The use of medicinal plants for the treatment of psoriasis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that presents as scaly patches on the skin that affects about 3% of the world's population. Adherence to treatment and discrimination against people are common problems, adversely impacts quality of life. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the use of medicinal plants as therapeutic adjuvants in the treatment of plaque psoriasis through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in patients with plaque psoriasis was carried out, comparing the efficacy of herbal treatments alone or in association with other therapies. The search was performed in the databases of The Cochrane Library, Lilacs, Medline via PubMed and Embase, only including studies published from 2016 to 2020.The certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT) in patients with plaque psoriasis was carried out, comparing the efficacy of herbal treatments alone or in association with other therapies. We comprehensively searched the MEDLINE, Embase, Lilacs and Cochrane Library databases, only including studies published from 2016 to 2020. The certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. Results: Out of 2,268 articles evaluated, only seven RCT were eligible for final analysis. Five of these studies evidenced low risk of bias and a high level of evidence. Limitations: Few RCT of medicinal plants. Conclusion: This meta-analysis indicates that medicinal plants may be used as topical or oral products, either alone or combined with other forms of treatment. These products have the potential to greatly improve the quality of life of the patient

Could ultrasound and muscle elastography be associated with clinical assessment, laboratory and nailfold capillaroscopy in juvenile dermatomyositis patients?

Abstract Background Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM) is the most common idiopathic inflammatory myopathy in children. Imaging exams are useful for muscle assessment, with ultrasonography (US) being a promising tool in detecting disease activity and tissue damage. There are few studies about muscle elastography. Objectives Our aim was to associate clinical, laboratory, and nailfold capillaroscopy (NC) assessments with US in JDM patients; and to compare the findings of US and Strain Elastography (SE) from patients and healthy controls. Methods An analytic cross-sectional study was performed with JDM patients and healthy controls. Patients underwent clinical exam to access muscle strength and completed questionnaires about global assessment of the disease and functional capacity. Patients were submitted to NC and measurement of muscle enzymes. All subjects underwent US assessment, using gray scale, Power Doppler (PD), and SE. Results Twenty-two JDM patients and fourteen controls, aged between 5 and 21 years, matched for age and sex were assessed. In qualitative and semi-quantitative gray scale, we observed a higher frequency of alterations in patients (p < 0.001), while in PD, there was a higher frequency of positivity in patients' deltoids and anterior tibialis (p < 0.001). Active disease was associated with an important change in the semi-quantitative gray scale in deltoids (p = 0.007), biceps brachii (p = 0.001) and quadriceps femoris (p = 0.005). The SE demonstrated a high negative predictive value of 87.2. Conclusion US was able, through gray scale, to differentiate JDM patients from controls, while PD achieved such differentiation only for deltoids and anterior tibialis. The semi-quantitative gray scale showed disease activity in proximal muscles. SE was not able to differentiate patients from controls.

Ultrasonographic and resistance index evaluation of nails in psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, and control groups: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background: Nail psoriasis occurs frequently in patients with psoriatic disease, it can lead to functional impairment, pain, discomfort, decreased quality of life and can also be a predictor for the development of arthritis. Early recognition of this condition can provide early and effective treatment and prevent structural impairment. This study aims to identify nail ultrasonographic characteristics in three groups: psoriasis (PsO), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and controls patients, to determine if the ultrasonography (US) can identify early signs of nail psoriatic impairment or local inflammation. We conducted nail US to determine nail matrix resistance index (NMRI), nail bed resistance index (NBRI), and power Doppler (PD) and grayscale (GS) parameters in these 3 groups. Methods: Single-center, cross-sectional study. GS, PD, and spectral doppler images of bilateral 2nd and 3rd fingernails were acquired from 35 PsO, 31 PsA, and 35 controls patients. An US equipment with an 18 MHz linear transducer for GS and 8.0 MHz for PD was used. PD, NMRI, NBRI, nail plate thickness (NPT), nail bed thickness (NBT), nail matrix thickness (NMT), and morphostructural characteristics of the trilaminar structure (TS) were evaluated in saved images, blind. Results: Mean NMRI and NBRI did not differ between groups. Linear regression analysis detected no relationships between PsO or PsA and NMRI or NBRI. Nail PD grade did not differ between groups. Type I and IV TS changes were more frequent in PsO; types II and III changes were more frequent in PsA (p < 0.001). NPT was greater in PsA and PsO groups than controls: PsA 0.73 ± 0.14 mm, PsO 0.72 ± 0.15 mm, Controls 0.67 ± 0.10mm (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Echographic TS characteristics of the nail plate and NPT evaluated by GS are useful and can distinguish PsO and PsA nails from controls. NMRI, NBRI, and US nail microcirculation parameters could not distinguish psoriatic nails. Trial registration: 72762317.4.0000.5327 (Certificate of Presentation of Ethical Appreciation - CAAE -Plataforma Brasil) Avaiable in https://plataformabrasil.saude.gov.br/login.jsf

