Variación en la definición del examen articular para la clinimetría de la artritis reumatoide: resultados de una encuesta realizada a un grupo de reumatólogos colombianos / Variation in the definition of the examination of joints in rheumatoid arthritis: Results of a survey conducted on a group of Colombian rheumatologists

RESUMEN Introducción: En el seguimiento de los pacientes con artritis reumatoide (AR) el examen articular (determinar el número de articulaciones dolorosas e inflamadas) es la piedra angular para determinar la actividad. El objetivo del estudio fue conocer la opinión de un grupo de reumatólogos acerca del examen articular de los pacientes con AR al definir la articulación tumefacta o dolorosa y, de la misma manera, evaluar la variación en el examen articular entre los participantes. Métodos: Se aplicó un cuestionario, desarrollado por los autores, a un grupo de reumatólogos para explorar aspectos generales y específicos al examinar cada una de las articulaciones, además de conceptos de las definiciones de dolor y de inflamación en el examen físico. Resultados: El 78% de los entrevistados consideró que todos los aspectos eran importantes, como evaluar la movilización pasiva de la articulación, explorar el dolor a la palpación y el dolor espontáneo. El 53,8% consideró la movilidad pasiva sin que haya dolor o edema articular a la palpación. El 62,6% estaba de acuerdo con realizar la presión hasta cuando comienza a palidecer el lecho ungular del dedo del examinador. En el momento de palpar el margen articular para determinar la inflamación, el 55% estuvo de acuerdo y el 14,3% no estuvo seguro. Para el 47,2% eran importantes el derrame articular, la fluctuación y la alteración del rango del movimiento para definir la inflamación en el examen articular. Cerca de las tres cuartas partes estuvo de acuerdo con la técnica de las articulaciones temporomandibular, acromioclavicular, esternoclavicular, hombro y tobillo. Se evidenció que pocos estaban de acuerdo con la técnica en la articulación de la cadera. Al preguntarse por más de una técnica en algunas articulaciones, como las MCF (57,1%) y del tarso medio (45%), el porcentaje de los que estuvieron de acuerdo con una de las 2 técnicas disminuyó. Discusión: Al parecer no existe un método de examen formal, ya que hubo diferentes opiniones en las técnicas propuestas. Esto puede ser crítico, ya que el examen articular es la base de la clinimetría de la AR. Un porcentaje importante del grupo no estuvo de acuerdo o seguro acerca de algunos conceptos sobre componentes del examen, lo que denota una variación en los conceptos y esto podría llevar a la mala clasificación de los pacientes al determinar la actividad de la enfermedad, lo que impactaría en la estrategia T2T o treat to target. Conclusión: Existió una gran variación en la opinión acerca de los conceptos relacionados con el examen articular del paciente que padece AR al definir articulaciones tumefactas o dolorosas, por lo que se recomienda a futuro un proceso de estandarización como la mejor alternativa.

ABSTRACT Introduction: In the follow-up of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, the physical examination of the joints in order to determine the number of painful and swollen joints is the corners-tone for determining activity. The objective of this study was to find out the opinion of a group of rheumatologists as regards the examination of joints of patients with RA to define the swollen or painful joint. At the same time an evaluation was made on the variation in the joints examination between the participants. Methods: A questionnaire was administered to a group of rheumatologists in order to determine general issues and examining each of the joints, as well as concepts of definitions of pain and inflammation in the joints. Results: The majority of the participants (78%) stated that all aspects were important, such as evaluating passive joint mobilisation, pain to palpation, and spontaneous pain. Passive mobility without having pain or swollen joint tenderness was said to be important by 53.8% of the participants, and 62.6% agreed with observing the pressure exerted by the examiner until the nail bed of the finger started to turn pale. As regards touching the margin of joint to determine swelling, 55% agreed, and 14.3% were not sure. Synovial effusion, fluctuation, and the alteration in the range of motion to define inflammation in the examination of joint were important for 47.2% of the examiners. Almost three-quarters agreed with the temporomandibular, acromioclavicular, sternoclavicular, shoulder and ankle joint technique. It was obvious that few were in accordance with the technique in the hip joint. When asked about more than one technique in some joints such as the MCF (57.1%) and mid-tarsal (45%) joints, there was a decrease in the percentage of those who agreed with one of the 2 techniques. Discussion: Apparently, there is no standard joint assessment method, since there were different opinions in the techniques proposed. This could be critical since examination of joints is the basis of the clinimetric examination in RA. A significant percentage of the group did not agree or were unsure of some components of the examination. This could lead to a variation in the concepts and a misclassification of patients in order to determine the activity of RA. This would also have an impact on the T2T or treat to target strategy. Conclusion: There was a wide variation in opinions about the concepts related to the examination of joints, such as defining swollen or painful joints in patients suffering RA. This requires a process of standardisation as the best recommended alternative.

