Time to diagnosis in systemic lupus erythematosus: Associated factors and its impact on damage accrual and mortality. Data from a multi-ethnic, multinational Latin American lupus cohort

BACKGROUND

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) often mimics symptoms of other diseases, and the interval between symptom onset and diagnosis may be long in some of these patients. Aims: To describe the characteristics associated with the time to SLE diagnosis and its impact on damage accrual and mortality in patients with SLE from a Latin American inception cohort.

METHODS

Patients were from a multi-ethnic, multi-national Latin-American SLE inception cohort. All participating centers had specialized lupus clinics. Socio-demographic, clinical/laboratory, disease activity, damage, and mortality between those with a longer and a shorter time to diagnosis were compared using descriptive statistical tests. Multivariable Cox regression models with damage accrual and mortality as the end points were performed, adjusting for age at SLE diagnosis, gender, ethnicity, level of education, and highest dose of prednisone for damage accrual, plus highest dose of prednisone, baseline SLEDAI, and baseline SDI for mortality.

RESULTS

Of the 1437 included in these analyses, the median time to diagnosis was 6.0 months (Q1-Q3 2.4-16.2); in 721 (50.2%) the time to diagnosis was longer than 6 months. Patients whose diagnosis took longer than 6 months were more frequently female, older at diagnosis, of Mestizo ethnicity, not having medical insurance, and having "non-classic" SLE symptoms. Longer time to diagnosis had no impact on either damage accrual (HR 1.09, 95% CI 0.93-1.28, p = 0.300) or mortality (HR 1.37, 95% CI 0.88-2.12, p = 0.200).

CONCLUSIONS

In this inception cohort, a maximum time of 24 months with a median of 6 months to SLE diagnosis had no apparent negative impact on disease outcomes (damage accrual and mortality).

Predictors of severe hemolytic anemia and its impact on major outcomes in systemic lupus erythematosus: Data from a multiethnic Latin American cohort

OBJECTIVE

To determine the predictors of the occurrence of severe autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) and its impact on damage accrual and mortality in SLE patients.

METHODS

Factors associated with time to severe AIHA (hemoglobin level ≤7 g/dL) occurring from the onset of SLE symptoms were examined by Cox proportional hazards regressions. The association of severe AIHA with mortality was examined by logistic regression analyses while its impact on damage was by negative binomial regression.

RESULTS

Of 1,349 patients, 49 (3.6%) developed severe AIHA over a mean (SD) follow-up time of 5.4 (3.8) years. The median time from the first clinical manifestation to severe AIHA was 111 days (IQR 43-450). By multivariable analysis, male sex (HR 2.26, 95% CI 1.02-4.75, p = 0.044), and higher disease activity at diagnosis (HR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.08, p = 0.025) were associated with a shorter time to severe AIHA occurrence. Of the SLEDAI descriptors, only hematologic (leukopenia and/or thrombocytopenia) showed a certain trend toward significance in the multivariable analysis (HR 2.36, 95% CI 0.91-6.13, p = 0.0772). Severe AIHA contributed neither to damage nor to mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe AIHA occurs during the early course of SLE. Male sex and higher disease activity at diagnosis emerged as independent predictors of a shorter time to severe AIHA occurrence. Although not statistically significant, hematological abnormalities at SLE diagnosis could predict the occurrence of severe AIHA in a shorter time. Damage and mortality did not seem to be impacted by the occurrence of severe AIHA.

Predictors of renal damage in systemic lupus erythematous patients: data from a multiethnic, multinational Latin American lupus cohort (GLADEL)

Aim

A decrease in proteinuria has been considered protective from renal damage in lupus nephritis (LN), but a cut-off point has yet to be established. The aim of this study was to identify the predictors of renal damage in patients with LN and to determine the best cut-off point for a decrease in proteinuria.

Methods

We included patients with LN defined clinically or histologically. Possible predictors of renal damage at the time of LN diagnosis were examined: proteinuria, low complement, anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies, red cell casts, creatinine level, hypertension, renal activity (assessed by the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI)), prednisone dose, immunosuppressive drugs and antimalarial use. Sociodemographic variables were included at baseline. Proteinuria was assessed at baseline and at 12 months, to determine if early response (proteinuria <0.8 g/day within 12 months since LN diagnosis) is protective of renal damage occurrence. Renal damage was defined as an increase of one or more points in the renal domain of The Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC)/American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Damage Index (SDI). Cox regression models using a backward selection method were performed.

Results

Five hundred and two patients with systemic lupus erythematosus patients were included; 120 patients (23.9%) accrued renal damage during their follow-up. Early response to treatment (HR=0.58), antimalarial use (HR=0.54) and a high SES (HR=0.25) were protective of renal damage occurrence, whereas male gender (HR=1.83), hypertension (HR=1.86) and the renal component of the SLEDAI (HR=2.02) were risk factors for its occurrence.

Conclusions

Early response, antimalarial use and high SES were protective of renal damage, while male gender, hypertension and higher renal activity were risk factors for its occurrence in patients with LN.

Factors associated with neuropsychiatric involvement in Latin American patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

INTRODUCTION

Factors related to presentation of neuropsychiatric (NP) SLE manifestations, early in the course of the disease, and during follow up have not been clearly established.

PURPOSE

To identify disease and non-disease related factors associated with NP manifestations in early SLE.

METHODS

We included 1193 patients from the GLADEL inception cohort free of NP involvement at cohort entry. We evaluated the association of demographic, clinical and laboratory data with NP involvement during follow-up.

STATISTICAL METHODS

Independent factors associated with NP involvement were identified using a multivariable Cox regression model.

RESULTS

Factors independently associated with NP manifestations were: mestizo ethnicity (HR 1.701, 95% CI 1.282-2.258, p = 0.0002), myalgias/myositis (HR 1.832, 95% CI 1.335-2.515, p = 0.0002), pneumonitis (HR 2.476, 95% CI 1.085-5.648, p = 0.0312), shrinking lung (HR 2.428, 95% CI 1.074-5.493, p = 0.0331) and hemolytic anemia (HR 1.629, 95% CI 1.130-2.347, p = 0.0089). Longer disease duration at cohort entry (13 to 24 months) was associated with a lower risk of developing NP manifestations (HR 0.642, 95% CI 0.441-0.934, p = 0.0206).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with myalgias/myositis, pneumonitis, shrinking lung and hemolytic anemia are at higher risk of NP involvement, whereas longer disease duration at cohort entry is associated with a lower risk of developing NP involvement.

A longitudinal multiethnic study of biomarkers in systemic lupus erythematosus: Launching the GLADEL 2.0 Study Group

Introduction: After more than 20 years of sustained work, the Latin American Group for the Study of Lupus (GLADEL) has made a significant number of contributions to the field of lupus, not only in the differential role that race/ethnicity plays in its course and outcome but also in several other studies including the beneficial effects of using antimalarials in lupus patients and the development of consensus guidelines for the treatment of lupus in our region. Methods: A new generation of "Lupus Investigators" in more than 40 centers throughout Latin America has been constituted in order to continue the legacy of the investigators of the original cohort and to launch a novel study of serum and urinary biomarkers in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Results: So far, we have recruited 807 patients and 631 controls from 42 Latin-American centers including 339 patients with SLE without renal involvement, 202 patients with SLE with prevalent but inactive renal disease, 176 patients with prevalent and active renal disease and 90 patients with incident lupus nephritis. Conclusions: The different methodological aspects of the GLADEL 2.0 cohort are discussed in this manuscript, including the challenges and difficulties of conducting such an ambitious project.

