Prognostic significance of mast cell and microvascular densities in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor with and without neurofibromatosis type 1.

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are rare and aggressive soft tissue sarcomas with a significant susceptibility to metastasize early in their course. Pathogenesis is yet to be fully elucidated. Recently, the essential role of mast cells in the tumor onset of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)-associated neurofibromas and MPNSTs was confirmed in both experimental and human studies. In this study, we investigate mast cell density (MCD), microvascular density (MVD), and proliferation index (Ki-67) in MPNST. A secondary aim was to correlate histological staining to clinical data and survival in patients with and without NF1. In total, 34 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded MPNST tissues from 29 patients were eligible. MCD, MVD, and Ki-67 labeling index (LI) were analyzed in all stained tissues by a computer-based quantitative algorithm (Aperio ImageScope). In addition, chart review was performed for clinical data and survival analysis. Overall, MCD, MVD, and Ki-67 LI were evenly distributed throughout tumor tissue. There was a negative correlation of NF1 status (affected, P = 0.037), tumor size (>10 cm, P = 0.023), and MVD in the tumor periphery (higher tercile, P = 0.002) to survival. Multivariate analysis confirmed the association of MVD in the tumor periphery (higher tercile, P = 0.019) with a decreased overall survival. Diverse mast cell and microvascular distributions suggest that angiogenesis in MPNST occurs independently. The role of mast cells in tumor progression is unclear and lacks prognostic value. Higher MVD has prognostic significance with possible therapeutic implications in MPNST.

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor with and without neurofibromatosis type 1.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we review the institution's experience in treating malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs). A secondary aim was to compare outcomes between MPNSTs with and without neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). METHODS: Ninety-two patients with MPNSTs, over a period of 20 years, were reviewed. A retrospective chart review was performed. The median age was 43.5 years (range, 3-84 years) and 55.4% were female; 41 patients (44.6%) had NF1-associated tumors. RESULTS: Mean tumor sizes were 15.8 ± 8.2 cm and 10.8 ± 6.3 cm for patients with and without NF1, respectively. Combined two- and five-year overall survival was 48.5% and 29%. Multivariate analysis confirmed the association of tumor size greater than 10 cm (hazard ratio (HR) 2.99; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14-7.85; p = 0.0258) and presence of NF1 (HR 3.41; 95%CI 1.88-6.19; p < 0.001) with a decreased overall survival. CONCLUSION: Tumor size and NF1 status were the most important predictors of overall survival in our population.

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor with and without neurofibromatosis type 1 / Tumor maligno da bainha de nervo periférico com e sem Neurofibromatose tipo 1

ABSTRACT Objective In this study, we review the institution’s experience in treating malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs). A secondary aim was to compare outcomes between MPNSTs with and without neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Methods Ninety-two patients with MPNSTs, over a period of 20 years, were reviewed. A retrospective chart review was performed. The median age was 43.5 years (range, 3–84 years) and 55.4% were female; 41 patients (44.6%) had NF1-associated tumors. Results Mean tumor sizes were 15.8 ± 8.2 cm and 10.8 ± 6.3 cm for patients with and without NF1, respectively. Combined two- and five-year overall survival was 48.5% and 29%. Multivariate analysis confirmed the association of tumor size greater than 10 cm (hazard ratio (HR) 2.99; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14–7.85; p = 0.0258) and presence of NF1 (HR 3.41; 95%CI 1.88–6.19; p < 0.001) with a decreased overall survival. Conclusion Tumor size and NF1 status were the most important predictors of overall survival in our population.

RESUMO Objetivo Relatamos a experiência institucional no tratamento de tumores malignos da bainha de nervo periférico (TMBNP) e comparamos o prognóstico entre pacientes com e sem neurofibromatose tipo 1 (NF1). Métodos Foram incluídos neste estudo 92 pacientes num período de 20 anos. Foi realizada uma análise retrospectiva dos prontuários, das características do tumor e do tratamento. A idade mediana era 43,5 anos (variação 3–84 anos) e 55,4% dos pacientes eram mulheres; 41 pacientes (44,6%) tinham tumores associados à NF1. Resultados O diâmetro médio dos tumores era 15,8 ± 8,2cm e 10,8 ± 6,3cm para pacientes com e sem NF1, respectivamente. A sobrevida combinada em 2 e 5 anos foi de 48,5% e 29%. A análise multivariada confirmou que o tamanho do tumor acima de 10cm (hazard ratio (HR) 2.99; 95% intervalo de confiança (IC) 1.14–7.85; p = 0.0258) e a presença de NF1 (HR 3.41; 95%IC 1.88–6.19; p < 0.001) estão associados a uma pior sobrevida. Conclusões O tamanho do tumor e a associação com NF1 foram os preditores mais importantes de sobrevida na nossa população.

