O impacto da pandemia da Covid-19 na saúde mental de estudantes universitários / The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the mental health of university students / El impacto de la pandemia de Covid-19 en la salud mental de los estudiantes universitarios

A pandemia pelo SARS-CoV-2 é um dos maiores desafios sanitários em escala global. Devido estado de emergência, uma série de medidas de controle e prevenção foram adotadas, como distanciamento social e redução das reuniões públicas. Nesse cenário, buscou-se avaliar a saúde mental de estudantes de uma instituição privada de Ensino Superior diante da pandemia. Esta pesquisa trata-se de um estudo transversal descritivo desenvolvido na Faculdade do Vale do Jaguaribe, localizada em Aracati-CE. A coleta de dados ocorreu de dezembro de 2020 a fevereiro de 2021, utilizando formulário eletrônico contendo variáveis sociodemográficas, epidemiológicas e relativas aos diferentes aspectos da saúde mental do estudante frente a pandemia da COVID-19. A análise foi baseada no cálculo de frequências absolutas e relativas das variáveis além de medidas de tendência central e dispersão. Dos 333 discentes que participaram do estudo, a média de idade foi 25, com variação entre 18 e 56 anos, sendo maioria do sexo feminino (72,7%), autodenominação de cor/etnia parda (72,7%) e não estarem trabalhando (53,8%). A taxa de positividade entre os graduandos para COVID-19 foi de 9% (30). Ao serem questionados sobre como a pandemia alterou seus níveis de estresse ou saúde mental, 75,5% responderam que houve piora. Dentre os sintomas mais relatados no período da quarentena, estavam medo e ansiedade (ambos com 74,2%), seguidos por insegurança (69,7%). Baseados nos achados deste estudo, recomenda-se a incorporação de ações multiprofissionais na atenção aos estudantes dentro da academia. Sugere-se a implantação de um serviço qualificado buscando desenvolver um olhar holístico para os discentes.

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has presented itself as one of the greatest health challenges on a global scale. Given the state of public health emergency, a series of control and prevention measures have been adopted, such as social distancing and reduction of public meetings, as in universities. Faced with this scenario, we sought to evaluate the mental health of students from a private institution of Higher Education in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, this research was a descriptive cross-sectional study developed at the Faculdade do Vale do Jaguaribe, located in the City of Aracati- CE. Data collection occurred from December 2020 to February 2021, using an electronic form containing sociodemographic and epidemiological variables, as well as variables related to the repercussions in different aspects of the student's mental health when facing the pandemic of COVID-19. The analysis was based on the calculation of absolute and relative frequencies of the variables, as well as measures of central tendency and dispersion. Of the 333 students who participated in the study, the mean age was 25 years, with ages ranging from 18 to 56 years, the majority being female (72.7%), self- denominated as Brown (72.7%), not working when answering the form (53.8%). The positivity rate among undergraduates for COVID-19 was 9% (30/333). When asked how the pandemic altered their stress levels or mental health, 75.5% responded that it had worsened. Among the symptoms most reported by students during the quarantine period were fear and anxiety (both 74.2%), followed by insecurity (69.7%). It is suggested the implementation of a qualified approach service seeking to develop a holistic look for the students.

La pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 es uno de los mayores desafíos sanitarios a escala global. Debido al estado de emergencia, se han adoptado una serie de medidas de control y prevención, como el distanciamiento social y la reducción de reuniones públicas. En este escenario, se buscó evaluar la salud mental de los estudiantes de una institución privada de educación superior frente a la pandemia. Esta investigación es un estudio descriptivo transversal desarrollado en la Facultad de Valle de Jaguaribe, ubicada en Aracati-CE. La recopilación de datos se llevó a cabo de diciembre de 2020 a febrero de 2021, utilizando un formulario electrónico que contiene variables sociodemográficas, epidemiológicas y relacionadas con los diferentes aspectos de la salud mental del estudiante frente a la pandemia de COVID-19. El análisis se basó en el cálculo de frecuencias absolutas y relativas de las variables, además de medidas de tendencia central y dispersión. De los 333 estudiantes que participaron en el estudio, la media de edad fue de 25 años, con variación entre 18 y 56 años, siendo la mayoría del sexo femenino (72,7%), autodenominación de la raza / etnia morena (72,7%) y no trabajando (53,8%). La tasa de positividad entre los estudiantes de pregrado para COVID-19 fue del 9% (30). Cuando se les preguntó cómo la pandemia había alterado su nivel de estrés o salud mental, el 75,5% respondió que había empeorado. Entre los síntomas más comunes durante el período de cuarentena, se encontraban el miedo y la ansiedad (ambos con un 74,2%), seguidos de la inseguridad (69,7%). Basados en los resultados de este estudio, se recomienda la incorporación de acciones multiprofesionales en la atención a los estudiantes dentro de la academia. Se sugiere la implementación de un servicio calificado que busque desarrollar una mirada holística hacia los estudiantes.

Análise da profilaxia pós-exposição ao HIV em um hospital de doenças infecciosas em Fortaleza, CE / HIV post-exposure prophylaxis in a hospital of infectious diseases in Fortaleza, CE

Objetivo: O estudo objetivou analisar a profilaxia pós-exposição ao HIV realizada em hospital de doenças infecciosas em Fortaleza - CE. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo descritivo, realizado com dados secundários coletados da Ficha de Acompanhamento de 858 pacientes atendidos durante o ano de 2014. Resultados: A maioria das pessoas atendidas era do sexo feminino (63,3%), com média de idade de 31,4 anos (dp±11,15) e 67% dos atendimentos foram ocasionados por exposição ocupacional. O tratamento foi indicado para a maioria dos pacientes (63,7%). O seguimento é composto por três consultas de retorno: a primeira consulta, após seis semanas, é chamada de acompanhamento 2; a segunda, após três meses, acompanhamento 3; e a última, acompanhamento 4, após seis meses. Trinta vírgula oito por cento dos pacientes compareceram ao acompanhamento 2; 16,7% ao 3 e, apenas 9,8% ao 4. Não houve caso de soroconversão ao HIV. Conclusão: A profilaxia pós-exposição deve ser utilizada de forma mais ampla pelos serviços de saúde, para impactar diretamente na diminuição da transmissão do vírus.

Antiretroviral changes during the first year of therapy.

INTRODUCTION: The Brazilian HIV/AIDS management and treatment guideline (PCDT), published in 2013, recommends and standardizes the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in all adult patients, in spite of LTCD4 count. This study aimed to analyze the first year of HAART use in patients from a reference center on HIV/AIDS management in Fortaleza, Ceará. METHOD: This descriptive study reviewed all prescription forms of antiretroviral regimens initiation and changes from January to July 2014. All antiretroviral regimen changes that occurred during the first year of therapy were evaluated. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 20. Mean, standard deviation and frequency, Student's t and Mann-Whitney tests calculations were used, with significance at p<0.05. RESULTS: From 527 patients initiating HAART, 16.5% (n=87) had a regimen change in the first year. These patients were mostly male (59.8%; n=52), aged 20 to 39 years, with only one HAART change (72.4%; n=63). Efavirenz was the most often changed drug, followed by tenofovir, zidovudine and lopinavir/ritonavir. Mean time of HAART changes was 120 days, with adverse reactions as the most prevalent cause. HAART was effective in decreasing viral load since second month of treatment (p=0.003) and increasing LTCD4 lymphocytes since fifth month (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The main cause of initial HAART changes was adverse reaction and most patients had only one change in the HAART regimen. HAART prescription was in accordance to the PCDT from 2013.

