HTLV infection in blood donors from Mato Grosso do Sul state: a closer look at HTLV screening in Brazilian blood banks.

Human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) infection has a worldwide distribution and currently, more than 2.5 million individuals have been infected in Brazil. The study aimed to investigate HTLV infection prevalence among blood donors in Mato Grosso do Sul, characterizing seroepidemiological profiles of HTLV-1/2 positive individuals and evaluating the blood bank's HTLV screening system. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among blood donors from Mato Grosso do Sul state (MS)-Central Brazil, between January to December 2021. The information was obtained from databases, samples from the collection of HEMOSUL, and active searching, with the completion of laboratory analyses. 35,278 blood donors were screened for anti-HTLV-1/2 by chemiluminescence immunoassay (CMIA). Among them, 78 were initially reactive for anti-HTLV-1/2 (2.21/1000). Out of 78, 67 returned to the blood center to collect a second sample for retesting with a second screening with CMIA. After confirmation, 8 samples were indeterminate, and 8 were confirmed as positive for HTLV antibodies. New tests were performed for the 8 positive samples, and 6 were confirmed as HTLV-1 infection (0.17/1,000), one as negative, and one as indeterminate. The present study describes the low prevalence of HTLV infection in blood donors from MS and contributes to the definition of the regional infection profile. The prevalence found in this study (0.017%-0.17/1000) shows to be a much lower value than the rates reported in other states in Brazil. We highlight the need for confirmatory testing for those seropositive donors in screening assays and the need for adequate counseling and patient management for those confirmed HTLV individuals.

Impact of lower urinary tract symptoms in women with multiple sclerosis: an observational cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common in women with multiple sclerosis. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of LUTS on pelvic floor muscle contraction, sexual function, and quality of life in women with multiple sclerosis. METHODS: Thirty-nine women with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis were enrolled in this study. Participants were divided into the presence or not of LUTS. Assessments involved the Expanded Disability Status Scale score, the NEW PERFECT scheme, the Female Sexual Function Index, and the Qualiveen Questionnaire. Statistical procedures involved Student t-tests, chi-squared, and regression analyses (R2). RESULTS: Nineteen women (48.7%) presented LUTS. Women with LUTS were in a more advanced stage of multiple sclerosis (p = .029), presented weaker pelvic muscle contraction (p = .009), less sexual function satisfaction (p = .018), and more limitations in the quality of life (p = .001) than women without LUTS. Regression analyses pointed out that the quality of life and sexual function of women with multiple sclerosis are affected by intercourse pain (R2 = 12.9) and perineal contraction force (R2 = 19.2). CONCLUSION: LUTS affects pelvic floor muscle contraction, sexual function, and quality of life in women with multiple sclerosis. A multi-professional rehabilitation team should assist women with multiple sclerosis, taking special care of LUTS.

Motor and respiratory functions are main challenges to patients with multiple sclerosis / Funções motoras e respiratórias representam desafios importantes para pacientes com esclerose múltipla

Abstract Introduction People with multiple sclerosis (MS) present wide and varied symptoms. Objective To investigate the impact of MS on subjects' motor and respiratory functions. Methods One hundred one participants were enrolled in this study. The subjects had previous diagnosis of relapsing-remittent MS (n = 48) or presented no neurologic diseases (n = 53, control group). Assess-ments involved mobility (Timed Get Up and Go) and balance (Berg Balance Scale) tests. A force platform was used to evaluate postural stabilometry. Respiratory functions were assessed with a portable spirometer and a digital manovacuometer. Data analyses were carried out with Student´s t-tests, chi-square, and Pearson correlation index. Significance was set at 5%. Results Compared to control peers, participants with MS showed higher motor dysfunctions affecting mobility, balance, and postural stability. Spirometry indicated normal parameters for pulmonary flows and lung capacities in both groups. The manovacuometer, differently, pointed to a respiratory muscle weakness in 48% of participants with MS. Correlation analyses highlighted that respiratory functions are more associated to dynamic than to static motor tests. Conclusion Pathological changes in MS lead to motor dysfunction on mobility, balance and postural stability. Respiratory tests showed normal pulmonary flows and lung capacities in patients with MS, but with commitment of respiratory muscle strength. Respiratory functions were more impacted by dynamic tasks rather than static motor tasks.

