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Background Cerebral changes occur in individuals with human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1 )-associated myelopathy (HAM) and seem to predominate in subcortical areas. Little is known about the cognitive decline in the elderly living with HTLV-1. Objective To evaluate the cognitive aging of individuals infected with HTLV-1 aged ≥ 50 years. Methods This is a cross-sectional study of former blood donors infected with HTLV-1 who have been followed in the cohort of the Interdisciplinary Research Group on HTLV-1 since 1997. The groups of study consisted of 79 HTLV-1 infected individuals aged ≥ 50 years, with 41 of them presenting symptomatic HAM and 38 being asymptomatic carriers, and 59 seronegative individuals (controls) aged ≥ 60 years. All were submitted to the P300 electrophysiological test and neuropsychological tests. Results Individuals with HAM presented delayed P300 latency in relation to the other groups, and this latency delay increased progressively with aging. The performance of this group in the neuropsychological tests was also the worst. The HTLV-1- asymptomatic group performance was similar to that of the control group. Conclusions Individuals with HAM presented cognitive decline that progressed with aging and, although HTLV-1-asymptomatic carriers appear to present cognitive aging similar to that of healthy elderly people, concern about a subclinical cognitive impairment is warranted in this population. Resumo Antecedentes Alterações cerebrais ocorrem em indivíduos com mielopatia associada ao vírus da leucemia de células T humanas tipo 1 (HTLV-1) (HAM) e parecem predominar em áreas subcorticais. Pouco se sabe sobre o declínio cognitivo em idosos vivendo com HTLV-1. Objetivo Avaliar o envelhecimento cognitivo de indivíduos infectados pelo HTLV-1 com idade ≥ 50 anos. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo transversal com ex-doadores de sangue infectados pelo HTLV-1 acompanhados na coorte do Grupo Interdisciplinar de Pesquisa em HTLV-1 há 20 anos. Os grupos de estudo foram compostos por 79 indivíduos infectados pelo HTLV-1 com idade ≥ 50 anos, sendo que 41 apresentavam HAM e 38 eram portadores assintomáticos, e 59 indivíduos soronegativos (controles) com idade ≥ 60 anos. Todos foram submetidos ao teste eletrofisiológico P300 e testes neuropsicológicos. Resultados Indivíduos com HAM apresentaram atraso na latência do P300 em relação aos demais grupos, e esse atraso de latência aumentou progressivamente com o envelhecimento. O desempenho desse grupo nos testes neuropsicológicos também foi o pior. O desempenho do grupo HTLV-1- assintomático foi semelhante ao do grupo controle. Conclusão Indivíduos com HAM apresentaram declínio cognitivo que progrediu com o envelhecimento e, embora os portadores assintomáticos do HTLV-1 pareçam apresentar envelhecimento cognitivo semelhante ao dos idosos saudáveis, justificase a preocupação com um comprometimento cognitivo subclínico nessa população.

Background: The HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) is the most common neurological manifestation associated with Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus type-1 (HTLV-1) infection. Although cognitive impairment has been highlighted in the spectrum of HTLV-1 neurological manifestations, it may go unnoticed in those who do not spontaneously report it. We aimed at evaluating the applicability of a self-perceived memory score (SMS) and the cognitive event-related potential (P300) for the early detection of cognitive impairment in HTLV-1-infected people. Methods: The SMS was measured by a 0-10 visual analog scale combined with a sad-happy faces rating scale. The higher the number, the better was the SMS. The P300 was obtained through an oddball paradigm with a mental counting task. The participants were 15(21,4%) individuals with HAM/TSP, 20(28,6%) HTLV-1-asymptomatic carriers, and 35(50%) seronegative controls. Results: SMS (p369.0 milliseconds were considered as altered result and indicated cognitive impairment. The HAM/TSP group showed the highest prevalence of altered P300 (80%) and SMS (87%). Interestingly, the asymptomatic group also presented significant higher prevalence of altered SMS (60%) and P300 (35%) when compared to controls (Conclusion: The use of SMS in the medical consultation was a useful and easy-to-apply method to screen HTLV-1 infected subjects for everyday memory complaints.

Introduction Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) and their suppression may be considered useful in monitoring cochlear function and the efferent auditory pathway inhibitory effect. Nonetheless, the establishment of reliable parameters of response variations is of great importance. Objectives To verify the replicability of test and retest in the research of the inhibitory effect of the efferent pathway using contralateral suppressing stimulus during DPOAE recording for clinical applicability. Methods Cross-sectional study with 48 volunteers, aged 18 to 30 years, with normal audiometric thresholds. The procedures included were audiometric and immittance measures to overrule any conductive or sensorineural conditions and DPOAE recordings without and with contralateral suppression with a 60 dBHL white noise. Distortion product otoacoustic emissions amplitudes were analyzed and compared in both conditions with Wilcoxon test, and the Spearman correlation test was used to assess test-retest reliability. Results The comparative analysis showed differences between amplitudes in test and retest conditions only in 1,500 Hz for DPOAE measures with all other tested frequencies showing no differences, and no difference was observed in all recorded frequencies in the test and retest comparison for DPOAE suppression. The degree of correlation between test and retest of DPOAE amplitude was good at 6,000 Hz and strong (r > 0.880) at the other frequencies. For DPOAE with suppression, all frequencies presented strong correlation between test and retest: 1,500 Hz (r = 0.880), 2,000 Hz (r = 0.882), 3,000 Hz (r = 0.940), and 6,000 Hz (r = 0.957). Conclusions The study found good replicability in contralateral suppression of DPOAE with potential clinical applicability, and we recommend conducting the test from 2000Hz to higher frequencies for more reliable results.

Human t-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1)–associated myelopathy (HAM) is a progressive neurological disease whose diagnosis is defined by clinical manifestations and seropositivity for HTLV-1 infection. Cognitive impairment (CI) is considered to occur after spinal impairment. A 51-year-old HTLV-1–infected man classified as an asymptomatic carrier presented difficulties in listening comprehension and executive memory. He was assessed for central auditory processing (CAP), cognition (event-related auditory evoked potential [P300]), and otoneurological functions (galvanic vestibular-evoked myogenic potential [gVEMP]). Altered responses were found in CAP, P300, and gVEMP, but the neurological examination and cognitive screening were normal. After a 2-year follow-up, we disclosed a positive Babinski sign, a mild CI, worsened P300, and gVEMP latencies, and the patient reported progressive lumbar pain and difficulty running. He was, then, reclassified as HAM. The first examination, in 2016, had already shown abnormal results in P300 and gVEMP despite the HTLV-1–asymptomatic carrier status. Therefore, tests that provide subclinical measures of neurological disease progression can be useful tools for an early diagnosis and intervention in HTLV-1 patients. Electrophysiological results had worsened as well as the clinical status and the cognitive function and the progression from asymptomatic status to an HTLV-1–associated neurological disease occurred within 2 years. Thus, HTLV-1–infected individuals with complaints of CI, hearing, or otoneurological manifestations should be submitted to neuropsychological and electrophysiological tests, allowing them to be properly cared in case of HAM progression.

