Relation between cumulative damage in systemic lupus erythematosus and recognised disability by the National Social Security Institute of Spain (INSS) / Relación entre el daño acumulado en el lupus eritematoso sistémico y la discapacidad reconocida por el Instituto Nacional de la Seguridad Social de España

Introduction: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystemic autoimmune disease that particularly affects young women during their second and third decades. Events attributed to SLE itself and others related to the disease may impact negatively on the quality of life, employment and disability. However, there are not many studies focused on the impact that the disease may have on patients regarding those aspects. In Spain, the evaluation of disability and the assignation of a pension is given by the National Social Security Institute of Spain, INSS (“Instituto Nacional de la Seguridad Social”). Objective: To assess the relationship between cumulative damage regarding the affected organ and the percentage of disability recognised by the National Social Security Institute of Spain (INSS) in SLE patients. Methods: Cross-sectional prospective study of SLE patients according to the SLICC-2012 criteria, from the Rheumatology Service of two Spanish hospitals. We collected clinical and demographic data through personal interview and the SLICC/ACR questionnaire, and classified patients regarding a recognised disability or not. Results: 142 patients were evaluated; 30% had some percentage of official disability. We found a positive correlation between percentage of recognised disability and the SLICC/ACR index score. Musculoskeletal system is the most affected system, without differences between both groups; but we found a higher proportion of damage in nervous system, renal and vasculitis in patients with a recognised disability. Conclusion: There is a positive correlation between percentage of recognised disability in Spain and the cumulative damage in SLE.(AU)

Introducción: El lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) es una enfermedad multisistémica autoinmune que afecta especialmente a las mujeres jóvenes durante su segunda y tercera décadas. Los eventos atribuidos al propio LES y otros relacionados con la enfermedad pueden tener un impacto negativo en la calidad de vida, el empleo y la discapacidad. Sin embargo, existen pocos datos publicados al respecto. En España, la evaluación de la discapacidad y la asignación de una pensión corresponden al Instituto Nacional de Seguridad Social de España (INSS). Objetivo: Evaluar la relación entre el daño acumulado relacionado con el órgano afectado y el porcentaje de discapacidad reconocido por el INSS en pacientes con LES. Métodos: Estudio prospectivo transversal de pacientes con LES según los criterios SLICC-2012, del servicio de reumatología de 2 hospitales de España. Recopilamos datos clínicos y demográficos mediante entrevista personal y el cuestionario SLICC/ACR, y clasificamos a los pacientes con respecto a una discapacidad reconocida o no. Resultados: Se evaluaron 142 pacientes; el 30% tenía algún porcentaje de discapacidad oficial. Encontramos una correlación positiva entre el porcentaje de discapacidad reconocida y la puntuación del índice SLICC/ACR. El sistema musculoesquelético es el sistema más afectado, sin diferencias entre ambos grupos; pero encontramos una mayor proporción de daño en el sistema nervioso, renal y vasculitis en pacientes con una discapacidad reconocida.(AU)ConclusiónExiste una correlación positiva entre el porcentaje de discapacidad reconocida en España y el daño acumulado en el LES.(AU)

Relation between cumulative damage in systemic lupus erythematosus and recognised disability by the National Social Security Institute of Spain (INSS).

INTRODUCTION: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystemic autoimmune disease that particularly affects young women during their second and third decades. Events attributed to SLE itself and others related to the disease may impact negatively on the quality of life, employment and disability. However, there are not many studies focused on the impact that the disease may have on patients regarding those aspects. In Spain, the evaluation of disability and the assignation of a pension is given by the National Social Security Institute of Spain, INSS ("Instituto Nacional de la Seguridad Social"). OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between cumulative damage regarding the affected organ and the percentage of disability recognised by the National Social Security Institute of Spain (INSS) in SLE patients. METHODS: Cross-sectional prospective study of SLE patients according to the SLICC-2012 criteria, from the Rheumatology Service of two Spanish hospitals. We collected clinical and demographic data through personal interview and the SLICC/ACR questionnaire, and classified patients regarding a recognised disability or not. RESULTS: 142 patients were evaluated; 30% had some percentage of official disability. We found a positive correlation between percentage of recognised disability and the SLICC/ACR index score. Musculoskeletal system is the most affected system, without differences between both groups; but we found a higher proportion of damage in nervous system, renal and vasculitis in patients with a recognised disability. CONCLUSION: There is a positive correlation between percentage of recognised disability in Spain and the cumulative damage in SLE.