Antiretroviral changes during the first year of therapy / Mudanças de terapia antirretroviral durante o primeiro ano de tratamento

Summary Introduction: The Brazilian HIV/AIDS management and treatment guideline (PCDT), published in 2013, recommends and standardizes the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in all adult patients, in spite of LTCD4 count. This study aimed to analyze the first year of HAART use in patients from a reference center on HIV/AIDS management in Fortaleza, Ceará. Method: This descriptive study reviewed all prescription forms of antiretroviral regimens initiation and changes from January to July 2014. All antiretroviral regimen changes that occurred during the first year of therapy were evaluated. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 20. Mean, standard deviation and frequency, Student's t and Mann-Whitney tests calculations were used, with significance at p<0.05. Results: From 527 patients initiating HAART, 16.5% (n=87) had a regimen change in the first year. These patients were mostly male (59.8%; n=52), aged 20 to 39 years, with only one HAART change (72.4%; n=63). Efavirenz was the most often changed drug, followed by tenofovir, zidovudine and lopinavir/ritonavir. Mean time of HAART changes was 120 days, with adverse reactions as the most prevalent cause. HAART was effective in decreasing viral load since second month of treatment (p=0.003) and increasing LTCD4 lymphocytes since fifth month (p<0.001). Conclusion: The main cause of initial HAART changes was adverse reaction and most patients had only one change in the HAART regimen. HAART prescription was in accordance to the PCDT from 2013.

Resumo Introdução: O Protocolo Clínico e Diretrizes Terapêuticas para manejo da infecção pelo HIV em adultos (PCDT) de 2013 recomenda e normatiza início de terapia antirretroviral (TARV) em pacientes com qualquer contagem de LTCD4. O objetivo do estudo foi analisar o primeiro ano de TARV de pacientes em acompanhamento em um centro de referência em HIV/AIDS de Fortaleza, Ceará. Método: O estudo descritivo revisou formulários de solicitação de início e modificação de TARV em pacientes que iniciaram tratamento entre janeiro e julho de 2014. Foram avaliadas todas as mudanças que ocorreram durante o primeiro ano de terapia. Os dados foram analisados no programa Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) versão 20. Foram calculados médias, desvios padrão, frequências, testes t Student e Mann-Whitney, com significância de p<0,05. Resultados: Dos 527 pacientes que iniciaram TARV, 16,5% (n=87) realizaram troca no primeiro ano. A maioria era do sexo masculino (59,8%; n=52), de 20 a 39 anos, com apenas uma mudança da TARV (72,4%; n=63). Efavirenz foi o fármaco mais substituído, seguido por tenofovir, zidovudina e lopinavir/ritonavir. O tempo médio de ocorrência das modificações da TARV foi de 120 dias, tendo reações adversas como causas principais. TARV foi efetiva na queda da carga viral desde o 2ºmês de tratamento (p=0,003) e na elevação de LTCD4 desde o 5º mês (p<0,001). Conclusão: Os principais fatores envolvidos em modificações de TARV inicial foram reações adversas, com apenas uma mudança de esquema na maioria dos pacientes. O manejo da TARV estava de acordo com o PCDT de 2013.

The Effect of a Selective Inhibitor of Phosphodiesterase-9 on Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Cytotoxicity in Neutrophils from Patients with Sickle Cell Anaemia.

The aim of the study was to investigate the possible anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of BAY 73-6691 on neutrophils from SCA patients. This study included 35 patients with a molecular diagnosis of SCA, whose neutrophils were isolated and treated with BAY 73-6691 at the concentrations 100, 10, 1.0 and 0.1 µg/mL. LDH release and MTT assays were performed to verify cell viability. To evaluate oxidative stress, the following parameters were determined by spectrophotometric assays: NO and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). As inflammatory markers, myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels were evaluated by colorimetric assay and TNF-α by enzyme immunoassay. The results showed that neutrophils from SCA patients not treated with hydroxyurea (HU) had significantly lower NO levels and catalase and SOD activity, as well as significantly higher MDA, MPO and TNF-α levels when compared with neutrophils from SCA patients treated with HU and neutrophils from control group. Treatment of SCA neutrophils with BAY 73-6691 resulted in 94%, 200% and 168% increase in NOx levels, SOD and catalase activity, respectively. In addition, there was a reduction of approximately 46% and 45% in TNF-α and MPO levels, respectively. In SCAHU neutrophils, there was a 30% and 44% increase in NOx levels and SOD activity, respectively, and a 28% and 37% decrease in TNF-α and MPO levels, respectively. However, these effects were observed at cytotoxic doses only. The results of this study are original and demonstrate that inhibition of phosphodiesterase-9 in neutrophils from SCA patients with BAY 73-6691 was able to increase the NO bioavailability and attenuate oxidative stress and inflammation in neutrophils from patients not treated with HU.

