Signs and symptoms in Gaucher Disease: priority nursing diagnoses / Señales y síntomas de la Enfermedad de Gaucher: diagnósticos prioritarios de enfermería / Sinais e sintomas na Doença de Gaucher: diagnósticos de enfermagem prioritários

ABSTRACT Objective: Identify the signs and symptoms of patients with Gaucher Disease, inferring possible priority nursing diagnoses. Method: Cross-sectional study, developed in a specialized laboratory, between 2013 and 2015. The sample (n = 91) comprised the records of patients with genetic diagnosis for Gaucher Disease. The study respected research norms. Results: Prevalence of female sex (57.1%), age at diagnosis between 0 and 10 years, and origin from the Southeast Region of Brazil were prevalent. Hematologic changes, bone pain, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and fatigue were the most recurrent signs and symptoms. The inferred diagnoses for the studied population were: Risk for bleeding; Fatigue; Chronic pain and Acute pain; Impaired physical mobility; Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements; and Risk for Developmental Delay. Conclusion: The establishment of Priority Nursing Diagnoses based on signs and symptoms makes it possible to achieve expected outcomes for each individual in the care context.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Identificar las señales y los síntomas de pacientes con Enfermedad de Gaucher, infiriendo los posibles diagnósticos prioritarios de enfermería. Método: Estudio transversal, desarrollado entre 2013 y 2015 en un laboratorio especializado. La muestra (n=91) estaba constituida por los registros de pacientes con diagnóstico genético de la Enfermedad de Gaucher. El estudio respetó las normas de la investigación. Resultados: Prevaleció el sexo femenino (57,1%), con franja de edad entre 0 y 10 años y procedencia de la Región Sureste de Brasil. Las alteraciones hematológicas, el dolor óseo, la hepatomegalia, la esplenomegalia y el cansancio fueron las señales y los síntomas más recurrentes. Los diagnósticos inferidos de la población estudiada fueron: Riesgo de sangrado; Fatiga; Dolor crónico y Dolor agudo; Movilidad física perjudicada; Nutrición desequilibrada: menos que las necesidades corporales; y Riesgo de Desarrollo atrasado. Conclusión: El establecimiento de los diagnósticos prioritarios de enfermería, a partir de las señales y de los síntomas, permite obtener los resultados esperados para cada individuo en el contexto del cuidado.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar os sinais e sintomas de pacientes com Doença de Gaucher, inferindo os possíveis diagnósticos de enfermagem prioritários. Método: Estudo transversal, desenvolvido em laboratório especializado, entre 2013 e 2015. A amostra (n=91) foi constituída dos registros de pacientes com diagnóstico genético para Doença de Gaucher. O estudo respeitou normas de pesquisa. Resultados: Foram prevalentes o sexo feminino (57,1%), faixa etária ao diagnóstico entre 0 e 10 anos e proveniência da Região Sudeste do Brasil. Alterações hematológicas, dor óssea, hepatomegalia, esplenomegalia, cansaço foram os sinais e sintomas mais recorrentes. Os diagnósticos inferidos para a população estudada foram: Risco de sangramento; Fadiga; Dor crônica e Dor aguda; Mobilidade física prejudicada; Nutrição desequilibrada: menos do que as necessidades corporais; e Risco de Desenvolvimento atrasado. Conclusão: O estabelecimento dos Diagnósticos de Enfermagem prioritários a partir dos sinais e sintomas possibilita alcançar resultados esperados a cada indivíduo no contexto do cuidado.

Use of a commercial agarose gel for analysis of urinary glycosaminoglycans in mucopolysaccharidoses

ABSTRACT Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are a group of inherited metabolic disorders caused by deficiency of enzymes that degrade glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Urinary excretion of GAGs is a common feature of MPS, and is considered their major biomarker. We aimed to adapt the GAG electrophoresis method to a commercial agarose gel which would be able to separate urinary GAGs in a simpler way with good sensitivity and reproducibility. Urine samples from patients previously diagnosed with MPS I, IV, and VI were used as electrophoretic standards. Samples from patients on enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) were also assessed. Commercial agarose gel electrophoresis was effective, showing proper definition and separation of GAG bands. Detection sensitivity exceeded 0.1 µg and band reproducibility were consistent. GAG bands quantified in urine samples from patients on ERT correlated very strongly (correlation coefficient = 0.98) with total GAG concentrations. This application of gel electrophoresis demonstrates the possibility of monitoring patients with MPS treated with ERT by analyzing separately the GAGs excreted in urine. We suggest this process should be applied to MPS screening as well as to follow-up of patients on treatment.

