Interleukin-17 family (IL-17s) comprises six structurally related members (IL-17A to IL-17F); sequence homology is highest between IL-17A and IL-17F, displaying certain overlapping functions. In general, IL-17A and IL-17F play important roles in chronic inflammation and autoimmunity, controlling bacterial and fungal infections, and signaling mainly through activation of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. The role of IL-17A and IL-17F has been established in chronic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs), such as psoriasis (PsO), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), axial spondylarthritis (axSpA), hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), multiple sclerosis (MS), and asthma. CD4+ helper T cells (Th17) activated by IL-23 are well-studied sources of IL-17A and IL-17F. However, other cellular subtypes can also produce IL-17A and IL-17F, including gamma delta (γδ) T cells, alpha beta (αβ) T cells, type 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3), natural killer T cells (NKT), or mucosal associated invariant T cells (MAIT). Interestingly, the production of IL-17A and IL-17F by innate and innate-like lymphocytes can take place in an IL-23 independent manner in addition to IL-23 classical pathway. This would explain the limitations of the inhibition of IL-23 in the treatment of patients with certain rheumatic immune-mediated conditions such as axSpA. Despite their coincident functions, IL-17A and IL-17F contribute independently to chronic tissue inflammation having somehow non-redundant roles. Although IL-17A has been more widely studied, both IL-17A and IL-17F are overexpressed in PsO, PsA, axSpA and HS. Therefore, dual inhibition of IL-17A and IL-17F could provide better outcomes than IL-23 or IL-17A blockade.

Background and objective: Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) are musculoskeletal diseases with different manifestations. In clinical practice, variability, and limitations in the collection of the outcomes required for follow-up have been observed. The objective of the CREA project was to agree on improvement strategies for the initial assessment and follow-up of patients with axSpA in Spain. Materials and methods: A survey with 33 questions was conducted by a representative sample of rheumatologists on clinical practice, resources, and present limitations in the follow-up of patients with axSpA. The results of the survey were discussed in 10 regional meetings, and 105 strategies were proposed and evaluated through a Delphi consensus in which 85 experts participated.Results: The lack of time for clinical visits, the lack of nurses and/or support staff and the delay in performing the imaging tests were the most prominent limitations in the follow-up of patients with axSpA. One hundred and five strategies were proposed related to the evaluation of disease activity, physical function, quality of life and disease impact, to the evaluation of comorbidities and extra-articular manifestations, laboratory tests; imaging tests, physical examination and metrology. Of the total, 85 were considered highly advisable. No regional differences were found.Conclusions: The proposals agreed upon as highly advisable in the present study are applicable to the entire national territory, allow tighter and more homogeneous monitoring of the patients with axSpA, facilitate more comprehensive management of the disease, and respond to the unmet needs detected in the initial survey.& COPY; 2022 Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. and Sociedad Espanola de Reumatologia y Colegio Mexicano de Reumatologia. All rights reserved.

