Predictive factors of return-to-work trajectory after work-related rotator cuff syndrome: A prospective study of 96 workers.

OBJECTIVE: Sustained return to work after surgery for work-related rotator cuff syndrome (WRRCS) remains quite difficult. The main purpose of the present study was to identify predictive factors of a return-to-work (RTW) trajectory. METHODS: A total of 96 workers with WRRCS were identified by 4 surgeons. They were followed prospectively before and after the surgery, until 1 year after RTW, or for 20 months after surgery when they did not. Participants completed a series of standardized questionnaires related to working conditions, health, and beliefs, and performed functional tests at the inclusion time. During the follow-up period, they were regularly asked about their working conditions (present or not at work), activity (normal or lightened physical duties) and schedules (full- or part-time job). Statistical analysis was based on single- and multiple-factor models of prediction of the workers' trajectory. RESULTS: Three trajectories of RTW were distinguished, considering RTW and absenteeism that occurred during the follow-up: stable, unstable, and non-RTW. The median age of the sample was 49.5 [45.0-54.0], with 67.7% of workers employed in highly physically demanding jobs. In the multiple factor model, three factors were highly predictive of the trajectory: perceived health before surgery, having had a repaired ruptured-rotator-cuff tendinopathy, and the level of physical demand of the job. CONCLUSION: Three easy-to-collect predictive factors of RTW trajectory have been identified. They may be useful for healthcare professionals and care givers to identify vulnerable workers' risk of occupational dropout after arthroscopic surgery for rotator cuff tendinopathy.

Arterial Cannulation Simulation Training in Novice Ultrasound Users.

BACKGROUND: Arterial cannulation is an important procedure for hemodynamic monitoring and blood sampling. Traditional radial artery cannulation is performed by using anatomical knowledge and pulse palpation as a guide. Arterial cannulation using ultrasound (US) requires specific training, especially for new US users. We hypothesized that even for new US users, US guidance would facilitate the successful puncture by lower attempts before successful intraluminal cannulation of a simulation model of the radial artery. METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled crossover study was conducted with new US users on a gelatin phantom wrist. Three sessions of training were proposed: US-guided technique with low blood pressure (BP), palpation-guided technique with high BP, and one secondary comparison with low BP. For the 2 first sessions, all volunteers performed each technique but not in the same order. The main criterion was the number of attempts before successful catheterization of the model artery. A secondary criterion was the number of needle movements (the number of attempts plus the number of needle directional changes). RESULTS: Twenty new US users participated in the study. Numbers of attempts before successful catheterization were significantly lower when using the US technique: 1.1 (± 0.4) for US versus 1.6 (± 0.8) for palpation high BP (P = .02) versus 2.5 (± 1.4) for the secondary comparison, palpation low BP (P < .001). All of the participants achieved success after the 12th needle movement for US technique, after the 19th needle movement for palpation high BP, and after the 25th needle movement for the secondary comparison, palpation low BP. The total time before success was not significantly different between the 2 first sequences (US vs palpation high BP). CONCLUSIONS: US technique was more successful than traditional palpation technique for novice US users performing arterial cannulations for the first time. A study in the clinical practice is needed to confirm these results.

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Index to Predict Crohn's Disease Postoperative Recurrence: The MONITOR Index.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: We developed and validated a magnetic resonance imaging-based index to predict Crohn's disease (CD) postoperative recurrence (POR). METHODS: Patients with CD who underwent a postoperative evaluation for recurrence (with colonoscopy and MRI no longer than 105 days apart) were included between 2006 and 2016 in University Hospital of Nancy, France. MRI items with good levels of intra-rater and inter-rater agreement (Gwet's coefficient ≥0.5) were selected. The MRI in Crohn's Disease to Predict Postoperative Recurrence (MONITOR) index's performance was assessed in terms of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and accuracy, by considering the Rutgeerts score as the gold standard. The MONITOR index was validated with a bootstrap method and an independent cohort. RESULTS: Seventy-three MRI datasets were interpreted by 2 radiologists. Seven items (bowel wall thickness, contrast enhancement, T2 signal increase, diffusion-weighted signal increase, edema, ulcers, and the length of the diseased segment) had a Gwet's coefficient ≥0.5 and were significantly associated with the Rutgeerts score, leading to their inclusion in the MONITOR index. All the items had a weighting of 1, except the "ulcers" item weighting 2.5, reflecting the higher adjusted odds ratio. The AUROC [95% confidence interval] for the prediction of endoscopic POR (Rutgeerts score >i1) was 0.80 [0.70-0.90]. The optimal threshold was a MONITOR index ≥1, giving a sensitivity of 79%, a specificity of 55%, a predictive positive value of 68%, and a predictive negative value of 68%. The bootstrap validation gave an AUROC of 0.85 [0.73-0.97]. In the validation cohort, a MONITOR index ≥1 gave a sensitivity of 87%, a specificity of 75%, a predictive positive value of 84.6%, and a predictive negative value of 75%. CONCLUSIONS: The MONITOR index is an efficient, reliable, easy-to-apply tool that can be used in clinical practice to predict the POR of CD.

