13 research outputs found

    Retinopatia diabética - O papel da Medicina Geral e Familiar

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    Introdução: A retinopatia diabética é uma das principais causas de cegueira e de disfunção visual nos países desenvolvidos, sendo a prevenção do desenvolvimento e progressão das lesões oculares um dos principais objectivos a atingir pela equipa de Medicina Geral e Familiar/Oftalmologia. Métodos: No presente trabalho foi realizada uma revisão de variadas publicações recentes, de centros conceituados, sobre os factores de risco para a retinopatia diabética e novos programas de rastreio, diagnóstico e terapêutica. A extensa investigação realizada nesta área tem proporcionado uma grande evolução, quer nos cuidados prestados aos doentes, quer no aumento do leque de métodos diagnósticos e terapêuticos disponíveis, com consequente melhoria do prognóstico visual. Conclusão: Só o correcto acompanhamento do doente diabético pela equipa de Medicina Geral e Familiar/ Oftalmologia permite a aplicação da terapêutica adequada em tempo útil, trazendo benefícios inquestionáveis para a função visual

    Influenza seroprotection correlates with predominant circulating viruses during 2014/15 and 2015/16 seasons in Portugal

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    Rede Portuguesa de Laboratórios para o Diagnóstico da GripeBACKGROUND: Population immune profile for influenza is highly affected by circulating influenza viruses, thus changing the risk of infection for influenza. This study aims to assess influenza immunity in the Portuguese population by age groups, during 2014 and 2015 and establish a relationship between seroprotection and circulating influenza viruses in 2014/15 and 2015/16 seasons. METHODS: Two cross-sectional studies were developed based on a convenience serum sample collected in June 2014 (n=626) and July 2015 (n=675) in hospitals from mainland and Azores and Madeira.Serums equally represent all age groups. Antibody titers were evaluated by HI assay for strains recommended for seasonal influenza vaccine northern hemisphere,2014/15 and 2015/2016. Seroprevalences were estimated for each strain by age group and the association with seasonal cumulative influenza-like illness (ILI) rates for influenza virus during both seasons was analised. RESULTS: In June 2014 the highest seroprotection was observed for influenza A(H3) (39.0%; 95% CI: 36.2-43.8%) and A(H1)pdm09 (29.7; 95% CI: 26.3-33.4%), with higher levels in children 5-14 years old. In 2014/2015 a dominant circulation of influenza B/Yamagata was observed with high incidence rates in individuals under 65 years old, the ones that had lower seroprotection. Although before the start of the season high protection for A(H3) was observed, the circulation of the new drift A(H3) strains had gained an immunological advantage,in accordance with A(H3) elevated incidence rates observed during 2014/15. In July 2015 the highest seroprotection was observed for influenza B/ Yamagata (55.1%; 95% CI: 51.4-58.9%), 2.4 times the estimated 2014.This increase was even more pronounced in younger (≤ 4 years old), 6.3 times increase in 2015.This fact is in agreement with the predominant influenza B virus detected and the high ILI incidence rate observed in children during 2014/2015 epidemic. Seroprotection levels for influenza A in July 2015 were not significantly different from 2014.During 2015/16 season, influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 was predominant, with high incidence rate in < 65 year old. Influenza B/Victoria lineage,although detected at low levels increased in frequency, in agreement with the lowest level of seroprotection detected in the general population before the start of 2015/2016 season (21.8%; 95% CI: 18.7-24.0%). CONCLUSIONS There was a correlation between virus circulation, incidence rates for each age group and the previous seroprotection for seasonal influenza viruses.Our study highlights the value of measuring the serological profile for influenza to establishe risk groups for infection for which an increase preventive measures, including vaccination, should be fostered.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

    Determinants of HIV late presentation among men who have sex with men in Portugal (2014–2019): who’s being left behind?

