Brazilian society of rheumatology methodological guide for the development of evidence-based clinical guidelines in rheumatology

Abstract Clinical practice guidelines (CPG) are developed to align standards of health care around the world, aiming to reduce the incidence of misconducts and enabling more effective use of health resources. Considering the complexity, cost, and time involved in formulating CPG, strategies should be used to facilitate and guide authors through each step of this process. The main objective of this document is to present a methodological guide prepared by the Epidemiology Committee of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology for the elaboration of CPG in rheumatology. Through an extensive review of the literature, this study compiles the main practical recommendations regarding the following steps of CPG drafting: distribution of working groups, development of the research question, search, identification and selection of relevant studies, evidence synthesis and quality assessment of the body of evidence, the Delphi methodology for consensus achievement, presentation and dissemination ofthe recommendations, CPG quality assessment and updating. This methodological guide serves as an important tool for rheumatologists to develop reliable and high-quality CPG, standardizing clinical practices worldwide.

Cognitive dysfunction in patients with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus may impact treatment

Abstract Background Cognitive dysfunction (CD) is a widespread manifestation in adult systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, but this subject is rarely examined in patients with childhood-onset SLE (cSLE). This study aimed to assess the frequency of CD, its associations with lupus clinical manifestations and its impact on the health-related quality of life (HRQL) in young adult cSLE patients. Methods We evaluated 39 cSLE patients older than 18 years. They underwent a rheumatologic evaluation and extensive neuropsychological assessment, encompassing all cognitive domains described by the American College of Rheumatology. HRQL was assessed with the WHOOQOL-BREEF, General Activities of Daily Living Scale (GADL) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus-specific quality-of-life instrument (SLEQOL). The activity of SLE was evaluated with the modified sle disease activity index (sledai-2k). Results Impairment in at least one cognitive domain was found in 35 (87.2%) patients. The most compromised domains were attention (64.1%), memory (46.2%), and executive functions (38.5%). Patients with cognitive impairment were older, had more accumulated damage and had worse socioeconomic status. Regarding the association between cognitive dysfunction and HRQL, memory impairment was correlated with worse environmental perception and a worse relationship with the treatment. Conclusion In this study, the frequency of CD in cSLE patients was as high as that in the adult SLE population. CD can significantly impact the response of cSLE patients to treatment, justifying preventive measures in the care of this population.

Guidelines on COVID-19 vaccination in patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases: a Brazilian Society of Rheumatology task force

Abstract Objective: To provide guidelines on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination in patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases (IMRD) to rheumatologists considering specific scenarios of the daily practice based on the shared-making decision (SMD) process. Methods: A task force was constituted by 24 rheumatologists (panel members), with clinical and research expertise in immunizations and infectious diseases in immunocompromised patients, endorsed by the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology (BSR), to develop guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination in patients with IMRD. A consensus was built through the Delphi method and involved four rounds of anonymous voting, where five options were used to determine the level of agreement (LOA), based on the Likert Scale: (1) strongly disagree; (2) disagree, (3) neither agree nor disagree (neutral); (4) agree; and (5) strongly agree. Nineteen questions were addressed and discussed via teleconference to formulate the answers. In order to identify the relevant data on COVID-19 vaccines, a search with standardized descriptors and synonyms was performed on September 10th, 2021, of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, and LILACS to identify studies of interest. We used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale to assess the quality of nonrandomized studies. Results: All the nineteen questions-answers (Q&A) were approved by the BSR Task Force with more than 80% of panelists voting options 4—agree—and 5—strongly agree—, and a consensus was reached. These Guidelines were focused in SMD on the most appropriate timing for IMRD patients to get vaccinated to reach the adequate covid-19 vaccination response. Conclusion: These guidelines were developed by a BSR Task Force with a high LOA among panelists, based on the literature review of published studies and expert opinion for COVID-19 vaccination in IMRD patients. Noteworthy, in the pandemic period, up to the time of the review and the consensus process for this document, high-quality evidence was scarce. Thus, it is not a substitute for clinical judgment.

PET/CT and inflammatory mediators in systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease / PET/TC e mediadores inflamatórios na doença pulmonar intersticial associada à esclerose sistêmica

