Influence of visceral adiposity on cardiovascular risk in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, generalized fibrosis and high cardiovascular mortality. The evaluation of cardiovascular risk through the visceral adiposity index (VAI) has been helpful due to its direct relationship to the body and visceral fat percentage. We evaluated the influence of body composition and anthropometrics on cardiovascular risk as measured by VAI in healthy controls (HC) and SSc. An analytical cross-sectional study of 66 participants (33 SSc and 33 HC), mean age 52.7 ± 10, 95% women, was conducted from August 2020 to January 2021. Inclusion criteria in cases were consecutive patients with SSc (ACR/EULAR 2013), 63.6% were diffuse cutaneous (dcSS) subtype, and 36.4 were limited cutaneous (lcSS) subtype. HC was matched by age and gender. Serum lipid profiles and InBody anthropometrics were analyzed and compared. We performed descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis with Student's t, or Mann-Whitney U, correlation and chi-square according to the variable type and distribution. Total cholesterol was significantly higher in SSc than HC (345 vs 194, p = < 0.001). The BMI was higher in HC (26.2 vs 28.9, p < 0.001). Kilograms of muscle (19.8 vs 28.9, p < 0.001) and total fat (23.4 vs 28.9, p < 0.001) were lower in SSc patients compared to HC. VAI was similar when BMI < 25, but significantly higher when BMI > 25 in SSc than in HC (3 vs 1.9, p = 0.030). The increase in BMI at overweight or obese in SSc is associated with a significant increase in cardiovascular risk.

[Prevalence of persistent hypogammaglobulinemia in patients with autoimmune rheumatic disease who received treatment with Rituximab in a national medical center in Mexico]. / Prevalencia de hipogammaglobulinemia persistente en pacientes con enfermedad autoinmune que reciben rituximab en un centro de referencia nacional en México.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of persistent hypogammaglobulinemia in patients receiving Rituximab as a treatment for autoimmune rheumatological diseases. METHODS: A transversal, retrospective and unicentric study, carried out in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases who were admitted to the Rheumatology service of the Hospital de Especialidades Dr. Antonio Fraga Mouret, Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Mexico City, to receive treatment with rituximab between January 2013 and January 2018. Descriptive and inferential statistics of serum levels of immunoglobulins, clinical-demographic characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment received were performed. RESULTS: from 262 patients with autoimmune rheumatological disease who received treatment with Rituximab; We identified 8 patients with persistent hypogammaglobulinemia (6 women and 2 men), this is a prevalence of 3.1%. No associated factors with the development of hypogammaglobulinemia were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Until now, no associated prognostic or predictive factors have been identified with persistent hypogammaglobulinemia. Additional prospective studies are required to understand more precisely the implications of persistent hypogammaglobulinemia in patients with autoimmune diseases.

OBJECTIVO: Determinar la prevalencia de hipogammaglobulinemia persistente en pacientes con enfermedades reumatológicas autoinmunes que reciben rituximab. MÉTODOS: Estudio trasversal, retrospectivo y unicéntrico, emprendido en pacientes con enfermedades reumatológicas autoinmunes, que acudieron a la Consulta externa del servicio de Reumatología del Hospital de Especialidades Dr. Antonio Fraga Mouret, Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Ciudad de México, entre enero de 2013 y enero de 2018, para recibir tratamiento con rituximab. El análisis de los datos se efectuó con estadística descriptiva e inferencial, para la evaluación de las concentraciones séricas de inmunoglobulinas, características clínico demográficas, diagnóstico y tratamiento. RESULTADOS: Estudio trasversal, retrospectivo y unicéntrico, emprendido en pacientes con enfermedades reumatológicas autoinmunes, que acudieron a la Consulta externa del servicio de Reumatología del Hospital de Especialidades Dr. Antonio Fraga Mouret, Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Ciudad de México, entre enero de 2013 y enero de 2018, para recibir tratamiento con rituximab. El análisis de los datos se efectuó con estadística descriptiva e inferencial, para la evaluación de las concentraciones séricas de inmunoglobulinas, características clínico demográficas, diagnóstico y tratamiento. CONCLUSIONES: Hasta el momento no se han identificado factores asociados, pronósticos o predictivos, con hipogammaglobulinemia persistente. Se requieren estudios prospectivos adicionales para conocer con mayor precisión las implicaciones de la hipogammaglobulinemia persistente en pacientes con enfermedades autoinmunes.

