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Studies on COVID-19 usually focus on health system responses to decrease the rate of COVID-19 infection and death, but patients with other diseases also require access to health services during the pandemic. This paper describes the structures and processes by which the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) changed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which helped to sustain essential health services (EHSs). We conducted a desk review of the local literature and semistructured qualitative interviews with key informants from the CCSS. We found that the CCSS implemented changes in structure, such as creating a specialised COVID-19 centre and hiring additional interim health workers. The CCSS also implemented changes in processes, including leveraging its integrated network to optimise its resources and support alternative care modalities. These changes generated changes in outputs and outcomes that helped sustain EHSs for non-COVID-19 patients. These interventions were possible primarily due to Costa Rica's underlying health system, particularly its integrated nature with a single institution in charge of healthcare provision financed through mandatory health insurance, a unique digital medical record system and a contingency fund.
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COVID-19 , Humanos , Costa Rica , SARS-CoV-2 , Pandemias , Atenção à Saúde/organização & administração , Acessibilidade aos Serviços de Saúde , Previdência SocialRESUMO
Severe loss of bone mass may require grafting, and, among the alternatives available, there are natural biomaterials that can act as scaffolds for the cell growth necessary for tissue regeneration. Collagen and elastin polymers are a good alternative due to their biomimetic properties of bone tissue, and their characteristics can be improved with the addition of polysaccharides such as chitosan and bioactive compounds such as jatoba resin and pomegranate extract due to their antigenic actions. The aim of this experimental protocol was to evaluate bone neoformation in experimentally made defects in the mandible of rats using polymeric scaffolds with plant extracts added. Thirty rats were divided into group 1, with a mandibular defect filled with a clot from the lesion and no graft implant (G1-C, n = 10); group 2, filled with collagen/chitosan/jatoba resin scaffolds (G2-CCJ, n = 10); and group 3, with collagen/nanohydroxyapatite/elastin/pomegranate extract scaffolds (G3-CHER, n = 10). Six weeks after surgery, the animals were euthanized and samples from the surgical areas were submitted to macroscopic, radiological, histological, and morphometric analysis of the mandibular lesion repair process. The results showed no inflammatory infiltrates in the surgical area, indicating good acceptance of the scaffolds in the microenvironment of the host area. In the control group (G1), there was a predominance of reactive connective tissue, while in the grafted groups (G2 and G3), there was bone formation from the margins of the lesion, but it was still insufficient for total bone repair of the defect within the experimental period standardized in this study. The histomorphometric analysis showed that the mean percentage of bone volume formed in the surgical area of groups G1, G2, and G3 was 17.17 ± 2.68, 27.45 ± 1.65, and 34.07 ± 0.64 (mean ± standard deviation), respectively. It can be concluded that these scaffolds with plant extracts added can be a viable alternative for bone repair, as they are easily manipulated, have a low production cost, and stimulate the formation of new bone by osteoconduction.
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This paper uses the gradual implementation of a primary healthcare (PHC) intervention in Costa Rica to examine the long-term effect of PHC on mortality. Nine years after opening a primary care center, known as a Health Area, there was an associated 13% reduction in age-adjusted mortality rate in the assigned patient population. The effect was highest among adults over 65 years of age and for those with noncommunicable diseases, such as cardiovascular-related causes of death. We also show that as Health Areas opened, more individuals sought care at primary care clinics, while fewer sought care at emergency rooms; these changes may have partially mediated the effect of the intervention on mortality.
