Validation and incorporation of digital entheses into a preliminary GLobal OMERACT Ultrasound DActylitis Score (GLOUDAS) in psoriatic arthritis.

OBJECTIVES: The main objective was to generate a GLobal OMERACT Ultrasound DActylitis Score (GLOUDAS) in psoriatic arthritis and to test its reliability. To this end, we assessed the validity, feasibility and applicability of ultrasound assessment of finger entheses to incorporate them into the scoring system. METHODS: The study consisted of a stepwise process. First, in cadaveric specimens, we identified enthesis sites of the fingers by ultrasound and gross anatomy, and then verified presence of entheseal tissue in histological samples. We then selected the entheses to be incorporated into a dactylitis scoring system through a Delphi consensus process among international experts. Next, we established and defined the ultrasound components of dactylitis and their scoring systems using Delphi methodology. Finally, we tested the interobserver and intraobserver reliability of the consensus- based scoring systemin patients with psoriatic dactylitis. RESULTS: 32 entheses were identified in cadaveric fingers. The presence of entheseal tissues was confirmed in all cadaveric samples. Of these, following the consensus process, 12 entheses were selected for inclusion in GLOUDAS. Ultrasound components of GLOUDAS agreed on through the Delphi process were synovitis, tenosynovitis, enthesitis, subcutaneous tissue inflammation and periextensor tendon inflammation. The scoring system for each component was also agreed on. Interobserver reliability was fair to good (κ 0.39-0.71) and intraobserver reliability good to excellent (κ 0.80-0.88) for dactylitis components. Interobserver and intraobserver agreement for the total B-mode and Doppler mode scores (sum of the scores of the individual abnormalities) were excellent (interobserver intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 0.98 for B-mode and 0.99 for Doppler mode; intraobserver ICC 0.98 for both modes). CONCLUSIONS: We have produced a consensus-driven ultrasound dactylitis scoring system that has shown acceptable interobserver reliability and excellent intraobserver reliability. Through anatomical knowledge, small entheses of the fingers were identified and histologically validated.

Usefulness of ultrasound in clinical decision-making in rheumatology clinical practice: A single-center longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study is to identify the extent to which it affects clinical decisions in a single-centre observational retrospective study. METHOD: The results of 801 requests and 1174 consecutive individual ultrasound examinations performed over 10 months were analysed. RESULTS: The most frequent indication was diagnostic assistance (39%) followed by assessment of inflammatory activity (34%). By topography, the hand was the most frequently studied region (51%), followed by the foot (18.1%). Of all requests, 67% had an impact on decision-making. The impact on clinical decision-making was associated with a shorter waiting time for the evaluation of the results, being the greatest in those ultrasound scans performed on demand on the same day of the request. In 73% of bilateral ultrasound studies, findings in one of the joints exemplified the overall result reported. CONCLUSIONS: Rheumatological musculoskeletal ultrasound has proven to be a useful decision-making technique, the greater the impact of which is seen the shorter the waiting time before it is performed.

Subclinical synovitis impact on the progression of lupus joint disease: A 10-year longitudinal multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of subclinical synovitis on the progression of joint disease in a cohort of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus over a mean follow-up of 10 years. METHODS: A longitudinal follow-up of 96 patients diagnosed with lupus was performed. All patients were considered clinically free of joint disease or with minimal joint impairment at baseline and were studied through ultrasound study of their dominant hand to assess the prevalence of subclinical synovitis. Now, over 10 years after we contacted them and reviewed their evolution to determine the impact of had or had not been diagnosed with subclinical synovitis in their current joint condition. RESULTS: Thirty-one of the 91 reached patients developed clinical progression in their joint manifestations (at least one ordinal degree of worsening). Of these, 23 (74,9%) had demonstrated subclinical synovitis at baseline. In the group of patients who did not progress clinically, 46 (76,6%) did not have this finding at the start of follow-up (p < .01, OR 9,44 95%CI 3,46-25,74). The patients in whom clinical progression was demonstrated had worse combined ultrasound scores than the rest of the patients: 6,41 SD 1,45 vs. 1,15 SD 0,97 (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: The finding of subclinical synovitis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus is associated with the development of joint disease progression both clinically and ultrasonographically.