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    Introduction: HIV late presentation (LP) remains excessive in Europe. We aimed to analyze the factors associated with late presentation in the MSM population newly diagnosed with HIV in Portugal between 2014 and 2019. Methods: We included 391 newly HIV-1 diagnosed Men who have Sex with Men (MSM), from the BESTHOPE project, in 17 countrywide Portuguese hospitals. The data included clinical and socio-behavioral questionnaires and the viral genomic sequence obtained in the drug resistance test before starting antiretrovirals (ARVs). HIV-1 subtypes and epidemiological surveillance mutations were determined using different bioinformatics tools. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between predictor variables and late presentation (LP). Results: The median age was 31 years, 51% had a current income between 501-1,000 euros, 28% were migrants. 21% had never been tested for HIV before diagnosis, with 42.3% of MSM presenting LP. 60% were infected with subtype B strains. In the multivariate regression, increased age at diagnosis, higher income, lower frequency of screening, STI ever diagnosed and higher viral load were associated with LP. Conclusion: Our study suggests that specific subgroups of the MSM population, such older MSM, with higher income and lower HIV testing frequency, are not being targeted by community and clinical screening services. Overall, targeted public health measures should be strengthened toward these subgroups, through strengthened primary care testing, expanded access to PrEP, information and promotion of HIV self-testing and more inclusive and accessible health services.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

    HIV-1-Transmitted Drug Resistance and Transmission Clusters in Newly Diagnosed Patients in Portugal Between 2014 and 2019

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    Objective: To describe and analyze transmitted drug resistance (TDR) between 2014 and 2019 in newly infected patients with HIV-1 in Portugal and to characterize its transmission networks. Methods: Clinical, socioepidemiological, and risk behavior data were collected from 820 newly diagnosed patients in Portugal between September 2014 and December 2019. The sequences obtained from drug resistance testing were used for subtyping, TDR determination, and transmission cluster (TC) analyses. Results: In Portugal, the overall prevalence of TDR between 2014 and 2019 was 11.0%. TDR presented a decreasing trend from 16.7% in 2014 to 9.2% in 2016 (p for-trend = 0.114). Multivariate analysis indicated that TDR was significantly associated with transmission route (MSM presented a lower probability of presenting TDR when compared to heterosexual contact) and with subtype (subtype C presented significantly more TDR when compared to subtype B). TC analysis corroborated that the heterosexual risk group presented a higher proportion of TDR in TCs when compared to MSMs. Among subtype A1, TDR reached 16.6% in heterosexuals, followed by 14.2% in patients infected with subtype B and 9.4% in patients infected with subtype G. Conclusion: Our molecular epidemiology approach indicates that the HIV-1 epidemic in Portugal is changing among risk group populations, with heterosexuals showing increasing levels of HIV-1 transmission and TDR. Prevention measures for this subpopulation should be reinforced.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

    O desafio da síndrome pulmão-rim : a propósito de um caso clínico

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    Trabalho Final do Curso de Mestrado Integrado em Medicina, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 2015A sindrome pulmao-rim (SPR), entidade grave com mortalidade inicial elevada (10 a 50%), representa um desafio clinico pela multiplicidade de etiologias possiveis e imposicao de uma intervencao terapeutica urgente. O conhecimento adequado desta entidade, a rapida identificacao do quadro clinico e sua evolucao, bem como uma atuacao clinica assertiva sao os pontos fundamentais para o sucesso do tratamento, podendo melhorar um outcome por regra desfavoravel e reduzir marcadamente a mortalidade prevista. Apresenta-se um caso de SPR associada a poliangeite microscopica (PAM), que ilustra o desafio do diagnostico diferencial e da terapeutica desta condicao, discutindo-se as metodologias de abordagem e modalidades terapeuticas atuais.Pulmonary-renal syndrome (SPR), a severe condition with high initial mortality (10 to 50%), represents a clinical challenge by the multiplicity of possible etiologies and the need of urgent therapeutic intervention. The proper knowledge of the entity, rapid identification of the clinical aspects and its evolution, and an assertive clinical performance are essential for the success of treatment, changing an outcome usually unfavorable and markedly reducing the predicted mortality. We present a case of SPR associated with microscopic polyangiitis (PAM), which illustrates the challenge of differential diagnosis and the therapeutic management of this condition, raising the discussion about current methodological approaches and therapeutic modalities

