Bilateral tractional retinal detachment in hemoglobin SC disease patient / Descolamento tracional de retina bilateral em hemoglobinopatia S-C

ABSTRACT A 36-year-old black male presented with a progressive loss of visual acuity in both eyes for 7 years. He had a history of tractional retinal detachment in the right eye and vitreous hemorrhage followed by retinal detachment in the left eye. He denied any systemic illness, trauma, or drug abuse. After clinical investigation, he was diagnosed with SC hemoglobinopathy and proliferative sickle cell retinopathy stage V in both eyes.

RESUMO Paciente do sexo masculino, 36 anos, negro, apresentou baixa acuidade visual progressiva em ambos os olhos por 7 anos. Possuía antecedentes de descolamento tracional de retina no olho direito e hemorragia vítrea, seguida de descolamento de retina no olho esquerdo. Negava doenças sistêmicas, trauma ou abuso de drogas. Após investigação clínica, foi diagnosticado com hemoglobinopatia S-C e retinopatia falciforme proliferativa estágio V em ambos os olhos.

Rasgo falciforme e infarto esplénico: una entidad no ajena en población antioqueña / Sickle trait and splenic infarction, a non-foreign entity in Antioquia population

Resumen Generalmente, los pacientes con rasgo falciforme sufren pocas manifestaciones del espectro de la anemia de células falciformes. El infarto esplénico es raro, pero es una complicación documentada del rasgo falciforme y, usualmente, se presenta en condiciones de disminución de la presión parcial de oxígeno, como ocurre en grandes alturas. Se presenta el caso de un joven sin antecedentes, quien presentó dolor súbito en hipocondrio izquierdo luego de viaje a zona de gran altura y en quien se documentó infarto esplénico y posteriormente se confirmó como etiología del cuadro, rasgo falciforme mediante electroforesis de hemoglobina. La mayoría de los pacientes desconocen su rasgo falciforme, lo que hace desafiante su enfoque, retrasa el diagnóstico y resulta en manejos inadecuados que pueden aumentar la extensión del infarto esplénico y requerir finalmente esplenectomía.

Abstract Generally, patients with sickle cell trait have few manifestations of the sickle cell spectrum. Splenic infarction is rare, but is a documented complication of sickle cell trait and usually occurs under conditions of decreased partial pressure of oxygen, such as at high altitudes. We present the case of a young man with no previous history who presented sudden pain in the left hypochondrium after traveling to a high-altitude area. Splenic infarction was documented and sickle cell trait was later confirmed with hemoglobin electrophoresis as the etiology of the condition. Most patients remain ignorant of their sickle cell trait, which makes their approach challenging, delays diagnosis, and results in inappropriate management that may increase the extent of splenic infarction and eventually require splenectomy.

Evolutionary profile of patients with hemoglobin SC disease regularly followed in Côte d'Ivoire

Background: West Africa is recognized as the elective focus of hemoglobin C. The S and C combination in the same patient gives a major sickle cell syndrome. In our country, very few series dealing with the evolutionary features of this SC form have been published contrary to the homozygous SS form. The aim of this study was to describe the evolutionary profile of double heterozygous SC sickle cell patients.Methods: This was a retrospective and prospective study with descriptive and analytical purpose of 174 SC sickle cell patients.Results: The median age was 26 years with extremes of 6 years and 57 years. 96% of patients had less than 4 vaso-occlusive seizures per year. The evolutionary complications were mainly ischemic (56.30%) and infectious (39.10%). Among ischemic complications, sickle cell retinopathies and aseptic osteonecrosis are the most common with 59.20% and 31.63% respectively. Infectious complications were dominated by ENT (36.76%) and osteoarticular (35.29%) infections. Only age had an influence on the occurrence of ischemic complications (p = 0.0001). The probability of survival at 5 years was 99.38% and that at 20 years was 91.57%. The overall survival was not influenced by evolutionary complications.Conclusions: Infectious and ischemic evolutionary complications show the importance of vaccination and an early screening program.

Caracterização clínica dos pacientes com hemoglobinopatia atendidos no Hemocentro de Sergipe / Clinical characterization of patients with hemoglobinopathy at Sergipe's Hemocentro

Descrever as características clínicas dos pacientes com hemoglobinopatias do Hemocentro de Sergipe. Neste estudo transversal foram coletados dados clínicos dos pacientes portadores de hemoglobinopatias através da leitura dos prontuários. Realizou-se estatística descritiva e análise de variáveis utilizando-se o teste ANOVA para comparação de médias e o teste exato de Fisher para associação, utilizando em ambos uma significância com p<0,05. Foram coletados os dados de 96 pacientes. A principal hemoglobinopatia encontrada foi a SS (85,4%), seguida da SC (11,5%) e ßtalassemia (3,1%). A principal complicação encontrada foi a hiperferritinemia (50,7%), que teve uma relação direta com a hemotransfusão (p=0,039) e os pacientes com mais complicações tinham uma maior idade (p=0,026). A hemotransfusão foi necessária em 71,9% dos pacientes, enquanto que a hidroxiureia e o deserafirox em 40,6% e 13,5%, respectivamente. A principal hemoglobinopatia encontrada foi SS, teve como principal complicação a hiperferritinemia e o principal tratamento realizado foi a hemotransfusão.

