IgG4-related disease: Effectiveness evaluation through Umehara-Okazaki 2011 and ACR/EULAR 2019 diagnostic criteria.

BACKGROUND: IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a rare, systemic immune-mediated fibro-inflammatory condition with an unclear etiology and pathophysiology, potentially affecting multiple organs. It presents with common clinical, radiological, and serological characteristics. This study aims to compare the latest two IgG4-RD classification and diagnostic criteria: Umehara-Okazaki 2011 and ACR/EULAR 2019. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted across two centers from January 2010 to July 2023, we included patients suspected of having IgG4-RD from various hospital departments. Patients finally diagnosed with other pathologies were excluded. The remaining suspected IgG4-RD cases were evaluated using both Umehara-Okazaki 2011 and ACR/EULAR 2019 criteria. RESULTS: Out of 34 patients with a clinical diagnosis of IgG4-RD, the Umehara-Okazaki 2011 classified 20 patients: 5 as definitive, 7 as probable, and 8 as possible cases. Applying the ACR/EULAR 2019 criteria to the same cohort resulted in the diagnosis of 9 patients. Notably, retroperitoneal fibrosis and aortitis were the most prevalent form of presentation, accounting for 25% and 22.2% of cases classified under the 2011 and 2019 criteria, respectively. DISCUSSION: The more recent and stringent ACR/EULAR 2019 criteria focus on histopathology, various forms of presentation, and analytical data, allow for a more accurate classification of patients.

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease in Spain.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease in Spain. METHODS: This was a retrospective multicenter analysis of data from VKH patients followed for at least 6 months. The data collected were related to demographics, clinical manifestations, treatments, and complications. RESULTS: Participants were 112 patients (224 eyes), from 13 tertiary referral centers, of mean age 37.5 ± 14.7 years; 83.9% were women. Ethnicities were 61.6% Caucasian and 30.4% Hispanic. The disease was classified as complete in 16.1%, incomplete in 55.4%, and probable in 28.6%. When seen for the first time, the clinical course was acute in 69.6%, recurrent chronic in 15.2%, and chronic in 14.3%. The most frequent treatment was corticosteroids (acute stage 42.2%, maintenance stage 55.6%). The most common complications were cataract (41.1%) and ocular hypertension (16.1%). In most eyes, visual acuity was improved (96.7%) or remained stable at the end of follow up. CONCLUSION: VKH in Spain mostly affects women and presents as incomplete acute stage disease. Visual prognosis is good. Cataract and glaucoma are the two most frequent complications.

Integrative Analysis Reveals a Molecular Stratification of Systemic Autoimmune Diseases.

OBJECTIVE: Clinical heterogeneity, a hallmark of systemic autoimmune diseases, impedes early diagnosis and effective treatment, issues that may be addressed if patients could be classified into groups defined by molecular pattern. This study was undertaken to identify molecular clusters for reclassifying systemic autoimmune diseases independently of clinical diagnosis. METHODS: Unsupervised clustering of integrated whole blood transcriptome and methylome cross-sectional data on 955 patients with 7 systemic autoimmune diseases and 267 healthy controls was undertaken. In addition, an inception cohort was prospectively followed up for 6 or 14 months to validate the results and analyze whether or not cluster assignment changed over time. RESULTS: Four clusters were identified and validated. Three were pathologic, representing "inflammatory," "lymphoid," and "interferon" patterns. Each included all diagnoses and was defined by genetic, clinical, serologic, and cellular features. A fourth cluster with no specific molecular pattern was associated with low disease activity and included healthy controls. A longitudinal and independent inception cohort showed a relapse-remission pattern, where patients remained in their pathologic cluster, moving only to the healthy one, thus showing that the molecular clusters remained stable over time and that single pathogenic molecular signatures characterized each individual patient. CONCLUSION: Patients with systemic autoimmune diseases can be jointly stratified into 3 stable disease clusters with specific molecular patterns differentiating different molecular disease mechanisms. These results have important implications for future clinical trials and the study of nonresponse to therapy, marking a paradigm shift in our view of systemic autoimmune diseases.

