Salivary gland ultrasound in clinical practice: What is its real usefulness?

BACKGROUND: Salivary gland ultrasound (SGU) provides information about structural gland abnormalities that can be graded and used for primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) diagnosis. Its potential role as a prognostic marker for detecting patients at high risk of lymphoma and extra-glandular manifestations is still under evaluation. We aim to assess the usefulness of SGU for SS diagnosis in routine clinical practice and its relationship with extra-glandular involvement and lymphoma risk in pSS patients. METHODS: We designed a retrospective observational single-center study. Data was collected using the electronic health records of patients referred to an ultrasound outpatient clinic for evaluation over a 4-year period. Data extraction included demographics, comorbidities, clinical data, laboratory tests, SGU results, salivary gland (SG) biopsy, and scintigraphy results. Comparisons were made between patients with and without pathological SGU. The external criterion for comparison was the fulfillment of the 2016 ACR/EULAR pSS criteria. RESULTS: A total of 179 SGU assessments were included from this 4-year period. Twenty-four cases (13.4%) were pathological. The most frequently diagnosed conditions prior to SGU-detected pathologies were pSS (9.7%), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (13.1%), and systemic lupus (4.6%). One hundred and two patients (57%) had no previous diagnosis (sicca syndrome work-up); of these, 47 patients (46.1%) were ANA positive and 25 (24.5%) anti-SSA positive. In this study, the sensitivity and specificity of SGU for SS diagnosis were 48% and 98% respectively, with a positive predictive value of 95%. There were statistically significant relationships between a pathological SGU and the presence of recurrent parotitis (p=.0083), positive anti-SSB antibodies (p=.0083), and a positive sialography (p=.0351). CONCLUSIONS: SGU shows high global specificity but low sensitivity for pSS diagnosis in routine care. Pathological SGU findings are associated with positive autoantibodies (ANA and anti-SSB) and recurrent parotitis.

Salivary gland ultrasound in clinical practice: What is its real usefulness? / Utilidad en práctica clínica de la ecografía de glándulas salivales

Background: Salivary gland ultrasound (SGU) provides information about structural gland abnormalities that can be graded and used for primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) diagnosis. Its potential role as a prognostic marker for detecting patients at high risk of lymphoma and extra-glandular manifestations is still under evaluation. We aim to assess the usefulness of SGU for SS diagnosis in routine clinical practice and its relationship with extra-glandular involvement and lymphoma risk in pSS patients. Methods: We designed a retrospective observational single-center study. Data was collected using the electronic health records of patients referred to an ultrasound outpatient clinic for evaluation over a 4-year period. Data extraction included demographics, comorbidities, clinical data, laboratory tests, SGU results, salivary gland (SG) biopsy, and scintigraphy results. Comparisons were made between patients with and without pathological SGU. The external criterion for comparison was the fulfillment of the 2016 ACR/EULAR pSS criteria. Results: A total of 179 SGU assessments were included from this 4-year period. Twenty-four cases (13.4%) were pathological. The most frequently diagnosed conditions prior to SGU-detected pathologies were pSS (9.7%), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (13.1%), and systemic lupus (4.6%). One hundred and two patients (57%) had no previous diagnosis (sicca syndrome work-up); of these, 47 patients (46.1%) were ANA positive and 25 (24.5%) anti-SSA positive. In this study, the sensitivity and specificity of SGU for SS diagnosis were 48% and 98% respectively, with a positive predictive value of 95%. There were statistically significant relationships between a pathological SGU and the presence of recurrent parotitis (p=.0083), positive anti-SSB antibodies (p=.0083), and a positive sialography (p=.0351)...(AU)

