Predicting continence decline in institutionalized older people: A longitudinal analysis.

AIMS: To verify the incidence of urinary continence decline and the probability of maintaining urinary continence, as well as identify the prognostic factors of urinary continence decline in institutionalized older people. METHODS: A 2-year longitudinal study (with five 6-month waves) was conducted with subjects ≥60 years old who lived in 10 nursing homes in the city of Natal-RN (Brazil). Urinary incontinence was assessed by the Minimum Data Set version 3.0. Sociodemographic, institution-related and health-related variables were considered to establish the baseline. Time-dependent variables included cognitive decline, functional decline, and incidences of falls, hospitalizations, and fractures during the period. The actuarial method, the log-rank test, and Cox's regression were applied as statistical methods. RESULTS: Among the cohort of 196 older adults, 105 (53.6%) individuals maintained the continence status during the period, 21 (10.7%) improved it at one or more assessments, and 76 (38.8%) subjects declined. The cumulative probability of maintaining continence status was 82.6% (confidence interval [CI], 95%: 76.5%-87.3%), 74.7% (CI, 95%: 67.8%-80.4%), 66.9% (CI, 95%: 59.4%-73.2%), and 49.3% (CI, 95%: 40.1%-57.9%) at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months, respectively. Predicting factors for continence decline were: disability (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.03; P < 0.001), functional decline (HR = 3.02; P = 0.001) and potentially inappropriate medication (HR = 1.84; P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of continence decline and the cumulative probability of maintaining continence status in institutionalized older adults was approximately 39% and 49%, respectively, at the 2-year follow-up. Disability and potentially inappropriate drugs at baseline and functional decline across the period predicted continence decline in this cohort.

Mobility during walking and incidence and risk factors for mobility decline among institutionalized older adults: A two-year longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the trajectory of changes in mobility during walking (i.e., maintenance and recovery) of institutionalized older adults and verify the incidence and risk factors for mobility decline. METHODS: A two-year longitudinal prospective study was conducted with 358 participants aged ≥ 60 years and institutionalized in ten nursing homes in Natal-RN (Brazil). Mobility was assessed using the "walking" item of the Barthel index. Sociodemographic, institution-related, and health-related variables were considered at baseline. Poisson regression was used to build a multiple model. RESULTS: The incidence of mobility decline during walking was 10.6% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 7.4 to 13.8) after 12 months and 37.7% (95% CI = 18.0 to 26.6) after 24 months. Age ≥ 83 years (relative risk = 1.58; 95% CI = 1.24 to 2.02; p < 0.001) and hospitalization (relative risk = 3.16; 95% CI = 1.55 to 6.45; p = 0.002) were predictors of mobility decline. The rate of mobility maintenance was 31.8% after 12 months (95% CI = 31.8 to 42.9) and 23.2% after 24 months (95% CI = 26.8 to 38.5). Also, the rate of recovery was 2.5% (95% CI = 1.0 to 5.0) and 1% (95% CI = 0.2 to 2.6) after 12 and 24 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: The trajectory of mobility during walking of institutionalized older adults in northeastern Brazil was dynamic (i.e., increasing incidence of mobility decline after 24 months) and associated with advanced age and hospitalization. The chances of recovering walking performance are minimal, and maintenance of independent mobility is challenging.

Otoneurological assessment and quality of life of individuals with complaints of dizziness and temporomandibular disorders: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of temporomandibular disorders on the quality of life of patients with dizziness. METHODS: An observational, case-control study evaluated 60 individuals with dizziness (20 cases and 40 controls), who were matched for gender and age. The individuals underwent to anamnesis, overall physical and otoneurological examination, tonal and vocal audiometry and impedanciometry, video head impulse test and the dizziness handicap inventory questionnaire. RESULTS: The otoscopy was normal for all patients. There was an association between the presence of temporomandibular disorders and aural fullness (p < 0.01) and otalgia (p < 0.01). Audiometry was normal in 90% of the patients in the case group, with a significant association between temporomandibular disorders and normal audiometry (p < 0.01). The video head impulse test findings were normal in 66% of the patients in the case group and 45% of the control group, and there was no association between having temporomandibular disorders and vestibular alterations at the video head impulse test (p = 0.12). There were significant differences in total dizziness handicap inventory and in the functional and emotional domains (p < 0.01), with higher scores in the control group. CONCLUSION: Aural fullness and otalgia symptoms are associated with temporomandibular disorders in patients with dizziness, and there is an association between normal complementary audiological tests and temporomandibular disorders. Vestibular alterations are not associated with temporomandibular disorders. However, patients with dizziness and without temporomandibular disorders showed greater quality of life impairment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3: Original case-control study.

