Association between coca (Erythroxylum coca) chewing habit and oral squamous cell carcinoma: a case-control study from Argentina.

OBJECTIVE: Previous isolated reports have hypothesized that chewing coca leaves, a pre-Columbian tradition found in certain regions of South America, may be associated with the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Coca chewing (CC) is a habit that shares many characteristics with the well-known practice of betel chewing observed in Asia. The aim of this study is to analyze the association between CC and OSCC among patients who attended the Señor del Milagro Hospital in Salta, Argentina. STUDY DESIGN: A case-control study was conducted from 2013 to 2018. For each case of OSCC, three healthy control patients were included. Odds ratios were calculated to compare demographics, concurrent oral conditions, and other classical risk factors for OSCC. RESULTS: A total of 62 cases and 180 controls were included, adjusted for sex and age. OSCC was significantly associated with tobacco use (27.4% vs 9.4%, P = .001), CC (62.9% vs 32.2%, P < .001), and poor oral condition (81.1% vs 67.7%, P = .02). In the multivariate analysis, smoking (OR = 2.77, 95% CI 1.23-6.25, P = .0139), CC (OR = 2.98, 95% CI 1.58-5.63, P = .0007), and poor oral condition (OR = 3.1, 95% CI 1.62-5.85, P = .0006) remained independently associated with OSCC development. CONCLUSIONS: Chewing coca leaves could be considered a risk factor for oral cancer in a subset of Argentinean patients. Further studies are necessary to validate our findings and to elucidate the underlying pathways linking this habit to oral carcinogenesis.

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.

Características clínicas y evolución de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 en pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico en Argentina: datos del registro nacional SAR-COVID / Clinical characteristics and course of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in Argentina: data from the SAR-COVID national registry

Introducción: el lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) es una enfermedad sistémica que se ha asociado a mayor severidad con la infección por SARS-CoV-2. Particularmente la alta actividad de la enfermedad y algunos inmunosupresores se han vinculado a peores desenlaces. Objetivos: describir las características por SARS-CoV-2 en pacientes con LES en Argentina del registro SAR-COVID y establecer los factores asociados a peor desenlace de la misma. Materiales y métodos: estudio observacional. Se incluyeron pacientes con diagnóstico de LES con infección confirmada por SARS-CoV-2 (RT-PCR y/o serología positiva) del registro SAR-COVID. Los datos se recolectaron desde agosto de 2020 hasta marzo de 2022. El desenlace de la infección se midió mediante la escala ordinal de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (EO-OMS). Se definió COVID-19 severo con un valor EO-OMS ≥5. Análisis descriptivo, test T de Student, test de Mann Whitney U, ANOVA, chi2 y Fisher. Regresión logística múltiple. Resultados: se incluyeron 399 pacientes, el 93% de sexo femenino, con una edad media de 40,9 años (DE 12,2). El 39,6% tenía al menos una comorbilidad. Al momento de la infección, el 54,9% recibía glucocorticoides, el 30,8% inmunosupresores y el 3,3% agentes biológicos. La infección por SARS-CoV-2 fue leve en la mayoría de los casos, mientras que un 4,6% tuvo curso severo y/o falleció. Estos últimos presentaban comorbilidades, usaban glucocorticoides y tenían síndrome antifosfolipídico (SAF) con mayor frecuencia y mayor actividad de la enfermedad al momento de la infección. En el análisis multivariado, la hipertensión arterial, el diagnóstico de SAF y el uso de glucocorticoides se asociaron a hospitalización severa y/o muerte por COVID-19 (EO-OMS ≥5). Conclusiones: en esta cohorte de pacientes con LES con infección por SARS-CoV-2 confirmada, la mayoría cursó de manera sintomática, un 22,1% fue hospitalizado y un 5% requirió ventilación mecánica. La mortalidad fue cercana al 3%. El diagnóstico de SAF, tener hipertensión arterial y el uso de glucocorticoides se asociaron significativamente con COVID-19 severo.