Antecedentes y objetivo: La ecografía de glándulas salivales (EGS) proporciona información acerca de las anomalías en la estructura glandular, y puede ser utilizado para el diagnóstico del síndrome de Sjögren (SS). Además, su potencial valor pronóstico para detectar pacientes con riesgo de manifestaciones extra-glandulares, así como el riesgo de linfoma se encuentra aún bajo estudio. El objetivo de nuestro estudio es evaluar la utilidad de la EGS para el diagnóstico del SS en la práctica clínica habitual, y su relación con la afectación extra-glandular, así como el riesgo de linfoma en pacientes con síndrome de Sjögren primario (pSS). Métodos: Realizamos un estudio retrospectivo y observacional en un único centro. La información fue recolectada de la historia clínica electrónica del paciente tras un seguimiento de 4 años. Esta información incluye variables demográficas, comorbilidades, datos clínicos, análisis de laboratorio, los resultados de la EGS, biopsia de glándulas salivales y gammagrafía. Se efectuaron comparaciones entre los pacientes que tenían una EGS patológica con aquellos que tenían un resultado normal. El criterio para establecer la comparación fue cumplir los criterios de ACR/ELUAR 2016 para el diagnóstico de pSS. Resultados: Se realizaron un total de 179 EGS durante el período de 4 años. De estas, 24 (13,4%) resultaron ser patológicas. Las enfermedades más frecuentemente identificadas tras realizar la EGS fueron pSS (9,7%), artritis reumatoide (AR) (4,6%) y lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) (4,6%). Ciento dos pacientes (57%) no tenían diagnóstico previo (estudio de síndrome seca); de estos, 47 (46,1%) tenían ANA positivo y 25 (24,5%) tenían anti-Ro positivo. La sensibilidad y la especificidad de la EGS para detectar el SS en nuestro estudio fueron del 48 y 98%, respectivamente; con un valor predictivo positivo del 95%...(AU)

Recomendaciones SER sobre el manejo de los pacientes con fibromialgia. Parte II: educación del paciente y formación de los profesionales / Recommendations by the Spanish Society of Rheumatology on the Management of Patients with Fibromyalgia. Part II

Objetivo: Evitar el deterioro de los pacientes con fibromialgia por actuaciones perjudiciales en la práctica clínica potencialmente evitables. Métodos: Un panel multidisciplinar de expertos identificó las áreas clave, analizó la evidencia científica y formuló las recomendaciones a partir de esta evidencia y de técnicas cualitativas de «evaluación formal» o «juicio razonado». Resultados: Se han elaborado 39 recomendaciones sobre diagnóstico, tratamientos no eficaces ni seguros, educación del paciente y formación del profesional. En esta parteII se reflejan las 12 recomendaciones, referidas a las dos últimas áreas. Conclusiones: Un buen conocimiento de la fibromialgia por el paciente mejora el afrontamiento y la aceptación de la enfermedad reduciendo la gravedad de algunas manifestaciones clínicas. Los profesionales sanitarios que tratan a los pacientes con fibromialgia deben tener una buena formación sobre esta enfermedad para mejorar los resultados del tratamiento y la relación con el paciente.(AU)

Objective: To prevent the deterioration of patients with fibromyalgia due to potentially avoidable harmful actions in clinical practice. Methods: A multidisciplinary panel of experts identified key areas, analysed the scientific evidence and formulated recommendations based on this evidence and qualitative techniques of «formal assessment» or «reasoned judgement». Results: Thirty-nine recommendations were made on diagnosis, ineffective and unsafe treatments, patient education and practitioner training. This partII shows the 12 recommendations, referring to the latter two areas. Conclusions: Good knowledge of fibromyalgia on the part of patients improves their coping and acceptance of the disease and reduces the severity of some clinical manifestations. Healthcare professionals treating patients with fibromyalgia should be well trained in this disease to improve treatment outcomes and patient relationships.(AU)

Recomendaciones SER sobre el manejo de los pacientes con fibromialgia. Parte I: diagnóstico y tratamiento / Recommendations by the Spanish Society of Rheumatology on Fibromyalgia. Part 1: Diagnosis and Treatment

