Plantar pressure distribution and altered postural control in multibacillary leprosy patients.

BACKGROUND: Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, predominantly affecting the peripheral nerves, resulting in sensory and motor deficits in the feet. Foot ulcers and imbalances are frequent manifestations in leprosy, often correlating with diminished sensitivity. While clinical scales and monofilament esthesiometers are conventionally utilized to evaluate foot sensitivity and balance in these patients, their discriminatory power is limited and their effectiveness is greatly dependent on the examiner's proficiency. In contrast, baropodometry and posturography offer a more comprehensive evaluation, aiming to preempt potential damage events. This study aimed was to assess the correlation between baropodometry and force plate measurements in leprosy patients and control participants, to improve the prevention and treatment of foot ulcers and complications associated with leprosy. METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional study was conducted during 2022 and enrolled 39 participants (22 patients with multibacillary leprosy and 17 non-leprosy controls). Demographic data were collected, and a monofilament esthesiometer was used to assess sensory deficits. In addition, physical examinations and balance and plantar pressure tests were conducted. The Student's t-test was used to compare mean and maximum plantar pressures between groups. For most COP variables, a Mann-Whitney Wilcoxon test was used, except for AP amplitude which was analyzed with the Student's t-test due to its normal distribution. The relationship between foot pressure and balance control was assessed using Spearman's correlation, focusing on areas with significant pressure differences between groups. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Leprosy patients showed increased pressure in forefoot areas (T1, M1, T2-T5, and M2) and decreased pressure in hindfoot regions (MH and LH) compared to controls. These patients also displayed higher AP and ML amplitudes, suggesting poorer COP control. Correlation analyses between the two groups revealed that foot plantar pressures significantly impact balance control. Specifically, increased T1 region pressures correlated with greater sway in balance tasks, while decreased MH region pressures were linked to reduced COP control. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The findings suggest a joint disturbance of plantar pressure distribution and static balance control in leprosy patients. These alterations may increase the risk of tissue injuries, including calluses and deformities, as well as falls.

Relationship of handgrip strength with health indicators of people living with HIV in west Pará, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Handgrip strength (HGS) is an important health indicator that can be influenced by body composition and biochemical markers of people living with HIV, contributing to better understanding of health-related outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the relationship between HGS and health indicators in people living with HIV. METHODS: Cross-sectional study, with 207 people living with HIV, attending a reference center, located in Santarém, Pará, Brazil. Data collection covered sociodemographic, clinical, laboratory, physical activity level, body composition, and HGS information. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, adopting p < .05. RESULTS: There was a predominance of men (60%), aged 33-47 years (42%). A relationship was observed between adequate HGS and the male sex (p < .001), and adequate values for body mass index (p = .003), abdominal circumference (p < .001), and total cholesterol (p = .012). In addition, higher values of fat mass (p < .001), and lower lean mass (p = .006) were observed for people living with HIV with low HGS. CONCLUSION: People living with HIV present an association between lean body mass and high HGS. On the other hand, low HGS favored obesity and hypercholesterolemia. Thus, monitoring HGS is an important indicator of body, laboratory, and functional capacity changes, with HGS being an additional element in the clinical evaluation.

Perfil clínico-metabólico de pacientes pé diabéticos frequentadores de uma Unidade Básica de Saúde de Altamira, Pará, Brasil / Clinical-metabolic profile of diabetic foot patients attendinga Basic Health Unit in Altamira, Pará, Brazil

Introdução: o pé diabético é de origem neuropática e representa uma das complicações do diabetes mellitus, abrange várias condições patológicas, que incluem neuropatia, doença arterial periférica, neuroartropatia de Charcot, ulceração do pé e, em alguns casos, amputação. Objetivo: descrever o perfil clínico-metabólico de pacientes pé diabéticos frequentadores de uma Unidade Básica de Saúde (UBS). Material e Método: trata-se de um estudo descritivo exploratório com abordagem quantitativa. Foram avaliados 15 pacientes portadores de úlceras do pé diabético atendidos em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde de Altamira, estado do Pará, Brasil. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de acordo com os indicadores dos perfis investigados. Resultados: todos os pacientes possuem diabetes tipo II, baixos níveis de renda familiar e escolaridade. O Índice de Massa Corpórea (IMC) foi de 92%, circunferência abdominal 93%, proteína C reativa ultrassensível, interleucina-6 e hemoglobina glicada estavam superiores ao normal em mais da metade dos doentes, assim como a vitamina D estava deficiente em mais da metade dos pacientes. Conclusões: há barreiras ao manejo adequado dos portadores de pé diabético na atenção básica da cidade de Altamira que podem contribuir para o desenvolvimento de complicações macro e microvasculares. Recomendações técnicas direcionadas aos gestores locais contribuem para a atenção básica na região.

