Efecto de los antimaláricos sobre los diferentes dominios del índice de daño SLICC en pacientes de la cohorte GLADEL / Effect of antimalarials on the different domains of the SLICC damage index in patients of the GLADEL cohort

Objetivos: Estimar el efecto de los antimaláricos (AM) sobre los diferentes dominios del índice de daño SLICC (SDI). Métodos: Se estudiaron pacientes con diagnóstico clínico reciente (≤2 años) de lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) de la cohorte GLADEL. Variable de estudio: aumento en los dominios del SDI desde el ingreso a la cohorte. Variables independientes: características sociodemográficas, clínicas, laboratorio y tratamientos. El efecto de los AM, como variable dependiente del tiempo, sobre los dominios más frecuentes del SDI (ajustado por factores de confusión) fue examinado con un modelo de regresión de Cox multivariado. Resultados: De 1466 pacientes estudiados, 1049 (72%) recibieron AM con un tiempo medio de exposición de 30 meses (Q1-Q3: 11-57) y 665 pacientes (45%) presentaron daño durante un seguimiento medio de 24 meses (Q1-Q3: 8-55); 301 eventos fueron cutáneos, 208 renales, 149 neuropsiquiátricos, 98 musculoesqueléticos, 88 cardiovasculares y 230 otros. Después de ajustar por factores de confusión, el uso de AM se asoció a un menor riesgo de daño renal (HR 0,652; IC 95%: 0,472-0,901) y en el límite de la significancia estadística (HR 0,701, IC 95%: 0,481-1,024) para el dominio neuropsiquiátrico. Conclusión: En GLADEL, el uso de AM se asoció independientemente a un menor riesgo de daño acumulado renal.

Objective: To assess the effects of antimalarials (AM) over the items of the SLICC Damage Index (SDI). Methods: Patients with recent (≤2 years) diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) from the GLADEL cohort were studied. End-point: increase in items SDI since cohort entry. Independent variables (socio-demographic, clinical, laboratory and treatment) were included. The effect of AM as a time dependent variable on most frequent SDI items (adjusting for potential confounders) was examined with a multivariable Cox regression model. Results: Of the 1466 patients included in this analysis, 1049 (72%) received AM with a median exposure time of 30 months (Q1-Q3: 11-57). Damage occurred in 665 (45%) patients during a median follow-up time of 24 months (Q1-Q3: 8-55). There were 301 integument, 208 renal, 149 neuropsychiatric, 98 musculoskeletal, 88 cardiovascular and 230 others less frequently represented damages. After adjusting for potential confounders at any time during follow-up, a lower risk of renal damage (HR 0.652; 95% CI: 0.472-0.901) and borderline for neuropsychiatric damage (HR 0.701, 95% CI: 0.481-1.024) was found. Conclusion: In the GLADEL cohort, after adjustment for possible confounding factors, AM were independently associated with a reduced risk of renal damage accrual.

Cambio en la capacidad funcional, calidad de vida y actividad de la enfermedad, en un grupo de pacientes colombianos con artritis reumatoide refractaria al tratamiento convencional, que recibieron terapia con infliximab como medicamento de rescate / Changes in the functional capacity, quality of life and activity of the disease in a group of colombian patients with rheumatoid arthritis refractory to the conventional treatments, who were treated with infliximab as rescue therapy / Mudança na capacidade funcional, qualidade de vida e atividade da doença, num grupo de pacientes colombianos com artrites reumatoide refratária ao tratamento convencional, que receberam terapia com infliximab como medicamento de resgate

