Correction: Clinical profile and mortality in patients with T. cruzi/HIV co-infection from the multicenter data base of the "Network for healthcare and study of Trypanosoma cruzi/HIV co-infection and other immunosuppression conditions".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009809.].

Clinical profile and mortality in patients with T. cruzi/HIV co-infection from the multicenter data base of the "Network for healthcare and study of Trypanosoma cruzi/HIV co-infection and other immunosuppression conditions".

OBJECTIVE: Chagas disease (CD) globalization facilitated the co-infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in endemic and non-endemic areas. Considering the underestimation of Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi)-HIV co-infection and the risk of life-threatening Chagas Disease Reactivation (CDR), this study aimed to analyze the major co-infection clinical characteristics and its mortality rates. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional retrospective multicenter study of patients with CD confirmed by two serological or one parasitological tests, and HIV infection confirmed by immunoblot. CDR was diagnosed by direct microscopy with detection of trypomastigote forms in the blood or other biological fluids and/or amastigote forms in inflammatory lesions. RESULTS: Out of 241 patients with co-infection, 86.7% were from Brazil, 47.5% had <200 CD4+ T cells/µL and median viral load was 17,000 copies/µL. Sixty CDR cases were observed. Death was more frequent in patients with reactivation and was mainly caused by CDR. Other causes of death unrelated to CDR were the manifestation of opportunistic infections in those with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. The time between the co-infection diagnosis to death was shorter in patients with CDR. Lower CD4+ cells count at co-infection diagnosis was independently associated with reactivation. Similarly, lower CD4+ cells numbers at co-infection diagnosis and male sex were associated with higher lethality in CDR. Additionally, CD4+ cells were lower in meningoencephalitis than in myocarditis and milder forms. CONCLUSION: This study showed major features on T. cruzi-HIV co-infection and highlighted the prognostic role of CD4+ cells for reactivation and mortality. Since lethality was high in meningoencephalitis and all untreated patients died shortly after the diagnosis, early diagnosis, immediate antiparasitic treatment, patient follow-up and epidemiological surveillance are essentials in T. cruzi/HIV co-infection and CDR managements.

Using a Chagas disease hospital database: a clinical and epidemiological patient profile.

INTRODUCTION: Chagas disease (CD) prevention and control rely on studies of its distribution, characteristics of individuals affected and mode of transmission. CD data in Brazil are scarce; a retrospective analysis of the clinical characteristics of 80 patients treated at the Clinical Hospital of UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil, was performed. METHODS: Patient data records were analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty percent of the patients probably got infected through vector-borne transmission, 65% came from endemic areas, a predominance of cardiac and cardiodigestive forms was found among males, and the cardiac form prevailed (51%). CONCLUSIONS: The results update the view on the epidemiology of CD in Campinas, Brazil.

Using a Chagas disease hospital database: a clinical and epidemiological patient profile

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Chagas disease (CD) prevention and control rely on studies of its distribution, characteristics of individuals affected and mode of transmission. CD data in Brazil are scarce; a retrospective analysis of the clinical characteristics of 80 patients treated at the Clinical Hospital of UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil, was performed. METHODS: Patient data records were analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty percent of the patients probably got infected through vector-borne transmission, 65% came from endemic areas, a predominance of cardiac and cardiodigestive forms was found among males, and the cardiac form prevailed (51%). CONCLUSIONS: The results update the view on the epidemiology of CD in Campinas, Brazil.

Hepatic changes by benznidazole in a specific treatment for Chagas disease.