Introduction: systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic disease that has been associated with greater severity with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Particularly high disease activity and some immunosuppressants have been linked to worse outcomes. Objectives: to describe the characteristics due to SARS-CoV-2 in patients with SLE in Argentina from the SAR-COVID registry and to establish the factors associated with a worse outcome of the same. Materials and methods: observational study. Patients diagnosed with SLE with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection (RT-PCR and/or positive serology) from the SAR-COVID registry were included. Data was collected from August 2020 to March 2022. The outcome of the infection was measured using the World Health Organization - ordinal scale (WHO-OS). Severe COVID-19 was defined as an WHO-OS value ≥5. Descriptive analysis, Student's T test, Mann Whitney U, ANOVA, chi2 and Fisher. Multiple logistic regression. Results: a total of 399 patients were included, 93% female, with a mean age of 40.9 years (SD 12.2), 39.6% had at least one comorbidity. At the time of infection, 54.9% were receiving glucocorticoids, 30.8% immunosuppressants, and 3.3% biological agents. SARS-CoV-2 infection was mild in most cases, while 4.6% had a severe course and/or died. The latter had comorbidities, used glucocorticoids and had antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) more frequently and higher disease activity at the time of infection. In the multivariate analysis, high blood pressure, the diagnosis of APS, and the use of glucocorticoids were associated with severe hospitalization and/or death from COVID-19 (WHO-EO ≥5). Conclusions: in this cohort of SLE patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, most had a symptomatic course, 22.1% were hospitalized, and 5% required mechanical ventilation. Mortality was close to 3%. The diagnosis of APS, having high blood pressure, and the use of glucocorticoids were significantly associated with severe COVID-19.

Experiencia sobre el proceso de salud-enfermedad-atención en pacientes con artritis reumatoidea pertenecientes a la comunidad Wichí de Misión Chaqueña "El Algarrobal", Salta / Experience on the health-disease-care process in patients with rheumatoid arthritis belonging to the Wichí community of Mission Chaqueña "El Algarrobal", Salta

Introducción: se ha reportado que la prevalencia de artritis reumatoidea (AR) en la comunidad Wichí representa la más alta informada por el Grupo Latinoamericano para el Estudio de las Enfermedades Reumáticas en los Pueblos Originarios (GLADERPO). El objetivo de este estudio fue describir la experiencia sobre el proceso de salud-enfermedad-atención de pacientes con AR de la comunidad Wichí de Misión Chaqueña "El Algarrobal", Salta. Materiales y métodos: estudio narrativo. Diseño de corte etnográfico. Se realizaron entrevistas semi-estructuradas y observaciones registradas. Se utilizaron guías de entrevistas y observación. Los aspectos incluidos fueron: concepción del proceso salud-enfermedad, percepción de la AR en la vida diaria, el acceso al sistema de salud, utilización de recursos tradicionales y de medicina tradicional. Resultados: se realizaron 10 entrevistas. Los aspectos más relevantes fueron la concepción del proceso salud-enfermedad asociado al trauma social pasado y al concepto de voluntad Wichí. Se evidenció la combinación de estrategias para mejorar el dolor (biomedicina, medicina tradicional y acompañamiento religioso). Además, se observó una relación unidireccional con el sistema de salud. Conclusiones: la AR es una enfermedad con un impacto negativo en la comunidad Wichí. Se requieren otras actividades, desde otras disciplinas, para mejorar el acceso al sistema de salud y la continuidad de los tratamientos.

Introduction: the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the Wichí community has already been published, representing the highest reported by the Grupo Latinoamericano para el Estudio de las Enfermedades Reumáticas en los Pueblos Originarios (GLADERPO). The objective was to describe the experience of the health-disease-care process of patients with RA from the Wichí community of Misión Chaqueña "El Algarrobal", Salta. Materials and methods: study with ethnographic design. Semi-structured interviews and recorded observations were conducted. Interview and observation guides were used. The aspects included were: conception of the health-disease process; perception of RA in daily life, access to the health system, use of traditional resources and traditional medicine. Results: ten interviews were conducted. The most relevant aspects were the conception of the health-disease process, associated with past social trauma and the concept of "Wichí good will". The combination of strategies to improve pain (biomedicine, traditional medicine and religious accompaniment) was evidenced. In addition, a unidirectional relationship with the health system was observed. Conclusions: RA is a disease with a negative impact on the Wichí community. Other activities from other disciplines are necessary to improve access to the health system and continuity of treatment.

