Rheumatoid arthritis monotherapy in the Jak inhibitors Era. Current prevalence and associated factors in a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Combined therapy constitutes the standard of care in RA. Jak inhibitors (Jaki) have shown efficacy in monotherapy, a modality used in cases where it is not possible to use Disease-Modifying Anti Rheumatic Drugs (csDMARDs). OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence (total and by drug), reason for using and the increase over the time of bDMARDs or tsDMARDs as monotherapy after the availability of the Jaki. To analyze the differential characteristics between patients with monotherapy vs combined therapy. METHODS: Cross-sectional multicenter study. Consecutive patients with a diagnosis of RA (ACR/EULAR 2010) under treatment with bDMARDs or tsDMARDs started from 2013 were included. Socio-demographic, clinic, and therapeutic data were collected. RESULTS: A total of 505 RA patients were included. Since 2013, the prevalence of monotherapy usage was (any) 49%. The drugs used as monotherapy were Jaki in 41% and TNF-blockers in 30%. The leading causes of monotherapy use were intolerance/adverse events (62%), medical decision or lack of adherence (37.7%). The highest socioeconomic level and a better functional status at diagnosis were predictors of monotherapy use. The use of the second line of treatments and less polypharmacy were independent factors associated with this therapeutic modality. CONCLUSIONS: The current prevalence of monotherapy in RA was 49%, the Jaki were the most used drug in this modality. Monotherapy increases from year to year. There are differential characteristics in patients using monotherapy.

Ocular cicatricial pemphigoid. From a rheumatology and ophthalmology point of view / Penfigoide ocular cicatrizal, enfoque diagnóstico y terapéutico integral entre el oftalmólogo y el reumatólogo

ABSTRACT Ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP) is a chronic, immune-mediated, bullous, cicatricial disease within the spectrum of mucocutaneous membranous pemphigoids (MMP). Although the diagnosis is often ophthalmological, due to the autoimmune nature of the pathology, it requires a joint approach with rheumatologists and immunologists. The objective of this narrative review was to explore the evidence available in the literature from 2000 to 2020 with respect to clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment. The clinical presentation varies widely, from mild cases with slow progression of years of progression, to severe cases with a torpid and rapidly progressive evolution to fibrosis, refractory to multiple treatments. A com plete evaluation of the patient will help guide the diagnosis. The gold standard for diagnosis is conjunctival biopsy with direct immunofluorescence, although on occasions it can be reached if the symptoms are characteristic. Treatment is local and systemic according to its severity and evolution. The evidence on topical and systemic therapeutics is obtained mainly from uncontrolled observational and experimental studies. Immunomodulatory therapy has made it possible to preserve vision and, in many cases, prevent sequelae. The evolu tion is linked to the early diagnosis and immunosuppressive treatment, so it is essential to be aware of this disease, the diagnostic methods, as well as the immunomodulating and immunosuppressive therapies available.

RESUMEN El penfigoide ocular cicatrizal (POC) es una enfermedad crónica, inmunomediada ampollar, mucosinequiante, comprendida dentro del espectro de penfigoides membranosos mucocutáneos (PMM). El diagnóstico es, con frecuencia, oftalmológico, pero debido al carácter autoinmune de la patología, requiere el abordaje en conjunto con reumatólogos e inmunólogos. El objetivo de esta revisión narrativa fue explorar la evidencia disponible en la literatura, desde el año 2000 hasta el 2020, en lo que respecta a sus manifestaciones clínicas, diagnóstico y tratamiento. La presentación clínica varía ampliamente, desde casos leves con progresión lenta de años de evolución hasta casos severos con evolución tórpida y rápidamente progresiva a la fibrosis, refractarios a múltiples tratamientos. Una evaluación completa del paciente ayudará a guiar el diagnóstico. El estándar de oro diagnóstico es la biopsia conjuntival con inmunofluorescencia directa, si bien en ocasiones puede diagnosticarse por la clínica característica. El tratamiento es local y sistêmico de acuerdo con su severidad y evolución. En los últimos 20 anos, la evidencia sobre los tratamientos tópicos y sistêmicos corresponde en su mayoría a estudios observacionales y experimentales no controlados. Los métodos de tratamiento inmunomoduladores han permitido preservar la visión y, en muchos casos, prevenir secuelas. La evolución está ligada al diagnóstico temprano y a los tratamientos disponibles, por lo que es fundamental el conocimiento de esta patología, los métodos diagnósticos y los tratamientos inmunomoduladores e inmunosupresores.

