Thresholds for unacceptable work state in radiographic axial Spondyloarthritis of four presenteeism and two clinical outcome measurement instruments.

OBJECTIVES: To a) identify threshold values of presenteeism measurement instruments that reflect unacceptable work state in employed r-axSpA patients; b) determine whether those thresholds accurately predict future adverse work outcomes (AWO) (sick leave or short/long-term disability); c) evaluate the performance of traditional health-outcomes for r-axSpA; d) explore whether thresholds are stable across contextual factors. METHODS: Data from the multinational AS-PROSE study was used. Thresholds to determine whether patients consider themselves in an 'unacceptable work state' were calculated at baseline for four instruments assessing presenteeism and two health-outcomes specific for r-axSpA. Different approaches derived from the receiver operating characteristic methodology were used. Validity of the optimal thresholds was tested across contextual factors and for predicting future AWO over 12 months. RESULTS: Of 366 working patients, 15% reported an unacceptable work state; 6% experienced at least one AWO in 12 months. Optimal thresholds were: WPAI-presenteeism ≥40 (AUC 0.85), QQ-method <97 (0.76), WALS ≥0.75 (AUC 0.87), WLQ-25 ≥ 29 (AUC 0.85). BASDAI and BASFI performed similarly to the presenteeism instruments: ≥4.7 (AUC 0.82) and ≥3.5 (AUC 0.79), respectively. Thresholds for WALS and WLQ-25 were stable across contextual factors, while for all other instruments they overestimated unacceptable work state in lower educated persons. Proposed thresholds could also predict future AWO, although with lower performance, especially for QQ-method, BASDAI and BASFI. CONCLUSIONS: Thresholds of measurement instruments for presenteeism and health status to identify unacceptable work state have been established. These thresholds can help in daily clinical practice to provide work related support to r-axSpA patients at risk for AWO.

ASAS consensus definition of early axial spondyloarthritis.

OBJECTIVES: To develop a consensual definition for the term 'early axial spondyloarthritis-axSpA'-and 'early peripheral spondyloarthritis-pSpA'. METHODS: The ASAS (Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society-Spondyloarthritis EARly definition) steering committee convened an international working group (WG). Five consecutive steps were followed: (1) systematic literature review (SLR); (2) discussion of SLR results within the WG and ASAS community; (3) a three-round Delphi survey inviting all ASAS members to select the items that should be considered for the definition; (4) presentation of Delphi results to the WG and ASAS community and (5) ASAS voting and endorsement (2023 annual meeting). RESULTS: Following the SLR, consensus was to proceed with an expert-based definition for early axSpA (81% in favour) but not for pSpA (54% against). Importantly, early axSpA should be based on symptom duration taking solely axial symptoms into account. 151-164 ASAS members participated in the Delphi surveys. Consensus was achieved for considering the following items within early axSpA definition: duration of symptoms ≤2 years; axial symptoms defined as cervical/thoracic/back/buttock pain or morning stiffness; regardless of the presence/absence of radiographic damage. The WG agreed that in patients with a diagnosis of axSpA 'early axSpA' should be defined as a duration of ≤2 years of axial symptoms. Axial symptoms should include spinal/buttock pain or morning stiffness and should be considered by a rheumatologist as related to axSpA. The ASAS community endorsed this proposal (88% in favour). CONCLUSIONS: Early axSpA has newly been defined, based on expert consensus. This ASAS definition should be adopted in research studies addressing early axSpA.

Looking through the window of opportunity in axial spondyloarthritis?

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, that can lead to irreversible structural damage. Early detection and timely intervention are crucial for preventing long-term structural damage, improving quality of life, and reducing the burden of the disease. The concept of a window of opportunity suggests that an early intervention in the reversible stage of the disease can lead to improved long-term outcomes. However, it is unclear whether this concept applies in axSpA. Recent advances in axSpA management, including the use of diagnostic techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging as well as the use of advanced therapies, have shown promise in improving outcomes. However, studies investigating the potential window of opportunity in axSpA by assessing the impact of an early treatment on clinical outcomes have yielded inconclusive results. One of the reasons behind this is the lack of a standardized definition of early axSpA. The Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS)-SPEAR (SPondyloarthritis EARly) project has set the ground for it by working on a consensus definition of early axSpA. Randomized controlled trials specifically focused on the comparison between treating axSpA in the early and late stages of the disease and using the standardised definition of early axSpA are essential to understand better the potential benefits of an early treatment on clinical outcomes. Additionally, it would be relevant to assess the long-term outcomes of early axSpA treatment, especially regarding structural damage, to better grasp the concept of the window of opportunity in axSpA.

