The effect of antimalarials on the safety and persistence of treatment with biologic agents or Janus kinase inhibitors in rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVES: To test the association of use of antimalarials with the overall safety of treatment in RA patients receiving one or multiple courses of biologic (b)DMARDs or a Janus kinase inhibitor (JAKi). METHODS: BiobadaBrasil is a multicentric registry-based cohort study of Brazilian patients with rheumatic diseases starting their first bDMARD or JAKi. The present analysis includes RA patients recruited from January 2009 to October 2019, followed up over one or multiple (up to six) courses of treatment (latest date, 19 November 2019). The primary outcome was the incidence of serious adverse events (SAEs). Total and system-specific adverse events (AEs) and treatment interruption served as secondary outcomes. Negative binomial regression with generalized estimating equations (to estimate multivariate incidence rate ratios, mIRR) and frailty Cox proportional hazards models were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: The number of patients enrolled was 1316 (2335 treatment courses, 6711 patient-years [PY]; 1254.5 PY on antimalarials). The overall incidence of SAEs was 9.2/100 PY. Antimalarials were associated with reduced risk of SAEs (mIRR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.36, 0.68; P < 0.001), total AEs (0.68; 95% CI: 0.56, 0.81; P < 0.001), serious infections (0.53; 95% CI: 0.34, 0.84; P = 0.007) and total hepatic AEs (0.21; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.85; P = 0.028). Antimalarials were also related to better survival of treatment course (P = 0.003). There was no significant increase in the risk of cardiovascular AEs. CONCLUSION: Among RA patients on treatment with bDMARDs or JAKi, concomitant use of antimalarials was associated with reduced the incidence of serious and total AEs and with longer treatment course survival.

Effects of a physical self-care support program for patients with fibromyalgia: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The effects of stretching exercises in fibromyalgia (FM) deserves further study. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a Physical Self-Care Support Program (PSCSP), with emphasis on stretching exercises, in the treatment of FM. METHODS: Forty-five women with FM were randomized to the PSCSP (n= 23) or to a control group (n= 22). The PSCSP consisted of weekly 90-minute learning sessions over 10 weeks, providing instructions on wellness, postural techniques, and active stretching exercises to be done at home. The control group was monitored through 3 medical appointments over 10 weeks and included in a waiting list. The primary outcomes were the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, and the Sit and Reach Test (SRT) at the end of the study. RESULTS: Nineteen and 21 patients completed the trial in PSCSP and control groups, respectively. After 10 weeks, the PSCSP group showed significantly better FIQ (difference between adjusted means, -13.64, 95% CI, -21.78 to -5.49, P= 0.002) and SRT scores (7.24 cm, 3.12 to 11.37, P= 0.001) than the control group, but no significant difference in pain VAS (-1.41, -3.04 to 0.22, P= 0.088). Analysis using multiple imputation (MI) and delta-adjusted MI for missing outcomes rendered similar results. CONCLUSIONS: A PSCSP emphasizing stretching exercises significantly improved FIQ and SRT scores, and may be a helpful therapy for FM.

Incidence and risk factors for moderate/severe COVID-19 in rheumatic diseases patients on hydroxychloroquine: a 24-week prospective cohort.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the incidence of COVID-19 and its main outcomes in rheumatic disease (RD) patients on hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) compared to household cohabitants (HC). METHODS: This is a 24-week nationwide prospective multi-centre cohort with a control group without RD and not using HCQ. All participants were monitored through scheduled phone interviews performed by health professionals. Details regarding COVID-19 symptoms, and epidemiological, clinical, and demographic data were recorded on a specific web-based platform. COVID-19 was defined according to the Brazilian Ministry of Health criteria and classified as mild, moderate or severe. RESULTS: A total of 9,585 participants, 5,164 (53.9%) RD patients on HCQ and 4,421 (46.1%) HC were enrolled from March 29th, 2020 to September 30th, 2020, according to the eligibility criteria. COVID-19 confirmed cases were higher in RD patients than in cohabitants [728 (14.1%) vs. 427 (9.7%), p<0.001] in a 24-week follow-up. However, there was no significant difference regarding outcomes related to moderate/ severe COVID-19 (7.1% and 7.3%, respectively, p=0.896). After multiple adjustments, risk factors associated with hospitalisation were age over 65 (HR=4.5; 95%CI 1.35-15.04, p=0.014) and cardiopathy (HR=2.57; 95%CI 1.12-5.91, p=0.026). The final survival analysis demonstrated the probability of dying in 180 days after a COVID-19 diagnosis was significantly higher in patients over 65 years (HR=20.8; 95%CI 4.5-96.1) and with 2 or more comorbidities (HR=10.8; 95%CI 1.1-107.9 and HR=24.8; 95%CI 2.5-249.3, p=0.006, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Although RD patients have had a higher COVID-19 incidence than individuals from the same epidemiological background, the COVID-19 severity was related to traditional risk factors, particularly multiple comorbidities and age, and not to underlying RD and HCQ.

