Elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis receives less aggressive therapies than young-onset rheumatoid arthritis in an Argentinian cohort.

OBJECTIVES: When rheumatoid arthritis (RA) starts after the age of 60 it is called elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis (EORA) and when it starts earlier, young-onset rheumatoid arthritis. (YORA). There are few Latin American studies that compared both groups. The objective of the study was to evaluate differences in the clinical characteristics, evolution and treatment among patients with RA with onset before or after 60 years of age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Observational study of patients with RA attended consecutively in four centers in Argentina. Sociodemographic data, comorbidities, clinical manifestations at diagnosis, presence of rheumatoid factor and/or anti-CCP (cyclic citrullinated peptide) and treatments received were collected. At the last visit, swollen and tender joints, assessment of disease activity by the patient and physician, the presence of radiographic erosions, and functional status using the HAQ-DI were recorded. RESULTS: 51 patients from each group were analyzed. The EORA group had a significantly higher proportion of smokers (58.8% vs. 35.3%, p = 0.029), cardiovascular history (54.9% vs. 21.6%, p = 0.001), abrupt onset (49% vs. 29.4%, p = 0.034) or with symptoms similar to PMR (19.6% vs. 0%, p = 0.001). Lower methotrexate doses were used in the EORA group: 19 mg (15-25) vs. 21.9 mg (20-25) (p = 0.0036) and more frequently did not receive bDMARDs or tsDMARDs. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The benefits of intensive treatment in patients with RA have been described. In this study, the use of DMARDs in the EORA group was less intensive, suggesting that advanced age constitutes a barrier in the therapeutic choice.

Toll-like receptor expression and functional behavior in platelets from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

BACKGROUND: Multiple blood cell abnormalities participate in the development of inflammation in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although platelets have been suggested as one of these contributors through the release of their content during activation, there are limited specific data about their role as immune players in SLE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen SLE patients were included. Flow cytometry was used to measure Toll-like receptors (TLR) 2, 4, and 9 in resting platelets, platelet-activation markers (PAC-1 binding, P-selectin, CD63, and CD40 ligand -L) and platelet-leukocyte aggregates before and after specific TLR stimulation. Soluble CD40L and von Willebrand factor (vWf) release from stimulated platelets was measured using ELISA. RESULTS: In resting conditions, SLE platelets showed normal expression levels of TLR 2, 4 and 9. Platelet surface activation markers, soluble CD40L, and vWf release were normal at baseline and after TLR stimulation. Platelet-monocyte aggregates were elevated in resting conditions in SLE samples and showed only a marginal increase after TLR stimulation, while baseline and stimulated platelet-neutrophil and platelet-lymphocyte aggregates were normal. C-reactive protein levels positively correlated with platelet-monocyte aggregates both at baseline and after stimulation with the TLR-2 agonist PAM3CSK4, suggesting these complexes could reflect the inflammatory activity in SLE. In our cohort, 12 of 13 patients received treatment with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), a known inhibitor of endosomal activity and a potential inhibitor of platelet activation. The fact that SLE platelets showed an adequate response to TLR agonists suggests that, despite this treatment, they retain the ability to respond to the increased levels of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which represent known TLR ligands, present in the circulation of SLE patients. Interestingly, elevated plasma levels of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a classical DAMP, correlated with vWf release from TLR-stimulated platelets, suggesting that HMGB1 may also be released by platelets, thereby creating a positive feedback loop for platelet activation that contributes to inflammation. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates normal platelet TLR expression and function together with increased circulating platelet-monocyte aggregates. In addition, a direct correlation was observed between plasma HMGB1 levels and platelet vWf release following TLR2 stimulation. This platelet behavior in a group of patients undergoing HCQ treatment suggests that platelets could play a role in the inflammatory state of SLE.

Frecuencia de eventos cardiovasculares en pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico / Frequency of cardiovascular events in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Resumen Introducción: el progreso en los tratamientos para el lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) resultó en una disminución de la mortalidad; sin embargo, la enfermedad cardiovascular y las complicaciones infecciosas aún son las principales causas de muerte. La evidencia apoya la participación del sistema inmunológico en la generación de la placa aterosclerótica, así como su conexión con las enfermedades autoinmunes. Objetivos: describir la frecuencia de eventos cardiovasculares (ECV) en el Registro de Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico de la Sociedad Argentina de Reumatología (RELESSAR) transversal, así como sus principales factores de riesgo asociados. Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo y transversal para el cual se tomaron los pacientes ingresados en el registro RELESSAR transversal. Se describieron las variables sociodemográficas y clínicas, las comorbilidades, score de actividad y daño. ECV se definió como la presencia de al menos una de las siguientes patologías: enfermedad arterial periférica, cardiopatía isquémica o accidente cerebrovascular. El evento clasificado para el análisis fue aquel posterior al diagnóstico del LES. Se conformaron dos grupos macheados por edad y sexo 1:2. Resultados: 1515 pacientes mayores de 18 años participaron del registro. Se describieron 80 pacientes con ECV (5,3%). En este análisis se incluyeron 240 pacientes conformando dos grupos. La edad media fue de 47,8 (14,4) y 47,6 (14,2) en el grupo con y sin ECV respectivamente. Los pacientes con ECV tuvieron mayor duración del LES en meses, mayor índice de Charlson, mayor SLICC (Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology), mayor frecuencia de manifestaciones neurológicas, síndrome antifosfolípido, hospitalizaciones y uso de ciclofosfamida. Las únicas variables asociadas en el análisis multivariado fueron el índice de Charlson (p=0,004) y el SLICC (p<0,001). Conclusiones: los ECV influyen significativamente en nuestros pacientes, y se asocian a mayor posibilidad de daño irreversible y comorbilidades.

