Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.reuma.2025.502038
María de los Ángeles Correa, Carolina A. Isnardi, Gisele A. Luna, Tatiana Barbich, Virginia Carrizo Abarza, Gustavo Citera, Emilce E. Schneeberger
Objectives
To validate the questionnaire QualipsoSex (QSQ) in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), assess sexual quality of life and clinical/sociodemographic impact on it.
Material and methods
Sexually active adult with PsA. Sexual quality of life was assessed using Qualisex and QSQ. QSQ includes 10 questions, and it is calculated the sum of the total items, 40 points being the worst case.
Results
77 patients, 59.7% women, median (m) age 57 years. Presented disease activity and mild skin involvement. Qualisex m was 1.6 and QSQ m 5. The QSQ demonstrated high reliability (Cronbach's alpha 0.93), floor effect 1.3% and ceiling 24.7%. The correlation between QSQ and Qualisex was moderated. Sexual quality of life was significantly worse in patients who do not practice physical activity, those with psoriasis, morning stiffness, higher disease activity, anxiety, depression and/or suicidal symptoms. High disease activity (B 0.24, IC95% 0.04-0.45) and moderate to severe depression (B 0.57, IC95% 0.04-1.10) were associated with worse sexual quality of life.
Conclusion
QSQ is valid and reliable. Higher disease activity and major depression were associated with poorer outcomes.
{"title":"Evaluación de la calidad de vida sexual en pacientes con artritis psoriásica y validación al español del cuestionario QualipsoSex","authors":"María de los Ángeles Correa, Carolina A. Isnardi, Gisele A. Luna, Tatiana Barbich, Virginia Carrizo Abarza, Gustavo Citera, Emilce E. Schneeberger","doi":"10.1016/j.reuma.2025.502038","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.reuma.2025.502038","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To validate the questionnaire QualipsoSex (QSQ) in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), assess sexual quality of life and clinical/sociodemographic impact on it.</div></div><div><h3>Material and methods</h3><div>Sexually active adult with PsA. Sexual quality of life was assessed using Qualisex and QSQ. QSQ includes 10 questions, and it is calculated the sum of the total items, 40 points being the worst case.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>77 patients, 59.7% women, median (<em>m) age</em> 57 years. Presented disease activity and mild skin involvement. Qualisex <em>m</em> was 1.6 and QSQ <em>m</em> 5. The QSQ demonstrated high reliability (Cronbach's alpha 0.93), floor effect 1.3% and ceiling 24.7%. The correlation between QSQ and Qualisex was moderated. Sexual quality of life was significantly worse in patients who do not practice physical activity, those with psoriasis, morning stiffness, higher disease activity, anxiety, depression and/or suicidal symptoms. High disease activity (B 0.24, IC95% 0.04-0.45) and moderate to severe depression (B 0.57, IC95% 0.04-1.10) were associated with worse sexual quality of life.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>QSQ is valid and reliable. Higher disease activity and major depression were associated with poorer outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47115,"journal":{"name":"Reumatologia Clinica","volume":"22 1","pages":"Article 502038"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145877076","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.reuma.2025.502020
Elena Grau García , Pablo Francisco Muñoz Rodriguez , Hikmat Charia , Jose Andrés Roman Ivorra
Objective
To analyze the association of clinical activity with pain, fatigue and disability in patients with RA.
Methods
Prospective observational study of 3 months of follow-up in 60 patients who initiate biological or anti-JAK therapy. We analyzed changes in the PROs reported by patients through FACIT-fatigue, HAQ questionnaires and pain VAS. Clinical activity through DAS28, DAS28-CRP, SDAI and CDAI index was measured.
Results
We observed a statistically significant association between clinical activity and the fatigue, pain and disability (p < 0.001). A greater fatigue was associated with a greater perception of pain and high tender joint number (p = 0.002). Patients who discontinued treatment presented higher fatigue (p = 0.044) and disability (p = 0.0013) than those who continued treatment, regardless of the type of treatment, the time of evolution, as well as whether or not they had received previous biological therapies.
Conclusion
PROs would be helpful in the disease control in cases where a remote monitoring is needed, since PROs showed a significant association with clinical activity in RA.
