Power Doppler signal at the enthesis and bone erosions are the most discriminative OMERACT ultrasound lesions for SpA: results from the DEUS (Defining Enthesitis on Ultrasound in Spondyloarthritis) multicentre study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess, in spondyloarthritis (SpA), the discriminative value of the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) ultrasound lesions of enthesitis and their associations with clinical features in this population. METHODS: In this multicentre study involving 20 rheumatology centres, clinical and ultrasound examinations of the lower limb large entheses were performed in 413 patients with SpA (axial SpA and psoriatic arthritis) and 282 disease controls (osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia). 'Active enthesitis' was defined as (1) power Doppler (PD) at the enthesis grade ≥1 plus entheseal thickening and/or hypoechoic areas, or (2) PD grade >1 (independent of the presence of entheseal thickening and/or hypoechoic areas). RESULTS: In the univariate analysis, all OMERACT lesions except enthesophytes/calcifications showed a significant association with SpA. PD (OR=8.77, 95% CI 4.40 to 19.20, p<0.001) and bone erosions (OR=4.75, 95% CI 2.43 to 10.10, p<0.001) retained this association in the multivariate analysis. Among the lower limb entheses, only the Achilles tendon was significantly associated with SpA (OR=1.93, 95% CI 1.30 to 2.88, p<0.001) in the multivariate analyses. Active enthesitis showed a significant association with SpA (OR=9.20, 95% CI 4.21 to 23.20, p<0.001), and unlike the individual OMERACT ultrasound lesions it was consistently associated with most clinical measures of SpA disease activity and severity in the regression analyses. CONCLUSIONS: This large multicentre study assessed the value of different ultrasound findings of enthesitis in SpA, identifying the most discriminative ultrasound lesions and entheseal sites for SpA. Ultrasound could differentiate between SpA-related enthesitis and other forms of entheseal pathology (ie, mechanical enthesitis), thus improving the assessment of entheseal involvement in SpA.

Reliability assessment of the definition of ultrasound enthesitis in SpA: results of a large, multicentre, international, web-based study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the reliability of the OMERACT US Task Force definition of US enthesitis in SpA. METHODS: In this web exercise, based on the evaluation of 101 images and 39 clips of the main entheses of the lower limbs, the elementary components included in the OMERACT definition of US enthesitis in SpA (hypoechoic areas, entheseal thickening, power Doppler signal at the enthesis, enthesophytes/calcifications, bone erosions) were assessed by 47 rheumatologists from 37 rheumatology centres in 15 countries. Inter- and intra-observer reliability of the US components of enthesitis was calculated using Light's kappa, Cohen's kappa, Prevalence And Bias Adjusted Kappa (PABAK) and their 95% CIs. RESULTS: Bone erosions and power Doppler signal at the enthesis showed the highest overall inter-reliability [Light's kappa: 0.77 (0.76-0.78), 0.72 (0.71-0.73), respectively; PABAK: 0.86 (0.86-0.87), 0.73 (0.73-0.74), respectively], followed by enthesophytes/calcifications [Light's kappa: 0.65 (0.64-0.65), PABAK: 0.67 (0.67-0.68)]. This was moderate for entheseal thickening [Light's kappa: 0.41 (0.41-0.42), PABAK: 0.41 (0.40-0.42)], and fair for hypoechoic areas [Light's kappa: 0.37 (0.36-0.38); PABAK: 0.37 (0.37-0.38)]. A similar trend was observed in the intra-reliability exercise, although this was characterized by an overall higher degree of reliability for all US elementary components compared with the inter-observer evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this multicentre, international, web-based study show a good reliability of the OMERACT US definition of bone erosions, power Doppler signal at the enthesis and enthesophytes/calcifications. The low reliability of entheseal thickening and hypoechoic areas raises questions about the opportunity to revise the definition of these two major components for the US diagnosis of enthesitis.