Introduction: the diabetic foot is of neuropathic origin and represents one of the complications of diabetes mellitus, encompasses several pathological conditions, including neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, Charcot neuroarthropathy, foot ulceration, osteomyelitis and, in some cases, amputation. Objective: to describe the clinical-metabolic profile of diabetic foot patients attending a Basic Health Unit (BHU). Material and Method: this is a descriptive exploratory study with a quantitative approach. Fifteen patients with diabetic foot ulcers treated at the Basic Health Unit in Altamira, state of Pará, Brazil, were evaluated. The data were submitted to analysis according to the indicators of the investigated profiles. Results: all patients have Type 2 Diabetes, low level of family income and education. The Body Mass Index (BMI) was 92%, abdominal circumference (93%), Ultrasensitive C-Reactive Protein, Interleukin-6 and glycated hemoglobin were higher than normal in more than half of the patients, as well as vitamin D was deficient in more of half of the patients. Conclusions: there are barriers to the proper management of patients with diabetic foot in primary care in the city of Altamira that can contribute to the development of macro and microvascular complications. Technical recommendations directed at local managers contribute to primary care in the region.

The Correlation between Anthropometric Variables and Muscular Strength in Patients Coinfected with Leprosy and HIV.

Background: Peripheral nerve disease may lead to physical disability because of decreased muscle strength and/or loss of sensitivity in the dermatomes of affected peripheral nerves. Both human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)- and leprosy-affected patients can develop neurological damage; therefore, the coinfection of these diseases presents new challenges to the health care of these patients. Aims and Objective: This study aimed to investigate the motor alterations of patients coinfected with HIV and leprosy and their relationship with clinical and anthropometric characteristics, compared with individuals with isolated diseases. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 90 individuals were divided equally into three groups: HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) group, leprosy group and HIV/leprosy group. All individuals underwent an evaluation of muscle strength and upper limb endurance adjusted for the Brazilian standards, a palm print pressure test using a digital dynamometer and anthropometric measurements (weight, height and skin folds). Results: The HIV/leprosy group had the highest mean body mass index, followed by the leprosy group and the HIV/AIDS group. Skinfolds were similar between the groups. Multiple linear regression, adjusted for sex and age, revealed the coinfection of HIV and leprosy as possible contributor to a worse prognosis of muscle function, highlighting the bilateral reduction in the levels of palm print compression strengths compared with isolated diseases (HIV and leprosy). High CD4 count and shorter antiretroviral therapy duration were associated with worse indices of muscle strength, such as gripping and resistance, in coinfected patients. Conclusion: Patients coinfected with HIV and leprosy exhibited greater motor damage than those with isolated diseases. Thus, motor damage may be related to the sum of the neurological manifestations of the two morbidities.

Relationship Between Handgrip Strength and Age in the Body Composition Variables Among People Living with HIV.

BACKGROUND: The study of aging and handgrip strength (HGS) is important to gain knowledge regarding health care and quality of life in people living with HIV (PLHIV). OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to analyze the relationship between HGS and age in the body composition variables of PLHIV. METHODS: The sample consisted of 77 PLHIV, divided into three groups: G40 - PLHIV aged 40-49 years (n=39); G50 - PLHIV aged 50-59 years (n=26); and G60 - PLHIV aged 60-69 years (n=12). Data collection included anamnesis (sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory information), physical assessment (body composition and HGS), and physical activity level. Data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: It was noted that men, compared to women, are 5.85 times more likely to present adequate HGS (p<0.001). In addition, adequate HGS was associated with adequate values of body mass index (p<0.001), waist circumference (p<0.001), and fat percentage (p<0.001). The G40 and G50 groups, in relation to the G60, were associated with adequate abdominal circumference (p=0.04). CONCLUSION: Monitoring the evolution of HGS in PLHIV, over time, makes it possible to infer about body fat and muscle mass, in order to propose prevention actions and guidelines to prevent early muscle loss, the development of overweight/obesity, and abdominal obesity.

Clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of neuropathic pain in leprosy patients: A prospective cross-sectional study.

