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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., Este proyecto fue financiado por Merck Sharp & Dohme® España y avalado por las siguientes asociaciones/sociedades: CONARTRITIS (Coordinadora Nacional de Artritis asociación, de pacientes que representa a las personas afectadas por AR, APs, AIJ y EspA), OPENREUMA (Asociación de otros profesionales sanitarios dedicados a la reumatología) y SORCOM (Sociedad de Reumatología de la Comunidad de Madrid)

Objectives The aim of this study is to evaluate risk factors for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases, stratified by systemic autoimmune conditions and chronic inflammatory arthritis. Methods An observational, cross-sectional multicentre study was performed. Patients from 10 rheumatology departments in Madrid who presented with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 infection between February 2020 and May 2021 were included. The main outcome was COVID-19 severity (hospital admission or mortality). Risk factors for severity were estimated, adjusting for covariates (socio-demographic, clinical, and treatments), using logistic regression analyses. Results In total, 523 patients with COVID-19 were included, among whom 192 (35.6%) patients required hospital admission and 38 (7.3%) died. Male gender, older age, and comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and obesity were associated with severe COVID-19. Corticosteroid doses >10 mg/day, rituximab, sulfasalazine, and mycophenolate use, were independently associated with worse outcomes. COVID-19 severity decreased over the different pandemic waves. Mortality was higher in the systemic autoimmune conditions (univariate analysis, P Conclusions This study confirms and provides new insights regarding the harmful effects of corticosteroids, rituximab, and other therapies (mycophenolate and sulfasalazine) in COVID-19. Methotrexate and anti-tumour necrosis factor therapy were not associated with worse outcomes.

Introduction Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is considered a multifaceted disease, with patients reporting low health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Data on disease burden are substantial and there exists a need for properly designed studies to learn more about the evolution of HRQoL in this condition. This study aims to identify factors associated to HRQoL evolution in PsA patients followed-up in a real-world setting in Spain. Methods We conducted a retrospective longitudinal observational study including incident patients from the rheumatology outpatient clinic of Hospital Clínico San Carlos (Madrid, Spain), diagnosed for the first time of PsA, defined as having received any ICD9/ICD10 diagnosis code of PsA, from 2007 to 2016, and followed-up until loss of follow-up, death, or November 2017. The influence of demographic and clinical variables in baseline HRQoL [assessed with the Rosser Classification Index (RCI)] was analyzed using bivariable and multivariable generalized linear models. The influence of those variables and of treatment-related factors in repeated measures of HRQoL was analyzed using bivariable and multivariable generalized estimating equations (GEE) models nested by patient. Results Two hundred and thirty patients were included in the analysis, with 3384 registered visits. At baseline, older age, a previous diagnosis of obesity, and the presence of enthesitis were significantly associated with worse HRQoL. During follow-up, using an exchangeable working correlation structure, the presence of enthesitis was also associated with worse HRQoL, coefficient (95% CI) − 0.006 (− 0.01 to − 0.002), p = 1.00E−03; conversely, treatment with methotrexate or antimalarials was associated with better HRQoL with 0.007 (0.001–0.014), p = 0.020 and 0.003 (0.001–0.005), p = 3.00E−03, respectively. Conclusions Musculoskeletal manifestations and comorbidities exert a deleterious effect in HRQoL of PsA patients. Therefore, the optimal management of this condition needs to also address these manifestations in order to try to restore the QoL of these patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40744-021-00349-1.

ObjectivesTo describe patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIRD) who had COVID-19 disease; to compare patients who required hospital admission with those who did not and assess risk factors for hospital admission related to COVID-19.MethodsAn observational longitudinal study was conducted during the pandemic peak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (1 March 2020 to 24 April). All patients attended at the rheumatology outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital in Madrid, Spain with a medical diagnosis of AIRD and with symptomatic COVID-19 were included. The main outcome was hospital admission related to COVID-19. The covariates were sociodemographic, clinical and treatments. We ran a multivariable logistic regression model to assess risk factors for the hospital admission.ResultsThe study population included 123 patients with AIRD and COVID-19. Of these, 54 patients required hospital admission related to COVID-19. The mean age on admission was 69.7 (15.7) years, and the median time from onset of symptoms to hospital admission was 5 (3–10) days. The median length of stay was 9 (6–14) days. A total of 12 patients died (22%) during admission. Compared with outpatients, the factors independently associated with hospital admission were older age (OR: 1.08; p=0.00) and autoimmune systemic condition (vs chronic inflammatory arthritis) (OR: 3.55; p=0.01). No statistically significant findings for exposure to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs were found in the final model.ConclusionOur results suggest that age and having a systemic autoimmune condition increased the risk of hospital admission, whereas disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs were not associated with hospital admission.

ObjectivesMost studies on difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis (D2T RA) have focused on established RA. Here, we analyze whether disease activity in the early stages of RA could influence progression to a D2T RA under real-life conditions. Other clinical and treatment-related factors were also analyzed.MethodsA longitudinal multicenter study of RA patients was conducted from 2009 to 2018. Patients were followed up until January 2021. D2T RA was defined based on EULAR criteria (treatment failure, signs suggestive of currently active/progressive disease, and management being perceived as problematic by the rheumatologist and/or patient). The main outcome was disease activity in the early stages. The covariates were sociodemographic, clinical, and treatment-related factors. We ran a multivariable logistic regression analysis to investigate risk factors associated with progression to D2T RA. Weighting techniques were also applied to balance data.ResultsThe study population comprised 631 patients and 35 developed D2T RA. At the time of diagnosis, the D2T RA group were younger, with a higher disability, DAS28 score, tender joint count and pain scores. In our final model, DAS28 was not statistically significantly associated with D2T RA. No differences were found between groups for therapy. Disability was independently associated with D2T RA (OR: 1.50; p=0.02).ConclusionsIn this cohort of patients newly diagnosed with RA, our results do not allow us to prove the influence of active disease according to DAS28. However, we did find that patients with elevated initial disability scores are more likely to develop D2T RA regardless of other factors.What is already known on this topicDespite T2T and the availability of a range of advanced therapies, D2T RA remains a relevant clinical problem. Evidence for the D2T RA population have focused on established RA. The aim of our study was to analyze whether disease activity at diagnosis could influence progression to D2T RA under real-life conditions.What this study addsWe did find that patients with elevated initial disability scores are more likely to develop D2T RA regardless of other factors.How this study might affect research, practice or policyThe implementation of more effective strategies in the early stages of the disease and focused on the most influential factors, including severe disability, may change disease course and prevent D2T RA.

Background This study aimed to assess the baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in pediatric patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMD) and identify the risk factors associated with symptomatic or severe disease defined as hospital admission, intensive care admission or death. Methods An observational longitudinal study was conducted during the first year of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (March 2020–March 2021). All pediatric patients attended at the rheumatology outpatient clinics of six tertiary referral hospitals in Madrid, Spain, with a diagnosis of RMD and COVID-19 were included. Main outcomes were symptomatic disease and hospital admission. The covariates were sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and treatment regimens. We ran a multivariable logistic regression model to assess associated factors for outcomes. Results The study population included 77 pediatric patients. Mean age was 11.88 (4.04) years Of these, 30 patients (38.96%) were asymptomatic, 41 (53.25%) had a mild-moderate COVID-19 and 6 patients (7.79%) required hospital admission. The median length of hospital admission was 5 (2–20) days, one patient required intensive care and there were no deaths. Previous comorbidities increased the risk for symptomatic disease and hospital admission. Compared with outpatients, the factor independently associated with hospital admission was previous use of glucocorticoids (OR 3.51; p = 0.00). No statistically significant risk factors for symptomatic COVID-19 were found in the final model. Conclusion No differences in COVID-19 outcomes according to childhood-onset rheumatic disease types were found. Results suggest that associated comorbidities and treatment with glucocorticoids increase the risk of hospital admission.

Objectives We aimed to describe persistent symptoms and sequelae in patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMD) after admission owing to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), assessing the role of autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) compared with non-autoimmune rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (NARDs) on persistent symptoms and sequelae. Methods We performed an observational study including RMD patients who attended a rheumatology clinic in Madrid and required admission owing to COVID-19 (between March and May 2020) and survived. The study began at discharge and ran until October 2020. Main outcomes were persistence of symptoms and sequelae related to COVID-19. The independent variable was the RMD group (ARD and NARD). Covariates included sociodemographics, clinical and treatment data. We ran a multivariate logistic regression model to assess the risk of the main outcomes by RMD group. Results We included 105 patients, of whom 51.5% had ARD and 68.57% reported at least one persistent symptom. The most frequent symptoms were dyspnoea, fatigue and chest pain. Sequelae were recorded in 31 patients. These included lung damage in 10.4% of patients, lymphopenia in 10%, a central retinal vein occlusion and an optic neuritis. Two patients died. Eleven patients required re-admission owing to COVID-19 problems (16.7% ARD vs 3.9% NARD; P = 0.053). No statistically significant differences were found between RMD groups in the final models. Conclusion Many RMD patients have persistent symptoms, as in other populations. Lung damage is the most frequent sequela. Compared with NARD, ARD does not seem to differ in terms of persistent symptoms or consequences, although ARD might have more re-admissions owing to COVID-19.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have a significantly increased risk of sexual dysfunction. However, it is not properly included in commonly used questionnaires to assess health-related quality of life in RA. Qualisex is a questionnaire developed in France to assess the impact of RA on patients´ sexual function. Our aim was to adapt and validate this questionnaire for use with Spanish RA patients. Two independent translations and a backward translation were obtained. The final version was tested in a pilot study with 10 RA patients to detect any aspects that could hinder interpretation. The validity and reliability of the linguistically validated questionnaire were studied in a multicenter cross-sectional study, with a longitudinal component for reliability estimation. 125 RA patients were included. The response process, discrimination, internal consistency, internal structure, convergent validity (correlation with MGH-SFQ questionnaire, DAS-28, physician global assessment, patient global health assessment, RAID, HAQ, HADS and SF-12©) and reliability were analyzed. The inclusion of two extra items was proposed in the pilot study. The validity analysis detected responses for item 10 that were not coherent with responses for the rest of items. The Cronbach alpha coefficient was 0.971. The highest correlation (0.665) was obtained with MGH-SFQ (questionnaire measuring sexual functioning), followed by RAID (0.516). The intra-class correlation was 0.880 (95% CI 0.815; 0.923), higher than 0.85, which indicates excellent reliability. All parameters used to assess this questionnaire show highly acceptable values. Qualisex allows for a global score of RA patients’ sexual functioning and can be self-administered.

