DKK-1 in psoriatic arthritis: Correlation with disease activity and enthesopathy.

BACKGROUND: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a complex inflammatory disease with varied clinical characteristics. A pathognomonic characteristic of PsA is enthesitis. Entheseal inflammation ultimately leads to the production of new bone (enthesophytes). Dickkopf-related protein-1 (DKK-1) is a wingless (Wnt) inhibitor that inhibits osteoblast function. OBJECTIVES: Assessment of the serum level of DKK-1 and its association with disease activity and enthesopathy in PsA patients. METHODS: This observational case-control study included 50 PsA patients and 50 healthy volunteers matched for age and gender. All participants were subjected to full medical history, clinical assessment, PSA activity using Disease Activity Index for Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA) score, the severity and extent of psoriasis were determined by the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). Ultrasonographic assessment of the entheses was done in accordance with the Madrid Sonographic Enthesitis Index (MASEI). Serum level of DKK-1 and correlation with disease activity and enthesopathy in PsA patients were assessed. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between patients and controls regarding age and sex. The mean value of SPARCC index, DAPSA score and PASI score were 6.74±4.58, 33.24±15.26, and 8.35±10.93, respectively. There was significant difference between patients and controls regarding the serum levels of DKK-1 and MASEI score (p<0.0001). There was a significant positive correlation between serum DKK-1 and MASEI (r: 0.43527, p: 0.00158), MASEI inflammatory (r: 0.37958, p: 0.00655), and MASEI damage (r: 0.38384, p: 0.00593). CONCLUSIONS: Serum DKK-1 levels were elevated in PsA patients and were found to be correlated with MASEI score for enthesopathy.

Metabolic syndrome in systemic lupus erythematosus patients under Mediterranean diet.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a chronic proinflammatory and prothrombotic condition that exacerbates insulin resistance, oxidative damage, and cardiovascular risk, being more prevalent in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic multisystemic autoimmune disorder. This study aim was to determine the prevalence of MetS and associations with SLE clinical characteristics, cardiovascular risk and dietary pattern in a population of Spanish SLE patients. DESIGN AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 293 patients was conducted (90.4% females; mean age 46.8 (12.94)). The diagnosis of MetS was established based on the criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI-2K) and SDI Damage Index were used to assess disease activity and disease-related damage, respectively. Med Diet adherence was assessed through a 14 items questionnaire on food consumption frequency and habits. RESULTS: MetS was present in 15% SLE patients. Triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, systolic blood pressure and waist circumference were significantly increased (p<0.001) in the group of MetS patients. Patients with MetS showed significantly increased SDI damage index (1.70 (1.69) vs 0.88 (1.12), p<0.001) and complement C3 level (118.70 (32.67) vs 107.55 (26.82), p=0.011). No significant differences were observed according to Med Diet adherence level. CONCLUSION: We observed a lower prevalence of MetS in SLE than that reported in previous studies, which may be a result of the good level of adherence to the MedDiet in our study sample. Additionally, MetS was associated with higher SDI and complement C3 levels but no with medication use.

Circulating leptin levels in the assessment of Crohn's disease activity and its relation to nutritional status.

Introduction: Objective: to evaluate leptin levels and its relation to nutritional status in Crohn's disease (CD). Methods: the study included 154 CD patients and healthy controls. Leptin level was determined before treatment. Nutrition levels were assessed using the Nutrition Risk Screening 2002 (NRS-2002) and Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA). Indicators included body mass index (BMI), mid-arm circumference, the circumference of the upper-arm muscle, triceps skinfold thickness, and circumference of legs. Results: leptin levels differed between CD patients (1,025 ± 874 ng/ml) and controls (18,481,222 ng/ml). Significant differences were seen in NRS-2002, PG-SGA scores, BMI and other nutritional indicators. Negative correlations were observed between leptin and NRS-2002, PG-SGA scores, while positive correlations were observed with other nutritional indicators. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed association between leptin and the diagnosis of CD, suggesting leptin concentration below 803.02 ng/ml as a threshold for CD. Conclusion: dysfunctional leptin regulation may relate to poor nutritional status associated with CD. The leptin level is thus an additional tool for evaluating CD patients, predicting disease activity and clinical response. Leptin may be a potential target for intervention in CD to improve nutritional status.

Introducción: Objetivo: evaluar los niveles de leptina y su relación con el estado nutricional en la enfermedad de Crohn (EC). Métodos: se incluyeron 154 pacientes con EC y controles sanos. El nivel de leptina se determinó antes del tratamiento. La situación nutricional se evaluó mediante el examen de riesgo nutricional 2002 (NRS-2002) y la Valoración Global Subjetiva Generada por el Paciente (VGS-GP). Los indicadores incluyen el índice de masa corporal (IMC), la circunferencia media del brazo, la circunferencia del músculo superior del brazo, el grosor del pliegue cutáneo del tríceps y la circunferencia de las piernas. Resultados: los niveles de leptina difirieron entre los pacientes con EC (1.025 ± 874 ng/ml) y los controles (18.481.222 ng/ml). Se observaron diferencias significativas en NRS-2002, puntajes de VGS-GP, IMC y otros indicadores nutricionales. Se observaron correlaciones negativas entre leptina y NRS-2002, puntuaciones de VGS-GP, mientras que se observaron correlaciones positivas con otros indicadores nutricionales. La curva ROC mostró asociación entre leptina y el diagnóstico de EC, sugiriendo concentraciones de leptina por debajo de 803,02 ng/ml como umbral para EC. Conclusión: puede relacionarse la alteración en la regulación de la leptina con la peor situación nutricional en enfermos con EC.La leptina puede ser un objetivo potencial para la intervención en EC a fin de mejorar el estado nutricional.

