Sickle Cell Anaemia Prevalence among Newborns in the Brazilian Amazon-Savanna Transition Region
Sickle cell anaemia is one of the most common hemoglobinopathies worldwide and an important public health problem in Brazil. This study evaluated the prevalence of sickle cell anaemia and its traits in newborns from the Amazon-Savanna Transition Region in the state of Maranhão, Brazil. A cross-sectional study was carried out, based on data from neonatal screening tests performed in 2013–2015 in Maranhão. The Hardy-Weinberg theorem was applied to analyse the frequency of expected homozygotes based on HbSS phenotype. A spatial-temporal distribution analysis was performed to delimit the regions with the greatest number of newborn cases with sickle cell anaemia. Of 283,003 newborns, 162 were found to have sickle cell anaemia, while 10,794 had a sickle cell trait, with a prevalence of 0.05% and 3.8%, respectively. The prevalence of expected homozygotes was higher in the North Region and in the state capital of Maranhão. This study may contribute to existing social and public health actions or the creation of new strategies for sickle cell disease in endemic areas in Brazil to improve the quality of life.
Educational technology on COVID-19 for families of children and adolescents with sickle cell disease.
OBJECTIVE
to construct and validate educational technology on COVID-19 and essential care for families of children/adolescents with sickle cell disease.


METHODS
this is a methodological study, in three stages: 1) elaborated educational technology, using the Doak, Doak and Root theoretical-methodological model; 2) content and appearance validation by the content validity coefficient. Delphi technique was applied in two rounds (Delphi I [12 judges]/Delphi II [11 judges]); 3) conducting a pilot test with six families.


RESULTS
"Sickle cell disease and COVID-19: essential care" included: consequences of COVID-19 in sickle cell disease, guidelines for reducing the risks of contracting the virus and having complications, signs and symptoms of COVID-19, guidelines in case of child/adolescent with suspicion or symptoms of COVID-19. Global content validity coefficient (Delphi II): 0.98.


CONCLUSION
educational technology presented content and appearance validity for families of children/adolescents with sickle cell disease, related to COVID-19.
A preliminary report on a new laparoscopic sterilization approach: the silicone rubber band technique.
Abstract A preliminary report is given of a new laparoscopic sterilization approach with the use of silicone rubber bands. A description of the laparoscope silicone rubber band applicator, as well as its operative utilization, is provided. One hundred cases have been completed without any major problems. No statement can be made at this time as to the incidence of failure. The described technique eliminates the need for the thermoenergy which is used in tubal occlusion and thus removes the cause of intestinal burns. The potential for successful future tubal reopening procedures should be greater with this procedure.