Achievement of the target serum urate level among patients with gout treated with allopurinol or febuxostat in an arthritis clinic in the Philippines.

OBJECTIVE: Gout is an important cause of disability among Filipinos, despite measures for effective management. This study aims to determine attainment of target serum uric acid level (SUA ≤ 6 mg/dl) among patients with gout given urate-lowering therapy (ULT) over 6-12 months. METHODS: This is a single-center, prospective cohort study conducted in one adult Arthritis Clinic at the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital which included 138 patients with gout (1977 ACR criteria), SUA ≥ 6 mg/dl prior to ULT, initiated on ULT (allopurinol or febuxostat), with six months minimum follow-up and with SUA determination post-treatment. RESULTS: 37.7% (52/138) and 36.2% (50/138), achieved target SUA at 6 and 12 months. The factors associated with achieving target SUA in 6 months are BMI > 25 kg/m2 [OR 6.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.44-33.88, p value = .016], allopurinol dose ≥ 300 mg (OR 15.76, 95% CI 2.24-111.06, p value = .006), and baseline SUA (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.33-0.82, p value = .005). The factors associated with achieving target SUA in 12 months are employment (OR 5.51, 95% CI 1.00-30.33, p value = .050), baseline SUA (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.28-0.74, p value = .002), and age at onset of gout (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01-1.15, p value = .026). CONCLUSION: Target SUA level was not achieved at 6 and 12 months of ULT in most of this cohort. This mirrors the deficient control of gout and should urge health professionals to fully study and address the problem.

Red cell distribution width and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in rheumatoid arthritis.

Red cell distribution width (RDW) and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are potential low-cost markers for detecting rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity, but evidence on their accuracy for this purpose is conflicting. We aimed to determine the relationship between these and the Disease Activity Score of 28 joints (DAS-28) among Filipino RA patients, and to evaluate their ability to discriminate between patients with active RA and those in remission. This was a cross-sectional study done through a 7-year review of medical records of 134 adult patients with RA in a tertiary government hospital. Correlations were analyzed using Spearman analysis, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to derive the sensitivity, specificity, and optimal cut-off values of RDW and NLR. Most patients were females with a mean disease duration of 7 years. Eighty-one percent (81%) had active disease using DAS-28 ESR. A weak positive correlation was found between NLR and DAS-28 and between NLR and ESR, but RDW did not correlate with either DAS-28 or ESR. The ROC analysis showed that in the differentiation of active RA and inactive RA, both RDW (area under the curve [AUC] 0.516, cut-off of ≥ 14.2% with 55.6% sensitivity and 42.3% specificity) and NLR (AUC 0.629, cut-off of ≥ 2.32 with 54.6% sensitivity and 76.9% specificity) had poor performance. NLR, but not RDW, was positively but weakly correlated with DAS-28 and ESR, making it a helpful marker of disease activity and inflammation in RA. Both NLR and RDW had low sensitivity and specificity for active RA and may not be useful in detecting disease activity.

Complete Congenital Heart Block in the Offspring of an Asymptomatic Woman with Isolated High Titer Anti-Ro Antibody.

Among pregnant women, 1-2% are anti-Ro positive and while half of them have symptoms of connective tissue disease, the rest are asymptomatic. The presence of anti-Ro is of concern because of the risk of congenital heart block in the child. We report the case of an asymptomatic 27-year-old G2P1(1001) woman, who presented with persistent fetal bradycardia in her 21st week of gestation (AOG) and was found to have elevated titers for anti-Ro (>320 U/ml). Hydroxychloroquine 200 mg/day and prednisone 10 mg/day were given from the 33rd week of gestation up until the delivery. At 37 weeks AOG, she delivered a live male neonate with a complete heart block. On the 6th day of life, the infant remained bradycardic, hence a pacemaker was inserted and heart rate maintained at 100-120 bpm. On subsequent follow-ups, the mother and child did not develop any systemic manifestations and the infant was thriving well. While a diseased condition may not be apparent in a pregnant anti-Ro positive woman, the risk of neonatal lupus (NL) is demonstrated in this patient's case. This report illustrates how prenatal care of an asymptomatic woman led to the discovery of a fetal abnormality and served to prepare the family and the medical team to ably handle the birth and subsequent care of a neonate with NL.

Healthcare Encounters and Outcomes of Filipino Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Managed at a Tertiary COVID-19 Referral Center.

