Prevalence of positive tuberculin skin test in a Brazilian sample of rheumatoid arthritis and spondylarthritis patients

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Patients with rheumatic diseases have an increased risk of infections, especially tuberculosis. In this study, we aimed to recognize the positivity rate of tuberculosis skin test in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis and the characteristics of the patients with positive results. METHODS: Retrospective study of tuberculosis skin test results in patients followed from 2004 to 2021 in a single rheumatology unit. Data related to clinical and epidemiological features, along with treatment information referring to the period in which the tuberculosis skin test was performed, were collected from patients' charts. RESULTS: A total of 723 tests were identified (448 tests in 269 rheumatoid arthritis patients and 275 in 174 spondyloarthritis patients). In the rheumatoid arthritis sample, 31/275 (11.5%) individuals had positive tests, and in the spondyloarthritis, 38/174 (21.8%) had positive tests. In the rheumatoid arthritis sample, patients with positive tuberculosis skin tests used a higher dose of methotrexate than those with negative results (median of 25 mg/week versus median of 20 mg/week respectively; p=0.02). In the spondyloarthritis sample, tuberculosis skin test positivity was associated with alcohol ingestion (13.1% versus 2.9% in users and non-users respectively; p=0.02) and sulfasalazine use (15.7% of positivity in users versus 5% in non-users; p=0.01). CONCLUSION: The tuberculosis skin test-positive prevalence in rheumatoid arthritis was lower than in the spondyloarthritis sample. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis using a higher dosage of methotrexate or with spondyloarthritis using sulfasalazine had more frequency of tuberculosis skin test positivity and should be carefully followed by the attending physician in order to avoid the appearance of full-blown tuberculosis.

Fecal calprotectin levels in acute anterior uveitis in patients with spondyloarthritis / Níveis de calprotectina fecal na uveite anterior aguda em pacientes com espondiloartrites

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study measured fecal calprotectin levels in a series of patients with anterior uveitis in order to determine whether anterior uveitis patients with associated spondyloarthritis have higher levels of fecal calprotectin than patients with anterior uveitis of other etiologies. A third group of patients with spondyloarthritis without uveitis was also evaluated to understand the role of acute anterior uveitis in increasing fecal calprotectin. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 28 patients were divided into three groups: (a) Group 1, spondyloarthritis and uveitis (n=9); (b) Group 2, spondyloarthritis without uveitis (n=10); and (c) Group 3, uveitis without spondyloarthritis (n=9). The levels of fecal calprotectin were determined. Results: Groups 1 and 2 showed higher median fecal calprotectin levels (101.0 and 93.0 µg/g, respectively) compared with Group 3 (9.0 µg/g) (p=0.02). However, no relationship between fecal calprotectin levels and the presence of uveitis with spondyloarthritis could be demonstrated. Conclusion: Patients with spondyloarthritis with or without acute anterior uveitis have significantly elevated levels of fecal calprotectin. This test may be useful for differentiating spondyloarthrit-associated uveitis from uveitis of other etiologies.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo avaliou os níveis de calprotectina fecal em uma série de pacientes com uveíte anterior na tentativa de determinar se pacientes com uveíte associada com espondiloartrites apresentam níveis mais elevados desta proteína do que pacientes com uveíte anterior de outras etiologias. Um terceiro grupo com espondiloartrites sem uveíte também foi incluído na avaliação para entendimento do papel da uveíte anterior no aumento da calprotectina fecal. Métodos: Estudo transversal de 28 pacientes divididos em três grupos: (a) com espondiloartrites e uveíte (n=9); (b) com espondiloartrites sem uveíte (n=10) e (c) com uveíte sem espondiloartrites (n=9). A dosagem de calprotectina fecal foi avaliada. Resultados: Pacientes com uveíte anterior associada a espondiloartrites apresentaram valores medianos maiores de calprotectina fecal (101 µg/g) que os valores dos pacientes com uveíte sem espondiloartrites (9 µg/g), pacientes com espondiloartrites sem uveíte que também demonstraram valores maiores (93.0 µg/g) que os dos pacientes com uveíte sem espondiloartrites (p=0,02). Conclusão: Pacientes com espondiloartrites com e sem uveíte anterior aguda demonstraram níveis significativamente elevados de calprotectina fecal. Este teste pode ser útil na diferenciação entre uveítes associadas com espondiloartrites de uveítes de outras etiologias. Entretanto, não foi possível demonstrar associação entre o aumento dos níveis de calprotectina fecal e a presença da uveíte em espondiloartrites.

