Brazilian consensus for diagnosis, management and treatment of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis with peripheral neuropathy: second edition / Consenso brasileiro para o diagnóstico, manejo e tratamento da polineuropatia amiloidótica familiar associada à transtirretina: segunda edição

Abstract Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis with peripheral neuropathy (ATTRv-PN) is an autosomal dominant inherited sensorimotor and autonomic polyneuropathy with over 130 pathogenic variants identified in the TTR gene. Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis with peripheral neuropathy is a disabling, progressive and life-threatening genetic condition that leads to death in ~ 10 years if untreated. The prospects for ATTRv-PN have changed in the last decades, as it has become a treatable neuropathy. In addition to liver transplantation, initiated in 1990, there are now at least 3 drugs approved in many countries, including Brazil, and many more are being developed. The first Brazilian consensus on ATTRv-PN was held in the city of Fortaleza, Brazil, in June 2017. Given the new advances in the area over the last 5 years, the Peripheral Neuropathy Scientific Department of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology organized a second edition of the consensus. Each panelist was responsible for reviewing the literature and updating a section of the previous paper. Thereafter, the 18 panelists got together virtually after careful review of the draft, discussed each section of the text, and reached a consensus for the final version of the manuscript.

Resumo Polineuropatia amiloidótica familiar associada a transtirretina (ATTRv-PN) é uma polineuropatia sensitivo-motora e autonômica hereditária autossômica dominante com mais de 130 variantes patogênicas já identificadas no gene TTR. A ATTRv-PN é uma condição genética debilitante, progressiva e que ameaça a vida, levando à morte em ~ 10 anos se não for tratada. Nas últimas décadas, a ATTRv-PN se tornou uma neuropatia tratável. Além do transplante de fígado, iniciado em 1990, temos agora 3 medicamentos modificadores de doença aprovados em muitos países, incluindo o Brasil, e muitas outras medicações estão em desenvolvimento. O primeiro consenso brasileiro em ATTRv-PN foi realizado em Fortaleza em junho de 2017. Devido aos novos avanços nesta área nos últimos 5 anos, o Departamento Científico de Neuropatias Periféricas da Academia Brasileira de Neurologia organizou uma segunda edição do consenso. Cada panelista ficou responsável por rever a literatura e atualizar uma parte do manuscrito. Finalmente, os 18 panelistas se reuniram virtualmente após revisão da primeira versão, discutiram cada parte do artigo e chegaram a um consenso sobre a versão final do manuscrito.

New treatments for rare bone diseases: hypophosphatemic rickets/osteomalacia

Abstract Phosphorus is one of the most abundant minerals in the human body; it is required to maintain bone integrity and mineralization, in addition to other biological processes. Phosphorus is regulated by parathyroid hormone, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3], and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) in a complex set of processes that occur in the gut, skeleton, and kidneys. Different molecular mechanisms - overproduction of FGF-23 by tumors responsible for oncogenic osteomalacia, generation of an FGF-23 mutant that is resistant to cleavage by enzymes, and impaired FGF-23 degradation due to a reduction in or loss of the PHEX gene - can lead to FGF-23-stimulating activity and the consequent waste of urinary phosphate and low levels of 1,25(OH)2D3. Conventional treatment consists of multiple daily doses of oral phosphate salts and vitamin D analogs, which may improve radiographic rickets but do not normalize growth. Complications of the conventional long-term treatment consist of hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, nephrolithiasis, nephrocalcinosis, impaired renal function, and potentially chronic kidney disease. Recently, burosumab, an antibody against FGF-23, was approved as a novel therapy for children and adults with X-linked hypophosphatemia and patients with tumor-induced osteomalacia. Burosumab showed good performance in different trials in children and adults. It increased and sustained the serum phosphorus levels, decreased the rickets severity and pain scores, and improved mineralization. It offers a new perspective on the treatment of chronic and disabling diseases. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2022;66(5):658-65

Stress fractures

ABSTRACT Stress fractures (SF) represent 10%-20% of all injuries in sport medicine. An SF occurs when abnormal and repetitive loading is applied on normal bone: The body cannot adapt quickly enough, leading to microdamage and fracture. The etiology is multifactorial with numerous risk factors involved. Diagnosis of SF can be achieved by identifying intrinsic and extrinsic factors, obtaining a good history, performing a physical exam, and ordering laboratory and imaging studies (magnetic resonance imaging is the current gold standard). Relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) is a known risk factor. In addition, for women, it is very important know the menstrual status to identify long periods of amenorrhea in the past and the present. Early detection is important to improve the chance of symptom resolution with conservative treatment. Common presentation involves complaints of localized pain, with or without swelling, and tenderness on palpation of bony structures that begins earlier in training and progressively worsens with activity over a 2- to 3-week period. Appropriate classification of SF based on type, location, grading, and low or high risk is critical in guiding treatment strategies and influencing the time to return to sport. Stress injuries at low-risk sites are typically managed conservatively. Studies have suggested that calcium and vitamin D supplementation might be helpful. Moreover, other treatment regimens are not well established. Understanding better the pathophysiology of SFs and the potential utility of current and future bone-active therapeutics may well yield approaches that could treat SFs more effectively.