Cytotoxicity and DNA damage in the neutrophils of patients with sickle cell anaemia treated with hydroxyurea

Hydroxyurea (HU) is the most important advance in the treatment of sickle cell anaemia (SCA) for preventing complications and improving quality of life for patients. However, some aspects of treatment with HU remain unclear, including their effect on and potential toxicity to other blood cells such as neutrophils. This study used the measurement of Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) and Methyl ThiazolTetrazolium (MTT) and the comet assay to investigate the cytotoxicity and damage index (DI) of the DNA in the neutrophils of patients with SCA using HU.In the LDH and MTT assays, a cytoprotective effect was observed in the group of patients treated, as well as an absence of toxicity. When compared to patients without the treatment, the SS group (n=20, 13 women and 07 men, aged 18-69 years), and the group of healthy individuals (AA) used as a control group (n=52, 28 women and 24 men, aged 19-60 years), The SSHU group (n=21, 11 women and 10 men, aged 19-63 years) showed a significant reduction (p<0.001) in LDH activity and an increase in the percentage of viable cells by the MTT (p<0.001). However, the SSHU group presented significantly higher DI values (49.57±6.0 U/A) when compared to the AA group (7.43 ± 0,94U/A) and the SS group (22.73 ±5.58 U/A) (p<0.0001), especially when treated for longer periods (>20 months), demonstrating that despite the cytoprotective effects in terms of cell viability, the use of HU can induce DNA damage in neutrophils.

A hidroxiuréia (HU) constitui o avanço mais importante no tratamento da anemia falciforme (AF) por prevenir complicações e aumentar a qualidade de vida dos pacientes. Entretanto, alguns aspectos do tratamento com HU permanecem obscuros, incluindo a sua ação e potencial toxicidade em outras células sanguíneas, tais como neutrófilos. Este estudo utilizou a mensuração da lactato desidrogenase (LDH) e do metil tiazoltetrazólio (MTT) e o ensaio do cometa para investigar a citotoxicidade e índice de dano (ID) ao DNA em neutrófilos de pacientes com AF em uso do medicamento. Nos ensaios de LDH e MTT, observou-se além de ausência de toxicidade, uma ação citoprotetora no grupo de pacientes tratados, Grupo SSHU (n=21, 11 mulheres e 10 homens, com idades entre 19-63 anos), quando comparados aos pacientes sem tratamento, Grupo SS (n=20, 13 mulheres e 07 homens, 18-69 anos), e grupo de indivíduos saudáveis (AA) usado como controle (n=52, 28 mulheres e 24 homens, 19-60 anos), com redução significativa (p<0,001) na atividade de LDH e aumento no percentual de células viáveis pelo MTT (p<0,001). Entretanto, o grupo SSHU apresentou valores de ID significativamente elevados (49,57±6,0 U/A), quando comparados ao grupo AA (7,43 ± 0,94U/A) e grupo SS (22,73 ±5,58 U/A) (p<0,0001), especialmente quando tratados por períodos mais longos (>20 meses), demonstrando que apesar dos efeitos citoprotetores quanto à viabilidade celular, o uso da HU pode induzir lesão ao DNA de neutrófilos.