Resumo Introdução Pessoas com esclerose múltipla (EM) apresentam sintomas amplos e variados. Objetivo Investigar o impacto cau-sado pela EM nas funções motoras e respiratórias. Métodos Cento e um participantes foram incluídos neste estudo. Os sujeitos tinham diagnóstico prévio de EM remitente-recorrente (n = 48) ou não apresentavam doenças neurológicas (n = 53, grupo controle). As avaliações envolveram testes de mobilidade (Timed Get Up and Go) e equilíbrio (Berg Balance Scale). Uma plataforma de força foi utilizada para avaliar a estabilometria postural dos sujeitos. As funções respiratórias foram avaliadas com um espirômetro portátil e um manovacuômetro digital. A análise dos dados foi realizada pelos testes t de Student, qui-quadrado e pelo índice de correlação de Pearson. Nível de significância foi estipulado em 5%. Resultados Comparados com controles saudáveis, participantes com EM apresentaram maiores disfunções motoras que afetam mobilidade, equilíbrio e estabilidade postural. A espirometria indicou parâmetros nor-mais para fluxos pulmonares e capacidades pulmonares em ambos os grupos. A manovacuômetria, diferentemente, apontou fraqueza dos músculos respiratórios em 48% dos participantes com EM. Análises de correlação destacaram que as funções respiratórias estão mais associadas a testes motores dinâmicos do que a testes estáticos. Conclusão As alterações patológicas na EM levam à disfunção motora na mobilidade, no equilíbrio e na estabilidade postural. Os testes respiratórios mostraram padrões normais para fluxos pulmonares e capacidades pul-monares em pacientes com EM, mas com comprometimento da força muscular respiratória. As funções respiratórias foram mais afetadas por tarefas motoras dinâmicas do que por tarefas estáticas.

Hepatotoxicity associated with the use of teriflunomide in a patient with multiple sclerosis: A case report.

RATIONALE: Teriflunomide is an inhibitor of pyrimidine synthesis available as a first-line treatment for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Drug-induced liver damage is a relevant problem in clinical practice, representing a frequent cause of treatment discontinuation. This case report describes the occurrence of liver injury, with a 33.7-fold increase in the upper limit of normality of the liver enzyme alanine aminotransferase during treatment with teriflunomide 14 mg. PATIENT CONCERN: A 44-year-old woman receiving teriflunomide 14 mg for the treatment of multiple sclerosis presented symptoms suggestive of liver dysfunction 54 days after starting treatment. The patient had no history of using disease-modifying therapy, neither previous liver disease nor other comorbidities. DIAGNOSTICS: The suggested diagnosis was drug-induced liver injury, classified as hepatocellular. Other possible hepatic and autoimmune etiologies were ruled out. INTERVENTIONS: Replacement of teriflunomide treatment with glatiramer acetate and follow-up of the disease. OUTCOMES: Signs and symptoms regressed after treatment with teriflunomide 14 mg was discontinued, with normalization of liver enzyme activity in ∼5 months. The causality assessment of the adverse drug reaction was determined by the Naranjo scaling system, resulting in probable, with a final score of 7. CONCLUSIONS: Teriflunomide-induced liver injury in patients with multiple sclerosis is a serious adverse reaction. The report of this case contributes to updating knowledge about the safety aspects of treatment with teriflunomide and planning of monitoring strategies and patient risk management.