Recomendaciones de experto sobre el bloqueo de la interleucina 6 en pacientes con artritis reumatoide / Expert recommendations on the interleukin 6 blockade in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJETIVO: Generar recomendaciones sobre el bloqueo de la interleucina 6 (IL-6) en pacientes con artritis reumatoide (AR), basadas en la mejor evidencia y experiencia. MÉTODOS: Se seleccionó a 10 expertos reumatólogos en el manejo de los inhibidores de la IL-6. Los 2 coordinadores generaron 23 preguntas sobre el bloqueo de la IL-6 en la AR (perfiles de indicación, eficacia, seguridad, etc.) para ser contestadas mediante una revisión sistemática de la literatura. Con base en las preguntas se definieron los criterios de inclusión y exclusión, y las estrategias de búsqueda (para interrogar Medline, Embase y la Cochrane Library). Dos revisores seleccionaron los artículos resultantes de la búsqueda. Se generaron tablas de evidencia. Paralelamente, se evaluaron abstracts de congresos de EULAR y ACR. Con toda esta evidencia los coordinadores propusieron 8 recomendaciones preliminares que se evaluaron, discutieron y votaron en una reunión de grupo nominal con el resto de los expertos. Para cada recomendación se estableció el nivel de evidencia y grado de recomendación, y el grado de acuerdo mediante un Delphi. Se definió acuerdo si al menos el 80% de los participantes contestaban sí a la recomendación (sí o no). RESULTADOS: Las 8 recomendaciones preliminares se aceptaron tras el Delphi. Abarcan aspectos como su uso en monoterapia, en combinación, en pacientes refractarios o intolerantes, la evaluación de su respuesta, la optimización o la gestión del riesgo. CONCLUSIONES: Este documento pretende resolver algunos interrogantes clínicos habituales y facilitar la toma de decisiones con el bloqueo de la IL-6 en el manejo de la AR

OBJECTIVE: To draft recommendations on interleukin 6 (IL-6) blockade in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), based on best evidence and experience. METHODS: A group of 10 experts on IL-6 blockade in RA was selected. The 2 coordinators formulated 23 questions about IL-6 blockade (indications, efficacy, safety, etc.). A systematic review was conducted to answer the questions. Using this information, inclusion and exclusion criteria were established, as were the search strategies (Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were searched). Two different reviewers selected the articles. Evidence tables were created. At the same time, European League Against Rheumatism and American College of Rheumatology abstracts were evaluated. Based on this evidence, the coordinators proposed preliminary recommendations that the experts discussed and voted on in a nominal group meeting. The level of evidence and grade of recommendation were established using the Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine and the level of agreement with the Delphi technique (2 rounds). Agreement was established if at least 80% of the experts voted yes (yes/no). RESULTS: The 8 preliminary recommendations were accepted after the Delphi process. They covered aspects such as the use of these therapies in monotherapy, in combination, in patients with refractory disease or intolerant patients, response evaluation, optimization and risk management. CONCLUSIONS: The manuscript aims to solve frequently asked questions and aid in decision making strategies when treating RA patients with IL-6 blockade

Expert Recommendations on the Interleukin 6 Blockade in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. / Recomendaciones de experto sobre el bloqueo de la interleucina 6 en pacientes con artritis reumatoide.

OBJECTIVE: To draft recommendations on interleukin 6 (IL-6) blockade in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), based on best evidence and experience. METHODS: A group of 10 experts on IL-6 blockade in RA was selected. The 2 coordinators formulated 23 questions about IL-6 blockade (indications, efficacy, safety, etc.). A systematic review was conducted to answer the questions. Using this information, inclusion and exclusion criteria were established, as were the search strategies (Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were searched). Two different reviewers selected the articles. Evidence tables were created. At the same time, European League Against Rheumatism and American College of Rheumatology abstracts were evaluated. Based on this evidence, the coordinators proposed preliminary recommendations that the experts discussed and voted on in a nominal group meeting. The level of evidence and grade of recommendation were established using the Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine and the level of agreement with the Delphi technique (2 rounds). Agreement was established if at least 80% of the experts voted yes (yes/no). RESULTS: The 8 preliminary recommendations were accepted after the Delphi process. They covered aspects such as the use of these therapies in monotherapy, in combination, in patients with refractory disease or intolerant patients, response evaluation, optimization and risk management. CONCLUSIONS: The manuscript aims to solve frequently asked questions and aid in decision making strategies when treating RA patients with IL-6 blockade.