ObjectivesTo asses the clinical course in RA-related interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) patients with and without rituximab (RTX). The influence of other variables was also evaluated.MethodsA longitudinal multicentre study was conducted in RA diagnosed with ILD from 2007 until 2018 in Madrid. Patients were included in a registry [pNEumology RhEumatology Autoinmune diseases (NEREA)] from the time of ILD diagnosis. The main endpoint was functional respiratory impairment (FI), when there was a decline ≥5% in the predicted forced vital capacity compared with the previous one. Pulmonary function was measured at baseline and in follow-up visits every 6–12 months. The independent variable was therapy with RTX. Covariables included sociodemographic, clinical, radiological and other therapies. Survival techniques were used to estimate the incidence rate (IR) and 95% CI of functional impairment, expressed per 100 patient-semesters. Cox multivariate regression models were run to examine the influence of RTX and other covariates on FI. Results were expressed as the hazard ratio (HR) and CI.ResultsA total of 68 patients were included. FI occurred in 42 patients [IR 23.5 (95% CI 19, 29.1)] and 50% of them had FI within 1.75 years of an ILD diagnosis. A multivariate analysis showed that RTX exposure resulted in a lower risk of FI compared with non-exposure [HR 0.51 (95% CI 0.31, 0.85)]. Interstitial pneumonia, glucocorticoids, disease activity and duration also influenced FI.ConclusionRA-ILD patients deteriorate over time, with the median time free of impairment being

OBJECTIVESTo describe persistent symptoms and consequences in Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal diseases (RMD) discharged from the hospital after Covid-19; to assess the roll of autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD) compared to and non-autoimmune rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (NARD) on persistent symptoms and consequences.METHODSWe performed a cross-sectional observational study. RMD attended at a rheumatology outpatient clinic in Madrid with Covid-19 that required hospital admission were included. The main outcomes were persistence of symptoms and health consequences related to Covid19 after discharge. Independent variable was RMD group (ARD and NARD) and covariates were sociodemographic, clinical, and treatments. We ran a multivariable logistic regression model to assess the risk by RMD group on main outcomes.RESULTSWe included 105 patients and 51.5% had ARD. 68.57% reported at least one persistent symptom. The most frequent were dyspnea, fatigue, and chest pain. 31 patients had consequences. Lung damage was found in 11.4% of the patients, 18% had blood test abnormalities (10% lymphopenia), two died, one developed central retinal vein occlusion and one patient developed optic neuritis. 11 patients required readmission due to Covid-19 problems (16.7% ARD vs 3.9% NARD; p=0.053). No statistically significant differences by RMD groups were found in the final models.CONCLUSIONMany RMD patients have persistent symptoms, similar to other populations. This study also highlights that lung damage is the most frequent consequence. ARD compared to NARD does not seem to differ in terms of persistent symptoms or consequences, although ARD might have a greater number of readmissions due to Covid-19.

Aims: In this pandemic, it is essential for rheumatologists and patients to know the relationship between COVID-19 and inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs). We wanted to assess the role of targeted synthetic or biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (ts/bDMARDs) and other variables in the development of moderate-severe COVID-19 disease in IRD. Methods: An observational longitudinal study was conducted during the epidemic peak in Madrid (1 March to 15 April 2020). All patients attended at the rheumatology outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital in Madrid with a medical diagnosis of IRD were included. Main outcome: hospital admission related to COVID-19. Independent variable: ts/bDMARDs. Covariates: sociodemographic, comorbidities, type of IRD diagnosis, glucocorticoids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs). Incidence rate (IR) of hospital admission related to COVID-19 was expressed per 1000 patient-months. Cox multiple regression analysis was run to examine the influence of ts/bDMARDs and other covariates on IR of hospital admission related to COVID-19. Results: A total of 3951 IRD patients were included (5896 patient-months). Methotrexate was the csDMARD most used. Eight hundred and two patients were on ts/bDMARDs, mainly anti-TNF agents, and Rtx. Hospital admissions related to COVID-19 occurred in 54 patients (1.36%) with an IR of 9.15 (95% confidence interval: 7–11.9). In the multivariate analysis, older, male, comorbidities, and specific systemic autoimmune conditions (Sjögren, polychondritis, Raynaud, and mixed connective tissue disease) had more risk of hospital admissions. Exposition to ts/bDMARDs did not achieve statistical significance. Use of glucocorticoids, NSAIDs, and csDMARDs dropped from the final model. Conclusion: This study provides additional evidence in IRD patients regarding susceptibility to moderate–severe infection related to COVID-19.

Background: In this pandemia, it is essential for rheumatologist and patients to know the relationship between COVID-19 and inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRD). We want to assess the role of targeted synthetic or biologic disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (ts/bDMARDs) and other variables in the development of moderate-severe COVID-19 disease in IRD. Methods: An observational longitudinal study was conducted (1stMar to 15thApr 2020). All patients from the rheumatology outpatient clinic from a hospital in Madrid with a medical diagnosis of IRD were included. Main outcome: hospital admission related to COVID-19. Independent variable: ts/bDMARDs. Covariates: sociodemographic, comorbidities, type of IRD diagnosis, glucocorticoids, NSAIDs and conventional synthetic DMARDs (csDMARDs). Incidence rate (IR) of hospital admission related to COVID-19, was expressed per 1,000 patients-month. Cox multivariate regression analysis was run to examine the influence of ts/bDMARDs and other covariates on IR. Results: 3,591 IRD patients were included (5,896 patients-month). Concerning csDMARDs, methotrexate was the most used followed by antimalarials. 802 patients were on ts/bDMARDs, mainly anti-TNF agents, and rituximab. Hospital admissions related to COVID-19 occurred in 54 patients (1.36%) with an IR of 9.15 [95%CI: 7-11.9]. In the multivariate analysis, older, male gender, presence of comorbidities and specific systemic autoimmune conditions (Sjoegren, polychondritis, Raynaud and mixed connective tissue disease) had more risk of hospital admissions regardless other factors. Exposition to ts/bDMARDs did not achieve statistical signification. Use of glucocorticoids, NSAIDs, and csDMARDs dropped from the final model. Conclusion: This study provides additional evidence in IRD patients regarding susceptibility to moderate-severe infection related to COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES: To describe patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRD) who had COVID-19; to compare patients who need hospital admission versus those that did not and assess risk factors of hospital admission related to COVID-19. METHODS: We performed a prospective observational study, from 1st March 2020 until the 24th of April. All patients being attended at the rheumatology outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital of Madrid, with medical diagnosis of inflammatory rheumatic disease, and with symptomatic COVID-19 disease were included. Main variable was the hospital admission related to COVID-19. Covariates: sociodemographic, clinical and treatments. We performed a multivariate logistic regression model to assess risk factors of hospital admission. RESULTS: 123 patients with IRD and COVID-19 disease were identified and included. We found 54 patients that need hospital admission, 59.2% were women, with a mean age at hospital admission of 69.7 (15.7) years, and a median lag time from symptoms onset to hospital admission of 5 (3-10) days. The median length of stay was 9 (6-14) days. A total of 12 patients died (22%) during their hospital admission. Factors independently associated with hospital admission were being older (OR 1.08; p=0.00), and type of diagnosis (OR 3.55; p=0.01), compared to those who were ambulatory. DMARDs dropped from the model. Male sex, associated comorbidities and glucocorticoids use showed a tendency risk (p

