Telehealth and telemedicine in the management of adult patients after hospitalization for COPD exacerbation: a scoping review / Telessaúde e telemedicina no manejo de pacientes adultos após hospitalização por exacerbação da DPOC: revisão de escopo

ABSTRACT Objective: A substantial number of people with COPD suffer from exacerbations, which are defined as an acute worsening of respiratory symptoms. To minimize exacerbations, telehealth has emerged as an alternative to improve clinical management, access to health care, and support for self-management. Our objective was to map the evidence of telehealth/telemedicine for the monitoring of adult COPD patients after hospitalization due to an exacerbation. Methods: Bibliographic search was carried in PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Web of Science, Scopus, Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde/LILACS and Cochrane Library databases to identify articles describing telehealth and telemonitoring strategies in Portuguese, English, or Spanish published by December of 2021. Results: Thirty-nine articles, using the following concepts (number of articles), were included in this review: telehealth (21); telemonitoring (20); telemedicine (17); teleconsultation (5); teleassistance (4); telehomecare and telerehabilitation (3 each); telecommunication and mobile health (2 each); and e-health management, e-coach, telehome, telehealth care and televideo consultation (1 each). All these concepts describe strategies which use telephone and/or video calls for coaching, data monitoring, and health education leading to self-management or self-care, focusing on providing remote integrated home care with or without telemetry devices. Conclusions: This review demonstrated that telehealth/telemedicine in combination with telemonitoring can be an interesting strategy to benefit COPD patients after discharge from hospitalization for an exacerbation, by improving their quality of life and reducing re-hospitalizations, admissions to emergency services, hospital length of stay, and health care costs.

RESUMO Objetivo: Um número substancial de pessoas com DPOC sofre de exacerbações, definidas como uma piora aguda dos sintomas respiratórios. Para minimizar as exacerbações, a telessaúde surgiu como alternativa para melhorar o manejo clínico, o acesso aos cuidados de saúde e o apoio à autogestão. Nosso objetivo foi mapear as evidências de telessaúde/telemedicina para o monitoramento de pacientes adultos com DPOC após hospitalização por exacerbação. Métodos: Foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica nos bancos de dados PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Web of Science, Scopus, Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde/LILACS e Cochrane Library para identificar artigos que descrevessem estratégias de telessaúde e telemonitoramento em português, inglês, ou espanhol, publicados até dezembro de 2021. Resultados: Trinta e nove artigos, utilizando os seguintes conceitos (número de artigos), foram incluídos nesta revisão: telessaúde (21); telemonitoramento (20); telemedicina (17); teleconsulta (5); teleassistência (4); telecuidado domiciliar e telerreabilitação (3 cada); telecomunicação e saúde móvel (2 cada); e gestão de e-saúde, e-coach, teledomicílio, cuidados de telessaúde e tele/videoconsulta (1 cada). Todos esses conceitos descrevem estratégias que utilizam chamadas telefônicas e/ou de vídeo para coaching, monitoramento de dados e educação em saúde levando à autogestão ou autocuidado, com foco na prestação de cuidados domiciliares remotos integrados, com ou sem dispositivos de telemetria. Conclusões: Esta revisão demonstrou que a telessaúde/telemedicina associada ao telemonitoramento pode ser uma estratégia interessante para beneficiar pacientes com DPOC após a alta hospitalar por exacerbação, por meio da melhora da qualidade de vida e da redução das re-hospitalizações, admissões em serviços de emergência, tempo de internação hospitalar e custos de cuidados de saúde.

Performance of risk scores in patients with acute exacerbations of COPD / Desempenho de escores de risco em pacientes com exacerbações agudas da DPOC

ABSTRACT Objective: Acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) are common causes of hospitalization. Various scoring systems have been proposed to classify the risk of clinical deterioration or mortality in hospitalized patients with AECOPD. We sought to investigate whether clinical deterioration and mortality scores at admission can predict adverse events occurring during hospitalization and after discharge of patients with AECOPD. Methods: We performed a retrospective study of patients admitted with AECOPD. The National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2), the NEWS288-92%, the Dyspnea, Eosinopenia, Consolidation, Acidemia, and atrial Fibrillation (DECAF) score, and the modified DECAF (mDECAF) score were calculated at admission. We assessed the sensitivity, specificity, and overall performance of the scores for the following outcomes: in-hospital mortality; need for invasive mechanical ventilation or noninvasive ventilation (NIV); long hospital stays; hospital readmissions; and future AECOPD. Results: We included 119 patients admitted with AECOPD. The median age was 75 years, and 87.9% were male. The NEWS288-92% was associated with an 8.9% reduction in the number of individuals classified as requiring close, continuous observation, without an increased risk of death in the group of individuals classified as being low-risk patients. The NEWS288-92% and NEWS2 scores were found to be adequate in predicting the need for acute NIV and longer hospital stays. The DECAF and mDECAF scores were found to be better at predicting in-hospital mortality than the NEWS2 and NEWS288-92%. Conclusions: The NEWS288-92% safely reduces the need for clinical monitoring in patients with AECOPD when compared with the NEWS2. The NEWS2 and NEWS288-92% appear to be good predictors of the length of hospital stay and need for NIV, but they do not replace the DECAF and mDECAF scores as predictors of mortality.

