Validación del ClinESSDAI para Argentina / Validation of ClinESSDAI for Argentina

Introducción: recientemente, en Europa y en idioma inglés, se ha desarrollado el Clinical EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ClinESSDAI) para evaluar la actividad en pacientes con síndrome de Sjögren primario (SSp). Objetivos: validar el ClinESSDAI en pacientes con SSp en Argentina. Materiales y métodos: estudio de corte transversal. Se utilizó la versión en castellano del EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) validada en Argentina. Para evaluar la validez del constructo, se usó la escala visual análoga (EVA) desarrollada por un reumatólogo experto por dominio del ClinESSDAI y de la EVA global para el puntaje total del ClinESSDAI, mientras que otro profesional en la materia realizó el ESSDAI y ClinESSDAI. Para analizar la reproducibilidad, se estudió a un subgrupo de pacientes, sin mediar cambios en el tratamiento ni en la condición clínica, 10 días después de la evaluación basal. Todos los médicos examinaron a los pacientes desconociendo la evaluación de los demás colegas. Resultados: se incluyeron 47 pacientes con SSp. La correlación entre la EVA global y el ClinESSDAI fue muy buena (Rho 0,7), así como la correlación de la EVA y el ClinESSDAI de cada dominio. El coeficiente de correlación intraclase (CCI) entre el ESSDAI y el ClinESSDAI fue de 0,98. La reproducibilidad fue de 0,93. Conclusiones: el ClinESSDAI es una herramienta válida y reproducible en nuestra población, equiparable al ESSDAI.

Introduction: the Clinical EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ClinESSDAI) has recently been developed in Europe and in the English language to evaluate activity in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). Objectives: validate the ClinESSDAI in patients pSS in Argentina. Materials and methods: a cross-sectional study. The Spanish version of the ESSDAI, validated in Argentina, was used. To evaluate construct validity, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used, performed by an expert rheumatologist per ClinESSDAI domain, and the global VAS was used for the total score of the ClinESSDAI, while another professional performed the ESSDAI and ClinESSDAI. To evaluate reproducibility, a subgroup of patients was evaluated without changes in treatment or clinical condition 10 days after the baseline evaluation. All physicians were blind to each other's evaluation. Results: 47 patients with pSS were included. The correlation between global VAS and ClinESSDAI was very good (Rho 0.7), as well as the correlation of the VAS and ClinESSDAI of each domain. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between ESSDAI and ClinESSDAI was 0.98. The reproducibility was 0.93. Conclusions: the ClinESSDAI is a valid and reproducible tool in our population, comparable to the ESSDAI.

Primary Sjögren syndrome and development of another autoimmune rheumatic disease during the follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) is a chronic autoimmune disease with its main target being exocrine glands, and is the connective tissue disease more frequently associated with other autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of another autoimmune rheumatic disease (ARD) developed in primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) patients and to describe it's clinical, serological and histologic characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study. Data of patients with pSS diagnosis (American-European criteria 2002), included in the GESSAR database (Grupo de Estudio Síndrome de Sjögren, Sociedad Argentina de Reumatología) were analyzed. The development of a second ARD was registered during the follow up. RESULTS: 681 patients were included, 94.8% female. The mean age was 54 (SD 14) years and mean age at diagnosis of 50 (SD 13) years. The mean follow-up was 4.7 (SD 4.9) years; 30 patients (4.41%, CI 95%: 3.1-5.7) developed a second ARD during the follow up, incidence rate was 9.1/1000 patients-year (IR 95%: 5.8-12.4/1000 patients-year), the most frequent being rheumatoid arthritis (RA). 96% out of these 30 patients had xerophthalmia, 86.2% xerostomia, 92% positive Schirmer test, 88.24% positive Rosa Bengala test, lisamine green or Ocular Staining Score, 81.2% positive unstimulated salivary flow, 82.1% Ro(+) and 33.33% La(+). Minor salivary gland biopsy had been performed in 14 of the 30 patients, 12 with positive results. There were no statistically significant differences respect baseline characteristics when comparing the patients who developed another ARD to the ones that did not. CONCLUSIONS: Of all the patients analyzed, 4.4% presented another ARD during their follow-up. It is important to be aware of this, to make an early and proper diagnosis and treatment of our patients.

