OBJETIVOS: Estimar a prevalência de transtornos mentais comuns (TMC) e transtornos de abuso e dependência de álcool (TADA) em população atendida por Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) do município de Santa Cruz do Sul, Brasil; estudar as associações entre TMC e TADA com variáveis sociodemográficas. METODOLOGIA: Todos moradores acima de 14 anos de 3 áreas atendidas por ESF foram convidados a participar no período de 10 de fevereiro de 2006 a 10 de fevereiro de 2007. RESULTADOS: Dos 2921 participantes, as prevalências de TMC e TADA foram de 29,93% (IC95%29,30%-30,56%) e 12,07% (IC95%11,63%-12,52%), respectivamente. Sexo feminino, situação ocupacional desfavorável, baixa escolaridade e baixa renda mostraram associação positiva e independente com TMC. Sexo masculino, situação ocupacional desfavorável e TMC apresentaram associação independente com TADA. DISCUSSÃO: Foram encontradas prevalências de TMC e TADA acima das relatadas em outros estudos brasileiros. Grupos com condições socioeconômicas desfavoráveis são os de maior risco para TMC e TADA. CONCLUSÕES: Os grupos de maior risco para TMC e TADA deveriam ser levados em consideração quando se planejam políticas públicas em saúde mental. / OBJECTIVE: Estimate the prevalence of common mental disorders (CMD) as well as alcohol abuse and dependence disorders (AADD) in a population assisted by Programa de Saúde da Família (PSF or Family Health Program) in the City of Santa Cruz do Sul, Southern Brazil; estimate the associations between CMD and AADD with socio-demographic variables. METHOD: All residents over 14 years of age from 3 areas assisted by the PSF were invited to participate between February 10, 2006 to February 10, 2007. RESULTS: Of 2,921 participants, the prevalence estimates of CMD and AADD were 29.93% (IC95%29.30%-30.56%) e 12.07% (IC95%11.63%-12.52%), respectively. Female, unfavorable employment situation, low schooling and low income showed a positive and independent association with CMD. Male, unfavorable employment situation and CMD showed an independent association with AADD. DISCUSSION: We found higher prevalence estimates of CMD and AADD in relation to the observed prevalence estimates in other Brazilian studies. Groups with unfavorable socioeconomic conditions present the highest risk. CONCLUSIONS: The groups with the highest risk for CMD and AADD should be taken into account when planning public mental health policies.

Several active learning strategies have been used when increasing the structure of a course as increasing course structure has been known to improve student learning in introductory STEM courses. Much has been studied on the value of frequent formative assessment; however, few studies have evaluated the effective modes of delivering summative assessment. This study examines the use of summative assessment as an inclusive teaching practice to improve first generation college student success in introductory biology and also uses faculty surveys to find out how instructors structure their introductory biology course and why they are structured that way. Final exams were evaluated by Bloom’s Taxonomy of Learning. Survey results showed that many instructors used online activities most of the time to supplement face-to-face courses. However, student and faculty viewpoints on assessments offer many interesting insights into how instructors may modify teaching strategies to increase the success of diverse student populations.