Introduction Neuropathic pain is a common and disabling late complication of leprosy. We investigated the clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of neuropathic pain in leprosy patients by evaluating nerve conduction, sympathetic skin response (SSR) and A-waves. Methods Twenty one leprosy patients with neuropathic pain validated by the Douleur Neuropathique en 4 (DN4)Questionnaire were selected for study. Pain intensity was measured by the visual analog scale. Demographic and clinical data were collected for all patients. Clinical data included appraisal of the median, ulnar, radial, tibial and common peroneal nerves, assessment of the sympathetic skin response and conventional electrophysiological recordings. Results Among all electroneuromyographic presentations, multifocal mononeuropathy was still the most prevalent. Sensory loss was observed more frequently than motor deficits. As most patients presented advanced clinical forms of leprosy and were under treatment, this high mean was found and the ulnar nerve was most frequently affected. The sympathetic skin response was absent in 16 patients. Higher DN4 Questionnaire scores were observed in women and in those receiving corticosteroid therapy. These inferences are possible to be made, but our study's limitations don't allow us to be certain about it. The statistical significance found only permits us to evidence what we related on the textual part of the study. Limitations The small number of patients studied, the lack of sophisticated diagnostic methods for leprosy, as well as the difficulties in assessing nerve conduction were the main limitations of this study. Conclusion The neurophysiological and clinical findings in leprous neuropathy were modest despite the conspicuous neuropathic pain. Although electrophysiological studies are a vital tool to verify nerve damage, variations in the clinical presentation of leprosy neuropathic pain render the diagnosis challenging. Further studies are needed to describe the neurophysiological evolution of this disease.

Implicações da COVID-19 no Sistema Cardiovascular: uma Revisão de Literatura / Implications of COVID-19 on the Cardiovascular System: a Literature Review

Introdução: O novo coronavírus da Síndrome Respiratória Aguda Grave 2 (SARS-CoV-2), responsável pela Doença do Coronavírus 2019 (COVID-19), é um vírus capaz de causar pneumonia viral, além de complicações extrapulmonares. Revisou-se conceitos básicos sobre a COVID-19, focando nos seus efeitos sobre o sistema cardiovascular. Métodos: Realizou-se revisão de literatura a partir de buscas nas bases de dados PUBMED, Scielo e LILACS entre Janeiro de 2019 a Maio de 2020, com as palavras chaves: "COVID-19" AND "Cardiovascular" e seus correlatos em português e inglês. Foram excluídos estudos repetidos, relatos de caso, estudos experimentais em animais, cartas ao editor, comentários, estudos não disponíveis em inglês ou português e os que limitavam-se à terapêutica da doença. Selecionaram-se estudos observacionais, estudos descritivos, revisões de literatura e revisões sistemáticas. Resultados: A ligação entre a injúria miocárdica e a infecção pelo novo coronavírus é consequência, em grande parte, da sua relação fisiopatológica com o receptor ECA-2, interação capaz de desequilibrar os sistemas imune e cardiovascular. As complicações mais comuns incluem arritmia, lesão cardíaca, miocardite fulminante, insuficiência cardíaca, embolia pulmonar e Coagulação Intravascular Disseminada (CIVD). Ademais, pacientes com condições cardíacas prévias possuem risco aumentado, inclusive para morbimortalidade hospitalar. Conclusão: Conclui-se que a COVID-19 é uma doença com tropismo por vários órgãos, capaz de gerar agressões em diversos sistemas, entre eles, o cardiovascular, cujos danos se devem a mecanismos que afetam tanto a estrutura do miocárdio quanto dos vasos, podendo levar ao óbito. Desta forma, há necessidade de avaliação precoce e monitoramento contínuo dos danos cardíacos.

The expression of FOXP3 in lesions of several forms of leprosy in patients co-infected with HIV.

BACKGROUND: Brazil remains endemic for infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and leprosy, having a major impact on public health and the life quality of affected patients. Although the relevance of this co-infection is recognized, several aspects, such as the immune response, are not yet fully understood. The objective of this study was to investigate the expression of FOXP3+ Treg cells in leprosy skin lesions and to correlate their clinical forms, laboratory characteristics (CD4, CD8, and CV), and the immune reconstitution syndrome in HIV-leprosy co-infection. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: An observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study was carried out comparing four groups of patients: those with concomitant diagnosis of leprosy and HIV infection without a leprosy reaction, those with leprosy and HIV co-infection patients with a reverse reaction (RR), those with leprosy without HIV and without reaction, and those with leprosywithout HIV and with RR. The patients were diagnosed at a dermatology outpatient clinic located in Belém, Pará, Brazil, from 2003 to 2017. In the sample studied, there was a positive correlation between FOXP3+ cell density and viral load, negative correlation with blood CD4+ (not statistically significant), significant positive correlation in CD8 count in patients with leprosy reaction, and positive relationship in patients with IRIS. The density of cells expressing FOXP3 was higher in the BL/LL forms in patients without HIV, although the difference was not statistically significant. However, the cell mean was higher in the TT/BT forms in patients co-infected with leprosy and HIV, showing contradictory results. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: These findings support that higher activity of the HIV may stimulate or result in a higher expression of FOXP3-Tregs and that they may be involved in active immunosuppression observed at the infection site at the tissue level. This supports the need to expand studies on FOXP3+ Treg cells in co-infected patients.

