Correction: The Meaning of Lymphadenopathies During Adjuvant Durvalumab After Chemoradiotherapy for Lung Cancer: Thinking Beyond Disease Progression.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.26729.].

Fatores de risco para complicações pósoperatórias da hidradenite supurativa: artigo de revisão / Risk factors for postoperative complications of Hidradenitis Suppurativa: a review article

Introdução: a hidradenite supurativa é uma doença inflamatória crônica e recidivante. Altas taxas de recorrência podem persistir mesmo após ampla excisão cirúrgica local. Objetivo: avaliar os principais fatores de risco para complicações pós-operatórias da hidradenite supurativa. Metodologia: foram utilizadas referências em artigos científicos nas bases de dados Google, PubMed, LILACS e SciELO nas línguas portuguesa e inglesa, no período de 2000 a 2021. Resultados: os principais fatores que influenciam os resultados pós-operatórios estão relacionados a técnica cirúrgica empregada, gravidade da doença, comorbidades dos pacientes e terapia clínica adjuvante

Introduction: Hidradenitis Suppurativa is a chronic inflamatory and relapsing disease. High levels of recurrence can persist even after wide local excision. Objective: Identify the main risk factors for postoperative complications of Hidradentis Suppurativa. Methods: We included journal articles with data from Google, Pubmed, Lilacs, and Scielo, in Portuguese and English, from 2000 to 2021. Results: The main risk factors that influence postoperative outcomes are related to surgical technique, disease severity, comorbidities, and adjuvant clinical therapy

Protocolo estadual para atendimento de casos suspeitos ou confirmados de síndrome de trombose com trombocitopenia (STT) associada à vacinação com vacinas de vetor de adenovírus não replicante contra a covid-19 / State protocol for the care of suspected or confirmed cases of thrombosis syndrome with thrombocytopenia (STT) associated with vaccination with non-replicating adenovirus vector vaccines against covid-19

Os efeitos generalizados exercidos pela pandemia da doença do Coronavírus 2019 (COVID-19) obrigaram governos e instituições de saúde mundiais a deslocar recursos para a contenção da crise sanitária e a desenvolver métodos para reduzi-los. As vacinas foram elencadas como principal método para conter a pandemia, com mais de um bilhão de doses administradas em todo o mundo. Entre as vacinas produzidas até o momento para combate ao vírus causador, SARS-CoV-2, estão as vacinas de vetores de adenovírus da Oxford-AstraZeneca (AZD1222) e a da Johnson & Johnson (Ad26.COV2.S). Após a implementação da vacinação em massa da população mundial, relatou-se um distúrbio pró-trombótico extremamente raro associado a ambas vacinas com trombocitopenia concomitante e desenvolvimento de anticorpos antiplaquetários fator 4 (anti-PF4). Esta desordem foi denominada inicialmente como Síndrome da Trombose com Trombocitopenia (STT) e posteriormente como Trombose Trombocitopênica Imune induzida por Vacina (TTIV). Os primeiros casos de trombose relacionados à vacinação para o SARS-CoV-2 começaram a ser reportados no final de fevereiro de 2021. Os relatos levaram à abertura de uma investigação pelas Agências do Reino Unido de Regulação de Produtos de Saúde e Medicina (MHRA) e Europeia de Medicina (EMA), as quais anunciaram em 11 de março de 2021 que não havia uma associação identificada. Entretanto, três grupos de cientistas da Noruega, Alemanha e Reino Unido reportaram, na semana seguinte, um caso de trombose localizada no seio venoso cerebral com trombocitopenia e anticorpos antiplaquetários fator 4 em um indivíduo que havia recebido a vacina da Oxford-AstraZeneca. Após maiores investigações, em 7 de abril de 2021, MHRA e EMA anunciaram a nova Síndrome de Trombose com Trombocitopenia e anticorpos antiplaquetários fator 4. Em 11 de novembro de 2021, houve a elaboração de uma definição de caso para STT, realizada pelo Brighton Collaboration, a qual engloba 5 critérios: (1) evidência de trombocitopenia sem exposição recente à heparina; (2) presença de trombose ou tromboembolismo confirmado por exame de imagem, procedimento cirúrgico, exame patológico ou dor de cabeça persistente com elevação de D-dímero (sugerindo trombose de seio venoso cerebral); (3) sintomas clínicos de trombose (Quadro 1); (4) exames de imagem e achados laboratoriais que confirmem o diagnóstico de trombose ou tromboembolismo; (5) achados laboratoriais que confirmem o diagnóstico de anticorpos de ativação plaquetária mediados por trombose, como enzima-imunoensaio (EIA) positivo para anti-PF4 e teste funcional positivo de ativação plaquetária com adição de PF4.

