Caracterización clínica y microbiológica de los eventos de peritonitis asociada a diálisis peritoneal en un hospital de Chile. Un análisis retrospectivo / Clinical and microbiological characterization of Peritoneal Dialysis-Associated Peritonitis events in a hospital in Chile. A retrospective analysis

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las infecciones asociadas a diálisis peritoneal constituyen una de las causas de morbimortalidad más importante en estos pacientes y la terapia antimicrobiana empírica y dirigida adecuada es fundamental para mejorar el resultado, por lo que es importante establecer la microbiología local. OBJETIVO: Revisar la experiencia clínica de cinco años del Hospital Carlos Van Buren de Valparaíso, Chile, describiendo las características clínicas y microbiológicas de los pacientes con episodios de peritonitis asociada a diálisis peritoneal. METODOLOGÍA De forma retrospectiva se accedió a los registros clínicos de aquellos pacientes mayores de 18 años que presentaron al menos un evento de peritonitis asociada a diálisis peritoneal. RESULTADOS: De un total de 26 episodios, 62% de los pacientes fueron de sexo femenino, con un promedio de edad de 53 años. La principal comorbilidad fue la hipertensión arterial (100%), y el dolor abdominal fue el síntoma más frecuente (85%), con una mortalidad general de 7,7%. En el laboratorio la leucocitosis, la proteína C reactiva (PCR) y la velocidad de hemosedimentación (VHS) fueron los hallazgos más importantes. Predominaron las cocáceas grampositivas (54%), seguido de bacilos gramnegativos no fermentadores y Enterobacterales en igual proporción (11,5% cada grupo). Casos aislados de Candida albicans y Pasteurella canis fueron identificados, y en 15% de los casos el cultivo resultó negativo. CONCLUSIÓN: Se pudo conocer las características clínicas y microbiológicas locales de esta patología, para así redefinir las directrices de manejo en la institución.

BACKGROUND: Infections associated with peritoneal dialysis are one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in these patients, and adequate empirical and targeted antimicrobial therapy are essential to improve the outcome, so it is important to establish the local microbiology. AIM: To review the clinical experience of 5 years at the Carlos Van Buren Hospital in Valparaíso, Chile, in order to know the clinical and microbiological characteristics of patients with episodes of peritonitis associated with peritoneal dialysis. METHODS: Retrospectively, the clinical records of those patients over 18 years of age who presented at least one peritonitis event associated with peritoneal dialysis were accessed. RESULTS: Of a total of 26 episodes, 62% of the patients were female, with a mean age of 53 years. The main comorbidity was arterial hypertension (100%), and abdominal pain was the most frequent symptom (85%), with an overall mortality of 7.7%. In the laboratory parameters, leukocytosis, C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were the most important findings. Gram-positive cocci (54%) predominated, followed by Gram-negative non-fermenting and enterobacterial bacilli in the same proportion (11.5% each group). Isolated cases of Candida albicans and Pasteurella canis were identified, and in 15% of the cases the culture was negative. CONCLUSION: It was possible to know the local clinical and microbiological characteristics of this pathology, in order to redefine management guidelines for our institution.

Can fecal calprotectin reflect your colonic status?

Background: Organic colonic manifestation may be difficult to be differentiated from functional one. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a common chronic inflammatory and destructive disease of the bowel wall. Chronic inflammation is associated with ulcerations, strictures, perforations, and it is a risk factor for dysplasia and cancer. To reduce these long-standing complications, IBD patients are in a continuous need for early diagnosis1. Markers, such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and c-reactive protein (CRP), fecal calprotectin (FC) have been widely used as noninvasive parameters for IBD monitoring. We aimed, in this current study, to evaluate the value of fecal calprotectin and other noninvasive biomarkers in predicting abnormal histologic findings in patients undergoing colonoscopy.in addition to determine the cutoff value which predict IBD2. Methods: The present prospective study included 160 patients with complaint of colicky abdominal pain with frequent diarrhea associated with mucous and infrequent bleeding per rectum for more than 6 months. They presented partial improvement with medication and recurrence once stopping the treatment These patients had been recently diagnosed with IBD at many primary healthcare centers covering the areas of the Kafrelsheikh and Zagazik governorate in the North of Egyptian Nile delta. After complete history, clinical examination, and laboratory investigation, they were referred to the IBD clinic at Kafrelsheikh University Hospital for assessment and ileocolonoscopy with biopsies. Results: There was a wide spectrum of age of the studied patients, with mean age 40.12±7.88 (minimum 18 and maximum 56 years). Regarding gender, males represented 87.5% of the studied patients. Forty percent of the patients with colonic manifestation were smokers, 57% preferred a spicy diet, and the majority had low educational level (77.5%). Forty percent had obvious blood in stool, 55% had occult blood, and raised ESR CRP occurred in 32.5% and 50%, respectively. Fecal calprotectin cutoff was>159, with sensitivity 92.8% and specificity 97.5%. Conclusions: Biomarkers (FC, ESR, CRP) can be used as noninvasive parameters for the early diagnosis and prediction of organic colonic disease. Fecal calprotectin in the IBD group revealed significant area under the curve (AUC) values and cutoff> 159, with sensitivity 92.8% and specificity 97.5%. (AU)

Eritrosedimentación extremadamente elevada en pacientes adultos hospitalizados en una institución de alta complejidad en la ciudad de medellín, colombia entre 2016 y 2018 / Extremely elevated erythrosedimentation in adult patients hospitalized in a high complexity institution in the city of medellín, colombia between 2016 and 2018