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Atenção à Saúde , Atenção Primária à Saúde , Adulto , Humanos , Costa Rica/epidemiologia , Dinâmica Populacional , MortalidadeRESUMO
Bone lesions have the capacity for regeneration under normal conditions of the bone metabolism process. However, due to the increasing incidence of major traumas and diseases that cause bone-mineral deficiency, such as osteoporosis, scaffolds are needed that can assist in the bone regeneration process. Currently, natural polymeric scaffolds and bioactive nanoparticles stand out. Therefore, the objective of the study was to evaluate the osteoregenerative potential in tibiae of healthy and ovariectomized rats using mineralized collagen and nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) scaffolds associated with elastin. The in-vivo experimental study was performed with 60 20-week-old Wistar rats, distributed into non-ovariectomized (NO) and ovariectomized (O) groups, as follows: Controls (G1-NO-C and G4-O-C); Collagen with nHA scaffold (G2-NO-MSH and G5-O-MSH); and Collagen with nHA and elastin scaffold (G3-NO-MSHC and G6-O-MSHC). The animals were euthanized 6 weeks after surgery and the samples were analyzed by macroscopy, radiology, and histomorphometry. ANOVA and Tukey tests were performed with a 95% CI and a significance index of p < 0.05. In the histological analyses, it was possible to observe new bone formed with an organized and compact morphology that was rich in osteocytes and with maturity characteristics. This is compatible with osteoconductivity in both matrices (MSH and MSHC) in rats with normal conditions of bone metabolism and with gonadal deficiency. Furthermore, they demonstrated superior osteogenic potential when compared to control groups. There was no significant difference in the rate of new bone formation between the scaffolds. Ovariectomy did not exacerbate the immune response but negatively influenced the bone-defect repair process.
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Durapatita , Elastina , Feminino , Ratos , Animais , Humanos , Ratos Wistar , Colágeno , Osteogênese , Regeneração Óssea , Ovariectomia , Alicerces Teciduais , Engenharia TecidualRESUMO
Introducción: La anomalía de Ebstein es una rara malformación con presentación sintomática respiratoria leve a grave a causa de defectos cardiacos congénitos manifestados durante la niñez. Objetivo: Exponer el caso en el cual el diagnóstico oportuno de esta enfermedad permitió el tratamiento integral del paciente. Presentación del caso: Recién nacido a término, quien a las siete horas de su nacimiento presentó saturación de oxígeno disminuida, examen físico sin cianosis, soplo pansistólico en la auscultación y cardiomegalia detectada por rayos X de tórax. Se realizó ecocardiograma que permitió diagnosticar al bebé como portador de la enfermedad de Ebstein con manifestaciones leves. Una vez que tiene mejoría clínica, se le proporcionó el alta médica con indicación de valoración por cardiología pediátrica. Conclusiones: La anomalía de Ebstein puede comenzar en el período neonatal con sintomatología de severidad variable. La sospecha clínica permite la confirmación diagnóstica y el seguimiento estrecho, sobre todo en casos severos(AU)
Introduction: Ebstein's anomaly is a rare malformation with mild to severe respiratory symptomatic presentation due to congenital heart defects manifested during childhood. Objective: To present the case in which the timely diagnosis of this disease allowed the comprehensive treatment of the patient. Case presentation: Full-term newborn, who at seven hours of birth presented decreased oxygen saturation, physical examination without cyanosis, pansystolic murmur in auscultation and cardiomegaly detected by chest X-rays. An echocardiogram was performed to diagnose the baby as a carrier of Ebstein's disease with mild manifestations. Once he had clinical improvement, he was discharged with an indication for assessment by pediatric cardiology. Conclusions: Ebstein's anomaly may begin in the neonatal period with symptoms of variable severity. Clinical suspicion allows for diagnostic confirmation and close follow-up, especially in severe cases(AU)
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Humanos , Masculino , Recém-Nascido , Permeabilidade do Canal Arterial/terapia , Cardiomegalia/diagnóstico por imagem , Saturação de OxigênioRESUMO
Resumen Introducción: La enfermedad renal crónica afecta a los riñones de forma irreversible, generando un gran impacto emocional en el paciente y su entorno familiar y social; determina cambios en los hábitos alimentarios, físicos y sociales perturbando, de esta manera, su calidad de vida. Objetivo: Valorar la calidad de vida de pacientes que se encuentran en tratamiento hemodialítico de la comuna de Chillán Viejo. Material y métodos: Diseño descriptivo, de corte transversal, no experimental. Fue implementado en una población de 62 pacientes en tratamiento de hemodiálisis en Chile. Se utilizó el cuestionario Kidney Disease and Quality of Life (KDQOL), que presenta puntajes de satisfacción entre 0 a 100, para evaluar calidad de vida en hemodializados. Resultados: Según sus medias de logros, las dimensiones más afectadas son: salud general (30,65 ±21,81), rol físico (23,15 ±31,4), carga de la enfermedad renal (25,46±20,49), situación laboral (23,15±35,97), función cognitiva (22,59±20,70) y calidad de las relaciones sociales (22,22±23,13).Conclusiones: Es importante poner en práctica actividades educativas y de prevención destinadas a pacientes que realizan diálisis, para evitar posibles complicaciones asociadas a la enfermedad renal y sus comórbidas, disminuir el deterioro de su calidad de vida y promover el apoyo al paciente y su familia.
