Sociodemographic and obstetric factors may affect breastfeeding attitudes, self-efficacy, and knowledge in women with rheumatic diseases: a retrospective analysis of self-reported surveys.

Women with autoimmune rheumatic disease (ARDs) experience difficulties with BF in addition to those concerning their own disease. The aim of this study is to identify the impact factors as infant feeding attitude, the level of BF knowledge, BF self-efficacy, and the sociodemographic have in the intention to BF in women with ARDs. We performed an observational, retrospective, and analytical study. Reproductive-age women (18-50 years old) with ARDs with prior pregnancy history and who filled out self-reported BF surveys as part of the Rheumatology Integral Care Program were included. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were retrieved from medical charts. We analyzed three validated BF questionnaires. Sixty-five participants with a mean age of 41.32 ± 7.48 were evaluated. Of these, 63 (97%) women agreed with BF in the first 6 months. The most prevalent infant feeding attitude was neutral with 42 (64.6%) women. The most common level of BF knowledge was poor with 45 (69.2%) patients. There were significant correlations of BF knowledge with education years (p = < 0.001, r = 0.464) and age (p = 0.049, r=-0.245). A significant correlation was found between BF self-efficacy and age (p = 0.039, r = 0.257). Attitude toward BF was significantly associated with education level > 9 years (OR = 3.400; 95% CI = 1.091-10.593) and a history of miscarriage (OR = 3.670; 95% CI = 1.051-12.813). Although most women with ARDs agreed with BF, we identified a poor level of BF knowledge and a neutral infant feeding attitude as the most predominant. By identifying this data in women with ARDs, BF practices may be improved.

Rheumatoid arthritis-associated antibodies in healthy first-degree relatives of RA patients.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects approximately 1.5% of the population worldwide and 0.5-3.3% of the Mexican population. The presence of rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) and anti-carbamylated protein (anti-CarP) antibodies has been described in populations at risk of RA development, such as first-degree relatives (FDR). Anti-CarP antibodies are present in RA patients (44%), FDR of RA patients (18%) and healthy controls (4.7%). Anti-CarP antibodies have not been described in FDR of the Mexican population. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of Rheumatoid Factors (RF) isotypes, ACPA and anti-CarP antibodies isotypes in FDR of RA patients. An observational, cross-sectional study, in an FDR of RA cohort, was performed. We measured IgA, IgG and IgM isotypes of RF, ACPA and anti-CarP antibodies. A total of 144 FDRs from 99 RA patients were enrolled. The prevalence of anti-CarP antibodies was 2.8% for IgA, 4.2% for IgG, whereas IgM was not detected. The serologic association was for RF/ACPA 4.48%, RF/anti-CarP 2.7%, FR 64.5%, ACPA 1.3%, ACPA/anti-CarP 0.69%, anti-CarP 3.4%, and no RF/ACPA/anti-CarP was observed. We found a low prevalence of anti-CarP antibodies in our cohort of FDR of RA patients, but the prevalence of ACPA and RF were higher than other cohorts previously reported.

Effects of Educational Interventions on Maternal Self-efficacy and Childhood Diarrhea: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Diarrhea still causes high morbidity and mortality in children under five, requiring constant interventions. Thus, the study aims to evaluate the effects of educational technologies on maternal self-efficacy to prevent childhood diarrhea. METHODS: Randomized clinical trial carried out in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil, with four randomized groups of mothers of children under 5 years of age, as follows: control group (n = 61), group A (booklet, n = 60), group B (video, n = 60), and group AB (booklet and video, n = 60). From June to October 2015, data collection was carried out in three moments (the first in person and the others by telephone monitoring). RESULTS: All groups improved their self-efficacy after the intervention, with higher scores in the group AB (booklet and video). A statistically significant association was found between the occurrence of diarrhea and maternal self-efficacy in groups A (booklet) (p = 0.023) and AB (booklet and video) (p = 0.042) at the second moment of data collection. From the second moment to the third moment, the risk of diarrhea decreased in group A, from 12.8 to 1.3, and in group AB, from 8.5 to 1.1. CONCLUSION: The technologies used, isolated or combined, were effective in improving maternal self-efficacy and decreasing the occurrence of childhood diarrhea; therefore, they can be used by nurses as health education tools.