Eumycetoma by Madurella mycetomatis with 30 years of evolution: therapeutic challenge / Eumicetoma por Madurella mycetomatis com 30 anos de evolução: desafio terapêutico

We report a case of eumycetoma by Madurella mycetomatis on the buttocks and thighs in an adult immunocompetent patient, diagnosed after 30 years of clinical development. He was treated over four years with fluconazol and itraconazol associated with five times surgical excisions of subcutaneous nodules. At the eighth year of follow-up, one nodule recurred on the right infragluteal region, which was excised surgically and has remained asymptomatic ever since.

Relatamos o caso de um paciente adulto, imunocompetente, com eumicetoma por Madurella mycetomatis, localizado nos glúteos e coxas, diagnosticado após 30 anos de evolução clínica. Tratado no decorrer de quatro anos com fluconazol e itraconazol, associado a cinco tempos cirúrgicos de exérese dos nódulos subcutâneos. No oitavo ano de follow-up ocorreu recidiva de apenas um nódulo na região infraglútea, o qual foi excisado cirurgicamente, mantendo-se assintomático desde então.

Population analysis of the GLB1 gene in South Brazil

Infantile GM1 gangliosidosis is caused by the absence or reduction of lysosomal beta-galactosidase activity. Studies conducted in Brazil have indicated that it is one of the most frequent lysosomal storage disorders in the southern part of the country. To assess the incidence of this disorder, 390 blood donors were tested for the presence of two common mutations (1622-1627insG and R59H) in the GLB1 gene. Another group, consisting of 26 GM1 patients, and the blood donors were tested for the presence of two polymorphisms (R521C and S532G), in an attempt to elucidate whether there is a founder effect. The frequencies of the R59H and 1622-1627insG mutations among the GM1 patients studied were 19.2 percent and 38.5 percent, respectively. The frequency of polymorphism S532G was 16.7 percent, whereas R521C was not found in the patients. The overall frequency of either R59H or 1622-1627insG was 57.7 percent of the disease-causing alleles. This epidemiological study suggested a carrier frequency of 1:58. Seven different haplotypes were found. The 1622-1627insG mutation was not found to be linked to any polymorphism, whereas linkage disequilibrium was found for haplotype 2 (R59H, S532G) (p < 0.001). These data confirm the high incidence of GM1 gangliosidosis and the high frequency of two common mutations in southern Brazil.

Quantification of glucosylceramide in plasma of Gaucher disease patients

Gaucher disease is a sphingolipidosis that leads to an accumulation of glucosylceramide. The objective of this study was to develop a methodology, based on the extraction, purification and quantification of glucosylceramide from blood plasma, for use in clinical research laboratories. Comparison of the glucosylceramide content in plasma from Gaucher disease patients, submitted to enzyme replacement therapy or otherwise, against that from normal individuals was also carried out. The glucosylceramide, separated from other glycosphingolipids by high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) was chemically developed (CuSO4 / H3PO4) and the respective band confirmed by immunostaining (human anti-glucosylceramide antibody / peroxidase-conjugated secondary antibody). Chromatogram quantification by densitometry demonstrated that the glucosylceramide content in Gaucher disease patients was seventeen times higher than that in normal individuals, and seven times higher than that in patients on enzyme replacement therapy. The results obtained indicate that the methodology established can be used in complementary diagnosis and for treatment monitoring of Gaucher disease patients.

A doença de Gaucher é uma esfingolipidose caracterizada pelo acúmulo de glicosilceramida. O objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver metodologia baseada na extração, purificação e quantificação da glicosilceramida plasmática a qual possa ser usada em laboratórios de pesquisa clínica. Após o desenvolvimento desta metodologia, foi proposto, também, comparar o conteúdo de glicosilceramida presente no plasma de pacientes com doença de Gaucher, submetidos ou não a tratamento, com aquele de indivíduos normais. A glicosilceramida, separada de outros glicoesfingolipídios por cromatografia de camada delgada de alto desempenho (HPTLC), foi revelada quimicamente (CuSO4/H3PO4) e a respectiva banda foi confirmada por imunorrevelação (anticorpo anti-glicosilceramida humana/anticorpo secundário conjudado à peroxidase). A quantificação do cromatograma por densitometria demonstrou que o conteúdo de glicosilceramida nos pacientes com doença de Gaucher era 17 vezes maior que aquele de indivíduos normais e 7 vezes maior que aquele dos pacientes com doença de Gaucher submetidos a tratamento com terapia de reposição enzimática. Os resultados obtidos demonstram que a metodologia estabelecida pode ser usada como diagnóstico complementar e como monitoração do tratamento de pacientes com doença de Gaucher.

