Metropolitan Area Of Recife Research Articles

Factors associated with improved outcomes in the first psychotic episode at a specialized outpatient clinic in northeastern Brazil.

The present study aimed to evaluate data from patients admitted to the first-episode psychotic (FEP) outpatient clinic at the Hospital of Clinics of the Federal University of Pernambuco from July 2018 to July 2021, seeking to identify factors related to better clinical outcomes. This study was conducted using a convenience sample, including all patients between 15 and 65 years of age who were admitted to the FEP outpatient clinic from July 2018 to July 2021. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using mean and standard deviation or median and interquartile range for continuous quantitative variables, and absolute number/percentage for qualitative variables. Paired T-test, a parametric test, was used to compare PANSS scores upon admission and after 6 months. Spearman's correlation test was employed to assess the correlation between duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) and treatment response with other variables. The sample consisted of 85.3% male individuals, with 50% of patients aged between 19 and 30 years, and 82% residing in the metropolitan area of Recife. Seventy percent of patients responded to the treatment implemented by the outpatient clinic, and only 30% required psychiatric hospitalization within 6 months of follow-up. The majority of patients had a history of psychoactive substance use (82.4%); however, the use of these substances did not impact the prognosis within the analysed sample. The median DUP was 4 weeks, and a shorter DUP was associated with a lower probability of psychiatric hospitalization and a greater treatment response (reduction >50% in PANSS). A shorter DUP was associated with a lower likelihood of psychiatric hospitalization and a greater treatment response. Furthermore, the specialized early psychosis outpatient clinic itself appears to yield positive outcomes, as 70% of the treated patients exhibited a positive treatment response.

E7 Oncogene HPV58 Variants Detected in Northeast Brazil: Genetic and Functional Analysis.

Cervical cancer is associated with persistent infections by high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) types that may have nucleotide polymorphisms and, consequently, different oncogenic potentials. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the genetic variability and structural effects of the E7 oncogene of HPV58 in cervical scraping samples from Brazilian women. The study was developed with patients from hospitals in the metropolitan area of Recife, PE, Brazil. The most frequent HPV types were, in descending order of abundance, HPV16, 31, and 58. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the isolates were classified into sublineages A2, C1, and D2. Two positively selected mutations were found in E7: 63G and 64T. The mutations G41R, G63D, and T64A in the E7 protein reduced the stability of the protein structure. Utilizing an NF-kB reporter assay, we observed a decrease in the NK-kB pathway activity with the HPV58-E7 variant 54S compared to the WT E7. The other detected E7 HPV58 variants presented similar NF-kB pathway activity compared to the WT E7. In this study, it was possible to identify mutations that may interfere with the molecular interaction between the viral oncoproteins and host proteins.

Potential Nosocomial Infections by the Zika and Chikungunya Viruses in Public Health Facilities in the Metropolitan Area of Recife, Brazil.

Since 2015, the Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya viruses gained notoriety for their impact in public health in many parts of the globe, including Brazil. In Recife, the capital of Pernambuco State, the introduction of ZIKV impacted human population tremendously, owing to the increase in the number of neurological cases, such as the Guillain−Barré and congenital Zika disorders. Later, Recife was considered to be the epicenter for ZIKV epidemics in Brazil. For arboviral diseases, there are some risk factors, such as climate changes, low socioeconomic conditions, and the high densities of vectors populations, that favor the broad and rapid dispersion of these three viruses in the city. Therefore, continuous arbovirus surveillance provides an important tool for detecting these arboviruses and predicting new outbreaks. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the circulation of DENV, ZIKV, and CHIKV by RT-qPCR in mosquitoes collected in health care units from the metropolitan area of Recife (MAR), during 2018. A total of 2321 female mosquitoes (357 pools) belonging to two species, Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus, were collected from 18 different healthcare units, distributed in five cities from the MAR. Twenty-three pools were positive for ZIKV, out of which, seventeen were of C. quinquefasciatus and six were of A. aegypti. Positive pools were collected in 11/18 health care units screened, with Cq values ranging from 30.0 to 37.4 and viral loads varying from 1.88 × 107 to 2.14 × 109 RNA copies/mL. Nosocomial Aedes- and Culex-borne transmission of arbovirus are widely ignored by surveillance and vector control programs, even though healthcare-associated infections (HAI) are considered a serious threat to patient safety worldwide. Although the results presented here concern only the epidemiological scenario from 2018 in MAR, the potential of hospital-acquired transmission through mosquito bites is being overlooked by public health authorities. It is, therefore, of the ultimate importance to establish specific control programs for these locations.

