A Global View of Pemphigus: Geographical Variations.

Pemphigus, an autoimmune intraepidermal bullous disease group with roughly eight distinct forms, includes pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and pemphigus foliaceus (PF) as its predominant global forms. Despite the increased utilization of global health records and reporting systems, epidemiological data remain limited and poorly categorized. Therefore, this study aimed to conduct a review to track, identify, and characterize cases of PV and PF published and categorized worldwide. A research question was formulated; studies were selected based on the inclusion criteria; and data from these publications were systematically collected, summarized, and presented using narrative descriptions. The search strategy yielded 3,212 articles, of which 95 underwent critical analysis and data extraction. Studies from 52 countries contributed to the dataset, covering various pemphigus variants. Notably, only two countries, Iran (18.87%) and South Korea (11.43%), accounted for approximately a third of the reported PV cases, while Brazil contributed 40.25% of the foliaceus variants cases documented in the literature. These findings offer valuable insights into the global distribution of pemphigus and inform future research and healthcare efforts.

Evaluation of Specific Cellular and Humoral Immune Response to Toxoplasma gondii in Patients with Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases Immunomodulated Due to the Use of TNF Blockers.

(1) Background: TNF antagonists have been used to treat autoimmune diseases (AD). However, during the chronic phase of toxoplasmosis, TNF-α and TNFR play a significant role in maintaining disease resistance and latency. Several studies have demonstrated the risk of latent infections' reactivation in patients infected with toxoplasmosis. Our objective was to verify whether patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases, who use TNF antagonists and/or synthetic drugs and had previous contact with Toxoplasma gondii (IgG+), present any indication of an increased risk of toxoplasmosis reactivation. (2) Methods: Blood samples were collected, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were evaluated after stimulation with antigens of Toxoplasma gondii, with anti-CD3/anti-CD28 or without stimulus, at 48 and 96 h. CD69+, CD28+, and PD-1 stains were evaluated, in addition to intracellular expression of IFN-γ, IL-17, and IL-10 by CD4+ and the presence of regulatory CD4+ T cells by labeling CD25+, FOXP3, and LAP. The cytokines IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-17 were measured in the culture supernatant after 96 h. Serology for IgG and IgG1 was evaluated. (3) Results: There were no differences in the levels of IgG and IgG1 between the groups, but the IgG1 avidity was reduced in the immunobiological group compared to the control group. All groups exhibited a significant correlation between IgG and IgG1 positivity. CD4+ T lymphocytes expressing PD-1 were increased in individuals suffering from autoimmune rheumatic diseases and using disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. In addition, treatment with TNF blockers did not seem to influence the populations of regulatory T cells and did not interfere with the expression of the cytokines IFN-γ, IL-17, and IL-10 by CD4+ cells or the production of cytokines by PBMCs from patients with AD. (4) Conclusions: This study presents evidence that the use of TNF-α blockers did not promote an immunological imbalance to the extent of impairing the anti-Toxoplasma gondii immune response and predisposing to toxoplasmosis reactivation.

Effects of complementary spiritual therapy on stress, anxiety, burnout syndrome and hematological parameters of professionals in a public hospital: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: This randomized controlled trial evaluated the stress, anxiety, and burnout of professionals exposed to complementary spiritist therapy (CST), which consists in therapeutic resources as prayer, Spiritist passe, fluidic water and spiritual education or control. METHODS: Seventy-six professionals were randomized to CST or control: to maintain the routine for 5 weeks. The ISSL scale, anxiety and depression Beck's indices, Maslach instrument, subjective well-being and WHOQOL-BREF were used at baseline and five-week. Blood count and cytokine dosage were collected at baseline, one-week and five-week. Analysis using the intention to treat approach. RESULTS: The means of variation of stress (exhaustion phase) between baseline and five-week were -1.50 ± 3.31 in the CST and 0.72 ± 3.50 in the control (p=0.036), effect size for CST group was d=0.65, which is considered medium effect. CST showed decrease in emotional exhaustion and negative affects, and increase in lymphocytes, erythrocyte parameters and platelets between the baseline and five-week (p<0.05). Reduction in IL-1ß and increase in total lymphocyte count were observed with 2-3 sessions per week, but that does not maintain when the number of sessions is decreased. Participants receiving ≥7 sessions reduced emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and stress, and improved hematological parameters throughout the study (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CST may be effective in reducing stress (exhaustion phase) compared to control. Higher frequency of interventions promotes better psychic state, evidenced by large effect size for emotional exhaustion in burnout, and improves hematological parameters of professionals.

