Influence of Environmental Exposure to Steel Waste on Endocrine Dysregulation and PER3 Gene Polymorphisms.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between environmental exposure to the following chemical substances: cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), benzene (BZN), and toluene (TLN), and Period Circadian Regulator 3 (PER3) gene variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) polymorphisms, according to chronotype in a population living in a steel residue-contaminated area. METHODS: This assessment comprises a study conducted from 2017 to 2019 with 159 participants who completed health, work, and Pittsburgh sleep scale questionnaires. Cd, Pb, Ni, Mn, BZN, and TLN concentrations in blood and urine were determined by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (GFAAS) and Headspace Gas Chromatography (GC), and genotyping was carried out using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). RESULTS: A total of 47% of the participants were afternoon chronotype, 42% were indifferent, and 11% were morning chronotype. Insomnia and excessive sleepiness were associated with the indifferent chronotype, while higher urinary manganese levels were associated with the morning chronotype (Kruskal-Wallis chi-square = 9.16; p < 0.01). In turn, the evening chronotype was associated with poorer sleep quality, higher lead levels in blood, and BZN and TLN levels in urine (χ2 = 11.20; p < 0.01) in non-occupationally exposed individuals (χ2 = 6.98; p < 0.01) as well as the highest BZN (χ2 = 9.66; p < 0.01) and TLN (χ2 = 5.71; p < 0.01) levels detected in residents from the influence zone 2 (far from the slag). CONCLUSION: Mn, Pb, benzene, and toluene contaminants may have influenced the different chronotypes found in the steel residue-exposed population.

A assistência de enfermagem no centro cirúrgico: Cuidado humanizado e científico / Asistencia de enfermería en el centro quirúrgico: Atención humanizada y científica / Nursing assistance in the surgical center: Humanized and scientific care

Objetivo: Relatar a assistência de enfermagem no centro cirúrgico na perspectiva do cuidado humanizado. Método: É um estudo de revisão sistemática da literatura, onde foram utilizados elementos da estratégia PICO, mediante perguntas norteadoras. Foram selecionados artigos nos bancos de dados online LILACS, MEDLINE e SciELO, realizada no mês de março de 2022 e destes, 10 artigos foram escolhidos para nossa pesquisa. Resultados: A literatura aponta a importância do acolhimento no centro cirúrgico de maneira humanizada, como modo de acolher os usuários de forma holística, proporcionando assim, uma relação de confiança. Observou-se também algumas ações que tornam a prática de humanização falha pelos profissionais: a sobrecarga de trabalho, exigências burocráticas, alta rotatividade dos usuários. Conclusão: Conclui-se que a prática da humanização no centro cirúrgico ofertada pela equipe multidisciplinar oferece ao paciente mais segurança, acolhimento e um olhar holístico, favorecendo a confiança e a proximidade com esses profissionais.(AU)

Objective: To report the nursing care in the surgical center from the perspective of humanized care. Method: This is a systematic literature review study, where elements of the PICO strategy were used, through guiding questions. Articles were selected in the online databases LILACS, MEDLINE and SciELO, held in March 2022 and of these, 10 articles were chosen for our research. Results: The literature points to the importance of welcoming in the surgical center in a humanized way, as a way of welcoming users in a holistic way, thus providing a relationship of trust. It was also observed some actions that make the practice of humanization fail by professionals: work overload, bureaucratic requirements, high user turnover. Conclusion: It is concluded that the practice of humanization in the surgical center offered by the multidisciplinary team offers the patient more security, reception and a holistic view, favoring trust and proximity to these professionals.(AU)

