Recursos y estrategias para la óptima atención de los pacientes con espondiloartritis axial: Proyecto CREA / Resources and Strategies for the Optimal Care of Patients With Axial Spondyloarthritis: The CREA Project

Antecedentes y objetivo: La espondiloartritis axial (EspAax) es una enfermedad musculoesquelética con manifestaciones diversas. En la práctica clínica se ha observado variabilidad y limitaciones en la recogida de las variables necesarias para su seguimiento. El objetivo del proyecto CREA fue consensuar estrategias de mejora para la valoración inicial y el seguimiento de los pacientes con EspAax en España. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó una encuesta con 33 preguntas a una muestra representativa de reumatólogos expertos del territorio español sobre la práctica clínica, los recursos y las limitaciones actuales en el seguimiento de los pacientes con EspAax. En 10 reuniones regionales se discutieron los resultados de la encuesta y se propusieron 107 estrategias que fueron valoradas mediante un consenso Delphi en el que participaron 85 expertos. Resultados: La falta de tiempo en consulta, de personal de enfermería y/o de apoyo, y el retraso en la realización de pruebas de imagen fueron las limitaciones más destacadas en el seguimiento de los pacientes con EspAax. Se propusieron 202 estrategias relacionadas con la evaluación de los índices de calidad de vida e impacto de la enfermedad; las comorbilidades y manifestaciones extraarticulares; las pruebas de laboratorio; las pruebas de imagen; la exploración física y metrología; y los índices de actividad y función. De todas, 54 se consideraron altamente aconsejables. No se encontraron diferencias regionales en los valores de consenso. Conclusiones: Las propuestas consensuadas como altamente aconsejables en el estudio actual son aplicables a todo el territorio nacional, permiten realizar un seguimiento y control más estrecho y homogéneo de los pacientes con EspAax, facilitar un manejo integral y responden a las necesidades no cubiertas detectadas en la encuesta inicial.(AU)

Background and objective: Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) are musculoskeletal diseases with different manifestations. In clinical practice, variability, and limitations in the collection of the outcomes required for follow-up have been observed. The objective of the CREA project was to agree on improvement strategies for the initial assessment and follow-up of patients with axSpA in Spain. Materials and methods: A survey with 33 questions was conducted by a representative sample of rheumatologists on clinical practice, resources, and present limitations in the follow-up of patients with axSpA. The results of the survey were discussed in 10 regional meetings, and 105 strategies were proposed and evaluated through a Delphi consensus in which 85 experts participated. Results: The lack of time for clinical visits, the lack of nurses and/or support staff and the delay in performing the imaging tests were the most prominent limitations in the follow-up of patients with axSpA. One hundred and five strategies were proposed related to the evaluation of disease activity, physical function, quality of life and disease impact, to the evaluation of comorbidities and extra-articular manifestations, laboratory tests; imaging tests, physical examination and metrology. Of the total, 85 were considered highly advisable. No regional differences were found. Conclusions: The proposals agreed upon as highly advisable in the present study are applicable to the entire national territory, allow tighter and more homogeneous monitoring of the patients with axSpA, facilitate more comprehensive management of the disease, and respond to the unmet needs detected in the initial survey.(AU)

Guía de práctica clínica 2021 para la detección temprana, el diagnóstico, el tratamiento y el seguimiento de los pacientes con espondiloartritis axial. Asociación Colombiana de Reumatología / 2021 clinical practice guideline for the early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of patients with axial spondyloarthritis. Colombian Association of Rheumatology

Antecedentes: La espondiloartritis axial es una enfermedad reumatológica que afecta a individuos jóvenes y tiene una gran repercusión sociolaboral. El retraso en el diagnóstico y el tratamiento se asocia con un mayor deterioro funcional y un impacto negativo en la calidad de vida, por lo que requiere un abordaje multidisciplinario. Objetivo: Desarrollar y formular un conjunto de recomendaciones específicas basadas en la mejor evidencia disponible para la detección temprana, el diagnóstico, el tratamiento y el seguimiento de los pacientes adultos con espondiloartritis axial. Métodos: Se configuró un grupo desarrollador, se formularon preguntas clínicas contestables, se graduaron los desenlaces y se realizó la búsqueda sistemática de la evidencia. El panel de la guía fue multidisciplinario (incluyendo representantes de los pacientes) y balanceado, minimizando el sesgo por conflictos de intereses. Se utilizó la aproximación Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) para evaluar la calidad de la evidencia, al igual que la dirección y la fortaleza de las recomendaciones. Se presentan 11 recomendaciones relacionadas con diagnóstico (n=2), tratamiento farmacológico (n=6), tratamiento no farmacológico (n=2) y seguimiento (n=1). Resultados: Se recomienda la radiografía de articulaciones sacroilíacas como primer método diagnóstico y el uso de escalas de actividad para el seguimiento de los pacientes (ASDAS o BASDAI). Los antiinflamatorios no esteroideos son la primera opción de tratamiento; en caso de intolerancia o dolor residual se recomienda acetaminofén u opioides. En pacientes con compromiso axial se recomienda abstenerse de utilizar medicamentos antirreumáticos modificadores de la enfermedad convencionales ni glucocorticoides sistémicos o locales. En pacientes con fallo a los antiinflamatorios no esteroideos, se recomienda un anti-TNF-α o un anti-IL-17A.(AU)

