Humanistic and Economic Impact of Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis in Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Psoriasis is an immune-mediated, chronic, inflammatory disease, which has a substantial humanistic and economic burden. This study aimed to assess the impact of this disease on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), work productivity, and direct and indirect costs from a societal perspective among Brazilian patients. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, observational, multicenter study, enrolling patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis according to physician evaluation. Data collection was performed from December 2015 to November 2016 through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire and five standardized patient-reported outcomes instruments. Direct costs were estimated by multiplying the amount of resources used (12-month recall period) by the corresponding unit cost. Indirect costs were grouped in two time horizons: annual costs (income reduction and absenteeism) and lifetime costs (demission and early retirement). RESULTS: A total of 188 patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis were included, with mean age of 48.0 (SD 13.1). "Anxiety and depression" and "pain and discomfort" were the most impaired dimensions, according to the EuroQol Five-Dimension-Three-Level (EQ-5D-3L). The highest effect was found for "symptoms and feelings" [mean (SD) 2.4 (1.7)] Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) subscale. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) presence and biologic-naïve status were associated with worse HRQoL. Presenteeism was more frequent than absenteeism, according to the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire-General Health (WPAI-GH) [17.4% vs. 6.3%], while physical demands and time management were the most affected Work Limitations Questionnaire (WLQ) subscales [means (SD) 23.5 (28.5) and 17.7 (24.9), respectively]. The estimated annual cost per patient was USD 4034. Direct medical costs accounted for 87.7% of this estimate, direct non-medical costs for 2.4%, and indirect costs for 9.9%. CONCLUSIONS: Results evidenced that moderate to severe plaque psoriasis imposes substantial costs to society. Our data showed that this disease negatively affects both work productivity and HRQoL of Brazilian patients. Subgroups with PsA and biologic-naïve patients presented lower HRQoL, showing the impact of this comorbidity and the relevance of biologics in psoriasis treatment. FUNDING: Novartis Biociências S.A.

Metabolic syndrome and psoriatic arthritis among patients with psoriasis vulgaris: Quality of life and prevalence.

Interest has increased in comorbidities associated with psoriasis and their effects on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and to investigate HRQoL and the prevalence of hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), obesity and dyslipidemia. In a cross-sectional design, patients diagnosed with plaque psoriasis answered an interview and standardized questionnaires (Dermatology Life Quality Index questionnaire [DLQI], 36-Item Short Form Health Survey [SF-36] and EuroQol Five-Dimension Questionnaire Three-Level version [EQ-5D-3L]). Physical examination and several tests to assess desired outcomes were performed by a dermatologist and a rheumatologist during three visits. The prevalence of MetS and PsA was 50.0% and 41.8%, respectively. Dyslipidemia was the most prevalent (74.5%) secondary comorbidity, followed by hypertension (61.8%), obesity (52.5%) and T2DM (30.9%). The mean (standard deviation) DLQI score was 6.5 (6.9), and mean physical and mental SF-36 measures were 45.2 (10.4) and 45.5 (12.3), respectively, and for EQ-5D-3L, mean utility index and EQ-VAS scores were 0.68 (0.27) and 72.7 (19.7), respectively. PsA and MetS are important comorbidities; a reduced HRQoL is noted among plaque psoriasis patients with these comorbidities, emphasizing the relevance of diagnosis and treatment beyond the care of skin lesions.

Metabolic syndrome and psoriasis: a study in 97 patients.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is associated with higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS). The prevalence of MS varies according to the studied population as it suffers influence of genetics, aging, sedentary behaviour and diet. OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence of MS in local psoriasis patients and the influence of psoriasis variables on its appearance. METHODS: A group of 97 psoriasis patients were studied for MS and compared with 97 controls. Psoriasis type, nail involvement, psoriasis extension measured by PASI (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) were obtained through physical examination and history of previous myocardial infarction, angina and stroke were obtained through chart review. RESULTS: Comparison of MS prevalence in psoriasis patients (49.4%) with controls (35.0%) showed difference with p=0.04; OR=1.8 (95%CI=1.02-3.23). Patients with psoriasis had higher body mass index (p=0.02), higher systolic blood pressure (p=0.007), lower HDL cholesterol (p=0.01), higher glucose (p=0.04), higher waist circumference (p=0.003) and more angina pectoris (p=0.03;OR=2.5; 95% 0=1.04-6.15) than controls. When psoriasis sample with and without MS were compared, those with MS were older (p=0.0004), had disease onset at older age (p=0.02), more tobacco exposure (p=0.02), and a tendency to have less scalp involvement (p=0.06) in univariate analysis. Logistic regression showed that only age and scalp involvement were independently associated with MS in the psoriasis sample. CONCLUSION: In our psoriasis sample, MS prevalence is high and the items that deserve more attention are central obesity, low HDL, hypertension and smoking habits. In the psoriasis group, MS was associated independently with older age and less scalp involvement.

