Screening for celiac disease in patients with irritable bowel syndrome fulfilling Rome III criteria

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder. Celiac disease (CD), a treatable autoimmune enteropathy, with varied presentations, may simulate clinically symptoms of IBS. The aim of the present study is to screen for CD in patients with IBS diagnosed based on the Rome III criteria. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a secondary care gastrointestinal unit in Al-Salam General Hospital in Mosul city, Iraq, from November 2015 to October 2016. All patients fulfilling the Rome III criteria for IBS were screened for CD using antitissue transglutaminase IgA antibodies (anti-tTG). Patients who tested positive were subjected to endoscopic duodenal biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of CD. Results: A total of 100 patients were included in the present study (58 female and 42 male), the mean age of the participants was 40.8 years old (standard deviation [SD]±11.57). Ten patients (10/100, 10%) tested positive for anti-tTG antibodies. Five of the seropositive patients (5/10, 50%) showed positive biopsy results according to the Marsh classification, 3 of whom having diarrhea, and 2 with constipation. Conclusion: Positive serology and biopsy results suggestive of CDare common among patients with IBS. Screening patients with IBS for CD is justified. (AU)

The relevance of anti-Jo-1 autoantibodies in patients with definite dermatomyositis

Abstract Background: To assess the prevalence and clinical relevance of anti-Jo-1 autoantibodies in a representative sample of patients with definite dermatomyositis (DM). Methods: This retrospective cohort study took place from 2005 to 2020 and assessed 118 adult patients from a tertiary center who were diagnosed with definite DM. A commercial kit was used to detect anti-Jo-1 autoantibodies. Results: The presence of anti-Jo-1 autoantibodies was observed in 10 out of 118 (8.5%) patients with definite DM. The following variables were comparable between individuals with and without anti-Jo-1 autoantibodies: age at diagnosis, sex, ethnicity, disease duration, follow-up period, recurrence rate, complete clinical response, death rate, and cancer incidence. There was no difference in clinical features between groups, except for an increased prevalence of "mechanic's hands," joint involvement, and lung disease, as well as a reduced occurrence of skin findings in patients positive for anti-Jo-1 autoantibodies. No anti-Jo-1-positive patients went into remission; they required greater use of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive drugs. Conclusions: Anti-Jo-1 positivity was found in 8.5% of patients with definite DM. This autoantibody was associated with an antisynthetase syndrome phenotype and might predict clinical outcomes in patients with definite DM.(AU)

Contribución del panel de miositis en el estudio de pacientes con enfermedades pulmonares intersticiales y sospecha de enfermedad del tejido conectivo / Contribution of myositis panel in the study of patients with interstitial lung disease and suspicion of connective tissue disease

INTRODUCCIÓN: La manifestación extramuscular de las miopatías inflamatorias idiopáticas (MII) es la enfermedad pulmonar intersticial (EPI) y el diagnóstico se basa en autoanticuerpos séricos. Los nuevos anticuerpos específicos y asociados a MII han ayudado a identificar nuevas entidades clínicas en el espectro de MII. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la contribución diagnóstica de un panel de anticuerpos de miositis (PM) en una cohorte de pacientes chilenos con EPI sin una enfermedad del tejido conectivo (ETC) definitiva. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: A partir de enero de 2017 se realizó un panel de miositis a 111 pacientes consecutivos con EPI y sospecha de ETC, pero sin un diagnóstico definitivo a través de otra herramienta diagnóstica, en el programa de Pulmón-Reumatológico del Instituto Nacional del Tórax, Santiago, Chile. Se compararon las características basales clínicas y serológicas de los pacientes que se asociaban más frecuentemente a la probabilidad de tener un panel positivo. RESULTADOS: El PM fue positivo en 56 de 111 pacientes. El síndrome antisintetasa (SAS) fue el diagnóstico más frecuente. Los anticuerpos más frecuentes fueron Ro-52, PM / Scl-75 y Ku. Las variables más frecuentes en el grupo PM(+) fueron la presencia del Raynaud, miositis, manos de mecánico, los anticuerpos Ro y La positivos, la presencia de un patrón combinado de neumonía intersticial inespecífica y neumonía organizada en la tomografía computarizada de tórax. CONCLUSIONES: la incorporación del PM nos ha ayudado a mejorar nuestra precisión diagnóstica en pacientes con EPI / ETC. Presentamos elementos clínicos y serológicos que perfeccionan el rendimiento de la prueba.

INTRODUCTION: The most common extramuscular manifestation of the idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) is interstitial lung disease (ILD) and the diagnosis is based on serum autoantibodies. The new specific and associated antibodies to IIM have helped to identify new clinical entities in the spectrum of IIM. The objective of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic contribution of a myositis antibodies panel (MP) in a cohort of Chilean patients with ILD without a definitive connective tissue disease (CTD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Starting on January 2017 we performed a MP to 111 consecutive patients with ILD and suspected CTD but without a definitive diagnosis through another diagnostic tools in the Lung-Rheumatological Program at the "Instituto Nacional del Tórax", Santiago, Chile. The clinical and serological baseline characteristics of the patients that were most frequently associated with the probability of having a positive panel were compared. RESULTS: The MP was positive in 56 of 111 patients. Anti synthetase syndrome (ASS) was the most prevalent diagnosis. The most frequent antibodies were Ro-52, PM/Scl-75 and Ku. The most frequent variables in the positive MP group were the presence of Raynaud's phenomenon, myositis, mechanic's hands, positive Ro and La antibodies and the presence of combined pattern of nonspecific interstitial pneumonia and organizing pneumonia in chest computed tomography scan. CONCLUSIONS: The incorporation of the MP has helped us to improve our diagnostic precision of patients with CTD/ILD. We present clinical and serological elements that refine the performance of the test.

