Altered sleep in axial spondyloarthritis and psoriatic arthritis: Post hoc comparative study based on a sleep-specific question from the ASAS health index.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Sleep problems are common in spondyloarthritis (SpA), but the factors associated with them are only partially known. In this study, responses to item #16 from the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society-Health Index (ASAS HI) that explores the sleep category according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) were compared between psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and axial SpA (axSpA). METHODS: Post hoc analysis of a multicentre cross-sectional study included a total of 201 consecutive patients. The prevalence, correlations, and disease factors associated with a positive response to item #16 were analyzed in both SpA populations. RESULTS: Forty-eight/111 (43.2%) patients with axSpA and 42/90 (46.7%) with PsA reported sleep problems. There was a moderate-high correlation between item #16 and the ASAS HI sum score in both populations (r≥.59). In axSpA, poor sleep was associated with disease activity (OR 8.45, p<.001), biological therapy use (OR .24, p<.05) and CRP levels (OR .16, p<.05). In PsA, disturbed sleep was independently associated with disease activity showing a dose-response effect (OR 1.16, p<.001). Taking both populations together, disease severity (OR 6.33, p<.001) and axSpA (OR .50, p<.05) were independently associated with a positive response to item #16. Correlations between the different components of the ASAS HI and item #16 were markedly different in both populations. CONCLUSIONS: A positive response to item #16 was common in both SpA phenotypes. However, the link between inflammatory burden and disturbed sleep was higher in axSpA than in PsA.

Altered sleep in axial spondyloarthritis and psoriatic arthritis: Post hoc comparative study based on a sleep-specific question from the ASAS health index / Alteración del sueño en la espondiloartritis axial y la artritis psoriásica: análisis basado en el índice de salud ASAS

Background and aims: Sleep problems are common in spondyloarthritis (SpA), but the factors associated with them are only partially known. In this study, responses to item #16 from the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society-Health Index (ASAS HI) that explores the sleep category according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) were compared between psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and axial SpA (axSpA). Methods: Post hoc analysis of a multicentre cross-sectional study included a total of 201 consecutive patients. The prevalence, correlations, and disease factors associated with a positive response to item #16 were analyzed in both SpA populations. Results: Forty-eight/111 (43.2%) patients with axSpA and 42/90 (46.7%) with PsA reported sleep problems. There was a moderate–high correlation between item #16 and the ASAS HI sum score in both populations (r≥.59). In axSpA, poor sleep was associated with disease activity (OR 8.45, p<.001), biological therapy use (OR .24, p<.05) and CRP levels (OR .16, p<.05). In PsA, disturbed sleep was independently associated with disease activity showing a dose-response effect (OR 1.16, p<.001). Taking both populations together, disease severity (OR 6.33, p<.001) and axSpA (OR .50, p<.05) were independently associated with a positive response to item #16. Correlations between the different components of the ASAS HI and item #16 were markedly different in both populations. Conclusions: A positive response to item #16 was common in both SpA phenotypes. However, the link between inflammatory burden and disturbed sleep was higher in axSpA than in PsA. (AU)

Antecedente y objetivos: Los problemas del sueño son comunes en la espondiloartritis (SpA), pero los factores asociados a ellos solo se conocen parcialmente. En este estudio, se compararon las respuestas al ítem 16 de ASAS HI (Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society-Health Index) que explora la categoría del sueño, de acuerdo a ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health) entre artritis psoriásica (PsA) y Spa axial (axSpA). Métodos: El análisis post hoc de un estudio transversal multicéntrico incluyó un total de 201 pacientes consecutivos. Se analizaron en ambas poblaciones de SpA la prevalencia, las correlaciones y los factores de la enfermedad asociados a la respuesta positiva al ítem 16. Resultados: Un total de 48/111 (43,2%) pacientes con axSpA y 42/90 (46,7%) con PsA reportaron problemas del sueño. Existió una correlación de modera a alta entre el ítem 16 y la puntuación acumulada de ASAS HI en ambas poblaciones (r≥0,59). En axSpA, el sueño escaso se asoció a la actividad de la enfermedad (OR 8,45, p<0,001), el uso de terapia biológica (OR 0,24, p<0,05) y los niveles de PCR (OR 0,16, p<0,05). En la PsA, la perturbación del sueño estuvo independientemente asociada a la actividad de la enfermedad, lo cual refleja un efecto dosis-respuesta (OR 1,16, p<0,001). Considerando ambas poblaciones conjuntamente, la severidad de la enfermedad (OR 6,33, p<0,001) y axSpA (OR 0,50, p<0,05) estuvieron asociadas de manera independiente a la respuesta positiva al ítem 16. Las correlaciones entre los diferentes componentes de ASAS HI y del ítem 16 fueron marcadamente diferentes en ambas poblaciones. Conclusiones: La respuesta positiva al ítem 16 fue común en ambos fenotipos de SpA. Sin embargo, el vínculo entre carga inflamatoria y perturbación del sueño fue mayor en axSpA en comparación con PsA. (AU)

Recursos y estrategias para la óptima atención de los pacientes con espondiloartritis axial: Proyecto CREA / Resources and Strategies for the Optimal Care of Patients With Axial Spondyloarthritis: The CREA Project

