Abstract INTRODUCTION The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in a prison population. METHODS: A total of 147 individuals were interviewed and subjected to venipuncture for collection of blood sample. The study population consisted of male individuals who attended the health unit of the state penitentiary of Florianópolis. RESULTS: The prevalence of HCV infection was 5.4%. Regarding behavioral variables, 95 (64.6%, p<0.0507) subjects reported consuming alcohol and 7 (4.8%, p<0.0476) reported having already used injectable drugs. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of HCV infection in the studied population was higher than that in the general populations.

Abstract INTRODUCTION This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among prison inmates and to define the behavioral profile of infected individuals. METHODS: In total, 147 individuals were interviewed and provided biological material. The study population consisted of male individuals who presented at the health unit of the Florianopolis State Penitentiary. RESULTS: The prevalence of HIV infection was 2.1% (95% confidence interval, 0.4-5.8). With respect to the behavioral profile of individuals, no variable showed statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of HIV infection among prison inmates was higher than that reported for the general population.

Evidence-based strategies to improve the hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination coverage rates might help to reduce the burden caused by co-infection with HBV and human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV). In this study, the aim was to evaluate the vaccination coverage and immunity against HBV among HIV-infected individuals in South Brazil, and identify factors that are associated with compliance patterns and antibody reactivity. Three hundred HIV-infected men and women were included in this survey. The patients answered a standardized questionnaire, and vaccination cards were checked in order to assess hepatitis B vaccine status. A blood sample was collected for quantitative determination of antibody to hepatitis B virus surface antigen (anti-HBs). Participants were also evaluated for their CD4 cell count and HIV viral load. The overall vaccination coverage of HBV vaccination found in this study (57.4%) was lower than that was previously reported in South Brazil. Anti-HBs levels >10 IU/L were observed in 47.0% of the studied population. A significant inequality in the coverage rates and antibody reactivity was found in favor of patients with better economic status. In conclusion, the results indicate the need for improvement in the HBV vaccination coverage among HIV carriers, in particular focusing on low-income individuals.

IntroductionHepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections are two of the world's most important infectious diseases. Our objective was to determine the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) prevalences among adult HIV-infected patients and identify the associations between socio-demographic variables and these HBV infection markers.MethodsThis study was performed from October 2012 to March 2013. Three hundred HIV-seropositive patients were monitored by the Clinical Analysis Laboratory of Professor Polydoro Ernani de São Thiago University Hospital, Santa Catarina, Brazil. The blood tests included HBsAg, anti-HBc immunoglobulin M (IgM) and total anti-HBc. Patients reported their HIV viral loads and CD4+ T-cell counts using a questionnaire designed to collect sociodemographic data.ResultsThe mean patient age was 44.6 years, the mean CD4 T-cell count was 525/mm3, the mean time since beginning antiretroviral therapy was 7.6 years, and the mean time since HIV diagnosis was 9.6 years. The overall prevalences of HBsAg and total anti-HBc were 2.3% and 29.3%, respectively. Among the individuals analyzed, 0.3% were positive for HBsAg, 27.3% were positive for total anti-HBc, and 2.0% were positive either for HBsAg or total anti-HBc and were classified as chronically HBV-infected. Furthermore, 70.3% of the patients were classified as never having been infected. Male gender, age >40 years and Caucasian ethnicity were associated with an anti-HBc positive test.ConclusionsThe results showed an intermediate prevalence of HBsAg among the studied patients. Moreover, the associations between the anti-HBc marker and socio-demographic factors suggest a need for HBV immunization among these HIV-positive individuals, who are likely to have HIV/HBV coinfection.

Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a prevalência dos marcadores sorológicos de infecção pelo HBV e HCV em adultos jovens na Região Metropolitana de Florianópolis, conscritos da Base Aérea de Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo soroepidemiológico transversal de base populacional com 371 adultos jovens, no período de um ano a partir de junho de 2009. Foram pesquisadas características sócio-econômicas e possíveis fatores de risco para HBV e HCV. As amostras de sangue foram analisadas quanto à presença de HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HCV e anti-HBs pelo método imunoensaio enzimático automatizado de micropartículas (Abbott®, Sistema AxSYM, Wiesbaden, Alemanha). Nenhum dos participantes demonstrou positividade para HBsAg ou anti-HCV. A prevalência do anti-HBc foi de 1,6% (IC 95% 0,6 - 3,5) e do anti-HBs foi 40,7% (IC 95% 35,7 - 45,9). Relação sexual desprotegida associou-se com a positividade do anti-HBc na análise bivariada. Demonstrou-se prevalência muito baixa de infecção passada pelo HBV e ausência de HCV nesta população de adultos jovens na Região Metropolitana de Florianópolis. A particularidade desta prevalência muito baixa de marcadores de infecção e fatores de risco aponta para um quadro otimista em relação ao HBV e HCV no futuro para esta população.

