RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar as doenças autoinflamatórias (DAI) de acordo com sexo e idade no momento do diagnóstico e a resposta terapêutica em uma grande população. Métodos: Este é um estudo observacional transversal de um registro latino-americano que usou um sistema de dados coletados entre 2015 e 2018. Quaisquer achados alterados ao longo do acompanhamento foram registrados. Os formulários foram traduzidos para os idiomas português e espanhol, incluindo características demográficas, clínicas, laboratoriais, genéticas e de tratamento. Resultados: Incluímos 152 pacientes, sendo 51,3% do sexo masculino e 75% da raça branca. A média de idade de início da doença foi de 2,1 anos (0–15,6 anos) e a média de idade de diagnóstico 6,9 anos (0–21,9 anos); 111 (73%) eram crianças (0–9 anos) e 41 (27%) adolescentes/adultos jovens (10–21 anos). A síndrome de febre periódica, estomatite aftosa, faringite e adenite (PFAPA) ocorreu em 46/152 (30%), osteomielite não bacteriana crônica (CNO) em 32/152 (21%) e febre familiar do Mediterrâneo (FMF) em 24/152 (15,7%). A PFAPA foi significativamente maior em crianças pequenas (38,7 vs. 7,3%, p<0,001), e a CNO, em adolescentes/adultos jovens (13,5 vs. 41,5%, p<0,001). A frequência do sexo feminino foi significativamente maior na CNO (28,4 vs. 14,1%, p=0,031) e menor na FMF (8,1 vs. 23,1%, p=0,011). Os medicamentos mais utilizados foram glicocorticoides, anti-inflamatórios não esteroidais (AINE) e colchicina. O tratamento com glicocorticoides e colchicina foi usado em todas as DAI com resposta boa a moderada. No entanto, as síndromes periódicas associadas à criopirina (CAPS) pareciam não responder aos glicocorticoides. AINE e metotrexato foram os principais medicamentos utilizados no tratamento da CNO. Conclusões: Diferenças de pacientes com DAI foram observadas na população latino-americana em pacientes agrupados por sexo e idade ao diagnóstico da doença. Objetivo (DAI Métodos latinoamericano latino americano 201 2018 registrados espanhol demográficas clínicas laboratoriais Resultados 15 513 51 3 51,3 75 branca 21 2 1 2, 0–15,6 0156 0 6 (0–15, 69 9 6, 0–21,9 0219 (0–21, 11 73% 73 (73% 0–9 09 (0– 4 27% 27 (27% adolescentesadultos adolescentes adultos 10–21 1021 10 (10–2 anos. . periódica aftosa (PFAPA 46152 46 46/15 30%, 30 30% , (30%) (CNO 32152 32 32/15 21% (21% (FMF 24152 24 24/15 15,7%. 157 15,7% 7 (15,7%) 38,7 387 38 (38, vs 7,3% p<0,001, p0001 p p<0,001 001 p<0,001) 13,5 135 13 5 (13, 415 41,5% p<0,001. 28,4 284 28 (28, 141 14 14,1% p=0,031 p0031 031 8,1 81 8 (8, 231 23 23,1% p=0,011. p0011 p=0,011 011 p=0,011) antiinflamatórios anti inflamatórios (AINE moderada entanto CAPS (CAPS Conclusões latinoamericana americana 20 51, 0–15, 015 (0–15 0–21, 021 (0–21 (73 0– (0 (27 10–2 102 (10– 4615 46/1 (30% 3215 32/1 (21 2415 24/1 15,7 (15,7% 38, (38 7,3 p000 p<0,00 00 13, (13 41,5 28, (28 14,1 p=0,03 p003 03 8, (8 23,1 p001 p=0,01 01 0–15 (0–1 0–21 02 (0–2 (7 ( (2 10– (10 461 46/ (30 321 32/ 241 24/ 15, (15,7 (3 7, p00 p<0,0 (1 41, 14, p=0,0 23, 0–1 0–2 (15, p0 p<0, p=0, (15 p<0 p=0 p< p=

