Introduction: Non-melanoma skin neoplasms (basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) form the most common group of all types of neoplasms. Although cancer is not yet being classified as a channelopathy, it has been suggested that pumps and ionic channels contribute to its progression by affecting autophagy, which could become an important therapeutic target in this context. Objective: To evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of IP3R in both skin tumors. Method: Immunohistochemistry was performed on 60 slides of non-melanoma cancer using primary anti-IP3R antibodies, verifying their presence and quantifying Results: For the first time, IP3R immunolocalization was identified in non-melanoma skin neoplasms, being evident above 90% of neoplastic cells was observed in all slides studied, regardless of the histological pattern, invasion and other tumor characteristics. Unlike what was seen in the internal control of normal skin, in which there was immunolocalization of IP3R in basal cell, in tumors, immunohistochemical expression occurred throughout the entire body of the neoplasm. Conclusion: There was immunolocalization of IP3R in tumor cells in both BCC and SCC. It was not possible to establish a correlation between tumor characteristics and IP3R expression, as immunostaining was similar in all analyzed samples. Despite this, IP3R to be associated with the pathophysiology of non-melanoma skin cancer, but its expression does not seem to be associated with tumor aggressiveness.

Introdução: As neoplasias de pele não melanoma (carcinoma basocelular (CBC) e carcinoma espinocelular (CEC) formam o grupo mais comum de todos os tipos de neoplasias. Embora o câncer ainda não esteja sendo pautado como canalopatia, tem sido sugerido que bombas e canais iônicos contribuem para a sua progressão por afetar a autofagia. Proteínas iônicas, em especial as de canais de cálcio, como o receptor da fosfatidil inositol 3 (IP3R) participam de maneira ativa na autofagia por estarem envolvidas na etapa inicial de formação do autofagossomo, podendo se tornar em alvo terapêutico importante neste contexto. Objetivo: Avaliar a expressão imuno histoquímica do IP3R em ambos os tumores de pele. Método: Foi realizada imuno histoquímica em 60 lâminas de câncer não melanoma utilizando anticorpos primários anti-IP3R verificando a sua expressão. Resultados: Pela primeira vez foi identificada a imunolocalização do IP3R em câncer de pele não melanoma, sendo evidente em mais de 90% das células neoplásicas em todas as lâminas estudadas, independentemente do padrão histológico, invasão e demais características tumorais. Diferentemente do visualizado no controle interno de pele normal, no qual houve imunolocalização de IP3R em células basais, nos tumores, a expressão imuno histoquímica ocorreu em todo o corpo da neoplasia. Conclusão: Houve imunolocalização de IP3R em células tumorais tanto em CBC quanto em CEC. Não foi possível estabelecer correlação entre as características tumorais e a expressão de IP3R, pois a imunomarcação apresentou-se de forma similar em todas as amostras analisadas. Apesar disso, IP3R está associado à fisiopatologia do câncer de pele não melanoma, mas a sua expressão não parece estar associada à agressividade tumoral.

Introduction: Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) comprises a group of neoplasms with a high incidence in the world population. It is divided into basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). As it is highly prevalent, understanding the process of oncogenesis and the relationship with ions, proteins and cellular receptors in CPMN can contribute to the evaluation of new therapies. Objective: To understand the oncogenesis process of non-melanoma skin tumors and its relationship with the immunolocalization of IP3R. Method: Integrative literature review with evidence synthesis. The database was PUBMED; the search strategy: “squamous cell carcinoma, AND/OR basal cell carcinoma, AND/OR IP3R, AND/OR immunohistochemistry”. Works published between 2018 and 2023 were considered for review; 40 works were included, fully read and summarized. Results: NMSC is the most common malignant tumor worldwide, with 75-80% being BCC, and up to 25% being SCC. Molecular interactions in general involve a large participation of tumor suppressor molecules, as well as procto-oncogenes. Furthermore, voltage-dependent ion channels control the cytosolic flow of ions, including calcium. The IP3R (phosphatidyl inositol-3 receptor) allows the exit of calcium from the endoplasmic reticulum so that it can be used by the cell for physiological activities such as proliferation, angiogenesis, motility and invasion capacity. Conclusion: The IP3R, due to its immunohistochemical expression characteristics, appears may also be related to the pathophysiology of NMSC.