Training novice in ultrasound-guided venipuncture: A randomized controlled trial comparing out-of-plane needle-guided versus free-hand ultrasound techniques on a simulator.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral intravenous access is a common medical procedure, however, it can be difficult to perform in some patients. Success rates have proved greater with ultrasound guidance. Peripheral intravenous access using ultrasound requires specific training, especially for new ultrasound users. To overcome these difficulties, guidance devices on ultrasound probes are able to control the angle of penetration into tissues. We hypothesized that, and particularly for new ultrasound users, the use of a needle guide (NG) paired with the out-of-plane approach would facilitate puncture of a simulation model of vessel more effectively than similar free hand (FH) techniques. METHODS: A prospective controlled randomized study was conducted of new ultrasound users using a guide wire introducer needle on gelatine phantom. After a 30-min lecture, one group performed the FH technique and the other group performed the NG technique both in an out-of-plane approach. The main criterion was the number of attempts before success of catheterization of this model of vessel. RESULTS: Thirty-four nurse anesthetist students participated in the study. The number of attempts before success using the NG technique was significantly lower: 3.7 (±0.9) in the NG group versus 6.7 (±3.3) in the FH group (p = 0.01). In the NG group, 100% of the participants achieved success after the sixth attempt. In the FH group, only 81.25% (n = 13/16) reached success. CONCLUSION: NG technique has been proved to have a steeper learning curve compared with the FH technique. A study on a learning curve in clinical practice is needed to confirm these results.

Incidence of and Risk Factors for Colorectal Strictures in Ulcerative Colitis: A Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is increasingly recognized as a progressive disease and patients with long-standing disease can develop colorectal stricture. Few data about its incidence in UC are available, while risk factors for colorectal strictures in UC remain to be determined. We assessed the incidence of and risk factors for developing colorectal strictures in a large UC population. METHODS: All adult patients followed at Nancy University hospital and at the centre hospitalier de Luxembourg for UC, between January 2004 and July 2019, were eligible for inclusion in this multicenter retrospective cohort study. RESULTS: A total of 439 patients with UC were included. Median follow-up duration was 9.6 years. Incidence of colorectal stricture was 3.6%. The cumulative probability of developing this complication was 1% at 5 years and 2.3% at 10 years. Median age at stricture diagnosis was 47.9 years (41.0; 63.0), and median time from UC diagnosis to onset of stricture was 11.5 years (5; 15.3). Montreal A3 classification (age > 40 years) (P = .008) and steroids use (HR = 4.1; 95% CI, 1.1-16.1) were independent risk factors for stricture, whereas mesalamine-treated patients carried a lower risk (HR = 0.3; 95% CI, 0.1-0.9). Dysplasia was found in 6 patients with strictures (42.9%) and among them 5 developed a colorectal cancer (33.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with Montreal A3 classification and those exposed to steroids have a higher risk for strictures, while use of mesalamine lowers this risk. These factors should be assessed in daily clinical practice to prevent stricture occurrence in these patients.

Is early outpatient satisfaction with substance use disorder care a predictor of early dropout? Results of the SUBUSQOL cohort.