Alterações gastrointestinais durante o acompanhamento nutricional de pacientes oncológicos em acompanhamento ambulatorial de quimioterapia / Gastrointestinal changes during nutritional follow-up of cancer patients undergoing outpatient chemotherapy

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Cancer patients may have gastrointestinal changes that influence nutritional status. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the occurrence of gastrointestinal changes resulting from outpatient chemotherapy treatment in cancer patients. METHODS: In a retrospective longitudinal study, the nutritional status and chemotherapy gastrointestinal changes (nausea, vomit, diarrhea, constipation, mucositis, dysphagia, xerostomia, inappetence, dysgeusia and heartburn) in cancer patients (n=187) were investigated in an outpatient follow-up. For the study of the parameters over time, the generalized estimating equation (GEE) method was used. Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney tests and Spearman coefficient, at a significance level of 5% were also used. RESULTS: The majority of the patients were female (63.64%) and the mean age was 57.5±12.1 years. The most frequent symptoms were nausea (18.54%); inappetence (18.31%); intestinal constipation (11.58%); diarrhea (7.98%); xerostomia (7.59%) and vomiting (7.43%). The nutritional status did not exhibit any relevant changes (P=0.7594). However, a higher prevalence of eutrophy was observed, followed by overweight; vomiting exhibited a significant difference (P=0.0211). The nausea symptom exhibited a significant difference with a higher prevalence of colorectal neoplasia when compared to breast neoplasia (P=0.0062); as well as vomiting in lung and colorectal neoplasias (P=0.0022), and dysphagia, in head and neck neoplasia, when compared to other neoplasms (P<0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between the number of medical appointments and gender (P=0.0102) and between dysphagia and gender (P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: The study findings enhance the need for signs and symptoms follow up, as well as nutritional status follow up of patients undergoing outpatient chemotherapy.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: Pacientes oncológicos podem apresentar alterações gastrointestinais que influenciam o estado nutricional. OBJETIVO: Investigar a ocorrência de alterações gastrointestinais decorrentes do tratamento ambulatorial de quimioterapia, em pacientes oncológicos. MÉTODOS: Num estudo longitudinal retrospectivo, investigou-se o estado nutricional e as alterações gastrointestinais (náuseas, vômito, diarreia, constipação, mucosite, disfagia, xerostomia, inapetência, disgeusia e pirose) de pacientes oncológicos (n=187), em acompanhamento ambulatorial de quimioterapia. Para o estudo dos parâmetros ao longo do tempo, utilizou-se o método das equações de estimação generalizadas (EEG). Também foram utilizados os testes de Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney e o coeficiente de Spearman, com nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: A maioria dos pacientes era do sexo feminino (63,64%) e a média de idade foi 57,5±12,1 anos. Os sintomas mais frequentes foram náuseas (18,54%); inapetência (18,31%); constipação intestinal (11,58%); diarreia (7,98%); xerostomia (7,59%) e vômito (7,43%). O estado nutricional não apresentou alterações relevantes (P=0,7594). No entanto, observou-se maior prevalência de eutrofia, seguido do sobrepeso e o vômito apresentou diferença significativa (P=0,0211). O sintoma de náusea apresentou diferença significativa com maior prevalência na neoplasia colorretal, quando comparado à neoplasia de mama (P=0,0062); assim como o vômito nas neoplasias de pulmão e colorretal (P=0,0022). E a disfagia, na neoplasia de cabeça e pescoço, quando comparada às demais neoplasias (P<0,001). Houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre o número de consultas médicas e sexo (P=0,0102) e entre disfagia e sexo (P<0,0001). CONCLUSÃO: Os achados encontrados no estudo permitem reforçar a necessidade do acompanhamento de sinais e sintomas, bem como do estado nutricional, de pacientes em acompanhamento ambulatorial de quimioterapia.

