Abstract Objective To analyze whether infants admitted to hospital with Acute Viral Bronchiolitis (AVB), who received glucocorticoids and bronchodilators, and who had an atopic phenotype, spent less time in hospital and/or less time on oxygen therapy when compared to those who did not have the phenotype. Method A cross-sectional, retrospective epidemiological study was developed with data from medical records of infants admitted to hospital due to AVB from 2012 to 2019 in a sentinel public hospital. It was verified that the frequency of prescription of glucocorticoids, bronchodilators and antibiotics. Length of stay and oxygen therapy duration were then compared in the group that used glucocorticoids and bronchodilators between those who had a personal or family history of atopy and those who did not. Subsequently, the length of hospital stay was compared among infants who received antibiotic therapy and those who did not. Results Fifty-eight infants were included. Of these, 62.1 % received an antibiotic, 100 % a bronchodilator and 98.3 % a glucocorticoid. When comparing infants without a family history of atopy, those who received antibiotics had a longer hospital stay (p = 0.01). Conclusion The presence of an atopic phenotype did not interfere with the length of stay and/or oxygen therapy duration of those who received bronchodilators and glucocorticoids. Increased length of stay of infants without a family history of atopy, who used antibiotics without evidence of bacterial co-infection, and the high frequency of prescription of non-recommended drugs call attention to stricter protocol implementation and professional training in AVB diagnosis and care. AVB, , (AVB) andor crosssectional, crosssectional cross sectional, sectional cross-sectional 201 Subsequently Fiftyeight Fifty eight included these 621 62 1 62. 10 983 98 3 98. glucocorticoid p 0.01. 001 0.01 . 0 01 0.01) coinfection, coinfection co infection, infection co-infection nonrecommended non recommended care (AVB 20 6 9 00 0.0 2 0.