La espondiloartritis axial (EspAax) es una enfermedad musculoesquelética con manifestaciones diversas. En la práctica clínica se ha observado variabilidad y limitaciones en la recogida de las variables necesarias para su seguimiento. El objetivo del proyecto CREA fue consensuar estrategias de mejora para la valoración inicial y el seguimiento de los pacientes con EspAax en España. Se realizó una encuesta con 33 preguntas a una muestra representativa de reumatólogos expertos del territorio español sobre la práctica clínica, los recursos y las limitaciones actuales en el seguimiento de los pacientes con EspAax. En 10 reuniones regionales se discutieron los resultados de la encuesta y se propusieron 107 estrategias que fueron valoradas mediante un consenso Delphi en el que participaron 85 expertos. La falta de tiempo en consulta, de personal de enfermería y/o de apoyo, y el retraso en la realización de pruebas de imagen fueron las limitaciones más destacadas en el seguimiento de los pacientes con EspAax. Se propusieron 202 estrategias relacionadas con la evaluación de los índices de calidad de vida e impacto de la enfermedad; las comorbilidades y manifestaciones extraarticulares; las pruebas de laboratorio; las pruebas de imagen; la exploración física y metrología; y los índices de actividad y función. De todas, 54 se consideraron altamente aconsejables. No se encontraron diferencias regionales en los valores de consenso. Las propuestas consensuadas como altamente aconsejables en el estudio actual son aplicables a todo el territorio nacional, permiten realizar un seguimiento y control más estrecho y homogéneo de los pacientes con EspAax, facilitar un manejo integral y responden a las necesidades no cubiertas detectadas en la encuesta inicial. Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) are musculoskeletal diseases with different manifestations. In clinical practice, variability, and limitations in the collection of the outcomes required for follow-up have been observed. The objective of the CREA project was to agree on improvement strategies for the initial assessment and follow-up of patients with axSpA in Spain. A survey with 33 questions was conducted by a representative sample of rheumatologists on clinical practice, resources, and present limitations in the follow-up of patients with axSpA. The results of the survey were discussed in 10 regional meetings, and 105 strategies were proposed and evaluated through a Delphi consensus in which 85 experts participated. The lack of time for clinical visits, the lack of nurses and/or support staff and the delay in performing the imaging tests were the most prominent limitations in the follow-up of patients with axSpA. One hundred and five strategies were proposed related to the evaluation of disease activity, physical function, quality of life and disease impact, to the evaluation of comorbidities and extra-articular manifestations, laboratory tests; imaging tests, physical examination and metrology. Of the total, 85 were considered highly advisable. No regional differences were found. The proposals agreed upon as highly advisable in the present study are applicable to the entire national territory, allow tighter and more homogeneous monitoring of the patients with axSpA, facilitate more comprehensive management of the disease, and respond to the unmet needs detected in the initial survey.

La artritis psoriásica (APs) es una enfermedad inflamatoria crónica mediada por el sistema inmune que afecta al sistema musculoesquelético y la piel, y se manifiesta de forma heterogénea y con un curso variable. En la práctica clínica habitual se ha observado variabilidad y limitaciones en su seguimiento. El objetivo del proyecto CREA fue consensuar estrategias de mejora para la valoración inicial y el seguimiento de los pacientes con APs en España. Se realizó una encuesta a una muestra representativa de reumatólogos expertos del territorio español, que contenía 33 preguntas sobre la práctica clínica habitual, los recursos disponibles y las limitaciones actuales en el seguimiento de los pacientes con APs. Se discutieron los resultados en reuniones regionales y se propusieron 105 estrategias que, finalmente, fueron valoradas por 85 expertos en un consenso Delphi. Las limitaciones destacadas en el seguimiento de la APs fueron la falta de tiempo en consulta, de personal de enfermería, y el retraso en la realización de pruebas de imagen. Se propusieron 108 estrategias relacionadas con la evaluación de los índices de calidad de vida e impacto de la enfermedad; las comorbilidades y las manifestaciones extraarticulares; las pruebas de laboratorio; las pruebas de imagen; la exploración física y metrología y los índices de actividad y función. Entre todas, 53 se consideraron altamente aconsejables, sin diferencias regionales en los valores de consenso. Las propuestas ofrecidas en el estudio actual son aplicables a todo el territorio nacional, responden a las necesidades no cubiertas detectadas en la encuesta inicial, conforman un cuadro de actuación mínimo y aseguran un seguimiento óptimo de los pacientes con APs. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease that affects the musculoskeletal system and skin, and manifests heterogeneously, with a variable course. In current clinical practice, variability and limitations in its follow-up have been observed. The aim of the CREA project was to agree on strategies to improve the initial assessment and follow-up of patients with PsA in Spain. A survey was conducted among a representative sample of expert rheumatologists in Spain, containing 33 questions on current clinical practice, available resources, and current limitations in the follow-up of patients with PsA. The results were discussed in regional meetings and 105 strategies were proposed and finally evaluated by 85 experts in a Delphi consensus. The most important limitations in the follow-up of PsA were lack of consultation time, lack of nursing staff, and delays in performing imaging tests. A total of 108 strategies were proposed related to the assessment of quality of life and disease-impact indices; comorbidities and extra-articular manifestations; laboratory tests; imaging tests; physical examination and metrology; and activity and function indices. Of the total, 53 were considered highly advisable, with no regional differences in consensus values. The proposals offered in the current study are applicable to the entire country, respond to the unmet needs detected in the initial survey, form a minimum action framework, and ensure optimal follow-up of patients with PsA.