Resistin serum levels and its association with clinical profile and carotid intima-media thickness in psoriasis: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Psoriasis is a protean disease associated with several comorbidities that may have increased levels of adiponectin such as resistin. This may affect the patients atherosclerotic risk. Objective To study resistin levels in a sample of Brazilian patients with psoriasis and its association with clinical profile, comorbidities, and carotid Intima-Media Thickness (cIMT). Methods This is a cross-sectional study of 119 individuals: 34 healthy controls and 85 patients with psoriasis, 42 of which with skin involvement only and 43 with psoriatic arthritis. Clinical and epidemiological data, measurement of PASI (Psoriasis Area Severity Index) and DAPSA (Disease Activity in Psoriatic Arthritis), lipid profile, cIMT by ultrasound were collected from medical records. Resistin serum levels were measured by ELISA. Results Patients with psoriasis had higher resistin levels (p = 0.009) and worse cIMT (p = 0.0002) than controls. In the psoriasis sample, no associations of resistin levels with epidemiological, clinical findings, and activity indexes were found. Resistin serum levels were associated with the presence of diabetes (p = 0.008) and metabolic syndrome (p = 0.01) and correlated with total cholesterol (r = 0.26) and triglycerides (r = 0.33) but not with cIMT. Study limitations This work is limited by its transversal design and by the limited number of patients included. Conclusion Resistin serum levels are elevated in psoriasis patients. In this sample, clinical, epidemiological, and activity indexes were not linked to resistin serum levels, but atherosclerotic risk factors were.

Periodontitis in rheumatoid arthritis: a case-control study in a brazilian sample

To investigate the presence of periodontitis in RA patients comparing it with controls in a Brazilian sample. Methods: This is a case control study conducted in a public health rheumatologic center. One hundred and sixteen RA patients and 68 paired controls were compared for epidemiological data and presence of periodontal disease evaluated by number of remaining teeth, presence of bacterial plaque, bleeding on probing, probing depth and clinical level of gingival insertion. In addition, data on comorbidities was collected. Results: RA patients and controls have the same amount of teeth loss (P = 0.84). RA patients had more calculus (P = 0.02); dental plaques (P = 0.04); gingival recession (P = 0.02) and bleeding (P = 0.01). Although the number of individuals with periodontitis was higher in RA patients, the severity of periodontitis was similar in both groups (P = ns). Presence of diabetes and hypothyroidism also associated with periodontitis (P = 0.01 and 0.02 respectively). In a model of logistic regression built to assess the independence of association of RA and its comorbidities with periodontitis, only diabetes and RA remained independent. Conclusion: This case control study shows higher frequency of periodontitis in RA patients than controls

Qualidade de vida em pacientes com espondiloartrites: análise comparativa entre as formas axial, periférica pura e mista / Quality of life in spondyloarthritis: a comparison among axial, peripheric and mixed forms

Introdução: As espondiloartrites são doenças musculoesqueléticas crônicas que podem ter envolvimento axial, periférico ou misto. Devido ao grande comprometimento físico esta doença causa importante redução da qualidade de vida, mas não se sabe se isto acontece de igual maneira nas 3 formas. Objetivo: Estudar a associação entre qualidade de vida e formas de espondiloartrites. Método: Coletaram-se dados acerca de epidemiologia, perfil clínico, comorbidades e de qualidade de vida (através do SF-12 ou Short Form Health Survey­12 questions). Resultados: Incluíram-se 120 indivíduos: 60 EpA e 60 controles. O SF-12 físico tinha mediana de 38,05 para espondiloartrites e 55,1 para controle (p<0,0001). No quesito mental as medianas foram de 42,1 e 50,1 com p=0,04. Não foi possível demonstrar diferenças nos subgrupos de espondiloartrites, tanto no aspecto físico como mental (p=0,33 e 0,30 respectivamente). Conclusão: Existem diferenças significativas na qualidade de vida entre espondiloartrites e controles, mas não entre os subgrupos das espondiloartrites.

Introduction: Spondyloarthritis are chronic musculoskeletal diseases divided as axial, peripherical and mixed diseases. Due to a great physical involvement, it reduces patients' quality of life, but it is unknown how the 3 forms of the disease behave in such context. Objective: To study the quality of life association with spondyloarthritis forms. Methods: Data collection included: epidemiologic data, clinical profile, and quality of life data evaluated through the SF-12 (Short Form Health Survey­12 questions). Results: About 120 individuals were included: 60 spondyloarthritis and 60 controls. The physical SF-12 showed median of 38.05 for spondyloarthritis and 55.1 for controls (p<0.0001). The medians in mental SF-12 were 42.1 and 50.1 with p= 0.04. No differences in quality of life in the spondyloarthritis subgroups could be detected (with p=0.33 and 0.30 for physical and mental aspects). Conclusion: There was a significant difference in quality of life between spondyloarthritis sample and controls but not among the spondyloarthritis subgroups.

