Cardiovascular event in a cohort of rheumatoid arthritis patients in Castilla-La Mancha: Utility of carotid ultrasound.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) has a mortality rate 1,3 to 3 times higher than the general population, with cardiovascular mortality accounting for 40-50% of cases. Currently, cardiovascular disease is considered an extraarticular manifestation of RA (OR: 1,5-4,0). Ultrasound measurement of the intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery and the presence of atherosclerotic plaques (AP) is a non-invasive method and a surrogate marker of subclinical arteriosclerosis. OBJECTIVE: To determine if subclinical arteriosclerosis findings through carotid ultrasound can serve as a good predictor of cardiovascular events (CVE) development in a cohort of RA patients over a 10-year period. METHODOLOGY: A cohort of RA patients seen in the Rheumatology outpatient clinic of a hospital in Castilla La Mancha in 2013 was evaluated. A prospective evaluation for the development of CVE over the following 10 years was conducted, and its correlation with previous ultrasound findings of IMT and AP was analyzed. RESULTS: Eight (24%) patients experienced a CVE. Three (9%) had heart failure, three (9%) had a stroke, and two (6%) experienced acute myocardial infarction. RA patients who developed a CVE had a higher IMT (0,97 +/- 0.08 mm) compared to the RA patients without CV complications (0,74 +/- 0.15 mm) (p = 0,003). The presence of IMT ≥ 0.9 mm and AP had a relative risk of 12,25 (p = 0,012) and 18,66 (p = 0,003), respectively, for the development of a CVE. CONCLUSIONS: Carotid ultrasound in RA patients may allow for early detection of subclinical atherosclerosis before the development of CVE, with IMT ≥ 0.9 mm being the most closely associated finding with CVE, unaffected by age.

Evento cardiovascular en una cohorte de pacientes con artritis reumatoide en Castilla-La Mancha, utilidad de la ecografía carotídea / Cardiovascular event in a cohort of rheumatoid arthritis patients in Castilla-La Mancha: Utility of carotid ultrasound

La artritis reumatoide (AR) presenta una mortalidad de 1,3-3 veces superior a la población general donde destaca la mortalidad de origen cardiovascular con un 40-50%. Actualmente se considera la enfermedad cardiovascular como una manifestación extraarticular de la AR, siendo un factor de riesgo independiente de los tradicionales, con un riesgo elevado de enfermedad cardiovascular (OR: 1,5-4,0). La medición ecográfica del grosor íntimo medial (GIM) de la arteria carótida común y la presencia de placas ateromatosas es un método no invasivo y marcador subrogado de arterioesclerosis subclínica. Objetivo: Establecer si los hallazgos de arterioesclerosis subclínica por ecografía carotídea pueden ser un buen predictor del desarrollo de eventos cardiovasculares (ECV) en una cohorte de pacientes con AR a 10 años. Metodología: Se evaluó una cohorte de pacientes con AR atendidos en consulta externa de Reumatología de una hospital de Castilla-La Mancha durante el año 2013. Se realizó una evaluación para el desarrollo de ECV a los 10 años siguientes de comenzado el estudio y se analizó su correlación con los hallazgos ecográficos previos de GIM y placas ateromatosas. Resultados: Ocho (24%) pacientes presentaron un ECV. Tres (9%), episodio de fallo cardiaco; 3 (9%) accidente cerebrovascular y 2 (6%) episodio de infarto agudo al miocardio. Los pacientes con AR que desarrollaron un ECV habían presentado un GIM mayor (0,97±0,08mm) en comparación con los pacientes con AR que no tuvieron complicaciones cardiovasculares (0,74±0,15mm) (p=0,003). La presencia de un GIM≥0,9mm y placas ateromatosas representó un riesgo relativo de 12,25 (p=0,012) y 18,66 (p=0,003), respectivamente, para el desarrollo de un ECV. Conclusiones: La ecografía carotídea en pacientes con AR nos podría permitir la detección precoz de aterosclerosis subclínica antes del desarrollo de ECV, siendo fundamentalmente el GIM≥0,9mm el hallazgo más asociado a ECV y no influenciado por la edad.(AU)

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has a mortality rate 1.3–3 times higher than the general population, with cardiovascular mortality accounting for 40%–50% of cases. Currently, cardiovascular disease is considered an extra-articular manifestation of RA (OR: 1.5–4.0). Ultrasound measurement of the intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery and the presence of atherosclerotic plaques is a non-invasive method and a surrogate marker of subclinical arteriosclerosis. Objective: To determine if subclinical arteriosclerosis findings through carotid ultrasound can serve as a good predictor of cardiovascular events (CVE) development in a cohort of RA patients over a 10-year period. Methodology: A cohort of RA patients seen in the rheumatology outpatient clinic of a hospital in Castilla-La Mancha in 2013 was evaluated. A prospective evaluation for the development of CVE over the following 10 years was conducted, and its correlation with previous ultrasound findings of IMT and atherosclerotic plaques was analyzed. Results: Eight (24%) patients experienced a CVE. Three (9%) had heart failure, three (9%) had a stroke, and two (6%) experienced acute myocardial infarction. RA patients who developed a CVE had a higher IMT (0.97±0.08mm) compared to the RA patients without cardiovascular complications (0.74±0.15mm) (P=.003). The presence of IMT≥0.9mm and atherosclerotic plaques had a relative risk of 12.25 (P=.012) and 18.66 (P=.003), respectively, for the development of a CVE. Conclusions: Carotid ultrasound in RA patients may allow for early detection of subclinical atherosclerosis before the development of CVE, with IMT≥0.9mm being the most closely associated finding with CVE, unaffected by age.(AU)