ABSTRACT Background: Many human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and syphilis co-infected patients are not diagnosed, which may evolve into asymptomatic neurosyphilis (ANS). We studied the occurrence of ANS an HIV-infected population. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples collected from patients co-infected with HIV and Treponema pallidum. Social-demographic and clinical-laboratory characteristics were studied. Results: Of the 348 patients infected with HIV, 33 (9.5%) had reagent treponemic and non-treponemic tests. CSF was collected from 19 asymptomatic patients. Of these, 8 (42.1%) presented with laboratory alterations suggestive of ANS. Conclusion: Social-demographic and clinical-laboratory variables should be considered for the indication of CSF collection.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: Os vírus das hepatites B e C (VHB e VHC) são os causadores das duas infecções mais comuns entre os pacientes infectados pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV). OBJETIVO: Identificar a frequência dos subtipos do HIV e genótipos de VHC em pacientes coinfectados com HIV. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal e retrospectivo realizado em dois centros de referência do Sul do Brasil, entre 1º de janeiro de 2002 e 30 de junho de 2016. O sistema Abbott Real Time HCV Genótipo II foi utilizado para diagnósticos de rotina para determinar o genótipo do HCV com base na PCR em tempo real de duplo alvo. O RNA viral do HIV-1 foi extraído de amostras de soro e fragmentos do gene pol foram obtidos por PCR. As sequências do gene PT e RT do HIV-1 foram submetidas à análise filogenética por máxima verossimilhança através da coleta de sequências de referência do subtipo M do grupo HIV-1 da base de dados Los Alamos. RESULTADOS: Durante o período do estudo, 3340 pacientes foram diagnosticados com HIV em ambos os centros de referência, dos quais 4,97% (166/3340) possuíam coinfecção com HBV e/ou HCV. A soroprevalência de HIV-HBV, HIV-HCV e HIV-HBV-HCV foi de 37,4%, 58,4% e 4,2%, respectivamente. Pacientes HIV-VHC possuíam menor nadir de células T CD4+ quando comparados aos pacientes HIV-VHB (P=0,01). Entre os pacientes HIV-VHC, os genótipos VHC-1 e VHC-3 foram os mais prevalentes, sendo encontrados em 73,8% e 21,4%, respectivamente. Entre os coinfectados com VHC-1, 79,3% e 20,1% tinham subtipos 1a e 1b, respectivamente. O subtipo B do HIV foi o mais prevalente em pacientes coinfectados. Não houve diferença significativa em relação nadir de células T CD4+ e carga viral do HIV quando comparadas os coinfectados com o VHC-1 com o VHC-3, assim como, os coinfectados com HCV-1a quando comparados com o HCV-1b. CONCLUSÃO: No presente estudo, uma maior frequência do subtipo B do HIV e do VHC-1 foram encontrados em pacientes coinfectados com HIV. Outros estudos em larga escala e a longo prazo são necessários para entender melhor o efeito dos genótipos do HCV em pacientes infectados pelo HIV.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B and C virus (HBV and HCV) are the two most common infections among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. OBJECTIVE: To identify the frequency of HIV subtypes and HCV genotypes in HIV-coinfected patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional and retrospective study was carried out into two reference centers in Southern Brazil between January 1, 2002 and June 30, 2016. The Abbott Real Time HCV Genotype II system was used for routine diagnostics to determine the HCV genotype based on dual-target real-time PCR. Proviral HIV-1 RNA was extracted from serum samples and fragments of the pol gene were generated by PCR. The HIV-1 PT and RT gene sequences were submitted to Maximum Likelihood Phylogenetic analysis by collecting reference sequences from the HIV-1 group M subtype of the Los Alamos database. RESULTS: During the study period, 3340 patients with HIV were diagnosed at both referral centers, of which 4.97% (166/3340) had HBV and/or HCV coinfection. Seroprevalence of HIV-HBV, HIV-HCV and HIV-HBV-HCV was 37.4%, 58.4%, and 4.2%, respectively. HIV-HCV-coinfected patients had a lower median nadir CD4+ T-cell count when compared to HIV-HBV-coinfected patients (P=0.01). Among those coinfected with HCV, HCV-1 (HCV-1) and HCV-3 (HCV-3) genotypes were the most prevalent, being detected in 73.8% and 21.4%, respectively. Among the HCV-1 coinfected patients, 79.3% and 20.1% had subtypes 1a and 1b, respectively. HIV subtype B was the most prevalent in HIV-coinfected patients. There was no significant difference regarding nadir CD4+ T-cell count and HIV viral load when compared to coinfected with HCV-1 with HCV-3, as well as those co-infected with HCV-1a with HCV-1b. CONCLUSION: In the present study, a higher frequency of subtype B of HIV and HCV-1 were found in HIV-coinfected patients. Further larger-scale and long-term studies are needed to better understand the effect of HCV genotypes in HIV-infected patients.

ABSTRACT The authors report a case of disseminated cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis, in a 55 years old patient with 1,119 lesions distributed throughout the body. The patient resides in Sabáudia municipality, North of Paraná State, Southern Brazil, where there was no previous report of this form of leishmaniasis. Treatment with meglumine antimoniate was successful, although the diagnosis was made only five months later.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to better understand the dynamics of Leishmania sand flies and reservoirs in São Domingos ranch, Arapongas municipality, Paraná State, an anthropic environment in an endemic area of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Sand flies were collected in wild animal burrows, residences and in the forest, with Falcão light trap (FA), Shannon trap (SH) and quadrangular pyramidal trap (QP). The search for Leishmania was made on sand flies, biological samples of wild rodents and dogs using PCR and culture; while parasite direct search (DS) was carried out on animal skin lesions; infection of gold hamsters; and indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) test in dog blood samples. Eighty eight (88) sand flies were collected with FA traps and 526 sand flies using the SH trap, with a predominance of Pintomyia fischeri. Six hundred and one (601) specimens of Brumptomyia brumpti were collected in armadillo burrows, with the QP trap. Seventeen (17) wild rodents were captured, six of them had skin lesions with characteristics of Leishmania infection. Even though no positive test was found for Leishmania, epidemiological surveillance should be maintained, remembering that the human buildings are situated only 50 m from the forest. Considering the species of wild animals and sandflies found in São Domingos, the negative test found do not exclude the existence of the Leishmania transmission cycle in this preservation area.

