Ocorrência de dor combinada na coluna lombar, cintura pélvica e sínfise púbica entre gestantes do extremo sul do Brasil / Occurrence of combined pain in the lumbar spine, pelvic girdle and pubic symphysis among pregnant women in the extreme south of Brazil

RESUMO: Objetivos: Estimar a prevalência e caracterizar a ocorrência de dor lombar gestacional (DLG), dor na cintura pélvica posterior (DCPP) e dor na sínfise púbica (DSP) entre gestantes residentes em Rio Grande, RS. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado com todas as puérperas com parto em 2016. Foram utilizadas duas figuras para investigar a presença de DLG, DCPP e DSP de forma isolada ou combinada. Regressão logística multinomial foi usada para avaliar os fatores associados a cada sintoma. Resultados: DLG foi referida por 42,2% das entrevistadas, DSP por 4,9%, e DCPP por 2%, enquanto DLG + DSP por 9%, DLG + DCPP por 2,8%, DCPP + DSP por 1,1% e dor nas três regiões por 3,9% delas. Quanto maior era a idade da gestante, menor foi o risco de DLG e de DLG combinada a uma das regiões da cintura pélvica e maior o risco de DCPP + DSP. Depressão na gestação aumentou o risco de todas as combinações dos sintomas. Conclusão: Este estudo realizou uma descrição mais detalhada da ocorrência dos desfechos avaliados e de seus fatores associados. Estudos como este são raros no país, sobretudo com baixas taxas de perdas e recusas. A elevada prevalência dos sintomas avaliados sugere que sua investigação seja rotineira nas consultas de pré-natal, atendo-se a idade das gestantes, sintomas depressivos e a dores combinadas e intensas.

ABSTRACT: Objectives: To estimate the prevalence and characterize the occurrence of low back pain (LBP), posterior pelvic girdle pain (PPGP) and pubic symphysis pain (PSP) among pregnant women resident in Rio Grande, RS. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of all postpartum women who gave birth in 2016. Two pictures were used to investigate the presence of LBP, PPGP and PSP, both isolated and combined. Multinomial logistic regression was used to evaluate the factors associated with each symptom. Results: LBP was reported by 42.2%, PSP by 4.9%, and PPGP by 2%, while LBP + PSP was reported by 9%, LBP and PPGP by 2.8% and PPGP + PSP by 1.1%, and pain in all three regions was reported by 3.9% of the sample. The more advanced the age of the pregnant women, the risk for LBP and of LBP combined with one of the pelvic girdle regions was reduced, while the risk for PPGP + PSP was increased. Depression during pregnancy increased the risk for all symptom combinations. Conclusion: This study provided a detailed description of the occurrence of the evaluated outcomes and its associated factors. Studies like this are rare in Brazil, especially a census with low rates of losses and refusals. The high prevalence of the evaluated symptoms suggests that it should be investigated routinely in prenatal care, taking into account the age of the pregnant women, depressive symptoms and those experiencing combined or intense pain.

Síntomas subagudos y crónicos de la fiebre de chikungunya en un grupo de personas adultas en Ibagué, Colombia / Subacute and chronic symptoms of chikungunya fever in a group of adults in Colombia

Resumen Introducción. La fiebre de chikungunya en Colombia ocasiona una alerta en salud pública que se extiende en el tiempo, dadas las características subagudas y crónicas de la enfermedad. Objetivo. Describir los síntomas subagudos y crónicos en personas mayores de 18 años con fiebre de chikungunya en Ibagué, Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio descriptivo con muestreo en bola de nieve de 368 adultos de todas las comunas de Ibagué que presentaban síntomas de la fiebre de chikungunya de más de 12 días de duración. Resultados. Las articulaciones que presentaban dolor en la fase subaguda y crónica de la enfermedad fueron las de manos (84,2 %), rodillas (72,8 %) y tobillos (69,3 %); además de las articulaciones, la planta de los pies fue el sitio en que más frecuentemente se presentó dolor (48,8 %). El dolor articular en manos (p=0,017) y tobillos (p=0,001) y el dolor en la planta de los pies (p=0,002) fueron significativos en las mujeres. La fatiga o el cansancio generalizado se presentaron en el 58,9 % de las personas y se prolongó por más de un año en el 2,4 % de ellas. Conclusiones. Los síntomas de la fase subaguda y crónica de la fiebre de chikungunya coincidieron con los descritos en la literatura médica, su duración se extendió hasta por un año o más en algunos de los casos y su intensidad disminuyó con el tiempo. Los síntomas referidos fueron más comunes en las mujeres que en los hombres.