Audiovisual and printed technology to prevent childhood diarrhea: A clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of using an educational booklet and a video alone or together in promoting maternal self-efficacy to prevent childhood diarrhea. DESIGN AND SAMPLE: Randomized multicenter clinical trial with 522 mothers of children under 5 years of age from northeastern Brazil. They were allocated into eight groups, according to the city: metropolis - video alone (N = 61), booklet alone (N = 60), booklet and video along (N = 60), without intervention (N = 60); countryside - booklet alone (N = 70), video alone (N = 70), booklet and video along (N = 71), without intervention (N = 70). MEASUREMENTS: A sociodemographic form and the Maternal Self-Efficacy Scale for preventing early childhood diarrhea. RESULTS: Increases in self-efficacy scores were observed in all experimental groups after the educational intervention. Urban mothers living had greater self-efficacy than rural mothers. This result was verified in the video alone group (p = .036) and without intervention group (p = .003). Mothers in all intervention groups, regardless of the educational intervention used, had higher self-efficacy scores than the comparison group mothers (p < .05). CONCLUSION: The tested educational technologies promoted maternal self-efficacy to prevent childhood diarrhea, regardless of whether they are applied alone or in combination.

Reproductive health counseling and contraceptive use in Mexican women with rheumatic diseases: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: There is an overall increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and maternal morbidity in patients with most autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD); outcomes are generally improved when the pregnancy is planned and the disease is in control. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to describe the sexual and reproductive health characteristics and contraceptive use of Mexican women in childbearing age with ARD. METHODS: We conducted an observational, cross-sectional, and descriptive study. All non-pregnant childbearing age women with an ARD were invited to participate. A self-administered questionnaire of ten items that included questions about sexuality, use of contraceptive methods, pregnancy desire, and contraceptional counseling was applied. RESULTS: A total of 135 women were evaluated. The median age was 33 (25-39) years. Contraceptive use was referred by 49 (71%) of the patients that had sexual activity the last month, while 20 (28.9%) patients denied use. From the patients who had initiated sexual activity (N = 112), 41 (36.6%) did not use any contraceptive method, and 16 (14%) used a method classified as ineffective. The question about contraceptive counseling was answered by 112 patients. Eighty (70.4%) said they had received counseling from health-professional and 64 (57.1%) from their rheumatologist. A total of 57% of the women with teratogenic drugs did not employ a contraception method. CONCLUSION: Contraceptive use and reproductive health counseling are suboptimal in Mexican women with ARD. A high proportion of women taking teratogenic drugs did not employ a highly effective contraceptive method. Strategies to improve reproductive and sexual health are necessary.

Educational interventions using a primer and motivational interviewing: randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Many educational technologies have been used to promote the health of the population. Thus, the objective was to assess the effect of using an individual educational primer along with the Brief Motivational Interviewing (BMI) for increasing maternal self-efficacy for preventing childhood diarrhoea. METHODS: Randomized clinical trial, conducted in Fortaleza/Ceará-Brazil, composed of 181 mothers and/or guardians of children under five years, who were randomized into three groups: experimental group A (EG A)-who read the primer, experimental group B (EG B)-application of the primer and BMI and the control group (CG). The participants' assessment was based on the Maternal Self-Efficacy Scale for Preventing Childhood Diarrhoea and the diarrhoea Investigation Form at the beginning of the intervention and then 30 and 60 days after the first contact with the participants. RESULTS: There were 60 participants in EG A and CG and 61 in EG B. It was noted a greater incidence of participants with high self-efficacy in EG B after applying the technologies. All groups manifested diarrhoea among children after the interventions, although with a lower number in EG B, one-month post-intervention (P = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: The combined use of the primer and the BMI contributed significantly over time to increase maternal self-efficacy in preventing childhood diarrhoea and reduce cases of this disease.

