Browsing by Author "Santos, MC"
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- Anti-Phospholipase A2 Receptor Antibodies in the Diagnosis of Idiopathic Membranous NephropathyPublication . Meneses, G; Viana, H; Santos, MC; Ferreira, C; Calado, J; Carvalho, F; Remédio, F; Nolasco, FCirculating anti-phospholipase A2 receptor antibodies (anti-PLA2R) have been described in 70% to 80% of the patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy (iMN), but not in patients with secondary membranous nephropathy or other glomerular diseases. The goal of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the assay for anti-PLA2R in the diagnosis of iMN. Anti-PLA2R IgG, Elisa and immunofluorescence tests were used to detect circulating anti-PLA2R. These tests were applied in 53 patients who had a kidney biopsy. Of these, 38 had histological diagnosis of membranous nephropathy (MN) and the remaining had other glomerular diseases. The MN was classified as idiopathic in 33 patients after clinical exclusion of secondary causes. Anti-PLA2R were positive in 57.6% of the patients with iMN. All patients with secondary membranous nephropathy or other glomerular diseases did not show circulating anti-PLA2R. The sensitivity was 57.6% (CI 39.2-74.5) and specificity 100% (CI 47.8-100), AUC 0.788; p < 0.0001 for the detection of iMN. 71.4% of the iMN patients that tested negative for anti-PLA2R were in partial or complete remission. The detection of anti-PLA2R in the studied population had a specificity of 100% for the iMN diagnosis. Prior treatments seem to make the test negative and contribute to a lower sensitivity.
- Atypical Adult-Onset Methylmalonic Acidemia and Homocystinuria Presenting as Hemolytic Uremic SyndromePublication . Navarro, D; Azevedo, A; Sequeira, S; Ferreira, AC; Carvalho, F; Fidalgo, T; Vilarinho, L; Santos, MC; Calado, J; Nolasco, FThrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) syndromes can be secondary to a multitude of different diseases. Most can be identified with a systematic approach and, when excluded, TMA is generally attributed to a dysregulation in the activity of the complement alternative pathways-atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS). We present a challenging case of a 19-year-old woman who presented with thrombotic microangiopathy, which was found to be caused by methylmalonic acidemia and homocystinuria, a rare vitamin B12 metabolism deficiency. To our knowledge, this is the first time that an adult-onset methylmalonic acidemia and homocystinuria presents as TMA preceding CNS involvement.
- Clinical Presentation and Long-Term Outcomes of Systemic Sclerosis Portuguese Patients from a Single Centre Cohort: A EUSTAR Registration InitiativePublication . Vidal, C; Ruano, C; Bernardino, V; Lavado Carreira, P; Lladó, A; Santos, MC; Gruner, H; Panarra, A; Riso, N; Moraes-Fontes, MFINTRODUCTION: Systemic sclerosis is a complex disorder that requires systematic screening. Our objective is to report the European Scleroderma Trials and Research group centre affiliation and its impact in our clinical practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The European Scleroderma Trials and Research group affiliation process, database update and current patient evaluation, with respect to demographic and clinical features. Cumulative mortality was analysed. RESULTS: We identified 19 female patients (which met all the American College of Rheumatology/ European League Against Rheumatism 2013 criteria for systemic sclerosis) under current follow-up, divided according to the LeRoy classification into diffuse cutaneous (n = 5), limited cutaneous (n = 11) and limited (n = 3) types, followed for a median period of 5, 12 and 6 years, respectively. Raynaud´s phenomenon and abnormal nailfold capillaries were universally present. Interstitial lung disease was absent in the limited cutaneous form but present in 100% of the diffuse subtype. Pitting scars were more common in the diffuse form. Active disease was also more frequent in the diffuse form, and most patients with active disease were treated with anti-endothelin receptor antagonists. Over 21 years (from 1994 to 2015) the mortality rate was 55% (n = 23/42). Age at time of death was significantly lower in the diffuse subtype. DISCUSSION: Our single centre cohort shares many features with larger and international reports and more specifically is in accordance with patient characteristics described in the European Scleroderma Trials and Research group registries. CONCLUSION: The European Scleroderma Trials and Research group registration motivated our systematic patient characterization and may be used as a tool for homogenous disease registries.