Treinamento do assoalho pélvico com ou sem eletroterapia no tratamento dos sintomas da hiperatividade do detrusor em mulheres com esclerose múltipla e mielopatia associada ao HTLV-I (HAM/TSP): um ensaio clínico randomizado / Pelvic floor training with or without electrotherapy in the treatment of detrusor overactivity symptoms in women with multiple sclerosis e myelopathy associated with HTLV-I (HAM/TSP): a randomized controlled trial

Introdução: A esclerose múltipla (EM) é a mais comum das doenças desmielinizantes, caracterizada pela localização de múltiplas placas de desmielinização na substância branca encefálica e medular. A mielopatia associada ao HTLV-I (HAM/TSP) é uma doença neurodegenerativa progressiva cuja resposta imune é exacerbada. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da eletroterapia na musculatura do assoalho pélvico (MAP) sobre os sintomas hiperatividade detrusora em mulheres com EM e HTLV-1. Métodos: Ensaio clínico randomizado e controlado com 4 meses de acompanhamento, no qual 20 mulheres em estágio moderado de EM ou HTLV1 submetidas a um programa de treinamento da MAP associado ou não à eletroterapia. As variáveis analisadas foram: sintomas de bexiga hiperativa (BH) pelo questionário validado OAB v8, contração perineal pelo esquema PERFECT e índice de qualidade de vida por meio do questionário Qualiveen. Divididas em dois grupos, grupo controle (G2) e grupo tratamento (G1) que foi submetido a um protocolo de treinamento da MAP, realizado duas vezes por semana por 20 sessões e após este período de tempo todas as mulheres foram reavaliadas. Resultados: Sob-homogeneidade inicial observada nas variáveis pessoais e clínicas, o protocolo a que o grupo tratamento (G1) foi submetido resultou na melhora da contração voluntária (p ≤ 0,001), teste de esforço (p ≤ 0,001), reflexo cutâneo-anal (p ≤ 0,001), força de contração (p ≤ 0,001), sustentação (p ≤ 0,001), contrações rápidas (p ≤ 0,001), contrações lentas (p ≤ 0,001) e nos sintomas de bexiga hiperativa (p ≤ 0,001), em relação à comparação inicial. Os resultados comprovam a eficácia de exercícios de fortalecimento da MAP acompanhados por um fisioterapeuta e o uso de correntes eletroterápicas de média frequência para o tratamento da BH na Esclerose Múltipla e na mielopatia associada ao HTLV-1. Conclusão: O protocolo de eletroestimulação mostrou-se benéfico em pacientes com EM e HTLV-1, promovendo melhora da BH e grau de contração perineal. (AU)

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common of demyelinating diseases, characterized by multiple demyelination plaques in white brain and spinal cord. Myelopathy associated with HTLV-I (HAM/TSP) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease whose immune response is exacerbated. Objective: To evaluate the effect of electrotherapy in the pelvic floor muscles (MAP) on the symptoms of overactive bladder in women with MS and HTLV-1. Methods: Randomized, controlled clinical trial with 4 months of follow-up, in which 20 women in the moderate stage of MS or HTLV-1 performed a MAP training program associated or not with electrotherapy. The variables analyzed were: overactive bladder, validated OAB v8 questionnaire, perineal contraction by PERFECT scheme, and quality of life index using the Qualiveen questionnaire. Divided into two groups, control group (G2) and treatment group (G1) who underwent a MAP training protocol, performed twice a week for 20 sessions and after this time period all the women were re-evaluated. Results: Under initial homogeneity observed in the personal and clinical variables, the protocol to which the treatment group (G1) was submitted resulted in the improvement of the voluntary contraction (p = 0.001), stress test (p ≤ 0.001), pudendo-anal reflex (p ≤ 0.001), contraction force (p ≤ 0.001), sustentation (p ≤ 0.001), rapid contractions (p ≤ 0.001), slow contractions (p ≤ 0.001) and symptoms of overactive bladder (p ≤ 0.001) compared to the initial controle. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of MAP strengthening exercises followed by a physiotherapist and the use of medium frequency electrotherapy currents for the treatment of BH in multiple sclerosis and HTLV-1 associated myelopathy. Conclusion: The protocol of electrostimulation was beneficial in patients with MS and HTLV-1, promoting improvement of overactive bladder and degree of perineal contraction. (AU)

Cytokine profile and proviral load among Japanese immigrants and non-Japanese infected with HTLV-1 in a non-endemic area of Brazil.

