Neurocognitive impairment with hepatitis C and HIV co-infection in Southern Brazil.

Although cognitive impairment has been well documented in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) mono-infections, research on neurocognitive effects is limited in the context of HIV/HCV co-infection. The aims of this study were to explore the interplay between HIV and HCV infections in the expression of neurocognitive impairment (NCI), and to examine the differences in test performance between HIV/HCV co-infected and HIV or HCV mono-infected patients. A total of 128 participants from Southern Brazil underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological (NP) battery comprising 18 tests. Participants were grouped according to their serological status: HCV mono-infected (n = 20), HIV mono-infected (n = 48), HIV/HCV co-infected (n = 12), and HIV-/HCV-uninfected controls (n = 48). The frequencies of HIV subtypes B and C between the HIV mono-infected and HIV/HCV co-infected groups were comparable. There was greater prevalence of neuropsychological impairment among all three infection groups compared with the uninfected control group, but no statistically significant differences among mono- and co-infected groups were found. HCV infection was associated with cognitive deficits, independently of liver dysfunction. HCV infection did not show an additive effect on neurocognitive function among HIV+. NCI was independent of HCV RNA on peripheral blood, CSF, and hepatic injury. While we did not find additive global effect, in the present study, there was some evidence of additive HIV/HCV co-infection effects in speed of information processing, executive function, and verbal fluency domains when comparing the co-infected group with the other three groups. NP impairment was not dependent on HCV subtypes.

[Quality of life of caregivers during the hospitalization of the patient under care in an Emergency Unit: some associated factors]. / Qualidade de vida do cuidador durante internação da pessoa cuidada em Unidade de Urgência/Emergência: alguns fatores associados.

The purpose of this quantitative-descriptive study was to assess the quality of life of caregivers of patients hospitalized in emergency units of Hospital de Clínicas of the Federal University of Paraná. Tasks carried out by caregivers are significantly stressful and have a direct impact on their quality of life. From May to October 2011, 60 caregivers answered the WHOQOL-100 questionnaire developed by the World Health Organization. The majority of the interviewees were women (n = 47), with an average age of 43.2 years. Quality of life in general obtained an average score of 13.8. Results show that the quality of life of caregivers is vulnerable, which may affect their productivity. A sense of religiousness and spirituality, associated with a social-affective network are important resources to help them cope with the issues at hand.

Qualidade de vida do cuidador durante internação da pessoa cuidada em Unidade de Urgência/Emergência: alguns fatores associados / Quality of life of caregivers during the hospitalization of the patient under care in an Emergency Unit: some associated factors

Este estudo, de caráter quantitativo-descritivo, teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade de vida de cuidadores dos pacientes internados em unidades de urgência e emergência do Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Paraná. As tarefas desenvolvidas pelo cuidador constituem eventos estressores significativos, afetando diretamente sua qualidade de vida. Foi aplicado a 60 cuidadores, de maio a outubro de 2011, o instrumento de avaliação WHOQOL-100, elaborado pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. Do total de participantes, predominou o sexo feminino (n = 47), com idade média de 43,2 anos. A qualidade de vida geral obteve o escore médio de 13,8. Os resultados indicam que a qualidade de vida do cuidador se apresenta vulnerável, o que pode afetar a sua fase produtiva. A religiosidade, a espiritualidade e a ajuda da rede socioafetiva são importantes recursos de enfrentamento.

The purpose of this quantitative-descriptive study was to assess the quality of life of caregivers of patients hospitalized in emergency units of Hospital de Clínicas of the Federal University of Paraná. Tasks carried out by caregivers are significantly stressful and have a direct impact on their quality of life. From May to October 2011, 60 caregivers answered the WHOQOL-100 questionnaire developed by the World Health Organization. The majority of the interviewees were women (n = 47), with an average age of 43.2 years. Quality of life in general obtained an average score of 13.8. Results show that the quality of life of caregivers is vulnerable, which may affect their productivity. A sense of religiousness and spirituality, associated with a social-affective network are important resources to help them cope with the issues at hand.