Utilidad de la ecografía reumatológica en la toma de decisiones en la práctica clínica: Estudio unicéntrico longitudinal / Usefulness of ultrasound in clinical decision-making in rheumatology clinical practice: A single-center longitudinal study

Objetivo: El propósito del presente estudio es identificar en qué medida la ecografía reumatológica afecta a las decisiones clínicas mediante un estudio unicéntrico observacional retrospectivo. Método: Se analizaron los resultados de 801 solicitudes y 1174 ecografías individuales consecutivas realizadas a lo largo de 10 meses. Resultados: La indicación más frecuente fue la asistencia diagnóstica (39%) seguida de la evaluación de actividad inflamatoria (34%). Por topografía, la mano fue la región más estudiada (51%), seguida del pie (18,1%). De todas las solicitudes, en el 67% se constató un impacto en la toma de decisiones. El impacto en la decisión clínica se asoció a un menor tiempo de espera hasta la evaluación de los resultados, siendo el mayor en aquellas ecografías realizadas a demanda el mismo día de su petición. En el 73% de los estudios ecográficos bilaterales, los hallazgos en una de las articulaciones ejemplificaban el resultado global emitido. Conclusiones: La ecografía reumatológica demuestra ser una técnica útil en la toma de decisiones, cuyo mayor impacto se constata cuanto menor es el tiempo de espera hasta la evaluación de los resultados.(AU)

Objective: The purpose of the present study is to identify the extent to which rheumatological musculoskeletal ultrasound affects clinical decisions in a single-centre observational retrospective study. Method: The results of 801 requests and 1174 consecutive individual ultrasound examinations performed over 10 months were analysed. Results: The most frequent indication was diagnostic assistance (39%) followed by assessment of inflammatory activity (34%). By topography, the hand was the most frequently studied region (51%), followed by the foot (18.1%). Of all requests, 67% had an impact on decision-making. The impact on clinical decision-making was associated with a shorter waiting time for the evaluation of the results, being the greatest in those ultrasound scans performed on demand on the same day of the request. In 73% of bilateral ultrasound studies, findings in one of the joints exemplified the overall result reported. Conclusions: Rheumatological musculoskeletal ultrasound has proven to be a useful decision-making technique, the greater the impact of which is seen the shorter the waiting time before it is performed.(AU)

Condicionantes del éxito terapéutico de las infiltraciones de corticoides en el síndrome del dedo en resorte / Determinants of Therapeutic Success of Corticoids Injections in Trigger Finger Syndrome

Antecedentes y objetivo: El dedo en resorte es un motivo de consulta frecuente en el que las infiltraciones de corticoides juegan un papel terapéutico relevante en los grados de severidad intermedios cuando el tratamiento conservador no ha funcionado. Sin embargo, no existen criterios que permitan seleccionar qué pacientes se beneficiarán más de este procedimiento. El objetivo de nuestro estudio es identificar los condicionantes de éxito terapéutico de las infiltraciones de corticoides en estos pacientes. Materiales y métodos: Diseñamos un estudio prospectivo longitudinal basado en práctica clínica habitual con pacientes adultos, con diagnóstico clínico de dedo en resorte grado II o III, a quienes se les realizó una infiltración de 20mg de acetato de triamcinolona. Las variables desenlace fueron el alcanzar un grado Quinnell I o reducir en al menos una categoría la severidad del cuadro clínico, 2 meses después del procedimiento. Para determinar los condicionantes del alcance de los objetivos se realizó una modelización predictiva de regresión logística binaria utilizando aquellas variables que tuvieron una satisfactoria correlación univariante. Resultados: Se incluyeron 74 pacientes a lo largo de 3 años, 42 de los cuales (61,8%) tenían un grado Quinnell III. Tras la infiltración, 22 (32,4%) alcanzaron la resolución completa y 50 (73,5%), la resolución parcial. Las variables engrosamiento tendinoso (HR: 10,72; IC 95%: 2,88-39,93; p<0,001) y tiempo de evolución (HR: 1,23; IC 95%: 1,02-1,49; p=0,027) demostraron ser condicionantes predictoras del éxito terapéutico en la resolución completa. Para la modelización para resolución parcial las mismas variables demostraron ser condicionantes predictoras (HR: 5,57; IC 95%: 1,38-22,41; p=0,016 y HR: 1,18; IC 95% 0,99-1,41; p=0,051, respectivamente). El engrosamiento de la polea no demostró capacidad predictiva en ninguno de los 2 modelos.(AU)

Background and objective: Trigger finger is a frequent complaint in which corticosteroid infiltrations play a relevant therapeutic role in intermediate degrees of severity when conservative treatment has not worked. However, there are no criteria to select which patients will benefit most from this procedure. The present study aimed to identify the factors leading to the therapeutic success of corticosteroid infiltration in these patients. Materials and methods: We designed a prospective longitudinal study based on routine clinical practice with adult patients with a clinical diagnosis of trigger finger grade II or III on the Quinnell scale, who underwent an infiltration of 20mg of triamcinolone acetate. The outcome variables were to achieve a Quinnell grade I or reduce the severity of the symptoms by at least one category two months after the procedure. To identify the determinants of complete or partial therapeutic success, binary logistic regression predictive modelling was performed using those variables that had a satisfactory univariate correlation. Results: 74 patients were included over three years, 42 of whom (61.8%) were classified as Quinnell grade III. After infiltration, 22 (32.4%) achieved complete resolution and 50 (73.5%) partial resolution. The variables tendon thickening (HR 10.72; 95%CI 2.88-39.93; P<.001) and progression time (HR 1.23; 95%CI 1.02-1.49; P=.027) proved to be predictors of therapeutic success in complete resolution. For the modelling for partial resolution, the same variables proved to be determining predictors (HR 5.57; 95%CI 1.38-22.41; P=.016 and HR 1.18; 95%CI .99-1.41; P=.051, respectively). Pulley thickening did not demonstrate predictive ability in either model.(AU)

Retention rate of secukinumab in psoriatic arthritis: Real-world data results from a Spanish multicenter cohort.

