[Intimate partner violence: study with female nurses]. / Violencia del compañero íntimo: estudio con profesionales de enfermería.

AIM: Describe gender-based violence by intimate partners against female nurses in a sample of nurses in Andalucia, Spain. DESIGN: Descriptive transversal study. SETTING: Hospitals and primary health care districts in Andalucia. PARTICIPANTS: Six hundred and twenty-two female nurses that work as nurses in the eight provinces in Andalucia (Spain). MEASURES: Social-demographic characteristics and presence of abuse (psychological, physical and sexual). RESULTS: 78.5% of the nurses were married or with a regular partner and had the economic income based on both salaries; 71.1% had a child or an elderly dependent person. It was proved that there can be a statistical association between abuse and: marital status; life together; familiar economic support and children and/or dependent elderly person. The average age was 42.5±8.1 years old (22-62 years) and presented statistical age differences comparing both groups: abused (average 44 years) and non-abused (average 41.8 years). Between the married couples studied, 21.7% of them belong to the social class I and 16.9% to the social class II. Between all studied nurses, 33.0% suffered abuse, among which 75.1% were psychologically abused. Of all the abuse cases 60% were less severe and 40% more serious. CONCLUSIONS: It was confirmed the presence of intimate partner violence (IPV) against nurses, which was predominantly psychological abuse, but others classes of abuse were present too.

Hip involvement in ankylosing spondylitis: epidemiology and risk factors associated with hip replacement surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Although clinicians recognize hip involvement, which frequently leads to hip replacement surgery, as an important feature of AS, data on the epidemiology, nature of the disease and therapeutic strategies are scarce. We aimed to describe the epidemiology of clinical and radiological hip involvement and define the risk factors for the hip replacement surgery in AS patients. METHODS: Data from 3 datasets were merged, including 847 Belgian (ASPECT database), 1405 Spanish (REGISPONSER database) and 466 Ibero-American (RESPONDIA database) AS patients. The ASPECT and REGISPONSER database (Dataset A) are used for exploratory analysis; the RESPONDIA database (Dataset B) is used for confirmative analysis. Factors associated with hip involvement and the hip replacement surgery were analysed. RESULTS: Twenty four (REGISPONSER) to 36% (RESPONDIA) of AS patients under rheumatologist's care presented clinical hip involvement, including the 5% (Dataset A) of AS patients who needed hip replacement surgery. Patients with hip involvement had significantly worse overall Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) scores compared with patients without hip involvement (mean difference = 1.6, P < 0.001) (Dataset A, confirmed in B). Corrected for disease duration, patients with early disease onset, enthesial and axial disease needed most frequently hip replacement surgery (Dataset A, confirmed in B). CONCLUSION: Hip involvement is commonly recognized by rheumatologists in AS patients, and involves about one out of the three to four patients with AS and is associated with impaired functioning reflected by higher overall BASFI scores. Early onset of disease, axial and enthesial disease are associated with the hip replacement surgery in AS.

Calcium-dependent nitric oxide production is involved in the cytoprotective properties of n-acetylcysteine in glycochenodeoxycholic acid-induced cell death in hepatocytes.

The intracellular oxidative stress has been involved in bile acid-induced cell death in hepatocytes. Nitric oxide (NO) exerts cytoprotective properties in glycochenodeoxycholic acid (GCDCA)-treated hepatocytes. The study evaluated the involvement of Ca2+ on the regulation of NO synthase (NOS)-3 expression during N-acetylcysteine (NAC) cytoprotection against GCDCA-induced cell death in hepatocytes. The regulation of Ca2+ pools (EGTA or BAPTA-AM) and NO (L-NAME or NO donor) production was assessed during NAC cytoprotection in GCDCA-treated HepG2 cells. The stimulation of Ca2+ entrance was induced by A23187 in HepG2. Cell death, Ca2+ mobilization, NOS-1, -2 and -3 expression, AP-1 activation, and NO production were evaluated. GCDCA reduced intracellular Ca2+ concentration and NOS-3 expression, and enhanced cell death in HepG2. NO donor prevented, and l-NAME enhanced, GCDCA-induced cell death. The reduction of Ca2+ entry by EGTA, but not its release from intracellular stores by BAPTA-AM, enhanced cell death in GCDCA-treated cells. The stimulation of Ca2+ entrance by A23187 reduced cell death and enhanced NOS-3 expression in GCDCA-treated HepG2 cells. The cytoprotective properties of NAC were related to the recovery of intracellular Ca2+ concentration, NOS-3 expression and NO production induced by GCDCA-treated HepG2 cells. The increase of NO production by Ca2+-dependent NOS-3 expression during NAC administration reduces cell death in GCDCA-treated hepatocytes.

