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To analyze the effects of a fast-velocity concentric resistance training (FVCRT) program on maximum strength of upper and lower limb, gait speed, walking endurance, fatigue, physical self-perception, and catastrophizing pain in people with multiple sclerosis (MS).Participants were randomized to either an experimental [EG] (n = 18) or a control [CG] (n = 12) group. The EG carried out 10-weeks of lower limb FVCRT. The CG did not perform any intervention. The maximum isometric voluntary contraction (MVIC) during knee extension, hand-grip strength, gait speed, walking endurance, fatigue, physical self-perception, and catastrophizing pain were measured.Inter-group differences after intervention were found on the right and left sides in MVIC (p = .032; ES = -0.7 and p = .009; ES = -0.9), and hand grip strength (p = .003; ES = -1.0 and p = .029; ES = -0.7). After FVCRT, there was in increase in MVIC (p .001; ES = -1.7 and p .001; ES = -1.3) and hand grip strength (p .001; ES = -1.3 and p .001; ES = -1.3) on both right and left sides, respectively. In addition, gait speed (p = .023; ES = 1.3), walking endurance (p .001; ES = -1.0), symptomatic fatigue (p = .004; ES = 0.6), and catastrophizing pain (p .001; ES = 1.0) improved in EG.Lower limb FVCRT improved the upper and lower limb strength, walking, symptomatic fatigue, and catastrophizing pain in MS participants.

Background: In a previous paper, we have demonstrated that: (1) local injection of corticosteroids for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is as effective as decompressive surgery, at 1-year follow-up; and (2) surgery has an additional benefit in the 2-year follow-up. In this study, we assess the long-term outcomes of both therapies in an observational extension of the patients originally enrolled in our randomized clinical trial. Methods: Patients were included in an open, randomized clinical trial, comparing injections versus surgery in CTS. After the end of the clinical trial, patients received the treatment prescribed by their general practitioner or specialist. Therapeutic failure was defined as the need of any new therapeutic intervention on the involved wrist. Comparison between groups was made using Cox multiple regression analysis. Estimation of the accumulated incidence of new therapeutic failure was made considering the withdrawal as a competitive risk (Gooley’s test). Results: Of 163 randomized wrists at the beginning of the study, only 148 were available at the final follow-up. The mean follow-up was 6.3 and the median was 5.9 years. In the long-term follow-up, the accumulated incidence of therapeutic failure in the surgery group was 11.6% versus 41.8% in the injection group. The Cox multiple regression analysis showed a risk of failure associated with injection group of 4.5 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.1-9.8; P < .0001). Conclusions: In long-term follow-up, surgery seems more effective than local corticosteroid injections in primary CTS. Nonetheless, about 58% of the patients in the injection group will not need further therapeutic interventions during the follow-up.

Purpose: To analyze the effectiveness of resistance training programs (RTP) on strength, functional capacity, balance, general health perception, and fatigue for people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and to determine the most effective dose of RTP in this population. Methods: Studies examining the effect of RTP on strength, functional capacity, balance, general health perception, and fatigue in MS patients were included. 44 studies were included. The meta-analysis, subgroup analysis and meta-regression methods were used to calculate the mean difference and standardized mean difference. Results: Significant group differences were observed in knee extensor (p = 0.01) and flexor (p

To analyse the efficacy, adherence, patient satisfaction, safety, pharmacodynamics and cost-effectiveness of parenteral methotrexate (MTX) in patients with rheumatic diseases.A systematic review of literature was carried out in Medline, Embase and Cochrane Central from the beginning until June 2019. Studies including adult patients with rheumatic diseases being treated with parenteral MTX were identified and data on efficacy, adherence, satisfaction, safety, pharmacokinetics, and cost-effectiveness analysed. As for the designs, systematic reviews, clinical trials, or observational studies were permitted, including cross-sectional and small-sample studies if they were pharmacokinetic studies.Out of 4160 identified articles, 80 articles were finally included. The efficacy profile of parenteral MTX seems useful in general and in those patients with insufficient response to oral MTX. The parenteral route does not seem to increase the rate or severity of adverse events due to the use of MTX. The use of parenteral MTX is an appropriate way to reduce costs in patients with inadequate response to oral MTX. Adherence and satisfaction are favoured by training programmes in the use of the parenteral route. The results in rheumatic diseases other than rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are very scarce and do not enable obtaining conclusive data.Parenteral MTX can be an alternative to the use of oral MTX, due to its profile of efficacy, safety, adherence and pharmacoeconomic results, especially in those patients with RA.

Resumen Objetivo Analizar la eficacia, adherencia, satisfaccion del paciente, seguridad, farmacodinamica y costo-efectividad del metotrexato (MTX) parenteral en pacientes con enfermedades reumaticas. Metodos Se llevo a cabo una revision sistematica basada en una estrategia de busqueda en Medline, Embase y Cochrane Library (inicio-06/2019). Se identificaron estudios que incluyeran pacientes adultos con enfermedades reumaticas en tratamiento con MTX parenteral y que analizaran datos de eficacia, adherencia, satisfaccion, seguridad, farmacocinetica o costo-efectividad. En cuanto a los disenos se permitieron revisiones sistematicas, ensayos clinicos o estudios observacionales, incluyendo transversales y estudios con muestras pequenas si eran estudios de farmacocinetica. Resultados De 4.160 articulos identificados, se incluyeron finalmente 80. El MTX parenteral parece util de manera general y en especial en aquellos pacientes con respuesta insuficiente a MTX oral. La via parenteral no parece aumentar la tasa ni la gravedad de los eventos adversos con respecto a la oral y podria reducir costes en aquellos pacientes con respuesta inadecuada a MTX oral. La adherencia y satisfaccion se ven favorecidas por programas de entrenamiento en la via parenteral. Los resultados en enfermedades reumaticas distintas a la artritis reumatoide (AR) son muy escasos y no permiten obtener datos concluyentes. Conclusiones El MTX por via parenteral podria ser una alternativa al uso de MTX oral, por su perfil de eficacia, seguridad, adherencia, satisfaccion y resultados farmaco-economicos, especialmente en pacientes con AR.