Clinical features, damage accrual, and survival in patients with familial systemic lupus erythematosus: data from a multi-ethnic, multinational Latin American lupus cohort

Objectives

This study aimed to compare the clinical features, damage accrual, and survival of patients with familial and sporadic systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

A multi-ethnic, multinational Latin American SLE cohort was studied. Familial lupus was defined as patients with a first-degree SLE relative; these relatives were interviewed in person or by telephone. Clinical variables, disease activity, damage, and mortality were compared. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. Hazard ratios (HR) were calculated using Cox proportional hazard adjusted for potential confounders for time to damage and mortality.

Results

A total of 66 (5.6%) patients had familial lupus, and 1110 (94.4%) had sporadic lupus. Both groups were predominantly female, of comparable age, and of similar ethnic distribution. Discoid lupus (OR = 1.97; 95% CI 1.08–3.60) and neurologic disorder (OR = 1.65; 95% CI 1.00–2.73) were significantly associated with familial SLE; pericarditis was negatively associated (OR = 0.35; 95% CI 0.14–0.87). The SLE Disease Activity Index and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI) were similar in both groups, although the neuropsychiatric (45.4% vs. 33.5%; p = 0.04) and musculoskeletal (6.1% vs. 1.9%; p = 0.02) domains of the SDI were more frequent in familial lupus. They were not retained in the Cox models (by domains). Familial lupus was not significantly associated with damage accrual (HR = 0.69; 95% CI 0.30–1.55) or mortality (HR = 1.23; 95% CI 0.26–4.81).

Conclusion

Familial SLE is not characterized by a more severe form of disease than sporadic lupus. We also observed that familial SLE has a higher frequency of discoid lupus and neurologic manifestations and a lower frequency of pericarditis.

Factors predictive of serious infections over time in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: data from a multi-ethnic, multi-national, Latin American lupus cohort

Aim

The aim of this study was to identify factors predictive of serious infections over time in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

A multi-ethnic, multi-national Latin American SLE cohort was studied. Serious infection was defined as one that required hospitalization, occurred during a hospitalization or led to death. Potential predictors included were sociodemographic factors, clinical manifestations (per organ involved, lymphopenia and leukopenia, independently) and previous infections at baseline. Disease activity (SLEDAI), damage (SLICC/ACR Damage Index), non-serious infections, glucocorticoids, antimalarials (users and non-users), and immunosuppressive drugs use; the last six variables were examined as time-dependent covariates. Cox regression models were used to evaluate the predictors of serious infections using a backward elimination procedure. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed.

Results

Of the 1243 patients included, 1116 (89.8%) were female. The median (interquartile range) age at diagnosis and follow-up time were 27 (20–37) years and 47.8 (17.9–68.6) months, respectively. The incidence rate of serious infections was 3.8 cases per 100 person-years. Antimalarial use (hazard ratio: 0.69; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.48–0.99; p = 0.0440) was protective, while doses of prednisone >15 and ≤60 mg/day (hazard ratio: 4.18; 95 %CI: 1.69–10.31; p = 0.0019) and >60 mg/day (hazard ratio: 4.71; 95% CI: 1.35–16.49; p = 0.0153), use of methylprednisolone pulses (hazard ratio: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.10–2.13; p = 0.0124), increase in disease activity (hazard ratio: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.01–1.04; p = 0.0016) and damage accrual (hazard ratio: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.11–1.34; p < 0.0001) were predictive factors of serious infections.

Conclusions

Over time, prednisone doses higher than 15 mg/day, use of methylprednisolone pulses, increase in disease activity and damage accrual were predictive of infections, whereas antimalarial use was protective against them in SLE patients.

Predictors of Remission and Low Disease Activity State in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Data from a Multiethnic, Multinational Latin American Cohort

Objective.

To determine the predictors of remission and low disease activity state (LDAS) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods.

Three disease activity states were defined: Remission = SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) = 0 and prednisone ≤ 5 mg/day and/or immunosuppressants (maintenance dose); LDAS = SLEDAI ≤ 4, prednisone ≤ 7.5 mg/day and/or immunosuppressants (maintenance dose); and non-optimally controlled state = SLEDAI > 4 and/or prednisone > 7.5 mg/day and/or immunosuppressants (induction dose). Antimalarials were allowed in all groups. Patients with at least 2 SLEDAI reported and not optimally controlled at entry were included in these analyses. Outcomes were remission and LDAS. Multivariable Cox regression models (stepwise selection procedure) were performed for remission and for LDAS.

Results.

Of 1480 patients, 902 were non-optimally controlled at entry; among them, 196 patients achieved remission (21.7%) and 314 achieved LDAS (34.8%). Variables predictive of a higher probability of remission were the absence of mucocutaneous manifestations (HR 1.571, 95% CI 1.064–2.320), absence of renal involvement (HR 1.487, 95% CI 1.067–2.073), and absence of hematologic involvement (HR 1.354, 95% CI 1.005–1.825); the use of immunosuppressive drugs before the baseline visit (HR 1.468, 95% CI 1.025–2.105); and a lower SLEDAI score at entry (HR 1.028, 95% CI 1.006–1.051 per 1-unit decrease). These variables were predictive of LDAS: older age at entry, per 5-year increase (HR 1.050, 95% CI 1.004–1.098); absence of mucocutaneous manifestations (HR 1.401, 95% CI 1.016–1.930) and renal involvement (HR 1.344, 95% CI 1.049–1.721); and lower SLEDAI score at entry (HR 1.025, 95% CI 1.009–1.042).

Conclusion.

Absence of mucocutaneous, renal, and hematologic involvement, use of immunosuppressive drugs, and lower disease activity early in the course of the disease were predictive of remission in patients with SLE; older age was predictive of LDAS.

First Latin American clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus: Latin American Group for the Study of Lupus (GLADEL, Grupo Latino Americano de Estudio del Lupus)-Pan-American League of Associations of Rheumatology (PANLAR)

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a complex and heterogeneous autoimmune disease, represents a significant challenge for both diagnosis and treatment. Patients with SLE in Latin America face special problems that should be considered when therapeutic guidelines are developed. The objective of the study is to develop clinical practice guidelines for Latin American patients with lupus. Two independent teams (rheumatologists with experience in lupus management and methodologists) had an initial meeting in Panama City, Panama, in April 2016. They selected a list of questions for the clinical problems most commonly seen in Latin American patients with SLE. These were addressed with the best available evidence and summarised in a standardised format following the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. All preliminary findings were discussed in a second face-to-face meeting in Washington, DC, in November 2016. As a result, nine organ/system sections are presented with the main findings; an 'overarching' treatment approach was added. Special emphasis was made on regional implementation issues. Best pharmacologic options were examined for musculoskeletal, mucocutaneous, kidney, cardiac, pulmonary, neuropsychiatric, haematological manifestations and the antiphospholipid syndrome. The roles of main therapeutic options (ie, glucocorticoids, antimalarials, immunosuppressant agents, therapeutic plasma exchange, belimumab, rituximab, abatacept, low-dose aspirin and anticoagulants) were summarised in each section. In all cases, benefits and harms, certainty of the evidence, values and preferences, feasibility, acceptability and equity issues were considered to produce a recommendation with special focus on ethnic and socioeconomic aspects. Guidelines for Latin American patients with lupus have been developed and could be used in similar settings.

