Are temporomandibular joint signs and symptoms associated with magnetic resonance imaging findings in juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients? A longitudinal study.

The aims of this longitudinal study were to perform a comprehensive clinical evaluation of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and to investigate the association between the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in the TMJs of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Seventy-five patients with JIA participated in this study. All patients underwent a rheumatological examination performed by a paediatric rheumatologist, a TMJ examination performed by a single dentist and an MRI with contrast of the TMJs. These examinations were scheduled on the same date. The patients were examined again 1 year later. Twenty-eight (37.3 %) patients reported symptoms at the first evaluation and 11 (14.7 %) patients at the second evaluation. In relation to signs, 35 (46.7 %) of the patients presented at least one sign at the first evaluation and 29 (38.7 %) at the second. Intense contrast enhancement of TMJ was significantly associated with disease activity (p < 0.001) at the first evaluation and a trend to significance was observed at the second (p = 0.056), with poly/systemic subtypes (p = 0.028 and p = 0.049, respectively), with restricted mouth opening capacity (p = 0.013 and p = 0.001, respectively), with the presence of erosions at both evaluations (p = 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively) and with altered condylar shape at the second evaluation (p = 0.0005). TMJ involvement is highly prevalent in JIA patients, with asymptomatic children presenting severe structural alterations of the TMJ. The TMJ should always be evaluated in JIA patients, even in the absence of signs and symptoms.

Fatigue in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: reliability of the "Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory-Multidimensional Fatigue Scale".

The aim of the study was (1) to translate the "Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory-Multidimensional Fatigue Scale" (PedsQL-Fatigue) into Brazilian Portuguese language and culture and evaluate its reliability and (2) to measure fatigue among patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA): (1) Translation of the PedsQL-Fatigue by two bilingual researchers; (2) Backtranslation into English assessed by the authors of the original version; (3) Pilot study with five patients followed in the Pediatric Rheumatology Outpatient Clinic and their parents; and (4) Field study and assessment of measurement properties (internal consistency, reproducibility, and construct validity). In this stage, the scale was administered to 67 patients with JIA and 63 healthy individuals, aged from 2 to 18 years old, matched by age (from 2 to 4, 5 to 7, 8 to 12, and from 13 to 18 years old). Cronbach's alpha coefficient ranged from 0.6 to 0.8 for children and parents, indicating the instrument's good internal consistency. The scale's construct validity was confirmed by a satisfactory Spearman's coefficient between the PedsQL-Fatigue and the generic PedsQL 4.0 (0.840 for the children and 0.742 for the parents). Reproducibility was also adequate (0.764 for the children and 0.938 for the parents). No differences were found between the scores obtained by the JIA group and control group, though lower scores were observed among patients with clinically active JIA when compared to those without clinical activity. The PedsQL-Fatigue is a valid and reliable tool, and that can be used to measure fatigue among patients with JIA.

Quality of life in patients with sickle cell disease.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality of life in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease attending a blood reference center, and to assess the quality of life of their relatives. METHODS: Cross-sectional study that included 100 patients with sickle cell disease, which were divided into three subgroups according to age: 5 to 7 (n=18), 8 to 12 (n=32), and 13 to 18 years-old (n=50), and their parents. The Control Group included 50 healthy children and adolescents from a public local school, also divided into the same three age subgroups and their caregivers. The Pediatric Quality of life Inventory (PedsQL), version 4.0, was applied in both groups. The generic questionnaire Medical Outcomes Study 36 - Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) was applied to the relatives. The answers were linearly transformed into a score and compared by non-parametric tests. RESULTS: The PedsQL scores of patients were significantly lower than those obtained in the Control Group (p<0.0001) in all studied areas (physical, emotional, social skills, and school activities). Similarly, SF-36 scores applied to the patients' parents were lower than those obtained in the Control Group in all studied aspects (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Sickle cell disease affects the quality of life of children, adolescents, and their families. Patients sense restrictions in the emotional, social, family and physical aspects, among others.