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the correlation of HRCT findings with pulmonary metabolic activity in the corresponding regions using 18F-FDG PET/CT and inflammatory markers in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc)-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD). Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 23 adult patients with SSc-associated ILD without other connective tissue diseases. The study also involved 18F-FDG PET/CT, HRCT, determination of serum chemokine levels, clinical data, and pulmonary function testing. Results: In this cohort of patients with long-term disease (disease duration, 11.8 ± 8.7 years), a nonspecific interstitial pneumonia pattern was found in 19 (82.6%). Honeycombing areas had higher median standardized uptake values (1.95; p = 0.85). Serum levels of soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 2, C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 were higher in SSc patients than in controls. Serum levels of CCL2-a marker of fibroblast activity-were correlated with pure ground-glass opacity (GGO) areas on HRCT scans (p = 0.007). 18F-FDG PET/CT showed significant metabolic activity for all HRCT patterns. The correlation between serum CCL2 levels and GGO on HRCT scans suggests a central role of fibroblasts in these areas, adding new information towards the understanding of the mechanisms surrounding cellular and molecular elements and their expression on HRCT scans in patients with SSc-associated ILD. Conclusions: 18F-FDG PET/CT appears to be unable to differentiate the intensity of metabolic activity across HRCT patterns in chronic SSc patients. The association between CCL2 and GGO might be related to fibroblast activity in these areas; however, upregulated CCL2 expression in the lung tissue of SSc patients should be investigated in order to gain a better understanding of this association.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar a correlação entre achados de TCAR e a atividade metabólica pulmonar nas regiões correspondentes por meio de PET/TC com 18F-FDG e marcadores inflamatórios em pacientes com doença pulmonar intersticial (DPI) associada à esclerose sistêmica (ES). Métodos: Estudo transversal envolvendo 23 pacientes adultos com DPI associada à ES sem outras doenças do tecido conjuntivo. O estudo também envolveu PET/TC com 18F-FDG, TCAR, dosagem sérica de quimiocinas, dados clínicos e testes de função pulmonar. Resultados: Nessa coorte de pacientes com doença de longa duração (11,8 ± 8,7 anos), 19 (82,6%) apresentaram o padrão de pneumonia intersticial não específica. A mediana dos valores padronizados de captação foi maior nas áreas de faveolamento (1,95; p = 0,85). Os níveis séricos de soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 2, C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) e C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 foram maiores nos pacientes com ES que nos controles. Os níveis séricos de CCL2 - um marcador de atividade fibroblástica - correlacionaram-se com áreas de opacidade em vidro fosco (OVF) pura na TCAR (p = 0,007). A PET/TC com 18F-FDG mostrou atividade metabólica significativa para todos os padrões de TCAR. A correlação entre níveis séricos de CCL2 e OVF na TCAR sugere que os fibroblastos desempenham um papel fundamental nessas áreas, acrescentando novas informações para a compreensão dos mecanismos que envolvem elementos celulares e moleculares e sua expressão na TCAR em pacientes com DPI associada à ES. Conclusões: A PET/TC com 18F-FDG aparentemente não consegue diferenciar a intensidade da atividade metabólica nos diferentes padrões de TCAR em pacientes com ES crônica. A associação entre CCL2 e OVF pode estar relacionada à atividade fibroblástica nessas áreas; entretanto, a expressão suprarregulada de CCL2 no tecido pulmonar de pacientes com ES deve ser investigada para que se compreenda melhor essa associação.

Factors associated with hospitalizations for Covid-19 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: data from the Reumacov Brazil registry

Abstract Background: Patients using immunosuppressive drugs may have unfavorable results after infections. However, there is a lack of information regarding COVID 19 in these patients, especially in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors associated with COVID 19 hospitalizations in patients with RA. Methods: This multicenter, prospective cohort study is within the ReumaCoV Brazil registry and included 489 patients with RA. In this context, 269 patients who tested positive for COVID 19 were compared to 220 patients who tested negative for COVID 19 (control group). All patient data were collected from the Research Electronic Data Capture database. Results: The participants were predominantly female (90.6%) with a mean age of 53 ±12 years. Of the patients with COVID 19, 54 (20.1%) required hospitalization. After multiple adjustments, the final regression model showed that heart disease (OR =4.61, 95% CI 1.06-20.02. P < 0.001) and current use of glucocorticoids (OR =20.66, 95% CI 3.09-138. P < 0.002) were the risk factors associated with hospitalization. In addition, anosmia was associated with a lower chance of hospitalization (OR =0.26; 95% CI 0.10-0.67, P < 0.005). Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that heart disease and the use of glucocorticoids were associated with a higher number of hospital admissions for COVID 19 in patients with RA. Trial registration: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials RBR 33YTQC.

Systemic scleroderma patient education: a booklet report / Educação de pacientes com esclerodermia sistêmica: relato de cartilha

Objective: This study aims to describe the development and online distribution of a patient education booklet about systemic scleroderma focused on occupational therapy orientations. Methods: The research-action methodology was applied and divided into the following five steps: analysis of patients' requests, preparation of the content, choice of illustrations and graphic design, developers' approval of the education booklet, and online distribution. Results: The education booklet entitled "Occupational Therapy Guidelines for People with Systemic Sclerosis" was developed, and its online distribution reached nearly 5000 people. Conclusion: Educational materials serve as adjuncts to the treatment of chronic diseases, as systemic scleroderma. The online distribution of these materials expands its reach among these patients.

Objetivo: Este estudo visou descrever o desenvolvimento e distribuição online de uma cartilha educativa para pacientes com esclerodermia sistêmica com foco em orientações da terapia ocupacional. Métodos: A metodologia de pesquisa-ação foi aplicada e dividida em cinco etapas: análise das solicitações dos pacientes, elaboração do conteúdo, escolha das ilustrações e do projeto gráfico, aprovação dos autores da cartilha educativa e distribuição online. Resultados: Foi desenvolvida a cartilha educativa intitulada "Orientações da Terapia Ocupacional para Pessoas com Esclerose Sistêmica" e sua distribuição online atingiu quase 5.000 pessoas. Conclusão: Os materiais educativos constituem recurso útil no tratamento de doenças crônicas, como a esclerodermia sistêmica. A distribuição online desses materiais expande seu alcance entre os pacientes.

