Association between burnout syndrome and anxiety in residents and anesthesiologists of the Federal District / Associação entre síndrome de burnout e ansiedade em residentes e anestesiologistas do Distrito Federal

Abstract Background and objective There is a shortage of studies addressing the association between burnout syndrome and anxiety among anesthesiologists. Identifying the relationship between these two conditions is of fundamental importance for the prevention, follow-up, and treatment of the professionals. Thus, we evaluated the association between burnout syndrome and anxiety in anesthesiologists and residents of anesthesiology in the Federal District. Method A cross-sectional study using a convenience sample of residents and anesthesiologists from the Federal District. The correlation between State Trait Anxiety Inventory and Burnout Syndrome (Maslach Burnout Inventory) was tested using multiple linear regression analysis, considering a significance level of 5%. Results Of the 78 completed forms, there were predominance of males (57.69%), mean age of 42 ± 9.7 years for anesthesiologists and 30 ± 2.9 years for residents. Burnout syndrome had a prevalence of 2.43% among anesthesiologists and 2.70% among resident physicians, while a high risk for its manifestation was 21.95% in anesthesiologists and 29.72% in resident physicians. There was a correlation between state-anxiety and the variables burnout emotional exhaustion, burnout depersonalization, and trait-anxiety. Regarding trait-anxiety, there was no statistically significant correlation with other variables. Conclusions There is association between state-anxiety and the emotional exhaustion dimensions of burnout, burnout depersonalization, and trait-anxiety. The occurrence of anxiety can negatively influence the way the individual faces daily stressors, which may be related to the use of ineffective strategies to cope with stress.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivo Existe escassez de estudos sobre a associação entre a síndrome de burnout e ansiedade entre anestesiologistas. A identificação da relação entre as duas condições é de fundamental importância para a prevenção, o acompanhamento e tratamento dos profissionais. Assim, foi avaliada a associação entre síndrome de burnout e ansiedade nos anestesiologistas e residentes em anestesiologia do Distrito Federal. Método Estudo de corte transversal que usou amostra por conveniência composta por residentes e anestesiologistas do Distrito Federal. Correlação entre ansiedade (State Trait Anxiety Inventory) e síndrome de burnout (Maslach burnout Inventory) foi testada a partir da análise de regressão linear múltipla, considerou-se nível de significância de 5%. Resultados Dos 78 formulários respondidos, houve predominância de indivíduos do sexo masculino (57,69%), com média de 42 ± 9,7 anos para os anestesiologistas e de 30 ± 2,9 anos para os residentes. A síndrome de burnout apresentou prevalência de 2,43% entre os anestesiologistas e 2,70% entre médicos residentes, enquanto alto risco para sua manifestação nos anestesiologistas foi de 21,95% e para médicos residentes, de 29,72%. Observou-se correlação entre ansiedade-estado e as variáveis exaustão emocional de burnout, despersonalização de burnout e ansiedade-traço. Em relação à ansiedade-traço não houve correlação estatisticamente significante com as demais variáveis. Conclusão Existe associação entre ansiedade-estado e as dimensões exaustão emocional de burnout, despersonalização de burnout e ansiedade-traço. A ocorrência de ansiedade pode influenciar negativamente a maneira como o indivíduo enfrenta os fatores estressores cotidianos, o que pode estar relacionado ao uso de ineficazes estratégias de enfrentamento diante do estresse.

[Association between burnout syndrome and anxiety in residents and anesthesiologists of the Federal District]. / Associação entre síndrome de burnout e ansiedade em residentes e anestesiologistas do Distrito Federal.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: There is a shortage of studies addressing the association between burnout syndrome and anxiety among anesthesiologists. Identifying the relationship between these two conditions is of fundamental importance for the prevention, follow-up, and treatment of the professionals. Thus, we evaluated the association between burnout syndrome and anxiety in anesthesiologists and residents of anesthesiology in the Federal District. METHOD: A cross-sectional study using a convenience sample of residents and anesthesiologists from the Federal District. The correlation between State Trait Anxiety Inventory and Burnout Syndrome (Maslach Burnout Inventory) was tested using multiple linear regression analysis, considering a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Of the 78 completed forms, there were predominance of males (57.69%), mean age of 42 ± 9.7 years for anesthesiologists and 30 ± 2.9 years for residents. Burnout syndrome had a prevalence of 2.43% among anesthesiologists and 2.70% among resident physicians, while a high risk for its manifestation was 21.95% in anesthesiologists and 29.72% in resident physicians. There was a correlation between state-anxiety and the variables burnout emotional exhaustion, burnout depersonalization, and trait-anxiety. Regarding trait-anxiety, there was no statistically significant correlation with other variables. CONCLUSIONS: There is association between state-anxiety and the emotional exhaustion dimensions of burnout, burnout depersonalization, and trait-anxiety. The occurrence of anxiety can negatively influence the way the individual faces daily stressors, which may be related to the use of ineffective strategies to cope with stress.

