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Introduction: COVID-19 infection may cause erectile dysfunction due to local viral infection and impairing mental health. Objective: To analyze the erectile function in Brazilian sample patients during pandemics with and without COVID-19 infection and compare with results from a sample obtained before the pandemic. Methods: Internet survey with epidemiologic questions, data on COVID-19 infection, and the International Index for Erectile Function (IIEF). Patients were divided into those with and without infections. A control group with results obtained before the pandemic was also included. Results: Four hundred twenty-two males were studied 210 with data obtained before the pandemic; 208 with data obtained during the pandemic (84 with COVID-19 infection and 124 without). Patients with COVID-19 infection had worse results of IIEF than those without (in the pandemics and before pandemics) with p=0.01 and used more sexual stimulants (p=0.02). The results were worse in the first month after the infection. Conclusion: Patients with COVID-19 infection had impairment in erectile function that is more severe in the first month after infection.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The feet may be involved in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), causing pain and walking difficulties. This research aimed to study the involvement of the foot in a sample of Brazilian patients with AS. METHODS: The Brazilian version of the Foot Function Index (FFI-BR) was applied to 103 individuals (57 AS patients and 46 controls). Clinical profiles were obtained in AS patients as well as the measurement of disease activity by the ASDAS (Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score)-ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), ASDAS-CRP (C reactive protein) and BASDAI (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index) and function by BASFI (Bath Ankylosing spondylitis functional score). RESULTS: Only 19.2% of AS patients did not have any foot complaints and the FFI-BR score presented worse results than the control group (p = 0.02). The "pain" domain of FFI-BR scored highest in AS patients, followed by "disability". There was no association between the results of the FFI-BR and the clinical profile of patients with AS, but there was an association between the score and the disease activity indexes (r = 0.50, p = 0.003 with ASDAS-ESR; r = 0.44, p = 0.005 with ASDAS-CRP; and r = 0.60, p < 0.0001 with BASDAI). The BASFI also showed a positive correlation (r = 0.72; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Pain and disability are common in AS patients and these symptoms are associated with disease activity.

Background Patients with colorectal cancer may seek the emergency department for symptoms related to chemotherapy and radiotherapy side effects as well as those from the disease itself and from surgery complications. Objectives To establish the epidemiological and clinical profile of colorectal cancer patients that look for consultations in the emergency department. Methods Retrospective study of emergency room charts from colorectal cancer patients that consulted in a single oncological hospital for the period of 1 year. Results Four hundred and forty-six consultations were identified (49.5% males and 50.5% females) with a mean age of 63 years and with advanced disease (most with tumor, node, metastases [TNM] stages III and IV). The most common complaint was abdominal pain (27.5%), followed by nausea (4.7%; more commonly seen in females with p = 0.03) and bladder symptoms (4.7%; more commonly seen in males, with p = 0.003). Infections (10.3%) and acute abdominal pain (9.1%) were the most frequent diagnoses. About 18% of them were admitted to the hospital and 80% were discharged home. Conclusion The profile of patients with colorectal cancer seeking the emergency department comprises patients with advanced disease and a similar proportion of males and females. Symptom-driven complaints were the most frequent reason for consultations.