Premature discontinuation of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment is a leading factor associated with poor outcomes. The aim of the study was to investigate factors associated with early dropout among individuals with SUD receiving outpatient care. In a prospective cohort of substance-dependent outpatients, we collected sociodemographic and clinical data, and participants completed questionnaires assessing health-related quality of life, states of anxiety and depression, and coping at baseline. We assessed satisfaction with the EQS-C soon after inclusion. We evaluated factors associated with dropout from care at 3 months using logistic regression models. We included a total of 175 patients at baseline. The retention rate over the 3-month period was 69.7%. The results indicate that higher satisfaction with care (OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.93-0.98, p = 0.01) and use of positive reframing (OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.59-0.96, p = 0.04) led to significantly lower levels of dropout from care at 3 months. We also found that female gender (OR = 2.97, 95% CI = 1.1-8, p = 0.03) and the use of the denial coping strategy (OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.1-1.8, p = 0.02) were significantly associated with higher early dropout at 3 months. These results suggest the need to improve satisfaction with treatment and identify patients' needs to reduce the risk of early dropout from SUD care.

Relations of Psychosocial Factors and Cortisol with Periodontal and Bacterial Parameters: A Prospective Clinical Study in 30 Patients with Periodontitis Before and After Non-Surgical Treatment.

(1) Background: The progression of periodontitis, induced by polymicrobial dysbiosis, can be modified by systemic or environmental factors such as stress or anxiety affecting host response. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential associations between psychosocial factors scores or salivary cortisol levels with clinical periodontal parameters and bacterial environment in patients with periodontitis; (2) Methods: Subgingival microbiota was collected in two pathological and one healthy sites from thirty diseased patients (before/after scaling and root planing (SRP)) and from one healthy site from thirty control patients. Usual clinical periodontal parameters were recorded, and a saliva sample was harvested. Patients completed stress and anxiety self-assessment questionnaires. Cortisol concentrations were determined by ELISA and bacteria were identified by PCR; (3) Results: No correlation between salivary cortisol and the stress-anxiety self-declared was found (p > 0.05), but high concentrations of this molecule were associated positively and linearly with periodontal pocket depth (p = 0.04). It appeared that certain psychosocial stressors are associated with a modulation of the bacterial colonization of pockets of diseased group (before/after SRP), notably concerning Tannerella forsythia (p = 0.02), Porphyromonas gingivalis (p = 0.03), Fusobacterium nucleatum (p = 0.049) and Campylobacter rectus (p = 0.01). (4) Conclusion: This study reveals associations between bacteria colonization and psychosocial parameters in periodontitis that needs to be further investigated.

Cluster analysis for the identification of clinical phenotypes among antiphospholipid antibody-positive patients from the APS ACTION Registry.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to use cluster analysis (CA) to identify different clinical phenotypes among antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL)-positive patients. METHODS: The Alliance for Clinical Trials and International Networking (APS ACTION) Registry includes persistently positive aPL of any isotype based on the Sydney antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) classification criteria. We performed CA on the baseline characteristics collected retrospectively at the time of the registry entry of the first 500 patients included in the registry. A total of 30 clinical data points were included in the primary CA to cover the broad spectrum of aPL-positive patients. RESULTS: A total of 497 patients from international centres were analysed, resulting in three main exclusive clusters: (a) female patients with no other autoimmune diseases but with venous thromboembolism (VTE) and triple-aPL positivity; (b) female patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, VTE, aPL nephropathy, thrombocytopaenia, haemolytic anaemia and a positive lupus anticoagulant test; and (c) older men with arterial thrombosis, heart valve disease, livedo, skin ulcers, neurological manifestations and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our hierarchical cluster analysis, we identified different clinical phenotypes of aPL-positive patients discriminated by aPL profile, lupus or CVD risk factors. Our results, while supporting the heterogeneity of aPL-positive patients, also provide a foundation to understand disease mechanisms, create new approaches for APS classification and ultimately develop new management approaches.

Long-term ACE Inhibitor/ARB Use Is Associated With Severe Renal Dysfunction and Acute Kidney Injury in Patients With Severe COVID-19: Results From a Referral Center Cohort in the Northeast of France.