We investigated the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) serological markers of infection in young adults from the metropolitan region of Florianópolis who were conscripts of the Air Base of Florianópolis in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. A population-based cross-sectional seroprevalence study was conducted with 371 young males during a one year period starting in June 2009. Demographic characteristics, socio-economic characteristics and possible risk factors to HBV and HCV were assessed. Blood samples were analyzed for HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HCV and anti-HBs through automated microparticle enzymatic immunoassays (Abbott®, AxSYM System, Wiesbaden, Germany). None of the participants showed positivity to HBsAg or anti-HCV. The prevalence of anti-HBc was 1.6% (95% CI 0.6 - 3.5), and the prevalence of anti-HBs was 40.7% (95% CI 35.7 - 45.9). Unsafe sex was associated with positive anti-HBc in a bivariate analysis. There was a very low prevalence of past HBV infection and no cases of past HCV infection in a young adult population in the metropolitan region of Florianópolis. The very low prevalence of markers of infection and risk factors indicates a very optimistic future with respect to HBV and HCV infection in this population.

INTRODUÇÃO: A hepatite B constitui uma causa relevante de morbidade e mortalidade em todo o mundo. No Brasil, entretanto, a situação epidemiológica atual não é claramente conhecida. Considerando-se a importância do estabelecimento de tal prevalência, o objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a prevalência dos marcadores de HBV em adolescentes voluntários, estudantes do ensino fundamental na Cidade de Itajaí, Santa Catarina, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo soroepidemiológico, transversal, conduzido com 353 adolescentes do ensino fundamental, randomicamente selecionados, em 2008. As amostras de sangue foram analisadas quanto à presença dos marcadores HBsAg, anti-HBc e anti-HBs. Todas as análises foram conduzidas em ensaio imunoenzimático de micropartículas automatizado (Abbott®, AxSYM system, Deerfield, IL, EUA), de acordo com as instruções do fabricante. RESULTADOS: A prevalência do HBsAg foi de 0,6% (CI 95% 0,1 - 2,0), do anti-HBc foi de 1,1% (CI 95% 0,3 - 2,9) e de títulos detectáveis de anti-HBs foi de 83,6% (CI 95% 79,3 - 87,3). A cobertura vacinal nos adolescentes estudados foi de 97,5% (CI 95% 95,2 - 98,8). CONCLUSÕES: Estes resultados demonstram o sucesso do programa de vacinação contra a hepatite B na região estudada e indicam que as estratégias de prevenção devem ser mantidas e, se possível, expandidas para que contribuam no estabelecimento de taxas de prevalência positivas em todas as faixas etárias.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis B infection constitutes an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In Brazil, however, the current epidemiological situation is not clear. Considering the importance of establishing this prevalence, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBV markers in voluntary adolescents, junior high (secondary school) students, in the City of Itajaí, State of Santa Catarina, Brazil. METHODS: A seroepidemiological, transverse study was conducted with 353 randomly chosen adolescents from elementary school in 2008. Blood samples were analyzed for HBsAg, anti-HBc and anti-HBs. All analyses were conducted by automated microparticle enzyme immunosorbent assay (Abbott®, AxSYM system, Deerfield, IL, USA), according to the manufacturer's instructions. RESULTS: The prevalence of HBsAg was 0.6% (CI 95% 0.1 - 2.0), that of anti-HBc was 1.1% (CI 95% 0.3 - 2.9) and that of detectable anti-HBs was 83.6% (CI 95% 79.3 - 87.3). Hepatitis B vaccination coverage was 97.5% (CI 95% 95.2 - 98.8). CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate the success of the vaccination program against hepatitis B in the region studied and indicate that prevention strategies must be maintained and, if possible, expanded to contribute to the establishment of positive prevalence rates in all age groups.