«Banderas rojas» de amiloidosis cardiaca en pacientes con estenosis de canal lumbar e hipertrofia de ligamento amarillo / Red flags of cardiac amyloidosis in patients with spinal stenosis and yellow ligament hypertrophy

Introducción Carecemos de estudios que evalúen la presencia de amiloidosis cardiaca (AC) en pacientes con estenosis de canal lumbar (ECL). La identificación de banderas rojas (BR) asociadas a la enfermedad podría identificar casos de AC. Nuestro objetivo principal fue determinar la prevalencia de BR de AC. Métodos Estudio transversal de casos consecutivos que presentaban ECL e hipertrofia del ligamento amarillo (HLA). Se realizó una valoración que incluía electrocardiograma, ecocardiograma y análisis de sangre y orina. Se definió como sospecha de AC la presencia de hipertrofia ventricular y alguna BR. Resultados Se evaluaron 103 pacientes con ECL y HLA. La prevalencia de BR de AC fue elevada: insuficiencia cardiaca, 18,4%; estenosis aórtica, 1,9%; síndrome del túnel carpiano, 7,8%; rotura tendinosa bicipital, 1,9%; hipotensión arterial, 17,4%; clínica de neuropatía, 51,5%; patrón de pseudoinfarto, 3,9%; bajos voltajes, 15,5%; trastorno de la conducción, 15,5%; disminución del strain longitudinal, 25,3%; preservación apical del strain, 3,9%. El 57,3% de los pacientes presentaron sospecha de AC. Conclusión La prevalencia de BR de AC en pacientes con ECL es alta. Un elevado número de pacientes presentaron criterios de sospecha de AC. (AU)

Introduction Studies addressing the prevalence of cardiac amyloidosis (CA) among patients with spinal stenosis (SS) are lacking. The identification of the red flags (RF) of CA could lead to early detection of cases of CA. The primary objective of this study was to address the prevalence of RF of CA among patients with SS. Methods Transversal study including consecutive cases with SS and yellow ligament hypertrophy (YLH). A clinical assessment that included electrocardiogram, echocardiogram and urine and blood test was performed. A clinical suspicion of CA was defined by the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy plus any RF. Results One hundred and three patients with SS and YLH were assessed. The prevalence of RF was high: heart failure: 18.4%; aortic stenosis: 1.9%; carpal tunnel syndrome: 7.8%; bicipital tendon rupture: 1.9%; arterial hypotension: 17.4%; polyneuropathy symptoms: 51.5%; pseudoinfarction pattern: 3.9%; low voltages: 15.5%; conduction abnormalities: 15.5%; decreased longitudinal strain: 25.3%; apical sparing pattern: 3.9%. The 57.3% of the cohort met the CA suspicion criteria. Conclusion The prevalence of RF of CA is high among patients with SS and YLH. A high proportion of patients met the CA suspicion criteria. (AU)

«Banderas rojas» de amiloidosis cardiaca en pacientes con estenosis de canal lumbar e hipertrofia de ligamento amarillo / Red flags of cardiac amyloidosis in patients with spinal stenosis and yellow ligament hypertrophy

Introducción Carecemos de estudios que evalúen la presencia de amiloidosis cardiaca (AC) en pacientes con estenosis de canal lumbar (ECL). La identificación de banderas rojas (BR) asociadas a la enfermedad podría identificar casos de AC. Nuestro objetivo principal fue determinar la prevalencia de BR de AC. Métodos Estudio transversal de casos consecutivos que presentaban ECL e hipertrofia del ligamento amarillo (HLA). Se realizó una valoración que incluía electrocardiograma, ecocardiograma y análisis de sangre y orina. Se definió como sospecha de AC la presencia de hipertrofia ventricular y alguna BR. Resultados Se evaluaron 103 pacientes con ECL y HLA. La prevalencia de BR de AC fue elevada: insuficiencia cardiaca, 18,4%; estenosis aórtica, 1,9%; síndrome del túnel carpiano, 7,8%; rotura tendinosa bicipital, 1,9%; hipotensión arterial, 17,4%; clínica de neuropatía, 51,5%; patrón de pseudoinfarto, 3,9%; bajos voltajes, 15,5%; trastorno de la conducción, 15,5%; disminución del strain longitudinal, 25,3%; preservación apical del strain, 3,9%. El 57,3% de los pacientes presentaron sospecha de AC. Conclusión La prevalencia de BR de AC en pacientes con ECL es alta. Un elevado número de pacientes presentaron criterios de sospecha de AC. (AU)

