Having chronic back pain did not impact COVID-19 outcome in a low-income population - a retrospective observational study

Abstract Introduction Chronic back pain (CBP) is a major cause of years lived with disability. Social inequalities increase the prevalence and burden of CBP. Management of CBP was affected by restricted access to non-pharmacological treatments and outdoor activities during COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives To determine the prevalence of CBP among patients with COVID-19 as well as the impact of having CBP in COVID-19 outcome in our low-income population. Methods Retrospective cohort of individuals with confirmed COVID diagnosis from May 2020 - March 2021, at Hospital Regional UNIMED (HRU) in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. Data included comorbidities and household income. Results Among 1,487 patients, 600 (40.3%) were classified as having CBP. Mean age as well as income were similar in CBP and non-CBP groups, with more women in the CBP group. Hypertension and asthma, but not diabetes, were more prevalent in those with CBP. Need for emergency care, hospitalization, and admission to intensive care unit were similar regardless of having CBP. Dyspnea was more common in CBP vs. non-CBP groups, with 48.8% vs. 39.4% percentages, respectively (p = 0.0004). Conclusion Having CBP prior to COVID did not impact the acute clinical outcome of COVID individuals of a low- income population.

Reporte de pacientes con espondiloartritis y arteritis de Takayasu en Argentina: ¿asociación causal o casual? / Report of patients with spondyloarthritis and Takayasu's arteritis in Argentina: is it a causal or casual association?

Introducción: tanto las espondiloartritis (EspA) como la arteritis de Takayasu (TAK) son enfermedades infrecuentes y su asociación es aún más rara. Objetivos: presentar una serie de pacientes con diagnóstico concomitante de EspA o con rasgos de EspA y TAK en Argentina, y realizar una revisión de la literatura respecto de esta asociación. Materiales y métodos: se recopilaron las características demográficas, clínicas y terapéuticas de pacientes con diagnóstico concomitante de EspA o con algunos rasgos de EspA y TAK, de distintos centros de salud de la República Argentina. Resultados: se describen 7 pacientes, de los cuales 4 presentaban EspA, uno con compromiso axial (EspAax) juvenil, otro con artritis psoriásica (APs), otro con espondilitis anquilosante (EA) y el último con EspAax pura, y 3 de ellos tuvieron rasgos de EspA (enfermedad Crohn, psoriasis y oligoartritis asimétrica de grandes articulaciones). En la mayoría de los casos, los rasgos de EspA se presentaron con una mediana de 4 años antes de la TAK. Conclusiones: varios reportes y series de casos relatan la superposición entre estas dos enfermedades. Si bien las mismas podrían compartir cierta base genética común, todavía no contamos con evidencia sólida que permita estimar que esta asociación no es casual.

Introduction: both spondyloarthritis (SpA) and Takayasu arteritis (TAK) are rare diseases, and their association is even rarer. Objectives: to present a series of patients with a concomitant diagnosis of SpA or with features of SpA and TAK in Argentina and review the literature regarding this association. Materials and methods: the demographic, clinical and therapeutic characteristics of patients with a concomitant diagnosis of SpA or with some features of SpA and TAK were collected from different health centers in Argentina. Results: 7 patients are described, of which 4 had SpA, one with juvenile axial involvement (axSpA), another with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), another with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and the last patient with pure axSpA and 3 of them had features of SpA (Crohn's disease, psoriasis and asymmetric oligoarthritis of large joints). In most cases, SpA features presented a median of 4 years before TAK. Conclusions: several case reports and case series reported overlap between these two diseases. Although they could share a certain common genetic basis, we still do not have solid evidence that allows us to estimate that this association is not coincidental.

Fecal calprotectin levels in acute anterior uveitis in patients with spondyloarthritis / Níveis de calprotectina fecal na uveite anterior aguda em pacientes com espondiloartrites

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study measured fecal calprotectin levels in a series of patients with anterior uveitis in order to determine whether anterior uveitis patients with associated spondyloarthritis have higher levels of fecal calprotectin than patients with anterior uveitis of other etiologies. A third group of patients with spondyloarthritis without uveitis was also evaluated to understand the role of acute anterior uveitis in increasing fecal calprotectin. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 28 patients were divided into three groups: (a) Group 1, spondyloarthritis and uveitis (n=9); (b) Group 2, spondyloarthritis without uveitis (n=10); and (c) Group 3, uveitis without spondyloarthritis (n=9). The levels of fecal calprotectin were determined. Results: Groups 1 and 2 showed higher median fecal calprotectin levels (101.0 and 93.0 µg/g, respectively) compared with Group 3 (9.0 µg/g) (p=0.02). However, no relationship between fecal calprotectin levels and the presence of uveitis with spondyloarthritis could be demonstrated. Conclusion: Patients with spondyloarthritis with or without acute anterior uveitis have significantly elevated levels of fecal calprotectin. This test may be useful for differentiating spondyloarthrit-associated uveitis from uveitis of other etiologies.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo avaliou os níveis de calprotectina fecal em uma série de pacientes com uveíte anterior na tentativa de determinar se pacientes com uveíte associada com espondiloartrites apresentam níveis mais elevados desta proteína do que pacientes com uveíte anterior de outras etiologias. Um terceiro grupo com espondiloartrites sem uveíte também foi incluído na avaliação para entendimento do papel da uveíte anterior no aumento da calprotectina fecal. Métodos: Estudo transversal de 28 pacientes divididos em três grupos: (a) com espondiloartrites e uveíte (n=9); (b) com espondiloartrites sem uveíte (n=10) e (c) com uveíte sem espondiloartrites (n=9). A dosagem de calprotectina fecal foi avaliada. Resultados: Pacientes com uveíte anterior associada a espondiloartrites apresentaram valores medianos maiores de calprotectina fecal (101 µg/g) que os valores dos pacientes com uveíte sem espondiloartrites (9 µg/g), pacientes com espondiloartrites sem uveíte que também demonstraram valores maiores (93.0 µg/g) que os dos pacientes com uveíte sem espondiloartrites (p=0,02). Conclusão: Pacientes com espondiloartrites com e sem uveíte anterior aguda demonstraram níveis significativamente elevados de calprotectina fecal. Este teste pode ser útil na diferenciação entre uveítes associadas com espondiloartrites de uveítes de outras etiologias. Entretanto, não foi possível demonstrar associação entre o aumento dos níveis de calprotectina fecal e a presença da uveíte em espondiloartrites.

