Evaluation of the European Spondylarthropathy Study Group (ESSG) preliminary classification criteria in Brazilian patients.

Objective: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the ESSG criteria when applied to Brazilian patients with SpA and control patients with other rheumatic diseases.

Methods: Seventy patients with spondylarthropathies and 62 patients with other rheumatic diseases were interviewed, examined and had their charts reviewed. The diagnoses of the diseases were based on published diagnostic guidelines or classification criteria.

Renal abnormalities in ankylosing spondylitis.

Renal abnormalities have been reported in Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) patients. Possible mechanisms include the effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), an increased incidence of glomerulonephritis, particularly the ones associated with deposition of IgA-containing immune complexes and the renal deposition of amyloid. These observations prompted us to evaluate in detail the frequency and severity of renal dysfunction in 40 AS patients, consecutively selected attending the rheumatology disease unit outpatient clinic at Escola Paulista de Medicina, using sensitive tests of glomerular and tubular function.

Controlled trial with chloroquine diphosphate in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Introduction: Antimalarials have been recognized as effective drugs for the treatment of articular and cutaneous manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but its potential in the management of systemic features of the disease has not yet been thoroughly evaluated.

Objectives: This study intended to evaluate the efficacy of chloroquine diphosphate (CDP) in preventing flares and in reducing the maintenance corticosteroid dose in patients with SLE without life-threatening manifestations.

Materials And Methods: Twenty-four SLE patients with no life-threatening manifestation were enrolled in a 12-month double blind placebo-controlled trial with CDP (250 mg/day).

Availability of over-the-counter drugs for arthritis in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Seventy pharmacies located in Sao Paulo were randomly selected and visited. Seven researchers posed as ordinary clients presenting with a standardized complaint of symptoms according to a scenario previously defined. The client asked for medicines to relieve his/her pain or discomfort.