Abstract Introduction: In Colombia, chikungunya fever creates a warning in public health that extends over time given the subacute and chronic characteristics of the disease. Objective: To describe subacute and chronic symptoms in adult people who suffered chikungunya fever in the city of Ibagué, Colombia. Materials and methods: We conducted a descriptive study with snowball sampling in 368 adults from all the communes of Ibagué, Colombia, who had symptoms of chikungunya fever spanning for more than 12 days. Results: The joints that showed the greatest pain in the subacute and chronic phase of the disease were the hands with 84.2%, knees with 72.8%, and ankles with 69.3%. The soles of the feet were the non-articular areas with greater frequency of pain (48.8%). Joint pain in the hands (p=0.017) and ankles (p=0.001) and pain in the soles of the feet (p=0.002) were significant in women. General fatigue occurred in 58.9% of the subjects and in 2.4% of the population, it lasted for more than a year. Conclusions: The symptoms of the subacute and chronic phase of chikungunya fever were the same reported in the literature, they lasted up to a year or more, and decreased in intensity over time. The referred symptoms were more common in women than in men.

Prevalence of joint pain and osteoarthritis in obese brazilian population / Prevalência de dor articular e osteoartrite na população obesa brasileira

ABSTRACT Background: High body mass index, as well as maintaining this condition for a long period of time, are important risk factors for the development of osteoarthritis. Aim: To determine joint pain and osteoarthritis prevalence in patients referred to bariatric surgery. Methods: Morbidly obese patients referred to bariatric surgery responded to the visual analogue pain scale (VAS) and the WOMAC questionnaire. X-rays of the hips and knees were evaluated. The primary endpoints were self-reported joint pain and the diagnosis of osteoarthritis by clinical and radiological criteria of the American College of Rheumatology. Results: 141 patients were interviewed (85.1% women) with a mean age of 40 years. The mean body mass index was 46. The lumbar spine and knee joint were the most commonly reported as painful (77.9% and 73.2% respectively). Prevalence of knee osteoarthritis was 63.1% and hip osteoarthritis was 40.8%. Age, mean VAS and WOMAC scores were higher in the osteoarthritic individuals. Conclusion: There is prevalence of 90.1% of pain symptoms in morbidly obese patients referred to bariatric surgery. The prevalence of knee osteoarthritis was 63.1% and hip osteoarthritis was 40.8% in this sample.

RESUMO Racional: Alto índice de massa corpórea, assim como a manutenção desta condição por longo período de tempo, são importantes fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de osteoartrite. Objetivo: Determinar a prevalência de dor articular e osteoartrite em pacientes aguardando cirurgia bariátrica. Métodos: Pacientes obesos mórbidos responderam à escala e questionário (VAS e WOMAC) de dor e função. Radiografias dos quadris e joelhos foram avaliadas. Os desfechos primários foram dor articular referida nos questionários e o diagnóstico de osteoartrite feito através dos critérios clinicoradiológicos do Colégio Americano de Reumatologia. Resultados: Cento e quarenta e um pacientes foram entrevistados (85,1% mulheres) com idade média de 40 anos. A média do índice de massa corpórea foi de 46. Coluna lombar e joelhos foram as regiões mais comumente referidas com dor (77,9% e 73,2% respectivamente). A prevalência de osteoartrite dos joelhos foi de 63,1% e dos quadris foi de 40,8%. Idade, média da escala visual de dor e resultados do questionário de WOMAC foram maiores nos indivíduos com osteoartrite. Conclusão: Há prevalência de 90,1% de sintomas dolorosos nos pacientes obesos mórbidos encaminhados para cirurgia bariátrica. A osteoartrite dos joelhos foi de 63,1% e de quadris de 40,8%.