Abstract Introduction: Chronic kidney disease affects the kidneys irreversibly, creating a great emotional impact on the patient and their family and social environment, and making changes in eating, physical and social habits, which disturb, in this way, their quality of life. Objective: To assess the quality of life of patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment in the commune of Chillán Viejo. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, non-experimental study was conducted. It was implemented in a population of 62 patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment in Chile. The Kidney Disease and Quality of Life (KDQOL) survey, which presents satisfaction scores between 0 and 100, was used to assess quality of life in hemodialysis patients. Results: According to their average of achievement, the most affected dimensions are: general health (30.65 ± 21.81), physical role (23.15 ± 31.4), burden of kidney disease (25.46 ± 20,49), employment status (23.15 ± 35.97), cognitive function (22.59 ± 20.70) and quality of social relations (22.22 ± 23.13). Conclusions: It is important to implement educational and prevention activities aimed at patients who are on dialysis, so as to avoid possible complications associated with kidney disease and its comorbid diseases, reduce the deterioration of their quality of life and promote support for the patient and their family.
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Recently, front-of-package (FOP) food labeling systems have captured the attention of researchers and policy makers. Several Latin American governments are currently considering employing different FOP labeling systems. However, there is much need for more research-based evidence in these countries. In this paper, we study whether food-purchasing decisions and the nutritional qualities of those purchases are influenced by randomly informing some customers and not others about an FOP label known as Nutri-Score. We also separate the information effect from the effect of being aware of the system. We combined a randomized field intervention in a university cafeteria in Bogotá, Colombia with data from an after-purchase survey and receipts. We found that randomly providing information on Nutri-Score increased total expenditure by $0.18. Additional spending on healthier items was 21% or $0.26 higher, with no change for less healthy items. Expenditure estimates were higher among customers who were aware of the system's existence. Customers in the study were also 10% more likely to buy a healthier item than control customers were, and the concentration of protein in their purchases was greater. Information on the Nutri-Score system increased the store's sales. This potential financial incentive may facilitate the implementation of Nutri-Score.
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Comportamento de Escolha , Comportamento do Consumidor , Rotulagem de Alimentos , Valor Nutritivo , Colômbia , Preferências Alimentares , Serviços de Alimentação , Promoção da Saúde , Humanos , UniversidadesRESUMO
Agricultural systems have experienced rapid expansion and intensification in the last several decades. In Uruguay, since the beginning of 2000, the most common cropping systems have included soybeans. Currently, this crop is expanding towards lowlands traditionally occupied by rice in rotation with pastures. However, the environmental effects of agricultural intensification and diversification are not well known. Thus, some indices have been proposed to quantify the changes in agricultural production systems and assess water quality. The main goal of this study was to develop a water quality index (WQI) to assess the impacts of the diversification of rice production systems in northwest Uruguay. The study was carried out in an agricultural basin where other summer crops have been incorporated in the rice-pasture sequence. Agriculture intensification and crop diversification indices were calculated using information provided by farmers. Water samples were collected downstream of the production area before crop sowing and after crop harvest (2008-2009 to 2010-2011 and 2016-2017 to 2017-2018). Biochemical oxygen demand, nitrates, total phosphorus, fecal coliforms, and total suspended solids were the variables that mainly explained the effects of the agricultural activities on water quality. The proposed water quality index included these unweighted variables, which allowed for the pre-sowing and post-harvest to be differentiated, as well as the degree of diversification. Therefore, the proposed WQI constitutes a tool that can be used to evaluate the water quality in an agricultural basin. Likewise, it can be used to select agricultural sequences that generate the least possible impacts on the associated water resources.