Estudo comparativo da qualidade de vida de doentes com lúpus, artrite reumatoide e fibromialgia / Comparative study of quality of life in rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and fibromyalgia

Introdução: Doenças reumatológicas são enfermidades que acometem o sistema locomotor e afetam a qualidade de vida dos portadores. Objetivos: Comparar a qualidade de vida naqueles com lúpus, artrite reumatoide e fibromialgia. Métodos: Estudo observacional no qual foi aplicado o Questionário de Qualidade de Vida SF-36 em 136 pacientes diagnosticados com lúpus, artrite reumatóide e fibromialgia. Resultados: Os com lúpus apresentaram menor limitação funcional e os artrite reumatóide apresentaram mais dor. A avaliação do estado geral de saúde (p=0,26), da vitalidade (p=0,09), da aspectos sociais (p=0,44), saúde emocional (p=0,82) não demonstraram relevância estatística. Conclusão: As 3 doenças reumáticas apresentam diminuição da QoL, mas os com mais dor foram os com artrite reumatóide, e os com menor limitação funcional os de lúpus.

Background: Rheumatologic illnesses are diseases that affect the locomotor system and decrease patient's quality of life. Objective: To compare quality of life in patients diagnosed with lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. Methods: Cross-sectional study with application of the SF-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire to 136 patients diagnosed with lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. Results: Patients with lupus had lower functional limitation and those with rheumatoid arthritis presented more pain. The assessment of general health status (p=0.26), vitality (p=0.09), social aspects (p=0.44), emotional health (p=0.82) did not show statistical relevance. Conclusion: The 3 rheumatic diseases showed a decrease in quality of life, but the one with the most pain was rheumatoid arthritis, and the lowest functional limitation was found in lupus.

Análise preliminar do uso de biológicos no tratamento da artrite reumatoide / Preliminary analysis for the use of biologicals in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Introdução: A artrite reumatoide é tratada com drogas modificadoras da doença convencionais e biológicas. Objetivos: Comparar a sobrevida de medicamentos biológicos utilizados para o tratamento de pacientes com artrite reumatoide. Método: Estudo retrospectivo de prontuários de pacientes que utilizaram medicamento biológico para tratamento de artrite reumatoide de janeiro de 2020 a janeiro de 2022 e este foi suspenso. Dados acerca das causas de retirada, tempo de uso, dados epidemiológicos, clínicos e de comorbidades foram coletados. Resultados: O principal motivo da descontinuidade foi a falha seguida por efeitos colaterais. Infliximabe e adalimumabe foram os que apresentaram maior sobrevida. Índice de massa corporal e o tabagismo, sexo e idade não mostraram interferência nesta sobrevida Conclusão: Falha é a causa mais comum de descontinuidade dos biológicos. Dentre os fatores estudados (fumo, indice de massa corporal, idade e sexo) não foi possível identificar variável que se associasse com falha.

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis is treated with conventional and biological disease-modifying drugs. Objectives: To compare the survival of biological drugs used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis patients. Methods: Retrospective study of medical records of patients who used biological medication for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis from January 2020 to January 2022 and this was suspended. Data on the causes of withdrawal, duration of use, epidemiological, clinical and comorbid data were collected. Results: The main reason for discontinuity was failure followed by side effects. Infliximab and adalimumab had the highest survival. Body mass index and smoking, sex and age did not interfere in this survival. Conclusion: Failure is the most common cause of biological discontinuity. Among the factors studied (smoking, body mass index, age and gender) it was not possible to identify a variable that was associated with failure.

Índice de comorbidades de Charlson no lúpus eritematoso sistêmico em pacientes brasileiras / Charlson's coordinity index in systemic lupus erythematosus in brazilian patients

Introdução: O índice de comorbidades de Charlson (ICC) avalia as chances de sobrevida de uma pessoa nos próximos 10 anos. No lúpus eritematoso sistêmico (LES) múltiplas comorbidades e complicações afetam a sobrevida. Objetivo: Verificar as variáveis que influem no ICC de um grupo de mulheres com LES. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo de 100 pacientes lúpicas para o ICC, variáveis clínicas, epidemiológicas e sorológicas. Resultados: Nenhuma variável epidemiológica interferiu no ICC. Quanto à clínica, pacientes com glomerulonefrite tiveram pior ICC do que os sem (p<0,0001) e os com manifestações de sistema nervoso central tiveram tendência para pior ICC (p=0,09). Portadores de anticorpos anti-Ro (p=0,02) e fator reumatoide (FR; p=0,002) se associaram com ICC menor. Conclusões: A presença de glomerulonefrite se associa com menor sobrevida, e a dos anticorpos anti-Ro e FR com maior sobrevida no LES.