Role of Cytokines, Chemokines and IFN-γ+ IL-17+ Double-Positive CD4+ T Cells in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis is mediated by self-reactive myelin T and B cells that lead to axonal and myelin damage. The immune response in multiple sclerosis involves the participation of CD4+ T cells that produce cytokines and chemokines. This participation is important to find markers for the diagnosis and progression of the disease. In our work, we evaluated the profile of cytokines and chemokines, as well as the production of double positive CD4+ T cells for the production of IFNγ IL-17 in patients with multiple sclerosis, at different stages of the disease and undergoing different treatments. We found that relapsing-remitting patients had a significant increase in IL-12 production. About IL-5, its production showed significantly higher levels in secondarily progressive patients when compared to relapsing-remitting patients. IFN-γ production by PBMCs from secondarily progressive patients showed significantly higher levels. This group also had a higher percentage of CD4+ IFNγ+ IL-17+ T cells. The combination of changes in certain cytokines and chemokines together with the presence of IFNγ+ IL-17+ double positive lymphocytes can be used to better understand the clinical forms of the disease and its progression.

Association of Proinflammatory Cytokine Levels with Stroke Severity, Infarct Size, and Muscle Strength in the Acute Phase of Stroke.

OBJECTIVE: Patterns of cytokine levels and their association with stroke severity, infarct size, and muscle strength are obscure. We aimed to analyze the immune mediators linked to T helper (Th)1, Th2, Th17, and regulatory T cell patterns and their association with stroke severity, infarct size, and muscle strength. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included patients with acute stroke (n = 15) and healthy non-disabled individuals (n = 20) aged > 18 years. The dependent variables were stroke severity according to the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), infarct size on computed tomography, handgrip strength by dynamometry, and global muscle strength according to the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale. The independent variables were the circulating cytokine levels. The cytokine levels were compared between the groups, and correlations between the clinical data were verified. RESULTS: The stroke group had higher interleukin (IL)-6 (p < 0.0001) and IL-10 (p < 0.0001) levels, but lower tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (p = 0.036) levels than the control group. IL-10 and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor (sTNF-RII) levels were correlated with each other (r = 0.533; p = 0.042) and infarct size (r = 0.653; p = 0.033 and r = 0.689; p = 0.018, respectively). MRC scores were positively and negatively correlated with handgrip strength of the affected side (r = 0.78; p = 0.001) and NIHSS scores (r = -0.87; p < 0.0001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma levels of some cytokines were associated with changes in the acute phase of stroke, and IL-10 and sTNF-RII levels are potential biomarkers of infarct size.

Effects of the laying on of hands on anxiety, stress and autonomic response of employees in a hospital: A double-blind randomized controlled trial.

Mental and behavioral disorders result in increased absenteeism and abandonment of work. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anxiety, stress, depression, negative and positive affects, and hematological and autonomic responses of employees in a public hospital exposed to laying on of hands with (LHS) or without Spiritual connection (control-LHW). METHODOLOGY: Eighty-four employees with anxiety/stress were enrolled and randomly allocated into two groups of intervention LHS by Spiritist "passe" and control-LHW by volunteers with healing intent. Anxiety, stress and depression were evaluated by Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS21). Negative and positive affects by Subjective Well-being Scale (SWS), cardiac autonomic modulation by heart rate variability and cytokines and blood count were assessed by blood sample. RESULTS: Our study showed a significant improvement in the neutrophils (p = 0.041; d = 0.70) and cardiac parasympathetic activity, and reduction in VLF (p < 0.005) in the LHS. There was reduction in erythrocyte parameters and interleukin 10 (p < 0.005) in the control-LHW. In both groups there was a significant reduction in anxiety, stress, depression and negative affects after one session (p < 0.005). CONCLUSION: Laying on of hands with Spiritual connection by Spiritist "passe" appears to be effective in increasing cardiac vagal activity and regulation of immune responses of employees in a public hospital with stress/anxiety.

