Validation of an Argentine version of Lupus Quality of Life questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE: To determine reproducibility and validity of an Argentine version of the Lupus Quality of Life questionnaire (LupusQoL) and to determine cut-off values in the questionnaire. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and forty-seven systemic lupus erythematosus patients (American College of Rheumatology 1982/1997) were assessed from April 2014 to July 2014. Demographic and socioeconomic variables were collected, as well as SELENA/SLEDAI, Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index Score, comorbidities and treatment data. Patients completed LupusQoL-Argentine version and European Quality of Life Questionnaire (EuroQoL-5D). Internal consistency and reliability were examined. Convergent validity with EuroQoL-5D was assessed through analysis of latent classes, which established homogeneous categories from the responses of each domain of LupusQoL and for the total. RESULTS: Out of 147 patients, 93.2% were female, mean age 36.4 ± 11.1 years, mean disease duration 2.7 ± 9 years, mean SELENA/SLEDAI 2.7 ± 3 points. The cut-off point that defined good or bad quality of life was 0.739 for EuroQoL 5D and 63 for LupusQoL. Cut-off values for each LupusQoL domain were also defined, creating two classes in each of them. There was moderate to high concordance to classify quality of life (Kappa = 0.74, 95% confidence interval = 0.54, 0.95). CONCLUSION: The Argentine version of LupusQoL is a valid, reliable and reproducible instrument to assess quality of life. In this study, cut-off points that allow the classification of patients regarding whether they have good or bad quality of life are established for the first time.

Ca2+-agonistic effects of diazepam, a benzodiazepine 1-4 derivative, on isolated mouse and guinea pig left atria.

In normal Krebs solution, diazepam (1.75X10(-4) M) increased the action potential duration in a reversible form and caused a positive inotropic effect on mouse auricular muscle (4). 2.) Further studies on diazepam action on electrical and mechanical activity of left auricular muscle from mouse and guinea pig, in preparations electrically driven, showed that diazepam induces an increase in action potential duration measured at 20% repolarization, a decrease in the rate of spike depolarization, and modifies the conduction velocity of the action potential. 3.) Diazepam produced in preparation with spontaneous activity, positive chronotropic and inotropic effects, and positive inotropic effect in electrically driven preparations. 4.) The change in action potential duration induced by diazepam on mouse preparations was higher than on guinea pig preparations, ca.X3. 5.) These findings support that diazepam action may be due to an increase in the inward calcium current and a reduction in the inward sodium current.

[Chromosomic etiology of male sterility and infertility]. / Etiología cromosómica de la esterilidad e infertilidad masculina.

Recent advances in the knowledge of sexual development have been obtained by studying individuals with dysgenetic gonads and reproductive tract alterations. By using probes Y-ADN in these patients, it was found that a gene of the short arms of Y chromosome, induces testicular differentiation. The way this gene acts is not known, but the observation that there are homologue sequencies in X and Y, suggests the possibility that sexual differentiation depends on genic doses. Other genes like the one that codifies for antigen H-Y, for skeletal maturation, body growth, dental size and spermatogenesis regulation, have been identified in chromosome Y. Findings that have allowed a better understanding of genetic and cytogenetic factor involved in sterility-infertility.

[Teratologic effects of benzodiazepines]. / Efectos teratológicos de las benzodiazepinas.

Benzodiazepines are drugs that belong to the group of minor tranquilizers. They derive from the 1-4, benzodiazepine common nucleus that was obtained by chemical synthesis and act upon the GABA receptors increasing their affinity, thus providing them with their tranquilizing, miorelaxing, and anticonvulsant properties. Due to these characteristics they have been used in a wide variety of disorders accompanied by anxiety, hyperexitability, convulsions, and muscular hypertony, as well as during pregnancy and labor. Before using them in pregnant women, the physician should consider the conditions of the product "in uterus" since, according to experimental evidences, benzodiazepines could interfere with embryonary development, mainly with those involved in central nervous system mechanisms causing tissular alterations, retardment in cellular differentiation, and behavioral disturbances. Besides, since the fetus has lower excretion rate than that of the mother, drug concentrations are greater than the therapeutic ones and fetal tolerance to the compound, administered during the last trimester, is reduced, originating abstinence or intoxication syndromes in the newborn. It is concluded that more research is needed to evaluate all the aftereffects caused by using these drugs during pregnancy.

