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Vaccination is a current strategy used to prevent infections in patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases. However, the use of live-attenuated vaccines prepared from living microorganisms in these patients should be avoided due to the risk of acquiring infections. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of the yellow fever (YF) vaccine (a live-attenuated vaccine) in 12 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The sample comprised 12 patients (9 females and 3 males; mean age 52.2 ± 6.5 years) with RA, who inadvertently received fractionated 17D yellow fever vaccination during an outbreak of this disease. In this cohort, 10 were administered leflunomide; 7 were administered methotrexate; 6 were administered prednisone (median dose of 5.0 mg/day); 6 took biologic drugs; and 1 took tofacitinib. All but one patient (used rituximab, prednisone, and methotrexate) seroconverted. None of them developed clinical signs of infection after the procedure. The fractionated dose of the YF vaccine is effective and safe in the observed sample. Key Points • Patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRD) are at a high risk of acquiring infections • The fractionated dose of the YF vaccine is effective and safe in the observed sample • Vaccination against YF should be avoided in patients with AIIRD under immunosuppression owing to the risks of inducing YF infection.

Low back pain (LBP) is a common problem in the general population. Medical students may be at risk of LBP because of demanding curricula. To study the prevalence of LBP in Brazilian medical students and the associated factors. Six hundred twenty-nine medical students (72.8% females, mean age of 23 years old) answered a questionnaire containing epidemiological data; data on presence and frequency of LBP, use of painkillers, and LBP interference in daily activities; number of sitting and exercising hours/day, posture habits. They also filled a VAS (or visual analogic scale) on the own perception of anxiety, depression, fatigue, and the Roland Morris functional questionnaire for LBP. In this sample, 81.7% had periods of recurrent LBP that was more common in females (77.6% vs 51.3%; p

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that affects mainly small joints from hands and feet. The aims of this study were to analyze the prevalence of foot involvement in a sample of Brazilian RA patients and to explore the influence of disease variables such as inflammatory activity, serological, and epidemiological profile in this type of involvement. One hundred RA patients and 100 healthy controls paired for gender, age, and body mass index answered the FFI-BR (Foot Functional Index-Brazilian version) that evaluates foot function. RA patients had epidemiological and clinical data collection upon direct questioning and chart review. C-reactive protein (CRP), ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), and DAS28-ESR were used to measure disease activity. In the RA sample, 98% had foot pain versus 76% in the controls (p

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) has an important role in the body composition of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Crohn’s disease (CD), and spondyloarthritis (SpA). We aimed to assess the nutritional profile of patients with RA, CD, and SpA undergoing remission with multiple therapies comparing to controls and to analyze the effect of anti-TNFα medications in the nutritional parameters of these patients. One hundred thirty-one patients were included: 44 with RA, 43 with CD, and 44 with SpA. Patients receiving anti-TNFα were compared with those receiving non-biological treatment as well as to controls. Nutritional profile included body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), mid-upper arm circumference, and triceps skinfold measurement. Overweight and obesity were highly prevalent on three assessed groups. In patients with RA, BMI was > 25 kg/m2 in 74.9% patients and 49.2% controls (p

Background: Patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases (ATD) such as Graves’ disease (GD) and Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) may have non-organ specific autoantibodies such as antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and rheumatoid factor (RF). Aim: To study the prevalence of rheumatic autoantibodies in a group of ATD patients without known rheumatic diseases and to evaluate its association with the patients’ epidemiological and treatment profiles. To follow positive non-organ specific autoantibody-positive ATD individuals to investigate whether they will develop a rheumatic disorder. Methods: A sample of 154 ATD patients (70 HT and 84 GD; mean age 45.3 ± 14.2) had determination of ANA by immunofluorescence, using hep-2 cells as substrate, extractable nuclear antigen profile by ELISA kits and RF by latex agglutination. Epidemiological and treatment profiles were obtained through chart review. These patients were followed for the mean period of 5 years, between 2010 and 2015. Results: Positive ANA was found in 17.5% (27/154) of the patients: anti-Ro/SS-A in 4/154 (2.5%); anti-RNP in 4/154 (2.5%), and anti-La/SS-B in 3/154 (1.9%). None had anti-Sm antibodies. RF was detected in 12/154 (7.7%) of ATD patients and was more common in older individuals (p = 0.007). There was a positive association between the presence of RF and ANA (p = 0.03; OR 3.89; 95% CI 1.1–13.3). None of the patients with positive autoantibodies developed clinical rheumatic diseases during the period of observation. Conclusion: We found rheumatic autoantibodies in 17.5% of ATD patients without rheumatic diseases. None of them were associated with the appearance of clinical rheumatic disorder during the period of 5 years.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid autoimmunity is more common in patients with rheumatic diseases than in healthy populations. The degree of association seems subject to influence from patients’ geographical location. Here, we aimed to ascertain the prevalence of thyroid autoantibodies in a cohort of patients with systemic rheumatic disease and the degree of association between its presence and inflammatory activity. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional observational study in a rheumatology unit. METHODS: 301 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 210 with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 58 with scleroderma (SSc) and 80 with spondyloarthritis (SpA) were studied regarding thyroid function (TSH and T4), anti-thyroglobulin (TgAb) and anti-thyroperoxidase (TPOab) and compared with 141 healthy controls. Disease activity in patients with rheumatic disease was assessed through appropriate indexes. RESULTS: There were more antithyroid antibodies in SLE patients with hypothyroidism (P = 0.01; odds ratio, OR 2.7; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.20-6.26) and in those without hypothyroidism (P = 0.06; OR 2.4; 95% CI: 1.28-4.55) than in controls. SSc patients also showed: P = 0.03 both with antithyroid antibodies and hypothyroidism (OR 3.4; 95% CI: 1.06-10.80) and without hypothyroidism (OR 3.1; 95% CI: 1.11-0.13). RA and SpA patients had the same prevalence as controls (P not significant). Presence of autoantibodies with and without hypothyroidism was not associated with the activity or functional indexes evaluated. CONCLUSION: SLE and SSc were associated with higher prevalence of thyroid autoantibodies in patients with and without hypothyroidism, unlike SpA and RA. There was no link between thyroid autoantibody presence and disease activity or functional impairment.