Anxiety and depression in reproductive age women with rheumatic diseases.

Women in reproductive age with rheumatic diseases (RD) are especially vulnerable for depression and anxiety which negatively impacts the pregnancy, birth, and RD. The purpose of this study is to describe the frequency of anxiety and depression symptoms employing the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) in women in reproductive age. We conducted an observational, single-center, cross-sectional, and descriptive study in reproductive-age, non-pregnant women without a prior psychiatric diagnosis. Differences between disease groups, subscale results, and disease activity were analyzed with the Chi square, Mann-Whitney U test, or Kruskal-Wallis test. A total of 100 women were included. Mean age was 35.3 years (SD = 10.07). The most frequent diagnosis was rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with 48, followed by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with 30. A total of 66 (66%) patients had an abnormal HADS score (probable or possible cases) in either subscale. More than 50% of RA patients had an abnormal HADS score. We found an association between RA disease activity groups and total HADS score (p = 0.003). Furthermore, we found a statically significant association between RA activity groups and HADS anxiety subscales group classification (p = 0.01). No differences between disease activity groups of SLE or other diseases and HADS classification or total score was found (p = 0.277). A high frequency of probable or possible cases of depression and anxiety were recognized in reproductive-age women with RD. A high RA disease activity was associated with a high total HADS score and an increased presence of anxiety symptoms.

Association of regional and cultural factors with the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis in the Mexican population: a multilevel analysis.

BACKGROUND: The overall estimated prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Mexico is 1.6%, but there are major variations in different geographic areas of the country. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the impact of individual and regional variables on the geographic distribution of RA in Mexico. METHODS: This multilevel analysis used data from a cross-sectional study that investigated the prevalence of RA among 19,213 individuals older than 18 years throughout 5 geographic regions in Mexico. Logistic regression models were used to determine predictors of RA, including individual and regional variables as well as cultural factors. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined. RESULTS: The prevalence of RA varied from 0.77% to 2.8% across the 5 regions. Individual factors associated with RA were sex (OR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.74-3.07), previous medical diagnosis of RA ( OR 3.3, 95%CI: 2919­5.1 [corrected]), disability (OR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.48-2.93), and the 56- to 65-year age group (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.08-3.74). The regional factor of speaking an indigenous language had an OR of 2.27 (95% CI, 1.13-4.55). CONCLUSIONS: Various individual and regional factors were associated with variations in the prevalence of RA in the Mexican population.

Carotid intima media thickness, oxidative stress, and inflammation in children with chronic kidney disease.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the association between inflammation and oxidative stress with carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) and elasticity increment module (E(inc)) in pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: This analytical, cross-sectional study assessed 134 children aged 6-17 years with CKD. Anthropometric measurements and biochemistry of intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1ß, reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and homocysteine were recorded. Bilateral carotid ultrasound (US) was taken. Patients were compared with controls for cIMT and E(inc) using ≥ 75 percentile (PC). RESULTS: Mean cIMT was 0.528 ± 0.089 mm; E(inc) was 0.174 ± 0.121 kPa × 10(3); cIMT negatively correlated with phosphorus (r -0.19, p =0.028) and the calcium × phosphorus (Ca × P) product (r -0.26, p =0.002), and positively with iPTH (r 0.19,p =0.024). After adjusting for potential confounders, hemodialysis (HD) (ß=0.111, p =<0.001), automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) (ß=0.064, p =0.026), and Ca x P product(ß=-0.002, p =0.015) predicted cIMT (R(2)=0.296). In patients on dialysis, HD (ß=0.068, p =0.010), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (ß=0.001, p =0.048), and GSH(ß=-0.0001, p=0.041) independently predicted cIMT (R(2)=0.204); HD, hypoalbuminemia, and high iPTH increased the risk of increased cIMT. In dialysis, E(inc) was inversely associated with GSH, and in predialysis, Ca × P correlated with/predicted E(inc) (ß=0.001, p =0.009). CONCLUSIONS: cIMT and E(inc) strongly associate with several biochemical parameters and GSH but not with other oxidative stress or inflammation markers.