Purpose: to assess the relationship between deaf students’ fluency in Brazilian Sign Language (BSL) and oral language and hearing aid use. Method: the sample comprised 112 professional BSL translators, interpreters, and instructors. They answered a questionnaire on hearing characteristics and BSL and oral language fluency of students accompanied by them, who attended municipal schools in a Brazilian city. Association analysis between oral language fluency, BSL fluency, the degree of hearing loss, and device use was made with the chi-square test or Fisher’s Exact test. The significance level was set at p

OBJECTIVES In mammals, a 2-hr exposure to an octave-band noise (OBN) at 100 to 108 dB SPL induces loss of synaptic ribbons between inner hair cells and auditory nerve fibers with high thresholds of response (hiT neurons), that encode high-intensity sounds. Here, we tackle the challenge of diagnosing this synaptopathy by a noninvasive functional audiological test, ultimately in humans, despite the expected absence of auditory-threshold elevation and of clear electrophysiological abnormality, hiT neuron contributions being hidden by those of more sensitive and robust neurons. DESIGN The noise-induced synaptopathy was replicated in mice (at 94, 97, and 100 dB SPL; n = 7, 7, and 8, respectively, against 8 unexposed controls), without long-lasting auditory-threshold elevation despite a twofold decrease in ribbon-synapse number for the 100-dB OBN exposure. Auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) were collected using a simultaneous broadband noise masker just able to erase the ABR response to a 60-dB tone burst. Tone burst intensity was then increased up to 100 dB SPL for eliciting reemerging ABRs (R-ABRs), dependent on hiT neurons as more sensitive neurons are masked. RESULTS In most ears exposed to 97-dB-SPL and all ears exposed to 100-dB-SPL OBN, contrary to controls, R-ABRs from the overexposed region have vanished, whereas standard ABR distributions widely overlap. CONCLUSIONS R-ABRs afford an individual noninvasive marker of normal-auditory-threshold cochlear synaptopathy. A simple modification of standard ABRs would allow hidden auditory synaptopathy to be searched in a patient. ABBREVIATIONS ABR: auditory brainstem response; dB SPL: decibel sound pressure level; DPOAE: distortion-product otoacoustic emission; hiT neuron: high-threshold neuron; IHC: inner hair cell; loT neuron: low-threshold neuron; OBN: octave-band noise; OHC: outer hair cell; PBS: phosphate buffer saline; R-ABR: reemerging ABR.

Purpose: to describe the results of preschooler hearing and language screening and the association between them. Methods: a study with 75 children enrolled in preschool. The language was screened with the Behavior Observation Guide for 0-to-6-Year-Old Children. The hearing of children up to 1 year and 11 months old was screened with meatoscopy, acoustic immittance, behavioral hearing assessment, and otoacoustic emissions, while those in the age range 2 years or older were screened with meatoscopy, acoustic immittance, and play pure-tone audiometry. The children who failed the screening were referred for diagnosis. The results of the hearing and language assessments were compared with the McNemar test. Results: of the 75 children screened, 18 (24%) failed the hearing tests and 11 (15%) failed the language test. Hearing impairment was confirmed in 12 (66%) of those referred for diagnosis, and language impairment, in 10 (90%) of them. There was no association between hearing and language impairments (p = 0.230). Conclusion: hearing and language impairments were found in preschoolers. Although they were not associated, they can impact academic performance. This result emphasizes the need for developing strategies to implement preschooler screening programs that include hearing and language. RESUMO Objetivo: descrever os resultados da triagem auditiva e de linguagem, bem como a associação entre ambos, em pré-escolares. Métodos: estudo realizado com 75 crianças matriculadas na pré-escola. A triagem de linguagem foi realizada por meio da aplicação do Roteiro de Observação do Comportamento de Crianças de 0 a 6 anos. A triagem auditiva das crianças com idade até 1 ano e 11 meses consistiu de meatoscopia, imitanciometria, avaliação auditiva comportamental e emissões otoacústicas. As crianças com idade igual ou superior a 2 anos realizaram meatoscopia, imitanciometria e audiometria tonal lúdica. As crianças que falharam na triagem foram encaminhadas para diagnóstico. A comparação entre resultado da avaliação audiológica e linguagem foi realizada por meio do teste McNemar. Resultados: das 75 crianças triadas, 18 (24%) falharam nos testes auditivos e 11 (15%) falharam no teste de linguagem. Das crianças encaminhadas para diagnóstico, 12 (66%) receberam confirmação de alteração auditiva e 10 (90%) receberam confirmação de alteração de linguagem. Não houve associação entre alteração de audição e linguagem (p=0,230). Conclusão: foram encontradas alterações de audição e linguagem em pré-escolares que, apesar de não associadas, podem impactar no desempenho acadêmico. Este resultado enfatiza a necessidade do desenvolvimento de estratégias para a implementação da triagem do pré-escolar abrangendo a audição e linguagem.

The impact of HIV co-infection on the plasma immunological biomarker profile of HTLV-1 infected patients was evaluated. The plasma levels of leukotrienes and chemokines/cytokines were quantified by ELISA and Cytometric Bead Array. A total of 138 volunteers were enrolled and divided into two subgroups ("HTLV-1(+)HIV(-)" and "HTLV-1(+)(HIV(+)"), which were categorized according to the HTLV-1-associated neurological disease (AS, pHAM and HAM). Reference controls were BD and HIV mono-infected patients. HAM(+) exhibited higher CD4+ T-cell counts as compared to HIV+ mono-infected patients and lower HTLV-1 proviral load as compared to mono-infected HAM(-) patients. AS(+) exhibited higher levels of CysLT, CXCL8/IL-8 and lower levels of CCL5/RANTES as compared to AS(-). Increased levels of IL-6 and TNF with reduced levels of CXCL10/IP10 and CCL5/RANTES were observed in co-infected pHAM(+) as compared to mono-infected pHAM(-). HAM(+) patients revealed an increase in CXCL8/IL-8, CCL2/MCP-1, CXCL-10/IP-10, TNF and a decrease in IL-2 as compared to HAM(-) subgroup.