Can the SARS-CoV-2 infection trigger systemic lupus erythematosus? A case-based review.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune and multisystemic chronic inflammatory disease that can affect various organs, including skin, joints, kidneys, lungs and the nervous system. Infectious agents have long been implicated in the pathogenesis of SLE. The new viral infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has shown that, in genetically predisposed patients could trigger the presentation or exacerbation of the autoimmune disease. We herein report a case of a 45-year-old man who presented respiratory symptoms, bilateral pleural effusion, ascites, splenomegaly, severe thrombocytopenia and renal failure with proteinuria and hematuria. SARS-CoV-2 PCR confirmed the COVID-19 diagnosis. We diagnosed the patient with SLE based on the clinical manifestations and positive immunological markers (2019 European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology, score of 18). Glucocorticoid pulses were administered to the patient, which improved renal function. However, thrombocytopenia was also refractory to IV immunoglobulin and rituximab, so the patient underwent splenectomy. Through a systematic search of the medical literature, we retrieved two cases with newly onset SLE and five cases with previous SLE diagnosis that showed activity of the disease due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. We herein present a systemic review of these cases and discuss the clinical manifestations that could help to the diagnosis of this clinical condition.

Brigatinib in ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer: real-world data in the Latin American population (Bri-world extend CLICaP).

Background: Brigatinib has demonstrated its efficacy as first-line therapy and in further lines for ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients; however, real-world data in Latin America are scarce. Methods: From January 2018 to March 2020, 46 patients with advanced ALK-positive NSCLC received brigatinib as second or further line of therapy in Mexico and Colombia. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS); secondary end point was time to treatment discontinuation (TTD). Results: At a median follow-up of 9.3 months, the median PFS was 15.2 months (95% CI: 11.6-18.8), and TTD was 18.46 months (95% CI: 9.54-27.38). The estimated overall survival at 12 months was 80%. Safety profile was consistent with previously published data. Conclusion: Brigatinib is an effective treatment for previously treated ALK-positive NSCLC patients in a real-world setting.

Locoregional control and toxicity after pleurectomy/decortication and intensity-modulated pleural radiation therapy in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) represents a major challenge for oncologists. Multimodality treatment, which generally involves induction chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy have recently shown promising results. The aim of this study was to evaluate the locoregional control and toxicity of intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) after pleurectomy and decortication (P/D) as part of trimodality therapy for patients with locally advanced MPM. METHODS: We prospectively analyzed data from 20 patients with MPM treated at a single tertiary-care institution. Initially every patient received induction chemotherapy with platinum-based chemotherapy. After chemotherapy, patients without progression underwent P/D, and if feasible, hemi-thoracic IMRT was administered at a planned dose of 50.4-54 Gy in 28-30 fractions and treated with 9-11 noncoplanar fields. RESULTS: A total of 15 of the 20 enrolled patients underwent P/D followed by IMRT to the hemi-thoracic cavity. The median total radiotherapy dose was 48.7 Gy (23.4-54 Gy). Radiation pneumonitis (RP) developed in nine patients (60%), and of these, two patients (13.3%) experienced G3 or G4 RP. The estimated locoregional-relapse-free survival at two years was 75.9%, and the main pattern of recurrence was distant (72.7%). For the entire cohort median follow-up was 22.7 months, median progression-free survival was 18.9 months and median overall survival 23.6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Platinum-based chemotherapy followed by lung-sparing surgery (P/D) and IMRT is a feasible and safe treatment modality that yields acceptable locoregional control in patients with locally advanced MPM; however, these results should be corroborated in larger studies.

Evaluation of medical ethics competencies in rheumatology: local experience during national accreditation process.

INTRODUCTION: Rheumatologists are the primary healthcare professionals responsible for patients with rheumatic diseases and should acquire medical ethical competencies, such as the informed consent process (ICP). The objective clinical structured examination is a valuable tool for assessing clinical competencies. We report the performance of 90 rheumatologist trainees participating in a station designed to evaluate the ICP during the 2018 and 2019 national accreditations. METHODS: The station was validated and represented a medical encounter in which the rheumatologist informed a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus with clinically active nephritis about renal biopsy. A trained patient-actor and an evaluator were instructed to assess ICP skills (with a focus on kidney biopsy benefits, how the biopsy is done and potential complications) in obtaining formal informed consent, delivering bad news and overall communication with patients. The evaluator used a tailored checklist and form. RESULTS: Candidate performance varied with ICP content and was superior for potential benefit information (achieved by 98.9% of the candidates) but significantly reduced for potential complications (37.8%) and biopsy description (42.2%). Only 17.8% of the candidates mentioned the legal perspective of ICP. Death (as a potential complication) was omitted by the majority of the candidates (93.3%); after the patient-actor challenged candidates, only 57.1% of them gave a clear and positive answer. Evaluators frequently rated candidate communications skills as superior (≥80%), but ≥1 negative aspect was identified in 69% of the candidates. CONCLUSIONS: Ethical competencies are mandatory for professional rheumatologists. It seems necessary to include an ethics competency framework in the curriculum throughout the rheumatology residency.