Fungos na periodontite crônica: revisão de literatura / Yeasts in chronic periodontitis: literature review

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi promover uma revisão de literatura sobre a participação dos fungos na etiologia e patogênese da periodontite crônica. RESULTADOS E DISCUSSÃO: Naboca, os fungos geralmente colonizam a língua, o palato e a mucosa, mas também podem ser encontradosem bolsas periodontais. A Cândida, especialmente, pode ser encontrada em grande número (7 a 57,8% das bolsas periodontais) em pacientes com periodontite crônica, apesar de alguns trabalhos não terem conseguido isolar fungos de bolsas periodontais de adultos ou os encontraram em sítios saudáveis. Em um estudo em grupo brasileiro, a Candida foi isolada na bolsa periodontal em 7,96% dos indivíduos examinados. CONCLUSÃO: Na presente revisão de literatura verificou-se que os estudos mostram a associação entre fungos e a periodontite crônica, embora o papel destes microrganismos na patogêneseda doença não seja bem compreendido.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to promote a literature review on the participation of the yeasts in the etiology and pathogenesis of the chronic periodontitis. RESULTS ANDDISCUSSION: In the mouth yeasts generally colonize the tongue, the palate and the mucosa, but they can also be found in periodontal pockets. Candida can be found in great numbers (7% to 57,8% of the periodontal pockets) in patients with chronic periodontitis, although in some studies yeasts could be found either in periodontal disease sites or in health sites. In Brazil, Candida hadbeen isolated from the periodontal pockets in 7,96% of the examined individuals. CONCLUSION: Therefore, in the present literature review it could be verified that several studies show anassociation between yeasts and chronic periodontitis, although the role of these microorganisms in the periodontal disease pathogenesis is not well understood.

Histopatologia e imuno-histoquímica de camundongos C57BL/6 infectados por Toxoplasma gondii cepa ME-49 e alimentados com micotoxinas / Histopatology and immunohistochemistry of C57BL/6 mice infected with Toxoplasma gondii ME-49 strain and fed with mycotoxins

A avaliação do curso da infecção por Toxoplasma gondii em camundongos alimentados com micotoxinas, utilizando a histopatologia e imuno-histoquímica, demonstrou a ocorrência de lesões mais acentuadas nos animais infectados e expostos às toxinas. Diferentes quadros de inflamação e necrose encefálica e hepática mostraram que a associação entre parasitismo e a ingestão das micotoxinas causou agravamento nas lesões. A fumonisina B1(FB1, isolada ou associada a outras micotoxinas) foi responsável por alterações celulares como gigantismo nuclear, hipertrofia celular e células atípicas em tecido hepático. A FB1 foi também relacionada com quadros de desmielinização em tecido cerebral. A presença de cistos ou formas livres da cepa ME-49 de T. gondii foi constatada tanto em animais controle quanto nos alimentados com micotoxinas, mostrando que a cepa do parasita, nesta linhagem C57BL/6 de camundongos, apresenta formas características de fase aguda e crônica da infecção.

The course of toxoplasmosis in mice fed with mycotoxins was evaluated by histopatology and immunohistochemistry. The most severe lesions was seen in animals infected by T. gondii and fed on mycotoxins, when they were compered with control animals. Encephalitis, hepatitis, necrosis foci in the brain and liver showed that the association parasite infection and micotoxicosis aggravated the lesions. The fumonisin B1(isolated or in adiccion to others mycotoxins) was responsable for cellular alteration like nuclear enlargement, cellular hypertrophy, and atypical cells in hepatic tissue. This mycotoxin was also related to brain desmyelinization. The presence of cysts or free parasites was observed in control and intoxicated animals. This result showed that ME49 strain of T. gondii, in C57BL/6 mice, can display typical forms of acute and chronic infection.

Cladophialophora carrionii: a rare agent of chromoblastomycosis in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil / Cladophialophora carrionii: agente raro de cromoblastomicose no estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

A 73 year-old male farm laborer from a rural area presented a 15 year history of extensive tumoral lesions over his left leg. Histological studies of skin biopsy showed pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia and granulomatous chronic inflammatory process with muriform cells, confirming chromoblastomycosis (CBM). Cladophialophora carrionii was isolated in culture. Treatment with itraconazole 400 mg/day for 12 months resulted in complete remission of lesions. As far we aware, this is the first case report of CBM caused by Cladophialophora carrionii in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil.