Qualidade de vida em portadores de doença falciforme / Quality of life in patients with sickle cell disease / Calidad de vida en portadores de enfermedad falciforme

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde de crianças e adolescentes com doença falciforme assistidas em um hemocentro de referência e mensurar a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde dos respectivos familiares. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal e seccional com 100 pacientes portadores de doença falciforme, divididos em três subgrupos conforme a faixa etária: de 5 a 7 (n=18), de 8 a 12 (n=32) e de 13 a 18 anos (n=50) e com seus respectivos pais. O Grupo Controle foi composto por 50 crianças e adolescentes saudáveis de uma escola pública local, também divididos nos três subgrupos de idade e seus respectivos cuidadores. Foi aplicado o questionário genérico "Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory" (PedsQL), versão 4.0, em ambos os grupos. Aos familiares foi aplicado o questionário genérico Medical Outcomes Study 36 - Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). As respostas obtidas foram linearmente transformadas em um escore e comparadas com o auxílio de testes não paramétricos. RESULTADOS: Os escores dos pacientes no PedsQL foram inferiores àqueles do Grupo Controle (p<0,0001) nos aspectos estudados (capacidades física, emocional, social e atividade escolar). Da mesma forma, os escores do SF-36 aplicados aos pais dos pacientes foram mais baixos que os de pais do Grupo Controle em todos os aspectos estudados (p<0,0001). CONCLUSÕES: A doença falciforme compromete a qualidade de vida das crianças, dos adolescentes e de suas respectivas famílias. Os pacientes percebem restrições nos aspectos emocional, social, familiar e físico, dentre outros.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality of life in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease attending a blood reference center, and to assess the quality of life of their relatives. METHODS: Cross-sectional study that included 100 patients with sickle cell disease, which were divided into three subgroups according to age: 5 to 7 (n=18), 8 to 12 (n=32), and 13 to 18 years-old (n=50), and their parents. The Control Group included 50 healthy children and adolescents from a public local school, also divided into the same three age subgroups and their caregivers. The Pediatric Quality of life Inventory (PedsQL), version 4.0, was applied in both groups. The generic questionnaire Medical Outcomes Study 36 - Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) was applied to the relatives. The answers were linearly transformed into a score and compared by non-parametric tests. RESULTS: The PedsQL scores of patients were significantly lower than those obtained in the Control Group (p<0.0001) in all studied areas (physical, emotional, social skills, and school activities). Similarly, SF-36 scores applied to the patients' parents were lower than those obtained in the Control Group in all studied aspects (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Sickle cell disease affects the quality of life of children, adolescents, and their families. Patients sense restrictions in the emotional, social, family and physical aspects, among others.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la calidad de vida relacionada a la salud en niños y adolescentes con enfermedad falciforme asistidas en un servicio de hemoterapia de referencia y medir la calidad de vida relacionada a la salud de los respectivos familiares. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal y seccional en 100 pacientes portadores de enfermedad falciforme, divididos en tres subgrupos conforme a la franja de edad: de 5 a 7 (n=18), de 8 a 12 (n=32) y de 13 a 18 (n=50) años con sus respectivos padres. El Grupo Control fue compuesto por 50 niños y adolescentes sanos de una escuela pública local, también divididos en los mismos tres subgrupos de edad y sus respectivos cuidadores. Se aplicó el cuestionario genérico «Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory¼ (PedsQL), versión 4.0, a ambos grupos. A los familiares se aplicó el cuestionario genérico Medical Outcomes Study 36 - Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Las respuestas obtenidas fueron linealmente transformadas en un escore y comparadas con la ayuda de pruebas no paramétricas. RESULTADOS: Los escores de los pacientes en el PedsQL fueron inferiores a aquellos del Grupo Control (p<0,0001) en los aspectos estudiados (capacidades física, emocional, social y actividad escolar). Del mismo modo, los escores del SF-36 aplicados a los padres de los pacientes fueron más bajos que los de padres del Grupo Control en todos los aspectos estudiados (p<0,0001). CONCLUSIONES: La enfermedad falciforme compromete la calidad de vida de los niños, de los adolescentes y de sus respectivas familias. Los pacientes perciben restricciones en los aspectos emocional, social, familiar y físico, entre otros.

Prevalence of juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children aged 6 to 12 years in Embu das Artes, state of Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The aim of the study was to study the prevalence of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in school children in the city of Embu das Artes in São Paulo State. 2880 school children from seven public schools, aged between 6 and 12 years, were evaluated (clinical findings) by a pediatric rheumatologist. A board certified Pediatric Rheumatologist evaluated the subjects with suspected inflammatory arthropathy. Children with higher suspicion were referred to a specialized service. One hundred and forty-one children have presented abnormalities on examination of musculoskeletal system, with isolated pain on palpation the most common finding in the first evaluation (60.9%), with improvement in almost all cases in the second examination. Most of the abnormalities were related to recent injuries or congenital malformations. Six children have clinical findings suggestive of chronic arthropathy and were referred to a specialized pediatric rheumatology clinic. Of these, a 12 year-old girl fulfilled the criteria for JIA. The other diagnoses were aseptic necrosis of the hip (P = 1) of and post-trauma synovitis (P = 4). The prevalence of JIA in children aged between 6 and 12 years was 1/2.880 (or 0.34/1.000).

