Objective: To describe data related to the pulmonary function of patients with sequelae of pulmonary tuberculosis, pleural tuberculosis or both. Methods: In the outpatient clinic of a university hospital, 218 patients were evaluated. Of those 218, 56 had sequelae of tuberculosis (pulmonary, pleural or both), and 162 had other types of tuberculosis. All patients were evaluated in the pulmonary function laboratory between February 2000 and July 2004, and 43 were found to be eligible for inclusion in the study. Patients with a history of asthma, chronic pulmonary obstructive disease, cardiac insufficiency, collagen diseases, silicosis or thoracic surgery, as well as those for whom spirometry yielded unacceptable results or was not performed, were excluded. The lung fields were divided into six zones, and radiographic results were classified by degree: I (involvement of only one zone with no cavitation); II (involvement of two or three zones or of one zone with cavitation); or III (extensive involvement of three or more zones with or without cavitation). Results: The final study sample comprised 50 patients, 44 (88%) of whom had pulmonary tuberculosis. The most prevalent form (17/50; 34%) was mixed ventilatory disturbance. Severe disturbances were more significant in degree III radiographs (p = 0.0002) and normal pulmonary function was predominant among patients presenting degree I and II radiographs (p = 0.002). Conclusion: The early discovery and treatment of tuberculosis contribute to reduce the number of cases, as well as the incidence of tuberculosis sequelae, thereby improving the quality of life of tuberculosis patients. Further studies, involving longitudinal, sequential analysis and larger samples of patients with tuberculosis sequelae, should be conducted in referral centers in Brazil.

Keywords: Tuberculosis, pulmonary/diagnosis; Tuberculosis, pleural/diagnosis; Respiratory function tests; Spirometry;

Objective: To describe the epidemiological profile of tuberculosis cases reported among health care workers in the Tuberculosis Control Program of the Cassiano Antonio of Moraes University Hospital in Vitoria, Brazil. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study of secondary data was conducted between 2002 and 2006. Results: Twenty-five cases of health care workers with tuberculosis were reported: 8 in nursing technicians (32%); 4 in doctors (16%); 3 in nurses (12%); 2 in radiology technicians (8%) and 8 in professionals from other categories (32%). Of those 25 health care workers, 14 (56%) were male and 11 (44%) were female. The incidence of the disease was highest among those from 35 to 39 years of age. The predominant clinical presentation was extrapulmonary (12 cases, 48%), followed by pulmonary (11 cases, 44%) and a combination of the two (2 cases, 8%). Regarding comorbidities, AIDS, alcoholism and smoking, respectively, were present in 33.3% of the study population. Outcomes were as follows: 22 cases of cure (88%); 2 transfers (8%); and 1 death (4%). The proportion of health care workers diagnosed with tuberculosis in the period studied was 2.53%. Conclusions: The results show the need for heath care workers who work in the tuberculosis control program to fill out the field "professional occupation" on the tuberculosis case registry database reporting forms. In addition, this situation draws attention to the need to implement an occupational tuberculosis control program.

Keywords: Health profile; Tuberculosis/epidemiology; Health personnel; Prevalence.

Objective: To describe the clinical and therapeutic aspects of pulmonary tuberculosis and compare the adverse effects of the treatment and its outcome in elderly and nonelderly patients. Methods: This was a case-control study of 117 elderly individuals (over the age of 60 years) and 464 nonelderly individuals (aged 15-49 years). All subjects presented pulmonary tuberculosis that had been diagnosed and treated at the Thoracic Diseases Institute of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro between 1980 and 1996. Results: In the elderly group, pulmonary tuberculosis was found to be correlated with diabetes (OR = 3.98; 95% CI = 2.07-7.65; p = 0.001), lung disease (OR = 7.24; 95% CI = 3.64‑14.46; p = 0.001) and heart disease (OR = 5.86; 95% CI = 2.88-11.95; p = 0.001). Smoking (OR = 2.07; 95% CI = 1.26‑3.42; p = 0.002) and alcohol abuse (OR = 1.63; 95% CI = 1.01-2.68; p = 0.041) were also more common in the elderly group. In the elderly group, the treatment more frequently resulted in adverse reactions (OR = 1.62; 95% CI = 1.04-2.54; p = 0.024), especially gastrointestinal reactions (OR = 1.64; 95% CI = 1.01-2.77; p = 0.047), and treatment efficacy was lower: cure rate, 51%; mortality rate, 24%. Treatment adherence was low (approximately 77%) in both groups. Conclusions: In the elderly group, adverse reactions were more common, treatment outcomes were less favorable, there was a greater frequency of clinical complications and deaths related to drug toxicity, and the prevalence of concomitant diseases was higher.

