PICO Strategy Research Articles

ANÁLISE CORRELACIONAL DA DEPRESSÃO EM PACIENTES COM CÂNCER DE MAMA: REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA DE LITERATURA

Breast cancer is a neoplasm that affects more women than men and develops in the breast tissue. Depressive syndrome is one of the conditions that has contributed most to the increase in the global burden of health-related diseases, and is a condition closely related to cancer diagnosis. The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation of depressive disorder symptoms in breast cancer patients undergoing treatment. This study was developed through an integrative literature review (ILR) in the online databases VHL and PubMed, carried out between August and November 2024. The literature was searched according to the PICo strategy. The study of the data obtained was mediated according to the themes covered by the works acquired during the literature search. At the end of the filtering carried out according to the established exclusion and inclusion criteria, six publications were obtained, found in different journals and converging with the study objective. Five thematic categories were formed, which discuss prevalence; family support; mortality; genetic analysis and incidence during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, it can be said that depression and breast cancer are extremely interlinked, especially in patients in susceptible situations and with difficult family support and genetic predisposition.

EARLY MOBILIZATION AND ITS PROTOCOLS AT HOSPITAL DISCHARGE IN ADULT PATIENTS IN THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

Introduction: The highly complex hospital environment was created with the aim of providing intensive care to patients with severe acute conditions or system instability, with the potential for recovery. A growing number of individuals survive the initial stage of treatment but do not show good progress. Poor progress in critically ill patients is due to immobility, which can cause several complications that influence recovery. The authors warn that the consequences of immobility can last up to 5 years after hospital discharge. Several published studies have highlighted that MP is associated with a reduction in the patient's time in hospital units. Several arguments based on other studies indicate that MP has been proposed as a promising intervention for critically ill patients, important for preventing postoperative complications and reducing hospital stay. Objective: To describe the influence of MP and its protocols on hospital discharge in adult patients in the ICU. Methods: Descriptive research by systematic literature review with the PICO strategy. Results and Discussion: Research conducted in the databases found 96 articles, of which 79 were discarded and 7 articles met all the inclusion criteria for this study. This study analyzed the influence of MP and its protocols on hospital discharge in adult patients in the ICU in the selected articles. Many issues should be investigated for a more assertive and guiding opinion, thus further highlighting the benefits of MP and its significant influence on hospital discharge. There is a need to outline a model to meet the specific needs according to the profile of patients and thus systematize MP in the ICU. Conclusion: We consider it important to conduct more studies to systematize the practice and highlight the improvements in the protocols and, thus, benefit the patient, favoring their recovery, hospital discharge and quality of life.

O PAPEL DO RECUPERO COMO RECURSO FISIOTERAPÊUTICO EM PACIENTES FIBROMIÁLGICOS AFETADOS PELA COVID-19

Introduction: Fibromyalgia is a complex chronic syndrome, characterized by diffuse pain, fatigue and sleep disturbances. The COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated symptoms, leading to the need for new therapeutic approaches, such as the use of Recupero, which can offer relief and improve patients' quality of life. Justification: This study is based on the need for integrated therapies in physical therapy for fibromyalgia, aggravated by COVID-19. The Recupero program combines photobiomodulation and ultrasound, promoting analgesia and tissue regeneration. Research is essential to fill gaps in knowledge and improve the quality of life of vulnerable patients. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of Recupero in the treatment of fibromyalgia and the management of post-COVID sequelae in patients affected by the infection. Methodology: This study reviewed the literature on fibromyalgia and COVID-19, analyzing articles from 2014 to 2024 in MedLine, SciELO, LILACS, and PEDro. Using the PICO strategy, six relevant studies were included, focusing on physiotherapy and the use of the Recupero device to improve symptoms in patients. Results and Discussion: COVID-19 infection intensified fibromyalgia symptoms, such as pain and anxiety, due to social isolation and treatment interruption. Studies have shown that the Recupero device improved pain and quality of life in fibromyalgia patients, showing efficacy in post-COVID rehabilitation and highlighting the importance of non-invasive therapies. Concluding Remarks: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted fibromyalgia patients, intensifying pain and anxiety due to isolation and treatment disruption. Interventions such as telerehabilitation and photosonic therapy have shown lasting benefits, underscoring the importance of a biopsychosocial approach. There is a need for rigorous studies to validate these therapies in the post-pandemic context.

