Subjective sleep parameters: A marker to PTSD symptoms evolution? A 4-year longitudinal study.

Disturbed sleep is a common feature after exposure to a traumatic event, especially when PTSD develops. However, although there is evidence suggesting a potential role of sleep disturbance in the progression of PTSD symptoms, the interrelationship between sleep and PTSD symptoms has yet to be determined. In order to address this knowledge gap, we have investigated the influence of initial sleep characteristics on the evolution of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms over 4 years of follow-up among individuals exposed to the Brazilian Kiss nightclub fire. Participants were individuals exposed to the 2013 Kiss nightclub fire in Brazil. Sleep characteristics and PTSD symptoms were measured within the 4 years following the fire by self-report questionnaires, such as The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and PTSD Checklist - Civilian version (PCL-C). Generalized estimating equations (GEE) models were used to examine the longitudinal associations (by estimating the relative effects of initial sleep problems on PTSD symptoms after adjusting for covariates). Comprehensive information concerning socio-demographic factors, health status, and sleep complaints were obtained. A total of 232 individuals were included. In GEE models, no significant interactions were observed between sociodemographic variables and PTSD symptoms in the follow-up period, however, associations were found between PTSD at baseline and the following factors: the female gender, the victim individuals and the existence of prior psychiatric disease. Initial subjective sleep parameters were strongly associated with PTSD symptoms over 4 years, mainly the presence of disturbed dreams (p = 0.012), increased sleep latency (p = 0.029), and reduced sleep duration (p = 0.012). Sleep complaints and PTSD symptoms were common among individuals after the disaster. The current study has found that the presence of sleep complaints, especially increased sleep latency, presence of disturbed dreams and short sleep duration, in the initial presentation after the fire was consistently associated with the perpetration of PTSD symptoms in the next 4 years of follow-up. These findings suggest that interventions addressing these sleep complaints have the potential to reduce the persistence and/or severity of PTSD symptoms.

Closed doors: Predictors of stress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD during the onset of COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The rise in mental health problems in the population directly or indirectly because of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a major concern. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare independent predictors of symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Brazilians one month after the implementation of measures of social distancing. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed using a web-based survey. The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) were the outcomes. Data were gathered regarding demographics, social distancing, economic problems, exposure to the news of the pandemic, psychiatric history, sleep disturbances, traumatic situations, and substance use. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test - Consumption (AUDIT-C) was also administered. The predictors of the symptoms were investigated using hierarchical multiple linear regression. RESULTS: Of a sample of 3587 participants, approximately two-thirds considered that their mental health worsened after the beginning of the social restriction measures. The most important predictors of the symptoms investigated were the intensity of the distress related to the news of the pandemic, younger age, current psychiatric diagnosis, trouble sleeping, emotional abuse or violence, and economic problems. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirmed the hypothesis that the pandemic impacted the mental health of the population and indicated that the level of distress related to the news was the most important predictor of psychological suffering.

Validation of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.

INTRODUCTION: The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) is a questionnaire that assesses sleep quality and disturbances over a 1-month period. It is a valuable tool for research purposes. The aim of this study was to validate a Brazilian Portuguese version of the PSQI. METHODS: The Brazilian Portuguese version (PSQI-BR) was developed according to the following steps: (a) translation, (b) back-translation, (c) comparison between translation and back-translation performed by a group of experts, and (d) pretest in bilingual individuals. Between January 2006 and September 2007, the PSQI-BR was applied to a group of consecutive patients who were submitted to overnight polysomnography with clinical suspicion of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) or insomnia. As in the original article, a group of patients with depression and a control group were included. The depression group was composed of patients from the Mood Disorders Unit of the Psychiatry Department of Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Brazil. The control group was composed of subjects with a history of normal sleep habits, without noticed snoring. RESULTS: A total of 83 patients and 21 controls completed the questionnaire and were submitted to overnight polysomnography. The seven-component scores of the PSQI-BR had an overall reliability coefficient (Cronbach's α) of 0.82, indicating a high degree of internal consistency. The groups included 43 patients with OSAS, 21 with insomnia, 19 with depression and 21 controls. The mean (±SD) PSQI-BR score was 8.1±4.0 for patients with OSAS, 12.8±3.7 for insomnia patients, 14.5±3.7 for those with depression and 2.5±2.0 for control subjects. The one-way ANOVA demonstrated significant differences in PSQI-BR scores across the four diagnostic groups (p<0.001). Post hoc tests between paired groups showed that scores for OSAS, depression and insomnia were significantly higher than for controls (p<0.05). PSQI-BR scores for insomnia did not differ from those obtained for depression (p>0.05), but both were higher than for OSAS (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study demonstrate that the PSQI-BR is a valid and reliable instrument for the assessment of sleep quality and equivalent to its original version when applied to individuals who speak the Brazilian Portuguese language. Despite relevant influences of language and cultural background, no major cultural adaptations were necessary during the validation process. The PSQI-BR can be a tool either for clinical management or research.

