Patrón genético y serológico en pacientes con diagnóstico de artritis reumatoide / Genetic and serological pattern in patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis

Introducción: La artritis reumatoide es una enfermedad autoinmune de causas desconocidas en la que pueden influir distintas alteraciones genéticas. Se describen casos seropositivos con mayor riesgo de padecer manifestaciones extraarticulares y complicaciones de la enfermedad. Objetivo: Identificar la relación existente entre las alteraciones genéticas y la positividad de autoanticuerpos en pacientes con diagnóstico de artritis reumatoide. Métodos: Investigación básica, no experimental, transversal y descriptiva de un universo de 157 pacientes con diagnóstico de artritis reumatoide según los criterios del Colegio Americano de Reumatología. La muestra quedó conformada por 113 pacientes. Como parte del seguimiento de laboratorio de cada paciente se determinó anticuerpos tipo factor reumatoide y antipéptido citrulinado cíclico. Se realizó el estudio genético para identificar HLA-DR3 y HLA-DR4. Se utilizó la prueba no paramétrica de correlación de Pearson para determinar correlación entre el patrón genético y la seropositividad en estos pacientes. Resultados: Promedio de edad de 58,74 años con predominio de pacientes femeninas (72,57 por ciento). El 38,05 por ciento presentó al menos una comorbilidad asociada. El factor reumatoide fue positivo en el 60,18 por ciento de los pacientes, mientras que el antipéptido citrulinado cíclico positivo se identificó en el 41,59 %. Se halló alteraciones del patrón genético en el 66,37 por ciento de los pacientes; el HLA-DR4 estuvo presente de forma independiente en el 38,67 por ciento de los casos positivos y combinado con el HLA-DR3 en el 20,66 por ciento. Conclusión: Se identificó una correlación positiva considerable entre las alteraciones del patrón genético y la seropositividad. La presencia de alteraciones del patrón genético triplica el riesgo de seropositividad en los pacientes con artritis reumatoide(AU)

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease of unknown causes in which the presence of different genetic alterations is invoked. Seropositive cases with a higher risk of appearance of extra-articular manifestations and complications of the disease are described. Objective: To identify the relationship between the presence of genetic alterations and autoantibody positivity in patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: Basic, non-experimental, cross-sectional and descriptive research with a universe of 157 patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis according to the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology. The sample was made up of a total of 113 patients. As part of the laboratory follow-up of each patient, the presence of rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies was determined, and a genetic study was performed to identify the presence of HLA-DR3 and HLA-DR4. The nonparametric Pearson's correlation test was used to determine the correlation between the identification of HLA types and seropositivity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Results: Average age of 58.74 years with a predominance of female patients (72.57%). 38.05 percent presented at least one associated comorbidity. Rheumatoid factor was positive in 60.18 percent of the patients, while positive anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide was identified in 41.59 percent of the cases studied. Genetic pattern alterations were identified in 66.37 percent of the patients; HLA-DR4 was present independently in 38.67 percent of the positive cases and combined with HLA-DR3 in 20.66 percent. Conclusion: A considerable positive correlation was identified between alterations in the genetic pattern and seropositivity. The presence of genetic pattern alterations triples the risk of seropositivity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis(AU)

Expression of LINC00638 in rheumatoid arthritis patients with damp-heat obstruction syndrome and the regulatory mechanisms for inflammation and oxidative stress / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation and joint destruction. Both inflammatory response and oxidative stress contribute to the pathogenesis of RA. Oxidative damage can induce and aggravate the imbalance of immune inflammation and promote cell and tissue damage. In this study, the expression of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) LINC00638 in peripheral blood of patients with RA damp-heat arthralgia syndrome was observed, and the correlation between LINC00638 and disease activity, immune inflammation and oxidative stress indicator was investigated. Subsequently, the mechanisms for LINC00638 in regulating the inflammatory response and oxidative stress in RA fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) under the condition of overexpression and interference were further explored.@*METHODS@#In this study, 48 RA patients with damp-heat arthralgia syndrome and 27 normal healthy subjects, who came from Department of Rheumatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, were included; and they were divided into a RA group and a control group. The expression of LINC00638 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from the subjects was detected by real-time PCR. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum interleukin (IL)-10, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), malondialdehyde (MDA), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) expression. Spearman method was used to study the relationship between LINC00638 and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti-CCP), and to observe the relation between LINC00638 and the Disease Activity Score of 28 Joint (DAS28), Quantitative Score of Damp Heat Syndrome, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS). RA-FLS was induced by RA-PBMC, and the RA in vitro cell experimental model was established. LINC00638 overexpression plasmid and small interfering RNA (siRNA) were constructed and transfected into RA-FLS. The cell experiments were divided into 4 groups: a pcDNA3. 1- control group, a pcDNA3.1-LINC00638 group, a siRNA-control group, and a siRNA-LINC00638 group. The transfection efficiency of overexpression plasmid and siRNA was detected by real-time PCR, the expression of TNF-α and IL-10 was detected by ELISA, and the expression of antioxidant proteins HO-1 and SOD2 was detected by immunofluorescence.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the control group, the expression of LINC00638 in the RA group was lower (P<0.01). The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of LINC00638 was 0.9271. The DAS28 in RA group was 5.70 (5.40-6.50), the Quantitative Score of Damp-heat Syndrome was 20.0 (17.0-23.0), and the VAS score was 7.0 (6.3-8.0). Compared with the control group, the ESR, CRP, RF, anti-CCP, SAS and SDS scores in the RA group were significantly increased (all P<0.01). Spearman correlation analysis showed that: LINC00638 was negatively correlated with ESR (r=-0.532, P<0.01), CRP (r=-0.367, P<0.05), TNF-α (r=-0.375, P<0.01), MDA (r= -0.295, P<0.05), DAS28 (r=-0.450, P<0.01), and which was positively correlated with SOD2 (r=0.370, P<0.05). After the induction of RA-FLS, the expression level of LINC00638 was significantly decreased (P<0.01), indicating that the stimulation of PBMC could effectively reduce the expression of LINC00638 in RA-FLS, so the experimental model of RA-FLS-induced by PBMC was utilized. Compared with the pcDNA3.1-control group, the expressions of LINC00638, IL-10, SOD2, and HO-1 in the pcDNA3.1-LINC00638 group were significantly increased (all P<0.01), and the expression of TNF-α was decreased (P<0.01). Compared with siRNA-control group, LINC00638, IL-10, SOD2 and HO-1 in the siRNA-LINC00638 group were significantly decreased (all P<0.01), and TNF-α was significantly increased (P<0.01).@*CONCLUSIONS@#LINC00638 is down-regulated in the peripheral blood of RA patients with damp-heat arthralgia syndrome, which is correlated with disease activity, immune inflammation and oxidative stress. Overexpression of LINC00638 can down-regulate pro-inflammatory factors, up-regulate anti-inflammatory factors, and increase antioxidant enzyme activity, thereby improving inflammation and oxidative stress in RA. LINC00638 is the differential lncRNA obtained by the research group's previous high-throughput sequencing of the whole transcriptome of peripheral blood PBMCs in RA patients and validation of clinical samples. In order to deepen the molecular biology research of this gene, the microRNA and mRNA targeted by LINC00638 can be further studied from the perspective of competing endogenous RNAs.