Probiotics' effectiveness on symptoms, histological features and feeding tolerance in ulcerative colitis / Efectividad de probióticos sobre síntomas, histología y tolerancia alimentaria en colitis ulcerativa

Background: Probiotics have been used in the adjuvant treatment of Ulcerative Colitis (UC). Objective: To evaluate the role of a combination of probiotics on the clinical, histological changes and feeding tolerance in patients with UC. Methods: An open UC patients with mild to moderate activity and clinical trial was conducted. Patients were randomized to receive or a combination of 6 strains of probiotics for 3 months while continuing their drug treatment established. UC activity was assessed by Truelove and Witts scale and histological findings by Gupta index. Descriptive statistics, Chi square test and Student t test for comparison of the two groups was performed. Results: In each group 17 patients were included. An improvement was found in the disease activity (52.9% vs. 23.5%, p = 0.07) and in histologic index (82.3% vs. 41.1%, p = 0.03) in patients treated with probiotics compared to the control group. Improved food tolerance was also observed in patients treated with probiotics. Conclusion: The study shows a beneficial short-term effect on symptoms, histological findings and feeding tolerance with the administration of a combination of 6 strains of probiotics in patients with UC.

Introducción: los probióticos han sido utilizados en el tratamiento adyuvante de la colitis ulcerativa (CU). Objetivo: evaluar el papel de una combinación de probióticos sobre las manifestaciones clínicas, cambios histológicos y tolerancia alimentaria en pacientes con CU. Métodos: se realizó un ensayo clínico abierto de pacientes con CU y actividad leve a moderada. Los pacientes se aleatorizaron para recibir, o no, una combinación de 6 cepas de probióticos durante 3 meses, mientras continuaban con el tratamiento farmacológico establecido. Se evaluó la actividad de la CU mediante la escala de Truelove and Witts, y los hallazgos histológicos mediante el índice de Gupta. Se realizó estadística descriptiva, prueba de Chi cuadrada y t de Student para la comparación de ambos grupos. Resultados: se incluyeron 17 pacientes por grupo. Se encontró una mejoría en la actividad de la enfermedad (52.9% frente a 23.5%, p = 0.07) y en el índice histológico (82.3% frente a 41.1%, p = 0.03) en los pacientes tratados con probióticos en comparación con el grupo control. También se observó una mejor tolerancia alimentaria en los pacientes tratados con probióticos. Conclusión: el estudio muestra un efecto benéfico a corto plazo sobre los síntomas, hallazgos histológicos y tolerancia alimentaria con la administración de una combinación de 6 cepas de probióticos en pacientes con CU.

The VEGFA -1154G/A polymorphism is associated with reduced risk of rheumatoid arthritis but not with systemic lupus erythematosus in Mexican women.

BACKGROUND: Levels of circulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (a potent endothelial-cell-specific angiogenic factor) have been correlated with disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In addition, several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including the VEGFA -2578C/A, have been associated with RA in some populations. By contrast, the role of different VEGFA SNPs in the susceptibility to SLE has received little attention. Thus, the present study aimed to determine whether the VEGFA -2578C/A, -1154G/A and -634G/C polymorphisms confer risk or were associated with reduced risk of RA or SLE in a Mexican population. METHODS: The present study included 903 women from Mexico: 405 were patients with RA, 282 had SLE and 216 were healthy individuals. The genotypes were obtained with TaqMan probes. RESULTS: The data obtained in the present study suggest that the VEGFA -2578C/A and -634G/C polymorphisms are not risk factors for RA or SLE; however, VEGFA -1154G/A was associated with reduced risk in women with RA (odds ratio = 0.6, pc  = 0.0051) but not with SLE (odds ratio = 0.7, pc  = 0.13). CONCLUSIONS: The present study is the first to document an association between VEGFA -1154G/A and reduced risk in women with RA but not with SLE.

Guías de práctica clínica para la atención del embarazo en mujeres con enfermedades reumáticas autoinmunes del Colegio Mexicano de Reumatología. Parte I / Clinical practice guidelines for the management of pregnancy in women with autoimmune rheumatic diseases of the Mexican College of Rheumatology. Part I