Osteosarcopenia and trabecular bone score in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of osteosarcopenia and the association of osteosarcopenia with trabecular bone score (TBS) in a group of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DMG) compared with a paired control group (CG). Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study with men and women ≥ 50 years recruited by convenience. Patients in both groups answered questionnaires and underwent evaluation of bone mineral density (BMD), handgrip strength (HGS), and TBS. The T2DMG also underwent a gait speed (GS) test. Sarcopenia was defined as low lean mass plus low HGS or GS according to the Foundation for the National Institute of Health Sarcopenia Project, and osteosarcopenia was deemed present when sarcopenia was associated with osteopenia, osteoporosis, or low-energy trauma fractures. Results: The T2DMG (n = 177) and CG (n = 146) had, respectively, mean ages of 65.1 ± 8.2 years and 68.8 ± 11.0 years and 114 (64.4%) and 80 (54.7%) women. T2DMG versus the CG had higher rates of osteosarcopenia (11.9% versus 2.14%, respectively, p = 0.010), sarcopenia (12.9% versus 5.4%, respectively, p < 0.030), and fractures (29.9% versus 18.5%, respectively, p = 0.019), and lower HGS values (24.4 ± 10.3 kg versus 30.9 ± 9.15 kg, respectively, p < 0.001), but comparable BMD values. Mean TBS values were 1.272 ± 0.11 and 1.320 ± 0.12, respectively (p = 0.001). On multivariate analysis, age, greater waist circumference, fractures, and osteoporosis increased the risk of degraded TBS. Osteosarcopenia was associated with diabetes complications (p = 0.03), calcium and vitamin D supplementation (p = 0.01), and all components of osteosarcopenia diagnosis (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Compared with the CG, the T2DMG had a higher prevalence of osteosarcopenia, sarcopenia, and fractures and lower bone quality assessed by TBS.

Association between fractures and traditional risk factors for osteoporosis and low bone mineral density in patients with obesity

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the reasons for request of bone mineral density (BMD) evaluation and correlate the BMD results with previous fractures, risk factors for osteoporosis, and clinical characteristics in patients with obesity. Subjects and methods: Cross-sectional, retrospective, single-site study including adult patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 and BMD evaluation between January 2015 and May 2016 selected from a BMD database. Data on demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, comorbidities, medications, risk factors, previous fractures, and indications for BMD evaluation were collected from the participants' medical records. Results: The study included 619 patients (89.9% women, mean BMI 34.79 ± 4.05 kg/m2). In all, 382 (61.7%), 166 (26.8%), and 71 (11.5%) patients had class 1, 2, and 3 obesity, respectively. The most frequent (29.9%) reason for BMD evaluation was for osteoporosis monitoring. In all, 69.4% of the patients had low BMD. Multivariate analysis showed that age, calcium supplementation, and previous osteoporosis or osteopenia were associated with low BMD, while age, vitamin D supplementation, use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and low BMD were associated with previous fractures (p < 0.05 for all). Conclusions: Among patients with obesity identified from a tertiary hospital database, those with low bone mass and risk factors traditionally associated with fractures had an increased history of fractures. Patients with greater BMI had better bone mass and fewer fractures. These findings indicate that the association between reduced weight, risk factors for osteoporosis, and fractures remained despite the presence of obesity in our population.

Prevention and treatment of oral adverse effects of antiresorptive medications for osteoporosis - A position paper of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SBEM), Brazilian Society of Stomatology and Oral Pathology (Sobep), and Brazilian Association for Bone Evaluation and Osteometabolism (Abrasso)

ABSTRACT Antiresorptive therapy is the main form of prevention of osteoporotic or fragility fractures. Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a relatively rare but severe adverse reaction to antiresorptive and antiangiogenic drugs. Physicians and dentists caring for patients taking these drugs and requiring invasive procedures face a difficult decision because of the potential risk of MRONJ. The aim of this study was to discuss the risk factors for the development of MRONJ and prevention of this complication in patients with osteoporosis taking antiresorptive drugs and requiring invasive dental treatment. For this goal, a task force with representatives from three professional associations was appointed to review the pertinent literature and discuss systemic and local risk factors, prevention of MRONJ in patients with osteoporosis, and management of established MRONJ. Although scarce evidence links the use of antiresorptive agents in the context of osteoporosis to the development of MRONJ, these agents are considered a risk factor for this complication. Despite the rare reports of MRONJ in patients with osteoporosis, the severity of symptoms and impact of MRONJ in the patients' quality of life make it imperative for health care professionals to consider this complication when planning invasive dental procedures.

