Can rheumatologists unequivocally diagnose axial spondyloarthritis in patients with chronic back pain of less than 2 years duration? Primary outcome of the 2-year SPondyloArthritis Caught Early (SPACE) cohort.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) in patients with chronic back pain (CBP) of less than 2 years (2y) duration referred to the rheumatologist, the development of diagnosis over time, and patient characteristics of those developing definite (d-)axSpA over 2y. METHODS: We analysed the 2y data from SPondyloArthritis Caught Early, a European cohort of patients (<45 years) with CBP (≥3 months, ≤2y) of unknown origin. The diagnostic workup comprised evaluation of clinical SpA features, acute phase reactants, HLA-B27, radiographs and MRI (sacroiliac joints and spine), with repeated assessments. At each visit (baseline, 3 months, 1y and 2y), rheumatologists reported a diagnosis of axSpA or non-axSpA with level of confidence (LoC; 0-not confident at all to 10-very confident). MAIN OUTCOME: axSpA diagnosis with LoC≥7 (d-axSpA) at 2y. RESULTS: In 552 patients with CBP, d-axSpA was diagnosed in 175 (32%) at baseline and 165 (30%) at 2y. Baseline diagnosis remained rather stable: at 2y, baseline d-axSpA was revised in 5% of patients, while 8% 'gained' d-axSpA. Diagnostic uncertainty persisted in 30%. HLA-B27+ and baseline sacroiliitis imaging discriminated best 2y-d-axSpA versus 2y-d-non-axSpA patients. Good response to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and MRI-sacroiliitis most frequently developed over follow-up in patients with a new d-axSpA diagnosis. Of the patients who developed MRI-sacroiliitis, 7/8 were HLA-B27+ and 5/8 male. CONCLUSION: A diagnosis of d-axSpA can be reliably made in nearly one-third of patients with CBP referred to the rheumatologist, but diagnostic uncertainty may persist in 5%-30% after 2y. Repeated assessments yield is modest, but repeating MRI may be worthwhile in male HLA-B27+ patients.

Atlas for the CT Syndesmophyte Score (CTSS) in patients with axial spondyloarthritis.

BACKGROUND: The Computed Tomography Syndesmophyte Score (CTSS) was developed as a reliable and sensitive tool to assess syndesmophytes in low-dose CT images of the entire spine in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). The original paper provided sparce examples of the CTSS grades. OBJECTIVES: Provide an atlas tailored to assist readers in understanding and employing the CTSS method. METHODS: In this paper, illustrations of the different grades and views of the CTSS are presented. CTSS is used to measure bone formation in the spine of patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), in the form of syndesmophytes. In both the sagittal and coronal planes, syndesmophytes can be graded from 0 to 3 over 23 vertebral units starting at C2 and ending at S1. The CTSS ranges from 0 (absence of axSpA-related syndesmophytes) to 552 (total ankylosis of the spine). RESULTS: The current atlas contains low-dose CT images of the spine without lesions (for reference) and all grades of syndesmophytes in different planes used in the CTSS. Examples are arranged per spinal segment (cervical, thoracic and lumbar). CONCLUSIONS: These images can be used to assist any reader in the assessment of syndesmophytes on (low-dose) CT in patients with axSpA.

Inflammation, bone loss and 2-year bone formation at the same vertebra in axial spondyloarthritis: a multilevel MRI and low-dose CT analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether in radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA) inflammation is associated with lower trabecular bone density (TBD), and subsequently, if a lower TBD increases the likelihood of 2-year bone formation at the same vertebra. METHODS: Whole spine (C3-L5) data from patients included in the multicentre 2-year Sensitive Imaging in Ankylosing Spondylitis cohort was used. Two readers measured baseline TBD by Hounsfield units (HU) on low-dose CT (ldCT). Baseline MRI bone marrow oedema (BME) status scores and ldCT syndesmophyte formation and/or growth change-from-baseline scores were assessed by three and two readers, respectively. Average of readers' continuous measurements or readers' agreement in binary scores generated within the same vertebra (1-present in ≥1 quadrant/0-absent in all quadrants) were used. Multilevel generalised estimating equations models were used, the unit of analysis being the vertebra. RESULTS: In 50 patients with r-axSpA, TBD HU decreased from cranial to caudal vertebrae. Baseline MRI-BME was present in 300/985 (30%) and syndesmophytes in 588/910 (65%) vertebrae, both most prevalent at thoracolumbar region. Syndesmophyte formation or growth was observed in 18% of at-risk vertebrae (124/691). A significant confounder-adjusted association was found between inflammation and lower TBD (regression coefficient=-51; 95% CI-63 to -39). TBD was not associated with 2-year syndesmophyte formation or growth (adjusted OR 1.00; 95% CI 0.99 to 1.00). CONCLUSION: In r-axSpA, while vertebral inflammation was associated with lower vertebral TBD, lower vertebral TBD itself did not increase the risk for new bone formation at the same vertebra. In preventing syndesmophyte progression, targeting local inflammation seems more important than targeting vertebral trabecular bone loss.

