Primary immunodeficiency diseases in different age groups: a report on 1,008 cases from a single Brazilian reference center.

Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) represent a large group of diseases that affect all age groups. Although PIDs have been recognized as rare diseases, there is epidemiological evidence suggesting that their real prevalence has been underestimated. We performed an evaluation of a series of 1,008 infants, children, adolescents and adults with well-defined PIDs from a single Brazilian center, regarding age at diagnosis, gender and PID category according to the International Union of Immunological Societies classification. Antibody deficiencies were the most common category in the whole series (61 %) for all age groups, with the exception of <2-year-old patients (only 15 %). In the >30-year-old group, antibody deficiencies comprised 84 % of the diagnoses, mostly consisting of common variable immunodeficiency, IgA deficiency and IgM deficiency. Combined immunodeficiencies represented the most frequent category in <2-years-old patients. Most congenital defects of phagocytes were identified in patients <5 -years of age, as were the diseases of immune dysregulation, with the exception of APECED. DiGeorge syndrome and ataxia-telangiectasia were the most frequent entities in the category of well-defined syndromes, which were mostly identified in patients <10-years of age. Males represented three-quarters and two-thirds of <2 -years-old and 2-5-years -old patients, respectively, whereas females predominated among the >30-year-old patients. Our data indicated that some PIDs were only detected at early ages, likely because affected patients do not survive long. In addition, our data pointed out that different strategies should be used to search for PIDs in infants and young children as compared to older patients.

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.

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.

Terapia com agentes biológicos na criança e no adolescente: [revisão] / Treatment with biologic agents in child and adolescent: [review]

OBJETIVO: Revisar os mecanismos fisiopatológicos e novos alvos terapêuticos, os agentes biológicos disponíveis, principais indicações e a evidência científica atual para o uso de terapias biológicas na população pediátrica. FONTES DE DADOS: Pesquisa na base de dados Medline e SciELO, nas línguas inglesa e portuguesa, entre 2000 e 2009. As palavras-chave usadas foram "agentes biológicos", "crianças" e "adolescentes". SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: Os agentes biológicos são uma importante opção terapêutica para tratar as doenças autoimunes refratárias às terapias convencionais na infância e na adolescência. Com exceção da artrite idiopática juvenil, a maioria dos estudos em outras doenças autoimunes não é controlada. CONCLUSÕES: Os agentes biológicos têm demonstrado eficácia no tratamento de doenças autoimunes pediátricas como artrite idiopática juvenil, miopatias idiopáticas inflamatórias, lúpus eritematoso juvenil, vasculites, uveítes crônicas, doenças inflamatórias intestinais e púrpura trombocitopênica imune crônica, assim como no linfoma não-Hodgkin. Considerando-se o custo elevado e os potenciais eventos adversos, o uso desses agentes deve ser individualizado e acompanhado por especialista.

OBJECTIVE: To review the physiopathology and new therapeutical targets, the available biologic agents, the main indications and the current scientific evidence for the use of biological therapies in the pediatric population. DATA SOURCES: A bibliographical search was obtained from Medline and SciELO databases in English and Portuguese from 2000 to 2009. The key-words included were "biologic agent", "children" and "adolescent". DATA SYNTHESIS: Biologic agents are important therapeutic options to treat refractory autoimmune diseases to conventional therapies in childhood and adolescence. Excluding juvenile idiopathic arthritis, the majority of studies in other autoimmune diseases are uncontrolled trials. CONCLUSIONS: Biologic agents have shown efficacy in the treatment of pediatric autoimmune diseases such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis, idiopathic inflammatory myositis, juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitis, chronic uveitis, inflammatory bowel diseases, and chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura, as well as in non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Considering the high cost and the potential adverse events, the choice to use them must be individualized and followed by a specialist.

Immunization consensus for children and adolescents with rheumatic diseases / Consenso de imunização para crianças e adolescentes com doenças reumatológicas