Secukinumab is a novel anti-IL17 biologic treatment approved for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The purpose of the present study is to identify factors that can condition the retention rate of this drug in a real-world scenario. Methods: A multicentric retrospective study was conducted based on the registries of consecutive patients diagnosed with PsA who started secukinumab from January 2016 to December 2018. For purposes of Cox-regression analysis, the time spanning from the first administration of secukinumab until its interruption or the end of the follow-up was considered the independent variable. Variables of known relevance and those who demonstrated direct association with the drug retention rate were included in the model. Results: One hundred seventy-six registries were analyzed (average age at diagnosis 44.7 ±â€…12.1 years old, 114 females). The median retention rate of secukinumab was 636 days (95% confidence interval [CI] 542.4-729.5). Presence of peripheral arthritis (hazard ratio 0.424 [95% CI 0.213-0.847, P = .015]) and a time of evolution >6 years (hazard ratio 0.468 [95% CI 0.225-0.975, P = .043]) were the 2 variables that showed a significant influence on the drug retention rate. According to our results, patients who exhibit peripheral arthritis and those with a higher evolution time will have more probabilities of a larger secukinumab retention rate.

Ultrasound changes following controlled mechanical stress in synovial tissue in the hands of healthy individuals.

OBJECTIVE: The physiological response of the synovium to acute mechanical stress has not been extensively studied. This response is interesting in terms of the morphological changes it can cause as any such changes should be taken into account during ultrasound examinations. The purpose of this study was to assess the extent of changes in ultrasound images of the synovial joint in the hands of healthy individuals after controlled mechanical stress. METHOD: We included 110 healthy volunteers on whom we carried out two ultrasound examinations of the non-dominant hand: one at baseline and the other after controlled handgrip exercise at 70% of the maximum voluntary contraction. RESULTS: The synovitis scores at baseline and after exercise were 0.472±0.798 and 0.772±1.162 t(109)=-3.791, respectively; p < 0.001. We observed no tenosynovitis in 88.2% of the participants at baseline, while after exercise the percentage fell to 70.9%; x2 (1, N=110) =10.0851, p = 0.0014. CONCLUSION: We conclude that synovitis and tenosynovitis are inducible by physical exercise and are detectable on ultrasound. This should be taken into account during ultrasound examinations for suspicion or follow-up of inflammatory rheumatism.

Impact of ultrasound on the perception of health quality in adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis / Impacto de la ecografía en la percepción de la calidad en salud de pacientes adultos con artritis reumatoide

ABSTRACT Introduction: Ultrasound has shown its usefulness in multiple aspects in the management of inflammatory joint disease and in particular of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The evidence using patient outcomes and its aspects related to quality of health care is scarce. The aim of this study is to determine the level of satisfaction in the perception of the quality of health care in a group of patients with RA who underwent ultrasound during the consultation, and whether it is higher than those who did not have the ultrasound. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional descriptive study was performed. Patients older than 18 years with a diagnosis of RA using the ACR/EULAR classification criteria were included. One group underwent skeletal muscle ultrasound to study RA during the out-patient medical consultation, as decided by the attending physician. After the completion of the medical action according to prior verbal acceptance by the patient, the Servqhos questionnaire and an ultrasound questionnaire were completed. A satisfied patient was defined as one who had 70% or more in the responses in the Servqhos questionnaire greater than or equal to 4, and a score of 5 in this questionnaire was defined as maximum satisfaction. There were no significant differences between the number of satisfied patients in the two groups. Univariate analysis was performed according to the distribution in the ultrasound or non-performing groups. Subsequently, a bivariate analysis of the different questions was carried out according to the distribution in the satisfaction and very high satisfaction groups. It was established if there was any degree of association using the Chi squared test for categorical variables, and the parametric tests (Mann Whitney U) or non-parametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis test) for the numerical variables were performed according to the distribution. Results: A total of 126 patients were obtained, of whom 62 corresponded to the group of patients who underwent ultrasound during the consultation and 62 to the control group in whom no ultrasound was performed. The majority were women (91%). Ultrasound was mostly performed to study joint disease (93%), with a third of the time to assess more than one aspect. In those on whom the ultrasound was performed, the number of satisfied patients was 56 (90%) and for the control group it was 48 (77%). The difference in the proportion of satisfied patients (13%) was statistically significant (P = .05). A difference was found between the groups in the number of patients with the highest level of satisfaction in the questions regarding presentation of staff and technology (P < .05). The vast majority of patients considered that ultrasound was useful during the consultation (93%), and that it generates greater confidence in the treatments and the doctor (93%). Conclusions: Performing skeletal muscle ultrasound during consultation in patients with RA improves satisfaction rates of health care, perception of the doctor, and treatments.