Lavrador, com 73 anos, residente em área rural apresentava há 15 anos lesões tumorais disseminadas na perna esquerda. Exame histopatológico de biópsia de pele mostrou hiperplasia pseudo-epiteliomatosa e processo inflamatório crônico granulomatoso com células muriformes, confirmando o diagnóstico de cromoblastomicose (CBM). Cladophialophora carrionii foi isolado na cultura. Tratamento com itraconazol 400 mg/dia durante 12 meses resultou na completa remissão das lesões. Este é o primeiro relato de CBM causado por C. carrionii no estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

Toxoplasmosis in squirrel monkeys: histological and immunohistochemical analysis

Necropsy findings in three cases of naturally occurring toxoplasmosis in squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) obtained as wild catches from the Amazon region were described. Histopathological evaluation of the liver, spleen, kidneys and mesenteric lymph nodes showed multiple foci of inflammation and necrosis. Typical, well-defined morphologic Toxoplasma gondii cysts and free forms of the parasite were found by immunoperoxidase staining within inflammatory infiltrates. The presence of T. gondii in the studied colony could severely influence the results of experiments performed in the animals.

Achados de necropsia em três casos de toxoplasmose ocorridos naturalmente em macacos-de-cheiro (Saimiri sciureus) obtidos de capturas na região Amazônica foram descritos. A avaliação histopatológica do fígado, baço, rins e linfonodos mesentéricos mostrou múltiplos focos de inflamação e necrose. Cistos morfológicos típicos e bem definidos de Toxoplasma gondii e formas livres foram detectados pelo método da imunoperoxidase com infiltrados inflamatórios. A presença de T. gondii na colônia de primatas estudada pode influenciar severamente os resultados de experimentos realizados nos animais.

Freshwater sponge spicules: a new agent of ocular pathology

In a recent outbreak of human ocular injuries that occurred in the town of Araguatins, at the right bank of Araguaia river, state of Tocantins, Brazil, along the low water period of 2005, two patients (8 and 12-year-old boys) presented inferior adherent leukoma in the left eye (OS), and peripherical uveites, with snowbanking in the inferior pars plana. The third one (13-year-old girl) showed posterior uveites in OS, also with snowbanking. Histopathological analysis of lensectomy material from the three patients and vitrectomy from the last one revealed several silicious spicules (gemmoscleres) of the freshwater sponges Drulia uruguayensis and D. ctenosclera. This work brings material evidences, for the first time in the literature, that freshwater sponge spicules may be a surprising new etiological agent of ocular pathology.

Complete genetic characterization of a Brazilian dengue virus type 3 strain isolated from a fatal outcome

We have determined the complete nucleotide and the deduced amino acid sequences of Brazilian dengue virus type 3 (DENV-3) from a dengue case with fatal outcome, which occurred during an epidemic in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2002. This constitutes the first complete genetic characterization of a Brazilian DENV-3 strain since its introduction into the country in 2001. DENV-3 was responsible for the most severe dengue epidemic in the state, based on the highest number of reported cases and on the severity of clinical manifestations and deaths reported.

Morfologia e função fagocitária de implante esplênico autógeno regenerado em ratos / Morphology and phagocytic function of regenerated autogenous splenic implant in rats

Objetivo: O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar a regeneração morfológica de tecido esplênico auto-implantado em ratos Wistar, verificando a função fagocitária bacteriana de seus macrófagos. Métodos: Utilizou-se um modelo experimental com ratos jovens e adultos, de ambos os sexos, submetidos a esplenectomia total combinada com auto-implante de fatias de toda a massa esplênica no omento maior. Dezesseis semanas após, os animais foram inoculados por via intravenosa com suspensão de Escherichia coli AB1157 e, após 20 minutos, foram mortos por dose letal de halotano, sendo submetidos a laparotomia para retirada dos auto-implantes esplênicos. A análise estatística foi realizada com o teste t de Student, com ênfase na comparação da massa de auto-implante esplênico regenerada entre animais jovens e adultos de ambos os sexos. Resultados: Ocorreu regeneração do auto-implante esplênico em todos os animais. Machos jovens e fêmeas adultas apresentaram maior percentual de regeneração. Observou-se aspecto morfológico microscópico semelhante em todos os animais. O tecido esplênico regenerado mostrou as polpas vermelha e branca, com desarranjo arquitetural moderado, bem como folículos linfóides. Os vasos sangüíneos mostravam paredes preservadas, sem sinais de vasculite ou trombose. Foram encontrados macrófagos contendo grumos de bactérias, bem como macrófagos contendo pigmento de hemossiderina intracitoplasmáticos. Conclusão: O auto-implante esplênico, no omento maior, em ratos, adquire a arquitetura macro e microscópica de um baço normal, de dimensão menor e preserva a função fagocitária bacteriana.

