Patients with Axial Spondyloarthritis are Great Consumers of Healthcare Resources, Especially Young and Women: Results from the Spanish Atlas.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to assess high healthcare utilization over 1 year in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and factors associated with increased healthcare utilization. METHODS: A total of 530 unselected patients with axSpA from the Atlas of Axial Spondyloarthritis in Spain-who had used at least one healthcare resource-were included in the present study. Total health care utilization was obtained from the total number of healthcare visits, medical tests, hospital admissions and emergency visits, during the 12 months prior to the survey. Linear regression was used to analyse possible factors associated with higher healthcare utilization. RESULTS: A total of 530 patients with axSpA participated in this study: mean age was 45.3 years and 51.1% were female. In the previous 12 months, 77.9% (n = 530) used at least one healthcare resource, with the median healthcare utilization at 25. In the multiple linear regression, the only categorical factor associated with higher healthcare utilization was female gender (ß = 12.854), while the continuous factors associated with higher healthcare utilization were higher disease activity (ß = 3.378), longer diagnostic delay (ß = 0.959), younger age (ß = - 0.737) and greater functional limitation (ß = 0.576). CONCLUSION: Half of patients with axSpA used 25 or more healthcare resources during 1 year. Higher healthcare utilization was associated with younger age, female gender, greater disease activity, higher functional limitation and longer diagnostic delay. Optimal monitoring of patients with axSpA may help to reduce their healthcare utilization.

Cognitive Training Modulates Brain Hypersynchrony in a Population at Risk for Alzheimer's Disease.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies demonstrated that brain hypersynchrony is an early sign of dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD) that can represent a proxy for clinical progression. Conversely, non-pharmacological interventions, such as cognitive training (COGTR), are associated with cognitive gains that may be underpinned by a neuroprotective effect on brain synchrony. OBJECTIVE: To study the potential of COGTR to modulate brain synchrony and to eventually revert the hypersynchrony phenomenon that characterizes preclinical AD. METHODS: The effect of COGTR was examined in a sample of healthy controls (HC, n = 41, 22 trained) and individuals with subjective cognitive decline (SCD, n = 49, 24 trained). Magnetoencephalographic activity and neuropsychological scores were acquired before and after a ten-week COGTR intervention aimed at improving cognitive function and daily living performance. Functional connectivity (FC) was analyzed using the phase-locking value. A mixed-effects ANOVA model with factors time (pre-intervention/post-intervention), training (trained/non-trained), and diagnosis (HC/SCD) was used to investigate significant changes in FC. RESULTS: We found an average increase in alpha-band FC over time, but the effect was different in each group (trained and non-trained). In the trained group (HC and SCD), we report a reduction in the increase in FC within temporo-parietal and temporo-occipital connections. In the trained SCD group, this reduction was stronger and showed a tentative correlation with improved performance in different cognitive tests. CONCLUSION: COGTR interventions could mitigate aberrant increases in FC in preclinical AD, promoting brain synchrony normalization in groups at a higher risk of developing dementia.

Understanding the Disease Burden of Unemployed Patients With Axial Spondyloarthritis: Results From the Spanish Atlas 2017.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate differences in sociodemographic factors and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) between unemployed and employed patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), and to explore work-related issues (WRIs). METHODS: Data from an online survey of 680 unselected patients of the Atlas of Axial Spondyloarthritis in Spain 2017 were analyzed. Active workforce participants were divided into employed and unemployed groups according to International Labour Organization definitions. Sociodemographic characteristics, PROs (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index [0-10], Spinal Stiffness Index [3-12], Functional Limitation Index [0-54], and psychological distress through the 12-item General Health Questionnaire [0-12]) were assessed. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association with unemployment status. RESULTS: Four hundred fifteen (63.6%) patients with axSpA were categorized in the active population, of which 325 (78.3%) were employed and 90 (21.7%) unemployed. Of the unemployed patients, 62.8% (n = 54) declared that their joblessness was due to axSpA. Of the employed patients, 170 (54.3%) reported WRIs in the year prior to the survey, the most frequent being difficulty fulfilling working hours (44.1%), missing work for doctor appointments (42.9%), and taking sick leave (37.1%). Being unemployed was associated with lower educational level (OR = 2.92), disease activity (OR = 1.37), spinal stiffness (OR = 1.21), functional limitation (OR = 1.05), worse mental health (OR = 1.15), anxiety (OR = 2.02), and depression (OR = 2.69) in the univariable models; and with lower educational level (OR = 2.76) and worse mental health (OR = 1.15) in the multivariable analysis. CONCLUSION: Results show significant differences between employed and unemployed patients with axSpA. Employed patients with axSpA endure many problems at work related to their condition, whereas unemployed patients present worse disease outcomes associated with greater psychological distress.