The lifetime risk of HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) development differs among ethnic groups. To better understand these differences, this prospective cohort study was conducted to investigate the cytokine profile and the HTLV-1 proviral load (PVL) in Japanese and non-Japanese populations with HAM/TSP and asymptomatic carriers (ACs). The serum IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, TNF-α, and IFN-γ levels were quantified using the Cytometric Bead Array in 40 HTLV-1-infected patients (11 HAM/TSP and 29 ACs) and 18 healthy controls (HCs) in Brazil. Among ACs, 15 were Japanese descendants and 14 were non-Japanese. Of 11 patients with HAM/TSP, only one was a Japanese descendant. The HTLV-1 PVL was quantified by real-time PCR. The HTLV-1 PVL was 2.7-fold higher in HAM/TSP patients than ACs. Regardless of the clinical outcome, the PVL was significantly higher in patients younger than 60 years than older patients. The HAM/TSP and ACs had higher IL-10 serum concentrations than that of HCs. The ACs also showed higher IL-6 serum levels than those of HCs. According to age, the IL-10 and IL-6 levels were higher in ACs non-Japanese patients older than 60 years. HAM/TSP patients showed a positive correlation between IL-6 and IL-17 and a negative correlation between the PVL and IL-17 and IFN-γ. In the all ACs, a significant positive correlation was observed between IL-2 and IL-17 and a negative correlation was detected between IL-10 and TNF-α. Only 6.25% of the Japanese patients were symptomatic carriers, compared with 41.67% of the non-Japanese patients. In conclusion, this study showed that high levels of HTLV-1 PVL was intrinsicaly associated with the development of HAM/TSP. A higher HTLV-1 PVL and IL10 levels found in non-Japanese ACs over 60 years old, which compared with the Japanese group depicts that the ethnic background may interfere in the host immune status. More researches also need to be undertaken regarding the host genetic background to better understand the low frequency of HAM/TSP in Japanese HTLV-1-infected individuals.

Rosuvastatina e ciprofibrato no tratamento da dislipidemia em pacientes com HIV / Rosuvastatin and ciprofibrate in the treatment of dyslipidemia in patients with HIV

FUNDAMENTO: A dislipidemia secundária à terapia antirretroviral potente nos pacientes com HIV está associada à significativa elevação da morbimortalidade cardiovascular por doença aterosclerótica, sendo, portanto, necessário tratamento imediato e eficaz. OBJETIVO: Demonstrar a efetividade e a segurança da rosuvastatina e do ciprofibrato no tratamento da dislipidemia associada à terapia antirretroviral potente em pacientes com HIV. MÉTODOS: Trezentos e quarenta e seis pacientes com dislipidemia foram submetidos a tratamento farmacológico: 200 pacientes com hipertrigliceridemia receberam ciprofibrato (Grupo I); 79 pacientes com hipercolesterolemia receberam rosuvastatina (Grupo II); e 67 pacientes com dislipidemia mista receberam ciprofibrato associado a rosuvastatina (Grupo III). O perfil lipídico foi avaliado antes e após o tratamento hipolipemiante, sendo feita comparação estatística pelo teste de Wilcoxon. Transaminases hepáticas e creatinofosfoquinase foram dosadas para controle de toxicidade hepática e muscular. RESULTADOS: As concentrações séricas de triglicérides e de colesterol total foram significativamente menores do que as obtidas antes do tratamento, para os três grupos experimentais (p < 0,002). Observou-se aumento significativo do HDL colesterol nos grupos experimentais I e III (p < 0,002). Nos grupos I e II, o LDL-colesterol foi significativamente menor (p < 0,001). Nenhum dos pacientes apresentou elevações de transaminases ou de creatinofosfoquinase a níveis de toxicidade significativa. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados deste estudo demonstram que ciprofibrato, rosuvastatina ou a combinação de ambos pode ser considerada tratamento hipolipemiante efetivo, seguro e com boa tolerância nos pacientes com Aids submetidos à terapia antirretroviral potente.

