A Revista de Medicina UNC é uma publicação da Editora UNC, organizada pela Escola de Medicina da Universidade do Contestado - UNC, que tem por finalidade a publicação de artigos de profissionais e estudantes de medicina e ciências afins, bem como a exploração de temas importantes para a formação médico-acadêmica. A Revista é publicada no formato online, com acesso livre e gratuito com objetivo de criar um espaço democrático de debate acadêmico ao alcance de todos, norteado pela excelência da produção científica. Estamos no. Instagram!. Siga-nos em @editoraunc
Pediatric mastoiditis: clinical and epidemiological profilein a hospital in the Northen Plateau of Santa Catarina
Acute mastoiditis is an infectious complication of acute otitis media that, despite therapeutic advances and expanded access to healthcare services, remains a relevant condition in pediatric practice, particularly among children under five years of age. This study aimed to describe the clinical, epidemiological, and care-related profile of pediatric patients diagnosed with mastoiditis in a regional hospital in the Northern Plateau of Santa Catarina, Brazil. This observational, retrospective, descriptive study with a quantitative approach analyzed medical records of patients hospitalized between September 2022 and March 2025. Variables included age, sex, clinical manifestations, diagnostic tests, therapeutic approaches, length of hospital stay, complications, and clinical outcomes. The final sample comprised 11 patients, predominantly male, with higher concentration in the 1–2-year age group. The most frequent symptoms were otalgia, otorrhea, fever, and retroauricular edema. All patients received intravenous antibiotic therapy, and some required surgical intervention. The average hospital stay was 5.6 days. Spearman’s correlation analysis suggested that younger patients tended to remain hospitalized longer and received antimicrobials for extended periods, although without statistical significance. The findings underscore the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate management to prevent complications.
Copyright (c) 2025 Revista de Medicina UNC https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0
Vaccination coverage against influenza and its relationship with hospitalizations and deaths in Santa Catarina (2015–2025): a retrospective ecological study
Introduction: Influenza remains an important public health problem, responsible for high morbidity and mortality, especially among vulnerable groups. Annual vaccination is the main preventive measure. Objective: To assess the relationship between vaccination coverage, hospitalizations, deaths, and case fatality due to influenza in the state of Santa Catarina, from 2015 to 2025. Methods: This was an observational, ecological, retrospective study using public data from the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Hospitalizations and deaths from influenza, as well as annual vaccination coverage, were analyzed. Case fatality (%) was calculated as the ratio between deaths and hospitalizations multiplied by 100. The association between vaccination coverage and case fatality was assessed using Spearman’s correlation and simple linear regression, with a 5% significance level. Results: The mean number of deaths in years with high vaccination coverage (≥90%) was 56.2, while in years with low coverage (≤70%) it was 39. Case fatality was lower in years with high coverage (4–5.2%) and increased during periods of reduced vaccination (up to 9.27% in 2021). A weak and non-significant negative correlation was observed between vaccination coverage and case fatality (rho = –0.25; p = 0.59). The year 2020 showed atypical behavior, with high coverage (95.7%) associated with elevated case fatality (8.29%). Conclusion: Although no statistically significant association was found between vaccination coverage and case fatality, the data suggest that higher coverage tends to reduce influenza case fatality. The atypical pattern observed in 2020 may be related to the COVID-19 pandemic, with impacts on healthcare-seeking behavior, differential diagnosis, and coinfections.