A Benchmarking Study Evaluating Axial Spondyloarthritis Burden in Spain and Other European Countries. Results from the Spanish Atlas and the European Map of Axial Spondyloarthritis (EMAS) Studies.

AIM: To compare the burden of disease in Spanish patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) vs other European countries (OEC). METHODS: Data from 2846 unselected patients from the European Map of Axial Spondyloarthritis (EMAS) and the Atlas of Axial Spondyloarthritis in Spain (Atlas) were collected through online surveys. Comparative analysis was carried out between Spanish patients (2016) and patients from 12 OEC ( 2017-2018). Socio-demographic characteristics, life habits, and patient-reported outcomes (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index 0-10, spinal stiffness 3-12, functional limitation 0-54, the 12-Item General Health Questionnaire [GHQ-12] for psychological distress 0-12) were compared. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests were used for qualitative and quantitative variables respectively. RESULTS: 680 (23.9%) Spanish axSpA patients were compared to 2166 axSpA patients (76.1%) from OEC. Compared to Spain, the OEC group had a higher percentage of females (64.1% vs 52.5%; P < .001) and university-educated participants (51.7% vs 36.9%; P < .001). Spanish patients showed a greater diagnostic delay (8.5 ± 7.7 vs 7.2 ± 8.6 years; P < .001), visits to orthopedic specialists before diagnosis (56.9% vs 25.3%; P < .001), human leukocyte antigen-B27 carriership (77.1% vs 70.1%; P = .003), disease activity (5.7 ± 2.0 vs 5.4 ± 2.0; P = .024), and higher unemployment rates (21.7% vs 9.2%; P < .001). Despite lower rates of diagnosed anxiety and depression, Spanish patients were at higher risk of psychological distress according to the GHQ-12 (5.7 ± 4.5 vs 4.8 ± 4.0; P < .001). CONCLUSION: Compared to European axSpA patients, Spanish patients experience a longer diagnostic delay and greater psychological distress. Being wrongly referred to orthopedic specialists and facing a more precarious labor scenario appear as possible causal factors, highlighting the need to increase the number of rheumatologists, the training of healthcare professionals, and improving axSpA patients' working conditions.

Delphi-based recommendations for the management of cardiovascular comorbidities in patients with psoriatic arthritis and moderate-to-severe psoriasis.

The aim of this study was to generate practical recommendations to assist rheumatologists and dermatologists in the management of cardiovascular (CV) comorbidities in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis (MS-PSO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). A two-round Delphi study was conducted. A panel of experts rated their agreement with a set of statements (n = 52) on a nine-point Likert scale (1 = totally disagree; 9 = totally agree). Statements were classified as inappropriate (median 1-3), irrelevant (median 4-6) or appropriate (median 7-9). Consensus was established when at least two-thirds of the panel responded with a score within any one range. A total of 25 experts, 60% rheumatologists and 40% dermatologists, participated in two consultation rounds. There was overall unanimity on the appropriateness of an initial assessment for CV risk factors in all patients with MS-PSO and PsA. Most panelists (88.0%) also supported the evaluation of patients' psychological and physical status. Additionally, most panelists (72.2%) agreed on a novel sequential approach for the management of CV comorbidities. This sequence starts with the assessment of hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia along with the identification of depression and anxiety disorders. Once these factors are under control, smoking cessation programs might be initiated. Finally, if patients have not met weight loss goals with lifestyle modifications, they should receive specialized treatment for obesity. This study has drawn up a set of practical recommendations that will facilitate the management of CV comorbidities in patients with MS-PSO and PsA.