Factors associated with adherence to treatment in children and adolescents with chronic rheumatic diseases.

OBJECTIVE: There are several factors that contribute to poor adherence to treatment in children and adolescents with chronic rheumatic diseases, worsening their quality of life and prognosis. Our aim was to assess the rates of adherence to treatment and to identify the socioeconomic and clinical factors associated. METHODS: The sample included 99 patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, systemic erythematosus lupus, dermatomyositis or juvenile scleroderma. All patients were followed at the outpatient pediatric rheumatology for a minimum period of 6 months. To assess adherence, a questionnaire was administered to the providers, which included three blocks: 1) demographic, clinical and laboratory data; 2) medication adherence; and 3) attending follow-up appointments, examinations and use of orthoses. A value lower than or equal to 80% of the prescribed was considered poor adherence. RESULTS: A total of 53% of patients showed good overall adherence, observed when the caregiver lived in a stable union marital status (p = 0.006); 20 patients (20.2%) presented poor medication adherence, related to the use of three or more medications daily (p = 0.047). The causes of poor adherence were forgetfulness, refusal, incorrect dose or lack of medication, personal problems, and financial difficulties. CONCLUSIONS: We observed good overall treatment adherence in patients whose providers lived in stable union and poor adherence to medication in patients who used more than three types of medication daily. There was no association between the adherence rates and sex, age, time since diagnosis and disease activity.

Fatores associados à adesão ao tratamento de crianças e adolescentes com doenças reumáticas crônicas / Factors associated with adherence to treatment in children and adolescents with chronic rheumatic diseases

OBJETIVO: São vários os fatores que contribuem para a má adesão ao tratamento de crianças e adolescentes com doenças reumáticas crônicas, gerando piora da qualidade de vida e do prognóstico. Nosso objetivo foi avaliar as taxas de adesão ao tratamento e identificar os fatores socioeconômicos e clínicos associados. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos 99 pacientes com artrite idiopática juvenil, lúpus eritematoso sistêmico, dermatomiosite ou esclerodermia juvenil. Todos os pacientes eram acompanhados no ambulatório de reumatologia pediátrica por um período mínimo de 6 meses. Para avaliação da adesão, foi aplicado aos cuidadores um questionário composto por três blocos: 1) dados demográficos, clínicos e laboratoriais; 2) adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso; e 3) comparecimento às consultas, realização de exames e utilização de órteses. Foi considerada má adesão, quando realizado valor menor ou igual a 80% do prescrito. RESULTADOS: Um total de 53% dos pacientes apresentou boa adesão ao tratamento global, observada quando o cuidador possuía união estável (p = 0,006); 20 pacientes (20,2%) apresentaram má adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso, relacionada à utilização de mais que três medicamentos diários (p = 0,047). As causas de má adesão ao tratamento foram esquecimento, recusa, dose incorreta ou falta de medicamento, problemas pessoais e dificuldades financeiras. CONCLUSÕES: Observamos boa adesão ao tratamento global nos pacientes cujos cuidadores possuíam união estável e má adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso nos pacientes que utilizavam mais que três tipos de medicamentos diariamente. Não houve associação entre as taxas de adesão ao tratamento e sexo, idade, tempo de diagnóstico e atividade da doença.

OBJECTIVE: There are several factors that contribute to poor adherence to treatment in children and adolescents with chronic rheumatic diseases, worsening their quality of life and prognosis. Our aim was to assess the rates of adherence to treatment and to identify the socioeconomic and clinical factors associated. METHODS: The sample included 99 patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, systemic erythematosus lupus, dermatomyositis or juvenile scleroderma. All patients were followed at the outpatient pediatric rheumatology for a minimum period of 6 months. To assess adherence, a questionnaire was administered to the providers, which included three blocks: 1) demographic, clinical and laboratory data; 2) medication adherence; and 3) attending follow-up appointments, examinations and use of orthoses. A value lower than or equal to 80% of the prescribed was considered poor adherence. RESULTS: A total of 53% of patients showed good overall adherence, observed when the caregiver lived in a stable union marital status (p = 0.006); 20 patients (20.2%) presented poor medication adherence, related to the use of three or more medications daily (p = 0.047). The causes of poor adherence were forgetfulness, refusal, incorrect dose or lack of medication, personal problems, and financial difficulties. CONCLUSIONS: We observed good overall treatment adherence in patients whose providers lived in stable union and poor adherence to medication in patients who used more than three types of medication daily. There was no association between the adherence rates and sex, age, time since diagnosis and disease activity.