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory process that effects mostly the joints leading to destruction of the joint, deformity, incapacity and deterioration of the quality of life. As a result of technologic advances and the better knowledge of the pathophisiology of the disease, there are new therapeutic options with biologic agents. There are no reports from Colombia about the experience with Infliximab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The objective of this study was to quantify the changes in quality of life, functional capacity, signs and symptoms related to the inflammatory activity and the therapeutic efficacy, in a group of Colombian patients with long term rheumatoid arthritis (13±10 years) refractory to conventional treatments. A total of 31 patients, 22 women and 9 men, aged 51±12 years and an average evolution of disease of 13.2±10.4 years, who had active disease in spite of having received Methrotexate or Leflunomide in combination with other agents, such as low doses of glucocorticoids, analgesics and antiinflammatories, received infusions of Infliximab at doses of 3mg/kg during weeks 0, 2, 6, 14, and 22, following the guidelines of the Colombian Rheumatology Association. It was determined that the median functional capacity measured by HAQ-DI went from 1,2±0,54 to 0,29±0.28, that the quality of life measured by Spanish-AIMS improved globally from 48,4±14.4 to 29,4±8.2 in each of its eight components. There was also improvement in the components of SF-12 since the physical health went from 39,9±13,7 to 55,5±24,1 and mental health from 57,0±24,2 to 74,6±17,0. Although 71% of the patients had some type of side effect, they were minor and the medication was not stopped. These findings agree with the international reports that the administration on Infliximab induces a significative improvement in those patients with refractory rheumatoid arthritis. Taking into account the potential side effects and the real risk of tuberculosis in our country, the administration of Infliximab must be carried out in specialized units with well trained personnel and under the strict supervision of a rheumatologist.

La artritis reumatoide (AR) es una enfermedad inflamatoria crónica que afecta principalmente las articulaciones, produciendo destrucción articular, deformidad, discapacidad y deterioro de la calidad de vida. Como nuevas opciones de tratamiento, producto del avance tecnológico y del conocimiento de la fisiopatología de la enfermedad, han aparecido recientemente en el mercado los denominados agentes biológicos. Teniendo en cuenta que no hay reportes colombianos sobre la experiencia con infliximab en pacientes con AR, el objetivo de este estudio fue cuantificar en un grupo de pacientes colombianos con AR de larga evolución (13±10 años) y refractarios al tratamiento convencional, el cambio en la calidad de vida, la capacidad funcional, en los síntomas y signos relacionados con la actividad inflamatoria y en la seguridad terapéutica producidos por infliximab. Un total de 31 pacientes, 22 mujeres y 9 hombres, con edades de 51±12 años y un promedio de evolución de enfermedad de 13,2±10,4 años, que permanecieron activos a pesar de recibir metotrexate o leflunomida en combinación con otros agentes modificadores de la enfermedad, bajas dosis de glucocorticoides, analgésicos y antiinflamatorios, recibieron infusiones de infliximab de tres mg/kg dosis durante 22 semanas, siguiendo las recomendaciones de la Asociación Colombiana de Reumatología, en las semanas 0, 2, 6, 14 y 22. Se encontró que la capacidad funcional medida por HAQ-DI pasó de 1,2±0,54 a 0,29±0.28, que la calidad de vida medida por Spanish-AIMS mejoró en su calificación global de 48,4±14.4 a 29,4±8.2 y en cada uno de sus ocho componentes. Hubo también mejoría en los componentes del SF-12, pues la salud física pasó de 39,9±13,7 a 55,5±24,1 y la salud mental de 57,0±24,2 a 74,6±17,0. Aunque el 71% refirió algún evento adverso durante el seguimiento, estos fueron menores y no obligaron a la suspensión del medicamento. Sólo tres pacientes fueron retirados, uno por hipotensión repetitiva al inicio de la infusión, otro por reacción anafiláctica que requirió reanimación y el otro por tuberculosis pleural luego de dos meses de iniciado el medicamento. Se encontró entonces que de acuerdo con los reportes internacionales, la administración de infliximab conlleva a una mejoría significativa en los enfermos con AR refractaria a los tratamientos comunes, evidenciada en los signos y síntomas relacionados con la actividad de la AR, así como en la calidad de vida y en la capacidad funcional. Teniendo en cuenta la posibilidad las reacciones adversas durante la aplicación y que en nuestro país la tuberculosis es un riesgo real, la administración del infliximab debe hacerse en unidades especializadas con personal entrenado y bajo la supervisión estricta del reumatólogo...

