Patrón genético y serológico en pacientes con diagnóstico de artritis reumatoide / Genetic and serological pattern in patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis

Introducción: La artritis reumatoide es una enfermedad autoinmune de causas desconocidas en la que pueden influir distintas alteraciones genéticas. Se describen casos seropositivos con mayor riesgo de padecer manifestaciones extraarticulares y complicaciones de la enfermedad. Objetivo: Identificar la relación existente entre las alteraciones genéticas y la positividad de autoanticuerpos en pacientes con diagnóstico de artritis reumatoide. Métodos: Investigación básica, no experimental, transversal y descriptiva de un universo de 157 pacientes con diagnóstico de artritis reumatoide según los criterios del Colegio Americano de Reumatología. La muestra quedó conformada por 113 pacientes. Como parte del seguimiento de laboratorio de cada paciente se determinó anticuerpos tipo factor reumatoide y antipéptido citrulinado cíclico. Se realizó el estudio genético para identificar HLA-DR3 y HLA-DR4. Se utilizó la prueba no paramétrica de correlación de Pearson para determinar correlación entre el patrón genético y la seropositividad en estos pacientes. Resultados: Promedio de edad de 58,74 años con predominio de pacientes femeninas (72,57 por ciento). El 38,05 por ciento presentó al menos una comorbilidad asociada. El factor reumatoide fue positivo en el 60,18 por ciento de los pacientes, mientras que el antipéptido citrulinado cíclico positivo se identificó en el 41,59 %. Se halló alteraciones del patrón genético en el 66,37 por ciento de los pacientes; el HLA-DR4 estuvo presente de forma independiente en el 38,67 por ciento de los casos positivos y combinado con el HLA-DR3 en el 20,66 por ciento. Conclusión: Se identificó una correlación positiva considerable entre las alteraciones del patrón genético y la seropositividad. La presencia de alteraciones del patrón genético triplica el riesgo de seropositividad en los pacientes con artritis reumatoide(AU)

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease of unknown causes in which the presence of different genetic alterations is invoked. Seropositive cases with a higher risk of appearance of extra-articular manifestations and complications of the disease are described. Objective: To identify the relationship between the presence of genetic alterations and autoantibody positivity in patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: Basic, non-experimental, cross-sectional and descriptive research with a universe of 157 patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis according to the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology. The sample was made up of a total of 113 patients. As part of the laboratory follow-up of each patient, the presence of rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies was determined, and a genetic study was performed to identify the presence of HLA-DR3 and HLA-DR4. The nonparametric Pearson's correlation test was used to determine the correlation between the identification of HLA types and seropositivity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Results: Average age of 58.74 years with a predominance of female patients (72.57%). 38.05 percent presented at least one associated comorbidity. Rheumatoid factor was positive in 60.18 percent of the patients, while positive anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide was identified in 41.59 percent of the cases studied. Genetic pattern alterations were identified in 66.37 percent of the patients; HLA-DR4 was present independently in 38.67 percent of the positive cases and combined with HLA-DR3 in 20.66 percent. Conclusion: A considerable positive correlation was identified between alterations in the genetic pattern and seropositivity. The presence of genetic pattern alterations triples the risk of seropositivity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis(AU)

Association between subjects with newly Diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis and dental caries / Asociación entre sujetos con artritis reumatoide recientemente diagnosticada y caries dental

Abstract Alterations in saliva, temporomandibular joint disorders, dysphagia, Sjogrens syndrome, dental caries, periodontal disease, and tooth loss have been identified in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. The aims of this research were 1) to study the association between newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis and dental caries and 2) to identify most frequent teeth with caries in study groups. A descriptive pilot study was performed. A total of 620 participants were evaluated, 29 met the selection criteria. The subjects were divided into 2 groups: 13 subjects with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis and 16 subjects without rheumatoid arthritis. Salivary parameters, DMFT index, care index, FS-T index and Treatment Needs Index were evaluated in all participants. The Fishers Exact test and Mann-Whitney U test we used to establish the differences between groups. Low mean in all salivary parameters and a high caries frequency were observed in subjects with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis compared to a control group (p<0.01). The right maxillary second premolar (n=6, 46%, p=0.0100); right mandibular second premolar (n=7,54%, p=0.0462) and left mandibular second molar (n=10,77%, p=0.0001) were the most frequent teeth with caries. Early diagnosis and early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis can improve the prognosis in most of patients. The development of new public health policies and care based on the prevention are necessary to improve the quality of patients lives.

Resumen Alteraciones en la saliva, trastornos de la articulación temporomandibular, disfagia, síndrome de Sjogren, caries dental, enfermedad periodontal y pérdida de dientes son algunas patologías que se han identificado en pacientes con artritis reumatoide. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron (1) Asociar la artritis reumatoide recientemente diagnosticada con la caries dentales e (2) Identificar los dientes más frecuentes con caries en los grupos de estudio. Se realizó un estudio piloto descriptivo. 620 participantes fueron evaluados, 29 sujetos cumplieron con los criterios de selección. Los sujetos se dividieron en 2 grupos: 13 sujetos con artritis reumatoide recién diagnosticados y 16 sujetos sin artritis reumatoide. En todos los participantes se evaluaron parámetros salivales, el índice CPOD, el índice IC, el índice FS-T y el índice INT. La prueba exacta de Fisher y U de Mann-Whitney se utilizaron para establecer diferencias entre grupos. En los resultados se observó un bajo promedio de los parámetros salivales y una alta frecuencia de caries en sujetos con artritis reumatoide recién diagnosticados comparados con un grupo control (p<0.01). El segundo premolar superior derecho (n=6,46%, p=0,0100); el segundo premolar mandibular derecho (n=7,54%, p=0.0462) y el segundo molar mandibular izquierdo (n=10,77%, p=0.0001) fueron los dientes más frecuentes con caries dental. El diagnóstico y el tratamiento temprano de la artritis reumatoide pueden mejorar el pronóstico en la mayoría de los pacientes. El desarrollo de nuevas políticas de salud pública basadas en la prevención de la cavidad bucal son necesarias para mejorar la calidad de vida de los pacientes.