Treating spondyloarthritis early: does it matter? Results from a systematic literature review.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize evidence on the relationship between early treatment (definition based on symptom/disease duration or radiographic damage) and treatment clinical response in patients with SpA. METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted in studies on SpA patients treated with NSAIDs or biological/targeted synthetic DMARDs addressing the impact of symptom/disease duration or presence of radiographic damage on treatment response assessed by any disease activity outcome. For categorical outcomes, relative risk, relative risk ratio and number needed to treat were calculated, and for continuous outcomes, differences in differences, to compare groups stratified based on symptom/disease duration or the presence of radiographic damage. RESULTS: From the 8769 articles retrieved, 25 were included and 2 added by hand-search, all in axial SpA (axSpA), most of them with low risk of bias. Twenty-one studies compared groups based on symptom duration (n = 6) or disease duration (n = 15) and seven studies based on absence/presence of radiographic damage (two studies used two comparisons). When early axSpA was defined by symptom duration (<5 years) in randomized controlled trials, early treatment was associated with better outcomes in patients with non-radiographic axSpA [n = 2, ASAS40 relative risk ratio 5.24 (95% CI 1.12, 24.41) and 1.52 (0.60, 3.87)] but not in radiographic axSpA (n = 1) [ASAS20 0.96 (0.53-1.73)]. When early axSpA was defined based on disease duration or radiographic damage, no differences were found between groups. CONCLUSION: Evidence towards better outcomes in early axSpA is very limited and restricted to non-radiographic axSpA and <5 years symptom duration. When early axSpA is defined based on disease duration or radiographic damage, no differences in response to treatment are found.

Does gender influence outcome measures similarly in patients with spondyloarthritis? Results from the ASAS-perSpA study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the influence of gender on disease outcomes in patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA), including across SpA subtypes. METHODS: Data from 4185 patients of 23 countries with a diagnosis of axial SpA (axSpA), peripheral SpA (pSpA) or psoriatic arthritis (PsA) from the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS)-perSpA study were analysed. Associations between gender and disease activity (Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (BASDAI), C-reactive protein (CRP)), function (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI)) and overall health (ASAS Health Index (ASAS HI), European Quality of Life Five Dimension (EQ-5D)) outcomes were investigated. Multilevel multivariable linear mixed models adjusted for relevant confounders (and stratified by disease subtype in case of a relevant interaction) were used. RESULTS: In total, 65%, 10% and 25% of patients had axSpA, pSpA and PsA, respectively. axSpA was more frequent in males (68%), whereas pSpA and PsA were more frequent in females (53% and 52%, respectively). A significant interaction between gender and disease subtype was found for ASDAS, BASDAI and BASFI. While being female independently contributed to higher BASDAI across the three disease subtypes (with varying magnitude), female gender was only associated with higher ASDAS in pSpA (ß (95% CI): 0.36 (0.15 to 0.58)) and PsA (0.25 (0.12 to 0.38)) but not in axSpA (0.016 (-0.07 to 0.11)). No associations were observed between gender and CRP levels. Female gender was associated with higher ASAS HI and EQ-5D, without differences across disease subtype. CONCLUSION: Female gender is associated with less favourable outcome measures across the SpA spectrum. However, while female gender influences BASDAI across the three subtypes, ASDAS is associated with gender only in pSpA and PsA but not in axSpA. Therefore, ASDAS is an appropriate instrument both for females and males with axSpA.

How is early spondyloarthritis defined in the literature? Results from a systematic review.

AIM: To identify all possible definitions of "early SpA" employed in the literature, including "early axial SpA (axSpA)" and "early peripheral SpA (pSpA)". METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted in Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library for studies that included any mention of "early SpA" or its subtypes. The proportion of studies including a definition was calculated, and the different definitions were assessed. RESULTS: Out of 9651 titles identified, 336 publications reporting data from 183 studies were included. Over time, an increasing number of publications were identified. In total, 114 (62%) studies reported a specific definition: 33% of them based it on symptom duration, 31% on radiographic damage, 28% on disease duration, 5% on both symptom/disease duration and radiographic damage, and 3% on other aspects. Overall, 61 (33%) studies included the term "early axSpA", whereas 60 (33%) included "early ankylosing spondylitis (AS)". Regarding the studies that referred to "early axSpA", the most used definition was symptom/disease duration <5 years, whereas for "early AS" was symptom/disease duration <10 years. After 2010, the definition of "early axSpA" based on the absence of radiographic sacroiliitis was less used compared to before 2010 (17% vs 38%). CONCLUSION: Over time, the term "early SpA" and its subtypes is increasingly used. More than one third of the studies did not include a definition of the term and the studies reporting one showed a large heterogeneity. These results emphasize the need for a standardised definition of early SpA.

Individual-level and country-level socio-economic factors and health outcomes in spondyloarthritis: analysis of the ASAS-perSpA study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between individual-level and country-level socio-economic (SE) factors and health outcomes across SpA phenotypes. METHODS: Patients with axial SpA (axSpA), peripheral SpA (pSpA) or PsA from the ASAS-perSpA study (in 23 countries) were included. The effect of individual-level (age, gender, education and marital status) and country-level [e.g. Gross Domestic Product (GDP)] SE factors on health outcomes [Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) ≥ 2.1, ASDAS, BASFI, fatigue and the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society Health Index (ASAS-HI)] was assessed in mixed-effects models adjusted for potential confounders. Interactions between SE factors and disease phenotype were tested. A mediation analysis was conducted to explore whether the impact of country-level SE factors on ASDAS was mediated through biologic/targeted synthetic (b/ts) DMARD uptake. RESULTS: In total, 4185 patients (61% males, mean age 45) were included (65% axSpA, 25% PsA, 10% pSpA). Female gender [ß= 0.14 (95% CI: 0.06, 0.23)], lower educational level [ß = 0.35 (0.25, 0.45)) and single marital status [ß = 0.09 (0.01, 0.17)] were associated with higher ASDAS. Living in lower GDP countries was also associated with higher ASDAS [ß = 0.39 (0.16, 0.63)], and 7% of this association was mediated by b/tsDMARD uptake. Higher BASFI was similarly associated with female gender, lower education and living alone, without the effect of country-level SE factors. Female gender and lower educational level were associated with worse ASAS-HI, while more fatigue was associated with female gender and higher country-level SE factors [lower GDP, ß = -0.46 (-0.89 to -0.04)]. No differences across disease phenotypes were found. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows country-driven variations in health outcomes in SpA, independently influenced by individual-level and country-level SE factors and without differences across disease phenotypes.

