Rodrigo Aires Corrêa Lima

Consenso da Sociedade Brasileira de Reumatologia 2011 para o diagnóstico e avaliação inicial da artrite reumatoide

OBJETIVO: Elaborar recomendacoes para o manejo da artrite reumatoide (AR) no Brasil, com enfoque no diagnostico e na avaliacao inicial da doenca. METODO: Revisao da literatura e opiniao de especialistas membros da Comissao de AR da Sociedade Brasileira de Reumatologia. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSOES: Foram estabelecidas 10 recomendacoes: 1) O diagnostico da AR deve ser estabelecido considerando-se achados clinicos e exames complementares; 2) Deve-se dedicar especial atencao ao diagnostico diferencial dos casos de artrite; 3) O fator reumatoide (FR) e um teste diagnostico importante, porem com sensibilidade e especificidade limitadas, sobretudo na AR inicial; 4) O anti-CCP (teste para anticorpos antipeptideos citrulinados ciclicos) e um marcador com sensibilidade semelhante a do FR, mas com especificidade superior, sobretudo na fase inicial da doenca; 5) Embora inespecificas, provas de atividade inflamatoria devem ser solicitadas a pacientes com suspeita clinica de AR; 6) A radiografia convencional deve ser empregada para avaliacao de diagnostico e prognostico da doenca. Quando necessario e disponivel, a ultrassonografia e a ressonância magnetica podem ser utilizadas; 7) Podem-se utilizar criterios de classificacao de AR (ACR/EULAR 2010), embora ainda nao validados, como um guia para auxiliar no diagnostico de pacientes com artrite inicial; 8) Deve-se utilizar um dos indices compostos para avaliacao de atividade de doenca; 9) Recomenda-se a utilizacao regular de ao menos um instrumento de avaliacao da capacidade funcional; 10) Deve-se verificar, na avaliacao inicial da doenca, a presenca ou nao de fatores de pior prognostico, como o acometimento poliarticular, FR e/ou anti-CCP em titulos elevados e erosao articular precoce.

Yellow fever revaccination during infliximab therapy

Yellow fever vaccinations in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy have been shown to be contraindicated due to the increased risk of viscerotropic disease in nonimmunocompetent patients (1). Biologic therapy such as anti–tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) has the capacity to block antibody development postvaccination, which is of concern to clinicians (2). Yellow fever vaccination is important in controlling this disease. Immunization of the native population and travelers is advisable in countries where this disease is endemic. Yellow fever vaccination uses a live attenuated virus (17-D strain) that induces low-grade viremia in 50% of the vaccinated people and elicits neutralizing antibody levels in 99% of all the vaccinated individuals (3,4). Recently an outbreak of yellow fever occurred in Brazil and, following a massive advertising campaign by the health authorities in the media, several patients receiving anti-TNF therapy were vaccinated without previously consulting their doctors. In Brazil, yellow fever vaccination is recommended every 10 years for those living in endemic areas. In view of this outbreak, there was a group of patients who had exceeded the 10-year revaccination period, and they demanded yellow fever vaccination in spite of receiving anti-TNF therapy. In this study we describe the clinical observations and laboratory findings of 17 rheumatoid arthritis patients receiving infliximab therapy while receiving the yellow fever vaccination and of paired controls.

The Wnt signaling pathway and rheumatoid arthritis.

The Wnt signaling pathways play a key role in cell renewal, and there are two such pathways. In patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the synovial membrane expresses genes such as Wnt and Fz at higher levels than those observed in patients without RA. The Wnt proteins are glycoproteins that bind to receptors of the Fz family on the cell surface. The Wnt/Fz complex controls tissue formation during embryogenesis, as well as throughout the process of limb development and joint formation. Recent studies have suggested that this signaling pathway plays a role in the pathophysiology of RA. Greater knowledge of the role of the Wnt signaling pathway in RA could improve understanding of the differences in RA clinical presentation and prognosis. Further studies should also focus on Wnt family members as molecular targets in the treatment of RA.