Aumento de las concentraciones de interferón-1alpha, interleucina-10 y BLyS como biomarcadores de actividad clínica en el lupus eritematoso sistémico / Increased interferon-1alpha, interleukin-10 and BLyS concentrations as clinical activity biomarkers in systemic lupus erythematosus

Fundamento y objetivo: Analizar la asociación entre concentraciones de interferón-1alpha (INF1alpha), interleucina 10 (IL-10) y BLyS con la actividad clínica en el lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES). Pacientes y métodos: Estudio observacional transversal de 142 pacientes con LES y 34 controles sanos mediante analítica de sangre y orina y revisión de la historia clínica. La concentración sérica de citocinas se determinó mediante métodos colorimétricos. El análisis bioestadístico se realizó con R (3.3.2). Resultados: El 69% de pacientes mostraron al menos una citocina aumentada. Las tres citocinas están más elevadas en pacientes que en controles (p<0,001, p=0,005 y p=0,043), siendo INF1alpha el más frecuente. Los pacientes fueron categorizados según las concentraciones de las tres citocinas. Encontramos una asociación significativa entre concentraciones elevadas de IL-10/INF1alpha y una mayor actividad clínica según SELENA-SLEDAI (p<0,0001) y, en menor medida, con concentraciones aumentadas de INF1alpha/IL-10/BLyS. Concentraciones elevadas de IL-10/INF1alpha e INF1alpha/IL-10/BLyS se relacionaron con un mayor consumo de C3-C4 (p<0,001 y p=0,001) y títulos elevados de anti-dsDNA (p=0,001 y p=0,002). Concentraciones elevadas de INF1alpha/BLyS se relacionaron con títulos más altos de anti-dsDNA (p=0,004) y positividad ENA (p<0,001). Concentraciones altas de INF1alpha/IL-10/BLyS se relacionaron con la positividad de ANA (p<0,001) y anticuerpos antifosfolípidos (p=0,004). Conclusiones: INF1alpha, IL-10 y BLyS están más elevados en pacientes con LES que en controles sanos. El aumento de IL-10, asociado o no a aumento de BLyS y/o INF1alpha, es la citocina que mejor se ajusta a la actividad clínica del LES medida con métodos clásicos

Background and objective: to analyse the association between interferon-1alpha (INF1alpha), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and BLyS concentrations and clinical activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Patients and methods: A cross-sectional, observational study of 142 SLE patients and 34 healthy controls was performed, through a complete blood and urine test and review of their medical history. Serum concentration of INF1alpha, IL-10 and BLyS was determined by colorimetric methods. A biostatistical analysis was performed with R (3.3.2.). Results: 69% of our SLE patients showed at least one cytokine increased. INF1alpha, IL-10 and BLyS are higher in SLE patients than in healthy controls (P<.001, P=.005 and P=.043, respectively), being INF1alpha the most frequent. Patients were categorised according to low or high concentrations of the three cytokines. We found a significant association between increased IL-10/INF1alpha concentrations and a higher clinical activity measured by SELENA-SLEDAI (P<.0001) and, to a lesser extent, an association with increased INF1alpha/IL-10/BLyS concentrations. Elevated levels of IL-10/INF1alpha and INF1alpha/IL-10/BLyS related to increased C3-C4 consumption (P<.001 and P=.001 respectively) and anti-dsDNA titres (P=.001 and P=.002 respectively). Elevated INF1alpha/BLyS related to higher anti-dsDNA titres (P=.004) and ENA positivity (P<.001). Increased levels of INF1alpha/IL-10/BLyS related to positivity of ANAs (P<.001) and APL (P=.004). Conclusions: INF1alpha, IL-10 and BLyS are higher in SLE patients than in healthy controls. Increased IL-10 levels, regardless of whether or not there were also increased levels of BLyS and/or INF1alpha, was the cytokine that best fit with clinical activity in SLE measured with classic methods