A artrite reumatóide (AR) é uma doença inflamatória crônica que afeta principalmente as articulações, produzindo destruição articular, deformidade, incapacidade e deterioração da qualidade de vida. Como novas opções de tratamento, produto do avanço tecnológico e do conhecimento da fisiopatologia da doença, apareceram recentemente no mercado os denominados agentes biológicos. Tendo em conta que não há reportes colombianos sobre a experiência com infliximab em pacientes com AR, o objetivo deste estudo foi quantificar num grupo de pacientes colombianos com AR de longa evolução (13±10 anos) e refratários ao tratamento convencional, a mudança na qualidade de vida, a capacidade funcional, nos sintomas e signos relacionados com a atividade inflamatória e na segurança terapêutica produzidos por infliximab. Um total de 31 pacientes, 22 mulheres e 9 homens, com idades de 51±12 anos e uma média de evolução de doença de 13,2±10,4 anos, que permaneceram ativos apesar de receber metotrexate ou leflunomida em combinação com outros agentes modificadores da doença, baixas doses de glucocorticoides, analgésicos e antiinflamatórios, receberam infusões de infliximab de três mg/kg dose durante 22 semanas, seguindo as recomendações da Associação Colombiana de Reumatologia, nas semanas 0, 2, 6, 14 e 22. Encontrou-se que a capacidade funcional medida por HAQ-DEI passou de 1,2±0,54 a 0,29±0.28, que a qualidade de vida medida por Spanish-AIMS melhorou em sua qualificação global de 48,4±14.4 a 29,4±8.2 e em cada um de seus oito componentes. Teve também melhoria nos componentes do SF-12, pois a saúde física passou de 39,9±13,7 a 55,5±24,1 e a saúde mental de 57,0±24,2 a 74,6±17,0. Ainda que o 71% referiu algum evento adverso durante o seguimento, estes foram menores e não obrigaram à suspensão do medicamento. Só três pacientes foram retirados, um por hipotensão repetitiva ao início da infusão, outro por reação anafilática que requereu reanimação e o outro por tuberculose pleural depois de dois meses de iniciado o medicamento. Encontrou-se então que de acordo com os reportes internacionais, a administração de infliximab implica uma melhoria significativa nos enfermos com AR refratária aos tratamentos comuns, evidenciada nos signos e sintomas relacionados com a atividade da AR, bem como na qualidade de vida e na capacidade funcional. Tendo em conta a possibilidade às reações adversas durante a aplicação e que em nosso país a tuberculose é um risco real, a administração do infliximab deve fazer-se em unidades especializadas com pessoal treinado e sob a supervisão estrita do reumatólogista...

Active comparator trial of teriparatide vs alendronate for treating glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis: results from the Hispanic and non-Hispanic cohorts.

Glucocorticoid use is a leading cause of secondary osteoporosis. This post hoc analysis compared teriparatide vs alendronate on bone mineral density (BMD) in Hispanic and non-Hispanic patients with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. The 18-mo results from all patients (N=428) in a double-blind trial of teriparatide (20 microg/d) and alendronate (10 mg/d) who had taken glucocorticoids for >or=3 mo were reported (Saag et al. N Engl J Med 2007). The present study analyzed results from the Hispanic (n=61) and non-Hispanic (n=367) cohorts. The BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). In the Hispanic cohort at 18 mo, there were significantly greater increases from baseline in the teriparatide vs alendronate group in lumbar spine BMD (9.8%+/-1.7% vs 4.2%+/-1.4%; p<0.001; mean+/-SE) and total hip BMD (5.9%+/-1.6% vs 1.3%+/-1.3%, p<0.001), with no significant difference between groups at the femoral neck (4.3%+/-2.2% vs 2.0%+/-1.8%, p=0.228). Within each treatment group, the BMD responses were not significantly different in the Hispanic vs non-Hispanic cohort. The number of patients reporting >or=1 adverse event was not significantly different between treatments in either cohort, with more patients reporting nausea in the teriparatide group. In summary, teriparatide was more efficacious than alendronate in increasing BMD in Hispanic and non-Hispanic patients with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. Both treatments were generally well tolerated.