Resumo Devido à alta prevalência da presbiacusia e as suas consequências, métodos de triagem auditiva são necessários no âmbito da atenção primária. Diante disso, o objetivo do estudo foi verificar a reprodutibilidade e acurácia do teste do sussurro como metodologia de triagem auditiva em idosos. Trata-se de estudo transversal com medidas de acurácia que incluiu 210 idosos, entre 60 e 97 anos, submetidos ao teste do sussurro com dez expressões diferentes e ao exame de referência audiometria tonal limiar. Calculou-se a sensibilidade, a especificidade, o valor preditivo positivo, o valor preditivo negativo e a acurácia do teste, avaliada por meio da área sob a curva Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC). O teste foi repetido em 20% das orelhas por um segundo examinador com a finalidade de avaliar a reprodutibilidade interexaminador (RIE). As expressões que apresentaram melhor área sob a curva ROC (AUC) e RIE foram: “sapato” (AUC = 0,918; RIE = 0,877), “janela” (AUC = 0,917; RIE = 0,869), “parece que vai chover” (AUC = 0,911; RIE = 0,810) e o “ônibus está atrasado” (AUC = 0,900; RIE = 0,810). Estas são, pois, as expressões propostas para fazerem parte do protocolo do teste do sussurro que mostrou-se como uma ferramenta útil para triagem auditiva em idosos. Abstract Given the high prevalence of presbycusis and its detrimental effect on quality of life, screening tests can be useful tools for detecting hearing loss in primary care settings. This study therefore aimed to determine the accuracy and reproducibility of the whispered voice test as a screening method for detecting hearing impairment in older people. This cross-sectional study was carried out with 210 older adults aged between 60 and 97 years who underwent the whispered voice test employing ten different phrases and using audiometry as a reference test. Sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values were calculated and accuracy was measured by calculating the area under the ROC curve. The test was repeated on 20% of the ears by a second examiner to assess inter-examiner reproducibility (IER). The words and phrases that showed the highest area under the curve (AUC) and IER values were: “shoe” (AUC = 0.918; IER = 0.877), “window” (AUC = 0.917; IER = 0.869), “it looks like it's going to rain” (AUC = 0.911; IER = 0.810), and “the bus is late” (AUC = 0.900; IER = 0.810), demonstrating that the whispered voice test is a useful screening tool for detecting hearing loss among older people. It is proposed that these words and phrases should be incorporated into the whispered voice test protocol.

IntroductionVestibular Myogenic Evoked Potential (VEMP) evaluates vestibulo-ocular and vestibulospinal reflexes associated with posture.PurposeTo compare cervical and ocular VEMP in individuals with HTLV-1 associated myelopathy (HAM) and with HTLV-1-asymptomatic infection.Materials and MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 52 HTLV-1-infected individuals (26 HAM and 26 asymptomatic carriers) and 26 negative controls. The groups were similar regarding age and gender. Participants underwent ocular and cervical VEMP that were performed simultaneously. The stimulus used to generate VEMP was a sound, low-frequency toneburst, intensity of 120 decibels normalized hearing level (dB nHL), bandpass filter from 10 to 1,500 Hz, with 100 stimuli at 500 Hertz (Hz) and 50 milliseconds (ms) recording time. An alteration in the electrophysiological waves P13 and N23 for cervical VEMP and N10 and P15 waves for ocular VEMP was compared between groups.ResultsCervical VEMP was different among the groups for P13 (p=0.001) and N23 (p=0.003). Ocular VEMP was similar for N10 (p=0.375) and different for P15 (p=0.000). In the HTLV-1-asymptomatic group, 1(3.8%) individual presented changes in both ocular and cervical VEMP, while in HAM group, 16(61.5%) presented changes in both tests.ConclusionNeurological impairment in HAM was not restricted to the spinal cord. The mesencephalic and thalamic connections, tested by ocular VEMP, were also altered. Damage of the oculomotor system, responsible for eye stabilization during head and body movements, may explain why dizziness is such a frequent complaint in HAM.Authors’ summaryHuman T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infection is endemic in Brazil and can cause HTLV-1-associated myelopathy (HAM). This neurological disease progresses slowly and, within ten years after its onset, can confine the patient to a wheelchair. Changes in HAM inflammatory characteristics can subsequently occur in the cortex, subcortical white matter, cerebellum, and brainstem. In the present study, we used the electrophysiological test Vestibular Myogenic Evoked Potential (VEMP) to evaluate the thalamic, brainstem, and spinal neural connections. This test evaluates the peripheral and the central vestibular pathway and has been used to test the postural reflexes involved in the control of one’s balance. The VEMP from the oculomotor muscles demonstrated that a subcortical impairment occurs in HAM and can also occur in the asymptomatic phase of HTLV-1 infection.

RESUMO Objetivos Revisar a literatura científica sobre as principais técnicas usadas para gerar o potencial evocado miogênico vestibular (VEMP) e suas aplicações clínicas. Estratégia de pesquisa Os artigos que descrevem os métodos de registro e as aplicações do VEMP foram localizados nas bases de dados PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, Scopus, LILACS e SciELO. O levantamento realizado limitou-se aos artigos publicados nos idiomas Inglês, Português e Espanhol, entre janeiro de 2012 e maio de 2018. Critérios de seleção Artigos sobre os aspectos técnicos para a realização do VEMP ocular, cervical ou do músculo sóleo, com estimulação auditiva ou galvânica e artigos sobre as aplicações clínicas do VEMP foram incluídos; artigos repetidos nas bases de dados, artigos de revisão de literatura, relato de casos, cartas e editoriais foram excluídos. Resultados A estratégia de busca resultou na seleção de 28 artigos. Os estudos evidenciaram três métodos de registro do VEMP: cervical, ocular e no músculo sóleo. As aplicações clínicas do VEMP incluíram doença de Ménière, neurite vestibular, síndrome da deiscência do canal semicircular superior, doença de Parkinson, lesões centrais isquêmicas e mielopatias motoras. Conclusão Independentemente da técnica de registro, o VEMP mostrou-se útil como ferramenta complementar para o diagnóstico de doenças vestibulares periféricas e centrais.

Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (VEMP) evaluates the integration of the vestibular nerves with the brainstem and the muscular system. It tests the peripheral and central vestibular pathway and has been used to test brainstem functions and postural reflexes. VEMP tests the vestibulospinal and vestibulo-ocular reflexes involved in the control of the postural balance. Normal VEMP depends on the functional integrity of the saccular and utricular maculae, the inferior vestibular nerve, the superior vestibular nerve, the vestibular nuclei, the central vestibular pathways, and the neuromuscular plaques involved in these reflexes. This test presents characteristics favorable to its use in clinical practice: objectivity, non-invasiveness, easy execution, low cost, rapidity, and minimal discomfort for the patient.This protocol aims at showing how to perform Simultaneous ocular and cervical VEMP.