Indicador compuesto para evaluar la calidad asistencial en el manejo de los pacientes con artritis reumatoide en las consultas externas de Reumatología / A composite indicator to assess the quality of care in the management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis in outpatient rheumatology clinics

Objetivo: El paradigma actual en el tratamiento de la artritis reumatoide (AR) contempla el diagnóstico temprano y el uso precoz de fármacos modificadores de enfermedad (FAME) para alcanzar la remisión o baja actividad inflamatoria, lo cual, se conoce como «treat to target» (T2T). El objetivo del trabajo es desarrollar un indicador compuesto (IC) para evaluar la calidad asistencial en el manejo de los pacientes con AR atendiendo a la estrategia T2T y a otras recomendaciones generales para la atención de estos pacientes. Material y método: La construcción del IC siguió las fases: 1) selección de los criterios de calidad mediante un juicio de expertos; 2) priorización de los criterios, a partir de un Delphi con 20 expertos; 3) diseño de los indicadores de calidad, y 4) cálculo del IC ponderado. La fuente de información para el cálculo del IC son las historias clínicas de los pacientes con AR. Resultados: De los 37 criterios seleccionados, 12 necesitaron una segunda ronda Delphi. Se priorizaron 31 criterios, los cuales presentaron una mediana en relevancia y factibilidad, en las rondas Delphi, mayor o igual a 7,5, con un rango intercuartílico inferior a 3,5, y un grado de acuerdo (puntuación mayor o igual a 8) igual o superior al 80%. Conclusiones: El IC construido, consensuado y ponderado, permite evaluar la calidad asistencial de los pacientes con AR, en las Unidades de Reumatología de hospitales españoles, ofreciendo una medida resumen válida y fácilmente interpretable

Objective: The current guidelines in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) include the early diagnosis and early use of disease modifying drugs to achieve remission or low disease activity level, known as "Treat to Target" (T2T). The objective of this study is to develop a composite indicator (CI) to evaluate the quality of care in the management of patients with RA, according to the T2T strategy and other general recommendations concerning the management of these patients. Material and method: The phases of the construction of the CI were: 1) selection of quality criteria through expert judgment; 2) prioritization of the criteria, according to relevance and feasibility, applying the Delphi methodology (two rounds) involving 20 experts; 3) design of quality indicators; and 4) calculation of the weighted CI, using the mean value in relevance and feasibility granted by the experts. The source of information for the calculation of the CI are the medical records of patients with RA. Results: Twelve criteria out of 37 required a second Delphi round. Thirty-one criteria were prioritized. These criteria presented a median in relevance and feasibility greater than or equal to 7.5, with an interquartile range of less than 3.5, and a level of agreement (score greater than or equal to 8) greater than or equal to 80%. Conclusions: The constructed CI allows us to evaluate the quality of care of patients with RA following the T2T strategy in the rheumatology units of Spanish hospitals, offering a valid and easily interpretable summary measure

A composite indicator to assess the quality of care in the management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis in outpatient rheumatology clinics. / Indicador compuesto para evaluar la calidad asistencial en el manejo de los pacientes con artritis reumatoide en las consultas externas de Reumatología.

OBJECTIVE: The current guidelines in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) include the early diagnosis and early use of disease modifying drugs to achieve remission or low disease activity level, known as "Treat to Target" (T2T). The objective of this study is to develop a composite indicator (CI) to evaluate the quality of care in the management of patients with RA, according to the T2T strategy and other general recommendations concerning the management of these patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The phases of the construction of the CI were: 1) selection of quality criteria through expert judgment; 2) prioritization of the criteria, according to relevance and feasibility, applying the Delphi methodology (two rounds) involving 20 experts; 3) design of quality indicators; and 4) calculation of the weighted CI, using the mean value in relevance and feasibility granted by the experts. The source of information for the calculation of the CI are the medical records of patients with RA. RESULTS: Twelve criteria out of 37 required a second Delphi round. Thirty-one criteria were prioritized. These criteria presented a median in relevance and feasibility greater than or equal to 7.5, with an interquartile range of less than 3.5, and a level of agreement (score greater than or equal to 8) greater than or equal to 80%. CONCLUSIONS: The constructed CI allows us to evaluate the quality of care of patients with RA following the T2T strategy in the rheumatology units of Spanish hospitals, offering a valid and easily interpretable summary measure.

