Publications by authors named "Marcela Gil Zacarias"

Introduction: Depression is prevalent among aging people living with HIV (PLWH) worldwide. We sought to identify depression risk factors among a group of middle-aged and older PLWH in Lima, Peru.

Materials And Methods: We assessed risk factors for depression among PLWH over age 40 receiving care in an HIV clinic in Lima, Peru.

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Introduction: The sequelae of COVID-19 have been described as a multisystemic condition, with a great impact on the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems with abnormalities in pulmonary function tests, such as lower diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLco) levels and pathological patterns in spirometry; persistence of radiological lesions; cardiac involvement such as myocarditis and pericarditis; and an increase in mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. Several factors, such as infection severity during the acute phase as well as vaccination status, have shown some variable effects on these post-COVID-19 conditions, mainly at a clinical level such as symptoms persistence. Longitudinal assessments and reversibility of changes across the spectrum of disease severity are required to understand the long-term impact of COVID-19.

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Article Synopsis
  • - Peru has faced high COVID-19 infection rates despite enforcing a strict quarantine, which has severely affected the healthcare system and vulnerable populations, especially individuals with HIV (PWH).
  • - A survey of 156 middle-aged and older PWH in Lima revealed that while most were aware of COVID-19 symptoms and prevention, nearly half lost their jobs, with female gender, low education, and informal work increasing unemployment risk.
  • - Mental health concerns emerged, with 64% experiencing heightened anxiety and 77% facing increased stress, highlighting the need for ongoing medical care and socioeconomic support for PWH in Peru.
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The lifelong infection with the human T lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) has been associated with a variety of clinical manifestations; one of the less-explored is HTLV-1-associated pulmonary disease. Imaging of lung damage caused by the HTLV-1 hyperinflammatory cascade can be similar to sequelae from TB infection. Our study aims to describe the pulmonary lesions of HTLV-1-positive patients without past or current active TB and evaluate pulmonary function.

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With widespread use of antiretroviral medications, people living with HIV (PWH) are living longer worldwide, increasing their risk of developing neurocognitive impairment (NCI). The proportion of Peruvians over age 60 is expected to increase to 25% of the population by 2050, including PWH. Therefore, the problem of aging and NCI, especially in the setting of HIV infection, is uniquely pressing.

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Article Synopsis
  • Peru experienced high COVID-19 case rates despite early strict lockdowns, heavily affecting its healthcare system and vulnerable groups, especially people with HIV (PWH).
  • A survey of 156 middle-aged and older PWH in Lima revealed most understood COVID-19 symptoms and prevention, but nearly half lost their jobs due to the pandemic.
  • Increased anxiety (64%) and stress (77%) were reported among PWH, highlighting the need for ongoing medical care and socioeconomic support for this population in Peru.
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