Evolución de la Enfermedad por el virus del Chikungunya en pacientes con Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico

Introducción: La Enfermedad por el virus del Chikungunya (CHIKV) es una virosis que se caracteriza por fiebre acompañada de dolores articulares. La epidemia de esta enfermedad en los últimos dos años causó más de cien mil casos confirmados y sospechosos, incluido personas con Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico (LES). Objetivo: Los objetivos del siguiente trabajo consistieron en determinar la evolución de la Enfermedad por el CHIKV en pacientes con LES, caracterizar a la población incluida en el estudio, determinar la frecuencia de la Enfermedad por el CHIKV en pacientes con LES, describir las manifestaciones clínicas de la Enfermedad por el CHIKV en pacientes con LES y registrar la impresión de los pacientes en relación con la actividad de la enfermedad y las manifestaciones clínicas que aparecieron posterior a la Enfermedad por el CHIKV. Metodología: El estudio realizado fue de tipo descriptivo de corte transversal. Se incluyeron 101 pacientes con Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico, a quienes se les encuestó mediante un formulario virtual. Los investigadores establecieron contacto con los pacientes a través de llamadas telefónicas o mensajería, y si los pacientes aceptaban participar en el estudio, se les enviaba el formulario o, en algunos casos, se completaba durante la llamada telefónica, si el paciente lo solicitaba. Resultados: El valor de la media de edad es de 38,2 ± 11,8 años. El 85,1% (86/101) de los pacientes corresponden al sexo femenino, mientras que el 14,9% (15/101) corresponde al sexo masculino. El 37,6% (38/101) presentó la enfermedad por el CHIKV, la cual se caracterizó en la fase aguda por la presencia de artralgias en un 84,2% (32/38), fiebre en un 71,1% (27/38), debilidad en un 57,9% (22/38) y cefalea en un 55,3% (21/38). En la fase subaguda, las artralgias se manifestaron mayoritariamente en un 73,7% (28/38) de los pacientes. La fase crónica estuvo presente en el 71,1% (27/38) con la persistencia de artralgias en un 81,48% (22/27) de los pacientes acompañada de otros síntomas como la artritis en un 40,74% (11/27). A causa de la enfermedad por el CHIKV, el 21,1% (8/38) recibió la indicación en la fase subaguda o crónica de realizar cambios en su medicación para el LES. El 62,5% (5/8) recibió la indicación de aumentar la dosis del corticoesteroide, mientras que el 50% (4/8) de aumentar la dosis del inmunosupresor. Según la impresión de los pacientes, en cuanto a la actividad de la enfermedad de base, posterior a la enfermedad por el CHIKV, presentaron una exacerbación del LES en un 10,5% (4/38) de los pacientes, de los cuales un 50% (2/4) refirieron exacerbación de síntomas ya existentes antes de la infección y la aparición de nuevos síntomas en un 50% (2/4). El 5,2% (2/38) tuvo requerimiento de hospitalización debido a la enfermedad por el CHIKV en la fase aguda. Conclusión: Las artralgias fueron frecuentes en las fases aguda, subaguda y crónica. En términos de tratamiento, algunos pacientes ajustaron sus medicaciones para el LES, aumentando la dosis de inmunosupresores o corticoides. En cuanto a la evolución, la mayoría de los pacientes no experimentaron una exacerbación de la enfermedad de base debido a la enfermedad por el CHIKV, al igual que solo un par de pacientes requirió hospitalización.