Keywords: Tuberculosis, pulmonary; Aged; Drug therapy; Treatment outcome.

Objective: To evaluate clinical aspects and the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (PT) in the aged. Methods: We compared 117 patients over 60 years of age (elderly group) and 464 patients aged 15 to 49 years old (nonelderly group) treated at the Thoracic Diseases Institute of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, from 1980 to 1996. Results: Previous history of PT was predominant in the elderly group (OR = 2.09; 95% CI = 1.26-3.45; p = 0.002), whereas household contact with PT was predominant in the nonelderly group (OR = 0.26; 95% CI = 0.10-0.66; p = 0.002). Mean time for diagnosis was 90 days in the elderly group and 60 days in the nonelderly group. In the elderly group, dyspnea (OR = 1.64; 95% CI = 1.06-2.53; p = 0.018) and weight loss (OR = 1.66; 95% CI = 1.01-2.82; p = 0.047) were predominant. In the nonelderly group, hemoptysis (OR = 0.51; 95% CI = 0.32-0.81; p = 0.002), chest pain (OR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.40-0.97; p = 0.027) and fever (OR = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.35-0.86; p = 0.006) were more common. The most common radiological abnormalities were infiltrates and cavitations. Bilateral involvement was more common in the elderly patients (OR = 1.76; 95% CI = 1.12-2.78; p = 0.009). There were no differences between the two groups regarding positivity for Mycobacterium tuberculosis identified through tuberculin skin testing, sputum smear microscopy and culture. Conclusions: There are few clinical and laboratory differences between the age groups. The delayed diagnosis in the elderly group can be explained by the low clinical suspicion in these patients.

Keywords: Tuberculosis, pulmonary; Aged; Signs and symptoms, respiratory; Diagnosis.

Objective: To present epidemiological data on patients diagnosed with tuberculosis, as well as on associated factors, and to determine the efficacy of the National Tuberculosis Control Program in Bagé, Brazil. Methods: A retrospective study was carried out at the Pablo Barcellos Center, analyzing cases of tuberculosis reported from January 2001 to December 2004. Data were collected through the review of clinical charts and from the National Case Registry database. Results: During this period, of the 4468 sputum smear microscopies performed, 131 were positive, with higher prevalence among males aged 26 to 35 years old. Prevalence was lower among those aged 65 and above. Over 50% of the patients were Caucasian, had only 1 to 3 years of schooling and worked in low-income jobs (mean salary, 265 Brazilian reals/month). There was no significant difference between smokers and former smokers/nonsmokers, and only one of the 131 cases was HIV positive. Conclusion: The number of sputum smear microscopies performed in Bagé increased in the past four years. In 2003 and 2004, it exceeded the goal of the National Tuberculosis Control Program. However, the number of new cases decreased, demonstrating the efficacy of the active search for tuberculosis cases in the city.

Keywords: Tuberculosis; Epidemiology; Communicable disease control.

Objective: To determine the epidemiological profile of inpatients at a TB referral hospital. Methods: This was a descriptive, retrospective study of the medical charts of patients with TB hospitalized at the Hospital Estadual Santa Maria (HESM), in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, between January of 2002 and December of 2003. Data were collected using a standardized form. Results: Of the 451 patients included in the study, 313 (69.4%) had been referred to the HESM from health care clinics, and 302 (67.0%) were male. Most of the patients were in the 30-59  year age bracket, 443 (98.2%) lived in the greater metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro, and 298 (66.1%) lived in the city of Rio de Janeiro itself. The most common reason for hospitalization was poor health status (in 237, 52.5%). The most common comorbidity was AIDS (in 137, 30.4%). The most common signs and symptoms at admission were weight loss, fever and productive cough. Sputum smear microscopy was positive in 122 (71.0%) of the patients presenting with productive cough at admission. Of the 212 patients being retreated, 156 (73.6%) reported noncompliance with previous treatment. Regarding the outcome, 273 (65.8%) of the patients were referred to municipal health care centers, 83 (18.4%) died, 44 (9.8%) were cured, and 27 (6%) were discharged against medical advice. Conclusions: Providing hospitals specializing in TB is relevant for TB control, especially in metropolitan regions. In addition to taking biosafety measures, these hospitals must be prepared to treat patients with TB-related comorbidities and social problems. This study has resulted in improvements at the HESM.