Autoimmune hepatitis in 828 Brazilian children and adolescents: clinical and laboratory findings, histological profile, treatments, and outcomes / Hepatite autoimune em 828 crianças e adolescentes brasileiros: achados clínicos e laboratoriais, perfil histológico, tratamentos e resultados

Abstract Objective: This large study with a long-term follow-up aimed to evaluate the clinical presentation, laboratory findings, histological profile, treatments, and outcomes of children and adolescents with autoimmune hepatitis. Methods: The medical records of 828 children and adolescents with autoimmune hepatitis were reviewed. A questionnaire was used to collect anonymous data on clinical presentation, biochemical and histological findings, and treatments. Results: Of all patients, 89.6% had autoimmune hepatitis-1 and 10.4% had autoimmune hepatitis-2. The female sex was predominant in both groups. The median age at symptom onset was 111.5 (6; 210) and 53.5 (8; 165) months in the patients with autoimmune hepatitis 1 and autoimmune hepatitis-2, respectively. Acute clinical onset was observed in 56.1% and 58.8% and insidious symptoms in 43.9% and 41.2% of the patients with autoimmune hepatitis-1 and autoimmune hepatitis-2, respectively. The risk of hepatic failure was 1.6-fold higher for autoimmune hepatitis-2. Fulminant hepatic failure occurred in 3.6% and 10.6% of the patients with autoimmune hepatitis-1 and autoimmune hepatitis-2, respectively; the risk was 3.1-fold higher for autoimmune hepatitis-2. The gamma globulin and immunoglobulin G levels were significantly higher in autoimmune hepatitis-1, while the immunoglobulin A and C3 levels were lower in autoimmune hepatitis-2. Cirrhosis was observed in 22.4% of the patients; biochemical remission was achieved in 76.2%. The actuarial survival rate was 93.0%. A total of 4.6% underwent liver transplantation, and 6.9% died (autoimmune hepatitis-1: 7.5%; autoimmune hepatitis-2: 2.4%). Conclusions: In this large clinical series of Brazilian children and adolescents, autoimmune hepatitis-1 was more frequent, and patients with autoimmune hepatitis-2 exhibited higher disease remission rates with earlier response to treatment. Patients with autoimmune hepatitis-1 had a higher risk of death.

Resumo Objetivo: Este estudo com acompanhamento de longo prazo visou a avaliar o quadro clínico, os achados laboratoriais, o perfil histológico, os tratamentos e os resultados de crianças e adolescentes com hepatite autoimune. Métodos: Foram analisados os prontuários médicos de 828 crianças e adolescentes com HAI. Foi usado um questionário para coletar os dados anônimos sobre o quadro clínico, os achados bioquímicos e histológicos e os tratamentos. Resultados: De todos os pacientes, 89,6% tinham hepatite autoimune-1 e 10,4% hepatite autoimune-2. O sexo feminino foi predominante nos dois grupos. A idade média no início dos sintomas foi 111,5 (6; 210) e 53,5 (8; 165) meses nos pacientes com hepatite autoimune-1 e hepatite autoimune-2, respectivamente. Foi observado início clínico agudo em 56,1% e 58,8% e sintomas insidiosos em 43,9% e 41,2% dos pacientes com hepatite autoimune-1 e hepatite autoimune-2, respectivamente. A probabilidade de insuficiência hepática foi 1,6 vezes maior para hepatite autoimune-2; 3,6% e 10,6% dos pacientes com hepatite autoimune-1 e hepatite autoimune-2, respectivamente, apresentaram insuficiência hepática fulminante; o risco foi 3,1 vezes maior para hepatite autoimune-2. Os níveis de gamaglobulina e imunoglobulina G foram significativamente maiores nos pacientes com hepatite autoimune-1, ao passo que os níveis de imunoglobulina A e C3 foram menores em pacientes com hepatite autoimune-2; 22,4% dos pacientes apresentaram cirrose e a remissão bioquímica foi atingida em 76,2%. A taxa de sobrevida atuarial foi de 93,0%. Um total de 4,6% pacientes foram submetidos a transplante de fígado e 6,9% morreram (hepatite autoimune-1: 7,5%; hepatite autoimune-2: 2,4%). Conclusões: Nesta grande série clínica de crianças e adolescentes brasileiros, a hepatite autoimune-1 foi mais frequente e os pacientes com hepatite autoimune-2 mostraram maiores taxas de remissão da doença com respostas mais rápidas aos tratamentos. Os pacientes com hepatite autoimune-1 apresentaram maior risco de óbito.

Recurrencia de Síndrome de Goodpasture con negativización de anticuerpos anti-membrana basal glomerular: caso clínico / Recurrence of goodpasture syndrome with negative antiglomerular basement antibodies: report of one case

Goodpasture Syndrome is described as a single episode disease entity. It is diagnosed with the demonstration of antiglomerular basement (anti-GBM) antibodies in plasma or renal tissue. Although the recurrence of anti-GBM disease is rare, it has been reported in up to 3% of cases. Recurrence with negative anti-GBM antibodies in plasma is even less frequent We report a 63 years old male in whom anti-GBM disease recurred without detectable anti-GBM antibodies in plasma, despite having positive antibodies at the onset.

Autoanticuerpos en miopatías inflamatorias idiopáticas: enfoque en la práctica clínica / Autoantibodies in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: focus on clinical practice

Las miopatías inflamatorias idiopáticas (MII) conforman un grupo diverso de en-fermedades caracterizadas por lesiones musculares inmunomediadas, que pue-den estar acompañadas de manifestaciones extramusculares.La identificación de autoanticuerpos específicos de miositis (AEM) y asociados a miositis (AAM) se ha convertido en una herramienta relevante en el diagnóstico, clasificación y pronóstico en este grupo de enfermedades.Adquieren relevancia en el diagnóstico y determinación de pronóstico de la Enfer-medad Pulmonar Intersticial (EPI), en el diagnóstico diferencial entre subgrupos de MII, especialmente en entidades de comportamiento atípico como la Miopatía Necrotizante Inmuno Mediada (MNIM) y la Miositis por Cuerpos de Inclusión, y permiten el enfoque y seguimiento estricto en pacientes con autoanticuerpos asociados a cáncer. En el último tiempo se ha planteado su utilidad tanto en la determinación de actividad de la enfermedad como en predecir la respuesta al tratamiento inmu-nosupresor.

