Is the use of secukinumab after anti-TNF therapy greater than expected for the risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease?

OBJECTIVE: In this study, our objective was to present real-life data on the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) among patients receiving secukinumab treatment. METHODS: The study consisted of 209 patients who had prior exposure to anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) or were biologically naive. Patients with a pre-existing history of IBD were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Of the 209 patients in the study, 176 (84.3%) had ankylosing spondylitis, while 33 (15.7%) had psoriatic arthritis. 112 (53.6%) patients had prior exposure to at least one anti-TNF treatment before initiating secukinumab. IBD developed in 10 (4.8%) of the 209 patients. The incidence of IBD among patients who initiated secukinumab as their first biologic agent was 1%. For patients who had previously received any anti-TNF treatment and subsequently transitioned to secukinumab, the incidence of IBD was 8% (p=0.018, odds ratio (OR): 8.38, 95% CI: 1.04-67.45). A mean of 3.67 months (±4.3) after anti-TNF use, whereas IBD symptoms developed in the biologically naive patient after 15 months. CONCLUSION: Our study observed IBD incidence in 4.8% of patients using secukinumab. Patients who initiated secukinumab after previous anti-TNF treatment exhibited a significantly higher rate and risk of developing IBD. The onset of IBD occurred earlier in these patients (mean 3.67 months), whereas a single case of IBD showed a longer duration (15 months). Further studies with larger patient numbers are warranted to provide a more comprehensive understanding of our findings.

Is the use of secukinumab after anti-TNF therapy greater than expected for the risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease? / El uso de secukinumab tras la terapia anti-TNF es mayor de lo esperado por el riesgo de desarrollar enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal?

Objective: In this study, our objective was to present real-life data on the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) among patients receiving secukinumab treatment. Methods: The study consisted of 209 patients who had prior exposure to anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) or were biologically naive. Patients with a pre-existing history of IBD were excluded from the study. Results: Of the 209 patients in the study, 176 (84.3%) had ankylosing spondylitis, while 33 (15.7%) had psoriatic arthritis. 112 (53.6%) patients had prior exposure to at least one anti-TNF treatment before initiating secukinumab. IBD developed in 10 (4.8%) of the 209 patients. The incidence of IBD among patients who initiated secukinumab as their first biologic agent was 1%. For patients who had previously received any anti-TNF treatment and subsequently transitioned to secukinumab, the incidence of IBD was 8% (p=0.018, odds ratio (OR): 8.38, 95% CI: 1.04–67.45). A mean of 3.67 months (±4.3) after anti-TNF use, whereas IBD symptoms developed in the biologically naive patient after 15 months. Conclusion: Our study observed IBD incidence in 4.8% of patients using secukinumab. Patients who initiated secukinumab after previous anti-TNF treatment exhibited a significantly higher rate and risk of developing IBD. The onset of IBD occurred earlier in these patients (mean 3.67 months), whereas a single case of IBD showed a longer duration (15 months). Further studies with larger patient numbers are warranted to provide a more comprehensive understanding of our findings.(AU)

Objetivo: En este estudio, nuestro objetivo fue presentar datos de la vida real sobre la incidencia de la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (EII) entre los pacientes que reciben tratamiento con secukinumab. Métodos: El estudio consistió en 209 pacientes que habían tenido una exposición previa al factor de necrosis antitumoral (TNF) o eran biológicamente naive. Los pacientes con antecedentes preexistentes de EII fueron excluidos del estudio. Resultados: De los 209 pacientes del estudio, 176 (84,3%) tenían espondilitis anquilosante, mientras que 33 (15,7%) tenían artritis psoriásica. 112 (53,6%) pacientes tenían exposición previa a al menos un tratamiento anti-TNF antes de iniciar secukinumab. La EII se desarrolló en 10 (4,8%) de los 209 pacientes. La incidencia de EII entre los pacientes que iniciaron secukinumab como primer agente biológico fue del 1%. Para los pacientes que habían recibido previamente algún tratamiento anti-TNF y posteriormente hicieron la transición a secukinumab, la incidencia de EII fue del 8% (p=0,018, odds ratio (OR): 8,38, IC del 95%: 1,04-67,45). Una media de 3,67 meses (±4,3) después del uso de anti-TNF, mientras que los síntomas de la EII se desarrollaron en el paciente biológicamente naive después de 15 meses. Conclusión: Nuestro estudio observó una incidencia de EII en el 4,8% de los pacientes que usaban secukinumab. Los pacientes que iniciaron secukinumab después de un tratamiento anti-TNF previo mostraron una tasa y un riesgo significativamente mayores de desarrollar EII. El inicio de la EII ocurrió antes en estos pacientes (media de 3,67 meses), mientras que un solo caso de EII mostró una duración más prolongada (15 meses). Se justifican más estudios con un mayor número de pacientes para proporcionar una comprensión más completa de nuestros hallazgos.(AU)

Necesidades, impacto y perspectiva actual de los pacientes con espondiloartritis incluyendo la artritis psoriásica / Patients with spondyloarthritis including psoriatic arthritis: Current needs, impact, and perspective