Persistent arthralgia and related risks factors in laboratory-confirmed cases of Chikungunya virus infection in Mexico / Artralgia persistente y factores de riesgos relacionados en casos confirmados por laboratorio de infección por el virus del Chikunguña en México / Artralgia persistente e fatores de riscos relacionados em casos confirmados em laboratório de infecção pelo vírus Chikungunya no México

ABSTRACT Objective To estimate the cumulative incidence of persistent arthralgia at 6 months from acute Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection and to evaluate the association of clinical markers with the risk of long-term arthralgia. Methods This multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted in the Mexican state of Colima. A total of 136 individuals aged 15 years and older with serologically confirmed CHIKV infection were enrolled. Participants were interviewed at 6 months from the onset of symptoms, and self-reported persistent arthralgia (PA) was the main binary outcome. A self-report numeric rating scale (NRS) ranging from 0 to 10 was used to estimate the severity of articular pain. Results The cumulative incidence of PA was 41.9%. Severe pain (NRS ≥ 7) presented in 36.8% of participants with PA. In multiple analysis, individuals aged 40 years and older (risk ratio (RR) = 1.60; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03–2.48) and those with articular pain at 3 months post-infection (RR = 3.95; 95% CI, 1.95–8.01) had a significantly increased risk of PA at 6 months from CHIKV infection. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is first report of a CHIKV-associated long-term outcome in Mexico, where the incidence of the infection has been high. This is also the first study in Latin America evaluating several factors associated with the risk of PA. Our findings may be useful in health care settings to stratify the risk of chronic arthralgia secondary to CHIKV infection and to identify patients who would benefit clinically from early medical intervention.

RESUMEN Objetivo Calcular la incidencia acumulada de artralgia persistente en los 6 meses siguientes a la infección aguda por el virus del Chikunguña y evaluar la asociación entre los marcadores clínicos y el riesgo de artralgia a largo plazo. Método Este estudio de cohortes multicéntrico y retrospectivo se condujo en el estado mexicano de Colima con la participación de un total de 136 personas de al menos 15 años de edad con infección aguda por el virus de Chikunguña serológicamente confirmada. Se entrevistó a los participantes en los seis meses posteriores al inicio de los síntomas, y la artralgia persistente autonotificada fue el principal resultado dicotómico. Para calcular la gravedad del dolor articular, se empleó una escala de clasificación numérica, en que el participante puntuaba la gravedad del dolor articular de 0 a 10. Resultados La incidencia acumulada de artralgia persistente fue de 41,9%. De los participantes con artralgia persistente, 36,8% presentaron un dolor intenso (igual o mayor a 7 en la escala de clasificación numérica). En varios análisis, las personas de al menos 40 años de edad (razón de riesgo [RR] = 1,60; intervalo de confianza [IC] de 95%, 1,03–2,48) y las personas que experimentaban dolor articular en los tres meses posteriores a la infección (RR = 3,95; IC de 95%, 1,95–8,01) tenían un riesgo significativamente mayor de padecer artralgia persistente en los seis meses siguientes a la infección aguda por el virus del Chikunguña. Conclusiones En la medida de nuestro conocimiento, este es el primer informe acerca de un resultado a largo plazo asociado a la infección aguda por el virus del Chikunguña en México, donde se ha registrado una incidencia alta de la infección. También es el primer estudio en el que se evalúan varios factores asociados al riesgo de artralgia persistente realizado en América Latina. Nuestros resultados pueden ser útiles en los establecimientos de atención de salud para estratificar el riesgo de padecer artralgia crónica subsecuente a la infección aguda por el virus de Chikunguña e identificar a los pacientes que se beneficiarían clínicamente de una intervención médica temprana.

