Update of the guidelines for the pharmacological treatment of rheumatoid arthritis by the Mexican College of Rheumatology 2023.

OBJECTIVE: To develop updated guidelines for the pharmacological management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: A group of experts representative of different geographical regions and various medical services catering to the Mexican population with RA was formed. Questions based on Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome (PICO) were developed, deemed clinically relevant. These questions were answered based on the results of a recent systematic literature review (SLR), and the evidence's validity was assessed using the GRADE system, considered a standard for these purposes. Subsequently, the expert group reached consensus on the direction and strength of recommendations through a multi-stage voting process. RESULTS: The updated guidelines for RA treatment stratify various therapeutic options, including different classes of DMARDs (conventional, biologicals, and JAK inhibitors), as well as NSAIDs, glucocorticoids, and analgesics. By consensus, it establishes the use of these in different subpopulations of interest among RA patients and addresses aspects related to vaccination, COVID-19, surgery, pregnancy and lactation, and others. CONCLUSIONS: This update of the Mexican guidelines for the pharmacological treatment of RA provides reference points for evidence-based decision-making, recommending patient participation in joint decision-making to achieve the greatest benefit for our patients. It also establishes recommendations for managing a variety of relevant conditions affecting our patients.

El papel de los estudiantes de medicina en las pandemias / The role of medical students in pandemics

Resumen Existe la percepción general de que los estudiantes de medicina deben ayudar en caso de situaciones de desastre o en contingencias epidemiológicas; aunque es posible que no hayan sido debidamente educados para hacerlo. En últimas fechas, la participación de estudiantes es importante en actividades de capacitación de personal, triage, atención de actividades burocráticas, voluntariado; pero no son considerados como una primera línea de atención en los sitios de desastre o de manejo de pacientes. Se revisa en la literatura médica la percepción de la participación de los estudiantes de medicina en desastres y pandemias y se establecen algunas de las necesidades para su capacitación y enseñanza, para que realmente puedan convertirse en una opción en los momentos de crisis.

Abstract There is a general perception that medical students should help in case of disaster situations or epidemiological contingencies; although, they may not have been properly educated to do so. In recent dates, the participation of students is important in staff training activities, triage, care of bureaucratic activities, volunteering; but they are not considered a first line of care at disaster sites or patient management. The perception of the participation of medical students in disasters and pandemics is reviewed in the literature and some of the needs for their training and teaching are established, so that they can truly become an option in times of crisis.

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.

Dosis acumulada de analgésicos no esteroides relacionada con úlcera péptica hemorrágica y sus complicaciones en una población mexicana / Cumulative dose of non-steroidal analgesics related to hemorrhagic peptic ulcer and complications in a Mexican population