Objetivo: Analizar las necesidades, el impacto y la perspectiva actual de las personas con espondiloartritis (EspA) incluyendo la artritis psoriásica (APs). Métodos: Encuesta nacional en formato electrónico dirigida a pacientes con EspA y APs. Se abrió en abril de 2021 utilizando los distintos canales de la Coordinadora Española de Asociaciones de Espondiloartritis para comunicarse con sus socios, y se cerró en junio de 2021. Se recogieron variables sociodemográficas y clínicas, y variables relacionadas con los objetivos propuestos. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo. Resultados: Se incluyeron 834 pacientes: 543 con EspA (sin APs) y 291 con APs. En el último mes, la media de fatiga, rigidez matutina y problemas de sueño fue >8 (0: nada; 10: mucho). Casi el 80% de los pacientes con EspA refieren dolor lumbar bajo, y el 82,5% de los pacientes con APs, afectación de rodillas, tobillos, pies y/o manos, y el 51%, dactilitis. El grado de satisfacción con el tratamiento fue medio-bajo: media 5,5 en las EspA y 6,2 en la APs (escala 0-10), y más alto con las terapias biológicas (medias >6-7). El 70,2% de los pacientes con EspA y el 66% con APs se han acostumbrado a vivir con dolor diario. El 43,8% de los encuestados con EspA y el 31,2% con APs refieren que no marcan los objetivos del tratamiento con el médico. Conclusiones: Actualmente el impacto de la EspA y de la APs en múltiples aspectos del día a día sigue siendo muy alto. Existen áreas de mejora en la relación médico-paciente y con los tratamientos.(AU)

Objective: To analyse the current needs of patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and the impact of the conditions. Methods: National survey in electronic format for patients with SpA and PsA. The survey was launched on April 28, 2021, using the channels of the Coordinadora Española de Asociaciones de Espondiloartritis (Spanish Coordinator of Associations of Spondyloarthritis) to communicate with members and followers, and was closed on June 30, 2021. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were collected (age, sex, disease duration, treatments), and variables related to the objectives. A descriptive analysis was performed. Results: A total of 543 patients with SpA and 291 with PsA were included. In the previous month, on a scale from 0-10 (0: none; 10: very high) the mean scores of fatigue, morning stiffness, and sleep problems were all >8. Almost 80% of the patients with SpA reported low back pain and 82.5% of the patients with PsA reported involvement of the knees, ankles, feet and/or hands, and 51% dactylitis. The level of satisfaction with the treatment was low, mean 5.5 in SpA and 6.2 in PsA (scale 0-10). It was higher with biological therapies. We found that 70.2% of patients with SpA and 66% with PsA were used to living with pain every day. Finally, 43.8% of participants with SpA and 31.2% of those with PsA reported that they did not set the treatment goals with their doctors. Conclusions: Currently the impact of SpA and PsA on multiple aspects of daily life is still very high. There are areas for improvement in the doctor-patient relationship and in treatments.(AU)

Patients with spondyloarthritis including psoriatic arthritis: Current needs, impact, and perspective.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the current needs of patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and the impact of the conditions. METHODS: National survey in electronic format for patients with SpA and PsA. The survey was launched on April 28, 2021, using the channels of the Coordinadora Española de Asociaciones de Espondiloartritis (Spanish Coordinator of Associations of Spondyloarthritis) to communicate with members and followers, and was closed on June 30, 2021. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were collected (age, sex, disease duration, treatments), and variables related to the objectives. A descriptive analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 543 patients with SpA and 291 with PsA were included. In the previous month, on a scale from 0 to 10 (0: none; 10: very high) the mean scores of fatigue, morning stiffness, and sleep problems were all >8. Almost 80% of the patients with SpA reported low back pain and 82.5% of the patients with PsA reported involvement of the knees, ankles, feet and/or hands, and 51% dactylitis. The level of satisfaction with the treatment was low, mean 5.5 in SpA and 6.2 in PsA (scale 0-10). It was higher with biological therapies. We found that 70.2% of patients with SpA and 66% with PsA were used to living with pain every day. Finally, 43.8% of participants with SpA and 31.2% of those with PsA reported that they did not set the treatment goals with their doctors. CONCLUSIONS: Currently the impact of SpA and PsA on multiple aspects of daily life is still very high. There are areas for improvement in the doctor-patient relationship and in treatments.

Increased risk of stroke among patients with ankylosing spondylitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that is associated with adverse cardiovascular events. This study aimed to determine the relationship between ankylosing spondylitis and the risk of stroke. METHODS: A systematic literature search in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science were conducted from inception to December 2021 to identify relevant articles investigating the risk of stroke in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. A random-effects model (DerSimonian and Laird) was used to estimate a pooled hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Meta-regression based on the length of follow-up and subgroup analysis based on the type of stroke, study location, and year of publication to investigate the source of heterogeneity. RESULTS: A total of eleven studies comprising 1.7 million participants were included in this study. Pooled analysis showed a significantly increased stroke risk (56%) among patients with ankylosing spondylitis (HR: 1.56, 95% CI 1.33-1.79). Subgroup analysis revealed a higher risk of ischemic stroke among patients with ankylosing spondylitis (HR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.23-1.68). However, meta-regression analysis showed no association between the duration of ankylosing spondylitis and stroke incidence (Coef=-0.0010, P=0.951). CONCLUSION: This study reveals that ankylosing spondylitis was associated with an increased risk of suffering a stroke. Management of cerebrovascular risk factors and the control of systemic inflammation should be considered in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

Ulcerative Colitis Induced by Secukinumab in the Treatment of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Interleukin 17 (IL-17) inhibitors are approved for treating psoriasis, psoriatic arthropathy, and ankylosing spondylitis. IL-17 is involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); however, paradoxical events have been reported using selective IL-17 inhibitors such as secukinumab, whose pathophysiological mechanisms have not been fully clarified. Although the incidence of IBD in this group of patients is low, the risk could be reduced by carefully assessing risk factors such as family history, gastrointestinal symptoms, and fecal calprotectin before starting treatment.