Assessment of psoriasis severity in Brazilian patients with chronic plaque psoriasis attending outpatient clinics: a multicenter, population-based cross-sectional study (APPISOT).

PURPOSE: Data on chronic plaque psoriasis severity and its potential clinical and lifestyle implications in the Brazilian population are limited. The primary aim of this study was to assess the clinical severity of plaque psoriasis in Brazil. Further objectives included evaluating potential associations between disease severity and demographic, lifestyle, and clinical characteristics, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and work productivity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This observational (non-interventional) cross-sectional study was conducted in 26 dermatologic clinics across 11 Brazilian states. Psoriasis severity was assessed using investigator judgment and Finlay's Rule of Tens: a Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score >10, a Body Surface Area (BSA) > 10%, or a Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score >10. RESULTS: Among 1125 patients, 205 (18.2%) had moderate-to-severe disease. On multiple regression analyses, psoriasis severity was significantly (directly) associated with the presence of physical inactivity and comorbid pain, anxiety, and depression; and significantly (inversely) associated with HRQOL and work productivity. LIMITATIONS: Cross-sectional studies cannot assess temporal trends, and observational studies cannot conclusively determine causality or exclude biases and confounding due to unmeasured variables. CONCLUSIONS: Among Brazilian patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis, disease severity had far-reaching adverse impacts on lifestyle, comorbidities, HRQOL, and work productivity.

Incidence, clinical manifestations and clipping of nail psoriasis in the dermatology center of the Hospital Universitário Evangélico de Curitiba.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that often progresses with nail alterations. It is suspected that there is a correlation between nail psoriasis and enthesitis of the distal interphalangeal joint, seeming to serve as a predictor. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the profile of patients with nail psoriasis and correlate the presence of nail alterations with psoriatic arthritis, quality of life, extent of psoriasis and the histopathology of the nail. METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study with 40 patients with a diagnosis of psoriasis and without systemic treatment. The patient profile was researched, including quality of life and evaluated for the presence of psoriatic arthritis. The severity of the skin psoriasis and the presence of nail lesions were evaluated. Nail fragments were collected and analyzed through clipping. It obtained 100% of positivity for psoriasis in the histopathology exam of the nail plate. RESULTS: Of the 40 patients, 65% were diagnosed with nail psoriasis. Suggestive findings of psoriatic arthritis in hands were present in 33%, being more frequent in those with nail alteration (p = 0.01). In 92.3% of patients diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis in the hands there was some nail injury. The most frequent injuries were pitting and onycholysis. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with nail psoriasis are usually men, with worse quality of life and higher chance of psoriatic arthritis. The correlation between the nail involvement of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in hands confirms the association between these two forms. The clinical diagnosis of nail psoriasis did not correlate with the histological diagnosis.

Ichthyosiform mycosis fungoides.

Malignancy-associated acquired ichthyosis is well known, but the ichthyosiform subset of mycosis fungoides (MF) is rarely reported. We report on two patients with a clinical presentation for whom diagnosis of mycosis fungoides was established on histological grounds. In both cases, long term remission was obtained with non aggressive therapies. This rare condition must be added to newly described forms of MF with epidermal hyperplasia such as keratosis lichenoides chronica like MF and pilotropic MF.

Case for diagnosis.

Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia is a benign vascular lesion caused by proliferation of endothelium. It is reactive to thrombotic or inflammatory stimuli in the vessel wall.We report the case of a 14-yearold male patient with a violet-colored erythematous tumoral lesion of progressive growth in the occipital region. The diagnosis of intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (IPEH) was confirmed by clinical and histopathological findings. Total lesion exeresis was performed with no recurrence up to date. IPEH presents clinical importance due to its clinical and histological resemblance to angiosarcoma. In order to differentiate it from angiosarcoma, distinguishing features of the benign disease should be considered, such as lack of cellular atypia and rare mitotic activity.Prognosis is good.

