Increased Risk for Pulmonary Embolism among Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis-Results from a Large Database Analysis.

Background: Axial spondyloarthropathy(AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the axial skeleton, often characterized by sacroiliitis. While pulmonary embolism (PE), a potentially lethal condition, has been linked to several autoimmune diseases, limited data exist regarding PE risk among patients with AS. Methods: This retrospective cohort study utilized the Clalit Healthcare Services (CHS) database, including 5825 patients with AS and 28,356 matched controls. Follow-up began at the date of first AS diagnosis for patients and at the matched patient's diagnosis date for controls and continued until PE diagnosis, death, or study end date. Results: Prevalence of PE before AS diagnosis in patients compared to controls was 0.4% vs. 0.2% (p < 0.01). The incidence rate of PE was 11.6 per 10,000 person-years for patients with AS and 6.8 per 10,000 person-years for controls. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for PE in patients with AS was 1.70 (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis demonstrated excess risk for PE in patients with AS regardless of gender and age, with variations among AS treatment categories. Discussion: Our findings highlight a significant association between AS and PE, indicating an increased risk in patients with AS independent of age and sex and suggests a subclinical level of inflammation. Preliminary results suggest a protective role of immunosuppressing drugs. Further research into the impact of treatment strategies should be conducted and could inform clinical management and reduce the life-threatening risk of PE in Patients with AS.

Exploring the Link Between Ankylosing Spondylitis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are chronic conditions with overlapping pathogenic mechanisms. The genetic predisposition and inflammatory pathways common to both diseases suggest a syndemic relationship. While some evidence points to a connection between the two conditions, other reports do not support this link. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between AS and the subsequent incidence of IBD. To identify potential risk factors and effect modifiers that contribute to this relationship. METHODS: Utilizing the Chronic Disease Registry of Clalit Health Services, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of individuals diagnosed with AS between January 2002 and December 2018. We compared these patients with age- and sex-matched controls, excluding those with a prior diagnosis of IBD. Statistical analyses included chi-square and t-tests for demographic comparisons, and Cox proportional hazards models for evaluating the risk of IBD development, with adjustments for various co-morbidities and demographic factors. RESULTS: The study included 5825 AS patients and 28,356 controls. AS patients demonstrated a significantly higher incidence of IBD with hazard ratios of 6.09 for Crohn's disease and 2.31 for ulcerative colitis, after multivariate adjustment. The overall incidence of IBD in the AS cohort was significantly higher compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: AS patients exhibit a markedly increased risk of developing IBD. These findings advocate for heightened clinical vigilance for IBD symptoms in AS patients and suggest the need for a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. Further research into the shared pathogenic pathways is needed to develop personalized treatment strategies and improve patient management.

Arthroplasty Rates and Risk in Familial Mediterranean Fever Patients: A large Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is a genetic disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of fever and inflammation in various organs, including the joints. Traditionally, the arthritis of FMF has been considered relatively harmless. However, anecdotal evidence has suggested that it may contribute to long-term joint damage, which may necessitate surgical joint replacement. This study aimed to investigate the rates of arthroplasty among FMF patients and compare it to the general population. METHODS: The study used the electronic database of the largest healthcare organization in Israel to identify 9,769 FMF patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2016. A similar number of age-, gender-, and residency-matched controls were also identified. The rates of arthroplasty were compared between the two groups. A logistic regression model predicting the need for arthroplasty within the FMF group was formed to identify potential risk factors. RESULTS: Of the 9,769 FMF patients, 114 (1.2%) underwent arthroplasty, compared with 64 (0.7%) of the control group [unadjusted odds ratio (OR)=1.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.32-2.43; partially adjusted OR = 1.97, 95% CI 1.40-2.77; fully adjusted OR = 1.92, 95% CI 1.35-2.72]. Within the FMF cohort, those of North African origin had a significantly higher risk of arthroplasty (OR = 6.89, 95% CI 5.09-9.33; p< 0.001). CONCLUSION: FMF patients can experience long-term joint damage that may require arthroplasty. Although this complication is relatively uncommon in FMF patients, it occurs almost twice as frequently as compared with the general population. FMF patients of North African origin are at an even higher risk.

