Recomendaciones de la Sociedad Española de Reumatología sobre síndrome antifosfolípido primario. Parte I: diagnóstico, evaluación y tratamiento / Recommendations of the Spanish Rheumatology Society for primary antiphospholipid syndrome. Part I: diagnosis, evaluation and treatment

OBJETIVO: La dificultad para el diagnóstico y la variedad de manifestaciones clínicas que pueden determinar la elección del tratamiento del síndrome antifosfolípido (SAF) primario ha impulsado a la Sociedad Española de Reumatología (SER) en la elaboración de recomendaciones basadas en la mejor evidencia posible. Estas recomendaciones pueden servir de referencia para reumatólogos y otros profesionales implicados en el manejo de pacientes con SAF. MÉTODOS: Se creó un panel formado por cuatro reumatólogos, una ginecóloga y una hematóloga, expertos en SAF, previamente seleccionados mediante una convocatoria abierta o por méritos profesionales. Las fases del trabajo fueron: identificación de las áreas claves para la elaboración del documento, análisis y síntesis de la evidencia científica (utilizando los niveles de evidencia del Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network [SIGN]) y formulación de recomendaciones a partir de esta evidencia y de técnicas de «evaluación formal» o «juicio razonado». RESULTADOS: Se han elaborado 46 recomendaciones que abordan cinco áreas principales: diagnóstico y evaluación, medidas de tromboprofilaxis primaria, tratamiento del SAF primario o tromboprofilaxis secundaria, tratamiento del SAF obstétrico y situaciones especiales. Se incluye también el papel de los nuevos anticoagulantes orales, el problema de las recurrencias o los principales factores de riesgo identificados en estos individuos. En este documento se reflejan las 21 primeras recomendaciones, referidas a las áreas de diagnóstico, evaluación y tratamiento del SAF primario. El documento contiene una tabla de recomendaciones y algoritmos de tratamiento. CONCLUSIONES: Se presentan las recomendaciones de la SER sobre SAF primario. Este documento corresponde a la parte I, relacionada con el diagnóstico, la evaluación y el tratamiento. Estas recomendaciones se consideran herramientas en la toma de decisiones para los clínicos, teniendo en consideración tanto la decisión del médico experto en SAF como la opinión compartida con el paciente. Se ha elaborado también una parte II, que aborda aspectos relacionados con el SAF obstétrico y situaciones especiales

OBJECTIVE: The difficulty in diagnosis and the spectrum of clinical manifestations that can determine the choice of treatment for primary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) has fostered the development of recommendations by the Spanish Society of Rheumatology (SER), based on the best possible evidence. These recommendations can serve as a reference for rheumatologists and other specialists involved in the management of APS. METHODS: A panel of four rheumatologists, a gynaecologist and a haematologist with expertise in APS was created, previously selected by the SER through an open call or based on professional merits. The stages of the work were: identification of the key areas for drafting the document, analysis and synthesis of the scientific evidence (using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network [SIGN] levels of evidence) and formulation of recommendations based on this evidence and formal assessment or reasoned judgement techniques (consensus techniques). RESULTS: 46 recommendations were drawn up, addressing five main areas: diagnosis and evaluation, measurement of primary thromboprophylaxis, treatment for APS or secondary thromboprophylaxis, treatment for obstetric APS and special situations. These recommendations also include the role of novel oral anticoagulants, the problem of recurrences or the key risk factors identified in these subjects. This document reflects the first 21, referring to the areas of: diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of primary APS. The document provides a table of recommendations and treatment algorithms. CONCLUSIONS: An update of the SER recommendations on APS is presented. This document corresponds to part I, related to diagnosis, evaluation and treatment. These recommendations are considered tools for decision-making for clinicians, taking into consideration both the decision of the physician experienced in APS and the patient. A part II has also been prepared, which addresses aspects related to obstetric SAF and special situations

