Ana Paula Shiratori

Aspecto sociodemográfico, clínico e qualidade de vida em pacientes com artrite reumatoide

Objective: To characterize the sociodemographic clinical aspects and quality of life of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional quantitative research that evaluated 22 individuals with RA over 18 years old, regardless of sex. Participants were referred to the Mulstisectoral Analysis Laboratory of the State University of Santa Catarina by rheumatologists of the Brazilian National Health System in the period from June to September 2010. It was used a form to obtain sociodemographic and clinical data, the level of disease activity (Disease Activity Score 28) and the Quality of Life Questionnaire (36 Item Short-Form Health Survey). Results: There was a prevalence of female gender, with 81.8% (n=18); white ethnicity, with 90.9% (n=20); and sixth decade of life, with 60 (±12.9) years for male gender. Among the symptoms, 17 individuals (77.3%) reported pain as the main complaint. Regarding the level of disease activity, the mean values were 4.47±1.56 with a prevalence of 10 patients (45.5%) presenting moderate activity. Concerning QoL, it was found a significant difference in the domains pain / social aspect and the level of disease activity (p <0.05). Regarding the domain pain, there was a significant difference when comparing the groups high and low disease activity (p<0.01) and between the low and moderate groups (p <0.01). Conclusion: It was possible to identify in the individuals with RA participating in this study a deficit in their general state of health. Additionally, the high level of disease activity interfered with painful symptomatology and hindered social aspects. doi:10.5020/18061230.2014.p5

Redução da força muscular respiratória em indivíduos com artrite reumatoide

To evaluate the respiratory muscle strength in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared to healthy subjects and to correlate it with the level of disease activity (DAS- 28) and body mass index (BMI). Method: A cross-sectional study evaluated 18 women (57.94 ± 10.36 years); eight had RA (RA group) and ten were healthy subjects (control group), matched by age. All patients underwent the following evaluations: registration form (identification and clinical data), physical examination (weight, height, and BMI), DAS-28, dosage of C-reactive protein (CRP), and measurement of MIP and MEP with a manometer. Results: There were significant differences between the RA and control groups in relation to the MIP (-46.25 ± 17.67 vs. cmH 2 O -81.00 ± 19.69 cm H 2 O) and MEP (58.75 cmH 2 O ± 17.26 vs. 78.00 ± 6.32 cmH 2 O). Also there was difference between RA group and predicted age values in relation to the MIP (-46.25 ± 17.67 vs. -81.06 ± 4.11 cmH 2 O) and MEP (58.75 cmH 2 O ± 17.26 vs. 78.92 ± 5.33 cmH 2 O). Moreover, a significant correlation was observed between MEP and BMI. There was no significant correlation between MIP - CRP, DAS- 28 and BMI, and between MEP - DAS and CRP. Conclusion: This data reinforces the systemic nature of RA and points out the need for a comprehensive assessment of the patient, not just focusing on the articular component, but also checking the strength of the respiratory muscles of these individuals to determine more specific therapeutic strategies of treatment.Objective: To evaluate the respiratory muscle strength in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared to healthy subjects and to correlate it with the level of disease activity (DAS- 28) and body mass index (BMI). Method: A cross-sectional study evaluated 18 women (57.94 ± 10.36 years); eight had RA (RA group) and ten were healthy subjects (control group), matched by age. All patients underwent the following evaluations: registration form (identification and clinical data), physical examination (weight, height, and BMI), DAS-28, dosage of C-reactive protein (CRP), and measurement of MIP and MEP with a manometer. Results: There were significant differences between the RA and control groups in relation to the MIP (-46.25 ± 17.67 vs. cmH2O -81.00 ± 19.69 cm H2O) and MEP (58.75 cmH2O ± 17.26 vs. 78.00 ± 6.32 cmH2O). Also there was difference between RA group and predicted age values in relation to the MIP (-46.25 ± 17.67 vs. -81.06 ± 4.11 cmH2O) and MEP (58.75 cmH2O ± 17.26 vs. 78.92 ± 5.33 cmH2O). Moreover, a significant correlation was observed between MEP and BMI. There was no significant correlation between MIP - CRP, DAS- 28 and BMI, and between MEP - DAS and CRP. Conclusion: This data reinforces the systemic nature of RA and points out the need for a comprehensive assessment of the patient, not just focusing on the articular component, but also checking the strength of the respiratory muscles of these individuals to determine more specific therapeutic strategies of treatment.