Abstract Introduction: progress in treatments for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has resulted in a decrease in mortality; however, cardiovascular and infectious diseases remain the leading causes of death. Evidence supports the involvement of the immune system in the generation of atherosclerotic plaque, as well as its connection to autoimmune diseases. Objectives: to describe the frequency of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the cross-sectional RELESSAR registry, as well as its associated variables. Materials and methods: a descriptive and cross-sectional study was performed using patients admitted to the cross-sectional RELESSAR registry. Sociodemographic variables, clinical variables, comorbidities, activity and damage scores were described. CVD was defined as at least one of the following: peripheral arterial disease, ischemic heart disease, or cerebrovascular accident. All patients with at least one CVD were included in our analysis (heart attack, central nervous system vascular disease, and peripheral arteries atherosclerotic disease). The event classified for the analysis was that after the diagnosis of SLE. SLE diagnosis was previous to CVD. Two groups matched by age and sex, 1:2 were formed. Results: a total of 1515 patients older than 18 years participated in the registry. Eighty patients with CVD (5.3%) were described in the registry. Two-hundred and forty patients were included, according to two groups. The mean age was 47.8 (SD 14.4) and 47.6 (SD 14.2) in patients with and without CVD, respectively. Patients with CVD had a longer duration of SLE in months, a higher Charlson index, a higher SLICC, increased frequency of neurological manifestations, antiphospholipid syndrome, hospitalizations, and use of cyclophosphamide. The associated variables in the multivariate were the Charlson Index (p=0.004) and the SLICC (p<0.001). Conclusions: CVDs have a significant influence on our patients, being associated with a greater possibility of damage and comorbidities.

Seguridad de las drogas biológicas y sintéticas dirigidas utilizadas en pacientes con enfermedades reumáticas inmunomediadas. Datos del registro BIOBADASAR 3.0 / Safety of biological and targeted synthetic drugs in patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases. Data from the BIOBADASAR 3.0 registry

Introducción: conocer la seguridad de las drogas actualmente disponibles para el tratamiento de las enfermedades reumáticas es muy importante al momento de tomar decisiones terapéuticas objetivas e individualizadas en la consulta médica diaria. Asimismo, datos de la vida real amplían el conocimiento revelado por los ensayos clínicos. Objetivos: describir los eventos adversos (EA) reportados, estimar su frecuencia e identificar los factores relacionados con su desarrollo. Materiales y métodos: se utilizaron datos BIOBADASAR, un registro voluntario y prospectivo de seguimiento de EA de tratamientos biológicos y sintéticos dirigidos en pacientes con enfermedades reumáticas inmunomediadas. Los pacientes son seguidos hasta la muerte, pérdida de seguimiento o retiro del consentimiento informado. Para este análisis se extrajeron datos recopilados hasta el 31 de enero de 2023. Resultados: se incluyó un total de 6253 pacientes, los cuales aportaron 9533 ciclos de tratamiento, incluyendo 3647 (38,3%) ciclos sin drogas modificadoras de la enfermedad biológicas y sintéticas dirigidas (DME-b/sd) y 5886 (61,7%) con DME-b/sd. Dentro de estos últimos, los más utilizados fueron los inhibidores de TNF y abatacept. Se reportaron 5890 EA en un total de 2701 tratamientos (844 y 1857 sin y con DME-b/sd, respectivamente), con una incidencia de 53,9 eventos cada 1000 pacientes/año (IC 95% 51,9-55,9). La misma fue mayor en los ciclos con DME-b/sd (71,1 eventos cada 1000 pacientes/año, IC 95% 70,7-77,5 versus 33,7, IC 95% 31,5-36,1; p<0,001). Las infecciones, particularmente las de la vía aérea superior, fueron los EA más frecuentes en ambos grupos. El 10,9% fue serio y el 1,1% provocó la muerte del paciente. El 18,7% de los ciclos con DME-b/sd fue discontinuado a causa de un EA significativamente mayor a lo reportado en el otro grupo (11,5%; p<0,001). En el análisis ajustado, las DME-b/sd se asociaron a mayor riesgo de presentar al menos un EA (HR 1,82, IC 95% 1,64-1,96). De igual manera, la mayor edad, el mayor tiempo de evolución, el antecedente de enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, el diagnóstico de lupus eritematoso sistémico y el uso de corticoides se asociaron a mayor riesgo de EA. Conclusiones: la incidencia de EA fue significativamente superior durante los ciclos de tratamientos que incluían DME-b/sd.