EFEITOS DOS EXERCÍCIOS NA MELHORA DA DOR PACIENTES COM FIBROMIALGIA: REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA

FM is a complex rheumatic condition characterized by chronic pain without evident inflammation. It primarily affects women between the ages of 55 and 74, impairing quality of life due to pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and emotional symptoms. Objective: To identify and report the effects of physical exercise on pain improvement in patients with FM. Methodology: An integrative literature review was conducted using the PICo strategy, covering primary studies from randomized clinical trials published between 2019 and 2024. The search was carried out in the LILACS, PubMed, SciELO, and PEDro databases, focusing on the benefits of exercise in pain management. The inclusion criteria were limited to full-text articles in Portuguese and English. Results: A total of 642 studies were analyzed, of which 9 were included in the final sample. These studies showed that aerobic, resistance, aquatic, and stretching exercises significantly contributed to the reduction of pain and fatigue. Additionally, there was an improvement in sleep quality, functional capacity, and emotional well-being, with a decrease in symptoms such as anxiety and depression. However, some studies did not show statistically significant results. Conclusion: It is concluded that physical exercise, when supervised and adjusted to individual needs, is an effective intervention in the management of fibromyalgia, providing pain relief and improving quality of life. Further studies are needed to investigate the interaction of exercises with other treatments, such as pharmacotherapy, and to evaluate long-term effects.

The impact of caregiver training on the oral health of people with disabilities: A systematic review.

This systematic review aimed to assess the impact of oral health training for caregivers of individuals with disabilities. A systematic review was conducted using five electronic databases: Medline (PubMed), SciELO, Web of Science, LILACS, and CAFe, adhering to PRISMA guidelines. The PICO strategy was defined as follows: Participants:caregivers of individuals with disabilities; Intervention:training or education in oral health for caregivers;Control:no caregiver training; andOutcomes:evaluating whether oral health training for caregivers improves the oral health of people with disabilities. The study aimed to address the research question: "What is the impact of oral health training for caregivers of individuals with disabilities?" The study was preregistered in PROSPERO (CRD42023416760). A total of 14 studies were included, with trained caregivers being either staff members or parents, and various disabilities reported, with cerebral palsy being the most prevalent. Caregiver training methods varied, such as instructions on the importance of oral health care, supervised oral hygiene, and demonstration of toothbrushing techniques. Overall, the intervention groups showed an improvement in measures such as to the Gingival Index, Plaque Index, Simplified Oral Hygiene Index, and Gingival Bleeding Index on upon probing. Additionally, improvements were observed in the quality, frequency, and duration of toothbrushing among intervention groups. The findings suggest that oral health training for caregivers has a positive impact on the oral health of individuals with disabilities, potentially leading to better oral health outcomes.

OS EFEITOS DE EXERCÍCIO DE IMPACTO EM PACIENTES COM OSTEOPOROSE PÓS MENOPAUSA

Introduction: Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by the loss of bone mineral density, which increases the risk of fractures, especially in women. It affects women more due to hormonal changes, and in postmenopause, due to the drop in estrogen levels, which aggravates bone loss. Objective: This was to investigate the effects of impact exercises in patients diagnosed with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Methods: This is an integrative review of the literature, where the PICO strategy was adopted, thus the guiding question of the study was “What are the effects of impact exercises on the bone mineral density of patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis?”. The data search took place between July and August 2024, in the PUBMED, PEDro and LILACS databases, using the descriptors: “impact exercises”, “osteoporosis” and “postmenopause”. A total of 76 articles were found and after applying the eligibility criteria, 8 were used in this review. Results: Impact exercises, such as resistance, aerobic and Pilates exercises, were shown to be effective in improving bone mineral density, muscle strength and balance in postmenopausal women, reducing the risk of fractures and improving quality of life. Conclusion: It is concluded that high-impact exercises offer several benefits for women with osteoporosis in the postmenopausal period, including increased muscle strength, improved balance, lipid profile, calcium absorption, quality of life and bone mineral density.