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) comprise a heterogenous group of ill-nesses characterized by immune mediated muscular injuries that may be accom-panied by extra-muscular manifestations.The identification of myositis-specific autoantibodies MSAs and myositis-associ-ated autoantibodies (MAA) has become a relevant tool in the diagnose, classifica-tion, and prognosis in this group of illnesses.They become relevant in the diagnose and determination of a prognosis for Inter-stitial Lung Disease (ILD), in the differentiated diagnose among sub-groups of MII, especially in entities of an atypical behavior, such as Immune Mediated Necrotiz-ing Myopathy (IMNM) and Inclusion Body Myositis, and they enable a strict focus and follow-up on patients with cancer-associated autoantibodies. Lately, its usefulness has been stated both to determine disease activity and to forecast the response to the immunosuppressive treatment.

Frequency and clinical relevance of anti-Mi-2 autoantibody in adult Brazilian patients with dermatomyositis

Abstract Background: To analyze the frequency and clinical relevance of anti-Mi-2 autoantibody in a representative sample of patients with dermatomyositis. Methods: This longitudinal inception cohort study, from 2001 to 2017, included 87 definite adult dermatomyositis. Anti-Mi-2 analysis was performed using a commercial kit. Results: Seventeen patients (19.5%) had anti-Mi-2 and 70 (80.5%) did not have this autoantibody. The following parameters were equally distributed between the patients with versus without anti-Mi-2: mean age at the disease diagnosis onset, median follow-up time, constitutional symptoms (baseline), cutaneous cumulative lesions, dysphagia, joint and pulmonary involvement. There was also no difference between the groups in relation to follow-up time, disease relapsing, treatment, disease status, deaths and occurrence of neoplasia. In contrast, patients with anti-Mi2 antibodies had higher frequency of elevated serum levels of muscle enzymes at disease onset (median: creatine phosphokinase 6240 [3800-9148] U/L and aldolase 60.0 [35.0-138.0] U/L), lower frequency of pulmonary involvement at disease onset (5.9%), less current glucocorticoid dose (median: 0 [0-10] mg/day), and higher frequency of disease remission during follow-up (58.8%) in comparison with patients without anti-Mi-2 autoantibody (484 [115-4880] and 12.1 [6.3-70.0] U/L, 40.0%, 0 [0-10] mg/day, 27.1%, respectively). Conclusion: The anti-Mi-2 autoantibody was found in one fifth of patients with dermatomyositis. This autoantibody was associated with a lower occurrence of pulmonary involvement, a higher frequency of disease in remission, and elevated levels of muscle enzymes. There was also no correlation regarding the frequency of disease relapsing or neoplasia development.

V Brazilian consensus guidelines for detection of anti-cell autoantibodies on hep-2 cells

Abstract Background: The V Brazilian Consensus for determination of autoantibodies against cellular constituents on HEp-2 cells, held in Brasilia (DF, Brazil) on August 27, 2016, discussed the harmonization between the Brazilian Consensus on ANA (BCA) guidelines and the International Consensus on ANA Patterns (ICAP) recommendations (www.anapatterns.org). Initial guidelines were formulated by the group of Brazilian experts with the purpose of guiding and enabling Brazilian clinical laboratories to adopt recommendations and to provide a common standard for national and international consensuses. Mainbody: Twenty Brazilian researchers and experts from universities and clinical laboratories representing the various geographical regions of the country participated in the meeting. Three main topics were discussed, namely the harmonization between the BCA guidelines and latest recommendations of the ICAP initiative, the adjustment of the terminology and report on HEp-2 patterns, and a reassessment of quality assurance parameters. For the three topics, our aim was to establish specific guidelines. All recommendations were based on consensus among participants. There was concrete progress in the adjustment of the BCA guidelines to match the ICAP guidelines. To a certain extent, this derives from the fact that ICAP recommendations were largely based on the algorithm and recommendations of the IV Brazilian ANA Consensus, as consistently recognized in the ICAP publications and presentations. However, although there is great overlap between the two Consensuses, there are some point divergences. These specific items were individually and extensively discussed, and it was acknowledged that in several points ICAP improved recommendations previously issued by the Brazilian ANA Consensus and these changes were readily implemented. Regarding some specific topics, the BCA panel of experts felt that the previously issued recommendations remained relevant and possibly will require further discussion with ICAP. The term anti-cell antibodies was adopted as the recommended designation, recognizing that the assay addresses antibodies against antigens in the nucleus and in other cell compartments. However, the acronym ANA HEp-2 was maintained due to historical and regulatory reasons. It was also signalized that the latest trend in ICAP is to adopt the term Indirect Immunofluorescent Assay on HEp-2 cell substrate (HEp-2 IIFA). In addition, the quality assurance strategies previously presented were ratified and emphasized. Conclusion: The V BCA edition was successful in establishing an overall harmonization with the ICAP recommendations for interpretation of the HEp-2 IIFA test, pinpointing the perspectives in filling the remaining gaps between both initiatives.

Risk of digital ulcers occurrence in systemic sclerosis: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background/objective: Digital ulcers (DUs) represent a frequent complication of systemic sclerosis (SSc). The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical, serological and capillaroscopy features that are associated with DUs in patients with SSc. Methods: In this bicentric cross-sectional study, 70 patients with SSc were consecutively selected from March 2016 to April 2017. Demographic and clinical features, including the presence of active DUs, were collected. Videocapillaroscopy was performed in all patients. Results: Among the 70 patients included (mean age of 46.8 years, mean disease duration of 9.41 years), 14 (20%) had active DUs. Based on multivariate analysis, the presence of anti-Scl-70 antibodies, the HAQ-DI score, and the capillary loss score were independently associated with DUs with odds ratios of 7.96 (95% CI 1.32-47.99), 55.77 (95% CI 1.76-1764.28), and 16.66 (95% CI 2.07-133.81), respectively. Conclusions: The presence of avascular areas in capillaroscopy, elevation of HAQ-DI score and anti-Scl-70 antibodies were independent factors associated with DUs in patients with SSc.

