RESUMEN

Although kidney transplantation is the best therapeutic option for patients with chronic kidney disease, the immunosuppression required greatly increases susceptibility to infections that are responsible for high post-transplant mortality. Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) represents a major cause of such infections, and its early diagnosis is therefore quite important. In view of that, we researched the manifestations of active pulmonary TB in kidney transplant recipients, through chest X-ray and computed tomography (CT), as well as determining the number of cases of active pulmonary TB occurring over a 3.5-year period at our institution. We identified four cases of active pulmonary TB in kidney transplant recipients. The CT scans provided information complementary to the chest X-ray findings in all four of those cases. We compared our CT findings with those reported in the literature. We analyzed our experience in conjunction with an extensive review of the literature that was nevertheless limited because few studies have been carried out in lowand middle-income countries, where the incidence of TB is higher.

Apesar de o transplante renal ser a melhor opção terapêutica para pacientes com doença renal crônica, a imunodepressão decorrente desse tratamento eleva muito a suscetibilidade desses pacientes a infecções, responsáveis por altas taxas de mortalidade pós-operatórias. A tuberculose (TB) pulmonar é uma significativa causa dessas infecções, sendo muito importante o seu diagnóstico precoce. Assim, nós pesquisamos as manifestações da TB pulmonar ativa nessa população de transplantados renais por meio de radiografias simples e tomografia computadorizada (TC) do tórax, também para estabelecer o número de casos de TB pulmonar ativa em nossa instituição após levantamento de 3,5 anos. Encontramos quatro casos de TB pulmonar ativa em pacientes transplantados renais. A TC forneceu informações adicionais em relação às radiografias de tórax em 100% dos casos analisados. Comparamos os nossos achados de TC com os relatados na literatura. Somamos a experiência obtida com extensa revisão da literatura, ainda limitada nessa questão, com poucos estudos realizados em países em desenvolvimento onde a incidência de TB é maior.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Pyoderma Gangrenosum (PG) is a chronic disease characterized by recalcitrant skin ulcers. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the demographic, clinical characteristics, treatments and factors affecting the treatment responses of patients with PG. METHODS: We performed a multicenter study of 12 tertiary care centers. We analyzed the data of the patients who were followed up with a diagnosis of PG between the years 2012‒2022 retrospectively. RESULTS: We included a total of 239 patients of whom 143 were female and 96 were male, with an average age of 54.2 ±â€¯17.4 years. The most common treatment was systemic steroids (n = 181, 75.7%). Among these patients, 50.8% (n = 92) used systemic steroids as the sole systemic agent, while 49.2% (n = 89) used at least one adjuvant immunosuppressive agent. The independent factors determined in regression analysis to influence response to systemic steroids positively were disease onset age ≥ 30-years, negative pathergy, absence of leukocytosis, negative wound culture, presence of a single lesion, and absence of upper extremity involvement. Biological agents were used in 18.4% (n = 44) of the patients in the present study. We also analyzed pathergy positive PG and early onset (onset age < 30) PG separately due to their distinct clinical features which were revealed during statistical analysis. STUDY LIMITATIONS: Retrospective nature of the present study. CONCLUSIONS: Analyses of the factors influencing treatment responses are addressed in this study. Also, we concluded that investigation for accompanying autoinflammatory diseases of pathergy positive PG and early onset PG is necessary and the patients in these two groups are more resistant to treatment, necessitating more complicated treatments.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Paraquat®, or N,N'-dimethyl-4,4'-bipyridinium dichloride, is a bipyridyl compound used as a non-selective herbicide and desiccant that can cause acute poisoning through all routes of exposure. There is no known antidote, and the available treatments are based on avoiding its absorption and timely removing it, in adults and children. We describe a case series of 14 pediatric patients from the department of Cauca, Colombia, with acute intoxication after oral intake of paraquat. Patients were referred to a medium-high complexity hospital in southwestern Colombia and treated according to an institutional protocol for acute paraquat poisoning. Acute paraquat poisoning after oral ingestion is associated with a high mortality rate, even with timely medical attention, as the compound has no known antidote and quickly reaches systemic concentrations for fulminant poisoning. Based on the available literature, our center has proposed a clinical protocol including early standard management, immunosuppressive and antioxidant treatments, and systemic removal techniques. This protocol suggests an adequate approach to acute paraquat poisoning in the pediatric population.