Introduction: knowing the efficacy and safety of the drugs currently available for the treatment of rheumatic diseases is very important when making objective and individualized therapeutic decisions in daily medical consultation. Likewise, real-life data extends the knowledge revealed by clinical trials. Objectives: to describe the reported adverse events (AEs), estimate their frequency and identify factors associated to them. Materials and methods: BIOBADASAR data were used, which is a voluntary, prospective follow-up registry of AEs of biological and synthetic treatments in patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases. Patients are followed until death, loss of followup, or withdrawal of informed consent. To carry out this analysis, the data collected up to January 31, 2023 was extracted. Results: a total of 6253 patients were included, who contributed with 9533 treatment periods, including 3647 (38.3%) periods without b/ts-DMARDs and 5886 (61.7%) with b/ts-DMARDs. Among the latter, the most used were TNF inhibitors and abatacept. A total of 5890 AEs were reported in a total of 2701 treatments (844 and 1857 without and with b/ts-DMARDs, respectively), with an incidence of 53.9 events per 1000 patients/ year (95% CI 51.9-55.9). It was higher during the periods with b/ts-DMARDs (71.1 events per 1000 patients/year, 95% CI 70.7-77.5 vs 33.7, 95% CI 31.5-36.1, p<0.001). Infections, particularly those of the upper respiratory tract, were the most frequent AEs in both groups. 10.9% were severe and 1.1% were associated with the death of the patient. 18.7% of the periods with b/ts-DMARDs were discontinued due to an AE, significantly higher than that reported in the other group (11.5%; p<0.001). In the adjusted analysis, b/ts-DMARDs were associated with a higher risk of presenting at least one AE (HR 1.82, 95% CI 1.64-1.96). Similarly, older age, longer evolution time, history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus, and use of corticosteroids were associated with a higher risk of AE. Conclusions: the incidence of AEs was significantly higher during those treatment periods that included DME-b/sd.

Social networks as education strategies for indigenous patients with rheumatoid arthritis during COVID-19 pandemic. Are they useful?

INTRODUCTION: The use of online education strategies has been introduced as a tool to support health care in patients with rheumatic disease. However, it is important to consider the patient's sociocultural environment. OBJECTIVE: To design and assessment of bilingual audiovisual material acceptability, by means of two social networks, for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the qom community in Argentina. METHODS: A qualitative study was performed in two stages: (1) audiovisual material design, development, and validation implementing a collaborative action research method. (2) Publishing of the material on two social networks at two different times. The selected topic was the coronavirus disease 2019 impact on patients with RA. A qualitative and quantitative data analysis was performed. RESULTS: Forty subjects participated into the initial validation stage with a 70% acceptance rate. First, 28 subjects (70%) participated on Facebook and 25 (62.5%) joined the WhatsApp group. Then, the same number of subjects participated on Facebook, while only 45% of subjects participated on WhatsApp. Most of them participated using short phrases such as "I like it." The 60% of the participants played the videos. However, less than 10% shared them. Videos in Spanish were the once most shared. Participation dramatically fell during the second time, and 40% of the WhatsApp subjects never participated. CONCLUSION: The strategies developed for this indigenous community were of no utility, probably because of socio-cultural, economic, and digital barriers. They should be designed and implemented identifying the target group and its environment. Key Points • Online education strategies should be designed with cultural sensitivity. • Technological barriers make digital inequality visible in vulnerable groups. • Educational interventions should have a collaborative design and they should be created together with the communities. • The COVID-19 pandemic has deepened inequalities in the health care and follow-up of patients with rheumatic diseases, especially between most socially and economically disadvantaged groups.

Multicenter lupus register from Argentina, the RELESSAR database: Influence of ethnicity on disease phenotype.

OBJECTIVE: The objective is to describe the main characteristics of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Argentina and to examine the influence of ethnicity on the expression of the disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: RELESSAR is a multicentre register carried out by 106 researchers from 67 rheumatologic Argentine centres. It is a cross-sectional study of SLE (1982/1997 ACR) patients. RELESSAR electronic database includes demographic, cumulative SLE manifestations, SELENA-SLEDAI, SLICC-SDI, Katz's severity and Charlson's comorbidity indexes and treatment patterns. RESULTS: We included 1,610 patients, 91.7% were female with a median age at diagnosis of 28.1 ± 12.8; 96.2% met ≥4 ACR 1982/97 criteria. Frequent manifestations were arthritis (83.5%), malar rash (79.5%), photosensitivity (75.3%), haematological (63.8%) and renal disease (47.4%), antinuclear antibodies (96%), anti-dsDNA (66.5%) and anti-Smith antibodies (29%). The mean Selena-SLEDAI score at last visit was 3.18 (SD 4.3) and mean SDI was 1 (SD 1.3). The accumulated treatments most frequently used were antimalarials (90.4%), corticosteroids (90%), azathioprine (31.8%), intravenous cyclophosphamide (30.2%), mycophenolate mofetil or mycophenolic acid (24.5%), methotrexate (19.3%), belimumab 5.3% and rituximab 5.1%. Refractory lupus was diagnosed in 9.3% of the cases. The main causes of death were lupus activity (25.0%), activity and concomitant infections (25.0%), infections (18.2%), vascular disease (13.6%) and cancer (4.5%). Mortality was associated with higher SLEDAI, Katz, damage indexes and comorbidities. Of the 1610 patients included, 44.6% were Caucasian, 44.5% Mestizo, 8.1% Amerindian and 1.2% Afro-Latin American. Mestizo patients had higher male representation, low socioeconomic status, more inadequate medical coverage, fewer formal years of education and shorter disease duration. Polyadenopathies and Raynaud's phenomenon were more frequent in Caucasians. In the logistic regression analysis higher damage index (OR 1.28, CI 95% 1.02-1.61, p = 0.03) remained associated to mestizo ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents the largest number of adult patients with SLE studied in Argentina. Caucasian patients were differentiated by having Raynaud's phenomenon and polyadenopathy more frequently, while patients of Mestizo origin had higher damage indexes.

