Active but not quiescent lupus nephritis during pregnancy is associated with a higher rate of adverse obstetric outcomes: Analysis of a prospective cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the maternal-fetal/neonatal outcome in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with and without lupus nephritis (LN) in remission or with active disease. METHODS: A prospective cohort of pregnant patients with SLE (ACR 1997 criteria) was studied from January 2009 to December 2021. Demographic, clinical, biochemical, and immunological variables as well as the usual maternal-fetal/neonatal complications were recorded. We compared four groups according to the status of SLE during pregnancy: patients with quiescent SLE without lupus nephritis, patients with active SLE without lupus nephritis, patients with quiescent lupus nephritis, and patients with active lupus nephritis. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 439 pregnancies were studied, with a median age of 28 ± 6, SLE duration of 60 months (interquartile range 36-120). A higher frequency of maternal and fetal/neonatal complications was observed in patients with active SLE with or without lupus nephritis. Multivariate analysis showed that active LN was a risk factor for gestational hypertension (hazard ratios [HR] 1.95; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.01-6.39), premature rupture of membranes (HR 3.56; 95% CI: 1.79-16.05) and more frequent cesarean section (HR 1.82; 95% CI: 1.13-2.94). CONCLUSION: LN is associated with a higher frequency of maternal complications, especially in those patients with active disease during pregnancy, and those maternal complications had an impact on poor fetal/neonatal outcomes. Strict control and timely care of LN could improve the obstetric prognosis.

Efficacy and safety of sitagliptin with basal-plus insulin regimen versus insulin alone in non-critically ill hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes: SITA-PLUS hospital trial.

AIMS: To compare the efficacy and safety of basal-plus (BP) insulin regimen with or without sitagliptin in non-critically ill patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). METHODS: This open-label, randomized clinical trial included inpatients with a previous diagnosis of T2D and blood glucose (BG) between 180 and 400 mg/dL. Participants received basal and correctional insulin doses (BP regimen) either with or without sitagliptin. The primary outcome was the difference in the mean daily BG among the groups. RESULTS: Seventy-six patients (mean age 60 years, 64 % men) were randomized. Compared with BP insulin therapy alone, the sitagliptin-BP combination led to a lower mean daily BG (158.8 vs 175.0 mg/dL, P = 0.014), a higher percentage of readings within a BG range of 70-180 mg/dL (75.9 % vs 64.7 %, P < 0.001), and a lower number of BG readings >180 mg/dL (P < 0.001). Sitagliptin-BP resulted in fewer basal and supplementary insulin doses (P = 0.024 and P = 0.017, respectively) and lower daily insulin injections (P = 0.023) than those with insulin alone. The proportion of patients with hypoglycemia was similar in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: For inpatients with T2D and hyperglycemia, the sitagliptin and BP regimen combination is safe and more effective than insulin therapy alone. CLINICALTRIALS: gov identifier: NCT05579119.

[Ethiology, risk factors and Whole blood viscosity index in thromboembolic venous disease]. / Etiología, factores de riesgo e Índice de viscosidad sanguíneo total en enfermedad tromboembólica venosa.

Backround: Venous thromboembolic disease (VTED) is a frequent cause of hospitalization and mortality. Whole blood viscosity (WBV) participates in the pathogenesis of thrombosis. Objective: To identify the most frequent etiologies and their association with WBV index (WBVI) in hospitalized patients with VTED. Material and methods: Observational, cross-sectional, retrospective, analytical study, Group 1: cases (patients diagnosed with VTED) and Group 2: controls without thrombosis. Risk factors for VTED were described and WBVI was calculated from total proteins and hematocrit. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used with Chi-squared test, Fisher's exact test, Mann Whitney U test, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: We included 146 patients and 148 controls, age 46.3 ±17.7 vs. 58 ± 18.2 years, of both sexes (female, 65.1%). The most frequent etiology was neoplastic (23.3%), followed by diseases with cardiovascular risk (17.8%). Independent risk factors for VTED were age, chronic kidney disease, presence of liver disease or solid neoplasia. WBVI was similar in patients with VTED as in those without thrombosis. We found an association of the presence of deep vein thrombosis and diseases with cardiovascular risk (p = 0.040). Conclusions: The presence of chronic kidney disease, liver disease, and solid neoplasia are independent risk factors for VTED. The WBVI is a simple and rapid diagnostic tool in the evaluation of patients with VTED.