Hounsfield Units measured in low dose CT reliably assess vertebral trabecular bone density changes over two years in axial spondyloarthritis.

OBJECTIVES: To describe low dose Computed Tomography (ldCT) Hounsfield Units (HU) two-year change-from-baseline values (expressing trabecular bone density changes) and analyse their inter-reader reliability per vertebra in radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA). METHODS: We used 49 patients with r-axSpA from the multicentre two-year Sensitive Imaging in Ankylosing Spondylitis (SIAS) study. LdCT HU were independently measured by two trained readers at baseline and two years. Mean (standard deviation, SD) for the change-from-baseline HU values were provided per vertebra by reader. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC; absolute agreement, two-way random effect), Bland-Altman plots and smallest detectable change (SDC) were obtained. Percentages of vertebrae in which readers agreed on the direction of change and on change >|SDC| were computed. RESULTS: Overall, 1,053 (98% of all possible) vertebrae were assessed by each reader both at baseline and two years. Over two years, HU mean change values varied from -23 to 28 and 29 for reader 1 and 2, respectively. Inter-reader reliability of the two-year change-from-baseline values per vertebra was excellent: ICC:0.91-0.99; SDC:6-10; Bland-Altman plots were homoscedastic, with negligible systematic error between readers. Readers agreed on the direction of change in 88-96% and on change >|SDC| in 58-94% of vertebrae, per vertebral level, from C3 to L5. Overall, similar results were obtained across all vertebrae. CONCLUSION: LdCT measurement of HU is a reliable method to assess two-year changes in trabecular bone density at each vertebra from C3-L5. Being reliable across all vertebrae, this methodology can aid the study of trabecular bone density changes over time in r-axSpA, a disease affecting the whole spine.

2021 EULAR points to consider to support people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases to participate in healthy and sustainable paid work.

AIM: As part of its strategic objectives for 2023, EULAR aims to improve the work participation of people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). One strategic initiative focused on the development of overarching points to consider (PtC) to support people with RMDs in healthy and sustainable paid work participation. METHODS: EULAR's standardised operating procedures were followed. A steering group identified six research areas on paid work participation. Three systematic literature reviews, several non-systematic reviews and two surveys were conducted. A multidisciplinary taskforce of 25 experts from 10 European countries and Canada formulated overarching principles and PtC after discussion of the results of literature reviews and surveys. Consensus was obtained through voting, with levels of agreement obtained anonymously. RESULTS: Three overarching principles and 11 PtC were formulated. The PtC recognise various stakeholders are important to improving work participation. Five PtC emphasise shared responsibilities (eg, obligation to provide active support) (PtC 1, 2, 3, 5, 6). One encourages people with RMDs to discuss work limitations when necessary at each phase of their working life (PtC 4) and two focus on the role of interventions by healthcare providers or employers (PtC 7, 8). Employers are encouraged to create inclusive and flexible workplaces (PtC 10) and policymakers to make necessary changes in social and labour policies (PtC 9, 11). A research agenda highlights the necessity for stronger evidence aimed at personalising work-related support to the diverse needs of people with RMDs. CONCLUSION: Implementation of these EULAR PtC will improve healthy and sustainable work participation of people with RMDs.