Introduction Studies addressing the prevalence of cardiac amyloidosis (CA) among patients with spinal stenosis (SS) are lacking. The identification of the red flags (RF) of CA could lead to early detection of cases of CA. The primary objective of this study was to address the prevalence of RF of CA among patients with SS. Methods Transversal study including consecutive cases with SS and yellow ligament hypertrophy (YLH). A clinical assessment that included electrocardiogram, echocardiogram and urine and blood test was performed. A clinical suspicion of CA was defined by the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy plus any RF. Results One hundred and three patients with SS and YLH were assessed. The prevalence of RF was high: heart failure: 18.4%; aortic stenosis: 1.9%; carpal tunnel syndrome: 7.8%; bicipital tendon rupture: 1.9%; arterial hypotension: 17.4%; polyneuropathy symptoms: 51.5%; pseudoinfarction pattern: 3.9%; low voltages: 15.5%; conduction abnormalities: 15.5%; decreased longitudinal strain: 25.3%; apical sparing pattern: 3.9%. The 57.3% of the cohort met the CA suspicion criteria. Conclusion The prevalence of RF of CA is high among patients with SS and YLH. A high proportion of patients met the CA suspicion criteria. (AU)

[Red flags of cardiac amyloidosis in patients with spinal stenosis and yellow ligament hypertrophy]. / «Banderas rojas¼ de amiloidosis cardiaca en pacientes con estenosis de canal lumbar e hipertrofia de ligamento amarillo.

INTRODUCTION: Studies addressing the prevalence of cardiac amyloidosis (CA) among patients with spinal stenosis (SS) are lacking. The identification of the red flags (RF) of CA could lead to early detection of cases of CA. The primary objective of this study was to address the prevalence of RF of CA among patients with SS. METHODS: Transversal study including consecutive cases with SS and yellow ligament hypertrophy (YLH). A clinical assessment that included electrocardiogram, echocardiogram and urine and blood test was performed. A clinical suspicion of CA was defined by the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy plus any RF. RESULTS: One hundred and three patients with SS and YLH were assessed. The prevalence of RF was high: heart failure: 18.4%; aortic stenosis: 1.9%; carpal tunnel syndrome: 7.8%; bicipital tendon rupture: 1.9%; arterial hypotension: 17.4%; polyneuropathy symptoms: 51.5%; pseudoinfarction pattern: 3.9%; low voltages: 15.5%; conduction abnormalities: 15.5%; decreased longitudinal strain: 25.3%; apical sparing pattern: 3.9%. The 57.3% of the cohort met the CA suspicion criteria. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of RF of CA is high among patients with SS and YLH. A high proportion of patients met the CA suspicion criteria.

Ultrasonography in rheumatology: time to learn from patient views.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, multicentre study was to assess the perceived quality and grade of satisfaction expressed by patients with chronic arthropathies regarding the use of musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasonography by rheumatologists as an integrated clinical care tool. METHODS: All Spanish rheumatology departments with MSK ultrasonography incorporated in their healthcare services were invited to participate in the study. A Spanish-language survey was offered to fill out anonymously to all consecutive patients with chronic arthropathies under follow-up in the rheumatology outpatient clinics who attended their centre for a period of 3 months. The survey consisted of three sections. The first section contained patients' demographics, disease data, frequency of performing rheumatological ultrasound and information about who performed their ultrasound assessments. The second section consisted of 14 questions about patient's experience and opinion on different aspects of the management, performance and perceived usefulness of performing ultrasound, to be answered on a Likert scale 1-5. The third section of the survey was addressed to the rheumatologist ultrasonographers. RESULTS: Nine hundred and four patients from 16 university hospital rheumatology departments completed the survey. All questions reached an overall favourable response ≥ 80%. Patients who reported usual ultrasound examinations in their rheumatology care and those in which it was their attending rheumatologist who performed the ultrasound assessments responded more favourably. CONCLUSION: Our encouraging patient-centred results may be useful in facilitating the implementation of rheumatological ultrasound in rheumatology care worldwide. Key Points • This is the largest multicentre survey carried out in patients with chronic joint diseases designed to assess their experience and perceived benefits with the use of ultrasonography performed by rheumatologists in daily practice. • Musculoskeletal ultrasound incorporated into rheumatology care was very well accepted and valued by most patients. • The patients perceived that ultrasonography helps not only their rheumatologist but also themselves to better understand their condition. • The patients believed that ultrasonography helps them accept and comply with the proposed treatment.

Cardiac amyloidosis in patients with spinal stenosis and yellow ligament hypertrophy.

BACKGROUND: Spinal stenosis (SS) is a manifestation associated with cardiac amyloidosis (CA). However, there is a lack of studies assessing the prevalence of CA among patients with SS. We aimed to address the prevalence of CA among patients with SS and YLH. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study of consecutive patients older than 65 years with SS and yellow ligament hypertrophy (YLH). All the patients were assessed with an electrocardiogram, echocardiogram and biohumoral evaluation. Patients with CA red flags was further studied with cardiac magnetic resonance and 99mTc-DPD scintigraphy. A cohort of patients with confirmed CA and SS was used to assess clinical features associated with CA. RESULTS: 105 patients (75.0 ± 6.6 years old; 45.7% males) with SS and YLH [5.5 [5-7] mm] were screened. Prevalence of red flags of CA was high and 58 patients presented clinical suspicion of CA. One patient (0.95%) was finally diagnosed of CA. Patients with confirmed CA presented a more expressive phenotype than the screened population. Patients with suspected CA had greater YLH than patients without suspicion of CA (6.4 ± 1.3 vs. 5.0 ± 0.8 mm; p < 0.001) and patients with confirmed CA presented greater YLH than the screening population (6.7 ± 1.8 vs. 5.7 ± 1.2 mm; p = 0.018). CONCLUSION: Despite red flags of CA are common among patients with SS, the prevalence of confirmed CA was low in our sample of screened patients.