Speciality training in rheumatology: Promotion, repetition and dropout rates in the city of Buenos Aires.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the trajectory of students enrolled in the specialty training in rheumatology. METHODS: Retrospective analysis (2009-2016). Promotion, repetition, and dropout rates were determined. Analysis was performed to define variables associated with academic success. RESULTS: Out of 119 students, the actual promotion rate was 66.4%, 11.8% failed an exam (at least) and completed the course after the stipulated time, and the dropout rate was 7.6%. Among residents, the promotion rate was 82.5% vs. 48.2% among the rest (p < 0.001), the lagging students' repetition rate was 3.2% vs. 21.4% among the rest (p 0.005), and the dropout rate was 3.2% vs. 12.5% among the rest (p = 0.06). A higher average score in medical school increased the chances of success in the postgraduate programme (OR 3.41 CI 95% 2.0-6.4; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The residency was associated with higher rates of academic success in postgraduate studies. The average score in medical school can help identify students at risk of failure.

Humoral and T Cell Response to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the SARS-CoV-2-specific humoral and T cell response after a two-dose regimen of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: In this observational study, patients with RA who are ≥18 years of age and vaccinated for SARS-CoV-2 according to the Argentine National Health Ministry's vaccination strategy were included. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies (ELISA-COVIDAR test), neutralizing activity (cytotoxicity in VERO cells), and specific T cell response (IFN-γ ELISpot Assay) were assessed after the first and second dose. RESULTS: A total of 120 patients with RA were included. Mostly, homologous regimens were used, including Gam-COVID-Vac (27.5%), ChAdOx1 (24.2%), and BBIBP-CorV (22.5%). The most frequent combination was Gam-COVID-Vac/mRNA-1273 (21.7%). After the second dose, 81.7% presented with anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, 70.0% presented with neutralizing activity, and 65.3% presented with specific T cell response. The use of BBIBP-CorV and treatment with abatacept (ABA) and rituximab (RTX) were associated with undetectable antibodies and no neutralizing activity after two doses. BBIBP-CorV was also associated with the absence of T cell response. The total incidence of adverse events was 357.1 events per 1,000 doses, significantly lower with BBIBP-CorV (166.7 events per 1,000 doses, P < 0.02). CONCLUSION: In this RA cohort vaccinated with homologous and heterologous regimens against COVID-19, 2 out of 10 patients did not develop anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG, 70% presented with neutralizing activity, and 65% presented with specific T cell response. The use of BBIBP-CorV was associated with deficient humoral and cellular response, whereas treatment with ABA and RTX resulted in an impaired anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG formation and neutralizing activity.

Relationship Between Ultrasound and Physical Examination in the Assessment of Enthesitis in Patients With Spondyloarthritis: Results From the DEUS Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVE: The study objectives were (i) to explore the agreement between the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) ultrasound lesions of enthesitis and physical examination in assessing enthesitis in patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA) and (ii) to investigate the prevalence and clinical relevance of subclinical enthesitis in this population. METHODS: Twenty rheumatology centers participated in this cross-sectional study. Patients with SpA, including axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), underwent both ultrasound scan and physical examination of large lower limb entheses. The OMERACT ultrasound lesions of enthesitis were considered, along with a recently proposed definition for "active enthesitis" by our group. Subclinical enthesitis was defined as the presence of "active enthesitis" in ≥1 enthesis in patients with SpA without clinical enthesitis (ie, number of positive entheses on physical examination and Leeds Enthesitis Index score = 0). RESULTS: A total of 4,130 entheses in 413 patients with SpA (224 with axSpA and 189 with PsA) were evaluated through ultrasound and physical examination. Agreement between ultrasound and physical examination ranged from moderate (ie, enthesophytes) to almost perfect (ie, power Doppler and "active enthesitis"). Patellar tendon entheses demonstrated the highest agreement, whereas Achilles tendon insertion showed the lowest. Among 158 (38.3%) of 413 patients with SpA with clinical enthesitis, 108 (68.4%) exhibited no "active enthesitis" on ultrasound. Conversely, of those 255 without clinical enthesitis, 39 (15.3%) showed subclinical enthesitis. Subclinical enthesitis was strongly associated with local structural damage. However, no differences were observed regarding the demographic and clinical profiles of patients with SpA with and without subclinical enthesitis. CONCLUSION: Our study underscores the need for a comprehensive tool integrating ultrasound and physical examination for assessing enthesitis in patients with SpA.

Entheseal Involvement in Spondyloarthritis (SpA) and Gout: An Ultrasound Comparative Study.