Introduction: The Charlson comorbidities index (CCI) assesses a person's chances of survival over the next 10 years. In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), multiple comorbidities and complications affect patient survival. Objetive: Analize the variables that influence the CCI of a group of females with SLE. Methods: Retrospective study of medical records of 100 lupus patients for CCI, clinical, epidemiological and serological variables. Results: No epidemiological variable interfered in CCI. Regarding clinical manifestations, patients with glomerulonephritis had a worse CCI than those without (p<0.0001) and those with central nervous system manifestations had a tendency to worse CCI (p=0.09). Patients with anti-Ro antibodies (p=0.02) and rheumatoid factor or RF (p=0.002) were associated with a lower CCI. Conclusions: The presence of glomerulonephritis is associated with lower survival and of the anti-Ro and RF antibodies with longer survival in SLE.

Câncer de pele não melanoma: revisão integrativa / Non-melanoma skin cancer: an integrative review

Introdução: O câncer de pele não melanoma compeende grupo de neoplasias com alta incidência na população mundial. É dividido em carcinoma basocelular e de células escamosas. Por ser de grande prevalência, entender o processo de oncogênese e a relação com íons, proteínas e receptores celulares no câncer de pele não melanoma pode contribuir para que novas terapêuticas sejam avaliadas. Objetivo: Entender o processo da oncogênese dos tumores de pele não melanomas e sua relação com a imunolocalização do IP3R. Métodos: Revisão integrativa da literatura com síntese de evidências. A base de dados foi o PubMed; a estratégia de busca: "carcinoma espinocelular, AND/ OR carcinoma basocelular, AND/OR IP3R, AND/OR imunoistoquímica". Foram considerados para revisão os trabalhos publicados entre 2018 e 2023. Foram incluídos 40 trabalhos, integralmente lidos e resumidos. Resultados: Câncer de pele não melanoma são os tumores malignos mais comuns em todo o mundo, sendo 75-80% o carcinoma basocelular, e até 25% o de células escamosas. As interações moleculares de forma geral, envolvem grande participação de moléculas supressoras tumorais, assim como de procto-oncogenes. Além disso, canais iônicos voltagem dependente controlam o fluxo citosólico de íons, dentre eles o cálcio. O IP3R (receptor do fosfatidil inositol-3) permite a saída de cálcio do retículo endoplasmático para que seja utilizado pela célula para atividades fisiológias como proliferação, angiogênese, motilidade e capacidade de invasão. Conclusão: O IP3R, pelas características de expressão imunoistoquímica, parece estar relacionado também, à fisiopatologia do câncer de pele não melanoma.

Introduction: Non-melanoma skin cancer comprises a group of neoplasms with a high incidence in the world population. It is divided into basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. As it is highly prevalent, understanding the process of oncogenesis and the relationship with ions, proteins and cellular receptors in nonmelanoma skin cancer can contribute to the evaluation of new therapies. Objective: To understand the oncogenesis process of non-melanoma skin tumors and its relationship with the immunolocalization of IP3R. Methods: Integrative literature review with evidence synthesis. The database was PubMed; the search strategy: "squamous cell carcinoma, AND/OR basal cell carcinoma, AND/OR IP3R, AND/OR immunohistochemistry". Works published between 2018 and 2023 were considered for review; 40 works were included, fully read and summarized. Results: Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most common malignant tumor worldwide, with 75-80% being basal cell carcinoma, and up to 25% being cell carcinoma. Molecular interactions in general involve a large participation of tumor suppressor molecules, as well as procto-oncogenes. Furthermore, voltage-dependent ion channels control the cytosolic flow of ions, including calcium. The IP3R (phosphatidyl inositol-3 receptor) allows the exit of calcium from the endoplasmic reticulum so that it can be used by the cell for physiological activities such as proliferation, angiogenesis, motility and invasion capacity. Conclusion: The IP3R, due to its immunohistochemical expression characteristics, appears may also be related to the pathophysiology of nonmelanoma skin cancer.

