Design and implementation of the Professional Wellbeing Programme of the Medical Council of Uruguay.

Multiple studies have reported a high prevalence of mental health problems among male and female physicians. Although doctors are reluctant to seek professional help when suffering from a mental disorder, specialised services developed specifically to treat their mental health problems have reported promising results. The purpose of this article is to describe the design and implementation of the Professional Wellbeing Programme (Programa de Bienestar Profesional) of the Uruguayan Medical Council (Colegio Médico del Uruguay). The context, inputs, activities and some of the outputs are described according to a case study design. The main milestones in the implementation of the programme are also outlined, as well as the enabling elements, obstacles and main achievements. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of international collaboration to share experiences and models, how to design the care process to promote doctors' access to psychiatric and psychological care, the need for them to be flexible and dynamic in adapting to new and changing circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and to work in parallel with the medical regulatory bodies. It is hoped that the experience described in this work may be of use to other Latin American institutions interested in developing mental health programmes for doctors.

Iatrogenic Cushing's Syndrome: The Result of Cobicistat and Glucocorticoid Interaction in an HIV Patient After Bariatric Surgery.

Cobicistat, used as a pharmacokinetic booster in therapeutic combination with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protease inhibitors and integrase inhibitors, is a strong inhibitor of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Since most glucocorticoids are metabolized by the isoenzyme of the cytochrome P450 pathway, their plasma concentrations can be highly increased in the presence of cobicistat-boosted darunavir, with subsequent risk of iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome (ICS) and secondary adrenal insufficiency. We report a case of a 45-year-old man with HIV-hepatitis C virus co-infection treated with raltegravir and darunavir/cobicistat since 2019. In May 2021, he underwent a sleeve gastrectomy due to morbid obesity (BMI: 50.9 kg/m2) with multiple comorbidities. Four months after surgery, he was diagnosed with asthma and was started on inhaled budesonide, which was later changed to fluticasone propionate. At the 12-month postoperative visit, the patient referred proximal muscle weakness and asthenia, and suboptimal weight loss (excess weight loss of 39%) and high blood pressure were documented. Moon facies, buffalo hump, and abdominal large vinous striae were evident on physical examination. Laboratory studies showed impaired glucose metabolism and hypokalemia. Cushing's syndrome was suspected and further investigation confirmed its iatrogenic origin. The diagnosis of ICS and consequent secondary adrenal insufficiency due to an interaction between the darunavir/cobicistat combination and budesonide/fluticasone was established. Darunavir/cobicistat therapy was replaced by dolutegravir/doravirine dual therapy, inhaled corticoid was switched to beclomethasone, and glucocorticoid substitutive therapy was introduced. This is a particular case of overt ICS due to cobicistat-inhaled corticosteroid interaction in a superobese patient, developed after he underwent bariatric surgery. The presence of morbid obesity, combined with the rarity of this pharmacological complication in individuals taking cobicistat, made the correct diagnosis even more challenging. A meticulous review of pharmacologic habits and potential interactions is essential to avoid serious harm to patients.

Six-Year Complete Remission of Type-1 Diabetes Mellitus in an Adult Treated With Sitagliptin.

A "honeymoon" phase is a transient period of type 1 diabetes (T1D) remission, characterized by a significant reduction in insulin requirements and good glycemic control due to a temporary restoration of pancreatic ß-cell function. This phenomenon occurs in about 60% of adults with this disease, is usually partial, and lasts for up to 1 year. We present a case of a 6-year complete remission of T1D in a 33-year-old man, the longest remission ever described in the literature to our knowledge. He was referred for presenting a 6-month history of polydipsia, polyuria, and weight loss of 5 kg. Laboratory studies confirmed the diagnosis of T1D (fasting blood glucose of 270 mg/dL; HbA1c of 10.6%, and positive antiglutamic acid decarboxylase), and the patient started intensive insulin therapy. After 3 months, a complete remission of the disease was assumed, he suspended insulin administration and since then, he has been under treatment with sitagliptin 100 mg daily, a low-carbohydrate diet, and regular aerobic physical activity. This work aims to highlight the potential role of these factors in delaying disease progression and preserving pancreatic ß-cells when introduced at the time of presentation. More robust, prospective, and randomized studies will be needed to confirm its protective effect on the natural course of the disease and support its indication in adults with newly diagnosed T1D.