{"title":"Remote monitoring tools in rheumatoid arthritis patients: FACIT-fatigue and HAQ","authors":"Elena Grau García , Pablo Francisco Muñoz Rodriguez , Hikmat Charia , Jose Andrés Roman Ivorra","doi":"10.1016/j.reuma.2025.502020","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.reuma.2025.502020","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To analyze the association of clinical activity with pain, fatigue and disability in patients with RA.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Prospective observational study of 3 months of follow-up in 60 patients who initiate biological or anti-JAK therapy. We analyzed changes in the PROs reported by patients through FACIT-fatigue, HAQ questionnaires and pain VAS. Clinical activity through DAS28, DAS28-CRP, SDAI and CDAI index was measured.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We observed a statistically significant association between clinical activity and the fatigue, pain and disability (<em>p</em> <!--><<!--> <!-->0.001). A greater fatigue was associated with a greater perception of pain and high tender joint number (<em>p</em> <!-->=<!--> <!-->0.002). Patients who discontinued treatment presented higher fatigue (<em>p</em> <!-->=<!--> <!-->0.044) and disability (<em>p</em> <!-->=<!--> <!-->0.0013) than those who continued treatment, regardless of the type of treatment, the time of evolution, as well as whether or not they had received previous biological therapies.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>PROs would be helpful in the disease control in cases where a remote monitoring is needed, since PROs showed a significant association with clinical activity in RA.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47115,"journal":{"name":"Reumatologia Clinica","volume":"22 1","pages":"Article 502020"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145877079","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.reuma.2025.502037
Halbert Hernández-Negrín , Nerea Catena-Granados , Ricardo Gómez-Huelgas , María Rosa Bernal-López
{"title":"Barriers and facilitators to cardiovascular risk control in systemic lupus erythematosus: A qualitative study","authors":"Halbert Hernández-Negrín , Nerea Catena-Granados , Ricardo Gómez-Huelgas , María Rosa Bernal-López","doi":"10.1016/j.reuma.2025.502037","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.reuma.2025.502037","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":47115,"journal":{"name":"Reumatologia Clinica","volume":"22 1","pages":"Article 502037"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145877080","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
To describe and compare the health situation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients from the qom community in the cities of Presidencia Roque Sáenz Peña (PRSP, Chaco Province) and Rosario (Santa Fe Province), focusing on access to the healthcare system and its limitations.
Methods
A sequential mixed-methods approach was used. Quantitative phase: implementation of the Community Oriented Program for Control of Rheumatic Diseases (COPCORD) methodology. Qualitative phase: ethnographic approach incorporating the concept of “healthcare pilgrimage”.
Results
Participants living in Rosario reported a higher intensity of pain (202 [42.9%] vs. 14 [11.0%]; P<.0001), associated with a greater proportion of functional limitation according to the HAQ-DI score ≥0.8 (302 [64.1%] vs. 39 [30.2%]; P<.0001). Among the diagnoses in PRSP, osteoarthritis was more prevalent than in Rosario (49 [10.1%] vs. 67 [4.0%]; P<.0001), while RA prevalence was the same in both cities (12 [2.4%] vs. 40 [2.4%]; P=.991). Three main topics emerged from the ethnographic analysis: pilgrimage within the healthcare system, barriers to specialized care, and access to treatment.
Conclusion
RA patients in both cities face significant challenges in navigating the healthcare system, underscoring their vulnerability. It is essential to adopt care models that integrate local knowledge and consider patients’ mobility trajectories, ensuring access to and continuity of the treatments prescribed.