To describe the clinical characteristics of patients with hemoglobinopathies at the Blood Center of Sergipe. In this cross-sectional study, clinical data were collected from patients with hemoglobinopathies by reading the medical records. Descriptive statistics and variable analysis were performed using the ANOVA test for comparison of means and Fisher's exact test for association, using a significance level of p<0.05. Data were collected from 96 patients. The main hemoglobinopathy found was SS (85.4%), followed by SC (11.5%) and ß-thalassemia (3.1%). The main complication was hyperferritinemia (50.7%), which had a direct relationship with blood transfusion (p=0.039) and patients with more complications had an older age (p=0.026). Hemotransfusion was required in 71.9% of the patients, whereas hydroxyurea and deserafirox in 40.6% and 13.5%, respectively. The main hemoglobinopathy found was SS, the main complication was hyperferritinemia and the main treatment was hemotransfusion.

Bone marrow necrosis and fat embolism syndrome: a dreadful complication of hemoglobin sickle cell disease

Sickle cell disease encompasses a wide range of genotypic presentation with particular clinical features. The entity affects millions of people, particularly those whose ancestors came from sub-Saharan Africa and other countries in the Western Hemisphere, Saudi Arabia, and India. Currently, the high frequency of S and C genes reflects natural selection through the protection of heterozygotes against severe malaria, the high frequency of consanguineous marriages, improvement of some public health policies and the nutritional standards in the poorer countries where newborns are now living long enough to present for diagnosis and management. Although there is a high burden of the disease, in many countries, the new-born sickle cell screening test is being performed and is rendering an early diagnosis; however, it is still difficult for sickle cell patients to find proper treatment and adequate follow-up. Moreover, in many countries, patients are neither aware of their diagnosis nor the care they should receive to prevent complications; also, they do not receive adequate genetic counseling. Hemoglobin SC (HbSC) disease is the most frequent double sickle cell heterozygosis found in Brazil. The clinical course tends to be more benign with fewer hospitalizations compared with double homozygotic SS patients. However, HbSC patients may present severe complications with a fatal outcome. We report the case of a 36-year-old man who presented to the emergency care facility with symptoms consistent with the diagnosis of sickling crisis. The outcome was unfavorable and death occurred just hours after admission. The autopsy revealed a generalized vaso-occlusive crisis by sickled red cells, bone marrow necrosis, and fat embolism syndrome.

Breastfeeding and the anthropometric profile of children with sickle cell anemia receiving follow-up in a newborn screening reference service / Aleitamento materno e perfil antropométrico de crianças com doença falciforme acompanhadas em serviço de referência em triagem neonatal

OBJECTIVE: To study the breastfeeding history (BF) and the anthropometric status of children with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 357 children with SCD aged between 2 and 6 years, regularly followed at a Newborn Screening Reference Service (NSRS) between November 2007 and January 2009. The outcome was anthropometric status and the exposures were: BF pattern, type of hemoglobinopathy and child's age and gender. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age was 3.7 (1.1) years, 52.9% were boys and 53.5% had SCA (hemoglobin SS). The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding (EBR) up to six months of age was 31.5%, the median EBR times (p25-p75) was 90.0 (24.0-180.0) days and the median weaning ages (p25-p75) was 360.0 (90.0-720.0) days respectively. Normal W/H children experienced EBR for a mean duration almost four times longer than malnourished children (p=0.01), and were weaned later (p<0.05). Height deficit was found in 5.0% of children, while all the children with severe short stature had had SCA (hemoglobin SS) and were older than 4 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: EBF time and weaning age were greater than that found in the literature, which is a possible effect of the multidisciplinary follow-up. Duration of EBF and later weaning were associated with improved anthropometric indicators.

OBJETIVO: Descrever a história de aleitamento materno (AM) e estado antropométrico de crianças com doença falciforme (DF). MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com 357 crianças com hemoglobinopatias SS e SC de dois e seis anos, acompanhadas regularmente num Serviço de Referência em Triagem Neonatal (SRTN) entre novembro de 2007 e janeiro de 2009. O desfecho correspondeu ao estado antropométrico e as exposições foram: padrão do AM, tipo de hemoglobinopatia, faixa etária e sexo da criança. RESULTADOS: A média (DP) de idade observada foi de 3,7 (1,1) anos, 52,9% meninos e 53,5% com hemoglobinopatia SS. A prevalência de aleitamento materno exclusivo (AME) até o sexto mês foi de 31,5%, a mediana (p25-p75) do tempo de AME foi de 90 (24-180) dias e a mediana (p25-p75) da idade de desmame foi de 360 (90-720) dias. Crianças eutróficas em relação ao P/A tiveram o tempo de AME, em média, quase quatro vezes maior do que os desnutridos (p < 0,01), bem como foram desmamadas mais tarde (p < 0,05). O déficit de altura foi encontrado em 5% das crianças e todas as crianças com baixa estatura grave tinham hemoglobinopatia SS e mais de quatro anos. CONCLUSÕES: O tempo de AME e a idade de desmame foram superiores aos encontrados na literatura, possível efeito do acompanhamento multidisciplinar. A duração do AME e a idade mais tardia de desmame foram associadas a melhores indicadores antropométricos.

