The presence of Uhthoff’s phenomenon and fatigue in the spinal optical form of multiple sclerosis / A presença do fenómeno de Uhthoff e a fadiga na forma óptica espinhal da esclerose múltipla

Objective: To describe the frequency and characteristics of Uhthoff’s phenomenon and its association to fatigue in spinal optical MS patients, and to evaluate quality of life and depression. Methods: MFIS-BR scale, Beck’s depression inventory, quality of life SF-36 scale and a questionnaire based of FDS elaborated by the authors on the influence of heat on fatigue, visual dysfunction and other neurological manifestations were applied. Results: The final sample consisted of 32 patients and 29 healthy individuals. Uhthoff’s phenomenon was found in 31.25% and fatigue on 30% of patients, with significant difference between the groups (6.9%; p=0.018). Strong positive correlation was found between fatigue and depression, and vitality of quality of life domain obtained a higher negative correlation to fatigue. There was no association between fatigue and Uhthoff’s phenomenon. Conclusion: Uhthoff’s phenomenon is present in 1/3 of spinal optical MS patients and is associated to the number of visual events (optical neuritis). Heat mainly worsens fatigue and induces temporary visual dysfunctions in MS. Fatigue is associated to depression and negative impact in quality of life.

Potenciais fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de esclerose múltipla no Rio de Janeiro: um estudo caso controle

PURPOSE. To evaluate potential risk factors for the development of multiple sclerosis in Brazilian patients. METHOD. A case control study was carried out in 81 patients enrolled at the Department of Neurology of the Hospital da Lagoa in Rio de Janeiro, and 81 paired controls. A standardized questionnaire on demographic, social and cultural variables, and medical and family history was used. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and conditional logistic regression models with the SPSS for Windows software program. RESULTS. Having standard vaccinations (vaccinations specified by the Brazilian government) (OR=16.2; 95% CI=2.3-115.2), smoking (OR=7.6; 95% CI=2.1-28.2), being single (OR=4.7; 95% CI=1.4-15.6) and eating animal brain (OR=3.4; 95% CI=1.2-9.8) increased the risk of developing MS. CONCLUSIONS. RESULTS of this study may contribute towards better awareness of the epidemiological characteristics of Brazilian patients with multiple sclerosis.Yes[Port]Resumo – Objetivo: Avaliar os potenciais fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de esclerose múltipla em pacientes brasileiros. Método: Um estudo caso-controle incluiu 81 pacientes atendidos no Departamento de Neurologia do Hospital da Lagoa, no Rio de Janeiro, e 81 controles. Um questionário padronizado incluiu variáveis demográficas, sociais e culturais, além da história familiar e clínica. A análise dos dados foi realizada por meio do programa SPSS para Windows e foi constituída de estatísticas descritivas e de um modelo de regressão logística condicional. Resultados: Pacientes com história de imunização (OR=16,2; IC95%=2,3–115,2), fumantes (OR=7,6; IC95%=2,1–28,2), solteiros (OR=4,7; IC95%=1,4–15,6) e que consumiam cérebro de animal (OR=3,4; IC95%=1,2–9,8) tiveram risco mais elevado de desenvolver esclerose múltipla quando comparados aos controles. Conclusão: Os resultados deste estudo podem contribuir para um melhor entendimento das características epidemiológicas dos pacientes brasileiros com esclerose múltipla