Mammography and ultrasound in the evaluation of male breast disease.

OBJECTIVE: To assess clinical variables that may be useful in differentiating gynaecomastia from carcinoma and to analyse the contribution of mammography and ultrasound to the evaluation of male breast disease. METHODS: All men who underwent mammography and/or ultrasound between 1993 and 2006 in our hospital were retrospectively evaluated. Clinical characteristics in patients with gynaecomastia and those with carcinoma were compared. Radiological findings were classified according to the BI-RADS (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System) criteria. The diagnostic performance of physical examination, mammography and ultrasound was determined and compared. RESULTS: A total of 628 patients with 518 mammograms and 423 ultrasounds were reviewed. The final diagnoses were: 19 carcinomas, 526 gynaecomastias, 84 other benign conditions and 25 normal. There were statistically significant differences in age, bilateral involvement, clinical presentation and physical examination between patients with carcinoma and those with gynaecomastia. The diagnostic performance of physical examination was lower than that of mammography and ultrasound (p < 0.05 for specificity). Mammography was the most sensitive (94.7%) and ultrasound the most specific (95.3%) for detection of malignancy (p > 0.05). We propose an algorithm for the use of mammography and ultrasound in men. CONCLUSIONS: Mammography and ultrasound, with a negative predictive value close to 100%, make it possible to avoid very many unnecessary surgical procedures in men.

First signs and symptoms of spondyloarthritis--data from an inception cohort with a disease course of two years or less (REGISPONSER-Early).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the first signs and symptoms, and the clinical, biological and radiological characteristics of patients with early SpA. METHODS: A total of 150 SpA patients were selected from 2367 listed in REGISPONSER (Registro Español de Espondiloartritis de la Sociedad Española de Reumatología). The inclusion criterion was a disease course of

Effect of ageing on CMV-specific CD8 T cells from CMV seropositive healthy donors.

BACKGROUND: Ageing is associated with changes in the immune system with substantial alterations in T-lymphocyte subsets. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is one of the factors that affect functionality of T cells and the differentiation and large expansions of CMV pp65-specific T cells have been associated with impaired responses to other immune challenges. Moreover, the presence of clonal expansions of CMV-specific T cells may shrink the available repertoire for other antigens and contribute to the increased incidence of infectious diseases in the elderly. In this study, we analyse the effect of ageing on the phenotype and frequency of CMV pp65-specific CD8 T cell subsets according to the expression of CCR7, CD45RA, CD27, CD28, CD244 and CD85j. RESULTS: Peripheral blood from HLA-A2 healthy young, middle-aged and elderly donors was analysed by multiparametric flow cytometry using the HLA-A*0201/CMV pp65(495-504) (NLVPMVATV) pentamer and mAbs specific for the molecules analysed. The frequency of CMV pp65-specific CD8 T cells was increased in the elderly compared with young and middle-aged donors. The proportion of naïve cells was reduced in the elderly, whereas an age-associated increase of the CCR7(null) effector-memory subset, in particular those with a CD45RA(dim) phenotype, was observed, both in the pentamer-positive and pentamer-negative CD8 T cells. The results also showed that most CMV pp65-specific CD8 T cells in elderly individuals were CD27/CD28 negative and expressed CD85j and CD244. CONCLUSION: The finding that the phenotype of CMV pp65-specific CD8 T cells in elderly individuals is similar to the predominant phenotype of CD8 T cells as a whole, suggests that CMV persistent infections contributes to the age-related changes observed in the CD8 T cell compartment, and that chronic stimulation by other persistent antigens also play a role in T cell immunosenescence. Differences in subset distribution in elderly individuals showing a decrease in naive and an increase in effector-memory CD8 T cells may be relevant in the age-associated defective immune response.

Infliximab reduces myeloperoxidase concentration in chronic inflammatory joint diseases.