Antecedentes y objetivo: La espondiloartritis axial (EspAax) es una enfermedad musculoesquelética con manifestaciones diversas. En la práctica clínica se ha observado variabilidad y limitaciones en la recogida de las variables necesarias para su seguimiento. El objetivo del proyecto CREA fue consensuar estrategias de mejora para la valoración inicial y el seguimiento de los pacientes con EspAax en España. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó una encuesta con 33 preguntas a una muestra representativa de reumatólogos expertos del territorio español sobre la práctica clínica, los recursos y las limitaciones actuales en el seguimiento de los pacientes con EspAax. En 10 reuniones regionales se discutieron los resultados de la encuesta y se propusieron 107 estrategias que fueron valoradas mediante un consenso Delphi en el que participaron 85 expertos. Resultados: La falta de tiempo en consulta, de personal de enfermería y/o de apoyo, y el retraso en la realización de pruebas de imagen fueron las limitaciones más destacadas en el seguimiento de los pacientes con EspAax. Se propusieron 202 estrategias relacionadas con la evaluación de los índices de calidad de vida e impacto de la enfermedad; las comorbilidades y manifestaciones extraarticulares; las pruebas de laboratorio; las pruebas de imagen; la exploración física y metrología; y los índices de actividad y función. De todas, 54 se consideraron altamente aconsejables. No se encontraron diferencias regionales en los valores de consenso. Conclusiones: Las propuestas consensuadas como altamente aconsejables en el estudio actual son aplicables a todo el territorio nacional, permiten realizar un seguimiento y control más estrecho y homogéneo de los pacientes con EspAax, facilitar un manejo integral y responden a las necesidades no cubiertas detectadas en la encuesta inicial.(AU)

Background and objective: Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) are musculoskeletal diseases with different manifestations. In clinical practice, variability, and limitations in the collection of the outcomes required for follow-up have been observed. The objective of the CREA project was to agree on improvement strategies for the initial assessment and follow-up of patients with axSpA in Spain. Materials and methods: A survey with 33 questions was conducted by a representative sample of rheumatologists on clinical practice, resources, and present limitations in the follow-up of patients with axSpA. The results of the survey were discussed in 10 regional meetings, and 105 strategies were proposed and evaluated through a Delphi consensus in which 85 experts participated. Results: The lack of time for clinical visits, the lack of nurses and/or support staff and the delay in performing the imaging tests were the most prominent limitations in the follow-up of patients with axSpA. One hundred and five strategies were proposed related to the evaluation of disease activity, physical function, quality of life and disease impact, to the evaluation of comorbidities and extra-articular manifestations, laboratory tests; imaging tests, physical examination and metrology. Of the total, 85 were considered highly advisable. No regional differences were found. Conclusions: The proposals agreed upon as highly advisable in the present study are applicable to the entire national territory, allow tighter and more homogeneous monitoring of the patients with axSpA, facilitate more comprehensive management of the disease, and respond to the unmet needs detected in the initial survey.(AU)

Resources and strategies for the optimal care of patients with axial spondyloarthritis: The CREA project.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) are musculoskeletal diseases with different manifestations. In clinical practice, variability, and limitations in the collection of the outcomes required for follow-up have been observed. The objective of the CREA project was to agree on improvement strategies for the initial assessment and follow-up of patients with axSpA in Spain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey with 33 questions was conducted by a representative sample of rheumatologists on clinical practice, resources, and present limitations in the follow-up of patients with axSpA. The results of the survey were discussed in 10 regional meetings, and 105 strategies were proposed and evaluated through a Delphi consensus in which 85 experts participated. RESULTS: The lack of time for clinical visits, the lack of nurses and/or support staff and the delay in performing the imaging tests were the most prominent limitations in the follow-up of patients with axSpA. One hundred and five strategies were proposed related to the evaluation of disease activity, physical function, quality of life and disease impact, to the evaluation of comorbidities and extra-articular manifestations, laboratory tests; imaging tests, physical examination and metrology. Of the total, 85 were considered highly advisable. No regional differences were found. CONCLUSIONS: The proposals agreed upon as highly advisable in the present study are applicable to the entire national territory, allow tighter and more homogeneous monitoring of the patients with axSpA, facilitate more comprehensive management of the disease, and respond to the unmet needs detected in the initial survey.

Propuestas para la incorporación del rol de enfermería en la certificación de unidades de espondiloartritis axial. Revisión bibliográfica y consenso entre expertas / Proposals for the Incorporation of the Nursing role in the Certification of Axial Spondyloarthritis Units. Literature Review and Expert Consensus

Objetivo: Analizar el papel de enfermería en el abordaje de la espondiloartritis axial (EspAax) y plantear propuestas que permitan incluir el rol de las consultas de enfermería en reumatología (CER) en la certificación de calidad de las unidades especializadas. Métodos: Revisión sistemática del rol de enfermería en los sistemas de certificación de calidad en el abordaje de la EspAax, seguida de conferencia de consenso con participación de 3enfermeras especializadas en reumatología para determinar elementos que considerar en futuras revisiones de las normas de certificación. Resultados: La revisión sistemática arrojó 5documentos relevantes. Ninguna de las publicaciones revisadas proponía estándares aplicables a la labor asistencial de enfermería en el manejo de pacientes con EspAax, aunque contemplaban actividades propias de este colectivo. Las propuestas consensuadas para incorporar el rol de las CER en las normas de certificación de las unidades monográficas de EspAax incluyeron: equipamientos y recursos básicos, organización, administración de tratamientos farmacológicos y promoción de la adherencia, programas estandarizados para EspAax, consulta telemática para control del paciente estable y promoción de la continuidad asistencial y registro de medidas de resultados informados por los pacientes. Conclusiones: La literatura sobre estándares de calidad y normas de certificación de las unidades monográficas de EspAax es escasa y apenas refleja el papel de las CER en la provisión de una atención de calidad. Las propuestas consensuadas en este trabajo incorporarían las CER en las normas de certificación de calidad. En el futuro, la mayor presencia de CER en España debiera ir acompañada de la actualización de los estándares.(AU)