Los inhibidores de interleucina 17 (IL-17) se encuentran aprobados para el tratamiento de psoriasis, artropatía psoriásica y espondilitis anquilosante. La IL-17 se encuentra involucrada en la patogenia de la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (EII); sin embargo, hasta la fecha se han reportado eventos paradójicos con el uso inhibidores selectivos de IL-17 como el secukinumab, cuyos mecanismos fisiopatológicos no han sido del todo aclarados. Aunque la incidencia de EII en este grupo de pacientes es baja, el riesgo podría disminuirse mediante una evaluación cuidadosa de factores de riesgo tales como historia familiar, síntomas gastrointestinales y la realización de calprotectina fecal previo al inicio del tratamiento.

Increased risk of stroke among patients with ankylosing spondylitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis / Estudio respecto a un mayor riesgo de accidente cerebrovascular entre los pacientes con espondilitis anquilosante: revisión sistemática y metaanálisis

Background: Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that is associated with adverse cardiovascular events. This study aimed to determine the relationship between ankylosing spondylitis and the risk of stroke. Methods: A systematic literature search in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science were conducted from inception to December 2021 to identify relevant articles investigating the risk of stroke in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. A random-effects model (DerSimonian and Laird) was used to estimate a pooled hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Meta-regression based on the length of follow-up and subgroup analysis based on the type of stroke, study location, and year of publication to investigate the source of heterogeneity. Results: A total of eleven studies comprising 1.7 million participants were included in this study. Pooled analysis showed a significantly increased stroke risk (56%) among patients with ankylosing spondylitis (HR: 1.56, 95% CI 1.33–1.79). Subgroup analysis revealed a higher risk of ischemic stroke among patients with ankylosing spondylitis (HR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.23–1.68). However, meta-regression analysis showed no association between the duration of ankylosing spondylitis and stroke incidence (Coef=−0.0010, P=0.951). Conclusion: This study reveals that ankylosing spondylitis was associated with an increased risk of suffering a stroke. Management of cerebrovascular risk factors and the control of systemic inflammation should be considered in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.(AU)

Antecedentes: La espondilitis anquilosante es una enfermedad inflamatoria crónica que se asocia con eventos cardiovasculares adversos. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar la relación entre la espondilitis anquilosante y el riesgo de accidente cerebrovascular. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de la literatura en PubMed/Medline, Scopus y Web of Science a partir de diciembre de 2021 para identificar los artículos relevantes que investigan el riesgo de accidente cerebrovascular en pacientes con espondilitis anquilosante. Se usó un modelo de efectos aleatorios (Dersimonian y Laird) para estimar una relación de peligro agrupada (HR) e intervalos de confianza (IC) del 95%. Meta-regresión basada en la duración del seguimiento y análisis de subgrupos basados en el tipo de accidente cerebrovascular, la ubicación de estudio y año de publicación para investigar la fuente de heterogeneidad. Resultados: Un total de 11 estudios que comprenden 1,7 millones de participantes, se incluyeron en este estudio. El análisis agrupado mostró un riesgo de accidente cerebrovascular significativamente aumentado (56%) entre los pacientes con espondilitis anquilosante (HR: 1,56; IC 95%: 1,33-1,79). El análisis de los subgrupos reveló un mayor riesgo de accidente cerebrovascular isquémico entre los pacientes con espondilitis anquilosante (HR: 1,46; IC 95%: 1,23-1,68). Sin embargo, el análisis de meta-regresión no mostró ninguna asociación entre la duración de la espondilitis anquilosante y la incidencia de accidentes cerebrovasculares (coef=−0,0010; P=0,951). Conclusiones: Este estudio revela que la espondilitis anquilosante se asocia a un mayor riesgo de sufrir un accidente cerebrovascular. La gestión de los factores de riesgo cerebrovasculares y el control de la inflamación sistémica deben considerarse en pacientes con espondilitis anquilosante.(AU)

Disease control in patients with ankylosing spondylitis in real clinical practice in Spain: Results of the MIDAS study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Understanding the disease activity is fundamental to improve patient prognosis and patients' quality of life. MiDAS study described disease activity in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) Spanish patients and the proportion of them with controlled disease. METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional, multicenter study carried out under conditions of routine clinical practice. Adult (≥18 years) patients with ≥6 months since AS diagnosis treated ≥3 months prior to inclusion. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients with low disease activity assessed through BASDAI (primary endpoint) and ASDAS-CRP (secondary endpoint). RESULTS: 313 AS patients included: 75.7% male; 78.5% HLA-B*27 positive; mean (SD) baseline age of 50.4 (12.0) years; mean (SD) disease duration of 15.5 (11.6) years; 73.5% were treated with biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), 22.4% with non-biological DMARDs and 53.7% with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, alone or in combination. Monotherapy with biologics and non-biologics was used by 29.7% and 26.8% of patients, respectively. According to BASDAI, 38.0% were in remission (BASDAI≤2) and 64.5% showed adequate disease control (BASDAI<4). According to ASDAS-CRP, 29.4% achieved remission (ASDAS-CRP<1.3) and 28.1% low disease activity (1.3≤ASDAS-CRP<2.1). CONCLUSIONS: Almost two thirds of the AS patients recruited had low disease activity, with about one third of them being in remission (BASDAI≤2, ASDAS-CRP<1.3). These results highlight the existing room for improvement in treating AS patients in clinical practice.

