Non-invasive imaging in antiphospholipid syndrome to assess subclinical coronary artery disease.

Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (usually named antiphospholipid syndrome, APS) is an autoimmune disorder seen mainly in young people. Clinically, APS is described by pregnancy complications and/or a hypercoagulable state, including the venous or arterial vasculature, and strongly related to antiphospholipid antibodies. Although several cardiac manifestations have been involved with APS, and accelerated atherosclerosis is present in this condition, little is known about cardiovascular (CV) risk and the relation between APS. Several studies have used imaging markers to associate them with the main clinical features of patients with APS and the probability of having subclinical atherosclerosis. However, it has not yet been established which markers are most related to the risk of developing CV diseases (CVD) in these patients. In this narrative review, we focus on non-invasive imaging markers that can predict CVD, including carotid intima-media thickness and carotid plaques assessed by carotid ultrasonography or coronary artery calcium score, which usually by computed tomography. We also examine the evidence about vascular function markers used in APS, such as arterial flow-mediated brachial dilation and artery stiffness measured by the velocity of the pulse wave. We present the current status of non-invasive imaging markers, which suggest the existence of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with APS. However, new prospective research is required to identify the predictive value of these findings and their modification by current treatments for APS.

[The impact of COVID-19 in a cohort of patients with systemic sclerosis]. / El impacto de COVID-19 en una cohorte de pacientes con esclerosis sistémica.

Background: COVID-19 brought with it unknowns related to systemic sclerosis. Objective: To know the clinical evolution and prognosis of COVID-19 in a cohort of patients with systemic sclerosis. Methods: During the pandemic, we had digital contact with a cohort of 197 patients with SSc. If they had any condition that met the suspected definition of COVID-19, they underwent polymerase chain reaction testing for SARS-CoV-2; they were treated on an outpatient or hospital basis without interfering with their treatment. They followed their evolution every 24 hours until they became asymptomatic or died. Results: Thirteen patients (6.6%), nine diffuse cutaneous (dcSSc), and four limited cutaneous (lcSSc) developed COVID-19 during nine months of follow-up. The immunosuppressants used at the time of the disease were: mycophenolate mofetil, methotrexate, and prednisone, in low doses. Seven patients had interstitial lung disease (ILD). The main symptoms were chest pain, cough, dyspnea, dysgeusia, and anosmia, 1 with mild symptoms without pneumonia, 11 with mild pneumonia, and one with severe pneumonia that required hospital management. Only one (7.7%) presented severe pneumonia, was hospitalized, and died. Conclusions: COVID-19 disease in patients with SSc can be overcome in most cases, even when they are ILD and were using immunosuppressants at the time of infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Introducción: la COVID-19 trajo consigo incógnitas relacionadas con la esclerosis sistémica, enfermedad de baja prevalencia asociada a neumopatía intersticial difusa (NID). Objetivo: conocer la evolución clínica y el pronóstico de la COVID-19 en una cohorte de pacientes con esclerosis sistémica (ES). Métodos: se analizó una serie de 13 casos procedentes de una cohorte de 197 pacientes con ES en seguimiento vía digital. Cuando los pacientes cumplieron con la definición sospechosa de COVID-19 se solicitó prueba de reacción en cadena de polimerasa para SARS-CoV-2. Todos los pacientes recibieron seguimiento durante su atención ambulatoria u hospitalaria, sin interferir con su tratamiento cada 24 horas hasta quedar asintomáticos o fallecer. Resultados: de 197 pacientes, trece (6.6%) enfermaron de COVID-19 de edad 57 años (RIC: 52-63), cutáneos difusa (ESD) y 4 limitada (ESL) en lapso de 9 meses. Once presentaron neumonía leve (84%), una neumonía grave con fallecimiento intrahospitalario (7.7%). La oximetría media al ambiente se mantuvo en SO2 90% (88-92%). Casi todos usaban inmunosupresores (84%) al momento de enfermar: micofenolato de mofetilo, metotrexato, prednisona en dosis bajas. Siete (53%) tenían enfermedad pulmonar intersticial (EPI) previa. Principalmente manifestaron disnea (67.5%), dolor torácico, tos, disgeusia y anosmia. Conclusiones: es posible que al momento del contagio con el virus SARS-CoV-2 los inmunosupresores permitieran una menor respuesta inflamatoria sistémica, evitando un peor pronóstico, incluso en quienes tienen enfermedad intersticial previa.

[Blood groups and SARS-CoV-2 in health professionals from a single center]. / Grupos sanguíneos y SARS-CoV-2 en personal de salud de un solo centro.