Evolución de la Enfermedad por el virus del Chikungunya en pacientes con Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico

Introducción: La Enfermedad por el virus del Chikungunya (CHIKV) es una virosis que se caracteriza por fiebre acompañada de dolores articulares. La epidemia de esta enfermedad en los últimos dos años causó más de cien mil casos confirmados y sospechosos, incluido personas con Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico (LES). Objetivo: Los objetivos del siguiente trabajo consistieron en determinar la evolución de la Enfermedad por el CHIKV en pacientes con LES, caracterizar a la población incluida en el estudio, determinar la frecuencia de la Enfermedad por el CHIKV en pacientes con LES, describir las manifestaciones clínicas de la Enfermedad por el CHIKV en pacientes con LES y registrar la impresión de los pacientes en relación con la actividad de la enfermedad y las manifestaciones clínicas que aparecieron posterior a la Enfermedad por el CHIKV. Metodología: El estudio realizado fue de tipo descriptivo de corte transversal. Se incluyeron 101 pacientes con Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico, a quienes se les encuestó mediante un formulario virtual. Los investigadores establecieron contacto con los pacientes a través de llamadas telefónicas o mensajería, y si los pacientes aceptaban participar en el estudio, se les enviaba el formulario o, en algunos casos, se completaba durante la llamada telefónica, si el paciente lo solicitaba. Resultados: El valor de la media de edad es de 38,2 ± 11,8 años. El 85,1% (86/101) de los pacientes corresponden al sexo femenino, mientras que el 14,9% (15/101) corresponde al sexo masculino. El 37,6% (38/101) presentó la enfermedad por el CHIKV, la cual se caracterizó en la fase aguda por la presencia de artralgias en un 84,2% (32/38), fiebre en un 71,1% (27/38), debilidad en un 57,9% (22/38) y cefalea en un 55,3% (21/38). En la fase subaguda, las artralgias se manifestaron mayoritariamente en un 73,7% (28/38) de los pacientes. La fase crónica estuvo presente en el 71,1% (27/38) con la persistencia de artralgias en un 81,48% (22/27) de los pacientes acompañada de otros síntomas como la artritis en un 40,74% (11/27). A causa de la enfermedad por el CHIKV, el 21,1% (8/38) recibió la indicación en la fase subaguda o crónica de realizar cambios en su medicación para el LES. El 62,5% (5/8) recibió la indicación de aumentar la dosis del corticoesteroide, mientras que el 50% (4/8) de aumentar la dosis del inmunosupresor. Según la impresión de los pacientes, en cuanto a la actividad de la enfermedad de base, posterior a la enfermedad por el CHIKV, presentaron una exacerbación del LES en un 10,5% (4/38) de los pacientes, de los cuales un 50% (2/4) refirieron exacerbación de síntomas ya existentes antes de la infección y la aparición de nuevos síntomas en un 50% (2/4). El 5,2% (2/38) tuvo requerimiento de hospitalización debido a la enfermedad por el CHIKV en la fase aguda. Conclusión: Las artralgias fueron frecuentes en las fases aguda, subaguda y crónica. En términos de tratamiento, algunos pacientes ajustaron sus medicaciones para el LES, aumentando la dosis de inmunosupresores o corticoides. En cuanto a la evolución, la mayoría de los pacientes no experimentaron una exacerbación de la enfermedad de base debido a la enfermedad por el CHIKV, al igual que solo un par de pacientes requirió hospitalización.