Disease control in patients with ankylosing spondylitis in real clinical practice in Spain: Results of the MIDAS study / Control de la enfermedad en pacientes con espondilitis anquilosante en la práctica clínica habitual en España: Resultados del estudio MiDAS

Introduction and objectives: Understanding the disease activity is fundamental to improve patient prognosis and patients’ quality of life. MiDAS study described disease activity in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) Spanish patients and the proportion of them with controlled disease. Methods: Observational, cross-sectional, multicenter study carried out under conditions of routine clinical practice. Adult (≥18 years) patients with ≥6 months since AS diagnosis treated ≥3 months prior to inclusion. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients with low disease activity assessed through BASDAI (primary endpoint) and ASDAS-CRP (secondary endpoint). Results: 313 AS patients included: 75.7% male; 78.5% HLA-B*27 positive; mean (SD) baseline age of 50.4 (12.0) years; mean (SD) disease duration of 15.5 (11.6) years; 73.5% were treated with biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), 22.4% with non-biological DMARDs and 53.7% with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, alone or in combination. Monotherapy with biologics and non-biologics was used by 29.7% and 26.8% of patients, respectively. According to BASDAI, 38.0% were in remission (BASDAI≤2) and 64.5% showed adequate disease control (BASDAI<4). According to ASDAS-CRP, 29.4% achieved remission (ASDAS-CRP<1.3) and 28.1% low disease activity (1.3≤ASDAS-CRP<2.1). Conclusions: Almost two thirds of the AS patients recruited had low disease activity, with about one third of them being in remission (BASDAI≤2, ASDAS-CRP<1.3). These results highlight the existing room for improvement in treating AS patients in clinical practice.(AU)

Introducción y objetivos: Comprender la actividad de la enfermedad es fundamental para mejorar el pronóstico y la calidad de vida de los pacientes. El estudio MiDAS describió la actividad de la enfermedad en pacientes españoles con espondilitis anquilosante (EA) y la proporción de ellos con enfermedad controlada. Métodos: Estudio observacional, transversal, multicéntrico, realizado en condiciones de práctica clínica habitual. Pacientes adultos (≥18años) con ≥6meses desde el diagnóstico de EA tratados ≥3meses antes de la inclusión. La variable principal fue el porcentaje de pacientes en baja actividad, evaluado mediante BASDAI (variable principal) y ASDAS-CRP (variable secundaria). Resultados: Hubo 313 pacientes con EA incluidos: 75,7% varones; 78,5% HLA-B*27 positivos; edad media (DE) basal de 50,4 (12,0) años; duración media (DE) de la enfermedad de 15,5 (11,6) años; el 73,5% fueron tratados con fármacos antirreumáticos modificadores de la enfermedad (FAME) biológicos, el 22,4% con FAME no biológicos y el 53,7% con antiinflamatorios no esteroideos, solos o en combinación. La monoterapia con biológicos y no biológicos fue utilizada por el 29,7 y el 26,8% de los pacientes, respectivamente. Según BASDAI, el 38,0% estaban en remisión (BASDAI≤2) y el 64,5% mostraron un adecuado control de la enfermedad (BASDAI<4). Según ASDAS-CRP, el 29,4% alcanzaron remisión (ASDAS-CRP<1,3) y el 28,1% baja actividad de la enfermedad (1,3≤ASDAS-CRP<2,1). Conclusiones: Casi dos tercios de los pacientes con EA incluidos presentaban baja actividad de la enfermedad, con aproximadamente un tercio de ellos en remisión (BASDAI≤2, ASDAS-CRP<1,3). Estos resultados destacan el margen de mejora existente para tratar pacientes con EA en la práctica clínica.(AU)

The risk of osteoporosis in patients with ankylosing spondylitis-A large retrospective matched cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is associated with increased bone turnover and systemic inflammation. Osteoporosis is common but frequently underappreciated in AS, studies regarding the incidence of osteoporosis in AS are limited and based on small cohorts. The aim of this study is to assess the risk of osteoporosis in patients with AS compared to matched controls. METHODS: A population based retrospective cohort study using data retrieved from a large electronic medical record in Israel, the Clalit health services. Included patients that were diagnosed with AS from January 2002 to December 2018 were followed for development of osteoporosis. The incidence of osteoporosis was compared between AS and controls and a logistic regression model was used to assess the interaction between AS and osteoporosis. RESULTS: The study included 5476 AS patients, and 27,657 age- and sex-frequency matched controls. The incidence of osteoporosis in AS patients was significantly higher than controls (4.7% vs 2.8%, p<0.001) in the whole cohort as well as when stratified by sex. Osteoporosis developed earlier in patients with AS versus controls (4.1 vs 5.2 years, p<0.001). In multivariate analysis and after adjustment to several potential confounders, AS was found to independently associated with osteoporosis (HR 1.83, 95%CI 1.58-2.11, p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms the higher incidence and earlier development of osteoporosis in patients with AS. Such finding highlights the increased need of awareness and earlier detection of such comorbidity allowing prompt treatment to prevent undesired sequalae including increased risk of fractures.