Effects of Amerindian Genetic Ancestry on Clinical Variables and Therapy in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To define whether Amerindian genetic ancestry correlates with clinical and therapeutic variables in admixed individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from Latin America.

METHODS

Patients with RA (n = 1347) and healthy controls (n = 1012) from Argentina, Mexico, Chile, and Peru were included. Samples were genotyped for the Immunochip v1 using the Illumina platform. Clinical data were obtained through interviews or the clinical history.

RESULTS

Percentage of Amerindian ancestry was comparable between cases and controls. Morning stiffness (p < 0.0001, OR 0.05), rheumatoid factor (RF; p < 0.0001, OR 0.22), radiographic changes (p < 0.0001, OR 0.05), and higher number of criteria were associated with lower Amerindian ancestry after Bonferroni correction. Higher Amerindian ancestry correlated only with weight loss (p_Bonferroni < 0.0001, OR 2.85). Increased Amerindian ancestry correlated with higher doses of azathioprine (p < 0.0001, OR 163.6) and sulfasalazine (p < 0.0001, OR 48.6), and inversely with methotrexate (p = 0.001, OR 0.35), leflunomide (p = 0.001, OR 0.16), and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (p_Bonferroni = 0.001, OR 0.37). Only the presence of RF and weight loss were modified after confounders adjustment.

CONCLUSION

Amerindian ancestry protects against most major clinical criteria of RA, but regarding the association of RF with increased European ancestry, age, sex, and smoking are modifiers. Ancestry also correlates with the therapeutic profiles.

Remission and Low Disease Activity Status (LDAS) protect lupus patients from damage occurrence: data from a multiethnic, multinational Latin American Lupus Cohort (GLADEL)

Objective

To evaluate disease activity statuses’ (DAS’) impact on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) outcomes.

Materials and methods

Four DAS were defined: remission off-therapy: SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI)=0, no prednisone or immunosuppressive drugs (IS); remission on-therapy: SLEDAI=0, prednisone ≤5 mg/day and/or IS (maintenance); low (L) DAS: SLEDAI ≤4, prednisone ≤7.5 mg/day and/or IS (maintenance); non-optimally controlled: SLEDAI >4 and/or prednisone >7.5 mg/day and/or IS (induction). Antimalarials were allowed in all. Predefined outcomes were mortality, new damage (increase of at least one Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology (SLICC/ACR) damage index (SDI) point) and severe new damage (increase of at least 3 SDI points). Univariable and multivariable Cox regression models were performed to define the impact of DAS, as time-dependent variable, on these outcomes.

Results

1350 patients were included, 79 died during follow-up, 606 presented new and 177 severe new damage. In multivariable analyses, remission (on/off-therapy) was associated with a lower risk of new (HR 0.60; 95% CI 0.43 to 0.85), and of severe new damage (HR 0.32; 95% CI 0.15 to 0.68); low disease activity status (LDAS) was associated with a lower risk of new damage (HR 0.66; 95% CI 0.48 to 0.93) compared with non-optimally controlled. No significant effect on mortality was observed.

Conclusions

Remission was associated with a lower risk of new and severe new damage; LDAS with a lower risk of new damage after adjusting for other damage confounders.

Predictive factors of flares in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: data from a multiethnic Latin American cohort

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to determine the factors predictive of flares in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Methods A case-control study nested within the Grupo Latino Americano De Estudio de Lupus (GLADEL) cohort was conducted. Flare was defined as an increase ≥4 points in the SLEDAI. Cases were defined as patients with at least one flare. Controls were selected by matching cases by length of follow-up. Demographic and clinical manifestations were systematically recorded by a common protocol. Glucocorticoid use was recorded as average daily dose of prednisone and antimalarial use as percentage of time on antimalarial and categorized as never (0%), rarely (>0-25%), occasionally (>25%-50%), commonly (˃50%-75%) and frequently (˃75%). Immunosuppressive drugs were recorded as used or not used. The association between demographic, clinical manifestations, therapy and flares was examined using univariable and multivariable conditional logistic regression models. Results A total of 465 cases and controls were included. Mean age at diagnosis among cases and controls was 27.5 vs 29.9 years, p = 0.003; gender and ethnic distributions were comparable among both groups and so was the baseline SLEDAI. Independent factors protective of flares identified by multivariable analysis were older age at diagnosis (OR = 0.929 per every five years, 95% CI 0.869-0.975; p = 0.004) and antimalarial use (frequently vs never, OR = 0.722, 95% CI 0.522-0.998; p = 0.049) whereas azathioprine use (OR = 1.820, 95% CI 1.309-2.531; p < 0.001) and SLEDAI post-baseline were predictive of them (OR = 1.034, 95% CI 1.005-1.064; p = 0.022). Conclusions In this large, longitudinal Latin American cohort, older age at diagnosis and more frequent antimalarial use were protective whereas azathioprine use and higher disease activity were predictive of flares.

ANCA-associated pauci-immune glomerulonephritis: always pauci-immune?

OBJECTIVES

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated glomerulonephritis (GN) is considered "pauci-immune" with absent or mild glomerular tuft staining for immunoglobulin (Ig) and/or complement. However, it is not unusual to see some immune deposits (ID) within glomeruli on immunofluorescence (IF). We determined to evaluate the prevalence and clinical significance of immune deposits in ANCA-associated GN.

METHODS

We included all patients with ANCA associated vasculitis with renal biopsies between January 2002 and May 2014: granulomatosis with polyangiitis, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, microscopic polyangiitis and renal limited vasculitis. Patients were divided into Group A: biopsy without ID (≤2+ intensity of immunostaining) and Group B: biopsy with ID (>2+ intensity of immunostaining). Serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at time of the biopsy, amount of proteinuria and hematuria, requirement of dialysis and extra renal involvement were recorded.

RESULTS

Fifty-three patients (75.4% females) were included. Mean age at biopsy was 66.3 years. Typical pauci-immune GN was found in 39 patients (73.5%, group A). In 14 patients (26.4%, group B) examination revealed substantial deposition of Ig or complement in the mesangium and/or along the glomerular capillary wall. The only difference comparing both groups was significantly higher proteinuria in group B (mean 1.6/24 h (SD: 10.7) vs. 0.8/24 h (SD: 7.6), p=0.0036).

CONCLUSIONS

In ANCA GN at least a quarter of patients were not "pauci-immune" (26.4%). In this subgroup, immune deposits were only associated with a significantly higher proteinuria. Further basic and clinical research is needed to elucidate the significance of immune deposition in ANCA GN.