Abstract INTRODUCTION American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) is an endemic disease in many regions of Brazil; however, only few reports on the actual epidemiological conditions are available. Here, we aimed to assess the clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory characteristics of ATL patients and their treatment in the 15th Regional Health Division of Paraná State, Maringá, Brazil. METHODS This epidemiological study included patients diagnosed with ATL from January 2010 to September 2014, from the 15th Regional Health Division database. RESULTS A total of 220 cases aged 3-84 years (85% male and 60.9% with up to 8 years of schooling) were included. The cases were classified as having the cutaneous form (n=183; 83.2%), mucosal form (n=26; 11.8%), mucocutaneous form (n=11; 5%), and relapses (n=21; 9.6%). Diagnosis was made via laboratory test results in 197 (89.5%) patients, and 172 (78.2%) completed the treatment within the study period. With regard to patients with the cutaneous form, 134 (95%) were cured, 131 (97.8%) were treated with Glucantime(r), and 47 (36.7%) received dosage of >15 and <20mg Sb5+/kg/day. Among the cases with mucosal involvement, 87.1% were cured and most were treated with <20mg Sb5+/kg/day. Thus, the cure rate was 93.6%. CONCLUSIONS During the study period in the 15th Regional Health Division of Paraná State, ATL cases had a good response to treatment with a low rate of relapse or treatment failure, although a high percentage of mucosal or mucocutaneous form cases was also noted.

Resumo O objetivo desta pesquisa foi verificar o nível de instrução dos profissionais da área de estética em relação à utilização de filtro solar, e também identificar as orientações que estes passam aos seus pacientes. O estudo foi exploratório-descritivo, adotando a metodologia qualitativa ao entrevistar 30 profissionais da área. A coleta de dados foi feita por entrevistas semiestruturada na cidade de Maringá (PR). Os dados foram tratados com o software Atlas.ti a partir análise qualitativa e categorização das respostas. Dos entrevistados, 83,33% possuíam graduação em Estética, 20% participaram de atividade de formação continuada sobre o assunto, 73,17% adquirem o protetor solar pela qualidade, e 86,67% não conhecem filtros solares com componentes antirradicais livres naturais. Dos entrevistados, 80% nunca atenderam pacientes com câncer de pele, porém mencionaram ter conhecimento sobre os cuidados em relação à exposição solar e à forma de utilização do filtro solar e a relação dessas práticas com a doença. Os resultados mostraram que a indicação e o uso de filtro solar por profissionais da beleza vêm ocorrendo de maneira adequada e consciente.

Abstract The scope of this research was to establish the level of awareness of beauticians regarding the importance of the application of sunscreen and to identify whether their patients had been properly instructed by these professionals. It involved a descriptive and exploratory study with interviews applying qualitative methodology among 30 beauticians. Data were gathered using the semi-structured interview technique in Maringá, in the southern state of Paraná. The data were analyzed using Atlas.ti software after applying quantitative analysis and response classification. Of those interviewed, 83.33% had a degree in Aesthetics, 20% attended ongoing training activities on sunscreen and 73.17% acquired sunscreen for its quality, though 86.67% were not familiar with sunscreens with natural anti-free radical components. Of those interviewed, 80% had never treated patients with skin cancer, though they reported having knowledge of care in relation to sun exposure and how to use the sunscreen and the relationship of these practices with the disease. The results showed that the recommendations and use of sunscreen by beauticians and users has been conducted in an adequate and conscientious manner.

