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Heart failure is a prevalent condition and a frequent cause of hospital readmissions and poor quality of life. Teleconsultation support from cardiologists to primary care physicians managing patients with heart failure may improve care, but the effect on patient-relevant outcomes is unclear. We aim to evaluate whether collaboration through a novel teleconsultation platform in the Brazilian Heart Insufficiency with Telemedicine (BRAHIT) project, tested on a previous feasibility study, can improve patient-relevant outcomes. We will conduct a parallel-group, two-arm, cluster-randomised superiority trial with a 1:1 allocation ratio, with primary care practices from Rio de Janeiro as clusters. Physicians from the intervention group practices will receive teleconsultation support from a cardiologist to assist patients discharged from hospitals after admission for heart failure. In contrast, physicians from the control group practices will perform usual care. We will include 10 patients per each of the 80 enrolled practices (n = 800). The primary outcome will be a composite of mortality and hospital admissions after six months. Secondary outcomes will be adverse events, symptoms frequency, quality of life, and primary care physicians’ compliance with treatment guidelines. We hypothesise that teleconsulting support will improve patient outcomes.

Our patient was a 43-year-old, single black woman, born and living in Paracambi, State of Rio de Janeiro, who worked as a surgical instrumentalist. She was sent to our sector of dermatology due to hypochromia and diffuse skin roughness that had first appeared 8 years previously. She had been diagnosed 6 months before admission with ductal infiltrating metastatic carcinoma in the right breast, with therapeutic failure of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Her menarche had occurred at age 13 years, she reported normal menstrual cycles from there on, and she had never been pregnant. She denied neoplasias and other comorbidities in her family history.

We report a woman with two giant Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) on the back, the largest with 12 cm in diameter, inside a vitiligo plaque. They were metatypical subtype BCC associated with a nodular subtype area. Thinking of BCC in vitiligo lesion is extremely important. Giant BCC and vitiligo are rare association.

Relato de experiência de atividades extensionistas. Objetivou: caracterizar o grupo atendido pelo projeto conforme o perfil de sexo, idade e classe econômica; descrever as experiências da equipe executora do projeto referentes à educação em saúde na modalidade lúdico-teatral realizadas em escola de Ensino Fundamental do município do Rio de Janeiro; discutir os significados das vivências da equipe quanto às ações realizadas junto ao público-alvo relativas à promoção da saúde. Público-alvo: crianças de 6 a 12 anos. A abordagem qualitativa do tipo etnográfica apoiada em Geertz possibilitou a identificação de significados das experiências da equipe. Os significados das temáticas das ações de educação em saúde são culturalmente apreendidos desde a infância, sendo constantemente reelaborados e reproduzidos no decorrer da vida, porém mantendo certo padrão. A centralidade das ações estava representada por significados relacionados predominantemente ao modelo biomédico, mas no decorrer das ações distintas percepções emergiram. Ressalta-se o potencial de reflexão/crítica dos escolares sobre a realidade.

Purpose: To evaluate hand function in leprosy patients after reconstructive surgery for claw hand. Methods: Patients who had completed multidrug therapy (MDT) and who had undergone tendon transfer surgery for ulnar claw correction at either of two reference centres for leprosy in Brazil between 2010 and 2014, were included. Clinical evaluations, Screening of Activity Limitation and Safety Awareness (SALSA) Scale, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Score (DASH) Questionnaire and the Jebsen Taylor Test (JTT) were used to measure arm/hand function recovery after surgery. Data were analyzed with the one sample t-test (p