Resumen Introducción: La eritrosedimentación es una medida indirecta de inflamación, se eleva ante un aumento de proteínas (reactantes de fase aguda) durante trastornos inflamatorios, un valor extremadamente elevado ≥100mm/hora) tiene una alta especificidad para el diagnóstico de enfermedades infecciosas, neoplásicas y autoinmunes. Objetivo: Caracterizar a los pacientes hospitalizados con una elevación extrema de la eritrosedimentación, y explorar su asociación con otros factores determinantes. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal. Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años, con eritrosedimentación extrema, internados en el Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe de la ciudad de Medellín, desde Noviembre de 2016 hasta Junio de 2018. Resultados: Se seleccionaron 1007 pacientes de la base de datos del hospital, las infecciones, con 743 (73,8%) afectados, fueron el principal diagnóstico relacionado. Se evidenció una correlación negativa de la eritrosedimentación con la hemoglobina -0.092(-0.155 a -0.029) P <0.01 y con el hematocrito -0.087(-0.150 a -0.024) P 0.01, y una positiva significativa débil con la PCR 0.080 (0.014 a 0.146) p 0.02. Discusión: Acorde a otros estudios, las infecciones representaron el primer grupo de elevación extrema, contrario a otro estudio se evidenció una correlación directa, débil y estadísticamente significativa entre la Proteina C reactiva y la eritrosedimentación extremadamente elevada. Conclusión: Las infecciones fueron el principal grupo de enfermedades con eritrosedimentación extrema, se evidenció una correlación inversa entre la eritrosedimentación con la hemoglobina y el hematocrito, y una correlación positiva débil con la proteína C reactiva. MÉD.UIS.2021;34(3): 39-45.

Abstract Sedimentation rate is an indirect inflammation measure, it rises when increase proteins (acute phase reactants) during inflammatory disorders, extreme high value (≥100mm / hour) has a high specificity for the diagnosis of infectious, neoplastic, and autoimmune diseases. Objective: To characterize inpatients with an extreme elevation of the sedimentation rate, and to establish the correlation between determinant factors and extreme sedimentation. Methods: Observational and cross-sectional study, including patients older than 18 years, with an extremely sedimentation rate, hospitalized in Hospital Pablo Tobon Uribe in Medellin city, during November of 2016 to June of 2018. Results: We selected 1007 patients from the data base, Infections were the most common diagnosis (743, 73.8%), and the main type were urinary tract infections (133, 13%). We evidence a negative correlation with the hemoglobin -0.092(0.155 a -0.029) and with the hematocrit -0.087(0.150 a -0.024), and a positive and weak significant correlation with the C-reactive protein 0.080 (0.014 a 0.146) p 0.02. Discussion: The infections, as in other studies, represent the main etiology associated with an extreme sedimentation. Different to other analyzed investigations, we observed a direct, weak and statistically significant correlation between the PCR and the extreme VSG. Conclusions: Infections were the main cause of extreme sedimentation rate. We evidence an inverse correlation between the blood sedimentation and the hemoglobin and the hematocrit, and a weak correlation with the C-reactive protein. MÉD.UIS.2021;34(3): 39-45.

Clinical and laboratory features of patients with undifferentiated spondyloarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis / Características clínicas y de laboratorio de pacientes con espondiloartritis indiferenciada y espondilitis anquilosante

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The terms Spondyloarthritis and spondyloarthropathy (Spa) are used to define a group of diseases with related clinical characteristics and genetics. AIM: To report the clinical and demographic characteristics of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and undifferentiated spondyloarthritis (USpA) and to evaluate the frequency of cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti-CCP) positivity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two hundred patients with USpA or AS, 100 control patients with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 100 healthy volunteers were included. For each patient, their detailed medical histories, physical examination, whole blood counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), anti-CCP, routine biochemical tests, and HLA-B27 test results were evaluated. ASDAS and BASDAI scores and morning stiffness were used to evaluate the disease activity. RESULTS: The presenting symptom of 73 (73%) patients in the AS group and 58 (58%) patients in the USpA group was pain in axial joints. A family history of Spa was positive in 32 patients from both groups (32%). A positive HLA-B27 was found in 55% of the AS group and 25% of the USpA group (p < 0.01 for the difference between groups). The frequency of positive HLA-B27 was significantly higher in individuals with a family history of SpA (p = 0.022). A positive Anti-CCP was found in 56% of the RA group, a significantly higher frequency compared with other groups (p < 0.001). The frequency of positive Anti-CCP in patients in AS (9%) and USpA (6%) was significantly higher than in healthy controls (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of anti-CCP positivity was higher in SpA patients than in healthy controls.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los términos espondiloartritis y espondiloatropatia (Spa) se usan para definir un grupo de enfermedades con características y genética relacionadas. OBJETIVO: Informar las características clínicas y demográficas de la espondilitis anquilosante (EA) y espondiloartritis indiferenciada (USpA) - y para evaluar la frecuencia de positividad del anticuerpo péptido citrulinado cíclico (anti-CCP). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: En este estudio observacional se incluyeron doscientos pacientes con USpA y EA, 100 pacientes control con diagnóstico de artritis reumatoide (AR) y 100 voluntarios sanos. Se evaluó la historia clínica, exámen físico, recuentos sanguíneos completos, velocidad de sedimentación globular (ESR), proteína C reactiva (PCR), anti-CCP, pruebas bioquímicas de rutina y resultados de la prueba HLA-B27. Para evaluar la actividad de la enfermedad se utilizaron las puntuaciones ASDAS y BASDAI y la rigidez matutina. RESULTADOS: El síntoma inicial de 73 (73%) pacientes en el grupo de EA y 58 (58%) pacientes en el grupo de USpA fue dolor en las articulaciones axiales. Treinta y dos pacientes de cada grupo (32%) tenían antecedentes familiares de SPA. HLA-B27 fue positivo en el 55% del grupo AS y el 25% del grupo USpA con una diferencia significativa entre los dos grupos (p < 0.001). La frecuencia de positividad HLA-B27 fue mayor en individuos con historia familiar de SpA (p = 0,02). Se encontraron anti-CCP positivos en el 56% del grupo con AR, una frecuencia significativamente mayor en comparación con otros grupos (p < 0,01). La frecuencia de anti-CCP positivo fue mayor los pacientes con AS (9%) y USpA (6%) que en el grupo sano (p < 0,001). CONCLUSIONES: La frecuencia de positividad anti-CCP fue mayor en los grupos de SpA en comparación con los grupos control sanos.

