Nonlesional Sources of Contrast Enhancement on Postgadolinium "Black-Blood" 3D T1-SPACE Images in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We hypothesized that 3D T1-TSE "black-blood" images may carry an increased risk of contrast-enhancing lesion misdiagnosis in patients with MS because of the misinterpretation of intraparenchymal vein enhancement. Thus, the occurrence of true-positive and false-positive findings was compared between standard MPRAGE and volumetric interpolated brain examination techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sampling perfection with application-optimized contrasts by using different flip-angle evolution (SPACE) images obtained from 232 patients with MS, clinically isolated syndrome, or radiologically isolated syndrome were compared with standard MPRAGE and volumetric interpolated brain examination images. The intraparenchymal vein contrast-to-noise ratio was estimated at the level of the thalami. Contrast-enhancing lesions were blindly detected by 2 expert readers and 1 beginner reader. True- and false-positives were determined by senior readers' consensus. True-positive and false-positive frequency differences and patient-level diagnosis probability were tested with the McNemar test and OR. The contrast-to-noise ratio and morphology were compared using the Mann-Whitney U and χ2 tests. RESULTS: The intraparenchymal vein contrast-to-noise ratio was higher in SPACE than in MPRAGE and volumetric interpolated brain examination images (P < .001, both). There were 66 true-positives and 74 false-positives overall. SPACE detected more true-positive and false-positive results (P range < .001-.07) but did not increase the patient's true-positive likelihood (OR = 1 1.29, P = .478-1). However, the false-positive likelihood was increased (OR = 3.03-3.55, P = .008-.027). Venous-origin false-positives (n = 59) with contrast-to-noise ratio and morphology features similar to small-sized (≤14 mm3 P = .544) true-positives occurred more frequently in SPACE images (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Small intraparenchymal veins may confound the diagnosis of enhancing lesions on postgadolinium black-blood SPACE images.

Prognostic biomarkers in primary progressive multiple sclerosis: Validating and scrutinizing multimodal evoked potentials.

OBJECTIVE: To validate the prognostic value of multimodal evoked potentials (mmEP) in primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) and to determine the most predictive EP-modalities. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients with PPMS (expanded disability status scale (EDSS): 2.0-6.5; mean clinical follow-up: 2.8 years) had visual (VEP), upper and lower limb somatosensory (SEP) and motor EP (MEP) at baseline. Quantitative EP-scores for single (qVEP, qSEP, qMEP) and combined modalities were correlated to EDSS and compared to previously published data of 21 PPMS patients. Predictors of EDSS-change were analyzed in pooled data by linear regression. RESULTS: Samples were comparable. Except qVEP, all EP-scores were correlated to EDSS at baseline (Rho: 0.45-0.69; p < 0.01) and follow-up (Rho: 0.59-0.80; p < 0.001). Combined EP-modalities significantly predicted EDSS-change (R2adj: 0.24), while EDSS and age did not. Tibial qSEP (R2adj: 0.22) and qMEP (R2adj: 0.26) were the best single modality predictors, outperformed by their combination (R2adj: 0.32). CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative EP-scores predict up to 32% of EDSS-change over three years. Modalities representing motor and long tract function carry the main prognostic information. SIGNIFICANCE: Replication of previous results corroborates the use of mmEP as a prognostic biomarker candidate in PPMS.