- Factores de Risco Social, Comportamental e Biológico de Gravidez na Adolescência: Estudo de Caso-ControloPublication . Freira, S; Pereira-da-Silva, L; Malveiro, F; Santos, MC; Santos, S; Colaço, C; Salinas, PIntrodução: O melhor conhecimento dos factores de risco da gravidez na adolescência, especialmente a não desejada, pode ser uma forma de contribuir para a sua prevenção. Objectivo: Determinar possíveis factores de risco sociais, comportamentais e biológicos de gravidez na adolescência. Métodos: Estudo de caso-controlo comparando adolescentes grávidas (casos) com adolescentes que nunca estiveram grávidas (controlos). Foram analisados factores de risco (a) social: índice de Graffar, tipo de família, rendimento escolar e abandono escolar; (b) comportamental: hábitos de dependência, coitarca, contracepção e número de parceiros sexuais; e (c) biológico: idade, menarca, regularidade dos ciclos menstruais, índice de massa corporal e perturbações da saúde mental. Resultados: Foram incluídas 50 jovens em cada grupo, emparelhadas por idade. Os factores de risco de gravidez encontrados com significado estatístico foram (a) sociais: índice de Graffar ≥4 (OR: 4,96; IC 95%: 1,96-12,74), família não nuclear (OR: 4,64; IC 95%: 1,83-11,98), reprovações prévias (OR: 8,84; IC 95%: 3,20-25,16) e abandono escolar (OR: 9,01; IC 95%: 3,34-24,96); (b) comportamentais: hábitos de dependência (OR: 8,43; IC 95%: 1,65-57,87) e não utilização de contracepção (OR: 44,33; IC 95%: 5,05-100,92); e (c) biológicos: idade de menarca <12 anos (OR: 5,25; IC 95%: 1,89-15,02), irregularidade dos ciclos menstruais (OR: 4,51; IC 95%: 1,74-11,91) e índice de massa corporal >percentil 85 (OR: 2,95; IC 95%: 1,04-8,55). Não se revelaram factores de risco de gravidez a existência de mais de um parceiro sexual (OR: 4,42; IC: 0,5-99,31), idade de coitarca <15 anos (OR: 5,11; IC 95%: 0,93-36,71) e as perturbações da saúde mental (OR=1; IC 95%=0,15-6,63). Conclusão: Na promoção da saúde sexual e reprodutiva sugere-se que se dê atenção privilegiada às jovens de meio desfavorecido, de famílias não nucleares, com insucesso escolar, hábitos de dependência, idade menor de menarca, ausência de contracepção, irregularidade menstrual e excesso de peso.
- A New Anatomo-Clinical Approach to an Old DiseasePublication . Sousa Viana, H; Góis, M; Mesquita, I; Santos, AR; Santos, MC; Carvalho, F; Nolasco, F
- Peritubular Capillaries C4d Deposits in Renal Allograft Biopsies and Anti HLA I/II Alloantibodies Screening. Incidence and Clinical ImportancePublication . Viana, H; Carvalho, F; Santos, MC; Galvão, MJ; Santos, AR; Nolasco, F; Ribeiro Santos, JAim: To characterise clinically the patients with C4d in peritubular capillaries deposits (C4dPTCD) and/or circulating anti-HLA class I/II alloantibodies. To determine the correlation between positive C4dPTCD and circulating anti-HLA class I/II alloantibodies during episodes of graft dysfunction. Subjects and Methods: C4d staining was performed in biopsies with available frozen tissue obtained between January 2004 and December 2006. The study was prospective from March 2005, when a serum sample was obtained at the time of biopsy to detect circulating anti-HLA class I/II alloantibodies. Results: We studied 109 biopsies in 86 cadaver renal transplant patients. Sixteen of these (14.7%) presented diffuse positive C4dPTCD. There was a 13.5% rate of +C4dPTCD incidence within the first six months of transplantation and 16% after six months (p>0.05). Half of the +C4dPTCD in the first six months was associated with acute humoral rejection. After six months, the majority of +C4dPTCD (n=7/8) was present in biopsies with evidence of interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy and/or transplant glomerulopathy. The C4dPTCD was more frequent in patients with positive anti-HCV antibodies(p<0.0001), a previous renal transplant (p=0.007), and with a panel reactivity antibody (PRA) ≥ 50%(p=0.0098). The anti-HCV+ patients had longer time on dialysis (p=0.0019) and higher PRA(p=0.005). Circulating anti-HLA I/II alloantibodies were screened in 46 serum samples. They were positive in 10.9% of samples, all obtained after six months post transplant. Circulating alloantibodies were absent in 92.5% of the C4d negative biopsies. Conclusion: We found an association between the presence of C4dPTCD and 2nd transplant recipients,higher PRA and the presence of anti-HCV antibodies. The presence of HCV antibodies is not a risk factor for C4dPTCD per se, but appears to reflect longer time on dialysis and presensitisation. In renal dysfunction a negative alloantibody screening is associated with a reduced risk of C4dPTCD (<10%).