RESUMEN Introducción: La ecografía ha mostrado su utilidad en múltiples aspectos del manejo de la enfermedad articular inflamatoria, particularmente en la artritis reumatoide (AR). Su utilidad usando desenlaces derivados de pacientes y relacionados con aspectos de la calidad de la atención en salud es escasa. El objetivo del estudio es determinar si el grado de satisfacción de la calidad de la atención en un grupo de pacientes con AR, en quienes se realizó ecografía durante la consulta, es superior al de un grupo en los que esta no se llevó a cabo. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo transversal. Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años con diagnóstico de AR por criterios clasificatorios ACR/EULAR que posteriormente a la finalización del acto médico respondieron las preguntas del cuestionario Servqhos. Quienes se sometieron a ecografía musculoesquelética para estudio de AR durante la consulta ambulatoria, según decisión del médico tratante, respondieron adicionalmente el cuestionario de ecografía. Se define paciente satisfecho como aquel que tiene un 70% o más en las respuestas del cuestionario Servqhos con un puntaje mayor o igual a 4, y se define como la máxima satisfacción al puntaje de 5 en una pregunta de dicho cuestionario. Se determinó si había diferencias significativas entre las proporciones de pacientes satisfechos en los dos grupos con y sin ecografía. Se realizó un análisis univariado según la distribución en los grupos, y posteriormente se hizo un análisis bivariado de las diferentes preguntas según la distribución en los grupos de satisfacción y muy alta satisfacción. Se estableció si había algún grado de asociación con las pruebas de chi-cuadrado para las variables categóricas, en tanto que para las variables numéricas se llevaron a cabo pruebas paramétricas (U de Mann Whitnney) y no paramétricas (test de Kruskal-Wallis), según la distribución. Resultados: Se obtuvo un total de 126 pacientes, de los cuales 62 corresponden al grupo de aquellos en quienes se realizó ecografía durante la consulta, mientras que otros 62 hacen parte del grupo control, en quienes no se realizó ecografía. La mayoría eran mujeres (91%). En quienes se hizo la ecografía, el número de pacientes satisfechos fue de 56 (90%), en tanto que para el grupo control fue de 48 (77%). La diferencia en la proporción de pacientes satisfechos entre los grupos fue del 13%, siendo estadísticamente significativa (p = 0,05). Se encontró diferencia entre los grupos en las preguntas referentes a presentación del personal y la tecnología de los equipos (p < 0,05). La gran mayoría de los pacientes consideró que la ecografía fue útil durante la consulta (93%) y que genera mayor seguridad en los tratamientos y en el criterio médico (93%). Conclusiones: La realización de ecografía musculoesquelética durante la consulta en pacientes con AR mejora los índices de satisfacción de atención en salud, así como la percepción del criterio médico y de los tratamientos.

Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and association with parathyroid hormone.

Objectives: We evaluated the prevalence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-(OH)D) deficiency in our setting according to season, sex, and age. We also studied the association with parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. Methods: The study population comprised all patients with requests for assessment of 25-(OH)D between January 1 and December 31, 2018, as registered in the database of the laboratory information system. Major exclusion criteria were pediatric samples (<18 years) and factors affecting 25-(OH)D and/or PTH levels (i.e., kidney injury, liver disease, PTH disorders). Results: Among 33,601 patients (24,028 women, 9,573 men), the prevalence of 25-(OH)D deficiency was 48%. Prevalence was greater in males than in females (53% vs. 46%). By age group, deficiency was more prevalent in quartile 1 (Q1, 74-87 years) and less prevalent in quartile 2 (Q2, 60-73 years). By season, deficiency was greater in spring (nonsignificant differences with respect to winter) and lower in summer. The association between 25-(OH)D and PTH was assessed in 9,368 persons. Linear regression analysis showed a weak association (coefficient - 0.303). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between 25-(OH)D deficiency and increased PTH (Odds ratio (OR), 1.63). Other risk factors for increased PTH include female sex (OR, 1.27), season (winter, OR 1.63, spring OR 1.16), and age (quartile 1, OR, 3). Conclusions: The prevalence of 25-(OH)D deficiency differed according to sex, age, and season of the year. Furthermore, elevation of PTH is mainly influenced by low 25-(OH)D, female sex, season, and age.

