Relatos da pandemia: ser mulher e mãe em tempos de covid-19 / Pandemic reports: being a woman and mother in covid-19 times / Relatos de la pandemia: ser mujer y madre en tiempos del covid-19

Partindo da pergunta "Como tem sido ser mulher e mãe em tempos de pandemia?", o presente estudo convidou mulheres que são mães, em redes sociais virtuais, a partilhar um relato de suas experiências com a readaptação parental em função do distanciamento social causado pela pandemia de covid-19. O objetivo foi refletir sobre a experiência de ser mulher e mãe em tempos de covid-19 e distanciamento social, apontando algumas ressonâncias do cenário pandêmico na subjetividade dessas mulheres. O estudo teve como base o referencial psicanalítico, tanto na construção da pesquisa e análise dos relatos quanto na sua discussão. A análise dos cerca de 340 relatos coletados, os quais variaram de uma breve frase a longos parágrafos, apontou para uma série de questionamentos, pontos de análise e reflexões. A pandemia, e o decorrente distanciamento social, parece ter colocado uma lente de aumento sobre as angústias das mulheres que são mães, evidenciando sentimentos e sofrimentos sempre presentes. Destacaram-se, nos relatos, a sobrecarga das mulheres com as tarefas de cuidado dos filhos e da casa, a culpa, a solidão, a exaustão, e o sentimento de que não havia espaço nesse contexto para "ser mulher", sendo isso entendido especialmente a questões estéticas e de vaidade.(AU)

Starting from the question "How does it feel to be a woman and a mother in pandemic times?", this study invited women who are mothers, in virtual social networks, to share their experiences regarding parental adaptations due to social distancing caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective was to reflect on the experience of being a woman and a mother in the context of COVID-19 and of social distancing, pointing out some resonances of the pandemic scenario in the subjectivity of these women. The study was based on the psychoanalytical framework, both in the construction of the research and analysis of the reports and in their discussion. The analysis of about 340 collected reports, which ranged from a brief sentence to long paragraphs, pointed to a series of questions, analysis topics, and reflections. The pandemic, and the resulting social distancing, seems to have placed a magnifying glass over the anguish of women who are mothers, showing ever-present feelings and suffering. The reports highlighted women's overload with child and house care tasks, the guilt, loneliness, exhaustion, and the feeling that there was no space in this context to "be a woman," and it extends to aesthetic and vanity related questions especially.(AU)

A partir de la pregunta "¿cómo te sientes siendo mujer y madre en tiempos de pandemia?", este estudio invitó por las redes sociales a mujeres que son madres a compartir un relato de sus experiencias sobre la readaptación parental en función del distanciamiento social causado por la pandemia del covid-19. Su objetivo fue reflexionar sobre la experiencia de ser mujer y madre en tiempos del covid-19 y el distanciamiento social, señalando algunas resonancias del escenario pandémico en la subjetividad de estas mujeres. Este estudio se basó en el marco psicoanalítico, tanto en la construcción de la investigación y análisis de los informes como en su discusión. El análisis de los casi 340 relatos, que variaron de una pequeña frase a largos párrafos, generó en las investigadoras una serie de cuestionamientos y reflexiones. La pandemia y el consecuente distanciamiento social parece haber agrandado las angustias de las mujeres que son madres, evidenciando sentimientos y sufrimientos siempre presentes. En los relatos destacan la sobrecarga de las mujeres con las tareas de cuidado de los hijos y del hogar, la culpa, la soledad, el cansancio, así como el sentimiento de que no hay espacio em este contexto para "ser mujer", relacionado principalmente a cuestiones estéticas y de vanidad.(AU)

A transformation of trigeminal neuralgia into SUNCT/SUNA: A case report and literature review / Uma transformação da neuralgia do trigêmeo em SUNCT/SUNA: relato de caso e revisão da literatura

Introduction: Trigeminal neuralgia and Short-lasting Unilateral Neuralgiform Headache with Conjunctival injection and Tearing (SUNCT)/Short-lasting Unilateral Neuralgiform Headache Attacks with Cranial Autonomic Symptoms (SUNA) are characterized by similar clinical manifestations, which may lead to diagnostic confusion. However, the transformation of trigeminal neuralgia into SUNCT/SUNA is a rare phenomenon. This report describes a case of trigeminal neuralgia transformation into SUNCT/SUNA due to neurovascular compression and reviews all previously published cases of trigeminal neuralgia to SUNCT/SUNA transformation in the literature. Case presentation: A 49-year-old Thai male patient presented with progressive right facial pain for a period of three months. One year prior, he developed trigeminal neuralgia along the maxillary branch of the trigeminal nerve, characterized by electrical shock-like pain in the right upper molar, exacerbated by eating. His symptoms were effectively managed with carbamazepine. Nine months later, he began experiencing recurrent electrical shock-like pain along the ophthalmic division of the right trigeminal nerve, accompanied by lacrimation, which failed to respond to continued treatment with carbamazepine. Three months prior to presentation, his symptoms evolved into SUNCT/SUNA, characterized by electrical shock-like pain in the right periorbital area and conjunctival injection, lacrimation. Neuroimaging revealed high-grade neurovascular compression of the right trigeminal nerve by the right superior cerebellar artery. The patient's symptoms resolved following microvascular decompression. Conclusion: Clinicians should be aware that patients with longer disease duration of trigeminal neuralgia who develop new neuralgic pain in the ophthalmic branch division with mild autonomic symptoms may be at risk for transformation into SUNCT/SUNA.