Chronic use of hydroxychloroquine did not protect against COVID-19 in a large cohort of patients with rheumatic diseases in Brazil

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

Revisiting hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine for patients with chronic immunity-mediated inflammatory rheumatic diseases

Abstract Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, also known as antimalarial drugs, are widely used in the treatment of rheumatic diseases and have recently become the focus of attention because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Rheumatologists have been using antimalarials to manage patients with chronic immune-mediated inflammatory rheumatic diseases for decades. It is an appropriate time to review their immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory mechanisms impact on disease activity and survival of systemic lupus erythematosus patient, including antiplatelet effect, metabolic and lipid benefits. We also discuss possible adverse effects, adding a practical and comprehensive approach to monitoring rheumatic patients during treatment with these drugs.(AU)

Influence of periodontal treatment on rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis / Influência do tratamento periodontal na artrite reumatoide: revisão sistemática e metanálise

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the influence of periodontal treatment on rheumatoid arthritis activity. Methods: MEDLINE/PUBMED, The Cochrane Library, Clinical Trials, SciELO and LILACS were searched for studies published until December 2014. Included articles were: prospective studies; including patients older than 18 years, diagnosed with periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis submitted to non-surgical periodontal treatment; with a control group receiving no periodontal treatment; with outcomes including at least one marker of rheumatoid arthritis activity. Methodological quality of the studies was assessed using PEDro scale. Quantitative data were pooled in statistical meta-analysis using Review Manager 5. Results: Four articles were included. Non-surgical periodontal treatment was associated with a significant reduction of DAS28 (OR: -1.18; 95% CI: -1.43, -0.93; p < 0.00001). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, patient's assessment of rheumatoid activity using visual analogical scale, tender and swollen joint counts showed a trend toward reduction (not statistically significant). Conclusions: The reduction of DAS 28 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis after periodontal treatment suggests that the improvement of periodontal condition is beneficial to these patients. Further randomized controlled clinical trials are necessary to confirm this finding.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a influência do tratamento periodontal sobre a atividade da doença na artrite reumatoide. Métodos: Pesquisaram-se as bases de dados Medline/PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Clinical Trials, SciELO e Lilacs em busca de estudos publicados até dezembro de 2014. Incluíram-se estudos prospectivos que avaliaram pacientes com mais de 18 anos diagnosticados com periodontite e artrite reumatoide submetidos a tratamento periodontal não cirúrgico; os estudos deveriam ter também um grupo controle não submetido a tratamento periodontal. Os resultados dos estudos deveriam contar com pelo menos um marcador da atividade da doença na artrite reumatoide. A qualidade metodológica dos estudos foi avaliada com a escala PEDro. Reuniram-se os dados quantitativos em uma metanálise estatística com o uso do Review Manager 5. Resultados: Incluíram-se quatro artigos. O tratamento periodontal não cirúrgico esteve associado a uma redução significativa no DAS-28 (OR: -1,18; IC 95%: -1,43 a -0,93; p < 0,00001). A velocidade de hemossedimentação, a proteína C-reativa, a avaliação da atividade reumatoide pela escala visual analógica e as contagens de articulações sensíveis e inchadas apresentaram uma tendência de redução (não estatisticamente significativa). Conclusões: A redução no DAS-28 em pacientes com artrite reumatoide após tratamento periodontal sugere que a melhoria na condição periodontal é benéfica a esses pacientes. São necessários mais ensaios clínicos randomizados controlados para confirmar esse achado.

Recommendations of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology for the induction therapy of ANCA-associated vasculitis / Recomendações da Sociedade Brasileira de Reumatologia para a terapia de indução para vasculite associada a ANCA

Abstract The purpose of these recommendations is to guide the appropriate induction treatment of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) patients with active disease. The recommendations proposed by the Vasculopathies Committee of the Brazilian Society Rheumatology for induction therapy of AAV, including granulomatosis with polyangiitis, microscopic polyangiitis and renal-limited vasculitis, were based on systematic literature review and expert opinion. Literature review was performed using Medline (PubMed), EMBASE and Cochrane database to retrieve articles until October 2016. PRISMA guidelines were used for the systematic review and articles were assessed according to the Oxford levels of evidence. Sixteen recommendations were made regarding different aspects of induction therapy for AAV. The purpose of these recommendations is to serve as a guide for therapeutic decisions by health care professionals in the management of AAV patients presenting active disease.