Perfil epidemiológico, sinais e sintomas respiratórios de indivíduos que inalaram fumaça tóxica no incêndio da boate Kiss, Santa Maria, RS, Brasil / Epidemiological profile, respiratory signs and symptoms of individuals who inhaled toxic smoke in Kiss nightclub fire, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil

Introdução: O incêndio ocorrido na Boate Kiss, na cidade de Santa Maria-RS, em 27 de janeiro de 2013, vitimou fatalmente 242 sujeitos asfixiados pela inalação de fumaça tóxica, deixando, aproximadamente, outros mil feridos. Objetivo: Analisar os sinais e sintomas respiratórios, em médio prazo, apresentados pelas pessoas que inalaram fumaça tóxica no incêndio. Métodos: Realizou-se este estudo transversal no ambulatório do Centro Integrado de Atenção às Vítimas de Acidentes, localizado no Hospital Universitário de Santa Maria, na cidade de Santa Maria-RS. Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 589 indivíduos (27,8±10,2 anos) que possuíam ou estavam cursando ensino superior. Os sinais e sintomas respiratórios mais prevalentes foram tosse produtiva, fadiga e opressão torácica. Conclusões: A persistência de sinais e sintomas respiratórios, após oito meses do episódio, representa um impacto à saúde das pessoas que inalaram a fumaça tóxica, havendo a necessidade de um monitoramento minucioso nos próximos anos.

Introduction: The fire occurred at Kiss nightclub in the city of Santa Maria-RS, on January 27, 2013, fatally killed 242 people, asphyxiated by inhalation of toxic smoke and approximately another one thousand were injured. Objective: To evaluate respiratory signs and symptoms in the medium term, shown by individuals who inhaled of toxic smoke in fire. Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted in the clinic of the Integrated Center for Attention to Victims, located at the Hospital Universitário de Santa Maria, in Santa Maria-RS. Results: The sample consisted of 589 subjects (27.8 ± 10.2 years) who had or were attending higher education. The most common signs and respiratory symptoms were productive cough, fatigue and chest tightness. Conclusions: The persistence of signs and respiratory symptoms, after eight months of the episode, is an impact on the health of individuals who inhaled of toxic smoke. Thus, there is the need for careful monitoring in the coming years.

Portuguese-language version of the Epworth sleepiness scale: validation for use in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop a Portuguese-language version of the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) for use in Brazil. METHODS: The steps involved in creating the ESS in Brazilian Portuguese (ESS-BR) were as follows: translation; back-translation; comparison (by a committee) between the translation and the back-translation; and testing in bilingual individuals. The ESS-BR was applied to a group of patients who were submitted to overnight polysomnography in order to identify obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), insomnia and primary snoring. A control group was composed of subjects with a history of normal sleep habits, without reported snoring. RESULTS: A total of 114 patients and 21 controls were included. The 8-item scores of the ESS-BR had an overall reliability coefficient of 0.83. The study group was composed of 59 patients with OSAHS, 34 patients with primary snoring and 21 patients with insomnia. One-way ANOVA demonstrated significant differences in ESS-BR scores among the four diagnostic groups (p < 0.001). Post-hoc tests between groups showed that the ESS-BR scores of the patients with insomnia did not differ from those of the controls (p > 0.05). The ESS-BR scores were significantly higher for OSAHS patients and for primary snorers than for controls (p < 0.05). In addition, the scores for OSAHS patients were significantly higher than were those for primary snorers (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study demonstrate that the ESS-BR is a valid and reliable instrument for the assessment of daytime sleepiness, equivalent to its original version when applied to individuals who speak Brazilian Portuguese.

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: a rare cause of severe anemia.

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia is an autosomal dominant disease in which arteriovenous communications are typically seen in the skin, mucosal surfaces, lungs, brain and gastrointestinal tract. This disease typically presents as epistaxis, gastrointestinal bleeding and arteriovenous malformations (in the brain and lungs). Although the epistaxis and gastrointestinal bleeding can result in anemia, patients diagnosed with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia rarely present severe anemia. Herein, we report the case of a 49-year-old man with severe anemia and undiagnosed hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.

Simultaneous chronic pulmonary paracoccidiodomycosis and disseminated cryptococcosis in a non-HIV patient.

An unusual case of chronic pulmonary paracoccidiodomycosis and disseminated cryptococcosis in a non-HIV infected patient is reported in a 72-year-old previously healthy man. A chest radiograph disclosed a bilateral diffused interstitial infiltrate involving middle and lower lung fields. Specimen samples taken from the tracheal tube revealed yeast-like organisms suggestive of Cryptococcus neoformans and Paracoccidiodes brasiliensis. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid culture was positive for C. neoformans and the immunodiffusion test against paracoccidiodin revealed a precipitation band. The patient died 24 days after the admission.

Asymptomatic presentation of chronic pulmonary paracoccidioidomycosis: case report and review.

Asymptomatic presentations of chronic pulmonary paracoccidiodomycosis have been reported since 1959, usually published in case series of paracoccidiodomycosis. Incidental radiographic findings on chest roentgenogram led to diagnostic evaluation in these cases. An unusual case in a female patient is described, and 24 previously reported cases are reviewed.