The prognostic significance of erythrocyte sedimentation rate in COVID-19

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: There are limited data about the significance of erythrocyte sedimentation rate as a single prognostic parameter for the prognosis and mortality of COVID-19. This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic utility of erythrocyte sedimentation rate as a prognostic factor for the disease severity and mortality in patients with COVID-19. METHODS: A total of 148 consecutive patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 and hospitalized at the intensive care unit or non-the intensive care unit were included in the study. The patients were allocated to groups as severe/critical disease versus nonsevere disease and survivors and nonsurvivors. The prognostic role and predictable values of erythrocyte sedimentation rate were analyzed. RESULTS: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was found to be higher among patients with severe/critical disease compared to those with nonsevere disease (p<0.001) and among nonsurvivors compared to survivors (p<0.001). The logistic regression analysis showed that erythrocyte sedimentation rate was an independent parameter for predicting disease severity and mortality. The role of erythrocyte sedimentation rate in the assessment of severity and mortality in patients with COVID-19 was analyzed using the receiver operating characteristic curve and was found to be significant in both. The analyses suggested that the optimum erythrocyte sedimentation rate cutoff point for disease severity and mortality were 52.5 mm/h with 65.5% sensitivity and 76.3% specificity and 56.5 mm/h with 66.7% sensitivity and 72.5% specificity. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that erythrocyte sedimentation rate was an independent prognostic factor for severity and mortality in patients with COVID-19.

Parámetros de laboratorio clínico en pacientes con la COVID-19 / Clinical laboratory parameters in patients with COVID-19

Introducción: Conocer las alteraciones en exámenes de laboratorio clínico, es de utilidad en el diagnóstico y el progreso de pacientes con la COVID-19. Objetivo: Describir los parámetros de laboratorio clínico en pacientes diagnosticados con la COVID-19. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo en 82 pacientes hospitalizados con la COVID-19. Las variables analizadas fueron edad, sexo, comorbilidad, reporte de paciente, estado al egreso, hemoglobina, recuento de glóbulos blancos, conteo absoluto de neutrófilos, conteo absoluto de linfocitos, conteo de plaquetas, eritrosedimentación, dímero D, creatinina, urea, alanina aminotransferasa, aspartato aminotransferasa, #947;-glutamil transpeptidasa, fosfatasa alcalina, lactato deshidrogenasa, relación neutrófilos/ linfocitos y de plaquetas/ linfocitos. Resultados: La edad promedio fue de 55,61 ± 22,04, fue mayoría el sexo femenino (57,3 por ciento), hipertensos (41,5 por ciento), el 18,3 por ciento reportados de grave y el 14,6 por ciento falleció. La edad avanzada y la comorbilidad se asociaron al reporte de gravedad. Hubo disminución significativa de la hemoglobina, linfocitos; elevación de la eritrosedimentación, dímero D, creatinina, #947;-glutamil transpeptidasa y lactato deshidrogenasa, sobre todo en graves. La relación neutrófilos/ linfocitos y de plaquetas/ linfocitos alertaron sobre el agravamiento del paciente y la posibilidad de fallecer. Conclusiones: Los pacientes tenían una media de edad de 55,61, del sexo femenino, con hipertensión arterial; egresaron vivos, reportados de no graves. Disminuyen los valores medios de hemoglobina, conteo global de los linfocitos, sobre todo en graves; aumenta el dímero D, creatinina, ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, y LD. La relación neutrófilos/ linfocitos y de plaquetas/ linfocitos muestran valores medios altos, sobre todo en graves y en quienes fallecieron (AU)

Introduction: Knowing the alterations in clinical laboratory tests is useful in the diagnosis and progress of patients with COVID-19. Objective: To describe the clinical laboratory parameters in patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Methods: Descriptive study in 82 hospitalized patients with COVID-19. The variables analyzed were age, sex, comorbidity, patient report, discharge status, hemoglobin, white blood cell count, absolute neutrophil count, absolute lymphocyte count, platelet count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, D-dimer, creatinine, urea, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, neutrophil / lymphocyte and platelet / lymphocyte ratio. Results: The average age was 55.61 ± 22.04, the majority were female (57.3 percent), hypertensive (41.5 percent), 18.3 percent reported serious and 14.6 percent died. Advanced age and comorbidity were associated with the severity report. There was a significant decrease in hemoglobin, lymphocytes; elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, D-dimer, creatinine, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, and lactate dehydrogenase, especially in severe patients. The neutrophil / lymphocyte and platelet / lymphocyte ratio warned about the worsening of the patient and the possibility of death. Conclusions: The patients a mean age of 55.61, female, with arterial hypertension; they were discharged alive, reported as not serious. Mean hemoglobin values ​​decrease, global lymphocyte count, especially in severe patients; increases D-dimer, creatinine, ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, and LD. The neutrophil / lymphocyte and platelet / lymphocyte ratio show high mean values, especially in severely ill patients and in those who died(AU)

Análise do perfil clínico e epidemiológico de pacientes com artrite psoriásica em ambulatório de reumatologia na Região Amazônica / Clinical and epidemiological profile analysis of patients with psoriatic arthritis in a rheumatology clinic in the Amazon Region

Objetivo: Conhecer o perfil clínico e epidemiológico de pacien- tes portadores de artrite psoriásica de uma região brasileira. Método: Pesquisa observacional, transversal, epidemiológica e documental, baseada na coleta de dados obtidos a partir da análise de 53 prontuários de pacientes cadastrados do Ambu- latório de Reumatologia da Universidade do Estado do Pará, na Região Amazônica. Resultados: Houve predominância do padrão do tipo poliartrite simétrica, sem distinção entre os sexos, com a presença de manifestações extra-articulares, pso- ríase em placas, em uso de metotrexato em doses médias. Con- clusão: Apesar da etiopatogenia da doença ser dependente de fatores genéticos, ambientais e imunológicos e da população amazônica ser muito particular, de uma miscigenação entre eu- ropeus, ameríndios e negros, o perfil clínico e epidemiológicos dos pacientes do Ambulatório de Reumatologia da Universidade do Estado do Pará é semelhante ao das literaturas nacional e internacional.