Unraveling the connection: Uveitis prevalence and risk factors in psoriasis patients - a population-based study.

The association between uveitis and spondyloarthropathy (SpA)-related conditions is well-established. However, evidence describing the link between uveitis and psoriasis, and psoriasis without concomitant SpA-related conditions is scarce and conflicting. This large-scale population-based study sought to describe the prevalence and features of uveitis among psoriasis patients in Israel as well as investigating the risk for uveitis in different subgroups of psoriasis patients compared to the general population. We conducted a retrospective study utilizing the electronic database of the Meuhedet Health Maintenance Organization. The study included all patients diagnosed with psoriasis between 2000 and 2020, each patient was matched with four controls based on age, sex, place of residence, and index date. Logistic regression models were employed to assess the association between psoriasis and uveitis while adjusting for the presence of SpA-related conditions. A total of 61 003 psoriasis patients and 244 012 matched controls were included. The prevalence of uveitis was 1.3% versus 1.1% respectively (OR 1.12; 95% CI 1.10-1.30; p < 0.001). When adjusting to psoriasis severity, concurrent SpA, and psoriasis treatment no significant association was found. The rates of uveitis among psoriasis patients with concurrent SpA-related conditions was 3.2% compared to 1.4% in controls without psoriasis or SpA (OR 2.38; 95% CI 2.00-2.83; p < 0.001), while in psoriasis patients without SpA, the rate of uveitis was 1.0% and was similar to controls. Although crude rates of uveitis were higher in patients with severe psoriasis compared to mild psoriasis (2.1% vs. 1.1%), after adjustment, no significant association compared to controls was found in either group. Our findings suggest that the positive association between psoriasis and uveitis is primarily mediated by the coexistence of other SpA-related conditions. These findings imply the presence of a shared pathogenetic mechanism and set the direction for a phenotypic-targeted screening strategy.

The association between psoriasis, psoriasis severity, and inflammatory bowel disease: a population-based analysis.

Background: The skin-gut axis, characterized by bidirectional communication between the skin and gut, plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Objectives: We aimed to explore the association between psoriasis and IBD and identify predictors associated with IBD development among patients with psoriasis. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: A retrospective study which utilized an electronic database from the Meuhedet Health Maintenance Organization (MHMO) in Israel. Psoriasis was categorized as severe if any systemic agent or phototherapy was administered. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify specific predictors for IBD, with adjustments made for potential confounders. The study received approval from the Ethical Committee of the MHMO. Results: In total, 61,003 adult patients who were diagnosed with psoriasis between 2000 and 2022 were included. Among them, 1495/61,003 patients (2.4%) were diagnosed with IBD, as compared to 3834/244,012 patients (1.6%) in the non-psoriasis group [adjusted odds ratio (OR): 1.47; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.37-1.56; p < 0.001]. Increased age (OR: 1.01; 95% CI: 1.01-1.02; p < 0.001), male gender (OR: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.03-1.45; p = 0.024), and Jewish ethnicity (OR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.2-4.1; p < 0.001) were identified as significant risk factors for IBD. Spondyloarthropathies, including psoriatic arthritis (OR: 2.27; 95% CI: 1.86-2.77; p < 0.001) and ankylosing spondylitis (OR: 2.82; 95% CI: 1.5-5.32; p < 0.05), were associated with a higher prevalence of IBD. Furthermore, severe psoriasis was significantly associated with a higher likelihood of IBD, compared to mild psoriasis (OR: 16.03; 95% CI: 11.02-23.34; p < 0.001). Conclusion: A significant association between psoriasis and IBD was demonstrated, including its subtypes: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Moreover, such association may depend on psoriasis severity as determined by the treatment used. This association warrants further investigation and implies a potential need for closer monitoring of patients with severe psoriasis.

Association between psoriatic disease severity and risk of inflammatory bowel diseases 1- Gut and skin barrier play an integral role in psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) development. 2- Shared genetic and environmental factors could explain the association between both diseases. 3- We report increased association between psoriasis and IBD, a relationship that is more pronounced in patients with severe psoriasis. 4- Patients with spondyloarthritis related diseases have a stronger association with IBD.