Dedicated 3D-T2-STIR-ZOOMit Imaging Improves Demyelinating Lesion Detection in the Anterior Visual Pathways of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Demyelinating lesions in the anterior visual pathways represent an underestimated marker of disease dissemination in patients with MS. We prospectively investigated whether a dedicated high-resolution MR imaging technique, the 3D-T2-STIR-ZOOMit, improves demyelinating lesion detection compared with the current clinical standard sequence, the 2D-T2-STIR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 3T MR imaging of the anterior visual pathways (optic nerves, chiasm, and tracts) was performed using 3D-T2-STIR-ZOOMit and 2D-T2-STIR, in patients with MS and healthy controls. Two experienced neuroradiologists assessed, independently, demyelinating lesions using both sequences separately. 3D-T2-STIR-ZOOMit scan-rescan reproducibility was tested in 12 patients. The Cohen κ was used for interrater agreement, and the intraclass correlation coefficient for reproducibility. Between-sequence detection differences and the effects of location and previous acute optic neuritis were assessed using a binomial mixed-effects model. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients with MS with (n = 19) or without (n = 29) past optic neuritis and 19 healthy controls were evaluated. Readers' agreement was strong (3D-T2-STIR-ZOOMit: 0.85; 2D-T2-STIR: 0.90). The 3D-T2-STIR-ZOOMit scan-rescan intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.97 (95% CI, 0.96-0.98; P < .001), indicating excellent reproducibility. Overall, 3D-T2-STIR-ZOOMit detected more than twice the demyelinating lesions (n = 89) than 2D-T2-STIR (n = 43) (OR = 2.7; 95% CI, 1.7-4.1; P < .001). In the intracranial anterior visual pathway segments, 33 of the 36 demyelinating lesions (91.7%) detected by 3D-T2-STIR-ZOOMit were not disclosed by 2D-T2-STIR. 3D-T2-STIR-ZOOMit increased detection of demyelinating lesion probability by 1.8-fold in patients with past optic neuritis (OR = 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2-3.1; P = .01) and 5.9-fold in patients without past optic neuritis (OR = 5.9; 95% CI, 2.5-13.8; P < .001). No false-positive demyelinating lesions were detected in healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: Dedicated 3D-T2-STIR-ZOOMit images improved substantially the detection of MS disease dissemination in the anterior visual pathways, particularly in the intracranial segments and in patients without past optic neuritis.

Niveles de Interferón Tipo I en pacientes con Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico / Type I interferon levels in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Introducción: El interferón (IFN) tipo I es una citoquina que juega un rol fundamental en la patogenia del Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico (LES). Diferentes niveles de esta citoquina podrían explicar la heterogeneidad de esta patología y ser útil para evaluar la actividad de la misma. Objetivos: Determinar los niveles de IFN tipo I sérico en pacientes con LES y evaluar su utilidad como biomarcador de actividad. Material y Métodos: 16 pacientes con LES (ACR 1997) y 16 controles. Métodos: Actividad de la enfermedad (SLEDAI-2K), daño orgánico (SLICC), IFN tipo I (HEK-Blue-IFNα/β), anticuerpos anti-DNAdc (Inmunofluorescencia Indirecta), anticuerpos anti-ENA (ELISA), C3-C4 (Inmunoturbidimetría). Estadística: InfoStat/Instat/MedCalc. Valores de p<0,05 fueron considerados estadísticamente significativos. Resultados: Se observó un aumento de la concentración de IFN en el grupo LES con respecto al control (p<0,05). Los pacientes con valores de IFN superiores al punto de corte, se asociaron con la presencia de anticuerpos anti-DNAdc (OR:13,33; p<0,05). Pacientes con hipocomplementemia y aquellos con puntaje de SLEDAI-2K mayor a 8 presentaron mayores niveles de IFN comparados con pacientes con complemento normal y menor puntaje de índice, respectivamente (p<0,05). Conclusiones: Estos resultados sugieren la importancia que podría tener la determinación de IFN tipo I para el monitoreo de la actividad del LES.

Introduction: Type I interferon (IFN) is a cytokine that plays a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Different levels of this cytokine could explain the heterogeneity of this pathology and be useful to evaluate its activity. Objectives: To determine the serum type I IFN levels in patients with SLE and evaluate its usefulness as a biomarker of activity. Material and Method: 16 patients with SLE (ACR 1997) and 16 controls. Methods: Disease activity (SLEDAI-2K), organ damage (SLICC), type I IFN (HEK-Blue-IFNα/β), anti-dsDNA antibodies (Indirect Immunofluorescence), anti-ENA antibodies (ELISA), C3-C4 (Immunoturbidimetry). Statistics: InfoStat/Instat/MedCalc. P values <0.05 were statistically significant. Results: An increase in IFN concentration was observed in the SLE group respect to the control (p <0.05). Patients with IFN values above the cut-off point were associated with the presence of anti-dsDNA antibodies (OR: 13.33; p<0.05). Hypocomplementemic patients and those with a SLEDAI-2K score greater than 8 had higher IFN levels compared to patients with normal complement and a lower index score, respectively (p<0.05). Conclusions: These results suggest the importance that the determination of IFN type I could have for the monitoring of SLE activity.