El dicloruro de 1,1'-dimetil-4,4'-bipiridilo (Paraquat®) es un compuesto químico de la familia de las piridinas, utilizado como herbicida no selectivo y desecante. Este compuesto puede causar intoxicación aguda por todas las vías de exposición. En el momento, no hay un antídoto conocido y los tratamientos disponibles, incluidos los pediátricos, se basan en contrarrestar su absorción y propiciar su remoción oportuna. Se describe una serie de casos de 14 pacientes pediátricos, procedentes en su mayoría del departamento del Cauca, con intoxicación aguda por ingestión de paraquat. Los pacientes fueron remitidos y atendidos en un hospital de mediana a alta complejidad en el suroccidente colombiano, con un protocolo institucional para el manejo de la intoxicación aguda por el herbicida. La intoxicación aguda con paraquat por vía oral se asocia con una alta tasa de mortalidad, aún con atención médica oportuna, pues fácilmente se alcanzan concentraciones sistémicas para ser fulminante. Basado en la literatura disponible, el Hospital Universitario San José ha propuesto un protocolo clínico ­adecuado para la intoxicación aguda por paraquat en población pediátrica­ que incluye manejo estándar temprano, tratamiento inmunosupresor y antioxidante, y técnicas para su remoción sistémica.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) has increased in the recent decades, along with the number of patients in the terminal stages of this disease, requiring transplantation. Some skin disorders are more frequent in patients with CKD and in renal transplant recipients (RTR). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the frequency of skin diseases in RTR and patients with CKD receiving conservative treatment. DESIGN AND SETTING: This observational cross-sectional study recruited consecutive patients with CKD and RTR from a nephrology clinic at a teaching hospital in Brazil between 2015 and 2020. METHODS: Quantitative, descriptive, and analytical approaches were used. The sample was selected based on convenience sampling. Data were collected from dermatological visits and participants' medical records. RESULTS: Overall, 308 participants were included: 206 RTR (66.9%, median age: 48 years, interquartile range [IQR] 38.0-56.0, 63.6% men) and 102 patients with CKD (33.1%, median age: 61.0 years, IQR 50.0-71.2, 48% men). The frequency of infectious skin diseases (39.3% vs. 21.6% P = 0.002) were higher in RTR than in patients with CKD. Neoplastic skin lesions were present in nine (4.4%) RTR and in only one (1.0%) patient with CKD. Among the RTR, the ratio of basal cell carcinoma to squamous cell carcinoma was 2:1. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that an increased frequency of infectious skin diseases may be expected in patients who have undergone kidney transplantation. Among skin cancers, BCC is more frequently observed in RTR, especially in those using azathioprine.

RESUMEN

Resumen El dicloruro de 1,1'-dimetil-4,4'-bipiridilo (Paraquat®) es un compuesto químico de la familia de las piridinas, utilizado como herbicida no selectivo y desecante. Este compuesto puede causar intoxicación aguda por todas las vías de exposición. En el momento, no hay un antídoto conocido y los tratamientos disponibles, incluidos los pediátricos, se basan en contrarrestar su absorción y propiciar su remoción oportuna. Se describe una serie de casos de 14 pacientes pediátricos, procedentes en su mayoría del departamento del Cauca, con intoxicación aguda por ingestión de paraquat. Los pacientes fueron remitidos y atendidos en un hospital de mediana a alta complejidad en el suroccidente colombiano, con un protocolo institucional para el manejo de la intoxicación aguda por el herbicida. La intoxicación aguda con paraquat por vía oral se asocia con una alta tasa de mortalidad, aún con atención médica oportuna, pues fácilmente se alcanzan concentraciones sistémicas para ser fulminante. Basado en la literatura disponible, el Hospital Universitario San José ha propuesto un protocolo clínico -adecuado para la intoxicación aguda por paraquat en población pediátrica- que incluye manejo estándar temprano, tratamiento inmunosupresor y antioxidante, y técnicas para su remoción sistémica

Abstract Paraquat®, or N,N'-dimethyl-4,4'-bipyridinium dichloride, is a bipyridyl compound used as a non-selective herbicide and desiccant that can cause acute poisoning through all routes of exposure. There is no known antidote, and the available treatments are based on avoiding its absorption and timely removing it, in adults and children. We describe a case series of 14 pediatric patients from the department of Cauca, Colombia, with acute intoxication after oral intake of paraquat. Patients were referred to a medium-high complexity hospital in southwestern Colombia and treated according to an institutional protocol for acute paraquat poisoning. Acute paraquat poisoning after oral ingestion is associated with a high mortality rate, even with timely medical attention, as the compound has no known antidote and quickly reaches systemic concentrations for fulminant poisoning. Based on the available literature, our center has proposed a clinical protocol including early standard management, immunosuppressive and antioxidant treatments, and systemic removal techniques. This protocol suggests an adequate approach to acute paraquat poisoning in the pediatric population.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