Introdução: O câncer de pele não melanoma (CPNM) compeende grupo de neoplasias com alta incidência na população mundial. É dividido em carcinoma basocelular (CBC) e de células escamosas (CEC). Por ser de grande prevalência, entender o processo de oncogênese e a relação com íons, proteínas e receptores celulares no CPMN pode contribuir para que novas terapêuticas sejam avaliadas. Objetivo: Entender o processo da oncogênese dos tumores de pele não melanomas e sua relação com a imunolocalização do IP3R. Método: Revisão integrativa da literatura com síntese de evidências. A base de dados foi o PUBMED; a  estratégia de busca: “carcinoma espinocelular, AND/OR carcinoma basocelular, AND/OR IP3R, AND/OR imunoistoquímica”. Foram considerados para revisão os trabalhos publicados entre 2018 e 2023. Foram incluídos 40 trabalhos, integralmente lidos e resumidos. Resultados: CPNMs são os tumores malignos mais comuns em todo o mundo, sendo 75-80% o CBC, e até 25% o CEC. As interações moleculares de forma geral, envolvem grande participação de moléculas supressoras tumorais, assim como de procto-oncogenes. Além disso, canais iônicos voltagem dependente controlam o fluxo citosólico de íons, dentre eles o cálcio. O IP3R (receptor do fosfatidil inositol-3) permite a saída de cálcio do retículo endoplasmático para que seja utilizado pela célula para atividades fisiológias como proliferação, angiogênese, motilidade e capacidade de invasão. Conclusão: O IP3R, pelas características de expressão imunoistoquímica, parece estar relacionado também, à fisiopatologia do CPNM.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Patients with rheumatic diseases have an increased risk of infections, especially tuberculosis. In this study, we aimed to recognize the positivity rate of tuberculosis skin test in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis and the characteristics of the patients with positive results. METHODS: Retrospective study of tuberculosis skin test results in patients followed from 2004 to 2021 in a single rheumatology unit. Data related to clinical and epidemiological features, along with treatment information referring to the period in which the tuberculosis skin test was performed, were collected from patients’ charts. RESULTS: A total of 723 tests were identified (448 tests in 269 rheumatoid arthritis patients and 275 in 174 spondyloarthritis patients). In the rheumatoid arthritis sample, 31/275 (11.5%) individuals had positive tests, and in the spondyloarthritis, 38/174 (21.8%) had positive tests. In the rheumatoid arthritis sample, patients with positive tuberculosis skin tests used a higher dose of methotrexate than those with negative results (median of 25 mg/week versus median of 20 mg/week respectively; p=0.02). In the spondyloarthritis sample, tuberculosis skin test positivity was associated with alcohol ingestion (13.1% versus 2.9% in users and non-users respectively; p=0.02) and sulfasalazine use (15.7% of positivity in users versus 5% in non-users; p=0.01). CONCLUSION: The tuberculosis skin test-positive prevalence in rheumatoid arthritis was lower than in the spondyloarthritis sample. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis using a higher dosage of methotrexate or with spondyloarthritis using sulfasalazine had more frequency of tuberculosis skin test positivity and should be carefully followed by the attending physician in order to avoid the appearance of full-blown tuberculosis.

Introduction: The Charlson comorbidities index (CCI) assesses a person's chances of survival over the next 10 years. In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), multiple comorbidities and complications affect patient survival. Objetive: Analize the variables that influence the CCI of a group of females with SLE. Methods: Retrospective study of medical records of 100 lupus patients for CCI, clinical, epidemiological and serological variables. Results: No epidemiological variable interfered in CCI. Regarding clinical manifestations, patients with glomerulonephritis had a worse CCI than those without (p<0.0001) and those with central nervous system manifestations had a tendency to worse CCI (p=0.09). Patients with anti-Ro antibodies (p=0.02) and rheumatoid factor or RF (p=0.002) were associated with a lower CCI. Conclusions: The presence of glomerulonephritis is associated with lower survival and of the anti-Ro and RF antibodies with longer survival in SLE.