Evaluation of fatigue and its correlation with quality of life index, anxiety symptoms, depression and activity of disease in patients with psoriatic arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Psoriatic arthritis is associated with psychosocial morbidity and decrease in quality of life. Psychiatric comorbidity also plays an important role in the impairment of quality of life and onset of fatigue. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of fatigue in psoriatic arthritis patients and to correlate it to quality of life indexes, functional capacity, anxiety, depression and disease activity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed on outpatients with psoriatic arthritis. Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Fatigue (FACIT-F; version 4) was used to measure fatigue; 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Psoriasis Disability Index (PDI) to measure quality of life; Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) to assess functional capacity; Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale to measure anxiety and depression symptoms; Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) to evaluate clinical activity. RESULTS: In all, 101 patients with mean age of 50.77 years were included. The mean PDI score was 8.01; PASI score, 9.88; BASDAI score, 3.59; HAQ score, 0.85; HAD - Anxiety (HAD A) score, 7.39; HAD Depression (HAD D) score, 5.93; FACIT-Fatigue Scale (FACIT-FS) score, 38.3 and CDAI score, 2.65. FACIT-FS was statistically associated with PASI (rs -0.345, p<0.001), PDI (rs -0.299, p<0.002), HAQ (rs -0.460, p<0.001), HAD A (rs -0.306, p=0.002) and HAD D (rs -0.339, p<0.001). The correlations with CDAI and BASDAI were not confirmed. There was statistically significant correlation with all of the domains of SF-36 and FACIT-F (version 4). CONCLUSION: Prevalence of fatigue was moderate to intense in <25% of patients with psoriatic arthritis. Fatigue seems to be more related to the emotional and social aspects of the disease than to joint inflammatory aspects, confirming that the disease's visibility is the most disturbing aspect for the patient and that "skin pain" is more intense than the joint pain.

A relação entre o nível de multimorbidade e o de qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde: influência da personalidade e do suporte social / The relationship of multimorbidity with health-related quality of life: the influence of personality and social support

Justificativa: A influência da personalidade e do suporte social na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde (HRQoL) foi previamente demonstrada em estudos cujas amostras são compostas por pacientes portadores de um único diagnóstico, dificultando a generalização para portadores de multimorbidade. Para reduzir esta lacuna, foi desenvolvido este estudo sobre a influência da personalidade e do suporte social na relação entre multimorbidade e HRQoL em um grupo de pacientes com alta prevalência de multimorbidade. Desenho Experimental: O estudo de corte transversal incluiu 178 pacientes aacompanhados em um ambulatório do Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto (HUPE). Em geral, esses indivíduos são portadores de múltiplas patologias comórbidas, muitas delas incomuns e de apresentação atípica. A HRQoL foi avaliada através do questionário SF-36, a multimorbidade através de ma medida de carga total de doença: a Cummulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS), a personalidade pelo Cloninger's Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) e o suporte social pelo Sarason's Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ). Também foram incluídos no estudo para a avaliação de psicopatologia o Symptoms Checklist-90 (SCL-90) e o inventário de depressão de Beck. A associação entre multimorbidade e HRQoL, a influência da personalidade e do suporte social, e o ajuste pela psicopatologia foram analisados pela elaboração de modelos lineares generalizados. Resultados: A multimorbidade se associa com cinco das oito subescalas mensuradas pelo SF-36: capacidade funcional (CF), estado geral de saúde (EGS), vitalidade (VIT), aspectos sociais (AS) e saúde mental (SM). Após a introdução nos modelos das dimensões de personalidade, o efeito da multimorbidade desaparece nas subescalas CF e SM, sugerindo mediação, mas mantém-se nas subescalas EGS, VIT e AS. As dimensões de personalidade harm avoidance e self-directedness são aquelas com maior influência nos modelos. Limitações do estudo não permitiram que analisássemos o efeito do suporte social (pequeno número de respondentes), nem fizéssemos o ajuste dos modelos pela psicopatologia (artefatos estatísticos provavelmente por grande colinearidade das variáveis). Conclusões: Em indivíduos com alta prevalência de multimorbidade, esta se associa a diversas dimensões de HRQoL e algumas dimensões de personalidade influenciam nessa associação.