Background and aim: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease that affects the musculoskeletal system and skin, and manifests heterogeneously, with a variable course. In current clinical practice, variability and limitations in its follow-up have been observed. The aim of the CREA project was to agree on strategies to improve the initial assessment and follow-up of patients with PsA in Spain.Materials and methods: A survey was conducted among a representative sample of expert rheumatologists in Spain, containing 33 questions on current clinical practice, available resources, and current limitations in the follow-up of patients with PsA. The results were discussed in regional meetings and 105 strategies were proposed and finally evaluated by 85 experts in a Delphi consensus. Results: The most important limitations in the follow-up of PsA were lack of consultation time, lack of nursing staff, and delays in performing imaging tests. A total of 108 strategies were proposed related to the assessment of quality of life and disease-impact indices; comorbidities and extra-articular manifestations; laboratory tests; imaging tests; physical examination and metrology; and activity and function indices. Of the total, 53 were considered highly advisable, with no regional differences in consensus values. Discussion and conclusions: The proposals offered in the current study are applicable to the entire country, respond to the unmet needs detected in the initial survey, form a minimum action framework, and ensure optimal follow-up of patients with PsA.(c) 2022 Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. and Sociedad Espanola de Reumatologia y Colegio Mexicano de Reumatologia. All rights reserved.

ObjetivoAnalizar el papel de enfermería en el abordaje de la espondiloartritis axial (EspAax) y plantear propuestas que permitan incluir el rol de las consultas de enfermería en reumatología (CER) en la certificación de calidad de las unidades especializadas.MétodosRevisión sistemática del rol de enfermería en los sistemas de certificación de calidad en el abordaje de la EspAax, seguida de conferencia de consenso con participación de 3enfermeras especializadas en reumatología para determinar elementos que considerar en futuras revisiones de las normas de certificación.ResultadosLa revisión sistemática arrojó 5documentos relevantes. Ninguna de las publicaciones revisadas proponía estándares aplicables a la labor asistencial de enfermería en el manejo de pacientes con EspAax, aunque contemplaban actividades propias de este colectivo. Las propuestas consensuadas para incorporar el rol de las CER en las normas de certificación de las unidades monográficas de EspAax incluyeron: equipamientos y recursos básicos, organización, administración de tratamientos farmacológicos y promoción de la adherencia, programas estandarizados para EspAax, consulta telemática para control del paciente estable y promoción de la continuidad asistencial y registro de medidas de resultados informados por los pacientes.ConclusionesLa literatura sobre estándares de calidad y normas de certificación de las unidades monográficas de EspAax es escasa y apenas refleja el papel de las CER en la provisión de una atención de calidad. Las propuestas consensuadas en este trabajo incorporarían las CER en las normas de certificación de calidad. En el futuro, la mayor presencia de CER en España debiera ir acompañada de la actualización de los estándares.

ObjectiveTo analyse the role of nursing in the approach to axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and to make proposals to include the role of rheumatology nursing consultations (RECs) in the quality certification of these specialized units.MethodsA systematic review of the nursing role in quality certification systems in the management of axSpA was conducted. Subsequently a consensus conference was held with the participation of three rheumatology nurses to determine elements that should be considered in future revisions of certification standards.ResultsThe systematic review yielded five papers as relevant. None of the publications reviewed explicitly proposed standards applicable to nursing care in the management of patients with axSpA, although they contemplated the activities of this professional group. The proposals agreed upon to incorporate the role of RECs in the certification standards for axSpA monographic units included the following: basic equipment and resources, organization, administration of pharmacological treatments and promotion of adherence, standardized programmes for axSpA, telematic consultation for monitoring the stable patient, registry of patient-reported outcome measures and e-consultation.ConclusionsThe literature on quality standards and certification standards for axSpA monographic units is scarce and hardly reflects the role of RECs in providing quality care. The consensus proposals in this study would incorporate RECs into quality certification standards. In the future, the increased presence of RECs in Spain should be accompanied by a review of the indicators regarding their role.