Use of the Oswestry Disability Index in ankylosing spondylitis

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The Oswestry Disability Index is considered the gold standard in the evaluation of disability in patients with chronic mechanical back pain. The aim of this study was to assess the applicability of Oswestry Disability Index in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and its relationship with disease assessment parameters for ankylosing spondylitis. METHODS: A total of 100 patients diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis were included in the study group. The control group consisted of 50 individuals with nonspecific low back pain. The Oswestry Disability Index and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index were applied to both groups. In addition, the Visual Analog Scale, the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score C-Reactive Protein, the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score-the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index, and the Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life scales were applied in the study group. the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, C-Reactive Protein levels, and HLA-B27 analysis were noted as laboratory markers in ankylosing spondylitis patients. RESULTS: The scores of Oswestry Disability Index had a significant correlation with scores of Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index in ankylosing spondylitis patients (r=0.543) and in the control group (r=0.401). There was a significant correlation between the scores of Oswestry Disability Index and the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (r=0.544), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (r=0.317), the Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (r=0.723), the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score-the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (r=0.501), the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score C-Reactive Protein (r=0.530), Visual Analog Scale-Rest (r=0.476), and Visual Analog Scale-Activity (r=0.441) values in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. CONCLUSION: Evaluation of Oswestry Disability Index in conjunction with Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index may warn the physician to interpret high Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index scores in the context of mechanical pain. Therefore, the use of Oswestry Disability Index in patients with ankylosing spondylitis will be beneficial.

Extra-musculoskeletal manifestations driving the therapeutic decision-making in patients with Spondyloarthritis: a 12-month follow-up prospective cohort study

Abstract Background The extra-musculoskeletal manifestations (EMMs) such as recurrent acute anterior uveitis (rAAU), psoriasis (Ps), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), are related to the Spondyloarthritis (SpA), as well as they are associated with disease activity and poor prognosis. However, there are no data addressing its relevance regarding therapeutic decision-making in clinical practice. Objective To evaluate the impact of EMMs to drive the treatment decision-making in patients with SpA in a 12-month follow-up. Patients and methods SpA patients, according to the axial and peripheral ASAS classification criteria, as well as CASPAR criteria, with any active EMM, defined as main entry criteria, were included in this longitudinal cohort study. Individuals with a history of any disease or condition that could be associated with some of the studied endpoints, including neoplasms and infectious diseases, were excluded. Specific tools related to each EMM, including Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI), ophthalmologic evaluation, according to the Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature (SUN) criteria, and gut complaints were used at baseline and during the 3-, 6- and 12-month of follow-up as outcomes measures over time. Descriptive and inferential analyses were used appropriately, including Pearson's correlation test, chi-squared test, and ANOVA. P value less than 0.05 was considered as significant. Results A total of 560 patients were enrolled, of whom 472 meet the eligibility criteria. The majority (N = 274; 59.6%) had one or more EMM related to SpA umbrella concept. Among the EMM, the one that most influenced therapeutic decision-making was psoriasis (28.5%), followed by uveitis (17.5%) and IBD (5.5%), regardless of musculoskeletal manifestations. Clinical improvement of EMMs outcomes was observed in most patients over 12-month follow-up, especially in those with rAAU and IBD (P < 0.001). Conclusion Our results showed that EMMs guided the therapeutic decision-making in half of SpA patients, regardless of musculoskeletal condition, suggesting the inter-disciplinarity among the rheumatologist, ophthalmologist, dermatologist, and gastroenterologist plays a crucial role to manage them.

Effectiveness of functional training versus resistance exercise in patients with psoriatic arthritis: randomized controlled trial

Abstract Objective This study aims to evaluate the effect of functional versus resistance exercise training on the functional capacity and quality of life of psoriatic arthritis patients. Methods Forty-one psoriatic arthritis patients (18 to 65 years old) were randomized into two groups: functional training group and resistance exercise group. The functional training group underwent functional exercises with elastic band and the functional training group underwent machine resistance exercise twice a week for 12 weeks. Outcome measures were: The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) and Health Assessment Questionnaire for the Spondyloarthropathies (HAQ-S) for functional capacity and functional status, one-repetition maximum test for muscle strength, the Short Form 36 health survey questionnaire (SF-36) for quality of life, and the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and the Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS-28) for disease activity. Analyzes were performed by a blinded evaluator at baseline (T0), six (T6) and twelve (T12) weeks after the beginning of the exercise. Results At baseline, the groups were homogeneous in the clinical and demographic characteristics. There was a statistical intra-group improvement for both groups in the BASFI, BASDAI, HAQ-s, and DAS-28. In the quality-of-life assessment, both groups showed statistical intra-group improvements for all domains except the "emotional aspect" domain in the resistance exercise group. In the muscle strength, there was a statistical improvement for all exercises in both groups, except for the "alternate biceps (bilateral)" exercise. Conclusion Functional training and resistance exercise are similarly effective in improving functional capacity, functional status, disease activity, general quality of life, and muscle strength in patients with psoriatic arthritis. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04304326. Registered 11 March 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04304326?term=NCT04304326&draw=2&rank=1.