ABSTRACT Sympathetic ophthalmia is a rare and potentially devastating bilateral diffuse granulomatous panuveitis. It is caused by surgical or non-surgical eye injuries and is an uncommon and serious complication of trauma. It is diagnosed clinically and supported by imaging examinations such as ocular ultrasonography and optical coherence tomography. Its treatment consists of immunosuppressive therapy with steroids and sometimes steroid-sparing drugs, such as cyclosporine, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, and mycophenolate mofetil. Fast and effective management with systemic immunosuppressive agents allows for disease control and achievement of good visual acuity in the sympathizing eye. By contrast, enucleation should be considered only in situations where the injured eye has no light perception or in the presence of severe trauma. In addition to a bibliographic review of this topic, we report six cases involving different immunosuppressive and surgical treatment modalities.

RESUMO A oftalmia simpática consiste em uma panuveíte granulomatosa bilateral rara e potencialmente devastadora, ocorrendo geralmente após trauma ocular cirúrgico ou não cirúrgico. O diagnóstico é baseado em aspectos clínicos e apoiado por exames de imagem, como ultrassonografia ocular e tomografia de coerência óptica. O tratamento consiste em terapia imunossupressora com esteróides e, eventualmente, drogas poupadoras de esteróides, como ciclosporina, azatioprina, ciclofosfamida e micofonato de mofetila. O manejo rápido e eficaz com agentes imunossupressores sistêmicos permite o controle da doença e a obtenção de boa acuidade visual no olho simpatizante. A enucleação, por outro lado, poderia ser considerada apenas em situações em que o olho lesado não tem percepção luminosa ou há trauma grave. Além de uma revisão bibliográfica sobre o tema, foi relatada uma série de 6 casos com diferentes modalidades de tratamento imunossupressor e cirúrgico.

RESUMEN

Abstract Although kidney transplantation is the best therapeutic option for patients with chronic kidney disease, the immunosuppression required greatly increases susceptibility to infections that are responsible for high post-transplant mortality. Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) represents a major cause of such infections, and its early diagnosis is therefore quite important. In view of that, we researched the manifestations of active pulmonary TB in kidney transplant recipients, through chest X-ray and computed tomography (CT), as well as determining the number of cases of active pulmonary TB occurring over a 3.5-year period at our institution. We identified four cases of active pulmonary TB in kidney transplant recipients. The CT scans provided information complementary to the chest X-ray findings in all four of those cases. We compared our CT findings with those reported in the literature. We analyzed our experience in conjunction with an extensive review of the literature that was nevertheless limited because few studies have been carried out in lowand middle-income countries, where the incidence of TB is higher.

Resumo Apesar de o transplante renal ser a melhor opção terapêutica para pacientes com doença renal crônica, a imunodepressão decorrente desse tratamento eleva muito a suscetibilidade desses pacientes a infecções, responsáveis por altas taxas de mortalidade pós-operatórias. A tuberculose (TB) pulmonar é uma significativa causa dessas infecções, sendo muito importante o seu diagnóstico precoce. Assim, nós pesquisamos as manifestações da TB pulmonar ativa nessa população de transplantados renais por meio de radiografias simples e tomografia computadorizada (TC) do tórax, também para estabelecer o número de casos de TB pulmonar ativa em nossa instituição após levantamento de 3,5 anos. Encontramos quatro casos de TB pulmonar ativa em pacientes transplantados renais. A TC forneceu informações adicionais em relação às radiografias de tórax em 100% dos casos analisados. Comparamos os nossos achados de TC com os relatados na literatura. Somamos a experiência obtida com extensa revisão da literatura, ainda limitada nessa questão, com poucos estudos realizados em países em desenvolvimento onde a incidência de TB é maior.