Clinimetrics in Sjögrens syndrome / Clinimetría en el síndrome de Sjögren

ABSTRACT Introduction: Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disease that can affect quality of life, cause disability, including progression to systemic complications in patients. In order to evaluate these components, several clinimetric scales have been used in pSS. Methods: In order to describe the most commonly used clinimetric scales in pSS, a systematic search of articles was carried out using Google Scholar, Scielo, Embase, Academic Search Ultimate, and Medline databases. Pubmed was used for the search in Medline, with the MeSH terms: 'Clinimetry'; 'Clinimetrics'; 'Quality of life'; 'Activity Index'; 'Scales'; 'Sjögren's syndrome'; linked with the Boolean connector AND. A total of 1081 articles published up to May 2018 were reduced to the 51 of the most relevant after application of inclusion criteria. Results: The most commonly used clinimetric scales in the evaluation of systemic involvement and quality of life in patients with pSS are described. Conclusion: Clinimetric methods are very useful from the point of view of follow-up, evaluation of response to treatment, perception of the disease by patients, and objective evaluation of clinical trials in pSS.

RESUMEN Introducción: El síndrome de Sjögren primario (SSp) es una enfermedad autoinmune, cuyo compromiso se puede ver reflejado en la calidad de vida, incapacidad y progresión a complicaciones en los pacientes. Con el fin de evaluar estos componentes, diversas escalas clinimétricas se han utilizado en el SSp. Métodos: Para describir las escalas de clinimetría más utilizadas en el SSp, se realizó una búsqueda de artículos en las bases de datos Google Scholar, Scielo, Embase, Academic Search Ultimate y Medline. Se empleó Pubmed para la búsqueda en Medline, con los términos MeSH: «Clinimetry¼; «Clinimetrics¼; «Quality of life¼; « Activity index¼; «Scales¼; «Sjögren's syndrome¼; enlazados con el conector booleano AND. Se incluyeron 1.081 artículos publicados hasta mayo de 2018, que luego de la aplicación de los criterios de inclusión, se redujeron a 51 con la mayor relevancia. Resultados: Se describen las escalas de clinimetría más usadas en la evaluación del compromiso sistémico y de la calidad de vida en los pacientes con SSp. Conclusión: Los métodos clinimétricos tienen gran utilidad desde el punto de vista de seguimiento, evaluación de respuesta a tratamiento, percepción de la enfermedad por parte de los pacientes y evaluación objetiva de ensayos clínicos en el SSp.

Guías de manejo de artritis reumatoide Consenso 2016 Asociación Costarricense de Reumatología / (Management Guidelines of Rheumatoid Arthritis Consensus 2016)

ResumenLa artritis reumatoide sigue representando un importante factor de deterioro de la salud de las personas que sufren esta condición, a pesar de los avances recientes en su tratamiento. En forma adicional, se reconoce su significativo impacto a nivel social y económico. La Asociación Costarricense de Reumatología publicó en 2010, las primeras guías de manejo de esta enfermedad.En el presente trabajo, este primer documento fue actualizado, mediante la revisión exaustiva de la información científica disponible y relevante a la fecha, con el objetivo de uniformar y optimizar la atención de la artritis reumatoide en Costa Rica. Incluye las recomendaciones de evaluación de los pacientes, su seguimiento y tratamiento. También se revisan las opciones de medicamentos disponibles en el país, es decir, drogas modificadoras de los síntomas y fármacos modificadores de la enfermedad convencionales, además de agentes biológicos y moléculas pequeñas.