RESUMO Objetivo Calcular a incidência acumulada de artralgia persistente após 6 meses de infecção aguda pelo vírus Chikungunya (CHIKV, sigla em inglês) e avaliar a associação de marcadores clínicos com o risco de artralgia a longo prazo. Métodos Este estudo de coorte retrospectivo e multicêntrico foi realizado no estado mexicano de Colima. Um total de 136 indivíduos com idade a partir de 15 anos e infecção pelo CHIKV confirmada por sorologia foram incluídos. Os participantes foram entrevistados 6 meses após o surgimento dos sintomas. O desfecho binário principal foi artralgia persistente (AP) autorrelatada. Uma escala numérica autorrelatada de 0 a 10 foi utilizada para calcular a gravidade da artralgia. Resultados A incidência acumulada de AP foi 41,9%. Dor intensa (≥ 7 na escala numérica) foi relatada por 36,8% dos participantes com PA. A análise múltipla revelou risco significantemente elevado de AP 6 meses após infecção pelo CHIKV nos indivíduos com idade igual ou superior a 40 anos (razão de risco (RR) = 1,60; intervalo de confiança (IC) de 95% = 1,03–2,48) e naqueles com dor articular 3 meses após a infecção (RR = 3,95; IC 95% = 1,95–8,01). Conclusões Até onde sabemos, este é o primeiro relato de um desfecho a longo prazo associado à infecção por CHIKV no México, país onde a incidência desta infecção foi elevada. Este é também o primeiro estudo realizado na América Latina a avaliar vários fatores associados com o risco de AP. Nossos achados talvez sejam úteis para estratificação do risco de artralgia crônica secundária à infecção pelo CHIKV e para identificação de pacientes nos quais intervenção médica precoce poderia ser benéfica do ponto de vista clínico.

Prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in postmenopausal women and relationship with pain and HRT

Abstract The prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is higher in females, reaching their high peak during reproductive years, probably because of the action of some female hormones, which alter pain threshold. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of TMD in postmenopausal women and its relationship with pain and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). In total, 284 patients were evaluated and classified using the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD). Pain was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and patients were also asked about the use of HRT. All data was analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and chi-square test. In total, 155 subjects did not have TMD and 129 had TMD; TMD group patients were classified according to RDC/TMD axis I classification as follows: muscle disorder group (1.6%), disk displacement group (72.87%), and arthralgia, osteoarthritis, and osteoarthrosis group (37.98%). Pain was registered in 35 patients who belonged to the TMD group, while 48 patients reported the use of HRT. There was a similar percentage of TMD and non TMD patients; moreover, the use of exogenous hormones was no associated with TMD, suggesting that there is no influence on the pain threshold.

Prevalência de sintomas e lesões osteoarticulares em ecocardiografistas / Prevalence of symptoms and osteoarticular lesions on Brazilian echocardiographers

Síntomas y lesiones articulares y neuromusculares (SLANM) pueden ocurrir por esfuerzo repetitivo, con elevada prevalencia en técnicos en ecocardiografía. La prevalencia de los SLANM diagnosticados aun es desconocida en ecocardiografistas brasileños. Objetivo:Evaluar la prevalencia de SLANM en cardiólogos brasileños relacionada al trabajo como ecocardiografistas. Métodos: Médicos asociados al Departamento de Imagen Cardiovascular fueron invitados a responder preguntas relacionadas al perfil antropométrico, de trabajo como ecocardiografista, y SLANM. La comparación entre los participantes con (grupo 1) y sin SLANM (grupo 2) fue hecha con el test t no pareado para variables continuas y con Chi-cuadrado para categóricas. Fueron considerados significativos valores de p <0,05. Resultados: De junio de 2014 a junio de 2015, 474 respondieron el cuestionario; de esos, 311 fueron válidos; 248 (80%) fueron del grupo1 (45 ± 9,2 años; 48% mujeres) y 63 (20%), del grupo 2 (43 ± 9,8 años; 29% mujeres). En el grupo 1, el tiempo medio de aparición de los SLANM fue de 6,8 ± 5,3 años a partir del entrenamiento como ecocardiografista; 144(58%) procuraron atención; 126 (88%) requirieron tratamiento; 51 (35%) necesitaron apartamiento temporal; y 5(4%), de cirugía. Los SLANM fueron más frecuentes en los hombros y en los profesionales con más de 10 años de trabajo como ecocardiografista (65%); en el grupo 2 había menos mujeres (p = 0,009). No hubo diferencia entre los grupos en relación a las medidas antropométricas, miembro superior utilizado para el examen (p = 0,25), número de exámenes por semana(p = 0,49), o práctica de actividades físicas(p = 0,91).Conclusión:La prevalencia de SLANM en ecocardiografistas brasileños parece ser elevada. Las mujeres y los profesionales con más de 10 años de ecocardiografía parecen más susceptible.