Objetivo: Evitar el deterioro de los pacientes con fibromialgia por actuaciones perjudiciales en la práctica clínica potencialmente evitables. Métodos: Un panel multidisciplinar de expertos identificó las áreas claves, analizó la evidencia científica y formuló las recomendaciones a partir de esta evidencia y de técnicas cualitativas de «evaluación formal» o «juicio razonado». Resultados: Se han elaborado 39 recomendaciones sobre diagnóstico, tratamientos no eficaces ni seguros, educación del paciente y formación del profesional. En esta parte I se reflejan las 27 primeras, referidas a las 2 primeras áreas. Conclusiones: Establecer el diagnóstico mejora el afrontamiento del paciente y reduce los costes sanitarios. Se deben evitar AINE, opioides mayores y benzodiacepinas por los efectos adversos. No existe una evidencia sólida que justifique la asociación de fármacos. Tampoco existe una buena evidencia para recomendar ningún tipo de terapia complementaria. Las cirugías muestran más complicaciones y un grado de satisfacción menor por el paciente por lo que deben evitarse si la indicación no está claramente establecida.(AU)

Objective: To prevent the impairment of fibromyalgia patients due to harmful actions in daily clinical practice that are potentially avoidable. Methods: A multidisciplinary team identified the main areas of interest and carried out an analysis of scientific evidence and established recommendations based on the evidence and “formal evaluation” or “reasoned judgment” qualitative analysis techniques. Results: A total of 39 recommendations address diagnosis, unsafe or ineffective treatment interventions and patient and healthcare workers’ education. This part I shows the first 27 recommendations on the first 2 areas. Conclusions: Establishing a diagnosis improves the patient's coping with the disease and reduces healthcare costs. NSAIDs, strong opioids and benzodiazepines should be avoided due to side effects. There is no good evidence to justify the association of several drugs. There is also no good evidence to recommend any complementary medicine. Surgeries show a greater number of complications and a lower degree of patient satisfaction and therefore should be avoided if the surgical indication is not clearly established.(AU)

Recommendations by the Spanish Society of Rheumatology on Fibromyalgia. Part 1: Diagnosis and treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To prevent the impairment of fibromyalgia patients due to harmful actions in daily clinical practice that are potentially avoidable. METHODS: A multidisciplinary team identified the main areas of interest and carried out an analysis of scientific evidence and established recommendations based on the evidence and "formal evaluation" or "reasoned judgment" qualitative analysis techniques. RESULTS: A total of 39 recommendations address diagnosis, unsafe or ineffective treatment interventions and patient and healthcare workers' education. This part I shows the first 27 recommendations on the first 2 areas. CONCLUSIONS: Establishing a diagnosis improves the patient's coping with the disease and reduces healthcare costs. NSAIDs, strong opioids and benzodiazepines should be avoided due to side effects. There is no good evidence to justify the association of several drugs. There is also no good evidence to recommend any complementary medicine. Surgeries show a greater number of complications and a lower degree of patient satisfaction and therefore should be avoided if the surgical indication is not clearly established.

Recommendations by the Spanish Society of Rheumatology on the management of patients with fibromyalgia. Part II.

OBJECTIVE: To prevent the deterioration of patients with fibromyalgia due to potentially avoidable harmful actions in clinical practice. METHODS: A multidisciplinary panel of experts identified key areas, analysed the scientific evidence and formulated recommendations based on this evidence and qualitative techniques of "formal assessment" or "reasoned judgement". RESULTS: Thirty-nine recommendations were made on diagnosis, ineffective and unsafe treatments, patient education and practitioner training. This part II shows the 12 recommendations, referring to the latter two areas. CONCLUSIONS: Good knowledge of fibromyalgia on the part of patients improves their coping and acceptance of the disease and reduces the severity of some clinical manifestations. Healthcare professionals treating patients with fibromyalgia should be well trained in this disease to improve treatment outcomes and patient relationships.

Recommendations by the Spanish Society of Rheumatology on the Management of Patients with Fibromyalgia. Part II. / Recomendaciones SER sobre el manejo de los pacientes con fibromialgia. Parte II.

OBJECTIVE: To prevent the deterioration of patients with fibromyalgia due to potentially avoidable harmful actions in clinical practice. METHODS: A multidisciplinary panel of experts identified key areas, analysed the scientific evidence and formulated recommendations based on this evidence and qualitative techniques of «formal assessment¼ or «reasoned judgement¼. RESULTS: Thirty-nine recommendations were made on diagnosis, ineffective and unsafe treatments, patient education and practitioner training. This partII shows the 12 recommendations, referring to the latter two areas. CONCLUSIONS: Good knowledge of fibromyalgia on the part of patients improves their coping and acceptance of the disease and reduces the severity of some clinical manifestations. Healthcare professionals treating patients with fibromyalgia should be well trained in this disease to improve treatment outcomes and patient relationships.