Antecedentes. El embarazo en mujeres con enfermedades reumáticas autoinmunes se asocia a diversas complicaciones maternofetales. El desarrollo de guías de práctica clínica con la mejor evidencia científica disponible puede ayudar a homogeneizar la atención en estas pacientes. Objetivos. Proporcionar recomendaciones respecto al control prenatal, el tratamiento y el seguimiento más efectivo de la mujer embarazada con lupus eritematoso (LES), artritis reumatoide (AR) y síndrome por anticuerpos antifosfolípidos (SAF). Metodología. Para la elaboración de las recomendaciones se conformaron grupos nominales de expertos y se realizaron consensos formales, búsqueda sistematizada de la información, elaboración de preguntas clínicas, elaboración y calificación de las recomendaciones, fase de validación interna por pares y validación externa del documento final teniendo en cuenta los criterios de calidad del instrumento AGREE II. Resultados. Los grupos de trabajo contestaron las 37 preguntas relacionadas con la atención maternofetal en LES, AR y SAF, así como de fármacos antirreumáticos durante el embarazo y la lactancia. Las recomendaciones fueron discutidas e integradas en un manuscrito final y se elaboraron los algoritmos correspondientes. En esta primera parte se presentan las recomendaciones para mujeres embarazadas con LES. Conclusiones. La guía mexicana de práctica clínica para la atención del embarazo en mujeres con LES proporciona recomendaciones e integra la mejor evidencia disponible para el tratamiento y el seguimiento de estas pacientes (AU)

Background. Pregnancy in women with autoimmune rheumatic diseases is associated with several maternal and fetal complications. The development of clinical practice guidelines with the best available scientific evidence may help standardize the care of these patients. Objectives. To provide recommendations regarding prenatal care, treatment, and a more effective monitoring of pregnancy in women with lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS). Methodology. Nominal panels were formed for consensus, systematic search of information, development of clinical questions, processing and grading of recommendations, internal validation by peers, and external validation of the final document. The quality criteria of the AGREE II instrument were followed. Results. The various panels answered the 37 questions related to maternal and fetal care in SLE, RA, and APS, as well as to the use of antirheumatic drugs during pregnancy and lactation. The recommendations were discussed and integrated into a final manuscript. Finally, the corresponding algorithms were developed. We present the recommendations for pregnant women with SLE in this first part. Conclusions. We believe that the Mexican clinical practice guidelines for the management of pregnancy in women with SLE integrate the best available evidence for the treatment and follow-up of patients with these conditions (AU)

Guías de práctica clínica para la atención del embarazo en mujeres con enfermedades reumáticas autoinmunes del Colegio Mexicano de Reumatología. Parte II / Clinical practice guidelines for the management of pregnancy in women with autoimmune rheumatic diseases of the Mexican College of Rheumatology. Part II

Antecedentes. El embarazo en mujeres con enfermedades reumáticas autoinmunes se asocia a diversas complicaciones materno-fetales. El desarrollo de guías de práctica clínica con la mejor evidencia científica disponible puede ayudar a homogeneizar la atención en estas pacientes. Objetivos. Proporcionar recomendaciones respecto al control prenatal, el tratamiento y el seguimiento más efectivo de la mujer embarazada con lupus eritematoso sistémico, artritis reumatoide (AR) y síndrome por anticuerpos antifosfolípidos (SAF). Metodología. Para la elaboración de las recomendaciones se conformaron grupos nominales de expertos y se realizaron consensos formales, búsqueda sistematizada de la información, elaboración de preguntas clínicas, elaboración y calificación de las recomendaciones, fase de validación interna por pares y validación externa del documento final teniendo en cuenta los criterios de calidad del instrumento AGREE II. Resultados. Los grupos de trabajo contestaron las 37 preguntas relacionadas con la atención materno-fetal en lupus eritematoso sistémico, AR y SAF, así como de fármacos antirreumáticos durante el embarazo y lactancia. Las recomendaciones fueron discutidas e integradas en un manuscrito final y se elaboraron los algoritmos correspondientes. En esta segunda parte se presentan las recomendaciones para mujeres embarazas con AR, SAF y el uso de fármacos antirreumáticos durante el embarazo y lactancia. Conclusiones. La guía mexicana de práctica clínica para la atención del embarazo en mujeres con AR y SAF integra la mejor evidencia disponible para el tratamiento y el seguimiento de estas pacientes (AU)

Background. Pregnancy in women with autoimmune rheumatic diseases is associated with several maternal and fetal complications. The development of clinical practice guidelines with the best available scientific evidence may help standardize the care of these patients. Objectives. To provide recommendations regarding prenatal care, treatment, and a more effective monitoring of pregnancy in women with lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Methodology. Nominal panels were formed for consensus, systematic search of information, development of clinical questions, processing and staging of recommendations, internal validation by peers and external validation of the final document. The quality criteria of the AGREE II instrument were followed. Results. The panels answered 37 questions related to maternal and fetal care in lupus erythematosus, RA and APS, as well as for use of antirheumatic drugs during pregnancy and lactation. The recommendations were discussed and integrated into a final manuscript. Finally, the corresponding algorithms were developed. In this second part, the recommendations for pregnant women with RA, APS and the use of antirheumatic drugs during pregnancy and lactation are presented. Conclusions. We believe that the Mexican clinical practice guidelines for the management of pregnancy in women with RA and APS integrate the best available evidence for the treatment and follow-up of patients with these conditions (AU)

