Complement levels during the first trimester predict disease flare and adverse pregnancy outcomes in systemic lupus erythematosus: A network meta-analysis on 532 pregnancies.

BACKGROUND: Complement levels have been proposed as candidate biomarkers of disease activity and obstetric risk in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) pregnancies, but their reliability has been questioned due to the physiologic fluctuations of complement during gestation. Thus, this network meta-analysis aimed at assessing the clinical significance of complement fluctuations in lupus pregnant women. METHODS: Corresponding authors of 19 studies meeting inclusion criteria were invited to contribute with additional data including C3 and C4 levels [before pregnancy, at conception, in every trimester (T) and 3 months after delivery]; data were pooled together in a network meta-analysis. RESULTS: A total of 532 lupus women from four studies were included in the analysis. In SLE women, C3 and C4 increased progressively during gestation: levels remained stable during T1 and peaked in T2 to decrease in T3. Patients with previous lupus nephritis (LN) and those who experienced flares during pregnancy had significantly lower mean levels of C3 and C4 at all timepoints. The lowest levels of complement were observed, particularly during T1, in patients with LN and gestational flare. Both reduction and the lack of increase of C3 and C4 levels at T1 versus conception were associated with gestational flares, particularly in LN patients. Pregnancies with flare had a statistically significant higher rate of maternal and fetal complications(60% versus 50.3%; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Low complement levels, particularly in T1, were associated with a higher frequency of gestational flare. Either reduction or smaller increase of C3 and/or C4 levels, even within normal range, might predict flares especially in early gestation.

Human monkeypox coinfection with syphilis in an immunocompromised patient.

Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis from the Poxviridae family that spreads at an unprecedented rate. It is transmitted through contact with skin lesions, respiratory droplets, body fluids, and sexual contact. The diverse presentation of the disease leads to misdiagnosis. Thus, clinicians should have a high index of suspicion, mainly with diseases with skin lesions. The most vulnerable group to developing this disease are individuals with risky sexual relationships, sexually transmitted infections, or human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). To date, only one case of coinfection with the monkeypox virus, syphilis, and HIV has been reported; however, no cases have been revealed in the Mexican territory. Herein we describe an unusual case of syphilis-monkeypox coinfection in an immunocompromised patient; despite his coinfection, he had a favorable prognosis. Furthermore, we attach allusive pictures of the natural evolution of dermatological lesions.

The 2023 ACR/EULAR Classification Criteria for Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease.

OBJECTIVE: Calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD) disease is prevalent and has diverse presentations, but there are no validated classification criteria for this symptomatic arthritis. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and EULAR have developed the first-ever validated classification criteria for symptomatic CPPD disease. METHODS: Supported by the ACR and EULAR, a multinational group of investigators followed established methodology to develop these disease classification criteria. The group generated lists of candidate items and refined their definitions, collected de-identified patient profiles, evaluated strengths of associations between candidate items and CPPD disease, developed a classification criteria framework, and used multi-criterion decision analysis to define criteria weights and a classification threshold score. The criteria were validated in an independent cohort. RESULTS: Among patients with joint pain, swelling, or tenderness (entry criterion) whose symptoms are not fully explained by an alternative disease (exclusion criterion), the presence of crowned dens syndrome or calcium pyrophosphate crystals in synovial fluid are sufficient to classify a patient as having CPPD disease. In the absence of these findings, a score >56 points using weighted criteria, comprising clinical features, associated metabolic disorders, and results of laboratory and imaging investigations, can be used to classify as CPPD disease. These criteria had a sensitivity of 92.2% and specificity of 87.9% in the derivation cohort (190 CPPD cases, 148 mimickers), whereas sensitivity was 99.2% and specificity was 92.5% in the validation cohort (251 CPPD cases, 162 mimickers). CONCLUSION: The 2023 ACR/EULAR CPPD disease classification criteria have excellent performance characteristics and will facilitate research in this field.

The 2023 ACR/EULAR classification criteria for calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease.