El déficit de vitamina D en pacientes con espondiloartritis en un hospital de Castilla-La Mancha / Vitamin D deficiency in patients with spondylarthritis in a Spanish (Castilla-La Mancha) hospital

RESUMEN Introducción: Las espondiloartritis son un grupo de enfermedades inflamatorias crónicas con afectación principalmente del esqueleto axial y también de articulaciones periféricas. En cuanto al metabolismo óseo de estos pacientes, se ha observado en algunos estudios que existen niveles más bajos de vitamina D en pacientes con espondiloartritis. Objetivo: Estimar la prevalencia de déficit/insuficiencia de vitamina D, el metabolismo fosfocálcico y sus implicaciones en una cohorte de pacientes con espondiloartritis. Metodología: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal. Se llevó a cabo una revisión retrospectiva de la base de datos de pacientes con espondiloartritis que fueron atendidos en las consultas externas del Servicio de Reumatología del Hospital General Universitario de Ciudad Real entre junio del 2018 y junio del 2019. Las variables se describieron usando medidas de frecuencia o medidas de tendencia central/dispersión según correspondiera. Resultados: Se analizaron 115 pacientes, de los cuales 64 fueron hombres y 51 mujeres, con una edad media de 45,97 años (± 13,41 DE). Del total de los pacientes, 59 presentaron espon dilitis anquilosante, 24 artropatía psoriásica, 9 artritis asociada a enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal, 12 espondiloartritis axial no radiográfica y 11 artritis reactiva. Los niveles de vitamina D fueron de 23,81 ng/ml (±10,5 DE), con un 77,4% de los pacientes con cifras de déficit/insuficiencia de vitamina D. Agrupados por el subtipo de espondiloartritis y según las cifras de déficit/insuficiencia de vitamina D, 45 pacientes tenían espondilitis anquilo sante, 19 artropatía psoriásica, 9 artritis asociada a enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal, 7 espondiloartritis axiales no radiográficas y 9 artritis reactivas. Además, el déficit de vita mina D (< 20 ng/ml) se presentaba la mayoría de las veces en las estaciones de primavera e invierno, con 31 y 26 pacientes respectivamente. Conclusiones: Una optimización de los niveles de vitamina D puede implicar una mejoría en la situación clínica del paciente, medida tanto por BASDAI y DAPSA como por PCR y VSG. En consecuencia, se recomienda la monitorización y suplementación de vitamina D en pacientes con hipovitaminosis D.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Spondyloarthritis is a group of chronic inflammatory diseases that mainly affect the axial skeleton, and also the peripheral joints. In bone metabolism studies on these patients, it has been observed that there are lower levels of vitamin D in patients with spondyloarthritis. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency / insufficiency, as well as calcium/ phosphate metabolism and their implications in a cohort of patients with spondyloarthritis. Methodology: Observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study. A retrospective review of the databases was carried out on patients with spondyloarthritis who were treated in the outpatient clinics of the Rheumatology Department of the General University Hospital of Ciudad Real between June 2018 and June 2019. Variables are described using frequency and central tendency / dispersion measurements as appropriate. Results: The study included 115 patients, of whom 64 were men and 51 women, with a mean age of 45.97 years (± 13.41 SD). They included 59 patients with ankylosing spondylitis, 24 with psoriatic arthropathy, 9 arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease, 12 non-radiographic axial spondylarthritis, and 11 reactive arthritis. Vitamin D levels were 23.81 ng/ml (± 10.5 SD), with 77.4% of patients with vitamin D deficiency / insufficiency levels. Grouped by the spondylarthritis subtype, and according to vitamin D deficiency / insufficiency, 45 patients had ankylosing spondylitis, 19 psoriatic arthropathy, 9 arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease, 7 non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, and 9 reactive arthritis. Furthermore, vitamin D deficiency (< 20 ng/ml) mainly occurred in the spring and winter seasons, with 31 and 26 patients, respectively. Conclusions: An optimization of vitamin D levels may lead to an improvement in the clinical situation of the patients, as measured by both BASDAI and DAPSA, as well as by PCR and ESR. Therefore, vitamin D monitoring and supplementation is recommended in patients with vitamin D deficiency.