Recomendaciones de la Sociedad Española de Reumatología sobre síndrome antifosfolípido primario. Parte II: síndrome antifosfolípido obstétrico y situaciones especiales / Recommendations of the Spanish Rheumatology Society for Primary Antiphospholipid Syndrome. Part II: Obstetric Antiphospholipid Syndrome and Special Situations

OBJETIVO: La dificultad para el diagnóstico y la variedad de manifestaciones clínicas que pueden determinar la elección del tratamiento del síndrome antifosfolípido (SAF) primario ha impulsado a la Sociedad Española de Reumatología (SER) en la elaboración de recomendaciones basadas en la mejor evidencia posible. Estas recomendaciones pueden servir de referencia para reumatólogos y otros profesionales implicados en el manejo de pacientes con SAF. MÉTODOS: Se creó un panel formado por 4 reumatólogos, una ginecóloga y una hematóloga, expertos en SAF, previamente seleccionados mediante una convocatoria abierta o por méritos profesionales. Las fases del trabajo fueron: identificación de las áreas claves para la elaboración del documento, análisis y síntesis de la evidencia científica (utilizando los niveles de evidencia de SIGN, Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) y formulación de recomendaciones a partir de esta evidencia y de técnicas de «evaluación formal» o «juicio razonado». RESULTADOS: Se han elaborado 46 recomendaciones que abordan 5áreas principales: diagnóstico y evaluación, medidas de tromboprofilaxis primaria, tratamiento del SAF o tromboprofilaxis secundaria, tratamiento del síndrome antifosfolípido obstétrico y situaciones especiales. Está incluido también el papel de los nuevos anticoagulantes orales, el problema de las recurrencias o los principales factores de riesgo identificados en estos individuos. En este documento se reflejan las últimas 25, referidas a las áreas de: SAF obstétrico y situaciones especiales. El documento contiene una tabla de recomendaciones y algoritmos de tratamiento. CONCLUSIONES: Se presentan las recomendaciones de la SER sobre SAF. Este documento corresponde a la parte 2.ª relacionada con el SAF obstétrico y las situaciones especiales. Estas recomendaciones se consideran herramientas en la toma de decisiones para los clínicos, teniendo en consideración tanto la decisión del médico experto en SAF como la opinión compartida con el paciente. Se ha elaborado también una parte I que aborda aspectos relacionados con el diagnóstico, evaluación y tratamiento

OBJECTIVE: The difficulty in diagnosis and the spectrum of clinical manifestations that can determine the choice of treatment for antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) has fostered the development of recommendations by the Spanish Society of Rheumatology (SER), based on the best possible evidence. These recommendations can serve as a reference for rheumatologists and other specialists involved in the management of APS. METHODS: A panel of 4rheumatologists, a gynaecologist and a haematologist with expertise in APS was created, previously selected by the SER through an open call or based on professional merits. The stages of the work were: identification of the key areas for the document elaboration, analysis and synthesis of the scientific evidence (using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network, SIGN levels of evidence) and formulation of recommendations based on this evidence and formal assessment or reasoned judgement techniques (consensus techniques). RESULTS: Forty-six recommendations were drawn up, addressing 5 main areas: diagnosis and evaluation, measurement of primary thromboprophylaxis, treatment for APS or secondary thromboprophylaxis, treatment for obstetric APS and special situations. These recommendations also include the role of novel oral anticoagulants, the problem of recurrences or the key risk factors identified in these subjects. This document reflects the last 25, referring to the areas of: obstetric APS and special situations. The document provides a table of recommendations and treatment algorithms. CONCLUSIONS: Update of SER recommendations on APS is presented. This document corresponds to part II, related to obstetric SAF and special situations. These recommendations are considered tools for decision-making for clinicians, taking into consideration both the decision of the physician experienced in APS and the patient. A part I has also been prepared, which addresses aspects related to diagnosis, evaluation and treatment

Recommendations of the Spanish Rheumatology Society for Primary Antiphospholipid Syndrome. Part I: Diagnosis, Evaluation and Treatment. / Recomendaciones de la Sociedad Española de Reumatología sobre síndrome antifosfolípido primario. Parte I: Diagnóstico, evaluación y tratamiento.