Introdução : O índice de comorbidades de Charlson (ICC) avalia as chances de sobrevivência de uma pessoa nos próximos 10 anos. No lúpus eritematoso sistêmico (LES) múltiplas comorbidades e complicações afetam a sobrevida. Objetivo : Verificar as variáveis ​​que influenciam no ICC de um grupo de mulheres com LES. Métodos : Estudo retrospectivo de 100 pacientes lúpicas para o ICC, variáveis ​​clínicas, epidemiológicas e sorológicas. Resultados : Nenhuma variável epidemiológica interferiu no ICC. Quanto à clínica, pacientes com glomerulonefrite tiveram pior ICC do que os sem (p<0,0001) e os com manifestações de sistema nervoso central tiveram tendência para pior ICC (p=0,09). Portadores de anticorpos anti-Ro (p=0,02) e fator reumatoide (FR; p=0,002) se associaram com ICC menor. Conclusões : A presença de glomerulonefrite se associa com menor sobrevida, e a dos anticorpos anti-Ro e FR com maior sobrevida no LES.

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is treated with conventional and biological disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs). Objectives: To compare the survival of biological drugs used for the treatment of RA patients. Methods: Retrospective study of medical records of patients who used biological medication for the treatment of RA from January 2020 to January 2022 and this was suspended. Data on the causes of withdrawal, duration of use, epidemiological, clinical and comorbid data were collected. Results: The main reason for discontinuity was failure followed by side effects. Infliximab and adalimumab had the highest survival. BMI (body mass index) and smoking, sex and age did not interfere in this survival. Conclusion: Failure is the most common cause of biological discontinuity. Among the factors studied (smoking, BMI, age and gender) it was not possible to identify a variable that was associated with failure.

Introdução: A artrite reumatoide (AR) é tratada com drogas modificadoras da doença (DMARDs) convencionais e biológicas. Objetivos: Comparar a sobrevida de medicamentos biológicos utilizados para o tratamento de pacientes com AR. Método: Estudo retrospectivo de prontuários de pacientes que utilizaram medicamento biológico para tratamento de AR de janeiro de 2020 a janeiro de 2022 e este foi suspenso. Dados acerca das causas de retirada, tempo de uso, dados epidemiológicos, clínicos e de comorbidades foram coletados. Resultados: O principal motivo da descontinuidade foi a falha seguida por efeitos colaterais. Infliximabe e adalimumabe foram os que apresentaram maior sobrevida. IMC (índice de massa corporal) e o tabagismo, sexo e idade não mostraram interferência nesta sobrevida Conclusão: Falha é a causa mais comum de descontinuidade dos biológicos. Dentre os fatores estudados (fumo, IMC, idade e sexo) não foi possível identificar variável que se associasse com falha.