Pemphigus foliaceus patients (Fogo Selvagem) treated with kinesiotherapy presented lower levels of proinflammatory cytokines.

Fogo Selvagem (FS) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by acantholysis and inflammation of the epidermis. It was evidenced in this disease the increase of proinflammatory cytokines levels which can be influenced by physical activities. Kinesiotherapy, as physiotherapeutic interventions, was associated improvement levels of the quality of live, mainly the pain. Understanding the impact of such methodology in immunology of the FS, may constitute an alternative and effective approach. We compare the levels of serum cytokines and chemokines between nine patients with FS submitted to kinesiotherapy for 12 weeks and ten patients not submitted to kinesiotherapy. The kinesiotherapy was composed by self-stretching followed by a resistance training for upper and lower limbs. The protocol was carried out in three sections of eight to ten repetitions with 70% of the maximum load measured by test maximum of ten repetitions. After strengthening period patients performed a passive stretching. The training sessions lasted 50 min and were performed 3 times a week at least 12 weeks. Cytokines and chemokines were assessed in plasma using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and/or cytometric bead array. Patients with FS were being kinesiotherapy presented minors levels of interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-17, IL-22, and IL-15 when compared to those not submitted to kinesiotherapy. No differences were observed for the detection of the chemokines chemokine ligand (CCL)-2, CCL-3, CCL-5, CCL-11, C-X-C motif chemokine 8 (CXCL-8), and CXCL-10. These results suggest that kinesiotherapy had a positive impact on inflammatory markers that are associated with disease worsening in FS.

Amblyomma sculptum Salivary PGE2 Modulates the Dendritic Cell-Rickettsia rickettsii Interactions in vitro and in vivo.

Amblyomma sculptum is an important vector of Rickettsia rickettsii, causative agent of Rocky Mountain spotted fever and the most lethal tick-borne pathogen affecting humans. To feed on the vertebrate host's blood, A. sculptum secretes a salivary mixture, which may interact with skin resident dendritic cells (DCs) and modulate their function. The present work was aimed at depicting the A. sculptum saliva-host DC network and the biochemical nature of the immunomodulatory component(s) involved in this interface. A. sculptum saliva inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines by murine DCs stimulated with LPS. The fractionation of the low molecular weight salivary content by reversed-phase chromatography revealed active fractions eluting from 49 to 55% of the acetonitrile gradient. Previous studies suggested that this pattern of elution matches with that observed for prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and the molecular identity of this lipid mediator was unambiguously confirmed by a new high-resolution mass spectrometry methodology. A productive infection of murine DCs by R. rickettsii was demonstrated for the first time leading to proinflammatory cytokine production that was inhibited by both A. sculptum saliva and PGE2, a result also achieved with human DCs. The adoptive transfer of murine DCs incubated with R. rickettsii followed by treatment with A. sculptum saliva or PGE2 did not change the cytokine profile associated to cellular recall responses while IgG2a-specific antibodies were decreased in the serum of these mice. Together, these findings emphasize the role of PGE2 as a universal immunomodulator of tick saliva. In addition, it contributes to new approaches to explore R. rickettsii-DC interactions both in vitro and in vivo.

Religiousness/Spirituality, Resilience and Burnout in Employees of a Public Hospital in Brazil.

The present study aimed to determine the relation between religiousness/spirituality (R/S), resilience and burnout in employees of a public hospital. A total of 57 participants were evaluated, and the R/S Brief Multidimensional Measure, Pesce and collaborators' resilience scale and Maslach Burnout Inventory were used. Most employees (91.2%) were females. It was observed that the burnout and resilience variables showed statistically significant differences in relation to R/S dimensions. The results identified an association between R/S, resilience and burnout, demonstrating that employees who are more religious and spiritualized have greater resilience and consequently are less often affected by burnout.