Determinants of therapeutic success of corticoids injections in trigger finger syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Trigger finger is a frequent complaint in which corticosteroid infiltrations play a relevant therapeutic role in intermediate degrees of severity when conservative treatment has not worked. However, there are no criteria to select which patients will benefit most from this procedure. The present study aimed to identify the factors leading to the therapeutic success of corticosteroid infiltration in these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We designed a prospective longitudinal study based on routine clinical practice with adult patients with a clinical diagnosis of trigger finger grade II or III on the Quinnell scale, who underwent an infiltration of 20 mg of triamcinolone acetate. The outcome variables were to achieve a Quinnell grade I or reduce the severity of the symptoms by at least one category two months after the procedure. To identify the determinants of complete or partial therapeutic success, binary logistic regression predictive modelling was performed using those variables that had a satisfactory univariate correlation. RESULTS: 74 patients were included over three years, 42 of whom (61.8%) were classified as Quinnell grade III. After infiltration, 22 (32.4%) achieved complete resolution and 50 (73.5%) partial resolution. The variables tendon thickening (HR 10.72; 95%CI 2.88-39.93; P < .001) and progression time (HR 1.23; 95%CI 1.02-1.49; P = .027) proved to be predictors of therapeutic success in complete resolution. For the modelling for partial resolution, the same variables proved to be determining predictors (HR 5.57; 95%CI 1.38-22.41; P = .016 and HR 1.18; 95%CI .99-1.41; P = .051, respectively). Pulley thickening did not demonstrate predictive ability in either model. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the demonstration of finger flexor apparatus thickening is the main determining factor for the success of corticosteroid infiltrations in this pathology. This is in agreement with the histological findings of specimens obtained from both tenosynovial and pulley tissue. In the former, in addition to an infiltrate of inflammatory characteristics, the presence of chondrocytoid cells producing hyaluronic acid is demonstrated. Although the therapeutic success of infiltrations in previous studies reaches 70%, the recurrence rate is similar after 12 months. The selection of patients with tendon thickening ensures therapeutic success in the short term, could reduce recurrence in the long term, and avoid delay in release surgery.

Evidence for the Use of Secukinumab in Patients with Radiographic and Non-radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis in the Last 5 Years.

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is an inflammatory rheumatic disorder that causes chronic pain, primarily in the spine and sacroiliac joints. It is characterized by the presence of type 1 major histocompatibility complex HLA-B27 genetic marker, arthritis in peripheral joints, enthesitis and/or dactylitis and extra-articular manifestations. Current guidelines recommend biological therapy when first-line therapy is not sufficiently effective. The finding that the interleukin (IL)-17 axis is vital for the pathogenesis of axSpA propelled the development of secukinumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody directed against IL-17A. The present review provides evidence on the efficacy and safety of secukinumab in the treatment of radiographic and non-radiographic axSpA from nine randomized controlled phase III trials, as well as evidence from real-world observational analyses. The primary endpoint in six clinical trials was the proportion of patients meeting the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society criteria for either 20% or 40% improvement (ASAS20, ASAS40) at week 16. Significantly more patients achieved the primary endpoint with secukinumab compared with placebo in all the studies except MEASURE 4. Both clinical trials and real-world studies showed significant improvements in the secondary endpoints of disease activity, quality of life, and pain and fatigue relative to placebo. The benefits of secukinumab were generally sustained during longer-term (up to 5 years) treatment. Overall, secukinumab was well tolerated with a low frequency of adverse events and treatment persistence was high in the real-world setting. Although indirect comparisons suggest that secukinumab and adalimumab have comparable efficacy and safety, they are being directly compared in the ongoing SURPASS study. During the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, it is advisable to continue biological therapy in patients who do not have severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) infection, but interrupt treatment during an infection, reinitiating once the patient has recovered from the infection. In conclusion, secukinumab is a largely safe and effective treatment for radiographic and non-radiographic axSpA.

Delay and diagnostic pathway of patients with psoriatic arthritis in Spain.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Delayed diagnosis results in a worse prognosis in patients with psoriatic arthritis. Our objective is to determine the diagnostic delay, the specialties consulted and the referral points of patients with psoriatic arthritis in our environment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We distributed a survey to members of the Spanish association Acción Psoriasis inquiring about the objectives of the study. RESULTS: A total of 503 surveys were analysed. The diagnostic delay was 4.01 ±â€¯1.42 years. The proportion of patients who had consulted, before diagnosis, primary care was 79.9%, traumatology 33.8% and the emergency department was 30.2%. The proportion of referrals that eventually led to diagnosis came from primary care in 29.3% of cases, traumatology 15.8% and the emergency department 3.5%. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The delay in diagnosis far outweighs other European results. Emergency departments are an important transit point for these patients, but the proportion of referrals is very low. We believe that focusing on the importance of early diagnosis in this particular medical sector could resolve a large part of diagnostic delay.