Therapeutic outcomes of pemphigus in a referral service in Northern Brazil: a retrospective study of 32 patients.

BACKGROUND: Pemphigus are rare chronic autoimmune blistering disorders with challenging therapeutic management. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic outcomes of pemphigus patients admitted to a dermatology referral service in northern Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 32 patients with histopathological diagnosis of pemphigus between 2010 and 2016. Clinical and epidemiological data were collected. Therapeutic outcome was evaluated according to the criteria proposed by the International Pemphigus Committee. Pemphigus Disease Area Index (PDAI) was used to quantify disease severity. RESULTS: Of the 32 patients, 68.75% had pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and 31.25% had pemphigus foliaceus (PF). Female-to-male ratio was 1:1. The average age was 49.5 years. All patients received oral prednisone as the first-line therapy. Adjuvant immunosuppressive drugs were gradually added in refractory and/or severe cases. After 24 months of treatment, disease control and complete remission rates were 37.5% and 25%, respectively. The mortality rate was 9.37%. PDAI score was significantly lower at 24 months of therapeutic follow-up (p < .0001). CONCLUSION: Therapeutic management with corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressive drugs was able to induce disease control/complete remission in most of patients. PDAI was a useful tool for objective assessment of disease severity during therapeutic follow-up.

Leprosy in elderly people and the profile of a retrospective cohort in an endemic region of the Brazilian Amazon.

BACKGROUND: Leprosy has a global presence; more than 180 thousand new cases were registered in 2013, 15% of which were found in the Americas. The elderly are a very susceptible demographic in terms of developing illnesses, mainly because of characteristics natural to the senescence of the human organism. This study's goals were to analyze leprosy in an elderly population from a hyperendemic region of the Brazilian Amazon in a historical series from 2004 to 2013 and to determine the clinical and epidemiological profile of a series of leprosy cases of elderly people in the period spanning from 2009 to 2013. METHODS: To achieve these goals, an observational, longitudinal, retrospective and descriptive study was put together to analyze leprosy in elderly people from data acquired from the Notification Aggravations Information System. Furthermore, a profile of the disease from a retrospective cohort based on data collected from medical records was developed. RESULTS: The number of new cases and the leprosy detection rate decreased across the observed period but remained stable among the elderly. The trend for the next ten years indicates decreases in the number of cases and in the detection rate in the general population and an increase in only the elderly. The overall profile was characterized by a predominance of males (64.32%), the multibacillary clinical form (87.57%), Type 1 reaction episodes (37.50%) and some physical incapacity at diagnosis (49.19%). The risk of reaction was greater in the first six months of multidrug therapy, and the positive result from the skin smear was associated with the greater chance of reactional condition development. CONCLUSIONS: The resulting data demonstrate that leprosy amongst the elderly deserves attention because of the increased susceptibility to disability in this age group, with their higher risk of reaction and their greater level of co-morbidity.

Botulinum toxin type A in chronic neuropathic pain in refractory leprosy.

OBJECTIVE: Neuropathic pain is a chronic syndrome that is difficult to treat and often affects patients with leprosy. Recommended treatment includes the the use of analgesic drugs, codeine, tricyclic antidepressants, neuroleptics, anticonvulsants and thalidomide, but without consensus on uniform dose and fully satisfactory results. To analyze botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) effectiveness in treatment of chronic neuropathic pain in refractory leprous patients, as well as evaluate and compare the quality of life of patients before and after using the medication. METHODS: We used a specific protocol including clinical, demographic, DN4 protocol, analogue scale (VAS), sensory evaluation and evaluation of the WHOQOL-BREF. Therapeutic intervention was performed with BOTOX® BTX-A 100U administered subcutaneously. Fifteen patients were evaluated on days 0, 10 and 60. RESULTS: Patients on VAS showed pain between 5 and 10, in one case there was complete pain relief in 60 days, while others showed improvement in the first week with the return of symptoms with less intensity after this period. WHOQOL-BREF's domains Quality of Life and Physical to have a significant increase in QOL. CONCLUSION: BoNT-A proved to be a good therapeutic option in relieving pain with improved quality of life for these patients.