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate autoinflammatory diseases (AID) according to age at diagnosis and sex, and response to therapy in a large population. Methods: This is a cross-sectional observational study of a Latin American registry using a designed web system for data storage, collected between 2015 and 2018. Any altered findings during follow-up were recorded. The forms were translated into Portuguese and Spanish, including demographic, clinical, laboratory, genetic and treatment characteristics. Results: We included 152 patients, 51.3% male and 75% Caucasian. The median age at disease onset was 2.1 years (0–15.6 years) and median age at diagnosis 6.9 years (0–21.9 years); 111 (73%) were children (0–9 years old), and 41 (27%) were adolescents and young adults (AYA) (10–21 years old). Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis syndrome (PFAPA) occurred in 46/152 (30%), chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) in 32/152 (21%), and familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) in 24/152 (15.7%). PFAPA was significantly higher in young children than in AYA (38.7% vs. 7.3%, p<0.001), while CNO were lower (13.5% vs. 41.5%, p<0.001). The frequency of females was significantly higher in CNO (28.4% vs. 14.1%, p=0.031) and lower in FMF (8.1% vs. 23.1%, p=0.011). The most used drugs were glucocorticoids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), and colchicine. Glucocorticoids and colchicine treatment were used in all AID with good to moderate response. However, cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS) seemed unresponsive to glucocorticoids. NSAIDs and methotrexate were the main medications used to treat CNO. Conclusions: Differences among AID patients were observed in the LA population regarding sex and age at disease diagnosis. Objective (AID Methods crosssectional cross sectional storage 201 2018 followup follow up recorded Spanish demographic clinical laboratory characteristics Results 15 513 51 3 51.3 75 Caucasian 21 2 1 2. 0–15.6 0156 0 6 (0–15. 69 9 6. 0–21.9 0219 (0–21. 11 73% 73 (73% 0–9 09 (0– old, old , old) 4 27% 27 (27% (AYA 10–21 1021 10 (10–2 old. . stomatitis pharyngitis (PFAPA 46152 46 46/15 30%, 30 30% (30%) nonbacterial non bacterial (CNO 32152 32 32/15 21%, 21% (21%) (FMF 24152 24 24/15 15.7%. 157 15.7% 7 (15.7%) 38.7% 387 38 (38.7 vs 7.3% p<0.001, p0001 p p<0.001 001 p<0.001) 13.5% 135 13 5 (13.5 415 41.5% p<0.001. 28.4% 284 28 (28.4 141 14 14.1% p=0.031 p0031 031 8.1% 81 8 (8.1 231 23 23.1% p=0.011. p0011 p=0.011 011 p=0.011) glucocorticoids nonsteroidal steroidal antiinflammatory anti inflammatory NSAID, NSAID (NSAID) However cryopyrinassociated cryopyrin associated CAPS (CAPS Conclusions 20 51. 0–15. 015 (0–15 0–21. 021 (0–21 (73 0– (0 (27 10–2 102 (10– 4615 46/1 (30% 3215 32/1 (21% 2415 24/1 15.7 (15.7% 38.7 (38. 7.3 p000 p<0.00 00 13.5 (13. 41.5 28.4 (28. 14.1 p=0.03 p003 03 8.1 (8. 23.1 p001 p=0.01 01 (NSAID 0–15 (0–1 0–21 02 (0–2 (7 ( (2 10– (10 461 46/ (30 321 32/ (21 241 24/ 15. (15.7 38. (38 7. p00 p<0.0 13. (13 41. 28. (28 14. p=0.0 8. (8 23. 0–1 0–2 (1 (3 (15. p0 p<0. p=0. (15 p<0 p=0 p< p=

Abstract Relapsing polychondritis is a rare multisystem disease involving cartilaginous and proteoglycan-rich structures. The diagnosis of this disease is mainly suggested by the presence of flares of inflammation of the cartilage, particularly in the ears, nose or respiratory tract, and more rarely, in the presence of other manifestations. The spectrum of clinical presentations may vary from intermittent episodes of painful and often disfiguring auricular and nasal chondritis to an occasional organ or even life-threatening manifestations such as lower airway collapse. There is a lack of awareness about this disease is mainly due to its rarity. In 2020, VEXAS (vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic) syndrome, a novel autoinflammatory syndrome, was described. VEXAS syndrome is attributed to somatic mutations in methionine-41 of UBA1, the major E1 enzyme that initiates ubiquitylation. This new disease entity connects seemingly unrelated conditions: systemic inflammatory syndromes (relapsing chondritis, Sweet's syndrome, and neutrophilic dermatosis) and hematologic disorders (myelodysplastic syndrome or multiple myeloma). Therefore, this article reviews the current literature on both disease entities. proteoglycanrich proteoglycan rich structures cartilage ears tract rarely lifethreatening life threatening collapse rarity 2020 vacuoles, vacuoles (vacuoles E Xlinked, Xlinked X linked, linked X-linked described methionine41 methionine 41 methionine-4 UBA1 UBA ubiquitylation conditions relapsing Sweets Sweet s dermatosis myelodysplastic myeloma. myeloma . myeloma) Therefore entities 202 methionine4 4 methionine- 20 2

