São Paulo medical journal = Revista paulista de medicina
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Anemia is the most frequent extraintestinal complication of inflammatory bowel disease. This study aimed to: 1) determine the prevalence of anemia among patients with inflammatory bowel disease; 2) investigate whether routine laboratory markers are useful for diagnosing anemia; and 3) evaluate whether any association exists between anemia and clinical/laboratory variables. ⋯ Most patients present iron laboratory disorders, with or without anemia, mainly due to iron deficiency. The differential diagnosis between the two most prevalent types of anemia was made based on clinical data and routine laboratory tests. In ulcerative colitis, anemia was associated with the disease activity index.
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Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with a cyclical clinical course. Evaluation of the clinical activity of this disease is important for choosing the correct treatment. The objective of this study was to analyze the value of beta-2 microglobulin (β2M) serum levels in determining SLE clinical activity. ⋯ β2M levels are elevated in SLE patients with active disease.
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Button battery ingestion is a frequent pediatric complaint. The serious complications resulting from accidental ingestion have increased significantly over the last two decades due to easy access to gadgets and electronic toys. Over recent years, the increasing use of lithium batteries of diameter 20 mm has brought new challenges, because these are more detrimental to the mucosa, compared with other types, with high morbidity and mortality. The clinical complaints, which are often nonspecific, may lead to delayed diagnosis, thereby increasing the risk of severe complications. ⋯ This case describes a fatal evolution of button battery ingestion with late diagnosis and severe associated injury of the digestive mucosa. A high level of clinical suspicion is essential for preventing this evolution. Preventive strategies are required, as well as health education, with warnings to parents, caregivers and healthcare professionals.
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Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disease characterized by abnormalities of vascularization that may cause fibrosis of the skin and other organs and lead to dysfunction. It is therefore essential to have tools capable of evaluating function in individuals with this condition. The aim of this study was to translate the Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire (SHAQ) into Portuguese, adapt it to Brazilian culture and test its validity and reliability. ⋯ The Brazilian version of SHAQ proved to be valid and reliable for assessing function in patients with diffuse systemic sclerosis.
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Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a known cause of blindness in which diagnosis and timely treatment can prevent serious harm to the child. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of ROP and its association with known risk factors. ⋯ The incidence of ROP was higher than that found in the literature. The main risk factors were related to extreme prematurity.