Standardization method for measurement of hydroxyurea by Ultra High Efficiency Liquid Chromatography in plasma of patients with sickle cell disease

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a recessively inherited disease characterized by chronic hemolytic anemia, chronic inflammation, and acute episodes of hemolysis. Hydroxyurea (HU) is widely used to increase the levels of fetal hemoglobin (HbF). The objective of this study was to standardize and validate a method for the quantification of HU in human plasma by using ultra high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) in order to determine the plasma HU levels in adult patients with SCA who had been treated with HU. We used an analytical reverse phase column (Nucleosil C18) with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile/water (16.7/83.3). The retention times of HU, urea, and methylurea were 6.7, 7.7, and 11.4 min, respectively. All parameters of the validation process were defined. To determine the precision and accuracy of quality controls, HU in plasma was used at concentrations of 100, 740, and 1600 µM, with methylurea as the internal standard. Linearity was assessed in the range of 50-1600 µM HU in plasma, obtaining a correlation coefficient of 0.99. The method was accurate and precise and can be used for the quantitative determination of HU for therapeutic monitoring of patients with SCA treated with HU.

A anemia falciforme (AF) é uma doença hereditária recessiva caracterizada por anemia hemolítica crônica, inflamação crônica e episódios agudos de hemólise. Hidroxiureia (HU) é amplamente utilizada para aumentar os níveis de hemoglobina fetal (Hb F). O objetivo consiste em padronizar e validar um método para a quantificação de HU no plasma humano utilizando Cromatografia Líquida de Ultra Alta Eficiência (UPLC), a fim de determinar os níveis de HU em pacientes adultos com AF, tratados com HU. Utilizou-se coluna analítica de fase inversa (Nucleosil C18), fase móvel constituída por acetonitrila/água (16,7/83,3). Os tempos de retenção da HU, uréia e metiluréia foram respectivamente de 6,7, 7,7 e 11,4 minutos. Definiram-se todos os parâmetros do processo de validação. Para determinar a precisão e exatidão dos controles de qualidade utilizaram-se concentrações de 100, 740 e 1600 mM de HU no plasma, empregando como padrão interno a metiluréia. A linearidade foi avaliada no intervalo de 50 1600 mM de HU no plasma, obtendo-se coeficiente de correlação de 0,99. O método foi considerado exato e preciso e pode ser realizado com o propósito de determinação quantitativa de HU para monitorização terapêutica de pacientes com AF tratados com esse fármaco.

Kidney dysfunction and beta S-haplotypes in patients with sickle cell disease.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between kidney dysfunction and haplotypes in sickle cell disease. METHODS: A cohort of 84 sickle cell disease patients, treated in a public health service in Fortaleza, Brazil, was studied. Hemoglobin S haplotypes were obtained from 57 patients as they had recently received blood transfusions with 18 of them agreeing to undertake urinary concentrating ability and acidification tests. The glomerular filtration rate was estimated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study equation. Urinary concentration was evaluated utilizing the urinary and serum osmolality ratio (U/Posm) after 12 hours of water deprivation. Urinary acidification was evaluated by measuring the urinary pH before and after the administration of oral CaCl2. The analysis of the haplotypes of the beta S gene cluster was carried out by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was used for multiple comparisons of means and the Newman-Keuls test was used to identify which groups were significantly different. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 33 ± 13 years with 64.2% being females. The glomerular filtration rate was normal in 25 cases (30%) and a rate > 120 mL/min was seen in 52 cases (62%). Urinary concentration deficit was found in all patients who underwent the test and urinary acidification in 22%. There was no significant difference when comparing patients with the Bantu/Bantu and Benin/Benin haplotypes. On comparing patients with the Central African Republic-haplotype however, a higher number had glomerular filtration rates between 60 and 120 mL/min. CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference among sickle cell disease patients regarding the haplotypes and kidney dysfunction.