UNLABELLED: The present study evaluated the effect of infliximab on the myeloperoxidase (MPO) concentration in chronic inflammatory joint disease. Eighteen patients were divided into active and inactive groups. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, white blood cell counts, MPO concentration, and biomarkers of oxidative stress were measured before and after the infusion of infliximab. Patients with active disease showed increases in concentrations of MPO and biomarkers of oxidation, but decreases in antioxidant parameters. After infliximab treatment, both inflammatory parameters and MPO concentrations were normalized. IN CONCLUSION: (1) the MPO concentration is related to inflammatory activity and could play an important role in the maintenance and outbreak of oxidative stress present in these diseases, and (2) infliximab inhibits MPO concentration.

[Cost-effectiveness and degree of satisfaction with home sleep monitoring in patients with symptoms of sleep apnea]. / Coste-eficiencia y grado de satisfacción de la poligrafía domiciliaria en pacientes con síntomas de apnea del sueño.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic validity, degree of patient satisfaction, and economic cost of home sleep monitoring compared to conventional polysomnography. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients with symptoms indicative of sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) were included. We analyzed the diagnostic yield of home sleep monitoring using the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), number of desaturations of at least 3%, and the percentage time with arterial oxygen saturation below 90%. The degree of patient satisfaction, measured on a visual analogue scale, and the cost of home monitoring were compared with conventional polysomnography. RESULTS: The study included 52 patients (42 men and 10 women) with a mean (SD) age of 51.8 (9) years and a body mass index of 32 (5) kg/m2. Polysomnography and home monitoring revealed an AHI of 33.6 (20) and 31 (19), respectively (r=0.971; intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.963; P< .001). The number of desaturations of at least 3% and the percentage time with arterial oxygen saturation below 90% showed significant correlation and concordance (P< .05). For an AHI cutoff of 10 recorded with polysomnography, home monitoring had a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 80%, with an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of 0.804. For severe SAHS (AHI> or =30), the sensitivity and specificity of home monitoring was 100% (that is, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 1). For home monitoring, the cost per diagnostic test was 101.34 euro less than that of polysomnography, and the patient satisfaction was significantly greater (P< .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Home sleep monitoring is a valid and cost-effective diagnostic test; patients with symptoms of SAHS are more satisfied with this technique than conventional polysomnography.

Home intervention and predictor variables for rehospitalization in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation increases mortality and resources used associated with hospitalization. We studied whether early home monitoring reduces the rate of readmission and if there are any predictor variables. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a prospective, controlled, parallel-group study in patients who were hospitalized for COPD. Patients whose residence was within less than 15km from the hospital were assigned to an interventional group (home visits by nurses about 48-72hours after discharge), the remainder were assigned to a conventional care group. The rate of rehospitalization within the first month was compared between the two groups, as well as those variables that showed a predictive capability. RESULTS: Seventy one patients were included: 35 in the conventional care group and 36 in the interventional group. In the latter, the treatment was modified in 13 patients (36%). The hospital readmission rate was 17%, which was similar in both groups (P=.50). For every 5-year increase in age, the risk for readmission was 2.54 (95%CI, 1.06-5.07) and for each increase of 10mmHg in PaCO(2), the risk of readmission was 8.34 (95%CI, 2.43-18.55). CONCLUSIONS: Early home monitoring did not decrease the readmission rate during the first month. Older age and high PaCO(2) are factors that identify the group with a high risk for rehospitalization.

Different clinical expression of patients with ankylosing spondylitis according to gender in relation to time since onset of disease. Data from REGISPONSER.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the differential characteristics by gender and time since disease onset in patients diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) attending the Spanish rheumatology clinics, including those on the "Spanish Registry of spondyloarthritis" (REGISPONSER), as well as the diagnostic and therapeutic implications that this entails. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a transversal and observational study of 1514 patients with AS selected from 2367 spondyloarthritis cases included in REGISPONSER. For each patient, the demographics, epidemiology, geriatric, clinical, laboratory, radiological, and therapeutic aspects were were evaluated and comprehensively recorded under the aegis of REGISPONSER, constituting the Minimum Basic identifying data for the disease. Physical function was assessed by Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI). Clinical activity was evaluated using erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C reactive protein and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI). Each patient underwent pelvic anteroposterior, anteroposterior and lateral lumbar spine as well as lateral cervical spine x rays; they were scored according to the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Radiographic Index, which measures structural damage. RESULTS: Of the 1514 patients screened, 1131 (74.7%) were men. We found significant differences in age at onset of symptoms as well as in the day of inclusion, between the two groups, being lower in men. We also obtained differences in the duration of the disease, which was lower in women. As for the existence of a history of AS among first-degree relatives, family forms were more common among women. The mean BASDAI score was also higher in women, regardless of time since onset of disease. In contrast, the improvement of pain with the use of NSAID's and radiological severity were higher in men, both reaching statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Among the Spanish AS patients, there are some differences in the clinical manifestations, even when the time since onset of disease was controlled; we also found radiological differences by gender; men showing more structural damage, while women were more active. These data suggest that the phenotype of AS differs between genders. This can influence the subsequent diagnostic approach and therapeutic decisions.