Introduction A preceptor is understood as a health care professional with an important role in introducing students and recently graduated doctors into professional practice. However, studies into medical teaching in the Family Health Strategy (FHS) have shown inadequacies in the quality, training and time spent by the tutors with students. In the municipality of Rio de Janeiro (RJ), the expansion of the FHS was belated, resulting in a vacuum of medical students being inserted into the network. Objective To understand the perception of Family Health Strategy physician preceptors regarding their performance with medical student interns from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). Methods This is a case study which employed a qualitative method and took place in the city of Rio de Janeiro (RJ). Semi-structured interviews were conducted between September 2011 and March 2012, with 15 preceptors from six Family Clinics receiving UFRJ medical interns. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, read and subjected to thematic content analysis, resulting in the establishment of five categories: encouragement and motivation; appreciation; training; real world versus academic world; teaching-service integration. Results The preceptors report that they feel recognized and encouraged by the students, but do not feel appreciated by the service coordinators, who fail to allocate adequate space and time to their preceptorship activities. A good relationship is established with both tutors and students. The preceptors would like to be trained in preceptorship and to strengthen their ties to UFRJ. They view their time with the students as both precious and challenging, because it stimulates them to rethink their care practices. They recognize in the internship the opportunity for students to gain practical experience of what has been learned in theory. Conclusion The preceptors’ work is supported by the good relationship established between preceptors, tutors and students but efforts are needed to value the professionals who perform this practice. RESUMO Introdução O preceptor é entendido como o profissional da rede assistencial que tem importante papel na inserção do graduando e do recém-graduado na prática profissional. Entretanto, estudos sobre o ensino da prática médica na Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) têm mostrado inadequações na qualidade, na capacitação e no tempo destinado pelos preceptores aos estudantes. No município do Rio de Janeiro (RJ), a expansão da ESF se deu tardiamente, o que resultou num vácuo da inserção do aluno de Medicina na rede. Objetivo Conhecer as percepções dos médicos preceptores da Estratégia Saúde da Família quanto à sua atuação junto aos internos de Medicina da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). Método Pesquisa exploratória, do tipo estudo de caso, de abordagem qualitativa, realizada no município do RJ. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas, entre setembro de 2011 e março de 2012, com 15 preceptores das seis Clínicas da Família que recebem internos de Medicina da UFRJ. As entrevistas foram gravadas, transcritas, lidas e tratadas por meio da técnica de análise de conteúdo temática, da qual emergiram cinco categorias: estímulo e motivação; valorização; capacitação; mundo real versus mundo acadêmico; integração ensino-serviço. Resultados Os preceptores se sentem reconhecidos e estimulados pelos alunos, mas não sentem a valorização pela chefia do serviço, que não libera espaço físico e horário para as atividades. Há uma boa relação estabelecida com os tutores e os alunos da UFRJ, mas desejam receber capacitação para a preceptoria e estreitar o vínculo com a UFRJ. Percebem o tempo destinado ao aluno como precioso e ao mesmo tempo desafiador, estimulando-os a repensar suas práticas do cuidado. Reconhecem no estágio a oportunidade para os internos vivenciarem na prática o que foi apreendido na teoria. Conclusão A prática de preceptoria encontra sustentação na boa relação estabelecida entre os preceptores, tutores e alunos, mas são necessários esforços para a valorização dos profissionais que desempenham esta prática.

Objectives: To describe the characteristics of neuropathic pain in treated leprosy patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst patients with leprosy reporting persistent pain after multidrug therapy (MDT), during the period of 2011–2012. Patients with hand and foot injuries, presenting leprosy reactions, deformities or other painful syndromes described in medical records were excluded. The frequency of neuropathic pain was assessed using the Douleur Neuropathic 4 (DN4) and clinical examination. The McGill Pain Questionnaire, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and patients’ self-report were used to describe the characteristics of pain. Results: All the 50 patients evaluated showed characteristics of neuropathic pain according to the clinical assessment and 48 according to the DN4. Sixty-eight per cent of the patients with pain in the upper limbs complained about the ulnar nerve sensory location, whereas for the lower limbs, 66% complained about the tibial nerve. All of the patients reported feeling pain for more than one year, and the mean intensity presented by the group in the VAS was 4.9 cm. Among the participants, 76% had moderate to severe pain. All individuals in our sample were taking prednisone at the moment of the interview, despite the absence of leprosy reaction. Conclusions: Definite neuropathic pain was found in 40% of the sample and probable chronic neuropathic pain was found in the remaining 60%. Some clinical leprosy characteristics can contribute to neuropathic pain, such as lepromatous form, more than one year since diagnosis and sensorimotor impairments. Prednisolone is grossly over-prescribed.