RESUMO Objetivo: As exacerbações agudas da DPOC (EADPOC) são causas comuns de hospitalização. Vários escores foram propostos para classificar o risco de deterioração clínica ou mortalidade em pacientes hospitalizados com EADPOC. Buscamos investigar se escores de deterioração clínica e mortalidade no momento da admissão podem prever eventos adversos durante a hospitalização e após a alta de pacientes com EADPOC. Métodos: Realizamos um estudo retrospectivo a respeito de pacientes admitidos com EADPOC. O National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2), o NEWS288-92%, o escore Dyspnea, Eosinopenia, Consolidation, Acidemia, and atrial Fibrillation (DECAF, Dispneia, Eosinopenia, Consolidação, Acidemia e Fibrilação atrial) e o escore DECAF modificado (DECAFm) foram calculados no momento da admissão. Avaliamos a sensibilidade, a especificidade e o desempenho geral dos escores quanto aos seguintes desfechos: mortalidade hospitalar; necessidade de ventilação mecânica invasiva ou ventilação não invasiva (VNI); longas internações hospitalares; readmissões hospitalares e futuras AECOPD. Resultados: Incluímos 119 pacientes admitidos com EADPOC. A mediana da idade foi de 75 anos, e 87,9% eram do sexo masculino. O NEWS288-92% associou-se a uma redução de 8,9% no número de indivíduos classificados em pacientes com necessidade de observação atenta e contínua, sem aumento do risco de morte no grupo de indivíduos classificados em pacientes de baixo risco. O NEWS288-92% e o NEWS2 foram considerados adequados para prever a necessidade de VNI aguda e internações hospitalares mais longas. O DECAF e o DECAFm foram considerados melhores em prever a mortalidade hospitalar do que o NEWS2 e o NEWS288-92%. Conclusões: Em comparação com o NEWS2, o NEWS288-92% reduz com segurança a necessidade de monitoramento clínico em pacientes com EADPOC. O NEWS2 e o NEWS288-92% aparentemente são bons preditores do tempo de internação hospitalar e da necessidade de VNI, mas não substituem o DECAF e o DECAFm como preditores de mortalidade.

Debut con actividad leve del lupus eritematoso sistémico y su evolución / Systemic lupus erythematosus debut with mild activity and its evolution

Objetivos: evaluar si los pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) al momento del diagnóstico con baja actividad de la enfermedad presentaron un curso más benigno de la enfermedad vs. aquellos que tuvieron actividad moderada/severa. Materiales y métodos: estudio observacional, analítico, de cohorte retrospectiva. Se revisaron historias clínicas de pacientes con diagnóstico de LES según criterios del American College of Rheumatology (ACR 1982/1997), del Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC 2012) o del ACR/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR 2019), con un seguimiento mínimo de un año, que acudieron a la Sección de Reumatología del Hospital Rivadavia de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires. Resultados: se incluyeron 100 pacientes con diagnóstico de LES, de los cuales el 44% presentaba actividad leve, mientras que el 56% tenía actividad moderada o severa al diagnóstico. Se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre ambos grupos en la cantidad de brotes a lo largo de la evolución de la enfermedad (mediana del grupo con actividad leve 0 (RIC 0-1) vs. mediana del grupo actividad moderada o severa 1 (RIC 1-2); p<0,01). Se detectó un menor compromiso de órganos durante la evolución de la enfermedad en aquellos con actividad basal leve en comparación con actividad basal moderada/severa, con diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el compromiso renal (15,91% vs. 55,36%; p<0,01). Conclusiones: los pacientes con actividad basal baja tuvieron un curso más benigno de la enfermedad y una menor cantidad de brotes severos, en comparación con quienes presentaron actividad moderada/severa al inicio de la enfermedad.

Objectives: to assess whether patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and low disease activity at the time of diagnosis have a more benign course of the disease vs those who have moderate/severe activity at the time of diagnosis. Materials and methods: observational, analytical, retrospective cohort study. Clinical records of patients diagnosed with SLE according to ACR 1982/1997 Criteria, SLICC 2012 or ACR/EULAR 2019, who attended the Rheumatology Section of Rivadavia hospital in CABA, Argentina, were reviewed. Results: a total of 100 patients diagnosed with SLE were included, of which 44% had mild activity, while the remaining 56% had moderate or severe activity at diagnosis. Statistically significant differences were observed between the group that had mild baseline activity vs the group that presented moderate/severe baseline activity, with the first group presenting fewer flares throughout the course of the disease (median of the first group 0 (IQR 0-1) vs median of the second, 1 (IQR 1-2); p<0.01). Less organ involvement was observed throughout the course of the disease in those with mild baseline activity compared with moderate/severe baseline activity, with statistically significant differences in renal involvement (15.91% versus 55.36%; p<0.01). Conclusions: patients with low baseline activity had a more benign disease course, presenting fewer severe flares compared to patients who presented moderate to severe activity at disease onset.

Infection detection in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus using a hospital administrative database

Objective: To estimate the frequency of infections and to describe the pattern of these infections among patients diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematous (SLE) treated at the Central Military Hospital (HOMIL). Methods: A descriptive study was carried out using an administrative database of the military hospital, we used a validated algorithm that classifies patients as having SLE in administrative databases. Infection was defined as an event with main diagnosis using the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) coding algorithm or by searching the antibiotics prescription database, additionally, we abstracted some variables related to SLE status in the group of patients in whom infections were documented during the infection event. Results: 237 SLE patients were identified. The mean age was 41.9 years (CI 29.0-54.3), 80% were female, 97.7% used conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Of these 237 patients, 22 (9.4%) met the operative definition of infection, in this group the mean age was 44.3 years (SD 16.4). All the 22 patients received conventional DMARDs and none of them had concomitant biologic therapy. In this group of patients, the most common type of infection was bacterial (72.7%), followed by viral (9.1%) including a patient with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conclusion: Hospital administrative databases can be a useful source of information for monitoring outcomes that generate significant morbidity and mortality in patients with SLE, in the group of patients in whom infections were documented, bacterial infections were the most frequent. The most documented clinical findings were leukopenia, systemic steroid therapy, and concomitant disease activity.