Objective: To analyse the role of nursing in the approach to axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and to make proposals to include the role of rheumatology nursing consultations (RECs) in the quality certification of these specialized units. Methods: A systematic review of the nursing role in quality certification systems in the management of axSpA was conducted. Subsequently a consensus conference was held with the participation of 3rheumatology nurses to determine elements that should be considered in future revisions of certification standards. Results: The systematic review yielded 5papers as relevant. None of the publications reviewed explicitly proposed standards applicable to nursing care in the management of patients with axSpA, although they contemplated the activities of this professional group. The proposals agreed upon to incorporate the role of RECs in the certification standards for axSpA monographic units included the following: basic equipment and resources, organization, administration of pharmacological treatments and promotion of adherence, standardized programmes for axSpA, telematic consultation (e-consultation) for monitoring the stable patient and promoting continuity of care and registry of patient-reported outcome measures. Conclusions: The literature on quality standards and certification standards for axSpA monographic units is scarce and hardly reflects the role of RECs in providing quality care. The consensus proposals in this study would incorporate RECs into quality certification standards. In the future, the increased presence of RECs in Spain should be accompanied by a review of the indicators regarding their role.(AU)

Proposals for the incorporation of the nursing role in the certification of axial spondyloarthritis units. Literature review and expert consensus.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the role of nursing in the approach to axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and to make proposals to include the role of rheumatology nursing consultations (RECs) in the quality certification of these specialized units. METHODS: A systematic review of the nursing role in quality certification systems in the management of axSpA was conducted. Subsequently a consensus conference was held with the participation of three rheumatology nurses to determine elements that should be considered in future revisions of certification standards. RESULTS: The systematic review yielded five papers as relevant. None of the publications reviewed explicitly proposed standards applicable to nursing care in the management of patients with axSpA, although they contemplated the activities of this professional group. The proposals agreed upon to incorporate the role of RECs in the certification standards for axSpA monographic units included the following: basic equipment and resources, organization, administration of pharmacological treatments and promotion of adherence, standardized programmes for axSpA, telematic consultation for monitoring the stable patient, registry of patient-reported outcome measures and e-consultation. CONCLUSIONS: The literature on quality standards and certification standards for axSpA monographic units is scarce and hardly reflects the role of RECs in providing quality care. The consensus proposals in this study would incorporate RECs into quality certification standards. In the future, the increased presence of RECs in Spain should be accompanied by a review of the indicators regarding their role.

Development and feasibility of 4 checklists for the evaluation of comorbidity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis and psoriatic arthritis: GECOAI Project.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and assess the feasibility in daily practice of four comorbidity checklists, for common use in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). METHODS: A multidisciplinary panel of experts on comorbidity was established. Data from the GECOAR, GECOAX and GECOAP projects were analysed and a narrative literature review in Medline on RA, axSpA and PsA comorbidity was performed in order to select the most relevant and common comorbidities across the three diseases. With these results and those obtained from a focus group of patients, in a nominal group meeting, the experts generated preliminary checklists. These were afterwards modified by an external evaluation by two associations, a patients' association and an association of health professionals related to rheumatology. As a result, the final checklists were generated. A cross-sectional study was conducted to test the feasibility of three of the checklists in daily practice, in which eight health professionals evaluated the checklists in five patients with RA, five with axSpA and five with SpA. RESULTS: Four comorbidity checklists were designed, three for health professionals (one to assess current comorbidity, one on prevention/health promotion and one with the referral criteria to other health professionals), and another for patients. The feasibility study showed them to be simple, clear, and useful for use in routine clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS: The use of specific and common checklists for patients with RA, axSpA and PsA is feasible and might contribute favorably to their prognosis as well as in daily practice.

Desarrollo y viabilidad de cuatro checklists para la evaluación de la comorbilidad en pacientes con artritis reumatoide, espondiloartritis axial y artritis psoriásica: Proyecto GECOAI / Development and feasibility of 4 checklists for the evaluation of comorbidity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis and psoriatic arthritis: GECOAI Project

Objetivo: Desarrollar y analizar la viabilidad en la práctica diaria de cuatro checklists relacionados con la comorbilidad, comunes para pacientes con artritis reumatoide (AR), espondiloartritis axial (EspAax) y artritis psoriásica (APs). Métodos: Se estableció un grupo multidisciplinar de expertos en comorbilidad. Se revisaron los proyectos GECOAR, GECOAX y GECOAP, y se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en Medline sobre comorbilidad en AR, EspAax y APs, para seleccionar las comorbilidades más relevantes y comunes a las tres enfermedades. Con estos resultados y los obtenidos de un grupo focal de pacientes, en una reunión de grupo nominal, los expertos generaron unos checklists preliminares. Estos listados preliminares se modificaron, tras una evaluación externa por una asociación de pacientes y otra de profesionales de la salud relacionados con la reumatología, para generar los checklists definitivos. Finalmente, se realizó un estudio transversal, en el que ocho profesionales de la salud evaluaron tres checklists en cinco pacientes con AR, cinco con EspAax y cinco con APs. Resultados: Se diseñaron cuatro checklists de comorbilidad, tres para profesionales de la salud (uno sobre evaluación de la comorbilidad presente, otro sobre prevención/promoción de la salud y un último con los criterios de derivación a otros profesionales), y otro para pacientes. El estudio de viabilidad mostró que son sencillos, claros y útiles para su uso en la práctica clínica habitual. Conclusiones: El uso de checklists específicos y comunes para pacientes con AR, EspAax y APs es factible y puede contribuir favorablemente en su pronóstico así como en la práctica clínica habitual.(AU)