Use of potentially inappropriate medications in institutionalized elderly: prevalence and associated factors. / Uso de medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados em idosos institucionalizados: prevalência e fatores associados.

This study aimed to verify the prevalence of the use of Potentially Inappropriate Medications (PIM) for elderly living in Long-Term Care Institutions for the Elderly (LTCIE), as well as the types of medications and their associated factors. This is a cross-sectional study carried out in 10 LTCIEs in the city of Natal in the period October-December 2013. Potentially inappropriate medications were classified according to the 2015 American Geriatric Society Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults - 2015. Sociodemographic, LTCIE-related and health-related variables were considered. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed between the primary variable (PIM use) and the independent variables using Poisson regression. The sample consisted of 321 older people, of whom 304 used medications. The prevalence of PIM use was 54.6% (95% CI: 48.9-60.2) and was associated with polypharmacy and dementia in the final model. The most common PIMs were antipsychotics and benzodiazepines. The study revealed a high prevalence of PIM use among the elderly of the LTCIEs, evidencing the need to adopt indicators on the use of these drugs and the implementation of strategies that make drug therapy safer and more adequate for older adults.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo verificar a prevalência do uso de medicamento potencialmente inapropriado (MPI) para idosos residentes em Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos (ILPI), assim como os tipos de medicamentos e seus fatores associados. Trata-se de estudo transversal realizado em 10 ILPI da cidade do Natal, entre outubro e dezembro de 2013. Os medicamentos inapropriados foram classificados de acordo com os Critérios de Beers da American Geriatric Society 2015. Foram analisadas variáveis sociodemográficas, relacionadas à ILPI e às condições de saúde. Para as análises univariada e multivariada entre a variável principal (uso de MPI) e as demais foi utilizada a regressão de Poisson. A amostra foi composta por 321 idosos e, destes, 304 utilizavam medicamentos. A prevalência de uso de MPI foi de 54,6% (IC 95%: 48,9-60,2) e no modelo final esteve associada à polifarmácia e à demência. As classes terapêuticas de MPI mais identificadas foram antipsicóticos e benzodiazepínicos. O estudo revelou alta prevalência de MPI entre os idosos das ILPI, configurando a necessidade de adoção de indicadores do uso destes medicamentos e a implantação de estratégias que tornem a farmacoterapia mais segura e adequada aos idosos.

Characterization of tinnitus in the elderly and its possible related disorders.

UNLABELLED: Population aging it is a current reality in Brazil and tinnitus appears as a very prevalent symptom, having a high impact on the quality of life of elderly patients. AIM: To evaluate and to characterize tinnitus in this group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A research questionnaire randomly given to 100 elderly patients in a tertiary hospital, asking about tinnitus characteristics, its impact on the life of the patient, and personal medical history. RESULTS: 61% of the participants were female, average age average was 69.53 years. The results associated with tinnitus features were: no-pulsatile 76%, continuous 54%, bilateral 57%, recent 62% and alone 83%;32,5% had emotional disorders, 31.8% had sleep disorders, 22.5% had difficulties concentration and 13.2% had social problems; 39% classified their tinnitus in moderate; 35% had intense tinnitus and 26% considered it a mild one: as to comorbidities: relation with neurotology symptoms and hypertension; as for associations with audiometry findings: descending, sensorineural and symmetrical curves prevailed. CONCLUSIONS: Tinnitus has a relevant impact on the lives of the elderly; there was no correlation between the level of hearing loss and the level of patient dissatisfaction caused by tinnitus; and presbycusis was the most common finding in the audiometric tests.

Recurrent falls and risk factors among institutionalized older people. / Quedas recorrentes e fatores de risco em idosos institucionalizados.

Recurrent falls constitute a high risk for morbidity and mortality among older people, especially institutionalized individuals, due to greater frailty and functional decline in this group. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors associated with recurrent falls among institutionalized older persons. A longitudinal cohort study was conducted over a one-year period with a study sample consisting of individuals aged 60 years and over living in 10 Nursing homes (NH) who were able to walk and had preserved cognitive ability. The older persons and carers were asked about the occurrence of falls over the last twelve months. The older persons were considered recurrent fallers if they had had two or more falls during this period. Institutional, sociodemographic and health data was also collected using questionnaires and the residents' medical records. One hundred and thirty individuals were included in the sample out of a total of 364 older people living in the NH. The incidence of recurrent falls was 26.9% (CI95% = 22.4 - 31.5). The results of the chi-square test and logistic regression adopting a significance level of 0.05 showed that fatigue was a risk factor for recurrent falls(p = 0.001; RR = 2.9) and that the use of beta blockers was a protective factor (p = 0.010; RR = 0.1). It was concluded that recurrent falls are common in NH and that fatigue constitutes an important risk factor.

