Chagas' disease and ageing: the coexistence of other chronic diseases with Chagas' disease in elderly patients

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2009 Nov-Dec;42(6):622-8. doi: 10.1590/s0037-86822009000600002.

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the main comorbidities in elderly chagasic patients treated in a reference service and identify possible associations between the clinical form of Chagas' disease and chronic diseases. Ninety patients aged 60 years-old or over were interviewed and their clinical diagnoses recorded. The study population profile was: women (55.6%); median age (67 years); married (51.1%); retired (73.3%); up to four years' education (64.4%); and earning less than two minimum wages (67.8%). The predominant forms of Chagas' disease were the cardiac (46.7%) and mixed forms (30%). There was a greater proportion of mild cardiac dysfunction (84.1%), frequently in association with megaesophagus. The mean number of concurrent diseases was 2.856 +/- 1.845, and 33% of the patients had four or more comorbidities. The most frequent were systemic arterial hypertension (56.7%), osteoporosis (23.3%), osteoarthritis (21.2%) and dyslipidemia (20%). Positive correlations were verified between sex and comorbidities and between age group and comorbidities.

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Chagas Cardiomyopathy / epidemiology
  • Chagas Disease / epidemiology*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Comorbidity
  • Esophageal Achalasia / epidemiology
  • Esophageal Achalasia / parasitology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interview, Psychological
  • Male
  • Megacolon / epidemiology
  • Megacolon / parasitology
  • Middle Aged
  • Severity of Illness Index