Background: Previous research has shown the influence of personality and social support on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with single diagnosis, limiting generalization of the results to patientes with multimorbidity. We conduct a study of the influence of personality and social support on health-related quality of life in a group of patients with high prevalence of multimorbidity. Experimental Design: This is a cross-sectional study of 178 subjects seen in a ambulatory setting in Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto, Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil. These patients are expected to have multiple comorbid diseases, including rare and atypical presentations. The HRQoL was measured with the SF-36; multimorbidity with the Cummulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS) - a measure of burden of disease; personality with the Cloninger's Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI); and social support with the Sarason's Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ). Psychopathology was evaluated with the Symptoms Checklist-90 (SCL-90) and the Beck Depression Inventory. Regression analysis with generalized linear models was used examine the association of multimorbidity and HRQoL and the influence of personality and social support. Psycopathology was intended to be included as covariates in the models. Results: Multimorbidity is associated with five of eight HRQoL SF-36 subscales: physical functioning (PF), general health (GH), vitality (VI), role social (RS) e mental health (MH). After the inclusion of the personality dimensions in the models, the effect of multimorbidity vanishes in the subscales PF and MH, suggesting a mediation effect, but not in the subscales GH, VI, RS. The personality dimensions harm avoidance and self-directedness have the largest effects on HRQoL. The limitations of the study includes the small number of respondents of the social support questionnaire and the presence of statistical artifacts - probably due to colinearity - that precludes the inclusion of psychopathology in the models. Conclusions: In a group of subjects with an expected high prevalence of multimorbidity, the burden of disease is associated with most dimensions of HRQoL. We also observed some personality dimensions influences this association.

The progression of 102 Brazilian patients with bipolar disorder: outcome of first 12 months of prospective follow-up / A evolução de 102 pacientes brasileiros com transtorno bipolar: os primeiros 12 meses de acompanhamento prospectivo

INTRODUCTION: Prospective studies have shown that the course of bipolar disorder (BD) is characterized by the persistence of symptoms, predominantly depression, along most of the time. However, to our knowledge, no studies in Latin America have investigated it. OBJECTIVES: To replicate international studies using a Brazilian sample to prospectively analyze treatment outcomes in the first year and to determine potential chronicity factors. METHODS: We followed up 102 patients with BD for 12 months and evaluated the number of months with affective episodes and the intensity of manic and depressive symptoms using the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D17). Sociodemographic and retrospective clinical data were examined to determine possible predictors of outcome. RESULTS: Almost 50% of the patients had symptoms about half of the time, and there was a predominance of depressive episodes. Disease duration and number of depressive episodes were predictors of chronicity. Depressive polarity of the first episode and a higher number of depressive episodes predicted the occurrence of new depressive episodes. CONCLUSION: In general, BD outcome seems to be poor in the first year of monitoring, despite adequate treatment. There is a predominance of depressive symptoms, and previous depressive episodes are a predictor of new depressive episodes and worse outcome (AU)

INTRODUÇÃO: Estudos prospectivos vêm demonstrando que o curso do transtorno bipolar (TB) é marcado por uma persistência de sintomas em grande parte do tempo, sendo estes predominantemente depressivos. Porém, até onde sabemos, não há estudos na América Latina sobre o assunto. OBJETIVO: Replicar pesquisas internacionais com uma amostra brasileira, para estudar prospectivamente a evolução no primeiro ano de tratamento e possíveis fatores relacionados a cronicidade. MÉTODO: Acompanhamos 102 pacientes com TB mensalmente por 12 meses, avaliando o número de meses em episódios afetivos e a intensidade dos sintomas maníacos e depressivos com a Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) e a Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D17), respectivamente. A partir de dados sociodemográficos e clínicos retrospectivos, buscamos definir fatores preditivos de evolução. RESULTADOS: Quase metade dos pacientes ficou cerca de metade do tempo sintomática, com predominância de episódios depressivos. Fatores preditivos de cronicidade encontrados foram a duração da doença e o número prévio de episódios depressivos. Encontramos, ainda, como fatores que predizem a ocorrência de novos episódios depressivos, a polaridade depressiva do primeiro episódio e um número maior de episódios depressivos. CONCLUSÕES: Em geral, a evolução do TB é bastante insatisfatória no primeiro ano de acompanhamento, apesar de tratamento adequado, com a predominância de sintomas depressivos. Episódios depressivos prévios são um fator preditivo de novos episódios depressivos e de uma pior evolução (AU)