Biologic Treatment Modification Efficacy in Concurrent Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Retrospective Cohort Study at a Single Tertiary Center.

BACKGROUND: The link between ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is well-established, with concurrent prevalence estimates ranging from 5-10%. However, there are still significant gaps in our understanding, and a comprehensive treatment guideline for these co-diagnosed patients has yet to be established. Our objective was to explore patterns of treatment alterations following the diagnosis of AS in patients previously diagnosed with IBD, and vice versa. Additionally, we sought to determine how these modifications influence clinical outcomes in both conditions. METHODS: This retrospective data-based cohort study included patients with coexisting IBD and AS that were diagnosed between the years 2009-2022 and were followed by the gastroenterology and the rheumatology units of the Sheba Medical Center, Israel. The data were extracted from the electronic health record and included demographic information, medication history, treatment modification at the time of second diagnosis, and the characteristics and activity of both IBD and AS at the index time and at the 3-month mark. RESULTS: The study included a total of 68 patients, with a male predominance (40 patients, 59%). The median age was 43 years (IQR 31-55) and 78% had Crohn's disease (CD). The median duration between the diagnosis of the first disease to the second one was 4 years (IQR 1-9.5). A significant proportion of patients (85%) underwent treatment modification at their second diagnosis. Out of the total cohort, 28% initiated biological therapy, 17.6% switched their biologic regimen, and 16.2% discontinued NSAIDS. Patients who underwent biologic modifications at time of the second diagnosis (the initiation/switch/augmentation of a concurrent regimen) experienced significantly higher rates of clinical improvement in either IBD or AS at the 90-day follow-up compared to patients who did not (68% vs. 32%, p = 0.004), and biologic modification was found to be an independent predictor for clinical improvement (OR 3.69, CI 1.08-12.58, p = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that biologic therapy modification at the time of the second diagnosis was associated with a higher rate of improvement in AS/IBD at the 90-day follow-up.

Increased risk of osteoporosis and femoral neck fractures in patients with familial Mediterranean fever-a large retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: The direct impact of inflammatory conditions and their therapy with corticosteroids both contribute to an increased risk of osteoporosis with associated fractures. Familial-Mediterranean-Fever (FMF) is an autoinflammatory disorder not commonly treated with corticosteroids. Evidence regarding FMF association with osteoporosis and femur fractures is anecdotal. We aimed to evaluate the incidence and risk of osteoporosis and femoral neck fracture in FMF patients compared with the general population. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study using the electronic database of Clalit Health Services of all FMF patients first diagnosed between 2000-2016 and controls was evaluated including age and sex matched controls in 1:1 ratio. Follow-up continued until the first diagnosis of osteoporosis or fracture. Risk for these conditions was compared using univariate and multivariate cox-regression models. RESULTS: 9,769 FMF patients were followed for a median period of 12.5 years. 304 FMF patients were diagnosed with osteoporosis compared with 191 controls, resulting in an incidence rate (per 10 000 persons-years) of 28.8 and 17.8 respectively, and a crude HR of 1.62 (95%CI 1.35-1.93; p< 0.001). Patients were diagnosed with osteoporosis at a considerably younger age than controls (60.1 ± 12.4 vs 62.5 ± 11.0 years; p= 0.028). 56 FMF patients were diagnosed with femoral neck fracture compared with 35 controls, resulting in an incidence rate of 5.3 and 3.3 respectively, and a crude HR of 1.60 (95%CI 1.05-2.44; p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: FMF patients are at increased risk for osteoporosis and consequently femur fracture. Our findings emphasize the importance of considering bone health in the management of FMF patients.

