Toward Telemonitoring in Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases: Protocol for a Mixed Attention Model Study.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) are chronic diseases that may alternate between asymptomatic periods and flares. These conditions require complex treatments and close monitoring by rheumatologists to mitigate their effects and improve the patient's quality of life. Often, delays in outpatient consultations or the patient's difficulties in keeping appointments make such close follow-up challenging. For this reason, it is very important to have open communication between patients and health professionals. In this context, implementing telemonitoring in the field of rheumatology has great potential, as it can facilitate the close monitoring of patients with RMDs. The use of these tools helps patients self-manage certain aspects of their disease. This could result in fewer visits to emergency departments and consultations, as well as enable better therapeutic compliance and identification of issues that would otherwise go unnoticed. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study is to evaluate the implementation of a hybrid care model called the mixed attention model (MAM) in clinical practice and determine whether its implementation improves clinical outcomes compared to conventional follow-up. METHODS: This is a multicenter prospective observational study involving 360 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondylarthritis (SpA) from 5 Spanish hospitals. The patients will be followed up by the MAM protocol, which is a care model that incorporates a digital tool consisting of a mobile app that patients can use at home and professionals can review asynchronously to detect incidents and follow patients' clinical evolution between face-to-face visits. Another group of patients, whose follow-up will be conducted in accordance with a traditional face-to-face care model, will be assessed as the control group. Sociodemographic characteristics, treatments, laboratory parameters, assessment of tender and swollen joints, visual analog scale for pain, and electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) reports will be collected for all participants. In the MAM group, these items will be self-assessed via both the mobile app and during face-to-face visits with the rheumatologist, who will do the same for patients included in the traditional care model. The patients will be able to report any incidence related to their disease or treatment through the mobile app. RESULTS: Participant recruitment began in March 2024 and will continue until December 2024. The follow-up period will be extended by 12 months for all patients. Data collection and analysis are scheduled for completion in December 2025. CONCLUSIONS: This paper aims to provide a detailed description of the development and implementation of a digital solution, specifically an MAM. The goal is to achieve significant economic and psychosocial impact within our health care system by enhancing control over RMDs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06273306; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06273306. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/55829.

Ultrasonography in the diagnosis of suspected primary Sjögren's syndrome and concordance with salivary gland biopsy: a Spanish single-center study.

OBJECTIVE: The study aims to evaluate the utility of major salivary gland ultrasonography for diagnosis of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and to assess its concordance with minor salivary gland biopsy (MSGB). METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 72 patients with suspected pSS was performed. Demographic, clinical, and serological data were collected. MSGB was performed, as was ultrasonography. The ultrasound technician was blind to clinical, serological, and histological data. The validity of ultrasonography compared with MSGB, the American-European Consensus Group (AECG), and American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) criteria was assessed by calculating the percentage of agreement, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and area under the curve (AUC). RESULTS: Based on MSGB as the gold standard, the percentage of agreement between both tests was 78% (AUC 0.75). Based on the ACR/EULAR criteria, the percentage of agreement was 83% (AUC 0.78) for ultrasonography and 81% (AUC 0.83) for biopsy. Sensitivity and specificity were 90% and 67%, respectively, for ultrasonography and 76% and 90% for biopsy. The results were similar with the AECG criteria. The intra- and inter-observer variability was good (κ > 0.7). Significant differences were observed for positive anti-Ro52 values and hypergammaglobulinemia in pathological ultrasound scans. CONCLUSION: Diagnostic ultrasonography is as useful as MSGB in pSS. Therefore, it could be included in the classification criteria. In this cohort, it proved more sensitive than MSGB and could be used as an initial test for patients suspected of having pSS. MSGB could be used in cases where clinical and serological results are inconclusive. Key Points • Major salivary gland ultrasonography adds diagnostic value similar to that of MSGB, thus potentially enabling this invasive procedure to be avoided. • Ultrasonography could be included in the classification criteria for primary Sjögren's syndrome. • Given that ultrasonography is more sensitive and less specific than MSGB, it could be used as an initial diagnostic test in patients with suspected Sjögren's syndrome. • Biopsy should be performed in those cases where ultrasonography, clinical, and serological data are inconclusive.

