Double positivity for rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP autoantibodies: improving referral from primary care of patients suspected of having rheumatoid arthritis.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic progressive autoimmune inflammatory disease with significant morbidity and mortality. The course of the disease can be modified if diagnosis is early and treatment appropriate.

Aim: In this study, we aimed to evaluate a new strategy for early identification of RA patients in primary care settings (the 'diagnostic bottleneck') based on serological biomarkers and to manage inappropriate rheumatoid factor (RF) laboratory test requests.

Tocilizumab in refractory Caucasian Takayasu's arteritis: a multicenter study of 54 patients and literature review.

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of tocilizumab (TCZ) in Caucasian patients with refractory Takayasu's arteritis (TAK) in clinical practice.

Methods: A multicenter study of Caucasian patients with refractory TAK who received TCZ. The outcome variables were remission, glucocorticoid-sparing effect, improvement in imaging techniques, and adverse events.

Tocilizumab in patients with Takayasu arteritis: a retrospective study and literature review.

Objectives: To assess the efficacy of tocilizumab (TCZ) in patients with Takayasu arteritis (TA).

Methods: Multicentre open-label retrospective study.

Results: Eight patients (all women) with a mean age of 34±16 years, median 36 years (range: 7-57) were assessed.

Tocilizumab in refractory aortitis: study on 16 patients and literature review.

Objectives: Non-infectious aortitis is often refractory to standard immunosuppressive therapy. Since IL-6 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of aortitis, we assessed the efficacy of the anti-IL6 receptor monoconal antibody tocilizumab (TCZ) in a series of patients with refractory non-infectious aortitis.

Methods: Review of 16 patients (14 women/2 men) with refractory aortitis diagnosed by imaging (CT angiography, MR angiography, and/or PET) that were treated with TCZ.

Strategy to improve the request of uric acid in primary care: preliminary results and evaluation through process and outcome appropriateness indicators.

Introduction: Alerted by the high rates of request of serum uric acid (UA) in primary care patients, we aimed to design a strategy to improve such an indicator, and to monitor such an intervention through process and outcome appropriateness indicators.

Methods: To design the strategy, several meetings were held between the Laboratory, Rheumatology and Primary Care. The intervention consisted of discharging UA from two laboratory profiles ("Health Check" and "Rheumatology"), making it only possible to request the test in an individualized manner.