Evaluation of medical ethics competencies in rheumatology: local experience during national accreditation process.

INTRODUCTION: Rheumatologists are the primary healthcare professionals responsible for patients with rheumatic diseases and should acquire medical ethical competencies, such as the informed consent process (ICP). The objective clinical structured examination is a valuable tool for assessing clinical competencies. We report the performance of 90 rheumatologist trainees participating in a station designed to evaluate the ICP during the 2018 and 2019 national accreditations. METHODS: The station was validated and represented a medical encounter in which the rheumatologist informed a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus with clinically active nephritis about renal biopsy. A trained patient-actor and an evaluator were instructed to assess ICP skills (with a focus on kidney biopsy benefits, how the biopsy is done and potential complications) in obtaining formal informed consent, delivering bad news and overall communication with patients. The evaluator used a tailored checklist and form. RESULTS: Candidate performance varied with ICP content and was superior for potential benefit information (achieved by 98.9% of the candidates) but significantly reduced for potential complications (37.8%) and biopsy description (42.2%). Only 17.8% of the candidates mentioned the legal perspective of ICP. Death (as a potential complication) was omitted by the majority of the candidates (93.3%); after the patient-actor challenged candidates, only 57.1% of them gave a clear and positive answer. Evaluators frequently rated candidate communications skills as superior (≥80%), but ≥1 negative aspect was identified in 69% of the candidates. CONCLUSIONS: Ethical competencies are mandatory for professional rheumatologists. It seems necessary to include an ethics competency framework in the curriculum throughout the rheumatology residency.

[Pulmonar pseudotumor in granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). Pulmonary cancer and/or GPA? Diagnostic implications of pulmonary nodules]. / Pseudotumor pulmonar en granulomatosis con poliangeítis (GPA). ¿Cáncer pulmonar y/o GPA?, implicaciones diagnósticas de los nódulos pulmonares.

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), formerly known as Wegener's granulomatosis, is a systemic necrotizing vasculitis, which affects small and medium sized blood vessels and is often associated with cytoplasmic anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA). Inflammatory pseudotumor is a rare condition characterized by the appearance of a mass lesion that mimics a malignant tumor both clinically and on imaging studies, but that is thought to have an inflammatory/reactive pathogenesis. We report a patient with a GPA which was originally diagnosed as malignancy.

Distribution and characteristics of the certification of rheumatologists in Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the distribution of adult and pediatric rheumatologists with current certification in Mexico and the factors associated with this distribution. METHODS: The databases of the Mexican Council of Rheumatology and the Mexican College of Rheumatology for 2020 were reviewed. The rate of rheumatologists per 100,000 inhabitants by state of the Mexican Republic was calculated. To find out the number of inhabitants by state, the results of the 2020 population census of the National Institute of Statistics and Geography were consulted. The number of rheumatologists with current certification by state, age, and sex was analyzed. RESULTS: In Mexico, there are 1002 registered adult rheumatologists with a mean age of 48.12 ±â€¯13 years. The male gender prevailed with a ratio of 1.18:1. Ninety-four pediatric rheumatologists were identified with a mean age of 42.25 ±â€¯10.4 years, with a predominance of the female gender with a ratio of 2.2:1. In Mexico City and Jalisco, more than one rheumatologist/100,000 inhabitants were reported in the specialty of adults and only in Mexico City in pediatrics. The current certification is 65%-70% on average and the factors associated with a higher prevalence were younger age, female gender and geographic location. CONCLUSIONS: There is a shortage of rheumatologists in Mexico and in the pediatric area there are underserved regions. It is important that health policies apply measures that allow a more balanced and efficient regionalization of this specialty. Although most rheumatologists have current certification, it is necessary to establish strategies to increase this proportion.

Renal transplantation in systemic lupus erythematosus: Comparison of graft survival with other causes of end-stage renal disease. / Trasplante renal en lupus eritematoso sistémico: comparación de la supervivencia del injerto con otras causas de enfermedad renal terminal.