HLA-B27 did not protect against COVID-19 in patients with axial spondyloarthritis - data from the ReumaCov-Brasil Registry

Abstract Background Some studies have suggested the HLA-B27 gene may protect against some infections, as well as it could play a benefit role on the viral clearance, including hepatitis C and HIV. However, there is lack of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic data in spondyloarthritis (SpA) patients. Aim To evaluate the impact of HLA-B27 gene positivity on the susceptibility and severity of COVID-19 and disease activity in axial SpA patients. Methods The ReumaCoV-Brasil is a multicenter, observational, prospective cohort designed to monitor immunemediated rheumatic diseases patients during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Brazil. Axial SpA patients, according to the ASAS classification criteria (2009), and only those with known HLA-B27 status, were included in this ReumaCov-Brasil's subanalysis. After pairing them to sex and age, they were divided in two groups: with (cases) and without (control group) COVID-19 diagnosis. Other immunodeficiency diseases, past organ or bone marrow transplantation, neoplasms and current chemotherapy were excluded. Demographic data, managing of COVID-19 (diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes, including hospitalization, mechanical ventilation, and death), comorbidities, clinical details (disease activity and concomitant medication) were collected using the Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) database. Data are presented as descriptive analysis and multiple regression models, using SPSS program, version 20. P level was set as 5%. Results From May 24th, 2020 to Jan 24th, 2021, a total of 153 axial SpA patients were included, of whom 85 (55.5%) with COVID-19 and 68 (44.4%) without COVID-19. Most of them were men (N = 92; 60.1%) with mean age of 44.0 ± 11.1 years and long-term disease (11.7 ± 9.9 years). Regarding the HLA-B27 status, 112 (73.2%) patients tested positive. There were no significant statistical differences concerning social distancing, smoking, BMI (body mass index), waist circumference and comorbidities. Regarding biological DMARDs, 110 (71.8%) were on TNF inhibitors and 14 (9.15%) on IL-17 antagonists. Comparing those patients with and without COVID-19, the HLA-B27 positivity was not different between groups (n = 64, 75.3% vs. n = 48, 48%, respectively; p = 0.514). In addition, disease activity was similar before and after the infection. Interestingly, no new episodes of arthritis, enthesitis or extra-musculoskeletal manifestations were reported after the COVID-19. The mean time from the first symptoms to hospitalization was 7.1 ± 3.4 days, and although the number of hospitalization days was numerically higher in the B27 positive group, no statistically significant difference was observed (5.7 ± 4.11 for B27 negative patients and 13.5 ± 14.8 for B27 positive patients; p = 0.594). Only one HLA-B27 negative patient died. No significant difference was found regarding concomitant medications, including conventional or biologic DMARDs between the groups. Conclusions No significant difference of COVID-19 frequency rate was observed in patients with axial SpA regarding the HLA-B27 positivity, suggesting a lack of protective effect with SARS-CoV-2 infection. In addition, the disease activity was similar before and after the infection. Trial registration This study was approved by the Brazilian Committee of Ethics in Human Research (CONEP), CAAE 30186820.2.1001.8807, and was registered at the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials - REBEC, RBR-33YTQC. All patients read and signed the informed consent form before inclusion.

Effectiveness and safety of secukinumab in ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis: a 52-week real-life study in an Italian cohort

Abstract Background Secukinumab has shown high efficacy in randomized controlled trials in both ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Here, we investigated its real-life effectiveness and tolerability in a cohort of AS and PsA patients. Methods We retrospectively analyzed medical records of outpatients with AS or PsA treated with secukinumab between December 2017 and December 2019. ASDAS-CRP and DAS28-CRP scores were used to measure axial and peripheral disease activity in AS and PsA, respectively. Data were collected at baseline and after 8, 24, and 52 weeks of treatment. Results Eighty-five adult patients with active disease (29 with AS and 56 with PsA; 23 males and 62 females) were treated. Overall, mean disease duration was 6.7 years and biologic-naïve patients were 85%. Significant reductions in ASDAS-CRP and DAS28-CRP were observed at all time-points. Body weight (in AS) and disease activity status at baseline (particularly in PsA) significantly affected disease activity changes. ASDAS-defined inactive disease and DAS28-defined remission were achieved in comparable proportions between AS and PsA patients, at both 24 weeks (45% and 46%) and 52 weeks (65.5% and 68%, respectively); male sex was found an independent predictor of positive response (OR 5.16, P = 0.027). After 52 weeks, achievement of at least low disease activity and drug retention were observed in 75% of patients. Secukinumab was well-tolerated and only mild injection-site reactions were recorded in 4 patients. Conclusion In a real-world setting, secukinumab confirmed great effectiveness and safety in both AS and PsA patients. The influence of gender on treatment response deserves further attention.

Four-years retention rate of golimumab administered after discontinuation of non-TNF inhibitors in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases

Abstract Background In patients with rheumatic diseases, the use of biological (b) or targeted synthetic (ts) disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) after discontinuation of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) is known to be effective. However, data on the use of TNFi after discontinuation of non-TNFi bDMARDs or tsDMARDs (non-TNFi) are scarce. This study assessed the 4-years golimumab retention in patients with rheumatic diseases when used after discontinuation of non-TNFi. Methods Adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA; n = 72), psoriatic arthritis (PsA; n = 30) or axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA; n = 23) who initiated golimumab after discontinuation of non-TNFi from the Spanish registry of biological drugs (BIOBADASER) were analyzed retrospectively. The retention rate (drug survival or persistence) of golimumab up to 4 years was evaluated. Results The golimumab retention rate was 60.7% (51.4-68.8) at year 1, 45.9% (36.0-55.2) at year 2, 39.9% (29.8-49.7) at year 3 and 33.4% (23.0-44.2) at year 4. Retention rates did not differ significantly whether golimumab was used as second, third, or fourth/subsequent line of therapy (p log-rank = 0.462). Golimumab retention rates were higher in axSpA or PsA patients than in RA patients (p log-rank = 0.002). When golimumab was administered as third or fourth/subsequent line, the 4-years retention rate after discontinuation of non-TNFi was similar to that after discontinuation of TNFi. Conclusion In patients who discontinued non-TNFi, most of whom received golimumab as third/subsequent line of therapy, one-third of patients remained on golimumab at year 4. Retention rates were higher in patients with axSpA and PsA than in those with RA.