Keywords: Tuberculosis; Epidemiology; Hospitalization.

This study was performed in 117 patients infected by HIV, admitted to a reference hospital, in a period of one year (from 10/1/95 to 9/30/1996). All patients were 15 years old or more and had their sputum collected for AFB research, by clinical indication. All the 117 collected samples were submitted to bacilloscopic examination and 116 to culture (due to contamination in one sample) and also drug susceptibility test in all the 39 isolated strains. The strains were evaluated by PNB and TCH tests, and sent to a reference laboratory to typify the specimens. The bacilloscopic examination was positive in 34.2% (40/117) of the samples. From the 39 isolated strains, three did not belong to the M. tuberculosis complex (M. avium intracellulare in two, and one not identified strain). The resistance rate attributed separately to the M. tuberculosis was 13.90% (5/36). Resistance was not found that could be attributed to a single drug and the combination responsible for the highest resistance rate was that of rifampicin and isoniazid. The primary and secondary resistance was 20% (4/20) and 9.1% (1/10), respectively. Among social-demographic and clinical aspects, drug resistance was just significantly associated to a larger number of previous hospitalization (p < 0.03). These data suggest an intrahospital possible transmission of MDR (multi drug resistant) strains, among patients infected by HIV.

Keywords: mycobacterium tuberculosis; tuberculosis, pulmonary; drug resistance; acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

Objectives: To identify the frequency of risk factors, classification of degree of risk and the practice of prophylaxis to venous thromboembolism (VTE) in a general hospital. Methods: Randomly selected cases were included. Patients were excluded if they were on anticoagulant treatment. Determination of risk factors and classification of degree of risk were done according to international consensus. Results: Most patients (96%) had at least one recognized risk factor, 81% of them fulfilled the criteria to be classified as moderate/high risk. Prophylactic measures were prescribed to 221 (63%) patients. There was a significant association between the higher risk level for VTE and increased use of heparin (p < 0.001). Contraindications to the use of heparin were noticed in 7% of the cases. Conclusion: Risk factors for VTE are usually seen and prophylaxis is unsatisfactory. Contraindications to the use of heparin are uncommon; prophylaxis should be considered for a higher number of patients.

Keywords: Pulmonary embolism. Deep venous thrombosis. Prevention.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of ventilator-associated pneumonia in an intensive care unit, as well as to identify related factors and characterize patient evolution. Methods: This study evaluated 278 patients on mechanical ventilation for more than 24 hours in a university hospital. Results: Ventilator-associated pneumonia developed in 38.1% of the patients, translating to 35.7 cases/1000 ventilator-days: 45.3% were caused by gram-negative agents (Pseudomonas aeruginosa accounting for 22%); and multidrug resistant organisms were identified in 43.4%. In the ventilator-associated pneumonia group, time on mechanical ventilation, time to mechanical ventilation weaning, hospital stays and intensive care unit stays were all longer (p < 0.001). In addition, atelectasis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, pneumothorax, sinusitis, tracheobronchitis and infection with multidrug resistant organisms were more common in the ventilator-associated pneumonia group (p < 0.05). Mortality rates in the intensive care unit were comparable to those observed in the hospital infirmary. Associations between ventilator-associated pneumonia and various factors are expressed as odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals: acute sinusitis (38.8; 3.4-441); > 10 days on mechanical ventilation (7.7; 4.1-14.2); immunosuppression (4.3; 1.3-14.3); acute respiratory distress syndrome (3.5; 1.4-9.0); atelectasis (3.0; 1.2-7.3); cardiac arrest (0.18; 0.05-0.66); and upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding (0.07; 0.009-0.62). The variables found to be associated with in-hospital death were as follows: chronic renal failure (26.1; 1.9-350.7); previous intensive care unit admission (15.6; 1.6-152.0); simplified acute physiologic score II > 50 (11.9; 3.4-42.0); and age > 55 years (4.4; 1.6-12.3). Conclusion: Ventilator-associated pneumonia increased the time on mechanical ventilation and the number of complications, as well as the length of intensive care unit and hospital stays, but did not affect mortality rates.

