Bilateral outer foveal microdefect in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus using hydroxychloroquine - A case report.

INTRODUCTION: The association of outer foveal microdefect and LES or hydroxychloroquine use has not been established in current literature. CASE REPORT: We present the first reported case of bilateral outer foveal microdefect ina a patient with systemic lúpus erythematosus using hydroxycloroquine. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: While it is not possible to definitively attribute the described findings in our patient to HCQ use, it is important to be aware of the possibility that the outer foveal microdefect may be caused by this medication. Therefore, patients on chronic HCQ therapy should be informed about the risk of potential visual adverse effects, so that appropriate interventions can be implemented if necessary.

Clinical disease activity index applicability in lupus arthropathy: Unraveling underdiagnosed joint activity.

INTRODUCTION: Lupus arthropathy (LA) ranges from arthralgia and non-deforming arthritis to severe forms such as Jaccoud-type deformities and mutilating arthritis. Considering the evolving concept of LA, measuring arthritis activity in lupus patients may require a more practical and sensitive tool other than the classical composite scores. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated the articular pattern of a sample of SLE patients which were divided into those that scored in articular domain on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) and those with activity arthritis using the Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI). After all, we analyzed the association between CDAI and arthritis by SLEDAI-2K as well as its association with the presence or not of Jaccoud-type arthropathy (JA). RESULTS: A total of 127 patients with SLE were evaluated. According to SLEDAI-2K, 17 (13.4%) patients have scored in its joint criteria and 32 patients (25.19%) were considered to have some articular activity by CDAI. A total of 16 patients (50%) who scored some activity on CDAI did not score in articular domain of SLEDAI-2K. Also, the presence of Jaccoud-type arthropathy was significantly associated with arthritis activity according to the CDAI score (p = .014) but not with SLEDAI-2K joint criteria (p = .524). CONCLUSION: The CDAI was not directly associated with the presence of arthritis by the joint criteria of SLEDAI-2K and the presence of JA was significantly associated with the CDAI but not with arthritis at SLEDAI-2K.

Decompensated chagasic heart failure versus non-chagasic heart failure at a tertiary care hospital: Clinical characteristics and outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical and epidemiological characteristics and clinical outcomes in patients hospitalized with decompensated heart failure (DHF), with a comparison between Chagas and non-Chagas disease. METHOD: This is a retrospective cohort study involving 136 patients consecutively admitted with DHF between January 1 and December 31, 2011, with the following outcomes: acute renal failure, cardiogenic shock, rehospitalization, and hospital death. Individuals aged ≥ 18 years with DHF were included while those with more than 10% of missing data regarding outcomes were excluded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 17.0. Chi-squared test was used to compare proportions. Student's T test was used to compare means. Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests were used to compare rehospitalization rates between the two groups over time. RESULTS: Chagasic and non-chagasic patients were compared. The first had lower mean systolic blood pressure (111.8±18.4 versus 128.8±24.4, p<0.01), lower mean diastolic blood pressure (74.5±13.6 versus 82.0±15.2, p<0.01) and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (26.5±6.2 versus 41.5±18.9, p<0.01). In all, 20 patients with Chagas (50.1%) were rehospitalized, compared to 35 patients in the non-Chagas group (35.4%, p=0.04). Log rank test = 4.5 (p<0.01) showed that rehospitalization rates between the two groups over time (Kaplan-Meier curves) differed. CONCLUSION: Chagas disease was associated with lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure and lower left ventricular ejection fraction. The rehospitalization rate was higher in Chagas disease.

Decompensated chagasic heart failure versus non-chagasic heart failure at a tertiary care hospital: Clinical characteristics and outcomes / Insuficiência cardíaca descompensada chagásica versus não chagásica em um hospital de atenção terciária: características e desfechos clínicos

