Time to diagnosis in systemic lupus erythematosus: Associated factors and its impact on damage accrual and mortality. Data from a multi-ethnic, multinational Latin American lupus cohort.

BACKGROUND: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) often mimics symptoms of other diseases, and the interval between symptom onset and diagnosis may be long in some of these patients. Aims: To describe the characteristics associated with the time to SLE diagnosis and its impact on damage accrual and mortality in patients with SLE from a Latin American inception cohort. METHODS: Patients were from a multi-ethnic, multi-national Latin-American SLE inception cohort. All participating centers had specialized lupus clinics. Socio-demographic, clinical/laboratory, disease activity, damage, and mortality between those with a longer and a shorter time to diagnosis were compared using descriptive statistical tests. Multivariable Cox regression models with damage accrual and mortality as the end points were performed, adjusting for age at SLE diagnosis, gender, ethnicity, level of education, and highest dose of prednisone for damage accrual, plus highest dose of prednisone, baseline SLEDAI, and baseline SDI for mortality. RESULTS: Of the 1437 included in these analyses, the median time to diagnosis was 6.0 months (Q1-Q3 2.4-16.2); in 721 (50.2%) the time to diagnosis was longer than 6 months. Patients whose diagnosis took longer than 6 months were more frequently female, older at diagnosis, of Mestizo ethnicity, not having medical insurance, and having "non-classic" SLE symptoms. Longer time to diagnosis had no impact on either damage accrual (HR 1.09, 95% CI 0.93-1.28, p = 0.300) or mortality (HR 1.37, 95% CI 0.88-2.12, p = 0.200). CONCLUSIONS: In this inception cohort, a maximum time of 24 months with a median of 6 months to SLE diagnosis had no apparent negative impact on disease outcomes (damage accrual and mortality).

Factors Associated With Mortality in Patients With Immune-Mediated Rheumatic Diseases and COVID-19 From Latin America: Data From Argentina, Mexico, and Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To describe characteristics of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in patients with rheumatic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) from Argentina, Mexico and Brazil, and to assess factors associated with mortality in this population. METHODS: Data from 3 national registries, SAR-COVID (Argentina), CMR-COVID (Mexico), and ReumaCoV-Brasil (Brazil), were combined. Adult patients with IMIDs and SARS-CoV-2 infection were recruited. Sociodemographic data, comorbidities, IMID clinical characteristics and treatment, and SARS-CoV-2 infection presentation and outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 4827 individuals were included: 2542 (52.7%) from SAR-COVID, 1167 (24.2%) from CMR-COVID, and 1118 (23.1%) from ReumaCoV-Brasil. Overall, 82.1% were female with a mean age of 49.7 (SD, 14.3) years; 22.7% of the patients were hospitalized, and 5.3% died because of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019). Argentina and Brazil had both 4% of mortality and Mexico 9.4%. In the multivariable analysis, older age (≥60 years; odds ratio [OR], 7.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.6-12.4), male sex (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-2.1), living in Mexico (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 2.0-4.4), comorbidity count (1 comorbidity: OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.0-2.1), diagnosis of connective tissue disease or vasculitis (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.3-2.4), and other diseases (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.6-4.1) compared with inflammatory joint disease, high disease activity (OR, 4.2; 95% CI, 2.5-7.0), and treatment with glucocorticoids (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.4-2.5) or rituximab (OR, 4.2; 95% CI, 2.7-6.6) were associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality in patients with IMIDs was particularly high in Mexicans. Ethnic, environmental, societal factors, and different COVID-19 mitigation measures adopted have probably influenced these results.

Does the Use of Immunosuppressive Drugs Impact on SARS-CoV-2 Infection Outcome? Data From A National Cohort of Patients With Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases (SAR-COVID Registry).