Baseline predictors of different types of treatment success in rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a comprehensive analysis on predictors of achieving disease activity outcomes by change, response and state measures. METHODS: We used data from three rheumatoid arthritis (RA) trials (one for main analysis, two for validation) to analyse the effect of patient and disease characteristics, core set measure and composite indices on the achievement of different outcomes: response outcomes (% of patients achieving a relative response margin); state outcomes (remission or low disease activity, LDA) and change outcomes (numerical change on metric scales). RESULTS: We included patients from the ASPIRE trial (for analysis) and from the ATTRACT and GO-BEFORE trials (for validation). While lower disease activity components at baseline-except acute phase reactants-were associated with achievement of state outcomes (such as LDA by the Simplified Disease Activity Index, SDAI), higher baseline values were associated with change outcomes (such as SDAI absolute change). A multivariate analysis of the identified predictors of state outcomes identified best prediction by a combination of shorter disease duration, male gender and lower disease activity. For prediction of response, no consistently significant predictors were found, again, with exception of C reactive protein, for which higher levels at baseline were associated with better responses. CONCLUSION: Prediction of treatment success is limited in RA. Particularly in early RA, prediction of state targets can be achieved by lower baseline levels of diseases activity. Gender and disease duration may improve the predictability of state targets. In clinical trials, included populations and choice of outcomes can be coordinated to maximise efficiency from these studies.

Myositis-specific antibodies and clinical characteristics in patients with autoimmune inflammatory myopathies: reported by the Argentine Registry of Inflammatory Myopathies of the Argentine Society of Rheumatology.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: To describe clinical features in patients with inflammatory myopathies (IMs) from the Argentine Registry of Inflammatory Myopathies, and their relationship with myositis-specific antibodies (MSAs). METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 360 adult patients with dermatomyositis (DM), polymyositis (PM), and inclusion body myositis. Demographics, clinical, and serological characteristics were retrospectively recorded (2016-2019). MSAs were determined by immunoblotting. Patients who were positive for anti-Jo-1, Mi-2, and MDA5 were compared against a group of patients, taken as reference group, who were negative for all MSAs. RESULTS: Women 72%, median age at diagnosis was 47.3 years (18-82). The most frequent subtypes were DM (43.9%) followed by PM (30%).The most frequent MSAs were anti-Jo-1 (51/317), 16.1%; MDA5 (12/111), 10.8%, and Mi-2 (23/226), 10.2%. Anti-Jo-1 was associated (p < 0.05) with a higher frequency of chronic disease course, interstitial lung disease (ILD), arthritis, and mechanic's hands. Anti-Mi-2 was found in patients who had higher frequency of skin manifestations and higher CK values (p < 0.001). Patients with anti-MDA5 had normal or low CK levels. Anti-MDA5 was associated (p < 0.05) with skin manifestations, arthritis, and ILD. The rest of MSAs had frequencies lower than 8%. Anti-TIF1ϒ was found in eight DM patients and one had cancer. Anti-SRP was found in seven patients who had PM and elevated CK. CONCLUSION: Anti-Jo-1 was the most frequent MSA, and was associated with ILD; MDA5 was associated with CADM and ILD, and Mi-2, with classical DM. Despite the different prevalence with respect to other cohorts, the clinical characteristics for each MSA group were similar to the data reported in other studies. Key Points • This study describes the prevalence of MSAs in the Argentine Registry of IMs. • Anti-Jo-1 and anti-MDA5 were associated with ILD. • Anti-Mi-2 was the third most frequent MSA, associated with classical DM.

Peripheral arthritis and higher disease activity lead to more functional impairment in axial spondyloarthritis: Longitudinal analysis from ESPAXIA.

OBJETIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether peripheral arthritis together with disease activity independently contribute to functional impairment over time in patients with axSpA and to evaluate if there are contextual factors modifying this relationship. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with axial spondyloarthritis from the ESPAXIA cohort were followed-up annually over a mean of 3.7 years. Physical function was assessed by the self-reported questionnaire BASFI, disease activity by ASDAS and peripheral arthritis was also recorded. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to investigate longitudinal association between peripheral arthritis, ASDAS and BASFI as the outcome. Autoregressive models (adjusted for BASFI 1 year earlier) were run to allow for a truly longitudinal interpretation. Interactions between each of ASDAS and peripheral arthritis with contextual factors (age, gender, educational level, smoking, job type) were tested. RESULTS: 185 patients (77 % male, mean (SD) age 42 (13) years old and mean disease duration (SD) of 9.4 (9.6) years) were included. ASDAS and peripheral arthritis independently contributed to explaning BASFI over time. Contextual factors did not modify either of the relationships. A true longitudinal relation was proven with the autoregressive GEE model, showing that, adjusted for age, gender, spinal mobility and use of NSAIDs, an increase of one ASDAS unit led to a BASFI 0.48 units higher (ß 0.48 [95%CI 0.39, 0.57]), and the presence of peripheral arthritis, to a BASFI 0.44 units higher (ß 0.44 [95%CI 0.08, 0.8]). CONCLUSION: Peripheral arthritis and higher disease activity independently lead to more functional impairment in axSpA over time. Contextual factors do not modify these relationships.