Lupus en Argentina. Pacientes no respondedores al tratamiento estándar y belimumab como posible opción. Datos del registro RELESSAR / Lupus in Argentina. Non-responders to standard treatment and belimumab as a possible option. RELESSAR record data

Introducción: el lupus es una enfermedad compleja y varias veces de difícil abordaje. Alcanzar la remisión es uno de los objetivos, incorporando opciones terapéuticas. Objetivos: describir las características generales de los pacientes según el estado de la enfermedad y el uso de belimumab. Materiales y métodos: estudio de corte transversal, registro RELESSAR. Se definió el estado de la enfermedad como: remisión: SLEDAI=0 y sin corticoides; baja actividad de la enfermedad: SLEDAI >0 y ≤4 y sin corticoides; control no óptimo: SLEDAI >4 y cualquier dosis de corticoides. Resultados: se incluyeron 1.277 pacientes, 23,4% en remisión, 12,6% en baja actividad y 63,8% con control no óptimo. En este último grupo eran más jóvenes y con menor duración de la enfermedad; presentaban mayores índices de actividad y cronicidad, y mayor empleo de inmunosupresores. Solo el 22,3% de los pacientes con criterio potencial de uso de belimumab (lupus eritematoso sistémico activo a pesar del tratamiento estándar) lo recibía en ese momento. Las variables asociadas a hospitalizaciones fueron: terapia con corticoides, ciclofosfamida y mayor SLICC. Conclusiones: se refleja la complejidad del manejo de estos pacientes y se visualizan aspectos estructurales como la desigualdad. El uso del belimumab resultaría beneficioso en los pacientes seleccionados.

Introduction: lupus is a complex disease and often difficult to approach. Achieving remission is one of the objectives, incorporating therapeutic options. Objectives: to describe the characteristics of the patients and the use of belimumab, according to the status of the disease. Materials and methods: cross-sectional study. Patients of the RELESSAR registry. Stratification: Remission: SLEDAI=0 and without corticosteroids. Low disease activity SLEDAI> 0 and ≤4 and without corticosteroids and non-optimal control: SLEDAI> 4 and any dose of corticosteroids. Results: a total of 1,277 patients were included, 23.4% in remission, 12.6% in low disease activity and 63.8% in non-optimal control. The last group was younger and had a shorter duration of the disease. They had higher activity and chronicity indices and greater use of immunosuppressants. Only 22.3% of the patients with potential criteria for the use of belimumab (activity disease despite standard treatment) were receiving it. The variables associated with hospitalizations were: corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide and higher SLICC. Those associated with severe infection: mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine, corticosteroids, and higher SLICC. Conclusions: the complexity of the management of these patients is reflected, visualizing structural aspects such as inequality. The use of belimumab could be beneficial in selected patients.

Lupus en Argentina. Pacientes no respondedores al tratamiento estándar y belimumab como posible opción. Datos del registro RELESSAR / Lupus in Argentina. Non-responders to standard treatment and belimumab as a possible option. RELESSAR record data

Introducción: el lupus es una enfermedad compleja y varias veces de difícil abordaje. Alcanzar la remisión es uno de los objetivos, incorporando opciones terapéuticas. Objetivos: describir las características generales de los pacientes según el estado de la enfermedad y el uso de belimumab. Materiales y métodos: estudio de corte transversal, registro RELESSAR. Se definió el estado de la enfermedad como: remisión: SLEDAI=0 y sin corticoides; baja actividad de la enfermedad: SLEDAI >0 y ≤4 y sin corticoides; control no óptimo: SLEDAI >4 y cualquier dosis de corticoides. Resultados: se incluyeron 1.277 pacientes, 23,4% en remisión, 12,6% en baja actividad y 63,8% con control no óptimo. En este último grupo eran más jóvenes y con menor duración de la enfermedad; presentaban mayores índices de actividad y cronicidad, y mayor empleo de inmunosupresores. Solo el 22,3% de los pacientes con criterio potencial de uso de belimumab (lupus eritematoso sistémico activo a pesar del tratamiento estándar) lo recibía en ese momento. Las variables asociadas a hospitalizaciones fueron: terapia con corticoides, ciclofosfamida y mayor SLICC. Conclusiones: se refleja la complejidad del manejo de estos pacientes y se visualizan aspectos estructurales como la desigualdad. El uso del belimumab resultaría beneficioso en los pacientes seleccionados.