Detection of Toxoplasma gondii DNA by polymerase chain reaction in experimentally desiccated tissues

Despite toxoplasmosis being a common infection among human and other warm-blooded animals worldwide, there are no findings about Toxoplasma gondii evolutionary forms in ancient populations. The molecular techniques used for amplification of genetic material have allowed recovery of ancient DNA (aDNA) from parasites contained in mummified tissues. The application of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to paleoparasitological toxoplasmosis research becomes a promising option, since it might allow diagnosis, acquisition of paleoepidemiological data, access to toxoplasmosis information related origin, evolution, and distribution among the ancient populations.Furthermore, it makes possible the analysis of parasite aDNA aiming at phylogenetic studies. To standardize and evaluate PCR applicability to toxoplasmosis paleodiagnostic, an experimental mummification protocol was tested using desiccated tissues from mice infected with the ME49 strain cysts, the chronic infection group (CIG), or infected with tachyzoites (RH strain), the acute infection group (AIG). Tissues were subjected to DNA extraction followed by PCR amplification of T. gondii B1 gene. PCR recovered T. gondii DNA in thigh muscle, encephalon, heart, and lung samples. AIG presented PCR positivity in encephalon, lungs, hearts, and livers. Based on this results, we propose this molecular approach for toxoplasmosis research in past populations.

Effect of amikacin, cephalothin, clindamycin and vancomycin on in vitro fibroblast growth

The effect of four antibiotics (amikacin, clindamycin, cephalothin and vancomycin) was investigated considering that bacterial infection in fibroblasts cultures is a very frequent event. The investigation included the effect of the antibiotics on fibroblast growth and on the activity of the enzyme glucocerebrosidase. The antibiotics were added to the fibroblast cultures and cell growth was evaluated by counting the number of cells and their viability. After cell harvesting, the enzyme activity and content of protein were measured. The results allowed us to conclude that none of the antibiotics affected the cellular number nor the cellular viability. The content of protein decreased when cephalothin and clindamycin were added to the cultures, and glucocerebrosidase was affected in the presence of amikacin. Vancomycin did not interfere with any of the parameters analyzed, so it was chosen to be used in cell cultures to prevent the contamination by gram positive bacteria.

Otimizaçäo da reaçäo de polimerase em cadeia para detecçäo de Toxoplasma gondii em sangue venoso e placenta de gestantes / Optimization of Toxoplasma gondii detection by PCR in pregnants blood and placenta

A detecçäo de Toxoplasma gondii no sangue venoso e na placenta de gestantes pela reaçäo de polimerase em cadeia pode facilitar o diagnóstico préðnatal do toxoplasmose congênita. Foram avaliadas gestantes IgMðreagentes e os seus filhos. Além das dosagens de IgG, IgM, IgA e reaçäo de avidez de IgG (MEIA), foram realizadas a técnica de imunoperoxidase e a inoculaçäo em camundongos. De cada amostra foi efetuada amplificaçäo gênica com primers do gene B1 e novos primers do gene TGR (chamados ABGTg7 C1 e N1). É preciso observar que o tratamento poderia ser responsável por uma diminuiçäo da infecçäo. Desta forma, o diagnóstico negativo confirmaria a eficiência do tratamento preventivo na replicaçäo parasitária no útero. A reaçäo de polimerase em cadeia mostrouðse sensível e específica; evidenciou a presença de um a dez taquizoítas; pode ser utilizada com segurança e confiabilidade, além de tornar rápido o diagnóstico da toxoplasmose congênita, sendo, assim, ferramenta importante na avaliaçäo préðnatal