The Risk and Predictors of Malignancies in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients in Israel-A Retrospective Electronic Data-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies demonstrated unclear and vast variability in the association between Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) and the risk of cancer. OBJECTIVES: To assess the risk of overall and site-specific malignancies for AS patients in Israel, while examining the role of comorbidities and immunomodulatory therapy. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective electronic data-based study including all AS patients diagnosed between 2002 and 2018, with no history of cancer prior to enrollment, with 5:1 ratio matched-control by age, gender, and place of residence. The odds Ratios (OR) for site-specific malignancies, comparing AS patients and controls, were calculated using logistic regression. Risk factors for malignancies within the AS cohort were evaluated in the same manner. RESULTS: This study comprised 5825 AS patients and 28,356 matched controls. There was a higher overall risk of cancer in AS patients compared to controls (OR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.24-1.6), specifically for solid malignancies (OR = 1.5, 95% CI 1.3-1.7), CNS (OR = 3.72, 95% CI 1.29-10.7), kidney (OR = 2.06, 95% CI 1.12-3.8), and malignancy of unknown primary (OR = 3.06, 95% CI 2.35-3.98). Regarding predictors for malignancy within AS patients, older age at diagnosis (OR = 1.31, 95%,CI 1.25-2.36), diabetes (OR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.18-1.97), IBD (OR = 2.61, 95% CI 1.75-3.89), and treatment with DMARDs (OR = 2.17, 95% CI 1.65-2.83) were associated with a higher risk of solid malignancies, while NSAIDs treatment alone had a protective effect for solid malignancies (OR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.61-0.99). No significant association was found between anti-TNF therapy and the risk of solid or hematologic malignancies within the AS group. CONCLUSION: AS is associated with an increased risk of overall and site-specific malignancies, with independently higher risk for older age, comorbidity of DM, IBD, and treatment with DMARDs.

The Prevalence of Dementia among Dermatomyositis and Polymyositis Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM) are inflammatory mediated myopathies characterized by progressive symmetric proximal muscle weakness and associated with extra-muscular involvement. Central nervous system complications are rarely reported with these diseases. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between dementia and PM/DM. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using a database from Clalit Health Care, the largest health maintenance organization in Israel. Patients with a first recorded diagnosis of PM/DM were included and were compared with age- and sex-matched controls by a ratio of 1:5. The prevalence of dementia among PM/DM patients compared to controls was assessed using a univariate and a multivariable model. Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association of different factors with dementia within the PM/DM cohort. RESULTS: The study included 2085 PM/DM cases (17.0%) and 10,193 age- and sex-matched controls (83.0%). During the follow-up time, 36 PM/DM patients were diagnosed with dementia compared to 160 controls, with a univariate hazard ratio (HR) of 1.10 (95% confidence interval [95%CI] 0.77-1.58). Within the PM/DM cohort, significant predictors for the development of dementia included increased age at diagnosis (5 years increment; OR 1.86, 95%CI 1.57-2.21, P < 0.001) and treatment with glucocorticoids (OR 5.40, 95%CI 1.67-17.67, P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort, inflammatory myopathies were not associated with dementia. Age and treatment with glucocorticoids were associated with dementia. If dementia is diagnosed in patients with inflammatory myopathies, other systemic causes should be investigated.

Increased risk for stroke in patients with familial Mediterranean fever: results from a large population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: The association between chronic inflammatory conditions and cardiovascular disease is well established. Considering FMF, few studies exist investigating the risk of ischaemic heart disease, and none address the risk of stroke. We aimed to evaluate the incidence and risk for stroke in FMF patients compared with the general population. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study using the electronic database of Clalit Health Services (CHS), the largest health organization in Israel. All FMF patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2016 were included and matched with control according to age, gender and place of residence. Follow-up continued until the first diagnosis of stroke or death. The incidence of stroke was compared between the groups using univariate and multivariate models adjusting for cardiovascular risk-factors. RESULTS: A total of 9769 FMF patients and a similar number of controls were followed up for a median period of 12.5 years. The mean age at the beginning of the follow-up was 25.7 years. In total, 208 FMF patients were diagnosed with stroke compared with 148 controls, resulting in an incidence rate (per 10 000 persons-years) of 19.8 (95% CI 17.2, 22.7) and 13.9 (95% CI 11.8, 16.4), respectively, and a crude HR of 1.42 (95% CI 1.15-1.76; P < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis, FMF patients who developed amyloidosis with related or non-related renal failure demonstrated significant stroke risk (HR = 2.16; 95% CI 1.38, 3.38; P < 0.001), as well as for those who did not develop these complications (HR = 1.32; 95% CI 1.04, 1.67; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: FMF patients are at increased risk for stroke regardless of known complications.