Objective: To compare the assessment of entheses in subjects with spondyloarthritis (SpA) with patients with gout by the Madrid Sonographic Enthesis Index (MASEI). Method: This cross-sectional study includes videos of entheses evaluated by ultrasound (US) of 30 patients with SpA diagnosed according to the ASAS criteria and 30 patients with gout established by the presence of monosodium urate crystals. Entheses were evaluated for MASEI in 2 Institutes located in two different countries. Demographic and clinical data were registered. Total MASEI score, MASEI-inflammatory, and MASEI-chronic damage were analyzed. Comparisons between groups were obtained by chi-square test and Student's t-test. An inter-reading US reliability was realized. Results: Patients with gout were older and had significantly more comorbidities than those with SpA. The total MASEI score was not significantly different among diseases (p = 0.07). MASEI-inflammatory was significantly more prevalent at the Achilles tendon in SpA, while the proximal patellar tendon was in gout. Power Doppler was higher in SpA compared to gout (p = 0.005). MASEI-chronic damage related to calcification/enthesophytes predominated in gout (p = 0.043), while calcaneal erosions did in SpA (p = 0.008). The inter-reader concordance was excellent (0.93, CI 95% 0.87-0.96, p = 0.001). Conclusions: SpA and gout similarly involve entheses according to MASE, however, some inflammatory and chronic lesions differ significantly depending on the underlying disease and tendon scanned.

An Argentinean cohort of patients with rheumatic and immune-mediated diseases vaccinated for SARS-CoV-2: the SAR-CoVAC Registry-protocol and preliminary data.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in patients with rheumatic and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) in Argentina: the SAR-CoVAC registry. METHODS: SAR-CoVAC is a national, multicenter, and observational registry. Adult patients with rheumatic or IMIDs vaccinated for SARS-CoV-2 were consecutively included between June 1 and September 17, 2021. Sociodemographic data, comorbidities, underlying rheumatic or IMIDs, treatments received, their modification prior to vaccination, and history of SARS-CoV-2 infection were recorded. In addition, date and place of vaccination, type of vaccine applied, scheme, adverse events (AE), disease flares, and new immune-mediated manifestations related to the vaccine were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 1234 patients were included, 79% were female, with a mean age of 57.8 (SD 14.1) years. The most frequent diseases were rheumatoid arthritis (41.2%), osteoarthritis (14.5%), psoriasis (12.7%), and spondyloarthritis (12.3%). Most of them were in remission (28.5%) or low disease activity (41.4%). At the time of vaccination, 21% were receiving glucocorticoid treatment, 35.7% methotrexate, 29.7% biological (b) disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD), and 5.4% JAK inhibitors. In total, 16.9% had SARS-CoV-2 infection before the first vaccine dose. Most patients (51.1%) received Gam-COVID-Vac as the first vaccine dose, followed by ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (32.8%) and BBIBP-CorV (14.5%). Half of them (48.8%) were fully vaccinated with 2 doses; 12.5% received combined schemes, being the most frequent Gam-COVID-Vac/mRAN-1273. The median time between doses was 51 days (IQR 53). After the first dose, 25.9% of the patients reported at least one AE and 15.9% after the second, being flu-like syndrome and local hypersensitivity the most frequent manifestations. There was one case of anaphylaxis. Regarding efficacy, 63 events of SARS-CoV-2 infection were reported after vaccination, 19% occurred during the first 14 days post-vaccination, 57.1% after the first dose, and 23.8% after the second. Most cases (85.9%) were asymptomatic or mild and 2 died due to COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: In this national cohort of patients, the most common vaccines used were Gam-COVID-Vac and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19. A quarter of the patients presented an AE and 5.1% presented SARS-CoV-2 infection after vaccination, in most cases mild. STUDY REGISTRATION: This study has been registered in ClinicalTrials.gov under the number: NCT04845997. Key Points • This study shows real-world data about efficacy and safety of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with rheumatic and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Interestingly, different types of vaccines were used including vector-based, mRNA, and inactivated vaccines, and mixed regimens were enabled. • A quarter of the patients presented an adverse event. The incidence of adverse events was significantly higher in those receiving mRAN-1273 and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19. • In this cohort, 5.1% presented SARS-CoV-2 infection after vaccination, in most cases mild.