Portuguese-language version of the Epworth sleepiness scale: validation for use in Brazil / Validação da escala de sonolência de Epworth em português para uso no Brasil

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop a Portuguese-language version of the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) for use in Brazil. METHODS: The steps involved in creating the ESS in Brazilian Portuguese (ESS-BR) were as follows: translation; back-translation; comparison (by a committee) between the translation and the back-translation; and testing in bilingual individuals. The ESS-BR was applied to a group of patients who were submitted to overnight polysomnography in order to identify obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), insomnia and primary snoring. A control group was composed of subjects with a history of normal sleep habits, without reported snoring. RESULTS: A total of 114 patients and 21 controls were included. The 8-item scores of the ESS-BR had an overall reliability coefficient of 0.83. The study group was composed of 59 patients with OSAHS, 34 patients with primary snoring and 21 patients with insomnia. One-way ANOVA demonstrated significant differences in ESS-BR scores among the four diagnostic groups (p < 0.001). Post-hoc tests between groups showed that the ESS-BR scores of the patients with insomnia did not differ from those of the controls (p > 0.05). The ESS-BR scores were significantly higher for OSAHS patients and for primary snorers than for controls (p < 0.05). In addition, the scores for OSAHS patients were significantly higher than were those for primary snorers (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study demonstrate that the ESS-BR is a valid and reliable instrument for the assessment of daytime sleepiness, equivalent to its original version when applied to individuals who speak Brazilian Portuguese.

OBJETIVO: Desenvolver uma versão da escala de sonolência de Epworth (ESE) para o português para uso no Brasil. MÉTODOS: A versão no português do Brasil (ESE-BR) foi desenvolvida de acordo com as seguintes etapas: tradução; retrotradução; comparação entre a tradução e a retrotradução (por um comitê); e aplicação em indivíduos bilíngues. A ESE-BR foi aplicada a um grupo de pacientes submetidos à polissonografia de noite inteira para identificar síndrome da apneia-hipopneia obstrutiva do sono (SAHOS), insônia e ronco primário. Um grupo controle foi composto de indivíduos com história de hábitos normais de sono, sem ronco aparente. RESULTADOS: Um total de 114 pacientes e 21 controles foram incluídos. Os 8 itens do ESE-BR tiveram um coeficiente de confiabilidade total de 0,83. O grupo em estudo foi composto por 59 pacientes com SAHOS, 34 pacientes com ronco primário e 21 pacientes com insônia. One-way ANOVA demonstrou diferenças significativas nos escores do ESE-BR entre os quatro grupos diagnósticos (p < 0,001). Testes post hoc entre grupos pareados mostraram que os escores do ESE-BR para insones não diferiram daqueles dos controles (p > 0,05). Os escores dos pacientes com SAHOS e nos roncadores primários foram significativamente maiores que os dos controles (p < 0,05). Além disso, os escores para pacientes com SAHOS foram significativamente maiores do que os daqueles com ronco primário (p < 0,05). CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados do presente estudo demonstraram que a ESE-BR é um instrumento válido e confiável para a avaliação da sonolência diurna e equivalente a sua versão original, quando aplicada em indivíduos que falam português do Brasil

Telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditária: uma causa rara de anemia grave / Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: a rare cause of severe anemia

Telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditária é uma doença autossômica dominante na qual comunicações arteriovenosas afetam comumente pele, superfícies mucosas, pulmões, cérebro e trato gastrointestinal. As manifestações comuns desta doença são epistaxe, sangramento gastrointestinal, e malformações arteriovenosas cerebrais e pulmonares. Apesar de a epistaxe e o sangramento gastrointestinal poderem causar anemia, a telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditária raramente é diagnosticada com anemia grave. Neste artigo é relatado o caso de um homem de 49 anos de idade com telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditária não diagnosticada e anemia grave.

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia is an autosomal dominant disease in which arteriovenous communications are typically seen in the skin, mucosal surfaces, lungs, brain and gastrointestinal tract. This disease typically presents as epistaxis, gastrointestinal bleeding and arteriovenous malformations (in the brain and lungs). Although the epistaxis and gastrointestinal bleeding can result in anemia, patients diagnosed with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia rarely present severe anemia. Herein, we report the case of a 49-year-old man with severe anemia and undiagnosed hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.

Tumor de células granulares endobrônquico: relato de um caso diagnosticado por biópsia endoscópica / Endobronchial granular cell tumor: report of a case diagnosed by endoscopic biopsy

Tumor de células granulares (TCG) é um termo descritivo para um tumor com histologia distintiva, perfil imunohistoquímico característico e achados ultra-estruturais peculiares. Tem distribuição topográfica ampla e sua localização nas vias aéreas é considerada incomum. Os autores relatam o caso de uma mulher de 40 anos com tosse produtiva e febre há dois meses e exame físico normal. A tomografia computadorizada evidenciou espessamento de parede do brônquio intermediário e a broncoscopia mostrou, nesse nível, hiperemia e elevação da mucosa endobrônquica. Os exames histopatológicos e imunohistoquímico dos tecidos deste local diagnosticaram TCG. O objetivo do presente relato é chamar a atenção para a possibilidade de diagnóstico desse tumor em pequenas biópsias endoscópicas