Abstract

PARENTI, Cíntia Faiçal; PEREIRA, Leuza Maria Rodrigues; BRANDAO, Zilanda Silva  and  SILVERIO, Ana Paula Coelho. Profile of patients with AIDS followed-up by the Homecare Therapeutic Assistence Service of the Municipality of Contagem, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, 2000-2003. Epidemiol. Serv. Saúde [online]. 2005, vol.14, n.2, pp.91-96. ISSN 1679-4974.  http://dx.doi.org/10.5123/S1679-49742005000200004.

The Homecare Therapeutic Assistance Service (ADT) of the Municipality of Contagem, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, assists patients with AIDS who are unable to attend routine ambulatory follow-up or persons with non-adherent treatment. The objective of this study is to evaluate the most commont indications for ADT, the features of enrolled patients and their outcomes. The data, obtained using a questionnaire with information extracted from ADT patient records available from August 2000 to December 2003, were recorded and analysed using Epi Info 2002 software. The results showed that, among 34 assisted patients, 10 (29%) were female, 24 (71%) male and the median age was 36 years. Sixteen patients (44%) had a diagnosis of tuberculosis and 10 (29%) of neurotoxoplasmosis. At admission, the median CD4 count was 110 cells/mm³; and at discharge, 162 cells/mm³ (p=0.23). The initial median weight was 50 kg; and at discharge, 56 kg (p=0.01). The median time in the ADT program was 127 days. Nine patients are still receiving followup services. Among the 25 cases discharged, 17 (68%) had improvement, 4 (16%) died, 2 (8%) have abandoned treatment, 1 (4%) left his residence, and 1 (4%) was hospitalized. We concluded that ADT was useful in patients recovering from compromised baseline status, those who presented with sequelae and those with difficulty adhering to therapy.

Keywords : HIV; AIDS; indwelling; assistance; adhering.

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