Cannabis therapy in rheumatological diseases: A systematic review.

Cannabis has been used in rheumatic diseases as therapy for chronic pain or inflammatory conditions. Herein, the authors systematically review the rheumatological diseases in which cannabis has been studied: systemic sclerosis, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, polymyalgia rheumatica, gout, dermatomyositis, and psoriatic arthritis. We systematically searched PubMed for articles on cannabis and rheumatic diseases between 1966 and March 2023. Twenty-eight articles have been selected for review. Most of them (n=13) were on fibromyalgia and all of them but one showed important reduction in pain; sleep and mood also improved. On rheumatoid arthritis, two papers displayed decrease in pain and in one of them a reduction in inflammatory parameters was found. In scleroderma there was a case description with good results, one study on local use for digital ulcers also with good outcomes and a third one, that disclosed good results for skin fibrosis. In dermatomyositis a single study showed improvement of skin manifestations and in osteoarthritis (3 studies) this drug has demonstrated a good analgesic effect. Several surveys (n=5) on the general use of cannabis showed that rheumatological patients (mixed diseases) do use this drug even without medical supervision. The reported side effects were mild. In conclusion, cannabis treatment is an interesting option for the treatment of rheumatological diseases that should be further explored with more studies.

Ear Complaints in Fibromyalgia: A Narrative Review.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with fibromyalgia (FM) have innumerable complaints due to the central amplification of somatic stimuli. The aim of this paper was to review the ear complaints in patients with FM. METHODS: A review of articles published in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus from 1966 to June 2023 was performed. RESULTS: Seventeen papers were included in the review. They showed that patients with FM have a higher hearing loss rate, mostly at high frequencies, and hyperacusis. The prevalence of vestibular symptoms (tinnitus, dizziness) and hyperacusis was higher than in the general population, reaching 87.0% of the sample. Subjective findings did not always correspond to objective results. In some studies, the degree of FM severity was associated with ear symptoms; in others, it was not. CONCLUSIONS: Ear complaints in patients with FM are linked to subjacent disease and may be related to stimuli central amplification.

RELEVANCE OF THE "APOIO" PROTOCOL IN THE PRE-OPERATIVE EVALUATION OF ELDERLY PEOPLE / RELEVÂNCIA DO PROTOCOLO "APOIO" NA AVALIAÇÃO CIRÚRGICA PRÉ-OPERATÓRIA DE IDOSOS

Introduction: Chronological age should not be considered a contraindication or impediment to performing any medical procedure, as long as there is a technical indication for it. This is because chronological and biological ages are not always equivalent. The aging process is heterogeneous and individual, varying according to genetic, environmental and socioeconomic factors. Objective: To review published care on multidimensional surgical care for the elderly and the role that the APOIO protocol can have in decision-making. Method: Integrative review carried out by collecting information published on virtual platforms in Portuguese and English. Initially, a search was carried out for descriptors related to the topic and identified through DeCS using the following terms: "preoperative evaluation, elderly, fractures, perioperative complications, and surgery" and articles that used the APOIO protocol with AND or OR search, considering the title and/or abstract. Afterwards, considering only those that were most related to the topic, the full texts were read. Result: 21 articles were included. Conclusion: APOIO is a multidimensional assessment that communicates geriatrics with anesthesiology and surgical specialties, integrating clinicians and surgeons in decision-making regarding surgical treatment for the elderly. It offers a conclusion with a written text that summarizes which systems are vulnerable, recommending perioperative care and precautions to be adopted to minimize the risks of the procedure.

Introdução : A idade cronológica não deve ser encarada como contraindicação ou impedimento para realização de qualquer procedimento médico, desde que haja indicação técnica para tal. Isso porque nem sempre as idades cronológica e biológica são equivalentes. O processo de envelhecimento é heterogêneo e individual, variando de acordo com fatores genéticos, ambientais e socioeconômicos . Objetivo : Revisar os cuidados publicados sobre o atendimento cirúrgico multidimensional do idoso e o papel que o protocolo APOIO pode ter na tomada de decisão. Método : Revisão integrativa feita coletando informações publicadas em plataformas virtuais em português e inglês. Inicialmente foi realizada busca por descritores relacionados ao tema e identificadores por meio do DeCS utilizando-se os seguintes termos: " avaliação pré-operatória, idosos, fraturas, complicações perioperatórias, e cirurgia " e artigos que utilizaram o protocolo APOIO com busca AND ou OR , considerando o título e/ou resumo. Após, considerando-se somente os que tinham maior relação ao tema, foi realizada a leitura na íntegra dos textos. Resultado : Foram incluídos 24 artigos. Conclusão : APOIO é uma avaliação multidimensional que comunica a geriatria com anestesiologia e especialidades cirúrgicas, integrando clínicas e cirurgias na tomada de decisão quanto ao tratamento cirúrgico ao idoso. Ela oferece conclusão com texto escrito que resume quais os sistemas vulneráveis ​​recomendando cuidados perioperatórios e eventualmente sendo adotados para minorar os riscos do procedimento.

