Homogenizing the Teaching of Engaged Medical Examinations to Large Numbers of Students: the Experience of the Digital Rectal Examination.

This project aims to complement and homogenise the teaching of indications and technique of digital rectal examination (DRE) through the use of simulators, and subsequently analysed the level of satisfaction with the training and skills acquired. The students were distributed into small groups. One of the workshop's coordinators synthesised indications and procedures of DRE. A teaching video was made with all the contents and was distributed between the trainers. During the workshop, trainers explained the indications and the method of performing the DRE. Then, the selected clinical cases were presented, followed by the DRE by specific simulators. Once the students had completed each exploration, the trainers explained each case and discussed it with students. The following week, an anonymous questionnaire was given to participants to evaluate the workshop. Of the 232 participating students, 53 (23%) responded to the questionnaire. The overall level of satisfaction was higher than 98% (score 4-5), reaching 100% in the evaluation of the practical contents, and 93% of the students would recommend the continuity of the workshop in the next courses. The DRE workshop was well received among medical students, with a high degree of voluntary participation and response rate to the subsequent survey. With this project, we have achieved a greater homogenisation of teaching within the subject of Urology, and greater confidence for the students when facing their future clinical practice.

[Primary care specific scorecards as management tools]. / Cuadros de mando específicos de atención primaria como herramienta de gestión.

INTRODUCTION: Specific Scorecards are a key element to improve strategic lines aimed at enhancing intermediate health outcomes. Their implementation, involving professionals, requires identifying indicators linked to the outcomes of healthcare actions that the scientific literature may endorse. In addition, the inclusion of objectives that can be defined by parameterized by indicators of intermediate results in the health centre program contract, conveys the relevance of health actions and their impact on health. OBJECTIVE: To describe the design, development and outcomes of the specific scorecards of indicators of intermediate health outcomes in the Primary Care information system (eSOAP) in order to promote the involvement of professionals in strategic management from clinical management. METHODS: Phase 1: description of the process (preparation and publication of 147 indicators, 46 of them of chronicity). Phase 2: observational descriptive study on the use of professionals and managers and data on the intermediate health outcomes obtained. RESULTS: A total of 268,849 reports were generated in 2017, with 35,835 reports of specific balanced scorecard (20%) being downloaded in just 6 months. One-quarter (25%) of the indicators of the Centre program contract are intermediate results. The percentage of diabetic patients controlled was 39.2%, and has improved significantly (P<.05) in 5 years. DISCUSSION: The specific scorecards with indicators of intermediate outcomes linked to strategic lines and their inclusion in the program contracts enables professionals to become involved in clinical and strategic management and improves the decision making of professionals and managers.

Infección severa por Strongyloides stercoralis en líquido ascítico / Severe infection by Strongyloides stercoralis in ascitic liquid

La estrongiloidiosis es una infección cuyos agentes responsables son Strongyloides stercoralis y S. fuelleborni. Estos nematodos son de localización intestinal, el factor de riesgo principal es el andar descalzo en lugares contaminados con las larvas filariformes. El estudio presenta a un paciente varón de 23 años de edad, residente de San Juan de Lurigancho, presentó 14 meses de enfermedad con signos de meteorismo, náuseas, vómitos y permaneció afebril, se indica también que 28 días antes presentó dolor del epigastrio irradiado a la espalda de duración constante. Al examen físico se encontró un abdomen distendido, blando timpánico doloroso a la palpación, el informe de ecografía abdominal evidenció dilatación de las asas intestinales, meteorismo, con presencia abundante de líquido libre en la cavidad abdominal (ascitis) y en los exámenes parasitológicos del líquido se observó larvas rabditoides L1, L2 y filariformes L3 de Strongyloides stercoralis; por lo que recibió tratamiento con Ivermectina, obteniéndose la recuperación del paciente.

The strongyloidiasis is an infection whose responsible agents are Strongyloides stercoralis and S. fuelleborni. These nematodes have an intestinal location; the main risk factor is to be barefoot in places contaminated with filariform larvae. The study presents a male 23-year-old resident of San Juan de Lurigancho, with 14 months of illness with signs of bloating, nausea, vomiting and wasafebrile,also indicates that 28 days before he had epigastric pain irradiated to the back. On physical examination a distended abdomen was found, soft painful tympanic tenderness, the abdominal ultrasonography showed dilated bowel loops, bloat, with abundant presence of free fluid in the abdominal cavity (ascites) and parasitological examinations observed, rabditoides larvae L1 and L2 and filariform L3 of Strongyloides stercoralis. He received Ivermectin, obtaining the patient's recovery.