Manifestaciones extrarticulares y anticuerpos contra péptidos cíclicos citrulinados en artritis reumatoide / Extrarticular manifestations and antibodies against citrullinated cyclic peptides in rheumatoid arthritis

Introducción: La artritis reumatoide se manifiesta como enfermedad inflamatoria sistémica presenta manifestaciones extrarticulares. Objetivos: Determinar la frecuencia de manifestaciones extrarticulares en pacientes con artritis reumatoide, identificar las más frecuentes y su asociación con anticuerpos contra péptidos cíclicos citrulinados. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal, en 101 pacientes con diagnóstico de artritis reumatoide, atendidos en La Consulta Protocolizada del Servicio de Reumatología del Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Hermanos Ameijeiras, entre agosto y diciembre del año 2019. Se identificaron características sociodemográficas como edad, sexo, tiempo de evolución de la artritis reumatoide y tabaquismo. Se buscaron presencia de manifestaciones extrarticulares por el interrogatorio, examen físico y con ayuda de exámenes complementarios y se determinaron los títulos de anticuerpos contra péptidos cíclicos citrulinados en el plasma de los pacientes. Resultados: Las manifestaciones extrarticulares estuvieron presentes en 38 pacientes para 37,6 por ciento de los casos, las más frecuentes fueron los nódulos subcutáneos 37 pacientes, y la anemia en 35 que constituyen 36,6 por ciento y 34,7 por ciento de los casos, respectivamente. Fueron positivos a antipéptidos cíclicos citrulinados 78 enfermos, 77,2 por ciento de la muestra, no existió asociación entre presencia de los antipéptidos cíclicos citrulinados y la actividad de la enfermedad. No existió asociación significativa entre estos anticuerpos y las manifestaciones extrarticulares p<0,0001. Fue significativa la asociación entre los niveles de antipéptidos cíclicos citrulinados y el número de manifestaciones extrarticulares en un paciente p=0,0018. Conclusiones: Las manifestaciones articulares existentes en los pacientes estudiados se asociaron, significativamente, con la presencia de los antipéptidos cíclicos citrulinados(AU)

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis within its expression as a systemic inflammatory disease presents extra-articular manifestations. Objectives: To determine the frequency of extra-articular manifestations in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, to identify the most frequent and their association with antibodies against citrullinated cyclic peptides. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in 101 patients with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, assisted in the protocolized consultation of Rheumatology service at Hermanos Ameijeiras Clinical Surgical Hospital, from August to December 2019. Sociodemographic characteristics were identified, such as age, sex, time of evolution of rheumatoid arthritis, smoking habits. The presence of extra-articular manifestations was searched for by questioning, physical examination and with the help of complementary tests, and the titers of antibodies against citrullinated cyclic peptides were determined in the plasma of the patients. Results: Extra-articular manifestations were present in 38 patients, 37.6percent of the cases, the most frequent were subcutaneous nodules in 37 patients, and anemia in 35, which constituted 36.6percent and 34.7percent of the cases, respectively. Seventy eight patients were positive for citrullinated cyclic antipeptides, 77.2percent of the sample, there was no association between the presence of citrullinated cyclic antipeptides and the activity of the disease. There was no significant association between the presence of these antibodies and the presence of extra-articular manifestations p <0.0001, the association between the levels of citrullinated cyclic antipeptides and the number of extra-articular manifestations in a patient was significant p=0.0018. Conclusions: The existing joint manifestations in the studied patients were significantly associated with the presence of citrullinated cyclic antipeptides(AU)

Anticuerpos contra el citoplasma del neutrófilo y actividad clínica en pacientes cubanos con artritis reumatoide / Antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies and clinical activity in Cuban patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Introducción: Los anticuerpos contra el citoplasma del neutrófilo se detectan normalmente en pacientes con vasculitis. Aunque estos anticuerpos pueden estar presentes en un amplio número de enfermedades asociadas a estados inflamatorios y autoinmunes, como la artritis reumatoide, no se ha demostrado su significado clínico. Objetivo: evaluar la utilidad de diferentes especificidades antigénicas de los anticuerpos contra el citoplasma del neutrófilo para medir la actividad clínica en pacientes cubanos con artritis reumatoide. Material y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal con 77 pacientes cubanos con artritis reumatoide. Se determinaron la velocidad de sedimentación globular, la proteína C reactiva, el indicador clínico de actividad de la enfermedad, los anticuerpos anti-proteínas citrulinadas, el factor reumatoide y los anticuerpos contra el citoplasma del neutrófilo frente a diferentes especificidades antigénicas. Resultados: La mayor cantidad de pacientes con actividad clínica elevada (> 5,1) pertenecieron al grupo de pacientes positivos de anticuerpos contra el citoplasma del neutrófilo (p=0,0364). Los pacientes con anticuerpos anti-lactoferrina tuvieron mayores valores de actividad clínica (p=0,0304). Mediante análisis multivariado se demostró la influencia de la positividad de anticuerpos anti-lisozima (p=0,0391), de la positividad doble de los anticuerpos anti-proteínas citrulinadas y anti-lactoferrina (p=0,0282), así como de la doble positividad de los anticuerpos anti-proteínas citrulinadas y anti-elastina (p=0,0182) en la actividad clínica. Conclusión: La presencia de anticuerpos contra el citoplasma del neutrófilo que reconocen las especificidades antigénicas lisozima, lactoferrina y elastina se relacionan con mayor actividad clínica en pacientes con artritis reumatoide(AU)

