Effects of COVID-19 vaccination on disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis on targeted therapy in the COVIDSER study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of COVID-19 vaccination on disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients under targeted therapies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 1765 vaccinated patients COVID-19, 1178 (66.7%) with RA and 587 (33.3%) with PsA from the COVID-19 registry in patients with rheumatic diseases (COVIDSER) project, were included. Demographics, disease characteristics, Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) and targeted treatments were collected. DAS28-based flare rates and categorised disease activity distribution prevaccination and post vaccination were analysed by log-linear regression and contingency analyses, respectively. The influence of vaccination on DAS28 variation as a continuous measure was evaluated using a random coefficient model. RESULTS: The distribution of categorised disease activity and flare rates was not significantly modified by vaccination. Log-linear regression showed no significant changes in the rate of flares in the 6-month period after vaccination compared with the same period prior to vaccination in neither patients with RA nor patients with PsA. When DAS28 variations were analysed using random coefficient models, no significant variations in disease activity were detected after vaccination for both groups of patients. However, patients with RA treated with Janus kinase inhibitors (JAK-i) (1) and interleukin-6 inhibitor (IL-6-i) experienced a worsening of disease activity (1.436±0.531, p=0.007, and 1.201±0.550, p=0.029, respectively) in comparison with those treated with tumour necrosis factor inhibitor (TNF-i). Similarly, patients with PsA treated with interleukin-12/23 inhibitor (IL-12/23-i) showed a worsening of disease activity (4.476±1.906, p=0.019) compared with those treated with TNF-i. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 vaccination was not associated with increased rate of flares in patients with RA and PsA. However, a potential increase in disease activity in patients with RA treated with JAK-i and IL-6-i and in patients with PsA treated with IL-12/23-i warrants further investigation.

Long-term survival of biological therapy in psoriatic arthritis: 18-year analysis of a cohort in a tertiary hospital.

To study retention of biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) or apremilast and potential predictors of lack of response in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). A single-center retrospective analysis of PsA patients who received ≥ 1 bDMARD or apremilast during 2000-2018. The main endpoint was lack of response (primary or secondary failure). Analyses included retention of DMARDs (Kaplan-Meier curves) and potential predictors of lack of response (bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models). A total of 159 patients with PsA received up to 8 DMARDs: etanercept (34%), adalimumab (30%), infliximab (9%), golimumab (9%), apremilast (7%), ustekinumab (5%), certolizumab (4%), and secukinumab (2%). Therapy was discontinued in 96 cases (60%), mainly owing to secondary failure (37%), followed by primary failure (25%) and adverse effects (24%). Retention was analyzed based on 313 units of analysis. Duration of follow-up was 846.1 treatment-years (maximum 14.8 years, median 2.75 years). A total of 172 DMARDs were discontinued. The probability of continuing the initial treatment was 37% at 5 years, 22% at 10 years, and 12% at 14 years. The longest medium retention time was observed for infliximab (6.2 years) and etanercept (4.5 years). Predictors of lack of response included male sex, number of swollen joints, and, especially, depression (OR = 35.2). The sensitivity and specificity of the model were 86.4% and 85.7%, respectively, with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 45.6 (ROC, 0.912). Rates of discontinuation due to primary and secondary failure are high in PsA. Retention is better for anti-TNF agents than for other agents.

Interobserver reliability of Masei index validation by a multicenter collaborative group of rheumatologists.

MASEI is the main validated ultrasound score for the evaluation of enthesis. The lack of studies facing the agreement to achieve for the interpretation of the MAdrid Sonographic Enthesis Index (MASEI) among researchers from different centers in multicenter studies is of concern. The aim of this multicenter was to evaluate the interobserver reliability of MASEI. An experienced ultrasonographer-rheumatologist performed ultrasound scans of the areas included in MASEI index in three patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis and Psoriatic Arthritis. Videos were captured. The videos were then evaluated by 24 rheumatologists of the ultrasound working group of the Catalan Society of Rheumatology (EcoCAT). A face-to-face training meeting was held. Ten days after the workshop, the study participants evaluated the videos. A reliability assessment was performed. The ICC for the MASEI scores after the workshop was of 0.97 (95% CI 89-99). Reliability did not vary statistically with examiner experience. Globally, no problems of reliability by structures were seen, and all the ICCs were above 0.90 and improved slightly after the educational program. However, the correlation observed between examiners at plantar aponeursis and triceps tendon was weak. The small variability observed in the results of the index validation in our study, suggests that the MASEI index is reproducible by different observers when those are well trained and show awesome results of the enthesis when examined by ultrasound.