    Pasteurella multocida septic shock in an immunocompromised host

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    Pasteurella multocida is the most common cause of soft tissue infection in humans following bites caused by dogs and (particularly) cats. Transmission may also occur after scratches inflicted by these animals. The authors present the case of a 78-year-old immunocompromised male who presented to the emergency department with fever and inflammatory signs on his right hand following a cat scratch. He was started on empirical intravenous antibiotics which, after isolation of Pasteurella spp. on a swab sample, was subsequently directed. A total of 3 weeks of antibiotics were administered, the patient improved and was discharged. Ten days after he returned to the hospital with septic shock secondary to recurrence of the cellulitis, and Pasteurella multocida was identified on blood cultures. After availability of the antibiotic sensitivity test, 6 weeks of levofloxacin and penicillin were administered. The patient recovered, despite being immunocompromised and Pasteurella spp. bacteremia having a relevant mortality rate

    Bringing Together Mathematics and Philosophy with Logic and Poly-Universe

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    In this paper we report on an activity developed in the context of the Erasmus+ PUNTE Project, using the Poly-Universe material, which led to the learning of logic and mathematics among the 10th grade students of a school in the central region of Portugal. Three teachers, two of mathematics and one of philosophy, and 21 students of secondary education participated in the study. The data obtained, following the observation and application of questionnaires and pre- and post-tests, reveal the usefulness of Poly-Universe for the acquisition of notions about logical operations, for analysing arguments and their validity and solving mathematical problems, motivating the students for carrying out the activity

    Sociodemographic, Clinical, and Behavioral Factors Associated with Sexual Transmitted Infection among HIV-1 Positive Migrants in Portugal: Are There Differences between Sexes?

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    Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to occur at high levels. According to the WHO, each year there are an estimated 374 million new infections with syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis. STIs are associated with an increased risk of acquiring HIV infection. Migrants are reportedly highly affected by STIs. Objectives: This study aims to characterize factors associated with STIs in a population of HIV-positive migrants living in Portugal. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional observational study of 265 newly diagnosed HIV-1 positive migrants, who were defined as individuals born outside Portugal. This group of people were part of the BESTHOPE study that was developed in 17 Portuguese hospitals between September 2014 and December 2019, and included information collected through sociodemographic and behavioral questionnaires filled in by the migrant patients, clinical questionnaires filled in by the clinicians and HIV-1 genomic sequences generated through resistance testing (Sanger sequencing). A multivariable statistical analysis was used to analyze the association between sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, HIV testing and sexual infections. Results: Most HIV-1 positive individuals included in the study were men (66.8%) and aged between 25 and 44 years old (59.9%). Men had a higher proportion of STIs when compared to women (40.4% vs. 14.0%) and the majority of men reported homosexual contacts (52.0%). Most men reported having had two or more occasional sexual partners in the previous year (88.8%) and 50.9% reported always using condoms with occasional partners, while 13.2% never used it. For regular partners, only 29.5% of the women reported using condoms, compared to 47.3% of men. Other risk behaviors for acquiring HIV, such as tattooing and performing invasive medical procedures, were more prevalent in men (38.0% and 46.2%, respectively), when compared to women (30.4% and 45.1% respectively) and 4.7% of men reported having already shared injectable materials, with no data for comparison in the case for women. Additionally, 23.9% of women reported having had a blood transfusion while only 10.3% of men reported having had this medical procedure. Meanwhile, 30.9% of the individuals reported having been diagnosed with some type of STI in the last 12 months. In addition, 43.3% of individuals that answered a question about hepatitis reported to be infected with hepatitis B, while 13.0% reported having hepatitis C infection. According to the multivariable analysis, the only transmission route was significantly associated with reports of previous STI infection: men who have sex with men (MSM) were 70% more likely to have been diagnosed with an STI in the past 12 months compared to the heterosexual route. Conclusion: HIV-1 infected men were more likely to report previous STIs than women. On the other hand, most migrant women had a regular sexual partner and never or only sometimes used condoms. This somewhat discrepant findings suggest that gender inequalities may make women unable to negotiate safe sexual practices, resulting in increased susceptibility to infection. However, since migrant women report less STIs, we cannot exclude that these STIs may remain undiagnosed. The implementation of safer sex awareness campaigns for condom use and screening for STIs in women is crucial. On the other hand, health education campaigns for STI knowledge need to be implemented for both MSM and women and their partners