Purpose Vestibular Myogenic Evoked Potential (VEMP) evaluates vestibulo-ocular and vestibulo-collic reflexes involved in the function of the otolithic organs and their afferent pathways. We compared the results of cervical and ocular VEMP in HTLV-1 associated myelopathy (HAM) and HTLV-1-asymptomatic infection. Participants and methods This cross-sectional study included 52 HTLV-1-infected individuals (26 HAM and 26 asymptomatic carriers) and 26 seronegative controls. The groups were similar regarding age and gender. Participants underwent simultaneous ocular and cervical VEMP. The stimulus to generate VEMP was a low-frequency tone burst sound tone burst, with an intensity of 120 decibels normalized hearing level, bandpass filter from 10 to 1,500 Hertz (Hz), with 100 stimuli at 500 Hz and 50 milliseconds recording time. The latencies of the electrophysiological waves P13 and N23 for cervical VEMP and N10 and P15 waves for ocular VEMP were compared among the groups. The absence or delay of the electrophysiological waves were considered abnormal results. Results Ocular VEMP was similar among the groups for N10 (p = 0.375) and different for P15 (p≤0.001). Cervical VEMP was different for P13 (p = 0.001) and N23 (p = 0.003). About ocular VEMP, in the HTLV-1-asymptomatic group, normal waves were found in 23(88.5%) individuals; in HAM group, normal waves were found in 7(26.9%). About cervical VEMP, 18(69.2%) asymptomatic carriers presented normal waves and only 3(11.5%) patients with HAM presented normal waves. Abnormalities in both VEMPs were found in 1(3.8%) asymptomatic carrier and in 16(61.5%) patients with HAM. Conclusion Neurological impairment in HAM was not restricted to the spinal cord. The mesencephalic connections, tested by ocular VEMP, have been also altered. Damage of the oculomotor system, responsible for eye stabilization during head and body movements, may explain why dizziness is such a frequent complaint in HAM. Objetivo O Potencial Evocado Miogênico Vestibular (VEMP) avalia os reflexos vestíbulo-oculares e vestíbulo-cólico envolvidos na função dos órgãos otolíticos e suas vias aferentes. Comparamos os resultados do VEMP cervical e ocular na mielopatia associada ao HTLV-1 (HAM) e na infecção assintomática pelo HTLV-1. Participantes e métodos Este estudo transversal incluiu 52 indivíduos infectados pelo HTLV-1 (26 HAM e 26 portadores assintomáticos) e 26 controles soronegativos. Os grupos foram semelhantes quanto à idade e sexo. Os participantes foram submetidos ao VEMP ocular e cervical simultâneo. O estímulo para gerar o VEMP foi um tone burst de som de baixa frequência, com intensidade de 120 decibéis de nível de audição normalizado, filtro passa-banda de 10 a 1.500 Hertz (Hz), com 100 estímulos a 500 Hz e tempo de gravação de 50 milissegundos. As latências das ondas eletrofisiológicas P13 e N23 para VEMP cervical e ondas N10 e P15 para VEMP ocular foram comparadas entre os grupos. A ausência ou atraso das ondas eletrofisiológicas foram considerados resultados anormais. Resultados O VEMP ocular foi semelhante entre os grupos para N10 (p = 0,375) e diferente para P15 (p≤0,001). O VEMP cervical foi diferente para P13 (p = 0,001) e N23 (p = 0,003). Sobre o VEMP ocular, no grupo HTLV-1 assintomático, foram encontradas ondas normais em 23(88,5%) indivíduos; no grupo HAM, ondas normais foram encontradas em 7(26,9%). Sobre o VEMP cervical, 18(69,2%) portadores assintomáticos apresentaram ondas normais e apenas 3(11,5%) pacientes com HAM apresentaram ondas normais. Anormalidades em ambos os VEMPs foram encontradas em 1(3,8%) portador assintomático e em 16(61,5%) pacientes com HAM. Conclusão O comprometimento neurológico na HAM não se restringiu à medula espinhal. As conexões mesencefálicas, testadas pelo VEMP ocular, também foram alteradas. A lesão do sistema oculomotor, responsável pela estabilização ocular durante os movimentos da cabeça e do corpo, pode explicar por que a tontura é uma queixa tão frequente na HAM.

Background Vestibular-evoked myogenic potential triggered by galvanic vestibular stimulation (galvanic-VEMP) evaluates the motor spinal cord and identifies subclinical myelopathies. We used galvanic-VEMP to compare spinal cord function in individuals infected with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) from asymptomatic status to HTLV-1-associated myelopathy (HAM). Methodology/Principal findings This cross-sectional study with 122 individuals included 26 HTLV-1-asymptomatic carriers, 26 individuals with possible HAM, 25 individuals with HAM, and 45 HTLV-1-seronegative individuals (controls). The groups were similar regarding gender, age, and height. Galvanic stimuli (duration: 400 ms; intensity: 2 mA) were applied bilaterally to the mastoid processes and VEMP was recorded from the gastrocnemius muscle. The electromyographic parameters investigated were the latency and amplitude of the short-latency (SL) and medium-latency (ML) responses. While SL and ML amplitudes were similar between groups, SL and ML latencies were delayed in the HTLV-1 groups compared to the control group (p

Galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) is a method that stimulates the vestibular afferents with a small current, triggering a motor reflex response in the posture-controlling muscles. This response can be captured by electromyography (EMG) and is called vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP). The VEMP triggered by GVS (galvanic-VEMP) assesses the central pathways of the vestibular system. When the EMG responses are recorded in the lower limbs, galvanic-VEMP provides information about the function of the vestibulospinal tract extending from the cervical to the lumbar spine. Galvanic-VEMP is a safe, low-cost, and easily performed test which has been used to investigate spinal cord function in cases of trauma, tumor, ischemia, and infection. Our research group has been using galvanic-VEMP to follow patients with diseases that cause postural disabilities, such as Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1-associated myelopathy (HAM), Schistosomal myeloradiculopathy, and Parkinson’s disease. This protocol aims at showing how to perform VEMP triggered by galvanic vestibular stimulation with the EMG responses being recorded in the lower limbs.