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study measured fecal calprotectin levels in a series of patients with anterior uveitis in order to determine whether anterior uveitis patients with associated spondyloarthritis have higher levels of fecal calprotectin than patients with anterior uveitis of other etiologies. A third group of patients with spondyloarthritis without uveitis was also evaluated to understand the role of acute anterior uveitis in increasing fecal calprotectin. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 28 patients were divided into three groups: (a) Group 1, spondyloarthritis and uveitis (n=9); (b) Group 2, spondyloarthritis without uveitis (n=10); and (c) Group 3, uveitis without spondyloarthritis (n=9). The levels of fecal calprotectin were determined. Results: Groups 1 and 2 showed higher median fecal calprotectin levels (101.0 and 93.0 µg/g, respectively) compared with Group 3 (9.0 µg/g) (p=0.02). However, no relationship between fecal calprotectin levels and the presence of uveitis with spondyloarthritis could be demonstrated. Conclusion: Patients with spondyloarthritis with or without acute anterior uveitis have significantly elevated levels of fecal calprotectin. This test may be useful for differentiating spondyloarthrit-associated uveitis from uveitis of other etiologies.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo avaliou os níveis de calprotectina fecal em uma série de pacientes com uveíte anterior na tentativa de determinar se pacientes com uveíte associada com espondiloartrites apresentam níveis mais elevados desta proteína do que pacientes com uveíte anterior de outras etiologias. Um terceiro grupo com espondiloartrites sem uveíte também foi incluído na avaliação para entendimento do papel da uveíte anterior no aumento da calprotectina fecal. Métodos: Estudo transversal de 28 pacientes divididos em três grupos: (a) com espondiloartrites e uveíte (n=9); (b) com espondiloartrites sem uveíte (n=10) e (c) com uveíte sem espondiloartrites (n=9). A dosagem de calprotectina fecal foi avaliada. Resultados: Pacientes com uveíte anterior associada a espondiloartrites apresentaram valores medianos maiores de calprotectina fecal (101 µg/g) que os valores dos pacientes com uveíte sem espondiloartrites (9 µg/g), pacientes com espondiloartrites sem uveíte que também demonstraram valores maiores (93.0 µg/g) que os dos pacientes com uveíte sem espondiloartrites (p=0,02). Conclusão: Pacientes com espondiloartrites com e sem uveíte anterior aguda demonstraram níveis significativamente elevados de calprotectina fecal. Este teste pode ser útil na diferenciação entre uveítes associadas com espondiloartrites de uveítes de outras etiologias. Entretanto, não foi possível demonstrar associação entre o aumento dos níveis de calprotectina fecal e a presença da uveíte em espondiloartrites.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Inflammatory bowel diseases may have extra intestinal manifestations such as those affecting the skin. This study aimed to study skin manifestations in a cohort of Brazilian patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. METHODS: Epidemiological and clinical data were obtained through a cross-sectional study of 70 inflammatory bowel diseases patients and a control group comprising 50 healthy individuals. All patients were subjected to dermatological examination and photography of skin lesions. RESULTS: Out of the 70 inflammatory bowel diseases patients, 50 had ulcerative colitis and 20 had Crohn’s disease. Skin lesions occurred in 95.7% of the inflammatory bowel diseases patients and in 88% of individuals in the control group (p=0.001). Alopecia (p<0.0001), xerosis (p=0.03), striae (p=0.02), and acne (p=0.04) were more common in inflammatory bowel diseases patients than in the control group. Alopecia was more frequent in females (p=0.01) than in males. Two male patients, one with ulcerative colitis and the other with Crohn’s disease, had pyoderma gangrenosum. Erythema nodosum was not observed in both groups. CONCLUSION: There was a high prevalence of skin lesions in the Brazilian inflammatory bowel diseases patients. Additionally, alopecia, xerosis, striae, and acne were more common in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases than in those in the control group.

Abstract Background Psoriasis is a protean disease associated with several comorbidities that may have increased levels of adiponectin such as resistin. This may affect the patients atherosclerotic risk. Objective To study resistin levels in a sample of Brazilian patients with psoriasis and its association with clinical profile, comorbidities, and carotid Intima-Media Thickness (cIMT). Methods This is a cross-sectional study of 119 individuals: 34 healthy controls and 85 patients with psoriasis, 42 of which with skin involvement only and 43 with psoriatic arthritis. Clinical and epidemiological data, measurement of PASI (Psoriasis Area Severity Index) and DAPSA (Disease Activity in Psoriatic Arthritis), lipid profile, cIMT by ultrasound were collected from medical records. Resistin serum levels were measured by ELISA. Results Patients with psoriasis had higher resistin levels (p = 0.009) and worse cIMT (p = 0.0002) than controls. In the psoriasis sample, no associations of resistin levels with epidemiological, clinical findings, and activity indexes were found. Resistin serum levels were associated with the presence of diabetes (p = 0.008) and metabolic syndrome (p = 0.01) and correlated with total cholesterol (r = 0.26) and triglycerides (r = 0.33) but not with cIMT. Study limitations This work is limited by its transversal design and by the limited number of patients included. Conclusion Resistin serum levels are elevated in psoriasis patients. In this sample, clinical, epidemiological, and activity indexes were not linked to resistin serum levels, but atherosclerotic risk factors were.