Objective: To develop and assess the feasibility in daily practice of four comorbidity checklists, for common use in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Methods: A multidisciplinary panel of experts on comorbidity was established. Data from the GECOAR, GECOAX and GECOAP projects were analysed and a narrative literature review in Medline on RA, axSpA and PsA comorbidity was performed in order to select the most relevant and common comorbidities across the three diseases. With these results and those obtained from a focus group of patients, in a nominal group meeting, the experts generated preliminary checklists. These were afterwards modified by an external evaluation by two associations, a patients’ association and an association of health professionals related to rheumatology. As a result, the final checklists were generated. A cross-sectional study was conducted to test the feasibility of three of the checklists in daily practice, in which eight health professionals evaluated the checklists in five patients with RA, five with axSpA and five with SpA. Results: Four comorbidity checklists were designed, three for health professionals (one to assess current comorbidity, one on prevention/health promotion and one with the referral criteria to other health professionals), and another for patients. The feasibility study showed them to be simple, clear, and useful for use in routine clinical practice. Conclusions: The use of specific and common checklists for patients with RA, axSpA and PsA is feasible and might contribute favorably to their prognosis as well as in daily practice.(AU)

Participación laboral en espondiloartritis axial radiográfica y no radiográfica / Labor participation in radiographic and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis

Introducción: las limitaciones laborales son un punto importante a considerar en el tratamiento de la espondiloartritis axial (EspAax) dado que esta enfermedad afecta a las personas en la etapa más productiva de la vida. Objetivos: describir la situación laboral en pacientes con EspAax de Argentina, incluyendo la espondilitis anquilosante (EA) y la espondiloartritis axial no radiográfica (EspAax-nr), y evaluar los factores asociados a la pérdida de productividad laboral (PPL) en esta cohorte nacional y los factores asociados a estar empleado. Materiales y métodos: en este estudio transversal y multicéntrico se incluyeron pacientes con diagnóstico de EA y EspAax-nr según los criterios de clasificación de la Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS 2009) y en edad laboral (≤65 años). Los objetivos principales fueron evaluar la situación laboral, el ausentismo y el presentismo, valorados por el cuestionario Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Spondyloarthritis (WPAI-SpA). Se utilizó el coeficiente de Spearman para evaluar la correlación entre las medidas de la enfermedad y la PPL. Se realizó un análisis bivariado y multivariado para evaluar los factores asociados a estar empleado. Resultados: se incluyeron 129 pacientes con EspAax, 95 (73,6 %) con EA y 34 (26,4%) con EspAax-nr. La mediana (p25-75) de edad fue de 45 (35-55) años. La duración mediana de la enfermedad fue de 62 (24-123) meses y el retraso en el diagnóstico fue de 24 (6-72) meses. Sesenta (46,5%) pacientes estaban empleados. La mediana (p25-75) de presentismo de los pacientes con EA fue del 29,6% (0-57) y del 30% (20-40) para los pacientes con EspAax-nr (p=0,02). Asimismo, la mediana (p25-75) de PPL fue del 30% en ambos grupos de pacientes. Se encontró una correlación positiva entre la PPL y las siguientes variables: ASDAS (Rho:0.60), BASDAI (Rho:0.50), BASFI (Rho:0.60), ASQoL (Rho:0.60) y ASAS health index (Rho:0.54). En el análisis bivariado, los factores asociados al desempleo fueron el diagnóstico de EA, la edad avanzada, la mayor duración de la enfermedad, las comorbilidades (hipertensión y diabetes), el menor número de años de educación, la peor calidad de vida y la menor capacidad funcional. En el análisis multivariado, una mejor función física (evaluada por BASFI) se asoció de forma independiente a estar empleado. Conclusiones: este estudio demostró que la PPL en esta cohorte nacional fue del 30% en la EspAax. Se asoció con la actividad de la enfermedad, el estado de salud, la calidad de vida y la capacidad funcional. Una mejor función física se relacionó en forma independiente con una mayor probabilidad de mantener a los pacientes con EspAax empleados.