Resumen Objetivos Identificar las comorbilidades prioritarias en la espondiloartritis axial (EspAx) y recomendar como hacer su seguimiento desde una perspectiva eminentemente practica. Metodos Se selecciono a un grupo multidisciplinar (10 reumatologos [6 expertos en EspAx], 2 medicos de familia, una internista, una cardiologa, una gastroenterologa y una psicologa). En una primera reunion de discusion, se establecieron el alcance y los usuarios, y se voto una lista de comorbilidades sobre la base de la frecuencia y el impacto. Los panelistas debian defender con argumentos consistentes la inclusion de cada comorbilidad/item en el documento. Cuatro panelistas y 2 metodologos, desarrollaron revisiones sistematicas en temas controvertidos. En una segunda reunion se presentaron los resultados de las revisiones y los argumentos de todos los items a incluir. Tras esta reunion se redacto el documento final. Resultados El documento final incluye 2 listas de comprobacion (checklist), una para profesionales sanitarios y otra para pacientes, que recogen: riesgo cardiovascular, comorbilidad renal, riesgo gastrointestinal, estilo de vida, riesgo de infecciones y vacunacion, afectacion pulmonar, medicacion concomitante, trastornos psicoafectivos, osteoporosis y riesgo de fractura. Ademas, el documento refleja los argumentos para incluir cada item y la manera de recoger los items. Asimismo, el panel considero oportuno establecer unas «practicas a evitar» aplicables a la comorbilidad de la EspAx. Conclusiones Se generaron 2 listas de comprobacion y un listado de escenarios a evitar para facilitar el manejo de las comorbilidades de la EspAx. En pasos posteriores probaremos su utilidad y su aceptacion por un grupo amplio de usuarios que incluya medicos, pacientes y enfermeras.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the cause-specific mortality rate related to COVID-19 (CMR) in patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) and COVID-19 and to analyze the role of the different RMDs in their mortality risk. Methods: An observational longitudinal study was conducted during the first pandemic wave in our center. Patients with the diagnosis of RMDs and COVID-19 were included. Main outcome is the death related to COVID-19. Independent variable – type of RMDs: autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD), such as chronic inflammatory arthritis (CIA) and connective tissue diseases (CTD) and non-autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases (non-ARD). Survival techniques were used to estimate the CMR per 1000 patients-month with a 95% confidence interval (CI), and Cox multivariate regression analysis was run to examine the effect of ARD compared to non-ARD on mortality risk adjusted by confounders. Results were expressed by Hazard Ratio (HR) and CI. Results: Overall, 405 patients were included (642.5 patients-month). During the study period, 44 (10.86%) deaths were recorded. CMR was 68.48 (50.96–92.01). After adjusting for confounders, HR of mortality in ARD compared to non-ARD did not achieve statistical significance [HR: 1.15 (0.64–2.07)], neither CTD versus CIA nor CTD versus non-ARD. Age and certain comorbidities which are being diagnosed in March compared to April or May [HR: 2.43 (1.1–5.55)] increased the mortality risk. Glucocorticoids and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) dropped from the final model. Conclusion: In patients with RMDs and COVID-19, CMR was 6.8% patients-month. This study shows that mortality risk is higher in males, older patients, and similar between CTD, CIA, and non-ARD. COVID-19 management improved after the first month of pandemic. Plain Language Summaries Mortality related to the outbreak of COVID-19 in patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases Why was this study done? - To report the COVID-19-specific mortality rate in patients with a variety of RMDs during the first pandemic peak in a tertiary hospital in Madrid and to analyze the role of specific types of ARD and other possible factors in the risk of death related to COVID-19. What did the researchers do? - We performed a retrospective observational study during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Madrid, Spain. What did the researchers find? - In this study, neither the different diagnoses of RMDs, including CIA, CTD, or non-ARD disease or its treatment were not implicated as a potential risk of death related to COVID-19 - In consonance with other studies, RMDs patients and COVID-19, older age, male sex, and certain comorbidities implied more mortality risk - Our data reflect COVID-19 severity in a particular context, time, and population. In times of the absence of COVID-19 vaccine, healthcare, social, and political measures taken to contain the coronavirus outbreak have worked properly. What do the findings mean? - The presence of comorbidities in RMDs patients represents a greater risk than the different types of RMDs themselves, in the development of COVID-19 fatal outcome. It is important to integrate the control of comorbidities in the daily management.

Resumen Objetivo Estimar los costes medicos directos en los pacientes con artritis reumatoide (AR) y los factores predictores en los pacientes tratados con farmacos biologicos y sin biologicos. Metodos Se realizo un estudio transversal en una muestra incluyendo pacientes de toda la geografia nacional. Se obtuvieron datos sociodemograficos y de tratamiento. Se registro la utilizacion de recursos para los 2 anos de estudio y se hizo imputacion de costes. Se realizaron analisis de correlacion en todos los pacientes con AR y en los tratados con y sin biologicos, para estimar las diferencias entre los grupos. Los predictores de costes se analizaron mediante modelos de regresion lineal. Resultados Se incluyeron 1.095 pacientes con AR, el 26% hombres, con una edad media de 62 ± 14 anos. La media de los costes medicos directos por paciente fue de 24.291 ± 45.382 €. Excluyendo los farmacos biologicos, el coste medio por paciente fue de 3.742 ± 3.711 €. Despues de ajustar, los factores predictores de costes medicos directos para todos los pacientes con AR fueron los farmacos biologicos (p = 0,00), la comorbilidad (p = 0,00) y la edad del paciente (p = 0,01). En el grupo sin biologicos, los predictores fueron la comorbilidad (p = 0,00) y la edad del paciente (p = 0,01). En el grupo con biologicos los predictores fueron el sexo del paciente (p = 0,03) y la actividad de la enfermedad (p = 0,02). Conclusion Los datos muestran un notable impacto economico de la AR. Es importante identificar y estimar los factores asociados a mayor coste para desarrollar estrategias de reduccion de costes y aumentar la calidad de la atencion.

Introduction We have conducted a bibliometric study of the scientific publications on patient-reported outcomes in the field of rheumatology. Methods SCOPUS was the database used in this bibliometric study. We performed two searches. The main search involved selecting the documents published between 2000 and 2014 limited to top-tier journals addressing rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, using specific descriptors together with the operator and main descriptor "patient-reported outcomes" (PROs), and we performed a secondary search, with the following specific descriptors: "pain," "functional capacity," and "fatigue." We used bibliometric indicators for articles distribution (Price's law for the increase of scientific literature and Bradford's law for dispersion of articles). We also calculated the participation index of the different countries. Results A total of 983 original articles were published between 2000 and 2014. Our results confirmed the fulfilment of Price's law (correlation coefficient r = 0.9385 after linear adjustment). The average number of articles per Bradford Zone was 327.6. A total of 30 different journals were published. The type of growth for the descriptors "pain" ( r 2 = 0.5417 compared to r 2 = 0.4839) and "fatigue" ( r 2 = 06276 compared to r 2 = 0.5544) is exponential, whereas it is linear for the descriptor "functional capacity" ( r 2 = 0.6769 compared to r 2 = 0.3779). Discussion This study revealed significant linear growth of patient-related outcomes in global terms, as well as upward trends for most of the citation-based bibliometric indices, especially significant from 2010 to 2014. Pain and fatigue have greater growth as PRO concepts.

Background:Musculoskeletal diseases (MSKs) are the major cause of disability, affecting the patient’s daily activities as well as their Quality of Life (QoL).Objectives:To analyze in a cohort of patients with MSKs the influence of demographic and clinical predictors in repeated measures of Health-Related QoL (HRQoL) obtained from a departmental electronic health record (EHR)Methods:Patients attending the Hospital Clínico San Carlos rheumatology outpatient clinic (HCSC-MSK cohort) from April 1st, 2007 to November 30th, 2017 who were seen at least twice were included in this study. Visits separated more than one year from previous or next visit were excluded. Our primary outcome was HRQoL collected in each patient’s visit using the Rosser Classification Index (it ranges between 0 and 1, the higher value, the higher HRQoL. It is calculated as the combination of two subscales: disability and distress). Demographic and clinical variables, such as diagnoses, treatments, and comorbidities were included as predictors. Variable selection was carried out in 4 steps. First, we developed a bivariate Generalized Estimating Equations model, selecting those variables with a p-value < 0.15. Second, those with a pair-wise absolute correlation < 0.95 were carried to the next step. Third, multivariate GEE analyses were performed including clinical related variables, and those independently associated with our primary outcome were selected with a p-value < 0.15. At least one predictor of each multivariate analyses was included even if none of them had p-value < 0.15. In this case the one, with the lowest p-value was chosen. Fourth, a grid search approach was followed to determine the penalization value and a penalized GEE model was implemented including all selected variables and using an independence correlation structure. Those with an estimate greater than 10^-3 and a z-robust > 1.96 were considered to be independently associated with the HRQoL.Results:A total of 18,187 patients with 95,960 outpatient visits were included in this study. From the initial 410 predictors, 289, 241, 153, and 34 were selected in the first, second, third, fourth and fifth steps. The median age was 56.4 years. The major part of the patients were women (69.4%), and the medianRosservalue was 0.986. More common diagnoses, treatments and comorbidities were back pain, tendinitis, pain in joint; analgesia, gastric protector and NSAIDs; hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes respectively. The predictors with a greater negative impact in HRQoL were the use of 3rd level analgesics and azathioprine, a presence of kidney failure, fibromyalgia, and ischemic heart disease. Conversely, use of symptomatic slow action drugs for osteoarthritis, statins, lowering uric acid drugs, a diagnose of mixed connective tissue disease, and better HRQoL in the past six months were independently associated with a positive impact in the HRQoL.Conclusion:We have identified several diagnoses, treatments and comorbidites independently associated with HRQoL in a cohort of patients followed up in a rheumatology outpatient clinic. This represent a first step in the implementation of value-based care for MSK patients, as we can now review the procedures associated with a worse HRQoL in an attempt to improve them.References:Predictor selection. Dx: Diagnoses. DxE: Diagnoses Episode. DxTFT: Diagnoses Total Follow-up Time.DxTET: Diagnoses Total Episode Follow-up Time T: Treatment. DxE: Treatment Episode. DxTFT:Treatment Total Follow-up Time. DxTET: Treatment Total Episode Follow-up Time. XM: Comorbiditiesand Concomitant Treatments. DM: Demographics. HS: Health Status.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Chronic pain is a complex experience that has now become a major public health issue. This has prompted many researchers to study attention, understanding it to be a crucial factor that allows altering the experience of pain, while attributing considerable importance to sustained attention. Accordingly, the main studies in this field stress the importance of emotion regulation processes and emotions on the perception of painful stimuli and attentional processes themselves. Nevertheless, only a handful of studies have been found that directly study the relationship between these variables. Within this context, this article sets out to analyse emotional regulation processes, emotional variables (depression and anxiety), the experience of pain, and age on the ability to maintain the vigilance response in a sample of patients with chronic pain. This involved selecting a sample of 49 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and examining their performance in an ad-hoc sustained attention test. With a view to complying with the study’s main purpose, the participants were also assessed through the use of the following self-report measures: the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-I); the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS); the McGill Pain Questionnaire, and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS). Linear regression analyses revealed a significant impact of the aging process on the performance times in the attention task. Likewise, age and depression recorded a significant correlation with the mistakes made during the task. These results suggest that higher depression levels and an older age might be related to a worse adaptation to pain management techniques based on attention processes, such as mindfulness.