Introduction: Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) disease is a viral disease characterised by fever accompanied by joint pain. The epidemic of this disease in the last two years has caused more than 100,000 confirmed and suspected cases, including people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Objective: The objectives of the following work were to determine the evolution of CHIKV disease in patients with SLE, to characterise the study population, to determine the frequency of CHIKV disease in patients with SLE, to describe the clinical manifestations of CIHKV disease in patients with SLES, and to record the patients' impression of disease activity in relation to CHIKV disease in patients with SLE. Methodology: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study. It included 101 patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, who were surveyed using a virtual form. The investigators contacted patients by phone calls or messages, and if patients agreed to enter the study, the form was sent to them or, in some cases, completed during the telephone call, if requested by the patient. Results: The mean age value is 38.2 ± 11.8 years. The female sex accounted for 85.1% (86/101) of the patients, while 14.9% (15/101) were male. Chikungunya virus disease occurred in 37.6% (38/101) and was characterised in the acute phase by arthralgias in 84.2% (32/38), fever in 71.1% (27/38), weakness in 57.9% (22/38) and headache in 55.3% (21/38). In the subacute phase, arthralgias manifested in 73.7% (28/38) of patients. The chronic phase was present in 71.1% (27/38) with persistence of arthralgias in 81.48% (22/27) of patients accompanied by other symptoms such as arthritis in 40.74% (11/27). Due to CHIKV disease, 21.1% (8/38) received an indication in the subacute or chronic phase to make changes in their medication for SLE. 62.5% (5/8) received an indication to increase the dose of corticosteroid, while 50% (4/8) received an indication to increase the dose of immunosuppressant. According to the patients' impression of the baseline disease activity following CHIKV disease, patients reported an exacerbation of SLE in 10.5% (4/38) of patients, of whom 50% (2/4) reported exacerbation of symptoms already existing before infection, the appearance of new symptoms in 50% (2/4). Only 5.2% (2/38) referred to hospitalization due to CHKV disease in the acute phase. Conclusion: Arthralgias were frequent in the acute, subacute, and chronic phases. In terms of treatment, some patients adjusted their SLE medications, increasing the dose of immunosuppressants or corticosteroids. In terms of evolution, most patients did not experience an exacerbation of their baseline disease due to CHIKV disease, and only a couple of patients required hospitalization.

Rheumatoid arthritis. / Artritis reumatoide.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory multisystemic disease of unknown etiology and autoimmune nature that predominantly affects peripheral joints in a symmetrical fashion. Although much progress has been made in understanding the pathophysiology of RA, its etiology remains unknown. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 play the important roles in the pathogenesis and maintenance of inflammation in RA. The presence of anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies aids in the diagnosis in patients with undifferentiated polyarthritis and is associated with a more aggressive RA. The natural history of RA causes joint deformity and disability, as well as reduced life expectancy, both due to increased cardiovascular risk, pulmonary involvement, infections, iatrogenesis or tumors. Early diagnosis and the use of targeted drugs to induce early remission have improved the RA prognosis.

Vitamina D y su relación con la actividad en pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico

Introducción: Existe una serie de estudios sobre el lupus eritematoso sistémico y vitamina D, que relacionan su deficiencia y varios aspectos clínicos. Se ha postulado que es uno de los factores ambientales que puede desencadenar la autoinmunidad. Objetivo: Evaluar los niveles séricos de vitamina D en un grupo de pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico y su relación con la actividad de la enfermedad. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal en 75 pacientes con diagnóstico de lupus eritematoso sistémico, se revisaron los expedientes clínicos, se registraron las variables sexo, raza, edad, manifestaciones clínicas, niveles de vitamina D en sangre y se midió la actividad de la enfermedad mediante el instrumento SLEDAI. Resultados: Predominó el sexo femenino (88 %), el grupo etario de 40 a 49 años de mayor porcentaje (26,7 %) y la raza blanca (73,3 %). Se demostró la insuficiencia de vitamina D (60 %) con una media de 38,5 y desviación típica de 8,5; las alteraciones de laboratorio que se presentaron con mayor frecuencia fueron leucocituria (52 %) y hematuria (33,3 %). Se relacionó la actividad leve y moderada (60 %) y la insuficiencia de vitamina D (62,2 %). No se evidenció asociación estadística significativa entre los niveles de actividad elevados y los niveles de vitamina D. Conclusiones: Se evaluaron los niveles séricos de vitamina D, resultó que las mujeres blancas con la enfermedad presentaron niveles bajos de vitamina D y actividad de la enfermedad, aunque no se demostró asociación significativa.

Introduction: There are a number of studies on systemic lupus erythematosus and vitamin D, which relate its deficiency and various clinical aspects. It has been postulated that it is one of the environmental factors that can trigger autoimmunity. Objective: To evaluate the serum levels of vitamin D in a group of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and the relationship with the activity of the disease. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in 75 patients diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, the clinical records were reviewed. The variables sex, race, age, clinical manifestations, vitamin D levels in blood were recorded, and disease activity was measured using the SLEDAI instrument. Results: The female sex (88%), the age group from 40 to 49 years with the highest percentage (26.7%) and the white race (73.3%) predominated. Vitamin D insufficiency was demonstrated (60%) with a mean of 38.5 and a standard deviation of 8.5; the most frequent laboratory abnormalities were leukocyturia (52%) and hematuria (33.3%). Mild and moderate activity (60%) and vitamin D insufficiency (62.2%) were related. No significant statistical association was found between high activity levels and vitamin D levels. Conclusions: Serum levels of vitamin D were evaluated; it turned out that white women with the disease presented low levels of vitamin D and disease activity, although no significant association was demonstrated.