Autoimmune thyroid disease (ATD) patients may have a higher prevalence of anti-parietal cell antibodies (APCA) than normal population. To study the prevalence of APCA in a cohort of ATD patients to know its association with patient’s clinical profile and gastrointestinal complaints. APCA was sought for by indirect immunofluorescence test in 243 ATD patients: 136 (55.9%) with Graves’ disease and 107 (44.0%) with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. A structured questionnaire for gastrointestinal symptoms, previous history of thrombosis, arthralgia and other autoimmune diseases in the patients and their families was applied. Positive and negative APCA individuals were compared. Positive patients were invited to perform upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and biopsy of duodenum segments. Sera from 100 healthy individuals from the same geographic area were used as controls. APCA was present in 20.1% (49/243) of ATD patients: 21.3% (29/136) in the Graves’ sample and 18.6% (20/107) in the Hashimoto’s sample (p = 0.61). Patients with positive APCA had more anemia (p = 0.03; OR = 2.89; 95% CI = 1.03–8.07) and less heartburn (p = 0.01; OR = 0.4; 95% CI = 0.20–0.83). Among the group of 49 APCA-positive patients, 24 agreed with upper endoscopy and it was found that 54.1% had atrophic gastritis. There is a high prevalence of positive APCA in ATD patients. APCA are more common in those with anemia and less common in those with complaints of heartburn. Almost half of positive APCA patients had atrophic gastritis.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients may have higher prevalence of mannose-binding lectin (MBL) deficiency than normal individuals. MBL deficiency may influence susceptibility to infections. The aim of the study was to verify if MBL deficiency in patients with AS predisposes to infections. We studied 60 patients with AS diagnosed according to the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) criteria. These patients had their MBL serum levels determinated. Twenty-five individuals were identified as MBL deficient (serum values 100 ng/mL). These patients were paired with 35 "sufficient" MBL producers (median serum level = 700 ng/mL; range 150-4100 ng/mL) for gender, age, use of medications, and tobacco exposure. Medical records of all patients were retrospectively investigated for the period of 5 years and the rate of infection occurrence was compared in the two groups. AS patients with MBL deficiency had higher number of urinary tract infections (p = 0.03; IRR = 2.33; 95% CI = 0.95-6.04) and tuberculosis (p = 0.008; IRR = 9.8; 95% CI = 1.2-441.6) than controls. Regarding tuberculosis infection, one patient (2.8%) in the MBL-sufficient group and six (24.0%) from the deficient group had this infection. The MBL-sufficient patient and five from the deficient group have had latent infections, detected in the screening tests done previous to anti-TNF drug use. The other, in the deficient group, had lung infection while not on anti-TNF treatment. Another patient, from the deficient group, has had tuberculosis skeletal infection in the past. We found a significant association between MBL deficiency and higher risk of tuberculosis and urinary tract infection in patients with AS. More studies with higher number of patients are needed to confirm this finding.

The complement system contributes to the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a key molecule of the lectin pathway of complement and seems to be related to the clinical manifestations of this disease. We evaluated the serum levels of MBL and its relationship with disease onset and clinical findings in SLE patients. Serum samples were analysed in 195 patients and 145 healthy controls from southern Brazil. Patients with high MBL levels (above 2000 ng/ml) showed a significant increase in the frequency of thrombocytopaenia ( p = 0.007; OR = 2.71; 95% CI = 1.32–5.55); and seizures ( p = 0.034; OR = 2.61; 95% CI = 1.07–6.37). A positive correlation between disease activity and MBL levels (>2000 ng/ml; p = 0.031, rho = 0.279) as well as of MBL concentration with accumulated organ damage ( p = 0.021; rho = 0.232) was observed. Our results suggest a role for MBL in the development of clinical manifestations such as thrombocytopaenia and seizures in SLE patients. These findings corroborate the participation of the lectin pathway of complement in the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying clinical manifestations of SLE.

The objective of the study is to study the positivity of Coombs test or direct antiglobulin test (DAT) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and its relationship with disease's clinical and serological profile. Retrospective study of 373 SLE patients seen at single Rheumatology Unit. Epidemiological data (age, gender, age at disease onset, auto declared ethnic background and tobacco use), clinical (malar rash, photosensitivity, oral ulcers, discoid lesions, serositis, glomerulonephritis, convulsions, psychosis, hemolytic anemia, leukopenia, lymphocytopenia and arthritis), and serological profile (anti ds DNA, anti Ro/SS-A; anti La/SS-B, Anti RNP, Anti Sm, aCl (anticardiolipin) IgG, aCl Ig M, LA or lupus anticoagulant, rheumatoid factor and direct Coombs) were collected. Patients with a positive DAT were compared with the negatives. DAT was positive in 12.8% of patients and 54.3% of them had hemolytic anemia. In univariate analysis, a positive DAT was associated with hemolytic anemia (p

Infections are usually involved in the pathogenesis of spondyloarthritis (SpA). Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a component of the innate immune system with an important role in microbial defense.To study the prevalence of MBL deficiency in SpA patients as well as its influence in the clinical profile of these diseases.We studied 89 SpA patients and 89 healthy individuals, paired for age and gender. MBL serum levels were measured by ELISA test. Individuals with levels ≤100 ng/mL were considered deficient. SpA patients had determination of Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS)-CRP, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), C reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and review of their clinical profile.SpA patients had MBL levels ranging from 100 to 4100 ng/mL (median = 375 ng/mL); controls levels ranged from 100 to 4703 ng/mL (median = 1204 ng/mL; p0.0001). The prevalence of MBL deficiency was 27/89 (30.3%) in SpA patients and 12/89 (13.5%) in controls, with p = 0.01; OR = 2.5 (95% IC = 1.2-5.3). No association/correlation was found between MBL levels with BASDAI, BASFI, age at disease onset, ASDAS-CRP, ESR, CRP, presence of uveitis, HLAB27, peripheral arthritis, or SpA subtype (all p = NS).MBL levels may be linked with the occurrence of SpA but do not influence its phenotype.

Background Pentraxin-3 (PTX3) is a long pentraxin that is supposed to participate in the inflammatory process and in atherosclerosis. Aim To study PTX3 serum levels in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients to know if its serum levels may reflect disease activity and/or subclinical atherosclerosis. Methods PTX3 and carotid intima media thickness (IMT) were studied in 85 RA patients (83.5% females, median age of 59years old, median disease duration of 13years) along with its demographic, clinical, serological and lipid profile. For comparison PTX3 was measured in 85 healthy volunteers. Results PTX3 levels in RA patients were similar to controls (p=0.21) and did not correlate with inflammatory activity measured by ESR (p=0.39) CRP (p=0.18) and DAS28 (p=0.67). Serum PTX3 levels were higher in nonobese RA patients than in obese (BMI vs PTX3 with rho=−0.27; 95%IC=−0.46 to −0.06; p=0.009). In non-obese patients, PTX3 correlated negatively with carotid IMT (rho=−0.40; 95%IC=−0.66 to −0.06; p=0.01) but not in the obese ones (p=0.26). In the obese RA patients there was a negative correlation between PTX3 levels and LDL/HDL ratio (Rho=−0.29; 95%IC=−0.53–0.01; p=0.03). Conclusions PTX3 levels do not reflect inflammatory process in RA. However, it exerts a protective role in the process of atherogenesis in non-obese RA patients.

Autoimmune liver diseases (ALDs) are known to be associated with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs) and their autoantibodies. We aimed to study the prevalence of SARDs and related autoantibodies, as well as their prognostic implications in a group of patients with ALDs.This was a cross-sectional study. Sixty patients with ALDs (38.3% with autoimmune hepatitis; 11.7% with primary biliary cirrhosis; 25% with primary sclerosing cholangitis and 25% with overlap syndrome) were studied for the presence of SARDs and their autoantibodies.There was autoimmune rheumatic disease in 20% of the studied sample. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were the commonest (11.6% and 5%, respectively). Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) were present in 35% of the patients, followed by anti-Ro (20.0%); anti-nucleosome (18.3%); rheumatoid factor (10%) anti-CCP (8.3%); anti-RNP (8.3%); anti-ds-DNA (6.6%); anti-La (3.3%); anti-Sm (3.3%), anti-ribosomal P (3.3%). Anti-Ro (p = 0.0004), anti-La (p = 0.03), anti-RNP (p = 0.04) and anti-Sm (p = 0.03) were commonly found in patients with SARD, but not anti-DNA, anti-nucleosome and anti-ribosomal P. No differences were found in liver function tests regarding to the presence of autoantibodies.There was a high prevalence of SARD and their autoantibodies in ALD patients. Anti-Ro, anti-La, anti-RNP and anti-Sm positivity points to an association with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases. The presence of autoantibodies was not related to liver function tests.