Introduction: Antibodies against neutrophil cytoplasm are normally detected in patients with vasculitis. Although these antibodies can be present in a wide number of diseases associated with inflammatory and autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, their clinical significance has not been demonstrated. Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of different antigenic specificities of antibodies against neutrophil cytoplasm to measure the clinical activity in Cuban patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 77 Cuban patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, the clinical indicator of disease activity, anti-citrullinated protein antibodies, rheumatoid factor, and antibodies against neutrophil cytoplasm against different specificities were determined. Results: The largest number of patients with elevated disease activity (> 5.1) belonged to the group of antibodies against neutrophil cytoplasm positive patients (p=0.0364). Patients with anti-lactoferrin antibodies had higher disease activity values ​​(p=0.0304). Through multivariate analysis, the influence of positive anti-lysozyme antibodies (p=0.0391), of double positivity of anti-citrullinated protein and anti-lactoferrin antibodies (p=0.0282), as well as that of double positivity of anti-citrullinated protein and anti-elastin antibodies (p=0.0182) on disease activity were demonstrated. Conclusion: The antibodies against neutrophil cytoplasm that recognize the antigenic specificities of lysozyme, lactoferrin and elastin are related to higher clinical activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis(AU)

Artrite reumatoide do tipo EORA com trombocitose significativa: relato de caso / Elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis with significant thrombocytosis: a case report

Este relato teve como objetivo apresentar um caso de elderly onset rheumatoid arthritis associada à trombocitose reacional significativa. À admissão, o paciente apresentava quadro de poliartrite de pequenas e grandes articulações associado à rigidez matinal. Após exames solicitados, evidenciaram-se trombocitose de 1.697.000 cel./mm³ e anticorpos antipeptídeos citrulinados positivos, sendo diagnosticado com artrite reumatoide do tipo elderly onset rheumatoid arthritis.

This report aimed at presenting a case of elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis associated with significant reactive thrombocytosis. On admission, the patient presented polyarthritis of small and large joints associated with morning stiffness. After the performance of the requested tests, thrombocytosis of 1,697,000 cells/mm3 and positive anti-CCP were evidenced, and the patient was diagnosed with elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis.

Artritis reumatoide, diagnóstico, evolución y tratamiento / Rheumatoid arthritis, diagnosis, evolution and treatment

La artritis reumatoide es la enfermedad inflamatoria más común en adultos con una alta prevalencia en la población general, invocando para su diagnóstico la presencia de al menos cuatro criterios de los orientados por el Colegio Americano de Reumatología, teniendo un papel protagónico en los últimos años la presencia de anticuerpos anti proteína citrulinada, así como los estudios de imágenes, que ayudan al diagnóstico de la artritis reumatoide temprana en el curso de los dos primeros años de evolución y sus orientaciones terapéuticas adecuadas, aspecto fundamental en la actualidad para evitar las lesiones erosivas irreversibles, que resultan en un marcado compromiso de la calidad de vida de los pacientes que la sufren, elementos que revisamos en este artículo de opinión(AU)

Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common inflammatory disease in adults with a high prevalence in the general population, invoking for its diagnosis the presence of at least four criteria of those guided by the American College of Rheumatology, having a leading role in recent years the presence of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies, as well as imaging studies, which help the diagnosis of early rheumatoid arthritis in the course of the first two years of evolution and its appropriate therapeutic orientations, a fundamental aspect nowadays to avoid irreversible erosive lesions , which result in a marked commitment to the quality of life of patients who suffer from it, elements that we review in this opinion article(AU)

Eficacia diagnóstica de anticuerpos antipéptidos citrulinados de segunda y tercera generaciones para la artritis reumatoide / Diagnostic effectiveness of anti-citrullinated peptides antibodies of second and third generations for rheumatoid arthritis

Introducción: La artritis reumatoide es una enfermedad autoinmune caracterizada por la presencia de anticuerpos contra péptidos citrulinados, que constituyen indicadores para el diagnóstico de la enfermedad. Es necesario determinar la utilidad de diferentes métodos de determinación de estos anticuerpos para el diagnóstico de pacientes cubanos con artritis reumatoide. Objetivo: Determinar la eficacia de los ensayos de determinación de anticuerpos anti-CCP2 y anti-CCP3 para el diagnóstico de pacientes cubanos con artritis reumatoide. Material y método: Participaron 101 pacientes con artritis reumatoide, 58 pacientes con otras enfermedades reumáticas e inflamatorias y 43 individuos sanos. Se determinó la eficacia diagnóstica de los anticuerpos factor reumatoideo (FR), anti-CCP2 y anti-CCP3 medidos mediante ELISA, con el cálculo de la sensibilidad, especificidad, valores predictivos positivos y negativos. Resultados: El ensayo anti-CCP2 mostró un mejor balance sensibilidad (48,5 por ciento) y especificidad (98,0 por ciento). Cuando se fijó la especificidad a 98 por ciento, se observó la menor sensibilidad para el FR (40,3 por ciento). Utilizar los ensayos anti-CCP2 y FR aumentó la especificidad a 100 por ciento. Todos los autoanticuerpos mostraron asociación con la proteína C reactiva y correlación con la velocidad de sedimentación globular. Solamente los anticuerpos anti-CCP2 no mostraron correlación con el indicador clínico de actividad DAS 28. Conclusiones: Los anticuerpos anti-CCP2 son los de mayor eficacia para el diagnóstico de pacientes cubanos con artritis reumatoide. La determinación de FR permite identificar pacientes con artritis reumatoide seronegativos de anticuerpos anti-CCP2, por lo que la combinación de ambos inmunoensayos produce una mejoría en la eficacia diagnóstica(AU)

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of antibodies against citrullinated peptides, which are one of the indicators for the diagnosis of a disease. The usefulness of different methods for the determination of these antibodies in the diagnosis of Cuban patients with rheumatoid arthritis is necessary to be established. Objective: To establish the diagnostic effectiveness of the second (anti-CCP2) and third (anti-CCP3) generation assays for the determination these antibodies against citrullinated peptides in Cuban patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Material and method: 101 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, 58 patients with other rheumatic and inflammatory diseases, and 43 healthy persons participated in the study. The diagnostic efficiency of rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-CCP2 and anti-CCP3 antibodies were determined using ELISA test, by calculating sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values. Results: The anti-CCP2 assay showed a better balance of sensitivity (48.5 percent) and specificity (98.0 percent). The lower sensibility was observed for RF (40.3 percent) when the specificity was set at 98 percent. Specificity increased to 100 percent when anti-CCP2 and RF assays were used. All autoantibodies showed association with C-reactive protein and correlation with erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Only anti-CCP2 antibodies showed no correlation with the DAS28 clinical indicator. Conclusions: Anti-CCP2 antibodies are the ones of greater effectiveness in the diagnosis of Cuban patients with rheumatoid arthritis. RF identification allows to identify seronegative anti-CCP2 patients; therefore, the combination of both immunoassays leads to an improvement in the diagnostic effectiveness(AU)

