The prevalence of HBsAg in pregnant women in this study confirmed that São Luís is a low endemicity area. Occult hepatitis B was not detected in these samples.

Chronically hyperactive somatotropic axis remains as an independent and determining factor in the development of left ventricular hypertrophy, as it is more associated with this condition than hypertension in a largely admixed population with a high degree of African ancestry.

ABSTRACT.A cytogenetic study was carried out in a girl with virilized external genitalia, who showed a �aryotype containing a � isochro-, who showed a �aryotype containing a � isochroshowed a �aryotype containing a � isochroa �aryotype containing a � isochromosome in mosaic form: mos46,X,iso(�)(qter→p11.3::p11.3→qter) [80]/45,X[17]/46,X,+mar [3]. �he chromosome aberrations were con�he chromosome aberrations were confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis, with both whole chromosome paint � probe and centromeric X chromosome probe. �he molecular analyses by PCR detected the presence of the SR�, DAZ and AMGY genes, confirming the presence of the whole long arm and almost whole short arm of the � chromosome. We suggest that the structural alteration of the � chromosome was a new mutation, which occurred in the initial mitotic divisions of the embryo, originally 46,X�. �he brea�points occurred on the distal extremity of the short arm with later fusion of its extremities producing a � isochromosome. �he later numerical alteration occurred as a consequence of chromosomal instability. Although almost all cells (80%) in peripheral blood belonged to the iso(�) line with a duplicated SR� gene, this did not determine male sexual differentiation in the patient. �he result of accurate evaluation provides correct sex assignment and the prevention of the neoplastic degeneration of a dysgenetic gonad.

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Objective To identify the factors associated with quality of life in patients with acromegaly with follow-up at the referral service in neuroendocrinology of the state of Maranhão, northeast Brazil. Methods The Acromegaly Quality of Life Questionnaire (Acro-QoL) was used. Factors independently associated with quality of life were identified using multivariate linear regression, with p values < 0.05 considered significant. Results The multivariate linear regression analysis indicated a positive association between being integrated into the job market and quality of life scores in the overall domain (β = 0.288, p = 0.003), psychological domain (β = 0.291, p = 0.032), and personal relationship domain (β = 0.314, p = 0.019). We also observed a positive association with income and the quality of life scores in all domains as follows: overall domain (β = 0.037, p = 0.003), physical domain (β = 0.988, p = 0.001), psychological domain (β = 0.342, p = 0.008), physical appearance domain (β = 0.270, p = 0.049), and personal relationship domain (β = 0.315, p = 0.012). Conclusion For patients with acromegaly living in one of the least developed regions of Brazil, integration into the job market and a higher income were associated with a better quality of life.