Assessment and personalised advice for fatigue in systemic lupus erythematosus using an innovative digital tool: the Lupus Expert system for the Assessment of Fatigue (LEAF) study.

BACKGROUND: Fatigue is reported as the most prevalent symptom by patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Fatigue management is complex due to its multifactorial nature. The aim of the study was to assess the usefulness of an innovative digital tool to manage fatigue in SLE, in a completely automated manner. METHODS: The «Lupus Expert System for Assessment of Fatigue¼ (LEAF) is free digital tool which measures the intensity and characteristics of fatigue and assesses disease activity, pain, insomnia, anxiety, depression, stress, fibromyalgia and physical activity using validated patient-reported instruments. Then, LEAF automatically provides personalised feedback and recommendations to cope with fatigue. RESULTS: Between May and November 2022, 1250 participants with SLE were included (95.2% women, median age 43yo (IQR: 34-51)). Significant fatigue (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue <34) was reported by 78.9% of patients. In univariate analysis, SLE participants with fatigue were more likely to be women (p=0.01), perceived their disease as more active (p<0.0001), had higher levels of pain (p<0.0001), anxiety (p<0.0001), depression (p<0.0001), insomnia (p<0.0001), stress (p<0.0001) and were more likely to screen for fibromyalgia (p<0.0001), compared with patients without significant fatigue. In multivariable analysis, parameters independently associated with fatigue were insomnia (p=0.0003), pain (p=0.002), fibromyalgia (p=0.008), self-reported active SLE (p=0.02) and stress (p=0.045). 93.2% of the participants found LEAF helpful and 92.3% would recommend it to another patient with SLE. CONCLUSION: Fatigue is commonly severe in SLE, and associated with insomnia, pain, fibromyalgia and active disease according to patients' perspective. Our study shows the usefulness of an automated digital tool to manage fatigue in SLE.

Pan American League of Associations for Rheumatology Guidelines for the Treatment of Takayasu Arteritis.

OBJECTIVE: To develop the first evidence-based Pan American League of Associations for Rheumatology (PANLAR) guidelines for the treatment of Takayasu arteritis (TAK). METHODS: A panel of vasculitis experts developed a series of clinically meaningful questions addressing the treatment of TAK patients in the PICO (population/intervention/comparator/outcome) format. A systematic literature review was performed by a team of methodologists. The evidence quality was assessed according to the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations/Assessment/Development/Evaluation) methodology. The panel of vasculitis experts voted each PICO question and made recommendations, which required ≥70% agreement among the voting members. RESULTS: Eleven recommendations were developed. Oral glucocorticoids are conditionally recommended for newly diagnosed and relapsing TAK patients. The addition of nontargeted synthetic immunosuppressants (e.g., methotrexate, leflunomide, azathioprine, or mycophenolate mofetil) is recommended for patients with newly diagnosed or relapsing disease that is not organ- or life-threatening. For organ- or life-threatening disease, we conditionally recommend tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (e.g., infliximab or adalimumab) or tocilizumab with consideration for short courses of cyclophosphamide as an alternative in case of restricted access to biologics. For patients relapsing despite nontargeted synthetic immunosuppressants, we conditionally recommend to switch from one nontargeted synthetic immunosuppressant to another or to add tumor necrosis factor inhibitors or tocilizumab. We conditionally recommend low-dose aspirin for patients with involvement of cranial or coronary arteries to prevent ischemic complications. We strongly recommend performing surgical vascular interventions during periods of remission whenever possible. CONCLUSION: The first PANLAR treatment guidelines for TAK provide evidence-based guidance for the treatment of TAK patients in Latin American countries.

Factores asociados a infecciones serias en pacientes hospitalizados con lupus eritematoso sistémico / Factors associated with serious infections in patients hospitalized with systemic lupus erythematosus

RESUMEN Introducción. En pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) existe incremento de infecciones debido a la propia enfermedad, al uso de inmunosupresores y corticoides. Objetivo. Identificar los factores asociados a infecciones serias en pacientes lúpicos en un hospital de referencia nacional. Estudio retrospectivo, analítico, de casos y controles en el Servicio de Reumatología del Hospital Nacional Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen, Lima, Perú. Métodos. Se analizó el registro de pacientes hospitalizados en el periodo de estudio, los casos fueron pacientes en los que se demostró la etiología de la primera infección durante su hospitalización. Los controles fueron pacientes lúpicos hospitalizados sin infecciones en el mismo periodo de estudio. Se analizaron variables asociadas al desarrollo de infecciones. Resultados. 61 pacientes de 390 hospitalizados desarrollaron infecciones durante su hospitalización. 48 desarrollaron 1 solo evento infeccioso (en 40 se demostró etiología). Los casos tuvieron mayor actividad, daño y comorbilidad en comparación con los controles. En el análisis univariado, el salario (p=0,031), el uso de inmunosupresores a la admisión (previo: p=0,004 y actual: p=0,004), el uso de glucocorticoides (<30 días: p=0,015 y >30-360 días: p=0,028), la actividad (p=0,029) y el daño (p=0,026) producido por la enfermedad, y el tiempo de hospitalización (p=0,045) tuvieron asociación estadísticamente significativa. En el análisis multivariado, los días de hospitalización se asociaron al desarrollo de infecciones. Conclusiones. Existió asociación entre días de hospitalización y el desarrollo de infecciones serias en pacientes lúpicos durante el periodo de estudio.

