Fibromyalgia and menopause: an open study on postmenopausal hormone therapy.

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia women (FM) seems to get worse at menopause suggesting some influence of estrogens on its pathophysiology. We aimed to study the influence of postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) in FM, the relationship with sleep and FM impact. METHODS: We analyzed prospectively 69 menopausal women, divided in two groups, FM group (FMG; N.=32) and comparison group (CG; N.=28) submitted to HT for twelve weeks (1.2 mg/g transdermal estradiol, 100 mg micronized natural progesterone oral/daily). Data on Utian Quality of Life Questionnaire (UQOL) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were obtained in both groups, at entrance and twelve weeks after HT. FM patients also completed the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire - Revised (FIQ-R) and fibromyalgia severity (FS). RESULTS: FM patients improved significantly the FIQ-R (P=0.0001, median FIQ-R score 30% lower), mainly the severity of FM, assessed by FS (P<0.0001). Both groups had improved quality of life and sleep (UQOL: P=0.0001; P=0.001, PSQI: P<0.0001; P=0.007, respectively). Differences between first and second PSQI were greater for CG than for FMG (P=0.008). CONCLUSIONS: HT improving sleep and quality of life in both groups; it was a significant clinical improvement seen by FIQ and FS in FM patients. These changes characterize improvement of functional status and symptoms severity.

Avaliação do luto familiar na perda gestacional e neonatal / Assessment of family grief over the gestational and neonatal loss

RESUMO: Objetivos: Avaliar o grau de luto causado pela perda gestacional ou neonatal em pais e mães, associando com va-riáveis sociodemográficas. Adicionalmente, comparar o grau de luto de acordo com o momento da perda. Métodos:Estudo transversal, realizado com aplicação de questionário sociodemográfico e questionário validado (Escala de Luto Perinatal­ELP) em pais que tiveram perda de seu filho em qualquer período gestacional ou no neonatal. Resultados: 542 pais e mães estavam aptos para participação do estudo e após serem convidados para responder à pesquisa, 104 (19,1%) concordaram em participar. Os 104 participantes foram divididos em dois grupos: perda no primeiro trimestre gestacional (76,9%), e demais trimestres somados ao período neonatal (23,1%). Evidenciou-se predomínio materno das respostas (89,4%) e idade média de 29,1±15,58 anos. A mediana do escore na ELP foi de 90 pontos, não havendo diferença entre as pontuações de acordo com o momento da perda. Primigestas e mulheres com idade <25 anos apresentaram pontuações maiores que as demais (p=0,042 e p=0,047). Ideação suicida foi relatada por 15,4% e 32,7% das mães que se culpam pela morte do bebê e têm escores significativamente maior do que aque-las que não tinham tal sentimento (p<0,0001). Estado civil, escolaridade, situação econômica, religião, realização de pré-natal, etnia e abortamento prévio não apresentaram associação significativa com os escores obtidos na ELP. Conclusão: O luto ocorreu independente da idade gestacional do momento da perda, sendo de maior intensidade nas mulheres mais jovens e naquelas com sentimento de culpa. Medidas devem ser tomadas para minimizar tal sofrimento. (AU)

ABSTRACT: Objectives: To evaluate the degree of grief caused by gestational or neonatal loss in parents, associating with socio-demographic variables. Additionally, compare the degree of grief according to the moment of loss. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted with the application of a sociodemographic questionnaire and a validated questionnaire (Perinatal Grief Scale-PGS) in parents who lost their child at any time during pregnancy or in the neonatal period. Results: 542 fathers and mothers were able to participate in the study and after invited to respond, 104 (19.1%) were willing to participate. The 104 respondents were divided into two groups: loss in the first gestational trimester (76.9%), and other trimesters added to the neonatal period (23.1%). There was a predominance of maternal responses (89.4%) and a mean age was 29.1±15.58 years. The median PGS score was 90 points, with no difference between the scores according to the moment of loss. First pregnant and women under the age of 25 had higher scores than the others (p=0.042 and p=0.047) respectively. Suicidal ideation was reported by 15.4% and 32.7% of mothers who blame themselves for the death of the baby have significantly higher scores than those without such feelings (p <0.0001). Marital status, education, economic status, religion, prenatal care, ethnicity, and previous miscarriage were not significantly associated with the scores obtained in the PGS. Conclusion: Family grief occurred regardless of the moment of loss, being greater in younger women and those with feelings of guilt. Measures must be taken to minimize such suffering. (AU)

Blood discard rate in a blood center in Curitiba - Brazil. Ten years of study.

