[Oesophageal candidiasis: clinical and mycological analysis].

Oesophageal candidiasis is an epithelial infection which requires an immune deficiency. C. albicans is commonly the cause, although other species may also be responsible.

[Decision analysis: diagnostic approach in HIV infection associated chronic diarrhea].

Unlabelled: Chronic diarrhea is still a problem of difficult management in patients with AIDS, even in the HAART (Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy) era.

Aim: To establish the most appropriate diagnostic procedure for HIV infected patients, with CD4 count below 200 cells/ml and chronic diarrhea, starting on HAART.

Methods: Using a decision tree as the tool of a decision analysis, two alternatives were considered for the ethiologic diagnosis in AIDS associated chronic diarrhea.

[Endoscopic approach in HIV infected-patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms].

Unlabelled: Upper gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, upper abdominal pain, heartburn, early satiety, bloating and anorexia, are frequently reported by HIV positive patients; however, their prevalence and diagnostic approach are unknown.

Aims: To evaluate the frequency of endoscopic and histologic diagnosis in HIV positive patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms referred to upper endoscopy, and to compare them with those found in a non-HIV infected group with similar symptoms.

Patients And Methods: Out of 132 HIV positive patients referred to upper endoscopy, 102 (75%) with upper gastrointestinal symptoms, and 177 non-HIV controls were prospectively included.