Summary Objective: To evaluate clinical and epidemiological characteristics and clinical outcomes in patients hospitalized with decompensated heart failure (DHF), with a comparison between Chagas and non-Chagas disease. Method: This is a retrospective cohort study involving 136 patients consecutively admitted with DHF between January 1 and December 31, 2011, with the following outcomes: acute renal failure, cardiogenic shock, rehospitalization, and hospital death. Individuals aged ≥ 18 years with DHF were included while those with more than 10% of missing data regarding outcomes were excluded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 17.0. Chi-squared test was used to compare proportions. Student's T test was used to compare means. Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests were used to compare rehospitalization rates between the two groups over time. Results: Chagasic and non-chagasic patients were compared. The first had lower mean systolic blood pressure (111.8±18.4 versus 128.8±24.4, p<0.01), lower mean diastolic blood pressure (74.5±13.6 versus 82.0±15.2, p<0.01) and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (26.5±6.2 versus 41.5±18.9, p<0.01). In all, 20 patients with Chagas (50.1%) were rehospitalized, compared to 35 patients in the non-Chagas group (35.4%, p=0.04). Log rank test = 4.5 (p<0.01) showed that rehospitalization rates between the two groups over time (Kaplan-Meier curves) differed. Conclusion: Chagas disease was associated with lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure and lower left ventricular ejection fraction. The rehospitalization rate was higher in Chagas disease.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar características clínico-epidemiológicas e desfechos clínicos em pacientes internados por insuficiência cardíaca descompensada (ICD), estabelecendo uma comparação entre pacientes chagásicos e não chagásicos. Método: Trata-se de um estudo de coorte retrospectivo abrangendo 136 pacientes internados consecutivamente com ICD entre 1 de janeiro e 31 de dezembro de 2011, tendo como desfechos: lesão renal aguda, choque cardiogênico, reinternamento e óbito hospitalar. Foram incluídos indivíduos com idade ≥ 18 anos com ICD e excluídos aqueles com mais de 10% de dados faltantes em relação aos desfechos. Para a análise estatística, foi utilizado o SPSS® versão 17.0. Para a comparação entre proporções, foi utilizado o teste Qui-quadrado. O teste T de Student foi utilizado para comparar médias. Utilizamos as curvas de Kaplan-Meier e o teste do log rank para comparar as taxas de reinternações entre os dois grupos ao longo do tempo. Resultados: Na comparação entre chagásicos e não chagásicos, os primeiros apresentaram menor média de pressão arterial sistêmica (111,8±18,4 versus 128,8±24,4; p<0,01), menor média de pressão arterial diastólica (74,5±13,6 versus 82,0±15,2; p<0,01) e menor fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (26,5±6,2 versus 41,5±18,9; p<0,01). Um total de 20 chagásicos (50,1%) reinternaram contra 35 não chagásicos (35,4%; p=0,04). O teste do log rank = 4,5 (p<0,01) mostrou que as taxas de reinternações entre os dois grupos ao longo do tempo (curvas de Kaplan-Meier) diferiram. Conclusão: A doença de Chagas associou-se a menores valores de pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica, além de menor fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo. A taxa de reinternamento foi maior em chagásicos.

A Case of Acute Generalized Pustular Psoriasis of von Zumbusch Triggered by Hypocalcemia.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease triggered by different conditions in genetically susceptible people. It is characterized by variable cutaneous manifestations including localized or disseminated pustules. Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) has two main clinical forms: von Zumbusch psoriasis, characterized by severe erythrodermia and scaling skin after the resolution of pustules, and the annular form. GPP may also present severe extracutaneous manifestations including pneumonitis, heart failure and hepatitis. Old reports showed a relationship between hypoparathyroidism and hypocalcemia as triggers for GPP highlighting the importance of adequate workup of the patient and possible therapeutic changes in acute situations. Here, we present a case of severe von Zumbusch psoriasis with life-threatening complications triggered by severe hypocalcemia secondary to hypoparathyroidism successfully treated with aggressive calcium reposition.

Lesão renal aguda em pacientes em uso de inibidor da enzima conversora de angiotensina para tratar insuficiência cardíaca descompensada / Acute kidney injury in patients using angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors to treat decompensated heart failure