RESUMO Introdução O preceptor é entendido como o profissional da rede assistencial que tem importante papel na inserção do graduando e do recém-graduado na prática profissional. Entretanto, estudos sobre o ensino da prática médica na Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) têm mostrado inadequações na qualidade, na capacitação e no tempo destinado pelos preceptores aos estudantes. No município do Rio de Janeiro (RJ), a expansão da ESF se deu tardiamente, o que resultou num vácuo da inserção do aluno de Medicina na rede. Objetivo Conhecer as percepções dos médicos preceptores da Estratégia Saúde da Família quanto à sua atuação junto aos internos de Medicina da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). Método Pesquisa exploratória, do tipo estudo de caso, de abordagem qualitativa, realizada no município do RJ. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas, entre setembro de 2011 e março de 2012, com 15 preceptores das seis Clínicas da Família que recebem internos de Medicina da UFRJ. As entrevistas foram gravadas, transcritas, lidas e tratadas por meio da técnica de análise de conteúdo temática, da qual emergiram cinco categorias: estímulo e motivação; valorização; capacitação; mundo real versus mundo acadêmico; integração ensino-serviço. Resultados Os preceptores se sentem reconhecidos e estimulados pelos alunos, mas não sentem a valorização pela chefia do serviço, que não libera espaço físico e horário para as atividades. Há uma boa relação estabelecida com os tutores e os alunos da UFRJ, mas desejam receber capacitação para a preceptoria e estreitar o vínculo com a UFRJ. Percebem o tempo destinado ao aluno como precioso e ao mesmo tempo desafiador, estimulando-os a repensar suas práticas do cuidado. Reconhecem no estágio a oportunidade para os internos vivenciarem na prática o que foi apreendido na teoria. Conclusão A prática de preceptoria encontra sustentação na boa relação estabelecida entre os preceptores, tutores e alunos, mas são necessários esforços para a valorização dos profissionais que desempenham esta prática. ABSTRACT Introduction A preceptor is understood as a health care professional with an important role in introducing students and recently graduated doctors into professional practice. However, studies into medical teaching in the Family Health Strategy (FHS) have shown inadequacies in the quality, training and time spent by the tutors with students. In the municipality of Rio de Janeiro (RJ), the expansion of the FHS was belated, resulting in a vacuum of medical students being inserted into the network. Objective To understand the perception of Family Health Strategy physician preceptors regarding their performance with medical student interns from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). Methods This is a case study which employed a qualitative method and took place in the city of Rio de Janeiro (RJ). Semi-structured interviews were conducted between September 2011 and March 2012, with 15 preceptors from six Family Clinics receiving UFRJ medical interns. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, read and subjected to thematic content analysis, resulting in the establishment of five categories: encouragement and motivation; appreciation; training; real world versus academic world; teaching-service integration. Results The preceptors report that they feel recognized and encouraged by the students, but do not feel appreciated by the service coordinators, who fail to allocate adequate space and time to their preceptorship activities. A good relationship is established with both tutors and students. The preceptors would like to be trained in preceptorship and to strengthen their ties to UFRJ. They view their time with the students as both precious and challenging, because it stimulates them to rethink their care practices. They recognize in the internship the opportunity for students to gain practical experience of what has been learned in theory. Conclusion The preceptors’ work is supported by the good relationship established between preceptors, tutors and students but efforts are needed to value the professionals who perform this practice.

Introdução: A hansení­ase é historicamente marcada pelo estigma, preconceito e exclusão. Objetivo: Investigar as representações sociais e os conhecimentos sobre hansení­ase dos estudantes do curso de Fisioterapia do Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio de Janeiro. Material e métodos: Utilizou-se um questionário autoaplicado, semiestruturado dividido em cinco categorias: campanhas e divulgação; manifestações; tratamento; formas de contágio; representação e estigma. Resultados: Participaram do estudo 45 alunos do primeiro e segundo ano do curso de fisioterapia do IFRJ, selecionados aleatoriamente, com média de idade 20,9 (± 5,5) anos. Na categoria campanhas e divulgação, 88,9% dos entrevistados consideram as campanhas veiculadas insuficientes para esclarecer a população. Nas manifestações clí­nicas, 42,2% dos estudantes associaram a manchas na pele, 68,8% responderam haver correlação com algum tipo de alteração da sensibilidade. No grupo cura e tratamento, 88,6% acredita que a doença tem cura com 33,3% citando o tratamento medicamentoso como preconizado. Em 44,4% das respostas o contato direto com o doente foi apontado como principal via de contaminação. Na categoria estigma, 95,6% concordam que as pessoas com hansení­ase não deveriam ser isoladas do conví­vio social. Sobre a representação individual, 35,5% ainda associam a doença í lepra. Conclusão: Foi possí­vel constatar que os alunos de fisioterapia ainda apresentam conhecimento distorcido sobre a doença. Grande parte das respostas tem fundamentação no imaginário social e histórico da doença. Evidencia-se a necessidade de esclarecimento para a formação de profissionais capazes de atuar em uma equipe interdisciplinar visando o cuidado integral í saúde da população com hansení­ase.Palavras-chave: hansení­ase, estigma social, Fisioterapia.