Objetivo: Estimar la frecuencia de las infecciones y describir su patrón de presentación en pacientes con diagnóstico de lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) atendidos en el Hospital Militar Central (Homil) en Bogotá, Colombia. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo en el que se utilizó una base de datos administrativa del Hospital Military se empleó un algoritmo validado que clasificó a los pacientes con LES en las bases de datos administrativas. La infección se definió a partir de los códigos CIE-10 o por la búsqueda en la base de datos de la prescripción de antibióticos; adicionalmente, en las historias clínicas del grupo de pacientes en los que se documentaron infecciones, se revisaron algunas variables relacionadas con el estado de LES durante el evento de la infección. Resultados: Se identificaron 237 pacientes con LES, cuya edad media fue de 41,9 años (IC 29,0-54.3), el 80% eran mujeres y el 97,7% usaba medicamentos antirreumáticos modificadores de la enfermedad (DMARD) convencionales. De estos 237 pacientes, 22 (9,4%) cumplieron con la definición operativa de infección; en este grupo la edad media fue de 44,3 anos (DE = 16.4). Los 22 pacientes recibieron DMARD convencionales y ninguno recibió terapia biológica concomitante. En este grupo, el tipo de infección más común fue la bacteriana (72,7%), seguida de la viral (9,1%), incluido un paciente con infección por SARS-CoV-2. Conclusiones: Las bases de datos administrativas hospitalarias pueden ser una fuente útil de información para el seguimiento de los eventos que generan una morbimortalidad significativa en los pacientes con LES. En el grupo de pacientes en los que se documentaron infecciones, las infecciones bacterianas fueron las más frecuentes y los hallazgos clínicos más comúnmente documentados fueron la leucopenia, la terapia con esteroides sistémicos y la actividad de la enfermedad concomitante.

Espirometria e oscilometria de impulso durante internação por exacerbação pulmonar aguda em escolares com fibrose cística / Spirometry and impulse oscillometry during acute pulmonary exacerbation hospitalization in children with cystic fibrosis

Objetivo: avaliar o comportamento de parâmetros do sistema respiratório durante internação para antibioticoterapia intravenosa (AIV) como tratamento da exacerbação pulmonar aguda (EPA) em escolares com fibrose cística (FC). Métodos: estudo do tipo analítico observacional, before-after, realizado no Hospital Infantil Joana de Gusmão, Florianópolis ­ Santa Catarina. Foram incluídas crianças com diagnóstico de FC, entre seis e 15 anos, em internação para tratamento da exacerbação pulmonar aguda, no início (T1), durante (T2) e ao final (T3) da internação foi conduzida avaliação de escores específicos de EPA, dados antropométricos e realizada avaliação dos parâmetros do sistema respiratório pelo sistema de oscilometria de impulso (IOS) e espirometria. Foram obtidos, em prontuário, dados de colonização bacteriana, genótipo, gravidade da doença (Escore de Schwachman-Doershuk-ESD) e espirometria mais recente em estabilidade clínica. Aplicou-se o teste Shapiro-Wilk para análise da distribuição dos dados e os testes ANOVA de medidas repetidas, teste de Friedman, teste T pareado e Wilcoxon, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: participaram 16 crianças/adolescentes (68.8% meninas, 12.88±1.67anos). Houve aumento dos parâmetros da espirometria e dados antropométricos (p<0.005) no T3, bem como redução dos escores de EPA e do X5 (p<0.005) no T3. Conclusão: os dados apresentados nesse trabalho mostram melhora dos escores de EPA, dados antropométricos, parâmetros da espirometria e do parâmetro de recolhimento elástico do IOS (X5).RESUMODescritores: Fibrose cística, Exacerbação dos sintomas, Testes de função pulmonar, Mecânica respiratória (AU)

Objective: Evaluate the respiratory system parameters of children with cystic fibrosis (CF) during hospitalization for acute pulmonary exacerbation (APE) treatment. Methods: observational study before-after that occurred at the CF reference center. There were included children with cystic fibrosis (CF) between six to 15 years old hospitalized due to APE. The registration of the APE clinical scores, anthropometric data, and respiratory system (IOS and spirometry) evaluation occurred at the beginning (T1), during (T2), and at the end (T3) of the hospitalization. There were registered pathogens, genetic mutation, disease severity (Schwachman-Doershuk Score), and the most recent spirometry when they were clinically stable. The Shapiro-Wilk test was applied to analyze data distribution, and the repeated measure ANOVA, Friedman test, Tpaired test, and Wilcoxon test were performed to compare data, with a significance level set at 5%. Results: sixteen children/adolescents participated in the study (68.8% girls, 12.88±1.67 years old). The spirometric parameters, X5 parameter, and anthropometric data increased (p<0.005) and the APE scores decreased (p<0.005) at T3. Conclusion: APE scores, anthropometric data, spirometric parameters, and IOS elastic recoil parameter (X5) improved at the end of hospitalization (AU)

COVID-19 pneumonitis and lupus pneumonitis: a challenge in diagnosis and early therapeutic consideration

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute respiratory illness caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. It has various clinical manifestations, from asymptomatic to severe disease with possible multi-organ involvement, with respiratory and vascular systems being the frequent affected. COVID-19 can affect patients with autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The concurrent of both diseases may show the similar characteristic which can asa challenge in diagnosis and early therapeutic consideration. We report a case of 53 year-old Balinese woman patient who previously diagnosed with acute respiratory iIlness (Pneumonitis),The patient with past history of SLE since 2005, takes 200 mg hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and 4 mg methylprednisolone once a day orally without adverse effect. Then she was confirmed with SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19 pneumonitis) concurrent with SLE flare (Lupus pneumonitis). The clinical similarities were fever, dry coughand shortness of breath with the chest X-ray(CXR) was bilateral interstitiil infiltrate. Laboratory results; a positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction test, leucophenia, increased ESR, slightly increased CRP, decreased CD4 and CD8 cell count. Decreasedoxygen saturation, requiring 4 L of oxygen via nasal cannula on admission.She was given therapyofantibiotics, antivirus and other symptomatic. The prior SLE maintenance therapywas continued with increasingmethylprednisolone dose. The patient抯condition was improved and weaned off her oxygen requirements. Shewas dischargedandfollowed by home isolation for 14 days.