Diseño e implementación del Programa de Bienestar Profesional del Colegio Médico del Uruguay

Son múltiples los estudios que informan de una alta prevalencia de problemas de salud mental en médicos y médicas. Aunque los médicos presentan resistencias a la hora de solicitar ayuda profesional cuando están aquejados de trastornos mentales, los servicios especializados desarrollados específicamente para tratar sus problemas de salud mental han reportado resultados prometedores. El propósito de este artículo es describir el diseno y la implementación del Programa de Bienestar Profesional del Colegio Médico del Uruguay. El contexto, los insumos, las actividades y algunos de los productos se describen de acuerdo con el diseno de un estudio de caso. También se sefñalan los principales hitos en la puesta en marcha del programa, así como los elementos facilitadores, los obstáculos y los principales logros. Se enfatizará la importancia de la colaboración internacional para compartir experiencias y modelos, cómo articular el proceso asistencial para fomentar el acceso de los médicos a la atención psiquiátrica y psicológica, la necesidad de que sean flexibles y dinámicos para adaptarse a circunstancias novedosas y cambiantes como la pandemia por COVID-19 y la necesidad de que vayan en paralelo con las exigencias de los organismos reguladores de la práctica médica. Se espera que la experiencia descrita en este trabajo pueda ser de utilidad a otros colectivos latinoamericanos interesados en desarrollar programas de salud mental para los médicos.

Multiple studies have reported a high prevalence of mental health problems among male and female physicians. Although doctors are reluctant to seek professional help when suffering from a mental disorder, specialized services developed specifically to treat their mental health problems have reported promising results. The purpose of this article is to describe the design and implementation of the Professional Wellbeing Programme (Programa de Bienestar Profesional) of the Uruguayan Medical Association (Colegio Médico del Uruguay). The context, inputs, activities and some of the outputs are described according to a case study design. The main milestones in the implementation of the programme are also outlined, as well as the enabling elements, obstacles and main achievements. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of international collaboration to share experiences and models, how to design the care process to promote doctors' access to psychiatric and psychological care, the need for them to be flexible and dynamic in adapting to new and changing circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and to work in parallel with the medical regulatory bodies. It is hoped that the experience described in this work may be of use to other Latin American institutions interested in developing mental health programmes for doctors.

Cyclometallated Palladium(II) Complexes: An Approach to the First Dinuclear Bis(iminophosphorane)phosphane-[C,N,S] Metallacycle.

Treatment of bis(iminophosphorane)phosphane ligands 2a-2e with Li2PdCl4 gave a set of novel diphosphane-derived complexes bearing two metallacycle rings, each one enclosing a P=N double bond: the unprecedented bis(iminophosphorane)phosphane-[C,N,S] palladacycles. In the case of the ligand derived from bis(diphenylphosphino)methane, 2a, both the single and the double palladacycle complexes were obtained. Reaction of 3a with bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane did not yield the expected product with the diphosphane bonded to both palladium atoms, but rather the novel coordination compound 5. The crystal structures of 3c and 5 are described.

Predictors of metformin monotherapy failure in gestational diabetes mellitus.

Objective: Metformin has emerged as a safe and effective pharmacological alternative to insulin in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), being associated with lower maternal weight gain and hypoglycemia risk. Nevertheless, glycemic control is unaccomplished in a considerable proportion of women only treated with metformin. We aim to determine the metformin monotherapy failure rate in GDM and to identify predictors of its occurrence. Design and methods: This was a retrospective multicenter study including pregnant women with GDM patients who started metformin as a first-line pharmacological treatment (n = 2891). A comparative analysis of clinical and analytical data between the group of women treated with metformin monotherapy and those needing combined therapy with insulin was performed. Results: In 685 (23.7%) women with GDM, combined therapy to achieve adequate glycemic control was required. Higher pregestational BMI (OR 1.039; CI 95% 1.008-1.071; P-value = 0.013), higher fasting plasma glucose (PG) levels in oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) (OR 1.047; CI 95% 1.028-1.066; P-value <0.001) and an earlier gestational age (GA) at metformin introduction (0.839; CI 95% 0.796-0.885, P-value < 0.001) were independent predictive factors for metformin monotherapy failure. The best predictive cutoff values were a fasting PG in OGTT ≥87 mg/dL and GA at metformin introduction ≤29 weeks. Conclusions: In 685 (23.7%) women, combined therapy with insulin to reach glycemic control was required. Higher pre-gestational BMI, fasting PG levels in OGTT ≥87 mg/dL and introduction of metformin ≤29 weeks of GA were independent predictive factors for metformin monotherapy failure. The early recognition of these characteristics can contribute to the establishment of individualized therapeutic strategies and attain better metabolic control during pregnancy.