Postoperative visual loss due to conversion disorder after spine surgery: a case report / Perda visual conversiva em pós-operatório de cirurgia de coluna: relato de caso

Abstract Background and objective Patients undergoing spinal surgeries may develop postoperative visual loss. We present a case of total bilateral visual loss in a patient who, despite having clinical and surgical risk factors for organic lesion, evolved with visual disturbance due to conversion disorder. Case report A male patient, 39 years old, 71 kg, 1.72 m, ASA I, admitted to undergo fusion and discectomy at L4-L5 and L5-S1. Venoclysis, cardioscopy, oximetry, NIBP; induction with remifentanil, propofol and rocuronium; intubation with ETT (8.0 mm) followed by capnography and urinary catheterization for diuresis. Maintenance with full target-controlled intravenous anesthesia. During fixation and laminectomy, the patient developed severe bleeding and hypovolemic shock. After 30 min, hemostasis and hemodynamic stability was achieved with infusion of norepinephrine, volume expansion, and blood products. In the ICU, the patient developed mental confusion, weakness in the limbs, and bilateral visual loss. It was not possible to identify clinical, laboratory or image findings of organic lesion. He evolved with episodes of anxiety, emotional lability, and language impairment; the hypothesis of conversion syndrome with visual component was raised after psychiatric evaluation. The patient had complete resolution of symptoms after visual education and introduction of low doses of antipsychotic, antidepressant, and benzodiazepine. Other symptoms also regressed, and the patient was discharged 12 days after surgery. After 60 days, the patient had no more symptoms. Conclusions Conversion disorders may have different signs and symptoms of non-organic origin,including visual component. It is noteworthy that the occurrence of this type of visual dysfunc-tion in the postoperative period of spinal surgery is a rare event and should be remembered asa differential diagnosis.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivo Pacientes submetidos a procedimentos cirúrgicos espinhais podem evoluir com perda visual pós-operatória. Apresentamos quadro de perda visual bilateral total em paciente que, apesar de apresentar fatores de risco clínicos e cirúrgicos para lesão orgânica, evoluiu com distúrbio visual conversivo. Relato de caso Masculino, 39 anos; 71 kg; 1,72 m; ASA I, admitido para realização de artrodese e discectomia em L4-L5 e L5-S1. Venóclise, cardioscopia, oximetria, PANI; indução com remifentanil, propofol e rocurônio; intubação com TOT 8,0 mm seguida por capnografia e diurese por sondagem vesical. Manutenção em anestesia venosa total alvo-controlada. Durante fixação e laminectomia, evoluiu com importante sangramento e choque hipovolêmico. Após 30 minutos obteve-se hemostasia e estabilidade hemodinâmica com infusão de noradrenalina, expansão volêmica e hemoderivados. Na UTI, evoluiu com confusão mental, fraqueza em membros e perda visual bilateral. Não foi possível identificar achados clínicos, laboratoriais ou de imagem para lesão orgânica. Evoluiu com episódios de ansiedade, labilidade emocional e distúrbio de linguagem; foi aventada hipótese de síndrome conversiva com componente visual após avaliação psiquiátrica. Apresentou melhoria total de sintomas visuais após educação e introdução de baixas doses de antipsicótico, antidepressivo e benzodiazepínico. Houve regressão dos demais sintomas com alta no décimo segundo dia pós-operatório. Encontrava-se assintomático após 60 dias. Conclusões Distúrbios conversivos podem apresentar diversos sinais e sintomas de origem nãoorgânica, incluindo componente visual. Destaca-se que a ocorrência desse tipo de disfunçãovisual no pós-operatório de cirurgias espinhais é evento raro e deve ser lembrado como diag-nóstico diferencial.

