ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To characterize electromyographic (EMG) findings in patients with primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) during the disease course. METHODS: In PLS patients we scored spontaneous activity and motor unit action potential (MUP) pattern on EMG. We compared patients according to lower (group A) and higher (group B) EMG scores. EMG studies were repeated at intervals longer than 11 months; two or three repeat studies were required for inclusion in the analysis. RESULTS: We studied 22 patients. Fasciculation potentials were found in 13 and fibrillations/positive sharp waves (fibs/sw) in 3 patients. Both were stable over time. Most patients had MUP abnormalities (n = 17), with worsening in the lower limbs in patients with three evaluations (p = 0.010). Compared to group A (n = 12), patients of group B (n = 10) had a significant shorter disease duration (median 10.9 vs 15.2 years, p < 0.001), lower functional score at both first (39 vs 45, p = 0.034) and last (29 vs 38, p = 0.003) evaluations, and had a faster functional decline (0.19 vs 0.08, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Most PLS patients showed minor and stable EMG abnormalities, without progression to ALS. Patients with more EMG abnormalities have a faster progression. SIGNIFICANCE: EMG abnormalities in most PLS patients are minor and stable.
Subject(s)
Action Potentials/physiology , Fasciculation/physiopathology , Motor Neuron Disease/physiopathology , Motor Neurons/physiology , Muscle, Skeletal/physiopathology , Aged , Disease Progression , Electromyography , Fasciculation/pathology , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Motor Neuron Disease/pathology , Motor Neurons/pathology , Muscle, Skeletal/pathologyABSTRACT
Analisar a percepção das mulheres soropositivas ao HIV quanto à decisão de engravidar; Investigar o conhecimento das mulheres soropositivas ao HIV a cerca dos cuidados na prevenção da transmissão vertical. Método: Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva e exploratória com abordagem qualitativa. Foi utilizado um roteiro de perguntas e as entrevistas foram gravadas e posteriormente transcritas. Resultados: O estudo revelou que a sorologia positiva para o HIV não é fator limitante para a decisão de engravidar. Ainda que o medo de transmitir o vírus esteja presente, este é superado pelo desejo de ser mãe e a expectativa de poder gerar um filho saudável. Conclusão: A decisão reprodutiva das mulheres soropositivas ao HIV deve ser valorizada durante o atendimento para que estas possam decidir sua vida de forma consciente, democrática e emancipatória.
Analizar la percepción de las mujeres VIH positivo la decisión de quedar embarazada; investigar el conocimiento de las mujeres sobre el cuidado de la saludVIH positivos en la prevención de la transmisión vertical. Método: Se trata de unenfoque cualitativo, descriptivo y exploratorio. Se utilizó un guión de preguntas y las entrevistas fueron grabadas y luego transcritas. Resultados: El estudio reveló que la serología positiva para el VIH no es un factor limitante para la decisión de quedarse embarazada. Aunque el miedo de transmitir el virus está presente, esto se ve compensado por el deseo de ser madre y espera que genere un niño sano.Conclusión: Las decisiones reproductivas de las mujeres VIH positivas deben ser valoradas en el servicio para que puedan decidir su vida consciente, democrático yemancipador.
Objectives: To analyze the perception of HIV positive women regarding the decision to become pregnant; investigate women's knowledge about HIV positive health care in the prevention of vertical transmission. Method: This is a descriptive and exploratory qualitative research. We used a script of questions and the interviews were taped and later transcribed. Results: The study revealed that positive serology for HIV is not a limiting factor for the decision to become pregnant. Although the fear of transmitting the virus is present, it is overcomed by the desire to be a mother and the expectation of having a healthy child. Conclusion: Reproductive decisions of HIV positive women should be valued during the health care assistance so they can make consciously, democratic and emancipatory life decisions.