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Agricultura , Produtos Agrícolas , Monitoramento Ambiental/métodos , Qualidade da Água , Conservação dos Recursos Naturais , Fazendeiros , Nitratos/química , Oryza , Fósforo/química , Estações do Ano , UruguaiRESUMO
PURPOSE: To report the clinical outcomes of local treatment of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis (TRC) with intravitreal injections of clindamycin and dexamethasone. STUDY POPULATION: 16 eyes (16 patients) with active TRC sparing the macula and juxtapapillary area treated with intravitreal injections of clindamycin (1 mg) and dexamethasone (1 mg) without concomitant systemic antitoxoplasmic or anti-inflammatory therapy. Measured parameters: Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was measured by an Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) chart. BCVA and clinical characteristics of retinochoroiditis were assessed at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Resolution of retinochoroiditis and changes in BCVA. RESULTS: Control of TRC was achieved in all cases with a mean interval of 2.48 ± 1.03 weeks (2-6 weeks). A single injection of intravitreal clindamycin and dexamethasone was performed in 12 patients, and four patients required two intravitreal injections, during the follow-up period. Fourteen eyes (87.5%) improved ≥ 2 ETDRS lines of BCVA, of two or more Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study lines, BCVA remained stable in two eyes (12.5%), and no patient had decreased BCVA at the end of the follow-up period. No ocular or systemic adverse events were observed. CONCLUSION: Local treatment with intravitreal injections of clindamycin and dexamethasone without concomitant systemic therapy was associated with resolution of TRC in patients without macular or juxtapapillary involvement. Intravitreal clindamycin and dexamethasone may represent a viable treatment option in patients with allergies or inadequate responses to oral medications.
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Antibacterianos/administração & dosagem , Anti-Inflamatórios/administração & dosagem , Coriorretinite/tratamento farmacológico , Clindamicina/administração & dosagem , Dexametasona/administração & dosagem , Toxoplasmose Ocular/tratamento farmacológico , Adolescente , Adulto , Coriorretinite/fisiopatologia , Quimioterapia Combinada , Feminino , Humanos , Injeções Intravítreas , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Toxoplasmose Ocular/fisiopatologia , Resultado do Tratamento , Acuidade Visual/fisiologia , Corpo Vítreo , Adulto JovemRESUMO
ABSTRACTPurpose:To report the clinical outcomes of local treatment of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis (TRC) with intravitreal injections of clindamycin and dexamethasone.Methods:Study population: 16 eyes (16 patients) with active TRC sparing the macula and juxtapapillary area treated with intravitreal injections of clindamycin (1 mg) and dexamethasone (1 mg) without concomitant systemic antitoxoplasmic or anti-inflammatory therapy. Measured parameters: Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was measured by an Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) chart. BCVA and clinical characteristics of retinochoroiditis were assessed at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Primary outcome measures: Resolution of retinochoroiditis and changes in BCVA.Results:Control of TRC was achieved in all cases with a mean interval of 2.48 ± 1.03 weeks (2-6 weeks). A single injection of intravitreal clindamycin and dexamethasone was performed in 12 patients, and four patients required two intravitreal injections, during the follow-up period. Fourteen eyes (87.5%) improved ≥ 2 ETDRS lines of BCVA, of two or more Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study lines, BCVA remained stable in two eyes (12.5%), and no patient had decreased BCVA at the end of the follow-up period. No ocular or systemic adverse events were observed.Conclusion:Local treatment with intravitreal injections of clindamycin and dexamethasone without concomitant systemic therapy was associated with resolution of TRC in patients without macular or juxtapapillary involvement. Intravitreal clindamycin and dexamethasone may represent a viable treatment option in patients with allergies or inadequate responses to oral medications.
RESUMOObjetivo:Reportar os resultados clínicos do tratamento local da retinocoroidite toxoplásmica com injeções intravítreas de clindamicina e dexametasona.Métodos:População do estudo: 16 olhos (16 pacientes) com retinocoroidite toxoplásmica ativa sem comprometimento da mácula e da área juxtapapilar, tratados com injeções intravítreas de clindamicina (1 mg) e dexametasona (1 mg) sem terapia sistêmica anti-toxoplásmica ou anti-inflamatória concomitante. Procedimento de observação: A melhor acuidade visual corrigida (BCVA) foi medida através da tabela ETDRS. A BCVA e as características clínicas da retinocoroidite foram avaliadas na qualificação, primeiro, terceiro, sexto e 12º mês. Medidas do resultado principal: resolução da retinocoroidite e mudanças na BCVA.Resultados:O controle da retinocoroidite toxoplásmica foi atingido em todos os casos com um intervalo médio de 2,48 ± 1,03 semanas (intervalo de 2 a 6 semanas). Uma única injeção intravítrea de clindamicina e dexametasona foi aplicada em 12 pacientes, e quatro pacientes precisaram de duas injeções durante o seguimento. Quatorze olhos (87,5%) melhoraram ≥ 2 linhas ETDRS de BCVA, a BCVA ficou estável em 2 olhos (12,5%) e nenhum paciente apresentou diminuição da acuidade visual no final do seguimento. Não foram observados eventos adversos sistêmicos ou oculares.Conclusão:O tratamento local com injeções intravítreas de clindamicina e dexametasona sem terapia sistêmica concomitante esteve associado com a resolução da retinocoroidite toxoplásmica em pacientes sem comprometimento macular ou juxtapapilar. A clindamicina e dexametasona intravítrea representam um tratamento promissor em pacientes com intolerância, contraindicação ou resposta inadequada a medicação oral.
