Distribución y características de la certificación de los reumatólogos en México / Distribution and characteristics of the certification of rheumatologists in Mexico

Objetivo: Describir la distribución de los reumatólogos de adultos y pediátricos con certificación vigente en México y los factores asociados a esta distribución. Métodos: Se revisaron las bases de datos del Consejo Mexicano de Reumatología y del Colegio Mexicano de Reumatología de 2020. Se calculó la tasa de reumatólogos por cada 100.000 habitantes por estado de la República Mexicana. Para conocer el número de habitantes por estado, se consultaron los resultados del censo de población del Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía de 2020. Se analizó el número de reumatólogos con certificación vigente por estado, edad y sexo. Resultados: En México hay registrados 1.002 reumatólogos de adultos, con una edad promedio de 48,12±13 años. Predominó el género masculino con una relación de 1,18:1. Se identificaron 94 reumatólogos pediatras, con una edad promedio de 42,25±10,4 años, con predominio del género femenino con una relación de 2,2:1. En la Ciudad de México y Jalisco se reportó más de un reumatólogo/100.000 habitantes en la especialidad de adultos y solo en la Ciudad de México en pediátricos. La certificación vigente es de 65 a 70% en promedio y los factores asociados a una mayor prevalencia fueron edad menor, género femenino y ubicación geográfica. Conclusiones: Existe escasez de reumatólogos en México y en el área pediátrica hay regiones desatendidas. Es importante que las políticas de salud apliquen medidas que permitan una regionalización más equilibrada y eficiente de esta especialidad. Aunque la mayoría de los reumatólogos cuentan con certificación vigente, es necesario establecer estrategias esta proporción.(AU)

Objective: Describe the distribution of adult and pediatric rheumatologists with current certification in Mexico and the factors associated with this distribution. Methods: The databases of the Mexican Council of Rheumatology and the Mexican College of Rheumatology for 2020 were reviewed. The rate of rheumatologists per 100,000 inhabitants by state of the Mexican Republic was calculated. To find out the number of inhabitants by state, the results of the 2020 population census of the National Institute of Statistics and Geography were consulted. The number of rheumatologists with current certification by state, age, and sex was analyzed. Results: In Mexico, there are 1002 registered adult rheumatologists with a mean age of 48.12±13 years. The male gender prevailed with a ratio of 1.18:1. Ninety-four pediatric rheumatologists were identified with a mean age of 42.25±10.4 years, with a predominance of the female gender with a ratio of 2.2:1. In Mexico City and Jalisco, more than one rheumatologist/100,000 inhabitants were reported in the specialty of adults and only in Mexico City in pediatrics. The current certification is 65 to 70% on average and the factors associated with a higher prevalence were younger age, female gender and geographic location. Conclusions: There is a shortage of rheumatologists in Mexico and in the pediatric area there are underserved regions. It is important that health policies apply measures that allow a more balanced and efficient regionalization of this specialty. Although most rheumatologists have current certification, it is necessary to establish strategies to increase this proportion.(AU)

Distribution and characteristics of the certification of rheumatologists in Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the distribution of adult and pediatric rheumatologists with current certification in Mexico and the factors associated with this distribution. METHODS: The databases of the Mexican Council of Rheumatology and the Mexican College of Rheumatology for 2020 were reviewed. The rate of rheumatologists per 100,000 inhabitants by state of the Mexican Republic was calculated. To find out the number of inhabitants by state, the results of the 2020 population census of the National Institute of Statistics and Geography were consulted. The number of rheumatologists with current certification by state, age, and sex was analyzed. RESULTS: In Mexico, there are 1002 registered adult rheumatologists with a mean age of 48.12 ±â€¯13 years. The male gender prevailed with a ratio of 1.18:1. Ninety-four pediatric rheumatologists were identified with a mean age of 42.25 ±â€¯10.4 years, with a predominance of the female gender with a ratio of 2.2:1. In Mexico City and Jalisco, more than one rheumatologist/100,000 inhabitants were reported in the specialty of adults and only in Mexico City in pediatrics. The current certification is 65%-70% on average and the factors associated with a higher prevalence were younger age, female gender and geographic location. CONCLUSIONS: There is a shortage of rheumatologists in Mexico and in the pediatric area there are underserved regions. It is important that health policies apply measures that allow a more balanced and efficient regionalization of this specialty. Although most rheumatologists have current certification, it is necessary to establish strategies to increase this proportion.

The COVID-19 epidemic curve and vaccine acceptance among patients with rheumatic diseases: an ecological study.