Manifestación atípica de enfermedad de Still: Reporte de un caso / Atypical manifestation of Still disease: Case report

La enfermedad de Still del adulto (ESA) es un proceso inflamatorio sistémico, de etiología desconocida, que se caracteriza por fiebre, artritis y eritema evanescente, además de valores elevados de ferritina sérica. Sin embargo, hasta la fecha, no hay una prueba definitiva de laboratorio o de imagen disponible para su diagnóstico, por lo tanto la ESA es un diagnóstico de exclusión. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 44 años con manifestación cutánea atípica de ESA y cuadro clínico de 1 año de evolución caracterizado por fiebre de 40°C, linfadenopatía, hiperferritinemia, y que en la sistemática de estudio presentó positividad para anti-CCP (anticuerpo antipéptido cíclico citrulinado).

Adult Still's disease (ASD) is a systemic inflammatory process, of unknown etiology, characterized by fever, arthritis and evanescent erythema, in addition to elevated serum ferritin values. However, to date, there is no definitive laboratory or imaging test available to diagnose it, therefore ASD is a diagnosis of exclusion. We present the case of a 44-year-old woman with atypical cutaneous manifestation of ESA and positivity of ACPA (anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody).

Analysis of four serum biomarkers in rheumatoid arthritis: association with extra articular manifestations in patients and arthralgia in relatives / Análise de quatro marcadores sorológicos na artrite reumatoide: associação com manifestações extra-articulares no paciente e artralgia em familiares

ABSTRACT Objectives: To evaluate the frequency of four serum biomarkers in RA patients and their relatives and identify possible associations with clinical findings of the disease. Methods: This was a transversal analytical study. Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP), anti-mutated citrullinated vimentin (anti-MCV) and IgA-rheumatoid factor (RF) were determined by ELISA and IgM-RF by latex agglutination in 210 RA patients, 198 relatives and 92 healthy controls from Southern Brazil. Clinical and demographic data were obtained through charts review and questionnaires. Results: A higher positivity for all antibodies was observed in RA patients when compared to relatives and controls (p < 0.0001). IgA-RF was more frequent in relatives compared to controls (14.6% vs. 5.4%, p = 0.03, OR = 2.98; 95% CI = 1.11-7.98) whereas anti-CCP was the most common biomarker among RA patients (75.6%). Concomitant positivity for the four biomarkers was more common in patients (46.2%, p < 0.0001). Relatives and controls were mostly positive for just one biomarker (20.2%, p < 0.0001 and 15.2%, p = 0.016, respectively). No association was observed between the number of positive biomarkers and age of disease onset, functional class or tobacco exposure. In seronegative patients predominate absence of extra articular manifestations (EAMs) (p = 0.01; OR = 3.25; 95% CI = 1.16-10.66). Arthralgia was present in positive relatives, regardless the type of biomarker. Conclusions: A higher number of biomarkers was present in RA patients with EAMs. Positivity of biomarkers was related to arthralgia in relatives. These findings reinforce the link between distinct biomarkers and the pathophysiologic mechanisms of AR.

RESUMO Objetivos: Avaliar a frequência de quatro marcadores sorológicos em pacientes com AR e seus familiares e identificar possíveis associações com achados clínicos da doença. Métodos: Estudo analítico transversal. Determinaram-se os níveis de anticorpos antipeptídeo citrulinado cíclico (anti-CCP), anticorpos antivimentina citrulinada-mutada (anti-MCV) e fator reumatoide (FR) IgA por Elisa e de FR-IgM por aglutinação em látex em 210 pacientes com AR, 198 familiares e 92 controles saudáveis do sul do Brasil. Coletaram-se dados clínicos e demográficos por meio da revisão de prontuários e questionários. Resultados: Observou-se maior positividade para todos os anticorpos em pacientes com AR em comparação com os familiares e controles (p < 0,0001). O FR-IgA era mais frequente em familiares quando comparados com os controles (14,6% versus 5,4%, p = 0,03, OR = 2,98; IC95% = 1,11 a 7,98). O anti-CCP foi o biomarcador mais comum entre pacientes com AR (75,6%). A positividade concomitante para os quatro biomarcadores foi mais comum nos pacientes (46,2%, p < 0,0001). Familiares e controles eram positivos em sua maioria para apenas um biomarcador (20,2%, p < 0,0001 e 15,2%, p = 0,016, respectivamente). Não foi observada associação entre o número de biomarcadores positivos e a idade de início da doença, classe funcional ou exposição ao fumo. Em pacientes soronegativos, predominou a ausência de manifestações extra-articulares (MEA) (p = 0,01; OR = 3,25; IC95% = 1,16 a 10,66). A artralgia estava presente em familiares positivos, independentemente do tipo de biomarcador. Conclusões: Um maior número de biomarcadores estava presente em pacientes com AR com MEA. A positividade dos biomarcadores estava relacionada com a artralgia em familiares. Esses achados reforçam a ligação entre os diferentes biomarcadores e os mecanismos fisiopatológicos da AR.