BACKGROUND: The possibility that the blood group (BG) predisposes to SARS-CoV-2 infection is controversial. OBJECTIVE: To compare the prevalence of BG, anti-IgG SARS-CoV-2, and more frequent symptoms in convalescent health personnel vs controls prior to vaccination. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analytical cross-sectional design of cases and controls, which included health personnel, from March to June 2020, confirmed with (polymerase chain reaction) PCR-SARS-CoV-2 and negative controls with PCR and anti-IgG-SARS-CoV-2. Participants were questioned concerning symptoms and BG was determined. It was used descriptive statistics and comparative analysis with chi squared, Fisher's exact test, Student's t, and Mann Whitney's U tests. RESULTS: Of 218 workers, 102 (46.8%) were confirmed cases for SARS-CoV-2 (convalescent) and 116 controls. The distribution of BG was similar between cases and controls, being BG-O + the most frequent (52.9%). The risk of becoming infected by SARS-CoV-2 for BG-O compared to BGNo-O showed a lower trend (odds ratio [OR] 0.725, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.416-1.261, p = ns). The BG-A (28.4%) compared with BG-No-A (71.6%) showed a trend of increased risk in BG-A (OR 1.523, 95% CI 0.818-2.837, p = ns). The presence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies was 85% in the convalescent group. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of infected was proportionally higher for BG-A and lower for BG-O. About 15% did not develop SARS-CoV-2 antibodies after overcoming COVID-19 disease.

INTRODUCCIÓN: la posibilidad de que el grupo sanguíneo (GS) predisponga a infección por SARS-CoV-2 es controversial. OBJETIVO: comparar prevalencia de GS, anti-IgG SARSCoV-2 y síntomas más frecuentes, en personal de salud convaleciente frente a controles previo a la vacunación. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: diseño transversal analítico de casos y controles, que incluyó personal de salud, de marzo a junio de 2020, confirmados con reaccion en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR-SARS-CoV-2) y controles negativos con PCR y anti-IgG-SARS-COV-2. Se les interrogó sobre los síntomas y se determinó el GS. Se empleó estadística descriptiva y análisis comparativo con chi cuadrada o prueba exacta de Fisher y t de Student o U de Mann-Whitney. RESULTADOS: de 218 trabajadores, 102 (46.8%) fueron casos confirmados para SARS-CoV-2 (convalecientes) y 116 controles. La distribución de GS fue similar entre los casos y los controles y el GS-O+ fue el más frecuente (52.9%). El riesgo de infectarse de SARS-CoV-2 para el GS-O, comparado con GS-No-O mostró menor tendencia: razón de momios [RM] 0.725 (intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC 95%] 0.416-1.261; p = ns). El GS-A (28.4%) comparado con GSNo-A (71.6%) mostró tendencia de incremento del riesgo en GS-A, RM 1.523 (IC 95% 0.818-2.837, p = ns). La presencia de anticuerpos IgG de SARS-CoV-2 fue del 85% en el grupo de convalecientes. CONCLUSIONES: la prevalencia de infectados fue proporcionalmente mayor para GS-A y menor para GS-O. Alrededor de 15% no desarrollaron anticuerpos de SARS-CoV-2 después de recuperarse de COVID-19.

Current state of biosimilars in Mexico: The position of the Mexican College of Rheumatology, 2016. / Escenario actual de los medicamentos biocomparables en México: posicionamiento del Colegio Mexicano de Reumatología, 2016.

The present document is a position statement of the Mexican College of Rheumatology on the use of biosimilars in rheumatic diseases. This position considers that biosimilars should be considered as interchangeable, that automatic substitution without previous notice in stable patients during follow-up is not ethical, that the approval of a biosimilar should only be given after exhaustive review of preclinical and clinical data marked by Mexican regulations, that it should be clearly stated in the nomenclature of biologic drugs which is the innovator and which is the biosimilar, that it is not correct to choose a biosimilar as treatment based only on economic reasons or extrapolate indications based only on the approval of the innovator and in the absence of safety and efficacy data for the biosimilar.

The method used to set the pass mark in an objective structured clinical examination defines the performance of candidates for certification as rheumatologists. / El método para establecer el punto de corte en el examen clínico objetivo estructurado define el desempeño de los candidatos a la certificación como reumatólogo.

