Unveiling spatial clusters of systemic sclerosis mortality in Spain: A comprehensive geographical analysis.

Objectives: This study examined the spatial patterns of systemic sclerosis mortality in Spain from 2003 to 2022, identifying provincial-level clusters and sex-specific differences to explore potential underlying factors.

Methods: Mortality and population data (2003-2022) were sourced from the National Institute of Statistics. Age-standardized mortality rates were calculated, and spatial patterns were analyzed using standardized mortality ratios and smoothed relative risks via the Besag, York, and Mollié model, with statistical inference performed using the Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation (INLA) technique.

Relationship between nailfold videocapillaroscopic findings and cardiovascular risk factors.

Background: Nailfold Videocapillaroscopy (NVC) is a valuable tool in the differential diagnosis of Raynaud's phenomenon (RP), present in certain Rheumatic diseases (RD). Knowing that many people have cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF), the main objective was to demonstrate that CVRF and carotid plaques produce NVC alterations.

Methods: Cross-sectional unicentric study carried out from 2020 to 2023.

Ultrasonography in rheumatology: time to learn from patient views.

Objective: The objective of this observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, multicentre study was to assess the perceived quality and grade of satisfaction expressed by patients with chronic arthropathies regarding the use of musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasonography by rheumatologists as an integrated clinical care tool.

Methods: All Spanish rheumatology departments with MSK ultrasonography incorporated in their healthcare services were invited to participate in the study. A Spanish-language survey was offered to fill out anonymously to all consecutive patients with chronic arthropathies under follow-up in the rheumatology outpatient clinics who attended their centre for a period of 3 months.

Schnitzler syndrome refractory to anakinra: successful treatment with canakinumab.

Schnitzler syndrome (SchS) is a rare autoimmune and inflammatory disease mediated by interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β). Recurrent monoclonal gammopathy and chronic urticarial rash are the symptoms required for diagnosis according to the Strasbourg criteria. The low prevalence of this syndrome (around 300 cases have been reported) and confusion with other inflammatory disorders may delay the diagnosis for up to 5 years.

Determination of serum free light chains as a marker of systemic lupus flare.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to explore the usefulness of the determination of free light chains (FLC) in serum as a biomarker of flare in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to analyze the differences in their discriminatory capacity with complement C3 and C4.

Methods: This was a prospective cohort study. The definition of flare was based on the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) Flare Index.

Ultrasound imaging in juvenile idiopathic arthritis for the rheumatologist.

The present review provides an update of the currently available data and discusses research issues of US imaging in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). This review also includes a brief description of the normal sonoanatomy of healthy joints in children in order to avoid misinterpretation. Musculoskeletal ultrasound (US) is a quick, inexpensive, bedside method for evaluating children with no need for anaesthesiological support.

Role of ultrasound in the assessment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

US has demonstrated higher sensitivity in detecting synovitis, tenosynovitis and enthesitis than clinical examination in JIA. US has also allowed earlier assessment of cartilage and bone abnormalities than conventional radiology. Although it seems that US detects a high frequency of subclinical synovitis in JIA patients with clinically inactive disease, further studies are needed to clarify those findings.