Perfil clínico e epidemiológico e comorbidades dos pacientes com artrite reumatoide atendidos no centro de especialidades médicas do centro universitário do Pará / Clinical and epidemiological and comorbidities of patients with rheumatoid arthritis assisted at the medical specialties center of Centro Universitário do Pará

Objetivos: Descrever as características clínico e epidemiológicas e a prevalência das comorbidades que acometem os pacientes com artrite reumatóide (AR) atendidos no ambulatório de reumatologia do Centro de Especialidades Médicas do Cesupa (CEMEC). Métodos: Estudo descritivo, observacional e retrospectivo realizado por meio da coleta de dados de prontuários médicos, no período de janeiro a novembro de 2020, de pacientes com artrite reumatoide, atendidos no Centro de Especialidades Médicas do Cesupa no período de 2012 a 2020. Resultados: Foram analisados 122 prontuários. A maioria dos pacientes foi do sexo feminino (88,52%). A raça predominante foi a não branca (90,88%) e a idade média dos participantes foi 54,09 anos (DP± 11,33). A maioria dos pacientes apresentavam fatores reumatoides positivo (56,55%). O tempo médio de doença foi de 9,7 anos (±8,57). As principais comorbidades não infecciosas encontradas foram: hipertensão arterial (40,16%), osteoporose (23,77%), dislipidemia (19,67%), diabetes (12,29%), obesidade (8,19%), depressão (4,09%), neoplasias (2,45%) e osteopenia (1,63%). Os medicamentos utilizados foram metotrexato (59,83%), prednisona (55,73%), leflunomida (36,06%), tocilizumabe (7,37%), anti-TNF (7,37%), anti-inflamatórios não hormonais (6,55%), tofacitinibe (2,45%), abatacepte (2,45%) e rituximabe (0%). Conclusão: As principais comorbidades que atingiram estes pacientes foram a hipertensão, osteoporose e dislipidemia. Assim, verifica-se a necessidade do controle de fatores de risco modificáveis dessas comorbidades assim como prezar pelo uso de doses baixas e pelo menor tempo possível, a fim de, apenas enquanto as drogas modificadoras de doença reumática (DMARDs) não estão fazendo efeito, reduzir a prevalência dessas comorbidades nestes pacientes.

Objectives: To describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics and the prevalence of the main non ­ infectious comorbidities that affect patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated at the rheumatology outpatient clinic of the Centro de Especialidades Médicas do Cesupa (CEMEC). Methods: This is a descriptive, observational and retrospective study carried out by collecting data from medical records, from January to November 2020, of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, treated a Centro de Especialidades Médicas from 2012 to 2020. Results: In total, 122 medical records were analyzed, most of which corresponded to female patients (88.52%). The predominant race was non-white (90.88%) and the mean age of the participants was 54.09 years, with a standard deviation of 11.33 years. Regarding the rheumatoid factor, most of the sample is positive (56.55%). The mean disease duration was 9.7 years, with a standard deviation of 8.57 years. The main non-infectious comorbidities found were: arterial hypertension (40.16%), osteoporosis (23.77%), dyslipidemia (19.67%), diabetes (12.29%), obesity (8.19%) depression (4,09%), neoplasms (2.45%) and osteopenia (1.63%). The drugs used were methotrexate (59.83%), prednisone (55.73%), leflunomide (36.06%), tocilizumab (7.37%), anti-TNF (7.37%), non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. hormonal agents (6.55%), tofacitinib (2.45%), abatacept (2.45%) and rituximab (0%). Conclusion: The main comorbidities that affected these patients were hypertension, osteoporosis and dyslipidemia; and the most used drugs were prednisone, methotrexate and leflunomide, which are also related to the emergence of these pathologies. Thus, there is a need to encourage the practice of physical activity, as well as to value the use of low doses of corticosteroids, only while disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are ineffective, in order to reduce the prevalence of these Comorbidities in these patient