Documento de Recomendaciones de la Sociedad Española de Reumatología para el manejo clínico del paciente con artritis reumatoide que no puede utilizar metotrexato / Recommendations by the Spanish Society of Rheumatology for the management of patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis who cannot be treated with methotrexate

El objetivo es establecer recomendaciones para el manejo del paciente con artritis reumatoide (AR) que no puede utilizar metotrexato (MTX) por contraindicación, toxicidad o falta de adherencia farmacológica, y establecer las estrategias terapéuticas más eficaces y seguras. Se realizó un análisis cualitativo de la evidencia científica disponible hasta junio de 2015. Se utilizó un Delphi con un panel de 17reumatólogos para consolidar la opinión de expertos en aquellas recomendaciones con ausencia o baja calidad científica. Se elaboraron 18recomendaciones, y 14 de ellas abordan aspectos de seguridad. Se han actualizado las recomendaciones sobre la contraindicación del MTX y su toxicidad, y se recomienda como una opción terapéutica preferente la utilización de monoterapia biológica en pacientes con contraindicación, intolerancia o circunstancias que desaconsejan el uso de MTX. Existe evidencia científica de buena calidad que contraindica y extrema la utilización de MTX en pacientes con AR con determinados perfiles clínicos (AU)

To establish a set of recommendations for the management of patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who cannot be treated with methotrexate (MTX) due to contraindications, drug toxicity or lack of adherence, and to establish therapeutic strategies more effective and safer in these RA patients. A qualitative analysis of the scientific evidence available to June 2015. The 2-round Delphi technique of consensus was used to collect and establish expert opinion based on the participants’ clinical experience when only low quality evidence was available. A total of eighteen recommendations were developed for the management of this patient profile. Fourteen of these recommendations were related to drug safety aspects. Recommendations on contraindication and toxicity of MTX have been updated. The experts recommend the use of biological monotherapy, a preferred treatment option, in patients whose profiles reveal a contraindication, intolerance or circumstances that prevent us against the use of MTX. There is some high-quality scientific evidence that supports contraindication and establishes certain conditions of MTX use in RA patients with specific clinical profiles (AU)

Recommendations by the Spanish Society of Rheumatology for the management of patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis who cannot be treated with methotrexate. / Documento de Recomendaciones de la Sociedad Española de Reumatología para el manejo clínico del paciente con artritis reumatoide que no puede utilizar metotrexato.

To establish a set of recommendations for the management of patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who cannot be treated with methotrexate (MTX) due to contraindications, drug toxicity or lack of adherence, and to establish therapeutic strategies more effective and safer in these RA patients. A qualitative analysis of the scientific evidence available to June 2015. The 2-round Delphi technique of consensus was used to collect and establish expert opinion based on the participants' clinical experience when only low quality evidence was available. A total of eighteen recommendations were developed for the management of this patient profile. Fourteen of these recommendations were related to drug safety aspects. Recommendations on contraindication and toxicity of MTX have been updated. The experts recommend the use of biological monotherapy, a preferred treatment option, in patients whose profiles reveal a contraindication, intolerance or circumstances that prevent us against the use of MTX. There is some high-quality scientific evidence that supports contraindication and establishes certain conditions of MTX use in RA patients with specific clinical profiles.

Características clínicas, tratamiento y complicaciones oculares de uveítis anterior asociada y no asociada a HLA-B27 / Clinical characteristics, treatment and ocular complications of HLA-B27-related anterior uveitis and HLA-B27-non related anterior uveitis

Introducción. La uveítis anterior es la forma más frecuente de inflamación intraocular. Las formas asociadas al antígeno HLA-B27 suponen entre un 18 y un 32% de los casos de uveítis anterior. Objetivos. Describir las características clínicas, la necesidad de tratamiento sistémico y la frecuencia y el tipo de complicaciones oculares de una cohorte de pacientes con uveítis anterior asociada a HLA-B27 y de una cohorte de pacientes con uveítis anterior no asociada a HLA-B27. Establecer si existen diferencias entre ambas cohortes. Material y métodos. Se realiza un estudio de cohortes retrospectivo descriptivo con componentes analíticos incluyendo a pacientes con uveítis anterior endógena no infecciosa asociada y no asociada a HLA-B27. Resultados. Se incluye un total de 162 pacientes, 58 con uveítis anterior asociada a HLAB27 (cohorte HLA-B27+) y 104 con uveítis anterior no asociada a HLA-B27 (cohorte HLA-B27-). No se aprecian diferencias estadísticamente significativas en las características clínicas de ambas cohortes a excepción de una mayor tendencia a la recurrencia en la cohorte HLA-B27+ y una mayor tendencia a la cronicidad en la cohorte HLA-B27-. Tampoco se aprecian diferencias en cuanto al uso de tratamiento sistémico ni al desarrollo de complicaciones oculares de forma global. Conclusiones. A diferencia de lo descrito con anterioridad, en este trabajo no encontramos un mayor predominio masculino en la cohorte de uveítis asociada a HLA-B27. Tampoco se aprecian diferencias en edad media, lateralidad, presencia de complicaciones ni frecuencia de uso de corticoides sistémicos (AU)