Genome-Wide Association Study in an Amerindian Ancestry Population Reveals Novel Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Risk Loci and the Role of European Admixture

OBJECTIVE

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with a strong genetic component. We undertook the present work to perform the first genome-wide association study on individuals from the Americas who are enriched for Native American heritage.

METHODS

We analyzed 3,710 individuals from the US and 4 countries of Latin America who were diagnosed as having SLE, and healthy controls. Samples were genotyped with HumanOmni1 BeadChip. Data on out-of-study controls genotyped with HumanOmni2.5 were also included. Statistical analyses were performed using SNPtest and SNPGWA. Data were adjusted for genomic control and false discovery rate. Imputation was performed using Impute2 and, for classic HLA alleles, HiBag. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated.

RESULTS

The IRF5-TNPO3 region showed the strongest association and largest OR for SLE (rs10488631: genomic control-adjusted P [Pgcadj ] = 2.61 × 10(-29), OR 2.12 [95% CI 1.88-2.39]), followed by HLA class II on the DQA2-DQB1 loci (rs9275572: Pgcadj  = 1.11 × 10(-16), OR 1.62 [95% CI 1.46-1.80] and rs9271366: Pgcadj  = 6.46 × 10(-12), OR 2.06 [95% CI 1.71-2.50]). Other known SLE loci found to be associated in this population were ITGAM, STAT4, TNIP1, NCF2, and IRAK1. We identified a novel locus on 10q24.33 (rs4917385: Pgcadj  = 1.39 × 10(-8)) with an expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) effect (Peqtl  = 8.0 × 10(-37) at USMG5/miR1307), and several new suggestive loci. SLE risk loci previously identified in Europeans and Asians were corroborated. Local ancestry estimation showed that the HLA allele risk contribution is of European ancestral origin. Imputation of HLA alleles suggested that autochthonous Native American haplotypes provide protection against development of SLE.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that studying admixed populations provides new insights in the delineation of the genetic architecture that underlies autoimmune and complex diseases.

Lupus in Latin-American patients: lessons from the GLADEL cohort

The need for comprehensive published epidemiologic and clinical data from Latin American systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients motivated the late Dr Alarcón-Segovia and other Latin American professionals taking care of these patients to spearhead the creation of the G: rupo L: atino A: mericano D: e E: studio del L: upus (GLADEL) cohort in 1997. This inception cohort recruited a total of 1480 multiethnic (Mestizo, African-Latin American (ALA), Caucasian and other) SLE patients diagnosed within two years from the time of enrollment from 34 Latin American centers with expertise in the diagnosis and management of this disease. In addition to the initial 2004 description of the cohort, GLADEL has contributed to improving our knowledge about the course and outcome of lupus in patients from this part of the Americas. The major findings from this cohort are highlighted in this review. They have had important clinical implications for the adequate care of SLE patients both in Latin America and worldwide where these patients may have emigrated.

Late-onset systemic lupus erythematosus in Latin Americans: a distinct subgroup?

OBJECTIVE

To examine the characteristics of patients who developed late onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in the GLADEL (Grupo Latino Americano de Estudio del Lupus) cohort of patients with SLE.

METHODS

Patients with SLE of less than two years of disease duration, seen at 34 centers of nine Latin American countries, were included. Late-onset was defined as >50 years of age at time of first SLE-related symptom. Clinical and laboratory manifestations, activity index (SLEDAI), and damage index (SLICC/ACR- DI) were ascertained at time of entry and during the course (cumulative incidence). Features were compared between the two patient groups (<50 and ≥50) using descriptive statistics and hypothesis tests. Logistic regression was performed to examine the association of late-onset lupus, adjusting for other variables.

RESULTS

Of the 1480 patients included, 102 patients (6.9 %) had late-onset SLE, 87% of which were female. Patients with late-onset SLE had a shorter follow-up (3.6 vs. 4.4 years, p < 0.002) and a longer time to diagnosis (10.1 vs. 5.8 months, p < 0.001) compared to the younger onset group. Malar rash, photosensitivity, and renal involvement were less prevalent while interstitial lung disease, pleural effusions, and sicca symptoms were more frequent in the older age group (p > 0.05). In multivariable analysis, late onset was independently associated with higher odds of ocular (OR = 3.66, 95% CI = 2.15-6.23), pulmonary (OR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.01-4.11), and cardiovascular (OR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.04-2.98) involvement and lower odds of cutaneous involvement (OR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.21-0.80), number of cumulative SLE criteria (OR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.64-0.97), use of cyclophosphamide (OR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.24-0.95), and anti-RNP antibodies (OR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.20-0.91). A Cox regression model revealed a higher risk of dying in older onset than the younger-onset SLE (OR = 2.61, 95% CI = 1.2-5.6).

CONCLUSION

Late-onset SLE in Latin Americans had a distinct disease expression compared to the younger-onset group. The disease seems to be mild with lower cumulative SLE criteria, reduced renal/mucocutaneous involvements, and less use of cyclophosphamide. Nevertheless, these patients have a higher risk of death and of ocular, pulmonary, and cardiovascular involvements.

Systemic sclerosis in Argentina: evaluation of a large cohort from a single centre and comparison with other international series

OBJECTIVES

Prevalence of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and different clinical subsets varies across the world. Few data have been published on SSc patients in Latin America. Our objective was to describe a SSc cohort in Argentina and to compare clinical findings, disease subsets and antibodies with other international SSc populations.

METHODS

Patients with SSc (n=234) seen at the Rheumatology section of the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires between 2000-2011 were retrospectively analysed. Data on clinical manifestations, disease subsets and antibodies were obtained. Patients were classified into diffuse cutaneous (dc) and limited cutaneous (lc) subsets. Comparison with other cohorts (France, United States, Germany, Italy, Mexico, EUSTAR and Brazil) was made based on published information.

RESULTS

A higher female:male ratio (12:1) and a higher limited subset prevalence (76.1%) was found in this Argentine cohort comparing with others. We also found a lower prevalence of diffuse disease, anti Scl-70 (antitopoisomerase) and nucleolar pattern antinuclear antibodies. Within each subset, clinical findings were similar with other SSc populations except for a very low prevalence in renal crisis (0.02% of dc SS).

CONCLUSIONS

With slight variations perhaps due to genetic, environmental or referral factors, SSc in this cohort appears to be similar to that described in other parts of the world.

Value of repeat biopsy in lupus nephritis flares

Objectives

Renal flares are common in lupus nephritis (LN), and class switch is thought to be characteristic. There is no agreement on indications for performing a repeat renal biopsy. Our objective was to retrospectively review patients who had more than one renal biopsy performed on clinical indications, and analyse clinical, pathological and treatment changes after successive biopsies.

Methods

Forty-five patients with LN and one or more repeat renal biopsies were included, with a total of 116 biopsies.

Results

Of the 71 repeat biopsies, pathological transition occurred in 39 (54.9%). When having a previous biopsy with a proliferative lesion, class switch occurred in 55.6%, with 24.4% evolving into non-proliferative classes. When previous biopsy was class V, transition to other classes occurred in 58.3% and changes were all into proliferative classes. Conversion from one pure proliferative form to another (class III to class IV or vice versa) happened in 11.3% of the rebiopsies, with 62 rebiopsies (87.3%) leading to a change in the treatment regimen.