Safety of the Methotrexate-leflunomide Combination in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Results of a Multicentric, Registry-based, Cohort Study (BiobadaBrasil).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety of the methotrexate (MTX)-leflunomide (LEF) combination in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), comparing it with other therapeutic schemes involving conventional synthetic (cs-) and biologic (b-) disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi). METHODS: Patients with RA starting a treatment course with a csDMARD (without previous use of bDMARD or JAKi) or their first bDMARD/JAKi were followed up in a registry-based, multicentric cohort study in Brazil (BiobadaBrasil). The primary outcome was the incidence of serious adverse events (SAEs); secondary outcomes included serious infections. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models and propensity score matching analysis (PSMA) were used for statistical comparisons. RESULTS: In total, 1671 patients (5349 patient-years [PY]) were enrolled; 452 patients (1537 PY) received MTX + LEF. The overall incidence of SAEs was 5.6 per 100 PY. The hazard of SAEs for MTX + LEF was not higher than for MTX or LEF (adjusted HR [aHR] 1.00, 95% CI 0.76-1.31, P = 0.98). MTX + LEF presented a lower hazard of SAEs (aHR 0.56, 95% CI 0.36-0.88, P = 0.01) and infectious SAEs (aHR 0.48, 95% CI 0.25-0.94, P = 0.03) than bDMARDs/JAKi with MTX or LEF. MTX + LEF presented lower hazard of SAEs than MTX + sulfasalazine (SSZ; aHR 0.33, 95% CI 0.16-0.65, P = 0.002). Analysis using PSMA confirmed the results obtained with traditional multivariate Cox analysis. CONCLUSION: In our study, MTX + LEF presented a relatively good overall safety profile in comparison to MTX + SSZ and schemes involving advanced therapies in RA.

Resistance exercises improve physical function in chronic Chikungunya fever patients: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Chikungunya fever is an arboviral disease, caused by an alphavirus, the Chikungunya virus, characterized by fever and joint pain that is generally disabling in the acute phase and may last from months to years, with the potential to evolve into chronic musculoskeletal symptoms, as polyarthralgia and arthritis, which can lead to significant impairment of physical function. The non-pharmacological treatment is very important for these patients, and resistance exercises may be one rehabilitation option. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a resistance exercise protocol on the physical function, pain, and quality of life of patients with chronic Chikungunya fever. DESIGN: A randomized, controlled, blind trial for the evaluators. SETTING: Clinic-school of Physical therapy. POPULATION: Thirty-one patients with Chikungunya fever and musculoskeletal symptoms lasting more than three months, recruited from the Rheumatology outpatient clinic at Clinical Hospital, Federal University of Pernambuco (HC-UFPE). METHODS: Patients (aged 56±10 years) were randomly assigned into one of two groups: Resistance Exercise Group (REG, N.=15) or Control Group (CG, N.=16). REG performed progressive resistance exercises with elastic bands (24 sessions over 12 weeks). CG only had their symptoms monitored through phone calls, maintaining the usual care treatment. Assessments were taken at baseline and after 6 and 12 weeks of the following: physical function (30-second Chair Stand Test (30-s CST), 4-step Stair Climb Power Test (4SCPT), 40-m Fast-paced Walk Test (40m FPWT), and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, Hand (DASH) questionnaire); pain (VAS and painful joints count); quality of life (Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey [SF-36]); and Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) scale. RESULTS: There was a reduction of pain (P=0.01; d=-0.83) and an improvement of 30-s CST (P=0.04; d=0.85) in REG participants after 12 weeks. There was no significant change in the domains of SF-36. Nearly 70% of trained patients reported improvement on PGIC. CONCLUSIONS: Resistance exercises improved physical function in sitting and standing and reduced pain in patients with chronic Chikungunya fever. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: Resistance exercises can be considered as a treatment approach for patients with musculoskeletal disorders in the chronic stage of Chikungunya fever.