Retraso y recorrido diagnóstico de pacientes con artritis psoriásica en España / Delay and Diagnostic Pathway of Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis in Spain

Introducción y objetivos: El retraso diagnóstico condiciona un peor pronóstico en pacientes con artritis psoriásica. Nuestro objetivo es determinar el tiempo de retraso diagnóstico, las especialidades consultadas y los puntos de derivación de pacientes con artritis psoriásica en nuestro medio. Pacientes y métodos: Distribuimos una encuesta entre los miembros de la asociación española Acción Psoriasis indagando sobre los objetivos del estudio. Resultados: Se analizaron 503 encuestas. El tiempo de retraso diagnóstico fue de 4,01±1,42 años. La proporción de pacientes que habían consultado, antes del diagnóstico, con atención primaria fue del 79,9%, con traumatología, del 33,8% y por urgencias, del 30,2%. La proporción de derivaciones que finalmente condujeron al diagnóstico provinieron de atención primaria en el 29,3% de los casos, de traumatología en el 15,8% y de urgencias en el 3,5%. Discusión y conclusiones: El retraso diagnóstico detectado supera extensamente otros resultados europeos. Los servicios de urgencias ocupan un lugar importante de tránsito de estos pacientes, sin embargo, la proporción de derivaciones es muy bajo. Entendemos que incidir en este gremio médico en particular sobre la importancia del diagnóstico precoz podría resolver gran parte del retraso diagnóstico.(AU)

Introduction and objectives: Delayed diagnosis results in a worse prognosis in patients with psoriatic arthritis. Our objective is to determine the diagnostic delay, the specialties consulted and the referral points of patients with psoriatic arthritis in our environment. Patients and methods: We distributed a survey to members of the Spanish association Acción Psoriasis inquiring about the objectives of the study. Results: A total of 503 surveys were analysed. The diagnostic delay was 4.01±1.42 years. The proportion of patients who had consulted, before diagnosis, primary care was 79.9%, traumatology 33.8% and the emergency department was 30.2%. The proportion of referrals that eventually led to diagnosis came from primary care in 29.3% of cases, traumatology 15.8% and the emergency department 3.5%. Discussion and conclusions: The delay in diagnosis far outweighs other European results. Emergency departments are an important transit point for these patients, but the proportion of referrals is very low. We believe that focusing on the importance of early diagnosis in this particular medical sector could resolve a large part of diagnostic delay.(AU)

[COVID-19: modification of the risk of infection and disease development associated with the performance of blended work.] / COVID-19: Modificación del riesgo de infección y desarrollo de enfermedad asociado a la realización del trabajo semipresencial.

OBJECTIVE: The health crisis caused by COVID-19 has had an economic impact at all levels and the labor market has been shaken by the pandemic. Companies have had to adapt to new work models and have had to decide between face-to-face, teleworking, or mixed models without conclusive scientific evidence on the impact on transmission. To determine the change in the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the development of disease associated with the performance of blended work with respect to remote work and the general population in a non-healthcare company while respecting the measures of social distancing, use of masks and hand hygiene. METHODS: Observational ecological study followed by a retrospective cohort study. Data were collected on the total daily cases and incidence of COVID-19 between September 1, 2020 and April 30, 2021 from the population of a non-healthcare company and the reference population of the Community of Madrid. Analysis was also performed in two 30-day periods on the same population differentiated by the existence of fully remote or blended work. The statistical analysis was performed by determining the Chi2 distribution (χ2) and calculating the Odds Ratio (OR). RESULTS: The average number of employees during the study period was 642 (30.55% women). The reference population was 6,745,591 people (52.16% women). The number of people aged between 20 and 69 years was 4,520,116 (51.67% women). The incidence in the period (Ip) in the study population was 9.5%. The Ip in the Community of Madrid was 7.81%. No statistical differences were found OR 1.23 (95% CI 0.95-1.61) χ2=2.55 p-value 0.11. Ip in the population of the Community between 20 and 69 years was 8.84% OR 1.08 (95% CI 0.83-1.41) χ2=0.35 p-value 0.556. In the comparison performed in the study population, no statistically significant differences were found between both periods OR 0.59 (IC95% 0.26-1.37) χ2=1.53 p-value 0.216. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the data analyzed, we found no statistically significant evidence to show that performing semi-distance work with security measures in a non-healthcare company increases the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the development of disease.