INTRODUCTION: Development of technologies to reduce transfusion risks of infectious diseases is a major characteristic of hemotherapy. Thus, each donation undergoes clinical and serological screening tests to ensure the donated blood do not offer risks to the receiver. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the prevalence of positive serology in blood donations rejected by Hemobanco (Curitiba - PR) in the period ranging from January 2003 to December 2012. METHODOLOGY: During the period studied, we observed the total number of donations and its division according to gender. We also analyzed the number of rejected donations due to seropositivity, considering the diseases investigated routinely in blood banks in Brazil, and the frequency of discards according to age groups. RESULTS: Within the period studied, 399,280 donations were performed. 62.0% donors were male. Comparing 2003 to 2012, we noticed a significant decrease of discards, from 10.2% to 5.0%, respectively. There was a reduction of seropositivity for HIV, HBsAg and anti-HBc and an increase for Chagas Disease, hepatitis C, syphilis and HTLV. The age group with the highest prevalence for discards changed: it used to be the 40-59 years old group in 2003, and became the 20-39 years old group in 2012. CONCLUSION: There was an increase in the number of donations in Hemobanco and a decrease in total discards due to seropositive donations. Most donors were male. The most prevalent cause of discards only amongst seropositive donation discards is seropositivity for anti-HBc. There was a significant increase of donors aged between 20 and 39 years old.

Rheumatic Disease Autoantibodies in Autoimmune Liver Diseases.

BACKGROUND: Autoimmune liver diseases (ALDs) are known to be associated with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs) and their autoantibodies. We aimed to study the prevalence of SARDs and related autoantibodies, as well as their prognostic implications in a group of patients with ALDs. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. Sixty patients with ALDs (38.3% with autoimmune hepatitis; 11.7% with primary biliary cirrhosis; 25% with primary sclerosing cholangitis and 25% with overlap syndrome) were studied for the presence of SARDs and their autoantibodies. RESULTS: There was autoimmune rheumatic disease in 20% of the studied sample. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were the commonest (11.6% and 5%, respectively). Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) were present in 35% of the patients, followed by anti-Ro (20.0%); anti-nucleosome (18.3%); rheumatoid factor (10%) anti-CCP (8.3%); anti-RNP (8.3%); anti-ds-DNA (6.6%); anti-La (3.3%); anti-Sm (3.3%), anti-ribosomal P (3.3%). Anti-Ro (p = 0.0004), anti-La (p = 0.03), anti-RNP (p = 0.04) and anti-Sm (p = 0.03) were commonly found in patients with SARD, but not anti-DNA, anti-nucleosome and anti-ribosomal P. No differences were found in liver function tests regarding to the presence of autoantibodies. CONCLUSIONS: There was a high prevalence of SARD and their autoantibodies in ALD patients. Anti-Ro, anti-La, anti-RNP and anti-Sm positivity points to an association with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases. The presence of autoantibodies was not related to liver function tests.

Serum pentraxin 3 levels are negatively associated with carotid intima media thickness in non-obese rheumatoid arthritis patients.