2021 clinical practice guideline for the early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of patients with axial spondyloarthritis. Colombian Association of Rheumatology / 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

Abstract Introduction: 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. Objective: To develop a set of recommendations based on the best available evidence for the early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of adult patients with axial spondy-loarthritis. 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 are 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. Conclusions: This set of recommendations provides an updated guideline for the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of patients with axial spondyloarthritis.

RESUMEN Introducción: 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 falla a los antiinflamatorios no esteroideos, se recomienda un anti-TNFα o un anti-IL17A. En pacientes con falla a anti-TNFα, se recomienda iniciar un anti-IL17A. El ejercicio y la terapia física y ocupacional se recomiendan como parte del tratamiento. Se recomienda no utilizar las terapias no convencionales como única opción de tratamiento. Conclusiones: Este conjunto de recomendaciones proporciona una guía actualizada sobre el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de la espondiloartritis axial.

Overwhelming response to tumor necrosis factor-? inhibitor infliximab “innovator” versus adalimumab “bio-similar” in a previously therapy naive adult: A case report

Therapeutic options for the patient with spondyloarthritis (SpA) are limited. The pharmacotherapy for SpA comprises immunomodulator/suppressive drugs. In this case report, we describe the case of a 29-year-old postgraduate resident in medicine who was diagnosed with SpA and was managed by a combination of various disease-modifying drugs such as methotrexate and sulfasalazine, and immunomodulators such as systemic corticosteroids and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-? inhibitors. After a series of therapeutic trials with them, the chimeric TNF blocker infliximab led to significant clinical improvement in symptoms and reduction in disease activity

Spondyloarthritis: Characterization of a cohort. Pablo Tobón Uribe Hospital. Medellín, Colombia / Espondiloartritis: caracterización de la cohorte del Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe, Medellín, Colombia

ABSTRACT Introduction: Spondyloarthritis is a group of chronic inflammatory diseases. Several factors of the disease remain unknown, including clinical and radiological behavior, the demographic characteristics and burden of disease in Colombian patients. Objective: To characterize the demographic aspects, the clinical and paraclinical behaviour, and the therapeutic requirements of a cohort of patients with spondyloarthritis followed-up in the Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2017. Methodology: Cohort study. The population was characteriszed using descriptive statistics, qualitative variables using simple and relative frequencies, and quantitative variables using means and standard deviation or medians with their interquartile ranges. Results: The cohort consisted of 181 patients, 100 men (54.9%) and 81 women (44.5%). Just under one half (45.1%) had ankylosing spondylitis, 18.1% undifferentiated spondyloarthritis, 17.1% psoriatic arthropathy, 14.8% reactive arthritis, and 4.4% inflammatory bowel disease. More than two-thirds (69.8%) of the patients had peripheral manifestations, and 67% had axial. A positive HLAB27 was observed in 55.6% of patients. The MRI showed acute and chronic changes in the sacroiliac in 69% and 37%, respectively, with radiological sacroiliitis being observed in 59.5% of cases. The large majority (91.1%) of the patients were treated with PII of original article: S0121-8123(21)00018-9 NSAIDs, 60.1% with sulfasalazine, 43.4% with COX2 inhibitors, and 33.7% with methotrexate. TNFa inhibitors were required by 56.6% of the subjects 3 years after the onset of symptoms. The most commonly used biological drugs were Adalimumab (31.1%), etanercept (21.7%), infliximab (13.1%), golimumab 6.1%, and certolizumab 0.5%. Conclusions: Ourpopulation was characterized by a high activity and functional compromise demonstrated by the high scores of BASDAI and BASFI, and because 56.6% of the patients required anti-TNFa agents.

RESUMEN Introducción: Las espondiloartritis son un grupo de enfermedades inflamatorias crónicas. Se desconoce su comportamiento en nuestro medio, al igual que el comportamiento clínico y radiológico, las características demográficas y la carga de enfermedad en los pacientes colombianos. Objetivos: Caracterizar los aspectos demográficos, el comportamiento clínico y paraclínico y los requerimientos terapéuticos de la cohorte de pacientes con espondiloartritis seguidos en el Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe desde el 1.° de enero del 2005 hasta el día 31 de diciembre del 2017. Metodología: Estudio de cohorte. La población se caracterizó mediante estadística descrip tiva, las variables cualitativas mediante frecuencias simples y relativas, en tanto que para las cuantitativas se emplearon medias y desviación estándar o medianas con sus rangos intercuartílicos. Resultados: La cohorte está constituida por 181 pacientes, 100 hombres (54,9%) y 81 mujeres (44,5%). El 45,1% tenía espondilitis anquilosante, el 18,1% espondiloartritis indiferenciada, el 17,1% artropatía psoriásica, el 14,8% artritis reactiva y el 4,4% enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal. El 69,8% de los pacientes tenía manifestaciones periféricas y el 67% axiales. El 55,6% de los pacientes tuvo HLAB27 positivo. La RMN mostró cambios agudos y crónicos en las sacroilíacas en el 69% y 37%, respectivamente; en el 59,5% de los casos se observó sacroileítis radiológica. el 91,1% de los pacientes se trató con AINE, el 60,1% con sulfasa lazina, el 43,4% con inhibidores COX2 y el 33,7% con metotrexato. El 56,6% de los sujetos requirió inhibidores-TNFa 3 arios después del inicio de los síntomas. Los biológicos más uti lizados fueron adalimumab (31,1%), etanercept (21,7%), infliximab (13,1%), golumimab (6,1%) y certolizumab (0,5%). Conclusiones: Nuestra población se caracterizó por una alta actividad y gran compromiso funcional, lo que se refleja en altos puntajes de Basdai y Basfi y en que el 56,6% de los pacientes requirió agentes anti-TNFa.