Amblyomma sculptum salivary PGE2 modulates the dendritic cell-Rickettsia rickettsii interactions in vitro and in vivo

Amblyomma sculptum is an important vector of Rickettsia rickettsii, causative agent of Rocky Mountain spotted fever and the most lethal tick-borne pathogen affecting humans. To feed on the vertebrate host’s blood, A. sculptum secretes a salivary mixture, which may interact with skin resident dendritic cells (DCs) and modulate their function. The present work was aimed at depicting the A. sculptum saliva-host DC network and the biochemical nature of the immunomodulatory component(s) involved in this interface. A. sculptum saliva inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines by murine DCs stimulated with LPS. The fractionation of the low molecular weight salivary content by reversed-phase chromatography revealed active fractions eluting from 49 to 55% of the acetonitrile gradient. Previous studies suggested that this pattern of elution matches with that observed for prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and the molecular identity of this lipid mediator was unambiguously confirmed by a new high-resolution mass spectrometry methodology. A productive infection of murine DCs by R. rickettsii was demonstrated for the first time leading to proinflammatory cytokine production that was inhibited by both A. sculptum saliva and PGE2, a result also achieved with human DCs. The adoptive transfer of murine DCs incubated with R. rickettsii followed by treatment with A. sculptum saliva or PGE2 did not change the cytokine profile associated to cellular recall responses while IgG2a-specific antibodies were decreased in the serum of these mice. Together, these findings emphasize the role of PGE2 as a universal immunomodulator of tick saliva. In addition, it contributes to new approaches to explore R. rickettsii-DC interactions both in vitro and in vivo.

Amblyomma sculptum salivary PGE2 modulates the dendritic cell-Rickettsia rickettsii interactions in vitro and in vivo

Amblyomma sculptum is an important vector of Rickettsia rickettsii, causative agent of Rocky Mountain spotted fever and the most lethal tick-borne pathogen affecting humans. To feed on the vertebrate host’s blood, A. sculptum secretes a salivary mixture, which may interact with skin resident dendritic cells (DCs) and modulate their function. The present work was aimed at depicting the A. sculptum saliva-host DC network and the biochemical nature of the immunomodulatory component(s) involved in this interface. A. sculptum saliva inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines by murine DCs stimulated with LPS. The fractionation of the low molecular weight salivary content by reversed-phase chromatography revealed active fractions eluting from 49 to 55% of the acetonitrile gradient. Previous studies suggested that this pattern of elution matches with that observed for prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and the molecular identity of this lipid mediator was unambiguously confirmed by a new high-resolution mass spectrometry methodology. A productive infection of murine DCs by R. rickettsii was demonstrated for the first time leading to proinflammatory cytokine production that was inhibited by both A. sculptum saliva and PGE2, a result also achieved with human DCs. The adoptive transfer of murine DCs incubated with R. rickettsii followed by treatment with A. sculptum saliva or PGE2 did not change the cytokine profile associated to cellular recall responses while IgG2a-specific antibodies were decreased in the serum of these mice. Together, these findings emphasize the role of PGE2 as a universal immunomodulator of tick saliva. In addition, it contributes to new approaches to explore R. rickettsii-DC interactions both in vitro and in vivo.

Effects of Spiritist "passe" (Spiritual healing) on stress hormone, pain, physiological parameters and length of stay in preterm newborns: a randomized, double-blind controlled trial.

Background Among the practices of complementary medicine used to treat several diseases is the Spiritist "passe (SP)." Experimental studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of this energy therapies in reducing anxiety in adults. However, studies evaluating the effects of the "passe" energy therapy on health outcomes in newborns (NBs) are lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of SP on stress hormone levels, pain, physiological parameters and length of stay in NBs. Methods NBs were randomly allocated into two groups: intervention (3 days SP sessions, n=13) and control (3 days sham sessions, n=12). Results In the SP group, respiratory frequency (RF) was found significantly lower (p<0.05), and reduction of heart rate and length of stay were observed, without statistical differences. While in the control, there was higher tendency of cortisol levels (p=0.05). Conclusions In this pilot study, RF reduced and prevented the elevation of the salivary cortisol concentration in preterm NBs receiving the SP compared with the control group.