Crianças e adolescentes com doenças reumatológicas apresentam maior prevalência de doenças infecciosas quando comparados com a população em geral, em decorrência de atividade da doença, possível deficiência imunológica secundária à própria doença, ou uso de terapia imunossupressora. A vacinação é uma medida eficaz para a redução da morbidade e mortalidade nesses pacientes. O objetivo deste artigo foi realizar um consenso de eficácia e segurança das vacinas em crianças e adolescentes com doenças reumatológicas infantis baseadas em níveis de evidência científica. Imunização passiva para os pacientes e orientações para as pessoas que convivem com doentes imunodeprimidos também foram incluídas. Os 32 pediatras reumatologistas membros do Departamento de Reumatologia da Sociedade de Pediatria de São Paulo (SPSP) e/ou da Comissão de Reumatologia Pediátrica da Sociedade Brasileira de Reumatologia elaboraram o consenso, sendo que alguns desses profissionais estão envolvidos em pesquisas e publicações científicas nesta área. A pesquisa dos termos eficácia e/ou segurança das diferentes vacinas em crianças e adolescentes com doenças reumatológicas foi realizada nas bases de Medline e Scielo, de 1966 até março de 2009, incluindo revisões, estudos controlados e relatos de casos. O grau de recomendação e o nível científico de evidências dos estudos foram classificados em quatro níveis para cada vacina. De um modo geral, as vacinas inativadas e de componentes são seguras nos pacientes com doenças reumatológicas, mesmo em uso de terapias imunossupressoras. Entretanto, vacinas com agentes vivos atenuados são, em geral, contraindicadas para os pacientes imunossuprimidos.

Incidence of infectious diseases is higher in children and adolescents with rheumatic diseases than in the general population due to disease activity, possible immune deficiency secondary to the disease itself, or the use of immunosuppressive drugs. Vaccination is effective in reducing morbidity and mortality in those patients. The objective of this study was to establish an evidence-based consensus on the efficacy and safety of vaccination in children and adolescents with rheumatic diseases. Passive immunization of patients and guidelines for people who live with immunosuppressed patients were also included. The 32 pediatric rheumatologists of the Rheumatology Department of the Pediatrics Society of São Paulo, (SPSP, from the Portuguese), São Paulo, SP, Brazil, and/or the Commission on Pediatrics Rheumatology of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology are responsible for this consensus; some of those professionals are involved on research and scientific publications in this field. The words efficacy and/or safety of different vaccines in children and adolescents with rheumatologic diseases were searched in Medline and Scielo data bases from 1966 to March 2009, including reviews, controlled studies, and case reports. The degree of recommendation and the scientific evidence of the studies were classified in four levels for each vaccine. As a rule, inactive and protein components vaccines are safe for patients with rheumatologic diseases, even in the presence of immunosuppressive therapy. However, live attenuated vaccines are, in general, contraindicated for immunosuppressed patients.

Understanding systemic lupus erythematosus physiopathology in the light of primary immunodeficiencies.

INTRODUCTION: Associations between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) were analyzed to gain insight into the physiopathology of SLE. Some PIDs have been consistently associated with SLE or lupus-like manifestations: (a) homozygous deficiencies of the early components of the classical complement pathway in the following decreasing order: in C1q, 93% of affected patients developed SLE; in C4, 75%; in C1r/s, 57%; and in C2, up to 25%; (b) female carriers of X-linked chronic granulomatous disease allele; and (c) IgA deficiency, present in around 5% of juvenile SLE. DISCUSSION: In the first two groups, disturbances of cellular waste-disposal have been proposed as the main mechanisms of pathogenesis. On the other hand and very interestingly, there are PIDs systematically associated with several autoimmune manifestations in which SLE has not been described, such as autoimmune polyendocrinopathy candidiasis ectodermal dystrophy (APECED), immunodysregulation polyendocrinopathy enteropathy X-linked (IPEX), and autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS), suggesting that mechanisms considered as critical players for induction and maintenance of tolerance to autoantigens, such as (1) AIRE-mediated thymic negative selection of lymphocytes, (2) Foxp3+ regulatory T cell-mediated peripheral tolerance, and (3) deletion of auto-reactive lymphocytes by Fas-mediated apoptosis, could not be relevant in SLE physiopathology. The non-description of SLE and neither the most characteristic SLE clinical features among patients with agammaglobulinemia are also interesting observations, which reinforce the essential role of B lymphocytes and antibodies for SLE pathogenesis. CONCLUSION: Therefore, monogenic PIDs represent unique and not fully explored human models for unraveling components of the conundrum represented by the physiopathology of SLE, a prototypical polygenic disease.

Renal involvement in Henoch-Schönlein purpura: a multivariate analysis of initial prognostic factors.