Recommendations by the Spanish Society of Rheumatology on Fibromyalgia. Part 1: Diagnosis and Treatment. / Recomendaciones SER sobre el manejo de los pacientes con fibromialgia. Parte I: diagnóstico y tratamiento.

OBJECTIVE: To prevent the impairment of fibromyalgia patients due to harmful actions in daily clinical practice that are potentially avoidable. METHODS: A multidisciplinary team identified the main areas of interest and carried out an analysis of scientific evidence and established recommendations based on the evidence and "formal evaluation" or "reasoned judgment" qualitative analysis techniques. RESULTS: A total of 39 recommendations address diagnosis, unsafe or ineffective treatment interventions and patient and healthcare workers' education. This part I shows the first 27 recommendations on the first 2 areas. CONCLUSIONS: Establishing a diagnosis improves the patient's coping with the disease and reduces healthcare costs. NSAIDs, strong opioids and benzodiazepines should be avoided due to side effects. There is no good evidence to justify the association of several drugs. There is also no good evidence to recommend any complementary medicine. Surgeries show a greater number of complications and a lower degree of patient satisfaction and therefore should be avoided if the surgical indication is not clearly established.

Association of apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A1 ratio and cardiovascular events in rheumatoid arthritis: results of the CARMA study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the plasma apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A1 ratio and its potential association with cardiovascular events (CVE) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: A baseline analysis was made of the CARdiovascular in rheuMAtology Project (CARMA), a 10-year prospective study evaluating the presence of at least one CVE in 775 Spanish patients with RA. Of them, 29 had already experienced CVE prior to the inclusion in the study. We assessed the association between the elevation of the apoB/apoA1 ratio with the presence of CVE according to a logistic regression model for possible confounding factors. We also analysed the main parameters of activity of RA and parameters related to lipid metabolism. RA patients were classified according to treatment: patients treated with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs without biologics and those undergoing biologic therapy (anti-TNF-α, anti-IL-6 receptor, and other biologic agents). RESULTS: The apoB/apoA1 ratio of patients who had experienced CVE was higher than that of patients without previous CVE (0.65 vs. 0.60). However, the difference between both subgroups did not reach statistical significance (p=0.197). It was also the case after the multivariate analysis [OR: 1.48 (95% CI: 0.15-14.4); p=0.735]. RA patients from the group with CVE were more commonly receiving lipid-lowering treatment with statins than those without CVE history (41.4% vs. 20%, p=0.005). High HAQ and high atherogenic index were significantly associated with the presence of CVE. There was no statistical association between the type of biologic therapy used in RA and the presence of CVE. CONCLUSIONS: No association between ApoB/apoA1 ratio and CVE was found at the baseline visit of patients with RA from the CARMA study.

Entendiendo el síndrome de fatiga crónica / No disponible

No disponible

Chronic fatigue syndrome: aetiology, diagnosis and treatment.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is characterised by intense fatigue, with duration of over six months and associated to other related symptoms. The latter include asthenia and easily induced tiredness that is not recovered after a night's sleep. The fatigue becomes so severe that it forces a 50% reduction in daily activities. Given its unknown aetiology, different hypotheses have been considered to explain the origin of the condition (from immunological disorders to the presence of post-traumatic oxidative stress), although there are no conclusive diagnostic tests. Diagnosis is established through the exclusion of other diseases causing fatigue. This syndrome is rare in childhood and adolescence, although the fatigue symptom per se is quite common in paediatric patients. Currently, no curative treatment exists for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. The therapeutic approach to this syndrome requires a combination of different therapeutic modalities. The specific characteristics of the symptomatology of patients with chronic fatigue require a rapid adaptation of the educational, healthcare and social systems to prevent the problems derived from current systems. Such patients require multidisciplinary management due to the multiple and different issues affecting them. This document was realized by one of the Interdisciplinary Work Groups from the Institute for Rare Diseases, and its aim is to point out the main social and care needs for people affected with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. For this, it includes not only the view of representatives for different scientific societies, but also the patient associations view, because they know the true history of their social and sanitary needs. In an interdisciplinary approach, this work also reviews the principal scientific, medical, socio-sanitary and psychological aspects of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Uso apropiado de los antiinflamatorios no esteroideos en reumatología: documento de consenso de la Sociedad Española de Reumatología y el Colegio Mexicano de Reumatología / Appropriate use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in rheumatology: guidelines from the Spanish Society of Rheumatology and the Mexican College of Rheumatology