Conclusions

Histological transformations were common, and they occurred when the previous biopsy had non-proliferative lesions as well as when lesions were proliferative. Treatments were modified after repeat renal biopsy in the majority of patients. In this experience, kidney repeat biopsies were useful in guiding treatment of LN flares.

Mestizos with systemic lupus erythematosus develop renal disease early while antimalarials retard its appearance: data from a Latin American cohort

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this paper is to assess the predictors of time-to-lupus renal disease in Latin American patients.

METHODS

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients (n = 1480) from Grupo Latino Americano De Estudio de Lupus (GLADEL's) longitudinal inception cohort were studied. Endpoint was ACR renal criterion development after SLE diagnosis (prevalent cases excluded). Renal disease predictors were examined by univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analyses. Antimalarials were considered time dependent in alternative analyses.

RESULTS

Of the entire cohort, 265 patients (17.9%) developed renal disease after entering the cohort. Of them, 88 (33.2%) developed persistent proteinuria, 44 (16.6%) cellular casts and 133 (50.2%) both; 233 patients (87.9%) were women; mean (± SD) age at diagnosis was 28.0 (11.9) years; 12.2% were African-Latin Americans, 42.5% Mestizos, and 45.3% Caucasians (p = 0.0016). Mestizo ethnicity (HR 1.61, 95% CI 1.19-2.17), hypertension (HR 3.99, 95% CI 3.02-5.26) and SLEDAI at diagnosis (HR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.06) were associated with a shorter time-to-renal disease occurrence; antimalarial use (HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.43-0.77), older age at onset (HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.85-0.95, for every five years) and photosensitivity (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.56-0.98) were associated with a longer time. Alternative model results were consistent with the antimalarial protective effect (HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.50-0.99).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data strongly support the fact that Mestizo patients are at increased risk of developing renal disease early while antimalarials seem to delay the appearance of this SLE manifestation. These data have important implications for the treatment of these patients regardless of their geographic location.

Validation in Spanish of a screening questionnaire for the detection of psoriatic arthritis in patients with psoriasis

OBJECTIVE

A patient self-administered questionnaire [PsA Screening and Evaluation (PASE)] has been developed and validated in English, but has not been tried in Spanish speaking populations. This study aimed to adapt and validate PASE in Spanish to screen Spanish speaking psoriasis patients for signs and symptoms of inflammatory arthritis.

METHODS

Initial translation from English to Spanish (forward translation) was performed by two independent translators and the resulting versions were synthesized during a consensus meeting. The questionnaire was tried in a pilot study and resulted in a change in the agreement scale for a frequency scale with wording adaptation [Spanish PASE (PASE-S)].

RESULTS

One hundred and eleven patients were screened with PASE-S; 25 with PsA (without previous treatments), 23 with psoriasis, 22 with psoriasis and OA and 41 with OA without psoriasis. The diagnosis of psoriasis was performed by a dermatologist, and a rheumatologist determined the diagnosis of PsA or OA. Patients with PsA had statistically significant higher symptoms, function and total PASE-S scores compared with those without PsA. Receiver operator curves showed an area under the curve of 0.79 (95% CI 0.69, 0.89) for the total score. A cut-off value ≥34 showed sensitivity of 76%, and specificity of 74.4% for the diagnosis of PsA.

CONCLUSION

The validated PASE questionnaire is a self-administered tool that can be used to screen for PsA among patients with psoriasis in a Spanish speaking population. PASE was able to distinguish between symptoms of PsA and OA.

Cost of rheumatoid arthritis in a selected population from Argentina in the prebiologic therapy era

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to estimate the cost of rheumatoid arthritis and its components in a university hospital-based health management organization in Argentina, during the prebiologic era.

METHODS

A one-year (2002) observational prevalence, cost-of illness study of patients with rheumatoid arthritis from the societal perspective was performed in a hospital-based health management organization population. Direct medical costs were obtained using administrative databases. Direct nonmedical and indirect costs were obtained from a semistructured questionnaire. Indirect costs included work absenteeism, permanent work disability, and housework lost for housewives, using the human capital approach. Costs are expressed in 2002 US dollars per patient per year.

RESULTS

A total of 165 patients (84% females), of mean age 61 ± 15 years and with a mean disease duration of 8.5 ± 8.3 years were included. Mean total direct medical costs were US$1862 (95% confidence interval [CI] 828-2899). Mean direct nonmedical costs were US$222 (95% CI 149-294). Mean indirect costs were US$1008 (95% CI 606-1412). The annual mean total cost was US$3093 without biologics. Hospitalizations represented 73% of total direct medical costs while drugs and outpatient procedures represented 16% and 8% of total direct medical costs, respectively. Sixty percent of the total costs were related to direct medical costs, while indirect costs represented 33% of total costs.

CONCLUSION

In our population, annual mean total costs in the prebiologic therapy era were mainly driven by direct medical costs. Even without the use of biologic agents, rheumatoid arthritis represents an important burden for society in developing countries.

Incidence and prevalence of psoriatic arthritis in Buenos Aires, Argentina: a 6-year health management organization-based study

OBJECTIVES

Studies regarding epidemiology of PsA are lacking in Latin America. We estimated the incidence and prevalence of PsA in a University Hospital-based Health Management Organization in Buenos Aires [Hospital Italiano Medical Care Program (HIMCP)].

METHODS

POPULATION

for incidence calculation, the population at risk was all adult members of the HIMCP, with continuous affiliation for at least 1 year from January 2000 to January 2006. Each person was followed until he/she voluntarily left the HIMCP, death or finalization of the study (final dates) contributing time at risk since January 2000 or enrolment date (whichever occurred later) to that final date. Case ascertainment: medical records of all patients with the problem psoriasis and/or PsA in the HIMCP problem-oriented computer-based patient record system, or registered in rheumatologists and/or dermatologists databases, were revised. Patients fulfilling CASPAR criteria were included.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

incidence rate (IR) was calculated with 95% CIs. Cumulative prevalence was estimated on 1 January 2006 (denominator population ==88,112).

RESULTS

In the study period, 138,288 persons contributed a total of 558,878 person-years, of whom 35 developed PsA (IR 6.26; 95% CI 4.2, 8.3 cases per 100,000 person-years). There were 12 females: IR 3.64 (95% CI 1.6, 5.7) cases per 100,000 person-years; and 23 males: IR 10.02 (95% CI 5.9, 14.1) cases per 100,000 person-years. On 1 January 2006, 65 prevalent cases were identified: prevalence 74 (95% CI 57, 94) cases per 100,000 members.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence and prevalence of PsA in this Latin American country was similar to that reported in other studies from Europe and the USA.