OBJECTIVE: Calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD) disease is prevalent and has diverse presentations, but there are no validated classification criteria for this symptomatic arthritis. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and EULAR have developed the first-ever validated classification criteria for symptomatic CPPD disease. METHODS: Supported by the ACR and EULAR, a multinational group of investigators followed established methodology to develop these disease classification criteria. The group generated lists of candidate items and refined their definitions, collected de-identified patient profiles, evaluated strengths of associations between candidate items and CPPD disease, developed a classification criteria framework, and used multi-criterion decision analysis to define criteria weights and a classification threshold score. The criteria were validated in an independent cohort. RESULTS: Among patients with joint pain, swelling, or tenderness (entry criterion) whose symptoms are not fully explained by an alternative disease (exclusion criterion), the presence of crowned dens syndrome or calcium pyrophosphate crystals in synovial fluid are sufficient to classify a patient as having CPPD disease. In the absence of these findings, a score>56 points using weighted criteria, comprising clinical features, associated metabolic disorders, and results of laboratory and imaging investigations, can be used to classify as CPPD disease. These criteria had a sensitivity of 92.2% and specificity of 87.9% in the derivation cohort (190 CPPD cases, 148 mimickers), whereas sensitivity was 99.2% and specificity was 92.5% in the validation cohort (251 CPPD cases, 162 mimickers). CONCLUSION: The 2023 ACR/EULAR CPPD disease classification criteria have excellent performance characteristics and will facilitate research in this field.

[Leuko-glycemic index in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction]. / Índice leucoglucémico en pacientes con infarto miocárdico con elevación del ST.

Background: The myocardial infarction-associated (MI) mortality is not only due cardiovascular complications, but intrahospital non-cardiovascular complications (IHnCVCs). The leuko-glycemic index (LGI) has been used as a prognostic marker for the development of cardiovascular complications in MI. We focused this study on identifying the cut-off point of LGI for the IHnCVCs development in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Material and methods: In this single-center and crosssectional design, we included patients with STEMI. The biochemical analysis included glucose and leucocytes; with them we calculated the LGI. Receiver operating characteristic curve, univariate and bivariate analysis, and multivariate analysis for IHnCVCs development were performed. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: We included 1294 patients, 79.8% were men and 20.2% women. The main comorbidities were hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia. Six hundred forty-four (49.8%) patients presented IHNCVCs. The LGI > 1200 (AUC 0.817) predict the IHNCVCs development in STEMI patients. The variables that increased the IHNCVCs development were LGI > 1200, creatinine > 0.91 mg/dL, diabetes mellitus and age > 65 years. Hospital acquired pneumonia and cardiovascular complications increase the risk of death among STEMI patients. Conclusion: A LGI > 1200 increased, just over nine times, the risk of IHnCVC development in STEMI patients.

Introducción: la mortalidad asociada a infarto del miocardio (IM) no solo se debe a complicaciones cardiovasculares, sino tambien a complicaciones intrahospitalarias no cardiovasculares (CIHNC). El índice leuco-glucémico (ILG) se ha utilizado como un marcador pronóstico para el desarrollo de complicaciones cardiovasculares en el IM. Centramos este estudio en identificar el punto de corte de ILG para el desarrollo de CIHNC en pacientes con infarto de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST (IAMCEST). Material y métodos: en este diseño de un solo centro y transversal, incluimos pacientes con IAMCEST. El análisis bioquímico incluyó glucosa y leucocitos; se calculó ILG. Se realizaron análisis univariados y bivariados, curva ROC y análisis multivariado para el desarrollo de IAMCEST. Resultados: incluimos 1294 pacientes, 79.8% hombres y 20.2% mujeres. Las principales comorbilidades fueron: hipertensión arterial sistémica, diabetes mellitus y dislipidemia. Seiscientos cuarenta y cuatro pacientes (49.8%) presentaron CIHNC. El ILG > 1200 con área bajo la curva (AUC) 0.817 predice el desarrollo de CIHNC en pacientes con IAMCEST. Las variables que aumentaron el desarrollo de CIHNC fueron: ILG > 1200, creatinina > 0.91 mg/dL, diabetes mellitus y edad > 65 años. La neumonía intrahospitalaria y las complicaciones cardiovasculares aumentaron el riesgo de muerte entre los pacientes con IAMCEST. Conclusión: un LGI > 1200 aumentó más de nueve veces el riesgo de desarrollo de CIHNC en pacientes con IAMCEST.