INTRODUÇÃO: A vacinação é o principal instrumento para prevenir a infecção pelo vírus da hepatite B. Todavia, após a conclusão da série de vacinação, as concentrações de anti-HBs podem diminuir ao longo dos anos e atingir níveis inferiores a 10mUI/mL. A persistência da proteção nestes indivíduos ainda é desconhecida. O presente estudo objetivou determinar os níveis do anticorpo anti-HBs em crianças e adolescentes que receberam o esquema completo de vacinação para a hepatite B. MÉTODOS: O anticorpo para o antígeno de superfície do vírus da hepatite B (anti-HBs) foi testado em 371 indivíduos com idade entre 10-15 anos. RESULTADOS: Os voluntários que apresentaram quantidades indetectáveis de anti-HBs corresponderam a 10,2% da população estudada, e 39,9% apresentaram títulos do anticorpo inferiores a 10mUI/mL. Anti-HBs ≥ 10mUI/mL foi verificado em 49,9%. CONCLUSÕES: Nossos resultados corroboram com outros estudos que indicam níveis de anti-HBs inferiores a 10mUI/mL em indivíduos vacinados. Estudos adicionais são necessários para avaliar se isso indica suscetibilidade à infecção pelo HBV e necessidade e idade para a dose reforço.

INTRODUCTION: Vaccination is the main tool for preventing hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection; however, following the completion of the vaccination series, the concentrations of anti-HBs can decline over the years and reach levels less than 10mIU/mL. The persistence of protection in these individuals is still unknown. The present study aimed to determine the anti-HBs antibody levels among children and adolescents who had received a complete vaccination course for hepatitis B. METHODS: Antibodies against HBV surface antigen (anti-HBs) were tested in 371 individuals aged 10 to 15 years-old. RESULTS: Volunteers who showed undetectable quantities of anti-HBs accounted for 10.2% of the population studied and 39.9% presented antibody titers of less than 10mIU/mL. Anti-HBs ≥ 10mIU/mL were verified in 49.9%. CONCLUSIONS: These results corroborate other studies indicating levels of anti-HBs below 10mIU/mL in vaccinated individuals. Additional studies are required to assess whether this indicates susceptibility to HBV infection and the need and age for booster doses.

Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar a prevalência de marcadores do vírus da hepatite B (HBV) e do vírus da hepatite C (HCV) entre adolescentes com idade entre 10 e 16 anos, alunos do Ensino Fundamental da cidade de Chapecó, Santa Catarina, Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo transversal incluindo 418 voluntários, realizado entre março e julho de 2008. As análises sorológicas incluíram: HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs e anti-HCV. Os testes foram realizados em Ensaio Enzimático de Micropartículas (Abbott, AxSYM System, Wiesbaden, Alemanha). A prevalência de HBsAg foi de 0,2% (IC95%: 0,0-1,3), e a prevalência de anti-HBc foi de 1,4% (IC95%: 0,5-3,1). Quanto ao anti-HBs, 48,6% dos voluntários apresentaram títulos maiores que 10UI/L. Nenhum dos voluntários apresentou resultados reativos para anti-HCV. Este estudo demonstrou uma baixa prevalência de marcadores de infecção HBV e HCV e um grande número de voluntários imunizados contra o HBV. Finalmente, demonstrou-se a importância de campanhas e políticas adequadas de saúde na redução dessas prevalências.

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) markers among adolescents aged between 10 and 16 years old, who are elementary school students in the city of Chapecó, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. The study involved a cross-sectional survey that included 418 volunteers, from March to July, 2008. Serology comprised HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs and anti-HCV. Tests were performed using automated Microparticle Enzyme Immunosorbant Assay (Abbott, AxSYM System, Wiesbaden, Germany). The prevalence of HBsAg was found to be 0.2% (95%CI: 0.0-1.3), and the prevalence of anti-HBc was found to be 1.4% (95%CI: 0.5-3.1). Regarding anti-HBs, 48.6% had titers greater than 10UI/L. None of the volunteers presented reactive results for anti-HCV. This study showed a low prevalence of HBV and HCV markers of infection and a great number of volunteers immunized against HBV. Finally this study shows the importance of proper health campaigns and policies in reducing those prevalences.

Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar a prevalência de marcadores do vírus da hepatite B (HBV) e do vírus da hepatite C (HCV) entre adolescentes com idade entre 10 e 16 anos, alunos do Ensino Fundamental da cidade de Chapecó, Santa Catarina, Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo transversal incluindo 418 voluntários, realizado entre março e julho de 2008. As análises sorológicas incluíram: HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs e anti-HCV. Os testes foram realizados em Ensaio Enzimático de Micropartículas (Abbott, AxSYM System, Wiesbaden, Alemanha). A prevalência de HBsAg foi de 0,2% (IC95%: 0,0-1,3), e a prevalência de anti-HBc foi de 1,4% (IC95%: 0,5-3,1). Quanto ao anti-HBs, 48,6% dos voluntários apresentaram títulos maiores que 10UI/L. Nenhum dos voluntários apresentou resultados reativos para anti-HCV. Este estudo demonstrou uma baixa prevalência de marcadores de infecção HBV e HCV e um grande número de voluntários imunizados contra o HBV. Finalmente, demonstrou-se a importância de campanhas e políticas adequadas de saúde na redução dessas prevalências.

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) markers among adolescents aged between 10 and 16 years old, who are elementary school students in the city of Chapecó, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. The study involved a cross-sectional survey that included 418 volunteers, from March to July, 2008. Serology comprised HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs and anti-HCV. Tests were performed using automated Microparticle Enzyme Immunosorbant Assay (Abbott, AxSYM System, Wiesbaden, Germany). The prevalence of HBsAg was found to be 0.2% (95%CI: 0.0-1.3), and the prevalence of anti-HBc was found to be 1.4% (95%CI: 0.5-3.1). Regarding anti-HBs, 48.6% had titers greater than 10UI/L. None of the volunteers presented reactive results for anti-HCV. This study showed a low prevalence of HBV and HCV markers of infection and a great number of volunteers immunized against HBV. Finally this study shows the importance of proper health campaigns and policies in reducing those prevalences.

As infecções pelo vírus da hepatite B (HBV) e pelo vírus da hepatite C (HCV) representam a causa de uma substancial proporção das doenças hepáticas em todo o mundo. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a prevalência dos marcadores sorológicos do HBV e do HCV em crianças e adolescentes, e verificar a epidemiologia da infecção pelo HBV passada uma década desde a introdução do programa de vacinação. Os marcadores sorológicos HBsAg, anti-HBc total e anti-HCV foram avaliados em 393 amostras. A soropositividade para o HBsAg foi de 0,76% e para o anti-HBc total foi de 1,02%. Co-positividade entre HBsAg e anti-HBc total foi verificada em 0,76% das amostras analisadas. Não houve soropositividade para o marcador anti-HCV. A soroprevalência dos marcadores de infecção pelo HBV em crianças e adolescentes da região sul do Brasil é elevada em relação à reportada em outros países. Medidas preventivas, tais como atividades educativas além da vacinação infantil universal contra o HBV, devem ser iniciadas a fim de reduzir a morbimortalidade e o impacto econômico associados a doença.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections account for a substantial proportion of liver diseases worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBV and HCV serological markers among children and adolescents and verify the epidemiology of the HBV infection over than a decade of the introduction of vaccination program. Serologic markers to HBsAg, total anti-HBc and anti-HCV had been tested in 393 samples. The seropositivity for HBsAg was 0.76% and for total anti-HBc was 1.02%. Copositivity between HBsAg and total anti-HBc was verified in 0.76% of the analyzed samples. There was no seropositivity for anti-HCV marker. The seroprevalence of HBV infection markers among children and adolescents in the southern Brazilian region is high compared to that reported in other countries. Preventive measures, such as educational activities in addition to the universal childhood HBV vaccination, should be initiated in order to reduce the morbimortality and the economic burden associated with the disease.