<p>The relationship between alcohol consumption and alcohol-related violence has been firmly established in a wide array of studies concerning various forms of violence including intimate partner violence, domestic violence as well as sexual assault. One factor which has been highlighted as having a moderating effect on the relationship between alcohol consumption and alcohol-related aggression is the specific aggression-related alcohol expectancies concerning the effects of alcohol consumption on aggressive behaviour. In light of the prevalence of alcohol-related violence in South African communities it becomes important to examine the specific factors that moderate the relationship between alcohol consumption and alcohol-related aggression and violence. The aim of this study was to examine aggressionrelated alcohol expectancies as a moderating factor in the relationship between alcohol consumption and alcohol-related aggression and to examine the possible influence of exposure to community alcohol-related aggression in the formulation of aggression-related alcohol expectancies. The main objectives of this were to examine aggression-related alcohol expectancies as well as exposure to community alcohol-related aggression as domains for intervention to prevent alcohol-related violence.</p>

<p>The relationship between alcohol consumption and alcohol-related violence has been firmly established in a wide array of studies concerning various forms of violence including intimate partner violence, domestic violence as well as sexual assault. One factor which has been highlighted as having a moderating effect on the relationship between alcohol consumption and alcohol-related aggression is the specific aggression-related alcohol expectancies concerning the effects of alcohol consumption on aggressive behaviour. In light of the prevalence of alcohol-related violence in South African communities it becomes important to examine the specific factors that moderate the relationship between alcohol consumption and alcohol-related aggression and violence. The aim of this study was to examine aggressionrelated alcohol expectancies as a moderating factor in the relationship between alcohol consumption and alcohol-related aggression and to examine the possible influence of exposure to community alcohol-related aggression in the formulation of aggression-related alcohol expectancies. The main objectives of this were to examine aggression-related alcohol expectancies as well as exposure to community alcohol-related aggression as domains for intervention to prevent alcohol-related violence.</p>

OBJETIVOS: Estimar a prevalência de transtornos mentais comuns (TMC) e transtornos de abuso e dependência de álcool (TADA) em população atendida por Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) do município de Santa Cruz do Sul, Brasil; estudar as associações entre TMC e TADA com variáveis sociodemográficas. METODOLOGIA: Todos moradores acima de 14 anos de 3 áreas atendidas por ESF foram convidados a participar no período de 10 de fevereiro de 2006 a 10 de fevereiro de 2007. RESULTADOS: Dos 2921 participantes, as prevalências de TMC e TADA foram de 29,93% (IC95%29,30%-30,56%) e 12,07% (IC95%11,63%-12,52%), respectivamente. Sexo feminino, situação ocupacional desfavorável, baixa escolaridade e baixa renda mostraram associação positiva e independente com TMC. Sexo masculino, situação ocupacional desfavorável e TMC apresentaram associação independente com TADA. DISCUSSÃO: Foram encontradas prevalências de TMC e TADA acima das relatadas em outros estudos brasileiros. Grupos com condições socioeconômicas desfavoráveis são os de maior risco para TMC e TADA. CONCLUSÕES: Os grupos de maior risco para TMC e TADA deveriam ser levados em consideração quando se planejam políticas públicas em saúde mental. / OBJECTIVE: Estimate the prevalence of common mental disorders (CMD) as well as alcohol abuse and dependence disorders (AADD) in a population assisted by Programa de Saúde da Família (PSF or Family Health Program) in the City of Santa Cruz do Sul, Southern Brazil; estimate the associations between CMD and AADD with socio-demographic variables. METHOD: All residents over 14 years of age from 3 areas assisted by the PSF were invited to participate between February 10, 2006 to February 10, 2007. RESULTS: Of 2,921 participants, the prevalence estimates of CMD and AADD were 29.93% (IC95%29.30%-30.56%) e 12.07% (IC95%11.63%-12.52%), respectively. Female, unfavorable employment situation, low schooling and low income showed a positive and independent association with CMD. Male, unfavorable employment situation and CMD showed an independent association with AADD. DISCUSSION: We found higher prevalence estimates of CMD and AADD in relation to the observed prevalence estimates in other Brazilian studies. Groups with unfavorable socioeconomic conditions present the highest risk. CONCLUSIONS: The groups with the highest risk for CMD and AADD should be taken into account when planning public mental health policies.

This thesis focuses on the issue of active employment policy as a tool to improve the situation on the labor market. The aim of this thesis is characterize the individual instruments of active employment policy in the South Bohemian Region and propose recommendations, which may lead to its improved interaction. In addition to the active employment policy work focuses on the seriousness of the situation in the application of risk groups in the labor market. Based on the results of the investigation are suggested appropriate measures that would lead to greater efficiency in the application of these tools.