Espondilitis tuberculosa multinivel / Multilevel tuberculous spondylitis

Resumen Se presenta el caso de un varón de 20 años con espondilitis tuberculosa multinivel no contigua (cervical, dorsal 6, dorsal 10 y lumbar). Se trata de un paciente HIV negativo con tuberculosis dise minada con grave compromiso de su estado general y múltiples localizaciones de la enfermedad. Algunas tenían fistulas que secretaban caseum. El paciente presentó paraplejía aguda que requirió, teniendo en cuenta el nivel sensitivo a nivel dorsal 6, una primera cirugía urgente de descompresión por vía posterior. Luego se efectuó la cirugía programada. En primera instancia, la región cervical por vía anterior, con corporectomía, colocación de reemplazo de cuerpo vertebral más injerto autólogo y placa con tornillos. Posteriormente se evidenció luxación del nivel dorsal 6 hacia atrás comprimiendo la médula espinal y, dada la inestabilidad mecánica, se indicó un tercer tiempo quirúrgico por vía posterior que comprendió reducción, descompresión y fijación, resolviendo los tres niveles por vía posterior con barras y tornillos. El tratamiento quirúrgico, médico y kinésico de esta forma poco frecuente del mal de Pott fue exitoso, con recuperación de su estabilidad mecánica y progresiva recuperación de su estado neurológico.

Abstract A case of a 20-year-old man with multilevel non-contiguous tuberculous spondylitis (cervical, dorsal 6, dorsal 10 and lumbar) is presented. In the context of disseminated tuberculosis in an HIV-negative patient with serious compromise of his general condition and multiple locations of the disease, some of these with fistulas that secreted caseum. The acute paraplegia led, considering the sensory level at dorsal 6, to a first urgent decompression surgery via the posterior approach. A scheduled surgery was then performed, first in the cervical region via the anterior approach, with corpectomy, placement of a vertebral body replace ment plus autologous graft and plate with screws. Subsequently, dislocation of dorsal level 6 was evidenced backwards, compressing the spinal cord and, given the mechanical instability, a third surgical stage was indi cated by posterior approach, which included reduction, decompression and fixation, resolving the three levels by posterior approach with bars and screws. The surgical, medical and physiotherapy treatment of this rare form of Pott's disease was successful, with recovery of his mechanical stability and progressive recovery of his neurological status. The surgical, medical and physiotherapy treatment of this rare form of Pott's disease was successful, with recovery of his mechanical stability and progressive recovery of his neurological status.

Espondilitis anquilosante. Presentación de caso

La espondilitis anquilosante es una enfermedad sistémica caracterizada por inflamación del esqueleto axial, las grandes articulaciones periféricas y los dedos, así como dolor, rigidez de la espalda y manifestaciones a otros niveles del organismo como puede ser en el ojo. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 46 años de edad que acudió al Hospital Gustavo Aldereguía Lima, de Cienfuegos, por dolor lumbar y sintomatología urinaria refractaria a terapéutica habitual, por lo cual fue ingresada para estudio. Fue evaluada según su cuadro clínico y a través del empleo de exámenes complementarios, lo que permitió el diagnóstico de una espondilitis anquilosante. Se le impuso tratamiento con antinflamatorios no esteroideos y fue dada de alta médica con seguimiento por su área de salud. Por lo importante que resulta confirmar el diagnóstico temprano, antes de que ocurran deformidades irreversibles y así evitar secuelas e impotencia en los pacientes que la padecen, con lo cual se les garantiza una mayor calidad de vida, se decidió la presentación de este caso.

Ankylosing spondylitis is a systemic disease characterized by inflammation of the axial skeleton, large peripheral joints, and fingers, as well as pain, stiffness of the back, and manifestations at other levels of the body, such as the eye. We present the case of a 46-year-old patient who attended the Gustavo Aldereguía Lima Hospital, in Cienfuegos, due to lumbar pain and urinary symptoms refractory to usual therapy, for which she was admitted for study. She was evaluated according to her clinical picture and through the use of complementary tests, which allowed the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis. Treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was prescribed and she was discharged with follow-up by her health area. Due to the importance of confirming the early diagnosis, before irreversible deformities occur and thus avoiding sequelae and impotence in patients who suffer from it, to guarantee them a better quality of life, it was decided to present this case.