Mala correlación entre reactantes de fase aguda y afectación intestinal en paciente con comienzo de la enfermedad de Crohn bajo tratamiento con inhibidor de IL-6 por artropatía seronegativa / Poor correlation between acute phase reactants and intestinal involvement in patients with onset of Crohn's disease under treatment with an interleukin-6 inhibitor due to seronegative arthropathy

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Artritis séptica de la articulación acromioclavicular: una localización atípica / Septic arthritis of the acromioclavicular joint: an uncommon location

La artritis séptica de la articulación acromioclavicular (ACV) es una entidad poco frecuente que se presenta en pacientes inmunosuprimidos o con discontinuidad de las barreras de defensa. En la literatura únicamente se han descrito 15 casos hasta la fecha. El diagnóstico se basa en la presencia de clínica compatible junto al aislamiento del germen en la articulación o en los hemocultivos. Las técnicas de imagen (resonancia magnética, ecografía o gammagrafía) pueden ser útiles en la localización del proceso. El tratamiento antibiótico es el mismo que en la artritis séptica de otra localización y Staphylococcus aureus es también el microorganismo aislado con más frecuencia. Se describen las características clínicas, el tratamiento y la evolución de los pacientes diagnosticados de artritis séptica de la articulación ACV en un servicio de Reumatología, mediante estudio retrospectivo de revisión de historias clínicas de los pacientes atendidos por artritis séptica en dicha unidad (101 pacientes) en el periodo de 1989-2012. Seis enfermos (6%) tuvieron infección en la articulación ACV con confirmación microbiológica (AU)

Septic pyogenic arthritis of the acromioclavicular joint is a rare entity that occurs in immunosuppressed patients or those with discontinuity of defense barriers. There are only 15 cases described in the literature. The diagnosis is based on clinical features and the isolation of a microorganism in synovial fluid or blood cultures. The evidence of arthritis by imaging (MRI, ultrasound or scintigraphy) may be useful. Antibiotic treatment is the same as in septic arthritis in other locations. Staphylococcus aureus is the microorganism most frequently isolated. Our objective was to describe the clinical features, treatment and outcome of patients diagnosed with septic arthritis of the acromioclavicular joint at a Rheumatology Department. We developed a study with a retrospective design (1989-2012). The medical records of patients with septic arthritis were reviewed (101 patients). Those involving the acromioclavicular joint were selected (6 patients; 6%) (AU)

Septic arthritis of the acromioclavicular joint: an uncommon location.

Septic pyogenic arthritis of the acromioclavicular joint is a rare entity that occurs in immunosuppressed patients or those with discontinuity of defense barriers. There are only 15 cases described in the literature. The diagnosis is based on clinical features and the isolation of a microorganism in synovial fluid or blood cultures. The evidence of arthritis by imaging (MRI, ultrasound or scintigraphy) may be useful. Antibiotic treatment is the same as in septic arthritis in other locations. Staphylococcus aureus is the microorganism most frequently isolated. Our objective was to describe the clinical features, treatment and outcome of patients diagnosed with septic arthritis of the acromioclavicular joint at a Rheumatology Department. We developed a study with a retrospective design (1989-2012). The medical records of patients with septic arthritis were reviewed (101 patients). Those involving the acromioclavicular joint were selected (6 patients; 6%).

Infección osteoarticular por hongos: estudio de 5 casos / Fungal osteoarticular infection: Report of 5 cases

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Artritis mutilante/resortiva. Estudio de 24 pacientes de una serie de 360 artritis psoriásicas / Mutilating/resorptive arthritis. a study of 24 patients in a series of 360 patients with psoriatic arthritis

Objetivo. Describir una serie amplia de pacientes con artritis mutilante/resortiva (AM) de una población representativa de pacientes con artritis psoriásica (APs) y analizar las variables asociadas. Métodos. Estudio transversal multicéntrico que incluyó de forma consecutiva a los pacientes afectados de APs de 8 centros. A aquellos pacientes con tumefacción o deformidad de manos o pies sospechosa de se les realizó una radiografía antero-posterior. Se consideró que el paciente estaba afectado de AM si presentaba un trastorno erosivo que afectaba totalmente ambas superficies articulares. Resultados. De los 360 pacientes con APs estudiados, 24 presentaban AM (6,7%). La duración de la enfermedad fue significativamente mayor y presentaban una peor capacidad funcional, así como una mayor afección de IFD (p<0,05). En un 30% se detectaron cambios radiológicos indistinguibles de una osteoartritis nodular. Conclusiones. La AM en la APs se asocia a una peor capacidad funcional. Su posible asociación con la osteoartritis nodular de manos merece más estudios (AU)