Consenso 2012 da Sociedade Brasileira de Reumatologia sobre o manejo de comorbidades em pacientes com artrite reumatoide

OBJECTIVE To elaborate recommendations of the Rheumatoid Arthritis Committee of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology (SBR) to manage comorbidities in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS To review the literature and the opinions of the SBR RA Committee experts. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS RECOMMENDATIONS 1) Early diagnosis and proper treatment of comorbidities are recommended; 2) The specific treatment of RA should be adapted to the presence of comorbidities; 3) Angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers are preferred to treat systemic arterial hypertension; 4) In patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes mellitus, the continuous use of a high cumulative dose of corticoids should be avoided; 5) Statins should be used to maintain LDL cholesterol levels under 100 mg/dL and the atherosclerotic index lower than 3.5 in patients with RA who have other comorbidities; 6) Metabolic syndrome should be treated; 7) Performing non-invasive tests to investigate subclinical atherosclerosis is recommended; 8) Greater surveillance for the early diagnosis of occult malignancy is recommended; 9) Preventive measures of venous thrombosis are suggested; 10) Bone densitometry is recommended in RA patients over the age of 50 years and in younger patients on corticoid therapy at a dose greater than 7.5 mg for over three months; 11) Patients with RA and osteoporosis should be instructed to avoid falls, to increase their dietary calcium intake and sun exposure, and to exercise; 12) Calcium and vitamin D supplementation is suggested. Bisphosphonates are suggested for patients with T score < -2.5 on bone densitometry; 13) A multidisciplinary team, with the active participation of a rheumatologist, is recommended to treat comorbidities.OBJECTIVE: To elaborate recommendations of the Rheumatoid Arthritis Committee of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology (SBR) to manage comorbidities in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: To review the literature and the opinions of the SBR RA Committee experts. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Recommendations: 1) Early diagnosis and proper treatment of comorbidities are recommended; 2) The specific treatment of RA should be adapted to the presence of comorbidities; 3) Angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers are preferred to treat systemic arterial hypertension; 4) In patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes mellitus, the continuous use of a high cumulative dose of corticoids should be avoided; 5) Statins should be used to maintain LDL cholesterol levels under 100 mg/dL and the atherosclerotic index lower than 3.5 in patients with RA who have other comorbidities; 6) Metabolic syndrome should be treated; 7) Performing non-invasive tests to investigate subclinical atherosclerosis is recommended; 8) Greater surveillance for the early diagnosis of occult malignancy is recommended; 9) Preventive measures of venous thrombosis are suggested; 10) Bone densitometry is recommended in RA patients over the age of 50 years and in younger patients on corticoid therapy at a dose greater than 7.5 mg for over three months; 11) Patients with RA and osteoporosis should be instructed to avoid falls, to increase their dietary calcium intake and sun exposure, and to exercise; 12) Calcium and vitamin D supplementation is suggested. Bisphosphonates are suggested for patients with T score < -2.5 on bone densitometry; 13) A multidisciplinary team, with the active participation of a rheumatologist, is recommended to treat comorbidities.

Guidelines for the drug treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Description of evidence collection method A literature review of the scientific articles referenced in these guidelines was conducted with the MEDLINE database. The evidence search was based on real clinical scenarios, and the following keywords (MeSH terms) were used: Arthritis, Rheumatoid, Therapy (early OR late OR later OR time factors OR delay), Prognosis, Remission, Steroids, Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal, NSAIDs, Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Indomethacin, Piroxicam, COX-2, Celecoxib, Etoricoxib, Disease-modifying antirheumatic drug OR DMARD, Methotrexate, Gold sodium, Leflunomide, Sulfasalazine, Hydroxychloroquine, Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha, Adalimumab, Certolizumab, Etanercept, Infliximab, Golimumab, Rituximab, Tocilizumab and Abatacept. Grades of recommendation and strength of evidence A: Most consistent experimental and observational studies. B: Less consistent experimental and observational studies. C: Case reports (uncontrolled studies). D. Opinion that is not substantiated by critical evaluation, based on consensus, physiological studies or animal models. Objective These guidelines aim to provide recommendations for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in Brazil. Although North American and European guidelines for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis have been recently published, it is important to review the subject with regard to specific aspects of Brazilian reality. Thus, the ultimate purpose of the establishment of consensus guidelines for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in Brazil is to provide an orientation and foundation for Brazilian rheumatologists with evidence from scientific studies and the experience of a committee of experts on the subject. Thus, therapeutic approaches to rheumatoid arthritis within the Brazilian socioeconomic context will be standardized, while physician autonomy will be maintained with regard to the indication/ selection of available treatment options. As knowledge in this scientific field progresses rapidly, we suggest biannual updates to these guidelines.