Outcomes of spinal cord injury following cervical fracture in ankylosing spondylitis and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH): A prospective cohort study / Lesión medular cervical traumática en pacientes afectados de espondilitis anquilosante y DISH. Estudio comparativo prospectivo

Introduction The ankylosed spine is prone to increased fractures risk even after minor trauma. The lower cervical spine is most frequently injured, and fractures of the ankylosed spine tend to precipitate spinal cord injury (SCI). The objective of the current study is to assess the incidence, management, and outcomes of patients with ankylosis of the spine sustaining a cervical fracture with associated SCI over a 7-year period. Material and methods Prospective cohort study. Patients referred to the institution with a cervical fracture associated with SCI on a background of AS or DISH from 2009 to 2017 were reviewed. Demographics, mechanism of injury, fracture type, neurological level of injury, time to surgery, surgical management, neurological status (AIS), spinal cord independence measure (SCIMIII) scale at admission and discharge, and hospital length of stay. In September 2019 the summative data was analyzed using NDI, VAS, SV-QLI/SCI and length of survival were analyzed for statistical significance. Pathological fractures and dementia were excluded. Results 1613 patients with traumatic SCI were admitted in this period of whom 37 (12 AS and 25 DISH) met the inclusion criteria (mean age 65 years AS; 67 DISH). Fracture-dislocation was the most frequent fracture type (33% AS patients, 24% DISH patients). C4 was the most common neurological level of injury. SCIMIII score at admission was 1 point and 59 at discharge. AIS at admission was A (50%). At time of discharge no patient had neurologically deteriorated. Post-discharge mortality was 58% in AS patients and 32% in DISH patients (p=0.13).ConclusionsBoth AS and DISH patients have high levels of disability and mortality associated with trauma to the cervical spine... (AU)

Introducción Los pacientes afectados de espondiloartropatías son susceptibles de fracturas cervicales ante un traumatismo de baja energía, siendo la lesión medular una posible complicación devastadora. El objetivo del presente estudio es describir y evaluar la evolución de la lesión medular de estos pacientes con un seguimiento medio de 7 años. Material y métodos Estudio analítico longitudinal de cohortes prospectivo de pacientes afectados de espondiloartropatías ingresados en nuestro centro en el periodo del 2009 al 2017. Criterios de inclusión: diagnóstico de espondilitis anquilosante (EA) o hiperostosis idiopática difusa (DISH), fractura cervical, presencia de lesión medular. Ingreso en nuestro centro en el postoperatorio inmediato y edad superior al diagnóstico de 18 años. La presencia de demencia o fractura patológica se catalogaron como criterios de exclusión. Se han evaluado las variables de interés: edad, sexo, número de pacientes afectados de EA, DISH, mecanismo energético, tipo de fractura, tiempo hasta la cirugía, tipo de cirugía realizada, SCIM III ingreso/alta, nivel de lesión cervical, ASIA ingreso/alta, tiempo estancia, seguimiento en años. En septiembre del 2019 fueron nuevamente evaluados en consultas externas mediante: cuestionario de discapacidad cervical (NDI), escala visual analógica numérica, cuestionario de calidad de vida validado en castellano para lesionados medulares (QLI) y análisis de la supervivencia. Resultados Mil seiscientos trece pacientes afectados de lesión medular ingresaron en nuestro centro en el periodo de estudio, de los cuales 37 pacientes (12 EA y 25 DISH) cumplían los criterios de inclusión con una edad media de 65 años (EA) y de 67 años (DISH). La fractura luxación fue el tipo de fractura más prevalente (33% EA, 24% DISH). El nivel neurológico de lesión más prevalente tras la fractura cervical fue C4. El SCIM III al ingreso fue de 1 punto y de 59 puntos al alta. La escala ASIA al ingreso fue ASIA... (AU)

Outcomes of spinal cord injury following cervical fracture in ankylosing spondylitis and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH): A prospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: The ankylosed spine is prone to increased fractures risk even after minor trauma. The lower cervical spine is most frequently injured, and fractures of the ankylosed spine tend to precipitate spinal cord injury (SCI). The objective of the current study is to assess the incidence, management, and outcomes of patients with ankylosis of the spine sustaining a cervical fracture with associated SCI over a 7-year period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective cohort study. Patients referred to the institution with a cervical fracture associated with SCI on a background of AS or DISH from 2009 to 2017 were reviewed. Demographics, mechanism of injury, fracture type, neurological level of injury, time to surgery, surgical management, neurological status (AIS), spinal cord independence measure (SCIMIII) scale at admission and discharge, and hospital length of stay. In September 2019 the summative data was analyzed using NDI, VAS, SV-QLI/SCI and length of survival were analyzed for statistical significance. Pathological fractures and dementia were excluded. RESULTS: 1613 patients with traumatic SCI were admitted in this period of whom 37 (12 AS and 25 DISH) met the inclusion criteria (mean age 65 years AS; 67 DISH). Fracture-dislocation was the most frequent fracture type (33% AS patients, 24% DISH patients). C4 was the most common neurological level of injury. SCIMIII score at admission was 1 point and 59 at discharge. AIS at admission was A (50%). At time of discharge no patient had neurologically deteriorated. Post-discharge mortality was 58% in AS patients and 32% in DISH patients (p=0.13). CONCLUSIONS: Both AS and DISH patients have high levels of disability and mortality associated with trauma to the cervical spine. Despite their distinct clinical differences, in this cohort there were no statistically significant differences between AS and DISH patients regarding fracture type, SCIMIII, AIS, hospital stay, mortality, VAS, and SV-QLI/SCI after cervical fracture over 7 years follow-up.