Patients with pure dermatomyositis/polymyositis and anti-PM/Scl autoantibody resembling anti-synthetase syndrome / Pacientes com dermatomiosite/polimiosite pura e autoanticorpo anti-pm/scl sememlhante à síndrome anti-sintetase

OBJECTIVE: The anti-PM/Scl autoantibody has been described in patients with scleromyositis. However, there are scant studies evaluating its prevalence and reactivity in dermatomyositis and polymyositis. METHOD: A cross-sectional, single center study evaluating the anti-PM/Scl autoantibody in 85 dermatomyositis and 32 polymyositis patients, without overlapping syndrome, was conducted between 2000 and 2016. Clinical data and complementary examinations were reviewed from electronic medical records with pre-parameterized information. RESULTS: The mean age of dermatomyositis and polymyositis patients was 41.1 and 42.8 years, respectively. The presence of anti-PM/Scl was observed in 5 (5.9%) dermatomyositis and 2 (6.3%) polymyositis patients. Two of these patients also had the anti-Ku antibody. The relevant clinical manifestations of these 7 patients were constitutional symptoms (100% of cases), muscular (100%), pulmonary (85.7%) and joint (71.4%) involvement, "mechanic hands" (85.7%), Raynaud phenomenon (85.7%) and plantar hyperkeratosis (85.7%). The 7 patients had relapses of disease activity, but at conclusion of the present study, 5 had complete clinical response and 2 complete remission of the disease. CONCLUSION: There is a low frequency of the anti-PM/Scl autoantibody in dermatomyositis and polymyositis patients. In addition, patients with this autoantibody exhibit a similar pattern of manifestations to that of antisynthetase syndrome.

OBJETIVO: O autoanticorpo anti-PM/Scl foi descrito em pacientes com escleromiosite. No entanto, há escassos estudos avaliando sua prevalência e reatividade em dermatomiosite (DM) e polimiosite (PM). MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, num único centro, que avaliou o autoanticorpo anti-PM/Scl em 85 DM e 32 PM, sem síndrome de sobreposição, no período entre 2000 e 2016. Os dados clínicos e os exames complementares foram revisados a partir de registros médicos eletrônicos com informações pré-parametrizadas. RESULTADOS: A média de idade dos pacientes com DM e PM foi, respectivamente, de 41,1 e 42,8 anos. A presença de anti-PM/Scl foi observada em 5 (5,9%) DM e 2 (6,3%) pacientes com PM. Dois desses pacientes também possuíam o anticorpo anti-Ku. As manifestações clínicas relevantes desses 7 pacientes foram sintomas constitucionais (100% dos casos), envolvimento muscular (100%), pulmonar (85,7%) e articular (71,4%), "mãos mecânicas" (85,7%), fenômeno de Raynaud (85,7 %) e hiperqueratose plantar (85,7%). Os 7 pacientes apresentaram recidivas da atividade da doença, mas, no final do presente estudo, 5 apresentaram resposta clínica completa e 2 remissões completas da doença. CONCLUSÃO: Há uma baixa freqüência do autoanticorpo anti-PM/Scl em pacientes com DM e PM. Além disso, os pacientes com este autoanticorpo apresentam um padrão semelhante de manifestações para a síndrome da antisintetase.

Anticuerpos en miopatías inflamatorias idiopáticas / Antibodies in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies

Las miopatías inflamatorias idiopáticas (MII) comprenden un grupo de enfermedades multisistémicas de baja prevalencia que afectan tanto adultos como a niños, con ma-nifestaciones clínicas variables como lo son: debilidad muscular de predominio proxi-mal, alteraciones cutáneas (pápulas de Gottron, signo del chal, ulceras cutáneas), artritis, enfermedad pulmonar intersticial difusa (EPD), calcinosis y malignidad; en-marcadas en diferentes subtipos clínicos. Se cree que la autoinmunidad tiene un pa-pel clave en la patogénesis de estas enfermedades y como tal se han identificado autoanticuerpos en más del 50% de los pacientes con MII (algunos específicos y otros relacionados a miositis), lo cual ha permito clasificar diferentes características fenotí-picas e histológicas de estas enfermedades al igual de reconocer diferentes patrones de respuesta a tratamiento y factores pronósticos.En esta revisión mencionaremos los autoanticuerpos mas conocidos en relación a las miopatías inflamatorias idiopáticas, incluida la identificación de anticuerpos asocia-dos con las miopatía necrotizantes autoinmunes (MNA), la miositis por cuerpos de inclusión (MCI) y la asociación miositis - cáncer.

The Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) comprise a group of low prevalence multisitemic diseases that affect both adults and children, with variable clinical man-ifestations such as muscular weakness of predominantly proximal, skin alterations (Gottron papules, sign of the shawl, skin ulcers), arthritis, diffuse interstitial lung dis-ease (ILD), calcinosis and malignancy; framed in different clinical subtypes. It is be-lieved that autoimmunity plays a key role in the pathogenesis of these diseases and as such autoantibodies have been identified in more than 50% of patients with IIM (some specific and others related to myositis), which has allowed to classify different phenotypic characteristics and histological of these diseases as well as recognizing different patterns of response to treatment and prognostic factors.In this review we will mention the most known autoantibodies in relation to idio-pathic inflammatory myopathies, including the identification of antibodies associated with autoimmune necrotizing myopathies (ANM), inclusion body myositis (IBM) and the myositis - cancer association.

Placental and colostral transfer of antibodies reactive with enteropathogenic Escherichia coli intimins α, ß, or γ / Transferência placentária e colostral de anticorpos reativos a Escherichia coli enteropatogênica com expressão das intiminas α, ß, or γ

Abstract Objective: Intimins are protein adhesins of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and enterohemorrhagic E. coli capable of inducing attachment and effacement lesions in enterocytes. Anti-intimin antibodies are important for the protection from enteropathogenic E. coli and enterohemorrhagic E. coli infections because these antibodies inhibit bacterial adhesion and impair the initial step of the pathogenesis. We studied the transfer of maternal anti-intimin antibodies from healthy Brazilian mothers to their newborns through the placenta and colostrum. Methods: Serum immunoglobulin G and secretory immunoglobulin A antibodies against conserved and variable regions of intimins α, β, and γ were analyzed using an enzyme linked-immunosorbent assay in the blood and colostrum from 45 healthy women as well as cord blood serum samples from their newborns. Results: The concentrations of antibodies reactive with α intimin were significantly lower than those of anti-γ and anti-conserved intimin antibodies in the colostrum samples. IgG serum antibodies reactive with all the subtypes of intimins were transferred to the newborns, but the concentrations of anti-conserved intimin serum antibodies were significantly higher in mothers and newborns than concentrations of antibodies against variable regions. The patterns of IgG transfer from mothers to newborns were similar for all anti-intimin antibodies. These values are similar to the percentage transference of total IgG. Conclusions: Anti-intimin antibodies are transferred from mothers to newborns through the placenta, and reinforce the protection provided by breastfeeding against diarrheagenic E. coli infections.