Prevalence of skin lesions in a sample of Brazilian patients with inflammatory bowel disease

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Inflammatory bowel diseases may have extra intestinal manifestations such as those affecting the skin. This study aimed to study skin manifestations in a cohort of Brazilian patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. METHODS: Epidemiological and clinical data were obtained through a cross-sectional study of 70 inflammatory bowel diseases patients and a control group comprising 50 healthy individuals. All patients were subjected to dermatological examination and photography of skin lesions. RESULTS: Out of the 70 inflammatory bowel diseases patients, 50 had ulcerative colitis and 20 had Crohn's disease. Skin lesions occurred in 95.7% of the inflammatory bowel diseases patients and in 88% of individuals in the control group (p=0.001). Alopecia (p<0.0001), xerosis (p=0.03), striae (p=0.02), and acne (p=0.04) were more common in inflammatory bowel diseases patients than in the control group. Alopecia was more frequent in females (p=0.01) than in males. Two male patients, one with ulcerative colitis and the other with Crohn's disease, had pyoderma gangrenosum. Erythema nodosum was not observed in both groups. CONCLUSION: There was a high prevalence of skin lesions in the Brazilian inflammatory bowel diseases patients. Additionally, alopecia, xerosis, striae, and acne were more common in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases than in those in the control group.

Presentation patterns and outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer seeking the emergency department for consultation

Background: Patients with colorectal cancer may seek the emergency department for symptoms related to chemotherapy and radiotherapy side effects as well as those from the disease itself and from surgery complications. Objectives: To establish the epidemiological and clinical profile of colorectal cancer patients that look for consultations in the emergency department. Methods: Retrospective study of emergency room charts from colorectal cancer patients that consulted in a single oncological hospital for the period of 1 year. Results: Four hundred and forty-six consultations were identified (49.5% males and 50.5% females) with a mean age of 63 years and with advanced disease (most with tumor, node, metastases [TNM] stages III and IV). The most common complaint was abdominal pain (27.5%), followed by nausea (4.7%; more commonly seen in females with p =0.03) and bladder symptoms (4.7%; more commonly seen in males, with p =0.003). Infections (10.3%) and acute abdominal pain (9.1%) were the most frequent diagnoses. About 18% of them were admitted to the hospital and 80% were discharged home. Conclusion: The profile of patients with colorectal cancer seeking the emergency department comprises patients with advanced disease and a similar proportion of males and females. Symptom-driven complaints were the most frequent reason for consultations. (AU)

O índice de massa corporal tem algum papel na atividade inflamatória na artrite reumatoide / Does the body mass index have any role in inflammatory activity in rheumatoid arthritis?

Artrite reumatoide é doença reumática autoimune e crônica. Acredita-se que a obesidade pode intervir nos seus parâmetros inflamatórios. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar se existe correlação entre atividade inflamatória dela e o índice de massa corporal (IMC).É estudo transversal retrospectivo nos quais foram obtidos dados de biometria (peso e altura) para cálculo do IMC e de atividade inflamatória. Estudaram-se 676 pacientes (87,5% mulheres com mediana de idade de 59,6 anos). Nesta população, 1,3% estava abaixo do peso normal; 28,1% dentro do peso normal; 35,3% sobrepeso; 31% obesidade grau I e 4,1% obesidade grau 2. Encontrou-se fraca correlação entre o DAS 28-PCR com o IMC. Correlações com os demais parâmetros de inflamação foram não significantes. Em conclusão existe alta proporção de pacientes com artrite reumatoide acima do peso normal e fraca correlação entre IMC e DAS28-PCR

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune and chronic rheumatic disease. It is believed that obesity can intervene in its inflammatory parameters. The objective of this study was to verify if there is a correlation between her inflammatory activity and the body mass index (BMI). It is a retrospective cross-sectional study in which biometric data (weight and height) were obtained to calculate BMI and inflammatory activity. We studied 676 patients (87.5% women with a median age of 59.6 years). In this population, 1.3% were underweight; 28.1% within normal weight; 35.3% overweight; 31% grade I obesity and 4.1% grade 2 obesity. We found a weak correlation between DAS 28-CRP and BMI. Correlations with the other inflammation parameters were not significant. In conclusion, there is a high proportion of patients with rheumatoid arthritis above normal weight and a weak correlation between BMI and DAS28-CRP

COVID-19, quarantine and sexual life: a cross-sectional online survey of Brazilian individuals / COVID-19, quarentena e vida sexual: uma pesquisa online transversal com brasileiros

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 outbreak was responsible for a high number of deaths worldwide. Not only the physical health was affected by COVID-19. Thus, to avoid the infection spreading, social distancing and quarantine have been adopted, bringing rupture to previous habits, economic losses, and isolation. OBJECTIVE: To study the sexual life during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazilian individuals. METHODS: This crosssectional study using an internet survey was conducted from June 10th to July 30th, 2020 with epidemiological questions, questions on fatigue and depression, and the sexual quotient scale (SQS). RESULTS: The survey was answered by 2,131 individuals: 325 males, median age 25 years (IQR=22.0-33.5 years), range between 18 to 69 years and 1,806 females with median age 25 years (IQR=22-31 years), range between 18 to 67 years. In 49% of males and 29% of females (29%), there were no changes in sexual life. In 43.7% of females and 32.1% of males, some deterioration was observed while in 26.3% of females and 18.1% some improvement was noted. Despite this, 90.8% of males and 85% of females scored as having good sexual performance according to SQS. Sexual performance was negatively influenced by fatigue, state of mind in males and females; having a fixed partner and staying at home impaired male performance. CONCLUSION: Despite the pandemic, the studied sample showed good sexual performance in the studied period.