Índice leucoglucémico en pacientes con infarto miocárdico con elevación del ST / Leuko-glycemic index in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction

Introducción: la mortalidad asociada a infarto del miocardio (IM) no solo se debe a complicaciones cardiovasculares, sino también a complicaciones intrahospitalarias no cardiovasculares (CIHNC). El índice leuco-glucémico (ILG) se ha utilizado como un marcador pronóstico para el desarrollo de complicaciones cardiovasculares en el IM. Centramos este estudio en identificar el punto de corte de ILG para el desarrollo de CIHNC en pacientes con infarto de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST (IAMCEST). Material y métodos: en este diseño de un solo centro y transversal, incluimos pacientes con IAMCEST. El análisis bioquímico incluyó glucosa y leucocitos; se calculó ILG. Se realizaron análisis univariados y bivariados, curva ROC y análisis multivariado para el desarrollo de IAMCEST. Resultados: incluimos 1294 pacientes, 79.8% hombres y 20.2% mujeres. Las principales comorbilidades fueron: hipertensión arterial sistémica, diabetes mellitus y dislipidemia. Seiscientos cuarenta y cuatro pacientes (49.8%) presentaron CIHNC. El ILG > 1200 con área bajo la curva (AUC) 0.817 predice el desarrollo de CIHNC en pacientes con IAMCEST. Las variables que aumentaron el desarrollo de CIHNC fueron: ILG > 1200, creatinina > 0.91 mg/dL, diabetes mellitus y edad > 65 años. La neumonía intrahospitalaria y las complicaciones cardiovasculares aumentaron el riesgo de muerte entre los pacientes con IAMCEST. Conclusión: un LGI > 1200 aumentó más de nueve veces el riesgo de desarrollo de CIHNC en pacientes con IAMCEST.

Background: The myocardial infarction-associated (MI) mortality is not only due cardiovascular complications, but intrahospital non-cardiovascular complications (IHnCVCs). The leuko-glycemic index (LGI) has been used as a prognostic marker for the development of cardiovascular complications in MI. We focused this study on identifying the cut-off point of LGI for the IHnCVCs development in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).Material and methods: In this single-center and cross-sectional design, we included patients with STEMI. The biochemical analysis included glucose and leucocytes; with them we calculated the LGI. Receiver operating characteristic curve, univariate and bivariate analysis, and multivariate analysis for IHnCVCs development were performed. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: We included 1294 patients, 79.8% were men and 20.2% women. The main comorbidities were hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia. Six hundred forty-four (49.8%) patients presented IHNCVCs. The LGI > 1200 (AUC 0.817) predict the IHNCVCs development in STEMI patients. The variables that increased the IHNCVCs development were LGI > 1200, creatinine > 0.91 mg/dL, diabetes mellitus and age > 65 years. Hospital acquired pneumonia and cardiovascular complications increase the risk of death among STEMI patients. Conclusion: A LGI > 1200 increased, just over nine times, the risk of IHnCVC development in STEMI patients.

[Blood groups and SARS-CoV-2 in health professionals from a single center]. / Grupos sanguíneos y SARS-CoV-2 en personal de salud de un solo centro.