OBJETIVOS: Estimar a prevalência de transtornos mentais comuns (TMC) e transtornos de abuso e dependência de álcool (TADA) em população atendida por Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) do município de Santa Cruz do Sul, Brasil; estudar as associações entre TMC e TADA com variáveis sociodemográficas. METODOLOGIA: Todos moradores acima de 14 anos de 3 áreas atendidas por ESF foram convidados a participar no período de 10 de fevereiro de 2006 a 10 de fevereiro de 2007. RESULTADOS: Dos 2921 participantes, as prevalências de TMC e TADA foram de 29,93% (IC95%29,30%-30,56%) e 12,07% (IC95%11,63%-12,52%), respectivamente. Sexo feminino, situação ocupacional desfavorável, baixa escolaridade e baixa renda mostraram associação positiva e independente com TMC. Sexo masculino, situação ocupacional desfavorável e TMC apresentaram associação independente com TADA. DISCUSSÃO: Foram encontradas prevalências de TMC e TADA acima das relatadas em outros estudos brasileiros. Grupos com condições socioeconômicas desfavoráveis são os de maior risco para TMC e TADA. CONCLUSÕES: Os grupos de maior risco para TMC e TADA deveriam ser levados em consideração quando se planejam políticas públicas em saúde mental. / OBJECTIVE: Estimate the prevalence of common mental disorders (CMD) as well as alcohol abuse and dependence disorders (AADD) in a population assisted by Programa de Saúde da Família (PSF or Family Health Program) in the City of Santa Cruz do Sul, Southern Brazil; estimate the associations between CMD and AADD with socio-demographic variables. METHOD: All residents over 14 years of age from 3 areas assisted by the PSF were invited to participate between February 10, 2006 to February 10, 2007. RESULTS: Of 2,921 participants, the prevalence estimates of CMD and AADD were 29.93% (IC95%29.30%-30.56%) e 12.07% (IC95%11.63%-12.52%), respectively. Female, unfavorable employment situation, low schooling and low income showed a positive and independent association with CMD. Male, unfavorable employment situation and CMD showed an independent association with AADD. DISCUSSION: We found higher prevalence estimates of CMD and AADD in relation to the observed prevalence estimates in other Brazilian studies. Groups with unfavorable socioeconomic conditions present the highest risk. CONCLUSIONS: The groups with the highest risk for CMD and AADD should be taken into account when planning public mental health policies.

Introdução: Atualmente, muito tem se estudado a respeito de a esquizofrenia e do transtorno afetivo-bipolar (TAB) pertencerem a um continuum de sinais e sintomas que caracterizam o espectro da psicose, com etiologias que se sobrepõem parcialmente. O estudo comparativo de crianças filhas de pacientes com esquizofrenia e com transtorno bipolar pode ajudar na compreensão do quanto à vulnerabilidade para o desenvolvimento dessas patologias se assemelha e em quais momentos se diferencia. Os objetivos deste estudo foram comparar crianças e adolescentes em risco para esquizofrenia, para transtorno bipolar e um grupo sem risco para estes transtornos em relação a: 1) presença de problemas de saúde mental, diagnóstico psiquiátrico, competência social, quociente intelectual (QI); 2) associação entre presença de diagnóstico ou sintomas psiquiátricos nas crianças e a presença de diagnóstico psiquiátrico materno (esquizofrenia ou transtorno bipolar do humor), gravidade do diagnóstico materno, complicações obstétricas, nível socioeconômico dos pais, escolaridade da mãe. Métodos: Foi realizado estudo transversal comparando filhos de mulheres com diagnóstico de esquizofrenia e transtorno afetivo bipolar, segundo critérios do DSM-IV, e filhos de mulheres sem transtornos mentais graves, na faixa etária de 6 a 18 anos. Os instrumentos utilizados para avaliação da psicopatologia das crianças e adolescentes foram o Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), Youth Self Report (YSR) e o Schedule for affective disorders and schizophrenia for school aged children-lifetime version (KSADS- PL). A psicopatologia das mães foi avaliada com o uso da escala Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Disorders (SCID-I/P) e o funcionamento/gravidade destas