Objetivos: Elaborar recomendaciones para el uso apropiado de AINE en reumatología. Métodos: Se utilizó una metodología modificada de RAND/UCLA. Se seleccionaron dos grupos de panelistas, uno por el CMR y otro por la SER. A partir de grupos nominales, se obtuvieron propuestas de recomendaciones, que fueron sometidas a la prueba de acuerdo entre los reumatólogos de ambas sociedades mediante encuesta Delphi a dos rondas. Del análisis de la segunda ronda Delphi, se extrajeron las recomendaciones finales y posteriormente se revisó el nivel de evidencia y el grado de acuerdo de la recomendación según el Centro de Medicina Basada en la Evidencia de Oxford. Finalmente, se efectuó revisión sistemática de cinco recomendaciones sin acuerdo. Resultados: Se presentan recomendaciones sobre el uso seguro de los AINE en las enfermedades reumáticas, con base en la mejor evidencia disponible, la opinión de expertos, el acuerdo entre reumatólogos y la revisión de la literatura. La tendencia es disminuir la frecuencia, la duración y la dosis de AINE en favor de medidas no farmacológicas, analgésicos o fármacos modificadores de los síntomas o del curso de la enfermedad. Además, es obligado identificar perfiles de mayor riesgo de toxicidad, en especial gastrointestinal y cardiovascular. Se recomiendan pautas de actuación y monitorización en los diferentes grupos de riesgo y en pacientes con empleo de antiagregantes plaquetarios, anticoagulación o con terapias concomitantes. El porcentaje de acuerdo es elevado en la mayoría de los casos. Conclusiones: Los AINE son medicamentos seguros y eficaces en el tratamiento de las afecciones reumáticas. No obstante, dado su perfil de riesgo, es necesario individualizar su uso (AU)

Objective: To develop guidelines for the appropriate use of NSAIDs in rheumatology. Methods: We used a methodology modified from the one developed by RAND/UCLA. Two groups of panellists were selected, one by the CMR and another by the SER. Recommendations were proposed from nominal groups and the agreement to them was tested among rheumatologists from both societies by a tworound Delphi survey. The analysis of the second Delphi round supported the generation of the final set of recommendations and the assignment of a level of agreement to each of them. Systematic reviews of five recommendations in which the agreement was low or was divided were also carried out. Results: Here we present recommendations for the safe use of NSAIDs in rheumatic diseases, based on the best available evidence, expert opinion, the agreement among rheumatologists, and literature review. The trend is to reduce the frequency, duration and dose of NSAIDs in favour of non-pharmacological measures, analgesic drugs or disease modifying drugs. In addition, the recommendations help to identify profiles for increased toxicity, with an emphasis on gastrointestinal and cardiovascular risks. The recommendations deal with the course of action and monitoring in different risk groups and in patients using antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs. The overall level of agreement is high. Conclusions: The NSAIDs are safe and effective drugs for the treatment of rheumatic diseases. However, it is necessary to individualize its use according to their risk profile (AU)

[Appropriate use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in rheumatology: guidelines from the Spanish Society of Rheumatology and the Mexican College of Rheumatology]. / Uso apropiado de los antiinflamatorios no esteroideos en reumatología: documento de consenso de la Sociedad Española de Reumatología y el Colegio Mexicano de Reumatología.