Dermoscopy assisting the diagnosis of mycetoma: case report and literature review.

Mycetomas are a chronic skin infection characterized by perilesional edema, formation of sinus tracts, and discharge of purulent or seropurulent exudate containing grains. This report aims to demonstrate the clinical diagnosis (by dermoscopy) of a skin lesion that initially bared no clinical features of a mycetoma.

Metabolic syndrome and psoriasis: a study in 97 patients

SUMMARY BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is associated with higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS). The prevalence of MS varies according to the studied population as it suffers influence of genetics, aging, sedentary behaviour and diet. OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence of MS in local psoriasis patients and the influence of psoriasis variables on its appearance. METHODS: A group of 97 psoriasis patients were studied for MS and compared with 97 controls. Psoriasis type, nail involvement, psoriasis extension measured by PASI (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) were obtained through physical examination and history of previous myocardial infarction, angina and stroke were obtained through chart review. RESULTS: Comparison of MS prevalence in psoriasis patients (49.4%) with controls (35.0%) showed difference with p=0.04; OR=1.8 (95%CI=1.02-3.23). Patients with psoriasis had higher body mass index (p=0.02), higher systolic blood pressure (p=0.007), lower HDL cholesterol (p=0.01), higher glucose (p=0.04), higher waist circumference (p=0.003) and more angina pectoris (p=0.03;OR=2.5; 95% 0=1.04-6.15) than controls. When psoriasis sample with and without MS were compared, those with MS were older (p=0.0004), had disease onset at older age (p=0.02), more tobacco exposure (p=0.02), and a tendency to have less scalp involvement (p=0.06) in univariate analysis. Logistic regression showed that only age and scalp involvement were independently associated with MS in the psoriasis sample. CONCLUSION: In our psoriasis sample, MS prevalence is high and the items that deserve more attention are central obesity, low HDL, hypertension and smoking habits. In the psoriasis group, MS was associated independently with older age and less scalp involvement.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Estudar a prevalência de SM (Síndrome metabólica) em pacientes com psoríase de nossa localidade, assim como a influência das variáveis da psoríase no seu aparecimento. MÉTODOS: Noventa e sete pacientes com psoríase foram estudados para SM e comparados com 97 controles. Dados sobre o tipo de psoríase, envolvimento de unhas e extensão da lesão cutânea medida pelo PASI (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) foram obtidas por meio de exame físico. Dados de infarto do miocárdio, angina pectoris e acidente vascular cerebral prévios foram coletados por meio de revisão de prontuários e questionamento direto. RESULTADOS: A comparação da prevalência de SM em pacientes com psoríase (49,4%) com controles (35,0%) apresentou diferença com p = 0,04; OR = 1,8 (IC95% = 1,02-3,23). Pacientes com psoríase apresentaram maior índice de massa corporal (p = 0,02), maior pressão arterial sistólica (p = 0,007), menor colesterol HDL (p = 0,01), maiores valores de glicose (p = 0,04), maior circunferência da cintura (p = 0,003) e mais angina pectoris (p = 0,03; OR = 2,5; IC95% = 1,04-6,15) do que controles. Quando os pacientes de psoríase com e sem SM foram comparados entre si, aqueles com SM eram mais velhos (p = 0,0004), apresentaram início da doença em idade mais avançada (p = 0,02), tinham maior exposição ao fumo (p = 0,02) e tendência a ter menor envolvimento no couro cabeludo (p = 0,06) quando comparados com os sem SM na análise univariada. A regressão logística mostrou que apenas a idade e o envolvimento do couro cabeludo foram independentemente associados à SM na amostra de psoríase. CONCLUSÃO: Na presente amostra de pacientes com psoríase, a prevalência de SM é alta e os itens que merecem mais atenção são obesidade central, baixo HDL, hipertensão e hábito de fumar. No grupo da psoríase, a SM foi associada de forma independente com idade mais avançada e menor envolvimento no couro cabeludo.

Triple nanoemulsion potentiates the effects of topical treatments with microencapsulated retinol and modulates biological processes related to skin aging.