Depression Is a Major Determinant of Functional Capacity in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of depression among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) Argentinean patients and its association with sociodemographic and clinical factors. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study of consecutive adults with RA. Sociodemographic data, comorbidities, RA disease activity, and current treatment were assessed. The following instruments were used to evaluate quality of life (EQ-5D-3 L [EURO Quality 5-dimension 3 lines], QOL-RA [Quality of Life-Rheumatoid Arthritis]), functional capacity (HAQ-A [Health Assessment Questionnaire-Argentinean version]), and depression (PHQ-9 [Patient Health Questionnaire 9]; scores 5-9: mild, 10-14: moderate, 15-19: moderate-severe, and ≥20: severe depression, a cutoff value ≥10 is diagnostic of major depression). RESULTS: Two hundred fifty-eight patients were included, with a median disease duration of 9 years (interquartile range, 3.6-16.7 years). The m PHQ-9 score was 6 (interquartile range, 2-12.3 years). The prevalence of major depression was 33.8%. The frequency of mild, moderate, moderate/severe, and severe depression was 66 (25.6%), 42 (16.3%), 27 (10.5%), and 18 (7%), respectively. Patients with major depression had worse functional capacity (HAQ-A: mean ± SD, 1.6 ± 0.8 vs. 0.7 ± 0.7; p < 0.0001), poorer quality of life (QOL-RA: mean ± SD, 5.4 ± 1.8 vs. 7.3 ± 1.6; p < 0.0001), greater pain (visual analog scale: mean ± SD, 56.2 ± 27.5 mm vs. 33.4 ± 25.7 mm; p < 0.0001), higher disease activity (Disease Activity Score in 28 joints: mean ± SD, 4.3 ± 1.4 vs. 3.3 ± 1.3; p < 0.0001), higher frequency of comorbidities (67% vs. 33%; p = 0.017), and lower frequency of physical activity (22% vs. 35%; p = 0.032). In the multivariate analysis, patients with moderate and severe depression had worse functional capacity (odds ratio, 2.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.6-4.3; p < 0.0001) and quality of life (odds ratio, 0.7; 95% confidence interval, 0.5-0.8; p < 0.0001), independently of disease activity. CONCLUSIONS: A third of RA patients in this Argentinean cohort had major depression. In those patients, depression was associated with worst functional capacity and quality of life.

Validation of the adjusted global antiphospholipid syndrome score in systemic lupus erythematosus patients in Argentina.

INTRODUCTION: Assessment of risk both for pregnancy morbidity and thrombosis in the presence of anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPL) is still a challenge in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients. The Global Antiphospholipid Syndrome Score (GAPSS) takes into account the aPL profile (criteria and non-criteria aPL), the conventional cardiovascular risk factors and the autoimmune antibody profile. An adjusted model of the score (aGAPSS) excluding anti-phosphatidylserine/Prothrombin (aPS/PT), suggests that the score is able to stratify patients for their rate of events making it widely applicable in daily clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: To validate the aGAPSS in a multicentric cohort of SLE patients in Argentina. PATIENTS AND METHODS: consecutive SLE patients with and with andwithout thrombotic events from seven Rheumatologist centers were included. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors, aPL antibodies and medications received (aspirin, hydroxychloroquine and anticoagulation) were collected. The score aGAPSS was calculated for each patient at the last visit by adding together the points corresponding to the risk factors: 1 for hypertension, 3 for dyslipidemia, 4 for LA and B2GPI (IgM or IgG) antibodies and 5 for aCL (IgM or IgG) antibodies. The discriminative ability of the aGAPSS was calculated by measuring the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the impact of multiple cardiovascular risk factors and laboratory parameters on the occurrence of thrombosis. RESULTS: Two hundred and ninety-six SLE patients were included. One-hundred and twenty-one patients (40.9%) presented thrombotic and/or pregnancy complications. Median aGAPSS was significantly higher in patients who experienced an event (thrombosis and/or pregnancy morbidity) compared with those without [4 (IQR 1-9) versus 1 (IQR 0-5); p < 0.001]. The best cut off point for the diagnosis of thrombosis and/or pregnancy complications was aGAPSS ≥4. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that aCL antibodies [OR 2.1 (95% CI 1.16-3.90); p = 0.015] were an independent risk factors for thrombotic events. CONCLUSIONS: This score is a simple tool, easy to apply to SLE patients in daily practice. The use of the aGAPSS could change the non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic treatment in higher risk patients to improve their survival.

A useful tool to assess quality of LIFE in rheumatoid arthritis patients that does not require a license: QOL-RA II.