Resumo Objetivo: As intiminas são adesinas proteicas de Escherichia coli enteropatogênicas (EPEC) e enterro-hemorrágicas (EHEC) capazes de induzir as lesões attaching and effacing nos enterócitos. Anticorpos anti-intiminas são importantes para a proteção contra infecções por EPEC e EHEC porque esses anticorpos inibem a adesão bacteriana e impedem o passo inicial do mecanismo patogênico dessas bactérias. Nós estudamos a transferência de anticorpos maternos anti-intiminas de mães brasileiras saudáveis para os seus recém-nascidos através da placenta e do colostro. Métodos: Anticorpos séricos da classe IgG e secretórios da classe IgA (SIgA) reativos com as porções conservada (cons) e variáveis das intiminas α (vα), β (vβ) e γ (vγ) foram analisados pelo teste de ELISA no sangue e no colostro de 45 parturientes saudáveis e no sangue de cordão umbilical dos seus respectivos recém-nascidos. Resultados: As concentrações de anticorpos reativos com intimina vα foram significativamente mais baixas que as dos anticorpos anti-vγ e anti-cons nas amostras de colostro. Anticorpos IgG séricos reativos com todas as intiminas foram transferidos para os recém-nascidos, mas as concentrações de anti-cons foram significativamente mais altas tanto nas mães como nos recém-nascidos do que os anticorpos reativos com as regiões variáveis das intiminas. O padrão de transferência de IgG das mães para os recém-nascidos foi muito semelhante para todos os anticorpos anti-intiminas. Os valores de porcentagem de transferência foram semelhantes à transferência de IgG total. Conclusões: Anticorpos anti-intimina são transferidos das mães para os recém-nascidos pela placenta e corroboram a proteção contra infecções por Escherichia coli diarreiogênicas (DEC) conferida pelo aleitamento materno.

Associação de vitiligo com autoanticorpos tireoidianos / Vitiligo and its association with thyroid autoantibodies

Objetivo: Analisar a presença de autoanticorpos antitireoidianos (anti-TPO) no soro de pessoas acometidas por vitiligo. Métodos: Estudo do tipo caso-controle retrospectivo realizado em serviço de dermatologia de referência na Amazônia, com amostra constituída por dois grupos: Grupo Vitiligo (n=56), com diagnóstico clínico de vitiligo, e Grupo Controle (n=30), que se declarou sadio, não portador de vitiligo, de outra dermatose e/ou doença autoimune diagnosticada. O registro dos dados foi feito pelo preenchimento de protocolo específico usado em entrevista para ambos os grupos, além de coleta de sangue para dosagem de autoanticorpos anti-TPO para os dois grupos. O teste qui quadrado e a odds ratio (OR) foram utilizados para variáveis qualitativas; para as quantitativas, foi utilizado o teste t de Student, e o nível de significância foi de p≤5%. Resultados: A história pessoal de doença autoimune esteve presente em 7,14% dos portadores versus 0% dos controles. Não houve diferenças estatisticamente relevantes com relação aos antecedentes familiares entre os grupos (OR: 0,5704; p=0,4146). Quanto à positividade para os autoanticorpos anti-TPO (níveis superiores ao ponto de corte), não houve relevância estatística (qui quadrado 2,844; p=0,229). Entretanto, na comparação dos níveis séricos absolutos de autoanticorpos anti-TPO entre os grupos, foram obtidos 129,49±323,88 para o portador da doença e 35,85±13,16 para o controle, com t=2,1602 e p=0,0351. Conclusão: Embora não tenha sido relevante a diferença entre os Grupo Vitiligo e Controle quanto à positividade para o autoanticorpos anti-TPO, ao se considerar a comparação com os valores séricos absolutos do Grupo Vitiligo, estes foram maiores que os apresentados pelos controles, sendo esta diferença estatisticamente relevante.(AU)

Objective: To analyze the presence of antithyroid autoantibodies (anti-TPO) in the serum of people affected by vitiligo. Methods: This is a study of retrospective casecontrol, performed in a reference dermatological center in Amazonia, with a sample consisting of two groups: Vitiligo group (n=56), with clinical diagnosis of vitiligo, and the Control Group (n=30), who was self-declared as healthy, nonvitiligo carrier, with no other dermatosis and/or diagnosed autoimmune disease. The data recording was made with specific protocol completion in an interview for both groups, and blood collection for antithyroid autoantibodies dosage for both groups. Chi-square and odds ratio (OR) tests were used for qualitative variables; for the quantitative ones, t-Student test, and significance level of p≤5%. Results: The personal history of autoimmune disease was present in 7.14% of patients compared to 0% of controls. There were no statistically significant differences in relation to family history between the groups (odds ratio: 0.5704; p=0.4146). As for the positivity for antithyroid autoantibodies (levels above the cutoff point), there was no statistical significance (chi-square=2.844, p=0.229). However, when comparing the absolute serum levels of antithyroid autoantibodies between the groups, 129.49±323.88 was obtained for the carrier of the disease, and 35.85±13:16 to controls, with t=2.1602, and p=0.0351. Conclusion: Although the difference between vitiligo and control groups were not significant regarding positivity for antithyroid autoantibodies, when the comparison with the absolute serum levels of the group with vitiligo was considered, they were higher than those presented by the controls, with this difference being statistically significant.(AU)

Prevalence of pancreatic autoantibodies in non-diabetic patients with autoimmune thyroid disease and its relation to insulin secretion and glucose tolerance

ABSTRACT Objective We evaluated the prevalence of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GADA) and tyrosine phosphatase-protein antibodies (IA2A), their titers and their relation to first phase insulin response (FPIR) and glucose tolerance in autoimmune thyroid diseases (ATDs) patients. Subjects and methods Graves' disease (GD; n = 181) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT; n = 143) patients in addition to healthy controls (n = 93) were studied. Secondly, FPIR and oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) were performed in 11 anti-pancreatic islet-cell (+) and in 20 anti-pancreatic-cell (-) patients. Results There was a non significant trend for higher prevalence of GADA positivity in GD vs HT (7.2% vs 2% p = 0.06), but the GADA titers were higher in HT. We also did not find a significant difference in IA2 prevalence (0.7% vs 0.0%) between these two groups or compared to the control group. In the subsequent analysis, low FPIR was found in 10% of these patients but without statistical difference for OGTT between pancreatic antibody-positive and -negative patients. Conclusion A trend for greater prevalence of GADA was observed for GD patients than for HT or control. However, the titers of these autoantibodies were higher in HT patients, but there was no significant relation to insulin secretion and glucose tolerance at that moment and stage of autoimmune diseases.

