Objectives: To evaluate quality of life among caregivers of elders with Alzheimer's disease and to examine the relationship between patients' quality of life score measured with the Katz Quality of Life Index and the relationship between the caregivers' quality of life measured with the SF-36 and depression score measured with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Methods: This study was conducted in a geriatric clinic (Núcleo de Envelhecimento Cerebral) of the São Paulo Hospital of the Federal University of São Paulo. The sample consisted of 118 patients with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. Sociodemographic and cormobidity data and the Katz score of quality of life and the mini-mental status examination (MMSE) score of the patients with Alzheimer's disease were obtained through chart review. Data from caregivers comprised sociodemographic and comorbidity data and the SF-36 score of quality of life and the BDI score of depression. Results: SF-36 scores that were indicative of depression among caregivers were vitality (score = 56.8) and the scores on physical and emotional components were = 58.1, respectively. There was a significantly negative correlation between the caregivers' BDI score and the patients' Katz score, and between the caregivers' SF-36 and BDI scores. There was also a significantly positive correlation between the scores of the caregivers' SF-36 and the patients' Katz scores and between the patient's Katz and MMSE scores. Conclusion:The quality of life of caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease was compromised, which could influence the quality of care they provided to the patients. The quality of life of the caregivers got worse when the functional capacity of the elders with Alzheimer's disease was compromised. RESUMENObjetivo: Evaluar la calidad de vida de cuidadores de ancianos con enfermedad de Alzheimer y relacionarla al Índice de Katz de los pacientes y al escore del Inventario de Depresión de Beck de los cuidadores. Métodos: El estudio fue desarrollado en el Núcleo de Envejecimiento Cerebral de la Universidad Federal de Sao Paulo/ Hospital Sao Paulo. La muestra estuvo constituída, respectivamente, por 118 cuidadores y sus pacientes con enfermedad de Alzheimer (DA). Las informaciones recolectadas en las historias clínicas de los pacientes fueron sociodemográficas y mórbidas, Índice de Katz y Mini examen del estado mental (MEEM). Los datos del cuidador, obtenidos por cuestionarios, fueron el SF -36 y el Inventario de Depresión de Beck (IDB). Resultados: Los escores más comprometidos del SF -36 de los cuidadores fueron: vitalidad (56,8) y los físicos y emocionales con 58,1, respectivamente. Hubo correlación negativa entre el IDB del cuidador y el índice de Katz de los pacientes; entre el SF -36 y el IDB y las correlaciones positivas entre los escores del SF -36 e Índice de Katz y entre los dominios de este índice y los escores del MEEM. Conclusión: La calidad de vida de los cuidadores de pacientes con DA se mostró alterada, pudiendo comprometer los cuidados prestado...

BackgroundInfection is the leading cause of morbidity and the second leading cause of mortality in patients on renal replacement therapy. The rates of bloodstream infection in hemodialysis patients vary according to the type of venous access used. Gram-positive bacteria are most frequently isolated in blood cultures of hemodialysis patients. This study evaluated risk factors for the development of bloodstream infections in patients undergoing hemodialysis.MethodsRisk factors associated with bloodstream infections in patients on hemodialysis were investigated using a case–control study conducted between January 2010 and June 2013. Chronic renal disease patients on hemodialysis who presented with positive blood cultures during the study were considered as cases. Controls were hemodialysis patients from the same institution who did not present with positive blood cultures during the study period. Data were collected from medical records. Logistic regression was used for statistical analysis.ResultsThere were 162 patients included in the study (81 cases and 81 controls). Gram-positive bacteria were isolated with the highest frequency (72%). In initial logistic regression analysis, variables were hypertension, peritoneal dialysis with previous treatment, type and time of current venous access, type of previous venous access, previous use of antimicrobials, and previous hospitalization related to bloodstream infections. Multiple regression analysis showed that the patients who had a central venous catheter had an 11.2-fold (CI 95%: 5.17–24.29) increased chance of developing bloodstream infections compared with patients who had an arteriovenous fistula for vascular access. Previous hospitalization increased the chance of developing bloodstream infections 6.6-fold (CI 95%: 1.9–23.09).ConclusionsInfection prevention measures for bloodstream infections related to central venous catheter use should be intensified, as well as judicious use of this route for vascular access for hemodialysis. Reducing exposure to the hospital environment through admission could contribute to a reduction in bloodstream infections in this population.

Objectives: to analyze the quality of life of "patients" with Human Immunodeficiency Virus and relate it to their socioeconomic profile, knowledge and attitudes toward sexuality. Method: crosssectional and analytical study with 201 individuals who are 50 years old or older. The Targeted Quality of Life and Aging Sexual Knowledge and Attitudes Scales were applied during interviews. Multiple Linear Regression was used in data analysis. Results: dimensions of quality of life more strongly compromised were disclosure worries (39.0), sexual function (45.9), and financial worries (55.6). Scores concerning knowledge and attitudes toward sexuality were 31.7 and 14.8, respectively. There was significant correlation between attitudes and the domains of overall function, health worries, medication worries, and HIV mastery. Conclusion: guidance concerning how the disease is transmitted, treated and how it progresses, in addition to providing social and psychological support, could minimize the negative effects of the disease on the quality of life of patients living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