Introduction: work disability is an important outcome in the treatment of spondyloarthritis (SpA) since this disease affects people in the most productive stage of life. Objectives: to investigate working status in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) from Argentina, including ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and nonradiographic axial SpA (nr-axSpA), and to evaluate factors associated with work productivity loss (WPL) in this national cohort and factors associated with being employed. Materials and methods: patients with a diagnosis of AS and nr-axSpA according to Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS 2009) classification criteria and in working age (≤65 years) were included in this multicentric cross-sectional study. Outcomes of interest were employment status, absenteeism and presenteeism, assessed by the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Spondyloarthritis (WPAI-SpA) questionnaire. Spearman's coefficient was used to assess the correlation between disease measures and WPL. Bivariate and multivariate analysis were performed in order to evaluate factors associated with being employed. Results: 129 patients with axSpA were included, 95 (73.6%) with AS and 34 (26.4%) with nr-axSpA. Median (p25-75) age of 45 (35-55) years. Median (p25-75) disease duration was 62 (24-123) months and diagnosis delay was 24 (6-72) months. 60 (46.5%) of the patients were employed. Median (p25-75) presenteeism of AS patients was 29.6% (0-57) and 30% (20-40) for patients with EspAax-nr (p=0.02). Median (p25-75) WPL was 30% in both groups of patients. A positive correlation was found between WPL and the following variables: ASDAS (Rho:0.60), BASDAI (Rho:0.50), BASFI (Rho:0.60), ASQoL (Rho:0.60) and ASAS health index (Rho:0.54). In the bivariate analysis, the factors associated with unemployment were AS diagnosis, older age, longer disease duration, comorbidities (hypertension and diabetes), fewer years of education, worse quality of life and lower functional capacity. In the multivariate analysis, better physical function (assessed by BASFI) was independently associated with being employed. Conclusions: this study showed that WPL in this national cohort was 30% in axSpA. It was associated with disease activity, health status, quality of life and functional capacity. Better physical function was independently associated with a higher likelihood of keeping patients with axSpA employed.

Resultados comparativos de la implementación en práctica diaria de un checklist de evaluación para pacientes con espondiloartritis axial y artritis psoriásica / Comparative results of the implementation in daily practice of an evaluation checklist for patients with axial spondyloarthritis and psoriatic arthritis

Objetivo: Analizar y comparar los cambios en la recogida de variables clínicas tras la implementación en la práctica diaria de un checklist de evaluación para pacientes con espondiloartritis axial (EspAax) y artritis psoriásica (APs). Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional. Mediante revisión de historias médicas, se recogieron el número y el tipo de variables del checklist de evaluación que figuraban en las mismas. La primera revisión se realizó antes de la implementación del checklist, y la segunda, 6meses después de la implementación (pacientes diferentes) para poder comparar los cambios producidos con la misma. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo y bivariado. Resultados: Participaron 6 hospitales y 11 reumatólogos. Se revisaron un total de 83 y 68 historias médicas pre- y post-implementación del checklist. Tras la implementación, en la EspAax aumentó significativamente el registro en la historia clínica del consumo de alcohol, diarrea o enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (EII) y la uretritis, diabetes mellitus, hiperlipidemia, depresión, obesidad o la gota/hiperuricemia, peso, talla, presión arterial, VGM, VGP, BASDAI y DAS28. Y en la APs el consumo de alcohol, HTA, diabetes mellitus, hiperlipidemia, enfermedad, gota/hiperuricemia, expansión torácica, rotación cervical, peso, talla, presión arterial, VGM, VGP, ASDAS, BASDAI y BASFI. Tanto pre- como post-implantación en general existe una tendencia a un mayor porcentaje de recogida de variables en pacientes con EspAax que en pacientes con APs. Conclusiones: La implementación de un checklist específico en la práctica diaria mejora la evaluación de los pacientes con EspAax y APs. Se debe seguir trabajando en la mejoría de la evaluación de los pacientes con EspA, pero especialmente en la APs.(AU)

Objective: To analyse and compare changes in the collection of clinical variables after the implementation in daily practice of an evaluation checklist for patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Methods: An observational study was performed based on medical records review. The number and type of variables of the evaluation checklist in the medical records were collected. The first review was made before the implementation of the checklist, and the second one 6months after the implementation (in different patients). A descriptive and bivariate analysis was carried out. Results: Six hospitals and 11 rheumatologists participated. A total of 83 and 68 medical records were reviewed before and after the implementation of the checklist. After the implementation, in the axSpA patients, a significant increase was recorded in alcohol consumption, diarrhoea or IBD and urethritis, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidaemia, depression, obesity or gout/hyperuricaemia, weight, height, blood pressure, patient and physician global assessments of disease activity, BASDAI and DAS28. And, in the PsA patients, alcohol consumption, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidaemia, disease, gout/hyperuricaemia, thoracic expansion, cervical rotation, weight, height, blood pressure, patient and physician global assessments of disease, ASDAS, BASDAI, and BASFI were recorded. In general, there was a trend towards greater recording in axSpA compared with PsA. Conclusions: The implementation of a specific checklist in daily practice improves the evaluation of patients with axSpA and PsA. More efforts are necessary to continue improving the evaluation of patients with axSpA, but especially of those with PsA.(AU)

Comparative results of the implementation in daily practice of an evaluation checklist for patients with axial spondyloarthritis and psoriatic arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse and compare changes in the collection of clinical variables after the implementation in daily practice of an evaluation checklist for patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). METHODS: An observational study was performed based on medical records review. The number and type of variables of the evaluation checklist in the medical records were collected. The first review was made before the implementation of the checklist, and the second one 6 months after the implementation (in different patients). A descriptive and bivariate analysis was carried out. RESULTS: Six hospitals and 11 rheumatologists participated. A total of 83 and 68 medical records were reviewed before and after the implementation of the checklist. After the implementation, in the axSpA patients, a significant increase was recorded in alcohol consumption, diarrhoea or IBD and urethritis, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidaemia, depression, obesity or gout/hyperuricaemia, weight, height, blood pressure, patient and physician global assessments of disease activity, BASDAI and DAS28. And, in the PsA patients, alcohol consumption, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidaemia, disease, gout/hyperuricaemia, thoracic expansion, cervical rotation, weight, height, blood pressure, patient and physician global assessments of disease, ASDAS, BASDAI, and BASFI were recorded. In general, there was a trend towards greater recording in axSpA compared with PsA. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of a specific checklist in daily practice improves the evaluation of patients with axSpA and PsA. More efforts are necessary to continue improving the evaluation of patients with axSpA, but especially of those with PsA.