To validate the Quality of Life-Rheumatoid Arthritis Scale II (QOL-RA II) in an Argentinean cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patients ≥ 18 years old, with a diagnosis of RA according to ACR-EULAR 2010 criteria, were included in a cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic data, comorbidities, RA characteristics, disease activity, and current treatment were registered. Questionnaires were administered, including EQ-5D-3 L, QOL-RA II, HAQ-A, and PHQ-9. The QOL-RA II was re-administered in 20 patients to evaluate reproducibility. Four hundred and thirty patients were included. Median QOL-RA was 6.6 (IQR 5.3-8). Mean time to complete it was 1.7 ± 0.57 min and to calculate it was 12 ± 1.7 s. It showed very good reliability (Cronbach's alpha 0.97), reproducibility (ICC, 0.96), and good correlation between the different items and the total questionnaire, without evidence of redundancy. Besides, QOL-RA II presented good correlation with EQ-5D-3L (Rho, 0.6) and moderate with DAS28 (Rho, 0.38), and CDAI (Rho, 0.46). Worse quality of life was observed in patients not doing physical activity, unemployed, and current smokers. Patients with higher disease activity had a significant poorer quality of life. Adjusting by age, sex and disease duration, unemployment, higher disease activity, disability, and the presence of depression were independently associated to worse quality of life. QOL-RA II demonstrated good construct validity, reproducibility, and reliability. It was easy to complete and calculate and does not require a license for its use, thus making it the optimal tool for assessing the quality of life in Spanish-speaking patients with RA. Key Points • The evaluation of quality of life is very important in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. • Most of the questionnaires used to assess the quality of life require a license to use. • QOL-RA II is a valid and simple questionnaire to evaluate the quality of life of patients with RA and does not require a license for its use.

Métodos de diagnóstico en el estudio de las Miopatías Inflamatorias Autoinmunes: Datos del Registro Argentino de Miopatías Inflamatorias de la Sociedad Argentina de Reumatología / Diagnostic methods in the study of Inflammatory Myopathies. Data from the Argentine Register: Argentine Rheumatology Society

Las Miopatías Inflamatorias Autoinmunes (MI) comprenden un grupo de enfermedades heterogéneas con presentación y características clínicas variables. Se distinguen subtipos clínicos como Polimiositis (PM), Dermatomiositis (DM), Miositis por cuerpos de Inclusión (MCI), Miopatía Necrotizante Inmunomediada (MNIM), Miositis de los Síndromes de Superposición, formas juveniles de MI (DMJ), Síndrome Antisintetasa (SAS) y Miopatía Asociada a Cáncer (MAC). La presencia de anticuerpos séricos y el infiltrado inflamatorio en la biopsia de músculo sugiere que se trata de una condición autoinmune. Realizar el diagnóstico de las MI suele ser un desafío y las herramientas diagnósticas no siempre están disponibles en la práctica diaria. Se obtuvo información sobre la disponibilidad de estos métodos del Registro Argentino de Miopatías Inflamatorias. El estudio de enzimas musculares, Anticuerpos Antinucleares (ANA), anticuerpo anti-Jo-1 y la tomografía computada de tórax, estuvieron disponibles para la mayoría de los pacientes mientras que la Resonancia Magnética de musculo (RM), el estudio de difusión de monóxido de carbono (DLco) y la biopsia muscular se realizaron en menos del 50% de los casos. La determinación de otros anticuerpos específicos de miositis, de importancia en el diagnóstico y pronóstico de la enfermedad se realizó, en mayor parte, a través de un subsidio de la SAR.

The Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies (IIM) comprise a heterogeneous group of acquired muscle diseases classified as polymyositis (PM), dermatomyositis (DM), Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM), Immuno Mediated Necrotizing Myopathies (IMNM), Overlap Myositis (OM), juvenile myositis, Antisynthethase Syndrome (ASS) and cancer related myositis (CAM). The presence of myositis specific antibodies in the serum and autoantibodies against target antigens and inflammatory infiltrates in muscle tissue suggests the autoimmune condition of the disease. The diagnosis of inflammatory myopathies is often a challenge and the disposal of diagnostic tools are not always available in daily practice. Information on the accessibility of these methods was obtained from the Argentine Register of Myopathies. The study of muscle enzymes, ANA, anti-Jo-1 antibodies and chest tomography were easy to get to most patients while muscle MRI, lung diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLco) and muscle biopsy were performed in less than 50% of cases. Other myositis specific antibodies, necessary for disease diagnosis and prognosis, were mostly done through a subsidy from the Argentine Rheumatology Society.