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.

Background: This research describes the incidence and factors associated with opportunistic infections in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated with biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs). Methods: A retrospective longitudinal study was carried out from 2007 to 2018. We included RA patients treated with a tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-targeted bDMARD or non-TNF-targeted bDMARD from the start of bDMARDs. An independent variable was the development of an indicator of opportunistic infection after biological (IOIb) treatment. Secondary variables included sociodemographic, clinical, and treatments. We used survival techniques to estimate the incidence of IOIb, per 1000 patient-years (95% CI). We performed a Cox multivariate regression analysis model to compare the risk of IOIb. Results were expressed as a hazard ratio (HR). Results: A total of 441 RA patients were included, that started 761 different courses of bDMARDs. A total of 81% were women with a mean age at first bDMARD of 57.3 ± 14 years. A total of 71.3% of the courses were TNF-targeted bDMARDs and 28.7% were non-TNF-targeted bDMARDs. There were 37 IOIb (25 viral, 6 fungal, 5 bacterial, 1 parasitic). Nine of these required hospitalization and one died. The global incidence of IOIb was 23.2 (16.8–32). TNF-targeted bDMARDs had 25 IOIb, incidence 20.5 (13.9–30.4), and non-TNF-targeted bDMARDs had 12 IOIb, incidence 31.7 (18–55.9). In the multivariate analysis, glucocorticosteroids (HR 2.17, p = 0.004) and lower lymphocyte count increased the risk for IOIb (HR 0.99, p = 0.005). Conclusions: The incidence of IOIb due to bDMARDs was 23 cases per 1000 patient-years. Close monitoring should be taken in the RA patients treated with bDMARDs and glucocorticosteroids, mainly in elderly patients and those with a low total lymphocyte count at the beginning of bDMARD treatment.

Background The impact of comorbidity on the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of rheumatic diseases could be very high. However, several studies have depicted a sub-optimal assessment of comorbidity in these diseases. Objectives To generate common, simple and practical support materials (checklists, questionnaires and other complementary materials) for rheumatologists, health professionals and patients, in order to: 1) Assess comorbidity; 2) Identify and implement preventive procedures; 3) Define referral criteria to other health professionals, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), axial spondylitis (axSpA), and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Methods This project was promoted by CONARTRITIS (Association of patients with arthritis), OPENREUMA (Multidisciplinary association of professionals dealing with patients with rheumatic diseases) and SORCOM (Rheumatology Society of the Madrid Region). A multidisciplinary team specialized in comorbidity in inflammatory arthritis was established (6 rheumatologists, 2 primary care physicians, 2 nurses, 1 internist, 1 psychologist). A qualitative study was performed following these phases: 1) Review of the GECOAR1, GECOAX2 and GECOAP3 projects, that were focus on the evaluation of comorbidity in RA, axSpA and PsA, as well as an exhaustive bibliographic search in Medline; 2) Generation of preliminary checklists (different versions and formats) to be used by health professionals and patients for the identification, management and prevention of comorbidity; 3) Patient focus group in which the preliminary patients checklist was evaluated and discussed; 4) Nominal group meeting in which the selected health professionals analyzed all the checklists and modified them taking into account the opinion of the patients; 5) External evaluation of the modified checklists by patients, health professionals and rheumatologists, all of them outside the project; 6) Generation of the final checklists based on everything collected in the previous phases. Results Three checklists for clinical practice were designed, two for health professionals (one to identify comorbidity, another on prevention/health promotion), one for patients. The comorbidity checklist includes, for example, the evaluation of cardiovascular risk factors, depression and anxiety, allergies or infections. The prevention checklist includes life style issues (smoking, diet, exercise), social life, sexuality, sleep, or oral hygiene. The checklists also specify the evaluation method (questions, specific questionnaire, etc.). Conclusion The use of specific checklists for the identification, management and prevention of comorbidity inpatients with RA, axSpA and PsA might contribute positively in their prognosis. References [1] Loza E, et al. Rheumatol Int. 2015 Mar;35(3):445-58. [2] Gonzalez C, et al. Reumatol Clin. 2018 Nov - Dec;14(6):346-359. [3] Torre-Alonso JC, et al. Rheumatol Int. 2017 Aug;37(8):1239-1248. Disclosure of Interests Santos Castaneda Consultant for: Amgen, BMS, Pfizer, Lilly, MSD, Roche, Sanofi, UCB, Carlos M. Gonzalez: None declared, Maria del Carmen Castro Villegas Paid instructor for: MSD, Abbvie, Pfizer, Janssen, Lilly, Roche, Silvia Garcia-Diaz: None declared, Juan Carlos Hermosa: None declared, Cristina Lajas: None declared, Leticia Leon: None declared, Juan Carlos Obaya: None declared, Maria Rodero: None declared, Carmen Suarez: None declared, Virginia Villaverde: None declared, Juan Carlos Torre-Alonso: None declared

Background Fatigue is one of the most frequent symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), affecting more than 80% of them. Despite being a very disabling symptom, the variables that predict it are still unknown. Objectives To identify potential factors associated with fatigue. Methods Cross-sectional study. 60 patients were included, patients were being followed up in the rheumatology outpatient clinic of Hospital Clinico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain. Data were collected between July 2018 and January 2019. All patients met the ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria and they were in treatment with Biological agents or Targeted Synthetic DMARDs. Main variable: Fatigue was assessed by the Bristol Rheumatoid Arthritis Fatigue Multidimensional Questionnaire (BRAF-MDQ) and the Bristol Rheumatoid Arthritis Fatigue Numerical Rating Scale (BRAF-NRS). Covariables: Sociodemographic, clinical, Disease-related variables and treatment. Statistical analysis. A descriptive analysis was carried out for the different variables. To identify factors independently associated to BRAF-MDQ a multivariable linear regression was applied. Results were expressed as β with their corresponding 95% CI. A value of p Results A total of 60 patients, comprising of 53 females (88%) and 7 males (12%) with a mean age of 56.45±11.89 years and mean disease duration of 14.11±7.79 years were evaluated. RF was positive in 60% of patients. 65% of the patients were in active on work and 23% were retired. Regarding comorbidities, 43% had dyslipidemia, 42% hypertension, 17% hypothyroidism and 15% depression. The DAS28-ESR and SDAI scores of the patients were 2.68 ± 0.86, 8.56 ± 5.96 respectively. The rest of the clinical, treatment characteristics, and the scores of the fatigue instruments used in the study are shown in Table 1. Physical dimension was the most affected according to patients, who perceive an average severity and affectation, and insufficient coping. The factors affecting the total BRAF-MDQ was evaluated in multivariate analyze Table 2. We found that patients with Disability (p Conclusion Fatigue is a substantial symptom in RA patients and should be evaluated on the daily clinical practice. The results of our study indicated that disability and type of treatment were the dominant factors in the experience and degree of fatigue. Disease activity (DAS28 and SDAI) was not associated to fatigue. The evaluation and management of fatigue should be one of the objectives in the treatment of patients with RA Disclosure of Interests None declared

Background: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic, progressive and inflammatory arthritis. It is consider a multifaceted disease, with a high impact on patient’s psychological and physical well-being, with patients reporting lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Data of burden of disease is substantial and even though there are some studies that identify risk factors with longstanding PsA, there exists a need for properly designed studies to learn more about the evolution of HRQoL throughout the follow-up in this condition. Objectives: To analyze the evolution on HRQoL in patients with PsA and to to evaluate factors that may influence this evolution. Methods: Retrospective longitudinal observational study including incident patients diagnosed with PsA from 2007 to 2016, and followed-up until loss of follow-up or December 2017; with at least two registered visits; having received any ICD9/ICD10 diagnosis code of PsA; and with symptoms onset after 16 years of age. Patients were collected from the rheumatology outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital (Hospital Clinico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain). Clinical information was collected from a departmental electronic health record, including demographic, clinical, comorbidities, treatment, and HRQoL related variables (measured with the Rosser Classification index). The influence of these variables in repeated measures of HRQoL was analysed using bivariate and multivariate generalized estimating equations (GEE) models nested by patient. Those variables with a p-value Results: We included 187 patients, with a median follow-up of 3.6 years (interquarltile range: 0.8 to 6.3). 48% were women, with a median age at the onset of symptoms and diagnosis of 45 and 49 years, respectively. 86% of patients had a personal history of Psoriasis. Regarding clinical manifestations during the follow-up, 83%, 30%, 26%, and 22% of the patients presented with peripheral arthritis, inflammatory low back pain, enthesitis and dactylitis, respectively. In addition, they received treatment with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medications (NSAIDs), oral glucocorticoids and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) 71%, 52% and 82%, respectively. 20% received biological agents. The Rosser median value at the first visit was 0.986, with an slight increase alter the first 2 years and a decline after 5 years of follow-up (Figure 1). With respect to the variables independently associated with HRQoL during follow-up, the history of osteoporotic fractures (p = 8.1x10-18) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p = 5.0x10-8) were associated with a poorer quality of life. Conversely, treatment with methotrexate (p=6.4x10-5), and the use of bone-forming agents (p = 7.8x10-4) were associated with better HRQoL. History of osteoporosis and use of biphosphonates and denosumab were also associated with HRQoL, although not significantly after p-value adjustment. Conclusion: We have identified different factors associated with HRQoL during the evolution of patients with PsA. We observed that the presence of certain comorbidities were independently associated with a worse HRQoL. In addition, regarding different treatments, the use of methotrexate and bone-forming agents were independently associated with a better HRQoL. Disclosure of interests: None declared