OBJECTIVE: The difficulty in diagnosis and the spectrum of clinical manifestations that can determine the choice of treatment for primary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) has fostered the development of recommendations by the Spanish Society of Rheumatology (SER), based on the best possible evidence. These recommendations can serve as a reference for rheumatologists and other specialists involved in the management of APS. METHODS: A panel of four rheumatologists, a gynaecologist and a haematologist with expertise in APS was created, previously selected by the SER through an open call or based on professional merits. The stages of the work were: identification of the key areas for drafting the document, analysis and synthesis of the scientific evidence (using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network [SIGN] levels of evidence) and formulation of recommendations based on this evidence and formal assessment or reasoned judgement techniques (consensus techniques). RESULTS: 46 recommendations were drawn up, addressing five main areas: diagnosis and evaluation, measurement of primary thromboprophylaxis, treatment for APS or secondary thromboprophylaxis, treatment for obstetric APS and special situations. These recommendations also include the role of novel oral anticoagulants, the problem of recurrences or the key risk factors identified in these subjects. This document reflects the first 21, referring to the areas of: diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of primary APS. The document provides a table of recommendations and treatment algorithms. CONCLUSIONS: An update of the SER recommendations on APS is presented. This document corresponds to partI, related to diagnosis, evaluation and treatment. These recommendations are considered tools for decision-making for clinicians, taking into consideration both the decision of the physician experienced in APS and the patient. A partII has also been prepared, which addresses aspects related to obstetric SAF and special situations.

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)

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.

Epidemiology and health-related services.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article presents recent epidemiologic contributions focusing on gout-related conditions, especially if controversial, to find plausible, despite hypothetical, mechanistic explanations from the clinician perspective. RECENT FINDINGS: The prevalence of gout is increasing, but it is only partially clear that the incidence may be increasing as well. Direct associations of gout with increased risk of diabetes, black races, neurodegenerative disorders, and sugar-enriched foods have been recently questioned. A negative association with smoking has been reported, and new evidence shows that the impact of diet may be independent of obesity. Kidney disease and diuretics have been confirmed to be associated with gout, whereas new data on aging and menopause have come to challenge apparently established disease mechanisms. Regarding treatments, increase in bladder cancer associated with chronic allopurinol use has been reported, and the positive effect of urate-lowering treatment on cardiovascular events has been contested. SUMMARY: Epidemiological data in gout-related conditions are still evolving and claim for future cohort or intervention studies to prove causality. Controversies in epidemiological results fertilize the ground for studies to prove mechanisms and causality and provides a unique opportunity for clinical intervention to improve outcomes, especially with regard to treatments.

Características de los pacientes con espondiloartritis seguidos en unidades de reumatología en España. Estudio emAR II / Characteristics of patients with spondyloarthritis followed in rheumatology units in Spain. emAR II study

Objetivos. Describir las características clínicas y demográficas de los pacientes con espondiloartritis en España. Pacientes y métodos. Revisión de historias clínicas aleatorizadas de pacientes con espondiloartritis mayores de 16 años, con al menos una visita al reumatólogo en los 2 años anteriores. Se recogió información sobre datos sociodemográficos y clínicos (tiempo de duración de la enfermedad, categoría diagnóstica, actividad de la enfermedad, manifestaciones extrarticulares, y comorbilidad). Resultados. Se incluyeron 1.168 pacientes procedentes de 46 hospitales de toda España. El 68% eran varones con valores mediana de edad y tiempo de evolución de la enfermedad de 49,2 años (39,7-60,5) y de 105 meses (48,4-192,5), respectivamente. Los diagnósticos, por orden de frecuencia, fueron: espondilitis anquilosante (n = 629, 55,2%), artritis psoriásica (n = 253, 22,2%), espondiloartritis indiferenciada (n = 184, 16,1%), artritis asociada a enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (n = 50, 4,4%) y artritis reactiva (n = 16, 1,4%). Las manifestaciones extrarticulares más comunes fueron: psoriasis (20,8%), uveítis anterior (19,4%) y entesitis (16,9%). Constaba la existencia de incapacidad laboral en el 8,3% de las historias clínicas. Constaban datos clínicos como el BASDAI solo en el 34% y la medida de metrología más utilizada, el test de Schöber, faltaba en el 37,7% de las historias. Conclusiones. Las características sociodemográficas y clínicas de los pacientes con espondiloartritis del estudio emAR II, no difieren de forma global de lo publicado previamente en otros estudios, excepto para el diagnóstico de formas indiferenciadas, que son más frecuentes en nuestros pacientes que en otras publicaciones. La calidad de los registros de actividad en las historias clínicas es mejorable (AU)