AbstractRheumatoid arthritis continues to represent an important factor of deterioration in the health of people suffering from this condition despite recent medical advances in their treatment. Additionally, its significant social and economic impact it is recognized. The Costa Rican Association of Rheumatology published in 2010 the first guidelines for the management of this disease. In the present work, this first document is updated, through an exhaustive review of the available and relevant scientific information to date. This review aims to standardize and optimize the care of rheumatoid arthritis in Costa Rica. It includes recommendations for evaluation of patients, follow-up and treatment. There is also a review of drug options available in the country, i.e., symptoms-modifying drugs, conventional disease modifying drugs, as well as biological agents and small molecules.

The Brazilian version of the Constant-Murley Score (CMS-BR): convergent and construct validity, internal consistency, and unidimensionality / Versão brasileira do Constant-Murley Score (CMS-BR): validade convergente e de constructo, consistência interna e unidimensionalidade

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES: To translate and culturally adapt the CMS and assess the validity of the Brazilian version (CMS-BR). METHODS: The translation was carried out according to the back-translation method by four independent translators. The produced versions were synthesized through extensive analysis and by consensus of an expert committee, reaching a final version used for the cultural adaptation. A field test was conducted with 30 subjects in order to obtain semantic considerations. For the psychometric analyzes, the sample was increased to 110 participants who answered two instruments: CMS-BR and the Disabilities of the Arm, shoulder and Hand (DASH). The CMS-BR and DASH score range from 0 to 100 points. For the first, higher points reflect better function and for the latter, the inverse is true. The validity was verified by Pearson's correlation test, the unidimensionality by factorial analysis, and the internal consistency by Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS: The explained variance was 60.28% with factor loadings ranging from 0.60 to 0.91. The CMS-BR exhibited strong negative correlation with the DASH score (-0.82, p < 0.05), Cronbach's alpha 0.85, and its total score was strongly correlated with the patient's range of motion (0.93, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The CMS was satisfactorily adapted for Brazilian Portuguese and demonstrated evidence of validity that allows its use in this population.

RESUMO OBJETIVOS: Traduzir e adaptar culturalmente o Constant-Murley Score (CMS) e verificar a validade da versão brasileira (CMS-BR). MÉTODOS: A tradução foi realizada de acordo com o método de retrotradução por quatro tradutores independentes. As versões produzidas foram sintetizadas por análise extensiva e consenso de um comitê de especialistas, gerando uma versão final usada para a adaptação cultural. Realizou-se um teste em campo com 30 sujeitos para observação de possíveis considerações em relação à semântica. Para a posterior análise psicométrica, ampliou-se a amostra para 110 participantes, que responderam a dois instrumentos: CMS-BR e Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH). O CMS-BR e o DASH possuem variação de 0 a 100 pontos. Para o primeiro, altas pontuações refletem melhor função, para o segundo, o contrário. A validade foi verificada através do teste de correlação de Pearson, a dimensionalidade através de análise fatorial e a consistência interna através do alfa de Cronbach. RESULTADOS: A variância explicada foi de 60,28% com cargas fatoriais entre 0,60 e 0,91. O CMS-BR demonstrou correlação forte e negativa com o DASH (-0,82, p < 0,05), alfa de Cronbach de 0,85 e seu escore total teve correlação forte com a amplitude de movimento dos pacientes (0,93, p < 0,001). CONCLUSÃO: O CMS-BR foi adaptado de forma satisfatória e demonstrou evidências de validade que permitem seu uso nessa população.

Correlación y concordancia de la autoclinimetríaen artritis reumatoide: revisión sistemática de laliteratura y metanálisis / Patients-reported outcomes correlation and concordance in rheumatoid arthritis: systematic literature review and metaanalysis

