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Introduction. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is chronic disease associated with considerable psychological burden and impaired quality of life (QoL). The objective of the study was to determine the medical and social status of patients with PsA, to optimize the management of these patients and increase their QoL. Material and Methods. We performed a cross-sectional study in which were included patients with PsA. Demographic and clinical data were collected using a special questionnaire, including employment and profesional status, information related to disease onset and duration, clinical overview related to the disease. In order to apreciate the burden of PsA, we applied the Rankin’s scale, Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), Short Form 8 (SF-8), Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) and Disease Activity score in Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA), Patient Global Assessment (PGA) to assess the disease activity. Results. 92 PsA patients were enrolled in the study. Male to female ratio was 1.09:1, the patient’s mean age was 48.53±11.42 years. According to DAPSA, patients had moderate to high disease activity. 34.78% of patients from the group of study were full-time employees. The assessment of work productivity by WPAI determined a level of absenteeism of 9.39±11.79% and presenteeism of 37.57±27.31%. The QoL in PsA patients was diminished in both mental and physical domains; the average HAQ score value was 0.61, which indicates a moderate functional status. According to Rankin’s scale, the most frequent degree was the 2nd, found in 32 (34.78 %) patients. Conclusions. Patients with PsA have medium/low medical and social status, caused by low physical functionality and psychological problems. To optimize the management of patients with PsA, it is necessary to integrate rheumatological, dermatological, psychological and social services.

Introduction. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory joint disease associated in up to one-third of patients with psoriasis. Studies performed on PsA showed the high burden of the disease, but it still has not been totally quantified due to variable course of the disease. The applicability of the existing clinical tools in the disease activity appreciation still needs to be approved. The objective of the study was the assessment of the disease activity level and the evaluation of reliability and applicability of disease activity measures in PsA. Materials and methods. A descriptive study of 46 PsA patients was performed. The disease activity indices for PsA were evaluated and compared. The level of the disease activity according to each index was assessed and applicability of these indices was appreciated. Results. The disease activity by Disease Activity Index for Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA) was appreciated as moderate in nearly half of the patients (47.8%), and according to Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) moderate disease activity was assessed in 56.5% cases. Minimal disease activity was encountered in only 8.69% of patients. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) was estimated as moderate (mean 20.21 points). The data analysis of clinical tools showed that the most affected were pain and general condition, objectified by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Patient Global Assessment (PGA). Conclusions. The DAPSA demonstrated the highest objectiveness and was best able to designate between different levels of disease activity. DAPSA together with Minimal Disease Activity index (MDA), were best related to patient’s quality of life. Therefore, assessing the activity of the disease by MDA and DAPSA can be recommended for use in clinical practice.

In the paper we give a brief description of the achievements of academician Valeriu Canter who would have turned 65 this year. With his vocation as a researcher he has achieved great successes as a scientist, gaining international recognition and prestige. Being a man with a very broad horizon, he was noted in all areas of human activity in which he became involved. The scientific community feels the lack of the Man and Scientist Valeriu Canter especially now, when the scientific research is disregarded in the Republic of Moldova, and the researchers go through difficult tests.

Background:Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is an increasingly common and disabling problem in worldwide. Exercises are considered the cornerstone of non-surgical management of knee OA and is recommended in all current clinical guidelines. The diversity of exercise programs determines the need to compare their efficiency, in order to recommend the best option for the patient.Objectives:The aim of the present study was to compare the effect on knee functionality of conventional exercises program and combinate with manual therapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis.Methods:164 patients that fulfilled the ACR classification criteria for knee osteoarthritis (127 females and 37 males) ranging in age from 42 to 84 years (mean 62,2 SD 8,76), participated in a 10 days two-arm randomized trial. One group (Gr.1) received an exercises program, the other group additionally manual therapy methods (Gr.2). Pain and function were measured with a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS, mm) and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcomes Score (KOOS) with 5 domains (Pain, Symptoms, Activity in Daily Living (ADL), Sport and recreation (Sport/rec.) and Quality of life (QoL)).Results:In the Gr.1 were 82 patients mean age 61,8±9,2 years and in Gr.2 – 82 patients 62,7±8,3 years (p>0.05). The initial level of pain (63,4±14,2 vs 60,2±18,8mm) and knee functionality according to KOOS (Tab1.) were similar in both groups, p>0.05. After 10 days rehabilitation program, VAS in Gr.1 was 39,6±14,8 mm, in Gr.2- 28,5±11,6 mm, (pTable 1.The KOOS results at baseline and after 10 days of rehabilitation program.KOOS scales(M±SD), %Group 1Group 2BaselineAfter 10 daysBaselineAfter 10 daysPain55,5 ±13,863,4±13,653,0±22,364,3±19,1Symptoms59,0±18,765,6±18,156,6±19,069,0±15,9ADL46,3±15,554,5±16,043,0±19,955,1±18,2Sport/rec15,6±17,323,1±19,616,0±24,330,5±23,6QoL29,3±22,236,5± 22,934,8±23,950,6±18,9Conclusion:The reduction of pain and recovery of function were found in both groups, with better results in patients who received manual therapy and exercises program. This study supports the routine manual therapy in rehabilitation program in patients with knee osteoarthritis.Disclosure of Interests:None declared.