INTRODUÇÃO: A infecção pelo citomegalovírus representa uma preocupação para os profissionais de bancos de sangue e para receptores de transfusões sanguíneas, especialmente em casos de transfusões para neonatos e pacientes imunocomprometidos. Assim, o presente estudo teve como objetivo determinar a soroprevalência de anticorpos IgG e IgM contra CMV em doadores de sangue da Cidade de Lages, Região Serrana de Santa Catarina, Sul do Brazil e investigar possíveis associações entre as características socioeconômicas dos doadores e a sorologia para CMV. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo soroepidemiológico, transversal, conduzido com 1.045 amostras de sangue de doadores utilizadas na triagem sorológica durante um ano de investigação. Todas as análises foram conduzidas em ensaio imunoenzimático de micropartículas com reagentes Biokit® (Barcelona, Espanha), de acordo com as instruções do fabricante. RESULTADOS: A soroprevalência de IgG antiCMV na amostra estudada foi de 96,4% (IC 95% 95,23 - 97,50) e de IgM antiCMV foi de 2,3% (IC 95% 1,39 - 3,20). Não houve associação significativa entre a presença de anticorpos e as características socioeconômicas dos doadores. CONCLUSÕES: Os doadores de sangue da região estudada apresentaram uma alta soroprevalência de IgG antiCMV, e assim, estratégias de triagem de hemocomponentes e a indicação criteriosa de transfusões sanguíneas requerem atenção especial dos profissionais da saúde como parte das ações de prevenção e redução da infecção primária pelo CMV.

INTRODUCTION: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a matter of concern for blood bank professionals and blood transfusion recipients, especially in cases of transfusions to neonates and immunocompromised patients. Thus, the present study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of CMV IgG and IgM antibodies among blood donors in the city of Lages, in the mountain region of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, and to investigate possible associations between the socioeconomic characteristics of donors and CMV serological status. METHODS: A seroepidemiological cross-sectional study was conducted on 1,045 blood samples from donors that were used in serological screening over a one-year investigation. All the analyses were conducted using the microparticle enzyme immunoassay with Biokit® reagents (Barcelona, Spain), in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. RESULTS: Anti-CMV IgG seroprevalence in the sample studied was 96.4% (95% CI: 95.23 - 97.50) and that of anti-CMV IgM was 2.3% (95% CI: 1.39 - 3.20). There were no statistically significant associations between the presence of antibodies and the socioeconomic characteristics of donors. CONCLUSIONS: The blood donors in the study region had high seroprevalence of anti-CMV IgG. Thus, blood component screening strategies and careful indication for blood transfusions require special attention among healthcare professionals as part of the actions for prevention and reduction of primary infections caused by CMV.

A anemia é uma anormalidade hematológica comumente encontrada em pacientes infectados pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV) e sua prevalência estimada entre 63% a 95%. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as alterações hematológicas e o Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC) de pacientes HIV soropositivos com ou sem uso de terapia antirretroviral com e sem inibidor de protease. Os pacientes HIV soropositivos foram diagnosticados pelo teste de enzimaimunoensaio (ELISA) e confirmados por imunofluorescência. As alterações hematológicas foram determinadas por aparelho de automação Coulter Maxim Autoloader®, contagem de células CD4+ e CD8+ por citometria de fluxo FACSCount® e carga viral por amplificação baseada na sequência do ácido nucleico - Nucleic Acid Sequence Based Amplification (NASBA®). A avaliação dos dados hematológicos demonstrou níveis diminuídos no número de leucócitos e hemoglobina no grupo de estudo que fazia uso de terapia antirretrovial, quando comparado ao grupo controle sem uso desta terapia; resultado semelhante verificou-se também para o IMC dos pacientes HIV soropositivos (p<0,0001, p=0,006 e p<0,0001) respectivamente. Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos que faziam uso de terapia antirretrovial com e sem inibidores de protease (IP). A avaliação dos dados hematológicos associada à contagem de células CD4+ e quantificação da carga viral pode contribuir para o monitoramento da infecção e auxiliar na tomada de decisão a respeito da intervenção clínica mais adequada nestes pacientes. Rev. Bras. Hematol. Hemoter.