BACKGROUND: The possibility that the blood group (BG) predisposes to SARS-CoV-2 infection is controversial. OBJECTIVE: To compare the prevalence of BG, anti-IgG SARS-CoV-2, and more frequent symptoms in convalescent health personnel vs controls prior to vaccination. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analytical cross-sectional design of cases and controls, which included health personnel, from March to June 2020, confirmed with (polymerase chain reaction) PCR-SARS-CoV-2 and negative controls with PCR and anti-IgG-SARS-CoV-2. Participants were questioned concerning symptoms and BG was determined. It was used descriptive statistics and comparative analysis with chi squared, Fisher's exact test, Student's t, and Mann Whitney's U tests. RESULTS: Of 218 workers, 102 (46.8%) were confirmed cases for SARS-CoV-2 (convalescent) and 116 controls. The distribution of BG was similar between cases and controls, being BG-O + the most frequent (52.9%). The risk of becoming infected by SARS-CoV-2 for BG-O compared to BGNo-O showed a lower trend (odds ratio [OR] 0.725, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.416-1.261, p = ns). The BG-A (28.4%) compared with BG-No-A (71.6%) showed a trend of increased risk in BG-A (OR 1.523, 95% CI 0.818-2.837, p = ns). The presence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies was 85% in the convalescent group. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of infected was proportionally higher for BG-A and lower for BG-O. About 15% did not develop SARS-CoV-2 antibodies after overcoming COVID-19 disease.

INTRODUCCIÓN: la posibilidad de que el grupo sanguíneo (GS) predisponga a infección por SARS-CoV-2 es controversial. OBJETIVO: comparar prevalencia de GS, anti-IgG SARSCoV-2 y síntomas más frecuentes, en personal de salud convaleciente frente a controles previo a la vacunación. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: diseño transversal analítico de casos y controles, que incluyó personal de salud, de marzo a junio de 2020, confirmados con reaccion en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR-SARS-CoV-2) y controles negativos con PCR y anti-IgG-SARS-COV-2. Se les interrogó sobre los síntomas y se determinó el GS. Se empleó estadística descriptiva y análisis comparativo con chi cuadrada o prueba exacta de Fisher y t de Student o U de Mann-Whitney. RESULTADOS: de 218 trabajadores, 102 (46.8%) fueron casos confirmados para SARS-CoV-2 (convalecientes) y 116 controles. La distribución de GS fue similar entre los casos y los controles y el GS-O+ fue el más frecuente (52.9%). El riesgo de infectarse de SARS-CoV-2 para el GS-O, comparado con GS-No-O mostró menor tendencia: razón de momios [RM] 0.725 (intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC 95%] 0.416-1.261; p = ns). El GS-A (28.4%) comparado con GSNo-A (71.6%) mostró tendencia de incremento del riesgo en GS-A, RM 1.523 (IC 95% 0.818-2.837, p = ns). La presencia de anticuerpos IgG de SARS-CoV-2 fue del 85% en el grupo de convalecientes. CONCLUSIONES: la prevalencia de infectados fue proporcionalmente mayor para GS-A y menor para GS-O. Alrededor de 15% no desarrollaron anticuerpos de SARS-CoV-2 después de recuperarse de COVID-19.

Grupos sanguíneos y SARS-CoV-2 en personal de salud de un solo centro / Blood groups and SARS-CoV-2 in health professionals from a single center

Introducción: la posibilidad de que el grupo sanguíneo (GS) predisponga a infección por SARS-CoV-2 es controversial. Objetivo: comparar prevalencia de GS, anti-IgG SARS-CoV-2 y síntomas más frecuentes, en personal de salud convaleciente frente a controles previo a la vacunación. Material y métodos: diseño transversal analítico de casos y controles, que incluyó personal de salud, de marzo a junio de 2020, confirmados con reaccion en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR-SARS-CoV-2) y controles negativos con PCR y anti-IgG-SARS-COV-2. Se les interrogó sobre los síntomas y se determinó el GS. Se empleó estadística descriptiva y análisis comparativo con chi cuadrada o prueba exacta de Fisher y t de Student o U de Mann-Whitney. Resultados: de 218 trabajadores, 102 (46.8%) fueron casos confirmados para SARS-CoV-2 (convalecientes) y 116 controles. La distribución de GS fue similar entre los casos y los controles y el GS-O+ fue el más frecuente (52.9%). El riesgo de infectarse de SARS-CoV-2 para el GS-O, comparado con GS-No-O mostró menor tendencia: razón de momios [RM] 0.725 (intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC 95%] 0.416-1.261; p = ns). El GS-A (28.4%) comparado con GS-No-A (71.6%) mostró tendencia de incremento del riesgo en GS-A, RM 1.523 (IC 95% 0.818-2.837, p = ns). La presencia de anticuerpos IgG de SARS-CoV-2 fue del 85% en el grupo de convalecientes. Conclusiones: la prevalencia de infectados fue proporcionalmente mayor para GS-A y menor para GS-O. Alrededor de 15% no desarrollaron anticuerpos de SARS-CoV-2 después de recuperarse de COVID-19.