Introduction: lupus is a complex disease and often difficult to approach. Achieving remission is one of the objectives, incorporating therapeutic options. Objectives: to describe the characteristics of the patients and the use of belimumab, according to the status of the disease. Materials and methods: cross-sectional study. Patients of the RELESSAR registry. Stratification: Remission: SLEDAI=0 and without corticosteroids. Low disease activity SLEDAI> 0 and ≤4 and without corticosteroids and non-optimal control: SLEDAI> 4 and any dose of corticosteroids. Results: a total of 1,277 patients were included, 23.4% in remission, 12.6% in low disease activity and 63.8% in non-optimal control. The last group was younger and had a shorter duration of the disease. They had higher activity and chronicity indices and greater use of immunosuppressants. Only 22.3% of the patients with potential criteria for the use of belimumab (activity disease despite standard treatment) were receiving it. The variables associated with hospitalizations were: corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide and higher SLICC. Those associated with severe infection: mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine, corticosteroids, and higher SLICC. Conclusions: the complexity of the management of these patients is reflected, visualizing structural aspects such as inequality. The use of belimumab could be beneficial in selected patients.

Pathogenic mechanisms contributing to thrombocytopenia in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

SummarySystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune condition developing thrombocytopenia in about 10-15% of cases, however, mechanisms leading to low platelet count were not deeply investigated in this illness. Here we studied possible causes of thrombocytopenia, including different mechanisms of platelet clearance and impairment in platelet production. Twenty-five SLE patients with and without thrombocytopenia were included. Platelet apoptosis, assessed by measurement of loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, active caspase 3 and phosphatidylserine exposure, was found to increase in thrombocytopenic patients. Plasma from 67% SLE patients (thrombocytopenic and non-thrombocytopenic) induced loss of sialic acid (Ricinus communis agglutinin I and/or Peanut agglutinin binding) from normal platelet glycoproteins. Concerning platelet production, SLE plasma increased megakaryopoiesis (evaluated using normal human cord blood CD34+ hematopoietic progenitors), but inhibited thrombopoiesis (proplatelet count). Anti-platelet autoantibody depletion from SLE plasma reverted this inhibition. Overall, abnormalities were more frequently observed in thrombocytopenic than non-thrombocytopenic SLE patients and in those with active disease (SLEDAI≥5). In conclusion, platelet clearance due to apoptosis and desialylation, and impaired platelet production mainly due to inhibition of thrombopoiesis, could be relevant mechanisms leading to thrombocytopenia in SLE. These findings could provide a rational basis for the choice of proper therapies to correct platelet counts in these patients.[Figure: see text].

Characterization of Patients With Dermatomyositis According to Anti-Melanoma Differentiation-Associated Gene-5 Autoantibodies in Centers from 3 Latin American Countries: A Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The anti-melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 (MDA5) autoantibodies have been associated with a high frequency of interstitial lung disease (ILD) and rapidly progressive ILD (RP-ILD) in dermatomyositis (DM) patients, mainly in Asian subjects. However, there is scarce information about these parameters in Latin American patients. METHOD: This was a medical records review cohort study that included classic DM (CDM) and clinically amyopathic DM (CADM) patients from 3 Latin American countries (Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico). RESULTS: A total of 270 DM patients were evaluated: 25.9% with CADM and 74.1% with CDM. The overall prevalence of ILD and RP-ILD, respectively, was 70 (25.9%) and 4 (1.5%) of the 270 patients, and the distributions were comparable between patients with CDM and CADM. The anti-MDA5 was present in 31 (25.4%) of 122 CDM patients and in 17 (48.6%) of 35 CADM patients; it was not associated with presence of ILD and RP-ILD. However, anti-MDA5-positive CDM patients had significantly high frequency of "mechanic's hands," arthralgia, arthritis, and lower serum levels of creatine phosphokinase, whereas anti-MDA5-positive CADM patients had significantly high frequency of arthritis. Pulmonary infection and ILD are main causes of death in DM patients. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, the prevalence of ILD in DM patients is comparable to that described in the literature, in contrast to the very low frequency of RP-ILD. In addition, the anti-MDA5 is not associated with ILD and RP-ILD, but anti-MDA5-positive DM patients present conditions that mimic antisynthetase syndrome. Pulmonary infection and ILD were the main causes of death in our sample.

Anti-RNA polymerase III antibodies in systemic sclerosis: Multicentric study from Argentina.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the frequency of anti-RNA polymerase III antibody in patients with Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) of a group of healthcare centres from Argentina and to explore differences among patients with positive and negative anti-RNA polymerase III antibody. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data from clinical records, anamnesis and physical examination were collected from 135 patients with SSc (ACR/EULAR 2013). A serum sample from each patient was obtained for the detection of anti-RNA polymerase III IgG antibodies by ELISA. RESULTS: In all, 97.8% were women and the median age at diagnosis was 53 years (range 12-87), 77.7% had limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSC), 19,3% patients had diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSC) and 2.9% had scleroderma sine scleroderma. The 67.5% of the patients were from a Mestizos or Amerindian ethnic group. Anti-RNA polymerase III was positive in 5.9% of the patients. In 36 patients, the anticentromere (ACA) and anti-Scl70 antibodies were negative; anti-RNA polymerase III was positive in 16.7% of these 36 patients. Pitting scars and pulmonary artery hypertension were more frequent in anti-RNA polymerase III positive patients who were also older at diagnosis. No association with gastric antral vascular ectasia was found. The only patient with scleroderma renal crisis was anti-RNA polymerase III positive. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-RNA polymerase III frequency found in this study was one of the lowest reported, which could be related to the predominance of the Amerindian and Mestizo ethnic group. It is possible that the detection of anti RNA polymerase III allows better classification of SSc patients, to know their prognosis and to improve their follow-up, therefore more studies are needed.

