Abstract

DINIZ MILITAO DE ALBUQUERQUE, Marina et al. Body mass index of patients co-infected with tuberculosis and HIV in a reference hospital for HIV patients in the city of Recife, state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Epidemiol. Serv. Saúde [online]. 2009, vol.18, n.2, pp.153-160. ISSN 1679-4974.  http://dx.doi.org/10.5123/S1679-49742009000200006.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the body mass index (BMI) and the main biological, social, clinical and immunological characteristics of patients infected with HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis disease, compared to those HIV infected but with no tuberculosis, in a reference hospital for HIV/AIDS patients in the City of Recife, State of Pernambuco, Brazil. The study population consisted of 80 HIV/AIDS patients, of whom 40 were co-infected with tuberculosis. The patients had their weight and height measured, and answered a structured questionnaire designed specifically for the purpose of the study. The association between a BMI below 18.5 kg/m² (underweight) and tuberculosis disease-HIV co-infection was statistically significant. That association may be a sentinel sign in health services attended by HIV infected patients, aiming to provide them adequate caloric intake. Prospective studies should be carried out to obtain a better understanding of malnutrition as expression of tuberculosis-HIV co-infection, and as an aggravating factor to clinical conditions of their patients.

Keywords : BMI; tuberculosis; HIV/Aids; health services.

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