scholarly journals P252 Medication adherence in inflammatory bowel diseases in the era of biotherapies

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S291-S291
Author(s):  
A Hassine ◽  
A Hammami ◽  
W Ben Ameur ◽  
W Dahmani ◽  
N Elleuch ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Failure or poor adherence to therapy is a general problem ofpublic health, particularly common in chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In these pathologies, good compliance is, however, one of the keys to obtaining remission and in preventing relapses and complications. The objective of this study was to assess treatment compliance in our patients followed for IBD. Methods We conducted a single-center cross-sectional study, including all patients with IBD, who presented to our consultation during the three months preceding the study. We used the Morisky questionnaire to assess treatment adherence. This was considered low if the score is less than 6, medium if the score is between 6 and 8, and good if the score is equal to 8. Results We collected 100 patients, average age of 42.18 ± 15.71 years and a sex ratio (M / F) = 1.5. Sixty eight patients (68%) had CD and thirty two patients (32%) had UC. The mean duration of IBD progression was 9.02 ± 6.57 years. Anoperineal lesions were present in 38.2% of cases. Fourteen patients (20.6%) followed for CD and ten patients (31.3%) with UC had severe disease activity. The history of surgical resection was noted in 18.75% of patients followed for UC and 47.05% of those followed for CD. Extensive ileal resection was noted in 6.5% of patients with CD. At the time of the study, 20% of patients were on systemic corticosteroid therapy, 22% on Azathioprine, 4% on Salazopyrine, 8% on 5-ASA and 46% on Anti-TNFα in combination therapy. The mean Morisky score was 6.78 ± 1.31. Adherence to treatment was poor in 42% of cases, average in 34% of cases, and good in 24% of cases. Good treatment adherence was observed in 34.78% of patients taking Anti-TNFα vs. 14.81% in other patients with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.077). Morisky score was correlated with age (p = 0.032, r = 0.38). In addition, no significant association was found, with the duration of evolution (p = 0.75), the existence of other chronic diseases (p = 0.3), the number of outbreaks of IBD (p = 0.52), and disease activity (p = 0.38 for CD, p = 0.22 for UC). Conclusion The overall rate of treatment non adherence in IBD patients was significant in our series. It concerns nearly one in two patients. Prescribing Anti-TNFα does not appear to improve compliance. The integration of therapeutic education into our therapeutic strategy should be an asset major in improving treatment adherence.

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S266-S266
Author(s):  
A Hassine ◽  
A Hammami ◽  
W Ben Ameur ◽  
W Dahmani ◽  
N Elleuch ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Sexual dysfunction is often associated with impaired body image and quality of life in patients. However, little data exists on sexual dysfunction (SD) in patients with Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors for sexual dysfunction in patients with IBD. Methods This is a cross-sectional study of all patients followed for IBD. Sexual function was assessed by the Female Sexual Index Function (FSIF) for women and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) for men. Sexual dysfunction was confirmed when the total FSIF score was less than 26, or the IIEF score less than 26. Crohn’s disease (CD) activity was assessed by the Harvey-Bradshaw index (HBI), and that of ulcerative colitis (UC), by the clinical Mayo scores. Results We collected 100 patients, with a mean age of 42.18 ± 15.71 and a sex ratio (M / F) = 1.5. Sixty eight patients had CD and 32 patients had UC. Ano-perineal manifestations were present in 38.2% of cases. Severe disease activity was noted in 14 patients (20.6%) with CD and 10 patients (31.3%) with UC. Twelve patients had proctitis. 38% of patients had surgical treatment: 18.75% for patients with UC and 47.05% for those with CD. Total colectomy was performed in 12% of cases. At the time of the study, 20% of patients were on systemic corticosteroid therapy, 22% on Azathioprine, 4% on Salazopyrine, 8% on 5-ASA and 46% on Anti-TNFα. Sexual dysfunction was reported by 42.9% of women: 57.14% (UC) vs 38.46% (CD) (p = 0.042). On the other hand, sexual dysfunction was reported by 27.6% of men: 22.2% of men with UC and 28.57% with CD, with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.78). A significant association was found between sexual dysfunction and the degree of disease activity (p <0.001 for CD, p = 0.003 for UC), as well as pancolitic involvement in women with UC (p = 0.002). However, the presence of anoperineal manifestations, rectal involvement and history of surgery were not significantly associated with the frequency of sexual disturbances. Conclusion Our study showed a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction in patients with IBD. Training gastroenterologists in the management of sexual dysfunction would make it possible to satisfy patient expectations.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S269-S270
Author(s):  
A Hassine ◽  
A Hammami ◽  
A Braham ◽  
H Jaziri ◽  
A Jmaa