Analysis of cardiovascular risk and carotid intima-media thickness in patients with psoriasis

Abstract Background: Psoriasis is associated with atherosclerosis and increased cardiovascular risk. Currently, an automated ultrasound, called quantitative intima media thickness, has proven to be a useful method to evaluate subclinical atherosclerosis. Objectives: To compare increased cardiovascular risk in psoriasis patients receiving two types of treatments: Methotrexate and tumor necrosis factor inhibitor and to evaluate the correlation between the Framingham score and quantitative intima media thickness. Methods: Fifty patients with plaque psoriasis were selected from June 2017 to July 2018, divided into two groups, receiving methotrexate and tumor necrosis factor inhibitor. Measurement of abdominal circumference, blood pressure, body mass index and presence of metabolic syndrome were performed. Afterwards, the patients were evaluated for increased cardiovascular risk with the Framingham score and for the quantitative intima media thickness of the carotid arteries. Results: The mean age was 54.8 (±12.5) with a slight male predominance (58%). Overall, 84% of the patients had elevated waist circumference, 82% had a body mass index above ideal, and 50% had a metabolic syndrome. For the correlation between quantitative intima media thickness and Framingham Score, Pearson's linear correlation coefficient was 0.617 (p < 0.001), indicating a moderate to strong positive association. Study limitations: The protective effect of the therapies cited in relation to the increased cardiovascular risk was not evaluated. Conclusions: A moderate to strong positive association was found correlating the Framingham Score values with the quantitative intima media thickness measurement and it is not possible to state which drug has the highest increased cardiovascular risk.

Comparative analysis of late results of cervical esophagogastric anastomosis by manual and mechanical suture in patients submitted to esophageal mucosectomy through advanced megaesophagus / Análise comparativa dos resultados em longo prazo da anastomose esofagogástrica cervical pela sutura manual e mecânica em pacientes submetidos à mucosectomia esofágica por megaesôfago avançado

ABSTRACT Background: Among the anastomoses of the gastrointestinal tract, those of the esophagus are of special interest due to several anatomical or even general peculiarities. Aim: Evaluate retrospectively the results comparing mechanical vs. manual suture at cervical esophagogastric anastomosis in megaesophagus treatment. Methods: Were included 92 patients diagnosed with advanced megaesophagus with clinical conditions to undergo the surgery. All underwent esophageal mucosectomy, performing anastomosis of the esophagus stump with the gastric tube at the cervical level. In order to make this anastomosis, the patients were divided into two groups: group A (n=53) with circular mechanical suture, lateral end; group B (n=39) with manual suture in two sides, lateral end. In the postoperative period, an early evaluation was performed, analyzing local and systemic complications and late (average 5.6 y) analyzing deglutition. Results: Early evaluation: a) dehiscence of esophagogastric anastomosis n=5 (9.4%) in group A vs. n=9 (23.0%) in group B (p=0.0418); b) stenosis of esophagogastric anastomosis n=8 (15.1%) in group A vs. n=15 (38.4%) in group B (p=0.0105.); c) pulmonary infection n=5 (9.4%) in group A vs. n=3 (7.6%) in group B (p=1.0000.); d) pleural effusion n=5 (9.4%) in group A vs. n=6 (15.4%) in group B (p<0.518). Late evaluation showed that 86.4-96% of the patients presented the criteria 4 and 5 from SAEED, expressing effective swallowing mechanisms without showing significant differences among the groups. Conclusion: Cervical esophagogastric anastomosis by means of mechanical suture is more proper than the manual with lower incidence of local complications and, in the long-term evaluation, regular deglutition was acquired in both suture techniques in equal quality.