Desempeño del examen clínico objetivo estructurado como instrumento de evaluación en la certificación nacional como reumatólogo / Performance of an objective structured clinical examination in a national certification process of trainees in rheumatology

Objetivo. Determinar la validez de constructo y la confiabilidad de un examen clínico objetivo estructurado (ECOE) en la evaluación de una certificación nacional como reumatólogo. Método. En 2013 y 2014, se aplicaron sendos ECOE y evaluación teórica (ET) a 32 y 38 residentes aspirantes a la certificación de reumatólogo, respectivamente. Se incluyeron 12 y 15 estaciones calificadas mediante lista de cotejo validada. Previamente, 3 reumatólogos certificados realizaron sendas pruebas piloto. Se calculó la puntuación global del ECOE y se evaluó su desempeño. Resultados. En 2013, la media ± DE del ECOE fue de 7,1 ± 0,6) y ningún aspirante tuvo calificación reprobatoria (CR); la media de la ET fue de 6,5 ± 0,6 y 7 aspirantes (21,9%) tuvieron CR (< 6). En 2014, la media del ECOE fue de 6,7 ± 0,6) y 3 aspirantes (7,9%) tuvieron CR, de los cuales 2 reprobaron la ET; la media de la ET fue de 6,4 ± 0,5) y 7 aspirantes (18,5%) tuvieron CR, 2 de los cuales reprobaron el ECOE. En 2013, la correlación entre el ECOE y la ET fue de r = 0,44, p = 0,006. En ambos años, los reumatólogos certificados obtuvieron mejores calificaciones en el ECOE que los residentes. El porcentaje de aprobados en la ET fue mayor entre quienes aprobaron el ECOE que entre quienes lo reprobaron: 86% vs. 67%, p = 0,02. Se aplicaron 9 estaciones en ambos años y sus puntuaciones mostraron correlación de 0,81 a 0,95, p ≤ 0,01. Conclusión. El ECOE es una herramienta adecuada para evaluar las competencias clínicas de los aspirantes a la certificación (AU)

Objective. To assess reliability and validity of the objectively-structured clinical examination (OSCE) applied in postgraduate certification processes by the Mexican Board of Rheumatology. Method. Thirty-two (2013) and 38 (2014) Rheumatology trainees (RTs) underwent an OSCE consisting of 12 and 15 stations respectively, scored according to a validated check-list, as well as 300-multiple-choice 300 question examination (MCQ). Previously, 3 certified rheumatologists underwent a pilot-OSCE. A composite OSCE score was obtained for each participant and its performance examined. Results. In 2013, OSCE mean score was 7.1 ± 0.6 with none RT receiving a failing score while the MCQ score was 6.5 ± 0.6 and 7 (21.9%) RTs receiving a failing (< 6) score. In 2014, the OSCE score was 6.7 ± 0.6, with 3 (7.9%) RTs receiving a failing score (2 of them also failed MCQ) while the MCQ score was 6.4 ± 0.5 and 7 (18.5%) RTs were disqualified (2 of them also failed OSCE). A significant correlation between the MCQ and the OSCE scores was observed in the 2013 (r=0.44; P=0.006). Certified rheumatologists performed better than RTs at both OSCE. Overall, 86% of RTs obtaining an OSCE passing score also obtained a MCQ passing score, while this was only 67% (P=.02) among those who obtained an OSCE failing score. Nine stations were applied at both consecutive years. Their performance was similar in both certification processes, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.81 to 0.95 (P≤0.01). Conclusion. The OSCE is a valid and reliable tool to assess the Rheumatology clinical skills in RTs (AU)

Clinical practice guidelines for the management of pregnancy in women with autoimmune rheumatic diseases of the Mexican College of Rheumatology. Part I.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy in women with autoimmune rheumatic diseases is associated with several maternal and fetal complications. The development of clinical practice guidelines with the best available scientific evidence may help standardize the care of these patients. OBJECTIVES: To provide recommendations regarding prenatal care, treatment, and a more effective monitoring of pregnancy in women with lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS). METHODOLOGY: Nominal panels were formed for consensus, systematic search of information, development of clinical questions, processing and grading of recommendations, internal validation by peers, and external validation of the final document. The quality criteria of the AGREE II instrument were followed. RESULTS: The various panels answered the 37 questions related to maternal and fetal care in SLE, RA, and APS, as well as to the use of antirheumatic drugs during pregnancy and lactation. The recommendations were discussed and integrated into a final manuscript. Finally, the corresponding algorithms were developed. We present the recommendations for pregnant women with SLE in this first part. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that the Mexican clinical practice guidelines for the management of pregnancy in women with SLE integrate the best available evidence for the treatment and follow-up of patients with these conditions.