Chagas disease (Cd) is the third most common parasitic disease that causes damage to human health. Even a century after its description by Carlos Chagas and advances in its control, it remains a neglected disease. To eradicate the parasite or reduce the parasitic load, specific treatment for Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) is advisable; benznidazole (BNZ) is the drug that is currently prescribed. The purpose of this study is to report the adverse events (AE) due to the use of BNZ as a specific treatment for Cd, with a particular focus on hepatic changes. This was an observational, cross-sectional cohort study that included patients who were treated with BNZ. The medical records of patients who joined the Grupo de Estudo em doença de Chagas [Chagas Disease Study Group]/UNICAMP/Brazil and were treated with BNZ were reviewed for epidemiological, clinical, laboratory and AE parameters for the drug. The 204 patients who were assessed had an average age of 40.6 years ± 13.5 years, and 104 of them were women (50.98%). Fourteen (6.86%) individuals were in the acute phase of Cd, and 190 (93.13%) were in its chronic phase. AEs occurred in 85 patients (41.66%), 35 (41.17%) of whom had AEs related to the liver, characterized by an elevation of AST liver enzymes, ALT, alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyltransferase (γGT). Other AEs that were observed included the following: 48 cases of cutaneous changes (56.47%), 8 cases of epigastric pain (9.41%), 7 cases of blood alteration (8.23%), and 3 cases of peripheral neuropathy (3.52%). Treatment was interrupted in 32 patients (37.64%) due to AD. Adverse events related to the liver secondary to the use of BNZ for Cd-specific treatment were frequent in this study and were characterized by an elevation of liver enzymes. Therefore, it is suggested that these enzymes be monitored during treatment with benznidazole.

2 nd Brazilian Consensus on Chagas Disease, 2015.

Chagas disease is a neglected chronic condition with a high burden of morbidity and mortality. It has considerable psychological, social, and economic impacts. The disease represents a significant public health issue in Brazil, with different regional patterns. This document presents the evidence that resulted in the Brazilian Consensus on Chagas Disease. The objective was to review and standardize strategies for diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control of Chagas disease in the country, based on the available scientific evidence. The consensus is based on the articulation and strategic contribution of renowned Brazilian experts with knowledge and experience on various aspects of the disease. It is the result of a close collaboration between the Brazilian Society of Tropical Medicine and the Ministry of Health. It is hoped that this document will strengthen the development of integrated actions against Chagas disease in the country, focusing on epidemiology, management, comprehensive care (including families and communities), communication, information, education, and research .

[Brazilian Consensus on Chagas Disease, 2015]. / II Consenso Brasileiro em Doença de Chagas, 2015.

Chagas disease is a neglected chronic condition that presents high morbidity and mortality burden, with considerable psychological, social, and economic impact. The disease represents a significant public health issue in Brazil, with different regional patterns. This document presents the evidence that resulted in the Brazilian Consensus on Chagas Disease. The objective was to review and standardize strategies for diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control of Chagas disease in the country, based on the available scientific evidence. The consensus is based on collaboration and contribution of renowned Brazilian experts with vast knowledge and experience on various aspects of the disease. It is the result of close collaboration between the Brazilian Society of Tropical Medicine and the Ministry of Health. This document shall strengthen the development of integrated control measures against Chagas disease in the country, focusing on epidemiology, management, comprehensive care (including families and communities), communication, information, education, and research.

II Consenso Brasileiro em Doença de Chagas, 2015 / Brazilian Consensus on Chagas Disease, 2015

A doença de Chagas é uma condição crônica negligenciada com elevada carga de morbimortalidade e impacto dos pontos de vista psicológico, social e econômico. Representa um importante problema de saúde pública no Brasil, com diferentes cenários regionais. Este documento traduz a sistematização das evidências que compõe o Consenso Brasileiro de Doença de Chagas. O objetivo foi sistematizar estratégias de diagnóstico, tratamento, prevenção e controle da doença de Chagas no país, de modo a refletir as evidências científicas disponíveis. Sua construção fundamentou-se na articulação e contribuição estratégica de especialistas brasileiros com conhecimento, experiência e atualização sobre diferentes aspectos da doença. Representa o resultado da estreita colaboração entre a Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical e o Ministério da Saúde. Espera-se com este documento fortalecer o desenvolvimento de ações integradas para enfrentamento da doença no país com foco em epidemiologia, gestão, atenção integral (incluindo famílias e comunidades), comunicação, informação, educação e pesquisas.