The university stage is a good time to promote healthy eating strategies. The sociological and cultural changes experienced by students lead them to skip meals, increase their intake of fast food and energy-dense foods, decreasing adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD). Professionals related to food such as nutritionists and dietitians are also considered a population at risk of developing eating disorders due to the extensive knowledge they possess, which can be used for both good and bad practice. The objective was to analyze the impact of a 4-month educational program promoting the Mediterranean diet on risky eating behaviors, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and body composition in nutrition and dietetics students, studying the differences according to the group investigated (control group and educated group). The context of the research was 196 students (49 males and 147 females) from two consecutive years. The control group did not receive any type of intervention, while with the control group (educated) an educational program was carried out. Results showed that women with greater control over energy intake, carbohydrates, and sugar had a lower percentage of fat mass, while in men, the relationship was established with weight. Regarding adherence to the Mediterranean diet, at post, it is adequate in both men (8.25 ± 2.87) and women (7.90 ± 2.89), with no significant differences between the intervention groups. This work was supported by a grant from the University Teaching Research Networks Program of the Institute of Education Sciences of the University of Alicante (2021-22). Ref: 5628.

UNSTRUCTURED Personalized precision medicine represents a paradigm shift and a new reality for the health care system in Spain, with training being fundamental for its full implementation and application in clinical practice. In this sense, health care professionals face educational challenges related to the acquisition of competencies to perform their professional practice optimally and efficiently in this new environment. The definition of competencies for health care professionals provides a clear guide on the level of knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to adequately carry out their professional practice. In this context, this acquisition of competencies by health care professionals can be defined as a dynamic and longitudinal process by which they use knowledge, skills, attitudes, and good judgment associated with their profession to develop it effectively in all situations corresponding to their field of practice. This report aims to define a proposal of essential knowledge domains and common competencies for all health care professionals, which are necessary to optimally develop their professional practice within the field of personalized precision medicine as a fundamental part of the medicine of the future. Based on a benchmark analysis and the input and expertise provided by a multidisciplinary group of experts through interviews and workshops, a new competency framework that would guarantee the optimal performance of health care professionals was defined. As a basis for the development of this report, the most relevant national and international competency frameworks and training programs were analyzed to identify aspects that are having an impact on the application of personalized precision medicine and will be considered when developing professional competencies in the future. This report defines a framework made up of 58 competencies structured into 5 essential domains: determinants of health, biomedical informatics, practical applications, participatory health, and bioethics, along with a cross-cutting domain that impacts the overall performance of the competencies linked to each of the above domains. Likewise, 6 professional profiles to which this proposal of a competency framework is addressed were identified according to the area where they carry out their professional activity: health care, laboratory, digital health, community health, research, and management and planning. In addition, a classification is proposed by progressive levels of training that would be advisable to acquire for each competency according to the professional profile. This competency framework characterizes the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required by health care professionals for the practice of personalized precision medicine. Additionally, a classification by progressive levels of training is proposed for the 6 professional profiles identified according to their professional roles.

This study aimed to analyze the benefits of a lower-limb fast-velocity concentric resistance training on rate of force development, mobility, and quality of life in people with Multiple Sclerosis. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in 30 people with Multiple Sclerosis, who were randomly assigned to either an experimental (n=18) or a control (n=12) group. The experimental group carried out 10-weeks of fast-velocity concentric resistance training, while the control group did not perform any intervention. Early and late rate of force development during knee extension in both legs, sit-to-stand and Timed Up and Go tests and quality life questionnaire were evaluated before and after intervention. The training program evoked an increase in early rate of force development in experimental group (0–30; Rightleg: 63.9%, p

Background. People with multiple sclerosis (MS) suffer from symptoms related to neural control, such as reduced central activation, lower muscle activity, and accentuated spasticity. A forced 9-week home confinement related to COVID-19 in Spain may have worsened these symptoms. However, no study has demonstrated the impact of home confinement on neuromuscular mechanisms in the MS population. This study was aimed at analyzing the effects of a 9-week home confinement on central activation, muscle activity, contractile function, and spasticity in MS patients. Methods. Eighteen participants were enrolled in the study. Left and right knee extensor maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), maximal neural drive via peak surface electromyography (EMG) of the vastus lateralis, central activation ratio (CAR), and muscle contractile function via electrical stimulation of the knee extensor muscles, as well as spasticity using the pendulum test, were measured immediately before and after home confinement. Results. Seventeen participants completed the study. CAR significantly decreased after lockdown ( ES = 1.271 , p < 0.001 ). Regarding spasticity, there was a trend to decrease in the number of oscillations ( ES = 0.511 , p = 0.059 ) and a significant decrease in the duration of oscillations ( ES = 0.568 , p = 0.038 ). Furthermore, in the left leg, there was a significant decrease in the first swing excursion ( ES = 0.612 , p = 0.027 ) and in the relaxation index ( ES = 0.992 , p = 0.001 ). Muscle contractile properties, MVIC, and EMG variables were not modified after confinement. Conclusions. The results suggest that a home confinement period of 9 weeks may lead to an increase in lower limb spasticity and a greater deficit in voluntary activation of the knee extensors.