mulheres com a Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). Para a avaliação do QI e funcionamento social das crianças foram utilizados as escalas Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI) e Children\'s Global Assessment Scale (CGAS) respectivamente. O nível socioeconômico foi avaliado com o uso da escala da Associação Brasileira de Empresas de Pesquisa (ABEP) e um instrumento contendo dados demográficos e de gestação e parto foi criado para ser utilizado neste estudo. Resultados: Foram incluídos no estudo 67 filhos de mães com esquizofrenia, 65 filhos de mães com transtorno bipolar e 63 controles. Os filhos de mulheres com transtorno bipolar apresentaram maior prevalência de problemas comportamentais que os outros grupos, com maior prevalência tanto de problemas de internalização quanto de externalização, e apresentaram maior prevalência de diagnóstico de transtorno de déficit de atenção e hiperatividade e de transtorno de conduta. Os filhos de mulheres com esquizofrenia apresentaram pior eficiência intelectual quando comparados aos jovens em risco para transtorno bipolar, e pior ajustamento social quando comparados aos controles. Foi detectada uma diferença na presença de comportamentos agressivos entre os gêneros no grupo em risco para esquizofrenia. Os meninos em risco para esquizofrenia apresentaram prevalência muito menor de comportamentos agressivos que as meninas deste grupo e que tanto meninas quanto meninos dos demais grupos. Os fatores que se associaram à presença de problemas comportamentais nestas crianças e adolescentes além do diagnóstico materno foram: gravidade da doença materna, moradia com a mãe, ter sofrido riscos pela presença de psicopatologia materna, nível socioeconômico, escolaridade da mãe, possuir pai com problemas com uso de álcool ou outras substâncias, intercorrências durante a gestação e parto, mãe não ter sido internada durante crise na gestação. Conclusões: Os filhos de mães com TAB apresentaram mais problemas comportamentais e diagnósticos psiquiátricos, enquanto os filhos de mulheres com esquizofrenia apresentaram mais prejuízos cognitivos e de competência social e funcional. Contribuindo, assim, para a discussão de que as duas patologias possam ser entendidas como entidades diagnósticas distintas na medida em que diferenças aparecem nos jovens vulneráveis a elas / Introduction: Nowadays a lot has been studied about schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder being part of a continuum of signals and symptoms which characterize the spectrum of psychosis, with etiologies that are partially superseded. The comparative study of children who were sons of patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder can help understanding how much this vulnerability for these pathologies development is similar and in what moments it differs. The aims of this study have been to compare children and adolescents at risk for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and a group without risk for these disorders in relation to: 1) The presence of mental health problems, psychiatric diagnosis, social competence, intelligence quotient; 2) The association between diagnosis presence or psychiatric symptoms in children and the presence of maternal psychiatric diagnosis (schizophrenia or mood bipolar disorder), severity of maternal diagnosis, obstetric complications, socioeconomic level, mother\'s educational level. Methods: A cross-sectional study has been done comparing the sons of women with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, according to DSM-IV criteria, and sons of women without severe mental disorder, within the age group of 6 to 18. The instruments used for the evaluation of the children\'s and adolescents\' psychopathology were the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), the Youth Self Report (YSR) and the Schedule for affective disorders and schizophrenia for school aged children-lifetime version (KSADS-PL). The psychopathology of the mothers was evaluated with the use of the scale Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Disorders (SCID) and the functioning/severity of these women with Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). For