Introducción: la enfermedad tromboembólica venosa (ETEV) es causa frecuente de hospitalización y mortalidad. La viscosidad sanguínea participa en la patogénesis de la trombosis. Objetivo: analizar los factores de riesgo y el índice de viscosidad sanguíneo total (IVTS) en pacientes con ETEV. Material y métodos: estudio observacional, transversal, retrospectivo, analítico. Grupo 1: casos (pacientes con diagnóstico de ETEV), y grupo 2: controles sin trombosis. Se describieron los factores de riesgo para ETEV y se calculó el IVTS a partir de proteínas totales y hematocrito. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva e inferencial con prueba de Chi cuadrada, prueba exacta de Fisher, U de Mann Whitney, análisis de regresión logística bivariado y multivariado. Resultados: incluimos 146 pacientes y 148 controles, edad 46.3 ± 17.7 frente a 58 ± 18.2 años, de ambos sexos, femenino (65.1%). La etiología más frecuente fue la neoplásica (23.3%), seguida de la enfermedad con riesgo cardiovascular (17.8%). Los factores de riesgo independientes para ETEV fueron: edad, enfermedad renal crónica, presencia de hepatopatía o neoplasia sólida. El IVTS fue similar en los pacientes con ETEV que en aquellos sin trombosis. Se encontró asociación de la presencia de trombosis venosa profunda y enfermedades con riesgo cardiovascular (p = 0.040). Conclusiones: la presencia de ERC, hepatopatía y neoplasia sólida son factores de riesgo independientes para ETEV. El IVTS es un instrumento diagnóstico sencillo y rápido en la evaluación de los pacientes con ETEV.

[The impact of COVID-19 in a cohort of patients with systemic sclerosis]. / El impacto de COVID-19 en una cohorte de pacientes con esclerosis sistémica.

Background: COVID-19 brought with it unknowns related to systemic sclerosis. Objective: To know the clinical evolution and prognosis of COVID-19 in a cohort of patients with systemic sclerosis. Methods: During the pandemic, we had digital contact with a cohort of 197 patients with SSc. If they had any condition that met the suspected definition of COVID-19, they underwent polymerase chain reaction testing for SARS-CoV-2; they were treated on an outpatient or hospital basis without interfering with their treatment. They followed their evolution every 24 hours until they became asymptomatic or died. Results: Thirteen patients (6.6%), nine diffuse cutaneous (dcSSc), and four limited cutaneous (lcSSc) developed COVID-19 during nine months of follow-up. The immunosuppressants used at the time of the disease were: mycophenolate mofetil, methotrexate, and prednisone, in low doses. Seven patients had interstitial lung disease (ILD). The main symptoms were chest pain, cough, dyspnea, dysgeusia, and anosmia, 1 with mild symptoms without pneumonia, 11 with mild pneumonia, and one with severe pneumonia that required hospital management. Only one (7.7%) presented severe pneumonia, was hospitalized, and died. Conclusions: COVID-19 disease in patients with SSc can be overcome in most cases, even when they are ILD and were using immunosuppressants at the time of infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Introducción: la COVID-19 trajo consigo incógnitas relacionadas con la esclerosis sistémica, enfermedad de baja prevalencia asociada a neumopatía intersticial difusa (NID). Objetivo: conocer la evolución clínica y el pronóstico de la COVID-19 en una cohorte de pacientes con esclerosis sistémica (ES). Métodos: se analizó una serie de 13 casos procedentes de una cohorte de 197 pacientes con ES en seguimiento vía digital. Cuando los pacientes cumplieron con la definición sospechosa de COVID-19 se solicitó prueba de reacción en cadena de polimerasa para SARS-CoV-2. Todos los pacientes recibieron seguimiento durante su atención ambulatoria u hospitalaria, sin interferir con su tratamiento cada 24 horas hasta quedar asintomáticos o fallecer. Resultados: de 197 pacientes, trece (6.6%) enfermaron de COVID-19 de edad 57 años (RIC: 52-63), cutáneos difusa (ESD) y 4 limitada (ESL) en lapso de 9 meses. Once presentaron neumonía leve (84%), una neumonía grave con fallecimiento intrahospitalario (7.7%). La oximetría media al ambiente se mantuvo en SO2 90% (88-92%). Casi todos usaban inmunosupresores (84%) al momento de enfermar: micofenolato de mofetilo, metotrexato, prednisona en dosis bajas. Siete (53%) tenían enfermedad pulmonar intersticial (EPI) previa. Principalmente manifestaron disnea (67.5%), dolor torácico, tos, disgeusia y anosmia. Conclusiones: es posible que al momento del contagio con el virus SARS-CoV-2 los inmunosupresores permitieran una menor respuesta inflamatoria sistémica, evitando un peor pronóstico, incluso en quienes tienen enfermedad intersticial previa.

[Impact of hyperglycemia on the prognosis of patients hospitalized for severe pneumonia in COVID-19]. / Impacto de hiperglucemia en el pronóstico de hospitalizados por neumonía grave en COVID-19.