Espirometria e oscilometria de impulso durante internação por exacerbação pulmonar aguda em escolares com fibrose cística / Spirometry and impulse oscillometry during acute pulmonary exacerbation hospitalization in children with cystic fibrosis

RESUMO: Objetivo: avaliar o comportamento de parâmetros do sistema respiratório durante internação para antibioticoterapia intravenosa (AIV) como tratamento da exacerbação pulmonar aguda (EPA) em escolares com fibrose cística (FC). Métodos: estudo do tipo analítico observacional, before-after, realizado no Hospital Infantil Joana de Gusmão, Florianópolis ­ Santa Catarina. Foram incluídas crianças com diagnóstico de FC, entre seis e 15 anos, em internação para tratamento da exacerbação pulmonar aguda, no início (T1), durante (T2) e ao final (T3) da internação foi conduzida avaliação de escores específicos de EPA, dados antropométricos e realizada avaliação dos parâmetros do sistema respiratório pelo sistema de oscilometria de impulso (IOS) e espirometria. Foram obtidos, em prontuário, dados de colonização bacteriana, genótipo, gravidade da doença (Escore de Schwachman-Doershuk-ESD) e espirometria mais recente em estabilidade clínica. Aplicou-se o teste Shapiro-Wilk para análise da distribuição dos dados e os testes ANOVA de medidas repetidas, teste de Friedman, teste T pareado e Wilcoxon, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: participaram 16 crianças/adolescentes (68.8% meninas, 12.88±1.67anos). Houve aumento dos parâmetros da espirometria e dados antropométricos (p<0.005) no T3, bem como redução dos escores de EPA e do X5 (p<0.005) no T3. Conclusão: os dados apresentados nesse trabalho mostram melhora dos escores de EPA, dados antropométricos, parâmetros da espirometria e do parâmetro de recolhimento elástico do IOS (X5).RESUMODescritores: Fibrose cística, Exacerbação dos sintomas, Testes de função pulmonar, Mecânica respiratória. (AU)

ABSTRACT: Objective: Evaluate the respiratory system parameters of children with cystic fibrosis (CF) during hospitalization for acute pulmonary exacerbation (APE) treatment. Methods: observational study before-after that occurred at the CF reference center. There were included children with cystic fibrosis (CF) between six to 15 years old hospitalized due to APE. The registration of the APE clinical scores, anthropometric data, and respiratory system (IOS and spirometry) evaluation occurred at the beginning (T1), during (T2), and at the end (T3) of the hospitalization. There were registered pathogens, genetic mutation, disease severity (Schwachman-Doershuk Score), and the most recent spirometry when they were clinically stable. The Shapiro-Wilk test was applied to analyze data distribution, and the repeated measure ANOVA, Friedman test, Tpaired test, and Wilcoxon test were performed to compare data, with a significance level set at 5%. Results: sixteen children/adolescents participated in the study (68.8% girls, 12.88±1.67 years old). The spirometric parameters, X5 parameter, and anthropometric data increased (p<0.005) and the APE scores decreased (p<0.005) at T3. Conclusion: APE scores, anthropometric data, spirometric parameters, and IOS elastic recoil parameter (X5) improved at the end of hospitalization.ABSTRACTKeywords: Cystic fibrosis, Symptom flare up, Respiratory function tests, Respiratory mechanics.1. Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina ­ UDESC ­ Florianópolis, (SC) ­ Brasil https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.2176-7262.rmrp.2022.183755Tayná Castilho1, Renata Maba Gonçalves Wamosy1, Camila Isabel Santos Schivinski1Este é um artigo publicado em acesso aberto (Open Access) sob a licença Creative Commons Attribution, que permite uso, distribuição e reprodução em qualquer meio, sem restrições, desde que o trabalho original seja corretamente citado. (AU)

Prevalence of Common Infections and Flare-ups in on-treatment SLE Patients Attending Two Tertiary Care Hospitals in Kolkata

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease. Infections are the most common complications. Early detection, proper management of infection and its differentiation from Lupus flare are of paramount importance. Objective : To find out the prevalence of infections with various etiologic agents among on-treatment SLE patients who were hospitalized for suspected infections and to differentiate infections from disease flare. Methods : This was a cross-sectional observational study with 50 patients of more than 16 years of age of both sexes fulfilling the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) 2012, classification criteria of SLE who were admitted for suspected infection as manifested by fever and systemic symptoms. Specific tests to identify etiological agent for infection were performed and the condition was differentiated from lupus flare with the help of the tests such as Total Leucocyte Count (TLC), C-reactive Protein (CRP), Anti-ds DNA, complements-C3 and C4. Result : Infections were evident in 42 patients (84%) with predominant monoinfection being pneumonia in 13 patients (30.9%) followed by Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in 8 patients (19%). Streptococcus pneumoniae was the major cause of Pneumonia while Escherichia coli caused most of UTIs. The infection markers were fever, CRP and TLC. Of the 42 patients, 40 patients (95%) had fever, 28 (66.7%) had Leukocytosis and 35 (83%) had CRP 10 mg/L or more indicating infection. Anti-ds DNA antibody was raised in 4 patients out of total 6 patients with Lupus flare. The complements C3 and C4 values were low in all the 6 patients. No patient of disease flare had raised CRP or Leukocytosis Conclusion : Among 50 on-treatment SLE patients who were admitted in two Tertiary Care Hospitals of Kolkata with suspected infection it was found that 42 patients were having infections and 6 patients were suffering from Lupus flare. The predominant monoinfection was Pneumonia followed by UTI.

Actividad lúpica en paciente con enfermedad renal terminal: reporte de caso / Lupus activity in a patient with end-stage renal disease: a case report

RESUMEN El lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) es una enfermedad autoinmune que afecta múltiples órganos; el compromiso renal se encuentra en el 50% de los pacientes y es variable de acuerdo con el grupo racial y étnico. Se estima que el 10% de los pacientes con nefritis lúpica (NL) desarrollan enfermedad renal terminal (ERT) y, una vez que se da la progresión, el 80% de los pacientes negativizan los marcadores de actividad. Sin embargo, aunque es inusual, la reactivación de la enfermedad puede presentarse en compromiso renal avanzado y es importante diagnosticarla oportunamente para definir la causa, tratarla y evitar complicaciones. Presentamos el caso clínico de una paciente de 45 arios, con ERT en diálisis peritoneal, que se encontraba en remisión de la enfermedad y posteriormente desarrolló actividad lúpica.