Prevalencia y características de uveítis como manifestación extraarticular en Espondiloartritis Axial / Prevalence and characteristics of uveitis as an extra-articular manifestation in Axial Spondyloarthritis

Introducción: La Uveítis Anterior Aguda (UAA) es la manifestación extraarticular más frecuente en la Espondiloartritis axial (EsPax), con una prevalencia global de 32,7%. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la prevalencia de UAA en una cohorte Argentina de pacientes con EsPax, describir sus características clínicas, frecuencia de episodios, respuesta al tratamiento y pronóstico a largo plazo, así como su asociación con características generales de la enfermedad. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de corte transversal. Se incluyeron pacientes con diagnóstico de EsPax (criterios ASAS 2009) de la cohorte ESPAXIA (Estudio de Espondiloartritis Axial IREP Argentina). Se consignaron datos sociodemográficos, características de la enfermedad y tratamientos recibidos; números de episodios de uveítis, año de aparición, características del mismo, tratamiento realizado y complicaciones. Se registró rigidez matinal, medidas de movilidad axial por Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrological Index (BASMI), número de articulaciones tumefactas, sitios de entesitis por medio de Maastricht AS Enthesitis Score (MASES), eritrosedimentación (ERS), proteína C reactiva (PCR) y presencia de HLA-B27. Se empleó Escala Visual Numérica (EVN) para evaluar el dolor, dolor nocturno, actividad de la enfermedad según el paciente y el médico. Se administraron autocuestionarios: Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) y Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (ASQoL). Se calculó Simplified Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score con ERS y PCR (SASDAS ERS/PCR). Análisis estadístico: Estadística descriptiva. Test T de Student, test de Chi² y análisis de regresión logística múltiple. Se consideró significativo un valor de p<0,05. Resultados: Se incluyeron 231 pacientes con EsPax, 174 de sexo masculino (75,3%) con una mediana de edad de 46 años (RIC 36-57) y mediana de tiempo de evolución de la enfermedad de 20,5 años (RIC 10,5-30,5). Sesenta pacientes (26%) presentaron al menos un episodio de uveítis, siendo la primera manifestación de la enfermedad en 22 (37,9%) de ellos. La UAA fue la forma más frecuente, observándose en 59 pacientes (98,3%). El promedio de episodios de UAA fue 4,78 (DS 5,64). Las recurrencias fueron unilaterales en 48,8% de los casos. El tratamiento recibido fue local en 42 (79,2%) de los pacientes. Doce pacientes (22,2%) presentaron secuelas luego del primer episodio, siendo la disminución de la agudeza visual y cataratas las más frecuentes (16,7% y 5,6%, respectivamente). Las variables asociadas independientemente con UAA fueron mayor tiempo de evolución de la enfermedad (24,91±14,2 años vs 20,7±13,2 años, p=0,038) y positividad de HLA-B27, (69% vs 47,4%, p=0,006). Conclusión: La prevalencia de uveítis en nuestra cohorte fue del 26%. Fue significativamente más frecuente en pacientes HLA-B27 (+) y con mayor tiempo de evolución de la enfermedad.

Background: Acute Anterior Uveitis (AAU) is the most frequent extra-articular manifestation in axial Spondyloarthritis (axSpA), with an overall prevalence of 32.7%. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of AAU in an Argentinian cohort of patients with axSpA and to describe their clinical characteristics, frequency of episodes, response to treatment and long-term prognosis, as well as their association with general disease characteristics. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out. We included patients with axSpA according to ASAS 2009 criteria from ESPAXIA cohort (Estudio de Espondiloartritis Axial IREP Argentina). Sociodemographic data, characteristics of the disease, and treatments received; numbers of episodes of uveitis, incidence date, and its characteristics, treatment and complications were consigned. Morning stiffness, axial mobility (BASMI), enthesitis (MASES), ESR, CRP and HLA-B27 were registered. Pain, night pain, patient and physician global assessment were evaluated by Numerical Visual Scale (NVA). BASDAI, BASFI and ASQoL self-questionnaires were administered. Statistical analysis: Descriptive statistics. Student's T-test, Chi² test and multiple logistic regression analysis. A p value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Two hundred and thirty one patients with axSpA were included, 174 male (75.3%) with a median age of 46 years (IQR 36-57) and median disease duration of 20.5 years (IQR 10.5-30.5). Sixty patients (26%) had at least one episode of uveitis, being the first manifestation of the disease in 22 (37.9%) of them. Acute anterior uveitis was the most frequent form, and it was observed in 59 patients (98.3%). The mean number of episodes was 4.78 (SD 5.64). Recurrences were unilateral in 48.8% of cases. They received local therapy in 42 (79.2%) of the patients. Twelve patients (22.2%) presented a complication after the first episode, being the decrease in visual acuity and cataracts, the most frequent ones (16.7% and 5.6%, respectively). The presence of uveitis was significantly associated with longer disease duration (24.9 years vs 20.7 years, p=0.038) and with the positivity for HLA-B27, (69% vs 47.4%, p=0.006) and these variables were maintained in the multivariate analysis, after adjusting for other variables. Conclusion: The prevalence of uveitis in our cohort was 26%. It was significantly more frequent in patients HLA-B27 (+) and with longer disease duration.