Development of a risk indicator score for the identification of interstitial lung disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis / Desarrollo de una regla de predicción clínica para identificar enfermedad pulmonar intersticial en pacientes con artritis reumatoidea

Background: Clinically evident interstitial lung disease (ILD) affects 10%–42% of RA patients with prognostic implications. The aim of this study was to discern which factors are associated with the presence of ILD in RA patients and to develop a score that could help to stratify the risk of having ILD in RA patients. Methods: Case–control study. We included RA patients recruited from ILD and rheumatology clinics. We retrieved the following data: gender, age, presence of extra articular manifestations, disease activity scores, antibodies status, ESR, and medication use. Multivariate logistic regression was performed. A risk indicator score was developed. Results: Of 118 patients included in this study, 52 (44%) had RA-ILD (cases) and 66 (56%) had RA without ILD (controls). Twenty-six patients were male (22%), the mean age was 56.6±15.6 years. Five variables were significantly associated with the presence of ILD: male gender, smoking, extraarticular manifestations, a CDAI score>28, and ESR>80mm/h. The AUC of the final model curve was 0.86 (95%CI 0.79–0.92). Two potential cut-off points of the risk indicator score were chosen: a value of 2 points showed a sensitivity of 90.38% and a specificity of 63.64%, while a value of 4 points showed a sensitivity of 51.9% and a specificity of 90.9%. Conclusion: This study identified risk factors that could help identify which RA patients are at risk of having ILD through the development of a risk indicator score. This score needs to be validated in an independent cohort.(AU)

Introducción: La enfermedad pulmonar intersticial (EPI) clínicamente evidente afecta al 10-42% de los pacientes con Artritis Reumatoidea (AR), con impacto en el pronóstico. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar factores asociados y desarrollar una regla para estratificar el riesgo de EPI en pacientes con AR. Métodos: Estudio de casos y controles. Se incluyeron pacientes con AR de una clínica de enfermedades intersticiales y un servicio de reumatología. Se consignaron datos demográficos, manifestaciones extraarticulares, scores de actividad de la enfermedad, autoanticuerpos, tratamiento. Se analizó con regresión logística multivariada. Resultados: Se incluyeron 118 pacientes con AR, 52 (44%) con EPI (casos) y 66 (56%) sin EPI (controles). Veintiséis (22%) hombres, media de edad 56±15.6 años. Cinco variables se asociaron significativamente con la presencia de EPI: género masculino, tabaquismo, manifestaciones extraarticulares, CDAI> 28, y eritrosedimentación> 80mm/h. El área bajo la curva del modelo final fue 0.86 (IC 95% 0.79-0.92). Se escogieron dos potenciales puntos de corte del score: 2 puntos con una sensibilidad del 90.38% y una especificidad del 63.64%, y 4 puntos con una sensibilidad del 51.9% y una especificidad del 90.9%. Conclusión: Nuestro estudio identificó variables que podrían ayudar a identificar que pacientes con AR se encuentran en riesgo de presentar EPI.(AU)