Prevalence of neonatal screening and associated factors in Brazil: a comparison of the 2013 and 2019 National Health Surveys. / Prevalência e fatores associados à realização dos exames de triagem neonatal no Brasil: comparação da PNS 2013 e 2019.

This study analyzed the prevalence of complete neonatal screening (CNS) of children aged under 2 years in Brazil and associated factors using data from the 2013 (n=4,442) and 2019 (n=5,643) national health surveys. We conducted a cross-sectional study to compare prevalence of CNS (eye, ear and heel prick tests) adopting 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) and a 5% significance level. Crude and adjusted Poisson regression was performed to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) and 95%CI to assess the association between socioeconomic, demographic and health variables and CNS. There was a statistically significant increase in CNS prevalence, from 49.2% (95%CI: 47.1-51.3) in 2013 to 67.4% (95%CI: 65.5-69.3) in 2019. However, large disparities persist across states and between sociodemographic groups. In both years, CNS prevalence was lowest among brown and black children, those from families in the three lowest income quintiles, children without health insurance, those from families registered in the Family Health Strategy and children living in the North, cities outside the state capital/metropolitan regions and rural areas. Despite the increase in prevalence of CNS, deep individual and contextual inequalities persist, posing challenges for health policies.

Analisou-se a prevalência e fatores associados à realização da Triagem Neonatal Completa (TNC) entre crianças (<2 anos de idade) no Brasil incluídas na Pesquisa Nacional Saúde 2013 (n=4.442) e 2019 (n=5.643). Estudo transversal comparou as estimativas de prevalência e intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC95%) da TNC (testes do olhinho, orelhinha e pezinho). Diferenças foram consideradas estatisticamente significante ao nível de 5%. Regressões de Poisson bruta e ajustada foram realizadas para estimar Razões de Prevalência (RP) e IC95% para a associação das variáveis socioeconômicas, demográficas e de saúde com a TNC. Verificou-se aumento estatisticamente significante da TNC: 67,4% (IC95%: 65,5-69,3) em 2019, ante 49,2% (IC95%: 47,1-51,3) em 2013. Porém, ainda existem desigualdades e defasagens entre os estados da federação e variáveis sociodemográficas. Entre os anos, a TNC foi menor nas crianças de cor/raça parda e preta, dos três piores quintis de renda, sem plano de saúde, cadastradas na Estratégia de Saúde da Família, da região norte, de cidades do interior e da zona rural do Brasil. Apesar de o aumento da prevalência de TNC, desigualdades e defasagens individuais e contextuais permaneceram, indicando os desafios das políticas de saúde.

Effects of auriculotherapy on nausea and vomiting in pregnant women: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy induces physiological changes, commonly marked by nausea and vomiting in the first trimester, posing risks for both mother and baby. This study evaluates the effects of auriculotherapy on nausea and vomiting during the first trimester of pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized clinical trial was conducted in two primary health care centers with 56 Brazilian pregnant women who reported nausea or vomiting in the first trimester. The participants were divided into an intervention group (auriculotherapy with seeds) and a placebo group (sham auriculotherapy). The intervention was divided into three moments: pre-intervention with assessment of nausea and vomiting and application of questionnaires, and two follow-ups conducted on the fourth and seventh day of the intervention, with reassessment of nausea and vomiting. RESULTS: Both groups experienced a decrease in nausea and vomiting over time, with no statistically significant differences between groups in the within-group analyses at various time points. The intervention group had a greater reduction in symptoms. Within the intervention group, symptoms were more common among ferrous sulfate users and those without reported dietary disturbances. In addition, a higher incidence of nausea and vomiting was associated with the use of analgesics, morning snacks, and low intake of protein, vegetables, and fruits. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention did not affect the between-group differences in the incidence of nausea and vomiting and vomiting effort in the first trimester of pregnancy. However, a greater reduction was observed in the intervention group.

