Application of Clinical Nursing Pathway in the Peri-Treatment Period of Immunoadsorption Therapy for Rheumatic Immune Diseases

Objective: The paper aims to investigate the clinical nursing pathway (CNP) in the application of immunosorption therapy in patients with rheumatic immune disease. Methods: Convenience sampling method was used to select inpatients who received immunoadsorption therapy from January 2020 to December 2022 in the rheumatology and Immunology department of a 3A hospital in Jingzhou City. 30 patients from January 2020 to June 2021 were selected as control group, and 30 patients from July 2021 to December 2022 were selected as observation group. The control group was given routine nursing. On the basis of the control group, the observation group used a clinical nursing pathway for intervention during the perioperative period of immunosorbent therapy. The incidence of adverse reactions, patient satisfaction, and nurse satisfaction during immunosorbent therapy between the control group and the observation group were compared. Results: After intervention, the incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group, while patient satisfaction and nurse satisfaction in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group. The results are all statistically significant (P Conclusion: Clinical nursing pathway is beneficial to reduce the incidence of adverse reactions in patients with immunoadsorption during peri-treatment and improve the satisfaction of patients and nurses.

Autoimmune liver diseases in systemic rheumatic diseases

Systemic rheumatic diseases(SRDs)are chronic,inflammatory,autoimmune disorders with the presence of autoantibodies that may affect any organ or system.Liver dysfunction in SRDs can be associated with prescribed drugs,viral hepatitis,alternative hepatic comorbidities and coexisting autoimmune liver diseases(AILDs),requiring an exclusion of secondary conditions before considering liver involvement.The patterns of overlap diseases depend predominantly on genetic determinants with common susceptible loci widely distributing in both disorders.In AILDs,it is important to identify the overlapping SRDs at an early stage since such a coexistence may influence the disease course and prognosis.Commonly co-occurring SRDs in AILDs are Sjögren syndrome(SS),rheumatoid arthritis(RA)or systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE)in autoimmune hepatitis(AIH),and SS,RA or systemic sclerosis in primary biliary cholangitis.Owing to different disease complications and therapies,it is imperative to differentiate between SLE liver involvement and SLE-AIH overlap disease.Therapeutic options can be personalized to control coexisting conditions of liver autoimmunity and rheumatic manifestations in AILD-SRD overlap diseases.The collaboration between hepatologists and rheumatologists can lead to significant advances in managing such a complex scenario.In this review,we provide a comprehensive overview on coexisting AILDs in different SRDs and the therapeutic approach in managing these overlap diseases.

Chinese family care patterns of childhood rheumatic diseases:A cluster analysis

Objectives:The purpose is to distinguish family care(FC)patterns of childhood rheumatic diseases in Chinese families and to determine the predictors of FC patterns.Methods:This secondary analysis contained two cross-section surveys with a convenient sample of totally 398 caregivers who have a child with rheumatic diseases from four pediatric hospitals.Caregivers were required to completed Family Management Measure questionnaire.Cluster analysis was used to distinguish patterns and multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to find predictors.Results:Four patterns were identified:the normal-perspective and collaborative(28.4%),the effortless and contradictory(24.6%),the chaotic and strenuous(18.3%),and the confident and concerning(28.7%).Disease category(x2=21.23,P=0.002),geographic location(x2=8.41,P=0,038),maternal educational level(x2=12.69,P=0.048)and family monthly income(x2=33.21,P<0.001)predicted different patterns.Conclusions:FC patterns were different among families.Disease-related and family-related factors were vital predictors to distinguish patterns consistent with the Family Management Style Framework.The result assisted that clinicians recognize FC patterns and predictors effectively to provide tailored advice in time.

Laboratory evaluation in rheumatic diseases

Autoantibodies can help clinicians to allow early detection of autoimmune diseases and their clinical manifestations, to determine effective monitoring of prognosis and the treatment response. From this point, they have a high impact in rheumatic disease management. When usedcarefully they allow rapid diagnosis and appropriate treatment. However, as they may be present in healthy population they may cause confusion for interpreting the situation. False positive test results may lead to wrong treatment and unnecessary anxiety for patients. Autoantibody positivity alone does not make a diagnosis. Similarly, the absence of autoantibodies alone does not exclude diagnosis. The success of the test is closely related to sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratios. So, interpretation of these is very important for a proper laboratory evaluation. In conclusion, in spite of the remarkable advances in science and technology, a deeply investigated anamnesis and comprehensive physical examination still continue to be the best diagnostic method. The most correct approach is that clinicians apply laboratory tests to confirm or exclude preliminary diagnosis based on anamnesis and physical examination. This review will discuss these issues.