Keywords: Bacterial pneumonia; Hospital infection; Intensive care units; Prognosis; Prospective studies; Intensive care medicine

Background: Surveys of patients diagnosed with mycobacteriosis, taken at the Laboratory of Mycobacteriology of the Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, have shown that lack of information concerning diagnosis prevented 42% from initiating treatment. Objective: To evaluate the profile of patients with mycobacterial infection attending the Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. To describe the follow up of those patients and compare it to the guidelines made by the National Program for the Control of Tuberculosis. Methods: The files of patients diagnosed with mycobacterium infection during 2002 were selected from the archives of the Laboratory of Mycobacteriology of the Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. An active search for these patients was carried out and follow-up exams were then performed. Results: Of the 66 patients selected, 62 (94%) were positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis and 4 (6%) had nontuberculous mycobacteriosis. Another 4 (6%) had been transferred to other institutions. Of the remaining 58, 37 (63%) had been cured, 1 (2%) had refused treatment, 9 (16%) were not found and 11 (19%) had died. Of the 11 deaths, 7 (64%) had tested positive for HIV. Conclusion: Patients failed to receive treatment not due to lack of diagnosis, but to inadequate structure, low awareness levels of all parties, and lack of tuberculosis control organization at the hospital level. Due to the high number of HIV-positive patients, the number of patients cured was lower than that required by the National Health Ministry. Deaths were attributed to HIV infection and lack of knowledge about the disease. In order to identify and address the problems associated with clinical laboratory practice, laboratory professionals must work in concert with their clinical counterparts when carrying out operational research on tuberculosis.

Keywords: Tuberculosis/diagnosis. Mycobacterium infections/complications.

Objective: To evaluate the epidemiological profile of patients with tuberculosis (TB) only and that of patients with TB/AIDS in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil, between 2000 and 2006. Methods: For the patients of interest, we collected demographic and clinical data from the Epidemiological Surveillance Center (TB database), Brazilian Case Registry Database, and Brazilian National Mortality Database, as well as the Brazilian National CD4+/CD8+ T Lymphocyte Count and Viral Load Network Laboratory Test Control System and the Logistic Medication Monitoring System (HIV/AIDS databases). All of the compiled data were cross-referenced. Results: During the study period, we identified 9,543 TB patients > 15 years of age, 437 of whom (4.6%) had AIDS. The median age did not differ between TB/AIDS and TB-only patients (35 years vs. 38 years). Of the 437 TB/AIDS patients, 298 (68.2%) were male, and 156 (35.8%) were in the 30-39 age bracket. In terms of TB treatment outcome, 79.0% were cured, 9.7% were referred to other facilities, 6.0% died, 5.2% abandoned treatment, and 0.2% developed multidrug-resistant TB. Death was 4.75 times more common in patients with TB/AIDS than in those with TB only. Pulmonary TB accounted for 82.4% of the cases. The combination of pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB was 8.2 times more common in the TB/AIDS patients than in the TB-only patients (95% CI: 6.2-10.8). Conclusions: Our results emphasize the significance of AIDS among TB patients in Brazil, as well as the importance of evaluating secondary data in order to improve their quality and develop public health interventions.

Keywords: Tuberculosis; Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; Brazil.

Objective: To evaluate the agreement between the criteria used for hospitalization of patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and those of the Brazilian Thoracic Association guidelines, and to evaluate the association of that agreement with 30-day mortality. Secondarily, to evaluate the agreement between the treatment given and that recommended in the guidelines with length of hospital stay, microbiological profile, 12-month mortality, complications, ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and 30-day mortality. Methods: This was a retrospective study involving adult patients hospitalized between 2005 and 2007 at the Federal University of Minas Gerais Hospital das Clínicas, located in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Medical charts and chest X-rays were reviewed. Results: Among the 112 patients included in the study, admission and treatment criteria were in accordance with the guidelines in 82 (73.2%) and 66 (58.9%), respectively. The 30-day and 12-month mortality rates were 12.3% and 19.4%, respectively. The 30-day mortality rate was lower for patients in whom the CRB-65 (mental Confusion, Respiratory rate, Blood pressure, and age ≥ 65 years) score was 1-2 and the antibiotic therapy was in accordance with the guidelines (p = 0.01). Cerebrovascular disease and appropriate antibiotic therapy showed independent associations with 30-day mortality. There was a trend toward an association between guideline-concordant antibiotic therapy and shorter hospital stay. Conclusions: In the population studied, admission and treatment criteria that were in accordance with the guidelines were associated with favorable outcomes in hospitalized patients with CAP. Cerebrovascular disease, as a risk factor, and guideline-concordant antibiotic therapy, as a protective factor, were associated with 30-day mortality.