Estudio piloto de validación y adaptación de un cuestionario para evaluar el impacto de la espondiloartritis axial en la sexualidad de los pacientes / A validation and adaptation pilot study of a questionnaire to evaluate the impact of axial spondyloarthritis in the sexuality of patients

Introducción: El Qualisex es un cuestionario desarrollado y validado para evaluar la sexualidad en pacientes con artritis reumatoidea. Hasta el momento, según nuestro conocimiento, no se ha desarrollado un cuestionario que evalúe específicamente la sexualidad en pacientes que padecen Espondiloartritis axial (EsPax). Por este motivo, nuestro objetivo fue validar y adaptar el cuestionario Qualisex en pacientes con EsPax y evaluar el impacto de su enfermedad en la sexualidad. Material y métodos: Estudio de corte transversal. Se incluyeron pacientes ≥21 años de edad con diagnóstico de EsPax según criterios ASAS '09, en forma consecutiva. Se consignaron datos sociodemográficos, tiempo de evolución de la enfermedad, síntomas relacionados con la enfermedad, comorbilidades y tratamiento recibido. Se evaluó la salud sexual de los pacientes utilizando el cuestionario Qualisex. El mismo consta de 10 preguntas con respuestas categorizadas en una escala de 11 puntos (0-10); el resultado surge del promedio de las mismas y su rango es de 0-10, las puntuaciones más altas indican un mayor impacto en la sexualidad. La versión original del Qualisex fue traducida y adaptada para EsPax. Para el análisis estadístico, se utilizó estadística descriptiva, test de Mann-Whitney y test de Chi² y test exacto de Fisher. Regresión lineal. Correlación de Spearman. Coeficiente de correlación intraclase (CCI) para evaluar la reproducibilidad del cuestionario. Resultados: Se invitó a participar a 61 pacientes, 11 de los cuales se negaron. 50 pacientes fueron incluidos, 40 (80%) eran de sexo masculino, con una edad mediana de 47 años (RIC 21-72), y un tiempo mediano de evolución de 13 años (RIC 1-46). La mediana de Qualisex fue de 2,5 (RIC 1,1-4,2), el tiempo mediano para completar el cuestionario fue de 2,1 minutos (RIC 1,7-3,1). La reproducibilidad fue excelente con un CCI de 0,99 (IC 95% 0,65-1). Se hallaron algunas preguntas redundantes con correlación intraítem mayor a 0,8. El Qualisex presentó buena correlación con las medidas de evaluación de la enfermedad: ASQoL (Rho: 0,52, p=0,001), BASDAI (Rho: 0,57, p<0,0001), BASFI (Rho: 0,53, p=0,001), PsAQoL (Rho: 0,69, p=0,01). El Qualisex fue significativamente mayor en el sexo femenino (5,4 en mujeres vs 2,5 en varones, p=0,02), en los desocupados (4,7 en desocupados vs 2,3 ocupados, p=0,01), en pacientes con mayor actividad de la enfermedad evaluado por BASDAI >4 (4,2 pacientes activos vs 1,6 en pacientes inactivos, p=0,01) y menor en los pacientes en tratamiento biológico (TB) (1,9 con TB vs 3,8 sin TB, p=0,01). En el análisis multivariado, sexo femenino, mayor tiempo de evolución de la enfermedad y mayor actividad de la enfermedad se mantuvieron independientemente asociadas a mayor impacto en la sexualidad. Conclusión: El Qualisex adaptado a EsPax es un cuestionario válido y confiable, aunque presenta algunas preguntas redundantes. Los pacientes con EsPax de sexo femenino, con mayor tiempo de evolución y mayor actividad de la enfermedad presentaron peor calidad de vida sexual.