Immune Response to SARS-CoV-2 Third Vaccine in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Who Had No Seroconversion After Primary 2-Dose Regimen With Inactivated or Vector-Based Vaccines.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the immune response after a third dose of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with undetectable antibody titers after the primary regimen of 2 doses. METHODS: Patients with RA with no seroconversion after 2 doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and who received a third dose of either an mRNA or vector-based vaccine were included. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies, neutralizing activity, and T cell responses were assessed after the third dose. RESULTS: A total of 21 nonresponder patients were included. At the time of vaccination, 29% were receiving glucocorticoids and 85% biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (including 6 taking abatacept [ABA] and 4 taking rituximab [RTX]). The majority (95%) received the BNT162b2 vaccine and only one of them received the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine. After the third dose, 91% of the patients presented detectable anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and 76% showed neutralizing activity. Compared to other treatments, ABA and RTX were associated with the absence of neutralizing activity in 4 out of 5 (80%) patients and lower titers of neutralizing antibodies (median 3, IQR 0-20 vs 8, IQR 4-128; P = 0.20). Specific T cell response was detected in 41% of all patients after the second dose, increasing to 71% after the third dose. The use of ABA was associated with a lower frequency of T cell response (33% vs 87%, P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: In this RA cohort, 91% of patients who failed to seroconvert after 2 doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine presented detectable anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG after a third dose. The use of ABA was associated with a lower frequency of specific T cell response.

Reliability assessment of ultrasound muscle echogenicity in patients with rheumatic diseases: Results of a multicenter international web-based study.

Objectives: To investigate the inter/intra-reliability of ultrasound (US) muscle echogenicity in patients with rheumatic diseases. Methods: Forty-two rheumatologists and 2 radiologists from 13 countries were asked to assess US muscle echogenicity of quadriceps muscle in 80 static images and 20 clips from 64 patients with different rheumatic diseases and 8 healthy subjects. Two visual scales were evaluated, a visual semi-quantitative scale (0-3) and a continuous quantitative measurement ("VAS echogenicity," 0-100). The same assessment was repeated to calculate intra-observer reliability. US muscle echogenicity was also calculated by an independent research assistant using a software for the analysis of scientific images (ImageJ). Inter and intra reliabilities were assessed by means of prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted Kappa (PABAK), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and correlations through Kendall's Tau and Pearson's Rho coefficients. Results: The semi-quantitative scale showed a moderate inter-reliability [PABAK = 0.58 (0.57-0.59)] and a substantial intra-reliability [PABAK = 0.71 (0.68-0.73)]. The lowest inter and intra-reliability results were obtained for the intermediate grades (i.e., grade 1 and 2) of the semi-quantitative scale. "VAS echogenicity" showed a high reliability both in the inter-observer [ICC = 0.80 (0.75-0.85)] and intra-observer [ICC = 0.88 (0.88-0.89)] evaluations. A substantial association was found between the participants assessment of the semi-quantitative scale and "VAS echogenicity" [ICC = 0.52 (0.50-0.54)]. The correlation between these two visual scales and ImageJ analysis was high (tau = 0.76 and rho = 0.89, respectively). Conclusion: The results of this large, multicenter study highlighted the overall good inter and intra-reliability of the US assessment of muscle echogenicity in patients with different rheumatic diseases.

Factors associated with disability in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Analyze disability determinants in a cohort of Argentine patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Consecutive patients with RA, according to ACR'87 criteria, were recruited from 6 rheumatology centers. Demographic and socioeconomic data, family history, comorbid diseases, extra-articular manifestations and information about received treatments were provided. Disease activity was assessed using Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS 28) and the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ)-A was used for the functional capacity. Hand and feet radiographs were assessed using Sharp-van der Heijde score. RESULTS: A total of 640 patients with RA were included, of which 85.2% were females. Mean age was 53 years (interquartile range [IQR], 44-62) and mean disease duration was 8 years (IQR, 4-14). DAS 28 mean was 2.72 (IQR, 1.7-3.7) and HAQ-A mean was 0.62 (IQR, 0.13-1.25). Multiple linear regression showed that the main variables associated with disability were DAS 28, radiologic damage and age. Main predictors of functional disability in the multiple logistic regression using severe HAQ (>2) as dependent variable were DAS 28 (OR, 2; P < 0.0001); age (OR, 1; P = 0.008); and structural damage (OR, 1; P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this population, the disease activity was the variable that showed the highest impact on the physical function. Radiologic damage affected HAQ as the disease progressed.