Polineuropatía desmielinizante inflamatoria crónica como forma de presentación de lupus eritematoso sistémico / Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy as a form of presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus

Se describe el caso de una mujer de 35 años que presenta polineuropatía desmielinizante inflamatoria crónica como compromiso neurológico en su diagnóstico inicial de lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES). Si bien el compromiso neurológico es de una prevalencia variable en lupus, la asociación que se describe no es frecuente y tiene importantes connotaciones en el tratamiento.

We described a 35 years old female, who developed Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy as neurologic commitment during the early diagnosis in Systemic Lupus Erithematosus (SLE). While the neuropsychiatric commitment has a variable prevalence in SLE, the association that we describe is infrequent and it has important concerns during its treatment.

Factors influencing patient satisfaction with the first diagnostic consultation in multiple sclerosis: a Swiss Multiple Sclerosis Registry (SMSR) study.

BACKGROUND: Patient satisfaction is predictive of adherence, malpractice litigation and doctor-switching. OBJECTIVE: To investigate which factors of the first diagnostic consultation (FDC) influence patient satisfaction and which topics persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) thought were missing. METHODS: Using retrospective patient-reported data of the Swiss Multiple Sclerosis Registry from PwMS with relapsing disease onset, we fitted ordered logistic regression models on satisfaction with FDC, with socio-demographic and FDC features as explanatory factors. RESULTS: 386 PwMS diagnosed after 1995 were included. Good satisfaction with the FDC was associated with a conversation more than 20 min [multivariable odds ratio, 95% confidence interval 3.9 (2.42; 6.27)], covering many topics [1.35 (1.19; 1.54) per additional topic], the presence of a significant others [1.74 (1.03; 2.94) ], and shared decision making [3.39 (1.74; 6.59)]. Not receiving a specific diagnosis was main driver for low satisfaction [0.29 (0.15; 0.55)]. Main missing topics concerned long-term consequences (reported by 6.7%), psychological aspects (6.2%) and how to obtain support and further information (5.2%). CONCLUSIONS: A conversation of more than 20 min covering many MS relevant topics, a clear communication of the diagnosis, the presence of a close relative or significant other, as well as shared decision making enhanced patient satisfaction with the FDC. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02980640.

Infusion-related reactions during Natalizumab treatment: Do we still need a post-infusion observation period?

BACKGROUND: Natalizumab (NTZ) is a humanized monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. Although NTZ is usually well-tolerated, infusion-related reactions (IRRs) may occur, and the patients have to be monitored during the infusion and for one hour afterwards. OBJECTIVE: To identify frequency and severity of IRRs during NTZ infusions and one-hour post-infusion observation period in a clinical practice setting. METHODS: Multicenter, observational study involving three Swiss (Lugano, St. Gallen and Luzern) and two Italian (Milano and Napoli) tertiary MS centers. Predisposing factors to IRRs were investigated using multivariate Cox regression models. RESULTS: A total of 11'133 infusions received by 302 MS patients were analyzed (68.9% females, median age 33.6 years, median EDSS 2.5). IRRs occurred in 24 (8%) patients during NTZ infusions and in 7 (2%) during one-hour post-infusion. Only 8 patients needed pharmacological treatment, of whom 7 during NTZ infusion. Age, sex and history of allergies were not associated with risks for IRR. The frequency of post infusion IRRs after the fifth cycle was low compared to that during the first four infusions (0.83% vs 0.06%). CONCLUSION: In our cohort, NTZ associated IRR mainly occurred during the infusion period compared to the one-hour observational period. Also, the first IRR exclusively occurred within the first 4 NTZ administrations. However, further multi-center studies with a larger sample size are needed to capture rare and serious events that could emerge during the observational period and to make clinical recommendations.