Introduction: Trigeminal neuralgia and Short-lasting Unilateral Neuralgiform Headache with Conjunctival injection and Tearing (SUNCT)/Short-lasting Unilateral Neuralgiform Headache Attacks with Cranial Autonomic Symptoms (SUNA) are characterized by similar clinical manifestations, which may lead to diagnostic confusion. However, the transformation of trigeminal neuralgia into SUNCT/SUNA is a rare phenomenon. This report describes a case of trigeminal neuralgia transformation into SUNCT/SUNA due to neurovascular compression and reviews all previously published cases of trigeminal neuralgia to SUNCT/SUNA transformation in the literature. Case presentation: A 49-year-old Thai male patient presented with progressive right facial pain for a period of three months. One year prior, he developed trigeminal neuralgia along the maxillary branch of the trigeminal nerve, characterized by electrical shock-like pain in the right upper molar, exacerbated by eating. His symptoms were effectively managed with carbamazepine. Nine months later, he began experiencing recurrent electrical shock-like pain along the ophthalmic division of the right trigeminal nerve, accompanied by lacrimation, which failed to respond to continued treatment with carbamazepine. Three months prior to presentation, his symptoms evolved into SUNCT/SUNA, characterized by electrical shock-like pain in the right periorbital area and conjunctival injection, lacrimation. Neuroimaging revealed high-grade neurovascular compression of the right trigeminal nerve by the right superior cerebellar artery. The patient's symptoms resolved following microvascular decompression. Conclusion: Clinicians should be aware that patients with longer disease duration of trigeminal neuralgia who develop new neuralgic pain in the ophthalmic branch division with mild autonomic symptoms may be at risk for transformation into SUNCT/SUNA

Caracterização dos incidentes de quedas de pacientes adultos internados em um hospital universitário / Caracterización de los incidentes de caídas de pacientes adultos internados en un hospital universitario / Characterization of the adult patients' falling incidents in a university hospital

Resumo OBJETIVO Avaliar as notificações e caracterizar os incidentes de quedas dos pacientes adultos internados em unidades clínicas e cirúrgicas de um hospital universitário na região sul do país, no período de 2011 a 2014. MÉTODO Estudo descritivo, transversal e retrospectivo, realizado no período de dezembro de 2016 a dezembro de 2017. A amostra foi de 1112 notificações, abrangendo todos os pacientes internados que foram notificados com ocorrência de quedas no período estudado. Os dados foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva e analítica. RESULTADOS Foram predominantes na amostra os pacientes do sexo feminino e idosos, onde 69,4% dos incidentes não apresentaram dano. A ocorrência de quedas foi significativamente maior no período noturno. Limitação para deambular e estar desacompanhado foram os fatores mais prevalentes nas condições do paciente antes da queda. CONCLUSÃO Queda é um evento multifatorial que necessita avaliação periódica dos fatores de risco pela equipe para planejar sua prevenção.

Resumen OBJETIVO Evaluar las notificaciones y caracterizar los incidentes de caídas de los pacientes adultos internados en unidades clínicas y quirúrgicas de un hospital universitario en la región sur del país, en el período 2011 a 2014. MÉTODO Estudio descriptivo, transversal y retrospectivo, realizado en el período de diciembre de 2016 a diciembre de 2017. La muestra fue de 1112 notificaciones, abarcando a todos los pacientes internados que fueron notificados con ocurrencia de caídas en el periodo estudado. Los datos fueron analizados por medio de estadística descriptiva y analítica. RESULTADOS: Fueron predominantes en la muestra los pacientes del sexo femenino y ancianos, donde el 69,4% de los incidentes no presentaron daño. La ocurrencia de caídas fue significativamente mayor en el período nocturno. La limitación para deambular y estar desatendido fueron los factores más prevalentes en las condiciones del paciente antes de la caída. CONCLUSIÓN La caída es un evento multifactorial que necesita evaluación periódica de los factores de riesgo por el equipo para planificar su prevención.

Abstract OBJECTIVE To evaluate the occurrences and to characterize the falling incidents of adult patients hospitalized in clinical and surgical units of a university hospital in the southern region of the country, in the period from 2011 to 2014. METHOD Descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective study, carried out from December 2016 to December 2017. The sample consisted of 1112 reports, covering all hospitalized patients who were notified with falls occurring in the studied period. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics. RESULTS Female and elderly patients were predominant in the sample, in which 69.4% of the incidents did not present any damage. The occurrence of falls was significantly higher at night. Limitation to walking and being unaccompanied were the most prevalent factors in the patient's conditions before the fall. CONCLUSION The fall is a multifactorial event that requires periodic evaluation of the risk factors by the team to plan their prevention.