Abstract Background Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms reported by patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), being in flare or in remission. Thus, several fatigue measurement tools have been developed. The objective of our work was to assess the prevalence of fatigue in patients with IBD and its impact on daily life, and to determine its risk factors. Methods This is a cross-sectional study of patients followed for IBD who presented to our consultation during the three months preceding the study. Fatigue assessment was performed by IBD-F score (The Inflammatory Bowel Disease Fatigue Self-assessment Scale). The higher the score, the more disabling the fatigue. The activity of Crohn’s disease (CD) was assessed by the Harvey-Bradshaw index (HBI), that of ulcerative colitis (UC) by the clinical Mayo score. Results One hundred patients were included. Thirty-two patients (32%) had UC and 68 patients (68%) had CD. The mean age was 42.18 years [16–81 years], with a predominance of men (sex ratio = 1.5). Severe disease activity was noted in 14 patients (20.6%) with CD and 10 patients (31.3%) with UC. Extra-intestinal manifestations, particularly articular, were noted in 20% of cases. 36% of patients were in clinical remission. The prevalence of fatigue was 94.11% in MC and 93.75% in RCH. Fatigue was noted in 83.3% of patients in remission.Fatigue was severe (section I score between 11 and 20) in 40% of patients. We found a significant association and a linear correlation between the presence and severity of fatigue and CD activity (p <0.001, r = 0.84), as well as UC activity (p <0.001, r = 0.74). A significant association was found with extra-intestinal manifestations (p = 0.028), as well as with the presence of other chronic diseases (p = 0.014). In 30% of cases, fatigue was responsible for a functional handicap (section II score between 61 and 120). This effect was also strongly correlated with disease activity: MC (p <0.001, r = 0.74) and RCH (p <0.001, r = 0.73). Conclusion Assessing the severity of fatigue and its impact on the daily activities of patients is a crucial pillar in the management of patients with IBD. In our series, the prevalence of fatigue was 94%. It was associated and correlated with the degree of disease activity.


2021 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eman A. Baraka ◽  
Mona G. Balata ◽  
Shereen H. Ahmed ◽  
Afaf F. Khamis ◽  
Enas A. Elattar

Abstract Background This study aimed to measure the serum and synovial interleukin (IL)-37 levels in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients compared to patients with primary knee osteoarthritis (PKOA) and healthy controls and to detect its relation to RA disease activity. Results This cross-sectional study included 50 RA patients with a mean age of 40.24 ± 8.62 years, 50 patients with PKOA with a mean age of 56.69 ± 4.21, and 40 healthy controls with a mean age of 41.75 ± 7.38 years. The mean serum IL-37 level in the RA patients (382.6 ± 73.97 pg/ml) was statistically significantly (P < 0.001) the highest among the studied groups; however, it showed a non-significant difference between the PKOA patients (70.38 ± 27.49 pg/ml) and the healthy controls (69.97 ± 25.12 pg/ml) (P > 0.94). Both serum and synovial IL-37 levels were significantly positively correlated with disease activity scores (r = 0.92, P< 0.001 and r = 0.85, P < 0.001), tender joint counts (r = 0.83, P < 0.001 and r = 0.82, P < 0.001 ), swollen joint counts (r = 0.72, P < 0.001 and r = 0.60, P < 0.001), visual analog scale (r = 0.82, P < 0.001 and r = 0.82, P < 0.001), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (r = 0.75, P < 0.001 and r = 0.65, P < 0.001), and C-reactive protein (r = 0.93, P < 0.001 and r = 0.79, P < 0.001), respectively. Conclusion Serum and synovial IL-37 were significantly elevated in the RA patients, and they were closely correlated. Being less invasive, the serum IL-37 could be a marker of disease activity and could reflect the effective disease control by drugs. Having an anti-inflammatory effect could not suggest IL-37 as the key player to control inflammation alone, but its combination with other anti-proinflammatory cytokines could be investigated.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (38) ◽  
pp. 3372-3377
Author(s):  
Karthiga Murugan ◽  
Velmurugan Anbu Ananthan ◽  
Ananthan Veeranan