Background Fatigue is one of the most frequent symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), affecting more than 80% of them. The experience of fatigue is multidimensional. Objectives To identify the factors associated with fatigue on its different subscales (Physical, Living, Cognitive and Emotional). Methods Cross-sectional study. 60 patients were included, they were being followed up in the rheumatology outpatient clinic of Hospital Clinico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain. Data were collected between July 2018 and January 2019. All patients met the ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria and they were in treatment with Biological or Targeted Synthetic DMARD. Main variable: Fatigue was assessed by the Bristol Rheumatoid Arthritis Fatigue Multidimensional Questionnaire (BRAF-MDQ). Covariables: Demographic, clinical and treatment. Statistical analysis. A descriptive analysis was carried out for the different variables. To identify factors independently associated to BRAF-MDQ and its subscales, multivariable linear regression was applied. Results were expressed as coef with their corresponding 95% CI. A value of p Results A total of 60 patients, comprising of 53 females (88%) and 7 males (12%) with a mean age of 56.4±11.8 years and mean disease duration of 14.1±7.7 years were evaluated. RF was positive in 60% of patients. 65% were in active on work and 23% retired. Regarding comorbidities, 43% had dyslipidemia, 42% hypertension, 17% hypothyroidism and 15% depression. The DAS28-ESR and SDAI scores of the patients were 2.6±0.8, 8.5±5.9 respectively. The HAQ was 0,86 ± 7.7. The rest of the clinical, treatment characteristics, and the scores of the fatigue instruments are shown in Table 1. The factors affecting the BRAF-MDQ and its subscales was evaluated in multivariate analyzeTable 2. Our results shows a correlation between disability and the different dimensions (p Conclusion It is important to evaluate fatigue in a multidimensional perspective, each of the different subscales could be modulated by different factors. The results of our study indicated that disability predicts in all subscales of fatigue, however, other factors can configure different patterns of fatigue in RA patients, and identify them is key to the approach of this complex symptom. Disclosure of Interests None declared

Background:The COVID-19 pandemic continues worldwide and has had a strong impact on public health, quality of life and economy of the general population. To date, the number of infections and deaths are still increasing. From the beginning of the pandemic, efforts were intensified to identify risk factors for development of the severe form of COVID-19. In this sense underlying medical comorbidities have been shown to have a worse prognosis in these patients.Objectives:In patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) and infected with Covid – 19, we aim to investigate the role of systemic autoimmune conditions compared to other type of RMDs in severity of COVID-19 in terms of hospital admissions.Methods:An observational longitudinal study was conducted during the epidemic peak in Madrid (1stMar to 20thMay2020). All patients attended at the rheumatology outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital with a diagnosis of RMDs and Covid-19 infection were included (according to a medical diagnosis or confirmed with a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR diagnostic test). All patients were included since the time of COVID-19 diagnosis. Main variable: hospital admission related to Covid -19 infection. Independent variable: type of RMD including: autoimmune (systemic autoimmune conditions and inflammatory joint disease (IJD)) and nonautoimmune (mechanical diseases, and inflammatory diseases (microcrystalline arthritis and tendonitis)). Covariates: sociodemographic, clinical and therapy used. Statistical analysis: description of the sociodemographic, clinical and treatment characteristics of the patients. A multivariate logistic regression adjusted by age, sex and comorbidities was used to evaluate the risk of the different types of RMDs in hospital admissions related to Covid-19. The results were expressed as OR with its corresponding confidence interval (95% CI).Results:406 patients were included with RMDs and Covid- 19 infection. 69.21% were women with a mean age at diagnosis of 60 ± 15.26 years. The evolution time from the diagnosis of RMD was 8 ± 8.38 years. 26% had comorbidity at baseline. 25% were chronically on corticoids prior to the infection. Of the 406 patients, 244 (60.09%) had non-autoimmune RMD (157 mechanic, 87 inflammatory) and 162 (39.9%) (106 (65.43%) IJD, 56 (34.56%) systemic autoimmune condition) had autoimmune RMD. 36% of all patients were admitted (31% from not autoimmune RMDs and 43% from autoimmune RMD (p = 0,013). The risk of hospital admission in autoimmune RMD compared to non-autoimmune RMD was higher (OR: 1.68; [1.11-2.54], p=0.013), being the risk of systemic autoimmune condition compared to both IJD and non-autoimmune RMD higher (OR IJD: 0.41 [0.21-0.51], p=0.01; OR non-autoimmune: 0.33; [0.18-0.61]; p=0.000). After adjusting by confounders, autoimmune RMD had higher risk of hospital admissions compared to the rest (OR: 1.75; [1.04-2.95]; p=0.03), and specifically systemic autoimmune condition had higher risk compared to IJD (OR of IJD 0.33; [0.14-.076]; p=0.009) and compared to non–autoimmune (OR non autoimmune 0.28; [0.13-0.59], p=0.001). Advanced age (OR: 1.10; [1.07-1.12], pConclusion:One third of the RMD patients infected with COVID-19 required hospital admission. This study shows that patients with autoimmune and specifically with systemic autoimmune conditions have a higher risk of hospitalization related to COVID-19. We also show that advanced age, male sex and a higher number of comorbidities can contribute to worsen the prognosis of the COVID-19 disease.References:[1]Jorge A, et al. Temporal trends in severe COVID-19 outcomes in patients with rheumatic disease: a cohort study. Lancet Rheumatol. Ahead of print 2021.[2]Hyrich KL, Machado PM. Rheumatic disease and COVID-19: epidemiology and outcomes. Nature Reviews Rheumatology 2020; 17: 71–72.[3]Bonfá E, et al. How COVID-19 is changing rheumatology clinical practice. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2021; 17: 11–15.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Background:Nowadays, many countries experience an urgent demand for rheumatologists and greater cost-effectiveness. Thus, different alternatives to conventional outpatient physician-led follow-up have been investigated. The alternative of community-based service delivery systems is intended to meet emerging needs, reducing the costs of hospital care and morbidity. In patients with long-term conditions, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), nurses are seen as essential in the delivery of promotion in self-care and decision-making, favoring the empowerment of patients.Objectives:To systematically investigate if the nurse led-care management (NLCM) education programs are beneficial in patients with RA.Methods:This is a systematic literature research publication on the following bibliographic databases: Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Central register of Controlled Trials from the beginning until 2019.Results:From a yield of 116 studies, 44 were included in the review. After quality assessment and exclusion of the lowest-ranked studies, 19 studies were analyzed. Outcomes were organized into six themes (1) disease activity; (2) adherence; (3)satisfaction; (4)treatment compliance, (5) depression and (6)quality of life. All studies had significant results in at least one of the outcomes.Conclusion:According to our results, we can conclude that, clinicians could benefit from support conducted by nurse in the management of these patients in tasks such as metrology clinic, participation in enforcement, self-administration, the correct dosage and side effects of treatments, and link the patient and other professionals or entities. It would therefore be advisable to conduct further studies to draw more accurate and reliable conclusions in this context.References:[1]Bech B, Primdahl J, Van Tubergen A, et al. 2018 update of the EULAR recommendations for the role of the nurse in the management of chronic inflammatory arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2020; 79: 61–68.[2]Uthman I, Almoallim H, Buckley CD, et al. Nurse-led care for the management of rheumatoid arthritis: a review of the global literature and proposed strategies for implementation in Africa and the Middle East. Rheumatology International 2020; 1: 3.[3]Garner S, Lopatina E, Rankin JA, et al. Nurse-led care for patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review of the effect on quality of care. J Rheumatol 2017; 44: 757–765.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Background:A better quality of care for chronic patients is only obtainable through multidisciplinary teams. In recent years, rheumatology nurses have been involved in the remote monitoring of aged Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients, as their high levels of multi-morbidity and disability make routine contacts too complex for patients and caregivers. Nursing health care should be evidence-based and organized to optimize the professionals’ time.Objectives:To develop a pilot study of two Nursing Care Plans (NCP) in Rheumatology consultations for Rheumatoid arthritis patients, exploring the satisfaction, disease activity, adherence and quality of life of the patients.Methods:This is a non-randomised interventional study. All the stablished RA patients attending our clinics were offered one of the care plans, based on clinic characteristics, functional status, social needs, social support, preferences and health literacy. They are focused on three fundamental axes: adaptation, adherence and safety of the patient. We evaluated the two NCP that were created: (1) Elderly established RA face to face/phone visit, (2) Active young established RA face to face/phone visit. The study included a first baseline visit and a second visit at six months. Outcomes were adherence to treatment: using the Morisky Green questionnaire, disease activity; through the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), patient satisfaction; using the LOPSS questionnaire and quality of life: using the EUROQOL 5D questionnaire, Visual analog scale of the attention received and Visual analog scale of the care received. Final visit were compared to baseline visit in both groups. The paired Wilcoxon or McNemar test were used.Results:We included 48 patients, 16 from the NCP 1 and 32 from the NCP 2. All patients except one from the NCP 2 were followed-up and ended the study. The mean age of the participants was 56 years. 77.5% were women. 30.6% had an active smoking habit. 46% had universitary studies. 53.1 had an active labor situation. Regarding the main outcomes: a)Disease activity, a slight decrease in activity was observed between baseline and 6 months, but without statistically significant differences. b) Quality of life, we detected some improvement in all care plans in the EQ-index and in the Visual analog scale (VAE) but there were no statistically significant variations. c) Therapeutic adherence, we show the results in the Morinsky Green questionnaire. We obtained statistical significant decrease in the percentage of patients that forgot to take their prescribed medications after 6 months (p=0.04), and we also saw an increase in the percentage of patients taking medications at established times (up to 100% in all groups). d) Patient satisfaction with NCP obtained at the end of study, we used the LOPPS questionnaire. We obtained at six months a punctuation less than 1.5 (ordinal scale that 1 is good 5 is bad). e) Satisfaction of the care received by patients over the phone assessed at the end of study, it was almost 100%, being 75% of the patients scores 9 or over. f) Satisfaction with the care plans assessed at the end of study, the score given by patients was almost 90%, being 75% of the patients scores 8 or over.Conclusion:After applying the NCP in both groups, we found positive results after 6 months and mainly regarding the therapeutic adherence. The program was well evaluated by the patients in terms of satisfaction of the care provided.References:[1]Garner S, Lopatina E, Rankin JA, et al. Nurse-led care for patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review of the effect on quality of care. J Rheumatol 2017; 44: 757–765.[2]Uthman I, Almoallim H, Buckley CD, et al. Nurse-led care for the management of rheumatoid arthritis: a review of the global literature and proposed strategies for implementation in Africa and the Middle East. Rheumatology International 2020; 1: 3.[3]Bech B, Primdahl J, Van Tubergen A, et al. 2018 update of the EULAR recommendations for the role of the nurse in the management of chronic inflammatory arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2020; 79: 61–68.Disclosure of Interests:Leticia Lopez Pedraza Grant/research support from: Pfizer, María Rodero Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Gloria Candelas Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Cristina Lajas Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Teresa Mulero López Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Ana María Perez Saez Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Leticia León Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Zulema Rosales Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Benjamin Fernandez Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Lydia Abasolo Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Luis Rodriguez Rodriguez Grant/research support from: Pfizer