Booklet and Motivational Interviewing to Promote Self-efficacy in Parents/Caregivers of Children with Asthma: A Clinical Trial.

Background: Asthma is the most common chronic disease in childhood which accounts for numerous annual hospitalizations due to a lack of management and proper management of the disease. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of using an educational booklet with or without combination with motivational interviewing (MI) on the self-efficacy of parents/caregivers in the control and management of childhood asthma. Methods: A clinical trial was carried out with 86 parents/caregivers of children with asthma aged between 2 and 12 years who were followed up in primary health care units from March 2019 to December 2020. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: one of the groups read the booklet and the other read the booklet combined with the MI. The Brazilian version of the Self-Efficacy and Their Child's Level of Asthma Control scale was applied before and 30 days after the intervention for assessment of self-efficacy. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 and R 3.6.3 software. P values<0.05 were considered significant. Results: There were 46 participants in the booklet group and 40 in the booklet and MI group. Both groups were effective in increasing total self-efficacy scores after the intervention (P<0.001). No statistically significant difference was found between the scores of the two groups (P=0.257). Conclusion: The educational booklet with or without combination with MI can increase the self-efficacy of parents/caregivers of children with asthma. The findings could be considered by healthcare providers for the empowerment of caregivers of children with asthma in the control and management of their children's asthma.Trial Registration Number: U1111-1254-7256.

Information booklet for promoting self-efficacy in childhood asthma: construction and validity.

OBJECTIVE: To construct and validate the content and appearance of an information booklet to promote self-efficacy of parents and/or caregivers in childhood asthma management and control. METHOD: This is a methodological study, developed from educational material elaboration, validity and assessment by 25 content judges and three technical judges. Language clarity, practical pertinence and theoretical relevance were used, calculating the Content Validity Coefficient (CVC) for validity, and the Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM) instrument was applied for assessment. Judges were also able to make suggestions for modifications on each page of the booklet. Pages that reached a CVC ≥ 0.80 for content judges and CVC ≥ 0.70 for technical judges were considered validated. RESULTS: The total CVC of the booklet was 0.96 for content judges and 0.83 for technical judges. The educational material was considered superior according to the SAM, with a total score of 92.67% for content judges and 73.81% for technical judges. Changes were made to the booklet after the validity process, according to judges' suggestions, resulting in a second version. CONCLUSION: The information booklet is valid and has a high degree of recommendation for use with parents and/or caregivers in childhood asthma control and management.

Construction and validation of a reproductive behavior questionnaire for female patients with rheumatic diseases.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: Active autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) before conception increase the risk of flares and adverse pregnancy outcomes. We aimed to construct and validate a reproductive behavior questionnaire in Spanish for patients with ARDs to assess their knowledge and their reproductive behavior. METHOD: We constructed and validated a reproductive behavior questionnaire in two phases: (1) a literature review followed by interviews of reproductive-age female patients, and (2) a cross-sectional study to complete validation. Convenience sampling was carried out with 165 female patients: 65 participated in the cross-cultural adaptation phase and 100 in the validation phase. The internal consistency was evaluated by estimating Cronbach's alpha and tetrachoric correlation coefficients. Values ≥ 0.40 were considered acceptable (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The initial instrument included 38 questions. Thematic analysis identified 8 important dimensions or topics, which were combined to create the Rheuma Reproductive Behavior interview questionnaire. A final total of 41 items across 10 dimensions were obtained. The test-retest analysis showed perfect correlations in 34 of the 41 items, moderate in 6 items, and negative in one of the items. The mean age of the patients was 35.65 years (SD 9.02), and the mean time to answer the survey was 13.66 min (SD 7.1). CONCLUSIONS: The Rheuma Reproductive Behavior questionnaire showed good reliability and consistency capturing patients' reproductive health knowledge and reproductive behavior. Key Points • We designed and validated a questionnaire to assess reproductive health knowledge and reproductive behavior among female patients with ARDs. • The questionnaire was comprehensible for participants, and showed good reliability and consistency capturing reproductive knowledge and behavior. • This tool may aid in the design of strategies to improve reproductive decision-making for female patients with ARDs.