{"title":"Peregrinaje de pacientes con artritis reumatoidea pertenecientes a la comunidad qom en el circuito de atención en 2 provincias de Argentina. Estudio mixto","authors":"Rosana Quintana , Cecilia Camacho , Milagros Caamaño , Marcela Alvarez , Graciela Gomez , Evelyn Oviedo , Andrés Honeri , Antonela Vannucci , Maria Elena Calvo , Lorena Savarece , Bernardo A. Pons-Estel , Ingris Pelaez-Ballestas , Marcela Valdata","doi":"10.1016/j.reuma.2025.502021","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.reuma.2025.502021","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To describe and compare the health situation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients from the <em>qom</em> community in the cities of Presidencia Roque Sáenz Peña (PRSP, Chaco Province) and Rosario (Santa Fe Province), focusing on access to the healthcare system and its limitations.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A sequential mixed-methods approach was used. Quantitative phase: implementation of the Community Oriented Program for Control of Rheumatic Diseases (COPCORD) methodology. Qualitative phase: ethnographic approach incorporating the concept of “healthcare pilgrimage”.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Participants living in Rosario reported a higher intensity of pain (202 [42.9%] vs. 14 [11.0%]; <em>P</em><.0001), associated with a greater proportion of functional limitation according to the HAQ-DI score ≥0.8 (302 [64.1%] vs. 39 [30.2%]; <em>P</em><.0001). Among the diagnoses in PRSP, osteoarthritis was more prevalent than in Rosario (49 [10.1%] vs. 67 [4.0%]; <em>P</em><.0001), while RA prevalence was the same in both cities (12 [2.4%] vs. 40 [2.4%]; <em>P</em>=.991). Three main topics emerged from the ethnographic analysis: pilgrimage within the healthcare system, barriers to specialized care, and access to treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>RA patients in both cities face significant challenges in navigating the healthcare system, underscoring their vulnerability. It is essential to adopt care models that integrate local knowledge and consider patients’ mobility trajectories, ensuring access to and continuity of the treatments prescribed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47115,"journal":{"name":"Reumatologia Clinica","volume":"22 1","pages":"Article 502021"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145877077","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Our study aimed to evaluate the clinical presentation, demographics and colchicine response in Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) patients with Exon 2 mutations (E148Q, R202Q) compared to those with Exon 10 mutations.
Methods
A single-center retrospective study was conducted on 98 adult FMF patients diagnosed between 2009 and 2019. Medical records of 41 patients with Exon 2 and 57 patients with Exon 10 mutations were reviewed. In Exon 2 group, 3 patients were homozygous for E148Q, 33 were heterozygous (21 with E148Q, 12 with R202Q), and 5 were compound heterozygous for E148Q and R202Q. In the Exon 10 group, 20 patients were homozygous for M694V, 18 were heterozygous, and 19 had compound heterozygous mutations involving M694V and other Exon 10 variants (V726A, M680I, A744S, R761H). Data on demographics, symptom onset, clinical manifestations, family history, colchicine response were analyzed.
Results
Patients with Exon 2 mutations were older at symptom onset (p < 0.001) and had fewer family histories (p < 0.001). Typical FMF symptoms like fever (p = 0.030) and abdominal pain (p = 0.018) were more common in Exon 10 patients. Conversely, musculoskeletal symptoms, including arthralgia (p = 0.004) and myalgia (p = 0.013), were more frequent in Exon 2 patients. Both groups had similar rates of amyloidosis (p = 1.0). Colchicine was effective in 91.7% of Exon 2 patients and 96.4% of Exon 10 patients (p = 0.376).
Conclusion
Exon 2 mutations are associated with atypical presentations in FMF. Arthralgia and myalgia presentations are mostly indicative of Exon 2 variant, while a family history and earlier age of symptom onset are characteristic of Exon 10 variant. Clinicians should recognize the complex nature of FMF and adopt a personalized approach.
{"title":"Impact of MEFV gene variants on clinical presentation in Familial Mediterranean Fever: A focus on Exon 2 mutations","authors":"Bilal Kulaksiz , Beste Acar , Oguzhan Omer Kizilkaya , Berkay Aktas , Serdal Ugurlu","doi":"10.1016/j.reuma.2025.502040","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.reuma.2025.502040","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim</h3><div>Our study aimed to evaluate the clinical presentation, demographics and colchicine response in Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) patients with Exon 2 mutations (E148Q, R202Q) compared to those with Exon 10 mutations.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A single-center retrospective study was conducted on 98 adult FMF patients diagnosed between 2009 and 2019. Medical records of 41 patients with Exon 2 and 57 patients with Exon 10 mutations were reviewed. In Exon 2 group, 3 patients were homozygous for E148Q, 33 were heterozygous (21 with E148Q, 12 with R202Q), and 5 were compound heterozygous for E148Q and R202Q. In the Exon 10 group, 20 patients were homozygous for M694V, 18 were heterozygous, and 19 had compound heterozygous mutations involving M694V and other Exon 10 variants (V726A, M680I, A744S, R761H). Data on demographics, symptom onset, clinical manifestations, family history, colchicine response were analyzed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Patients with Exon 2 mutations were older at symptom onset (<em>p</em> <!