BACKGROUND: The Mexican Accreditation Council for Rheumatology certifies trainees (TR) on an annual basis using both a multiple-choice question (MCQ) test and an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). For 2013 and 2014, the OSCE pass mark (PM) was set by criterion referencing as ≥6 (CPM), whereas overall rating of borderline performance method (BPM) was added for 2015 and 2016 accreditations. We compared OSCE TR performance according to CPM and BPM, and examined whether correlations between MCQ and OSCE were affected by PM. METHODS: Forty-three (2015) and 37 (2016) candidates underwent both tests. Altogether, OSCE were integrated by 15 validated stations; one evaluator per station scored TR performance according to a station-tailored check-list and a Likert scale (fail, borderline, above range) of overall performance. A composite OSCE score was derived for each candidate. Appropriate statistics were used. RESULTS: Mean (±standard derivation [SD]) MCQ test scores were 6.6±0.6 (2015) and 6.4±0.6 (2016) with 5 candidates receiving a failing score each year. Mean (±SD) OSCE scores were 7.4±0.6 (2015) and 7.3±0.6 (2016); no candidate received a failing CPM score in either 2015 or 2016 OSCE, although 21 (49%) and 19 (51%) TR, respectively, received a failing BPM score (calculated as 7.3 and 7.4, respectively). Stations for BPM ranged from 4.5 to 9.5; overall, candidates showed better performance in CPM. In all, MCQ correlated with composite OSCE, r=0.67 (2015) and r=0.53 (2016); P≤.001. Trainees with a passing BPM score in OSCE had higher MCQ scores than those with a failing score. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, OSCE-PM selection impacted candidates' performance but had a limited affect on correlation between clinical and practical examinations.

Grupos sanguíneos y SARS-CoV-2 en personal de salud de un solo centro / Blood groups and SARS-CoV-2 in health professionals from a single center

Introducción: la posibilidad de que el grupo sanguíneo (GS) predisponga a infección por SARS-CoV-2 es controversial. Objetivo: comparar prevalencia de GS, anti-IgG SARS-CoV-2 y síntomas más frecuentes, en personal de salud convaleciente frente a controles previo a la vacunación. Material y métodos: diseño transversal analítico de casos y controles, que incluyó personal de salud, de marzo a junio de 2020, confirmados con reaccion en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR-SARS-CoV-2) y controles negativos con PCR y anti-IgG-SARS-COV-2. Se les interrogó sobre los síntomas y se determinó el GS. Se empleó estadística descriptiva y análisis comparativo con chi cuadrada o prueba exacta de Fisher y t de Student o U de Mann-Whitney. Resultados: de 218 trabajadores, 102 (46.8%) fueron casos confirmados para SARS-CoV-2 (convalecientes) y 116 controles. La distribución de GS fue similar entre los casos y los controles y el GS-O+ fue el más frecuente (52.9%). El riesgo de infectarse de SARS-CoV-2 para el GS-O, comparado con GS-No-O mostró menor tendencia: razón de momios [RM] 0.725 (intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC 95%] 0.416-1.261; p = ns). El GS-A (28.4%) comparado con GS-No-A (71.6%) mostró tendencia de incremento del riesgo en GS-A, RM 1.523 (IC 95% 0.818-2.837, p = ns). La presencia de anticuerpos IgG de SARS-CoV-2 fue del 85% en el grupo de convalecientes. Conclusiones: la prevalencia de infectados fue proporcionalmente mayor para GS-A y menor para GS-O. Alrededor de 15% no desarrollaron anticuerpos de SARS-CoV-2 después de recuperarse de COVID-19.

Background: The possibility that the blood group (BG) predisposes to SARS-CoV-2 infection is controversial. Objective: To compare the prevalence of BG, anti-IgG SARS-CoV-2, and more frequent symptoms in convalescent health personnel vs controls prior to vaccination. Material and methods: Analytical cross-sectional design of cases and controls, which included health personnel, from March to June 2020, confirmed with (polymerase chain reaction) PCR-SARS-CoV-2 and negative controls with PCR and anti-IgG-SARS-CoV-2. Participants were questioned concerning symptoms and BG was determined. It was used descriptive statistics and comparative analysis with chi squared, Fisher's exact test, Student's t, and Mann Whitney's U tests. Results: Of 218 workers, 102 (46.8%) were confirmed cases for SARS-CoV-2 (convalescent) and 116 controls. The distribution of BG was similar between cases and controls, being BG-O + the most frequent (52.9%). The risk of becoming infected by SARS-CoV-2 for BG-O compared to BG-No-O showed a lower trend (odds ratio [OR] 0.725, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.416-1.261, p = ns). The BG-A (28.4%) compared with BG-No-A (71.6%) showed a trend of increased risk in BG-A (OR 1.523, 95% CI 0.818-2.837, p = ns). The presence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies was 85% in the convalescent group. Conclusions: The prevalence of infected was proportionally higher for BG-A and lower for BG-O. About 15% did not develop SARS-CoV-2 antibodies after overcoming COVID-19 disease.

