Reumatologia clinica最新文献

Introduction

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, microvascular damage and cellular and humoral immunity abnormalities. Microvascular damage can be easily detected through nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC).

Materials and methods

A retrospective study of patients with SSc and a NVC performed within the first 6 months after diagnosis was conducted. Visceral involvement in the first 3 years of the disease and NVC findings were collected. The severity of microvascular damage was classified into four categories, according to the worsening of the NVC patterns. The severity of organ involvement was assessed by the disease severity scale of Medsger for each organ and as a global measure of disease severity, the simple summation was used.

Results

A total of 86 patients with SSc were included. A moderate correlation was found between the severity of microvascular damage and the global measure of disease severity (r = 0.55, p < 0.001), the severity of peripheral vascular involvement (r = 0.43, p < 0.001) and the severity of skin involvement (r = 0.34, p = 0.001).

The presence of a late scleroderma pattern in NVC were predictive in univariate analysis of digital ulcers (OR 6.03, 95% CI 1.52–23.86, p = 0.01), muscular involvement (OR 13.09, 95% CI 1.09–156.78, p = 0.04), calcinosis (OR 27.22, 95% CI 5.56–133.33, p < 0.001) and worse global disease severity score (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.17–2.38, p = 0.005). Multivariate analysis adjusted for disease duration and gender confirmed late pattern as an independent predictor of calcinosis (OR 42.89, 95% CI 5.53–332.85, p < 0.001).

Discussion and conclusion

In this study, the worsening of NVC pattern in SSc was associated with the overall disease severity, the severity of peripheral vascular involvement and extension of skin involvement. This study highlights the importance of NVC as a prognostic tool and a possible predictor of systemic visceral involvement.

Background

This study investigates the association between inflammatory myopathies (IM), and their correlation with cancer. There are several potential causes behind the association of cancer and inflammatory myopathies. The positivity of specific antibodies for myositis plays a significant role. Our objective is to describe cancer and inflammatory myopathies in Colombia, focusing on demographics, clinical characteristics, and laboratory data.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 112 IM patients diagnosed at Fundación Valle del Lili in Cali, Colombia, the cases met the EULAR/ACR criteria. Data included demographics, clinical signs, laboratory findings, and malignancy. Malignancy associations were explored using logistic regression. The survival analysis was assessed using Kaplan–Meier curves and the Log-Rank test.

Results

Dermatomyositis was the most common subtype (45.5%), with a female predominance (66.1%). Cancer diagnosis occurred in 11.6% of cases, predominantly thyroid cancer. The median time from myopathy onset to cancer diagnosis was 11 months, with 75% of cases within the first year. Bivariate analysis indicated associations between cancer and age, Gottron's papules, digital ulcers, and heliotrope rash. However, multivariate analysis identified age as the only significant malignancy risk factor. Survival analysis showed better rates in younger patients.

Conclusion

This study provides into the link between IM and cancer in the Colombian population. Thyroid cancer predominated, with a slightly higher proportion of female cancer diagnoses. Age emerged as a significant risk factor for malignancy. Understanding this association is crucial for early detection and improving patient outcomes related to IM-associated malignancies.

An inadequate biomarker validation can affect many patients' diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. Therefore, special interest should be placed on performing these analyses correctly so that biomarkers can be applicable to patients and evidence of their clinical usefulness can be generated. A methodological work on the concept of biomarkers is presented, as well as the difficulties associated with the methodological approach to their development, validation, and implementation in clinical practice.

VEXAS syndrome is a rare entity secondary to UBA1 gene mutations, located on the X chromosome. This mutation generates, as a consequence, a characteristic vacuolation on haematopoietic stem-cells. It is characterized by multiple autoinflammatory and haematologic manifestations, which respond and end up being dependent on corticosteroid treatment. In this publication we present a 2-case series diagnosed at our hospital and make a brief literature review of the published evidence so far.

Introduction and objectives

In this study, we aimed to evaluate LIF levels and its possible relationship with disease activity in patients with Takayasu's (TAK) and Giant cell arteritis (GCA) patients.