The attitudes toward emerging COVID-19 vaccines have been of great interest worldwide, especially among vulnerable populations such as patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between the nationwide number of COVID-19 cases and deaths, and vaccine acceptance or hesitancy of patients with RMDs from four patient care centers in Mexico. Furthermore, we explored differences in acceptance according to specific diagnoses: rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This ecological study was a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study using a validated questionnaire to measure vaccine acceptance. We generated a global Likert scale to evaluate overall attitudes toward the COVID-19 vaccine. We analyzed data from 1336 patients from March to September 2021: 85.13% (1169) were women, with a mean age of 47.87 (SD 14.14) years. The most frequent diagnoses were RA (42.85%, 559) and SLE (27.08%, 393). 635(47.52%) patients were unvaccinated, 253(18.93%) had one dose and 478(35.77%) had two doses. Of all participating patients, 94% were accepting toward the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccine acceptance remained consistently high throughout the study. However, differences in vaccine acceptance are identified when comparing diagnoses. The peak of the national epidemic curve coincided with an increase in hesitancy among patients with RA. Contrastingly, patients with SLE became more accepting as the epidemic curve peaked. Mexican patients show high acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine, influenced in part by a patient's specific diagnosis. Furthermore, vaccine acceptance increased mirroring the curve of COVID-19 cases and deaths in the country. This should be taken into consideration when updating recommendations for clinical practice.

Sociocultural and moral narratives influencing the decision to vaccinate among rheumatic disease patients: a qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: Vaccination is a process that involves individual, social, and ethical aspects, beyond public governance of vaccines or vaccination as a public health concern. The aim of this study is to describe the sociocultural and moral narratives that influence the decision to vaccinate in general and to vaccinate against COVID-19 specifically, among patients at the rheumatology units of two hospitals. METHODS: Qualitative study involving individual semi-structured interviews following an interview guide. We conducted a thematic analysis using the ATLAS.ti software, with further triangulation to verify concordance and aid in the interpretation of the data from a medical anthropology framework and using a narrative ethics approach to gain insight into the participants' underlying moral values. RESULTS: We interviewed 37 patients in total, along with 3 rheumatologists. Five core themes emerged from the analysis to understand the decision to vaccinate: (1) information about vaccines and disease, (2) perceived risk-benefit of vaccination, (3) the physician-patient relationship, (4) governance of vaccination programs, (5) attitudes towards vaccines. Individual and family experiences with vaccination are diverse depending on the type of vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine, as a new medical technology, is met with more controversy leading to hesitancy. CONCLUSIONS: The decision to vaccinate among Mexican rheumatic disease patients can sometimes involve doubt and distrust, especially for those with a lupus diagnosis, but ultimately there is acceptance in most cases. Though patients make and value autonomous decisions, there is a collective process involving sociocultural and ethical aspects. Key points • The complexity of vaccine decision-making is better identified through a narrative, qualitative approach like the one used in this study, as opposed to solely quantitative approaches • Sociocultural and moral perspectives of vaccination shape decision-making and, therefore, highlight the importance of including patients in the development of effective clinical practice guidelines as well as ethically justified public policy • Sociohistorical context and personal experiences of immunization influence vaccine decision-making much more than access to biomedical information about vaccines, showing that approaches based on the information deficit model are inadequate to fight vaccine hesitancy.

SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination as a Trigger for Perinuclear Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (p-ANCA) Associated With Rapidly Progressive Glomerulonephritis.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was devastating worldwide. The introduction of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 vaccination has reduced transmission, hospitalizations, and deaths, with infrequent major side effects. We present the case of a 51-year-old woman with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis following COVID-19 vaccination with ChAdOx1 (AstraZeneca). Workup and histopathologic examination demonstrated active extracapillary proliferative lesions in cellular and fibrocellular crescents with extensive fibrinoid necrosis and karyorrhexis with diffuse glomerulonephritis, as well as positive perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies. Treatment with cyclophosphamide and steroids was initiated with the improvement of renal function. Similar cases were seen with influenza vaccination, potentially describing vaccination as a possible trigger for anti-myeloperoxidase rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 12-week trial of infliximab in patients with juvenile-onset spondyloarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of infliximab versus placebo in the treatment of patients with juvenile-onset spondyloarthritis (JoSpA). METHODS: Phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 12 weeks that included patients ≤ 18 years old with JoSpA not responding to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, sulfasalazine, or methotrexate. Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to the infusion of infliximab 5mg/kg or placebo; completers entered then an open-label extension (OLE) period of 42 weeks. The primary endpoint was the number of active joints. Secondary outcomes included the assessment of disease activity, tender entheses, spinal mobility, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity and Functional Index, and the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ). RESULTS: We randomized 12 patients to infliximab and 14 to placebo. No significant differences were found between groups at baseline. At week 12, the mean number of active joints was 1.4 (SD 2.4) in the infliximab group and 4.1 (SD 3.0) in the placebo group (p = 0.0002). A repeated-measures mixed model analysis that included all endpoints in the study demonstrated sustained favourable outcomes of infliximab for active joints, tender joints, swollen joints, and tender enthesis counts, as well as for CHAQ and CRP (p < 0.01). Adverse events were more frequent in the infliximab group, including infections and infusion reactions, but none of them was serious. CONCLUSION: Infliximab is efficacious for patients with JoSpA with an inadequate response to conventional treatment. No serious adverse events with the use of infliximab were observed.