Frequency of sexual dysfunction in women with rheumatic diseases.

OBJECTIVE To assess the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women followed up at the Rheumatology Outpatient Clinic of the Hospital Universitário de Brasília and of the Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade de São Paulo with the following rheumatic diseases: systemic lupus erythematosus; rheumatoid arthritis; systemic sclerosis; antiphospholipid antibody syndrome; and fibromyalgia. METHODS The Female Sexual Function Index (FSfi), obtained by applying a 19-item questionnaire that assesses six domains (sexual desire, arousal, vaginal lubrication, orgasm, sexual satisfaction and pain), was used. RESULTS This study assessed 163 patients. The mean age was 40.4 years. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was 18.4%, but 24.2% of the patients reported no sexual activity over the past 4 weeks. Patients with fibromyalgia and systemic sclerosis had the highest sexual dysfunction index (33%). Excluding patients with no sexual activity, the sexual dysfunction rate reaches 24.2%. CONCLUSION The prevalence of sexual dysfunction found in this study was lower than that reported in the literature. However, 24.2% of the patients interviewed reported no sexual activity over the past 4 weeks, which might have contributed to the low sexual dysfunction index found.

Diretrizes para o tratamento da artrite reumatoide

Descricao do metodo de coleta de evidencia A revisao bibliografica de artigos cientificos dessa diretriz foi realizada na base de dados MEDLINE. A busca de evidencia partiu de cenarios clinicos reais, e utilizou palavras-chaves ( MeSH terms ) : Arthritis, Rheumatoid, Therapy ( early OR late OR later OR time factors OR delay), Prognosis, Remission, Steroids, Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal, NSAIDs, Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Indomethacin, Piroxicam, COX-2, Celecoxib, Etoricoxib, Disease-modifying antirheumatic drug OR DMARD, Methotrexate, Gold sodium, Leflunomide, Sulfasalazine, Hydroxychloroquine, Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha, Adalimumab, Certolizumab, Etanercept, Infliximab, Golimumab, Rituximab, Tocilizumab, Abatacept. Graus de recomendacao e forca de evidencia A: Estudos experimentais e observacionais de melhor consistencia. B: Estudos experimentais e observacionais de menor consistencia. C: Relatos de casos (estudos nao controlados). D: Opiniao desprovida de avaliacao critica, baseada em consensos, estudos fisiologicos ou modelos animais Objetivo Esta diretriz tem o objetivo de fazer recomendacoes sobre o tratamento da artrite reumatoide no Brasil. Embora recentes diretrizes norte-americanas e europeias para o tratamento da artrite reumatoide tenham sido publicadas, e importante rever o assunto, considerando aspectos especificos da realidade brasileira. Desta forma, o proposito final em estabelecer diretrizes consensuais para o tratamento da artrite reumatoide no Brasil e definir e embasar os reumatologistas brasileiros, utilizando evidencias obtidas em estudos cientificos e a experiencia de uma comissao de especialistas no assunto, a fim de homogeneizar a abordagem terapeutica da artrite reumatoide, dentro do contexto socioeconomico brasileiro, mantendo a autonomia do medico na indicacao/escolha das alternativas terapeuticas disponiveis. Como ha rapida evolucao do conhecimento nesse campo da ciencia, sugerimos a atualizacao dessas diretrizes a cada dois anos.