Conversión de prueba cutánea de derivado proteico purificado durante el tratamiento con anti-TNF / Skin test conversion of purified protein derivative during treatment with anti-TNF

Introducción: los anti-TNF-α se asocian con mayor riesgo de desarrollar tuberculosis (TB). La prueba del derivado proteico purificado (purified protein derivative, PPD) se emplea para diagnosticar infección de tuberculosis latente (ITL). Se recomienda el cribado para TB previo al inicio de terapia anti-TNF-α y el seguimiento para evaluar la posible conversión de la PPD durante el tratamiento. El tratamiento de la ITL puede reducir el riesgo de desarrollar enfermedad activa en un 90%. Objetivos: actualmente los resultados de conversión de la PPD y su interpretación durante el tratamiento anti-TNF-α son variables, por tal motivo nos propusimos conocer la frecuencia de conversión de la PPD en este grupo de pacientes de nuestro medio. Materiales y métodos: realizamos un estudio descriptivo, observacional y retrospectivo que incluyó pacientes >18 años, diagnosticados con enfermedad reumática, tratados con anti-TNF-α. Resultados: se incluyeron 54 pacientes (46,7 ± a 12 años), de los cuales 36, presentaron diagnóstico de artritis reumatoidea, seis de artritis idiopática juvenil, cinco de espondilitis anquilosante, tres de artritis psoriásica, tres de uveítis y uno de queratitis intersticial. Los tratamientos fueron: 30 adalimumab, 17 certolizumab, siete etanercept, 44 metotrexato, 19 leflunomida, nueve hidroxicloroquina, dos sulfasalazina, dos azatioprina, uno mofetil micofenolato y glucocorticoides (28 de 54); la conversión de la PPD ocurrió en un solo paciente. Conclusiones: en el presente trabajo la seroconversión fue baja en contraste con otras series. La prueba de PPD es un método accesible, ampliamente disponible, adecuado y sensible para diagnosticar ITL.

Introduction: anti-TNF-α are associated with an increased risk of developing tuberculosis (TB). Purified protein derivative (PPD) is used to demonstrate a latent TB infection (LTBI). Screening is recommended for TB prior to the onset of anti-TNF-α and monitoring evaluating possible conversion of PPD during treatment. Treatment of LTBI can reduce the risk of active disease development by up to 90%. Objectives: currently the results of PPD conversion and its interpretation during anti-TNF-α treatment are variable and that is why we set out to know the frequency of conversion of PPD in this group of patients in our environment. Materials and methods: a descriptive, analytical, observational, retrospective study was conducted. Including patients >18 years old, diagnosed with rheumatic disease, treated with anti-TNF-α. Results: 54 patients were included (46.7 ± to 12 years), of which 36 presented a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, 6 juvenile idiopathic arthritis, 5 ankylosing spondylitis, 3 psoriatic arthritis, 3 uveitis, 1 interstitial keratitis. The treatments were: 30 adalimumab, 17 certolizumab, 7 etanercept, 44 methotrexate, 19 leflunomide, 9 hydroxychloroquine, 2 sulfasalazine, 2 azathioprine, 1 mycophenolate mofetil and glucocorticoids (28/54). PPD conversion took place in 1 patient. Conclusions: in the present study, seroconversion was low in contrast to other series. The PPD test is an accessible, widely available, adequate and sensitive method for diagnosing LTBI, which the rheumatologist should use in his daily practice.

Chagas disease reactivation in rheumatologic patients: association with immunosuppressive therapy and humoral response.