Disease control in patients with ankylosing spondylitis in real clinical practice in Spain: Results of the MIDAS study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Understanding the disease activity is fundamental to improve patient prognosis and patients' quality of life. MiDAS study described disease activity in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) Spanish patients and the proportion of them with controlled disease. METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional, multicenter study carried out under conditions of routine clinical practice. Adult (≥18 years) patients with ≥6 months since AS diagnosis treated ≥3 months prior to inclusion. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients with low disease activity assessed through BASDAI (primary endpoint) and ASDAS-CRP (secondary endpoint). RESULTS: 313 AS patients included: 75.7% male; 78.5% HLA-B*27 positive; mean (SD) baseline age of 50.4 (12.0) years; mean (SD) disease duration of 15.5 (11.6) years; 73.5% were treated with biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), 22.4% with non-biological DMARDs and 53.7% with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, alone or in combination. Monotherapy with biologics and non-biologics was used by 29.7% and 26.8% of patients, respectively. According to BASDAI, 38.0% were in remission (BASDAI≤2) and 64.5% showed adequate disease control (BASDAI<4). According to ASDAS-CRP, 29.4% achieved remission (ASDAS-CRP<1.3) and 28.1% low disease activity (1.3≤ASDAS-CRP<2.1). CONCLUSIONS: Almost two thirds of the AS patients recruited had low disease activity, with about one third of them being in remission (BASDAI≤2, ASDAS-CRP<1.3). These results highlight the existing room for improvement in treating AS patients in clinical practice.

Associations of diagnostic findings with disease activity in primary SjÓ§gren's syndrome: a cluster analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The diagnosis of primary SjÓ§gren's syndrome still relies upon a constellation of clinical, laboratory, imaging, and pathological findings. We aimed to evaluate the relation of the disease activity with the results of diagnostic tests for primary SjÓ§gren's syndrome. METHODS: A principal component with cluster analysis was performed to classify 69 patients with primary SjÓ§gren's syndrome based on the results of diagnostic evaluations. RESULTS: Anti-SSA autoantibody was the most represented feature on the principal components. The anti-SSA and ultrasound score were positively correlated (p=0.001). We identified two distinct clusters of low or high disease activity (p<0.001). Except for disease duration and serum beta2-microglobulin, the clusters were significantly different in salivary flow (p= 0.004), ultrasound findings (p<0.001), IgG (p= 0.001), and salivary beta2-microglobulin (p= 0.048). Also, positive findings were significantly different between the clusters in rheumatoid factor, antinuclear antibody, anti-SSA, and anti-SSB (all p≤0.013). CONCLUSION: Patients with higher syndrome activity were best recognized with serological and ultrasound assessments. However, patients with lower syndrome activity had a longer disease duration, higher stimulated salivary flow rate, and a positive biopsy of minor salivary glands (56%).

Debut con actividad leve del lupus eritematoso sistémico y su evolución / Systemic lupus erythematosus debut with mild activity and its evolution

Objetivos: evaluar si los pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) al momento del diagnóstico con baja actividad de la enfermedad presentaron un curso más benigno de la enfermedad vs. aquellos que tuvieron actividad moderada/severa. Materiales y métodos: estudio observacional, analítico, de cohorte retrospectiva. Se revisaron historias clínicas de pacientes con diagnóstico de LES según criterios del American College of Rheumatology (ACR 1982/1997), del Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC 2012) o del ACR/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR 2019), con un seguimiento mínimo de un año, que acudieron a la Sección de Reumatología del Hospital Rivadavia de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires. Resultados: se incluyeron 100 pacientes con diagnóstico de LES, de los cuales el 44% presentaba actividad leve, mientras que el 56% tenía actividad moderada o severa al diagnóstico. Se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre ambos grupos en la cantidad de brotes a lo largo de la evolución de la enfermedad (mediana del grupo con actividad leve 0 (RIC 0-1) vs. mediana del grupo actividad moderada o severa 1 (RIC 1-2); p<0,01). Se detectó un menor compromiso de órganos durante la evolución de la enfermedad en aquellos con actividad basal leve en comparación con actividad basal moderada/severa, con diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el compromiso renal (15,91% vs. 55,36%; p<0,01). Conclusiones: los pacientes con actividad basal baja tuvieron un curso más benigno de la enfermedad y una menor cantidad de brotes severos, en comparación con quienes presentaron actividad moderada/severa al inicio de la enfermedad.

Objectives: to assess whether patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and low disease activity at the time of diagnosis have a more benign course of the disease vs those who have moderate/severe activity at the time of diagnosis. Materials and methods: observational, analytical, retrospective cohort study. Clinical records of patients diagnosed with SLE according to ACR 1982/1997 Criteria, SLICC 2012 or ACR/EULAR 2019, who attended the Rheumatology Section of Rivadavia hospital in CABA, Argentina, were reviewed. Results: a total of 100 patients diagnosed with SLE were included, of which 44% had mild activity, while the remaining 56% had moderate or severe activity at diagnosis. Statistically significant differences were observed between the group that had mild baseline activity vs the group that presented moderate/severe baseline activity, with the first group presenting fewer flares throughout the course of the disease (median of the first group 0 (IQR 0-1) vs median of the second, 1 (IQR 1-2); p<0.01). Less organ involvement was observed throughout the course of the disease in those with mild baseline activity compared with moderate/severe baseline activity, with statistically significant differences in renal involvement (15.91% versus 55.36%; p<0.01). Conclusions: patients with low baseline activity had a more benign disease course, presenting fewer severe flares compared to patients who presented moderate to severe activity at disease onset.

