Humoral and T Cell Response to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the SARS-CoV-2-specific humoral and T cell response after a two-dose regimen of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: In this observational study, patients with RA who are ≥18 years of age and vaccinated for SARS-CoV-2 according to the Argentine National Health Ministry's vaccination strategy were included. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies (ELISA-COVIDAR test), neutralizing activity (cytotoxicity in VERO cells), and specific T cell response (IFN-γ ELISpot Assay) were assessed after the first and second dose. RESULTS: A total of 120 patients with RA were included. Mostly, homologous regimens were used, including Gam-COVID-Vac (27.5%), ChAdOx1 (24.2%), and BBIBP-CorV (22.5%). The most frequent combination was Gam-COVID-Vac/mRNA-1273 (21.7%). After the second dose, 81.7% presented with anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, 70.0% presented with neutralizing activity, and 65.3% presented with specific T cell response. The use of BBIBP-CorV and treatment with abatacept (ABA) and rituximab (RTX) were associated with undetectable antibodies and no neutralizing activity after two doses. BBIBP-CorV was also associated with the absence of T cell response. The total incidence of adverse events was 357.1 events per 1,000 doses, significantly lower with BBIBP-CorV (166.7 events per 1,000 doses, P < 0.02). CONCLUSION: In this RA cohort vaccinated with homologous and heterologous regimens against COVID-19, 2 out of 10 patients did not develop anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG, 70% presented with neutralizing activity, and 65% presented with specific T cell response. The use of BBIBP-CorV was associated with deficient humoral and cellular response, whereas treatment with ABA and RTX resulted in an impaired anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG formation and neutralizing activity.

Reporte de pacientes con espondiloartritis y arteritis de Takayasu en Argentina: ¿asociación causal o casual? / Report of patients with spondyloarthritis and Takayasu's arteritis in Argentina: is it a causal or casual association?

Introducción: tanto las espondiloartritis (EspA) como la arteritis de Takayasu (TAK) son enfermedades infrecuentes y su asociación es aún más rara. Objetivos: presentar una serie de pacientes con diagnóstico concomitante de EspA o con rasgos de EspA y TAK en Argentina, y realizar una revisión de la literatura respecto de esta asociación. Materiales y métodos: se recopilaron las características demográficas, clínicas y terapéuticas de pacientes con diagnóstico concomitante de EspA o con algunos rasgos de EspA y TAK, de distintos centros de salud de la República Argentina. Resultados: se describen 7 pacientes, de los cuales 4 presentaban EspA, uno con compromiso axial (EspAax) juvenil, otro con artritis psoriásica (APs), otro con espondilitis anquilosante (EA) y el último con EspAax pura, y 3 de ellos tuvieron rasgos de EspA (enfermedad Crohn, psoriasis y oligoartritis asimétrica de grandes articulaciones). En la mayoría de los casos, los rasgos de EspA se presentaron con una mediana de 4 años antes de la TAK. Conclusiones: varios reportes y series de casos relatan la superposición entre estas dos enfermedades. Si bien las mismas podrían compartir cierta base genética común, todavía no contamos con evidencia sólida que permita estimar que esta asociación no es casual.

Introduction: both spondyloarthritis (SpA) and Takayasu arteritis (TAK) are rare diseases, and their association is even rarer. Objectives: to present a series of patients with a concomitant diagnosis of SpA or with features of SpA and TAK in Argentina and review the literature regarding this association. Materials and methods: the demographic, clinical and therapeutic characteristics of patients with a concomitant diagnosis of SpA or with some features of SpA and TAK were collected from different health centers in Argentina. Results: 7 patients are described, of which 4 had SpA, one with juvenile axial involvement (axSpA), another with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), another with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and the last patient with pure axSpA and 3 of them had features of SpA (Crohn's disease, psoriasis and asymmetric oligoarthritis of large joints). In most cases, SpA features presented a median of 4 years before TAK. Conclusions: several case reports and case series reported overlap between these two diseases. Although they could share a certain common genetic basis, we still do not have solid evidence that allows us to estimate that this association is not coincidental.

Comparison of disease activity index for psoriatic arthritis (DAPSA) and minimal disease activity (MDA) targets for patients with psoriatic arthritis: A post hoc analysis of data from phase 3 tofacitinib studies.