Objective: To describe a large series of patients with mutilans/resorptive arthritis (AM) of a representative population of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and analyze the associated variables. Methods: Multicenter cross-sectional study of consecutive patients affected by PsA in 8 centers. In patients with swelling or deformity of the hands or feet we performed an anteroposterior rx. The patient was affected by AM if erosive disorder affecting both articular surfaces completely was present. Results: Of the 360 patients studied, 24 had PsA and AM (6.7%). The duration of their disease was significantly higher, and they exhibited a worse functional capacity as well as more DIP joint affection (P<.05). 30% had radiological changes indistinguishable from nodular osteoarthritis. Conclusions: AM in PA is associated with a worse functional capacity. Its possible association with nodular hand osteoarthritis deserves further study (AU)

Mutilating/resorptive arthritis. A study of 24 patients in a series of 360 patients with psoriatic arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a large series of patients with mutilans/resorptive arthritis (AM) of a representative population of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and analyze the associated variables. METHODS: Multicenter cross-sectional study of consecutive patients affected by PsA in 8 centers. In patients with swelling or deformity of the hands or feet we performed an anteroposterior rx. The patient was affected by AM if erosive disorder affecting both articular surfaces completely was present. RESULTS: Of the 360 patients studied, 24 had PsA and AM (6.7%). The duration of their disease was significantly higher, and they exhibited a worse functional capacity as well as more DIP joint affection (P<.05). 30% had radiological changes indistinguishable from nodular osteoarthritis. CONCLUSIONS: AM in PA is associated with a worse functional capacity. Its possible association with nodular hand osteoarthritis deserves further study.

Vasculitis de Jacob Churg y Lotte Strauss. Descripción de 9 casos / Churg-Strauss Vasculitis. Description of 9 cases

Introducción El síndrome de Churg-Strauss (SCS) es una vasculitis que afecta a vasos de pequeño y mediano calibre, caracterizándose clínicamente por afectación predominante del aparato respiratorio, asma y eosinofilia periférica y anatomopatológicamente por la presencia de granulomas y la infiltración tisular por eosinófilos. Objetivos En el presente trabajo se detallan las características de una serie de 9 pacientes con SCS diagnosticados en un centro universitario de referencia. Pacientes y métodos Estudio retrospectivo: entre 1984 y 2007 se diagnosticaron 9 pacientes con SCS en nuestro centro. De todos ellos se obtuvieron de forma retrospectiva datos epidemiológicos, clínicos, analíticos, estudios anatomopatológicos y tratamiento recibido. Resultados De estos 9 pacientes, 7 eran hombres. La edad media en el momento del diagnóstico fue de 51 años (rango 23–76 años). Ocho de los pacientes tenían antecedente de asma bronquial. Las manifestaciones clínicas más frecuentes fueron las cutáneas (66%), musculoesqueléticas (66%), del sistema nervioso periférico (55%) y las pulmonares (55%). Todos presentaban eosinofilia periférica. Los anticuerpos anticitoplasma de neutrófilo (ANCA) fueron positivos en 6 pacientes (66%), la mayor parte de ellos con patrón perinuclear en inmunofluorescencia (p-ANCA). Todos los pacientes recibieron tratamiento con glucocorticoides y 8 de ellos requirieron, además, tratamiento inmunosupresor, principalmente ciclofosfamida. Conclusiones En este trabajo se presentan 9 pacientes diagnosticados de SCS. Las manifestaciones clínicas no difieren de las observadas en el resto de series publicadas. Sin embargo, en esta serie se observa una mayor positividad de ANCA. La mayoría de los pacientes fueron tratados con glucocorticoides e inmunosupresores, debiéndose individualizar el tratamiento de cada paciente según el grado de afectación (AU)

Introduction Churg-Strauss Síndrome (SCS) is a necrotizing vasculitis affecting small to medium-sized vessels, characterized by lung involvement, asthma and peripheral blood eosinophilia, and pathologically by the presence of granulomas and eosinophilic infiltrates. Objectives This report analizes the characteristics of 9 patients with SCS diagnosed in an university referral center. Patients and methods Retrospective study. Between 1984 and 2007 nine patients with SCS were diagnosed in our center. Epidemiological, clinical, laboratory test as well as pathologic studies and treatment required were retrospectively analyzed. Results Nine patients (7 males). The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 51 years (range 23–76 years). Eight of these patients had history of asthma. The more frequent organs involved were the skin (66%), musculoesqueletical system (66%), peripheral nervous system (55%) and the lung (55%). All patients presented peripheral eosinophilia. ANCA positivity was demonstrated in 6 patients (66%), most of the patients with the p-ANCA pattern. All patients were treated with corticosteroids, and in 8 immunosupressant treatment was required, mainly cyclophosphamide. Conclusions In this report, 9 patients with SCS are presented. Clinical characteristics are similar with the observed in other reports. We observed a major positivity of ANCA. Most of the patients were treated with corticosteroids and inmunosupresants, but the treatment should be tailored depending on the involvement of the patient (AU)