Cytokine and Chemokines Alterations in the Endemic Form of Pemphigus Foliaceus (Fogo Selvagem).

INTRODUCTION: The endemic form (fogo selvagem-FS) of pemphigus foliaceus is an autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of IgG autoantibodies against desmoglein-1. Despite the array of findings, the role of chemokines and cytokines that dictate the immune response and disease outcome is still poorly investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serum from 64 patients diagnosed with FS was used to draw and establish the levels of these molecules on this disease and establish the levels of these molecules with the severity of FS, and influence of treatment. RESULTS: In comparison to healthy subjects, FS patients, newly diagnosed and still without therapeutic intervention, had higher levels of IL-22 and CXCL-8, and reduced levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-15, and CCL-11. Furthermore, treatment using immunosuppressant drugs augmented the production of IFN-γ, IL-2, CCL-5, and CCL-11 besides reducing the levels of IL-22 and CXCL-10. Immunosuppressive therapy seemed to have long-lasting effects on the production of higher amounts of IFN-γ, IL-2, and CCL-5, besides keeping lowered the levels of IL-22 in remission FS patients. CONCLUSION: Taken together, our findings suggest a putative role of IL-22 in the pathogenesis of FS. Finally, data presented here may contribute for better understanding the immune aspects that control disease outcome.

Th1/Th17-Related Cytokines and Chemokines and Their Implications in the Pathogenesis of Pemphigus Vulgaris.

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of IgG autoantibodies against desmoglein-3. Despite the variety of findings, the chemokine and cytokine profiles that characterize the immune response in the disease are still poorly explored. Thus, 20 PV patients and 20 controls were grouped according to gender, ethnicity, place of residence, and clinical parameters of the disease. Then, the levels of chemokines and of Th1/Th2/Th17/Treg/Th9/Th22-related cytokines were assessed in the serum. PV patients had higher levels of inflammatory Th1/Th17 cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-17, and IL-23), as well as higher levels of CXCL8 and reduced levels of Th1/Th2-related chemokines (IP-10 and CCL11). However, no differences in the levels of IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-9, IL-12, TGF-ß, IL-33, MCP-1, RANTES, and MIP-1α were found between PV patients and their control counterparts. Furthermore, PV patients with skin lesions had higher serum levels of IL-6 and CXCL8 when compared to PV patients without lesions. Taken together, our findings describe the role of cytokines and chemokines associated with Th1/Th17 immune response in PV patients. Finally, these data are important for better understanding of the immune aspects that control disease outcome, and they may also provide important information about why patients develop autoantibodies against desmogleins.

Characterization of inflammatory markers associated with systemic lupus erythematosus patients undergoing treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the inflammatory profiles of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus receiving standard treatment compared to healthy controls. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Peripheral venous blood was collected from systemic lupus erythematosus patients (n=14) and controls (n=18) at enrollment. Blood samples were used for quantification, by flow cytometry, of CD11b (integrin) and Chemokine receptor CXCR2 expression surface antigen in neutrophils and lymphocytes, while cytokines were assayed in serum samples. Purified neutrophils were assayed by their ability to phagocytize human plasma-opsonized zymosan. RESULTS: Patients had a median (interquartile range) disease activity index of 1.0 (0-2.0) characteristic of patients in remission. Interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 serum concentrations were significantly higher in the patient group compared to controls and the phagocytic index of circulating neutrophils was significantly reduced in patients compared to controls. The levels of interleukin-2, interleukin-5, interleukin-8 and tumor necrosis factor alpha did not significantly differ between patients and controls. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that the integrin expression levels were reduced in lymphocytes (but not in neutrophils) obtained from systemic lupus erythematosus patients, while surface expression of the chemokine receptor 2 was similar in both neutrophils and lymphocytes. CONCLUSION: Systemic lupus erythematosus patients receiving standard treatment presented with elevated systemic levels of interleukin-6 and interleukin-10, reduced neutrophil phagocytic capacity, and reduced lymphocyte expression of integrin even when symptoms were in remission. These alterations to innate immune components may put these individuals at a greater risk for acquiring infections.