Reference values of 25-hydroxyvitamin D revisited: a position statement from the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SBEM) and the Brazilian Society of Clinical Pathology/Laboratory Medicine (SBPC)

ABSTRACT Hypovitaminosis D is a common condition with a negative impact on health. This statement, prepared by experts from the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism and the Brazilian Society of Clinical Pathology/Laboratory Medicine, includes methodological aspects and limitations of the measurement of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] for identification of vitamin D status, and identifies individuals at increased risk for deficiency of this vitamin in whom 25(OH)D measurement is recommended. For the general population, 25(OH)D levels between 20 and 60 ng/mL are considered normal, while individuals with levels below 20 ng/mL are considered to be vitamin D deficient. This statement identifies potential benefits of maintaining 25(OH)D levels > 30 ng/mL in specific conditions, including patients aged > 65 years or pregnant, those with recurrent falls, fragility fractures, osteoporosis, secondary hyperparathyroidism, chronic kidney disease, or cancer, and individuals using drugs with the potential to affect the vitamin D metabolism. This statement also calls attention to the risk of vitamin D intoxication, a life-threatening condition that occurs at 25(OH)D levels above 100 ng/mL

Template for the laboratorys report of 25-hydroxyvitamin D: recommendations form the Brazilian Society of Clinical Pathology/Laboratory Medicine (SBPC/ML) and the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SBEM) / Modelo de laudo laboratorial para 25-hidroxivitamina D: recomendações da Sociedade Brasileira de Patologia Clínica/Medicina Laboratorial (SBPC/ML) e da Sociedade Brasileira de Endocrinologia e Metabologia (SBEM)

ABSTRACT The Brazilian Society of Clinical Pathology/Laboratory Medicine (SBPC/ML) and the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SBEM) recommend a new template for laboratory reports of 25-hydroxyvitamin D: deficiency < 20 ng/ml; normal values for the general population between 20-60 ng/ml; ideal values for at-risk population between 30-60 ng/ml; e risk of toxicity > 100 ng/ml.

RESUMEN La Sociedade Brasileira de Patologia Clínica/Medicina Laboratorial (SBPC/ML) y la Sociedade Brasileira de Endocrinologia e Metabologia (SBEM) sugieren un nuevo modelo de informe de laboratorio para 25-hidroxivitamina D: deficiencia < 20 ng/ml; valores normales para la población general entre 20 y 60 ng/ml; valores ideales para la población de riesgo entre 30 y 60 ng/ml; riesgo de intoxicación > 100 ng/ml.

RESUMO A Sociedade Brasileira de Patologia Clínica/Medicina Laboratorial (SBPC/ML) e a Sociedade Brasileira de Endocrinologia e Metabologia (SBEM) recomendam um novo modelo de laudo laboratorial para 25-hidroxivitamina D: deficiência < 20 ng/ml; valores normais para a população geral entre 20 e 60 ng/ml; valores ideais para população de risco entre 30 e 60 ng/ml; e risco de intoxicação > 100 ng/ml.

Body composition and nutritional and metabolic parameters in postmenopausal women sufficient, insufficient and deficient in vitamin D

ABSTRACT Objective We investigated changes in body composition and nutritional and metabolic parameters in a group of postmenopausal women who were classified as sufficient, insufficient and deficient in vitamin D. Subjects and methods A total of 106 postmenopausal women were included in this cross-sectional study and classified according to their serum levels of 25-OH-vitamin D as sufficient (≥ 30 ng/mL; group S), insufficient (20.1 and 29.9 ng/mL; group I) or deficient (≤ 20 ng/mL; group D) in vitamin D. Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA); dietary recall questionnaires were completed; and blood samples were analysed to compare the metabolic and nutritional status of the study groups. Results Eleven (10.4%) of the women were classified in group S, 50 (47.2%) in group I and 45 (42.4%) in group D, with a mean serum level for 25-OH-D of 21.1 ± 7.0 ng/mL in all participants. Body composition did not differ among the groups. Serum levels of 25-OH-D were negatively correlated with serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Conclusions Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency were highly prevalent in our group of postmenopausal women, showing an association with an unfavourable lipid profile.