Ranking the importance of their own diseases: A positioning analysis in rheumatic patients and their proxies.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVE: To assess the positioning that patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and their proxies give to their diseases. METHODS: Subjects completed a self-administered questionnaire to rank 11 diseases from "worst" to "least bad". Then they defined the "worst" disease and ranked 10 diseases from highest to lowest importance from a list including "my rheumatic disease/my relative's disease". The lists of the included diseases represented the mindshare from a sample of healthy adults. RESULTS: There were 570 respondents (104 SLE, 99 RA, 82 AS, and 285 proxies). Rheumatoid arthritis was considered the third-worst disease (recoded ranking first by 41% of patients and 43% proxies, second by 49% and 44%, and third by 10% and 13%). A disease that kills was the preferred definition for the worst disease. "My disease/my relative's disease" was ranked fourth in importance (first by 41% of patients, second by 38%, and third by 21%). Rankings were not associated with age, schooling, disease duration, or setting. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Most respondents ranked their own disease considerably lower than other non-rheumatic conditions.

Punción lumbar en pacientes con espondilitis anquilosante, precauciones y sugerencias / Lumbar puncture in patients with ankylosing spondylitis, precautions and suggestions

Las espondiloartropatías son un grupo de enfermedades reumáticas que se caracterizan por la presencia de un proceso inflamatorio crónico y mantenido. Entre sus manifestaciones clínicas y complicaciones se incluye la toma de la columna vertebral donde existe una calcificación de los ligamentos vertebrales que limita considerablemente la movilidad de los distintos segmentos de la columna vertebral. Los cambios anatomofuncionales que se generan en estos segmentos traen consigo dificultades a la hora de realizar procedimientos como la punción lumbar. La presente investigación tiene como objetivo describir las precauciones, sugerencias y recomendaciones para realizar la punción lumbar con fines diagnósticos o terapéuticos. Los principales resultados se enfocan en la idenficación y socialización de precauciones y sugerencias a tener en cuenta a la hora de realizar una punción lumbar en pacientes con espondilitis anquilosante(AU)

Spondyloarthropathies are a group of rheumatic diseases characterized by the presence of a chronic and sustained inflammatory process. Among its clinical manifestations and complications, the seizure of the spine is included where there is calcification of the vertebral ligaments that considerably limits the mobility of the different segments of the spine. The anatomical and functional changes that are generated in these segments bring with them difficulties when performing procedures such as lumbar puncture. This research aims to describe the precautions, suggestions and recommendations to perform lumbar puncture for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes. The main results focus on the identification and socialization of precautions and suggestions to take into account when performing a lumbar puncture in patients with ankylosing spondylitis(AU)

Manejo de Vía Aérea Difícil en Paciente con Espondilitis Anquilosante. Reporte de caso

Introducción: La espondilitis anquilosante es una artropatía que se encuentra dentro del grupo de artropatías seronegativas, siendo la entidad más común y representativa de ellas. Se caracteriza por inflamación crónica del esqueleto axial, con dolor de espalda de tipo inflamatorio y rigidez progresiva. Típicamente se manifiesta en pacientes jóvenes que inician su sintomatología entre los 20 y 30 años. La osificación progresiva en la espondilitis anquilosante envuelve los cartílagos articulares y discos de la columna vertebral, con el desarrollo de puentes óseos entre las vértebras. Esta fusión hace difícil, sino imposible, el abordaje axial para lograr una anestesia epidural o espinal, e incluso una dificultad aumentada del manejo de la vía aérea por la fusión de las vértebras cervicales. Caso clínico: En este reporte de caso se presenta una paciente femenina de 40 años, ya con diagnóstico de espondilitis anquilosante, que acude para una histerectomía total abdominal, que en primera instancia se intenta un abordaje neuro axial fallido y posteriormente se procede al uso de anestesia general con manejo de la vía aérea. Conclusión: La intubación en pacientes despiertos, es un tema ampliamente descrito en la literatura el cual se puede realizar de distintas maneras, en nuestro caso optamos por el uso de bloqueos de la vía aérea superior con posterior uso de fibroscopio para asegurar la intubación endotraqueal. (provisto por Infomedic International)

Introduction: Ankylosing spondylitis is an arthropathy that falls within the group of seronegative arthropathies, being the most common and representative entity of them. It is characterized by chronic inflammation of the axial skeleton, with inflammatory back pain and progressive stiffness. It typically manifests in young patients who begin to show symptoms between 20 and 30 years of age. Progressive ossification in ankylosing spondylitis involves the articular cartilage and discs of the spine, with the development of bony bridges between the vertebrae. This fusion makes the axial approach difficult, if not impossible, to achieve epidural or spinal anesthesia, and even increases the difficulty of airway management due to the fusion of the cervical vertebrae. Case report: This case report presents a 40-year-old female patient, already diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, who underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy, where a failed neuraxial approach was first attempted and then general anesthesia with airway management was used. Conclusion: Intubation in awake patients is a subject widely described in the literature which can be performed in different ways, in our case we opted for the use of upper airway blocks with subsequent use of fiberscope to ensure endotracheal intubation. (provided by Infomedic International)

Ranking the importance of their own diseases: A positioning analysis in rheumatic patients and their proxies / La importancia que dan los pacientes reumáticos a sus propias enfermedades: un análisis de posicionamiento

