Interobserver reliability of Masei index validation by a multicenter collaborative group of rheumatologists.

MASEI is the main validated ultrasound score for the evaluation of enthesis. The lack of studies facing the agreement to achieve for the interpretation of the MAdrid Sonographic Enthesis Index (MASEI) among researchers from different centers in multicenter studies is of concern. The aim of this multicenter was to evaluate the interobserver reliability of MASEI. An experienced ultrasonographer-rheumatologist performed ultrasound scans of the areas included in MASEI index in three patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis and Psoriatic Arthritis. Videos were captured. The videos were then evaluated by 24 rheumatologists of the ultrasound working group of the Catalan Society of Rheumatology (EcoCAT). A face-to-face training meeting was held. Ten days after the workshop, the study participants evaluated the videos. A reliability assessment was performed. The ICC for the MASEI scores after the workshop was of 0.97 (95% CI 89-99). Reliability did not vary statistically with examiner experience. Globally, no problems of reliability by structures were seen, and all the ICCs were above 0.90 and improved slightly after the educational program. However, the correlation observed between examiners at plantar aponeursis and triceps tendon was weak. The small variability observed in the results of the index validation in our study, suggests that the MASEI index is reproducible by different observers when those are well trained and show awesome results of the enthesis when examined by ultrasound.

Role of HLA-B27 in the comorbidities observed in Axial Spondyloarthritis: Data from COMOSPA.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the potential association between the presence of HLA-B27 and the different comorbidities observed in Axial Spondyloarthritis patients. METHODS: A comparative cross-sectional study including Axial Spondyloarthritis patients from COMOSPA registry. COMOSPA is a worldwide registry that includes a wide set of anthropometric and clinical variables from 3984 patients with Spondyloarthritis. The registry also includes the most frequent comorbidities observed in Spondyloarthitis such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, heart ischemic disease, stroke, renal failure, neoplasms, peptic ulcer, diverticulitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and the presence of osteoporosis. A descriptive analysis and a multiple logistic regression model was performed including all variables assessed. RESULTS: 2370 patients fulfilled ASAS criteria of Axial Spondyloarthritis patients and were included in the study. 1858 (78.4%) of them were HLA-B27 positive. HLA-B27 positive Axial Spondyloarthritis patients presented significantly higher percentage of male sex, longer disease duration, higher percentage of definite Ankylosing Spondylitis, higher CRP levels, and were also more frequent tobacco consumers and excessive alcohol intakers compared to the negatives. However, disease activity measured by BASDAI, BASFI and ASDAS-CRP were all significantly higher in the HLA-B27 negative patients compared to the positive ones. The only association observed between any comorbidity and presence of HLA-B27 genotype was the presence of osteoporosis, even after adjusting in the multivariate analysis for all variables assessed. CONCLUSION: The association observed between the HLA-B27 genotype and the presence of osteoporosis in Axial Spondyloarthritis patients could be of great relevance given the impact of osteoporosis in the phenotypical frame of these patients.

Etoricoxib in ankylosing spondylitis: is there a role for active patients refractory to traditional NSAIDs?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of etoricoxib in patients with axial ankylosing spondyloarthritis (AS) refractory to traditional NSAIDs. METHODS: This was an open label, multicentric, randomised, prospective (4 weeks with and open extension to 6 months), non-controlled study. Consecutive patients with axial AS refractory to traditional NSAID eligible for anti-TNF-α therapy were selected. The primary outcomes were the rate of patients with good clinical response (not eligible for anti-TNF-α therapy after etoricoxib) and the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society response criteria for biologic therapies (ASASBIO) response at 4 weeks. Secondary outcomes included: ASAS20 and 40 responses, ASDAS-CRP response, BASDAI, BASFI, back and night back pain, global patient and physician assessment of the disease, and biologic parameters like C-reactive protein (CRP) at 2, 4 weeks and 6 months. RESULTS: A total of 57 axial AS patients were recruited, 46 men, with mean age of 43 years. After 4 weeks of treatment, 26 patients (46%) achieved a good clinical response and 11 (20%) an ASASBIO response. These results at 24 weeks were 19 (33%) and 13 (23%) respectively. All individual clinical variables improved significantly after 4 weeks of treatment. CRP serum levels decreased after 4 weeks but reached no statistical significance, although 30% of patients showed a normalisation of CRP. CONCLUSIONS: Etoricoxib provided a clear clinical improvement in around a third of patients with axial AS refractory to traditional NSAIDs. Special care should be required when deciding to start anti-TNF-α therapy; it seems reasonable to keep in mind these results of etoricoxib treatment.