Análise do processo de acolhimento em um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial Infantojuvenil: considerações de uma investigação etnográfica / Analysis of the embracement process in a Child and Adolescent Psychosocial Healthcare Center: considerations from an ethnographic investigation / Análisis del proceso de acogida en un Centro de Atención Psico-social Infanto-juvenil: consideraciones de una investigación etnográfica

Este artigo analisa as práticas de acolhimento a crianças e adolescentes desenvolvidas pelos profissionais de um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial Infantojuvenil (CAPSi) do município de Salvador, Bahia, Brasil. Em uma investigação etnográfica, foram analisados os aspectos institucionais e clínicos envolvidos desde a chegada do usuário pela primeira vez ao serviço até o encaminhamento dado ao seu caso. Na análise, foram utilizadas categorias que se referem à organização da ambiência, aos processos de trabalho interdisciplinares, às estratégias de avaliação psicossocial e à continuidade do cuidado. Evidencia-se como a organização e vivência do encontro de usuários e profissionais no momento do acolhimento são importantes demarcadores para a forma de vinculação e responsabilização com os casos que chegam ao serviço, apontando também necessidades específicas para investimento na formação dos trabalhadores de saúde mental e na reorganização dos processos de trabalho no CAPSi.(AU)

The present article analyzes how children and adolescents are receveid by professionals at a Child and Adolescent Psychosocial Healthcare Center (CAPsi) in the municipality of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. In an ethnographic study, institutional and clinical aspects were analyzed, starting with the arrival of first time users to the center and including referrals given to their cases. The following categories emerged from data analysis: the organization of the work environment, interdisciplinary work processes, psychosocial assessment strategies, and continuity of care. The manner in which the first meeting between users and professionals is organized and experienced is an important indication of how the patient-professional relationship will develop and of the responsibility taken by professionals for the cases that arrive at the center. Furthermore, the data show the specific need to invest in the education of mental health workers and the reorganization of work processes in the CAPSi.(AU)

Este artículo analiza las prácticas de acogida a niños y adolescentes desarrolladas por los profesionales de un Centro de Atención Psico-social Infanto-juvenil (CAPSi) del municipio de Salvador, Bahia, Brasil. En una investigación etnográfica se analizaron los aspectos institucionales y clínicos envueltos, desde la llegada del usuario por la primera vez al servicio hasta el direccionamiento dado a su caso. En el análisis se utilizaron categorías que se refieren a la organización del ambiente, a los procesos de trabajo interdisciplinarios, a las estrategias de evaluación psico-social y a la continuidad del cuidado. Se muestra como la organización y vivencia del encuentro de usuarios y profesionales en el momento de la acogida son importantes demarcadores para la forma de vinculación y toma de responsabilidad con los casos que llegan al servicio, señalando también necesidades específicas para inversión en la formación de los trabajadores de salud mental y en la reorganización de los procesos de trabajo en el CAPSi.(AU)

Apoio matricial em Saúde Mental na atenção básica: efeitos na compreensão e manejo por parte de agentes comunitários de saúde / Apoyo matricial en Salud Mental en la atención básica: efectos en la comprensión y el manejo por parte de agentes comunitarios de salud / Matrix support in Mental Health in primary care: the effects on the understanding and case management of community health workers

O apoio matricial (AM) é um dispositivo pedagógico-assistencial utilizado, sobretudo, para aumentar a resolutividade da atenção primária à saúde, possuindo considerável difusão na Saúde Mental. Esse estudo avaliou os efeitos do AM em Saúde Mental em uma unidade de saúde da família (USF) em Salvador, Bahia, Brasil. A pesquisa utilizou observação participante e entrevistas com 12 agentes comunitários de saúde, analisados por meio de análise de conteúdo temática. Identificamos efeitos em quatro dimensões: a) mudanças na atitude dos profissionais; b) ampliação do acesso aos serviços; c) desenvolvimento de novas práticas de cuidado; d) aumento da resolutividade. O AM produziu mudanças na compreensão e prática dos profissionais, assim como mudanças organizacionais na USF e em sua relação com a rede de serviços, evidenciando o AM como uma intervenção efetiva na qualificação da atenção à Saúde Mental.(AU)