AIM:Although non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (EspAax-nr) is well understood within health institutions, being considered along with radiographic EspAax (EspAax-r) as part of the same disease spectrum, patient understanding is unknown. The aim is to describe the patient's knowledge of the EspAax-nr entity.METHODS:Atlas 2017, promoted by the Spanish Federation of Spondylarthritis Associations (CEADE), aims to comprehensively understand the reality of EspAax patients from a holistic approach. A cross-sectional on-line survey of unselected patients with self-reported EspAax diagnosis from Spain was conducted. Participants were asked to report their diagnosis. Socio-demographic, disease characteristics and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were compared between those patients self-reporting as EspAax-nr and EspAax-r.RESULTS:634 EspAax patients participated. Mean age 45.7±10.9 years, 50.9% female and 36.1% university-educated. 35 (5.2%) self-reported as EspAax-nr. Compared to EspAax-r patients, those with EspAax-nr were more frequently women (48.6% vs 91.4%, p<0.001), had longer diagnostic delay (10.1±8.9 vs 8.5±7.6 years), higher psychological distress (GHQ-12: 7.5±4.9 vs 5.6±4.4) and similar degree of disease activity (BASDAI: 5.7±2.1 vs 5.7±2.0), and unemployment rates (20.0% vs 21.6%). 20.0% of EspAax-nr received biologics vs 36.9% of EspAax-r, p=0.043. Visits to the rheumatologist in the past year were similar in both groups (3.8±4.5 vs 3.2±3.8), while GP visits were much higher within EspAax-nr (8.0±10.7 vs 4.9±13.3 p=0.003).CONCLUSION:For the first time, EspAax-nr characteristics and PROs have been analyzed from the patient's perspective. Both groups reported similar trends with the exception of EspAax-nr being more frequently women, younger, having longer diagnostic delay and lower use of biologic therapy.