Osteoporosis in rheumatic diseases

Rheumatic diseases, characterized by chronic inflammation and damage to various organs and systems, include systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and other connective tissue diseases. Bone is a target in many inflammatory rheumatic diseases. In recent years, the survival of patients with rheumatic diseases has increased markedly and the relationship between rheumatic diseases and osteoporosis(OP) has become more prominent. OP and related fragility fractures increase the morbidity and mortality of rheumatic disease. The cause of OP in rheumatic diseases is complex. The pathogenesis of OP in rheumatic diseases is multifactorial, including disease and treatment-related factors. Osteoimmunology, a crosstalk between inflammatory and bone cells, provides some insight into the pathogenesis of bone loss in systematic inflammatory diseases. The aim of this article is to review different risk factors in rheumatic diseases. Several factors play a role, such as chronic inflammation, immunological factors, traditional factors, metabolism and drug factors. Chronic inflammation is the most important risk factor and drug treatment is complex in patients with OP and rheumatic disease. Attention should be paid to bone loss in rheumatic disease. Optimal treatment of the underlying rheumatic disease is the first step towards prevention of OP and fractures. Apart from that, a healthy lifestyle is important as well as calcium and vitamin D supplementation. Bisphosphonates or denosumab might be necessary for patients with a low T score.

Effects of exercise on physical limitations and fatigue in rheumatic diseases

Physical activity covers not just sports but also simple everyday movements such as housework,walking and playing.Regular exercise has a great importance in maintaining good health,indeed inactivity is a risk factor for different chronic diseases.Physical exercise can play a crucial role in the treatment of rheumatic diseases,optimizing both physical and mental health,enhancing energy,decreasing fatigue and improving sleep.An exercise program for patients with rheumatic diseases aims to preserve or restore a range of motion of the affected joints,to increase muscle strength and endurance,and to improve mood and decrease health risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle.In this editorial I describe the benefits of the exercise on physical limitations and fatigue in rheumatic diseases that seem to have a short and long-term effectiveness.A literature review was conducted on Pub Med,Scopus and Google Scholar using appropriate keywords based on the present editorial.

Burden of atrial fibrillation in patients with rheumatic diseases

BACKGROUND Studies have suggested that atrial fibrillation(AF)in patients with rheumatic diseases(RD)may be due to inflammation.determine morbidity and mortality associated with AF in hospitalized patients with RD.METHODS The National inpatient sample database from October 2015 to December 2017 was analyzed to identify hospitalized patients with RD with and without AF.A subgroup analysis was performed comparing outcomes of AF among different RD.RESULTS The prevalence of AF was 23.9%among all patients with RD(n=3949203).Among the RD subgroup,the prevalence of AF was highest in polymyalgia rheumatica(33.2%),gout(30.2%),and pseudogout(27.1%).After adjusting for comorbidities,the odds of having AF were increased with gout(1.25),vasculitis(1.19),polymyalgia rheumatica(1.15),dermatopolymyositis(1.14),psoriatic arthropathy(1.12),lupus(1.09),rheumatoid arthritis(1.05)and pseudogout(1.04).In contrast,enteropathic arthropathy(0.44),scleroderma(0.96),ankylosing spondylitis(0.96),and Sjorgen’s syndrome(0.94)had a decreased association of AF.The mortality,length of stay,and hospitalization costs were higher in patients with RD having AF vs without AF.Among the RD subgroup,the highest mortality was found with scleroderma(4.8%),followed by vasculitis(4%)and dermatopolymyositis(3.5%).CONCLUSION A highest association of AF was found with gout followed by vasculitis,and polymyalgia rheumatica when compared to other RD.Mortality was two-fold higher in patients with RD with AF.