Innate immune memory mediates increased susceptibility to Alzheimer's disease-like pathology in sepsis surviving mice.

Sepsis survivors show long-term impairments, including alterations in memory and executive function. Evidence suggests that systemic inflammation contributes to the progression of Alzheimers disease (AD), but the mechanisms involved in this process are still unclear. Boosted (trained) and diminished (tolerant) innate immune memory has been described in peripheral immune cells after sepsis. However, the occurrence of long-term innate immune memory in the post-septic brain is fully unexplored. Here, we demonstrate that sepsis causes long-lasting trained innate immune memory in the mouse brain, leading to an increased susceptibility to Aß oligomers (AßO), central neurotoxins found in AD. Hippocampal microglia from sepsis-surviving mice shift to an amoeboid/phagocytic morphological profile when exposed to low amounts of AßO, and this event was accompanied by the upregulation of several pro-inflammatory proteins (IL-1ß, IL-6, INF-γ and P2X7 receptor) in the mouse hippocampus, suggesting that a trained innate immune memory occurs in the brain after sepsis. Brain exposure to low amounts of AßO increased microglial phagocytic ability against hippocampal synapses. Pharmacological blockage of brain phagocytic cells or microglial depletion, using minocycline and colony stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibitor (PLX3397), respectively, prevents cognitive dysfunction induced by AßO in sepsis-surviving mice. Altogether, our findings suggest that sepsis induces a long-lasting trained innate immune memory in the mouse brain, leading to an increased susceptibility to AßO-induced neurotoxicity and cognitive impairment.

Zika virus replicates in adult human brain tissue and impairs synapses and memory in mice.

Neurological complications affecting the central nervous system have been reported in adult patients infected by Zika virus (ZIKV) but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we report that ZIKV replicates in human and mouse adult brain tissue, targeting mature neurons. ZIKV preferentially targets memory-related brain regions, inhibits hippocampal long-term potentiation and induces memory impairment in adult mice. TNF-α upregulation, microgliosis and upregulation of complement system proteins, C1q and C3, are induced by ZIKV infection. Microglia are found to engulf hippocampal presynaptic terminals during acute infection. Neutralization of TNF-α signaling, blockage of microglial activation or of C1q/C3 prevent synapse and memory impairment in ZIKV-infected mice. Results suggest that ZIKV induces synapse and memory dysfunction via aberrant activation of TNF-α, microglia and complement. Our findings establish a mechanism by which ZIKV affects the adult brain, and point to the need of evaluating cognitive deficits as a potential comorbidity in ZIKV-infected adults.

Chronic Urticaria in the Real-Life Clinical Practice Setting in Portugal: Baseline Results from the Non-Interventional Multicentre AWARE Study.

INTRODUCTION: There is a paucity of information regarding chronic urticaria patients' care in a real-world setting. The objective of this study was to report and evaluate the baseline characteristics of Portuguese chronic urticaria patients refractory to H1-antihistamines included in the AWARE study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a non-interventional cohort study. Adult patients with a diagnosis of chronic urticaria with symptoms for at least two months, refractory to H1-antihistamines, consulting one of the 10 participating urticaria centers throughout Portugal have been included in the study. Baseline sociodemographic data, medical history, clinical parameters, medication, weekly urticaria activity score, and dermatology quality of life index have been collected. RESULTS: Seventy six patients were included, of which 76.3% were women. The majority of patients had a diagnosis of chronic spontaneous urticaria (88.2%) and 39.5% had angioedema. Around 91.0% of patients were medicated with non-sedative H1-antihistamines and 35.4% with a third line therapy. Median dermatology quality of life index was 5.0 and median weekly urticaria activity score was 13.0. DISCUSSION: The baseline results suggest that patients with chronic urticaria refractory to H1-antihistamines are being under-treated in the real-world setting. CONCLUSION: The AWARE study demonstrates the real impact of chronic urticaria on Portuguese patients refractory to H1-antihistamines treatment, and 30% report a very large or extremely large deleterious effect on their quality of life. The follow-up of these patients will allow evaluating strategies aimed at optimizing disease control.