Vitamin D Insufficiency is Associated with Higher Incidence of Dementia, a Large Community-Based Retrospective Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: Active metabolite of vitamin D has neuro-immunomodulatory and neuroprotective properties. However, there is still a debate about the potential association between low serum levels of hydroxy-vitamin D and increased risk for dementia. OBJECTIVES: To determine an association between hypovitaminosis D and dementia for different 25-hydroxyvitamin-D (25(OH)D) serum level cutoffs. METHODS: Patients were identified utilizing the database of Clalit Health Services (CHS), the largest healthcare provider in Israel. For each subject, all available values of 25(OH)D during the study period, which lasted from 2002 to 2019, were obtained. Rates of dementia were compared across different cutoffs of 25(OH)D levels. RESULTS: Cohort included 4278 patients, of whom 2454 (57%) were women. The mean age at the beginning of follow-up was 53 (±17). During the 17-year study period, a total of 133 patients (3%) were diagnosed with dementia. In a fully adjusted multivariate analysis, the risk for dementia was almost 2-fold higher in patients with an average of vitamin D insufficiency (<75 nmol/l) measurements (OR = 1.8, 95% C.I. = 1.0-3.2) compared to reference values (≥75 nmol/l). Patients with vitamin D deficiency (<50 nmol/l) demonstrated higher rates of dementia (OR = 2.6, 95% C.I. = 1.4-4.8). In our cohort, patients were diagnosed with dementia at a younger age in the deficiency (77 vs. 81 P-value = 0.05) and the insufficiency groups (77 vs. 81 P-value = 0.05) compared to the reference values (≥75 nmol/l). CONCLUSION: Insufficient levels of vitamin D are associated with dementia. Dementia is diagnosed at a younger age in patients with insufficient and deficient vitamin D levels.

Possible Association Between Anti-Trisulfated-Heparin-Disaccharide (TS-HDS) Immunoglobulin M Autoantibody and Fibromyalgia Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is estimated to affect 2-4% of the general population. While FMS has some known environmental and genetic risk factors, the disorder has no clear etiology. A common coexisting disorder with FMS is small fiber neuropathy (SFN). High levels of serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) binding to trisulfated-heparin-disaccharide (TS-HDS) were recently found to be associated with SFN. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate potential differences in anti-TS-HDS antibody titers in women with FMS compared to healthy controls. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated 51 female participants: 30 with a diagnosis of FMS and 21 healthy controls who had been recruited at the Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Israel. All of the participants were older than 18 years of age. Anti-TS-HDS IgM levels were measured in their sera using the enzyme immunoassay technique. RESULTS: The mean anti-TS-HDS IgM levels were significantly lower in the FMS group, compared with the control group (7.7 ± 5 vs. 13.2 ± 8.6 U/ml, respectively; P = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: There is a possible association between FMS and anti-TS-HDS IgM. This association might be the missing link for the coexistence of SFN and FMS, but further study should be performed to assess this association and this auto-antibody characteristic.

The risk of osteoporosis in patients with ankylosing spondylitis—A large retrospective matched cohort study / El riesgo de osteoporosis en pacientes con espondilitis anquilosante: un estudio retrospectivo de cohortes emparejadas

Background Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is associated with increased bone turnover and systemic inflammation. Osteoporosis is common but frequently underappreciated in AS, studies regarding the incidence of osteoporosis in AS are limited and based on small cohorts. The aim of this study is to assess the risk of osteoporosis in patients with AS compared to matched controls. Methods A population based retrospective cohort study using data retrieved from a large electronic medical record in Israel, the Clalit health services. Included patients that were diagnosed with AS from January 2002 to December 2018 were followed for development of osteoporosis. The incidence of osteoporosis was compared between AS and controls and a logistic regression model was used to assess the interaction between AS and osteoporosis. Results The study included 5476 AS patients, and 27,657 age- and sex-frequency matched controls. The incidence of osteoporosis in AS patients was significantly higher than controls (4.7% vs 2.8%, p < 0.001) in the whole cohort as well as when stratified by sex. Osteoporosis developed earlier in patients with AS versus controls (4.1 vs 5.2 years, p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis and after adjustment to several potential confounders, AS was found to independently associated with osteoporosis (HR 1.83, 95%CI 1.58–2.11, p < 0.0001). Conclusions Our study confirms the higher incidence and earlier development of osteoporosis in patients with AS. Such finding highlights the increased need of awareness and earlier detection of such comorbidity allowing prompt treatment to prevent undesired sequalae including increased risk of fractures (AU)