Evidence for Chagas disease reactivation (CDR) in rheumatologic patients under rheumatologic treatments (RTs) is scarce. To screen and follow-up patients with rheumatic diseases and concomitant Chagas disease under RT to detect CDR and to describe a possible relationship between CDR and specific RT. An observational, longitudinal, prospective, consecutive study was carried out between 2018 and 2020. Included patients were evaluated during the follow-up for clinical and laboratorial manifestations of CDR. Direct blood parasitological examination (Strout method) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were employed to diagnose CDR. The dynamic of anti-T. cruzi-specific antibodies was also assessed by IHA and ELISA (total IgG and Anti-SAPA). Fifty-one patients were included (86% women). Rheumatoid arthritis was the predominant disease (57%). Classic DMARDs (86.3%) and corticosteroids (61%) were the most frequent RT. CDR was developed in 6 patients (11.7%), exhibiting both positive Strout and PCR. Symptomatic reactivation of CD (fever, asthenia, arthralgias, myalgias) occurred in two patients who had previously been diagnosed with it. Regardless of the different RT, all patients who experienced CDR had previously received more than ≥ 20 mg/day of prednisone equivalent. Despite immunosuppression, patients with CDR exhibited increased levels of specific anti-T. cruzi and anti-SAPA antibodies, which decreased after anti-parasitic treatment. CDR is possible in rheumatologic patients, especially after receiving high doses of corticosteroids. Since CDR symptoms may mimic rheumatic disease activity, monitoring of Chagas disease is highly recommended before, during and after immunosuppression. Key Points • Chagas disease reactivation (CDR) in the context of rheumatological treatment was associated to high doses of corticosteroids. • CDR was associated with an increase in anti-T. cruzi antibodies despite the immunosuppressive treatment. • Suspecting and anticipating CDR is mandatory in this patient population to diagnose and treat it.

Púrpura retiforme, un desafío diagnóstico-terapéutico: Casos clínicos y revisión de la literatura / Retiform purpura, a diagnosic therapeutic challenge: Case reports and literature review

Las manifestaciones cutáneas en las enfermedades autoinmunes son frecuentes y heterogéneas. En algunas de ellas, como en el caso del lupus eritematoso sistémico, la dermatomiositis, la esclerosis sistémica y el síndrome antifosfolípidico son de tal importancia que se incluyen como criterios clasificatorios de la enfermedad. Los diagnósticos diferenciales varían en gravedad, pudiendo en ocasiones presentar riesgo vital, por lo cual se jerarquizan el diagnóstico y tratamiento oportunos. Se describe el caso de una paciente de 22 años con diagnóstico previo de lupus eritematoso sistémico y síndrome antifosfolípídico, que concurre a la consulta con cuadro agudo caracterizado por lesiones cutáneas dolorosas de aspecto necrótico acompañadas de fiebre y livedo reticularis.

Cutaneous involvement is frequent and heterogeneous in autoimmune diseases. In some of them, such as in systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, systemic sclerosis and antiphospholipid syndrome, some manifestations are so relevant that are included in the classification criteria. Differential diagnosis ranges in severity. Since the disease may be life-threatening, a prompt diagnosis and treatment are mandatory. We describe a clinical case of a twenty-two-year-old woman with diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipidic syndrome, presenting with acute, painful cutaneous lesions with necrotic aspect, fever and livedo reticularis.

Vitamin D levels and bone mass in rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease with high prevalence of osteoporosis. Previous evidence indicates an association between vitamin D deficiency and autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels, bone mineral density (BMD) and disease activity in RA patients living in Argentina. We studied 34 RA women and 41 healthy women as a control group. RA patients had lower 25(OH)D levels (20.4 ± 0.9 ng/ml) than controls (26.3 ± 1.9 ng/ml; p < 0.05). No significant differences were found in lumbar spine BMD between premenopausal (preM) or postmenopausal (postM) patients, but femoral neck BMD was significantly lower in postM RA patients (T score -2.5 ± 0.4) than in postM control subjects (T score -0.9 ± 0.3, p = 0.014). Although no linear correlation between 25(OH)D levels and disease activity (DAS-28) was found, patients with moderate-high disease activity had lower 25(OH)D levels than those with low disease activity: DAS-28 >3.2: 19.5 ± 0.88 ng/ml; DAS-28 ≤3.2: 23.7 ± 2.8 ng/ml (p = 0.047). After 1 year of vitamin D treatment 25(OH)D levels were increased while DAS-28 were decreased (n = 25; p < 0.05). We conclude that patients with RA had lower 25(OH)D levels than the control group. Low levels of 25(OH)D were associated with moderate-high disease activity suggesting the importance of optimal 25(OH)D levels in RA patients. Femoral neck BMD was lower in postM RA patients. No differences in lumbar BMD were found between preM and postM RA patients, suggesting that bone mass evaluation in RA patients should include femoral neck BMD regardless of age.