Background: Axial spondyloarthritis is a rheumatic condition affecting young patients with social and occupational consequences. Diagnosis delay is associated with functional impairment and impact on quality of life, requiring a multidisciplinary approach.ObjectiveTo develop a set of recommendations based on the best available evidence for the early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of adult patients with axial spondyloarthritis. Methods: A working group was established, questions were developed, outcomes were graded, and a systematic search for evidence was conducted. A multidisciplinary panel of members was established (including patient representatives), minimizing bias in relation to conflicts of interest. The GRADE approach Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation was used to assess the quality of the evidence as well as the direction and strength of recommendations. In total, 11 recommendations on diagnosis (n=2), pharmacological treatment (n=6), non-pharmacological treatment (n=2) and monitoring (n=1) are presented. Results: Sacroiliac joint radiography as the first diagnostic method, and the use of disease activity scales for patient monitoring (ASDAS or BASDAI), are recommended. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the first treatment option; in case of intolerance or residual pain, acetaminophen or opioids are recommended. In patients with axial involvement, it is recommended not to use conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs or systemic or local glucocorticoids. In patients with failure to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-TNF or anti-IL17A is recommended. In those patients presenting with anti-TNF failure, starting an anti-IL17A is recommended. Exercise, physical and occupational therapy are recommended as part of treatment. It is recommended not to use unconventional therapies as the only treatment option.(AU)

Selective estrogen receptor modulator lasofoxifene suppresses spondyloarthritis manifestation and affects characteristics of gut microbiota in zymosan-induced SKG mice.

Ankylosing spondylitis is a male-predominant disease and previous study revealed that estrogens have an anti-inflammatory effect on the spondyloarthritis (SpA) manifestations in zymosan-induced SKG mice. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) lasofoxifene (Laso) on disease activity of SpA. Mice were randomized into zymosan-treated, zymosan + 17ß-estradiol (E2)-treated, and zymosan + Laso-treated groups. Arthritis was assessed by 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) small-animal positron emission tomography/computed tomography and bone mineral density (BMD) was measured. Fecal samples were collected and 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing was used to determine gut microbiota differences. Both zymosan + E2-treated mice and zymosan + Laso-treated mice showed lower arthritis clinical scores and lower 18F-FDG uptake than zymosan-treated mice. BMD was significantly higher in zymosan + E2-treated mice and zymosan + Laso-treated mice than zymosan-treated mice, respectively. Fecal calprotectin levels were significantly elevated at 8 weeks after zymosan injection in zymosan-treated mice, but it was not significantly changed in zymosan + E2-treated mice and zymosan + Laso-treated mice. Gut microbiota diversity of zymosan-treated mice was significantly different from zymosan + E2-treated mice and zymosan + Laso-treated mice, respectively. There was no significant difference in gut microbiota diversity between zymosan + E2-treated mice and zymosan + Laso -treated mice. Laso inhibited joint inflammation and enhanced BMD in SKG mice, a model of SpA. Laso also affected the composition and biodiversity of gut microbiota. This study provides new knowledge regarding that selected SpA patients could benefit from SERM treatment.