OBJECTIVE: To compare achievement of Disease Activity Index in Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA) remission (REM)/low disease activity (LDA) with very low disease activity (VLDA)/minimal disease activity (MDA) targets in tofacitinib-treated patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). METHODS: In this post hoc analysis, data were pooled from two phase 3 studies (6 months' [NCT01882439] and 12 months' [NCT01877668] duration) of patients with PsA receiving tofacitinib 5 or 10 mg twice daily. Cut-offs for DAPSA targets: ≤4 for clinical REM and >4-≤14 for LDA. VLDA and MDA were defined as meeting 7 or ≥5, respectively, of 7 criteria. An ordered logistic regression model was performed to evaluate associations between baseline characteristics and achievement of DAPSA targets as well as VLDA/MDA at month 3. Agreement between achieving DAPSA and VLDA/MDA targets at months 1-6 was assessed via kappa tests. Change from baseline in Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) and Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) Physical Component Summary (PCS) scores (month 6), modified Total Sharp Score (mTSS) and proportion of radiographic non-progressors (mTSS ≤0.5) at month 12 (NCT01877668 only) were compared across DAPSA and VLDA/MDA targets. RESULTS: Increased disease activity at baseline was associated with reduced likelihood of achieving DAPSA-REM/DAPSA-LDA or VLDA/MDA at month 3. There was moderate agreement (kappa values 0.41-0.60) between DAPSA-REM and VLDA, and DAPSA-LDA and MDA, from months 1 to 6, although over half of patients achieving DAPSA-REM and over two thirds of patients achieving DAPSA-LDA, respectively, were not captured by VLDA and MDA. Achieving DAPSA-REM/DAPSA-LDA or VLDA/MDA was associated with improved HAQ-DI and SF-36 PCS scores at month 6, and slightly reduced radiographic progression at month 12. CONCLUSION: This analysis of data from tofacitinib-treated patients with PsA demonstrated moderate agreement between the DAPSA and VLDA/MDA composite instruments. In agreement with previous studies, VLDA and MDA may be more difficult to achieve than DAPSA-REM and DAPSA-LDA, respectively. However, the clinical and prognostic relevance of this finding should be determined. These data support DAPSA and VLDA/MDA as useful tools for evaluating disease activity and treatment response in PsA. CLINICALTRIALS: GOV: NCT01882439; NCT01877668.

Immune Response to SARS-CoV-2 Third Vaccine in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Who Had No Seroconversion After Primary 2-Dose Regimen With Inactivated or Vector-Based Vaccines.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the immune response after a third dose of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with undetectable antibody titers after the primary regimen of 2 doses. METHODS: Patients with RA with no seroconversion after 2 doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and who received a third dose of either an mRNA or vector-based vaccine were included. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies, neutralizing activity, and T cell responses were assessed after the third dose. RESULTS: A total of 21 nonresponder patients were included. At the time of vaccination, 29% were receiving glucocorticoids and 85% biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (including 6 taking abatacept [ABA] and 4 taking rituximab [RTX]). The majority (95%) received the BNT162b2 vaccine and only one of them received the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine. After the third dose, 91% of the patients presented detectable anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and 76% showed neutralizing activity. Compared to other treatments, ABA and RTX were associated with the absence of neutralizing activity in 4 out of 5 (80%) patients and lower titers of neutralizing antibodies (median 3, IQR 0-20 vs 8, IQR 4-128; P = 0.20). Specific T cell response was detected in 41% of all patients after the second dose, increasing to 71% after the third dose. The use of ABA was associated with a lower frequency of T cell response (33% vs 87%, P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: In this RA cohort, 91% of patients who failed to seroconvert after 2 doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine presented detectable anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG after a third dose. The use of ABA was associated with a lower frequency of specific T cell response.