Objetivo: Relatar el cuidado de enfermería en el centro quirúrgico bajo la perspectiva del cuidado humanizado. Método: Se trata de un estudio de revisión sistemática de la literatura, donde se utilizaron elementos de la estrategia PICO, a través de preguntas orientadoras. Se seleccionaron artículos en las bases de datos en línea LILACS, MEDLINE y SciELO, realizadas en marzo de 2022 y de estos, 10 artículos fueron elegidos para nuestra investigación. Resultados: La literatura señala la importancia de la acogida en el centro quirúrgico de forma humanizada, como forma de acoger a los usuarios de forma holística, propiciando así una relación de confianza. También se observaron algunas acciones que hacen fracasar la práctica de la humanización por parte de los profesionales: sobrecarga de trabajo, requisitos burocráticos, alta rotación de usuarios. Conclusión: Se concluye que la práctica de humanización en el centro quirúrgico ofrecida por el equipo multidisciplinario ofrece al paciente más seguridad, acogida y una visión holística, favoreciendo la confianza y cercanía con estos profesionales.(AU)

Referência e contrarreferência de crianças em condição crônica: percepção de mães e profissionais da atenção secundária / Referral and counter-referral of children in chronic condition: perception of mothers and secondary care professionals / Referencia y contrarreferencia de niños en condicion crónica: percepción de madres y profesionales de la atención secundaria

Objetivo: identificar a efetivação do sistema de referência e contrarreferência de crianças em condição crônica na percepção de mães e profissionais dos serviços especializados. Método: estudo qualitativo, mediante entrevista semiestruturada, com mães e especialistas em centros de atenção especializada de uma capital do Nordeste, entre dezembro de 2018 e março de 2019. Resultados: por ser iniciada na Estratégia Saúde da Família e critério indispensável para a marcação da consulta, a referência é efetiva. Porém, a contrarreferência, não é realizada pela atenção especializada, pois não é exigida na rede de atenção à saúde. Os especialistas não preenchem o formulário de contrarreferência, tornando-a inefetiva, com comprometimento da continuidade do cuidado. Conclusão: a contrarreferência precisa ser reconhecida pelos profissionais de saúde como ferramenta fundamental para um cuidado longitudinal, que atenda às necessidades de saúde da criança em condição crônica.

Objective: to identify the effectiveness of the referral and counter-referral system for children with chronic conditions as perceived by mothers and care personnel of specialized care services. Method: this qualitative study conducted semi-structured interviews of mothers and specialists at specialized care centers of a state capital in Brazil's Northeast, between December 2018 and March 2019. Results: as referral has been instituted in the Family Health Strategy as indispensable criterion for scheduling appointments, referral is effectively in place. However, the specialized care services are not counter-referring, as this is not required in the health system. The specialists fail to complete the counter-referral form, making it ineffective and hindering continuity of care. Conclusion: health personnel need to recognize that counter-referral is a tool fundamental to longitudinal care that meets the health needs of children with chronic conditions.

Objetivo: identificar la efectividad del sistema de referencia y contrarreferencia de niños con condiciones crónicas percibidas por las madres y el personal de atención de los servicios de atención especializada. Método: este estudio cualitativo realizó entrevistas semiestructuradas a madres y especialistas en centros de atención especializada de una capital del estado en el noreste de Brasil, entre diciembre de 2018 y marzo de 2019. Resultados: como referencia se ha instituido en la Estrategia de Salud de la Familia como criterio indispensable para la programación citas, la referencia está efectivamente en su lugar. Sin embargo, los servicios de atención especializada no son contrarreferencia, ya que esto no es requerido en el sistema de salud. Los especialistas no completan el formulario de contrarremisión, lo que lo vuelve ineficaz y dificulta la continuidad de la atención. Conclusión: el personal de salud debe reconocer que la contrarreferencia es una herramienta fundamental para la atención longitudinal que atiende las necesidades de salud de los niños con enfermedades crónicas.