Cardiovascular prevention in the community: report by medical students of the Academic Merit Credit program at the University of Contestado in Mafra, SC
Introduction: Chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), such as systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) and diabetes mellitus (DM), represent important causes of morbidity and mortality in Brazil, with a greater impact on vulnerable populations. Low adherence to treatment, combined with misinformation, cultural beliefs, and access barriers, worsens the clinical picture and increases the risk of complications. Experience Report: The intervention was carried out in May 2025, in a social housing complex in the municipality of Mafra, Santa Catarina, by two students and a professor from the Medical School at the Universidade do Contestado, affiliated with the Academic Merit Credit Program. The activity consisted of blood pressure measurements, simplified medical history taking, and guidance on lifestyle habits and proper medication use, based on national guidelines. Discussion: Low therapeutic adherence was observed through residents' reports, where they reported using continuous medications inappropriately, impacting blood pressure and capillary blood glucose levels at the time, where their practice is influenced by the perception that the absence of symptoms would indicate disease control. The intervention, conducted in accessible language appropriate to the local context, helped demystify information, encourage self-care, and strengthen community ties. Conclusion: The experience reinforces the relevance of extension actions as effective health education strategies, capable of promoting the prevention of NCDs and strengthening the role of universities in primary care, integrating health promotion, community ties, and continuous care.
Use of oxandrolone in controlling metabolic imbalance in patients with second and third-degree burns: integrative literature review
Severe burns, affecting more than 20% of the body surface with second- and third-degree injuries, cause profound impacts on the body, triggering both local and systemic responses such as hypermetabolism, loss of lean muscle mass, and increased risk of infections. After overcoming the acute phase, these patients face prolonged challenges related to metabolism and wound healing, making the search for effective treatments essential. In this context, oxandrolone, a synthetic analogue of testosterone, has gained attention due to its anabolic properties and lower toxicity, being used to preserve muscle mass and optimize metabolism in severely burned patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of oxandrolone in the treatment of severe burns in adult patients, analyzing the metabolic benefits of the drug and its risk-benefit ratio. The methodology consisted of an integrative literature review, searching for articles in the PubMed, SCIELO, and Lilacs databases, using specific descriptors and selecting studies published between 2014 and 2024. A total of 45 articles were identified, of which 09 were included in the final review. The results showed that oxandrolone improves protein balance, metabolic rate, helps preserve lean mass and increase muscle tissue, and reduces the risk of sepsis in patients with severe burns. Despite some hepatic side effects, such as elevated enzyme levels, these were transient and mild. Thus, it is concluded that oxandrolone offers significant benefits in the treatment of severe burns, provided that its use is properly monitored.
The role of microbiology in the detection of nosocomial infections in ICUS: advances, challenges and future perspectives
Introduсtion: Nosoсomial infeсtions in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) affeсt 25%–40% of patients, inсreasing morbidity, mortality, and hospital сosts. Objeсtive: To assess the effeсtiveness of traditional and emerging miсrobiologiсal methodз for pathogen deteсtion in ICUs. Methods: Systematiс review of studies published from 2009 to 2024 in Sсielo, PubMed, and Web of Sсienсe, foсusing on сulture, multiplex PCR, MALDI-TOF MS, next-generation sequenсing, and biosensors. Results: Key pathogens were Aсinetobaсter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebiella pneumoniae, and Staphyloсoссus aureus, 60% of isolates being multidrug-resistant. Conventional сulture required 48–72 h for identiﬁсation. Multiplex PCR and MALDI-TOF MS сut thiз to 1–6 h, with aссuraсy above 90%. Conсlusion: Integrating rapid moleсular teсhniques and advanсed teсhnologieз aссelerates ICU diagnostiсs, optimizes antimiсrobial use, and helps сurb baсterial resistanсe.