Identification of serological biomarkers for diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis using a protein array-based approach / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To study the cytokine patterns in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and healthy individuals and identify candidate serum biomarkers for clinical diagnosis of RA.@*METHODS@#This study was conducted among 59 patients diagnosed with RA in our hospital from 2015 to 2019 with 46 age- and gender-matched healthy subjects who received regular physical examinations in our hospital as the control group. Serological autoimmune profiles of 5 RA patients and 5 healthy control subjects were obtained from human cytokine microarrays. We selected 4 differentially expressed cytokines (LIMPII, ROBO3, Periostin and IGFBP-4) and 2 soluble cytokine receptors of interest (2B4 and Tie-2) and examined their serum levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 54 RA patients and 41 healthy control subjects. Spearman correlation test was performed to assess the correlation of serum cytokine and soluble receptor expression levels with the clinical features including rheumatoid factor (RF), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), disease activity score (DAS28) and health assessment questionnaire (HAQ). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic capability of these cytokines.@*RESULTS@#We identified 6 dysregulated cytokines and soluble receptors (2B4, LIMPII, Tie-2, ROBO3, periostin and IGFBP-4) in RA patients (P < 0.01). The serum levels of LIMPII, ROBO3 and periostin were significantly correlated with the disease activity indicators including RF (P < 0.001), CRP (P < 0.001), DAS28 (P < 0.001) and HAQ (P < 0.001) in RA patients. Among the 6 candidate cytokines, 2B4 showed the largest area under the curve (AUC) of 0.861 for RA diagnosis (P < 0.001), followed then by LIMPII, ROBO3, periostin, Tie-2 and IGFBP-4.@*CONCLUSION@#Serum levels of LIMPII, ROBO3 and periostin can be indicative of the disease activity of RA, and serum 2B4, LIMPII, periostin, ROBO3, IGFBP-4 and Tie-2 levels may serve as biomarkers for the diagnosis of RA.

Validation of the Pollard' s classification criteria (2010) for rheumatoid arthritis patients with fibromyalgia / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of Pollard' s classification criteria(2010) for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients withfibromyalgia (FM) in Chinese patients, and to assess the clinical features and psychological status of RA-FM patients in a real-world observational setting.@*METHODS@#Two hundred and two patients with rheumatoid arthritis were enrolled from the outpatients in Rheumatology and Immunology Department in Peking University People' s Hospital. All the patients were evaluated whether incorporating fibromyalgia translation occured using the 1990 American College of Rheumatolgy (ACR)-FM classification criteria. Forty two RA patients were concomitant with FM, while the other one hundred and sixty RA patients without FM were set as the control group.@*RESULTS@#There was no significant difference in general demography between the two groups (P>0.05). In this study, the Pollard' s classification criteria (2010) for RA-FM in Chinese patients had a high sensitivity of 95.2% and relatively low specificity of 52.6%. Compared with those patients without FM, RA patients with FM (RA-FM patients) had higher Disease Activity Scale in 28 joints (DAS-28) score (5.95 vs. 4.38, P=0.011) and much more 28-tender joint counts (TJC) (16.5 vs.4.5, P < 0.001).RA-FM patients had worse Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) score (1.24 vs. 0.66, P < 0.001) and lower SF-36 (28.63 vs. 58.22, P < 0.001). Fatigue was more common in RA-FM patients (88. 1% vs. 50.6%, P < 0.001) and the degree of fatigue was significantly increased in RA-FM patients (fatigue VAS 5.55 vs. 3.55, P < 0.001). RA-FM patients also had higher anxiety (10 vs.4, P < 0.001) and depression scores (12 vs.6, P < 0.001). erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), morning stiffness time and 28-swollen joint counts (SJC) showed no difference between these two groups.@*CONCLUSION@#The Pollard' s classification criteria (2010) for RA-FM are feasible in Chinese rheumatoid arthritis patients. The Pollard' s classification criteria is highly sensitive in clinical application, while the relativelylow specificity indicates that various factors need to be considered in combination. RA patients with FM result in higher disease activity, worse function aland psychological status. RA patients with FM also have poorer quality of life. DAS-28 scores may be overestimated in RA patients with FM. In a RA patient thatdoes not reach remission, the possibility of fibromyalgia should be con-sidered.

Manifestaciones extrarticulares y anticuerpos contra péptidos cíclicos citrulinados en artritis reumatoide / Extrarticular manifestations and antibodies against citrullinated cyclic peptides in rheumatoid arthritis

Introducción: La artritis reumatoide se manifiesta como enfermedad inflamatoria sistémica presenta manifestaciones extrarticulares. Objetivos: Determinar la frecuencia de manifestaciones extrarticulares en pacientes con artritis reumatoide, identificar las más frecuentes y su asociación con anticuerpos contra péptidos cíclicos citrulinados. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal, en 101 pacientes con diagnóstico de artritis reumatoide, atendidos en La Consulta Protocolizada del Servicio de Reumatología del Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Hermanos Ameijeiras, entre agosto y diciembre del año 2019. Se identificaron características sociodemográficas como edad, sexo, tiempo de evolución de la artritis reumatoide y tabaquismo. Se buscaron presencia de manifestaciones extrarticulares por el interrogatorio, examen físico y con ayuda de exámenes complementarios y se determinaron los títulos de anticuerpos contra péptidos cíclicos citrulinados en el plasma de los pacientes. Resultados: Las manifestaciones extrarticulares estuvieron presentes en 38 pacientes para 37,6 por ciento de los casos, las más frecuentes fueron los nódulos subcutáneos 37 pacientes, y la anemia en 35 que constituyen 36,6 por ciento y 34,7 por ciento de los casos, respectivamente. Fueron positivos a antipéptidos cíclicos citrulinados 78 enfermos, 77,2 por ciento de la muestra, no existió asociación entre presencia de los antipéptidos cíclicos citrulinados y la actividad de la enfermedad. No existió asociación significativa entre estos anticuerpos y las manifestaciones extrarticulares p<0,0001. Fue significativa la asociación entre los niveles de antipéptidos cíclicos citrulinados y el número de manifestaciones extrarticulares en un paciente p=0,0018. Conclusiones: Las manifestaciones articulares existentes en los pacientes estudiados se asociaron, significativamente, con la presencia de los antipéptidos cíclicos citrulinados(AU)