This study compared the proviral load and the plasma cytokine profiles (interleukin-IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ) in 87 HTLV-1-infected individuals, including 28 with HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), 32 with possible pHAM/TSP and 27 asymptomatic carriers (AC). The control group was composed by 21 HTLV-1-seronegative individuals. Our finding demonstrated that HAM/TSP group presented higher proviral load as compared to all other HTLV-1 groups (p

Introdução: A infecção pelo Vírus Linfotrópico Humano de Células T tipo 1 (HTLV-1) pode causar alterações inflamatórias em todo o sistema nervoso central, incluindo medula e córtex. Os objetivos do presente estudo foram avaliar a resposta medular postural por meio dopotencial evocado miogênico vestibular com estimulação galvânica (G-VEMP) e avaliar a resposta cognitiva por meio de testes neuropsicológicos e dos potenciais evocados auditivos de longa latência (P300, N200, P160 e N100) em indivíduos infectados pelo HTLV-1 em diferentes níveis de progressão da mielopatia associada ao HTLV-1/paraparesia espástica tropical (HAM/TSP). Métodos: Realizou-se estudo transversal comparativo. Para avaliação postural foram incluídos 122 participantes, sendo 45 sem a infecção pelo HTLV-1 (controles)e 77 com a infecção pelo HTLV-1. Desses, 26 eram HTLV-1-assintomáticos, 26 com possível HAM/TSP e 25 com HAM/TSP de acordo com a avaliação neurológica. O G-VEMP foi gerado por estimulação vestibular galvânica de 2mA/ 400 ms, aplicada bilateralmente nas mastoides. A resposta eletromiográfica foi captada nos músculos gastrocnêmios. As variáveis de interesse foram as latências e amplitudes das ondas de curta latência (CL) e média latência (ML) do G-VEMP. Para avaliação da cognição foram incluídos 113 participantes, sendo 40 controles e 73 com a infecção pelo HTLV-1. Desses, 27 eram HTLV-1-assintomáticos, 26 com possível HAM/TSP e 20 com HAM/TSP. As variáveis de interesse foram os escores dotestes neuropsicológicos e a latência e a amplitude dos potenciais auditivos de longa latência. Resultados: Os grupos foram semelhantes em relação à idade, gênero, altura e nível educacional. Em relação ao G-VEMP, as respostas de CL e ML apresentaram latência aumentada no grupo infectado pelo HTLV-1 quando comparadas com os controles (p0,05). Comparado aos controles, os grupos possívelHAM/TSP e HAM/TSP apresentaram pior desempenho na realização do teste Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), que avalia memória verbal (p0.05). Compared to controls, possible HAM/TSP and HAM/TSP groups presented a worse performance to execute the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), attesting a worse verbal memory (p

Given the high prevalence of presbycusis and its detrimental effect on quality of life, screening tests can be useful tools for detecting hearing loss in primary care settings. This study therefore aimed to determine the accuracy and reproducibility of the whispered voice test as a screening method for detecting hearing impairment in older people. This cross-sectional study was carried out with 210 older adults aged between 60 and 97 years who underwent the whispered voice test employing ten different phrases and using audiometry as a reference test. Sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values were calculated and accuracy was measured by calculating the area under the ROC curve. The test was repeated on 20% of the ears by a second examiner to assess inter-examiner reproducibility (IER). The words and phrases that showed the highest area under the curve (AUC) and IER values were: "shoe" (AUC = 0.918; IER = 0.877), "window" (AUC = 0.917; IER = 0.869), "it looks like it's going to rain" (AUC = 0.911; IER = 0.810), and "the bus is late" (AUC = 0.900; IER = 0.810), demonstrating that the whispered voice test is a useful screening tool for detecting hearing loss among older people. It is proposed that these words and phrases should be incorporated into the whispered voice test protocol.Devido à alta prevalência da presbiacusia e as suas consequências, métodos de triagem auditiva são necessários no âmbito da atenção primária. Diante disso, o objetivo do estudo foi verificar a reprodutibilidade e acurácia do teste do sussurro como metodologia de triagem auditiva em idosos. Trata-se de estudo transversal com medidas de acurácia que incluiu 210 idosos, entre 60 e 97 anos, submetidos ao teste do sussurro com dez expressões diferentes e ao exame de referência audiometria tonal limiar. Calculou-se a sensibilidade, a especificidade, o valor preditivo positivo, o valor preditivo negativo e a acurácia do teste, avaliada por meio da área sob a curva Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC). O teste foi repetido em 20% das orelhas por um segundo examinador com a finalidade de avaliar a reprodutibilidade interexaminador (RIE). As expressões que apresentaram melhor área sob a curva ROC (AUC) e RIE foram: “sapato” (AUC = 0,918; RIE = 0,877), “janela” (AUC = 0,917; RIE = 0,869), “parece que vai chover” (AUC = 0,911; RIE = 0,810) e o “ônibus está atrasado” (AUC = 0,900; RIE = 0,810). Estas são, pois, as expressões propostas para fazerem parte do protocolo do teste do sussurro que mostrou-se como uma ferramenta útil para triagem auditiva em idosos.

Presbycusis is a disorder present among the elderly. However, it is under-diagnosed, making it important to develop and enhance simple screening tools.The subjective faces scale has been proposed as a method to assess auditory self-perception among the elderly, and its correlation with audiological tests.We looked at elderly patients referred to the audiology service of a reference center for the care of the elderly in a public university hospital between February and November 2013. Patients were submitted to meatoscopy, tonal and vocal audiometry and the whisper test. They also answered the subjective faces scale. A total of 164 elderly individuals participated, and the average age was 77.We found a good correlation between the subjective faces scale and audiometry thresholds (r = 0.66). Our results show that the faces and hearing loss correlate, with face 1 corresponding to normal hearing, face 2 to mild hearing loss, and face 3 to Grade I moderate hearing loss. When evaluating the psychometric qualities of the subjective faces scale, we found that faces 2 or 3 have good sensitivity and specificity, with the area under the ROC curve being 0.81.The subjective faces scale seems to be a good, low-cost and easy to use supplementary tool for auditory screening in geriatric services.A presbiacusia é uma alteração prevalente na população idosa, porém subdiagnosticada, desta forma, é importante aprimorar instrumentos de triagem simples. A escala subjetiva de faces foi proposta como forma de avaliar a autopercepção auditiva do idoso e sua correlação com exames audiológicos. Foram avaliados todos os pacientes encaminhados para o serviço de audiologia de um centro de referência de atenção à saúde do idoso no período de fevereiro a novembro de 2013. Os pacientes foram examinados por meatoscopia, audiometria tonal e vocal e responderam a escala subjetiva de faces e o teste do sussurro. Participaram 164 idosos com média de idade de 77 anos. Encontrou-se boa correlação entre a escala subjetiva de faces e o limiar audiométrico (r = 0,66). Houve correspondência entre as faces e o grau da perda auditiva, sendo a face 1 correspondente a audição normal, face 2 a perda auditiva leve e face 3 a perda auditiva moderada grau I. Ao avaliar as qualidades psicométricas da escala subjetiva de faces, verificou-se que as faces 2 e 3 apresentam bons índices de sensibilidade e especificidade, com área sob a curva ROC de 0,81. A escala subjetiva de faces parece ser um bom instrumento complementar de triagem auditiva em serviços gerontológicos, de fácil aplicação e baixo custo.