Acute kidney injury and other factors associated with mortality in hiv-infected patients

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: HIV-related mortality is still high, especially in developed countries. The aim of this study is to investigate factors associated to death in HIV-infected patients. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with all HIV adult patients admitted to a tertiary infectious diseases hospital in Fortaleza, Northeast Brazil, from January 2013 to December 2014. Patients were divided into two groups: survivors and non-survivors. Demo-graphical, clinical and laboratory data were compared and a logistic regression was performed in order to investigate risk factors for death. P values ≤0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 200 patients with mean age of 39 years were including in the study, 69.5% males. Fifteen patients (7.5%) died. Non-survivors presented a higher percentage of males (93.3 vs. 67.3%, p = 0.037). Non-survivors presented AKI (73.3 vs. 10.3%, p < 0.001), liver dysfunction (33.3 vs. 11.5, p = 0.031), dyspnea (73.3 vs. 33.0%, p = 0.002) and disorientation (33.3 vs. 12.4%, p = 0.025) more frequently. Non-survivors also had higher levels of urea (73.8 ± 52.7vs. 36.1 ± 29.1 mg/dL, p < 0.001), creatinine (1.98 ± 1.65 vs. 1.05 ± 1.07 mg/dL, p < 0.001), aspartate aminotransferase (130.8 vs. 84.8 U/L, p = 0.03), alanine aminotransferase (115.6 vs. 85.4 U/L, p = 0.045) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (1208 vs. 608 U/L, p = 0.012), as well as lower levels of bicarbonate (18.0 ± 4.7 vs. 21.6 ± 4.6 mEq/L, p = 0.016) and PCO2 (27.8 ± 7.7 vs. 33.0 ± 9.3 mmHg, p = 0.05). In multivariate analysis, disorientation (p = 0.035, OR = 5.523, 95%CI = 1.130 - 26.998), dyspnoea (p = 0.046, OR = 4.064, 95%CI = 1.028 - 16.073), AKI (p < 0.001, OR = 18.045, 95%CI = 4.308 - 75.596) and disseminated histoplasmosis (p = 0.016, OR = 12.696, 95%CI = 1.618 - 99.646) and LDH > 1000 U/L (p = 0.038, OR = 4.854, 95%CI = 1.093 - 21.739) were risk factors for death.]CONCLUSION: AKI and disseminated histoplasmosis (DH) were the main risk factors for death in the studied population. Neurologic and respiratory impairment as well as higher levels of LDH also increased mortality in HIV-infected patients.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO: A mortalidade relacionada ao HIV ainda é alta, especialmente nos países em desenvolvimento. O objetivo deste estudo é investigar os fatores associados ao óbito em pacientes com HIV. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo transversal com todos os pacientes com HIV admitidos consecutivamente em um hospital terciário de doenças infecciosas em Fortaleza, Nordeste do Brasil, entre janeiro de 2013 e dezembro de 2014. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: sobreviventes e não sobreviventes. Dados demográficos, clínicos e laboratoriais foram comparados e análise de regressão logística foi feita para investigação dos fatores de risco para óbito. RESULTADOS: Um total de 200 pacientes, com média de idade de 39 anos, foi incluído no estudo, sendo 69,5% do sexo masculino. Óbito ocorreu em 15 pacientes (7,5%). Os não sobreviventes apresentaram maior percentual de homens (93,3 vs. 67,3%, p = 0,037) e um menor tempo de internação (8 ± 6 vs. 18 ± 15 dias, p = 0,005). Na análise multivariada, desorientação (p = 0,035, OR = 5,523), dispneia (p = 0,046, OR = 4,064), LRA (p < 0,001, OR = 18,045), histoplasmose disseminada (p = 0,016, OR = 12,696) e desidrogenase lática (LDH) > 1.000 U/L (p = 0,038, OR = 4,854) foram fatores de risco para óbito. CONCLUSÕES: LRA e histoplasmose disseminada foram os principais fatores de risco para óbito na população estudada. Distúrbios neurológicos e respiratórios, bem como níveis elevados de LDH, também estiveram associados com o aumento da mortalidade em pacientes com HIV.