Independence of carbohydrate-deficient isoforms of transferrin and cyclic citrullinated peptides in rheumatoid arthritis / Independência de isoformas de transferrina deficiente em carboidrato e peptídeos citrulinados cíclicos na artrite reumatoide

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the two types of posttranslational modifications of proteins in RA: glycosylation on the example of carbohydrate-deficient transferrin and citrullination by means of autoantibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptides. Methods: The study was carried out in 50 RA patients. CDT was measured using N Latex CDT immunonephelometric test, the results were presented in absolute and relative units. Anti-CCP were measured using the chemiluminescent method and rheumatoid factor by immunoturbidimetric method. Results: 80% of RA patients were positive for anti-CCP, 70% for RF and 62% for both, anti-CCP and RF. The level of %CDT was significantly elevated, but absolute CDT level was not changed. The mean absolute CDT concentration was higher in anti-CCP positive patients than that in anti-CCP negative. CDT (absolute and relative concentration) did not correlate with anti-CCP and RF. However, serum RF significantly correlated with anti-CCP. %CDT did not correlate with anti-CCP, but absolute level correlated with anti-CCP only in anti-CCP negative and RF negative patients. CDT did not correlate with RF, but solely with anti-CCP in anti-CCP negative patients. Anti-CCP correlated with DAS 28 only in anti-CCP negative RA, but CDT (absolute and relative units) correlated with DAS 28 in all patients and in anti-CCP positive RA. Conclusions: These results suggest that the changes in CDT and anti-CCP concentrations are not associated with oneself and indicate on the independence of these posttranslational modifications in rheumatoid arthritis. Only the alterations in transferrin glycosylation reflected the activity of RA.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a relação entre os dois tipos de modificações pós-translacionais de proteínas na AR: glicosilação no caso da transferrina deficiente em carboidrato (TDC) e citrulinação por meio dos anticorpos no caso do antipeptídeo citrulinado cíclico (anti-CCP). Métodos: O estudo foi feito em 50 pacientes com AR. A TDC foi medida com o teste imunonefelométrico N Latex CDT e os resultados foram apresentados em unidades absolutas e relativas. O anti-CCP foi mensurado com o método quimioluminescente e o fator reumatoide (FR) pelo método imunoturbidimétrico. Resultados: Dos pacientes com AR, 80% foram positivos para anti-CCP, 70% para FR e 62% para ambos (anti-CCP e FR). A percentagem de transferrina total (%TDC) esteve significativamente elevada, mas o nível absoluto de TDC não esteve alterado. A concentração média de TDC absoluta foi maior nos pacientes anti-CCP positivos do que naqueles anti-CCP negativos. A TDC (concentração absoluta e relativa) não se correlacionou com o anti-CCP e o FR. No entanto, o FR sérico se correlacionou significativamente com o anti-CCP. O percentual de TDC não se correlacionou com o anti-CCP, mas seu nível absoluto se correlacionou com o anti-CCP apenas em pacientes FR negativos e anti-CCP negativos. A TDC não se correlacionou com o FR, somente com o anti-CCP em pacientes anti-CCP negativos. O anti-CCP se correlacionou com o DAS 28 apenas nos pacientes com AR anti-CCP negativos, mas a TDC (unidades absolutas e relativas) se correlacionou com o DAS 28 quando considerados todos os pacientes com AR e em pacientes com AR anti-CCP positivos. Conclusões: Esses resultados sugerem que as alterações na TDC e as concentrações de anti-CCP não estão associadas e indicam a independência dessas modificações pós-translacionais na artrite reumatoide. Apenas as alterações na glicosilação da transferrina refletem a atividade da AR.

MicroRNA-146a expression as a potential biomarker for rheumatoid arthritis in Egypt

Background: MicroRNAs [miRNAs] are small non-coding RNAs, whose role in regulating diverse immune functions, suggests they might play a role as biomarkers for immune medi-ated disorders. Studies showed that miRNA-146a [miR-146a] expression is increased by proinflammatory cytokines and is an important modulator of differentiation and function of cells of innate and adaptive immunity

Aim of the work: The current study aimed to evaluate the expression of miR-146a as a potential biomarker for diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis [RA] and to explore its association with disease activity

Subjects and methods: The study enrolled 50 Egyptian subjects divided into a patient group, which comprised 25 RA patients, and a control group which comprised 25 healthy individuals

The disease activity for the patients' group was determined by simplified disease activity index. Relative quantification of miR-146a expression in whole blood was determined using reverse tran-scriptase quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction

Results: There were highly significant statistical differences between patients and healthy controls as regards miR-146a relative expression, erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR] and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide [anti-CCP] [p < 0.001]. Highly significant statistical differences [p < 0.001] were also found between different patients' subgroups as regards miR-146a relative expression and ESR. rm'R-146a levels correlated positively with those of ESR, C-reactive protein and anti-CCP [p < 0.001]

miR-146a illustrated best performance in diagnosing RA, showing the highest sensitivity and specificity [96% and 100%, respectively] [AUC: 0.992 at a cut off value of >/=2.16] compared to anti-CCP [sensitivity: 68%, specificity: 100% and AUC: 0.87 at a cut off value of >/= 22 U/ml] and RF [sensitivity: 56%, specificity: 80% and AUC: 0.992 at a cut off value of >/=13 U/ml]

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that miR-146a expression was highly significantly elevated in whole blood of patients with RA. Its diagnostic performance was better than anti-CCP and RF and its level of expression correlates with disease activity

Overlap between systemic sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis: a distinct clinical entity? / Sobreposição de esclerose sistêmica e artrite reumatoide: uma entidade clínica distinta?

ABSTRACT Introduction: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease of the connective tissue characterized by the triad of vascular injury, autoimmunity (cellular and humoral) and tissue fibrosis. It is estimated that musculoskeletal pain is a common complaint of patients with SSc, ranging from 40 to 80%, and mainly in patients with early diffuse disease. Arthritis, clinically observed, may be a feature seen in the presentation of SSc, often leading to early diagnostic errors with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In the course of the disease, arthritis is observed in 24–97% of patients with SSc. Objectives: To correlate the occurrence or nonoccurrence of arthritis in patients with SSc of the Midwest region of Brazil with possible distinct clinical and laboratory manifestations observed in three groups of patients. To report the frequency of true association between systemic sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis in patients with clinically and radiologically observed synovitis. Methods: Sixty-one SSc patients were subsequently assessed every 3 months within 1 year, in order to clinically observe the occurrence of synovitis and its patterns of progression. Patients were divided into 3 groups: 41 patients with SSc without arthritis, 16 SSc patients with arthritis and 4 patients with overlap of SSc and RA. All patients underwent a radiological examination of the hands at the end of the study. Results: Among all patients evaluated, we found a female predominance (98.7%), mean age of 50.94 years, white color (49.2%), limited form of the disease (47.6%), time of diagnosis between 5 and 10 years (47.6%) and duration of the disease of 8.30 years. Among all patients, 14 (22.9%) had positive rheumatoid factor (RF), while among those with positive RF, only 10 patients had arthritis during one-year follow-up. The antibody anticitrulline (anti-CCP) test was performed in 24 patients, being positive in 4 of them (16.7%), with positivity being observed only in patients with SSc/RA overlap. Comparing the clinical manifestations among the groups of patients, there was a higher incidence of gastritis and cardiac valvulopathy in patients with SSc and arthritis, but not in the others. In the group of patients with SSc/RA overlap and in patients with SSc and arthritis a significant reduction in quality of life was observed, measured by HAQ index, especially in patients with arthritis present during clinical evaluation. We found radiographic changes in 42.6% of patients with SSc. However, in patients with synovitis, radiological changes consistent with rheumatoid arthritis were found in 50% of patients. Conclusions: While the frequency of clinical arthritis observed in patients with systemic sclerosis was 32.8%, the true overlap between of SSc and RA was 6.6% in this study. We also observed the frequency of positive anti-CCP in 20% of patients with arthritis versus no patients with SSc without arthritis.