Chagas disease is a neglected chronic condition that presents high morbidity and mortality burden, with considerable psychological, social, and economic impact. The disease represents a significant public health issue in Brazil, with different regional patterns. This document presents the evidence that resulted in the Brazilian Consensus on Chagas Disease. The objective was to review and standardize strategies for diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control of Chagas disease in the country, based on the available scientific evidence. The consensus is based on collaboration and contribution of renowned Brazilian experts with vast knowledge and experience on various aspects of the disease. It is the result of close collaboration between the Brazilian Society of Tropical Medicine and the Ministry of Health. This document shall strengthen the development of integrated control measures against Chagas disease in the country, focusing on epidemiology, management, comprehensive care (including families and communities), communication, information, education, and research.

Funcionalidade e fatores associados em adultos e idososportadores da doença de Chaga / Functionality and related factors in adults and elders with Chagas disease

Objetivo: Estimar a funcionalidade indivíduos que envelhecemna condição de portadores crônicos da doença deChagas. Métodos: Procedeu-se à avaliação da capacidadefuncional, da função cognitiva e do estado de humor, juntoa um grupo de 95 chagásicos, adultos e idosos, assistidos noAmbulatório do Grupo de Estudos em Doenças de Chagas doHospital de Clínicas da Universidade Estadual de Campinas.A funcionalidade foi confrontada com variáveis sociodemográficas(faixa etária, sexo, escolaridade e renda) e clínicas (formaclínica da doença de Chagas, número de comorbidades e fármacosutilizados, saúde e incapacidade funcional autorreferidas).Resultados: Verificou-se défice cognitivo em 37,34% daamostra, sintomas depressivos em 26,31%, comprometimentodas atividades instrumentais em 34,73%, e de Atividades Básicasde Vida Diária em 26,31%. Constatou-se associação dedéfice de funcionalidade com percepção de incapacidade funcional(p=0,002) e maior número de comorbidades (p=0,038).Conclusão: Adultos e idosos chagásicos apresentaram importantecomprometimento da funcionalidade, em diferentesdomínios. O autorrelato de incapacidade funcional e o maiornúmero de doenças associadas podem representar indicadoresrelevantes desse tipo de comprometimento.(AU)

Objectives: To estimate the functionality of individuals whoare ageing with chronic Chagas disease. Methods: It wasevaluated the functional ability, as well as the cognitive functionand mood status of a group of 95 infected persons, adults andseniors, assisted in the Ambulatory of Chagas Disease StudyGroup from the State University Hospital of Campinas (SP).The functionality was confronted with socio-demographic(age, gender, education and income) and clinical variables(clinical form of Chagas disease, number of comorbidities andmedicines used, self-referred health and functional incapacity).Results: it was found cognitive deficit in 37.34% of thesample, depressive symptoms in 26.31%, commitment ofinstrumental activities in 34.73%, and of basic activities of dailylife in 26.31%. It was noted association of deficit functionalitywith perception of functional disability (p=0.002) and highernumber of comorbidities (p=0.038). Conclusion: adultsand seniors with Chagas disease present important impairment offunctionality in different domains. The self-report of functionalincapacity and the greatest number of associated diseases mayrepresent relevant indicators of this kind of commitment.(AU)

Quality of life in adults and older adults with Chagas disease / Qualidade de vida em adultos e idosos com doença de Chagas

Objective The objective was to evaluate the perceived quality of life of adult and older adult patients with different clinical forms of Chagas disease. Methods This descriptive and cross-sectional research was conducted between 2005 and 2008. Data were collected from 202 patients. The World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF was used to assess the quality of life domains. Statistical analyses included descriptive analysis, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results Of the 202 interviewed patients, 53.96% were female; 68.81% were aged £60 years, 66.83% presented the cardiac form, 11.39% presented the digestive form, and 21.78% had the indeterminate form. Patients with the cardiac and digestive forms were more likely to report lower quality of life in the physical, psychological, and social relationships domains than those with the indeterminate form. In the environment domain, women and those with more comorbidities had lower scores. Conclusion The social relationships domain received the highest scores, followed by the psychological and physical domains. The environment domain received the lowest scores. Comparing the scores of the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF domains by age group (adults and older adults) in relation to the clinical form, gender, and number of comorbidities, quality of life did not differ significantly in any of the study subgroups.