INTRODUCTION: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) due to lupus nephritis (LN) occurs in 10%-30% of patients. Initially systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was a contraindication for kidney transplantation (KT). Today, long-term graft survival remains controversial. Our objective was to compare the survival after KT in patients with SLE or other causes of ESRD. METHODS: All SLE patients who had undergone KT in a retrospective cohort were included. Renal graft survival was compared with that of 50 controls, matched for age, sex, and year of transplantation. Survival was evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier test and the Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: Twenty-five subjects with SLE were included. The estimated 1-year, 2- and 5-year survival rates for patients with SLE were 92%, 66% and 66%. Renal graft survival did not differ between patients with SLE and other causes of ESRD (P=.39). The multivariate analysis showed no significant difference in graft survival between the two groups (hazard ratio, HR=1.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.57-6.61, P=.28). The recurrence rate of LN was 8% and was not associated with graft loss. Acute rejection was the only variable associated with graft loss in patients with SLE (HR=16.5, 95% CI 1.94-140.1, P=.01). CONCLUSIONS: Renal graft survival in SLE patients did not differ from that reported for other causes of ESRD.

Clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus by the Mexican College of Rheumatology. / Guía de práctica clínica para el manejo del lupus eritematoso sistémico propuesta por el Colegio Mexicano de Reumatología.

There are national and international clinical practice guidelines for systemic lupus erythematosus treatment. Nonetheless, most of them are not designed for the Mexican population or are devoted only to the treatment of certain disease manifestations, like lupus nephritis, or are designed for some physiological state like pregnancy. The Mexican College of Rheumatology aimed to create clinical practice guidelines that included the majority of the manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus, and also incorporated guidelines in controversial situations like vaccination and the perioperative period. The present document introduces the «Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus¼ proposed by the Mexican College of Rheumatology, which could be useful mostly for non-rheumatologist physicians who need to treat patients with systemic lupus erythematosus without having the appropriate training in the field of rheumatology. In these guidelines, the reader will find recommendations on the management of general, articular, kidney, cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, hematologic and gastrointestinal manifestations, and recommendations on vaccination and treatment management during the perioperative period.

Reliability of ultrasound grading traditional score and new global OMERACT-EULAR score system (GLOESS): results from an inter- and intra-reading exercise by rheumatologists.

This study aims to test the reliability of ultrasound to graduate synovitis in static and video images, evaluating separately grayscale and power Doppler (PD), and combined. Thirteen trained rheumatologist ultrasonographers participated in two separate rounds reading 42 images, 15 static and 27 videos, of the 7-joint count [wrist, 2nd and 3rd metacarpophalangeal (MCP), 2nd and 3rd interphalangeal (IPP), 2nd and 5th metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints]. The images were from six patients with rheumatoid arthritis, performed by one ultrasonographer. Synovitis definition was according to OMERACT. Scoring system in grayscale, PD separately, and combined (GLOESS-Global OMERACT-EULAR Score System) were reviewed before exercise. Reliability intra- and inter-reading was calculated with Cohen's kappa weighted, according to Landis and Koch. Kappa values for inter-reading were good to excellent. The minor kappa was for GLOESS in static images, and the highest was for the same scoring in videos (k 0.59 and 0.85, respectively). Excellent values were obtained for static PD in 5th MTP joint and for PD video in 2nd MTP joint. Results for GLOESS in general were good to moderate. Poor agreement was observed in 3rd MCP and 3rd IPP in all kinds of images. Intra-reading agreement were greater in grayscale and GLOESS in static images than in videos (k 0.86 vs. 0.77 and k 0.86 vs. 0.71, respectively), but PD was greater in videos than in static images (k 1.0 vs. 0.79). The reliability of the synovitis scoring through static images and videos is in general good to moderate when using grayscale and PD separately or combined.

Subglottic stenosis in granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's granulomatosis): Report of 4 cases. / Estenosis subglótica en granulomatosis con poliangitis (granulomatosis de Wegener): presentación de 4 casos.

INTRODUCTION: Subglottic stenosis (SGS) in granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) may result from active disease or from chronic recurrent inflammation. The objective of the study was to describe the clinical features and treatment of patients with subglottic stenosis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients with SGS due to GPA diagnosed at Rheumatology deparment between January 2000 and June 2015. RESULTS: We present 4 cases of SGS at our department during a period of 15 years. The interval between the presentation of the GPA and SGS varied between 2 and 144 months. The leading symptoms of SGS were dyspnoea on exertion and stridor. Three patients presented SGS without evidence of systemic activity. Two patients presented SGS grade i and received tracheal dilatation; two recurred and three needed a tracheostomy due to severe airway-limiting stenosis. CONCLUSION: SGS presents high morbidity. Even though subglottic dilatation provides symptomatic relief, recurrences may present. Severe airway-limiting stenosis often requires tracheostomy.