El apoyo matricial (AM) es un dispositivo pedagógico-asistencial utilizado principalmente para aumentar la capacidad de resolución de la atención primaria de la salud, teniendo considerable difusión en la salud mental. Ese estudio evaluó los efectos del AM en la salud mental en una unidad de salud de la familia en Salvador, Bahia, Brasil. El estudio utilizó observación participante y entrevistas con 12 agentes comunitarios de salud, analizados por medio de análisis de contenido temático. Identificamos efectos en cuatro dimensiones: a) cambio en la actitud de los profesionales; b) ampliación de acceso a los servicios; c) desarrollo de nuevas prácticas de cuidado; d) aumento de la capacidad de resolución. El AM produjo cambios en la comprensión y práctica de los profesionales, así como cambios organizacionales en la USF y en su relación con la red de servicios, mostrando al AM como una intervención efectiva en la calificación de la atención a la salud mental.(AU)

Matrix support is a pedagogical-care device primarily used to increase the problem-solving capacity of primary care, and highly employed in mental health care. The present study assessed the effects of matrix support in mental health in a family health unit in the city of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. The study employed participant observation and interviews with 12 community health agents, which were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Four dimensions of effects were identified: a) changes in the attitudes of the professionals; b) expanding access to services; c) developing new care practices; d) increasing problem-solving capacity. The support matrix produced changes in the understanding and practices of professionals, as well as in organizational changes of family health units and in their relationship with the service network, indicating that matrix support is an effective intervention to qualify mental health care.(AU)

Association between undercarboxylated osteocalcin, bone mineral density, and metabolic parameters in postmenopausal women

ABSTRACT Objective: Osteocalcin has been associated with several effects on energy and glucose metabolism. However, the physiological role of undercarboxylated osteocalcin (U-osc; the hormonally active isoform of osteocalcin) is still controversial. To correlate the serum levels of U-osc with bone mineral density (BMD) values and metabolic parameters in postmenopausal women. Subjects and methods: Cross-sectional study including 105 postmenopausal women (age 56.5 ± 6.1 years, body mass index [BMI] 28.2 ± 4.9 kg/m2) grouped based on the presence of three or less, four, or five criteria of metabolic syndrome according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). The subjects underwent dualenergy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for the assessment of body composition and BMD and blood tests for the measurement of U-osc and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP) levels. Results: The mean U-osc level was 3.1 ± 3.4 ng/mL (median 2.3 ng/mL, range 0.0-18.4 ng/mL) and the mean BSAP level was 12.9 ± 4.0 ng/mL (median 12.1 ng/mL, range 73-24.4 ng/mL). There were no associations between U-osc and BSAP levels with serum metabolic parameters. Lower fasting glucose levels were observed in participants with increased values of U-osc/femoral BMD ratio (3.61 ± 4 ng/mL versus 10.2 ± 1.6 ng/mL, p = 0.036). When the participants were stratified into tertiles according to the U-osc/ femoral BMD and U-osc/lumbar BMD ratios, lower fasting glucose levels correlated with increased ratios (p = 0.029 and p = 0.042, respectively). Conclusion: Based on the ratio of U-osc to BMD, our study demonstrated an association between U-osc and glucose metabolism. However, no association was observed between U-osc and metabolic parameters.The U-osc/BMD ratio is an innovative way to correct the U-osc value for bone mass.

Self-report of psychological symptoms in hypoparathyroidism patients on conventional therapy

ABSTRACT Objective: Hypoparathyroidism is characterized by parathyroid hormone deficiency and hypocalcemia. It has been demonstrated that these patients may also present psychiatric symptoms and decrease of quality of life. The aims of this study were to evaluate the presence of psychopathological symptoms in a cohort of patients with hypoparathyroidism and compare to a control group. Subjects and methods: Patients were submitted to a cross-sectional Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R) questionnaire that evaluates psychopathological symptoms by means of the Global Severity Index (GSI), Positive Symptoms Total (PST) and Positive Symptom Distress Index (PSDI). A score based in the positive symptoms was calculated (T-score). The test group was composed of patients with hypoparathyroidism, and control by thyroidectomized patients without hypoparathyroidism. A correlation between the presence of psychological symptoms and clinical features was analyzed. Results: The study included 57 patients with a mean age of 51.1 ± 16.4 years; 20 as a control and 37, test group. There were no differences between groups regarding gender, mean age and age at diagnose. Hypoparathyroidism patients presented higher GSI index than the control group (p = 0.038). Mean T-score of the test group was as elevated as 58.2 ± 5.3 (reference range < 55). No correlation of the number of psychological symptoms to clinical and laboratorial parameters was observed. Conclusion: Patients with hypoparathyroidism attending our outpatient clinics presented an increase in the number of self-report of psychological symptoms when compared with a control group. However, no correlation with hypocalcemia and clinical parameters was observed. Future studies are necessary to evaluated if the absence of PTH play a role on it.