the evaluation of the intelligence quotient and children social function were used Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI) and Children\'s Global Assessment Scale (CGAS) respectively. The socioeconomic level was evaluated with the use of the scale from Associação Brasileira de Empresas de Pesquisa (ABEP) and an instrument containing demographic data and gestation/childbirth was created to be used in this study. Results: 67 sons of schizophrenic mothers were included in the study, 65 sons of mothers with bipolar disorder and 63 controls. The sons of women with bipolar disorder presented higher prevalence of behavior problems compared to the other groups, with a higher prevalence of both internalization and externalization problems, and they also presented higher diagnosis prevalence of attention deficit /hyperactivity disorder, and conduct disorder. The sons of women with schizophrenia presented worst intellectual efficiency when compared to youngsters with risk of bipolar disorder, and worst social adjustment when compared to the controls. A difference in the presence of aggressive behavior was detected among the genders in the group at risk for schizophrenia. Boys at risk for schizophrenia presented a much smaller prevalence of aggressive behavior compared to the girls in this group and also compared to boys and girls from the other groups. Besides the maternal diagnosis, the factors which were associated to the presence of behavior problems in these children and adolescents were: severity of the maternal disease, sharing residence with the mother, having suffered risk because of the presence of maternal psychopathology, socioeconomic level, mother\'s educational level, father who has a history of alcohol or other substance abuse, complications during gestation and childbirth, mother not being hospitalized when suffering a psychiatric crisis during pregnancy. Conclusions: The sons of mothers with bipolar disorder presented more behavior problems and psychiatric diagnosis, while the sons of mothers suffering from schizophrenia presented more cognitive, social and functional competence impairments. This conclusion corroborates for the discussion that both pathologies may be understood as distinct diagnostic entities insofar as differences appear in the youngsters who are vulnerable to them

Objetivos: Descrever a frequência, e investigar fatores preditivos, de óbito fetal espontâneo (OF), em gestações com anomalias cromossômicas. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo retrospectivo, abrangendo o período de novembro de 2004 a maio de 2012, realizado na Clínica Obstétrica do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo. Foram incluídas gestações únicas com diagnóstico pré-natal de trissomia dos cromossomos 21 (T21), 18, 13 (T13/18) e monossomia do X (45X), realizado até a 26ª semana de gestação. Resultados: Foram incluídas 92 gestantes com idade materna média de 32,7 ± 8,7 anos. O diagnóstico das anomalias cromossômicas (T21 n=36, T13/T18 n=25, 45X n=31) foi realizado em idade gestacional média de 18,3 ± 3,7 semanas, por meio de biópsia de vilo corial (n=22, 24%), amniocentese (n=66, 72%) e cordocentese (n=4, 4%). Malformação major estava presente em 45 (49%); e hidropisia foi identificada em 32 (35%) fetos, sendo mais frequente no grupo 45X (n=24/31 (77%) versus T21: n=6/36 (17%) e T13/18: n=2/25 (8%), p < 0,001). Exame ecocardiográfico fetal especializado foi realizado em 60% (55/92) das gestações. Dessas, 60% (33/55) apresentaram alterações na morfologia e/ou função cardíaca, sendo o achado mais frequente a comunicação interventricular (39%). Fetos com T13/18 apresentaram incidência maior de anomalias cardíacas (60% versus 25% (T21) e 29% (45X), p= 0,01). Óbito fetal ocorreu em 55 (60%) gestações e foi mais frequente no grupo 45X (n=26/31 (84%) versus T21: n=13/36 (36%) e T13/18: n=16/25 (64%), p < 0,01). A análise multivariada stepwise demonstrou associação entre hidropisia e OF em fetos com trissomia 21 (LR= 4,29; IC95%= 1,9-8,0, p< 0,0001). Em fetos com monossomia X, a presença de alterações ecocardiográficas esteve associada com menor risco de OF (LR= 0,56; IC95% = 0,27-0,85, p= 