ABSTRACT Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs, and renal involvement is found in 50% of patients and is variable according to racial and ethnic group. It is estimated that 10% of patients with lupus nephritis (NL) develop end-stage renal disease (ERT), and once progression occurs, 80% of patients are negative for activity markers. However, although it is rare, the reactivation of the disease can occur in advanced renal involvement, and it is important to diagnose it in a timely manner to define the cause and treat it, avoiding complications.

Risk factors for the flare of systemic lupus erythematosus and its influence on prognosis: a single-center retrospective analysis

Abstract Objectives: To explore the risk factors for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) flare and their impact on prognosis. Methods: The clinical characteristics, laboratory results, and treatment plans of 121 patients with SLE flare were retrospectively analyzed. Ninety-eight SLE outpatients with sustained remission during the same period were selected as controls. Logistic multivariate regression analysis was employed to screen for risk factors for SLE flare. Results: Infection, thrombocytopenia, arthritis, anti-nucleosome antibodies positive, anti-β2-glycoprotein I (IgG) antibodies positive, and patient's self-discontinuation of medicine maintenance therapy might be risk factors for SLE flare. Patients who discontinued medicine maintenance therapy by themselves had a significantly higher rate of severe SLE flare than patients with regular medicine maintenance therapy ( P = 0.033). The incidence of anemia associated with SLE ( P = 0.001), serositis ( P = 0.005), and pulmonary hypertension ( P = 0.003) in patients who discontinued medicine maintenance therapy were significantly higher than patients with regular medicine maintenance therapy. SLE patients with regular medicine maintenance therapy for less than 3years had a higher risk of pulmonary hypertension than those with regular medicine maintenance therapy longer than 3years ( P = 0.034). Conclusions: The accompanying thrombocytopenia, arthritis, anti-nucleosome antibodies positive and anti-β2-glycoprotein I (IgG) antibodies positive at the onset of SLE may affect the prognosis of SLE. Patient's self-discontinuation of medicine maintenance therapy is the main cause of SLE flare, which may induce severe flare in SLE patients and lead to a significantly higher incidence of pulmonary hypertension.

The AsthmaID Tool in Singapore: Four Simple Questions to Detect Patients in need of an Asthma Review by a Specialist

@#A rising prevalence of asthma in Singapore translates to a more considerable patient care burden for general practitioners. Along with diagnosing and managing the treatment of asthma, general practitioners must recognise when referral to a respiratory specialist is necessary. Although mild to moderate asthma is generally manageable in the primary care setting, patients with poorly controlled, difficult-to-treat, or severe asthma may benefit from referral to a specialist. Currently, many of these patients are not receiving optimal care, which places them at risk of asthma exacerbations and unnecessary systemic corticosteroid use. AsthmaID was developed as a tool for general practitioners to identify patients with asthma for whom a specialist evaluation could help improve asthma symptom control and optimise treatment strategies. Using four questions developed by asthma experts and rooted in the Global Initiative for Asthma report, AsthmaID quickly identifies patients who may benefit from a specialist referral without requiring additional patient assessments or testing modalities. Implementation of AsthmaID in clinical practice has the potential to transform the patient care pathway, thereby improving the quality of care for patients with asthma.

Prophylactic Dexamethasone on Pain Flare in Spine Metastasis Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy and Hypofractionated Radiotherapy / 肿瘤防治研究

Objective To explore the incidence of pain flare (PF) in spine metastasis stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) or hypofractionated radiotherapy (HF) and the prophylactical effect of dexamethasone. Methods Sixty-five patients were treated with spine metastasis SBRT and randomly divided into control group (SBRT or HF, n=32) and treatment group (SBRT or HF and 4.5 mg dexamethasone, n=33). The brief pain inventory (BPI) was used to score the pain before, during and after treatment. PF was recorded and compared between two groups. Results The incidence of PF was 24.6% in all patients (control group: 37.5%, treatment group: 12.1%, P=0.018). PF in both group occurred in d1-2, accounting for 62.5% in all PF (control group: 66.7%, treatment group: 50%, P=0.551). The incidences of PF in control group were 66.7% and 33.3% for three and ten fractions scheme, respectively (P=0.001). However, the incidences of PF in treatment group were 50% and 50% for three and ten fractions scheme, respectively (P=0.643). Conclusion Oral dexamethasone has an excellent efficacy in prevention and treatment of PF in spine metastasis SBRT or HF, with significantly decreased incidence of PF. A phase Ⅲ clinical trial is required to finalize the optimal dose and schedule.

Caracterización de pacientes con lupus y fiebre: actividad, infección o ambas / Characterisation of patients with lupus and fever: Activity, infection or both

RESUMEN Objetivo: Describir las características clínicas y de laboratorio en pacientes mayores de 15 arios con diagnóstico de lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) hospitalizados por fiebre, cuyo diagnóstico final fue infección, actividad lúpica o ambas (actividad e infección). Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo en el que se incluyeron pacientes con diagnóstico de LES admitidos por fiebre en el servicio de urgencias del Hospital Universitario Clínica San Rafael; se estudiaron variables clínicas y paraclínicas, dividiéndose en 3 grupos de interés: pacientes con actividad de la enfermedad, de la infección o de ambas, de acuerdo con el diagnóstico definitivo una vez se daba el alta hospitalaria. Se estudiaron variables clínicas y de laboratorio, realizándose una descripción de la población en los 3 estados. Resultados: Se evaluaron en total 115 pacientes, incluyéndose en el análisis final 108 pacientes. La mediana de edad fue de 36 años y el 86% fueron mujeres. La mediana del puntaje del Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) en toda la población fue de 6 (R 1-15), en los pacientes con infección y actividad el puntaje mostró una mediana de 9,5 (R 6-15). No hubo diferencias significativas entre los síntomas clínicos y los hallazgos de laboratorio en los diferentes grupos. El uso de prednisolona en los últimos 3 meses fue mayor en el grupo de infección (p = 0,001), pero sin diferencias significativas entre las otras terapias de inmunosupresión. Conclusión: El uso de esteroides en los últimos 3 meses, el puntaje de la escala SLEDAI y el tiempo transcurrido desde el diagnóstico de LES podrían ser variables que pueden ayudar a discriminar entre infección y actividad en pacientes con historia de LES y fiebre. Los hallazgos clínicos y paraclínicos no discriminan entre estas condiciones de enfermedad.