It has been suggested that the adaptive stress response may be disrupted by life adverse events such as childhood maltreatment. To investigate if the number of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) increases susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), spondyloarthritis (SpA), scleroderma (SSc), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), we interviewed 315 patients with rheumatic disease (100 SLE; 40 SSc; 60 SpA; 115 RA) and 272 controls, using questions of the ACEs study questionnaire validated to ask about experiences of childhood abuse, negligence, domestic violence, and household dysfunctions. The questionnaire score ranges from zero (best result) to 8 (worst scenario). Patients and controls did not differ regarding the median number of ACEs (3 in both groups, patient IQR = 2.5–5 vs. control IQR = 2–5, p = 0.45). Among the patients, 63.8% (201/315) presented ACE score ≥ 3, compared with 59.9% (163/272) of the controls (p = 0.31). The proportion of patients with at least 3 ACEs did also not differ among those with different rheumatic diseases. Specifically, 64% (64/100) of those with SLE, 60% (24/40) of those with SSc, 60% (36/60) of those with SpA, and 66.9% (77/115) of those with RA reported at least 3 ACEs. There was also no difference between the distribution of ACE scores and number of individuals with ACEs ≥ 3 between patients with different rheumatic diseases and controls. Nevertheless, there was a trend for association between higher ACE score and susceptibility to RA (p = 0.06). In this setting, the occurrence of ACEs was not associated with susceptibility to rheumatic diseases in adulthood.

OBJECTIVES The majority of scleroderma (SSc) patients present gastrointestinal involvement. Motility is usually compromised but few studies address permeability changes in the intestinal wall. ASCA (anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies) positivity is associated with increased intestinal permeability. In this study we aimed to investigate ASCA positivity in SSc patients and its association with clinical, serological and epidemiological data. METHODS Seventy-four SSc patients and 57 healthy controls were studied for ASCA (IgG and IgA) positivity by ELISA. ASCA positivity was associated with demographic, clinical severity index (by Medsger score) and serological data in SSc patients. RESULTS ASCA-IgG was positive in 32/74 (43.2%) patients of the SSc group and 1/57 (1.7%) of controls (p < 0.0001); ASCA-IgA was positive in 12/74 (16.2%) of the SSc group and 3/57 (5.2%) of controls (p = 0.05). In univariate analysis, ASCA-IgG presence was associated positively with African ethnic background (p < 0.001) and negatively associated with anticentromere antibodies (p = 0.013); ASCA-IgA had a negative association with Medsger score (p = 0.05). In multivariate analysis ASCA-IgG associated independently only with African ethnic background. CONCLUSION Positivity for ASCA-IgG and ASCA-IgA is higher among scleroderma patients than controls. African descendants have more positivity for ASCA-IgG. ASCA-IgA is less frequent in patients with a more severe disease.

Background Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may form clusters with clinical manifestations and autoantibodies. Objective The objective of this report is to study whether SLE patients with positive rheumatoid factor (RF) have a special clinical and/or serological profile. Methods A retrospective study of 467 SLE patients seen at a single rheumatology unit was conducted. Epidemiological data (age, gender, age at disease onset, ethnic background and tobacco use), clinical data (malar rash, photosensitivity, oral ulcers, discoid lesions, serositis, glomerulonephritis, convulsions, psychosis, hemolytic anemia, leukopenia, lymphocytopenia, arthritis and hypothyroidism) and serological profile (anti-dsDNA, anti-Ro/SS-A, anti-La/SS-B, anti-RNP, anti-Sm, IgG aCL, IgM aCL, lupus anticoagulant, direct Coombs and RF) were collected. Patients with positive and negative RF were compared. Results RF was found in 24.9% of the sample. In univariate analysis, RF was positively associated with butterfly rash ( p = 0.04), anti-Ro ( p = 0.03), anti-Sm antibodies ( p = 0.01) and hypothyroidism ( p = 0.01) and negatively associated with glomerulonephritis ( p = 0.003). Logistic regression showed that only glomerulonephritis ( p = 0.03; OR = 0.45; 95% CI = 0.21–0.93) and anti-Ro ( p = 0.009; OR = 2.3; 95% CI = 1.24–4.57) were independent associations. Conclusion In our sample RF was associated with protection from glomerulonephritis and with higher prevalence of anti-Ro antibodies.

Summary The aim of the study was to investigate the allotypic variability of complement factor B (BF) in patients and relatives with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its association with serological biomarkers and clinical features of the disease. BF allotypes were determined by high-voltage agarose gel electrophoresis in serum samples of 180 patients with RA, 198 relatives and 98 controls from Southern Brazil. Anticyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP), antimutated citrullinated vimentin (anti-MCV) and IgA-rheumatoid factor (RF) were determined by ELISA and IgM-RF by latex agglutination in all samples. No significant differences were found in the allotypic variants of BF between patients with RA, relatives and controls, nor associations with gender and age of RA onset. BF*S07 allotype was significantly associated with extra-articular manifestations (EAMs; Secondary Sjogren Syndrome, pneumonitis, rheumatoid nodules) in patients with RA (P = 0.02; OR = 6.62). Patients with phenotype BF F had lower positivity for anti-MCV biomarker (P = 0.02; OR = 0.22) and those with allotype BF*S had higher prevalence of this autoantibody (P = 0.02; OR = 3.77). An increased frequency of RF-IgA was detected in relatives of patients with RA with BF FS07 phenotype (P = 0.02; OR = 7.78). Complement BF variability did not influence the development of RA in the studied patients, but BF variants may act as markers of disease prognosis, such as development of EAMs, corroborating with the role of the alternative pathway in the pathogenesis of RA.

Objective:To evaluate the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome in candidates for bariatric surgery comparing with the non-obese population and verify the effects on it of bariatric treatment. Methods:We studiedthree groups of individuals: 1) patients waiting for bariatric surgery (preoperative); 2) individuals who had already undergone the procedure (postoperative); and 3) control group. We collected demographic and clinical data of carpal tunnel syndrome. The Ultrasound examination was carried out to diagnose the syndrome by measuring the median nerve area. Results:We included 329 individuals (114 in the preoperative group, 90 in the postoperative group and 125 controls). There was a higher prevalence of paresthesias (p=0.0003), clinical tests (p=0.0083) on the preoperative group when compared with controls (p

To investigate the association between mannose-binding lectin (MBL) serum level and MBL2 polymorphisms, and the frequency of spontaneous miscarriages in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.One hundred seventy seven women (mean age 50 years) with RA from Southern Brazil were studied and 4.5% had a history of abortion (8/177). The MBL levels were determined by ELISA. MBL2 polymorphisms in the promoter (-550H/L, -221X/Y), 5' untranslated region (4 P/Q) and exon 1 (p.Gly54Asp: B allele, p.Arg52Cys: D allele and p.Gly57Glu: C allele; collectively labelled O) were genotyped by sequencing.Mannose-binding lectin levels of RA patients ranged from ≤100 ng/mL to 6640 ng/mL (median 541.5 ng/mL). There was a significant difference in MBL median levels (100 ng/mL vs. 625 ng/mL, respectively, p = .001) and frequency of MBL deficiency (75.0% vs. 24.1%, p = .007, OR = 10.3, 95%CI = 1.9-55.4), in patients with a history of miscarriage vs those without it. Patients with RA and miscarriage had more frequently haplotypes related with low MBL levels (p = .007, OR = 10.5, 95%CI = 1.3-84) than high producers. Moreover, LYPB haplotype and O allele were significantly associated with the occurrence of miscarriage (p = .001, OR = 9.7, 95%CI = 2.4-39.1 and p = .009, OR = 5.9, 95%CI = 1.4-23.4, respectively).The results suggest that MBL deficiency and the presence of MBL2 gene polymorphisms that lead to MBL deficiency are risk factors for the occurrence of miscarriage in patients with RA.