Kidney dysfunction and beta S-haplotypes in patients with sickle cell disease

Objective: To investigate the association between kidney dysfunction and haplotypes in sickle cell disease. Methods: A cohort of 84 sickle cell disease patients, treated in a public health service in Fortaleza, Brazil, was studied. Hemoglobin S haplotypes were obtained from 57 patients as they had recently received blood transfusions with 18 of them agreeing to undertake urinary concentrating ability and acidification tests. The glomerular filtration rate was estimated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study equation. Urinary concentration was evaluated utilizing the urinary and serum osmolality ratio (U/Posm) after 12 hours of water deprivation. Urinary acidification was evaluated by measuring the urinary pH before and after the administration of oral CaCl2. The analysis of the haplotypes of the beta S gene cluster was carried out by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was used for multiple comparisons of means and the Newman-Keuls test was used to identify which groups were significantly different. Results: The mean age of the patients was 33 ± 13 years with 64.2% being females. The glomerular filtration rate was normal in 25 cases (30%) and a rate > 120 mL/min was seen in 52 cases (62%). Urinary concentration deficit was found in all patients who underwent the test and urinary acidification in 22%. There was no significant difference when comparing patients with the Bantu/Bantu and ...

Correlation of low levels of nitrite and high levels of fetal hemoglobin in patients with sickle cell disease at baseline.

BACKGROUND: Sickle cell disease is a hemoglobinopathy characterized by hemolytic anemia, increased susceptibility to infections and recurrent vaso-occlusive crises that reduces the quality of life of sufferers. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation of the levels of lactate dehydrogenase, malonaldehyde and nitrite to fetal hemoglobin in patients with sickle cell disease not under treatment with hydroxyurea in outpatients at a university hospital in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. METHODS: Forty-four patients diagnosed with sickle cell disease were enrolled at baseline. Diagnosis was confirmed by evaluating the beta globin gene using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The concentration of fetal hemoglobin was obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography. Serum levels of nitrite, malonaldehyde and lactate dehydrogenase were measured by biochemical methods. RESULTS: Significantly higher levels of lactate dehydrogenase, nitrite and malonaldehyde were observed in patients with sickle cell disease compared to a control group. The study of the correlation between fetal hemoglobin levels and these variables showed a negative correlation with nitrite levels. No correlation was found between fetal hemoglobin and malonaldehyde or lactate dehydrogenase. When the study population was stratified according to fetal hemoglobin levels, a decrease in the levels of nitrite was observed with higher levels of fetal hemoglobin (p-value = 0.0415). CONCLUSION: The results show that, similar to fetal hemoglobin levels, the concentration of nitrite can predict the clinical course of the disease, but should not be used alone as a modulator of prognosis in patients with sickle cell disease.

Correlation of low levels of nitrite and high levels of fetal hemoglobin in patients with sickle cell disease at baseline

BACKGROUND: Sickle cell disease is a hemoglobinopathy characterized by hemolytic anemia, increased susceptibility to infections and recurrent vaso-occlusive crises that reduces the quality of life of sufferers. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation of the levels of lactate dehydrogenase, malonaldehyde and nitrite to fetal hemoglobin in patients with sickle cell disease not under treatment with hydroxyurea in outpatients at a university hospital in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. METHODS: Forty-four patients diagnosed with sickle cell disease were enrolled at baseline. Diagnosis was confirmed by evaluating the beta globin gene using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The concentration of fetal hemoglobin was obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography. Serum levels of nitrite, malonaldehyde and lactate dehydrogenase were measured by biochemical methods. RESULTS: Significantly higher levels of lactate dehydrogenase, nitrite and malonaldehyde were observed in patients with sickle cell disease compared to a control group. The study of the correlation between fetal hemoglobin levels and these variables showed a negative correlation with nitrite levels. No correlation was found between fetal hemoglobin and malonaldehyde or lactate dehydrogenase. When the study population was stratified according to fetal hemoglobin levels, a decrease in the levels of nitrite was observed with higher levels of fetal hemoglobin (p-value = 0.0415). CONCLUSION: The results show that, similar to fetal hemoglobin levels, the concentration of nitrite can predict the clinical course of the disease, but should not be used alone as a modulator of prognosis in patients with sickle cell disease.

Study of correlation of nitrite levels with malonaldehyde and the prognosis of patients with sickle cell disease on hydroxyurea, Ceará-Brazil.