Objective. To describe the main demographic and clinical features of patients with spondyloarthropaties in Spain. Patients and methods. Review of randomized clinical charts of patients with spondyloarthropaties with at least one visit to the rheumatologist in the previous two years. Information was collected on demographic and clinical data (duration of illness, diagnostic category, disease activity, extrarticular manifestations, comorbidity and work disability). Results. 1,168 patients were included in the study. Their median age was 49.2 years (39.7-60.5), 68.0% were males, and median time of disease was 105.1 month (48.4-192.5). The diagnoses and clinical data such as the BASDAI were reported only in 34,0% of the patients. The most widely used measure of metrology, the Schober test, was missing in 37.7% of the clinical charts. The patients included had the following diagnoses: Ankylosing spondylitis (n = 629, 55.2%), Psoriatic arthritis (n= 253, 22.2%), Undifferentiated spondyloarthritis (n = 184, 16.1%), Arthritis associated to Inflammatory bowel disease (n= 50, 4.4%), and Reactive arthritis (n= 16, 1.4%). The most common extraarticular manifestations were psoriasis (20.8%), anterior uveitis (19.4%), and enthesitis (16.9%). Some kind of work disability was reported in 8.3% of the patients. Conclusions. Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with spondyloarthropaties in Spain do not differ as a whole from other published studies, except for Undifferentiated Spondyloarthritis, which was more likely in our patients than in other studies. The quality of the records of activity in the clinical charts could be improved (AU)

Characteristics of patients with spondyloarthritis followed in rheumatology units in Spain. emAR II study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the main demographic and clinical features of patients with spondyloarthropaties in Spain. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Review of randomized clinical charts of patients with spondyloarthropaties with at least one visit to the rheumatologist in the previous two years. Information was collected on demographic and clinical data (duration of illness, diagnostic category, disease activity, extrarticular manifestations, comorbidity and work disability). RESULTS: 1,168 patients were included in the study. Their median age was 49.2 years (39.7-60.5), 68.0% were males, and median time of disease was 105.1 month (48.4-192.5). The diagnoses and clinical data such as the BASDAI were reported only in 34,0% of the patients. The most widely used measure of metrology, the Schober test, was missing in 37.7% of the clinical charts. The patients included had the following diagnoses: Ankylosing spondylitis (n = 629, 55.2%), Psoriatic arthritis (n= 253, 22.2%), Undifferentiated spondyloarthritis (n = 184, 16.1%), Arthritis associated to Inflammatory bowel disease (n= 50, 4.4%), and Reactive arthritis (n= 16, 1.4%). The most common extraarticular manifestations were psoriasis (20.8%), anterior uveitis (19.4%), and enthesitis (16.9%). Some kind of work disability was reported in 8.3% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with spondyloarthropaties in Spain do not differ as a whole from other published studies, except for Undifferentiated Spondyloarthritis, which was more likely in our patients than in other studies. The quality of the records of activity in the clinical charts could be improved.