Background: The possibility that the blood group (BG) predisposes to SARS-CoV-2 infection is controversial. Objective: To compare the prevalence of BG, anti-IgG SARS-CoV-2, and more frequent symptoms in convalescent health personnel vs controls prior to vaccination. Material and methods: Analytical cross-sectional design of cases and controls, which included health personnel, from March to June 2020, confirmed with (polymerase chain reaction) PCR-SARS-CoV-2 and negative controls with PCR and anti-IgG-SARS-CoV-2. Participants were questioned concerning symptoms and BG was determined. It was used descriptive statistics and comparative analysis with chi squared, Fisher's exact test, Student's t, and Mann Whitney's U tests. Results: Of 218 workers, 102 (46.8%) were confirmed cases for SARS-CoV-2 (convalescent) and 116 controls. The distribution of BG was similar between cases and controls, being BG-O + the most frequent (52.9%). The risk of becoming infected by SARS-CoV-2 for BG-O compared to BG-No-O showed a lower trend (odds ratio [OR] 0.725, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.416-1.261, p = ns). The BG-A (28.4%) compared with BG-No-A (71.6%) showed a trend of increased risk in BG-A (OR 1.523, 95% CI 0.818-2.837, p = ns). The presence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies was 85% in the convalescent group. Conclusions: The prevalence of infected was proportionally higher for BG-A and lower for BG-O. About 15% did not develop SARS-CoV-2 antibodies after overcoming COVID-19 disease.

[Late onset primary antiphospholipid syndrome in the older adult]. / Síndrome antifosfolípido primario con debut tardío en el adulto mayor.

BACKGROUND: Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disease, characterized by arterial or venous thrombosis and/or obstetric events in the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). It is usually diagnosed in patients between the ages of 15 and 50 years, and there are 5 new cases per 100,000 people per year. It is reported a case of APS, which it is present in an older adult with an unusual clinical manifestation. CLINICAL CASE: Female patient without history of autoimmune diseases, at age 70 presented hemolytic anemia, Coombs direct positive, classified as autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AHAI) Coombs+, and severe thrombocytopenia. Other immunological, infectious, and lymphoid proliferative disorders and solid tumors were ruled out. Fisher-Evans syndrome (FES) was diagnosed with good response to treatment. Three months later, the patient presented deep venous thrombosis in the left pelvic limb, positive antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) and positive aloantibodies were determined, establishing the diagnosis of primary APS and FES as its initial manifestation. Since then, the patient has been in treatment with acenocoumarol and prednisone without new recurrences of thrombosis, with persistence of moderate thrombocytopenia, without adding another clinical manifestation in 15 years of follow-up. CONCLUSION: The unusual presentation of this disease in older adults with comorbidities should not rule out the possibility of the development of a primary autoimmune disease, so it should be considered for diagnosis in this age group.