Development of a risk indicator score for the identification of interstitial lung disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Clinically evident interstitial lung disease (ILD) affects 10%-42% of RA patients with prognostic implications. The aim of this study was to discern which factors are associated with the presence of ILD in RA patients and to develop a score that could help to stratify the risk of having ILD in RA patients. METHODS: Case-control study. We included RA patients recruited from ILD and rheumatology clinics. We retrieved the following data: gender, age, presence of extra articular manifestations, disease activity scores, antibodies status, ESR, and medication use. Multivariate logistic regression was performed. A risk indicator score was developed. RESULTS: Of 118 patients included in this study, 52 (44%) had RA-ILD (cases) and 66 (56%) had RA without ILD (controls). Twenty-six patients were male (22%), the mean age was 56.6±15.6 years. Five variables were significantly associated with the presence of ILD: male gender, smoking, extraarticular manifestations, a CDAI score>28, and ESR>80mm/h. The AUC of the final model curve was 0.86 (95%CI 0.79-0.92). Two potential cut-off points of the risk indicator score were chosen: a value of 2 points showed a sensitivity of 90.38% and a specificity of 63.64%, while a value of 4 points showed a sensitivity of 51.9% and a specificity of 90.9%. CONCLUSION: This study identified risk factors that could help identify which RA patients are at risk of having ILD through the development of a risk indicator score. This score needs to be validated in an independent cohort.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and rheumatic diseases in an Argentinean indigenous Wichi community.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSK) and rheumatic diseases in an indigenous Wichi population in Argentina. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, community-based study using the Community-Oriented Program for the Control of Rheumatic Diseases (COPCORD) methodology in ≥ 18-year-old subjects. Validated surveys were conducted by trained interviewers. Subjects with MSK pain (positive cases) were evaluated by internists and rheumatologists for diagnosis and treatment. RESULTS: A total of 648 interviews were performed (90.4% of the census population). Mean age was 37.5 years (SD 14.8), and 379 (58.5%) were female. The mean years of education was 7.0 (SD 3.7); 552 subjects (85.2%) were covered by the public health care system. A total of 216 (33.3%) subjects had MSK pain in the last 7 days. Rheumatic disease prevalence was as follows: mechanical back pain (19.0%), rheumatic regional pain syndrome (5.2%), osteoarthritis (3.2%), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (3.2%), inflammatory back pain (1.2%), undifferentiated arthritis (0.3%), Sjögren syndrome (0.15%), and fibromyalgia (0.15%). RA patients included 19 (90.5%) women and 9 (42.9%) with RA family history. One hundred percent were seropositive and 66.7% showed radiologic erosions. The mean of Disease Activity Score [DAS-28 (ESR)] at the time of diagnosis was 5.1 (SD 1.5) and the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) was 0.8 (SD 0.4). CONCLUSION: RA prevalence was 3.2%, one of the highest reported using the COPCORD methodology in indigenous and non-indigenous peoples in Latin America, with a high percentage of family cases. Pain and functional capacity were the variables allowing patients' early referral to a specialist. Key Points • The RA prevalence was 3.2%, one of the highest reported using COPCORD methodology in indigenous and non-indigenous peoples in Latin America. • The patients with RA had high percentage of familiar history of RA. • The pain and functional capacity were the variables associated with a diagnosis of any rheumatic disease and should be considered for early referral. • The mean of the delay in the diagnosis was 5.8 years. In this community, the lack of the "migration health" phenomenon may be a social determinant that negatively impacts their health.

Asociación entre Artritis Reumatoidea y otras enfermedades autoinmunes / Association between Rheumatoid Arthritis and other autoimmune diseases

Objetivos: Determinar la frecuencia de enfermedades autoinmunes (EAI) en pacientes con Artritis Reumatoidea (AR) y comparar la frecuencia de EAI entre pacientes con AR y sin AR ni otra EAI reumatológica. Material y Métodos: Estudio multicéntrico, observacional, analítico, retrospectivo. Se incluyeron pacientes consecutivos con AR (ACR/EULAR 2010) y como grupo control pacientes con diagnóstico inicial de Osteoartritis primaria (OA). Resultados: Se incluyeron 1549 pacientes: 831 con AR (84% mujeres, edad media 55.2 años [DE 13.6]) y 718 con OA (82% mujeres, edad media 67 años [DE 11.1]). La frecuencia de EAI en el grupo AR fue del 22% (n=183). Estos presentaron mayor frecuencia de EAI reumatológicas (9.4 vs 3.3%, p< 0.001), y menor frecuencia de EAI no reumatológicas que aquellos con OA (15.3 vs 20.5, p=0.007). La EAI reumatológica más prevalente fue el Síndrome de Sjögren, el cual fue más frecuente en el grupo AR (87.2 vs 29.2%, p< 0,001). La frecuencia de EAI reumatológicas en los pacientes con AR fue mayor en la forma erosiva (11 vs 6.8%, p=0.048). Conclusión: La frecuencia de EAI en los pacientes con AR fue del 22%, en quienes predominaron las de etiología reumatológica mientras que, las no reumatológicas predominaron en pacientes con OA.