BACKGROUND: In patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), data are scarce and conflicting regarding whether chronic use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) influences disease outcomes. In patients with severe COVID-19, we assessed the association between chronic ACEI/ARB use and the occurrence of kidney, lung, heart, and liver dysfunctions and the severity of the inflammatory reaction as evaluated by biomarkers kinetics, and their association with disease outcomes. METHODS: We performed a retrospective longitudinal cohort study on consecutive patients with newly diagnosed severe COVID-19. Independent predictors were assessed through receiver operating characteristic analysis, time-series analysis, logistic regression analysis, and multilevel modeling for repeated measures. RESULTS: On the 149 patients included in the study 30% (44/149) were treated with ACEI/ARB. ACEI/ARB use was independently associated with the following biochemical variations: phosphorus >40 mg/L (odds ratio [OR], 3.35, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.83-6.14), creatinine >10.1 mg/L (OR, 3.22, 2.28-4.54), and urea nitrogen (UN) >0.52 g/L (OR, 2.65, 95% CI, 1.89-3.73). ACEI/ARB use was independently associated with acute kidney injury stage ≥1 (OR, 3.28, 95% CI, 2.17-4.94). The daily dose of ACEI/ARB was independently associated with altered kidney markers with an increased risk of +25 to +31% per each 10 mg increment of lisinopril-dose equivalent. In multivariable multilevel modeling, UN >0.52 g/L was independently associated with the risk of acute respiratory failure (OR, 3.54, 95% CI, 1.05-11.96). CONCLUSIONS: Patients chronically treated with ACEI/ARB who have severe COVID-19 are at increased risk of acute kidney injury. In these patients, the increase in UN associated with ACEI/ARB use could predict the development of acute respiratory failure.

Predictive factors of allergy to pistachio in children allergic to cashew nut.

BACKGROUND: Cashew nut (CN) allergy prevalence has increased over the last few years. In children allergic to CN, complete avoidance of pistachio is usually recommended, but recent study showed that only one third of children allergic to CN were also allergic to pistachio. The aim of our study was to identify predictive factors of allergy to pistachio in children allergic to CN. METHODS: All children who had a positive oral food challenge (OFC) to CN between November 2013 and October 2017 in the Paediatric Allergy Department of the University Hospital of Nancy were included. Logistic regression models were used to predict the probability of allergy to pistachio. RESULTS: Among the 147 children included, tolerance or allergy to pistachio was known for 51. Out of these, 40 were allergic to pistachio (78.4%). Children allergic to pistachio had a larger weal size of skin prick test to CN (P = .01) and pistachio (P = .0007) and a lower reaction dose to CN (P < .0001). In multivariate analysis, only the reaction dose to CN was significantly associated with allergy to pistachio. Children with a low reaction dose to CN were significantly more at risk to have an allergy to pistachio (P = .01). CONCLUSION: A low reaction dose to CN seems to be a predictive factor of allergy to pistachio in children allergic to CN. In order to limit unnecessary food eviction, a pistachio OFC should be performed in children having high reaction dose whatever the importance of the skin or the specific IgE sensitization to pistachio.

Ultrasound and cytological characteristics of non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features compared to papillary carcinomas.

INTRODUCTION: NIFTP (non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features, formerly non-invasive encapsulated follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma) has been removed from the carcinoma category because of its indolent character and good prognosis. This change impacts clinical and surgical management, since these tumors no longer require total thyroidectomy, or complementary radioactive iodine therapy for <4cm tumor. The aim of the present study was to identify preoperative ultrasound and cytological differences between NIFTP and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study included 81 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy or thyroid lobectomy with histologic diagnosis of PTC, NIFTP or invasive follicular variant of PTC (IFVPTC) between January 1st, 2016 and May 31st, 2018. Ultrasound and cytological data were analyzed and compared between NIFTP and non-NIFTP (PTC and invasive follicular variant of PTC). RESULTS: Fourteen NIFTPs, 67 PTCs, including 20 IFVPTCs, were included. In comparison with non-NIFTP PTC, nodules in NIFTP were more often isoechoic (69.2% vs. 17.4%; P=0.0007), with smooth borders (92.3% vs. 31.1%; P=0.0001) and TI-RADS score 2, 3 or 4a. Cytologically, NIFTPs were mainly in categories AUS/FLUS, FN and SusM of the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology. Only nuclear pseudo-inclusions were significantly associated with non-NIFTP (P=0.0031). CONCLUSION: NIFTP appears non-suspect on preoperative ultrasound and indeterminate on cytology. These differences with respect to PTC can guide diagnosis and surgical treatment.