2021 clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients with peripheral spondyloarthritis. Colombian Association of Rheumatology / Guía de práctica clínica 2021 para el diagnóstico, el tratamiento y el seguimiento de pacientes con espondiloartritis periférica. Asociación Colombiana de Reumatología

ABSTRACT Background: Peripheral spondylarthritis is a chronic Inflammatory disease whose clinical presentation is related to the presence of arthritis, enthesitis and/or dactylitis. This term is used interchangeably with some of its subtypes such as psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, and undifferentiated spondyloarthritis. Objective: To develop and formulate a set of specific recommendations based on the best available evidence for the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of adult patients with peripheral spondyloarthritis. Methods: A working group was established, clinical questions were formulated, outcomes were graded, and a systematic search for evidence was conducted. The guideline panel was multidisciplinary (including patient representatives) and balanced. Following the for mal expert consensus method, the GRADE methodology "Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation" was used to assess the quality of the evidence and generate the recommendations. The clinical practice guideline includes ten recommendations related to monitoring of disease activity (n = 1) and treatment (n = 9). Results: In patients with peripheral spondyloarthritis, the use of methotrexate or sulfasalazine as the first line of treatment is suggested, and local injections of glucocorticoids are conditionally recommended. In patients with failure to cDMARDs, an anti TNFα or an anti IL17A is recommended. In case of failure to bDMARDs, it is suggested to use another bDMARD or JAK inhibitor. In patients with peripheral spondylarthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease, it is recommended to start treatment with cDMARDs; in the absence of response, the use of an anti TNFα over an anti-IL-17 or an anti-IL-12-23 is recom mended as a second line of treatment. In patients with psoriatic arthritis, the combined use of methotrexate with a bDMARD is conditionally recommended for optimization of dosing. To assess disease activity in Psoriatic Arthritis, the use of DAPSA or MDA is suggested for patient monitoring. Conclusions: This set of recommendations provides an updated guideline on the diagnosis and treatment of peripheral spondyloarthritis.

RESUMEN Antecedentes: La espondiloartritis periférica es una patología Inflamatoria crónica cuya presentación clínica está determinada por la presencia de artritis, entesitis y/o dactilitis. Este término se utiliza indistintamente con algunos de sus subtipos como artritis psoriásica, artritis reactiva y espondiloartritis indiferenciada. Objetivo: Desarrollar y formular un conjunto de recomendaciones específicas basadas en la mejor evidencia disponible para el diagnóstico, el tratamiento y el seguimiento de pacientes adultos con espondiloartritis periférica. Métodos: Se constituyó un grupo desarrollador, se formularon preguntas clínicas, 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. Siguiendo el método de consenso formal de expertos, se utilizó la metodología GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) para para evaluar la calidad de la evidencia y generar las recomendaciones. La guía de práctica clínica incluye 10 recomendaciones: una sobre seguimiento de la actividad de la enfermedad y nueve sobre tratamiento. Resultados: En pacientes con espondiloartritis periférica se sugiere usar metotrexato o sulfasalazina como primera línea de tratamiento y se recomienda en forma condicional la inyección local de glucocorticoides. En los pacientes que fallan a cDMARDs, se recomienda iniciar un anti TNFα o un anti IL17A. Ante falla terapéutica a la primera línea con bDMARDs, se sugiere usar otro bDMARD o un inhibidor JAK. En pacientes con espondiloartritis periférica y enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal asociada, se recomienda iniciar tratamiento con cDMARDs; en ausencia de respuesta, se recomienda el uso de un anti TNFα sobre un anti IL-17 o un anti IL-12-23 como segunda línea de tratamiento. En pacientes con artritis psoriásica se recomienda, de forma condicional, el uso combinado de metotrexato con bDMARD para favorecer la optimización de la dosis de estos. Para evaluar la actividad de la enfermedad en artritis psoriásica, se sugiere el uso del DAPSA o MDA para el seguimiento de los pacientes. Conclusiones: Este conjunto de recomendaciones proporcionan una guía actualizada sobre el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de la espondiloartritis periférica.

Differences between Chinese men and women with adult-onset non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis / 中华风湿病学杂志

Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics of adult-onset non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) in different genders.Methods:A total of 662 patients with adult-onset nr-axSpA (age at disease onset ≥16 years) who visited the Rheumatology Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College from 1999 to 2020 were included in the study. Comparisons of baseline demographic and clinical characteristics between different genders were performed.Results:Overall, the male-to-female ratio was 1.17∶1, and the prevalence of human leukocyte antigen-B27 (HLA-B27) positivity was 71.8%(475/662). The median baseline disease duration and age at diagnosis was 1.6 (0.5, 4.0) years and 25.0 (21.0, 33.0) years respectively. The males had a significantly earlier age at disease onset and diagnosis [21.0 (18.0, 28.0) vs 25.0 (21.0, 30.0), Z=5.63, P<0.001; 24.0 (19.0, 32.0) vs 27.0 (23.0, 34.5), Z=4.90, P<0.001, respectively] than females. HLA-B27 positivity was more frequent in males than in females [78.4% (280/357) vs 63.9%(195/305), χ2=17.06, P<0.001]. The prevalence of inflammatory back pain (IBP), morning stiffness, nocturnal pain, enthesitis, hip and groin pain were higher in males, whereas females showed a higher prevalence of small joint involvement of the hands. At baseline, males had higher median ankylosing spondylitis disease activity score (ASDAS)-C-reaction protein (CRP) [3.0(2.3, 3.8) vs 2.4(2.0, 3.0), Z=5.59, P<0.001] and a greater prevalence of high disease activity ASDAS-CRP>2.1 [81.9%(185/227) vs 67.9%(133/195), χ2=11.08, P=0.001] than females. The proportions of male patients with elevated CRP levels and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were also higher than those of female patients [49.0%(175/357) vs 27.9%(85/305), χ2=30.85, P<0.001; 49.3%(176/357) vs 33.4%(102/305), χ2=16.98, P<0.001, respectively]. Conclusion:The adult-onset nr-axSpA in China is characterized by a comparable sex ratio. Males have an earlier age at disease onset and are higher HLA-B27 positivity with higher prevalence of IBP, enthesitis, hip and groin pain, as well as high disease activity.