Characterization of inflammatory markers associated with systemic lupus erythematosus patients undergoing treatment / Caracterização de marcadores inflamatórios associados a pacientes com lúpus eritematoso sistêmico em tratamento

ABSTRACT Objective: To characterize the inflammatory profiles of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus receiving standard treatment compared to healthy controls. Patients and methods: Peripheral venous blood was collected from systemic lupus erythematosus patients (n = 14) and controls (n = 18) at enrollment. Blood samples were used for quantification, by flow cytometry, of CD11b (integrin) and Chemokine receptor CXCR2 expression surface antigen in neutrophils and lymphocytes, while cytokines were assayed in serum samples. Purified neutrophils were assayed by their ability to phagocytize human plasma-opsonized zymosan. Results: Patients had a median (interquartile range) disease activity index of 1.0 (0-2.0) characteristic of patients in remission. Interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 serum concentrations were significantly higher in the patient group compared to controls and the phagocytic index of circulating neutrophils was significantly reduced in patients compared to controls. The levels of interleukin-2, interleukin-5, interleukin-8 and tumor necrosis factor alpha did not significantly differ between patients and controls. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that the integrin expression levels were reduced in lymphocytes (but not in neutrophils) obtained from systemic lupus erythematosus patients, while surface expression of the chemokine receptor 2 was similar in both neutrophils and lymphocytes. Conclusion: Systemic lupus erythematosus patients receiving standard treatment presented with elevated systemic levels of interleukin-6 and interleukin-10, reduced neutrophil phagocytic capacity, and reduced lymphocyte expression of integrin even when symptoms were in remission. These alterations to innate immune components may put these individuals at a greater risk for acquiring infections.

RESUMO Objetivo: Caracterizar os perfis inflamatórios de pacientes com lúpus eritematoso sistêmico (LES) que recebiam o tratamento padrão em comparação com controles saudáveis. Pacientes e métodos: Coletou-se o sangue venoso periférico de pacientes com LES (n = 14) e controles (n = 18) no momento da entrada no estudo. As amostras de sangue foram usadas para quantificação, por citometria de fluxo, da expressão dos antígenos de superfície CD11b (integrina) e CXCR2 em neutrófilos e linfócitos, enquanto as citocinas foram avaliadas em amostras de soro. Avaliou-se a capacidade dos neutrófilos purificados de fagocitar zimosan opsonizado com plasma humano. Resultados: Os pacientes apresentavam uma pontuação mediana (intervalo interquartil) no Sledai de 1 (0-2), característica de pacientes em remissão. As concentrações séricas de IL-6 e IL-10 foram significativamente maiores no grupo de pacientes em comparação com os controles; o índice de fagocitose de neutrófilos circulantes estava significativamente reduzido nos pacientes em comparação com os controles. Os níveis de IL-2, IL-5, IL-8 e TNF-α não diferiram significativamente entre pacientes e controles. A análise da citometria de fluxo revelou que os níveis de expressão de CD11b estavam reduzidos nos linfócitos (mas não nos neutrófilos) obtidos de pacientes com LES, enquanto a expressão do receptor de superfície CXCR2 foi semelhante em neutrófilos e linfócitos. Conclusão: Os pacientes com LES que recebiam tratamento padrão apresentaram níveis sistêmicos elevados de IL-6 e IL-10, redução na capacidade fagocítica dos neutrófilos e redução da expressão de CD11b em linfócitos, mesmo quando os sintomas estavam em remissão. Essas alterações nos componentes da imunidade inata podem colocar esses indivíduos em maior risco de adquirir infecções.

[Physiotherapy intervention promotes better quality of life for individuals with pemphigus]. / Intervenção fisioterapêutica promove melhora na qualidade de vida de indivíduos com pênfigo.