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis within its expression as a systemic inflammatory disease presents extra-articular manifestations. Objectives: To determine the frequency of extra-articular manifestations in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, to identify the most frequent and their association with antibodies against citrullinated cyclic peptides. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in 101 patients with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, assisted in the protocolized consultation of Rheumatology service at Hermanos Ameijeiras Clinical Surgical Hospital, from August to December 2019. Sociodemographic characteristics were identified, such as age, sex, time of evolution of rheumatoid arthritis, smoking habits. The presence of extra-articular manifestations was searched for by questioning, physical examination and with the help of complementary tests, and the titers of antibodies against citrullinated cyclic peptides were determined in the plasma of the patients. Results: Extra-articular manifestations were present in 38 patients, 37.6percent of the cases, the most frequent were subcutaneous nodules in 37 patients, and anemia in 35, which constituted 36.6percent and 34.7percent of the cases, respectively. Seventy eight patients were positive for citrullinated cyclic antipeptides, 77.2percent of the sample, there was no association between the presence of citrullinated cyclic antipeptides and the activity of the disease. There was no significant association between the presence of these antibodies and the presence of extra-articular manifestations p <0.0001, the association between the levels of citrullinated cyclic antipeptides and the number of extra-articular manifestations in a patient was significant p=0.0018. Conclusions: The existing joint manifestations in the studied patients were significantly associated with the presence of citrullinated cyclic antipeptides(AU)

Pacientes con compromiso orbitario y renal: Diagnósticos diferenciales poco frecuentes / Patients with orbitary and kidney commitment: Rare differential diagnoses

Se comunica una serie de tres casos clínicos que consultaron al servicio de Reumatología por compromiso orbitario y renal. Uno de ellos presentó pseudotumor orbitario con proteinuria en rango nefrótico; se realizó biopsia y se encontró infiltrado linfoplasmocitario denso y fibrosis estoriforme con inmunohistoquímica: 15 células IgG4+ por campo de alto poder y relación IgG/IgG4 ≤40%, concluyendo diagnóstico de enfermedad relacionada por IgG4. El segundo y tercer caso presentaron compromiso ocular con "ojos de mapache" y lesiones amarillentas en párpados, ambos con proteinuria >500 mg/24 h, con biopsia de piel rojo Congo positiva y birrefringencia verde manzana con luz polarizada. Se discuten distintos diagnósticos diferenciales poco frecuentes a tener en cuenta en estos pacientes.

A series of three cases that consulted the rheumatology service due to orbital and renal involvement is reported. One of them presented orbital pseudotumor with proteinuria in the nephrotic range, a biopsy was performed, finding dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate and storiform fibrosis with immunohistochemistry: 15 IgG4 positive cells per HPF and IgG/IgG4 ratio ≤40%, concluding diagnosis of IgG4 related disease. The second and third cases presented ocular involvement with raccoon eyes and yellowish lesions on the eyelids, both with proteinuria greater than 500 mg/24 h, with apple-green birefringence of amyloid on congo red staining. Different rare differential diagnoses to take into account in these patients are discussed.

Guía de práctica clínica para el diagnóstico y manejo inicial de artritis reumatoide en el Seguro Social del Perú (EsSalud) / Clinical Practice Guideline for the diagnosis and initial management of Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Social Security of Peru (EsSalud)

La Artritis Reumatoide (AR) tiene adversas consecuencias en la salud su diagnóstico temprano y manejo óptimo requiere recomendaciones basadas en evidencia de alta calidad adaptadas a cada sistema de salud. Objetivo: Proveer recomendaciones clínicas basadas en evidencia para el diagnóstico y manejo inicial de la AR. Material y Métodos: Se conformó un grupo elaborador de la guía (GEG) que incluyó médicos especialistas y metodólogos. El GEG formuló 10 preguntas clínicas a ser respondidas por la presente GPC. Se realizaron búsquedas sistemáticas de la evidencia publicada en PubMed y CENTRAL entre diciembre 2017 a julio 2019 (revisiones sistemáticas y ­cuando fue considerado pertinente­ estudios primarios). Se seleccionó la evidencia de mayor calidad para responder cada una de las preguntas clínicas planteadas. La certeza de la evidencia fue evaluada usando la metodología Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) y en reuniones de trabajo periódicas, el GEG usó dicha metodología para revisar la evidencia y formular las recomendaciones, los puntos de buena práctica clínica y los flujogramas. Finalmente, la GPC fue aprobada con Resolución N° 132 ­ IETSI ­ ESSALUD ­ 2019. Resultados: La presente GPC abordó 10 preguntas clínicas, divididas en dos temas: diagnóstico y manejo. En base a dichas preguntas se formularon 16 recomendaciones (5 fuertes y 11 condicionales), 45 puntos de buena práctica clínica, y 3 flujogramas. Conclusión: El presente artículo resume la metodología y las conclusiones basadas en evidencias de la GPC para el diagnóstico y manejo inicial de la AR en EsSalud.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has adverse health consequences its early diagnosis and optimal management requires high quality evidence-based recommendations tailored to each health system. Objective: To provide evidence-based clinical recommendations for the diagnosis and initial management of RA. Material and Methods: A guideline development group (GDG) was formed that included medical specialists and methodologists. The GEG formulated 10 clinical questions to be answered by this CPG. Systematic searches of the evidence published in PubMed and CENTRAL were performed between December 2017 and July 2019 (systematic reviews and -when considered relevant- primary studies). The highest quality evidence was selected to answer each of the clinical questions posed. The certainty of the evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology, and in periodic working meetings, the GEG used this methodology to review the evidence and formulate the recommendations, good clinical practice points, and flowcharts. Finally, the CPG was approved by Resolution No. 132 - IETSI - ESSALUD - 2019. Results: This CPG addressed 10 clinical questions, divided into two topics: diagnosis and management. Based on these questions, 16 recommendations (5 strong and 11 conditional), 45 points of good clinical practice, and 3 flowcharts were formulated. Conclusion: This article summarizes the methodology and evidence-based conclusions of the CPG for the diagnosis and initial management of RA in EsSalud.