Increased interferon-1α, interleukin-10 and BLyS concentrations as clinical activity biomarkers in systemic lupus erythematosus. / Aumento de las concentraciones de interferón-1α, interleucina-10 y BLyS como biomarcadores de actividad clínica en el lupus eritematoso sistémico.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: to analyse the association between interferon-1α (INF1α), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and BLyS concentrations and clinical activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, observational study of 142 SLE patients and 34 healthy controls was performed, through a complete blood and urine test and review of their medical history. Serum concentration of INF1α, IL-10 and BLyS was determined by colorimetric methods. A biostatistical analysis was performed with R (3.3.2.). RESULTS: 69% of our SLE patients showed at least one cytokine increased. INF1α, IL-10 and BLyS are higher in SLE patients than in healthy controls (P<.001, P=.005 and P=.043, respectively), being INF1α the most frequent. Patients were categorised according to low or high concentrations of the three cytokines. We found a significant association between increased IL-10/INF1α concentrations and a higher clinical activity measured by SELENA-SLEDAI (P<.0001) and, to a lesser extent, an association with increased INF1α/IL-10/BLyS concentrations. Elevated levels of IL-10/INF1α and INF1α/IL-10/BLyS related to increased C3-C4 consumption (P<.001 and P=.001 respectively) and anti-dsDNA titres (P=.001 and P=.002 respectively). Elevated INF1α/BLyS related to higher anti-dsDNA titres (P=.004) and ENA positivity (P<.001). Increased levels of INF1α/IL-10/BLyS related to positivity of ANAs (P<.001) and APL (P=.004). CONCLUSIONS: INF1α, IL-10 and BLyS are higher in SLE patients than in healthy controls. Increased IL-10 levels, regardless of whether or not there were also increased levels of BLyS and/or INF1α, was the cytokine that best fit with clinical activity in SLE measured with classic methods.

Atributos del fármaco antirreumático modificador de la enfermedad biológico en las primeras líneas de tratamiento de la artritis reumatoide. Proyecto ACORDAR 2015 / Biologic Disease-modifying antirheumatic drug attributes in the first lines of treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. 2015 ACORDAR Project

Objetivo. Existen pacientes con artritis reumatoide (AR) que no responden de la forma deseada a la terapia biológica. Nuestro objetivo fue reconocer los atributos del FAME biológico (FAMEb) que podrían identificar al más adecuado en las primeras líneas de tratamiento de la AR. Métodos. Para reconocer los atributos que podrían definir el FAMEb, se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de la literatura acerca de aspectos generales, farmacología, eficacia, seguridad, administración y coste. A continuación, se realizó un proceso Delphi a 2 rondas entre un grupo de reumatólogos expertos en el manejo de la AR para determinar el grado de acuerdo con los atributos identificados, indicando el grado de importancia que se le daba a cada atributo. Se aplicaron 2 criterios para determinar la consistencia de los resultados: 1) sobre la base de la mediana y el rango intercuartílico, y 2) el cumplimiento simultáneo de media, mediana, desviación estándar, rango intercuartílico y coeficiente de variación. Se determinaron también la concordancia y la ratificación final del panel de expertos. Resultados. Ochenta y tres reumatólogos españoles completaron las 2 circulaciones del proceso Delphi. Ninguno de los 77 atributos identificados se consideró de baja importancia, 75 de los 77 (97,4%) se consideraron de alta importancia y 76 de los 77 (98,7%) fueron ratificados. Quince tuvieron el apoyo del 100% del grupo de trabajo. Conclusiones. Quince atributos tuvieron el apoyo del 100% del grupo de trabajo y podrían considerarse los que definirían el FAMEb ideal en las primeras líneas de tratamiento de la AR (AU)

Objective. To date, between 17% and 35% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) do not respond as expected to the initial biological therapy. The objective of this project is to recognize and weigh the attributes of biologic DMARD (bDMARD) to identify the most appropriate for each case, in the first lines of treatment of RA (after inadequate response to at least one synthetic DMARD or previous bDMARD). Methods. To recognize the possible attributes that could define the bDMARD, we performed a systematic search of the literature that recognized the possible attributes involving general aspects, pharmacology, efficacy, safety, management, and cost. Then a Delphi process was conducted with two rounds among a group of selected expert rheumatologists in the management of RA indicating the degree of agreement with the attributes identified in the literature. The project was completed between February and September 2015, indicating the degree of importance that was ascribed to each attribute. Two criteria were applied to determine the consistency of results: 1) based on the median and interquartile range; and 2) on the simultaneous compliance with mean, median, standard deviation, interquartile range and coefficient of variation. The agreement and final ratification of the expert panel were also determined. Results. Eighty-three Spanish rheumatologists participated and completed both rounds of the Delphi process. In no case was the importance of the 77 attributes identified considered to be low; 75 of 77 (97.4%) were considered highly important and 76 of 77 (98.7%) were ratified. Fifteen attributes had the support of 100% of the working group. Conclusions. There was a high degree of agreement concerning the selected attributes. Fifteen of them had the support of 100% of the working group and could be considered the definition of the ideal bDMARD in the first lines of RA treatment (AU)