Validation of the Spanish, Portuguese and French versions of the Lupus Damage Index questionnaire: data from North and South America, Spain and Portugal

We have previously developed and validated a self-administered questionnaire, modelled after the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Damage Index (SDI), the Lupus Damage Index Questionnaire (LDIQ), which may allow the ascertainment of this construct in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients followed in the community and thus expand observations made about damage. We have now translated, back-translated and adapted the LDIQ to Spanish, Portuguese and French and applied it to patients followed at academic and non-academic centres in North and South America, Portugal and Spain while their physicians scored the SDI. A total of 887 patients (659 Spanish-speaking, 140 Portuguese-speaking and 80 French-speaking patients) and 40 physicians participated. Overall, patients scored all LDIQ versions higher than their physicians (total score and all domains). Infrequent manifestations had less optimal clinimetric properties but overall agreement was more than 95% for the majority of items. Higher correlations were observed among the Spanish-speaking patients than the Portuguese-speaking and French-speaking patients; further adjustments may be needed before the Portuguese and French versions of the LDIQ are applied in community-based studies. The relationship between the LDIQ and other outcome parameters is currently being investigated in a different patient sample.

[Insipid diabetes as initial presentation of Wegener's granulomatosis]

Wegener's granulomatosis is a granulomatous necrotizing vasculitis which predominantly affects the respiratory tract, kidney, and less frequently other organs such as the nervous system. The latter may occur in up to 54% of cases and when it does it is more frequently of the peripheral nerves. We present a 19 year old woman who commenced her disease with involvement of respiratory sinuses, lungs and kidney and who developed central insipid diabetes (CID) at onset. The CID persisted in spite of adequate response of the other organs and systems with immunosuppresor treatment. The development of CID in the context of vasculitis should suggest this as a possible mechanism.

Childhood systemic lupus erythematosus in Latin America. The GLADEL experience in 230 children

To evaluate disease characteristics of childhood onset SLE in Latin America and to compare this information with an adult population in the same cohort of GLADEL. A protocol was designed as a multicenter, multinational, inception cohort of lupus patients to evaluate demographic, clinical, laboratory and serological variables, as well as classification criteria, disease activity, organ damage and mortality. Descriptive statistics, chi square, Fisher's exact test, Student's t test and multiple logistic regression were used to compare childhood and adult onset SLE. 230 patients were <18 years and 884 were adult SLE patients. Malar rash, fever, oral ulcers, thrombocytopenia and hemolytic anemia and some neurologic manifestations were more prevalent in children (p<0.05). On the other hand, myalgias, Sjögren's syndrome and cranial nerve involvement were more frequently seen in adults (p<0.05). Afro-Latin-American children had a higher prevalence of fever, thrombocytopenia and hemolytic anemia. White and mestizo children had a higher prevalence of malar rash. Mestizo children had a higher prevalence of cerebrovascular disease and cranial nerve involvement. Children met SLE ACR criteria earlier with higher mean values than adults (p: 0.001). They also had higher disease activity scores (p: 0.01), whereas adults had greater disease damage (p: 0.02). In Latin America, childhood onset SLE seems to be a more severe disease than adults. Some differences can be detected among ethnic groups.

Argentine population genetic structure: large variance in Amerindian contribution

Argentine population genetic structure was examined using a set of 78 ancestry informative markers (AIMs) to assess the contributions of European, Amerindian, and African ancestry in 94 individuals members of this population. Using the Bayesian clustering algorithm STRUCTURE, the mean European contribution was 78%, the Amerindian contribution was 19.4%, and the African contribution was 2.5%. Similar results were found using weighted least mean square method: European, 80.2%; Amerindian, 18.1%; and African, 1.7%. Consistent with previous studies the current results showed very few individuals (four of 94) with greater than 10% African admixture. Notably, when individual admixture was examined, the Amerindian and European admixture showed a very large variance and individual Amerindian contribution ranged from 1.5 to 84.5% in the 94 individual Argentine subjects. These results indicate that admixture must be considered when clinical epidemiology or case control genetic analyses are studied in this population. Moreover, the current study provides a set of informative SNPs that can be used to ascertain or control for this potentially hidden stratification. In addition, the large variance in admixture proportions in individual Argentine subjects shown by this study suggests that this population is appropriate for future admixture mapping studies.

No evidence of association between genetic variants of the PDCD1 ligands and SLE

PDCD1, an immunoreceptor involved in peripheral tolerance has previously been shown to be genetically associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). PDCD1 has two ligands whose genes are located in close proximity on chromosome 9p24. Our attention was drawn to these ligands after finding suggestive linkage to a marker (gata62f03, Z=2.27) located close to their genes in a genome scan of Icelandic families multiplex for SLE. Here, we analyse Swedish trios (N=149) for 23 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the genes of the PDCD1 ligands. Initially, indication of association to eight SNPs was observed, and these SNPs were therefore also analysed in Mexican trios (N=90), as well as independent sets of patients and controls from Sweden (152 patients, 448 controls) and Argentina (288 patients, 288 controls). We do not find support for genetic association to SLE. This is the first genetic study of SLE and the PDCD1 ligands and the lack of association in several cohorts implies that these genes are not major risk factors for SLE.

Male systemic lupus erythematosus in a Latin-American inception cohort of 1214 patients

The objective of the study was to evaluate the influence of the male gender in the clinical presentation and outcome of systemic lupus erythematosus in a prospective inception cohort of Latin-American patients. Of the 1214 SLE patients included in the GLADEL cohort, 123 were male. Demographic characteristics as well as clinical manifestations, laboratory profile, activity and damage scores were evaluated at onset and during the course of the disease and compared with female patients. The median age at onset of the male patients was 27 and that at diagnosis 29.2 years. Delay to diagnosis was shorter in males (134 versus 185 days, P = 0.01). At onset, men more frequently showed fever (42.3 versus 27.0%, P = 0.001) and weight loss (23.6 versus 11.8%, P = 0.001). During disease course the incident of symptoms was: fever, 67.8 versus 55.6%, P = 0.012; weight loss, 47.2 versus 24.3%, P = 0.001; arterial hypertension, 37.4 versus 25.8%, P = 0.007; renal disease (persistent proteinuria and/or cellular casts), 58.5 versus 44.6%, P = 0.004); and hemolytic anemia, 19.5 versus 10.9%, P = 0.008. The laboratory results showed that: men more frequently had IgG anticardiolipin antibodies (68.2 versus 49%, P = 0.02) and low C3 (61.3 versus 48.1%, P = 0.03); 5/123 men died (4%) compared with 29/1091 women (2.7%). In conclusion, 10% of GLADEL's cohort patients were male. They showed a distinctive profile with shorter delay to diagnosis, higher incidence of fever, weight loss, arterial hypertension, renal disease, hemolytic anemia, IgG anticardiolipin antibodies and low C3. Although not statistically significant, mortality was higher in men.

Chromosome 17p12-q11 harbors susceptibility loci for systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of autoantibodies against intracellular components, the formation of immune complexes, and inflammation in various organs, typically the skin and kidney glomeruli. The etiology of the disease is not well understood but is most likely the result of the interaction between genetic and environmental factors. In order to identify susceptibility loci for SLE, we have performed genome scans with microsatellite markers covering the whole genome in families from Argentina, Italy, and Europe. The results reveal a heterogeneous disease with different susceptibility loci in different family sets. We have found significant linkage to chromosome 17p12-q11 in the Argentine set of families. The maximum LOD score was given by marker D17S1294 in combination with D17S1293, when assuming a dominant inheritance model (Z = 3.88). We also analyzed a repeat in the promoter region of the NOS2A gene, a strong candidate gene in the region, but no association was found. The locus on chromosome 17 has previously been identified in genetic studies of multiple sclerosis families. Several other interesting regions were found at 1p35, 1q31, 3q26, 5p15, 11q23 and 19q13, confirming previously identified loci for SLE or other autoimmune diseases.