Validation and adaptation of the Spanish version of the systemic lupus activity questionnaire (S-SLAQ) in an Argentinean population.

OBJECTIVES: To validate the systemic lupus activity questionnaire (SLAQ) in Spanish language. METHODS: The SLAQ questionnaire was translated and adapted in Spanish. Consecutive SLE patients from 8 centers in Argentina were included. A rheumatologist completed a Systemic Lupus Activity Measure (SLAM), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI)-2K, and a physician's assessment. Reliability was assessed by internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), stability by test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient), and construct validity by evaluating the correlation with clinically relevant scores. Sensitivity and specificity for clinically significant disease activity (SLEDAI ≥6) of different S-SLAQ cut-off points were evaluated. RESULTS: We included 97 patients ((93% female, mean age: 40 years (SD14.7)). Internal consistency was excellent (Cronbach's alpha = 0.84, p < 0.001), and the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.95 (p < 0.001). Mean score of S-SLAQ was 8.2 (SD 7.31). Correlation of S-SLAQ was moderate with Patient NRS (r= 0.63 p< 0.001), weak with SLAM-no lab (r = 0.42, p <0.001) and SLAM (r = 0.38, p < 0.0001), and very weak with SLEDAI-2K (r = 0.15, p =0.1394). Using the S-SLAQ cutoff of five points, the sensitivity was 72.2% and specificity was 37.9%, for clinically significant disease activity. CONCLUSIONS: The S-SLAQ showed good validity and reliability. A good correlation, similar to the original instrument, was observed with patient´s global disease activity. No correlation was found between S-SLAQ and gold standard disease activity measures like SLEDAI-2K and SLAM. The S-SLAQ cutoff point of 5 showed a good sensitivity to identify the active SLE population and therefore could be an appropriate screening instrument for disease activity in clinical and epidemiological studies.

Myositis-specific antibodies and clinical characteristics in patients with autoimmune inflammatory myopathies: reported by the Argentine Registry of Inflammatory Myopathies of the Argentine Society of Rheumatology.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: To describe clinical features in patients with inflammatory myopathies (IMs) from the Argentine Registry of Inflammatory Myopathies, and their relationship with myositis-specific antibodies (MSAs). METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 360 adult patients with dermatomyositis (DM), polymyositis (PM), and inclusion body myositis. Demographics, clinical, and serological characteristics were retrospectively recorded (2016-2019). MSAs were determined by immunoblotting. Patients who were positive for anti-Jo-1, Mi-2, and MDA5 were compared against a group of patients, taken as reference group, who were negative for all MSAs. RESULTS: Women 72%, median age at diagnosis was 47.3 years (18-82). The most frequent subtypes were DM (43.9%) followed by PM (30%).The most frequent MSAs were anti-Jo-1 (51/317), 16.1%; MDA5 (12/111), 10.8%, and Mi-2 (23/226), 10.2%. Anti-Jo-1 was associated (p < 0.05) with a higher frequency of chronic disease course, interstitial lung disease (ILD), arthritis, and mechanic's hands. Anti-Mi-2 was found in patients who had higher frequency of skin manifestations and higher CK values (p < 0.001). Patients with anti-MDA5 had normal or low CK levels. Anti-MDA5 was associated (p < 0.05) with skin manifestations, arthritis, and ILD. The rest of MSAs had frequencies lower than 8%. Anti-TIF1ϒ was found in eight DM patients and one had cancer. Anti-SRP was found in seven patients who had PM and elevated CK. CONCLUSION: Anti-Jo-1 was the most frequent MSA, and was associated with ILD; MDA5 was associated with CADM and ILD, and Mi-2, with classical DM. Despite the different prevalence with respect to other cohorts, the clinical characteristics for each MSA group were similar to the data reported in other studies. Key Points • This study describes the prevalence of MSAs in the Argentine Registry of IMs. • Anti-Jo-1 and anti-MDA5 were associated with ILD. • Anti-Mi-2 was the third most frequent MSA, associated with classical DM.

Clinical characteristics and prognostic factors in an argentinian cohort with ANCA-associated vasculitis / Características clínicas y factores pronósticos en una cohorte argentina de vasculitis asociada a ANCA

Abstract ANCA-associated vasculitis is a heterogeneous group of rare autoimmune conditions of unknown cause. Clinical characteristics and prognostic factors were analyzed in 47 patients: 20 (42.5%) with granulomatosis with polyangiitis, 17 (36.2%) with microscopic polyangiitis, 6 (12.8%) with renal-limited vasculitis, and 4 (8.5%) with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Mean age at diagnosis was 53.5 ± 16.5 years and the median of BVAS (Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score) was 14 (4-42). The most frequent clinical manifesta tions were: general in 44 (93.6%), renal in 30 (63.8%) and respiratory in 28 (59.6%). All received corticosteroids at the beginning of treatment. Intravenous cyclophosphamide was associated in 20 (42.5%) and oral route in 14 (29.8%); azathioprine in 3 (6.4%) and rituximab in 2 (4.2%). At a median follow-up of 35.5 months (range 0.14- 234), 21 relapses were recorded in 14 patients. Overall mortality was 3.5 deaths per 100 patient-year in the whole group. Those over 55 years old, the presence of alveolar hemorrhage, those with FFS (Five Factor Score) of 2, and patients with MPA had poor prognosis. Renal involvement, ANCA pattern and BVAS were not associated to a poorer prognosis.