Botulinum toxin type A in chronic neuropathic pain in refractory leprosy / Toxina Botulínica Tipo A em Dor Neuropática Crônica em Hanseníase

ABSTRACT Neuropathic pain is a chronic syndrome that is difficult to treat and often affects patients with leprosy. Recommended treatment includes the the use of analgesic drugs, codeine, tricyclic antidepressants, neuroleptics, anticonvulsants and thalidomide, but without consensus on uniform dose and fully satisfactory results. Objective: To analyze botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) effectiveness in treatment of chronic neuropathic pain in refractory leprous patients, as well as evaluate and compare the quality of life of patients before and after using the medication. Methods: We used a specific protocol including clinical, demographic, DN4 protocol, analogue scale (VAS), sensory evaluation and evaluation of the WHOQOL-BREF. Therapeutic intervention was performed with BOTOX® BTX-A 100U administered subcutaneously. Fifteen patients were evaluated on days 0, 10 and 60. Results: Patients on VAS showed pain between 5 and 10, in one case there was complete pain relief in 60 days, while others showed improvement in the first week with the return of symptoms with less intensity after this period. WHOQOL-BREF's domains Quality of Life and Physical to have a significant increase in QOL. Conclusion: BoNT-A proved to be a good therapeutic option in relieving pain with improved quality of life for these patients.

RESUMO A dor neuropática é uma síndrome crônica que é difícil de tratar e freqüentemente afeta pacientes com hanseníase. O tratamento recomendado inclui o uso de drogas analgésicas, codeína, antidepressivos tricíclicos, neurolépticos, anticonvulsivantes e talidomida, mas sem consenso sobre dose uniforme e resultados plenamente satisfatórios. Objetivo: Busca-se analisar a efetividade da toxina botulínica tipo A no tratamento da dor neuropática crônica hansênica refratária. Método: Estudo de intervenção do tipo ensaio clínico em portadores de dor neuropática crônica hansênica. Foram coletados dados epidemiológicos, protocolo DN4, escala analógica da dor (EVA), avaliação sensitiva, motora a avaliação do WHOQOL-Bref. Realizado intervenção terapêutica com toxina botulínica tipo A 100U. Os pacientes foram avaliados nos dias de 0, 10 e 60. A dor neuropática foi mais frequente no sexo masculino, na faixa etária de 40 à 49 anos. Resultados: Da forma Dimorfa, multibacilar com baciloscopia positiva e incapacidades presentes. Os escores EVA variam entre 5 e 10, todos os pacientes apresentaram alterações sensoriais. O WHOQOL-Bref apresentou melhora após o tratamento com TxBA. A TxBA foi bem tolerada o único efeito adverso notável foi dor leve. E com apenas uma única aplicação de TxBA promoveu efeitos analgésicos a longo prazo em pacientes com dor associada à alodinia, sugerindo que a analgesia observada pode ser causada por um efeito periférico da TxBA em terminações nociceptivas. Conclusão: O estudo sugere que a TxBA é uma boa opção para os casos de dor neuropática crônica hansênica, no entanto, novos estudos são necessários para confirmar estes resultados.

Hepatites B e C nas áreas de três Centros Regionais de Saúde do Estado do Pará, Brasil: uma análise espacial, epidemiológica e socioeconômica / Hepatitis B and C in the areas of three Regional Health Centers of Pará State, Brazil: a spatial, epidemiological and socioeconomic analysis

Resumo Introdução As hepatites virais são graves problemas de saúde pública e estão relacionadas às diferentes características socioeconômicas do território brasileiro. Objetivo Analisar a distribuição espacial das hepatites B e C e sua relação com o Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano Municipal (IDHM) nas áreas de três Centros Regionais de Saúde (CRS), no Estado do Pará, Brasil, de 2010 a 2014. Método Neste trabalho descritivo e transversal, foram utilizados dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação, do Ministério da Saúde, e do Censo 2010, do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística. Resultados As análises mostraram que o 11º CRS notificou o maior número de casos (60,9%). Os indivíduos mais acometidos por ambas as doenças foram do gênero feminino, pardos, adultos e com ensino fundamental. Os fatores de riscos mais significativos foram uso de medicamentos injetáveis e tratamentos dentário e cirúrgico. Foi observada dependência espacial entre o IDHM e os parâmetros da taxa de incidência das doenças, com autocorrelações diretas e indiretas. Assim, áreas com IDHM médio e baixo apresentaram altas taxas de incidência, sobretudo em municípios com intenso fluxo migratório, nas últimas décadas. Conclusão As análises foram eficazes para construir cenários epidemiológicos das doenças. Ressaltamos a necessidade de expandir o controle das hepatites nas áreas estudadas.