0,005). Não foram identificados fatores preditores no grupo T13/18. Conclusão: A letalidade intrauterina de fetos com anomalias cromossômicas é elevada. A presença de hidropisia aumenta o risco de óbito fetal, em gestações com trissomia 21. Enquanto, em gestações com monossomia X, a ocorrência de alterações ecocardiográficas reduz esse risco / Objectives: To describe the frequency, and associated factors, of intrauterine fetal death (IUD), in pregnancies with chromosomal abnormality. Methods: This was a retrospective (November 2004 to May 2012) performed at de department of obstetrics, Hospital das Clínicas, São Paulo University Medical School. Inclusion criteria were: singleton pregnancies with prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 21 (T21), 18, 13 (T13/18) and X monosomy (45X), performed up to 26 weeks gestation. Results: 92 women were included in the study with a mean maternal age of 32.7 ± 8.7 years. Fetal chromosomal abnormalities (T21 n=36, T13/T18 n=25, 45X n=31) were diagnosed at a mean gestational age of 18.3 ± 3.7 weeks, by chorionic villus sampling (n=22, 24%), amniocentesis (n=66, 72%) and cordocentesis (n=4, 4%). Major fetal structural abnormality was present in 45 (49%) cases; hydrops was diagnosed in 32 (35%) fetuses, and was more common in 45X group (n=24/31 (77%) versus T21: n=6/36 (17%) and T13/18: n=2/25 (8%), p < 0.001). Specialist fetal echocardiography was performed in 55 (60%) pregnancies and showed structural and/or functional abnormalities in 33 (60%) fetuses; ventricular septal defect was the most common finding (39%). T13/18 fetuses showed a higher incidence of cardiac abnormalities (60% versus 25% (T21) and 29% (45X), p= 0.01). IUD occurred in 55 (60%) pregnancies and was more common in 45X group (n=26/31 (84%) versus T21: n=13/36 (36%) and T13/18: n=16/25 (64%), p < 0.01). Stepwise logistic regression analysis demonstrated an association between hydrops and IUD in T21 pregnancies (LR= 4.29; 95%CI= 1.9-8.0, p < 0.0001). In 45X pregnancies, cardiac abnormalities were associated with a lower risk of IUD (LR= 0.56; 95%CI = 0.27-0.85, p= 0.005). No predictors of IUD were identified in T13/18 group. Conclusion: Intrauterine death rate is high in pregnancies with a fetal chromosomal abnormality. Presence of hydrops increases the risk of this complication in trisomy 21 fetuses. Whereas the presence of a cardiac abnormality is protective in X monosomy pregnancies

A alergia ao látex representa um importante problema de saúde em pacientes denominados de risco e está relacionada com a ocorrência de diversas manifestações clínicas, inclusive reações potencialmente fatais. O estudo de fatores associados à sensibilização e alergia ao látex é fundamental para o estabelecimento de medidas eficazes quanto à prevenção, tratamento e conhecimento do prognóstico. O principal grupo de risco para a alergia ao látex são os pacientes com defeito de fechamento do tubo neural. O estudo atual teve como objetivo principal identificar fatores clínicos e sorológicos associados à sensibilização e alergia ao látex em pacientes com defeito de fechamento do tubo neural. A pesquisa também analisou concentrações de corte de IgE específica sérica para látex e alérgenos do látex que pudessem identificar pacientes sensibilizados e alérgicos ao látex e avaliou o comportamento da IgG4 específica para látex como fator de proteção associado à ausência de sintomas. Com o intuito de responder estas perguntas, foi realizado um estudo transversal tipo coorte retrospectiva com 400 pacientes com defeito de fechamento do tubo neural, entre 0 e 18 anos, que estavam em seguimento na Associação de Assistência à Criança Deficiente - AACD. Após responderem a questionário específico, os pacientes foram submetidos à coleta de sangue periférico para a detecção dos níveis séricos de IgE total, IgE e IgG4 séricas específicas para látex, IgE sérica específica para rHevb1, 3, 5, 6.01, 6.02, 8, 9 e 11, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Blomia tropicalis, abacate, banana, castanha, mamão, batata, através da metodologia ImmunoCap®. De acordo com a história clínica e o valor da IgE sérica específica para látex, os pacientes foram classificados