Introduction: Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) disease is a viral disease characterised by fever accompanied by joint pain. The epidemic of this disease in the last two years has caused more than 100,000 confirmed and suspected cases, including people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Objective: The objectives of the following work were to determine the evolution of CHIKV disease in patients with SLE, to characterise the study population, to determine the frequency of CHIKV disease in patients with SLE, to describe the clinical manifestations of CIHKV disease in patients with SLES, and to record the patients' impression of disease activity in relation to CHIKV disease in patients with SLE. Methodology: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study. It included 101 patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, who were surveyed using a virtual form. The investigators contacted patients by phone calls or messages, and if patients agreed to enter the study, the form was sent to them or, in some cases, completed during the telephone call, if requested by the patient. Results: The mean age value is 38.2 ± 11.8 years. The female sex accounted for 85.1% (86/101) of the patients, while 14.9% (15/101) were male. Chikungunya virus disease occurred in 37.6% (38/101) and was characterised in the acute phase by arthralgias in 84.2% (32/38), fever in 71.1% (27/38), weakness in 57.9% (22/38) and headache in 55.3% (21/38). In the subacute phase, arthralgias manifested in 73.7% (28/38) of patients. The chronic phase was present in 71.1% (27/38) with persistence of arthralgias in 81.48% (22/27) of patients accompanied by other symptoms such as arthritis in 40.74% (11/27). Due to CHIKV disease, 21.1% (8/38) received an indication in the subacute or chronic phase to make changes in their medication for SLE. 62.5% (5/8) received an indication to increase the dose of corticosteroid, while 50% (4/8) received an indication to increase the dose of immunosuppressant. According to the patients' impression of the baseline disease activity following CHIKV disease, patients reported an exacerbation of SLE in 10.5% (4/38) of patients, of whom 50% (2/4) reported exacerbation of symptoms already existing before infection, the appearance of new symptoms in 50% (2/4). Only 5.2% (2/38) referred to hospitalization due to CHKV disease in the acute phase. Conclusion: Arthralgias were frequent in the acute, subacute, and chronic phases. In terms of treatment, some patients adjusted their SLE medications, increasing the dose of immunosuppressants or corticosteroids. In terms of evolution, most patients did not experience an exacerbation of their baseline disease due to CHIKV disease, and only a couple of patients required hospitalization.

An international survey of current management practices for polymyalgia rheumatica by general practitioners and rheumatologists.

OBJECTIVES: To explore current management practices for PMR by general practitioners (GPs) and rheumatologists including implications for clinical trial recruitment. METHODS: An English language questionnaire was constructed by a working group of rheumatologists and GPs from six countries. The questionnaire focused on: 1: Respondent characteristics; 2: Referral practices; 3: Treatment with glucocorticoids; 4: Diagnostics; 5: Comorbidities; and 6: Barriers to research. The questionnaire was distributed to rheumatologists and GPs worldwide via members of the International PMR/Giant Cell Arteritis Study Group. RESULTS: In total, 394 GPs and 937 rheumatologists responded to the survey. GPs referred a median of 25% of their suspected PMR patients for diagnosis and 50% of these were returned to their GP for management. In general, 39% of rheumatologists evaluated patients with suspected PMR >2 weeks after referral, and a median of 50% of patients had started prednisolone before rheumatologist evaluation. Direct comparison of initial treatment showed that the percentage prescribing >25 mg prednisolone daily for patients was 30% for GPs and 12% for rheumatologists. Diagnostic imaging was rarely used. More than half (56%) of rheumatologists experienced difficulties recruiting people with PMR to clinical trials. CONCLUSION: This large international survey indicates that a large proportion of people with PMR are not referred for diagnosis, and that the proportion of treatment-naive patients declined with increasing time from referral to assessment. Strategies are needed to change referral and management of people with PMR, to improve clinical practice and facilitate recruitment to clinical trials.

Rheumatology Training in Latin America: A Collaborative Study by the Pan American League of Associations for Rheumatology.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Demand for rheumatology care has steadily increased in recent years. The number of specialists in this field, however, seems insufficient. No recent studies have diagnosed the attributes of rheumatology training in Latin America. METHODS: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. We obtained data on each country through local rheumatologists of the Pan-American League Against Rheumatism, who acted as principal investigators for participating countries. Our sample was analyzed and described through means and standard deviations or through frequencies and percentages, depending on the variable. RESULTS: Countries with the most rheumatology-training programs were Brazil (n = 50), Argentina (n = 18), and Mexico (n = 15). Ecuador, Honduras, and Nicaragua do not have rheumatology-training programs. The countries with the most available slots for rheumatology residents were Brazil (n = 126) and Argentina (n = 36). To be admitted into rheumatology training, candidates were required to have completed graduate studies in internal medicine in 42.1% of the programs. In 8 countries (42.1%), residents are not required to pay tuition; the median cost of tuition in the remaining countries is US $528 (interquartile range, US $2153). CONCLUSIONS: Conditions associated with rheumatology training in Latin America vary. Significant differences exist in income and tuition fees for residents, for example, and 4 countries in Latin America do not currently offer programs. Information collected in this study will be useful when comparing the status of rheumatology services offered in Latin America with those in other countries. Most countries require a wider offering of rheumatology-training programs, as well as more available slots.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on patients with rheumatic diseases in Latin America.