Adaptación de la versión para pacientes de las recomendaciones para el tratamiento hacia un objetivo (T2T) en artritis reumatoidea para su uso en Argentina / Adaptation of the treat to target patients versión in Argentinean patients with rheumatoid arthritis

En el año 2008 fueron publicadas las recomendaciones para eltratamiento hacia el objetivo en artritis reumatoidea (treat to target:T2T). Originalmente diseñadas como recomendaciones para guiar areumatólogos en el tratamiento de la AR, en el año 2011 se publicóla primera versión para pacientes de estas recomendaciones eninglés.Objetivo: validar la versión para pacientes de las recomendacionesT2T para su uso en Argentina a través de la adaptación transculturalde la versión original.Método: Se realizó un proceso de adaptación transcultural a partirde la versión original. De este proceso de traducción y retraduccióny del análisis por parte de un comité de expertos, se obtuvo unaversión prefinal.Esta versión fue sometida a una prueba de campo mediante unaentrevista a pacientes alfabetos consecutivos con diagnósticode AR en diferentes centros de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de BuenosAires y Santa Fe. En esta entrevista se evaluó validez de forma,equivalencia conceptual, interpretabilidad y aceptabilidad. Elresultado obtenido de estas entrevistas fue discutido con el comitédesignado de investigadores para desarrollar una versión final dela pieza validada.Durante la entrevista se permitió leer la versión en español prefinaly se invitó a calificar de 0 a 10 cada oración de acuerdo al gradode comprensión del texto. A su vez se exploró el grado de acuerdoy de adaptabilidad a su problema de salud y se reemplazaron laspalabras que ofrecieron mayores dificultades...

In 2008 recommendations for the treatment towards the targetin rheumatoid arthritis (treat to target: T2T) were published.Originally designed as recommendations to guide rheumatologistsin the treatment of RA, in 2011 the first patient version of theserecommendations was published in English.Objective: To validate the Spanish version of the patient version ofthe T2T recommendations through cross-cultural adaptation of theoriginal version.Method: A cross-cultural adaptation process was made from theoriginal version. In this process of translation and back translationand analysis by a committee of experts, a prefinal version wasobtained.This version was subjected to a field test by interviewing alphabetsconsecutive patients diagnosed with RA at different centers inBuenos Aires, CABA and Santa Fe. Construct validity, cross-culturaladaptability, interpretation and acceptability were evaluated andlater discussed with the committee to get the final version.After reading patients had to point each sentence from 0 to 10according to the degree of understanding of the text. The degreeof agreement and adaptability to their health problem was exploredand words that offered greater difficulties were replaced...

Childhood systemic lupus erythematosus in Latin America. The GLADEL experience in 230 children.

To evaluate disease characteristics of childhood onset SLE in Latin America and to compare this information with an adult population in the same cohort of GLADEL. A protocol was designed as a multicenter, multinational, inception cohort of lupus patients to evaluate demographic, clinical, laboratory and serological variables, as well as classification criteria, disease activity, organ damage and mortality. Descriptive statistics, chi square, Fisher's exact test, Student's t test and multiple logistic regression were used to compare childhood and adult onset SLE. 230 patients were <18 years and 884 were adult SLE patients. Malar rash, fever, oral ulcers, thrombocytopenia and hemolytic anemia and some neurologic manifestations were more prevalent in children (p<0.05). On the other hand, myalgias, Sjögren's syndrome and cranial nerve involvement were more frequently seen in adults (p<0.05). Afro-Latin-American children had a higher prevalence of fever, thrombocytopenia and hemolytic anemia. White and mestizo children had a higher prevalence of malar rash. Mestizo children had a higher prevalence of cerebrovascular disease and cranial nerve involvement. Children met SLE ACR criteria earlier with higher mean values than adults (p: 0.001). They also had higher disease activity scores (p: 0.01), whereas adults had greater disease damage (p: 0.02). In Latin America, childhood onset SLE seems to be a more severe disease than adults. Some differences can be detected among ethnic groups.