Disfunción sexual en mujeres con esclerosis sistémica / Sexual dysfunction in women with systemic sclerosis

Introducción: la disfunción sexual (DS) es común entre las mujeres con enfermedades crónicas, incluyendo esclerosis sistémica (ES). Se ha asociado con características como la duración de la enfermedad, dolor, disminución de la actividad funcional, entre otras. Desde nuestro conocimiento, aún no contamos con datos locales. Objetivos: evaluar la frecuencia de DS en mujeres con ES; describir las características sociodemográficas, clínicas y psicológicas asociadas con la DS en mujeres con ES. Materiales y métodos: estudio observacional, analítico y de corte transversal. Se incluyeron mujeres de entre 20 y 59 años con diagnóstico de ES, según los criterios de clasificación del European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology (ACR/EULAR 2013). Se excluyeron pacientes con enfermedades crónicas no controladas, otras patologías reumatológicas autoinmunes, e inactividad sexual o patología genitourinaria no relacionadas a ES en las últimas 4 semanas. La DS se evaluó con la versión en español del cuestionario índice de función sexual femenina (Female sexual function index, FSFI). Resultados: se incluyeron 56 pacientes. El 78,57% presentó DS y 19,64% era sexualmente inactiva debido a la enfermedad. Escala visual análoga (EVA) de fatiga (coeficiente ß: -0,08, IC 95%: -0,14 a -0,02; p<0,01), edad (coeficiente ß: -0,23, IC 95%: -0,40 a -0,05; p=0,01) y fibromialgia (coeficiente ß: -11,90, IC 95%: -17,98 a -5,82; p<0,01) mostraron una asociación significativa e independiente con DS en el análisis multivariado. Conclusiones: la DS es frecuente entre las mujeres con ES, y las pacientes más jóvenes, sin fibromialgia y con menor fatiga presentaron una mejor funcionalidad sexual.

Introduction: sexual impairment (SI) is common among women with chronic diseases, including systemic sclerosis (SSc). It has been associated with characteristics such as the duration of the disease, pain, decreased functional activity, among others. To the best of our knowledge, we still do not have local data. Objectives: to evaluate the frequency of SI in women with SSc. To describe the sociodemographic characteristics, disease itself and psychological items associated with SI in women with SSc. Materials and methods: observational, analytical, cross-sectional study. We included women between 20 and 59 years diagnosed with SSc according to 2013 classification criteria ACR/EULAR. We excluded patients with uncontrolled chronic diseases or other autoimmune rheumatologic diseases and patients who, in the last 4 weeks, had dyspareunia or were sexually inactive due to causes not attributable to their disease. SI was assessed using the Spanish version of female sexual function index questionnaire (FSFI). Results: 56 patients were included. 78.57% presented SI and 19.64% of them were sexually inactive patients due to the disease. Fatigue VAS (ß coefficient: -0.08, CI 95%: -0.14 to -0.02; p<0.01), age (ß coefficient: -0.23, CI 95%: -0.40 to -0.05; p=0.01) and fibromyalgia (ß coefficient: -11.90, CI 95%: -17.98 to -5.82; p<0.01) showed significant and independent association with SI in the multivariate analysis. Conclusions: SI is frequent among women with SSc, and younger patients, without fibromyalgia and with less fatigue have better sexual function.

Disfunción sexual en mujeres con esclerosis sistémica / Sexual dysfunction in women with systemic sclerosis

Introducción: la disfunción sexual (DS) es común entre las mujeres con enfermedades crónicas, incluyendo esclerosis sistémica (ES). Se ha asociado con características como la duración de la enfermedad, dolor, disminución de la actividad funcional, entre otras. Desde nuestro conocimiento, aún no contamos con datos locales. Objetivos: evaluar la frecuencia de DS en mujeres con ES; describir las características sociodemográficas, clínicas y psicológicas asociadas con la DS en mujeres con ES. Materiales y métodos: estudio observacional, analítico y de corte transversal. Se incluyeron mujeres de entre 20 y 59 años con diagnóstico de ES, según los criterios de clasificación del European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology (ACR/EULAR 2013). Se excluyeron pacientes con enfermedades crónicas no controladas, otras patologías reumatológicas autoinmunes, e inactividad sexual o patología genitourinaria no relacionadas a ES en las últimas 4 semanas. La DS se evaluó con la versión en español del cuestionario índice de función sexual femenina (Female sexual function index, FSFI). Resultados: se incluyeron 56 pacientes. El 78,57% presentó DS y 19,64% era sexualmente inactiva debido a la enfermedad. Escala visual análoga (EVA) de fatiga (coeficiente β: -0,08, IC 95%: -0,14 a -0,02; p<0,01), edad (coeficiente β: -0,23, IC 95%: -0,40 a -0,05; p=0,01) y fibromialgia (coeficiente β: -11,90, IC 95%: -17,98 a -5,82; p<0,01) mostraron una asociación significativa e independiente con DS en el análisis multivariado. Conclusiones: la DS es frecuente entre las mujeres con ES, y las pacientes más jóvenes, sin fibromialgia y con menor fatiga presentaron una mejor funcionalidad sexual.