--><<!--> <!-->0.001) and had fewer family histories (<em>p</em> <!--><<!--> <!-->0.001). Typical FMF symptoms like fever (<em>p</em> <!-->=<!--> <!-->0.030) and abdominal pain (<em>p</em> <!-->=<!--> <!-->0.018) were more common in Exon 10 patients. Conversely, musculoskeletal symptoms, including arthralgia (<em>p</em> <!-->=<!--> <!-->0.004) and myalgia (<em>p</em> <!-->=<!--> <!-->0.013), were more frequent in Exon 2 patients. Both groups had similar rates of amyloidosis (<em>p</em> <!-->=<!--> <!-->1.0). Colchicine was effective in 91.7% of Exon 2 patients and 96.4% of Exon 10 patients (<em>p</em> <!-->=<!--> <!-->0.376).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Exon 2 mutations are associated with atypical presentations in FMF. Arthralgia and myalgia presentations are mostly indicative of Exon 2 variant, while a family history and earlier age of symptom onset are characteristic of Exon 10 variant. Clinicians should recognize the complex nature of FMF and adopt a personalized approach.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47115,"journal":{"name":"Reumatologia Clinica","volume":"22 1","pages":"Article 502040"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145877078","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.reuma.2025.502022
José Luis Andreu , Joaquín Borras , José Luis Callejas , Ricard Cervera , Eva Chavarría , Elvira Díez , Fernando León , Carlos Marras , Enrique Morales , Norberto Ortego , Silvia Pérez Ortega , Juan José Ríos Blanco
Introduction
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is one of the most common systemic autoimmune diseases. It presents with a heterogeneous clinical picture and can cause irreversible damage. Its clinical manifestations vary over time, affecting different organs. This variability makes it complex but necessary to monitor, in a standardised and objective way, the manifestations of the disease through validated instruments that determine the degree of activity and the damage associated with the disease.
Objective
To define, through a national consensus, the standardisation of the measurement of health outcomes in SLE with the aim of improving the comprehensive control of patients with this disease.
Conclusions
The measurement of health outcomes in three major domains: disease activity, disease burden and quality of life, could help improve the control of the disease in patients with SLE from a comprehensive perspective, as well as obtaining information on the established therapeutic objectives and therefore allowing better clinical decisions to be made.
{"title":"Proyecto vitales: Consenso en la medición de resultados en salud para un mejor control integral de los pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico","authors":"José Luis Andreu , Joaquín Borras , José Luis Callejas , Ricard Cervera , Eva Chavarría , Elvira Díez , Fernando León , Carlos Marras , Enrique Morales , Norberto Ortego , Silvia Pérez Ortega , Juan José Ríos Blanco","doi":"10.1016/j.reuma.2025.502022","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.reuma.2025.502022","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is one of the most common systemic autoimmune diseases. It presents with a heterogeneous clinical picture and can cause irreversible damage. Its clinical manifestations vary over time, affecting different organs. This variability makes it complex but necessary to monitor, in a standardised and objective way, the manifestations of the disease through validated instruments that determine the degree of activity and the damage associated with the disease.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To define, through a national consensus, the standardisation of the measurement of health outcomes in SLE with the aim of improving the comprehensive control of patients with this disease.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The measurement of health outcomes in three major domains: disease activity, disease burden and quality of life, could help improve the control of the disease in patients with SLE from a comprehensive perspective, as well as obtaining information on the established therapeutic objectives and therefore allowing better clinical decisions to be made.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47115,"journal":{"name":"Reumatologia Clinica","volume":"22 1","pages":"Article 502022"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145877073","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.reuma.2025.502039
Alejandro Balsa , Petra Díaz del Campo Fontecha , en nombre del Grupo Elaborador de la GUIPCAR
{"title":"Guía de Práctica Clínica para el Manejo de Pacientes con Artritis Reumatoide. GUIPCAR 2025","authors":"Alejandro Balsa , Petra Díaz del Campo Fontecha , en nombre del Grupo Elaborador de la GUIPCAR","doi":"10.1016/j.reuma.2025.502039","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.reuma.2025.502039","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":47115,"journal":{"name":"Reumatologia Clinica","volume":"22 1","pages":"Article 502039"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145877074","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.reuma.2025.502023
David Vega-Morales , Jorge Medina-Castillo , Pablo Herrera-Sandate , Ana K. Vazquez-Bañuelos , Rodrigo J. Castillo-de la Garza , Luis A. Chavez-Alvarez , Lourdes Gil-Flores , Julio A. Lagarda-Ramos
Background
Rheumatic diseases significantly impact hand function, leading to disability and reduced quality of life. Various tools assess upper limb function, including the DASH questionnaire, grip strength measurement, and range of motion (ROM) evaluation. However, the most efficient parameters for assessing functional impairment remain unclear.