Patients' and rheumatologists' perceptions on preventive intervention in rheumatoid arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Individuals at risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may benefit from lifestyle or pharmacological interventions aimed at primary prevention. The same may apply to individuals at risk of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Our aim was to investigate and compare the willingness of individuals at risk of RA or axSpA and rheumatologists to initiate preventive intervention. METHODS: Individuals at risk of RA (arthralgia and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies and/or rheumatoid factor positivity without arthritis (RA-risk cohort; n = 100)), axSpA (first-degree relatives of HLA-B27-positive axSpA patients (SpA-risk cohort; n = 38)), and Dutch rheumatologists (n = 49) completed a survey on preventive intervention which included questions about disease perception, lifestyle intervention, and preventive medication. RESULTS: At-risk individuals reported willingness to change median 7 of 13 lifestyle components in the areas of smoking, diet, and exercise. In contrast, 35% of rheumatologists gave lifestyle advice to ≥ 50% of at-risk patients. The willingness to use 100% effective preventive medication without side effects was 53% (RA-risk), 55% (SpA-risk), and 74% (rheumatologists) at 30% disease risk which increased to 69% (RA-risk) and 92% (SpA-risk and rheumatologists) at 70% risk. With minor side effects, willingness was 26%, 29%, and 31% (at 30% risk) versus 40%, 66%, and 76% (at 70% risk), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Risk perception and willingness to start preventive intervention were largely similar between individuals at risk of RA and axSpA. Although the willingness to change lifestyle is high among at-risk individuals, most rheumatologists do not advise them to change their lifestyle. In contrast, rheumatologists are more willing than at-risk patients to start preventive medication.

Baseline severity of sacroiliitis can predict acute inflammatory status of sacroiliac joint in early axial spondyloarthritis of male patients: a cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: This study compared clinical, laboratory and radiographic features of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) between ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nrAxSpA) of young male patients. Additionally, we sought factors which can predict the baseline inflammatory status of sacroiliac joint (SIJ) in axSpA. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 322 patients who visited our hospital due to inflammatory back pain, and 159 male patients with axSpA were enrolled. Enrolled patients were divided into two groups, AS group and nrAxSpA group, and medical records, laboratory data, radiologic findings were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Alternating buttock pain and CRP elevation were significantly frequent in AS patients than nrAxSpA patients (68.8% vs 41.3%, P = 0.001, 63.5% vs 37.1%, P = 0.002), and SPondyloArthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) score of SIJ was higher in AS patients than nrAxSpA patients (14.0 vs 5.0, P < 0.0001). Baseline sacroiliitis severity, psoriasis, and CRP elevation had positive association in univariate and multivariate regression analysis for SIJ inflammatory SPARCC score. CONCLUSION: AS patients were more frequently in acute inflammatory state than nrAxSpA patients according to laboratory and MRI finding. Baseline sacroiliitis grade was significantly associated with baseline inflammatory SPARCC score of SIJ. AS patients might need more intense initial treatment to resolve active inflammatory lesion of SIJ and prevent further radiologic progression.

2018 APLAR axial spondyloarthritis treatment recommendations

Despite the availability of axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) recommendations proposed by various rheumatology societies, we considered that a region-specific guideline was of substantial added value to clinicians of the Asia-Pacific region, given the wide variations in predisposition to infections and other patient factors, local practice patterns, and access to treatment across countries.Systematic reviews were undertaken of English-language articles published between 2000 and 2016, identified from MEDLINE using PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases. The strength of available evidence was graded using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach. Recommendations were developed through consensus using the Delphi technique.Fourteen axial SpA treatment recommendations were developed based on evidence summaries and consensus. The first 2 recommendations cover non-pharmacological approaches to management. Recommendations 3 to 5 describe the following: the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as first-line symptomatic treatment; the avoidance of long-term corticosteroid use; and the utility of conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) for peripheral or extra-articular manifestations. Recommendation 6 refers to the indications for biological DMARDs (bDMARDs). Recommendation 7 deals specifically with screening for infections endemic to Asia, prior to use of bDMARDs. Recommendations 7 to 13 cover the role of bDMARDs in the treatment of active axial SpA and include related issues such as continuing therapy and use in special populations. Recommendation 14 deals with the utility of surgical intervention in axial SpA.These recommendations provide up-to-date guidance for treatment of axial SpA to help meet the needs of patients and clinicians in the Asia-Pacific region.

Estrogen attenuates the spondyloarthritis manifestations of the SKG arthritis model.