Measuring School Well-Being in Primary Education: A Systematic Review

The aim was to explore the literature for instruments that assess school well-being, identifying their design features and construct appropriateness. A systematic review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020, and the PICO strategy to formulate the research questions. Fifty-two articles on instruments to assess pupils' school well-being were analysed using an interpretive approach. The results showed that school well-being is a topic of global interest, with China standing out, with non-uniform growth since 2007, being most notable in 2018 and 2019. Longitudinal and qualitative studies have appeared more frequently in recent years. The presence of multidimensional instruments stood out, with no consensus on the identification of the items to be assessed from a holistic perspective. This study paves the way for the design of a questionnaire that operationalise school well-being, considering not only the literature, but also the direct perceptions of pupils.

Association of beta blockers and mortality in adults with septic shock: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trial.

Septic shock still entails significant morbidity and mortality, with the heart being affected due to catecholamine overexpression and direct injury from sepsis. Therefore, the effect of β-blocking the receptors to improve performance is promising when attempting to reverse tachycardia and reduce mortality. We conducted a comprehensive search across five databases for studies published up to 28 January 2024, using a PICO strategy. Ten studies were identified for quantitative analysis and included in our meta-analysis. Our meta-analysis evaluated 28-day in-hospital mortality risk across nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving a total of 1,121 adults with septic shock. We found an association between β-blocker use and reduced overall mortality (OR 0.57; 95% CI 0.34-0.98; I 2: 56%). This effect was significant in the esmolol subgroup (OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.26-0.82; I 2: 32%), but not in the landiolol subgroup (OR 0.98; 95% CI 0.0-1,284.5; I 2: 72%). Additionally, the intervention group shows a significant reduction in HR and lactate levels, as well as an increase in stroke volume index (SVI). In adults with septic shock, β-blockers are associated with a reduction in 28-day in-hospital mortality, a benefit primarily observed with esmolol rather than landiolol. Furthermore, improvements in heart rate (HR) control, lactate levels, and SVI were noted. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution, and further high-quality RCTs comparing different β-blockers are necessary to better elucidate these effects. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42024513610.

Síndrome da encefalopatia posterior reversível associada à transfusão em anemia falciforme: relato de caso

Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA) is the most common genetic disease in the world, characterized by frequent vaso-occlusive crises that, along with extensive pathophysiology, predispose individuals to neurological events such as Stroke. Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES), on the other hand, is an uncommon manifestation resulting from vasogenic edema whose pathogenesis is not completely understood. Individuals with hemoglobinopathies have a higher chance of developing PRES; however, there are few reports in the literature on the occurrence of PRES related to SCA. The aim of the study is to report a case in which red blood cell transfusion (RBCT) was followed by PRES in a child with SCA. This is a longitudinal single-arm study with systematic research in major databases using the PICO strategy to associate the three events (SCA, RBC, PRES) with their appropriate medical descriptors. The present study evidenced most findings described in the scientific literature, reinforcing the need to expand knowledge of PRES as a differential diagnosis of neurological events in hemoglobinopathies in order to improve healthcare quality and reduce morbidity and mortality in these individuals

Trigger Point Therapy Techniques as an Effective Unconventional Method of Treating Tension Headaches: A Systematic Review.

Background/Objectives The main aim of the literature review was to determine whether different trigger point therapy techniques are effective in decreasing the intensity, frequency, and duration of tension-type headaches. An additional aim was to assess the impact of trigger point therapy on other physical and psychological variables in tension-type headaches. Methods This literature review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, and the inclusion and exclusion criteria were developed using the PICO(s) strategy. Searches were carried out in four databases: PubMed, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, and PEDro. Results Of the 9 included studies with 370 participants, 6 studies were randomised controlled trials, 2 were pilot studies, and 1 was a case report. Conclusions Trigger point therapy has reduced the duration, intensity, and frequency of headaches. Dry needling, ischaemic compression, Positional Relaxation Techniques, and massage protocols focused on deactivating trigger points are effective methods of unconventional treatment of tension-type headaches.