Abstract Background There is a lack of information on the role of chronic use of hydroxychloroquine during the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. Our aim was to compare the occurrence of COVID-19 between rheumatic disease patients on hydroxychloroquine with individuals from the same household not taking the drug during the first 8 weeks of community viral transmission in Brazil. Methods This baseline cross-sectional analysis is part of a 24-week observational multi-center study involving 22 Brazilian academic outpatient centers. All information regarding COVID-19 symptoms, epidemiological, clinical, and demographic data were recorded on a specific web-based platform using telephone calls from physicians and medical students. COVID-19 was defined according to the Brazilian Ministry of Health (BMH) criteria. Mann–Whitney, Chi-square and Exact Fisher tests were used for statistical analysis and two binary Final Logistic Regression Model by Wald test were developed using a backward-stepwise method for the presence of COVID-19. Results From March 29th to May 17st, 2020, a total of 10,443 participants were enrolled, including 5166 (53.9%) rheumatic disease patients, of whom 82.5% had systemic erythematosus lupus, 7.8% rheumatoid arthritis, 3.7% Sjögren’s syndrome and 0.8% systemic sclerosis. In total, 1822 (19.1%) participants reported flu symptoms within the 30 days prior to enrollment, of which 3.1% fulfilled the BMH criteria, but with no significant difference between rheumatic disease patients (4.03%) and controls (3.25%). After adjustments for multiple confounders, the main risk factor significantly associated with a COVID-19 diagnosis was lung disease (OR 1.63; 95% CI 1.03–2.58); and for rheumatic disease patients were diagnosis of systemic sclerosis (OR 2.8; 95% CI 1.19–6.63) and glucocorticoids above 10 mg/ day (OR 2.05; 95% CI 1.31–3.19). In addition, a recent influenza vaccination had a protective effect (OR 0.674; 95% CI 0.46–0.98). Conclusion Patients with rheumatic disease on hydroxychloroquine presented a similar occurrence of COVID-19 to household cohabitants, suggesting a lack of any protective role against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Trial registration Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC; RBR – 9KTWX6).

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease, which compromises the synovial membrane resulting in chronic inflammation. Ficolins are key proteins of the lectin pathway of complement able to recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns, apoptotic cells, and cellular debris mediating the clearance by phagocytes. High ficolin-1 and ficolin-3 levels have been observed in RA patients, however, the influence of polymorphisms in the FCN1 gene in RA is not completely established, while no study evaluated FCN3 gene polymorphisms in RA to date. We investigated the influence of FCN1 and FCN3 gene polymorphisms in the susceptibility and clinical presentation of RA. A total of 148 patients with RA and up to 160 controls from Southern Brazil were genotyped by sequence-specific PCR (PCR-SSP) for five FCN1 promoter polymorphisms (rs2989727, rs10120023, rs17039495, rs10117466, and rs10858293) and three FCN3 gene variants (rs532781899, rs28362807, and rs4494157). The FCN1 g.-542GG (rs10120023) genotype and g.-542G allele, were associated with increased susceptibility to RA (p = .025, OR = 1.69 [1.07–2.69]; p = .041, OR = 1.47 [1.02–2.12], respectively) and related to decreased FCN1 gene expression in whole blood (p A] polymorphism in the promoter region might contribute to RA susceptibility, probably by impacting FCN1 gene expression.

Introduction: The COVID-19 outbreak was responsible for a high number of deaths worldwide. Not only the physical health was affected by COVID-19. Thus, to avoid the infection spreading, social distancing and quarantine have been adopted, bringing rupture to previous habits, economic losses, and isolation. Objective: To study the sexual life during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazilian individuals. Methods: This cross-sectional study using an internet survey was conducted from June 10th to July 30th, 2020 with epidemiological questions, questions on fatigue and depression, and the sexual quotient scale (SQS). Results: The survey was answered by 2,131 individuals: 325 males, median age 25 years (IQR=22.0-33.5 years), range between 18 to 69 years and 1,806 females with median age 25 years (IQR=22-31 years), range between 18 to 67 years. In 49% of males and 29% of females (29%), there were no changes in sexual life. In 43.7% of females and 32.1% of males, some deterioration was observed while in 26.3% of females and 18.1% some improvement was noted. Despite this, 90.8% of males and 85% of females scored as having good sexual performance according to SQS. Sexual performance was negatively influenced by fatigue, state of mind in males and females; having a fixed partner and staying at home impaired male performance. Conclusion: Despite the pandemic, the studied sample showed good sexual performance in the studied period.