Peculiaridades del síndrome confusional agudo en el anciano / Peculiarities of the acute confusional syndrome in the elderly

El síndrome confusional agudo resulta una manifestación clínica frecuente de las enfermedades agudas o de la toxicidad por fármacos en el anciano, con elevadas morbilidad y mortalidad. Este se origina por discapacidad funcional y se caracteriza por un cambio agudo y fluctuante en el estado mental, con desatención y niveles de conciencia alterados por un periodo inferior a 3 meses, aunque puede prolongarse más tiempo. Se le considera una urgencia médica de causa orgánica demostrable y potencialmente reversible, con un diagnóstico eminentemente clínico. En la presente investigación se describe cómo se manifiesta la confusión aguda en los ancianos, cuáles son los factores predisponentes y desencadenantes en su aparición y cuál tratamiento puede ser adecuado si se diagnostica el cuadro clínico y sus factores causales de manera oportuna

The acute confusional syndrome is a frequent clinical feature of acute diseases or drug toxicity in elderly, with high morbidity and mortality. This originates due to functional disability and is characterized by an acute and fluctuating change in the mental state, with inattentiveness and altered conscience levels during less than 3 months, although it can be prolonged for longer time. It is considered a medical emergency of demonstrable and potentially reversible organic cause, with an essentially clinical diagnosis. In this investigation it is described how the acute confusion is manifested in elderly, which are the predisposing and triggering factors in its emergence and which treatment can be adequate if the clinical pattern and its causal factors are diagnosed in an appropriate way

Validação do diagnóstico de enfermagem confusão crônica: um estudo clinicopatológico / Validation of the Nursing Diagnosis Chronic Confusion: a clinical-pathological study

Introdução: O Diagnóstico de Enfermagem Confusão Crônica (DCC) foi criado em 1994 e até o momento nenhum estudo realizou sua validação clínicopatológica. Como as principais causas de DCC são as demências, a única forma de validação, com base no diagnóstico definitivo, é a autópsia encefálica que é considerada padrão-ouro. Objetivo: Realizar a validação clínicopatológica do DCC. Método: Por meio de um estudo transversal, foram analisados 548 casos completos de indivíduos falecidos pertencentes à casuística do Banco de Encéfalos Humanos da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, no qual foram extraídos dados clínicopatológicos. O DCC foi definido em cada caso por meio de consenso diagnóstico. Para a validade de critério do DCC foram utilizados os testes de correlação, regressão logística e curva Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC). Resultados: Dos 548 indivíduos, 26,3% tinham DCC, em relação à validade de critério, o DCC correlacionou-se com o Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) (r = 0,68; p < 0,0001), com o Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE) (r = 0,47; p < 0,0001) e obteve uma associação significativa estatisticamente com o diagnóstico neuropatológico (p < 0,0001). Os principais preditores neuropatológicos de DCC foram: Demência Vascular (OR = 18,00; p < 0,0001), Demência Mista (OR = 9,58; p < 0,0001), Degeneração Lobar Frontotemporal (OR = 9,58; p = 0,004) e Doença de Alzheimer (OR = 9,00; p < 0,0001). A melhor capacidade preditiva foi para o diagnóstico de Demência Vascular (AUC = 0,717; IC 95% 0,629-0,806). Ter DCC presente aumenta em 7,16 vezes a chance de apresentar alteração neuropatológica compatível com doença neurodegenerativa. Conclusão: De um modo geral, o DCC apresenta boas evidências de validade de critério em relação ao diagnóstico padrão-ouro das principais doenças neurodegenerativas. No entanto, ainda carece de refinamento e melhor exploração de suas características definidoras de modo a ampliar sua capacidade diagnóstica em relação a outras condições neurodegenerativas. Os fatores relacionados apresentados no DCC aprovado pela NANDA Internacional, Inc. (NANDA-I) necessitam de revisão, a partir dos resultados do presente estudo.

Introduction: The Nursing Diagnosis Chronic Confusion (NDCC) was first introduced in 1994 and, to date, no study has performed its clinical-pathological validation. As the main cause of NDCC is dementia, the only way to validate it, based on their definitive diagnosis is by brain autopsy that is considered the gold standard. Objective: This studys objective was to perform the clinical-pathological validation of NDCC. Method: Through a cross-sectional study, 548 complete cases of deceased individuals that belongs to the Human Brain Bank of the Brazilian Aging Brain Study Group, Medicine School of the University of São Paulo were analyzed, in which clinical and pathological data were extracted. The NDCC was defined to each case by a consensus diagnostic. For criteriom validity of the NDCC, correlation, logistic regression and ROC curve tests were used. Results: Of the 548 subjects, 26.3% had NDCC. Regarding the criterion validity, NDCC correlated with CDR (r = 0.68, p < 0.0001), with IQCODE (r = 0.47; p < 0.0001) and had a statistically significant association with the neuropathological diagnosis (p < 0.0001). The main neuropathological predictors of NDCC were: Vascular Dementia (OR = 18.00; p < 0.0001), Mixed Dementia (OR = 9.58; p < 0.0001), Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration (OR = 9.58; p = 0.004) and Alzheimer's Disease (OR = 9.00; p < 0.0001). The best predictive capacity was for the diagnosis of Vascular Dementia (AUC = 0.717, 95% CI 0.629-0.806). NDCC increases the chance to have neuropathological lesions by 7,16. Conclusion: In general, the NDCC presented good evidence of criterion validity in relation to the gold standard diagnosis of the main neurodegenerative diseases. However, it still lacks refinement and a better exploration of its defining characteristics in order to increase its diagnostic capacity in relation to others neurodegenerative conditions. The related factors presented in the NDCC approved by NANDA-I is in need of a revision, based on the results of the present study.