[Churg-Strauss Vasculitis. Description of 9 cases]. / Vasculitis de Jacob Churg y Lotte Strauss. Descripción de 9 casos.

INTRODUCTION: Churg-Strauss Síndrome (SCS) is a necrotizing vasculitis affecting small to medium-sized vessels, characterized by lung involvement, asthma and peripheral blood eosinophilia, and pathologically by the presence of granulomas and eosinophilic infiltrates. OBJECTIVES: This report analizes the characteristics of 9 patients with SCS diagnosed in an university referral center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective study. Between 1984 and 2007 nine patients with SCS were diagnosed in our center. Epidemiological, clinical, laboratory test as well as pathologic studies and treatment required were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Nine patients (7 males). The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 51 years (range 23-76 years). Eight of these patients had history of asthma. The more frequent organs involved were the skin (66%), musculoesqueletical system (66%), peripheral nervous system (55%) and the lung (55%). All patients presented peripheral eosinophilia. ANCA positivity was demonstrated in 6 patients (66%), most of the patients with the p-ANCA pattern. All patients were treated with corticosteroids, and in 8 immunosupressant treatment was required, mainly cyclophosphamide. CONCLUSIONS: In this report, 9 patients with SCS are presented. Clinical characteristics are similar with the observed in other reports. We observed a major positivity of ANCA. Most of the patients were treated with corticosteroids and inmunosupresants, but the treatment should be tailored depending on the involvement of the patient.

Artritis séptica politópica: análisis de 19 casos / Polyarticular septic arthritis: analysis of 19 cases

Objetivo: El 15% de las artritis sépticas corresponde a formas poliarticulares, si bien son escasas las series publicadas. Evaluamos las características de los enfermos con artritis séptica poliarticular recogidos en un servicio de reumatología. Material y método: Análisis retrospectivo de las artritis piógenas con afección oligoarticular o poliarticular. Se incluye únicamente a los enfermos con aislamiento del germen en el líquido articular. Se analizan las variables clínicas, analíticas y radiológicas de la serie. Resultados: Se registraron 19 casos (14 varones y 5 mujeres) con una media de edad de 55 años. La media del tiempo hasta el diagnóstico fue 6 días. La articulación afectada con mayor frecuencia fue la rodilla, seguida del tobillo. La media de focos infecciosos por paciente fue 3 (intervalo, 2-6). Los factores de riesgo más frecuentes fueron la diabetes mellitus, la insuficiencia renal crónica, la hepatopatía crónica, la gota y la artritis reumatoide. Los gérmenes aislados fueron Staphylococcus aureus (47%), S. agalactiae (21%) y bacilos gramnegativos. Los hemocultivos fueron positivos en el 52,6%, y el 15,8% presentó shock séptico. La gammagrafía con 99Tc mostró la afección politópica cuando fue realizada. La duración media del tratamiento antibiótico fue 46±27 días. La evolución fue satisfactoria en el 52,6% y tórpida en el 26%, con mortalidad del 15,8% (3 casos). Se realizó artrotomía en el 21%. Conclusiones: La presencia de oligoartritis o poliartritis no excluye el diagnóstico de artritis infecciosa. Entre los factores de riesgo destacan las artropatías inflamatorias previas. S. aureus es el microorganismo causal más frecuente. La morbilidad y la mortalidad de esta forma de infección articular son importantes, por lo que debe mantenerse un alto índice de sospecha y realizar una exploración sistemática de todas las articulaciones (AU)