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the use of subconjuctival administration of the anti-tumor necrosis factor agent adalimumab for treatment of dry eye in patients with Sjögren’s syndrome, and to investigate conjunctival healing. Methods Prospective, nonrandomized, noncomparative interventional case series including consecutive patients with Sjögren’s syndrome and dry eye disease treated with subconjunctival adalimumab, who were refractory to conventional treatment. Patients with infectious ocular surface involvement or structural changes in the tear pathway or eyelids were excluded. Data recorded included age, sex, lissamine green staining pattern, Schirmer test results, intraocular pressure, conjunctival mobility, tear break up time and findings of biomicroscopic evaluation, following fluorescein dye instillation. The Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire validated for the Portuguese language was used for subjective assessment of patients. Results Eleven eyes of eight patients were studied. Mean patient age was 53±13.4 years. Patients were treated with subconjunctival injection of 0.03 mL of adalimumab and followed for 90 days thereafter. There were no statistically significant objective improvement (objective tests results; p>0.05) and no statistically significant changes in intraocular pressure (p=0.11). Questionnaire responses revealed a significant improvement in ocular symptoms (p=0.002). Conclusion Based on the Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire, subconjunctival administration of adalimumab improved dry eye symptoms. However, objective assessments failed to reveal statistically significant improvements.

Introduction: Acne and isotretinoin, one of its treatment, have been linked to the occurrence of depression. Our aim was to study if isotretinoin is associated with depression in a sample of acne patients followed for 6 months comparing them with acne patients under other treatment modalities and control patients without acne. Methods: One hundred individuals were included: 50 controls and 50 with acne (24 using and 26 not using isotretinoin). Patients and controls answered the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the 12 Item-Short Form Health Survey for quality of life (SF-12). Acne patients repeated this evaluation in 90 and 180 days. Results: No differences were found between controls and acne patients regarding BDI results but controls performed worse in the SF-12 mental domain (p=0.004). No differences were found within the acne group between those treated and not treated with isotretinoin in the comparison of the BDI and SF-12 (mental and physical domains) in days 0. 90 and 180 (all with p>0.05). Conclusion: In this small sample isotretinoin treatment showed to be safe regarding the occurrence of depression.

Abstract Objective: To study the association of dry eye with lupus disease activity and cumulative damage. To verify if epidemiological, treatment and autoantibody profile of SLE (systemic Lupus erythematosus) patients influence the presence of dry eye. Methods: We studied 70 SLE patients for the presence of dry eye by Schirmer test, disease activity by SLEDAI (SLE-Disease activity index) and cumulative damage by SLICC/ACR DI (Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index). Patients were also submitted to the OSDI (Ocular Surface Disease Index) questionnaire. Epidemiological and treatment data and autoantibody profile were extracted from the charts. Results: Dry eye by Schirmer test was present in 51.4% of the sample. No association of the presence of dry eye with SLEDAI and SLICC DI were found (p = ns). Subjective symptoms of dry eye measured by OSDI showed a modest correlation with SLEDAI (Spearman rho = 0.32). Treatment profile did not influence in the presence of dry eye that was more common in older patients (p < 0.0001). Anti dsDNA had a negative association with the presence of positive Schirmer test (p = 0.0008). Conclusions: Dry eye detected by Schirmer test in SLE patients has no association with disease activity nor cumulative damage. Anti dsDNA seems to have a protective effect in this context.

Background: Chronic inflammatory diseases lead to glycation of protein, lipids and nuclear acids. One product generated in this context is pentosidine. Aim: To study pentosidine levels in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and its possible association with disease activity and cumulative damage. Methods: Pentosidine serum levels were measured in the serum by ELISA commercial kits in 79 patients with SLE. Disease activity index and cumulative damage were studied by SELENA-SLEDAI (Safety of Estrogen in Lupus National Assessment Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index) and cumulative damage by SLICC/ACR DI (Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology damage index for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) respectively and simultaneously with determination of pentosidine levels. Epidemiological and clinical and serological profile were collected from the charts. Results: In the 79 studied patients, the SLEDAI ranged from 0 to 12 (median of 0) and the SLICC/ACR-DI from 0 to 4 (median of 0). Serum pentosidine levels did not correlate with SLEDAI neither with SLICC. Patients with discoid skin lesions and photosensitivity had lower levels than those without them, with p ​= ​0.04 in both. Conclusion: In SLE, serum pentosidine levels did not reflect activity and cumulative damage. Patients with skin manifestations had lower levels of this biomarker.