[Overweigth, obesity, metabolic syndrome and waist/height index in health staff]. / Sobrepeso, obesidad, síndrome metabólico e índice cintura/talla en el personal de salud.

INTRODUCTION: Health staff self-applied strategies are insufficiently to reduce cardiovascular risk factors. The aim of this article is to investigate the prevalence of overweight, obesity and metabolic syndrome and waist/height index on health staff. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study from January to April 2014 in 735 workers of the UMAE Specialties La Raza. A diagnosis of overweight and obesity was established according to WHO criteria and metabolic syndrome NCEP ATP-III. In 250 participants lipid profile and blood chemistry were obtained. Descriptive statistics was applied, chi square, Student t test or Kruskal-Wallis to compare groups. RESULTS: We included 496 women and 239 men (physicians, nurses and other workers). 38% were overweight; 22% had obesity. We found fasting hyperglycemia>126 mg/dl in 5.1%, between 100-126 mg/dl in 17.4%, hypertriglyceridemia in 40.4%; HDL cholesterol<40 mg/dl 66% in men and HDL cholesterol<50 mg/dl 51.4% in women. Waist measurement was 93±11 cm in men vs. 88±13 m in women. The waist/height index in the ideal weight group was 0.048±0.04, for overweight 0.55±0.04 and for obesity 0.65±0.064 (p<0.01). Metabolic syndrome prevalence was 30.6%, smoking 21.6% and alcohol consumption 35%. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of obesity-overweight was 60% and metabolic syndrome 30%, making it necessary to take immediate actions to modify the lifestyle of health staff.

Introducción: el personal de salud se autoaplica insuficientes estrategias para reducir sus propios factores de riesgo cardiovascular. El objetivo fue investigar la prevalencia de sobrepeso, obesidad y síndrome metabólico en personal de salud.Métodos: diseño transversal de enero a abril de 2014, en 735 trabajadores de la UMAE Especialidades La Raza. El diagnóstico de sobrepeso y obesidad se estableció acorde a criterios de la OMS y síndrome metabólico NCEP ATP-III. En 250 participantes se realizó perfil de lípidos y química sanguínea. Se aplicó estadística descriptiva, chi cuadrada, t de Student o Kruskal-Wallis al comparar los grupos, el valor de significancia fue p < 0.05.Resultados: incluimos 496 mujeres y 239 hombres (entre médicos, enfermeras y otros). Tuvieron sobrepeso 38 %, y obesidad 22 %. Encontramos hiperglucemia de ayuno > 126 mg/dl 5.1 %, entre 100-126 mg/dl 17.4 %, hipertrigliceridemia 40.4 %; colesterol-HDL < 40 mg/dl en 66 % de hombres y colesterol-HDL < 50 mg/dl en 51.4 % de mujeres. La cintura 93 ± 11cm en hombres frente a 88 ± 13 cm en mujeres. El índice cintura/talla en el grupo de peso ideal fue 0.048 ± 0.04, en el de sobrepeso 0.55 ± 0.04 y en el de obesidad 0.65 ± 0.064. Tuvieron síndrome metabólico 30.6 %, tabaquismo 21.6 % y consumo de alcohol 35 %. Solo 2 % presentaron presión arterial > 135/85.Conclusiones: la prevalencia de obesidad y sobrepeso del personal de salud es de 60 % y de síndrome metabólico 30 %, por lo que es necesario tomar acciones inmediatas que modifiquen el estilo de vida del personal de salud.

Performance of an objective structured clinical examination in a national certification process of trainees in rheumatology.

OBJECTIVE: To assess reliability and validity of the objectively-structured clinical examination (OSCE) applied in postgraduate certification processes by the Mexican Board of Rheumatology. METHOD: Thirty-two (2013) and 38 (2014) Rheumatology trainees (RTs) underwent an OSCE consisting of 12 and 15 stations respectively, scored according to a validated check-list, as well as 300-multiple-choice 300 question examination (MCQ). Previously, 3 certified rheumatologists underwent a pilot-OSCE. A composite OSCE score was obtained for each participant and its performance examined. RESULTS: In 2013, OSCE mean score was 7.1±0.6 with none RT receiving a failing score while the MCQ score was 6.5±0.6 and 7 (21.9%) RTs receiving a failing (< 6) score. In 2014, the OSCE score was 6.7±0.6, with 3 (7.9%) RTs receiving a failing score (2 of them also failed MCQ) while the MCQ score was 6.4±0.5 and 7 (18.5%) RTs were disqualified (2 of them also failed OSCE). A significant correlation between the MCQ and the OSCE scores was observed in the 2013 (r=0.44; P=0.006). Certified rheumatologists performed better than RTs at both OSCE. Overall, 86% of RTs obtaining an OSCE passing score also obtained a MCQ passing score, while this was only 67% (P=.02) among those who obtained an OSCE failing score. Nine stations were applied at both consecutive years. Their performance was similar in both certification processes, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.81 to 0.95 (P≤0.01). CONCLUSION: The OSCE is a valid and reliable tool to assess the Rheumatology clinical skills in RTs.