RESUMEN

INTRODUCCIÓN. La nefropatía por poliomavirus BK resulta un problema emergente en el trasplante renal, pues contribuye a la pérdida temprana de los injertos renales. OBJETIVO. Caracterizar clínicamente a los pacientes trasplantados renales con nefropatía por poliomavirus BK. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS. Estudio observacional, descriptivo, realizado en el Hospital de Especialidades Carlos Andrade Marín en el período 2013-2022, se obtuvo una base de datos anonimizada, 479 pacientes trasplantados renales, de estos se identificaron 37 pacientes que corresponde a un 7,7% con nefropatía por poliomavirus BK, se realizó un análisis con el programa estadístico SPSS v26®. RESULTADOS. La población estuvo caracterizada por pacientes del sexo masculino (56,8%), con una edad media de 48,2 años, el donante cadavérico fue el más frecuente (94,5%), la mayor parte del tratamiento de la nefropatía por poliomavirus BK consistió en cambio de micofenolato sódico a everolimus y se mantuvo con 50% de Tacrolimus y Prednisona (40,5%); al valorar el cambio de los valores de creatinina, los niveles más elevados fueros a los 12 meses cuando la pérdida renal fue temprana (p: 0,042), y de la misma manera a los 12 meses, fueron más elevados los niveles de creatinina cuando el diagnóstico histopatológico fue Nefropatía por Poliomavirus Clase 3 (p: 0,01). DISCUSIÓN. La prevalencia de la nefropatía se mantuvo por debajo del 10% reportado a nivel global, la creatinina empeoró en pacientes con pérdida temprana del injerto renal y con una clase patológica avanzada, hecho reportado en la fisiopatología de la enfermedad. CONCLUSIÓN. La pérdida del injerto renal temprano presentó una creatinina más alta que la tardía. Es recomendable un tamizaje adecuado para la detección temprana del virus BK siendo crucial para prevenir el deterioro de la función renal y limitar la posterior pérdida del injerto.

INTRODUCTION: BK polyomavirus nephropathy is emerging as a significant concern in kidney transplantation, as it contributes to the early loss of renal grafts. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to clinically characterize renal transplant recipients with BK polyomavirus nephropathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational and descriptive study was conducted at Carlos Andrade Marín Specialties Hospital during the period of 2013 to 2022. An anonymized database comprising 479 renal transplant patients was utilized. Among these, 37 patients, constituting 7.7%, were identified with BK polyomavirus nephropathy. Data analysis was performed using the statistical program SPSS v26®. RESULTS: The study population was predominantly composed of male patients (56.8%) with a mean age of 48.2 years. Deceased donors accounted for the majority (94.5%) of cases. The primary approach for managing BK polyomavirus nephropathy involved transitioning from mycophenolate sodium to everolimus, alongside maintaining a regimen of 50% tacrolimus and 40.5% prednisone. When assessing changes in creatinine values, the highest levels were observed at 12 months, coinciding with early renal loss (p: 0.042). Similarly, at the 12-month mark, elevated creatinine levels were associated with a histopathological diagnosis of Polyomavirus nephropathy Class 3 (p: 0.01). DISCUSSION: The prevalence of nephropathy remained below the globally reported threshold of 10%. Creatinine levels worsened in patients experiencing early graft loss and an advanced pathological classification, aligning with established disease pathophysiology. CONCLUSION: Early renal graft loss was associated with higher creatinine levels compared to delayed loss. Adequate screening for early detection of BK virus is recommended, as it plays a crucial role in preventing renal function deterioration and limiting subsequent graft loss.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Neurological manifestations can occur in up to 67% of patients with primary Sjögren's Syndrome, also known as Neuro-Sjogren's syndrome (NSS), and a 5% can present central nervous system involvement, with severe and possibly lethal consequences. We present the radiological follow-up of a patient with NSS who consulted for limb weakness and visual loss, and fourteen years later developed sicca symptoms. She was diagnosed with a saliva gland biopsy, and started treatment with steroids, cyclophosphamide, and then rituximab, achieving a favourable clinical response and stabilization of lesions. We discuss key aspects regarding the clinical presentation, diagnosis, imaging, and treatment of this elusive disease.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

INTRODUCTION: VKH is a primary stromal choroiditis. Studies with indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) have shown that inflammation begins at the choroid and may persist without clinically apparent inflammation. Thus, systemic therapy must target choroidal inflammation and be maintained until the choroiditis resolves, as proven by ICG and/or EDI-OCT imaging studies. DISCUSSION: Aggressive therapy with oral corticosteroids, with or without "pulsed" intravenous methylprednisolone, has been the mainstay of VKH therapy in the acute phase for many years. However, there is convincing evidence that corticosteroid monotherapy is insufficient to prevent progression onto the chronic recurrent form of the disease, which is associated with poor visual outcomes. CONCLUSION: Numerous studies suggest that combined therapy with systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppressants is necessary to prevent the progression toward chronic recurrent disease, avoiding complications, get a better control of inflammation and visual outcomes in VKH patients seen at the uveitic phase of the disease.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