Objective: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has limited healthcare delivery for patients with chronic diseases, including Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). This study aims to describe the outcomes of patients with SLE in a national COVID-19 referral center in the Philippines. Methods: A review of records of all adult patients with SLE seen in the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) from March 2020 to December 2021 was done. Data about patient characteristics, health encounters, and outcomes before and after the first visit during the study period were extracted. Descriptive statistics were employed. Results: Our population of 403 patients was predominantly young (mean age 34.53 ± 11.14 years), female, and unemployed. This consisted of 370 known cases of SLE, 92 were diagnosed in institutions outside UP-PGH, and 33 new patients. Over the 22-month study period, there were 2,093 medical encounters, most of which were teleconsultations (81.70%). During an average gap of 53.6 ± 26.7 weeks between the last consultation and the first visit within the pandemic study period, 84 patients (22.70%) discontinued at least one of their SLE control medications, 68 (18.38%) patients developed a lupus flare, and 79 (21.35%) were hospitalized for various reasons. On their return to the rheumatology clinic during the pandemic, 37.47% were in lupus flare, 28.29% needed to be hospitalized, and 20 died. However, 86.75% of flares were controlled. During subsequent health encounters, 48 patients had a new flare (43 of these were controlled) and 20 died. The most common reason for hospitalization (n=160) was lupus disease flare and the most common cause of death (n=40) was pneumonia. Sixty patients acquired COVID-19 infection from which most recovered and four died. Conclusion: Audio teleconsultation was the most common method used by our lupus cohort to interact with their doctors during the pandemic. There was an average of a year-long interruption in medical care for 62.70%. More than a third developed a disease flare and 15% acquired COVID-19 but outcomes were good in more than 85%. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the majority of our lupus cohort who were able to continue their treatment had favorable outcomes.

Outcomes of Patients Newly-diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Managed in a Tertiary Training and Referral Hospital in the Philippines.

Objective: To determine the one-year outcomes of newly-diagnosed patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a tertiary government hospital in Manila, Philippines. Methods: After ethics approval, we reviewed the medical records of a cohort of 44 newly-diagnosed SLE patients at 6- and 12-months post-diagnosis in 2018-2019. The outcomes of interest were: modified lupus low disease activity state as defined (mLLDAS), remission, hospitalization, 30-day readmission, organ damage, and mortality. Results: The patients were predominantly young females (mean age of 29 ± 9.9 years). There was an average interval period of six months between onset of symptoms and diagnosis (6.4 ± 10.8 months). The most common manifestations were mucocutaneous (86.4%), hematologic (63.6%), musculoskeletal (61.4%), and renal disorder (47.7%). There was at least one positive serologic test in 88.7%. Five patients (11.4%) had comorbidity, usually hypertension (9.1%). The initial lupus treatment consisted of moderate to high doses of glucocorticoids and hydroxychloroquine. Patients with life-threatening or organ-threatening disease, usually nephritis, received cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, or mycophenolate mofetil. One patient received rituximab. Fewer patients with nephritis received cyclophosphamide infusions during the first six months compared to the later six months.Most of the hospitalizations (34/36) occurred during the first six months and 22 of these were for diagnosis. Seven patients had more than one hospitalization and five (20%) had 30-day readmissions. mLLDAS was achieved by 15 (34.1%) and 30 (68.2%) patients at 6- and 12-months, respectively. Only one patient was in remission a year after diagnosis. Seven patients (15.9%) were assessed with organ damage, six (13.64%) of them at 6-months post-diagnosis. Organ damage was most commonly renal. Four (9.1%) patients died, all during their initial hospitalization. Conclusion: In our population observed over a period of one year (2018-2019), there was a very low rate of remission (1/44, 2.3%), mLLDAS in 68.2%, and organ damage in 15.9%. Most of the hospitalizations (65%) were for the diagnosis of lupus and all deaths (9.1%) occurred during this first hospital confinement. We must intensify our efforts to (1) achieve earlier diagnosis, (2) deliver optimal lupus treatment and supportive care during the first lupus hospitalization, and (3) initiate early and persistent immunosuppressive treatment for nephritis to improve outcomes for our patents with SLE.

Outcomes of Filipinos with inflammatory rheumatic diseases developing COVID-19 prior to vaccinations and new variants: a historical perspective.