MULTIDIMENSIONAL PREOPERATIVE EVALUATION AND ITS ROLE IN PREVENTING PERIOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS IN ELDERLY INDIVIDUALS WITH FRACTURES / AVALIAÇÃO PRÉ-OPERATÓRIA MULTIDIMENSIONAL E SEU PAPEL NA PREVENÇÃO DE COMPLICAÇÕES PERIOPERATÓRIAS EM IDOSOS COM FRATURAS

Introduction: Elderly patients have higher rates of morbidity and mortality during hospitalizations, diagnostic and surgical procedures. In order to improve the quality of care for the elderly, the APOIO (Preoperative Assessment of Elderly and Care Guidance) protocol was created, a tool to measure the risks of surgical complications. Objective: To evaluate the impact of APOIO on several outcomes, in order to validate it as a useful vehicle in the prevention of perioperative complications in elderly patients with fractures. Method: Retrospective cross-sectional study through review of 218 medical records of elderly patients hospitalized for fractures, and with surgical indication, having collected data on sex, age, reason for hospitalization, type of fracture, indication or not of surgical treatment, evaluation or not by APOIO, indication or not of ICU in the postoperative period, length of ICU stay, total length of hospitalization, immediate outcome and outcome within 30 days after the operation. Result: It was found that the application of APOIO was associated with a 70% reduction in the chances of death during hospitalization (p=0.040), length of stay in the ICU (p<0.001) and total length of hospital stay (p = 0.010). There was also a trend towards a reduction in the death rate within 30 days of the postoperative period (p = 0.117). Conclusion: The application of the APOIO tool reduces the length of hospitalization, optimizes indication and length of stay in the ICU and, also, reduces the risk of death in elderly people undergoing surgical treatment for fractures.

Introdução: Pacientes idosos apresentam maior morbidade e mortalidade em internamentos hospitalares, procedimentos diagnósticos e cirúrgicos. Buscando melhorar a qualidade assistencial aos idosos foi criado o protocolo APOIO (Avaliação Pré-Operatória de Idosos e Orientação de cuidados), ferramenta para mensurar os riscos de complicações cirúrgicas. Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto do APOIO sobre vários desfechos, a fim de validá-lo como veículo útil na prevenção de complicações perioperatórias em idosos com fraturas. Método: Pesquisa retrospectiva transversal por meio de revisão de 218 prontuários de pacientes idosos internados por fraturas, e com indicação cirúrgica, tendo sido coletados dados sobre sexo, idade, motivo do internamento, tipo de fratura, indicação ou não de tratamento cirúrgico, avaliação ou não pela APOIO, indicação ou não de UTI no pós-operatório, duração do internamento em UTI, duração total do internamento, desfecho imediato e desfecho em 30 dias após a operação. Resultado: Foi constatado que a aplicação do APOIO foi associada à redução de 70% nas chances de óbito durante o internamento (p = 0,040), ao tempo de permanência em UTI (p <0,001) e ao tempo total de internamento hospitalar (p =  0,010). Observou-se ainda tendência à redução na taxa de óbitos em 30 dias do pós-operatório (p = 0,117). Conclusão: A aplicação da ferramenta APOIO reduz tempo de internamento, otimiza indicação e tempo de permanência em UTI e ainda diminui o risco de óbito de idosos submetidos a tratamentos cirúrgicos de fraturas.

SKELETAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT IN BRAZILIAN MEN WITH CELIAC DISEASE AT DIAGNOSIS: HOW IMPORTANT IS IT?

BACKGROUND: Low bone mass density (BMD) is an extraintestinal finding in celiac disease (CD). This may result in bone fractures leading to loss in quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To assess BMD in male CD patients at diagnosis according to the patient's age. METHODS: Descriptive retrospective carried out during the period between 2013 and 2023 in a single office that studied dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) results in 28 male patients with a recent diagnosis of CD, divided into three groups: group 1 (age up to 18 years); group 2 (from 19 to 49 years of age) and group 3 (over 50 years of age). Were studied demographic and anthropometric parameters, time delay between symptoms onset and CD diagnosis and fracture occurrence. RESULTS: Celiac patients studied had median age 36.0 years (IQR=16.5-50.7). Among them, 39.3% had osteopenia and 14.3% had osteoporosis. Only 36% of the sample had normal DXA values (group 1 with 37.5%; group 2 with 46% and group 3 with 14.2%). No pathological fracture was observed in this sample. CD diagnosis delay observed had median 1.0 year (IQR=1.0-4.7). When the number of individuals with normal and abnormal DXA results were compared, there was no difference in body mass index, time of diagnosis delay or Marsh classification (P=0.18). CONCLUSION: Male patients at the time of CD diagnosis showed a high prevalence of low BMD, which was particularly evident in individuals over 50 years of age.