Background:The present study analyzes the added value of quantification by MRI of SI joints by comparing it to the standard interpretation with ASAS criteria for the classification of patients with axSpA of recent onset and a six-year follow-up.Objectives:To evaluate if the quantification of bone marrow edema (BME) of the sacroiliac (SI) joints by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) improves capacity for axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) classification in comparison to the assessment of sacroiliitis by means of ASAS classification criteria.Methods:Prospective study from the ESPeranza cohort involving 66 subjects with an available MRI of the SI joints at baseline. This subgroup includes patients with axSpA (n=28), peripheral spondyloarthritis (n=10) and a group with other diagnoses that were not spondyloarthritis (n=28). Measures of diagnostic usefulness (area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, Youden’s J statistic, LR+ and LR-) were calculated for MRI of the SI joints according to ASAS criteria and for MRI quantified by means of SCAISS (Spanish tool for semi-automatic quantification of sacroiliac inflammation by MRI in spondyloarthritis). This analysis was stratified in patients who were HLA-B27 positive and negative.Results:Out of a total of 66 MRI of the SI joints, 20 (30.3%) were positive according to ASAS criteria. Out of these 20 subjects, 18 patients with final diagnosis of axSpA had a positive MRI, and 2 patients did not have axSpA. Out of the 66 patients of the cohort, 23 (34.8%) patients were HLA-B27 positive and 42 (63,6%) were negative. AUC value with bone marrow edema (BME) quantification was 0.919 (CI95% 0.799-1) for HLA-B27 positive patients and 0.884 (CI95% 0.764-1) for HLA-B27 negative patients. A SCAISS cutoff point of 80 units obtained a specificity of 94.4% and LR+ 7.5, while assessment by ASAS criteria showed a specificity value of 90% and LR+ 6.4.Conclusion:For patients with suspected axSpA, quantification of BME improves the predictive capacity of MRI of the SI joints, for both HLA-B27 positive and negative patients.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Background: Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) impacts negatively on multiple dimensions of patient’s life, including their working life. Objectives: The present study aims to evaluate burden of disease ox axSpA patients by working status, work-related issues and their associations and determinants in a Spanish sample. Methods: The Atlas 2017 is an extensive cross-sectional patient survey conducted in Spain (2016), validated by a multidisciplinary group of experts on spondyloarthritis. Participants were recruited through an on-line panel and patient organizations. Participants were classified as active (employed, unemployed between 15-64 years) and inactive (retirees, on sick leave, students and homemakers). Those employed were asked to report work-related issues (WRIs) due to axSpA (sick-leave, difficulty fulfilling work hours, missing work for doctors’ appointments, reducing working hours or taking days off) in the past 12 months. Diagnostic delay, disease activity (BASDAI), spinal stiffness (3-12), functional limitation (0-54) and psychological distress (General Health Questionnaire, GHQ-12 [0-12]) were compared between employed patients with or without WRIs using a Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: Data from 680 patients were collected: mean age was 47±11 years, 52.5% were female and 36.9% were university educated. Mean disease duration and diagnostic delay were 20.9±12.2 and 8.5±7.7 years, respectively, and mean BASDAI was 5.5±2.2. A total of 63.6% (n=415) were considered active population, of which 49.8% (n=325) were employed. Of those employed, 54.3% reported a WRI, specifically 37.1% took sick leave, 44.1% had difficulties in fulfilling the working hours, 42.9% missed work due to doctor’s appointments 37.1% took sick leave, 18.2% reported that their professional life had suffered, 12.3% asked for some days off, 12.3% changed shift sometimes and 7.6% had to give up their previous job. Among all patients, 95.5% faced (or believed they would) difficulties finding a job due to axSpA. Experiencing WRIs due to axSpA was significantly associated in the univariable analysis with higher disease activity, self-reported spinal stiffness, longer diagnostic delay, higher functional limitation and higher level of psychological distress (p<0.001). However, the highest levels of disease burden were reported by unemployed participants (see Table 1). Table 1. Differences between employees with/without work-related issues and between employed/unemployed participants in relation to sociodemographic and patient-reported outcomes Reference group Employed Active Population Subgroup Any WRI With no WRIs Employed Unemployed N size n: 170 n: 143 n: 325 n: 90 Sociodemographic characteristics Age (years) 41.9 ± 7.9 44.2 ± 9.4 42.9 ± 8.6* 42.0 ± 9.1* Gender (Male) 79 (46.5) 75 (52.4) 159 (48.9) 36 (40.0) Education level (University) 80 (47.1)* 68 (47.6)* 153 (47.1) 21 (23.3) Marital status (Married) 110 (64.7) 109 (76.2) 231 (71.1) 54 (60.0) Patient-reported outcomes BASDAI (0-10) 5.7 ± 1.8** 4.5 ± 1.9** 5.2 ± 1.9** 6.3 ±1.9** Spinal Stiffness (3-12) 6.7 ± 2.7** 6.1 ± 2.4** 6.5 ± 2.6** 7.8 ± 2.3** Functional Limitation (0-54) 43.9 ± 8.8** 36.9 ± 10.3** 40.6 ± 10.1** 45.0 ± 8.4** GHQ-12 (0-12) 6.6 ± 4.2** 3.0 ± 3.5** 4.9 ± 4.3** 7.6 ± 4.2** Anxiety 35 (20.6)* 16 (11.2)* 52 (16.0)* 25 (27.8)* Depression 29 (17.1)* 4 (2.8)* 33 (10.2)** 21 (23.3)** Note: WRI: Work-related issue ** p-value <0.001; * p-value <0.05 Conclusion: Results reveal a relevant impact of axSpA in patient working life. Approximately two out of three patients employed experienced WRIs due to axSpA, being associated to worse disease outcomes and poorer psychological health. However, those who were unemployed faced a harsher situation reporting even poorer disease-related and psychological health outcomes. As psychological health appears impaired severely in axSpA patients regardless of their employment status it should be key for a holistic approach to patient care. Acknowledgements: This study was supported by Novartis Spain. The authors would like to thanks all patients who participated in the Atlas study. Disclosure of Interests: Marco Garrido-Cumbrera: None declared, Eduardo Collantes-Estévez Grant/research support from: Abbvie, BMS, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, and UCB, Victoria Navarro-Compán Grant/research support from: Abbvie, BMS, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, and UCB., Pedro Zarco Montejo: None declared, Carlos Sastré Employee of: Novartis Farmacéutica Spain, Sergio Sanz-Gómez: None declared, José Correa-Fernández: None declared, Jordi Gratacos-Masmitja Grant/research support from: Abbvie, BMS, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, and UCB.