INTRODUCCIÓN: el síndrome antifosfolípido (SAF) es una enfermedad autoinmune sistémica, caracterizada por trombosis arterial o venosa, o eventos obstétricos en presencia de anticuerpos antifosfolípidos (aPL). Suele diagnosticarse entre los 15 y los 50 años, y hay cinco casos nuevos por cada 100 000 personas al año. Se reporta un caso de SAF que presenta una adulta mayor con manifestación clínica poco usual. CASO CLÍNICO: paciente mujer, sin antecedentes de enfermedades autoinmunes, que a los 70 años presentó anemia hemolítica y Coombs directo positivo, lo cual se catalogó como anemia hemolítica autoinmune (AHAI) Coombs+, y trombocitopenia severa. Se descartaron otros trastornos inmunológicos, infecciosos, linfoproliferativos y tumores sólidos, y se diagnosticó síndrome de Fisher-Evans (SFE) con buena respuesta al tratamiento. Tres meses después, la paciente presentó trombosis venosa profunda en miembro pélvico izquierdo. Se determinaron aPL positivos y aloanticuerpos positivos, y se estableció el diagnóstico de SAF primario y como su manifestación inicial el SFE. Desde entonces la paciente fue tratada con acenocumarina y prednisona sin recurrencias de trombosis, con persistencia de trombocitopenia moderada y sin nuevas manifestaciones clínicas en 15 años de seguimiento. CONCLUSIÓN: ante la presentación inusual de esta enfermedad en adultos mayores con comorbilidades no se debe descartar la posibilidad del desarrollo de una enfermedad autoinmune primaria, por lo cual se debe tener en cuenta para su diagnóstico en este grupo etario.

Doppler ultrasound impacts response to intravenous tocilizumab in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

OBJECTIVE: Within rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated with intravenous tocilizumab (IV-TCZ), it is unclear if power Doppler ultrasonography (PDUS) can predict future clinical response. This study sought to determine if baseline PDUS or its early changes can predict 12-week and 24-week disease activity outcomes, and quantify the need for dose escalation (4 to 8 mg/kg). METHODS: Fifty-four RA patients starting IV-TCZ were evaluated at baseline, 4, 6, 12, 16, and 24 weeks using 34-joint PDUS (US34-PDUS), clinical disease activity index (CDAI), 28-joint disease activity score using erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR), ACR 20/50/70, health assessment questionnaire-disability index (HAQ-DI), and PDUS 20/50/70, a novel measure. Logistic regression models evaluated the predictive utility of US34-PDUS of DAS28-ESR response after adjusting for covariates. RESULTS: Ninety-four percent of patients required dose escalation to 8 mg/kg. US34-PDUS, CDAI, and DAS28-ESR improved significantly over 24 weeks (p < 0.001). Baseline PDUS and 12-week PDUS change correlated with CDAI at 24 weeks (p < 0.05). Logistic regression demonstrated baseline US34-PDUS was independently associated with DAS28-ESR ≥ 1.2 response, even after adjusting for baseline DAS28-ESR (p = 0.03). CDAI, DAS28-ESR, and their components increased across PDUS 20/50/70 categories; however, HAQ-DI did not. CONCLUSION: RA patients treated with IV-TCZ for 24 weeks demonstrated significant improvement, and baseline/early changes in PDUS were predictive of later clinical response. The PDUS 20/50/70 measure is a novel metric of response. This study suggests that IV-TCZ 4 mg/kg may not be sufficient to attain low RA disease activity at 12 weeks, in RA patients with moderate to severe disease (DAS28 ≥ 4.4 and US34-PDUS ≥ 10). TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01717859 Key Points • Over 90% of RA patients with baseline DAS28-ESR ≥ 4.4 and PDUS34 ≥ 10 required intravenous tocilizumab dose escalation from 4 to 8 mg/kg at 12 weeks. • Reduction in power Doppler ultrasonography (US34-PDUS) scores correlate with DAS28-ESR and CDAI over 24 weeks in rheumatoid arthritis patients with moderate to severe disease activity. • Baseline US34-PDUS predicts future improvements in clinical disease activity outcomes, independent of baseline DAS28-ESR. • Clinical response measures, DAS28-ESR and CDAI, improved across US34-PDUS 20/50/70 categories, while patient-reported outcomes did not.

[Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. Report of a case]. / Proteinosis alveolar pulmonar. Reporte de un caso.