Red cell distribution width and mean platelet volume in rheumatoid arthritis patients: Its association with disease activity.

INTRODUCTION: Hemogram parameters have been recently proposed as markers of inflammation in various studies from different parts of the world. Two of these hemogram parameters are red cell distribution width (RDW) and mean platelet volume (MPV). AIM: To evaluate the relation between RDW and MPV with disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis. To assess whether RDW and MPV can be used to follow disease activity in RA patients. METHODS: This is an observational cross-sectional study that was carried out on 60 rheumatoid arthritis patients who fulfilled the ACR/EULAR2010 classification criteria of RA attending to Rheumatology and Rehabilitation inpatient and outpatient clinics at Zagazig University Hospitals. All cases were subjected to full history taking, clinical examination, and laboratory investigations; differential complete blood picture (CBC), acute phase reactants (CRP and ESR), rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic-citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies. Disease activity was measured by disease activity score 28 (DAS28). RESULTS: The cut-off levels of RDW and MPV were 14.85 and 11.25. Patients with RDW>14.85 had higher Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28; p=0.0003), ESR (p=0.0001) and CRP (p=0.0001). RDW was positively correlated with disease activity markers (ESR, CRP and DAS28) in rheumatoid arthritis patients. But, DAS28 was not different between patients with MPV>11.25 and <11.25. CONCLUSION: RDW was strongly correlated with disease activity. Also, RDW was better than ESR and CRP in detecting RA disease activity. According to these findings we suggest that RDW can be used in clinics to follow disease activity. In addition, RDW is widely available; as it's usually included in routine complete blood picture and there will be no need for further cost.

Lupus en Argentina. Pacientes no respondedores al tratamiento estándar y belimumab como posible opción. Datos del registro RELESSAR / Lupus in Argentina. Non-responders to standard treatment and belimumab as a possible option. RELESSAR record data

Introducción: el lupus es una enfermedad compleja y varias veces de difícil abordaje. Alcanzar la remisión es uno de los objetivos, incorporando opciones terapéuticas. Objetivos: describir las características generales de los pacientes según el estado de la enfermedad y el uso de belimumab. Materiales y métodos: estudio de corte transversal, registro RELESSAR. Se definió el estado de la enfermedad como: remisión: SLEDAI=0 y sin corticoides; baja actividad de la enfermedad: SLEDAI >0 y ≤4 y sin corticoides; control no óptimo: SLEDAI >4 y cualquier dosis de corticoides. Resultados: se incluyeron 1.277 pacientes, 23,4% en remisión, 12,6% en baja actividad y 63,8% con control no óptimo. En este último grupo eran más jóvenes y con menor duración de la enfermedad; presentaban mayores índices de actividad y cronicidad, y mayor empleo de inmunosupresores. Solo el 22,3% de los pacientes con criterio potencial de uso de belimumab (lupus eritematoso sistémico activo a pesar del tratamiento estándar) lo recibía en ese momento. Las variables asociadas a hospitalizaciones fueron: terapia con corticoides, ciclofosfamida y mayor SLICC. Conclusiones: se refleja la complejidad del manejo de estos pacientes y se visualizan aspectos estructurales como la desigualdad. El uso del belimumab resultaría beneficioso en los pacientes seleccionados.

Introduction: lupus is a complex disease and often difficult to approach. Achieving remission is one of the objectives, incorporating therapeutic options. Objectives: to describe the characteristics of the patients and the use of belimumab, according to the status of the disease. Materials and methods: cross-sectional study. Patients of the RELESSAR registry. Stratification: Remission: SLEDAI=0 and without corticosteroids. Low disease activity SLEDAI> 0 and ≤4 and without corticosteroids and non-optimal control: SLEDAI> 4 and any dose of corticosteroids. Results: a total of 1,277 patients were included, 23.4% in remission, 12.6% in low disease activity and 63.8% in non-optimal control. The last group was younger and had a shorter duration of the disease. They had higher activity and chronicity indices and greater use of immunosuppressants. Only 22.3% of the patients with potential criteria for the use of belimumab (activity disease despite standard treatment) were receiving it. The variables associated with hospitalizations were: corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide and higher SLICC. Those associated with severe infection: mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine, corticosteroids, and higher SLICC. Conclusions: the complexity of the management of these patients is reflected, visualizing structural aspects such as inequality. The use of belimumab could be beneficial in selected patients.

Association between vitamin D deficiency and disease activity in Paraguayan patients with systemic lupus erythematosus / Asociación entre la deficiencia de vitamina D y la actividad de la enfermedad en pacientes paraguayos con lupus eritematoso sistémico

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the association between vitamin D (VD) concentrations and the activity of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and determine a supplementation dose that allows patients to maintain adequate levels of VD. Methods: Longitudinal, observational study. Serum levels of 25-hydroxy-VD were measured in 100 Paraguayan SLE patients from the Hospital de Clínicas between 2016 and 2018. To analyze the response to different doses of VD supplementation, 50 patients received 1000IU/day and the other 50 patients received 2000IU. SLE disease activity measured by SELENA-SLEDAIwas scored before and after supplementation. Results: The mean age was 27.5 ±9.8 years, 88.9% of patients presented mild disease activ ity and 11.1% presented moderate to severe activity. The mean VD concentration was 30.8 ± 11.8 ng/mL. A total of 34% of patients presented VD insufficiency and 13% VD defi ciency. There was an inverse relationship between VD concentrations and SLE disease activity (p = 0.03). Increasing levels of serum VD are associated with supplementation of 2000 IU/day (p = 0.0224). Conclusion: SLE activity was associated with low levels of VD. In our cohort, SLE patients required a supplementation dose equal to or greater than 2000 IU/day to increase their serum VD.