Cardiovascular risk behavior among industrial workers in the Northeast of Brazil: a cluster analysis.

This research aimed to investigate the occurrence of clusters of cardiovascular risk behaviors and their association with social demographic and occupational characteristics in a population of industrial workers in the metropolitan area of Recife, Brazil. It was a transversal study with 727 workers of both genders. We identified cluster distribution from the variables: smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity and waist circumference, by a combination of hierarchical and non-hierarchical analysis. We later tested the association with the social demographic and occupational variables with a multi-varied analysis. We have identified a protection cluster (sufficient physical activity, moderate alcohol consumption) and a risk cluster (high waist circumference, sedentarism, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption). The protection cluster was positively associated with night shift or variable shift work (RP: 1.66, IC95%: 1.26-2.17), and the risk cluster was associated with women (RP: 1.15, IC95%: 1.01-1.31). Cluster analysis allowed to identify that, for day shift workers and women, the shortest daytime outside the work environment can influence the adoption of cardiovascular risk behaviors.

Predictors of mortality among patients with acute leukemias admitted to an intensive care unit specialized in patients with hematological disease at a Brazilian hospital

IntroductionHematologists deal every day with high mortality rates of acute leukemia patients. Many times these patients need Intensive Care Unit (ICU) support and some general ICU teams believe that these patients have a much greater chance of dying than patients with other pathologies. In Brazil, data related to mortality rates and ICUs for acute leukemia patients are scarce. MethodsTherefore, to assess mortality predictors in patients with acute leukemia admitted to a specialized hematological ICU, we evaluated demographics, supportive care, hospitalization time, disease status, admitting diagnosis, neutropenia, number of transfusions and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE)/Sepsis Related Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores as possible factors associated with mortality. Data were extracted from the first admission records of 110 patients with acute leukemia admitted to the Hemocentro de Pernambuco (Hemope) ICU between 2006 and 2009. ResultsIn this retrospective cohort study, 72/110 of the patients were men, and 64/110 were from the metropolitan area of Recife. The patients’ age median was 43.5 years (±17.9); 67.3% had acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and 32.7% had acute lymphoid leukemia. The main admitting diagnosis in the ICU was sepsis (66.7%). The mean APACHE II score was 18.3. Of the total, 65 (59%) died, and the mortality rate was independently related to longer hospitalization (p<0.001), the increase in the APACHE II score (p<0.038) and having received hemodialysis (p<0.006). Neutropenia, receiving multiple transfusions and using any kind of mechanical ventilation or vasoactive drug on admission were not relevant to mortality. Factors associated with higher mortality rates were: longer hospitalization, increase in the APACHE II score, and use of hemodialysis. ConclusionWith these data, to prevent organ lesions before admission to the ICU, a better strategy might be to reduce mortality for leukemia patients.

Trabalho, sentidos e saúde mental: percepção de participantes em um projeto geração de renda

Este estudo objetivou analisar os sentidos do trabalho para os participantes de uma pesquisa-ação denominada “Projeto Geração de Renda” na região metropolitana do Recife/PE com intuito de gerar reflexões em direção ao conceito de trabalho emancipado segundo os princípios da economia solidária. Tratou-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, com entrevistas não-estruturadas de 8 sujeitos da pesquisa-ação realizada sob a perspectiva freireana de educação popular. Utilizou-se a análise do discurso de Gill, tomando-se como referencial o sentido do trabalho no contexto da Política de Saúde Mental. Observou-se que os sentidos encontrados no discurso dos participantes se baseiam em diferentes concepções, sobretudo no sentido do trabalho como sustento das necessidades da sobrevivência humana, e desta maneira, como potencialidade para a reprodução da vida. No entanto, estes sentidos estão no âmbito do trabalho protegido-terapêutico e distanciados do trabalho emancipado. O processo de reabilitação psicossocial para pessoas com experiência na loucura e na perspectiva do trabalho precisa ir além de geração de renda. Quando atrelada ao trabalho emancipado, pode-se pensar que promova a participação democrática e cidadã. Dessa forma, há um terreno fértil para a construção de novas relações consigo e com os outros, pautadas nos princípios do movimento da economia solidária.