Comparison of the clinical expression of patients with ankylosing spondylitis from Europe and Latin America.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical, demographic, and serologic characteristics and the treatment of patients diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) from Europe (EU) and Latin America (LA). METHODS: We included 3439 patients from national registries: the Spanish Registry of Spondyloarthritis (REGISPONSER), the Belgian registry (ASPECT), and the Latin American Registry of Spondyloarthropathies (RESPONDIA). We selected patients with diagnosis of AS who met the modified New York classification criteria. Demographic, clinical, disease activity, functional, and metrological measurement data were recorded. Current treatment was recorded. The population was classified into 2 groups: patients with disease duration < 10 years and those with disease duration ≥ 10 years. A descriptive and comparative analysis of variables of both groups was carried out. RESULTS: There were 2356 patients in EU group and 1083 in LA group. Prevalence of HLA-B27 was 71% in LA group and 83% in EU group (p < 0.001). We found a greater frequency of peripheral arthritis and enthesitis (p < 0.001) in the LA population; prevalence of arthritis was 57% in LA and 42% in EU, and for enthesitis, 54% and 38%. Except for treatment with anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF), the use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID), corticosteroids, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD), and the association of anti-TNF and methotrexate use showed a significant difference (p < 0.001) in the 2 populations. CONCLUSION: The principal differences in the clinical manifestations of patients with AS from EU and LA were the greater frequency of peripheral arthritis and enthesitis in LA group, the higher percentage of HLA-B27 in EU group, and the form of treatment, with a greater use of NSAID, steroids, and DMARD in the LA group.

Prevalence of vertebral fractures by semiautomated morphometry in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

OBJECTIVE: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease mainly affecting the axial skeleton and characterized by ossification of the spinal disc, joints, and ligaments leading to progressive ankylosis. Vertebral osteoporosis is a recognized feature of AS. Studies have confirmed a moderate to high prevalence of vertebral fractures with extremely varying ranges in patients with AS. Our objective was to estimate the prevalence of vertebral fractures in a representative Spanish population of patients with AS using a validated semiquantitative method, MorphoXpress(®). METHODS: Patients were randomly selected from the 10 initial participating centers of the Spanish National Registry of Spondyloarthropathies (REGISPONSER) by consecutive sampling. All patients fulfilled the New York modified criteria for AS and had a baseline thoracolumbar radiograph. A prevalent vertebral fracture was defined according to the Genant classification criteria. RESULTS: The estimated prevalence of vertebral fractures was 32.4% (95% CI 25.5%-39.3%). The majority of fractures were localized in the thoracic segment (n = 100; 82.%) and were mild (n = 79; 64.8%). In logistic regression analysis, age (odds ratio per year 1.05, 95% CI 1.03-1.08, p < 0.001), disease duration (OR per year 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.06, p = 0.011), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index score (OR per score 1.16, 95% CI 1.03-1.30, p = 0.015), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Radiographic Index-TS (OR per score 1.25, 95% CI 1.12-1.39, p < 0.001), and wall-occiput distance (OR per cm 1.15, 95% CI 1.08-1.23, p < 0.001) were all associated with prevalent fracture. CONCLUSION: Semiquantitative methods are needed to improve the diagnosis of vertebral fractures in AS in order to start early treatment and to avoid complications arising from osteoporosis.

