Comorbilidades en pacientes con artropatía psoriásica / omorbidities in patients with psoriatic arthropathy

Introducción: En los últimos años, diversas investigaciones han demostrado que la presencia de comorbilidad agrava el pronóstico de los pacientes con artritis psoriásica. Objetivo: Determinar las comorbilidades en pacientes con diagnóstico de artritis psoriásica. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, en el servicio de Reumatología del Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Hermanos Ameijeiras, que incluyó 111 pacientes con artritis psoriásica durante el periodo comprendido entre enero de 2016 a febrero de 2018. Resultados: El grupo de edad más representado fue el de 50 a 60 años, predominó el sexo femenino (63,1 por ciento) y el color de piel blanca (77,5 por ciento). El 50,5 por ciento presentó un tiempo de evolución de la artritis psoriásica mayor de 10 años. El 94,5 por ciento expresó el patrón articular periférico y la forma clínica articular más frecuente fue la oligoarticular (56,7 por ciento). Las comorbilidades identificadas con mayor frecuencia fueron la obesidad (80,18 por ciento), dislipidemia (68,46 por ciento), hipertensión arterial (HTA) (54,95 por ciento) y el hígado graso no alcohólico (53,15 por ciento). El 73,0 por ciento presentó tres o más comorbilidades. El sexo y el tiempo de evolución de la enfermedad y la actividad inflamatoria no mostraron una relación significativa. La actividad inflamatoria de la enfermedad se demostró en el 83,8 por ciento. Conclusiones: Se evidenció la presencia de comorbilidades asociadas en pacientes con APs, presentándose con mayor frecuencia, la obesidad, dislipidemia, HTA e hígado graso no alcohólico. Un porcentaje elevado de pacientes presentaron más de tres comorbilidades y no se demostró asociación significativa entre el número de comorbilidades y variables de la enfermedad(AU)

Introduction: In recent years, various investigations have shown that the presence of comorbidity worsens the prognosis of patients with psoriatic arthritis. Objective: To determine the comorbidities in patients diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Rheumatology service of the Hermanos Ameijeiras Clinical-Surgical Hospital, which included 111 patients with psoriatic arthritis from January 2016 to February 2018. Results: The age group most represented was that of 50 to 60 years, female sex (63.1`percent) and white skin color (77.5percent) patients predominated. 50.5percent had a psoriatic arthritis evolution time greater than 10 years. 94.5percent expressed the peripheral joint pattern and the most frequent joint clinical form was oligoarticular (56.7percent). The most frequently identified comorbidities were obesity (80.18percent), dyslipidemia (68.46percent), arterial hypertension (HBP) (54.95percent) and non-alcoholic fatty liver (53.15percent). 73.0percent had three or more comorbidities. The sex and the time of evolution of the disease and the inflammatory activity did not show significant relationship. The inflammatory activity of the disease was demonstrated in 83.8percent. Conclusions: The presence of associated comorbidities was evidenced in patients with PsA, with obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and non-alcoholic fatty liver occurring more frequently. A high percentage of patients had more than three comorbidities and no significant association was demonstrated between the number of comorbidities and disease variables(AU)

Efecto de los ácidos grasos omega-3 sobre la hipoalbuminemia en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda y actividad inflamatoria elevada / Effect of omega-3 fatty acids on hypoalbuminemia in acute heart failure patients with increased inflammatory activity

Introducción: la actividad inflamatoria (AI) es causa de hipoalbuminemia en los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda (ICA). Objetivos: el objetivo principal de este estudio fue evaluar si un tratamiento modulador de la AI contribuye a corregir la albuminemia en este contexto. Métodos: en este ensayo clínico, 43 pacientes con ICA, hipoalbuminemia (albúmina sérica ≤ 3,4 g/dl) y AI elevada [proteína C-reactiva (PCR) ≥ 25 mg/l] fueron asignados aleatoriamente a recibir ácidos grasos omega-3 (4 g diarios) o placebo durante 4 semanas. La albuminemia y la PCR se reevaluaron en las semanas 1 y 4. Se realizó un análisis de la varianza para medidas repetidas. Resultados: la edad media era de 75,6 ± 8,8 años, el 72,1 % eran varones y la etiología más frecuente era la isquémica (46,5 %). Los dos grupos fueron homogéneos en sus características basales. Se encontró un incremento significativo de la concentración de albúmina en la semana 4 con respecto a la basal (p del efecto tiempo < 0,001), sin que se hallaran diferencias entre los grupos ni en la semana 1 ni en la 4. La PCR descendió significativamente ya en la semana 1 (p del efecto tiempo < 0,001), sin que se encontraran diferencias entre los grupos ni en la semana 1 ni en la 4. Conclusión:en los pacientes con ICA, hipoalbuminemia y AI elevada, la albuminemia se normaliza en la semana 4 mientras que la PCR desciende significativamente en la primera semana. En este contexto, ambos efectos son independientes de la adición de altas dosis de ácidos grasos omega-3. (AU)