Introduction: Joint and neuromuscular injuries and symptoms (JNIS) may occur due to repetitive strain, with high prevalence in echocardiography technicians. The prevalence of diagnosed JNIS remains unknown in Brazilian echocardiographers. Objective: Evaluate the prevalence of JNIS in Brazilian cardiologists related to their work as echocardiographers. Methods: Physicians from the Department of Cardiovascular Imaging were asked to answer a questionnaire about their anthropometric profile, their work as echocardiographers, and JNIS. Participants with JNIS (group 1) and without JNIS (group 2) were analyzed as follows: a comparison of continuous variables was made by the unpaired t-test, and a comparison of categorical variables was made by a chi-square test. P values were considered significant if <0.05. Results: From June 2014 to June 2015, 474 answered the questionnaire; of these, 311 were valid; 248 (80%) were in group 1 (45 ± 9.2 years; 48%women) and 63 (20%) in group 2 (43 ± 9.8 years; 29% women). In group 1, the mean time to the onset of JNIS was 6.8 ± 5.3 years as from the start of echocardiography training; 144 (58%) sought care; 126 (88%) required treatment; 51 (35%) required temporary leave; and 5 (4%) underwentsurgery. JNIS were more common on shoulders and in professionals with more than 10 years working as echocardiographers (65%); group 2 had fewer women (p = 0.009). There was no difference between groups in relation to anthropometric measurements; test criteria: upper limb used for the exam(p = 0.25), number of exams per week (p = 0.49), or physical activity (p = 0.91). Conclusion: The prevalence of JNIS in Brazilian echocardiographers seems to be high. Women and professionals with over 10-years’ experience in echocardiography seem more susceptible.

Differences in Clinical Manifestations and Outcomes between Adult and Child Patients with Henoch-Schonlein Purpura

We aimed to investigate differences in clinical manifestations and outcomes between adult and child patients with Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP), and to analyze the factors associated with poor prognosis for HSP nephritis. This retrospective 10-yr study enrolled 160 patients with HSP who visited Severance Hospital. Purpura was mostly detected in lower extremities, but purpura in upper extremities was more frequently observed in adults than children (41.7% vs 19.3%). Children had a greater frequency of arthralgia (55.4% vs 27.1%), while adults had a greater frequency of diarrhea (20% vs 1.6%). Anemia, elevated C-reactive protein, and level of IgA were more frequently observed in adults (25% vs 7.1%, 65.6% vs 38.4%, 26.3% vs 3.5%). Renal involvement in adults was more severe than in children (79.2% vs 30.4%). Chronic renal failure showed a significant difference in outcomes of HSP between adults (10.4%) and children (1.8%) after a follow up period of an average of 27 months. Furthermore, renal insufficiency at diagnosis was significantly related to the progression to chronic renal failure. Our results showed several differences in the clinical features of HSP between adults and children. Adults with HSP had a higher frequency of renal insufficiency and worse renal outcomes than children. Renal insufficiency at diagnosis might be of predictive value for the progression to chronic renal failure in HSP patients.