La sinoviortesis radioisotópica en el control de la sinovitis refractaria en Castilla La-Mancha. Una experiencia de 10 años / Radioisotope synoviorthesis in the control of refractory synovitis in Castilla-La Mancha. A 10-year experience

Nuestro hospital es el hospital de referencia en medicina nuclear para la realización de la sinoviortesis radioisotópica para toda Castilla La-Mancha. OBJETIVO: Describir la experiencia en la realización de la sinoviortesis radioisotópica en las artritis refractarias a otros tratamientos en nuestro hospital. METODOLOGÍA: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal protocolizado a través de la revisión de la base de datos de las sinoviortesis radioisotópicas realizadas entre 2007 y 2017. Se recopilaron datos clínicos previos (edad, sexo, proceso patológico, tratamientos previos, infiltración previa y articulación afectada) y evolutivos a los 6 meses tras administrar el isótopo. Se creó una base de datos Excel para un análisis de frecuencias con SPSS 21. RESULTADOS: Se realizaron 30 radiosinoviortesis, siendo las enfermedades más frecuentes, por este orden: sinovitis villonodular pigmentada (40%), artritis reumatoide (23,3%), espondiloartritis (13,3%), osteoartritis (10%) y artritis inespecíficas (6,7%), seguido de lupus eritematoso sistémico y gota. Tras 6 meses un 56,7% de los pacientes mejoraron frente a un 36,7% que seguían igual. Así mismo, ninguno de ellos presentó complicaciones relacionadas con el procedimiento. A un 6,6% de los pacientes se les perdió el seguimiento. DISCUSIÓN Y CONCLUSIONES: En los pacientes con episodios de artritis de repetición con derrame articular asociado en una o 2 articulaciones, refractarias a tratamientos sistémicos, a las infiltraciones locales con corticoides y en aquellos pacientes en los que otros tratamientos puedan estar contraindicados, debemos considerar la posibilidad de realizar una radiosinoviortesis isotópica, pues es una técnica sencilla, segura y con una tasa de éxito superior al 50%

Our hospital is the nuclear medicine referral hospital for radioisotopic synoviorthesis for all of Castilla-La Mancha. OBJECTIVE: To describe the experience in the performance of radioisotopic synoviorthesis for arthritis refractory to other treatments in our hospital. METHODOLOGY: Observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study protocolised through the review of the database of radioisotopic synoviorthesis performed between 2007 and 2017. Previous clinical data were collected (age, sex, pathology, previous treatments, previous infiltration and affected joint), and progress at 6 months after administering the isotope. An Excel database was created for a frequency analysis with SPSS 21. RESULTS: 30 radiosynovitis interventions were performed. The most frequent pathologies in this order were: pigmented villonodular synovitis (40%), rheumatoid arthritis (23.3%), spondyloarthritis (13.3%), osteoarthritis (10%) and nonspecific arthritis (6.7%), followed by systemic lupus erythematosus and gout. After 6 months, 56.7% of the patients improved compared to 36.7% who remained the same. Likewise, none of them presented complications related to the procedure. Six point six percent of the patients were lost to follow-up. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: In patients with episodes of recurrent arthritis with associated joint effusion in one or two joints, refractory to systemic treatments, to local infiltrations with corticosteroids and for patients for whom other treatments may be contraindicated, we must consider the possibility of performing an isotope radiosinoviortesis, as it is a simple, safe technique with a success rate of more than 50%

Vitamin D, an inflammatory activity marker for spondyloarthritis?

In this study, a relationship between low levels of vitamin D and other markers of inflammation is observed in patients with spondyloarthritis. Therefore, insufficient levels of vitamin D could be used as a marker of inflammation, so they would help to have a better follow-up of the patient. PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to determine the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency and level of disease activity in patients suffering from spondyloarthritis. METHODOLOGY: This study is an observational, descriptive and transversal study. A retrospective review of patients with spondyloarthritis under treatment at the Rheumatology Department of Hospital General Universitario de Ciudad Real between September 2016 and September 2018 is under consideration. The association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency and levels of disease activity was calculated using odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence level. RESULTS: Initial study developments are reported. A group of 147 patients was analyzed. The average disease activity was 4.3 (according to BASDAI) and 11.4 (according to DAPSA). Twenty-eight percent of patients showed increased levels of acute-phase reactants, and 82% exhibited 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency/insufficiency. Analysis of the association between vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency and BASDAI/DAPSA activity degree revealed an OR of 7.9 (CI95%: 2.92-21.23, p = < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: In this study, an association was found between those patients with spondyloarthritis who had a 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency and disease activity. Despite these results, a 1-year follow-up of these patients using two or more measurements of activity and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels would be needed to corroborate these data.