[Assessing the efficacy of non-arthroscopic joint lavage in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee]. / Valoración de la eficacia del lavado articular no artroscópico en pacientes con artrosis de rodilla.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of joint lavage in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. DESIGN: We conducted an open prospective study involving 111 patients of whom 77% were females. The patients' age range was 43-81 years and the average age 64±8.7 years. All patients had gonarthrosis as diagnosed according to the (ACR) American College of Rheumatology criteria (Kellgren radiographic grades II and III). Patients were randomly distributed between two treatment groups: a) Joint lavage without non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NAJL, n=57), and b) non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs alone (NSAIDs, n=54). Evaluations were done at baseline and one, three, and six months after enrollment. Clinical and demographic variables, and WOMAC index scores, were recorded and patient improvement was determined by following the OARSI guidelines. Statistical analyses included chi-square, analysis of covariance (baseline WOMAC) with one between-subject factor (treatment). Post-hoc comparisons were made with Sidak's adjustment. RESULTS: The respective improvement rates as measured by the OARSI index for the patients in the JL and NSAIDs groups were 50.9 and 31.5% at 1 month; 55.4 and 38.9% at three months; and 63.2 and 64.8% at six months. The patients in both groups were seen to improve from the first month (P=.038). At the end of the six-month follow-up period, the WOMAC score had decreased significantly in both groups (P=.000), with no significant differences between them. CONCLUSIONS: Six months after treatment, joint lavage proved as effective as NSAIDs in patients with gonarthrosis, so it constitutes an effective therapeutic choice in those cases where NSAIDs are contraindicated.

Increased efficacy of infliximab associated with methotrexate in ankylosing spondylitis.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to assess the efficacy of infliximab (IFX) combined with methotrexate (MTX) versus IFX alone in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). METHODS: The study was a 30weeks open label and prospective study of parallel groups in 19 patients with active AS. These patients had shown incomplete therapeutic response to standard therapy (full dose of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: NSAIDs) and disease modifying antirheumatic drugs: DMARDs (MTX or sulfasalazine: SLZ) for a period of at least 12 weeks and were treated with IFX (5mg/kg). Patients were divided into two treatment groups according to the previous treatment: in Group A, 9 patients previously treated with 7.5mg/week of MTX were treated with IFX in addition to MTX (IFX+MTX); in Group B, 10 patients previously treated only with NSAIDs were treated with IFX (5mg/kg) as monotherapy (IFX). The primary outcome was improvement in disease activity shown by the BASDAI50 at week 30; the secondary outcome included comparison of the proportions of subjects in each group achieving response criteria proposed by the ASAS group. BASDAI, BASFI, ESR, CRP, pain, inflammation and Patient Global Assessment were also recorded. RESULTS: Both groups were similar in sex ratio, clinical forms and B27. Differences between groups occurred only in the disease duration and age of the patient. At 14 and 30 weeks only 50% and 10% respectively of the patients from the IFX group achieved BASDAI50 response compared to 89% of patients from the IFX+MTX group. The difference between groups at 30 weeks was statistically significant (p=0.001; percentage of difference: 79%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 26-93%:). ASAS50 was reached in 67% and 55.6% of patients from the IFX+MTX group at 14 and 30 weeks respectively, compared with 30% and 0% of patients from the IFX group The difference between groups at 30 weeks was statistically significant (p=0.011; percentage of difference: 57%; 95% CI: 8-84.7%). CONCLUSION: Infliximab in combination with MTX seems to increase the efficacy of the therapeutic response in active AS patients, but more wide-ranging studies are necessary, mainly long-term studies.

[Meta-analysis of efficacy of anti-TNF alpha therapy in ankylosing spondylitis patients]. / Metaanálisis de la eficacia del tratamiento con anti-TNF alfa en pacientes con espondilitis anquilosante.