Traditional and Non-Traditional Risk Factors Involved with Endothelial Dysfunction and Arterial Stiffness in Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases

Autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) have been closely associated with accelerated plaque progression and the development of atherosclerosis, which lead to high morbidity and mortality rates for cardiovascular diseases. Endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness are greatly evidenced in several studies in the early phase of atherosclerosis. In ARDs, endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness are related to traditional and non-traditional risk factors. To date, no studies have clearly analyzed the main parameter involved in endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness. In this context, the present narrative review’s purpose was to describe the main factor in endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness in different ARDs. Endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness are related to traditional risk factors (i.e., hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, sedentary behavior) and non-traditional risk factors (linked to the immune mechanisms involved in these diseases). Moreover, in the present study, these associations were systemically analyzed in ankylosing spondylitis, antiphospholipid syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, systemic autoimmune myopathies, systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis. The present review shows that the relationship of traditional risk factors and non-traditional risk factors related to ARDs works in the worsening of function and structural properties of arterial vessels, leading to high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Cardiovascular Disease Risk Associated to Chronic Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases in Patients Seen in Rheumatology Unit in Yaounde, Cameroon

Introduction: Even though there is a huge burden of both chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases (CIRD) and cardiovascular diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa, no published study from this region has yet addressed the issue of cardiovascular diseases in a group including different CIRD to the best of our knowledge. Objective: We conducted this research with the aim to explore the association between CIRD and cardiovascular risk in a Cameroonian population based on the World Health Organization (WHO) and International Society for Hypertension (ISH) risk charts. Methods: This cross-sectional study included CIRD patients, followed at the rheumatology unit of the Yaounde Central Hospital, and, who were matched to non-CIRD subjects for sex, age and race. Cardiovascular risk factors were studied and subsequently the cardiovascular risk was estimated using the WHO/ISH risk charts. Analyses were performed in Epi-info and SPSS software and results were considered statistically significant for a p-value less than 0.05. Results: In total, 109 CIRD patients and 111 non-CIRD subjects were included. Their respective mean ages were 44.4 ± 15.2 years and 44.2 ± 15.1 years. Odds ratio 2.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.07 - 4.08);high BMI OR 1.89, 95% CI (1.1 - 3.24);diabetes mellitus (p = 0.03) and physical inactivity (p < 0.001) were all markedly found in CIRD patients compared with controls. Ten (9.2%) CIRD patients had a past history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular events compared with no control (p < 0.001). The cardiovascular risk estimated with the WHO/ISH risk charts was low in 43 (79.6%) patients with CIRD versus 52 (88.1%) non-CIRD subjects. Conclusions: CIRD were associated with hypertension, excess overall adiposity, diabetes mellitus, and physical inactivity. A substantially increased proportion of CIRD patients with a past history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular events were noted. But the WHO/ISH risk charts broadly found a similar and globally decremented cardiovascular risk in both study groups, highlighting the need to pursue research for definite conclusions on their reliability.

Chronic Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases in Rheumatological Practice in Lomé(Togo)

Chronic inflammatory rheumatism is a pathology of variable frequency and severity with a significant impact on the socio-economic, personal and family level. Study Aim: To describe the epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, radiological, therapeutic and evolutive features of chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases in rheumatological practice in Togo. Patients and Methods: This was a multicenter cross-sectional study conducted from January 2011 to December 2019 on patients examined in the three rheumatology departments in Lomé (Togo). Patients 18 years old and above who have presented joint pain with or without synovitis, and/or rachialgia (back pain) for at least three months were included. The diagnosis of chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases was made according to international consensus criteria. Results: Out of the 20333 patients whose files were collected during our study period, 290 (1.43%) suffered from chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases. There were 226 (77.93%) females and 64 (22.07%) males. The mean age of the patients was 42.79 ± 15.18 years. The mean duration of symptoms was 40.80 ± 54.09 months. Arthritis (67.24%) was the main reason for consultation, followed by joint pain (31.38%). rheumatoid arthritis (41.03%), unclassified chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases (38.62%), spondyloarthropathies (15.17%) and systemic lupus erythematosus (2.41%) were the major clinical forms. The immunological tests performed in 13.79% of cases were positive in 52.94% of cases. Carpitis (57.55%) and diffuse osteoporosis (45.28%) were the commonest radiographic features of the hands. 289 patients (99.66%) received symptomatic treatments such as NSAIDs (73.36%) and corticosteroids (51.90%) and 90 patients (31.03%) were treated with synthetic DMARDs such as methotrexate (88.89%). The outcome was favorable in 27.93% of cases. Conclusion: Chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases are common diseases in rheumatological practice in Togo that deserve special attention. The establishment of a specialized immunology laboratory could be very useful for the diagnosis and early management of these diseases.