Bacillary angiomatosis: description of 13 cases reported in five reference centers for AIDS treatment in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The aim of this case series was to describe the clinical, laboratory and epidemiological characteristics and the presentation of bacillary angiomatosis cases (and/or parenchymal bacillary peliosis) that were identified in five public hospitals of Rio de Janeiro state between 1990 and 1997; these cases were compared with those previously described in the medical literature. Thirteen case-patients were enrolled in the study; the median age was 39 years and all patients were male. All patients were human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infected and they had previous or concomitant HIV-associated opportunistic infections or malignancies diagnosed at the time bacillary angiomatosis was diagnosed. Median T4 helper lymphocyte counts of patients was 96 cells per mmÝ. Cutaneous involvement was the most common clinical manifestation of bacillary angiomatosis in this study. Clinical remission following appropriate treatment was more common in our case series than that reported in the medical literature, while the incidence of relapse was similar. The frequency of bacillary angiomatosis in HIV patients calculated from two of the hospitals included in our study was 1.42 cases per 1000 patients, similar to the frequencies reported in the medical literature. Bacillary angiomatosis is an unusual opportunistic pathogen in our setting

Clinical and laboratorial study of 19 cases of mucopolysaccharidoses

The mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are a heterogeneous group of inborn errors of lysosomal glycosaminoglycan (GAG) metabolism. The importance of this group of disorders among the inborn errors of metabolism led us to report 19 cases. METHOD: We performed clinical, radiological, and biochemical evaluations of the suspected patients, which allowed us to establish a definite diagnosis in 19 cases. RESULTS: Not all patients showed increased GAG levels in urine; enzyme assays should be performed in all cases with strong clinical suspicion. The diagnosis was made on average at the age of 48 months, and the 19 MPS cases, after a full clinical, radiological, and biochemical study, were classified as follows: Hurler -- MPS I (1 case); Hunter -- MPS II (2 cases); Sanfilippo -- MPS III (2 cases); Morquio -- MPS IV (4 cases); Maroteaux-Lamy -- MPS VI (9 cases); and Sly -- MPS VII (1 case). DISCUSSION: The high relative frequency of Maroteaux-Lamy disease contrasts with most reports in the literature and could express a population variability

Fibroblasts of skin fragments as a tool for the investigation of genetic diseases: technical recommendations

Biópsias de pele säo freqüentemente indicadas para a investigaçäo e/ou confirmaçäo de um distúrbio genético. Embora relativamente simples e näo invasivo, este procedimento deve ser executado com cuidado de modo a aumentar as chances de sucesso, evitando o desconforto para o paciente e os custos para o laboratório gerados por uma eventual necessidade de repetiçäo da análise. Este trabalho destaca a importância da biópsia de pele para o diagnóstico de doenças genéticas e descreve as normas gerais para coleta, acondicionamento, transporte e processamento da amostra. Sua leitura é recomendável para profisionais que pretendem utilizar esta importante, e às vezes fundamental, ferramenta diagnóstica.

Early infantile form of galactosialidosis in a female baby with a prenatal diagnosis of fetal ascites - First case in Brazil

Apresentamos o primeiro caso de galactosialidose do tipo infantil precoce identificado entre a populaçäo brasileira, uma grave e rara doença de depósito lisossomal, com apenas 12 casos claramente descritos mundialmente. Estudos clínicos, patológicos e bioquímicos realizados foram consistentes com os dados já publicados na literatura científica. Detectamos a doença em uma menina de 7 meses de idade, com diagnóstico de ascite no período pré-natal e evoluçäo compatível com doença de depósito, através da cromatografia em camada fina para oligossacarídeos, que é parte integrante do programa de triagem para erros inatos do metabolismo (EIM) em crianças de alto risco, realizado no Estado do Rio de Janeiro.

Detection of metabolic disorders in high-risk patients: a pilot study in Salvador, Bahia

The purpose of this pilot-study was to evaluate the applicability of a screening protocol for the detection of inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) in high-risk patients. The protocol was applied in 65 patients referred to the Medical Genetics Laboratory of the University Hospital Professor Edgard Santos due to the suspicion of an IEM. Eight of these patients (12.3 percent) displayed an abnormal result in the screening protocol. These patients, along with 22 who displayed normal results in the screening protocol but who presented clinical symptoms or signs suggestive of an IEM not detectable by the tests applied, were selected for a further diagnostic investigation. In 5 of these 30 patients (7.7 percent of the total sample) it was possible to establish the diagnosis of an specific IEM. The results indicate that the designed screening protocol was sucessfully applied, allowing the detection of affected patients in a frequency comparable to that observed in larger studies performed elsewhere. The continuation of this study and the enlargement of the sample will help to delineate the profile of IEM in northeast of Brazil and will allow the identification of a significative number of patients and families. who could benefit from the therapeutic and preventive measures available for these diseases.