Background Histiocytoid Sweet syndrome is characterized by a predominant neutrophilic dermal infiltrate. Usual clinical differential diagnosis includes erythema multiforme, drug eruption, and erythema nodosum. Histiocytoid Sweet syndrome is considered an uncommon histopathological variant of the disease. Methods We evaluated clinical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical findings of a case categorized as idiopathic histiocytoid Sweet syndrome in which clinical-epidemiological data raised the possibilities of Sweet syndrome, leprosy, and drug reaction. Results Positive reaction to myeloperoxidase (MPO) in histiocytoid cells of the dermal infiltrate, response to oral corticosteroids, clinical and laboratory investigation, and absence of cutaneous lesions or clinical complaints within 1 year of follow-up are consistent with the diagnosis of idiopathic histiocytoid Sweet syndrome. CD68 (PG-M1) and CD15 positive cells were also present among dermal cells. Conclusions Epidemiological data are relevant while considering a clinical differential diagnosis of Sweet syndrome that can be further expanded, from a histopathological point of view, when dealing with the histiocytoid variant since neutrophils, macrophages, and immature myelomonocytic cells with histiocytoid morphology are present. The significance of the MPO positive mononuclear dermal cells are not completely established.

A neurólise é indicada para reduzir o sofrimento neural e impedir a instalação de sequelas e incapacidades em pacientes com hanseníase. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar o grau de limitação das atividades e a qualidade de vida de pacientes com hanseníase submetidos a neurólise para tratamento das neurites. Participaram do estudo os pacientes submetidos à neurólise no período de 1998 a 2011. Foram coletadas informações sociodemográficas e clínicas, limitações das atividades (SALSA) e a qualidade de vida (WHOQOL-bref). As análises estatísticas incluíram a frequência, as medidas de tendência central e dispersão, os testes de Mann-Whitney e Kruskall-Wallis e o coeficiente de correlação de Spearman adotando-se p

Background This study is about the contribution of occupational therapy inside a rehabilitation group, and we focus on the autonomy of patients with disabilities due to leprosy. There are few studies on the use of assistive technology by leprosy patients; to our knowledge, none of them aim to have a subjective approach of care. Our purpose was to analyze the repercussions of assistive technology on autonomy of care of the self in patients with sequels of leprosy. Methods A qualitative, descriptive exploratory study with a semi-structured interview and a field observation as a research method was conducted between November 2014 and February 2015 at a University Hospital in Rio de Janeiro. Findings Eight patients from the service of Occupational Therapy were interviewed, and 44 hours of observation were performed. Interviews followed a semi-structured script and a field journal was used to take notes. Analysis was conducted by the hermeneutic approach. Costs were obtained after a global cost analysis of the fixed and variable expenses and direct and indirect costs to the manufactured products with an amount of 100 dollars. Results were grouped according to the following categories: contribution of the adapted devices for the care of the self and feelings and sensations provoked by the use of self-help devices. The reports revealed feelings, perceptions and meaningful contents about the social, familiar and individual dimensions, also the stigma coupled with leprosy. However, forms of re-signification were elaborated. Conclusions Assistive technology empowers the subject to perform care of the self and promotes social inclusion., Author Summary This study is about occupational therapy and we focus on the autonomy of patients with disabilities due to leprosy. Our purpose was to analyze the repercussions of assistive technology on the autonomy of care of the self in patients with sequels of leprosy We performed a qualitative, descriptive, exploratory study between November 2014 and February 2015 at a university hospital in Rio de Janeiro, and interviewed eight patients. Analysis was conducted by the hermeneutic approach. The following categories were studied: contribution of the adapted devices for the care of the self and feelings and sensations provoked by the use of self-help devices. The reports revealed feelings, perceptions and meaningful contents about the social, familiar and individual dimensions, also the stigma coupled with leprosy. Assistive technology is an approach with a powering potential that provides tools for the subject's care of the self and promotes social inclusion.