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: This study describes the impact of immunomodulatory and/or immunosuppressive (IM/IS) drugs in the outcomes of COVID-19 infection in a cohort of patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs). METHODS: Adult patients with IMIDs with a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were included. Data were reported by the treating physician between August 13, 2020 and July 31, 2021. Sociodemographic data, comorbidities, and DMARDs, as well as clinical characteristics, complications, and treatment of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, were recorded. Descriptive analysis and multivariable logistic regression models were carried out. RESULTS: A total of 1672 patients with IMIDs were included, of whom 1402 were treated with IM/IS drugs. The most frequent diseases were rheumatoid arthritis (47.7%) and systemic lupus erythematosus (18.4%). COVID-19 symptoms were present in 95.2% of the patients. A total of 461 (27.6%) patients were hospitalized, 8.2% were admitted to the intensive care unit, and 4.4% died due to COVID-19.Patients without IM/IS treatment used glucocorticoids less frequently but at higher doses, had higher levels of disease activity, were significantly older, were more frequently hospitalized, admitted to the intensive care unit, and died due to COVID-19. After adjusting for these factors, treatment with IM/IS drugs was not associated with a worse COVID-19 outcome (World Health Organization-Ordinal Scale ≥5) (odds ratio, 1.24; 95% confidence interval, 0.73-2.06). CONCLUSIONS: SAR-COVID is the first multicenter Argentine registry collecting data from patients with rheumatic diseases and SARS-CoV-2 infection. After adjusting for relevant covariates, treatment with IM/IS drugs was not associated with severe COVID-19 in patients with IMIDs. STUDY REGISTRATION: This study has been registered in ClinicalTrials.gov under the number NCT04568421.

Factors associated with neuropsychiatric involvement in Latin American patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

INTRODUCTION: Factors related to presentation of neuropsychiatric (NP) SLE manifestations, early in the course of the disease, and during follow up have not been clearly established. PURPOSE: To identify disease and non-disease related factors associated with NP manifestations in early SLE. METHODS: We included 1193 patients from the GLADEL inception cohort free of NP involvement at cohort entry. We evaluated the association of demographic, clinical and laboratory data with NP involvement during follow-up. STATISTICAL METHODS: Independent factors associated with NP involvement were identified using a multivariable Cox regression model. RESULTS: Factors independently associated with NP manifestations were: mestizo ethnicity (HR 1.701, 95% CI 1.282-2.258, p = 0.0002), myalgias/myositis (HR 1.832, 95% CI 1.335-2.515, p = 0.0002), pneumonitis (HR 2.476, 95% CI 1.085-5.648, p = 0.0312), shrinking lung (HR 2.428, 95% CI 1.074-5.493, p = 0.0331) and hemolytic anemia (HR 1.629, 95% CI 1.130-2.347, p = 0.0089). Longer disease duration at cohort entry (13 to 24 months) was associated with a lower risk of developing NP manifestations (HR 0.642, 95% CI 0.441-0.934, p = 0.0206). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with myalgias/myositis, pneumonitis, shrinking lung and hemolytic anemia are at higher risk of NP involvement, whereas longer disease duration at cohort entry is associated with a lower risk of developing NP involvement.

Clinical features, damage accrual, and survival in patients with familial systemic lupus erythematosus: data from a multi-ethnic, multinational Latin American lupus cohort.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the clinical features, damage accrual, and survival of patients with familial and sporadic systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: A multi-ethnic, multinational Latin American SLE cohort was studied. Familial lupus was defined as patients with a first-degree SLE relative; these relatives were interviewed in person or by telephone. Clinical variables, disease activity, damage, and mortality were compared. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. Hazard ratios (HR) were calculated using Cox proportional hazard adjusted for potential confounders for time to damage and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 66 (5.6%) patients had familial lupus, and 1110 (94.4%) had sporadic lupus. Both groups were predominantly female, of comparable age, and of similar ethnic distribution. Discoid lupus (OR = 1.97; 95% CI 1.08-3.60) and neurologic disorder (OR = 1.65; 95% CI 1.00-2.73) were significantly associated with familial SLE; pericarditis was negatively associated (OR = 0.35; 95% CI 0.14-0.87). The SLE Disease Activity Index and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI) were similar in both groups, although the neuropsychiatric (45.4% vs. 33.5%; p = 0.04) and musculoskeletal (6.1% vs. 1.9%; p = 0.02) domains of the SDI were more frequent in familial lupus. They were not retained in the Cox models (by domains). Familial lupus was not significantly associated with damage accrual (HR = 0.69; 95% CI 0.30-1.55) or mortality (HR = 1.23; 95% CI 0.26-4.81). CONCLUSION: Familial SLE is not characterized by a more severe form of disease than sporadic lupus. We also observed that familial SLE has a higher frequency of discoid lupus and neurologic manifestations and a lower frequency of pericarditis.