Introduction/objective: To assess the positioning that patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and their proxies give to their diseases. Methods: Subjects completed a self-administered questionnaire to rank 11 diseases from “worst” to “least bad”. Then they defined the “worst” disease and ranked 10 diseases from highest to lowest importance from a list including “my rheumatic disease/my relative's disease”. The lists of the included diseases represented the mindshare from a sample of healthy adults. Results: There were 570 respondents (104 SLE, 99 RA, 82 AS, and 285 proxies). Rheumatoid arthritis was considered the third-worst disease (recoded ranking first by 41% of patients and 43% proxies, second by 49% and 44%, and third by 10% and 13%). A disease that kills was the preferred definition for the worst disease. “My disease/my relative's disease” was ranked fourth in importance (first by 41% of patients, second by 38%, and third by 21%). Rankings were not associated with age, schooling, disease duration, or setting. Discussion and conclusions: Most respondents ranked their own disease considerably lower than other non-rheumatic conditions.(AU)

Introducción/objetivo: Evaluar el posicionamiento que pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES), artritis reumatoide (AR), espondilitis anquilosante (EA) y sus acompañantes dan a sus enfermedades. Métodos: Los participantes completaron un cuestionario para clasificar 11 enfermedades de «peor» a «menos mala». Luego definieron la «peor» enfermedad y el ranking de 10 enfermedades de una lista que incluía «mi enfermedad reumática/de mi familiar». Las listas de enfermedades incluidas representaron la «conciencia de marca» de un grupo de adultos sanos. Resultados: Hubo 570 encuestados (104 LES, 99 AR, 82 EA y 285 acompañantes). La AR se posicionó como la tercera peor enfermedad (en primer lugar, por el 41% de pacientes, segundo por el 49% y tercero por el 10%). La definición preferida para «peor» enfermedad fue aquella que mata. «Mi enfermedad reumática/de mi familiar» fue la cuarta más importante (primer lugar por el 41% de pacientes, segundo por el 38% y tercero por el 21%). El posicionamiento no estuvo asociado con edad, escolaridad, duración de la enfermedad ni centro de atención. Discusión y conclusiones: La mayoría de los encuestados calificaron su enfermedad reumática más abajo que otros padecimientos no reumáticos.(AU)

Evaluation of thiol-disulfide homeostasis in active ankylosing spondylitis patients.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The etiopathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), which is a chronic, progressive, inflammatory, systemic disease, has not been fully elucidated yet. Thiol-disulfide homeostasis, a component of antioxidant defense, is thought to play a role in the etiology of inflammatory diseases. We aimed to evaluate the existence of oxidative stress in active AS patients with thiol-disulfide homeostasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who were found to have high (n: 27) and very-high (n: 18) activity levels with ASDAS-ESR and 40 healthy controls participated in the study. Serum native-thiol (NT), total-thiol (TT), and disulfide levels were analyzed by an automated colorimetric method. RESULTS: While TT and NT levels were significantly decreased in patients compared to the control group, the disulfide levels were increased. There was a significant negative correlation between ESR, and NT, TT in both groups and also between hsCRP and NT, TT in very-high active AS patients.TT and NT levels were significantly higher in the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) users compared to those using biological agents. CONCLUSIONS: The deterioration of thiol-disulfide homeostasis in favor of disulfide; correlations between ESR, CRP, and NT, TT support the use of thiol-disulfide variables in determining the disease activity level.

Brucellosis and sacroiliitis: A differential diagnosis to keep in mind / Sacroiliitis por brucelosis: Un diagnóstico diferencial para tener presente

ABSTRACT Brucellosis is a zoonosis that causes a multi-organ granulomatous infection. It has diverse and non-specific clinic features that can make diagnosis difficult. Medical personnel often do not recognize it early. Delayed treatment is associated with high morbidity and even mortality. Its timely diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion. The case is presented of a 35-year-old male zootechnologist, previously healthy, with a progressive picture of two months of evolution of irradiated low back pain to the left hip, nocturnal diaphoresis, and unintentional weight loss. Elevation of acute phase reactants was documented and magnetic resonance imaging found signs of iliopsoas tendonitis and inflammatory changes in the left sacroiliac joint. The IgG and IgM antibodies using an immunoassay forbrucella were positive. After establishing antibiotic treatment, a marked clinical improvement, with resolution of the inflammatory process was evident.

RESUMEN La brucelosis es una zoonosis que genera una infección granulomatosa multiorgánica. Tiene una clínica diversa e inespecífica que puede hacer difícil el diagnóstico. Con frecuencia, el personal médico no la reconoce de forma temprana. El retraso en el tratamiento se asocia con una gran morbilidad e incluso mortalidad. Su diagnóstico oportuno requiere un alto índice de sospecha. Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 35 arios, zootecnista, previamente sano, con un cuadro progresivo de dos meses de evolución de dolor lumbar irradiado a cadera izquierda, diaforesis nocturna y pérdida no intencional de peso. Se documentó elevación de reactantes de fase aguda y en la resonancia magnética se encontraron signos de tendinitis del psoas y cambios inflamatorios en la articulación sacroilíaca izquierda. Los anticuerpos IgG e IgM por inmunoensayo para Brucella fueron positivos, y luego de instaurar tratamiento antibiótico se evidenció marcada mejoría clínica con resolución del proceso inflamatorio.