Safety and immunogenicity of the quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine in patients with childhood systemic lupus erythematosus: a real-world interventional multi-centre study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the safety and immunogenicity of the quadrivalent human papillomavirus (qHPV) vaccination in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) patients. METHODS: Volunteer cSLE patients aged 9-20 years and healthy controls (HC) were enrolled to receive a two- or three-dose qHPV vaccination schedule from March 2014 to March 2016. Study visits were performed before the first dose, one month after the second and third doses and one year after the first dose. In each study visit, disease activity and adverse events following vaccination were analyzed, and a serum sample was collected for testing antibody concentrations. Participant recruitment was conducted in 15 Brazilian paediatric rheumatology units. Of the 256 cSLE patients included, 210 completed the two- or three-dose schedules; 15 had previously received one dose, and 18 had received two doses of the vaccine. The analysis was based on intention-to-treat so that participants who did not complete the entire study protocol were also included. RESULTS: No severe adverse events were related to the vaccination. Disease activity was generally low and remained stable or even improved. The HC presented 100% seropositivity to HPV16 and HPV18, whereas the two- and three-dose cSLE groups presented 93% and 83% versus 97% and 91%, respectively. One year after the first dose, seropositivity of the three-dose cSLE group was 91% to HPV16 and 84% to HPV18. CONCLUSIONS: HPV vaccination in cSLE patients is safe and immunogenic. Since the seropositivity to HPV16 and HPV18 was higher for the three-dose schedule group, this regimen should be recommended for cSLE patients.

Potent stimulation of eosinopoiesis in murine bone-marrow by myriadenolide is mediated by cysteinyl-leukotriene signaling.

We describe the potent effect of myriadenolide (Myr), a naturally occurring labdane diterpene, in promoting the production of eosinophils in cultured bone-marrow from several inbred mouse strains. This enhancing effect is lineage-selective and requires the eosinophil growth factors, Interleukin(IL)-5 or GM-CSF. Myr acts over a very low concentration range (10-10-10-14 M), if added at the beginning of the cell cultivation. Its enhancing effect increases between 24 h and 10 days of culture. We used both pharmacological and genetical tools to analyze its mechanism of action. Several lines of evidence show that the enhancing effect of Myr requires functional integrity of the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) pathway, and of CysLT1 receptors, which transduce the effects of cysteinyl-leukotrienes generated through this pathway. Myr also protects developing eosinophils from apoptosis induced by exogenous prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), but not by NO, indicating that it acts upstream of NO in the PGE2-initiated proapoptotic pathway which requires iNOS and CD95. Exposure to NO concentrations insufficient to induce apoptosis abolished the ability of eosinophils to respond to Myr, suggesting the involvement of a NO-sensitive cellular target. Myr has potential as a chemically defined research tool, which can be used to generate large numbers of eosinophils, thereby overcoming current limitations in the biochemical and molecular biological study of murine eosinophils, which has so far depended on complex, labor-intensive and long-term culture protocols for in vitro expansion. SUMMARY: Potent enhancing effects of Myr on eosinophil production in bone marrow stimulated by GM-CSF and IL-5 are mediated by the 5-LO pathway.

Panniculitis in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: a multicentric cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate prevalence, clinical manifestations, laboratory abnormalities, treatment and outcome in a multicenter cohort of childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) patients with and without panniculitis. METHODS: Panniculitis was diagnosed due to painful subcutaneous nodules and/or plaques in deep dermis/subcutaneous tissues and lobular/mixed panniculitis with lymphocytic lobular inflammatory infiltrate in skin biopsy. Statistical analysis was performed using Bonferroni correction(p < 0.004). RESULTS: Panniculitis was observed in 6/847(0.7%) cSLE. Painful subcutaneous erythematosus and indurated nodules were observed in 6/6 panniculitis patients and painful subcutaneous plaques in 4/6. Generalized distribution was evidenced in 3/6 and localized in upper limbs in 2/6 and face in 1/6. Cutaneous hyperpigmentation and/or cutaneous atrophy occurred in 5/6. Histopathology features showed lobular panniculitis without vasculitis in 5/6(one of them had concomitant obliterative vasculopathy due to antiphospholipid syndrome) and panniculitis with vasculitis in 1/6. Comparison between cSLE with panniculitis and 60 cSLE without panniculitis with same disease duration [2.75(0-11.4) vs. 2.83(0-11.8) years,p = 0.297], showed higher frequencies of constitutional involvement (67% vs. 10%,p = 0.003) and leukopenia (67% vs. 7%,p = 0.002). Cutaneous atrophy and hyperpigmentation occurred in 83% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Panniculitis is a rare skin manifestation of cSLE occurring in the first three years of disease with considerable sequelae. The majority of patients have concomitant mild lupus manifestations.