Objective: Polyarticular septic arthritis accounts for 15% of all septic arthritis, but there are few references in the literature. We describe characteristics of patients with polyarticular septic arthritis in a rheumatology service. Patients and method: Retrospective analysis of patients with septic arthritis involving more than one joint. Only patients with positive culture of synovial fluid were included. Clinical, analytical and radiological variables are reviewed. Results: 19 patients (14 male) had a polyarticular infection. Mean age was 55 years. Mean time from onset to diagnosis was 6 days. The knee was the most commonly involved joint, followed by ankle. The mean number of joints involved per patient was 3. Risk factors included diabetes, chronic renal or hepatic disease, gout and rheumatoid arthritis. Most commonly isolated agents were S. aureus (47%) and S. agalactiae (21%). Blood cultures were positive in 52,6% and 15.8% had septic shock. Scintygraphic bone scan showed a polyarticular uptake. Mean duration of antibiotic therapy was 46±27 days. Clinical outcome was good in 52,6%, complicated in 26%, and mortality rate was 15.8% (3 cases). Joint debridement was performed in 21%. Conclusions: Multiple joint involvement does not exclude the diagnosis of septic arthritis. Inflammatory arthritis is an important risk factor. S. aureus in the main infectious agent. The morbidity and mortality of this condition are important, so we need to maintain a high index of suspicion for the condition (AU)

Síndrome sarcoidosis-linfoma / Sarcoidosis-lymphoma syndrome

La combinación de sarcoidosis y linfoma (síndrome sarcoidosis-linfoma) es poco frecuente pero bien conocida. Algunas manifestaciones pueden ser comunes y es un reto para el clínico establecer el diagnóstico diferencial entre ambas entidades o de su verdadera coexistencia. En estos casos ni la presentación clínica ni los parámetros de laboratorio son específicos, por lo que es esencial el estudio anatomopatológico de una adenopatía para llegar al diagnóstico definitivo. El síndrome sarcoidosis-linfoma podría aparecer como consecuencia de algunas alteraciones inmunitarias que acontecen en la sarcoidosis y en algunos pacientes con una neoplasia sólida o hemática que reciben quimioterapia. Se presenta un caso de síndrome sarcoidosis-linfoma y se analizan los aspectos clave en el diagnóstico de esta forma clínica (AU)

Sarcoidosis may occur in association with lymphoma (sarcoidosis-lymphoma syndrome), it is an uncommon but well-known association. Some clinical features can be similar and clinicians have the challenge to differentiate between these two diseases or prove their co-existence. Clinical and laboratory data are not characteristic in any of them, and an anatomopathological study of lymphadenopathy is necessary to establish the diagnosis. The sarcoidosis-lymphoma syndrome could occur as a result of a disturbance in the host immune system in sarcoidosis and in some patients with solid tumors or hematologic malignancies who have received chemotherapy. We present a case report of a patient with sarcoidosis-lymphoma syndrome (AU)

[Polyarticular septic arthritis: analysis of 19 cases]. / Artritis séptica politópica: análisis de 19 casos.

OBJECTIVE: Polyarticular septic arthritis accounts for 15% of all septic arthritis, but there are few references in the literature. We describe characteristics of patients with polyarticular septic arthritis in a rheumatology service. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Retrospective analysis of patients with septic arthritis involving more than one joint. Only patients with positive culture of synovial fluid were included. Clinical, analytical and radiological variables are reviewed. RESULTS: 19 patients (14 male) had a polyarticular infection. Mean age was 55 years. Mean time from onset to diagnosis was 6 days. The knee was the most commonly involved joint, followed by ankle. The mean number of joints involved per patient was 3. Risk factors included diabetes, chronic renal or hepatic disease, gout and rheumatoid arthritis. Most commonly isolated agents were S. aureus (47%) and S. agalactiae (21%). Blood cultures were positive in 52,6% and 15.8% had septic shock. Scintygraphic bone scan showed a polyarticular uptake. Mean duration of antibiotic therapy was 46±27 days. Clinical outcome was good in 52,6%, complicated in 26%, and mortality rate was 15.8% (3 cases). Joint debridement was performed in 21%. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple joint involvement does not exclude the diagnosis of septic arthritis. Inflammatory arthritis is an important risk factor. S. aureus in the main infectious agent. The morbidity and mortality of this condition are important, so we need to maintain a high index of suspicion for the condition.

[Sarcoidosis-lymphoma syndrome]. / Síndrome sarcoidosis-linfoma.

Sarcoidosis may occur in association with lymphoma (sarcoidosis-lymphoma syndrome), it is an uncommon but well-known association. Some clinical features can be similar and clinicians have the challenge to differentiate between these two diseases or prove their co-existence. Clinical and laboratory data are not characteristic in any of them, and an anatomopathological study of lymphadenopathy is necessary to establish the diagnosis. The sarcoidosis-lymphoma syndrome could occur as a result of a disturbance in the host immune system in sarcoidosis and in some patients with solid tumors or hematologic malignancies who have received chemotherapy. We present a case report of a patient with sarcoidosis-lymphoma syndrome.