RESUMO
This study investigated the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in an elderly population with the objective of establishing reference ranges and the diagnostic value of the ESR. Elderly blacks were randomly selected from communities in the Orange Free State. ESR determinations were done according to the Westergren method. Total protein, albumin, immunoglobulin and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured on serum. Results were analysed by means of non-parametric statistical methods. In the group with normal CRP' and immunoglobulin levels it was found that 99% of values were below 44 mm/h for men and 62 mm/h for women. The sensitivity and specificity for these cut-off values (CRP used as 'gold standard') were 33% and 91% respectively for men and 75% and 89% respectively for women.
Assuntos
Reação de Fase Aguda/diagnóstico , População Negra , Sedimentação Sanguínea , Proteína C-Reativa/metabolismo , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Valores de ReferênciaRESUMO
A community-based epidemiological study was undertaken to determine the health profile of the elderly black population in the Orange Free State. Four hundred elderly blacks were randomly selected from 10 towns. Questionnaires on past and present illnesses, socio-economic circumstances (including formal education) and daily activities were completed. Most of the elderly blacks received a state old-age pension and 15.3% were still economically active. We found that 63% of the subjects were illiterate and that 31% did not live with their children. Inability to perform any of six activities was found in 3.2%. In view of the high number of elderly persons living alone, we feel that the development of support services should receive urgent attention.
Assuntos
Idoso , Negro ou Afro-Americano , Nível de Saúde , Fatores Socioeconômicos , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , População Negra , Pessoas com Deficiência/estatística & dados numéricos , Feminino , Serviços de Saúde para Idosos/estatística & dados numéricos , Habitação , Humanos , Renda , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , África do SulRESUMO
Biochemical reference values for the black age group of greater than or equal to 65 years were determined from the black urban population of the Orange Free State. Biochemical investigations performed were those included in the Sequential Multiple Analyser Computer profile because it includes the 20 most requested clinical chemistry investigations. Most of the reference values corresponded to values for the same age groups in the Western world. There was no age-related rise in the alkaline phosphatase values, which suggested absence of occult Paget's disease. Reference values for serum total protein and globulin were found to be higher than values derived from elderly white groups.