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Adolescente , Adulto , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Adulto Jovem , Antibacterianos/administração & dosagem , Anti-Inflamatórios/administração & dosagem , Coriorretinite/tratamento farmacológico , Clindamicina/administração & dosagem , Dexametasona/administração & dosagem , Toxoplasmose Ocular/tratamento farmacológico , Coriorretinite/fisiopatologia , Quimioterapia Combinada , Injeções Intravítreas , Resultado do Tratamento , Toxoplasmose Ocular/fisiopatologia , Corpo Vítreo , Acuidade Visual/fisiologiaRESUMO
Patients with inherited bleeding disorders are rare in obstetric practice but present with prolonged bleeding even after minor invasive procedures. They require a combined approach with obstetric and hematological management of each case, including the neonatal management of a possibly affected fetus. We present the case of a pregnancy in a patient with combined Factor VII deficiency and Glanzmann's thrombasthenia, the successful obstetric and hematological management of the case, and a review of the literature.
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The development of a simulator for a packing and weighing system (PWS) of granulated powder is described. It employed system identification to obtain the deterministic part of the model and stochastic processes to reproduce disturbances. It reproduces the fluctuations in carton weight observed in real packing systems. Its final use is to evaluate proposed improvements in the PWS, aiming at reducing overweight and underweight. Its performance is satisfactory, as the oscillations observed in the carton weights, due to powder density variability, are close to reality as well as the monetary losses due to overweight and underweight and the power spectral density graphs of the real and simulated weights.
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Pós , Algoritmos , Interpretação Estatística de Dados , Detergentes , Embalagem de Alimentos , Indústrias , Modelos Teóricos , Distribuição Normal , Reprodutibilidade dos Testes , Software , Processos Estocásticos , Pesos e MedidasRESUMO
PURPOSE: To evaluate anatomical and functional results of 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless pars plana vitrectomy in patients with uveitis. METHODS: Vitrectomy was performed on 20 eyes with residual vitritis secondary to infectious and noninfectious uveitis. Patients were evaluated 1 week before surgery and after surgery at day 1, week 1, week 4 and week 12. Visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure, anterior chamber cells and flare and vitreous haze were measured. RESULTS: Mean VA improved from 2.06 ± 0.94 logMAR before surgery to 0.58 ± 0.46 logMAR at week 12 (p<0.05). No case required conversion to standard 20-gauge instrumentation or suture placement, no intraoperative complications were noted. Transient postoperative hypotony was seen in three eyes. One patient with toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis had a relapse during follow-up. CONCLUSION: 25-gauge vitrectomy has proven its efficacy on cleansing vitreous opacities and improving visual acuity on patients with residual vitritis secondary to uveitis with minimal postoperative inflammation and complications.
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Úvea/cirurgia , Uveíte/cirurgia , Vitrectomia/métodos , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Estudos de Avaliação como Assunto , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Resultado do Tratamento , Uveíte/etiologia , Acuidade Visual , Adulto JovemRESUMO
PURPOSE: To evaluate anatomical and functional results of 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless pars plana vitrectomy in patients with uveitis. METHODS: Vitrectomy was performed on 20 eyes with residual vitritis secondary to infectious and noninfectious uveitis. Patients were evaluated 1 week before surgery and after surgery at day 1, week 1, week 4 and week 12. Visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure, anterior chamber cells and flare and vitreous haze were measured. RESULTS: Mean VA improved from 2.06 ± 0.94 logMAR before surgery to 0.58 ± 0.46 logMAR at week 12 (p<0.05). No case required conversion to standard 20-gauge instrumentation or suture placement, no intraoperative complications were noted. Transient postoperative hypotony was seen in three eyes. One patient with toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis had a relapse during follow-up. CONCLUSION: 25-gauge vitrectomy has proven its efficacy on cleansing vitreous opacities and improving visual acuity on patients with residual vitritis secondary to uveitis with minimal postoperative inflammation and complications.