AIMS: To describe demographic and clinical characteristics as well as etiologies and visual outcomes of patients with scleritis. METHODS: This is a descriptive, observational and retrospective study. We reviewed the electronic health records of patients with diagnosis of scleritis, who presented at the Institute of Ophthalmology Conde de Valenciana from January 2009 to December 2019. RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 162 patients with mean follow-up of 33.7 months. Mean age of scleritis presentation was 53.8 years. The most common type of scleritis was anterior nodular in 67 patients (41.3%). Most cases were idiopathic (52.4%). Visual outcomes were worse in anterior necrotizing scleritis. The most used drugs were oral NSAIDs and corticosteroids. CONCLUSION: The visual outcome in most patients is favorable, however it depends on scleritis type and etiology, with worse prognosis in anterior necrotizing scleritis forms and associated with autoimmune or systemic diseases.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

RESUMO A coriorretinopatia de Birdshot é uma uveíte posterior bilateral crônica rara que acomete, preferencialmente, mulheres de meia-idade. O quadro clínico é composto de pouco ou nenhum processo inflamatório de segmento anterior, associado a vitreíte e lesões coriorretinianas ovoides branco-amareladas de característica hiperfluorescente na angiofluoresceinografia e hipofluorescente na angiografia com indocianina verde. O tratamento se dá por meio de corticoides e outras drogas imunossupressoras. Todavia, em alguns casos, a doença é refratária a tal terapêutica, sendo necessário lançar mão de outras drogas, como os agentes biológicos. O presente artigo busca relatar um caso de coriorretinopatia de Birdshot em ajuste de terapia imunossupressora que evoluiu com má resposta às drogas iniciais e bom controle após uso de imunobiológico e discutir as opções terapêuticas disponíveis atualmente.

ABSTRACT Birdshot chorioretinopathy is a rare chronic bilateral posterior uveitis that preferentially affects middle-aged women. The clinical picture is composed of little or no anterior segment inflammatory process, associated with vitritis and yellowish-white ovoid chorioretinal lesions with hyperfluorescent characteristics on fluorescein angiography and hypofluorescent characteristics on green indocyanine green angiography. Treatment is with corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive drugs. However, in some cases, the disease is refractory to such therapy, making it necessary to resort to other drugs such as biological agents. The present article seeks to report a case of Birdshot chorioretinopathy in an adjustment of immunosuppressive therapy that evolved with poor response to the initial drugs and good control after the use of immunobiologicals and discuss the currently available therapeutic options.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Introduction: Immunosuppressants (ISS) are the most crucial tools used in the therapeutic regimens of transplant recipients. Nevertheless, these drugs are not the only ones adopted by patients; therefore, knowing the possible drug-drug interactions (DDIs) between immunosuppressants and other drugs commonly used in kidney transplant recipients is essential to ensure the effectiveness and safety of treatments. In this way, the objective is analyzing the DDIs between the immunosuppressants and other commonly used medications on kidney transplant adult recipients with active medical records undergoing post-transplant follow-up for 4.4 years (mean). Methods: First, we performed a cross-sectional study based on patients' records, in which the patient's profile and drugs used were examined, and after we analyzed DDIs by the Micromedex Drug Interactions® database. Results: We analyzed 176 patients with a mean age of 47.6(± 12.5); most were male (67.7%), and the majority received a kidney from a deceased donor (81.4%). Patients were exposed to 15.0 (± 5.4) different medicines after the transplantation, and 7.4 (± 4.0) of these medicines were simultaneous. After analyzing the DDIs according to the severity of interaction, documentation quality interaction effect, clinical management and probable interaction mechanism, the most frequent interaction was with tacrolimus, classified as moderate, and the 3 major causes of interaction occurred with azathioprine according to the Micromedex database. The primary medicines involved with immunosuppressant interactions were proton pump inhibitors, ranitidine, domperidone, amlodipine, enalapril, allopurinol, cyclobenzaprine, amitriptyline, fluoxetine, and ciprofloxacin. These DDIs' effects were related to, mainly, increase their immunosuppressant activity. Conclusion: Although the immunosuppressants analyzed lacked many clinical DDIs significance with other medicines, the healthcare team needs to monitor their DDIs' effects to prevent and minimize side effects in transplanted recipients.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Peripheral nerve damage is an important cause of seeking medical attention. It occurs when the continuity of structures is interrupted and the propagation of nervous impulses is blocked, affecting the functional capacity of individuals. To assess the effects of the immunosuppressants tacrolimus and cyclosporine on the regeneration of peripheral nerves, a systematic review of the literature was carried out. The articles included were published until September 2018 and proposed to evaluate the effects of the immunosuppressants tacrolimus and cyclosporine on nerve regeneration and neuroprotection, available in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Oxford Pain Relief Database, and LILACS databases. The research analysed a total of 56 articles, of which 22 were included in the meta-analysis. Statistical analysis suggests the protective effect of tacrolimus in the regeneration of the number of myelinated axons (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.93-2.39; p < 0.01); however, such effect was not observed in relation to cyclosporine (95%CI: - 0.38-1.18; p = 0.08) It also suggests that there is a significant relationship between the use of tacrolimus and myelin thickness (95%CI= 2.00-5.71; p < 0. 01). The use of immunosuppressants in the regeneration of peripheral nerve damage promotes an increase in the number of myelinated axons in general, regardless of the administered dose. In addition, it ensures greater myelin thickness, muscle weight and recovery of the sciatic functional index. However, heterogeneity was high in most analyses performed.