Introduction. Anterior uveitis is the most common type of intraocular inflammation. Those associated to HLA-B27 represent 18 to 32% of all anterior uveitis cases. Objectives. To describe clinical characteristics, systemic treatment need, and frequency and type of ocular complications in a cohort of patients diagnosed with HLAB27-related anterior uveitis and in a cohort of patients diagnosed with HLA-B27 non-related anterior uveitis. To establish if statistically significant differences between both cohorts exist. Material and methods. We performed a retrospective cohort study including patients with non infectious anterior uveitis related and not related to the antigen HLA-B27. Results. 162 patients were included, 58 diagnosed with HLA-B27-related anterior uveitis (cohort HLA-B27+1) and 104 diagnosed with HLA-B27- non related anterior uveitis (cohort HLA-B27-). No statistically significant differences were found regarding clinical characteristics between both cohorts with the exception of a higher frequency of recurrences in cohort HLA-B27+ and a higher frequency of chronic uveitis in cohort HLA-B27-. No differences were found regarding systemic treatment use nor development of ocular complications. Discussion. In contrast to previous studies, we neither found higher male gender predominance in the cohort of patients with HLA-B27-related anterior uveitis, Nor did we find differences regarding average age, laterality, development of complications nor use of systemic corticosteroids (AU)

Carga y costes directos de la uveítis no infecciosa en España / Burden and direct costs of non infectious uveitis in Spain

OBJETIVOS: No existen datos actualizados sobre la epidemiología y los costes asociados de la uveítis no infecciosa (UNI) en España. Este estudio investiga la frecuencia de los tipos de uveítis y el coste de los recursos utilizados en su manejo en 2011. Material y método. Se recogió información mediante búsqueda bibliográfica de datos epidemiológicos y de costes directos de la UNI. La información se completó mediante consenso de 2 paneles de expertos y cuestionario a oftalmólogos y reumatólogos especialistas en esta enfermedad. Los costes de los recursos se obtuvieron de la base de datos Oblikue, de una sociedad médica y de los precios de los medicamentos aprobados en España. RESULTADOS: En 2011 se diagnosticaron 9.398 nuevos pacientes de UNI (45% hombres, el 70% entre 16 y 65 años). La incidencia por tipos fue: uveítis anterior aguda (UAA) 55%, uveítis posterior (UP) y panuveítis (PU) 15% y uveítis anterior crónica en edad adulta, uveítis anterior crónica pediátrica y uveítis intermedia 5%. Del total de costes calculados (77.834.282,10 €), el tratamiento farmacológico inicial fue el recurso más costoso (43.602.359,29 €), seguido del tratamiento quirúrgico de las complicaciones (8.367.420,43 €). Respecto a los tipos de uveítis, los costes asociados más elevados fueron los de la PU (26.692.948,29 €), la UP (22.283.330,50 €) y la UAA (14.336.755,38 €). CONCLUSIONES: La UNI en España genera unos elevados costes tanto de diagnóstico como de tratamiento. Un diagnóstico y tratamiento precoz de la enfermedad permitirían un ahorro sustancial al Sistema Nacional de Salud

OBJECTIVES: There is no updated information on epidemiology and cost of management of non infectious uveitis (NIU) in Spain. This study assessed the frequency of various types of uveítis as well as associated costs of resources used in their management. Material and method. NIU epidemiological data and direct costs were collected from a literature search. This was complemented with consensus information from 2 expert panel meetings and data from questionnaires to ophthalmologists and rheumatologists, experts on these conditions. Healthcare resources costs were obtained from the Oblikue database, from a medical society and from approved drug prices in Spain. RESULTS: During 2011 the estimate number of NIU was 9,398 (45% male, 70% aged 16-65 years). Incidence per type of uveitis was: acute anterior uveitis (AAU) 55%; posterior uveitis (PU) and pan-uveitis (PanU) 15% each; adult chronic anterior uveitis, paediatric chronic anterior uveitis and intermediate uveitis 5% each. Among total costs (77,834,282.10€), initial drug therapy was the highest (43,602,359.29€), followed by surgical treatment of complications (8,367,420.43€). With respect to types of uveitis, PanU (26,692,948.29€), PU (22,283,330.50€) and AAU (14,336,755.38€) showed the highest associated costs. CONCLUSIONS: Non infectious uveitis is associated to high costs in Spain, both in its diagnosis and in its treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment should allow for substantial savings for the National Health System