Introdução: A informação sobre os doentes com urticária crónica em ambiente de vida real é escassa e este estudo teve por objectivo reportar e avaliar as características basais dos doentes portugueses com urticária crónica refractários aos anti-histamínicos H1 incluídos no estudo AWARE. Material e Métodos: Estudo de coorte não intervencional. Foram incluídos doentes adultos com diagnóstico de urticária crónica sintomáticos durante pelo menos dois meses, refratários aos anti-histamínicos H1, seguidos em 10 centros de urticária em Portugal. Foram recolhidos dados basais sociodemográficos, história clínica, parâmetros clínicos, medicação, índice semanal de atividade de urticária e índice de qualidade de vida dermatológico. Resultados: Foram incluídos 76 doentes, dos quais 76,3% mulheres. A maioria dos doentes estava diagnosticado com urticária crónica espontânea (88,2%) e 39,5% apresentavam angioedema. Cerca de 91,0% dos doentes estavam medicados com anti-histamínicos H1 não sedativos e 35,4% com terapêuticas de terceira linha. A mediana do índice de qualidade de vida dermatológico foi 5,0 e a mediana do índice semanal de atividade de urticária foi 13,0. Discussão: Os resultados basais sugerem que os doentes com urticária crónica refratários ao tratamento com anti-histamínicos H1 estão sub-tratados em ambiente de vida real. Conclusão: O estudo AWARE vem demonstrar o real impacto da urticária crónica nos doentes portugueses refratários ao tratamento com anti-histamínicos H1 onde mais de 30% reporta um impacto elevado ou extremamente elevado da doença na sua qualidade de vida. O seguimento destes doentes permitirá avaliar estratégias para otimização do controlo da doença.

From prescribed work to the real work of nursing in in-patient care units of federal university hospitals / Del trabajo prescrito al trabajo real de enfermería en unidades de internación de hospitales universitarios federales / Do trabalho prescrito ao trabalho real da enfermagem em unidades de internação de hospitais universitários federais

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify similarities and differences found between the prescribed and real nursing work, from the perspective of nursing professionals of in-patient care units of federal university hospitals. Method: qualitative research with a descriptive and transversal exploratory design. Data collection was based on floating observation of the service; interview with two managers and twenty-three nursing professionals; and shadowing a nurse and nursing technician during their work shift. The data were organized using the Atlas.ti software, using the Thematic Content Analysis, supported by the Health Work Process and the Ergological Approach theoretical framework. Results: the results showed that there are similarities between the prescribed and the real nursing work which is determined by the division of work, which remains linked to the professional categories, and in relation to the team there is a multiprofessional work perspective. The differences are related to the management between the institutions and to the work pace. Both the similarities and the differences are connected to the one prescribed to the profession, being that there are movements of renormalizations, redefining the work organization, mainly with a view to integrative care, from the perspective of subjectivity. Conclusion: it is necessary to reconsider work, as the practices can be modified by the nursing professionals when they acquire new knowledge that substantiates work reorganization.

RESUMEN Objetivo: identificar las semejanzas y diferencias encontradas en el trabajo de enfermería, entre lo prescrito y lo real, a partir del punto de vista de los profesionales de enfermería en unidades de internación de hospitales universitarios federales. Método: investigación de la naturaleza cualitativa con un delineamiento exploratorio, descriptivo y transversal. Se recolectó los datos a partir de la observación flotante del servicio; se entrevistaron a dos gestores y veintitrés profesionales de enfermería; y seguimiento de un turno de trabajo de enfermero y técnico de enfermería. Se organizaron los datos con la ayuda del software Atlas.ti, utilizando el Análisis de Contenido Temático, que se basa en el referencial teórico del Proceso de Trabajo en Salud y del abordaje Ergológico. Resultados: los resultados demostraron que en el trabajo de enfermería existen semejanzas entre lo prescrito y lo real, determinados por la división del trabajo, que permanecen vinculadas a las categorías profesionales, y en relación al equipo hay una perspectiva de trabajo multiprofesional. Respecto a las diferencias, estas se relacionan a la gestión entre las instituciones y al ritmo de trabajo. Tanto las semejanzas como las diferencias se articulan con lo prescrito a la profesión, siendo que hay movimientos de renormalizaciones, redefiniendo la organización del trabajo, sobre todo con miras al cuidado integral, a partir de la perspectiva de la subjetividad. Conclusión: debemos pensar y repensar el trabajo, dado que los trabajadores de enfermería pueden modificar las prácticas al apropiarse de nuevos conocimientos que fundamenten la reorganización del trabajo.