We described the profile and outcome of Filipino patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs) who developed COVID-19 (IRD-C19) during the onset of the pandemic, prior to vaccinations and variants. We obtained de-identified data of Filipino patients with IRD-C19 from the Global Rheumatology Alliance registry from March 2020 to August 2021. Descriptive statistics and multivariate analyses were applied. Registered were 164 patients (mean age 44 years; 70% female). The most common IRDs were systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, 41.4%), rheumatoid arthritis (RA, 15.2%), and gout (14.6%). Majority were receiving conventional DMARDs (59.1%) and/or glucocorticoid therapy (GC, 51.2%). Half (58.5%) were hospitalized, with risk higher in active IRD (OR 3.7), heart disease (8.52), and hypertension (8.73); and lower in SLE patients (0.15). Among hospitalized patients, 76% needed supplemental oxygen. Heart disease (6.28), hypertension (7.6), and moderate-to-high IRD activity (3.37) were associated with higher odds of requiring oxygen supplementation. Hypertension was associated with mechanical ventilation (8.23). Twenty-four (15%) patients died, with odds lower if on prednisone ≥ 10 mg/day (0.17) and with other autoimmune IRDs aside from SLE and RA (0.05). Among patients with IRD-C19 prior to vaccinations and variants, higher disease activity, hypertension, and heart disease were associated with poorer outcomes. Prednisone ≥ 10 mg/day was associated with lower odds of death. This study provides valuable historical information, emphasizing the need for continued data collection to clarify COVID-19's impact.

2021 Asia-Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology clinical practice guideline for treatment of gout.

BACKGROUND: Gout is the most prevalent inflammatory arthritis in the Asia-Pacific region and worldwide. This clinical practice guideline (CPG) aims to provide recommendations based on systematically obtained evidence and values and preferences tailored to the unique needs of patients with gout and hyperuricemia in Asia, Australasia, and the Middle East. The target users of these guidelines are general practitioners and specialists, including rheumatologists, in these regions. METHODS: Relevant clinical questions were formulated by the Steering Committee. Systematic reviews of evidence were done, and certainty of evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology. A multi-sectoral consensus panel formulated the final recommendations. RESULTS: The Asia-Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology Task Force developed this CPG for treatment of gout with 3 overarching principles and 22 recommendation statements that covered the treatment of asymptomatic hyperuricemia (2 statements), treatment of acute gout (4 statements), prophylaxis against gout flare when initiating urate-lowering therapy (3 statements), urate-lowering therapy (3 statements), treatment of chronic tophaceous gout (2 statements), treatment of complicated gout and non-responders (2 statements), treatment of gout with moderate to severe renal impairment (1 statement), and non-pharmacologic interventions (5 statements). CONCLUSION: Recommendations for clinically relevant scenarios in the management of gout were formulated to guide physicians in administering individualized care.

SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infections among vaccinated individuals with rheumatic disease: results from the COVID-19 Global Rheumatology Alliance provider registry.

OBJECTIVE: While COVID-19 vaccination prevents severe infections, poor immunogenicity in immunocompromised people threatens vaccine effectiveness. We analysed the clinical characteristics of patients with rheumatic disease who developed breakthrough COVID-19 after vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. METHODS: We included people partially or fully vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 who developed COVID-19 between 5 January and 30 September 2021 and were reported to the Global Rheumatology Alliance registry. Breakthrough infections were defined as occurring ≥14 days after completion of the vaccination series, specifically 14 days after the second dose in a two-dose series or 14 days after a single-dose vaccine. We analysed patients' demographic and clinical characteristics and COVID-19 symptoms and outcomes. RESULTS: SARS-CoV-2 infection was reported in 197 partially or fully vaccinated people with rheumatic disease (mean age 54 years, 77% female, 56% white). The majority (n=140/197, 71%) received messenger RNA vaccines. Among the fully vaccinated (n=87), infection occurred a mean of 112 (±60) days after the second vaccine dose. Among those fully vaccinated and hospitalised (n=22, age range 36-83 years), nine had used B cell-depleting therapy (BCDT), with six as monotherapy, at the time of vaccination. Three were on mycophenolate. The majority (n=14/22, 64%) were not taking systemic glucocorticoids. Eight patients had pre-existing lung disease and five patients died. CONCLUSION: More than half of fully vaccinated individuals with breakthrough infections requiring hospitalisation were on BCDT or mycophenolate. Further risk mitigation strategies are likely needed to protect this selected high-risk population.