Hydroxyurea (HU) is the only drug approved for the induction of fetal hemoglobin. Besides this benefit, there are others such as the reduction of leukocyte and generation of nitric oxide (NO). Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is characterized by chronic hemolytic anemia and vaso-occlusive phenomena. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation of parameters MDA and NO2 with the prognosis of patients with SCA as outpatients at Hospital Universitário Walter Cantídeo. In all, 65 patients with SCA--51 without the use of HU (group I) and 14 chronically treated with HU (group II)--were recruited. Nitrite and malonaldehyde were determined by biochemical methods. We found that in group II there was a significant difference of serum MDA with clinical variables: two or more transfusions during the year (P<0.0469), the presence of malleolar ulcers (P<0.0400), and the occurrence of vaso-occlusive episodes (P<0.0031), and Group I with the occurrence of three or more vaso-occlusive episodes (P<0.0051). Correlating the malonaldehyde with clinical variables in groups I and II, we observed a statistically significant relationship with two or more transfusions during the year and the presence of malleolar ulcer. Our results demonstrate that MDA levels can be used as parameter for prognosis in SCA.

Analysis of oxidative status and biochemical parameters in adult patients with sickle cell anemia treated with hydroxyurea, Ceará, Brazil

BACKGROUND: Sickle cell anemia is a hemoglobinopathy caused by a mutation that results in the production of an abnormal hemoglobin molecule, hemoglobin S (Hb S). This is responsible for profound physiological changes, such as the sickling of red blood cells. Several studies have shown that hydroxyurea protects against vaso-occlusive crises. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the oxidative stress associated with biochemical parameters in patients with sickle cell anemia treated with hydroxyurea. METHODS: The study was conducted with 20 male and 25 female patients at the Hospital Universitário Walter Cantídio. The patients were divided into two groups: a study group (n = 12), patients with sickle cell anemia who were receiving hydroxyurea and a control group (n = 33) of sickle cell anemia patients not submitted to hydroxyurea treatment. The biochemical parameters analyzed were ferritin, transferrin, and serum iron. Glutathione was measured in its reduced form to analyze the oxidative state. RESULTS: The results showed insignificant increases in the levels of serum iron, transferrin and ferritin in patients treated with hydroxyurea when compared with those who did not take the medication. However, the glutathione levels were significantly higher in patients taking hydroxyurea than in controls. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that hydroxyurea possibly acts as an antioxidant by increasing glutathione levels.

Analysis of oxidative status and biochemical parameters in adult patients with sickle cell anemia treated with hydroxyurea, Ceará, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Sickle cell anemia is a hemoglobinopathy caused by a mutation that results in the production of an abnormal hemoglobin molecule, hemoglobin S (Hb S). This is responsible for profound physiological changes, such as the sickling of red blood cells. Several studies have shown that hydroxyurea protects against vaso-occlusive crises. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the oxidative stress associated with biochemical parameters in patients with sickle cell anemia treated with hydroxyurea. METHODS: The study was conducted with 20 male and 25 female patients at the Hospital Universitário Walter Cantídio. The patients were divided into two groups: a study group (n = 12), patients with sickle cell anemia who were receiving hydroxyurea and a control group (n = 33) of sickle cell anemia patients not submitted to hydroxyurea treatment. The biochemical parameters analyzed were ferritin, transferrin, and serum iron. Glutathione was measured in its reduced form to analyze the oxidative state. RESULTS: The results showed insignificant increases in the levels of serum iron, transferrin and ferritin in patients treated with hydroxyurea when compared with those who did not take the medication. However, the glutathione levels were significantly higher in patients taking hydroxyurea than in controls. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that hydroxyurea possibly acts as an antioxidant by increasing glutathione levels.