Objectives: To determine the frequency of autoimmune diseases (AID) in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients and to compare this frequency between patients with and without RA or other rheumatologic AID. Methods: Multicenter, observational, analytical, retrospective study. Consecutive patients with diagnosis of RA (ACR/EULAR 2010) were included. Patients with initial diagnosis of primary ostearthritis (OA) were used as control group. Results: A total of 1549 patients were included: 831 RA (84% women, mean age 55.2 [±13.6]) and 718 OA (82% women, mean age 67 [± 11.1]). The frequency of AID in the RA group was 22% (n=183). RA patients showed higher frequency of rheumatologic AID (9.4 vs 3.3%, p< 0.001), and lower frequency of non-rheumatologic AID than OA patients (15.3 vs 20.5%, p= 0.007). The most prevalent rheumatic AID was Sjögren's Syndrome, which was more frequent in the AR group (87.2 vs 29.2%, p<0.001). The frequency of rheumatologic AID in RA patients was higher in those with erosive RA (11 vs 6.8%, p=0.048). Conclusion: The frequency of AID in RA patients was 22%. Rheumatologic AID were more frequent in RA patients, whereas non-rheumatologic AID prevailed in OA patients.

Mortality in patients with ankylosing spondylitis in Argentina.

Some reports describe an increased mortality in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) compared to the general population. The aims of this study were to evaluate the cumulative survival in patients with AS and to establish possible factors associated with mortality. In cross-sectional retrospective study, AS patients were included according to 1984 modified NY criteria, in the 2000-2010 period, the prevalence of mortality was determined by review of medical records, telephone contact, family reports, and death certificates, and it was compared with mortality in Argentina's general population. One hundred twenty-seven patients were studied, 96 (75.6 %) were male, median age 49 years (interquartile range (IQR) 34-60) and median disease duration 8 years (IQR 4-17). During the follow-up period, 9 patients died (7.1 %). The median estimated survival from diagnosis of AS was 39 years (IQR 34-50) and median cumulative survival was 76 years (IQR 74-85). Cardiovascular disease was the most frequent cause of death (5/9 patients). Deceased patients had a mean age and a mean AS disease duration significantly higher than living patients (68.1 ± 12.4 years vs 46.4 ± 15.09 years, p = 0.0001 and 33 ± 13.7 years vs 12 ± 10.7 years, p = 0.001, respectively), higher frequency of total surgeries [3/5 (60 %) vs 5/105 (4.76 %), p = 0.002] and cauda equina syndrome [3/6 (50 %) vs 2/116 (1.72 %), p = 0.001], respectively. Frequency of mortality in AS patients was higher than the crude mortality rate of Argentina's general population in the same period, with cardiovascular cause being the most frequent one.

Frecuencia de mortalidad en pacientes con artritis reumatoidea en un centro de reumatología de Argentina / Mortality rate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in a rheumatology center of Argentina

La Artritis Reumatoidea (AR) es una enfermedad inflamatoria crónica que se asocia a disminución de la capacidad funcional, de la calidad de vida y aumento de la mortalidad. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la mortalidad en una cohorte de pacientes con AR, y la influencia de factores sociodemográficos, clínicos y de laboratorio. Pacientes y métodos: Se analizó una cohorte de pacientes con diagnóstico de AR, (criterios ACR’ 87), evaluados entre los años 2004 y 2010. Se recolectaron datos sociodemográficos, características de la enfermedad, clínicas, analíticas, tratamientos recibidos y comorbilidades. Radiografías de manos y pies fueron leídas por medio del índice de Sharp van der Heijde por 3 observadores independientes ciegos (CCI ≥0,8). En caso de discontinuación del seguimiento, se realizó contacto telefónico. Se identificaron los pacientes fallecidos durante el período estudiado y se determinó la causa de muerte. Análisis estadístico: Estadística descriptiva, para la comparación de datos categóricos se utilizó test de Chi2 o test exacto de Fisher y para las variables continuas test t de Student o Mann Whitney según la distribución de la muestra. Los factores asociados a mortalidad se analizaron por regresión logística múltiple. Se consideró significativa una p <0,05. Resultados: Se evaluaron 307 pacientes, de los cuales 45 perdieron seguimiento y 262 pudieron ser reevaluados a los 5 años de seguimiento. De los 262 pacientes, 86,3% eran de sexo femenino, la edad mediana fue de 58 años (RIC 50-67), la edad mediana al inicio de la AR fue de 40 años (RIC 31-50) con un tiempo mediano de evolución de 15 años (RIC 10-21). 17 pacientes (6,5%) fallecieron. En el análisis univariado, mayor edad, menor escolaridad, presencia de comorbilidades gastrointestinales y uso de tratamiento biológico, estuvieron significativamente asociados con mayor mortalidad...