Abstract Background A cost of illness (COI) study aims to evaluate the socioeconomic burden that an illness imposes on society as a whole. This study aimed to describe the resources used, patterns of care, direct cost, and loss of productivity due to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Brazil. Methods This 12-month, cross-sectional, COI study of patients with SLE (ACR 1997 Classification Criteria) collected data using patient interviews (questionnaires) and medical records, covering: SLE profile, resources used, morbidities, quality of life (12-Item Short Form Survey, SF-12), and loss of productivity. Patients were excluded if they were retired or on sick leave for another illness. Direct resources included health-related (consultations, tests, medications, hospitalization) or non-health-related (transportation, home adaptation, expenditure on caregivers) hospital resources. Costs were calculated using the unit value of each resource and the quantity consumed. A gamma regression model explored cost predictors for patients with SLE. Results Overall, 300 patients with SLE were included (92.3% female, mean [standard deviation (SD)] disease duration 11.8 [7.9] years), of which 100 patients (33.3%) were on SLE-related sick leave and 46 patients (15.3%) had stopped schooling. Mean (SD) travel time from home to a care facility was 4.4 (12.6) hours. Antimalarials were the most commonly used drugs (222 [74.0%]). A negative correlation was observed between SF-12 physical component and SLE Disease Activity Index (- 0.117, p = 0.042), Systemic Lupus International CollaboratingClinics/AmericanCollegeofRheumatology Damage Index (- 0.115, p = 0.046), medications/day for multiple co-morbidities (- 0.272, p < 0.001), SLE-specific drugs/day (- 0.113, p = 0.051), and lost productivity (- 0.570, p < 0.001). For the mental component, a negative correlation was observed with medications/day for multiple co-morbidities (- 0.272, p < 0.001), SLE-specific medications/day (- 0.113, p = 0.051), and missed appointments (- 0.232, p < 0.001). Mean total SLE cost was US$3,123.53/patient/year (median [interquartile range (IQR)] US$1,618.51 [$678.66, $4,601.29]). Main expenditure was medication, with a median (IQR) cost of US$910.62 ($460, $4,033.51). Mycophenolate increased costs by 3.664 times (p < 0.001), and inflammatory monitoring (erythrocyte sedimentation rate or C-reactive protein) reduced expenditure by 0.381 times (p < 0.001). Conclusion These results allowed access to care patterns, the median cost for patients with SLE in Brazil, and the differences across regions driven by biological, social, and behavioral factors. The cost of SLE provides an updated setting to support the decision-making process across the country. (COI whole (SLE Brazil 12month, 12month month 12 month, 12-month crosssectional, crosssectional cross sectional, sectional cross-sectional ACR 199 Criteria questionnaires (questionnaires records covering profile morbidities 12Item Item Survey SF12, SF12 SF , SF-12) healthrelated health related consultations, consultations (consultations tests medications hospitalization nonhealthrelated non transportation, transportation (transportation adaptation caregivers consumed Overall 30 92.3% 923 92 3 (92.3 female standard SD 118 11 8 11. 7.9 79 7 9 [7.9 years, years years) 10 33.3% 333 33 (33.3% SLErelated 4 15.3% 153 15 (15.3% schooling (SD 44 4. 12.6 126 6 (12.6 hours 222 (22 74.0%. 740 74.0% . 74 0 [74.0%]) SF-1 ( 0117 117 0.117 0.042, 0042 0.042 042 0.042) CollaboratingClinicsAmericanCollegeofRheumatology CollaboratingClinics AmericanCollegeofRheumatology 0115 115 0.115 0.046, 0046 0.046 046 0.046) medicationsday day comorbidities co 0272 272 0.272 0.001, 0001 0.001 001 0.001) SLEspecific specific drugsday 0113 113 0.113 0.051, 0051 0.051 051 0.051) 0570 570 0.570 0.001. 0232 232 0.232 US312353patientyear USpatientyear US 123 53 year interquartile IQR US161851 1 618 51 US$1,618.5 $678.66, 67866 678 66 [$678.66 $4,601.29. 460129 $4,601.29 601 29 $4,601.29]) medication (IQR US91062 910 62 US$910.6 $460, 460 ($460 $4,033.51. 403351 $4,033.51 033 $4,033.51) 3664 664 3.66 erythrocyte Creactive C reactive protein 0381 381 0.38 biological social factors decisionmaking decision making country 19 SF1 92.3 (92. 7. [7. 33.3 (33.3 15.3 (15.3 12. (12. 22 (2 74.0 [74.0%] SF- 011 0.11 004 0.04 04 027 27 0.27 000 0.00 00 005 0.05 05 057 57 0.57 023 23 0.23 patientyear 5 US16185 61 US$1,618. $678.66 6786 67 [$678.6 46012 $4,601.2 60 2 $4,601.29] US9106 91 US$910. $460 ($46 40335 $4,033.5 03 366 3.6 038 38 0.3 92. (92 [7 33. (33. 15. (15. (12 74. [74.0% 01 0.1 0.0 02 0.2 0.5 US1618 US$1,618 $678.6 [$678. 4601 $4,601. US910 US$910 $46 ($4 4033 $4,033. 36 3. 0. (9 [ (33 (15 (1 [74.0 US161 US$1,61 $678. [$678 $4,601 US91 US$91 $4 ($ 403 $4,033 (3 [74. US16 US$1,6 $678 [$67 $4,60 US9 US$9 $ 40 $4,03 [74 US1 US$1, $67 [$6 $4,6 US$ $4,0 US$1 $6 [$ $4,