Resumo O objetivo desta pesquisa foi verificar o nível de instrução dos profissionais da área de estética em relação à utilização de filtro solar, e também identificar as orientações que estes passam aos seus pacientes. O estudo foi exploratório-descritivo, adotando a metodologia qualitativa ao entrevistar 30 profissionais da área. A coleta de dados foi feita por entrevistas semiestruturada na cidade de Maringá (PR). Os dados foram tratados com o software Atlas.ti a partir análise qualitativa e categorização das respostas. Dos entrevistados, 83,33% possuíam graduação em Estética, 20% participaram de atividade de formação continuada sobre o assunto, 73,17% adquirem o protetor solar pela qualidade, e 86,67% não conhecem filtros solares com componentes antirradicais livres naturais. Dos entrevistados, 80% nunca atenderam pacientes com câncer de pele, porém mencionaram ter conhecimento sobre os cuidados em relação à exposição solar e à forma de utilização do filtro solar e a relação dessas práticas com a doença. Os resultados mostraram que a indicação e o uso de filtro solar por profissionais da beleza vêm ocorrendo de maneira adequada e consciente.

Abstract The scope of this research was to establish the level of awareness of beauticians regarding the importance of the application of sunscreen and to identify whether their patients had been properly instructed by these professionals. It involved a descriptive and exploratory study with interviews applying qualitative methodology among 30 beauticians. Data were gathered using the semi-structured interview technique in Maringá, in the southern state of Paraná. The data were analyzed using Atlas.ti software after applying quantitative analysis and response classification. Of those interviewed, 83.33% had a degree in Aesthetics, 20% attended ongoing training activities on sunscreen and 73.17% acquired sunscreen for its quality, though 86.67% were not familiar with sunscreens with natural anti-free radical components. Of those interviewed, 80% had never treated patients with skin cancer, though they reported having knowledge of care in relation to sun exposure and how to use the sunscreen and the relationship of these practices with the disease. The results showed that the recommendations and use of sunscreen by beauticians and users has been conducted in an adequate and conscientious manner.

O objetivo foi identificar subtipos do Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana tipo-1 (HIV-1) e analisar a presença de mutações/polimorfismos nas regiões da protease (PR) e transcriptase reversa (TR) de 48 pacientes virgens de tratamento atendidos no município de Maringá, Paraná, Brasil. O sequenciamento foi conduzido usando produtos de nested PCR dos genes da PR, TR parcial e group-specific antigen gene (gag) de RNA retrotranscrito. A interpretação da resistência transmitida foi realizada segundo o algoritmo Surveillance Drug Resistance Mutation List (SDRM). As análises filogenética e SimPlot dos segmentos concatenados classificaram as sequências como subtipo B 19/48 (39,6%), subtipo C 12/48 (25%), subtipo F 4/48 (8,3%), com 13/48 (27,1%) formas recombinantes. A maioria das formas recombinantes era mosaicos B (B/F 12,5%, B/C 10,4%), com um C/F (2,1%) e um mosaico complexo B/C/F (2,1%). A prevalência de resistência transmitida foi de 4,2% (2,1% para ITRN e 2,1% para IP). Baixos níveis de resistência transmitida foram encontrados nesse estudo, 2/48 (2,1% para INTR e 2,1% para IP). Esses achados, embora preliminares, podem contribuir no monitoramento da epidemia de HIV na região.

The objective of this study is to identify subtypes of Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) and to analyze the presence of mutations associated to antiretroviral resistance in the protease (PR) and reverse transcriptase (RT) regions from 48 HIV-1 positive treatment naïve patients from an outpatient clinic in Maringá, Paraná, Brazil. Sequencing was conducted using PR, partial RT and group-specific antigen gene (gag) nested PCR products from retrotranscribed RNA. Transmitted resistance was determined according to the Surveillance Drug Resistance Mutation List (SDRM) algorithm. Phylogenetic and SimPlot analysis of concatenated genetic segments classified sequences as subtype B 19/48 (39.6%), subtype C 12/48 (25%), subtype F 4/48 (8.3%), with 13/48 (27.1%) recombinant forms. Most recombinant forms were B mosaics (B/F 12.5%, B/C 10.4%), with one C/F (2.1%) and one complex B/C/F mosaic (2.1%). Low levels of transmitted resistance were found in this study, 2/48 (2.1% to NRTIs and 2.1% for PI). This preliminary data may subsidize the monitoring of the HIV evolution in the region.