Objetivo Avaliar a percepção da qualidade de vida em pacientes adultos e idosos nas diferentes formas clínicas da doença de Chagas. Métodos Trata-se de estudo descritivo e transversal realizado entre 2005 e 2008. A amostra por conveniência foi composta de 202 pacientes. Utilizou-se o World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF para avaliar os domínios da qualidade de vida. A análise estatística foi realizada por meio de análises descritiva e de regressão logística univariada e multivariada. Resultados Do total da amostra, 53,96% eram mulheres; 68,81% tinham idade 60 anos, 68,83% apresentavam a forma cardíaca; 11,39% a digestiva; e 21,78% a indeterminada. Portadores das formas cardíaca e digestiva evidenciaram maior chance de relatar baixa qualidade de vida nos domínios físico, psicológico e das relações sociais quando comparados aos pacientes com a forma indeterminada. No domínio do meio ambiente, as mulheres e os que tinham maior número de comorbidades apresentaram pontuação mais baixa. Conclusão O domínio das relações sociais foi o melhor avaliado, seguido pelos domínios psicológico e físico. Já o do meio ambiente foi o pior avaliado. Comparando os escores dos domínios do World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF com a faixa etária (adultos e idosos) em relação à forma clínica, ao gênero e ao número de comorbidades, nenhuma diferença significativa foi encontrada em qualquer um dos subgrupos estudados.

Funcionalidade e fatores associados em adultos e idosos portadores da doença de Chagas / Functionality and related factors in adults and elders with Chagas disease

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVO: Em função das medidas empregadas logrou-se interromper a transmissão da doença de Chagas. A partir daí surgiu um novo desafio, que é o de prestar assistência adequada aos indivíduos que envelhecem na condição de portadores crônicos dessa doença infecciosa, que se soma às outras enfermidades crônicas mais prevalentes na velhice, e que podem comprometer a funcionalidade do idoso. Esse estudo buscou estimar a funcionalidade desses indivíduos. MÉTODOS: Procedeu-se à avaliação da capacidade funcional, da função cognitiva e do estado de humor, junto a um grupo de 95 chagásicos, adultos e idosos, assistidos no Ambulatório do Grupo de Estudos em Doenças de Chagas (GEDoCh) do Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Estadual de Campinas. A funcionalidade foi confrontada com variáveis sociodemográficas (faixa etária, gênero, escolaridade e renda) e clínicas (forma clínica da doença de Chagas, número de comorbidades e fármacos utilizados, saúde e incapacidade funcional autorreferidas). RESULTADOS: Verificou-se déficit cognitivo em 37,34% da amostra, sintomas depressivos em 26,31%, comprometimento das atividades instrumentais em 34,73%, e de atividades básicas de vida diária em 26,31%. Constatou-se associação de déficit de funcionalidade com percepção de incapacidade funcional (p=0,002)e maior número de comorbidades (p=0,038). CONCLUSÃO: Adultos e idosos chagásicos apresentam importante comprometimento da funcionalidade, em diferentes domínios. O autorrelato de incapacidade funcional e o maior número de doenças associadas podem representar indicadores relevantes desse tipo de comprometimento.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The measures employed succeeded in interrupting the transmission of Chagas disease. From there emerged a new challenge, which is to provide appropriate assistance to individuals that are aging with this chronic infectious disease, whose effects added to the other chronic diseases more prevalent in old age, with the possibility of compromising their functionality. This study intended to estimate the functionality of these individuals. METHODOS: It was evaluated the functional ability, as well as the cognitive function and mood status of a group of 95 infected persons, adults and seniors, assisted in the Ambulatory of Chagas Disease Study Group from the State University Hospital of Campinas (SP). The functionality was confronted with socio-demographic (age, gender, education and income) and clinical variables (clinical form of Chagas disease, number of comorbidities and medicines used, self-referred health and functional incapacity). RESULTS: It was found cognitive deficit in 37.34% of the sample, depressive symptoms in 26.31%, commitment of instrumental activities in 34.73%, and of basic activities of daily life in 26.31%. It was noted association of deficit functionality with perception of functional disability (p=0.002) and higher number of comorbidities (p=0.038). CONCLUSION: Adults and seniors with Chagas disease present important impairment of functionality in different domains. The self-report of functional incapacity and the greatest number of associated diseases may represent relevant indicators of this kind of commitment.