A Local Clinical Audit on Osteoporosis Prevention and Management in Sudanese Patients Treated with Long Term Oral Glucocorticoids for Rheumatic Diseases in a Military Tertiary Hospital in West Khartoum

Background: Glucocorticoids (GC) are considered a mainstay as well as symptomatic and disease-modifying therapy for rheumatic diseases. They are generally used to quickly dampen inflammation, reduce duration of disease flares and as a maintenance therapy. Conventionally, oral GC are to be prescribed for short periods when possible;mainly, because of their side effects when used for long periods. One of the most important drawbacks of prolonged GC therapy is the risk of bone loss (osteoporosis (OP)) and osteoporotic fragility fracture (OFF). Objective: The aim of this audit was to assess counselling, prevention and management of OP in patients with rheumatic conditions who are or were receiving high doses of oral GC for three months or more against standard international guidelines. Method: The audit was carried out in March/April 2018 for a period of four weeks in a busy rheumatology service in Khartoum, Sudan. A Performa was used to collect data manually from eligible patients and their outpatient medical cards retrospectively. Then, data were audited against standard guidelines. Result: Overall, the selected Centre failed to meet the audit standard of 50% of eligible patients being appropriately managed for OP/OFF according to NICE and ACR guidelines. Conclusion: Huge areas of deficiency in the practice were identified. Acknowledging socioeconomic difficulties in the area of study, simple measures, such as carrying out a fracture risk assessment, optimizing calcium and vitamin D supplements with life style modification and patient education, would have a great impact on patients treated with steroids for rheumatic diseases.

Application of sinomenine in rheumatic diseases

青藤碱广泛应用于多种风湿性疾病,过敏反应,消化道,血液,循环系统和神经系统等不良反应越来越受到重视.本文综述了青藤碱在类风湿性疾病中的应用及其副作用,为青藤碱制剂的安全有效应用提供参考.

Rheumatic valvular heart disease treated with traditional Chinese medicine:A case report

BACKGROUND Rheumatic heart disease(RHD)is an autoimmune disease that leads to irreversible valve damage and heart failure.Surgery is an effective treatment;however,it is invasive and carries risks,restricting its broad application.Therefore,it is essential to find alternative nonsurgical treatments for RHD.CASE SUMMARY A 57-year-old woman was assessed with cardiac color Doppler ultrasound,left heart function tests,and tissue Doppler imaging evaluation at Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University.The results showed mild mitral valve stenosis with mild to moderate mitral and aortic regurgitation,confirming a diagnosis of rheumatic valve disease.After her symptoms became severe,with frequent ventricular tachycardia and supraventricular tachycardia>200 beats per minute,her physicians recommended surgery.During a 10-day preoperative waiting period,the patient asked to be treated with traditional Chinese medicine.After 1 week of this treatment,her symptoms improved significantly,including resolution of the ventricular tachycardia,and the surgery was postponed pending further follow-up.At 3-month follow-up,color Doppler ultrasound showed mild mitral valve stenosis with mild mitral and aortic regurgitation.Therefore,it was determined that no surgical treatment was required.CONCLUSION Traditional Chinese medicine treatment effectively relieves symptoms of RHD,particularly mitral valve stenosis and mitral and aortic regurgitation.