Clinical practice guidelines for the management of pregnancy in women with autoimmune rheumatic diseases of the Mexican College of Rheumatology. Part II.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy in women with autoimmune rheumatic diseases is associated with several maternal and fetal complications. The development of clinical practice guidelines with the best available scientific evidence may help standardize the care of these patients. OBJECTIVES: To provide recommendations regarding prenatal care, treatment, and a more effective monitoring of pregnancy in women with lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). METHODOLOGY: Nominal panels were formed for consensus, systematic search of information, development of clinical questions, processing and staging of recommendations, internal validation by peers and external validation of the final document. The quality criteria of the AGREE II instrument were followed. RESULTS: The panels answered 37 questions related to maternal and fetal care in lupus erythematosus, RA and APS, as well as for use of antirheumatic drugs during pregnancy and lactation. The recommendations were discussed and integrated into a final manuscript. Finally, the corresponding algorithms were developed. In this second part, the recommendations for pregnant women with RA, APS and the use of antirheumatic drugs during pregnancy and lactation are presented. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that the Mexican clinical practice guidelines for the management of pregnancy in women with RA and APS integrate the best available evidence for the treatment and follow-up of patients with these conditions.

Performance of an objective structured clinical examination in a national certification process of trainees in rheumatology.

OBJECTIVE: To assess reliability and validity of the objectively-structured clinical examination (OSCE) applied in postgraduate certification processes by the Mexican Board of Rheumatology. METHOD: Thirty-two (2013) and 38 (2014) Rheumatology trainees (RTs) underwent an OSCE consisting of 12 and 15 stations respectively, scored according to a validated check-list, as well as 300-multiple-choice 300 question examination (MCQ). Previously, 3 certified rheumatologists underwent a pilot-OSCE. A composite OSCE score was obtained for each participant and its performance examined. RESULTS: In 2013, OSCE mean score was 7.1±0.6 with none RT receiving a failing score while the MCQ score was 6.5±0.6 and 7 (21.9%) RTs receiving a failing (< 6) score. In 2014, the OSCE score was 6.7±0.6, with 3 (7.9%) RTs receiving a failing score (2 of them also failed MCQ) while the MCQ score was 6.4±0.5 and 7 (18.5%) RTs were disqualified (2 of them also failed OSCE). A significant correlation between the MCQ and the OSCE scores was observed in the 2013 (r=0.44; P=0.006). Certified rheumatologists performed better than RTs at both OSCE. Overall, 86% of RTs obtaining an OSCE passing score also obtained a MCQ passing score, while this was only 67% (P=.02) among those who obtained an OSCE failing score. Nine stations were applied at both consecutive years. Their performance was similar in both certification processes, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.81 to 0.95 (P≤0.01). CONCLUSION: The OSCE is a valid and reliable tool to assess the Rheumatology clinical skills in RTs.

Resección de quiste mesentérico gigante en adulto mayor: Reporte de un caso / Case Report: Gigantic mesenteric cyst in a senior citizen

Los quistes mesentéricos son poco frecuentes y representan menos de 1 de cada 100,000 ingresos hospitalarios. Fueron descritos por primera vez en 1507, y en 1880 Tillaux fue el primer cirujano que extirpó uno en forma exitosa. El presente reporte de caso se trata de una paciente de 64 años de edad que presentaba un aumento de volumen progresivo a nivel de mesogastrio e hipocondrio izquierdo, acompañado de náusea y dolor punzante intermitente. Contaba con exámenes de laboratorio que incluían marcadores tumorales, los cuales se encontraban dentro de rangos normales. La tomografía axial computada (TAC) de abdomen mostraba una imagen quística de aproximadamente 10 x 10 cm y diagnóstico probable de quiste mesentérico. Se realizó intervención quirúrgica programada con el diagnóstico preoperatorio de probable quiste mesentérico y se encontró un tumor de 15 x 10 cm dependiente de mesenterio, firmemente adherido la raíz del mismo, que se pudo extirpar sin dificultad. El reporte histopatológico fue de quiste simple de mesenterio. La paciente cursó con buena evolución posquirúrgica; egresó al cuarto día y fue dada de alta del servicio al tercer mes en la consulta externa de cirugía general. Los quistes mesentéricos constituyen patologías raras, y las referencias bibliográficas continúan siendo pocas, es más frecuente en la edad pediátrica y su presentación clínica en adultos generalmente se presenta con dolores abdominales vagos y poco localizados y en ocasiones acompañado de náuseas. El tratamiento definitivo lo constituye generalmente la escisión quirúrgica, con preferencia la enucleación.