PRECARIZAÇÃO DA VIDA NAS RUAS EM CENÁRIO PANDÊMICO

O presente artigo tem como objetivo discutir as repercussões da pandemia do Coronavírus (Covid­19) nos processos de enunciação e subjetivação da população em situação de rua. Norteadospela pesquisa cartográfica e pela esquizoanálise, acompanhamos os movimentos da população de rua em Parnaíba (PI)e,virtualmente,o Movimento Nacional População de Rua (MNPR),durante doze meses,perpassando as cidades de Brasília (DF), Belém (PA), Manaus (AM), Goiânia (GO), São Paulo (SP), Belo Horizonte (MG), Curitiba (PR), Maceió (AL), Natal (RN), Recife (PE), Teresina e Parnaíba (PI), Porto Alegre (RS) e Vitória (ES). O trabalho foi realizado através de deslocamentos por espaços urbanos do municípiode Parnaíba,e mapeamentos das redes sociais (Facebook, Instagram) e plataformas de vídeos (Youtube) do MNPR e de seus apoiadores. Consultamos também documentos públicos em sites dosgovernos estaduais e municipais e do Ministério Público, problematizando os agenciamentos dos processos de subjetivação da população de rua duranteesse momento de crise sanitária, política e social. A pandemia da Covid-19 escancarou ainda mais as vulnerabilidades vivenciadas por esse grupo e reafirmou a importância da organização coletiva das pessoas em situação de rua, protagonizada pelo MNPR, num compromisso ético-político,colocando-se como meio de resistência à sujeição colonial-capitalística

Severe Hyperthyroidism and Complete Hydatidiform Mole in Perimenopausal Woman: Case Report and Literature Review.

Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) represents a heterogeneous group of disorders within placental trophoblastic cells that are rather rare in perimenopausal ages. One of its complications is the development of secondary clinical hyperthyroidism, which can be potentially complicated if not properly and early recognized. We report the case of a 50-year-old perimenopausal woman, gravida 2 para 2, who presented to the emergency department with severe acute lower abdominal pain and abnormal uterine bleeding for one month. She also reported abnormal sweating and palpitation for a one-week duration and amenorrhea for the previous three months. Abdominal examination showed a pelvic mass resembling a 15-week sized uterus. Serum ß-hCG levels were strongly increased, and abdomen ultrasound displayed an enlarged uterus with "snow-storm" features, compatible with the diagnosis of GTD. Laboratory data revealed suppressed TSH levels and high free thyroxine and free triiodothyronine levels (4 and 1.5 times above the upper limit of normality, respectively). Thyrotropin-receptor antibodies (TRAb) levels were negative, and thyroid ultrasound excluded major structural disease. She was managed with anti-thyroid drugs, Lugol's iodine, beta-blockers, and steroids during preoperative care. Thereafter, she underwent surgery, being diagnosed with a hydatidiform mole postoperatively. Her thyroid function returned to normal after three months, without the further need for antithyroid drugs. This case highlights the importance of considering GTD as an aetiology for thyrotoxicosis in perimenopausal women, especially in the absence of findings suggesting primary thyroid disease.

Nephrotic Syndrome as a Cause of Transient Clinical Hypothyroidism.

Nephrotic syndrome may trigger the onset of hypothyroidism, promoting massive urinary protein losses including thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) along with their binding proteins. At an early stage, a clinical and biochemical euthyroid state is expected. However, in patients with prolonged and severe proteinuria, especially with concomitant low thyroid reserve, urinary losses of free and protein-bound thyroid hormones are sufficiently pronounced to induce a subclinical or overt hypothyroidism. Despite its high prevalence in clinical practice, the literature lacks case reports of newly diagnosed clinical hypothyroidism due to NS in adults, making this condition under-recognized. We report a case of a 23-year-old man with previous normal thyroid function who developed overt hypothyroidism due to a severe nephrotic syndrome, requiring supplementation with levothyroxine (LT). After the patient had undergone bilateral nephrectomy, treatment with LT was discontinued and thyroid function normalized.

Design and implementation of the Professional Wellbeing Programme of the Medical Council Association of Uruguay. / Diseño e implementación del Programa de Bienestar Profesional del Colegio Médico del Uruguay.