Perception of risk and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with rheumatic diseases: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: Risk perception of the COVID-19 pandemic may affect chronic disease outcomes among patients with rheumatic diseases (RD). To describe and compare the perception of risk and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with RD from two health care centers compared with a control group. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was conducted. Patient respondents completed an online survey to measure risk perception and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The case group consisted of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of RD, coming from two third-level health care centers. The control group was a population group without RD from a public university. RESULTS: A total of 3944 participants were included: 986 patients with an RD (cases) from the two hospital centers and 2958 controls without RD. A greater perception of risk severity and perception of contagion was observed in the group of patients with RD, OR: 1.70, 95% CI 1.44‒2.01 and OR: 2.0, 95% CI 1.79‒2.23, respectively; more significant deterioration in family life OR: 1.14, 95% CI 1.01‒1.29; greater economic impact, OR 3.94, 95% CI 3.48‒4.46; as well as negative emotions and feelings (alarmed, anxiety, depression, confusion, fear, isolation, and discrimination). This impact was maintained when the model was adjusted for comorbidities. CONCLUSION: In the face of an unexpected and catastrophic event such as the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with RD report apparently greater impact on their mental state and economic situation than the control population, as well as increased perception of discrimination. Key Points • The multidisciplinary analyses of risk perception are required to promote actions that can enhance the preparedness and responses of public efforts for possible future pandemics in a way that considers the specific needs of vulnerable people like patients with rheumatic diseases. • Identifying risk perceptions of possible effects of the pandemic, sources of communication, and opinions is essential to ensure self-care in rheumatic disease. • The impact of COVID-19 has been much greater for people with rheumatic disease, especially in terms of the perceived severity of the pandemic, impacts on family and economy, preventive behaviors, and uncertainty.

A Novel Technique for the Evaluation and Interpretation of Elastography in Salivary Gland Involvement in Primary Sjögren Syndrome.

Ultrasound (US) of major salivary glands (MSG) evaluates echogenicity, border features and vascularization, with elastography, it can detect tissue elasticity and glandular fibrosis, related to inflammation in Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). This study aimed to develop a novel technique by pixel analysis for evaluation and interpretation of elastography in MSG in pSS. A cross-sectional and observational multicenter study was conducted. The US of MSG performed in orthogonal planes in grayscale, Doppler, and shear-wave elastography. For elastography images of each gland were analyzed with the open-source program ImageJ to perform a pixel analysis. Statistical analysis was performed with the IBM-SPSS v25 program. Fifty-nine women with a mean age of 57.69 (23-83) years were recruited; pSS mean duration of 87 (5-275) months, and 12 healthy women without sicca symptoms as a control group with a mean age of 50.67 (42-60) years. Intragroup analysis showed p-values >0.05 between sicca symptoms, ocular/dryness tests, biopsy, US, and pixel analysis; correlation between Hocevar and pixel analysis was not found (rho < 0.1, p >0.5). MSG anatomical size was 41.7 ± 28.2 mm vs. 67.6 ± 8.8 mm (p ≤ 0.0001); unstimulated whole saliva flow rate was 0.80 ± 0.80 ml/5 min vs. 1.85 ± 1.27 ml/5 min (p = 0.016). The elastography values (absolute number of pixels) were 572.38 ± 99.21 vs. 539.69 ± 93.12 (p = 0.290). A cut-off point risk for pSS identified with less than 54% of red pixels in the global MSG mass [OR of 3.8 95% CI (1.01-15.00)]. Pixel analysis is a new tool that could lead to a better understanding of the MSG chronic inflammatory process in pSS.