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe clinical characteristics and laboratory findings of patients older than 15 years of age diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) that were admitted to hospital with fever and with a final diagnosis of infection, disease flare-up, or both. Methods: A retrospective chart review of medical charts was performed to identify patients with a diagnosis of SLE with a fever, admitted to the Emergency Department of Hospital Universitario Clinica San Rafael. The data collected included demographics, SLEDAI (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index) scores, clinical symptoms, laboratory findings, and steroid use. Results analysis was based on three groups (according to final diagnosis at discharge): patients diagnosed with SLE and infection, SLE and disease flare-up, and SLE with both infection and disease flare-up. Results: This study included 108 patients with a mean age of 36, of whom 86% were female. The mean SLEDAI score of all patients analysed was 6 (R 1-15), and for patients with SLE with both infection and disease flare-up was 9.5 (R 6-15). No significant differences were found with clinical symptoms and laboratory findings for any group analysed. SLE patients diagnosed with infections took significantly more prednisolone in the last three months before admission (P = .001). No differences were found with other immunosuppressants. Conclusion: The use of steroids in the last three months, the SLEDAI score, and time since a SLE diagnosis may be variables used to distinguish between infection and disease flare-up in SLE patients presenting with fever. Clinical symptoms and laboratory results are not useful markers to make this distinction.

Analysis of risk factors for susceptibility of frequent gout attacks: A case-control study of 579 patients with primary gout / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective@#To analyze the risk factors of frequent gout flare, and to evaluate its susceptibility to identify patients with≥2 acute attacks per year.@*Methods@#A total of 579 of cases gout patients with no history of taking urate lowering treatment (ULT) in recent 12 months were enrolled. The patients were divided into frequent group (gout episodes≥twice per year) and non-frequent group(gout attacks<twice per year). The clinical information was collected and relevant biochemical indices were detected.@*Results@#There were significant differences in involvement of upper limb joints, tophi, combining hypertension and renal stone between two groups. The two groups had no statistical differences in family history, gender, history of smoking and drinking, ratios of regular exercise, and combining diabetes, hepatic insufficiency, hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, and overweight/obesity. There was significant differences in the number of joints involved, the history of disease duration, the level of SUA and TG[(4.66±2.54) vs (2.77±1.64), (6.68±5.11) vs (5.14±3.89) years, (525.82±132.11) vs (489.33±139.81) μmol/L, (2.51±1.94) vs (2.05±1.22) mmol/L, P<0.05 or P<0.01]; There were no statistical differences in age of onset, SBP, DBP, age of initial diagnosis, fasting blood glucose, TC, creatinine, glomerular filtration rate, AST, ALT, body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio. Logistic regression analysis indicated that a large number of joints involved and higher serum uric acid level were risk factors of frequent gout attacks. The ROC curve showed that the number of joints involved had qualified performance in identifying patients with frequent gout attacks. When the number of joints involved was >2, and the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 77.8%, 43.3%, 85.6%, and 56.6%, respectively, and the difference was significant.@*Conclusion@#Higher SUA and a larger number of joints involved associate independently with frequent gout attacks. The number of joints involved at initial diagnosis>2, which can predict the frequent flare, and start ULT as earlier as possible. Patients with joints involved at initial diagnosis>2 are at greater risk of frequent gout flare.

Frequency of emergency department visits and hospitalizations due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations in patients included in two models of care / Frecuencia de visitas al departamento de emergencias y hospitalizaciones debido a exacerbaciones de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica en pacientes incluidos en dos modelos de atención

Introduction: Exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have a huge impact on lung function, quality of life and mortality of patients. Emergency Department visits and hospitalizations due to exacerbations cause a significant economic burden on the health system. Objective: To describe the differences in the number of emergency visits and hospitalizations due to exacerbations of COPD among patients included in two models of care of the same institution. Materials and methods: A historical cohort study in which COPD patients who are users of two models of care were included: COPD integrated care program (CICP) and general consultation of pulmonology (GCP). The first model, unlike the second one, offers additional educational activities, 24/7 telephone service, and priority consultations. The number of emergency visits and hospitalizations due to COPD exacerbations in patients who had completed at least one year of follow-up was evaluated. The multivariable Poisson regression model was used for calculating the incidence rate (IR) and the incidence rate ratio (IRR) with an adjustment for confounding factors. Results: We included 316 COPD patients (166 from the CICP and 150 from the GCP). During the year of follow-up, the CICP patients had 50% fewer emergency visits and hospitalizations than patients from the GCP (IRR=0.50, 95%CI: 0.29-0.87, p=0.014). Conclusions: COPD patients in the CICP had fewer emergency visits and hospitalizations due to exacerbations. Prospective clinical studies are required to confirm the results and to evaluate the factors that contribute to the differences.