Background: Adequate glycemic control improves the prognosis of patients hospitalized for pneumonia associated with severe COVID-19. Objective: To evaluate the impact of hyperglycemia (HG) on the prognosis of patients hospitalized for severe pneumonia associated with COVID-19 in unvaccinated patients. Material and methods: Prospective cohort study. We included patients hospitalized from August 2020 to February 2021, with severe COVID-19 pneumonia, not vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. Data was collected from admission to discharge. We used descriptive and analytical statistics according to the data distribution. ROC curves were used to determine the cut-off points with the highest predictive performance for HG and mortality, with the IBM SPSS program, version 25. Results: We included 103 patients, 32% women, 68% men, age 57 ± 13 years; 58% were admitted with HG (191, IQR 152-300 mg/dL) and 42% with normoglycemia (NG < 126 mg/dL). Mortality was higher in HG at admission 34 (56.7%) than in NG 13 (30.2%) (p = 0.008). HG was associated with diabetes mellitus 2 and neutrophilia (p < 0.05). The risk of death increases 1.558 times (95% CI 1.118-2.172) if HG is at admission and 1.43 times (95% CI 1.14-1.79) during hospitalization. Maintaining NG throughout the hospitalization contributed independently to survival (RR = 0.083 [95% CI 0.012-0.571], p = 0.011). Conclusion: HG significantly impacts prognosis by increasing mortality more than 50% during hospitalization for COVID-19.

Introducción: el adecuado control glucémico mejora el pronóstico de pacientes hospitalizados por neumonía asociada a COVID-19 grave. Objetivo: evaluar el impacto de la hiperglucemia (HG) sobre el pronóstico de pacientes hospitalizados por neumonía grave asociada a COVID-19 en no vacunados. Material y métodos: estudio de cohorte prospectivo. Se incluyeron pacientes hospitalizados de agosto de 2020 a febrero de 2021, con neumonía grave por COVID-19, no vacunados contra SARS-CoV-2. Los datos fueron recolectados desde el ingreso hasta el egreso. Se empleó estadística descriptiva y analítica de acuerdo con la distribución de datos. Se construyeron curvas ROC para determinar los puntos de corte de mayor rendimiento predictivo para HG y mortalidad, con el programa IBM SPSS, versión 25. Resultados: se incluyeron 103 pacientes, 32% mujeres, 68% hombres, edad 57 ± 13 años; 58% ingresaron con HG (191, IQR 152-300 mg/dL) y 42% en normoglucemia (NG < 126 mg/dL). La mortalidad fue mayor en HG al ingreso 34 (56.7%) que en NG 13 (30.2%) (p = 0.008). La HG se asoció con diabetes mellitus 2 y neutrofilia (p < 0.05). El riesgo de muerte se incrementó 1.558 veces (IC 95% 1.118-2.172) si la HG fue al ingreso y 1.43 veces (IC 95% 1.14-1.79) durante la hospitalización. Mantener NG durante todo el internamiento contribuyó de manera independiente a la sobrevida (RR 0.083 [IC 95% 0.012-0.571], p = 0.011). Conclusión: la HG impacta significativamente el pronóstico al incrementar en más de 50% la mortalidad durante la hospitalización por COVID-19.

[Blood groups and SARS-CoV-2 in health professionals from a single center]. / Grupos sanguíneos y SARS-CoV-2 en personal de salud de un solo centro.

BACKGROUND: The possibility that the blood group (BG) predisposes to SARS-CoV-2 infection is controversial. OBJECTIVE: To compare the prevalence of BG, anti-IgG SARS-CoV-2, and more frequent symptoms in convalescent health personnel vs controls prior to vaccination. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analytical cross-sectional design of cases and controls, which included health personnel, from March to June 2020, confirmed with (polymerase chain reaction) PCR-SARS-CoV-2 and negative controls with PCR and anti-IgG-SARS-CoV-2. Participants were questioned concerning symptoms and BG was determined. It was used descriptive statistics and comparative analysis with chi squared, Fisher's exact test, Student's t, and Mann Whitney's U tests. RESULTS: Of 218 workers, 102 (46.8%) were confirmed cases for SARS-CoV-2 (convalescent) and 116 controls. The distribution of BG was similar between cases and controls, being BG-O + the most frequent (52.9%). The risk of becoming infected by SARS-CoV-2 for BG-O compared to BGNo-O showed a lower trend (odds ratio [OR] 0.725, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.416-1.261, p = ns). The BG-A (28.4%) compared with BG-No-A (71.6%) showed a trend of increased risk in BG-A (OR 1.523, 95% CI 0.818-2.837, p = ns). The presence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies was 85% in the convalescent group. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of infected was proportionally higher for BG-A and lower for BG-O. About 15% did not develop SARS-CoV-2 antibodies after overcoming COVID-19 disease.