Aging with HIV has been associated with a higher frequency of neurocognitive disorders. The auditory evoked potentials P300 evaluate cognitive function. In a cross-sectional study, we analyzed the auditory cognition of elderly living with HIV through P300. We compared 34 HIV-infected elderly undergoing regular treatment to 76 HIV-negative elderly (controls) according to P300 latency and the scores of neuropsychological tests. The groups were stratified into age subgroups: 50 ≥ 59, 60 ≥ 69 and ≥70 years. Each age subgroup infected with HIV was compared to the age subgroup of controls immediately older. HIV group consisted of 20 (61%) men, mean age 61 ± 7 years and controls of 24 (32%) men, mean age 67 ± 4 years. Years of schooling were seven (interquartile range 4/8) in HIV group against four (4/11) in controls (p=0.044). P300 latency was similar between genders in the groups. P300 latency was 353 ± 35 ms in HIV group and 331 ± 29 ms in controls (p=0.006). In within-analysis, P300 latency augmented with the increase of age in HIV group (p=0.001) and remained stable in controls (p=0.252). In between-analysis, P300 latency was delayed in HIV subgroup 60 ≥ 69 as compared to controls ≥70 years (p=0.033) and delayed in HIV subgroup ≥70 years as compared to controls ≥70 years (p

OBJETIVO: analisar o desempenho de crianças e adolescentes na habilidade auditiva de ordenação temporal simples segundo as variáveis: idade, sexo, queixas e hipóteses diagnósticas fonoaudiológicas. MÉTODO: trata-se de 400 sujeitos, na faixa etária de 4 e 14 anos, avaliados no período 2006 a julho de 2010. Os instrumentos de coleta de dados foram anamnese e os testes de sequencialização de sons verbais (MSV) e não-verbais (MSNV). Para análise dos dados foi utilizado o programa SPSS versão 12, cálculo do risco relativo (RR) e o teste do qui-quadrado de Pearson. O nível de significância considerado foi de 5%. O presente estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética e Pesquisa da instituição. RESULTADOS: dos 400 pacientes, 262 (65,6%) do gênero masculino e 138 (34,5%) do gênero feminino. 138 pacientes (34,5%) apresentaram MSV alterado e 109 (27,5%) MSNV alterado. Não houve relação com significância estatística com a variável gênero. Ao associar os resultados dos testes MSV e MSNV à variável queixa fonoaudiológica, observou-se associação estatística nas queixas de fala, voz e leitura/escrita. Ao comparar os resultados dos testes aos da avaliação fonoaudiológica, obteve-se relação estatisticamente significante com alterações de fala, voz, leitura/escrita, consciência fonológica, funções e aspectos cognitivos da linguagem. Houve melhora estatisticamente significante no desempenho auditivo com o avanço da idade. CONCLUSÃO: o processamento auditivo temporal está envolvido na maioria das habilidades de comunicação, e sujeitos com alterações fonoaudiológicas possuem desempenhos inferiores quando comparados a sujeitos sem alterações. PURPOSE: to analyze children and adolescent performance in plain temporal resolution hearing skills based on the following variables: age, gender, complaint and speech pathology diagnose. METHOD: the survey had 400 subjects, between 4 and 14-year old, evaluated from July 2006 to July 2010. Selection procedures were anamnesis and hearing processing tests : memory for verbal sequences (MSSV) and non verbal in sequence (MSSNV). Data were explored using SPSS 1.2. To analyze data Pearson's Chi-Square Test was used, within a 5% significance level. The study was carried out after obtaining necessary approvals from Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais's Research Ethics Committee. RESULTS: from the 400 subjects, 262(65.5%) were male and 138 (34.5%) female. 138 patients(34.5%) showed worse results in MSSV, 109 (27.5%) in MSSNV. There was no statistically significant difference between genders. It was possible to note statistically significance when crossing results from MSSV and MSSNV and the patients' complaints: speech disorders, voice disorders, reading or writing skills. It was also possible to find statistical association when crossing speech pathologist diagnosis and hearing processing tests: voice disorders, cognitive aspects and language functions. Test results get better with advanced chronological age. CONCLUSIONS: auditory temporal hearing processing is fundamental for communication abilities; and subjects with speech pathology alterations diagnoses have worse results in MSSNV and MSSV when compared with normal subjects.

This study aimed at establishing the immunological signature and an algorithm for clinical management of the different clinical stages of the HTLV-1-infection based on serum biomarkers. A panel of serum biomarkers was evaluated by four sets of innovative/non-conventional data analysis approaches in samples from 87 HTLV-1 patients: asymptomatic carriers (AC), putative HTLV-1 associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (pHAM/TSP) and HAM/TSP. The analysis of cumulative curves and molecular signatures pointed out that HAM/TSP presented a pro-inflammatory profile mediated by CXCL10/LTB-4/IL-6/TNF-α/IFN-γ, counterbalanced by IL-4/IL-10. The analysis of biomarker networks showed that AC presented a strongly intertwined pro-inflammatory/regulatory net with IL-4/IL-10 playing a central role, while HAM/TSP exhibited overall immune response toward a predominant pro-inflammatory profile. At last, the classification and regression trees proposed for clinical practice allowed for the construction of an algorithm to discriminate AC, pHAM and HAM/TSP patients with the elected biomarkers: IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-6, IL-4 and CysLT. These findings reveal a complex interaction among chemokine/leukotriene/cytokine in HTLV-1 infection and suggest the use of the selected but combined biomarkers for the follow-up/diagnosis of disease morbidity of HTLV-1-infected individuals.