Resumen: OBJETIVO: Evaluar la dosis acumulada ingerida de antiinflamatorios no esteroides (AINEs) en pacientes con úlcera péptica hemorrágica y sus complicaciones durante la hospitalización. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Estudio retrospectivo en el que de julio de 2015 a diciembre de 2017 se evaluaron dos grupos: uno con antecedente hospitalario de perforación, resangrado, reintervención endoscópica y muerte y otro sin complicaciones. Se ajustó la dosis ingerida de diferentes AINEs equivalente a 10 mg de ketorolaco; se registró el índice de Charlson, infección por H. pylori y la clasificación endoscópica de Forrest. RESULTADOS: Hubo 156 admisiones de úlcera péptica hemorrágica (edad promedio de 70 años, 53% hombres), las complicaciones ocurrieron en 53 (33.9%), la dosis promedio mensual de AINEs fue de 2121 mg (pacientes con complicaciones) vs 1970 mg (sin complicaciones; p = 0.2). La tasa de AINEs/semana de 7.1 se relacionó con perforación. A todos se les aplicó dosis de omeprazol de 40 mg cada 12 horas vía intravenosa durante la hospitalización. Las complicaciones se correlacionaron con mayor índice de Charlson. Hubo relación entre muerte, factores de riesgo de úlcera péptica por estrés (sepsis, traumatismo, etc.) y la administración de anticoagulantes. El tabaquismo y el género masculino se relacionaron con mayor resangrado. CONCLUSIONES: Existe mayor probabilidad de perforación con necesidad de cirugía, estancia hospitalaria más larga y mayor número de transfusiones con mayor dosis ingerida de AINEs.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cumulative dose of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in patients with hemorrhagic peptic ulcer and their complications along hospitalization. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective study done from July 2015 to December 2017 including two groups: one with a hospitalization history of perforation, rebleeding, endoscopic reintervention and death, another group without complications. We registered doses of different NSAIDs according to 10 mg of ketorolac, Charlson index, H. pylori infection and endoscopic Forrest classification. RESULTS: There were 156 admissions of hemorrhagic peptic ulcer with the administration of NSAIDs (average age 70 years, 53% men), complications occurred in 53 (33.9%). The average monthly dose of NSAID in the cases was 2121 mg vs 1970 mg in controls. The NSAID/week rate of 7.1 was associated with perforation. Charlson index correlated with complications. Death and physiological stress related with the administration of anticoagulants. Smoking and the male gender related to higher rebleeding. CONCLUSIONS: The higher the NSAID/weekly rate, the higher the probability of perforation with the need for surgery, longer hospital stay and increased number of transfusions.

Reunión multidisciplinaria de expertos para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la osteoartritis. Actualización basada en evidencias / Multidisciplinary meeting of experts for diagnosis and treatment of osteoarthritis. Up-to-date based on evidence

Resumen La osteoartritis es una enfermedad articular crónica degenerativa, es la afección articular observada con más frecuencia en la población adulta y una de las principales causas de discapacidad en todo el mundo, por lo que es de importancia el diagnóstico y tratamiento en las fases tempranas de la enfermedad. En la actualidad los nuevos tratamientos, además de aliviar el dolor, pueden disminuir la limitación funcional y modificar el curso de la enfermedad. El objetivo de este artículo es actualizar la evidencia acerca del diagnóstico y de las nuevas formas de tratamiento de la osteoartritis, así como evaluar los cambios en la evidencia que ha habido en relación con la guía anterior. Para la elaboración de la guía motivo de esta reunión, se contó con la participación de especialistas en Medicina Interna, Reumatología, Ortopedia y Rehabilitación física, un bibliotecario y un experto en metodología; se realizó una búsqueda extensa en PubMed y en otros sitios web especializados. Se estableció una serie de recomendaciones y niveles de evidencia basados en la bibliografía consultada. Se concluye que la osteoartritis es una enfermead compleja que implica múltiples factores de riesgo, por lo que es importante tomar en cuenta que el tratamiento es multidisciplinario y consta de un enfoque no farmacológico y uno farmacológico; sin embargo, es necesario crear una cultura preventiva de la osteoartritis en los médicos tratantes, en la que se eduque y se dé información al paciente para evitar que la enfermedad progrese.

Abstract Osteoarthritis, a chronic degenerative joint disease, is the joint condition most frequently observed in the adult population; is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Therefore, it is important the diagnosis and treatment in the early stages of the disease. Currently new therapies, in addition to relieving pain, can reduce functional limitation and modify the course of the disease. The objective of this article is to update the evidence on diagnosis and new forms of osteoarthritis treatment, as well as to evaluate the changes in the evidence that has been in relation to the previous guide. For the elaboration of the guide, there was participation of specialists (Internal Medicine, Rheumatology, Orthopedics and Physical Rehabilitation), a librarian and an expert in methodology; an extensive search was carried out in PubMed and other specialized websites. A series of recommendations and levels of evidence were established based on the bibliography consulted. Concluding that osteoarthritis is a complex pathology involving multiple risk factors, it is important to consider that the treatment is multidisciplinary and consists of a non-pharmacological approach and a pharmacological treatment; however, it is necessary to create a preventive culture on osteoarthritis in treating doctors, in which the patient is educated and given information to prevent the disease from progressing.