Relationship between damage clustering and mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus in early and late stages of the disease: cluster analyses in a large cohort from the Spanish Society of Rheumatology Lupus Registry.

OBJECTIVES: To identify patterns (clusters) of damage manifestations within a large cohort of SLE patients and evaluate the potential association of these clusters with a higher risk of mortality. METHODS: This is a multicentre, descriptive, cross-sectional study of a cohort of 3656 SLE patients from the Spanish Society of Rheumatology Lupus Registry. Organ damage was ascertained using the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Damage Index. Using cluster analysis, groups of patients with similar patterns of damage manifestations were identified. Then, overall clusters were compared as well as the subgroup of patients within every cluster with disease duration shorter than 5 years. RESULTS: Three damage clusters were identified. Cluster 1 (80.6% of patients) presented a lower amount of individuals with damage (23.2 vs 100% in clusters 2 and 3, P < 0.001). Cluster 2 (11.4% of patients) was characterized by musculoskeletal damage in all patients. Cluster 3 (8.0% of patients) was the only group with cardiovascular damage, and this was present in all patients. The overall mortality rate of patients in clusters 2 and 3 was higher than that in cluster 1 (P < 0.001 for both comparisons) and in patients with disease duration shorter than 5 years as well. CONCLUSION: In a large cohort of SLE patients, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal damage manifestations were the two dominant forms of damage to sort patients into clinically meaningful clusters. Both in early and late stages of the disease, there was a significant association of these clusters with an increased risk of mortality. Physicians should pay special attention to the early prevention of damage in these two systems.

Burden and direct costs of non infectious uveitis in Spain. / Carga y costes directos de la uveítis no infecciosa en España.

OBJECTIVES: There is no updated information on epidemiology and cost of management of non infectious uveitis (NIU) in Spain. This study assessed the frequency of various types of uveítis as well as associated costs of resources used in their management. MATERIAL AND METHOD: NIU epidemiological data and direct costs were collected from a literature search. This was complemented with consensus information from 2 expert panel meetings and data from questionnaires to ophthalmologists and rheumatologists, experts on these conditions. Healthcare resources costs were obtained from the Oblikue database, from a medical society and from approved drug prices in Spain. RESULTS: During 2011 the estimate number of NIU was 9,398 (45% male, 70% aged 16-65 years). Incidence per type of uveitis was: acute anterior uveitis (AAU) 55%; posterior uveitis (PU) and pan-uveitis (PanU) 15% each; adult chronic anterior uveitis, paediatric chronic anterior uveitis and intermediate uveitis 5% each. Among total costs (77,834,282.10€), initial drug therapy was the highest (43,602,359.29€), followed by surgical treatment of complications (8,367,420.43€). With respect to types of uveitis, PanU (26,692,948.29€), PU (22,283,330.50€) and AAU (14,336,755.38€) showed the highest associated costs. CONCLUSIONS: Non infectious uveitis is associated to high costs in Spain, both in its diagnosis and in its treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment should allow for substantial savings for the National Health System.

Clinical characteristics, treatment and ocular complications of HLA-B27-related anterior uveitis and HLA-B27-non related anterior uveitis. / Características clínicas, tratamiento y complicaciones oculares de uveítis anterior asociada y no asociada a HLA-B27.