Características de los pacientes con artritis reumatoidea que impactan en la satisfacción y la adherencia al tratamiento: subanálisis de los datos de Argentina, Chile y Uruguay del estudio SENSE / Characteristics of patients with rheumatoid arthritis that impact treatment satisfaction and adherence: subanalysis of data from Argentina, Chile and Uruguay from the SENSE study

Introducción: las necesidades y perspectivas de los pacientes son determinantes para tratar la artritis reumatoidea (AR). Objetivos: evaluar el impacto de la respuesta inadecuada a los fármacos antirreumáticos modificadores de la enfermedad (DMARD) sobre la satisfacción con el tratamiento, los resultados y las perspectivas de pacientes adultos con control inadecuado de la AR de actividad moderada/alta. Materiales y métodos: se evaluó la satisfacción mediante el cuestionario Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM) v1.4. Se recolectaron datos sobre la calidad de vida, la adherencia y las estrategias de manejo. Se presentan los resultados para Argentina, Chile y Uruguay (n=202). Resultados: el promedio de la escala de satisfacción global TSQM fue de 62,3±21,8. El 83% informó buena adherencia. Las principales expectativas del tratamiento fueron "alivio duradero de los síntomas" y "menos dolor articular". El 53,47% prefirió tratamiento oral y el 75,74% eligió un rápido inicio de acción. El efecto secundario menos aceptado fue "mayor riesgo de neoplasias". Se planificó rotar el DMARD en el 55% de los casos. De estos, el 84,7% se consideraron terapias avanzadas. La mayoría estaba abierto a un esquema combinado, pero el 25,2% prefirió no utilizarlo. Conclusiones: los resultados reafirman el compromiso con las estrategias treat-to-target, considerando la individualización de las decisiones terapéuticas en el contexto regional.

Introduction: patients' needs and perspectives are determinants for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Objectives: to evaluate the impact of inadequate response to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) on treatment satisfaction, outcomes and perspectives of adult patients with inadequate control of moderate/high activity RA. Materials and methods: satisfaction was assessed using the TSQM v1.4 questionnaire. Data on quality of life, adherence and management strategies were collected. Results are presented for Argentina, Chile and Uruguay (n=202). Results: the mean of the TSQM global satisfaction score was 62.3±21.8. Eighty-three percent reported good adherence. The main expectations of treatment were "lasting relief of symptoms" and "less joint pain". The 53.47% of patients preferred an oral treatment; 75.74% chose a rapid onset of action. The least accepted side effect was "increased risk of malignant neoplasms". Fifty-five percent planned to rotate DMARD. Of these, advanced therapies were considered in only 84.7%. Most were open to a combination treatment, but 25.2% preferred not to use it. Conclusions: the results reaffirm the commitment to treat-to-target strategies, considering the individualization of therapeutic decisions in the regional context.

Estudio descriptivo de las adaptaciones de la consulta reumatológica durante la pandemia de COVID-19 / Descriptive study of the adaptations of the rheumatological consultation during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introducción: la pandemia de COVID-19 tuvo un gran impacto en la sociedad en general. El aislamiento impuesto modificó las relaciones interpersonales, incluyendo las consultas médicas. Objetivos: describir las consultas reumatológicas en el Servicio de Reumatología del Instituto de Rehabilitación Psicofísica (IREP) durante la pandemia por COVID-19, y compararlas con las recibidas durante 2019. Materiales y métodos: estudio observacional. Se registraron las consultas recibidas durante marzo-septiembre de 2020. Se recolectaron datos sociodemográficos, número y motivo de las consultas realizadas por paciente. Se llevó a cabo un análisis de regresión logística múltiple para estimar las variables asociadas a la consulta presencial. Resultados: se registraron 1.703 consultas; 798 pacientes consultaron al menos una vez, la mediana de consulta por paciente fue de 3 (RIC 1-12). La principal vía de consulta fue por correo electrónico (57%), solo el 13% fue de forma presencial. El principal motivo fue la solicitud de recetas (60%) seguido por consultas por la enfermedad (23%). Se observó una reducción del total de las consultas con respecto al año previo del 57% (3.961) y una reducción mayor del 94% en el número de consultas presenciales (224). La consulta médica presencial durante la pandemia se asoció independientemente con el sexo masculino (OR: 2.4 IC 95% 1,6-3,6), la consulta por enfermedad de base (OR: 5.8 IC 95% 4,1-8,3) y la ausencia de cobertura social (OR: 2.3 IC 95% 1,6-3,3). Conclusiones: las consultas reumatológicas, especialmente las presenciales, disminuyeron sustancialmente durante la pandemia.

Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic had a great impact on society in general. The imposed isolation modified interpersonal relationships, including medical consultations. Objectives: describe the rheumatologic consultations in the Rheumatology Service from Instituto de Rehabilitación Psicofísica (IREP) during the COVID-19 pandemic and compare them with those received the previous year. Materials and methods: observational study. Consultations during March-September 2020 were recorded. Sociodemographics, numbers, and reasons for consultations made per patient were collected. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate variables associated with the in-person consultation. Results: 1,703 consultations were registered. 798 patients consulted at least 1 time, and the median number of consultations per patient was 3 (IQR 1-12). The main method of consultation was by email (57%); only 13% were in person. The main reason was requesting prescriptions (60%) followed by consultations for the disease (23%). We observed a reduction in the total number of consultations compared to the same period in 2019 of 57% (3,961 consultations) and an even greater reduction of 94% in the number of in-person consultations (224 consultations). In-person medical consultation during the pandemic was independently associated with male sex (OR: 2,4, 95%CI 1,6-3,6), consultation due to illness (OR: 5,8, 95%CI 4,1-8,3) and lack of social coverage (OR: 2,3. 95%CI 1,6-3,3). Conclusions: rheumatologic consultations, especially in-person, were substantially reduced during the pandemic.

Is ankle involvement underestimated in rheumatoid arthritis? Results of a multicenter ultrasound study.

The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of subclinical ankle involvement by ultrasound in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The study was conducted on 216 patients with RA and 200 healthy sex- and age-matched controls. Patients with no history or clinical evidence of ankle involvement underwent US examination. For each ankle, tibio-talar (TT) joint, tibialis anterior (TA) tendon, extensor halux (EH) and extensor common (EC) tendons, tibialis posterior (TP) tendon, flexor common (FC) tendon and flexor hallux (FH) tendon, peroneous brevis (PB) and longus (PL) tendons, Achilles tendon (AT) and plantar fascia (PF) were assessed. The following abnormalities were recorded: synovitis, tenosynovitis, bursitis, enthesopathy and rupture. BMI, DAS28, RF ESR and CRP were also obtained. A total of 432 ankles of patients with RA and 400 ankles of healthy controls were assessed. In 188 (87%) patients with RA, US showed ankle abnormalities whereas, in control group, US found abnormalities in 57 (28.5 %) subjects (p = 0.01). The most frequent US abnormality in RA patients was TP tenosynovits (69/216) (31.9 %), followed by PL tenosynovitis (58/216) (26.9 %), TT synovitis (54/216) (25 %), PB tenosynovitis (51/216) (23.6 %), AT enthesopathy (41/216) (19 %) and AT bursitis (22/216) (10.2 %). In 118 RA patients out of 216 (54.6%), a positive PD was found. No statistically significant correlation was found between the US findings and age, disease duration, BMI, DAS28, RF, ESR and CRP. The present study provides evidence of the higher prevalence of subclinical ankle involvement in RA patients than in age- and gender-matched healthy controls identified by US.

Short-term efficacy to conventional blind injection versus ultrasound-guided injection of local corticosteroids in tenosynovitis in patients with inflammatory chronic arthritis: A randomized comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the short-term efficacy of conventional blind injection (CBI) versus ultrasound-guided injection (USGI) of corticosteroids (CS) injection in tenosynovitis in patients with chronic arthritis and to investigate if the USGI is a less painful procedure and if there are differences in the changes of US findings during the post injection follow-up. METHODS: Patients presenting tenosynovitis requiring CS injection were involved. After clinical and US evaluation, patients were randomized to receive CBI or USGI. Efficacy of procedure was assessed by the improvement in both Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and pain visual analogue scale (VAS), including procedure-VAS global-VAS and local-VAS, after 1 and 4 weeks post-procedure. Power Doppler (PD) and greyscale (GS) US findings were also object of the follow-up. CBI or USGI under an aseptic technique were performed according the local guidelines using 20mg of methylprednisolone acetate. RESULTS: A total of 114 patients were randomized to receive CBI (54 patients) or USGI (60 patients) procedure. No significant difference was observed in terms of gender, age and pain duration among CBI and USGI groups at baseline. USGI proved to be significantly less painful than CBI (P=0.0001). AUC analysis showed that during the follow up visits, the USGI procedure had significantly better response in HAQ, local-VAS and global-VAS (P=0.0001, P=0.012 and P=0.0001 respectively) compared to CBI. During the follow up period, a significant greater reduction in the PD scores was found in the USGI group compared to the CBI group (P=0.0002), whereas no statistical differences were found in the GS findings between the groups (P=0.5627). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates superiority of USGI over CBI for CS injections in painful tenosynovitis, having better short-term outcomes measured by functional, clinical and US scores. These data support the use of USGI for tenosynovits in typical inpatient and/or outpatient in rheumatological practices.