Factors associated to COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in Mexican patients with rheumatic diseases: A cross-sectional and multicenter study.

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended in patients with rheumatic diseases (RDs) to prevent hospitalized COVID-19 and worse outcomes. However, patients' willingness to receive a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and the associated factors vary across populations, vaccines, and time. The objective was to identify factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance (VA) in Mexican outpatients with RDs. This multicenter study was performed between March 1 and September 30, 2021, and four national centers contributed with patients. Participants filled out a questionnaire, which included 32 items related to patients' perception of the patient-doctor relationship, the COVID-19 vaccine component, the pandemic severity, the RD-related disability, comorbid conditions control, immunosuppressive treatment impact on the immune system, and moral/civil position of COVID-19 vaccine. Sociodemographic, disease-related, and treatment-related variables and previous influenza record vaccination were also obtained. Multiple logistic regression analyses identified factors associated with VA, which was defined based on a questionnaire validated in our population. There were 1439 patients whose data were analyzed, and the most frequent diagnoses were Rheumatoid Arthritis in 577 patients (40.1%) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in 427 (29.7%). Patients were primarily middle-aged women (1235 [85.8%]), with (mean±SD) 12.1 (±4.4) years of formal education. Years of education, corticosteroid use, patient perceptions about the vaccine and the pandemic severity, patient civil/moral position regarding COVID-19 vaccine, and previous influenza vaccination were associated with VA. In Mexican patients with RDs, COVID-19 VA is associated with individual social-demographic and disease-related factors, patient´s perceptions, and previous record vaccination. This information is crucial for tailoring effective vaccine messaging in Mexican patients with RDs.

Qualitative validation of audiovisual educational material for use on rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Medication compliance is critical to achieve therapeutic efficacy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis; however, among other factors, low patient-health literacy plays a negative role. Therefore, the development and validation of audiovisual educational material with the participation of health specialists and patients could lead to an improved level of compliance with treatment, while favoring its acceptance. To design and validate audiovisual educational material generated by a multidisciplinary and participative group of patients and health specialists. This study was carried out using a sequential methodology, including qualitative and quantitative techniques: (1) a non-participative observational study with patients and a non-systematic literature search were performed to identify conceptual topics. (2) Pilot videos were qualitatively assessed by patients and health specialists (focus groups and expert committees). (3) Improved versions of seven videos were quantitatively evaluated by patients and specialists following qualitative criteria of attraction, understanding, involvement, acceptance and induction of action. 74 patients with RA, 10 rheumatologists, 4 pharmacists and 2 medical anthropologists participated in the different phases of validation. A total of seven videos lasting 3 min each were generated, incorporating the most relevant suggestions by patients and healthcare professionals. The final version of the videos led to a mean compliance of 96.04 ± 5.2%, according to a representative group of patients and a mean 89.6 ± 9.4%, according to health professionals. With the participation of both patients and health specialists, seven audiovisual educational video recordings were developed and validated, reaching high levels of compliance in accordance with international criteria.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Mexican outpatients with rheumatic diseases.

Vaccine hesitancy (VH) has emerged as a recognized threaten to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. Historically, low vaccine acceptance rates had been described among patients with rheumatic diseases (RMDs). The study objective was to determine COVID-19 VH among Mexican outpatients with RMDs and validate the COVID-19 VH questionnaire. This cross-sectional study was developed in three steps. Step 1 consisted of translation/cultural adaptation of the Oxford-COVID-19-VH questionnaire. Step 2 consisted of pilot testing and questionnaire feasibility, content, construct and criterion validity, reliability (internal consistency and temporal stability) and questionnaire sensitivity to change. Step 3 consisted of VH phenomenon quantification in patients from two metropolitan tertiary-care-level centers. Step 1 followed ISPOR-task-force recommendations. Patients who participated in step 2 (n = 50 for pilot testing/feasibility and n = 208 for questionnaire validation [91 in test-retest and 70 in questionnaire-sensitivity to change]) and step 3 (n = 600) were representative outpatients with RMDs. The seven-item COVID-19 VH questionnaire was found feasible, valid (experts' agreement ≥80%; a 1-factor structure accounted for 60.73% of the total variance; rho = 0.156, p = .025 between COVID-19 VH questionnaire and score from the Spanish version of the Vaccine Hesitancy Scale; and lower questionnaire scores in patients who reported 5 years-previous influenza vaccination), reliable (Cronbach's ɑ = 0.889, intra-class correlation coefficient = 0.933 and 95% confidence interval = 0.898-0.956) and sensitive to change (effect size = 1.17 and 0.86, respectively, in patients who decreased [n = 34] and increased [n = 31] questionnaire-score after intervention). VH phenomenon was 35.5%. VH phenomenon was present in a substantial number of Mexican patients with RMDs. The COVID-19 VH questionnaire showed good psychometric properties to assess COVID-19 VH in our population.