Health inequalities among homeless adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: highlight health inequalities of homeless adolescents based on the conceptual framework of social determinants of health. METHOD: this is a convergent parallel mixed-methods study. The population consisted of adolescents who are homeless, with purposeful sampling and data saturation. Quantitative data were obtained with a questionnaire and qualitative data through semi-structured interviews. RESULTS: 19 homeless adolescents participated in the study, 13 (68.4%) aged 16 to 19 years; 11 (57.9%) were male, 3 (15.8%) were female, and 5 (26.3%) were transgender adolescents. Participants experienced different levels of exposure and vulnerabilities to conditions that affect health and were directly related to intermediate determinants of health. CONCLUSION: this study provides an understanding of the inequalities related to the health of homeless adolescents and shows evidence that supports strategies to promote equity and dignity in health care. KEYPOINTS: (1) Contribute with strategies towards equal access to health services and dignity in adolescent care. (2) Understand the health needs of homeless adolescents. (3) Reflect on adolescent health care. (4) Support the health system and reduce health inequities.

Professional performance in the administration of medicines in pediatrics: a study cross-sectional observational.

OBJECTIVES: to evaluate Patient Safety actions carried out by nurses in the Administration of Medicines in Pediatrics. METHODS: observational, cross-sectional, quantitative study carried out in 2018, with 25 nurses from a Hospital in Peru. 183 observations were made; the instrument Safety of the patient was used in the administration of medicines in Pediatrics Spanish version. The performance of the professionals was evaluated by the Positivity Index. RESULTS: of 22 itens observed, five were adequate, five were safe, two were classified as borderline and ten as endurable among those who stand out; Bring to bed only medications prescribed for a single child and maintains an adequate record of prepared medications that will be stored. CONCLUSIONS: weaknesses were observed in the medication administration process, since only 10 itens were classified as safe or adequate, reinforcing the need for permanent education activities by the institution for nursing training.

Bone metabolism and osteoporosis during pregnancy and lactation.

PURPOSE: Osteoporosis in pregnancy is an uncommon disease and there is little information regarding its pathogenesis and its effects on the skeleton. This review aims to describe changes in mineral metabolism during pregnancy and lactation as well as their clinical impact. METHODS: We performed a narrative review of the literature using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases for articles published from 1955 to 2021. RESULTS: Mineral metabolism in the mother must adapt to the demand created by the fetus and the placenta, which together absorb calcium and other minerals from the mother to mineralize the developing fetal skeleton; analyses of iliac bone biopsies at the beginning and end of pregnancy have shown that pregnancy significantly modifies maternal bone status. The greatest demand for calcium for the maternal skeleton occurs during lactation; women who breastfeed have an even greater loss of calcium to produce milk. However, it is controversial whether breastfeeding can increase the risk of osteoporotic fractures, and the possible mechanism is considerably complicated. Osteoporosis in pregnancy is an uncommon disease characterized by the occurrence of fragility fractures, most commonly in the vertebral column, in the third trimester of pregnancy, or early postpartum. The pathogenesis of PLO remains unclear owing to its rarity; DXA provides a sensitive and specific method for diagnosing osteoporosis by measuring BMD, one of the parameters that allow a better understanding of fracture risk. One limitation is the controversy in using radiation in pregnant women and the risk to the embryo/fetus; a safe alternative can be MRI. CONCLUSION: Pregnancy and lactation alter the maternal bone status; without a balance in metabolism, this may cause an increased risk of fracture due to changes in BMD. There is little information on BMD during pregnancy; more clinical studies are required to elucidate if this represents a risk factor for osteoporosis.

