RESUMO
Abstract Introduction: The new diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia (FM) include the presence of chronic, widespread pain associated with other symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbance, anxiety and depression. All these symptoms should be considered when thinking and clinical decision making of physiotherapists dealing with FM. However, it is clear that the other symptoms that accompany the pain are often neglected. Objective: To measure the levels of fatigue, sleep disturbances, anxiety and depression in patients with FM and compare them to levels found in healthy controls. Methods: Forty-six women diagnosed with FM and 30 healthy controls participated in the study. The levels of each of the symptoms were assessed by four validated questionnaires in Brazil (Piper Fatigue Scale - Revised, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Beck Anxiety Inventory and the Beck Depression Inventory). Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism software and all tests used a significance level of 5% (α = 0.05). Results: FM patients had significantly elevated levels of fatigue (p = 0.0005), sleep disturbances (p = 0.003), anxiety (p = 0.0012) and depression (p = 0.0003) compared to healthy controls. Symptoms fatigue and depression correlated strongly and positively with one another and with other symptoms evaluated. Conclusion: The other symptoms that comprise the clinical picture of FM need be considered not only in order to recover the health of patients, but above all in an attempt to preserve it and promote it.
Resumo Introdução: Os novos critérios de diagnóstico da fibromialgia (FM) contemplam a presença de dor crônica e generalizada associada a outros sintomas como fadiga, distúrbios do sono, ansiedade e depressão. Todos estes sintomas deveriam ser considerados durante o pensamento e tomada de decisão clínica de fisioterapeutas que lidam com a FM. Contudo, percebe-se que os demais sintomas que acompanham a dor são muitas vezes negligenciados. Objetivo: Mensurar os níveis de fadiga, distúrbios do sono, ansiedade e depressão em pacientes com FM e compará-los aos níveis encontrados em controles saudáveis. Métodos: Quarenta e seis mulheres com diagnóstico de FM e 30 controles saudáveis participaram do estudo. Os níveis de cada um dos sintomas foram avaliados por questionários validados no Brasil (Escala de Fadiga de Piper - Revisada, Índice de Qualidade do Sono de Pittsburgh, Inventário de Ansiedade de Beck e Inventário de Depressão de Beck). A análise estatística foi realizada no software GraphPadPrism e todos os testes utilizaram nível de significância de 5% (α = 0,05). Resultados: As pacientes com FM apresentaram níveis significativamente elevados de fadiga (p = 0,0005), distúrbios do sono (p = 0,003), ansiedade (p = 0,0012) e depressão (p = 0,0003) quando comparadas a controles saudáveis. Os sintomas fadiga e depressão se correlacionaram fortemente e positivamente entre si e com os demais sintomas avaliados. Conclusão: Os demais sintomas que compõe o quadro clínico da FM precisam ser considerados não só no intuito de recuperar a saúde dos pacientes, mas, sobretudo na tentativa de preservá-la e promovê-la.
RESUMO
Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of human Chagas disease is the complex network of events that underlie the generation of protective versus pathogenic immune responses during the chronic phase of the disease. While most individuals do not develop patent disease, a large percentage may develop severe forms that eventually lead to death. Although many efforts have been devoted to deciphering these mechanisms, there is still much to be learned before we can fully understand the pathogenesis of Chagas disease. It is clear that the host's immune response is decisive in this process. While characteristics of the parasite influence the immune response, it is becoming evident that the host genetic background plays a fundamental role in the establishment of pathogenic versus protective responses. The involvement of three complex organisms, host, parasite and vector, is certainly one of the key aspects that calls for multidisciplinary approaches towards the understanding of Chagas disease. We believe that now, one hundred years after the discovery of Chagas disease, it is imperative to continue with highly interactive research in order to elucidate the immune response associated with disease evolution, which will be essential in designing prophylactic or therapeutic interventions.