Avaliação das concentrações de malonaldeído e nitrito em pacientes com anemia falciforme em tratamento ou não com hidroxiureia / Evaluation of the concentration of malondialdehyde and nitrite in patients with sickle cell anemia treated or not with hydroxyurea

Objective: To determine the serum levels of malondialdehyde and nitrite in patients with sickle cell anemia treated or not with hydroxyurea in outpatient?s setting. Methods: Of the 65 patients with sickle cell anemia selected for the study, 51 of them were not treated with hydroxyurea (Group 1), 14 made chronic use of hydroxyurea (Group 2) and 20 individuals had no hemoglobinopathies (Control Group). Results: The Control Group had a lower and more homogeneous concentration of malondialdehyde levels as compared to the other groups. The results of Groups 1 and 2 showed increased values of malondialdehyde levels when compared to the Control Group. Considering the values of Groups 1 and 2, there were no significant changes in the malondialdehyde levels. There was no significant difference in the serum levels of nitrite between the groups. Group 2 presented a statistically significant correlation between serum malondialdehyde levels and the clinical variables investigated. In turn, Group 1 showed correlation only with occurrence of three or more vaso-occlusive crises. There was no correlation between nitrite levels and the clinical variables. Conclusion: The results revealed that during the pathogenesis of sickle cell anemia, an increase in lipid peroxidation was observed. On the other hand, no changes in oxidative parameters were detected during treatment with hydroxyurea, probably due to the short period of treatment of the patients studied.

Objetivo: Determinar os níveis séricos de malonaldeído e de nitrito em pacientes com anemia falciforme em tratamento ou não com hidroxiureia e em acompanhamento ambulatorial. Métodos: Dos 65 pacientes com diagnóstico de anemia falciforme selecionados para o estudo, 51 não fizeram tratamento com hidroxiureia (Grupo 1) e 14 fizeram uso crônico de hidroxiureia (Grupo 2), sendo que 20 indivíduos não tinham hemoglobinopatias (Grupo Controle). Resultados: O Grupo Controle possuía menor e mais homogênea concentração dos níveis de malonaldeído em relação aos outros grupos. Os resultados do Grupo 1 e do Grupo 2 mostraram valores aumentados dos níveis de malonaldeído quando comparados ao Grupo Controle. Quando comparados os valores dos Grupos 1 e 2, não foram observadas alterações significativas nos níveis de malonaldeído. Não houve diferença significativa nos níveis séricos de nitrito entre os grupos. Verificou-se que, no Grupo 2, houve uma correlação estatisticamente significativa dos níveis séricos de malonaldeído com as variáveis clínicas investigadas. Por sua vez, o Grupo 1 mostrou correlação somente com a ocorrência de três ou mais crises vaso-oclusivas. Não se verificou nenhuma correlação nos níveis de nitrito com as variáveis clínicas. Conclusão: Os resultados revelaram que, durante o estabelecimento da patogênese da anemia falciforme, pode ser observado um aumento na peroxidação lipídica. Por outro lado, durante o tratamento com a hidroxureia, não foi detectada nenhuma alteração nos parâmetros oxidativos, provavelmente devido ao curto período de tratamento dos pacientes em estudo.

Evaluation of the concentration of malondialdehyde and nitrite in patients with sickle cell anemia treated or not with hydroxyurea.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the serum levels of malondialdehyde and nitrite in patients with sickle cell anemia treated or not with hydroxyurea in outpatient's setting. METHODS: Of the 65 patients with sickle cell anemia selected for the study, 51 were not treated with hydroxyurea (Group 1), 14 made chronic use of hydroxyurea (Group 2) and 20 individuals had no hemoglobinopathies (Control Group). RESULTS: The Control Group had a lower and more homogeneous concentration of malondialdehyde levels as compared to the other groups. The results of Groups 1 and 2 showed increased values of malondialdehyde levels when compared to the Control Group. Considering the values of Groups 1 and 2, there were no significant changes in the malondialdehyde levels. There was no significant difference in the serum levels of nitrite between the groups. Group 2 presented a statistically significant correlation between serum malondialdehyde levels and the clinical variables investigated. In turn, Group 1 showed correlation only with occurrence of three or more vaso-occlusive crises. There was no correlation between nitrite levels and the clinical variables. CONCLUSION: The results revealed that during the pathogenesis of sickle cell anemia, an increase in lipid peroxidation was observed. On the other hand, no changes in oxidative parameters were detected during treatment with hydroxyurea, probably due to the short period of treatment of the patients studied.