Clinical complications in pregnant women with sickle cell disease: prospective study of factors predicting maternal death or near miss

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate complications in pregnant women with sickle cell disease, especially those leading to maternal death or near miss (severe obstetric complications). METHODS: A prospective cohort of 104 pregnant women registered in the Blood Center of Belo Horizonte (Hemominas Foundation) was followed up at high-risk prenatal units. They belonged to Group I (51 hemoglobin SS and three hemoglobin S/ß0-thalassemia) or Group II (49 hemoglobin SC and one hemoglobin S/ß+-thalassemia). Both groups had similar median ages. Predictive factors for 'near miss' or maternal death with p-value = 0.25 in the univariate analysis were included in a multivariate logistic model (significance set for p-value = 0.05). RESULTS: Group I had more frequent episodes of vaso-occlusive crises, more transfusions in the antepartum and postpartum, and higher percentage of preterm deliveries than Group II. Infections and painful crises during the postpartum period were similar in both the groups. The mortality rate was 4.8%: three deaths in Group I and two in Group II. One-third of the women in both the groups experienced near miss. The most frequent event was pneumonia/acute chest syndrome. Alpha-thalassemia co-inheritance and ß-gene haplotypes were not associated with near miss or maternal death. In multivariate analysis predictors of near miss or death were parity above one and baseline red blood cell macrocytosis. In Group I, baseline hypoxemia (saturation < 94%) was also predictive of near miss or death. CONCLUSION: One-third of pregnant women had near miss and 4.8% died. Both hemoglobin SS and SC pregnant women shared the same risk of death or of severe complications, especially pulmonary events...

Follow-up of children with hemoglobinopathies diagnosed by the Brazilian Neonatal Screening Program in the State of Pernambuco

OBJECTIVE: To determine the geographical distribution of hemoglobinopathies in the State of Pernambuco, to characterize the children with these diseases and to describe factors associated with their follow-up at the referral center during the period from 2003 to 2010. METHODS: A retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study was carried out of 275 medical records from a total of 302 children with hemoglobinopathies diagnosed by the National Neonatal Screening Program in the State of Pernambuco in the study period. Microsoft Excel was used for data processing and analysis. The chi-square and the Fisher test were used for statistical analysis. The level of significance was set at 5%. Terra View software was used to analyze the geographical distribution of hemoglobinopathies in the State. RESULTS: A total of 8.9% of the cases of hemoglobinopathies detected in the period were not followed up at the referral center. For the mothers of children with diseases, this was their second or third or more pregnancy in 64.2% and 30.2%, respectively. Regarding the influence of region of residence and regular medical appointments, the study demonstrated that children from the Zona da Mata, Sertão and Vale do São Francisco regions did not attend 45.2%, 50% and 55.6% of their appointments in the outpatient department, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that a significant number of children do not begin consultations in the outpatient clinic and even those who started treatment early and who have the most severe form of the disease, usually miss medical appointments...

The systematization of nursing assistance in care when a patient with anemia falciform with leg ulcer / A Sistematização da Assistência de Enfermagem no cuidado ao paciente portador de anemia falciforme com úlcera de perna / La sistematización de la asistencia de enfermería en la atención a pacientes con anemia falciforme con ulcera de la pierna

Objective: To raise the nursing diagnos es more evident and their interventions according to Nursing Diagnostic Terminology (NANDA) and Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC). Method: This is an exploratory study which had methodological design based on the experience of the authors in the dressing clinic in a public hospital specializing in hematology, as part of the residency program in nursing. Results: DE was determined eight, two and six real risk, which were described as NANDA Taxonomy I. It also sought after determination of these diagnoses, propose nursing interventions based on the Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC). Conclusion: The findings revealed that meet the nursing diagnoses of subjects with leg ulcers secondary to sickle cell disease is extremely important for nurses to plan individual care provided to these patients.

Objetivo: levantar os diagnósticos de enfermagem mais evidentes e suas respectivas intervenções de acordo com Nursing Diagnostic Terminology (NANDA) e Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC). Método: trata-se de um estudo exploratório o qual teve seu desenho metodológico baseado na vivência dos autores no ambulatório de curativo de um Hospital Estadual especializado em hematologia, como parte do programa de residência em enfermagem. Resultados: foram determinados oito DE, sendo dois de risco e seis reais, os quais foram descritos conforme a Taxonomia I da NANDA. Buscou-se também, após a determinação desses diagnósticos, propor intervenções de enfermagem baseadas na Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC). Conclusão: os achados revelaram que conhecer os diagnósticos de enfermagem dos indivíduos portadores de úlcera de perna secundária a anemia falciforme é de extrema importância para que os enfermeiros possam planejar individualmente o cuidado prestado a esta clientela.

Objetivo: aumentar los diagnósticos de enfermería más evidentes y sus intervenciones de acuerdo con la terminología del diagnóstico de enfermería (NANDA) y la Clasificación de Intervenciones de Enfermería (NIC). Método: Se trata de un estudio exploratorio que tenía un diseño metodológico basado en la experiencia de los autores en la clínica de vestir en un hospital público especializado en hematología, como parte del programa de residencia en enfermería. Resultados: se determinó DE ocho, dos y seis riesgo real, que fueron descritos como Taxonomía NANDA I. Además, se solicitó después de la determinación de estos diagnósticos, proponer intervenciones de enfermería basadas en la Clasificación de Intervenciones de Enfermería (NIC). Conclusión: Los resultados revelaron que cumplan con los diagnósticos de enfermería de pacientes con úlceras secundarias a la enfermedad de células falciformes es extremadamente importante que las enfermeras planear el cuidado individual previsto para estos pacientes.