BACKGROUND: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a male-predominant disease, and radiographic evidence of damage is also more severe in males. Estrogen modulates immune-related processes such as T cell differentiation and cytokine production. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of estrogen on the disease activity of spondyloarthritis (SpA). METHODS: The effects of estrogen on the development of arthritis were evaluated by performing ovariectomy and 17ß-estradiol (E2) pellet implantation in zymosan-treated SKG mice. Clinical arthritis scores were measured, and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) small-animal positron emission tomography/computed tomography performed to quantify joint inflammation. The expression of inflammatory cytokines in joint tissue was measured. RESULTS: E2-treated mice showed remarkable suppression of arthritis clinically and little infiltration of inflammatory cells in the Achilles tendon and intervertebral disc. 18F-FDG uptake was significantly lower in E2-treated mice than in sham-operated (sham) and ovariectomized mice. Expression of TNF, interferon-γ, and IL-17A was significantly reduced in E2-treated mice, whereas expression of sclerostin and Dickkopf-1 was increased in E2-treated mice compared with sham and ovariectomized mice. CONCLUSIONS: Estrogen suppressed arthritis development in SKG mice, a model of SpA. Results of this study suggest that estrogen has an anti-inflammatory effect on the spondyloarthritis manifestations of the SKG arthritis model.

Barreras y facilitadores para la práctica del ejercicio físico en pacientes con espondiloartritis: estudio cualitativo de grupos focales (EJES-3D) / Barriers and facilitators for the practice of physical exercise in patients with spondyloarthritis: qualitative study of focus groups (EJES-3D)

Objetivos. Explorar las barreras que los pacientes con espondiloartritis (EsA) tienen ante el ejercicio y proponer facilitadores. Métodos. Análisis cualitativo del discurso en grupos focales para identificar los elementos que configuran la realidad estudiada, describir las relaciones entre ellos y sintetizar el resultado mediante: 1) segmentación según criterios temáticos; 2) categorización en función de situaciones, relaciones, opiniones, sentimientos u otras; 3) codificación de las diversas categorías, y 4) interpretación de los resultados. Resultados. Se realizaron 2 grupos focales de una hora de duración cada uno con 11 pacientes con EsA reclutados a partir de asociaciones y redes sociales en Madrid y provincias colindantes (64% hombres, 72% entre 40 y 60años y 57% con enfermedad de más de 10años; el 80% realizaba algún tipo de ejercicio o actividad física). Se identificaron: 1) barreras al ejercicio, entre las que destacaron: desinformación, miedo, dolor, desconfianza y experiencias previas negativas; 2) aspectos que facilitan la realización de ejercicio: los complementarios a las barreras más regularidad y apoyo profesional y social; 3) ítems que pueden influir tanto positiva como negativamente, y 4) cuatro fases del afrontamiento del ejercicio o actividad física en la EsA. Conclusión. Aparte de reconocer la existencia de factores personales poco modificables, en general los pacientes reclaman mayor conocimiento y educación sobre el ejercicio y sobre los pros y contras en el contexto de su enfermedad, coherencia de mensajes recibidos y mejores monitores que les acompañen en su afrontamiento frente a la enfermedad y al ejercicio (AU)

Objectives. To explore barriers to exercise of patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA) and to propose facilitators. Methods. Analysis of the speech of focus groups. It included the identification the elements that shape the studied reality, description of the relationship between them and synthesis through: 1) Thematic segmentation, 2) Categorization according to situations, relationships, opinions, feelings or others, 3) Coding of the various categories and 4) Interpretation of results. Results. Two focus groups of one hour each with 11 patients recruited from associations and social networks in Madrid and surrounding provinces took place (64% men, 72% between 40 and 60 years, 57% with disease duration longer than 10 years, 80% performed some type of exercise or physical activity). The following were identified: 1) barriers to exercise, among which the following pointed out: disinformation, fear, pain, distrust, and prior negative experiences with exercise; 2) facilitators to exercise: the complementary to barriers plus regularity and social and professional support; 3) items that could influence in either way, negative or positively; and 4) four phases of coping with exercise or physical activity in SpA. Conclusion. Apart from recognizing the existence of some modifiable personal factors, patients generally demand: more knowledge and education on exercise, including the pros and cons in the context of their disease, and coherence of messages received, together with better monitors that accompany them in their coping with disease and exercise (AU)

Spondyloarthritis in over 16s: diagnosis and management

This guideline covers diagnosing and managing spondyloarthritis that is suspected or confirmed in adults who are 16 years or older. It aims to raise awareness of the features of spondyloarthritis and provide clear advice on what action to take when people with signs and symptoms first present in healthcare settings. It also provides advice on the range of treatments available.