INTRODUCCIÓN: la posibilidad de que el grupo sanguíneo (GS) predisponga a infección por SARS-CoV-2 es controversial. OBJETIVO: comparar prevalencia de GS, anti-IgG SARSCoV-2 y síntomas más frecuentes, en personal de salud convaleciente frente a controles previo a la vacunación. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: diseño transversal analítico de casos y controles, que incluyó personal de salud, de marzo a junio de 2020, confirmados con reaccion en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR-SARS-CoV-2) y controles negativos con PCR y anti-IgG-SARS-COV-2. Se les interrogó sobre los síntomas y se determinó el GS. Se empleó estadística descriptiva y análisis comparativo con chi cuadrada o prueba exacta de Fisher y t de Student o U de Mann-Whitney. RESULTADOS: de 218 trabajadores, 102 (46.8%) fueron casos confirmados para SARS-CoV-2 (convalecientes) y 116 controles. La distribución de GS fue similar entre los casos y los controles y el GS-O+ fue el más frecuente (52.9%). El riesgo de infectarse de SARS-CoV-2 para el GS-O, comparado con GS-No-O mostró menor tendencia: razón de momios [RM] 0.725 (intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC 95%] 0.416-1.261; p = ns). El GS-A (28.4%) comparado con GSNo-A (71.6%) mostró tendencia de incremento del riesgo en GS-A, RM 1.523 (IC 95% 0.818-2.837, p = ns). La presencia de anticuerpos IgG de SARS-CoV-2 fue del 85% en el grupo de convalecientes. CONCLUSIONES: la prevalencia de infectados fue proporcionalmente mayor para GS-A y menor para GS-O. Alrededor de 15% no desarrollaron anticuerpos de SARS-CoV-2 después de recuperarse de COVID-19.

Grupos sanguíneos y SARS-CoV-2 en personal de salud de un solo centro / Blood groups and SARS-CoV-2 in health professionals from a single center

Introducción: la posibilidad de que el grupo sanguíneo (GS) predisponga a infección por SARS-CoV-2 es controversial. Objetivo: comparar prevalencia de GS, anti-IgG SARS-CoV-2 y síntomas más frecuentes, en personal de salud convaleciente frente a controles previo a la vacunación. Material y métodos: diseño transversal analítico de casos y controles, que incluyó personal de salud, de marzo a junio de 2020, confirmados con reaccion en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR-SARS-CoV-2) y controles negativos con PCR y anti-IgG-SARS-COV-2. Se les interrogó sobre los síntomas y se determinó el GS. Se empleó estadística descriptiva y análisis comparativo con chi cuadrada o prueba exacta de Fisher y t de Student o U de Mann-Whitney. Resultados: de 218 trabajadores, 102 (46.8%) fueron casos confirmados para SARS-CoV-2 (convalecientes) y 116 controles. La distribución de GS fue similar entre los casos y los controles y el GS-O+ fue el más frecuente (52.9%). El riesgo de infectarse de SARS-CoV-2 para el GS-O, comparado con GS-No-O mostró menor tendencia: razón de momios [RM] 0.725 (intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC 95%] 0.416-1.261; p = ns). El GS-A (28.4%) comparado con GS-No-A (71.6%) mostró tendencia de incremento del riesgo en GS-A, RM 1.523 (IC 95% 0.818-2.837, p = ns). La presencia de anticuerpos IgG de SARS-CoV-2 fue del 85% en el grupo de convalecientes. Conclusiones: la prevalencia de infectados fue proporcionalmente mayor para GS-A y menor para GS-O. Alrededor de 15% no desarrollaron anticuerpos de SARS-CoV-2 después de recuperarse de COVID-19.

Background: The possibility that the blood group (BG) predisposes to SARS-CoV-2 infection is controversial. Objective: To compare the prevalence of BG, anti-IgG SARS-CoV-2, and more frequent symptoms in convalescent health personnel vs controls prior to vaccination. Material and methods: Analytical cross-sectional design of cases and controls, which included health personnel, from March to June 2020, confirmed with (polymerase chain reaction) PCR-SARS-CoV-2 and negative controls with PCR and anti-IgG-SARS-CoV-2. Participants were questioned concerning symptoms and BG was determined. It was used descriptive statistics and comparative analysis with chi squared, Fisher's exact test, Student's t, and Mann Whitney's U tests. Results: Of 218 workers, 102 (46.8%) were confirmed cases for SARS-CoV-2 (convalescent) and 116 controls. The distribution of BG was similar between cases and controls, being BG-O + the most frequent (52.9%). The risk of becoming infected by SARS-CoV-2 for BG-O compared to BG-No-O showed a lower trend (odds ratio [OR] 0.725, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.416-1.261, p = ns). The BG-A (28.4%) compared with BG-No-A (71.6%) showed a trend of increased risk in BG-A (OR 1.523, 95% CI 0.818-2.837, p = ns). The presence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies was 85% in the convalescent group. Conclusions: The prevalence of infected was proportionally higher for BG-A and lower for BG-O. About 15% did not develop SARS-CoV-2 antibodies after overcoming COVID-19 disease.