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar semelhanças e diferenças encontradas no trabalho da enfermagem, entre o prescrito e o real, a partir do ponto de vista dos profissionais de enfermagem de unidades de internação de hospitais universitários federais. Método: pesquisa de natureza qualitativa com delineamento exploratório descritivo e transversal. A coleta de dados se deu a partir de observação flutuante do serviço; entrevista com dois gestores e vinte e três profissionais da enfermagem; e, acompanhamento de um turno de trabalho de enfermeiro e técnico de enfermagem. Os dados foram organizados com auxílio do software Atlas.ti, utilizando a Análise de Conteúdo Temática, sustentada pelo referencial teórico do Processo de Trabalho em Saúde e da abordagem Ergológica. Resultados: os resultados evidenciaram que no trabalho da enfermagem há semelhanças entre o prescrito e o real determinados pela divisão do trabalho, que se mantém atrelada às categorias profissionais, e em relação à equipe há uma perspectiva de trabalho multiprofissional. Quanto às diferenças, estão relacionadas à gestão entre as instituições e ao ritmo de trabalho. Tanto as semelhanças quanto as diferenças estão articuladas ao prescrito à profissão, sendo que há movimentos de renormalizações, redefinindo a organização do trabalho, principalmente com vistas ao cuidado integral, a partir da perspectiva da subjetividade. Conclusão: há que se pensar e repensar o trabalho, pois as práticas podem ser modificadas pelos trabalhadores de enfermagem, ao se apropriarem de novos conhecimentos que fundamentem a reorganização do trabalho.

Qualidade de vida em idosos, não institucionalizados, no distrito de Bragança / Quality of life in non-institutionalised elderly people in the Bragança district

As questões relacionadas com a qualidade de vida é uma crescente preocupação. As ciências humanas e biológicas têm vindo a valorizar parâmetros mais amplos do que o controle de sintomas, a diminuição da mortalidade ou até aumento da esperança de vida (Pereira, Teixeira & Santos, 2012). São escassos os estudos realizados em amostras de idosos inseridos na comunidade. O presente estudo tem como objetivo principal avaliar a qualidade de vida das pessoas idosas (indivíduos com ≥ 65 anos), não institucionalizadas, no distrito de Bragança bem como a sua relação com variáveis sociodemográficas, avaliação sensorial, hábitos de vida e estado de saúde, capacidade funcional nas atividades instrumentais de vida diária e rede social de apoio. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo-analítico e transversal com uma abordagem quantitativa, numa amostra de 581 idosos, com uma amostragem não probabilística, acidental por conveniência. A recolha dos dados decorreu entre Setembro de 2017 e Abril de 2018. Para a recolha dos dados, recorreu-se à aplicação de um formulário sociodemográfico, ao questionário WHOQOL-Bref, para avaliar a qualidade de vida, o Índice Lawton e Brody para avaliar capacidade funcional nas atividades instrumentais de vida diária e a Escala de Recursos Sociais OARS-MFAQ, para avaliar o apoio social. Para predizer a qualidade nos seus diferentes domínios foram utilizados modelos de regressão linear simples e múltipla através do algoritmo stepwise, que filtrou as variáveis com importância. Os resultados obtidos permitem concluir que as maiores médias de QDV da WHOQOL- BREF vão para o domínio psicológico (57) e meio ambiente (56,6), as médias mais baixas vão para o domínio das relações sociais (53,1). O sexo masculino está relacionado com melhor QDV percecionada e estão mais satisfeitos com a sua saúde. Ser mulher e o aumento da idade está relacionado com pior avaliação da QDV nos 4 domínios da WHOQOL-BREF (p <0,001). A amostra estudada apresenta algum nível de independência instrumental (6,6 na escala de Lawton e Brody). A relação entre as alterações visuais e auditivas e WHOQOL BREF só foi confirmada nos domínios físico (p <0,001) e relações sociais (p <0,001). A relação entre estado de saúde e WHOQOL BREF foi confirmada nos 4 domínios da WHOQOL-BREF (p <0,001). Nas relações sociais, da escala OARS, a amostra apresentou um nível 3 que corresponde a relações sociais ligeiramente insatisfatórias, um nível que apesar de intermédio consideramos positivo. Quando analisada a sua relação com a WHOQOL BREF verifica-se que quanto maior o isolamento social maior é a degradação física, psicológica, nas relações sociais e meio ambiente. Viver acompanhado aumenta a QDV percecionada e quando não há alguém disposto a ajudar é penalizador nos 4 domínios da escala WHOQOL BREF (p <0,001). Podemos concluir que as variáveis sociodemográficas, alterações na visão e audição, o estado de saúde (polimedicação, uso de auxiliares de marcha e ocorrência de internamentos anteriores), autonomia instrumental e o nível dos recursos sociais, neste trabalho, são determinantes para a qualidade de vida e o domínio que nos merece maior atenção é o das relações sociais.