Chronic exercise leads to antiaggregant, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in heart failure patients.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) patients are at an increased risk of thrombotic events. Here, we investigated the effects of exercise training on platelet function and factors involved in its modulation in HF. DESIGN AND METHODS: Thirty HF patients were randomized to 6 months of supervised exercise training or to a control group that remained sedentary. Exercise training consisted of 30 min of moderate-intensity treadmill exercise, followed by resistance and stretching exercises, performed three times a week. Blood was collected before and after the intervention for platelet and plasma obtainment. RESULTS: Peak VO2 increased after exercise training (18.0 ± 2.2 vs. 23.8 ± 0.5 mlO2/kg/min; p < 0.05). Exercise training reduced platelet aggregation induced by both collagen and ADP (approximately -6%; p < 0.05), as well as platelet nitric oxide synthase activity (0.318 ± 0.030 vs. 0.250 ± 0.016 pmol/10(8) cells; p < 0.05). No difference in the above-mentioned variables were observed in the control group. No significant difference was observed in intraplatelet cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels among groups. There was a significant increase in the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase in plasma and platelets, resulting in a decrease in both lipid and protein oxidative damage. Systemic levels of the inflammatory markers C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, and tumour necrosis factor α were also reduced in HF after training. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that regular exercise training is a valuable adjunct to optimal medical management of HF, reducing platelet aggregation via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and, therefore, reducing the risk of future thrombotic events.

The progression of 102 Brazilian patients with bipolar disorder: outcome of first 12 months of prospective follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: Prospective studies have shown that the course of bipolar disorder (BD) is characterized by the persistence of symptoms, predominantly depression, along most of the time. However, to our knowledge, no studies in Latin America have investigated it. OBJECTIVES: To replicate international studies using a Brazilian sample to prospectively analyze treatment outcomes in the first year and to determine potential chronicity factors. METHODS: We followed up 102 patients with BD for 12 months and evaluated the number of months with affective episodes and the intensity of manic and depressive symptoms using the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D17). Sociodemographic and retrospective clinical data were examined to determine possible predictors of outcome. RESULTS: Almost 50% of the patients had symptoms about half of the time, and there was a predominance of depressive episodes. Disease duration and number of depressive episodes were predictors of chronicity. Depressive polarity of the first episode and a higher number of depressive episodes predicted the occurrence of new depressive episodes. CONCLUSION: In general, BD outcome seems to be poor in the first year of monitoring, despite adequate treatment. There is a predominance of depressive symptoms, and previous depressive episodes are a predictor of new depressive episodes and worse outcome.

Lamotrigine as an adjuvant treatment for acute bipolar depression: a Brazilian naturalistic study

Lamotrigine is indicated according to several recent treatment guidelines as a first-line medication for the treatment of bipolar depression. However, its efficacy in acute bipolar depression has not been well established. In the present naturalistic study, patients with bipolar depression (n = 20), predominantly bipolar type I, were treated with lamotrigine in addition to their prior treatment for 8 weeks. The Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D-17), and Clinical Global Impressions-Bipolar Disorder (CGI-BD) scale were applied at baseline, week 4, and week 8. With regard to the primary measure of efficacy, mean total HAM-D-17 scores significantly decreased (p < .01) at the end of treatment. Eight patients (40%) exhibited a positive response (i.e., at least a 50% reduction of baseline scores). Additionally, eight (40%) and 11 (55%) patients exhibited complete remission, reflected by HAM-D-17 and CGI-BP scores, respectively. Episodes of switching to mania or hypomania occurred in five patients (25%). No skin rash or any other significant adverse events were reported. Our results indicate that the addition of lamotrigine to a mood stabilizer can be useful in the treatment of acute depressive episodes in bipolar I disorder.