Introduction: sexual impairment (SI) is common among women with chronic diseases, including systemic sclerosis (SSc). It has been associated with characteristics such as the duration of the disease, pain, decreased functional activity, among others. To the best of our knowledge, we still do not have local data. Objectives: to evaluate the frequency of SI in women with SSc. To describe the sociodemographic characteristics, disease itself and psychological items associated with SI in women with SSc. Materials and methods: observational, analytical, cross-sectional study. We included women between 20 and 59 years diagnosed with SSc according to 2013 classification criteria ACR/EULAR. We excluded patients with uncontrolled chronic diseases or other autoimmune rheumatologic diseases and patients who, in the last 4 weeks, had dyspareunia or were sexually inactive due to causes not attributable to their disease. SI was assessed using the Spanish version of female sexual function index questionnaire (FSFI). Results: 56 patients were included. 78.57% presented SI and 19.64% of them were sexually inactive patients due to the disease. Fatigue VAS (β coefficient: -0.08, CI 95%: -0.14 to -0.02; p<0.01), age (β coefficient: -0.23, CI 95%: -0.40 to -0.05; p=0.01) and fibromyalgia (β coefficient: -11.90, CI 95%: -17.98 to -5.82; p<0.01) showed significant and independent association with SI in the multivariate analysis. Conclusions: SI is frequent among women with SSc, and younger patients, without fibromyalgia and with less fatigue have better sexual function.

A virtual reality platform for memory evaluation: Assessing effects of spatial strategies.

Human spatial memories are usually evaluated using computer screens instead of real arenas or landscapes where subjects could move voluntarily and use allocentric cues to guide their behavior. A possible approach to fill this gap is the adoption of virtual reality, which provides the opportunity to create spatial memory tasks closer to real-life experience. Here we present and evaluate a new software to create experiments using this technology. Specifically, we have developed a spatial memory task that is carried out in a computer-assisted virtual environment where participants walk around a virtual arena using a joystick. This spatial memory task provides an immersive environment where the spatial component is constantly present without the use of virtual reality goggles. The design is similar to that of tasks used for animal studies, allowing a direct comparison across species. We found that only participants who reported using spatial cues to guide their behavior showed significant learning and performed significantly better during a memory test. This tool allows evaluation of human spatial memory in an ecological environment and will be useful to develop a wide range of other tasks to assess spatial cognition.

Primary Sjögren syndrome and development of another autoimmune rheumatic disease during the follow-up

Abstract Background: Primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) is a chronic autoimmune disease with its main target being exocrine glands, and is the connective tissue disease more frequently associated with other autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of another autoimmune rheumatic disease (ARD) developed in primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) patients and to describe it's clinical, serological and histologic characteristics. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective cohort study. Data of patients with pSS diagnosis (American-European criteria 2002), included in the GESSAR database (Grupo de Estudio Síndrome de Sjögren, Sociedad Argentina de Reumatología) were analyzed. The development of a second ARD was registered during the follow up. Results: 681 patients were included, 94.8% female. The mean age was 54 (SD 14) years and mean age at diagnosis of 50 (SD 13) years. The mean follow-up was 4.7 (SD 4.9) years; 30 patients (4.41%, CI 95%: 3.1-5.7) developed a second ARD during the follow up, incidence rate was 9.1/1000 patients-year (IR 95%: 5.8-12.4/1000 patients-year), the most frequent being rheumatoid arthritis (RA). 96% out of these 30 patients had xerophthalmia, 86.2% xerostomia, 92% positive Schirmer test, 88.24% positive Rosa Bengala test, lisamine green or Ocular Staining Score, 81.2% positive unstimulated salivary flow, 82.1% Ro(+) and 33.33% La(+). Minor salivary gland biopsy had been performed in 14 of the 30 patients, 12 with positive results. There were no statistically significant differences respect baseline characteristics when comparing the patients who developed another ARD to the ones that did not. Conclusions: Of all the patients analyzed, 4.4% presented another ARD during their follow-up. It is important to be aware of this, to make an early and proper diagnosis and treatment of our patients. Key points Patients with primary Sjögren's Syndrome may develop another connective tissue disease during follow-up. The most frequently connective tissue disease developed during follow-up in the population of patients with primary Sjogren's Syndrome studied was rheumatoid arthritis. It is important to be aware of this to make an early and proper diagnosis.