Sleep, stress, neurocognitive profile and health-related quality of life in adolescents with idiopathic musculoskeletal pain.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to measure levels of sleep, stress, and depression, as well as health-related quality of life, and to assess the neurocognitive profiles in a sample of adolescents with idiopathic musculoskeletal pain. METHODS: Nineteen adolescents with idiopathic musculoskeletal pain and 20 age-matched healthy control subjects were evaluated regarding their levels of sleep and stress, as well as quality of life, and underwent neurocognitive testing. RESULTS: The sample groups consisted predominantly of females (84%), and the socioeconomic status did not differ between the two groups. In addition, the occurrence of depressive symptoms was similar between the two groups; specifically, 26% of the idiopathic musculoskeletal pain patients and 30% of the control subjects had scores indicative of depression. Teenagers in the group with idiopathic musculoskeletal pain reported poorer quality of life and sleep scores than those in the control group. Regarding stress, patients had worse scores than the control group; whereas 79% of the adolescents with idiopathic musculoskeletal pain met the criteria for a diagnosis of stress, only 35% of the adolescents in the control group met the criteria. In both groups, we observed scores that classified adolescents as being in the resistance phase (intermediate) and exhaustion phase (pathological) of distress. However, the idiopathic musculoskeletal pain group more frequently reported symptomatic complaints of physical and emotional distress. The neurocognitive assessment showed no significant impairments in either group. CONCLUSION: Adolescents with idiopathic musculoskeletal pain did not exhibit cognitive impairments. However, adolescents with idiopathic musculoskeletal pain did experience intermediate to advanced psychological distress and lower health-related quality of life, which may increase their risk of cognitive dysfunction in the future.

Assessment of nutritional status and eating disorders in female adolescents with fibromyalgia.

PURPOSE: To assess eating disorders, nutritional status, body composition, and food intake in adolescents presenting with fibromyalgia. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, we evaluated the nutritional status (z score of body mass index [ZBMI]), waist circumference, body fat percentage by bioelectrical impedance analysis, symptoms of disordered eating, and possible eating disorders (Kids' Eating Disorders Survey [KEDS]) of 23 female adolescents with fibromyalgia and 23 matched healthy control subjects. RESULTS: Median age for both groups was 15 years. In the fibromyalgia group, the median time for diagnosis was 13.5 months. We did not observe a statistically significant difference between the control and fibromyalgia groups in relation to ZBMI, fat mass percentage, food intake, and symptoms of disordered eating (KEDS). In the fibromyalgia group, there was a significant correlation between fat mass percentage and the total KEDS score (r = .587, p = .003); the same correlation was observed for ZBMI (r = .0778, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: This study verified an absence of nutritional and eating disorders in adolescents recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia that, in addition to the correlation between adiposity indexes and KEDS total score, emphasizes the importance of nutritional and body composition assessment, allowing an early and adequate nutritional intervention.

Sleep, stress, neurocognitive profile and healthrelated quality of life in adolescents with idiopathic musculoskeletal pain

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to measure levels of sleep, stress, and depression, as well as health-related quality of life, and to assess the neurocognitive profiles in a sample of adolescents with idiopathic musculoskeletal pain. METHODS: Nineteen adolescents with idiopathic musculoskeletal pain and 20 age-matched healthy control subjects were evaluated regarding their levels of sleep and stress, as well as quality of life, and underwent neurocognitive testing. RESULTS: The sample groups consisted predominantly of females (84%), and the socioeconomic status did not differ between the two groups. In addition, the occurrence of depressive symptoms was similar between the two groups; specifically, 26% of the idiopathic musculoskeletal pain patients and 30% of the control subjects had scores indicative of depression. Teenagers in the group with idiopathic musculoskeletal pain reported poorer quality of life and sleep scores than those in the control group. Regarding stress, patients had worse scores than the control group; whereas 79% of the adolescents with idiopathic musculoskeletal pain met the criteria for a diagnosis of stress, only 35% of the adolescents in the control group met the criteria. In both groups, we observed scores that classified adolescents as being in the resistance phase (intermediate) and exhaustion phase (pathological) of distress. However, the idiopathic musculoskeletal pain group more frequently reported symptomatic complaints of physical and emotional distress. The neurocognitive assessment showed no significant impairments in either group. CONCLUSION: Adolescents with idiopathic musculoskeletal pain did not exhibit cognitive impairments. However, adolescents with idiopathic musculoskeletal pain did experience intermediate to advanced psychological distress and lower health-related quality of life, which may increase their risk of cognitive dysfunction in the future.