Hospital admissions for chronic liver diseases: a temporal study in the South Region of Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare the epidemiology and clinical profiles of hospital admissions in a single Brazilian Hepatology Unit from the period 2014-2017 to 2019-2022. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of hospital database from the abovementioned periods was done. The study included patients over the age of 18 years who were hospitalized due to complications of diseases such as viral hepatitis, alcoholic disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and autoimmune liver and drug-induced hepatitis. RESULTS: In both study periods, middle-aged males were predominant and were younger than females. In the first period (2014-2017), hepatitis C (33.5%) was the most prevalent cause of admission, followed by alcoholic liver disease (31.7%). In the second period (2019-2022), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (38%) and alcoholic liver disease (27.6%) were the most frequent causes of admission. No changes were observed in the proportion of alcoholic liver disease or drug-induced hepatitis in both study periods. The prevalence of viral hepatitis decreased in both genders, with hepatitis C decreasing from 32.4 to 9.7% for males and 35.4 to 10.8% for females, and OR=0.2; 95%CI 0.1-0.3 for both males and females. Similarly, the prevalence of hepatitis B decreased from 19.1 to 8.1% and OR=0.3; 95%CI 0.2-0.5 for males and 8.2 to 3.7% and OR=0.4; 95%CI 0.1-0.9 for females. The prevalence of autoimmune liver diseases increased only in males, from 2.1 to 5.9% and OR=2.9; 95%CI 1.2-6.6. CONCLUSION: Over the past 4 years, there has been a shift in hospital admission profile at a Brazilian Hepatology Unit, with a decrease in viral hepatitis and an increase in autoimmune diseases and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Males were more affected at younger ages than females. Furthermore, ascites was the most prevalent cause of complications in both periods analyzed.

Ultrasonographic and power doppler parameters of nails fail to differentiate between onychodystrophy in patients with psoriasis vulgaris or psoriatic arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Nail involvement is frequent in patients with psoriasis (Pso) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and there is a relationship between nail involvement and inflammation of the enthesis. The main objective of the present study is to describe the ultrasound findings and clinical characteristics of nails from patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis with and without nail dystrophy. METHODS: A cross-sectional study including consecutive patients with PsO and PsA was carried out. The study patients were divided into 4 groups, totaling 120 participants. Group 1: patients with psoriasis vulgaris and clinically normal nails; Group 2: patients with psoriasis vulgaris and onychodystrophy; Group 3: patients with psoriatic arthritis and clinically normal nails; Group 4: patients with psoriatic arthritis and onychodystrophy; All patients were submitted to dermatological and rheumatological clinical analysis. Ultrasound examinations was performed by a single examiner, blinded to all clinical data, with ultrasound high resolution, in B-mode or gray-scale (GS), Power Doppler (PD) and Spectral Doppler. RESULTS: A significant difference was found between the groups regarding the variable Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) (p = 0.008) and body surface area (BSA) (p = 0.005), with patients with psoriatic arthritis having lower PASI and BSA compared to patients with only cutaneous psoriasis. A positive relationship was found with the average ultrasound thickness of the nail bed and the Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI) in correlation analysis (rho = 0.344). When we grouped patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, there was no significant difference between the cutaneous psoriasis groups and the psoriatic arthritis groups in terms of nail plate GS (p = 0.442), nail bed PD (p = 0.124). CONCLUSION: Greater nail bed thickness indicates early psoriatic nail disease, as confirmed in our study correlating NAPSI with nail bed thickness. Ultrasonography is a low-cost exam, promising in the evaluation, showing that the ultrasound grayscale is consistent with those who have dystrophic nails, but it can't distinguish psoriasis from psoriatic arthritis, even in those with nail dystrophy.

To be or not to B27 positive: implications for the phenotypes of axial spondyloarthritis outcomes. Data from a large multiracial cohort from the Brazilian Registry of Spondyloarthritis.