Prevalência do subdiagnóstico de delirium entre pacientes internados em unidade de terapia intensiva / Prevalence of under-diagnosis of delirium among patients in an intensive care unit / Prevalencia del diagnóstico secundario de delirium entre los pacientes hospitalizados en unidad de cuidados intensivos

Introdução: o delirium é um distúrbio neurológico frequentemente manifestado por pacientes graves em unidades de terapia intensiva. Objetivo: identificar a prevalência do delirium entre pacientes internados em uma unidade de terapia intensiva do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Método: estudo transversal retrospectivo, nos meses de fevereiro, março e abril de 2012. Foram analisados os prontuários de 128 pacientes internados, buscando características gerais dos pacientes e informações quanto ao nível de consciência e estado psíquico, através do instrumento de coleta de dados criado. Resultados: evidenciou-se que somente dois pacientes tiveram o diagnóstico confirmado, com uma prevalência de 2% do delirium. Conclusão: os resultados apontam para a necessidade de ampliação das discussões acerca do uso de protocolos de avaliação para o diagnóstico de delirium entre os profissionais que atuam nas unidades de terapia intensiva, para identificação precoce do agravo visando à prevenção e/ou tratamento adequado no período de hospitalização.

Introduction: delirium is a neurological disorder often presented by severe patients in Intensive Care Units. Objective: to identify the prevalence of delirium among patients admitted to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in Rio de Janeiro State. Method: this retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in February, March and April 2012. The medical records of 128 hospitalized patients were examined for general patient characteristics and information on level of consciousness and mental state, using a data collection instrument created specifically for the purpose. Results: a confirmed diagnosis was found in only two patients, with a 2% prevalence of delirium. Conclusion: the results point to the need for more extensive discussion of the use of evaluation protocols for diagnosis of delirium by ICU personnel, so that the disease can be detected early for prevention and/or appropriate treatment during hospitalization.

Objetivo: identificar la prevalencia de delirio entre los pacientes ingresados en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos del Estado de Río de Janeiro. Método: este estudio retrospectivo transversal se llevó a cabo en febrero, marzo y abril de 2012. En las historias clínicas de 128 pacientes hospitalizados se examinaron las características del paciente e información general sobre el nivel de conciencia y estado mental, a través de un instrumento de recolección de datos creada específicamente para el propósito. Resultados: un diagnóstico confirmado fue encontrado en sólo dos pacientes, con una prevalencia del 2% del delirio. Conclusión: los resultados apuntan a la necesidad de una discusión más amplia de la utilización de protocolos de evaluación para el diagnóstico del delirio por el personal de la UCI, por lo que la enfermedad se puede detectar temprano para la prevención y / o tratamiento apropiado durante la hospitalización.

Delirium en el hospital, una revisión narrativa / Delirium in the hospital, a narrative review

El delirium es una complicación frecuente entre pacientes hospitalizados, particularmente entre adultos mayores y aquellos con deterioro cognitivo. Se ha asociado a mayor mortalidad, estadías hospitalarias prolongadas, deterioro cognitivo, mayores tasas de institucionalización al alta y mayores costos para los sistemas de salud. Su fisiopatología es escasamente comprendida, planteándose en los últimos años un origen inflamatorio predominante. Ello explicaría su transversalidad y relación con la gravedad de cuadros subyacentes. Clínicamente se caracteriza por su inicio agudo con curso fluctuante, inatención, pensamiento desorganizado y un nivel de conciencia alterado. El enfrentamiento diagnóstico exige la búsqueda sistemática de desencadenantes en forma adicional a las manifestaciones del síndrome. Su tratamiento sintomático está basado en los neurolépticos como primera línea y el lorazepam en caso de que los primeros no puedan utilizarse o exista un escenario de indicación especial. Existe evidencia de que el cuadro puede prevenirse mediante la instauración de estrategias multicomponentes.

Delirium is a common complication in hospitalized patients, particularly the elderly and those with cognitive impairment. It has been associated with higher mortality, prolonged hospitalization, cognitive impairment, higher rates of institutionalization at discharge and higher costs for healthcare systems. Its pathophysiology is poorly understood, and more recently a predominantly inflammatory origin has been proposed, which could explain its pervasiveness and association with underlying conditions. Clinically, it is characterized by acute onset with fluctuating course, inattention, disorganized thinking and altered level of consciousness. Diagnostic approach is based on the systematic search for triggering factors as well as the manifestations of the syndrome. Symptomatic treatment is based neuroleptics as first line treatment, and lorazepam when the former cannot be used or there are special indications. There is evidence that the condition can be prevented by resorting to multi-component strategies.