Purpose: To establish cutoff points for the analysis of the Behavior Observation Form (BOF) of children in the ages of 2 to 23 months and evaluate the sensitivity and specificity by age group and domains (Emission, Reception, and Cognitive Aspects of Language). Methods: The sample consisted of 752 children who underwent BOF. Each child was classified as having appropriate language development for the age or having possible risk of language impairment. Performance Indicators (PI) were calculated in each domain as well as the overall PI in all domains. The values for sensitivity and specificity were also calculated. The cutoff points for possible risk of language impairment for each domain and each age group were obtained using the receiver operating characteristics curve. Results: The results of the study revealed that one-third of the assessed children have a risk of language impairment in the first two years of life. The analysis of BOF showed high sensitivity (>90%) in all categories and in all age groups; however, the chance of false-positive results was higher than 20% in the majority of aspects evaluated. It was possible to establish the cutoff points for all categories and age groups with good correlation between sensitivity and specificity, except for the age group of 2 to 6 months. Conclusion: This study provides important contributions to the discussion on the evaluation of the language development of children younger than 2 years. Objetivo: Estabelecer pontos de corte para análise do Protocolo de Observação de Comportamentos (POC) na faixa etária de 2 a 23 meses completos e avaliar a sensibilidade e a especificidade por faixa de idade e por domínios (Emissão, Recepção e Aspectos cognitivos da linguagem). Métodos: A casuística consistiu em 752 crianças que foram submetidas ao POC. Cada criança foi classificada com desenvolvimento da linguagem adequado para a idade ou com possível risco de alteração da linguagem. Foram calculados os Índices de desempenho (ID) em cada domínio e o ID geral. Também foram calculados os valores de sensibilidade e especificidade e, por meio da curva ROC, determinados os pontos de corte para possível risco de alteração de linguagem para cada domínio e faixas de idade. Resultados: Os resultados do estudo revelaram que um terço das crianças avaliadas apresenta risco de alteração de linguagem nos dois primeiros anos de vida. A análise do POC revelou alta sensibilidade (>90%) em todas as categorias e em todas as faixas de idade, contudo a chance de resultados falso-positivos foi superior a 20% na maioria dos aspectos avaliados. Foi possível estabelecer os pontos de corte para todas as categorias e faixas de idade com boa correlação entre sensibilidade e especificidade, exceto para a faixa etária de 2 a 6 meses. Conclusão: O presente estudo traz contribuições importantes para a discussão sobre a avaliação do desenvolvimento de linguagem de crianças menores que 2 anos.

OBJETIVO: verificar se os educadores infantis são capazes de identificar as crianças com alteração no desenvolvimento de linguagem. MÉTODOS: tratou-se de um estudo observacional transversal comparativo realizado em escolas carentes de educação infantil. A amostra do estudo foi composta por 14 educadores e 91 alunos regularmente matriculados nas instituições de ensino selecionadas, nas faixas etárias de dois a quatro anos e 11 meses. Os educadores responderam um questionário sobre o desenvolvimento das crianças e aplicou-se a avaliação fonoaudiológica em todas elas. Realizou-se análise da concordância entre a avaliação fonoaudiológica e a do educador por meio do coeficiente Kappa e cálculos de sensibilidade e especificidade, considerando a avaliação fonoaudiológica como referência. RESULTADOS: segundo avaliação fonoaudiológica, o desenvolvimento da linguagem das crianças estava comprometido da seguinte forma: 22% possuíam alteração na recepção, 34,1% na emissão, 35,2% nos aspectos cognitivos e 6,6% nos aspectos motores. Identificou-se baixa concordância entre a avaliação fonoaudiológica e do educador. A avaliação do educador teve sensibilidade que variou entre 0,3 e 0,4 e especificidade que variou entre 0,6 e 0,9. CONCLUSÃO: os educadores apresentaram dificuldades em identificar as crianças com riscos para alterações de linguagem.

Dizziness is a common complaint in HAM/TSP and can occur due to vestibulospinal tract dysfunction. This tract can be assessed through Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (VEMP). The aim was to correlate the result of VEMP generated by acoustic stimuli and dizziness in individuals with HTLV-1-asymptomatic infection and HAM/TSP. VEMP was recorded from sternocleidomastoid muscle of 60 HTLV-1-negative adults (56 ± 5 years) and 60 individuals infected with HTLV-1, being 30 asymptomatic (56 ± 8 years) and 30 with HAM/TSP (59 ± 8 years). In all groups, 90% of the participants were women. The acoustic stimuli were short tone bursts (1 kHz, 118 dBHL, rise-fall 1 ms, plateau 2 ms), stimulation rate of 5 Hz and the analysis time for each response was 60 ms; 200 responses were averaged for each run. The electromyographic signals were amplified and band-pass filtered between 10 and 1.5 KHz. Of 60 HTLV-1-negative individuals, 14(23%) reported dizziness; VEMP was normal in all. In the HTLV-1-asymptomatic group, 11(37%) complained of dizziness (P=0.22); VEMP was altered in 4(40%) subjects with dizziness and in 1(5%) without dizziness (P=0.05). In the group with HAM/TSP, dizziness was reported by 17(57%) subjects (P=0.002); VEMP was altered in 11(64%) with dizziness and in 5(38%) without dizziness (P=0.15). Damage of vestibulospinal tract seems to occur in the early stages of HAM/TSP. VEMP was previously shown to be a useful test for the follow-up of asymptomatic carriers. Dizziness without an apparent cause in HTLV-1-asymptomatic carriers deserve investigation about a possible spinal cord involvement.

The vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) generated by galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) is related to the vestibulo-spinal pathway. The response recorded from soleus muscle is biphasic with onset of short latency (SL) component around 60 ms and medium latency (ML) component around 100 ms. The first component reflects otolith function (sacule and utricle) and the last deals with semicircular canals.To describe VEMP generated by GVS.In this cross-sectional clinical study, VEMP was generated by 2 mA/400 ms binaural GVS, frequency of 5-6 ms that was recorded from soleus muscles of 13 healthy adults, mean age 56 years. The subjects remained standing, head turned contralateral to the GVS applied to the mastoid. Thirty GVS were applied to the mastoid in the position cathode right anode left, followed by 30 in inverted position. SL and ML were measured.SL and ML components were recorded from both legs of all participants and were similar. The average of SL component was 54 ms and of ML was 112 ms.The components SL and ML of the VEMP response in soleus were reproducible and are useful measures of vestibular-spinal function.