A terapia HAART (terapia antirretroviral altamente ativa) é usada em pacientes infectados pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV) e demonstrou diminuição significativa de infecções oportunistas, tais como as causadas por vírus, fungos, protozoários e bactérias. O uso da HAART está associado com a reconstituição imunológica e diminuição na prevalência de candidíase oral. A terapia antirretroviral beneficia pacientes co-infectados pelo HIV, vírus herpes humano 8 (HHV-8), vírus Epstein-Barr (EBV), vírus da hepatite B (HBV), parvovírus B19 e citomegalovírus (CMV). A HAART também apresentou redução significativa da incidência e modificou as características da bacteremia por agentes etiológicos, tais como Staphylococcus aureus, espécies não-tifóides de Salmonella, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A HAART é capaz de modificar significativamente a história natural da criptosporidiose e microsporidiose. HAART pode efetivamente restaurar a imunidade da mucosa, levando à erradicação de Cryptosporidium parvum. Semelhante restauração da resposta imune ocorre em infecções por Toxoplasma gondii. O declínio na incidência de co-infecção leishmaniose visceral/HIV pode ser observada após a introdução da terapia com inibidores da protease. Os resultados atuais são altamente relevantes para a medicina clínica e podem proporcionar diminuição no número de prescrições medicamentosas e, consequentemente, melhor qualidade de vida para pacientes com doenças oportunistas.

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is used in patients infected with HIV. This treatment has been shown to significantly decrease opportunist infections such as those caused by viruses, fungi and particularly, protozoa. The use of HAART in HIV-positive persons is associated with immune reconstitution as well as decreased prevalence of oral candidiasis and candidal carriage. Antiretroviral therapy benefits patients who are co-infected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8), Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis B virus (HBV), parvovirus B19 and cytomegalovirus (CMV). HAART has also led to a significant reduction in the incidence, and the modification of characteristics, of bacteremia by etiological agents such as Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase negative staphylococcus, non-typhoid species of Salmonella, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. HAART can modify the natural history of cryptosporidiosis and microsporidiosis, and restore mucosal immunity, leading to the eradication of Cryptosporidium parvum. A similar restoration of immune response occurs in infections by Toxoplasma gondii. The decline in the incidence of visceral leishmaniasis/HIV co-infection can be observed after the introduction of protease inhibitor therapy. Current findings are highly relevant for clinical medicine and may serve to reduce the number of prescribed drugs thereby improving the quality of life of patients with opportunistic diseases.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical, epidemiological and laboratorial aspects for the understanding of the disease characteristics and its relationship with diagnostic tests. METHODS: A retrospective, descriptive and analytical study involving 2,660 American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) suspected patients from southern Brazil was undertaken between April 1986 and December 2005. Data on population characteristics and laboratory tests were obtained. Diagnostic laboratory tests used were direct search for Leishmania spp. (DS), Montenegro skin test (MST) and indirect immunofluorescent assay (IFA). RESULTS: 62.3% of patients were positive for at least one laboratory test. DS test was positive in 65.1%; MST in 92.3% and IFA in 70.0%. Although Cohen's Kappa test did not reveal any agreement with laboratory diagnosis for ACL, the association between MST and IFA tests increased positiveness to 98.9%; MST and DS to 97.2%; and IFA and DS to 85%. IFA and MST positiveness were higher among patients with < 2-month lesion-evolution time. Most ACL patients were male (72.6%) in the age range of 15-49 years, featuring lesions during two months or less (53.9%) and a cutaneous form of the disease (88.0%). CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that for the adequate identification of ACL cases a combination of laboratory tests that involves the association of MST with at least another test should be used.