[Postoperative visual loss due to conversion disorder after spine surgery: a case report]. / Perda visual conversiva em pós­operatório de cirurgia de coluna: relato de caso.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Patients undergoing spinal surgeries may develop postoperative visual loss. We present a case of total bilateral visual loss in a patient who, despite having clinical and surgical risk factors for organic lesion, evolved with visual disturbance due to conversion disorder. CASE REPORT: A male patient, 39 years old, 71kg, 1.72 m, ASA I, admitted to undergo fusion and discectomy at L4-L5 and L5-S1. Venoclysis, cardioscopy, oximetry, NIBP; induction with remifentanil, propofol and rocuronium; intubation with ETT (8.0mm) followed by capnography and urinary catheterization for diuresis. Maintenance with full target-controlled intravenous anesthesia. During fixation and laminectomy, the patient developed severe bleeding and hypovolemic shock. After 30minutes, hemostasis and hemodynamic stability was achieved with infusion of norepinephrine, volume expansion, and blood products. In the ICU, the patient developed mental confusion, weakness in the limbs, and bilateral visual loss. It was not possible to identify clinical, laboratory or image findings of organic lesion. He evolved with episodes of anxiety, emotional lability, and language impairment; the hypothesis of conversion syndrome with visual component was raised after psychiatric evaluation. The patient had complete resolution of symptoms after visual education and introduction of low doses of antipsychotic, antidepressant, and benzodiazepine. Other symptoms also regressed, and the patient was discharged 12 days after surgery. After 60 days, the patient had no more symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Conversion disorders may have different signs and symptoms of non-organic origin, including visual component. It is noteworthy that the occurrence of this type of visual dysfunction in the postoperative period of spinal surgery is a rare event and should be remembered as a differential diagnosis.

Effect of dexmedetomidine in children undergoing general anesthesia with sevoflurane: a meta-analysis / Efeito da dexmedetomidina em crianças submetidas à anestesia geral com sevoflurano

Abstract Background and objectives: Sevoflurane is often used in pediatric anesthesia and is associated with high incidence of psychomotor agitation. In such cases, dexmedetomidine (DEX) has been used, but its benefit and implications remain uncertain. We assessed the effects of DEX on agitation in children undergoing general anesthesia with sevoflurane. Method: Meta-analysis of randomized clinical and double-blind studies, with children undergoing elective procedures under general anesthesia with sevoflurane, using DEX or placebo. We sought articles in English in PubMed database using the following terms: Dexmedetomidine, sevoflurane (Methyl Ethers/sevoflurante), and agitation (Psychomotor Agitation). Duplicate articles with children who received premedication and used active control were excluded. It was adopted random effects model with DerSimonian-Laird testing and odds ratio (OR) calculation for dichotomous variables, and standardized mean difference for continuous variables, with their respective 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Of 146 studies identified, 10 were selected totaling 558 patients (282 in DEX group and 276 controls). The use of DEX was considered a protective factor for psychomotor agitation (OR = 0.17; 95% CI 0.13-0.23; p < 0.0001) and nausea and vomiting in PACU (OR = 0.49; 95% CI 0.35-0.68; p < 0.0001). Wake-up time and PACU discharge time were higher in the dexmedetomidine group. There was no difference between groups for extubation time and duration of anesthesia. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine reduces psychomotor agitation during wake-up time of children undergoing general anesthesia with sevoflurane.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: Sevoflurano é frequentemente usado em anestesia pediátrica e está associado à alta incidência de agitação psicomotora ao despertar. Nesses casos a dexmedetomidina (dex) tem sido usada, porém permanecem incertos seus benefícios e suas implicações. Foram avaliados os efeitos da dex sobre a agitação no despertar de crianças submetidas à anestesia geral com sevoflurano. Método: Metanálise de ensaios clínicos randomizados e duplamente encobertos, com crianças submetidas a procedimentos eletivos sob anestesia geral com sevoflurano, que usaram dex ou placebo. Buscaram-se artigos em língua inglesa na base de dados Pubmed com termos como Dexmedetomidine, sevoflurane (Methyl Ethers/sevoflurane) e agitation (Psychomotor Agitation). Artigos duplicados, com crianças que receberam medicação pré-anestésica e que usaram controle ativo foram excluídos. Adotou-se modelo de efeitos aleatórios com testes de DerSimonian-Laird e cálculo de odds ratio (OR) para variáveis dicotômicas e diferença de média padronizada para variáveis contínuas, com seus respectivos intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC). Resultados: Dos 146 estudos identificados, 10 foram selecionados, com 558 pacientes (282 no grupo dex e 276 controles). O uso da dex foi considerado fator de proteção para agitação psicomotora (OR = 0,17; 95% IC 0,13-0,23; p < 0,0001) e para náuseas e vômitos na SRPA (OR = 0,49; 95% IC 0,35-0,68; p < 0,0001). Tempo para despertar e para alta da SRPA foram maiores no grupo dexmedetomidina. Não houve diferença entre os grupos para tempo de extubação e duração da anestesia. Conclusão: A dexmedetomidina reduz a agitação psicomotora no despertar de crianças submetidas à anestesia geral com sevoflurano.