Queda recorrente representa alto risco de morbidade e mortalidade em idosos, principalmente institucionalizados, dado ao seu quadro de fragilidade e declínio funcional evidentes. O objetivo deste estudo é determinar a incidência e os fatores de risco relacionados a quedas recorrentes em idosos institucionalizados. Estudo longitudinal tipo coorte no período de um ano. Foram avaliados indivíduos com 60 anos ou mais residentes em 10 Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos, que deambulassem e possuíssem capacidade cognitiva preservada. Foi questionada a ocorrência de quedas nos últimos doze meses, considerando recorrentes a ocorrência de dois ou mais episódios neste período. Foram ainda coletadas variáveis referentes à instituição, condições sócio demográficas e de saúde do idoso através de questionários. Do total de 364 idosos, 130 foram incluídos. A incidência de quedas recorrentes foi de 26.9% (IC 95% = 22.4 ­ 31.5). A partir do Qui-quadrado e Regressão Logística, considerando o nível de significância de 5%, foi encontrada fadiga como fator de risco (p = 0.001; RR = 2.9) e uso de betabloqueadores como fator de proteção (p = 0.010; RR = 0.1). Conclui-se que queda recorrente é comum nas Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos e a fadiga representa fator de risco.

Rare nasosinusal tumors: case series and literature review.

Tumors of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses are unusual pathologies found in clinical practice. Approximately 0.8% of all human cancers are located in this area. Despite being rare, nasosinusal neoplasms usually manifest through nonspecific symptoms that are common to numerous inflammatory pathologies. The aim of this study is to describe a series of rare nasosinusal tumors, including esthesioneuroblastomas, central giant cell granulomas, extramedullary plasmocytomas, nasosinusal hemangiopericytomas, neurofibromas and cemento-ossifying fibromas, diagnosed at the Fortaleza General Hospital. We, hereby, briefly review each of the aforementioned pathologies, stressing the need for a precise histological diagnosis for proper treatment in each case.

Fisioterapia vestibular na síndrome de Arnold-Chiari com uso da Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde (CIF): relato de caso / Vestibular physiotherapy in Arnold-Chiari syndrome using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF): case report

Objetivo: Investigar os efeitos de um protocolo de Fisioterapia Vestibular (FV), baseado no modelo da Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde (CIF) em um paciente com sequelas da síndrome de Arnold-Chiari do tipo I nas queixas de tontura, alterações oculomotoras, desequilíbrio e impacto da tontura na qualidade de vida. Método: Trata-se da descrição do caso de um paciente de 40 anos que realizou um protocolo de FV em 44 sessões, uma a duas vezes por semana, envolvendo exercícios de estabilização do olhar, oculomotores, habituação, equilíbrio estático e dinâmico, tanto em ambiente clínico presencial, quanto remoto e domiciliar. Foram realizadas avaliações da intensidade da tontura e desequilíbrio, do sistema oculomotor, do equilíbrio estático e dinâmico, bem como da qualidade de vida. As informações coletadas na avaliação inicial foram convertidas para os domínios da CIF. Resultados: Houve redução no relato da intensidade da tontura e desequilíbrio, na distância do ponto próximo de convergência, melhora no equilíbrio postural estático e início da prática de atividade física regular, porém manteve o risco de queda no teste de equilíbrio dinâmico e deficiência grave quanto à qualidade de vida. Conclusão: O protocolo de FV, planejado a partir do uso da CIF, mostrou resultados positivos quanto à intensidade da queixa de tontura e desequilíbrio, convergência ocular e equilíbrio estático, com manutenção dos resultados quanto ao equilíbrio dinâmico e à qualidade de vida em um paciente com sequelas da síndrome de Arnold-Chiari. Os resultados deste estudo podem direcionar a conduta clínica e pesquisas futuras relacionadas a esta população