Bone erosions by MRI in first-degree relatives of patients with RA: an exploratory study.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: First-degree relatives (FDR) of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at increased risk of RA diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been proposed as a useful tool to detect subclinical synovitis and bone abnormalities as predictors of progression to RA. The presence of grade ≥ 2 bone erosions in RA MRI scoring system (RAMRIS) was reported to be RA-specific. We aim to describe the prevalence and characteristics of MRI findings in RA patients and FDR. METHODS: A cross-sectional and exploratory study of 60 individuals was performed in 38 RA patients and 22 FDR with hand arthralgia without clinical arthritis and positive rheumatoid factor or anticitrullinated protein antibodies. All patients underwent an MRI and were evaluated for synovitis, bone erosion, and bone marrow edema. We evaluated second to fifth metacarpophalangeal joints of the dominant hand according to RAMRIS. RESULTS: Among the total population, eighteen (30%) subjects had grade ≥ 2 bone erosions, and 42 (70%) had at least one erosion of any grade. In patients with grade ≥ 2 bone erosions, 12 (31.6%) were from RA patients and 6 (27.2%) from FDR (p = 0.72). In patients with erosions of any grade, 26 (68.4%) were from RA patients and 15 (68.2%) were from FDR (p = 0.98). CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of bone erosions was found in RA patients' FDR who had symptoms without clinical arthritis and positive serology. MRI might be helpful in this population for an early detection of RA-specific erosions. The prognosis and the treatment decisions in these subjects should be elucidated. KEY POINTS: • First-degree relatives (FDR) of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with positive serology and joint symptoms constitute a select subpopulation of individuals with an increased risk of developing RA. • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of FDR shows a high prevalence of bone erosions of any grade, grade ≥ 2 erosions, and synovitis. • MRI might be helpful in FDR of RA patients to screen for the presence of RA-specific erosions or clinically undetectable synovitis.

Epidemiology of rheumatic diseases. A community-based study in urban and rural populations in the state of Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of rheumatic diseases in rural and urban populations using the WHO-ILAR COPCORD questionnaire. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional home survey in subjects > 18 years of age in the Mexican state of Nuevo Leon. Results were validated locally against physical examination in positive cases according to an operational definition by 2 rheumatologists. We used a random, balanced, and stratified sample by region of representative subjects. RESULTS: We surveyed 4713 individuals with a mean age of 43.6 years (SD 17.3); 55.9% were women and 87.1% were from urban areas. Excluding trauma, 1278 individuals (27.1%, 95% CI 25.8%-28.4%) reported musculoskeletal pain in the last 7 days; the prevalence of this variable was almost twice as frequent in women (33% vs 17% in men); 529 (11.2%) had pain associated with trauma. The global prevalence of pain was 38.3%. Mean pain score was 2.4 (SD 3.4) on a pain scale of 0-10. Most subjects classified as positive according to case definition (99%) were evaluated by a rheumatologist. Main diagnoses were osteoarthritis in 17.3% (95% CI 16.2-18.4), back pain in 9.8% (95% CI 9.0-10.7), undifferentiated arthritis in 2.4% (95% CI 2.0-2.9), rheumatoid arthritis in 0.4% (95% CI 0.2-0.6), fibromyalgia in 0.8% (95% CI 0.6-1.1), and gout in 0.3% (95% CI 0.1-0.5). CONCLUSION: This is the first regional COPCORD study in Mexico performed with a systematic sampling, showing a high prevalence of pain. COPCORD is a useful tool for the early detection of rheumatic diseases as well as for accurately referring patients to different medical care centers and to reduce underreporting of rheumatic diseases.