Epidemiological and Clinical Aspects of Hospitalized Patients with Chronic Rheumatic Disease at Cocody University Hospital in Abidjan

Objective: To study the epidemiological and diagnostic features of chronic rheumatic disease (CRD) in a black population in sub-Saharan Africa. Patients and Methods: Retrospective descriptive study over eight years (January 2005 to December 2012) of patients seen for CRD in rheumatology hospitalization at the CHU de Cocody in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Results: Of 3147 hospitalized patients, 92 had CRD, a frequency of 2.9%. The mean age of patients was 43.50 ± 15.6 years (extremes: 10 to 79 years). The sex ratio was 0.08 (7 men and 85 women). The socio-economic level was low in 44 patients (47.8%), medium in 44 patients (47.8%), and high in 4 patients (4.4%). The reasons for consultation were polyarthritis (64.1%), polyarthralgia (30.4%), and oligoarthritis (5.4%). The mean duration of symptomatology was 19 months (range: 3 to 20 years). The mean length of hospital stay was 14.2 ± 7.7 days (range: 2 to 36 days). The CRD observed were: rheumatoid arthritis (59.8%), systemic lupus erythematosus (23.9%), mixed connective tissue disease (6.5%), undifferentiated connective tissue disease (3.3%), polymyositis (3.3%), systemic scleroderma (2.2%), and systemic vasculitis (1%). Conclusion: CRD is not uncommon in rheumatology hospitals in Abidjan. Diagnostic delays are long, and rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus are the most frequently encountered conditions.

Rheumatic Heart Disease in Children: Epidemiological Aspects. Diagnostic and Evolutive at the Dakar Chu

Rheumatic heart disease is the ultimate consequence of acute articular rheumatism. It remains a public health problem in developing countries. It is a pathology found in all countries of the world, with a clear predominance in developing countries. In Senegal, the hospital prevalence of rheumatic heart disease is 30.5%. Its seriousness lies in the risk of valvular sequel responsible for cardiac dysfunction that can lead to death. The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiological, diagnostic and evolutionary aspects of rheumatic heart disease at the Albert Royer National Hospital Center of child (CHNEAR). We had carried out a retrospective, descriptive and analytical study lasting 3 years from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019. All children aged 4 to 17 hospitalized at CHNEAR for rheumatic heart disease were included. The hospital prevalence was 0.8%. The average age was 10.9 years with a sex ratio of 0.875 in favor of girls. 85.47% of cases came from parents who had a low economic level of life. The history of repeated angina and acute articular rhumatism (AAR) was found respectively in 22.69 and 15.13% of cases. The clinical symptomatology was dominated by heart failure with 58.3% of cases, arthralgia in 7.5% of cases. The biological inflammatory syndrome was found in 86.1%. 73% of the patients had a positive antistreptolysin O antibody (ASLO). Cardiomegaly was found in 89.7%. Heart doppler ultrasound found polyvalvular involvement in more than half of the cases. Mitral insufficiency was the predominant valve disease in 98.20% of cases. The evolution was favorable in the majority of cases but 9.32% of deaths were observed.

Prevalence of Preoperative Anemia in Elective Rheumatic Valve Surgery at a Tertiary Care Center in Nepal

Background: Rheumatic Valvular Heart disease (RVHD) is common in developing countries often associated with anemia;however its burden is often overlooked. Anemic patients undergoing surgery are likely to receive blood transfusion, increasing morbidity and mortality. Prevalence of anemia in cardiac surgical patients are studied extensively, however its burden in RVHD is lacking. This study attempted to investigate the prevalence of preoperative anemia in RVHD and its effect on blood transfusion, morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing valve surgery. Methods: This is a retrospective observational study conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Nepal. We considered 340 patients who underwent Rheumatic valve replacement surgery from 2014 January to December 2016 and data on their socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were extracted from the patient’s records. The analyses meeting the study objectives were conducted using IBM SPSS v25 for Windows (IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences, 2015IBM Corporation, New York, United States). Results: The prevalence of no anemia, mild, moderate, and severe anemia was 34.1%, 57.7%, 39.6%, 2.5%, respectively. The units of Red Blood Cell used for transfusion were 1.2 units, 2.0 units, 2.3 units, and 1.6 units in patients without anemia, and those with mild, moderate and severe anemia respectively. The incidence of reexploration was higher in patients with severe anemia as compared to the non anemic with an incidence of 66.6%. A proportion of the patients with no anemia, mild, moderate and severe anemia with less than 7 days stay in the intensive care unit were 89%, 82%, 84.7% and 100% respectively. The length of hospital stay more than 10 days was seen in 58.9%, 71.6%, 63% and 100% in patients with no anemia, mild, moderate and severe anemia. An overall incidence of mortality in anemic patients was 11% while in non anemic patients was 5.3%. Conclusions: The prevalence of anemia was high in the Nepalese patients with Rheumatic valvular heart disease planned for elective surgery. There was an increased incidence of blood transfusion, longer hospital stay, and increased mortality in anemic patients compared to their non anemic counterparts.