Individualized treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) based on genetic/serologic factors is increasingly accepted. Moreover, patients are more actively involved in the management of their disease. However, personality has received little attention with respect to perception of the need and adherence to treatment. Our objective was to evaluate whether patient personality was associated with the acceptance or rejection of more aggressive early treatment. We performed a cross-sectional study in two hospitals with early arthritis clinics where sociodemographic, clinical, and therapeutic variables are systematically recorded. Patients completed Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, Multidimensional Health Locus of Control, Pain-Related Self-Statement Scale and Pain-Related Control Scale. Aggressive treatment was considered if patients received more than two DMARDs or biological agents during the first year of follow-up. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine predictors of aggressive treatment. One hundred seventy-six RA patients were included (80 % women, disease begin median age 55 years). Treatment was considered aggressive in 57.9 % of the sample. Scores were high in extraversion in 50.8 % of patients, neuroticism in 29.5 % and psychoticism in 14.7 %. Neuroticism was the only factor associated with aggressive treatment, which was less probable (p = 0.04, OR = 0.40). Neuroticism also decreased the possibility of receiving a combination of biologics and DMARDs (p = 0.04, OR = 0.28). Patients with high scores on neuroticism are more worried, obsessive and hypochondriac, leading them to reject more aggressive therapy. It is important to educate about their disease so that they will accept more aggressive approaches in clear cases of poor outcome.

We appreciate the interest of Aydin et al 1 in our study about risk factors for hospital admissions related to COVID-19 in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRD).2 COVID-19 pandemic is a matter in constant update and certainly an enormous challenge for researchers, clinicians, healthcare workers and epidemiologists. In this sense, all together are making enormous efforts in their fields to overcome this global crisis. In relation to research advances, there has been an explosion in the publication of articles related to COVID-19. In this pandemic situation, it is true that it has been a challenge and a race against the clock for researchers and some publications could be less rigorous than expected.3 For this reason, and according to Aydin et al ,1 the critical reading it is important to interpret the results, paying special attention to the limitations of each study. The role of IRD, their therapies and other potential factors in the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and …

Background:The overall occurrence of Herpes zoster (HZ) infections in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is greater than in the general population although is controversial whether the use of the different disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) increases this risk.Objectives:To investigate the incidence and factors associate to HZ infections in patients with RA exposed to biologic agents (BA) and small molecule JAK inhibitors (JAKi), and to describe RA disease features at the moment of HZ infection.Methods:Retrospective longitudinal study was conducted. We included RA patients seen at the rheumatology outpatient clinic of tertiary hospital, commencing BA (anti-TNF therapy and no anti-TNF therapy) or JAKi from Jan 2007 until Dec 2017, and followed up until end of study (Dec 2019). The outcome of interest was the occurrence of HZ infection, the diagnosis of HZ events was based on the rheumatologist’s report. Covariables: sociodemographic, clinical, and concomitant treatments including glucocorticoids, conventional synthetic DMARDs (csDMARDs). Survival techniques were used to estimate the incidence of HZ (IR), per 1000 patient-year (PYs) with the respective Confidence Interval [95%CI]. Cox multivariate regression model to compare the risk of HZ was performed. Results were expressed in Hazard ratio (HR).Results:474 RA patients were included, starting 881 different courses of treatment (1954.86 patients-years of follow-up). 382 (80.6%) were women with a mean (SD) age of 56.9 (15.0) years at first BA. Across all groups of treatments, a total 18 HZ were recorded, events were non-serious and involved 1 or 2 dermatomes. The mean age (SD) at moment of the infection was 62 (11) years and 10 cases were on prednisone > 7.5 mg/day. 13 HZ cases (72.2%) occurred on treatment with anti-TNF treatment (6 with adalimumab, 4 with certolizumab and 1 with infliximab), 4 (22.2%) cases were on treatment with rituximab one occurred during tocilizumab prescription. The overall incidence of HZ was 9.20 cases per 1000PYs [5.80-14.61]. The crude IR was similar between gender, increased with age (Patients < 46 years: 2.17 [0.3-15.4]; >70 years 14.1 [5.8-33.8]), was higher with concomitant use of two csDMARDs (IR: 15.68 [7.8-31.7], and was similar between anti-TNF and non anti-TNF therapy. None HZ event was recorded in patients exposed to JAKi. In the multivariate analysis, age (HR: 1.05, p: 0.006), prednisone dose > 7.5 mg/day (HR: 2.83, p: 0.02) and the concomitant use of two csDMARDs (HR: 2.34 p: 0.039) increase the risk for HZ. Lymphopenia (HR: 2.6; p=0.06) achieved a trend and BA therapy dropped from the model.Conclusion:HZ incidence rate was 9.20 cases per 1000PYs, HZ occurrence in RA patients cannot be attributed solely to the current BA or JAKi treatment and other factors involved must be taking in count as age, concomitant DMARDs prescriptions, and use of glucocorticoids. Our data suggest that preventive strategies for HZ should be developed for patients with RA.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Background:A proportion of patients with Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) show autoimmune characteristics but do not completely meet the classification criteria for a definitive connective tissue disease. In order to unify the nomenclature and criteria to define this condition, the classification of patients with Interstitial Pneumonia with Autoimmune Features (IPAF) has recently been adopted (Fisher, et al).Objectives:To describe the sociodemographic, clinical, functional characteristics and therapeutic management of IPAF patients in clinical practice and to evaluate the incidence rate of functional respiratory impairment over time.Methods:A longitudinal observational study was performed. Patients with IPAF classification criteria (Fischer et al) were included from the time of ILD diagnosis (Feb 2017 to Sept 2018) and followed until loss of follow-up or end of the study (Oct 2019), in a multidisciplinary team, carried by a pneumologist and a rheumatologist in a Tertiary Hospital in Madrid. Main outcome: relative functional respiratory impairment: defined as decline in percent predicted forced vital capacity (FVC%) of ≥ 5% compared to the previous visit. Respiratory function was measured at baseline and every 6 months. Covariates: a) sociodemographic, b) clinical, c) radiological pattern (non-specific interstitial pneumonia [NSIP]; usual interstitial pneumonia [UIP], others); d) FVC%, DLCO%; e) laboratory tests; f) therapy used (glucorticosteroids, disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and Biologic Agents). Statistical analysis: description of the sociodemographic, clinical, radiological, functional and treatment characteristics of the patients. Survival techniques were used to estimate the incidence rate (IR) of relative functional respiratory impairment, expressed per 100 patient-semester with their respective confidence interval [95 % CI].Results:17 patients were included with a mean follow-up of 3 ± 1.5 years, 70.6% were women with a mean age of 65±10 years. The most frequent IPAF classification criteria were: a) clinical: arthritis (50%), Raynaud`s phenomenon (33%) and mechanical hands (17%); b) serological: 65% had ANA ≥1/360; 31% FR> 40; 30% Anti-Ro positive; c) morphologic: 59% presented NSIP pattern and 29.4% was UIP. The baseline median FVC% and DLCO% were 89 [83-107.7] and 63 [50-79.8] respectively. During the study period, 94% received treatment: 87.5% glucorticosteroids, 68.5% mycophenolate, 56% azathioprine, 18.7% cyclophosphamide iv and 33% antifibrotics. During the follow-up (104.6 patient - semester), 15 patients presented relative functional respiratory impairment, with an IR of 23.8 [16.1-35.3]. After 14 months from IPAF diagnosis 50% of the patients had relative functional respiratory impairment. At the end of the follow-up, 50% showed a worsening of the DLCO%.Conclusion:IPAF patients are mostly women in their sixties. The most frequent clinical criteria are arthritis and Raynaud`s phenomenon and the serological were FR and ANAs. The most frequent radiological pattern was NSIP. The therapeutic management is mainly with glucorticosteroids, mycophenolate and azathioprine. At the beginning, patients have a slightly diminished lung function. These patients have significant functional impairment over time that will impact in their prognosis. Longitudinal and multicenter studies are necessary to advance in the knowledge and management of these patients.References:[1]Fischer A, Antoniou KM, Brown KK, Cadranel J, Corte TJ, du Bois RM, et al. An official European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society research statement: interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features. Eur Respir J [Internet]. 2015 Oct;46(4):976–87. Available from:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26160873Disclosure of Interests:None declared