Objective: To know the clinical and epidemiologic profile of pso- riatic arthritis patients of a Brazilian region. Method: This is an observational, cross-sectional, epidemiological, and documental study, based on the data obtained from the analysis of the medi- cal records of 53 patients registered on the Rheumatology Cli- nic of the Universidade do Estado do Pará, in the Amazon area. Results: There was a predominance of the symmetrical polyar- ticular pattern, with no sexual distinction, extra articular invol- vement, plaque psoriasis, and treatment withn methotrexate, in medium doses. Conclusion: Despite the etiopathogenesis being dependent on genetic, environmental, and immunological fac- tors, and the population of the Amazon being a mix of Europeans, Amerindians, and black people, the clinical and epidemiological profile of the patients of the Rheumatology clinic of the Univer- sidade do Estado do Pará is similar to the ones described on the national and international literature.

Comparative Study of the Level of Inflammatory Factors of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate and Reactive Protein C in Benign and Malignant Thyroid Nodules

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the level of inflammatory factors of erythrocyte sedimentation rate and reactive protein C in benign and malignant thyroid nodules. Material and Methods: In this case-control study, patients who were referred because of an enlarged thyroid gland were selected, patients who had undergone surgery for the thyroid nodule were included in the study. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and reactive protein C were measured before surgery in patients who were candidates for thyroid surgery. The histopathological records of patients were retrospectively reviewed. Relevant cases had a cytological evaluation of thyroid nodules by fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). The mean of ESR / CRP in both groups was compared using an independent t-test (p>0.05). Results: In malignant tumor type, in all patients, with Pill (PTC), analyzes in the malignant group showed a significant difference between the mean ESR / CRP in both groups with and without thyroid history. Sub-analyzes in the malignant group were significantly different between the mean ESR / CRP in both groups with and without thyroid histories (p=0.009) (40.16 ± 28.81). The association between ESR and CRP, ESR / CRP and tumor size, ESR / CRP and age in each group as well as in the whole patients were evaluated using Pearson correlation test, which showed a positive association between ESR age and ESR (p=0.024, r=0.375). In the malignant group, a negative correlation was found between the age and the CRP rate (p=0.027, r=-0.441), and in the total patients between the age and the rate (ES=0.043, r=-0.256). Conclusion: Factors such as ESR and CRP, which are considered acute phase reactors and their levels increase in acute inflammatory conditions, may not have a significant increase in chronic inflammatory conditions and malignancies.

Negative association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and inflammatory markers in rheumatologic diseases / Asociación negativa entre 25-hidroxi vitamina D y los marcadores inflamatorios en enfermedades reumatológicas

Objective: The main purpose of this study was to evaluate serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels and its association with in"ammatory markers in patients with rheumatologic diseases (RD). Methods: A cross-sectional study in 154 women with RD (rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis and other connective tissue diseases) and 112 healthy individuals as a control group (CG) was carried out. Results: No differences in serum and urine calcium, serum phosphate, and urinary deoxypyridinoline were found. RD group had lower 25OHD and higher PTH compared to CG. RD group had higher C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) compared to CG. The overall mean level of 25OHD (ng/ml) was 26.3±12.0 in the CG and 19.4±6.8 in the RD group (p<0.0001). Moreover, CG had lower percentage of individuals with 25OHD de!ciency compared to RD (29.9% vs 53.2%). The femoral neck BMD was signi!cantly lower in postmenopausal RD women compared to CG. 25OHD levels signi!cantly correlated with ESR and CRP as in"ammatory markers. Age, BMI, presence of RD, and CRP were signi!cantly and negatively associated with 25OHD levels through linear regression analysis. According to univariate logistic regression analysis for 25OHD deficiency (<20 ng/ml), a significant and negative association with BMI, presence of RD, ESR and CRP were found. Conclusion: Patients with RD had lower 25OHD levels than controls and the presence of a RD increases by 2.66 the risk of vitamin D de!ciency. In addition, 25OHD has a negative correlation with ESR and CRP as in"ammatory markers. (AU)

Objetivo El objetivo principal de este estudio fue evaluar los niveles séricos de 25-hidroxivitamina D (25OHD) y su asociación con marcadores inflamatorios en enfermedades reumatológicas. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal en 154 mujeres con enfermedades reumatológicas (artritis reumatoide, espondiloartritis y otras enfermedades del tejido conectivo) y 112 individuos sanos como grupo control (GC). Resultados: No se encontraron diferencias en el calcio sérico y urinario, el fosfato sérico y la desoxipiridinolina urinaria entre el GC y los sujetos con enfermedades reumatológicas. El grupo de pacientes con enfermedades reumatológicas tenía 25OHD más bajo y PTH más alto en comparación con el GC. Asimismo, el grupo de individuos con enfermedades reumatológicas tenía proteína C reactiva (PCR) y velocidad de eritrosedimentación (VES) más altas en comparación con el GC. El nivel de 25OHD (ng/ml) fue 26,3±12,0 en el GC y 19,4±6,8 en el grupo con enfermedades reumatológicas (p<0,0001). Además, el GC presentó un porcentaje menor de deficiencia de 25OHD en comparación con el grupo con enfermedades reumatológicas (29,9% vs 53,2%). La DMO del cuello femoral fue significativamente menor en las mujeres posmenopáusicas con enfermedades reumatológicas en comparación con el GC. La 25OHD correlacionó significativamente con la VES y la PCR como marcadores inflamatorios. El análisis de regresión lineal mostró que la edad, el IMC, la presencia de una enfermedad reumatológica y la PCR se asociaron significativa y negativamente con los niveles de 25OHD. Mientras que el análisis de regresión logística univariada mostró que la deficiencia de 25OHD (<20 ng/ml), se asoció significativa y negativamente con el IMC, la presencia de una enfermedad reumatológica, la VES y los niveles de PCR. Conclusiones: Los pacientes con enfermedades reumatológicas tenían niveles de 25OHD más bajos que los controles y la presencia de una enfermedad reumatológica aumenta en 2.66 el riesgo de deficiencia de vitamina D. Además, la 25OHD mostró correlación negativa con la VES y la PCR como marcadores inflamatorios. (AU)

Artrite reumatoide do tipo EORA com trombocitose significativa: relato de caso / Elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis with significant thrombocytosis: a case report

Este relato teve como objetivo apresentar um caso de elderly onset rheumatoid arthritis associada à trombocitose reacional significativa. À admissão, o paciente apresentava quadro de poliartrite de pequenas e grandes articulações associado à rigidez matinal. Após exames solicitados, evidenciaram-se trombocitose de 1.697.000 cel./mm³ e anticorpos antipeptídeos citrulinados positivos, sendo diagnosticado com artrite reumatoide do tipo elderly onset rheumatoid arthritis.