Guidelines for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis

Description of the evidence collection method A review of the scientific literature was performed with the Medline database. The search for evidence was based on actual clinical scenarios and used the following Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms: Arthritis, Rheumatoid, Diagnosis (Delayed Diagnosis OR Delay OR Early Rheumatoid Arthritis OR VERA), Prognosis, Criteria (American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism OR ACR/EULAR OR classification), Comparative Study, Smoking (OR tobacco use disorder), Rheumatoid Factor, Anti-cyclic Citrullinated Peptide (or anti-CCP), HLA-DRB1 OR PTPN22 OR EPITOPE, extra-articular OR extraarticular OR systemic OR ExRA, Disease Progression, Radiography OR X RAY, ULTRASONOGRAPHY, and MAGNETIC RESONANCE Grades of recommendation and strength of evidence A: A Most consistent experimental and observational studies. B: B Less consistent experimental and observational studies. C: C Case reports (uncontrolled studies). D: D Opinion that is not substantiated by critical evaluation, based on consensus, physiological studies or animal models. Objective To formulate guidelines for the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Brazil, with a focus on diagnosis. The aim of the present document is to summarise the current position of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology on this topic to orient Brazilian doctors, particularly rheumatologists, to RA diagnosis in our country.

2012 Brazilian Society of Rheumatology Consensus on vaccination of patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE To elaborate recommendations to the vaccination of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Brazil. METHOD Literature review and opinion of expert members of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology Committee of Rheumatoid Arthritis and of an invited pediatric rheumatologist. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS The following 12 recommendations were established: 1) Before starting disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, the vaccine card should be reviewed and updated; 2) Vaccines against seasonal influenza and against H1N1 are indicated annually for patients with RA; 3) The pneumococcal vaccine should be indicated for all patients with RA; 4) The vaccine against varicella should be indicated for patients with RA and a negative or dubious history for that disease; 5) The HPV vaccine should be considered for adolescent and young females with RA; 6) The meningococcal vaccine is indicated for patients with RA only in the presence of asplenia or complement deficiency; 7) Asplenic adults with RA should be immunized against Haemophilus influenzae type B; 8) An additional BCG vaccine is not indicated for patients diagnosed with RA; 9) Hepatitis B vaccine is indicated for patients with RA who are negative for antibodies against HBsAg; the combined hepatitis A and B vaccine should be considered; 10) Patients with RA and at high risk for tetanus, who received rituximab in the preceding 24 weeks, should undergo passive immunization with tetanus immunoglobulin in case of exposure; 11) The YF vaccine is contraindicated to patients with RA on immunosuppressive drugs; 12) The above described recommendations should be reviewed over the course of RA.

Frequência de disfunção sexual em mulheres com doenças reumáticas

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women followed up at the Rheumatology Outpatient Clinic of the Hospital Universitario de Brasilia and of the Hospital das Clinicas da Universidade de Sao Paulo with the following rheumatic diseases: systemic lupus erythematosus; rheumatoid arthritis; systemic sclerosis; antiphospholipid antibody syndrome; and fibromyalgia. METHODS: The Female Sexual Function Index (FSfi), obtained by applying a 19-item questionnaire that assesses six domains (sexual desire, arousal, vaginal lubrication, orgasm, sexual satisfaction and pain), was used. RESULTS: This study assessed 163 patients. The mean age was 40.4 years. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was 18.4%, but 24.2% of the patients reported no sexual activity over the past 4 weeks. Patients with fibromyalgia and systemic sclerosis had the highest sexual dysfunction index (33%). Excluding patients with no sexual activity, the sexual dysfunction rate reaches 24.2%. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of sexual dysfunction found in this study was lower than that reported in the literature. However, 24.2% of the patients interviewed reported no sexual activity over the past 4 weeks, which might have contributed to the low sexual dysfunction index found.