The objective of our study was to describe knowledge, attitudes and practices of Latin-American rheumatology patients regarding management and follow-up of their disease during COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using a digital anonymous survey. Rheumatic patients ≥ 18 years from non-English-speaking PANLAR countries were included. Our survey included 3502 rheumatic patients living in more than 19 Latin-American countries. Median age of patients was 45.8(36-55) years and the majority (88.9%) was female. Most frequently self-reported disease was rheumatoid arthritis (48.4%). At least one anti-rheumatic treatment was suspended by 23.4% of patients. Fear of contracting SARS-Cov2 (27.7%) and economic issues (25%) were the most common reasons for drug discontinuation. Self-rated disease activity increased from 30 (7-50) to 45 (10-70) points during the pandemic. Communication with their rheumatologist during the pandemic was required by 55.6% of patients, mainly by telephone calls (50.2%) and social network messages (47.8%). An adequate knowledge about COVID-19 was observed in 43% of patients. Patients with rheumatic diseases in Latin America were negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. An increase in self-rated disease activity, a reduction in medication adherence, and hurdles for medical follow-up were reported. Teleconsultation was perceived as a valid alternative to in-person visits during the pandemic.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Rheumatology Practice in Latin America.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on Latin American rheumatologists from a professional, economic, and occupational point of view. METHODS: We conducted an observational cross-sectional study using an online survey sent to rheumatologists of each non-English-speaking country member of the Pan American League of Rheumatology Associations (PANLAR). A specific questionnaire was developed. RESULTS: Our survey included 1097 rheumatologists from 19 Latin American countries. Median (IQR) age of respondents was 48 (40-59) years and 618 (56.3%) were female. Duration of practice since graduation as a rheumatologist was 17 years, and 585 (53.3%) were aged < 50 years. Most rheumatologists worked in private practice (81.8%) and almost half worked in institutional outpatient centers (55%) and inpatient care (49.9%). The median number of weekly hours (IQR) of face-to-face practice before the pandemic was 27 (15-40) hours, but was reduced to 10 (5-20) hours during the pandemic. Telehealth was used by 866 (78.9%) respondents during the pandemic. Most common methods of communication were video calls (555; 50.6%), telephone calls (499; 45.5%), and WhatsApp voice calls (423; 38.6%). A reduction in monthly wages was reported by 946 (86.2%) respondents. Consultation fees also were reduced and 88 (8%) rheumatologists stated they had lost their jobs. A reduction in patient adherence to medication was reported by nearly 50% of respondents. Eighty-one (7.4%) rheumatologists received a COVID-19 diagnosis and 7 (8.6%) of them were hospitalized. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped rheumatology practice in Latin America and has had a profound effect on rheumatologists' behaviors and clinical practice.

Current status of the rheumatologists' workforce in Latin America: a PANLAR collaborative study.

INTRODUCTION: Studies conducted by various scientific societies have shown that the demand for specialized rheumatology care is greater than the projected growth of the workforce. Our research aims to assess the current status of the rheumatology workforce in Latin America. METHOD: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study. A survey was created on the RedCap platform. Data were analyzed with STATA 15® Software. We present descriptive analyses. The rate of inhabitants per rheumatologist was calculated using the number of rheumatologists practicing in each country and the inhabitants for year 2020. RESULTS: Our sample was composed by 19 PANLAR member countries in Latin America. Latin America has one rheumatologist per 106,838 inhabitants. The highest rate of rheumatologist per inhabitants was found in Uruguay (1 per 27,426 inhabitants), and the lowest was found in Nicaragua (1 per 640,648 inhabitants). Mean age was 51.59 (SD12.70), ranging between 28 and 96 years of age. Mean monthly compensation was USD $2382.6 (SD$1462.5). The country with lowest salary was Venezuela ($197), whereas the highest was Costa Rica ($4500). CONCLUSIONS: There is a high variability in rheumatologists' workforce characteristics in Latin America. These results could lead to policies aiming to increase the availability and income of rheumatologists, in order to increase opportunity and quality of care of patients living with rheumatic diseases. Key Points • The rheumatologists' workforce varies significantly among Latin American countries. • The supply of rheumatologists is insufficient for meeting the increasing need for specialists in this field.