Simplified Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (SASDAS) Versus ASDAS: A Post Hoc Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the Simplified Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (SASDAS) against the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) for measuring and categorizing disease activity using data from the EMBARK trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01258738), a randomized controlled trial of etanercept (ETN) for axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). METHODS: Patients with early active axSpA received ETN 50 mg once weekly (n = 106) or placebo (PBO; n = 109) for 12 weeks in a double-blind manner; they then received open-label ETN for 92 weeks. For this analysis, ASDAS-C-reactive protein (CRP) and SASDAS-CRP were calculated at baseline, week 12, and week 24. The SASDAS was calculated by the linear addition of the ASDAS components without adjustment. RESULTS: A very strong correlation, as determined by the Spearman correlation coefficient, was observed between the ASDAS and SASDAS for continuous variables at baseline and during treatment. For pooled categorical data at baseline, the SASDAS placed 69.9% of patients in the same disease categories as the ASDAS but overestimated for 17.8% of patients and underestimated for 12.2% of patients. A similar pattern was seen postbaseline. Cohen weighted [Formula: see text] statistics for all individual and pooled treatments and timepoints (0.54-0.73) reflected moderate to substantial agreement. The capacity to differentiate between treatments (ie, ETN and PBO/ETN) was higher with the ASDAS (effect size -0.74, 95% CI -1.03 to -0.46) compared with the SASDAS (effect size -0.51, 95% CI -0.79 to -0.23), but sensitivity to change was generally similar. CONCLUSION: A very strong correlation between the SASDAS and ASDAS was observed when considering continuous variables; however, moderate to substantial agreement was observed for categorical data, and the SASDAS classified a lower proportion of patients as being in the inactive and low disease activity categories.

An Argentinean cohort of patients with rheumatic and immune-mediated diseases vaccinated for SARS-CoV-2: the SAR-CoVAC Registry-protocol and preliminary data.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in patients with rheumatic and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) in Argentina: the SAR-CoVAC registry. METHODS: SAR-CoVAC is a national, multicenter, and observational registry. Adult patients with rheumatic or IMIDs vaccinated for SARS-CoV-2 were consecutively included between June 1 and September 17, 2021. Sociodemographic data, comorbidities, underlying rheumatic or IMIDs, treatments received, their modification prior to vaccination, and history of SARS-CoV-2 infection were recorded. In addition, date and place of vaccination, type of vaccine applied, scheme, adverse events (AE), disease flares, and new immune-mediated manifestations related to the vaccine were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 1234 patients were included, 79% were female, with a mean age of 57.8 (SD 14.1) years. The most frequent diseases were rheumatoid arthritis (41.2%), osteoarthritis (14.5%), psoriasis (12.7%), and spondyloarthritis (12.3%). Most of them were in remission (28.5%) or low disease activity (41.4%). At the time of vaccination, 21% were receiving glucocorticoid treatment, 35.7% methotrexate, 29.7% biological (b) disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD), and 5.4% JAK inhibitors. In total, 16.9% had SARS-CoV-2 infection before the first vaccine dose. Most patients (51.1%) received Gam-COVID-Vac as the first vaccine dose, followed by ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (32.8%) and BBIBP-CorV (14.5%). Half of them (48.8%) were fully vaccinated with 2 doses; 12.5% received combined schemes, being the most frequent Gam-COVID-Vac/mRAN-1273. The median time between doses was 51 days (IQR 53). After the first dose, 25.9% of the patients reported at least one AE and 15.9% after the second, being flu-like syndrome and local hypersensitivity the most frequent manifestations. There was one case of anaphylaxis. Regarding efficacy, 63 events of SARS-CoV-2 infection were reported after vaccination, 19% occurred during the first 14 days post-vaccination, 57.1% after the first dose, and 23.8% after the second. Most cases (85.9%) were asymptomatic or mild and 2 died due to COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: In this national cohort of patients, the most common vaccines used were Gam-COVID-Vac and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19. A quarter of the patients presented an AE and 5.1% presented SARS-CoV-2 infection after vaccination, in most cases mild. STUDY REGISTRATION: This study has been registered in ClinicalTrials.gov under the number: NCT04845997. Key Points • This study shows real-world data about efficacy and safety of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with rheumatic and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Interestingly, different types of vaccines were used including vector-based, mRNA, and inactivated vaccines, and mixed regimens were enabled. • A quarter of the patients presented an adverse event. The incidence of adverse events was significantly higher in those receiving mRAN-1273 and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19. • In this cohort, 5.1% presented SARS-CoV-2 infection after vaccination, in most cases mild.

Peripheral arthritis and higher disease activity lead to more functional impairment in axial spondyloarthritis: Longitudinal analysis from ESPAXIA.

OBJETIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether peripheral arthritis together with disease activity independently contribute to functional impairment over time in patients with axSpA and to evaluate if there are contextual factors modifying this relationship. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with axial spondyloarthritis from the ESPAXIA cohort were followed-up annually over a mean of 3.7 years. Physical function was assessed by the self-reported questionnaire BASFI, disease activity by ASDAS and peripheral arthritis was also recorded. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to investigate longitudinal association between peripheral arthritis, ASDAS and BASFI as the outcome. Autoregressive models (adjusted for BASFI 1 year earlier) were run to allow for a truly longitudinal interpretation. Interactions between each of ASDAS and peripheral arthritis with contextual factors (age, gender, educational level, smoking, job type) were tested. RESULTS: 185 patients (77 % male, mean (SD) age 42 (13) years old and mean disease duration (SD) of 9.4 (9.6) years) were included. ASDAS and peripheral arthritis independently contributed to explaning BASFI over time. Contextual factors did not modify either of the relationships. A true longitudinal relation was proven with the autoregressive GEE model, showing that, adjusted for age, gender, spinal mobility and use of NSAIDs, an increase of one ASDAS unit led to a BASFI 0.48 units higher (ß 0.48 [95%CI 0.39, 0.57]), and the presence of peripheral arthritis, to a BASFI 0.44 units higher (ß 0.44 [95%CI 0.08, 0.8]). CONCLUSION: Peripheral arthritis and higher disease activity independently lead to more functional impairment in axSpA over time. Contextual factors do not modify these relationships.

Definition and construct validation of clinically relevant cutoffs on the Flare Assessment in Rheumatoid Arthritis (FLARE-RA) questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE: The Flare Assessment in Rheumatoid Arthritis (FLARE-RA) questionnaire was devised for the detection of flares in patients with RA. We aimed to define construct validity and cut-off(s) for the FLARE-RA questionnaire. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included adult patients with prevalent RA (2010 ACR/EULAR criteria) attending outpatient rheumatology clinics in France (n = 138), Denmark (n = 253), USA (n = 75), and Argentina (n = 105). Flare occurrence over the past 3 months was assessed with the FLARE-RA questionnaire scoring from 0 (no flare) to 10 (maximum flare). The cut-offs for the FLARE-RA score were defined using the following anchor items obtained at the same encounter: (1) Patient report of flare; (2) DAS28-CRP > 3.2; (3) Change of anti-rheumatic treatment, based on the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and distance to (0,1). RESULTS: Four hundred seventy four patients with RA duration ≥2 years (mean age 58.6 years, 74.9% female) were included in the main analysis. The discrimination for the FLARE-RA cut-offs was acceptable-to-excellent: AUC for the global FLARE-RA score ranged from 0.71 to 0.92. The cut-offs for the FLARE-RA score were lower using "patient report of flare" than DAS28-CRP and "change of anti-rheumatic treatment". Proposed FLARE-RA cut-offs for clinical detection and change of anti-rheumatic treatment are 2 and 5, respectively, for patients with RA duration 2-5 years, and 2 and 3.5, respectively, for patients with RA duration >5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Proposed FLARE-RA cut-offs have acceptable discriminative capacity across the tested anchor items and are expected to aid in early recognition and timely management of RA flares.

The -2518 A/G polymorphism in the monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 gene (MCP-1) is associated with an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis in Argentine patients.

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of nucleotide transition (G/A) in position -2518 of the MCP-1 gene related to the susceptibility of developing RA. Two hundred twenty-three consecutive RA patients according to 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria were included; 120 healthy subjects were used as controls. MCP-1 -2518 A/G polymorphism (AG + GG) was present in 162 (72.6 %) RA patients and in 63 (52.5 %) healthy subjects [OR 2.44 (IC95% 1.53-3.88, p = 0.0002)]; associations for heterozygotes and homozygotes were OR 1.92 (IC95% 1.19-3.15, p = 0.001) and OR 5.19 (IC95% 2.34-11.51, p = 0.001), respectively. In Argentine patients, MCP-1 gene polymorphism confers susceptibility for developing RA.