OBJETIVO: Avaliar os resultados anatômicos e funcionais da vitrectomia via pars plana 25-gauge transconjuntival sem sutura em pacientes com uveítes. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se vitrectomia em 20 olhos com vitreíte residual secundária a uveíte infecciosa e não infecciosa. Os pacientes foram avaliados uma semana antes e após a cirurgia, no primeiro dia, 1ª, 4ª e 12ª semana. Acuidade visual (AV), pressão intraocular, células e "flare" na câmara anterior e "haze" vítreo foram medidos. RESULTADOS: A AV média melhorou de 2,06 ± 0,94 logMAR antes da cirurgia para 0,58 ± 0,46 logMAR na 12ª semana (p<0,05). Nenhum caso necessitou de conversão para instrumentos de 20-gauge ou realização de sutura e não foram observadas complicações intraoperatórias. Hipotonia transitória foi observada em três olhos. Um paciente com retinocoroidite por toxoplasmose teve recidiva durante o acompanhamento. CONCLUSÃO: Vitrectomia 25-gauge provou sua eficácia na remoção do vítreo opacificado e na melhora da AV em pacientes com vitreíte residual secundária a uveítes, com mínima inflamação pós-operatória e complicações.
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Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Feminino , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Adulto Jovem , Úvea/cirurgia , Uveíte/cirurgia , Vitrectomia/métodos , Estudos de Avaliação como Assunto , Resultado do Tratamento , Uveíte/etiologia , Acuidade VisualRESUMO
PURPOSE: To evaluate the spatial association between visual field (VF) sensitivity loss and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thinning in patients infected by the human immunodeficiency virus. METHODS: Fifty-one eyes of 51 human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients and 22 eyes of 22 control subjects were enrolled. Patients were evaluated using the Fast RNFL scan strategy on Stratus OCT and the 24-2 full-threshold program on the Humphrey Matrix frequency doubling technology (FDT) perimeter. Associations between RNFL thickness and VF sensitivity were evaluated globally, in 12 clock-hour optical coherence tomography sectors and in 21 VF zones; linear and quadratic regression models were used in the statistical analysis. RESULTS: The linear and quadratic regression associations between the FDT Matrix pattern standard deviation and the average RNFL thickness in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients were r2 = 0.185 and r2 = 0.218 (P < 0.05), respectively. The correlation between the FDT Matrix mean deviation and the average RNFL thickness was not significant (P > 0.05). Stronger associations were found when regional RNFL thinning was compared with locally measured FDT Matrix pattern deviation, especially between nasal RNFL measurements and temporal VF zones, and between superior RNFL measurements and inferior VF zones. CONCLUSION: Retinal nerve fiber layer thinning was related to VF sensitivity loss in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients and regional associations between optical coherence tomography and FDT Matrix sectors were stronger than the associations between global measurements.
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Infecções por HIV/complicações , Fibras Nervosas/patologia , Doenças Retinianas/virologia , Neurônios Retinianos/patologia , Transtornos da Visão/virologia , Campos Visuais/fisiologia , Adulto , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Feminino , Infecções por HIV/patologia , Infecções por HIV/fisiopatologia , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Doenças Retinianas/patologia , Doenças Retinianas/fisiopatologia , Tomografia de Coerência Óptica , Transtornos da Visão/patologia , Transtornos da Visão/fisiopatologiaRESUMO
PURPOSE: Uveitis is a major visual impairment disease affecting parts or the entire uveal tract and occasionally the sclera, the cornea or the optic nerve. The disease is a major cause of ocular morbidity and blindness in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. In this work we analyzed the sensitivity and specificity of real-time PCR to detect the etiological agent from blood, plasma, vitreous and aqueous humor and compared with the diagnostic hypothesis. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients (13 male) were studied and Real-time PCR method was used for the detection of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2), varicella zoster virus (VZV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) and Toxoplasma gondii (Toxo) in the aqueous humor as well as in the vitreous, blood and plasma. RESULTS: Our results showed the presence of Toxo, CMV, VZV or HSV-2 in 19.2% of aqueous humor samples, and in 30% of vitreous humor samples. In plasma and blood samples, only CMV was detected (11.1% and 3.7%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Real-time PCR was able to detect and to confirm diagnostic hypothesis in uveitis. Our data also confirms that vitreous humor is the best source for molecular diagnosis of infectious uveitis but indicates aqueous humor samples that are easier to obtain may also be appropriate to be tested by Real-time PCR.