Design of an algorithm for the diagnostic approach of patients with joint pain.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatic diseases are a reason for frequent consultation with primary care doctors. Unfortunately, there is a high percentage of misdiagnosis. OBJECTIVE: To design an algorithm to be used by primary care physicians to improve the diagnostic approach of the patient with joint pain, and thus improve the diagnostic capacity in four rheumatic diseases. METHODS: Based on the information obtained from a literature review, we identified the main symptoms, signs, and paraclinical tests related to the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis with peripheral involvement, systemic lupus erythematosus with joint involvement, and osteoarthritis. We conducted 3 consultations with a group of expert rheumatologists, using the Delphi technique, to design a diagnostic algorithm that has as a starting point "joint pain" as a common symptom for the four diseases. RESULTS: Thirty-nine rheumatologists from 18 countries of Ibero-America participated in the Delphi exercise. In the first consultation, we presented 94 items to the experts (35 symptoms, 31 signs, and 28 paraclinical tests) candidates to be part of the algorithm; 74 items (25 symptoms, 27 signs, and 22 paraclinical tests) were chosen. In the second consultation, the decision nodes of the algorithm were chosen, and in the third, its final structure was defined. The Delphi exercise lasted 8 months; 100% of the experts participated in the three consultations. CONCLUSION: We present an algorithm designed through an international consensus of experts, in which Delphi methodology was used, to support primary care physicians in the clinical approach to patients with joint pain. Key Points • We developed an algorithm with the participation of rheumatologists from 18 countries of Ibero-America, which gives a global vision of the clinical context of the patient with joint pain. • We integrated four rheumatic diseases into one tool with one common symptom: joint pain. It is a novel tool, as it is the first algorithm that will support the primary care physician in the consideration of four different rheumatic diseases. • It will improve the correct diagnosis and reduce the number of paraclinical tests requested by primary care physicians, in the management of patients with joint pain. This point was verified in a recently published study in the journal Rheumatology International (reference number 31).

Prevalencia de valores inadecuados de vitamina D y factores de riesgo asociados en jóvenes universitarios de Asunción / Prevalence of inadequate vitamin D values and associated risk factors in university students of the city of Asunción

La vitamina D es una hormona cumple una función en la regulación de numerosos genes que participan en la proliferación y maduración celular. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la prevalencia de valores inadecuados de esta vitamina en jóvenes sanos de Asunción e identificar los posibles factores de riesgo asociados. Estudio observacional descriptivo basado en datos clínico-epidemiológicos y en la determinación de la 25-hidroxivitamina D (25-OH vitamina D) por el método de quimioluminiscencia (CMIA). Se consideró valor adecuado ≥30 ng/dl, inadecuado por debajo de este rango y deficiente ≤20 ng/dl. El análisis estadístico se realizó con el programa R-proyect. Para establecer factores de riesgo para tener deficiencia de vitamina D se utilizó regresión logística bi y multivariante. Se incluyeron 817 jóvenes universitarios de edad promedio 21 años. La concentración de vitamina D tuvo una media de 25 ± 8 ng/dl, oscilando entre 64,3 y 2,4 ng/dl. El 75,5% de los participantes tenían valores inadecuados de vitamina D. La deficiencia de vitamina D fue significativamente (p = 0,006) más frecuente en mujeres, personas con sobrepeso (p = 0,03), con falta de exposición al sol (p = 0,001) y con sedentarismo (p = 0,0001). Este estudio confirma la elevada prevalencia de valores inadecuados de vitamina D en nuestro país y permite definir un perfil de muy alto riesgo para las jóvenes sedentarias y con sobrepeso, lo que justifica una atención especial de parte de los médicos y las instituciones responsables de la salud pública en nuestro país(AU)

Vitamin D is a hormone that plays a role in the regulation of numerous genes involved in cell proliferation and maturation. The objective of this work was to determine the prevalence of inadequate values of this vitamin in healthy young people of the city of Asunción and to identify the possible risk factors associated with it. Descriptive observational study based on clinical-epidemiological data and in the determination of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH vitamin D) by the chemiluminescence method (CMIA). It was considered appropriate values ≥30 ng/dl, inappropriate below this range and deficient <20 ng/dl. Statistical analyzes were carried out with the R-project program. To establish the association, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was used. We included 817 university students with an average age of 21 years. The average value of the vitamin D concentration was 25 ± 8 ng/dl, ranging from 64.3 to 2.4 ng/dl. Inadequate vitamin D values were found in 75.5% of the participants. Vitamin D deficiency was significantly (p <0.006) more frequent in women, overweight people (p <0.03), lack of sun exposure (p = 0.001) and sedentary lifestyle (p = 0.0001). This study confirms the high prevalence of inadequate vitamin D values in our country and allows us to define a very high risk profile for sedentary and overweight young women, which justifies special attention from physicians and institutions responsible for public health in our country(AU)

Del levantamiento de demandas y necesidades a la elaboración de un sistema de aseguramiento de calidad en la formación medica / About the obtainment of demands and needs to the development of a quality assurance system in medical training