Orientações do enfermeiro aos idosos com diabetes mellitus: prevenindo lesões / Nurse orientations to the elderly with diabetes mellitus: preventing injury

Objetivo: analisar as orientações dos enfermeiros da Unidades de Saúde da Família aos idosos com Diabetes Mellitus na prevenção de lesões na pele. Método: trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, descritivo, exploratório, com sete enfermeiros, por meio de uma entrevista, utilizando um instrumento semiestruturado, e para a análise, empregou-se a técnica de Análise de Conteúdo na modalidade Análise Categorial. Resultados: evidenciou-se que existem déficits quanto ao método de avaliação e orientação aos cuidados de lesão na pele durante as consultas de Enfermagem como, também, estratégias de envolvimento do familiar na participação desse cuidado na descrição das categorias. Conclusão: entende-se que o enfermeiro precisa ter um bom conhecimento teórico-prático para que, junto com a família e a equipe multiprofissional, venha promover o cuidado que é devido a esses pacientes, intervindo positivamente e diminuindo o risco de desenvolvimento de lesões e problemas na pele.(AU)

Objective: to analyze the guidelines of the Nurses of the Family Health Units to the elderly with Diabetes Mellitus in the prevention of skin lesions. Method: it is a qualitative, descriptive, exploratory study with seven nurses, through an interview, using a semi-structured instrument, and for the analysis, the technique of Content Analysis was used in the category Categorical Analysis. Results: it was evidenced that there are deficits regarding the method of evaluation and orientation to the care of skin lesions during Nursing consultations as well as strategies of involvement of the family in the participation of this care in the description of the categories. Conclusion: it is understood that the nurse needs to have a good theoretical-practical knowledge so that, together with the family and the multiprofessional team, it can promote the care that is due to these patients, intervening positively and reducing the risk of developing lesions and skin problems.(AU)

Objetivo: analizar las orientaciones de los enfermeros de las Unidades de Salud de la Familia para ancianos con Diabetes Mellitus en la prevención de lesiones cutáneas. Método: se trata de un estudio cualitativo, descriptivo, exploratorio con siete enfermeros, a través de una entrevista, utilizando un instrumento semiestructurado y, para el análisis, se utilizó la técnica de Análisis de Contenido en la modalidad de Análisis categórico. Resultados: se evidenció que existen deficiencias en cuanto al método de evaluación y orientación a los cuidados de lesiones cutáneas durante las consultas de enfermería, así como a las estrategias de involucración de la familia en la participación de este cuidado en la descripción de las categorías. Conclusión: se entiende que el enfermero necesita tener un buen conocimiento teórico y práctico de modo que, junto con la familia y el equipo multiprofesinal, venga promover el cuidado que se debe a estos pacientes, interviniendo positivamente y disminuyendo el riesgo de desarrollo de lesiones y problemas en la piel.(AU)

Consulta de puericultura: problemas encontrados em menores de 2 anos / Puericulture consultation: problems found in those under 2 years old