First Latin American clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus: Latin American Group for the Study of Lupus (GLADEL, Grupo Latino Americano de Estudio del Lupus)-Pan-American League of Associations of Rheumatology (PANLAR).

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a complex and heterogeneous autoimmune disease, represents a significant challenge for both diagnosis and treatment. Patients with SLE in Latin America face special problems that should be considered when therapeutic guidelines are developed. The objective of the study is to develop clinical practice guidelines for Latin American patients with lupus. Two independent teams (rheumatologists with experience in lupus management and methodologists) had an initial meeting in Panama City, Panama, in April 2016. They selected a list of questions for the clinical problems most commonly seen in Latin American patients with SLE. These were addressed with the best available evidence and summarised in a standardised format following the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. All preliminary findings were discussed in a second face-to-face meeting in Washington, DC, in November 2016. As a result, nine organ/system sections are presented with the main findings; an 'overarching' treatment approach was added. Special emphasis was made on regional implementation issues. Best pharmacologic options were examined for musculoskeletal, mucocutaneous, kidney, cardiac, pulmonary, neuropsychiatric, haematological manifestations and the antiphospholipid syndrome. The roles of main therapeutic options (ie, glucocorticoids, antimalarials, immunosuppressant agents, therapeutic plasma exchange, belimumab, rituximab, abatacept, low-dose aspirin and anticoagulants) were summarised in each section. In all cases, benefits and harms, certainty of the evidence, values and preferences, feasibility, acceptability and equity issues were considered to produce a recommendation with special focus on ethnic and socioeconomic aspects. Guidelines for Latin American patients with lupus have been developed and could be used in similar settings.

Work instability in rheumatoid arthritis patients from Argentina: prevalence and associated factors.

To determine the prevalence of and associated factors to work instability (WI) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) Argentinean patients. Observational cross-sectional study that assessing employment status in currently working RA patients. They answered the validated version of RA work instability scale (RA-WIS). High-risk WI was considered when RA-WIS was ≥17. Factors associated with high-risk WI were examined by univariable and multivariable analysis. Four-hundred and fifty RA patients were enrolled; of these, 205 patients were currently employed, but only 172 have completed questionnaires required [RA-WIS and health assessment questionnaire (HAQ-A)]. Their mean age was 49.3 ± 10.8 years; 81.3 % were female; and their mean disease duration was 8.1 ± 7.2 years. Fifty-two percent of patients were doing manual work. The mean RA-WIS score was 11.4 ± 6.8, and 41 % of patients had a high-risk WI. High-risk WI was associated with radiographic erosions (p < 0.001) and HAQ-A >0.87 (p < 0.001) in the univariable analysis, whereas in the multivariable logistic regression analysis the variables associated with a high-risk WI were as follows: HAQ-A >0.87 [odds ratio (OR) 12.31; 95 % CI 5.38-28.18] and the presence of radiographic erosions (OR 4.848; 95 % CI 2.22-10.5). In this model, having a higher monthly income (OR 0.301; 95 % CI 0.096-0.943) and a better functional class (OR 0.151; 95 % CI 0.036-0.632) were protective. Forty-one percent of RA working patients had high-risk WI. The predictors of high RA-WIS were HAQ-A ≥0.87 and radiographic erosions, whereas having a better functional class and have higher incomes were protective.