INTRODUCTION: Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) plays an important role in the pathology of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Therefore, anti-TNF antibody based therapies could hopefuly be a treatment in AS patients without response to current drugs, mainly non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). OBJECTIVE: To assess the evidence from clinical trials on the efficacy of anti-TNF alpha for the treatment of AS by performing a meta-analysis to derive estimates of responses occurring in randomized trials employing anti-TNF therapy. METHODS: A systematic literature search of EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Library and electronic abstract databases of the annual scientific meetings of both the European League Against Rheumatism and the American College of Rheumatology was conducted through August 2006. To be selected, the studies had to fulfil all of the followings conditions: a) randomized controlled trial comparing one therapy anti-TNF alpha (infliximab, etanercept or adalimumab) versus placebo. Used between 6 and 24 weeks in patients with AS; b) diagnosis based on the New York modified criteria for AS; c) the primary end point had to be the proportion of patients with a 20% improvement response according to the criteria of the Assessment in Ankylosing Spondylitis (ASAS) International Working Group (ASAS20 responders). RESULTS: Seven trials met our inclusion criteria and were selected for meta-analysis and were considered of high methodological quality with a total of 1,094 patients, 660 patients in treatment group and 434 patients in control-placebo group. In anti-TNF alpha treatment group, the ASAS20 response rate improvement was 60.4% and 22.1% in placebo group at 6-24 weeks period. The relative risk was 2.78 (95% CI, 2.3-3.4), favourable to treatment group. The number needed to treat was 3 (95% CI, 2-4). CONCLUSIONS: There is evidence of an increased relative benefit of improved clinical outcomes in patients with AS, treated with anti-TNF antibody therapy with two assessment criteria ASAS20 at short term (6 to 24 weeks) treatment periods; with an evidence level I and recommendation level A.

[Indication for Anti-TNF-alpha Treatment in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis in Spain]. / Indicación de terapia anti-TNF alfa en pacientes con espondilitis anquilosante en España.

OBJECTIVES: To know the perception of Spanish rheumatologists of the profile of the patient with ankylosing spondyloarthritis, candidate for biological therapy treatment. To determine what proportion of patients with ankylosing spondylitis is considered a candidate for this therapy and to know up to what point this decision agrees with the recommendations of the ASAS working group on anti-TNF therapies and with the consensus of the SER METHOD: Rheumatologists from 19 Spanish centers who are experts in treating patients with AS and in the use of anti-TNF drugs participated in this study but they were not aware of the recommendations of the ASAS group and of the SER (unpublished until this work). RESULTS: One hundred and eighty five patients were included in the study. Spanish rheumatologists indicated that they would start therapy with anti-TNF drugs in altogether 37.8% of the patients. The candidates had the highest values of disease activity, of acute-phase reactants, the worst spinal mobility, worst function, more hip damage, and high sick leave prevalence. Out of the total of the patients considered as candidates for treatment with biological therapies by their rheumatologists, 45.7% did not comply with the ASAS recommendations with respect to prior treatments with NSAIDs and BASDAI and 48.6% did not comply with the SER criteria; 29.1% of the patients who did not comply with the ASAS criteria (NSAIDs-BASDAI) were considered to be candidates for treatment with anti-TNF drugs; 29.6% of the patients who did not comply with the SER criteria were also considered to be candidates. The most important criterion was the clinical activity of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: The agreement between the criteria applied by the Spanish rheumatologist and proposed by ASAS working group and the SER consensus is low. Axial affectation, activity, and severity in their disease were the criteria used but frequently by the Spanish rheumatologist to indicate biological therapy in patients with AS.

Diferente expresión clínica de los pacientes con espondilitis anquilosante según el sexo en función del tiempo de evolución. Datos de REGISPONSER / Different clinical expression of patients with ankylosing spondylitis according to gender in relation to time since onset of disease. Data from REGISPONSER