Vulnerabilidade de pessoas adultas com doença falciforme: subsídios para o cuidado de enfermagem / Vulnerability in adults with sickle cell disease: subsides for nursing care / Vulnerabilidad de los adultos con anemia de células falciformes: apoyo a los cuidados de enfermería

O presente estudo foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de conhecer aspectos relacionados ao viver do adulto com doença falciforme com base no conceito de vulnerabilidade (individual, social e programática), apontando elementos para o cuidado de enfermagem. Estudo descritivo de abordagem qualitativa, com coleta de dados entre fevereiro e julho de 2011, por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas realizadas nos domicílios de doze pessoas adultas, com doença falciforme, de um município baiano. Os resultados apontam que os planos analíticos básicos de vulnerabilidade, embora abordados de forma separada, encontram-se num processo ativo e interdependente, denotando pouca compreensão das pessoas sobre a doença devido ao diagnóstico tardio; pequeno poder de transformação de atitudes e comportamentos; condições de pauperização e de baixa escolaridade do paciente e familiar; dificuldade de acesso aos serviços de saúde; e inadequação nos serviços de atendimento de emergência. Torna-se necessária a organização do cuidado e dos serviços de saúde com base no reconhecimento das vulnerabilidades e na melhora do acesso aos equipamentos e às oportunidades sociais, econômicas e culturais oferecidas pela sociedade e pelo Estado.

This study was developed with the aim to get acquainted with the aspects related to the life of an adult with sickle cell disease. For this purpose, the concept of vulnerability (social, individual and programmatic) was used pointing out to the elements of nursing care. This is a descriptive study of qualitative approach whose data were collected from February to June 2011 through semi-structured interviews performed at the household of 12 adults with sickle cell disease in a municipality in Bahia. The results show that the basic analytical plans of vulnerability, although verified separately, are interdependent and in an active process showing little understanding of the people regarding the disease due to late diagnosis. Moreover, this study also indicates little power to change attitude and behavior of the patient; lower income class and little education of the patient and his/her family, difficulty to the access of health services and inadequacy of emergency care service. It is necessary the organization of care in health services acknowledging the vulnerable aspects of it as well as the improvement of the access to equipment and social, cultural and economic opportunities offered by society and the state.

El presente estudio fue desarrollado con el objetivo de conocer aspectos relacionados al vivir del adulto con enfermedad falciforme con base en el concepto de vulnerabilidad (individual, social y programática), señalando elementos para el cuidado de enfermería. Estudio descriptivo de abordaje cualitativo, con recolección de datos entre febrero y julio de 2011, por medio de entrevistas semiestructuradas realizadas en los domicilios de doce personas adultas, con enfermedad falciforme, de un municipio de Bahia. Los resultados apuntan que los planes analíticos básicos de vulnerabilidad, aunque abordados de forma separada, se encuentran en un proceso activo e interdependiente, denotando poca comprensión de las personas sobre la enfermedad debido al diagnóstico tardío; pequeño poder de transformación de actitudes y comportamientos; condiciones de pauperización y de baja escolaridad del paciente y familiar; dificultad de acceso a los servicios de salud; e inadecuación en los servicios de atención de urgencia. Se torna necesaria la organización del cuidado y de los servicios de salud con base en el reconocimiento de las vulnerabilidades y en la mejora del acceso a los equipamientos y a las oportunidades sociales, económicas y culturales ofrecidas por la sociedad y por el Estado.

Sickle cell retinopathy: diagnosis and treatment / Retinopatia falciforme: diagnóstico e tratamento

Hemoglobinopathies are a group of inherited disorders characterized by quantitative or qualitative malformations of hemoglobin (Hb). Some of these diseases present vaso-occlusive phenomena that are responsible for high morbidity in clinical and/or ophthalmologic terms. Diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies is performed exclusively through hemoglobin electrophoresis. From the ophthalmologic perspective, the most important representative of this group of diseases is sickle cell retinopathy, which presents a wide spectrum of fundus manifestations and may even lead to irreversible vision loss if not properly diagnosed and treated. The aim of this review is to present the classification of sickle cell retinopathy and to describe current management and future perspectives for its treatment, taking into consideration the clinical management of these patients.

As hemoglobinopatias são um grupo de doenças hereditárias caracterizadas por mal-formações quantitativas ou qualitativas da hemoglobina (Hb). Algumas destas doenças podem apresentar fenômenos vaso-oclusivos, responsáveis por alta morbidade do ponto de vista clínico e/ou oftalmológico. O diagnóstico das hemoglobinopatias é feito exclusivamente através da eletroforese de hemoglobinas. Do ponto de vista oftalmológico, a representante mais importante deste grupo de doenças é a retinopatia falciforme, que pode apresentar um amplo espectro de manifestações fundoscópicas, podendo, inclusive, levar à perda visual irreversível se não for corretamente diagnosticada e tratada. O objetivo desta revisão é apresentar a classificação desta doença, a conduta no tratamento atual, bem como suas perspectivas futuras de tratamento, considerando-se as particularidades no manejo clínico destes pacientes.

Glomerular filtration rate is altered in children with sickle cell disease: a comparison between Hb SS and Hb SC

BACKGROUND Renal failure is common among older patients with sickle cell disease; this is preceded by subclinical glomerular hyperfiltration. Data about renal function of adults with sickle cell disease have been reported, but data on children is scarce, especially when comparing heterozygotic and homozygotic patients. OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to investigate the glomerular filtration rate of heterozygotic and homozygotic children with sickle cell disease. METHODS The glomerular filtration rate of 11 children with sickle cell disease [7 homozygotic (SS) and 4 heterozygotic (SC)] with a mean age of 11 years (standard deviation: ± 5 years) was evaluated using standard laboratory techniques. Results are presented as descriptive analysis. RESULTS Our results suggest that glomerular hyperfiltration is present in children with sickle cell disease; this is more evident in homozygotic than heterozygotic children. CONCLUSION There is evidence of a need to monitor the renal function of children with sickle cell disease when special attention should be paid to homozygotic patients.