Introduction Mannose binding lectin (MBL) has been linked to predisposition to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to disease activity. Some studies found deposits of MBL in glomerular tissue of patients with lupus nephritis. There is no research about the deposition of MBL in skin. Materials and methods Skin biopsies from lesional and non lesional skin of 4 discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) and 10 SLE patients were submitted to immunofluorescence staining for IgG, IgA, IgM, C3, C4, C1q, C5b-9 and MBL. Charts were reviewed for demographic, clinical and serological data. Patients with SLE had disease activity measured by SLEDAI. Results MBL was found only in SLE lesional skin and its presence showed an association trend towards higher disease activity. Deposition of C5b-9 occurred in vessels only in patients with SLE (70%) and in the two patients with kidney involvement. Conclusions MBL deposition was found in the lesional skin of SLE patients but not in SLE non lesional skin nor in DLE patients, and it seems to be less frequent and less strong than observed in the kidneys biopsies, suggesting that the complement participation in the pathophysiology of SLE process may not be the same in these two clinical manifestations.

To study hand strength and function in type 2 DM patients.We collected data on hand strength and function, disease duration, glycemic, creatinine and HbA1C levels, degree of pain and stiffness and physical examination in 100 DM patients comparing than with 100 hand osteoarthritis patients and 100 controls.DM patients had hand strength and function better than osteoarthritis patients and worse than controls. De Quervain tendonitis associated with hand strength (p=0.005); hand function associated with carpal tunnel syndrome (p0.0001), De Quervain tendinitis (p=0.006), HbA1C level (p=0.005), insulin use (p=0.030), disease duration (p=0.0006), pain (p0.0001) and stiffness (p0.0001) in univariated analysis. In multivariated analysis only disease duration and stiffness remain as significant.Hand strength and function are impaired in DM patients. Loss of function associated with stiffness and disease duration; loss of strength associates with De Quervain tendinitis.

The aim of the present study was to analyze the score of fatigue in a large cohort of Brazilian patients with SpA, comparing different disease patterns and its association with demographic and disease-specific variables.A common protocol of investigation was prospectively applied to 1492 Brazilian patients classified as SpA according to the European Spondyloarthropathies Study Group (ESSG) criteria, attended at 29 reference centers. Clinical and demographic variables were recorded. Fatigue was evaluated using the first item of the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) questionnaire.The mean BASDAI fatigue score was 4.20 ± 2.99. There was no significant difference in the fatigue score between the different SpA. Fatigue was higher in female patients (p0.001), with mixed (axial + peripheral) involvement (p0.001) and in those who did not practice exercises (p0.001). Higher scores of fatigue were significantly associated with inflammatory low back pain (p = 0.013), alternating buttock pain (p = 0.001), cervical pain (p = 0.001), and hip involvement (p = 0.005). Fatigue presented a moderate positive statistical correlation with Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) (0.469; p0.001) and Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (0.462; p0.001).In this large series of Brazilian SpA patients, higher fatigue scores were associated with female gender, sedentary, worse functionality, and quality of life.

Background Atherosclerosis in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients may be aggravated by obesity. Objective To study the nutritional status of patients with RA. Methods Observational cross sectional study of 102 RA. Patients were studied for clinical, demographic, serologic, activity and nutritional profile. In the latter we included: measure- ment of body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio; bicipital skinfold (BSF) and their adequacy; triceps skinfold measure (TSF) and its adequacy and arm muscle circumference (AMC) and its adequacy. Association studies of nominal data were done using Fisher and chi-square tests and the Mann Whitney and unpaired Student t tests for numerical data. For correla- tion calculations the Spearman test was used. Results In the sample there were 14/102 men, 88/102 women with mean age of 52.1 ± 11.5 years and mean disease duration of 10.6 ± 7.47 years. The mean waist-hip ratio was 0.92±0.07. According to BMI 30.3% had normal weight and 65.5% a total weight above normal. According to BSF, 74.5% were normal and 25.5% had depletion of muscular mass; accord- ing to TSF, 83.3% were normal and 16.7% depleted. Association of nutritional variables with gender, rheumatoid factor, age, nodules, and disease activity showed no differences (p = NS) except for a lower waist/hip ratio in individuals with nodules (p = 0.02) and a modest correlation of TSF with disease duration (p = 0.02; R = 0.22; 95% CI = 0.01 to 0.40). Conclusion We found a high prevalence of overweight and obesity in patients with RA and a small frequency of muscle depletion.