Lupus eritematoso cutáneo, morfea profunda y psoriasis en una paciente / Cutaneous lupus erythematosus, morphea profunda and psoriasis: a case report

La psoriasis es una frecuente dermatosis inflamatoria que puede asociarse a diversas enfermedades. Estudios recientes señalan que la presencia de enfermedades autoinmunes es mayor, pero es rara la asociación con enfermedades del tejido conectivo. La coexistencia con lupus es infrecuente. Por otra parte, la morfea raramente se ha reportado en pacientes con lupus o psoriasis. Presentamos a una paciente con lupus cutáneo y morfea profunda que posteriormente desarrolló psoriasis, con excelente respuesta a metotrexato y revisamos la literatura

Psoriasis is a common inflammatory dermatosis that may be associated with a number of diseases. Recent studies provide evidence that there is a greater frequency of autoimmune diseases, but association with autoimmune connective tissue diseases is uncommon. The coexistence of psoriasis and lupus erythematosus is rare. Besides, the occurrence of morphea has rarely been reported in patients with lupus or psoriasis. We report a woman with cutaneous lupus and morphea profunda associated with psoriasis, with an excellent response to methotrexate, and review the literature

Síndromes reumáticos y tumor oculto, experiencia de 10 años en un hospital universitario / Rheumatic syndromes and occult tumor: 10-year experience in a teaching hospital

OBJETIVO: Describir las diferentes características clínicas de los pacientes ingresados en el Servicio de Reumatología por manifestaciones reumáticas como primera expresión de un proceso tumoral no conocido. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional retrospectivo y descriptivo protocolizado por la revisión de las historias clínicas de los ingresados en Reumatología del Hospital Universitario de Ciudad Real desde enero de 2007 hasta agosto de 2017 por manifestaciones iniciales reumáticas, con sospecha al alta de un tumor no conocido. RESULTADOS: De más de 500 ingresos, se obtuvieron 64 casos. Las manifestaciones reumáticas más frecuentes fueron lumbalgia inflamatoria, poliartralgias, síndrome de cadera, dorsalgia, cervicalgia, poliartritis y polimialgia reumática. Un 44% presentaban anemia, un 70% elevación de los reactantes de fase aguda, un 62% alteración en los marcadores tumorales y un 76% lesiones metastásicas. En el 20%, el tumor primario fue de origen pulmonar y solo el 26,56% recibió tratamiento paliativo. El 64% fallecieron. DISCUSIÓN: Es importante plantearse en el diagnóstico diferencial la posibilidad de un proceso tumoral subyacente, dado que su diagnóstico temprano puede ser determinante para el pronóstico

OBJECTIVE: To describe the different clinical characteristics of patients admitted to the Rheumatology Department due to rheumatic manifestations as the first expression of an unknown malignant process. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective and descriptive observational study involving the review of the medical records of those admitted to rheumatology in the University Hospital of Ciudad Real between January 2007 and August 2017 for initial rheumatic manifestations with a suspicion at discharge of an unknown tumor. RESULTS: In all, 64 patients were identified from more than 500 admissions. The most common rheumatic manifestations were inflammatory low back pain, polyarthralgia, hip pain, thoracic spine pain, cervical pain, polyarthritis and polymyalgia rheumatica. Forty-four percent had low hemoglobin, 70% had elevation of acute-phase reactants, 62% had abnormal tumor markers, 76% had metastatic lesions. In 20% the primary tumor was of pulmonary origin and only 26.56% received palliative treatment; 64% died. DISCUSSION: It is important to consider the possibility of an underlying malignant process in the differential diagnosis since its early identification can be determinant for prognosis

Rheumatic syndromes and occult tumor: 10-year experience in a teaching hospital. / Síndromes reumáticos y tumor oculto, experiencia de 10 años en un hospital universitario.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the different clinical characteristics of patients admitted to the Rheumatology Department due to rheumatic manifestations as the first expression of an unknown malignant process. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective and descriptive observational study involving the review of the medical records of those admitted to rheumatology in the University Hospital of Ciudad Real between January 2007 and August 2017 for initial rheumatic manifestations with a suspicion at discharge of an unknown tumor. RESULTS: In all, 64 patients were identified from more than 500 admissions. The most common rheumatic manifestations were inflammatory low back pain, polyarthralgia, hip pain, thoracic spine pain, cervical pain, polyarthritis and polymyalgia rheumatica. Forty-four percent had low hemoglobin, 70% had elevation of acute-phase reactants, 62% had abnormal tumor markers, 76% had metastatic lesions. In 20% the primary tumor was of pulmonary origin and only 26.56% received palliative treatment; 64% died. DISCUSSION: It is important to consider the possibility of an underlying malignant process in the differential diagnosis since its early identification can be determinant for prognosis.

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus, morphea profunda and psoriasis: A case report. / Lupus eritematoso cutáneo, morfea profunda y psoriasis en una paciente.

Psoriasis is a common inflammatory dermatosis that may be associated with a number of diseases. Recent studies provide evidence that there is a greater frequency of autoimmune diseases, but association with autoimmune connective tissue diseases is uncommon. The coexistence of psoriasis and lupus erythematosus is rare. Besides, the occurrence of morphea has rarely been reported in patients with lupus or psoriasis. We report a woman with cutaneous lupus and morphea profunda associated with psoriasis, with an excellent response to methotrexate, and review the literature.

