The prevalence of infection by the hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses varies among geographical regions. We evaluated 263,795 blood donor samples collected from 1999-2001 in various cities in the state of Santa Catarina to determine the prevalence of HbsAg, anti-HBc and anti-HCV markers. The markers were analyzed by immunoenzymatic tests, as determined by the Ministry of Health, and the data were obtained from blood banks and from ANVISA (the Brazilian National Agency for Sanitary Vigilance). There was a significant reduction in the mean frequency of HbsAg and anti-HBc during the study period, from 0.98% to 0.64% and from 8.83% to 5.35%, respectively, though they varied considerably among the different regions. There was also a decrease in the mean frequency of anti-HCV, although it was not significant, decreasing from 0.38% to 0.34%. Even with this reduction, the frequency of these markers was still high compared with that found in other countries, indicating high rates of infection by hepatitis B and C viruses. This emphasizes the urgency of vaccination programs against HBV, especially in some regions of Santa Catarina state, in order to reduce the prevalence of this infection and consequently reduce the risk of transmission through sexual relations or from the donation of blood and/or hemocomponents.

BackgroundThe risk factors that characterize metabolic syndrome (MetS) may be present in childhood and adolescence, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood.ObjectiveEvaluate the prevalence of MetS and the importance of its associated variables, including insulin resistance (IR), in children and adolescents in the city of Guabiruba-SC, Brazil.MethodsCross-sectional study with 1011 students (6-14 years, 52.4% girls, 58.5% children). Blood samples were collected for measurement of biochemical parameters by routine laboratory methods. IR was estimated by the HOMA-IR index, and weight, height, waist circumference and blood pressure were determined. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the associations between risk variables and MetS.ResultsThe prevalence of MetS, IR, overweight and obesity in the cohort were 14%, 8.5%, 21% and 13%, respectively. Among students with MetS, 27% had IR, 33% were overweight, 45.5% were obese and 22% were eutrophic. IR was more common in overweight (48%) and obese (41%) students when compared with eutrophic individuals (11%; p = 0.034). The variables with greatest influence on the development of MetS were obesity (OR = 32.7), overweight (OR = 6.1), IR (OR = 4.4; p ≤ 0.0001 for all) and age (OR = 1.15; p = 0.014).ConclusionThere was a high prevalence of MetS in children and adolescents evaluated in this study. Students who were obese, overweight or insulin resistant had higher chances of developing the syndrome.

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OBJECTIVETo investigate the prevalence and multiplicity of additional risk factors (RF) in a population sample of hypertensive smokers, diagnosed and enrolled at the Hiperdia Program of the Ministry of Health, in the city of Brusque, SC, Brazil. METHODSDetermination of the anthropometrical parameters and laboratory variables recognized as cardiovascular risk factors. RESULTSElevated prevalence of RF in addition to systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) and smoking, confi guring the multiplicity that concurs with a marked elevation of the risk of cardiovascular events in this population sample. CONCLUSIONIn hypertensive populations, the prevention, identifi cation and RF control measures must be implemented; computerized programs such as the Hiperdia/MS can help in patients' follow-up, allowing a more stringent multidisciplinary approach, especially regarding the analysis of the attainment of treatment goals and the subsequent decrease of cardiovascular risk. KEY WORDSCardiovascular risk factors, arterial hypertension, smoking.

O objetivo do presente estudo piloto foi verificar se a prática de jogos recreativos e cooperativos promove modificação dos fatores de risco cardiometabólicos em crianças e adolescentes. Vinte e seis estudantes (15 meninos), com idade entre oito e 12 anos, portadores de dislipidemias e/ou obesidade abdominal participaram desse estudo. As atividades recreativas e de lazer foram realizadas 2 h/dia, três vezes por semana, durante 3,5 meses, e foram supervisionadas por profissional de Educação Física. No início e no final do estudo, amostras de sangue foram coletadas (jejum 12-14 h) para as análises bioquímicas. Além disto, foram realizadas medidas antropométricas por métodos padronizados. De acordo com os resultados, houve melhoras significativas na concentração de HDL-colesterol (+3,7%), triglicérides (-25,4%), índice de Castelli I (-7,1%), ácido úrico (-15,4%), circunferência da cintura (-5,4%) e relação circunferência da cintura/altura (-4,3%). Pode-se concluir que a prática de jogos recreativos e cooperativos promoveu melhoras cardiometabólicas, particularmente nos parâmetros lipídicos e na obesidade central, nas crianças e adolescentes com dislipidemias e/ou obesidade abdominal que participaram desse estudo. Sugere-se, assim, que a atividade física na criança e no adolescente, visando à prevenção dos fatores de risco para as doenças cardiovasculares, não requer a adoção de treinamento intensivo de exercícios físicos que exijam a capacidade máxima do praticante.