O objetivo deste estudo foi o de identificar percepções de cuidadores familiares sobre o processo de recuperação física de idosos que receberam alta hospitalar em condição de dependência física. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, realizado no período de julho a agosto de 2005, em que seis cuidadores familiares foram entrevistados, em seu próprio domicílio, um mês após a alta hospitalar do idoso. Mediante a transcrição e análise temática, surgiram cincos temas, em destaque: conceito popular de reabilitação, o processo da incapacidade funcional, principais recursos utilizados e a motivação do idoso e do cuidador. Observou-se que estes cuidadores familiares percebem a recuperação física de maneira unificada com o cuidado, uma vez que as suas ações são realizadas para a recuperação integral do idoso.

The objective of this study was to identify perceptions of family caretakers about the process of physical rehabilitation of elderly people were discharged from hospital on condition of physical dependence. This is a qualitative study, conducted from July to August 2005 in which six family caretakers were interviewed in their own homes, a month after hospital discharge of the elderly. By means of transcription and thematic analysis five themes emerged, highlighting: popular concept of rehabilitation, the process of functional disability, the main resources used and the motivation of the elderly and the caretaker. We found that these family caretakers perceive the physical recovery in a combined way with the care, since their actions are held for the full recovery of the elderly.

O objetivo deste estudo foi o de identificar percepções de cuidadores familiares sobre o processo de recuperação física de idosos que receberam alta hospitalar em condição de dependência física. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, realizado no período de julho a agosto de 2005, em que seis cuidadores familiares foram entrevistados, em seu próprio domicílio, um mês após a alta hospitalar do idoso. Mediante a transcrição e análise temática, surgiram cincos temas, em destaque: conceito popular de reabilitação, o processo da incapacidade funcional, principais recursos utilizados e a motivação do idoso e do cuidador. Observou-se que estes cuidadores familiares percebem a recuperação física de maneira unificada com o cuidado, uma vez que as suas ações são realizadas para a recuperação integral do idoso.

The objective of this study was to identify perceptions of family caretakers about the process of physical rehabilitation of elderly people were discharged from hospital on condition of physical dependence. This is a qualitative study, conducted from July to August 2005 in which six family caretakers were interviewed in their own homes, a month after hospital discharge of the elderly. By means of transcription and thematic analysis five themes emerged, highlighting: popular concept of rehabilitation, the process of functional disability, the main resources used and the motivation of the elderly and the caretaker. We found that these family caretakers perceive the physical recovery in a combined way with the care, since their actions are held for the full recovery of the elderly.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: As interações medicamentosas fazem parte da prática corrente na clínica médica e a sua incidência oscila entre 3% e 5% nos pacientes fazendo uso da polifarmácia. O objetivo do estudo foi identificar a frequência de interações droga-droga potenciais em prescrições de pacientes adultos e idosos. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Inquérito farmacoepidemiológico de corte transversal, realizado de 12/2006 a 02/2007 no conjunto habitacional Parque Verde, Cascavel, Paraná, Brasil. MÉTODO: A amostra foi por conglomerado e estratificada, proporcional ao total de residências no conjunto habitacional, constituída de 95 residências, com 96 pacientes de 19 anos ou mais, sexo feminino e masculino, com prescrição de no mínimo duas especialidades farmacêuticas. As interações foram identificadas de acordo com os softwares DrugDigest, Medscape, Micromedex. RESULTADOS: A maioria dos pacientes pertencia ao gênero feminino (69,8%), em situação conjugal casada (59,4%), com renda menor ou igual a três salários mínimos (81,3%), faixa etária 60 anos ou mais (56,3%) e 8 anos ou menos de estudo (69,8%) com 90,6% dos pacientes moravam com mais outra pessoa. O total de especialidades farmacêuticas foi de 406, correspondendo a uma média de 4,2 medicamentos por paciente. Os fármacos mais prescritos foram os anti-hipertensivos (47,5%). A frequência de interações medicamentosas foi de 66,6%. Dentre as 154 interações medicamentosas potenciais, 4,6% foram classificadas como maior e 65,6% como moderada e 20,1% como menor. CONCLUSÃO: A alta frequência de prescrições de drogas com potencial de interações diferenciado indica uma situação ainda pouco explorada, mas real em pesquisa domiciliar.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Drug interactions form part of current clinical practice and they affect between 3 and 5% of polypharmacy patients. The aim of this study was to identify the frequency of potential drug-drug interactions in prescriptions for adult and elderly patients. TYPE OF STUDY AND SETTING: Cross-sectional pharmacoepidemiological survey in the Parque Verde housing project, municipality of Cascavel, Paraná, Brazil, between December 2006 and February 2007. METHODS: Stratified cluster sampling, proportional to the total number of homes in the housing project, was used. The sample consisted of 95 homes and 96 male or female patients aged 19 or over, with medical prescriptions for at least two pharmaceutical drugs. Interactions were identified using DrugDigest, Medscape and Micromedex softwares. RESULTS: Most of the patients were female (69.8%), married (59.4%) and in the age group of 60 years or over (56.3%), with an income less than or equal to three minimum monthly salaries (81.3%) and less than eight years of schooling (69.8%); 90.6% of the patients were living with another person. The total number of pharmaceutical drugs was 406 (average of 4.2 medications per patient). The drugs most prescribed were antihypertensives (47.5%). The frequency of drug interactions was 66.6%. Among the 154 potential drug interactions, 4.6% were classified as major, 65.6% as moderate and 20.1% as minor. CONCLUSION: The high frequency of drug prescriptions with a potential for differentiated interactions indicates a situation that has so far been little explored, albeit a reality in household surveys.