Shear-Wave Elastography Evaluation of Major Salivary Glands in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: Salivary glands ultrasonography has recently been shown to be useful in the diagnosis of Primary Sjögren's Syndrome (pSS). Shear-wave elastography (SWE) is a promising tool for the quantitative assessment of tissues stiffness, but studies evaluating its role in pSS diagnosis are limited. This study aimed at investigating the diagnostic performance of SWE in pSS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study including patients fulfilling the 2016 ACR/EULAR classification criteria for pSS and healthy subjects. The four major salivary glands were assessed using SGUS. B-mode scans were rated using the Hocevar score, and shear-wave velocity (SWV) values were obtained using SWE. Intraclass-correlation coefficient (ICC) estimates were used to assess reliability. Cut-off values for differentiating pSS patients from healthy subjects were calculated using Receiver-Operating Characteristics (ROC) curves. RESULTS: We included 50 pSS and 25 healthy subjects. Inter-rater reliability of SWE was moderate (ICC=0.64) and intra-rater reliability was moderate to good (ICC= 0.73 to 0.83). Total SWV (2.09 m/s (0.32); p < 0.001), parotid SWV (2.25 m/s (0.40)) and submandibular SWV (1.92 m/s (0.38)) were significantly higher in pSS patients. Total and parotid SWV presented good diagnostic performance for pSS diagnosis (AUROC= 0.80 and 0.81, respectively). The Hocevar score demonstrated excellent diagnostic performance (AUROC= 0.98) and combining it with total SWV did not result in statistically significant improvement (p=0.301). CONCLUSIONS: SWE may contribute to the diagnosis of pSS. Large prospective studies including sicca and secondary SS patients, as well as the standardisation of SWE protocols, are warranted to assess the role of SWE in pSS management.

Validation of the Portuguese version of the Functional Index for Hand Osteoarthritis (FIHOA).

INTRODUCTION: Hand osteoarthritis (HOA) is a prevalent rheumatic disease that may cause significant disability. The Functional index for HOA (FIHOA) is a validated questionnaire to evaluate loss of function in patients with HOA. OBJECTIVE: To undertake a cross-cultural adaptation and validation of FIHOA into Portuguese. PATIENTS AND METHODS: First, the original French version of FIHOA had been forward-backward translated into Portuguese, according to the guidelines for cross-cultural adaptation. Secondly, patients with primary HOA were consecutively recruited in three Portuguese rheumatology outpatient clinics between May 2016 and April 2018. The final consensual Portuguese version of FIHOA was administered to 52 patients. A numerical rating scale (NRS - 0 to 100mm) for hand pain and for perceived hand dysfunction was also registered. Ten randomly selected patients were re-administered the same tools 5 to 15 days later. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, internal construct validity and external validity related to dysfunction NRS were evaluated. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients were evaluated: all right-handed, 96% women, mean age of 63 (10) years and 8 (6) years of disease duration. Mean (SD) pain and dysfunction were 47 (25) and 46 (25), respectively, with 68% patients being symptomatic. Mean (SD) FIHOA was 7 (5). Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency was high and adequate (0.87) and corrected item-total correlation revealed adequate performance. For reliability, Spearman's rho coefficient was 0.88 and total intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between test and retest was 0.87, showing good reliability. Factor analysis revealed three factors accounting for 71% of the variance of the score, with the first one (including questions 1, 2, 3 and 10) being responsible for 47% of the variance. Spearman's rho between FIHOA and dysfunction NRS was 0.5, showing a moderate but significant correlation and moderate external validity. CONCLUSION: The Portuguese version of FIHOA is a consistent, reliable, and valid instrument to measure loss of function in HOA Portuguese patients.