Psychological State and Associated Factors During the 2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic Among Filipinos with Rheumatoid Arthritis or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

BACKGROUND: Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are perceived to be more vulnerable to worse COVID-19 infection outcome. Furthermore, severe shortage in hydroxychloroquine supply was experienced. OBJECTIVE: We presented the psychological responses of Filipino SLE and RA patients to the COVID-19 pandemic and shortage of hydroxychloroquine supply. METHODS: A total of 512 completed online surveys from SLE and RA patients were gathered from May 19 to 26, 2020. The online survey collected data on socio-demographics, health status, contact history, health service utilization, use of hydroxychloroquine, COVID-19 knowledge and concerns, precautionary measures, information needs, the validated Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R) and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS-21) ratings. RESULTS: The psychological impact of COVID-19 outbreak was at least moderate in 20%. The mean IES-R score was higher among SLE (22.34, SD=14.39) than RA (18.85, SD=13.24) patients. Stress, anxiety and depression were moderate to severe in 12.3%, 38.7%, and 27.7% of respondents. The mean stress subscale score was 10.11 (SD=7.95), mean anxiety subscale score was 6.79 (SD=6.57) and mean depression subscale score was 9.03 (SD=8.77). The risk factors for adverse mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic include the presence of comorbidity of hypertension and asthma; being a healthcare worker; and presence of specific symptoms of myalgia, cough, breathing difficulty, dizziness and sore throat. The protective factors for mental health during the pandemic include satisfaction with available health information and wearing of face masks. CONCLUSION: In the third month of the pandemic in the Philippines, 20% of the respondents with lupus and RA experienced moderate to severe psychological impact. There was moderate to severe anxiety in 38.7% and moderate to severe depression in 27%. Identification of factors that affect mental health in lupus and RA is useful in implementation of effective psychological support strategies.

Clinical profile of 266 Filipino patients with rheumatoid arthritis included in the rheumatoid arthritis database and registry (RADAR) of the Philippine General Hospital.

AIM: To describe Filipino patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) entered in the Rheumatoid arthritis database and registry (RADAR) of the Philippine General Hospital. METHODS: Cases entered to RADAR from 2010-2012 were included. All fulfilled the 1987 American College of Rheumatology criteria for classification of RA. Included cases gave written infomed consent. Data extracted were demographics, clinical presentation, laboratory tests, treatment and disease course. Means and proportions were used for population characteristics. RESULTS: Two hundred and sixty-six cases were included. Mean age was 44 years, with 9 : 1 female preponderance and mean diagnosis time of 5 years. There was symmetrical polyarthritis with high tender and swollen joint count and mean Disease Activity Score of 28 joints, erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 5.27 (3.39, 8.13). Rheumatoid factor was positive in 2/3 of cases. Hypertension, tuberculosis and diabetes were important co-morbidities. Treatment included prednisone, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and methotrexate. At 12 months of treatment, evaluable cases (< 20%) showed improvement from high to moderate disease activity. Methotrexate average dose was 8.6 mg/week. Nine cases received biologic agents. Factors affecting treatment included access to rheumatology centers, low socioeconomic status, presence of co-morbid diseases and treatment adverse events. CONCLUSION: This study reports a cohort of Filipino RA patients seen in a government arthritis unit whose disease characteristics are similar to what is reported worldwide. This cohort differs from most studies in having a high female to male ratio, a long delay in diagnosis, and high attrition rate. Mean methotrexate dose was low and there was less access to biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs.

Clinical profile of Filipino patients with osteoarthritis seen at two arthritis clinics.

AIM: To describe a cohort of Filipinos with primary osteoarthritis (OA). METHOD: Charts with diagnosis of OA from two arthritis clinics (Philippine General Hospital and a private clinic) from January 2008 to May 2011, were reviewed for demographics, clinical presentation, risk factors and management. Descriptive statistics were applied. RESULTS: Eight hundred and fifty-nine (859) patients had primary OA. Female-to-male ratio was 3 : 1. Mean age at diagnosis was 63 years, onset at 59 years. Men consulted 10 months later. Mean body mass index was 27.1 kg/m(2). Women were overweight, men, obese. Co-morbid conditions included hypertension (53%), dyslipidemia (16%) and diabetes (13%). Women (94.7%) developed symptoms 12 years after menopause. One-third of patients were of low socioeconomic status. Chief complaint was pain in 92.8%. Joint findings included crepitus (70.8%) and Heberden's nodes (13.0%) for knees and hands, respectively. Commonly involved joints were knees (62.5%), knees and hands (14.3%), and generalized joint involvement (13.5%). The hip was involved in 2.9% of cases. Radiographs showed Kellgren-Lawrence score of 2 in 56.6%. Less than 25% received physical therapy. Most prescribed drugs were glucosamine sulfate (45.5%), paracetamol (42.8%) and coxibs (40.6%). Less than 8% received intra-articular treatment, or were referred for surgery. CONCLUSION: We described a large cohort of Filipino OA patients. Clinical characteristics show more women than men, with knees as the most common and hips as the least involved joints. Medical management was based on a local practice guideline. Compared to the literature, this cohort had more overweight than obese subjects and low surgical referral. A coordinated registry with orthopedics and physiatry departments is currently underway.