Depressive symptoms are associated with impaired sleep, fatigue, and disease activity in women with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract Objectives: To investigate the associations between sleep quality, fatigue, disease activity and depressive symptoms in women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: Female patients with previous diagnosis of RA from a Rheumatology Outpatient Clinic at a tertiary referral centre, in Fortaleza, Brazil, were consecutively recruited into the study. Sleep quality was assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI); fatigue by the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS); daytime sleepiness by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS); and depressive symptoms by the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II). RA activity was measured by the disease activity score (DAS28). Results: One hundred ten women (mean age ± SD = 51.1 ± 13.0 y) were included in the study. On average, patients with depressive symptoms (BDI-II > 13), as compared to those without, showed poorer sleep quality (PSQI: 10.09 ± 4.1 vs 7.33 ± 3.55; p = 0.001 respectively), more fatigue (FSS: 4.69 ± 1.89 vs 3.34 ± 1.8; p = 0.001) and higher disease activity level (DAS28: 4.36 ± 1.53 vs 3.7 ± 1.39; p = 0,047). The logistic regression analysis showed that sleep quality is an independent predictor of depressive symptom severity. Conclusion: Depressive symptoms, impaired sleep and fatigue are common in women with RA. Poor sleep is associated with greater frequency and severity of depressive symptoms in these patients, suggesting that screening for sleep and mood problems may be relevant both in clinical research and routine patient care. Future studies investigating the impact of measures to promote healthy sleep on depressive symptom control in this patient population are warranted.(AU)

Actividad y tratamiento de la artritis reumatoide / Rheumatoid Arthritis Activity and Treatment

El diagnóstico y el tratamiento de la artritis reumatoide temprana en el curso de la enfermedad proporcionan alivio de los síntomas y también previene el daño estructural a largo plazo y el deterioro funcional, con una mejora concomitante en la calidad de vida. El propósito de este estudio es exponer algunos enfoques de la artritis reumatoide en cuanto al tratamiento y comportamiento de la actividad de la enfermedad. El reconocimiento de los pacientes de que su enfermedad progresa rápidamente es fundamental para identificar candidatos en los cuales la terapia intensiva puede tener el mayor impacto, en términos de prevenir la progresión de la enfermedad. Los datos acumulados muestran que las estrategias de tratamiento intensivo con agentes biológicos, especialmente los inhibidores del factor de necrosis tumoral, son más eficaces que la monoterapia secuencial o la terapia de combinación progresiva. Estos muestran una eficacia sustancial en combinación con el metotrexato, ya que proporcionan beneficios y mejoras rápidas y sustanciales a los pacientes(AU)

The diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis early in the course of the disease provides relief of symptoms and also prevents long-term structural damage and functional deterioration, with a concomitant improvement in quality of life. To expose approaches to rheumatoid arthritis in terms of the treatment and behavior of the activity of said disease. Recognition of patients with rapidly progressing disease is essential to identify candidates in whom intensive therapy can have the greatest impact, in terms of preventing disease progression. The accumulated data shows that intensive treatment strategies with biological agents, especially TNF inhibitors, are more effective than sequential monotherapy or progressive combination therapy. These show substantial efficacy in combination with methotrexate, providing rapid and substantial benefits and improvements in patient outcomes(AU)

Case for diagnosis. Subcutaneous nodules in the plantar region

Abstract The authors report a case of mobile and painful nodules on the bilateral plantar surface of a female patient referred by the rheumatology service, where she was being followed-up for rheumatoid arthritis. A nodule excision was performed for differential diagnosis and symptom relief; the histopathological analysis was compatible with a rheumatoid nodule. Although rheumatoid nodules are a common manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis, exclusive plantar involvement is seldom described in the literature.

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

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

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

Cambio de diagnóstico y de categoría diagnóstica en pacientes con artritis idiopática juvenil en 7 años de seguimiento / Change of diagnosis and diagnostic category in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis within 7 years of follow-up

