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OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes in thyroid function associated with COVID-19 in pediatric patients, their etiology, clinical and laboratory profiles, as well as evolution. METHODS: we ran a search in PubMed, Scielo, Lilacs and Google Scholar databases, between January 2020 and July 2022, through the combination of the keywords: COVID-19, thyroid function, and pediatric population, in accordance with MeSH and DeSC, and in Portuguese, English and Spanish. RESULTS: After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 8 of the 842 papers found were considered eligible for review, totaling a sample of 288 patients, aged 1 month to 18 years, affected by different forms of thyroid disfunctions related to COVID-19, including subacute thyroiditis, TSH elevation in patients with pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome, euthyroid sick syndrome, and autoimmune hyper or hypothyroidism diagnosed after COVID-19 or exacerbated by the infection. The papers suggest that periodic assessment of thyroid function in children and adolescents affected by COVID-19 may enable screening of asymptomatic patients and early clinical conditions associated to thyroid pathology in the post-SARS-CoV-2 infection period. CONCLUSIONS: The analyzed papers, despite their small number, are relevant because they describe illustrative cases of thyroid dysfunction related to COVID-19 infection in the pediatric population. This study also points to the need for further studies in children and adolescents to define more precisely the evolution of these thyroid disfunctions, the best way to investigate them, and their most appropriate management, considering that thyroid function is essential for a full pediatric development.

Objective: This study analyzed the relationship between latent iron deficiency evaluated by ferritin, and the myelination of the central nervous system evaluated through the brainstem evoked response audiometry test. Method: A total of 109 full‐term newborns, born without anemia and risk factor for hearing deficiency, were enrolled. After delivery, umbilical cord blood was collected to determine ferritin and hematocrit levels. The brainstem evoked response audiometry test was carried out in the first 28 days of life. Analysis was performed between the control group (n = 71) with ferritin greater than 75 ng/mL, and the latent iron deficiency group (n = 38) with ferritin between 11 and 75 ng/mL. Results were presented as mean ± standard deviation. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad prism7 and SPSS with a significance level of 5%. Results: A significant higher V‐wave (p = 0.02) and interpeak intervals I–III (p = 0.014), I–V (p = 0.0003), and III‐V (p = 0.0002) latencies were found in the latent iron deficiency group, as well as a significant inversely proportional correlation between ferritin and the same wave and intervals (p = 0.003, p = 0.0013, p = 0.0002, p = 0.009, respectively). Multiple correlation analysis showed a significant correlation of latent iron deficiency with all interpeak intervals, even taking into account newborn gestational age. Conclusion: Iron deficiency anemia is a prevalent pathology; this study showed auditory delayed maturation associated to intrauterine iron deficiency, even in its latent form. This reinforces the importance of adopting effective measures, on a global scale, to prevent and treat this pathology in different life periods, especially in the most vulnerable population. Resumo: Objetivo: Este estudo analisou a relação entre deficiência de ferro latente avaliada pela ferritina e a mielinização do sistema nervoso central avaliada pelo teste de Potenciais Evocados Auditivos de Tronco Encefálico. Método: Foram incluídos no estudo 109 recém‐nascidos a termo, nascidos sem anemia e fator de risco para deficiência auditiva. Após o parto, o sangue do cordão umbilical foi coletado para determinar os níveis de ferritina e hematócrito. O teste de Potenciais Evocados Auditivos de Tronco Encefálico foi realizado nos primeiros 28 dias de vida. A análise foi realizada entre o grupo controle (n = 71) com ferritina acima de 75 ng/mL e o grupo com deficiência de ferro latente (n = 38) com ferritina entre 11 e 75 ng/mL. Os resultados foram apresentados como média ± desvio‐padrão. A análise estatística foi realizada utilizando o software GraphPad prism7 e SPSS com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Latências significativamente maiores da onda V (p = 0,02) e dos intervalos interpicos I‐III (p = 0,014), I‐V (p = 0,0003) e III‐V (p = 0,0002) foram encontradas no grupo de deficiência de ferro latente, assim como uma correlação significativa inversamente proporcional entre a ferritina e a mesma onda e intervalos (p = 0,003, p = 0,0013, p = 0,0002, p = 0,009, respectivamente). A análise de correlação múltipla mostrou uma correlação significativa da deficiência de ferro latente com todos os intervalos interpicos, mesmo se levarmos em consideração a idade gestacional do recém‐nascido. Conclusão: A anemia ferropriva é uma patologia prevalente e este estudo demonstrou maturação auditiva tardia associada à deficiência intrauterina de ferro, mesmo em sua forma latente. Isso reforça a importância da adoção de medidas efetivas, em escala global, para prevenir e tratar essa patologia em diferentes períodos da vida, principalmente na população mais vulnerável. Keywords: BERA, Ferritin, Newborn, Latent iron deficiency, Palavras‐chave: PEATE, Ferritina, Recém‐nascido, Deficiência de ferro latente