Damage index for antiphospholipid syndrome during long term follow-up: Correlation between organ damage accrual and quality of life.

BACKGROUND: Consequences of organ damage in primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) are diverse, our aim was to determine organ damage over time and the correlation of organ damage accrual with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in PAPS. METHODS: First phase: retrospective cohort applying Damage Index for Antiphospholipid Syndrome (DIAPS) at 1, 5, 10, 20 years, or longer since diagnosis. Second phase: cross-sectional study, assessing HRQoL by the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36), and organ damage accrual. Descriptive statistics and Spearman correlation coefficient were used. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients were included, mean follow-up:15 years. Deep vein thrombosis prevailed (71.6%), pulmonary embolism (35.8%) and stroke (32.8%). Organ damage was found in 98.5%, with a cumulative DIAPS value of 3, with greater involvement in the neuropsychiatric and peripheral vascular domains. Regarding HRQoL, deterioration in the physical component summary (PCS) was found in 89.6%. Organ damage accrual correlated inversely and significantly with all the SF-36 domains, mainly with the total score and PCS. Body pain and PCS correlated the most (rho = -0.503, rho = -0.475). CONCLUSIONS: Organ damage accrual impaired HRQoL in PAPS. Secondary thromboprophylxis through adequate systemic management and control of cardiovascular risk factors are necessary to prevent further impairment.

Autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by methylmethacrylate associated to seronegative antiphospholipid syndrome and diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: Autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants has been associated with different substances used for cosmetic purposes; for example, silicone, methylmethacrylate, autoimmune disorders and cancer. DISCUSSION: A 40-year-old man with a prior history of methylmethacrylate injection in the buttocks for aesthetic purposes 8 years ago, presented with deep venous thrombosis in the left leg 6 months ago, accompanied with inflammation, hardening, changes in colour, ulceration in the buttocks, arthritis, myalgias and fever. Weak and moderate lupus anticoagulant and low levels of anticardiolipin antibodies were present. Thoracoabdominal tomography showed hepatosplenomegaly and a pulmonary nodule, the biopsy of which showed chronic granulomatous inflammation. After a month, a new chest tomography showed multiple nodular pulmonary lesions. The new pulmonary biopsy showed a diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma which was treated with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone, and rituximab for four cycles, with good response of the autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome, but partial response of the diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. CONCLUSION: We describe the first case of seronegative antiphospholipid syndrome and lymphoma associated with methylmethacrylate in a patient with autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome.

Characterization of Oxidative Stress and Ammonia According to the Different Grades of Hepatic Encephalopathy.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) is one of the main causes of reentry to the emergency department. Oxidative stress (OxS) regulated by ammonia leads to cerebral edema and astrocytes senescence in animal models, but seems to be different in humans. OBJECTIVE: To analyze if OxS and ammonia in plasma are related to each other in the different grades of HE-CLD and to compare them with healthy volunteers (HV). METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, we included 60 subjects in 2 groups: (a) 30 HV and (b) 30 HE patients. Plasma levels of oxidation lipids/proteins, ammonia, and West-Haven score were evaluated. Student t test, Spearman's correlation, and ANOVA with Dunn's post hoc test were performed. RESULTS: Ammonia in HV and HE patients was 39-49 vs. 95-345 µmol/L, respectively (p < 0.0001). Malondialdehyde (MDA) in HV was 6.58 ± 3.11 compared to 16.69 ± 6.19 µmol/L in HE (p < 0.0001). Protein oxidation by osazone (carbonyls), formazan, and dityrosines was higher in HE than in HV (p < 0.0001). Ammonia level was directly associated to HE severity, but without correlation with lipid MDA or protein OxS formazan, carbonyls, and dityrosines. Lipid peroxidation showed higher levels at degree 2 and protein oxidation at degree 3 of HE. CONCLUSIONS: We confirm that OxS accompanies hyperammonemia in HE; however they contribute in different proportions to their natural progression. Early reduction of OxS in HE could contribute to minimize the neurotoxicity into CLD.