The Power of Visualization: Back to the Future for Pain Management in Fibromyalgia Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have demonstrated the effects of positive psychological factors on pain adjustment. Specifically, optimism has been linked to better physical functioning and less psychological distress. Until recently, these beneficial effects have mostly been examined in correlational studies or laboratory settings. The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of the Best Possible Self intervention using information and communication technologies with fibromyalgia patients. METHODS: Seventy-one patients were randomly allocated to the Best Possible Self intervention or a Daily Activities control condition. The Best Possible Self intervention used an interactive multimedia system with the support of an Internet platform to practice the guided imagery exercise online. RESULTS: Intent-to-treat analyses showed that, compared with the control condition, Best Possible Self patients showed significant improvements in depression, positive affect, and self-efficacy at postintervention. Moreover, at three-month follow-up, patients who received the intervention improved their optimism and negative affect significantly more than participants in the control condition. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows how a technology-supported intervention aimed at augmenting positive affect and promoting positive functioning works in the case of fibromyalgia, expanding the intervention's efficacy data in clinical populations and adding knowledge about the role that positive psychological factors play in pain experience. Moreover, it demonstrates the specific effects of the Best Possible Self intervention in order to incorporate this exercise in pain treatment protocols.

Biologic Disease-modifying antirheumatic drug attributes in the first lines of treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. 2015 ACORDAR project. / Atributos del fármaco antirreumático modificador de la enfermedad biológico en las primeras líneas de tratamiento de la artritis reumatoide. Proyecto ACORDAR 2015.

OBJECTIVE: To date, between 17% and 35% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) do not respond as expected to the initial biological therapy. The objective of this project is to recognize and weigh the attributes of biologic DMARD (bDMARD) to identify the most appropriate for each case, in the first lines of treatment of RA (after inadequate response to at least one synthetic DMARD or previous bDMARD). METHODS: To recognize the possible attributes that could define the bDMARD, we performed a systematic search of the literature that recognized the possible attributes involving general aspects, pharmacology, efficacy, safety, management, and cost. Then a Delphi process was conducted with two rounds among a group of selected expert rheumatologists in the management of RA indicating the degree of agreement with the attributes identified in the literature. The project was completed between February and September 2015, indicating the degree of importance that was ascribed to each attribute. Two criteria were applied to determine the consistency of results: 1) based on the median and interquartile range; and 2) on the simultaneous compliance with mean, median, standard deviation, interquartile range and coefficient of variation. The agreement and final ratification of the expert panel were also determined. RESULTS: Eighty-three Spanish rheumatologists participated and completed both rounds of the Delphi process. In no case was the importance of the 77 attributes identified considered to be low; 75 of 77 (97.4%) were considered highly important and 76 of 77 (98.7%) were ratified. Fifteen attributes had the support of 100% of the working group. CONCLUSIONS: There was a high degree of agreement concerning the selected attributes. Fifteen of them had the support of 100% of the working group and could be considered the definition of the ideal bDMARD in the first lines of RA treatment.

Have complementary therapies demonstrated effectiveness in rheumatoid arthritis? / ¿Han demostrado eficacia las terapias complementarias en la artritis reumatoide?