Low-dose CT hounsfield units: a reliable methodology for assessing vertebral bone density in radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Studying vertebral bone loss in radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA) has been challenging due to ectopic bone formation. We cross-sectionally analysed low-dose CT (ldCT) trabecular bone density Hounsfield units (HU) measurements and calculated inter-reader reliability at the vertebral level in patients with r-axSpA. METHODS: LdCT scans of 50 patients with r-axSpA from the sensitive imaging in ankylosing spondylitis study, a multicentre 2-year prospective cohort were included. Trabecular bone HU taken from a region of interest at the centre of each vertebra (C3-L5) were independently assessed by two trained readers. HU mean (SD), and range were provided at the vertebral level, for each reader and centre separately. Inter-reader reliability and agreement were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC; single measurements, absolute agreement, two-way mixed effects models); smallest detectable difference and Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS: Overall, 1100 vertebrae were assessed by each reader. HU values decreased from cranial to caudal vertebrae. For readers 1 and 2 respectively, the highest mean (SD) HU value was obtained at C3 (354(106) and 355(108)), and the lowest at L3 (153(65) and 150 (65)). Inter-reader reliability was excellent (ICC(2,1):0.89 to 1.00). SDD varied from 4 to 8. For most vertebrae, reader 1 scored somewhat higher than reader 2 (mean difference of scores ranging from -0.6 to 2.9 HU). Bland-Altman plots showed homoscedasticity. CONCLUSION: LdCT measurement of HU is a feasible method to assess vertebral bone density in r-axSpA with excellent inter-reader reliability from C3 to L5. These results warrant further validation and longitudinal assessment of reliability.

EULAR Points to Consider (PtC) for designing, analysing and reporting of studies with work participation as an outcome domain in patients with inflammatory arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Clinical studies with work participation (WP) as an outcome domain pose particular methodological challenges that hamper interpretation, comparison between studies and meta-analyses. OBJECTIVES: To develop Points to Consider (PtC) for design, analysis and reporting of studies of patients with inflammatory arthritis that include WP as a primary or secondary outcome domain. METHODS: The EULAR Standardised Operating Procedures were followed. A multidisciplinary taskforce with 22 experts including patients with rheumatic diseases, from 10 EULAR countries and Canada, identified methodologic areas of concern. Two systematic literature reviews (SLR) appraised the methodology across these areas. In parallel, two surveys among professional societies and experts outside the taskforce sought for additional methodological areas or existing conducting/reporting recommendations. The taskforce formulated the PtC after presentation of the SLRs and survey results, and discussion. Consensus was obtained through informal voting, with levels of agreement obtained anonymously. RESULTS: Two overarching principles and nine PtC were formulated. The taskforce recommends to align the work-related study objective to the design, duration, and outcome domains/measurement instruments of the study (PtC: 1-3); to identify contextual factors upfront and account for them in analyses (PtC: 4); to account for interdependence of different work outcome domains and for changes in work status over time (PtC: 5-7); to present results as means as well as proportions of patients reaching predefined meaningful categories (PtC: 8) and to explicitly report volumes of productivity loss when costs are an outcome (PtC:9). CONCLUSION: Adherence to these EULAR PtC will improve the methodological quality of studies evaluating WP.

Methodological aspects of design, analysis and reporting of studies with work participation as an outcome domain in patients with inflammatory arthritis: results of two systematic literature reviews informing EULAR points to consider.

OBJECTIVE: To summarise the methodological aspects in studies with work participation (WP) as outcome domain in inflammatory arthritis (IA) and other chronic diseases. METHODS: Two systematic literature reviews (SLRs) were conducted in key electronic databases (2014-2019): search 1 focused on longitudinal prospective studies in IA and search 2 on SLRs in other chronic diseases. Two reviewers independently identified eligible studies and extracted data covering pre-defined methodological areas. RESULTS: In total, 58 studies in IA (22 randomised controlled trials, 36 longitudinal observational studies) and 24 SLRs in other chronic diseases were included. WP was the primary outcome in 26/58 (45%) studies. The methodological aspects least accounted for in IA studies were as follows (proportions of studies positively adhering to the topic are shown): aligning the studied population (16/58 (28%)) and sample size calculation (8/58 (14%)) with the work-related study objective; attribution of WP to overall health (28/58 (48%)); accounting for skewness of presenteeism/sick leave (10/52 (19%)); accounting for work-related contextual factors (25/58 (43%)); reporting attrition and its reasons (1/58 (2%)); reporting both aggregated results and proportions of individuals reaching predefined meaningful change or state (11/58 (16%)). SLRs in other chronic diseases confirmed heterogeneity and methodological flaws identified in IA studies without identifying new issues. CONCLUSION: High methodological heterogeneity was observed in studies with WP as outcome domain. Consensus around various methodological aspects specific to WP studies is needed to improve quality of future studies. This review informs the EULAR Points to Consider for conducting and reporting studies with WP as an outcome in IA.