ABSTRACT Introduction. Lupus patients have an increased risk of developing infections due to the disease, use of immunosuppressants and corticosteroids. Objective. To identify the associated factors for serious infections in lupus patients in a national referral hospital. Retrospective, analytical, case-control study in the Rheumatology Service of the Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen National Hospital, Lima, Peru. Methods. The registry of hospitalized patients in the study period was analyzed, the cases were patients in whom the etiology of the first infection developed their hospitalization. Controls were hospitalized lupus patients without infections in the same study period. Variables predisposing to the development of infections were analyzed. Results. 61 patients out of 390 hospitalized developed infections during their hospitalization. 48 developed 1 only infectious event (in 40 an etiology developed). The cases had higher damage, activity and comorbidity compared to the controls. In the univariate analysis, salary (p = 0.031), use of immunosuppressants upon admission (previous: p = 0.004 and current: p = 0.004), use of glucocorticoids (<30 days: p = 0.015 and> 30-360 days: p = 0.028), activity (p = 0.029) and damage (p = 0.026) produced by the disease and length of hospitalization (p = 0.045), had a statistically significant association. In the multivariate analysis, the days of hospitalization were associated with the development of infections. Conclusions. There is an association between days of hospitalization and the development of serious infections in lupus patients in the study period.

Guía de práctica clínica para el tratamiento farmacológico inicial de nefritis lúpica en el Seguro Social del Perú (EsSalud) / Clinical practice guideline for the initial pharmacological treatment of lupus nephritis in the Peruvian Social Security (EsSalud)

Introducción: El presente artículo resume la guía de práctica clínica (GPC) para el tratamiento farmacológico inicial nefritis lúpica en el Seguro Social del Perú (EsSalud). Objetivo: Proveer recomendaciones clínicas basadas en evidencia para tratamiento farmacológico inicial de adultos con nefritis lúpica clase I a V no refractarios en EsSalud. Material y Métodos: Se conformó un grupo elaborador de la guía (GEG) que incluyó médicos especialistas y metodólogos, el cual formuló preguntas clínicas. Se realizaron búsquedas sistemáticas de revisiones sistemáticas y ­cuando fue considerado pertinente­ estudios primarios en PubMed durante el 2021. Se seleccionó la evidencia para responder cada una de las preguntas clínicas planteadas. Se evaluó la certeza de evidencia usando la metodología Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). En reuniones de trabajo periódicas, el GEG usó la metodología GRADE para revisar la evidencia y formular las recomendaciones. La GPC fue revisada por expertos externos antes de su aprobación. Resultados: La GPC abordó 6 preguntas clínicas, divididas en 2 temas: tratamiento inicial de la fase de inducción y mantenimiento. En base a dichas preguntas se formularon 11 recomendaciones (todas condicionales), 22 puntos de buena práctica clínica, y 2 flujogramas. Conclusión: Se emitieron recomendaciones basadas en evidencia para el manejo de pacientes con esta patología.

Introduction: This article summarizes the clinical practice guideline (CPG) for initial pharmacological treatment of lupus nephritis in the Peruvian Social Security (EsSalud). Objective: To provide evidence-based clinical recommendations for initial pharmacological treatment of adults with non-refractory class I to V lupus nephritis in EsSalud. Material and Methods: A guideline development group (GDG) was formed that included medical specialists and methodologists, which formulated clinical questions. Systematic searches of systematic reviews and -when considered pertinent- primary studies were performed in PubMed during 2021. Evidence was selected to answer each of the clinical questions posed. The certainty of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. In periodic working meetings, the GEG used the GRADE methodology to review the evidence and formulate recommendations. The CPG was reviewed by external experts before approval. Results: The CPG addressed 6 clinical questions, divided into 2 topics: initial treatment of the induction phase and maintenance. Based on these questions, 11 recommendations (all conditional), 22 points of good clinical practice, and 2 flowcharts were formulated. Conclusion: Evidence-based recommendations were issued for the management of patients with this pathology.