Background:Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease with a major impact on patient’s quality of life.Objectives:To evaluate patient’s attitude toward early disease and factors that influence it.Methods:Performed case-control study included SLE patients that fulfilled SLICC, 2012 classification criteria. The research included two groups of patients: early SLE – 1stgroup (disease duration ≤24 months) and non-early SLE – 2ndgroup control (disease duration >24 months). The pattern of the disease activity was assessed by patient global assessment (PGA), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) and Systemic Lupus Activity Measure (SLAM), for SLE activity, SLICC/ACR Damage Index (DI) for disease irreversible changes and SF-8 for the Quality of Life (QoL).Results:A total of 101 SLE patients with 34 in the 1stgroup (early SLE) and 67 in the 2ndgroup (non-early SLE) was analyzed. The disease activity showed high disease activity in both groups by SLEDAI (7,02±4,16 and 6,26±4,43 points, p>0,05) and SLAM (7,47±4,40 and 7,31±4,10 points, p>0,05) such as (46,97±19,39 vs 47,98±22,41 points). The QoL was appreciated as low, by both components (mental and physical), in groups. The damage index was higher in the 2nd group (0,23±0,43 and 1,07±1,29, pThe PGA in early SLE was influenced by subjective symptoms contained in SLAM index (r=0,48, p2 years), was influenced by the presence of organ damage by SLICC/ACR DI (0,23, pConclusion:The disease recognition in patients with early SLE was determined by subjective and psycho-emotional signs, while in patients with longer disease duration it was influenced by organ damage and complications.References:no referencesDisclosure of Interests:None declared

Background:Physical rehabilitation is proposed as a method of non-pharmacological treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA) by the EULAR and OARSI recommendations. At the same time, presence of concomitant diseases could influence the condition of patients and the outcomes of the rehabilitation program.Objectives:To evaluate the frequency of comorbidities in OA patients and to appreciate their impact on outcomes of the physical rehabilitation program.Methods:A prospective control case study was conducted in the University Rehabilitation Center. The patients underwent clinical examination, VAS scale was used to assess level of pain, and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) with 5 domains (Pain, Symptoms, ADL, Sport, QoL) for joint function assessment. These parameters were evaluated at the onset of the program (T0) and at the end of the 10th day (T1). Medical data records, general clinical exam and Charlson Comorbidities Index (CCI) assessed the comorbidities.Results:48 patients with OA were included in the study, 37 patients of them were found with comorbidities. The most frequent associated diseases were: cardiovascular- 76.6%, obesity-59.9%, and endocrine - 12.9% cases. At T0, significantly lower levels in the group with comorbidities were identified on the domains Pain, Sport and QoL. The CCI in patients with comorbidities was 3.29 ± 0.14 points (82.1% for 1-year survival rate). At the T1 moment, we found an improvement in joint functionality in both groups. The mean value of the VAS score group of patients without comorbidities decreased from 48,18 mm to 21,36 mm (p Conclusion:Comorbidities are highly associated to knee osteoarthritis and prove to have a negative influence on the results of the physical rehabilitation program; therefore, we would recommend to apply individualized rehabilitation programs adapted to the associated conditions of each patient.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Introduction: The risk of tuberculosis (TB) is a major dilemma in rheumatologic patients receiving biological treatment, especially in high prevalence countries, such as Moldova. Careful screening for latent TB before initiation of any biological therapy is recommended, but it remains unclear which is the most effective schedule of retest. The Aim: To investigate the rate of QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QTF) conversion in rheumatic patients receiving biological therapy in Moldova Methods: Prospective observational study including consecutive rheumatic patients initiating biological treatment. The subjects were evaluated at 6, 12 and 24 months for QTF conversion. Results: The study included 113 patients, mean age of 52, 1±12, 3 yr, treated with Methotrexate 7, 5-25mg weekly and Prednisolone 5-10mg/day. The baseline QTF revealed latent TB in 22, 12% cases. From 47 patients eligible for biological treatment (anti-IL 6 – 23 patients and anti-TNF-α – 24 patients), the rate of QTF conversion at 6, 12 and 24 months was 10, 63%, 2, 38% and 4, 87%, respectively. Out of 8 QTF conversions during follow-up, there were 7 cases of latent TB and 1 case of active pulmonary TB (without statistical difference between the two treatment groups, p>0.05). Conclusion: The rate of latent TB in rheumatic patients was 22, 12%. The cumulative incidence of QTF conversion was 10, 65% at 6 months, 2, 38% at 12 months and 4, 87% at 24 months after the initiation of biological treatment. It would be recommended to re-evaluate QTF test in rheumatologic patients from high prevalence TB countries, receiving biological treatment at 6 months and after yearly.