Normatización para la administración y el seguimiento de los agentes bilógicos y de quimioterapia usados en reumatología / Guidelines for use of biologic agents and quimiotherapy in Rheumatology

El desarrollo de las ciencias básicas como la inmunología, la genética y la biología molecular ha permitido implementar nuevas alternativas de tratamiento en enfermedades que tradicionalmente contaban con pocas opciones terapéuticas. La reumatología en los últimos años ha adoptado y extendido el uso de agentes biológicos y la quimioterapia en la mayoría de las enfermedades reumáticas. Para ello es necesario establecer guías para la utilización de estos agentes. El uso inapropiado de estos agentes puede llevar a consecuencias catastróficas. Los nuevos medicamentos deben ser usados sólo por personas expertas en el tratamiento de las enfermedades reumáticas y su administración debería realizarse en condiciones ideales para minimizar el riesgo. La Asociación Colombiana de Reumatología pretende con este documento establecer las guías locales para utilizar estos agentes

Th1/Th2 cytokines in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: is tumor necrosis factor alpha protective?

OBJECTIVES: To determine the circulating levels of Th1 and Th2 cytokines in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to elucidate their association with disease activity and autoimmune response. METHODS: We included 52 patients and 25 healthy controls. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha, interferon (IFN) gamma, interleukin (IL)-12p70, IL-10, and IL-4, as well as anti-DNA, -Ro, -La, -RNP, and -Sm antibodies were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Disease activity was recorded according to the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and classified as very active (SLEDAI > or = 13), moderately active (SLEDAI: 3-12), or inactive (SLEDAI < or = 2). RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 34.2 +/- 12.6 years, and the mean duration of disease was 4.9 +/- 7.6 years. Twelve patients (23%), 20 patients (34.5%), and 20 patients (34.5%) had highly, moderately, and inactive SLE, respectively. Levels of IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, and IL-12 were significantly higher in patients than in healthy controls (P <.03), as well as the IL-12/IL-10, IL-12/IL-4, IFN/IL-10, IFN/IL-4, TNF/IL-10, and TNF/IL-4 ratios (P <.01), suggesting a major participation of Th1 over Th2 cytokines. Nevertheless, a direct correlation between Th1 (IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha) and Th2 (IL-4 and IL-10) cytokines was observed in patients (r >.5, P <.01), indicating a mutual Th1-Th2 participation. TNF-alpha levels and the TNF/IL-10 ratio were higher in patients with inactive disease compared with patients with very active disease and controls (P <.04). IL-12 levels and IL-12/IL-4, as well as IL-12/IL-10, ratios were higher in patients with very active disease than in those with inactive SLE and controls (P <.01). IL-10 levels were associated with anti-DNA, anti-Ro, and anti-La response (P <.01). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that TNF-alpha could be a protective factor in SLE patients, whereas IL-12p70 participates in disease activity and IL-10 influences the autoimmune response (autoantibody production).

Factores de riesgo relacionados con la osteoporosis en una poblacion latinoamericana / Risk factors and osteoporosis in latinoamerican population