Teniendo en cuenta que la evaluación en la FCM-UNA está expresada a través un conjunto de reglamentos y normativas que la reducen a un puro formalismo, y no existiendo políticas claras que otorguen un marco referencial a la evaluación; adquiere suma importancia el conocimiento de la percepción de los docentes sobre sus procesos evaluativos. Para abordar esta necesidad institucional y contribuir a su solución, hemos desarrollado una investigación cualitativa, con enfoque hermenéutico, de interés comprensivo/fenomenológico. La población de estudio la constituyen los docentes universitarios de la UNA; particularmente, la muestra está dada por los académicos de la FCM-UNA, por cuanto el objeto de estudio es la percepción de los docentes de la FCM-UNA sobre la evaluación de los logros de aprendizaje y el supuesto fundamental del problema es que la percepción en relación a la evaluación es distinta según la experiencia y nivel académico en que desarrollan su docencia. Por lo mismo, en este estudio se determinaron seis casos de estudio lo que sirve a los investigadores para aproximarse a los actores relevantes porque ilustran y permiten comprender la percepción de los docentes en relación a la evaluación de logros de aprendizaje. A partir del problema de investigación, se determinaron las dimensiones: concepto, objeto, modo, modalidad, propósito y evidencia de la evaluación de logros de aprendizaje, se organizan los ámbitos y se construyen los descriptores. Las técnicas elegidas por los investigadores y que se adecuan al propósito de esta investigación son: la observación y la entrevista semiestructurada. Se realiza la observación directa cumpliendo un propósito exploratorio, con el fin de identificar in situ algunas prácticas docentes. Para lograr la comprensión más profunda del problema se realizaron entrevistas con el fin de levantar, caracterizar, comprender, significar, interpretar y analizar el discurso de los docentes. Se efectúa el análisis de contenido subordinadas a la intención y al problema de investigación, siguiendo las diferentes etapas: Validación de los datos transcriptos y codificados; categorización de la información de observaciones y entrevistas; producción de conglomerados de significantes: matrices; y la interpretación de los resultados. La interpretación de la información permitió develar que no se evidencia reflexión crítica sobre el proceso de evaluación. La percepción que tienen de este proceso, pone de manifiesto que las posibilidades formativas de la evaluación se dejan de lado, a favor de un significado más bien métrico y acreditativo. Se evidencia el énfasis que hacen algunos docentes sobre las bondades de la evaluación formativa, pero en su práctica ha sido superada por la evaluación sumativa, con un desconocimiento sobre los verdaderos propósitos de la evaluación, no realizan retroalimentación. Atendiendo al propósito de la investigación se hacen recomendaciones y propuestas.

Given that the assessment in the FCM-UNA is expressed through a set of rules and regulations that reduce it to a mere formality, and not having clear policies that will provide a benchmark assessment framework; it becomes extremely important to know the perception of teachers on their evaluation processes. In order to approach this institutional need and contribute to the solution, we have developed a qualitative research, with a hermeneutic approach and comprehensive/phenomenological interest. The study population were university teachers of the UNA; particularly, the sample was consisted of the academics of the FCM-UNA, because the object of study is the perception of teachers of the FCM-UNA on the assessment of learning achievements and the fundamental postulation of the problem is that the perception in relation to the assessment it is different depending on experience and academic standards in developing their teaching. Therefore, in this study, six case studies have been determined which served researchers to approach relevant actors because they illustrate and allow to understand the perception of teachers in relation to the assessment of learning achievements. From the research problem, the dimensions determined were: concept, object, way, modality, purpose and evidence of the assessment of learning achievement, the areas are organized and descriptors are built. The techniques used by researchers that suit the purpose of this research are: observation and semi-structured interview. Direct observation was performed by following an exploratory purpose, in order to identify on-site some teaching practices. To achieve a deeper understanding of the problem interviews were conducted in order to collect, characterize, understand, signify, interpret and analyze the speech of teachers. Content analysis is carried out, subordinated to the intent and to the research problem, following different stages: Validation of transcripts and coded data; categorization of information of observations and interviews; production of conglomerates of significants: matrixes; and the interpretation of results. The interpretation of data allowed revealing that no critical reflection on the evaluation process is evident. The perception of this process shows that the educational possibilities of evaluation are put aside in favor of a rather metric and certifying meaning. The emphasis made by some teachers about the benefits of formative assessment is evident, but in practice has been overtaken by the summative evaluation, with ignorance about the real purposes of evaluation, they do not perform feedback. Considering the purpose of the research, recommendations and proposals are made.