Resumen: Introducción: Al menos 50% de los pacientes pediátricos portadores de artritis idiopática juvenil (AIJ) continuará control en reumatología adulto. La clasificación de la Liga Internacional de Asociaciones de Reumatología (ILAR) vigente, actualmente en revisión, difiere de la clasificación de las artritis inflamatorias del adulto. Se ha reportado cambios de categoría en 10,8% de los pacientes durante el seguimiento. Objetivo: Analizar los pacientes con AIJ seguidos al menos 7 años para objetivar cambios de diagnós tico en la transición, e identificar factores de mal pronóstico funcional. Pacientes y Método: Estudio retrospectivo en base a registros clínicos. Se incluyó a la totalidad de los pacientes con AIJ controla dos en policlínico pediátrico del Hospital de Puerto Montt entre el año 2005 y 2017, que cumplieron siete o más años de seguimiento. Se realizó análisis descriptivo en base a variables clínicas: categoría diagnóstica, tiempo de evolución al diagnóstico, actividad clínica y serológica, y tiempo de evolución al inicio de la terapia farmacológica. Resultados: Se evaluaron 18 pacientes, 3 Oligo-articular (OA) persistente, 1 OA extendida, 4 Poli-articular (PA) factor reumatoide (FR) negativo, 4 PA FR positivo, 5 Sistémicas, 1 Psoriática, todos con seguimiento mayor a 7 años. Once de 18 niños fueron transfe ridos a adultos. Tres de 11 cambiaron de diagnóstico a Artritis Reumatoide (AR) más otra enferme dad autoinmune: Síndrome de Sjögren + Lupus eritematoso sistémico, Púrpura trombocitopénico inmune, Enfermedad autoinmune no clasificada y cinco de 11 niños de categoría ILAR: OA a Artritis reumatoide juvenil, OA extendida a PA FR negativo, 3 Sistémicas a PA FR negativo. Edad de inicio, formas poli-articulares, retrasos en diagnóstico y comienzo de terapia se asociaron a secuelas e infla mación persistente. Conclusiones: Ocho de once pacientes transferidos cambiaron denominación diagnóstica y/o presentaron otras enfermedades autoinmunes. Algunos factores de mal pronóstico deben mejorar.

Abstract: Introduction: At least 50% of pediatric patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) will require continued fo llow-up in adult rheumatology. The present International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR) classification, currently under revision, differs from its classification of inflammatory arthritis in adults. Category changes have been reported in 10.8% of patients during follow-up. Objective: To analyze JIA patients in follow-up for at least 7 years to detect diagnosis changes during transition to adult care, identifying factors of poor functional prognosis. Patients and Method: Retrospective study based on medical records of JIA patients seen at the pediatric polyclinic of the Puerto Montt Hospital between 2005 and 2017, who were monitored for at least 7 years. Descriptive analysis was performed according to clinical variables: diagnostic category, evolution before diagnosis, clinical and serological activity, and evolution before starting drug therapy. Results: We evaluated 18 pa tients, corresponding to 3 patients with persistent oligoarticular arthritis (OA), 1 with extended OA, 4 with polyarticular arthritis (PA) rheumatoid factor (RF) negative, 4 with PA RF positive, 5 with syste mic JIA, and 1 with psoriatic arthritis, all have had follow-up more than 7 years. 11 out of 18 patients transitioned to adult care. Three out of 11 patients changed diagnosis to Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) plus another autoimmune disease such as Sjögren's Syndrome + Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Immune thrombocytopenia, or unclassified autoimmune disease, and 5 out of 11 children changed ILAR category from OA to Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, extended OA to PA RF negative, and 3 from Systemic arthritis to PA RF negative. Age of onset, polyarticular forms, delay in diagnosis, and the start of therapy were associated with sequelae and persistent inflammation. Conclusions: Eight of the eleven JIA patients who transitioned to adult care changed their diagnosis or presented other autoimmune diseases. Some factors of poor prognosis must improve.

Rheumatoid arthritis combined with pigmented villonodular synovitis: A case report and literature review / 北京大学学报(医学版)

We reported a case of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) combined with pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) from Peking University People's Hospital. The clinical data were introduced and the related literature was reviewed. The clinical features, treatment and prognosis of the disease were summarized to improve clinicians' understanding of this rare disease and avoid misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis. A 45-year-old female, with 15 years of RA history and unregular treatment, was admitted to the hospital with the complaint of aggravating pain and swelling in the right knee for 3 months. The puncture of the right knee was performed and there was a large amount of bloody synovial fluid that could not be explained by her RA history. Moreover, the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the right knee revealed hemosiderin deposition with low-intensity signals on both T1-weighted and T2-weighted images which suggested PVNS to us. Then, the patient underwent knee arthroscopy and biopsy to assist in diagnosis. The arthroscopic appearance and pathology were consistent with PVNS and the hyperplastic synovium was removed during arthroscopy. After the operation, she did active functional exercises and took disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs to control RA. She recovered well and remained asymptomatic after half a year of follow-up. Also, there was no recurrence of the right knee. As we all know, RA is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by chronic synovitis and joint damage. And PVNS is characterized by synovial proliferation and infiltrative process. Both of them are synovial involvement and the clinical manifestations are quite similar. PVNS has occasionally been reported in association with RA. So it is difficult to make a clear diagnosis of RA combined with PVNS. Literature was searched with RA+PVNS in the WanFang Medical Network Database and China National Knowledge Infrastructure and there were no related Chinese cases. Then we searched literature from PubMed with RA+PVNS. The cases were still rare and eventually 2 related articles were yielded including 2 similar patients. It is necessary to fully understand the disease development, complicated MRI appearance and various pathological morpho-logy. They can contribute to making a correct diagnosis which is effective to guide the proper treatment.