Issues related to quality of life are a growing concern. The human and biological sciences have come to value parameters broader than the control of symptoms, the reduction of mortality or even increase of life expectancy (Pereira, Teixeira, & Santos, 2012). There are few studies carried out on representative samples of elderly people in the community. The present study has as main objective to evaluate the quality of life of the elderly people (individuals with ≥ 65 years), non-institutionalized, in the Bragança district as well as its relationship with sociodemographic variables, sensorial evaluation, life habits and state of health, functional capacity in instrumental activities of daily living and social support network. This is a descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach in a sample of 581 elderly people. With a non-probabilistic, accidental sampling for convenience. Data collection took place between September 2017 and April 2018. To collect data, a sociodemographic form was applied to the WHOQOL-Bref questionnaire to assess quality of life, the Lawton and Brody Index to assess functional capacity in instrumental activities of daily living and the Social Resources Scale OARS-MFAQ, to assess social support. To predict the quality in its different domains, simple and multiple linear regression models were used through the stepwise algorithm, which filtered the variables with importance. The results obtained allow us to conclude that the highest WHOQOL-BREF QOL values go to the psychological domain (57) and the environment (56.6), the lowest means go to the domain of social relations (53,1). Males are related to better perceived QOL and are more satisfied with their health. Being a woman and increasing age is related to poorer QOL assessment in the 4 WHOQOL-BREF domains (p <0.001). The sample studied shows some level of instrumental independence (6.6 on the Lawton and Brody scale). In the social relations, of the OARS scale, the sample presented a level 3 that corresponds to slightly unsatisfactory social relations, a level that although intermediate we consider positive. When analyzed in relation to the WHOQOL BREF, it is verified that how bigger is the social isolation, more big is the physical and psychological degradation in social relations and the environment. Living together increases the perceived QOL and when there is no one willing to help is a penalty in the 4 domains of the WHOQOL BREF scale (p <0.001). We can conclude that the sociodemographic variables, alterations in vision and hearing, health status (polymedication, use of walking aids and occurrence of previous hospitalizations), instrumental autonomy and the level of social resources in this study are determinant for quality of life and the domain that deserves more attention from us is the social relations.

Successful treatment of eosinophilic cellulitis with dapsone.

A 55-year-old woman presented with a 3-year history of recurrent episodes of pruritic cellulitis-like erythematous plaques, mostly located on the limbs. Simultaneously, fever, malaise and peripheral eosinophilia were noted. The clinical diagnosis of eosinophilic cellulitis (also known as Well's syndrome) was supported by the histopathological finding of typical "flame figures". Treatment with dapsone was initiated at a dose of 50 mg per day. After one year of follow-up the patient was relapse-free. Eosinophilic cellulitis is an uncommon, recurrent inflammatory skin disease. The management is often a challenge, due to the frequent need for long-term therapy. Dapsone is an effective and safe treatment option.

Wade histoid leprosy revisited.

An 18-year-old man presented with a 4-year history of erythematous patches on the trunk, followed 2-years later by multiple nodules, mostly located on the limbs, and distal paresthesias. Two close contacts were treated for leprosy during his childhood. Histopathological examination revealed a histiocytic infiltrate with acid-fast bacilli on Ziehl-Neelsen stain. The slit-skin and nasal smears showed numerous acid-fast bacilli. The correlation between clinical, epidemiological, histopathological, and microbiological features allowed the diagnosis of lepromatous leprosy, histoid variant. Multidrug therapy as recommended by the WHO was initiated. A rapid and sustained improvement was seen. Histoid leprosy is a rare manifestation of lepromatous leprosy, first described by Wade in 1960. Since then few cases have been reported, the majority of them from countries with a high prevalence of the disease. Early recognition and treatment are of most importance to prevent neurological disabilities and achieve epidemiological control.