Resumo O objetivo destas recomendações é orientar o tratamento apropriado de indução em pacientes com vasculite associada a anticorpos anticitoplasma de neutrófilos (VAA) ativa. As recomendações propostas pelo Comitê de Vasculopatias da Sociedade Brasileira de Reumatologia para a terapia de indução para vasculites associadas aos anticorpos anticitoplasma de neutrófilos (VAA), inclusive granulomatose com poliangiite, poliangiite microscópica e vasculite limitada ao rim, foram baseadas em uma revisão sistemática da literatura e na opinião de especialistas. A revisão da literatura foi feita com as bases de dados Medline (PubMed), Embase e Cochrane para consultar artigos até outubro de 2016. As diretrizes Prisma (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses - Principais itens para reportar revisões sistemáticas e metanálises) foram usadas para a revisão sistemática e os artigos foram avaliados de acordo com os níveis de evidência Oxford. Dezesseis recomendações foram feitas em relação a diferentes aspectos da terapia de indução para VAA. O objetivo dessas recomendações é servir como um guia para decisões terapêuticas por profissionais da saúde no tratamento de pacientes com VAA que apresentem a doença ativa.

Tomography patterns of lung disease in systemic sclerosis / Padrões tomográficos da doença pulmonar na esclerose sistêmica

Abstract Currently, lung impairment is the leading factor responsible for the morbidity and mortality associated with systemic sclerosis. Therefore, the recognition of the various tomography patterns becomes decisive in the clinical management of these patients. In high-resolution computed tomography studies, the most common pattern is that of nonspecific interstitial pneumonia. However, there are other forms of lung involvement that must also be recognized. The aim of this study was to review the literature on the main changes resulting from pulmonary involvement in systemic sclerosis and the corresponding radiological findings, considering the current classification of interstitial diseases. We searched the Medline (PubMed), Lilacs, and SciELO databases in order to select articles related to pulmonary changes in systemic sclerosis and published in English between 2000 and 2015. The pulmonary changes seen on computed tomography in systemic sclerosis are varied and are divided into three main categories: interstitial, alveolar, and vascular. Interstitial changes constitute the most common type of pulmonary involvement in systemic sclerosis. However, alveolar and vascular manifestations must also be recognized and considered in the presence of atypical clinical presentations and inadequate treatment responses.

Resumo O comprometimento pulmonar pela esclerose sistêmica é, atualmente, o maior responsável pela morbidade e mortalidade relacionadas à doença e, assim, o reconhecimento dos seus vários padrões de alterações tomográficas se torna decisivo na abordagem destes pacientes. Embora a apresentação tomográfica mais comum, em estudos de alta resolução, seja a pneumonia intersticial não específica, existem outros achados clínicos e de imagem que não correspondem a esse padrão. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma revisão da literatura sobre as principais alterações pulmonares decorrentes do comprometimento pela esclerose sistêmica e de suas manifestações radiológicas, considerando-se a classificação atual das doenças intersticiais. Foi realizada uma seleção de estudos das alterações pulmonares na esclerose sistêmica entre os anos de 2000 e 2015, por meio de mecanismos de busca em publicações de língua inglesa, na base de dados Medline/PubMed, Lilacs e SciELO. As alterações tomográficas pulmonares encontradas na esclerose sistêmica têm padrão variado e podem ser agrupadas em três principais categorias: alterações intersticiais, alveolares e vasculares. As alterações intersticiais são as mais frequentemente relacionadas à doença pulmonar na esclerose sistêmica, mas as manifestações alveolares e vasculares devem ser reconhecidas e consideradas na presença de apresentações clínicas atípicas e resposta inadequada à terapia instituída.

O que você sempre quis saber sobre lúpus e nunca teve coragem de perguntar?: proposta de programa de educação do paciente / "What you always wanted to know about lupus and never dared to ask": proposal for a patient education program

Introdução: estudos sobre doenças crônicas evidenciam a importância da educação do paciente, para promover a adesão ao tratamento e melhorar o prognóstico. Objetivo: conhecer as principais dúvidas de pacientes com lúpus eritematoso sistêmico (LES), como ponto de partida para elaboração de um Programa de Educação do Paciente. Método: estudo descritivo e transversal. Durante seis semanas pacientes com LES atendidas no Serviço de Reumatologia do Hospital das Clínicas da UFMG escreveramsuas dúvidas sobre a doença em um folheto em branco e o depositaram em uma urna. Resultados: foram analisadas 260 consultas e 111 folhetos foram preenchidos,totalizando 393 perguntas, com média de 3,54 perguntas por pessoa, classificadas em nove categorias: tratamento e prevenção (18,8%); quadro clínico e diagnóstico (18,3%); etiologia e fisiopatologia (17,0%); prognóstico e evolução (16,3%); conceito eepidemiologia da doença (8,1%); orientações gerais (6,1%); contracepção, gestação e fertilidade (7,4%); aspectos psicológicos e sexualidade (6,9%); e perguntas excluídas (1%). Conclusão: observou-se que a maior parte das dúvidas refletia temas frequentemente abordados durante a consulta médica. É preciso melhorar a comunicação entre médico, equipe de saúde e o paciente e uma estratégia seria desenvolver um programa de educação do paciente.

