Evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and management of rheumatoid arthritis for non-rheumatologists: Integrating systematic literature research and expert opinion of the Thai Rheumatism Association.

AIM: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory joint disease leading to joint damage, functional disability, poor quality of life and shortened life expectancy. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment are a principal strategy to improve outcomes. To provide best practices in the diagnosis and management of patients with RA, the Thai Rheumatism Association (TRA) developed scientifically sound and clinically relevant evidence-based recommendations for general practitioners, internists, orthopedists, and physiatrists. METHODS: Thirty-seven rheumatologists from across Thailand formulated 18 clinically relevant questions: three for diagnosis, 10 for treatments, four for monitoring, and one for referral. A bibliographic team systematically reviewed the relevant literature on these topics up to December 2013. A set of recommendations was proposed based on the results of systematic reviews combined with expert opinions. Group consensus was achieved for all statements and recommendations using the nominal group technique. RESULTS: A set of recommendations was proposed. For diagnosis, either American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 1987 or ACR/European League Against Rheumatism 2010 classification criteria can be applied. For treatment, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticoid, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, including antimalarials, methotrexate and sulfasalazine are recommended. Physiotherapy should be suggested to all patients. Tight control strategy and monitoring for efficacy and side effects of treatments, as well as indications for referral to a rheumatologist are provided. CONCLUSIONS: These evidence-based recommendations provide practical guidance for diagnosis, fundamental management and referral of patients with RA for non-rheumatologists. However, it should be incorporated with clinical judgments and decisions about care for each individual patient.

Correlation of Glomerular Filtration Rate Between Renal Scan and Estimation Equation for Patients With Scleroderma.

BACKGROUND: Renal involvement in scleroderma is life-threatening. Early detection of a deterioration of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is needed to preserve kidney function. OBJECTIVES: To (A) determine the correlation between (1) estimated GFR (eGFR) using 4 different formulae and (2) measured GFR (mGFR) using isotopic renal scan in Thai patients with scleroderma with normal serum creatinine and (B) to define the factors influencing eGFR. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was performed in adult Thai patients with scleroderma at Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University, between December 2013 and April 2015. GFR was measured using the gold standard Tc-99m DTPA (Tc-99m diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid) renal scan. We compared the latter with the eGFR, calculated using the Cockroft-Gault formula, Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD), Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation and creatinine clearance equation. RESULTS: A total of 76 patients with scleroderma (50 women and 26 men) with median age 54.8 years (interquartile range: 47.4 to 58.9) were enrolled. Mean disease duration was 5.6 ± 4.5 years. Median value of mGFR was 100.1 ± 27.6mL/minute/1.73m². There was a correlation between mGFR from the Tc-99m DTPA renal scan and the eGFR using the Cockroft-Gault formula, MDRD and CKD-EPI equation (P = 0.01, <0.001 and <0.001, respectively), but no correlation with eGFR using the creatinine clearance equation (P = 0.27). Body weight, prednisolone use and systolic blood pressure (SBP) had a negative association with mGFR (P = 0.01, 0.01 and 0.007, respectively). After multivariate analysis, SBP was the only clinical parameter that influenced mGFR (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The Cockroft-Gault formula, MDRD study equation and CKD-EPI were useful formulae for assessing GFR in Thai patients with scleroderma. Higher SBP was associated with a lower GFR.