The mesenteric cysts are uncommon and represent less than one case out of 100 000 hospital admissions. The first time they were described was on 1507 and on 1880 Dr. Tillaux was the first surgeon which removed a mesenteric cyst successfully. The present case report is about a patient of 64 years old that had mesogastric and left quadrant volume mass together with nausea and throbbing along with labs results including tumor markers all being on average normal range. The abdomen CT report of the patient showed a cyst mass of about 10 x 10 cm with probable diagnose of mesentericcyst. The surgery was performed with such preop diagnosis finding a mass of 15x10cm strongly dependent to root mesentery which was able to be removed. The histopatologic report was a simple mesenteric Cyst. The patient followed good postop follow and got off on the fourth day after surgery and getting reviewed at clinic with good outcome. The mesenteric cysts are rare pathologies and the bibliography reviews are few being more often at pediatric time and at adult age being shown with vague abdominal pain, bad located together with nausea. The last treatment is always surgical remove.

Abordaje laparoscópico de úlcera gástrica perforada / Laparoscopic treatment of perforated gastric ulcer

Antecedentes: La reparación de una úlcera péptica perforada puede efectuarse con un simple cierre con sutura o con parche de epiplón (Graham) suturado o grapado. El cierre primario más parche de Graham se ha convertido en el método predilecto de un sinnúmero de instituciones. Aparentemente, el tratamiento urgente por vía laparoscópica es bastante efectivo y goza de tasas aceptables de morbilidad y mortalidad comparado con la cirugía convencional. Caso clínico: Se presenta el caso clínico de un paciente varón de 66 años de edad, el cual presenta antecedentes de HAS y AR sin tratamiento, fue llevado al servicio de urgencia del hospital General "Dr. Gonzalo Castañeda" del ISSSTE con un cuadro de 12 h de evolución caracterizado por dolor en epigastrio de tipo ardoroso, inicio súbito, intenso, el cual se generalizó posteriormente a todo el abdomen, presentado datos de respuesta inflamatoria sistémica y mal estado general, abdomen con irritación peritoneal y abdomen en madera, leucocitosis y aire libre subdiafragmático en placa simple de tórax, por lo que diagnosticó ulcera péptica perforada y se decidió realizar cirugía de urgencias. Se utilizó reparación laparoscópica de ulcera gástrica perforada con colocación de parche de epiplón y lavado de cavidad peritoneal con evolución satisfactoria del paciente y posterior egreso de éste. Con el advenimiento de las técnicas laparoscópicas, la factibilidad y seguridad del cierre laparoscópico de las úlceras pépticas perforadas ha sido demostrada en algunas series publicadas recientemente. Conclusión: es evidente que la reparación laparoscópica de úlceras pépticas perforadas puede ser considerada como un método seguro y efectivo, particularmente en pacientes con menos de 24 h de evolución, contando además con algunas de las ventajas ya establecidas de las técnicas mínimamente invasivas.

Background: The repairment of perforated peptic ulcer can be done with a simple suture closure with omental patch (Graham) stitches. Primary closure plus Graham patch has become the preferred method of many institutions. Apparently, the laparoscopic emergency treatment is quite effective, enjoying acceptable rates of morbidity and mortality compared with conventional surgery. Clinical case: We report a case of male patient aged 66 who has a history of SAH and AR without treatment, is brought to the emergency service of General Hospital "Dr. Gonzalo Castañeda "ISSSTE with 12 hrs of evolution presenting epigastric pain of sudden onset of intense burning rate which subsequently generalize to the entire abdomen, reported data of systemic inflammatory response and poor general health, abdomen with peritoneal irritation and wood abdomen, leukocytosis, and subdiaphragmatic air on simple chest plate, diagnosed as perforated peptic ulcer and emergency surgery say using laparoscopic repair of perforated gastric ulcer with omental patch placement and washing of peritoneal cavity of the patient with satisfactory outcome and completion of he. With the advent of laparoscopic techniques, the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic closure of perforated peptic ulcers has been demonstrated in some studies published recently. Conclusion: it is clear that the laparoscopic repair of perforated peptic ulcer can be considered as a safe and effective, particularly in patients with less than 24 hrs of evolution, and also boasts some of the already established advantages of minimally invasive techniques.

[Relative potency of allergenic extracts from mites in patients with asthma and allergic rhinitis]. / Potencia relativa de extractos alergénicos de ácaros en pacientes con asma y rinitis alérgicas.

BACKGROUND: Skin tests for specific diagnosis of allergies require high quality extracts, which can be measured by the determination of allergenic potency, utilizing different concentrations of extracts from a manufacturer. OBJETIVE: To compare allergenic mite extracts manufactured by laboratories in Spain, Argentina, and Cuba by skin prick test response. METHODS: A cutaneous puncture was performed on 56 patients aged 2 to 15 years with asthma and allergic rhinitis with extracts of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp), Dermatophagoides farinae (Df), Dermatophagoides siboney (Ds) and Blomia tropicalis (Bt) produced by DIATER (Argentina), ALK- AbellÛ (Spain) and BIOCEN (Cuba). RESULTS: In 84.6% of patients there was an association of symptoms with seasonal changes and house dust exposure. The diameter of wheals from ALK allergen extract was larger than extracts from other sources, but without any significant difference (p > 0.05). The ratio between wheals and allergen concentration with BIOCEN products showed lineal dependence between the diameter averages and the concentration logarithm, ranging from 4000 to 100 000 UB/mL. The skin prick tests with diameters =3mm showed a larger proportion of Dp and Df from ALK in comparison to BIOCEN and DIATER. CONCLUSIONS: We found that dust mite extracts produced and standardized by DIATER, ALK-Abello and BIOCEN were similar with respect to allergenic potency.

Fenómeno de Raynaud / Raynaud’s phenomenon

El fenómeno de Raynaud se caracteriza por ataques isquémicos seguidos de vasodilatación de las zonas distales del cuerpo. Es una condición clínica frecuente en la práctica médica diaria; puede ser primario o asociado a diversas enfermedades, como las enfermedades reumáticas autoinmunitarias. Esta clasificación tiene implicaciones clínicas y terapéuticas. La revisión clínica cuidadosa del paciente es la forma más fiable y reproducible para el diagnóstico; otros métodos usados,sin embargo, se encuentran en el área experimental.Diversos factores de riesgo han sido involucrados en el desarrollo del fenómeno de Raynaud; no obstante, su patogenia no se ha dilucidado completamente, aunque es cierto que se ha descrito recientemente avances en su comprensión. Estos mecanismos descritos han impactado directamente en el desarrollo de nuevas terapias para el control de la enfermedad (AU)

Raynaud’s phenomenon is characterized by repeated daily attacks of ischemia followed by reperfusion at the a crallevel. It is a frequent syndrome found in medical practice;and it can be considered as primary or secondary to other conditions, including rheumatic autoimmune diseases.Current classification had clinical and therapeutic implications. Careful clinical evaluation is the most reliable and reproducible method in the diagnosis of Raynaud’s phenomenon. Several risk factors had been associated in the genesis of Raynaud’s phenomenon; however, its pathogenesis remains elusive although recently, considerable progress in disease mechanism had been described. Such advances are directing new lines of therapy (AU)

[Raynaud's phenomenon]. / Fenómeno de Raynaud.

Raynaud's phenomenon is characterized by repeated daily attacks of ischemia followed by reperfusion at the acrallevel. It is a frequent syndrome found in medical practice; and it can be considered as primary or secondary to other conditions, including rheumatic autoimmune diseases. Current classification had clinical and therapeutic implications. Careful clinical evaluation is the most reliable and reproducible method in the diagnosis of Raynaud's phenomenon. Several risk factors had been associated in the genesis of Raynaud's phenomenon; however, its pathogenesis remains elusive although recently, considerable progress in disease mechanism had been described. Such advances are directing new lines of therapy.

Estudio clínico controlado de ciclosporina A y cloroquina en artritis reumatoide de inicio temprano. Reporte preliminar y revisión de la literatura / Controlled clinical trial with cyclosporine and chloroquine in early rheumatoid arthritis

Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia y seguridad de ciclosporina A (CsA) + cloroquina (CLQ) o placebo en pacientes con AR de inicio temprano y comparar los resultados con una revisión de la literatura de la combinación de CsA con otras drogas modificadoras de la enfermedad (DMARD).Métodos: Reporte preliminar de un estudio doble ciego controlado, de 90 pacientes con AR de inicio temprano, comparando CsA + CLQ o placebo. Variable de desenlace ACR 20, 50 y 70. Revisión de la literatura de 10 estudios completos de terapia combinada que incluyeron a la CsA.Resultados: A los 6 meses de tratamiento, cumplieron los criterios de mejoría (ACR-20) 34 pacientes (83 por ciento) del grupo CsA + CLQ y 25 (61 por ciento) del grupo CsA + placebo (p=0.02). A los 12 meses, no hubo diferencia significativa en la mejoría con los criterios de ACR-20. La diferencia fue significativa con ACR-50 (54 por ciento vs 34 por ciento, p= 0.05) y con ACR-70 (51 por ciento vs 26 por ciento, p=0.05). No hubo diferencias significativas en los efectos adversos en ambos grupos. La revisión de la literatura mostró reportes de CsA en combinación con MTX, oro parenteral, HCQ, CLQ y SSZ. La combinación más estudiada y al parecer más eficaz fue CsA con MTX. Conclusión: La combinación de CsA + CLQ parece ser eficaz en pacientes con AR temprana. Aunque la literatura sugiere que la mejor combinación con CsA es MTX, la CLQ parece ser una opción útil en terapia combinada con CsA.