Neural Mechanisms and Delayed Gastric Emptying of Liquid Induced Through Acute Myocardial Infarction in Rats / Mecanismos Neurais e Retardo do Esvaziamento Gástrico de Liquido Induzido no Infarto Agudo do Miocárdio em Ratos

Background: In pathological situations, such as acute myocardial infarction, disorders of motility of the proximal gut can trigger symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Acute myocardial infarction delays gastric emptying (GE) of liquid in rats. Objective: Investigate the involvement of the vagus nerve, α 1-adrenoceptors, central nervous system GABAB receptors and also participation of paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus in GE and gastric compliance (GC) in infarcted rats. Methods: Wistar rats, N = 8-15 in each group, were divided as INF group and sham (SH) group and subdivided. The infarction was performed through ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. GC was estimated with pressure-volume curves. Vagotomy was performed by sectioning the dorsal and ventral branches. To verify the action of GABAB receptors, baclofen was injected via icv (intracerebroventricular). Intravenous prazosin was used to produce chemical sympathectomy. The lesion in the PVN of the hypothalamus was performed using a 1mA/10s electrical current and GE was determined by measuring the percentage of gastric retention (% GR) of a saline meal. Results: No significant differences were observed regarding GC between groups; vagotomy significantly reduced % GR in INF group; icv treatment with baclofen significantly reduced %GR. GABAB receptors were not conclusively involved in delaying GE; intravenous treatment with prazosin significantly reduced GR% in INF group. PVN lesion abolished the effect of myocardial infarction on GE. Conclusion: Gastric emptying of liquids induced through acute myocardial infarction in rats showed the involvement of the vagus nerve, alpha1- adrenergic receptors and PVN. .

Fundamento: Distúrbios da motilidade do intestino proximal no infarto agudo do miocárdio podem desencadear sintomas digestivos como náuseas e vômitos. O infarto do miocárdio ocasiona retardo do esvaziamento gástrico (EG) de líquido em ratos. Objetivo: Investigar se existe a influência do nervo vago (VGX), adrenoreceptores α-1, receptores GABAB do sistema nervoso central e participação do núcleo paraventricular (NPV) do hipotálamo no esvaziamento gástrico (EG) e complacência gástrica (CG) em ratos infartados. Métodos: Ratos Wistar (n = 8-15) foram divididos em: grupo infarto (INF), sham (SH) e subdivididos. O infarto foi realizado por ligadura da artéria coronária descendente anterior. A complacência gástrica foi estimada com curvas pressão-volume. Realizada vagotomia por secção dos ramos dorsal e ventral. Para verificar a ação dos receptores GABAB foi injetado baclofeno por via intra ventrículo-cerebral. Simpatectomia química foi realizada com prazosina intravenosa (iv), e na lesão do núcleo paraventricular do hipotálamo foi utilizada corrente elétrica de 1mA/10s, com esvaziamento gástrico determinado por medição da retenção gástrica (% RG) de uma refeição salina. Resultados: Não houve diferença significativa na CG. A vagotomia (VGX) reduziu significativamente a %RG; no grupo INF, o tratamento intra ventrículo-cerebral (ivc) com baclofeno reduziu significativamente a % RG; não houve conclusivamente envolvimento dos receptores GABAB em retardar o EG; o tratamento intravenoso com prazosina reduziu significativamente a %RG no grupo INF. A lesão do NPV aboliu o efeito do infarto do miocárdio no EG. Conclusão: O nervo vago, receptores α-adrenérgicos e núcleo paraventricular estão envolvidos no retardo do esvaziamento gástrico no infarto agudo do miocárdio em ratos. .

Neural mechanisms and delayed gastric emptying of liquid induced through acute myocardial infarction in rats.