Maintained activity in ankylosing spondylitis patients treated with TNFi and/or NSAID for at least 12 weeks: a cross-sectional study in Brazil

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to evaluate disease activity among patients with axial spondyloarthritis (AS) treated with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) and/or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for at least 12 weeks in private outpatient settings in Brazil. Methods This was a cross-sectional, real-world study conducted in 17 Brazilian private health care institutes. Patients were selected if diagnosed with AS or axial radiographic spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) and treated with NSAIDs or TNFi for at least 12 weeks within the last 26 weeks prior to enrollment. The data were collected from interviewed-based and self-administered questionnaires from patients and physicians. Disease activity was defined as active (≥ 4), low /suboptimal (≥ 2 and < 4) and inactive (< 4) by Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and/or very high (≥ 3.5), high (≥ 2.1 to < 3.5), low (≥ 1.3 to < 2.1), and inactive (< 1.3) by AS Disease Activity Score (ASDAS-CRP). Both patients and physicians' perceptions of disease control were assessed using a numeric rating scale (NRS; 0—inactive to 10—very active disease). Results The cohort included 378 patients with a mean age of 46 years, and the median time since diagnosis until enrollment was 5.4 years (interquartile range 2.7-10.5). Most patients were treated with TNFi alone (74%), followed by TNFi in combination with NSAID (15%), and NSAID alone (11%). About half AS patients showed active disease and 24% of patients showed low activity/suboptimal disease control despite having been treated for at least 12 weeks. Although TNFi showed better disease control than NSAID, inactive disease was experienced by few patients. The NRS (mean [standard deviation]) score for disease perception was 4.24 (3.3) and 2.85 (2.6) for patients and physicians, respectively. Conclusion This real-world study showed that most AS patients on TNFi and/or NSAID had not achieved an adequate disease control, as almost 75% of them exhibited active disease or low activity/suboptimal disease control. There remains a need for improved disease management among patients with AS.

Psoriatic arthritis mutilans: a descriptive study from a Brazilian tertiary center

Abstract In this paper, we sought to determine the prevalence of arthritis mutilans in a single cohort of Brazilian psoriatic arthritis patients followed at a tertiary university reference center. Our study demonstrated a high prevalence of arthritis mutilans associated to comorbidities and biologic therapy. In addition, our data suggest that axial involvement may be an intriguing aspect of psoriatic arthritis mutilans and that rheumatologists should be aware of axial disease, even if the phenotype is marked by peripheral joint severity.

The diagnostic value of active inflammatory changes of the symphysis pubis on magnetic resonance imaging scans in patients with axial spondyloarthritis and clinical factors analysis / 中华风湿病学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the correlation of active inflammatory changes of the symphysis pubis on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans with clinical factors in patients with axial spondyloarthritis.Methods:We retrospectively evaluated 112 patients with axial spondyloarthritis (ax-SpA) in our hospital from February 2014 to November 2020. Patients were divided into 4 groups: symphysis pubis + sacroiliac arthritis, symphysis pubis + non-sacroiliac arthritis, non-symphysis pubis + sacroiliac arthritis, and non symphysis pubis + non-sacroiliac arthritis group. Intra-group correlation coefficient ( ICC) was used to analyze the correlation between MRI active inflammation of the symphysis pubis and the sacroilioarthritis. Age, sex, symptom duration, smoking, body mass index, human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 positive rate, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) among the four groups were compared by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Chi-square test. Results:The proportion of active inflammation of the symphysis pubis was 35.7% (40/112). There was no correlation between active inflammation of the symphysis pubis and sacroilioarthritis ( r=-0.06, P=0.559). Twenty-four patients of the 69 patients with sacroilioarthritis had active inflammation of the symphysis pubis, 16 patients of the 43 patients without sacroilioarthritis had active inflammation of the symphysis pubis. In patients without active inflammation of the sacroiliac joint, the CRP and ESR of the active inflammation of the symphysis pubis group was (49±60) mg/L, (40±19) mm/1 h, statistically higher than that of the non-active inflammation group (19±22) mg/L, (22±37) mm/1 h ( t=2.36, P=0.023; t=2.88, P=0.006). In patients who had active inflammation of the symphysis pubis, the symptom duration of the non-active inflammation of the sacroiliac joint, was (14±9) years, which was significantly longer than that of the active inflammation group (5±4) years ( t=4.07, P=0.001). Conclusion:There is no correlation between active inflammatory changes of the symphysis pubis and bone marrow edema of the sacroiliac joint. Therefore, in ax-SpA patients with inflammatory low back pain and/or hip/groin pain, and also with high levels of CRP, ESR, but no active inflammatory changes of the sacroiliac joint on MRI scans, active inflammation of the symphysis pubis should be considered.

Participación laboral en espondiloartritis axial radiográfica y no radiográfica / Labor participation in radiographic and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis

Introducción: las limitaciones laborales son un punto importante a considerar en el tratamiento de la espondiloartritis axial (EspAax) dado que esta enfermedad afecta a las personas en la etapa más productiva de la vida. Objetivos: describir la situación laboral en pacientes con EspAax de Argentina, incluyendo la espondilitis anquilosante (EA) y la espondiloartritis axial no radiográfica (EspAax-nr), y evaluar los factores asociados a la pérdida de productividad laboral (PPL) en esta cohorte nacional y los factores asociados a estar empleado. Materiales y métodos: en este estudio transversal y multicéntrico se incluyeron pacientes con diagnóstico de EA y EspAax-nr según los criterios de clasificación de la Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS 2009) y en edad laboral (≤65 años). Los objetivos principales fueron evaluar la situación laboral, el ausentismo y el presentismo, valorados por el cuestionario Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Spondyloarthritis (WPAI-SpA). Se utilizó el coeficiente de Spearman para evaluar la correlación entre las medidas de la enfermedad y la PPL. Se realizó un análisis bivariado y multivariado para evaluar los factores asociados a estar empleado. Resultados: se incluyeron 129 pacientes con EspAax, 95 (73,6 %) con EA y 34 (26,4%) con EspAax-nr. La mediana (p25-75) de edad fue de 45 (35-55) años. La duración mediana de la enfermedad fue de 62 (24-123) meses y el retraso en el diagnóstico fue de 24 (6-72) meses. Sesenta (46,5%) pacientes estaban empleados. La mediana (p25-75) de presentismo de los pacientes con EA fue del 29,6% (0-57) y del 30% (20-40) para los pacientes con EspAax-nr (p=0,02). Asimismo, la mediana (p25-75) de PPL fue del 30% en ambos grupos de pacientes. Se encontró una correlación positiva entre la PPL y las siguientes variables: ASDAS (Rho:0.60), BASDAI (Rho:0.50), BASFI (Rho:0.60), ASQoL (Rho:0.60) y ASAS health index (Rho:0.54). En el análisis bivariado, los factores asociados al desempleo fueron el diagnóstico de EA, la edad avanzada, la mayor duración de la enfermedad, las comorbilidades (hipertensión y diabetes), el menor número de años de educación, la peor calidad de vida y la menor capacidad funcional. En el análisis multivariado, una mejor función física (evaluada por BASFI) se asoció de forma independiente a estar empleado. Conclusiones: este estudio demostró que la PPL en esta cohorte nacional fue del 30% en la EspAax. Se asoció con la actividad de la enfermedad, el estado de salud, la calidad de vida y la capacidad funcional. Una mejor función física se relacionó en forma independiente con una mayor probabilidad de mantener a los pacientes con EspAax empleados.