Patient's early satisfaction with care: a predictor of health-related quality of life change among outpatients with substance dependence.

BACKGROUND: Although research on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has increased in the addiction field, few studies have focused on the determinants of HRQoL changes. This study aimed to describe dependent patients' HRQoL changes at a 3-month follow-up and to assess whether satisfaction with care can predict those changes among outpatients starting care for alcohol or opioid dependence. METHODS: HRQoL was measured with the SF-12 at baseline and 3 months later in a prospective cohort of dependent outpatients. Satisfaction was assessed with the EQS-C early after inclusion. Data on sociodemographics, clinical characteristics and patients' levels of anxiety and depression were also collected. A multivariable analysis was performed to identify factors associated with HRQoL changes in both the physical and mental component summary scores (PCS and MCS, respectively). RESULTS: Of the 172 patients included at baseline, a total of 136 patients assessed their satisfaction with care. The mean PCS and MCS scores were initially low, and HRQoL improvement was significant after 3 months for both the PCS and MCS. Never having been married (ß = 5.5; p = 0.001) and a lower baseline PCS score (ß = - 0.6; p < 0.0001) were associated with significant PCS improvement, whereas being legally compelled to undergo drug treatment (ß = - 5.9; p = 0.02) was associated with less PCS change. Higher early satisfaction with care (ß = 0.1; p = 0.02) and a lower baseline MCS score (ß = - 0.7; p < 0.0001) were associated with significant MCS improvement. CONCLUSION: The study supported the hypothesis that greater satisfaction with care may predict HRQoL improvement among dependent outpatients. Further studies are needed to understand the factors that affect patients' early satisfaction to identify areas of improvement and thus improve HRQoL.

Estimating the time of death with infrared tympanic thermometer: a new prospective study in France.

Very few studies are available on the use of infrared tympanic thermometer to estimate the postmortem interval. The purpose is to observe the decrease of the infrared tympanic temperature according to the postmortem interval under standardized conditions and to compare with the gold standard (rectal temperature). One hundred seventeen cadavers are included at the mortuary of the University Hospital of Nancy from 1 June 2015 to 1 June 2016. The infrared tympanic temperature is measured twice in each ear for each cadaver with a control of these measurements and the taking of rectal temperature for the part of them. In our experiments, the reproducibility of the measurements was excellent between both the ears of one body [intra class coefficient correlation [ICC] = 0.952], the right ear and the left ear with a same observer [ICC = 0.853] and the different observers [ICC = 0.830]. The postmortem interval is correlated with the infrared tympanic temperature (rho = - 0.483; p < 0.0001) with an average of 3.79 h ± 2.38 h. A calculation method is developed (postmortem interval = 16.14 - 0.39 × infrared tympanic temperature). Even if the correlation with the gold standard was correct (rho = 0.505), it is not associated with the postmortem interval (p = 0.0702) due to weakness of the sample. Despite early and only time point postmortem measurements, these results are promising and might impact the forensic science community by drawing the attention of researchers to the estimation of the time period since death and by developing a simple and non-invasive method, even for non-medical investigators at the scene.

ACPA-positive versus ACPA-negative rheumatoid arthritis: two distinct erosive disease entities on radiography and ultrasonography.