Leprosy affects skin and peripheral nerves, and acute inflammatory type 1 reactions (reversal reaction) can cause neurologic impairment and disabilities. Single skin lesion paucibacillary leprosy volunteers (N = 135) recruited in three Brazilian endemic regions, treated with single-dose rifampin, ofloxacin, and minocycline (ROM), were monitored for 3 years. Poor outcome was defined as type 1 reactions with or without neuritis. IgM anti-phenolic glycolipid I, histopathology, Mitsuda test, and Mycobacterium leprae DNA polymerase chain reaction (ML-PCR) were performed at baseline. chi(2) test, Kaplan-Meir curves, and Cox proportional hazards were applied. The majority of volunteers were adults with a mean age of 30.5 +/- 15.4 years; 44.4% were ML-PCR positive. During follow-up, 14.8% of the patients had a poor clinical outcome, classified as a type 1 reaction. Older age (> or = 40 years), ML-PCR positivity, and lesion size > 5 cm were associated with increased risk. In multivariate analysis, age (> or = 40 years) and ML-PCR positivity remained baseline predictors of type 1 reaction among monolesion leprosy patients.

Background Leprosy is an endemic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae that predominantly attacks the skin and peripheral nerves, leading to progressive impairment of motor, sensory and autonomic function. Little is known about how this peripheral neuropathy affects corticospinal excitability of handgrip muscles. Our purpose was to explore the motor cortex organization after progressive peripheral nerve injury and upper-limb dysfunction induced by leprosy using noninvasive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Methods In a cross-sectional study design, we mapped bilaterally in the primary motor cortex (M1) the representations of the hand flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS), as well as of the intrinsic hand muscles abductor pollicis brevis (APB), first dorsal interosseous (FDI) and abductor digiti minimi (ADM). All participants underwent clinical assessment, handgrip dynamometry and motor and sensory nerve conduction exams 30 days before mapping. Wilcoxon signed rank and Mann-Whitney tests were performed with an alpha-value of p, Author Summary Leprosy is an endemic disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae that predominantly attacks both skin and peripheral nerves, resulting in persistent distal hand atrophy and the loss of sensory and autonomic functions. In this study, we employ a noninvasive tool named transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to map the handgrip muscle representation in the primary motor cortex of patients affected by leprosy. The findings of this study support that the decrease or loss of sensory afferent neurons and/or impairment in the strength of peripheral muscles in the ulnar/median territory verified in leprosy patients alters the handgrip function leading to cortical motor reorganization in the corresponding affected hand muscles.

Leprosy leads to chronic granulomatous inflammation in skin and peripheral nerves that can lead to sensory, motor and autonomic impairments. Autonomic dysfunctions may result in dryness and cracking of the skin. In this study, we present the use of ozone provided by a high-frequency device to treat hand ulcers (wounds) in an 80-year-old man who was diagnosed as multibacillary in 2007. In the first visit, the patient was evaluated and received verbal and written instructions about self-care. Treatment consisted of five sessions, once per week. The ozone provided by a high-frequency device seemed to be useful in the treatment of ulcers, thus, contributing to the healing process. Research that investigates the use of high frequencies in the treatment of ulcers associated or not with other interventions (self-care strategies, protective clothing, adapted tools and footwear adaptation) is strongly recommended.