Objective: This study analyzed the relationship between latent iron deficiency evaluated by ferritin, and the myelination of the central nervous system evaluated through the brainstem evoked response audiometry test. Method: A total of 109 full-term newborns, born without anemia and risk factor for hearing deficiency, were enrolled. After delivery, umbilical cord blood was collected to determine ferritin and hematocrit levels. The brainstem evoked response audiometry test was carried out in the first 28 days of life. Analysis was performed between the control group (n = 71) with ferritin greater than 75 ng/mL, and the latent iron deficiency group (n = 38) with ferritin between 11 and 75 ng/mL. Results were presented as mean ± standard deviation. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad prism7 and SPSS with a significance level of 5%. Results: A significant higher V-wave (p = 0.02) and interpeak intervals I–III (p = 0.014), I–V (p = 0.0003), and III-V (p = 0.0002) latencies were found in the latent iron deficiency group, as well as a significant inversely proportional correlation between ferritin and the same wave and intervals (p = 0.003, p = 0.0013, p = 0.0002, p = 0.009, respectively). Multiple correlation analysis showed a significant correlation of latent iron deficiency with all interpeak intervals, even taking into account newborn gestational age. Conclusion: Iron deficiency anemia is a prevalent pathology; this study showed auditory delayed maturation associated to intrauterine iron deficiency, even in its latent form. This reinforces the importance of adopting effective measures, on a global scale, to prevent and treat this pathology in different life periods, especially in the most vulnerable population. Resumo: Objetivo: Este estudo analisou a relação entre deficiência de ferro latente avaliada pela ferritina e a mielinização do sistema nervoso central avaliada pelo teste de Potenciais Evocados Auditivos de Tronco Encefálico. Método: Foram incluídos no estudo 109 recém-nascidos a termo, nascidos sem anemia e fator de risco para deficiência auditiva. Após o parto, o sangue do cordão umbilical foi coletado para determinar os níveis de ferritina e hematócrito. O teste de Potenciais Evocados Auditivos de Tronco Encefálico foi realizado nos primeiros 28 dias de vida. A análise foi realizada entre o grupo controle (n = 71) com ferritina acima de 75 ng/mL e o grupo com deficiência de ferro latente (n = 38) com ferritina entre 11 e 75 ng/mL. Os resultados foram apresentados como média ± desvio-padrão. A análise estatística foi realizada utilizando o software GraphPad prism7 e SPSS com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Latências significativamente maiores da onda V (p = 0,02) e dos intervalos interpicos I-III (p = 0,014), I-V (p = 0,0003) e III-V (p = 0,0002) foram encontradas no grupo de deficiência de ferro latente, assim como uma correlação significativa inversamente proporcional entre a ferritina e a mesma onda e intervalos (p = 0,003, p = 0,0013, p = 0,0002, p = 0,009, respectivamente). A análise de correlação múltipla mostrou uma correlação significativa da deficiência de ferro latente com todos os intervalos interpicos, mesmo se levarmos em consideração a idade gestacional do recém-nascido. Conclusão: A anemia ferropriva é uma patologia prevalente e este estudo demonstrou maturação auditiva tardia associada à deficiência intrauterina de ferro, mesmo em sua forma latente. Isso reforça a importância da adoção de medidas efetivas, em escala global, para prevenir e tratar essa patologia em diferentes períodos da vida, principalmente na população mais vulnerável. Keywords: BERA, Ferritin, Newborn, Latent iron deficiency, Palavras-chave: PEATE, Ferritina, Recém-nascido, Deficiência de ferro latente

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the neonatal screening program for hemoglobinopathies in São Carlos, Southeast Brazil, by investigating a series of cases in which the screening test was abnormal. More specifically, it was aimed to know the information regarding the neonatal screening received by mothers at the hospital and at primary health care, in addition to information related to genetic counseling. METHODS: A descriptive study that enrolled 119 mothers, accounting for 73% of all children born between 2010 and 2011 with abnormal results of neonatal screening for hemoglobinopathies. The mothers completed a questionnaire that assessed the information received at hospital and primary health care, and issues related to genetic counseling. Descriptive statistics was performed. RESULTS: Of the 119 participating mothers, 69 (58%) had children with sickle cell trait, 22 (18.5%) with hemoglobin C trait, 18 (15.1%) with alpha thalassemia trait and, in 10 cases (8.4%), the result was inconclusive. At the hospital, 118 mothers (99.2%) received information about where to go to collect the test and 115 (96.6%) were informed about the correct time to collect the test. Only 4 mothers (3.4%) were informed about which diseases are investigated and the risks of not performing the screening. Seventeen mothers (14.3%) recognized the difference between trait and disease, and 42 (35.3%) considered that a positive screening test could have implications for future pregnancies. In 70 cases (58.8%), the child's physician was not informed about the screening test results. CONCLUSIONS: The neonatal screening program needs further improvement. In both scenarios investigated, health professionals demonstrated a lack of training in providing information to mothers and families.

Objective: To assess the prevalence of congenital defects and to investigate their maternal and perinatal associated aspects by reviewing Birth Certificates. Methods: Among all born alive infants from January 2003 to December 2007 in Maternidade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia of São Carlos, Southeast Brazil (12,199 infants), cases were identified as the newborns whose Birth Certificates registered any congenital defect. The same sex neonate born immediately after the case was chosen as a control. In total, 13 variables were analyzed: six were maternal related, three represented labor and delivery conditions and four were linked to fetal status. The chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare the variables, being significant p