Keywords: Pneumonia/therapy; Pneumonia/mortality; Hospitalization; Guideline adherence.

Objective: To describe the patient profile, mortality rates, the accuracy of prognostic scores, and mortality-associated factors in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in a general hospital in Brazil. Methods: This was a cohort study involving patients with a clinical and laboratory diagnosis of CAP and requiring admission to a public hospital in the interior of Brazil between March 2014 and April 2015. We performed multivariate analysis using a Poisson regression model with robust variance to identify factors associated with in-hospital mortality. Results: We included 304 patients. Approximately 70% of the patients were classified as severely ill on the basis of the severity criteria used. The mortality rate was 15.5%, and the ICU admission rate was 29.3%. After multivariate analysis, the factors associated with in-hospital mortality were need for mechanical ventilation (OR: 3.60; 95% CI: 1.85-7.47); a Charlson Comorbidity Index score > 3 (OR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.18-1.43); and a mental Confusion, Urea, Respiratory rate, Blood pressure, and age > 65 years (CURB-65) score > 2 (OR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.09-1.98). The mean time from patient arrival at the emergency room to initiation of antibiotic therapy was 10 h. Conclusions: The in-hospital mortality rate of 15.5% and the need for ICU admission in almost one third of the patients reflect the major impact of CAP on patients and the health care system. Individuals with a high burden of comorbidities, a high CURB-65 score, and a need for mechanical ventilation had a worse prognosis. Measures to reduce the time to initiation of antibiotic therapy may result in better outcomes in this group of patients.

Keywords: Community-acquired infections; Pneumonia; Hospital mortality; Risk factors.

Objective: To analyze the clinical, etiological, and epidemiological aspects of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in hospitalized individuals. Methods: We prospectively studied 66 patients (> 14 years of age) with CAP admitted to the Hospital Estadual Sumaré, located in the Sumaré microregion of Brazil, between October of 2005 and September of 2007. We collected data related to clinical history, physical examination, pneumonia severity index (PSI) scores, and laboratory tests (blood culture; sputum smear microscopy and culture; serology for Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Legionella pneumophila; and detection of Legionella sp. and Streptococcus pneumoniae antigens in urine). Results: The mean age of patients was 53 years. Most had a low level of education, and 55.7% presented with at least one comorbidity at the time of hospitalization. The proportion of elderly people vaccinated against influenza was significantly lower among the inpatients than in the general population of the Sumaré microregion (52.6% vs. > 70%). Fever was less common among the elderly patients (p < 0.05). The clinical evolution was associated with the PSI scores but not with age. The etiology was confirmed in 31 cases (50.8%) and was attributed to S. pneumoniae, principally detected by the urinary antigen test, in 21 (34.4%), followed by C. pneumoniae, in 5 (8.2%). The mortality rate was 4.9%, and 80.3% of the patients were classified as cured at discharge. Conclusions: The knowledge of the etiologic profile of CAP at the regional level favors the appropriate choice of empirical treatment, which is particularly relevant in elderly patients and in those with comorbidities. The lack of influenza vaccination in elderly patients is a risk factor for hospitalization due to CAP.

Keywords: Chlamydophila pneumoniae; Community-acquired infections; Pneumonia; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Influenza vaccines.

Introduction: Silicosis is the most prevalent pneumoconiosis in Brazil, with most of the registered cases occurring in the State of Minas Gerais. Although it is a preventable disease, silicosis is still epidemic in some areas. Objective: To describe the profile of workers seen at the Clinics Hospital of the Federal University of Minas Gerais. Patients and methods: 300 medical records of silica-exposed workers in different occupations, seen between 1989-2000, were reviewed. Clinical and occupational information, radiographic and spirometric data were analyzed. Statistical methods included univariate analyses with chi-square and t tests. Results and conclusion: The mean age of the exposed patients was 51 years, with mean exposure duration of 15.6 years. 126/300 (42%) were radiologically classified as cases of silicosis. Increasing grades of profusion were associated with lower spirometric indices and more frequent associations with tuberculosis and chronic airflow limitation. Most of the workers were regularly registered employees and the main occupational activity was mining, accounting for the exposure of 197 (66%) workers. Non-registered workers presented more severe radiological grades of silicosis, suggesting, possibly, worse conditions of silica exposure in this group of workers.