Resultados visuales, independencia de gafas e insatisfacción tras implante de una lente intraocular difractiva trifocal / Visual outcomes, spectacle independence and satisfaction after diffractive trifocal intraocular lens implantation

OBJETIVO: Evaluar los resultados visuales, la independencia de gafas y la satisfacción tras el implante de una lente intraocular trifocal. MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de 5.186 sujetos intervenidos de facoemulsificación con implante de la lente trifocal difractiva FineVision Micro F12 (PhysIOL, Liège, Bélgica). RESULTADOS: La queratometría media preoperatoria fue 43,61±1,55 D y el cilindro queratométrico medio -0,86 ± 0,66 D. A los 3 meses, cambiaron a 43,59±1,56 y −0,71±0,46 D respectivamente. La esfera media pasó de 2,04±2,60 a 0,14±0,38 D y el equivalente esférico medio de 1,64±2,61 a −0,05±0,36 D. Más del 60% alcanzaron una mejor agudeza visual corregida de lejos. La mayoría presentó un defecto residual final (predictibilidad) menor de 1 D (99,1%). El 14,3% precisó un ajuste refractivo, el 2,2% capsulotomía posterior y se recolocó la lente intraocular en 5 casos. Un porcentaje elevado estaba satisfecho en términos de visión e independencia de gafas en todas las distancias. Aunque un 2% refirió un empeoramiento en la visión nocturna, únicamente un 2% estaba poco satisfecho y 20 pacientes insatisfechos. Las causas fueron: visión borrosa (7 casos), necesidad de gafas (10), disfotopsias (7) y sequedad ocular (4). CONCLUSIONES: La implantación de esta lente permite obtener buenos resultados visuales en las 3 distancias así como un alto grado de independencia de gafas y de satisfacción

PURPOSE: To investigate visual outcomes, spectacle independence, and patient satisfaction after trifocal intraocular lens implantation. METHODS: A retrospective study conducted on 5,186 patients who underwent phacoemulsification and were implanted with a diffractive trifocal intraocular lens (FineVision Micro F, PhysIOL SA, Liège, Belgium). RESULTS: The mean pre-operative keratometry was 43.61±1.55 D, and mean keratometric cylinder was -0.86±0.66 D. At 3 months post-operatively, values changed to 43.59±1.56 and -0.71±0.46 D, respectively. Mean sphere varied from 2.04±2.60 to 0.14±0.38 D, and mean spherical equivalent from 1.64±2.61 to -0.05±0.36 D. More than 60% of the patients achieved better corrected distance visual acuity. The majority had a final residual refractive error (predictability) lower than 1 D (99.1%), with 14.3% needing optical adjustment (bioptics). Posterior capsulotomy was performed in 2.2%, and the lens was replaced in 5 patients. A high percentage of patients were satisfied in terms of vision and spectacle independence at all distances. Although 2% referred to worsening of night vision quality, only 2% were not very satisfied and 20 patients were dissatisfied. The causes were: blurred vision (7 cases), spectacle dependence (10), dysphotopsia (7), and dry eye (4). CONCLUSIONS: The implantation of this model provided good visual performance in all distances, as well as high levels of spectacle independence and satisfaction

Visual outcomes, spectacle independence and satisfaction after diffractive trifocal intraocular lens implantation. / Resultados visuales, independencia de gafas e insatisfacción tras implante de una lente intraocular difractiva trifocal.