INTRODUCTION: Anterior uveitis is the most common type of intraocular inflammation. Those associated to HLA-B27 represent 18 to 32% of all anterior uveitis cases. OBJECTIVES: To describe clinical characteristics, systemic treatment need, and frequency and type of ocular complications in a cohort of patients diagnosed with HLAB27-related anterior uveitis and in a cohort of patients diagnosed with HLA-B27 non-related anterior uveitis. To establish if statistically significant differences between both cohorts exist. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study including patients with non infectious anterior uveitis related and not related to the antigen HLA-B27. RESULTS: 162 patients were included, 58 diagnosed with HLA-B27-related anterior uveitis (cohort HLA-B27+1) and 104 diagnosed with HLA-B27- non related anterior uveitis (cohort HLA-B27-). No statistically significant differences were found regarding clinical characteristics between both cohorts with the exception of a higher frequency of recurrences in cohort HLA-B27+ and a higher frequency of chronic uveitis in cohort HLA-B27-. No differences were found regarding systemic treatment use nor development of ocular complications. DISCUSSION: In contrast to previous studies, we neither found higher male gender predominance in the cohort of patients with HLA-B27-related anterior uveitis, Nor did we find differences regarding average age, laterality, development of complications nor use of systemic corticosteroids.

Successful effect of tocilizumab in anti-TNF-α-induced palmoplantar pustulosis in rheumatoid arthritis.

Anti-tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) agents are effective drugs used in several chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Psoriasiform lesions, including palmoplantar pustulosis, have been described following anti-TNF-α therapy. These lesions often resolve with topical therapy with or without discontinuation of these drugs. However, in some cases, psoriasiform lesions may persist despite anti-TNF-α withdrawal. We report on two RA patients treated with adalimumab (ADA) who developed palmoplantar pustular despite dermatological treatment and ADA discontinuation. Tocilizumab (TCZ) therapy was initiated because of persistence of skin lesions and flare of the disease. Following treatment with this drug, complete resolution of the dermatological lesions and induction of remission of RA was achieved. To the best of our knowledge, management of palmoplantar pustulosis due to TNF-α agents with TCZ leading to both improvement of the disease and resolution of the cutaneous lesions has not previously been reported.

[Tocilizumab in rheumatoid arthritis]. / Tocilizumab en artritis reumatoide.

Tocilizumab (TCZ) is a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against the receptor for IL-6, approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Japan, Europe and the US. Wide clinical development has shown the efficacy of TCZ in most of the possible situations of RA: RA without prior failure to MTX (AMBITION), RA unresponsive to MTX (SATORI, OPTION, LITHE) or any DMARD (TOWARD, ROSE) as well as RA refractory to anti-TNFa agents (RADIATE). In addition to its early onset, efficacy was constant and even increased as time passed (GROWTH95, GROWTH96). TCZ has shown great efficacy in correcting laboratory alterations in RA, both in acute phase reactants as well as anemia of inflammatory disease. Although in RA TCZ us initially indicated in combination with MTX, it has also shown its efficacy as monotherapy (AMBITION). TCZ is equally effective in the prevention of structural damage (SAMURAI, LITHE). In addition, it has shown to be a safe and well-tolerated drug, similar to other biologic therapies. All of these aspects make TCZ an adequate therapeutic alternative to be considered in any RA scenario.

Tocilizumab en artritis reumatoide / Tocilizumab in rheumatoid artritis

Tocilizumab (TCZ) es un anticuerpo monoclonal humanizado dirigido contra el receptor de la IL-6, aprobado para el tratamiento de la artritis reumatoide (AR) en Japón, Europa y EE. UU. Un amplio desarrollo clínico ha demostrado la eficacia del TCZ en la mayoría de las situaciones posibles de la AR: AR sin fallo previo a MTX (AMBITION), AR refractaria a MTX (SATORI, OPTION, LITHE) o a cualquier fármaco modificador de la enfermedad (TOWARD, ROSE), así como AR refractaria a agentes anti-factor de necrosis tumoral alfa (RADIATE). Además de su inicio precoz, esta eficacia se mantiene constante e incluso aumenta con el paso del tiempo (GROWTH95, GROWTH96). TCZ ha demostrado gran eficacia en la corrección de las alteraciones analíticas de la AR, tanto en los reactantes de fase aguda como en la anemia de trastorno inflamatorio. Aunque en la AR el TCZ está indicado inicialmente en combinación con MTX, también ha sido demostrada su eficacia en monoterapia (AMBITION). TCZ es igualmente eficaz en la prevención del daño estructural (SAMURAI, LITHE). Además, TCZ ha demostrado ser un fármaco seguro y bien tolerado, similar a otras terapias biológicas. Todos estos datos hacen del TCZ una alternativa terapéutica adecuada a tener en cuenta en cualquier escenario de la AR (AU)