Objetivo. Establecer las características diferenciales según el sexo y el tiempo de evolución de la enfermedad en aquellos pacientes diagnosticados de espondilitis anquilosante (EA) asistidos en consultas de reumatología de toda España, incluidos en el Registro Español de Espondiloartritis (REGISPONSER), así como la repercusión diagnóstica y terapéutica que ello conlleva. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio transversal y observacional de 1.514 pacientes con EA seleccionados de entre 2.367 con espondiloartritis incluidos en REGISPONSER. En cada paciente se evaluaron y registraron de modo exhaustivo los datos demográficos, epidemiológicos, sociosanitarios, clínicos, analíticos, radiológicos y terapéuticos previstos en el protocolo de REGISPONSER que componen el Conjunto Mínimo Básico que identifica la enfermedad. La función física se evaluó mediante «Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index». La actividad clínica mediante velocidad de sedimentación globular, proteína C reactiva y «Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index» (BASDAI). A cada paciente se le realizaron radiografías anteroposterior de pelvis, anteroposterior y lateral de columna lumbar y lateral de columna cervical, y se puntuaron según el índice «Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Radiographic Index Spine» (BASRI-Spine), que mide el daño estructural. Resultados. De los 1.514 pacientes seleccionados, 1.131 (74.7%) eran hombres. Encontramos que existen diferencias significativas en la edad tanto al inicio de los síntomas como en el día de la inclusión entre ambos grupos, siendo menor en los hombres. También obtuvimos diferencias en el tiempo de evolución de la enfermedad, que fue menor en el grupo de las mujeres. En cuanto a la existencia de antecedentes de EA entre los familiares de primer grado, las formas familiares fueron más frecuentes entre las mujeres, también resultó superior en éstas la puntuación media del BASDAI, con independencia del tiempo de evolución. Por el contrario, la mejoría del dolor con la toma de antiinflamatorios no esteroideos fue mayor en el caso de los hombres, así como la severidad radiológica, ambas de forma significativa. Conclusiones. Entre los pacientes con EA españoles existen algunas diferencias en las manifestaciones clínicas y cuando se controló según el tiempo de evolución, también encontramos diferencias radiológicas según el sexo; los hombres muestran más daño estructural, mientras que las mujeres presentan mayor actividad. Estos datos sugieren que el fenotipo de EA difiere entre géneros, lo que puede influir en el manejo diagnóstico y posterior elección terapéutica (AU)

Objective. To describe the differential characteristics by gender and time since disease onset in patients diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) attending the Spanish rheumatology clinics, including those on the “Spanish Registry of spondyloarthritis” (REGISPONSER), as well as the diagnostic and therapeutic implications that this entails. Patients and methods. This is a transversal and observational study of 1514 patients with AS selected from 2367 spondyloarthritis cases included in REGISPONSER. For each patient, the demographics, epidemiology, geriatric, clinical, laboratory, radiological, and therapeutic aspects were evaluated and comprehensively recorded under the aegis of REGISPONSER, constituting the Minimum Basic identifying data for the disease. Physical function was assessed by Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI). Clinical activity was evaluated using erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C reactive protein and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI). Each patient underwent pelvic anteroposterior, anteroposterior and lateral lumbar spine as well as lateral cervical spine X-ray; they were scored according to the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Radiographic Index, which measures structural damage. Results. Of the 1514 patients screened, 1131 (74.7%) were men. We found significant differences in age at onset of symptoms as well as in the day of inclusion, between the two groups, being lower in men. We also obtained differences in the duration of the disease, which was lower in women. As for the existence of a history of AS among first-degree relatives, family forms were more common among women. The mean BASDAI score was also higher in women, regardless of time since onset of disease. In contrast, the improvement of pain with the use of NSAID's and radiological severity were higher in men, both reaching statistical significance. Conclusions. Among the Spanish AS patients, there are some differences in the clinical manifestations, even when the time since onset of disease was controlled; we also found radiological differences by gender; men showing more structural damage, while women were more active. These data suggest that the phenotype of AS differs between genders. This can influence the subsequent diagnostic approach and therapeutic decisions (AU)

Intervención domiciliaria y variables predictoras para reingreso hospitalario en la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica agudizada / Home Intervention and Predictor Variables for Rehospitalization in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbations

Introducción: La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) agudizada aumenta la mortalidad y los recursos asociados con la hospitalización. Se estudia si un control domiciliario precoz disminuye la tasa de reingresos y si existen variables que puedan predecirlo. Pacientes y métodos: Se realiza un estudio prospectivo, controlado en grupos paralelos en pacientes ingresados por EPOC. Los pacientes que residían a menos de 15km del hospital fueron asignados a un grupo de intervención (visita domiciliaria por una enfermera en las 48-72h tras el alta) y los restantes a un grupo de cuidados habituales. Se compararon en ambos grupos la tasa de reingresos hospitalarios en el primer mes y las variables capaces de predecirlo. Resultados: Fueron incluidos 71 enfermos, 35 en el grupo de cuidados convencionales y 36 en el grupo de intervención; en este último se modificó el tratamiento en 13 sujetos (36% de los enfermos). La tasa de reingreso fue del 17%, siendo similar en ambos grupos (p=0,50). Por cada aumento de 5 años en la edad, el riesgo de reingreso fue de 2,54 (IC95%, 1,06 a 5,07) y por cada incremento de 10mmHg en la PaCO2, el riesgo de reingreso fue de 8,34 (IC95%, 2,43 a 18,55). Conclusiones: El control domiciliario precoz no disminuyó la tasa de reingresos durante el primer mes. Una mayor edad y una PaCO2 elevada son factores que identifican a un grupo con elevado riesgo de reingreso(AU)