Quejas de memoria: salud mental, enfermedades, dolor y soledad. Estudio poblacional en la ciudad de Madrid / Memory complaints: mental health, diseases, pain and loneliness. A population study in the city of Madrid

Introducción: Las quejas subjetivas de memoria (QSM) se consideran predictoras del deterioro cognitivo, pero se asocian también a otros factores; los sociales y los hábitos de vida han sido los menos estudiados. Objetivo: Valorar las QSM y su asociación con variables epidemiológicas, de salud, sociales y hábitos de vida. Sujetos y métodos: Estudio epidemiológico trasversal de la población de Madrid elegida aleatoriamente según censo. Entrevista telefónica. Población diana: 1.775 mayores de 55 años. Se preguntó sobre QSM, aspectos sociales, económicos, de salud y hábitos de vida. Se administraron el cuestionario de salud general de Goldberg (GHQ) y el cuestionario de calidad de vida COOP-Wonca. Resultados: Encontramos asociación estadísticamente significativa de las QSM con la edad, la orientación temporal, todas las variables relacionadas con la salud mental (depresión), la ansiedad, el sueño, la salud mental/GHQ y la calidad de vida. Se halló asociación con todas las variables que miden el dolor y con sentir soledad. No hubo asociación con enfermedades específicas, excepto con la alergia crónica y las ligadas al dolor. Los predictores de las QSM fueron la orientación temporal, la multimorbilidad, la salud mental/GHQ, la ansiedad, el dolor y el sentir soledad. Conclusiones: Las QSM son un síntoma con múltiples causas. Se asocian a menor rendimiento de la memoria, pero también a variables relacionadas con la salud, los aspectos sociales y el tipo de vida. Ante un paciente con QSM, que pueden deberse al deterioro cognitivo por enfermedad de Alzheimer, deben considerarse estas asociaciones para valorar dicho riesgo y saber cuándo es más necesario un seguimiento

Introduction: Subjective memory complaints (SMC) are considered predictor of cognitive impairment, but are also associated with other factors; social and lifestyle have been the least studied. Aim: To evaluate SMC and their association with epidemiological, health, social and lifestyle variables. Subjects and methods: Cross-sectional epidemiological study of the randomly selected population of Madrid. Telephone interview. Target population: 1,775 over 55 years of age. We asked about QSM, social, economic, health and lifestyle aspects. The Goldberg General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and the COOP-Wonca Quality of Life Questionnaire were administered. Results: We found statistically significant association of SMC with age, temporal orientation, all variables related to mental health (depression), anxiety, sleep, mental health/GHQ, and quality of life. Association was found with all pain variables and with loneliness. There was no association with specific diseases, except chronic allergy and those linked to pain. The predictors of the SMC were temporal orientation, multimorbidity, mental health/GHQ, anxiety, pain and feeling lonely. Conclusions: SMC is a multi-caused symptom. They are associated with lower memory performance, but also with variables related to health, social aspects and lifestyle. When faced with a patient with SMC, which may be due to cognitive impairment because of Alzheimer’s disease, these associations should be taken into account to assess this risk and know when follow-up is most needed

Recomendaciones para la prescripción de ejercicio físico en pacientes con espondiloartritis / Recommendations for the prescription of physical exercise for patients with spondyloarthritis

Objetivos: Desarrollar recomendaciones sobre la actividad física y el ejercicio para pacientes con espondiloartritis (EspA) basadas en la opinión de expertos. Métodos: Dos grupos de expertos, uno de fisioterapeutas, rehabilitadores y profesionales de la actividad física y deporte y otro de reumatólogos con interés en EspA, se reunieron para discutir los resultados de grupos focales con pacientes sobre barreras al ejercicio y de una encuesta a reumatólogos sobre ejercicio en EspA. A continuación se redactaron unas recomendaciones preliminares que fueron sometidas a la opinión de los expertos de ambos grupos mediante metodología Delphi a dos rondas. Resultados: Se emitieron 21 recomendaciones que cubren el ejercicio físico, la adaptación al paciente, el modo de dar los mensajes, el manejo del dolor, el tipo de ejercicios indicado y el seguimiento. El grado de acuerdo varía ligeramente entre los grupos de expertos pero en general fue alto. Los ítems discordantes o con poco acuerdo fueron eliminados del consenso. Conclusiones: Se han emitido recomendaciones sobre cuándo y cómo prescribir ejercicio físico y monitorizarlo en pacientes con EspA basadas en la opinión de expertos en espondilitis y en la prescripción de ejercicio. Deberemos confirmar si estas recomendaciones son útiles para la práctica clínica y tienen efecto en los pacientes con EspA atendidos por reumatólogos