Materials and methods

23 Takayasu's arteritis, 9 Giant cell arteritis patients and 25 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Serum LIF levels were measured ELISA.

Results

The mean age of Giant cell arteritis patients was statistically significantly higher than the other groups (p < 0.001). The rate of women was found to be higher in Takayasu's arteritis (p = 0.021). When healthy control, patients with GCA and Takayasu arteritis were compared, there was a difference in LIF values (p = 0.018). In subgroup analyzes, LIF values were found to be higher in GCA patients compared to healthy controls (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant correlation between LIF and CRP (Rho = −0.038, p = 0.778), ESR (Rho = 0.114, p = 0.399) and ITAS (Rho = −0.357, p = 0.094). While CRP was statistically significantly higher in patients with disease activity (p = 0.003), there was no statistically significant difference between patients in terms of ESR and LIF values. While there was a statistically significant relationship between CRP (OR = 1.19 [1.03–1.37], p = 0.018) and disease activity in univariate analyses, no statistically significant variable was found in multivariable analyses.

Conclusions

LIF values were significantly higher in patients with Giant cell arteritis compared to healthy controls.

Introduction

Interstitial lung disease is a leading cause of mortality in patients with systemic sclerosis. Currently, there is a lack of consensus regarding screening, rescreening, diagnosis, and follow-up practices in interstitial lung disease associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc-ILD) in Colombia.

Methods

A structured survey focused on clinical practices in patients with SSc-ILD was conducted. Members of the Asociación Colombiana de Neumología y Cirugía de Tórax (Asoneumocito) and the Asociación Colombiana de Reumatología (Asoreuma) were invited to participate from March 2023 to May 2023.

Results

We surveyed 51 pulmonologists and 44 rheumatologists. Overall, 51.6% reported having access to multidisciplinary team discussion in ILD. Among the 95 participants, 78.9% would routinely perform a high-resolution computed tomography scan of the chest once a diagnosis of systemic sclerosis was established. This practice is more frequent among rheumatologists (84.1%) than among pulmonologists (74.5%). Approximately half of the participants would rescreen patients annually with computed tomography scan (56.8%) if baseline images were negative.

Spirometry (81.1%), diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (80.0%), and 6-min walk test (55.8%) were the most frequently performed tests upon diagnosis of systemic sclerosis. During follow-up, participants would consider repeating pulmonary function tests mostly every 6 months.

Conclusions

Screening of SSc-ILD is high among pulmonologists and rheumatologists. Decision-making on diagnosis and follow-up is similar between specialties, but there are variations in their frequency and indications. Further research is needed to evaluate how to adapt recommendations for assessing SSc-ILD in different settings.

Objective

To design a care protocol in Chronic Inflammatory Arthritis during the pre-conceptional period, pregnancy, postpartum and lactation. This protocol aims to be practical and applicable in consultations where patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatological diseases are treated, thus helping to better control these patients. Likewise, recommendations are offered on when patients could be consulted/referred to a specialized center by the physician.

Methods

A multidisciplinary panel of expert physicians from different specialties identified the key points, analyzed the scientific evidence, and met to develop the care protocol.

Results

The recommendations prepared have been divided into three blocks: rheumatology, gynecology and pediatrics. The first block has been divided into pre-pregnancy, pregnancy and postpartum visits.

Conclusions

This protocol tries to homogenize the follow-up of the patients from the moment of the gestational desire until the year of life of the infants. It is important to perform tests in patients of childbearing age and use drugs compatible with pregnancy. If appropriate, the patient should be referred to specialized units. Multidisciplinarity (rheumatology, gynecology and pediatrics) is essential to improve the control and monitoring of these patients and their offspring.

Introduction and objectives

The Colegio Mexicano de Reumatología (CMR) is a corporation whose brand has two elements—image and identity—that differentiate it from other corporations. We evaluated aspects of CMR's corporate image and identity.

Subjects and methods

To assess corporate image, we designed a survey using proof-of-concept and discrete-choice-experiments approaches. It assessed which definition (orthopedist, rheumatologist, or rehabilitator) was most meaningful in four pain scenarios in healthy adults from the country's Western region.

