BACKGROUND Background: Spondyloarthritis (SpA) patients, mainly those with advanced disease, may have postural difficulties. In these patients the spine may became stiff due to the chronic inflammatory process of fibroconnective tissues and bones, leading to hip flexion, increase in dorsal kyphosis and loss of lumbar and cervical lordosis. Knee flexion occurs as a compensatory mechanism promoting the appearance of the classic skier posture. Such malalignment causes dislocation of the center of mass of the trunk, disturbing static and dynamic balance. It also causes difficulties in looking up and creating visual inputs that are important to compensate the negative effects of postural instability. Aim: To study balance impairment and falls in SpA patients and its association with clinical and epidemiological variables, disease activity, functional and metrology indexes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Materials and methods: Cross sectional study of 55 SpA patients with axial disease. Clinical and epidemiological were collected from the charts. Balance was accessed by Berg Balance Scale (BBS). The following instruments were applied: ASDAS (Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score)-ESR, ASDAS-CRP, BASDAI (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index), BASFI (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index), BASMI (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index) and ASQoL (Ankylosing spondylitis quality of life questionnaire). The number of falls in the last year was collected. RESULTS Results: In this sample, 30.9% had high risk of falls by the BBS and 25.4% recalled having at least one fall in the last years. The BBS values were lower in those with white ethnic background (p=0.01); smokers (p=0.03) and with HLA-B27 (p=0.03) and correlated inversely with BASDAI (rho=-0.28), ASDAS-ESR (rho=-0.32) and ASDAS-CRP (rho=-0.33), BASFI (rho=-0.71,p<0.0001), BASMI (rho=-0.80; p<0.0001), and age (rho=-0.50;p<0.001). Multivariated analysis showed that BASFI and BASMI were independently associated with BBS (p=0.02 and 0.0001 respectively). Patients with falls had lower BBS (p=0.03) and loss of balance correlated with impairment of the quality of life (rho=-0.56;p<0.001). CONCLUSION Conclusions: Conclusions: Balance is impaired in almost 1/3 of SpA patients and the BBS is associated mainly with functional and metrology indexes, showing that patients with severe cumulative damage are more affected.

Both inotropic drugs were similarly effective in restoring tissue blood flow and oxygen supply to adequate levels in patients with low cardiac output undergoing cardiac surgery.

Objective To investigate the prevalence of electrocardiographic changes in patients with spondyloarthritis and to correlate these changes with use of anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) drugs and HLA-B27 positivity. Methods Retrospective study including 100 patients diagnosed with spondyloarthritis according to Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS) criteria and 50 controls. Epidemiological and clinical features, results of inflammatory activity tests, HLA-B27 positivity, and medication use data were extracted from medical records. Disease activity was assessed using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI). All participants were submitted to electrocardiogram performed using a 12-lead device; rhythm, heart rate, conduction disorders and QT interval corrected using the Bazett formula were analyzed. Results Of 100 patients with spondyloarthritis, 51 were on anti-TNF-α drugs and 49 were not. HLA-B27 was detected in 53.1% of patients in the sample. Patients with spondyloarthritis had lower heart rate (p=0.06), longer QT interval (p<0.0001) and higher prevalence of right bundle branch block (p=0.014) compared to controls. Duration of disease was weakly correlated with heart rate (Rho=0.26; 95%CI: 0.06-0.44; p=0.008). The prevalence of right bundle branch block was positively correlated with HLA-B27 positivity. Use of Anti-TNF-α drugs did not interfere with electrocardiographic parameters. Conclusion Patients with spondyloarthritis had lower heart rate, longer QT interval and a higher prevalence of right bundle branch block compared to controls. HLA-B27 positivity was associated with the prevalence of right bundle branch block. Anti-TNF-α drugs had no impact on electrocardiographic findings.