PURPOSE: To investigate visual outcomes, spectacle independence, and patient satisfaction after trifocal intraocular lens implantation. METHODS: A retrospective study conducted on 5,186 patients who underwent phacoemulsification and were implanted with a diffractive trifocal intraocular lens (FineVision Micro F, PhysIOL SA, Liège, Belgium). RESULTS: The mean pre-operative keratometry was 43.61±1.55 D, and mean keratometric cylinder was -0.86±0.66 D. At 3 months post-operatively, values changed to 43.59±1.56 and -0.71±0.46 D, respectively. Mean sphere varied from 2.04±2.60 to 0.14±0.38 D, and mean spherical equivalent from 1.64±2.61 to -0.05±0.36 D. More than 60% of the patients achieved better corrected distance visual acuity. The majority had a final residual refractive error (predictability) lower than 1 D (99.1%), with 14.3% needing optical adjustment (bioptics). Posterior capsulotomy was performed in 2.2%, and the lens was replaced in 5 patients. A high percentage of patients were satisfied in terms of vision and spectacle independence at all distances. Although 2% referred to worsening of night vision quality, only 2% were not very satisfied and 20 patients were dissatisfied. The causes were: blurred vision (7 cases), spectacle dependence (10), dysphotopsia (7), and dry eye (4). CONCLUSIONS: The implantation of this model provided good visual performance in all distances, as well as high levels of spectacle independence and satisfaction.

[Severe infection by Strongyloides stercoralis in ascitic liquid]. / Infección severa por Strongyloides stercoralis en líquido ascítico.

The strongyloidiasis is an infection whose responsible agents are Strongyloides stercoralis and S. fuelleborni. These nematodes have an intestinal location; the main risk factor is to be barefoot in places contaminated with filariform larvae. The study presents a male 23-year-old resident of San Juan de Lurigancho, with 14 months of illness with signs of bloating, nausea, vomiting and wasafebrile,also indicates that 28 days before he had epigastric pain irradiated to the back. On physical examination a distended abdomen was found, soft painful tympanic tenderness, the abdominal ultrasonography showed dilated bowel loops, bloat, with abundant presence of free fluid in the abdominal cavity (ascites) and parasitological examinations observed, rabditoides larvae L1 and L2 and filariform L3 of Strongyloides stercoralis. He received Ivermectin, obtaining the patient's recovery.

Pleuropulmonary involvement in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus from a Latin American inception cohort (GLADEL).

Objectives The objectives of this study were to examine the demographic and clinical features associated with the occurrence of pleuropulmonary manifestations, the predictive factors of their occurrence and their impact on mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Materials and methods The association of pleuropulmonary manifestations with demographic and clinical features, the predictive factors of their occurrence and their impact on mortality were examined in GLADEL patients by appropriate univariable and multivariable analyses. Results At least one pleuropulmonary manifestation occurred in 421 of the 1480 SLE patients (28.4%), pleurisy being the most frequent (24.0%). Age at SLE onset ≥30 years (OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.10-1.83), the presence of lower respiratory tract infection (OR 3.19; 95% CI 2.05-4.96), non-ischemic heart disease (OR 3.17; 95% CI 2.41-4.18), ischemic heart disease (OR 3.39; 95% CI 2.08-5.54), systemic (OR 2.00; 95% CI 1.37-2.91), ocular (OR 1.58; 95% CI 1.16-2.14) and renal manifestations (OR 1.44; 95% CI 1.09-1.83) were associated with pleuropulmonary manifestations, whereas cutaneous manifestations were negatively associated (OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.29-0.76). Non-ischemic heart disease (HR 2.24; 95% CI 1.63-3.09), SDI scores ≥1 (OR 1.54; 95% CI 1.10-2.17) and anti-La antibody positivity (OR 2.51; 95% CI 1.39-4.57) independently predicted their subsequent occurrence. Cutaneous manifestations were protective of the subsequent occurrence of pleuropulmonary manifestations (HR 0.62; 95% CI 0.43-0.90). Pleuropulmonary manifestations independently contributed a decreased survival (HR: 2.79 95% CI 1.80-4.31). Conclusion Pleuropulmonary manifestations are frequent in SLE, particularly pleuritis. Older age, respiratory tract infection, cardiac, systemic and renal involvement were associated with them, whereas cutaneous manifestations were negatively associated. Cardiac compromise, SDI scores ≥1 and anti-La positivity at disease onset were predictive of their subsequent occurrence, whereas cutaneous manifestations were protective. They independently contributed to a decreased survival in these patients.