Estudio de calidad percibida en pacientes con gota atendidos en una consulta de reumatología con enfermería especializada / Perceived Quality in Patients With Gout Treated in a Rheumatology Clinic With a Clinical Nurse Specialist

Introducción: La gota es una artritis cristalina que se asocia con pérdida importante de calidad de vida. Un tratamiento por objetivos y un seguimiento proactivo permiten obtener mejores desenlaces clínicos. La enfermería especializada en reumatología optimiza el seguimiento en pacientes con gota y la adherencia al tratamiento, pudiendo mejorar la calidad percibida de estos enfermos en relación con la atención sanitaria. Objetivo: Determinar los factores que afectan a la calidad percibida y a la satisfacción de los enfermos con gota atendidos en consultas de reumatología e identificar áreas de mejora, así como explorar la influencia de enfermería en la atención y el seguimiento de estos pacientes. Metodología Estudio observacional transversal en pacientes con gota seguidos en una consulta monográfica mediante encuesta anónima basada en el modelo de calidad SERVQUAL, con datos demográficos y preguntas sobre aspectos asistenciales. Resultados: Se recogieron 71 encuestas cumplimentadas de las 80 entregadas entre agosto de 2019 y enero de 2020. La mayoría de los participantes fueron varones de más de 45años. El 39% se mostraron satisfechos con la atención recibida, y el 55% muy satisfechos. Todos los encuestados se mostraron satisfechos con la consulta presencial conjunta con enfermería especializada en reumatología, y el 66% consideraron buena la consulta telefónica con el enfermero. Se identificaron posibles áreas de mejora (tiempo de derivación a consulta, identificación y disponibilidad del personal sanitario). Conclusión: Encontramos una alta satisfacción global percibida por los pacientes atendidos en consulta de gota con enfermería especializada en reumatología. Conocer y sistematizar la opinión de los pacientes es esencial para mejorar la atención ofrecida.(AU)

Introduction: Gout is a crystal arthropathy that is associated with significant loss of quality of life. A treat-to-target approach and proactive monitoring yield superior outcomes to standard care. The Clinical Nurse Specialist enhances follow-up and adherence to treatment in patients with gout, improving their perceived healthcare quality. Objective: To determine the factors that affect the perceived quality and satisfaction of patients with gout treated in a rheumatology clinic and to identify areas for improvement, as well as to explore the influence of nurses’ work in the care and management of these patients. Methods: Cross-sectional observational study in patients with gout monitored in a monographic clinic by anonymous survey based on the SERVQUAL quality model, with demographic data and questions about aspects of care. Results: 71 completed surveys were collected from the 80 delivered between August 2019 and January 2020. Most of the participants were males over 45years of age. A total of 39% were satisfied with the care received, and 55% were very satisfied. All the respondents were satisfied with the face-to-face consultation with the Clinical Nurse Specialist and 66% considered the telephone consultation with the nurse to be good. Possible areas for improvement (referral time to consultation, identification, and availability of health providers) were identified. Conclusion: We found high overall satisfaction perceived by the patients attended in a gout consultation with the Clinical Nurse Specialist. Understanding and systematizing the patients’ opinion is essential to improve clinical care.(AU)

Monitoring chronic inflammatory musculoskeletal diseases mixing virtual and face-to-face assessments-Results of the digireuma study.

Mobile health technology holds great promise for the clinical management of patients with chronic disease. However, evidence on the implementation of projects involving digital health solutions in rheumatology is scarce. We aimed to study the feasibility of a hybrid (virtual and face-to-face) monitoring strategy for personalized care in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondyloarthritis (SpA). This project included the development of a remote monitoring model and its assessment. After a focus group with patients and rheumatologists, relevant concerns regarding the management of RA and SpA were raised, leading to the development of the Mixed Attention Model (MAM), which combined hybrid (virtual and face-to-face) monitoring. Then, a prospective study using the mobile solution Adhera for Rheumatology was conducted. Over a 3-month follow-up period, patients were given the opportunity to complete disease-specific electronic patient reported outcomes (ePROs) for RA and SpA with a pre-established frequency, as well as flares and changes in medication at any time. Number of interactions and alerts were assessed. The usability of the mobile solution was measured by the Net-Promoter Score (NPS) and through a 5-star Likert scale. Following the MAM development, forty-six patients were recruited to utilize the mobile solution, of whom 22 had RA and 24 SpA. There were 4,019 total interactions in the RA group, and 3,160 in the SpA group. Fifteen patients generated a total of 26 alerts, of which 24 were flares and 2 were medication-related problems; most (69%) were managed remotely. Regarding patient satisfaction, 65% of the respondents were considered to have endorsed Adhera for Rheumatology, yielding a NPS of 57 and an overall rating was 4.3 out of 5 stars. We concluded that the use of the digital health solution is feasible in clinical practice to monitor ePROs for RA and SpA. Next steps involve the implementation of this telemonitoring method in a multicentric setting.

Effectiveness and safety of anakinra in gouty arthritis: A case series and review of the literature.