Lamotrigine as an adjuvant treatment for acute bipolar depression: a Brazilian naturalistic study

Lamotrigine is indicated according to several recent treatment guidelines as a first-line medication for the treatment of bipolar depression. However, its efficacy in acute bipolar depression has not been well established. In the present naturalistic study, patients with bipolar depression (n = 20), predominantly bipolar type I, were treated with lamotrigine in addition to their prior treatment for 8 weeks. The Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D-17), and Clinical Global Impressions-Bipolar Disorder (CGI-BD) scale were applied at baseline, week 4, and week 8. With regard to the primary measure of efficacy, mean total HAM-D-17 scores significantly decreased (p < .01) at the end of treatment. Eight patients (40%) exhibited a positive response (i.e., at least a 50% reduction of baseline scores). Additionally, eight (40%) and 11 (55%) patients exhibited complete remission, reflected by HAM-D-17 and CGI-BP scores, respectively. Episodes of switching to mania or hypomania occurred in five patients (25%). No skin rash or any other significant adverse events were reported. Our results indicate that the addition of lamotrigine to a mood stabilizer can be useful in the treatment of acute depressive episodes in bipolar I disorder.(AU)

Case report of lymph nodal, hepatic and splenic tuberculosis in an HIV-positive patient.

We describe a case of a male patient, 38 years old, HIV-positive (most recent CD4 count about 259/mm(3)), with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, weight loss, and vespertine high fever with chills. His hemogram showed normocytic and normochromic anemia, with a high erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and gross granulations in the neutrophils. Transaminases were normal. Bone marrow biopsy evidenced a chronic disease anemia pattern and a lack of infectious agents. Abdominal ultrasound examination showed a normal-size spleen, which exhibited heterogeneous parenchyma and multiple small hypoechoic images, together with small ascites, peripancreatic and para-aortic lymphadenopathy. These findings were confirmed by abdominal CT. The liver was normal in size, but had a hyperechoic image, which was not visualized on CT. Histopathological analysis of one of the multiple abdominal lymph nodes obtained by laparoscopic biopsy exhibited a chronic granulomatous inflammatory process, with caseous necrosis. Tissue sections were positive for BAAR (acid-alcohol-resistant bacillus), and the cultures were positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Anti-tuberculosis treatment was begun, and the patient evolved with improvement of his general state, fever remission and weight gain. Splenic tuberculosis is a rare disease, occurring predominantly in patients in late stages of AIDS and/or disseminated tuberculosis. It is a difficult diagnosis, since there are no specific findings. Hence, complementary examinations, such as abdominal ultrasound/ CT, or fine needle aspiration, are usually necessary for investigation and differential diagnosis. Often, lesion regression after anti-tuberculosis regimens can be seen, and splenectomy is restricted to complicated or refractory disease.

Case report of lymph nodal, hepatic and splenic tuberculosis in an HIV-positive patient

We describe a case of a male patient, 38 years old, HIV-positive (most recent CD4 count about 259/mm³), with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, weight loss, and vespertine high fever with chills. His hemogram showed normocytic and normochromic anemia, with a high erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and gross granulations in the neutrophils. Transaminases were normal. Bone marrow biopsy evidenced a chronic disease anemia pattern and a lack of infectious agents. Abdominal ultrasound examination showed a normal-size spleen, which exhibited heterogeneous parenchyma and multiple small hypoechoic images, together with small ascites, peripancreatic and para-aortic lymphadenopathy. These findings were confirmed by abdominal CT. The liver was normal in size, but had a hyperechoic image, which was not visualized on CT. Histopathological analysis of one of the multiple abdominal lymph nodes obtained by laparoscopic biopsy exhibited a chronic granulomatous inflammatory process, with caseous necrosis. Tissue sections were positive for BAAR (acid-alcohol-resistant bacillus), and the cultures were positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Anti-tuberculosis treatment was begun, and the patient evolved with improvement of his general state, fever remission and weight gain. Splenic tuberculosis is a rare disease, occurring predominantly in patients in late stages of AIDS and/or disseminated tuberculosis. It is a difficult diagnosis, since there are no specific findings. Hence, complementary examinations, such as abdominal ultrasound/ CT, or fine needle aspiration, are usually necessary for investigation and differential diagnosis. Often, lesion regression after anti-tuberculosis regimens can be seen, and splenectomy is restricted to complicated or refractory disease.