OBJECTIVES: To identify initial predictive factors of renal involvement in children and adolescents with Henoch-Schönlein purpura. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 142 patients admitted to our University Hospital over a 21-year period with a diagnosis of Henoch-Schönlein purpura. The initial predictive factors assessed, observed during the first 3 months, included: demographic data, clinical manifestations (persistent palpable purpura, arthritis, abdominal pain, severe abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, orchitis, central nervous system involvement and pulmonary hemorrhage), laboratory tests (serum IgA levels) and treatment given (corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin and immunosuppressive drugs). Patients were divided into two groups (presence or absence of nephritis) and assessed by univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Evidence of nephritis was detected in 70 patients (49.3%). The univariate analysis revealed that severe abdominal pain (p=0.0049; OR=1.6; 95%CI 1.18-2.21), gastrointestinal bleeding (p=0.004; OR=1.6; 95%CI 1.10-2.26) and corticosteroid use (p=0.0012; OR=1.7; 95%CI 1.28-2.40) were all associated with increased incidence of renal involvement. In the multivariate analysis, logistic regression demonstrated that the only independent variable that predicted nephritis was intense abdominal pain (p<0.012; OR=2.593; 95%CI 1.234-5.452). CONCLUSIONS: Severe abdominal pain was a significant predictor of nephritis in Henoch-Schönlein purpura. Consequently, pediatric patients exhibiting this clinical manifestation should be rigorously monitored, due to the increased risk of renal involvement.

Gonad evaluation in male systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE: To assess gonad function in male patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: Thirty-five consecutive male patients with SLE according to the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology were prospectively evaluated for demographic and clinical features as well as previous and current treatment. Patients underwent urologic evaluation and testicular Doppler ultrasound. We obtained a hormone profile and performed a semen analysis including morphology and testing for the presence of antisperm antibodies. Patients were compared with 35 age-matched healthy controls. RESULTS: Compared with controls, SLE patients had lower median testicular volumes in both testes, a lower median total sperm count, and a lower median total motile sperm count. The mean sperm volume and percentage of normally formed sperm were lower in SLE patients than in controls. Since all SLE patients had semen alterations, they were further subdivided into 2 groups according to the severity of these abnormalities (group 1, with teratozoospermia [n = 18], and group 2, with azoospermia or teratozoospermia in combination with oligozoospermia and/or asthenozoospermia [n = 17]). The frequency of treatment with intravenous cyclophosphamide (IV CYC) after the first ejaculation was higher in group 2 than in group 1. The median testicular volumes measured by ultrasound in both testicles were lower in group 2 than in group 1. Follicle-stimulating hormone levels were higher in group 2 than in group 1. The overall frequency of antisperm antibodies in SLE patients was 40%. The apparent higher frequency of antisperm antibodies in group 1 than in group 2 did not reach significance. CONCLUSION: SLE patients have a high frequency of sperm abnormalities associated with reduced testicular volume. Postpubertal IV CYC treatment was the major factor in potential permanent damage to the testes.

Envolvimento renal na púrpura de Henoch-Schõnlein: uma análise multivariada de fatores prognósticos iniciais / Renal involvement in Henoch-Schõnlein purpura: a multivariate analysis of initial prognostic factors

OBJETIVOS: Identificar fatores preditivos iniciais de envolvimento renal nas crianças e adolescentes com púrpura de Henoch-Schõnlein. MÉTODOS: Por um período de 21 anos, os prontuários de 142 pacientes com diagnóstico de púrpura de Henoch-Schõnlein admitidos em nosso Hospital Universitário foram revistos. Os fatores preditivos iniciais avaliados nos primeiros 3 meses incluíram: dados demográficos, manifestações clínicas (púrpura palpável persistente, artrite, dor abdominal, dor abdominal intensa, sangramento gastrointestinal, orquite, envolvimento do sistema nervoso central e hemorragia pulmonar), exames laboratoriais (níveis séricos de IgA) e tratamento utilizado (corticosteróides, imunoglobulina endovenosa e medicação imunossupressora). Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos (com presença ou ausência de nefrite) e avaliados de acordo com a análise univariada e multivariada. RESULTADOS: Nefrite foi evidenciada em 70 pacientes (49,3 por cento). A análise univariada revelou que dor abdominal intensa (p = 0,0049; OR = 1,6; IC95 por cento 1,18-2,21), sangramento gastrointestinal (p = 0,004; OR = 1,6; IC95 por cento 1,10-2,26) e uso dos corticosteróides (p = 0,0012; OR = 1,7; IC95 por cento 1,28-2,40) foram associados com uma maior incidência de envolvimento renal. Na análise multivariada, a regressão logística mostrou que a única variável independente na predição da ocorrência de nefrite foi dor abdominal intensa (p < 0,012; OR = 2,593; IC95 por cento 1,234-5,452). CONCLUSÕES: Dor abdominal intensa representou um preditor significativo da nefrite na púrpura de Henoch-Schõnlein. Conseqüentemente, os pacientes pediátricos com esta manifestação clínica devem ser rigorosamente seguidos, devido ao maior risco de acometimento renal.

