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Biomedical subjects

J C da Costa

Publications and source records attributed to J C da Costa.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

[Epidemiological expression of other sexually transmitted diseases among AIDS patients].

This study was carried out in order to estimate the frequency of other sexually transmitted diseases (STD) among AIDS patients and to identify their epidemiological association and possible relations to the groups most exposed to the virus. The data were collected from the medical case histories and the STD were identified on the basis of data provided by anamnesis, physical examination and laboratory examinations. Of the total of HIV/AIDS patients assisted at the hospital studied (S. Paulo State, Brazil), between January 1986 and January 1992, 207 were included as sample subjects for this survey. Of the patients studied, 88 (42.5%) had some other STD and 119 (57.5%) had no other STD, equivalent to a proportion of 0.7 STD patients-STD to each non-STD patient. The most prevalent STD identified were hepatitis B (33.3%), syphilis (30.3%) and gonorrhoea (12.9%). Concerning the means of transmission by which the patients had probably been infected with HIV, blood transmission was the most prevalent (44.9%); followed by sexual contact (21.3%); sexual/blood (17.9%); in 25.9% it was undetermined. In a particular comparison of sexual and blood transmission and the presence of other STD a statistical difference in those cases that were exposed to sexual transmission was observed.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1994

[Has medical discourse changed?].

On occasion of a Historic Medico-Surgical Exhibition. The A. analyses the evolution of medical discourse: in the early phases considering the patient as an object of charity (humanistic concept); later as a biological subject (scientific concept) and, finally, in our days, as an object of analysis (technological concept forgetting the human being and his personality). The big scientific-technological advance in individual medicine contrasts, nevertheless, with its incapacity to solve the major social problems of our time (AIDS, drugs) and to maintain a reliable organization in regional wars (Yugoslavia, Africa). Keeping this background in mind, the A. comments on the evolution of Portuguese medicine and some of it traits.

History, 15th Century↗
PubMed1993

Carbamazepine and phenytoin in epilepsies refractory to barbiturates: efficacy, toxicity and mental function.

A group of 51 patients with chronic cryptogenic or symptomatic localized epilepsy refractory to therapy with barbiturates underwent progressive substitution with phenytoin or carbamazepine, in standardized and randomized fashion. After drug changes were completed two thirds of the patients remained seizure free during a period of 6 months. A clearer effect of phenytoin and carbamazepine was seen on secondary generalized than on partial seizures. The frequency of severe side effects decreased after the change to phenytoin and carbamazepine. The group on carbamazepine improved in immediate and late recall, and in immediate and late recognition of pictures. The group on phenytoin improved significantly in the Stroop test. Patients changed to phenytoin, but not those changed to carbamazepine, became significantly more aggressive, anxious and depressive than when on phenobarbital, as measured by subjective scales. The results indicate that patients should not be considered refractory to antiepileptic drug therapy while on barbiturates. Cognitive dysfunction and mood changes observed in epilepsy may be temporary and dependent on the presence of seizures and/or on use of barbiturates.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

[Risk of infections by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among health professionals].

To investigate the occupational risk of infection by HIV among health professionals, 36 cases of occupational accidents involving exposure to material potentially infected with HIV, reported at a Brazilian General Hospital (HCFMRP), were studied. Of the injured workers 75% were female and 25% male (ranging from 23 to 49 years old) and just one of them had high-risk behavior of HIV infection. Of these health professionals, 52.8% were nursing auxiliaries, 19.4%, nurses, 13.9%, nursing attendants, 5.5%, laboratory technicians, 2.8% surgery instrumentalist, 2.8% accountants and 2.8% nursing technicians. In 47.2% of cases the workers had a parenteral exposure to blood (needlestick injuries). The right hand and fingers were the body areas most effected. The serologic test to detect HIV antibodies by the ELISA method was required of all the workers. The results were negative and no seroconversion was registered during the one year follow-up period. The professionals were retested one month, 2 months, 6 months and one year after the exposure. In conclusion, the risk of infection by HIV among health professionals of HCFMRP seems to be very low. Continuing education should be provided for health care workers with a view to reinforcing the use of universal precaution, especially those to prevent injuries caused by needles or other sharp instruments.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Lymphocyte transformation test in patients with American leishmaniasis.

To determine the correlation between the lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and the clinical forms of American leishmaniasis (AL), duration of the disease and reaction to leishmanin, the authors studied 12 patients and compared them to 25 unaffected individuals. The ulcerated cutaneous form of the disease was observed in 4 patients, the ulcero-nodular lymphangitic form in 1, the mucous cutaneous form with destruction of the nose in 6, and the verrucous form in 1. General patient condition was satisfactory and the Montenegro reaction macroscopically positive with infiltrations of 5-15 mm in diameter. The results revealed no evidence of immunodeficiency among patients. No correlation was observed between clinical forms, duration of the disease and Montenegro reaction and LTT results. LTT with PHA does not appear to be an adequate indicator of the cell immune system in AL cases.

Adolescent↗