Real life study of three years omalizumab in patients with difficult-to-control asthma

BACKGROUND: Even though there are multiple options for the treatment of asthma, there still exists a fair group of patients with difficult-to-control asthma. We describe for the first time the real-world effects of three-year omalizumab treatment on patients with difficult-to-control asthma, seen in a social security hospital in a Latin American country. METHODS: Difficult-to-control asthmatic patients from the out-patient clinic of a regional hospital were recruited to receive a three-year omalizumab course. Efficacy parameters were asthma control test (ACT) score; FEV1; daily beclomethasone maintenance dose; and unplanned visits for asthma exacerbations (emergency room (ER), hospitalisations, intensive care). RESULTS: 52 patients were recruited, 47 completed the three-year treatment (42 female, 15-67 years, mean age 43.5). Comparing efficacy parameters of the year before omalizumab with the 3rd year of omalizumab: mean ACT improved from 12.4 to 20.5, mean FEV1 from 66.3% (standard deviation (SD) 19.1%) to 88.4% (SD 16.2%) of predicted, while mean beclomethasone dose reduced from 1750 to 766 mcg/day and there was a significant reduction in patients experiencing ER visits (from 95% to 19%, p < 0.0001), hospitalisation (38% to 2%, p < 0.0001) and intensive care (4% to 0, NS). Five patients discontinued omalizumab, two because of an adverse event (anaphylaxis, severe headache, both resolved without sequelae). CONCLUSION: Omalizumab improved most clinical parameters of Mexican patients with difficult-to-control asthma. Especially the rates of ER visits and hospitalisation were significantly reduced, thus reducing costs. Omalizumab was generally well tolerated

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Real life study of three years omalizumab in patients with difficult-to-control asthma.

BACKGROUND: Even though there are multiple options for the treatment of asthma, there still exists a fair group of patients with difficult-to-control asthma. We describe for the first time the real-world effects of three-year omalizumab treatment on patients with difficult-to-control asthma, seen in a social security hospital in a Latin American country. METHODS: Difficult-to-control asthmatic patients from the out-patient clinic of a regional hospital were recruited to receive a three-year omalizumab course. Efficacy parameters were asthma control test (ACT) score; FEV1; daily beclomethasone maintenance dose; and unplanned visits for asthma exacerbations (emergency room (ER), hospitalisations, intensive care). RESULTS: 52 patients were recruited, 47 completed the three-year treatment (42 female, 15-67 years, mean age 43.5). Comparing efficacy parameters of the year before omalizumab with the 3rd year of omalizumab: mean ACT improved from 12.4 to 20.5, mean FEV1 from 66.3% (standard deviation (SD) 19.1%) to 88.4% (SD 16.2%) of predicted, while mean beclomethasone dose reduced from 1750 to 766 mcg/day and there was a significant reduction in patients experiencing ER visits (from 95% to 19%, p<0.0001), hospitalisation (38% to 2%, p<0.0001) and intensive care (4% to 0, NS). Five patients discontinued omalizumab, two because of an adverse event (anaphylaxis, severe headache, both resolved without sequelae). CONCLUSION: Omalizumab improved most clinical parameters of Mexican patients with difficult-to-control asthma. Especially the rates of ER visits and hospitalisation were significantly reduced, thus reducing costs. Omalizumab was generally well tolerated.

Las emergencias extrahospitalarias ante la cultura de seguridad / Out of hospital emergencies towards a safety culture

Objetivos. Estudiar el grado de cultura de seguridad (CS) de los profesionales en el ámbito de un servicio de urgencias extrahospitalarias. Analizar las dimensiones que reciben puntuaciones inferiores, con el fin de establecer futuras estrategias de actuación. Material y métodos. Estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal en el que se distribuyó el cuestionario de la Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) al universo muestral de los profesionales sanitarios que trabajan en las unidades de soporte vital avanzado del 061 de Aragón, durante el mes de agosto de 2013. Resultados. Se analizaron 80 cuestionarios (tasa de respuesta 55,55%). Principales fortalezas: adecuada dotación de personal (96%), buen clima laboral (89%), apoyo de superiores inmediatos (77%), trabajo en equipo (74%) y ambiente no punitivo hacia los eventos adversos (68%). Áreas de mejora: insuficiente formación en seguridad del paciente (53%), ausencia de feedback (50%). Conclusiones. Las oportunidades de mejora detectadas se centran en la formación de los profesionales, con el fin de procurar una asistencia más segura, extendiendo al mismo tiempo la cultura de seguridad. Así mismo se considera necesaria la puesta en marcha de un sistema de notificación y registro de eventos adversos en nuestro servicio (AU)