INTRODUCTION: Pemphigus is an autoimmune disease characterized by bullae, in which its chronicity and clinical manifestations generate alterations in the quality of life. In Brazil, the disease prevails in the states of the Midwest and Southeast. The study aimed to evaluate the profile and quality of life of patients with pemphigus in a Brazilian city, for the purposes of physiotherapeutic intervention. METHODS: The medical records of 15 institutionalized patients were analyzed, though only 7 volunteers underwent the initial and final interviews using the quality of life questionnaire SF-36. Between data collections, physical therapy exercises were applied over a four-month period. After this predetermined period the data were compared and analyzed quantitatively using the Med Calc E and the Student t test. RESULTS: The 15 patients in treatment had a mean age of 40 years-old; 53.3% were melanoderm; 80% were men; 60% had contact with rural areas and 80% were from the southern region. The 7 patients who participated in the intervention showed a tendency for improvement in the areas assessed by the SF-36, except for vitality and social aspects. CONCLUSIONS: The profile of the population of this hospital is in agreement with the literature. According to the SF-36 collected before and after the physical therapy intervention, general improvement in the quality of life of these patients was verified. This research suggests that physiotherapeutic intervention promotes diverse benefits for patients with pemphigus.

Intervenção fisioterapêutica promove melhora na qualidade de vida de indivíduos com pênfigo / Physiotherapy intervention promotes better quality of life for individuals with pemphigus

INTRODUÇÃO: O pênfigo é uma doença autoimune, caracterizada por vésico-bolhas cuja manifestações clínicas crônicas geram alterações na qualidade de vida. Existem relatos de pênfigo em vários continentes; porém ocorre predominantemente na região centro-norte da América do Sul. No Brasil, a doença predomina nos estados do Centro-Oeste e Sudeste. Objetivou-se avaliar o perfil e a qualidade de vida de pacientes com pênfigo em uma cidade brasileira, para intervenção fisioterapêutica. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados 15 prontuários de pacientes institucionalizados; contudo, 7 voluntários passaram por entrevista inicial e final por meio do questionário de qualidade de vida SF-36. Entremeio a coleta de dados, foram aplicados exercícios fisioterapêuticos durante o período de 4 meses. Após o período pré-determinado os dados foram comparados e analisados de forma quantitativa por meio do Med Calc E e teste T the student. RESULTADOS: Os 15 pacientes em tratamento tinham idade média de 40 anos; 53,3 por cento eram melanoderma; o gênero masculino correspondia a 80 por cento; 60 por cento apresentam contato com zona rural e 80 por cento são de origem da região sudeste. Os 7 pacientes que participaram da intervenção tenderam melhorar os domínios avaliados pelo SF-36 com exceção da vitalidade e aspectos sociais. CONCLUSÕES: O perfil da população deste hospital tem correlação com a literatura pesquisada. De acordo com o SF-36, houve melhora geral da qualidade de vida dos pacientes que aderiram às atividades propostas. Essa pesquisa sugere que a intervenção fisioterapêutica promove diferentes benefícios para os pacientes com pênfigo.

INTRODUCTION: Pemphigus is an autoimmune disease characterized by bullae, in which its chronicity and clinical manifestations generate alterations in the quality of life. In Brazil, the disease prevails in the states of the Midwest and Southeast. The study aimed to evaluate the profile and quality of life of patients with pemphigus in a Brazilian city, for the purposes of physiotherapeutic intervention. METHODS: The medical records of 15 institutionalized patients were analyzed, though only 7 volunteers underwent the initial and final interviews using the quality of life questionnaire SF-36. Between data collections, physical therapy exercises were applied over a four-month period. After this predetermined period the data were compared and analyzed quantitatively using the Med Calc E and the Student t test. RESULTS: The 15 patients in treatment had a mean age of 40 years-old; 53.3 percent were melanoderm; 80 percent were men; 60 percent had contact with rural areas and 80 percent were from the southern region. The 7 patients who participated in the intervention showed a tendency for improvement in the areas assessed by the SF-36, except for vitality and social aspects. CONCLUSIONS: The profile of the population of this hospital is in agreement with the literature. According to the SF-36 collected before and after the physical therapy intervention, general improvement in the quality of life of these patients was verified. This research suggests that physiotherapeutic intervention promotes diverse benefits for patients with pemphigus.