Abstract Background Increased malignancy frequency is well documented in adult-systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but with limited reports in childhood-onset SLE (cSLE) series. We explored the frequency of malignancy associated with cSLE, describing clinical and demographic characteristics, disease activity and cumulative damage, by the time of malignancy diagnosis. Method A retrospective case-notes review, in a nationwide cohort from 27 Pediatric Rheumatology centres, with descriptive biopsy-proven malignancy, disease activity/damage accrual, and immunosuppressive treatment were compiled in each participating centre, using a standard protocol. Results Of the 1757 cSLE cases in the updated cohort, 12 (0.7%) developed malignancy with median time 10 years after cSLE diagnosis. There were 91% females, median age at cSLE diagnosis 12 years, median age at malignancy diagnosis 23 years. Of all diagnosed malignancies, 11 were single-site, and a single case with concomitant multiple sites; four had haematological (0.22%) and 8 solid malignancy (0.45%). Median (min–max) SLEDAI-2 K scores were 9 (0–38), median (min–max) SLICC/ACR-DI (SDI) score were 1 (1–5) Histopathology defined 1 Hodgkin's lymphoma, 2 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, 1 acute lymphoblastic leukaemia; 4 gastrointestinal carcinoma, 1 squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and 1 anal carcinoma; 1 had sigmoid adenocarcinoma and 1 stomach carcinoid; 3 had genital malignancy, being 1 vulvae, 1 cervix and 1 vulvae and cervix carcinomas; 1 had central nervous system oligodendroglioma; and 1 testicle germ cell teratoma. Conclusion Estimated malignancy frequency of 0.7% was reported during cSLE follow up in a multicentric series. Median disease activity and cumulative damage scores, by the time of malignancy diagnoses, were high; considering that reported in adult series. adultsystemic systemic SLE, , (SLE) childhoodonset childhood onset (cSLE series characteristics casenotes notes review centres biopsyproven biopsy proven activitydamage accrual centre protocol 175 07 0 7 (0.7% 91 females malignancies singlesite, singlesite site, site single-site sites 0.22% 022 22 (0.22% 0.45%. 045 0.45% . 45 (0.45%) min–max minmax min max (min–max SLEDAI2 SLEDAI SLEDAI- 0–38, 038 0–38 38 (0–38) SLICC/ACRDI SLICCACRDI SLICC/ACR DI SLICC ACR SDI (SDI 1–5 15 5 (1–5 Hodgkins Hodgkin s lymphoma nonHodgkins non leukaemia carcinoid carcinomas oligodendroglioma teratoma 0.7 diagnoses high (SLE 17 (0.7 0.22 02 (0.22 04 0.45 (0.45% 03 0–3 (0–38 ACRDI SLICCACR 1– (1– 0. (0. 0.2 (0.2 0.4 (0.45 0– (0–3 (1 (0 (0.4 (0– (