Objetivo: identificar os principais problemas apresentados nas crianças menores de 2 anos durante a consulta de enfermagem em puericultura. Método: trata-se de estudo quantitativo, descritivo, retrospectivo. Compôs-se o universo da pesquisa por 166 prontuários de crianças atendidas na consulta de puericultura. Identificou-se, desses, 84 prontuários de crianças atendidas de 2012 a 2016. Apresentaram-se os resultados em forma de figuras. Resultados: analisaram-se os dados por estatística descritiva e, das 84 crianças estudadas, houve um total de 139 queixas registradas pelo enfermeiro durante a consulta de puericultura. Conclusão: destacaram-se os problemas respiratórios (40%) seguidos de dermatológicos (33%) e gastrointestinais (23%). Aponta-se, pelo estudo, para a necessidade de criar um protocolo de consulta de puericultura para os enfermeiros, fortalecendo a prevenção e promoção à saúde da criança acompanhada.(AU)

Objective: to identify the main problems presented in children under 2 years of age during the nursing consultation in childcare. Method: this is a quantitative, descriptive, retrospective study. The universe of the survey was composed of 166 medical records of children attended at the child care clinic. It was identified, of these, 84 charts of children attended from 2012 to 2016. The results were presented in figures form. Results: data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and of the 84 children studied, a total of 139 complaints registered by the nurse during the child care consultation. Conclusion: respiratory problems (40%) followed by dermatological (33%) and gastrointestinal (23%) were highlighted. It is pointed out, by the study, the need to create a protocol of consultation of childcare for nurses, strengthening the prevention and promotion to the health of the child accompanied.(AU)

Objetivo: identificar los principales problemas presentados en niños menores de 2 años durante la consulta de enfermería en puericultura. Método: se trata de un estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo, retrospectivo. El universo de la investigación estaba compuesto por 166 registros médicos de niños atendidos en la clínica de cuidado infantil. Se identificó, de estos, 84 cuadros de niños atendidos entre 2012 y 2016. Los resultados se presentaron en forma de figuras. Resultados: se analizaron los datos mediante estadísticas descriptivas y de los 84 niños estudiados, hubo un total de 139 quejas registradas por el enfermero durante la consulta de puericultura. Conclusión: se resaltaron los problemas respiratorios (40%) seguidos de dermatológicos (33%) y gastrointestinales (23%). Se señala, según el estudio, la necesidad de crear un protocolo de consulta de puericultura para enfermeros, fortaleciendo la prevención y promoción a la salud del niño acompañado.(AU)

Panniculitis in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: a multicentric cohort study

Abstract Objective: To evaluate prevalence, clinical manifestations, laboratory abnormalities, treatment and outcome in a multicenter cohort of childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) patients with and without panniculitis. Methods: Panniculitis was diagnosed due to painful subcutaneous nodules and/or plaques in deep dermis/subcutaneous tissues and lobular/mixed panniculitis with lymphocytic lobular inflammatory infiltrate in skin biopsy. Statistical analysis was performed using Bonferroni correction(p < 0.004). Results: Panniculitis was observed in 6/847(0.7%) cSLE. Painful subcutaneous erythematosus and indurated nodules were observed in 6/6 panniculitis patients and painful subcutaneous plaques in 4/6. Generalized distribution was evidenced in 3/6 and localized in upper limbs in 2/6 and face in 1/6. Cutaneous hyperpigmentation and/or cutaneous atrophy occurred in 5/6. Histopathology features showed lobular panniculitis without vasculitis in 5/6(one of them had concomitant obliterative vasculopathy due to antiphospholipid syndrome) and panniculitis with vasculitis in 1/6. Comparison between cSLE with panniculitis and 60 cSLE without panniculitis with same disease duration [2.75(0-11.4) vs. 2.83(0-11.8) years,p = 0.297], showed higher frequencies of constitutional involvement (67% vs. 10%,p = 0.003) and leukopenia (67% vs. 7%,p = 0.002). Cutaneous atrophy and hyperpigmentation occurred in 83% of patients. Conclusions: Panniculitis is a rare skin manifestation of cSLE occurring in the first three years of disease with considerable sequelae. The majority of patients have concomitant mild lupus manifestations.