Influencia del género en la respuesta al tratamiento en una cohorte de pacientes con artritis reumatoide precoz del área 2 de la Comunidad de Madrid / Influence of gender on treatment response in a cohort of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis in the area 2 of Madrid

Objetivo Valorar las diferencias de respuesta al tratamiento mediante DAS28 calculado mediante velocidad de sedimentación globular (VSG) y proteína C reactiva teniendo en cuenta el género del paciente y analizar el comportamiento individual de cada uno de sus componentes en una cohorte de pacientes de artritis precoz en el área 2 de la Comunidad de Madrid. Pacientes y métodos Se estudiaron un total de 134 pacientes (77,6% mujeres) que cumplían criterios del Colegio Americano de Reumatología para el diagnóstico de artritis reumatoide del registro de artritis precoz del Hospital de La Princesa. En dicho registro se realizaron 4 visitas protocolizadas en las que se recogen de forma sistemática los datos necesarios para calcular el DAS28 con VSG y proteína C reactiva, así como el tratamiento prescrito a los pacientes. Se analizaron las diferencias por género en la respuesta al tratamiento mediante ambos índices compuestos, así como de las variables que los componen y la valoración de la enfermedad por el médico. Resultados Las mujeres presentaron mayor actividad de la enfermedad y discapacidad al inicio del seguimiento. A pesar de que estas recibieron un tratamiento más intenso, su valor promedio de DAS28 no llegó a igualarse con el de los hombres a lo largo del seguimiento. Por el contrario, la valoración de la enfermedad por parte del paciente y del médico sí llegó a igualarse. Al analizar los componentes del DAS28 por separado, se observó que esta discordancia era debida principalmente a las variables VSG y recuento de articulaciones dolorosas. Conclusiones La VSG y el recuento de articulaciones dolorosas causan un sesgo en la evaluación de la actividad de la artritis reumatoide con el DAS28 que puede afectar a la evaluación de la respuesta al tratamiento (AU)

Objective To evaluate the differences between the responses to treatment using DAS28 based on erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in male and female patients. We then analyzed the individual behaviour of each component in a cohort of early arthritis patients in zone 2 of Madrid. Patients and methods We studied a total of 134 patients (77.6% women) who met the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) belonging to an early arthritis register of the Hospital de La Princesa. We performed 4 visits following a standardized protocol which included necessary variables to calculate the DAS28 with ESR and CRP as well as determining the treatment received by the patients. We analyzed the differences in responses to treatment in males and females using both indexes, as well as their component and the assessment of the disease by the physician. Results Women had higher disease activity and disability at baseline. Although they received more intensive treatment, their average value of DAS28 remained significantly higher compared to men during the follow-up. By contrast, the global disease assessment evaluated by the patient and by the physician remained similar in both gender. When we analyze the DAS28 components separately, it was observed that this discrepancy was due mainly to the tender joints count and the ESR. Conclusions Women with early RA have higher DAS28ESR scores as a result of higher tender joint counts and ESR. This may represent bias when assessing the response to treatment using the DAS28ESR (AU)

Guía práctica para el manejo de las espondiloartritis (ESPOGUIA): metodología y datos generales del documento / Management of spondyloarthritis (ESPOGUIA): methodology and general data from the document