Resumen Las vasculitis asociadas a ANCA son un grupo heterogéneo de entidades autoinmunes, poco frecuentes, de etiología desconocida. Analizamos las características clínicas y factores pronóstico en 47 pacientes: 20 (42.5%) granulomatosis con poliangeítis, 17 (36.2%) poliangeítis microscópica, 6 (12.8%) vasculitis limitada al riñón y 4 (8.5%) granulomatosis eosinofílica con poliangeítis. La edad promedio al diagnóstico fue 53.5 ± 16.5 años y la mediana de BVAS (Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score) 14 (4-42). Las manifestaciones clínicas más frecuentes fueron: generales en 44 (93.6%), renales 30 (63.8%) y respiratorias en 28 (59.6%). Todos recibieron corticoides al inicio del tratamiento. Se asoció ciclofosfamida endovenosa en 20 (42.5%) y oral en 14 (29.8%); azatioprina en 3 (6.4%) y rituximab en 2 (4.2%). En una mediana de seguimiento de 35.5 meses (rango 0.14-234), se registraron 21 recaídas en 14 pacientes. La mortalidad fue 3.5 por cien pacientes-año en todo el grupo. Los mayores de 55 años, con presencia de hemorragia alveolar, FFS (Five Factor Score) de 2, y los casos con poliangeítis microscópica tuvieron peor pronóstico. El compromiso renal, el patrón de ANCA y el BVAS no se asociaron a peor pronóstico.

Anti-RNA Polymerase III Antibodies in Systemic Sclerosis: Multicentric Study from Argentina. / Anticuerpos anti-RNA polimerasa III en esclerosis sistémica: estudio multicéntrico de Argentina.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the frequency of anti-RNA polymerase III antibody in patients with Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) of a group of healthcare centres from Argentina and to explore differences among patients with positive and negative anti-RNA polymerase III antibody. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data from clinical records, anamnesis and physical examination were collected from 135 patients with SSc (ACR/EULAR 2013). A serum sample from each patient was obtained for the detection of anti-RNA polymerase III IgG antibodies by ELISA. RESULTS: In all, 97.8% were women and the median age at diagnosis was 53 years (range: 12-87), 77.7% had limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSC), 19,3% patients had diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSC) and 2.9% had scleroderma sine scleroderma. The 67.5% of the patients were from a Mestizos or Amerindian ethnic group. Anti-RNA polymerase III was positive in 5.9% of the patients. In 36 patients, the anticentromere (ACA) and anti-Scl70 antibodies were negative; anti-RNA polymerase III was positive in 16.7% of these 36 patients. Pitting scars and pulmonary artery hypertension were more frequent in anti-RNA polymerase III positive patients who were also older at diagnosis. No association with gastric antral vascular ectasia was found. The only patient with scleroderma renal crisis was anti-RNA polymerase III positive. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-RNA polymerase III frequency found in this study was one of the lowest reported, which could be related to the predominance of the Amerindian and Mestizo ethnic group. It is possible that the detection of anti-RNA polymerase III allows better classification of SSc patients, to know their prognosis and to improve their follow-up, therefore more studies are needed.

Clinical characteristics and prognostic factors in an Argentinian cohort with ANCA-associated vasculitis.

ANCA-associated vasculitis is a heterogeneous group of rare autoimmune conditions of unknown cause. Clinical characteristics and prognostic factors were analyzed in 47 patients: 20 (42.5%) with granulomatosis with polyangiitis, 17 (36.2%) with microscopic polyangiitis, 6 (12.8%) with renal-limited vasculitis, and 4 (8.5%) with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Mean age at diagnosis was 53.5 ± 16.5 years and the median of BVAS (Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score) was 14 (4-42). The most frequent clinical manifestations were: general in 44 (93.6%), renal in 30 (63.8%) and respiratory in 28 (59.6%). All received corticosteroids at the beginning of treatment. Intravenous cyclophosphamide was associated in 20 (42.5%) and oral route in 14 (29.8%); azathioprine in 3 (6.4%) and rituximab in 2 (4.2%). At a median follow-up of 35.5 months (range 0.14-234), 21 relapses were recorded in 14 patients. Overall mortality was 3.5 deaths per 100 patient-year in the whole group. Those over 55 years old, the presence of alveolar hemorrhage, those with FFS (Five Factor Score) of 2, and patients with MPA had poor prognosis. Renal involvement, ANCA pattern and BVAS were not associated to a poorer prognosis.