To evaluate the benefits of aerobic training (AT) programs on cardiorespiratory fitness, functional capacity, balance, and fatigue in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to identify the optimal dosage of AT programs for individuals with MS via a systematic review with meta-analysis.Two electronic databases were searched until March 2020 (PubMed-Medline and Web of Science).Studies examining the effect of AT program on cardiorespiratory fitness, functional capacity, balance, and fatigue were included.After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we included 43 studies. A total sample of 1070 individuals with MS (AT group, n=680; control group, n=390) were analyzed.The AT group demonstrated a significant increase in cardiorespiratory fitness (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.29; P=.002), functional capacity (timed Up and Go Test: SMD, -1.14; P.001; gait speed: SMD, -1.19; P.001; walking endurance: SMD, 0.46; P.001), and balance (SMD, 3.49; P.001) after training. Fatigue perception also decreased (SMD, -0.45; P.001). However, no significant differences were observed when compared with the control group in either cardiorespiratory fitness (SMD, 0.14; P=.19) or fatigue perception. Nevertheless, we observed significant differences between the AT and control groups in balance (P=.02), gait speed (P=.02), and walking endurance (P=.03), favoring the participants who performed AT. Regarding the subgroup analysis, no significant differences were observed between subgroups in any of the variables studied except for gait speed, for which a greater increase in posttraining was observed when the AT program applied the continuous method (χAerobic training improves gait speed, walking endurance, and balance. Cardiorespiratory fitness and fatigue perception also improved after AT, but we found no differences with the control group. In addition, subgroup analysis suggested that training using continuous and walking methods could optimize gait speed.

PURPOSE To examine the acute and chronic effects of 10-weeks of progressive resistance training on sleep quality and sleeping heart rate variability in persons with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS). METHODS Eighteen pwMS (age = 44.8 ± 10.6 years; EDSS = 3.1 ± 1.7) completed a 10-week of resistance training, with three training sessions per week. Each session consisted of 4 lower body exercises, performing 2-4 sets of each exercise, with 8-15 repetitions each set, at an intensity ranging from 60 to 75% of 1-repetition maximum. Subjective and actigraphic sleep quality and sleeping heart rate variability were carried out at 4 different times: (1) Before the starting of the intervention on a rest day; (2) the night after training week 1 (3) the night after training week 10 and 4) after completing the resistance training program on a rest day. RESULTS Regarding subjective sleep quality, significant main effects were observed on the variables of sleep quality, sleep comfort, easy of falling sleep, easy of waking up and felling of rest. Sleep quality, sleep comfort and easy of falling sleep were greater in rest night in week 1 vs. rest night in week 10. Actigraphic sleep quality also improved after the training program (rest night in week 1 vs. rest night in week 10). In the pair-wise comparison showed an acute effect in the session after the training program (rest night in week 10< training night in week 10) on HF, pNN50 and RMMSD. CONCLUSIONS Resistance training is a non-pharmacological treatment that has the capacity to improve the regulation of autonomic system and, consequently, the sleep quality in pwMS.Implications for rehabilitation10 Weeks of resistance training improves the sleep quality of persons with multiple sclerosis.Resistance training can modulate autonomic cardiac control in this population.Improving the sleep quality is essential for persons with MS because of its close relationship to other variables, such as symptomatic fatigue.

Resumen Los nodulos reumatoides benignos son nodulos subcutaneos, identicos en su morfologia e histologia a los que ocurren en el transcurso de la artritis reumatoide (AR), que aparecen en personas sin sintomas de artritis y con factor reumatoide (FR) negativo. Se presenta el caso de un varon de 46 anos de raza caucasiana que consulto por tumoracion en la pierna derecha. Destacaba negatividad de factor reumatoide, anticuerpos anti peptido citrulinado, anticuerpos antinucleares y anticuerpos anticitoplasma de neutrofilo, asi como normalidad de los reactantes de fase aguda. Una ecografia musculoesqueletica mostro una tumoracion solida de 3,5 × 1,5 cm, de margenes bien definidos, en musculo soleo, con una estructura heterogenea hipoecoica con vascularizacion intra y perilesional. La resonancia magnetica evidencio una tumoracion de caracter fibroso sin datos sugestivos de agresividad. Una biopsia guiada por ecografia mostro histologia caracteristica de nodulo reumatoide. Se discuten la clinica, el diagnostico, el diagnostico diferencial y el tratamiento de los nodulos reumatoides benignos.