Absenteeism of people with disabilities in the construction industry in Brazil.

The employment rates of people with disabilities (PWDs) are lower than the general population in many countries because of several factors, including prejudices about labour production and absenteeism of these workers. The objective of the research was to evaluate the absenteeism of PWDs in the construction industry in the metropolitan area of Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. Study participants were workers with disabilities that performed jobs at the work sites in the construction industry. Participants were interviewed and they answered the Work Limitation Questionnaire (WLQ). In order to compare the absenteeism of people with disabilities and without disabilities, the companies provided real absenteeism data. Twenty-five workers with disabilities participated in the study, of which 32% were laborers and 72% had physical disabilities. The companies made accommodations for 56% of PWDs and all of them were the organizational type. The WLQ summed score of the PWDs was 3.16. The mean absenteeism of the PWDs was 19.00% ±1.22 standard deviation (SD) (p = 0.238) higher in relation to workers without disabilities. Most of the workers with disabilities had lower absenteeism than those without disability, however, the mean absenteeism of PWDs was higher in relation to workers without disabilities. In addition, workers higher educational level, the laborer of auxiliary warehouse, the workers for whom the companies have not made accommodations to the workplace and the higher WLQ summed score lower statistically significantly absenteeism in relation to workers without disabilities.

Cuticular n-alkane in leaves of seven Neotropical species of the family Lecythidaceae: a contribution to chemotaxonomy

ABSTRACT Biosynthesized from very long-chain fatty acid wax precursors, n-alkanes make a valuable contribution to the taxonomy of plants. The alkane components of foliar epicuticles of seven Neotropical species of Lecythidaceae were investigated: Bertholletia excelsa, Cariniana legalis, Couroupita guianensis, Eschweilera alvimii, Eschweilera ovata, Gustavia augusta and Lecythis pisonis. Specimens were collected in the metropolitan area of Recife, Pernambuco, and their n-alkane fractions were analyzed by gas chromatography. The chemical relationships among the species were then evaluated using cophenetic correlation and UPGMA. Among the seven species, a total of 15 n-alkanes, with 21-35 carbon atoms, were identified and formed a consistent group of B. excelsa, C. guianensis, E. ovata, G. augusta, and L. pisonis with n-C31. The greatest similarities were found between B. excelsa and L. pisonis, and between C. guianensis and G. augusta. Nevertheless, a phenetic analysis based on a larger number of species is needed to better understand the chemotaxonomic value of epicuticular n-alkanes within the Lecythidaceae.

Family Health Team: reports of conduct on child hearing loss.

To analyze the performance of family health teams toward the suspicion and identification of child hearing loss. This is a case study. Data were collected in three focus groups with three family health teams of a health district in the metropolitan area of Recife, Brazil. All data were transcribed and analyzed based on the interview analysis model of condensation of meanings. The family health professionals investigated made use of some resources to assess child reaction to sound stimuli, but they were mostly unaware of risk indicators for hearing loss and presented doubts about conducting referrals. Regarding child monitoring, the family health professionals reported that the lack of counter-reference by other professionals precludes the effective monitoring of children in the family health units. Despite their potential in assisting child health, the role of family health teams is still permeated by weaknesses that hinder their performance with respect to hearing health.

HISTÓRICO DAS AÇÕES DE CONTROLE DA FILARIOSE LINFÁTICA EM OLINDA, PERNAMBUCO, BRASIL

A filariose linfática é uma parasitose que afeta regiões tropicais e subtropicais. No Brasil, apenas a região metropolitana de Recife (Recife, Olinda, Jaboatão dos Guararapes e Paulista) ainda é considerada como foco ativo de transmissão da parasitose. Diante disso, o objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever o histórico das atividades de controle da parasitose em Olinda- PE, área que por muito tempo apresentou número significativo de casos, evidenciando as principais ações desenvolvidas desde o ano de 1987. Ao longo de aproximadamente 30 anos, muitos estudos clínico-laboratoriais e epidemiológicos foram desenvolvidos no município.Recentemente, mais de cinco ciclos de tratamento em massa com citrato de dietilcarbamazina foram realizados na área, com uma adesão de mais de 65% de toda a população, o que contribuiu para a redução da microfilaremia local a taxas inferiores a 1%. Esse fato viabilizou a implantação da pesquisa de avaliação da transmissão, etapa decisiva para definição da situação atual da filariose linfática e de novas estratégias de controle e vigilância.