Neste estudo, procurou-se identificar o significado da intervenção médica e da fé religiosa para o paciente idoso com câncer. Pesquisa qualitativa e descritiva foi desenvolvida no período de 9/01 a 28/03/2001 no Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual - Francisco Morato de Oliveira/ IAMSPE. A amostra foi não aleatória, constituída de vinte idosos com câncer. A coleta de dados ocorreu mediante a técnica da entrevista semi-estruturada. Para a tabulação e análise dos dados, utilizou-se o método do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo, com aplicação de três figuras metodológicas: a Idéia Central, as Expressões-chave e o Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo (DSC). As principais idéias centrais presentes nos discursos foram: 1. Nada a reclamar. Eu acho muito bom e penso que eles estão no caminho certo; 2. Não. Por enquanto estou acompanhando tudo o que os médicos falam; 3. Eu já participei, mas atualmente não; 4. Eu não participo de atividade religiosa; 5. Fortalecimento, esperança e equilíbrio. A fé religiosa é tudo!; 6. Continua a mesma, porém, mudou a maneira de ser. O DSC mostra que o procedimento médico adotado forneceu maior esperança ao paciente, elegendo a fé religiosa como instrumento-chave para o enfrentamento da doença.

This study aimed at identifying the meaning medical intervention and religious faith have for the elderly patient with cancer. A descriptive and qualitative investigation was developed between January 9 and March 28, 2001 in the Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual - Francisco Morato de Oliveira/IAMSPE (Hospital for State Public Servants). The studied sample was not randomized and consisted of 20 elderly men and women with cancer. The data were collected in semi-structured interviews and organized and analyzed using the Collective Subject Discourse method, applying three methodological illustrations: the Central Idea, Key Expressions and the Collective Subject Discourse (CSD). The main central ideas of the discourse material were: 1. Nothing to complain about. I think it is very good and they are on the right track; 2. No. For now, I'm doing everything the doctors say; 3. I've already participated, but not currently; 4. I don't participate in religious activity; 5. Invigoration, hope and balance. Religious faith is everything! 6. It remains the same; however, it changed the way to be. The CSD shows that the adopted medical intervention gave the elderly renewed hope and that religious faith is a key instrument for facing the disease.