Letícia P. Luz

Mate (chimarrão) é consumido em alta temperatura por população sob risco para o carcinoma epidermóide de esôfago

ABSTRACT – “Mate”, a popular hot infusion of a herb ( Ilex paraguayensis) drunk in large volumes, is a known risk factor for squamous cellcarcinoma of the esophagus and there is a suspicion that high temperature of boiled water used for the infusion may contribute for carcinogenesis. Methods - We measured the temperature of “mate” infusion drank by a sample of the population at risk for this carcinoma in Taquara, so uthernBrazil. We interviewed inhabitants for drinking habits and the temperature of the infusion was measured with high precision thermometers.Temperature of the infusion was asked to consumers and their estimate compared to our measurements. We considered 60 o C or higher as “hot”. Results - In 36 residencies, 107 individuals were drinking “mate”. Most individuals drunk it daily (97,2%), and the medium daily volume was1,265 ml (SD ± 1,132 mL) ranging from 250 to 6,000 mL. The measured temperature was 60 o C or higher in 72% of residencies with mediumof 63.4 o C (51-78 oUNLABELLEDnMatè, a popular hot infusion of a herb (Ilex paraguayensis) drunk in large volumes, is a known risk factor for squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus and there is a suspicion that high temperature of boiled water used for the infusion may contribute for carcinogenesis.nnnMETHODSnWe measured the temperature of matè infusion drunk by a sample of the population at risk for this carcinoma in Taquara, southern Brazil. We interviewed inhabitants for drinking habits and the temperature of the infusion was measured with high precision thermometers. Temperature of the infusion was asked to consumers and their estimate compared to our measurements. We considered 60 degrees C or higher as hot.nnnRESULTSnIn 36 residencies, 107 individuals were drinking matè. Most individuals drank it daily (97.2%), and the medium daily volume was 1,265 ml (SD +/- 1,132 mL) ranging from 250 to 6,000 mL. The measured temperature was 60 degrees C or higher in 72% of residencies with medium of 63.4 degrees C (51-78 degrees C) and median 64.4 degrees C.nnnCONCLUSIONnIn this study, matè was consumed in large volumes at high temperature and individuals did not estimate correctly the temperature of infusion. High temperatures of matè may contribute to carcinogenesis in this population.

Prevalência de infecção por Helicobacter pylori em crianças avaliadas no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil

Objectives x97 To determinate prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in a group of symptomatic patients between 2 and 18 years old who were submitted to gastric biopsy during upper endoscopy done in the period of 1990-97. To correlate the histological findings with clinical and endoscopical data. Methods x97 A cross-sectional study done after review of clinical and histopathological data. Histopathological sections were reviewed by a pathologist, who did not know the clinical information and the previous histopathological reports. Results x97 Among 181 patients evaluated, prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection was 24.86% (45 positive cases). In pathological analysis, gastritis was found in 38/45 of the positive Helicobacter pylori patients and in 45/136 negative Helicobacter pylori. Gastric ulceration was found in 6/45 positive Helicobacter pylori and in 3/136 negative Helicobacter pylori. Conclusion x97 This study stated a significative association between Helicobacter pylori infection and pathological abnormalities in children evaluated in the Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.

Microscopy and polymerase chain reaction detection of Leishmania chagasi in the pleural and ascitic fluid of a patient with AIDS: case report and review of diagnosis and therapy of visceral leishmaniasis

Atypical visceral leishmaniasis is increasingly reported in immunocompromised patients, including patients with AIDS. A case of visceral leishmaniasis in an HIV-infected Brazilian patient with pulmonary and peritoneal involvement is reported. Histological evaluation of pleural fluid and ascites aspirate revealed macrophages with intracellular Leishmania. Polymerase chain reaction analysis was positive for Leishmania in the pleural and ascitic fluid with use of primers specific for Leishmania chagasi. In addition to classical methods for diagnosing leishmaniasis, such as microscopy and culture, polymerase chain reaction detection and identification of Leishmania species in pleural effusions and ascites are important diagnostic tools that should be considered by clinicians evaluating HIV-infected patients from endemic areas of visceral leishmaniasis. The authors review the clinical manifestations, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of visceral leishmaniasis in immunocompetent and HIV-infected patients.

Pyomyositis mimicking leptospirosis: two cases in a Brazilian tertiary care hospital in a non-tropical area

Pyomyositis is a subacute, deep suppurative bacterial infection of skeletal muscle not arising from contiguous infection. It is presumably haematogenous in origin, and characterized by muscle pain and swelling. We report on two patients who presented with pyomyositis in a tertiary care hospital in temperate region located in southern Brazil with a clinical presentation, which was initially suggestive of leptospirosis. This report discusses the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of pyomyositis. Physicians living in non-tropical areas should note that pyomyositis might occur in those areas, and its initial clinical presentation may be similar to leptospirosis