Acute computed tomography findings in patients with acute confusion of non-traumatic aetiology / Hallazgos agudos con tomografía computarizada en pacientes con confusión aguda de etiología no traumática

BACKGROUND: A retrospective review was undertaken of all patients referred for computed tomography (CT) scans of the head for acute onset of confusion, not consequent on head trauma, during the period June 1, 2004 to May 31, 2007. METHOD: Data were obtained by Microsoft Word search of the reports of the Radiology Department of the University Hospital of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica. Two hundred and twenty-one patients were reviewed: 103 men and 118 women. The mean age of the sample was 64 years; 168 patients (76%) were 50 years old or older. RESULT: Computed tomography scans were reported normal in 170 (76.9%) patients; 45 patients (20.4%) had definite acute intracranial CT findings. Findings were equivocal in three patients (1.4%) and unavailable for three (1.4%); 23.2% and 15.6% of patients above and below the age of 50 years respectively showed acute abnormalities on CT. The most common acute finding on CT scan was an ischaemic infarct (68%). Other abnormalities included intracerebral haemorrhage and metastases 6.2% each, toxoplasmosis and primary brain tumour 4.2% each and subdural haematoma and meningitis 2.1% each. The diagnoses of toxoplas-mosis were made based on appearances typical of toxoplasmosis on CT scans in patients whose request stated that they were HIV positive. CONCLUSION: In the sample reviewed, most patients who presented with acute confusion were above the age of 50 years. Overall, 20.4% of patients from all age groups had acute abnormalities on CT with a relative higher proportion, 23.2% versus 15.6% of those over 50 years, having acute pathology. The most common abnormality was an ischaemic infarct. This finding is similar to that in developed countries and unlike that seen in other developing countries where infectious aetiologies predominate.

ANTECEDENTES: Durante el período de junio, 2004 a mayo 31, 2007, se llevó a cabo una revisión retrospectiva de todos los pacientes remitidos para escaneos mediante tomografía computarizada (TC escáner) de la cabeza, en casos de ataques de confusión aguda, no originados por traumas en la cabeza. MÉTODO: Los datos fueron obtenidos mediante búsqueda con Microsoft Word de los informes del Departamento de Radiología del Hospital Universitario de West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica. Se revisaron doscientos veintiún pacientes: 103 hombres y 118 mujeres. La edad promedio de la muestra fue 64 años; 168 pacientes (76%) tenían 50 años de edad o más. RESULTADO: Los escaneos mediante tomografía computarizada fueron reportados como un procedimiento normal en 170 (76.9%) pacientes; 45 pacientes (20.4%) tuvieron hallazgos agudos intracraneales definidos por TC. Los hallazgos fueron equívocos en tres pacientes (1.4%) y no disponibles en tres (1.4%); 23.2% y 15.6% de los pacientes por encima y por debajo de la edad de 50 años respectivamente, mostraron anormalidades agudas en la TC. El hallazgo agudo más común con el escaneo de TC fue el infarto isquémico (68%). Otras anormalidades incluyeron hemorragias intracerebrales y metástasis, 6.2% respectivamente; toxoplasmosis y tumor primario del cerebro, 4.2% respectivamente, y hematoma subdural y meningitis, 2.1% respectivamente. CONCLUSIÓN: En la muestra revisada, la mayoría de los pacientes que presentaron confusión aguda se hallaban por encima de 50 años de edad. En general, 20.4% de los pacientes de todos los grupos etarios presentaban anormalidades agudas en la TC en una proporción relativamente más alta, siendo el caso que el 23.2% frente al 15.6% de aquéllos por encima de 50 años, presentaban patologías agudas. La anormalidad más común fue el infarto isquémico. Este hallazgo es similar al de los países desarrollados, y diferente al que se observa en otros países en vías de desarrollo, dónde predominan las etiologías infecciosas.

Effects of cognitive training based on metamemory and mental images / Efeitos do treino cognitivo baseado em metamemória e imagens mentais

There is scant research evidence regarding training effects among elderly with limited educational experience. Research indicating an association between metamemory and memory performance is based on samples of older adults with at least 12 years of education. Objectives: To test the efficacy of a cognitive training program based on the creation of mental images and changes in specific aspects of metamemory in individuals with 3 to 15 years of education (M=8.38, SD=4.24). Methods: 37 older adults participated in five training sessions (Training Group (TG)) and 32 control subjects completed only pre and post test assessments (Control Group (CG)) including the Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), the Brief Cognitive Screening Battery (BCSB)(naming and memorization of 10 pictures, animal category verbal fluency test, the Clock Drawing Test (CDT)), the Story subtest from the Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test (RBMT), the Memory Complaint Questionnaire (MAC-Q), and the Picture and Story domains from the Memory Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (MSEQ). Results: The TG showed significant improvement between pre and post tests on the delayed recall of the 10 pictures and in self-efficacy for the memorization of stories. These same changes were not found in the CG. Conclusions: Five-session cognitive training may lead to significant improvements in episodic memory and memory self-efficacy, an aspect of metamemory, in individuals with an average of 8 years of education.