La osteoporosis (OP) es una alteración sistémica del esqueleto, la cual afecta principalmente a mujeres de mayor edad. La presente investigación fue diseñada para el estudio de algunos factores de riesgo para OP, en una población específica. En un estudio de casos y controles se incluyeron 367 mujeres con edades entre 30 y 80 años, mientras acudían para tamizaje de OP mediante DEXA-DMO. De ellas, 193 tenían diagnóstico de OP y 174 tenían DEXA normal. Para calcular la probabilidad de tener OP, se diseñó un modelo estadístico, el cual incluía edad, años en menopausia e índice de Masa Corporal (IMC). Se encontró que las mujeres con OP tenían mayor edad, más años en menopausia y menor IMC. Los antecedentes familiares para OP, el hábito de fumar, el ejercicio, la ingesta de calcio y el uso de TRH, no fueron significantes. Se concluye que existen factores de riesgo con mayor impacto sobre el desarrollo de la OP. Se necesitan mayores estudios de población para definir la validez de estos hallazgos

Clinical and immunological factors associated with lupus nephritis in patients from northwestern Colombia.

A cross-sectional and multicenter study was undertaken to analyze the clinical and immunological characteristics at diagnosis associated with nephritis in northwestern Colombian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Thirty-nine patients with lupus nephritis were included and were compared to 100 SLE patients without nephritis. A multivariate analysis was performed. The patients who developed nephritis had a higher frequency of oral ulcers (41% vs. 21%, OR = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.3-7.5 p = 0.01) and malar erythema (77% vs. 45%, OR = 4.4, 95% CI: 1.8-10.8 p = 0.001). Lupus nephritis was observed in 77% of cases during the first year of the disease. The frequency of anti-DNA antibodies was higher in patients with nephritis, however, differences were not statistically significant (83% vs 64%, OR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.03-6.41, p = 0.06). The presence of other autoantibodies (anti-Ro, anti-La, anti-RNP, anti-Sm and anticardiolipin) at diagnosis was similar in both groups. This autoantibody profile remained unchanged throughout the evolution of the disease. Patients with lupus nephritis had a higher prevalence of arterial hypertension (60% vs 10%, OR = 13.7, 95% IC: 5-37, p = 0.00001) and hyperlipidemia (30% vs 7%, OR = 8.1, 95% IC: 2.5-27, p = 0.0006) at onset. Finally, patients with lupus nephritis required more hospitalizations (> 1) over the course of disease (89% vs 60%, OR = 7.8, 95% CI: 2.1-29, p = 0.002). In conclusion, lupus nephritis appears early during the course of SLE. Malar erythema, oral ulcers, hypertension and hyperlipidemia at onset of disease are associated factors. Lupus nephritis is a major risk factor leading to repeated hospitalizations. This study may help to assist in public health policies in our population in order to improve patient outcomes while simultaneously reducing disease costs.

Clinical an immunological factors associated with lupus nephritis in patients from northwestern Colombia / Factores clínicos y epidemiológicos asociados con nefritis lúpica en pacientes del noroccidente colombiano

A cross-sectional and multicenter study was undertaken to analyze the clinical and immunological characteristics at diagnosis associated with nephritis in northwestern Colombian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Thirty nine patients with lupus nephritis were included and were compared to 100 SLE patients without nephritis. A multivariate analysis was performed. The patients who developed nephritis had a higher frequency of oral ulcers (41 percent vs. 21 percent, OR3.1, 95 percent CI: 1.3-7.5 p 0.01) and malar erythema (77 percent vs. 45 percent, OR4.4, 95 percent CI: 1.8-10.8 p0.001). Lupus nephritis was observed in 77 percent of cases during the first year of the disease. The frequency of anti-DNA antibodies was higher in patients with nephritis, however, differences were not statistically significant (83 percent vs 64 percent, OR2.6, 95 percent CI: 1.03-6.41, p0.06). The presence of other autoantibodies (anti-Ro, anti-La, anti-RNP, anti-Sm and anticardiolipin) at diagnosis was similar in both groups. This autoantibody profile remained unchanged throughout the evolution of the disease. Patients with lupus nephritis had a higher prevalence of arterial hypertension (60 percent vs 10 percent, OR13.7, 95 percent IC: 5-37, 0.00001) and hyperlipidemia (30 percent vs 7 percent, OR8.1, 95 percent IC: 2.5-27, p0.0006) at onset. Finally, patients with lupus nephritis required more hospitalizations (1) over the course of disease (89 percent vs 60 percent, OR7.8, 95 percent IC: 2.1-29, p0.002). In conclusion, lupus nephritis appears early during the course of SLE. Malar erythema, oral ulcers, hypertension and hyperlipidemia at onset of disease are associated factors. Lupus nephritis is a major risk factor leading to repeated hospitalizations. This study may help to assist in public health policies in our population in order to improve patient outcomes while simultaneously reducing disease costs.