Reduced Duration of Postchikungunya Musculoskeletal Pain in Rheumatological Patients Treated with Biologicals.

Chikungunya fever (CHIK) has caused important epidemic outbreaks in the Americas, with musculoskeletal involvement being the main manifestation, causing chronic symptoms in half of the affected patients. This study was performed to evaluate the clinical course of the infection in 168 patients with autoimmune inflammatory disease using biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs), comparing this group with 56 household controls. Anti-CHIKV IgG serology was positive in 42 (25%) of the patients in the bDMARD group and in 15 (27%) of the controls (p=0.79). Of those with positive serology, 32 (76%) and 14 (93%) were symptomatic among subjects in the bDMARD and control groups, respectively (p=0.87). Persistence of musculoskeletal symptoms for more than three months occurred in 64% of the patients in the control group and only in 28% in the bDMARD group (p=0.021), maintaining a statistically significant difference only for users of anti-TNF. This study found that patients affected by chikungunya fever using bDMARDs did not present severe forms or complications in the acute phase of the disease, and patients using anti-TNF biologicals had a lower frequency of chronic joint symptoms than the household controls. This favorable outcome may be related to the cytokine blockade, with a reduction in the inflammatory response and joint damage.

Losartan, but not Enalapril and Valsartan, Inhibits the Expression of IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-17F and IL-22 in PBMCs from Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic and inflammatory disease that affects about 1% of the world's population. Almost 70% of RA patients have a cardiovascular disease such as Systemic Arterial Hypertension (SAH). Inflammatory cytokines are clearly involved in the pathogenesis of RA and correlated with SAH. OBJECTIVE: It is necessary to understand whether the antihypertensive drugs have a dual effect as immunomodulators and which one is the best choice for RA SAH patients. METHODS: Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) from 16 RA patients were purified and stimulated or not stimulated with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 mAB and were treated with Enalapril, Losartan and Valsartan at 100µM. Patients were evaluated for clinical and laboratory variables including measures of disease activity by Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) and Disease Activity Score (DAS28). Cytokines were quantified by ELISA sandwich. RESULTS: Losartan was able to reduce levels of IFN-γ (p = 0.0181), IL-6 (p = 0.0056), IL-17F (0.0046) and IL-22 (p = 0.0234) in RA patients. In addition, patients in remission and mild score (DAS28<3.2 and CDAI<10) had a better response to treatment. On the other hand, patients in moderate and severe activity had poor response to Losartan in cytokine inhibition. CONCLUSION: PBMCs from RA patients are responsive in inhibiting proinflammatory cytokines using Losartan better than Enalapril and Valsartan and it could be a better antihypertensive choice for patients with RA and systemic arterial hypertension treatment.

CD4+CD45RA-FOXP3low Regulatory T Cells as Potential Biomarkers of Disease Activity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Brazilian Patients.