RESUMO Racional: Das anastomoses do trato gastrointestinal, as do esôfago têm especial interesse devido às varias peculiaridades anatômicas e mesmo sistêmicas. Objetivo: Avaliar retrospectivamente os resultados comparando a sutura mecânica e manual na anastomose esofagogástrica cervical no tratamento do megaesôfago. Métodos: Foram estudados 92 pacientes com diagnóstico de megaesôfago avançado com condições clínicas de serem submetidos à operação. Todos foram submetidos à mucosectomia esofágica, sendo realizada anastomose do coto esofágico com o tubo gástrico no nível cervical. Para a realização desta anastomose, foram divididos em dois grupos: grupo A (n=53) com sutura mecânica circular terminolateral; grupo B (n=39) com sutura manual em dois planos terminolateral. No período pós-operatório foi realizada avaliação precoce, com análise das complicações locais e sistêmicas, e tardia (média 5,6 anos) com análise da deglutição. Resultados: Avaliação precoce: a) deiscência da anastomose esofagogástrica, n=5 (9,4%) no grupo A vs. n=9 (23,0%) no grupo B (p=0.0418); b) estenose da anastomose esofagogástrica n=8 (15,1%) no grupo A vs. n=15 (38,4%) no grupo B (p=0.0105); c) infecção pulmonar n=5 (9,4%) no grupo A vs. n=3 (7,6%) no grupo B (p=1.000); d) derrame pleural n=5 (9,4%) no grupo A vs. n=6 (15,4%) no grupo B (p<0.518). A avaliação tardia demonstrou que 86,4 a 96,0% dos pacientes apresentaram critérios 4 e 5 de SAEED, demonstrando deglutição efetiva e sem diferença significante entre os grupos. Conclusão: A anastomose esofagogástrica pela sutura mecânica é mais adequada que a manual com pequena incidência de complicações locais e, na avaliação em longo prazo, a deglutição demonstrou ser adequada em ambos os grupos e com qualidade semelhante.

Ultrasound inflammatory parameters and Treg/Th17 cell profiles in established rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract Background: Imbalance and disfuntion in regulatory T-cells (Tregs) and IL-17 producer lymphocytes (Th17) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Gray scale synovial proliferation (GS), power Doppler signal (pD) and bone erosions seen on high resolution muskuloskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) are hallmarks of destructive articular disease. Objective: To evaluate the association of peripheral Tregs and Th17 with MSUS findings in RA. Methods: RA patients (1987 ACR criteria) treated with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) were included. Lymphocytes were isolated and immunophenotyped by flow cytometry to investigate regulatory FoxP3+ T cells and IL-17+ cells. MSUS (MyLab 60, Esaote, Genova, Italy, linear probe 6-18 MHz) was performed on hand joints, and a 10-joint US score was calculated for each patient. Results: Data on lymphocytes subsets were avaiable for 90 patients. The majority of patients were Caucasian women with a median disease duration of 6 years (interquartile range: 2-13 years). Mean DAS28 was 4.28 (SD ± 1.64) and mean HAQ score was 1.11 (SD ± 0.83). There was no significant correlation of 10-joint GS score (rS = 0.122, 95% CI: - 0.124 to 0.336, P = 0.254) and 10-joint pD score (rS = 0.056, 95% CI: - 0.180 to 0.273, P = 0.602) with the mean percentage of peripheral Treg cells. Also, 10-joint GS score (rS = 0.083, 95% CI: - 0.125 to 0.302, P = 0.438) and 10-joint pD score 10 (rS = - 0.060, 95% CI: - 0.271 to 0.150, P = 0.575); did not correlate to Th17 profile. No association of bone erosions on MSUS with Treg and Th17 profiles (P = 0.831 and P = 0.632, respectively) was observed. Conclusion: In this first study addressing MSUS features and lymphocytes subtypes in established RA, data did not support an association of circulating Tregs and Th17 lymphocytes with inflammatory and structural damage findings on MSUS.