Objective: To investigate the effects of a Vestibular Physiotherapy (VP) protocol, according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model, in a patient with Arnold-Chiari syndrome type I sequelae on complaints of dizziness, oculomotor disorders, imbalance and the impact of dizziness on quality of life. Method: This is the case description of a 40-year-old patient who underwent a VP protocol into 44 sessions, up to twice a week. The protocol involved eye stabilization, oculomotor, habituation, static and dynamic balance exercises, which were performed through face-to-face clinical setting, remote assistance and home-based exercises. Assessments of the intensity of dizziness and imbalance, oculomotor system, static and dynamic balance and the impact of dizziness on quality of life were performed. The information collected in the initial assessment was converted into the ICF domains. Results: There was a reduction in the report of the intensity of dizziness and imbalance, in the distance from the near point of convergence, improvement in static postural balance, and started the practice of physical activities. However, the risk of falling was maintained in the dynamic balance test and also severe impairment on quality of life. Conclusions: The VP protocol, planned according to ICF, demonstrated positive results regarding the intensity of dizziness and imbalance, ocular convergence and static balance, with maintenance of the results regarding dynamic balance and quality of life in a patient with sequelae of Arnold-Chiari syndrome. The results of this study may guide clinical management and future research related to this population

Diretrizes curriculares do curso médico: o "GPS" precisa ser reprogramado? / National curriculum guidelines for the medical course: does the "GPS" need rerouting?

Resumo: Introdução: As Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais (DCN) constituem as direções para formação do currículo de um curso. As DCN do curso médico atual foram instituídas há quase uma década. Nesse período, o mundo passou por mudanças sem precedentes, e a educação médica não pode ficar para trás. Desenvolvimento: O ensino médico no Brasil teve nos últimos 100 anos três principais modelos de ensino: desde o flexneriano, passando pela Problem-Based Learning (PBL), até o atual ensino baseado em competências. O entendimento de que o aluno é o centro do processo ensino aprendizagem já está enfatizado nas DCN de 2014, mas será que esse conceito está sendo implementado na prática das instituições de ensino superior? Como as DCN podem ajudar a guiar de forma mais clara e efetiva uma formação médica que vá além do conhecimento técnico e lapidar um profissional humanizado, ético e com olhar para o indivíduo e para a comunidade? Será que precisaremos "reprogramar" o Global Positioning System (GPS), a rota, das DCN depois de enfrentarmos tantas mudanças decorrentes da pandemia da Covid-19? Conclusão: Apesar dos desafios, há crescente envolvimento do corpo docente das instituições de ensino superior nas melhorias necessárias para a formação médica atual.

Abstract: Introduction: The National Curriculum Guidelines (NCG) provide the directions which an undergraduate course must follow. The current NCGs for the medical course were established almost a decade ago. In this period, the world has undergone unprecedented changes and medical education cannot be left behind. Development: Medical education in Brazil has been based on three main models in the last one hundred years: the Flexnerian, Problem-Based Learning (PBL), and the current competency-based learning. The concept that the student is the center of the teaching-learning process was already emphasized in the 2014 NCG, but is this actually implemented in practice by the universities? How can the NCG help guide a more clear and effective medical education that goes beyond technical knowledge and shapes a humanized ethical professional who views the needs of both the individual and the community? Is it necessary to reroute the GPS of the NCG after so many changes caused by the Covid-19 pandemic? Conclusion: Despite the challenges faced, university faculties are increasing their involvement in implementing the changes required for today's medical education.

Effects of balance Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy in elderly with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate short-term effects of balance Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) on balance, dizziness symptoms and quality of life of the elderly with chronic Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). METHOD: In this randomized, single-blind and controlled trial, older adults with chronic BPPV were randomized into two groups, the experimental group (n = 7, age: 69 (65-78) years) and the control group (n = 7, age: 73 (65-76) years). Patients in the experimental group underwent balance VRT (50 min per session, two times a week) and Canalith Repositioning Maneuver (CRM) as required, for 13 weeks. The control group was treated using only CRM as required. Standing and dynamic balance, dizziness symptoms and quality of life were measured at the baseline, and at one, five, nine and thirteen weeks. RESULTS: There were no between-group differences in dizziness, quality of life and standing balance over the 13 weeks. Significant differences were observed in dynamic balance measures between groups (p <  0.05 for most tests) through assessments. In intragroup analysis, both groups showed improvements in all measurements except no improvement was found in majority of the dynamic balance tests in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The patients who received additional balance VRT demonstrated better results in dynamic balance than those who received only CRM. Implications for Rehabilitation The findings that balance VRT in addition to CRM improves dynamic balance in elderly people with BPPV should be useful in guiding rehabilitation professionals' clinical decision making to design interventions for seniors suffering from BPPV; Improvements in tests of dynamic balance suggest that the risk of adverse consequences of BPPV in the elderly such as falls and fractures can be potentially reduced through implementation of CRM in conjunction with balance VRT; Lack of additional improvement in Visual Analogue Scale of dizziness and Dizziness Handicap Index suggests that addition of balance VRT does not influence dizziness symptomatology, per se, and CRM alone is effective to ameliorate vertiginous symptoms and potentially improve quality of life.