Pioderma gangrenoso, complicación infrecuente en la neuroestimulación medular / Pyoderma gangrenosum, undocumented complication of a spinal cord stimulation

El pioderma gangrenoso (PG) es una enfermedad cutánea rara y dolorosa con una respuesta de tratamiento impredecible. Las lesiones son recurrentes y ocurren en áreas que han sufrido traumas previos. Algunos casos se han relacionado con diferentes tipos de cirugías y, por lo general, no se diagnostican correctamente y se clasifican erróneamente como un proceso infeccioso. La implantación de un sistema de neuroestimulación es un procedimiento quirúrgico con varias complicaciones posibles, generalmente infecciosas, pero también no infecciosas, como reacciones de hipersensibilidad, pero no hay una descripción de la PG. Presentamos un paciente con un síndrome de dolor regional complejo posquirúrgico en ambos pies que desarrolla una lesión necrótica, pustulosa, eritematosa y dolorosa después del implante de un sistema de neuroestimulación medular que se diagnosticó como PG y se trató correctamente gracias a un enfoque multidisciplinario

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare and painful skin disease with unpredictable treatment response. The lesions are recurrent and occur in areas that have suffered previous trauma. Some cases have been related to different types of surgeries and it is usually underdiagnosed and erroneously classifi ed as an infectious process. The implantation of a neurostimulation system is a surgical procedure with several possible complications, usually infectious but also non-infectious such as hypersensitivity reactions but there is no description of PG. We report a patient with a post-surgical complex regional pain syndrome in both feet that develops a necrotic, pustular, erythematous and painful lesion after the implantation of a spinal cord stimulation which was diagnosed as PG and correctly treated thanks to a multidisciplinary approach

El papel de la sintomatología depresiva, catastrofismo y expectativa en la eficacia de las técnicas intervencionistas para el tratamiento del dolor lumbar crónico / Role of depressive symptomatology, catastrophism and expectation in the efficacy of interventional treatment in chronic low back pain

Objetivo: Determinar el valor predictivo de las variables sintomatología depresiva, nivel de catastrofismo y expectativa en el éxito de la infiltración terapéutica de la articulación sacroilíaca para el tratamiento del dolor lumbar crónico. Material y métodos: Estudio piloto observacional, descriptivo de tipo transversal (mayo-junio de 2017) en pacientes nuevos con dolor lumbar crónico de origen sacroilíaco sin trastorno psicológico/psiquiátrico previo y a los que nunca se les había realizado ningún tipo de infiltración. Se hizo una valoración clínica inicial y se aplicó un cuestionario estructurado para determinar la presencia de las variables expectativa, catastrofismo y sintomatología depresiva. Se programó para la realización de una infiltración sacroilíaca ecoguiada y posteriormente se realizó una nueva valoración clínica comparativa a las 4 semanas. Resultados: Participaron 28 pacientes (75 % mujeres), con una media de edad de 60 +/- 11,8 años. La puntuación basal en la escala visual analógica (EVA) fue de 7,64 +/- 1,42 y la puntuación basal en el EuroQol fue de 0,451 +/- 0,202. A las 4 semanas del procedimiento la EVA fue de 6,32 +/- 1,66 y el EuroQol de 0,594 +/- 0,242. Si bien todas las variables estudiadas mostraron un papel relevante en la respuesta clínica, la variable catastrofismo fue la que presentó mayor asociación con una escasa mejoría clínica (p = 0,001). Conclusiones: La detección y tratamiento precoces de variables de vulnerabilidad como la sintomatología depresiva, el grado de catastrofismo y el nivel de expectativa son determinantes para la obtención de mejores resultados terapéuticos en los pacientes con dolor crónico

Objective: To determine the predictive value of psychological variables (depressive symptomatology, catastrophism and expectation) in the success of the therapeutic sacroiliac joint injection for the treatment of chronic low back pain. Methodology: An observational, descriptive crosssectional pilot study (May-June 2017) in new patients with chronic lumbar pain of sacroiliac origin without psychological/psychiatric previous disorder who had never undergone any type of infi ltration. An initial clinical assessment was made, a structured questionnaire was applied to determine the presence of the variables expectation, catastrophism and depressive symptomatology. An ultrasound-guided sacroiliac infiltration was scheduled and a new clinical comparative assessment was performed after 4 weeks. Results: 28 patients were obtained (75% women) with an average age of 60+/-11.8 years. A baseline VAS was 7.64+/-1.42 and basaline EuroQol of 0.451+/- 0.202. After 4 weeks of the procedure, the VAS was 6.32+/-1.66 and the EuroQol was 0.594+/-0.242. Although all the variables showed a relevant role in the clinical response, the catastrophism was the greatest associated with poor clinical improvement (p=0.001). Conclusions: The detection and early treatment of vulnerability variables such as depressive symptomatology, catastrophism and the level of expectation are determining factor to obtaining better therapeutic outcomes in patients with chronic pain

¿Qué papel juega la actividad de la enfermedad en el riesgo cardiovascular de la artritis reumatoide? / What role does rheumatoid arthritis disease activity have in cardiovascular risk?