BACKGROUND: Pentraxin-3 (PTX3) is a long pentraxin that is supposed to participate in the inflammatory process and in atherosclerosis. AIM: To study PTX3 serum levels in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients to know if its serum levels may reflect disease activity and/or subclinical atherosclerosis. METHODS: PTX3 and carotid intima media thickness (IMT) were studied in 85 RA patients (83.5% females, median age of 59years old, median disease duration of 13years) along with its demographic, clinical, serological and lipid profile. For comparison PTX3 was measured in 85 healthy volunteers. RESULTS: PTX3 levels in RA patients were similar to controls (p=0.21) and did not correlate with inflammatory activity measured by ESR (p=0.39) CRP (p=0.18) and DAS28 (p=0.67). Serum PTX3 levels were higher in nonobese RA patients than in obese (BMI vs PTX3 with rho=-0.27; 95%IC=-0.46 to -0.06; p=0.009). In non-obese patients, PTX3 correlated negatively with carotid IMT (rho=-0.40; 95%IC=-0.66 to -0.06; p=0.01) but not in the obese ones (p=0.26). In the obese RA patients there was a negative correlation between PTX3 levels and LDL/HDL ratio (Rho=-0.29; 95%IC=-0.53-0.01; p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: PTX3 levels do not reflect inflammatory process in RA. However, it exerts a protective role in the process of atherogenesis in non-obese RA patients.

QUALITY OF LIFE EVALUATION IN CELIAC PATIENTS FROM SOUTHERN BRAZIL.

BACKGROUND: Restrictions imposed by the gluten-free diet generate large changes in the daily habits of the celiac patient, causing a negative impact on quality of life. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the quality of life of patients with celiac disease on a capital in Southern Brazil. METHODS: Patients older than 18 years were included, with confirmed celiac disease for at least 60 days in the period from June to October 2013. A validated questionnaire, with specific questions to assess the patient's quality of life celiac was applied. A total score ranged from 20 to 100 points; the higher the score, worse quality of life. RESULTS: A total of 103 questionnaires were evaluated, 96 (93.2%) female, with average score 56.6±12.35 (28 to 88 points). The comparison between the questionnaire scores and family income was not significant (P=0.139). Patients diagnosed less than 1 year have poorer quality of life than those with more than 10 years (P=0.063). Patients older than 60 years had better quality of life compared with the younger ones (P=0.04). CONCLUSION: There was no association between quality of life and factors such as family income, length of diet and age at diagnosis. Chronological age greater than 60 years has positively influenced the quality of life of celiac patients.

LOW BONE MINERAL DENSITY IN BRAZILIAN PATIENTS AT DIAGNOSIS OF CELIAC DISEASE.

BACKGROUND: Low bone mineral density is considered an extra-intestinal manifestation of celiac disease with reduced bone mass, increased bone fragility, and risk of fractures. Celiac disease is considered a condition at high risk for secondary osteoporosis and the evaluation of bone density is very important in the clinical management of these patients. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to investigate bone alterations in celiac patients from Curitiba, South Region of Brazil at diagnosis, correlating the findings with age and gender. METHODS: Patients who were included in the study were attended to in a private office of the same physician from January 2009 to December 2013. The diagnosis of celiac disease was done through clinical, serological and histological findings. All data were collected from the medical charts of the patients. After the diagnosis of celiac disease, evaluation for low bone mineral density was requested by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). DEXA bone densitometer was used to estimate low bone mineral density at the lumbar spine and femur. RESULTS: A total of 101 patients, 82 (81.2%) female and 19 (18.8%) male subjects, with mean age of 39.0±3.03 years were included. At celiac disease diagnosis, 36 (35.6%) were younger than 30 years, 41 (40.6%) were between 31 and 50 years, and 24 (23.8%) were older than 50 years. Among the evaluated patients, 69 (68.3%) presented low bone mineral density, being 47% with osteopenia and 32% with osteoporosis. Patients who were older than 51 years and diagnosed with celiac disease presented low bone mineral density in 83.3% (20/24) of the cases. As expected, age influenced significantly the low bone mineral density findings. Among women, low bone mineral density was present with high frequency (60%) from 30 to 50 years. In patients diagnosed older than 60 years (n=8), all the women (n=5) and two of the three men had osteoporosis. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that 69% of Brazilian patients with celiac disease at diagnosis had low bone mineral density, being more frequent in women older than 50 years.