Polineuropatía desmielinizante inflamatoria crónica como forma de presentación de lupus eritematoso sistémico / Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy such as presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus

Se describe el caso de una mujer de 35 años que presenta polineuropatía desmielinizante inflamatoria crónica como compromiso neurológico en su diagnóstico inicial de lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES). Si bien el compromiso neurológico es de una prevalencia variable en lupus, la asociación que se describe no es frecuente y tiene importantes connotaciones en el tratamiento.

We described a 35 years old female, who developed Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy as neurologic commitment during the early diagnosis in Systemic Lupus Erithematosus (SLE). While the neuropsychiatric commitment has a variable prevalence in SLE, the association that we describe is infrequent and it has important concerns during its treatment.

Atypical Post-Injection Reactions with Delayed Onset Following Glatiramer Acetate 40 mg: Need for Titration?

BACKGROUND: Glatiramer acetate (GA) 20 mg/day (GA20) is associated with immediate post-injection reactions (PIRs). For convenience of use, approved GA 40 mg three times weekly (GA40) delivers a similar weekly dose. The dose and concentration of a single GA40 injection are, however, twice as high as for GA20, and post-injection adverse events may differ. Cases of atypical PIRs to GA40 prompted us to systematically monitor such events. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to characterize atypical PIRs in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients treated with GA40. METHODS: Clinical practice data were prospectively collected in consecutive relapsing-remitting MS patients. Descriptive statistics for categorical and continuous variables, Mann-Whitney and Chi-squared tests for baseline comparisons, and Cox regression models for association of variables to first atypical PIRs were applied. RESULTS: Forty-six out of 173 patients (26.6%) given GA40 experienced any PIRs. Of those, 38 (22.0%) had atypical, 14 (8.1%) had combined typical and atypical, and 26 (15.0%) had recurrent atypical PIRs, most frequently shivering (13.3%) and nausea/vomiting (8.1%). Compared to typical PIRs, onset of atypical PIRs was significantly delayed (median 30 vs 1 min, p < 0.0001), and their median duration longer (median 120 vs 6 min, p = 0.00013). Previous exposure to GA20 was associated with a lower risk of atypical PIRs [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.17-0.72, p = 0.0039]. Patients experiencing PIRs with GA20 were at elevated risk for atypical PIRs with GA40 (HR = 5.75, 95% CI 1.66-19.94, p = 0.0059). CONCLUSIONS: Atypical PIRs with GA40, especially gastrointestinal symptoms and/or fever/shivering, had a delayed onset and occurred in a significant proportion of our patients. Their real prevalence should be assessed in appropriately designed studies accounting for  nocebo responses. Initial dose titration might reduce PIR frequency.

Severe multiple sclerosis reactivation during prolonged lymphopenia after dimethyl fumarate discontinuation.

BACKGROUND: Delayed-release dimethyl fumarate (DMF) treatment can be associated with reduced lymphocyte and leucocyte counts, which might persist after DMF discontinuation. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a patient with severe disease reactivation despite prolonged lymphopenia after DMF discontinuation. We describe the frequency and impact of prolonged lymphopenia after DMF discontinuation at two tertiary MS centres. A 36-year-old female patient with multiple sclerosis was switched to DMF after 14 years of treatment with interferon beta-1a. DMF was suspended after 4 months because of persistent lymphopenia for 3 months. Six months later, the patient had a severe relapse with multiple enhancing brain lesions at MRI although lymphopenia was still persistent. Haematological assessment excluded other causes of lymphopenia, which was evaluated as a probable iatrogenic complication of DMF. The patient was treated with i.v. methylprednisolone 1 gr daily for 3 days with clinical recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged lymphopenia after DMT discontinuation does not protect against disease reactivation. Starting a new immune therapy should be balanced against the option of a "wait and see." A different immunotherapeutic strategy such as an anti-B therapeutic approach could be considered.

[Electrocardiographic changes and QT interval modifications in patients with Early Arthritis]. / Comportamiento del QT corregido en artritis.