Multiple studies have reported a high prevalence of mental health problems among male and female physicians. Although doctors are reluctant to seek professional help when suffering from a mental disorder, specialised services developed specifically to treat their mental health problems have reported promising results. The purpose of this article is to describe the design and implementation of the Professional Wellbeing Programme (Programa de Bienestar Profesional) of the Uruguayan Medical Association (Colegio Médico del Uruguay). The context, inputs, activities and some of the outputs are described according to a case study design. The main milestones in the implementation of the programme are also outlined, as well as the enabling elements, obstacles and main achievements. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of international collaboration to share experiences and models, how to design the care process to promote doctors' access to psychiatric and psychological care, the need for them to be flexible and dynamic in adapting to new and changing circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and to work in parallel with the medical regulatory bodies. It is hoped that the experience described in this work may be of use to other Latin American institutions interested in developing mental health programmes for doctors.

Diabetes Mellitus in asians patients: descripticion of one population of one family health unit from the north of Portugal

INTRODUCTION: Asian Countries contribute more than 55% to the world's diabetic population. Compared with the European population, Asians develop diabetes with lower thresholds of body mass index and abdominal perimeter and at earlier ages.MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted based on a population of patients with diabetes of Asian origin enrolled in the USF Rainha D. Amélia. These patients were selected through the MIM@UF(R) program using the codes of the international primary health classification: T90 and T89.RESULTS: The population obtained consisted of 20 patients with Type 2 Diabetes, originary in Asian countries. At diagnosis the patients had a mean of 42.6 years, and in 30% (n = 6) the diagnosis was established before the age of 40 years. The mean duration of diabetes was 6.75 years. Pancreatic anti-islet antibodies were determined in 10 users, all with negative results, as well as the C-peptide values, which were within the normal range. There were statistically significant differences for total and LDL cholesterol in patients with glycated hemoglobin> 7% when compared to the group with lower values.Discussion and CONCLUSION: Asian populations have a substantial risk of developing diabetes compared to other populations. In addition they develop the disease earlier and with lower body mass index. One possible reason for this difference is that, compared to Caucasians, Asians have more visceral adiposity, which contributes to lipotoxicity, insulin resistance and diabetes development

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Evolutionary trends in bacteria isolated from moderate and severe diabetic foot infections in a Portuguese tertiary center.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic Foot infections (DFI) are a major cause of hospitalization in patients with diabetes. The microbiological study of diabetic ulcers is essential to adequate antibiotic therapy and to minimize the selection of resistant microorganisms. The aim of this study was to characterize and to compare the evolution of isolated microorganisms between the biennium 2010-2011 and 2016-2017, in hospitalized patients with DFI. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective evaluation of the clinical and analytical data of patients who were admitted due to DFI in 2010-2011 (group 2010/11) and 2016-2017 (group 2016/17). Only the first hospitalization for each patient was included. An adequate descriptive and comparative statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: There were 274 admissions due to DFI, 151 in 2010/11 and 123 in 2016/17. There was an increase in admissions due to neuroischemic DFI (51.0% in 2010/11 to 61.8% in 2016/17, p = 0.048). Staphylococcus aureus (SA) was the most common isolate in 2010/11 (26.7%). In 2016/17 most cultures were mixed polymicrobial and isolation of Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa increased from 2010/11 to 2016/17 (15.9% to 30.6%, p = 0.001, and 9.1% to 13.7%, p = 0.048, respectively). CONCLUSION: There was an increase in the prevalence of neuroischemic DFU. The Enterobacteriaceae family replaced SA as the most prevalent pathogen in DFI, with an increase in the isolation of gram-negative microorganisms and mixed polymicrobial cultures. Chronic neuroischemic infected ulcers usually present distinct bacterial isolates; knowledge about the most common agents is warranted in order to better select empiric antibiotic therapy.

The use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of gastrocnemius strains: a retrospective observational study.

The aim of the present retrospective observational study was to evaluate the time of functional recovery following a specific combined therapeutic approach characterized by an active exercise therapy carried out immediately after Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for the treatment of the muscular lesion of the distal musculotendinous junction of the gastrocnemius medial head.Medical records of 31 subjects treated with three PRP intra-lesional ultrasound guided injections and 30 patients treated with the standard therapeutic approach (control group) were analyzed. Both groups followed the same rehabilitation therapy. Patients in the control group were able to start active exercise with a significant delay when compared to the PRP treated subjects: 17 ± 7.2 days and 9 ± 3.8 days (p = 0.0001), respectively. This delay was mainly due to the persistence of pain in the subjects in the control group. The time necessary to return to walk without pain was significantly shorter in the PRP treated group: 24.27 ± 12.36 days versus 52.4 ± 20.03 days in the control group (p < 0.001) as well as the time needed to fully return to practice the previous sport activity: 53.33 ± 27.74 days versus 119.3 ± 43.87 days in the control group (p < 0.001).The present study showed that ultrasound guided delivery of PRP into the site of muscle injury has to be considered a valid therapeutic approach with the potentiality of significantly reduce time and costs for reaching a complete functional recovery.