OBJETIVO: La crisis sanitaria provocada por el COVID-19 ha tenido un impacto económico en todos los niveles y el mercado laboral se ha visto agitado por la pandemia. Las empresas han precisado adaptarse a nuevos modelos de trabajo debiendo decidir entre modelos presenciales, teletrabajo o mixtos sin que existan evidencias científicas concluyentes sobre el impacto en la trasmisión. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la modificación del riesgo de infección por el SARS-CoV-2 y desarrollo de enfermedad asociado a la realización del trabajo semipresencial con respecto al trabajo en remoto y la población general en una empresa no sociosanitaria respetando las medidas de distanciamiento social, el uso de mascarilla y la higiene de manos. METODOS: Estudio observacional ecológico seguido de un estudio de cohortes retrospectivo. Se recogieron datos del total de los casos diarios y de la incidencia de COVID-19 entre el 1 de septiembre de 2020 y el 30 de abril de 2021 de la población de una empresa no sociosanitaria y la población de referencia de la Comunidad de Madrid. Se realizó también análisis en dos periodos de 30 días sobre la misma población diferenciados por la existencia de trabajo íntegramente en remoto o semipresencial. El análisis estadístico se realizó mediante la determinación de la distribución de Chi2 (χ²2) el cálculo de la Odds Ratio (OR). RESULTADOS: La media de empleados durante el periodo de estudio se calculó en 642 (30,55% mujeres). La población de referencia fue de 6.745.591 personas (52,16% mujeres). El número de personas de entre 20 y 69 años fue de 4.520.116 (51,67% mujeres). La incidencia en el periodo (Ip) en la población de estudio fue 9,5%. La Ip en la Comunidad de Madrid fue 7,81%. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas OR 1,23 (IC 95% 0,95-1,61) χ2=2,55 p-valor 0,11. La Ip en la población de la Comunidad de Madrid entre los 20 y los 69 años fue de 8,84% OR 1,08 (IC95% 0,83-1,41) χ2=0,35 p-valor 0,556. En la comparación realizada en la población de estudio no se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre ambos periodos OR 0,59 (IC95% 0,26-1,37) χ2=1,53 p-valor 0,216. CONCLUSIONES: Con los datos analizados no encontramos evidencias estadísticamente significativas que demuestre que la realización de trabajo semipresencial con medidas de seguridad en una empresa no sociosanitaria aumente el riesgo de infección por el SARS-CoV-2 y el desarrollo de enfermedad.

Risk of Severe COVID-19 Infection in Patients With Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the cohort of patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRD) hospitalized due to SARS-CoV-2 infection in the Ramón y Cajal Hospital, and to determine the increased risk of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in patients with no IRD. METHODS: This is a retrospective single-center observational study of patients with IRD actively monitored in the Department of Rheumatology who were hospitalized due to COVID-19. RESULTS: Forty-one (1.8%) out of 2315 patients admitted due to severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia suffered from an IRD. The admission OR for patients with IRD was 1.91 against the general population, and it was considerably higher in patients with Sjögren syndrome, vasculitis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Twenty-seven patients were receiving treatment for IRD with corticosteroids, 23 with conventional DMARDs, 12 with biologics (7 rituximab [RTX], 4 anti-tumor necrosis factor [anti-TNF], and 1 abatacept), and 1 with Janus kinase inhibitors. Ten deaths were registered among patients with IRD. A higher hospitalization rate and a higher number of deaths were observed in patients treated with RTX (OR 12.9) but not in patients treated with anti-TNF (OR 0.9). CONCLUSION: Patients with IRD, especially autoimmune diseases and patients treated with RTX, may be at higher risk of severe pneumonia due to SARS-CoV-2 compared to the general population. More studies are needed to analyze this association further in order to help manage these patients during the pandemic.

Sinovitis colinérgica: descripción de 4 casos / Cholinergic synovitis: Description of four cases

Presentamos los hallazgos clínicos y ecográficos de 4 pacientes con sinovitis moderada y lesiones cutáneas urticariales asociadas a la actividad deportiva en ambientes cálidos. Incluimos la evolución tras su tratamiento con hidroxicina. Sugerimos una relación causal similar a la urticaria colinérgica en la que la sinovia vecina responde con derrame que autolimita una vez suspendido el proceso desencadenante.(AU)

We present the clinical and ultrasound findings of four patients with moderate synovitis and urticarial skin lesions associated with sports activity in warm environments. We include progress after treatment with hydroxycin. We suggest a causal relationship similar to cholinergic urticaria where the neighbouring synovium responds with effusion that self-limits once the triggering process has been halted.(AU)

Point of care ultrasound knowledge among resident doctors in Madrid's university hospitals. Influence of the induction in emergency departments with point of care ultrasound practice / Grado de conocimiento de la ecografía a pie de cama, entre una muestra de médicos residentes de hospitales universitarios de Madrid. Influencia de la inducción en los servicios de urgencias con uso habitual de ecografía a pie de cama

BACKGROUND: Point of care ultrasound study (POCUS) is a relatively new technique in Spanish Emergency Departments (EDs). Nonetheless, its use is increasing, and the number of emergency doctors and the number of papers published in our country has skyrocketed in last decade. Despite this fact, there is still no evidence of how POCUS is taught in our medical schools. OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the level of knowledge about POCUS in first year resident doctors of three hospitals in Madrid, and one year after having worked in ED with POCUS practice. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: The study looked at demographic aspects, POCUS knowledge, and opinions about its usefulness in the ED, prior to and after working in ED with routine use of POCUS. RESULTS: Of the 265 questionnaires, 197 were first-year residents (Group 1) and 68 second-year residents (Group 2). Another 55 senior medical students completed the questionnaire (Group 3). The majority of Groups 1 and 3 stated to have a very low POCUS level. Almost three-quarters (73%) of Group 2 stated having an intermediate or high level, and 26% even declared having full knowledge. More than half of the students agreed that POCUS was a useful tool in ED. CONCLUSIONS: There is a low level of knowledge about POCUS among first-year residents. After working in POCUS qualified EDs, these resident doctors state both the importance and their higher level of knowledge of POCUS