The GLADEL multinational Latin American prospective inception cohort of 1,214 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: ethnic and disease heterogeneity among "Hispanics"

Clinical and laboratory manifestations and outcome of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may vary in different populations. A prospective multinational inception cohort should prove useful in identifying the influence of ethnicity on the clinical characteristics of SLE. We therefore analyzed clinical, laboratory, and prognostic variables in Latin American SLE patients with disease of recent onset who were entered into a prospective cohort, and compared these variables in the cohort's 3 major ethnic groups. Thirty-four centers from 9 Latin American countries participated by randomly incorporating SLE patients within 2 years of diagnosis into a standardized database. Participating centers were selected for their expertise in diagnosing and managing SLE. We were then able to evaluate prospectively socioeconomic variables, ethnicity, type of medical care, clinical and laboratory features, disease activity, damage, and mortality at each site. A coordinating center controlled the quality of the information submitted. Of the 1,214 SLE patients included in the cohort, 537 were mestizos, 507 were white, and 152 were African-Latin American (ALA). (There were also small numbers of pure Amerindian and oriental individuals.) Significant differences were found between them in socioeconomic characteristics, type of care, and level of education favoring whites. Mestizos and ALA were younger at onset. Delay to diagnosis and disease duration was shorter in ALA. Fever was more frequent in whites; discoid lesions in ALA; renal disease and lymphopenia in mestizos and ALA. Although we found differences in background variables between ethnic groups from different countries, mestizos from 2 distant countries (Argentina and Mexico) were clinically akin and showed similar differences to whites. Mortality was associated with lower education, poor medical coverage, and shorter follow-up. In an exploratory model nonwhite ethnicity was associated with renal disease and lymphopenia, damage, and cumulative American College of Rheumatology criteria. These differences in clinical, prognostic, socioeconomic, educational, and access to medical care features in Latin American lupus patients of 3 major ethnic groups from 9 different countries may have an impact on the patients' disease. "Hispanics," as they have come to be generically termed on the basis of language, actually constitute a markedly heterogeneous group of subjects.

[Polymyalgia rheumatica revisited]

Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory disorder that usually affects persons over the age of 50 causing proximal muscle pain and stiffness, and an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Although increasingly recognized in this age group, it remains a diagnosis of exclusion and although several diagnostic criteria have been proposed, none has been clearly accepted. While polymyalgia rheumatica is associated with giant cell arteritis, obtaining a temporal artery biopsy is not recommended in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica without symptoms of giant cell arteritis. Early diagnosis and low dose corticosteroid therapy improve patients' clinical features and functional status. Treatment usually lasts between 12 and 24 months and the majority of patients manage to discontinue treatment completely.

Consultations for work related low back pain in Argentina

OBJECTIVE

Low back pain (LBP) is a common cause of disability among people of working age. We investigated the incidence of consultation for work related LBP and of work absence, and determined the prevalence of continued work disability due to LBP in Argentina.

METHODS

Our study population comprised 139,740 fulltime workers (mean age 34.4 yrs, range 17-79). An episode of work related LBP was defined as patient consulting because of acute LBP while at work or while traveling to/from work.

RESULTS

In a 6 month period 360 episodes of acute LBP were reported in 69,329 worker-years of exposure to risk; thus the episode incidence rate was 5.2/1000 worker-years. This was the third most frequent work related injury. Twenty-one patients (5.8% of episodes) were lost to followup. Those with LBP were significantly older than the population at risk (p < 0.001) and were predominantly men (p < 0.001). In 244 episodes (72%) pain onset was related to heavy physical work and in 46 (13.6%) it followed trauma to the back. Surgery was performed in 9 (2.7%) cases. In total, 322 (98%) patients were absent beyond the day of the injury (median number of days of work absence, 7 days; range 0-422 days). Surgical patients lost significantly more days of work (p < 0.01). Seven patients (2%) remained off work more than 180 days: 2 were declared disabled, 3 moved to lighter jobs, and only 2 (28.5%) returned to their previous job.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of consultation for work related LBP was 5.2/1000 worker-years. This was the third most frequent work related injury. Most patients had some work absenteeism. Surgery did not shorten recovery times. Only a minority of patients off work for 6 months or more were able to return to their previous job.

Inflammatory muscle disease: therapeutic aspects

The present treatment of the inflammatory myopathies remains unsatisfactory in several areas, perhaps due in part to our incomplete knowledge of their aetiology. These conditions have been grouped together for practical purposes and because of a similar approach to treatment. However, recent data regarding pathological findings, serological patterns and different outcomes, suggest that some of these myopathies may be distinct, and perhaps approaches to treatment should be tailored according to these findings. This chapter will attempt to update our current management, offer an analysis of recent data regarding newer treatment modalities and highlight areas lacking solid data that need to be further addressed. Although corticosteroids are still considered to be the mainstay of treatment, the earlier use of immunosuppressive therapy will be discussed, as will the use of autoantibody profiles for tailoring treatment. Newer modalities for the monitoring of therapeutic response and their current place in clinical practice will be analysed. The management of refractory cases will be addressed as will the current management of calcinosis, a problem more frequently encountered in children.

Sjögren's in adult Still's disease?

The objective of the study was to search for clinical, ophthalmological and serological manifestations of Sjögren's syndrome in patients with adult onset Still's Disease (AOSD). Eight consecutive patients with AOSD were evaluated. In all cases a standardized questionnaire to disclose sicca symptoms as well as extraglandular manifestations commonly associated with Sjögren's syndrome(SS) was conducted. Ophthalmological and serological evaluation was undertaken in all patients. Oral involvement was investigated by minor salivary gland biopsy in 7 patients. One case presented symptomatic keratoconjunctivitis sicca and grade III Chisholm labial biopsy. A further 2 patients had grade IV (4 foci per 4 mm2) salivary gland biopsy, in the absence of xerostomia or xerophthalmia. The search for autoantibodies proved negative throughout. It was concluded that focal sialoadenitis was not uncommon in our patients with AOSD. Whether this finding corresponds to a true SS is not yet clearly determined.

Systemic lupus erythematosus in Argentina: an overview

This brief report will attempt to analyse systemic lupus erythematosus in Argentina and the contributions made from this part of the world to the medical literature in English.

Streptococcus pyomyositis occurring in a patient with dermatomyositis in a country with temperate climate

We describe a man in whom pyomyositis developed in a temperate climate. Three facts make this case unique. First the pyomyositis developed in someone with underlying dermatomyositis, this being the second reported case to our knowledge. Second, the organism involved was a Streptococcus and not a Staphylococcus as in most cases described, and the course of the disease was acute and not subacute as is usually reported. Finally, contrary to most described cases, surgical drainage was not necessary, probably because of the early diagnosis. Pyomyositis should be considered a possible cause of localized pain in patients with underlying inflammatory muscle disease.