Transcranial direct current electrical stimulation in combination with aerobic exercise:A pilot study in post-COVID-19 systemic autoimmune rheumatic patients

BACKGROUND Systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases(SARDs)are a group of diseases with multiorgan involvement and a high prevalence of chronic pain and fatigue.Patients with SARDs and post-coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)syndrome experience aggravation of symptoms.In this context,it is essential to establish strategies to reduce chronic pain and fatigue and improve quality of life.AIM To assess the efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation(tDCS)for the treatment of fatigue and pain-associated post-COVID-19 syndrome in patients with SARDs.METHODS This study included nine patients with different types of SARDs.All patients had reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)test confirmed COVID-19 as well as significant,persistent fatigue and pain that began to worsen after infection.Anodal tDCS was administered in five daily sessions(2mA,20 min).Concomitantly,patients were involved in aerobic exercise program.All participants were evaluated using specific questionnaires and strength assessment by handgrip and physical function by timed-up-and-go test and sit-to-stand test at baseline(within one week before tDCS protocol),and one week after tDCS protocol.During all procedures,the patients’treatments remained unchanged.RESULTS The sample comprised eight women and one man with a mean age of 48.7±9.6 years.After the tDCS protocol,pain and fatigue significantly improved on the visual analog scale(P<0.05).The physical function also improved 9.5±2.7 vs 6.8±0.8(P=0.001)for timed-up-go-test and 10.3±3.7 vs 15.1±4.0(P=0.037)for sit-to-stand test.None of the patients experienced any adverse events.CONCLUSION The present study showed that tDCS in combination with aerobic exercise was effective in improving physical function,and reducing fatigue/pain in SARDs patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome.

Epidemiological Profile of Autoimmune Diseases in Thiès, Senegal: About a Descriptive Observational Study over 11 Years in 2 Internal Medicine Departments and a Dermatology Department

Introduction: Autoimmune diseases are characterized by a very large clinical polymorphism that can lead to a diagnostic wandering. So, we aimed to determine their epidemiological profile outside the context of Dakar (capital of Senegal) where the technical plateau is more elevated. Methodology: We conducted a retrospective descriptive and observational study from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2017. All patients admitted or followed in outpatient in the Internal Medicine departments of the Saint Jean de Dieu and Regional Hospitals of Thiès as well as in the dermatology department of the CHRT (Regional Hospital Center of Thiès), and who met the MAI criteria (autoimmune diseases) have been included. The data were collected on a standardised sheet and analysed by EPI INFO version 7.2. Results: A total of 121 patients were included out of 25951 records i.e a prevalence of 0.46% in internal medicine departments. In dermatology, out of 31973 patients, 95 had MAIS (systemic autoimmune diseases): 0.29% as hospital prevalence. The average age was 40.7 years in internal medicine departments compared to 37.66 years 14.8 years in the dermatology department. Patients aged 30 to 59 years represented 57.89% of the study population. The sex ratio (H/F) was 0.3 in the internal medicine departments compared to 0.17 in the dermatology department. Circumstances of discovery were incidental in 16.52% and clinical in 3.30%. Biermer disease accounted for 29.75% of organ-specific MAI. Concerning systemic presentations, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was present in 23.14%. Lupus was more representative in dermatology (65.2%) as well as systemic scleroderma (21%), dermatomyositis (6.3%). Cytopenia was found in 105 patients, showing in detail anemia (42.9%);leukopenia (14.8%);thrombocytopenia (2.4%). Autoantibodies were tested in 58 patients (47.9%). Skin histology was contributory in all cases of systemic scleroderma and in 5 cases of lupus. The main therapy prescribed was corticosteroid therapy alone or in combination with an immunosuppressant. Conclusion: In addition of infectious diseases, Subsaharan Africa is under the era of changing face of its epidemiology, and cardiovascular diseases shows signs of emergence, like auto-immune presentations. However, the difficult apprehension of these so subtle last diseases suggests that they are few reported. Technical tools in regions should be enhanced associated to a non-binding capacity building system targeting such diseases with an emphasis on good record keeping.