Prevalence and correlates of metabolic syndrome in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Argentina.

BACKGROUND: The increased mortality reported among patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been attributed to cardiovascular disease. Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a cluster of major risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as dyslipidemia, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. There is a lack of reporting on the prevalence of MS in RA patients in Argentina. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to determine and compare the frequency of MS in patients with RA and a control group and to assess the factors associated with MS. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study involving 1033 (409 RA and 624 age- and sex-matched control subjects) patients, followed up at 9 different rheumatology units in Argentina. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). The relationship between demographic variables, clinical data (disease duration, disease activity by Disease Activity Score of 28 joints, presence of rheumatoid factor [RF] and/or anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody, presence of extra-articular manifestations), pharmacological treatment, and MS was examined by descriptive statistics. Variables with P ≤ 0.10 in these analyses were then examined by logistic regression. RESULTS: The frequency of MS in RA patients and the control group was 30% versus 39% (P = 0.002) when defined as per the ATP III and 35% versus 40% (P = 0.10) as per the IDF. Variables independently associated with MS in RA patients were age (odds ratio [OR], 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.06 [P = 0.01] for the ATP III and OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.05 [P < 0.001] for the IDF), the presence of RF and/or anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (OR, 2.91; 95% CI, 1.11-7.61 [P = 0.02] for the ATP III and OR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.09-5.16 [P = 0.02] for the IDF), and the use of hydroxychloroquine (OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.23-0.97 [P = 0.04] only for the IDF). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we were not able to demonstrate a higher frequency of MS in RA patients. However, older patients with positive RF or CCP have a higher risk of MS. A protective effect to develop MS was seen in the population treated with hydroxychloroquine.

[Anticitrulin antibody and the extra-articular manifestations in rheumatoid arthritis]. / Anticuerpo anticitrulina y manifestaciones extra articulares en artritis reumatoidea.

A large proportion of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients develop extra-articular manifestations (EAM), which are associated with morbidity and early mortality. Anti cyclic citrullinated peptide (ACCP) antibody has proven to be highly specific for the diagnosis of RA, associated with severe joint damage and may have some role in the pathogenesis of EAM. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between ACCP antibody and the presence of EAM in RA patients. Seventy four RA patients (ACR 1987) with EAM, > 18 years, more than 6 months duration were included, and an EAM free control, matched by sex and age, for each patient. Demographic, clinical and laboratory variables were compared using t-test, chi-square or Mann-Whitney test. Multivariate analysis was performed: p = 0.05. Patients with EAM presented a greater value of ACCP antibody (116 vs. 34, p < 0.01) and rheumatoid factor (108 vs. 34.5, p < 0.01). Independent association with current smoking habit (p = 0.02, OR = 3.78, 95%: 1.17-12.2), RF positive (p = 0.04, OR 3.23, CI 95%: 1.04 to 11.8) and ACCP antibody positive (p = 0.04, OR 3.23, 95% CI: 1.04-10) was found. The patients with xerostomia (109 vs. 34, p = 0.04), xerophthalmia (150 vs. 34, p < 0.01), subcutaneous nodules (141 vs. 34, p < 0.01) and pulmonary fibrosis (158 vs. 34, p = 0.04) had a higher degree of the ACCP antibody, than controls. In conclusion, ACCP antibody positive, RF positive and smoking were independent risk factors for the development of MEXA.

[Prevalence of dyslipidemia and elevated cardiovascular risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis]. / Prevalencia de dislipemia y riesgo cardiovascular elevado en pacientes con artritis reumatoide.