Alexithymia, masculinity and sexual behavior among Brazilian men / Alexitimia, masculinidade e comportamento sexual entre homens Brasileiros

Normative masculinity and alexithymia may negatively affect sexual life and men's well-being. In this study, the endorsement of traditional male norms, alexithymia and sexual behavior were assessed through an online survey directed to Brazilian men. Relationship status and religion were also addressed, and associations and correlations between variables were carried out. The survey presented 66 items, including standardized questionnaires, such as Meanings of Adolescent Masculinity Scale, Toronto Alexithymia Scale and Male Sexual Quotient. The sample consisted in 528 Brazilian men with high socioeconomic and educational levels. Alexithymia was negatively correlated with sexual satisfaction. The endorsement of traditional male norms was positively correlated with pornography use and was also associated with sharing of pornographic material through social media. Married men had the lowest levels of alexithymia, with significant difference when compared with men who are not currently in a relationship. Furthermore, having a religion was associated with greater endorsement of traditional male norms. These findings suggest that alexithymia may have greater influence on behaviors associated with interpersonal relations, including sexual satisfaction and relationship status. Conversely, normative masculinity was linked to personal variables, which did not involve a partner, including pornography consumption and religion.

A masculinidade normativa e alexitimia podem afetar negativamente a vida sexual e o bem-estar dos homens. Neste estudo, a concepção de masculinidade, alexitimia e comportamento sexual foram avaliados por meio de uma pesquisa online dirigida aos homens brasileiros. O status de relacionamento e religião também foram abordados, efetivando-se associações e correlações entre as diferentes variáveis. A pesquisa apresentou 66 itens, incluindo questionários estandardizados, como a Escala de Concepções de Masculinidade, Escala de Alexitimia de Toronto e Quociente Sexual - versão masculina. A amostra consistiu em 528 homens brasileiros com altos níveis socioeconômicos e educacionais. Alexitimia foi negativamente correlacionada com a satisfação sexual. O endosso das normas tradicionais masculinas foi positivamente correlacionado com o uso de pornografia, bem como associado ao compartilhamento de material pornográfico por meio das mídias sociais. Os homens casados obtiveram os níveis mais baixos de alexitimia, com diferença significativa quando comparados com homens que não mantém atualmente um relacionamento. Além disso, ter uma religião foi associado a uma maior percepção de importância das normas tradicionais masculinas. Os achados sugerem que a alexitimia pode possuir maior influência sobre os comportamentos associados às relações interpessoais, incluindo satisfação sexual e status de relacionamento. Por outro lado, a masculinidade normativa foi ligada a variáveis pessoais, que não envolviam um parceiro, incluindo o consumo de pornografia e a religião.

Subconjunctival adalimumab for treatment of dry eye disease in Sjögren's syndrome / Tratamento de olho seco com adalimumabe subconjuntival em pacientes portadores da síndrome de Sjögren

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the use of subconjuctival administration of the anti-tumor necrosis factor agent adalimumab for treatment of dry eye in patients with Sjögren's syndrome, and to investigate conjunctival healing. Methods Prospective, nonrandomized, noncomparative interventional case series including consecutive patients with Sjögren's syndrome and dry eye disease treated with subconjunctival adalimumab, who were refractory to conventional treatment. Patients with infectious ocular surface involvement or structural changes in the tear pathway or eyelids were excluded. Data recorded included age, sex, lissamine green staining pattern, Schirmer test results, intraocular pressure, conjunctival mobility, tear break up time and findings of biomicroscopic evaluation, following fluorescein dye instillation. The Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire validated for the Portuguese language was used for subjective assessment of patients. Results Eleven eyes of eight patients were studied. Mean patient age was 53±13.4 years. Patients were treated with subconjunctival injection of 0.03 mL of adalimumab and followed for 90 days thereafter. There were no statistically significant objective improvement (objective tests results; p>0.05) and no statistically significant changes in intraocular pressure (p=0.11). Questionnaire responses revealed a significant improvement in ocular symptoms (p=0.002). Conclusion Based on the Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire, subconjunctival administration of adalimumab improved dry eye symptoms. However, objective assessments failed to reveal statistically significant improvements.