Antecedentes La espondilitis anquilosante (EA) se asocia a un aumento del recambio óseo y de la inflamación sistémica. La osteoporosis es común pero frecuentemente subestimada en la EA: los estudios sobre la incidencia de la osteoporosis en la EA son limitados y se basan en cohortes pequeñas. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar el riesgo de osteoporosis en pacientes con EA en comparación con controles emparejados. Métodos Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo basado en la población utilizando datos recuperados de un gran registro médico electrónico en Israel, los servicios de salud Clalit. Se incluyeron pacientes a los que se les diagnosticó EA desde enero de 2002 hasta diciembre de 2018 y se les hizo un seguimiento para el desarrollo de osteoporosis. Se comparó la incidencia de osteoporosis entre los pacientes con EA y los controles y se utilizó un modelo de regresión logística para evaluar la interacción entre la EA y la osteoporosis. Resultados El estudio incluyó a 5.476 pacientes con EA y a 2.7657 controles emparejados por edad y sexo. La incidencia de osteoporosis en los pacientes con EA fue significativamente mayor que en los controles (4,7% frente a 2,8%; p < 0,001) en toda la cohorte, así como cuando se estratificó por sexo. La osteoporosis se desarrolló antes en los pacientes con EA frente a los controles (4,1 frente a 5,2 años; p < 0,001). En el análisis multivariado y tras ajustar varios posibles factores de confusión, se observó que la EA se asociaba de forma independiente con la osteoporosis (HR: 1,83; IC 95%: 1,58-2,11; p < 0,0001). Conclusiones Nuestro estudio confirma la existencia de mayor incidencia y el desarrollo más temprano de la osteoporosis en pacientes con EA. Este hallazgo pone de manifiesto la necesidad de una mayor concienciación y una detección más temprana de esta comorbilidad, lo que permitirá un tratamiento rápido para evitar secuelas no deseadas, como el aumento del riesgo de fracturas (AU)

The risk of osteoporosis in patients with ankylosing spondylitis-A large retrospective matched cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is associated with increased bone turnover and systemic inflammation. Osteoporosis is common but frequently underappreciated in AS, studies regarding the incidence of osteoporosis in AS are limited and based on small cohorts. The aim of this study is to assess the risk of osteoporosis in patients with AS compared to matched controls. METHODS: A population based retrospective cohort study using data retrieved from a large electronic medical record in Israel, the Clalit health services. Included patients that were diagnosed with AS from January 2002 to December 2018 were followed for development of osteoporosis. The incidence of osteoporosis was compared between AS and controls and a logistic regression model was used to assess the interaction between AS and osteoporosis. RESULTS: The study included 5476 AS patients, and 27,657 age- and sex-frequency matched controls. The incidence of osteoporosis in AS patients was significantly higher than controls (4.7% vs 2.8%, p<0.001) in the whole cohort as well as when stratified by sex. Osteoporosis developed earlier in patients with AS versus controls (4.1 vs 5.2 years, p<0.001). In multivariate analysis and after adjustment to several potential confounders, AS was found to independently associated with osteoporosis (HR 1.83, 95%CI 1.58-2.11, p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms the higher incidence and earlier development of osteoporosis in patients with AS. Such finding highlights the increased need of awareness and earlier detection of such comorbidity allowing prompt treatment to prevent undesired sequalae including increased risk of fractures.

The association between ankylosing spondylitis and psychiatric disorders: Insights from a population based cross-sectional database.