Immune response and tolerability of varicella vaccine in children and adolescents with systemic lupus erythematosus previously exposed to varicella-zoster virus.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present paper is to evaluate the immune response and tolerability of varicella vaccine in children and adolescents with systemic lupus erythematosus previously exposed to varicella-zoster virus. METHODS: We performed a prospective and controlled study on a group of 54 SLE patients that were chosen at random to be or not to be vaccinated (28 were vaccinated and 26 were not). Twenty-eight healthy controls, of matching age and sex were also vaccinated. All were submitted to a questionnaire, physical evaluation and laboratory assays: lymphocyte immune-phenotyping by flow cytometry, plasma varicella zoster virus (VZV) serology by ELISA and in vitro interferon gamma (IFNγ) production by T-cells after stimulus with VZV antigen. They were evaluated before vaccination and at 30, 45, 180 and 360 days afterwards. RESULTS: We did not observe any differences in the frequency of adverse events in both vaccinated groups. At study entry, all individuals were seropositive for VZV antibodies. The serum VZV antibody titres similarly increased after vaccination. The frequency of flares and the SLEDAI score were also similar among the patients. Thirty days after vaccination the production of IFNγ specific to VZV was lower in the SLE group compared to healthy controls. In the follow-up we observed 4 cases of herpes zoster in the SLE unvaccinated group, but no zoster in the vaccinated group. CONCLUSIONS: The varicella vaccine was well tolerated in SLE group, who had pre-existing immunity to varicella. The varicella vaccine immunogenicity measurement by serum antibody titres was appropriate. The incidence of HZ was lower in the vaccinated lupus group.

Reliability of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory - Healthcare Satisfaction Generic Module 3.0 version for the assessment of the quality of care of children with chronic diseases.

OBJECTIVE: To translate to Brazilian Portuguese and to evaluate the reliability of the Healthcare Satisfaction (HS) Generic Module version 3.0 of the PedsQL inventory for the Brazilian culture. METHOD: The methods recommended by the authors of the original version of the questionnaire were used: 1) translation by bilingual experts; 2) back translation into English and evaluation by the authors of the original version; 3) a pilot study including 10 parents (cognitive interview); and 4) evaluation of the measurement properties of the questionnaire. The questionnaire was administered to 60 parents of children and adolescents with chronic diseases in key units of the Department of Pediatrics. RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.57 to 0.78 for all domains (information, family inclusion, communication, technical skills, emotional needs and overall satisfaction), which confirmed good internal consistency. Test-retest reproducibility was evaluated using 20% of the sample (Spearman correlation coefficient = 0.909). The satisfaction score was good in all areas (> 4.3 points) except in the emotional needs domain. CONCLUSION: The Brazilian version of the HS-PedsQL is a valid and reliable tool to measure the overall satisfaction of parents and caregivers with the treatment of their children.

Confiabilidade do módulo Satisfação com o Serviço de Saúde do questionário Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory versão 3.0 na avaliação do atendimento de crianças e adolescentes com doenças crônicas / Reliability of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory - Healthcare Satisfaction Generic Module 3.0 version for the assessment of the quality of care of children with chronic diseases

OBJETIVO: Traduzir e avaliar a confiabilidade do módulo Satisfação com o Serviço de Saúde do questionário Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory versão 3.0 (SSS-PedsQL) para o idioma português e para a cultura brasileira. MÉTODO: Utilizamos a metodologia proposta pelos autores da versão original do questionário: 1) tradução por especialistas bilíngues; 2) tradução reversa para o inglês com avaliação pelos autores da versão original; 3) estudo piloto envolvendo 10 pais (entrevista cognitiva); e 4) avaliação das propriedades de medida do questionário, sendo administrado a um grupo de 60 pais de crianças e adolescentes com doenças crônicas em acompanhamento nos departamentos de pediatria de um hospital-escola. RESULTADOS: Obtivemos alfa de Cronbach entre 0,57 e 0,78 para os domínios do questionário (informação, inclusão familiar, comunicação, habilidades técnicas, necessidades emocionais e satisfação geral), demonstrando uma boa consistência interna. Foi avaliada a reprodutibilidade interobservador em 20 por cento da amostra, com coeficiente de correlação de Spearman de 0,909. Observamos um ótimo escore de satisfação com as equipes multiprofissionais para todos os domínios (> 4,3 pontos), exceto para os domínios "necessidades emocionais", com 3,5 pontos, e "comunicação", com 3,9. CONCLUSÃO: A versão brasileira do SSS-PedsQL é válida e confiável e é útil na mensuração da satisfação global dos pais e/ou cuidadores com o tratamento dos seus filhos.