Diagnosis and treatment of hypoparathyroidism: a position statement from the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism

ABSTRACT Objective To present an update on the diagnosis and treatment of hypoparathyroidism based on the most recent scientific evidence. Materials and methods The Department of Bone and Mineral Metabolism of the Sociedade Brasileira de Endocrinologia e Metabologia (SBEM; Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism) was invited to prepare a document following the rules set by the Guidelines Program of the Associação Médica Brasileira (AMB; Brazilian Medical Association). Relevant papers were retrieved from the databases MEDLINE/PubMed, LILACS, and SciELO, and the evidence derived from each article was classified into recommendation levels according to scientific strength and study type. Conclusion An update on the recent scientific literature addressing hypoparathyroidism is presented to serve as a basis for the diagnosis and treatment of this condition in Brazil.

Use of pamidronate for osteoporosis treatment in public health care in Brazil / Uso de pamidronato para o tratamento da osteoporose no sistema público de saúde no Brasil

Abstract Purpose: The use of bisphosphonates for osteoporosis is effective in reducing the risk of fractures. However, oral formulations are sometimes not well tolerated or are contraindicated. Due to its availability in Brazilian public health system, pamidronate is frequently prescribed for osteoporosis, despite the lack of studies demonstrating its anti-fracture efficacy and the absence of FDA or EMEA approval for this purpose. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bone mineral density (BMD) response to pamidronate in a group of women with osteoporosis in a tertiary care hospital. Patients and methods: The medical records of women with osteoporosis who received pamidronate for up to two years of treatment were reviewed. Patients were stratified at high or intermediate risk of fracture. Results: A total of 70 women were in treatment with pamidronate. Among them, 74% were at high risk of fracture. A significant gain in spine BMD after 24 months of treatment was observed (p = 0.012). There was no difference between the groups of high and not high risk of fracture. At the femur, no significant increase in BMD was present, though, a strong negative correlation with high PTH levels (r = −0.61; p = 0.003) was seen. In the multivariate analysis BMI at 12 months had impact in the response to the treatment. Conclusion The intravenous pamidronate in a group of postmenopausal women with predominant high risk of fracture promoted an isolated gain in the spine BMD, even though, clinical randomized trials are needed to confirm its anti-fracture efficacy.

Resumo Justificativa: O uso de bisfosfonatos para a osteoporose é eficaz na redução do risco de fraturas. No entanto, as formulações orais às vezes não são bem toleradas ou são contraindicadas. Em razão da sua disponibilidade no sistema público de saúde brasileiro, o pamidronato é frequentemente prescrito para a osteoporose, apesar da falta de estudos que demonstrem a sua eficácia antifratura e da ausência de aprovação da Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ou da European Medicine Agency (Emea) para essa finalidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a resposta da densidade mineral óssea (DMO) ao pamidronato em um grupo de mulheres com osteoporose em um hospital terciário. Pacientes e métodos: Revisaram-se os prontuários médicos de mulheres com osteoporose que receberam pamidronato por até dois anos de tratamento. As pacientes foram estratificadas em risco alto ou intermediário de fratura. Resultados: Estavam em tratamento com pamidronato 70 mulheres. Entre elas, 74% tinham alto risco de fratura. Observou-se um ganho significativo na DMO da coluna vertebral após 24 meses de tratamento (p = 0,012). Não houve diferença entre os grupos de risco de fratura alto e não alto. No fêmur, não foi encontrado aumento significativo na massa óssea; contudo, observou-se uma forte correlação negativa com altos níveis de PTH (r = −0,61; p = 0,003). Na análise multivariada, o IMC aos 12 meses tinha impacto na resposta ao tratamento. Conclusão O pamidronato intravenoso em um grupo de mulheres na pós-menopausa predominantemente com alto risco de fratura promoveu um ganho isolado na DMO da coluna vertebral, embora sejam necessários ensaios clínicos randomizados para confirmar sua eficácia antifratura.

Consensus - reference ranges of vitamin D [25(OH)D] from the Brazilian medical societies. Brazilian Society of Clinical Pathology/Laboratory Medicine (SBPC/ML) and Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SBEM) / Posicionamento oficial da Sociedade Brasileira de Patologia Clínica/Medicina Laboratorial (SBPC/ML) e da Sociedade Brasileira de Endocrinologia e Metabologia (SBEM) sobre intervalos de referência da vitamina D [25(OH)D]

ABSTRACT Introduction: Vitamin D is considered a pre-hormone and plays a crucial role in calcium homeostasis and, consequently, in bone health. The best source of vitamin D is the skin in response to sunlight. Only small amounts of this vitamin are found in some foods (especially fatty fish), which makes availability of vitamin D in the diet limited. Brazilian population studies show that the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in our country is high. Objective: To define the reference intervals for vitamin D [25(OH)D]. Discussion: Consensus of specialists - literature review. Conclusion: The standardization of reference intervals is fundamental for the correct diagnosis and treatment of hypovitaminosis D.