Introduction: studies on chronic diseases highlight the importance of patient education to promote adherence to treatment and improve prognosis. Objective: to know the main questions from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (LES) as a starting point for the preparation of a Patient Education Program. Method: this was a descriptive and cross-sectional study. For six weeks, LES patients treated at the Rheumatology Department of the General Hospital wrote their questions about the disease in a white sheet and placed it in a box. Results: 260 consultations were analyzed and 111 sheets were completed, totaling 393 questions with an average of 3.54 questions per patient, which were classified into nine categories: treatment and prevention (18.8%); clinical framework and diagnostic (18.3%); etiology and pathophysiology (17.0%); prognosisand progression (16.3%); concept and epidemiology of the disease (8.1%); general guidelines (6.1%); contraception, pregnancy, and fertility (7.4%); psychological aspects and sexuality (6.9%); and excluded questions (1%). Conclusion: it was observed that most of the questions reflected themes often approached during medical consultations. Communication between the doctor, healthcare team, and patient needs to improve,reand one strategy would be the development of a patient education program.

Síndrome de ativação macrofágica em paciente com artrite idiopática juvenil sistêmica / Macrophage activation syndrome in a patient with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis

A síndrome de ativação macrofágica (SAM) é uma doença rara e potencialmente fatal, normalmente associada às doenças reumáticas crônicas, em especial a artrite idiopática juvenil. É incluída no grupo das formas secundárias de síndrome hemofagocítica, cujas outras causas podem ser as doenças linfoproliferativas e infecções. As manifestações clínicas e laboratoriais mais importantes são a febre não remitente, esplenomegalia, hemorragias, disfunção hepática, citopenias, hipoalbuminemia, hipertrigliceridemia e hiperferritinemia. O tratamento deve ser iniciado rapidamente, e a maioria dos casos responde bem aos corticosteroides e à ciclosporina (CSA). O vírus Epstein-Barr (EBV) é descrito como possível gatilho para muitos casos de SAM, especialmente naqueles em tratamento com bloqueadores do fator de necrose tumoral (TNF). Nos casos refratários ao tratamento convencional, etoposide (VP16) deve ser administrado, em associação com corticosteroides e CSA. Nosso objetivo foi descrever um caso raro de síndrome hematofagocítica provavelmente secundária à infecção pelo vírus Epstein-Barr (EBV), em paciente com artrite idiopática juvenil sistêmica, confirmada pelas manifestações clínicas e laboratoriais típicas, mielograma e sorologia positiva contra o EBV, que atingiu remissão completa após inclusão no protocolo de tratamento HLH-04.

Machrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a rare and potentially fatal disease, commonly associated with chronic rheumatic diseases, mainly juvenile idiopathic arthritis. It is included in the group of secondary forms of haemophagocytic syndrome, and other causes are lymphoproliferative diseases and infections. Its most important clinical and laboratorial manifestations are non-remitting fever, splenomegaly, bleeding, impairment of liver function, cytopenias, hypoalbuminemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypofibrinogenemia and hyperferritinemia. The treatment needs to be started quickly, and the majority of cases have a good response with corticosteroids and cyclosporine. The Epstein–Barr virus is described as a possible trigger for many cases of MAS, especially in these patients in treatment with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers. In these refractory cases, etoposide (VP16) should be administered, associated with corticosteroids and cyclosporine. Our objective is to describe a rare case of MAS probably due to EBV infection in a subject with systemiconset juvenile idiopathic arthritis, which achieved complete remission of the disease after therapy guided by 2004-HLH protocol.

Deteccao de anticorpos antinucleares por imunofluorescencia indireta em celulas HEp-2: definindo a diluicao de triagem adequada para o diagnostico das doencas reumaticas autoimunes / Detection of anti-nuclear antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence on HEp-2 cells: setting the appropriate screening dilution for the diagnosis of autoimmune rheumatic diseases

Objetivo: Definir o título anormal e a diluição de triagem adequada para o teste de FAN (fator antinúcleo) por imunofluorescência indireta em células HEp-2 (FAN HEp-2). Métodos: Realizamos a pesquisa do FAN HEp-2 em amostras de soro de 126 indivíduos saudáveis. As amostras foram triadas na diluição de 1:80, e aquelas positivas diluídas até o título de 1:5120. O título anormal de FAN foi definido como aquele correspondente ao percentil 95 do teste nesta população. A sensibilidade dos diferentes títulos do FAN foi determinada em um grupo de 136 pacientes com diagnóstico de doença reumática autoimune, e a especificidade em um grupo de 118 pacientes com diagnóstico de outras doenças reumáticas. O valor de corte ótimo do teste foi determinado pelo estudo da curva ROC. Resultados: A frequência de FAN positivo em indivíduos saudáveis foi de 13,2%. Não houve diferença na frequência de resultados positivos de acordo com o gênero ou a idade. O título anormal do FAN foi definido como a diluição de 1:160. A diluição dos soros de 1:80 apresentou sensibilidade de 87,7% e especificidade de 67,8%, enquanto a diluição de 1:160 apresentou sensibilidade de 82% e especificidade de 73,7%. Pela análise da curva ROC, a diluição de 1:160 correspondeu ao valor de corte ótimo. Conclusão: O título anormal e o valor de corte ótimo do FAN HEp-2 na população avaliada foram de 1:160. A diluição de 1:160 é, portanto, a diluição de triagem ideal, com melhor especificidade, porém sem comprometimento significativo da sensibilidade diagnóstica do teste. .