OBJECTIVE: To translate to Brazilian Portuguese and to evaluate the reliability of the Healthcare Satisfaction (HS) Generic Module version 3.0 of the PedsQL inventory for the Brazilian culture. METHOD: The methods recommended by the authors of the original version of the questionnaire were used: 1) translation by bilingual experts; 2) back translation into English and evaluation by the authors of the original version; 3) a pilot study including 10 parents (cognitive interview); and 4) evaluation of the measurement properties of the questionnaire. The questionnaire was administered to 60 parents of children and adolescents with chronic diseases in key units of the Department of Pediatrics. RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.57 to 0.78 for all domains (information, family inclusion, communication, technical skills, emotional needs and overall satisfaction), which confirmed good internal consistency. Test-retest reproducibility was evaluated using 20 percent of the sample (Spearman correlation coefficient = 0.909). The satisfaction score was good in all areas (> 4.3 points) except in the emotional needs domain. CONCLUSION: The Brazilian version of the HS-PedsQL is a valid and reliable tool to measure the overall satisfaction of parents and caregivers with the treatment of their children.

Dor musculoesquelética idiopática difusa na infância e na adolescência / Diffuse idiopathic musculoskeletal pain in childhood and adolescence

OBJETIVO: A dor musculoesquelética difusa idiopática persistente ou intermitente é definida pela presença de dor com duração de três meses ou mais, sem etiologia aparente, e tem acometido cada vez mais crianças e adolescentes. Este estudo objetivou relatar dois pacientes com dor incapacitante submetidos à abordagem e ao tratamento multiprofissional, além de discutir o tratamento conduzido, por meio de revisão da literatura atual. DESCRIÇÃO DO CASO: O primeiro caso é de uma menina com nove anos de idade, com histórico de cefaleia, dor mus-culoesquelética e dor abdominal há dois anos, período no qual apresentou quatro episódios de ausência de marcha, sem causas orgânicas aparentes. O segundo caso refere-se a uma adolescente de 14 anos com lombalgia diária há 14 meses de forte intensidade, com irradiação para membros inferiores, acompanhada de cefaleia, fadiga e adinamia. Ambas apresentavam exame físico normal, exceto pela presença de alodínia (caso 1) e pontos de fibromialgia (caso 2); além de exames subsidiários normais, sem justificativas orgânicas para as queixas dolorosas. Houve melhora clínica significativa após diagnóstico e tratamento diferencial por meio de abordagem multiprofissional (médico, psicólogo, fisioterapeuta e nutricionista), com retomada das atividades regulares pelas pacientes. COMENTÁRIOS: A atuação integrada da equipe em um curto período de tempo proporcionou às pacientes a retomada de suas atividades normais, visto que fatores emocionais, físicos e nutricionais relacionam-se à dor.

OBJECTIVE: Persistent or intermittent diffuse idiopathic musculoskeletal pain is defined by the presence of pain over three months with no apparent etiology. The diagnosis of this condition in children and adolescents is increasing. The objective of this study was to report the cases of two patients with disabling pain that received multidiscipli-nary treatment and to review the current literature about this subject. CASE DESCRIPTION: The first patient is a nine-year old girl with history of headache, musculoskeletal pain and abdominal pain for two years. During this period she had four episodes of absence of gait with no apparent organic cause. The second patient is a 14-year girl with severe daily low back pain for 14 months, followed by headache and fatigue. Both patients presented a normal physical examina-tion, except for allodynia (case 1) and fibromyalgia tender points (case 2). All tests resulted negative regarding the search for organic reasons for pain complaints. Significant clinical improvement was observed with a multidisciplinary approach offered by pediatricians, psychologists, physical therapists, and nutritionists. Both patients resumed their daily regular activities. COMMENTS: Team integrated performance in a short-term period can provide the attenuation of pain symptoms since emotional, physical and nutritional factors are related to the pain expressed by the patients.

Sclerotic metaphyseal lines in children and adolescents treated with alendronate.