Introduction: inflammatory activity (IA) is a cause of hypoalbuminemia in patients with acute heart failure (AHF). Objectives: the main objective of this study was to evaluate whether an AI modulator treatment contributes to correcting albuminemia in this context. Methods: in this clinical trial 43 patients with AHF, hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin ≤ 3.4 g/dl), and elevated IA [C-reactive protein (CRP) ≥ 25 mg/l] were randomly assigned to receive omega-3 fatty acids (4 g daily) or placebo for 4 weeks. Albuminemia and CRP were reassessed at weeks 1 and 4. An analysis of variance for repeated measures was performed. Results: mean age was 75.6 ± 8.8 years, 72.1 % were male, and the most frequent etiology was ischemic (46.5 %). The two groups were homogeneous in their baseline characteristics. A significant increase in albumin concentration was found at week 4 from baseline (p for the effect of time < 0.001), with no differences between groups at week 1 or week 4. CRP decreased significantly in week 1 (p for the effect of time < 0.001), with no differences between groups in either week 1 or week 4. Conclusion: in patients with AHF, hypoalbuminemia, and elevated AI albuminemia normalizes in week 4, while CRP already drops significantly during the first week. In this context both effects are independent of the addition of high doses of omega-3 fatty acids. (AU)

[Effect of omega-3 fatty acids on hypoalbuminemia in acute heart failure patients with increased inflammatory activity]. / Efecto de los ácidos grasos omega-3 sobre la hipoalbuminemia en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda y actividad inflamatoria elevada.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: inflammatory activity (IA) is a cause of hypoalbuminemia in patients with acute heart failure (AHF). Objectives: the main objective of this study was to evaluate whether an AI modulator treatment contributes to correcting albuminemia in this context. Methods: in this clinical trial 43 patients with AHF, hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin  3.4 g/dl), and elevated IA [C-reactive protein (CRP)  25 mg/l] were randomly assigned to receive omega-3 fatty acids (4 g daily) or placebo for 4 weeks. Albuminemia and CRP were reassessed at weeks 1 and 4. An analysis of variance for repeated measures was performed. Results: mean age was 75.6 ± 8.8 years, 72.1 % were male, and the most frequent etiology was ischemic (46.5 %). The two groups were homogeneous in their baseline characteristics. A significant increase in albumin concentration was found at week 4 from baseline (p for the effect of time < 0.001), with no differences between groups at week 1 or week 4. CRP decreased significantly in week 1 (p for the effect of time < 0.001), with no differences between groups in either week 1 or week 4. Conclusion: in patients with AHF, hypoalbuminemia, and elevated AI albuminemia normalizes in week 4, while CRP already drops significantly during the first week. In this context both effects are independent of the addition of high doses of omega-3 fatty acids.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: la actividad inflamatoria (AI) es causa de hipoalbuminemia en los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda (ICA). Objetivos: el objetivo principal de este estudio fue evaluar si un tratamiento modulador de la AI contribuye a corregir la albuminemia en este contexto. Métodos: en este ensayo clínico, 43 pacientes con ICA, hipoalbuminemia (albúmina sérica ≤ 3,4 g/dl) y AI elevada [proteína C-reactiva (PCR)  25 mg/l] fueron asignados aleatoriamente a recibir ácidos grasos omega-3 (4 g diarios) o placebo durante 4 semanas. La albuminemia y la PCR se reevaluaron en las semanas 1 y 4. Se realizó un análisis de la varianza para medidas repetidas. Resultados: la edad media era de 75,6 ± 8,8 años, el 72,1 % eran varones y la etiología más frecuente era la isquémica (46,5 %). Los dos grupos fueron homogéneos en sus características basales. Se encontró un incremento significativo de la concentración de albúmina en la semana 4 con respecto a la basal (p del efecto tiempo < 0,001), sin que se hallaran diferencias entre los grupos ni en la semana 1 ni en la 4. La PCR descendió significativamente ya en la semana 1 (p del efecto tiempo < 0,001), sin que se encontraran diferencias entre los grupos ni en la semana 1 ni en la 4. Conclusión: en los pacientes con ICA, hipoalbuminemia y AI elevada, la albuminemia se normaliza en la semana 4 mientras que la PCR desciende significativamente en la primera semana. En este contexto, ambos efectos son independientes de la adición de altas dosis de ácidos grasos omega-3.

Association between Overweight/Obesity and Clinical Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis. / Asociación entre sobrepeso/obesidad y estado clínico en artritis reumatoide.