Objective: To develop expert-based recommendations on physical activity and exercise for patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA). Methods: Two discussion groups, one of physical therapists, rehabilitation physicians, and professionals of physical activity and sports, and another of rheumatologists interested in SpA, were held to discuss the results of a survey of rheumatologists on exercise and two focus groups with patients on barriers to exercise. Preliminary recommendations were drafted. These were submitted to the opinion of the experts in both groups according to a two round Delphi methodology. Results: Twenty one recommendations covering general aspects of exercise, adaptation to patient, how to deliver messages, pain management, and type of exercise and monitoring were issued. The level of agreement varied slightly between expert groups but it was high overall. Items with poor agreement were removed from the consensus. Conclusions: We present recommendations on when and how to prescribe and monitor exercise in patients with SpA based on the opinion of experts in exercise and in SpA. We must now test whether these recommendations are useful for clinical practice and have an effect on patients with SpA seen by rheumatologists

Recommendations for the prescription of physical exercise for patients with spondyloarthritis. / Recomendaciones para la prescripción de ejercicio físico en pacientes con espondiloartritis.

OBJECTIVE: To develop expert-based recommendations on physical activity and exercise for patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA). METHODS: Two discussion groups, one of physical therapists, rehabilitation physicians, and professionals of physical activity and sports, and another of rheumatologists interested in SpA, were held to discuss the results of a survey of rheumatologists on exercise and two focus groups with patients on barriers to exercise. Preliminary recommendations were drafted. These were submitted to the opinion of the experts in both groups according to a two round Delphi methodology. RESULTS: Twenty one recommendations covering general aspects of exercise, adaptation to patient, how to deliver messages, pain management, and type of exercise and monitoring were issued. The level of agreement varied slightly between expert groups but it was high overall. Items with poor agreement were removed from the consensus. CONCLUSIONS: We present recommendations on when and how to prescribe and monitor exercise in patients with SpA based on the opinion of experts in exercise and in SpA. We must now test whether these recommendations are useful for clinical practice and have an effect on patients with SpA seen by rheumatologists.

Recomendaciones de la Sociedad Española de Reumatología sobre el uso de terapias biológicas en espondiloartritis axial / Recommendations by the Spanish Society of Rheumatology on the Use of Biological Therapies in Axial Spondyloarthritis

Objetivo: La aparición de nueva información sobre las terapias biológicas en la espondiloartritis axial (EspAax) ha impulsado una nueva revisión de las recomendaciones de la Sociedad Española de Reumatología (SER) basadas en la mejor evidencia posible. Estas nuevas recomendaciones pueden servir de referencia para reumatólogos implicados en el tratamiento de estos pacientes. Métodos: Se creó un panel formado por nueve reumatólogos expertos en EspAax, previamente seleccionados por la SER mediante una convocatoria abierta. Las fases del trabajo fueron: identificación de las áreas clave para la actualización del consenso anterior, análisis y síntesis de la evidencia científica (sistema modificado de Oxford, CEBM, 2009) y formulación de recomendaciones a partir de esta evidencia y de técnicas de consenso. Resultados: Esta revisión de las recomendaciones comporta una actualización en la evaluación de actividad de la enfermedad y objetivos de tratamiento. Incorpora también los nuevos fármacos disponibles, así como sus nuevas indicaciones, y una revisión de los factores predictivos de respuesta terapéutica y progresión del daño radiográfico. Finalmente, estas recomendaciones abordan también las situaciones de fracaso a un primer anti-TNF, así como la posible optimización de la terapia biológica. El documento incluye una tabla de recomendaciones y un algoritmo de tratamiento. Conclusiones: Se presenta la actualización de las recomendaciones SER para el uso de terapias biológicas en pacientes con EspAax

Objective: Recent data published on biological therapy in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) since the last publication of the recommendations of the Spanish Society of Rheumatology (SER) has led to the generation of a review of these recommendations based on the best possible evidence. These recommendations should be a reference for rheumatologists and those involved in the treatment of patients with axSpA. Methods: Recommendations were drawn up following a nominal group methodology and based on systematic reviews. The level of evidence and grade of recommendation were classified according to the model proposed by the Centre for Evidence Based Medicine at Oxford. The level of agreement was established through the Delphi technique. Results: In this review, we did an update of the evaluation of disease activity and treatment objectives. We included the new drugs with approved therapeutic indication for axSpA. We reviewed both the predictive factors of the therapeutic response and progression of radiographic damage. Finally, we drafted some recommendations for the treatment of patients refractory to anti-tumor necrosis factor, as well as for the possible optimization of biological therapy. The document also includes a table of recommendations and a treatment algorithm. Conclusions: We present an update of the SER recommendations for the use of biological therapy in patients with axSpA

BDNF Val66Met Polymorphism and Gamma Band Disruption in Resting State Brain Functional Connectivity: A Magnetoencephalography Study in Cognitively Intact Older Females.