BACKGROUND Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune chronic inflammatory disorder. Uric acid is a by-product of purine metabolism, associated with diseases such as gouty arthritis, hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The association between serum uric acid concentrations and inflammation in patients with RA has been controversial. Some case reports suggest coexistence of gout and RA. Uric acid crystals can induce robust inflammation causing joint destruction and fibrosis. The purpose of this study was to estimate the serum uric acid levels in subjects with recently diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis and to correlate with disease activity. METHODS This cross-sectional study was done on 55 recently diagnosed RA subjects [American college of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria 2010] attending the rheumatology out-patient department (OPD) of a tertiary care institute in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. After clinical examination, evaluation of disease activity score (DAS), serum uric acid and rheumatoid factor (RF) were done. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS trial version 28). Descriptive and inferential analysis was done. Correlation between serum uric acid levels and DAS was the main outcome. RESULTS The mean age was 41.51 ± 11.7 years. 87.3 % were females. Majority (58.2 %) were aged between 31 to 50 years. The mean duration of symptoms was 4.78 months. The mean serum uric acid level was 4.99 ± 1.2 mg/dl with 95 % C.I. of 4.66 to 5.31. The mean DAS was 5.34 ± 0.96. 56 % had high disease activity while only 44 % had moderate disease activity. 44 % were RF positive. There was no significant difference in serum uric acid levels across groups based on RF positivity and DAS severity respectively. There was no statistically significant correlation serum uric acid levels and DAS (-0.024, P value = 0.861). CONCLUSIONS Mean serum uric acid levels were elevated in recently diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis. Serum uric acid levels have no association with DAS and RF positivity in rheumatoid arthritis. Further studies are needed to investigate the role of specific treatment of elevated uric acid levels in rheumatoid arthritis independent of rheumatoid arthritis treatment. KEYWORDS Rheumatoid Arthritis, Uric Acid, Rheumatoid Factor, Disease Activity Score (DAS), Correlation, Recently Diagnosed Rheumatoid Arthritis


2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1118.1-1118
Author(s):  
K. Maatallah ◽  
S. Miri ◽  
H. Ferjani ◽  
D. Ben Nsib ◽  
W. Triki ◽  
...  

Background:Cervical spine involvement is common in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The most common abnormality is atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD). It may lead to severe neurological symptoms and even death. Currently, there is a lack of consensus on the best approach to treatment.Objectives:We investigated the prevalence of and risk factors for AAD in patients with RA, as well as its relationship to treatment modalities.Methods:We conducted a cross-sectional study including 224 patients with RA. All patients fulfilled the 2010 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism RA classification criteria. Radiographs of the cervical spine included lateral views taken in flexion, extension, neutral position of the neck, anteroposterior and odontoid projection view. Patients were divided into two groups: (G1) a group with AAD and (G2) without ADD. We compared clinical, radiological, and laboratory findings between the two groups, as well as the treatments used: Steroid therapy, classic and biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Structural joint damage was assessed with the Sharp/van der Heijde radiographic method. Functional impairment was assessed using the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). We used Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 22.0 to analyze the results. The level of statistical significance was set at 0.05.Results:ADD was present in 16% of the cases (n=36). Female predominance was noted, with a sex ratio of 0.25 (p=0.530). The mean age was 58±12 years, with no significant difference between groups (p=0.146). The mean disease duration was significantly higher in G1 (11.5 ± 10.5 years versus 5.9 ± 6.3, p=0.004). A noticeable relationship between AAD and immunopositivity was found: rheumatoid factor (RF) was present in 86.1% of the cases in G1 versus 67.5% in G2 (p=0.025). Anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) were present in 86.1% of the cases in G1 versus 64.8% in G2 (p=0.012). We found a significant difference between AAD and disease activity assessed by DAS28-VS (5.8±1.3 in G1 versus 5.3±1.6 in G2,p=0.027). AAD was significantly associated with more structural joint damage: erosions (121.1±60.9 in G1 versus 61.8±56.5 in G2,p<10-3), joints space narrowing (77.4±47.4 in G1 versus 38.7±40 in G2, p<10-3), Sharp/van der Heijde radiographic score (190.2±103.1 in G1 versus 100.1±90.6 in G2, p<10-3). Hip involvement was more frequent in G1 (22.2% versus 9.4% in G2, p=0.038).HAQ score was higher in G1 (1.8±0.7 versus 1.2±1, p=0.002).Seventy-five percent of patients in G1 had received methotrexate versus 82.3% in G2 (p=0.301). The mean duration of methotrexate therapy was longer in G1 (24.6±23.5 versus18±24 months, p=0.015). G1 patients received a higher mean dose and cumulative dose of methotrexate: 13.2±3.5 g/week versus 11.8±4.4 g/week (p=0.048), and 6.5±6.8 versus 4.8±8.5 (p=0.025), respectively.Thirty-five percent of patients in G1 had received corticosteroids versus 25% in G2 (p=0.217). Patients in G1 had a significantly longer duration of steroid therapy: 17.8 + 20.2 versus 13.3 + 24.3 months (p=0.22). The mean dose of corticosteroids was similar between the two groups: 6.9±4.3 mg/day versus 5.7±4.6 mg/day (p=0.132). The total cumulative dose was significantly higher in G1: 6.5±6.8 mg/day versus 4.8±8.5 mg/day (p=0.025).There was no significant difference in using other DMARDs: Sulfasalazine (p=0.182) and leflunomide (p=0.276).No significant difference was observed with patients under biologic DMARDs: 24.1% in G1 versus 17% in G2 (p=0.725).Conclusion:Cervical spine involvement is common in RA and may be asymptomatic. Immunopositive patients seem to have more frequently ADD, as well as those with high disease activity and severe structural joint damage. The treatment modalities do not appear to be affected by AAD; however, patients with ADD seem to have higher cumulative doses of corticosteroids and methotrexate. Given the cross-sectional nature of our study, it is difficult to confirm the connection between the two. Further studies are needed.Disclosure of Interests:None declared