The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence, localization, and severity of bone erosions on radiography (RX) and ultrasonography (US) according to ACPA status in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). 78 patients with ACPA-positive (ACPA+) RA and 30 patients with ACPA-negative (ACPA-) RA fulfilling the ACR 1987 and/or ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria were consecutively included. On RX, a modified Sharp erosion score (SHSe) was evaluated by two blinded readers and one adjudicator for discordant cases (number of eroded joints ≤ three). On US, erosions were scored on six bilateral joints (MCP2, 3, 5; MTP2, 3, 5) with a four-point scale to calculate the total US score for erosions (USSe). The mean total SHSe and USSe were 3.7 and 4.4 times higher in the ACPA+ group than in the ACPA- group, respectively (P < 0.001). On both RX and US, the most discriminating joint between the two groups was MTP5, especially in cases with bilateral erosion. Based on multivariate analyses, ACPA + status was associated with erosive RA on RX according to the EULAR 2013 definition criteria [OR 4.4 (95% CI 1.2-16.4)], and on US according to the following two definitions: the presence of at least two eroded joint facets [OR 3.7 (95% CI 1.4-9.9)] or at least one grade 2 joint facet erosion [OR 9.0 (95% CI 2.8-28.4)]. Compared to ACPA- RA, ACPA + RA is associated independently with more severe erosive disease on RX and US. Both US and RX bilateral erosions in MTP5 joints are highly discriminant for ACPA + RA patients (97.8% in US and 100% in RX).

Relationships between coping, anxiety, depression and health-related quality of life in outpatients with substance use disorders: results of the SUBUSQOL study.

Previous research showed that coping strategies are associated with depressive symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with chronic somatic conditions. The aim of this study was to examine the coping strategies used in patients with substance use disorders and to assess the relationships between coping strategies, HRQoL, anxiety and depression. Coping was assessed in a prospective outpatient cohort by the Brief COPE. Additionally, sociodemographic and clinical data were collected, and questionnaires assessing HRQoL (SF-12) and states of anxiety and depression were completed. Cross-sectional analysis using Pearson correlations and multiple linear regression was performed. A total of 244 patients were included. Acceptance, planning and self-blame were the most used coping strategies. Strong correlations were found between anxiety, depression, coping strategies and HRQoL. On the MCS-12, better scores were associated with male gender, lack of anxiety or depression and coping styles based on less self-blame, on positive reframing, acceptance, and behavioral disengagement. Patients without depression or anxiety, and no comorbidity had better scores on the SF-12 PCS. Coping strategies of substance-dependent outpatients should be assessed, as they might be useful for identifying patients in need of support. Furthermore, interventions that improve coping capabilities might be helpful for improving HRQoL.

Factors involved in seeking care at a specialty service among alcoholic rural French women: A cross-sectional study of rural women.

BACKGROUND: Few studies of mental health or substance abuse have focused on rural life. This study aimed to evaluate the association between socio-demographic and clinical characteristics and the probability of rural alcoholic women seeking help on their own at a specialty treatment service. METHODS: This exploratory study used a cross-sectional design to collect data from alcoholic women upon admission to a French outpatient department. Multiple logistic regression models tested whether the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of these women predicted the likelihood that they would seek treatment at a specialty service on their own. RESULTS: Among 50 rural alcoholic women, the probability of seeking help on their own at a specialty treatment service was 5.6 times greater (95% CI 1.2-25.7, P=0.03) for participants with a history of physical and/or sexual trauma and 5.1 times greater (95% CI 1.1-24, P=0.03) among women with no complementary health insurance. CONCLUSION: Increased knowledge of the specific characteristics of rural alcoholic women is needed to develop programs that will increase awareness of and access to specialty treatment services among these women.

Impact of antiphospholipid syndrome iBook on medical students' improvement of knowledge: An international randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: iBook on Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) did not exist before our work, and hence the utility of an Apple iBook as a teaching method in APS for medical students has never been assessed. Our objective was to evaluate medical students' improvement of knowledge and satisfaction with an interactive APS iBook, in comparison with conventional teaching methods. METHODS: An iBook designer with the guidance of a medical team developed the APS iBook in both French and English. Second-year medical students, naïve of APS knowledge, were enrolled from two institutions. For the "teaching intervention", participants were randomly assigned to three groups: a) APS iBook with interactive capability; b) printed copy of the APS iBook material; and c) classroom lecture presentation of the APS iBook material by a physician-scientist experienced in APS. The participants filled a standardized medical questionnaire about APS before and after teaching interventions to determine the relative change of knowledge. Participants were asked to fill out a standardized satisfaction survey. After 20 weeks of the intervention, recall capability of students was tested. RESULTS: A total of 233 second-year medical students were enrolled (iBook group: 73; print group: 79, and lecture group: 81). Relative change of knowledge was not different between the iBook group and the printed material group; additionally, it was significantly higher in the lecture group than the two other methods. Satisfaction was significantly higher in both the lecture and the iBook groups than the print group, on several dimensions including overall quantitative satisfaction, subjective enhanced knowledge, interactivity, quality of content, comprehensibility, and pleasure of learning. Recall capability of students (n=109, 47%) was not significantly different among groups. CONCLUSION: The APS iBook is as effective as printed material in improving medical student's knowledge, although a classroom lecture was the most effective method when compared to self-learning methods. Among self-learning methods, medical students are more satisfied with the APS iBook, whereas the recall capability was not different among groups. These results suggest that the APS iBook will help medical students in their curriculum and increase the awareness of APS among the community.