Quality of life and prevalence of osteoarticular pain in patients submitted to bariatric surgery / Qualidade de vida e prevalência de dor osteoarticular em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica

OBJECTIVE: To analyze quality of life and observe the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in patients submitted to bariatric surgery. METHODS: A prospective, observational and comparative study with 26 individuals aged 18 to 60 years, 25 women, which included two evaluations, one preoperative and the other approximately 42 months after surgery. The Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Human Body Diagram with Visual Analogue Scale were employed. RESULTS: The individual samples showed grade III obesity, with a predominance of postoperative overweight, hypertension and diabetes in 65.4% and 42.3% of the samples, with remission of hypertension in 50% and of diabetes mellitus in 38.5% (p<0.001). The SF-36 demonstrated improved quality of life, especially in aspects related to motricity; vitality and mental health showed no significant changes. Osteoarticular pain was reported and identified in various sites by the subjects; however, 87.5% of patients in the preoperative period and 88.5% in the postoperative period reported not having any physical therapy orientation, while 65.4% reported being engaged in some type of regular physical activity after surgery (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Morbidly obese individuals have a high probability of suffering from clinical, psychic, and musculoskeletal alterations, compromising their quality of life and showing improvement after bariatric surgery; on the other hand, the psycho-emotional manifestations did not progress in the same way.

OBJETIVO: Analisar a qualidade de vida e observar a prevalência de dor musculoesquelética em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo, observacional e comparativo, incluindo 26 amostras, idade entre 18 e 60 anos, sendo 25 mulheres e compreendendo duas avaliações, uma pré-operatória e outra cerca de 42 meses após a cirurgia, com aplicação do Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) e do Diagrama do Corpo Humano com Escala Visual Analógica. RESULTADO: As amostras apresentaram obesidade grau III, com predomínio de sobrepeso após cirurgia, hipertensão e diabetes presentes em 65,4% e 42,3% das amostras, com remissão da hipertensão em 50% e da diabete mellitus em 38,5% (p<0,001). O SF-36 evidenciou melhora da qualidade de vida, sobretudo nos aspectos relacionados à motricidade; vitalidade e saúde mental não apresentaram mudanças significativas. A dor osteoarticular esteve presente e foi apontada em diversos pontos pelos sujeitos da amostra; contudo, 87,5% dos pacientes no pré e 88,5% no pós-operatório relataram não ter realizado nenhum acompanhamento fisioterápico, enquanto 65,4% relataram fazer algum tipo de atividade física regularmente após a cirurgia (p<0,001). CONCLUSÃO: Obesos mórbidos apresentam alta probabilidade de sofrer com as alterações clínicas, psíquicas e musculoesqueléticas, comprometendo sua qualidade de vida e apresentando melhora após a cirurgia bariátrica; por outro lado, as manifestações psicoemocionais não tiveram a mesma evolução.

Asymptomatic avascular osteonecrosis of the hip in new patients diagnosed as systemic lupus erythematosus in Ramathibodi Hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To determine asymptomatic avascular osteonecrosis (AVN) of the hip in new patients diagnosed as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in Ramathibodi Hospital. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A prospective descriptive study of new SLE patients with asymptomatic hip at the Rheumatology clinic of Ramathobodi Hospital was conducted from February 2005 to November 2005. The information of steroid and immunosuppressive drug treatment was recorded Plain film (AP and frog leg views) and MR study of both hips were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-two hips (II patients) were enrolled in the present study (women 100%; mean age 27.8 years; range 16-50). Four hips (2 patients, 18%) had A VN, without other abnormal imaging findigs of the hips and pelvis. Seventeen hips of nine patients hadjoint effusion; none of them had AVN. No marrow edema, secondary osteoarthritis, collapsed femoral head or pelvic insufficiency fracture in allpatients is detected. In the present study, the 2 AVN patients had longest duration of steroid treatment before MR study (105 & 99 days) and rather high cumulative dose of prednisolone or its equivalent dose (4920 & 4540 mg), compared to non-AVN patients. CONCLUSION: SLE patients without hip pain may have AVN of the hips. Joint effusion and marrow edema do not necessarily associate with early AVN, and the authors found early AVN without joint effusion. Cumulative dose and duration of steroid treatment seem to relate to AVN in the present study. However a larger number of cases, prospective clinical data, and long-term follow up will help better evaluate the prevalence of asymptomatic AVN of the hips, as well as to evaluate the benefit of MRI as a screening tool for patients at risk of AVN.