Objective
To determine the most relevant anthropometric and functional measurements for evaluating hand function impairment in patients with rheumatic diseases, using principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study in 36 patients with inflammatory arthritis, primarily rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Hand function was assessed using the DASH questionnaire, grip and pinch strength tests (Jamar dynamometer and Mathiowetz protocol), and ROM measurements. PCA was applied to identify the most relevant functional variables, and K-means clustering was used to classify patients into functional subgroups.
Results
Grip and pinch strength were the dominant factors, explaining 33.5% of total variance, while ROM contributed less to functional impairment assessment. Cluster analysis identified four functional subgroups, differentiating patients based on grip strength and disability levels (DASH score). Patients with higher grip strength exhibited lower disability, while those with severe disability had significantly weaker grip strength, reinforcing its importance as a functional marker.
Conclusion
Grip strength is a key indicator of upper limb function impairment in RA and other rheumatic diseases. Given its strong association with disability and its dominance in variance explanation, grip strength measurement alone may serve as a time-efficient and reliable assessment tool, especially in resource-limited settings. Further research should validate grip strength as a primary clinical indicator and optimize assessment protocols for rheumatic patients.
{"title":"Principal component and cluster analysis of functional parameters in rheumatic patients: Identifying the most efficient assessment tool","authors":"David Vega-Morales , Jorge Medina-Castillo , Pablo Herrera-Sandate , Ana K. Vazquez-Bañuelos , Rodrigo J. Castillo-de la Garza , Luis A. Chavez-Alvarez , Lourdes Gil-Flores , Julio A. Lagarda-Ramos","doi":"10.1016/j.reuma.2025.502023","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.reuma.2025.502023","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Rheumatic diseases significantly impact hand function, leading to disability and reduced quality of life. Various tools assess upper limb function, including the DASH questionnaire, grip strength measurement, and range of motion (ROM) evaluation. However, the most efficient parameters for assessing functional impairment remain unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To determine the most relevant anthropometric and functional measurements for evaluating hand function impairment in patients with rheumatic diseases, using principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a cross-sectional study in 36 patients with inflammatory arthritis, primarily rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Hand function was assessed using the DASH questionnaire, grip and pinch strength tests (Jamar dynamometer and Mathiowetz protocol), and ROM measurements. PCA was applied to identify the most relevant functional variables, and K-means clustering was used to classify patients into functional subgroups.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Grip and pinch strength were the dominant factors, explaining 33.5% of total variance, while ROM contributed less to functional impairment assessment. Cluster analysis identified four functional subgroups, differentiating patients based on grip strength and disability levels (DASH score). Patients with higher grip strength exhibited lower disability, while those with severe disability had significantly weaker grip strength, reinforcing its importance as a functional marker.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Grip strength is a key indicator of upper limb function impairment in RA and other rheumatic diseases. Given its strong association with disability and its dominance in variance explanation, grip strength measurement alone may serve as a time-efficient and reliable assessment tool, especially in resource-limited settings. Further research should validate grip strength as a primary clinical indicator and optimize assessment protocols for rheumatic patients.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47115,"journal":{"name":"Reumatologia Clinica","volume":"22 1","pages":"Article 502023"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145877075","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
In this study, we aim to evaluate the incidence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in Takayasu arteritis (TA) patients.
Methods
Thirty-four outpatient Takayasu arteritis patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) following the ESC-ERS guidelines. A tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TRV) greater than 3.4 m/s indicated a high probability of pulmonary hypertension (PH). The patients were categorized based on their New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class (FC) and symptomatic status. All patients underwent a six-minute walk test (6MWT) and pulmonary function tests (PFT).
Results
A total of 30 patients with a mean age of 40 ± 9.3 years were enrolled in the study. Among these patients, four (13.3%) were met the criteria for high probability of PH (TRV: 4 ± 0.92), with a mean systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) of 76.7 ± 37. There were no significant differences in terms of age, disease duration, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) between the PH and non-PH groups. However, there was a significant difference in tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion TAPSE/SPAP ratio between NYHA functional class (FC) Group 1 and Group 2 (1.2 ± 0.16 vs 0.83 ± 0.24, p = 0.018). Additionally, TAPSE showed a correlation with forced expiratory volume in the first second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) (r = 0.446, p = 0.043).
