate and adaptive immune response, and perpetuation of the chronic inflammatory response. Conclusions The need for social isolation can have the effect of causing or worsening obesity and its comorbidities, and pediatricians need to be aware of this issue. Facing children with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, health professionals should 1) diagnose excess weight; 2) advise on health care in times of isolation; 3) screen for comorbidities, ensuring that treatment is not interrupted; 4) measure levels of immunonutrients; 5) guide the family in understanding the specifics of the situation; and 6) refer to units qualified to care for obese children and adolescents when necessary.

This paper suggests a proposal of Child Health Care, to children and adolescents, to be developed in the Family Health Care Programs.

Objective: To report a case of acrodermatitis enteropathica, a rare disease with autosomal recessive inheritance. Case description: An 11-month-old boy was presenting symmetrical erythematous and yellowish-brownish crusted lesions on his face, feet, hands and knees, intermittent diarrhea, fever, and recurrent infections since the age of six months. He was thin and had scarce hair on the scalp. The serum zinc level was measured and a reduced level of 27.0 mcg/dL (normal range: 50.0-120.0) was identified. Oral supplementation with 2.0 mg/kg/day of zinc sulfate was immediately initiated. A rapid and progressive improvement of symptoms was observed. The symptoms reappeared with an attempt to stop supplementation. Comments: Recognizing and properly treating acrodermatitis enteropathica is important to prevent complications.