BACKGROUND: The sum of environmental and genetic factors affects the appearance and function of the skin as it ages. The identification of molecular changes that take place during skin aging provides biomarkers and possible targets for therapeutic intervention. Retinoic acid in different formulations has emerged as an alternative to prevent and repair age-related skin damage. OBJECTIVES: To understand the effects of different retinoid formulations on the expression of genes associated with biological processes that undergo changes during skin aging. METHODS: Ex-vivo skin samples were treated topically with different retinoid formulations. The modulation of biological processes associated with skin aging was measured by Reverse Transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). RESULTS: A formulation containing microencapsulated retinol and a blend of active ingredients prepared as a triple nanoemulsion provided the best results for the modulation of biological, process-related genes that are usually affected during skin aging. CONCLUSION: This association proved to be therapeutically more effective than tretinoin or microencapsulated retinol used singly.

Periungual capillaroscopy in psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: Nailfold capillaroscopy is a useful technique for evaluating changes in microcirculation. OBJECTIVE: To investigate changes at nailfold capillaroscopy in psoriatic patients compared with controls. METHODS: Nailfold capillaroscopy was performed in 46 psoriatic patients and 50 controls to assess microscopic morphological changes, capillary density and the presence of areas with devascularization. RESULTS: Patients with psoriasis had lower capillary density (p=0.0005), increased avascular areas (p=0.0035) and an increased number of morphologically abnormal capillaries (coiled, p<0.0001) compared to controls. No association was found between capillary density and the duration of the disease (p = 0.92) or the extent of skin involvement, as measured by the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score (p = 0.59). The presence of avascular areas was more common in psoriatic individuals whose nails were affected by the condition (p = 0.047). CONCLUSION: Patients with psoriasis have decreased capillary density and a greater presence of morphologically abnormal capillaries when compared to controls.

Relação da atividade clínica do lúpus eritematoso sistêmico medida pelo VHS, PCR e SLEDAI / Clinical activity relationship lupus erythematosus measured by ESR, CRP and SLEDAI

Objetivo: Verificar a correlação existente entre alterações da PCR e VHS com a atividade do Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico, medida pelo SLEDAI. Método: Estudo descritivo e transversal, utilizando-se 150 pacientes do ambulatório de reumatologia do Hospital Universitário Evangélico de Curitiba com diagnóstico de LES. Foi aplicado o questionário SLEDAI e coletados os valores de PCR e VHS, além de dados demográficos, principais manifestações clínicas já apresentadas, perfil sorológico e uso de medicamentos. Resultados: A média de idade foi de 39,6±41,3 anos e o tempo médio de doença foi de 8,29± 6,32 anos. A pontuação no SLEDAI ficou entre 0 e 44 pontos, Valores de VHS variaram de 0 a 130mm, com mediana de 24,00mm. Já os valores de PCR encontrados ficaram na faixa de 0 a 108 mg/dL (mediana de 1,62 mg/dL). Foi encontrada uma correlação positiva entre SLEDAI e PCR (p=0.001), SLEDAI e VHS (p= 0,0001). Conclusão: Existe uma correlação positiva entre SLEDAI, PCR e VHS. Porém em relação nenhuma dessas duas medidas de inflamação (VHS e PCR) demonstraram predileção por aumento em determinada forma de expressão clínica da atividade do lúpus

Objective: To investigate the correlation between changes in CRP and ESR with the activity of SLE, as measured by SLEDAI. Method: Descriptive and transversal, using 150 outpatients from the rheumatology at the Evangelic University Hospital of Curitiba diagnosed with SLE. SLEDAI questionnaire was applied and collected the values of CRP, ESR, demographic data, clinical manifestations presented, serologic profile and medication use. Results: The mean age was 39,6±41,3 and the mean disease duration was of 8,29± 6.32 years. The SLEDAI score was between 0 and 44 points, ESR values ranging from 0 to 130mm, with a median of 24.00 mm. The values of CRP were found in the range 0 to 108 mg / dL (median of 1.62 mg / dL). We found a positive correlation between SLEDAI and CRP (p=0.001), SLEDAI and ESR (p=0.0001). Conclusion: There is a positive correlation between SLEDAI, C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. But these two measures of inflammation (VHS and the PCR) did not show preferencial increase in some forms of clinical manifestation of lupus

Simultaneous occurrence of ulcerated necrobiosis lipoidica and granuloma annulare in a patient: case report.

Simultaneous occurrence of granuloma annulare and necrobiosis lipoidica is quite rare. There are seven reported cases in the literature, but only one presenting ulcerated necrobiosis lipoidica. We report a 39-year-old male with histopathologically confirmed granuloma annulare and ulcerated necrobiosis lipoidica, without diabetes mellitus.