Abstract Amyloidosis is a localized or systemic disease caused by deposition of proteins in the extracellular space of various organs and tissues. As part of the disease, proteins that were originally soluble misfold and acquire a fibrillar conformation that renders them insoluble and resistant to proteolysis. Systemic amyloidosis is a rare, often underdiagnosed condition. In recent years, the incidence of newly diagnosed cases of amyloidosis has been increasing in association with the aging of the population and greater access to diagnostic tests. From a clinical perspective, systemic amyloidosis is frequently associated with involvement of the kidneys (causing nephrotic syndrome), heart (cardiac failure and arrhythmia), and peripheral nervous system (sensorimotor polyneuropathy and autonomic dysfunction). This condition is important to the rheumatologist for several reasons, such as its systemic involvement that mimics autoimmune rheumatic diseases, its musculoskeletal manifestations, which when recognized can allow the diagnosis of amyloidosis, and also because reactive or secondary AA amyloidosis is a complication of rheumatic inflammatory diseases. The treatment of amyloidosis depends on the type of amyloid protein involved. Early recognition of this rare disease is fundamental for improved clinical outcomes. tissues proteolysis years tests perspective causing syndrome, syndrome , syndrome) cardiac arrhythmia, arrhythmia arrhythmia) sensorimotor dysfunction. dysfunction . dysfunction) reasons diseases manifestations involved outcomes

Abstract Although the terms "rare diseases" (RD) and "orphan diseases" (OD) are often used interchangeably, specific nuances in definitions should be noted to avoid misconception. RD are characterized by a low prevalence within the population, whereas OD are those inadequately recognized or even neglected by the medical community and drug companies. Despite their rarity, as our ability on discovering novel clinical phenotypes and improving diagnostic tools expand, RD will continue posing a real challenge for rheumatologists. Over the last decade, there has been a growing interest on elucidating mechanisms of rare autoimmune and autoinflammatory rheumatic diseases, allowing a better understanding of the role played by immune dysregulation on granulomatous, histiocytic, and hypereosinophilic disorders, just to name a few. This initiative enabled the rise of innovative targeted therapies for rheumatic RD. In this review, we explore the state-of-the art of rare RD and the critical role played by rheumatologists in healthcare. We also describe the challenges rheumatologists may face in the coming decades. diseases (RD orphan (OD interchangeably misconception population companies rarity expand decade granulomatous histiocytic disorders few review stateofthe state healthcare decades

Abstract The aim of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to verify the association between salivary flow rates (SFR) and the histopathologic aspects of labial salivary glands (LSG) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patients presenting rheumatologic diseases referred for oral evaluation were included in the study if they had RA and had SFR measured and LSG biopsy performed. Patients were excluded if they had systemic conditions that affect SFR or if they were being treated for hyposalivation. Cases without enough material for histopathologic analysis were also excluded. Data were collected through questionnaires, oral examination, resting and stimulated SFR, and LSG biopsies. A histopathologic reevaluation was carried out in order to seek for additional histopathologic aspects. Fifty-one patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 53.5 years (25–77), and 94.1% were women. The median resting and stimulated SFRs were 0.24 mL/min and 1.02 mL/min, respectively. The presence of lymphocytic focus and fibrosis were significantly associated with stimulated SFR, but not with resting SFR. The odds ratio of patients who had hyposalivation for presenting a positive lymphocytic focus was 7.33 (confidence interval CI: 1.53–35.23) by the stimulated technique, and 2.56 (CI: 0.57–11.40) in resting SFR. In the medical records, 14 (31.80%) patients had been diagnosed with secondary Sjögren’s syndrome. In conclusion, stimulated SFR represent a good screening test to predict lymphocytic focus in LSG in patients with RA, which represents the most specific test to diagnose Sjögren’s syndrome.