Abstract Background Viral hepatitis is a serious public health problem and is related to the different socioeconomic characteristics of the Brazilian territory. Objective To analyze the spatial distribution of the hepatitis B and C and their relationship with the Municipal Human Development Index (IDHM), in the areas of three Regional Health Centers (CRS), in the state of Pará, Brazil, from 2010 to 2014. Method In this descriptive and cross-sectional study, data from the Information System for Notifiable Diseases of the Ministry of Health and the 2010 Census of the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics were used. Results The analyses showed that the 11th CRS reported the greater number of cases (60.9%). The most affected individuals by both diseases were female, brown skin color, adults and elementary school degree. The most significant risk factors were injecting drugs use, dental and surgical treatments. It was observed spatial dependence between the IDHM and the diseases incidence rate parameters, with direct and indirect autocorrelations. Thus, areas with medium and low IDHM showed high incidence rates, especially in municipalities with intense migratory flows, in the last decades. Conclusion The analyses were effective for construct epidemiological scenarios of the diseases. The need to expand the control of hepatitis in the studied areas is highlighted.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis: Spatial distribution and environmental risk factors in the state of Pará, Brazilian Eastern Amazon.

INTRODUCTION: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is an infectious disease transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies and is considered a great environmental and public health problem. Thus, this work presents initial results of the analyses about the relationship between the spatial distribution of this disease and its environmental risk factors in three municipalities, in the state of Pará, Brazil, from 2012 to 2016. METHODOLOGY: It was used data from the Ministry of Health, the National Institute for Space Research and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. The statistical and spacial analysis of the variables were done using G-test goodness-of-fit, kernel interpolation technique and the Bivariate Global Moran Index (I). RESULTS: The analyses showed that the most affected individuals were males, adults, low schooling, residents in rural areas and small farmers. The disease spatial distribution was not homogeneous in the municipalities and it was associated to different relationships between the land use and occupation and the notificated cases density, with direct spatial autocorrelation. CONCLUSIONS: The deforestation was the most significant risk factor linked to the cases occurrence in all the studied area. We emphasize the need of intensification of epidemiological and environmental surveillance actions in the studied areas.

Quality of life and handgrip strength of HIV patients diagnosed with neurotoxoplasmosis / Qualidade de vida e força manual em pacientes HIV com diagnóstico de neurotoxoplasmose

Abstract HIV / AIDS epidemic continues to be a major public health problem, and when there is poor adherence to treatment, patients become susceptible to other infections such as toxoplasmosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the handgrip strength and quality of life of HIV infected patients diagnosed with neurotoxoplasmosis. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 40 HIV-infected patients, with and without diagnosis of neuroxoplasmosis.Sociodemographic and clinical profile information was collected, and handgrip strength and quality of life were evaluated. Almost all patients of both groups used antiretroviral therapy. In the handgrip strength evaluation, no statistical difference was observed for the right and left hand between groups with and without neurotoxoplasmosis (p> 0.05). However, the classifica-1 Federal University of Pará. Gradution of inadequate handgrip strength in the neurotoxoplasmosis group was significantly higher.ate Program in Tropical Diseases. In the quality of life domain, it was observed that financial concern had lower scores in the Belém, PA. Brazil. group with neurotoxoplasmosis (p = 0.0379). It was observed that neurotoxoplasmosis showedno association with epidemiological, clinical, handgrip strength and quality of life variables.2 State University of Pará. Center However, patients with neurotoxoplasmosis showed a trend towards lower muscle strength.