RESUMEN

Abstract Peripheral nerve damage is an important cause of seeking medical attention. It occurs when the continuity of structures is interrupted and the propagation of nervous impulses is blocked, affecting the functional capacity of individuals. To assess the effects of the immunosuppressants tacrolimus and cyclosporine on the regeneration of peripheral nerves, a systematic review of the literature was carried out. The articles included were published until September 2018 and proposed to evaluate the effects of the immunosuppressants tacrolimus and cyclosporine on nerve regeneration and neuroprotection, available in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Oxford Pain Relief Database, and LILACS databases. The research analysed a total of 56 articles, of which 22 were included in the meta-analysis. Statistical analysis suggests the protective effect of tacrolimus in the regeneration of the number of myelinated axons (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.93-2.39; p< 0.01); however, such effect was not observed in relation to cyclosporine (95%CI: - 0.38-1.18; p» 0.08) It also suggests that there is a significant relationship between the use of tacrolimus and myelin thickness (95%CI» 2.00-5.71; p< 0. 01). The use of immunosuppressants in the regeneration of peripheral nerve damage promotes an increase in the number of myelinated axons in general, regardless of the administered dose. In addition, it ensures greater myelin thickness, muscle weight and recovery of the sciatic functional index. However, heterogeneity was high in most analyses performed.

Resumo As lesões nervosas periféricas são uma causa importante de busca por atendimento médico. Elas ocorrem quando há a interrupção da continuidade das estruturas e do bloqueio da propagação dos impulsos nervosos, afetando a capacidade funcional dos indivíduos. Para avaliar os efeitos dos imunossupressores tacrolimus e ciclosporina na regeneração de nervos periféricos, foi realizada uma revisão sistemática da literatura. Foram incluídos artigos publicados até setembro de 2018, que se propunham avaliar os efeitos dos imunossupressores tacrolimus e ciclosporina na regeneração nervosa e neuroproteção, disponíveis nas bases de dados MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Oxford Pain Relief Database e LILACS. A pesquisa analisou um total de 56 artigos, dos quais 22 foram para metanálise. A análise estatística sugere o efeito protetor do tacrolimus na regeneração do número de axônios mielinizados (intervalo de confiança [IC] 95%: 0,93-2,39; p< 0,01); todavia tal efeito não foi observado em relação à ciclosporina (IC95%: - 0,38-1,18; p» 0,08). Ela também sugere haver uma relação significativa entre o uso do tacrolimus e a espessura da mielina (IC95%: 2,00-5,71; p< 0,01). O uso de imunossupressores na regeneração de lesão nervosa periférica promove um aumento no número de axônios mielinizados de forma geral, independentemente da dose administrada. Além disso, garante uma maior espessura da mielina, um maior peso muscular e restabelecimento do índice da função do nervo ciático. Todavia, a heterogeneidade foi alta na maioria das análises realizadas.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

ABSTRACT Ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP) is a chronic, immune-mediated, bullous, cicatricial disease within the spectrum of mucocutaneous membranous pemphigoids (MMP). Although the diagnosis is often ophthalmological, due to the autoimmune nature of the pathology, it requires a joint approach with rheumatologists and immunologists. The objective of this narrative review was to explore the evidence available in the literature from 2000 to 2020 with respect to clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment. The clinical presentation varies widely, from mild cases with slow progression of years of progression, to severe cases with a torpid and rapidly progressive evolution to fibrosis, refractory to multiple treatments. A com plete evaluation of the patient will help guide the diagnosis. The gold standard for diagnosis is conjunctival biopsy with direct immunofluorescence, although on occasions it can be reached if the symptoms are characteristic. Treatment is local and systemic according to its severity and evolution. The evidence on topical and systemic therapeutics is obtained mainly from uncontrolled observational and experimental studies. Immunomodulatory therapy has made it possible to preserve vision and, in many cases, prevent sequelae. The evolu tion is linked to the early diagnosis and immunosuppressive treatment, so it is essential to be aware of this disease, the diagnostic methods, as well as the immunomodulating and immunosuppressive therapies available.