This report aimed at presenting a case of elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis associated with significant reactive thrombocytosis. On admission, the patient presented polyarthritis of small and large joints associated with morning stiffness. After the performance of the requested tests, thrombocytosis of 1,697,000 cells/mm3 and positive anti-CCP were evidenced, and the patient was diagnosed with elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis.

Doença de Still do adulto: um desafio diagnóstico / Adult-onset Still's disease: a diagnostic challenge

A doença de Still do adulto é uma rara condição inflamatória, cujo diagnóstico é um desafio, por se tratar de diagnóstico de exclusão, após vasta investigação. Manifesta-se com febre alta diária, amigdalite não supurativa, artrite, rash evanescente, leucocitose e hiperferritinemia. O presente caso demonstra a doença de Still do adulto e sua vasta investigação, motivando a realização de revisão bibliográfica sobre inovações na fisiopatologia, no diagnóstico e no tratamento.

Adult onset Still's disease is a rare inflammatory condition, the diagnosis of which is a challenge, because it is a diagnosis of exclusion, and demands extensive investigation. It manifests with high daily fever, nonsuppurative tonsillitis, arthritis, evanescent rash, leukocytosis, and hyperferritinemia. The present case de­monstrates adult-onset Still's disease and its extensive inves­tigation, motivating literature review on innovations of its pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment.

Biomarcadores en enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal: ¿sabe cómo utilizarlos? / Biomarkers in inflammatory bowel disease

Biomarkers in inflammatory bowel disease are an essential tool in clinical practice. They allow a non-invasive evaluation of patients and thus guide decision-making at different stages of the disease, including diagnostic suspicion, severity assessment, relapse prediction, and treatment response. Although biomarkers in blood such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein, are the most commonly used biomarkers, because their low cost and accessibility, they lack specificity. Currently, fecal biomarkers offer greater reliability, applicability, and specificity. Fecal calprotectin is the most commonly used marker. This review discusses the advantages and disadvantages of biomarkers in inflammatory bowel disease, as well as their clinical applications and new biomarkers currently under research.

Papel de la proteína C reactiva y la velocidad de sedimentación globular en la predicción de colecistectomía laparoscópica dificultosa: su aplicación en un programa de residencia universitario / Role of C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate to predict difficult laproscopic cholecystectomy in a university residency program

Antecedentes: la colecistectomía laparoscópica es uno de los procedimientos quirúrgicos más frecuentemente realizados. Las diferencias en la anatomía y en el grado de inflamación vesicular suelen causar dificultades técnicas intraoperatorias. Objetivo: determinar el valor de la proteína C reactiva (PCR) y la velocidad de sedimentación globular (VSG) como predictores de colecistectomía dificultosa y evaluar su aplicación en la planificación prequirúrgica de un programa de residencia universitario. Material y métodos: se confeccionó un estudio retrospectivo, analítico, en un hospital universitario de tercer nivel. Se incluyeron 104 pacientes adultos operados de colecistectomía laparoscópica por litiasis vesicular sintomática entre enero y julio de 2019. Se categorizó a los pacientes en un grupo de colecistectomías dificultosas y otro de colecistectomías no dificultosas. Resultados: se obtuvieron diferencias estadísticamente significativas al comparar los valores de VSG y PCR de ambos grupos (p < 0,001). La sensibilidad de la VSG fue del 100%, la especificidad del 45%, el VPP del 40% y el VPN de 100%. La sensibilidad de la PCR fue del 87,5%, la especificidad del 86,3%, el VPP del 70% y el VPN de 95%. Ambos parámetros se vieron elevados en 14 de 16 colecistectomías dificultosas y en 2 de 44 colecistectomías no dificultosas. La sensibilidad para ambos parámetros elevados fue del 87,5%, la especificidad del 95%, el VPP del 87,5% y el VPN de 95%. Conclusión: la VSG y la PCR han demostrado ser un método fiable en la predicción de colecistectomías dificultosas por litiasis vesicular sintomática. Esto podría ser aplicado en la programación de cirugías dentro de un programa de residencia universitario.

Background: laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most common procedures performed in general surgery. The anatomical differences of the gallbladder and the presence of factors related to inflammation can cause technical issues during surgery. Objective: the aim of the present study was to determine the value of C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) as predictors of difficult cholecystectomy and to evaluate their application during presurgical planning within a university residency program. Material and methods: we conducted a retrospective and analytical study in a tertiary university hospital. A total of 104 adult patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy due to symptomatic cholelithiasis between January and July 2019 were included. The patients were categorized into two groups: difficult cholecystectomy and non-difficult cholecystectomy. Results: there were statistically significant differences in ESR and CRP values between both groups (p < 0.001). Sensitivity of ESR was 100%, specificity was 45%, with a PPV of 40% and NPV of 100%. Sensitivity of CRP was 87.5%, specificity was 86.3%, with a PPV of 70% and NPV of 95%. Both parameters were elevated in 14 of 16 difficult cholecystectomies and in 2 of 44 non-difficult cholecystectomies. Sensitivity of CRP was 87.5%, specificity was 86.3%, with a PPV of 70% and NPV of 95%. Conclusion: measuring ESR and CRP has proved to be a reliable method to predict difficult cholecystectomies due to symptomatic cholelithiasis. This could be applied for surgical planning within a university residency program.