RESUMO Introdução: A vitamina D é considerada um pré-hormônio e apresenta papel crucial na homeostase do cálcio e, consequentemente, na saúde óssea. A maior fonte de vitamina D é a pele, em resposta à luz solar. Apenas pequenas quantidades dessa vitamina são encontradas em alguns alimentos (especialmente peixes gordurosos), o que faz com que a disponibilidade da vitamina D na dieta seja limitada. Estudos populacionais brasileiros demonstram que a prevalência da hipovitaminose D no nosso país é elevada. Objetivo: Definição dos intervalos de referência para vitamina D [25(OH)D]. Discussão: Consenso de especialistas - revisão da literatura. Conclusão: A padronização dos intervalos de referência é fundamental para o correto diagnóstico e tratamento da hipovitaminose D.

Hypoparathyroidism and pseudohypoparathyroidism: etiology, laboratory features and complications

ABSTRACT Objectives To identify a clinical profile and laboratory findings of a cohort of hypoparathyroidism patients and determine the prevalence and predictors for renal abnormalities. Materials and methods Data from medical records of five different visits were obtained, focusing on therapeutic doses of calcium and vitamin D, on laboratory tests and renal ultrasonography (USG). Results Fifty-five patients were identified, 42 females and 13 males; mean age of 44.5 and average time of the disease of 11.2 years. The most frequent etiology was post-surgical. Levels of serum calcium and creatinine increased between the first and last visits (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively); and serum levels of phosphate decreased during the same period (p < 0.001). Out of the 55 patients, 40 had USG, and 10 (25%) presented with kidney calcifications. There was no significant difference in the amount of calcium and vitamin D doses among patients with kidney calcifications and others. No correlation between serum and urinary levels of calcium and the presence of calcification was found. Urinary calcium excretion in 24h was significantly higher in patients with kidney calcification (3.3 mg/kg/d) than in those without calcification (1.8 mg/kg/d) (p < 0.05). Conclusions The reduction of hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia suggest an effectiveness of the treatment, and the increase in serum creatinine demonstrates an impairment of renal function during follow-up. Kidney calcifications were prevalent in this cohort, and higher urinary calcium excretion, even if still within the normal range, was associated with development of calcification. These findings suggest that lower rates of urinary calcium excretion should be aimed for in the management of hypoparathyroidism.

New insights on diabetes and bone metabolism / Novos conceitos em diabetes e metabolismo ósseo

Diabetes mellitus is a common chronic metabolic disease worldwide whose prevalence has increased during the last decades. Besides its more commonly recognized complications, such as macrovascular disease, retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy, diabetes related bone disease has gained growing attention. Diabetic patients are more prone to fracture than the general population as well as to low turnover bone disease in the chronic kidney disease setting. In this review, we discuss the relationship between diabetes and bone as well as the pathogenesis of bone fragility in T2D.

Resumos O diabetes mellitus é uma desordem metabólica crônica cuja prevalência tem aumentado no mundo todo ao longo das últimas décadas. Além de suas complicações mais reconhecidas, como a doença macrovascular, retinopatia, nefropatia e neuropatia, as alterações ósseas relacionadas ao diabetes têm ganhado um crescente interesse. Os pacientes diabéticos são mais suscetíveis a fraturas do que a população geral e à doença de baixa remodelação entre os pacientes com doença renal crônica. Nesta revisão, iremos discutir a relação entre diabetes e o tecido ósseo, assim como a patogênese da fragilidade óssea no diabetes tipo 2.

Sarcopenia in COPD: relationship with COPD severity and prognosis / Sarcopenia na DPOC: relação com a gravidade e o prognóstico da DPOC

