Comprehensive description of the prevalence, serological and clinical characteristics, and visceral involvement of systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) in a large cohort from the United Arab Emirates Systemic Sclerosis Registry.

Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune condition characterized by a wide range of clinical presentations. Registries may serve to expand understanding about systemic sclerosis and aid in patient care and follow-up. The objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence of systemic sclerosis in a large cohort from the United Arab Emirates Systemic Sclerosis Registry and find the significant similarities and differences between the different subsets. All scleroderma patients in the United Arab Emirates were included in this multicenter national retrospective analysis. Data on demographics, comorbidities, serological characteristics, clinical aspects, and treatment were collected and analyzed, highlighting the most common traits identified. A total of 167 systemic scleroderma patients from diverse ethnic backgrounds were enrolled. Overall, 54.5% (91/167) of the patients were diagnosed with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis, and 45.5% (76/167) with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis. The prevalence of systemic sclerosis was 1.66 per 100,000 for the total registry and 7.78 per 100,000 for United Arab Emirates patients. Almost all patients in the diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis and limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis groups tested positive for the immunofluorescence antinuclear antibody. Antibodies against Scl-70 were significantly more associated with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis, whereas anticentromere antibodies were significantly more associated with the limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis group (p < 0.001). Sclerodactyly, shortness of breath, and digital ulcers were more common in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis patients compared with the limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis subtype in terms of clinical symptoms and organ involvement. Telangiectasia was much more common in the limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis group. Furthermore, diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis patients had more lung fibrosis (interstitial lung disease) than limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis patients (70.5% vs 45.7%), and pulmonary arterial hypertension was twice as common in limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis patients as it was in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis patients. Local registries are paramount to understanding the clinical/serological characteristics of scleroderma. This study emphasizes the importance of raising disease awareness and distinguishing between the various systemic sclerosis subsets to implement patient-tailored strategies for early detection, better management, and higher quality of care.

Development of an Educational Video for Self-Assessment of Patients with RA: Steps, Challenges, and Responses.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to develop an educational video to teach patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) self-assessment of their disease activity. Secondary objectives were to validate the video, identify the challenges in producing it, and the responses to these challenges. METHODS: Rheumatologists from 7 Middle Eastern Arab countries (MEAC) discussed unmet needs in the education of patients with RA. They reviewed pre-existing educational audiovisual material and drafted the script for a new video in Arabic. The video was produced in collaboration with a technical team, then validated by patients using a standardized interview. At each step of production, challenges were identified. RESULTS: Twenty-three rheumatologists from MEAC identified unmet needs in patients' education. A video was produced, explaining the concepts of treat-to-target and showing a patient performing self-assessment using DAS-28. Sixty-two patients were interviewed for validation and found the video to be useful and easy to understand, albeit not replacing the physician's visit. Most common challenges encountered included acceptance of patient empowerment, agreement on DAS-28 as composite measure, production of a comprehensible written Arabic text, and addressing the population cultural mix. CONCLUSION: Despite challenges, the video was well accepted among patients and can be used for clinical and research purposes. It is particularly useful in pandemic periods where social distancing is recommended.

Interethnic Variations and Clinical Features of Spondyloarthropathies in a Middle Eastern Country.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to demonstrate the interethnic differences and clinical features of Spondyloarthropathy(SpA) patients in a diverse Middle Eastern Country. METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records to collect the required data was conducted for SpA patients at two study institutions in the United Arab Emirates. RESULTS: Of 141 SpA patients found, 88 AS(Ankylosing Spondylitis) patients and 53 'other SpA' patients were identified. Males constituted 81% of AS and 55% of 'other SpA' patients. Patients with AS and 'other SpA' had a mean age of symptom onset of 28 and 34 years, respectively.49% and 40% of AS and 'other SpA' patients had a history of Anti-TNF therapy usage. Enthesitis and Uveitis were noted in 16% and 18% of AS patients whilst 53% and 11% in 'other SpA' patients, respectively.Caucasian, Indian Subcontinent and Arabs constituted 93% of our cohort. Mean age of onset of symptoms in the Indian Subcontinent 'other SpA' group was much greater than the other two ethnicities. Duration of symptoms to diagnosis was 3.5 and 4 years in AS and other SpA patients' respectively. HLA-B27 positivity was found in 53%, 80% and 93% of Arab, Indian Subcontinent and Caucasian AS patients, respectively, whilst seen in 50%, 25% and 33% of the same respective ethnicties in 'other SpA' patients. CONCLUSION: This study on 141 patients is the largest to analyse inter-ethnic variations in SpA patients in the region. Our cohort shows a short delay in diagnosis with a relatively higher Anti-TNF usage.