Tocilizumab for juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a single-center case series

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the commonest chronic rheumatic disease among children. When not treated effectively, JIA can lead to functional disability, due to joint damage, along with long-term morbidities. OBJECTIVES: To describe the use of tocilizumab therapy for 11 patients with polyarticular JIA (pJIA) and systemic JIA (sJIA) who presented inadequate response or were refractory to disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and/or other biological therapies; and to evaluate its benefits, safety and tolerability. DESIGN AND SETTING: Observational retrospective case series at a tertiary-level training and research hospital. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 11 consecutive patients with JIA who received tocilizumab (anti-IL-6) therapy in our pediatric nephrology and rheumatology outpatient clinic. We analyzed their demographic data, clinical and laboratory findings, treatment response and adverse reactions. We determined the efficacy of tocilizumab treatment using the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) pediatric (Pedi) response criteria, including ACR Pedi 30, 50, 70 and 90 scores. We used the Wilcoxon test to compare measurements before and after treatment. RESULTS: Tocilizumab was given to seven patients with sJIA and four with pJIA (one of the pJIA patients was rheumatoid factor-positive). In most patients, we observed improvement of symptoms, absence of articular and extra-articular inflammation and continued inactive disease. ACR Pedi 30, 50 and 70 scores were achieved by 90.9% of the patients. Five patients showed minor side effects, possibly due to use of tocilizumab. CONCLUSIONS: Tocilizumab therapy should be considered for treating patients with diagnoses of pJIA or sJIA who are resistant to non-biological DMARDs and/or other biological therapies.

Características clínico-epidemiológicas y predictores de complicaciones coronarias en niños de Argentina con enfermedad de Kawasaki / Clinical- epidemiological characteristics and predictors of coronary complications in children of Argentina with Kawasaki disease

Resumen Introducción: La enfermedad de Kawasaki (EK) es una vasculitis sistémica aguda con riesgo de desarrollar aneurismas coronarios. Objetivos: Describir características clínico-epidemiológicas en niños con diagnóstico de EK en Argentina. Analizar factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de complicaciones coronarias (CC). Población y Métodos: Estudio multicéntrico, retrospectivo, transversal, observacional y analítico. Incluyó pacientes bajo 18 años de edad, con diagnóstico de EK en hospitales de Argentina, entre el 1 de enero de 2010 y el 31 de diciembre de 2013. Resultados: N = 193 sujetos. Edad: mediana: 29 meses. Tasa promedio total país 5 casos/10.000 egresos hospitalarios. Presentaron CC 15,5%. Mayor riesgo de CC: Mayor cantidad de días de fiebre al momento de colocación del tratamiento (p = 0,0033); Aumento de: frecuencia cardíaca (p = 0,0021), eritrosedimentación (VSG) (p = 0,005), proteína C reactiva (PCR) (p < 0,0001), leucocitosis (p = 0,0006), neutrofilia (p = 0,0021); Disminución de hematocrito (p = 0,0007) y hemoglobina (p < 0,0001). Asociación con CC: alteraciones cardiológicas no coronarias (ORv10.818); PCR mayor de 68 mg/L (OR = 11.596); leucocitos mayores a 20.000/mm3 (OR= 4.316); y VSG mayor de 64 mm/1° hora (OR = 4.267). Conclusión: La forma de presentación más frecuente fue EK completa, el riesgo de CC fue mayor en varones, menores de 5 años de edad, los factores de riesgo (clínicos y de laboratorio) fueron semejantes a los descritos en la bibliografía.

Background: Kawasaki disease (EK) is an acute systemic vasculitis with a risk of developing coronary aneurysms. Aim: To describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of children with EK in Argentina and to analyse the risk factors for the development of coronary's complications (CC). Methods: Multicenter, retrospective, cross-sectional, observational and analytical study. It included patients younger than 18 years of age diagnosed with EK in hospitals in Argentina, between January the 1st, 2010 and December the 31th, 2013. Results: N = 193 subjects. Age: medium: 29 months. Total incidence 5 cases / 10,000 hospital discharges. CC was observed in 15.5% of patients. Increased risk factors for CC: Elevated number of days with fever at the time of treatment placement (p = 0.0033); Increased of: heart frequency (p = 0.0021), erythrosedimentation (ESR) (p = 0.005), C-reactive protein (CRP) (p < 0.0001), leukocytes (p = 0.0006), neutrophils (p = 0.0021); Decreased of hematocrit (p = 0.0007) and hemoglobin (p < 0.0001).Association with CC: non-coronary cardiological alterations (OR = 10,818); PCR greater than 68 mg /L (OR = 11,596); leukocytes greater than 20,000 / mm3 (OR = 4.316); and ESR greater than 64 mm / 1 hour (OR = 4.267). Conclusion: The most frequent form of presentation was complete EK, the risk of CC was higher in males, younger than 5 years old, the risk factors (clinical and laboratory) were similar to those described in the literature.

Relationship between erythrocyte sedimentation rate and choroidal and retinal thickness in Behçet's disease / A relação entre a taxa de sedimentação eritrocitária, espessuras de coroide e retina na doença de Behçet