Background: Gout is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and colchicine are the first-line agents, although they are contraindicated in many patients. Blockade of IL-1 with anakinra can be an alternative. Objective: To present a case series of 10 difficult-to-treat gout patients treated with anakinra and perform a scoping review of the effectiveness and safety of anakinra in gout patients. Methods: A total of 1,519 citations were screened. The reviewers ran a two-stage screening process by title/abstract and full-text reading. Thirty-eight articles finally met the selection criteria and were included for data extraction and synthesis. Experience in difficult-to treat and complex clinical scenarios, such as active infection, hemodialysis, and transplantation, were specifically described. Results: The study sample comprised 551 patients, from whom 648 flares were finally analyzed. The mean age was 57.9 years, and 82.9% were men. The clinical presentation was polyarticular in 47.5% and tophaceous in 66.9%. Sixty-five patients with an active infection, 41 transplanted patients and 14 in haemodyalisis treated with anakinra are described. More than half of the patients had >1 associated comorbidity. Anakinra was effective both for flares (94%) and for long-term treatment (91%) and well tolerated. In the case of flares, 34 (6.7%) adverse effects were registered. Adverse events were more prevalent in long-term treatment. Conclusion: Anakinra was effective and safe for management of gout flares in difficult-to-treat patients. It has been used in multiple complex scenarios, such as active infections, dialysis, transplantation, chronic kidney disease, and polyarticular gout. Anakinra has also proven effective as long-term treatment, although there are more concerns about its safety.

Perceived quality in patients with gout treated in a rheumatology clinic with a clinical nurse specialist.

INTRODUCTION: Gout is a crystal arthropathy that is associated with significant loss of quality of life. A treat-to-target approach and proactive monitoring yield superior outcomes to standard care. The Clinical Nurse Specialist enhances follow-up and adherence to treatment in patients with gout, improving their perceived healthcare quality. OBJECTIVE: To determine the factors that affect the perceived quality and satisfaction of patients with gout treated in a rheumatology clinic and to identify areas for improvement, as well as to explore the influence of nurses' work in the care and management of these patients. METHODS: Cross-sectional observational study in patients with gout monitored in a monographic clinic by anonymous survey based on the SERVQUAL quality model, with demographic data and questions about aspects of care. RESULTS: 71 completed surveys were collected from the 80 delivered between August 2019 and January 2020. Most of the participants were males over 45 years of age. A total of 39% were satisfied with the care received, and 55% were very satisfied. All the respondents were satisfied with the face-to-face consultation with the Clinical Nurse Specialist and 66% considered the telephone consultation with the nurse to be good. Possible areas for improvement (referral time to consultation, identification, and availability of health providers) were identified. CONCLUSION: We found high overall satisfaction perceived by the patients attended in a gout consultation with the Clinical Nurse Specialist. Understanding and systematizing the patients' opinion is essential to improve clinical care.

Perceived Quality in Patients With Gout Treated in a Rheumatology Clinic With a Clinical Nurse Specialist. / Estudio de calidad percibida en pacientes con gota atendidos en una consulta de reumatología con enfermería especializada.

INTRODUCTION: Gout is a crystal arthropathy that is associated with significant loss of quality of life. A treat-to-target approach and proactive monitoring yield superior outcomes to standard care. The Clinical Nurse Specialist enhances follow-up and adherence to treatment in patients with gout, improving their perceived healthcare quality. OBJECTIVE: To determine the factors that affect the perceived quality and satisfaction of patients with gout treated in a rheumatology clinic and to identify areas for improvement, as well as to explore the influence of nurses' work in the care and management of these patients. METHODS: Cross-sectional observational study in patients with gout monitored in a monographic clinic by anonymous survey based on the SERVQUAL quality model, with demographic data and questions about aspects of care. RESULTS: 71 completed surveys were collected from the 80 delivered between August 2019 and January 2020. Most of the participants were males over 45years of age. A total of 39% were satisfied with the care received, and 55% were very satisfied. All the respondents were satisfied with the face-to-face consultation with the Clinical Nurse Specialist and 66% considered the telephone consultation with the nurse to be good. Possible areas for improvement (referral time to consultation, identification, and availability of health providers) were identified. CONCLUSION: We found high overall satisfaction perceived by the patients attended in a gout consultation with the Clinical Nurse Specialist. Understanding and systematizing the patients' opinion is essential to improve clinical care.