Objective: To evaluate the risk factors for the development of tuberculosis and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in patients treated at a tertiary referral hospital. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study based on data obtained from patients treated at the Júlia Kubitschek Hospital, located in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, between October of 2012 and October of 2014. We evaluated sociodemographic, behavioral, clinical, and radiological variables. The outcome considered to identify associations between tuberculosis and the explanatory variables was the treatment prescribed. To evaluate the associations between MDR-TB and the same explanatory variables, the change in MDR-TB treatment was considered. Results: The factors associated with tuberculosis were alcoholism, comorbidities, pulmonary cavitations, and a radiological pattern suggestive of tuberculosis. Cavitation and previous treatment for tuberculosis were associated with MDR-TB. Conclusions: Despite the significant progress made in the fight against tuberculosis, there is a need for coordinated actions that include social protection measures and patient support.

Keywords: Tuberculosis; Risk factors; Tuberculosis, multidrug-resistant.

Objective: To evaluate the radiological presentation of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosed in the emergency department and to investigate its association with the time to diagnosis. Methods: This was a prospective observational study involving patients diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis in the emergency department of a tertiary university hospital in southern Brazil. Chest X-rays taken on admission were evaluated by a radiologist. The various patterns of radiological findings and locations of the lesions were described. The main study outcome was the total time elapsed between the initial radiological examination and the diagnosis of tuberculosis. Results: A total of 78 patients were included in the study. The median time from chest X-ray to diagnosis was 2 days, early and delayed diagnosis being defined as a time to diagnosis < 2 days and ≥ 2 days, respectively. Sputum smear positivity was associated with early diagnosis (p = 0.005), and positive culture was associated with delayed diagnosis (p = 0.005). Early diagnosis was associated with the presence of sputum (p = 0.03), weight loss (p = 0.047), cavitation (p = 0.001), and consolidation (p = 0.003). Pulmonary cavitation was found to be an independent predictor of early diagnosis (OR = 3.50; p = 0.028). Conclusions: There is a need for tuberculosis-specific protocols in emergency departments, not only to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment but also to modify the transmission dynamics of the disease.

Keywords: Tuberculosis/diagnosis; Emergency medical services; Radiography, thoracic.

Objective: To identify nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) isolated from sterile sites in patients hospitalized between 2001 and 2006 at the Clementino Fraga Filho University Hospital, located in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Methods: During the study period, 34 NTM isolates from sterile sites of 14 patients, most of whom were HIV-positive, were submitted to phenotypic identification and hsp65 PCR-restriction enzyme analysis (PRA). Results: Most isolates were identified as Mycobacterium avium, followed by M. monacense, M. kansasii, and M. abscessus. Conclusions: The combination of PRA, a relatively simple and inexpensive method, with the evaluation of a few phenotypic characteristics can allow NTM to be accurately identified in the routine of clinical laboratories.

Keywords: Mycobacteria, atypical; Molecular biology; Polymerase chain reaction.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and profile of smoking among hospitalized patients at a university hospital in the south of Brazil. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving patients over 18 years of age hospitalized for over 24 h at the Federal University of Santa Catarina University Hospital, located in the city of Florianópolis, Brazil. The patients were interviewed on two distinct occasions. We collected demographic data, socioeconomic data, and data regarding smoking. Results: We interviewed 235 patients: 44 (18.7%) were smokers; 77 (32.8%) were former smokers; 114 (48.5%) were nonsmokers; and 109 (46.7%) were passive smokers. The mean age of the smokers was 45.7 ± 15.2 years, and 29 (65.9%) were male. Among the smokers, the median age at smoking initiation was 15 years; the mean smoking history was 32 ± 30.2 pack-years; 36 (81.9%) smoked up to 20 cigarettes/day; 20 (45.4%) had a high or very high degree of nicotine dependence; 32 (72.7%) had already tried to quit smoking; 39 (88.7%) would like to quit smoking; 32 (72.7%) would accept smoking cessation treatment; 13 (29.5%) smoked during hospitalization; and 13 (29.5%) suffered withdrawal syndrome. Regarding the motivation to quit smoking, the number of patients in the "preparation" and "action" stages of change increased from admission to discharge (from 31.8% to 54.8%). Conclusions: The prevalence of smoking in this study was similar to that reported in other studies conducted in Brazil. The results suggest that our sample was significant regarding the population of hospitalized smokers, who are motivated to quit smoking during hospitalization and require a systematized approach for doing so.

Keywords: Smoking/epidemiology; Hospitalization; Smoking cessation.