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare retinal and choroidal thickness in patients with Behçet's disease with and without ocular involvement as well as to evaluate the correlation between erythrocyte sedimentation rate and choroidal thickness among patients with Behçet's disease. Methods: This was a prospective interventional study investigating erythrocyte sedimentation as well as choroidal and retinal thickness among patients with Behçet's disease. Patients who were diagnosed based on The International Criteria for Behçet's Disease with (Group A) or without (Group B) ocular involvement and a matched control group (Group C) participated in the study. Optical coherence tomography measurements and blood tests were performed on the same day. Retinal and choroidal thickness were measured using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (Spectralis, Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany), and central macular thickness, central subfoveal choroidal thickness, and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness were measured using optical coherence tomography. Results: Average erythrocyte sedimenta­tion values were 9.89 mm/h in Group A, 16.21 mm/h in Group B, and 3.89 mm/h in Group C; average central subfoveal choroidal thickness values were 350.66, 331.74, and 325.95 mm, respectively. Average central macular thickness and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness values of patients in Groups A, B and C were 226.39 and 225.97mm; 234.11 and 92.00 mm; and 97.58 and 99.84 mm, respectively. No significant difference was seen between Group A and B patients in central subfoveal choroidal thickness, central macular thickness, or retinal nerve fiber layer thickness values. Central macular thickness was statistically significantly thinner in Groups A and B than in Group C (p=0.016). Group A had thinning in the nasal quadrant of the retinal and general retinal nerve fiber layers when compared with those in Group C (p=0.010 and 0.041, respectively). A connection could not be established between the erythrocyte sedimentation, central subfoveal cho­roidal thickness, central macular thickness, and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in the patients with Behçet's disease. Conclusion: The erythrocyte sedimentation rate is typically used to test for activation of Behçet's disease and assess treatment response. In our study, we could not establish a connection between the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and central subfoveal choroidal thickness, central macular thickness, and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in patients with systematically active Behçet's disease without ocular involvement.

RESUMO Objetivos: Comparar a espessura da retina e da coroide em pacientes com doença de Behçet, com e sem acometimento ocular e avaliar a correlação entre a taxa de sedimentação de eritrócitos e a espessura da coroide em pacientes com doença de Behçet. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo intervencional que investigou a sedimentação de eritrócitos, espessura de coroide e da retina em pacientes com doença de Behçet. Os pacientes que foram diagnosticados com base nos Critérios Internacionais para a Doença de Behçet com (Grupo A) ou sem (Grupo B) envolvimento ocular e um grupo controle correspondente (Grupo C) participaram do estudo. Medidas de tomografia de coerência óptica e exames de sangue foram realizados no mesmo dia. As espessuras da retina e da coroide foram medidas utilizando tomografia de coerência óptica de domínio espectral (Spectralis, Heidelberg Engineering, Hidelberg, Germany) e a espessura macular central, a espessura coroidal subfoveal central e a espessura da camada de fibra nervosa da retina foram medidas usando tomografia de coerência óptica. Resultados: Os valores médios de sedimentação de eritrócitos foram de 9,89 mm/h no Grupo A, 16,21 mm/h no Grupo B e 3,89 mm/h no Grupo C; os valores médios da espessura da coroide subfoveal central foram 350,66, 331,74 e 325,95 mm respectivamente. Os valores médios da espessura macular central e da espessura da camada de fibra nervosa da retina dos pacientes nos grupos A, B e C foram de 226,39, 225,97, 234,11 mm e 92,00, 97,58, 99,84 mm respectivamente. Não houve diferença significativa entre pacientes do Grupo A e B na espessura da coroide subfoveal central, espessura macular central ou valores da espessura da camada de fibra nervosa da retina. A espessura macular central foi estatisticamente significativamente mais fina nos Grupos A e B do que no Grupo C (p=0,016). O Grupo A apresentou afinamento na porção nasal das camadas retiniana e geral da fibra nervosa da retina quando comparado com o Grupo C (p=0,010, p=0,041, respectivamente). Não foi possível estabelecer uma conexão entre a sedimentação dos eritrócitos, a espessura subfoveal central da coroide, a espessura macular central e espessura da camada de fibras nervosas da retina nos pacientes com doença de Behçet. Conclusão: A taxa de sedimentação de eritrócitos é comumente utilizada para testar a ativação da doença de Behçet e avaliar a resposta ao tratamento. Em nosso estudo, não foi possível estabelecer uma conexão entre a taxa de sedimentação de eritrócitos e a espessura da coroide subfoveal central, espessura macular central e espessura da camada de fibras nervosas da retina em pacientes com doença de Behçet sistematicamente ativa sem envolvimento ocular.

Evaluación de reactantes de fase aguda como predictores de bacteriemia en niños con fiebre, leucemia aguda y linfoma / Evaluation of acute-phase reactants as predictors of bacteremia in children with fever, acute leukemia, and lymphoma

Introducción: Para predecir una infección en estadios tempranos en niños con cáncer se han evaluado marcadores como ESD, PCR y PCT. Objetivo: evaluar la precisión diagnóstica para bacteriemia de estos marcadores al ingreso en niños con fiebre y leucemia aguda (LA) o linfoma (L) internados entre 2013-2016. Métodos: estudio analítico retrospectivo. Revisión de historias clínicas. Se calcularon sensibilidad, especificidad, valor predictivo positivo, valor predictivo negativo y área bajo la curva ROC para cada marcador en MedCalc® V16.8.4. Se obtuvo autorización del Comité de Ética. Resultados:en total se internaron 31 niños con diagnóstico de LA y L, 19 presentaron fiebre y 12 no. Hubo 40 episodios de fiebre clasificados en 4 grupos: bacteriemia 14 (35%), infección documentada microbiológicamente 5 (12.5%), infección documentada clínicamente 2 (5%) y fiebre de origen desconocido 19 (47.5%). Los niveles de PCT fueron mayores en el grupo de bacteriemia registrando un valor promedio de 1,17ng/ mL (p: 0.045). El área bajo la curva ROC entre el grupo con y sin bacteriemia fue de 0.50 para ESD, 0.65 para PCR y 0.83 para PCT con S de 77.78%, E de 66.67%, VPP de 50% y VPN de 92.86%. Discusión: la PCT mostró ser el más eficaz que ESD y PCR para predecir bacteriemia. se deben realizar investigaciones con biomarcadores con el objeto de disminuir el uso inadecuado de antibióticos en pacientes con fiebre secundaria a enfermedad y acortar los tiempos de tratamiento en pacientes con infecciones adecuadamente resueltas mejorando ampliamente la calidad de vida en niños con cáncer (AU)