Abstract Background Patients with colorectal cancer may seek the emergency department for symptoms related to chemotherapy and radiotherapy side effects as well as those from the disease itself and from surgery complications. Objectives To establish the epidemiological and clinical profile of colorectal cancer patients that look for consultations in the emergency department. Methods Retrospective study of emergency room charts from colorectal cancer patients that consulted in a single oncological hospital for the period of 1 year. Results Four hundred and forty-six consultations were identified (49.5% males and 50.5% females) with a mean age of 63 years and with advanced disease (most with tumor, node, metastases [TNM] stages III and IV). The most common complaint was abdominal pain (27.5%), followed by nausea (4.7%; more commonly seen in females with p =0.03) and bladder symptoms (4.7%; more commonly seen in males, with p =0.003). Infections (10.3%) and acute abdominal pain (9.1%) were the most frequent diagnoses. About 18% of them were admitted to the hospital and 80% were discharged home. Conclusion The profile of patients with colorectal cancer seeking the emergency department comprises patients with advanced disease and a similar proportion of males and females. Symptom-driven complaints were the most frequent reason for consultations.

Introdução: A alopecia frontal fibrosante (AFF) é uma cicatriz linfocítica, com queda de cabelo pela linha de implantação frontal do couro cabeludo e outras áreas do corpo. Drogas tópicas e sistêmicas, como casos o MTX, não controlam a atividade da doença na maioria dos casos, a necessidade de novas terapias. Objetivo: Avaliar a diligência da microinfusão de metotrexato em AFF. Métodos: Ensaio clínico prospectivo, controlador, realizado com 17 voluntários com 1 diagnóstico clínico e histológico de AFF. As aplicações de MTX por MMP® (método de microinfusão de pele) foram feitas a cada 30 dias, num total de 3 aplicações, na direita da área de alopecia; a outra metade serviu como controle.medidas frontais glalares e parciais, dermatoscópicas, índice de avaliação externa dos olhos, a percepção do plano dos sinais do paciente (LPPAI). Hemograma total e testes de função hepática também foram médios. Resultados: Houve uma redução significativa nas medidas fronto-glabela e frontal temporo-parietal no local tratado, enquanto no local nãou a AAF aumentou. A paciente refere melhora do prurido e descamação, mas não da queda de cabelo e eritema local. A das fotos dermatoscópicas e a análise do LPPAI não são relevantes. Cerca de 9 participantes e todos nós não resultaram em 5% dos resultados com nenhum resultado de nenhum dos exames.Conclusão: A aplicação de MTX por MMP® melhorou os sintomas associados à AFF e as medidas fronto-glabela e fronto-parietal.

Introdução: A alopecia frontal fibrosante (AFF) é cicatricial linfocítica, com queda de cabelo pela linha de implantação frontal do couro cabeludo e outras áreas do corpo. Drogas tópicas e sistêmicas, como o metotrexato (MTX), não controlam a atividade da doença na maioria dos casos, mostrando a necessidade de novas terapias. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia da microinfusão de metotrexato em AFF. Métodos: Ensaio clínico prospectivo, controlado, realizado com 17 voluntários com diagnóstico clínico e histológico de AFF. As aplicações de MTX por MMP® (método de microinfusão de drogas na pele) foram feitas a cada 30 dias, totalizando 3 aplicações, na metade direita da área da alopecia; a outra metade serviu como controle. Foram avaliadas as medidas frontoglabela e frontal temporoparietal. Fotos de dermatoscopia foram analisadas por avaliadores cegos e externos com percepção de sinais e sintomas do paciente e o Índice de Atividade do Líquen Planopilar (LPPAI). Hemograma total e testes de função hepática também foram medidos. Resultados: Houve redução significativa nas medidas frontoglabela e frontal temporoparietal no local tratado, enquanto no não tratado a AAF aumentou. Houve melhora do prurido e descamação, mas não da queda de cabelo e eritema local. A análise das fotos dermatoscópicas e o cálculo do LPPAI não mostraram alterações relevantes. Cerca de 95% dos participantes ficaram satisfeitos ou muito satisfeitos com os resultados e nenhum deles teve alteração nos resultados dos exames laboratoriais. Conclusão: A aplicação de MTX por MMP® melhorou os sintomas associados à AFF e as medidas frontoglabela e frontoparietal. Esta técnica mostrou-se segura e bem tolerada.

