A cross sectional validation study of sonographic findings of the first metatarsophalangeal Joint in gout and asymptomatic hyperuricemia

Objective@#Musculoskeletal ultrasound has gained recognition in early identification of crystal deposits in the joints and soft tissues. This study aims to validate the sonographic features of 1st metatarsophalangeal joints (MTPJs) in gout and asymptomatic hyperuricemia (AH).@*Methods@#Patients with gout (n=20) and AH (n=16) underwent a gray-scale ultrasound assessment of both 1st MTPJs on 3 positions (dorsal, medial, plantar) in longitudinal view. The static images were read by 2 blinded trained sonologists for the presence of double contour sign (DCS), erosions, and tophi.

Double contour sign in early detection of gout among asymptomatic hyperuricemic Filipino patients: A single center tertiary hospital observational study

Objective@#Double contour sign (DCS) is considered part of the new gout classification. This study aims to determine the agreement of blinded musculoskeletal sonologists in identifying the double contour sign among asymptomatic hyperuricemic patients. @*Methods@#Participants with asymptomatic hyperuricemia (n=65) underwent a gray-scale ultrasound assessment of both of their 1st metatarsophalangeal joints (MTPJs) done on 3 positions (dorsal, medial, plantar) in longitudinal view. The static images were read by 2 independent blinded sonologists for presence of double contour sign. @*Results@#Among the 130 1st MTPJs, the sonologists were able to positively identify DCS on 48R and 52L, negative in 10R and 10L, with discordant readings in 7R, 3L. The overall kappa agreement was statistically significant at 0.674 (substantial agreement) and 0.842 (almost perfect agreement) on the right and left respectively, (both p<0.001). @*Conclusion and Recommendation@#There is a high proportion of positive double contour sign seen among persistently asymptomatic hyperuricemic patients. It might be prudent to perform musculoskeletal ultrasound early on to detect monosodium urate crystal deposits in similar patients. A close follow up to monitor clinical gouty arthritis maybe necessary or consider utility of urate lowering drugs in crystal dissolution in prospective studies.

Teaching clinical medicine during the pandemic: Experiences and insights

@#<p style="text-align: justify;">The Covid pandemic nearly brought our lives into a different dimension beyond our imagination. Measures to ensure the safety of everyone have never been stricter. The education system had to deal with similar restrictions. Everyone shifted to online virtual classes, which has never been easy to both the teachers and students. Not only are we concerned of our responsibilities as educators but responsive to the needs of students and patients as well during these times of uncertainties. This article briefly describes my personal insight on teaching medicine and how patients continue to take part in the learning process of students despite restrictions.</p>

Intervention thresholds to identify postmenopausal women with high fracture risk: A single center study based on the Philippines FRAX model

Objectives@#This study is designed to estimate appropriate intervention thresholds for the Philippines Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) model to identify postmenopausal women with high fracture risk. @*Methods@#Age dependent intervention thresholds were calculated for a woman of body mass index 25 kg/m2 aged 50e80 years with a previous fragility fracture without other clinical risk factors. Fixed thresholds were developed using a database of 1546 postmenopausal women who underwent dualenergy X-ray absorptiometry for clinical reasons. Major and hip fracture risks were estimated using clinical risk factors with and without bone mineral density (BMD) input. Women were categorized to high risk and low risk groups according to the age dependent thresholds. The best cut-points were determined considering the optimum sensitivity and specificity using receiver operating characteristic analysis. @*Results@#The age dependent intervention thresholds of major fracture risk ranged from 2.8 to 6.9% while hip fracture risk ranged from 0.4 to 3.0% between 50 and 80 years of age. Major fracture threshold of 3.75% and hip fracture threshold of 1.25% were the best fixed thresholds observed and non-inclusion BMD in the fracture risk estimations did not change the values. As a hybrid method, 3% major fracture and 1% hip fracture risks for those < 70 years old and age-dependent thresholds for those aged 70 years and above can be recommended. @*Conclusions@#The intervention thresholds estimated in the current study can be applied to identify Filipino postmenopausal women with a high fracture risk. Clinicians should decide on the type of thresholds most appropriate.

Intervention thresholds to identify postmenopausal women with high fracture risk: A single center study based on the Philippines FRAX model

Objectives@#This study is designed to estimate appropriate intervention thresholds for the Philippines Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) model to identify postmenopausal women with high fracture risk. @*Methods@#Age dependent intervention thresholds were calculated for a woman of body mass index 25 kg/m2 aged 50e80 years with a previous fragility fracture without other clinical risk factors. Fixed thresholds were developed using a database of 1546 postmenopausal women who underwent dualenergy X-ray absorptiometry for clinical reasons. Major and hip fracture risks were estimated using clinical risk factors with and without bone mineral density (BMD) input. Women were categorized to high risk and low risk groups according to the age dependent thresholds. The best cut-points were determined considering the optimum sensitivity and specificity using receiver operating characteristic analysis. @*Results@#The age dependent intervention thresholds of major fracture risk ranged from 2.8 to 6.9% while hip fracture risk ranged from 0.4 to 3.0% between 50 and 80 years of age. Major fracture threshold of 3.75% and hip fracture threshold of 1.25% were the best fixed thresholds observed and non-inclusion BMD in the fracture risk estimations did not change the values. As a hybrid method, 3% major fracture and 1% hip fracture risks for those < 70 years old and age-dependent thresholds for those aged 70 years and above can be recommended. @*Conclusions@#The intervention thresholds estimated in the current study can be applied to identify Filipino postmenopausal women with a high fracture risk. Clinicians should decide on the type of thresholds most appropriate.