Osteoarticular involvement in sickle cell disease

The osteoarticular involvement in sickle cell disease has been poorly studied and it is mainly characterized by osteonecrosis, osteomyelitis and arthritis. The most frequent complications and those that require hospital care in sickle cell disease patients are painful vaso-occlusive crises and osteomyelitis. The deoxygenation and polymerization of hemoglobin S, which results in sickling and vascular occlusion, occur more often in tissues with low blood flow, such as in the bones. Bone microcirculation is a common place for erythrocyte sickling, which leads to thrombosis, infarct and necrosis. The pathogenesis of microvascular occlusion, the key event in painful crises, is complex and involves activation of leukocytes, platelets and endothelial cells, as well as hemoglobin S-containing red blood cells. Osteonecrosis is a frequent complication in sickle cell disease, with a painful and debilitating pattern. It is generally insidious and progressive, affecting mainly the hips (femur head) and shoulders (humeral head). Dactylitis, also known as hand-foot syndrome, is an acute vaso-occlusive complication characterized by pain and edema in both hands and feet, frequently with increased local temperature and erythema. Osteomyelitis is the most common form of joint infection in sickle cell disease. The occurrence of connective tissue diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, has rarely been reported in patients with sickle cell disease. The treatment of these complications is mainly symptomatic, and more detailed studies are required to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the complications and propose more adequate and specific therapies.

Análise de desempenho do Programa de Triagem Neonatal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, de 2005 a 2007 / Performance analysis of the Rio de Janeiro State Neonatal Screening Program, 2005-2007

As diretrizes enfatizam o momento adequado para a coleta do teste de triagem neonatal entre o 3º e o 7º dias de vida, em 100 por cento dos recém-natos. O tratamento do hipotireoidismo congênito e da fenilcetonúria iniciado até 2 semanas de vida é capaz de evitar as sequelas neurológicas dessas doenças. O programa de triagem neonatal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro foi credenciado para Fase II do Programa Nacional de Triagem Neonatal com dois modelos de programa - modelo A e modelo B. Foi realizada análise de desempenho do PTN de 2005 a 2007. Entre 2002 e 2007, a cobertura foi crescente e chegou a 80,4 por cento, com 33,8 por cento das coletas realizadas até 7 dias. Ambos os modelos tiveram desempenhos semelhantes e aquém das metas preconizadas, com 50 por cento dos casos confirmados obtendo diagnóstico com mais de 48 dias de vida. Os atrasos acumulados nas diversas etapas do processo podem anular os benefícios da detecção precoce, fundamento da triagem neonatal. Os efeitos deletérios de longo prazo transcendem a esfera individual acarretando impacto no sistema de saúde e grande ônus social.

Guidelines emphasize that the appropriate time frame for neonatal screening with the heel stick test is from the 3rd to 7th day of life, in 100 percent of newborns. Treatment for congenital hypothyroidism and phenylketonuria, when initiated in the first two weeks of life, is capable of preventing the neurological sequelae of these diseases. The Rio de Janeiro State Neonatal Screening Program was accredited for Phase 2 of the National Neonatal Screening Program, with two program models (A and B). A performance analysis was conducted for the Neonatal Screening Program, for the years 2005 to 2007. Coverage increased from 2002 to 2007, reaching 80.4 percent, with 33.8 percent of the blood samples drawn in the first 7 days of life. The two models showed similar performance, short of the targets, with 50 percent of the confirmed cases receiving their diagnosis at more than 48 days of life. The delays accumulated in the various stages of the process can impede the benefits of early detection, the cornerstone of neonatal screening. The deleterious long-term effects transcend the individual sphere, with an impact on the health system and a major social burden.

Alterações oculares e eletrorretinográficas na doença falciforme / Ocular and electroretinographic changes in sickle cell disease

OBJETIVO: O objetivo principal desta série de casos foi obter dados eletrorretinográficos em indivíduos portadores de síndrome falcêmica. O objetivo secundário foi identificar alterações oculares, sua frequência e o estágio de evolução. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 90 portadores de doença falciforme, com idade entre 8 e 75 anos, submetidos a exame oftalmológico completo, mapeamento de retina, retinografia, angiografia fluoresceínica e eletrorretinografia. Eletrorretinogramas com amplitude da onda b inferior a 400 mW foram considerados subnormais. Foi realizado estudo de prevalência, utilizando o teste do Chi-quadrado, sendo P<0,001. RESULTADOS: O eletrorretinograma se mostrou subnormal em 27 (30 por cento) dos 90 pacientes, mas destes, apenas 4 (4,4 por cento) apresentavam retinopatia proliferativa. O sinal da vírgula em 95 por cento dos indivíduos, a tortuosidade vascular retiniana em 36,6 por cento e o "black sunburst" em 24,4 por cento foram as alterações mais encontradas. CONCLUSÃO: Não foi observada correlação entre a doença falciforme e alterações eletrorretinográficas, como descrito em outros estudos. Por outro lado, os achados oculares corroboram pesquisas anteriores.

