Abordaje práctico de la espondiloartritis / Practical approach to spondyloarthritis

Introducción: la espondiloartritis, es una forma de artritis inflamatoria que, generalmente comienza entre los 17 y los 45 años. La inflamación sistémica es una característica clave que ayuda a distinguirla de otros tipos de artritis, incluida la artritis por desgaste y desgarro, como la osteoartritis. Objetivo: brindar información sobre el abordaje práctico de la espondiloartritis para contribuir a esclarecer puntos que, a juicio de los autores de este trabajo, son importantes para el manejo de la misma. Desarrollo: en poco tiempo han tenido lugar inusitados avances que abarcan todos los aspectos de su manejo, incluidos el diagnóstico y el seguimiento, pero sobre todo en su tratamiento. Algunas presentaciones engañosas son propias del comienzo retardado, como la espondiloartritis periférica de inicio tardío (LOPS), que se caracteriza por una oligoartritis inflamatoria que contrasta con los signos generales, un importante síndrome inflamatorio y, a veces, edema asimétrico de las extremidades inferiores. Conclusiones: el papel de los reumatólogos es esencial en el manejo de esta enfermedad, pues son los especialistas mejor calificados para tener a su cargo a estos pacientes, mientras que los generalistas participan más en la detección de la misma(AU)

Introduction: spondyloarthritis, or SpA, is a form of inflammatory arthritis that usually begins between 17 and 45 years. Systemic inflammation is a key feature that helps distinguish it from other types of arthritis, including arthritis by tearing and tearing, such as osteoarthritis. Objective: to provide information on the practical approach of spondyloarthritis to help clarify points that, in the opinion of the authors of this work, are important for the management of it. Development: in a short time, there have been unusual advances that cover all aspects of its management, including diagnosis and monitoring, but especially in its treatment. Some deceptive presentations are typical of delayed onset, such as late-onset peripheral spondyloarthritis (LOPS), which is characterized by an inflammatory oligoarthritis that contrasts with the general signs, an important inflammatory syndrome and, sometimes, asymmetric edema of the lower extremities. Conclusions: the role of rheumatologists is essential in the management of this disease, as they are the best qualified specialists to be in charge of these patients, while the generalists participate more in the detection of it(AU)

The specialist physician's approach to rheumatoid arthritis in South Africa

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is expected to increase in Africa and South Africa. Due to the low numbers of rheumatologists in South Africa, specialist physicians also have to care for patients with RA. Furthermore several new developments have taken place in recent years which improved the management and outcome of RA. Classification criteria were updated, assessment follow-up tools were refined and above all, several new biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs were developed. Therefore it is imperative for specialist physicians to update themselves with the newest developments in the management of RA. This article provides an overview of the newest developments in the management of RA in the South African context. This approach may well apply to countries with similar specialist to patient ratios and disease profiles.