BACKGROUND: The pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is characterized by the accumulation of lipoprotein material in the alveoli. It is classified as primary, secondary and congenital. The primary form, of autoimmune origin, is characterized by antibodies against granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF). The aim of this article is to present a case of PAP with adequate response to treatment with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and GM-CSF. CLINICAL CASE: A 28-year-old female patient who started with mild to moderate effort dyspnea, distal cyanosis and lower respiratory tract infection. We found restrictive pattern respiratory function tests, chest X-ray with bilateral nodular reticulum pattern and high-resolution tomography with ground glass image and bronchiectasis, besides video bronchoscopy with inflammatory process. The open biopsy revealed data of alveolar proteinaceous material and mononuclear infiltrate. Treatment was given with BAL and GM-CSF which was suspended by dermal reaction. The patient had a satisfactory evolution and is currently asymptomatic. CONCLUSION: The present case had clinical, imaging and histological manifestations for the diagnosis of autoimmune PAP with a satisfactory response to treatment. Although PAP is a low prevalence entity, the diagnosis and therapeutic options must be taken into account, including BAL and GM-CSF, since this factor is required for surfactant factor homeostasis.

INTRODUCCIÓN: la proteinosis alveolar pulmonar (PAP) se caracteriza por la acumulación de material lipoproteináceo en los alveolos, y se clasifica en primaria, secundaria y congénita. La primaria, de origen autoinmune, se caracteriza por anticuerpos contra el factor estimulante de colonia de granulocitos y macrófagos (GM-CSF). El objetivo del presente trabajo es presentar un caso de PAP con buena respuesta al tratamiento con lavado broncoalveolar (LBA) y GM-CSF. CASO CLÍNICO: Caso clínico: distal e infección de vías respiratorias bajas. Se efectuaron pruebas de función respiratoria con patrón restrictivo, radiografía de tórax con patrón retículo nodular bilateral y tomografía de alta resolución con imagen de vidrio despulido y bronquiectasias, así como video broncoscopía con proceso inflamatorio. La biopsia a cielo abierto evidenció datos de material proteináceo alveolar e infiltrado mononuclear. Se dio tratamiento con LBA y GM-CSF, el cual fue suspendido por reacción dérmica. Tuvo evolución satisfactoria y actualmente se encuentra asintomática. CONCLUSIÓN: el presente caso tuvo manifestaciones clínicas, de imagen e histológicas para el diagnóstico de PAP autoinmune con respuesta satisfactoria. Para el tratamiento de la PAP, aunque es una entidad de baja prevalencia, se debe tener en cuenta el diagnóstico y las opciones terapéuticas, entre ellas, el LBA y el GM-CSF, puesto que este factor se requiere para la homeostasis del factor surfactante.

Tocilizumab in rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis of efficacy and selected clinical conundrums.

INTRODUCTION: Tocilizumab (TCZ) is a biological agent used for the treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In the present systematic literature review and meta-analysis, we provide an update on the efficacy and safety of TCZ and our clinical comments for the treatment of RA. METHODS: We searched PubMed for randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials investigating the effects of TCZ on RA. The initial search included articles from 1966 to December 2011. The search was subsequently updated in April 2013. Studies had to report clinical efficacy using American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 20, 50, and 70 disease measures. The studies included participants who were 18 years of age and who met the ACR 1987 revised criteria for RA for 6 months or longer. Two reviewers independently abstracted the data, and disagreement was resolved by discussion with a third reviewer. Outcome measures were analyzed as odds ratio using the Mantel-Haenszel estimator under a random effects model to account for heterogeneity in intervention effects between trials. Descriptive statistics were used to compare adverse events. RESULTS: After reviewing and culling, 8 randomized, controlled, double-blind studies were included in the efficacy meta-analysis. TCZ 8mg/kg was statistically favored over TCZ 4mg/kg or placebo regarding ACR responses. Clinically significant adverse events that occurred with TCZ treatment included infections, lipid and liver function test abnormalities, and gastrointestinal side effects, all of which were more common with TCZ. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis supports the use of TCZ as an appropriate treatment for moderate to severe RA as monotherapy and combination therapy. Close monitoring for significant adverse events is required when treating patients with TCZ. Future long-term trials should focus further on safety of this agent.