The pathophysiological processes undermining brain functioning decades before the onset of the clinical symptoms associated with dementia are still not well understood. Several heritability studies have reported that the Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Val66Met genetic polymorphism could contribute to the acceleration of cognitive decline in aging. This mutation may affect brain functional connectivity (FC), especially in those who are carriers of the BDNF Met allele. The aim of this work was to explore the influence of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism in whole brain eyes-closed, resting-state magnetoencephalography (MEG) FC in a sample of 36 cognitively intact (CI) older females. All of them were ε3ε3 homozygotes for the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene and were divided into two subgroups according to the presence of the Met allele: Val/Met group (n = 16) and Val/Val group (n = 20). They did not differ in age, years of education, Mini-Mental State Examination scores, or normalized hippocampal volumes. Our results showed reduced antero-posterior gamma band FC within the Val/Met genetic risk group, which may be caused by a GABAergic network impairment. Despite the lack of cognitive decline, these results might suggest a selective brain network vulnerability due to the carriage of the BDNF Met allele, which is linked to a potential progression to dementia. This neurophysiological signature, as tracked with MEG FC, indicates that age-related brain functioning changes could be mediated by the influence of particular genetic risk factors.

Factors Explaining Language Performance After Training in Elders With and Without Subjective Cognitive Decline.

The present study explores if cognitive reserve, executive functions, and working memory capacity are predictive of performance in the language domain (specifically in sentence comprehension and naming) after a cognitive training intervention. Sixty-six Spanish older adults voluntarily participated in the study, classified either as older adults with subjective cognitive decline according to Jessen et al.'s (2014) criteria (n = 35; 70.94 ± 4.16 years old) or cognitively intact (n = 31; 71.34 ± 4.96 years old). Written sentence comprehension and visual confrontation naming were assessed both immediately after recruitment (at the baseline), and then 6 months later, once each participant had completed his/her cognitive training (a well-known program in Spain, called UMAM; English translation: Madrid City Council Memory Unit Program). Cognitive reserve, executive functions (cognitive flexibility and controlled interference efficiency), and working memory capacity were measured for all participants at the baseline. Results pointed out that the subjective cognitive decline group presented greater benefits in the language domain than cognitively intact participants. We also observed that lower executive functioning and working memory capacity at the baseline predicted larger benefits in language performance after training, but only in the group of cognitively intact older adults. However, selected predictors hardly explained subjective cognitive decline participants' results in language performance after training.

Efficacy of Cognitive Training in Older Adults with and without Subjective Cognitive Decline Is Associated with Inhibition Efficiency and Working Memory Span, Not with Cognitive Reserve.

The present study explores the role of cognitive reserve, executive functions, and working memory (WM) span, as factors that might explain training outcomes in cognitive status. Eighty-one older adults voluntarily participated in the study, classified either as older adults with subjective cognitive decline or cognitively intact. Each participant underwent a neuropsychological assessment that was conducted both at baseline (entailing cognitive reserve, executive functions, WM span and depressive symptomatology measures, as well as the Mini-Mental State Exam regarding initial cognitive status), and then 6 months later, once each participant had completed the training program (Mini-Mental State Exam at the endpoint). With respect to cognitive status the training program was most beneficial for subjective cognitive decline participants with low efficiency in inhibition at baseline (explaining a 33% of Mini-Mental State Exam total variance), whereas for cognitively intact participants training gains were observed for those who presented lower WM span.

Recommendations by the Spanish Society of Rheumatology on the Use of Biological Therapies in Axial Spondyloarthritis. / Recomendaciones de la Sociedad Española de Reumatología sobre el uso de terapias biológicas en espondiloartritis axial.