PURPOSE: The primary objective of this case series was to get electroretinographic data in subjects with sickle cell disease. The secondary purpose was to identify ocular changes, their frequency and stage of evolution. METHODS: 90 patients aged between 8 and 75 years were evaluated. They were subjected to complete ophthalmological examination, indirect ophthalmoscopy, retinography, angiography and electroretinography. Electroretinograms with amplitude of wave b less than 400 mW were considered subnormal. Prevalence study was conducted using the Chi-square test, P<0.001. RESULTS: The electroretinogram was subnormal in 27 (30 percent) of 90 patients, but of these, only 4 (4.4 percent) had proliferative retinopathy. The sign of comma in 95 percent of individuals, the retinal vascular tortuosity in 36.6 percent and black sunburst in 24.4 percent were the most frequent changes. CONCLUSION: No correlation between sickle cell disease and electroretinographics changes, as described in other studies, were noted. On the other hand, the ocular findings corroborate the previous researches.

Results from transcranial Doppler examination on children and adolescents with sickle cell disease and correlation between the time-averaged maximum mean velocity and hematological characteristics: a cross-sectional analytical study / Resultados do estudo do Doppler transcraniano em crianças e adolescentes portadores de doença falciforme e correlação entre a velocidade média máxima e características hematológicas: um estudo transversal analítico

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Transcranial Doppler (TCD) detects stroke risk among children with sickle cell anemia (SCA). Our aim was to evaluate TCD findings in patients with different sickle cell disease (SCD) genotypes and correlate the time-averaged maximum mean (TAMM) velocity with hematological characteristics. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional analytical study in the Pediatric Hematology sector, Universidade Federal de São Paulo. METHODS: 85 SCD patients of both sexes, aged 2-18 years, were evaluated, divided into: group I (62 patients with SCA/Sß0 thalassemia); and group II (23 patients with SC hemoglobinopathy/Sß+ thalassemia). TCD was performed and reviewed by a single investigator using Doppler ultrasonography with a 2 MHz transducer, in accordance with the Stroke Prevention Trial in Sickle Cell Anemia (STOP) protocol. The hematological parameters evaluated were: hematocrit, hemoglobin, reticulocytes, leukocytes, platelets and fetal hemoglobin. Univariate analysis was performed and Pearson's coefficient was calculated for hematological parameters and TAMM velocities (P < 0.05). RESULTS: TAMM velocities were 137 ± 28 and 103 ± 19 cm/s in groups I and II, respectively, and correlated negatively with hematocrit and hemoglobin in group I. There was one abnormal result (1.6 percent) and five conditional results (8.1 percent) in group I. All results were normal in group II. Middle cerebral arteries were the only vessels affected. CONCLUSION: There was a low prevalence of abnormal Doppler results in patients with sickle-cell disease. Time-average maximum mean velocity was significantly different between the genotypes and correlated with hematological characteristics.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Doppler transcraniano (DTC) detecta risco de acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) em crianças com anemia falciforme (AF). O objetivo foi avaliar os resultados ao DTC nos diferentes genótipos da doença falciforme (DF) e correlacionar a velocidade média-máxima (VMMáx) às características hematológicas. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo transversal analítico realizado no setor de Hematopediatria da Universidade Federal de São Paulo. MÉTODOS: 85 pacientes com DF, 2-18 anos, ambos os sexos, foram avaliados e divididos em: grupo I (62 com AF ou Sß0 talassemia); e grupo II (23 com hemoglobinopatia SC ou Sß+ talassemia). DTC foi realizado e revisado por um único investigador usando um aparelho de ultrassonografia Doppler com transdutor de 2MHz, conforme critérios do protocolo STOP (Stroke Prevention Trial in Sickle Cell Anemia). As variáveis hematológicas avaliadas foram: hematócrito, hemoglobina, reticulócitos, leucócitos, plaquetas, hemoglobina fetal. Análise univariada e coeficiente de Pearson calculados para parâmetros hematológicos e VMMáx, P < 0,05. RESULTADOS: As média das VMMáx foram de 137 ± 28 cm/s e 103 ± 19 cm/s nos grupos I e II, respectivamente. Houve correlação negativa da VMMáx com hematócrito e hemoglobina no grupo I. Houve um (1,6 por cento) resultado anormal e 5 (8,1 por cento) condicionais no grupo I; no grupo II, todos estavam normais. Artérias cerebrais médias foram as únicas acometidas. CONCLUSÃO: Houve baixa prevalência de resultados anormais ao DTC em pacientes com DF. A VMMáx foi significativamente diferente entre os genótipos da DF e apresentou correlação com variáveis hematológicas.

Ocular lesions in sickle cell disease patients from Bahia, Brazil / Lesões oculares em pacientes com doença falciforme da Bahia, Brasil

OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to describe ocular alterations in sickle cell disease patients in Bahia, a Northeast state, with the highest prevalence of the disease in Brazil. METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional study in a group of 146 (292 eyes) sickle cell disease patients (90 HBSS and 56 HBSC). Ophthalmologic examination including indirect binocular ophthalmoscopy was performed. Examination was completed by fluorescein angiography to detect retinal lesions. RESULTS: The most frequent ocular lesions identified were "vascular tortuosity" and "black sunburst". Proliferative retinopathy was found in 22 (12.2 percent) eyes of HBSS patients and 25 (22.3 percent) eyes of HBSC patients (OR=2.06; CI95 percent: 1.5-4.06, p=0.022); Its frequency was higher among HBSS patients aged 20-39 years, while in HBSC patients, it peaked after 40 years (35.7 percent and 42.8 percent) and dropped sharply afterwards. CONCLUSION: Proliferative retinopathy was described as early as 10 years of age in both patients groups. Proliferative sickle retinopathy can result in blindness and the knowledge of the most prevalent ocular alterations and age risk will be important to establish a protocol of ophthalmologic follow-up, in order to prevent a severe visual loss and increase patient's life quality.