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVO: Esse estudo procurou descrevera incidência de lesão renal aguda (LRA) em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca (IC) descompensada pós uso de inibidor de enzima conversora de angiotensina (IECA) e o perfil clínico-epidemiológico desses pacientes. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo de coorte prospectiva. Foram incluídos no estudo pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca classe IV segundo critérios doNew York Heart Association (NYHA) descompensada admitidos nas enfermarias de Clínica Médica do Hospital Santo Antônio no período de 01/03/2011 a 30/10/2012. Foram excluídos pacientescom doença renal crônica estágios III, IV, V e com dados incompletos. A lesão renal aguda foi definida de acordo como critério RIFLE (Risk/Injury/Failure/Loss/End-stage). Os dados foram analisados através do programa estatístico SPSS 14.0.Esse projeto foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética e Pesquisa do Hospital Santo Antônio. RESULTADOS: Dos 100 pacientes estudados, a maioria era do sexo masculino, de etnia afrodescendentee apresentavam como etiologia da insuficiência cardíaca amiocardiopatia chagásica crônica. O sexo feminino, a presença de hipertensão arterial prévia, maiores valores médios basais depressão arterial sistólica (PAS) e pressão arterial diastólica (PAD)e maiores valores médios de idade foram associados à ocorrência de lesão renal aguda, bem como valores médios mais elevados de creatinina sérica basal. Doses médias maiores de inibidores de enzima conversora de angiotensina e de furosemida venosadurante a primeira semana de tratamento foram associadas à ocorrência lesão renal aguda. A área sob a curva ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) Curve (AuROC) para uso de inibidores da enzima conversora de angiotensina foi de 0,70 com p=0,001...

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: This study sought to describe the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with decompensated heart failure after angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and the clinical - epidemiological profile of these patients. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study. Patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV were included in the study. They were admitted in thewards of Internal Medicine, Hospital Santo Antonio in theperiod from 01/03/2011 to 30/10/2012. Patients with chronic kidney disease stages III, IV, V, and without complete data were excluded. Acute kidney injury was defined according to the RIFLE (Risk/Injury/Failure/Loss/End-stage) criteria. Data were analyzed using SPSS 14.0 statistical program. This project was approved by the Ethics and Research Comitee of Hospital St. Anthony. RESULTS: Of the 100 patients, the majority were male, of african descente and and had Chagas´ cardiomyopathy as a cause of heart failure. Females, the presence of previous hypertension and higher baseline mean of diastolic or sistolic pressure and higher mean values of age were associated with the occurrence of acute kidney injury, as well as higher values of baseline serum creatinine. Higher doses of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and furosemide were associated with the occurrence of renal injury. The area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) Curve (AUROC) for angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) was 0.70 with p-0.001. CONCLUSION: High doses of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and intravenous furosemide are associated with acute kidney injury especially in the first week of introduction of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors...

Furosemida e risco de lesão renal aguda em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca descompensada / Furosemide and risk of acute renal injury in decompensated heart failure patients

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Diuréticos têm sido importantes no tratamento da insuficiência cardíaca (IC). Os objetivos deste estudo foram estimar a incidência e os fatores preditores de lesão renal aguda (LRA) em portadores de IC descompensada tratados com diuréticos.MÉTODO: Estudo prospectivo com 66 portadores de IC descompensada em uso de diuréticos seguidos por um período de 30 dias. LRA foi definida como elevação da creatinina sérica 50% superior à creatinina da admissão. RESULTADOS: A incidência de LRA foi de 39,4%. Preditores de desenvolvimento de LRA encontrados foram: diagnóstico de IC classe funcional IV, OR = 3,15; IC a 95%: 1,12 - 8,82; dose de furosemida por via venosa, OR = 1,07; IC a 95%: 1,02 - 1,12 e a interação classe funcional IV e dose de furosemida venosa,OR = 1,03; IC a 95%: 1,01 - 1,04. O preditor independente de LRA foi dose de furosemida venosa (OR = 1,09; IC a 95%: 1,01- 1,17). Dose de furosemida venosa total se correlacionou com a creatinina máxima do internamento (rho = 0,69; p < 0,01). O tempo de uso de furosemida venosa apresentou correlação com a creatinina máxima da internação (rho = 0,73; p < 0,01).CONCLUSÃO: A incidência de LRA encontrada foi de 39,4%.Pertencer à classe IV de IC e dose de furosemida venosa associou-se a LRA. Dose de furosemida venosa foi preditora independente para desenvolvimento de LRA, com forte correlação com a creatinina máxima durante a internação, bem como o seu tempo de uso em dias.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Diuretics have been important in the treatment of heart failure (HF). The aims of this study are to estimate the incidence and predictors of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with decompensated heart failure treated with diuretics.METHOD: A prospective study of 66 patients with decompensated HF on diuretic therapy followed by a period of 30 days. AKI has been defined as an increase in serum creatinine over 50% compared to the basal serum creatinine. RESULTS: The incidence of AKI was 39.4%. Predictors of AKI were: diagnosis of HF class IV, OR = 3.15, 95% CI: 1.12 to 8.82, dose of intravenous furosemide, OR = 1.07, CI 95%: 1.02 to 1.12 and interaction HF class IV/ dose of intravenous furosemide, OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.04. Dose of intravenous furosemide was the only independent predictor of AKI inmultivariate analysis (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.01 - 1.17). Total intravenous dose of furosemide had correlated with maximum creatinine during follow-up (rho = 0.69, p < 0.01). The time ofuse of intravenous furosemide had correlated with the maximum serum creatinine during hospitalization (rho = 0.73, p < 0.01).CONCLUSION: The incidence of AKI was 39.4%. Class IV HF and dose of intravenous furosemide were associated with AKI. Dose of intravenous furosemide was independent predictor for AKI. Total dose of furosemide and time counted in days of furosemide use had a strong correlation with maximum serum creatinine during hospitalization.