Heren, we analyzed Treg cells as potential biomarkers of disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 30 SLE patients (15 active: SLEDAI > 6/15 SLE remission: SLEDAI< 6) and 15 healthy volunteers were purified. Treg immunophenotyping was performed using CD4, CD25, CD45, CD127, and FOXP3 markers. CD4+FOXP3+ Treg activation state was investigated based on CD45RA and FOXP3 expression. To increase the accuracy of our findings, a multivariate linear regression was performed. We showed a significant increase in the frequency of CD4+FOXP3+ Treg cells in SLE patients. However, unlike all other Treg cells phenotypes analyzed, only eTreg (CD4+FOXP3highCD45RA-) (p=0.01) subtype was inversely correlated with disease activity while Foxp3+nontreg (CD4+FOXP3lowCD45RA-) (p=0.003) exerted a direct influence in the outcome of the disease. Foxp3+nontreg cells were the most consistent SLE active indicator, confirmed by multiple linear regression analyses. In summary, our results demonstrate Foxp3+nontreg cells as new biomarkers in the search of an effective therapeutic strategy in SLE.

Quality of life in spondyloarthritis: analysis of a large Brazilian cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze quality of life and demographic and clinical variables associated to its impairment in a large Brazilian cohort of patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA). METHODS: A common protocol of investigation was applied to 1465 Brazilian patients classified as SpA according to the European Spondyloarthropaties Study Group (ESSG) criteria, attended at 29 reference centers for Rheumatology in Brazil. Clinical and demographic variables were recorded. Quality of life was analyzed through the Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (ASQoL) questionnaire. RESULTS: The mean ASQoL score was 7.74 (+5.39). When analyzing the specific diseases in the SpA group, the ASQoL scores did not present statistical significance. Demographic data showed worse scores of ASQoL associated with female gender (p=0.014) and African-Brazilian ethnicity (p<0.001). The analysis of the clinical symptoms showed that buttock pain (p=0.032), cervical pain (p<0.001) and hip pain (p=0.001) were statistically associated with worse scores of ASQoL. Continuous use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (p<0.001) and biologic agents (p=0.044) were associated with higher scores of ASQoL, while the other medications did not interfere with the ASQoL scores. CONCLUSION: In this large series of patients with SpA, female gender and African-Brazilian ethnicity, as well as predominant axial symptoms, were associated with impaired quality of life.

Qualidade de vida nas espondiloartrites: análise de uma grande coorte brasileira / Quality of life in spondyloarthritis: analysis of a large Brazilian cohort

Resumo Objetivo: Analisar as variáveis demográficas e clínicas associadas à diminuição da qualidade de vida em uma grande coorte brasileira de pacientes com espondiloartrite (EpA). Métodos: Foi aplicado um protocolo de pesquisa único a 1.465 pacientes brasileiros classificados como tendo EpA de acordo com os critérios do European Spondyloarthropaties Study Group (ESSG), atendidos em 29 centros de referência em reumatologia do Brasil. Foram registradas as variáveis clínicas e demográficas. A qualidade de vida foi analisada por meio do questionário Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (ASQoL). Resultados: A pontuação média do ASQoL foi de 7,74 (+ 5,39). Ao analisar doenças específicas no grupo de EpA, as pontuações do ASQoL não apresentaram diferença estatisticamente significativa. Os dados demográficos mostraram piores escores de ASQoL associados ao gênero feminino (p = 0,014) e etnia negra (p < 0,001). Quanto aos sintomas clínicos, a dor na região glútea (p = 0,032), a dor cervical (p < 0,001) e a dor no quadril (p = 0,001), estiveram estatisticamente associadas a piores escores no ASQoL. O uso contínuo de fármacos anti-inflamatórios não esteroides (p < 0,001) e agentes biológicos (p = 0,044) esteve associado a escores mais elevados de ASQoL, enquanto outros medicamentos não interferiram nos escores do ASQoL. Conclusão: Nesta grande série de pacientes com EpA, o sexo feminino e a etnia negra, bem como sintomas predominantemente axiais, estiveram associados a uma qualidade de vida reduzida.

Abstract Objective: To analyze quality of life and demographic and clinical variables associated to its impairment in a large Brazilian cohort of patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA). Methods: A common protocol of investigation was applied to 1465 Brazilian patients classified as SpA according to the European Spondyloarthropaties Study Group (ESSG) criteria, attended at 29 reference centers for Rheumatology in Brazil. Clinical and demographic variables were recorded. Quality of life was analyzed through the Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (ASQoL) questionnaire. Results: The mean ASQoL score was 7.74 (± 5.39). When analyzing the specific diseases in the SpA group, the ASQoL scores did not present statistical significance. Demographic data showed worse scores of ASQoL associated with female gender (p = 0.014) and African-Brazilian ethnicity (p < 0.001). Regarding clinical symptoms, buttock pain (p = 0.032), cervical pain (p < 0.001) and hip pain (p = 0.001), were statistically associated with worse scores of ASQoL. Continuous use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (p < 0.001) and biologic agents (p = 0.044) were associated with higher scores of ASQoL, while the other medications did not interfere with the ASQoL scores. Conclusion: In this large series of patients with SpA, female gender and African-Brazilian ethnicity, as well as predominant axial symptoms, were associated with impaired quality of life.

Avaliação do desempenho do BASDAI (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index) numa coorte brasileira de 1492 pacientes com espondiloartrites: dados do Registro Brasileiro de Espondiloartrites (RBE) / Evaluation of performance of BASDAI (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index) in a Brazilian cohort of 1492 patients with spondyloarthritis: data from the Brazilian Registry of Spondyloarthritides (RBE)

Objetivo Avaliar os resultados da aplicação do Índice de Atividade de Doença da Espondilite Anquilosante de Bath (BASDAI) numa série de pacientes brasileiros com EpA e estabelecer suas correlações com as variáveis específicas do grupo. Métodos Um protocolo comum de investigação foi prospectivamente aplicado em 1.492 pacientes brasileiros classificados como EpA pelos critérios do Grupo Europeu de Estudo das Espondiloartropatias (ESSG), acompanhados em 29 centros de referência em reumatologia no Brasil. Variáveis clínicas, demográficas e índices de doença foram colhidos. Os valores totais do BASDAI foram comparados com a presença das diferentes variáveis. Resultados O valor médio do BASDAI foi de 4,20 ± 2,38. Os escores médios do BASDAI foram mais elevados nos pacientes com forma clínica combinada, comparado às formas axiais e periféricas isoladas, nos pacientes do sexo feminino e nos sedentários. Com relação ao componente axial, valores mais altos do BASDAI estiveram significativamente associados à lombalgia inflamatória, à dor alternante em nádegas, à dor cervical e ao acometimento de coxofemorais. Houve associação estatística entre os valores do BASDAI e o comprometimento periférico, relacionado ao número de articulações inflamadas, tanto dos membros inferiores quanto dos membros superiores, e às entesites. A positividade do HLA-B27 e a presença de manifestações extra-articulares não estiveram correlacionadas com os valores médios do BASDAI. Valores mais baixos do BASDAI estiveram associados ao uso de agentes biológicos (p < 0,001). Conclusão Nesta série heterogênea de pacientes brasileiros com EpA, o BASDAI conseguiu demonstrar “atividade de doença” tanto nos pacientes com acometimento axial quanto naqueles com envolvimento periférico. .

Objective To analyze the results of the application of the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) in a large series of Brazilian patients with the diagnosis of SpA and establish its correlations with specific variables into the group. Methods A common protocol of investigation was prospectively applied to 1492 Brazilian patients classified as SpA according to the European Spondyoarthropathies Study Group (ESSG), attended at 29 referral centers of Rheumatology in Brazil. Clinical and demographic variables, and disease indices (BASDAI, Basfi, Basri, Mases, ASQol) were applied. The total values of BASDAI were compared to the presence of the different variables. Results The mean score of BASDAI was 4.20 ± 2.38. The mean scores of BASDAI were higher in patients with the combined (axial + peripheral + entheseal) (4.54 ± 2.38) clinical presentation, compared to the pure axial (3.78 ± 2.27) or pure peripheral (4.00 ± 2.38) clinical presentations (P < 0.001). BASDAI also presented higher scores associated with the female gender (P < 0.001) and patients who did not practice exercises (P < 0.001). Regarding the axial component, higher values of BASDAI were significantly associated with inflammatory low back pain (P < 0.049), alternating buttock pain (P < 0.001), cervical pain (P < 0.001) and hip involvement (P < 0.001). There was also statistical association between BASDAI scores and the peripheral involvement, related to the lower (P = 0.004) and upper limbs (P = 0.025). The presence of enthesitis was also associated to higher scores of BASDAI (P = 0.040). Positive HLA-B27 and the presence of cutaneous psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, uveitis and urethritis were not correlated with the mean scores of BASDAI. Lower scores of BASDAI were associated with the use of biologic agents (P < 0.001). Conclusion In this heterogeneous Brazilian series of SpA patients, BASDAI was able to demonstrate “disease ...

[Evaluation of performance of BASDAI (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index) in a Brazilian cohort of 1,492 patients with spondyloarthritis: data from the Brazilian Registry of Spondyloarthritides (RBE)]. / Avaliação do desempenho do BASDAI (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index) numa coorte brasileira de 1.492 pacientes com espondiloartrites: dados do Registro Brasileiro de Espondiloartrites (RBE).

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the results of the application of the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) in a large series of Brazilian patients with the diagnosis of SpA and establish its correlations with specific variables into the group. METHODS: A common protocol of investigation was prospectively applied to 1492 Brazilian patients classified as SpA according to the European Spondyoarthropathies Study Group (ESSG), attended at 29 referral centers of Rheumatology in Brazil. Clinical and demographic variables, and disease indices (BASDAI, Basfi, Basri, Mases, ASQol) were applicated. The total values of BASDAI were compared to the presence of the different variables. RESULTS: The mean score of BASDAI was 4.20 ± 2.38. The mean scores of BASDAI were higher in patients with the combined (axial + peripheral + entheseal) (4.54 ± 2.38) clinical presentation, compared to the pure axial (3.78 ± 2.27) or pure peripheral (4.00 ± 2.38) clinical presentations (p<0.001). BASDAI also presented higher scores associated with the female gender (p<0.001) and patients who did not practice exercises (p < 0.001). Regarding the axial component, higher values of BASDAI were significantly associated with inflammatory low back pain (p<0.049), alternating buttock pain (p<0.001), cervical pain (p<0.001) and hip involvement (p<0.001). There was also statistical association between BASDAI scores and the peripheral involvement, related to the lower (p=0.004) and upper limbs (p=0.025). The presence of enthesitis was also associated to higher scores of BASDAI (p=0.040). Positive HLA-B27 and the presence of cutaneous psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, uveitis and urethritis were not correlated with the mean scores of BASDAI. Lower scores of BASDAI were associated with the use of biologic agents (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: In this heterogeneous Brazilian series of SpA patients, BASDAI was able to demonstrate "disease activity" in patients with axial as well as peripheral disease.

Profile of the use of disease modifying drugs in the Brazilian Registry of Spondyloarthritides.

INTRODUCTION: Few studies have evaluated the profile of use of disease modifying drugs (DMD) in Brazilian patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA). METHODS: A common research protocol was applied prospectively in 1505 patients classified as SpA by criteria of the European Spondyloarthropathies Study Group (ESSG), followed at 29 referral centers in Rheumatology in Brazil. Demographic and clinical variables were obtained and evaluated, by analyzing their correlation with the use of DMDs methotrexate (MTX) and sulfasalazine (SSZ). RESULTS: At least one DMD was used by 73.6% of patients: MTX by 29.2% and SSZ by 21.7%, while 22.7% used both drugs. The use of MTX was significantly associated with peripheral involvement, and SSZ was associated with axial involvement, and the two drugs were more administered, separately or in combination, in the mixed involvement (p < 0.001). The use of a DMD was significantly associated with Caucasian ethnicity (MTX , p = 0.014), inflammatory back pain (SSZ, p = 0.002) , buttock pain (SSZ, p = 0.030), neck pain (MTX, p = 0.042), arthritis of the lower limbs (MTX, p < 0.001), arthritis of the upper limbs (MTX, p < 0.001), enthesitis (p = 0.007), dactylitis (MTX, p < 0.001), inflammatory bowel disease (SSZ, p < 0.001) and nail involvement (MTX, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The use of at least one DMD was reported by more than 70% of patients in a large cohort of Brazilian patients with SpA, with MTX use more associated with peripheral involvement and the use of SSZ more associated with axial involvement.

Perfil do uso de drogas modificadoras de doenca no Registro Brasileiro de Espondiloartrites / Profile of the use of disease modifying drugs in the Brazilian Registry of Spondyloarthritides

Introdução: Poucos estudos avaliaram o perfil do uso de drogas modificadoras de doença (DMD) em pacientes brasileiros com diagnóstico de espondiloartrite (EpA). Métodos: Um protocolo comum de investigação foi prospectivamente aplicado em 1505 pacientes classificados como EpA pelos critérios do Grupo Europeu de Estudo das Espondiloartrites (ESSG), acompanhados em 29 centros de referência em Reumatologia no Brasil. Variáveis clínicas e demográficas foram obtidas e avaliadas, analisando-se suas correlações com o uso das DMD metotrexato (MTX) e sulfasalazina (SSZ). Resultados: Pelo menos uma DMD foi utilizada por 73,6% dos pacientes, sendo MTX por 29,2% e SSZ por 21,7%, enquanto 22,7% utilizaram ambas as drogas. O uso do MTX foi significativamente associado ao acometimento periférico, e a SSZ foi associada ao comprometimento axial, sendo que as duas drogas foram mais utilizadas, isoladas ou combinadas, no comprometimento misto (p < 0,001). O uso de uma DMD esteve significativamente associado à etnia branca (MTX; p = 0,014), lombalgia inflamatória (SSZ; p = 0,002), dor em nádegas (SSZ; p = 0,030), cervicalgia (MTX; p = 0,042), artrite de membros inferiores (MTX; p < 0,001), artrite de membros superiores (MTX; p < 0,001), entesite (p = 0,007), dactilite (MTX; p < 0,001), doença inflamatória intestinal (SSZ; p < 0,001) e acometimento ungueal (MTX; p < 0,001). Conclusão: O uso de pelo menos uma DMD foi referido por mais de 70% dos pacientes numa grande coorte brasileira de pacientes com EpA, sendo o uso do MTX mais associado ao acometimento periférico e o uso da SSZ mais associado ao acometimento axial. .

Introduction: Few studies have evaluated the profile of use of disease modifying drugs (DMD) in Brazilian patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA). Methods: A common research protocol was applied prospectively in 1505 patients classified as SpA by criteria of the European Spondyloarthropathies Study Group (ESSG), followed at 29 referral centers in Rheumatology in Brazil. Demographic and clinical variables were obtained and evaluated, by analyzing their correlation with the use of DMDs methotrexate (MTX) and sulfasalazine (SSZ). Results: At least one DMD was used by 73.6 % of patients: MTX by 29.2 % and SSZ by 21.7%, while 22.7 % used both drugs. The use of MTX was significantly associated with peripheral involvement, and SSZ was associated with axial involvement, and the two drugs were more administered, separately or in combination, in the mixed involvement (p < 0.001). The use of a DMD was significantly associated with Caucasian ethnicity (MTX , p = 0.014), inflammatory back pain (SSZ, p = 0.002) , buttock pain (SSZ, p = 0.030), neck pain (MTX, p = 0.042), arthritis of the lower limbs (MTX, p < 0.001), arthritis of the upper limbs (MTX, p < 0.001), enthesitis (p = 0.007), dactylitis (MTX, p < 0.001), inflammatory bowel disease (SSZ, p < 0.001) and nail involvement (MTX, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The use of at least one DMD was reported by more than 70% of patients in a large cohort of Brazilian patients with SpA, with MTX use more associated with peripheral involvement and the use of SSZ more associated with axial involvement. .

Cisto epidermóide nos pés: relato de caso / Epidermoid cyst on the foot: case report

Tumores benignos são responsáveis pela maioria das lesões tumorais nos pés. Neuroma de Morton, fasciite plantar e nódulos reumatóides respondem por 60% a 70% de todas estas doenças. Usualmente, mono-artrite na face plantar dos pés de caráter mecânico induz em mulheres jovens aos diagnósticos referidos. O cisto epidermóide, apesar de ser uma lesão benigna, não é lembrado no diagnóstico dife­rencial de nódulos dolorosos nos pés. O conhecimento dos achados patológicos destas lesões extra-articulares nos pés ajuda na interpretação da ressonância magnética (RM)

Qualidade de vida em pacientes obesos em uma unidade terciária de saúde em Pernambuco / Quality of life in obese patients in a tertiary health unity in Pernambuco, Brazil

Analisou-se o impacto que a obesidade pode ocasionar na qualidade de vida. Os objetivos primários foram avaliar a existência de possível associaçäo entre obesidade com a qualidade de vida ligada a saúde (QVLS), diferenciando os obesos, que têm boa qualidade de vida dos que näo a têm e mensurar o quanto a qualidade de vida está alterada, comparando com a populaçäo geral. E, secundariamente demonstrar o valor da utilizaçäo do questionario de QVLS no manuseio dos obesos. A qualidade de vida ligada a saúde é um fator importante na mensuraçäo do impacto causado pela doença no bem estar do paciente, em especial, nas doenças crônicas. o questionário Medical Outcomes study 36-Item Short-Form Health survey (MOS SF-36), foi aplicado na versäo validada ao português. O MOS SF-36 é composto de 8 domínios, que se referem as áreas de comportamento que sofre com a percepçäo da doença : morbidade, depressäo, ansiedade e cuidado consigo mesmo. A obesidade foi quantificada pelo Indice de Massa Corporal (IMC), obtida pelo resultado da divisäo do peso corporal, em quilogramas, pela altura, em metros quadrados (kg/m²). näo existiu uma discriminaçäo dos domínios, nos obesos, entre o IMC e a QVLS. Observou-se associaçäo negativa no domínio dos aspectos sociais. Entretanto, comparado com a populaçäo normal, a avaliaçäo da QVLS dos obesos apresentou uma baixa qualidade de vida em todos os domínios do MOS SF-36, e esta diferença foi estatisticamente significante

Avaliação ecocardiográfica no lúpus eritematoso sistêmico: um estudo transversal de 35 pacientes / Echocardigraphic evaluation in systemic lupus erythematosus: a cross-sectional study of 35 patients

Foram estudados 53 pacientes portadores de lúpus eritematoso sistêmico (LES), através de ecocardiograma uni e bi-dimensional com doppler, e comparados com 50 indivíduos, não portadores de doença reumatológica (grupo controle), provenientes do Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo, no período de março de 1994 a março de 1996. Os pacientes dos dois grupos eram do sexo feminino. No grupo LES, a idade variou de 18 a 77 anos (média de 39,7) e no grupo controle, de 18 a 65 anos (média de 40,4). Vinte e nove dos 53 pacientes lúpicos (54,7 por cento) apresentaram alguma alteração ecocardiográfica quando comparados com 26,0 por cento do grupo controle, com significância estatística. A frequência de envolvimento da valva mitral foi semelhante nos grupos estudados. As alterações miocárdicas foram observadas em 22,6 por cento dos pacientes com LES e as pericárdicas em 13,2 por cento, não tendo sido detectadas no grupo controle. Hipertensão arterial pulmonar foi verificada em dois pacientes lúpicos. No grupo LES, observou-se que a idade, número de critérios de classificação do LES, atividade da doença, dose cumulativa de corticosteróide e sintomatologia cardíaca não diferiram quanto à presença ou não de alterações ecocardiográficas. Estas foram mais frequentes nos pacientes lúpicos com menor duração da doença (menos de 24 meses) e com hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS). Detectou-se correlação entre hipertensão arterial sistêmica e alterações miocárdicas e entre atividade da doença e alterações pericárdicas. Houve aidna uma relação direta entre a duração da doença e a tendência de apresentar lesões valvares. Destaca-se, portanto, a importância do ecocardiograma no acompanhamento dos pacientes lúpicos