Sinais e sintomas de disfagia orofaríngea em idosos institucionalizados: revisão integrativa / Signs and symptoms of oropharyngeal dysphagia in institutionalized older adults: an integrative review

RESUMO Objetivo identificar quais são os sinais e sintomas de disfagia orofaríngea mais presentes nos idosos residentes em Instituições de Longa Permanência. Estratégia de pesquisa revisão integrativa realizada em quatro bases de dados: Embase, LILACS, MEDLINE/PubMed e Web of Science, com uso de termos na língua inglesa e aplicação de filtros por idioma e idade. Critérios de seleção estudos disponíveis na forma de texto completo em inglês, português ou espanhol, sem restrição de tempo de publicação, relacionados a idosos residentes em Instituições de Longa Permanência que referiram disfagia orofaríngea. Foram excluídos estudos relacionados a idosos da comunidade ou que estavam em hospitais, e com outras condições de saúde não relacionadas aos problemas de deglutição. Resultados de 389 estudos, 16 foram incluídos nesta revisão, publicados entre os anos de 1986 e 2020. Houve predomínio de participantes do sexo feminino, com média mínima de idade de 71 anos e máxima de 87 anos. Os sinais e sintomas mais frequentes de disfagia orofaríngea foram presença de tosse e engasgo, além de outros relevantes, como pressão de língua diminuída, voz molhada, perda de peso e deglutição lenta. Conclusão de acordo com os estudos revisados, os sinais e sintomas mais frequentes relacionados à disfagia orofaríngea nos idosos institucionalizados foram presença de tosse e engasgo, antes, durante ou após a deglutição.

Abstract Purpose To identify the most prevalent signs and symptoms of oropharyngeal dysphagia in elderly adults who live in old folks' home. Research strategy Integrative review carried out in four databases: Embase, Lilacs, MEDLINE/Pubmed, and Web of Science using English terms and filters for language and age. Selection criteria Studies available in the full-text form in English, Portuguese or Spanish, with no publication time restrictions, related to elderly people living in care homes who reported oropharyngeal dysphagia. Studies related to elderly people in the community or in hospitals and with other health issuesthat were not related to swallowing disorders were excluded. Results Of 389 studies, 16 were included in this review, published between 1986 and 2020. There was a predominance of female participants whose minimum mean age was 71 and maximum, 87. The most frequent signs and symptoms of oropharyngeal dysphagia were the presence of coughing and choking, in addition to other relevant ones, such as diminished tongue pressure, wet voice, weight loss, and slow swallowing. Conclusion According to the reviewed studies, the most frequent signs and symptoms related to oropharyngeal dysphagia in elderly people living in care homes were (the) presence of coughing and choking, before, during or after swallowing.

Otoneurological assessment and quality of life of individuals with complaints of dizziness and temporomandibular disorders: a case-control study

Abstract Objectives: To evaluate the impact of temporomandibular disorders on the quality of life of patients with dizziness. Methods: An observational, case-control study evaluated 60 individuals with dizziness (20 cases and 40 controls), who were matched for gender and age. The individuals underwent to anamnesis, overall physical and otoneurological examination, tonal and vocal audiometry and impedanciometry, video head impulse test and the dizziness handicap inventory questionnaire. Results: The otoscopy was normal for all patients. There was an association between the presence of temporomandibular disorders and aural fullness (p<0.01) and otalgia (p<0.01). Audiometry was normal in 90% of the patients in the case group, with a significant association between temporomandibular disorders and normal audiometry (p<0.01). The video head impulse test findings were normal in 66% of the patients in the case group and 45% of the control group, and there was no association between having temporomandibular disorders and vestibular alterations at the video head impulse test (p = 0.12). There were significant differences in total dizziness handicap inventory and in the functional and emotional domains (p<0.01), with higher scores in the control group. Conclusion: Aural fullness and otalgia symptoms are associated with temporomandibular disorders in patients with dizziness, and there is an association between normal complementary audiological tests and temporomandibular disorders. Vestibular alterations are not associated with temporomandibular disorders. However, patients with dizziness and without temporomandibular disorders showed greater quality of life impairment. Level of evidence: 3. Original case-control study.

Midfacial degloving--access to nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses lesions.

Common surgical approaches for medial maxillectomy include lateral rhinotomy and midfacial degloving. Lateral rhinotomy provides excellent surgical exposure but leaves a bulging scar on the face. Despite its own limitations, midfacial degloving has been preferred to lateral rhinotomy because it does not leave any external scar on the face(1). The aim of this study is to evaluate the cosmetic results and surgical exposure access of midfacial degloving. Treatment morbidity was evaluated through: post operative hospital stay length, blood transfusion needs, complications, pre and post operative hemoglobin levels, disease recurrence, nasal packing, type of suture and antibiotics. Retrospective study was carried out with sixteen patients treated at the Hospital Geral de Fortaleza SESA/SUS from December 1999 through November 2003. Based on the results, we may conclude that midfacial degloving is effective to treat extensive nasal cavity lesions and paranasal sinuses with reduced post operative morbidity.