LOW BONE MINERAL DENSITY IN BRAZILIAN PATIENTS AT DIAGNOSIS OF CELIAC DISEASE / Alterações ósseas em celíacos brasileiros ao diagnóstico

BackgroundLow bone mineral density is considered an extra-intestinal manifestation of celiac disease with reduced bone mass, increased bone fragility, and risk of fractures. Celiac disease is considered a condition at high risk for secondary osteoporosis and the evaluation of bone density is very important in the clinical management of these patients.ObjectiveThe present study aimed to investigate bone alterations in celiac patients from Curitiba, South Region of Brazil at diagnosis, correlating the findings with age and gender.MethodsPatients who were included in the study were attended to in a private office of the same physician from January 2009 to December 2013. The diagnosis of celiac disease was done through clinical, serological and histological findings. All data were collected from the medical charts of the patients. After the diagnosis of celiac disease, evaluation for low bone mineral density was requested by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). DEXA bone densitometer was used to estimate low bone mineral density at the lumbar spine and femur.ResultsA total of 101 patients, 82 (81.2%) female and 19 (18.8%) male subjects, with mean age of 39.0±3.03 years were included. At celiac disease diagnosis, 36 (35.6%) were younger than 30 years, 41 (40.6%) were between 31 and 50 years, and 24 (23.8%) were older than 50 years. Among the evaluated patients, 69 (68.3%) presented low bone mineral density, being 47% with osteopenia and 32% with osteoporosis. Patients who were older than 51 years and diagnosed with celiac disease presented low bone mineral density in 83.3% (20/24) of the cases. As expected, age influenced significantly the low bone mineral density findings. Among women, low bone mineral density was present with high frequency (60%) from 30 to 50 years. In patients diagnosed older than 60 years (n=8), all the women (n=5) and two of the three men had osteoporosis.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that 69% of Brazilian patients with celiac disease at diagnosis had low bone mineral density, being more frequent in women older than 50 years.

ContextoBaixa densidade mineral óssea é considerada uma manifestação extra-intestinal da doença celíaca com redução da massa óssea, aumento da fragilidade óssea e risco de fraturas. A doença celíaca é considerada uma condição de alto risco para a osteoporose secundária e a avaliação da densidade óssea é muito importante no manejo clínico dos pacientes.ObjetivoO presente estudo teve como objetivo investigar as alterações ósseas presentes em pacientes com doença celíaca de Curitiba-PR, no momento do diagnóstico, correlacionando os achados com a idade e gênero.MétodosOs pacientes incluídos no estudo foram atendidos por um só médico no período de janeiro/2009 a dezembro/2013. O diagnóstico da doença celíaca foi feito através das manifestações clínicas, sorologia específica e achados histológicos da mucosa duodenal. Todos os dados foram coletados a partir dos prontuários dos pacientes. Após o diagnóstico da doença celíaca, foi solicitada a avaliação de densidade mineral óssea por meio de densitometria (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry DEXA). DEXA foi utilizada para estimar a densidade mineral óssea na coluna lombar e fêmur.ResultadosUm total de 101 pacientes, 82 (81,2%) mulheres e 19 (18,8%) homens, com idade média de 39,0±3,03 anos foram incluídos. No momento do diagnóstico de doença celíaca, 36 (35,6%) tinham menos de 30 anos, 41 (40,6%) tinham entre 31 e 50 anos, e 24 (23,8%) tinham mais de 50 anos. Entre os pacientes avaliados, 69 (68,3%) apresentaram baixa densidade mineral óssea, 47% deles com osteopenia e 32% com a osteoporose. Os pacientes maiores de 51 anos de idade apresentaram baixa densidade mineral óssea em 83,3% (20/24) dos casos. Como esperado, a idade influenciou significativamente os resultados da baixa densidade mineral óssea. Entre as mulheres, baixa densidade mineral óssea foi observada com alta frequência (60%) também na faixa etária entre 30 a 50 anos. Pacientes diagnosticados mais de 60 anos (n=8), todas as mulheres (n=5) e dois dos três homens tinham osteoporose.ConclusãoO presente estudo demonstrou que 69% dos pacientes brasileiros com doença celíaca no momento do diagnóstico apresentaram baixa densidade mineral óssea, sendo mais frequente em mulheres com mais de 50 anos.

