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Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by immune cell activation, inflammation driven plaque formation and subsequent destabilization. In other disorders of an inflammatory nature, the chronic inflammatory state per se has been linked to acceleration of the atherosclerotic process which is underlined by an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and antiphopholipid (Hughes) syndrome (APS). SLE is an autoimmune disease that may affect any organ. Premature coronary heart disease has emerged as a major cause of morbidity and mortality in SLE. In addition to mortality, cardiovascular morbidity is also markedly increased in these patients, compared with the general population. The increased cardiovascular risk can be explained only partially by an increased prevalence of classical risk factors for cardiovascular disease; it also appears to be related to inflammation. Inflammation is increasingly being considered central to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and an important risk factor for vascular disease. Recent epidemiologic and pathogenesis studies have suggested a great deal in common between the pathogenesis of prototypic autoimmune disease such as SLE and that of atherosclerosis.We will review traditional risk factors for CVD in SLE. We will also discuss the role of inflammation in atherosclerosis, as well as possible treatment strategies in these patients.

The incidence of inguinal hernia in premature infants is significantly high, and the optimal timing for its correction is controversial. Furthermore, whether the nutritional status of neonates will alter hernia diagnosis and postoperative results has not been demonstrated. The aim of this study was to analyze the results of premature neonates who underwent inguinal hernia repair before hospital discharge, comparing clinical features and perioperative data of two distinct nutritional groups. It was verified that early inguinal hernia repair is feasible without an escalation in the incidence of complications, thereby reducing the risk of incarceration and avoiding subsequent hospitalization. Moreover, premature infants had similar postoperative outcomes regardless of their nutritional status.

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