Benign rheumatoid nodules are subcutaneous nodules, identical in morphology and histology to the nodules that develop over the course of rheumatoid arthritis (RA); they present in individuals with no symptoms of arthritis and with negative rheumatoid factor (RF). This article introduces the case of a 46-year-old caucasian male who consulted for a tumour in his right leg. He tested negative for rheumatoid factor, anticitrullinated protein antibodies, antinuclear antibodies, and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies, as well as for acute phase reactants. A musculoskeletal ultrasound showed a solid tumour of 3.5 × 1.5 cm with well-defined margins in the soleus muscle, and with a heterogeneous hypoechoic structure with intra- and peri-lesional vascularisation. The MRI showed a fibrous tumour with no signs suggestive of aggressive growth. An ultrasound-guided biopsy showed the characteristic histology of a rheumatoid nodule. The clinical presentation, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and treatment of benign rheumatoid nodules are discussed.

espanolEn el ano 2015 la Sociedad Espanola de Reumatologia (SER) publico su posicionamiento sobre farmacos biosimilares. En esta actualizacion, la SER, sigue manifestando su compromiso inequivoco con la sostenibilidad del sistema sanitario de nuestro pais y se alinea con las medidas que, sin reducir la calidad asistencial, esten encaminadas a asegurar su sostenibilidad. Desde la publicacion del anterior posicionamiento la Comision Europea ha autorizado la comercializacion de nuevos farmacos biosimilares, lo que abre una excelente oportunidad de avanzar en la eficiencia de la atencion sanitaria. En este nuevo escenario de incremento de la oferta terapeutica de biologicos, la SER considera imprescindible preservar la libertad de prescripcion de los medicos que realizan la indicacion de farmacos basandose exclusivamente en las caracteristicas y circunstancias individuales de cada paciente, sin olvidar los aspectos economicos que se derivan de dicha actuacion. EnglishIn 2015 the Spanish Society of Rheumatology (Sociedad Espanola de Reumatologia [SER]) published its position paper on biosimilar drugs. In this update, the SER, continues to manifest its unequivocal commitment to the sustainability of the health system of our country and is aligned with the measures that, without reducing quality of care, are aimed at ensuring its continuity. Since the publication of the previous position paper, the European Commission has authorized new biosimilar drugs, which provides an excellent opportunity to advance the efficiency of health care. In this new scenario of increased therapeutic offer of biologics, the SER considers it crucial to preserve the freedom of prescription of physicians who prescribe drugs based exclusively on the characteristics and individual circumstances of each patient, without forgetting the economic aspects there of.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of belimumab in patients with Primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS). Methods The search included manuscripts assessing the efficacy or safety of belimumab in patients with pSS (American-European Consensus Criteria 2002) published between 2004 and 2017 in MEDLINE, EMBASE or Cochrane databases. Two reviewers independently selected the articles, extracted data and evaluated the quality of the evidence following Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) recommendation grades. Results Out of 135 citations, only 3 articles were included. All of them publishing results from the same study at different time points including 28 patients. At week 28 improvement was reported for visual analogue scale (VAS) dryness score and glandular manifestations in 37% and 77% of patients, respectively, which persisted at week 52 (W52). Belimumab was well tolerated and safely administered. Conclusion Published evidence to determine the efficacy of belimumab in pSS is limited. Belimumab seems to be effective to reduce systemic activity, parotid enlargement, lymphadenopathies, articular manifestation and B cell biomarkers.

In 2015 the Spanish Society of Rheumatology (Sociedad Espanola de Reumatologia [SER]) published its position paper on biosimilar drugs. In this update, the SER, continues to manifest its unequivocal commitment to the sustainability of the health system of our country and is aligned with the measures that, without reducing quality of care, are aimed at ensuring its continuity. Since the publication of the previous position paper, the European Commission has authorized new biosimilar drugs, which provides an excellent opportunity to advance the efficiency of health care. In this new scenario of increased therapeutic offer of biologics, the SER considers it crucial to preserve the freedom of prescription of physicians who prescribe drugs based exclusively on the characteristics and individual circumstances of each patient, without forgetting the economic aspects there of.

A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of circuit resistance training (CRT) on cardiorespiratory fitness, strength, and body composition in middle-aged and older women. Sixteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. The CRT interventions led to a significant decrease in weight, body mass index, and fat mass along with an increase in muscle mass. Significant differences were found in the fat mass and a trend to develop muscle mass when compared with the control group. CRT led to a significant increase in VO2max, walking endurance, and time to exhaustion; likewise, significant differences were observed when compared with the control group. CRT had a moderate and large favorable effect on arm, trunk, and lower limb strength. Furthermore, the increases in strength observed in the CRT were significantly greater than the changes observed in the control group. In middle-aged and older women, CRT improved cardiorespiratory fitness and strength and optimized body composition.

Objective The aim of this study is to describe the findings of a protocolised odontological evaluation of patients with primary Sjogren’s syndrome (pSS) treated in rheumatology units in the Community of Madrid. Methods Multicentric descriptive study in which pSS patients classified according to the American-European consensus of 2002 criteria were included. We collected the demographic, clinical and serological data of each patient. A complete oral examination was performed and salivary flow and the CAOD caries index were collected. The patients completed the visual analogue scale for xerostomia, the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 questionnaire and an oral health questionnaire. Results Sixty-one patients were recruited. Ninety-eight percent were women and the mean age of the patients was 57 years. Pathological oral signs (unstimulated salivary flow/salivary glands sialography/scintigraphy) were present in 52.5% of the patients, anti-Ro/anti-La were positive in 90.2%. Ninety-two percent of the patients reported xerostomia and 61% of the patients suffered from hyposialia. Thirty-five patients presented oral mucosa lesions. CAOD index was 16.97 ± 7.93 and visual analogue scale for xerostomia was 46.69 ± 14.43. The results of the OHIP-14 questionnaire were 23.13 ± 14.16. Patients with pathological oral signs obtained a significantly higher Oral Health Impact Profile-14 score (P = .03). We also found that patients with peripheral nervous system involvement obtained a significantly higher Oral Health Impact Profile-14 score (P = .001). Conclusions The presence of xerostomia in this cohort of pSS patients was high and hyposialia was present in 61% of the patients. Oral lesions appeared in more than half of the subjects. Oral health had a negative impact on the quality of life of patients with pSS, being higher in those with pathological objective oral signs and in those with peripheral nervous system involvement.