Comorbidity burden in terms of disability in patients with osteoarthritis in Mexico. The IMPACTAR registry.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the comorbidities associated with disability in patients with OA in Mexico (2013-2015). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, retrospective and multicentre IMPACTAR study (n=7703) in Mexican patients (2013-2015). Comorbidities associated with disability were identified in 4971 patients diagnosed with OA from the IMPACTAR registry (n=7073). An adjusted logistic regression analysis was carried out by demographic, economic, clinical and medical variables. RESULTS: Mean age was 63 years; and 75% of the patients were women. Subjects with OA and presence of comorbidities are 42% more likely to develop disabilities than patients without associated comorbidity, considering age, sex, family income, OA diagnosis duration, and education level. The highest rate of people with disability (28.9%) was concentrated in Region 7, which corresponds to Mexico City. There are also significant differences between median family incomes, when the income of persons with disability is under $13 000 (IQR: 9000-16 000) Mexican pesos, compared to patients without disability. Almost half of the subjects (49.6%) reported having at least one comorbidity. Arterial hypertension was the risk factor with a statistically significant difference (32.8%) among those with disability (34.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Programs and interventions for OA patients should take into consideration comorbidity factors, being female, family income, and the region of residence as variables that may increase the possibility of developing an OA-associated disability.

Comorbidity burden in terms of disability in patients with osteoarthritis in Mexico. The IMPACTAR registry / Carga de comorbilidad en términos de discapacidad en pacientes con osteoartritis en México. El registro IMPACTAR

Objective. To determine the comorbidities associated with disability in patients with OA in Mexico (2013–2015). Material and methods: A cross-sectional, retrospective and multicentre IMPACTAR study (n=7703) in Mexican patients (2013–2015). Comorbidities associated with disability were identified in 4971 patients diagnosed with OA from the IMPACTAR registry (n=7073). An adjusted logistic regression analysis was carried out by demographic, economic, clinical and medical variables. Results: Mean age was 63 years; and 75% of the patients were women. Subjects with OA and presence of comorbidities are 42% more likely to develop disabilities than patients without associated comorbidity, considering age, sex, family income, OA diagnosis duration, and education level. The highest rate of people with disability (28.9%) was concentrated in Region 7, which corresponds to Mexico City. There are also significant differences between median family incomes, when the income of persons with disability is under $13 000 (IQR: 9000–16 000) Mexican pesos, compared to patients without disability. Almost half of the subjects (49.6%) reported having at least one comorbidity. Arterial hypertension was the risk factor with a statistically significant difference (32.8%) among those with disability (34.7%). Conclusions: Programs and interventions for OA patients should take into consideration comorbidity factors, being female, family income, and the region of residence as variables that may increase the possibility of developing an OA-associated disability.(AU)

Objetivo: Determinar las comorbilidades asociadas a la incapacidad en pacientes con osteoartritis (OA) en México (2013-2015). Material y métodos: Estudio IMPACTAR transversal, retrospectivo y multicéntrico (n=7.703) en pacientes mejicanos (2013-2015). Se identificaron las comorbilidades asociadas a la incapacidad en 4.971 pacientes diagnosticados de OA en el registro IMPACTAR (n=7.073). Se realizó un análisis de regresión logística ajustada por variables demográfica, económica, clínica y médica. Resultados: La edad media fue de 63 años, y el 75% de los pacientes eran mujeres. Los sujetos con OA y la presencia de comorbilidades tienen un 42% mayor de probabilidad de desarrollar incapacidades que los pacientes sin comorbilidad asociada, considerando la edad, el sexo familia, los ingresos, la duración del diagnóstico de OA y el nivel educativo. La tasa poblacional con mayor tasa de incapacidad (28,9%) se concentró en la Región 7, que corresponde a Ciudad de México. También existieron diferencias significativas entre los ingresos familiares medios, cuando la renta de las personas con incapacidad se sitúa por debajo de los 13.000$ (RIC: 9.000-16.000) pesos mejicanos, en comparación con los pacientes sin incapacidad. Casi la mitad de los sujetos (49,6%) reportaron tener al menos una comorbilidad. La hipertensión arterial fue el factor de riesgo con diferencia estadísticamente significativa (32,8%) entre aquellas personas con incapacidad (34,7%). Conclusiones: Los programas e intervenciones para pacientes con OA deberían considerar los factores de comorbilidad tales como sexo femenino, ingresos familiares y región de residencia como variables que podrían incrementar la posibilidad de desarrollar una incapacidad asociada a OA.(AU)

Prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine despite limited perceived efficacy in patients with rheumatic diseases in Mexico: Cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is frequently used by patients with rheumatic diseases (RD) to improve their symptoms; however, its diversity and availability have increased notably while scientific support for its effectiveness and adverse effects is still scarce. OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence and diversity of CAM in patients with RD in Chihuahua, Mexico. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 500 patients with RD who were interviewed about the use of CAM to treat their disease. The interview included sociodemographic aspects, characteristics of the disease, as well as a description of CAM use, including type, frequency of use, perception of the benefit, communication with the rheumatologist, among others. RESULTS: The prevalence of CAM use was reported by 59.2% of patients, which informed a total of 155 different therapies. The herbal CAM group was the most used (31.4%) and included more than 50 different therapies. The use of menthol-based and arnica ointments was highly prevalent (35%). Most patients (62.3%) reported very little or no improvement in their symptoms. Only a fourth of the patients informed the rheumatologist of the use of CAM. The use of CAM was influenced by female sex, university degree, diagnosis delay, lack adherence to the rheumatologist's treatment, family history of RD, and orthopedic devices. CONCLUSION: The use of CAM in our population is highly prevalent and similar to reports in different populations suggesting a widespread use in many different societies. We found high use of herbal remedies; however, there were many different types suggesting a lack of significant effect. Patients continue using CAM despite a perception of no-effectiveness. Recurrent use of CAM is explained by factors other than its efficacy.

Validación del índice de gravedad del síndrome de Cushing en pacientes con síndrome de Cushing iatrógénico / Validity of the Cushing's Syndrome Severity Index in Patients with Iatrogenic Cushing's Syndrome

Introducción: Actualmente no se cuenta con instrumentos clinimétricos para la medición de la gravedad del síndrome de Cushing iatrógeno (SCI). Sonino et al. crearon un índice clínico de gravedad del síndrome de Cushing endógeno (IGC), pero no ha sido aplicado a pacientes con SCI. Objetivo: Validar y determinar la utilidad del IGC y su correlación con variables clínicas en pacientes reumatológicos con uso de glucocorticoides (GC) de forma continua. Sujetos y métodos: Se incluyó a pacientes con antecedentes de uso de GC sistémicos de forma continua indicados para el tratamiento de la enfermedad reumatológica, por lo menos durante 4 semanas. Todos los pacientes rellenaron un cuestionario sobre datos sociodemográficos, características de los GC empleados, la forma de uso y la presencia o ausencia de eventos adversos. Se aplicó el IGC por 2 observadores de forma independiente. Se calculó la consistencia, la concordancia interobservador y un análisis de componentes principales. Resultados: Se estudió a 32 pacientes con edad promedio de 35,72±12,8 años; 29 eran mujeres (90,6%). La calificación promedio del IGC por el primer observador fue de 3,50±2,02 y la del segundo observador fue de 2,31±1,75 (p=0,004). La concordancia interobservador fue baja en los ítems con definiciones imprecisas, por lo cual se modificaron las definiciones para mejorar su desempeño. Los puntajes del IGC correlacionaron con la presencia de efectos adversos y el tipo de dosis utilizada. Conclusiones: El IGC tiene una adecuada correlación con manifestaciones clínicas en pacientes con uso crónico de GC. Las características clinimétricas del cuestionario mejoraron al estandarizar las definiciones de variables clínicas subjetivas.(AU)