Doctor-patient relationship: from historical asymmetry to contemporary autonomy – a literature review
Introduction: The doctor-patient relationship, historically marked by asymmetries of power and knowledge, has undergone significant transformations in recent decades, driven by sociocultural changes, technological advances, and the growing emphasis on patient autonomy [1,2]. The traditional biomedical model, centered on the physician, is gradually giving way to more humanized and participatory approaches, such as the Patient-Centered Clinical Method (PCCM), which acknowledges the individual's wholeness and the importance of effective communication [1,3]. Objective: To investigate how the doctor-patient relationship is constructed in everyday healthcare practices, considering that the effectiveness of care is directly related to the individual's subjectivity. Methodology: This is a descriptive study and literature review conducted in the SciELO, BVS, Google Scholar, and LILACS databases. Twenty articles published in Portuguese between 2020 and 2024 were included, using the DeCS descriptors: Health Care and Physician-Patient Relations. Results: The analysis revealed that the quality of the doctor-patient relationship is associated with clear communication, empathy, continuity of care, and cultural competence. Persistent barriers include physician-centered practices, communication difficulties, and structural limitations within health services [1]. Studies show that patient-centered practices improve treatment adherence, symptom control, and overall satisfaction [3]. Final Considerations: Healthcare requires a comprehensive and humanized approach that respects the patient's particularities and promotes autonomy. This demands multiple skills from physicians, including active listening, empathy, cultural competence, and an ethical commitment to shared responsibility in care.
Chromosome 13 mosaicism in pediatrics: a rare diagnosis and its clinical manifestations: case report
Introduction: Mosaic Patau syndrome is a rare genetic condition characterized by multiple congenital anomalies, such as cleft lip, microphthalmia, and heart defects. The etiology usually involves nondisjunction of chromosome 13 during meiosis, with a higher prevalence in older mothers. Life expectancy is low. Case report: A male patient, born by cesarean section at term (38 weeks), presented with a cleft lip and prominent cleft palate since birth, with severe oropharyngeal dysphagia associated with cardiac, respiratory, and renal manifestations. Orotracheal intubation was performed to preserve the airway until the diagnosis was made. The diagnosis was confirmed as mosaic Patau syndrome. Surprisingly, the patient had a favorable evolution, exceeding the life expectancy for cases with the syndrome, achieving more than one year of survival. Discussion: This report highlights a rare case of mosaic Patau syndrome, evidencing how early multidisciplinary management can positively influence clinical evolution. Despite the high mortality rates associated with the syndrome, the patient survived beyond life expectancy. Genetic and environmental factors, such as advanced maternal age and exposure to teratogens, may have contributed to the case, although no definitive conclusions have been drawn. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of early recognition of clinical manifestations associated with genetic syndromes, especially for pediatricians, who should be alert to signs at birth. The positive outcome, despite the severe associated complications, highlights this rare case of prolonged survival and atypical clinical course for Patau Syndrome. Key words: Patau Syndrome; mosaicism; rare genetic disorders; congenital abnormalities.
Hydrogel as a therapeutic vehicle in cardiomyocyte regeneration after acute myocardial infarction: an integrative review
Introduction: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the main causes of death in the world with a costly impact on the healthcare system. Although there are several therapeutic strategies currently available, complete cure is still a challenge, due to the limited regeneration of cardiomyocytes. Hydrogel appears as a promising biomaterial for cardiac regeneration. Objective: To analyze the role of hydrogel as a therapeutic vehicle in cardiac regeneration. Methodology: The research consisted of an integrative review of the literature, the method included the elaboration of a guiding question, the search and sampling in the literature through the PubMed and LILACS databases, data collection, critical analysis of the included studies, the discussion of the results and the presentation of the integrative review. Specific descriptors were used for the search, following the recommended steps for preparing an integrative review. Conclusion: The results obtained highlight the promising therapeutic efficacy of hydrogels in cardiac regeneration. Several studies have shown that this biomaterial can simulate the cardiac cellular environment, serve as a delivery vehicle for other therapies, in addition to the possibility of changing its structure and adding greater benefits in its hybrid form, contributing to the therapy of post-ischemia regeneration.
Teaching semiology from the mobilization of students in the context of the pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic brought a totally unknown scenario full of uncertainties in the training of medical students. In a short period of time, medical schools had to reinvent themselves and implement a new way of teaching medicine in the face of sanitary measures to contain COVID-19, which included, among other actions, the suspension of face-to-face activities, both theoretical and practical. With the improvement of the pandemic, medical students mobilized to create an extension course in semiology, focused on practical classes, as a way to overcome the gaps created by the pandemic. This experience report aims to report the activities carried out and by the students in the creation and development of the semiology course, as well as the perception of the students who attended the course about the semiology teaching process. The mobilization of students who proposed the extension project and acted as monitors allowed students participating in the activities to have greater contact with patients and develop their skills to perform anamnesis, physical examination and clinical reasoning. The feedback from these students demonstrates the importance of seeking alternatives to get around the suspension of face-to-face classes, especially in disciplines where practical experience is essential.