The Impact of Venous Leg Ulcers on Body Image and Self-esteem.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate self-esteem and body image in patients with venous leg ulcers (VLUs). DESIGN: A multicenter, prospective, descriptive, analytical, clinical study. SETTINGS: A nursing care and education center of a university hospital, a health center, and an outpatient wound care clinic in Brazil. PATIENTS: Fifty-nine consecutive adult patients with VLUs and Doppler ankle-brachial index ranging from 0.8 to 1.0 were recruited for the study. Exclusion criteria were mixed ulcers, arterial ulcers, and diabetic foot ulcers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A questionnaire assessing sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients, the Brazilian version of the Body Investment Scale, and the Rosenberg Self-esteem (RSE)/UNIFESP-EPM (São Paulo da Universidade Federal de São Paulo-Escola Paulista de Medicina) scale were administered to all patients. MAIN RESULTS: Most participants were women, aged between 60 and 70 years, and smokers; 33 (56%) were divorced, widowed, or single, and 26 (44%) were married. The patients had the ulcer for a mean of 5.42 years. Exudate and foul odor were present in most cases. Twenty-one ulcers (36%) measured 29 cm or less in surface area, and 17 (29%) ulcers measured between 30 and 49 cm (mean, 3.39 cm). The mean RSE score was 22.66, indicating low self-esteem. The mean Body Investment Scale total score was 27.49, and the scores on the body image and body touch subscales were also low, indicating negative feelings about the body. CONCLUSION: Patients with VLUs had low self-esteem and negative feelings about their bodies.

Seasonal variation of haemoglobin A1c in a Portuguese adult population.

OBJECTIVE: Haemoglobin A1c (Hb A1c) is routinely used for monitoring glycemic control in patients with diabetes. Hb A1c seasonal fluctuations can be directly related to different biological, geographical and cultural influences. Our purpose was to evaluate seasonal variation of Hb A1c in a hospital-based adult population over a period of 5 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed retrospectively monthly Hb A1c mean values (DCCT, %) based on all the assays performed to adult patients at a tertiary care university Portuguese hospital between 2008-2012. RESULTS: We obtained 62,384 Hb A1c valid measurements, with a peak level found in January-February (7.1%), a trough in August-October (6.8%) and an average peak-to-trough amplitude value of 0.3%. This trend was observed in both genders and age subgroups evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: There is a Hb A1c circannual seasonal pattern with peak levels occurring in winter months in this Portuguese population. This finding should be recognized in daily clinical practice to warrant better clinical and epidemiological interpretation of Hb A1c values.

Seasonal variation of haemoglobin A1c in a Portuguese adult population

Objective Haemoglobin A1c (Hb A1c) is routinely used for monitoring glycemic control in patients with diabetes. Hb A1c seasonal fluctuations can be directly related to different biological, geographical and cultural influences. Our purpose was to evaluate seasonal variation of Hb A1c in a hospital-based adult population over a period of 5 years.Materials and methods We analyzed retrospectively monthly Hb A1c mean values (DCCT, %) based on all the assays performed to adult patients at a tertiary care university Portuguese hospital between 2008-2012.Results We obtained 62,384 Hb A1c valid measurements, with a peak level found in January-February (7.1%), a trough in August-October (6.8%) and an average peak-to-trough amplitude value of 0.3%. This trend was observed in both genders and age subgroups evaluated.Conclusions There is a Hb A1c circannual seasonal pattern with peak levels occurring in winter months in this Portuguese population. This finding should be recognized in daily clinical practice to warrant better clinical and epidemiological interpretation of Hb A1c values. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2015;59(3):231-5.

Feelings of powerlessness in patients with diabetic foot ulcers.