BACKGROUND: In pathological situations, such as acute myocardial infarction, disorders of motility of the proximal gut can trigger symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Acute myocardial infarction delays gastric emptying (GE) of liquid in rats. OBJECTIVE: Investigate the involvement of the vagus nerve, α 1-adrenoceptors, central nervous system GABAB receptors and also participation of paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus in GE and gastric compliance (GC) in infarcted rats. METHODS: Wistar rats, N = 8-15 in each group, were divided as INF group and sham (SH) group and subdivided. The infarction was performed through ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. GC was estimated with pressure-volume curves. Vagotomy was performed by sectioning the dorsal and ventral branches. To verify the action of GABAB receptors, baclofen was injected via icv (intracerebroventricular). Intravenous prazosin was used to produce chemical sympathectomy. The lesion in the PVN of the hypothalamus was performed using a 1 mA/10 s electrical current and GE was determined by measuring the percentage of gastric retention (% GR) of a saline meal. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed regarding GC between groups; vagotomy significantly reduced % GR in INF group; icv treatment with baclofen significantly reduced %GR. GABAB receptors were not conclusively involved in delaying GE; intravenous treatment with prazosin significantly reduced GR% in INF group. PVN lesion abolished the effect of myocardial infarction on GE. CONCLUSION: Gastric emptying of liquids induced through acute myocardial infarction in rats showed the involvement of the vagus nerve, alpha1- adrenergic receptors and PVN.

Effect of pitavastatin on vascular reactivity in hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

BACKGROUND: Pitavastatin is the newest statin available in Brazil and likely the one with fewer side effects. Thus, pitavastatin was evaluated in hypercholesterolemic rabbits in relation to its action on vascular reactivity. OBJECTIVE: To assess the lowest dose of pitavastatin necessary to reduce plasma lipids, cholesterol and tissue lipid peroxidation, as well as endothelial function in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. METHODS: Thirty rabbits divided into six groups (n = 5): G1 - standard chow diet; G2 - hypercholesterolemic diet for 30 days; G3 - hypercholesterolemic diet and after the 16th day, diet supplemented with pitavastatin (0.1 mg); G4 - hypercholesterolemic diet supplemented with pitavastatin (0.25 mg); G5 - hypercholesterolemic diet supplemented with pitavastatin (0.5 mg); G6 - hypercholesterolemic diet supplemented with pitavastatin (1.0 mg). After 30 days, total cholesterol, HDL, triglycerides, glucose, creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured and LDL was calculated. In-depth anesthesia was performed with sodium thiopental and aortic segments were removed to study endothelial function, cholesterol and tissue lipid peroxidation. The significance level for statistical tests was 5%. RESULTS: Total cholesterol and LDL were significantly elevated in relation to G1. HDL was significantly reduced in G4, G5 and G6 when compared to G2. Triglycerides, CK, AST, ALT, cholesterol and tissue lipid peroxidation showed no statistical difference between G2 and G3-G6. Significantly endothelial dysfunction reversion was observed in G5 and G6 when compared to G2. CONCLUSION: Pitavastatin starting at a 0.5 mg dose was effective in reverting endothelial dysfunction in hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

Effect of Pitavastatin on Vascular Reactivity in Hypercholesterolemic Rabbits / O Efeito da Pitavastatina na Reatividade Vascular em Coelhos Hipercolesterolêmicos

Background: Pitavastatin is the newest statin available in Brazil and likely the one with fewer side effects. Thus, pitavastatin was evaluated in hypercholesterolemic rabbits in relation to its action on vascular reactivity. Objective: To assess the lowest dose of pitavastatin necessary to reduce plasma lipids, cholesterol and tissue lipid peroxidation, as well as endothelial function in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Methods: Thirty rabbits divided into six groups (n = 5): G1 - standard chow diet; G2 - hypercholesterolemic diet for 30 days; G3 - hypercholesterolemic diet and after the 16th day, diet supplemented with pitavastatin (0.1 mg); G4 - hypercholesterolemic diet supplemented with pitavastatin (0.25 mg); G5 - hypercholesterolemic diet supplemented with pitavastatin (0.5 mg); G6 - hypercholesterolemic diet supplemented with pitavastatin (1.0 mg). After 30 days, total cholesterol, HDL, triglycerides, glucose, creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured and LDL was calculated. In-depth anesthesia was performed with sodium thiopental and aortic segments were removed to study endothelial function, cholesterol and tissue lipid peroxidation. The significance level for statistical tests was 5%. Results: Total cholesterol and LDL were significantly elevated in relation to G1. HDL was significantly reduced in G4, G5 and G6 when compared to G2. Triglycerides, CK, AST, ALT, cholesterol and tissue lipid peroxidation showed no statistical difference between G2 and G3-G6. Significantly endothelial dysfunction reversion was observed in G5 and G6 when compared to G2. Conclusion: Pitavastatin starting at a 0.5 mg dose was effective in reverting endothelial dysfunction in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. .