Introducción. Las exacerbaciones de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) tienen un gran impacto en la función pulmonar, la calidad de vida y la mortalidad de los pacientes. Las visitas al Departamento de Emergencias y las hospitalizaciones debido a las exacerbaciones, causan una carga económica importante para el sistema de salud. Objetivo. Describir las diferencias en el número de visitas de emergencia y hospitalizaciones debidas a exacerbaciones de la EPOC, entre los pacientes incluidos en dos modelos de atención de la misma institución. Materiales y métodos. Se trata de un estudio de cohorte histórica en el que se incluyeron pacientes que son usuarios de dos modelos de atención: el programa de atención integrada de la EPOC (CICP) y la consulta general de neumología (PCG). El primer modelo, a diferencia del segundo, ofrece actividades educativas adicionales, servicio telefónico las 24 horas del día y consultas prioritarias. Se evaluó el número de visitas de emergencia y hospitalizaciones debido a exacerbaciones de la EPOC en pacientes que habían completado, al menos, un año de seguimiento. Se utilizó el modelo de regresión multivariable de Poisson para calcular la tasa de incidencia (IR) y la razón de tasas de incidencia (IRR), con un ajuste para factores de confusión. Resultados. Se incluyeron 316 pacientes con EPOC, 166 del CICP y 150 de la PCG. Durante el año de seguimiento, los pacientes en el CICP tuvieron 50 % menos visitas de emergencia y hospitalizaciones que los pacientes en la PCG (IRR=0,50; IC95% 0,29-0,87; p=0,014). Conclusiones. Los pacientes con EPOC en el CICP, tuvieron menos visitas de emergencia y hospitalizaciones debido a las exacerbaciones. Se requieren estudios clínicos prospectivos para confirmar los resultados y evaluar los factores que contribuyen a las diferencias.

Clinical and epidemiologic characterization of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus admitted to an intensive care unit in Colombia

Abstract Objective: Describe the clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: a retrospective study with medical records review of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) admitted to the ICU between 2004 and 2015 were included. Qualitative variables were described using absolute and relative frequencies. For quantitative variables mean value and standard deviation (SD) or median value with the interquartile range (IQR) depending on data distribution. To compare groups, it was used the Student t-test or Mann Whitney U test as appropriate and Fisher's exact test. Results: 33 patients were included, with a total of 45 ICU admissions, 29 (87.9%) were females with a median age of 26 years. The median time of diagnosis of SLE was two years, (IQR 1.5-5). The most common SLE manifestation and comorbidity were renal disease and hypertension with 27 (81.8%) and 14 (42.4%) respectively. The main reason for admittance was lupus flare with 25 events (55.5%). Infection was the second cause of admission with 19 events (42.2%). The median stay time in the ICU was four days (IQR 2-7). LODS score was 6 (RIQ 5-8), and APACHE II score was 13 (RIQ 11-17.7). There were 29 infections (64.5%) of which 20 (69%) were hospital-acquired. Four (12.1%) patients died. Conclusion: Unlike most of the previously reported series, in this study SLE activity was the most common cause of admission in the ICU. A more aggressive disease and difficulties in the ambulatory setting could explain this behavior. Despite the higher percentage of lupus flares, there was lower mortality.

Clinical efficacy of N-acetylcysteine in adjuvant therapy for acute exacerbation of asthma-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease overlap / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective To investigate clinical efficacy of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in the adjuvant treatment of patients with acute exacerbation of asthma-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease overlap (ACO). Methods One hundred and forty-six patients with acute exacerbation of ACO admitted to department of respiratory and critical care medicine of Henan provincial people′s hospital from March 2016 to August 2018 were divided into control group and observation group according to random number table, with 73 patients in each group. The control group was given clinical treatment such as bronchodilator, inhaled glucocorticoid and low- flow oxygen inhalation during hospitalization, and inhalation of budesonide/formoterol fumarate powder combined with tiotropium was continued after discharge. The treatment lasted for 4 weeks. The observation group was added with NAC 600 mg, twice daily, totally for 4 weeks on the basis of the control group. Baseline data and duration of hospital stay were collected. Before and after treatment, blood routine, c-reactive protein (CRP), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1% pred were recorded. Clinical efficacy and adverse drug reaction were compared between the two groups. Results The white blood cell count, eosinophil count, neutrophil count, CRP, FEV1/FVC and FEV1% pred of two groups were significantly ameliorative after treatment compared with those before treatment, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The white blood cell count, eosinophil count, neutrophil count and CRP after treatment in observation group were significantly lower than those in control group: (7.40 ± 1.12)×109/L vs. (8.34 ± 1.56) ×109/L, (0.30 ± 0.15) ×109/L vs. (0.42 ± 0.18) ×109/L, (3.76 ± 1.49) ×109/L vs. (4.58 ± 1.72) × 109/L, (5.33 ± 1.65) mg/L vs. (5.95 ± 1.74) mg/L, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). There were no statistical differences in FEV1/FVC and FEV1%pred after treatment between observation group and control group (P > 0.05). The total effective rate after treatment in observation group was significantly higher than that in control group: 94.52% (69/73) vs. 82.19% (60/73), and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). During the treatment, duration of hospital stay in observation group was shorter than that in control group: (5.82 ± 2.29) d vs. (7.25 ± 3.05) d, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in observation group was compared with control group: 10.96% (8/73) vs.5.48% (4/73), and the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Conclusions NAC has a significant effect in adjuvant treatment of acute exacerbation of ACO, which can significantly inhibit the level of inflammation and shorten the length of hospital stay.