Background: Osteoporosis (OP) is a metabolic bone illness that may complicate celiac disease (CD). It can lead to devastating consequences because of low bone mass and fragility fractures. Purpose: To study the OP prevalence in a group of Brazilian patients with CD and the value of a gluten free diet (GFD). Methods: Retrospective study of celiac female patients from a single University Center followed with bone densitometries. Results from densitometry made at first visit were compared with a second study after a median time of 5 years. During this period, patients were submitted to a GFD according to orientations from special program training. Calcium and vitamin D were prescribed to those patients who did not reach the minimal daily requirement through diet. Results: Forty-one celiac female patients, mean age 46.1 ± 14.8 years, were included. The prevalence of osteopenia at first visit was 56.1% and that of osteoporosis 29.2%. Osteoporosis was associated with longer disease duration (p = 0.01). The second densitometry was performed in a median time of 5 years (range 1 to 13 years) and disclosed 58.9% osteopenia and 28.2% osteoporosis. The GFD improved bone mass, mainly at (of) spine (comparison of T score with p = 0.03 and of bone mass in g/cm² with p = 0.02), but it was not sufficient to reduce the number of osteopenic (p = 0.9) and osteoporotic patients (p = 0.4). During the follow up period 25% of osteoporotic patients developed low impact fractures. Conclusion: Bone health is notably impaired at baseline in CD patients, especially in those with a diagnostic delay. A GFD modestly improved bone mass density with low impact fractures occurring in one third of patients during the follow up period.

Objective: To study systemic lupus erythematosus in a Brazilian population using the American College of Rheumatology hematological classification criteria and report associations of the disease with serological and clinical profiles. Methods: This is a retrospective study of 460 systemic lupus erythematosus patients followed in a single rheumatologic center during the last 10 years. Hematological manifestations considered for this study were hemolysis, leukopenia, lymphocytopenia and thrombocytopenia. Results: The cumulative prevalences of leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, lymphocytopenia and hemolytic anemia were 29.8%, 21.08%, 17.7% and 8.4%, respectively. A higher percentage of patients with hemolysis had anticardiolipin IgM (p-value = 0.002). Those with leukopenia had more lymphopenia (p-value = 0.02), psychosis (p-value = 0.01), thrombocy- topenia (p-value

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.

Isquemia é comum em esclerodermia sistêmica e é causada por vasoespasmo e trombose. As autoras analisaram a associação de eventos vasculares periféricos e anticorpos anticardiolipinas (aCl) em 54 esclerodérmicos. Em 100% deles existia Raynaud; 59,2% apresentaram cicatrizes estelares; 43,3%, telangiectasias; 14,8%, fenômenos tromboembólicos periféricos. ACl IgG foram positivos em 9,2% dos casos e o IgM, em 7,4%. Fenômenos embólicos periféricos estão associados a aCl IgG (p=0,03), não se encontrando associação com demais manifestações.Ischemia is common in systemic scleroderma and it is caused by vasospasm and thrombosis. In the present study we analyzed the association of peripheral vascular events and anticardiolipin (aCl) antibodies in 54 patients suffering from systemic scleroderma. The results showed that 100% of the patients presented Raynaud; 59.2% presented digital micro scars; 43.3%, presented teleangiectasies and 14.8%, presented peripheral thromboembolism. ACl IgG were positive in 9.2% and IgM, in 7.4%. Peripheral tromboembolic phenomena had a positive association with aCl IgG (p=0.03). No other associations were found.