Antecedentes: La necesidad de una guía de práctica clínica en espondiloartritis (SpA) surge de la complejidad de su manejo junto con el gran avance que tanto su tratamiento como su diagnóstico han experimentado. La variabilidad existente en el manejo de la SpA va más allá de lo aceptable. El objetivo de la ESPOGUIA es reducir la variabilidad en el manejo de las SpA y mejorar la calidad asistencial mediante unas recomendaciones prácticas adaptadas al medio y basadas en la mejor evidencia disponible. Métodos: Para el desarrollo de la ESPOGUÍA se han utilizado los siguientes métodos: grupo nominal, revisión sistemática y encuestas Delphi. El panel de expertos es voluntario, multidisciplinario y basado en criterios de selección. Por primera vez en un documento de recomendaciones de la Sociedad Española de Reumatología (SER), se incluye la opinión del paciente. En una reunión de grupo nominal se establecieron alcance, objetivos, usuarios, organización y necesidades de revisión sistemática. La elaboración de la guía y sus recomendaciones se realizó de forma paralela a las revisiones sistemáticas, mediante una reunión de puesta en común. El nivel de evidencia y la fuerza de la recomendación se establecieron a partir de los niveles del Oxford Center of Evidence-Based Medicine y el grado de acuerdo se obtuvo mediante un ejercicio Delphi a dos rondas. Resultados: Hemos producido una guía de práctica clínica cuyo objeto son todas las SpA, aunque contiene dos subguías, una en espondilitis anquilosante y otra en artritis psoriásica. Los usuarios diana son principalmente los reumatólogos, pero también otros especialistas e implicados, como las enfermeras o las asociaciones de pacientes. El contenido abarca todos los aspectos del manejo de las SpA, desde la sospecha diagnóstica al tratamiento, el seguimiento y el día a día del paciente. Conclusiones: La ESPOGUIA puede convertirse en un instrumento muy útil para el manejo de las SpA y en un referente interactivo (AU)

Background: The need for clinical practice guidelines for spondyloarthritis (SpA) comes from the complexity of its management and the great advances that both its treatment and its diagnosis have experiences, which come accompanied by a great variability in its management that exceeds what is considered acceptable. The objective of the ESPOGUIA is to reduce the variability in the management of SA, improving the quality of care through clinical recommendations adapted to their particular environment and based on the best available evidence. Methods: For the development of ESPOGUÍA the following methods have been employed: nominal group, systematic review and Delphi surveys. The expert panel is voluntary, with multiple disciplines participating and based on selection criteria. For the first time in a SER recommendation document, the opinion of the patient was included. In a meeting of the nominal group, the reach, objective, users, organization and needs of the systematic review were established. The elaboration of the guideline, along with its recommendations, was performed in parallel to the systematic reviews, with a meeting for agreement held afterward. The scoring of the degree of evidence and the level of the recommendation was established from the evidence levels proposed by the Oxford Center of Evidence-Based Medicine and the degree of agreement was obtained through a two-round Delphi exercise. Results: We have produced a clinical guideline that encompasses all of the SpA, although it has two sub-guidelines, one for ankylosing spondylitis and the other one for psoriatic arthritis. The target users are mainly rheumatologists, although other specialists and paramedical staff, such as nurses or patient associations, might benefit. Its content envelops all of the management aspects of SpA, from clinical suspicion to treatment, follow-up and day-to-day activities of the patient. Conclusions: ESPOGUIA can become a very useful instrument for the management of SA and an interactive reference (AU)

[Influence of gender on treatment response in a cohort of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis in the area 2 of Madrid]. / Influencia del género en la respuesta al tratamiento en una cohorte de pacientes con artritis reumatoide precoz del área 2 de la Comunidad de Madrid.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the differences between the responses to treatment using DAS28 based on erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in male and female patients. We then analyzed the individual behaviour of each component in a cohort of early arthritis patients in zone 2 of Madrid. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied a total of 134 patients (77.6% women) who met the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) belonging to an early arthritis register of the Hospital de La Princesa. We performed 4 visits following a standardized protocol which included necessary variables to calculate the DAS28 with ESR and CRP as well as determining the treatment received by the patients. We analyzed the differences in responses to treatment in males and females using both indexes, as well as their component and the assessment of the disease by the physician. RESULTS: Women had higher disease activity and disability at baseline. Although they received more intensive treatment, their average value of DAS28 remained significantly higher compared to men during the follow-up. By contrast, the global disease assessment evaluated by the patient and by the physician remained similar in both gender. When we analyze the DAS28 components separately, it was observed that this discrepancy was due mainly to the tender joints count and the ESR. CONCLUSIONS: Women with early RA have higher DAS28ESR scores as a result of higher tender joint counts and ESR. This may represent bias when assessing the response to treatment using the DAS28ESR.

[Management of spondyloarthritis (ESPOGUIA): methodology and general data from the document]. / Guía práctica para el manejo de las espondiloartritis (ESPOGUIA): metodología y datos generales del documento.