Diagnóstico da Pesca de Arrasto de Camarões Marinhos no Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil

With a technical approach, this diagnosis aims to fill a gap in the overview of the activity, considering its technical aspects that manage the fishing effort of shrimping of Penambuco. From October 2013 to August 2014, the fishing grounds were identified used in this activity, as well as the fishing method, the number of boats and fishermen acting, type of boat and gears used. Analyses were performed with the major communities operating in this fishery (Recife, Jaboatao dos Guararapes, Barra de Sirinhaem and Sao Jose da Coroa Grande). The analyzes of the catch were tested using one-way ANOVA (α 5%). They observed two traditional types: the beach seining and trawing. It was cataloged about 50 vessels in the activity, with approximately 100 fishermen. They are caught mainly three types of shrimp: pink ( Farfantepenaeus spp.), Seabob ( Xiphopenaeus kroyeri ) and white ( Lithopenaeus schmitii ). Statistical data concentrated in the metropolitan area of Recife and Barra de Sirinhaem. There seems to be a direct relationship rainfall with shrimp production because with increased rainfall, there is a higher volume of landing fishery. Barra de Sirinhaem is the main area used in the State. Keywords: ‘mangote’; trawling fishing; pink shrimp; Farfantepenaeus spp.

Occurrence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and parasite DNA in backyard chicken breeding in Northeast, Brazil.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and parasite DNA in backyard chickens bred in the metropolitan area of Recife, Brazil. In total, 212 serum samples were collected from 16 properties, and 12 backyard chickens were collected in the six sanitary districts of Recife. An indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) was used to investigate the occurrence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect T. gondii DNA in brain, heart, liver and lung specimens. Of the samples analyzed by serology, 86/212 (40.56%) were positive; of the samples analyzed by PCR, 2/12 (16.7%) were positive, with both samples positive by both tests (serological and molecular). The presence of antibody anti-T. gondii and parasite DNA in tissues of these animals are worrying aspects for public health because there is a risk of transmission of the parasite to humans through eating undercooked or raw meat. Based on the results, the adoption of preventive measures to prevent the cats access to the chickens creations should be encouraged, since these animals were identified in most of the studied properties.

Evaluation of ophthalmic emergencies in a public reference hospital in Pernambuco, Brazil

Purpose: To evaluate ophthalmological emergencies in a public reference hospital in Pernambuco. Methods: Cross-sectional retrospective study with 26.358 patients attended in the ophthalmic emergency Altino Ventura Foundation, in the period january to june 2013. Data were collected using protocols based on electronic registration forms of ophthalmological emergency Results: It was observed that 52.5% of patients were male, 42.5% were aged 21-40 years; 90.8% were from the region metropolitan area of Recife; 55% classified as less severe. The main diagnoses were conjunctivitis (35.17%) and ocular trauma (19.25%). Conclusion: The prevalence of male patients, aged 21-40 years, from the metropolitan area of Recife, classified as low complexity, attended in January, on Monday, with the diagnosis of conjunctivitis, followed by ocular trauma.

Influence of reef geometry on wave attenuation on a Brazilian coral reef

This study presents data from field experiments that focus on the influence of coral reef geometry on wave transformation in the Metropolitan Area of Recife (MAR) on the northeast coast of Brazil. First, a detailed bathymetric survey was conducted, revealing a submerged reef bank, measuring 18km long by 1km wide, parallel to the coastline with a quasi-horizontal top that varies from 0.5m to 4m in depth at low tide. Cluster similarity between 180 reef profiles indicates that in 75% of the area, the reef geometry has a configuration similar to a platform reef, whereas in 25% of the area it resembles a fringing reef. Measurements of wave pressure fluctuations were made at two stations (experiments E1 and E2) across the reef profile. The results indicate that wave height was tidally modulated at both experimental sites. Up to 67% (E1) and 99.9% (E2) of the incident wave height is attenuated by the reef top at low tide. This tidal modulation is most apparent at E2 due to reef geometry. At this location, the reef top is only approximately 0.5m deep during mean low spring water, and almost all incident waves break on the outer reef edge. At E1, the reef top depth is 4m, and waves with height ratios smaller than the critical breaking limit are free to pass onto the reef and are primarily attenuated by bottom friction. These results highlight the importance of reef geometry in controlling wave characteristics of the MAR beaches and demonstrate its effect on the morphology of the adjacent coast. Implications of differences in wave attenuation and the level of protection provided by the reefs to the adjacent shoreline are discussed.