QUALITY OF LIFE EVALUATION IN CELIAC PATIENTS FROM SOUTHERN BRAZIL / Avaliação da qualidade de vida do paciente celíaco do Sul do Brasil

BackgroundRestrictions imposed by the gluten-free diet generate large changes in the daily habits of the celiac patient, causing a negative impact on quality of life.ObjetiveThis study aimed to evaluate the quality of life of patients with celiac disease on a capital in Southern Brazil.MethodsPatients older than 18 years were included, with confirmed celiac disease for at least 60 days in the period from June to October 2013. A validated questionnaire, with specific questions to assess the patient’s quality of life celiac was applied. A total score ranged from 20 to 100 points; the higher the score, worse quality of life.ResultsA total of 103 questionnaires were evaluated, 96 (93.2%) female, with average score 56.6±12.35 (28 to 88 points). The comparison between the questionnaire scores and family income was not significant (P=0.139). Patients diagnosed less than 1 year have poorer quality of life than those with more than 10 years (P=0.063). Patients older than 60 years had better quality of life compared with the younger ones (P=0.04).ConclusionThere was no association between quality of life and factors such as family income, length of diet and age at diagnosis. Chronological age greater than 60 years has positively influenced the quality of life of celiac patients.

ContextoRestrições impostas pela dieta isenta em glúten podem gerar grandes mudanças nos hábitos diários do paciente celíaco, causando um impacto negativo na sua qualidade de vida.ObjetivoEste estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade de vida de pacientes com doença celíaca, em uma capital do Sul do Brasil.MétodosPacientes maiores de 18 anos foram incluídos, com doença celíaca confirmada há mais de 60 dias, no período de junho a outubro de 2013. Um questionário validado, com perguntas específicas para avaliar a qualidade de vida do paciente celíaco foi aplicado. A pontuação total nesse questionário varia entre 20 a 100 pontos; quanto maior a pontuação, pior a qualidade de vida.ResultadosNo total 103 questionários foram avaliados, sendo 96 (93,2%) do sexo feminino, com pontuação média de 56,6±12,35 (28-88 pontos). A comparação entre os escores do questionário e renda familiar não foi significativa (P=0,139). Pacientes diagnosticados há menos de 1 ano, apresentam pior qualidade de vida do que aqueles com mais de 10 anos (P=0,063). Pacientes com mais de 60 anos apresentaram melhor qualidade de vida em comparação com os mais jovens (P=0,04).ConclusãoNão houve associação entre a qualidade de vida e fatores como renda familiar, tempo de dieta e idade no momento do diagnóstico. A idade cronológica superior a 60 anos influenciou positivamente a qualidade de vida de pacientes celíacos.

Mannose binding lectin and susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis in Brazilian patients and their relatives.

INTRODUCTION: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a commonly occurring systemic inflammatory auto immune disease and is believed to be associated with genetic factors. The innate immune complement protein Mannose binding lectin (MBL) and their MBL2 genetic variants are associated with different infectious and autoimmune diseases. METHODS: In a Brazilian cohort, we aim to associate the functional role of circulating MBL serum levels and MBL2 variants in clinically classified patients (n = 196) with rheumatoid arthritis including their relatives (n = 200) and ethnicity matched healthy controls (n = 200). MBL serum levels were measured by ELISA and functional MBL2 variants were genotyped by direct sequencing. RESULTS: The exon1+54 MBL2*B variant was significantly associated with an increased risk and the reconstructed haplotype MBL2*LYPB was associated with RA susceptibility. Circulating serum MBL levels were observed significantly lower in RA patients compared to their relatives and controls. No significant contribution of MBL levels were observed with respect to functional class, age at disease onset, disease duration and/or other clinical parameters such as nodules, secondary Sjögren syndrome, anti-CCP and rheumatoid factor. Differential distribution of serum MBL levels with functional MBL2 variants was observed in respective RA patients and their relatives. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest MBL levels as a possible marker for RA susceptibility in a Brazilian population.