La esclerosis múltiple (EM) es una enfermedad neurológica progresiva, que conduce a un declive de la función física, siendo la espasticidad uno de los síntomas más recurrentes en esta población. En los últimos años, el entrenamiento vibratorio de cuerpo completo (WBVT) ha mostrado beneficios en la capacidad funcional, la función neuromuscular o la calidad de vida en personas con EM. Sin embargo, los efectos agudos de una sesión de WBVT sobre variables como la espasticidad son todavía desconocidos. Por ello, los objetivos principales de este estudio fueron analizar los efectos agudos del WBVT sobre la espasticidad de la rodilla, así como conocer las diferencias en esta variable entre la pierna más y menos afectada tras la sesión en personas con EM.13 sujetos formaron parte de este estudio. La sesión de WBVT consistió en 12 series de 1 minuto de vibración con 1 minuto de descanso entre series en posición de sentadilla estática. La frecuencia y la amplitud fue fijada en 35 Hz y 4 mm respectivamente. Para medir la espasticidad de la articulación de la rodilla, el Test del Péndulo fue utilizado antes y después de la sesión. No se encontraron diferencias pre-post en ninguna de las variables. Sin embargo, el tiempo de oscilación mejoró significativamente en el post-sesión en la pierna menos afectada en comparación con la más afectada. Basándonos en nuestros resultados, se evidencia que la respuesta ante una sesión de WBVT es diferente dependiendo tanto del grado de discapacidad como de la pierna analizada de un mismo paciente. Estos resultados muestran que la individualización del WBVT es una cuestión de vital importancia en población con EM., Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurological disease, which leads to a decline in physical function, being spasticity one of the most recurrent symptoms in this population. In recent years, whole body vibration training (WBVT) has shown benefits in functional capacity, neuromuscular function or quality of life in people with MS. However, the acute effects of a WBVT session on variables such as spasticity are still unknown. Therefore, the main objectives of this study were to analyzethe acute effects of WBVT on knee spasticity, as well as to know the differences in this variable between the most and least affected leg after the session in people with MS. 13 subjects were part of this study. The WBVT session consisted of 12 series of 1-minute vibration with 1 minute rest between series in a static squat position. The frequency and amplitude were set at 35 Hz and 4 mm respectively. To measure the spasticity of the knee joint, the Pendulum Test was used before and after the session. No pre-post differences were found in any of the variables. However, the time of oscillation was significantly improved in the post-session in the less affected leg compared to the more affected one. Based on our results, it is evident that the response to a WBVT session is different both depending on the degree of disability and between the legs of the same patient. These results show that the individualization of WBVT is a matter of vital importance in the population with MS.

Management of systemic autoimmune diseases is challenging for physicians in their clinical practice. Although not common, they affect thousands of patients in Spain. The family doctor faces patients with symptoms and non-specific cutaneous, mucous, joint, vascular signs or abnormal laboratory findings at the start of the disease process and has to determine when to refer patients to the specialist. To aid in disease detection and better referral, the Spanish Society of Rheumatology and the Spanish Society of Family Medicine has created a group of experts who selected 26 symptoms, key signs and abnormal laboratory findings which were organized by organ and apparatus. Family doctors and rheumatologists with an interest in autoimmune systemic diseases were selected and formed mixed groups of two that then elaborated algorithms for diagnostic guidelines and referral. The algorithms were then reviewed, homogenized and adapted to the algorithm format and application for cell phone (apps) download. The result is the current Referral document of systemic autoimmune diseases for the family doctor in paper format and app (download). It contains easy-to-use algorithms using data from anamnesis, physical examination and laboratory results usually available to primary care, that help diagnose and refer patients to rheumatology or other specialties if needed. (C) 2019 Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. and Sociedad Espanola de Reumatologia y Colegio Mexicano de Reumatologia. All rights reserved.

Resistance training (RT) variables can affect sleep quality, strength recovery and performance. The aim of this study was to examine the acute effect of RT leading to failure vs. non-failure on sleep quality (SQ), heart rate variability (HRV) overnight and one-repetition maximum (1-RM) performance 24 hours after training. Fifteen resistance-trained male athletes (age: 23.4 ± 2.4 years; height 178.0 ± 7.6 cm; weight: 78.2 ± 10.6 kg) performed two training sessions in a randomized order, leading to failure (4x10) or non-failure (5x8(10) repetitions), with 90 seconds for resting between sets at 75% 1-RM in bench press (BP) and half squat (HS). The day after, the participants completed the predicted 1-RM test for both exercises. In addition, the subjective and actigraphic SQ and HRV during sleep were measured after each training session. The day after the training protocol leading to failure, the 1-RM of BP (MD = 7.24 kg; -7.2%; p < 0.001) and HS (MD = 20.20 kg; -11.1%; p < 0.001) decreased. However, this parameter did not decrease after a non-failure RT session. No differences were observed between failure and non-failure training sessions on SQ and HRV; therefore, both types of training sessions similarly affected the SQ and the autonomic modulation during the night after the training session. This study provides an insight into the influence of different training strategies on SQ, strength performance and recovery after moderate- to high-demand training. This information could be useful especially for professional coaches, weightlifters and bodybuilders, due to the potential influence on the programming processes.

