Clinical utility of the ASDAS index in comparison with BASDAI in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (Axis Study).

The objective of the study was to study the clinical utility of the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) for the assessment of disease activity in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients, compared to the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Activity Index (BASDAI). This was a prospective longitudinal observational study in patients with AS (NY-modified criteria) from 23 Spanish centers. Physical and analytical data; global, lumbar, and nocturnal pain; ASDAS, BASDAI and minimally acceptable clinical status (PASS) were collected.

Quality of care standards for nursing clinics in rheumatology.

Background: Nursing clinics in rheumatology (NCR) are organizational models in the field of nursing care. There are various NCR models, but there is no consensus on its operational definition. Our objective is to develop quality standards to define and characterize a NCR.

[2011 Up-date of the consensus statement of the Spanish Society of Rheumatology on osteoporosis].

Objective: Due to increasing improvement in the diagnosis, evaluation and management of osteoporosis and the development of new tools and drugs, the Spanish Society of Rheumatology (SER) has promoted the development of recommendations based on the best evidence available. These recommendations should be a reference to rheumatologists and other health professionals involved in the treatment of patients with osteoporosis.

Methods: Recommendations were developed following a nominal group methodology and based on a systematic review.

[Opioid use in osteoarthritis: From guidelines to clinical care].

Three treatment guidelines for the treatment of knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA) which pick up the aspects of treatment supported by evidence have been published. Opioid drugs have an important role in symptomatic treatment. The guidelines, the effectiveness, and the safety of opioid analgesics in osteoarthritis, as well as its implications in clinical practice are reviewed.

[Infections in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Undergoing Anti-TNFα Drug Therapy].

Infections are more frequent in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The capacity of the anti-TNF drugs (infliximab, etanercept, and adalimumab) to increase the risk of infections has been a motive of discussion during the past years. Only in two of the trials that have allowed the marketing of the infliximab and adalimumab more serious infections were observed.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha drugs in rheumatoid arthritis: systematic review and metaanalysis of efficacy and safety.

Background: To analyse available evidence on the efficacy and safety of anti-TNFalpha drugs (infliximab, etanercept and adalimumab) for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: We searched systematically for randomised controlled clinical trials on treatment of RA with anti-TNFalpha drugs, followed by a systematic review with metaanalysis. Trials were searched from MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases.

[Asistance quality standards in rheumatology].

Objective: To developed standards for quality of care and processing times in rheumatology.

Materials And Methods: After a systematic review of the literature, a working group of 10 rheumatologists and 2 methodologists selected 164 indicators of quality of care and processing times. A panel of 65 experts rated the indicators following a Delphi methodology.

[A Case of Cutaneous Tuberculosis is Simulating Paraneoplastic Vasculitis].

We present the case of a patient with type T non-Hodgkin lymphoma, in clinical remission after treatment with chemo and radiotherapy, who was hospitalized due to hemorrhagic and necrotic skin lesions on his right hand and a clinical suspicion of paraneoplasic vasculitis. Nonetheless, study of the patient and complementary testing led to the diagnosis of disseminated tuberculosis with skin and lung involvement (cutaneous milliary tuberculosis). Anti-tuberculosis treatment was initiated with a satisfactory resolution of symptoms and signs.