Deposition of the lectin pathway of complement in renal biopsies of lupus nephritis patients.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most serious manifestations of SLE occurring in 66-90% of these patients. The complement system is part of the innate immunity and modulator of inflammation and the adaptative immune response. Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) and Ficolin-2 (FCN-2) are important members of the lectin pathway of complement activation. Despite the significant participation of complement in the pathogenesis of the LN, there are few reports demonstrating "in situ" deposition of complement components in renal biopsy specimens in this disorder. The present study investigated the deposition of complement components in kidney specimens of LN patients. METHODS: Renal biopsies of 11 patients with SLE and LN were evaluated for immunofluorescence staining for IgG, IgA, IgM, C3, and C1q. Additionally, MBL, FCN-2 and C5b-9 were researched using monoclonal antibodies. RESULTS: All the biopsies were positive for IgG, C3, and C1q, eight were positive IgM and five had IgA deposition in glomerular tissue. The terminal complex of complement C5b9 was positive in all cases, MBL in nine (82%) cases; seven (63.6%) of them presenting concomitantly FCN-2 deposition. Patients presenting MBL deposition had higher mean of urinary proteins (9.0 g/day) than patients with negative MBL deposition (mean of 2.3g/day). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we demonstrated in situ the participation of complement in the renal injury, including MBL and FCN-2 of the lectin pathway; also the strong role of C5b-9 in the pathogenesis of LN.

Autoantibodies in relatives of celiac disease patients: a follow-up of 6-10 years.

CONTEXT: Autoimmune diseases are 3 to 10 times more frequently in patients with celiac disease and their relatives than in the general population. OBJECTIVE: To investigate a broad spectrum of autoantibodies in celiac disease relatives from Southern Brazil, in a serological follow-up of 6-10 years, aiming to associate with other autoimmune diseases, degree of parentage, demographic and clinical data. METHODS: Serum samples of 233 relatives were analyzed in two different phases: n = 186 in phase I (1997-2000) and n = 138 (being 91 = follow-up group and 47 = newly tested) in phase II (2006-2007). As controls, 100 unrelated individuals were evaluated. Autoantibodies to smooth muscle, mitochondrial, liver-kidney microssome, parietal cell and thyroid microssome were tested by indirect immunofluorescence. RESULTS: A significant increase of autoantibodies, in both phases, was observed in the relatives when compared to the non-relatives (P = 0.0064), specifically to anti-thyroid microssome and anti-parietal cell. In both phases, the female/male proportion of autoantibodies was of 4:1 to 3:1 (P<0.041). The frequency of autoantibodies amongst 1st and 2nd degree relatives was 11.8% and 9.68% in phase I and 4% and 6.67% in phase II. CONCLUSION: Celiac disease relatives presented other autoantibodies and serological screening is a useful instrument for identifying autoimmune diseases along the years.

Autoantibodies in relatives of celiac disease patients: a follow-up of 6-10 years / Autoanticorpos em familiares de pacientes celíacos: seguimento por 6 a 10 anos

CONTEXT: Autoimmune diseases are 3 to 10 times more frequently in patients with celiac disease and their relatives than in the general population. OBJECTIVE: To investigate a broad spectrum of autoantibodies in celiac disease relatives from Southern Brazil, in a serological follow-up of 6-10 years, aiming to associate with other autoimmune diseases, degree of parentage, demographic and clinical data. METHODS: Serum samples of 233 relatives were analyzed in two different phases: n = 186 in phase I (1997-2000) and n = 138 (being 91 = follow-up group and 47 = newly tested) in phase II (2006-2007). As controls, 100 unrelated individuals were evaluated. Autoantibodies to smooth muscle, mitochondrial, liver-kidney microssome, parietal cell and thyroid microssome were tested by indirect immunofluorescence. RESULTS: A significant increase of autoantibodies, in both phases, was observed in the relatives when compared to the non-relatives (P = 0.0064), specifically to anti-thyroid microssome and anti-parietal cell. In both phases, the female/male proportion of autoantibodies was of 4:1 to 3:1 (P<0.041). The frequency of autoantibodies amongst 1st and 2nd degree relatives was 11.8% and 9.68% in phase I and 4% and 6.67% in phase II. CONCLUSION: Celiac disease relatives presented other autoantibodies and serological screening is a useful instrument for identifying autoimmune diseases along the years.