UNLABELLED: The purpose of this study was to assess feelings of powerlessness in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. Chronic wounds affect the emotional state of patients, who may experience negative emotions including a sense of loss and powerlessness. The assessment of these feeling should contribute to the planning of interventions aimed at minimizing the impact of diabetic foot ulcers on the daily lives of these patients. METHODS: Fifty patients ≥ 18 years of age with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and foot ulcers were selected from 2 outpatient wound-care clinics to participate in the study. Of these patients, 50% were 61-70 years old, 72% were women, 74% were smokers, 10% were alcoholics, 40% had a diabetic foot ulcer for 3-6 years, and 22% for 7-10 years. Wound odor and exudate were present in 82% of patients. Individuals who were unable to respond to a questionnaire due to physical or cognitive deficit were excluded. All participants responded to the Powerlessness Assessment Tool for adult patients (PAT), with scores ranging from 12-60, with higher scores corresponding to feelings of more intense powerlessness. RESULTS: Total PAT scores ranged from 31-40 for 5 (10%) patients, 51-60 for 28 (56%) patients and from 41-50 for 17 (34%) patients. All patients reported total and subscale PAT scores ≥ 34 (moderate to high scores), with a mean total score of 50.12. The maximum PAT score of 60 was reported on the "self-perception of decision-making capacity" domain. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that patients with diabetic foot ulcers had strong feelings of powerlessness.

Depressão em indivíduos com lesão traumática de medula espinhal com úlcera por pressão / Depression in patients with traumatic spinal cord injuries and pressure ulcer

INTRODUÇÃO: O trauma raquimedular é um fator de risco para o desenvolvimento de úlcera por pressão, em decorrência das várias alterações sensitivas e motoras que o acompanham. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o nível de depressão em indivíduos com lesões medulares portadores de úlcera por pressão. MÉTODO: Trata-se de estudo exploratório, descritivo e analítico, que incluiu 50 pacientes com lesão medular com úlcera por pressão. Os dados foram coletados no período compreendido entre fevereiro de 2010 e maio de 2011. Para avaliação do nível de depressão, foi utilizado o Inventário de Depressão de Beck. RESULTADOS: Trinta e dois (64%) pacientes tinham idade entre 21 anos e 30 anos, 34 (68%) não tinham ocupação, 29 (58%) eram casados ou em união estável e 31 (62%) não praticavam atividades desportivas. Dezoito (36%) pacientes foram vítimas de acidente de trânsito e 22 (44%), de arma de fogo. Com relação ao tempo de lesão medular, 10 (20%) pacientes sofreram a lesão havia 2 anos e 9 (18%), 5 anos. Quanto à categoria/estágio da úlcera por pressão, 23 (46%) pacientes eram da categoria/estágio III e 18 (36%), da categoria/estágio II. Trinta (60%) pacientes apresentavam úlceras por pressão com presença de exsudato e odor. No que se refere ao nível de depressão, 14 (28%) dos pacientes apresentaram depressão considerada leve a moderada, 8 (16%), depressão moderada a grave e 3 (6%), depressão grave. No que concerne aos sintomas de depressão, 48 (96%) pacientes apresentaram distorção da imagem corporal, 31 (62%), autodepreciação, 30 (60%), retração social e 48 (96%), distúrbio do sono. CONCLUSÕES: A maioria dos indivíduos com lesão medular com úlcera por pressão apresentou depressão, tendo como principais sintomas: distorção da imagem corporal, autodepreciação, retração social e ideia suicida.

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord trauma is a risk factor for the development of pressure ulcers owing to various sensory and motor changes associated with this condition. This study aimed to assess the level of depression in patients with spinal cord injuries and pressure ulcers. METHODS: This was an exploratory, descriptive, and analytical study, which included 50 patients with spinal cord injuries and pressure ulcers. The data were collected between February 2010 and May 2011. In these individuals, the level of depression was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory. RESULTS:Among the patients, 32 (64%) were aged between 21 and 30 years, 34 (68%) were unemployed, 29 (58%) were married or in stable relationship, and 31 (62%) did not practice sports activities. In all, 18 (36%) patients developed spinal injuries owing to traffic accidents and 22 (44%) developed these owing to firearms. In all, 10 (20%) patients had developed spinal cord injuries since 2 years and 9 (18%) patients since 5 years. Category/stage III pressure ulcers were detected in 23 (46%) patients, and category/stage II pressure ulcers were noted in 18 (36%). Further, in 30 (60%) patients, pressure ulcers were associated with the presence of exudate and odor. In all, 14 (28%) patients had mild-to-moderate depression, 8 (16%) had moderate-to-severe depression, and 3 (6%) patients had severe depression. Depressive symptoms were noted in 48 (96%) patients with body image issues, 31 (62%) with self-deprecation, 30 (60%) with social withdrawal, and 48 (96%) with sleep disorders. CONCLUSIONS:Most individuals with spinal cord injuries and pressure ulcers had depression, and their main symptoms included body image issues, self-deprecation, social withdrawal, and suicidal thoughts.