Rebamipide prevents peripheral arthritis and intestinal inflammation by reciprocally regulating Th17/Treg cell imbalance in mice with curdlan-induced spondyloarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Spondyloarthritis (SpA) usually manifests as arthritis of the axial and peripheral joints but can also result in extra-articular manifestations such as inflammatory bowel disease. Proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-17 (IL-17) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of SpA. Rebamipide inhibits signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 that controls IL-17 production and Th17 cell differentiation. This study examined the effect of rebamipide on SpA development. METHODS: SKG ZAP-70(W163C) mice were immunized with curdlan to induce SpA features. The mice were then intraperitoneally injected with rebamipide or vehicle 3 times a week for 14 weeks and their clinical scores were evaluated. Histological scores of the paw and spine and the length of the gut were measured at sacrifice. Immunohistochemical staining of IL-17 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was performed using tissue samples isolated from the axial joints, peripheral joints, and gut. Spleen tissue samples were isolated from both rebamipide- or vehicle-treated mice with SpA at 14 weeks after curdlan injection to determine the effect of rebamipide on Th17 and regulatory T (Treg) cell differentiation. RESULTS: Rebamipide decreased the clinical and histological scores of the peripheral joints. The total length of the gut was preserved in rebamipide-treated mice. IL-17 and TNF-α expression in the spine, peripheral joints, and gut was lower in rebamipide-treated mice than in control mice. Th17 cell differentiation was suppressed whereas Treg cell differentiation was upregulated in the spleen of rebamipide-treated mice. CONCLUSION: Rebamipide exerted beneficial effects in mice with SpA by preventing peripheral arthritis and intestinal inflammation and by regulating Th17/Treg cell imbalance, suggesting that it can be used as a potential therapeutic agent for treating arthritis to SpA patients.

Manifestaciones extraarticulares en pacientes con espondiloartritis. Características basales de la cohorte de pacientes con espondiloartritis del estudio AQUILES / Extra-articular disease in patients with spondyloarthritis. Baseline characteristics of the spondyloarthritis cohort of the AQUILES study

Objetivos. Evaluar la prevalencia de enfermedad extraarticular (uveítis, psoriasis y enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal [EII]) en una cohorte de pacientes con espondiloartritis (EsA). Pacientes y métodos. AQUILES es un estudio observacional, prospectivo y multicéntrico, en 3 cohortes de pacientes con una de las siguientes enfermedades inflamatorias mediadas por inmunidad (EIMI): EsA, psoriasis y EII. En la cohorte presente se incluyó a pacientes ≥ 18 años con EsA atendidos en consultas hospitalarias de Reumatología. El objetivo principal fue evaluar la coexistencia de estas enfermedades y de uveítis, valorada sobre la base de la historia clínica del paciente hasta el momento de entrar en el estudio. Resultados. Se incluyó a 601 pacientes con EsA (varones: 63,1%, mujeres: 36,9%). Los diagnósticos fueron: espondilitis anquilosante (55,1%); artritis psoriásica (25,2%); espondiloartritis indiferenciada (16,1%); artritis enteropática (2,5%), y otros (1,3%). En el 43,6% (IC del 95%, 39,7-47,6) coexistió al menos una de las 3 enfermedades mencionadas, predominando psoriasis (prevalencia: 27,8%, IC del 95%, 24,4-31,5), uveítis (13,6%, IC del 95%m 11,1-16,6) y EII (5,1%, IC del 95%, 3,7-7,2). En pacientes con espondilitis anquilosante, la prevalencia fue del 25,3% (EII: 3,9%, psoriasis: 5,4%, uveítis: 19,0%) y en pacientes con artritis psoriásica fue del 94,7%, debido a la presencia de psoriasis (94,0%). La coexistencia de estas manifestaciones se asoció a mayor edad, sexo femenino y presencia de otras manifestaciones extraarticulares de las EsA distintas de las estudiadas. Conclusiones. La enfermedad extraarticular en pacientes con EsA es frecuente y en este estudio se asoció a la edad, el sexo femenino y la presencia de otras manifestaciones extraarticulares de EsA (AU)