Resumo Atualmente a epidemia do HIV/Aids continua sendo um problema de saúde pública de ampla relevância, e quando não há uma boa aderência do paciente ao tratamento o mesmo torna-se suscetível a outras infecções como a toxoplasmose. Objetivou-se avaliar a força de preensão manual e a qualidade de vida em pacientes infectados pelo HIV com diagnóstico de neurotoxoplasmose. Foi realizado um estudotransversal com 40 pacientes infectados pelo HIV, com e sem diagnóstico de neuroxoplasmose. Foram coletadas informações sociodemográficas, perfil clínico e foram avaliadas a força de preensão manual e a qualidade de vida. Quase todos os pacientes de ambos os grupos utilizavam a terapia antirretroviral.Na avaliação de força de preensão manual não notou-se diferença estatística para a força manual direita e esquerda entre os grupos com e sem neurotoxoplasmose (p>0.05). Contudo, a classificação de inadequado para a força manual no grupo com neurotoxoplasmose foi significativamente maior. Nos domínios da qualidade de vida, observou-se que a preocupação financeira apresentou menores escoresno grupo com neurotoxoplasmose (p=0.0379). Observou-se que a neurotoxoplasmose não demonstrou associação com as variáveis epidemiológicas, clínicas, da força manual e da qualidade de vida. Contudo os pacientes com neurotoxoplasmose apresentaram uma tendência para menor força muscular.

Carga de trabalho da enfermagem e a mortalidade de pacientes na unidades de terapia intensiva / Nursing workload and mortality of intensive care unit patients

Objetivo: Analisar a correlação entre a carga de trabalho da equipe de enfermagem, aferida pelo escore NAS (Nursing Activities Score) e a mortalidade predita pelo escore SAPS 3 dos pacientes internados em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, verificando as correlações entre os profissionais de enfermagem atuantes na unidade segundo o preconizado pela RDC e o recomendado pelo escore NAS. Material e Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo de coorte realizado no período de setembro de 2014 a abril de 2015, com 270 pacientes. Utilizou-se o instrumento NAS e, posteriormente, foi submetido a análise estatística no BioEstat 5.3®. Resultados: A partir da análise dos resultados foi possível identificar que a sepse foi o principal diagnóstico. Houve correlação linear entre o NAS médio e o inicial dos pacientes internados com o índice prognóstico SAPS 3, com diferença estatisticamente significante entre o número de profissionais atuantes nas unidades e o número de profissionais de enfermagem dimensionados pelo NAS. Conclusão: Conclui-se que o NAS é uma ferramenta importante para dimensionar a carga de trabalho da equipe nas UTIs. (AU)

Objective: This study aims to analyze the correlation between the workload of the nursing team, measured by the NAS score (Nursing Activities Score) and the predicted mortality by SAPS 3 score of patients in the Intensive Care Unit and to investigate the correlations between nursing professionals working in the unit as recommended by the Resolution n° 7, from brazilian Ministério da Saúde Materials and Methods: A clinical cohort conducted during the period of September 2014 and April 2015, with 270 patientes. The NAS score was used and was later submitted to statistical analysis in the BioEstat 5.3®.Results: From the analysis of the results, it was possible to identify that the sepsis was the main diagnosis. There was linear correlation between the medium and initial NAS of the hospitalized patients with the SAPS score 3, with significant statistical diference between the number of working professionals in the units and the number of nursing professionals measured by the NAS. Conclusion : The NAS is an important tool for measuring the workload of the ICU teams. (AU)

Peripheral nerve abnormality in HIV leprosy patients.

BACKGROUND: The geographical overlap of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and leprosy infection has become increasingly frequent and worrying, bringing many clinical issues. Peripheral neuropathy is very frequent in leprosy because of the predilection of its etiologic agent by Schwann cells of the peripheral nervous system, and it also affects individuals with HIV as one of the most common neurological manifestations. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The present study compared a cohort of 63 patients diagnosed with leprosy and coinfected with HIV with a cohort of 64 patients with leprosy alone, who were followed at the outpatient clinic of the Nucleus of Tropical Medicine of the Federal University of Pará, Brazil. We observed that HIV-coinfected leprosy patients presented greater odds of overall peripheral nerve damage (nerve function impairment-NFI) than patients with leprosy alone. More sensitive damage was observed, especially in patients coinfected with multibacillary forms. Leprosy patients coinfected with HIV presented higher chances of motor damage with improvement over time using multidrug therapy (MDT) and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), along with a greater extent of damage and occurrence of neuritis. The data suggest that in addition to patients presenting possible damage caused by leprosy, they also had a greater damage gradient attributable to HIV disease, but not related to HAART because most of these patients had been on the treatment for less than a year. Neuritis was treated with prednisone at doses recommended by the WHO, and coinfected patients had the highest rate of clinical improvement in the first 60 days. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The clinical characteristics of the two diseases should be considered in leprosy patients coinfected with HIV for better diagnosis and treatment of peripheral neuropathy. We suggest that new simplified assessment tools that allow the evaluation of the NFI of these patients be developed for use in the service.