RESUMEN El penfigoide ocular cicatrizal (POC) es una enfermedad crónica, inmunomediada ampollar, mucosinequiante, comprendida dentro del espectro de penfigoides membranosos mucocutáneos (PMM). El diagnóstico es, con frecuencia, oftalmológico, pero debido al carácter autoinmune de la patología, requiere el abordaje en conjunto con reumatólogos e inmunólogos. El objetivo de esta revisión narrativa fue explorar la evidencia disponible en la literatura, desde el año 2000 hasta el 2020, en lo que respecta a sus manifestaciones clínicas, diagnóstico y tratamiento. La presentación clínica varía ampliamente, desde casos leves con progresión lenta de años de evolución hasta casos severos con evolución tórpida y rápidamente progresiva a la fibrosis, refractarios a múltiples tratamientos. Una evaluación completa del paciente ayudará a guiar el diagnóstico. El estándar de oro diagnóstico es la biopsia conjuntival con inmunofluorescencia directa, si bien en ocasiones puede diagnosticarse por la clínica característica. El tratamiento es local y sistêmico de acuerdo con su severidad y evolución. En los últimos 20 anos, la evidencia sobre los tratamientos tópicos y sistêmicos corresponde en su mayoría a estudios observacionales y experimentales no controlados. Los métodos de tratamiento inmunomoduladores han permitido preservar la visión y, en muchos casos, prevenir secuelas. La evolución está ligada al diagnóstico temprano y a los tratamientos disponibles, por lo que es fundamental el conocimiento de esta patología, los métodos diagnósticos y los tratamientos inmunomoduladores e inmunosupresores.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this review is to provide an overview of epidemiology, risk factors, and treatment of urological malignancies in renal transplant recipients (RTR). RECENT FINDINGS: Although optimal immunosuppressive therapy and cancer management in these patients remain controversial, adherence to general guidelines is recommended. Kidney transplantation is recognized as the standard of care for the treatment of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) as it offers prolonged survival and better quality of life. In the last decades, survival of RTRs has increased as a result of improved immunosuppressive therapy; nonetheless, the risk of developing cancer is higher among RTRs compared to the general population. Urological malignancies are the second most common after hematological cancer and often have more aggressive behavior and poor prognosis.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

A dermatite atópica (DA) é uma doença inflamatória crônica da pele, caracterizada por intenso prurido e eczema recorrente. Acomete principalmente a infância, mas tem se tornado bastante prevalente em adolescentes e até em adultos. Apesar de ser geralmente não fatal, apresenta uma carga psicossocial importante para os pacientes e seus familiares. O tratamento da DA envolve a hidratação cutânea e medicações anti-inflamatórias. Em casos graves, pode haver necessidade de terapia sistêmica com imunossupressores como ciclosporina, metotrexato e azatioprina. Mais recentemente, alguns imunobiológicos estão em desenvolvimento para controle da DA. O dupilumabe é um anticorpo monoclonal com ação dupla anti-IL-4/IL-13, liberado para tratamento de crianças a partir de 6 anos com DA grave e adolescentes/adultos com DA moderada a grave. O objetivo deste artigo foi relatar uma série de casos de pacientes adolescentes e adultos com DA grave e sua resposta ao dupilumabe durante a pandemia do COVID-19. Trata-se de quatro pacientes (três do sexo feminino), com piora significativa da DA durante o ano de 2020. Todos tinham história de DA desde a infância, com exames complementares evidenciando sensibilização IgE-mediada para ácaros. Já haviam sido submetidos a diversos tratamentos tópicos e sistêmicos, inclusive a cursos de corticosteroides orais. Nenhum deles havia recebido imunossupressor sistêmico, porém estavam recusando este tipo de tratamento devido ao medo da pandemia. Todos apresentaram boa resposta ao dupilumabe, evidenciada pela redução do número de lesões cutâneas e prurido, com poucos efeitos colaterais. Dois pacientes apresentaram sintomas sugestivos de COVID-19 durante o tratamento com dupilumabe (um com confirmação por PCR), com boa evolução. Concluindo, os pacientes com DA grave possuem grande impacto na qualidade de vida e, durante a pandemia de COVID-19, muitos apresentaram piora significativa do seu quadro dermatológico. Nesse contexto, o dupilumabe se mostrou uma opção terapêutica eficaz e segura para tratamento destes pacientes.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by intense itching and recurrent eczema. It mainly affects childhood but has become quite prevalent in adolescents and even adults. Despite being generally nonfatal, it has an important psychosocial burden for patients and their families. AD treatment involves skin hydration and antiinflammatory medications. In severe cases, systemic therapy with immunosuppressive agents such as cyclosporine, methotrexate, and azathioprine may be necessary. More recently, some biologicals are being developed to control AD. Dupilumab is a monoclonal antibody with anti-IL-4/IL-13 dual-action, approved for the treatment of children from 6 years of age with severe AD and adolescents/adults with moderate to severe AD. This article aimed to report a case series of adolescent and adult patients with severe AD and their response to dupilumab during the COVID-19 pandemic. These are four patients (three female), with a significant worsening of AD during the year 2020. All had a history of AD since childhood, with complementary exams showing IgE-mediated sensitization to mites. They had already undergone several topical and systemic treatments, including courses on oral corticosteroids. None of them had received systemic immunosuppressive agents, but they were refusing this type of treatment due to fear of the pandemic. All had a good response to dupilumab, evidenced by a reduction in the number of skin lesions and pruritus, with few side effects. Two patients had symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 during treatment with dupilumab (one confirmed by PCR) with a good outcome. In conclusion, patients with severe AD have a great impact on quality of life and, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many had a significant worsening of their dermatological condition. In this context, dupilumab proved to be an effective and safe therapeutic option for the treatment of these patients.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