In recent decades the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has improved thanks to the use of highly effective drugs. However, patients usually require long term therapy, which is not free of side effects. Therefore RA patients often demand complementary medicine, they seek additional sources of relief and/or less side effects. In fact 30-60% of rheumatic patients use some form of complementary medicine. Therefore, from conventional medicine, if we want to optimally treat our patients facilitating communication with them we must know the most commonly used complementary medicines. The aim of this review is to assess, based on published scientific research, what complementary therapies commonly used by patients with RA are effective and safe (AU)

En las últimas décadas el tratamiento de la Artritis Reumatoide (AR) ha mejorado mucho gracias a la utilización de fármacos altamente eficaces. Sin embargo, los enfermos suelen requerir tratamiento farmacológico de por vida, no exento de efectos adversos. Por esta razón los pacientes con AR a menudo acuden a la medicina complementaria, buscan fuentes adicionales de alivio y/o menores efectos secundarios. Un 30-60% de los pacientes reumáticos utilizan algún tipo de medicina complementaria. Por lo tanto, desde la medicina convencional, si queremos optimizar el tratamiento de nuestros pacientes y facilitar la comunicación con ellos debemos conocer las medicinas complementarias más utilizadas. El objetivo de esta revisión es valorar, en base a la investigación científica publicada, qué tratamientos complementarios habitualmente utilizados por los pacientes con AR son efectivos y seguros (AU)

Have complementary therapies demonstrated effectiveness in rheumatoid arthritis?

In recent decades the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has improved thanks to the use of highly effective drugs. However, patients usually require long term therapy, which is not free of side effects. Therefore RA patients often demand complementary medicine, they seek additional sources of relief and/or less side effects. In fact 30-60% of rheumatic patients use some form of complementary medicine. Therefore, from conventional medicine, if we want to optimally treat our patients facilitating communication with them we must know the most commonly used complementary medicines. The aim of this review is to assess, based on published scientific research, what complementary therapies commonly used by patients with RA are effective and safe.

Neumonitis inducida por metotrexato en una paciente con artritis reumatoide seronegativa / Pneumonitis induced by methotrexate in a patient with seronegative rheumatoid arthritis

No disponible

Monitorización de los valores séricos de vitamina D en mujeres con osteoporosis posmenopáusica tratadas con dosis habituales de vitamina D / Vitamin D status in osteoporotic postmenopausal women taking oral recommended vitamin D supplementation

Fundamento y objetivo: El objetivo del trabajo es evaluar la efectividad de las dosis habituales de suplementos de vitamina D (25[OH]D) para alcanzar valores séricos óptimos (30ng/ml). Pacientes y método: Estudio transversal en 165 mujeres con osteoporosis posmenopáusica, tratadas con suplementos de vitamina D oral con dosis superiores a 800UI/día durante al menos 3 meses. Se dividió a las pacientes en 3 grupos: grupo 1, 800-1.000UI/día; grupo 2, 1.001-1.600UI/día; grupo 3, >1.600UI/día. Se comparó la proporción de pacientes con valores séricos superiores a 20, 30 y 40ng/ml. Resultados: La edad media (DE) fue de 69 (10) años. El porcentaje de pacientes con valores superiores a 20ng/ml fue del 79,5% (intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC 95%] 63,5-88,5), 92,7% (IC 95% 78,7-96) y 97,6% (IC 95% 90,6-100) en los grupos 1, 2 y 3, respectivamente (p=0,009), el de pacientes con valores superiores a 30ng/ml del 27,7% (IC 95% 14,7-44,7), 53,6% (IC 95% 37,6-70) y 90,2% (IC 95% 81,2-96,6), respectivamente (p<0,001) y el de pacientes con valores superiores a 40ng/ml del 7,2% (IC 95% 1-20), 24,4% (IC 95% 12-40) y 61% (IC 95% 49-72), respectivamente (p<0,001). Conclusiones: Las dosis diarias recomendadas de suplementos de vitamina D (800-1.000UI) pueden ser insuficientes para conseguir valores séricos óptimos en mujeres osteoporóticas posmenopáusicas (AU)

Background and objective: To assess the effectiveness of currently recommended daily intakes of vitamin D (25[OH]D) to bring optimal serum concentrations (30ng/ml) in postmenopausal osteoporotic women. Patients and methods: We reviewed 25(OH)D serum concentrations in 165 consecutive osteoporotic postmenopausal women who were taking oral vitamin D daily supplements above 800IU during at least 3 months. The proportion of patients who achieved 25(OH)D levels of 20, 30 and 40ng/ml were compared according to daily vitamin D intakes (group 1: 800-1,000IU, group 2: 1,001-1,600IU, group 3:>1,600IU). Results: Mean patient age was 69 (10) years. Percentage of patients with serum 25(OH)D levels above 20ng/ml was 79.5% (63.5-88.5%), 92.7%(78.7-96%) and 97.6% (90.6-100%) in group 1, 2, and 3 patients, respectively (P=.009). Serum levels above 30ng/ml were achieved in 27.7% (14.7-44.7%), 53.6% (37.6-70%) and 90.2% (81.2-96.6%), respectively (P<.001). Serum levels above 40ng/ml were reached in 7.2% (1-20%), 24.4% (12-40%) and 61% (49-72%), respectively (P<.001). Conclusion: Daily reference intakes of vitamin D supplements (800-1,000IU) may be insufficient to achieve optimal serum levels of vitamin D in postmenopausal osteoporotic women (AU)