Aleitamento materno exclusivo: empecilhos apresentados por primíparas / Exclusive breastfeeding: obstacles presented by primiparous women

Objetivo: identificar os empecilhos apresentados pelas primíparas das Unidades Básicas de Saúde, em relação à amamentação exclusiva dos filhos nos primeiros 6 meses de vida. Método: trata-se de estudo quantitativo, de campo, exploratório e descritivo, por meio da aplicação de um questionário semiestruturado com 30 participantes. Utilizou-se o pacote de recursos e técnicas estatísticas do programa Microsoft Excel 2010 para a análise dos dados, a frequência e proporção, apresentando-os por meio de figuras. Resultados: apresentaram-se como principais empecilhos: os ambientes, as crenças, o leite materno dito fraco, o trabalho ou a ocupação da mulher, a falta de tempo, as mamas endurecidas, a pega incorreta e o bebê agitado. Conclusão: torna-se relevante esta pesquisa pela exposição das dificuldades da mulher no processo de amamentação exclusiva, ainda mais aquela que enfrenta o percurso gravídico-puerperal pela primeira vez. Mostram-se que, com tais empecilhos abordados, podem-se elaborar intervenções e métodos estratégicos para auxiliar a mulher no momento da amamentação.(AU)

Percepção dos acompanhantes das crianças hospitalizadas acerca do brinquedo terapêutico / Perception of the hospitalized child's companion in relation to therapeutic toys

Objetivo: identificar a percepção dos acompanhantes das crianças hospitalizadas com relação às atividades lúdicas. Método: trata-se de estudo qualitativo, de campo, descrito e exploratório, com dez acompanhantes, uutilizando-se a ferramenta Brinquedo terapêutico. Coletaram-se os dados por meio de entrevista com roteiro semiestruturado. Empregou-se a técnica de Análise de Conteúdo na modalidade Análise Categorial para análise dos dados. Resultados: elegeram-se, a partir da leitura e releitura das entrevistas, quatro categorias: << A brinquedoteca como auxílio no tratamento pediátrico >>, << Utilização do Brinquedo Terapêutico na realização dos procedimentos >>; << O brinquedo terapêutico como suporte da assistência de Enfermagem >>, << O brinquedo e a aproximação entre o profissional e a criança >>. Conclusão: considerou-se primordial que os profissionais atuantes na Pediatria desenvolvam estratégias para a utilização do brinquedo terapêutico, melhorando a assistência oferecida e como contribuição, proporcionando o atendimento mais humano e qualificado na área.(AU)

NKX2.5 is expressed in papillary thyroid carcinomas and regulates differentiation in thyroid cells.

BACKGROUND: NKX2.5 is a transcription factor transiently expressed during thyroid organogenesis. Recently, several works have pointed out the oncogenic role of NKX2.5 in a variety of tumors. We therefore hypothesized that NKX2.5 could also play a role in thyroid cancer. METHODS: The validation of NKX2.5 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry analysis in a Brazilian case series of 10 papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients. Then, the long-term prognostic value of NKX2.5 and its correlation with clinicopathologic features of 51 PTC patients was evaluated in a cohort with 10-years follow-up (1990-1999). Besides, the effect of NKX2.5 overexpression on thyroid differentiation markers and function was also investigated in a non-tumor thyroid cell line (PCCL3). RESULTS: NKX2.5 was shown to be expressed in most PTC samples (8/10, case series; 27/51, cohort). Patients who had tumors expressing NKX2.5 showed lower rates of persistence/recurrence (p = 0.013). Overexpression of NKX2.5 in PCCL3 cells led to: 1) downregulation of thyroid differentiation markers (thyrotropin receptor, thyroperoxidase and sodium-iodide symporter); 2) reduced iodide uptake; 3) increased extracellular H2O2 generation, dual oxidase 1 mRNA levels and activity of DuOx1 promoter. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, NKX2.5 is expressed in most PTC samples analyzed and its presence correlates to better prognosis of PTC. In vitro, NKX2.5 overexpression reduces the expression of thyroid differentiation markers and increases ROS production. Thus, our data suggests that NKX2.5 could play a role in thyroid carcinogenesis.