Objective: To establish the abnormal title and the appropriate screening dilution for ANA (antinuclear antibodies) test by indirect immunofluorescence on HEp-2 cells (ANA HEp-2). Methods: An analysis of ANA Hep-2 in serum samples from 126 healthy individuals was performed. The samples were screened at a dilution of 1:80, and those positive were diluted to the title of 1:5120. The abnormal title of ANA was defined as that corresponding to the 95th percentile of the test in this population. The sensitivity of the different titles of antinuclear antibodies was determined in a group of 136 patients with a diagnosis of autoimmune rheumatic disease, and the specificity was determined in a group of 118 patients with other rheumatic diseases. The optimal cutoff value of the test was determined by ROC curve analysis. Results: The frequency of ANA positivity in healthy subjects was 13.2%. There was no difference in the frequency of positive results according to gender or age. The abnormal title of ANA was defined as the dilution of 1:160. The 1:80 dilution had sensitivity of 87.7% and specificity of 67.8%, while the 1:160 dilution had sensitivity of 82% and specificity of 73.7%. By ROC curve analysis, a dilution of 1:160 corresponded to the optimal cutoff value. Conclusion: The abnormal title and the optimal cutoff value of ANA HEp-2 in the population was 1:160. Therefore, the dilution of 1:160 is the optimal screening dilution, with better specificity but without significantly compromising the sensitivity of the diagnostic test. .

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm / Neoplasia blastica de celulas dendriticas plasmocitoides

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm is a rare and aggressive hematodermic neoplasia with frequent cutaneous involvement and leukemic dissemination. We report the case of a 76-year-old man with a 2 month history of violaceous nodules and a tumor with stony consistency, located on the head, and mandibular, cervical and supraclavicular lymphadenopathies. Multiple thoracic and abdominal adenopathies were identified on computerized tomography. Flow cytometry analysis of the skin, lymph node and bone marrow biopsies demonstrated the presence of plasmocytoid dendritic cell neoplastic precursor cells (CD4+, CD45+, CD56+ and CD123+ phenotype). After initial clinical and laboratorial complete remission with chemotherapy, the patient died due to relapse of the disease associated with the appearance of a cervical mass with medullary compromise.

A neoplasia blástica de células dendríticas plasmocitóides é uma neoplasia hematodérmica rara, agressiva, com frequente envolvimento cutâneo e disseminação leucêmica. Relatamos o caso de um homem de 76 anos com quadro clínico com 2 meses de evolução caracterizado por nódulos e tumor de tonalidade violácea, de consistência pétrea, localizados na cabeça, e linfadenopatias mandibular, cervicais e supraclaviculares. Identificaram-se múltiplas adenopatias torácicas e abdominais em tomografia computorizada. A análise por citometria de fluxo de biópsias cutânea, ganglionar e óssea demonstrou a presença de precursores neoplásicos das células dendríticas plasmocitóides (fenótipo CD4+, CD45+, CD56+ e CD123+). Após remissão clínica e laboratorial completa inicial com quimioterapia, veio a falecer por recaída da doença associada ao aparecimento de massa cervical com compromisso medular.

Nefropatia por IgA em portadores de espondiloartrites acompanhados no Serviço de Reumatologia do Hospital das Clínicas da UFMG / IgA nephropathy in patients with spondyloarthritis followed-up at the Rheumatology Service of Hospital das Clínicas/UFMG

OBJETIVO: Determinar a frequência das glomerulonefrites nos pacientes espondiloartríticos acompanhados em Serviço de Reumatologia Brasileiro e avaliar variáveis clínicas correlacionadas. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Os pacientes foram avaliados quanto às características sociodemográfi cas, tipo de espondiloartrite, tempo e atividade da doença, uso de anti-infl amatórios não esteroides, presença do HLA-B27, níveis de creatinina e ureia séricas, presença de comorbidades e presença de hematúria e/ou proteinúria. Os pacientes com hematúria foram submetidos à pesquisa de dismorfi smo eritrocitário, e aqueles com proteinúria submeteram-se à quantifi cação da proteína na urina de 24 horas. Biópsia renal foi indicada para aqueles com hematúria de origem glomerular e/ou proteinúria maior que 3,5 g. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 76 pacientes. A alteração mais frequente no exame de urina de rotina foi a hematúria microscópica (44,7 por cento), geralmente intermitente e em amostra isolada de urina durante o seguimento do paciente. Em oito (10,5 por cento) dos pacientes a hematúria sugeriu origem glomerular. A biópsia renal foi realizada em cinco deles, e mostrou nefropatia por IgA em quatro (5,3 por cento) e doença da membrana fi na em um paciente. CONCLUSÕES: Notou-se alta frequência de alterações no exame de urina desse subgrupo de pacientes, assim como alta prevalência de nefropatia por IgA. Apesar de mais estudos sobre o assunto serem necessários para melhor esclarecimento desses resultados, a realização periódica de exames de urina deveria ser recomendável.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of glomerulonephritis in patients with spondyloarthritis followed-up at a Brazilian Rheumatology Service, and to evaluate the clinical variables associated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were assessed for sociodemographic characteristics, type of spondyloarthritis, time since diagnosis and disease activity, non-steroidal anti-infl ammatory drug use, HLA-B27 positivity, creatinine and urea serum levels, major comorbidities, hematuria and proteinuria. Patients with hematuria were subsequently assessed for the presence of dysmorphic red blood cells in urine, and those with proteinuria underwent 24-hour urine protein measurement. Renal biopsy was performed in patients with glomerular hematuria and/or proteinuria over 3.5 g/24-hour. RESULTS: Seventy-six patients were assessed. Microscopic hematuria was the most frequently found abnormality in urinalysis (44.7 percent), usually intermittent and in spot urine samples during patients' follow-up. In eight patients (10.5 percent), glomerular hematuria was suspected. Renal biopsy was performed in fi ve of them, showing IgA nephropathy in four (5.3 percent) and thin membrane disease in one patient. CONCLUSIONS: A high frequency of urinalysis alterations was observed in that subgroup of patients, as well as a high prevalence of IgA nephropathy. Although further studies on this subject are needed to better clarify these results, periodic urinalysis of patients with spondyloarthritis should be recommended.