Manifestaciones cardiacas de las enfermedades reumaticas / Cardiac manifestations of rheumatic diseases

Las enfermedades reumáticas son un complejo de entidades que afectan principalmente articulaciones, músculos y estructuras del tejido conectivo, pero también comprometen de una forma u otra el corazón y sus estructuras vasculares. La afectación cardiovascular es dada principalmente por entidades como la artritis reumatoide, el lupus eritemato-so sistémico o el síndrome antifosfolípido, no sólo por fenómenos autoinmunes y vasculíticos, sino tam-bién por la reciente asociación entre la enfermedad ateroesclerótica acelerada y dichas patologías. La siguiente revisión hace énfasis en las manifestaciones cardiacas de las enfermedades reumáticas excluyendo las producidas por la fiebre reumática

Central nervous system compromise in primary Sjögren's syndrome.

Central nervous system (CNS) involvement in primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is poorly understood, and its frequency as well as its manifestations are subjects of controversy. The current study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and the clinical and immunogenetic characteristics of CNS compromise in a well defined group of patients with primary SS. In this retrospective study, patients fulfilled the European classification criteria. Among 120 patients with primary SS, 3 (2.5%) had CNS compromise (multiple sclerosis-like illness, complicated migraine, and optic neuritis with epilepsy). The CNS involvement coincided with the onset of sicca symptoms in 1 case. All 3 patients carried the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DQB1*0303 allele and tested positive for anti-Ro antibodies, but not for anti-cardiolipin antibodies. Although rare, CNS compromise in primary SS can be the presenting manifestation of the disease in a few cases, and may be severe and varied.

Nefritis lupica: definicion clinica, patologica y terapeutica / Lupus nephritis

El compromiso renal en el lupus eritematoso sistémico tiene un triple interés dado que, en primer lugar, la nefritis lúpica (NL) es frecuente, en segundo lugar, es un factor de pronóstico importante y, finalmente, tiene un interés fisiopatológico para el estudio de la enfermedad. En el presente artículo presentamos una definición clínica, patológica y terapéutica de la NL .Siguiendo la metodología propuesta para los consensos, este trabajo fue realizado mediante varias reuniones de especialistas de la Clínica Universitaria Bolivariana (CUB), en Medellín. La experiencia de cada autor fue considerada, se revisaron y escogieron las referencias pertinentes, y se redactó un documento guía para el manejo unificado de estos pacientes

Polimorfismo de genes TAP1 y TAP2 en pacientes con lupus eritematosa sistemico: TAP2*0201 es un marcador de susceptibilidad / TAP2*0201 allele is a strong marker of SLE susceptibility