Objectives. To describe the prevalence of extra-articular disease (uveitis, psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]), in a cohort of patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA). Patients and methods. AQUILES is an observational, prospective and multicentric study of three cohorts of patients with one of the following immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID): SpA, psoriasis, or IBD. In the present cohort, patients ≥18 years of age with SpA were enrolled from Rheumatology clinics. The main objective was to assess the coexistence of these diseases and of uveitis, based on the patients’ clinical history up to the study entry. Results. A total of 601 patients with SpA (men: 63.1%; women: 36.9%) were enrolled. The specific diagnoses were: ankylosing spondylitis (55.1%), psoriatic arthritis (25.1%), undifferentiated spondyloarthritis (16.1%), enteropathic arthritis (2.5%), and others (1.3%). In 43.6% (95% CI: 39.7-47.6) of the patients, at least one of the three abovementioned diseases was encountered, predominantly psoriasis (prevalence 27.8%, 95% CI: 24.4-31.5), uveitis (13.6%, CI 95%: 11.1-16.6) and IBD (5.1%, 95% CI: 3.7-7.2). In patients with ankylosing spondylitis the proportion of other disease was 25.3% (IBD: 3.9%, psoriasis: 5.4%, uveitis: 19.0%) whilst it was 94.7% in psoriatic arthritis, due to the presence of psoriasis (94.0%). The coexistence of these diseases was associated with age, female gender and the presence of other extra-articular manifestations associated with SpA. Conclusions. Extra-articular disease in patients with SpA is common and, in this study, it was associated to age, female gender and the presence of other SpA-related extra-articular manifestations (AU)

Nuevos paradigmas en el diagnóstico y la clasificación de las espondiloartritis / No disponible

No disponible

Características de los pacientes con espondiloartritis seguidos en unidades de reumatología en España. Estudio emAR II / Characteristics of patients with spondyloarthritis followed in rheumatology units in Spain. emAR II study

Objetivos. Describir las características clínicas y demográficas de los pacientes con espondiloartritis en España. Pacientes y métodos. Revisión de historias clínicas aleatorizadas de pacientes con espondiloartritis mayores de 16 años, con al menos una visita al reumatólogo en los 2 años anteriores. Se recogió información sobre datos sociodemográficos y clínicos (tiempo de duración de la enfermedad, categoría diagnóstica, actividad de la enfermedad, manifestaciones extrarticulares, y comorbilidad). Resultados. Se incluyeron 1.168 pacientes procedentes de 46 hospitales de toda España. El 68% eran varones con valores mediana de edad y tiempo de evolución de la enfermedad de 49,2 años (39,7-60,5) y de 105 meses (48,4-192,5), respectivamente. Los diagnósticos, por orden de frecuencia, fueron: espondilitis anquilosante (n = 629, 55,2%), artritis psoriásica (n = 253, 22,2%), espondiloartritis indiferenciada (n = 184, 16,1%), artritis asociada a enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (n = 50, 4,4%) y artritis reactiva (n = 16, 1,4%). Las manifestaciones extrarticulares más comunes fueron: psoriasis (20,8%), uveítis anterior (19,4%) y entesitis (16,9%). Constaba la existencia de incapacidad laboral en el 8,3% de las historias clínicas. Constaban datos clínicos como el BASDAI solo en el 34% y la medida de metrología más utilizada, el test de Schöber, faltaba en el 37,7% de las historias. Conclusiones. Las características sociodemográficas y clínicas de los pacientes con espondiloartritis del estudio emAR II, no difieren de forma global de lo publicado previamente en otros estudios, excepto para el diagnóstico de formas indiferenciadas, que son más frecuentes en nuestros pacientes que en otras publicaciones. La calidad de los registros de actividad en las historias clínicas es mejorable (AU)

Objective. To describe the main demographic and clinical features of patients with spondyloarthropaties in Spain. Patients and methods. Review of randomized clinical charts of patients with spondyloarthropaties with at least one visit to the rheumatologist in the previous two years. Information was collected on demographic and clinical data (duration of illness, diagnostic category, disease activity, extrarticular manifestations, comorbidity and work disability). Results. 1,168 patients were included in the study. Their median age was 49.2 years (39.7-60.5), 68.0% were males, and median time of disease was 105.1 month (48.4-192.5). The diagnoses and clinical data such as the BASDAI were reported only in 34,0% of the patients. The most widely used measure of metrology, the Schober test, was missing in 37.7% of the clinical charts. The patients included had the following diagnoses: Ankylosing spondylitis (n = 629, 55.2%), Psoriatic arthritis (n= 253, 22.2%), Undifferentiated spondyloarthritis (n = 184, 16.1%), Arthritis associated to Inflammatory bowel disease (n= 50, 4.4%), and Reactive arthritis (n= 16, 1.4%). The most common extraarticular manifestations were psoriasis (20.8%), anterior uveitis (19.4%), and enthesitis (16.9%). Some kind of work disability was reported in 8.3% of the patients. Conclusions. Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with spondyloarthropaties in Spain do not differ as a whole from other published studies, except for Undifferentiated Spondyloarthritis, which was more likely in our patients than in other studies. The quality of the records of activity in the clinical charts could be improved (AU)