Nefropatia por IgA nas espondiloartrites / IgA nephropathy in spondyloarthritis

Pacientes com espondiloartrites poderiam ser mais acometidos pela nefropatia por IgA do que a população geral, havendo, possivelmente, um mecanismo etiopatogênico comum. O seguinte artigo relaciona quatro casos que exemplificam essa possível associação.

Spondyloarthritis patients can be more frequently affected by IgA nephropathy than the general population, and a common etiopathogenic mechanism can be involved. We report four cases that may exemplify that association.

Freqüência de doença cardiovascular aterosclerótica e de seus fatores de risco em pacientes com lúpus eritematoso sistêmico / Frequency of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and its risk factors in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

INTRODUÇÃO: a patogênese da doença arterial coronariana no lúpus eritematoso sistêmico não está completamente estabelecida, porém fatores relacionados ao lúpus e ao seu tratamento parecem se associar à presença de fatores de risco tradicionais. Esses fatores de risco estão presentes em indivíduos com lúpus em uma freqüência maior em relação à população geral e correlacionam-se à presença de doença cardiovascular manifesta nessa população. OBJETIVOS: determinar a freqüência da doença cardiovascular manifesta e dos fatores de risco em pacientes com lúpus acompanhados no Serviço de Reumatologia do Hospital das Clínicas da UFMG. MÉTODOS: avaliação transversal de 172 pacientes com lúpus. Eventos cardiovasculares, fatores de risco tradicionais e manifestações clínico-laboratoriais do lúpus foram avaliados. RESULTADOS: a média de idade (DP) foi de 38,5 anos (11,2 anos): a maioria do sexo feminino (95,9 por cento) e da etnia não-branca (64,5 por cento). Identificou-se doença cardiovascular em oito pacientes (4,7 por cento), com 11 diagnósticos diferentes. Três apresentaram evento coronariano; três, acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico; e cinco, doença arterial periférica. O fator de risco mais freqüente foi hipertensão arterial sistêmica (48,8 por cento), seguido por dislipidemia em 70 (40,7 por cento) pacientes e hipertrigliceridemia em 51 (29,7 por cento). O c-LDL maior ou igual a 100 mg/dl foi encontrado em 77 (44,8 por cento) pacientes. Entre as 165 pacientes do sexo feminino, 67 (40,6 por cento) encontravam-se na pós-menopausa, e 43,3 por cento tiveram o diagnóstico de menopausa precoce. CONCLUSÕES: o presente estudo descreve a freqüência dos fatores de risco para doença arterial coronariana em uma amostra significativa de pacientes brasileiros com lúpus. A importância do reconhecimento de tais fatores encontra-se na possibilidade de modificação e tratamento de alguns deles. O impacto da identificação e do tratamento de fatores de risco em pacientes com...

INTRODUCTION: the pathogenesis of coronary disease in systemic lupus erythematosus patients is not completely understood. Risk factors associated with lupus or its treatment may be associated with traditional risk factors for coronary disease. Such risk factors are more common in patients with lupus. OBJECTIVE: to determine the frequency of cardiovascular disease and traditional risk factors in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus at Rheumatology Division of Hospital das Clínicas of Minas Gerais Federal University. METHODS: 172 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus were evaluated. Cardiovascular events, traditional risk factors and clinical-laboratorial findings were investigated in this cross-sectional research. RESULTS: the mean age (SD) of the patients was 38.5 years (11.2 years). 95.9 percent were female and 64.5 percent were non white. Cardiovascular disease was identified in 8 patients (4.7 percent), with 11 different diagnoses. Three patients had coronary insufficiency, three had stroke and five had peripheral arterial disease. Systemic arterial hypertension was the most frequent risk factor (48.8 percent), followed by dyslipidemia in 70 patients (40.7 percent) and hypertriglyceridemia in 51 patients (29.7 percent). LDL-c higher or equal to 100 mg/dl was found in 77 patients (44.8 percent). Among 165 female patients, 67 (40.6 percent) had menopause, 43.3 percent of them with early menopause. CONCLUSION: the present study describes the frequency of risk factors for coronary artery disease in a Brazilian sample of lupus patients. The impact of recognition and management of those risk factors in prevention of cardiovascular events should be object of others studies.