Recomendaciones del Colegio Mexicano de Reumatología para el manejo de las espondiloartritis / Recommendations of the Mexican College of Rheumatology for the Management of Spondyloarthritis

Objetivos: Actualizar las recomendaciones para el manejo de pacientes con espondiloartritis (EspA) en la población mexicana e identificar las variables que podrían influir en el manejo del paciente. Material y métodos: Un grupo de 15 expertos en EspA tradujo, analizó y modificó las recomendaciones del Colegio Mexicano de Reumatología (CMR) y del grupo Sociedad Internacional de Evaluación de las Espondiloartritis (ASAS)/Liga Europea contra el Reumatismo (EULAR) del 2016 a través de la revisión sistemática de la literatura realizada por dos revisores externos en el período de 2015 a 2018 utilizando los niveles de GRADE y Oxford y el porcentaje de concordancia (Delphi). Resultados: En comparación con las recomendaciones anteriores, no hubo cambios significativos desde el año 2015. Sin embargo, modificamos los 5 principios fundamentales y reducimos el número de recomendaciones a 10 por la incorporación de la primera en el texto, la combinación de 5 recomendaciones en 2 y la adición de una nueva. Confirmamos la tendencia del uso de glucocorticoides para pacientes con actividad inflamatoria y escaso acceso a productos biológicos. Se identificaron las características sociodemográficas y clínicas de los pacientes con EspA y su posible influencia en la aplicación de las recomendaciones. Conclusiones: Las 10 recomendaciones del CMR y el análisis de las características de los pacientes mexicanos con EspA se centran en el tratamiento escalonado con medios farmacológicos y no farmacológicos, fácilmente accesibles, o por el contrario sustancias de alta tecnología para un pequeño porcentaje de la población.(AU)

Objectives: To update the recommendations for the management of patients with Spondyloarthritis (SpA) in the Mexican population, and identify which variables could influence patient management. Material and methods: A group of 15 experts in SpA translated, analyzed and modified the recommendations of the Mexican College of Rheumatology (CMR) and the International Society for the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis (ASAS)/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) 2016 group through a systematic review of the literature by two external reviewers during the period from 2015 to 2018 using the grade of recommendation, Oxford levels of evidence, percentage of concordance (Delphi). Results: Compared to previous recommendations, there were no significant changes from the year 2015. However, we modified the five fundamental principles and reduced the number of recommendations to ten by incorporating the first item in the text and combining five recommendations into two and adding a further recommendation. We confirmed the tendency to use glucocorticoids for patients with inflammatory activity and scarce access to biologicals. We identified the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients with SpA and their influence on the application of the recommendations. Conclusions: The ten recommendations of the CMR and the analysis of the characteristics of the Mexican patients with SpA focussed on step therapy, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies, in a spectrum from easily accessible to high-tech substances available to a small percentage of the population.(AU)

Recommendations of the Mexican College of Rheumatology for the Management of Spondyloarthritis. / Recomendaciones del Colegio Mexicano de Reumatología para el manejo de las espondiloartritis.

OBJECTIVES: To update the recommendations for the management of patients with Spondyloarthritis (SpA) in the Mexican population, and identify which variables could influence patient management. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A group of 15 experts in SpA translated, analyzed and modified the recommendations of the Mexican College of Rheumatology (CMR) and the International Society for the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis (ASAS)/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) 2016 group through a systematic review of the literature by two external reviewers during the period from 2015 to 2018 using the grade of recommendation, Oxford levels of evidence, percentage of concordance (Delphi). RESULTS: Compared to previous recommendations, there were no significant changes from the year 2015. However, we modified the five fundamental principles and reduced the number of recommendations to ten by incorporating the first item in the text and combining five recommendations into two and adding a further recommendation. We confirmed the tendency to use glucocorticoids for patients with inflammatory activity and scarce access to biologicals. We identified the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients with SpA and their influence on the application of the recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: The ten recommendations of the CMR and the analysis of the characteristics of the Mexican patients with SpA focussed on step therapy, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies, in a spectrum from easily accessible to high-tech substances available to a small percentage of the population.

Development and feasibility of 4 checklists for the evaluation of comorbidity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis and psoriatic arthritis: GECOAI Project. / Desarrollo y viabilidad de cuatro checklists para la evaluación de la comorbilidad en pacientes con artritis reumatoide, espondiloartritis axial y artritis psoriásica: Proyecto GECOAI.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and assess the feasibility in daily practice of four comorbidity checklists, for common use in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). METHODS: A multidisciplinary panel of experts on comorbidity was established. Data from the GECOAR, GECOAX and GECOAP projects were analysed and a narrative literature review in Medline on RA, axSpA and PsA comorbidity was performed in order to select the most relevant and common comorbidities across the three diseases. With these results and those obtained from a focus group of patients, in a nominal group meeting, the experts generated preliminary checklists. These were afterwards modified by an external evaluation by two associations, a patients' association and an association of health professionals related to rheumatology. As a result, the final checklists were generated. A cross-sectional study was conducted to test the feasibility of three of the checklists in daily practice, in which eight health professionals evaluated the checklists in five patients with RA, five with axSpA and five with SpA. RESULTS: Four comorbidity checklists were designed, three for health professionals (one to assess current comorbidity, one on prevention/health promotion and one with the referral criteria to other health professionals), and another for patients. The feasibility study showed them to be simple, clear, and useful for use in routine clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS: The use of specific and common checklists for patients with RA, axSpA and PsA is feasible and might contribute favorably to their prognosis as well as in daily practice.