ABSTRACT For patients with autoimmune diseases, the risks and benefits of immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory treatment are a matter of continual concern. Knowledge of the follow-up routine for each drug is crucial, in order to attain better outcomes and avoid new disease activity or occurrence of adverse effects. To achieve control of autoimmune diseases, immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory drugs act on different pathways of the immune response. Knowledge of the mechanisms of action of these drugs and their recommended doses, adverse reactions and risks of infection and malignancy is essential for safe treatment. Each drug has a specific safety profile, and management should be adapted for different circumstances during the treatment. Primary prophylaxis for opportunistic infections and vaccination are indispensable steps during the treatment plan, given that these prevent potential severe infectious complications. General neurologists frequently prescribe immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory drugs, and awareness of the characteristics of each drug is crucial for treatment success. Implementation of a routine before, during and after use of these drugs avoids treatment-related complications and enables superior disease control.

RESUMO Pacientes com doenças autoimunes exigem uma constante preocupação com os riscos e benefícios do tratamento imunossupressor ou imunomodulador. O conhecimento das rotinas no uso de cada uma dessas drogas é fundamental para o bom desfecho clínico, evitando a piora da doença ou efeitos colaterais. As drogas imunossupressoras e imunomoduladoras agem em diferentes pontos da resposta imunológica a fim de controlar a doença para qual são indicadas. O conhecimento do mecanismo de ação, principais posologias, efeitos adversos e os riscos de infecções e neoplasias relacionadas ao uso dessas medicações são fundamentais para um tratamento seguro. Cada uma delas apresenta um perfil específico de complicações e o manejo deve ser individualizado em diferentes cenários ao longo do seguimento do paciente. O uso de medicações para profilaxia primária de infecções e a vacinação são pontos essenciais no planejamento do tratamento, prevenindo potenciais complicações infecciosas ao longo do acompanhamento. O uso de imunossupressores e imunomoduladores é uma frequente realidade no dia-a-dia do neurologista, e o conhecimento das características de cada droga é crucial para o sucesso do tratamento. A realização de uma rotina antes, durante e depois do uso dessas medicações evita complicações relacionadas com o tratamento e alcança um melhor controle da doença.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

ABSTRACT Frosted branch angiitis is a rare and severe form of retinal vasculitis. It may be idiopathic or arise secondary to a systemic disease. We have reported here an unusually severe case of frosted branch angiitis in a previously healthy 13-year old girl who presented with significantly reduced vision in both eyes. In this case, frosted branch angiitis was one of the presentations of systemic lupus erythematosus. The characteristic patterns of frosted branch angiitis were observed on fundoscopy in both eyes. An extensive etiological study was conducted, whereby the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus was confirmed. Only a few such cases have been reported so far in the literature.

RESUMO A angeíte congelada é tipo específico de vasculite retiniana rara e grave. Pode ser idiopática ou secundária à doença sistêmica. Relatamos um incomum caso com associação ao lúpus eritematoso sistêmico, sendo a angeíte congelada uma das manifestações do quadro. Uma jovem de 13 anos, previamente hígida, apresentou queixa de baixa visual importante bilateral. À fundoscopia foi evidenciado o aspecto de angeíte de vasos congelados em ambos os olhos. Extensa investigação etiológica foi realizada com diagnóstico confirmado de lúpus eritematoso sistêmico. Poucos casos foram descritos na literatura.