R E S U M E N Objetivo: Identificar la asociación entre las concentraciones de vitamina D (VD) y la actividad del lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES), además de encontrar una dosis de suplementación que les permita a los pacientes mantener niveles adecuados de VD. Métodos: Estudio observacional longitudinal. Se midieron los niveles séricos de 25-hidroxi-VD en 100 pacientes paraguayos con LES, del Hospital de Clínicas, entre los años 2016 y 2018. Para analizar la respuesta a diferentes dosis de suplementación con VD, 50 pacientes recibieron 1.000 UI/día y los otros 50 pacientes recibieron 2.000 UI/día. La actividad de la enfermedad del LES medida por SELENA-SLEDAI se puntuó antes y después de la suplementación. Resultados: La media de edad fue de 27,5 ± 9,8 años, el 88,9% de los pacientes presentó actividad leve de la enfermedad y el 11,1% presentó actividad moderada a severa. La concentración media de VD fue de 30,8 ± 11,8 ng/ml. El 34% de los pacientes presentó insuficiencia de VD y el 13%, deficiencia de VD. Hubo una relación inversa entre las concentraciones de VD y la actividad de la enfermedad del LES (p = 0,03). Los niveles crecientes de VD en suero se asocian con una suplementación de 2.000 UI/día (p = 0,0224). Conclusión: La actividad del LES se asoció con niveles bajos de VD. En nuestra cohorte, los pacientes con LES requirieron una dosis de suplementación igual o superior a 2.000 UI/día para aumentar su VD sérica.

Lupus en Argentina. Pacientes no respondedores al tratamiento estándar y belimumab como posible opción. Datos del registro RELESSAR / Lupus in Argentina. Non-responders to standard treatment and belimumab as a possible option. RELESSAR record data

Introducción: el lupus es una enfermedad compleja y varias veces de difícil abordaje. Alcanzar la remisión es uno de los objetivos, incorporando opciones terapéuticas. Objetivos: describir las características generales de los pacientes según el estado de la enfermedad y el uso de belimumab. Materiales y métodos: estudio de corte transversal, registro RELESSAR. Se definió el estado de la enfermedad como: remisión: SLEDAI=0 y sin corticoides; baja actividad de la enfermedad: SLEDAI >0 y ≤4 y sin corticoides; control no óptimo: SLEDAI >4 y cualquier dosis de corticoides. Resultados: se incluyeron 1.277 pacientes, 23,4% en remisión, 12,6% en baja actividad y 63,8% con control no óptimo. En este último grupo eran más jóvenes y con menor duración de la enfermedad; presentaban mayores índices de actividad y cronicidad, y mayor empleo de inmunosupresores. Solo el 22,3% de los pacientes con criterio potencial de uso de belimumab (lupus eritematoso sistémico activo a pesar del tratamiento estándar) lo recibía en ese momento. Las variables asociadas a hospitalizaciones fueron: terapia con corticoides, ciclofosfamida y mayor SLICC. Conclusiones: se refleja la complejidad del manejo de estos pacientes y se visualizan aspectos estructurales como la desigualdad. El uso del belimumab resultaría beneficioso en los pacientes seleccionados.

Introduction: lupus is a complex disease and often difficult to approach. Achieving remission is one of the objectives, incorporating therapeutic options. Objectives: to describe the characteristics of the patients and the use of belimumab, according to the status of the disease. Materials and methods: cross-sectional study. Patients of the RELESSAR registry. Stratification: Remission: SLEDAI=0 and without corticosteroids. Low disease activity SLEDAI> 0 and ≤4 and without corticosteroids and non-optimal control: SLEDAI> 4 and any dose of corticosteroids. Results: a total of 1,277 patients were included, 23.4% in remission, 12.6% in low disease activity and 63.8% in non-optimal control. The last group was younger and had a shorter duration of the disease. They had higher activity and chronicity indices and greater use of immunosuppressants. Only 22.3% of the patients with potential criteria for the use of belimumab (activity disease despite standard treatment) were receiving it. The variables associated with hospitalizations were: corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide and higher SLICC. Those associated with severe infection: mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine, corticosteroids, and higher SLICC. Conclusions: the complexity of the management of these patients is reflected, visualizing structural aspects such as inequality. The use of belimumab could be beneficial in selected patients.