Fundamento: A pitavastatina é a mais nova estatina disponível no Brasil e com prováveis menores efeitos colaterais. Assim, a pitavastatina foi avaliada em coelhos hipercolesterolêmicos em relação à ação na reatividade vascular. Objetivo: Investigar a menor dose de pitavastatina na redução dos lípides plasmáticos, colesterol e peroxidação lipídica tecidual e função endotelial em coelhos hipercolesterolêmicos. Métodos: Trinta coelhos divididos em seis grupos (n=5): G1 - dieta ração padrão; G2 - dieta hipercolesterolêmica por 30 dias; G3 - dieta hipercolesterolêmica e a partir do 16º dia suplementada com pitavastatina (0,1 mg); G4 - dieta hipercolesterolêmica e suplementada com pitavastatina (0.25 mg); G5 - dieta hipercolesterolêmica e suplementada com pitavastatina (0,5 mg); G6 - dieta hipercolesterolêmica e suplementada com pitavastatina (1,0 mg). Após 30 dias foram dosados o colesterol total, HDL, triglicérides, glicose, creatinoquinase, aspartato aminotransferase, alanina aminotransferase e o LDL calculado. Aprofundada a anestesia com tiopental sódico e retirado segmentos de aorta para estudo da função endotelial, colesterol e peroxidação lipídica tecidual. O nível de significância adotado para os testes estatísticos foi 5%. Resultados: Colesterol total e LDL elevados significativamente em relação ao G1. HDL reduzida significativamente em G4, G5 e G6 em relação ao G2. Triglicérides, creatinoquinase, aspartato aminotransferase, alanina aminotransferase, colesterol e peroxidação lipídica tecidual sem diferença estatística entre G3-G6 e G2. Disfunção endotelial revertida significativamente em G5 e G6 em relação ao G2. Conclusão: A pitavastatina, a partir da ...

Co-infection Trypanosoma cruzi/HIV: systematic review (1980 - 2010) / Coinfecção Trypanosoma cruzi/HIV: revisão sistemática (1980 - 2010)

INTRODUCTION: The co-infection Trypanosoma cruzi/HIV has been described as a clinical event of great relevance. The objective of this study wasto describe clinical and epidemiological aspects published in literature. METHODS: It is a systematic review of a descriptive nature from the databases Medline, Lilacs, SciELO, Scopus, from 1980 to 2010. RESULTS: There were 83 articles (2.8 articles/year) with a total of 291 cases. The co-infection was described in 1980 and this situation has become the defining AIDS clinical event in Brazil. This is the country with the highest number of publication (51.8 percent) followed by Argentina (27.7 percent). The majority of cases are amongst adult men (65.3 percent) native or from endemic regions with serological diagnosis in the chronic stage (97.9 percent) and indeterminate form (50.8 percent). Both diseases follow the normal course, but in 41 percent the reactivation of the Chagas disease occurs. The most severe form is the meningoencephalitis, with 100 percent of mortality without specific and early treatment of the T. cruzi. The medication of choice was the benznidazole on doses and duration normally used for the acute phase. The high parasitemia detected by direct or indirect quantitative methods indicated reactivation and its elevation is the most important predictive factor. The lower survival rate was related to the reactivation of the Chagas disease and the natural complications of both diseases. The role of the antiretroviral treatment on the co-infection cannot yet be defined by the knowledge currently existent. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the relevance of this clinical event there are still gaps to be filled.