Pancreatic panniculitis as the first manifestation of visceral disease--case report.

Pancreatic panniculitis is a rare pathological condition affecting 2-3% of patients with pancreatic disease. In 40% of cases the condition precedes manifestations of pancreatic disease. We report the case of a 71-year-old female who presented with an erythematous tender node which had appeared one month previously, progressing to ulceration and yellowish exudation. No abdominal symptoms. Biopsy revealed fat necrosis and vacuolated macrophages represented by amorphous amphophilic areas. Laboratory examination and CT scan revealed chronic pancreatitis. It is assumed that release of pancreatic enzymes such as trypsin may enhance the permeability of the microcirculation leading to lipase and amylase causing the subcutaneous fat necrosis observed in the lesions. Histology showed "ghost cells" and, firstly, septal panniculitis, followed later by lobular panniculitis. Treatment focused on resolution of the underlying pancreatic disease.

Incidence, clinical manifestations and clipping of nail psoriasis in the dermatology center of the Hospital Universitário Evangélico de Curitiba

Abstract: Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that often progresses with nail alterations. It is suspected that there is a correlation between nail psoriasis and enthesitis of the distal interphalangeal joint, seeming to serve as a predictor. Objectives: To analyze the profile of patients with nail psoriasis and correlate the presence of nail alterations with psoriatic arthritis, quality of life, extent of psoriasis and the histopathology of the nail. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study with 40 patients with a diagnosis of psoriasis and without systemic treatment. The patient profile was researched, including quality of life and evaluated for the presence of psoriatic arthritis. The severity of the skin psoriasis and the presence of nail lesions were evaluated. Nail fragments were collected and analyzed through clipping. It obtained 100% of positivity for psoriasis in the histopathology exam of the nail plate. Results: Of the 40 patients, 65% were diagnosed with nail psoriasis. Suggestive findings of psoriatic arthritis in hands were present in 33%, being more frequent in those with nail alteration (p = 0.01). In 92.3% of patients diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis in the hands there was some nail injury. The most frequent injuries were pitting and onycholysis. Conclusions: Patients with nail psoriasis are usually men, with worse quality of life and higher chance of psoriatic arthritis. The correlation between the nail involvement of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in hands confirms the association between these two forms. The clinical diagnosis of nail psoriasis did not correlate with the histological diagnosis.

Ausência de correlação entre ocorrência de anticorpos anticardiolipina e lesão valvular detectada à ecocardiografia transtoracica na população lúpica de Curitiba / Lack of correlation between antibody occurrence anticardiolipin injury valvular detected the transthoracic echocardiography in lupus population Curitiba

Objetivo: Verificar a associação entre ocorrência de anticorpos antifosfolipídeos e lesões valvulares detectadas pela ecocardiografia em portadores de LES. Material e Métodos: Foram analisados 93 pacientes com pelo menos 4 critérios diagnóstico do American College of Rheumatology de LES para achados ecocardiográficos e presença de anticorpos anticardiolipinas (ACA) IgG e IgM e de lupus anticoagulante (LAC). Os dados foram estudados por tabelas de frequência e contingência com testes de Fisher e do qui quadrado. Significância adotada de 5%. Resultados: 15,05% dos pacientes eram positivos para ACA IgG; 12,9 % eram positivos para ACA IgM e 20% eram positivos para LAC. Em cerca de 6% dos pacientes existiam os 3 anticorpos. Encontrou-se lesão valvular em 22,5%. Não se encontrou correlação entre lesão valvular e ocorrência de ACA Ig G (p=0,202); ACA IgM (p=0,458) ou LAC (p=0,686). Conclusão: Em nossa população lúpica não se encontrou associação entre a presença de anticorpos antifosfolípides e a lesão cardíaca valvular.

Objective: To verify if there is association between antiphospholipid antibodies and the presence of cardiac valvular lesions seen by echocardiography in lupus patients. Methods: We studied 93 patients with at least 4 American College of Rheumatology criteria for lupus with echocardiography and presence of anticardiolipin antibodies (ACA- Ig G and Ig M) and lupus anticoagulant (LAC). The data were studied by frequency and contingency tables with Fisher and chi square tests. Significance adopted was of 5%. Results: 15,05% of patients had ACA IgG, 12,9% had ACA IgM and 20% had LAC. In 6% of patients we found the 3 antibodies. 22,5% of patients had valvular lesions. We did not find a correlation of cardiac valvular lesion and ACA Ig G (p=0,202); ACA IgM (p=0,458) or LAC (p=0,686). Conclusion: There is no association between antiphospholipid antibodies and cardiac valvular lesions in our lupus population.