INTRODUCTION: Bisphosphonates inhibit bone resorption by interfering with the action of osteoclasts. Among the adverse effects, sclerotic lines observed in the metaphysis of long bones have been described as the main imaging finding in pediatric patients. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency of radiographic changes caused by alendronate in children and adolescents with low bone density or calcinosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study with 21 patients who were treated with once-weekly alendronate for at least 10 months. Patients underwent x-rays of long bones before the start of alendronate and approximately one year after its use. RESULTS: Eleven patients (52.3%) had sclerotic lines in the metaphysis of long bones. The most frequent site was the tibia (8/11 patients), followed by the femur (7/11), humerus (6/11), radius (4/11), ulna (3/11), and fibula (2/11). Regression of radiographic changes during the study period (up to 1.1 years after discontinuation of alendronate) was not observed. CONCLUSION: If used carefully, alendronate is safe and radiographic changes have not been shown to be clinically relevant.

Vaccination practice in children with rheumatic disease.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: Evaluate clinical practice through assessment of vaccination card and recommendation of specific vaccines in pediatric patients with rheumatic diseases in use of different drugs and reveal the possible association between vaccination frequency and time of the clinical practice of pediatric rheumatologists in the state of São Paulo. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to pediatric rheumatologists of the Departamento de Reumatologia da Sociedade de Pediatria de São Paulo. This instrument included questions about practice time on Pediatric Rheumatology, vaccination of patients with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM), and immunization according to the treatments used. RESULTS: Vaccination card was seen by 100% of the professionals at the first visit and by 36% annually. Vaccines of live agents were not recommended for patients with JSLE, JIA, and JDM in 44%, 64%, and 48%, respectively. The professionals were divided into two groups: Group A (≤ 15 years of practice, n = 12) and B (≥ 16 years, n = 13). No statistical difference was observed in the use of live agent vaccine and vaccines with inactivated agents or protein components in the two treatment groups (P > 0.05). Moreover, the groups had similar opinion regarding severity of immunosuppression in patients with JSLE, JIA, and JDM (with or without activity) and treatment used (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of immunization by pediatric rheumatologists in São Paulo is low, especially after the first visit, and not influenced by time of professional practice.

Prática de vacinação em crianças com doenças reumáticas / Vaccination practice in children with rheumatic disease

INTRODUÇÃO/OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a prática clínica com relação à verificação do cartão vacinal e à indicação de vacinas específicas em pacientes com doenças reumáticas pediátricas em uso de diferentes drogas, e evidenciar a possível associação entre frequência de vacinação e tempo de prática clínica dos reumatologistas pediátricos do estado de São Paulo. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Um questionário foi enviado para os reumatologistas pediátricos do Departamento de Reumatologia da Sociedade de Pediatra de São Paulo. Esse instrumento incluiu questões sobre tempo de prática em Reumatologia Pediátrica, vacinação de pacientes com Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico Juvenil (LESJ), artrite idiopática juvenil (AIJ), dermatomiosite juvenil (DMJ) e imunização de acordo com os tratamentos utilizados. RESULTADOS: Cartão de vacinação foi visto por 100 por cento dos profissionais na primeira consulta e por 36 por cento anualmente. Vacinas de agentes vivos não foram recomendadas para pacientes com LESJ, AIJ e DMJ em 44 por cento, 64 por cento e 48 por cento, respectivamente. Os profissionais foram divididos em dois grupos: A (< 15 anos de prática, n = 12) e B (> 16 anos, n = 13). Nenhuma diferença estatística foi observada no uso de vacinas de agentes vivos e vacinas de agentes inativos ou componentes proteicos em relação ao tratamento nos dois grupos (P > 0,05). Além disso, os grupos foram similares em relação à opinião sobre a gravidade de imunossupressão em pacientes com LESJ, AIJ e DMJ com ou sem atividade e a terapêutica utilizada (P > 0,05). CONCLUSÕES: A frequência de vacinação por reumatologistas pediátricos de São Paulo é baixa, especialmente após a primeira consulta, e não é influenciada pelo tempo de prática profissional.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: Evaluate clinical practice through assessment of vaccination card and recommendation of specific vaccines in pediatric patients with rheumatic diseases in use of different drugs and reveal the possible association between vaccination frequency and time of the clinical practice of pediatric rheumatologists in the state of São Paulo. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to pediatric rheumatologists of the Departamento de Reumatologia da Sociedade de Pediatria de São Paulo. This instrument included questions about practice time on Pediatric Rheumatology, vaccination of patients with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM), and immunization according to the treatments used. RESULTS: Vaccination card was seen by 100 percent of the professionals at the first visit and by 36 percent annually. Vaccines of live agents were not recommended for patients with JSLE, JIA, and JDM in 44 percent, 64 percent, and 48 percent, respectively. The professionals were divided into two groups: Group A (< 15 years of practice, n = 12) and B (> 16 years, n = 13). No statistical difference was observed in the use of live agent vaccine and vaccines with inactivated agents or protein components in the two treatment groups (P > 0.05). Moreover, the groups had similar opinion regarding severity of immunosuppression in patients with JSLE, JIA, and JDM (with or without activity) and treatment used (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of immunization by pediatric rheumatologists in São Paulo is low, especially after the first visit, and not influenced by time of professional practice.