Determinantes da participação e dos rendimentos dos jovens no mercado de trabalho: o caso da Região Metropolitana de Recife

Resumo O presente artigo buscou analisar os determinantes da inserção dos jovens da Região Metropolitana de Recife (RMR) no mercado de trabalho, bem como os determinantes dos rendimentos daqueles que trabalham. Para tanto, foi estimada uma equação utilizando o procedimento de Heckman com dados da PNAD de 2012. Os resultados mostram que ser do sexo masculino e chefe da família, maior idade e a escolaridade afetam positivamente a decisão do jovem de entrar no mercado de trabalho. Para os rendimentos, ser do sexo masculino, branco e maior escolaridade faz com que esses sejam maiores. Assim sendo, investir na educação e nas condições de acesso à mesma é um passo indispensável rumo à redução das disparidades sociais da Região Metropolitana de Recife.

Prevalence Differentials Of Neural Tube Defects In Newborns And Addition Of Folic Acid To Processed Foods

Introduction: prevention of neural tube defects (NTD) in pregnancy was implemented in Brazil since June 2004, by enriching industrialized flour with folic acid. The irregularity in industry compliance and handicraft production of flour leave doubts to the legal rules effectiveness and their impact on the reduction of NTD. We analyzed the impact of this policy on development regions of the state of Pernambuco - Brazil, comparing some indicators of regional development and access to health services. Method: newborns registered in the system of live birth information - SINASC were evaluated in this study and those with NTD (anencephaly, spina bifida and encephalocele) where identified, considering the periods between the years 2000-2004 and 2008-2012. We calculated the prevalence of NTD in both periods and the prevalence ratio - PR for Pernambuco as a whole and for its 12 development regions. The results were discussed according to the Human Development Index - HDI, per capita income - PCR, pregnant women with seven or more prenatal consultations (%) - GPN and seasonal crop planted area (%) - AP. Results: there was no significant reduction in the prevalence of NTD in Pernambuco comparing the five-year periods 2000-2004 and 2008-2012: PR = 1.4 (95% CI: 0.91-1.20). Only the Metropolitan Area has shown decreased prevalence: PR = 0.76 (95% CI: 0.71-0.94), which has the highest HDI (0.68) and PCR (R$ 512.00) and occupies the 1st and 3rd positions on GPN (66.0%) and AP (20.5%). Three regions showed increased PR of NTD and for the remnants, variations of PR were not significant. Conclusion: The Brazilian public policy of adding folic acid to flour to prevent NTD had a positive impact only in the Metropolitan Area of Recife, where the development of indicators and access to services are better.

Green remnants are hotspots for bat activity in a large Brazilian urban area

Urbanization tends to remove or isolate green areas into fragments or restrict them to narrow corridors inserted in a matrix of buildings. Nevertheless, urban green areas may act as refuges for fauna and bats are among the animals able to use such habitats. Using bioacoustics we investigated the influence of green areas on the activity of insectivorous bats in the metropolitan area of Recife, a conurbation of 4 million people in the Atlantic forest of Northeastern Brazil. Bat activity was statistically higher in green areas, based on calls (t = 2.5298, p = 0.0165), but not on feeding buzzes (t = 1.8132, p = 0.0817) or social calls (t = −1.5551, p = 0.1329). Several species were able to persist in an urban matrix and calls were classified into 16 sonotypes, belonging to five families (Emballonuridae, Molossidae, Noctilionidae, Phyllostomidae and Vespertilionidae). However, activity was significantly more associated with areas with vegetation, indicating that green remnants are hotspots for bat activity. Our results indicate that most insectivorous bats have a biased use of the urban landscape and the maintenance of urban green areas is essential to preserve them and the environmental services they provide.