BACKGROUND: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory rheumatic disease involving the axial skeleton ultimately resulting in physical disability and psychological sequalae. The current study aims to evaluate the link between AS and psychiatric disorders, and to investigate the impact of different disease modifying drugs on such link. METHODS: A large retrospective, population-based, cross-sectional study utilizing the Clalit-Health-Service (CHS) database was conducted on 5825 AS patients and 25,984 age- and sex-matched control individuals. The prevalence of psychiatric morbidity was compared between AS patients and age- and gender-matched controls. Predictors for psychiatric disorders in AS patients were also investigated. RESULTS: The prevalence of psychiatric morbidity was higher in AS patients compared to controls (13.8 % vs. 9.8 %, p < 0.001). Similarly, major depression was positively associated with AS (OR 1.60, 95 % CI 1.43-1.79, p < 0.001), however, schizophrenia was negatively associated with AS (OR 0.60, 95 % CI 0.42-0.89, p < 0.011). Conventional DMARDs (cDMARDs) and anti-TNF used for management of AS were not shown to be predictors for psychiatric illnesses in AS patients. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with AS are at a higher risk of developing psychiatric disorders, with increased risk of depression and lower risk of schizophrenia. cDMARDs and TNF-inhibitors are not predictors of psychiatric disorders in AS patients.

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Are Associated with Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis-A Retrospective Cohort Analysis.

Background and Objectives: Polymyositis and dermatomyositis (PM/DM) are classified as polygenic autoimmune diseases, whereas inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is considered a polygenic autoinflammatory disease. In the literature, several cases exist reporting the co-occurrence of both conditions. At the molecular level, PM/DM and IBD share common genetic determinants including interferon regulatory factor and vitamin D receptor susceptibility loci. Accumulating evidence underline several indicators that confer poor prognosis in IBD, including antinuclear antibody positivity and the presence of other autoimmune diseases, therefore the aim of this study is to assess the association between these entities. Materials and Methods: This is a population-based retrospective study using data retrieved from a large electronic medical record in Israel, the Clalit health registry. The sample included PM/DM patients and age- and sex-frequency matched controls. The prevalence of IBD in PM/DM was compared between the two groups and logistic regression was applied to control for confounding variables. Predictors of IBD in patients with PM/DM were also explored. Results: Our study included 12,278 subjects with 2085 PM/DM patients and 10,193 age- and sex- frequency-matched controls. The incidence of IBD in patients with PM/DM was significantly higher even after controlling for various confounding variables (OR of 1.73, 95% CI 1.05-2.86, p-value = 0.033). Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) positivity was found to be an independent predictor for IBD diagnosis in patients with PM/DM (OR 3.67, 95% CI 1.01-13.36, p = 0.048). Conclusion: Our analysis reports an association between IBD and PM/DM. Such association could point towards a common pathophysiological background. Further research is needed to further describe the clinical courses and whether a unique therapeutic approach is warranted.

Assessing data gathering of chatbot based symptom checkers - a clinical vignettes study.

BACKGROUND: The burden on healthcare systems is mounting continuously owing to population growth and aging, overuse of medical services, and the recent COVID-19 pandemic. This overload is also causing reduced healthcare quality and outcomes. One solution gaining momentum is the integration of intelligent self-assessment tools, known as symptom-checkers, into healthcare-providers' systems. To the best of our knowledge, no study so far has investigated the data-gathering capabilities of these tools, which represent a crucial resource for simulating doctors' skills in medical-interviews. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to evaluate the data-gathering function of currently available chatbot symptom-checkers. METHODS: We evaluated 8 symptom-checkers using 28 clinical vignettes from the repository of MSD-Manual case studies. The mean number of predefined pertinent findings for each case was 31.8 ± 6.8. The vignettes were entered into the platforms by 3 medical students who simulated the role of the patient. For each conversation, we obtained the number of pertinent findings retrieved and the number of questions asked. We then calculated the recall-rates (pertinent-findings retrieved out of all predefined pertinent-findings), and efficiency-rates (pertinent-findings retrieved out of the number of questions asked) of data-gathering, and compared them between the platforms. RESULTS: The overall recall rate for all symptom-checkers was 0.32(2,280/7,112;95 %CI 0.31-0.33) for all pertinent findings, 0.37(1,110/2,992;95 %CI 0.35-0.39) for present findings, and 0.28(1140/4120;95 %CI 0.26-0.29) for absent findings. Among the symptom-checkers, Kahun platform had the highest recall rate with 0.51(450/889;95 %CI 0.47-0.54). Out of 4,877 questions asked overall, 2,280 findings were gathered, yielding an efficiency rate of 0.46(95 %CI 0.45-0.48) across all platforms. Kahun was the most efficient tool 0.74 (95 %CI 0.70-0.77) without a statistically significant difference from Your.MD 0.69(95 %CI 0.65-0.73). CONCLUSION: The data-gathering performance of currently available symptom checkers is questionable. From among the tools available, Kahun demonstrated the best overall performance.