A simplified version of Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

This study aimed to develop a simplified version of the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS). The study included consecutive patients with ankylosing spondylitis according to modified New York and/or Assessment in Ankylosing Spondylitis 2009 criteria. Sociodemographic data and characteristics of the disease (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), and Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (ASQoL)) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were collected. ASDAS simplified version (SASDAS) was calculated as the simple linear sum of the five components of ASDAS which include: patient global assessment using visual analogue scale, back pain (BASDAI question no. 2), peripheral pain and swelling (BASDAI question no. 3), morning stiffness (BASDAI question no. 6), and ESR in millimeters per hour, divided by 10 so as to make it equivalent to the other scale's components. Eighty-six patients were included: 69 (80.2 %) were men with a median age of 46 years and median disease duration of 19 years. SASDAS showed an excellent correlation with the ASDAS (r = 0.93). SASDAS also showed a good correlation with night pain (r = 0.60), global pain (r = 0.69), ASQoL (r = 0.70), BASFI (r = 0.75), and BASDAI (r = 0.96). Using ASDAS cut-off values previously suggested, the corresponding cut-off values for SASDAS were as follows: from 0 to 7.8 (inactive disease), from 7.9 to 13.8 (moderate disease activity), from 13.9 to 27.6 (high disease activity), and above 27.6 (very high disease activity) with optimum sensitivity and specificity. SASDAS showed an excellent correlation with conventional clinical measures of disease activity, and it can be easily calculated and is simple to use in daily clinical practice.

Quality of life of patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Argentina: reliability, validity, and sensitivity to change of a Spanish version of the Rheumatoid Arthritis Quality of Life questionnaire.

The Rheumatoid Arthritis Quality of Life (RAQoL) questionnaire is the first needs-based instrument specifically designed to measure quality of life (QoL) of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aims of our study were to develop an Argentinean version of the RAQoL and to determine its reproducibility, validity, and sensitivity to change in patients with RA. Translation process was performed according to internationally accepted methodology. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were calculated. Criterion and construct validity were assessed by comparing the RAQoL with parameters of disease activity, the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item health survey (SF-36) questionnaire. Sensitivity to change was measured at 6-12 months using standardized response mean (SRM). The minimal important change was defined as a change of 1 or 1.96 times the standard error of measurement. A total of 97 patients with RA were included. Cronbach's α was 0.93, and test-retest reliability was 0.95. The RAQoL showed moderate to strong correlation with parameters of disease activity, the HAQ, and the SF-36. Functional status was the main determinant of patients' level of QoL. The SRM of the RAQoL was 0.24. Agreement between 20 % improvement in RAQoL and ACR20 response was moderate. Minimal important change was 2.2 (1 SEM) or 4.3 (1.96 SEM). The Argentinean version of the RAQoL is the first Spanish translation of this questionnaire. Our findings show it to be valid, reliable, and sensitive to changes in RA clinical status.

Validación del cuestionario Rheumatoid Arthritis Impact of Disease (RAID) en pacientes argentinos con artritis reumatoidea temprana y establecida / Validation o fan Argentine version f the Rheumatoid Arthritis impact of Disease (RAID) in patients with early and established rheumatoid arthritis

Introducción: El RAID es un autocuestionario que evalúa el status global de los pacientes y mide siete dimensiones o dominios de salud. Objetivo: Validar el cuestionario RAID en una población de pacientes argentinos con diagnóstico de Artritis Reumatoidea establecida (AR) y Artritis Reumatoidea Temprana (ART). Determinar sus principales variables asociadas y establecer qué tipo de cálculo es más conveniente. Métodos: Se incluyeron pacientes con diagnóstico de ART (≤2 años de evolución) y AR establecida (>2 años de evolución) según criterios ACR ‘87. Todos los pacientes completaron los cuestionarios RAID, RAPID3, HAQ-A, y RAQoL. Se consignó la evaluación global de la enfermedad por el paciente y por el médico por Escala Visual Análoga (EVA). Se determinó Eritrosedimentación (ERS) dentro de los 10 días de la visita. Se calcularon los índices compuestos DAS28, IAS y CDAI. Resultados: Se incluyeron 99 pacientes. Un 88,9% de sexo femenino, con una edad mediana de 53 años y un tiempo mediano de evolución de 12 años. El RAID presentó buena correlación con el RAQoL (r = 0,71), HAQ-A (r = 0,62), también con los índices de actividad DAS28 (r = 0,55), RAPID3 (r = 0,90), IAS (r = 0,62), CDAI (r = 0,66). El resultado final del RAID mostró una excelente correlación entre el cálculo ponderado y el promediado (r = 0,99). El tiempo en completar el cuestionario fue de 131 segundos (RIC 122-151), el tiempo mediano de cálculo del ponderado fue de 44 segundos (RIC 40-47) y del promediado fue de 11 segundos (RIC 9,5-12,5). Discusión: El RAID es un cuestionario válido y confiable. Presentó una muy buena correlación con otras medidas de evaluación y constituye una herramienta simple para determinar en forma global el status general del paciente.