"Positive to Negative" Dix-Hallpike test and Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo recurrence in elderly undergoing Canalith Repositioning Maneuver and Vestibular Rehabilitation.

Introduction Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo is the most common cause of dizziness in elderly people. Recent studies have shown that the elderly present higher Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo recurrence and that vertiginous symptomatology remission varies according to comorbidities and the therapeutic techniques applied. Objective To assess the short-term effectiveness of Vestibular Rehabilitation in addition to Canalith Repositioning Maneuver on positive to negative Dix-Hallpike test, on recurrence and number of maneuvers to achieve a negative test in elderly patients with chronic Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. Methods In this randomized controlled trial, 7 older adults (median age: 69 years, range 65-78) underwent Canalith Repositioning Maneuver and Vestibular Rehabilitation for thirteen weeks. Seven older adults (median age: 73 years, range 65-76) in the control group received only Canalith Repositioning Maneuver. The participants were assessed at baseline (T0), one (T1), five (T5), nine (T9), and thirteen weeks (T13). We assessed the differences between the groups by Mann-Whitney and Fisher exact tests, and used the Friedman and Wilcoxon tests to determine the intragroup differences. Results No significant differences were found between groups for the positive to negative Dix-Hallpike test, recurrence, and number of maneuvers to achieve a negative test. The number of maneuvers to achieve negative Dix-Hallpike test was lower in intragroup comparisons in the experimental group. Conclusion The findings suggest that additional Vestibular Rehabilitation did not influence the positive to negative Dix-Hallpike test, recurrence, or number of maneuvers to achieve a negative test in elderly patients with chronic Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo.

Incidência e fatores de risco para hospitalização em pessoas idosas institucionalizadas / Incidence and risk factors for hospitalization in institutionalized elderly people

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a incidência de hospitalização e seus fatores de risco em pessoas idosas institucionalizadas no follow-up de 12 meses na cidade de Natal, RN, Brasil. Método Estudo de coorte concorrente composto por idosos com 60 anos ou mais e que residiam nas 10 Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos (ILPI) participantes do estudo. Nos 320 participantes foram aferidas informações sobre condições sociodemográficas (idade, estado civil, filhos, plano de saúde, tipo de instituição, tempo de institucionalização e se foi por motivo de doença, relação do número de idosos por cuidador e, condições de saúde), estado nutricional (MAN), capacidade funcional (Índice de KATZ), estado cognitivo (teste de Pfeiffer), fraqueza muscular (Dinamômetro). Considerou-se um nível de significância de 5% (p < 0,05) e intervalo de confiança (IC) de 95% na análise bivariada e multivariada. Resultados 20,6% (IC 95%: 16,5-25,4), do total de participantes, foram hospitalizados, com a permanência média de 16,1 dias (dp: 17,1) ao final dos 12 meses. A principal causa da hospitalização foram as doenças pulmonares (30,3%). A presença de desnutrição ou risco de desnutrição (p=0,016; IC95%: 1,17-4,96) e fazer uso de medicamentos para o sistema cardiovascular (p=0,003; IC95%: 1,43-5,77) foram fatores de risco para a hospitalização, após ajustes das variáveis sociodemográficas e clínicas. Conclusão A hospitalização teve uma alta incidência entre os idosos. Além disto, a desnutrição ou risco de desnutrição e o uso de medicamentos cardiovasculares foram considerados fatores de risco para a hospitalização no período de 12 meses.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the incidence of hospitalization and its risk factors in institutionalized elderly people during a 12-month follow-up in the city of Natal, RN, Brazil. Methods Concurrent cohort study composed of elderly people aged 60 years or over and residing in the 10 Long-term Care Institutions for the elderly participating in the study. Of the 320 participants, data regarding sociodemographic conditions (i.e., age, marital status, children, health insurance plan, type of institutions, length of institutionalization and if it was due to illness, the ratio of the number of elderly people per caregiver, and health conditions), nutritional status (MAN), functional capacity (KATZ index), cognitive status (Pfeiffer test), and muscle weakness (dynamometer) were collected. A significance level of 5% (p<0.05) and a 95% confidence interval (CI) were considered in the bivariate and multivariate analyses. Results 20.6% (95%CI: 16.5-25.4) of the total number of participants were hospitalized, with an average length of stay of 16.1 days (SD: 17.1) at the end of the 12 months. The main cause of hospitalization was lung disease (30.3%). The presence of malnutrition or risk of malnutrition (p=0.016, 95%CI: 1.17-4.96) and use of drugs for the cardiovascular system (p=0.003; 95%CI: 1.43-5.77) were risk factors for hospitalization, after adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical variables. Conclusion Hospitalization had a high incidence among the elderly. Also, malnutrition or risk of malnutrition and the use of cardiovascular drugs were considered risk factors for hospitalization in the 12 months.