Experiencia de 4 años de funcionamiento de una unidad multidisciplinar de psoriasis y artritis psoriásica / A report of 4 years of experience of a multidisciplinary unit of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis

Introducción y objetivos: La afectación articular en los pacientes con psoriasis puede llegar hasta el 30%. El diagnóstico y tratamiento precoz de la artropatía puede influenciar su evolución. El objetivo de nuestro trabajo es describir la experiencia de la unidad multidisciplinar de psoriasis y artritis psoriásica de nuestro hospital en el periodo 2009-2012. Material y métodos: Elaboración de un programa asistencial y docente. En una primera fase se consensuaron los criterios de derivación a la futura unidad y se realizaron varias reuniones conjuntas para formar y concienciar a los especialistas. En una segunda fase se estableció una agenda de visitas conjunta psoriasis-reumato-dermato (PSORD) con periodicidad mensual. A partir de 2011 se desarrolló un programa formativo abierto a dermatólogos y reumatólogos interesados en crear un modelo de colaboración similar. Resultados: Durante el periodo revisado se han efectuado 259 visitas (71% primeras, 8% no presentados) con una media de 8 (2-14) visitas por ses ón. El 63% de visitas eran derivaciones de reumatología. En un 32% de casos hubo algún cambio en el diagnóstico y en un 47% cambios en el tratamiento. También se han hecho 3 cursos con participación de 15 médicos de 6 hospitales, y en 3 de ellos se han creado unidades parecidas. Conclusiones: Este modelo ha comportado una mejora en el manejo de los pacientes que presentan problemas diagnósticos y/o de control de la enfermedad. También ha aumentado el diagnóstico precoz de la artritis y ha permitido indicar un tratamiento precoz. Además ha aumentado la colaboración entre ambas especialidades y el modelo creado se ha podido exportar a otros hospitales (AU)

Introduction and objectives: Up to 30% of patients with psoriasis develop joint disease, the course of which can be improved by early diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study was to describe our experience with a new multidisciplinary psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis unit over a period of 4 years (2009-2012). Material and methods: Implementation of a PSOriasis Rheumatology and Dermatology unit (PSORD) to provide patient care and physician training. In the first phase of the project, referral criteria for the unit were defined and several meetings were organized to train and prepare the specialists involved in the program. In the second phase, a schedule was drawn up for monthly patient visits with the PSORD team. Starting in 2011, training was offered to dermatologists and rheumatologists from other hospitals interested in implementing a similar model. Results: A total of 259 visits (71% first visits, 8% no-shows) were scheduled during the period analyzed, with a median of 8 visits (range, 2-14 visits per session. Sixty-three percent of the patients were referred from the rheumatology department. Diagnosis and treatment were modified in 32% and 47% of cases respectively. Three training courses were held with 15 physicians from 6 hospitals, 3 of which created similar units. Conclusions: The PSORD model improved the management of difficult-to-diagnose and/or uncontrolled disease, the early diagnosis and treatment of psoriatic arthritis, and collaboration between dermatologists and rheumatologists. Finally, the model lends itself to being exported to other settings (AU)

A report of 4 years of experience of a multidisciplinary unit of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Up to 30% of patients with psoriasis develop joint disease, the course of which can be improved by early diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study was to describe our experience with a new multidisciplinary psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis unit over a period of 4 years (2009-2012). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Implementation of a PSOriasis Rheumatology and Dermatology unit (PSORD) to provide patient care and physician training. In the first phase of the project, referral criteria for the unit were defined and several meetings were organized to train and prepare the specialists involved in the program. In the second phase, a schedule was drawn up for monthly patient visits with the PSORD team. Starting in 2011, training was offered to dermatologists and rheumatologists from other hospitals interested in implementing a similar model. RESULTS: A total of 259 visits (71% first visits, 8% no-shows) were scheduled during the period analyzed, with a median of 8 visits (range, 2-14 visits) per session. Sixty-three percent of the patients were referred from the rheumatology department. Diagnosis and treatment were modified in 32% and 47% of cases, respectively. Three training courses were held with 15 physicians from 6 hospitals, 3 of which created similar units. CONCLUSIONS: The PSORD model improved the management of difficult-to-diagnose and/or uncontrolled disease, the early diagnosis and treatment of psoriatic arthritis, and collaboration between dermatologists and rheumatologists. Finally, the model lends itself to being exported to other settings.

La terapia anti-TNF en la espondilitis anquilosante (EA). ¿Es posible suspender el tratamiento? / No disponible

No disponible