Conclusions
Pulmonary hypertension is a not uncommon complication in Takayasu arteritis (13.3% vs 11.3% in the literature). Considering the symptoms and functional capacity, lowering the threshold for initiating transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) evaluation may be beneficial for early risk stratification of pulmonary hypertension in patients with Takayasu arteritis.
目的在本研究中，我们旨在利用经胸超声心动图（TTE）评估高松动脉炎（TA）患者肺动脉高压（PH）的发生率。方法34例门诊高须动脉炎患者按照ESC-ERS指南行经胸超声心动图检查。三尖瓣反流速度（TRV）大于3.4 m/s提示肺动脉高压（PH）的可能性较大。根据纽约心脏协会（NYHA）功能等级（FC）和症状状态对患者进行分类。所有患者都进行了6分钟步行测试（6MWT）和肺功能测试（PFT）。结果共纳入30例患者，平均年龄40±9.3岁。其中4例（13.3%）符合PH高概率标准（TRV: 4±0.92），平均肺动脉收缩压（SPAP）为76.7±37。PH组和非PH组在年龄、病程和红细胞沉降率（ESR）方面没有显著差异。然而，NYHA功能分级（FC） 1组与2组三尖瓣环面收缩漂移TAPSE/SPAP比值差异有统计学意义（1.2±0.16 vs 0.83±0.24,p = 0.018）。此外，TAPSE与第一秒用力呼气量/用力肺活量（FEV1/FVC）相关（r = 0.446, p = 0.043）。结论肺动脉高压是高须动脉炎的常见并发症（文献中分别为13.3%和11.3%）。考虑到症状和功能能力，降低启动经胸超声心动图（TTE）评估的阈值可能有利于高松动脉炎患者肺动脉高压的早期风险分层。
{"title":"Incidence of pulmonary hypertension in patients with Takayasu's arteritis: A transthoracic echocardiographic evaluation","authors":"Ata Koohi , Farid Rashidi , Davood Attaran , Zahra Mirfeizi , Mohammad Hasan Jokar , Alireza Khabbazi , Mehrzad Hajalilou , Ehsan Ramezanian Nik , Hoorac Poorzand , Soroush Attaran , Atiyeh Ghassemi","doi":"10.1016/j.reuma.2025.501994","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.reuma.2025.501994","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim</h3><div>In this study, we aim to evaluate the incidence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in Takayasu arteritis (TA) patients.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Thirty-four outpatient Takayasu arteritis patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) following the ESC-ERS guidelines. A tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TRV) greater than 3.4<!--> <!-->m/s indicated a high probability of pulmonary hypertension (PH). The patients were categorized based on their New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class (FC) and symptomatic status. All patients underwent a six-minute walk test (6MWT) and pulmonary function tests (PFT).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 30 patients with a mean age of 40<!--> <!-->±<!--> <!-->9.3 years were enrolled in the study. Among these patients, four (13.3%) were met the criteria for high probability of PH (TRV: 4<!--> <!-->±<!--> <!-->0.92), with a mean systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) of 76.7<!--> <!-->±<!--> <!-->37. There were no significant differences in terms of age, disease duration, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) between the PH and non-PH groups. However, there was a significant difference in tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion TAPSE/SPAP ratio between NYHA functional class (FC) Group 1 and Group 2 (1.2<!--> <!-->±<!--> <!-->0.16 vs 0.83<!--> <!-->±<!--> <!-->0.24, <em>p</em> <!-->=<!--> <!-->0.018). Additionally, TAPSE showed a correlation with forced expiratory volume in the first second/forced vital capacity (FEV<sub>1</sub>/FVC) (<em>r</em> <!-->=<!--> <!-->0.446, <em>p</em> <!-->=<!--> <!-->0.043).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Pulmonary hypertension is a not uncommon complication in Takayasu arteritis (13.3% vs 11.3% in the literature). Considering the symptoms and functional capacity, lowering the threshold for initiating transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) evaluation may be beneficial for early risk stratification of pulmonary hypertension in patients with Takayasu arteritis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47115,"journal":{"name":"Reumatologia Clinica","volume":"21 10","pages":"Article 501994"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145645934","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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