RESUMO Objetivo Descrever o uso subconjuntival do antifator de necrose tumoral adalimumabe para o tratamento do olho seco em pacientes com síndrome de Sjögren e avaliar a cicatrização conjuntival. Métodos Série de casos intervencionista com desenho prospectivo, não randomizado, não comparativo. O medicamento adalimumabe foi aplicado em região subconjuntival em pacientes com síndrome de Sjögren e olho seco que eram resistentes a outras terapias convencionais. Pacientes com patologias oculares de origem infecciosa ou com alterações estruturais nas vias lacrimais e pálpebras foram excluídos do estudo. Os dados coletados incluíram idade, sexo, teste com lisamina verde, teste de Schirmer, pressão intraocular, mobilidade conjuntival, teste de ruptura do filme lacrimal, e avaliação biomicroscópica com colírio de fluoresceína. Além disso, o questionário Ocular Surface Disease Index validado para a língua portuguesa foi aplicado com objetivo de avaliar subjetivamente a resposta dos pacientes ao tratamento. Resultados Onze olhos de oito pacientes foram estudados. A idade média dos pacientes foi de 53±13,4 anos. A dose aplicada de adalimumabe subconjuntival foi de 0,03mL, e a duração do seguimento foi de 90 dias após a injeção. Não houve melhora estatisticamente significativa nos testes objetivos (todos apresentaram p>0,05). A pressão intraocular também não sofreu variações estatisticamente significativas (p=0,11). Entretanto, por meio do questionário, foi registrada melhora significativa dos sintomas oculares (p=0,002). Conclusão O uso do adalimumabe subconjuntival melhorou os sintomas de olho seco, avaliados por meio do questionário Ocular Surface Disease Index, mas não houve melhora estatisticamente significativa na avaliação objetiva.

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the use of subconjuctival administration of the anti-tumor necrosis factor agent adalimumab for treatment of dry eye in patients with Sjögren’s syndrome, and to investigate conjunctival healing. Methods Prospective, nonrandomized, noncomparative interventional case series including consecutive patients with Sjögren’s syndrome and dry eye disease treated with subconjunctival adalimumab, who were refractory to conventional treatment. Patients with infectious ocular surface involvement or structural changes in the tear pathway or eyelids were excluded. Data recorded included age, sex, lissamine green staining pattern, Schirmer test results, intraocular pressure, conjunctival mobility, tear break up time and findings of biomicroscopic evaluation, following fluorescein dye instillation. The Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire validated for the Portuguese language was used for subjective assessment of patients. Results Eleven eyes of eight patients were studied. Mean patient age was 53±13.4 years. Patients were treated with subconjunctival injection of 0.03 mL of adalimumab and followed for 90 days thereafter. There were no statistically significant objective improvement (objective tests results; p>0.05) and no statistically significant changes in intraocular pressure (p=0.11). Questionnaire responses revealed a significant improvement in ocular symptoms (p=0.002). Conclusion Based on the Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire, subconjunctival administration of adalimumab improved dry eye symptoms. However, objective assessments failed to reveal statistically significant improvements.