Introduction: work disability is an important outcome in the treatment of spondyloarthritis (SpA) since this disease affects people in the most productive stage of life. Objectives: to investigate working status in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) from Argentina, including ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and nonradiographic axial SpA (nr-axSpA), and to evaluate factors associated with work productivity loss (WPL) in this national cohort and factors associated with being employed. Materials and methods: patients with a diagnosis of AS and nr-axSpA according to Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS 2009) classification criteria and in working age (≤65 years) were included in this multicentric cross-sectional study. Outcomes of interest were employment status, absenteeism and presenteeism, assessed by the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Spondyloarthritis (WPAI-SpA) questionnaire. Spearman's coefficient was used to assess the correlation between disease measures and WPL. Bivariate and multivariate analysis were performed in order to evaluate factors associated with being employed. Results: 129 patients with axSpA were included, 95 (73.6%) with AS and 34 (26.4%) with nr-axSpA. Median (p25-75) age of 45 (35-55) years. Median (p25-75) disease duration was 62 (24-123) months and diagnosis delay was 24 (6-72) months. 60 (46.5%) of the patients were employed. Median (p25-75) presenteeism of AS patients was 29.6% (0-57) and 30% (20-40) for patients with EspAax-nr (p=0.02). Median (p25-75) WPL was 30% in both groups of patients. A positive correlation was found between WPL and the following variables: ASDAS (Rho:0.60), BASDAI (Rho:0.50), BASFI (Rho:0.60), ASQoL (Rho:0.60) and ASAS health index (Rho:0.54). In the bivariate analysis, the factors associated with unemployment were AS diagnosis, older age, longer disease duration, comorbidities (hypertension and diabetes), fewer years of education, worse quality of life and lower functional capacity. In the multivariate analysis, better physical function (assessed by BASFI) was independently associated with being employed. Conclusions: this study showed that WPL in this national cohort was 30% in axSpA. It was associated with disease activity, health status, quality of life and functional capacity. Better physical function was independently associated with a higher likelihood of keeping patients with axSpA employed.

El déficit de vitamina D en pacientes con espondiloartritis en un hospital de Castilla-La Mancha / Vitamin D deficiency in patients with spondylarthritis in a Spanish (Castilla-La Mancha) hospital

RESUMEN Introducción: Las espondiloartritis son un grupo de enfermedades inflamatorias crónicas con afectación principalmente del esqueleto axial y también de articulaciones periféricas. En cuanto al metabolismo óseo de estos pacientes, se ha observado en algunos estudios que existen niveles más bajos de vitamina D en pacientes con espondiloartritis. Objetivo: Estimar la prevalencia de déficit/insuficiencia de vitamina D, el metabolismo fosfocálcico y sus implicaciones en una cohorte de pacientes con espondiloartritis. Metodología: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal. Se llevó a cabo una revisión retrospectiva de la base de datos de pacientes con espondiloartritis que fueron atendidos en las consultas externas del Servicio de Reumatología del Hospital General Universitario de Ciudad Real entre junio del 2018 y junio del 2019. Las variables se describieron usando medidas de frecuencia o medidas de tendencia central/dispersión según correspondiera. Resultados: Se analizaron 115 pacientes, de los cuales 64 fueron hombres y 51 mujeres, con una edad media de 45,97 años (± 13,41 DE). Del total de los pacientes, 59 presentaron espon dilitis anquilosante, 24 artropatía psoriásica, 9 artritis asociada a enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal, 12 espondiloartritis axial no radiográfica y 11 artritis reactiva. Los niveles de vitamina D fueron de 23,81 ng/ml (±10,5 DE), con un 77,4% de los pacientes con cifras de déficit/insuficiencia de vitamina D. Agrupados por el subtipo de espondiloartritis y según las cifras de déficit/insuficiencia de vitamina D, 45 pacientes tenían espondilitis anquilo sante, 19 artropatía psoriásica, 9 artritis asociada a enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal, 7 espondiloartritis axiales no radiográficas y 9 artritis reactivas. Además, el déficit de vita mina D (< 20 ng/ml) se presentaba la mayoría de las veces en las estaciones de primavera e invierno, con 31 y 26 pacientes respectivamente. Conclusiones: Una optimización de los niveles de vitamina D puede implicar una mejoría en la situación clínica del paciente, medida tanto por BASDAI y DAPSA como por PCR y VSG. En consecuencia, se recomienda la monitorización y suplementación de vitamina D en pacientes con hipovitaminosis D.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Spondyloarthritis is a group of chronic inflammatory diseases that mainly affect the axial skeleton, and also the peripheral joints. In bone metabolism studies on these patients, it has been observed that there are lower levels of vitamin D in patients with spondyloarthritis. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency / insufficiency, as well as calcium/ phosphate metabolism and their implications in a cohort of patients with spondyloarthritis. Methodology: Observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study. A retrospective review of the databases was carried out on patients with spondyloarthritis who were treated in the outpatient clinics of the Rheumatology Department of the General University Hospital of Ciudad Real between June 2018 and June 2019. Variables are described using frequency and central tendency / dispersion measurements as appropriate. Results: The study included 115 patients, of whom 64 were men and 51 women, with a mean age of 45.97 years (± 13.41 SD). They included 59 patients with ankylosing spondylitis, 24 with psoriatic arthropathy, 9 arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease, 12 non-radiographic axial spondylarthritis, and 11 reactive arthritis. Vitamin D levels were 23.81 ng/ml (± 10.5 SD), with 77.4% of patients with vitamin D deficiency / insufficiency levels. Grouped by the spondylarthritis subtype, and according to vitamin D deficiency / insufficiency, 45 patients had ankylosing spondylitis, 19 psoriatic arthropathy, 9 arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease, 7 non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, and 9 reactive arthritis. Furthermore, vitamin D deficiency (< 20 ng/ml) mainly occurred in the spring and winter seasons, with 31 and 26 patients, respectively. Conclusions: An optimization of vitamin D levels may lead to an improvement in the clinical situation of the patients, as measured by both BASDAI and DAPSA, as well as by PCR and ESR. Therefore, vitamin D monitoring and supplementation is recommended in patients with vitamin D deficiency.