OBJECTIVE: Recent data published on biological therapy in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) since the last publication of the recommendations of the Spanish Society of Rheumatology (SER) has led to the generation of a review of these recommendations based on the best possible evidence. These recommendations should be a reference for rheumatologists and those involved in the treatment of patients with axSpA. METHODS: Recommendations were drawn up following a nominal group methodology and based on systematic reviews. The level of evidence and grade of recommendation were classified according to the model proposed by the Centre for Evidence Based Medicine at Oxford. The level of agreement was established through the Delphi technique. RESULTS: In this review, we did an update of the evaluation of disease activity and treatment objectives. We included the new drugs with approved therapeutic indication for axSpA. We reviewed both the predictive factors of the therapeutic response and progression of radiographic damage. Finally, we drafted some recommendations for the treatment of patients refractory to anti-tumor necrosis factor, as well as for the possible optimization of biological therapy. The document also includes a table of recommendations and a treatment algorithm. CONCLUSIONS: We present an update of the SER recommendations for the use of biological therapy in patients with axSpA.

APOE ε4 Modulation of Training Outcomes in Several Cognitive Domains in a Sample of Cognitively Intact Older Adults.

BACKGROUND: Most research points to the ɛ4 allele of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene as the most recognizable genetic risk factor associated with Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. It has been also suggested that the APOEɛ4 allele has a negative influence on cognitive functioning, which begins long before cognitive impairment becomes manifest. However, still, little is known about the APOEɛ4 interaction with cognitive intervention programs. OBJECTIVE: The main goal of this study was to explore whether there was a differential APOE genotype modulation effect after cognitive training in different domains, such as language comprehension, executive functions, and memory. Contrary to other studies, hippocampal volume was controlled for. METHODS: Fifty older adults (65+ years; 30 women and 20 men) participated in a multi-domain cognitive training that involved 30 sessions taking place over 12 weeks. Half of the participants were APOEɛ4 carriers. The control group was matched in age, gender, normalized hippocampal volume, cognitive reserve, Mini-Mental State Examination score, and Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Version. RESULTS: The study revealed that there were consistent treatment benefits in complex sentence comprehension (noncanonical sentences and sentences with two propositions), a domain that was not directly trained, but only in the A POEɛ4 noncarrier group. CONCLUSION: Genetic profile modulates training outcomes in sentence comprehension.

Barreras y facilitadores para la práctica del ejercicio físico en pacientes con espondiloartritis: estudio cualitativo de grupos focales (EJES-3D) / Barriers and facilitators for the practice of physical exercise in patients with spondyloarthritis: qualitative study of focus groups (EJES-3D)

Objetivos. Explorar las barreras que los pacientes con espondiloartritis (EsA) tienen ante el ejercicio y proponer facilitadores. Métodos. Análisis cualitativo del discurso en grupos focales para identificar los elementos que configuran la realidad estudiada, describir las relaciones entre ellos y sintetizar el resultado mediante: 1) segmentación según criterios temáticos; 2) categorización en función de situaciones, relaciones, opiniones, sentimientos u otras; 3) codificación de las diversas categorías, y 4) interpretación de los resultados. Resultados. Se realizaron 2 grupos focales de una hora de duración cada uno con 11 pacientes con EsA reclutados a partir de asociaciones y redes sociales en Madrid y provincias colindantes (64% hombres, 72% entre 40 y 60años y 57% con enfermedad de más de 10años; el 80% realizaba algún tipo de ejercicio o actividad física). Se identificaron: 1) barreras al ejercicio, entre las que destacaron: desinformación, miedo, dolor, desconfianza y experiencias previas negativas; 2) aspectos que facilitan la realización de ejercicio: los complementarios a las barreras más regularidad y apoyo profesional y social; 3) ítems que pueden influir tanto positiva como negativamente, y 4) cuatro fases del afrontamiento del ejercicio o actividad física en la EsA. Conclusión. Aparte de reconocer la existencia de factores personales poco modificables, en general los pacientes reclaman mayor conocimiento y educación sobre el ejercicio y sobre los pros y contras en el contexto de su enfermedad, coherencia de mensajes recibidos y mejores monitores que les acompañen en su afrontamiento frente a la enfermedad y al ejercicio (AU)