Biopsia de glándula salival menor: su importancia en artritis reumatoidea y Síndrome de Sjögren secundario / Minor salivary gland biopsy: its importance in rheumatoid arthritis and secondary Sjögren's syndrome

El Síndrome de Sjögren secundario (SSs) es frecuente en pacientes con Artritis Reumatoidea (AR). Objetivos: Determinar si la sialoadenifitis linfocitaria (SLF) está asociado con diferencias clínicas y serológicas en un grupo de pacientes con AR y SSs. Métodos: Se incluyeron pacientes con diagnóstico de AR y SSs, se evaluó quiénes de ellos presentaban SLF en la biopsia de glándula salival, se compararon características clínicas y serológicas. Resultados: Se incluyeron 88 pacientes, el 92% mujeres, edad media de 53 años (DE ± 11,3) y 12,5 años de evolución de la AR (RIC 6-7). 63,6% tenían SLF versus el 36,4% que no. En el análisis univariado, se encontró asociación estadísticamente significativa entre SLF+ y las variables: parotidomegalia, enfermedad pulmonar intersticial, hipergammaglobulinemia, hipocomplementemia, Factor reumatoideo, FAN positivo, y manifestaciones extraarticulares y/o extraglandulares. En el análisis multivariado, las variables asociadas independientemente con la presencia de SLF fueron: manifestaciones extraarticulares y/o extraglandulares (OR 5,67, IC 95% 1,6-20), FAN positivo (OR 11,7, IC 95% 1,6-83) e hipergammaglobulinemia (OR 21, IC 95% 2,46-179). Conclusión: Los pacientes con AR y SSs con SLF presentan mayor frecuencia de manifestaciones extraarticulares y extraglandulares y diferencias serológicas, lo cual implicaría un seguimiento clínico diferente

Secondary Sjögren's Syndrome (SSs) is common in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Objectives: To determine if lymphocytic sialoadenifitis (FLS) is associated with clinical and serological differences in a group of patients with RA and SSs. Methods: Patients with a diagnosis of RA and SSs were included, which of them presented FLS in the salivary gland biopsy, clinical and serological characteristics were compared. Results: 88 patients were included, 92% women, mean age of 53 years (SD ± 11.3) and 12.5 years of evolution of RA (RIC 6-7). 63.6% had SLF versus 36.4% who did not. In the univariate analysis, a statistically significant association was found between FLS + and the variables: parotidomegaly, interstitial lung disease, hypergammaglobulinemia, hypocomplementemia, rheumatoid factor, positive ANF, and extra-articular and/ or extraglandular manifestations. In the multivariate analysis, the variables independently associated with the presence of FLS were: extra-articular and/or extraglandular manifestations (OR 5.67, 95% CI 1.6-20), positive ANF (OR 11.7, 95% CI 1.6-83) and hypergammaglobulinemia (OR 21, 95% CI 2.46-179). Conclusion: Patients with RA and SSs with FLS have a higher frequency of extraarticular and extraglandular manifestations and serological differences, which would imply a different clinical follow-up

Tiroideopatías y deficiencia de yodo en una población de embarazadas / Thyroid disorders and iodine deficiency in a pregnant population