BACKGROUND: There is a remarkable variability in the frequency of HLA-B27 positivity in patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA), which may be associated with different clinical presentations worldwide. However, there is a lack of data considering ethnicity and sex on the evaluation of the main clinical and prognostic outcomes in mixed-race populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of HLA-B27 and its correlation with disease parameters in a large population of patients from the Brazilian Registry of Spondyloarthritis (RBE). METHODS: The RBE is a multicenter, observational, prospective cohort that enrolled patients with SpA from 46 centers representing all five geographic regions of Brazil. The inclusion criteria were as follow: (1) diagnosis of axSpA by an expert rheumatologist; (2) age ≥18 years; (3) classification according to ASAS axial. The following data were collected via a standardized protocol: demographic data, disease parameters and treatment historical. RESULTS: A total of 1096 patients were included, with 73.4% HLA-B27 positivity and a mean age of 44.4 (±13.2) years. Positive HLA-B27 was significantly associated with male sex, earlier age at disease onset and diagnosis, uveitis, and family history of SpA. Conversely, negative HLA-B27 was associated with psoriasis, higher peripheral involvement and disease activity, worse quality of life and mobility. CONCLUSIONS: Our data showed that HLA-B27 positivity was associated with a classic axSpA pattern quite similar to that of Caucasian axSpA patients around the world. Furthermore, its absence was associated with peripheral manifestations and worse outcomes, suggesting a relevant phenotypic difference in a highly miscegenated population.

Association of neutrophil extracellular trap levels with Raynaud's phenomenon, glomerulonephritis and disease index score in SLE patients from Brazil.

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are cell-extruded DNA strands coated with neutrophils' nuclear proteins and enzymes from cytotoxic granules, produced by NETosis, a cell death pathway. They perform an important defensive role in innate immunity, but their increased production and/or inefficient degradation expose new antigens, such as DNA or citrullinated histone peptides, triggering autoimmunity. This study aimed to access possible associations between serum NETs levels with epidemiological, clinical, and serological data from a well-characterized SLE Brazilian patients' cohort. NET levels were evaluated in one hundred seventy serum samples of patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) using an Immunoassay. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression used clinical patients' data as independent variables. Parametric and non-parametric tests compared log10 base serum NET levels transformed between patients' groups. SLE patients were also dichotomized into "High serum NET levels" and "Low serum NET levels" groups. All analyses were performed in R language 4.1.2, and p < 0.05 were considered significant. Increased susceptibility for high serum NET levels was observed in SLE patients with Raynaud's phenomenon (OR = 2.30, 95 % CI = 1.06-5.21 and p = 0.039), independently of any other risk factor. Also, SLE patients with Raynaud's phenomenon presented higher mean NET serum levels (mean = -0.13 vs. -0.51, p = 0.01). In addition, higher mean NET serum levels were associated with glomerulonephritis (mean = -0.45 vs. -0.12, p = 0.03). Ultimately, the SLEDAI index scored higher in the high NETs serum levels group (median = 2.0 vs. 0.0, p = 6 × 10-3). The formation of NETs might be implicated in Raynaud's phenomenon, glomerulonephritis, and disease index score in SLE patients. Our results highlight the importance of serum NET levels as a possible therapeutical target to modulate the clinical course of SLE.

ANCA in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. A cross sectional study in Brazilian patients and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Antineutrophil cytoplasmatic antibodies (ANCA) have been detected in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this study, we investigated the presence of ANCA in a sample of Brazilian SLE patients and its possible associations with clinical and serological outcomes. Additionally, we reviewed the literature of on ANCA in SLE. RESULTS: The presence of ANCA was detected in 130 patients using indirect immunofluorescence (IIF). The test was positive in 29.9% of the cases (17.6% pANCA and 11.5% cANCA). Male sex and peripheral vasculitis were more prevalent in the ANCA-positive sample. cANCA was associated with lupus anticoagulant and pANCA had a positive association with peripheral vasculitis and a negative association with anti- SSB/La antibodies. In the 22 studies included in the literature review, a wide range of ANCA positivity was found (13% to 81.1% by IIF and 0 to 22.2% by ELISA). ANCA was associated with renal damage in the Asian population. Although other associations have been found in isolated studies, they were not consistently reported. CONCLUSIONS: The ANCA prevalence found in this Brazilian sample was within the range reported in the literature and these autoantibodies were more frequent in males and in patients with vasculitis. The literature showed controversial results on the association between ANCA and SLE disease activity or clinical characteristics.

Seguridad de la vacunación COVID-19 en una muestra de pacientes brasileños con lupus eritematoso sistémico / Safety of COVID-19 vaccination in a sample of Brazilian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus patients

Objetivos: estudiar los efectos secundarios y el riesgo de exacerbación de la en-fermedad después de la vacunación COVID-19 en una muestra de pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES). Materiales y métodos: estudio retrospectivo que investigó 101 pacientes con LES. Se determinó la actividad de la enfermedad mediante el Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) antes y después de dos dosis de la vacuna contra el SARS-COv-2. Se registraron los efectos secundarios después de la vacunación. Resultados: los pacientes que recibieron dos dosis de la misma vacuna fue-ron el 10,3% para CoronaVAc, el 42,2% para Pfizer y el 47,3% para AstraZeneca. Se detectaron efectos secundarios en el 76,2% y la mayoría fue leve/moderado. Los más frecuentes fueron: dolor local (62,3%), cefalea (36,6%) y fatiga (34,6%). El cambio en la mediana del SLEDAI antes de la primera dosis y después de la segunda no fue estadísticamente significativo (p=0,68). Solo el 4,1% de los individuos aumentó el SLEDAI ≥ de 3 puntos. Conclusiones: la vacunación contra la COVID-19 fue bien tolerada y segura en pacientes con LES.