RESUMO Objetivo Descrever o uso subconjuntival do antifator de necrose tumoral adalimumabe para o tratamento do olho seco em pacientes com síndrome de Sjögren e avaliar a cicatrização conjuntival. Métodos Série de casos intervencionista com desenho prospectivo, não randomizado, não comparativo. O medicamento adalimumabe foi aplicado em região subconjuntival em pacientes com síndrome de Sjögren e olho seco que eram resistentes a outras terapias convencionais. Pacientes com patologias oculares de origem infecciosa ou com alterações estruturais nas vias lacrimais e pálpebras foram excluídos do estudo. Os dados coletados incluíram idade, sexo, teste com lisamina verde, teste de Schirmer, pressão intraocular, mobilidade conjuntival, teste de ruptura do filme lacrimal, e avaliação biomicroscópica com colírio de fluoresceína. Além disso, o questionário Ocular Surface Disease Index validado para a língua portuguesa foi aplicado com objetivo de avaliar subjetivamente a resposta dos pacientes ao tratamento. Resultados Onze olhos de oito pacientes foram estudados. A idade média dos pacientes foi de 53±13,4 anos. A dose aplicada de adalimumabe subconjuntival foi de 0,03mL, e a duração do seguimento foi de 90 dias após a injeção. Não houve melhora estatisticamente significativa nos testes objetivos (todos apresentaram p>0,05). A pressão intraocular também não sofreu variações estatisticamente significativas (p=0,11). Entretanto, por meio do questionário, foi registrada melhora significativa dos sintomas oculares (p=0,002). Conclusão O uso do adalimumabe subconjuntival melhorou os sintomas de olho seco, avaliados por meio do questionário Ocular Surface Disease Index, mas não houve melhora estatisticamente significativa na avaliação objetiva.

Adverse childhood experiences in patients with psoriasis

Abstract Introduction Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been linked to occurrence of autoimmune diseases in adults, including psoriasis. Objectives To study the prevalence of ACEs in psoriasis patients, comparing them with a sample from the general population. Methods Three hundred and eighteen individuals were included (104 psoriasis patients and 214 controls). Patients and controls answered questions on an ACE study questionnaire about experiences of childhood abuse, negligence, domestic violence, and household dysfunction. Questionnaire scores range from zero (best result) to 8 (worst scenario). Psoriasis patients' charts were reviewed for epidemiological, clinical, and treatment data. A Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) was calculated from measurements taken when the questionnaire was administered. Results Psoriasis patients reported a median of 4 ACEs (interquartile range [IQR] = 3-5) while controls had a median of 3 (IQR = 2-4) with p < 0.0001. The number of ACEs was not associated with PASI, age of disease onset, or presence of associated arthritis (all p > 0.5). Female psoriasis patients had more ACEs than males (p = 0.04). Conclusion Patients with psoriasis have more ACEs than controls and ACEs were more common in female patients.

COVID-19 pandemic and exercising: a cross-sectional study with 1156 patients with fibromyalgia

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of pandemic in the exercising practice and impact of the disease in patients with Fibromyalgia. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, Internet-based survey answered by 1156 individuals with Fibromyalgia diagnosis. Questions were on epidemiology, social distancing habits, and exercise practice before and after COVID-19 pandemic, including subtypes of exercises (for resistance, flexibility, balance, and strength). The Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire was applied. RESULTS: In the whole sample, 57.7% of individuals practiced exercises before pandemic; during pandemic, only 34.8% practiced and 39.6% left this practice. Among those taking quarantine (n=440), 52.9% used to do exercises prior to pandemic; in the pandemic, 28.1% (reduction of 53.2%). The median Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire among those who practiced exercises in the pandemic was 73.6 (61.1-83.2) and that among those who did not was 80.4 (71.9-86.9), with p<0.0001. The Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire did not change according to the type of physical exercise (p=0.27). CONCLUSION: A high proportion of patients with Fibromyalgia stopped exercising during COVID-19 pandemic; as a result, the impact of the disease during this period was worse among those not practicing exercises.

Gynecological/Obstetric Background and Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Cross-sectional Study in Brazilian Patients / Antecedentes ginecológicos/obstétricos e artrite reumatoide: Um estudo transversal em pacientes brasileiros

Abstract Objective To study a sample of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients for their gynecological/obstetric history and compare them to controls to determine their influences on number of pregnancies, menarche, menopause and reproductive years following RA onset. Methods This is a cross-sectional study of 122 RA patients and 126 controls. Patients and controls were questioned about age of menarche, age of menopause, number of pregnancies and abortions. Reproductive years were calculated as the difference between age at menopause and age at menarche. For comparison, we used the Mann-Whitney, unpaired t, chi-squared, and Spearman tests. The adopted significance was 5%. Results In the RA patients with disease beginning in the postmenopausal years, the period of reproductive years (age at menopause - age of menarche) showed a positive correlation with age at disease onset (rho=0.46; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.20- 0.55 with p=0.0008). The number of pregnancies was higher in patients with postmenopausal disease onset when compared with those with premenopausal disease onset (median of 3 with interquartile range [IQR]=2-4 versus median of 2 with IQR=1-3; p=0.009), and RA patients had more pregnancies than controls (p=0.0002). Conclusion The present study shows that, in our population, the duration of reproductive years and the number of pregnancies are linked to the onset of RA.