No relationship between bone mineral density and syndesmophyte formation at the same level in the lumbar spine of patients with radiographic axial Spondyloarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate if in radiographic axial Spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA) low vertebral bone mineral density (BMD) is associated with development of new syndesmophytes at the same vertebral level. METHODS: In a post-hoc analysis from the ASSERT trial (infliximab vs placebo), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure baseline BMD (g/cm2) of the lumbar spine L1 to L4. Syndesmophyte formation was assessed in the same vertebrae on conventional radiographs defined as an increase in modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score from 0 or 1 to 2 or 3 after 2 years. Radiographs were scored by two readers. Generalised estimating equations (GEE) adjusted for within-patient correlation across multiple vertebrae, taking potential confounders into account. RESULTS: We analysed 599 vertebrae in 165 r-axSpA patients (78% male, mean (SD) age 38 (10) years, 67% with at least one syndesmophyte anywhere in the spine). In total, 24 to 74 new syndesmophytes developed in 9 (5%) to 30 (18%) patients and 13 (2%) to 39 (7%) vertebrae, if either a syndesmophyte was seen by both or only one of the readers (ie, specific and sensitive definitions) respectively. In multivariable analyses, no association was found between baseline local vertebral BMD and new syndesmophyte formation after 2 years: adjOR (95% CI): 0.56 (0.01, 44.45) (specific definition) and 0.26 (0.03, 2.63) (sensitive definition). CONCLUSION: In patients with active and established r-axSpA, with an observed low incidence of lumbar spine syndesmophyte formation over 2 years, no relationship was found between baseline BMD and new radiographic syndesmophyte formation at the same vertebra.

Eligibility criteria for biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in axial spondyloarthritis: going beyond BASDAI.

OBJECTIVES: To compare definitions of high disease activity of the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) in selecting patients for treatment with biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs). METHODS: Patients from Rheumatic Diseases Portuguese Register (Reuma.pt) with a clinical diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) were included. Four subgroups (cross-tabulation between ASDAS (≥2.1) and BASDAI (≥4) definitions of high disease activity) were compared regarding baseline characteristics and response to bDMARDs at 3 and 6 months estimated in multivariable regression models. RESULTS: Of the 594 patients included, the majority (82%) had both BASDAI≥4 and ASDAS ≥2.1. The frequency of ASDAS ≥2.1, if BASDAI<4 was much larger than the opposite (ie, ASDAS <2.1, if BASDAI≥4): 62% vs 0.8%. Compared to patients fulfilling both definitions, those with ASDAS ≥2.1 only were more likely to be male (77% vs 51%), human leucocyte antigen B27 positive (79% vs 65%) and have a higher C reactive protein (2.9 (SD 3.5) vs 2.1 (2.9)). Among bDMARD-treated patients (n=359), responses across subgroups were globally overlapping, except for the most 'stringent' outcomes. Patients captured only by ASDAS responded better compared to patients fulfilling both definitions (eg, ASDAS inactive disease at 3 months: 61% vs 25% and at 6 months: 42% vs 25%). CONCLUSION: The ASDAS definition of high disease activity is more inclusive than the BASDAI definition in selecting patients with axSpA for bDMARD treatment. The additionally 'captured' patients respond better and have higher likelihood of predictors thereof. These results support using ASDAS≥2.1 as a criterion for treatment decisions.

Educational needs in people with ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the educational needs of people with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), test differences across patient subgroups and identify factors independently associated with their educational needs. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional analytic study. Patients with AS and PsA completed the Portuguese version of the Educational Needs Assessment Tool (PortENAT). Data were Rasch-transformed before descriptive and inferential analyses were undertaken. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to determine differences between patient subgroups and factors independently associated with their educational needs. RESULTS: The study included 121 patients with AS and 132 with PsA. The level of educational needs varied by diagnostic group, but higher needs for both subgroups were reported regarding the "Disease process", "Feelings" and "Managing pain" domains. Overall, patients with AS had a higher level of educational needs than those with PsA. In both diagnostic groups, female gender was independently associated with higher educational needs. In the PsA group, a shorter disease duration was independently associated with higher educational needs in the following domains: "Managing pain", "Movement" and "Feelings". CONCLUSIONS: Educational needs vary by diagnostic group, gender and disease duration. These differences merit consideration in the design of patient education interventions.

