Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a frequent opportunistic infection in human inmunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infected children associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and impact of CMV disease in a prospective ly followed cohort of HIV-1 infected Chilean children. CMV disease was diagnosed in 28 out of 222 HIV infected children (12.6%); 92% of them were classified in category C and 61% in category 3 (CDC, 1994). Lung disease was the most common manifestation (25 children). Samples were obtained from the respiratory tract, blood, urine and tissue biopsies. Shell vial for CMV early antigen detection was the most commonly used diagnostic technique (20/ 28). All patients were treated with iv.ganciclovir and two children died during the CMV episode. The mean survival time for the remaining children is currently 42 months. Conclusion: CMV disease was frequent and caused mortality in HIV-1 infected Chilean children. Early diagnosis and treatment are key for clinical success

Citomegalovirus (CMV) es una infección oportunista frecuente en niños infectados con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana tipo 1 (VIH 1) y produce altas tasas de morbilidad y mortalidad. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la frecuencia y trascendencia de la enfermedad por CMV en la cohorte de niños chilenos infectados con VIH-1. Se encontró enfermedad por CMV en 28 de 222 niños infectados con VIH-1 (12,6%o); 92%o fue clasificado en etapa C y 61%o en categoría 3 (CDC 1994). La enfermedad pulmonar fue la manifestación más común (25). Las muestras clínicas se obtuvieron de tracto respiratorio, sangre, orina y biopsia. Para la detección de CMV se utilizó, preferentemente, el cultivo acelerado (shell vial), (20/28). Todos fueron tratados con ganciclovir ev. El tiempo promedio de sobrevida fue 42 meses hasta el momento de esta evaluación. Conclusión: La enfermedad por CMV causó morbilidad y mortalidad en los niños chilenos infectados por VIH-1. El diagnóstico y tratamiento precoces son la base para un resultado exitoso

Com o objetivo de avaliar déficit cognitivo e presença de sinais e sintomas depressivos, 62 idosos registrados numa Unidade de Saúde Comunitária em Porto Alegre/RS foram entrevistados em suas casas. Foram avaliados pelo Mini Exame do Estado Mental (Mini Mental State), pela escala de Montgomery-Asberg, e por um questionário sobre condições de saúde, moradia e outras variáveis de vínculos sociais. Níveis mais altos de sintomas depressivos foram observados entre os idosos expostos a fatores de risco maiores para doença cérebro-vascular (diabete e doença coronariana), enquanto que pior desempenho cognitivo foi encontrado nos sujeitos que não contavam com um confidente (variável da rede social). Os resultados sugeriram que a identificação precoce dos grupos idosos de risco pode auxiliar na prevenção de problemas sociais e de saúde, mantendo os indivíduos na comunidade.

Since the number and proportion of old people increases worldwide, health professionals and systems should be made aware and prepared to deal with their problems. Cognitive deficit and symptoms of depression are commom among the elderly, and may occur in relation to various risk factors such as health conditions and psychosocial variables. In order to study cognitive deficit and the presence of signs and symptoms of depression, 62 elderly community subjects enrolled at a Community Health Unit in Porto Alegre, southern Brazil, were interviewed. They were evaluated by means of the Mini Mental State Exam, the Montgomery-Asberg Depression rating scale, and a questionnaire on health conditions, living arrangements and social variables. Higher levels of symptoms of depression were observed among subjects exposed to major risk factors for cerebrovascular diseases (diabetes and coronary disease), while impaired cognitive performance was seen among individuals who could not count on the presence of a confidant (social network variable). The results suggest that the early identification of major risk groups among old people can help to prevent institutionalization and keep individuals in the community.

Com o objetivo de avaliar déficit cognitivo e presença de sinais e sintomas depressivos, 62 idosos registrados numa Unidade de Saúde Comunitária em Porto Alegre/RS foram entrevistados em suas casas. Foram avaliados pelo Mini Exame do Estado Mental (Mini Mental State), pela escala de Montgomery-Asberg, e por um questionário sobre condições de saúde, moradia e outras variáveis de vínculos sociais. Níveis mais altos de sintomas depressivos foram observados entre os idosos expostos a fatores de risco maiores para doença cérebro-vascular (diabete e doença coronariana), enquanto que pior desempenho cognitivo foi encontrado nos sujeitos que não contavam com um confidente (variável da rede social). Os resultados sugeriram que a identificação precoce dos grupos idosos de risco pode auxiliar na prevenção de problemas sociais e de saúde, mantendo os indivíduos na comunidade.

Since the number and proportion of old people increases worldwide, health professionals and systems should be made aware and prepared to deal with their problems. Cognitive deficit and symptoms of depression are commom among the elderly, and may occur in relation to various risk factors such as health conditions and psychosocial variables. In order to study cognitive deficit and the presence of signs and symptoms of depression, 62 elderly community subjects enrolled at a Community Health Unit in Porto Alegre, southern Brazil, were interviewed. They were evaluated by means of the Mini Mental State Exam, the Montgomery-Asberg Depression rating scale, and a questionnaire on health conditions, living arrangements and social variables. Higher levels of symptoms of depression were observed among subjects exposed to major risk factors for cerebrovascular diseases (diabetes and coronary disease), while impaired cognitive performance was seen among individuals who could not count on the presence of a confidant (social network variable). The results suggest that the early identification of major risk groups among old people can help to prevent institutionalization and keep individuals in the community.