Analizar y comparar los cambios en la recogida de variables clínicas tras la implementación en la práctica diaria de un checklist de evaluación para pacientes con espondiloartritis axial (EspAax) y artritis psoriásica (APs). Se realizó un estudio observacional. Mediante revisión de historias médicas, se recogieron el número y el tipo de variables del checklist de evaluación que figuraban en las mismas. La primera revisión se realizó antes de la implementación del checklist, y la segunda, 6 meses después de la implementación (pacientes diferentes) para poder comparar los cambios producidos con la misma. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo y bivariado. Participaron 6 hospitales y 11 reumatólogos. Se revisaron un total de 83 y 68 historias médicas pre- y post-implementación del checklist. Tras la implementación, en la EspAax aumentó significativamente el registro en la historia clínica del consumo de alcohol, diarrea o enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (EII) y la uretritis, diabetes mellitus, hiperlipidemia, depresión, obesidad o la gota/hiperuricemia, peso, talla, presión arterial, VGM, VGP, BASDAI y DAS28. Y en la APs el consumo de alcohol, HTA, diabetes mellitus, hiperlipidemia, enfermedad, gota/hiperuricemia, expansión torácica, rotación cervical, peso, talla, presión arterial, VGM, VGP, ASDAS, BASDAI y BASFI. Tanto pre- como post-implantación en general existe una tendencia a un mayor porcentaje de recogida de variables en pacientes con EspAax que en pacientes con APs. La implementación de un checklist específico en la práctica diaria mejora la evaluación de los pacientes con EspAax y APs. Se debe seguir trabajando en la mejoría de la evaluación de los pacientes con EspA, pero especialmente en la APs. To analyse and compare changes in the collection of clinical variables after the implementation in daily practice of an evaluation checklist for patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). An observational study was performed based on medical records review. The number and type of variables of the evaluation checklist in the medical records were collected. The first review was made before the implementation of the checklist, and the second one 6 months after the implementation (in different patients). A descriptive and bivariate analysis was carried out. Six hospitals and 11 rheumatologists participated. A total of 83 and 68 medical records were reviewed before and after the implementation of the checklist. After the implementation, in the axSpA patients, a significant increase was recorded in alcohol consumption, diarrhoea or IBD and urethritis, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidaemia, depression, obesity or gout/hyperuricaemia, weight, height, blood pressure, patient and physician global assessments of disease activity, BASDAI and DAS28. And, in the PsA patients, alcohol consumption, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidaemia, disease, gout/hyperuricaemia, thoracic expansion, cervical rotation, weight, height, blood pressure, patient and physician global assessments of disease, ASDAS, BASDAI, and BASFI were recorded. In general, there was a trend towards greater recording in axSpA compared with PsA. The implementation of a specific checklist in daily practice improves the evaluation of patients with axSpA and PsA. More efforts are necessary to continue improving the evaluation of patients with axSpA, but especially of those with PsA.

Objective: To analyse and compare changes in the collection of clinical variables after the implementation in daily practice of an evaluation checklist for patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Methods: An observational study was performed based on medical records review. The number and type of variables of the evaluation checklist in the medical records were collected. The first review was made before the implementation of the checklist, and the second one 6 months after the implementation (indifferent patients). A descriptive and bivariate analysis was carried out. Results: Six hospitals and 11 rheumatologists participated. A total of 83 and 68 medical records were reviewed before and after the implementation of the checklist. After the implementation, in the axSpA patients, a significant increase was recorded in alcohol consumption, diarrhoea or IBD and urethritis, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidaemia, depression, obesity or gout/hyperuricaemia, weight, height, blood pressure, patient and physician global assessments of disease activity, BASDAI and DAS28. And, in the PsA patients, alcohol consumption, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidaemia, disease, gout/hyperuricaemia, thoracic expansion, cervical rotation, weight, height, blood pressure, patient and physician global assessments of disease, ASDAS, BASDAI, and BASFI were recorded. In general, there was a trend towards greater recording in axSpA compared with PsA. Conclusions: The implementation of a specific checklist in daily practice improves the evaluation of patients with axSpA and PsA. More efforts are necessary to continue improving the evaluation of patients with axSpA, but especially of those with PsA. (C) 2020 Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. and Sociedad Espanola de Reumatologia y Colegio Mexicano de Reumatologia. All rights reserved.