Introduction: Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS-I: Hurler/Scheie´s disease) is a rare disease with a wide spectrum of severity. This results in underdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis. Prognosis greatly depends upon early diagnosis. The availability of reliable diagnostic tests and the existence of enzyme replacement therapy and/or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, make an early diagnosis of these patients extremely important. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is among one of the most common findings in MPS I, whilst CTS is very uncommon in infancy and young adulthood. Objective: To ascertain the prevalence of MPS-I among children and young adults (≤ 30 years) diagnosed with CTS in our population. To get an early diagnosis of MPS-I patients. Material and Methods: This is a cross-sectional prospective study of a cohort of patients with an electromyogram-confirmed diagnosis of CTS. Our total population is over 600,000 people of an urban area of Madrid. We searched for children and young adults with suggestive symptoms of CTS. χ2 for categorical variables and Student “t” analysis or Anova test for quantitative variables were used. Results: 12 patients were included, 10 females, range 8-28 years, mean 23, median 23.5. Two patients had a low α-L-Iduronidase activity. Nonetheless, the results of confirmatory test of enzymatic activity of α-L-Iduronidase in lymphocytes were negative in both cases. Conclusions: We did not find any MPS-I in our series of CTS in children and young adults. Larger series will be needed to ascertain if this approach is valid for early diagnosis of MPS-I in the paediatric population.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease that affects balance. Among the non-pharmacological strategies to improve this variable, physical exercise is one of the most widely used. However, the benefits of some types of training, such as resistance training, on static balance in this population are still unclear. This study aims to analyze the effects of a resistance training (RT) intervention on balance in people with MS. Methods: Thirty people with MS were randomized to either an experimental (n = 18) or a control (n = 12) group. The RT group performed 10 weeks of lower limb resistance training with a concentric phase at maximum velocity. Static balance was measured before and after intervention. Results: No significant group × time interaction effects were found (ANOVA test) in any of the variables at the end of the intervention. No intragroup differences were found before or after the intervention in the balance variables. Conclusions: Resistance training with a concentric phase at maximum velocity showed no impact on balance in our sample. Future studies should examine programs of longer duration or combined with other types of training, such as balance training, with the aim of obtaining improvements in this variable in people with MS.

This study was conducted at the Institute of Arid Regions of Gabes in Tunisia. Three plots were left as controls and received no input, three plots were amended with cattle manure with a dose equivalent to 37.5 t/ha, and nine plots were amended with phosphogypsum in three doses (12.5 t/ha, 25 t/ha, and 50 t/ha), with three repetitions for each dose. A pot test to determine the germination index and radioactivity analysis was carried out in the laboratory. The results showed that organic manure amendments and phosphogypsum improved the germination rate of the different crops (jute mallow, turnip, and oat) compared with the control. At the same time, the 50 t/ha dose had the highest germination rate. An increase in yield of all crops during the whole duration of the experiment was observed for the soil amended by phosphogypsum. The best yield was recorded when the highest dose of phosphogypsum was applied. The cadmium level in plants of the two applied amendments was variable but still below the toxicity threshold (7 ppm). The values recorded following the analysis of the phosphogypsum radioactivity showed that the mean value of Ra-226 equals 214.45 Bq/kg, which is below the limit announced by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). The radioactivity results from the control soil samples showed the presence of natural radioactivity. Samples of phosphogypsum-amended soil and plants grown in these soils have radioactivity values that are still lower than those announced by the EPA. The novelty aspect of this study is the application of phosphogypsum in different crops during two consecutive years in degraded-soil areas of Tunisia, in addition to the study of different aspects of phosphogypsum reuse in agriculture as a promising strategy for a sustainable environment.

Objectives To assess efficacy and safety of biologic therapy (BT) in neurobehçet’s disease (NBD) refractory to glucocorticoids and at least one conventional immunosuppressive drug. Methods Open-label, national, multicentre study. NBD diagnosis was based on the International Consensus Recommendation criteria. Outcome variables were efficacy and safety. Main efficacy outcome was clinical remission. Other outcome variables analysed were glucocorticoid-sparing effect and improvement in laboratory parameters. Results We studied 41 patients [21 women; age 40.6 (10.8) years]. Neurological damage was parenchymal (n = 33, 80.5%) and non-parenchymal (n = 17, 41.5%). First BTs used were infliximab (n = 19), adalimumab (n = 14), golimumab (n = 3), tocilizumab (n = 3) and etanercept (n = 2). After 6 months of BT, neurological remission was complete (n = 23, 56.1%), partial (n = 15, 37.6%) and no response (n = 3, 7.3%). In addition, median (IQR) dose of oral prednisone decreased from 60 (30–60) mg/day at the initial visit to 5 (3.8–10) mg/day after 6 months (P Conclusions BT appears to be effective and relatively safe in refractory NBD.

Introduction The current paradigm of the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) recommends achieving a state of remission or low disease activity through the treat-to-target strategy. Our study assesses adherence to this strategy. Method Patients with RA (ACR-EULAR 2010 criteria) were included. From each centre, 19 patients were randomly selected. Clinical histories (CH) were assessed by independent auditors, checking compliance with predefined quality criteria. The study was approved by ethics committees. Results We included 856 patients (mean age 54 years; 71% women). The use of a combined index (CI) was recorded in 61% of cases. Visits were recorded every 4 weeks using a CI in 4% of CH while attempts were made to achieve remission. Monitoring of disease activity every 6–8 months after reaching the target was recorded in 73% of cases. Conclusions The implementation of the treat-to-target strategy is barely recorded in patients with RA in routine clinical practice.