Evaluación ecográfica en pacientes gotosos con actividad clínica persistente a pesar de uricemia dentro de objetivo requerido por «treat to target» / Ultrasound evaluation in gouty patients with persistent clinical activity despite uricaemia within the objective required by «Treat to Target»

No disponible

Endothelial dysfunction and subclinical atheromatosis in patients with systemic sclerosis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess subclinical vascular features in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) via carotid ultrasound, and flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD), as measures of cardiovascular risk (CVR). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 70 patients diagnosed with SSc (diffuse or limited forms), on whom a vascular study protocol was performed to assess angiodynamic parameters measured by FMD in brachial artery and carotid ultrasound lesions: carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and carotid atheroma plaques (AP). Classical CVR factors were also assessed, as well as main features of SSc regarding skin and organic involvement, laboratory parameters, presence of autoantibodies and specific treatments. RESULTS: 94% of patients were women with a mean age of 50.2±12.5 years. 84% had endothelial dysfunction (ED), being severe in 49%, statistically associated with glucocorticoid (GC) treatment (OR=8.78; CI=1.52-50.78; p=0.015). CIMT was pathological in 39%, 23% had AP (none had significative haemo-dymanic stenosis). Serum vitamin D concentration (25(OH)D3) showed a protective effect on CIMT (OR=0.94; CI=0.89-0.99; p=0.025). No differences between types of SSc were obtained; neither association between SSc features and classical CVR factors. CONCLUSIONS: GC treatment has implications in CVR, despite in SSc GC doses administered are lower than in other autoimmune diseases (in our cohort even prednisone ≤10 mg daily was associated with ED). GC may be associated with an early vascular damage in these patients, which could lead to changes in FMD, ED and finally AP. On the other hand, optimum levels of 25(OH)D3 seemed to be beneficial against vascular damage.

A treat-to-target approach for gout confers renoprotective effect in patients with chronic kidney disease stage 3.

The aim of this study was to assess changes in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in gouty patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) using a "treat-to-target" (T2T) approach in gout. This multicenter observational retrospective study included patients diagnosed with gout and CKD stage 3 taking xanthine oxidase inhibitors (XOIs) (allopurinol or febuxostat) for at least 12 months. All patients were treated using a T2T strategy according to national gout guidelines to achieve the target levels of serum uric acid (sUA; < 5-6 mg/dl) within 6 months of the first visit. The primary outcome was to assess changes in eGFR. The effects of independent variables were analyzed over eGFR in a linear mixed-effects (LME) model. Fifty patients with gout and CKD stage 3 treated with XOIs with a T2T strategy for 12 months were included. Eighty-two percent of the patients achieved the sUA target during the study period. The improvement seen in eGFR was higher during the first 6 months, showing a median increase of 7.54 ml/min/m2 (SE = 1.25) and trending towards stability over 12 months. For every 1 mg/dl of decrease in sUA, an improvement of 1.5 ml/min/m2 in eGFR was observed (coefficient ± SE: - 1.58 ± 0.26) (p < 0.001) with no differences between type and dosage of XOIs treatment, colchicine administration, age, sex, and smoking status. A reduction in sUA levels using a T2T approach with XOIs at an optimal dose is possible and could help conserve and improve renal function in gouty patients with CKD stage 3.

Osteosarcoma en gota tofácea: descripción de un caso clínico y revisión de la literatura / Osteosarcoma in tophaceous gout: a case report and literature review

No disponible

Outcome and predicting factors of single and multiple intra-articular corticosteroid injections in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy of IA CS (IAC) therapy in single and multiple joints in children with JIA and to seek for predictors of synovitis flare. METHODS: The clinical charts of patients who received their first IAC injection between January 2002 and December 2008 were reviewed. The CS used was triamcinolone hexacetonide for large joints and methylprednisolone acetate for small or difficult to access joints. Patients were stratified as follows: one joint injected; two joints injected; and three or more joints injected. Predictors included sex, age at disease onset, JIA category, age and disease duration, ANA status, iridocyclitis, general anaesthesia, number and type of injected joints, acute-phase reactants and concomitant MTX therapy. RESULTS: The cumulative probability of survival without synovitis flare for patients injected in one, two, or three or more joints was 70, 45 and 44%, respectively, at 1 year; 61, 32 and 30%, respectively, at 2 years; and 37, 22 and 19%, respectively, at 3 years. On Cox regression analysis, positive CRP, negative ANA and injection in the ankle were the strongest predictors for synovitis flare. The only significant side effect was skin hypopigmentation or s.c. atrophy, which occurred in <2% of patients. CONCLUSION: IAC therapy-induced sustained remission of synovitis in a substantial proportion of patients injected either in single or multiple joints, with a good safety profile. The risk of synovitis flare was higher in patients who had positive CRP, negative ANA and were injected in the ankle.