Métodos de diagnóstico en el estudio de las Miopatías Inflamatorias Autoinmunes: Datos del Registro Argentino de Miopatías Inflamatorias de la Sociedad Argentina de Reumatología / Diagnostic methods in the study of myopathies Inflammatory Autoimmune: Data from the Argentine Registry of Inflammatory Myopathies of the Argentine Society of Rheumatology

Las Miopatías Inflamatorias Autoinmunes (MI) comprenden un grupo de enfermedades heterogéneas con presentación y características clínicas variables. Se distinguen subtipos clínicos como Polimiositis (PM), Dermatomiositis (DM), Miositis por cuerpos de Inclusión (MCI), Miopatía Necrotizante Inmunomediada (MNIM), Miositis de los Síndromes de Superposición, formas juveniles de MI (DMJ), Síndrome Antisintetasa (SAS) y Miopatía Asociada a Cáncer (MAC).La presencia de anticuerpos séricos y el infiltrado inflamatorio en la biopsia de músculo sugiere que se trata de una condición autoinmune. Realizar el diagnóstico de las MI suele ser un desafío y las herramientas diagnósticas no siempre están disponibles en la práctica diaria. Se obtuvo información sobre la disponibilidad de estos métodos del Registro Argentino de Miopatías Inflamatorias. El estudio de enzimas musculares, Anticuerpos Antinucleares (ANA), anticuerpo anti-Jo-1 y la tomografía computada de tórax, estuvieron disponibles para la mayoría de los pacientes mientras que la Resonancia Magnética de musculo (RM), el estudio de difusión de monóxido de carbono (DLco) y la biopsia muscular se realizaron en menos del 50% de los casos. La determinación de otros anticuerpos específicos de miositis, de importancia en el diagnóstico y pronóstico de la enfermedad se realizó, en mayor parte, a través de un subsidio de la SAR.

The Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies (IIM) comprise a heterogeneous group of acquired muscle diseases classified as polymyositis (PM), dermatomyositis (DM), Inclusion Body Myositis(IBM), ImmunoMediated Necrotizing Myopathies, (IMNM), Overlap Myositis(OM), juvenile myositis, Antisynthethase Syndrome (ASS) and cancer related myositis(CAM).The presence of myositis specific antibodies in the serum and autoantibodies against target antigens and inflammatory infiltrates in muscle tissue suggests the autoimmune condition of the disease. The diagnosis of inflammatory myopathies is often a challenge and the disposal of diagnostic tools are not always available in daily practice. Information on the accessibility of these methods was obtained from the Argentine Register of Myopathies. The study of muscle enzymes, ANA, anti-Jo-1 antibodies and chest tomography were easy to get to most patients while muscle MRI, lung diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLco%) and muscle biopsy were performed in less than 50% of cases. Other myositis specific antibodies, necessary for disease diagnosis and prognosis, were mostly done through a subsidy from the Argentine Rheumatology Society.

La depresión es un determinante mayor de la capacidad funcional en pacientes con artritis reumatoidea, independientemente de la actividad de la enfermedad / Depression is a major driver of functional capacity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis regardless of disease activity

La depresión es una de las comorbilidades más frecuentemente reportadas en pacientes con Artritis Reumatoidea (AR). Su presencia se asocia a mayores costos de salud, mayor mortalidad y reduce las probabilidades de alcanzar una buena respuesta al tratamiento. Objetivo: Evaluar la prevalencia de depresión en pacientes argentinos con AR y establecer su relación con diferentes factores sociodemográficos y clínicos. Material y métodos: Se incluyeron pacientes ≥18 años de edad, con diagnóstico de AR según criterios ACR-EULAR 2010. Se consignaron datos sociodemográficos, comorbilidades, características clínicas, actividad de la enfermedad y tratamiento actual. Se administraron los cuestionarios EQ-5D-3L, QOL-RA, HAQ-A y PHQ-9. Los valores de PHQ-9 de 5-9, 10-14, 15-19 y ≥20 determinan la presencia de depresión leve, moderada, moderada/severa y severa, respectivamente y un valor de corte ≥10, depresión mayor. Análisis estadístico: Test T de Student, ANOVA y Chi². Regresión lineal múltiple. Resultados: Se incluyeron 258 pacientes, con un tiempo mediano (m) de evolución de la enfermedad de 9 años (RIC 3,6-16,7). La m de depresión valorada por PHQ-9 de 6 (RIC 2-12,5). La prevalencia de depresión mayor fue de 33,8%. Sesenta y seis (25,6%), 42 (16,3%), 27 (10,5%) y 18 (7%) pacientes presentaron depresión leve, moderada, moderada/severa y severa, respectivamente. Los pacientes con depresión mayor mostraron menor capacidad funcional (HAQ-A X1,6±0,8 vs X0,7±0,7, p <0,0001), peor calidad de vida (QOL-RA X5,4±1,8 vs X7,3±1,6, p <0,0001), más dolor (EVN X56,2±27,5 mm vs X33,4±25,7 mm, p <0,0001), mayor actividad de la enfermedad (DAS28-ERS X4,3±1,4 vs X3,3±1,3, p <0,0001), mayor frecuencia de desempleo (71% vs 29%, p=0,015 ) y de comorbilidades (67% vs 33%, p=0,017) y menor frecuencia de actividad física (22% vs 35%, p=0,032). En el análisis multivariado, peor capacidad funcional (OR: 2,1, IC 95%: 1,6-4,3, p <0,0001) y calidad de vida (OR: 0,7, IC 95%: 0,5-0,8, p <0,0001) se asociaron independientemente a la presencia de depresión mayor. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de depresión mayor medida por PHQ-9 en esta cohorte argentina de pacientes con AR fue de 33,8%. La presencia de depresión tiene un impacto negativo sobre la capacidad funcional y la calidad de vida de estos pacientes, independientemente de la actividad de la enfermedad.