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation increases mortality and resources used associated with hospitalization. We studied whether early home monitoring reduces the rate of readmission and if there are any predictor variables. Patients and methods: We performed a prospective, controlled, parallel-group study in patients who were hospitalized for COPD. Patients whose residence was within less than 15km from the hospital were assigned to an interventional group (home visits by nurses about 48-72hours after discharge), the remainder were assigned to a conventional care group. The rate of rehospitalization within the first month was compared between the two groups, as well as those variables that showed a predictive capability. Results: Seventy one patients were included: 35 in the conventional care group and 36 in the interventional group. In the latter, the treatment was modified in 13 patients (36%). The hospital readmission rate was 17%, which was similar in both groups (P=.50). For every 5-year increase in age, the risk for readmission was 2.54 (95%CI, 1.06-5.07) and for each increase of 10mmHg in PaCO2, the risk of readmission was 8.34 (95%CI, 2.43-18.55). Conclusions: Early home monitoring did not decrease the readmission rate during the first month. Older age and high PaCO2 are factors that identify the group with a high risk for rehospitalization(AU)

Violencia del compañero íntimo: estudio con profesionales de enfermería / Intimate partner violence: study with female nurses

ObjetivoDescribir la violencia ejercida por el compañero íntimo en mujeres que además son enfermeras, en una muestra de profesionales que prestan sus servicios en Andalucía.DiseñoEstudio descriptivo transversal.EmplazamientoHospitales y distritos sanitarios de Andalucía.ParticipantesSe incluyó en el análisis a 622 mujeres enfermeras que desarrollaban sus actividades profesionales en las ocho provincias andaluzas.Mediciones principalesCaracterísticas sociodemográficas y presencia de malos tratos (psíquico, físico y sexual).ResultadoEl 78,5% de las enfermeras estaban casadas o con pareja estable y un sustento económico familiar con ambos sueldos; el 71,1% poseían hijos y/o personas mayores dependientes. Se comprobó asociación significativa entre maltrato y: estado civil; convivencia; sustento económico familiar; hijos y/o personas mayores dependientes. La media de edad fue de 42,5 años±8,1 (22-62 años); superior entre maltratadas (44 años) que en no maltratadas (41,8 años). El 21,7% de las parejas pertenecían a la clase social I y el 16,9% a la clase II. El 33,0% de las enfermeras sufrió maltrato. De estos, el 75,1% fue psicológico (P). Del total de casos de abuso, el 60,0% era menos grave o de menor gravedad y el 40,0% era más grave o de mayor gravedad.ConclusionesSe constata la presencia de maltrato, por el compañero íntimo, en mujeres que tienen como profesión la Enfermería, predominando las manifestaciones referidas al aspecto psicológico, aunque se dan también otras formas de maltrato(AU)

AimDescribe gender-based violence by intimate partners against female nurses in a sample of nurses in Andalucia, Spain.DesignDescriptive transversal study.SettingHospitals and primary health care districts in Andalucia.ParticipantsSix hundred and twenty-two female nurses that wok as nurses in the eight provinces in Andalucia (Spain).MeasuresSocial-demographic characteristics and presence of abuse (psychological, physical and sexual).Results78.5% of the nurses were married or with a regular partner and had the economic income based on both salaries; 71.1% had a child or an elderly dependent person. It was proved that there can be a statistical association between abuse and: marital status; life together; familiar economic support and children and/or dependent elderly person. The average age was 42.5±8.1 years old (22-62 years) and presented statistical age differences comparing both groups: abused (average 44 years) and non-abused (average 41.8 years). Between the married couples studied, 21.7% of them belong to the social class I and 16.9% to the social class II. Between all studied nurses, 33.0% suffered abuse, among which 75.1% were psychologically abused. Of all the abuse cases 60% were less severe and 40% more serious.ConclusionsIt was confirmed the presence of intimate partner violence (IPV) against nurses, which was predominantly psychological abuse, but others classes of abuse were present too(AU)