Reactividad cruzada de una prueba de tamizaje para Enfermedad Celíaca con otros autoanticuerpos / Cross-reactivity of a screening test for celiac disease with other autoantibodies / Reatividade cruzada de um teste de screening para a doença celíaca com outros autoanticorpos

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue estudiar la presencia de reactividad cruzada de la prueba de tamizaje htTG/DGP para enfermedad celíaca (EC) con otros autoanticuerpos presentes en altos títulos en diferentes enfermedades autoinmunes (EA). Se realizó un estudio de corte transversal donde se seleccionaron 100 pacientes no celíacos, de ambos sexos (15 hombres, 85 mujeres) con edades entre 4 y 86 años que presentaban diversas EA. Para estudiar presencia de EC se realizaron por ELISA los ensayos QUANTALite® (INOVA Diagnostics, EE.UU.): htTG/DGPScreen, htTG IgA e IgG, Gliadina IgAII e IgGII. Los autoanticuerpos de otras EA se determinaron por inmunofluorescencia indirecta y por electroquimioluminiscencia. La reactividad cruzada encontrada con autoanticuerpos no específicos de EC fue de 2,0%. Las dos muestras positivas con la prueba de tamizaje (23,0 U y 24,9 U) presentaron anticuerpos anti-centrómero y anti-nucleares, con títulos 1/1280 y 1/640 respectivamente. Las mismas fueron analizadas para los marcadores de celiaquía y sólo una resultó positiva débil (21,8 U) para anti-Gliadina IgAII. La baja reactividad cruzada hallada con el ensayo de tamizaje htTG/DGP en presencia de otros autoanticuerpos permite concluir que dicha prueba constituye una herramienta de gran utilidad para la pesquisa de EC en pacientes con diferentes enfermedades autoinmunes.

The goal of this study was to show the presence of cross-reactivity screening test htTG/DGP for celiac disease (CD) with other autoantibodies present in high titers in different autoimmune diseases (AD). A cross-sectional study was performed for which 100 patients of both sexes (15 men, 85 women), aged between 4 and 86 years without CD who had different autoimmune pathologies were selected. To study the presence of CD, QUANTALite® (INOVA Diagnostics, USA): htTG/DGP Screen, htTG IgA and IgG, Gliadin IgAII and IgGII tests by ELISA were used. Other autoantibodies from AD were determined by indirect immunofluorescence and by electrochemiluminescence. Cross-reactivity with non-specific autoantibodies found in EC was 2.0%. The two positive samples of screening test (23,0 U and 24,9 U) had anti-centromere antibodies 1/1280 and anti-nuclear antibodies 1/640 respectively. They were analyzed for celiac disease markers and only one was weak positive (21,8 U) for anti-Gliadin IgAII. The low cross reactivity found with screening test htTG/DGP in the presence of other autoantibodies made it possible to conclude that this test is a useful tool for screening of CD in patients with different autoimmune diseases.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a presença de reatividade cruzada do teste de screening htTG/ DGP para a doença celíaca (DC) com outros autoanticorpos presentes em altos títulos em diferentes doenças autoimunes (DA). Foi realizado um estudo transversal para o qual foram selecionados 100 pacientes não-celíacos, de ambos os sexos (15 homens, 85 mulheres), com idades entre 4 e 86 anos que apresentavam diferentes patologias autoimunes (DA). Para estudar a presença de DC, realizaram-se por ELISA os ensaios QUANTALite® (INOVA Diagnostics, EUA): htTG/DGPScreen, htTG IgA e IgG, Gliadina IgAII e Gliadina IgGII por ELISA. Os autoanticorpos das outras DA foram determinados por imunofluorescência indireta e por eletroquimioluminescência. A reatividade cruzada encontrada com outros autoanticorpos não específicos de DC foi de 2,0%. As duas amostras positivas para o teste de screening (23,0 U e 24,9 U) apresentaram anticorpos anticentrômeros e antinucleares, com títulos 1/1280 e 1/640 respectivamente. Elas foram analisadas para os marcadores de doença celíaca e apenas uma resultou positiva fraca (21,8 U) para anti-Gliadina IgAII. A baixa reatividade cruzada encontrada com o teste de screening htTG/DGP em presença de outros autoanticorpos, permite concluir que este teste constitui um instrumento de grande utilidade para a pesquisa de doença celíaca em pacientes com diferentes doenças autoimunes.

Tratamiento de la enfermedad celíaca: ¿Cómo medir adherencia a la dieta libre de gluten? / Treating coeliac disease: How do we measure adherence to the gluten-free diet?