Objetivos: examinar la influencia del polimorfismo de los genes TAP1 y TAP2 en la susceptibilidad y el curso clínico del lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES). Métodos: estudio exploratorio, transversal, controlado en mujeres con diagnóstico de LES clasificadas de acuerdo a (os criterios del Colegio Americano de Reumatología (ACR 82), e individuos sanos apareados a las pacientes por género, edad y geografía. El polimorfismo de los genes TAP1 y TAP2 se examinó mediante el método de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa con amplificación de sistemas de mutación refractaria. Los anticuerpos antinucleares y anti-DNA se determinaron por IFI y los anti-cromatina y los extractables del núcleo (Ro, La, Sm, RNP) por ELISA. La severidad de la enfermedad se evaluó según el puntaje de daño SLICC/ACR. Resultados: se examinaron 65 pacientes y 80 controles. Los alelos TAP1 y TAP2 más frecuentemente encontrados en la población, tanto de pacientes como de controles, fueron el TAPr0101 (75 por ciento vs. 71 por ciento) y TAP2*0101 (82 por ciento vs. 70 por ciento). El alelo TAP2*0201 se asoció al LES (77 por ciento vs. 39 por ciento, OR: 5.3, IC95 por ciento: 2.6-11, p<0.0001), sin embargo no se observó influencia de ningún alelo TAP1 o TAP2 sobre el curso de la enfermedad, la presencia de autoanticuerpos específicos ni sobre la severidad de la misma. Conclusión: los resultados indican que, en la población estudiada, el alelo TAP2*0201 es un marcador de susceptibilidad para LES, y que los alelos TAP1 y TAP2 no afectan la expresión clínica ni la respuesta inmune de estos pacientes. Estos hallazgos confirman la hipótesis que los genes que confieren riesgo para desarrollar LES pueden ser diferentes a los que influyen en la producción de autoanticuerpos.

Longterm ultraviolet-A1 irradiation therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus

Objective. In a recent series of short term studies ultraviolet-A1 (UV-A1; 340-400nm) dermal irradiation proved effective in reducing signs and symptoms of disease activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). To determine in the effectiveness persisted with longterm therapy, we followed the progress of 6 of these patients for an average of 3.4 (range 2.4-4.5) yrs. The 6 had had significant decreases in signs and symptoms of disease activity during the firts 12 weeks of the earlier studies while receiving 3 to 5 low dose UV-A1 irradiations weekly and were asked to continue into longterm therapy. Methods. Longterm therapy consisted of 1 or 2 irradiations of 6-15 J/m2 (15-30 min. or about1/8-1/4 mimimal erythema dose) per week. We assessed their progress every 3 mo with the systemic lupus activity measures. Results. Despite the smaller number of weekly treatments, the gains achieved during the initial 12 weeks of the early studies not only persisted but incresead slightly. Tanning was moderate to obsent, the therapy was well tolerated, and there was no apparent toxicity. Conclusion. UV-A1 radiation induced remissions in SLE persist with longterm therapy; 1 or 2 weekly exposures suffice; there appears to be no significant toxicity

Prolactina y Lupus eritematoso sistémico

This article reviews our current knowledge about the prolactin hormone and its possible contributions to the development of systemic lupus erithematosus. This hypophysial hormone has effects on reproduction, growth and osmoregulation, but over the past few years its inmunomodulator effects have been explored. It is mentioned here the initials studies by Nagy and Berczi showing that animals lacking the hypophysis gland develop and important degree of inmunosupression. Due to the effects of this neuroendocrine hormone over lymphocytes it is suggested that the hormone could belong to the family of cytokines with some results as well in the generation of antinuclear antibodies and inmunoglobulins. McMurray et al demostrated that hyperprolactinemic animals were more likely to develop circulanting antibodies and death due to nephropathy. An analysis of the hipothalamo-hypophysial-adrenal axis and its response to some cytokines is discussed as well as its possible contribution to the mechanism of systemic lupu erithematosus. Studies in humans have associated the prevalence of lupoid disease in women or men as the result of the stimulating contribution of prolactin. To corroborate this, bromocriptine seems to have an inmunosupressive effect and therefore has been used in uveitis, Reiter's syndrome and other autoinmune disorders. It is finally suggested that further studies are needed to clarify the possible clinical and therapeutic implicationes of prolactin and other gonadal hormones on SLE.

Neuropericardio y neumomediastino por inhalación de cocaina

Se presentan dos pacientes que consultaron a nuestra institución por dolor pericardial luego de gran consumo de de cocaína inhalada. En ambos casos se descartó infarto agudo de miocardio; por los métodos convencionales y ecocardiografía se documentó neumoparicardio y neumomediastino.