Impact of infections in autoimmune rheumatic diseases and pregnancy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide an update about the impact of infections in autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs), from the analysis of the role of infections in pregnant women without ARDs, to the identification of maternal-fetal infections and their role in the maternal-fetal outcome of women with ARDs. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies indicate that patients with ARDs and pregnancy are also susceptible to presenting infections of varying degrees, including serious infections, which contribute to the morbidity and mortality observed in pregnancy and postpartum of these patients.Any type of infectious agent will interact with a hormonal, immunological and metabolic environments modified by ARD, treatments, and by the changes inherent in pregnancy. Therefore, infections in the pregnancy of patients with ARDs should be considered as a risk factor for an unfavorable maternal-fetal outcome. SUMMARY: The recognition of infections in the pregnancy of ARDs as a risk factor is the first step to prevent, identify, and treat them in a timely manner, and thus contribute to the favorable course of pregnancy in these patients. Patients with ARDs and major organ involvement, use of high doses of steroids, immunosuppressant and biological therapies, adolescence, and obesity are populations susceptible to developing infections.

Esclerosis sistémica sin esclerodermia en pacientes mexicanos. Serie de casos / Systemic Sclerosis Sine Scleroderma in Mexican Patients. Case Reports

La esclerosis sistémica sine esclerodermia (ESse) es una forma de esclerosis sistémica caracterizada por fenómeno de Raynaud (FR), afección visceral sin endurecimiento de la piel y anticuerpos anti-centrómeros (AAC). Se estudiaron a 10 pacientes con ESse, con prevalencia del 2%. Manifestaciones clínicas: FR 9/10, esofágica 8/10, hipertensión arterial pulmonar 4/10, neumopatía intersticial 4/10, cardiaca 3/10 y AAC 8/10. Conclusión: En pacientes con FR, dismotilidad esofágica, neumopatía intersticial e hipertensión arterial pulmonar se debe investigar AAC y establecer un diagnóstico y tratamiento oportuno de ESse

Systemic sclerosis sine scleroderma (ssSSc) is a form of systemic sclerosis that is characterized by Raynaud's phenomenon (RP), visceral involvement without thickening of skin and anticentromere antibodies (ACA). We studied 10 ssSsc patients with a prevalence of 2%. The clinical signs were: RP 9/10, esophageal manifestations 8/10, pulmonary arterial hypertension 4/10, interstitial lung disease 4/10, cardiac signs 3/10 and ACA 8/10. Conclusion: In patients with RP, esophageal dysmotility, interstitial lung disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension should be tested for ACA in order to establish a prompt diagnosis and treatment of ssSSc

Severe manifestations of autoimmune syndrome induced by adjuvants (Shoenfeld's syndrome).

Autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA) encompassing conditions linked to previous exposure to an adjuvant substance. The clinical picture is very heterogeneous, from mild to severe manifestations, including death. However, the systematic analysis of severe ASIA cases has not been performed. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature on severe ASIA cases. A systematic review of the literature was performed investigating severe ASIA cases. All publications were identified through PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE and Cochrane. Articles published from 2011 to 2016 were included. Severe ASIA was arbitrarily defined as follows: major organ involvement, life-threatening conditions, intensive treatment, disability, hospitalization and outcome (survival and death). Cases described before 2011 were excluded. From 2011 to 2016, we identified 4479 ASIA cases, of them 305 fulfilled arbitrary criteria of severe ASIA including our case presentation and 11 deaths. The majority of severe ASIA cases were related to HPV vaccine, silicone, influenza vaccine and mineral oil injections. The interval from exposition to severe manifestation was from 2 days to 23 years. (1) This is the first study that analyzes all cases published on ASIA with severe manifestations. (2) The current HPV vaccine is both effective and generally safe. However, it should be noted that severe autoimmune side effects have been reported in several studies. Severe ASIA may be observed after influenza vaccines, and other vaccines. (3) Efforts should be made to discover the connection between adjuvants, autoimmunity and autoimmune diseases, because there is an increase in cases severe and life-threatening of ASIA.

Premixed Insulin Analogue Compared with Basal-Plus Regimen for Inpatient Glycemic Control.

BACKGROUND: No previous studies have investigated the use of a premixed insulin analogue in a hospital setting. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of treatment with premixed insulin analogue (insulin lispro mix 75/25, LM75/25) with the basal-plus regimen with insulin glargine in hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized clinical trial in hospitalized patients with T2D and glucose >140 mg/dL on admission was performed. A total of 54 patients were randomized to receive insulin LM75/25 or glargine. In both groups, a correction dose of lispro was administered before meals. Insulin dose was adjusted to obtain a mean blood glucose (BG) between 100 and 140 mg/dL. RESULTS: Improvement in the mean BG after the first day of treatment was similar in both groups (P = 0.470). Glycemic control at the end of follow-up was similar between the group with insulin LM75/25 (131.3 ± 28.4 mg/dL) and insulin glargine (143.8 ± 32.5 mg/dL, P = 0.153). The aim of a BG concentration of <140 mg/dL was obtained in 72% of the patients in the premixed insulin analogue group and 56% of patients in the basal-plus group (P = 0.239). There was no difference in the frequency of hypoglycemia between groups (7 vs. 10, P = 0.529). CONCLUSION: Results of this trial indicate that the use of a premixed insulin analogue is as effective and safe as the basal-plus regimen to achieve glycemic control.

[Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance in system sclerosis]. / Prevalencia de síndrome metabólico y resistencia a la insulina en esclerosis sistémica.

BACKGROUND: The metabolic syndrome (MS) is a group of cardiovascular risk factors whose prevalence is increased in rheumatic diseases. The aim of this study was to estimate de prevalence of MS and insulin resistance (IR) in systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS: Fifty five patients with SSc were included. The World Health Organization criteria were used to define MS. Demographic, anthropometric and blood pressure data were recorded. Blood glucose, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), triglycerides and insulin were measured. Oral glucose tolerance curve was performed to identify impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes mellitus in those patients with normal fasting blood glucose. The HOMA index was calculated as well as a quantified proteinuria in urine of 24 hours. RESULTS: The prevalence of MS was 36.4 % (20 of 55 patients). Seventy percent of the patients with MS had limited SSc and 30 % diffuse SSc. An increased IR was observed in the limited SSc in comparison with the diffuse SSc (2.948 vs. 1.817 ± 0.3844 ± 0.2771, p = 0.03). An association between IR and MS was found in the limited SSc (p = 0.0001). Regarding the rest of the MS criteria, hypertriglyceridemia and an abnormal waist/hip ratio were the variables most often encountered, 95 % and 85 % respectively. Fifty percent of MS patients had low levels HDL-c and 40 % of them were hypertensive. None of the patients had proteinuria. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of MS in SSc was 36.4 %, similar to the found in other rheumatic diseases, but higher compared to the found in the Mexican population.

Introducción: el síndrome metabólico (SM) es un conjunto de factores de riesgo cardiovascular cuya prevalencia se encuentra incrementada en enfermedades reumáticas. El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar la prevalencia de SM y resistencia a la insulina (RI) en esclerosis sistémica (ES). Métodos: se incluyeron 55 pacientes con ES. Se evaluó SM utilizando los criterios de la OMS. Se registraron datos demográficos, antropométricos y presión arterial. Se midieron valores de glucosa, colesterol de lipoproteínas de alta densidad (c-HDL), triglicéridos e insulina. Se realizó una curva de tolerancia oral a la glucosa para identificar intolerancia a la glucosa y diabetes mellitus en pacientes con glucosa normal en ayuno. Se calculó el índice HOMA y se cuantificó proteinuria en orina de 24 horas. Resultados: la prevalencia del SM fue del 36.4 %. El 70 % de los pacientes con SM correspondió a ES limitada y 30 % a ES difusa. Se observó mayor resistencia a la insulina (RI) en la ES limitada frente a ES difusa. Se encontró asociación entre RI y el SM en la forma limitada. Del resto de los criterios de SM, la hipertrigliceridemia y el índice cintura/cadera anormal fueron las variables más frecuentes, 95 % y 85 % respectivamente. El 50 % de los pacientes con SM tuvo niveles bajos de c-HDL, e hipertensión arterial sistémica 40 %. En ningún paciente hubo proteinuria. Conclusiones: la prevalencia de SM en ES fue del 36.4 %, similar a la encontrada en otras enfermedades reumáticas, pero mayor en comparación con la población mexicana.

Primary and secondary central nervous system vasculitis: clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, neuroimaging, and treatment analysis.

The objectives of this study are to compare the initial clinical, laboratory, and imaging features in primary central nervous system vasculitis (PCNSV) vs secondary central nervous system vasculitis (SCNSV) and follow up after treatment with intravenous cyclophosphamide (IV-CYC) plus glucocorticosteroids (GCS): methylprednisolone (MP). Neurological, laboratory, and neuroimaging findings were analyzed in PCNSV and SCNSV patients. Cerebral biopsy (CB) was performed in nine patients. Both groups received at onset MP plus IV-CYC for 6 months, followed by bimonthly IV-CYC plus prednisone (PND) for 12 months. All patients were followed during 36 months. Thirty patients were included (12 PCNSV and 18 SCNSV). Focal and non-focal neurological manifestations were similar in both groups, headache being the most frequent manifestation in both groups. Fatigue, myalgias, arthralgias, neuropathy, low leukocytes and platelets, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, positive antinuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA), low complement, and rheumatoid factor were more frequent in SCNSV (p < 0.05). In cerebrospinal fluid, pleocytosis and proteins were higher in PCNSV (p < 0.05). Periventricular and subcortical hyperintense lesions were observed in cranial magnetic resonance imaging in both vasculitides. Cerebral angiography and angioresonance showed narrowing of vasculature in all patients in both groups. CB showed gliosis and lymphocytic infiltration within and around the walls in four patients and granulomatous infiltration in the other patients. After treatment, the Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed a higher relapse-free survival in PCNSV (p < 0.05). Neurological manifestations and neuroimaging findings were similar in both groups of vasculitides, but general symptoms, joint, musculoskeletal, and peripheral neuropathy were preponderant in SCNSV. After treatment with IV-CYC and GCS, patients with PCNSV had a higher relapse-free survival than those with SCNSV.