Objective. To develop an alternative Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) to be used in research settings in axial SpA (axSpA) when Patient Global Assessment (PGA) is unavailable in databases.Methods. Longitudinal data from four axSpA cohorts and two randomized controlled trials were combined. Observations were randomly split in a development (N = 1026) and a validation cohort (N = 1059) . Substitutes of PGA by BASDAI total score, single or combined individual BASDAI questions, and a constant value, were established in the development cohort. Conversion factors for each substitute were defined by Generalized Estimating Equations, obtaining seven 'alternative' formulae. Validation was performed in the validation cohort according to the OMERACT filter, taking into consideration: (i) truth (agreement with original-ASDAS in the continuous score, by intraclass correlation coefficient and in disease activity states, by weighted kappa); (ii) discrimination [standardized mean difference of ASDAS scores between high/low disease activity states defined by external anchors, e.g. Patient Acceptable Symptom State; agreement (kappa) in the percentage of patients reaching ASDAS improvement criteria according to alternative vs original formulae]; and (iii) feasibility.Results. Comparing various options, alternative-ASDAS using BASDAI total as PGA replacement proved to be: truthful (intraclass correlation coefficient =0.98, kappa =0.90), discriminative [ASDAS scores between Patient Acceptable Symptom State no/yes: standardized mean difference =1.37 (original-ASDAS standardized mean difference =1.43); agreement with original-ASDAS in major improvement/clinically important improvement criteria: kappa =0.93/0.88] and feasible (BASDAI total often available, as questions required for the ASDAS; conversion coefficient approximate to 1).Conclusion. Alternative-ASDAS using BASDAI total score as PGA replacement is the most truthful, discriminative and feasible instrument.

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate COVID-19 infection incidence rate with severe affectation (requiring hospitalization) in patients with biological treatment due to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), spondyloarthritis (SpA), psoriasis (Ps), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and compare it with incidence rate in the general population.MethodsRetrospective observational study based on information provided by two administrative databases. One of these two databases contains information on all patients seen in our hospital and diagnosed with COVID-19 infection between March 4th 2020 and April 26th 2020. The other database contains data from patients seen at Rheumatology, Dermatology and Digestive Departments in our hospital who are currently receiving biological therapy. We calculated the crude and age and sex adjusted incidence in both groups. To compare both groups we calculated the Incidence Rate Ratio.ResultsThere was a total of 2,182 patients with COVID-19 requiring hospitalization. Four patients out of a total of 797 patients receiving biological therapy had contracted COVID-19 and required hospital care. Crude incidence rate of COVID-19 requiring hospital care among the general population was 1.41%, and it was 0.50% among the group receiving biological therapy. Rates adjusted by age and sex in the biological group was 0.45% (CI95% 0.11-4.13). The IRR of the group receiving biological therapy compared to the general population was 0.39 (CI95% 0.14-1, p=0.049).ConclusionFindings suggest that prior use of biological therapy does not associate with severe manifestations of COVID-19, and it is likely to have a protective effect against them when compared to the general population.Key MessagesWhat is already known about this subject?Covid-19 susceptibility in patients with immune-mediated disorders and receiving treatment with biological therapy is unknown.What does this study add?Severe manifestation incidence rate in patients with immune-mediated disorders receiving biological therapy treatment is not increased when compared to the general population.Biological therapies might protect patients from presenting severe COVID-19 manifestations.How might this impact on clinical practice?These data could be used for current recommendations regarding management of patients receiving biological therapies.Mini AbstractThe objective of this study is to analyze the incidence rate of severe COVID-19 requiring hospital care for patients receiving biological therapy and to compare it to the general population. Patients treated with biological therapy have crude and adjusted incidence rates under those of the general population.Statement of Human and Animal RightsThis article does not contain any studies involving human participants or animals that were performed by the authors. For this type of study, formal consent was therefore not required.

ObjetivoAnalizar el impacto en la práctica diaria tras una formación multidisciplinar en resonancia magnética (RM) en espondiloartritis (EspA) axial.MétodosTras 2 años de talleres formativos para radiólogos y reumatólogos, se diseñó una encuesta para evaluar los cambios en: comunicación y colaboración entre servicios; interés y actualización de radiólogos en EspA axial y formación en RM entre los reumatólogos; número de RM realizadas; disposición de protocolos sobre requerimientos técnicos para el estudio por RM en EspA axial e informes estandarizados; evaluación y manejo de la EspA axial, y áreas de mejora.ResultadosTras la realización de 50 talleres, contestaron la encuesta 96 reumatólogos y 51 radiólogos.ConclusionesLa formación multidisciplinar en RM en EspA axial entre radiólogos y reumatólogos parece influir positivamente en el trabajo conjunto, manejo y evaluación de los pacientes con EspA axial.