We used discourse analysis and five readability indices of the CMR website to assess corporate identity.

Results

In total, 700 respondents were included. For every rheumatologist chosen in the hand scenario, respondents chose 1.13 orthopedists and 0.70 rehabilitators. For every rheumatologist chosen in the knee scenario, respondents chose 2.36 orthopedists and 0.64 rehabilitators, whereas 0.85 orthopedists and 0.58 rehabilitators were chosen in the arthritis scenario. Only 38% of the respondents preferred the CMR's definition of a rheumatologist to describe a rheumatologist.

The younger age group preferred orthopedists to rheumatologists (50% vs. 31%, p < 0.001). In the arthritis scenario, the choice of rheumatologist increased from 27% in the elementary school group to 49% in the university group (p < 0.001). Mother was the most influential in healthcare seeking.

The discursive analysis revealed that the CMR is positioned as a “we” restricted to “colleagues;” the patient did not have agentive representation. The semiotic structure of the CMR's mission/vision was deemed imprecise and lacking in statements of value and purpose; the readability scores indicated that the text was challenging and dry.

Conclusions

The CMR's corporate image does not differentiate it from other health providers. CMR's identity seems ambiguous with restricted directionality. It seems pertinent to redefine the CMR.

Background

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is the first-line treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); however, there is heterogeneity in its clinical use. This consensus aims to bridge the gap in SLE treatment by providing practical and valuable recommendations for health professionals.

Methods

The methodology used is based on a systematic literature review and a nominal group technique (NGT). A ten-member scientific committee formulated eight clinically relevant questions. First, a systematic review was conducted to identify the available evidence, which the scientific committee evaluated to developed recommendations based on their expertise, achieving consensus through NGT.

Results

1673 titles and abstracts were screened, and 43 studies were included for meeting the inclusion criteria. The scientific committee established 11 recommendations for HCQ use in initiation, maintenance, and monitoring, considering benefits and potential adverse effects of HCQ. Unanimous agreement was achieved on all recommendations.

Conclusions

The available evidence supports HCQ's effectiveness and safety for SLE. Individualized assessment of the initial HCQ dose is important, especially in situations requiring dose reduction or discontinuation. This risk–benefit assessment, specifically focusing on the balance between retinal toxicity and the risk of SLE relapse, should guide decisions regarding medication withdrawal, considering disease activity, risk factors, and HCQ potential benefits. Close monitoring is essential for optimal disease management and minimize potential risks, such as QT prolongation or retinal toxicity.

Objectives

A subset of gout patients developed persistent joint pain after flares. Analysis of this clinical phenomenon may shed further light on the factors related to worsening gout and even provide clues to its pathogenesis.

Methods

We analyzed the clinical, laboratory, and ultrasound data of gout patients to explore the associations of these data with persistent joint pain after gout flares.

Results

A total of 1029 gout patients were included: 182 (17.7%) patients with persistent joint pain and 847 (82.3%) patients with nonpersistent joint pain. Patients with persistent joint pain had more total involved joints, more gout flares in the past year, and more joints with simultaneous gout flares (P < 0.01). Among the ultrasound-detected lesions, patients with persistent joint pain had a higher incidence of tophus (36.4% vs. 21.1%) and bone erosion (18.6% vs. 8.6%) (P < 0.05). Higher UA and lower TBil were found in patients with persistent joint pain (P < 0.001). Hypertension (54.9% vs. 38.7%) and metabolic syndrome (58.8% vs. 46.4%) were both more frequent in patients with persistent joint pain (P < 0.05). TBil was negatively correlated with the incidence of persistent joint pain (P < 0.001, r = −0.190), UA values (P < 0.001, r = −0.125), and metabolic syndrome scores (P < 0.001, r = −0.192). A correlation curve was fitted using LOESS (locally weighted region).

Conclusion

Persistent joint pain after gout flares is a marker of increased disease burden in gout. The significance of the level of total bilirubin for the exacerbation of gout deserves further study.