RESUMO Introdução: A esclerose sistêmica (ES) é uma enfermidade do tecido conjuntivo de caráter autoimune caracterizada pela tríade de injúria vascular, autoimunidade (celular e humoral) e fibrose tecidual. Estima-se que a dor musculoesquelética seja uma queixa frequente dos pacientes com ES, que oscila entre 40% e 80%, e principalmente em pacientes com doença difusa precoce. A artrite, clinicamente observada, pode ser uma característica observada na apresentação da ES, frequentemente leva a erros diagnósticos iniciais com artrite reumatoide (AR). No curso da enfermidade, a artrite é observada em 24% a 97% dos pacientes com ES. Objetivos: Correlacionar a ocorrência ou não de artrite em pacientes com ES da região Centro-Oeste do Brasil com possíveis manifestações clínicas e laboratoriais distintas observadas em três grupos de pacientes. Relatar a frequência de verdadeira associação entre esclerose sistêmica e artrite reumatoide em pacientes com sinovite clínica e radiologicamente observada. Métodos: Foram avaliados 61 pacientes portadores de ES subsequentemente a cada três meses durante um ano, para fins de se constatar clinicamente a ocorrência de sinovite e padrões de evolução. Os pacientes foram divididos em três grupos: 41 com ES sem artrite, 16 com ES com artrite e quatro com sobreposição entre ES e AR. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a exame radiológicos das mãos no fim do estudo. Resultados: Dentre todos os pacientes avaliados, encontrou-se predomínio feminino (98,7%), idade média de 50,94 anos, cor branca (49,2%), forma limitada da doença (47,6%), tempo de diagnóstico entre cinco e 10 anos (47,6%) e tempo de evolução da doença de 8,30 anos. Entre todos os pacientes, 14 (22,9%) apresentavam fator reumatoide (FR) positivo, embora entre aqueles com FR positivo apenas 10 apresentaram artrite durante o seguimento de um ano. O anticorpo anticitrulina (anti- CCP) foi feito em 24 pacientes, com positividade em quatro deles (16,7%), observada somente nos pacientes com sobreposição ES/AR. Na comparação das manifestações clínicas entre os grupos de pacientes, observou-se a maior ocorrência de gastrite e valvulopatia cardíaca em pacientes com ES e artrite, mas não nos demais grupos. No grupo de pacientes com overlap ES/AR e nos pacientes com ES e artrite observou-se redução importante de qualidade de vida, medida pelo índice HAQ, sobretudo nos pacientes com artrite presente no momento da avaliação clínica. Encontramos alterações radiográficas em 42,6% dos pacientes com ES. Contudo, nos pacientes com sinovite, encontraram-se alterações radiológicas compatíveis com artrite reumatoide em 50%. Conclusões: Enquanto a frequência de artrite clínica observada em pacientes com esclerose sistêmica foi de 32,8%, a verdadeira sobreposição entre ES e AR foi de 6,6% neste estudo. Observou-se ainda a frequência de anti-CCP positivo em 20% dos pacientes com artrite contra nenhum paciente com ES sem artrite.

Caracterização de pacientes com artrite reumatoide quanto a fatores de risco para doenças vasculares cardíacas no Mato Grosso do Sul / Risk factors for cardiovascular disease in rheumatoid arthritis patients from Mato Grosso do Sul

Resumo Objetivo: Caracterizar pacientes com artrite reumatoide (AR) quanto à presença de fatores de risco para doenças cardiovasculares. Material e métodos: Estudo transversal descritivo com 71 pacientes diagnosticados com AR definida. Foram usados os instrumentos: DAS-28, HAQ e SF-36 e determinados os parâmetros: velocidade de hemossedimentação, glicemia capilar, colesterol total (CT) e suas frações, hormônios tiroidianos, anticorpos antinúcleo (ANA), fator reumatoide (FR) e anticorpos contra proteínas citrulinadas (ACPAs). Os pacientes foram classificados em grupos HAQ ≤ 1 (disfunção leve) e HAQ > 1 (disfunção moderada e grave) e, segundo os escores do HAQ, em grupo tratado com corticosteroides (CE) e sem CE. Resultados: Proporção de nove homens para 62 mulheres com idade e tempo médio de doença de 53,45 (± 10,7) e 9,9 (± 8,6), respectivamente. O FR foi positivo em 52 (76%), os ACPAs em 54 (76,1%) e o ANA em 12 (16,9%). Trinta e seis pacientes (50,7%) apresentaram hipertensão arterial sistêmica, nove (12,68%) diabetes mellitus, 16 (22,5%) hipotireoidismo, 33 (46,5%) dislipidemia e oito (11,27%) tabagismo. O grupo HAQ > 1 (26) apresentou resultados de CT > 240 (53,8%) e o grupo com HAQ ≤ 1 (45) (24,4%) (p = 0,020). Os grupos não diferiram quanto à presença de comorbidades ou tratamento farmacológico. Os níveis de triglicérides > 200 (42,4%) entre os grupos em uso de CE e sem uso (18,42%) foi significativo (p = 0,025). Conclusão: Houve associação do aumento CT e triglicerídeos com resultados de HAQ ≤ 1 e com uso de CE, o que reforça a importância do rastreamento de fatores de risco associados às doenças cardiovasculares na AR.