BACKGROUND: The need for clinical practice guidelines for spondyloarthritis (SpA) comes from the complexity of its management and the great advances that both its treatment and its diagnosis have experiences, which come accompanied by a great variability in its management that exceeds what is considered acceptable. The objective of the ESPOGUIA is to reduce the variability in the management of SA, improving the quality of care through clinical recommendations adapted to their particular environment and based on the best available evidence. METHODS: For the development of ESPOGUÍA the following methods have been employed: nominal group, systematic review and Delphi surveys. The expert panel is voluntary, with multiple disciplines participating and based on selection criteria. For the first time in a SER recommendation document, the opinion of the patient was included. In a meeting of the nominal group, the reach, objective, users, organization and needs of the systematic review were established. The elaboration of the guideline, along with its recommendations, was performed in parallel to the systematic reviews, with a meeting for agreement held afterward. The scoring of the degree of evidence and the level of the recommendation was established from the evidence levels proposed by the Oxford Center of Evidence-Based Medicine and the degree of agreement was obtained through a two-round Delphi exercise. RESULTS: We have produced a clinical guideline that encompasses all of the SpA, although it has two sub-guidelines, one for ankylosing spondylitis and the other one for psoriatic arthritis. The target users are mainly rheumatologists, although other specialists and paramedical staff, such as nurses or patient associations, might benefit. Its content envelops all of the management aspects of SpA, from clinical suspicion to treatment, follow-up and day-to-day activities of the patient. CONCLUSIONS: ESPOGUIA can become a very useful instrument for the management of SA and an interactive reference.

Validación de cuestionarios / Validation of questionnaires

El desarrollo de un cuestionario o instrumento de medición es un proceso laborioso y complejo y requiere la comprobación de su utilidad antes de su aplicación. Se presenta un trabajo metodológico sobre las características psicométricas de los instrumentos de evaluación y el análisis de sus principales características: la fiabilidad y la validez (AU)

The development of a questionnaire or a measuring instrument is a laborious and complex process and requires verification of its usefulness before implementation. We present a methodological work on the psychometric characteristics of assessment instruments and analysis of their main features, reliability and validity (AU)

[Validation of questionnaires]. / Validación de cuestionarios.

The development of a questionnaire or a measuring instrument is a laborious and complex process and requires verification of its usefulness before implementation. We present a methodological work on the psychometric characteristics of assessment instruments and analysis of their main features, reliability and validity.

Sensibilidad al cambio de las medidas de desenlace / Responsiveness of outcome measures

En la investigación médica, y en especial en el ámbito de la reumatología, hay gran interés sobre el concepto de sensibilidad al cambio de un instrumento de medida como posible reflejo de modificaciones en la situación clínica del paciente. Sin embargo, la terminología de este concepto y su metodología de análisis están rodeadas de confusión y falta de consenso. Se presenta un trabajo de revisión sobre el concepto y el análisis de la sensibilidad al cambio teniendo en cuenta tanto las características de la sensibilidad como el tipo de diseño y cambio previsible en la muestra en estudio (AU)

In medical research, particularly in the field of rheumatology, there is great interest about the concept of responsiveness of outcome measures as a sign of changes in the patient´s health status. However, the terminology sorrounding this concept and the methods of analysis are confusing and lacking in consensus. We present a review about the concept and analysis of responsiveness taking into account both, the characteristics of the responsiveness and the type of design and predictable change in the sample being studied (AU)

[Responsiveness of outcome measures]. / Sensibilidad al cambio de las medidas de desenlace.

In medical research, particularly in the field of rheumatology, there is great interest about the concept of responsiveness of outcome measures as a sign of changes in the patient's health status. However, the terminology sorrounding this concept and the methods of analysis are confusing and lacking in consensus. We present a review about the concept and analysis of responsiveness taking into account both, the characteristics of the responsiveness and the type of design and predictable change in the sample being studied.