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RESUMOIntrodução: A toxicidade da vitamina D é rara e potencialmente grave. As características clínicas da hipervitaminose D são decorrentes, principalmente, da hipercalcemia. Relato de caso: Feminina, 50 anos, em acompanhamento no serviço de endocrinologia e metabologia do HC-UFPR devido bócio multinodular (BMN) tóxico, sendo iniciado tratamento com tapazol. Encaminhada para tireoidectomia total pelo serviço de cirurgia de cabeça e pescoço do HC-UFPR. Evoluiu, no pós operatório, com hipoparatireoidismo e hipocalcemia grave sintomática, necessitando reposição de gluconato de cálcio endovenoso. Recebeu alta hospitalar com cálcio total de 8,2mg/dl e prescrição de calcitriol 0,25mcg 6 comprimidos (cp) ao dia, carbonato de cálcio (CaCO3) 500mg 8 cp ao dia e vitamina D3 15.000U/semana e retorno ambulatorial em 2 semanas. No retorno, três meses após, queixa de náuseas, vômitos, hiporexia e perda de 5,8kg em dois meses, apresentando sinais de desidratação ao exame físico. Cálcio total no retorno de 11,4mg/dl, PTH < 5,00pg/ml, fósforo (Pi) 3,5mg/dl, albumina (alb) 3,9g/dl, creatinina (Cr) 1,5mg/dl. Suspenso CaCO3 e vitamina D, reduzida dose de calcitriol para 2 cp ao dia e orientada hidratação via oral. Após 1 semana, melhora dos sintomas, com cálcio total de 8,1mg/dl, Pi 3,9mg/dl, alb 3,8g/dl, PTH 10,70pg/ml, 25-OH-vitamina D 43ng/ml, Cr 1,1mg/dl. Mantida dose de calcitriol e reiniciado CaCO3 na dose de 1g/dia. Novo retorno em um mês, assintomática, com cálcio total de 8,3mg/dl, PTH 20pg/ml e 25-OH-vitamina D 41ng/ml, Cr 0,8mg/dl, compatível com hipoparatireoidismo transitório e intoxicação por calcitriol resolvida. Conclusão: Diante de um quadro de vômitos persistentes e hipercalcemia, na presença de hormônio da paratireódide normal ou baixo, o diagnóstico de intoxicação por vitamina D deve ser suspeitado e, a normalização de seus níveis alivia os sintomas e pode prevenir lesão renal aguda.Descritores: intoxicação, calcitriol, hipercalcemia ABSTRACT Introduction: Vitamin D toxicity is rare and potentially serious. The clinical features of hypervitaminosis D are due mainly to the hypercalcemia. Case report: Female, 50, followed at endocrinology and metabology HC-UFPR due multinodular goiter toxic, and treatment with tapazol. Forwarded to total thyroidectomy by the head and neck surgery department of the HC-UFPR. It evolved in the postoperative with hypoparathyroidism and symptomatic severe hypocalcemia, requiring calcium gluconate intravenous replacement. He was discharged with total calcium of 8,2mg/dl and calcitriol prescription 0,25mcg 6 tablets per day, calcium carbonate (CaCO3) 500mg 8 tablets per day and vitamin D3 15.000U/week and outpatient in two weeks. Three months later, complaining of nausea, vomiting, appetite loss and loss of 5.8 kg in two months, showing signs of dehydration on physical examination. Total calcium in the return 11,4mg/dl, PTH <5,00pg/ml, phosphorus (P) 3.5 mg/dL albumin (alb) 3.9g/dL creatinine (Cr) 1.5 mg/dl. Suspended CaCO3 and vitamin D, reduced dose of calcitriol for 2 tablets daily a...

RESUMOIntrodução: A ascite causada por hipotireoidismo é uma condição rara e sua causa ainda não está bem definida. Quando causas comuns de ascite forem excluídas, a possibilidade de ascite mixedematosa deve ser considerada e a função tireoidiana deve ser avaliada. Objetivo: relatar um caso de ascite mixedematosa. Relato de caso: Paciente feminina, 57 anos, encaminhada para abordagem cirúrgica de prolapso retal e uterino. No internamento, observada ascite volumosa e iniciada investigação etiológica. Constatado GASA de 2 e descartadas outras causas de ascite por exames complementares, foram solicitados exames laboratoriais para avaliação da função tireoidiana, cujos resultados foram compatíveis com hipotireoidismo (TSH >100 Ui/ml e T4L <0.4 ng/dl). Foi iniciado tratamento com levotiroxina e a paciente recebeu alta com normalização da função tireoidiana e evidente melhora da ascite. Conclusão: Em caso de ascite mixedematosa, haverá uma resposta importante após o tratamento do hipotireoidismo somente. A resposta ao uso de levotiroxina confirma a etiologia da ascite secundária ao hipotireoidismo.Descritores: hipotireoidismo, ascite e ascite mixedematosa ABSTRACT Introduction: Ascites caused by hypothyroidism is a rare condition and its cause is not well defined. When common causes of ascites are excluded, the possibility of myxedema ascites should be considered and thyroid function should be assessed. Objective: To report a case of myxedema ascites. Case report: A female patient, 57 years old, was referred for surgical treatment of rectal and uterine prolapse. In the hospital, we observed large ascites and started etiological investigation. A SAAG of 2 was observed, and common causes of ascites had been ruled out through complimentary exams. Laboratory tests were requested to evaluate thyroid function and the results were consistent with hypothyroidism (TSH >100 UI/ml and fT4 <0.4 ng/dl). Treatment was started with levothyroxine and the patient was discharged with normalization of thyroid function and great improvement of ascites. Conclusion: In case of myxedema ascites, there will be an important improvement after adequate treatment. The impressive response to the use of levothyroxine confirms the etiology of ascites secondary to hypothyroidism.