The use of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of nail disease among patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: a systematic review

Abstract Background: Nail involvement has been described as a key clinical feature for both psoriasis (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and is an important risk factor in PsA. Thus, early diagnosis of nail involvement may be essential for better management of PsO and PsA. Ultrasonography is considered a highly promising method to visualize nail disease. The main aim of this review was to evaluate the use of ultrasonography for the diagnosis of nail disease in patients with PsO and PsA by reviewing ultrasound parameters with the best diagnostic accuracy. Main body of the abstract: A systematic search was performed in MEDLINE via the PubMed and LILACS databases. Conference proceedings of relevant rheumatology scientific meetings were also screened. Results: After applying eligibility criteria, only 13 articles and 5 abstracts were included in this review. The selected studies showed a huge variability in evaluation methods (and therefore in the results) and were mainly focused on the assessment of nails ultrasound parameters that may differ among patients and healthy controls, especially the morphological aspects in B-mode ultrasonography and vascularization of the nail bed by Doppler ultrasonography. Our research indicated that the evaluation of nail disease in PsO and PsA is still underrepresented in the literature, probably reflecting a restricted use in clinical practice, despite the widespread use of ultrasonography in the management of chronic arthritis. Short conclusions: Despite the potential relevance of ultrasonography for the diagnosis of nail disease, additional studies are needed to determine which features are more reliable and clinically pertinent to ensure accuracy in the evaluation of nail involvement in PsO and PsA.

Achados ultrassonográficos osteomusculares na paracoccidioidomicose / Musculoskeletal ultrasound findings in paracoccidioidomycosis

Resumo A paracoccidioidomicose é uma infecção fúngica endêmica na América do Sul. A infecção geralmente é assintomática e afeta principalmente os tratos respiratórios superior e inferior, com dissociação clínico-radiológica. O envolvimento articular é raro, sem um padrão ou lesão radiológica específica. Apresenta-se um relato de caso de paracoccidioidomicose em que os sintomas iniciais do paciente foram rouquidão e artrite. Depois de um exame de ultrassonografia, foram feitos o diagnóstico diferencial de outras artropatias não infecciosas e a análise do material coletado, que revelou infecção pelo fungo Paracoccidioides brasiliensis.

Abstract Paracoccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection endemic to South America. The infection is usually asymptomatic and mostly affects the upper and lower respiratory tracts with clinical–radiological dissociation. Joint involvement is rare with no specific pattern or radiological injury. We report a case of paracoccidioidomycosis in which the patient's initial symptoms were hoarseness and arthritis. After an ultrasound examination, we performed the differential diagnosis of other noninfectious arthropathies and analysis of the material collected, which revealed infection with the fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis.

As diferenças do Doppler espectral, na artrite psoriática e onicomicose / Differences of spectral Doppler in psoriatic arthritis and onychomycosis