The objectives of this study were to compare the frequency of dyslipidemia (DLP) and the elevated cardiovascular risk between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and a control group, to identify disease-related factors associated with the presence of DLP and to estimate the frequency of RA patients receiving treatment for DLP. This is a cross sectional study that included 409 RA patients and 624 controls. Cardiovascular (CV) risk was determined using the Framingham score, National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) and the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) adapted versions according to the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) guidelines. DLP was defined according to the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATPIII). The frequency of CV risk was similar in RA patients and controls, except when NCEP-EULAR adapted version for RA was applied (7% vs. 2%; p = 0.00002). A 43% of patients and 47% of controls had DLP (p = 0.15). RA patients with DLP tended to have extra-articular manifestations more frequently (36% vs. 24%; p = 0.01) and higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (21 [13-35] vs. 18 [10-30] mm; p = 0.003). RA patients treated for DLP varied between 11% and 32% according to the definition used. Patients with RA showed an elevated CV risk only when the NCEP-EULAR definition was used. Among RA patients, those with higher ESR and the presence of extra-articular manifestations were more likely to show DLP. The vast majority of patients were not receiving treatment for DLP.

[Acute monoarthritis in a third level hospital]. / Estudio de los pacientes con monoartritis aguda en un hospital de tercer nivel.

INTRODUCTION: Acute monoarthritis (AM) represents a relevant cause of morbidity that requires prompt medical care. The study of synovial fluid becomes relevant to allow a rapid diagnostic approach. The main objective of the study was to determine the frequency and clinical-analytical characteristics of episodes of AM and acute bursitis evaluated in a hospital during a period of 6 years. METHODS: Cross-sectional retrospective analytical study in a hospital at Córdoba, Argentina. All episodes of acute monoarthritis and bursitis that occurred in patients aged 18 years or older between 2012 and 2017 were included. AM in pregnant women and chronic monoarthritis were excluded. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty episodes of AM and 12 of acute bursitis were included. Among the AM, 120 (66.7%) occurred in male patients and the average age was 62.1±16.9 years. The main cause of AM was septic, identifying 70 (36%) cases, followed by microcrystalline AM identify 54 (28%) cases, which corresponded to gout and calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) with 27 (14%) cases each one. Monosodium urate crystals were identified in 26 (14.3%) patients, CPPD in 28 (15.6%) and cholesterol in 1 (0.6%). DISCUSSION: The main cause of AM was septic arthritis, followed by microcrystalline AM (gout and secondary to CPPD). The main affected joint was the knee, followed by the shoulder. Synovial fluid analysis was a key element when making the differential diagnosis between the different causes of acute monoarthritis and bursitis.

Introducción: La monoartritis aguda (MA) representa una causa relevante de morbilidad que requiere de atención médica oportuna: El estudio del líquido sinovial constituye un elemento clave para su diagnóstico. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la frecuencia y características clínicas-analíticas de los episodios de MA y bursitis agudas valoradas en un hospital durante un período de 6 años. Métodos: Estudio analítico retrospectivo de corte transversal en un hospital de Córdoba, Argentina. Se identificaron todos los episodios de monoartritis y bursitis agudas que ocurrieron en pacientes de =18 años entre 2012 y 2017. Se excluyeron los cuadros de MA en embarazadas y las monoartritis crónicas. Resultados: Se incluyeron 180 episodios de MA y 12 de bursitis aguda. Entre las MA, 120 (66.7%) ocurrieron en hombres, la edad promedio fue 62.1±16.9 años. La principal causa de MA fue séptica, identificándose 70 (36%) casos, seguida la secundaria a microcristales con 54 episodios (28%) que correspondieron 27 (14%) a MA por gota y 27 (14%) a MA por depósitos de pirofosfato de calcio dihidratado (CPPD). Se identificaron cristales de urato monosódico en 26 (14.3%) pacientes, CPPD en 28 (15.6%) y de colesterol en 1 (0.6%). Discusión: La principal causa de MA fue séptica, seguida de la secundaria a microcristales (gota y secundaria a CPPD). La principal articulación afectada fue la rodilla, seguida del hombro. El análisis del líquido sinovial fue un elemento clave a la hora de poder realizar el diagnóstico diferencial entre las distintas causas de monoartritis aguda y bursitis.