Background: Studies with latest technologies such as endoscopy with magnification and chromoendoscopy showed that various endoscopic aspects are clearly related to infection by Helicobacter pylori (HP). The description of different patterns of erythema in gastric body under magnification of images revived interest in identifying these patterns by standard endoscopy. Aim: To validate the morphologic features of gastric mucosa related to H. pylori infection gastritis allowing predictability of their diagnosis as well as proper targeting biopsies. Methods: Prospective study of 339 consecutive patients with the standard videoendoscope image analysis were obtained, recorded and stored in a program database. These images were studied with respect to the presence or absence of H. pylori, diagnosed by rapid urease test and/or by histological analysis. Were studied: a) normal mucosa appearance; b) mucosal nodularity; c) diffuse nonspecific erythema or redness (with or without edema of folds and exudate) of antrum and body; d) mosaic pattern with focal area of hyperemia; e) erythema in streaks or bands (red streak); f) elevated (raised) erosion; g) flat erosions; h) fundic gland polyps. The main exclusion criteria were the use of drugs, HP pre-treatment and other entities that could affect results. Results: Applying the exclusion criteria, were included 170 of the 339 patients, of which 52 (30.58%) were positive for HP and 118 negative. On the positive findings, the most associated with infection were: nodularity in the antrum (26.92%); presence of raised erosion (15.38%) and mosaic mucosa in the body (21.15%). On the negative group the normal appearance of the mucosa was 66.94%; erythema in streaks or bands in 9.32%; flat erosions 11.86%; and fundic gland polyps 11.86%. Conclusion: Endoscopic findings are useful in the predictability of the result and in directing biopsies. The most representative form of HP related gastritis was the nodularity of the antral mucosa. The raised erosion and mucosa in mosaic in the body are suggestive but not specific to the infection. The other forms were not conclusive of the presence of HP. RESUMO Racional: Estudos com tecnologias mais recentes como endoscopia com magnificação e cromoscopia mostraram que vários aspectos endoscópicos estão claramente associados à infecção por Helicobacter pylori. A descrição de padrões diferenciados de enantema no corpo gástrico através da magnificação de imagens reavivou o interesse na identificação desses padrões pela endoscopia convencional. Objetivo: Validar os padrões morfológicos de mucosa gástrica usando videogastroendoscopia convencional relacionados à gastrite por infecção por Helicobacter pylori, permitindo previsibilidade do seu diagnóstico e o direcionamento de biópsias. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo de 339 pacientes consecutivos com análise das imagens de videogastroendoscopia obtidas, gravadas e armazenadas em banco de dados. Estas imagens foram estudadas com relação à presença ou não do Helicobacter pylori diagnosticado por teste rápido de urease e/ou por pesquisa direta por estudo anatomopatológico. Foram estudados: a) aspecto normal da mucosa; b) nodularidade da mucosa; c) enantema inespecífico difuso de antro e corpo; d) enantema em mosaico ou salpicado; e) enantema em estrias ou faixas; f) erosões elevadas; g) erosões planas; h) pólipos de glândulas fúndicas. Os principais critérios de exclusão foram o uso de medicamentos, tratamento prévio de HP e outras entidades que pudessem interferir nos resultados. Resultados: Aplicando os critérios de exclusão, incluíram-se 170 dos 339 pacientes sendo 52 (30,58%) positivos para Helicobacter pylori e 118 negativos. No grupo positivo os achados que mais se associaram com a infecção foram: nodularidade no antro (26,92%); presença de erosões elevadas (15,38%) e mucosa em mosaico no corpo (21,15%). No grupo negativo o aspecto normal da mucosa foi de 66,94%; enantema em estrias ou faixas em 9,32%; erosões planas em 11,86%; e pólipos de glândulas fúndicas 11,86%. Conclusão: Achados endoscópicos são úteis na previsibilidade de localização e direcionamento de biópsias na pesquisa do HP. A mais representativa forma de gastrite por HP foi o achado de nodularidade na mucosa antral. As erosões elevadas e mucosa em mosaico no corpo são sugestivas, mas não específicas da infecção. As demais formas não foram conclusivas da presença do HP.

Objective: To analyze quality of life and demographic and clinical variables associated to its impairment in a large Brazilian cohort of patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA). Methods: A common protocol of investigation was applied to 1465 Brazilian patients classified as SpA according to the European Spondyloarthropaties Study Group (ESSG) criteria, attended at 29 reference centers for Rheumatology in Brazil. Clinical and demographic variables were recorded. Quality of life was analyzed through the Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (ASQoL) questionnaire. Results: The mean ASQoL score was 7.74 (+/- 5.39). When analyzing the specific diseases in the SpA group, the ASQoL scores did not present statistical significance. Demographic data showed worse scores of ASQoL associated with female gender (p = 0.014) and African Brazilian ethnicity (p

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Acute anterior uveitis is a common extra-articular manifestation in spondyloarthritis patients. The aim of this study was to compare demographic, clinical, laboratory and treatment data among spondyloarthritis patients with and without acute anterior uveitis. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a cross-sectional analytical study at the Rheumatology Outpatient Clinic of the Evangelical University Hospital, Curitiba, Brazil. METHODS: Spondyloarthritis patients with without acute anterior uveitis were compared regarding demographic data, spondyloarthritis subtype, peripheral arthritis, enthesitis, disease activity, functional index, physical examination, radiological involvement, HLA-B27 and treatment. RESULTS: Presence of acute anterior uveitis was not found to have any relationship with functional index, degree of radiological involvement, peripheral arthritis or enthesitis. Acute anterior uveitis showed a negative association with skin manifestations (P = 0.04) and a trend towards higher disease activity (P = 0.06). CONCLUSION: In the study sample, it could not be shown that AAU had any association with the functional and radiological prognoses. The patients with spondyloarthritis with and without acute anterior uveitis did not differ clinically except for a higher proportion of ankylosing spondylitis and smaller presence of skin involvement in those with uveitis. CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Uveíte anterior aguda é uma manifestação extra-articular comum em pacientes com espondiloartrite. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar achados demográficos, clínicos, laboratoriais e de tratamento em pacientes com espondiloartrite com e sem uveíte anterior aguda. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Este é um estudo transversal analítico realizado no Ambulatório de Reumatologia do Hospital Universitário Evangélico de Curitiba, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Pacientes com espondiloartrite com e sem uveíte anterior aguda foram comparados quanto a dados demográficos, subtipo de espondiloartrite, artrite periférica, entesite, atividade da doença, índice funcional, exame físico, envolvimento radiológico, HLA-B27 e tratamento. RESULTADOS: Não se encontrou associação entre presença de uveíte anterior aguda e índice funcional, grau de envolvimento radiológico, artrite periférica e entesite. Encontrou-se uma associação negativa de uveíte anterior aguda com manifestações de pele (P = 0,04) e uma tendência para maior atividade de doença (P = 0,06). CONCLUSÃO: Na amostra estudada, não foi possível demonstrar associação entre uveíte anterior aguda no prognóstico funcional e radiológico. Pacientes com espondiloartrite com e sem uveíte anterior aguda não diferem clinicamente exceto por uma maior proporção de espondilite anquilosante e uma presença menor de envolvimento cutâneo naqueles com uveíte.

BACKGROUND: Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus seem to belong to different serological and clinical subgroups of the disease. Genetic background can cause the appearance of these subgroups. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether Brazilian patients who have systemic lupus erythematosus and Raynaud's phenomenon differ from those who do not. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 373 medical records of systemic lupus erythematosus patients studied for demographic, clinical and serological data. A comparative analysis was performed of individuals with and without RP. RESULTS: There was a positive association between Raynaud's phenomenon and age at diagnosis (p=0.02), presence of anti-Sm (p=0.01) antibodies and anti-RNP (p

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) are diseases with increased gut inflammation. To search for (anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae) ASCA IgA, ASCA IgG, and anti-endomysial antibodies (EmA-IgA) in a cohort of 70 patients with SpA, we found 18.6% (13/70) positive for IgA-ASCA in the SpA group and 3/57 (5.2%) in the control group (P = 0.031). ASCA IgG and EmA-IgA were found at the same frequency in SpA and controls. No relationship of ASCA IgA positivity could be established with disease activity (measured by ESR, C-reactive protein, and BASDAI), presence of uveitis, or peripheral arthritis neither with functional status measured by BASFI. SpA patients present an increase in the IgA-ASCA positivity without any relationship to disease activity, functional index, clinical profile or the presence of HLA-B27. There is no evidence of higher prevalence of EmA-IgA in SpA patients in the studied sample.

Association between autoimmune liver diseases and scleroderma has been described. The purpose of this study was to study the prevalence of antimithocondrial antibody (AMA), antismooth muscle antibodies (SMA), and liver-kidney-microsomal (LKM-1) autoantibody in a cohort of 63 scleroderma patients and 100 healthy controls. The autoantibodies AMA, SMA, and LKM were determined by indirect immunofluorescence. Patients' charts were reviewed for demographic data, scleroderma form, and clinical and anti-nuclear antibody profile, aiming a comparison between patients with and without liver autoantibodies. Nine patients (14.3%) were positive for at least one of the liver autoantibodies; only one patient had both AMA and SMA positive. Antibody SMA was positive in 6.4% (4/63) patients; AMA was present in 9.52% (6/63) of them; none were positive to LKM-1. In the control group just one patient (1%) was SMA positive; the other autoantibodies were negative. There is an increased prevalence of liver autoantibodies in patients with scleroderma than in control population. These patients should be carefully followed for liver dysfunction.