The study aims to analyze the association between the bone and cartilage/periarticular components of the radiographic joint damage and disability over the course of disease, in a cohort of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients from a day-to-day clinical practice. The secondary aim is to study the role of demographic and disease-related variables in this association. We performed a retrospective longitudinal study including 736 RA patients. Disability was assessed with the health assessment questionnaire (HAQ), and radiographic joint damage of hands and wrists with the Sharp van-der-Heijde score (total (SHS), erosion (ES), and narrowing/(sub)luxation (NSLS) components]. Generalized estimating equations models, adjusted by disease activity, demographic and disease-related variables, were used to test the relationship between SHS and medium-term (median value of the HAQs performed in the following year after each radiograph) and long-term (set of HAQ measures performed during follow-up, at least 1 year apart from the first x-ray) disability. Interaction terms between the SHS and demographic and disease-related variables were introduced in the models. To account for multiple testing, Bonferroni correction was applied. NSLS was independently associated with medium-term disability, even after Bonferroni correction. We observed significant and positive interactions between NSLS and age at x-ray, and with the ES. SHS showed no association with long-term disability. The cartilage/soft tissue component of the radiographic joint damage seems to exert a much more important role in medium-term disability than the erosive component. This association could be modulated by the age at the x-ray and by the magnitude of the erosive damage.

Objective The aim of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the Spanish version of the Rosser classification system for disease states in patients with musculoskeletal disorders. Methods Our study was based on a questionnaire validation design. Patients were attended at an outpatient rheumatology clinic at Hospital Clinico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain. The Rosser classification system was completed by the physician from the research team (PMQ) and by the patient (HMQ). Criterion standards: The EuroQol-5D for the HMQ and the physician global estimate (DOCGL) for the PMQ. Internal consistency reliability was assessed using Cronbach α. Test-retest reliability and interobserver reliability were analyzed using the intraclass correlation coefficient. The criterion validity between HMQ and EuroQol-5D and between PMQ and DOCGL was assessed using the Spearman correlation coefficient. Results The full analysis was based on 4 samples of patients (104 to 266 patients), most of whom were middle-aged women. For HMQ, Cronbach α was 0.70. Test-retest reproducibility was 0.7. With respect to criterion validity, significant correlations in the expected direction were observed. For PMQ, Cronbach α was 0.70, indicating excellent intraobserver and interobserver reliability. With respect to criterion validity, strong correlations were observed between the PMQ and the DOCGL. Conclusions The Rosser classification system showed satisfactory reliability and suitable criterion validity for patients with musculoskeletal disorders. The instrument seems to be suitable for clinical decision making and research.

To establish feasible and practical recommendations for the management of the psychological needs of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from the moment of diagnosis through the course of the disease. A nominal group meeting was held with an RA expert team including rheumatologists and psychologists, at which a guided discussion addressed the most important psychological and emotional needs in RA. Based on the comments collected, and a literature review, a matrix document of recommendations for telematics discussion was prepared, as well as a Delphi survey to test agreement with these recommendations. Agreement was defined if at least 80% of participants voted ≥ 7 (from 1, totally disagree to 10, totally agree). For each recommendation, the level of evidence and grading of recommendations was established following the Oxford criteria, and the degree of agreement through the Delphi. Thirteen recommendations were established, addressing several key processes: (1) identification of psychological problems and needs in patients with RA, and a guideline for their management in daily practice; (2) communication with patients; (3) referral criteria to mental health professionals. These recommendations are intended to help health care professionals openly address the psychological aspects of patients in daily practice to follow and treat them properly.

Objective To assess European pediatric rheumatology providers’ current clinical practices and resources used in the transition from child-centered to adult-oriented care. Methods European pediatric rheumatologists were invited to complete a 17-item anonymized e-survey assessing current transition practices, transition policy awareness, and needs in advance of the publication of EULAR/PReS recommendations on transition. Results The response rate was 121/276 (44%), including responses from 115 centers in 22 European Union countries. Although 32/121 (26%) responded that their centers did not offer transition services, the majority (99%) agreed that a formalized process in transitioning patients to adult care is necessary. A minority (

Objective To estimate the incidence of musculoskeletal-related acute physical disability in the elderly (APDE). Methods A primary care–based registry was established in Madrid's Health Area 7 from October 1, 2005 to September 31, 2006. We included all persons age ≥65 years, who were non-institutionalized and covered by the health cards assigned to the participating general practitioners (GPs). A case of APDE was defined as a moderate mobility alteration in the disability level within the Rosser's Classification System, in the last 3 months, related to a musculoskeletal cause. Incidence rates (IRs) were estimated per 10,000 person-years by direct standardization with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results Eight primary care centers and 23 GPs participated in the registry, covering 8,546 elderly patients. In the inclusion year, the GPs identified 147 new APDE cases in 106 patients. The annual estimated incidence of APDE was 331 cases per 10,000 person-years (95% CI 280–389) and the IR of new patients with an APDE episode was 239 (95% CI 196–288); the IR was higher in women (344 cases; 95% CI 279.8–423.0) than in men (207 cases; 95% CI 127.0–338.2). Conclusion The incidence estimate of acute physical disability related to musculoskeletal disorders in the elderly should help us to determine the magnitude of this health problem, as well as the first step to establishing a specific practice for the recovery of cases and for the prevention of loss of functioning, mobility, and independence.

Objective.To analyze sociodemographic and clinic-related factors associated with the use of orthopedic surgical procedures in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), focusing on the potential role of new biologic therapies.Methods.A retrospective medical record review was performed in a probability sample of 1272 patients with RA from 47 units distributed in 19 Spanish regions. Sociodemographic and clinical features, use of drugs, and arthritis-related joint surgeries were recorded following a standardized protocol.Results.A total of 94 patients (7.4%) underwent any orthopedic surgery during their disease course, with a total of 114 surgeries; 47 (41.2%) of these surgeries were total joint replacement (TJR). The median time to first orthopedic procedure was 7.9 years from the onset of RA symptoms, and the rate of orthopedic surgery (excluding TJR) was 4.5 procedures per 100 person-years from the beginning of RA, while the rate of TJR was 2.25 interventions per 100 person-years. A higher risk of undergoing an orthopedic surgical procedure was associated with taking nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID) in the previous 2 years, female sex, longterm disease, and the presence of extraarticular complications. The risk factors for undergoing a TJR were being old, having a longterm disease, and taking biologic therapies.Conclusion.In the era of biologics, our national audit found a low percentage of patients who underwent orthopedic surgery, probably reflecting a thorough management of the RA. Sociodemographic factors, longterm RA, extraarticular complications, and NSAID were associated with orthopedic surgery.

The aims of this study were to describe the rate of leflunomide discontinuation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, in standard clinical practice, and to analyse which factors could influence this rate, paying particular attention to the concomitant treatment with other disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).We selected RA patients, diagnosed according to the 1987 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria, attending the rheumatology outpatient clinic of the San Carlos Clinical Hospital (Madrid, Spain), who had started treatment with leflunomide between 1 January 2006 and 1 January 2011. Clinical records were examined until withdrawal of the drug, loss of follow-up, or 1 October 2011. Kaplan-Meier curves were set to account for leflunomide withdrawal. Cox bivariate and multivariate regression models were conducted to examine risk factors for leflunomide discontinuation.The incident rate (IR) for leflunomide discontinuation, regardless of the cause, was 27 per 100 patient-years [95% confidence interval (CI) 22-31]. We observed, in both the bivariate and multivariate regression analysis, that those aged75 years at the start of the leflunomide treatment and undergoing concurrent treatment with methotrexate (MTX) and/or hydroxychloroquine (HC) had a significantly higher risk of leflunomide discontinuation.An older age at the start of the treatment with leflunomide, or concomitant treatment with MTX and/or HC, could be associated with a higher risk of leflunomide discontinuation, regardless of the cause. Therefore, when taking MTX or HC, patients receiving leflunomide should be closely monitored early to detect the occurrence of adverse reactions, and hence prevent their aggravation.

Aims. To develop standards and recommendations for transitional care for young people (YP) with juvenile onset rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (jRMD). Methods. The consensus process involved the following: 1) Establishing an international expert panel to include patients and representatives from multidisciplinary teams in adult and paediatric rheumatology 2) A systematic review of published models of transitional care in jRMDs, potential standards and recommendations, strategies for implementation and tools to evaluate services and outcomes; 3) Setting the framework, developing the process map and generating a first draft of standards and recommendations; 4) Further iteration of recommendations; 5) Establishing consensus recommendations with Delphi methodology; and 6) Establishing standards and quality indicators.Results. The final consensus derived 12 specific recommendations for YP with jRMD focused on transitional care. These included: high quality, multidisciplinary care starting in early adolescence; the integral role of a transition coordinator; transition policies and protocols; efficient communications; transfer documentation; an open electronic-based platform to access resources; appropriate training for paediatric and adult health care teams; secure funding to continue treatments and services into adult rheumatology; and the need for increased evidence to inform best practice. Conclusions. These consensus-based recommendations inform strategies to reach optimal outcomes in transitional care for YP with jRMD based on available evidence and expert opinion. They need to be implemented in the context of individual countries, health care systems and regulatory frameworks.