Objectives. The aim of this study is to measure the degree of safety culture (CS) among healthcare professional workers of an out-of-hospital Emergency Medical Service. Most patient safety studies have been conducted in relation to the hospital rather than pre-hospital Emergency Medical Services. The objective is to analyze the dimensions with lower scores in order to plan futures strategies. Material and methods. A descriptive study using the AHRQ (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality) questionnaire. The questionnaire was delivered to all healthcare professionals workers of 061 Advanced Life Support Units of Aragón, during the month of August 2013. Results. The response rate was 55%. Main strengths detected: an adequate number of staff (96%), good working conditions (89%), tasks supported from immediate superior (77%), teamwork climate (74%), and non-punitive environment to report adverse events (68%). Areas for improvement: insufficient training in patient safety (53%) and lack of feedback of incidents reported (50%). Conclusions. The opportunities for improvement identified focus on the training of professionals in order to ensure safer care, while extending the safety culture. Also, the implementation of a system of notification and registration of adverse events in the service is deemed necessary (AU)

[Out of hospital emergencies towards a safety culture]. / Las emergencias extrahospitalarias ante la cultura de seguridad.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to measure the degree of safety culture (CS) among healthcare professional workers of an out-of-hospital Emergency Medical Service. Most patient safety studies have been conducted in relation to the hospital rather than pre-hospital Emergency Medical Services. The objective is to analyze the dimensions with lower scores in order to plan futures strategies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive study using the AHRQ (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality) questionnaire. The questionnaire was delivered to all healthcare professionals workers of 061 Advanced Life Support Units of Aragón, during the month of August 2013. RESULTS: The response rate was 55%. Main strengths detected: an adequate number of staff (96%), good working conditions (89%), tasks supported from immediate superior (77%), teamwork climate (74%), and non-punitive environment to report adverse events (68%). Areas for improvement: insufficient training in patient safety (53%) and lack of feedback of incidents reported (50%). CONCLUSIONS: The opportunities for improvement identified focus on the training of professionals in order to ensure safer care, while extending the safety culture. Also, the implementation of a system of notification and registration of adverse events in the service is deemed necessary.

Caveolin-1 is required for TGF-ß-induced transactivation of the EGF receptor pathway in hepatocytes through the activation of the metalloprotease TACE/ADAM17.

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß) plays a dual role in hepatocytes, inducing both pro- and anti-apoptotic responses, whose balance decides cell fate. Survival signals are mediated by the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway, which is activated by TGF-ß in these cells. Caveolin-1 (Cav1) is a structural protein of caveolae linked to TGF-ß receptors trafficking and signaling. Previous results have indicated that in hepatocytes, Cav1 is required for TGF-ß-induced anti-apoptotic signals, but the molecular mechanism is not fully understood yet. In this work, we show that immortalized Cav1(-/-) hepatocytes were more sensitive to the pro-apoptotic effects induced by TGF-ß, showing a higher activation of caspase-3, higher decrease in cell viability and prolonged increase through time of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). These results were coincident with attenuation of TGF-ß-induced survival signals in Cav1(-/-) hepatocytes, such as AKT and ERK1/2 phosphorylation and NFκ-B activation. Transactivation of the EGFR pathway by TGF-ß was impaired in Cav1(-/-) hepatocytes, which correlated with lack of activation of TACE/ADAM17, the metalloprotease responsible for the shedding of EGFR ligands. Reconstitution of Cav1 in Cav1(-/-) hepatocytes rescued wild-type phenotype features, both in terms of EGFR transactivation and TACE/ADAM17 activation. TACE/ADAM17 was localized in detergent-resistant membrane (DRM) fractions in Cav1(+/+) cells, which was not the case in Cav1(-/-) cells. Disorganization of lipid rafts after treatment with cholesterol-binding agents caused loss of TACE/ADAM17 activation after TGF-ß treatment. In conclusion, in hepatocytes, Cav1 is required for TGF-ß-mediated activation of the metalloprotease TACE/ADAM17 that is responsible for shedding of EGFR ligands and activation of the EGFR pathway, which counteracts the TGF-ß pro-apoptotic effects. Therefore, Cav1 contributes to the pro-tumorigenic effects of TGF-ß in liver cancer cells.