[Vitamin D status in osteoporotic postmenopausal women taking oral recommended vitamin D supplementation]. / Monitorización de los valores séricos de vitamina D en mujeres con osteoporosis posmenopáusica tratadas con dosis habituales de vitamina D.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of currently recommended daily intakes of vitamin D (25[OH]D) to bring optimal serum concentrations (30ng/ml) in postmenopausal osteoporotic women. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed 25(OH)D serum concentrations in 165 consecutive osteoporotic postmenopausal women who were taking oral vitamin D daily supplements above 800IU during at least 3 months. The proportion of patients who achieved 25(OH)D levels of 20, 30 and 40ng/ml were compared according to daily vitamin D intakes (group 1: 800-1,000IU, group 2: 1,001-1,600IU, group 3:>1,600IU). RESULTS: Mean patient age was 69 (10) years. Percentage of patients with serum 25(OH)D levels above 20ng/ml was 79.5% (63.5-88.5%), 92.7%(78.7-96%) and 97.6% (90.6-100%) in group 1, 2, and 3 patients, respectively (P=.009). Serum levels above 30ng/ml were achieved in 27.7% (14.7-44.7%), 53.6% (37.6-70%) and 90.2% (81.2-96.6%), respectively (P<.001). Serum levels above 40ng/ml were reached in 7.2% (1-20%), 24.4% (12-40%) and 61% (49-72%), respectively (P<.001). CONCLUSION: Daily reference intakes of vitamin D supplements (800-1,000IU) may be insufficient to achieve optimal serum levels of vitamin D in postmenopausal osteoporotic women.

Infección articular por Streptococcus agalactiae en adultos inmunocompetentes: presentación de dos casos / Joint infections due to treptococcus agalactiae in non immunocompromised adults: presentation of two cases

Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae) es un germen habitualmente asociado a infecciones en neonatos y en mujeres durante el embarazo y el puerperio inmediato. S. agalactiae también se ha relacionado con bacteriemias, endocarditis e infecciones osteoarticulares, de piel y tejidos blandos en adultos con enfermedades concomitantes e, incluso, en pacientes inmunocompetentes. En los últimos años se han comunicado más de 70 casos de artritis séptica por este germen en adultos. Se presentan dos casos de infección articular, axial y periférica, por S. agalactiae, comparando los hallazgos, el tratamiento y la evolución con los casos publicados hasta abril de 2008 (AU)

Streptococcus agalactiae (S agalactiae) is a germ habitually associated with infections in neonates and women during the pregnancy and the immediate puerperiumum. S. agalactiae has also been related with bacteriemias, endocarditis and bone, joint, skin and soft tissues infections in adults with concomitant diseases and even in immunocompetent patients. In the last years more than 70 cases of septic arthritis in adults due to this germ have been communicated. We present two cases of axial and peripheral joint infection due to S. agalactiae, comparing finds, treatment and evolution with the cases published until April, 2008 (AU)

[Joint Infections Due to Streptococcus agalactiae in Non Immunocompromised Adults: Presentation of Two Cases]. / Infección articular por Streptococcus agalactiae en adultos inmunocompetentes: presentación de dos casos.

Streptococcus agalactiae (S agalactiae) is a germ habitually associated with infections in neonates and women during the pregnancy and the immediate puerperiumum. S. agalactiae has also been related with bacteriemias, endocarditis and bone, joint, skin and soft tissues infections in adults with concomitant diseases and even in immunocompetent patients. In the last years more than 70 cases of septic arthritis in adults due to this germ have been communicated. We present two cases of axial and peripheral joint infection due to S. agalactiae, comparing finds, treatment and evolution with the cases published until April, 2008.