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Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase em Tempo Real , Uveíte/diagnóstico , Adulto , Humor Aquoso/microbiologia , Humor Aquoso/virologia , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Sensibilidade e Especificidade , Uveíte/sangue , Uveíte/microbiologia , Uveíte/virologia , Corpo Vítreo/microbiologia , Corpo Vítreo/virologia , Adulto JovemRESUMO
PURPOSE: Uveitis is a major visual impairment disease affecting parts or the entire uveal tract and occasionally the sclera, the cornea or the optic nerve. The disease is a major cause of ocular morbidity and blindness in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. In this work we analyzed the sensitivity and specificity of real-time PCR to detect the etiological agent from blood, plasma, vitreous and aqueous humor and compared with the diagnostic hypothesis. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients (13 male) were studied and Real-time PCR method was used for the detection of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2), varicella zoster virus (VZV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) and Toxoplasma gondii (Toxo) in the aqueous humor as well as in the vitreous, blood and plasma. RESULTS: Our results showed the presence of Toxo, CMV, VZV or HSV-2 in 19.2 percent of aqueous humor samples, and in 30 percent of vitreous humor samples. In plasma and blood samples, only CMV was detected (11.1 percent and 3.7 percent, respectively). CONCLUSION: Real-time PCR was able to detect and to confirm diagnostic hypothesis in uveitis. Our data also confirms that vitreous humor is the best source for molecular diagnosis of infectious uveitis but indicates aqueous humor samples that are easier to obtain may also be appropriate to be tested by Real-time PCR.
OBJETIVO: Uveíte é a maior causa de doença ocular que afeta o trato uveal, e ocasionalmente a esclera, cornea e o nervo óptico. Esta doença é a maior causa de morbidade ocular e cegueira em pacientes imunocompetentes e imunossuprimidos. Neste trabalho nós analisamos a sensiblidade e especificidade do PCR em tempo real para detectar agentes etiológicos no sangue, plasma, humor vítreo e aquoso, e comparamos com a hipótese diagnóstica. MÉTODOS: Vinte e sete pacientes (13 homens) foram estudados e o método de PCR em tempo real foi usado para detectar o vírus da herpes simples 1 (HSV-1), vírus da herpes simples 2 (HSV-2), vírus varicella zoster (VZV), citomegalovírus (CMV), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) e Toxoplama gondii (Toxo) no humor aquoso e vítreo, além do sangue e plasma. RESULTADOS: Nossos resultados mostraram a presença de Toxo, CMV, VZV ou HSV-2 em 19,2 por cento das amostras de humor aquoso, e em 30 por cento das amostras de humor vítreo. Nas amostras de plasma e sangue somente CMV foi detectado (11,1 por cento e 3,7 por cento, respectivamente). CONCLUSÃO: PCR em tempo real foi capaz de detectar e confirmar a hipótese diagnóstica em uveíte. Nossos dados confirmam que o humor vítreo é a melhor fonte para diagnóstico molecular de uveíte infecciosa, porém o humor aquoso também foi uma fonte importante de detecção, além de ser mais fácil de se obter.
Assuntos
Adulto , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Adulto Jovem , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase em Tempo Real , Uveíte/diagnóstico , Humor Aquoso/microbiologia , Humor Aquoso/virologia , Sensibilidade e Especificidade , Uveíte/sangue , Uveíte/microbiologia , Uveíte/virologia , Corpo Vítreo/microbiologia , Corpo Vítreo/virologiaRESUMO
PURPOSE: To report fundus autofluorescence (FA) and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) findings in serpiginous choroiditis. DESIGN: Case report. METHODS: SDOCT and FA imaging of a 37-year-old woman with bilateral recurrent serpiginous choroiditis. RESULTS: Active new lesions disclosed hyperautofluorescence, in contrast to hypoautofluorescent scarred lesions. SDOCT showed increased reflectance of the choroid and deeper retinal layers, along with disruption of the photoreceptor inner and outer segment junction in both active and inactive lesions. CONCLUSION: Autofluorescence imaging and SDOCT are useful noninvasive methods for the evaluation of serpiginous choroiditis. Autofluorescence imaging allows identification of recurrences and retinal pigment epithelium involvement in the follow-up of this disease.