Specificity and sensitivity of exercise ECG were compared to exercise stress thallium 201 scanning and coronary arteriograms in 70 male patients with typical or atypical chest pain complaints, without previous myocardial infarction. 50 patients (group I) did not receive any treatment; 20 patients (group II) received digitalis as preventive treatment of atrial arrythmias or for no particular reason. Only subjects with concordant results in radionuclide and angiography examinations were considered as coronary artery disease patients. Exercise stress tests were performed sitting on the bicycle ergometer using a progressive loading profile (30 W for 3 min), to the symptom-limited capacity (VO₂ SL). Positive exercise ECG were confirmed on ST decrease (1.5 mm) or on absence or increase in R-wave-amplitude modifications (V5). In the group I patients, ECG-ST-modification sensitivity, specificity, predictive value (+) and efficiency were, respectively, 92, 82, 86 and 88%. R-wave-variation sensitivity, specificity, predictive value (+) and efficiency were, respectively, 41, 74, 65 and 56%. In the group II patients, ST-depression sensitivity, specificity, predictive value (+) and efficiency were, respectively, 100, 33, 59 and 65%. R-wave-variation sensitivity, specificity, predictive value (+) and efficiency were, respectively, 50, 70, 63 and 60%. It was concluded that R-wave-amplitude variations induced lower false positive responses than ST-segment depression in patients under digitalis treatment. False negative responses were unfortunately 50% using the R-wave criterion. Erercise ECG was finally judged as a poor indicator of CAD in patients under digitalis treatment.

Background:Spondyloarthritis (SpA) patients may suffer of balance loss predisposing them to falls.Objectives:To study balance impairment and falls in SpA patients and its association with clinical and epidemiological variables, disease activity, functional and metrology indexes.Methods:Cross sectional study of 55 SpA patients with axial disease. Clinical and epidemiological were collected from the charts. Balance was accessed by Berg Balance Scale(BBS). The following instruments were applied: aSDAS(Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease activity Score)-ESR, aSDAS-CRP, BASDAI(Bath ankylosing Spondylitis Disease activity index), BASFI(Bath ankylosing Spondylitis Functional index), BASMI(Bath ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology index) and aSQoL (Ankylosing spondylitis quality of life questionnaire). The number of falls in the last year was collected.Results:In this sample, 30.9% had high risk of falls by the BBS and 25.4% recalled having at least one fall in the last years. The BBS values were lower in those with white ethnic background(p=0.01); and smokers(p=0.03) and with HLA-B27(p=0.03) and correlated inversely with BASDAI(rho=-0.28), aSDAS-ESR(rho=-0.32) and aSDAS-CRP(rho=-0.33), BASFI(rho=-0.71,p<0.0001), BASMI(rho=-0.80; p<0.0001), aSQoL(rho=-0.57;p<0.001) and age(rho=-0.50;p<0.001). Multivariated analysis showed that BASFI and BASMI were independently associated with BBS(p=0.02 and 0.0001 respectively). Patients with falls had lower BBS (p=0.03) and loss of balance correlated with impairment of the quality of life(rho=-0.56;p<0.001).Conclusion:Balance is impaired in 1/3 of SpA patients and the BBS is associated mainly with functional and metrology indexes, showing that patients with severe cumulative damage are more affected.References[1] - Pompeu JE, Romano RS, Pompeu SM, Lima SM. Static and dynamic balance in subjects with ankylosing spondylitis: literature review. Rev Bras Reumatol. 2012; 52:409-16.[2] - Sawacha Z, Carraro E, Del Din S, Guiotto a, Bonaldo L, Punzi L, et al. Biomechanical assessment of balance and posture in subjects with ankylosing spondylitis. J. Neuroeng Rehabil. 2012; 9:63.TABLE 1- STUDY of BBS(BALANCE BERG SCALE) VALUES aCCORDING to EPIDEMIOLOGICAL, CLINICAL aND TREATMENT VARIABLESMedian BBS with the variable (IQR)Median BBS without the variable (IQR)pMale gender51(44.0-55.0)51.0(44.2-53.7)0.80White ethnic background49.0(42.5-53.0)54.0(30.2-55.0)0.01Exposed to tobacco (ex and current)46.0(41.5-54.0)52.0(46.5-55.0)0.03Bilateral sacroiliitis51.0(45.0-55.0)53.5(46.2-55.0)0.63Enthesitis50.0(38.5-55.2)51.0(44.5-55.0)0.45Dactilitis50.5(42.0-54.2)51.0(44.0-55.0)0.73Uveitis51.0(46.5-55.0)50.5(41.7-55.0)0.26Peripheral arthritis52.0(40.7-55.7)51.0(33.0-54.0)0.92HLA B27 presence52.0(44.5-55.0)48.5(39.5-51.1)0.03Anti TNF-α users50.5(45.0-54.7)52.0(39.0-55.0)0.67History of falls in the last year46.5(40.0-50.2)52.0(44.5-55.0)0.03TABLE 2- CORRELATION STUDIES of BBS (BERG BALANCE SCALE) VALUES with aGE, DISEASE DURATION, DISEASE aCTIVITY inDEXES, FUNCTIONAL aND METROLOGY inDEXES aND QUALITY of LIFERho95% confiden...