Linhas escleróticas metafisárias em crianças e adolescentes em uso de alendronato / Sclerotic metaphyseal lines in children and adolescents treated with alendronate

INTRODUÇÃO: Os bisfosfonatos inibem a reabsorção óssea pela interferência na ação dos osteoclastos. Dentre os efeitos adversos, as linhas escleróticas em metáfise de ossos longos são descritas como principal alteração radiográfica na faixa etária pediátrica. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a frequência de alterações radiográficas causadas pelo alendronato utilizado em crianças e adolescentes com baixa densidade óssea ou calcinose. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo do tipo coorte retrospectiva analisando-se prontuários de 21 pacientes que fizeram uso de alendronato semanal por no mínimo 10 meses. Os pacientes realizaram radiografias de ossos longos antes do início do alendronato e aproximadamente um ano após o seu uso. RESULTADOS: Onze pacientes (52,3 por cento) apresentaram linhas escleróticas em metáfise dos ossos longos. A localização mais frequente foi em tíbia (8/11 pacientes), seguida de fêmur (7/11), úmero (6/11), rádio (4/11), ulna (3/11) e fíbula (2/11). Nenhum paciente apresentou regressão das alterações radiográficas durante o tempo de evolução (até 1,1 ano após a suspensão do alendronato). CONCLUSÃO: Se usado com critério, o alendronato é seguro e as alterações radiográficas não mostraram ter um significado mais importante.

INTRODUCTION: Bisphosphonates inhibit bone resorption by interfering with the action of osteoclasts. Among the adverse effects, sclerotic lines observed in the metaphysis of long bones have been described as the main imaging finding in pediatric patients. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency of radiographic changes caused by alendronate in children and adolescents with low bone density or calcinosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study with 21 patients who were treated with once-weekly alendronate for at least 10 months. Patients underwent x-rays of long bones before the start of alendronate and approximately one year after its use. RESULTS: Eleven patients (52.3 percent) had sclerotic lines in the metaphysis of long bones. The most frequent site was the tibia (8/11 patients), followed by the femur (7/11), humerus (6/11), radius (4/11), ulna (3/11), and fibula (2/11). Regression of radiographic changes during the study period (up to 1.1 years after discontinuation of alendronate) was not observed. CONCLUSION: If used carefully, alendronate is safe and radiographic changes have not been shown to be clinically relevant.

Quality of life among children from São Paulo, Brazil: the impact of demographic, family and socioeconomic variables.

The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) 4.0 is a questionnaire that evaluates the health related quality of life of children and adolescents, considering different aspects of their development, including the physical, emotional, social and educational. We verified the impact of demographic, social, and economic factors, as well as the family situation, on the health related quality of life of a group of school children of the city of São Paulo, Brazil. The PedsQL 4.0 was applied to 240 children and adolescents aged 2 to 18 and their respective parents. More than two thirds of the families were from lower social strata (C, D, and E). A statistically significant difference was observed in scores when evaluating the health related quality of life across socioeconomic strata and we observed statistically significant differences in the emotional, social, psychosocial and total scores. The PedsQL 4.0 scores obtained through interviews were satisfactory when compared with other urban populations of children and adolescents, probably due to the homogeneity of the population studied.

Detection of multifocal osteonecrosis in an adolescent with dermatomyositis using whole-body MRI.

Osteonecrosis is a well-recognized complication of corticosteroid use resulting in significant morbidity, often requiring surgical intervention. Whole-body MRI is a promising method that allows imaging of the whole patient in a reasonable time without the use of ionizing radiation. This technique has the potential for evaluating nonmalignant multifocal skeletal disease like osteonecrosis. This case highlights the value of whole-body MR in an adolescent with dermatomyositis who developed multifocal osteonecrosis.