Assuntos
Corioidite/diagnóstico , Fundo de Olho , Tomografia de Coerência Óptica/métodos , Adulto , Anti-Inflamatórios/uso terapêutico , Corioidite/tratamento farmacológico , Ciclosporina/uso terapêutico , Feminino , Fluorescência , Humanos , Prednisona/uso terapêutico , Recidiva , Epitélio Pigmentado da Retina/efeitos dos fármacos , Epitélio Pigmentado da Retina/fisiopatologia , Resultado do Tratamento , Acuidade Visual/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
PURPOSE: To describe the features and outcomes of patients with AIDS-related cytomegalovirus retinitis after highly active antiretroviral therapy availability. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of 30 consecutive patients (44 eyes) with AIDS and newly diagnosed, active AIDS-related cytomegalovirus retinitis, examined from January 2005 to December 2007. RESULTS: The mean age was 34.8 years, 18 patients (60.0%) were male and median duration of AIDS was 90 months. Nineteen patients (63.3%) had evidence of highly active antiretroviral therapy failure and median CD4+ lymphocyte count was 12.5 cells/microl. Visual acuity at presentation was 20/40 or better in 27 eyes (61.4%). Retinitis involved Zone 1 in 13 eyes (39.5%). Despite specific anti-AIDS-related cytomegalovirus therapy, 16 eyes (36.4%) presented relapse of retinitis and 10 eyes (22.7%) lost at least three lines of vision. When compared to highly active antiretroviral therapy responsive patients, eyes of highly active antiretroviral therapy failure patients were more likely to develop relapse of retinitis (p=0.03) and loss of at least three lines of vision (p=0.03). CONCLUSION: The patients in this series are essentially young men with longstanding AIDS, non-responsive to highly active antiretroviral therapy and with a similar immunological profile as noted before highly active antiretroviral therapy era. These findings have implications for the management of the disease and confirm the magnitude of rational periodic screening after diagnosis of AIDS.
Assuntos
Infecções Oportunistas Relacionadas com a AIDS/tratamento farmacológico , Terapia Antirretroviral de Alta Atividade , Retinite por Citomegalovirus/tratamento farmacológico , Infecções Oportunistas Relacionadas com a AIDS/imunologia , Adulto , Linfócitos T CD4-Positivos/imunologia , Retinite por Citomegalovirus/imunologia , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Estudos Retrospectivos , Fatores de Risco , Resultado do Tratamento , Acuidade VisualRESUMO
PURPOSE: To assess retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and macular thickness using optical coherence tomography (OCT) on HIV-infected patients without ocular manifestations and to correlate these findings with frequency-doubling technology perimetry (FDT). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: setting: Single center. study population: Seventy-three patients (146 eyes) with clinically normal examination classified in 3 groups: group A, HIV-infected patients with CD4 count <100 cells/mm(3) for at least 6 months; group B, HIV-infected patients with CD4 count >100 cells/mm(3) since diagnosis; and group C, HIV-negative control subjects. observation procedures: Fast RNFL and fast macula scan strategies on Stratus OCT and Humphrey Matrix 24-2 full-threshold program. main outcome measures: OCT RNFL and macular thicknesses and FDT indices (mean deviation [MD], pattern standard deviation [PSD], and glaucoma hemifield test [GHT]). RESULTS: Group A had a significantly thinner average RNFL, temporal outer macula, and inferior outer macula thicknesses when compared to groups B and C (P < .05). Statistically significant differences were observed in the FDT MD between groups A and C (P = .034) and in PSD in group A compared to groups B and C (P = .011). Eyes of HIV patients with GHT and PSD results outside normal confidence limits had thinner average RNFL thickness measures than eyes with results within normal limits in the same group of patients (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: HIV-infected patients with low CD4 count have a significant RNFL and macular thinning. Functional loss detected by FDT is related to RNFL thinning in HIV-infected patients.