Organ damage in systemic lupus erythematosus / Daño orgánico en lupus eritematoso sistémico

ABSTRACT Damage reflects the irreversible changes that occur in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients as a consequence of the disease, its treatment or comorbidities. The pattern of damage increases in a steady linear fashion over time. At least half of all patients with SLE will have some form of organ damage 10 years after their diagnosis. Factors associated with the occurrence of damage include older age, disease duration, male gender, non-Caucasian ethnicity, disease activity, corticosteroid use, poverty, hypertension and abnormal illness behaviors. In contrast, antimalarials are protective against damage. Since damage predicts further damage and mortality, prevention of damage accrual should be a major therapeutic goal in SLE. Novel therapies for SLE that achieve better control of the disease and with corticosteroid-sparing properties, may lead to improved outcomes in patients as they will reduce damage accrual and improve survival.

RESUMEN El daño refleja los cambios irreversibles que se producen en los pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) como consecuencia de la enfermedad, de su tratamiento o por causa de comorbilidades. El patrón de dano aumenta de forma lineal, constante a lo largo del tiempo. Al menos la mitad de todos los pacientes con LES presentará alguna forma de daño orgánico 10 años después de haber sido diagnosticados. Entre los factores asociados con el desarrollo de dano encontramos la edad avanzada, la duración de la enfermedad, el sexo masculino, la etnia no caucásica, la actividad de la enfermedad, el uso de corticoesteroides, la pobreza, la hipertensión y comportamientos anormales de la enfermedad; por otra parte, los antimaláricos protegen contra el dano de la enfermedad. Puesto que la presencia de daño es un predictor de danno adicional y de mortalidad, la prevención de acumulación de dano deberá ser un objetivo terapéutico fundamental en LES. Los tratamientos novedosos para el LES que logren un mejor control de la enfermedad y que tengan propiedades ahorradoras de corticoesteroides, podrían lograr mejores desenlaces en los pacientes, pues reducirían el daño acumulado y mejorarían la sobrevida.

Treat to target in systemic lupus erythematosus / Tratamiento por objetivos en el lupus eritematoso sistémico

ABSTRACT Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most representative disorder within systemic autoimmune diseases. The treat-to-target strategy in SLE was established half a decade ago and, since then, remarkable advances have been made. An international consensus has defined and unified the term remission and also low disease activity has been proposed as an alternative and, perhaps, more realistic target. Both of them have proven to be meaningful in terms of improving several outcomes, and have opened the path for future research in clinical trials.

RESUMEN El lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) es el trastorno más representativo dentro de las enfermedades autoinmunes sistémicas. La estrategia de tratamiento por objetivos en el LES se estableció hace media década y desde entonces se han producido notables avances. Un consenso internacional ha definido y unificado el término remisión y también se ha propuesto la baja actividad de la enfermedad como un objetivo alternativo y quizás más realista. Ambos han demostrado ser significativos en cuanto a la mejora de varios resultados y han abierto el camino para futuras investigaciones en ensayos clínicos.

Red Cell Distribution Width and Mean Platelet Volume in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: Its Association With Disease Activity.

INTRODUCTION: Hemogram parameters have been recently proposed as markers of inflammation in various studies from different parts of the world. Two of these hemogram parameters are red cell distribution width (RDW) and mean platelet volume (MPV). AIM: To evaluate the relation between RDW and MPV with disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis. To assess whether RDW and MPV can be used to follow disease activity in RA patients. METHODS: This is an observational cross-sectional study that was carried out on 60 rheumatoid arthritis patients who fulfilled the ACR/EULAR2010 classification criteria of RA attending to Rheumatology and Rehabilitation inpatient and outpatient clinics at Zagazig University Hospitals. All cases were subjected to full history taking, clinical examination, and laboratory investigations; differential complete blood picture (CBC), acute phase reactants (CRP and ESR), rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic-citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies. Disease activity was measured by disease activity score 28 (DAS28). RESULTS: The cut-off levels of RDW and MPV were 14.85 and 11.25. Patients with RDW>14.85 had higher Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28; p=0.0003), ESR (p=0.0001) and CRP (p=0.0001). RDW was positively correlated with disease activity markers (ESR, CRP and DAS28) in rheumatoid arthritis patients. But, DAS28 was not different between patients with MPV>11.25 and <11.25. CONCLUSION: RDW was strongly correlated with disease activity. Also, RDW was better than ESR and CRP in detecting RA disease activity. According to these findings we suggest that RDW can be used in clinics to follow disease activity. In addition, RDW is widely available; as it's usually included in routine complete blood picture and there will be no need for further cost.

Actividad lúpica en paciente con enfermedad renal terminal: reporte de caso / Lupus activity in a patient with end-stage renal disease: a case report

RESUMEN El lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) es una enfermedad autoinmune que afecta múltiples órganos; el compromiso renal se encuentra en el 50% de los pacientes y es variable de acuerdo con el grupo racial y étnico. Se estima que el 10% de los pacientes con nefritis lúpica (NL) desarrollan enfermedad renal terminal (ERT) y, una vez que se da la progresión, el 80% de los pacientes negativizan los marcadores de actividad. Sin embargo, aunque es inusual, la reactivación de la enfermedad puede presentarse en compromiso renal avanzado y es importante diagnosticarla oportunamente para definir la causa, tratarla y evitar complicaciones. Presentamos el caso clínico de una paciente de 45 arios, con ERT en diálisis peritoneal, que se encontraba en remisión de la enfermedad y posteriormente desarrolló actividad lúpica.