[Locally administered ropivacaine vs. standard analgesia for laparoscopic cholecystectomy]. / Ropivacaína local contra analgesia estándar en colecistectomía laparoscópica.

BACKGROUND: It is unknown which analgesic modality gives better results after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The aim of this study was to compare the analgesic efficacy of ropivacaine for local use against that of intravenous dipyrone in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: A non-inferiority randomized clinical trial. Fifty patients with laparoscopic cholecystectomy were included into two separate groups. INTERVENTION: 0.75 % ropivacaine infiltrated at the trocar insertion sites and in the gallbladder fossa compared with intravenous dipyrone. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was pain, which was assessed using the visual analog scale during the first 24 hours. Secondary outcomes were the presence of adverse effects, and the need for analgesic rescue with tramadol. RESULTS: The visual analog scale average for pain at the conclusion of the surgery was 3.8 in the ropivacaine vs. 3.56 in the dipyrone groups, while at 6, 12 and 24 hours the values were 2.64, 1.92 and 1.28, respectively, for ropivacaine versus 2.6, 1.88 and 1.2, respectively, for dipyrone. No adverse effects were observed in either group, and the two groups exhibited similar needs for analgesic rescue with tramadol. CONCLUSIONS: Infiltration of 0.75 % ropivacaine at the trocar insertion sites and the gallbladder exhibits analgesia similar to IV dipyrone during the first 24 hours post-laparoscopic cholecystectomy without adverse effects.

Introducción: se desconoce qué modalidad analgésica brinda mejores resultados después de una colecistectomía laparoscópica. El objetivo de este estudio consistió en valuar la eficacia analgésica de la ropivacaína usada localmente contra la dipirona por vía intravenosa en colecistectomía laparoscópica. Métodos: ensayo clínico al azar, de no inferioridad, en 50 pacientes con colecistectomía laparoscópica para comparar el uso de ropivacaína al 0.75 % infiltrada en el lugar de inserción de los trócares y en la fosa vesicular frente a dipirona por vía intravenosa. El desenlace primario fue dolor evaluado mediante escala visual análoga (EVA) en las primeras 24 horas. Resultados: el promedio de las EVA de dolor al término de la cirugía fue de 3.8 frente a 3.56 en el grupo de ropivacaína o de dipirona, mientras que a las 6, 12 y 24 horas fueron 2.64 frente a 2.6, 1.92 frente a 1.88 y 1.28 frente a 1.2, respectivamente. No hubo efectos adversos en ningún grupo y la necesidad de rescates analgésicos con tramadol fue similar entre ambos grupos. Conclusiones: la ropivacaína al 0.75 % infiltrada en el lugar de inserción de los trócares y la fosa vesicular muestra una analgesia similar a la dipirona por vía intravenosa en las primeras 24 horas después de una colecistectomía laparoscópica, sin efectos adversos.

Classical fever of unknown origin (FUO): current causes in Mexico / Fiebre de origen indeterminado (FOI): causas actuales en México

Background. Causes of FUO change according to medical innovations, modifications of social circumstances, and emerging health risks. Aim. To describe the epidemiology of classical FUO, the time and procedures to achieve a definitive diagnosis, and to underline the variables useful in distinguishing FUO categories. Setting. A third-referral center in Mexico City. Methods. Patients admitted with prolonged fever were evaluated. Clinical charts of patients with classical FUO were assessed; comparisons between classical FUO categories were made. Results. 45 patients with 44.9 ± 17.2 years of age, previous fever duration of 51.2 ± 51.5 days, and 88.9% referred from other hospitals were evaluated. Nineteen patients had infectious causes; eight, neoplastic conditions; 12, inflammatory non-infectious diseases; one had another cause, and five were discharged with no etiologic diagnosis. Age, LDH levels, length of fever, and weight loss greater than 10 kg may be used to classify patients into a definite category. Conclusions. Classical FUO is an unusual presentation of frequent infectious diseases; SLE is the main cause within the inflammatory non-infectious conditions, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is the first cause of cancer. Some clinical and laboratory clues may be used to guide the study work up of patients with classical FUO.