Objetivo Utilizar o Doppler espectral (DE) para quantificar atividade inflamatória e detectar diferenças ecotexturais ungueais em pacientes com artrite psoriásica e onicomicose. Métodos Foram incluídos dois pacientes, um com artrite psoriásica, mas sem dores nas articulações e sem alterações clínicas ungueais; e outro paciente com onicomicose e artrite reumatoide. O exame de ultrassom, pela escala cinza, demonstrou alterações na presença regular da ecotextura na inserção da unha, aumento da espessura do leito ungueal e perda do padrão trilaminar da unha. O Doppler espectral, através do índice de resistência (IR), detecta o processo inflamatório nas enteses ungueais. Resultados Sete articulações interfalângicas distais (IFD) nos dois pacientes foram avaliadas em dois planos, obtendo nove IR. O autor encontrou no paciente com artrite psoriásica: perda normal do padrão trilaminar da unha; leitos ungueais e cápsulas articulares das IFDs preservados. O Doppler espectral evidenciou IR<1, com média±DP igual a 0,50±0,75 em microcirculação nas enteses ungueais e caracterizou erosão óssea ativa em 3a IFD esquerda, com IR igual a 0,38 e 0,63 em planos transversal e longitudinal, respectivamente. O paciente com onicomicose mostrou as seguintes alterações: hipoecogenicidade na inserção ungueal; perda do formato da unha e o Doppler espectral nas enteses ungueais com IR>1, com média±DP igual a 1,71±0,98. Conclusão O uso do ultrassom pode detectar alterações nos leitos ungueais nessas doenças. Futuros estudos poderão melhor caracterizar essas mudanças. .

Objective To evaluate the use of the spectral Doppler (SDoppler) to quantify inflammatory activity and to detect nail echotextural differences in patients with psoriatic arthritis and onychomycosis. Methods Two patients, one with psoriatic arthritis but with no joint pain nor nail clinical change and the other with onychomycosis and rheumatoid arthritis were included. The gray scale ultrasound study, showed changes in the regular presence of echotexture at the nail insertion, thickening of the nail bed and loss of trilaminar nail pattern. The spectral Dopplerresistance index (RI), detects the inflammatory process in nail entheses. Results Seven distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints in both patients were evaluated in two planes, getting nine RI. In the patient with psoriatic arthritis the author found: loss of normal trilaminar nail plate aspect, and nail beds and DIP joint capsules preserved. The spectral Doppler showed RI<1, with mean±SD=0.50±0.75 in the microcirculation at nail entheses, with characterization of a bone erosion in the third left DIP joint, with RI=0.38 and 0.63 in transverse and longitudinal planes, respectively. The patient with onychomycosis showed the following changes: hypoechogenicity at nail insertion; loss of nail shape, and spectral Doppler in nail entheses with RI>1, with mean±SD=1.71±0.98. Conclusion The use of ultrasound can detect changes in the nail beds in these diseases. Future studies will further characterize these changes. .

Escore US7 modificado na avaliação de sinovite em pacientes com artrite reumatoide inicial / The modified US7 score in the assessment of synovitis in early rheumatoid arthritis

Objetivo: Avaliar o escore US7 modificado (escore MUS7 SIN) na avaliação de pacientes com artrite reumatoide inicial (ARI). Além disso, foram examinados recessos dorsais e palmares dos punhos, bem como pequenas articulações das mãos e dos pés, para o diagnóstico de sinovite, mediante uma avaliação global das articulações. Métodos: A amostra do estudo compreendeu 32 pacientes tratados para artrite, com 13 meses como duração média da doença. Foi utilizado um aparelho de ultrassonografia (US) com transdutor de alta frequência. As mãos dos participantes também foram radiografadas e analisadas pelo escore de Larsen. Resultados: Nas 832 articulações examinadas, detectou-se sinovite em 173 (20,79%), tenossinovite em 22 (4,91%) e erosões em três (1,56%). A sinovite foi predominantemente detectada no recesso dorsal (73,38%) das articulações MCF e IFP, quando comparado com o recesso palmar (26%). A presença de sinovite nas articulações avaliadas teve correlação com os resultados clínicos (HAQ-DI, DAS28), laboratoriais (anti-PCC, FR, PCR) e ultrassonográficos (r = 0,37 a r = 0,42; p = 0,04 a p = 0,003). Encontramos correlação do escore MUS7 SIN para US na técnica da escala de cinzas (gray scale) ou na técnica de Doppler de amplitude (power Doppler) com os valores do instrumento DAS28 (PCR) (r = 0,38; p = 0,0332) e com os resultados da PCR (r = 0,39; p = 0,0280), respectivamente. Conclusão: O recesso dorsal, o punho e as pequenas articulações podem ser considerados como locais importantes para a detecção de sinovite pelo escore MUS7 SIN em pacientes com ARI. .