Advancements in radiosurgery for the treatment of arteriovenous malformations

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are complex vascular anomalies with high risks of hemorrhage and neurological deficits. The evolution of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) represents a significant advancement in their management, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional surgical approaches. This study aims to evaluate recent developments in SRS techniques for treating AVMs by conducting an integrative literature review. Utilizing the PICO strategy, a systematic search was performed across databases like LILACS, MEDLINE, and SCIELO, focusing on clinical trials, observational studies, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The analysis revealed that while microsurgical excision remains a definitive approach, SRS—particularly with advanced systems like Gamma Knife, Linac, CyberKnife, and Zap-X—has shown promising results in reducing hemorrhage rates and lesion volumes with lower complications. The findings indicate that SRS, bolstered by improved imaging and radiation precision, provides a viable alternative to invasive methods, though its effectiveness varies among different systems. This review underscores the need for a multidisciplinary approach in AVM management, emphasizing tailored treatment strategies based on lesion characteristics and patient-specific factors.

The application of Borg scale in cardiopulmonary resuscitation: An integrative review.

The study of human performance and perception of exertion constitutes a fundamental aspect for monitoring health implications and enhancing training outcomes such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). It involves gaining insights into the varied responses and tolerance levels exhibited by individuals engaging in physical activities. To measure perception of exertion, many tools are available, including the Borg scale. In order to evaluate how the Borg scale is being used during CPR attempts, this integrative review was carried out between October/2020 and December/2023, with searches from PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Embase, PsycINFO and VHL. Full publications relevant to the PICO strategy were included and letters, editorials, abstracts, and unpublished studies were excluded. In total, 34 articles were selected and categorised into three themes: a) CPR performed in different contexts; b) CPR performed in different cycles, positions, and techniques; c) CPR performed with additional technological resources. Because CPR performance is considered a strenuous physical activity, the Borg scale was used in each study to evaluate perception of exertion. The results identified that the Borg scale has been used during CPR in different contexts. It is a quick, low-cost, and easy-to-apply tool that provides important indicators that may affect CPR quality, such as perception of exertion, likely improving performance and potentially increasing the chances of survival.

Accuracy of Implant Placement Using Digital Prosthetically-Derived Surgical Guides: A Systematic Review

Dental implant placement is crucial in oral rehabilitation, requiring precision for successful outcomes. Digital technologies, including surgical guides, enhance predictability and efficiency in implant procedures. However, their impact on implant positioning accuracy is still under investigation. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the literature on implant accuracy using digital prosthetically-derived surgical guides. Registered in PROSPERO (CRD 42023483194), the review employed a PICO strategy and searched PubMed for English-language, in vivo studies from 2013 to 2023 on restrictive digital prosthetically-derived surgical guides. Two reviewers independently assessed records, with a third verifying the decisions. PRISMA guidelines were followed, yielding 24 results after excluding nine duplicates. Ten studies met the criteria after title, abstract, and keyword review, with three included after verification. These studies showed coronal deviations of 0.44 mm to 0.56 mm, apical deviations of 0.64 mm to 1.03 mm, angular deviations of 2.03° to 2.42°, and vertical deviations of 0.19 mm to 0.45 mm. Superior accuracy was noted with static guided techniques, while bilateral guides offered stability and printed guides were cost-effective. A surgical guide that comes from a planning with a primary wax-up of the prosthesis leads to the placement of a dental implant that can be functionally and esthetically rehabilitated. Further research is needed to standardize outcomes and improve implant protocols and patient outcomes.

Clinical Outcome Success of Silver-Modified Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (SMART) in Treating Children with Dental Caries in Primary Teeth: A Systematic Review

Abstract Objective: A novel approach called silver-modified atraumatic restorative therapy (SMART) integrates glass ionomer cement (GIC) restorations with silver diamine fluoride (SDF). This new method combines the ability of GIC to seal the tooth and sever the nutrition that bacteria require to proliferate, with the bactericidal power of SDF. The purpose of this review is to evaluate and compare the available data regarding the efficacy of the SMART approach in treating children's carious primary teeth. Materials and Methods: The earliest date accessible up until February 15, 2024, was thoroughly searched in databases including Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane, Science Direct, Lilacs, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The review only comprised randomized controlled trials. The PICO strategy (P: Children with dental caries in primary teeth; I: SMART; C: Conventional drill and fill method or atraumatic restorative treatment [ART] therapy; O: Clinical success) was adopted. Risk of bias assessment and quality of evidence were assessed using the RoB-2 tool and GRADE tool, respectively. Results: Four full-text publications that met the eligibility criteria underwent additional processing for data extraction and qualitative analysis. In three studies, no difference was found in the clinical performance of SMART and conventional drill and fill/ART therapy, whereas in one study, the clinical performance of SMART was found to be better than the conventional ART therapy. Conclusion: SMART and conventional drill and fill/ART techniques have comparable clinical performance for carious primary teeth of children. SMART can be used to treat asymptomatic deep carious lesions as well as apprehensive children. However, the cost-effectiveness of SMART restorations needs to be investigated in a variety of demographics.