OBJECTIVES: To identify initial predictive factors of renal involvement in children and adolescents with Henoch-Schõnlein purpura. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 142 patients admitted to our University Hospital over a 21-year period with a diagnosis of Henoch-Schõnlein purpura. The initial predictive factors assessed, observed during the first 3 months, included: demographic data, clinical manifestations (persistent palpable purpura, arthritis, abdominal pain, severe abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, orchitis, central nervous system involvement and pulmonary hemorrhage), laboratory tests (serum IgA levels) and treatment given (corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin and immunosuppressive drugs). Patients were divided into two groups (presence or absence of nephritis) and assessed by univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Evidence of nephritis was detected in 70 patients (49.3 percent). The univariate analysis revealed that severe abdominal pain (p = 0.0049; OR = 1.6; 95 percentCI 1.18-2.21), gastrointestinal bleeding (p = 0.004; OR = 1.6; 95 percentCI 1.10-2.26) and corticosteroid use (p = 0.0012; OR = 1.7; 95 percentCI 1.28-2.40) were all associated with increased incidence of renal involvement. In the multivariate analysis, logistic regression demonstrated that the only independent variable that predicted nephritis was intense abdominal pain (p < 0.012; OR = 2.593; 95 percentCI 1.234-5.452). CONCLUSIONS: Severe abdominal pain was a significant predictor of nephritis in Henoch-Schõnlein purpura. Consequently, pediatric patients exhibiting this clinical manifestation should be rigorously monitored, due to the increased risk of renal involvement.

Lupus eritematoso discóide na infância: [revisão] / Discoid lupus erythematosus in childhood: [review]

OBJETIVO: Realizar revisão da literatura sobre o lupus eritematoso discóide (LED) na infância. FONTES DE DADOS: Livros-texto e artigos de revistas indexadas pelo Medline e SciELO nos últimos dez anos, usando as seguintes palavras-chave: "discoid lupus erythematosus", "chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus", "lupus erythematosus in childhood", "lupus erythematosus in children", "discoid lupus erythematosus in childhood", "discoid lupus erythematosus in children". SÍNTESEDOS DADOS: A idade de início da doença ocorre predominantemente entre cinco e dez anos e a história familiar de lupus eritematoso está presente em 11 a 35 por cento dos casos. A relação gênero feminino/masculino varia de 1/1 a 2,4/1. Por sua vez, 24 a 27 por cento dos pacientes com LED desenvolvem lupus eritematoso sistêmico (LES). Lesões discóides localizadas (que acometem cabeça e pescoço) são observadas em 56 a 75 por cento dos pacientes. A face é o local mais acometido. O LED localizado e o generalizado apresentam evolução semelhante. Os achados histológicos são típicos, mostrando dermatite de interface. IgM e IgG são os depósitos mais freqüentes na zona da membrana basal da epiderme. Os tratamentos geralmente utilizados são: fotoproteção, corticosteróides tópicos e antimaláricos. Imunossupressores, talidomida, dapsona e retinóides podem ser usados nos casos refratários. CONCLUSÕES: O LED da infância parece ter pequeno predomínio no gênero feminino, alta prevalência de história familiar de lupus eritematoso e elevada proporção que evolui para a forma sistêmica da doença, comparada ao LED do adulto. O LED localizado e o generalizado apresentam prognósticos semelhante. Os achados histológicos não foram diferentes daqueles descritos no LED do adulto.

OBJECTIVE: To review the literature about discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) in childhood. DATA SOURCES: Textbooks and journals indexed for Medline and SciELO in the last ten years. The following key-words were searched: "discoid lupus erythematosus", "chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus", "lupus erythematosus in childhood", "lupus erythematosus in children", "discoid lupus erythematosus in childhood", "discoid lupus erythematosus in children". DATA SYNTHESIS: Disease onset occurs predominantly between five and ten years old. Family history of lupus erythematosus is present in 11-35 percent of cases. The female/male ratio varies from 1/1 to 2.4/1. Development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is present in 24-27 percent of patients. Localized discoid lesions are observed in 56-75 percent of patients. The face is the most frequent site of involvement. Localized and generalized DLE have a similar course. The histological findings are typical, with interface dermatitis. IgM and IgG are the most frequent deposits in the basement membrane zone. The treatments usually used are: sunscreens, topical corticosteroids and antimalarials. Immunosuppressive agents, thalidomide, dapsone and retinoids can be used in refractory cases. CONCLUSIONS: Childhood DLE shows slight female predominance, high prevalence of familiar history of lupus erythematosus, and it evolves to systemic lupus erythematosus in a higher proportion than adult DLE. Disseminated DLE and localized DLE have similar prognosis. The histological findings did not differ from those described in adults.