Preferencias del tratamiento en pacientes con Espondiloartritis axial / Treatment preferences in patients with axial spondyloarthritis

Introducción: Una de las premisas del Treat to Target (T2T) es la decisión conjunta del tratamiento entre el reumatólogo y el paciente. Por esta razón las preferencias del paciente juegan un rol fundamental en el éxito del tratamiento a corto y largo plazo. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar las preferencias de tratamiento de los pacientes con Espondiloartritis axial (EsPax) e identificar factores asociados a su elección. Material y métodos: Estudio de corte transversal de la cohorte ESPAXIA de pacientes ≥18 años de edad con EsPax (según criterios ASAS 2009). Se consignaron datos sociodemográficos, comorbilidades, características de la enfermedad, y tratamientos recibidos. Se administró un cuestionario especialmente diseñado, en modalidad de elección múltiple y/o respuesta categorizada según orden de importancia de los enunciados. Análisis estadístico: Estadística descriptiva. Test T de Student, test de Chi2 y análisis de regresión logística múltiple. Se consideró significativo un valor de p<0,05. Resultados: Se incluyeron 70 pacientes con una edad mediana (m) de 46,5 años (RIC: 38-57) y un tiempo m de evolución de 13,5 años (RIC: 7,75-23,25). Los aspectos más importantes en la elección del tratamiento fueron: la capacidad de mejoría en la calidad de vida, seguido por mejoría en la inflamación articular, el dolor y la función física. Las vías de administración elegidas en orden decreciente de frecuencia fueron: vía oral (VO) 51,4%, subcutánea (SC) 41,4%, intramuscular (IM) 4,3% y endovenosa (EV) 2,9%. El intervalo entre dosis más votado en la VO fue 1 comprimido semanal (61,1%), y en la SC, 1 aplicación mensual (34,5%). La elección de la VO, se asoció con: preferencia por la autoaplicación, preferencia de aplicación en el hogar y mayor nivel de escolaridad. La elección de la vía SC, fue más frecuente en los pacientes con EA. Los pacientes que recibían tratamiento biológico por vía SC, así como aquellos que tenían la actividad de su enfermedad más controlada, tuvieron mayor conformidad con el tratamiento. Conclusión: La vía de administración de la medicación preferida en nuestra cohorte de pacientes con EsPax fue la oral. Los pacientes con mayor conformidad de tratamiento fueron aquellos que recibían el tratamiento biológico por vía SC y los que tenían menor actividad de la enfermedad.

Background: One of the premises of the Treat to Target (T2T) is the shared treatment decision between the rheumatologist and the patient. For this reason, patient preferences play a fundamental role in the success of treatment in the short and long term. The aims of this study were to evaluate the treatment preferences of patients with Axial Spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and to identify the factors associated with their choice. Material and methods: Cross sectional study. Patients ≥18 years old that fulfilled the ASAS 2009 criteria for axSpA were included. Sociodemographic data, comorbidities, disease characteristics, and treatments received were recorded. A specially designed questionnaire in both, multiple choice modality and response mode listed in order of priority of the statements was administered. Statistical analysis: Descriptive statistics. Student's T-test, Chi2 test and multiple logistic regression analysis. A value of p <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Seventy patients were included with a median age (m) of 46.5 years (IQR: 38-57), 55 males (78.6%) and a median disease duration of 13.5 years (IQR: 7.75-23.25). The relevant aspects for choosing a treatment were: the ability to improve the quality of life (32.9%), followed by improvement in joint inflammation (22.9%), pain (21.4%) and physical function (14.3%). The chosen administration routes in decreasing order of frequency were: oral (51.4%), subcutaneous (SC) (41.4%), intramuscular (IM) 4.3% and intravenous (IV) 2.9%. The preferred frequency of oral administration was one tablet per week (61.1%) and SC administration, once a month (34.5%). The choice of oral route was associated with: preference for self-administration, preference for receiving the medication at home and higher level of education. The choice of the SC route was independently associated with the type of axSpA (AS) and a lower educational level. The patients under biological SC treatment and with lower disease activity, showed higher level of treatment satisfaction. Conclusion: The most preferred way of administration by patients with axSpA was the oral route. Lower disease activity and SC biological treatment were associated with treatment greater compliance.

Atlas of axial spondyloarthritis in Spain 2017: Study design and population.