Copyright (c) 2024 Revista de Medicina UNC https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0
The relationship of intestinal microbiota with psoriasis and management using probiotics, an integrative literature review
Introduction: Psoriasis is a dermatological disease that is prevalent around the world and is a reason for people to look for it in doctors' offices. The lesions' main characteristic is a reddish appearance, and later forms silvery plaques. Patients affected by this disease complain mainly of itching. Objective: To relate the intestinal microbiota with the disease and verify the effectiveness of probiotic supplements as a treatment for psoriasis. Methodology: This is an integrative literature review, PubMed and Scielo were the databases used, the research was carried out between the years 2013 and 2023, the final number of the sample was 5 articles according to the established inclusion criteria: studies of clinically controlled placebo cases, national and international randomized and double-blind clinical trials, which were available free of charge in full. Results and Discussions: A reduction in PASI was certified in patients who used probiotics concomitantly with conventional treatment, quality of life improved, lower rates of inflammation were also noted. Conclusion: It was found that probiotics are promising in the future, as they reduce the systemic inflammatory action caused by the body, on the other hand, more studies need to be carried out to solidify the association between the microbiota and psoriasis and together with the combination of supplements as complementary therapy to medication.
Camila Regina de Paula e Silva Antocheski
Graziella Karoline Miguel de Oliveira Godinho Kalil
High frequency cautterization as a means of preventing cervical cancer
Objective: The present study aimed to implement cauterization as a primary means of preventing Cervical Cancer. Methods: This is a basic, quantitative, descriptive, retrospective and field research. The sample of the present study consisted of 18,699 Pap smear exams, where 456 altered exams were found, of all ages, which between 2012 and 2019 needed gynecological care and/or procedure in the municipality. The methodology developed was through a work routine that involved: Encouraging gynecological exams and Pap smears. Treatment of cervicitis, regardless of the patient's age and Colposcopy for altered exams. Results: During this period, 404 cauterizations were performed both in the treatment of cervicitis and in the treatment of alterations. Among the main findings of this study, it stands out after five years of implementation, the number of cases reduced from 23% to 8.8% of the total cases seen in the period, these data being a consequence of the early treatment that occurred in previous years. Conclusion: With the data presented, it is pointed out that the prevention of cervical cancer can be done with an effectively organized screening, with low cost in the public health system, as long as we follow some basic rules of not unnecessarily harming the patients and with an awareness through education of the need for a gynecological examination at the beginning of sexual life.
Copyright (c) 2023 Revista de Medicina UNC https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0
The impact of religiosity and spirituality in the care of the oncological patient: an integrative literature review
Countless studies have been carried out to elucidate the relationship between spirituality and religiosity with health. Cancer, in turn, causes a sense of vulnerability in those who receive the diagnosis, so that such patients are highly likely to turn to the spiritual realm. The objective of the present research is to identify the role of spirituality and religiosity in the care of cancer patients, in addition to demonstrating their effects on the quality of life, mental health and therapeutic choices among cancer patients. The research was carried out through an integrative literature review. Specific descriptors in Portuguese and English were used in the PubMed, Lilacs and SciELO databases, in an effort to look for articles published between May 2017 and May 2022. 262 articles were found on the subject, which were thoroughly analyzed. From the articles analyzed, only 32 were selected to be used in the review. Thus, spirituality was considered a form of coping and strengthening, in addition to increasing hope and spiritual well-being. It was also associated with lower instances of anxiety issues, depression and reduced psychiatric symptoms. Strong religious beliefs resulted in less regret about treatment choices, but were related to worse prognosis and alienation about the disease. Spirituality was associated with a better quality of life in cancer patients, as well as greater post-traumatic improvement. Therefore, spiritual and religious inclination plays an important role in the lives of cancer patients, increasing quality of life, well-being, mental health, acceptance and coping with the disease.