Objectives: to study the side effects and the risk of disease flare after COVID-19 vaccination in Brazilian patients with Systemic Lupus erythematosus (SLE). Materials and methods: this retrospective study investigated a sample of 101 SLE patients for disease activity through the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) prior to and after two vaccine doses against SARS-COv-2. Side effects after vaccination were recorded. Results: in this sample, patients receiving two doses of the same vaccine were 10.3% for CoronaVAc; 42.2% for Pfizer, and 47.3% for AstraZeneca. Side effects were detected in 76.2% of them, and most of them were mild and moderate; the most common were local pain (62.3%), headache (36.6%), and fatigue (34.6%). The SLEDAI prior to the first dose and after the second dose did not change significantly (p=0.68). Only 4.1% of individuals had increased in SLEDAI ≥than 3 points. Conclusions: vaccination against COVID-19 was well tolerated and safe in SLE patients

Coenzyme Q10 supplementation in rheumatic diseases: A systematic review.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substance used to treat some rheumatic diseases. Our objective was to review the use of CoQ10 in rheumatic diseases. PubMed/Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched for articles on CoQ10 and rheumatic diseases between 1966 and April 2023. Twenty articles were found, including 483 patients. The investigated conditions were Fibromyalgia (FM) with 15 studies, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) with 3 studies, and Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) with 2 studies. After CoQ10 supplementation, RA patients observed improvements in disease activity index, inflammatory biomarkers (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), cytokine levels, and a decrease in malondialdehyde. In APS, CoQ10 improved endothelial function and decreased prothrombotic and proinflammatory mediators. Regarding FM, in most of the studies, the patients observed improvements in pain, fatigue, sleep, tender points count, mood disorders, and scores on the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). The drug was well tolerated, with reports of minor side effects in two studies. CoQ10 supplementation seems to be efficacious as a complementary treatment for RA and FM. Upcoming studies with larger samples and including other rheumatic diseases are welcome.

Prevalence of positive tuberculin skin test in a Brazilian sample of rheumatoid arthritis and spondylarthritis patients.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with rheumatic diseases have an increased risk of infections, especially tuberculosis. In this study, we aimed to recognize the positivity rate of tuberculosis skin test in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis and the characteristics of the patients with positive results. METHODS: Retrospective study of tuberculosis skin test results in patients followed from 2004 to 2021 in a single rheumatology unit. Data related to clinical and epidemiological features, along with treatment information referring to the period in which the tuberculosis skin test was performed, were collected from patients' charts. RESULTS: A total of 723 tests were identified (448 tests in 269 rheumatoid arthritis patients and 275 in 174 spondyloarthritis patients). In the rheumatoid arthritis sample, 31/275 (11.5%) individuals had positive tests, and in the spondyloarthritis, 38/174 (21.8%) had positive tests. In the rheumatoid arthritis sample, patients with positive tuberculosis skin tests used a higher dose of methotrexate than those with negative results (median of 25 mg/week versus median of 20 mg/week respectively; p=0.02). In the spondyloarthritis sample, tuberculosis skin test positivity was associated with alcohol ingestion (13.1% versus 2.9% in users and non-users respectively; p=0.02) and sulfasalazine use (15.7% of positivity in users versus 5% in non-users; p=0.01). CONCLUSION: The tuberculosis skin test-positive prevalence in rheumatoid arthritis was lower than in the spondyloarthritis sample. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis using a higher dosage of methotrexate or with spondyloarthritis using sulfasalazine had more frequency of tuberculosis skin test positivity and should be carefully followed by the attending physician in order to avoid the appearance of full-blown tuberculosis.

Seguridad de la vacunación COVID-19 en una muestra de pacientes brasileños con lupus eritematoso sistémico

Abstract Objectives: to study the side effects and the risk of disease flare after COVID-19 vaccination in Brazilian patients with Systemic Lupus erythematosus (SLE). Materials and methods: this retrospective study investigated a sample of 101 SLE patients for disease activity through the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) prior to and after two vaccine doses against SARS-COv-2. Side effects after vaccination were recorded. Results: in this sample, patients receiving two doses of the same vaccine were 10.3% for CoronaVAc; 42.2% for Pfizer, and 47.3% for Astra-Zeneca. Side effects were detected in 76.2% of them, and most of them were mild and moderate; the most common were local pain (62.3%), headache (36.6%), and fatigue (34.6%). The SLEDAI prior to the first dose and after the second dose did not change significantly (p=0.68). Only 4.1% of individuals had increased in SLEDAI ≥than 3 points. Conclusions: vaccination against COVID-19 was well tolerated and safe in SLE patients.