Rheumatoid arthritis monotherapy in the Jak inhibitors Era. Current prevalence and associated factors in a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Combined therapy constitutes the standard of care in RA. Jak inhibitors (Jaki) have shown efficacy in monotherapy, a modality used in cases where it is not possible to use Disease-Modifying Anti Rheumatic Drugs (csDMARDs). OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence (total and by drug), reason for using and the increase over the time of bDMARDs or tsDMARDs as monotherapy after the availability of the Jaki. To analyze the differential characteristics between patients with monotherapy vs combined therapy. METHODS: Cross-sectional multicenter study. Consecutive patients with a diagnosis of RA (ACR/EULAR 2010) under treatment with bDMARDs or tsDMARDs started from 2013 were included. Socio-demographic, clinic, and therapeutic data were collected. RESULTS: A total of 505 RA patients were included. Since 2013, the prevalence of monotherapy usage was (any) 49%. The drugs used as monotherapy were Jaki in 41% and TNF-blockers in 30%. The leading causes of monotherapy use were intolerance/adverse events (62%), medical decision or lack of adherence (37.7%). The highest socioeconomic level and a better functional status at diagnosis were predictors of monotherapy use. The use of the second line of treatments and less polypharmacy were independent factors associated with this therapeutic modality. CONCLUSIONS: The current prevalence of monotherapy in RA was 49%, the Jaki were the most used drug in this modality. Monotherapy increases from year to year. There are differential characteristics in patients using monotherapy.

Sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with poor COVID-19 outcomes in patients with rheumatic diseases: data from the SAR-COVID Registry.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: This study aims to describe the course and to identify poor prognostic factors of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with rheumatic diseases. METHODS: Patients ≥ 18 years of age, with a rheumatic disease, who had confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were consecutively included by major rheumatology centers from Argentina, in the national, observational SAR-COVID registry between August 13, 2020 and July 31, 2021. Hospitalization, oxygen requirement, and death were considered poor COVID-19 outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 1915 patients were included. The most frequent rheumatic diseases were rheumatoid arthritis (42%) and systemic lupus erythematosus (16%). Comorbidities were reported in half of them (48%). Symptoms were reported by 95% of the patients, 28% were hospitalized, 8% were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), and 4% died due to COVID-19. During hospitalization, 9% required non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) or high flow oxygen devices and 17% invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). In multivariate analysis models, using poor COVID-19 outcomes as dependent variables, older age, male gender, higher disease activity, treatment with glucocorticoids or rituximab, and the presence of at least one comorbidity and a greater number of them were associated with worse prognosis. In addition, patients with public health insurance and Mestizos were more likely to require hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to the known poor prognostic factors, in this cohort of patients with rheumatic diseases, high disease activity, and treatment with glucocorticoids and rituximab were associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes. Furthermore, patients with public health insurance and Mestizos were 44% and 39% more likely to be hospitalized, respectively. STUDY REGISTRATION: This study has been registered in ClinicalTrials.gov under the number NCT04568421. Key Points • High disease activity, and treatment with glucocorticoids and rituximab were associated with poor COVID-19 outcome in patients with rheumatic diseases. • Some socioeconomic factors related to social inequality, including non-Caucasian ethnicity and public health insurance, were associated with hospitalization due to COVID-19.