[Multicentric hyaline vascular Castleman's disease. A POEMS type variant]. / Enfermedad de Castleman multicéntrica hialina vascular. Una variante de POEMS.

BACKGROUND: Castleman's disease is an atypical lymphoproliferative disorder which may be compatible with paraneoplastic manifestations of POEMS syndrome. CLINICAL CASE: a 53 year old man with a history of type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism and Addison's disease presented with numbness and weakness in limbs, dyspnea, skin hardening, Raynaud's phenomenon, weight loss and fatigue. A physical exam showed tachypnea, generalized cutaneous hyperpigmentation and skin hardening of extremities, muscle weakness, hypoesthesia and hyporeflexia. Laboratory showed hyperprolactinemia, low testosterone, hypothyroidism and Addison's disease. Electrophoresis of proteins showed polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia. Somatosensory evoked potentials reported peripheral neuropathy and severe axonal polyneuropathy by electromyography. Chest X-rays showed bilateral reticular infiltrates and mediastinal widening. An echocardiogram displayed moderate pulmonary hypertension. Skin biopsy had no evidence of scleroderma. CT reported axillar, mediastinal and retroperitoneal nodes. The mediastinal lesion biopsy reported hyaline vascular Castleman's disease, multicentric variety. He was treated with rituximab. CONCLUSIONS: the case meet criteria for multicentric hyaline vascular Castleman's disease, POEMS variant, treated with rituximab.

Introducción: la enfermedad de Castleman es un trastorno linfoproliferativo atípico en el que pueden existir manifestaciones compatibles con síndrome POEMS. Caso clínico: hombre de 53 años de edad con antecedente de diabetes mellitus tipo 2, hipotiroidismo y enfermedad de Addison. Se iniciaron parestesias y debilidad en las extremidades y, posteriormente, disnea, endurecimiento cutáneo, fenómeno de Raynaud y pérdida de peso. Se identificó taquipnea, hiperpigmentación cutánea generalizada y extremidades con endurecimiento cutáneo, debilidad muscular, hipoestesia e hiporreflexia; así como hiperprolactinemia, testosterona baja, hipotiroidismo y enfermedad de Addison; los anticuerpos antinucleares y antiScl-70 fueron negativos. Los potenciales evocados somatosensoriales indicaron neuropatía periférica y la electromiografía, olineuropatía axonal severa. Radiografía torácica: infiltrado reticular bilateral y ensanchamiento mediastinal. Electrocardiograma: hipertensión arterial pulmonar moderada. Tomografía toracoabdominal: ganglios axilares, mediastinales y retroperitoneales. Con la biopsia se identificó enfermedad de Castleman multicéntrica hialina vascular. El paciente recibió rituximab. Conclusiones: si bien la experiencia con el rituximab aún es limitada, en el caso descrito se observó buena respuesta.

Autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (Shoenfeld's syndrome): clinical and immunological spectrum.

An adjuvant is a substance that enhances the antigen-specific immune response, induces the release of inflammatory cytokines, and interacts with Toll-like receptors and the NALP3 inflammasome. The immunological consequence of these actions is to stimulate the innate and adaptive immune response. The activation of the immune system by adjuvants, a desirable effect, could trigger manifestations of autoimmunity or autoimmune disease. Recently, a new syndrome was introduced, autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA), that includes postvaccination phenomena, macrophagic myofasciitis, Gulf War syndrome and siliconosis. This syndrome is characterized by nonspecific and specific manifestations of autoimmune disease. The main substances associated with ASIA are squalene (Gulf War syndrome), aluminum hydroxide (postvaccination phenomena, macrophagic myofasciitis) and silicone with siliconosis. Mineral oil, guaiacol and iodine gadital are also associated with ASIA. The following review describes the wide clinical spectrum and pathogenesis of ASIA including defined autoimmune diseases and nonspecific autoimmune manifestations, as well as the outlook of future research in this field.