Abstract Objective: To provide guidelines on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination in patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases (IMRD) to rheumatologists considering specific scenarios of the daily practice based on the shared-making decision (SMD) process. Methods: A task force was constituted by 24 rheumatologists (panel members), with clinical and research expertise in immunizations and infectious diseases in immunocompromised patients, endorsed by the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology (BSR), to develop guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination in patients with IMRD. A consensus was built through the Delphi method and involved four rounds of anonymous voting, where five options were used to determine the level of agreement (LOA), based on the Likert Scale: (1) strongly disagree; (2) disagree, (3) neither agree nor disagree (neutral); (4) agree; and (5) strongly agree. Nineteen questions were addressed and discussed via teleconference to formulate the answers. In order to identify the relevant data on COVID-19 vaccines, a search with standardized descriptors and synonyms was performed on September 10th, 2021, of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, and LILACS to identify studies of interest. We used the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale to assess the quality of nonrandomized studies. Results: All the nineteen questions-answers (Q&A) were approved by the BSR Task Force with more than 80% of panelists voting options 4—agree—and 5—strongly agree—, and a consensus was reached. These Guidelines were focused in SMD on the most appropriate timing for IMRD patients to get vaccinated to reach the adequate covid-19 vaccination response. Conclusion: These guidelines were developed by a BSR Task Force with a high LOA among panelists, based on the literature review of published studies and expert opinion for COVID-19 vaccination in IMRD patients. Noteworthy, in the pandemic period, up to the time of the review and the consensus process for this document, high-quality evidence was scarce. Thus, it is not a substitute for clinical judgment.

RESUMO A retinopatia lúpica é uma manifestação clínica do lúpus eritematoso sistêmico no sistema visual. Geralmente assintomática, porém pode ser uma condição ameaçadora à visão. Está intimamente associada à atividade inflamatória do lúpus eritematoso sistêmico e ao aumento da mortalidade. A retinopatia lúpica tem diversas apresentações clínicas, como a microangiopatia lúpica, oclusão vascular, vasculite, retinopatia hipertensiva associada à nefrite lúpica e retinopatia autoimune. A prevalência e os fatores associados à retinopatia lúpica estão bem definidos em algumas partes do mundo. No entanto, esses dados são pouco conhecidos na América Latina, incluindo o Brasil. Como a retinopatia lúpica é geralmente assintomática, sem a fundoscopia de rotina, provavelmente esta é subestimada. O objetivo desta revisão é discutir a epidemiologia e fatores de risco para retinopatia lúpica.

ABSTRACT Lupus retinopathy is a clinical manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus in the visual system. It is generally asymptomatic; however, it can become a threatening condition. It is closely associated with the inflammatory activity and higher mortality of systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus retinopathy has several different clinical presentations, such as lupus microangiopathy, vascular occlusion, vasculitis, hypertensive retinopathy associated with lupus nephritis, and autoimmune retinopathy. Although the prevalence and associated factors of lupus retinopathy have been well defined in some parts of the world, there are no data from Latin America, including Brazil. As lupus retinopathy is generally asymptomatic, without a routine fundoscopy, it has been probably underestimated. This review is intended to discuss the epidemiology and risk factors of lupus retinopathy.