Variabilidad en el consumo de recursos en pacientes con espondiloartritis en España. Datos descriptivos preliminares del estudio emAR II / Variability in resource consumption in patients with spondyloarthritis in Spain. Preliminary descriptive data from the emAR II study

Objetivo. Describir la variabilidad en el manejo de las espondiloartritis (EsA) en España en términos de consumo de recursos sanitarios y la utilización de técnicas. Métodos. Revisión de 1.168 historias clínicas de pacientes con EsA atendidos en servicios de reumatología de hospitales españoles, seleccionadas aleatoriamente. Se analizaron las variables sociodemográficas y las variables relacionadas con el consumo de recursos sanitarios. Resultados. El número total de visitas médicas a reumatología fue de 5.908, con una tasa de 254 consultas/100 pacientes-año. El número total de visitas a enfermería reumatológica fue de 775, con una tasa de 39 visitas/100 pacientes-año, y se produjeron 446 ingresos, lo que representa una tasa de 22 por 100 pacientes-año. El número de ingresos debidos a la EsA fue de 89, con una tasa de 18 ingresos/100 pacientes-año. El total de visitas a otros especialistas fue de 4.307, con una tasa de 200/100 pacientes-año. El número total de cirugías ortopédicas fue de 41, lo que da lugar a una tasa de 1,8 cirugías/100 pacientes-año. Conclusiones. Los datos de visita al reumatólogo y de cirugía protésica de pacientes con EsA en España son similares a la mayoría de los estudios publicados en nuestro entorno; sin embargo, otros aspectos referentes al uso de recursos sanitarios son diferentes en comparación con otros países. Estos datos pueden contribuir para conocer y mejorar aspectos organizativos del manejo de la EsA en los hospitales españoles (AU)

Objective. Our objective was to describe the variability in the management of spondyloarthritis (SA) in Spain in terms of healthcare resources and their use. Methods. A review of 1168 medical files of patients seen in randomly selected Spanish hospital rheumatology departments. We analyzed demographic variables and variables related to the consumption of health resources. Results. The total number of visits to rheumatology were 5,908 with a rate of 254 visits/100 patient-years. The total number of visits to rheumatology specialty nurses was 775, with a rate of 39 visits/100 patient-years, and there were 446 hospitalizations, representing a rate of 22 per 100 patient-years. The number of admissions due to SA was 89, with a rate of 18 admissions/100 patient-years. Total visits to other specialists was 4,307 with a rate of 200/100 patient-years. The total number of orthopedic surgeries was 41, which leads to a rate of 1.8 surgeries/100 patient-years. Conclusions. The data regarding visits to the rheumatologist and prosthetic surgery of patients with in Spain is similar to most studies published in our environment, however, other aspects concerning the use of health resources are different compared to other countries. This data may help to understand and improve organizational aspects of management of SA in Spanish hospitals (AU)

Seguimiento clínico y ecográfico a 1 año del EStudio PIloto de Derivación de pacientes con Espondiloartritis Precoz (ESPIDEP) / One year clinical and ultrasonographic follow up of the pilot study for the referral of patients with early spondyloarthritis (ESPIDEP)

Objetivos. Caracterizar a una cohorte de pacientes con espondiloartritis (SpA) precoz, demostrar la utilidad de la ecografía de entesis en el diagnóstico y seguimiento, y desarrollar un modelo para predecir actividad persistente. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio prospectivo a 1 año de los pacientes con SpA del EStudio PIloto de Derivación de pacientes con Espondiloartritis Precoz (ESPIDEP). Se llevó a cabo una evaluación clínica, radiológica y ecográfica. La ecográfica de entesis se realizó con el MAdrid Sonographic Enthesis Index (MASEI), y su utilidad diagnóstica se determinó con el punto de corte ≥ 18. Se examinó la evolución clínica, radiológica y del MASEI. Finalmente se desarrolló un modelo a partir de los factores que predicen actividad persistente. Resultados. Se realizó el seguimiento durante 1 año a 32 pacientes. El MASEI basal alcanzó una sensibilidad y especificidad de 78,12% y 83,37%, un valor predictivo positivo y negativo del 83,3% y el 79,41%, y una razón de verosimilitud positiva y negativa de 5 y 0,26, respectivamente. La mejoría del BASMI y el MASEI fue significativa (p = 0,001 y p = 0,007, respectivamente). Las mujeres tuvieron más afectación periférica desde el inicio y los hombres mayor progresión radiológica axial y PCR más elevada (p < 0,05). El modelo que mejor predijo actividad persistente estaba formado por dolor axial nocturno, BASDAI y PCR. Conclusiones. La ecografía de entesis puede ser útil en la evaluación inicial y el seguimiento de las SpA precoces. El patrón de enfermedad difiere según el sexo. Predecir actividad persistente en estadios precoces apoya la utilización de tratamientos más intensivos (AU)