Las vasculitis asociadas a ANCA son un grupo heterogéneo de entidades autoinmunes, poco frecuentes, de etiología desconocida. Analizamos las características clínicas y factores pronóstico en 47 pacientes: 20 (42.5%) granulomatosis con poliangeítis, 17 (36.2%) poliangeítis microscópica, 6 (12.8%) vasculitis limitada al riñón y 4 (8.5%) granulomatosis eosinofílica con poliangeítis. La edad promedio al diagnóstico fue 53.5 ± 16.5 años y la mediana de BVAS (Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score) 14 (4-42). Las manifestaciones clínicas más frecuentes fueron: generales en 44 (93.6%), renales 30 (63.8%) y respiratorias en 28 (59.6%). Todos recibieron corticoides al inicio del tratamiento. Se asoció ciclofosfamida endovenosa en 20 (42.5%) y oral en 14 (29.8%); azatioprina en 3 (6.4%) y rituximab en 2 (4.2%). En una mediana de seguimiento de 35.5 meses (rango 0.14-234), se registraron 21 recaídas en 14 pacientes. La mortalidad fue 3.5 por cien pacientes-año en todo el grupo. Los mayores de 55 años, con presencia de hemorragia alveolar, FFS (Five Factor Score) de 2, y los casos con poliangeítis microscópica tuvieron peor pronóstico. El compromiso renal, el patrón de ANCA y el BVAS no se asociaron a peor pronóstico.

Access to healthcare system of indigenous communities with musculoskeletal disorders and rheumatic disease in Chaco, Argentina: a qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to describe the local healthcare system from the perspective of the health professionals, community health workers, and local representatives of the qom community living in the province of Chaco, Argentina. METHODS: A qualitative study, with an ethnographic approach, was carried out using two techniques: non-participant observations and semi-structured interviews. A guide for the interviews was designed and developed by a multidisciplinary group of GLADERPO researchers. The main aspects included were the following: reference into the local healthcare system and accessibility to the system. Andersen's base conceptual model of health service utilization was applied for the analysis and for structuring the results. RESULTS: A total of 21 people were interviewed, twelve women and nine men with an age ranging between 25 and 60 years old. The main findings were different barriers (communication and cultural) between the community and the healthcare system; "navigation" within the health system carried out by the qom community; and migration and bureaucratization of the health system. CONCLUSIONS: These findings should be incorporated into educational strategies to improve access to healthcare system and adherence to medical treatment, establishing an interaction between the different levels of the local care system and providing community health workers with an appropriate training with the support of the community representatives. Key Points • The different barriers between the community and the healthcare system were described. • The "navigation" within the health system carried out by the qom community and the migration were relevant points. • The bureaucratization of the health system and the need to design and implement educational strategies in the future were highlighted.

Métodos de diagnóstico en el estudio de las Miopatías Inflamatorias Autoinmunes: Datos del Registro Argentino de Miopatías Inflamatorias de la Sociedad Argentina de Reumatología / Diagnostic methods in the study of Inflammatory Myopathies. Data from the Argentine Register: Argentine Rheumatology Society

Las Miopatías Inflamatorias Autoinmunes (MI) comprenden un grupo de enfermedades heterogéneas con presentación y características clínicas variables. Se distinguen subtipos clínicos como Polimiositis (PM), Dermatomiositis (DM), Miositis por cuerpos de Inclusión (MCI), Miopatía Necrotizante Inmunomediada (MNIM), Miositis de los Síndromes de Superposición, formas juveniles de MI (DMJ), Síndrome Antisintetasa (SAS) y Miopatía Asociada a Cáncer (MAC). La presencia de anticuerpos séricos y el infiltrado inflamatorio en la biopsia de músculo sugiere que se trata de una condición autoinmune. Realizar el diagnóstico de las MI suele ser un desafío y las herramientas diagnósticas no siempre están disponibles en la práctica diaria. Se obtuvo información sobre la disponibilidad de estos métodos del Registro Argentino de Miopatías Inflamatorias. El estudio de enzimas musculares, Anticuerpos Antinucleares (ANA), anticuerpo anti-Jo-1 y la tomografía computada de tórax, estuvieron disponibles para la mayoría de los pacientes mientras que la Resonancia Magnética de musculo (RM), el estudio de difusión de monóxido de carbono (DLco) y la biopsia muscular se realizaron en menos del 50% de los casos. La determinación de otros anticuerpos específicos de miositis, de importancia en el diagnóstico y pronóstico de la enfermedad se realizó, en mayor parte, a través de un subsidio de la SAR.

The Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies (IIM) comprise a heterogeneous group of acquired muscle diseases classified as polymyositis (PM), dermatomyositis (DM), Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM), Immuno Mediated Necrotizing Myopathies (IMNM), Overlap Myositis (OM), juvenile myositis, Antisynthethase Syndrome (ASS) and cancer related myositis (CAM). The presence of myositis specific antibodies in the serum and autoantibodies against target antigens and inflammatory infiltrates in muscle tissue suggests the autoimmune condition of the disease. The diagnosis of inflammatory myopathies is often a challenge and the disposal of diagnostic tools are not always available in daily practice. Information on the accessibility of these methods was obtained from the Argentine Register of Myopathies. The study of muscle enzymes, ANA, anti-Jo-1 antibodies and chest tomography were easy to get to most patients while muscle MRI, lung diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLco) and muscle biopsy were performed in less than 50% of cases. Other myositis specific antibodies, necessary for disease diagnosis and prognosis, were mostly done through a subsidy from the Argentine Rheumatology Society.