It is well known that many mathematical models use differential equation systems and apply the qualitative theory of differential equations, introduced by Poincaré and Liapunov. One of the problems that persists in order to control the behavior of systems of this type, is to distinguish between a focus or a center (the center-focus problem). The solving of this problem goes through the computation of the Poincaré-Liapunov constants. In the case of polynomial right-hand sides it follows from Hilbert’s theorem on the fi niteness of bases of polynomial ideals that in this sequence only fi nitely many are essential and that the remaining ones are consequences of them. Hence, this problem is divided in two parts: in the fi rst, to estimate the number of essential constants; in the second, to determine the minimal upper border of the indexes of a complete system of essential constants. The fi rst part is called the weak center-focus problem. The problem of exitimation the maximal number of algebraically independent essential constants is called the generalized center-focus problem. Recently M. N.Popa and V. V. Pricop have solved the generalized center-focus problem. The present article contains: some moments related to the history of the center-focus problem; the contribution of the Sibirschi’s school in the solving of the center-focus problem; methodological aspects of the Popa – Pricop solution of the generalized center-focus problem. The problem of the estimation of the minimal upper border of the indexes of a complete system of algebraically independent essential constants is open. Another open problem consists on determining what differential systems are integrable.

Objectives To explore the challenges experienced by patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods A structured interview was conducted with patients that fulfilled the ACR classification criteria for knee osteoarthritis (OA) (1991). We collected data on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, use of health and social services, and effect on occupation and living arrangements over the previous 12 months. The patients completed Knee Osteoarthritis Outcomes Score (KOOS) and Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire. This study was conducted according to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki (1996) and Good Clinical Practice. Results There were 51 patients enrolled in the study including 39 females (76,5%), mean age 64,45 ±8,07 (range 50–82) and the disease duration was 9,9±6,97 (range 2–24) years. Knee pain was present in 49 (96%) of patients. The radiographic characteristics: KL I – 1 (1,9%), II – 29 (56,9%) patients, KLIII – 17 (33,3%) and the most severe form KLIV – 4 (7,9%) cases. The KOOS results showed that Pain was 59,6±20,6%, Symptoms 63,74±17,38%, Activity Daily Living – 45,35±21,1%, the possibility to practice sport was the worse score 25,69±25,2%, and the QoL-37,66±28,88% qualified as low. Patients notice health system frustration: poor communication (70,6%), uncoordinated health services (86,2%), lack of efficient and timely information (41,2%), that determine the difficulties in making decisions about their care. The patients in 50 (98,0%) cases manifested a high level of dissatisfaction with financial aspects (the out-pocket expenders representing 29,7% from incomes) and low level of social support. Conclusions Patients with knee osteoarthritis experience social-economic and organizational difficulties, their pointing could lead to the improvement of the quality of medical care and increased patient9s satisfaction. Disclosure of Interest None declared