O uso do tempo livre por adolescentes em uma comunidade metropolitana no Brasil / Use of free time by adolescents in a metropolitan community in Brazil

Objetivo: Estudo epidemiológico sobre as atividades realizadas por adolescentes quando nõo estõo na escola , em uma comunidade urbana do Rio de Janeiro. Material e Métodos: Estudo transversal com 747 estudantes do segundo segmento do primeiro grau ( 4¬ O 8¬ séries ) que preencheram um questionário de auto-avaliaþõo, composto de quest÷es sobre as atividades que praticam. Resultados: Entre as atividades físicas listadas, as mais praticadas foram andar de bicicleta (63,3 por cento), jogar v¶lei (61,3 por cento) e jogar futebol (58,9 por cento). Entre as atividades realizadas enquanto estõo sozinhos em casa, 91,0 por cento refere ver televisõo e 85,2 por cento ouvir música, enquanto 51,1 por cento relata jogar videogame e 40,5 por cento ler livros. Entre as atividades recreativas com amigos, as mais freq³entemente citadas foram praticar esportes (85,6 por cento), ir a festas (83,6 por cento), ir O praia (78,1 por cento) e ficar na rua com amigos (77,6 por cento). Entre as atividades culturais, 68,0 por cento responderam que võo ao cinema e 62,5 por cento võo a shows musicais. Comentários: Os resultados demonstram que ver televisõo (91 por cento), praticar esportes (96,1 por cento) e ficar na rua com amigos (77,6 por cento) sõo as principais atividades desenvolvidas pelos adolescentes em seu tempo livre . A partir destes resultados podemos elaborar trÛs propostas: (1) utilizaþõo da mídia para estimular a prática de esportes, (2) incentivar a participaþõo do adolescentes em atividades na sua própria comunidade e (3) o envolvimento de professores, estudantes e seus familiares na educaþõo dos adolescentes. Estas trÛs propostas visam a promoþõo de saúde através de incentivos a fatores de proteþõo (e diminuiþõo dos fatores de risco) para comportamentos de risco (AU)

O uso do tempo livre por adolescentes em uma comunidade metropolitana no Brasil / Use of free time by adolescents in a metropolitan community in Brazil

Objetivo: Estudo epidemiológico sobre as atividades realizadas por adolescentes quando näo estäo na escola , em uma comunidade urbana do Rio de Janeiro. Material e Métodos: Estudo transversal com 747 estudantes do segundo segmento do primeiro grau ( 4ª à 8ª séries ) que preencheram um questionário de auto-avaliaçäo, composto de questöes sobre as atividades que praticam. Resultados: Entre as atividades físicas listadas, as mais praticadas foram andar de bicicleta (63,3 por cento), jogar vôlei (61,3 por cento) e jogar futebol (58,9 por cento). Entre as atividades realizadas enquanto estäo sozinhos em casa, 91,0 por cento refere ver televisäo e 85,2 por cento ouvir música, enquanto 51,1 por cento relata jogar videogame e 40,5 por cento ler livros. Entre as atividades recreativas com amigos, as mais freqüentemente citadas foram praticar esportes (85,6 por cento), ir a festas (83,6 por cento), ir à praia (78,1 por cento) e ficar na rua com amigos (77,6 por cento). Entre as atividades culturais, 68,0 por cento responderam que väo ao cinema e 62,5 por cento väo a shows musicais. Comentários: Os resultados demonstram que ver televisäo (91 por cento), praticar esportes (96,1 por cento) e ficar na rua com amigos (77,6 por cento) säo as principais atividades desenvolvidas pelos adolescentes em seu tempo livre . A partir destes resultados podemos elaborar três propostas: (1) utilizaçäo da mídia para estimular a prática de esportes, (2) incentivar a participaçäo do adolescentes em atividades na sua própria comunidade e (3) o envolvimento de professores, estudantes e seus familiares na educaçäo dos adolescentes. Estas três propostas visam a promoçäo de saúde através de incentivos a fatores de proteçäo (e diminuiçäo dos fatores de risco) para comportamentos de risco

Transtorno de estresse pós-traumático não relacionado à guerra / Posttraumatic stress diorder not connected with war

O Transtorno de Estresse Pós-Traumático ocasionado por estressores não relacionados a experiências de combate tem sido extensivamente descrito. Em um primeiro artigo, revisamos os estudos sobre os aspectos biológicos do estresse pós-traumático. Nesse artigo apresentaremos uma breve revisão da literatura que aborda a relação entre os estressores específicos como acidentes com veículos a motor, estrupo, transtornos clínicos agudos e crônicos, estresse relacionado ao trabalho, e a eclosão dos sintomas do transtorno de Estresse Pós-Traumático