Existem na literatura poucas evidências sobre os efeitos do treino cognitivo entre idosos com baixa escolaridade. Pesquisas que evidenciam a associação entre metamemória e o desempenho em tarefas de memória baseiam-se em amostras com idosos com 12 anos de escolaridade ou mais Objetivos: Testar a eficácia de um programa de treino cognitivo baseado na criação de imagens mentais e na alteração de aspectos da metamemória entre indivíduos entre 3 e 15 anos de escolaridade (M=8.38, SD=4.24). Métodos: 37 adultos maduros e idosos participaram de cinco sessões de treino (Grupo Treino (GT)) e 32 somente completaram as avaliações pré e pós-intervenção (Grupo Controle (GC)), com o Mini Exame do Estado Mental (MEEM), a Escala de Depressão Geriátrica (EDG), a Bateria Breve de Rastreio Cognitivo (BBRC) (nomeação e memorização de 10 figuras, fluência verbal animais, Teste do Desenho do Relógio), o subteste Estória do Teste Comportamental de Memória de Rivermead (RBMT), o Questionário de Queixas de Memória (MAC-Q), os domínios Figura e História do Questionário de Auto-Eficácia para Memória (MSEQ). Resultados: O GT apresentou ganho significativo entre o pré e o pós-teste no resgate tardio das 10 figuras e na auto-eficácia para a memorização de histórias. Estas alterações não foram encontradas no GC. Conclusões: O treino cognitivo de cinco sessões pode gerar melhora significativa em memória episódica e em auto-eficácia, um aspecto da metamemória, em indivíduos com 8 anos de escolaridade em média.

Delirium en ancianos hospitalizados: Seguimiento de 18 meses / Delirium in elderly inpatients: An 18 month follow-up

El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir la prevalencia de síndrome confusional agudo en ancianos hospitalizados, la evolución durante la internación y a los 18 meses. Se evaluó en forma prospectiva a pacientes de 70 años de edad o mayores, internados en el Servicio de Clínica Médica de nuestro hospital, entre septiembre de 2005 y mayo de 2006. Se utilizó una versión validada en español del Confussion Assessment Method para diagnosticar delirium. A los 18 meses se evaluó el estado vital, lugar de residencia, actividades de la vida diaria, dependencia de cuidadores y reinternaciones. Se evaluaron 194 pacientes y 74 fueron excluidos. De los 120 casos incluidos, 52 (43.3%) presentaron delirium. La edad media fue de 82.6 años (DS: 7.4) en el grupo de pacientes con síndrome confusional agudo y de 80.4 años (DS: 5.6) en el grupo de pacientes sin delirium. Al comparar estos dos grupos encontramos diferencias significativas en las características, siendo más frecuentes en el grupo con delirium la residencia previa en un centro de tercer nivel (17.3% vs. 1.5%; p < 0.002), la demencia (40.4% vs. 8.8%; p < 0.001), menor puntaje en la evaluación de las actividades de la vida diaria (5 vs. 6; p < 0.001), más días de internación (7 vs. 5; p = 0.04) y mayor mortalidad intrahospitalaria (21.2% vs. 1.5%; p < 0.001). A los 18 meses de seguimiento después del alta, el desarrollo de delirium durante la internación se asoció a mayor grado de dependencia evidenciado por el peor puntaje en las actividades de la vida diaria (mediana 1/6 vs. 5/6) y a menor sobrevida actuarial 35.3% (CI 95%: 24-49%) a los 569 días y 49% (CI 95%: 32.9-65.4%) a los 644 días (p=0.027).

Delirium usually hardens care during hospitalization and increases morbidity during hospital stay and after discharge. The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence of delirium in elderly inpatients in a Buenos Aires hospital, its morbidity and mortality during hospital stay and the next 18 month follow-up. Patients aged 70 or older admitted to internal medicine unit between September 2005 and May 2006 were enrolled. Delirium was assessed with the Spanish version of Confusion Assessment Method. Demographic data, cause of admition and length of stay, destination after discharge and mortality were registered. A new evaluation was made 18 months after discharge. We evaluated 194 patients and 74 were excluded. Of the 120 included, 52 (43.3%) presented delirium. We found significant differences between patients with and without delirium in previous placement in nursing home (17.3% vs. 1.5%; p < 0.002), dementia (40.4% vs. 8.8%; p < 0.001), median activity of daily living (5 vs. 6; p < 0.001), length-of-stay (7 vs. 5; p = 0.04) and mortality rate (21.2% vs. 1.5%; p < 0.001). Evaluation 18 months later showed differences between patients with and without delirium in median of activity of daily living (1/6 vs. 5/6), patients living in nursing homes (27.5% vs. 7.9%), estimated survival 35.3% (CI 95%: 24-49%) at day 569 and 49% (CI 95%: 32.9-65.4%) at day 644. The difference between survival curves was statistically significant (p = 0.027). Delirium increases morbidity and mortality during hospital stay. Elderly with delirium are at risk of worsening disability and of becoming dependent after discharge and it is a risk factor for higher mortality during the following months after discharge.