Anemia is the most commonly encountered hematologic abnormality in from 63% to 95% of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients. This study intends to evaluate hematological alterations and changes in the body mass index of HIV-positive patients on antiretroviral therapy with or without protease inhibitors and those who are not on antiretroviral therapy. The HIV-positive patients were diagnosed by the ELISA test and confirmed by immunofluorescence. The hematological alterations were determined using a Coulter Maxim Autoloader®, CD4+ and CD8+ cell counts by FACSCount® Flux cytometry and viral load by Nucleic Acid Sequence Based Amplification (NASBA®). The evaluation of hematological alterations showed smaller numbers of leukocytes and hemoglobin in the study group who used antiretroviral therapy compared to the control group (not on antiretroviral therapy); similar results were found for the body mass index of HIV-positive patients (p<0.0001, p=0.006 and p<0.0001), respectively. There were no significant differences identified between the groups on antiretroviral therapy with or without protease inhibitors. An evaluation of the hematological alterations associated with CD4+ cell counts and measurement of the viral load may contribute to monitor HIV infection and assist in the decision of the most appropriate clinical intervention in these patients. Rev. Bras. Hematol. Hemoter.

Hepatitis B and C are important causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In Brazil, according to the Ministry of Health, about 15% of population is infected by hepatitis B virus (HBV) and less than 1% by hepatitis C virus (HCV). Nevertheless, the age-specific prevalence of HBV and HCV markers remains unknown. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV markers of infection and immunity in children and adolescents between 10 to 16 years old who live in the metropolitan area of Florianópolis, state of Santa Catarina, South of Brazil. Three hundred and eighty four individuals were enrolled in this study. Serological markers for HBV and HCV (HBsAg, total anti-HBc, anti-HBc IgM, anti-HBs and anti-HCV) were determined through Microparticle Enzyme Immunosorbant Assay (MEIA) - AxSYM System® - by using commercial diagnostic kits (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Illinois, USA). All 384 adolescents (100%) were negative for HBsAg and anti-HBc IgM. Only two (0.52%) were positive for total anti-HBc. Among the studied individuals, 226 (58.85%) presented titers of anti-HBs > 10.0mIU/mL, 121 (31.51%) presented anti HBs < 10.0mIU/mL, and 37 (9.64%) did not present titers of anti-HBs. Regarding to anti-HCV, all 384 adolescents (100%) presented negative results for this marker. In conclusion, this study showed a low prevalence of HBV and HCV infections. In addition, it was verified a great number of children and adolescents (89.84%) who were positive for the immunity marker anti-HBs, implying that the National Immunization Program Protocol for hepatitis B has been effective in the studied region.

INTRODUÇÃO E OBJETIVOS: Ensaios de diferentes procedências para avaliação das dislipidemia podem resultar em variações significativas nos resultados obtidos e consequente conduta inadequada pelo clínico. O estudo objetivou comparar resultados laboratoriais de colesterol total (CT), triglicérides (TG), colesterol da lipoproteína de alta densidade (HDL-C), colesterol da lipoproteína de baixa densidade (LDL-C), apolipoproteína A-1 (Apo A-1), apolipoproteína B (Apo B) e lipoproteína (a) (Lp[a]) e índices lipídicos (não-HDL-C, CT/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C e Apo B/HDL-C) de pacientes hipertensos e/ou diabéticos diagnosticados. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados conjuntos reativos, e os respectivos analisadores Gold Analisa, Dia Sys (CCX - Abbott), Dade Behring (Nefelômetro BN 100) e Roche (COBAS Integra 400), para verificar a reprodutibilidade dos resultados obtidos. Participaram 99 pacientes (36 do sexo masculino e 63 do feminino). Comparando os resultados, verificamos que: todas as médias obtidas dos constituintes lipídicos apresentaram diferença significativa; número semelhante de pacientes apresentou níveis séricos elevados de CT, TG, Lp(a) e Apo A-1. O HDL-C, o LDL-C e a Apo B apresentaram discordância, assim como os índices de CT/LDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C e TG/HDL-C. Para não-HDL-C e ApoB/HDL, houve semelhança no número de pacientes com valores não recomendados. Em consequência da diferença, em relação ao LDL-C, a decisão da conduta terapêutica poderá ser inadequada, enquanto o não-HDL-C, além de evidenciar partículas aterogênicas, apresentou número de hipertensos com valores séricos não referendados semelhantes, independente da metodologia e do equipamento utilizado. CONCLUSÃO: No grupo de hipertensos analisados, o não-HDL-C se caracterizou um importante fator de correção interensaios de parâmetros lipídicos. E sua associação à relação Apo B/HDL-C pode ser um fator adicional em relação às condutas hipolipemiantes a serem adotadas.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Different assays to evaluate dyslipidemia may show significant variations in the obtained results and a consequent inappropriate clinical approach may be adopted. This study aimed to compare the results of total cholesterol (CT), triglycerides (TG), HDL-C, Apo A1, Apo B, lipoprotein (a) and lipidic indexes (not-HDL-C, CT/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C and Apo B/HDL-C) of hypertensive and/or diabetic patients. METHODS: The following reactive kits and respective analyzers were applied to verify the reproducibility of results: Gold Analisa, DiaSys (CCX-ABBOTT), Dade Behring (Nephelometer BN 100) and Roche (COBAS Integra 400). Ninety nine patients (36 male and 63 female gender) were investigated. Comparing the results, we observed that all mean numbers of lipid constituents showed a significant difference. A similar number of patients had high CT, TG, Lp (a) and Apo A-1 serum levels. There was also disagreement in HDL-C, LDL-C, ApoB, CT/LDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C and TG/HDL-C indexes. For not-HDL-C and ApoB/HDL, there was similarity in the number of patients with not recommended values. As a consequence of this difference, the choice of therapeutic approach may be inappropriate as to LDL-C levels, whereas Not-HDL-C not only showed atherogenic particles but also a number of hypertensive patients with similar not recommended serum values, regardless of the methodology and the equipment used. CONCLUSION: In the analyzed group of hypertensive patients, not-HDL-C was an important inter assay correction factor of lipidic parameters. The association with Apo B/HDL-C relation may be an additional factor as to the choice of hypolipemiant treatments.

