Profile of workers receiving disability benefits for depressive conditions in south Santa Catarina, Brazil.

Introduction: In recent years, mental disorders have remained the third leading cause of sick-pay benefits due to incapacity for work in Brazil.

Objectives: To assess the profile and outcomes of workers receiving sick pay for depression through the Criciúma unit of the Brazilian National Social Security Institute (Instituto Nacional do Seguro Social, INSS).

Methods: The study was carried out using data obtained from the Electronic System Portal of the INSS Citizen Information Service of Criciúma, state of Santa Catarina.

Evaluation of intensivists' knowledge on brain death.

Background And Objectives: Failure or delay to diagnose brain death leads to needless occupation of a hospital bed, emotional and financial losses, and unavailability of organs for transplants. The intensive care physician plays an essential role in this diagnosis. This study intended to evaluate intensivists' knowledge concerning brain death.

Evolution of the medical practices and modes of death on pediatric intensive care units in southern Brazil.

Objectives: To study the possible change on mode of deaths, medical decision practices, and family participation on decisions for limiting life-sustaining treatments (L-LST) over a period of 13 yrs in three pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) located in southern Brazil.

Methods: A cross-sectional study based on a retrospective chart review (1988 and 1998) and on prospective data collection (from May 1999 to May 2000).

Setting: Three PICUs in Porto Alegre, southern Brazilian region.