BACKGROUND: The QT interval modification has been described in patients witrthritis (RA) and it could be a useful marker of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. AIMS: To evaluate the QT interval modifications in patients with early arthritis (EA) and its association with disease activity (DA). METHODS: We studied patients with diagnosis of EA attended to Rheumatology Unit at Córdoba Hospital from January 2010 to December 2013. Control group was population age, gender and cardiovascular risk factors matched. Exclusion criteria were: myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, K level >5, or anti-arrhythmia treatment. ECG was performed by standard technique and QT interval was measured from the beginning of QRS to the end of T wave. QTC value was calculated by Bazzet formula. The activity disease was measured by Disease Activity Score (DAS 28), and was considered low disease activity below 3.2, and moderate / high disease activity more than 3,2. RESULTS: 31 patients were included with 83.9 % of females and the mean age was 41.9 years old and DAS 28 was 5.09. 31 persons were included as a control group with a mean age of 42.2 years old. QT interval was 0.376 mm/s and l QTC 0.408 in EA and QT was 0.381 mm/s and QTC 0.415 mm/s in the control group ( p= NS, p= NS). QT interval and QTC were 0.39 and 0.38 in low DA patients; 0.37 and 0.411 in Moderate / High DA ( p=NS) Conclusions: The QT interval was not modified and it was not related with DA in EA.

Urinary incontinence in multiple sclerosis: prevalence, severity and impact on patients' quality of life.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) including frequent urination, nocturia and urge urinary incontinence negatively impact quality of life. This project aimed at characterizing the prevalence and severity of urinary incontinence in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and its association with demographic and clinical features. METHODS: In all, 403 consecutive clinically stable MS patients answered the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ) and the Patient Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC) questionnaire. Demographic and clinical parameters including the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) were collected. Statistical analyses were performed using univariate and multivariate linear regression models. RESULTS: Females represented 72%, relapsing-remitting patients 82%. The mean (SD) disease duration and EDSS were 11.8 (8.6) years and 3.1 (1.9) respectively. Approximately 35% of patients reported urine incontinence. ICIQ scores were positively associated with EDSS, female gender, presence of LUTS therapies and absence of disease modifying treatments (P < 0.001). PPBC scores were positively associated with EDSS and the presence of LUTS therapies (P < 0.001). DISCUSSION: Urinary incontinence is frequent in MS, prevailing in more disabled and female patients. Currently available LUTS therapies appear insufficient in the treatment of this symptom. The negative impact of urinary incontinence on quality of life is high and requires more attention in clinical management and research.

Relevance of asymptomatic spinal MRI lesions in patients with multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: The impact of new asymptomatic spinal cord lesions (a-SL) in multiple sclerosis (MS) course is poorly characterized. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research paper is to assess the prognostic value of a-SL in predicting MS course. METHODS: Relapsing-remitting MS patients who received serial MRI (brain and spinal) at baseline (t1) and within 12 to 36 months (t2) during clinical stability, and had a follow-up (t2-t3) ⩾24 months were included. Relapses and disability progression were evaluated between t2 and t3. RESULTS: Of 413 consecutive screened MS patients, 103 patients (65 females, median age 43 years) were included. After a median t1-t2 interval of 17 (IQR 13-26) months, 25.2% and 43.7% patients had ⩾1 new a-SL (a-SL+) and asymptomatic brain lesions (a-BL+), respectively. Relapse risk between t2 and t3 (median interval: 42 (IQR 32-57.5) months) was significantly increased in a-SL+ and/or a-BL+ vs a-BL- and a-SL- (HR = 2.31, 95% CI = 1.13-4.72, p = 0.02). No differences in the risk of disability progression were found in a-SL+ and/or a-BL+ vs a-SL- and a-BL-. CONCLUSION: a-SL occur in one-quarter of clinically stable RRMS, and combined with a-BL contribute significantly in predicting future disease course.