Factores asociados al síndrome metabólico en pacientes con Lupus eritematoso sistémico / Factors associated with metabolic syndrome in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Los pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) presentan un riesgo incrementado de morbilidad cardiovascular, relacionado a factores de riesgo cardiovasculares clásicos y factores propios de la enfermedad y del tratamiento. Objetivo: Determinar los factores asociados a síndrome metabólico en pacientes con LES. Diseño: Estudio transversal, observacional, de asociación. Lugar Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen, EsSalud. Población: Pacientes con diagnóstico de LES, atendidos en el servicio de Reumatología entre enero de 2012 y junio de 2013 que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Intervenciones: Se realizó una entrevista, examen físico y revisión de historia clínica, para obtener los datos de presencia o ausencia de síndrome metabólico, factores de riesgo cardiovasculares clásicos, evaluación de actividad y daño asociado a LES, y tratamientos recibidos. Principales medidas de resultados: Se realizó el test exacto de Fisher o la u de Mann-Withney para determinar que variables se encuentran asociadas al síndrome metabólico. Posterior a ello, se realizó una regresión logística binaria con método de step-down. Resultados: Fueron incluidos 206 pacientes, 85 (41.3 per cent) pacientes tuvieron síndrome metabólico. Luego del análisis multivariado, las variables que permanecían asociadas con el síndrome metabólico fueron la edad (OR 1.04; p: 0.004), el ácido úrico (OR 1.80, p<0.001) y un mayor porcentaje de grasa subtotal (OR 1.09, p: 0.002). Conclusiones: En el presente estudio se ha encontrado que la edad, el nivel de ácido úrico y el porcentaje de grasa subtotal se encuentran asociados con una mayor prevalencia de síndrome metabólico en pacientes con LES...

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients present an increased risk for cardiovascular morbidity, related to classic cardiovascular risk factors and disease-related and treatment- related factors. Objective: To determine the associated factors with metabolic syndrome in SLE patients. Design: Cross-sectional, observational, association study. Place: Rheumatology Department, Hospital Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen, EsSalud. Population: SLE patients, who were evaluated in the Rheumatology Department since January 2012 to June 2013 and who fulfilled inclusion and exclusion criteria. Interventions: An interview, physical exam and medical chart review were performed in order to obtain the data of the presence or absence of metabolic syndrome and the classic cardiovascular risk factors, SLE activity and damage and medications used. Main measures to results: Fisher exact test or Mann-Whitney u test were performed in order to determine which variables were associated with metabolic syndrome. After that, a binary logistic regression model with step-down technique was performed. Results: 206 patients were included, 85 (41.3 per cent) patients presented metabolic syndrome. After the multivariable analysis, the variables that remained associated with metabolic syndrome were age (OR 1.04; p: 0.004), uric acid (OR 1.80, p<0.001) and subtotal body fat percentage (OR 1.09, p: 0.002). Conclusions: Age, uric acid level and subtotal body fat percentage have been found to be associated with a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome in SLE patients...

Consumo de alcohol y drogas y factores psicosociales asociados en adolescentes de Lima / Alcohol and drugs consumption and associated psychosocial factors in Lima adolescents

Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia del consumo de alcohol y drogas y los factores psicosociales asociados con dicho consumo en adolescentes de Lima. Diseño: Estudio analítico de corte transversal. Material y Métodos: Se estudió una muestra de 430 adolescentes de educación secundaria de un colegio de Lima. Se utilizó el Cuestionario Tamiz de Experiencias Personales (Personal Experience Screening Questionnaire - PESQ). Resultados: Se recibió 391 encuestas válidas. La prevalencia de consumo de alcohol o drogas fue 43 por ciento , de alcohol 42,2 por ciento , de marihuana 8,7 por ciento y de cocaína 3,1 por ciento . Se encontró problema de consumo de alcohol o drogas en el 10,7 por ciento , los factores psicosociales asociados fueron distrés psicológico severo (OR 4,58 IC 95 por ciento 1,60-13,05), pensamiento problemático severo (OR 2,63 IC 95 por ciento 1,15-6,01) y abuso físico (OR 2,31 IC 95 por ciento 1,19-4,49). Conclusiones: El factor psicosocial más asociado al problema de consumo de drogas fue el distrés psicológico severo. Asimismo, se encontró asociación entre el pensamiento problemático severo y el abuso físico con dicho problema. El acoso sexual sólo se encontró asociado en los adolescentes de segundo de secundaria.