OBJECTIVE: Atlas of Axial Spondyloarthritis in Spain 2017 aims to better understand the reality of the patients suffering from this disease from an integrated approach. METHODS: The Atlas 2017 based its results on an extensive cross-sectional patient survey conducted in Spain (2016), validated by a multidisciplinary group of experts on spondyloarthritis. RESULTS: Data from 680 patients with axSpA were obtained, most of them suffered from AS, were HLA-B27 positive, older than 45 years, and live as part of a couple. A large percentage had university studies, were disabled and members of a patient association. Patients reported a diagnostic delay of 8.5 years, high disease activity (BASDAI 5.5±2.2), moderate-important stiffness (61.0%), medium-high functional limitation (74.9%), and psychological distress (GHQ 5.7±4.5). A total of 54.7% reported taking NSAIDs, 28.4% DMARDs, 36.3% biological therapy and 32.2% were not receiving pharmacological treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The Atlas survey data reveals still a long diagnostic delay, high disease activity, psychological distress, while an important proportion could be undertreated.

Recommendations by the Spanish Society of Rheumatology on the Use of Biological Therapies in Axial Spondyloarthritis. / Recomendaciones de la Sociedad Española de Reumatología sobre el uso de terapias biológicas en espondiloartritis axial.

OBJECTIVE: Recent data published on biological therapy in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) since the last publication of the recommendations of the Spanish Society of Rheumatology (SER) has led to the generation of a review of these recommendations based on the best possible evidence. These recommendations should be a reference for rheumatologists and those involved in the treatment of patients with axSpA. METHODS: Recommendations were drawn up following a nominal group methodology and based on systematic reviews. The level of evidence and grade of recommendation were classified according to the model proposed by the Centre for Evidence Based Medicine at Oxford. The level of agreement was established through the Delphi technique. RESULTS: In this review, we did an update of the evaluation of disease activity and treatment objectives. We included the new drugs with approved therapeutic indication for axSpA. We reviewed both the predictive factors of the therapeutic response and progression of radiographic damage. Finally, we drafted some recommendations for the treatment of patients refractory to anti-tumor necrosis factor, as well as for the possible optimization of biological therapy. The document also includes a table of recommendations and a treatment algorithm. CONCLUSIONS: We present an update of the SER recommendations for the use of biological therapy in patients with axSpA.

Development of a checklist for patients with axial spondyloarthritis and psoriatic arthritis in daily practice: ONLY TOOLS project. / Desarrollo de un cuadro de actuación para la evaluación de pacientes con espondiloartritis axial y artritis psoriásica en la práctica diaria: proyecto ONLY TOOLS.

OBJECTIVE: To standardize clinical evaluation of patients with axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) using a checklist. METHODS: Qualitative study that included: 1) nominal group (18 experts); 2) literature reviews of measures used in the assessment of patients with axial SpA or PsA; and 3) focus groups, one with rheumatologists and another with patients, organized to become familiar with their opinion on medical assistance. Taking this into account, the experts selected the measures to be included in the checklist based on their relevance, feasibility, and the outcome type. RESULTS: The checklist includes measures for the evaluation of personal history, physical examination, activity and function, laboratory tests, imaging studies and treatments. It also defines risk factors of radiographic progression, predictors of the response to biological therapies, and comprises measures of excellence. CONCLUSIONS: This checklist for patients with axial SpA and PsA could help standardize daily clinical practice and improve clinical management and patient prognosis.

Association between serum dickkopf-1 levels and disease duration in axial spondyloarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is characterized by new bone formation. The complex systems underlying this process involve Wnt-signaling pathway. It has been observed that serum levels of dickkopf-1 (DKK-1), an important inhibitor of Wnt-signaling, are decreased in patients with axSpA. However, these data are from studies including only patients with long-standing disease. The aim of this study is to investigate if symptom duration influences on serum DKK-1 levels in patients with axSpA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study including consecutive patients with axSpA (ASAS criteria) naïve for anti-TNF therapy. Collected data included demographic and disease characteristics, time since first symptom onset, assessment of disease activity and function, and determination of DKK-1 serum levels. Patients were classified as early axSpA (symptom duration ≤5 years) and established axSpA (>5 years). Linear regression models were employed to investigate the variables related to DKK-1 serum levels. RESULTS: In total, 90 patients were included. Sixty-eight patients had early axSpA and 22 had established disease. Serum levels of DKK-1 were significantly higher in patients with early axSpA compared with established axSpA (22.1±12.6 vs 16.4±10.7pM; p=0.04). Among all tested variables, only symptom duration was significantly and inversely correlated with DKK-1 serum levels (beta: -0.041; p=0.01). CONCLUSION: Serum DKK-1 levels in axSpA depend on disease duration. As disease duration increases, DKK-1 serum levels decrease. Based on this, an intensive treatment at early stages of the disease could have a better outcome on inhibiting/slowing radiographic progression in patients with axSpA.

Rheumatic diseases of the spine: imaging diagnosis. / Enfermedades reumatológicas en la columna vertebral: diagnóstico radiológico.

Spinal involvement is common both in the spondyloarthritides and in rheumatoid arthritis, in which the cervical segment is selectively affected. Rheumatoid involvement of the cervical spine has characteristic radiologic manifestations, fundamentally different patterns of atlantoaxial instability. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the technique of choice for evaluating the possible repercussions of atlantoaxial instability on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots in patients with rheumatoid arthritis as well as for evaluating parameters indicative of active inflammation, such as bone edema and synovitis. Axial involvement is characteristic in the spondyloarthritides and has distinctive manifestations on plain-film X-rays, which reflect destructive and reparative phenomena. The use of MRI has changed the conception of spondyloarthritis because it is able to directly detect the inflammatory changes that form part of the disease, making it possible to establish the diagnosis early in the disease process, when plain-film X-ray findings are normal (non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis), to assess the prognosis of the disease, and to contribute to treatment planning.