Medical Versus Surgical Approach to Initial Treatment in Septic Arthritis: A Single Spanish Center's 8-Year Experience.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the functional results of 2 different procedure types, medical or surgical used in treating native joint septic arthritis.

Methods: In this cohort study, we reviewed the clinical registries of patients admitted to a single third-level hospital with the diagnosis of septic arthritis during the period of January 1, 2008, to January 31, 2016.

Results: A total of 63 cases of septic arthritis were identified in which the initial approach for 49 patients was medical (arthrocentesis), whereas the initial approach for 14 patients was surgical (arthroscopy or arthrotomy).

Improvement in Diagnosis and Treat-to-Target Management of Hyperuricemia in Gout: Results from the GEMA-2 Transversal Study on Practice.

Introduction: The objective of the study was to evaluate changes regarding main European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations on diagnosis and treatment of gout compared to a previous assessment.

Methods: The GEMA-2 (Gout Evaluation and MAnagement) is a transversal assessment of practice for gout by rheumatologists. Main outcome variables were improvement of the previous GEMA assessment regarding the rate of crystal-proven diagnosis and that reaching therapeutic serum urate target below 6 mg/dl at last visit.

Recommendations for the Use of Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance in Patients With Spondyloarthritis, Including Psoriatic Arthritis, and Patients With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.

Objective: To develop evidence-based recommendations on the use of ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging in patients with spondyloarthritis, including psoriatic arthritis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Methods: Recommendations were generated following a nominal group technique. A panel of experts (15 rheumatologists and 3 radiologists) was established in the first panel meeting to define the scope and purpose of the consensus document, as well as chapters, potential recommendations and systematic literature reviews (we used and updated those from previous EULAR documents).

Recommendations for the use of ultrasound and magnetic resonance in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective: To develop evidence-based recommendations on the use of ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: Recommendations were generated following a nominal group technique. A panel of experts, consisting of 15 rheumatologists and 3 radiologists, was established in the first panel meeting to define the scope and purpose of the consensus document, as well as chapters, potential recommendations and systematic literature reviews (we used and updated those from previous EULAR documents).

Sialodochitis fibrinosa (kussmaul disease) report of 3 cases and literature review.

Background: Sialodochitis fibrinosa is a rare disease which is characterized by recurring episodes of pain and swelling of the salivary glands due to the formation of mucofibrinous plugs. Analytic studies ascertain elevated levels of eosinophils and immunoglobulin E (IgE). Imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and sialography reveal dilation of the main salivary duct (duct ectasia).

Longitudinal practice patterns of prophylaxis of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica.

The aim of this study was to analyze the longitudinal practice patterns of prophylaxis of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). Patients diagnosed with PMR were collected retrospectively in two rheumatology departments. In addition to demographic and diagnostic criteria, the chart review included the following information at baseline and at follow-up: doses of prednisone, prescription of calcium, vitamin D and bisphosphonates, bone mass measurement (BMD) and fragility fractures.

Ultrasound-detected musculoskeletal urate crystal deposition: which joints and what findings should be assessed for diagnosing gout?

Objective: The primary objective of this prospective case-control study was to assess the diagnostic value of several intra-articular and periarticular ultrasound (US)-detected abnormalities in the upper and lower limbs in gout. The secondary objective was to test the concurrent validity of US abnormalities using as gold standard the microscopic demonstration of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals.

Methods: Ninety-one men with gout and 42 age-matched controls were prospectively recruited.

[Diagnostic accuracy of physical examination of the knee in rheumatoid arthritis: clinical and ultrasonographic study of joint effusion and BakerÕs cyst].

Introduction: In patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), knee pain can be inflammatory, mechanical or extraarticular. The physical examination (PE) doesn't always detect the presence of knee joint effusion or Baker's cyst (BC) in the knees of these patients.

Objective: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of PE in the diagnosis of effusion and BC in patients with RA evaluated with musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS), using this technique as the gold standard for comparison.

[Antimalarials: an update in rheumatic diseases].

Antimalarials are long-standing drugs that have been used since the nineteenth century for the treatment of skin rashes and lesions in lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. In recent decades, their use in these disorders has been consolidated, and new mechanisms of action have been incorporated, broadening the therapeutic perspectives of these drugs. Antimalarials are the treatment of choice in mild and moderate manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus and are established as part of combined therapy in rheumatoid arthritis.