Baker's cysts, pseudothrombophlebitis, pseudo-pseudothrombophlebitis: where do we stand?

The diagnostic approach and therapeutic attitudes to be assumed when facing the dilemma of deep vein thrombosis versus a complicated Baker's cyst remain unclear. We examined our own approach with 16 Baker's cysts [11 presenting with a "thrombophlebitis picture" (TP)] recently diagnosed in our services, and reviewed the literature. All of our patients had an underlying joint disorder and previous knee effusions. The diagnostic approach (i.e., the request or not for venography) was related to the specialty of the physician who saw the patient first. The results of the venography led to anticoagulation treatment in 5 of the 6 patients on whom it was performed, although these patients did not otherwise differ from those with a similar clinical picture in whom no venogram was obtained. Arthrograms performed early after onset of the TP were more likely to reveal cyst rupture. The recent literature does not mention serious venous complications (in particular, pulmonary embolism) in patients in whom only the cyst was treated, without knowledge of possible coexisting venous occlusions. The need to perform venography, the importance of the localisation of the occlusions and the therapeutic consequences are discussed and a proposal is made to study these patients in a systematic way in order to better understand the inter-relationship between complicated popliteal cysts and venous alterations, and to decide the best approach to assume in the future.

Clinical and serologic characteristics of patients with overlap syndrome: is mixed connective tissue disease a distinct clinical entity?

We discuss the clinical and serologic features of 27 patients with overlap syndrome followed prospectively by our group. The findings are similar to those of other reports, but we have drawn attention to the presence of peritendinous nodules in these patients and mentioned some peculiar neurologic manifestations. Rheumatoid arthritis was the most common diagnosis in our patients. The presence of high-titer antibodies against the nuclear ribonucleoprotein fraction of extractable nuclear antigen (nRNP) did not allow the identification of a particular subgroup. However, patients with this antibody tended to fulfill more criteria of more diseases than those without it. The findings lead us to conclude that antibodies to nRNP do not identify a particular subgroup within the overlap syndromes and that mixed connective tissue disease does not appear to be a distinct entity.

Placental lesions in maternal autoimmune diseases

We have investigated the presence and clinical implications of maternal vascular lesions and chronic villitis of unknown etiology (CVUE) in 18 placentas of 15 mothers with several autoimmune diseases (AD), including, for the first time, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, autoimmune thyroid diseases, and multiple sclerosis. The group with AD had significantly more maternal vascular lesions and CVUE than the control group. We did not find lesions that could be attributed to any of the diseases in particular. The histopathologic picture was similar in these diseases, although there appears to be a spectrum in severity. Placental vascular damage with deposits of IgM, C3, and C1q was more prominent in systemic lupus erythematosus and in a patient with systemic sclerosis. In both of these diseases but not in the other conditions, these lesions were related to poor fetal outcome. Although the precise role of each of these autoimmune diseases in pregnancy and fetal outcome remains to be established, there appears to be at least one link between them represented by the presence of severe acute atherosis and heavy granular vascular deposits of IgM, C3, and C1q associated in some with poor fetal outcome. The role of CVUE remains speculative.

Systemic lupus erythematosus in the elderly: clinical and serological characteristics

Thirteen patients (all women) who developed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) after the age of 55 are reported. They constitute 18% of 71 consecutive SLE patients followed prospectively. Presenting features were predominantly cutaneous, neuropsychiatric and pulmonary. They had more interstitial lung disease and less arthritis than the younger patients. Eleven had positive antinuclear antibodies and only 4 had antibody to DNA. Strikingly, 12 had antibody to Ro(SSA) (accompanied by anti-La(SSB) in 8) compared to 36% in the younger group. SLE should be considered in older patients. Lung involvement is prominent. Antibodies to Ro and La are frequent and are a useful aid in diagnosis.

The arthropathy of systemic sclerosis (scleroderma); comparison with mixed connective tissue disease

Arthritis in systemic sclerosis (PSS) can be prominent and an overlap with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has sometimes been queried. We therefore analysed the pattern of joint involvement of hands and wrists in 34 patients (1 male) with PSS and compared it with that of 9 patients with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), a condition with distinct overlap features. Although MCTD patients were younger, disease duration was similar in both groups. Extra-articular radiological findings such as calcinosis, pulp atrophy and tuft resorption were present in over half the patients with PSS but were less frequent in MCTD. Marginal erosions occurred in over 50% and ulnar styloid erosions in 35% of the PSS patients. Erosions of the 1st CMC joint were seen in one-third of them and were unrelated to age. Erosions did not correlate with clinical synovitis, the presence of rheumatoid factor which was present in 26% of PSS patients or the presence of anti-centromere or anti-Scl-70 antibodies. Erosions in MCTD patients occurred frequently and were more destructive and rapidly progressive. Correlation between erosions, rheumatoid factor and clinical arthritis was high. We conclude that erosions in PSS are frequent. Their pattern is varied but usually discrete and seldom destructive. They are not related to arthritis or serological abnormalities and may be due to several mechanisms aside from synovitis. In contrast, erosions in MCTD are more frequently destructive and related to arthritis and rheumatoid factor, suggesting a true overlap.

Serological markers in progressive systemic sclerosis: clinical correlations

The relation between clinical and serological findings was studied in 75 patients with definite progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS). Antinuclear antibodies were detected by indirect immunofluorescence in 95% of the patients by means of HEp-2 cells. The centromere pattern was observed in 50% of the patients with calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, oesophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia (CREST) and only 7% of the group with diffuse disease. Precipitating antibodies to nuclear and cytoplasmic antigens were detected by immunodiffusion in 53% of the patients and identified as anti Scl-70 in 16 (21%). We confirmed that autoantibodies are very frequent in PSS but varied in specificity. A combination of immunodiffusion and indirect immunofluorescence was useful in detecting antibodies characteristic of PSS (i.e., anti-Scl-70 and anticentromere) in 51% of these patients. Anticentromere antibody has a high specificity for CREST and identifies patients with less severe disease (i.e., more prolonged course and less involvement of internal organs). Anti-Scl-70 was associated with a high frequency of lung involvement.

Genetic susceptibility to scleroderma-like syndrome induced by vinyl chloride

Vinyl chloride (VC) monomer can induce a scleroderma-like syndrome in a proportion of workers exposed to it during production of polyvinyl chloride. As part of a 5-year follow-up study HLA A, B, and DR antigens and anti-centromere and anti-scleroderma-70 antibodies were determined in 44 such workers. 21 of these had severe and 23 mild forms of vinyl-chloride disease. 50 patients with "classical" scleroderma and 148 healthy hospital workers acted as controls. 11 of the 21 patients classified as having severe VC disease were DR3 positive, and 8 of these had both B8 and DR3 antigens. None of the 23 patients with mild disease carried either antigen. The HLA-antigen frequencies in VC disease mirrored those found in scleroderma (raised DR5 frequency and increased linkage disequilibrium between B8 and DR3). There were, however, significant differences in the frequency of autoantibodies in the two conditions.