Disfunção tireoidiana em artrite reumatóide / Thyroid dysfunction in rheumatoid arthritis

OBJETIVO: Estudar a prevalência do hipotireoidismo em pacientes com artrite reumatóide (AR) e sua influência no decurso desta patologia reumatológica. MÉTODO: Foram revisados os prontuários de 123 pacientes de AR para idade, sexo, tempo de diagnóstico, fator reumatóide (FR), fator antinuclear (FAN), Síndrome de Sjögren secundária, nódulos reumatóides, alterações oculares (esclerite/afinamento corneano), índice funcional, HAQ (health assesment questionnaire) e função tireoidiana. RESULTADOS: Dos 123 pacientes, 109 eram mulheres e 14 homens, com média de idade de 43,4±13,5 anos e tempo de diagnóstico entre 6 e 447 meses. Destes 99 (80,4%) tinham função tireoidiana normal, 21 (17,07%) hipotireoidismo e 3 (2,43%) hipertireoidismo. Nos pacientes com AR e hipotireoideos, 76,1% e 21,5% tinham FR e FAN positivos respectivamente; nos pacientes sem alteração da função tireoidiana, 71,7% eram FR positivo e 21,2 % eram FAN positivos. Não houve diferença significativa entre os dois grupos, quando comparados quanto à frequência de Sjögren secundário, nódulos reumatóides, alterações oculares, HAQ, índice funcional. CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência de disfunção da tireóide em AR foi de 19,5% sendo bem mais comum o hipotireoidismo O aparecimento da disfunção tireoidiana não influiu em nenhuma das características clínicas ou sorológicas da AR.

OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence of hypothyroidism in rheumatoid arthritis patients (RA) and its influence in the course of this rheumatic disease. Methods: We studied 123 rheumatoid arthritis patients' charts for age, disease duration, rheumatoid factor (RF), antinuclear antibodies (ANA), secondary Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid nodules, eye involvement (scleritis and corneal melting), functional index and HAQ (health assesment questionnaire), and thyroid function. RESULTS: Of these 123 patients 109 were women and 14 were men with mean age of 43,4 ± 13,5 and disease duration from 6 to 447 months. In this population, 99 (80,45% had normal thyroid function, 21 (17,07%) had hypothyroidism and 3 (2,43%) had hyperthyroidism. In the patients with RA and hypothyroidism, 76,1% and 21,5% had positive RF and ANA; in patients without thyroid dysfunction, 71,7% and 21,2% were RF and ANA positive. We could not find significant differences in the frequency of secondary Sjögren, rheumatoid nodules, eye involvement, HAQ or functional index. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in RA patients was of 19, 5% with hypothyroidism being the most common finding. Thyroid dysfunction didn't change clinical or serological characteristics of RA.

Fibromialgia e qualidade de vida: um estudo comparativo com portadores de artrite reumatóide / Fibromyalgia and quality of a life: a comparative study with arthritis patients with rheumatoid

Portadores de fibromialgia queixam-se de dor generalizada, fadiga e distúrbios do sono. Os exames laboratoriais são caracteristicamente negativos nesta patologia. Devido à natureza pouco específica dos sintomas e a falta de provas palpáveis de um processo inflamatório, estes pacientes nem sempre têm as suas queixas devidamente valorizadas. No presente estudo procurou-se demonstrar o grande impacto desta patologia na qualidade de vida de seus portadores comparando-a com a de portadores de artrite reumatóide. Além disso procurou-se verificar se este prejuízo estava associado com o grau de dor percebido pelo paciente ou com o número de pontos sensíveis encontrados ao exame físico.

Fibromyalgia patients complain of generalized pain, fatigue and sleep disturbance. Laboratory exams are typically negative in this pathology. Due to this lack of symptom's specificity and palpable proofs of inflammatory disease, these patients complaints are not taken seriously. In this study we try to demonstrate the high impact of fibromyalgia in the patient's life quality comparing them with rheumatoid arthritis patients. We also try to verify the relationship between poor life quality with generalized pain and number of tender points at physical examination.