To evaluate a rheumatology outpatient consultation access system for new patients. New patients seen from April 2005 to April 2006 at our rheumatology clinic (n = 4,460) were included and classified according to their appointment type: ordinary appointments (OA) to be seen within 30 days, urgent appointments (UA) and work disability appointments (WDA) to be seen within 3 days. Age, sex, diagnosis, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) as determined by the Rosser Index were recorded. Logistic regression models were run to identify factors that contribute to each type of appointment. OA was the method of access for 1,938 new patients, while 1,194 and 1,328 patients were seen through WDA and UA appointments, respectively. Younger male patients, and those with microcrystalline arthritis, sciatica, shoulder, back, or neck pain, were more likely to use the faster access systems (UA or WDA), whereas patients with a degenerative disease were mainly seen through OA (

To assess and compare the long-term drug survival (time to drug discontinuation) of biological agents (BA) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in clinical practice. Factors associated with discontinuation of BAs were also investigated.We conducted an observational longitudinal study of RA patients taking BAs from 1999 to 2013. The primary endpoint was BA discontinuation due to: adverse drug reactions (ADRs), inefficacy, and other causes. Incidence rates of discontinuation (IRs) per 100 patient-years were estimated using survival techniques. Comparisons between BA discontinuation rates and other associated factors were made using Cox regression models.We included 851 courses of BA therapy (1869 patient-years). Adalimumab (33%) was the BA most frequently used, followed by etanercept (24.4%), infliximab, and rituximab. Treatment was suspended in 558 cases [IR 29.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 27-32]. In the first year of therapy 68% continued on BAs, and after 10 years the retention rate did not exceed 10%. The IR due to inefficacy was 12.1 (95% CI 10.6-13.8) and the IR of ADRs was 13.6 (95% CI 12-15). The unadjusted IR was higher for rituximab than for tumour necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists. In multivariate analysis, infliximab was the BA with the highest risk of discontinuation, compared to adalimumab. Calendar period, taking subsequent courses of BAs, concomitant therapy, and specific comorbidities were also independent factors associated with discontinuation.After several years of BA treatment in clinical practice, the survival rate was low, mainly as a result of ADRs and inefficacy. We also found differences between the discontinuation rates of BAs and other clinical factors that modify their survival.

The objective of this study is to identify risk factors for permanent work disability (PWD) related to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This is a secondary data analysis of a randomized controlled intervention study in Temporary Work Disability (TWD) due to MSDs. The association of PWD (claim submission and status recognition) with baseline clinical, sociodemographic, work-related administrative and occupational factors was analyzed by Cox proportional hazards models. Of 3,311 patients with TWD, 47 submitted a PWD claim, of whom 32 achieved PWD status. The main alleged causes of the PWD were back pain, sciatica, and inflammatory diseases. The following factors were independently associated with an increased probability of PWD claim submission: age (odds ratio (OR) 5.1), being woman (OR 2.1), self-employment (OR 3.4), unemployment (OR 13.8), previous musculoskeletal surgery (OR 16), repeated TWD (OR 3.4), sitting (OR 2.8), and raising arms frequently (OR 3.1). Patients with inflammatory disease were more likely to file PWD claims (OR 10.4) while tendonitis was associated with lower probability (OR 0.3). The sociodemographic factors that better predicted PWD status recognition were age (OR 5.7), low educational level (OR 4.2), previous musculoskeletal surgery (OR 14.9), unemployment (OR 17.6), sitting (OR 2.6), and raising arms frequently (OR 2.7). Inflammatory diseases were the diagnoses associated with a higher rate of PWD status recognition (OR 6.1). Inflammatory diseases have a high chronic disability potential in active workers. Sociodemographic, work-related, occupational factors, and other clinical factors, some of which are modifiable, may explain the development of long-term work disability related to MSDs.

Objective To evaluate whether an early cognitive–behavioral treatment complementary to a rheumatologic care program, for patients with recent-onset temporary work disability caused by musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is effective. Methods Patients with an MSD-related temporary work disability episode from 3–8 weeks' duration who were in a rheumatologic care program were randomized into a control group (rheumatologic care program) or an intervention group (rheumatologic care program plus cognitive–behavioral treatment). Enrollment lasted 24 months and followup lasted 6–24 months. Efficacy variables included duration of temporary work disability episodes, total number of work days saved, relative efficacy, and relative rate to return to work. An economic evaluation was also performed. Results One hundred eighty-one patients were included (66 control and 115 intervention patients), generating 222 episodes of MSD-related temporary work disability. Episodes tended to be shorter in the intervention group than in the control group (mean 98 versus 127 days; P = 0.053), with a relative efficacy of 22.9%. There were no differences in duration of the first episode between groups (mean 105 versus 110 days; P = 0.79), but relapse episodes were significantly shorter in the intervention group (mean 63 days versus 197 days; P = 0.0002). Costs were also lower in the intervention group. To save 1 day of temporary work disability, $13.50 had to be invested in the program. Each dollar invested generated a benefit of $4.08. The program had a net benefit of $172,607. Conclusion Early cognitive–behavioral treatment complementary to a rheumatologic care program is cost-effective, adds >20% efficacy to the rheumatologic care program, and reduces the duration of relapses.

Objectives Identify existing models of transitional care in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMD), describe their strengths and weaknesses, and provide support to a consensus initiative to develop recommendations for transitional care. Methods A systematic review was conducted to identify publications describing transition programmes in RMD. Eligibility for inclusion required detailed description of the programme. Descriptive information was collected, including country of the programme, target diseases and ages of the patients, resources, elements of the transition process and, when described, outcomes and quality indicators. Quality assessment of the programmes included: level of definition and the evidence base for the programme, availability of quality indicators and evidence of effectiveness. Results Overall, 27 articles were identified and evaluated, related to 8 programmes in 6 countries: 4 covered all RMDs, 3 specific for patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and 1 programme generic for chronic diseases and adapted for RMD. Core elements of these transition programmes included the following: a written transition policy; patient individualised planning and flexibility of transitional care; designation of transition coordinator role; acquisition of knowledge and skills in self-management of care; decision making, shared care and communication between paediatric and adult health care provider teams and a planned transfer to adult rheumatology. Only 2 provided evidence of effectiveness according to previously specified outcome measures. Conclusions Transitional care programmes in RMDs are variable in their structures, staffing and processes. There are no standardised measures of outcome or effectiveness. This information provides important valuable insights and strategies to develop transitional care in RMD.

Objectives To describe the mortality rate (MR) and standardized MR (SMR) of an incident cohort of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients followed up for 20 years, and to analyze the influence on morality risk of different demographic and clinical variables, including radiographic joint damage. Methods Retrospective longitudinal study that included 2271 RA patients attending the rheumatology outpatient clinic of the Hospital Clinico San Carlos (Madrid, Spain), enrolled from January 1994 to February 2013 and followed up from RA diagnosis to patients׳ death or September 2013. Disability and disease activity were measured as the averaged value of the Heath Assessment Questionnaire and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, respectively, of the first 2 years after RA diagnosis. Radiographic joint damage of hands and wrists was assessed with the Sharp/van der Heijde score. Indirect SMRs with a 95% of confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated. Cox bivariate and multivariate regression models were performed to assess risk factors for death. Results A total of 431 patients died (19%) during the observation time (18,482 person-years), resulting in a MR of 23 subjects per 1000 patient-years [95% CI: 21–26]. SMR was 1.89 (1.72–2.08). In the multivariate analysis, men, older age at diagnosis, the presence of rheumatoid factor, higher number of hospital admissions, greater disease activity, and greater radiographic joint damage were independently associated with greater mortality risk. Conclusions RA patients have an excess mortality compared with the general population. Radiological joint damage and early disease activity are independent mortality risk factors. A tighter control at early stages may be necessary to reduce mortality.

To evaluate the efficacy of a program for subacute physical disability due to musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in the elderly. We carried out a randomized controlled evaluator-blinded intervention study in a health district (October 2005 to April 2008). Subjects older than 64, starting a subacute MSD episode of physical disability—defined as moderate disability or higher in the Rosser classification—and identified by general practitioners, were randomized into standard care or an early specific program. The program was carried out by rheumatologists following detailed proceedings. Efficacy was defined as the difference between groups in the duration of episodes—time from onset until an improvement larger than a point in the Rosser classification). Hazard ratios (HR) to recovery of the program over standard care were obtained from Cox regression analyses. One hundred and twenty-three patients were included, generating 244 episodes of subacute MSD. Mean duration of episodes was 5 months; 14.5 % of them were chronically disabled throughout follow-up. The program was associated with shorter duration of episodes compared with CG analyzing just the ended ones (p = 0.004). The HR to recovery between groups did not achieve statistical differences. Nevertheless, recovery rate at 12 months and HR from those with moderate physical disability at the inclusion period (Rosser disability level 4, n = 84) were superior in the IG (HR 1.9, p = 0.03; HR 1.93; p = 0.03 respectively). An early intervention program for subacute MSD-related disability in elderly has partial efficacy; the program benefited patients with moderate physical disability and after a year of follow-up.