Uso de medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados em idosos institucionalizados: prevalência e fatores associados / Use of potentially inappropriate medications in institutionalized elderly: prevalence and associated factors

Resumo Este trabalho teve como objetivo verificar a prevalência do uso de medicamento potencialmente inapropriado (MPI) para idosos residentes em Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos (ILPI), assim como os tipos de medicamentos e seus fatores associados. Trata-se de estudo transversal realizado em 10 ILPI da cidade do Natal, entre outubro e dezembro de 2013. Os medicamentos inapropriados foram classificados de acordo com os Critérios de Beers da American Geriatric Society 2015. Foram analisadas variáveis sociodemográficas, relacionadas à ILPI e às condições de saúde. Para as análises univariada e multivariada entre a variável principal (uso de MPI) e as demais foi utilizada a regressão de Poisson. A amostra foi composta por 321 idosos e, destes, 304 utilizavam medicamentos. A prevalência de uso de MPI foi de 54,6% (IC 95%: 48,9-60,2) e no modelo final esteve associada à polifarmácia e à demência. As classes terapêuticas de MPI mais identificadas foram antipsicóticos e benzodiazepínicos. O estudo revelou alta prevalência de MPI entre os idosos das ILPI, configurando a necessidade de adoção de indicadores do uso destes medicamentos e a implantação de estratégias que tornem a farmacoterapia mais segura e adequada aos idosos.

Abstract This study aimed to verify the prevalence of the use of Potentially Inappropriate Medications (PIM) for elderly living in Long-Term Care Institutions for the Elderly (LTCIE), as well as the types of medications and their associated factors. This is a cross-sectional study carried out in 10 LTCIEs in the city of Natal in the period October-December 2013. Potentially inappropriate medications were classified according to the 2015 American Geriatric Society Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults - 2015. Sociodemographic, LTCIE-related and health-related variables were considered. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed between the primary variable (PIM use) and the independent variables using Poisson regression. The sample consisted of 321 older people, of whom 304 used medications. The prevalence of PIM use was 54.6% (95% CI: 48.9-60.2) and was associated with polypharmacy and dementia in the final model. The most common PIMs were antipsychotics and benzodiazepines. The study revealed a high prevalence of PIM use among the elderly of the LTCIEs, evidencing the need to adopt indicators on the use of these drugs and the implementation of strategies that make drug therapy safer and more adequate for older adults.

Quedas recorrentes e fatores de risco em idosos institucionalizados / Recurrent falls and risk factors among institutionalized older people

Resumo Queda recorrente representa alto risco de morbidade e mortalidade em idosos, principalmente institucionalizados, dado ao seu quadro de fragilidade e declínio funcional evidentes. O objetivo deste estudo é determinar a incidência e os fatores de risco relacionados a quedas recorrentes em idosos institucionalizados. Estudo longitudinal tipo coorte no período de um ano. Foram avaliados indivíduos com 60 anos ou mais residentes em 10 Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos, que deambulassem e possuíssem capacidade cognitiva preservada. Foi questionada a ocorrência de quedas nos últimos doze meses, considerando recorrentes a ocorrência de dois ou mais episódios neste período. Foram ainda coletadas variáveis referentes à instituição, condições sócio demográficas e de saúde do idoso através de questionários. Do total de 364 idosos, 130 foram incluídos. A incidência de quedas recorrentes foi de 26.9% (IC 95% = 22.4 - 31.5). A partir do Qui-quadrado e Regressão Logística, considerando o nível de significância de 5%, foi encontrada fadiga como fator de risco (p = 0.001; RR = 2.9) e uso de betabloqueadores como fator de proteção (p = 0.010; RR = 0.1). Conclui-se que queda recorrente é comum nas Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos e a fadiga representa fator de risco.