Pacientes HIV+ freqüentemente desenvolvem alterações no metabolismo de lípides que podem influir no desenvolvimento de doença arterial coronária. A lipoproteína de alta densidade (HDL) tem papel importante na prevenção da aterogênese. Para investigar aspectos funcionais da HDL na doença, foram estudados 48 pacientes HIV+ e 45 indivíduos-controle saudáveis de ambos os sexos, com idade semelhantes. Vinte e cinco pacientes HIV+ não recebiam terapia antirretroviral, 13 estavam sob tratamento com inibidores nucleosídicos de transcriptase reversa e não-nucleosídicos (NRTI+NNRTI) e 10 sob tratamento com NRTI e inibidor de protease (NRTI+PI). Analisou-se a atividade da paroxonase 1 e a transferência de colesterol livre e esterificado, triglicérides e fosfolipídios de uma nanoemulsão lipídica para a HDL. Pacientes HIV+ apresentaram menor atividade da paroxonase 1 e menor transferência de colesterol livre e triglicérides em relação aos indivíduos saudáveis. A transferência de fosfolipídios foi maior nesses pacientes, mas a transferência de éster de colesterol foi similar. NRTI+NNRTI aumenta a transferência de éster de colesterol e triglicérides, mas em NRTI+PI não houve diferença comparando com os pacientes HIV+ não tratados. A HDL de pacientes HIV+ tem propriedades antioxidantes reduzidas, evidenciada pela menor atividade da paraxonase 1, e transferência de lipídios alterada, sugerindo que a HDL apresente função defeituosa nestes pacientes.

HIV+ patients often develop alterations of the plasma lipids that may implicate in development of premature coronary artery disease. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) has an important role in preventing atherogenesis and the aim of this study was to investigate aspects of HDL function in HIV+ patients. HIV+ patients (n = 48) and healthy control subjects (n = 45) of both sexes with similar age were studied. Twenty-five were not being treated with antiretroviral agents, 13 were under reverse transcriptase inhibitor nucleosidic and non-nucleosidic (NRTI+NNRTI) and 10 were under NRTI + protease inhibitors (NRTI+PI) treatment. Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity and the transfer of free and esterified cholesterol, tryglicerides and phospholipids from a lipidic nanoemulsion to HDL were analyzed. In comparison with healthy controls, HIV+ patients presented low PON-1 activity and diminished transfer of free cholesterol and tryglicerides. In contrast, phospholipid transfer was increased in those patients, whereas the transfer of cholesteryl esters was unchanged. NRTI+NNRTI increases the transfer of cholesteryl esters and triglycerides but in NRTI+PI there was no difference in respect to non-treated HIV+ patients. HDL from HIV+ patients has smaller antioxidant properties, as shown by lower PON-1 activity, and the transfer of lipids to this lipoprotein fraction is also altered, suggesting that HDL function is defective in those patients.