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that isassociated with decreased functional capacity, quality of life andincreased mortality. The aim of this study was to assess mortality ina cohort of patients with RA, and the influence of sociodemographic,clinical and laboratory factors.Patients and methods: A cohort of patients diagnosed withRA was evaluated (ACR' 87 criteria) between 2004 and 2010.Sociodemographic data, disease characteristics, clinical, laboratory,treatment received and comorbidities were collected. Radiographsof hands and feet were read by the Sharp van der HeijdeScore by 3 independent observers (ICC ≥0.8) blinded for diseasecharacteristics. If discontinuation of follow-up was present,telephone contact was made. Deceased patients were identifiedduring the study period and the cause of death was determined.Statistical analysis: Chi2 test or Fisher exact test were used forcategorical variables and Student t test or Mann Whitney forcontinues variables. Factors associated with mortality wereanalyzed by multiple logistic regression. P value <0.05 wasconsidered significative.Results: 307 patients were evaluated, of whom 45 were lost tofollow-up and 262 were reassessed after 5 years of follow-up. Of the262 patients, 86.3% were female, median age was 58 years (IQR 50-67), the median age at onset of RA was 40 years (IQR 31-50) with amedian disease duration of 15 years (IQR 10-21). Seventeen patients(6.5%) died. In univariate analysis, older age, lower education, presenceof gastrointestinal comorbidities and use of biological treatmentwere significantly associated with higher mortality. In multiple logisticregression analysis, worse educational level and use of biologicaltreatment were significantly associated with mortality...

Adherence to treatment in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

This study aims to determine the level of adherence to treatment in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients and to identify possible factors associated to lack of adherence. We included consecutive AS patients (NY modified criteria). Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected. Patients answered auto-reported questionnaires: Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index, Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life, and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (ACR'87 criteria) were assessed as the control group. The adherence of the studied groups to medical treatment and exercises was measured by means of two questionnaires: Compliance Questionnaire on Rheumatology (CQR) and Exercise Attitude Questionnaire-18 (EAQ-18). The study included 59 patients with AS and 53 patients with RA. Of the AS patients, 43 (72.9%) were male, median age 47 years (interquartile range (IQR) 33-57) and median disease duration of 120 months (IQR 33-57). Of the RA patients, 37 (69.8%) were female, had a median age of 56 years (IQR 43.5-60) and a median disease duration of 156 months (IQR 96-288). There were no significant differences in the results of the adherence questionnaires between both groups, with a total median of 68.42 for the CQR in both groups and of 40.7 in AS vs. 42.6 in RA for the EAQ. When dichotomizing patients as adherent and non-adherent, taking as good adherence a cut value in the CQR and EAQ higher than 60, adherence to pharmacological treatment was significantly higher in RA vs. AS (92.5 vs. 74.6%, p = 0.01) and there were no differences in the EAQ. On the uni- and multivariate analysis, lack of adherence to treatment was not associated to sex, age, disease duration, education, health insurance, depressive status, and disease activity parameters in neither group of patients. AS have an acceptable adherence to pharmacological treatment, although it is lower than RA patients; nonetheless, both groups show a lack of adherence to exercise.