Author(s):  
Vanajakshamma Velam ◽  
Vyshnavi Kancherla ◽  
Latheef Kasala ◽  
Anusha Kancherla ◽  
Mounica Reddy Pillaram

Abstract Background This study was an attempt to assess and compare the gender-wise lifestyle patterns and well-being status among the employees of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Material and Methods This is a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study conducted at a tertiary care hospital between May and August 2019. A total of 777 employees belonging to both genders (male and female) and working at different professional levels were assessed. All the enrolled employees were subjected to a comprehensive study tool consisting of various dimensions of their health, which included physical, mental, social, spiritual and intellectual health dimensions. Results Among the participants, 327 (42.1%) were male and 450 (57.9%) were female. There was no significant difference in the mean age of male (37.91 ± 7.52) and female (36.85 ± 8.16) employees (p = 0.07). A significantly higher proportion of diabetes and hypertension were seen in male employees (9.8% and 14.4%, respectively) than in female (5.6% and 6.2% respectively). The overall well-being was better in male employees than in females and was statistically significant (p < 0.0001). We found that male employees had statistically significant better well-being in terms of physical, mental and social health whereas female employees had intellectual health. Conclusion The overall well-being in healthcare staff was good at our tertiary care hospital, and the outstanding/good well-being rate was higher in male employees than in female employees. Female employees experienced risks with regard to their physical health.


2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 617.1-617
Author(s):  
H. Wohland ◽  
N. Leuchten ◽  
M. Aringer