BackgroundMannan-binding lectin-associated serine protease 2 (MASP-2) is a key protein of the lectin pathway of complement. MASP-2 levels have been associated with different polymorphisms within MASP2 gene as well as with the risk for inflammatory disorders and infections. Despite its clinical importance, MASP-2 remains poorly investigated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsIn this case-control study, we measured MASP-2 serum levels in 156 RA patients, 44 patient relatives, and 100 controls from Southern Brazil, associating the results with nine MASP2 polymorphisms in all patients, 111 relatives, and 230 controls genotyped with multiplex SSP-PCR.ResultsMASP-2 levels were lower in patients than in controls and relatives (medians 181 vs. 340 or 285 ng/ml, respectively, PConclusionsIn this study, we found the first evidence that MASP-2 deficiency might play an important role in the development of RA and articular symptoms among relatives of RA patients.

A nodulose por metotrexato (MTX) é um dos efeitos colaterais pouco conhecidos do uso desse medicamento em doses baixas. Embora classicamente descrita em casos de artrite reumatóide, tem aparecido, também, em outras doenças reumáticas. Descreve-se aqui um caso de nodulose por MTX em uma paciente com artrite reumatóide soropositiva, que utilizava esse medicamento há um ano, com bom controle do processo articular. Segue-se uma breve revisão sobre o assunto.Methotrexate-induced nodulosis is a rare side effect of this drug when it is used in low doses. Although classically described in rheumatoid arthritis patients, it may also appear in other rheumatic disorders. We describe a seropositive rheumatoid arthritis patient who developed methotrexate-induced nodulosis after using this drug for a year, with good control of articular symptoms. This case presentation is followed by a brief revision on the subject.

Os autores descrevem um caso de livedo reticularis com ulceração em paciente portadora de anticorpo anticardiolipina do tipo IgA. A identificação do elemento causal e o estabelecimento de anticoagulação permitiu considerável melhora do quadro clínico com cicatrização das lesões.The authors describe a case of livedo reticularis with ulcers caused by IgA anticardiolipin antibodies. The correct identification of the etiologic factor and anticoagulation led to regression of the clinical picture and healing of ulcers.

ABSTRACT Objectives: This study aims to verify the new-onset diabetes after kidney transplant (NODAT) incidence in recipients within 1 year after kidney transplantation from a single center in Southern Brazil and to assess the associated conditions. Subjects and methods: A retrospective study of 258 post-renal transplant patients was performed. Demographic (gender, age, ethnic background) and clinical (origin of graft, associated infections, body mass index (BMI) at transplant time and 6 and 12 months after, causes of renal failure, and comorbidities) data were analyzed. All patients were on tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisone treatment. Patients with and without NODAT were compared. Results: A NODAT incidence of 31.2% was noted 1 year post transplantation. In the univariate analysis, patients with NODAT were older (p = 0.001), mostly had African–American ethnic background (p = 0.02), and had renal failure secondary to high blood pressure (HBP) (p = 0.001). The group of patients with NODAT also had more incidence of post-transplant HBP (p = 0.01), heart failure (p = 0.02), and dyslipidemia (p = 0.001). Logistic regression showed that African–American ethnic background, post-transplant HBP, and dyslipidemia were independently associated with NODAT. Conclusion: This study shows a NODAT incidence that is greater in patients with African–American ethnic background and that is associated with HBP and dyslipidemia.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a espessura da camada médio-intimal da artéria carótida comum em pacientes com e sem esclerodermia e verificar possível associação com sua gravidade. MÉTODOS: Em estudo caso-controle, foram selecionados 30 pacientes com esclerodermia e 30 sem a doença e pareados de acordo com a idade, sexo, hipertensão arterial sistêmica, diabete melito e hipercolesterolemia. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à avaliação das artérias carótidas pela ultrassonografia vascular de alta resolução e realizada a medida do espessamento da camada médio-intimal das carótidas comuns a 2cm da bifurcação carotídea. Em toda a análise foi considerado o maior valor da camada médio-intimal nas artérias carótidas direita e esquerda. RESULTADOS: A amostra foi composta de 30 pacientes estudados, sendo 29 (96,67%) mulheres e um homem (3,3%) com idade de 17 a 79 anos (média de 48 anos). Nesta amostra existiam 11/30 (36,67%) com hipertensão arterial, 5/30 (16,67%) com diabete melito, 6/30 (20%) com dislipidemia e 2/30 (6,67%) fumantes. Ao comparar a medida do maior risco (espessura máxima entre o lado esquerdo e o lado direito), obteve-se média de 0,77mm para o grupo esclerodermia e valor de 0,70mm para o grupo controle (p=0,212). Ao avaliar a associação entre gravidade da doença e a camada médio-intimal da carótida, não se encontrou associação significativa (p=0,925). CONCLUSÃO: Encontra-se discreto aumento do espessamento da camada médio-intimal da artéria carótida comum em pacientes com esclerodermia, mas sem significância estatística. Com relação à gravidade da doença e o espessamento da camada médio-intimal da carótida comum, não foi verificada diferença.