Respuesta immune humoral asociada a las vacunas contra SARS-CoV-2 en pacientes con artritis reumatoidea: datos del registro SAR-CoVAC / Humoral immune response associated to the vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 in patients with rheumatic arthritis: data from the SAR-CoVAC registry

Introducción: la artritis reumatoidea (AR) y los tratamientos indicados para su manejo pueden afectar la respuesta a la vacuna para SARS-CoV-2. Sin embargo, aún no se cuenta con datos locales. Objetivos: evaluar la respuesta humoral de la vacuna para SARS-CoV-2 y su seguridad en esta población. Materiales y métodos: estudio observacional. Se incluyeron pacientes ≥18 años, con AR ACR/EULAR 2010 que recibieron la vacunación para SARS-CoV-2. Detección de IgG anti-proteína S (kit COVIDAR). Resultados: se incluyeron 120 pacientes con AR. El 24,4% recibió tratamiento con glucocorticoides, 50,9% drogas biológicas y 13,3% inhibidores de JAK (janus kinases). El 6% había tenido infección por SARS-CoV-2 previamente. La vacuna más utilizada en la primera dosis fue Sputnik V (52,9%). El 25% recibió esquemas heterólogos. Luego de la primera dosis, el 59% presentó una prueba no reactiva o indeterminada, y un 18% luego de la segunda dosis. La aplicación de esquemas homólogos de vacuna Sinopharm (63,6% vs 13,3%, p<0,0001), y el uso de abatacept (27,3% vs 5,1%, p=0,005) y rituximab (18,2% vs 0%, p=0,001) al momento de la vacunación se asociaron a un resultado no reactivo o indeterminado. Conclusiones: similar a lo reportado en otras poblaciones internacionales, en esta cohorte, dos de cada 10 pacientes no desarrollaron anticuerpos. Una menor respuesta se asoció con la vacuna Sinopharm y al tratamiento con abatacept y rituximab.

Introduction: rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its treatments can affect the response to the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. However, we still do not have local data. Objectives: to evaluate the humoral response of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and its safety in this population. Materials and methods: observational study. Patients ≥18 years of age, with RA ACR/EULAR 2010 who had received vaccination for SARS-CoV-2 were included. Detection of anti-protein S IgG (COVIDAR Kit). Results: a total of 120 patients with RA were included. A quarter was receiving glucocorticoids, 50.9% biological drugs and 13.3% JAK inhibitors (janus kinases). Only 6% had a history SARS-CoV-2 infection. The most used vaccine was Sputnik V (52.9%) and 25% received mixed regimenes. After the first dose, 59% had a non-reactive or indeterminate test, and after the second, 18% were still having this result. The application of homologous Sinopharm vaccine regimen (63.6% vs 13.3%, p<0.0001) and the use of abatacept (27.3% vs 5.1%, p=0.005) and rituximab (18.2% vs 0%, p=0.001) at vaccination was associated with a non-reactive or indeterminate result. Conclusions: similar to other international populations, in this cohort, two out of 10 patients did not develop antibodies. A lower response was associated with the Sinopharm vaccine and treatment with abatacept and rituximab.