ABSTRACT Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs, and renal involvement is found in 50% of patients and is variable according to racial and ethnic group. It is estimated that 10% of patients with lupus nephritis (NL) develop end-stage renal disease (ERT), and once progression occurs, 80% of patients are negative for activity markers. However, although it is rare, the reactivation of the disease can occur in advanced renal involvement, and it is important to diagnose it in a timely manner to define the cause and treat it, avoiding complications.

Ultrasonographic features of arthritis in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome and its clinical significance.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the ultrasonographic features of arthritis in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and to analyze its correlation with clinical manifestations and disease activity. METHODS: Ultrasound (US) examinations were performed in a total of 1200 joints of 40 patients with pSS. A semi-quantitative grading method (0-3) for scoring synovial hyperplasia, PD synovitis, bone erosion, tenosynovitis was used. The clinical and laboratory data were collected, disease activity was assessed. The correlation between US lesions and disease activity assessment and clinical manifestations was analyzed. RESULTS: US findings of musculoskeletal in patients with pSS mainly involved the small joints of the hands and wrists and the lesions were mild. The semi-quantitative score of musculoskeletal US was positively correlated with ESSPRI. The occurrence of musculoskeletal US lesions is associated with immunological abnormalities and inflammatory markers, and patients with high IgG, RF, and inflammatory markers are prone to abnormal US findings. CONCLUSION: The incidence of arthritis in patients with pSS is high, and musculoskeletal US has its characteristics. The musculoskeletal US semi-quantitative method can effectively evaluate arthritis in patients with pSS, and the US score of arthritis has a certain correlation with the overall disease activity. US can provide a reference for the diagnosis of arthritis and disease activity assessment in patients with pSS.

Quality of Life in Patients With Behçet Disease and Its Relation With Clinical Symptoms and Disease Activity.

BACKGROUND: Behçet's disease(BD) is a systemic vasculitis which may affect the quality of life (QoL). AIMS: This study aimed to assess the QoL in Iranian Azeri BD patients as well as evaluating the association between QoL and disease characteristics including disease activity and clinical symptoms. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 123 BD patients aged 15-65 years fulfilling International Criteria for BD and 123 healthy controls matched with regard to gender were included. Patients aged 15-18 years had the informed consent and consent of their parents for participation. Short Form-36 Quality of Life Scale (SF-36) was used to evaluate QoL. Disease activity was measured by Behcet's Disease Current Activity Form and the Iranian Behcet's Disease Dynamic Activity Measure and Vasculitis Damage Index (VDI) was used for the clinical assessment of damage. RESULTS: The mean±SD age of BD patients and control group was 38.19±10.99 and 33.65±7.29 years, respectively. The Physical Health score as well as most of SF-36 domains including Role Physical, Bodily Pain, General Health, Vitality, and Mental Health were significantly lower in BD patients compared with the control group (P<0.05). There was significant correlation between the Physical and Mental Health scores and most of SF-36 domains with disease activity and clinical symptoms including genital ulcers, ophthalmic and central nervous system (CNS) involvement (P<0.05). Significant correlation was only observed between VDI and Bodily Pain domain (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Quality of life is impaired in BD patients, and this impairment is related with disease severity. It seems that presence of genital ulcers, eye and CNS involvement lead to the impairment of QoL in BD patients. These results highlight the importance of nursing interventions in managing clinical symptoms in these patients.

Fatigue in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: Association With Sleep Quality, Mood Status, and Disease Activity.

OBJECTIVES: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease, characterized by polyarthritis and systemic manifestations. RA-fatigue is a significant problem and adds on disease burden. Sleep disturbance, depression, and disease activity are suggested contributing factors to RA-fatigue; however, their combined role did not examine before among Egyptian RA patients. The objective of the study was to investigate the presence of fatigue, sleep and mood disturbances in RA patients. Also, to evaluate the possible association of poor sleep, depression, and disease activity with RA-fatigue. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 115 RA patients diagnosed according to the 2010 ACR-EULAR criteria and 46 age and sex matched controls. Fatigue using the Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue-Global Fatigue Index, sleep using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and mood status using Beck Depression Inventory were assessed for all participants. RA disease activity was evaluated using disease activity score-28 joints. RESULTS: RA patients had higher mean fatigue, sleep disturbance, and depression scores (27.2±8.9, 6.4±3.6, and 12.8±7.3; respectively) than controls (22.7±7, 4.8±3, 7.8±5.9; respectively) (P<.05). Poor sleep, depression and higher disease activity were significantly correlated with fatigue (r=0.4, r=0.65, r=0.55; respectively) (P<.001). The three variables may explain up to 49.1% of the variation in fatigue on multiple regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Fatigue, poor sleep, and depression are more common in Egyptian patients with RA. A remarkably higher fatigue was associated with poor sleep, depression, and high disease activity, thus monitoring these silent comorbidities in clinical practice is required.