Características de los tratamientos biológicos en enfermedades reumáticas en Argentina: quinto informe del registro BIOBADASAR / Features of rheumatic diseases biological treatments in Argentina: BIOBADASAR fifth report

Introducción: El proyecto BIOBADASAR (Registro argentino deeventos adversos con tratamientos biológicos en reumatología)comenzó en agosto de 2010, para recabar información a largo plazosobre los eventos adversos en tratamientos biológicos en pacientescon enfermedades reumáticas en la práctica clínica cotidiana enArgentina.Pacientes y método: Se registraron datos de cada paciente,tratamientos y acontecimientos adversos relevantes o importantes.Los pacientes debían tener enfermedad diagnosticada y tratadacon un agente biológico. Cada caso se comparó con un control:un paciente con tratamiento no biológico con característicasdemográficas similares. Se analizaron los datos con análisis de lavarianza, con test de t de Student, Mann Whitney, test chi2, o testexacto de Fisher. El análisis de supervivencia de los tratamientoshasta su discontinuación o interrupción se realizó con el método deKaplan-Meier y test log-rank...

Background: BIOBADASAR (Argentine Registry of Adverse Eventsin Biological Treatments in Rheumatology) was started in August2010 to obtain long-term information of patients with rheumatic diseases,treatments and adverse events in everyday clinical practice.Patients and methods: Data on patients’ demographics,treatments and adverse events were collected. Patients had a diagnosisof a rheumatic disease and were treated with biological agent.To compare information, a control group was included, consisting ofpatients treated with similar demographic characteristics but treatedwith a non-biological agent. Data were analysed with Anova,Student´s t, Mann Whitney, chi2, Fisher´s exact tests, as appropriate.Survival analysis of treatments was performed with Kaplan-Meiercurves and log-rank test...

[Clinical usefulness of Beta2microglobulin in patients with Primary Sjögren Syndrome]. / Utilidad clínica de Beta2microglobulina en pacientes con Síndrome de Sjögren Primario.

The extraglandular manifestations and lymphoproliferative disorders are complications in pSS. There are few serological markers that they are useful in these conditions. OBJETIVES: to evaluate the usefulness of the ß2microglobulin level in patients with pSS and its relation to extra glands manifestations , lymphoproliferative disorders and the presence of Rheumatoid factor (RF), serum immunoglobulins (Igs), and C3 and C4 levels. MATERIAL AND METHODS: we retrospectively studied patients with pSS , OAD and healthy controls . Ig G, Ig A and Ig M levels, serum complement C3 and C4 and RF were performed by immunoturbidimetry, and ß2microglobulin protein by the ELISA technique in all patients. RESULTS: 19 patients with pSS (Group SSp), 28 patients with other autoimme diseases diferent from pSS (Group PAD) and 24 healthy controls (Group C).There was an signifcant increase of ß2m values in Groups SS and OAD vs Group C (6.19 mg/dl vs. 2.53 mg/dl p<0.001) and (4.38 mg/dl vs. 2.53 mg/dl p<0.01). On the other hand, mean ß2m levels in Group SS were higher than in Group OAD (6.19 vs. 4.38 mg/dl p<0.01).There was not a relationship between ß2m level and Ig G, A , M ,complement levels and the presence of RF. CONCLUSION: ß2m can discriminate patients with pSS from those with other autoimmune diseases and healthy subjects. Increased ß2m level in pattients with pSS could reflect hyperactivation of B cells and it could be a potential marker associated with extraglandular manifestations and cell lymphoproliferative disorders.