Prevalence of autoantibodies against cellular antigens in patients with HIV and leprosy coinfection in the Amazon region.

BACKGROUND: Infectious agents can activate self-reactive T cells. In general, infections trigger various mechanisms, including a lack of auto-tolerance, induction of costimulatory molecules on antigen presenting cells, and molecular simulation, in addition to cross-reactions between microbial antigens and self-antigens. HIV and leprosy coinfections lead to self-immunity with the production of autoantibodies. However, not enough data on the immune behaviour associated with this coinfection are available. Therefore, this study focused on the detection of autoantibodies against cellular antigens (AACA) in individuals with HIV and leprosy coinfection in the Amazon region. METHODS: Patients were distributed into four groups according to their infections: (i) coinfection with HIV and leprosy (n = 23), (ii) infection with leprosy (n = 33), (iii) infection with HIV/AIDS (n = 25), and (iv) healthy blood donor controls (n = 100). AACA were identified by indirect immunofluorescence and the samples were tested using a commercial diagnosis kit containing the antinuclear antibody HEp-2. RESULTS: Morphologically, all stages of cell division were assessed in addition to the morphological features associated with the nuclear matrix, nucleolus, mitotic spindle, and cytoplasm. There was a high prevalence of AACA in the coinfection group (47.8%, n = 11) when compared with the control group of healthy blood donors (2.0%). The results showed predominantly cytoplasmic staining in all groups analysed, and no difference was observed between the presence or absence of AACA and the leprosy forms (paucibacillary and multibacillary) in the coinfection group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that despite the tendency of coinfected patients to have higher levels of autoantibodies, no correlation was observed between clinical and laboratorial variables and morbidity associated with HIV and leprosy coinfections or the levels of AACA in the serum of coinfected patients. These data are important to elucidate this complex relationship between HIV and leprosy and thus improve the follow-up of these patients.

Expression of interleukin-1ß and interleukin-6 in leprosy reactions in patients with human immunodeficiency virus coinfection.

Previous studies suggest that coinfection of leprosy and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) does not decrease the frequency and intensity of leprosy reactions. However, the immunological aspects of leprosy reactions in coinfected patients remain obscure, with a limited number of studies showing contradictory results. Observational study using tissue samples collected during leprosy reactions from 15 patients coinfected with leprosy and HIV and from 15 patients with leprosy alone. Patients were part of a prior larger cohort study of leprosy patients with and without HIV coinfection. Specific antibodies were used to detect IL-1ß and IL-6 expression in skin biopsy tissue cells. IL-1ß and IL-6 expression was similar between leprosy patients with and without HIV coinfection (p>0.05). Coinfected and non-coinfected tissues showed similar levels of IL-1ß and IL-6 expression for type 1 reactions. A trend towards increased levels of IL-1ß and IL-6 expression was observed in tissue from coinfected patients (p=0.0024). The expression of IL-1ß and IL-6 during leprosy reactions did not differ significantly between tissues obtained from leprosy patients with and without HIV coinfection. Therefore, we conclude that HIV coinfection does not affect the immunological pattern of leprosy reactions.

Hanseníase e Atenção Primária à Saúde: uma avaliação de estrutura do programa / Leprosy and Primary Health Care: program structure assessment

RESUMO O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar a estrutura do programa municipal de controle da hanseníase, em Canaã dos Carajás (Pará), no contexto da Atenção Primária à Saúde. Trata-se de um estudo de avaliação de programas de saúde, com foco na hanseníase, tendo como público-alvo os gestores do programa de hanseníase e os gerentes das unidades de saúde da atenção primária. Foram utilizados dois questionários diferentes, elaborados especificamente para esse fim. Concluiu-se que o município em questão possui uma estrutura classificada entre insatisfatória e regular, demonstrando várias fragilidades no programa avaliado, para o atendimento em hanseníase.

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the structure of the municipal program of leprosy control in Canaã dos Carajás (Pará), in the context of Primary Health Care. Methods: this is an assessment of health programs, focusing on leprosy, targeting managers of the leprosy program and managers of health facilities of primary care. Two different questionnaires, developed specifically for this purpose, were used. Conclusion: the municipality in question has a structure classified between poor and regular, showing several weaknesses in the assessed program for the care of leprosy.