Abstract Objective: To identify risk factors for cardiovascular disease in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Material and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study with 71 patients with established RA. The instruments used were: DAS-28, HAQ and SF-36, and the following parameters were determined: the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, capillary blood glucose; total cholesterol (TC) and its fractions, thyroid hormones, antinuclear antibodies (ANA), rheumatoid factor (RF) and antibodies against citrullinated proteins (ACPAs). Patients were classified into groups HAQ ≤ 1 (mild dysfunction) and HAQ > 1 (moderate and severe dysfunction) and, according to the HAQ scores, in groups treated with corticosteroids (CS) and without CS. Results: 9 patients were male and 62 female with mean age and duration of disease of 53.45 (±10.7) and 9.9 (±8.6), respectively. RF was positive in 52 (76%), ACPAs in 54 (76.1%) and ANA in 12 (16.9%). Thirty-six patients (50.7%) had systemic hypertension, 9 (12.68%) diabetes mellitus, 16 (22.5%) hypothyroidism, 33 (46.5%) dyslipidemia and 8 (11.27%) were smokers. The results of TC > 240 were found in 53.8% for group HAQ > 1 (26) and in 24.4% for group HAQ ≤ 1 (45) (p = 0.020). These groups did not differ as to presence of comorbidities or drug treatment. Triglyceride levels >200 for the group with CS (42.4%) versus without CS (18.42%) were significant (p = 0.025). Conclusion: An association of increased TC and triglycerides with results of HAQ ≤ 1 and with CS use was noted, reinforcing the importance of screening risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease in RA.

Antígenos HLA de clase ii en pacientes con artritis reumatoide ecuatorianos y asociación con el factor reumatoide, anticuerpos anti-citrulinados y nódulos reumatoides / HLA antigens class ii in patients with ecuadorian rheumatoid arthritis and association with the rheumatoid factor, anti-citrulinated antibodies and rheumatoid nodules

Objetivo Determinar los antígenos de Clase II en 52 pacientes con artritis reumatoide (AR) y 52 controles, y establecer la asociación de los antígenos de Clase II DRB1* con el factor reumatoide (FR), anticuerpos anti-péptido cíclico citrulinados (anti-CCP) y nódulos reumatoides. Material y Métodos Estudio de casos y controles, realizado en pacientes del Hospital Vicente Corral Moscoso y José Carrasco Arteaga de la ciudad de Cuenca-Ecuador; se incluyeron 52 pacientes con AR que cumplen los criterios del Colegio Americano de Reumatología (ACR) y 52 controles. Se identificaron a través de la Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa (PCR), los diferentes tipos de HLA que tienen cada uno de los 52 pacientes con AR y controles. Se buscó asociación de los HLA-DR1* con la AR y las pruebas de laboratorio: FR, anticuerpos anti-CCP y con nódulos reumatoides. El análisis estadístico se realizó con el cálculo de OR (IC 95%) y 2 de Pearson con corrección de Fisher y la información se procesó en SPSS v15. Resultados Los alelos más frecuentes fueron HLA-DRB1*09 (17,3%) OR 3,42 (IC95% 1,21 ­ 10,14) y HLADRB1*04 (32,7%) OR 1,81 (IC95% 0,93 ­ 3,55). Tanto el factor reumatoide como los anticuerpos anti-péptido cíclico citrulinados estuvieron presentes en el 82,7% de pacientes con artritis reumatoide y los nódulos reumatoides se detectaron en el 19,2% de pacientes con AR. Se encontró asociación entre los nódulos reumatoides con valores altos de FR y anti-CCP y estos a su vez con los alelos HLA-DRB1*14 y HLADRB1*04. La mayoría de pacientes con alelos HLA-DRB1*09 con predominio heterocigoto tuvieron anticuerpos anti-CCP y FR positivo. Conclusión La presencia de los alelos HLA-DRB1*04 y HLADRB1*09 está relacionada con la susceptibilidad de presentar AR en pacientes ecuatorianos, además se relaciona con valores elevados de factor reumatoide y anticuerpos anti-péptido cíclico citrulinados.

Objective To determine Class II antigens in 52 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 52 controls and establish the association of Class II antigens DRB1* with rheumatoid anti- cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) rheumatoid factor (RF), and antibodies rheumatoid nodules. Methods and Materials Case and control study in patients from the Hospital Vicente Corral Moscoso and José Carrasco Arteaga of Cuenca-Ecuador; 52 patients with rheumatoid arthritis who satisfy the criteria of ACR-American College of Rheumatology and 52 healthy patients. The different types of HLA from each 52 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and controls were identified through PCR - Polymerase Chain Reaction. Association of HLA-DR1* with rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatoid factor, anti-citrullinated and rheumatoid nodules. The statistical analysis was done by the OR (IC 95%) and 2 of Pearson with Fisher correction and the information was processed in SPSS v15. Results The most frequency alleles were HLA-DRB1*09 (17,3%) OR 3,42 (IC95% 1,21 ­ 10,14) and HLADRB1*04 (32,7%) OR 1,81 (IC95% 0,93 ­ 3,55). The rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies were presented in 82,7% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatoid nodules was detected in the 19.2% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis . An association between rheumatoid nodules with high values of rheumatoid factor and anti-ccp and these in turn with HLA-DRB1*14 y HLA-DRB1*04 alleles were found. The majority of patients with HLA-DRB1*09 alleles with heterozygote predomination had positive anti-ccp and rheumatoid factor. Conclusion The presence of HLA-DRB1*04 and HLA-DRB1*09 alleles is related with the susceptibility of present rheumatoid arthritis in Ecuadorian patients, and it is related with higher values of rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide.

Artritis reumatoide: guía clínica AUGE: serie guías clínicas MINSAL, 2014 / Rheumatoid arthritis: AUGE clinical guide: MINSAL clinical guide series, 2014