Clinical practice guidelines for the management of pregnancy in women with autoimmune rheumatic diseases of the Mexican College of Rheumatology. Part I.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy in women with autoimmune rheumatic diseases is associated with several maternal and fetal complications. The development of clinical practice guidelines with the best available scientific evidence may help standardize the care of these patients. OBJECTIVES: To provide recommendations regarding prenatal care, treatment, and a more effective monitoring of pregnancy in women with lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS). METHODOLOGY: Nominal panels were formed for consensus, systematic search of information, development of clinical questions, processing and grading of recommendations, internal validation by peers, and external validation of the final document. The quality criteria of the AGREE II instrument were followed. RESULTS: The various panels answered the 37 questions related to maternal and fetal care in SLE, RA, and APS, as well as to the use of antirheumatic drugs during pregnancy and lactation. The recommendations were discussed and integrated into a final manuscript. Finally, the corresponding algorithms were developed. We present the recommendations for pregnant women with SLE in this first part. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that the Mexican clinical practice guidelines for the management of pregnancy in women with SLE integrate the best available evidence for the treatment and follow-up of patients with these conditions.

Clinical practice guidelines for the management of pregnancy in women with autoimmune rheumatic diseases of the Mexican College of Rheumatology. Part II.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy in women with autoimmune rheumatic diseases is associated with several maternal and fetal complications. The development of clinical practice guidelines with the best available scientific evidence may help standardize the care of these patients. OBJECTIVES: To provide recommendations regarding prenatal care, treatment, and a more effective monitoring of pregnancy in women with lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). METHODOLOGY: Nominal panels were formed for consensus, systematic search of information, development of clinical questions, processing and staging of recommendations, internal validation by peers and external validation of the final document. The quality criteria of the AGREE II instrument were followed. RESULTS: The panels answered 37 questions related to maternal and fetal care in lupus erythematosus, RA and APS, as well as for use of antirheumatic drugs during pregnancy and lactation. The recommendations were discussed and integrated into a final manuscript. Finally, the corresponding algorithms were developed. In this second part, the recommendations for pregnant women with RA, APS and the use of antirheumatic drugs during pregnancy and lactation are presented. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that the Mexican clinical practice guidelines for the management of pregnancy in women with RA and APS integrate the best available evidence for the treatment and follow-up of patients with these conditions.

Estudio clínico controlado de ciclosporina A y cloroquina en artritis reumatoide de inicio temprano. Reporte preliminar y revisión de la literatura / Controlled clinical trial with cyclosporine and chloroquine in early rheumatoid arthritis

Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia y seguridad de ciclosporina A (CsA) + cloroquina (CLQ) o placebo en pacientes con AR de inicio temprano y comparar los resultados con una revisión de la literatura de la combinación de CsA con otras drogas modificadoras de la enfermedad (DMARD).Métodos: Reporte preliminar de un estudio doble ciego controlado, de 90 pacientes con AR de inicio temprano, comparando CsA + CLQ o placebo. Variable de desenlace ACR 20, 50 y 70. Revisión de la literatura de 10 estudios completos de terapia combinada que incluyeron a la CsA.Resultados: A los 6 meses de tratamiento, cumplieron los criterios de mejoría (ACR-20) 34 pacientes (83 por ciento) del grupo CsA + CLQ y 25 (61 por ciento) del grupo CsA + placebo (p=0.02). A los 12 meses, no hubo diferencia significativa en la mejoría con los criterios de ACR-20. La diferencia fue significativa con ACR-50 (54 por ciento vs 34 por ciento, p= 0.05) y con ACR-70 (51 por ciento vs 26 por ciento, p=0.05). No hubo diferencias significativas en los efectos adversos en ambos grupos. La revisión de la literatura mostró reportes de CsA en combinación con MTX, oro parenteral, HCQ, CLQ y SSZ. La combinación más estudiada y al parecer más eficaz fue CsA con MTX. Conclusión: La combinación de CsA + CLQ parece ser eficaz en pacientes con AR temprana. Aunque la literatura sugiere que la mejor combinación con CsA es MTX, la CLQ parece ser una opción útil en terapia combinada con CsA.