BACKGROUND: Dyslipidemia secondary to highly active antiretroviral therapy in patients with HIV is associated with a significant increase in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality due to atherosclerotic disease, requiring, thus, immediate and effective treatment. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of rosuvastatin and ciprofibrate in the treatment of dyslipidemia associated with highly active antiretroviral therapy in patients with HIV. METHODS: Three hundred and forty-six patients with dyslipidemia underwent pharmacological treatment as follows: 200 patients with hypertriglyceridemia received ciprofibrate (Group I); 79 patients with hypercholesterolemia received rosuvastatin (Group II); and 67 patients with mixed dyslipidemia received ciprofibrate associated with rosuvastatin (Group III). The lipid profile was assessed before and after the lipid-lowering treatment, and the Wilcoxon test was used for statistical comparison. Liver transaminases and creatine phosphokinase were measured to assess liver and muscle toxicity. RESULTS: The serum concentrations of triglycerides and total cholesterol were significantly lower than those obtained before the lipid-lowering treatment in the three experimental groups (p < 0.002). A significant increase in HDL-cholesterol was observed in Groups I and III (p < 0.002). In Groups I and II, LDL-cholesterol was significantly lower (p < 0.001). None of the patients experienced elevations in transaminases or creatine phosphokinase to significantly toxic levels. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that ciprofibrate and rosuvastatin or a combination of both can be considered an effective, safe and well-tolerated lipid-lowering treatment for patients with AIDS on highly active antiretroviral therapy.

Rosuvastatin and ciprofibrate in the treatment of dyslipidemia in patients with HIV.

BACKGROUND: Dyslipidemia secondary to highly active antiretroviral therapy in patients with HIV is associated with a significant increase in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality due to atherosclerotic disease, requiring, thus, immediate and effective treatment. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of rosuvastatin and ciprofibrate in the treatment of dyslipidemia associated with highly active antiretroviral therapy in patients with HIV. METHODS: Three hundred and forty-six patients with dyslipidemia underwent pharmacological treatment as follows: 200 patients with hypertriglyceridemia received ciprofibrate (Group I); 79 patients with hypercholesterolemia received rosuvastatin (Group II); and 67 patients with mixed dyslipidemia received ciprofibrate associated with rosuvastatin (Group III). The lipid profile was assessed before and after the lipid-lowering treatment, and the Wilcoxon test was used for statistical comparison. Liver transaminases and creatine phosphokinase were measured to assess liver and muscle toxicity. RESULTS: The serum concentrations of triglycerides and total cholesterol were significantly lower than those obtained before the lipid-lowering treatment in the three experimental groups (p < 0.002). A significant increase in HDL-cholesterol was observed in Groups I and III (p < 0.002). In Groups I and II, LDL-cholesterol was significantly lower (p < 0.001). None of the patients experienced elevations in transaminases or creatine phosphokinase to significantly toxic levels. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that ciprofibrate and rosuvastatin or a combination of both can be considered an effective, safe and well-tolerated lipid-lowering treatment for patients with AIDS on highly active antiretroviral therapy.

Neuroparacoccidioidomycosis: analysis of 13 cases observed in an endemic area in Brazil.

The epidemiological, clinical and laboratory features of 13 cases of neuroparacoccidioidomycosis (NPCM) were analysed. All patients were men, with a mean age of 41.6 years. The lungs were involved in 11 cases (84.6%) and only two cases had mycosis limited to the central nervous system. Co-morbidity was observed in four patients (malignant neoplasm in three and diabetes mellitus in one). The most frequent neurological manifestations were paresis (eight cases), headache (five cases) and gait disturbance (four cases). Neuroimaging diagnosis showed a predominance of multiple round lesions with ring enhancement following contrast medium injection. Lesions were seen in the brain hemispheres (nine cases), thalamus (nine cases), cerebellum (four cases), brainstem (four cases) and spinal cord (four cases). Most cases responded well to therapy. Lesions with enhancement following contrast medium injection persisted in four patients for a period of 6 months to 8 years. These findings emphasize the importance of considering NPCM in the differential diagnosis of brain and spinal cord lesions in endemic areas of paracoccidioidomycosis.