Avaliação clínica, laboratorial e radiográfica de brasileiros com espondiloartropatias / Clinical, laboratorial and radiographic evaluation in Brazilians with spondyloarthropaties

OBJETIVO: analisar o padrão de doença de pacientes brasileiros com espondiloartropatias (EAP). PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: foram avaliados 156 pacientes por meio de análise descritiva e análise de associação uni e multivariada entre a distribuição das manifestações clínicas, laboratoriais e radiográficas e a presença do HLA-B27. RESULTADOS: as doenças do grupo identificadas foram a espondilite anquilosante - EA (48,10 por cento), a espondiloartropatia indiferenciada (20,51 por cento), a artrite reativa - ARe (15,39 por cento), a artrite psoriásica - AP (14,10 por cento) e a artropatia das doenças inflamatórias intestinais (1,92 por cento). O HLA-B27 foi positivo em 53,85 por cento dos pacientes. O HLA-B27 positivo associou-se ao acometimento clínico e/ou radiográfico das articulações sacroilíacas (p=0,007; OR=3,13; IC 95 por cento 1,38 a 7,06), à presença de sacroiliíte radiográfica > grau II bilateral (p=0,05; OR=2,85; IC 95 por cento 1,02 a 8,04) e ao sexo masculino (p=<0,001; OR=3,00; IC 95 por cento 1,83 a 4,92), enquanto indivíduos com o HLA-B27 negativo apresentaram, significativamente, mais balanite como manifestação evolutiva que indivíduos HLA-B27 positivos (p=0,03; OR=0,21; IC 95 por cento 0,05 a 0,88). CONCLUSÃO: as manifestações clínicas, laboratoriais e radiográficas foram semelhantes às descritas em outros trabalhos. O HLA-B27 apresentou-se em baixa freqüência, quando comparado com outras amostras, e ocorreram associações entre este antígeno e o sexo masculino e o envolvimento das articulações sacroilíacas.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate disease manifestations of Brazilian patients with spondyloarthropathies. METHODS: a group of 156 patients was studied in a descriptive evaluation the analysis of the association between clinical, laboratory and radiographic aspects and the presence of the HLA-B27 was done. RESULTS: the following diseases were identified: ankylosing spondylitis (48.10 percent), undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy (20.51 percent), reactive arthritis (15.39 percent), psoriatic arthritis (14.10 percent) and inflammatory bowel disease arthropathy (1.92 percent). The HLA-B27 was identified in 53.85 percent. HLA-B27 presence was associated with clinical and/or radiographic findings of sacroiliac joints involvement (p=0.007; OR=3.13; CI 95 percent 1.38 to 7.06), with the presence of radiographic bilateral sacroiliitis > grade II, bilateral (p=0.05; OR=2.85; IC 95 percent 1.02 to 8.04) and with male gender (p=<0.001; OR=3.00; CI 95 percent 1.83 to 4.92). On the other hand, negative HLA-B27 was significantly associated with the occurrence of balanitis during the course of the disease (p=0.03; OR=0.21; IC 95 percent 0.05 to 0.88). CONCLUSION: clinical, laboratory and radiographic manifestations were similar to those reported by other studies. The frequency of HLA-B27 was low when compared to other studies. A significant association was observed between the HLA-B27 and gender as well as compromised sacroiliac joints.

Paquidermoperiostose: relato de caso / Pachydermoperiostosis: case report

A paquidermoperiostose, forma primária da osteoartropatia hipertrófica, é doença rara de etiologia desconhecida e incidência familiar, caracterizada por periostose de ossos longos e alterações hipertróficas da pele. As manifestações articulares ocorrem em 30% a 40% dos casos e podem ser a principal queixa do paciente. Neste artigo, é relatado o caso de paciente jovem, do sexo masculino, encaminhado ao reumatologista com dor e derrame em joelhos e tornozelos. Foram observadas ainda acne na face, acentuação das pregas cutâneas na região frontal, ptose bipalpebral, alongamento dos dedos das mãos e baqueteamento digital. As radiografias dos ossos longos dos membros superiores e inferiores evidenciaram periostose. Iniciou-se piroxican 20mg/dia, com melhora das manifestações articulares, entretanto essa medicação foi suspensa devido a hemorragia digestiva alta. Prescreveu-se, então, prednisona 10 mg/dia, com boa resposta.

Pachydermoperiostosis or primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy is a rare disease of unknown etiology with a familial incidence. It is characterized by periostosis of long bones and hypertrophic skin changes. Joint manifestations occur in 30 to 40% of cases and may be the main complaint. A case of a young male patient, referred to a rheumatologist with pain and effusion of the knees and ankles, is described. Coarse facial features, acne, ptosis of the eyelids, and digital clubbing were also observed. Periostosis of the appendicular bones were demonstrated by x-rays. Joint manifestations were successfullv treated with Piroxican, 20 mg, daily, but the occurrence of high digestive hemorrhage required the interruption of this medication. Prednisone, 10 mg, daily, was then administered with positive response.