OBJETIVO: O presente estudo teve como objetivo descrever as alterações oculares em pacientes portadores de doença falciforme, na Bahia, um estado do Nordeste, que tem a maior prevalência da doença no Brasil. MÉTODOS: Nós conduzimos um estudo de corte transversal em um grupo de 146 (292 olhos) pacientes com Doença Falciforme (90 HBSS e 56 HBSC). Para exame oftalmológico foi realizada oftalmoscopia binocular indireta complementada pela retinografia fluorescente para detecção de lesões retinianas decorrentes da Doença Falciforme. RESULTADOS: As lesões mais frequentemente encontradas foram o aumento da tortuosidade vascular e "black sumburst" Retinopatia proliferativa foi encontrada em 22 (12,2 por cento) olhos de pacientes HBSS e 25 (22,3 por cento) olhos de pacientes HBSC (OR=2.06; CI95 por cento: 1.5-4.06, p=0. 022); essa frequência foi maior entre os pacientes HBSS com idade entre 20 - 39 anos, enquanto que nos pacientes HBSC foi maior nos acima de 40 anos (35.7 por cento e 42.8 por cento), decaindo abruptamente após essa idade. CONCLUSÃO: Retinopatia proliferativa foi descrita por volta dos dez anos de idade em ambos os grupos. A prevalência da retinopatia falciforme proliferativa pode resultar em cegueira e o conhecimento das alterações oculares mais prevalentes e idade de risco destas em pacientes com Doença Falciforme será importante para estabelecer um protocolo de acompanhamento oftalmológico, para prevenir um dano visual clinicamente grave, aumentando a qualidade de vida destes pacientes.

Avaliação da analgesia de opioide tópico em úlcera de perna de paciente falcêmico / Evaluation of the topical application of opioid analgesia for a leg ulcer of a sickle cell disease patient

A doença falciforme é caracterizada por apresentar várias alterações clinicas e fisiopatológicas nos pacientes que por ela são acometidos. Uma dessas alterações é presença de úlceras de perna dolorosas e de difícil cicatrização, sendo necessário o apoio de equipe multiprofissional no seu manejo e tratamento. Com o objetivo de reduzir a dor associada a úlcera de perna, o paciente falcêmico faz uso de opioides parenterais e enterais que normalmente estão associados a efeitos colaterais indesejados. Com o objetivo de reduzir o uso desses opioides sistêmicos, avaliamos um gel de morfina, de fácil manipulação e baixo custo, que foi utilizado antes e após o processo de troca de curativo das úlceras de perna dos pacientes falcêmicos atendidos em nossa instituição. Baseados na escala analógica da dor foi avaliado o efeito analgésico do gel em 28 pacientes. Todos apresentavam dor grau 7 ou 8 antes da aplicação do gel. Vinte e quatro pacientes (85,7 por cento) apresentaram total ausência de dor por um período de 24 horas, não sendo necessário o uso de analgésicos sistêmicos. Em três pacientes (10,7 por cento) a ausência de dor durou um periodo de 12horas. Somente um paciente (3,6 por cento) não relatou analgesia apos o uso do gel. Os resultados demonstraram que o gel é altamente eficaz no controle da dor das úlceras de perna de pacientes falcêmicos.

Sickle cell disease is characterized by several clinical and pathophysiological changes including painful leg ulcers. These are difficult to heal and require the support of a multidisciplinary team in their management. The treatment of pain in these patients usually involves the use of opioids. In order to reduce the use of systemic opioids, we evaluated an easy-to-use low-cost morphine gel (0.12 percent) that was applied before and after changing leg ulcer dressings of sickle cell patients treated in Hemorio hospital. Based on the Analogue Pain Scale (APS) we evaluated the analgesic effect of the gel with 28 patients. All presented with a degree of pain of 7 or 8 before applying the gel. A total absence of pain was observed by 24 patients (85.7 percent) within thirty minutes of applying the gel, with the analgesia effect being maintained for a period of 24 hours and thus the use of other analgesics was not requiring. In 3 patients (10.7 percent) no pain was reported for a period of 12 hours. Only 1 patient (3.6 percent) reported no analgesic effect thirty minutes after the application of the gel. Our results indicate that the morphine gel was effective in controlling the pain of leg ulcers in this group of sickle cell patients. A controlled study should be designed to assess this important subject.

A doença falciforme: um estudo genético-populacional a partir de doadores de sangue em São José dos Campos, São Paulo, Brasil / Sickle cell disease: a population genetics study based on blood donors in São José dos Campos, São Paulo, Brazil

A anemia falciforme é uma doença genética com origem multicêntrica, predominantemente em comunidades africanas, e está presente na população brasileira. A alta frequência de heterozigotos e a gravidade clínica dos homozigotos em nossa população vêm sendo alvo de políticas públicas adotadas pelo Ministério da Saúde e outras instituições governamentais no intuito de dispender cuidado especial ao portador. Foco das investigações científicas desde o esclarecimento de sua base genética, o estudo da anemia falciforme pode ser considerado um tema inesgotável, visto o considerável número de publicações acadêmicas que se reportam à anemia falciforme como temática central e que crescem anualmente. Dentro desse contexto, e no intuito de contribuir com a informação científica sobre a anemia falciforme, o presente estudo tem por objetivo avaliar a comunidade de São José dos Campos, SP, quanto à presença do traço falcêmico, correlacionando os dados obtidos com o histórico do povoamento local. O estudo foi realizado em 93.604 doadores voluntários de sangue, entre os anos de 2004 e 2008 no Serviço de Hematologia e Hemoterapia de São José dos Campos. Dos 93.604 doadores analisados, encontramos 400 portadores heterozigotos do traço falcêmico Hb S (0,43 por cento); nenhum indivíduo homozigoto foi identificado. Esse índice discrepante dos índices nacionais fundamenta-se na história local.