Objective: to identify studies about strategies for prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia deployed in health services and classify their level of evidence. Method: integrative review of the literature, in 7 databases, which included the following descriptors: Prevention and Control AND Pneumonia Ventilator-Associated AND Intensive Care Units AND Bundle AND Patient Care. Results: twenty-three scientific productions were included. Of the preventive measures identified, 9 (39.1%) correspond from three to five strategies. The most frequent were: 22 (95.6%) lying with head elevated, 19 (82.6%) oral hygiene with chlorhexidine and 14 (60.8%) reduction of sedation whenever possible. Final Consideration: the application of measures based on scientific evidence is proven to be effective when carried out in conjunction, impacting the reduction of the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Objective: compare the quality of life (QOL) of aged residents in homes for aged people with or without symptoms of depression, and identify social, physical activity; leisure; health and basic activities of daily living (ADL) variables that correlate with QOL scores. Method: cross-sectional study conducted with 101 institutionalized aged. Multiple linear regression was used for data analysis. Results: symptoms of depression changed negatively the QOL in the domains: autonomy; present, past and future activities; social participation; intimacy and total score. Dependent aged presented lower QOL for the performance of ADL in the domains: autonomy; social participation and total score; dancing without limitation of movement; liking the residential and not presenting symptoms of depression were the variables that positively influenced the QOL of the aged. Conclusion: social and psychological support, good living conditions and stimulating assistance can improve the QOL of institutionalized elderlies.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a adesão dos profissionais de saúde a um conjunto de boas práticas de prevenção de Pneumonia Associada à Ventilação Mecânica, índice de conformidade às medidas individuais e associação de características clínicas dos pacientes e adesão ao conjunto de boas práticas com a pneumonia. Métodos: Estudo de coorte prospectivo realizado em uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva de um hospital universitário no período de maio de 2017 a outubro de 2017. A amostra foi composta por pacientes internados no período do estudo, que preencheram os critérios de inclusão, a coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de consulta a prontuários. Resultados: O item com maior adesão foi a avaliação diária da sedação e redução sempre que possível, 81 (91,0%), seguido da troca do circuito a cada 7 dias, 76 (82,6). A manutenção da pressão do cuff entre 20 e 30 mm H2O foi o item com menor adesão 22 (23,9%). A adesão ao conjunto completo apresentou conformidade em 20 (21,7%) das oportunidades. O estudo mostrou que quanto maior a adesão às medidas de boas práticas, menor é o risco de Pneumonia Associada à Ventilação Mecânica, porém não foi um dado estatisticamente significante. Os pacientes cirúrgicos e em uso de ventilação mecânica apresentaram maior risco de desenvolver PAV (p= 0,05). Conclusão: A Pneumonia Associada à Ventilação Mecânica pode trazer grave repercussão para o paciente, a aplicação de medidas com embasamento científico é fundamental, a fim de se prevenir a ocorrência deste agravo, que é uma das mais frequentes infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde dentro das Unidades de Terapia Intensiva brasileiras.

OBJECTIVES: to assess renal function in elderly patients undergoing contrast-enhanced computed tomography and identify the preventive measures of acute kidney injury in the period before and after the examination. METHOD: longitudinal cohort study conducted at the Federal University of São Paulo Hospital, from March 2011 to March 2013. All hospitalized elderly, of both sexes, aged 60 years and above, who performed the examination, were included (n=93). We collected sociodemographic data, data related to the examination and to the care provided, and creatinine values prior and post exam. RESULTS: an alteration in renal function was observed in 51 patients (54%) with a statistically significant increase of creatinine values (p<0.04), and two patients (4.0%) required hemodialysis. CONCLUSION: There is an urgent need for protocols prior to and post contrast-enhanced examination in the elderly, and other studies to verify the prognosis of this population.

Objective: To identify the microorganisms isolated on the pericatheter skin, catheter tip and blood stream of patients on hemodialysis by central venous catheter, to verify the profile of sensitivity of these microorganisms to antimicrobials and to assess the clinical evolution and mortality related to these microorganisms. Methods: A cross sectional study. The strains were isolated from the patients on hemodialysis by central venous catheter that, in a previous study, presented pericatheter skin, catheter tip and blood stream infection and were analyzed for microbiological profile and lethality related. Results: 128 microorganisms were isolated in the bloodstream in the 94 patients studied. There were 35 cases of septicemia and 27 of endocarditis. The mortality in cases of endocarditis due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was 100%. Conclusion: Infection in the bloodstream and endocarditis caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was predictive of mortality and lethality. ResumoObjetivo: Identificar os microrganismos isolados da pele pericateter, ponta do cateter e corrente sanguínea de pacientes em hemodiálise por cateter venoso central, verificar o perfil de sensibilidade destes microrganismos aos antimicrobianos e avaliar a evolução clínica e a mortalidade relacionada a estes microrganismos. Métodos: Estudo transversal. As cepas isoladas de pacientes em hemodiálise por cateter venoso central que em estudo prévio apresentaram infecção na pele pericateter, ponta do cateter e corrente sanguínea foram analisadas quanto ao perfil microbiológico e letalidade relacionada. Resultados: Foram isolados 128 microrganismos em corrente sanguínea nos 94 pacientes estudados. Ocorreram 35 casos de septicemia e 27 de endocardite. A letalidade nos casos de endocardite por Staphylococcus aureus resistente à meticilina foi 100%. Conclusão: Infecção em corrente sanguínea e endocardite por Staphylococcus aureus resistente à meticilina são preditivas de alta mortalidade e letalidade.