Depression is one of the most frequent comorbidity in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). It's presence is associated with higher healthcare costs, mortality rate and reduced odds of achieving a good treatment response. Objective: To determine the prevalence of depression in Argentinean patients with RA and to establish its relationship with different sociodemographic and clinical factors. Material and methods: Consecutive patients ≥18 years old, with a diagnosis of RA according to ACR-EULAR 2010 criteria were included. Sociodemographic data, comorbidities, RA characteristics, disease activity and current treatment were registered. Questionnaires were administered: EQ-5D-3L, QOL-RA, HAQ-A and PHQ-9. PHQ-9 scores of 5-9, 10-14, 15-19, ≥20 represent mild, moderate, moderate/severe and severe depression, respectively and a cut-off value ≥10, major depression. Statistical analysis: Student's T, ANOVA and Chi² tests. Multiple logistic regression. Results: 258 patients were included, with a median (m) disease duration of 9 years (IQR 3.6-16.7). The m PHQ-9 score was 6 (IQR 2-12.3). The prevalence of major depression was 33.8%. 66 (25.6%), 42 (16.3%), 27 (10.5%) and 18 (7%) patients presented mild, moderate, moderate/severe and severe depression, respectively. Patients with mayor depression had worse functional capacity (HAQ-A X 1.6±0.8 vs X 0.7±0.7, p <0.0001), poorer quality of life (QOL-RA X 5.4±1.8 vs X 7.3±1.6, p <0.0001), greater pain (NVS X 56.2±27.5 mm vs X 33.4±25.7 mm, p <0.0001), higher disease activity (DAS28-ESR X 4.3±1.4 vs X 3.3±1.3, p <0.0001), higher frequency of unemployment (71% vs 29%, p=0.015 ) and comorbidities (67% vs 33%, p=0.017) and lower frequency of physical activity (22% vs 35%, p=0.032). In the multivariate analysis, patients with moderate and severe depression had worse functional capacity (OR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.6-4.3, p <0.0001) and quality of life (OR: 0.7, 95% CI: 0.5-0.8, p <0.0001), independently of disease activity. Conclusion: The prevalence of mayor depression in this Argentinean cohort of patients with RA was 33.8%. The presence of depression had a negative impact on functional capacity and quality of life regardless of disease activity.

Una nueva herramienta para valorar la calidad de vida de pacientes con artritis reumatoidea que no requiere licencia: el cuestionario QOL-RA II (Quality of Life-Rheumatoid Arthritis Scale-II) / A new tool to assess quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis that does not require a license: QOL-RA II (Quality of Life-Rheumatoid Arthritis Scale-II)

Recientemente, validamos el cuestionario Quality of Life-Rheumatoid Arthritis Scale (QOL-RA) y detectamos la presencia de algunas limitaciones. Por esta razón, con la autorización de la autora, cambiamos dos preguntas y desarrollamos una nueva versión en español: el QOL-RA II. Objetivo: Validar el QOL-RA II en una cohorte argentina de pacientes con Artritis Reumatoidea (AR). Material y métodos: Estudio de corte transversal. Se incluyeron pacientes ≥18 años de edad, con diagnóstico de AR según criterios ACR-EULAR 2010. Se consignaron datos sociodemográficos, comorbilidades, características clínicas y actividad de la enfermedad. Se administraron los cuestionarios EQ-5D-3L, QOL-RA II, HAQ-A y PHQ-9. A 20 pacientes se les re-administró el cuestionario a los 7 días de haber completado el primero para evaluar reproducibilidad. Análisis estadístico: Test T de Student, ANOVA, Chi². Correlación de Spearman. Alpha de Cronbach. Coeficiente de correlación intraclase. Regresión Logística Multinomial con modelo factorial completo. Regresión lineal múltiple. Resultados: Se incluyeron 430 pacientes, con un tiempo mediano (m) de evolución de 9 años (RIC: 4-16). La m del QOL-RA II fue 6,7 (RIC: 5,3-8). El tiempo promedio para completarlo fue de 1,7±0,57 minutos y para su cálculo de 12±1,7 segundos. Solo 9 (2,1%) pacientes no contestaron alguna pregunta. El cuestionario presentó excelente confiabilidad (α de Cronbach 0,97), reproducibilidad (CCI: 0,96) y buena correlación entre los diferentes ítems y el cuestionario total, sin evidencia de redundancia. QOL-RA II presentó además, buena correlación con EQ-5D-3L (Rho: 0,6), HAQ-A (Rho: 0,55) y PHQ-9 (Rho: 0,56) y moderada con los índices de actividad de la enfermedad DAS28-ERS (Rho: 0,38) y CDAI (Rho: 0,46). Se evidenció peor calidad de vida en aquellos pacientes que no realizaban actividad física (X 6,4±1,9 vs. 7±1,8, p <0,0001), en los desocupados (X 6,1±1,9 vs. 7±1,8, p <0,0001) y en los tabaquistas (X 6,2±1,7 vs. 6,7±1,9, p=0,03). Se observó una tendencia significativa a empeorar la calidad de vida a mayor actividad de la enfermedad. Ajustando por edad, sexo y tiempo de evolución de la enfermedad, las variables que se asociaron significativamente a peor calidad de vida fueron la desocupación, la mayor actividad de la enfermedad, la discapacidad funcional y la presencia de depresión. Conclusión: El QOL-RA II demostró buena validez de constructo, reproducibilidad. Fue fácil de completar y calcular. No se observó redundancia entre las preguntas ni influencia por la edad ni el tiempo de evolución de la enfermedad.