Utilização do computador e de jogos eletrônicos e avaliação da ergonomia com uso do somputador em adolescentes de uma escola privada na cidade de São Paulo / Computer and eletronic games use and evaluation of ergonomy with computer use in adolescents of a private school in the city of São paulo

Objetivo: avaliar a utilização de computador e jogos eletrônicos e associar o uso destes com dados demográficos, frequência e tempo utilizado, assim como avaliar a ergonomia com o uso do computador em adolescentes. Méwtodos: um estudo transversal foi realizado em uma população de 791 adolescentes de uma escola particular da cidade de São Paulo. Noventa e um por cento pertenciam às classes socioeconômicas média e alta e 88 por cento de seis pais tinham nível universitário. A pesquisa incluiu um questionário e a avaliação da ergonomia com uso do computador. A análise estatística foi realizada com os testes de Fisher, qui-quadrado e Mann Whitney. Resultados: a média de idade foi de 14,2 +- 2,0 anos e a relação feminino:masculino foi de 1,1:1. O computador foi utilizado por 99 por cento dos alunos e 67 por cento o usaram no dia anterior à pesquisa, 58 por cento utilizaram videosgame e 30 por cento minigame/gameboy. A disponibilidade e o uso dos aparelhos foram maiores no sexo masculino (p<0,001). Os adolescentes entre 10 e 14 anos utilizaram mais o videogame e o minigame/gameboy (p<0,001) e aqueles com idades entre 15 e 18, o computador (p<0,05). Conclusões: os adolescentes utilizaram computador e jogos eletrônicos frequentemente, por tempo prolongado e todos tinham posturas inadequadas frente aos computadores, com possibilidade de dores e síndromes músculo-esqueléticas.

Uso de antiinflamatórios não-hormonais durante a amamentação: quais podem ser utilizados? / Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs during breatfeeding: which can be prescribed?

Objetivo:revisar os conhecimentos disponíveis sobre a passagem de drogas para o leite materno e a segurança do uso de drogas antiinflamatórias durante a amamentação. Fontes de dados: nas bases de dados Medline, Scielo e Lilacs, foram pesquisados trabalhos em inglês, português e espanhol, sem limite de tempo, com os seguintes descritores: "nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs" ou "drugs" em combinação com "nursing", "breastfeeding" e "lactation". Os principais livros-texto da área de Pediatria e sites na Internet deorganizações nacionais e internacionais que apresentaram publicações sobre o tema foram também revisados. Síntese dos dados: diversos fatores influenciam a passagem de drogas para o leite. Esses fatores podem ser quantificados por certas equações; porém, há pouca informação disponível para a maior parte das drogas comercializadas no Brasil. No caso dos antiinflamatórios, sabe-se que a maioria deles apresenta baixa trnsferência para o leite, porém alguns possuem meia-vida longa e podem se acumular no organismo da criança amamentada. Tais drogas são, em geral, seguras para tratamentos de curta duração, mas podem apresentar eventos adversos com o uso crônico. Conclusões: os antiinflamatórios são substâncias seguras para uso durante a lactação (especialmente em tratamentos de curta duração). No entanto, o médico que prescreve o medicamento deve avaliar cada fator que influencia a exposição do lactente à droga e, juntamente com a mãe, considerar a relação risco=benefício.

[Macrophage activation syndrome associated with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis]. / Síndrome de ativação macrofágica associada com artrite idiopática juvenil sistêmica.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of macrophage activation syndrome associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. DESCRIPTION: This is a retrospective study involving 462 patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Seven (1.5%) of those patients suffered from systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis and developed macrophage activation syndrome. The median age of the juvenile idiopathic arthritis onset was 3 years and 10 months and the median duration of juvenile idiopathic arthritis before macrophage activation syndrome was 8 years and 4 months. All of them presented with fever, jaundice, hepatosplenomegaly, bleeding, pancytopenia, abnormal liver function tests and abnormal coagulation profile. Three cases presented associated infections and one patient developed macrophage activation syndrome two weeks after the administration of sulfasalazine. Three patients died and the macrophage hemophagocytosis was present in five. The treatment of macrophage activation syndrome included pulse therapy with methylprednisolone in all of them, cyclosporine A in three, plasma exchange in two and intravenous immunoglobulin in two. COMMENTS: Macrophage activation syndrome is a complication of the systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis with a high morbidity and mortality rate.