Introducción: Existe un interés mundial en la evaluación de la artritis reumatoide (AR) desde la perspectiva del paciente mediante la autoclinimetría [en inglés patient-reported out comes(PROs)], que busca evaluar la actividad de la enfermedad, calidad de vida, pronóstico y adherencia terapéutica. Objetivo: Evaluar y analizar de manera objetiva el grado de correlación o concordancia entre las herramientas de autoclinimetría implementadas en AR con las mediciones objetivas realizadas por el equipo de salud, a través de una revisión sistemática de la literatura mundial y metanálisis. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó revisión sistemática de la literatura acerca de autoclinimetría en AR en PubMed, LILACS, Embase, SciELO y Biblioteca Virtual de la Salud, utilizando términos MeSH y DeCS, con un solo limite utilizado: humanos. Posteriormente, se realizó el metanálisis utilizando el programa Comprehensive Meta-Analysis versión 2. Resultados: Se incluyeron 85 artículos, demostrando correlaciones de moderadas a altas, entre las medidas objetivas realizadas por profesionales de la salud [DAS28, CDAI, SDAI, conteo articular inflamatorio (CAI) y doloroso (CAD), entre otros],y de autoclinimetría (RAPIDs, RADAI, RADAR, HAQ y CAI y CAD), por medio de metanálisis utilizando modelo de efectos aleatorios (p<0.0001). Conclusiones: La autoclinimetría tiene correlación y concordancia adecuadas con las medidas objetivas realizadas por el médico y su equipo entrenado. Ésta puede ser administrada tanto en la práctica clínica cotidiana como en ensayos clínicos, sin pretender que remplace el juicio clínico, pero con el ánimo de facilitar y optimizar el tiempo de consulta y los desenlaces de los paciente.

Introduction: There is a worldwide interest about the evaluation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from the perspective of the patient, using patient-reported outcomes (PROs), in order to assess disease activity, quality of life, prognosis, and treatment adherence. Objective: To evaluate and analyze the instruments of PROs and the degree of correlation with the objective measures done by the health practitioners through a systematic review and metaanalys.

Testes clinimétricos de dois instrumentos que mensuram atitudes e crenças de profissionais de saúde sobre a dor lombar crônica / Clinimetric testing of two instruments that measure attitudes and beliefs of health care providers about chronic low back pain

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: Não existem instrumentos clinimetricamente testados que mensuram atitudes e crenças de profissionais de saúde sobre a dor lombar crônica no Brasil. OBJETIVOS: Traduzir e adaptar transculturalmente a escala Pain Attitudes and Beliefs Scale for Physiotherapists (PABS.PT) para o português-brasileiro e avaliar as propriedades clinimétricas das versões em português-brasileiro da Health Care Providers' Pain and Impairment Relationship Scale (HC-PAIRS) e da PABS.PT. MÉTODOS: A PABS.PT foi adaptada transculturalmente seguindo recomendações das diretrizes existentes. Em seguida, as versões em português-brasileiro da PABS.PT e da HC-PAIRS foram clinimetricamente testadas em 100 fisioterapeutas que rotineiramente trabalhavam com pacientes portadores de dor lombar em sua prática clínica. A consistência interna, validade do construto e efeitos de teto e piso foram testados utilizando somente as respostas dos participantes na linha de base do estudo, e a reprodutibilidade foi testada em um delineamento de teste-reteste com intervalo de sete dias. RESULTADOS: Os instrumentos apresentaram valores adequados de consistência interna (Alfa de Cronbach variando entre 0,67 e 0,74). Sua reprodutibilidade variou de moderada a substancial (Coeficiente de Correlação Intraclasse tipo 2,1 variando entre 0,70 e 0,84; Erro-Padrão da Medida variando entre 3,48 e 5,06). Os índices de correlação entre os instrumentos variaram de fraco a moderado (Índice de Correlação de Pearson variando entre 0,19 e 0,62). Não foram detectados efeitos de teto e piso nos instrumentos. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados do presente estudo indicam que ambas as escalas PABS.PT e HC-PAIRS são instrumentos reprodutíveis para mensurar as atitudes e crenças relacionadas à dor lombar crônica em profissionais de saúde brasileiros.

BACKGROUND: There are no clinimetrically tested instruments for measuring attitudes and beliefs of health care providers with regards to chronic low back pain in Brazil. OBJECTIVES: To translate and cross-culturally adapt the Pain Attitudes and Beliefs Scale for Physiotherapists (PABS.PT) into Brazilian-Portuguese and to test the clinimetric properties of the Brazilian-Portuguese versions of the Health Care Providers' Pain and Impairment Relationship Scale (HC-PAIRS) and the PABS.PT. METHODS: The PABS.PT was cross-culturally adapted following the recommendations of current guidelines. The PABS.PT and the HC-PAIRS were clinimetrically tested in 100 physical therapists who routinely treat patients with low back pain in their clinical practice. The internal consistency, construct validity and ceiling and floor effects were tested using only baseline values from the participants while reproducibility was evaluated in a test-retest design with a seven-day interval. RESULTS: Both scales demonstrated adequate levels of internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha ranging from 0.67 to 0.74). Their reproducibility ranged from moderate to substantial (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient2,1 ranging from 0.70 to 0.84; Standard Error of the Measurement ranging from 3.48 to 5.06). The validity coefficients of the scales ranged from weak to moderate (Pearson's correlation coefficient ranging from 0.19 to 0.62). No ceiling or floor effects were detected. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study indicate that both PABS.PT and HC-PAIRS are reproducible scales for the measurement of attitudes and beliefs towards chronic low back pain in Brazilian physical therapists.