INTRODUÇÃO: Alterações inflamatórias são características da infecção pelo Vírus Linfotrópico Humano de Células T tipo 1 (HTLV-1), em especial dos portadores da mielopatia associada ao HTLV-1/paraparesia espástica tropical (HAM/TSP), o que pode comprometer o trato vestibuloespinhal e poderia ser a justificativa para a maior frequência de manifestações otoneurológicas descritas na HAM/TSP. Contudo, esse achado não foi, até o presente momento, estudado de forma sistematizada. OBJETIVO: Comparar a frequência de manifestações otoneurológicas em indivíduos infectados HTLV-1 assintomáticos e com HAM/TSP. METODOLOGIA: Os participantes desse estudo estão incluídos na coorte do Grupo Interdisciplinar de Pesquisas em HTLV-1 - GIPH, iniciada em 1997 e com 637 ex-doadores de sangue infectados pelo HTLV-1 e 232 doadores de sangue (controles) cadastrados na coorte no momento dessa análise. O presente estudo trata-se de uma avaliação transversal de 120 indivíduos da coorte, sendo 60 infectados pelo HTLV-1 (30 assintomáticos e 30 com HAM/TSP, segundo avaliação neurológica) e 60 não infectados que foram pareados por gênero e idade com o grupo infectado pelo HTLV-1. Todos os participantes foram submetidos à entrevista sobre saúde geral e queixa otoneurológica. Todos os participantes que apresentaram queixas de tontura, zumbido ou perda auditiva foram avaliados pelo otorrinolaringologista e realizados exames específicos para definição do diagnóstico. O potencial evocado miogênico vestibular (VEMP) foi utilizado para testar a função do trato vestibuloespinhal naqueles com queixa de tontura. A frequência de alterações otoneurológicas foi comparada entre os grupos. RESULTADOS: Perda auditiva (p=0,506) e zumbido (p=0,498) foram semelhantes entre os grupos. A queixa de tontura predominou naqueles com HAM/TSP (p=0,002). Instabilidade foi o tipo mais frequente de tontura entre os indivíduos infectados pelo HTLV-1 (p=0,006). Dentre esses indivíduos com tontura do tipo instabilidade, o VEMP foi alterado em 43% dos portadores assintomáticos e em 85% dos indivíduos com HAM/TSP. CONCLUSÃO: Tontura se apresentando como uma sensação de instabilidade pode ser uma manifestação clínica da HAM/TSP. Lesão do trato vestibuloespinhal foi demonstrada através da alteração do VEMP ocorrer de modo mais frequente na HAM/TSP. Possivelmente, a queixa de tontura em portadores assintomáticos pode ser um indicador de início de evolução para HAM/TSP. INTRODUCTION: Inflammatory manifestations are characteristic of the Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1)/ associated myelopathy/ tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), which can affect the vestibulospinal tract and could be the explanation for the higher frequency of otoneurological manifestations described in HAM/TSP. However, this finding has not been systematically studied, so far. OBJETIVE: To compare the frequency of otoneurological manifestations in individuals infected with HTLV-1 that are asymptomatic and with HAM/TSP. METHODOLOGY: The participants of this study are included in the cohort of the Interdisciplinary Group of HTLV Researches GIPH, started at 1997 and with 637 ex-blood donors infected by HTLV-1 and 232 blood donors (controls) enrolled in the cohort at the moment of this analysis. The present study is a sectional evaluation of 120 individuals of the cohort, 60 of whom were infected with HTLV-1 (30 asymptomatic and 30 with HAM/TSP, according to neurological evaluation) and 60 not-infected, who were matched for gender and age with the HTLV-1-infected group. All participants underwent an interview about general health status and otoneurological manifestations. The participants who complained of dizziness, tinnitus or hearing loss were evaluated by the otolaryngologist and submitted to specific tests to define the diagnosis. The vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) was performed to test the function of the vestibulospinal tract in those that complained of dizziness. The frequency of otoneurologic manifestations was then compared. RESULT: The complaint of hearing loss (p=0.506) and tinnitus (p=0.498) were similar. Dizziness predominated in the HAM/TSP group (p=0,002). Instability was the most frequent type of dizziness among the individuals infected by HTLV-1 (p=0,006). VEMP was altered in 43% of the asymptomatic carries and in 85% of the individuals with HAM/TSP. CONCLUSION: Dizziness as the sensation of instability was found to be a clinical manifestation of HAM/TSP. Vestibulospinal tract injury was demonstrated through VEMP to occur more frequently in HAM/TSP. Possibly, the complaint of dizziness in asymptomatic carriers may be an early indicator of progression to HAM/TSP.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o desenvolvimento de crianças de 2 meses a 2 anos de idade por meio da Atenção Integrada às Doenças Prevalentes na Infância (AIDPI), no contexto do Programa de Educação pelo Trabalho em Saúde (PET-Saúde). MÉTODO: Estudo transversal realizado com 122 crianças, com idades entre 2 meses e 2 anos, da área de abrangência do Centro de Saúde São Bernardo (CSSB) - Belo Horizonte (MG), em 2009. Os dados relativos ao desenvolvimento foram obtidos através da aplicação de dois questionários: AIDPI e Caderneta de Saúde da Criança (CSC). Foram comparadas as classificações do desenvolvimento pela AIDPI e pela CSC, a associação entre atraso do desenvolvimento e as variáveis estudadas. RESULTADOS: As características com maior frequência na população estudada foram a baixa escolaridade das mães (62,1%), seguida de parentes com deficiência mental (71,3%) e problemas na gestação (71,3%). A AIDPI evidenciou que 61,5% da população estudada encontra-se normal com fator de risco, 16,4% normal sem fator de risco, 11,5% com possível atraso e 10,7% com provável atraso do desenvolvimento infantil. A concordância observada entre a classificação da AIDPI e da CSC foi de 0,34, coeficiente Kappa igual a - 0,12 (p = 0,98). Não houve associação estatisticamente significativa entre as variáveis analisadas (frequenta creches; convívio com problemas emocionais; escolaridade da mãe; idade gestacional; e peso ao nascer) e atraso possível/provável do desenvolvimento identificado pela AIDPI. CONCLUSÃO: O PET-Saúde, como proposta de integração da educação pelo trabalho, permitiu uma oportunidade de convivência e troca de experiências entre alunos e profissionais de diferentes áreas de atuação, trabalhando em um projeto comum. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate early childhood development, from two months to two years of age, based on Integrated Management of Childhood Illness, IMCI (or AIDPI in Portuguese) in the context of the Educational Program for Health Work (PET-Saúde). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 122 children two months to two years of age from the coverage area of the São Bernardo Health Center in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, in 2009. Data on the children´s development were obtained using two questionnaires: IMCI and the Children's Health Booklet (CSC in Portuguese). Early childhood development according to the IMCI classification was compared to the results with CSC. The authors also investigated potential associations between independent variables and developmental delay. RESULTS: The most frequent characteristics in the study population were low maternal schooling (62.1%), followed by relatives with mental disability (71.3%), and problems during the pregnancy (71.3%). Based on the IMCI classification, 61.5% of the study population was normal with some risk factor, 16.4% normal without any risk factor, 11.5% with possible delay, and 10.7% with probable childhood developmental delay. Agreement between the IMCI and CSC classifications was 0.34, kappa index - 0.12 (p = 0.98). There was no statistically significant association between the variables (daycare attendance; contact with emotional problems; maternal schooling; gestational age; and birth weight) and possible or probable early childhood developmental delay according to the IMCI classification. CONCLUSION: PET-Saúde, as a proposal for integration between education and work, provided an opportunity for contact and exchange of experiences between students and health professionals from various fields, working in a common project.