Introduction One of the missions of the Spanish Society of Rheumatology is to provide the necessary tools for excellence in health care. Currently, there is no reference point to quantify medical actions in this specialty, and this is imperative. Material and method A list of actions was drawn up and a hierarchical classification system was established by developing a complexity index, calculated based on the completion time and difficulty level of each action. Results The results of the Delphi method tended to the consensus opinion within a group (mean σ2 − σ1 = 0 .75–1.43 = −0.68, mean IQR2–IQR1 = 0.8–1.9 = −1.1). The values of the complexity index ranged between 48 and 465 points. Among consultation actions, those reaching the highest scores were the first inpatient visit (366) and visits to the patient's home (369). Among diagnostic techniques, biopsies were prominent, those with the highest score were: bone biopsy (465), sural nerve biopsy (416) and synovial biopsy (380). Ultrasound scan scored 204, capillaroscopy 113 and densitometry 112. Among therapeutic techniques, infiltration/arthrocentesis/articular injection in children reached the highest difficulty (388). The score for ultrasound-guided articular injection was 163. The score for clinical report on disability was 323 and expert report 370. Conclusions A nomenclature of 54 actions in Rheumatology was compiled. Biopsies (bone, sural nerve, synovial), inpatient visits, visits to the patient's home, infiltrations in children, and the preparation of the expert report were identified as the most complex actions. Musculoskeletal ultrasound is twice as complex as subsequent visits, capillaroscopy or bone densitometry.

espanolIntroduccion Una mision de la Sociedad Espanola de Reumatologia es aportar las herramientas necesarias para alcanzar la excelencia asistencial. En la actualidad no existe una referencia que cuantifique la complejidad de los actos medicos de esta especialidad. Material y metodo Se elaboro una relacion de los actos propios del reumatologo y se establecio un sistema de clasificacion jerarquica a partir de la construccion de un indice de complejidad, calculado mediante el tiempo de realizacion y el grado de dificultad de cada acto. Resultados Los resultados del metodo Delphi tendieron a una opinion grupal consensuada (media σ2 - σ1 = 0,75-1,43 = -0,68, media IQR2 - IQR1 = 0,8-1,9 = -1,1). El rango de valores del indice de complejidad oscilo de 48 a 465 puntos. Entre las consultas, las que alcanzaron mayor gradacion fueron la primera visita al paciente hospitalizado (366) y la visita a domicilio (369). Entre las tecnicas diagnosticas, destacaron las biopsias. Las que puntuaron mas alto fueron: biopsia osea (465), de nervio sural (416) y sinovial (380). La ecografia tuvo una puntuacion de 204, la capilaroscopia de 113 y la densitometria de 112. Entre las tecnicas terapeuticas, la maxima dificultad (388), la alcanzo la infiltracion/artrocentesis/ inyeccion articular infantil. La puntuacion de la inyeccion articular con control ecografico fue de 163. El informe clinico de minusvalia, 323 y el informe pericial, 370. Conclusiones Este trabajo ha permitido elaborar un nomenclator de 54 actos en reumatologia donde se identifican como actos mas complejos la realizacion de biopsias (osea, nervio sural, sinovial), la visita a paciente hospitalizado, la visita a domicilio, la infiltracion infantil bajo sedacion y la elaboracion de un informe pericial. La ecografia osteomuscular es considerada el doble de compleja de una visita sucesiva, la capilaroscopia o la densitometria osea. EnglishIntroduction One of the missions of the Spanish Society of Rheumatology is to provide the necessary tools for excellence in health care. Currently, there is no reference point to quantify medical actions in this specialty, and this is imperative. Material and method A list of actions was drawn up and a hierarchical classification system was established by developing a complexity index, calculated based on the completion time and difficulty level of each action. Results The results of the Delphi method tended to the consensus opinion within a group (mean σ2 - σ1 = 0.75-1.43 = -0.68, mean IQR2 - IQR1 = 0.8-1.9 = -1.1). The values of the complexity index ranged between 48 and 465 points. Among consultation actions, those reaching the highest scores were the first inpatient visit (366) and visits to the patient's home (369). Among diagnostic techniques, biopsies were prominent, those with the highest score were: bone biopsy (465), sural nerve biopsy (416) and synovial biopsy (380). Ultrasound scan scored 204, capillaroscopy 113 and densitometry 112. Among therapeutic techniques, infiltration/ arthrocentesis/articular injection in children reached the highest difficulty (388). The score for ultrasound-guided articular injection was 163. The score for clinical report on disability was 323 and expert report 370. Conclusions A nomenclature of 54 actions in Rheumatology was compiled. Biopsies (bone, sural nerve, synovial), inpatient visits, visits to the patient's home, infiltrations in children, and the preparation of the expert report were identified as the most complex actions. Musculoskeletal ultrasound is twice as complex as subsequent visits, capillaroscopy or bone densitometry.