Abstract Background: There is a lack of information on the role of chronic use of hydroxychloroquine during the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. Our aim was to compare the occurrence of COVID-19 between rheumatic disease patients on hydroxychloroquine with individuals from the same household not taking the drug during the first 8 weeks of community viral transmission in Brazil. Methods: This baseline cross-sectional analysis is part of a 24-week observational multi-center study involving 22 Brazilian academic outpatient centers. All information regarding COVID-19 symptoms, epidemiological, clinical, and demographic data were recorded on a specific web-based platform using telephone calls from physicians and medical students. COVID-19 was defined according to the Brazilian Ministry of Health (BMH) criteria. Mann-Whitney, Chi-square and Exact Fisher tests were used for statistical analysis and two binary Final Logistic Regression Model by Wald test were developed using a backward-stepwise method for the presence of COVID-19. Results: From March 29th to May 17st, 2020, a total of 10,443 participants were enrolled, including 5166 (53.9%) rheumatic disease patients, of whom 82.5% had systemic erythematosus lupus, 7.8% rheumatoid arthritis, 3.7% Sjögren’s syndrome and 0.8% systemic sclerosis. In total, 1822 (19.1%) participants reported flu symptoms within the 30 days prior to enrollment, of which 3.1% fulfilled the BMH criteria, but with no significant difference between rheumatic disease patients (4.03%) and controls (3.25%). After adjustments for multiple confounders, the main risk factor significantly associated with a COVID-19 diagnosis was lung disease (OR 1.63; 95% CI 1.03-2.58); and for rheumatic disease patients were diagnosis of systemic sclerosis (OR 2.8; 95% CI 1.19-6.63) and glucocorticoids above 10 mg/ day (OR 2.05; 95% CI 1.31-3.19). In addition, a recent influenza vaccination had a protective effect (OR 0.674; 95% CI 0.46-0.98). Conclusion: Patients with rheumatic disease on hydroxychloroquine presented a similar occurrence of COVID-19 to household cohabitants, suggesting a lack of any protective role against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Trial registration Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC; RBR - 9KTWX6).

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar a presença de anticorpos IgE específicos para superantígenos estafilocócicos e o grau de sensibilização mediada por esses, assim como se esses estão associados à gravidade da asma em pacientes adultos. Métodos: Estudo transversal incluindo asmáticos adultos em acompanhamento ambulatorial em um hospital universitário terciário no Rio de Janeiro (RJ). Os pacientes foram alocados consecutivamente em dois grupos de gravidade da asma segundo critérios da Global Initiative for Asthma: asma leve (AL), com asmáticos leves intermitentes ou persistentes, e asma moderada ou grave (AMG). Foram determinados os níveis séricos de anticorpos IgE antitoxinas estafilocócicas, e os resultados foram comparados por análise estatística. Resultados: Foram incluídos 142 pacientes no estudo: 72 no grupo AL (mediana de idade = 46 anos; 59 do sexo feminino) e 70 do grupo AMG (mediana de idade = 56 anos; 60 do sexo feminino). Na amostra geral, 62 pacientes (43,7%) apresentaram resultados positivos para dosagens de anticorpos IgE antitoxinas estafilocócicas: enterotoxina (TX) A, em 29 (20,4%); TXB, em 35 (24,6%); TXC, em 33 (23,2%); e toxic shock syndrome toxin (TSST), em 45 (31,7%). As médias das dosagens séricas de anticorpos IgE específicos anti-TXA, TXB, TXC e TSST foram, respectivamente, de 0,96 U/l, 1,09 U/l, 1,21 U/l, e 1,18 U/l. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa dos resultados qualitativos ou quantitativos entre os grupos. Conclusões: A presença de anticorpos IgE séricos anti-TXA, TXB, TXC e TSST, foi detectada em 43,7% nessa amostra de pacientes, mas não houve associação estatisticamente significativa entre seus resultados qualitativos ou quantitativos e gravidade clínica da asma.