Anti-malarials exert a protective effect while Mestizo patients are at increased risk of developing SLE renal disease: data from a Latin-American cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the role of ethnicity and the use of anti-malarials (protective) on lupus renal disease. METHODS: A nested case-control study (1:2 proportion, n = 265 and 530) within GLADEL's (Grupo Latino Americano De Estudio de Lupus) longitudinal inception cohort was carried out. The end-point was ACR renal criterion development after diagnosis. Cases and controls were matched for follow-up time (end-point or a comparable time, respectively). Renal disease predictors were examined by univariable and multivariable analyses. Additional analyses were done to determine if the protective effect of anti-malarials persisted after adjusting for intake-associated confounders. RESULTS: Of the cases, 233 (87.9%) were women; their mean (s.d.) age at diagnosis was 28.0 (11.9) years and their median (Q3-Q1 interquartile range) follow-up time for cases and controls was 8.3 months (Q3-Q1: 23.5); 56.6% of the cases and 74.3% of the controls were anti-malarial users. Mestizo ethnicity [odds ratio (OR) 1.72, 95% CI 1.19, 2.48] and hypertension (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.38, 3.70) were independently associated with a higher risk of renal disease, whereas anti-malarial use (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.26, 0.58), older age at disease onset (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96, 0.99) and female gender (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.32, 0.99) were negatively associated with such occurrence. After adjusting for variables associated with their intake, the protective effect of anti-malarials on renal disease occurrence persisted (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.25, 0.58). CONCLUSION: Mestizo patients are at increased risk of developing renal disease, whereas anti-malarial use protects patients from such an occurrence.

Treatment of early rheumatoid arthritis in a multinational inception cohort of Latin American patients: the GLADAR experience.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has evolved dramatically in the last decade. However, little is known about the way rheumatologists in Latin America treat their patients in clinical practice, outside the scope of clinical trials. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to describe treatment patterns at disease onset in early RA with data from a large, multicenter, multinational inception cohort of Latin American patients. METHODS: Consecutive patients with early RA (<1 year of disease duration as diagnosed by a rheumatologist) from 46 centers in 14 Latin American countries were enrolled in the study. Clinical data, laboratory assessments, and a detailed registry on type of prescriptions were collected at baseline and at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months of follow-up. Hands and feet x-rays were obtained at baseline and at 12 and 24 months. All data were captured in Arthros 6.1 database. Continuous variables were expressed as means and SDs, and categorical variables were expressed as percentages and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Only therapeutic data at baseline are presented, corresponding to the period between disease onset and second visit (3 months). RESULTS: A total of 1093 patients were included. Eighty-five percent were female, and 76% had a positive rheumatoid factor. Mean age at diagnosis was 46.5 (SD, 14.2) years, and mean disease duration at the first visit was 5.8 (SD, 3.8) months. Between baseline and second visit (3 months), 75% of patients (95% CI, 72%-78%) received disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Methotrexate (MTX) alone or in combination was the most frequently used (60.5%), followed by antimalarials (chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine, 32.1%), sulfasalazine (7.1%), and leflunomide (LEF, 4%). In 474 patients (43%), initiation of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs was within the first month after the first visit. In addition, 290 patients (26%; 95% CI, 23%-29%) received combination therapy as initial treatment. The most frequently used combinations were MTX + chloroquine (45%), MTX + hydroxychloroquine (25%), and MTX + sulfasalazine (16%). Eleven patients (1%; 95% CI, 0.5%-1.8%) received biologics. Sixty-four percent (95% CI, 60%-66%) received corticosteroids. Of those, 80% (95% CI, 77%-84%) received 10 mg of oral prednisone or less. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort of Latin American patients with early RA, most patients received MTX very early in their disease course. Combination therapy was used approximately in 1 of every 4 patients as initial therapy. Biologics were rarely used at this early stage, and low-dose prednisone was commonly used.

[Creatine phosphokinase enzyme elevation in two third-level hospitals of Córdoba]. / Estudio de los pacientes con elevación de enzima Creatinfosfokinasa en dos hospitales de tercer nivel de la ciudad de córdoba.