Resumen Objetivos: estudiar los efectos secundarios y el riesgo de exacerbación de la enfermedad después de la vacunación COVID-19 en una muestra de pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES). Materiales y métodos: estudio retrospectivo que investigó 101 pacientes con LES. Se determinó la actividad de la enfermedad mediante el Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) antes y después de dos dosis de la vacuna contra el SARS-COv-2. Se registraron los efectos secundarios después de la vacunación. Resultados: los pacientes que recibieron dos dosis de la misma vacuna fueron el 10,3% para CoronaVAc, el 42,2% para Pfizer y el 47,3% para AstraZeneca. Se detectaron efectos secundarios en el 76,2% y la mayoría fue leve/moderado. Los más frecuentes fueron: dolor local (62,3%), cefalea (36,6%) y fatiga (34,6%). El cambio en la mediana del SLEDAI antes de la primera dosis y después de la segunda no fue estadísticamente significativo (p=0,68). Solo el 4,1% de los individuos aumentó el SLEDAI ≥ de 3 puntos. Conclusiones: la vacunación contra la COVID-19 fue bien tolerada y segura en pacientes con LES.

EVALUATION OF THE IMMUNOLOCALIZATION OF THE PHOSPHATIDYL INOSITOL-3 RECEPTOR (IP3R) IN BASAL CELL AND SQUAMOUS CELL SKIN CARCINOMAS / AVALIAÇÃO DA IMUNOLOCALIZAÇÃO DO RECEPTOR DO FOSFATIDIL INOSITOL-3 (IP3R) EM CARCINOMAS BASOCELULAR E DE CÉLULAS ESCAMOSAS DE PELE

Introduction: Non-melanoma skin neoplasms (basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) form the most common group of all types of neoplasms. Although cancer is not yet being classified as a channelopathy, it has been suggested that pumps and ionic channels contribute to its progression by affecting autophagy, which could become an important therapeutic target in this context. Objective: To evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of IP3R in both skin tumors. Method: Immunohistochemistry was performed on 60 slides of non-melanoma cancer using primary anti-IP3R antibodies, verifying their presence and quantifying Results: For the first time, IP3R immunolocalization was identified in non-melanoma skin neoplasms, being evident above 90% of neoplastic cells was observed in all slides studied, regardless of the histological pattern, invasion and other tumor characteristics. Unlike what was seen in the internal control of normal skin, in which there was immunolocalization of IP3R in basal cell, in tumors, immunohistochemical expression occurred throughout the entire body of the neoplasm. Conclusion: There was immunolocalization of IP3R in tumor cells in both BCC and SCC. It was not possible to establish a correlation between tumor characteristics and IP3R expression, as immunostaining was similar in all analyzed samples. Despite this, IP3R to be associated with the pathophysiology of non-melanoma skin cancer, but its expression does not seem to be associated with tumor aggressiveness.

Introdução: As neoplasias de pele não melanoma (carcinoma basocelular (CBC) e carcinoma espinocelular (CEC) formam o grupo mais comum de todos os tipos de neoplasias. Embora o câncer ainda não esteja sendo pautado como canalopatia, tem sido sugerido que bombas e canais iônicos contribuem para a sua progressão por afetar a autofagia. Proteínas iônicas, em especial as de canais de cálcio, como o receptor da fosfatidil inositol 3 (IP3R) participam de maneira ativa na autofagia por estarem envolvidas na etapa inicial de formação do autofagossomo, podendo se tornar em alvo terapêutico importante neste contexto. Objetivo: Avaliar a expressão imuno histoquímica do IP3R em ambos os tumores de pele. Método: Foi realizada imuno histoquímica em 60 lâminas de câncer não melanoma utilizando anticorpos primários anti-IP3R verificando a sua expressão. Resultados: Pela primeira vez foi identificada a imunolocalização do IP3R em câncer de pele não melanoma, sendo evidente em mais de 90% das células neoplásicas em todas as lâminas estudadas, independentemente do padrão histológico, invasão e demais características tumorais. Diferentemente do visualizado no controle interno de pele normal, no qual houve imunolocalização de IP3R em células basais, nos tumores, a expressão imuno histoquímica ocorreu em todo o corpo da neoplasia. Conclusão: Houve imunolocalização de IP3R em células tumorais tanto em CBC quanto em CEC. Não foi possível estabelecer correlação entre as características tumorais e a expressão de IP3R, pois a imunomarcação apresentou-se de forma similar em todas as amostras analisadas. Apesar disso, IP3R está associado à fisiopatologia do câncer de pele não melanoma, mas a sua expressão não parece estar associada à agressividade tumoral.