Riesgo cardiovascular en una cohorte de pacientes con espondilitis anquilosante / Cardiovascular risk in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Objetivos: Determinar la prevalencia de factores de riesgo y enfermedad cardiovascular en pacientes con EA, estimar el riesgo cardiovascular a 10 años a través del score de Framingham/ATPIII y evaluar la asociación entre actividad inflamatoria de la enfermedad y el riesgo de un evento cardiovascular. Métodos: Se incluyeron pacientes consecutivos con diagnóstico de EA según criterios de New York modificados. Se consignaron datos sobre factores de riesgo cardiovascular, evaluación clinimétrica, índice de actividad medida por BASDAI y tratamiento farmacológico. Se utilizó el score de Framingham/ATPIII para estimar el riesgo cardiovascular a 10 años. Resultados: Se evaluaron 44 pacientes con EA y 44 controles, con una edad mediana de 38,5 años, 86,4% varones. Los pacientes tuvieron una mediana de índice de BASDAI de 3,8 (RIC 2,10-5,81). La frecuencia de factores de riesgo cardiovascular y marcadores de inflamación fue similar en ambos grupos. La enfermedad cardiovascular fue más frecuente en el grupo con EA (13,6% vs. 2,3%, p= 0,11). No hubo diferencia en el riesgo cardiovascular estimado a 10 años entre pacientes y controles. La actividad de la enfermedad no se asoció con mayor riesgo cardiovascular. Conclusión: Los pacientes con EA tienen mayor frecuencia de enfermedad cardiovascular y su riesgo puede estar asociado con factores diferentes a los observados en la población general.

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factorsand cardiovascular disease in patients with AS; to determine the 10 yearcardiovascular risk by Framingham/ATPIII score, and to establish an associationbetween disease activity and increased cardiovascular risk.Methods: Consecutive patients with AS diagnosed by the modifiedNew York classification criteria were included. Data about cardiovascularrisk factors, clinimetry, BASDAI activity score and pharmacologicaltreatment were registered.Results: 44 patients and 44 controls were included, with a medianage of 38.5 years, 86.4% were men. BASDAI score was 3.85 (IQR0-8). Patients and controls had similar frequency of cardiovascularrisk factors and inflammatory markers. Cardiovascular disease wasmore frequent in AS patients (13.6% vs. 2.3%, p = 0.11). No differencewas found in the estimated cardiovascular risk at 10 yearsbetween patients and controls. Disease activity did not associate withan increased cardiovascular risk.Conclusion: Patients with AS have more cardiovascular disease andthe risk may be associated with factors different than those observedin the general population.

Validación del cuestionario RAPID3 en una cohorte de pacientes con artritis reumatoidea temprana y establecida, y su correlación con otros índices de actividad / Validation of RAPID3 questionnaire in a cohort of patients with early and established rheumatoid arthritis and its correlation with other activity indices

Introducción: El RAPID3 es un índice de actividad que incluye tres medidasauto-reportadas por el paciente: la función física, el dolor y la evaluación global de la enfermedad por el paciente. Objetivos: Validar el cuestionario RAPID3 en pacientes con AR temprana y establecida, evaluar su correlación con otros índices de actividad y medidas de evaluación y determinar el tiempo en completar y calcular el cuestionario.Métodos: Se incluyeron pacientes con diagnóstico de AR temprana (<2 años de evolución) y establecida. Todos los pacientes completaron HAQ-A, RAPID3 y RAQoL. Se determinó evaluación global de la enfermedad por el paciente y el médico por EVA. Se midió ERS el día de la visita. Se calculó DAS28, CDAI e IAS. Se cronometró el tiempo en completar y calcular el cuestionario. Resultados: Se evaluaron 112 pacientes. RAPID3 presentó un buena correlación con DAS28 (r=0,60), CDAI (r=0,60) e IAS (r=0,62) y una muy buena correlación con HAQ-A (r=0,83) y RAQoL (r=0,75). La mediana en completar el cuestionario fue de 139 segundos y la mediana en calcularlo fue de 11 segundos. Discusión: RAPID3 es un cuestionario válido, sencillo, fácil de completar y de rápido cálculo. Presentó una buena correlación con otros índices de actividad como así también con HAQ-A y RAQoL.