Generalized anxiety disorder and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale in Parkinson's disease / Transtorno de ansiedade generalizada e a Escala de Ansiedade de Hamilton na doença de Parkinson

Anxiety is common in Parkinson's disease (PD), but studies concerning specific anxiety disorders are scarce. Essential psychometric properties of anxiety rating scales are also lacking. OBJECTIVE: To investigate general anxiety disorder (GAD) in PD and psychometric properties of the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (Ham-A). METHOD: Ninety-one PD patients underwent neurological and psychiatric examination, which included the MINI-Plus, the Ham-A and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (Ham-D). RESULTS: GAD was present in 30.8 percent of PD patients. Patients with GAD had longer disease duration (p=0.044) and were in use of higher doses of levodopa (p=0.034). They also tended to have more motor fluctuations and dyskinesias. The group with GAD scored higher in Ham-A (p<0.001), in the somatic (p=0.004) and psychic (p<0.001) subscales of Ham-A, and in Ham-D (p=0.004). The Ham-A showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha=0.893) and a cutoff score of 10/11 is suggested to screen for GAD. CONCLUSION: GAD is frequent in PD and the Ham-A may be a useful instrument to screen for this disorder.

Ansiedade é comum na doença de Parkinson (DP), mas estudos sobre transtornos de ansiedade específicos são ainda escassos. Faltam também estudos sobre propriedades psicométricas essenciais das escalas de ansiedade. OBJETIVO: Investigar o transtorno de ansiedade generalizada (TAG) na DP e propriedades psicométricas da Escala de Ansiedade de Hamilton (Ham-A). MÉTODO: Noventa e um pacientes com DP se submeteram a exames neurológico e psiquiátrico, que incluiu o MINI-Plus, a Ham-A e a Escala de Depressão de Hamilton (Ham-D). RESULTADOS: TAG esteve presente em 30,8 por cento dos participantes. Pacientes com TAG tinham maior duração de doença (p=0,044) e estavam em uso de maiores doses de levodopa (p=0,034). Também havia uma tendência desses pacientes terem mais flutuações motoras e discinesias. O grupo com TAG pontuou mais alto na Ham-A (p<0,001), nas subescalas somática (p<0,001) e psíquica da Ham-A (p<0,001), e na Ham-D (p=0,004). A Ham-A mostrou boa consistência interna (alfa de Cronbach=0,893) e um ponto de corte de 10/11 é sugerido para triar o TAG. CONCLUSÃO: TAG é freqüente na DP e a Ham-A pode ser um instrumento útil para triar esse transtorno.

The relevance of cross-cultural adaptation and clinimetrics for physical therapy instruments

BACKGROUND: Self-report outcome measures (questionnaires) are widely used by physiotherapists for measuring patient's health status or treatment outcomes. Most of these measurement tools were developed in English and their usefulness is very limited in non-English speaking countries such as Brazil. The only way to solve this problem is to properly adapt the relevant questionnaires into a target language and culture (e.g. Brazilian-Portuguese) and then test the instrument by checking its psychometric (clinimetric) characteristics. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this paper was to present relevant issues in the process of cross-cultural adaptations and clinimetric testing for self-report outcome measurements. Advice on how to perform a cross-cultural adaptation, how to properly check the clinimetric properties, how to select a relevant questionnaire and how to evaluate the quality of an adapted questionnaire are provided. Additionally we present all Brazilian-Portuguese cross-cultural adaptations of low back pain measurements that we know of. CONCLUSIONS: There is a clear need for more effort in the field of cross-cultural adaptation and clinimetrics, without proper instruments, the management of patients from non-English speaking countries is compromised.