Objectives To describe the social participation frequency and the physical disability of patients who were discharged after the multidrug therapy (MDT/WHO) and factors associated with these variables. Method A cross-sectional and analytical study, examining associations, which took place Nova Iguacu/Brazil. A random sample of patients treated with multidrug therapy from 1997 to 2006 was selected. The rationale for sample size was determined by the estimated proportion of physical disability in the amount of 23%, with an acceptable sampling error rate of 5%; significance level was established as 5% among the 1080 patients finally a total sample of 225 patients. The evaluations were performed from January 2010 to December 2011 and Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected from the applications completed in the national notifiable diseases information system (SINAN). Results In the period of interest, 2179 cases were diagnosed with leprosy; 1080 met the criteria for inclusion. Of these, 225 were randomly selected patients who had mean age 56.12 (±17.34 years), 55.6% were women, 39.9% went to high school and 28.9% were Caucasians. A total of 55.3% (125) showed multibacillary form, with a predominant dimorphous leprosy in 40.4%. Physical disability was present in 60.9% and social restrictions in 24.9% of patients. The variable physical disability was associated with the therapeutic regimen multibacillary and social participation. Conclusion We observed a high frequency of disability and social restriction after long period after the start of MDT/WHO suggesting the late diagnosis of leprosy or inadequate follow-up after discharge. This study highlights the importance of systematic monitoring of these patients with their own criteria which could be held at the Family Health Strategy.

Leprosy is still considered to be endemic in several developing countries, such as India and Brazil. Infection with Mycobacterium leprae leads to chronic granulomatous inflammation in skin and peripheral nerves that can lead to sensory, motor and autonomic impairments. Since the disease causes severe sensory loss, little attention has been given to pain in leprosy. However, chronic pain in leprosy is being increasingly recognized as an important late complication of leprosy. This article discusses the assessment of pain in leprosy and suggests factors that can contribute to the chronicity. We also consider pain as a multiple system output, bringing the possibility of new treatment options for chronic pain in leprosy.

Chronic neuropathic pain emerges as a challenge in the treatment of leprosy patients after multidrug therapy discharge. The aim of this study was to determine the quality of life and its repercussions in leprosy patients with chronic pain. We studied male and female patients with chronic neuropathic pain in the last year. Neuropathic pain was confirmed using Douleur Neuropathique en 4 (DN4) and its intensity evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS). A general questionnaire was applied to evaluate quality of life (WHOQOL-bref). Statistical analyses were composed by descriptive and central tendency. Spearman correlation was used to identify the relation between pain intensity, quality of life domains, and facets. Multiple linear regressions were performed to verify the influence of pain intensity on each facet. Neuropathic pain patients scored worst in physical and environment domains. The low facets were related to pain and discomfort, thinking and concentration, sexual activity, and recreation opportunities. Pain intensity has a high negative influence on psychological domain and recreation opportunities. These findings should contribute to the development of rehabilitation programs considering patients needs to improve their quality of life and true social reintegration.

Objectives. The aim of this study was to access the postoperative functional results of posterior tibial tendon transfer for foot drop as a consequence of nerve palsy in leprosy. Material and Methods. Thirteen patients (9 males and 4 females) with ages ranging from 9 to 69 years were submitted to posterior tibial tendon transfer by the circumtibial route to correct foot drop in leprosy. The length of postoperative follow-up ranged from 1 to 5 years. The Stanmore system was used as a method for evaluating the functional results of postoperative posterior tibial tendon transfer. This system is made up of 7 different categories and the total score is 100. Results. According to the Stanmore system, the results were poor in 1 patient (7.6%), moderate in 2 feet (15.3%), good in 5 feet (38.4%), and excellent in 5 feet (38.4%). All the patients were satisfied with the final outcome. Conclusion. The posterior tibial tendon transfer for foot drop in leprosy was efficient in restoring normal function of the foot and gait without changing foot posture. In the absence of a standardized method for assessing the results of posterior tibial tendon transfer, the Stanmore system seems to be a good tool for an objective evaluation. Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV

A 34-year-old man presented with a large cutaneous lesion on his left thigh that had started as a small papule when he was 13 years of age. The lesion had enlarged slowly over the last 21 years. The patient had received bacillus Calmette–Guerin (BCG) vaccination in childhood. The family history was significant for tuberculosis. Clinical examination revealed a large, purplish-red, indurated plaque measuring 30 × 29 cm on the left thigh, extending to the buttock area. The edges of the lesion had a serpiginous contour with an involuted center (Fig. 1). A left inguinal lymph node was palpated. Figure 1. Lesion on the left thigh, extending to the buttock area Download figure to PowerPoint Chest X-ray and blood cell count were normal. No other focus of disease was identified. Laboratory testing for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection was negative. Purified protein derivative (PPD) intradermal injection disclosed a 19-mm skin induration. Both the cutaneous lesion and the inguinal lymph node were biopsied. Histopathologic sections of the skin fragment showed epidermal hyperkeratosis, neovascular proliferation, and a dense dermal lymphocytic infiltrate. The histopathology of the lymph node demonstrated few granulomas with focal areas of central necrosis. Staining for fungus was negative. Ziehl–Neelsen staining was negative on both the skin and lymph node specimens. Culture for fungus and Leishmania sp. was negative. Tissue culture on Lowenstein–Jensen medium from skin and lymph node was positive for Mycobacterium colonies after 5 and 7 weeks, respectively. Multidrug therapy was instituted with rifampin 600 mg/day, isoniazid 400 mg/day, and pyrazinamide 2 g/day for 2 months, and then rifampin 600 mg/day and isoniazid 400 mg/day alone for the next 4 months. An excellent response was obtained at the end of treatment (Fig. 2). Figure 2. Lesion after treatment Download figure to PowerPoint

Surgical nerve decompression in leprosy is indicated to prevent or treat nerve damage, and to improve sensory motor function and quality of life (QoL). The purpose of this study was to describe QoL of leprosy patients after surgical nerve decompression. Participants who underwent neurolysis in the last 5 years were recruited. The assessment consisted of collecting demographic and clinical information, QoL and its domain scores. Descriptive statistical analysis of demographic and clinical data was presented. Included 33 patients (43 +/- 11.0 years) who had neurolysis with a total of 61 nerves operated. The results of WHOQOL-bref showed that overall QoL mean was 11.2 (+/- 3.63) and domains scored as follow: physical (11.0 +/- 3.56), environment (11.47 +/- 2.11), psychological (13.29 +/- 2.79) and social relations (15.03 +/- 3.66). Measures of QoL should become part of the standard battery of tools used to assess health and well-being and it may contribute to identifying patients' needs in rehabilitation.

As Diretrizes Curriculares do curso de graduação em Medicina de 2014 incluem a Saúde Mental (SM) como uma das áreas obrigatórias do internato. O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar o internato integrado de SM e de Medicina de Família e Comunidade (MFC) da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) e a fundamentação da escolha da Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) como cenário de formação dos internos. Trata-se do relato da experiência do internato integrado de SM e MFC da UFRJ e da discussão de seus marcos teóricos. A alta prevalência de sofrimento psíquico e transtornos mentais na APS, o fato de ela ser a porta de entrada do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) e o fato de que a faculdade de Medicina deve formar médicos generalistas fazem deste cenário lócus privilegiado para o treinamento dos internos de Medicina em SM.

Leprosy is widely known because of progressive damage to the peripheral nerves. In spite of multidrug therapy, some patients develop chronic neuropathic pain after bacteriological cure. Chronic pain is associated with psychological distress and is also an important predictor of poor quality of life. The aim of this study is to assess psychological distress in leprosy patients with chronic neuropathic pain, and its repercussions on their quality of life. The sample of this cross-sectional study comprised patients with chronic neuropathic pain after multidrug therapy. Neuropathic pain was confirmed by clinical examination and by the Douleur neuropathique en 4 questions questionnaire. Pain intensity was assessed using a visual analogic scale (VAS) ruler. The psychological health of the participants was measured using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire, and the WHOQOL-bref was used to assess quality of life. The mean pain intensity reported by participants on the VAS was 7.1 cm (SD = 2.9). No differences in pain intensity with respect to gender were observed. Psychological distress was present in 76.2% of participants, being higher in those with Grade 2 of disability. Patients with psychological distress had the lowest mean scores in all domains of the WHOQOL-bref. The lowest mean scores according to domain were physical (9.9; SD = 3.3), followed by environment (11.9; SD = 3.0), psychological (13.5; SD = 2.6) and social relations (14.0; SD = 3.7). In conclusion, our study identified the presence of psychological distress in most of the participants. Patients with chronic neuropathic pain who were also found to have high psychological distress levels had higher pain intensity and a poorer quality of life.