Clustering of autoimmune diseases is common and may be due to genetic background and exposition to environmental triggers.The aim is to carry out a laboratory and clinical study of the prevalence of gastrointestinal organ-specific autoantibodies in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and their relatives.Serum samples of 156 RA patients, 200 relatives, and 100 healthy controls were studied for anti-smooth muscle antibody (ASMA), anti-mitochondrial (AMA), anti-parietal cell (APCA), anti-liver-kidney microsome (LKM), and anti-endomysium antibodies (IgA-EmA) by indirect immunofluorescence.A total of eight out of the 156 (5.1%) RA patients were positive for the autoantibodies (ASMA = 1; AMA = 2, APCA = 5). In the relative group, 12/200 (6%) had at least one positive autoantibody (ASMA = 1; AMA = 2, APCA = 7, IgA-EmA = 2). In the control group, two out of the 100 (2%) healthy controls were positive (ASMA = 1, APCA = 1). No statistical difference was found between RA patients, their relatives, and controls in relation to the frequency of autoantibodies evaluated.Although RA patients and their relatives have positivity of AMA, ASMA, and APCA without statistical difference in relation to healthy individuals, the findings may be of value for adequate clinical approach of these subjects.

Objectives. To evaluate the prevalence of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies and RF in RA patients and their relatives from Southern Brazil. Methods. Anti-CCP2 and IgM-RF were evaluated in 156 RA patients and 200 relatives. Sera from 100 healthy unrelated individuals were used as control. The anti-CCP2 was detected by ELISA and the IgM-RF using the latex agglutination test. Results. We identified 117 anti-CCP2 (75%)-positive and 106 RF (67.9%)-positive patients. Anti-CCP2 was increased in relatives (5.5%; 11/200) when compared with unrelated individuals (1%; P = 0.050). Titre of anti-CCP2 in RA patients did not differ from relatives [140.4 (75.7) vs 115.6 (84.2) U, respectively; P = 0.30]. Positive relatives were younger than patients for anti-CCP2 (P = 0.0081), RF (P < 0.001) and both concomitantly (P = 0.012), and although there was no difference for anti-CCP2 positivity according to gender, increased RF positivity and concomitant anti-CCP2/RF were observed in the female relatives (P = 0.067 and 0.082, respectively). No difference regarding the relative degree of tobacco use in relatives was detected. Among the 11 anti-CCP2-positive relatives, 2 females had RA diagnosis established and 6 individuals presented with joint symptoms suggestive of RA. Conclusion. The results demonstrate a significant positivity of anti-CCP2 in relatives of RA patients from Brazil and reinforce the importance of serological tools to identify undiagnosed RA.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of autoantibodies in silica-exposed patients with and without silicosis and without any known rheumatic disease. We studied 61 males exposed to silica for a mean time of 12.2 +/- 10.2 years of exposure. A total of 72.1% (44/61) of them presented with pulmonary silicosis. As control group we included 62 healthy males. In all samples we screened for rheumatoid factor (latex agglutination), antinuclear antibodies (indirect immunofluorescence), anti Scl-70 (ELISA) and ANCA (indirect immunofluorescence technique). One patient (1.6%) of the silica group had weakly positive ANA (titer 1:80, centromeric pattern); one (1.6%) had atypical ANCA and seven patients (11.4%) presented positive rheumatoid factor (values range from 8 to 32 UI/ml). One control patient had a positive RF and none of them had positive ANA or ANCA. All patients and controls were negative for anti-Scl-70. The finding of positive RF was higher in the silica-exposed patients (p = 0.032; Fisher). All patients with positive RF had pulmonary silicosis. In the silica-exposed group we could not find a relationship between the presence of RF and age (p = 0.21; Mann-Whitney), smoking habits (p = 0.25; Fisher) but a positive relationship was found with exposure time to silica dust (p = 0.005; Mann-Whitney). We conclude that there was 11.4% prevalence of low titer RF in the silica-exposed patients without known rheumatic disease. RF was more common in patients with longer exposure to silica dust and appeared only in those with silicosis. The presence of ANA, Scl-70 and ANCA was the same as in the control population.

Background Sleep disturbances are common in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and contribute to loss of life quality. Objective To study associations of sleep quality with pain, depression and disease activity in RA. Methods This is a transversal observational study of 112 RA patients submitted to measurement of DAS-28, Epworth scale for daily sleepiness, index of sleep quality by Pittsburg index, risk of sleep apnea by the Berlin questionnaire and degree of depression by the CES-D (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale) questionnaire. We also collected epidemiological, clinical, serological and treatment data. Results Only 18.5% of RA patients had sleep of good quality. In univariate analysis a bad sleep measured by Pittsburg index was associated with daily doses of prednisone ( p = 0.03), DAS-28 ( p = 0.01), CES-D ( p = 0.0005) and showed a tendency to be associated with Berlin sleep apnea questionnaire ( p = 0.06). In multivariate analysis only depression ( p = 0.008) and Berlin sleep apnea questionnaire ( p = 0.004) kept this association. Conclusions Most of RA patients do not have a good sleep quality. Depression and risk of sleep apnea are independently associated with sleep impairment.

Lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease of unknown etiology with cutaneous and vascular lesions. Both discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) and systemic lupus (SLE) affect the skin. Visible skin lesions in young women can cause loss of self esteem. In the present study we aimed to evaluate and compare the quality of life in SLE and LED through an observational study of 64 patients. These patients were divided into 2 groups: Group 1: SLE (n = 38); group 2: DLE (n = 26) and then completed the quality of life questionnaire - Dermatology Life Quality Index or DLQI. It was found that patients with DLE have a worse quality of life than patients with SLE. It is believed that this fact is generated by the difference in the spectrum of injuries. Lúpus eritematoso é uma doença auto-imune de etiologia desconhecida, com lesões cutâneovasculares. Tanto o Lúpus Eritematoso Discóide (LED) como o Sistêmico (LES) acometem a pele. Lesões cutâneas visíveis em mulheres jovens podem causar perda de auto estima. No presente estudo procurou-se avaliar e comparar a qualidade de vida em 64 pacientes com LED e LES através de um estudo observacional. Esses pacientes foram divididos em 2 grupos: Grupo 1: LES (n=38); grupo 2: LED (n=26). A seguir aplicou-se o questionário de qualidade de vida - Dermatology Life Quality Índex ou DLQI. Verificou-se que pacientes com LED têm pior qualidade de vida que pacientes com LES Acredita-se que este fato seja gerado pela diferença no espectro de suas lesões.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systemic disease that causes joint damage. A variety of methods have been used to evaluate the general health status of these patients but few have specifically evaluated the hands. The objective of this study was to translate, perform cultural adaptation and assess the validity of the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire for Brazil.DESIGN AND SETTING: Validation study conducted at a university hospital in Curitiba, Brazil.METHODS: Firstly, the questionnaire was translated into Brazilian Portuguese and back-translated into English. The Portuguese version was tested on 30 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and proved to be understandable and culturally adapted. After that, 30 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were evaluated three times. On the first occasion, two evaluators applied the questionnaire to check inter-rater reproducibility. After 15 days, one of the evaluators reassessed the patients to verify intra rater reproducibility. To check the construct validity at the first assessment, one of the evaluators also applied other similar instruments.RESULTS: There were strong inter and intra rater correlations in all the domains of the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire. Cronbach's alpha was higher than 0.90 for all the domains of the questionnaire, thus indicating excellent internal validity. Almost all domains of the questionnaire presented moderate or strong correlation with other instruments, thereby showing good construct validity.CONCLUSION: The Brazilian Portuguese version of the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire was translated and culturally adapted successfully, and it showed excellent internal consistency, reproducibility and construct validity. CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Artrite reumatoide é uma doença crônica, sistêmica, que provoca danos articulares. Diversos métodos têm sido usados para avaliar o estado geral de saúde desses pacientes, mas poucos avaliam especificamente as mãos. O objetivo deste estudo foi traduzir, realizar a adaptação cultural e testar a validade do Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire para o Brasil.TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo de validação feito em um hospital universitário em Curitiba, Brasil.MÉTODOS: Na primeira etapa, o questionário foi traduzido para o português do Brasil e traduzido de volta para o inglês. A versão em português foi testada em 30 pacientes com artrite reumatoide e mostrou-se compreensível e adaptada culturalmente. Na segunda etapa, 30 pacientes com artrite reumatoide foram avaliados três vezes. Na primeira vez, dois avaliadores aplicaram o questionário para verificação da reprodutibilidade interavaliadores. Após 15 dias, um dos avaliadores reavaliou os pacientes para verificação da reprodutibilidade intra-avaliadores. Para verificar a validade construtiva, na primeira avaliação, um dos avaliadores aplicou também outros instrumentos de avaliação similares.RESULTADOS: Foram observadas fortes correlações interavaliadores e intra-avaliadores em todos os domínios do Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire. O alfa de Cronbach foi maior que 0.90 para todos os domínios, indicando ótima validade interna. A maioria dos domínios do questionário apresentou correlação moderada ou forte com outros instrumentos, determinando boa validade construtiva.CONCLUSÃO: A versão brasileira do Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire foi traduzida, adaptada culturalmente com sucesso e apresentou ótima consistência interna, reprodutibilidade e validade construtiva.

Objective : To analyze if it is worthwhile to screen Brazilian osteoporotic patients for celiac disease (CD).Subjects and methods : One hundred patients with osteoporosis and 97 controls were evaluated for IgA-EmA (IgA anti-endomysial antibodies) by indirect immunofluorescence method and IgG-anti-tTG (tissue transglutaminase) by ELISA assay. Positive patients were invited to have gastrointestinal endoscopy with jejunal biopsy.Results : Two patients had positive IgG-anti-tTG test and one of them also showed positive IgA-EmA. Only the latter had a positive duodenal biopsy for CD. None of the controls were positive for either auto-antibodies.Conclusion : We observed low prevalence of CD in osteoporotic Brazilian patients. This finding does not support routine screening for CD in patients with osteoporosis in our geographic region. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2014;58(3):270-3 Objetivo : Analisar a necessidade de investigar doença celíaca (DC) em pacientes brasileiros com osteoporose. Sujeitos e métodos : No total, cem pacientes com osteoporose e 97 controles foram pesquisados IgA-EmA (IgA antiendomísio) pelo método de imunofluorescência indireta e IgG-anti-tTG (transglutaminase tecidual) pelo teste de ELISA. Os pacientes positivos foram convidados a realizar endoscopia gastrointestinal com biópsia jejunal. Resultados : Duas pacientes foram positivas para o teste IgG-anti-tTG. Destas, somente uma também foi positiva para IgA-EmA. Esta última possuía achados de biópsia jejunal sugestivos de DC. Nenhum dos controles foi positivo para nenhum dos anticorpos. Conclusão : Foi observada baixa prevalência de DC nos pacientes brasileiros com osteoporose. Esse achado não oferece suporte para pesquisa rotineira de DC em pacientes com osteoporose em nossa região geográfica. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2014;58(3):270-3

Serum bilirubins play an important role in controlling oxidative stress; there is increased oxidative stress during activity of rheumatic diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).To study bilirubin levels in SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) patients and relate them to disease activity.We analyzed levels of total bilirubins (TB), direct bilirubins (DB) and indirect bilirubins (IB), sedimentation rate (ESR) and C reactive protein (CRP) in 143 SLE patients. Data were collected on the clinical and autoantibody profiles and patients underwent measurement of SLEDAI and SLICC .Correlation of indirect bilirubin values with SLEDAI was negative (p=0.02; Spearman rho=-0.18). Comparing the levels of IB according to the clinical activity profile we observed associations with increase of anti DNA titer (p=0.027) and with decrease in complement levels (p=0.017). ESR correlated negatively with IB levels (p=0.01) but CRP did not (p=0.15). In a multiple linear regression analysis only the increase in ESR titer remained significant. SLICC values were not correlated with TB (p=0.30), DB (p=0.12) or IB (p=0.31).We conclude that IB levels in SLE correlate negatively with disease activity. IB levels are lower in patients with higher ESR.

To analyze the clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of juvenile-onset spondyloarthritis (SpA) (16 years) and compare them with a group of adult-onset (≥ 16 years) SpA patients.Prospective, observational and multicentric cohort with 1,424 patients with the diagnosis of SpA according to the European Spondyloarthropathy Study Group (ESSG) submitted to a common protocol of investigation and recruited in 29 reference centers participants of the Brazilian Registry of Spondyloarthritis (RBE - Registro Brasileiro de Espondiloartrites). Patients were divided in two groups: age at onset16 years (JOSpA group) and age at onset ≥ 16 years (AOSpA group).Among the 1,424 patients, 235 presented disease onset before 16 years (16.5%). The clinical and epidemiologic variables associated with JOSpA were male gender (p0.001), lower limb arthritis (p=0.001), enthesitis (p=0.008), anterior uveitis (p=0.041) and positive HLA-B27 (p=0.017), associated with lower scores of disease activity (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index - BASDAI; p=0.007) and functionality (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index - BASFI; p=0.036). Cutaneous psoriasis (p0.001), inflammatory bowel disease (p=0.023), dactylitis (p=0.024) and nail involvement (p=0.004) were more frequent in patients with adult-onset SpA.Patients with JOSpA in this large Brazilian cohort were characterized predominantly by male gender, peripheral involvement (arthritis and enthesitis), positive HLA-B27 and lower disease scores.