La enfermedad celíaca (EC) es un trastorno sistémico inmune mediado por la ingesta de gluten en individuos genéticamente susceptibles. Se caracteriza por manifestaciones clínicas variables, auto anticuerpos anti-endomisio, anti-transglutaminasa (tTG) y/o anti-péptidos de gliadina deamidados (PGD) en sangre, más daño variable de la mucosa intestinal. En Chile el 0,76% de los mayores de 15 años tiene IgA-tTG positiva y la prevalencia de EC se estima en ~0,6%. En familiares de primer grado de celíacos se ha identificado ~17% de casos tTG positivos. Hasta hoy el único tratamiento es la dieta libre de gluten (DLG), que para ser efectiva debe ser estricta, permanente y durante toda la vida. La DLG no contiene cero gluten, sino que lo disminuye hasta un «punto de corte¼, que en Chile es 3 ppm (o mg/kg de producto). La mortalidad de la EC es mayor que la de la población general, y la falta de adherencia al tratamiento se asocia a complicaciones (procesos autoinmunes y cáncer principalmente). La DLG es difícil de mantener estrictamente, y las transgresiones son por lejos la principal causa de falta de respuesta al tratamiento. El seguimiento también es difícil, porque no existen marcadores objetivables que midan la adherencia. En la práctica clínica se utiliza la medición de auto anticuerpos anti-endomisio, tTG y/o PGD; más recientemente se están evaluando las entrevistas por una nutricionista especializada, cuestionarios validados y la medición de péptidos 33-mer en heces como alternativas o complementos de la evaluación de adherencia. En este artículo se revisan las herramientas de seguimiento actualmente utilizadas, poniendo énfasis en aquellas disponibles en Chile.

Coeliac disease (CD) is a systemic autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten consumption in genetically susceptible individuals. It exhibits several clinical features, such as blood auto-antibodies (anti-endomysial antibodies EMA, anti-transglutaminase antibodies tTG, anti-deamidated gliadin peptides PGD), plus variable degrees of damage in the small intestinal mucosa. In Chile, tTG is positive in 0.76% in individuals >15 years, with the prevalence of CD being estimated at 0.6%. Approximately17% of first-degree relatives of coeliac patients have been reported tTG positive. To date, the gluten free diet (GFD) is the only known treatment for CD. To be effective, this must be lifelong, permanent, and strict. Gluten content in the GFD is not zero, but is limited to a cut-off of 3 ppm (or mg/kg of product) in Chile. Mortality higher than that of the general population has been reported among coeliac patients, and poor adherence to GFD is associated with complications (mainly autoimmune processes and cancer). GFD is difficult to maintain strictly and poor adherence is by far the main cause of lack of response to treatment. Follow-up of adherence is also difficult because there are no objective measurements to assess it. In clinical practice determination of serum EMA, tTG and PGD is routinely used for these purposes, although more recently, the interview by an expert dietitian, validated questionnaires and measurement of faecal 33-mer peptide are being assessed as alternatives or complements to measure adherence to GFD. A review is presented with the current concepts on the available tools to follow up patients on GFD, emphasising those available in Chilel.

Autoantibodies in adult patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies in Buenos Aires

The idiopathic inflammatory myopathies(IIM) are a heterogeneous group of diseases of the skeletal muscle. On the basis of clinical, serologic and histological differences, they are classified in dermatomyositis (DM), polymyositis (PM), inclusion body myositis and immunomediated necrotizing myopathy. Autoantibodies directed against nuclear and cytoplasmic antigens are present with variable frequencies among studies. Myositis-specific antibodies (MSAs) are useful in IIM because they contribute to the diagnosis, help to identify different clinical subsets, and have prognostic value. This study aimed to explore the frequency of autoantibodies, especially MSAs, and their relationship with clinical features in adult patients with DM, PM and overlap syndrome. Medical records were reviewed. Myositis-associated antibodies (non-specific) and MSAs (anti Jo-1, PL-7, PL-12, Mi-2 and SRP) were measured using commercial kits. Twelve patients had MSAs, an overall frequency similar to those of international series, but PL-12 and Mi-2 were more frequent than Jo-1, which is the most frequently observed elsewhere. All five patients with Mi-2 had classical DM with a favorable response to treatment. Interstitial pneumonia (n: 4) and/or treatment-refractory disease (n: 3) were found in the presence of anti-PL-12, alone or associated with anti-SRP and/or Jo-1. In conclusion, the coexistence of AEM, a rare finding, was found in three patients. The presence of MSAs aided to the diagnosis of IIM, in particular in those patients without available or conclusive biopsy results.

Las miopatías inflamatorias idiopáticas (MII) comprenden un grupo heterogéneo de enfermedades adquiridas del músculo esquelético. Según sus características clínicas, serológicas e histológicas se las clasifica en dermatomiositis (DM), polimiositis (PM), miopatía necrotizante autoinmune y miositis por cuerpos de inclusión. Los anticuerpos específicos de miositis (AEMs) contribuyen al diagnóstico, permiten distinguir formas clínicas y tienen valor pronóstico. Con el objetivo de explorar la frecuencia de autoanticuerpos, en particular AEMs, y su relación con las características clínicas de las MII del adulto, se revisaron las historias clínicas de 25 pacientes con DM, PM y síndromes de superposición, asistidos en nuestro centro entre 1999 y 2013. La presencia de autoanticuerpos asociados a miositis (no específicos) y AEMs (anti Jo-1, PL-7, PL-12, Mi-2, SRP) se investigó utilizando kits comerciales. Doce pacientes presentaron AEMs, frecuencia global similar a la encontrada en series internacionales, pero a diferencia de lo observado en otros países, anti-PL-12 y anti-Mi-2 fueron más frecuentes que anti-Jo-1. Los cinco pacientes con anti-Mi-2 tuvieron DM clásica y buena evolución clínica. Anti-PL-12, ya sea solo o asociado a anti-SRP y/o anti-Jo-1, estuvo presente en pacientes con neumonía intersticial (n:4) y/o enfermedad refractaria al tratamiento (n: 3). En conclusión, la coexistencia de AEM, hallazgo raro, se encontró en tres pacientes. La presencia de AEMSs contribuyó al diagnóstico de MII, en particular en aquellos casos sin resultados concluyentes de biopsia de músculo.

Redução e/ou negativação dos anticorpos antitireoidianos com tratamento homeopático: série de casos / Reduced and/or negative anti-thyroid antibodies after homeopathic treatment: a case series

O presente artigo descreve uma série de 9 casos de pacientes, de sexo feminino, idade de 31 a 56 anos, com diagnóstico de tireoidite autoimune, cujos títulos de anticorpos antitireoidianos diminuíram ou negativaram depois de ratamento homeopático. Além disso, em alguns casos foi possível recuperar o equilíbrio funcional da glândula. O acompanhamento foi variável, de 30 dias até 18 anos.