CONTEXTO: Doenças autoimunes são 3 a 10 vezes mais frequentes em pacientes com doença celíaca e em seus familiares que na população em geral. OBJETIVOS: Realizar amplo perfil de autoanticorpos em familiares de celíacos do sul do Brasil, em seguimento sorológico de 6-10 anos, visando associá-lo com outras doenças autoimunes, grau de parentesco, dados demográficos e clínicos desses indivíduos. MÉTODOS: Foram analisadas amostras de 233 familiares em duas etapas diferentes: n = 186 na etapa I (1997-2000) e n = 138 (91 recoleta e 47 novos familiares testados) na etapa II (2006-2007). Como controle foram avaliadas amostras de 100 não-familiares. Anticorpos antimúsculo liso, antimitocondrial, anticélula gástrica parietal, antimicrossomal de fígado e rim e antimicrossomal tireoidiano foram testados por imunofluorescência indireta. RESULTADOS: Foi observado um aumento significativo de positividade para os autoanticorpos em familiares de celíacos, quando comparados aos não-familiares (P = 0,0064), especificamente para o antimicrossomal tireoidiano e anticélula gástrica parietal. Entre os indivíduos com autoanticorpos positivos, a proporção do sexo feminino para o masculino foi de 4:1 e 3:1 em ambas as etapas (P<0,041). A frequência de autoanticorpos detectada entre familiares de primeiro e segundo graus foi de 11,8% e 9,68% na etapa I e 4% e 6,67% na etapa II. CONCLUSÃO: Familiares de pacientes celíacos apresentam autoanticorpos positivos e o acompanhamento sorológico desses indivíduos é utilizado como instrumento na identificação de doenças autoimunes ao longo dos anos.

Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies in scleroderma patients.

Anti-CCP (cyclic citrullinated peptide) is considered the most useful laboratory tool in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Some authors have also found this autoantibody in patients with scleroderma (SSc). The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of anti-CCP antibodies in SSc patients from Southern Brazil and their association with clinical and serological profile of the disease. We studied 76 patients with SSc and 100 healthy volunteers for presence of anti-CCP. SSc patients charts were reviewed for clinical and laboratory data. In the SSc group, the diffuse form was present in 20.5%; 62.8% had the limited form; 14.1% had overlap with systemic lupus or polymyositis and 2.5% had SSc sine scleroderma. Anti-CCP was found in nine of 78 (11.5%) SSc patients and in one of 100 healthy volunteers (p = 0.0054). No relationship was found with arthritis, skin Rodnan m score, esophageal dysmotility, myocarditis, pulmonary hypertension and lung fibrosis. Positive association was observed with arthralgias (p = 0.02). Also, no relationship was noted with the presence of anti-centromere antibodies, anti-Scl-70, anti-RNP or rheumatoid factor. Anti-CCP are more common in SSc patients than in controls. Arthralgias but not arthritis or rheumatoid factor are more frequent in anti-CCP positive patients.

Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies in adult patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) have been found in different proportions in the juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) population. The majority of studies have been done in children or mixed population (children plus adults). AIM: The objective of the study was to study the prevalence of anti-CCP in JIA adult patients. METHODS: Anti-CCP3 was searched for in 49 adult patients with JIA and associated with clinical and demographics data. As comparisons, 156 patients with adult rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 100 healthy volunteers were studied. RESULTS: Nine patients (18.3%) were positive for anti-CCP3. All of them had the polyarthritis form. This antibody was more common in JIA than in control subjects (P = 0.0002) and less common in JIA than in adult RA patients (P < 0.0001), but the rheumatoid factor polyarticular form of JIA had the same prevalence as in adult RA patients (P = 0.33).In JIA patients, anti-CCP had a positive association with the presence of rheumatoid factor (P < 0.0001), worse functional status (P = 0.04), need for orthopedic surgery (P = 0.01), and later disease onset (P = 0.0007). CONCLUSIONS: In adult patients with JIA, the prevalence of anti-CCP3 is 18%, and its presence may define a sample of patients with worse prognosis.