Optimization of ultrasonographic examination for the diagnosis of erosive Rheumatoid Arthritis in comparison to erosive hand Osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: to determine thresholds and better scenario for the diagnosis of erosive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by ultrasonography (US) in RA in comparison to osteoarthritic (OA) patients. METHODS: Patients, prospectively included, fulfilling ACR 1987; ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria for RA or hand OA criteria. Radiographic assessment (RX): Sharp erosion score, evaluated by two blinded readers and one adjudicator for discordant cases (number of eroded joints ≤ three). Definition of eroded RX RA: EULAR 2013 Definition. In US, erosions were scored on six bilateral joints (MCP2-3, 5; MTP2-3, 5) with a four-grade scale. RESULTS: A total of 168 patients were included: 122 RA (32 early RA < 2 years; 90 late RA ≥ 2 years); 46 OA patients. On RX: 42 RA patients (6 early; 36 late) and 5 OA patients have erosive diseases (sensitivity: 34.4%, specificity: 89.1%). On US, 95 RA patients (21 early; 78 late) and 12 OA patients have erosive diseases. Considering at least two joint facets eroded (threshold 1) or at least one joint facet eroded at grade 2 (threshold 2), sensitivities were good (68 and 72.1%), specificities excellent (89.1 and 100%). With only six targeted joint facets examined (6/30), sensitivities and specificities remained good (59.8 and 60.0%) and excellent (95.6 and 100%) with threshold 1 and 2 respectively. For all scenarios, agreement between RX and US for erosive RA was excellent ranged from 88.1% to 92.8%. CONCLUSION: US erosion assessment of six targeted joint facets detected 1.7 times more erosive RA patients than RX in late and early RA with good sensitivity and excellent specificity.

Ultrasonographic criteria for the diagnosis of erosive rheumatoid arthritis using osteoarthritic patients as controls compared to validated radiographic criteria.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to compare characteristics of radiography (RX) and ultrasound (US) erosive lesions in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) patients (prevalence, topography and severity), to determine thresholds for the diagnosis of erosive RA based on US and to evaluate the performance of US and RX to establish a diagnosis of erosive RA differentiated from hand OA. METHODS: Patients fulfilling ACR 1987 and/or ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria for RA or ACR hand OA criteria were prospectively included. A modified Sharp erosion score was assessed by two blinded readers and one adjudicator for discordant cases (number of eroded joints ≤ three). Erosions in US were scored on six bilateral joints (MCP2-3, 5; MTP2-3, 5) with a four-grade scale to calculate total US score for erosions (USSe). RESULTS: A total of 168 patients were included: 122 RA (32 early RA < 2 years; 90 late RA ≥ 2 years); 46 OA patients. On RX: 42 RA patients (6 early; 36 late) and 5 OA patients were eroded according to EULAR 2013 definition criteria with sensitivity at 34.4% and specificity at 89.1%. On US, 95 RA patients (21 early; 74 late) and 12 OA patients were eroded. Considering at least two joint facets eroded or at least one joint facet eroded at grade 2 on US, sensitivities were good (68-72.1%) and specificities excellent (89.1-100%). Agreement between RX and US was excellent (90-92%). The positive and negative likehood ratios were respectively 3.16 and 0.73 for radiography and 6.64 and 0.31 for US (for two facets eroded). CONCLUSION: USSe can differentiate RA from OA in erosive disease and detect two times more patients with erosive RA than RX with excellent specificity and agreement.