INTRODUCCIÓN: La ecografía a pie de cama (EPC) es una técnica diagnóstica cada día más utilizada por los médicos urgenciólogos en los servicios de urgencias hospitalarios españoles. No obstante, desconocemos el nivel de la EPC de nuestros médicos residentes de primer año (R1). OBJETIVO: Determinar el nivel de conocimientos sobre la EPC de los R1, en 3 hospitales universitarios de Madrid, y el conocimiento un año después de haber trabajado en servicios de urgencias con utilización habitual de la EPC. MÉTODOS: Nuestra encuesta investigaba datos demográficos, nivel previo de conocimiento de la EPC y opinión acerca de su utilidad en el servicio de urgencias. También se aplicó la encuesta a 55 estudiantes de medicina del último curso (EM6). RESULTADOS: De 265 encuestas: 197 fueron de R1 y 68 de R2. También se pasó la encuesta a otros 55 estudiantes de medicina del último curso (EM6). La mayoría de los R1 y EM6, revelaron un nivel previo muy bajo de conocimientos de la EPC. En cambio, el 73% de los R2, manifestaron un nivel intermedio o alto, e incluso un 26% declararon un conocimiento amplio. Más de la mitad de los encuestados manifestó estar de acuerdo en que la EPC era una herramienta muy útil en el servicio de urgencias. CONCLUSIONES: Existe un bajo nivel de conocimientos sobre la EPC entre los R1. Después de haber trabajado en servicios de urgencias con práctica habitual de EPC, estos mismos médicos residentes, reconocieron tanto la importancia de la EPC como su alto nivel de conocimientos de la EPC

Utilización de TICs en medicina de urgencias: valoración de un software de ayuda a la prescripción del paciente con hiperglucemia (DIAGETHER(R)), por parte de médicos residentes / Use of ICTs in emergency medicine: assessment of a prescription aid software for patients with hyperglycemia (DIAGETHER(R)), by resident doctors

INTRODUCCIÓN: La permisividad ante la hiperglucemia es nociva para los pacientes ingresados. DIAGETHER es una aplicación que ayuda al médico en el tratamiento del paciente diabético. OBJETIVOS: Determinar grado de usabilidad, nivel de confianza y valoración global de DIAGETHER empleada por médicos residentes en distintos escenarios clínicos. MÉTODO: Estudio descriptivo multicéntrico, basado en una encuesta de valoración sobre DIAGETHER, a 42 residentes de dos hospitales, valorando la toma de decisiones con respecto a la terapéutica de pacientes con alteraciones glucémicas en distintos escenarios clínicos. RESULTADOS: DIAGETHER fue valorado positivamente respecto a usabilidad, confianza en resolución de casos, y tiempo empleado. La valoración global de la herramienta fue del 87,5. En el lado negativo, es necesario realizar estudios en terreno real para saber la adaptación real de la herramienta al trabajo médico. CONCLUSIONES: La aplicación DIAGETHER(R) es una herramienta fácil de usar, rápida en la toma de decisiones y le da al médico seguridad en el tratamiento de pacientes con hiperglucemia, lo que hace que su valoración global sea alta. En el lado negativo, el estudio fue realizado en condiciones "no reales", sería interesante desarrollar futuros estudio en varios servicios de urgencias

INTRODUCTION: Permissiveness to hyperglycemia is harmful to admitted patients. DIAGETHER is an application that helps the doctor in the treatment of the diabetic patient. OBJECTIVES: Determine degree of usability, level of confidence and overall assessment of DIAGETHER used by physicians resident in different clinical settings. Method. Multicenter descriptive study, based on a DIAGETHER assessment survey, of 42 residents of two hospitals, assessing decision-making regarding the therapeutics of patients with glycemic disorders in different clinical settings. RESULTS: DIAGETHER was positively assessed regarding usability, confidence in case resolution, and time spent. The overall assessment of the tool was 87.5. On the negative side, it is necessary to conduct real-field studies to know the real adaptation of the tool to medical work. CONCLUSIONS: The DIAGETHER(R) application is an easy-to-use, quick decision-making tool and gives the doctor safety in the treatment of patients with hyperglycemia, which makes their overall assessment high. On the negative side, the study was conducted under "non-real" conditions, it would be interesting to develop future studies in several emergency departments

Cholinergic synovitis: Description of four cases. / Sinovitis colinérgica: descripción de 4 casos.

We present the clinical and ultrasound findings of four patients with moderate synovitis and urticarial skin lesions associated with sports activity in warm environments. We include progress after treatment with hydroxycin. We suggest a causal relationship similar to cholinergic urticaria where the neighbouring synovium responds with effusion that self-limits once the triggering process has been halted.