Differences in pain and inflammation between Diclofenac 0.1% and Nepafenac 0.1% after cataract surgery / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM: To compare pain level and inflammation between preoperative topical Diclofenac 0.1% and Nepafenac 0.1% in patients undergoing cataract surgery.<p>METHODS: This research was designed as prospective randomized clinical trial and conducted in June to August 2017 at Dr. Yap Eye Hospital. There were 56 subjects underwent phacoemulsification operation(single operator)and diagnosed as senile cataract and no adverse events were found. Subjects were divided into 2 groups according to preoperative eye drop medication, namely Diclofenac group and Nepafenac group. Participants and phaco-surgeon were blind regarding to the treatment. Inflammation parameters(at 1, 7 and 14d follow up)such as pain, conjunctiva hyperemic, blepharospasm, flare and cell in anterior chamber level as the primary outcome, whereas density and morphology of corneal endothelial cells as the secondary outcome.<p>RESULTS: There were no statistically difference in conjunctiva hyperemic and blepharospasm level between 2 groups at 1d(<i>P</i>=0.284, effect size=0.29, 95% <i>CI</i>=-0.09 to 0.31; <i>P</i>=0.254, effect size=0.31, 95% <i>CI</i>=-0.13 to 0.49, respectively)and 7d(<i>P</i>=1.000 and <i>P</i>=0.556, effect size=0.18, 95% <i>CI</i>=-0.08 to 0.16, respectively)postoperatively. The pain scores(during surgery, 1d and 14d postoperative)in Nepafenac group was statistically lower than Diclofenac group(<i>P</i>=0.006, effect size=0.77, 95% <i>CI</i>=0.24 to 1.34; <i>P</i>=0.045, effect size=0.39, 95% <i>CI</i>=-0.10 to 0.62; and <i>P</i>=0.014, effect size=0.69, 95%<i> CI</i>=-0.06 to 0.50, respectively). The degree of flare and cell in Nepafenac group was lower at the 1d after phacoemulsification(<i>P</i>=0.029, effect size=0.59, 95% <i>CI</i>=0.02 to 0.36). Reduction of corneal endothelial density between 2 groups were not statistically significant, however the reduction of hexagonal cell percentage at 7d after phacoemulsification was lower than Nepafenac group(<i>P</i>=0.042, effect size=-0.55, 95% <i>CI</i>=-2.33 to -0.03).<p>CONCLUSION: The pain and flare-cell levels in Nepafenac group was lower when compared with Diclofenac group.

Clinical characteristics of hepatic flare and efficacy of antiviral therapy in pregnant women with chronic hepatitis B virus infection / 中华肝脏病杂志

Objective@#To analyze the clinical characteristics of hepatic flare and evaluate efficacy of antiviral treatment in pregnant women with chronic HBV infection.@*Methods@#A single-center, open-label, prospective study was conducted, and pregnant women with chronic HBV infection were enrolled. Liver function, HBV serum markers and HBV DNA of pregnant women with chronic HBV infection were reviewed during every 4 to 12 weeks of gestation period. The proportion and clinical characteristics of hepatitis flare during pregnancy were observed. Logistic regression analysis was used to predict hepatic flare in pregnant women with chronic HBV infection. Antiviral therapy with telbivudine (LdT) or tenofovir dipivoxil (TDF) was used to treat hepatic flare during pregnancy. Sequential entecavir (ETV) or TDF was applied after the delivery. Treatment course and drug withdrawal in pregnant women with hepatic flare was the same as those of the general patients with chronic hepatitis B. Liver function, HBV serum markers and HBV DNA were measured in pregnant women with hepatic flare at different time points (4, 12, 24 and 52 weeks). A t-test was used to compare the hepatic flare in pregnant women with and without hepatitis group. HBsAg and HBeAg were used to quantify the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of pregnant women with hepatic flare during pregnancy. Area under the ROC curve was used to calculate the optimal cut-off value corresponding to the maximum sensitivity and specificity of the ROC curve.@*Results@#Of the 220 pregnant women with chronic HBV infection, 55 (25%) had hepatitis flare during pregnancy and received antiviral treatment. Among the 55 women with hepatic flare during gestation, 47 (85.46%) had hepatic flare in the mid-second trimester (12-24 weeks); average peak value of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was 220.62 U/L, and the average peak value of ALT in 32 cases (58.18%) of pregnant women with hepatic flare was between 2–5 × ULN. HBsAg and HBeAg quantification were significantly lower in pregnant women with hepatic flare during pregnancy than with non-hepatitis (t = -3.745, P < 0.001; t = -2.186, P = 0.030). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that pregnant women with HBeAg < 3.065 log10 s/co were 7.576 times more likely to have hepatic flare during pregnancy (95% confidence interval: 3.779-15.190). ALT normalization, undetectable HBV DNA levels, HBeAg loss and HBeAg seroconversion in 55 pregnant women with hepatic flare at 52-week treatment was 100% (55/55), 74.55% (41/55), 47.27% (26/55) and 41.82% (23/55), respectively. HBsAg quantification at 52 weeks was significantly lower than baseline HBsAg quantification (3.32 + 0.37) log10 IU/ml and (3.95 + 0.40) log10 IU/ml; t = 8.465, P < 0.001).@*Conclusion@#Hepatic flare often occurs in the second trimester of pregnancy in pregnant women with chronic HBV infection and baseline HBeAg quantification is an independent predictor of hepatic flare. HBeAg seroconversion rate increased at 52 weeks after antiviral therapy.

Polypharmacy is a risk factor for disease flare in adult patients with ulcerative colitis: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Polypharmacy is a common clinical problem with chronic diseases that can be associated with adverse patient outcomes. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and patient-specific characteristics associated with polypharmacy in an ulcerative colitis (UC) population and to assess the impact of polypharmacy on disease outcomes.METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients with UC who visited a tertiary medical center outpatient clinic between 2006 and 2011 was performed. Polypharmacy was defined as major ( ≥ 5 non-UC medications) or minor (2–4 non-UC medications). UC medications were excluded in the polypharmacy grouping to minimize the confounding between disease severity and polypharmacy. Outcomes of interest include disease flare, therapy escalation, UC-related hospitalization, and surgery within 5 years of the initial visit.RESULTS: A total of 457 patients with UC were eligible for baseline analysis. Major polypharmacy was identified in 29.8% of patients, and minor polypharmacy was identified in 40.9% of the population. Polypharmacy at baseline was associated with advanced age (P< 0.001), female sex (P= 0.019), functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders (P< 0.001), and psychiatric disease (P< 0.001). Over 5 years of follow-up, 265 patients remained eligible for analysis. After adjusting for age, sex, functional GI disorders, and psychiatric disease, major polypharmacy was found to be significantly associated with an increased risk of disease flare (odds ratio, 4.00; 95% confidence interval, 1.66–9.62). However, major polypharmacy was not associated with the risk of therapy escalation, hospitalization, or surgery.CONCLUSIONS: Polypharmacy from non-inflammatory bowel disease medications was present in a substantial proportion of adult patients with UC and was associated with an increased risk of disease flare.