Introduction: HyperCKemia is defined as the elevation of creatine phosphokinase (CK) levels greater than 1.5 times the upper limit (CK>285 U/L), being produced by multiple causes, which vary according different populations. The main objective of the study was to know the frequency of hyperCKemia in two hospitals in Córdoba and its main causes. Methods: Retrospective analytical study in two hospitals in Córdoba, Argentina, where all patients over 18 years of age who presented CK values ​​greater than 285 U/L on at least 2 occasions in a period between 1 and 4 weeks were identified, between the years 2015 and 2017. Results: 254 patients with hyperCKemia were identified, the majority were male (n=181, 71.3%) and their median age was 65 years (interquartile range 25-75%=50-73 years). The main causes of hyperCKemia were ischemic myopathy in 99 (39%) patients and drug-induced myopathies in 45 (17.7%), with statins being the most frequently involved drugs in 31 cases. In only 3.1% of the cases the final diagnosis was not reached. Drug-induced hyperCKemias, when compared to other causes, occurred more frequently in patients with a history of chronic kidney disease (9/45 [20%] vs 18/209 [8.6%], p = 0.025) and in non-smokers (41/45 [91.1%] vs. 157/209 [75.1%], p=0.019). Main conclusion: 254 cases of hyperCKemia were observed, the main causes being of ischemic origin and secondary to drug use, especially statins.

Introducción: Se denomina hiperCKemia a la elevación de niveles de creatinfosfoquinasa (CK) mayor a 1,5 veces el límite superior(CK>285 U/L), siendo producida por múltiples causas, que varían según las poblaciones de estudio. El objetivo principal del estudio fue conocer la frecuencia de hiperCKemia en dos hospitales de la Ciudad de Córdoba y sus principales causas. Metodología: Estudio analítico retrospectivo en dos hospitales de la ciudad de Córdoba en Argentina, donde se identificaron todos los pacientes mayores de 18 años que presentaron valores de CK mayores a 285 U/L en al menos 2 oportunidades en un período entre 1 y 4 semanas, entre los años 2015 y 2017. Resultados: Se identificaron 254 pacientes con hiperCKemia, la mayoría eran de sexo masculino (n=181, 71.3%) y su mediana de edad fue 65 años (rango intercuartil 25-75%=50-73 años). Las principales causas de hiperCKemia fueron la miopatía isquémica en 99 (39%) pacientes y las miopatías inducidas por drogas en 45 (17.7%), siendo las estatinas las drogas más frecuentemente involucradas en 31 casos. En sólo el 3.1% de los casos no se arribó al diagnóstico final. Las hiperCKemias inducidas por drogas al compararse con las otras causas, se presentaron más frecuentemente en pacientes con antecedente de enfermedad renal crónica (9/45[20%] vs 18/209[8.6%], p=0.025) y en no tabaquistas(41/45[91.1%] vs 157/209[75.1%], p=0.019) . Conclusión: Se observaron 254 casos de hiperCKemia, siendo sus principales causas de origen isquémico y secundario a consumo de fármacos, especialmente por estatinas.

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.

Development of a Prediction Model for COVID-19 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Patients With Rheumatic Diseases: Results From the Global Rheumatology Alliance Registry.

OBJECTIVE: Some patients with rheumatic diseases might be at higher risk for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We aimed to develop a prediction model for COVID-19 ARDS in this population and to create a simple risk score calculator for use in clinical settings. METHODS: Data were derived from the COVID-19 Global Rheumatology Alliance Registry from March 24, 2020, to May 12, 2021. Seven machine learning classifiers were trained on ARDS outcomes using 83 variables obtained at COVID-19 diagnosis. Predictive performance was assessed in a US test set and was validated in patients from four countries with independent registries using area under the curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. A simple risk score calculator was developed using a regression model incorporating the most influential predictors from the best performing classifier. RESULTS: The study included 8633 patients from 74 countries, of whom 523 (6%) had ARDS. Gradient boosting had the highest mean AUC (0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.67-0.88) and was considered the top performing classifier. Ten predictors were identified as key risk factors and were included in a regression model. The regression model that predicted ARDS with 71% (95% CI: 61%-83%) sensitivity in the test set, and with sensitivities ranging from 61% to 80% in countries with independent registries, was used to develop the risk score calculator. CONCLUSION: We were able to predict ARDS with good sensitivity using information readily available at COVID-19 diagnosis. The proposed risk score calculator has the potential to guide risk stratification for treatments, such as monoclonal antibodies, that have potential to reduce COVID-19 disease progression.