Objective: To evaluate the modified US7 score (MUS7 score SYN) in the assessment of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (ERA). In addition, dorsal and palmar recesses of the wrists as well as of small joints of the hands and feet were examined for the presence of synovitis by means of a global assessment of joints. Methods: The study sample comprised 32 patients treated for arthritis, with an average disease duration of 13 months. An ultrasound machine with high frequency transducer was used. Hands were also X-rayed and analysed by Larsen score. Results: Out of the 832 examined joints, synovitis was detected in 173 (20,79%), tenosynovitis in 22 (4,91%), and erosions in 3 (1,56%). Synovitis was predominantly detected in the dorsal recess (73,38%) of MCP and PIP joints, when compared with palmar recess (26%). The presence of synovitis in the joints evaluated correlated with clinical (HAQ-DI, DAS28), laboratory (ACPA, RF, CRP), and ultrasound results (r = 0,37 to r = 0,42; p = 0,04 to p = 0,003). We found correlation of the MUS7 score SYN of the gray scale US or of the power Doppler US with DAS28 (PCR) values (r = 0,38; p = 0,0332), and with CRP results (r = 0,39; p = 0,0280), respectively. Conclusion: The dorsal recess, the wrist, and small joints can be considered as important sites to detect synovitis by the MUS7 score SYN in patients with ERA. .

La ultrasonografía en el estudio del tobillo y pies dolorosos / Ultrasonography in the study of painful foot and ankle

La ultrasonografía es una excelente herramienta para el estudio de la patología de tobillo y pie, ya sea aguda o crónica, con la ventaja de ser en tiempo real, lo que permite hacer una correlación entre los hallazgosy el área sintomática. Las estructuras de esta región son las más afectadas durante el curso de enfermedades inflamatorias como Artritis reumatoide y Espondiloartritis, lo cual produce dolor y deformidad; por lo tanto, es fundamental evaluarlas en forma dinámica en etapas tempranas para limitar el daño. La ultrasonografía puede ser de utilidad para detectar tendinopatía, tenosinovitis de los flexores y extensores, sinovitis, afección de ligamentos, masas de tejidos blandos, quistes ganglionares, fascitis plantar, neuroma de Morton y cuerpos extraños, entre otros. Varios estudios han demostrado que la infiltración guiada por ultrasonografía mejora la asertividad y la respuesta. en esta revisión se expondrá la aplicación de la técnica en el estudiode la patología de tobillo y pie.

Ultrasonography is an excellent tool for studying the pathology of ankle and foot, either acute or chronic, with the advantage of being in real time which allows a correlation between the findings and the symptomatic area. The structures of this region are most affected during the course of inflammatory disease like rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis which causes pain and deformity; therefore it is essential to dynamically evaluate them in the early stages to limit the damage. Ultrasonography may be useful to detect tendinopathy, tenosynovitis of the flexor and extensor synovitis, a condition of ligaments, soft tissue masses, ganglion cysts, plantar fasciitis, Morton's neurona and foreign bodies, among others. Several studies have shown that ultrasound-guided injection improves assertiveness and response. In this review we will present the application of the technique in the study of the pathology of ankle and foot.

