title: [Epidemiological profile of reported beriberi cases in Maranhão State, Brazil, 2006-2008].
abstract: This study aimed to describe the epidemiological profile of beriberi cases and related deaths reported from 2006 to 2008 in Maranhão State, Brazil. Data were obtained from beriberi notification forms at the State Health Department. The global Moran index was used to evaluate spatial auto-correlation. 1207 cases and 40 deaths were reported. The western and central regions of the State showed strong spatial auto-correlation of incidence rates. Cases and deaths were concentrated from May to August, in young men (20-40 years). Regular alcohol consumption and smoking were recorded among fatal cases. Low income and heavy labor were widespread among cases. Common symptoms were asthenia, numbness, and swollen legs, difficulty walking, and calf pain. The profile of cases and their symptoms (except swollen legs) are characteristic of dry beriberi. We recommend further studies on the resurgence of beriberi in Brazil.
authors.affiliation: Secretaria de Atenção à Saúde, Ministério da Saúde, Brasília, Brasil.
authors.forename: Estela Maura
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Padilha
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Fujimori
authors.forename: Ana Luiza Vilela
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Borges
authors.forename: Ana Paula Sayuri
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Sato
authors.forename: Murilo Novaes
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Gomes
authors.forename: Maria dos Remédios Freitas Carvalho
authors.initials: Mdos R
authors.lastname: Branco
authors.forename: Henrique Jorge dos
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Santos
authors.forename: Nulvio
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Lermen Junior
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001602:Beriberi / Q000401:mortality*; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult