RESUMO
A criação de um espaço democrático de participação na condução do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) constituiu indubitável conquista dos brasileiros. O pleno exercício deste direito implica, no entanto, no conhecimento do próprio direito, dos espaços e dos mecanismos de participação, que permitam uma ação autônoma. No presente trabalho avalia-se o grau de conhecimento nos diversos segmentos sociais acerca da questão. Foram entrevistados usuários e trabalhadores do SUS, além de membros dos Conselhos de Saúde. Os resultados demonstram grande desinformação dos usuários, dos novos conselheiros e da maioria dos trabalhadores, em contraste com os gestores e os conselheiros com mais tempo no cargo.
The creation of a democratic space for participation in the conduction of the Sistema Único de Saúde ( SUS) - Brazilian Public Health Care System - was undoubtedly an achievement for Brazilians. Full exercise of this right implies, however, knowledge of the right itself, spaces and mechanisms for participation, allowing for autonomous action. The present study evaluates the degree of knowledge in the various social segments on this issue. Users and workers of SUS health care units were interviewed as well as members of Health Councils. Results show misinformation from most councilors and health workers when compared to managers and advisors who have worked longer in their positions.
RESUMO
About a quarter of sclerodermic patients present calcinosis. However, patients with limited form of the disease are more likely to have calcinosis than patients with diffuse form. We report a case of a 54-year-old female patient with limited cutaneous scleroderma using rituximab (RTX) to treat lung fibrosis and arthritis. Into RTX treatment, she also had a complete resolution of calcinosis in her hands. The patient reported improvement in dyspnea and synovitis after two courses of RTX (four weekly infusions 375 mg/m(2) each). After 7 months of the first infusion, the calcinosis in her fingers had a complete remission, especially the right thumb. Based on current evidences, we discuss the use of rituximab as a promising therapy to treat not only lung disease but also calcinosis in patients with scleroderma.