Effect of dexmedetomidine in children undergoing general anesthesia with sevoflurane: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Sevoflurane is often used in pediatric anesthesia and is associated with high incidence of psychomotor agitation. In such cases, dexmedetomidine (DEX) has been used, but its benefit and implications remain uncertain. We assessed the effects of DEX on agitation in children undergoing general anesthesia with sevoflurane. METHOD: Meta-analysis of randomized clinical and double-blind studies, with children undergoing elective procedures under general anesthesia with sevoflurane, using DEX or placebo. We sought articles in English in PubMed database using the following terms: Dexmedetomidine, sevoflurane (Methyl Ethers/sevoflurante), and agitation (Psychomotor Agitation). Duplicate articles with children who received premedication and used active control were excluded. It was adopted random effects model with DerSimonian-Laird testing and odds ratio (OR) calculation for dichotomous variables, and standardized mean difference for continuous variables, with their respective 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Of 146 studies identified, 10 were selected totaling 558 patients (282 in DEX group and 276 controls). The use of DEX was considered a protective factor for psychomotor agitation (OR=0.17; 95% CI 0.13-0.23; p<0.0001) and nausea and vomiting in PACU (OR=0.49; 95% CI 0.35-0.68; p<0.0001). Wake-up time and PACU discharge time were higher in the dexmedetomidine group. There was no difference between groups for extubation time and duration of anesthesia. CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine reduces psychomotor agitation during wake-up time of children undergoing general anesthesia with sevoflurane.

[Effect of dexmedetomidine in children undergoing general anesthesia with sevoflurane: a meta-analysis]. / Efeito da dexmedetomidina em crianças submetidas à anestesia geral com sevoflurano.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Sevoflurane is often used in pediatric anesthesia and is associated with high incidence of psychomotor agitation. In such cases, dexmedetomidine (DEX) has been used, but its benefit and implications remain uncertain. We assessed the effects of DEX on agitation in children undergoing general anesthesia with sevoflurane. METHOD: Meta-analysis of randomized clinical and double-blind studies, with children undergoing elective procedures under general anesthesia with sevoflurane, using DEX or placebo. We sought articles in English in PubMed database using the following terms: Dexmedetomidine, sevoflurane (Methyl Ethers/sevoflurante), and agitation (Psychomotor Agitation). Duplicate articles with children who received premedication and used active control were excluded. It was adopted random effects model with DerSimonian-Laird testing and odds ratio (OR) calculation for dichotomous variables, and standardized mean difference for continuous variables, with their respective 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Of 146 studies identified, 10 were selected totaling 558 patients (282 in DEX group and 276 controls). The use of DEX was considered a protective factor for psychomotor agitation (OR=0.17; 95% CI 0.13 to 0.23; p<0.0001) and nausea and vomiting in PACU (OR=0.49; 95% CI 0.35 to 0.68; p<0.0001). Wake-up time and PACU discharge time were higher in the dexmedetomidine group. There was no difference between groups for extubation time and duration of anesthesia. CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine reduces psychomotor agitation during wake-up time of children undergoing general anesthesia with sevoflurane.

Perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes atendidos em ambulatório de HIV/AIDS / Epidemiological profile of patients attending an outpatient HIV/AIDS / Perfil epidemiológico de pacientes que acuden a un ambulatorio del VIH/AIDS

Objetivo: descrever o perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes com HIV/AIDS em atendimento ambulatorial de um Hospital de referência no tratamento do agravo. Método: estudo epidemiológico do tipo descritivo, baseado em revisão de prontuário de pacientes. Os dados foram coletados de todos os pacientes com confirmação diagnóstica de HIV/AIDS, matriculados no período de 2003 a 2007; protocolo de aprovação do Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa do Hospital Couto Maia, número 15/2009.Resultados: dos 135 pacientes, idade média de 40 anos ± 10 anos e razão de 2,3:1,0 entre homens e mulheres. Houve predominância da quarta e quinta década de idade somando 87 (63,8%) dos pacientes, baixo nível de escolaridade, solteiros, heterossexuais, tabagistas e etilistas. O não uso de drogas e de preservativos em relações sexuais também prevaleceram. Em 71,9% usavam esquema triplo de TARV. Toxoplasmic encephalitis, diarrhea, meningitis, turberculosis,herpes zoster and pneumonia were the most frequent causes of hospitalization. A média de infecção oportunista/pacientefoi de 1,88 ± 1,11. Conclusões: indivíduos com predomínio do gênero masculino, com baixo nível sócio-econômico, heterossexuais, tabagistas, etilistas, e a grande maioria dos atendidos relacionarem-se às consultas regulares e principal motivo de internação à doença oportunista.(AU)

Objective: to describe the epidemiological profile of patients with HIV/AIDS outpatients in a referral hospital for the treatment of this disease. Method: a descriptive epidemiological study based on chart review of patients. Data were collected from all patients with confirmed diagnosis of HIV/AIDS enrolled in the period 2003 to 2007; protocol approval by the Ethics in Research of Hospital Couto Maia, number 15/2009. Results: of 135 patients, mean age 40 years ± 10 years and 2,3:1,0 ratio between men and women. There was a predominance of the fourth and fifth decade of age by adding 87 (63.8%) patients, low education, unmarried, heterosexual, smokers and alcoholics. The non-use of drugs and condoms in sexual relations also prevailed. 71.9% were in the triple antiretroviral therapy. Toxoplasmic encephalitis, diarrhea, meningitis, tuberculosis, herpes zoster and pneumonia were the causes of hospitalization frenquentes more. The average of opportunistic infection/patient was 1.88 ± 1.11. Conclusions: individuals with a predominance of male gender, low socio-economic status, heterosexual, smokers, alcoholics, and most of the attention related to the regular and principal reason for admission to opportunistic disease.(AU)

Objetivo: describir el perfil epidemiológico de los pacientes con VIH/SIDA, los pacientes ambulatorios en un hospital de referencia para el tratamiento de esta enfermedad. Método: estudio epidemiológico descriptivo basado en revisión de historias clínicas de los pacientes. Se recogieron datos de todos los pacientes con diagnóstico confirmado de VIH/SIDA matriculados en el período 2003 a 2007, la aprobación del protocolo por la Ética en Investigación del Hospital Couto Maia, número 15/2009. Resultados: de 135 pacientes, edad media 40 años ± 10 años y 2,3:1,0 relación entre hombres y mujeres. Hubo un predominio de la cuarta y quinta década de vida mediante la adición de 87 (63,8%) pacientes, el bajo nivel educativo, solteros, heterosexuales fumadores y alcohólicos. La no utilización de medicamentos y preservativos en las relaciones sexuales también prevaleció. 71,9% estaban en la terapia antirretroviral. Toxoplásmica encefalitis, diarrea, meningitis, tuberculosis, herpes zoster y la neumonía fueron las causas de hospitalización más frenquentes. El promedio de infección oportunista por paciente fue de 1,88 ± 1,11. Conclusiones: los individuos con un predominio del sexo masculino, la baja condición socio-económica, heterosexuales fumadores, alcohólicos, y la mayoría de la atención relacionadas con el motivo ordinarios y principales de ingreso a las enfermedades oportunistas.(AU)

Perfil clínico-epidemiológico de pacientes com HIV/AIDS em hospital de referência da Bahia, Brasil / Clinical and epidemiological profile of patients with HIV/AIDS hospitalized at the hospital for reference in the state of Bahia, Brazil / Características clínicas y epidemiológicas de los pacientes com VIH/SIDA en el hospital de estado de Bahía, Brasil