INTRODUÇÃO: Questionários vem sendo amplamente utilizados por fisioterapeutas para medir a condição de saúde do paciente ou dos resultados de tratamento. A maioria desses instrumentos para avaliação foi desenvolvida em inglês, sendo seu uso bastante limitado em países que não usam o inglês como língua nativa, a exemplo do Brasil. A única forma de resolver esse problema é através de uma adaptação apropriada dos questionários relevantes para um alvo lingüístico e cultural (por exemplo, português do Brasil) e então testar suas características psicométricas (clinimétricas). OBJETIVO: A finalidade deste artigo foi a apresentar os tópicos relevantes no processo das adaptações transculturais de questionários e os seus respectivos testes clinimétricos. São fornecidas propostas sobre como realizar uma adaptação transcultural, como avaliar adequadamente as propriedades clinimétricas, como selecionar um questionário relevante e como avaliar a qualidade de um questionário adaptado. Além disso, são também apresentadas as adaptações conhecidas, para português do Brasil, dos questionários para avaliação de dor lombar. CONCLUSÃO: Existe uma clara necessidade de mais esforços na área de adaptação transcultural e clinimetria. Sem os instrumentos adequados, o gerenciamento no cuidado de pacientes nos países onde o inglês não é a língua nativa torna-se comprometido.

Validación de la escala NOSEP-1 para el diagnóstico de sepsis nosocomial en recién nacidos prematuros menores de 1 500 g / Diagnosis of nosocomial sepsis in neonates under 1 500 g by means of NOSEP-I score

Introducción. Mahieu y colaboradores desarrollaron una escala denominada NOSEP-1, basada en datos clínicos y de laboratorio, con el objetivo de encontrar parámetros para el diagnóstico de sepsis nosocomial neonatal. En este estudio se evaluó la eficacia de la escala en recién nacidos prematuros menores de 1 500 g. Material y métodos. Se utilizó la escala NOSEP-1, la cual cuenta con 5 ítems: proteína C reactiva, neutrófilos, plaquetas, nutrición parenteral y fiebre. Se incluyó recién nacidos pretérmino menores de 1 500 g al nacimiento, en quienes se sospechó sepsis neonatal nosocomial. La validez se evaluó mediante curvas ROC, área bajo la curva, sensibilidad, especificidad y valores predictivos; el estándar de oro fue el hemocultivo. Se formaron 2 grupos: el grupo 1 se integró por pacientes con sospecha de sepsis nosocomial pero con hemocultivo negativo, y el grupo 2 formado por pacientes con sepsis confirmada. Resultados. En el grupo 1 se incluyeron a 50 pacientes y en el grupo 2 a 51 pacientes. Mediante curvas ROC se estableció que el punto de corte de 8 presentó sensibilidad de 62.7%, especificidad de 70%,VPP de 53.8% y VPN de 50%. Conclusiones. Comparados con el trabajo original, la sensibilidad, especificidad y valores predictivos son bajos en recién nacidos menores de 1 500 g; la modificación de variables puede ser evaluada para mejorar la sensibilidad.

Introduction. NOSEP-1 score was developed by Mahieu et al, to predict nosocomial sepsis in neonatal intensive care unit patients based on 3 laboratory, 1 clinical, and 1 historical variables potentially related with nosocomial infections. Material and methods. NOSEP-1 score had 5 items including: C reactive protein, neutrophil fraction, thrombocytopenia, fever and parenteral nutrition. We evaluated the NOSEP score in premature patients lower than 1 500 g to predict nosocomial sepsis in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Instituto Nacional de Perinatologia. Validity was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value. Gold standard was the blood culture and 2 or more features of systemic inflammatory response syndrome.We analyzed 2 groups of patients. Group 1:50 new-borns with negative blood culture, and group 2: 52 with positive blood culture, respectively. Results.The point score was 8, with sensitivity of 62.7%, specificity of 70%, positive predictive value of 53.8%, and negative predictive value of 50%. Conclusions. NOSEP-1 score is a simple indicator for detecting nosocomial infections in premature patients; however in the present study analyzing infants < 1 500 g, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value were lower than original report. We propose that if some of the variables are modified, the specificity may be improved.