Introduction: The Qualisex is a questionnaire developed and validated to evaluate sexuality in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. According to our knowledge, a questionnaire that specifically assesses sexuality in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) has not been developed. For this reason, our objective was to validate and adapt the Qualisex questionnaire in patients with AxSpA and evaluate the impact of their disease on sexuality. Material and methods: Cross-sectional study. We included patients ≥21 years of age with a diagnosis of AxSpA according to ASAS '09 criteria. Sociodemographic data were recorded, time of evolution of the disease, symptoms related to the disease, comorbidities and treatment received. The sexual health of the patients was evaluated using the Qualisex questionnaire. It consists of 10 questions with answers categorized on a scale of 11 points (0-10). Qualisex's score is the mean of the results for the 10 questions, the highest scores indicate a greater impact on sexuality. The original version of the Qualisex was translated and adapted for AxSpA. For the statistical analysis, descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney test and Chi² test and Fisher's exact test were used. Linear regression. Spearman correlation. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to evaluate the reproducibility of the questionnaire. Results: 61 patients were invited to participate, 11 of whom refused. 50 patients were included, 40 (80%) were male, with a median age of 47 years (IR 21-72), and a median time of evolution of 13 years (IR 1-46). The median of Qualisex was 2.5 (IR 1.1-4.2), the median time to complete the questionnaire was 2.1 minutes (IR 1.7-3.1). Reproducibility was excellent with a ICC of 0.99 (95% CI 0.65-1). Some redundant questions were found. The Qualisex presented good correlation with the evaluation measures of the disease: ASQoL (Rho: 0.52, p=0.001), BASDAI (Rho: 0.57, p<0.0001), BASFI (Rho: 0.53, p=0.001), PsAQoL (Rho: 0.69, p=0.01). The Qualisex was significantly higher in the female sex (5.4 in women vs 2.5 in males, p=0.02), in the unemployed (4.7 in unemployed vs 2.3 occupied, p=0.01), in patients with greater activity of the disease evaluated by BASDAI >4 (4.2 active patients vs 1.6 in inactive patients, p=0.01) and lower in patients on biological treatment (BT) (1.9 with BT vs 3.8 without BT, p=0.01). In the multivariate analysis, female sex, longer time of evolution of the disease and greater activity of the disease were independently associated with greater impact on sexuality. Conclusion: The Qualisex adapted to AxSpA is a valid and reliable questionnaire, although it presents some redundant questions. The patients with AxSpA of female sex, with longer time of evolution and greater activity of the disease presented worse quality of sexual life.

Diazepam effect upon the microscopic structure of the mouse placenta.

CD-1 strain, female mice, aged 5 to 7 months, were mated with males of the same age. Females presenting vaginal plug were separated and randomly distributed in two groups to be treated from the 6th to 17th day of gestation. One group received single daily diazepam doses (2.7 mg/kg i.p.), the other, 0.9% saline in equivalent volumes. Females were killed on 18th day, the placentas removed and fixed in 10% formaldehyde, pH 7.3, dehydrated and embedded in paraplast; 3 microns thick sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Weigert hematoxylin and analyzed under light microscopy. Placentas of the diazepam-treated females presented dilated chorion vessels and intervillous spaces. Trophoblastic cell nuclei presented chromatin in coarse granules, atypically distributed in the karyolymph, which had lesser staining affinity. Giant cells showed vacuolized cytoplasm and coarsely granulated chromatin. Results indicate that diazepam causes structural changes, possibly placental and fetal physiology.

Permanent effects of prenatal exposure to diazepam on sexual behavior of male mice.

In previous work, we found effects of prenatal exposure to diazepam (DZ) on sexual behavior of adult mice. The aim of this work was to compare sexual behavior during their reproductive span of CD-1 strain male mice exposed in utero to DZ. One group of female mice was treated with DZ (2.5 mg/kg/day; s.c.) from 6th to 17th days of gestation and a control group received saline. The spontaneous offspring male sexual activity to receptive females was tested in 3 sessions (1/week) twice, on the 6th month of age and later on the 20th. Tests were performed during the dark stage of the photoperiod and video recorded under red light. During copulating stage adult DZ-treated males showed greater incidence of interruptions of intravaginal penetration, while senile DZ-treated males had lower latencies of mount series and greater proportion of ejaculations. Both adult and senile DZ-treated males exhibited a significant larger incidence of falls and pauses during mount series with intromission. Results show a permanent effect of prenatal exposure of DZ on sexual behavior.