Factores asociados con el uso de inhibidores del factor de necrosis tumoral alfa en una población de pacientes colombianos con espondiloartritis / Factors associated with the use of tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors in a population of Colombian patients with spondyloarthritis

RESUMEN Introducción: El uso de TNFi es cada vez más frecuente en los pacientes con espondiloartritis. Identificar tempranamente aquellos que los requerirán o poder predecir su uso puede ayudar a hacer un tratamiento más efectivo y oportuno racionalizando su uso. Objetivo: Determinar los factores qué mejor explican la indicación de TNFi en la población en estudio. Material y métodos: La asociación entre el uso de medicamentos anti-TNFα y las variables categóricas demográficas, clínicas, de laboratorio, radiológicas y de tratamiento se exploró por prueba exacta de Fisher. La asociación con las variables cuantitativas fue evaluada con t de Student o U de Mann Withney, de acuerdo con su distribución. Aquellas variables con p < 0,25 fueron ingresadas a modelos univariante de regresión logística explicativa para construir los OR crudos; aquellas con p < 0,25 se incluyeron en el modelo multivariante para construir OR ajustados. Resultados y discusión: La población está constituida por 181 pacientes. Modelo univariante: la artritis reactiva, uretritis y compromiso periférico fueron factores protectores para el uso de TNFi. Espondiloartritis axial, lumbalgia inflamatoria, dolor glúteo alternante, rigidez matinal sacroilitis demostrada por cualquier método, tratamiento con inhibidores COX-2, tiempo de evolución de tres arios o más y los puntajes de BASDAI y BASFI se asociaron con el uso de TNFi. Modelo multivariante: artritis reactiva (OR 0,1, IC 95% 0,012-0,86, p = 0,036), lumbalgia inflamatoria (OR 13,63, IC 95% 1,36-136, p = 0,026), sacroilitis (OR 7,71, IC 95% 1,04-57, p = 0,045, uso de coxib (OR 10,1, IC 95% 2,71-37,62, p = 0,001) y el puntaje máximo de BASDAI (4-6: OR 6,1, IC 95% 1,3-28,7, p = 0,022, mayor de 6: OR 15,8, IC 95% 2,2-113, p = 0,006) se asociaron independientemente con el uso de TNFi. El uso de coxib se asoció con la indicación de usar TNFi tanto en los pacientes con espondiloartritis axial (OR 4,2, IC 95% 1,74-10,11, p = 0,001) como periférica (OR 4, IC 95% 1,85-8,62, p < 0,001). Conclusiones: El inicio de la enfermedad en la forma de artritis reactiva se comportó como un factor protector para la necesidad posterior de usar TNFi, mientras que presentar lumbalgia inflamatoria, sacroilitis demostrada por cualquier método, el tratamiento con coxib y el puntaje máximo de BASDAI mayor de 4 se asociaron con el uso de estos medicamentos.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The use of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha inhibitors is increasing in patients with spondyloarthritis. Early identification of those that would require them, or the ability to predict their use, could lead to a more effective and timely treatment by rationalizing their use. Objective: To determine factors that better explain the indication of TNFi in the study population. Material and methods: The association between anti-TNFα use and categorical demographic, clinical, laboratory, radiological and treatment variables was explored using Pearson's Chi2 or Fisher's exact test. The association with the quantitative variables was evaluated using Student's t test or Mann Whitney U test, depending on their distribution. Those variables with P < 0.25 were entered into univariate models of explanatory logistic regression to cons truct crude ORs, and those with P < 0.25 were included in the multivariate model to construct adjusted ORs. Results and discussion: The study population includes 181 patients. In the univariate model: reactive arthritis, urethritis, and peripheral involvement were protective factors for the use of TNFi. Axial spondyloarthritis, inflammatory lumbalgia, alternating gluteal pain, morning stiffness, sacroiliitis demonstrated by any method, treatment with COX-2 inhibitors, evolu tion time of three years or more, and BASDAI and BASFI scores were associated with the use of TNFi. Multivariate model: reactive arthritis (P = 0.036), inflammatory back pain (P = 0.026), sacroiliitis (P = 0.045), use of coxibs (P = 0.001) and the maximum score of BASDAI (P = 0.022, P = 0.006) were independently associated with the use of TNFi. The use of coxibs was associa ted with the indication of using TNFi in both patients with axial spondyloarthritis (P = 0.001) and peripheral (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The onset of the disease in the form of reactive arthritis behaved as a protective factor for the subsequent need to use TNFi, while presenting with inflammatory back pain, sacroiliitis, demonstrated by any method, treatment with coxibs, and the maximum score of BASDAI greater than 4 associated with the use of these medications.