CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: The relationship between sex hormones and asthma has been evaluated in several studies. The aim of this review article was to investigate the association between asthma and female sex hormones, under different conditions (premenstrual asthma, use of oral contraceptives, menopause, hormone replacement therapy and pregnancy). DESIGN AND SETTING: Narrative review of the medical literature, Universidade Federal do Tocantins (UFT) and Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Unifesp). METHODS:We searched the CAPES journal portal, a Brazilian platform that provides access to articles in the MEDLINE, PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS databases. The following keywords were used based on Medical Subject Headings: asthma, sex hormones, women and use of oral contraceptives. RESULTS:The associations between sex hormones and asthma remain obscure. In adults, asthma is more common in women than in men. In addition, mortality due to asthma is significantly higher among females. The immune system is influenced by sex hormones: either because progesterone stimulates progesterone-induced blocking factor and Th2 cytokines or because contraceptives derived from progesterone and estrogen stimulate the transcription factor GATA-3. CONCLUSIONS:The associations between asthma and female sex hormones remain obscure. We speculate that estrogen fluctuations are responsible for asthma exacerbations that occur in women. Because of the anti-inflammatory action of estrogen, it decreases TNF-α production, interferon-γ expression and NK cell activity. We suggest that further studies that highlight the underlying physiopathological mechanisms contributing towards these interactions should be conducted. RESUMO CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO:A relação entre os hormônios sexuais e a asma tem sido investigada em diversos estudos. Esta revisão tem como objetivo descrever a relação entre hormônios sexuais (endógenos e exó-genos) e a inflamação nas vias aéreas, especialmente na asma, em eventos diferentes (na asma pré-menstrual, durante o uso de anticoncepcionais, na menopausa, no uso de terapia hormonal e na gestação). TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL:Revisão narrativa da literatura médica, Universidade Federal do Tocantins (UFT) e Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Unifesp). MÉTODO: Pesquisamos o Portal de Periódicos Capes, uma plataforma brasileira que fornece acesso a artigos nas bases de dados MEDLINE, PubMed, SciELO e LILACS. Os descritores utilizados foram asma, hormônios sexuais, mulheres e uso de anticoncepcionais, com base no "Medical Subject Headings". RESULTADOS: As associações entre hormônios sexuais e asma ainda permanecem obscuras. Em adultos, a asma é mais frequente em mulheres do que em homens. Além disso, a mortalidade por asma é significativamente maior no sexo feminino, destacando-se que o sistema imunológico sofre influência de hormônios sexuais, seja porque a progesterona estimula o fator bloqueador induzido pela progesterona e citocinas Th2 ou porque contraceptivos derivados de progesterona e estrógeno estimulam o fator de transcriç...

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Few studies have assessed the impact of medical residencies on the public healthcare system. The aim here was to assess the number of specialists who remained in the state of Tocantins after finishing the medical residency program during the first two years of the first programs (2013 and 2014). DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional and exploratory study conducted at the Federal University of Tocantins in Brazil. METHODS: All graduates of medical residency programs in Tocantins, of the years 2013 and 2014, were interviewed by telephone and e-mail between May and July 2014. RESULTS: Information was obtained from 37 graduates from medical residency. Seventeen (50.0%) were working in the state public healthcare system and only six (17.6%) in a municipal service in June 2014. Considering only the 24 doctors who had never worked in the state of Tocantins before their residency, it was observed that two who graduated in 2013 (20.0%) and five who graduated in 2014 (35.7%), i.e. seven out of the total number (29.2%), had established their homes in Tocantins. CONCLUSIONS: The number of graduates from medical residency who stayed in the state of Tocantins in 2013 and 2014 was small. However, this was related to the absence of other programs for continuation of the specialization. The state healthcare system was primarily responsible for employment of these doctors within public services. On the other hand, hiring by municipal services was extremely low.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Knowledge of the profile of allergen sensitization among children is important for planning preventive measures. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and profile of sensitization to inhaled allergens and food among children and adolescents in an outpatient population in the city of Palmas. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study at outpatient clinics in Palmas, Tocantins, Brazil. METHODS: Ninety-four patients aged 1-15 years who were attending two pediatric outpatient clinics were selected between September and November 2008. All of the subjects underwent clinical interviews and skin prick tests. RESULTS:A positive skin prick test was observed in 76.6% of the participants (72.3% for inhalants and 28.9% for food allergens). The most frequent allergens were Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (34%), cat epithelium (28.7%), dog epithelium (21.3%), Dermatophagoides farinae (19.1%), Blomia tropicalis (18.1%), cow's milk (9.6%) and grasses (9.6%). A positive skin prick test correlated with a history of atopic disease (odds ratio, OR = 5.833; P = 0.002), a family history of atopic disease (OR = 8.400; P < 0.001), maternal asthma (OR = 8.077; P = 0.048), pet exposure (OR = 3.600; P = 0.012) and cesarean delivery (OR = 3.367; P = 0.019). CONCLUSION: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus was the most frequent aeroallergen and cow's milk was the most prevalent food allergen. There was a positive correlation between a positive skin prick test and several factors, such as a family history of atopic disease, maternal asthma, pet exposure and cesarean delivery.RESUMO CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: O conhecimento sobre o perfil da sensibilização a alérgenos em crianças é importante para o planejamento de medidas preventivas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a prevalência e perfil de sensibilização a alérgenos inalados e alimentares em crianças e adolescentes em uma população ambulatorial na cidade de Palmas. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo transversal em unidades ambulatoriais em Palmas, Tocantins, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionados 94 pacientes com idades entre 1 a 15 anos em 2 ambulatórios de pediatria entre setembro e novembro de 2008. Todos os sujeitos foram submetidos a entrevistas clínicas e testes cutâneos de puntura. RESULTADOS: Um teste cutâneo de puntura positivo foi observado em 76,6% dos participantes (72,3% para inalantes, 28,9% para alérgenos alimentares). Os alérgenos mais frequentes foram Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (34%), epitélio de gato (28,7%), epitélio de cão (21,3%), Dermatophagoides farinae (19,1%), Blomia tropicalis (18,1%), leite de vaca (9,6%) e gramíneas (9,6%). Um teste cutâneo de puntura positivo foi relacionado à história de doença atópica (razão de chances RC = 5,833, P = 0,002), história familiar de atopia (RC = 8,400, P < 0,001), asma materna (RC = 8,077, P = 0,048), exposição a animal de estimação (RC = 3,600, P = 0,012) e parto cesáreo (RC = 3,367, P = 0,019). CONCLUSÃO: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus foi o aeroalérgeno mais prevalente e, dentre alérgenos a...

No abstract

No abstract