INTRODUCTION: The effect of overweight/obesity on clinical status in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is still a controversial topic. AIM: To assess the association between body composition and clinical status in RA patients. METHODS: A prospective, comparative, cross-sectional study was performed on 123 (98.4% women, 86.3% FR+, 9.3±8.7 duration years) RA patients diagnosed according to ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria who were assessed for inflammatory activity (DAS 28), functional status (HAQ-Di), and type of treatment. Body composition was evaluated by BMI, waist, hip, and middle arm girths, waist/hip ratio, skin fold measurements, and bioelectrical impedance analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight and obesity (BMI-WHO cut-off points) was 30.9% and 45.5% respectively. Using Stavropoulos-Kalinoglou cut-off points, each corresponding prevalence increased to 31.7% and 58.5%, respectively. Pooled patients in the overweight/obesity classification (Stavropoulos-Kalinoglou classification) exhibited a significantly higher number of swollen joints as compared to subnormal/normal body composition subjects (3.8±3.3 vs. 1.9±2.5; p=.02). Swollen joint count showed significant positive correlation with 6 out of 11 body composition parameters: BMI; arm and hip girths, triceps skin fold, body fat average determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis, and skin fold measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of obesity in RA varies according to BMI cut-off points. Overweight and obesity were associated with higher inflammatory activity characterized by a higher count of tender and swollen joints. A positive correlation was found between swollen joint amount and the majority of the body fat mass indicators assessed. Body composition assessment/improvement should be an important part of the routine care of RA patients.

Association between body composition and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis. A systematic review. / Asociación entre composición corporal y actividad inflamatoria en artritis reumatoide. Una revisión sistemática.

BACKGROUND: Reports regarding the association between body composition and inflammatory activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have consistently yielded contradictory results. OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review on the association between overweight/obesity and inflammatory activity in RA. METHODS: FAST approach: Article search (Medline, EBSCO, Cochrane Library), followed by abstract retrieval, full text review and blinded assessment of methodological quality for final inclusion. Because of marked heterogeneity in statistical approach and RA activity assessment method, a meta-analysis could not be done. Results are presented as qualitative synthesis. RESULTS: One hundred and nineteen reports were found, 16 of them qualified for full text review. Eleven studies (8,147 patients; n range: 37-5,161) approved the methodological quality filter and were finally included. Interobserver agreement for methodological quality score (ICC: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.82-0.98; P<.001) and inclusion/rejection decision (k 1.00, P>.001) was excellent. In all reports body composition was assessed by BMI; however a marked heterogeneity was found in the method used for RA activity assessment. A significant association between BMI and RA activity was found in 6 reports having larger mean sample size: 1,274 (range: 140-5,161). On the other hand, this association was not found in 5 studies having lower mean sample size: 100 (range: 7-150). CONCLUSIONS: The modulation of RA clinical status by body fat mass is suggested because a significant association was found between BMI and inflammatory activity in those reports with a trend toward higher statistical power. The relationship between body composition and clinical activity in RA requires be approached with further studies with higher methodological quality.

Actividad inflamatoria en arteritis de Takayasu. Detección mediante tomografía por emisión de positrones (PET) / Inflammatory activity in Takayasu arteritis. Detection through positron emission tomography (PET)

La arteritis de Takayasu (AT), es una enfermedad crónica que afecta principalmente a la aorta y sus ramas. Su etiología aún es desconocida, sin embargo se sabe que existe un predominio por el género femenino y que inicia generalmente en los jóvenes. La enfermedad parece tener dos fases, una temprana que se caracteriza por un proceso inflamatorio y otra fase crónica que es caracterizada por oclusión vascular. Hasta ahora el diagnóstico y la clasificación son predominantemente clínicos basados en los criterios del ACR y apoyados por estudios de imagen como la panaortografia o la tomografia computada. Actualmente existen nuevos estudios de diagnóstico por imagen como la resonancia magnética (RM) y la tomografia por emisión de positrones (PET), esta última por su capacidad para valorar el metabolismo podría ser de gran ayuda en el diagnóstico, detección de actividad inflamatoria y seguimiento de los pacientes con AT. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de sexo femenino quien tiene diagnóstico de AT, con actividad inflamatoria tanto por clínica, laboratorio, RM y PET.

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a chronic disease that affects principally the aorta. Its etiology persists unknown, nevertheless it is well known that predominates in females and initiates primarily in the youth. This disease seems to has two different stages, an early stage that is characterized by an inflammatory process and a later stage characterized by vascular occlusion. Until now, diagnosis and classification of TA are clinically, based on ACR criteria and imaging studies as computed tomography and aorta angiographies. Actually new imaging, non invasive studies as magnetic resonance (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) are allowed. PET technique could be helpfull in the diagnosis and in the detection of inflammatory activity in patients with TA because its capacity to detect increased metabolism. We present the case of a female patient with TA diagnosis, which demonstrated clinical inflammatory activity and was corroborated by laboratory studies, MRI and PET.