Objectives. To characterize a cohort of early spondyloarthritis (SpA) patients, to demonstrate the usefulness of enthesis ultrasonography for the diagnosis and follow up, and to develop a statistical model to predict persitent activity. Patients and methods. A 1 year prospective study with clinical, radiological and ultrasonographic evaluations was performed in patients with SpA from the Pilot Study for the Referral of Patients with Early SpA (ESPIDEP). Enthesis ultrasonography was explored by the MAdrid Sonographic Enthesis Index (MASEI), and its diagnostic utility was determined to be a cutoff score of ≥ 18 points. The clinical, radiological and MASEI scores were studied. Finally, a statistical model from factors predicting persitent activity was developed. Results. A 1 year follow-up of 32 patients was carried out. The baseline MASEI reached a sensitivity and specificity of 78,12% and 84,37% respectively, positive and negative predictive value was 83,3% and 79,41% respectively, and positive and negative likelihood ratios were 5 and 0,26, respectively. The improvement of BASMI and the MASEI scores were significant (p = 0,001 and p = 0,007, respectively). From the beginning, women had more peripheral affectation, and men had higher axial radiological progression and higher CRP (p < 0,05).The statistical model that best predicted persitent activity was constituted by nocturnal back pain, BASDAI and CRP. Conclusions. Enthesis ultrasonography can be useful when begining the evaluation and follow-up of early SpA. Disease patterns are different according to sex. The ability to predict persitent activity in early stages supports the use of more intensive treatments (AU)

Spondylarthritis in HLA-B27/human beta2-microglobulin-transgenic rats is not prevented by lack of CD8.

OBJECTIVE: HLA-B27 predisposes to spondylarthritis by an unknown mechanism. A logical candidate mechanism is through recognition of B27 by CD8+ T cells. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a lack of CD8 on the spondylarthritis that develops in B27/human beta(2)-microglobulin (Hubeta(2)m)-transgenic rats. METHODS: A missense mutation in the CD8a gene that causes a loss of CD8alpha expression was identified in offspring of a male Sprague-Dawley rat that had been treated with the mutagen N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea. The mutation was crossed into B27/Hubeta(2)m-transgenic lines on the Lewis background. CD8a(-/-) and CD8a(+/-) progeny were compared on a mixed SD-LEW background as well as after at least 10 backcrosses to LEW rats. CD8 function was assessed by generating cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTLs) against allogeneic DA strain antigens. RESULTS: Homozygous mutant rats showed normal CD8a and CD8b messenger RNA levels but no detectable expression of either protein and an almost complete abrogation of the allogeneic CTL response. Two disease phenotypes previously observed in different B27/Hubeta(2)m-transgenic lines also occurred in the respective CD8a(-/-)-transgenic rat lines. There was no significant difference in disease prevalence or severity between CD8a(-/-) rats and CD8a(+/-) rats. CONCLUSION: All of the previously described disease manifestations in HLA-B27/Hubeta(2)m-transgenic rats arise in the absence of any functional CD8+ T cells. It thus seems unlikely that classic T cell recognition of HLA-B27 is of primary importance in this animal model. The possibility of a secondary role of a CD8-dependent mechanism cannot be entirely excluded.

[Criteria to notify to the authorities the occupational lumbar trait diseases]. / Criteri per la denuncia ex D.M. 27/4/04 delle spondilodiscopatie del tratto lombare e dell'ernia discale lombare.

To carry out the requirement of notification according to the Italian law D.M. 27/4/04 in relation to the item "Manual handling of loads made continuously during working shift" it is necessary to clarify some quantitative and chronological aspects regarding the exposure and to precise the nature of the diseases to be notified. To fulfil their choices doctors at the moment can not rely on quantitative referrings based on the evidence and wide spread accepted, but they basically have operative indications partly taken from literature and stil under validation. However, to carry out the requirement of the law and to avoid choices not based on considered criteria, we propose some operative criteria deriving from the knowledge that at the moment seems more consolidated and accepted in the occupational and previdential medicine.