Introduction: Currently there are no clinimetric instruments for the measurement of the severity of iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome (ICS). Sonino et al. created a clinical severity index of endogenous Cushing's disease (CSI) but it has not been applied to patients with ICS. Objective: To validate and determine the utility of the CSI and its correlation with clinical variables in rheumatological patients with continuous use of glucocorticoids (GC). Subjects and methods: Patients with a history of continuous systemic GC use (for at least 4 weeks) indicated for treatment of rheumatological disease were included. All the patients filled out a questionnaire on sociodemographic data, characteristics of the CG used; the way of use and the presence or absence of adverse events. The CSI was applied by 2 observers independently. Consistency, interobserver concordance and principal component analysis were calculated. Results: A total of 32 patients with an average age of 35.72±12.8 years were studied; 29 were women (90.6%). The average CSI score by the first observer was 3.50±2.02, and by the second observer was 2.31±1.75 (p=.004). The interobserver concordance was low in the items with imprecise definitions; for which modifications were made in the definitions to improve their performance. The CSI scores correlated with the presence of adverse effects and the type of dose used. Conclusions: The CSI has an adequate correlation with clinical manifestations in patients with chronic use of GC. The clinimetric characteristics of the questionnaire improved by standardising the definitions of subjective clinical variables.(AU)

Validity of the Cushing's Syndrome Severity Index in Patients with Iatrogenic Cushing's Syndrome. / Validación del índice de gravedad del síndrome de Cushing en pacientes con síndrome de Cushing iatrógénico.

INTRODUCTION: Currently there are no clinimetric instruments for the measurement of the severity of iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome (ICS). Sonino et al. created a clinical severity index of endogenous Cushing's disease (CSI) but it has not been applied to patients with ICS. OBJECTIVE: To validate and determine the utility of the CSI and its correlation with clinical variables in rheumatological patients with continuous use of glucocorticoids (GC). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Patients with a history of continuous systemic GC use (for at least 4 weeks) indicated for treatment of rheumatological disease were included. All the patients filled out a questionnaire on sociodemographic data, characteristics of the CG used; the way of use and the presence or absence of adverse events. The CSI was applied by 2 observers independently. Consistency, interobserver concordance and principal component analysis were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 32 patients with an average age of 35.72±12.8 years were studied; 29 were women (90.6%). The average CSI score by the first observer was 3.50±2.02, and by the second observer was 2.31±1.75 (p=.004). The interobserver concordance was low in the items with imprecise definitions; for which modifications were made in the definitions to improve their performance. The CSI scores correlated with the presence of adverse effects and the type of dose used. CONCLUSIONS: The CSI has an adequate correlation with clinical manifestations in patients with chronic use of GC. The clinimetric characteristics of the questionnaire improved by standardising the definitions of subjective clinical variables.

Comorbidity burden in terms of disability in patients with osteoarthritis in Mexico. The IMPACTAR registry.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the comorbidities associated with disability in patients with OA in Mexico (2013-2015). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, retrospective and multicentre IMPACTAR study (n=7703) in Mexican patients (2013-2015). Comorbidities associated with disability were identified in 4971 patients diagnosed with OA from the IMPACTAR registry (n=7073). An adjusted logistic regression analysis was carried out by demographic, economic, clinical and medical variables. RESULTS: Mean age was 63 years; and 75% of the patients were women. Subjects with OA and presence of comorbidities are 42% more likely to develop disabilities than patients without associated comorbidity, considering age, sex, family income, OA diagnosis duration, and education level. The highest rate of people with disability (28.9%) was concentrated in Region 7, which corresponds to Mexico City. There are also significant differences between median family incomes, when the income of persons with disability is under $13 000 (IQR: 9000-16 000) Mexican pesos, compared to patients without disability. Almost half of the subjects (49.6%) reported having at least one comorbidity. Arterial hypertension was the risk factor with a statistically significant difference (32.8%) among those with disability (34.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Programs and interventions for OA patients should take into consideration comorbidity factors, being female, family income, and the region of residence as variables that may increase the possibility of developing an OA-associated disability.