Cooking and Fe fortification have different effects on Fe bioavailability of bread and tortillas.

OBJECTIVE: To identify iron sources for wheat- (WF) and corn-flour (CF) fortification taking into account the effect of cooking. METHODS: Sixty-six Fe-depleted rats were replete with various Fe sources. Fe bioavailability and utilization in wheat bread (WB) and corn tortillas (CT) fortified with various Fe sources was assessed after the depletion and repletion periods. RESULTS: Baking decreased the phytates content of WF by 97%. Improvements in Hb and FeHb were greater in rats fed unfortified WB than in those fed unfortified WF. Fe fortification had no benefit. In contrast, phytates content was unchanged by tortilla preparation, but fortification improved iron availability. Iron bioavailability indicators were best in rats fed CT fortified with ferrous sulfate and NaFe(III)EDTA than in those fed unfortified CT or CT plus reduced Fe. CONCLUSION: We concluded that baking WF bread improved the bioavailability of native Fe with no further effect of fortification. Pan-cooking of lime-treated CF did not improve Fe bioavailability, but addition of Ferrous sulfate or NaFe(III)EDTA did it, despite the high phytate and calcium content of tortillas.

Clinical and radiological analysis of children and adolescents with tuberculosis in Bahia, Brazil.

We reviewed the clinical and radiological characteristics of tuberculosis (TB) in children and adolescents at the Hospital Especializado Octávio Mangabeira, (HEOM) in Salvador, Bahia. This study included 275 TB patients aged 1 to 15 years seen between January 1990 and November 2001. Standardized forms were filled out on the basis of a review of patient records and x-rays. Through a retrospective and descriptive analysis, it was found that 51.6% were male, 35.3% were aged 1 to 5 years, 28% were aged 6 to 10 and 36.7% were aged 11 to 15. Among all patients, 79.6% lived in the city of Salvador. A history of contact with TB was found in 63.9%, most frequently among children under 5 years old; 77.2% were vaccinated with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG). The most frequently observed symptoms were coughing (76%), fever (73.1%) weight loss (53.1%), and 4.7% were asymptomatic. Pulmonary TB was most frequent (57.8%) and extra-pulmonary TB occurred in 24.4%, with a predominance of hilar adenopathy. Both forms occurred simultaneously in 17.8%. In 53.1% of the cases the diagnosis was not determined by bacteriology or pathological anatomy; in these cases diagnosis was reached through clinical and radiological criteria, contact history, a tuberculin test > or = 10mm and a positive response to tuberculostatic drugs.

Clinical and radiological analysis of children and adolescents with tuberculosis in Bahia, Brazil

We reviewed the clinical and radiological characteristics of tuberculosis (TB) in children and adolescents at the Hospital Especializado Octávio Mangabeira, (HEOM) in Salvador, Bahia. This study included 275 TB patients aged 1 to 15 years seen between January 1990 and November 2001. Standardized forms were filled out on the basis of a review of patient records and x-rays. Through a retrospective and descriptive analysis, it was found that 51.6 percent were male, 35.3 percent were aged 1 to 5 years, 28 percent were aged 6 to 10 and 36.7 percent were aged 11 to 15. Among all patients, 79.6 percent lived in the city of Salvador. A history of contact with TB was found in 63.9 percent, most frequently among children under 5 years old; 77.2 percent were vaccinated with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG). The most frequently observed symptoms were coughing (76 percent), fever (73.1 percent) weight loss (53.1 percent), and 4.7 percent were asymptomatic. Pulmonary TB was most frequent (57.8 percent) and extra-pulmonary TB occurred in 24.4 percent, with a predominance of hilar adenopathy. Both forms occurred simultaneously in 17.8 percent. In 53.1 percent of the cases the diagnosis was not determined by bacteriology or pathological anatomy; in these cases diagnosis was reached through clinical and radiological criteria, contact history, a tuberculin test >10mm and a positive response to tuberculostatic drugs