    Characterization of a large cluster of HIV-1 A1 infections detected in Portugal and connected to several Western European countries

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    HIV-1 subtypes associate with differences in transmission and disease progression. Thus, the existence of geographic hotspots of subtype diversity deepens the complexity of HIV-1/AIDS control. The already high subtype diversity in Portugal seems to be increasing due to infections with sub-subtype A1 virus. We performed phylogenetic analysis of 65 A1 sequences newly obtained from 14 Portuguese hospitals and 425 closely related database sequences. 80% of the A1 Portuguese isolates gathered in a main phylogenetic clade (MA1). Six transmission clusters were identified in MA1, encompassing isolates from Portugal, Spain, France, and United Kingdom. The most common transmission route identified was men who have sex with men. The origin of the MA1 was linked to Greece, with the first introduction to Portugal dating back to 1996 (95% HPD: 1993.6-1999.2). Individuals infected with MA1 virus revealed lower viral loads and higher CD4+ T-cell counts in comparison with those infected by subtype B. The expanding A1 clusters in Portugal are connected to other European countries and share a recent common ancestor with the Greek A1 outbreak. The recent expansion of this HIV-1 subtype might be related to a slower disease progression leading to a population level delay in its diagnostic.Supported by FEDER, COMPETE, and FCT by the projects NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000013, POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007038 and IF/00474/2014; FCT PhD scholarship PDE/BDE/113599/2015; FCT contract FCT IF/00474/2014; European Funds through grant BEST HOPE (project funded through HIVERA, grant 249697) and by FCT PTDC/DTP-EPI/7066/2014. Global Health and Tropical Medicine Center are funded through FCT (UID/Multi/04413/2013). We would like to acknowledge all the patients and health care professionals from the Portuguese hospitals that contributed in some way to this study

    Determinants of HIV late presentation among men who have sex with men in Portugal (2014–2019): who’s being left behind?

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    IntroductionHIV late presentation (LP) remains excessive in Europe. We aimed to analyze the factors associated with late presentation in the MSM population newly diagnosed with HIV in Portugal between 2014 and 2019.MethodsWe included 391 newly HIV-1 diagnosed Men who have Sex with Men (MSM), from the BESTHOPE project, in 17 countrywide Portuguese hospitals. The data included clinical and socio-behavioral questionnaires and the viral genomic sequence obtained in the drug resistance test before starting antiretrovirals (ARVs). HIV-1 subtypes and epidemiological surveillance mutations were determined using different bioinformatics tools. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between predictor variables and late presentation (LP).ResultsThe median age was 31 years, 51% had a current income between 501–1,000 euros, 28% were migrants. 21% had never been tested for HIV before diagnosis, with 42.3% of MSM presenting LP. 60% were infected with subtype B strains. In the multivariate regression, increased age at diagnosis, higher income, lower frequency of screening, STI ever diagnosed and higher viral load were associated with LP.ConclusionOur study suggests that specific subgroups of the MSM population, such older MSM, with higher income and lower HIV testing frequency, are not being targeted by community and clinical screening services. Overall, targeted public health measures should be strengthened toward these subgroups, through strengthened primary care testing, expanded access to PrEP, information and promotion of HIV self-testing and more inclusive and accessible health services
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