Comparação do escore de Gleason da biópsia prostática com o da peça cirúrgica em pacientes com câncer de próstata / Comparison of Gleason score of prostatic biopsy with surgical specimen in patients with prostate cancer

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O escore de Gleason da biópsia prostática transretal representa um dos métodos prognósticos mais importantes na avaliação dos cânceres de próstata, permitindo a indicação terapêutica mais adequada. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os valores do escore de Gleason obtidos na biópsia com os valores da peça cirúrgica a fim de obter valores a respeito do grau de concordância entre os dois métodos diagnósticos. MÉTODO: Foram estudados retrospectivamente os prontuários de 70 pacientes com diagnóstico anatomopatológico de adenocarcinoma prostático que foram submetidos à prostatectomia, atendidos em clínica de Oncologia na cidade de Salvador-BA, no período de 1998 a 2009. Os dados foram analisados pelo software SPSS 19.0. Foi utilizado o teste Kappa para avaliar a concordância entre os escores de Gleason da biópsia prostática transretal e aqueles da peça cirúrgica. RESULTADOS: A idade média dos pacientes foi 61,61 anos ± 7,25. O antígeno prostático específico (PSA) total pré-operatório teve média de 7,32 ng/mL ± 4,57. O escore de Gleason mais frequente foi 6, tendo 49 pacientes apresentado este valor à biópsia e 44 pacientes no espécime cirúrgico, 70% e 62,86%, respectivamente. Trinta e nove pacientes (55,71%) tinham Gleason 6(3+3) à biópsia e mantiveram o escore na peça cirúrgica. Houve concordância em 72,86% dos casos, subgradação em 21,43% e supergradação em 5,71%. O teste Kappa foi igual a +0,505 e o valor de p foi < 0,01. CONCLUSÃO: Ao comparar os resultados histológicos da biópsia prostática com os da peça cirúrgica, obteve-se concordância de 72,86%, com Kappa igual a +0,505; p < 0,01.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Gleason score of transrectal prostate biopsy is one of the most important prognostic methods in the evaluation of prostate cancers, allowing the most appropriate therapeutic indication. Our aim is to compare Gleason score values in biopsies with surgical specimens in order to obtain values about the degree of agreement between the two diagnostic methods. METHOD: We studied retrospectively 70 patients with anatomopathological diagnosis of prostatic adenocarcinoma who underwent prostatectomy in an Oncology clinic in the city of Salvador, in the state of Bahia, within 1998 to 2009. Data were analyzed by SPSS 19.0 software. Kappa was used to evaluate the agreement between Gleason scores of transrectal prostate biopsy and those of the surgical specimen. RESULTS: The average age of patients was 61.61 years ± 7.25. The preoperative prostatic specific antigen (PSA) had an average of 7.32 ng/mL ± 4.57. The most common Gleason score was 6. Forty-nine patients presented this score at the time of biopsy and 44 patients in surgical specimens (70% and 62.86% respectively). Thirty-nine patients (55.71%) had Gleason 6 (3+3) at the time of biopsy and the value remained the same in the surgical specimen. There was agreement in 72.86% of cases. We found underestimation in 21.43% and overestimation in 5.71%. Kappa was equal to +0.505 and the p value was < 0.01. CONCLUSION: When comparing the histological results of prostate biopsy with the surgical specimen we found agreement of 72.86%, with Kappa equal to +0,505, p < 0.01.