INTRODUÇÃO: A coinfecção Trypanosoma cruzi/HIV vem sendo sistematicamente descrita como um evento clínico de grande relevância. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever aspectos clínicos e epidemiológicos publicados na literatura científica. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de revisão sistemática, de natureza descritiva, a partir da busca nas bases Medline, Lilacs, SciELO, Scopus, de 1980 a 2010. RESULTADOS: Identificou-se 83 artigos (2,8 artigos/ano), com um total de 291 casos registrados. A coinfecção foi descrita em 1980 e, no Brasil, tornou-se evento clínico definidor de AIDS. Este é o país com maior número de publicações (51,8 por cento), seguido pela Argentina (27,7 por cento). A maioria dos casos é de homens adultos (65,3 por cento), naturais ou procedentes de regiões endêmicas, com diagnóstico sorológico, na fase crônica (97,9 por cento) e na forma indeterminada (50,8 por cento). As duas doenças evoluem naturalmente, mas em 41 por cento dos casos ocorreu reativação da doença de Chagas. A forma mais grave é a meningoencefalite, com 100 por cento de letalidade nos casos sem tratamento específico e precoce do T. cruzi. O medicamento indicado foi benznidazole, nas doses e duração utilizadas na fase aguda em imunocompetentes. O diagnóstico da reativação foi comprovado por alta parasitemia, detectada por métodos diretos ou indiretos quantitativos, sendo a sua elevação considerada fator preditivo para reativação. A menor sobrevida nacoinfecção esteve relacionada à reativação da doença de Chagas e às complicações naturais de ambas as doenças. O papel do tratamento antirretroviral sobre a evolução da coinfecção ainda não pode ser definido pelo conhecimento existente. CONCLUSÕES: Apesar da relevância deste evento clínico, ainda persistem lacunas a serem preenchidas.

Perfil de adultos e idosos hipertensos em unidade básica de saúde / Profile of hypertensive patients assisted in a public health center

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) vem se transformando progressivamente num dos mais graves problemas de Saúde Pública no Brasil. O objetivo deste estudo foi definir perfis de hipertensos considerando-se a relação entre as variáveis faixa etária, sexo, número de medicamentos utilizados e comorbidades, controle da pressão arterial (PA), participação em grupo educativo, qualidade de vida (QV) e atividade física. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal realizado em Unidade Básica de Saúde (UBS) do município de Campinas (SP), com amostra de conveniência, de ambos os sexos. Critérios de inclusão: uso de medicamentos anti-hipertensivos; cadastro na UBS. Instrumentos: questionário sócio-demográfico e clínico, escala de Baecke modificada para idosos e de QV específica para hipertensos. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 156 participantes, sendo 54,48% idosos e 75,64% mulheres. A análise de conglomerados identificou dois perfis: 1 - predominantemente formado por mulheres, indivíduos com controle inadequado da PA, pior QV,maior uso regular de medicamentos e de comorbidades, pior desempenho em atividade física; 2 - predominantemente formado por indivíduos com controle adequado da PA, melhor QV,menor uso regular de medicamentos e de comorbidades, melhor desempenho em atividade física. CONCLUSÃO: O estudo apontou que mulheres, pacientes com controle inadequado da PA, pior QV, menor prática de atividade física, maior número de comorbidades e de fármacos de uso regular apresentam maior impacto da HAS em suas vidas.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) is becoming increasingly one of the most serious public health problems in Brazil. The aim of this project was to identify the profiles of hypertensive patients and investigate the relationship between the variables gender, age, number of medications and comorbidities, control of arterial pressure (AP), participation in educational groups, quality of life (QL) and physical activity. METHOD: It was a descriptive study, cross-sectional study in Public Health Center (PHC) in Campinas, which used a convenience sample of both genders. The inclusion criteria were: use of antihypertensive medication; registration at the PHC. Instruments: sociodemographic and clinical, modified Baecke questionnaire for older adults and QL questionnaire for hypertensive patients. RESULTS: A total of 156 participants, of whom 54.48% were elderly and 75.64% women. Cluster analysis identified two groups: 1, predominantly of females with uncontrolled blood pressure (BP), worse QL regular use of a greater number of medications, with greater number of comorbidities and lower physical activity score; 2, predominantly of individuals with satisfactory control of their AP, better quality of life,use of a smaller number of antihypertensive drugs, lesser associated diseases and higher physical activity score. CONCLUSION: The study showed that women and individuals with uncontrolled BP, worse QL, less active lifestyle, greater number of comorbidities and regular use of drugs have a greater impact of SAH in their lives.