Las causas de fiebre de origen indeterminado (FOI) varían de acuerdo con las innovaciones médicas o con modificaciones de las circunstancias sociales y riesgos para la salud. Objetivo. Describir la epidemiología de la FOI, el tiempo y procedimientos empleados para alcanzar un diagnóstico definitivo y evaluar las variables que pueden usarse para diferenciar sus categorías. Hospital. Centro de referencia de tercer nivel de la ciudad de México. Métodos. Se evaluó a pacientes con fiebre prolongada; los expedientes clínicos de aquellos con FOI fueron analizados y se compararon sus principales categorías. Resultados. Fueron evaluados 45 pacientes, de 44 ± 17.2 años de edad y duración promedio de la fiebre de 51.2 ± 51.5 días, de los cuales 88.9% habían sido referidos de otros hospitales. De ellos, 19 fueron diagnosticados con causas infecciosas, ocho con enfermedades neoplá-sicas, 12 con enfermedades inflamatorias no infecciosas, uno por alguna otra causa y cinco fueron dados de alta sin diagnóstico definitivo. La edad, niveles de DHL, la duración de la fiebre y la pérdida de peso mayor de 10 kg fueron marcadores útiles para clasificar a los pacientes en alguna de las categorías de la FOI. Conclusiones. La FOI es una manifestación inusual de enfermedades infecciosas frecuentes, el lupus erítematoso generalizado es la causa principal dentro de las condiciones inflamatorias no infecciosas y el línfoma no-Hodgkin en las neoplásicas. Algunas pistas clínicas y de laboratorio pueden emplearse para guiar el estudio de pacientes con FOI clásica.

Classical fever of unknown origin (FUO): current causes in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Causes of FUO change according to medical innovations, modifications of social circumstances, and emerging health risks. Aim. To describe the epidemiology of classical FUO, the time and procedures to achieve a definitive diagnosis, and to underline the variables useful in distinguishing FUO categories. Setting. A third-referral center in Mexico City. METHODS: Patients admitted with prolonged fever were evaluated. Clinical charts of patients with classical FUO were assessed; comparisons between classical FUO categories were made. RESULTS: 45 patients with 44.9 +/- 17.2 years of age, previous fever duration of 51.2 +/- 51.5 days, and 88.9% referred from other hospitals were evaluated. Nineteen patients had infectious causes; eight, neoplastic conditions; 12, inflammatory non-infectious diseases; one had another cause, and five were discharged with no etiologic diagnosis. Age, LDH levels, length of fever, and weight loss greater than 10 kg may be used to classify patients into a definite category. CONCLUSIONS: Classical FUO is an unusual presentation of frequent infectious diseases; SLE is the main cause within the inflammatory non-infectious conditions, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is the first cause of cancer. Some clinical and laboratory clues may be used to guide the study work up of patients with classical FUO.

Tratamiento ciclosporina y parámetros de seguimiento en síndrome de Cogan a propósito de un caso: revisión de la literatura / Cyclosporine therapy and monitoring parameters in Cogan Syndrome: case report and literature review

Informamos el caso de una mujer con síndrome de Cogan manifestado por queratitis intersticial, daño vestíbulo-coclear y polineuropatía craneal. El tratamiento inicial consistió en dosis altas de esteroides, agentes alquilantes y metotrexate sin mejoría. Hubo una excelente respuesta a la ciclosporina (C y A) en dosis de 4-5 mg/Kg y, con este tratamiento, ha mantenido una adecuada evolución por los últimos cinco años. Es de notar que el indicador más sobresaliente de actividad de la enfermedad fue la trombocitosis. Se discuten las modalidades más recientes de tratamiento