NON-MELANOMA SKIN CANCER: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW / CANCER DE PELE NÃO MELANOMA: REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA

Introduction: Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) comprises a group of neoplasms with a high incidence in the world population. It is divided into basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). As it is highly prevalent, understanding the process of oncogenesis and the relationship with ions, proteins and cellular receptors in CPMN can contribute to the evaluation of new therapies. Objective: To understand the oncogenesis process of non-melanoma skin tumors and its relationship with the immunolocalization of IP3R. Method: Integrative literature review with evidence synthesis. The database was PUBMED; the search strategy: "squamous cell carcinoma, AND/OR basal cell carcinoma, AND/OR IP3R, AND/OR immunohistochemistry". Works published between 2018 and 2023 were considered for review; 40 works were included, fully read and summarized. Results: NMSC is the most common malignant tumor worldwide, with 75-80% being BCC, and up to 25% being SCC. Molecular interactions in general involve a large participation of tumor suppressor molecules, as well as procto-oncogenes. Furthermore, voltage-dependent ion channels control the cytosolic flow of ions, including calcium. The IP3R (phosphatidyl inositol-3 receptor) allows the exit of calcium from the endoplasmic reticulum so that it can be used by the cell for physiological activities such as proliferation, angiogenesis, motility and invasion capacity. Conclusion: The IP3R, due to its immunohistochemical expression characteristics, appears may also be related to the pathophysiology of NMSC.

Introdução: O câncer de pele não melanoma (CPNM) compeende grupo de neoplasias com alta incidência na população mundial. É dividido em carcinoma basocelular (CBC) e de células escamosas (CEC). Por ser de grande prevalência, entender o processo de oncogênese e a relação com íons, proteínas e receptores celulares no CPMN pode contribuir para que novas terapêuticas sejam avaliadas. Objetivo: Entender o processo da oncogênese dos tumores de pele não melanomas e sua relação com a imunolocalização do IP3R. Método: Revisão integrativa da literatura com síntese de evidências. A base de dados foi o PUBMED; a  estratégia de busca: "carcinoma espinocelular, AND/OR carcinoma basocelular, AND/OR IP3R, AND/OR imunoistoquímica". Foram considerados para revisão os trabalhos publicados entre 2018 e 2023. Foram incluídos 40 trabalhos, integralmente lidos e resumidos. Resultados: CPNMs são os tumores malignos mais comuns em todo o mundo, sendo 75-80% o CBC, e até 25% o CEC. As interações moleculares de forma geral, envolvem grande participação de moléculas supressoras tumorais, assim como de procto-oncogenes. Além disso, canais iônicos voltagem dependente controlam o fluxo citosólico de íons, dentre eles o cálcio. O IP3R (receptor do fosfatidil inositol-3) permite a saída de cálcio do retículo endoplasmático para que seja utilizado pela célula para atividades fisiológias como proliferação, angiogênese, motilidade e capacidade de invasão. Conclusão: O IP3R, pelas características de expressão imunoistoquímica, parece estar relacionado também, à fisiopatologia do CPNM.

Prevalence of positive tuberculin skin test in a Brazilian sample of rheumatoid arthritis and spondylarthritis patients

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Patients with rheumatic diseases have an increased risk of infections, especially tuberculosis. In this study, we aimed to recognize the positivity rate of tuberculosis skin test in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis and the characteristics of the patients with positive results. METHODS: Retrospective study of tuberculosis skin test results in patients followed from 2004 to 2021 in a single rheumatology unit. Data related to clinical and epidemiological features, along with treatment information referring to the period in which the tuberculosis skin test was performed, were collected from patients' charts. RESULTS: A total of 723 tests were identified (448 tests in 269 rheumatoid arthritis patients and 275 in 174 spondyloarthritis patients). In the rheumatoid arthritis sample, 31/275 (11.5%) individuals had positive tests, and in the spondyloarthritis, 38/174 (21.8%) had positive tests. In the rheumatoid arthritis sample, patients with positive tuberculosis skin tests used a higher dose of methotrexate than those with negative results (median of 25 mg/week versus median of 20 mg/week respectively; p=0.02). In the spondyloarthritis sample, tuberculosis skin test positivity was associated with alcohol ingestion (13.1% versus 2.9% in users and non-users respectively; p=0.02) and sulfasalazine use (15.7% of positivity in users versus 5% in non-users; p=0.01). CONCLUSION: The tuberculosis skin test-positive prevalence in rheumatoid arthritis was lower than in the spondyloarthritis sample. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis using a higher dosage of methotrexate or with spondyloarthritis using sulfasalazine had more frequency of tuberculosis skin test positivity and should be carefully followed by the attending physician in order to avoid the appearance of full-blown tuberculosis.