Tocilizumab (TCZ) is a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against the receptor for IL-6, approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Japan, Europe and the US. Wide clinical development has shown the efficacy of TCZ in most of the possible situations of RA: RA without prior failure to MTX (AMBITION), RA unresponsive to MTX (SATORI, OPTION, LITHE) or any DMARD (TOWARD, ROSE) as well as RA refractory to anti-TNFa agents (RADIATE). In addition to its early onset, efficacy was constant and even increased as time passed (GROWTH95, GROWTH96). TCZ has shown great efficacy in correcting laboratory alterations in RA, both in acute phase reactants as well as anemia of inflammatory disease. Although in RA TCZ us initially indicated in combination with MTX, it has also shown its efficacy as monotherapy (AMBITION). TCZ is equally effective in the prevention of structural damage (SAMURAI, LITHE). In addition, it has shown to be a safe and well-tolerated drug, similar to other biologic therapies. All of these aspects make TCZ an adequate therapeutic alternative to be considered in any RA scenario (AU)

La inhibición de la interleucina-6, una nueva opción terapéutica en la artritis reumatoide / Inhibition of interleukin 6, a new therapeutic option in rheumatoid arthritis

Tocilizumab (TCZ) es un anticuerpo monoclonal humanizado dirigido contra el receptor de la interleucina-6 (IL-6) desarrollado entre la farmacéutica japonesa Chugai y la suiza Roche. En Japón tiene ya indicación para la enfermedad de Castleman, artritis reumatoide (AR) y artritis idiopática juvenil. El desarrollo clínico fuera de Japón es muy extenso y ha demostrado eficacia en los escenarios posibles de la AR, AR precoz (parte del estudio AMBITION), AR establecida refractaria a metotrexato (OPTION) y a otros fármacos modificadores de enfermedad (TOWARD) y AR refractaria a anti-TNF-alfa (RADIATE), tanto con TCZ en monoterapia (estudio AMBITION) como asociado a fármacos de fondo. También se ha comprobado la eficacia radiológica (LITHE). En consecuencia el TCZ es probablemente el fármaco biológico con el desarrollo clínico más extenso habiéndose aprobado su comercialización por la agencia europea del medicamento con las siguientes indicaciones: TCZ en combinación con MTX está indicado para el tratamiento de la AR activa de moderada a grave en pacientes adultos que han presentado una respuesta inadecuada o fueron intolerantes a terapia previa con uno ó más FAMEs o antagonistas del TNF. En estos pacientes TCZ puede ser administrado en monoterapia, en caso de intolerancia a MTX, o cuando el tratamiento prolongado con MTX es inapropiado. En esta revisión nos centraremos especialmente en la eficacia clínica, radiológica, así como en el perfil de seguridad (AU)

Tocilizumab (TCZ) is a humanized monoclonal antibody which targets the receptor for IL-6, developed by the Japanese pharmaceutical company Chugai and the Swiss company Roche. In Japan it is already under use for Castleman's disease, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. The clinical development outside Japan is very extensive and has shown efficacy in possible RA scenarios; early RA (part of the AMBITION study), established, MTX-resistant RA (OPTION) and RA resistant to other DMARD (TOWARD), and anti-TNF-alpha resistant RA (RADIATE). Both monotherapy with TCZ (AMBITION) and associated to other background drugs. Radiological efficacy has also been proven (LITHE). So TCZ is probably the biologic therapy with the most extensive clinical development before marketing in the western hemisphere. In this review we will specifically deal with clinical and radiological efficacy, as wel as its safety profile (AU)

[Inhibition of interleukin 6, a new therapeutic option in rheumatoid arthritis]. / La inhibición de la interleucina-6, una nueva opción terapéutica en la artritis reumatoide.

Tocilizumab (TCZ) is a humanized monoclonal antibody which targets the receptor for IL-6, developed by the Japanese pharmaceutical company Chugai and the swiss company Roche. In Japan it is already under use for Castleman's disease, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. The clinical development outside Japan is very extensive and has shown efficacy in possible RA scenarios; early RA (part of the AMBITION study), established, MTX-resistant RA (OPTION) and RA resistant to other DMARD (TOWARD), and anti-TNF-α resistant RA (RADIATE). Both monotherapy with TCZ (AMBITION) and associated to other background drugs. Radiological efficacy has also been proven (LITHE). So TCZ is probably the biologic therapy with the most extensive clinical development before marketing in the western hemisphere. In this review we will specifically deal with clinical and radiological efficacy, as wel as its safety profile.