Daño radiológico en al mano dominante de pacientes con artritis reumatoidea / Radiographic damage in the dominant hand of rheumatoid artritis patients

La Artritis Reumatoide (AR) es una enfermedad inflametoria crónica que compromete predominantemente manos. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la prevalencia de daño radiológico en la mano dominante (MD) de pacientes con AR. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio transversal, se incluyeron pacientes con AR (ACR 87’) de la consulta ambulatoria (noviembre de 2011 a julio de 2012). Se determinó la MD y se realizó lectura radiológica por un lector ciego validado, mediante Sharp van der Heijde modificado. Estadística: se realizó estadística descriptiva básica, y comparaciones mediante Chi2, test de Fisher o test de T para muestras relacionadas según correspondiera. Se consideró p<0,50 como significativa. Resultados: se incluyeron 52 pacientes, 43 mujeres (82,7%), la mediana de edad de 47 años (RIC: 41-56), de evolución de la AR de 10 años (RIC: 3-14). En 50 pacientes (96,2%), la mano derecha fue MD. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el puntaje total de SvdH modificado, ni de pinzamiento, ni de erosiones. Los varones tuvieron el doble de puntaje medio erosivo, pero no significativo. Conclusión: no se puede demostrar asociación entre la MD y el daño radiológico. Debería estudiarse el subgrupo masculino en estudios de mayor poder estadístico

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease that affects thehand joints. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of domi-nant hand affection in RA patients. Methods:A cross sectional study was designed that included RA pa-tients (ACR 87’ criteria), that concurred to rheumatologic clinic, fromNovember 2011 to July 2012. Descriptive data was taken, and a radio-logic scoring by Sharp van der Heijde score was assessed comparingboth hands. Statistics:The variables were compared by Chi2, Fisher orT-student tests and a p <0.05 value was considered significant.Results: Fifty-two patients were included, 43 female (82.7%), 47 yearsof median age (IQR: 41-56), and 10 years of median disease evolution.In 50 patients (96.2%), the right hand was dominant. There were no dif-ferences between both hands in the total mSvdH score, nor the erosionnor the space narrowing score. Male patients were more prone to havehigher erosive scores, but the number was small (six).Conclusion: No association was seen between radiological damageand dominant hand. Male patients should be included in future studiesto clarify this issue in this sub-group of RA patients.

Daño radiológico en al mano dominante de pacientes con artritis reumatoidea / Radiographic damage in the dominant hand of rheumatoid artritis patients

La Artritis Reumatoide (AR) es una enfermedad inflametoria crónica que compromete predominantemente manos. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la prevalencia de daño radiológico en la mano dominante (MD) de pacientes con AR. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio transversal, se incluyeron pacientes con AR (ACR 87Æ) de la consulta ambulatoria (noviembre de 2011 a julio de 2012). Se determinó la MD y se realizó lectura radiológica por un lector ciego validado, mediante Sharp van der Heijde modificado. Estadística: se realizó estadística descriptiva básica, y comparaciones mediante Chi2, test de Fisher o test de T para muestras relacionadas según correspondiera. Se consideró p<0,50 como significativa. Resultados: se incluyeron 52 pacientes, 43 mujeres (82,7%), la mediana de edad de 47 años (RIC: 41-56), de evolución de la AR de 10 años (RIC: 3-14). En 50 pacientes (96,2%), la mano derecha fue MD. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el puntaje total de SvdH modificado, ni de pinzamiento, ni de erosiones. Los varones tuvieron el doble de puntaje medio erosivo, pero no significativo. Conclusión: no se puede demostrar asociación entre la MD y el daño radiológico. Debería estudiarse el subgrupo masculino en estudios de mayor poder estadístico

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease that affects thehand joints. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of domi-nant hand affection in RA patients. Methods:A cross sectional study was designed that included RA pa-tients (ACR 87Æ criteria), that concurred to rheumatologic clinic, fromNovember 2011 to July 2012. Descriptive data was taken, and a radio-logic scoring by Sharp van der Heijde score was assessed comparingboth hands. Statistics:The variables were compared by Chi2, Fisher orT-student tests and a p <0.05 value was considered significant.Results: Fifty-two patients were included, 43 female (82.7%), 47 yearsof median age (IQR: 41-56), and 10 years of median disease evolution.In 50 patients (96.2%), the right hand was dominant. There were no dif-ferences between both hands in the total mSvdH score, nor the erosionnor the space narrowing score. Male patients were more prone to havehigher erosive scores, but the number was small (six).Conclusion: No association was seen between radiological damageand dominant hand. Male patients should be included in future studiesto clarify this issue in this sub-group of RA patients.(AU)