ABSTRACT Background Rheumatic diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis (AS) may be associated with sexual dysfunction. Aim To study erectile function of a group of Brazilian AS patients comparing them with controls. Materials and Methods This was a cross sectional study approved by the local Committee of Ethics in Research. The questionnaire IIEF (International Index of Erectile Function) was applied to 40 AS patients and 40 healthy controls. AS patients had determination of disease activity (through BASDAI or Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease activity index), ASDAS (Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score, MASES or Maastricht Ankylosing Spondylitis Score and SPARCC or Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada), function (through BASFI or Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index and HAQ or Health Assessment Questionnaire) and BASMI (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrological Index). Results AS patients had a median score on IIEF of 22.0 (IQR=18-25) while controls had 29 (IQR=27-30) with p

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can affect the feet, thus compromising the patient’s gait and autonomy. In this study, we investigated foot disability in RA patients using the Brazilian versions of the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ-BR) and Foot Function Index (FFI-BR). DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional, observational study conducted in a tertiary care hospital. METHODS: Two hundred individuals were studied: 100 with RA and 100 controls. Demographic variables and FFI-BR and FHSQ-BR scores were analyzed. In relation to RA patients, data on medications used and on the following clinical variables were collected: Disease Activity Score-28-ESR; erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) level and rheumatoid factor (RF) level. The groups were compared and the scores and clinical variables were correlated. RESULTS: RA patients’ scores in the pain, difficulty and disability domains of the FFI-BR questionnaire were worse (P < 0.0001). The FHSQ-BR showed that there were differences between RA patients and controls in relation to the pain and foot function domains: shoes (P < 0.0001), foot health (P < 0.0001), general health (P=0.0002), physical activity (P < 0.0001), social capacity (P = 0.0006) and vigor (P = 0.01). There were correlations between FFI-BR and DAS-28-ESR scores (rho = 0.45), ESR (rho = 0.27) and CRP (rho = 0.24). According to the FHSQ-BR questionnaire, there was a correlation between DAS-28-ESR and worse foot health (rho = 0.29). CONCLUSION: RA patients’ scores in the foot health assessment questionnaires were worse than those of controls. A correlation between inflammatory activity and worse foot function was found.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Patients with Down syndrome (DS) seem to have higher rates of hyperuricemia, although there are very few studies that address this issue. High levels of uric acid (UA) are an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic heart disease. Objective: To study the prevalence of hyperuricemia in DS children and its distribution according to age. Methods: Retrospective study of 139 DS patients aged 1-14 years for serum UA values considering the normal cut-off values for age. Results: Among the 139 included patients, 70 (50.4%) were males, 69 (49.6%) were females, and the mean age was 5.31 ± 3.49 years (range 1-14 years). In this sample, 39 (28.1%) had serum UA levels above the normal value. We did not find differences in the serum UA according to gender, except in patients in the range of 13-15 years, where males had mean UA levels of 5.75 ± 1.37 mg/dl; and females, of 8.02 ± 0.77 mg/dl (p = 0.02). Conclusion: We found a high rate of hyperuricemia in children with DS that equally affects both genders, except in the age range of 13-15 years, in which it was more common among females.