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the presence of staphylococcal superantigen-specific IgE antibodies and degree of IgE-mediated sensitization, as well as whether or not those are associated with the severity of asthma in adult patients. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving outpatients with asthma under treatment at a tertiary care university hospital in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Consecutive patients were divided into two groups according to the severity of asthma based on the Global Initiative for Asthma criteria: mild asthma (MA), comprising patients with mild intermittent or persistent asthma; and moderate or severe asthma (MSA). We determined the serum levels of staphylococcal toxin-specific IgE antibodies, comparing the results and performing a statistical analysis. Results: The study included 142 patients: 72 in the MA group (median age = 46 years; 59 females) and 70 in the MSA group (median age = 56 years; 60 females). In the sample as a whole, 62 patients (43.7%) presented positive results for staphylococcal toxin-specific IgE antibodies: staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA), in 29 (20.4%); SEB, in 35 (24.6%); SEC, in 33 (23.2%); and toxic shock syndrome toxin (TSST), in 45 (31.7%). The mean serum levels of IgE antibodies to SEA, SEB, SEC, and TSST were 0.96 U/L, 1.09 U/L, 1.21 U/L, and 1.18 U/L, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of the qualitative or quantitative results. Conclusions: Serum IgE antibodies to SEA, SEB, SEC, and TSST were detected in 43.7% of the patients in our sample. However, neither the qualitative nor quantitative results showed a statistically significant association with the clinical severity of asthma.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever as características clínicas e angiográficas da arterite de Takayasu em crianças e adolescentes brasileiros. Métodos: Foi feita coleta retrospectiva de dados de 71 crianças e adolescentes acompanhados em 10 centros brasileiros de referência em reumatologia pediátrica. A avaliação foi feita em três tempos: início dos sintomas até o diagnóstico, do 6º ao 12º mês de diagnóstico e última consulta. Resultados: Dos 71 pacientes selecionados, 51 (71,8%) eram meninas. As médias de idade de início dos sintomas e de tempo até diagnóstico foram 9,2 anos (± 4,2) e 1,2 anos (± 1,4), respectivamente. No fim do estudo, 20 pacientes estavam em atividade de doença, 39 em remissão e cinco haviam evoluído a óbito. Os sintomas mais frequentes nas avaliação inicial, segunda avaliação e avaliação final foram, respectivamente, os constitucionais, os musculoesqueléticos e os neurológicos. A redução de pulsos periféricos foi o sinal cardiovascular mais frequente e a elevação da velocidade de hemossedimentação foi o achado laboratorial mais frequente nos três períodos de avaliação. O teste tuberculínico foi reagente em 41%. A estenose foi a lesão angiográfica mais encontrada, a artéria abdominal foi o segmento mais afetado e tipo angiográfico IV o mais frequente. A maioria (90%) fez terapia com glicocorticoides, 85,9% necessitaram de outro imunossupressor e 29,6% foram submetidos à angioplastia. Conclusão: Este é o maior estudo de arterite de Takayasu juvenil e nós observar elevado número de pacientes com idade inferior a 10 anos e a predominância de sintomas constitucionais no início da doença.

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the clinical and angiographic characteristics of Takayasu's arteritis in Brazilian children and adolescents. Methods: A retrospective data collection was performed in 71 children and adolescents followed in 10 Brazilian reference centers in Pediatric Rheumatology. The evaluation was carried out in three different time points: from onset of symptoms to diagnosis, from the 6 th to 12th month of diagnosis, and in the last visit. Results: Of 71 selected patients, 51 (71.8%) were girls. The mean age of onset of symptoms and of time to diagnosis was 9.2 (± 4.2) years and 1.2 (± 1.4) years, respectively. At the end of the study, 20 patients were in a state of disease activity, 39 in remission and 5 had evolved to death. The most common symptoms in baseline assessment, second evaluation, and final evaluation were, respectively: constitutional, musculoskeletal, and neurological symptoms. A decrease in peripheral pulses was the most frequent cardiovascular signal, and an increase in erythrocyte sedimentation rate was the most frequent laboratory finding in all three evaluation periods. The tuberculin test was positive in 41% of those tested. Stenosis was the most frequent angiographic lesion, abdominal artery was the most affected segment, and angiographic type IV the most frequent. Most (90%) participants were treated with glucocorticoids, 85.9% required another immunosuppressive drug, and 29.6% underwent angioplasty. Conclusion: This is the largest study on juvenile-onset Takayasu arteritis, and a high number of patients under the age of 10 years, with predominance of constitutional symptoms early in the disease, was observed.

La inmunodeficiencia común variable es un trastorno caracterizado por bajos niveles de inmunoglobulinas del suero asociados a una mayor susceptibilidad a infecciones. En algunos pacientes existe una reducción tanto en IgG como en IgA; en otros, los tres principales tipos (IgG, IgA e IgM) de inmunoglobulinas se pueden encontrar disminuidos. Infecciones frecuentes e inusuales pueden ocurrir durante la infancia, pero en la mayoría de los pacientes el diagnóstico es tardío. Enfermedades como artritis reumatoide y púrpura trombocitopénica son trastornos del sistema inmunitario que pueden estar asociados a la inmunodeficiencia común variable.