Aspectos biológicos do estresse pós-traumático / Biological aspects of post-traumatic stress

O estresse pós-traumático é cada vez mais freqüentementediagnosticado, em parte pelo seu maior reconhecimento pela comunidade médica e em parte, por um provável aumento em sua incidência nas grandes cidades. Embora esteja relativamente bem estabelecido o quadro clínico do transtorno, pouco se sabe acerca de sua fisiopatologia. Observaçöes dos efeitos de diversos tipos de estresse em animais de laboratório têm servido de base para estudos, em seres humanos, do efeito do estresse em geral e da fisiopatologia do transtorno de estresse pós-traumático. Até o momento, sistemas noradrenergéticos, dopaminergéticos, opióides e sistemas envolvendo neurotransmissores menos estudados como neuroesteróides e hormônio liberador de corticitrofina, vêm sendo implicados na gênese do transtorno de estresse pós-traumático. Além disto, o sistema nervoso simpático e o eixo hipotálamo-hipófise-adrenal têm sido implicados nas manifestaçöes do transtorno fora do controle direto do sistema nervoso central. Este artigo se propöe a revisar sumariamente estes estudos

Transtorno de aansiedade generalizada - II: Casos clínicos e tratamento / Generalized anxiety disorder: clinical cases and treatment

O Transtorno da Ansiedade Generalizada (TAG) é um transtorno crônico de ansiedade caracterizado por excessiva ansiedade e preocupaçöes, repleto de queixas somáticas. As preocupaçöes e a ansiedade näo säo restritas a uma única situaçäo, mas säo "livremente flutuantes"; estando presentes em quase todas as situaçöes vividas pelo paciente. Em um primeiro artigo apresentamos alguns princípios teóricos e os critérios diagnósticos. No segundo artigo após 2 casos clínicos, um tratado com antidepressivo tricíclico e outro com benzodiazepínico, outras opçöes terapêuticas säo apresentadas

Transtorno de ansiedade generalizada: questões teóricas e diagnósticas / Generalized anxiety disorder: theoretical and diagnostic principles

O Transtorno de Ansiedade Generalizada (TAG) é um transtorno crônico de ansiedade caracterizado por excessiva ansiedade e preocupações, repleto de queixas somáticas. As preocupações e a ansiedade não são restritas a uma única situação, mas são livremente flutuantes; estando presentes em quase todas as situações vividas pelo paciente. Em um primeiro artigo apresentamos alguns princípios teóricos e os critérios diagnósticos. No segundo artigo após 2 casos clínicos, um tratado com antidepressivo tricíclico e outro com benzodiazepínico, outras opções terapêuticas são apresentadas

Inibidores seletivos de recaptaçåo de serotonina (ISRS) e ganho de peso. Série Psicofarmacologia - 46 / SSRIs and weight again

Embora os inibidores seletivos de recaptaçåo de serotonina (SSRI) sejam freqüentemente associados com perda discreta de peso quando utilizados no tratamento a curto przo para depressåo, há evidências de que estes pacientes recuperam o peso anterior após alguns meses e alguns chegam a aumentar de peso no seguimento a longo prazo. Nós relatamos quatro casos de ganho acentuado de peso após um ano de tratamento com fluoxetina ou paroxetina, com aumento do apetite e da ingesta calórica. Consideramos prematura a recomendaçåo de utilizar a fluoxetina como coadjuvante em programas de perda de peso

Distonia aguda asssociada ao uso de fluoxetina / Acute dystonic reaction with fluoxetine: case report

Há diversos relatos na literatura de sintomas extrapiramidais relacionados ao uso de inibidores seletivos da recaptaçao de serotinina (SSRIs) isoladamente ou em associaçao medicamentosa (neurolépticos, lítio, metoclopramida, carmazepina). Os autores relatam um caoso de distonia aguda e rigidez de mandíbula em uma paciente com fobia social e disforia pré-menstrual tratada com fluoxetina. A revisao da literatura revela que sintomas extrapiramidais podem ocorrer com outros SSRIs como a sertralina, a paroxetina e a fluvoxamina. A interaçao entre os sistemas de neurotransmissao serotoninérgico e dopaminérgico pode estar implicada no surgimento dos sintomas extrapiramidais em pacientes tratados com SSRIs