Measuring spinal mobility in early axial spondyloarthritis: does it matter?

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the frequency and order of impairment of spinal mobility measures (SMMs) and their cross-sectional and longitudinal usefulness in early axial spondyloarthritis. METHODS: SMMs measurements of patients from the DESIR (5-year data) and SPACE (2.6 (1.9) years of follow-up) cohorts were analysed. Cross-sectional (group level) and longitudinal (individual level) analyses were performed comparing SMMs to pre-defined cut-offs derived from healthy individuals. Subgroup analyses were used to study patient and disease characteristics potentially influencing spinal mobility. Reliability was analysed using intraclass correlation coefficients and the smallest detectable change. RESULTS: In 328 DESIR and 148 SPACE patients, lateral spinal flexion (LSF) and mSchober were the most impaired SMMs. If both (LSF and mSchober) were measured, 84% (DESIR) and 74% (SPACE) of the patients with impairment in ≥1 SMM would be captured. LSF and Bath AS Metrology Index best discriminated between subgroups of patients (higher impairment in patients ever treated with biologics, with higher disease activity and presence of baseline syndesmophytes): e.g. 31% of LSF impairment in patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) < 2.1 in ≥2/3 visits vs 49% in those with ASDS ≥ 2.1. A high variability in SMMs within the same patient over time was observed, even when restricting the analysis to patients with low disease activity. Reliability of SMMs was 'fair' to 'good' (inter-reader intraclass correlation coefficients (2, 1): 0.55-0.84; intrareader intraclass correlation coefficients (2, 1): 0.49-0.72). Smallest detectable changes were in general high, e.g. 5.1 cm for LSF. CONCLUSION: Cross-sectional use of SMMs, at the group level, is informative in patients with early axial spondyloarthritis. However, the high variation of SMMs over time impairs their use, at the individual patient level.

Adherence to the recommended prevention strategies before and after a hip fragility fracture: what makes us go blind?

OBJECTIVES: Our main objective was to evaluate the percentage of patients under anti-osteoporotic treatment (OT) at the time of hip fracture (HF) and one and four years after the HF event. We compared these results with the percentage of patients who should be under treatment at all three stages, according to the recently published Portuguese cost-effectiveness recommendations (PCER) for OT. Data regarding occurrence of new fragility fractures and mortality were also determined, one and four years after the HF event. Our secondary objective was to evaluate characteristics of patients associated with OT at the time of hip fracture.. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients hospitalized due to HF between May 1st and October 31st of 2013 in a single tertiary hospital, were selected for this study. Data regarding demographic, clinical features (including the clinical risk factors for fracture considered by FRAX®), level of independence in daily activities (Katz index), comorbidity (Charlson index) and OT were recorded at the time of the HF. The subsequent risk of fracture was estimated for each patient with FRAX® (without mineral bone density). Mortality and the percentage of patients receiving an OT prescription and suffering a new osteoporotic fracture, at one and four years after the HF event, were established. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty patients were included, with a mean age of 81.6±8.6 years. At the time of the HF only 28(21.5%) of the patients were receiving some form of OT. According to PCER, 115(88.5%) of these patients should be undergoing treatment according to FRAX® estimated risk, 30(23.1%) based on previous fractures and 119(91.5%) based on either criteria. The score of comorbidities was negatively associated with the prescription of OT at baseline (OR=0.17 [0.05-0.53], p=0.011) while the level of independence in daily activities was associated with higher probability of being treated (OR=3.20 [1.30-7.89], p=0.003). At one year after the HF, 39/130(30%) of patients had died. Although, according to PCER, all the remaining patients should be under OT based on the history of HF, only 11/91(12.1%) had received an OT prescription and 5/91(5.5%) suffered a new osteoporotic fracture during this period. At four years after the HF, 65/130 (50%) of patients had died. Only 6 of the remaining 65 (9.2%) were receiving an OT prescription and 9/65(13.8%) had suffered an additional fractured. CONCLUSIONS: Similar to other countries, the percentage of patients receiving OT at the time and especially after a HF is extremely low. Risk estimations with FRAX® and application of current PCER should allow clinicians to introduce appropriate primary and secondary preventive measures. Comorbidities and dependence seem to be important reasons for this undertreatment.