Syndemic and syndemogenesis of low back pain in Latin-American population: a network and cluster analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Although low back pain (LBP) is a high-impact health condition, its burden has not been examined from the syndemic perspective. OBJECTIVE: To compare and assess clinical, socioeconomic, and geographic factors associated with LBP prevalence in low-income and upper-middle-income countries using syndemic and syndemogenesis frameworks based on network and cluster analyses. METHODS: Analyses were performed by adopting network and cluster design, whereby interrelations among the individual and social variables and their combinations were established. The required data was sourced from the databases pertaining to the six Latin-American countries. RESULTS: Database searches yielded a sample of 55,724 individuals (mean age 43.38 years, SD = 17.93), 24.12% of whom were indigenous, and 60.61% were women. The diagnosed with LBP comprised 6.59% of the total population. Network analysis showed higher relationship individuals' variables such as comorbidities, unhealthy habits, low educational level, living in rural areas, and indigenous status were found to be significantly associated with LBP. Cluster analysis showed significant association between LBP prevalence and social variables (e.g. Gender inequality Index, Human Development Index, Income Inequality). CONCLUSIONS: LBP is a highly prevalent condition in Latin-American populations with a high impact on the quality of life of young adults. It is particularly debilitating for women, indigenous individuals, and those with low educational level, and is further exacerbated by the presence of comorbidities, especially those in the mental health domain. Thus, the study findings demonstrate that syndemic and syndemogenesis have the potential to widen the health inequities stemming from LBP in vulnerable populations. Key points • Syndemic and syndemogenesis evidence health disparities in Latin-American populations, documenting the complexity of suffering from a disease such as low back pain that is associated with comorbidities, unhealthy habits, and the social and regional context where they live. • The use of network and cluster analyses are useful tools for documenting the complexity and the multifaceted impact in health in large populations as well as the differences between countries. • The variability and impact of socioeconomic indicators (e.g., Gini index) related to low back pain and comorbidities could be felt through the use of cluster analysis, which generates evidence of regional inequality in Latin America. • Populations can be studied from different models (network and cluster analysis) and grouping, presenting new interpretations beyond geographical groupings, such as syndemic and inequity in health.

Are Target Urate and Remission Possible in Severe Gout? A Five-year Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the proportion of patients achieving target serum urate (SU), defined as < 6 mg/dl for patients with non-severe gout and < 5 mg/dl for patients with severe gout, as well as the proportion of patients achieving remission after 5 years of followup. METHODS: Patients from the Gout Study Group (GRESGO) cohort were evaluated at 6-month intervals. Demographic and clinical data were obtained at baseline. Visits included assessments of serum urate, flares, tophus burden, health-related quality of life using the EQ-5D, activity limitations using the Health Assessment Questionnaire adapted for gout, and pain level and patient's global assessment using visual analog scales. Treatment for gout and associated diseases was prescribed according to guidelines and available drugs. RESULTS: Of 500 patients studied, 221 had severe gout (44%) and 279 had non-severe gout (56%) at baseline. No significant differences were observed across the study in percentages of severe gout versus non-severe gout patients achieving SU 6 mg/dl or 5 mg/dl. The highest proportion of patients achieving target SU (50-70%) and remission (39%) were found after 3-4 years of followup. In the fifth year, these proportions decreased and 28% of the patients were in remission, but only 40 patients remained in the study. None of the patients with severe gout achieved remission. CONCLUSION: In patients with severe gout, target SU was hard to achieve and remission was not possible. The main obstacles for target SU and gout remission include poor medication adherence, persistent tophi, and loss to followup.

Peripheral neuropathies in rheumatic diseases: More diverse and frequent than expected. A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Peripheral neuropathies (PN) are heterogeneous nerve disorders; frequently rheumatic patients have neuropathic symptoms. In some rheumatic diseases (RD) PN are secondary to nerve compression while others are related to metabolic abnormalities, inflammation or vasculitis. Our aim was to explore the frequency of neuropathic symptoms with three neuropathy questionnaires (NQ) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) in RD. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study in patients with any RD attending for the first time to a rheumatology outpatient clinic. We included all patients who accepted to participate and who answered three NQ and received a physical evaluation. Twenty patients were randomly selected to perform NCS and 10 healthy subjects were included as controls. The topographic diagnoses were: mononeuropathy, multiplex mononeuropathy, and/or polyneuropathy. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: descriptive statistics (mean, median, standard deviation, interquartile range and frequency, odds ratios and Pearson correlation test). RESULTS: One hundred patients and 10 healthy subjects were included. Sixty-nine were female, mean age 40.6 ± 15.7 years. Rheumatic diagnoses were: systemic lupus erythematosus (26%), rheumatoid arthritis (16%), gout (14%), and osteoarthritis (11%). Fifty-two patients had neuropathic signs during physical examination and 67% had positive questionnaires with variable scores among several RD. Abnormal NCS was reported in 14 patients (70%): 6 (42.8%) median nerve mononeuropathies, 4 (28.5%) multiplex mononeuropathies and 4 (28.5%) polyneuropathies. None of the healthy subjects had neuropathy (NQ, physical evaluation, or NCS). Risk of being NCS positive is higher when the patients were NQ positive. CONCLUSION: PN has variable distribution and high frequency in patients with RD; NQ+ increases the risk of presenting NCS+ for PN.