Factors associated with disability in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Analyze disability determinants in a cohort of Argentine patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Consecutive patients with RA, according to ACR'87 criteria, were recruited from 6 rheumatology centers. Demographic and socioeconomic data, family history, comorbid diseases, extra-articular manifestations and information about received treatments were provided. Disease activity was assessed using Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS 28) and the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ)-A was used for the functional capacity. Hand and feet radiographs were assessed using Sharp-van der Heijde score. RESULTS: A total of 640 patients with RA were included, of which 85.2% were females. Mean age was 53 years (interquartile range [IQR], 44-62) and mean disease duration was 8 years (IQR, 4-14). DAS 28 mean was 2.72 (IQR, 1.7-3.7) and HAQ-A mean was 0.62 (IQR, 0.13-1.25). Multiple linear regression showed that the main variables associated with disability were DAS 28, radiologic damage and age. Main predictors of functional disability in the multiple logistic regression using severe HAQ (>2) as dependent variable were DAS 28 (OR, 2; P < 0.0001); age (OR, 1; P = 0.008); and structural damage (OR, 1; P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this population, the disease activity was the variable that showed the highest impact on the physical function. Radiologic damage affected HAQ as the disease progressed.

Caracterización inmunogenética de pacientes con espondilitis anquilosante en Argentina / Immunogenetic profile of ankylosing spondylitis in Argentina

Objetivo: Evaluar la influencia del polimorfismo genético del HLA clase I y II, TNF e IL1 en pacientes argentinos con espondilitis anquilosante (EA). Material y métodos: Este fue un estudio de asociación en el que se incluyeron pacientes con EA clasificados de acuerdo a los criterios de New York modificados. Se registraron datos demográficos y clínicos de la enfermedad. Un grupo no relacionado, pero pareado, de 154 personas fue utilizado como grupo control. La genotipificaciónfue realizada utilizando técnicas basadas en la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa. Se evaluaron alelos HLA clase I (A y B) y II (DR), polimorfismos de nucleótido simples del TNF (-238 y 308) y del gen IL1 (-511 y +3954). Resultados: Se incluyeron 52 pacientes con EA, de los cuales 90,4% fueron varones, con una edad mediana de 44 años rango intercuartilo (RIQ) 34-53. Confirmamos la asociación del HLA-B27 con la enfermedad (90,4% vs. 5,2%, con OR: 171,5, p = 1x10-30). El subtipo más frecuente tanto en pacientes como en controles fue el B27*05 (85%). La comparación de alelos de clase A y B no B27 entre controles y pacientes no mostró diferencias significativas. La comparación entre los alelos clase II evidenció una mayor frecuencia del HLA-DR1 (59,6% vs. 20%, OR: 6,1, p = 1x10-5). El genotipo TNF -308 GA fue un factor de riesgo (94% vs. 81%, OR: 3,96, p = 0,02), mientras que el genotipo -238 GA fue protector (53% vs. 76%, OR: 0,19, p >0,0001). El alelo IL1β-511C se asoció con la EA (66% vs. 53%, OR: 1,74, p = 0,03). Conclusión: En el presente estudio, hemos replicado por primera vez en la población argentina la influencia del HLA, TNF e IL1 ;en la EA. Estos hallazgos permiten una comprensión homogénea de la fisiopatogenia de la enfermedad.

Objective: To determine the influence of the genetic polymorphismof HLA class I and II, TNFα and IL1β in Argentinean patients withankylosing spondylitis. Material and Methods: This was an association study where AS patients according to modified New York criteria were included. Werecorded demographic and clinical data of the disease. A non related but age and sex matched group of 154 people was used as controls. Genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. We evaluated HLA class I (A and B) and class II (DR), single nucleotide polymorphism of the TNFα (-238 and 308) and IL1β (-511 and +3954). Results: We included 52 patients with AS of whom 90.4% were male with a median age of 44 years (IQR 34-53). We confirm the association of HLA-B27 with disease (90.4% vs 5.2%. OR 171.5, p= 1x10-30). The most common subtype in both patients and controls was B27*05 (85%). Comparison between class A and B alleles non B27 between controls and patients did not show significant differences. Comparison between class II alleles showed a statistically significant higher frequency of HLA-DR1 in AS patients (59.6% vs.20% OR 6.1, p = 1x10-5). TNF -308 GA genotype was a risk factor for AS (94% vs. 81% OR 3.96 p = 0.02), while the -238 GA genotype had a protective effect and was more frequently observed in controls (76% vs. 53%, OR 0.19, p >0.0001). IL1β -511 allele wasassociated with a higher susceptibility to AS (66% vs. 53%, OR 1.74 p = 0.03).Conclusion: In the present study, we have replicated for the first time in the Argentinean population, the influence of HLA, TNFα, and IL1β in patients with AS. These findings allow a uniform understanding of the physiopathology of the disease.