We have recently validated the Quality of Life-Rheumatoid Arthritis Scale (QOL-RA). We have found some limitations, that is why, with the author's permission, we have changed two questions and developed a new Spanish version, QOL-RA II. Objective: To validate the QOL-RA II in an Argentinean cohort of patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Material and methods: Cross-sectional study. Patients ≥18 years old, with a diagnosis of RA according to ACR-EULAR 2010 criteria were included. Sociodemographic data, comorbidities, RA characteristics, disease activity current treatment were registered. Questionnaires were administered: EQ-5D-3L, QOL-RA, HAQ-A and PHQ-9. The QOL-RA II was re-administered in 20 patients to evaluate reproducibility. Statistical analysis: Student's T, ANOVA and Chi² tests. Spearman correlation. Cronbach's alpha. Reproducibility using ICC. Multinomial logistic regression with completed factorial model. Multiple linear regression. Results: 430 patients were included, with a median (m) disease duration of 8.9 years (IQR: 4-16). QOL-RA was m 6.6 (IQR: 5.3-8). Mean time to complete it was 1.7±0.57 minutes and to calculate it 12±17 seconds. Only 2.1% of the questionnaires presented missing answers. It showed very good reliability (Cronbach's alpha 0.97), reproducibility (ICC: 0.96) and good correlation between the different items and the total questionnaire, without evidence of redundancy. Besides, QOL-RA II presented good correlation with EQ-5D-3L (Rho: 0.6), HAQ-A (Rho: 0.55) and PHQ-9 (Rho: 0.56) and moderate with DAS28-ESR (Rho: 0.38) and CDAI (Rho: 0.46). Worse quality of life was observed in patients not doing physical activity (X 6.4±1.9 vs. 7±1.8, p <0.0001), unemployed (X 6.1±1.9 vs. 7±1.8, p <0.0001) and current smokers (X 6.2±1.7 vs. 6.7±1.9, p=0.03). Patients with higher disease activity had a significant poorer quality of life. Adjusting by age, sex and disease duration, unemployment, higher disease activity, disability and the presence of depression were independently associated to worse quality of life. Conclusions: QOL-RA II demonstrated good construct validity, reproducibility and reliability. It was easy to complete and calculate. There were no redundancy between questions and it was not influenced by age and disease duration.

Validación del índice QOL-RA (Quality of Life-RheumatoidArthritis) en una cohorte argentina de pacientes con artritis reumatoidea / Validation of the Quality of Life-Rheumatoid Arthritis Scale (QOL-RA) in argentinean cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis

El autocuestionario QOL-RA es una herramienta diseñada para valorar la calidad de vida de los pacientes con Artritis Reumatoidea (AR). No requiere licencia para su uso. Objetivo: Validar el cuestionario QOL-RA en una cohorte de pacientes con AR en Argentina. Material y métodos: Estudio de corte transversal. Se incluyeron pacientes ≥18 años de edad con diagnóstico de AR según criterios ACR-EuLAR 2010. Se consignaron datos sociodemográficos, comorbilidades, características de la enfermedad. Se completaron los cuestionarios QOL-RA, EQ 5D-3L, HAQ-A, PHQ-9. Se midió el tiempo para completar y calcular el QOL-RA. Análisis estadístico: Estadística descriptiva. Test T de Student, ANOvA, Chi2. Correlación de Spearman. Alpha de Cronbach. Coeficiente de correlación intraclase. Regresión Logística multinomial con modelo factorial completo. Regresión Lineal múltiple. Resultados: Se incluyeron 258 pacientes, 85,7% eran mujeres, con una edad mediana de 54 años (RIC 45-62). La mediana del QOL-RA fue 6,75 (RIC 5,4-8,1), presentando buena correlación con EQ 5D-3L (Rho: 0,63), HAQ-A (Rho: -0,56), PHQ9 (Rho: -0,54), SDAI (Rho: -0,45) y DAS28-ERS (Rho: -0,44). Peor calidad de vida se asoció con la presencia de comorbilidades (x6,4 ± 2 vs 7 ± 1,7, p=0,01) y no realizar actividad física (x6,7 ± 1,9 vs 7,1 ± 1,7, p=0,004). El tiempo para completar el cuestionario fue de x1,7 ± 0,42 minutos y para calcularlo de x12± 2,1 segundos. La confiabilidad y la reproducibilidad fueron buenas. Sin embargo, 4,3% de los cuestionarios presentaban alguna pregunta faltante y se observó redundancia entre las preguntas 3 y 6. En el análisis de regresión lineal múltiple usando QOL-RA como variable dependiente y ajustando para edad y tiempo de evolución, las variables que se asociaron independientemente a peor calidad de vida fueron: la discapacidad funcional, la actividad de la enfermedad y la presencia de depresión y comorbilidades. Conclusión: El cuestionario QOL-RA demostró buena validez de constructo, reproducibilidad y confiabilidad. Es fácil de completar y calcular. Sin embargo, dada la redundancia entre dos preguntas proyectamos cambiar una de ellas y re-testearlo