The scenario of cesarean birth in a maternity in North Catarinense
There has been a growing incidence of cesarean sections worldwide, with Brazil in a prominent position in this scenario. The objective of this study was to describe the socioeconomic, demographic, cultural and reproductive characteristics of puerperal women and the determinants of the decision for cesarean section in a maternity hospital in northern Santa Catarina. Descriptive and documentary method using the parturients' medical records as a source of data. The following variables were investigated: maternal age, marital status, education, profession, number of prenatal consultations, indicators for cesarean section according to the Table of (ICD). The pregnant women who underwent cesarean sections, during the year 2021, are women aged between 20 and 30 years, with the ideal age according to the literature for a good pregnancy; low education level; single, from home and with low income, mostly adhering to prenatal care according to FREBASGO guidelines. The total number of cesarean sections performed in 2021 exceeded the recommended by the WHO, however justifiable, as it is a high-risk maternity hospital, serving pregnant women in the cities of the northern plateau of Santa Catarina, according to the ICU vacancies available, guaranteeing assistance with quality, safety and humanization to its patients. These data corroborate others found in the literature and the results may favor public health decision-making, providing subsidies to improve the planning of health policies aimed at this specific public and the general population.
Prematurity is a consequence of several factors, many of which are unpredictable, and can affect people regardless of gender, country, or social class. Preterm birth is defined as one that occurs before 37 completed weeks of gestation. The survival of preterm infants has been increasing over the years, however, it remains the main reason for neonatal morbidity and mortality. The objective of this research was to analyze the evolution of the extremely premature infant while hospitalized in a neonatal ICU in a maternity hospital in the north of Santa Catarina in the year 2022. This study is of a qualitative nature with a descriptive and retrospective orientation based on the evolutionary analysis of an extremely premature infant and underweight, criteria considered as inclusion factors in this research. Next, risk factors related to extreme prematurity were identified, including maternal age, low number of prenatal consultations and infection. Some protective factors were also analyzed, such as the use of surfactant in the first 15 minutes of the newborn's life, as a factor of great importance in the prognosis in the situation of prematurity, and the human milk used in the diet. Therefore, extreme prematurity is a challenge in the medical field, since it has many risk factors such as sepsis that must be diagnosed and treated as early as possible. Factors such as the use of surfactant in the therapy of respiratory syndrome, and exclusive feeding with human milk in the early diet of preterm infants, were identified as indispensable, since they improve survival by reducing mortality in this population.
Complicated handling of systemic arterial hypertension : overlap Sjogren’s Syndrome and Systemic Sclerosis?
Systemic Sclerosis is a rare multisystem disease characterized by Raynaud’s Phenomenon, vasculopathies, skin fibrosis, among others. It is a devastating disease with high mortality, cost and impact on quality of life. Furthermore, it is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease of great diagnostic complexity, especially when associated with other autoimmune syndromes. The following report aims to demonstrate the diagnosis of a probable association between Systemic Sclerosis and Sjogren’s Syndrome, with multiple clinical findings and in complementary exams.
Comorbities and clinical evolution of critical patients with COVID-19 assisted at a regional hospital in Planalto Norte Catarinense
Regarding the epidemiological scenario of coping with COVID-19, it is important to consider the importance and lack of regional epidemiological data in Santa Catarina (SC) – Brazil. Therefore, the present study aimed to study and discuss comorbidities, epidemiological data, and outcome in patients with COVID19 treated and hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a regional hospital in the northern plateau of Santa Catarina (SC). Through retrospective investigative and descriptive analysis, using data indexed in medical records (from March to December 2020) of patients hospitalized in ICU-Covid19, we studied the clinical characteristics and intra-hospital evolutions. In this population, it was found that epidemiological indicators such as gender, risk factors and mortality agree with those described worldwide, which were: higher prevalence of males, without significant differences in relation to age in relation to females. However, there was a significant difference in relation to the mean age of the population that evolved to death in relation to the population that evolved to hospital discharge. Regional epidemiological studies support health, disease, and health market data indicators that are summarily important for the development of health strategies and planning. Thus, the present study aims to contribute to the knowledge of this scenario in the health region in question, as well as the global epidemiological scenario of this disease condition.
Consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of health professionals at a hospital in the Northern Plateau of Santa Catarina
Purpose: The main objective of this project was to study the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on the mental health of healthcare workers of a hospital in the northern plateau of Santa Catarina, Methods: Qualitative study that connected the pandemic to mental disorders, through questionnaires. All variables were grouped and analyzed. Results: It was found that the pandemic affected all the staff in different ways. Since the beginning of the pandemic in November 2019, the entire population has had to adapt to the new reality of distancing and prevention. One of the groups whose routines were affected was the healthcare workers, who, in addition needing to face something new from the scientific aspects, had to watch their colleagues and family members fall ill. All of this under severe physical and psychological stress. Conclusion: It was observed that all this exhaustion had a negative impact on the mental health of these professionals, leading to an increase in psychological disorders.
Profile of risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases in medicine students
Students can present in the lifestyle when starting the university environment. Changes such as increased responsibilities, the pressure of studies can put this public as vulnerable to health risk behaviors. Thus, the objective of this study was the profile of risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in medical students. The sample consisted of 180 students. The applied sociodemographic questions, or the life index of health data and applied questions, the life index of body and quality survey. Data were obtained through Google Forms and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The mean age was 22.68 (SD=5.27) years. Regarding the perception of health status, 5% (n=90) referred to being “very bad” and 42.8% (n=7) said they were “always stressed”. Satisfaction with sleep was identified in (35.6%=64) of the students and hours slept were higher on weekends than on weekdays. About 59.8% n=108) (frequently using sunscreen is not recommended). Low levels of diabetes 2.8% (; n=5) and arterial hypertension (10%; n=18) were observed. However, 21.1% (n=38) have cholesterol cholesterol. About 31.9% of students are overweight and 50.6% (n=91) mentioned not performing physical activity in their free time. Reasonable consumption of fruits and vegetables and low consumption of snacks and soft drinks were verified. About 7.2% (n=13) are smokers. With the data obtained, it is possible to identify risk factors for important NCDs. This can help with student performance and health.
Copyright (c) 2022 Revista de Medicina UNC https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0
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The incidence of prematures in women with gestational diabetes mellitus in a Maternity in North Catarinense
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a pathology that begins during pregnancy, which brings changes in the maternal and fetal organism and metabolism, one of which is the premature induction of labor, with consequences for the mother and the newborn (NB). The objective was analyze the incidence of prematurity in babies of pregnant women with GDM in a maternity hospital in Northern Santa Catarina, between 2020 and 2021. In addition to characterizing newborns regarding gestational age (GA), admissions to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and their diagnoses. This is a retrospective research, by simple sampling, through data collection in medical records. Having as inclusion criteria pregnant women with GDM who had premature newborns, as well as preterm infants born to mothers with GDM. It was found that 2.5% of pregnant women attended had GDM, and the incidence of preterm birth was 31.5%. GA ranged from 33 weeks to 36 weeks + 5 days, and 60% of newborns were classified as having adequate weight for GA. Half of premature babies went to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), having as diagnoses: neonatal jaundice, respiratory distress, hypoglycemia. Therefore, the present study reveals that there is a relationship between GDM and prematurity, in line with the available scientific evidence. As for ICU admissions, it was possible to perceive that the most common diagnoses were related to the immaturity of the NB's systems. In addition to these factors, there was no death related to GDM. In this way, it reiterates the need for early diagnosis and screening of GDM, to prevent of possible negative consequences for the neonate.