Plaque cleaning efficacy of waist-shaped interdental brushes among individuals with open interproximal spaces: a systematic review.

The shape and design of interdental brushes are crucial for appropriate adaptation to the interproximal areas, despite their excellent cleaning efficacy. The aim of this review is to assess and compare the available data on the plaque cleaning efficacy of waist-shaped interdental brushes with any other shaped-interdental brushes among patients with wide interdental spaces. Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane, Science Direct, EBSCO Host, Lilacs, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched from the earliest available year (2011) till May 15, 2024. PICO Strategy: P: Individuals with open interproximal spaces; I: Waist-shaped interdental brushes; C: Any other shaped interdental brushes; O: Interproximal plaque cleaning efficacy. The review only comprised randomized controlled trials. The risk of bias assessment and quality of evidence was assessed using the RoB-2 Tool and GRADE Tool respectively. Three full-text publications that met the requirements for eligibility underwent additional processing for data extraction. The overall results of the review suggest that the plaque cleaning efficacy of waist-shaped interdental brushes is better than straight/cylindrical-shaped interdental brushes in patients with open interdental spaces; especially on the buccal and lingual line angles. However, the pooling of data was not possible due to the high heterogeneity between the studies. The current review suggests that the plaque cleaning efficacy of waist-shaped interdental brushes could be better than straight or cylindrical shaped-interdental brushes in patients with open interproximal spaces, especially in buccal and lingual line angles. However, further research should focus on appropriate methodological techniques to increase overall reporting quality and limit the possibility of bias.

Geospatialization of feline sporotrichosis, from the evidence-based health perspective, in metropolitan mesoregion of Recife in Pernambuco/Brazil

Sporotrichosis, a disease whose transmissibility makes it a problem for public health, the causative agent appears under different species of the genus Sporothrix, considered the most prevalent implantation mycosis in the world, mainly because it is a zoonosis that affects humans and animals. The objective was to verify the behavior of cases of feline sporotrichosis registered in a Veterinary Clinic of Abreu Lima in Pernambuco/Brazil, with statistical analysis. Seeking clinical evidence on the use of combination drugs or substitutes for itraconazole, in scientific publications on the ScienceDirect platform, from 2017 to 2022. The PICO strategy was adopted as a method from the perspective of Evidence-Based Health. Results showed occurrences of feline sporotrichosis with an increasing trend of confirmed diagnosed cases and that there are different forms of treatment, including combination of drugs. It is concluded that the diagnosis prevails in the feline species with an incidence in males, given their territorial behavior, as well as the combination of drugs or the isolated use of itraconazole for the healing time, depends on the therapeutic care and the animal's organism, and with this diagnosis and individualized treatments.

Using Thermography Infrared to Detect Diabetic Foot Ulcers in Asia Pacific Countries: Scoping Review

Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a growing global health concern, particularly in Indonesia, where the prevalence is projected to rise significantly. Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU) is a severe complication of DM that escalates the risk of amputations. Early detection of DFUs plays a crucial role in preventing associated complications Objective: This review aimed to assess the efficacy of infrared thermography in detecting DFUs in the Asia-Pacific region. Methods: A scoping review methodology adhering to PRISMA guidelines was employed. Databases were searched from 2011-2021. PICO strategy used keyword Diabetic foot ulcer, Skin ulcer, Leg ulcer, Foot ulcer, Diabetic neuropathic, Thermography, Temperature mapping, and Detection from PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. Quality of article assessed by JBI. Results: Four (4) studies meeting the inclusion criteria were identified, primarily cross-sectional in design. The results indicated promising sensitivity and specificity of infrared thermography in detecting DFUs among DM patients. The technology's ability to capture thermal images revealing temperature variations associated with tissue inflammation, a common DFU indicator, underscores its efficacy. This non-invasive technique allows for early detection and monitoring of DFUs, facilitating timely interventions and improving patient outcomes. Additionally, infrared thermography provides a quantitative and objective assessment of tissue health, complementing traditional visual inspection and palpation methods. Its effectiveness lies in detecting subtle skin temperature changes, aiding in early identification and management of DFUs before they progress to more severe stages. Conclusion: Infrared thermography shows significant potential in detecting DFUs early, which is vital for effective management and prevention of severe complications. Despite the promising results, broader and more rigorous studies are necessary to validate these findings across different populations and healthcare settings. Further research across diverse settings and study designs is essential to reinforce these findings.

Nordic Walking as a Non-Pharmacological Intervention for Chronic Pain and Fatigue: Systematic Review.

We aimed to analyze and summarize the available scientific evidence on the benefits of Nordic walking for people with chronic pain and fatigue. This systematic review adhered to PRISMA guidelines and conducted a comprehensive search across five databases using the PICO strategy. Inclusion criteria encompassed randomized trials evaluating Nordic walking for pain and fatigue. Two authors independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality using the PEDro scale. A total of 14 studies were included, with sample sizes ranging from 20 to 136 participants. The methodological quality of the included studies varied from fair (five studies) to good (nine studies). The interventions consisted of supervised Nordic walking sessions lasting 6 to 24 weeks, with a frequency of 2 to 4 days per week and duration of 25 to 75 min. The results of this review suggest that Nordic walking had beneficial effects in six of the eight studies that analyzed participant fatigue. However, Nordic walking did not show greater beneficial effects on fatigue than walking (two studies) or than not performing physical activity (one study). Additionally, six of the nine studies that examined the effects of Nordic walking on participants' perceptions of pain showed beneficial results. However, five studies that compared Nordic walking with control groups did not find any significant inter-group differences on pain. Based on our findings, Nordic walking exercise programs provide a potentially efficient method for alleviating pain and fatigue in people with chronic conditions. Its straightforwardness and ease of learning make it accessible to a broad spectrum of participants, which can result in higher adherence rates and lasting positive effects.

Diagnosis and treatment of neonatal bacterial meningitis: integrative review

Objective: Understand the pathology and management of neonatal bacterial meningitis, addressing diagnosis and treatment. Methods: An integrative literature review was carried out, following the PICO strategy (population, intervention/exposure, comparator and outcome), with a search in databases such as PubMed and Portal Capes. Observational studies from the last 10 years related to the diagnosis and treatment of bacterial meningitis in neonates were included. Result: The main results highlighted the importance of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis in diagnosis, the appropriate choice of antibiotics such as ceftriaxone, and advanced diagnostic methods for early identification of the disease. Furthermore, infectious agents associated with meningitis and effective therapeutic strategies were discussed. Conclusion: A multidisciplinary approach, simple clinical indicators, CSF analysis and appropriate antibiotic treatment are crucial for an accurate diagnosis and effective management of neonatal bacterial meningitis. It is necessary to continue research and development of new technologies to improve the management of this critical condition, especially in regions with limited resources, aiming to improve clinical outcomes and quality of life for patients.

The effect of cannabidiol in the treatment of behavioral symptoms in children and adolescents with autism: an integrative review

Objective: to conduct an integrative review which seeks to analyze the effects of cannabidiol in children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Method: an integrative review was conducted following several methodological steps, including identifying the topic and formulating the research question using the PICO strategy. The guiding question was: "What is the effect of Cannabidiol (CBD) in the treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children and adolescents?" Inclusion criteria were defined for selecting relevant articles, followed by the search and selection of articles in scientific databases Portal Capes and PubMed, with no use of search filters. The studies were evaluated and analyzed; the results were then interpreted. Finally, the integrative review consolidated knowledge about the possible effects of CBD as an intervention for ASD. Conclusion: the integrative review highlights the possible effects of cannabidiol (CBD) in the treatment of autism, showing significant improvement of symptoms with minimal side effects. Although still not widely disseminated, CBD appears to be a functional therapy for ASD.