Subclinical Pulmonary Hypertension in Childhood Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Associated with Minor Disease Manifestations.

The aim of this study was to evaluate pulmonary hypertension (PH) in 852 childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) patients. This was a large multicenter study conducted in 10 Pediatric Rheumatology Services of São Paulo state, Brazil. PH was defined as systolic pulmonary artery pressure >35 mmHg and/or measurement of the mean pulmonary artery pressure >25 mmHg and/or diastolic pressure >15 mmHg by transthoracic echocardiogram. Demographic data, clinical manifestations, disease activity score (SLEDAI-2K), disease damage score (SLICC/ACR-DI) and treatments were also evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using Bonferroni correction (p < 0.002). PH was observed in 17/852 (2%) cSLE patients. Effort dyspnea occurred in 3/17, chest pain in 1/17 and right ventricle dysfunction in 3/17 cSLE patients. None had pulmonary thromboembolism or antiphospholipid syndrome. Further comparison between 17 cSLE with PH and 85 cSLE control patients without PH with similar disease duration [15 (0-151) vs. 15 (0-153) months, p = 0.448], evaluated at the last visit, revealed higher frequencies of fever (47 vs. 9%, p < 0.001), reticuloendothelial manifestations (41 vs. 7%, p < 0.001) and serositis (35 vs. 5%, p = 0.001) in the former group. Frequencies of renal and neuropsychiatric involvements and antiphospholipid syndrome, as well as the median of SLEDAI-2K and SLICC/ACR-DI scores, were comparable in both groups (p > 0.002). Normal transthoracic echocardiography was evidenced in 9/17 (53%), with median cSLE duration of 17.5 months (1-40) after PH standard treatment. PH was a rare manifestation of cSLE occurring in the first two years of disease. The majority of patients were asymptomatic with mild lupus manifestations. The underlying mechanism seemed not to be related to pulmonary thromboembolism and/or antiphospholipid syndrome.

Ivabradine Attenuates the Microcirculatory Derangements Evoked by Experimental Sepsis.

BACKGROUND: Experimental data suggest that ivabradine, an inhibitor of the pacemaker current in sinoatrial node, exerts beneficial effects on endothelial cell function, but it is unclear if this drug could prevent microcirculatory dysfunction in septic subjects, improving tissue perfusion and reducing organ failure. Therefore, this study was designed to characterize the microcirculatory effects of ivabradine on a murine model of abdominal sepsis using intravital videomicroscopy. METHODS: Twenty-eight golden Syrian hamsters were allocated in four groups: sham-operated animals, nontreated septic animals, septic animals treated with saline, and septic animals treated with ivabradine (2.0 mg/kg intravenous bolus + 0.5 mg · kg · h). The primary endpoint was the effect of ivabradine on the microcirculation of skinfold chamber preparations, assessed by changes in microvascular reactivity and rheologic variables, and the secondary endpoint was its effects on organ function, evaluated by differences in arterial blood pressure, motor activity score, arterial blood gases, and hematologic and biochemical parameters among groups. RESULTS: Compared with septic animals treated with saline, those treated with ivabradine had greater functional capillary density (90 ± 4% of baseline values vs. 71 ± 16%; P < 0.001), erythrocyte velocity in capillaries (87 ± 11% of baseline values vs. 62 ± 14%; P < 0.001), and arteriolar diameter (99 ± 4% of baseline values vs. 91 ± 7%; P = 0.041) at the end of the experiment. Besides that, ivabradine-treated animals had less renal, hepatic, and neurologic dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Ivabradine was effective in reducing microvascular derangements evoked by experimental sepsis, which was accompanied by less organ dysfunction. These results suggest that ivabradine yields beneficial effects on the microcirculation of septic animals.