O processo inflamatório articular de uma criança com artrite idiopática juvenil (AIJ) pode persistir na vida adulta. A inflamação tem sido ligada a distorções do perfil lipídico e à aterogênese acelerada. Neste trabalho, estudou-se o perfil lipídico de indivíduos adultos com AIJ, comparando-o ao de pessoas saudáveis. Foram recrutados 54 adultos com AIJ (57,3% poliarticular, 37% oligoarticular, 1,9% do subtipo entesítica e 3,7% do subtipo sistêmica) e 54 indivíduos saudáveis para comparação de perfil lipídico. Nos adultos AIJ, coletaram-se dados sobre sexo, idade e idade de início da doença, presença de fator reumatoide (FR) e fator antinuclear (FAN), HAQ (Health Assessment Questionnaire) e tempo de doença. Observou-se que hipercolesterolemia, aumento de LDL e diminuição de HDL foram mais comuns em pacientes com AIJ do que nos controles (com P = 0,016; P < 0,0001 e P = 0,0008, respectivamente). Alterações no colesterol total (CT) e no LDL foram mais comuns em indivíduos com início de doença mais tardio (P = 0,0017 para CT e P = 0,023 para LDL). Em todo o grupo de pacientes com AIJ nenhuma outra variável pode ser ligada à dislipidemia tal como presença de FR, FAN, duração de doença e HAQ (P = ns). Concluiu-se que pacientes adultos com AIJ apresentam um perfil lipídico com aumento de CT e de LDL, e diminuição de HDL em relação aos controles. Nenhuma característica clínica pode ser ligada a essa alteração, exceto idade de início da doença. The inflammatory processes in the joints of a child with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) can persist into adulthood. Inflammation has been linked to distortions of the lipid profile and accelerated atherogenesis. In the present study, we examined the lipid profiles of adults with JIA compared with those of healthy people. A lipid profile of a sample of 54 adults with JIA (57.3% with polyarticular JIA, 37.0% with oligoarticular JIA, 1.9% with enthesitis-related JIA and 3.7% with systemic onset JIA) and 54 healthy subjects were compared. In the adults with JIA, data on gender, age, age at disease onset, the presence of rheumatoid factor (RF) and antinuclear antibodies (ANA), a Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and the disease duration were collected. We found that hypercholesterolaemia, increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were more common in patients with JIA than the controls (P = 0.016, P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0008, respectively). Changes in the levels of total cholesterol (TC) and LDL were more common in the individuals who had a later onset of disease (P = 0.0017 for TC and P = 0.023 for LDL). In the entire JIA group, no other variable, such as RF, ANA, disease duration or responses to the HAQ, could be linked to dyslipidaemia (P = non-significant). We concluded that the adult patients with JIA have a lipid profile with increased TC and LDL levels and decreased levels of HDL compared to the controls. No clinical feature could be correlated with this change except for the age at disease onset.

To analyze the results of the application of the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) in a large series of Brazilian patients with the diagnosis of SpA and establish its correlations with specific variables into the group.A common protocol of investigation was prospectively applied to 1492 Brazilian patients classified as SpA according to the European Spondyoarthropathies Study Group (ESSG), attended at 29 referral centers of Rheumatology in Brazil. Clinical and demographic variables, and disease indices (BASDAI, Basfi, Basri, Mases, ASQol) were applicated. The total values of BASDAI were compared to the presence of the different variables.The mean score of BASDAI was 4.20 ± 2.38. The mean scores of BASDAI were higher in patients with the combined (axial + peripheral + entheseal) (4.54 ± 2.38) clinical presentation, compared to the pure axial (3.78 ± 2.27) or pure peripheral (4.00 ± 2.38) clinical presentations (p0.001). BASDAI also presented higher scores associated with the female gender (p0.001) and patients who did not practice exercises (p0.001). Regarding the axial component, higher values of BASDAI were significantly associated with inflammatory low back pain (p0.049), alternating buttock pain (p0.001), cervical pain (p0.001) and hip involvement (p0.001). There was also statistical association between BASDAI scores and the peripheral involvement, related to the lower (p=0.004) and upper limbs (p=0.025). The presence of enthesitis was also associated to higher scores of BASDAI (p=0.040). Positive HLA-B27 and the presence of cutaneous psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, uveitis and urethritis were not correlated with the mean scores of BASDAI. Lower scores of BASDAI were associated with the use of biologic agents (p0.001).In this heterogeneous Brazilian series of SpA patients, BASDAI was able to demonstrate "disease activity" in patients with axial as well as peripheral disease.

IntroductionFew studies have evaluated the profile of use of disease modifying drugs (DMD) in Brazilian patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA).MethodsA common research protocol was applied prospectively in 1505 patients classified as SpA by criteria of the European Spondyloarthropathies Study Group (ESSG), followed at 29 referral centers in Rheumatology in Brazil. Demographic and clinical variables were obtained and evaluated, by analyzing their correlation with the use of DMDs methotrexate (MTX) and sulfasalazine (SSZ).ResultsAt least one DMD was used by 73.6% of patients: MTX by 29.2% and SSZ by 21.7%, while 22.7% used both drugs. The use of MTX was significantly associated with peripheral involvement, and SSZ was associated with axial involvement, and the two drugs were more administered, separately or in combination, in the mixed involvement (p < 0.001). The use of a DMD was significantly associated with Caucasian ethnicity (MTX, p = 0.014), inflammatory back pain (SSZ, p = 0.002), buttock pain (SSZ, p = 0.030), neck pain (MTX, p = 0.042), arthritis of the lower limbs (MTX, p < 0.001), arthritis of the upper limbs (MTX, p < 0.001), enthesitis (p = 0.007), dactylitis (MTX, p < 0.001), inflammatory bowel disease (SSZ, p < 0.001) and nail involvement (MTX, p < 0.001).ConclusionThe use of at least one DMD was reported by more than 70% of patients in a large cohort of Brazilian patients with SpA, with MTX use more associated with peripheral involvement and the use of SSZ more associated with axial involvement.

BACKGROUND: Nailfold capillaroscopy is a useful technique for evaluating changes in microcirculation. OBJECTIVE: To investigate changes at nailfold capillaroscopy in psoriatic patients compared with controls. METHODS: Nailfold capillaroscopy was performed in 46 psoriatic patients and 50 controls to assess microscopic morphological changes, capillary density and the presence of areas with devascularization. RESULTS: Patients with psoriasis had lower capillary density (p=0.0005), increased avascular areas (p=0.0035) and an increased number of morphologically abnormal capillaries (coiled, p

The involvement of the cervical spine is a common feature of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).To study the prevalence of radiographic changes of the cervical spine in patients with RA and their association with clinical and serological profiles of the disease.We analysed lateral (neutral position, hyperextension, hyperflexion) and transoral views of cervical spine radiographs from 80 individuals with RA to investigate the presence of atlanto-axial subluxation (AAS), basilar invagination (BI), and subaxial instability (SAI). Demographic, clinical (nodules, interstitial pneumonitis, secondary Sjögren's syndrome, medications etc.), and serologic (rheumatoid factor--RF, cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody--anti-CCP, and antinuclear factor--ANF) data were obtained from the clinical records.Cervical spine misalignments were identified in 26/80 (32.5%) participants; AAS occurred in 12/80 (15%) participants, BI in 6/80 (7.5%), and SAI in 13/80 (32.5%). Odontoid erosions were identified in 16/80 (20.0%) participants. Cervical spine misalignment exhibited associations with age at onset and disease duration (P = 0.03 and 0.02, respectively). No associations were identified between the cervical spine changes and the participants' ethnicity or gender, presence of nodules, interstitial pneumonitis, secondary Sjögren's syndrome, RF, ANF, or anti-CCP. The participants with cervical spine misalignment exhibited higher frequencies of odontoid erosion (P = 0.03).Cervical spine misalignment was a common radiographic finding and occurred more frequently in participants with earlier onset and longer length of RA.