Sickle cell disease is a genetic disease that originated in several different regions, in particular African communities. The disease is present in the Brazilian population. The large number of heterozygotes and the severe clinical symptoms of homozygotes have drawn special attention from the government institutions in Brazil. Since the genetic origin of the disease was elucidated, sickle cell disease has become the focus of an every-growing number of scientific investigations. This investigation was performed to correlate the presence of the sickle cell trait in inhabitants of São José dos Campos, Brazil, with data on immigrants. The study sample consisted of 93,604 blood donors of the Hematology and Hemotherapy Service in São José dos Campos from 2004 to 2008. An analysis of the donors identified 400 heterozygous individuals with the sickle cell trait (Hb S - 0.43 percent) but no homozygotes. The results are completely different from the national pattern and are strongly supported by local history.

Gallstones in children with sickle cell disease followed up at a Brazilian hematology center / Litíase biliar em crianças com doença falciforme acompanhadas em um centro de hematologia no Brasil

BACKGROUND: Sickle cell disease causes chronic and recurrent hemolysis which is a recognized risk factor for cholelithiasis. This complication occurs in 50 percent of adults with sickle cell disease. Surgery is the consensual therapy for symptomatic patients, but the surgical approach is still controversial in asymptomatic individuals. AIMS: To determine the frequency and to describe and discuss the outcome of children with sickle cell disease complicated with gallstones followed up at a tertiary pediatric hematology center. METHODS: In a retrospective and descriptive study, 225 charts were reviewed and data regarding patient outcome were recorded. RESULTS: The prevalence of cholelithiasis was 45 percent and half the patients were asymptomatic. The mean age at the time of diagnosis of cholelithiasis and surgical treatment was 12.5 years (standard deviation = 5) and 14 years (standard deviation = 5.4), respectively. The prevalence of cholelithiasis was higher in patients with SS homozygous and Sb heterozygous thalassemia when compared to patients with sickle cell disease. In 50 percent of symptomatic patients, recurrent abdominal pain was the single or predominant symptom. Thirty-nine of 44 patients submitted to surgery reported symptom relief after the surgical procedure. Asymptomatic individuals who did not undergo surgical treatment were followed up for 7 years (standard deviation = 4.8), and none of them presented complications related to cholelithiasis during this period. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of cholelithiasis in the study population was 45 percent. One-third of the patients were diagnosed before 10 years of age. Patients with the SS homozygous or Sb heterozygous phenotype were at a higher risk for the development of cholelithiasis than patients with sickle cell disease. About 50 percent of patients with gallstones were asymptomatic, the most of them did not undergo surgery and did not present complications during a 7-year follow-up...

RACIONAL: A doença falciforme causa hemólise crônica e acelerada que é reconhecida como fator de risco para desenvolvimento de colelitíase. Essa complicação pode ocorrer em mais de 50 por cento da população adulta com doença falciforme. A colecistectomia é a conduta consensual para pacientes sintomáticos, mas nos assintomáticos a sua indicação é controversa. OBJETIVOS: Verificar a prevalência de colelitíase em pacientes com doença falciforme e descrever a conduta tomada em caso de diagnóstico da complicação, numa corte de pacientes seguidos num centro terciário de hematologia pediátrica. MÉTODOS: Neste estudo descritivo e retrospectivo, foram revistos prontuários de 225 pacientes e os dados relacionados à evolução clínica desses indivíduos foram registrados. RESULTADOS: A freqüência cumulativa de colelitíase foi de 45 por cento, sendo que metade deles não apresentava quaisquer sintomas. As médias de idade ao diagnóstico de colelitíase e seu tratamento cirúrgico foram, respectivamente, 12,5 anos (desvio padrão = 5 anos) e 14 anos (desvio padrão = 5,4 anos). A prevalência de colelitíase foi maior nos pacientes com doença SS (homozigotos) e Sb (heterozigotos) talassemia, comparados aos pacientes com doença falciforme. Entre os pacientes sintomáticos (50 por cento), a dor abdominal inespecífica foi o único sintoma ou o sintoma predominante. Entre pacientes que realizaram colecistectomia (n = 44), 39 tiveram melhora ou resolução de seus sintomas após o procedimento. Em 7 anos (desvio padrão = 4,8 anos) de seguimento clínico dos pacientes assintomáticos e não tratados cirurgicamente, verificou-se que nenhuma criança apresentou complicações relacionadas à colelitíase. CONCLUSÕES: A freqüência de colelitíase na população estudada foi de 45 por cento. Um terço dos pacientes foram diagnosticados antes dos 10 anos de idade. Pacientes com fenótipos SS (homozigotos) e S² (heterozigotos) associaram-se a maior risco de litíase biliar, quando comparados...