Las manifestaciones extranglandulares y desórdenes linfoproliferativos son complicaciones que pueden comprometer el curso benigno del Síndrome de Sjögren Primario (SSp). Existen escasos marcadores serológicos con comprobada utilidad para predecirlas y/o diagnosticarlas. Objetivos: Evaluar la utilidad de Beta2microglobulina (ß2m) en pacientes con SSp y correlacionarlos con parámetros séricos predictivos de manifestaciones extraglandulares y enfermedades linfoproliferativas (Factor Reumatoideo (FR), Inmunoglobulinas séricas (Igs), C3 y C4). Materiales y métodos: Se realizó una revisión retrospectiva de historias clínicas de pacientes que consultaron en la Unidad de Reumatología del Hospital Córdoba desde enero de 2010 a octubre 2013 y que fueron derivados a la Sección de Inmunología del Servicio de Bioquímica para la determinación de pruebas de laboratorio . Los pacientes fueron clasificados de acuerdo a los Criterios Diagnósticos de patologías autoinmunes en pacientes con diagnóstico de SSp según el Grupo Consenso Americano-Europeo, otras enfermedades autoinmunes y los controles sanos. Se estudiaron las IgG, IgA e IgM, factores del complemento C3, C4 séricos y FR por inmunoturbidimetría y ß2m por ELISA. Resultados: 19 pacientes con SSp (Grupo SSp), 28 pacientes con patologías autoinmunes distintas a SSp (Grupo PAD), y 24 controles sanos (Grupo C) fueron incluidos en este estudio. Se evidenció un aumento estadísticamente significativo de ß2m en el Grupo SSp respecto al Grupo C (6.19mg/dl vs 2.53mg/dl p<0.001) y respecto al Grupo PAD (6.19 vs 4.38mg/dl p<0.01). En el grupo SSp se observó aumento estadísticamente significativo de IgA (p<0.05) y G (p<0.001) y disminución de C4 (p<0.05) respecto al Grupo C. No se observó correlación entre ß2m y el resto de parámetros séricos determinados. Conclusión: ß2m permitió discriminar pacientes con SSp de aquellos con otras patologías autoinmunes y sujetos sanos. El aumento de ß2m en pacientes con SSp podría reflejar la hiperactivación de células B y podría ser un marcador asociado con las manifestaciones extraglandulares y desórdenes linfoproliferativos.

Evolución y factores pronósticos en pacientes lúpicos con admisión en unidad de terapia intensiva / Evolution and prognostic factors in patients with lupus admitted to intensive care unit

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar las causas de ingreso y la mortalidad de pacientes con LES admitidos en Unidad de Terapia Intensiva (UTI), e identificar factores de riesgo asociados con mortalidad así comola utilidad de la escala de APACHE II como factor de pronóstico. Se estudiaron retrospectivamente pacientes con diagnóstico de LES acorde al ACR 1997, ingresados en UTI del Hospital Córdoba des de junio de 2008 a marzo del 2011. Se analizaron datos demográficos, características de la enfermedad, causas de admisión, escala de APACHEII en las primeras 24 hs de internación, tratamiento realizado, días de internación y mortalidad. Valores de p <0,05 fueron considerados estadísticamente significativos. Se incluyeron 23 pacientes con edad promedio de 31 años, 87,5% de sexo femenino. Las principales causas de ingreso fueron la actividad lúpica e infección en 52,1%. El promedio de días de internación fue de 12. Los tratamientos recibidos más frecuentes fueron: antibióticos 93,8%, pulsos de esteroides 62,5%, ARM e inmunosupresores 56,3%, respectivamente. Ninguno se correlacionó conmortalidad. La mortalidad fue de un 21,7% principalmente causada por la combinación de actividad lúpica con infección. El scoreAPACHE II no tuvo asociación estadísticamente significativa con lamortalidad. Conclusión: La tasa de mortalidad en los pacientes lúpicos admitidosen UTI fue elevada. Sería importante desarrollar instrumentos más certeros de pronóstico en pacientes lúpicos que ingresen a UTI.

Objective: To study the causes of admission and mortality in lupus patients admitted to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and to identify risk factors associated with mortality.We retrospectivel y studied patients with SLE diagnosis with ACRCriteria who were admitted to ICU of Córdoba hospital from June2008 to March 2011. We analyzed demographic data (age, gender, socioeconomic status by Graffar scale), duration of disease, treatment, disease activity by ECLAM score, organic damage by SLICC, causes of ICU admission, APACHE II score in the first 24 hours of hospitalization, days in ICU and mortality. P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.23 patients were included with a mean age of 31 years, 87.5% female and 81.3% with good socioeconomic status. The duration of SLE beforeICU admission was 53 months, 37.5% had no treatment at admission.The main reasons for admission were lupus activity and infection in 52.1% of the patients. The average days of ICU hospitalization was12. The most frequent treatments used were steroid pulses (62.5%), ARM, immunosuppressive treatment (56.3%), and antibiotics 93.8%. Treatments received were not correlated with mortality. Mortality was21.7% and the most frequent cause was the combination of lupus activity with infection. The APACHE II score was not statistically significant association with mortality. Conclusion: The mortality rate in lupus patients admitted to ICU remains high despite of treatment.