La ultrasonografía (US), una amiga para no olvidar / Ultrasonography (US), a friend not to forget

En los últimos años, numerosas publicaciones ponderaron el uso de la US en el manejo diario de los pacientes con Artritis Reumatoidea (AR). Sin embargo, existe una tendencia actual de poner en dudas las diferentes posibilidades que brinda esta técnica, basados en algunas publicaciones, fortaleciendo el manejo clínico como principal sostén de nuestra práctica diaria

Por "La Resonancia Magnética RM en el estudio de la lumbalgia. Un análisis de la oportunidad perdida para el diagnóstico de espondiloartritis axial EsPax" / For "MRI Magnetic Resonance in the study of low back pain. An analysis of the missed opportunity for the diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis"

Estimado Editor: He leído con interés el artículo de García Salinas y cols. (Revista Argentina de Reumatología 2017; 28(3):15-19). Los autores reportan que, del total de RM realizadas, el 23% de los pedidos cumplían criterios de potencial derivación para EsPax, y que de estos, sólo el 4% había sido visto por el servicio de Reumatología. En realidad esto no sorprende, se sabe que si bien la lumbalgia es un síntoma de consulta frecuente, menos del 5% del dolor lumbar crónico (DLC) corresponde a EsPax

La utilidad de la ultrasonografía como herramienta diagnóstica para detectar artritis psoriásica en pacientes con psoriasis / Utility of ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool to detect psoriatic arthritis in patients with psoriasis

Objetivo: El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue evaluar la prevalencia de entesopatía subclínica en pacientes con psoriasis cutánea (Ps) utilizando un score ultrasonográfico (US) como herramienta diagnóstica en la práctica diaria y evaluar la habilidad de dicho score para discriminar pacientes con Ps y Artritis Psoriásica (APs). Material y Métodos: Se estudiaron pacientes con diagnóstico de Ps (según diagnóstico por dermatólogo), APs (según criterios CASPAR) y controles sanos (CS). Se evaluaron diez sitios de entesis (de manera bilateral): inserción del tendón del cuádriceps, tendón proximal y distal del ligamento patelar, tendón de Aquiles y fascia plantar. La US identificó los siguientes hallazgos: engrosamiento tendinoso, erosión ósea, entesofito, bursitis y señal Power Doppler (PD). Se calculó el score US para entesitis GUESS. El desempeño del score para discriminar entre APs y Ps se evaluó utilizando curvas ROC. Resultados: Se incluyeron 51 sujetos: APs=16, Ps=15 y CS=20. La edad media fue de 42±13 años y el 39% eran mujeres. La mitad de los pacientes con APs presentaron entesopatía clínica en comparación con ninguno de los otros grupos. Se evaluaron un total de 510 sitios de entesis (APs=160, Ps=150, HC=200). Los pacientes con Ps mostraron significativamente una mayor frecuencia de entesofitos, erosiones y PD que los CS. La puntuación media del score GUESS fue diferente entre los grupos (media±DE): APs=13±4, Ps=8±4, CS=3±2 (p<0,01). El área bajo la curva (ABC) para el diagnóstico de APs fue de 0,79 (IC95%=0,63 a 0,95). Conclusiones: Los pacientes con Ps mostraron una alta frecuencia de entesopatía subclínica en la evaluación US. El score GUESS mostró una alta sensibilidad y moderada especificidad para discriminar entre los pacientes con APs y Ps

Sonoanatomía de tobillo y pié / Ultrasound anatomy of foot and ankle

El complejo articular de tobillo y pie es frecuentemente afectado por artropatías tanto inflamatorias como mecánicas y es una de las principales causas de consulta en reumatología. Usualmente la evaluación clínica se debe complementar con métodos de imagen diagnósticos; la radiografía convencional no provee imágenes de las múltiples estructuras tendinosas y ligamentosas, y el uso de la resonancia magnética se ve limitado por su costo. El ultrasonido provee imágenes en tiempo real, a bajo costo y de manera dinámica de las estructuras de tejidos blandos de tobillo y pie, lo que lo hace un método auxiliar diagnóstico de extrema importancia. En este artículo abordamos las características ultrasonográficas normales de las articulaciones de tobillo y pie y revisamos su exploración sistemática.

The foot and ankle joints are frequently affected by both inflammatory and mechanical arthropathies, these are a major cause of outpatient visits in rheumatology. Usually the clinical evaluation must be complemented by diagnostic imaging methods. Conventional radiography does nor provide images of tendons and ligaments and the use of MRI is limited by its cost. Ultrasound provides real-time and dynamic images at low cost of soft tissues structures of the ankle and foot articular complex and thus makes it an imaging method of extreme importance in its assessment. This article depicts the systematic evaluation and the normal ultrasonographic features of ankle and foot joints.