INTRODUCCION: La disfunción, autoinmunidad tiroidea (AIT) y el déficit de yodo en embarazo, conllevan a efectos adversos. En ausencia de datos de prevalencia y rangos de Tirotrofina (TSH) en cada trimestre en Argentina, se utilizan las guías internacionales de la American Thyroid Association (ATA).OBJETIVOS: Determinar a) prevalencia de AIT y deficiencia de yodo por pesquisa en embarazadas sanas y b) valores de referencia de TSH por trimestre y prevalencia de disfunción con valores propios. METODOS: Se estudió a 217 embarazadas sanas.Se determinó TSH, T4 y T3 total y libres, Anticuerpos a tiroperoxidasa (ATPO) y yoduria. Excluidas las ATPO positivos y disfunción clínica, se recalculó percentiles 5 y 95 y se establecieron rangos de TSH. Se establecieron porcentajes de valores patológicos de TSH según rangos publicados y propios. RESULTADOS: Los ATPO fueron positivos en 8% de las pacientes. Se halló bocio en 38%. La yoduria fue >150 μgr/dl en 58%. Los valores de TSH (mediana y rango) fueron: 0,95 uUI/ml (0,20-3,30), 1,50 uUI/ml (0,02-7,00) y 1,60 uUI/ml (0,21-4,90) para primer, segundo y tercer trimestre respectivamente. La TSH fue elevada según guías ATA en el 11% y disminuyó a 6,5% con nuestros rangos. Solo 1 paciente presentó hipotiroidismo clínico.CONCLUSIONES: La prevalencia de ATPO fue similar a la referida y casi el 40% presentó bocio leve, considerado adaptativo. Se registróhipotiroidismo clínico en 0,5% y subclínico en 11% según valoresde guías ATA, que descendió al 6,5% acorde a valores de este estudio. La mediana de la yoduria indicó suficiencia de yodo en la población.

INTRODUCTION: The dysfunction, thyroid autoimmunity (AIT) and iodine deficiency in pregnancy, leading toadverse effects. In the absence of prevalence data and ranges of Thyrotropin (TSH) in each quarter in Argentina, international guidelines of American Thyroid Association (ATA) are used. OBJECTIVES: To determine a) prevalence of AIT, thyroid dysfunctionand iodine deficiency by screening in healthy pregnant b) TSH reference values per quarter and prevalence of dysfunction with own values. METHODS: We studied 217 healthy pregnant. TSH, T4 and T3 total and free, antibodies to thyroid peroxidase (ATPO) and urinary iodine was determined. Excluding positive ATPO and clinical dysfunction, 5th and 95th TSH percentiles wasrecalculated and established own TSH ranges. Percentage of pathological TSH values was established according to published ranges and with own values. RESULTS: ATPO were positive in 8% of patients. Goiter was found in 38%. The iodine level was> 150 μgr / dl in 58%. TSH values (median and range) were: 0.95 mIU / ml (0.20- 3.30), 1.50 mIU / ml (0.02-7.00) and 1.60 mIU / ml (0.21-4.90) for the first quarter, the second and third respectively. The TSH was elevated as guides ATA in 11% and in 6.5% as own values. Only one patient had clinical hypothyroidism. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of ATPOwas similar to that reported, and almost 40% had mild goiter, considered adaptive. Clinical hypothyroidism was recorded at 0.5% and subclinical in 11% as guides ATA, which fell to 6.5%as own values. The median urinary iodine indicated iodine sufficiency in the population.

La construcción de proyectos de trabajo en jóvenes escolarizados / The construction of work projects in youth students

Este trabajo analiza algunas dimensiones del proyecto de trabajo de jóvenes escolarizados: expectativas y aspiraciones, caracteristicas personales de iniciativa, estrategias de búsqueda de trabajo, valores laborales, definiciones del trabajo y percepción de recursos y obstáculos para la inserción laboral. La metodología es cuantitativa. Se tomaron 1546 cuestionarios autoadministrables a alumnos de escuelas medias públicas de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires: 707 mujeres y 839 varones. El promedio de edad en primer año fue de 14 años; en tercer año de 16 años y en quinto año de 18 años. Se han realizado análisis descriptivos, análisis de varianzas (ANOVA) y utilizado pruebas no paramétricas. En este trabajo se han delimitado importantes dimensiones que inluyen en la construcción de los proyectos laborales y se han encontrado variables potentes para explicar las diferencias al interior de la población estudiada: sexo, especialidad, experiencia laboral, año de la trayectoria escolar y repetición.

This paper analyzes some dimensions of work projects of youth students: expectations and aspirations, personal characteristics of initiative, work search strategies, work values, deinitions of work and perception of resources and obstacles for labor insertion. The methodology is quantitative. 1546 self-managing questionnaires to students from public secondary schools of the C.A.B.A. were taken: 707 women and 839 men. The age's average in the irst year was of 14 years old; in the third year of 16 years old and in the ifth year of 18 years old. Descriptive analyses and analyses of variances have been made (ANOVA) and non-parametric tests were applied. In this work important dimensions that inluence in the construction of work projects have been delimited and there have been found powerful variables to explain the differences within the studied population: sex, specialty, work experience, year of the scholastic trajectory and repetition.