Determination of diagnostic value (validity) leukocyte esterase (urine dipstick strip) in differentiating inflammatory arthritis from bacterial arthritis

Abstract Background: The current diagnostic cornerstone for septic arthritis contains gram stains, bacterial culture, and cell count with a differential of aspirated synovial fluid. Recently, a synovial leukocyte esterase (LE) test has been used for diagnosing septic arthritis. Since this test measures the esterase activity of leukocytes, there is always a dilemma for using this test in patients with inflammatory arthritis. Methods: We collected the synovial fluid specimens as part of the general diagnostic protocol for patients suspected of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) or Septic Arthritis (SA). Each group included 34 patients. We compared the result of the synovial LE test with the result of the culture of each patient. Results: The mean ages of patients were 64.14 ± 31.27 and 50.88 ± 23.19 months in the JIA group and septic arthritis group, respectively. The LE test results were positive in 30 specimens, trace in 3 and negative in one in the first-time test and were positive in 31 specimens and trace in 3 in the second-time test, while it was negative in all patients with JIA. Hence, the sensitivity of the synovial LE test was 80.8%, the specificity, PPV, and NPV were 78.6, 70.0, 86.8% respectively based on a positive culture. Conclusion: The leukocyte esterase strip test can be used as a rapid, bedside method for diagnosing or excluding bacterial infections in different body fluids. The synovial LE test can be used as an accurate test to rapidly rule in or out an acute articular bacterial infection, even in patients with concurrent inflammatory arthritis.(AU)

Artritis reumatoide, diagnóstico, evolución y tratamiento / Rheumatoid arthritis, diagnosis, evolution and treatment

La artritis reumatoide es la enfermedad inflamatoria más común en adultos con una alta prevalencia en la población general, invocando para su diagnóstico la presencia de al menos cuatro criterios de los orientados por el Colegio Americano de Reumatología, teniendo un papel protagónico en los últimos años la presencia de anticuerpos anti proteína citrulinada, así como los estudios de imágenes, que ayudan al diagnóstico de la artritis reumatoide temprana en el curso de los dos primeros años de evolución y sus orientaciones terapéuticas adecuadas, aspecto fundamental en la actualidad para evitar las lesiones erosivas irreversibles, que resultan en un marcado compromiso de la calidad de vida de los pacientes que la sufren, elementos que revisamos en este artículo de opinión(AU)

Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common inflammatory disease in adults with a high prevalence in the general population, invoking for its diagnosis the presence of at least four criteria of those guided by the American College of Rheumatology, having a leading role in recent years the presence of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies, as well as imaging studies, which help the diagnosis of early rheumatoid arthritis in the course of the first two years of evolution and its appropriate therapeutic orientations, a fundamental aspect nowadays to avoid irreversible erosive lesions , which result in a marked commitment to the quality of life of patients who suffer from it, elements that we review in this opinion article(AU)

Association of kir2dl2 gene with anti-cyclic citrullinated protein antibodies for serodiagnosis in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a clinical autoimmune syndrome that causes joint damage. The positive or negative anti-cyclic citrullinated protein (CCP) antibodies serodiagnosis differentiates two subsets of the disease, each with different genetic background. Previous studies have identified associations between KIR genes and rheumatoid arthritis but not with anti-CCP serodiagnosis. Therefore, we investigated the proportion of patients seropositive and seronegative to anti-CCP and its possible association with KIR (killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor) genes. We included 100 patients with rheumatoid arthritis from western Mexico, who were determined for anti-CCP serodiagnosis by ELISA, and 16 KIR genes were genotyped by PCR-SSP. The proportion of seropositive anti-CCP patients was 83%, and they presented a higher frequency of KIR2DL2 genes than the seronegative group (73.6% vs. 46.2%, p = 0.044) which, in turn, presented a higher KIR2DL2-/ KIR2DL3+ genotype frequency than the first ones (46.2% vs. 17.2%, p = 0.043). These results suggest different KIR genetic backgrounds for each subset of the disease according to anti-CCP serodiagnosis.

La artritis reumatoide es un síndrome clínico autoinmune que causa daño en las articulaciones. El serodiagnóstico positivo o negativo para anticuerpos proteicos anti-cíclicos citrulinados (CCP) diferencia dos subconjuntos de la enfermedad, cada uno con diferente fondo genético. Estudios previos han identificado asociaciones entre los genes killer cell immunoglobulin- like receptor (KIR) y la artritis reumatoide, pero no con el serodiagnóstico de anti-CCP. Por lo tanto, investigamos la proporción de seropositividad y seronegatividad anti-CCP y su posible asociación con genes KIR. Se incluyeron 100 pacientes con artritis reumatoide del occidente de México, a quienes se les determinó su serodiagnóstico anti-CCP por ELISA y también se les realizó genotipificación de 16 genes KIR por PCR-SSP. La proporción de pacientes seropositivos anti-CCP fue del 83% y presentaron una mayor frecuencia génica KIR2DL2 que el grupo seronegativo (73.6% vs. 46.2%, p = 0.044), estos últimos presentaron mayor frecuencia genotípica KIR2DL2-/KIR2DL3+ que los primeros (46.2% vs. 17.2%, p = 0.043). Los resultados sugieren diferente fondo genético KIR para cada subconjunto de la enfermedad, de acuerdo con el serodiagnóstico anti-CCP.

Clinical and pathophysiologic relevance of autoantibodies in rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune/inflammatory disease affecting 0.5 to 1% of adults worldwide and frequently leads to joint destruction and disability. Early diagnosis and early and effective therapy may prevent joint damage and lead to better long-term results. Therefore, reliable biomarkers and outcome measures are needed. Refinement of the understanding of molecular pathways involved in disease pathogenesis have been achieved by combining knowledge on RA-associated genes, environmental factors and the presence of serological elements. The presence of autoantibodies is a distinctive feature of RA. Rheumatoid Factor and Anti-Citrullinated Protein Antibodies are the two most remarkable autoantibodies in RA and provide different clinical and pathophysiological information. They precede the onset of disease symptoms and predict a more severe disease course, indicating a pathogenetic role in RA. Therefore, they promote a more accurate prognosis and contribute for a better disease management. Several RA-associated autoantibody systems have been identified: Anti-Carbamylated Antibodies, Anti-BRAF, Anti-Acetylated, Anti-PAD4 antibodies and others. Hopefully, the characterization of a comprehensive array of novel autoantibody systems in RA will provide unique pathogenic insights of relevance for the development of diagnostic and prognostic approaches compatible with an effective personalized medicine.