Resumen Objetivo Elaborar recomendaciones SER sobre el uso de agentes biologicos en el sindrome de Sjogren primario (SSp). Metodos Se identificaron preguntas clinicas de investigacion relevantes sobre el uso de agentes biologicos en el SSp. Las preguntas clinicas se reformularon en 4 preguntas PICO. Se diseno una estrategia de busqueda y se realizo una revision de la evidencia cientifica de estudios publicados hasta mayo de 2017. Se reviso sistematicamente la evidencia cientifica disponible. Se evaluo el nivel global de la evidencia cientifica utilizando los niveles de evidencia del SIGN. Tras ello, se formularon recomendaciones especificas. Resultados Se recomienda rituximab como el farmaco biologico de eleccion para las manifestaciones extraglandulares refractarias al tratamiento convencional. Se desaconseja el uso de agentes anti-TNF. La evidencia cientifica es escasa con belimumab y abatacept, por lo que deberian considerarse solamente en los casos resistentes a rituximab. Conclusiones El rituximab es el farmaco biologico de eleccion en las manifestaciones graves extraglandulares del SSp. Belimumab o abatacept podrian ser de utilidad en casos seleccionados.

Resumen Objetivo El paradigma actual en el tratamiento de la artritis reumatoide (AR) contempla el diagnostico temprano y el uso precoz de farmacos modificadores de enfermedad (FAME) para alcanzar la remision o baja actividad inflamatoria, lo cual, se conoce como «treat to target» (T2T). El objetivo del trabajo es desarrollar un indicador compuesto (IC) para evaluar la calidad asistencial en el manejo de los pacientes con AR atendiendo a la estrategia T2T y a otras recomendaciones generales para la atencion de estos pacientes. Material y metodo La construccion del IC siguio las fases: 1) seleccion de los criterios de calidad mediante un juicio de expertos ; 2) priorizacion de los criterios, a partir de un Delphi con 20 expertos; 3) diseno de los indicadores de calidad, y 4) calculo del IC ponderado. La fuente de informacion para el calculo del IC son las historias clinicas de los pacientes con AR. Resultados De los 37 criterios seleccionados, 12 necesitaron una segunda ronda Delphi. Se priorizaron 31 criterios, los cuales presentaron una mediana en relevancia y factibilidad, en las rondas Delphi, mayor o igual a 7,5, con un rango intercuartilico inferior a 3,5, y un grado de acuerdo (puntuacion mayor o igual a 8) igual o superior al 80%. Conclusiones El IC construido, consensuado y ponderado, permite evaluar la calidad asistencial de los pacientes con AR, en las Unidades de Reumatologia de hospitales espanoles, ofreciendo una medida resumen valida y facilmente interpretable.

The objective of the study was to assess the ESSDAI index characteristics in the SJOGRENSER cohort (Spanish Rheumatology Association’s registry of patients with Primary Sjogren Syndrome [PSS]). SJOGRENSER is a prospective multicentric study on a cohort of Spanish patients with PSS who meet the 2002 American–European consensus from rheumatology units. 298 variables were studied in patients for the inclusion of the study from an anonymous list from each department. The ESSDAI (EULAR Sjogren’s syndrome disease activity index) includes 12 domains and measures systematic activity in PSS patients. Each domain is divided into 3–4 levels, (0: no activity; 1: low activity; 2: moderate activity; 3: high activity) and is attributed a weight. Each domain score is obtained by multiplying the activity level by the weight assigned. According to ESSDAI: low activity

A randomized controlled trial was conducted to analyze the effects of 10 weeks of strength training (ST) on voluntary activation, muscle activity, muscle contractile properties, and spasticity in people with MS.30 participants were randomized to either an experimental [EG] (n = 18) or a control [CG] (n = 12) group. The EG carried out 10-weeks of ST, where the concentric phase was performed at maximum voluntary velocity. Muscle activity of the vastus lateralis (surface electromyography (sEMG) during the first 200 ms of contraction), maximal neural drive (peak sEMG), voluntary activation (central activation ratio), and muscle contractile function (via electrical stimulation) of the knee extensor muscles, as well as spasticity, were measured pre- and post-intervention.The EG showed a significant improvement with differences between groups in muscle activity in EMG10 weeks of ST improves muscle activity during the first 200 ms of contraction, maximal neural conduction, and spasticity in people with MS. However, ST does not produce adaptations in muscle contractile properties in this population.

Objective The aims of this systematic review and meta-analyses were to evaluate the effects of exercise on the functional capacity and quality of life (QoL) of people with acquired brain injury (ABI) and to analyze the influence of training variables. Methods Five electronic databases (MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, SportDiscus, and Web of Science) were searched until October 2021 for clinical trials or experimental studies examining the effects of exercise on the functional capacity and QoL in adults with ABI and comparing exercise interventions with non-exercise (usual care). Results Thirty-eight studies were evaluated. A total sample of 2219 people with ABI (exercise, n = 1572; control, n = 647) were included in the quantitative analysis. A greater improvement was observed in walking endurance (z score = 2.84), gait speed (z score = 2.01), QoL physical subscale (z score = 3.42), and QoL mental subscale (z score = 3.00) was observed in the experimental group than in the control group. In addition, an improvement was also observed in the experimental group in the “Timed Up and Go” Test scores and balance without differences from the control group. Significant interactions were also observed between the rehabilitation phases, type, frequency and volume of training, and overall effects. Conclusion The results suggest that exercise improves functional capacity and QoL regardless of model training, highlighting the effectiveness of long-term exercise that includes short sessions with components such as strength, balance, and aerobic exercise. Impact The results shown in this systematic review with meta-analysis will allow physical therapists to better understand the effects of training on people with ABI.