OBJECTIVE: To develop guidelines for the appropriate use of NSAIDs in rheumatology. METHODS: We used a methodology modified from the one developed by RAND/UCLA. Two groups of panellists were selected, one by the CMR and another by the SER. Recommendations were proposed from nominal groups and the agreement to them was tested among rheumatologists from both societies by a tworound Delphi survey. The analysis of the second Delphi round supported the generation of the final set of recommendations and the assignment of a level of agreement to each of them. Systematic reviews of five recommendations in which the agreement was low or was divided were also carried out. RESULTS: Here we present recommendations for the safe use of NSAIDs in rheumatic diseases, based on the best available evidence, expert opinion, the agreement among rheumatologists, and literature review. The trend is to reduce the frequency, duration and dose of NSAIDs in favour of non-pharmacological measures, analgesic drugs or disease modifying drugs. In addition, the recommendations help to identify profiles for increased toxicity, with an emphasis on gastrointestinal and cardiovascular risks. The recommendations deal with the course of action and monitoring in different risk groups and in patients using antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs. The overall level of agreement is high. CONCLUSIONS: The NSAIDs are safe and effective drugs for the treatment of rheumatic diseases. However, it is necessary to individualize its use according to their risk profile.

Propuesta de una versión de consenso del Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) para la población española / Proposal for a consensus version of the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) for the Spanish population

Objetivo: Lograr una versión actualizada y de consenso del Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) para la población española, el Cuestionario de Impacto de la Fibromialgia (CIF). Material y métodos: La confección del CIF se llevó a cabo con participación de todos los grupos de investigadores de las 4 versiones españolas previas del FIQ y teniendo en consideración la reciente versión actualizada del original. Se aplicó el CIF a una muestra de pacientes con fibromialgia para explorar la comprensibilidad de sus ítems y comparar las puntuaciones del cuestionario con 2 índices compuestos: “semiobjetivo” y “subjetivo” de gravedad de la fibromialgia. Se determinaron los correspondientes coeficientes de correlación de Spearman. Resultados: Se exponen las principales modificaciones introducidas en el cuestionario. Algunos pacientes confundieron las respuestas al subítem “j” y al ítem 3, los restantes ítems y subítems no plantearon problemas. Los coeficientes de correlación entre las puntuaciones del CIF y los índices semiobjetivo y subjetivo fueron de 0,57 y 0,76, respectivamente (p < 0,001). Conclusión: Se propone el CIF como versión española actualizada y de consenso del FIQ (AU)

Objective: To obtain an updated FIQ consensus version for patients in Spain, the Cuestionario de Impacto de la Fibromialgia (CIF). Material and methods: The CIF elaboration was carried out with the participation of all the groups of researchers in the 4 previous FIQ Spanish versions, and taking into account the recent updated version of the original FIQ. The CIF was completed by a sample of fibromialgia patients to explore how comprensible its items are and to compare its global score with 2 fibromialgia composite severity indexes, one semi-objective and one subjective. The corresponding Spearman correlation coefficients were determined. Results: The main modifications introduced in the questionnaire are shown. Some patients were confused in their responses to subitem “j” and item 3, but not with regard to the remaining items or subitems. Correlation coeficients between the CIF and the semi-objective and subjective fibromialgia severity indexes were 0.57 and 0.76 respectively (P< 001). Conclusion: The CIF is proposed as an updated Spanish version of the FIQ (AU)

[Proposal for a consensus version of the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) for the Spanish population]. / Propuesta de una versión de consenso del Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) para la población española.

OBJECTIVE: To obtain an updated FIQ consensus version for patients in Spain, the Cuestionario de Impacto de la Fibromialgia (CIF). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The CIF elaboration was carried out with the participation of all the groups of researchers in the 4 previous FIQ Spanish versions, and taking into account the recent updated version of the original FIQ. The CIF was completed by a sample of fibromialgia patients to explore how comprensible its items are and to compare its global score with 2 fibromialgia composite severity indexes, one semi-objective and one subjective. The corresponding Spearman correlation coefficients were determined RESULTS: The main modifications introduced in the questionnaire are shown. Some patients were confused in their responses to subitem "j" and item 3, but not with regard to the remaining items or subitems. Correlation coeficients between the CIF and the semi-objective and subjective fibromialgia severity indexes were 0.57 and 0.76 respectively (P<001). CONCLUSION: The CIF is proposed as an updated Spanish version of the FIQ.