Objectives. To explore barriers to exercise of patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA) and to propose facilitators. Methods. Analysis of the speech of focus groups. It included the identification the elements that shape the studied reality, description of the relationship between them and synthesis through: 1) Thematic segmentation, 2) Categorization according to situations, relationships, opinions, feelings or others, 3) Coding of the various categories and 4) Interpretation of results. Results. Two focus groups of one hour each with 11 patients recruited from associations and social networks in Madrid and surrounding provinces took place (64% men, 72% between 40 and 60 years, 57% with disease duration longer than 10 years, 80% performed some type of exercise or physical activity). The following were identified: 1) barriers to exercise, among which the following pointed out: disinformation, fear, pain, distrust, and prior negative experiences with exercise; 2) facilitators to exercise: the complementary to barriers plus regularity and social and professional support; 3) items that could influence in either way, negative or positively; and 4) four phases of coping with exercise or physical activity in SpA. Conclusion. Apart from recognizing the existence of some modifiable personal factors, patients generally demand: more knowledge and education on exercise, including the pros and cons in the context of their disease, and coherence of messages received, together with better monitors that accompany them in their coping with disease and exercise (AU)

Points to Consider in the Foundation of Multidisciplinary Units for Psoriatic Arthritis: A Delphi Study and a Systematic Review of the Literature.

INTRODUCTION: In numerous clinical practice guidelines, emphasis is placed on the need for coordinated care of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) between rheumatologists and the objective was to develop experience-based points to consider facilitating the implementation of multidisciplinary units (Dermatology/Rheumatology) for the management of patients with PsA. METHODS: A scientific committee of rheumatology and dermatology experts in the management of PsA, and with experience in joint care, discussed the critical aspects of multidisciplinary PsA Units. The discussion became the basis for a Delphi survey in two rounds submitted to a panel of 24 specialists in rheumatology and dermatology not involved in PsA units. The statements and practices that reached a consensus were summarized and further elaborated. RESULTS: After two Delphi rounds, agreement was reached for 49 of the 50 proposed statements. These included a justification of the units, objectives, and utilities, as well as operational aspects of the units, such as the minimal and ideal premises, referral criteria, and necessary resources. The statements were compiled in 11 points to consider. CONCLUSIONS: This consensus offers some points to consider, including premises and recommendations, for the development of specialized Units in the management of PsA based on expert opinion. We trust these guidelines may facilitate their implementation in the future. FUNDING: Pfizer.

Executive functions and linguistic performance in SCD older adults and healthy controls.

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) might represent the preclinical phase of Alzheimer's disease. Given the interest to characterize it, the present study explores (1) if there are differences in lexical retrieval (LexR) and sentence comprehension (SComp) between SCD and matched controls, and (2) the predictive value of demographic variables and executive functions in relation to LexR and SComp in each group. A sample of 135 participants voluntarily took part in this study (66 with SCD). They all completed the Trail Making, the Stroop, the Boston Naming, and the ECCO-Senior tests, as well as verbal fluency tasks (VF). Results show that (1) groups differ in LexR and in inhibition efficiency, and (2) VF is explained by years of formal education, particularly in the control group; SComp in the most complex items seems to rely in different strategies, related to flexibility in controls and to inhibition efficiency in SCD patients.

Barriers and Facilitators for the Practice of Physical Exercise in Patients With Spondyloarthritis: Qualitative Study of Focus Groups (EJES-3D). / Barreras y facilitadores para la práctica del ejercicio físico en pacientes con espondiloartritis: estudio cualitativo de grupos focales (EJES-3D).

OBJECTIVES: To explore barriers to exercise of patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA) and to propose facilitators. METHODS: Analysis of the speech of focus groups. It included the identification the elements that shape the studied reality, description of the relationship between them and synthesis through: 1) Thematic segmentation, 2) Categorization according to situations, relationships, opinions, feelings or others, 3) Coding of the various categories and 4) Interpretation of results. RESULTS: Two focus groups of one hour each with 11 patients recruited from associations and social networks in Madrid and surrounding provinces took place (64% men, 72% between 40 and 60 years, 57% with disease duration longer than 10 years, 80% performed some type of exercise or physical activity). The following were identified: 1) barriers to exercise, among which the following pointed out: disinformation, fear, pain, distrust, and prior negative experiences with exercise; 2) facilitators to exercise: the complementary to barriers plus regularity and social and professional support; 3) items that could influence in either way, negative or positively; and 4) four phases of coping with exercise or physical activity in SpA. CONCLUSION: Apart from recognizing the existence of some modifiable personal factors, patients generally demand: more knowledge and education on exercise, including the pros and cons in the context of their disease, and coherence of messages received, together with better monitors that accompany them in their coping with disease and exercise.