Objetivo: descrever o perfil clínico-epidemiológico dos pacientes internados com HIV/AIDS no Hospital de Referência do Estado da Bahia. Método: estudo descritivo retrospectivo, de corte transversal. A amostra foi composta pelos pacientes internados no hospital de referência no tratamento de HIV/AIDS da cidade de Salvador-BA, entre janeiro a dezembro de2008; os dados foram obtidos de prontuários médicos após aprovação do Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa do Hospital Couto Maia com protocolo 15/2009. Resultados: dos 194 pacientes, observou-se média de idade de 37,8 anos ± 10,7 anos. Predominou faixa etária entre 21 e 50 anos somando 87,5% dos pacientes. Cerca de 150 pacientes tinham diagnóstico prévio à internação e 54 estavam em uso regular de TARV na admissão. Diarréia, neurotoxoplasmose e candidíase esofágica foram as doenças oportunistas mais frequentes. A mediana de CD4 foi de 82 variando de 7-1.099 células/mm3.Observou-se que, 65 (33,5%) foram a óbito e as maiores taxas de letalidade foram atribuídas ao Sarcoma de Kaposi (75,0%)e neurotoxoplasmose (42,2%). Conclusão: o perfil clínico-epidemiológico dos pacientes com HIV/AIDS internados em estudo é composto por adultos jovens, do gênero masculino, heterossexuais que possuíam diagnóstico prévio a internação, cujo principal motivo de internação esteve relacionado à doença oportunista.(AU)

Objective: to describe the clinical and epidemiological profile of patients with HIV/AIDS hospitalized at the Hospital for Reference in the state of Bahia, Brazil. Method: a descriptive retrospective cross-sectional study. The sample comprised of patients admitted to the hospital for the treatment of HIV/AIDS in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, from January to December 2008; the data was obtained from medical records upon approval by the Committee for Ethics in Research of Hospital Couto Maia (protocol 15/2009). Results: for the 194 patients studied, the average age was 37.8 years, ± 10.7 years. The predominant age group was 21 to 50 years old, which represented 87.5% of the all patients. Prior to hospitalization, about 150 patients were already diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and 54 were in regular use of antiretroviral therapy. Diarrhea, toxoplasmosis and esophageal candidiasis were the most common opportunistic diseases encountered. The average CD4 was 82 cells/mm3 , ranging from 7 to 1,099. Of the 194 patients studied, 65 (33.5%) died and the highest mortality rates were attributed to Kaposi's sarcoma (75.0%) and toxoplasmosis (42.2%). Conclusions: the clinical and epidemiological profile of the patients with HIV/AIDS analyzed consists of young heterosexuals adult males, who were diagnosed previously to their hospitalization and whose main reason for hospitalization was related to opportunistic diseases.(AU)

Objetivo: describir las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de los pacientes con VIH/SIDA en el hospital de referencia del estado de Bahía, Brasil. Método: estudio retrospectivo observacional descriptivo de corte transversal. La muestra se compone de los pacientes ingresados en el hospital para el tratamiento del VIH/SIDA, en Salvador, Bahía, Brasil, entre enero y diciembre de 2008; los datos se obtuvieron a partir de los registros médicos seguidamente a la aprobación por el Comité de Ética en Investigación del Hospital Couto Maia (protocolo 15/2009). Resultados: de los 194 pacientes estudiados la edad promedio fue de 37,8 años ± 10,7 años. El grupo de edad predominante fue de 21 a 50 años, lo que representa 87,5% del total de pacientes. Alrededor de 150 pacientes fueron diagnosticados antes de la admisión y 54 hacían uso regular de la terapia antirretroviral cuando del ingreso. Se observó que la diarrea, toxoplasmosis y candidiasis esofágica fueron las enfermedades oportunistas más frecuentes. El promedio de CD4 fue de 82 células/mm3 , entre 7 y 1.099. De los 194 pacientes estudiados, 65 (33,5%) fallecieron y las tasas de mortalidad más altas se atribuyen al sarcoma de Kaposi (75,0%) y toxoplasmosis (42,2%). Conclusiones: el perfil clínico y epidemiológico de los pacientes con VIH/SIDA analizados se compone de jóvenes adultos, hombres, heterosexuales, que habían sido diagnosticados previamente a la hospitalización y cuyo principal motivo para el ingreso en el hospital estaba relacionado con enfermedades oportunistas.(AU)