&lt;SUP align="right"&gt;222&lt;/SUP&gt;Rn in public water supply and risk estimate of cancer in the metropolitan area from Recife, Brazil

The metropolitan area of Recife is characterised by high population density. Owing to the lack of radiometric assessments in public water supply, this work was designed to determine 222Rn concentration in public water supply samples of the metropolitan area from Recife with high natural radiation in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. To determine 222Rn concentrations the technique of liquid scintillation was employed. The samples showed concentrations ranging from 5 Bq l−1 to 84 Bq l−1. In this report, the results and the radiation-induced health effects are presented as well as discussed.

CONTRADIÇÕES NO COMÉRCIO DE MADEIRA CERTIFICADA EM UMA REGIÃO METROPOLITANA DO NORDESTE DO BRASIL

A exploração ilegal de madeira é forte agente de desmatamento, comprometendo biodiversidade e serviços ambientais. A certificação florestal é uma forma de oposição ao mercado ilegal de madeira, e vendedores e compradores responsáveis e bem informados são fundamentais no comércio dessa madeira. O comércio de madeira certificada na Região Metropolitana de Recife, Pernambuco, foi investigado de forma a 1) avaliar o conhecimento dos vendedores sobre a certificação de produtos madeireiros, 2) acessar o estado do mercado local e 3) identificar dificuldades e perspectivas sobre o consumo desse tipo de produto na região. Em entrevistas em 33 empresas, foi identificado que o comércio local de madeira certificada é marcado por contradições. Cerca de 75% dos vendedores não sabem indicar corretamente o produto certificado e quase metade desconhece os selos e as informações de identificação. De maneira geral, vendedores não dominam conceitos, marcos legais e instrumentos de certificação. Embora declarem-se sensíveis ao impacto da extração madeireira, as empresas pouco se engajam em projetos ambientais ou campanhas sobre o uso de madeira certificada. Apesar das contradições, há um ambiente favorável para a disseminação da certificação e comercialização desses produtos, mas ajustes – sobretudo no fluxo de informação – são necessários nesse processo.Palavras-chave: Certificação florestal; Conselho Brasileiro de Manejo Florestal; FSC. AbstractContradictions in the certified wood trade in a metropolitan area in northeastern Brazil. Illegal timber extraction is an important driver of deforestation, compromising biodiversity and its environmental services. Certification is a strategy to oppose illegal market, and responsible and well-informed sellers and buyers are crucial players. Here, the trade of certified wood in the Metropolitan Area of Recife, Pernambuco, is investigated in order to a) evaluate the level of knowledge from local sellers on the certification process, b) access the status of the certified market, and c) identify difficulties and perspectives for certified timber in the region. Based on 33 interviews, we identified that the local certified wood trade is marked by contradictions. About 75% of salespeople do not know how to correctly indicate a certified product, and almost half ignore certification seals and how to correctly identify certified wood. In general, sellers are unaware of basic certification concepts, legal frameworks and certification protocols. Although declaring some environmental concern, selling companies are rarely engaged in environmental projects or campaigns on the use of certified wood. Despite the contradictions, there is a favorable environment for the spread of the certification concept and marketing of these products, but adjustments – especially on the information flow – are necessary in this process.Keywords: Conselho Brasileiro de Manejo Florestal; forest certification; FSC.

Pediatric epidemiological aspects of scorpionism and report on fatal cases from Tityus stigmurus stings (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in State of Pernambuco, Brazil

Envenomation by scorpion stings is a major public health problem in numerous tropical countries because of its frequent incidence and potential severity. Approximately 1,900 species of scorpions are known in the world, and at least 130 of these have been described in Brazil. This work reports on 3 child deaths caused by Tityus stigmurus stings and characterizes epidemiological and clinical surveys on pediatric cases of scorpionism recorded in the Centro de Assistência Toxicológica de Pernambuco (Ceatox-PE). Scorpion stings accounted for more than 60% of all cases recorded for venomous animals. The children were from 37 cities of the State of Pernambuco and accounted for 28.8% of the victims treated for scorpion stings, with the highest incidence in the metropolitan area of Recife. Stings occurred throughout the year and slightly increased during the rainy season. Independent of the elapsed time for a prognosis, most cases showed mild symptoms. Three moderate cases that resulted in death featured cardiogenic shock and/or pulmonary edema or severe neurological symptoms. For the fi rst time, death attributed to T. stigmurus was confirmed by the presence of the scorpion. These results suggest that scorpionism in Pernambuco is a public health problem that needs to be monitored carefully throughout the year by the government.