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of sarcopenia in COPD patients, as well as to determine whether sarcopenia correlates with the severity and prognosis of COPD.Methods: A cross-sectional study with COPD patients followed at the pulmonary outpatient clinic of our institution. The patients underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The diagnosis of sarcopenia was made on the basis of the skeletal muscle index, defined as appendicular lean mass/height2 only for low-weight subjects and adjusted for fat mass in normal/overweight subjects. Disease severity (COPD stage) was evaluated with the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) criteria. The degree of obstruction and prognosis were determined by the Body mass index, airflow Obstruction, Dyspnea, and Exercise capacity (BODE) index.Results: We recruited 91 patients (50 females), with a mean age of 67.4 ± 8.7 years and a mean BMI of 25.8 ± 6.1 kg/m2. Sarcopenia was observed in 36 (39.6%) of the patients, with no differences related to gender, age, or smoking status. Sarcopenia was not associated with the GOLD stage or with FEV1 (used as an indicator of the degree of obstruction). The BMI, percentage of body fat, and total lean mass were lower in the patients with sarcopenia than in those without (p < 0.001). Sarcopenia was more prevalent among the patients in BODE quartile 3 or 4 than among those in BODE quartile 1 or 2 (p = 0.009). The multivariate analysis showed that the BODE quartile was significantly associated with sarcopenia, regardless of age, gender, smoking status, and GOLD stage.Conclusions: In COPD patients, sarcopenia appears to be associated with unfavorable changes in body composition and with a poor prognosis.

Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência de sarcopenia em pacientes com DPOC e determinar se sarcopenia está correlacionada com a gravidade e o prognóstico de DPOC.Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo em pacientes com DPOC atendidos no ambulatório de pneumologia de nossa instituição. Os pacientes realizaram absorciometria de dupla energia por raios X. O diagnóstico de sarcopenia foi baseado no índice de massa muscular esquelética, definido como massa magra apendicular/altura2 somente para indivíduos com baixo peso, sendo ajustado pela massa gorda para aqueles com peso normal/sobrepeso. A gravidade da doença (estádio da DPOC) foi avaliada com os critérios da Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). O grau de obstrução e o prognóstico foram determinados pelo índice Body mass index, airflow Obstruction, Dyspnea, and Exercise capacity (BODE).Resultados: Foram incluídos 91 pacientes (50 mulheres), com média de idade de 67,4 ± 8,7 anos e média de IMC de 25,8 ± 6,1 kg/m2. Sarcopenia foi diagnosticada em 36 (39,6%) dos pacientes, sem diferenças relacionadas a sexo, idade ou status tabágico. Não houve associação de sarcopenia com estádios GOLD ou VEF1 (utilizado como indicador do grau de obstrução). O IMC, a porcentagem de gordura corporal e a massa magra total foram menores nos pacientes com sarcopenia do que naqueles sem a doença (p < 0,001). A prevalência de sarcopenia foi maior nos pacientes com BODE nos quartis 3 ou 4 que naqueles com BODE nos quartis 1 ou 2 (p = 0,009). A análise multivariada mostrou que os quartis do BODE estavam significativamente associados à sarcopenia, independentemente de idade, gênero, status tabágico e estádio GOLD.Conclusões: Em pacientes com DPOC, sarcopenia parece estar associada a alterações desfavoráveis na composição corporal e pior prognóstico.

Produtos naturais bioativos de Baccharis platypoda DC. (Asteraceae) / Bioactive natural products Baccharis platypoda DC. (Asteraceae)

Existe uma necessidade urgente de drogas leishmanicidas mais eficazes e/ou menos tóxicas para contribuir com o arsenal terapêutico atualmente disponível. O grupo de pesquisa de Química de Produtos Naturais Bioativos do Laboratório de Química de Produtos Naturais bioativos do CPqRR tem realizado projetos de bioprospecção de flora brasileira buscando por novos hits que possam ser utilzados no tratamento das leishmanioses. A espécie Baccharis platypoda (Asteraceae) foi uma espécie que mostrou atividade leishmanicida e que foi pouco investigada do ponto de vista químico e biológico. O estudo químico biomonitorado do extrato etanólico das folhas dessa espécie levou à obtenção de cinco frações com elevada toxicidade para formas amastigotas intracelulares de L. (L.) amazonensis e o fracionamento de uma dessas frações resultou no isolamento de um novo diterpenoclerodano, de baixa atividade, que após análise de RMN e ESI-TOF-MS/MS foi denominado platypodiol ou 1R,3R,4R,8aR)-3-(hidroximetil)-4-[(3E)-5-hidroxi-3-metilpent-3-en-1-il]-4,8,8a-trimetil-1,2,3,4,4a,5,6,8a-octahidronaftalen-1-ol. Em estágio sanduíche realizado na Universidade de Granada – Espanha os compostos fenólicos do extrato etanólico das folhasd de B. platypoda foram investigados porHPLC–ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS no modo negativo e 19 ácidos fenólicos, 10 flavonas, 5 flavonóis e 6 flavanonas foram identificados. Além disso, o potencial antioxidante do extrato foi avaliado em quatro ensaios, mostrando o potencial antioxidante daespécie. Esses resultados aumentaram o conhecimento fitoquímico sobre a espécie brasileira B. platypoda, considerando que ela foi até o momento pouco investigada cientificamente...