A simplified version of Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

This study aimed to develop a simplified version of the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS). The study included consecutive patients with ankylosing spondylitis according to modified New York and/or Assessment in Ankylosing Spondylitis 2009 criteria. Sociodemographic data and characteristics of the disease (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), and Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (ASQoL)) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were collected. ASDAS simplified version (SASDAS) was calculated as the simple linear sum of the five components of ASDAS which include: patient global assessment using visual analogue scale, back pain (BASDAI question no. 2), peripheral pain and swelling (BASDAI question no. 3), morning stiffness (BASDAI question no. 6), and ESR in millimeters per hour, divided by 10 so as to make it equivalent to the other scale's components. Eighty-six patients were included: 69 (80.2 %) were men with a median age of 46 years and median disease duration of 19 years. SASDAS showed an excellent correlation with the ASDAS (r = 0.93). SASDAS also showed a good correlation with night pain (r = 0.60), global pain (r = 0.69), ASQoL (r = 0.70), BASFI (r = 0.75), and BASDAI (r = 0.96). Using ASDAS cut-off values previously suggested, the corresponding cut-off values for SASDAS were as follows: from 0 to 7.8 (inactive disease), from 7.9 to 13.8 (moderate disease activity), from 13.9 to 27.6 (high disease activity), and above 27.6 (very high disease activity) with optimum sensitivity and specificity. SASDAS showed an excellent correlation with conventional clinical measures of disease activity, and it can be easily calculated and is simple to use in daily clinical practice.

Work productivity in rheumatoid arthritis: relationship with clinical and radiological features.

Objective. To assess the relationship between work productivity with disease activity, functional capacity, life quality and radiological damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods. The study included consecutive employed patients with RA (ACR'87), aged over 18. Demographic, disease-related, and work-related variables were determined. The reduction of work productivity was assessed by WPAI-RA. Results. 90 patients were evaluated, 71% women. Age average is 50 years old, DAS28 4, and RAQoL 12. Median SENS is 18 and HAQ-A 0.87. Mean absenteeism was of 14%, presenting an average of 6.30 work hours wasted weekly. The reduction in performance at work or assistance was of 38.4% and the waste of productivity was of 45%. Assistance correlated with DAS28 (r = 0.446; P < 0.001), HAQ-A (r = 0.545; P < 0.001) and RAQoL (r = 0.475; P < 0.001). Lower total productivity was noticed in higher levels of activity and functional disability. Patients with SENS > 18 showed lower work productivity than those with SENS < 18 (50 versus 34; P = 0.04). In multiple regression analysis, variables associated with reduction of total work productivity were HAQ-A and RAQoL. Conclusion. RA patients with higher disease severity showed higher work productivity compromise.

Epidemiology of spondyloarthritis in Argentina.

INTRODUCTION: Spondyloarthritis (SpA) includes a group of diseases that share immunogenetic, clinical and radiologic findings, with a particular involvement of the axial skeleton and the entheses. METHODS: SpA patients attending ambulatory care in 11 rheumatology services located in 6 Argentine provinces were included in a prospective, observational multicentre cohort of SpA in Argentina (Iberoamerican Spondyloarthritis Registry [RESPONDIA]). Data collected were transmitted online and stored in the Spanish spondyloarthritis registry (REGISPONSER) Web site. Sociodemographic, clinical features and diagnosis, disease activity, functional status, quality of life, work status, radiographic changes and treatment data were collected by means of validated tools. RESULTS: A total of 402 patients were included; 59% were male, with median age of 48.3 years and median disease duration of 8 years; 68.7% of patients belonged to middle and lower-middle social classes. Eighty-six patients were diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), 242 with psoriatic arthritis, 25 with reactive arthritis, 10 with SpA associated with inflammatory bowel disease, 33 with undifferentiated SpA and 6 with juvenile AS. The median score was 2.6 for the Bath AS Functional Index, 3.8 for the Bath AS Disease Activity Index and 5 for the Bath AS Radiology Index. The lower social class patients achieved a worse Bath AS Functional Index than other social classes and a worse Bath AS Disease Activity Index, compared with upper-middle class. CONCLUSIONS: The sociodemographic distribution pattern observed in these SpA patients was similar to that expected in the general population of Argentina, with worse functional capacity and higher disease activity observed in the lower social classes.