Eficacia diagnóstica de anticuerpos antipéptidos citrulinados de segunda y tercera generaciones para la artritis reumatoide / Diagnostic effectiveness of anti-citrullinated peptides antibodies of second and third generations for rheumatoid arthritis

Introducción: La artritis reumatoide es una enfermedad autoinmune caracterizada por la presencia de anticuerpos contra péptidos citrulinados, que constituyen indicadores para el diagnóstico de la enfermedad. Es necesario determinar la utilidad de diferentes métodos de determinación de estos anticuerpos para el diagnóstico de pacientes cubanos con artritis reumatoide. Objetivo: Determinar la eficacia de los ensayos de determinación de anticuerpos anti-CCP2 y anti-CCP3 para el diagnóstico de pacientes cubanos con artritis reumatoide. Material y método: Participaron 101 pacientes con artritis reumatoide, 58 pacientes con otras enfermedades reumáticas e inflamatorias y 43 individuos sanos. Se determinó la eficacia diagnóstica de los anticuerpos factor reumatoideo (FR), anti-CCP2 y anti-CCP3 medidos mediante ELISA, con el cálculo de la sensibilidad, especificidad, valores predictivos positivos y negativos. Resultados: El ensayo anti-CCP2 mostró un mejor balance sensibilidad (48,5 por ciento) y especificidad (98,0 por ciento). Cuando se fijó la especificidad a 98 por ciento, se observó la menor sensibilidad para el FR (40,3 por ciento). Utilizar los ensayos anti-CCP2 y FR aumentó la especificidad a 100 por ciento. Todos los autoanticuerpos mostraron asociación con la proteína C reactiva y correlación con la velocidad de sedimentación globular. Solamente los anticuerpos anti-CCP2 no mostraron correlación con el indicador clínico de actividad DAS 28. Conclusiones: Los anticuerpos anti-CCP2 son los de mayor eficacia para el diagnóstico de pacientes cubanos con artritis reumatoide. La determinación de FR permite identificar pacientes con artritis reumatoide seronegativos de anticuerpos anti-CCP2, por lo que la combinación de ambos inmunoensayos produce una mejoría en la eficacia diagnóstica(AU)

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of antibodies against citrullinated peptides, which are one of the indicators for the diagnosis of a disease. The usefulness of different methods for the determination of these antibodies in the diagnosis of Cuban patients with rheumatoid arthritis is necessary to be established. Objective: To establish the diagnostic effectiveness of the second (anti-CCP2) and third (anti-CCP3) generation assays for the determination these antibodies against citrullinated peptides in Cuban patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Material and method: 101 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, 58 patients with other rheumatic and inflammatory diseases, and 43 healthy persons participated in the study. The diagnostic efficiency of rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-CCP2 and anti-CCP3 antibodies were determined using ELISA test, by calculating sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values. Results: The anti-CCP2 assay showed a better balance of sensitivity (48.5 percent) and specificity (98.0 percent). The lower sensibility was observed for RF (40.3 percent) when the specificity was set at 98 percent. Specificity increased to 100 percent when anti-CCP2 and RF assays were used. All autoantibodies showed association with C-reactive protein and correlation with erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Only anti-CCP2 antibodies showed no correlation with the DAS28 clinical indicator. Conclusions: Anti-CCP2 antibodies are the ones of greater effectiveness in the diagnosis of Cuban patients with rheumatoid arthritis. RF identification allows to identify seronegative anti-CCP2 patients; therefore, the combination of both immunoassays leads to an improvement in the diagnostic effectiveness(AU)

Implementación de una unidad de artritis reumatoide temprana en pacientes chilenos derivados desde centros de atención primaria de salud / Implementation of an early rheumatoid athritis unit for the early recognition and treatment of the disease

Background: Early recognition of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) provides clinical benefits in terms of remission induction, reduced disease progression, and eventually treatment free remission. Aim: To describe the setting of a Unit devoted exclusively to the recognition and treatment of early RA in patients referred from primary healthcare centers (PHC) in Chile. Materials and Methods: Patients were referred from nine participating PHC from 2014 through 2016. PHC physicians received a formal training to enhance criteria recognition and program adherence. Mandatory referral criteria were an age above 17 years, and arthralgia of less than 1-year duration, plus at least one of the following: morning stiffness of more than 30 minutes, swelling involving more than 3 joints for more than 1 month, a positive squeeze test or abnormal inflammatory serum markers. Results: One hundred twenty patients aged 45 ± 12 years (90% women) were assessed at the early rheumatoid arthritis unit. Median time to referral from PHC to the Unit was 14.6 days. The median duration of symptoms for the overall sample of patients was 10.8 months. RA was identified in 43 patients (36%), with a delay between onset of symptoms and diagnosis of 8.3 months. Regarding the performance of referral criteria, the most sensitive was morning stiffness (80%, sensitivity 95% confidence intervals (CI) 64-89%) and synovitis was the most specific (specificity 83%, 95% CI 72-90%). The positive predictive value of the three clinical criteria altogether was 68.1% (95% CI 47-83%). Conclusions: Institution of an early RA unit was feasible within the Chilean healthcare system enabling the identification of early RA in one-third of patients.