Resumo Objetivo Estudar uma amostra de pacientes com artrite reumatoide (AR), com investigação da história ginecológica e obstétrica, comparando-a com controles, visando conhecer suas influências no número de gestações, menarcas, menopausa e anos reprodutivos no início da AR. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo transversal de 122 pacientes com AR e 126 controles. Pacientes e controles foram questionados sobre idade da menarca, idade da menopausa, número de gestações e abortos. Os anos reprodutivos foram calculados com a diferença entre a idade da menopausa e a idade da menarca. Para comparação, foram utilizados Mann Whitney, Teste t não pareados, Teste qui-quadrado e teste de Spearman. A significância adotada foi de 5%. Resultados Nas pacientes comAR e início da doença na pós-menopausa, o período de anos reprodutivos (idade da menopausa - idade da menarca) apresentou correlação positiva com a idade de início da doença (rho=0,46; intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC95%]=0,20-0,55 com p=0,0008). O número de gestações foi maior nas pacientes cominício da doença no período pós-menopausa quando comparadas às pacientes em pré-menopausa (mediana de 3 comintervalo interquartil [IIQ]=2-4 versusmediana de 2 com IIQ=1-3; p=0,009). Nas pacientes com AR, foi observado ummaior número de gestações do que no grupo controle (p=0,0002). Conclusão O presente estudo mostra que, em nossa população, a diminuição dos anos reprodutivos e o alto número de gestações estão relacionados ao surgimento da AR.

Quality of life in children and adults with Idiopathic juvenile arthritis: cross-sectional study in Brazilian patients / Qualidade de vida em crianças e adultos com artrite idiopática juvenil: estudo transversal em pacientes brasileiros

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a chronic rheumatic disease which may persist into adulthood. Pain and joint deformities affect quality of life (QoL). The objective was to study the influence of JIA in QoL of children and adults, comparing the two groups. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 47 JIA patients (20 children and 27 adults) using the following questionnaires: Juvenile Arthritis Multidimensional Assessment Report (JAMAR), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) in adults and Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire CHAQ) in children. Epidemiological, clinical and treatment data was collected. RESULTS: No differences were found in gender, arthritis subset, presence of uveitis and fever, visual analog scale for pain and duration of morning stiffness. Adult patients required more biologics in the treatment (p=0.02) and had higher age at disease onset than children (p=0.001). About 45% of children and 51.8% of adults complained having pain and 40% of children and 48% of adults were not satisfied with the current status of their disease. CONCLUSION: Children and adult patients with JIA had similar degree of pain, morning stiffness and functional impairment. Functional impairment was considered mild but the level of pain found was higher than in other studies. Almost half of patients were not satisfied with the treatment.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A artrite idiopática juvenil (AIJ) é uma doença reumática crônica que pode persistir na idade adulta. Dor e deformidades articulares afetam a qualidade de vida (QV). O objetivo foi estudar a influência da AIJ na QV de crianças e adultos, comparando os dois grupos. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal de 47 pacientes com AIJ (20 crianças e 27 adultos) utilizando os questionários: Juvenile Arthritis Multidimensional Assessment Report (JAMAR), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAG) em adultos e Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) em crianças. Dados epidemiológicos, clínicos e de tratamento foram coletados. RESULTADOS: Não foram encontradas diferenças em sexo, subconjunto de artrite, presença de uveíte e febre, escala analógica visual para dor e duração da rigidez matinal. Pacientes adultos necessitaram mais fármacos biológicos no tratamento (p=0,02) e tinham maior idade de início da doença do que crianças (p=0,001). Cerca de 45% das crianças e 51,8% dos adultos queixaram-se de dor e 40% das crianças e 48% dos adultos não estavam satisfeitos com o estado atual de sua doença. CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes crianças e adultos com AIJ apresentaram graus semelhantes de dor, rigidez matinal e comprometimento funcional. O comprometimento funcional foi considerado leve, mas o nível de dor encontrado foi maior do que em outros estudos. Quase metade dos pacientes não ficou satisfeita com o tratamento.