Association of anti-Ro seropositivity with cardiac rhythm and conduction disturbances.

AIMS: Anti-Ro/La autoantibodies are especially prevalent in autoimmune diseases but are also relatively frequent in healthy adults. Their arrhythmogenic effect on the immature cardiac conductive system is well established, with substantial evidence demonstrating an increased risk for congenital atrioventricular block in neonates of seropositive mothers. Despite their wide distribution and their arrhythmogenic potential effect, there are no large population studies conducted in seropositive adults. Thus, this is the first large population-based study to examine the association of anti-Ro/La seropositivity with cardiac rhythm and conduction disturbances. METHODS AND RESULTS: This cross-sectional designed study involved the electronic health records of the largest health maintenance organization in Israel. All subjects that were tested positive for anti-Ro/anti-La antibodies between the years 2002 and 2019 were included and were matched by age, gender, and place of residence, with controls. Rates of different cardiac rhythm and conduction disturbances were compared between groups. Sensitivity analyses were performed using propensity score matching. The study population included 17 231 anti-Ro/La seropositive subjects and 84 368 controls. Anti-Ro seropositive patients had higher rates of conduction disturbances (3.0 vs. 1.7%, P < 0.001) and rhythm disturbances (10.5 vs. 7.0%, P < 0.001). Patients who tested positive for anti-La alone did not demonstrate a significant association with arrhythmias. Multivariate logistic regression analysis, controlling for possible confounders, showed an increased risk for cardiac conduction disturbances [odds ratio (OR) 1.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25-1.66, P < 0.001], as well as for cardiac rhythm disturbances (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.11-1.31, P < 0.001) among anti-Ro seropositive patients. However, the association with rhythm disturbances was more robust in certain subgroup analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-Ro seropositivity is positively associated with adult cardiac conduction disturbances and, to a lesser extent, cardiac rhythm disturbances, regardless of the presence of concurrent autoimmune disease.

TNF inhibitors have a protective role in the risk of dementia in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: Results from a nationwide study.

OBJECTIVES: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic progressive and debilitating form of arthritis with associated extra-articular features including uveitis, intestinal and lung apical inflammation and psoriasis. Putative associations between AS and neurologic disorders has been relatively overlooked. The purpose of this study is to assess the link between AS and major neurologic disorders and whether treatment with Tumor-Necrosis-Factor inhibitors (TNFi) has an impact on that association. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out based on the Clalit Health Services (CHS) computerized database. AS patients were compared to age- and gender-matched controls with respect to the proportion of Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis (MS). The impact of AS therapy (biologic vs conventional therapy) was assessed as well. RESULTS: 4082 AS patients and 20,397 age- and gender-matched controls were identified. AS was associated with a higher prevalence of AD (odds-ratio(OR) 1.46 [95%Confidence-interval(CI) 1.13-1.87], p = 0.003), epilepsy (OR 2.33 [95%CI 1.75-3.09] p < 0.0001) and PD (OR 2.75 [95%CI 2.04-3.72], p < 0.0001), whereas no statistically significant association was found for MS. Association with PD remained significant in the multivariate analysis (OR 1.49 [95%CI 1.05-2.13],p = 0.027). Within AS patients, the use of TNFi (OR 0.10 [95%CI 0.01-0.74], p = 0.024) were associated with a lowered risk of developing AD. CONCLUSION: AS is positively associated with AD, PD, and epilepsy but not MS. AS patients treated with TNFi have lower rates of AD.