Evaluación de puntos de corte del Índice de Actividad Simplificado (IAS) mediante su comparación con DAS28 / Evaluation of cut-off points of the “Índice de Actividad Simplificado” (IAS) through comparison with DAS28

Introducción: El IAS es un índice de actividad desarrollado en el 2005 para Artritis Reumatoidea, el cual consiste en la suma de articulaciones dolorosas y tumefactas (de un recuento de 28 articulaciones), el valor en centímetros de la evaluación de actividad de la enfermedad realizada por el paciente y por el médico mediante Escala Analógica Visual (EVA), y el valor de la Velocidad de Sedimentación Globular (VSG) dividido en 10. Objetivo: Identificar puntos de corte del IAS para las categorías de actividad de la AR (remisión, baja, moderada y severa) en base a los puntos de cortes establecidos para DAS28. Métodos: Se incluyeron pacientes consecutivos con AR (ACR´87). Se evaluaron las siguientes variables: recuento de articulaciones dolorosas (28) y tumefactas (28), rigidez matinal, EVA del dolor, EVA global paciente y médico, HAQ-A, proteína C reactiva (PCR) en mg/dl y VSG. Se calcularon DAS28, Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) y el IAS. Análisis estadístico: Correlación por test de Spearman (rs). Análisis por curvas ROC. Análisis de Varianza No Paramétrica de Kruskall- Wallis. Prueba No Paramétrica de Mann-Whitney. Un valor de p ≤0.05 fue considerado significativo. Resultados: Se incluyeron para el análisis 336 pacientes (86% mujeres). El IAS presentó una correlación positiva con CDAI y DAS28 (rs 0.9), recuento articular (rs 0.8), EVA global paciente y médico (rs 0.7), EVA del dolor (rs 0.6), HAQ-A y rigidez matinal (rs 0.5). Un valor de IAS de 5.5 diferenció remisión de baja actividad de la AR (Sensibilidad 90%, Especificidad 66%; Área Bajo la Curva - AUC - 0.78); un valor de 10 separó baja de moderada actividad (Sensibilidad 91%, Especificidad 73% - AUC 0.93); y 25 puntos diferenciaron actividad moderadade severa (Sensibilidad 91%, Especificidad 87% - AUC 0.96). Conclusiones: El IAS presenta buena correlación con otros índices de actividad (DAS28, CDAI).

Effects of functional electrostimulation on pain, muscular strength, and functional capacity in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is a common cause of chronic disability in patients with quadriceps muscle weakness. Beneficial effects have been proposed for functional electrostimulation (FES) and exercise at the muscle level. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to begin to compare the effects of both therapeutic modalities on quadriceps muscle strength, pain, and functional capacity in patients with OA of the knee and to prove whether the combination of these modalities provides greater benefits than the use of each therapeutic modality alone. METHODS: This pilot study included 37 patients with OA of the knee who were assessed at baseline and at 8 weeks, accounting for the following variables: body mass index, knee pain (measured using a VAS), WOMAC, quadriceps strength (measured using a dynamometer) and 6-minute walk test. Patients were randomized into 3 groups: (A) 8 patients who received FES 3 times per week; (B) 10 patients recruited into a twice-a-week physical training program; and (C) 8 patients under combined therapy; 29.7% of patients were lost to follow-up due to noncompliance with the treatment plan, leaving a total of 26 patients at 8 weeks. RESULTS: Pain and WOMAC improved in all 3 groups; strength improved significantly in the exercise-only group; the FES + exercise combination improved strength significantly when compared with the individual therapeutic procedures. CONCLUSIONS: FES merits a larger placebo-controlled study as it may prove to be useful patients with OA of the knee; the combination with exercise was helpful in improving muscle strength. This technique may be considered in patients who are unable to carry out physical activity due to health problems or in those who are not interested in physical activity.