Prevalência e fatores associados a dor em bailarinos profissionais / Prevalence and associated factors with pain in professional dancers

PURPOSE: To investigate factors associated to pain in ballet dancers as well its prevalence. METHODS: We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study among 141 professional ballet dancers from the main capitals of Northeastern Brazil. In order to evaluate the symptoms of pain we used Portuguese official versions of the McGill Protocol and the Pain Inventory of Wisconsin. For statistical analysis of the results we performed a descriptive assessment, followed by T-Student and Pearson's Correlation tests (taking a value of p < 0.05). RESULTS: We observed high levels of pain tolerance in 70.2% of the subjects, in which the intensity varied from moderate to severe. The lumbar region was the most affected (85.8%). We observed positive correlations concerning the intensity degree of pain with activities such as dancing (60.3%), sleeping (28.4%), marching (20.6%), general activities (32.6%), mood (27.7%), and personal relations (16.3%). CONCLUSION: We observed a high prevalence of pain in professional ballet dancers from the main Northeastern capitals, attacking mostly the lumbar region, followed by knees, neck, hip and feet, with substantial interference of pain symptoms in several activities of the personal and professional lives of these people.

Exposicion ocupacional y efectos a la salud del mercurio metalico entre odontologos y asistentes dentales: un estudio preliminar: Valencia, Venezuela; 1998 / Occupational exposure and health effects of metallic mercury among dentists and dental assistants: a preliminary study, Valencia, Venezuela; 1998

Esta investigación pretendió establecer los efectos del Hg sobre la salud de odontólogos y asistentes dentales, su relación con condiciones de exposición, y el posible daño renal debido al Hg. La población fue de 66 personas, la muestra, 37 (56 por ciento), 22 odontólogos (59,5 por ciento, 19 hombres, 3 mujeres) y 15 asistentes dentales mujeres (40,5 por ciento). Se realizaron: encuesta opcional, Hg en orina (Hg-O) y actividad de N-Acetil-beta-D-glucosaminidasa en orina (BAG-O), como biomarcador precoz de daño renal. Los valores de HgO para los odontólogos fueron 22.4 más o menos 6,4 micra g/g creatinina, para los asistentes, 22,2 más o menos 6,1 mu g/g creatinina (p>0.05), y los de BAG-O, de 2,9 más o menos 3 U/L y de 5,2 más o menos 8,1 U/L, respectivamente, no existiento diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p0,05). No se detectó correlación entre el námero de amalgamas preparadas y de horas trabajadas con Hg-O y NAG-O. Los síntomas más frecuentes referidos por los odontólogos fueron irritabilidad, 54,5 por ciento, cefalea, 45,4 por ciento y artralgias, 40,9 por ciento. Por los asistentes, artralgia, 53,5 por ciento, irritabilidad, 46,7 por ciento, y cefalea, 46,7 por ciento, no existiendo riesgo significativo de sufrirlo para ningún grupo. Se requieren nuevas investigaciones que incluyan monitoreo ambiental del Hg, evaluación médica y pruebas neuroconductuales para detectar efectos precoces, asá como la aplicación de medidas de control en pro de la salud del personal.

Perimenopausal symptoms in Sri Lankan women.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the types of perimenopausal symptoms (PMS) associated with the natural menopause and to make a preliminary assessment of the influence of PMS on household work, employment duties and social life, since no published data are available regarding these aspects in Sri Lankan women. DESIGN: A cross-sectional descriptive study of 403 women after natural menopause chosen randomly from four selected groups. METHOD: A pre-tested coded questionnaire administered by trained women medical students to consenting menopausal women. RESULTS: An overwhelming majority of menopausal women (87.1%) had one or more PMS. The principal PMS reported were insomnia (57.8%), joint pains (55.8%), night sweats (55.6%), hot flushes (40.2%), irritability (35.3%) and headaches (33.3%). Of the 171 women employed outside the home, 38% noted some interference with employment duties. PMS causes much morbidity in Sri Lankan perimenopausal women.