Abstract Introduction Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been linked to occurrence of autoimmune diseases in adults, including psoriasis. Objectives To study the prevalence of ACEs in psoriasis patients, comparing them with a sample from the general population. Methods Three hundred and eighteen individuals were included (104 psoriasis patients and 214 controls). Patients and controls answered questions on an ACE study questionnaire about experiences of childhood abuse, negligence, domestic violence, and household dysfunction. Questionnaire scores range from zero (best result) to 8 (worst scenario). Psoriasis patients’ charts were reviewed for epidemiological, clinical, and treatment data. A Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) was calculated from measurements taken when the questionnaire was administered. Results Psoriasis patients reported a median of 4 ACEs (interquartile range [IQR] = 3-5) while controls had a median of 3 (IQR = 2-4) with p < 0.0001. The number of ACEs was not associated with PASI, age of disease onset, or presence of associated arthritis (all p > 0.5). Female psoriasis patients had more ACEs than males (p = 0.04). Conclusion Patients with psoriasis have more ACEs than controls and ACEs were more common in female patients.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of pandemic in the exercising practice and impact of the disease in patients with Fibromyalgia. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, Internet-based survey answered by 1156 individuals with Fibromyalgia diagnosis. Questions were on epidemiology, social distancing habits, and exercise practice before and after COVID-19 pandemic, including subtypes of exercises (for resistance, flexibility, balance, and strength). The Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire was applied. RESULTS: In the whole sample, 57.7% of individuals practiced exercises before pandemic; during pandemic, only 34.8% practiced and 39.6% left this practice. Among those taking quarantine (n=440), 52.9% used to do exercises prior to pandemic; in the pandemic, 28.1% (reduction of 53.2%). The median Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire among those who practiced exercises in the pandemic was 73.6 (61.1–83.2) and that among those who did not was 80.4 (71.9–86.9), with p<0.0001. The Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire did not change according to the type of physical exercise (p=0.27). CONCLUSION: A high proportion of patients with Fibromyalgia stopped exercising during COVID-19 pandemic; as a result, the impact of the disease during this period was worse among those not practicing exercises.

RESUMO Introdução: Depressão tem sido atribuída à acne e a um dos seus tratamentos, a isotretinoína. O nosso objetivo foi estudar se o uso da isotretinoína está associado com a depressão numa amostra de pacientes com acne acompanhados por 6 meses, comparando-se os com pacientes com acne sem este tratamento e com indivíduos de um gripo controlo, sem acne. Métodos: Cem indivíduos foram incluídos: 50 controles e 50 com acne (24 usando e 26 não usando isotretinoína). Pacientes e controles responderam ao Inventário de Depressão de Beck (IDB) e ao SF-12 (12-Item Short-Form Health Survey ou Forma curta com 12 questões do questionário de Pesquisa de Saúde). Pacientes com acne repetiram estes questionários após 90 e 180 dias. Resultados: Indivíduos controles e pacientes com acne não mostraram diferenças quando os valores do IDB foram comparados, mas os controles tiveram um pior desempenho no SF-12 - domínio mental (p=0,004). Também não foi possível verificar diferenças entre os grupos de acne tratados e não tratados com isotretinoína quanto ao IDB e ao SF-12 nos dias 0, 90 e 180 (todos com p>0,05). Conclusão: Nesta pequena amostra o tratamento com isotretinoína se mostrou seguro no que concerne à ocorrência de depressão.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Acne and isotretinoin, one of its treatment, have been linked to the occurrence of depression. Our aim was to study if isotretinoin is associated with depression in a sample of acne patients followed for 6 months comparing them with acne patients under other treatment modalities and control patients without acne. Methods: One hundred individuals were included: 50 controls and 50 with acne (24 using and 26 not using isotretinoin). Patients and controls answered the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the 12 Item-Short Form Health Survey for quality of life (SF-12). Acne patients repeated this evaluation in 90 and 180 days. Results: No differences were found between controls and acne patients regarding BDI results but controls performed worse in the SF-12 mental domain (p=0.004). No differences were found within the acne group between those treated and not treated with isotretinoin in the comparison of the BDI and SF-12 (mental and physical domains) in days 0. 90 and 180 (all with p>0.05). Conclusion: In this small sample isotretinoin treatment showed to be safe regarding the occurrence of depression.