The present article describes a series of 9 cases corresponding to female patients, age 31 to 56 old, diagnosed with autoimmune thyroiditis, who exhibited reduced or negative anti-thyroid antibodies after homeopathic treatment. In some cases, normal function of thyroid was additionally achieved. Follow-up was variable, from 30 days to 18 years.

A Comparison of the Bleaching Effectiveness of Chlorine Dioxide and Hydrogen Peroxide on Dental Composite

This study was carried out to verify if composites could be bleached using chlorine dioxide as compared with hydrogen peroxide. 3M ESPE Filtek Z350 Universal Restorative discs were prepared (n=40), with dimensions 5 mm diameter x 2 mm thickness. The discs were divided into 4 groups of 10 discs each. Color assessment was performed by CIEDE2000. The discs were stained with coffee, tea, wine and distilled water (control) solutions for 14 days, 5 hours daily. Color assessment was repeated on stained discs and followed by bleaching of 5 discs from each group using chlorine dioxide and hydrogen peroxide in-office systems. Finally, a last color assessment was performed and compared statistically. DE2000 after bleaching was very close to baseline for both the bleaching agents, although chlorine dioxide showed better results than hydrogen peroxide. After staining, there was a clinically significant discoloration (∆E2000≥3.43) for the tea, coffee and wine groups, and discoloration (∆E2000) was seen more in the wine group as compared to tea and coffee. Overall, the control group (distilled water) had the least color change in the three intervals. After bleaching, the color in all specimens returned close to the baseline. The color differences between bleaching and baseline were less than 3.43 for all groups. The obtained results show that chlorine dioxide is slightly superior to hydrogen peroxide in the bleaching of composites, while maintaining the shade of the composite close to the baseline.

Este estudo foi realizado para verificar se resinas compostas podem ser clareadas com uso do dióxido de cloro, em comparação com peróxido de hidrogênio. Foram preparados discos com resina restauradora Filtek Z350 3M ESPE (n=40), com dimensões 5 mm de diâmetro × 2 mm de espessura. Os discos foram divididos em 4 grupos de 10 discos cada. A avaliação da cor foi realizada por meio do CIEDE2000. Os discos foram manchados com soluções de café, chá, vinho e água destilada (controle) por 5 h diárias durante 14 dias. A avaliação da cor foi repetida nos discos manchados e seguida por clareamento de 5 discos de cada grupo, utilizando dióxido de cloro ou peróxido de hidrogênio pela técnica de consultório. Finalmente, uma última avaliação da cor foi realizada e as técnicas comparadas estatisticamente. DE2000 após o clareamento foi muito próxima ao baseline, para ambos os agentes clareadores, embora o dióxido de cloro tenha mostrado melhores resultados do que o peróxido de hidrogênio. Após o manchamento, houve uma descoloração clinicamente significativa (ΔE2000≥3,43) para os grupos de chá, café e vinho, sendo que o clareamento (ΔE2000) foi melhor obtido com o grupo do vinho, em comparação com chá e café. No geral, o grupo controle (água destilada) teve a menor mudança de cor nos três intervalos. Após o clareamento, a cor em todos os espécimes voltou próxima ao baseline. As diferenças de cor entre o clareamento e o baseline foram inferiores a 3,43 para todos os grupos. Os resultados indicam que o dióxido de cloro é ligeiramente superior ao peróxido de hidrogênio no clareamento de resinas compostas, mantendo a cor próxima à escala do baseline.

Prevalence and clinical features of celiac disease in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis: cross-sectional study / Prevalência e características clínicas da doença celíaca em pacientes com tireoidite autoimune: estudo transversal

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder with an average prevalence of 1% in Europe and the United States. Because of strong European ancestry in southern Brazil, this study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of celiac disease among autoimmune thyroiditis patients. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study in a public university hospital. METHODS: This cross-sectional prevalence study included autoimmune thyroiditis patients who were tested for anti-endomysial and anti-transglutaminase antibodies between August 2010 and July 2011. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients with autoimmune thyroiditis were included; 92.5% were women, with mean age of 49.0 ± 13.5 years. Five patients (9.3%) were serologically positive for celiac disease: three of them (5.6%) were reactive for anti-endomysial antibodies and two (3.7%) for anti-transglutaminase. None of them exhibited anemia and one presented diarrhea. Endoscopy was performed on two patients: one with normal histology and the other with lymphocytic infiltrate and villous atrophy. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of celiac disease among patients with autoimmune thyroid disease was 9.3%; one patient complained of diarrhea and none presented anemia. Among at-risk populations, like autoimmune thyroiditis patients, the presence of diarrhea or anemia should not be used as a criterion for indicating celiac disease investigation. This must be done for all autoimmune thyroiditis patients because of its high prevalence. .

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: A doença celíaca é uma doença autoimune, com prevalência média de 1% na Europa e nos Estados Unidos. Em função da forte ascendência europeia no sul do Brasil, este estudo objetiva relatar a soroprevalência de doença celíaca em indivíduos com tireoidite autoimune. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo transversal em um hospital público universitário. MÉTODOS: Este estudo transversal de prevalência incluiu pacientes com tireoidite autoimune que foram submetidos a testes de anticorpos antiendomísio e antitransglutaminase entre agosto de 2010 e julho de 2011. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 53 pacientes com tireoidite autoimune, 92,5% mulheres, com idade média de 49,0 ± 13,5 anos. Cinco (9,3%) pacientes apresentaram sorologia positiva para doença celíaca, sendo três (5,6%) com anticorpo antiendomísio positivo e dois (3,7%) com antitransglutaminase positivo. Nenhum paciente apresentou anemia e um apresentou diarreia. Apenas dois pacientes realizaram endoscopia: um com histologia normal e outro apresentou infiltrado linfocitário e atrofia vilositária. CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência de doença celíaca entre pacientes com doença autoimune da tireoide foi de 9,3%; um paciente queixou-se de diarreia e ninguém apresentou anemia. Em populações de risco, como é o caso de pacientes com tireoidite autoimune, a presença de diarreia ou anemia não devem ser utilizados como critério para indicar investigação de doença celíaca, que deve ser feita em todos os indivíduos com tireoidite autoimune devido a sua alta prevalência. .