La ecografía en las espondiloartropatías seronegativas: rol y avances / Ultrasound in seronegative spondyloarthropathies: role and perspectives

La ecografía del aparato locomotor tiene una posición cada vez más importante en la evaluación de pacientes con espondiloartropatías seronegativas (EASN), ayudando en la detección y cuantificación del compromiso inflamatorio a nivel articular y tendinoso y permitiendo una precisa valoración del compromiso inflamatorio de las entesis, como una de las características clínicas distintivas en las EASN. Como es bien sabido, la mayoría de las entesitis en pacientes con EASN pueden no ser fácilmente reconocidas clínicamente, siendo la ecografía una técnica de imagen de bajo costo, no invasiva y ampliamente disponible que permite la detección de entesitis subclínica. La dactilitis, otro rasgo característico en las EASN, puede ser valorada por ecografía, permitiendo delinear con precisión las estructuras anatómicas realmente afectadas porel compromiso inflamatorio. La ecografía, además, puede ayudar al reumatólogo para guiar el correcto posicionamiento de la aguja dentro de la estructura anatómica inflamada, como entesis, articulaciones y vaina tendinosa, con el objetivo de llevar a cabo una punción diagnóstica y/o terapéutica. La capacidad de detectar mínimos cambios, principalmente a nivel de la microvascularización mediante la técnica Doppler de poder, a nivel de las diferentes estructuras anatómicas involucradas, brinda la posibilidad de valorar el efecto de la terapia local y/o sistémica, ayudando al reumatólogo para el seguimiento y monitoreo terapéutico de pacientes con EASN. El principal objetivo de esta revisión es proporcionar una actualización de los datos disponibles acerca de la utilidad de la ecografía en la evaluación de pacientes con EASN.

Ultrasound (US) has a progressively more important position in the assessment of patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA), helping to detect synovial and tendon inflammatory involvement and permitting an accurate evaluation of enthesitis, the clinical distinctive feature of SpA. Certainly, the majority of enthesitis are subclinical in SpA being US a low cost, Available and non-invasive imaging technique with an adequate ability to detect them. Dactylitis, another characteristic feature of SpA, can precisely delineate by US showing the real anatomical structures affected by the inflammatory process. US allows rheumatologists to guide needle positioning within involved anatomical structures, as entheses, joints and tendon sheats, in order to perform a diagnostic and/or local therapeutic puncture. The ability to detect minimal inflammatory changes by US, mainly with the power Doppler assessment, permits to evaluate the effects of local or systemic therapies, helping the rheumatologists for the therapeutic monitoring in SpA. The main aim of the present review is to provide an update of the available data about the utilityof US in the evaluation of SpA patients.

Otosclerose / Otosclerosis

A otospongiose é uma displasia óssea encontrada apenas no osso temporal humano e consiste em áreas de reabsorção únicas ou múltiplas seguidas de cicatrização com neoformação óssea. O resultado clínico da doença é a surdez condutiva quando atinge o endósteo da cóclea. Atualmente a conduta clínica da otospongiose se restringe ao uso do fluoreto de sódio (20mg) associado ao lactato de cálcio, que podem amenizar a doença. Temos, neste momento, as seguintes propostas de tratamento clínico: inibidores de citocina, calcitonina de salmão e bisfosfonatos. Nesta breve revisão é evidenciada a etiopatogenia da otospongiose e a expectativa de novas condutas terapêuticas.

Qualidade de vida do idoso institucionalizado frente aos grupos de afecções crônicas / Quality of life of institutionalized elderly people and the cronic diseases

O objetivo foi avaliar a qualidade de vida do idoso institucionalizado acima de 60 anos de idade e a frequência de suas afecções crônicas. A comparação dos fatores clínicos, relacionado aos idosos institucionalizados, através de correlações com os instrumentos Medical Outcomes Study 36 - Item Short - Form Health Survey e o Health Assessment Questionnaire, respectivamente. Foram entrevistados 60 idosos do Lar dos Velhinhos de Campinas. Verifica-se significância estatística em relação as afecções e os domínios aspecto físico, aspecto social, capacidade funcional e vitalidade. Em relação ao Health Assessment Questionnaire, não houve significância estatística. Conclui-se que a qualidade de vida sofre influência de diversas afecções e, embora esta situação seja perceptível, não colabora em muitas vezes, como um fator de suporte para melhorar as condições clínicas do idoso institucionalizado.