em quatro grupos: sensibilizados asintomáticos ao látex, alérgicos ao látex, sintomáticos sem sensibilização e controle negativo. A prevalência total de sensibilização ao látex nesta amostra de pacientes foi de 33,2%, sendo 12,2% alérgicos e 21,0% sensibilizados assintomáticos ao látex. Os sintomas cutâneos foram a manifestação clínica mais comum de alergia ao látex (79,6%), sendo a urticária de contato a mais prevalente (67,3%). Houve episódios de anafilaxia associados à exposição ao látex em 21 pacientes (5,2%). Níveis de IgE sérica específica para látex de 0,77 kUA/L foram capazes de diferenciar com boa acurácia os pacientes alérgicos dos demais. Na comparação entre os grupos controle negativo e alérgico, sensibilizado e alérgico, houve diferença entre as variáveis clínicas, cirúrgicas e laboratoriais que estiveram associadas à alergia ao latex. A razão entre IgG4/IgE séricas específicas para látex foi estatisticamente maior no grupo controle negativo. A análise multivariada mostrou na comparação entre o grupo controle negativo e alérgico que a presença de IgE sérica específica para rHevb1 e IgE rHevb5 estão associadas com alergia. Na comparação entre o grupo sensibilizado e alérgico, houve associação de alergia com a presença de IgE sérica específica para rHevb5 e com escore clínico >= 40%. Por outro lado, a IgG4 sérica específica para látex esteve associada à ausência de sintomas no grupo sensibilizado / Latex allergy is an important health problem in patients at risk groups and it is associated with the occurrence of many clinical manifestations, including potentially fatal reactions. The study of factors associated with latex sensitization and allergy is crucial to establish effective measures of prevention, treatment and prognostic. The main risk group for latex allergy is patients with neural tube defects. The objective of this study was to identify the clinical and serologic factors associated with sensitization and allergy to latex. Levels of specific IgE to latex and latex allergens associated with allergy, as well as levels of specific IgG4 associated with clinical tolerance, were established, and its accuracy and cutoff values were calculated. The profile of clinical manifestations, including anaphylaxis, was also characterized. This study was a retrospective cross-sectional cohort of 400 patients with neural tube defects, between 0 and 18 years, who were being followed at the Association for Assistance of Disabled Children - AACD. After answering a specific questionnaire, patients were submitted to blood draw for the detection of total IgE, specific IgG4 to latex, and specific IgE to latex, rHevb (1, 3, 5, 6.01, 6.02, 8, 9, 11), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Blomia tropicalis, avocado, banana, cashew, papaya, and potato, by ImmunoCAP ® methodology. According to the history and value of specific IgE to latex, patients were classified into four groups: sensitized asymptomatic patients, allergic patients, symptomatic patients and negative control. The overall prevalence of latex sensitization in this sample of patients was 33.2%, with 12.2% of allergic and 21.0% of sensitized patients. The skin symptoms were the most common clinical manifestation of latex allergy (79.6%), and contact urticaria was the most prevalent (67.3%). Anaphylaxis after latex exposure was observed in 21 patients (5.2%). Levels of specific IgE to latex of 0.77 kUA/L were able to differentiate allergic patients, with good accuracy. Comparing the negative control and allergic groups, the sensitized and allergic groups they had differents clinical, surgical and laboratory factors associated with allergy to latex. The ratio serum specific IgG4/IgE to latex was statistically higher in the negative control group. Multivariate analysis showed, in the comparison between the negative control and allergic groups, that the presence of serum specific IgE to rHevb1 and rHevb5 were associated with allergy. Comparing the sensitized and allergy groups, allergy was associated with the presence of serum specific IgE to rHevb5 and clinical score >= 40%. Moreover, serum specific IgG4 to latex was associated with lack of symptoms in the sensitized group.