- Portuguese Consensus Document Statement in Diagnostic and Management of Atypical Hemolytic Uremic SyndromePublication . Azevedo, A; Faria, B; Teixeira, C; Carvalho, F; Neto, G; Santos, J; Santos, MC; Oliveira, N; Fidalgo, T; Calado, JAmong thrombotic microangiopathies (TMA), the hemolytic uremic syndrome associated with dysregulation of the alternative complement pathway (aHUS) is one of the most challenging diseases a nephrologist can face. By the end of the XXth century, the complement’s role was unraveled with the discovery that mutations in the factor H coding gene were responsible for aHUS. But it was the acknowledgment that pharmacological C5-9 blockage provided a cure for aHUS that fostered the interest of the nephrology community in the genetics, pathophysiology and therapeutics of, not only of aHUS, but TMA in general. The molecular genetics of aHUS is technically demanding and, as such, in Portugal (alike many other European countries) a single laboratory emerged as a national reference center. The fact that all samples are evaluated in a single center provides a unique opportunity for data collection and a forum for discussion for all those interested in the field: immunologists, molecular geneticists, pathologists and nephrologists. The current consensus document emerged from such a discussion forum and was sponsored by the Portuguese Society of Nephrology. The goal is more to portray the Portuguese picture regarding the diagnostic approach and therapeutic options than to extensively review the state of the art of the subject. The accompanying documents that are published as supplementary data are in line with that goal. They range from the informed consent and clinical form to be sent together with the biological samples for genetic testing, to the appendix regarding the actual sampling and storing conditions. The document is also intended to set an example for future documents and independent discussion forums on other kidney diseases for which emerging diagnostic and/or therapeutic strategies are reaching clinical practice.
- Renal Involvement in Monoclonal GammopathiesPublication . Ferreira, AC; Carvalho, F; Carvalho, D; Galvão, MJ; Viana, H; Santos, MC; Ferreira, A; Nolasco, F
- Specificity and Sensitivity of Screening for Anti-HLA Antibodies in Kidney Allograft DysfunctionPublication . Viana, H; Nolasco, F; Santos, MC; Carvalho, F; Galvão, MJ; Santos, AR; Bordalo, J; Ribeiro Santos, JBACKGROUND: Prospective testing for posttransplant circulating anti-HLA antibodies seems to be a critical noninvasive tool, but confirmatory data are lacking. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over the last 3 years, peritubular capillary (PTC) C4d deposition was prospectively sought by an immunofluorescence technique applied to frozen tissue in biopsies obtained for allograft dysfunction. Screening for circulating anti-HLA class I/II alloantibodies (AlloAb) by the flow cytometric test was performed simultaneously. RESULTS: We evaluated 132 sets of biopsies and simultaneous serum samples. PTC C4d deposition was demonstrated in 15.9% (21/132) of biopsies. Circulating anti-HLA I/II AlloAb were detected in 25% (33/132) of serum samples. Employing receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curves for all C4d-positive biopsies, screening for AlloAb showed a global specificity of 82% and sensitivity of 61.9%. When this analysis was restricted to biopsies obtained in the first month posttransplantation, the sensitivity increased to 81.8%, but the specificity decreased to 76.9%. After the first month posttransplantation, we observed sensitivity of 40.0% and a specificity of 86.4%. In the first month posttransplantation, all patients with a diagnosis of acute antibody-mediated rejection displayed circulating anti-HLA class I/II, but not always at the same time as the C4d-positive biopsy. CONCLUSIONS: In the first month posttransplantation, prospective monitoring of anti-HLA antibodies may be useful. The high sensitivity allows the identification of patients at risk, affording an earlier diagnosis of antibody-mediated rejection. After the first month, the test can be used to evaluate allograft dysfunction episodes, since positivity is highly suggestive of an antibody-mediated process.
- Transient Symptomatic Zinc Deficiency in an Exclusively Breastfed InfantPublication . Crisóstomo, M; Santos, MC; Tavares, E; Cunha, FA 3-month-old, full term female infant, adequate for gestational age, and exclusively breastfed, was admitted with a 10 day history of generalised scaling erythematous dermatitis, affecting the face (perinasal, nasolabial folds and periauricular), acral and intertriginous areas, with irritability and failure to thrive. Her mother had been treated with isoniazid since the third trimester because of family contact with tuberculosis. Based on a diagnosis of suspected impetiginised eczema, the infant was treated with flucloxacillin and prednisolone, and maternal isoniazid was suspended, with no improvement. Investigations found low serum zinc levels in the infant (33 μg/dL; normal range (NR) >60 μg/dL), normal plasma zinc levels in the mother (111.3 μg/dL; NR 68-120 μg/dL) and lower than the normal range of zinc levels in breast milk (270μg/L; NR 1000-2500 μg/L), suggesting acrodermatitis caused by zinc deficiency. Oral zinc supplementation (3 mg/kg/day) was started with a marked improvement in skin lesions, as well as good weight gain. At the age of 6 months, after food diversification, supplementation was suspended, without any recurrence of symptoms.