Ultrasonographic and power doppler parameters of nails fail to differentiate between onychodystrophy in patients with psoriasis vulgaris or psoriatic arthritis

Abstract Background Nail involvement is frequent in patients with psoriasis (Pso) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and there is a relationship between nail involvement and inflammation of the enthesis. The main objective of the present study is to describe the ultrasound findings and clinical characteristics of nails from patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis with and without nail dystrophy. Methods A cross-sectional study including consecutive patients with PsO and PsA was carried out. The study patients were divided into 4 groups, totaling 120 participants. Group 1: patients with psoriasis vulgaris and clinically normal nails; Group 2: patients with psoriasis vulgaris and onychodystrophy; Group 3: patients with psoriatic arthritis and clinically normal nails; Group 4: patients with psoriatic arthritis and onychodystrophy; All patients were submitted to dermatological and rheumatological clinical analysis. Ultrasound examinations was performed by a single examiner, blinded to all clinical data, with ultrasound high resolution, in B-mode or gray-scale (GS), Power Doppler (PD) and Spectral Doppler. Results A significant difference was found between the groups regarding the variable Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) (p = 0.008) and body surface area (BSA) (p = 0.005), with patients with psoriatic arthritis having lower PASI and BSA compared to patients with only cutaneous psoriasis. A positive relationship was found with the average ultrasound thickness of the nail bed and the Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI) in correlation analysis (rho = 0.344). When we grouped patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, there was no significant difference between the cutaneous psoriasis groups and the psoriatic arthritis groups in terms of nail plate GS (p = 0.442), nail bed PD (p = 0.124). Conclusion Greater nail bed thickness indicates early psoriatic nail disease, as confirmed in our study correlating NAPSI with nail bed thickness. Ultrasonography is a low-cost exam, promising in the evaluation, showing that the ultrasound grayscale is consistent with those who have dystrophic nails, but it can't distinguish psoriasis from psoriatic arthritis, even in those with nail dystrophy.

Foot pain and disability in patients with ankylosing spondylitis is associated to disease activity / Dor e deficiência no pé em pacientes com espondilite anquilosante estão associadas à atividade da doença

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The feet may be involved in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), causing pain and walking difficulties. This research aimed to study the involvement of the foot in a sample of Brazilian patients with AS. METHODS: The Brazilian version of the Foot Function Index (FFI-BR) was applied to 103 individuals (57 AS patients and 46 controls). Clinical profiles were obtained in AS patients as well as the measurement of disease activity by the ASDAS (Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score)-ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), ASDAS-CRP (C reactive protein) and BASDAI (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index) and function by BASFI (Bath Ankylosing spondylitis functional score). RESULTS: Only 19.2% of AS patients did not have any foot complaints and the FFI-BR score presented worse results than the control group (p = 0.02). The "pain" domain of FFI-BR scored highest in AS patients, followed by "disability". There was no association between the results of the FFI-BR and the clinical profile of patients with AS, but there was an association between the score and the disease activity indexes (r = 0.50, p = 0.003 with ASDAS-ESR; r = 0.44, p = 0.005 with ASDAS-CRP; and r = 0.60, p < 0.0001 with BASDAI). The BASFI also showed a positive correlation (r = 0.72; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Pain and disability are common in AS patients and these symptoms are associated with disease activity.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Os pés podem ser acometidos em pacientes com espondilite anquilosante (EA), causando dor e dificuldade de locomoção. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar o envolvimento do pé em uma amostra de pacientes brasileiros com EA. MÉTODOS: A versão brasileira do Foot Function Index (FFI-BR) foi aplicada a 103 indivíduos (57 pacientes com EA e 46 controles). O perfil clínico foi obtido para pacientes com EA, bem como a medição da atividade da doença por meio do ASDAS (Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score)-ESR. (velocidade de hemossedimentação), ASDAS-CRP (proteína C reativa) e BASDAI (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index) e função pelo BASFI (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Score). RESULTADOS: Apenas 19,2% dos pacientes com EA não apresentaram queixas nos pés e o escore FFI-BR apresentou resultados piores do que os do grupo controle (p = 0,02). O domínio "dor" do FFI-BR apresentou a maior pontuação nos pacientes com EA seguido pelo domínio "disfunção". Não se observou associação dos resultados do FFI-BR com o perfil clínico dos pacientes com EA, mas houve associação do escore com os índices de atividade da doença (r = 0,50, p = 0,003 com ASDAS-ESR; r = 0,44, p = 0,005 com ASDAS-CRP; e r = 0,60, p < 0,0001 com BASDAI). O BASFI também apresentou correlação positiva (r = 0,72; p< 0,0001). CONCLUSÃO: Dor e disfunção são comuns em pacientes com EA e estes sintomas se associam com atividade de doença.