La artritis reumatoide (AR) presenta una mortalidad de 1,3 a 3 veces superior a la población general; la principal causa de muerte son las complicaciones cardiovasculares (40-50%). En el abordaje inicial se debe incluir la valoración del riesgo cardiovascular (RCV) mediante algoritmos adaptados para esta población. Si bien el SCOREm constituye un avance importante, hay datos que indican que podría infradiagnosticar la ateroesclerosis subclínica. Objetivo: Estimar la fuerza de asociación entre la ecografia carotídea y el SCOREm en esta población, así como la implicancia de la actividad de la enfermedad. Metodología: Estudio observacional, transversal y analítico, realizado en el Hospital General de Ciudad Real durante el periodo junio de 2013-mayo de 2014. Se realizó la valoración del RCV y según el SCOREm se dividió a la población en riesgo bajo y alto (medio, alto y muy alto). Se estudió la presencia de ateroesclerosis subclínica en los pacientes de riesgo bajo. Resultados: Del total de 119 pacientes con AR, el 73,1% presentaba factores de riesgo tradicionales. Se excluyeron 38 pacientes por evento cardiovascular previo, diabetes mellitus y nefropatía. Se objetivó placa ateromatosa en el 14,63% de la población de riesgo bajo. El factor con mayor asociación con la presencia de aterosclerosis subclínica fue el grado de actividad moderada/alta de la AR medida mediante el SDAI, con un OR de 4,95 (IC 95%: 1,53-16,01). Conclusiones: Aunque existe una aceptable asociación entre la presencia de aterosclerosis subclínica y el SCOREm, hay una proporción no despreciable de pacientes clasificados de riesgo bajo con placas ateromatosas. La actividad de la enfermedad fue el factor de riesgo más asociado al incremento del RCV

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with a 1.3 to 3-fold increase in mortality, being the major cause of death from cardiovascular complications (40%-50%). Therefore, the initial approach should include cardiovascular risk (CVR) assessment using algorithms adapted for this population. Although, SCOREM is an important advance, there are data indicating that subclinical atherosclerosis may be underdiagnosed. Objective: To estimate the strength of association between carotid ultrasound and SCOREM in this population, as well as the implication of disease activity. Methodology: Cross-sectional, observational, analytical study performed at the General Hospital of Ciudad Real, Spain, between June 2013 and May 2014. The evaluation of CVR was performed and, according to SCOREM, the population was divided into low and high (medium, high and very high) risk. We studied the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis in low-risk patients. Results: Of the total of 119 RA patients, 73.1% had traditional risk factors. Thirty-eight patients were excluded because of a previous cardiovascular event, diabetes mellitus and/or nephropathy. Atheromatous plaque was observed in 14.63% of the low-risk population. The factor with the strongest association to the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis was a moderate or high activity of RA measured by the simplified disease activity index with an odds ratio of 4.95 (95% CI: 1.53-16.01). Conclusions: Although there was an acceptable correlation between the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis and SCOREM, there was a considerable proportion of atheromatous plaques in low-risk patients. Disease activity was the risk factor most closely associated with increased CVR

Artritis reumatoide, una enfermedad sistémica con un riesgo cardiovascular subestimado / Rheumatoid arthritis; a systemic disease with an under-estimated cardiovascular risk

RESUMEN Objetivo: Determinar el riesgo cardiovascular y la prevalencia de factores de riesgo cardiovascular (RCV) en los pacientes con artritis reumatoide. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal, realizado en el Hospital General de Ciudad Real, entre junio de 2013 y mayo de 2014. Se realizó una analítica completa, se elaboró un perfil clínico, se calculó el SCOREm y se estratificó el RCV. Finalmente, se determinó la presencia de aterosclerosis subclínica mediante la realización de una ecografía carotídea. Resultados: 119 pacientes aceptaron participar en el estudio. Hubo una prevalencia del 73,1% de los factores de riesgo tradicionales, 6,72% había presentado un evento cardiovascular al momento del estudio, 22,68% poseía un infradiagnóstico de diabetes mellitus o nefropatía. La distribución final del RCV fue: riesgo bajo 46 (38,7%), riesgo intermedio 33 (27,7%), riesgo alto 2 (1,7%), riesgo muy alto 38 (31,9%). Conclusiones: Existe una alta prevalencia de factores de RCV y riesgo elevado infradiagnosticado en esta población. Por lo que si bien la artritis reumatoide se manifiesta de forma más aparente a nivel articular, ha de considerarse una enfermedad sistémica asociada a una mayor incidencia de eventos cardiovasculares.

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the cardiovascular risk and the prevalence of cardiovascular risk (CVR) factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Material and methods: Observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study performed in the General Hospital of Ciudad Real from June 2013 to May 2014. A complete laboratory analysis was performed, a clinical profile was prepared, the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCOREm) was calculated, and the CVR was stratified. Finally, the presence of sub-clinical atherosclerosis was determined by performing a carotid ultrasound. Results: 119 patients accepted to participate in the study. There was a prevalence of 73.1% of traditional risk factors; 6.72% having had a cardiovascular event at the time of the study, and 22.68% had an underdiagnosis of diabetes mellitus and/or nephropathy. The final distribution of the CVR was: Low risk 46 (38.7%), intermediate risk 33 (27.7%), high risk 2 (1.7%), very high risk 38 (31.9%). Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of CVR factors and an elevated risk of underdiagnosis in the rheumatoid arthritis population. Therefore, although rheumatoid arthritis manifests itself more in the joints, it should be considered a systemic disease associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular events.

Reumatología intervencionista, una asignatura pendiente / Interventional rheumatology, an unsettled issue

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