[Frailty syndrome in patients with rheumatoid arthritis]. / Síndrome de fragilidad en pacientes con artritis reumatoide.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disabling disease, which leads to joint destruction and functional limitations. It diminishes health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and life expectancy. Frailty is a chronic inflammatory process related to aging that causes disability and affects HRQoL. The presence of comorbidity and polypharmacy are both related to RA severity. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of frailty and comorbidities in patients with RA. METHODS: Based on the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria, we studied patients with RA that were seen at the outpatient clinic of the Rheumatology Department of a third level hospital. We applied the frailty criteria according to the Cardiovascular Health Study. We registered demographic data along with comorbidities and polypharmacy, using a cross-sectional, observational, and descriptive study design. RESULTS: Five hundred consecutive RA patients were included, 453 (90.6 %) were female.Mean age was 51.3 years and mean disease duration was 13.2 years; 23.4 % met frailty criteria. Mean number of comorbidities was 1.59, with systemic hypertension and obesity as the most frequent ones (25.2 % and 18.2 %, respectively). Polypharmacy was found in 99.6 % and 69.6 % received more than five drugs simultaneously. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of frailty in this study was unexpectedly high and so were comorbidities and multiple drug usage. Clinicians should make an early detection of signs of frailty and comorbidity in RA patients.

Introducción: la artritis reumatoide (AR) es una enfermedad inflamatoria crónica que causa daño articular progresivo, y afecta la calidad y la esperanza de vida. El síndrome de fragilidad (SF) es un precursor de limitaciones y discapacidad. La comorbilidad es un indicador de gravedad. Se buscó evaluar la frecuencia de fragilidad y comorbilidad en pacientes con AR. Métodos: se evaluaron pacientes consecutivos con AR atendidos en el departamento de Reumatología de un hospital de tercer nivel en los que fue posible aplicar los criterios para definir fragilidad según el Estudio de Salud Cardiovascular. Se registraron datos demográficos, el número de comorbilidades y la presencia de polifarmacia con un diseño observacional, descriptivo y transversal. Resultados: se analizaron 500 pacientes con AR. Fueron 453 mujeres (90.6 %). La edad promedio fue de 51.3 años y el tiempo promedio de evolución de la AR de 13.2 años. El 23.4 % cumplió con criterios para SF. El promedio de comorbilidades fue de 1.59 y las más frecuentes fueron la hipertensión arterial sistémica (25.2 %) y la obesidad (18.2 %). Los pacientes tomaban en promedio 5.81 fármacos; el 99.6 % incurría en polifarmacia y el 69.6 %, en polifarmacia mayor. Conclusiones: hubo una prevalencia muy alta de SF, mayor que la esperada en población general; asimismo, el número de comorbilidades y la presencia de polifarmacia fueron muy frecuentes. Se debe vigilar la aparición de datos clínicos de SF y comorbilidad en AR aun en sujetos jóvenes con enfermedad de corta evolución.

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.

Chronic respiratory disfunction due to diffuse alveolar hemorrhage in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and primary vasculitis.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hemorrhage (PH) occurs in 2-5% of SLE patients, and is associated with a high mortality rate (79-90%). Diagnostic criteria for this complication include: 1) Pulmonary infiltrates, with at least ¾ of lung tissue involved in a chest x ray, 2) Acute respiratory failure, 3) A decrease of 3g/dL or more in hemoglobin levels. PH might lead to organized pneumonia, collagen deposition, and pulmonary fibrosis which in time might cause changes in pulmonary function tests with either restrictive or obstructive patterns. AIM: To evaluate the existence of abnormalities in pulmonary function tests after a PH episode. METHODS: We included patients with SLE and primary vasculitis that developed PH. During the acute episode, we measured SLEDAI in SLE patients, five factor score in microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Store (BVAS) in granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) (Wegener). We determined the number of PH events, treatment, and ventilator assistance requirements and correlated its association with abnormal pulmonary function tests. RESULTS: We included 10 patients, 7 with SLE, 2 with MPA and 1 with GPA (Wegener). The mean activity measures were: SLEDAI 20.4 ± 7.5, FFS 2, and BVAS 36. Treatment consisted in methylprednisolone (MPD) in 3 patients, MPD plus cyclophosphamide (CY) in 6 patients, and MPD, CY, IV immunoglobulin, and plasmapheresis in one patient. Five patients required ventilatory support. We found abnormalities in pulmonary function tests in 8 patients, three had an obstructive pattern and five a restrictive pattern; 2 patients did not show any change. We did not find a significant association with any of the studied variables. CONCLUSION: PH might cause abnormalities in pulmonary function tests and prolonged immunosuppressive treatment could be required.