Association of anticyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies with extra-articular manifestations, gender, and tabagism in rheumatoid arthritis patients from southern Brazil.

Gender and environmental factors are known to influence the clinical heterogeneity and outcome of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Some variables have been suggested to be associated with the severity of the disease, which can be of great value in the correct management of RA patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations among anticyclic citrullinated antibody (anti-CCP2) positivity, extra-articular manifestations (EAM), gender, and tobacco exposure in a Brazilian RA population. We performed a transversal study comprising 156 RA patients which were investigated for EAM, functional class, presence of anti-CCP2, and IgM rheumatoid factor (IgM-RF). The determination of anti-CCP2 was performed using enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) kits and IgM-RF by latex agglutination test. Clinical and demographical data were obtained through review of charts. Anti-CCP positivity intensity was directly correlated with tobacco smoking, sex, and the development of rheumatoid nodules. Intense anti-CCP2 reaction was 19.8-fold higher in females vs. males, 2.7-fold higher in tobacco vs. non-tobacco users, 7.7-fold higher in female vs. male tobacco users, and 5.15-fold higher in patients with rheumatoid nodules. Tobacco smoking, gender, and rheumatoid nodules are significantly correlated with anti-CCP2 positivity in Brazilian RA patients.

Liver autoantibodies in patients with scleroderma.

Association between autoimmune liver diseases and scleroderma has been described. The purpose of this study was to study the prevalence of antimithocondrial antibody (AMA), antismooth muscle antibodies (SMA), and liver-kidney-microsomal (LKM-1) autoantibody in a cohort of 63 scleroderma patients and 100 healthy controls. The autoantibodies AMA, SMA, and LKM were determined by indirect immunofluorescence. Patients' charts were reviewed for demographic data, scleroderma form, and clinical and anti-nuclear antibody profile, aiming a comparison between patients with and without liver autoantibodies. Nine patients (14.3%) were positive for at least one of the liver autoantibodies; only one patient had both AMA and SMA positive. Antibody SMA was positive in 6.4% (4/63) patients; AMA was present in 9.52% (6/63) of them; none were positive to LKM-1. In the control group just one patient (1%) was SMA positive; the other autoantibodies were negative. There is an increased prevalence of liver autoantibodies in patients with scleroderma than in control population. These patients should be carefully followed for liver dysfunction.

Autoantibodies for gastrointestinal organ-specific autoimmune diseases in rheumatoid arthritis patients and their relatives.

BACKGROUND: Clustering of autoimmune diseases is common and may be due to genetic background and exposition to environmental triggers. OBJECTIVE: The aim is to carry out a laboratory and clinical study of the prevalence of gastrointestinal organ-specific autoantibodies in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and their relatives. METHODS: Serum samples of 156 RA patients, 200 relatives, and 100 healthy controls were studied for anti-smooth muscle antibody (ASMA), anti-mitochondrial (AMA), anti-parietal cell (APCA), anti-liver-kidney microsome (LKM), and anti-endomysium antibodies (IgA-EmA) by indirect immunofluorescence. RESULTS: A total of eight out of the 156 (5.1%) RA patients were positive for the autoantibodies (ASMA = 1; AMA = 2, APCA = 5). In the relative group, 12/200 (6%) had at least one positive autoantibody (ASMA = 1; AMA = 2, APCA = 7, IgA-EmA = 2). In the control group, two out of the 100 (2%) healthy controls were positive (ASMA = 1, APCA = 1). No statistical difference was found between RA patients, their relatives, and controls in relation to the frequency of autoantibodies evaluated. CONCLUSION: Although RA patients and their relatives have positivity of AMA, ASMA, and APCA without statistical difference in relation to healthy individuals, the findings may be of value for adequate clinical approach of these subjects.