OBJETIVOS -Preservar y mejorar la funcionalidad y calidad de vida en las personas con Artritis Reumatoide. -Funcionar como referencia para la atención de los pacientes adultos con Artritis Reumatoide a nivel nacional. -Reducir los síntomas y signos en los pacientes con AR. -Reducir la discapacidad en los pacientes con AR, de acuerdo con lo establecido por la estrategia nacional de salud 2011-2020. -Lograr la inclusión y participación del paciente en la comunidad. -Mejorar la sobrevida de los pacientes con Artritis Reumatoide. -Hacer recomendaciones para la prevención y el manejo de la comorbilidad asociada en el paciente con AR. TIPO DE PACIENTES Y ESCENARIO CLÍNICO La presente guía se refiere a todos los pacientes mayores de 15 años. Esta guía de práctica clínica aborda desde la sospecha de pacientes con AR, el diagnóstico definitivo, evaluación inicial, tratamiento y seguimiento. TIPO DE USUARIO Esta guía va dirigida a todos los profesionales de la salud que intervienen en el tratamiento activo de estos pacientes. Dentro de los cuales se encuentran: Médicos generales, Médicos de familia, reumatólogos, médicos Internistas, geriatras, fisiatras, enfermeras, kinesiólogos, terapeutas ocupacionales, pacientes. METODOLOGÍA La actualización de esta guía estuvo basada en una búsqueda exhaustiva de la literatura médica de los temas abordados en el presente documento. La revisión se realizó mediante una estrategia de búsqueda explícita. En una primera etapa se revisó la guía, identificando las áreas necesarias a actualizar. Para cada una de estas áreas se desarrolló una pregunta clínica. Para responder a estas preguntas se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de evidencia en las bases de datos Cochrane, Dare, Medline, y Tripdatabase. Se incluyen guías de práctica clínica, revisiones sistemáticas, ensayos clínicos randomizados, estudios de cohorte, grupo y controles, revisiones narrativas y estudios observacionales. Solamente publicaciones entre el año 2002 ­ 2014, en idioma español e inglés, con un enfoque en pacientes mayores de 15 años con sospecha o diagnóstico confirmado de AR.

Relación de los anticuerpos anti-péptido citrulinado con manifestaciones osteo-articulares en una cohorte de pacientes con esclerodermia / Relationship between anti-cyclic citrullinated protein antibodies and osteoarticular manifestations in a cohort of systemic sclerosis patients

Introducción: la esclerodermia es una alteración autoinmune caracterizada por induración y engrosamiento de la piel. Durante el curso de la enfermedad los pacientes pueden padecer síntomas de afectación musculoesquelética que incluyen artralgias, artritis, pérdida de función articular y discapacidad consecuente. Objetivos: se estudió la relación de las manifestaciones osteo-articulares clínicas y radiológicas con los anticuerpos anti-péptido citrulinado en una cohorte de pacientes con esclerodermia. Materiales y métodos: se evaluó la historia clínica de pacientes con esclerodermia buscando datos con características de la enfermedad, afectación de órgano blanco y síntomas osteo-articulares. A todos los pacientes se les realizó anticuerpos anti-péptido citrulinado de tercera generación y se les tomó radiografía de manos y pies. Resultados: se incluyeron en forma consecutiva 123 pacientes y se analizaron los datos de 100 pacientes. Ochenta y cuatro pacientes con esclerodermia limitada y 16 con esclerodermia difusa. El promedio de edad fue de 55,5 años y la mediana del tiempo de diagnóstico correspondió a 6,9 años. Catorce pacientes presentaron anticuerpos anti-péptido citrulinado positivos (14%), 4 pacientes con esclerodermia difusa y 9 pacientes con esclerodermia limitada. Dieciocho pacientes (18%) presentaron el factor reumatoide IgM positivo y no se observó relación entre la afectación de órgano blanco con los anticuerpos. El 72% de los pacientes presentaron síntomas osteo-articulares, 17 de ellos presentaron artralgias (23,6%). La combinación de artralgias y artritis se observó en 25 (34,7%) de los pacientes. Artralgias, artritis y contracturas en 10 (13,9%) pacientes. Dos pacientes presentaron artritis (2,8%), 3 contracturas (4,2%) y 5 calcinosis (6,9%). Analizando la asociación entre los anticuerpos antiCCP y la afectación clínica articular, no se encontró asociación estadísticamente significativa (p= 0,095). En el análisis radiológico se observó: En las manos con mayor frecuencia resorción ósea u osteolisis (72%). También se observó calcinosis (54%), aumento de tejidos blandos (49%) y contracturas en flexión (31%). En los pies se observó con mayor frecuencia resorción falángica u osteolisis (13%). Además calcinosis (10%), disminución del espacio articular (6%). Se evidenció una asociación de calcinosis con los antiCCP positivos. Conclusión: los hallazgos articulares fueron frecuentes en esta cohorte de pacientes con esclerodermia. La prevalencia de los anticuerpos antiCCP y factor reumatoide fueron de alrededor del 15%. Se observó más alteraciones radiológicas en las manos que los pies probablemente por factores mecánicos. Se observó una asociación de calcinosis en las manos con los antiCCP.

Introduction: scleroderma is an autoimmune disease characterized by induration and thickening of skin. Patients may suffer from musculoskeletal symptoms which include arthralgias, arthritis, loss of articular function and disability. Objectives: we sought to assess any association between radiographic features, osteoarticular manifestations, and anti-CCP antibodies in a cohort of scleroderma patients. Materials and methods: we evaluated the clinical features of patients searching for demographic characteristics, organ system involvement and osteoarticular symptoms. The presence of anti-CCP IgG was evaluated in all patients. Standard radiographs of hands and feet were taken and analyzed. Results: one hundred twenty three consecutive patients were included and 100 patients were analyzed in the present study. Eighty four patients had limited scleroderma and 16 patients had diffuse scleroderma. The mean age was 55.5 years and the median time of diagnostic was 6.9 years. Fourteen patients were positive for presence of anti-CCP (14%), 4 patient for diffuse form and 9 patients for limited form. Eighteen patients were positive for IgM rheumatoid factor test (18%). It was not seen an association between organ involvement and antibodies. Seventy two percent of patients showed osteoarticular symptoms, 17 of them had arthralgias (23.6%), 25 had arthralgias and arthritis (34.7%), and 10 had arhtralgias, arthritis and contractures (13.9%). Two patients showed arthritis (2.8%), three contractures (4.2%) and 5 calcinosis (6.9%). There was no association between the presence of anti-CCP antibodies and osteoarticular manifestations (p= 0.095). Radiographic features seen on hands were osteolysis (72%), calcinosis (54%), increasing of soft tissues (49%) and flexion contractures (31%). On feet was seen osteolysis (13%), calcinosis (10%) and decreasing of articular space (6%). There was association between calcinosis and anti-CCP antibodies. Conclusion: the articular findings were frequently seen in this scleroderma cohort. Prevalence of anti-CCP antibodies and rheumatoid factor was around 15% positive. Hands showed more alterations than feet, probably for mechanistic factors. It was seen an association between hand calcinosis and anti-CCP antibodies.