Delirium en pacientes de una unidad de cuidados intermedios: estudio prospectivo / Prevalence of delirium in an intermediate care unit

Background: Delirium or acute confusional state is defined as an acute disturbance of consciousness and attention. Its prevalence among hospitalized patients fluctuates between 25 and 60 percent. Aim: To assess the prevalence and features of delirium in an intermediate care unit. Patients and methods: All patients admitted to intermediate care unit during a period of two months were assessed and followed. Delirium was assessed daily during the stay in the unit, using the Inouye Confusion Assessment Method. Delirium was classified as hyperactive if the patient required pharmacological or physical restraining methods. Results: Sixty four patients, 32 female, aged 19 to 90 years old were assessed. Forty one percent had delirium. Of these, delirium started after admission in 46 percent and was hyperactive in 35 percent. Cognitive disturbances were ascertained by the health care team in 69 percent of patients with delirium. Age over 70 years old and a history of dementia were defined as predisposing factors for delirium. Serum albumin was > 3.5 g/dl in 14 of 18 patients with and in 11 of 27 patients without delirium (p=0.04). The most frequent risk factors were systemic infections, metabolic disturbances and intracranial lesions. Physical restraining and neuroleptics were the most commonly used measures to deal with hyperactive patients. Conclusions: The prevalence of delirium found in this study is similar to that reported elsewhere, except for the high proportion of patients whose delirium started after admission

Hipokalemia crónica, tetraplejía y coma / Chronic hypokalemia, quadriplegia and coma

Hemos observado la evolución de una paciente de 36 años con menopausia precoz, hipokalemia crónica, grave y persistente, con episodios de astenia, adinamia, hipotonía muscular y arreflexia osteotendinosa y, en su mayor grado de expresión, con kalemia de 0,9 mEq/L, tetraplejía, coma y una arritmia ventricular severa tipo torsades de pointes. Durante su internación se pensaron en numerosas etiologías sospechando, en primer término, en un síndrome de Bartter debido al cuadro de hipokalemia normotensiva. Las cifras de aldosterona y angiotensina I en rangos normales nos hicieron abandonar el diagnóstico por el cual fue medicada en forma sucesiva con indometacina, enalapril, acetazolamida y amiloride. Con este último fármaco y el aumento de las dosis orales de potasio, la paciente normalizó su kalemia, recuperó sus potencialidades psicofísicas y se le dio el alta para su estudio por consultorio externo. Los diagnósticos diferenciales se detallan en los cuadros correspondientes. Los repetidos balances positivos de potasio nos hicieron sospechar en un cuadro clínico aún no determinado de desplazamiento del K+ del LEC al LIC. Destacamos la importancia semiológica por su infrecuencia, sus implicancias reales y potenciales, además de la recuperación con amiloride y aumento de la ingestión de potasio

Evaluación de la inteligencia a través de formas cortas del WAIS para poblaciones de nivel socioeconómico bajo / The use of short forms of WAIS for the assessment of the intelligence of persons of low socioeconomic status

Propöe-se uma versäo abreviada da forma WAIS para a avaliaçäo da inteligência em estudos da populaçäo. Analisaram-se 161 protocolos completos do WAIS, aplicados a mulheres de nível socioeconômico baixo, e estudaram-se as correlaçöes entre as diferentes subprovas e o coeficiente de inteligência (QI) total, o QI verbal e o QI manual. Selecionaram-se seis subprovas (compreensäo, semelhanças, vocabulário, cubos, complemento e montagem) conforme os critérios: correlaçöes observadas e funçöes avaliadas em cada subprova. A análise de uma versäo com 6 subprovas e 4 versöes com 4 subprovas demonstraram que todas elas säo adequadas para a avaliaçäo da inteligência como variável de confusäo. O erro padräo para a estimaçäo do QI varia entre 3 e 4 pontos e o erro de classificaçäo é de 3 a 7 por cento. Quando se avalia a inteligência materna como variável de confusäo do desenvolvimento infantil, a versäo que combina compreensäo, semelhanças, cubo e complemento pareceu a mais adequada. A eleiçäo da versäo a ser utilizada deverá basear-se na maior eficiência do tempo de aplicaçäo e das funçöes avaliadas pelas subprovas, tendo em vista o problema em estudo

Tecera edad: singularidades semiológicas y motivos de consulta de cuadros psiquiátricos más frecuentes en la práctica médica / Third age: semiologic particularities and consultation reasons of psychiatric picture more frequent in medical practice

En la primera parte del artículo, el autor desarrolla las singularidades semiológicas en la tercera edad, poniendo énfasis en las complementaridades de la escucha acordes a cada personalidad. En la segunda parte revista a los cuadros psiquiátricos más frecuentes en la práctica médica a saber entre otros: psicosis senil y arterioesclerótica, depresión, manía e hipomanía, neurosis de angustia, confusiones tóxicas. Desarrolla someramente los síndromes cerebrales orgánicos, los trastornos afectivos, las neurosis y caracteropatías, los cuadros de confusión agitada y trastornos del sueño.