Introduction: To predict infection in early stages in children with cancer, markers such as ESR, CRP, and PCT have been evaluated. Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic precision for bacteremia of these markers on admission of children with fever and acute leukemia (AL) or lymphoma (L) admitted between 2013- 2016. Methods: A retrospective analytical study. Review of the clinical records. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and area under the ROC curve were calculated for each marker in MedCalc® V16.8.4. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee. Results: Overall, 31 children with AL and L were admitted, 19 of whom presented with fever and 12 did not. There were 40 episodes of fever classified into 4 groups: bacteremia 14 (35%), microbiologically documented infection 5 (12.5%), clinically documented infection 2 (5%), and fever of unknown etiology 19 (47.5%). PCT levels were higher in the group with bacteremia with a mean value of 1.17ng/mL (p:0.045). The area under the ROC curve between the groups with and without bacteremia was 0.50 for ESR, 0.65 for CRP, and 0.83 for PCT with a sensitivity of 77.78%, specificity of 66.67%, PPV of 50%, and NPV of 92.86%. Discussion: PCT showed a greater efficacy than ESD and CRP to predict bacteremia. Research on biomarkers should be conducted to reduce the inadequate use of antibiotics in patients with fever secondary to disease and to shorten treatment times in patients with adequately resolved infections, thereby improving quality of life in children with cancer (AU)

¿Is seropositivity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with adalimumab a factor to develop anti-adalimumab antibodies? / ¿Es la seropositividad en pacientes con artritis reumatoide tratados con adalimumab un factor para desarrollar anticuerpos anti-adalimumab?

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine whether seropositivity in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with adalimumab (ADL) is associated with the presence of anti-adalimumab (anti-ADL) antibodies. Materials and methods: A descriptive observational study that included patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis according to ACR 1987 criteria, and who were on treatment with ADL as the first biological, for at least six months. All patients were evaluated for rheumatoid factor, anti-citrulline antibodies, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, clinimetric indices, and level of anti-ADL antibodies. Results: A total of 80 patients with a mean age of 56 years were evaluated, of whom 86% were women. The mean duration of the disease was 15 years, and the ADL exposure time was 52 months (median value). The seropositivity for rheumatoid factor tended to be higher in patients who developed anti-ADL antibodies compared to those who did not (90.5% vs. 66.1%). The magnitude of the association between rheumatoid factor and the presence of anti-ADL antibodies was shown to be strong and statistically significant (OR = 4.87, 95% CI; 1.03-23.03). Adjusted multivariate regression analyses showed a strong association (OR = 9.77, 95% CI; 1.74-54.79) between seropositivity and the presence of anti-ADL antibodies, which, given the low number of patients, lacks precision (95% CI very wide). Conclusions: Seropositive patients tend to have more anti-ADL antibodies. However, a larger sample size is required to obtain the necessary precision and greater certainty in these findings.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Determinar si la seropositividad en pacientes con artritis reumatoide tratados con adalimumab (ADL), se asocia a la presencia de anticuerpos anti-adalimumab (anti-ADL). Materiales y métodos: Es un estudio observacional descriptivo que incluyó pacientes con diagnóstico de artritis reumatoide según criterios ACR1987, que estaban en tratamiento con ADL como primer biológico, por al menos 6 meses. Todos los pacientes se evaluaron para factor reumatoide, anticuerpos anticitrulina, velocidad de sedimentación globular, proteína C reactiva, índices clinimétricos y nivel de anticuerpos anti-ADL. Resultados: Se evaluaron 80 pacientes con edad promedio de 56 arios, el 86% fueron mujeres, la duración promedio de la enfermedad fue de 15 años y el tiempo de exposición a ADL de 52 meses (valor mediano). La seropositividad para factor reumatoide tendió a ser mayor en los pacientes que desarrollaron anticuerpos anti-ADL en comparación con los que no (90,5% vs. 66,1%). La magnitud de la asociación entre factor reumatoide y la presencia de anticuerpos anti-ADL tendió a ser fuerte y estadísticamente significativa (OR = 4,87; IC 95%: 1,03-23,03). Los análisis ajustados de regresión multivariable mostraron una asociación fuerte (OR = 9,77; IC 95%: 1,74-54,79) entre la seropositividad y la presencia de anticuerpos anti-ADL, que dado el bajo número de pacientes carece de precisión (IC 95% muy amplios). Conclusiones: Los pacientes seropositivos tienden a presentar más anticuerpos anti-ADL; sin embargo, se requiere tener un mayor tamaño muestral para obtener la precisión necesaria y tener mayor certeza en estos hallazgos.

Anti-interleukin-1 treatment among patients with familial Mediterranean fever resistant to colchicine treatment. Retrospective analysis

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Up to 5% of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) cases are unresponsive to colchicine, through resistance, side effects and toxicity. Anakinra is an alternative treatment for FMF patients whose disease remains uncontrolled with colchicine. We aimed to evaluate anti-interleukin-1 treatment regarding clinical findings, laboratory parameters and quality of life (QoL) among FMF patients presenting resistance and toxicity towards colchicine. DESIGN AND SETTING: Descriptive observational study at the rheumatology clinic, Adnan Menderes University Medical School, Aydın, Turkey. METHODS: Among the patients included, age, sex, MEFV genotypes, acute-phase reactants, hepatic/renal function tests, average colchicine dose, disease duration, attack frequency, attack duration, disease severity, proteinuria, amyloidosis and QoL were evaluated. Colchicine resistance was defined as > 6 typical episodes/year or > 3 per 4-6 months. Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Friedman and two-way analysis of variance tests were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: Between 2015 and 2017, 14 FMF patients receiving anakinra were enrolled. The mean colchicine dose was 1.7 ± 0.3 mg/day before use of anakinra. Ten patients were attack-free after treatment, while three showed reductions of at least 50% in attack frequency, attack duration and disease severity. Proteinuria levels in all patients with renal amyloidosis decreased after treatment. QoL among patients with renal amyloidosis differed significantly from QoL among non-amyloidosis patients. Mean visual analogue scale scores significantly improved in both groups after use of anakinra. CONCLUSIONS: Use of anakinra reduced attack frequency and proteinuria and acute-phase reactant levels, and improved QoL, with only a few uncomplicated side effects among colchicine-resistant or intolerant FMF patients. Injection-site reactions of severity insufficient to require discontinuation of treatment were seen.