风湿免疫病患者结核分枝杆菌潜伏感染率及相关影响因素的多中心横断面研究

目的:以结核感染T细胞斑点试验(T-SPOT.TB)检测作为筛查结核分枝杆菌潜伏感染(latent tuberculosis infection,LTBI)的工具,调查我国风湿免疫病患者结核分枝杆菌潜伏感染率,并分析影响T-SPOT.TB检测结果的相关因素。方法:纳入自2014年9月至2016年3月我国东、中、西部13家三级甲等综合医院接诊的风湿免疫病患者作为研究对象,共计3715例。应用T-SPOT.TB对研究对象进行LTBI筛查。收集研究对象的基本信息,包括性别、年龄、地区、体质量指数、病程、吸烟史、基础疾病、结核病患者密切接触史、结核病既往史,以及糖皮质激素、免疫抑制剂及生物制剂的使用情况,实验室化验结果,风湿免疫病诊断结果等。采用单因素及多因素logistic回归模型分析影响T-SPOT.TB检测结果的因素。结果:3715例研究对象T-SPOT.TB检测阳性者有672例(18.1%,95%CI:16.9%~19.3%)。不同风湿免疫病病种患者T-SPOT.TB检测阳性率差异有统计学意义(χ^(2)=79.003,P<0.001),白塞综合征患者检测阳性率最高(44.4%,32/72),混合性结缔组织病患者检测阳性率最低(8.9%,4/45)。男性风湿免疫病患者T-SPOT.TB检测阳性率为23.6%(168/711),明显高于女性(16.8%,504/3004),差异有统计学意义(χ^(2)=18.213,P<0.001)。不同年龄组风湿免疫病患者T-SPOT.TB检测阳性率差异有统计学意义(χ^(2)=67.189,P<0.001),51~60岁组检测阳性率最高(24.8%,143/577),16~20岁组检测阳性率最低(8.1%,13/160)。多因素logistic回归分析显示:年龄≥41岁(aOR=1.81,95%CI:1.48~2.23),吸烟≥21支/d(aOR=1.66,95%CI:1.15~2.40),有结核病既往史(aOR=3.88,95%CI:2.71~5.57),患白塞综合征(aOR=3.00,95%CI:1.70~5.28)是T-SPOT.TB检测阳性结果的独立相关因素;使用大剂量激素(aOR=0.67,95%CI:0.47~0.96)或生物制剂(aOR=0.55,95%CI:0.36~0.84),淋巴细胞计数偏低(aOR=0.39,95%CI:0.25~0.62),低蛋白血症(aOR=0.72,95%CI:0.52~0.99),以及患多发性肌炎/皮肌炎(aOR=0.54,95%CI:0.29~0.99)、系统性红斑狼疮(aOR=0.75,95%CI:0.57~0.99)是T-SPOT.TB检测阴性结果的独立相关因素。结论:风湿免疫病患者总体结核分枝杆菌潜伏感染率为18.1%,各病种T-SPOT.TB检测阳性率差异明显。当患者有大剂量糖皮质激素、生物制剂的使用,淋巴细胞计数偏低,低蛋白血症,以及罹患系统性红斑狼疮时警惕假阴性结果。

翻转课堂联合PBL教学模式在风湿性疾病肾脏损害教学中的应用

目的:探索翻转课堂联合PBL的教学模式在风湿性疾病肾脏损害教学中的应用效果。方法:以临床医学专业本科生为研究对象,分两组开展教学。实验组41名学生,采取翻转课堂联合PBL的教学模式。对照组39名学生,采取传统多媒体教学方法。教学内容为风湿性疾病肾脏损害。在教学结束后,通过测试和问卷调查评估教学效果。结果:实验组客观题、主观题和总成绩分数均优于对照组(P<0.05)。学生对翻转课堂联合PBL教学模式的各项评价内容的满意率均超过90%。结论:翻转课堂联合PBL教学模式可有效提高风湿性疾病肾脏损害的教学效果,值得推广。