Abstract Recurrent falls constitute a high risk for morbidity and mortality among older people, especially institutionalized individuals, due to greater frailty and functional decline in this group. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors associated with recurrent falls among institutionalized older persons. A longitudinal cohort study was conducted over a one-year period with a study sample consisting of individuals aged 60 years and over living in 10 Nursing homes (NH) who were able to walk and had preserved cognitive ability. The older persons and carers were asked about the occurrence of falls over the last twelve months. The older persons were considered recurrent fallers if they had had two or more falls during this period. Institutional, sociodemographic and health data was also collected using questionnaires and the residents' medical records. One hundred and thirty individuals were included in the sample out of a total of 364 older people living in the NH. The incidence of recurrent falls was 26.9% (CI95% = 22.4 - 31.5). The results of the chi-square test and logistic regression adopting a significance level of 0.05 showed that fatigue was a risk factor for recurrent falls(p = 0.001; RR = 2.9) and that the use of beta blockers was a protective factor (p = 0.010; RR = 0.1). It was concluded that recurrent falls are common in NH and that fatigue constitutes an important risk factor.

Vector electronystagmography analysis in elderly individuals with dizziness complaint.

Introduction Vector electronystagmography is widely used to evaluate vestibular function; however, elderly patients may show changes not due to vestibular disorders. Aim This study aims to characterize vector electronystagmography tests in the elderly participants in a service station of the Brazilian public health system, the Unified Health System (SUS) in the city of Natal, who presented with dizziness. Methods A cross-sectional and clinical study to characterize the vector electronystagmography in 10 members of an elderly SUS referral center located in the city of Natal with dizziness. Results Of 10 patients interviewed, 9 were women, and just 1 was a man. All complained of dizziness in the last year, and most of them had more than one type of dizziness. The main differential diagnosis was benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Regarding vector electronystagmography, we found 20% of patients with semispontaneous nystagmus in at least one direction and changes in saccades latency in 100% of patients, with 20% in relation to the accuracy of pendular tracking changes at the frequency of 0.2 Hz, 10% at 0.4 Hz, and 80% at 0.8 Hz, and 10% change in optokinetic gain. No patient had altered caloric test. Conclusion Vector electronystagmography alterations in the elderly do not always indicate disease.

Quality of life in the institutionalized elderly with dizziness complaint: a cross-sectional study / Qualidade de vida em idosos institucionalizados com queixa de tontura: um estudo transversal

ABSTRACT Purpose: to evaluate the quality of life in institutionalized elderly people with dizziness complaint and to relate the results to the characteristics of dizziness and functional capacity. Methods: in this cross-sectional study, one-hundred and nineteen elderly residents in three geriatric long-term care institutions in Natal city, Brazil, were evaluated. Those who had presented dizziness in the former year (30/25.2%) were included in this study. The quality of life was measured by the Dizziness Handicap Inventory. Functional capacity was measured by the Berg Balance Scale, the Functional Reach Test, the Unipedal Stance Test with eyes open and closed, and the Falls Efficacy Scale - International. Results: associations were found between physical, functional and emotional aspects and the duration of dizziness (p=0.002, p=0.041 and p=0.004, respectively); the functional aspects with age (p=0.031), the physical aspects with the presence of falls in the previous year (p=0.039); and the physical, functional and emotional aspects of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory with fear of falling (p=0.004, p<0.001 and p=0.016, respectively). Conclusion: institutionalized elderly with dizziness complaints had a low perception of quality of life, and the duration of dizziness, age, falls and fear of falling negatively influenced their quality of life.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar a qualidade de vida em idosos institucionalizados com queixa de tontura e relacionar esses resultados às características da tontura e sua capacidade funcional. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo transversal analítico. Cento e dezenove idosos residentes em três instituições de longa permanência na cidade de Natal (Brasil) foram avaliados e aqueles que relataram tontura no último ano (30/25.2%) foram incluídos nesse estudo. A qualidade de vida foi avaliada pelo Dizziness Handicap Inventory. Já a capacidade funcional foi mensurada pela Escala de Equilíbrio de Berg, do Teste de Alcance Funcional, do Apoio Unipodal com olhos abertos e fechados e da Falls Efficacy Scale - International. Resultados: associações foram encontradas entre os aspectos físico, funcional e emocional e a duração da tontura (p=0,002, p=0,041 e p=0,004, respectivamente), os aspectos funcionais com a idade (p=0,031), os aspectos físicos com a presença de quedas no ultimo ano (p=0,039) e os aspectos físicos, funcionais e emocionais do Dizziness Handicap Inventory com o medo de cair (p=0,004, p<0,001 e p=0,016, respectivamente). Conclusão: idosos institucionalizados com queixa de tontura apresentam baixa percepção da qualidade de vida, sendo a idade, o tempo de duração da tontura, a presença de quedas e o medo de cair fatores importantes nesta percepção negativa.