Establecimiento de un protocolo para el uso de la heparina en pacientes con características especiales / Set up of a protocol for heparin use in special patients

Las HBPMs (heparina de bajo peso molecular) tienen numerosas ventajas sobre la heparina no fraccionada (HNF) como seguridad, eficacia, biodisponibilidad, menor monitorización y una respuesta anticoagulante persistente. Pero, existe cierta preocupación en su manejo para determinados pacientes que requieren un control especial como en insuficiencia renal, mayores de 75 años, obesidad y embarazo. El objetivo de este estudio fue la realización de un protocolo consensuado entre los Servicios de Farmacia, Hematología y Medicina Interna, para el seguimiento y monitorización de HBPM en pacientes que requieren un especial control. Para ello, llevamos a cabo una revisión bibliográfica de las distintas heparinas en las situaciones comentadas. Basándonos en la evidencia disponible y en el consenso entre los miembros del grupo de trabajo, elaboramos el protocolo, recomendando unas dosis para profilaxis, tratamiento y monitorización, mediante la determinación del factoranti-Xa. Además, recogemos unas orientaciones sobre los valores terapéuticos del anti-Xa y unas pautas posológicas para la obtención de un anti-Xa en rango. La heparina seleccionada fue la enoxaparina, por su evidencia y disponibilidad en nuestro centro (AU)

Low-molecular weight (LMW) heparins bring a series of advantages as compared to non-fractionated heparin (NFH), such as safety, efficacy, bioavailability, fewer monitoring, and persistent anti-coagulant response. There exist, however, a concern about their use in particular patients that may require a special control, such as those with renal failure, age over 75 years, obesity, and pregnancy. The aim of this study was the set up between the department of Pharmacy, Hematology, and Internal Medicine of a consensus protocol for the follow-up ad monitoring of LMWH in patients requiring a special control. For this purpose, we carried out a bibliographical review of the different heparins used under de above mentioned conditions. Based on the evidence available and the consensus among the members of the working group, we established a protocol that contained recommendations on prophylaxis, management and monitoring by means of the determination of anti-Xa factor. Besides,we included some clues on the therapeutic figures of anti-Xa and administration schedules for obtaining anti-Xa values within the range. Enoxaparin was the selected heparin given the evidence and its availability at our center (AU)

The impact of rural residency on the expression and outcome of systemic lupus erythematosus: data from a multiethnic Latin American cohort.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper is to examine the role of place of residency in the expression and outcomes of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a multi-ethnic Latin American cohort. PATIENTS AND METHODS: SLE patients (< two years of diagnosis) from 34 centers constitute this cohort. Residency was dichotomized into rural and urban, cut-off: 10,000 inhabitants. Socio-demographic, clinical/laboratory and mortality rates were compared between them using descriptive tests. The influence of place of residency on disease activity at diagnosis and renal disease was examined by multivariable regression analyses. RESULTS: Of 1426 patients, 122 (8.6%) were rural residents. Their median ages (onset, diagnosis) were 23.5 and 25.5 years; 85 (69.7%) patients were Mestizos, 28 (22.9%) Caucasians and 9 (7.4%) were African-Latin Americans. Rural residents were more frequently younger at diagnosis, Mestizo and uninsured; they also had fewer years of education and lower socioeconomic status, exhibited hypertension and renal disease more frequently, and had higher levels of disease activity at diagnosis; they used methotrexate, cyclophosphamide pulses and hemodialysis more frequently than urban patients. Disease activity over time, renal damage, overall damage and the proportion of deceased patients were comparable in rural and urban patients. In multivariable analyses, rural residency was associated with high levels of disease activity at diagnosis (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.06-2.57) and renal disease occurrence (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.00-3.11). CONCLUSIONS: Rural residency associates with Mestizo ethnicity, lower socioeconomic status and renal disease occurrence. It also plays a role in disease activity at diagnosis and kidney involvement but not on the other end-points examined.