Background:Fatigue is among the top complaints of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but only in part associated with SLE disease activity. Physical activity can help to reduce fatigue and should therefore be recommended to SLE patients. Vice versa, fatigue may arguably lead to reduced physical activity.Objectives:To investigate the extent of physical activity and the perception of fatigue and sleep quality in patients with SLE.Methods:Starting in February 2019, SLE patients were invited to participate in a cross-sectional survey study of fatigue and physical exercise during their routine outpatient clinic visits. Participants filled out a ten-page paper questionnaire focused on physical activity. To evaluate fatigue, we primarily used a 10 cm visual analogue scale (0-100 mm, with 100 meaning most fatigued), but also the FACIT fatigue score (range 0-52). Sleep quality was estimated using grades from 1 (excellent) to 6 (extremely poor).Results:93 SLE patients took part in the study. All patients fulfilled the European League Against Rheumatism/ American College of Rheumatology (EULAR/ACR) 2019 classification criteria for SLE. 91% of the patients were female. Their mean (SD) age was 45.5 (14.3) years and their mean disease duration 12.1 (9.4) years. The mean BMI was 25.2 (5.6). Of all patients, 7.5% had a diagnosis of (secondary) fibromyalgia. The mean fatigue VAS was 32 (27) mm and the mean FACIT fatigue score 35.7 (10.3). As expected, fatigue by VAS and FACIT was correlated (Spearman r=-0.61, p<0.0001). The mean SLEDAI was 1 (1) with a range of 0 to 6. Median glucocorticoid doses were 2 mg prednisolone equivalent, with a range from 0 to 10 mg.Out of 66 patients in payed jobs, 64 (97%) reported details on their working space. One person (2%) worked in a predominanty standing position, 37 (58%) worked in essentially sedentary jobs and 26 (40%) were in positions where they were mildly physically active in part. The mean fatigue VAS was 31 (24) mm for patients with partly active jobs and 27 (30) mm for those in sedentary jobs. Sleep was graded 2.9 (0.9) by those with active and 3.1 (1.3) by those with sedentary jobs.Half of the patients (51%) reported more than one physical recreational activity. 44 (47%) were walking and for five persons (5%) this was the only form of activity. Cycling was reported by 19 patients (20%), 18 of whom also practiced other activities. For transport, 52 (56%) in part chose active modes, such as walking and cycling. Patients who reported any of the above activities showed a mean fatigue VAS of 28 (25) mm, compared to 36 (28) mm in the patient group without a reported activity. Sleep quality was very similar: 3.1 (1.2) and 3.2 (1.1) for more active and more passive patients, respectively.65 (70%) patients regularly practiced sports. Of these, 39 (60%) practiced one kind of sport, 15 (23%) two, 7 (11%) three, and 2 (3%) each four and five kinds of sports. Fatigue VAS of patients practicing sports was 27 (25) mm versus 43 (28) in those who did not (p=0.0075). Sleep quality was 2.9 (1.1) in the sports cohort and 3.5 (1.1) in the no-sports cohort (p=0.0244).Conclusion:A majority of SLE patients in remission or low to moderate disease activity regularly practiced sports, and those doing so reported lesser fatigue and better sleep quality. The absolute values on the fatigue VAS were in a moderate range that made fatigue as the main cause of not performing sports rather unlikely for most patients.Disclosure of Interests:Helena Wohland: None declared, Nicolai Leuchten Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Janssen, Novartis, Roche, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Janssen, Novartis, Roche, Martin Aringer Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Astra Zeneca, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chugai, Gilead, GSK, HEXAL, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Astra Zeneca, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, GSK, Lilly, MSD, Roche, Sanofi, UCB


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1188.1-1188
Author(s):  
C. Daldoul ◽  
N. El Amri ◽  
K. Baccouche ◽  
H. Zeglaoui ◽  
E. Bouajina

Background:Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), is considered as a risk factor of low bone mineral density (BMD). In fact, the prevalence of osteoporosis ranges from 17% to 41% in IBD patients. The possible contributing factors may include malabsorption, glucocorticoid treatment and coexisting comorbiditiesObjectives:The purpose of our work was to determine the frequency and the determinants of osteoporosis in patients with IBD and to assess whether there is a difference in BMD status between UC and CD.Methods:This is a retrospective study, over a period of 5 years (from January 2014 to December 2018) and including patients followed for IBD who had a measurement of BMD by DEXA. Clinical, anthropometric and densitometric data (BMD at the femoral and vertebral site) were recorded. The WHO criteria for the definition of osteoporosis and osteopenia were applied.Results:One hundred and five patients were collected; among them 45 were men and 60 were women. The average age was 45.89 years old. The average body mass index (BMI) was 25.81 kg/m2 [16.44-44.15]. CD and UC were diagnosed in respectively 57.1% and 42.9%. A personal history of fragility fracture was noted in 4.8%. Hypothyroidism was associated in one case. Early menopause was recorded in 7.6%. 46.8% patients were treated with corticosteroids. The mean BMD at the vertebral site was 1.023 g/cm3 [0.569-1.489 g/cm3]. Mean BMD at the femoral site was 0.920g/cm3 [0.553-1.286g / cm3]. The mean T-score at the femoral site and the vertebral site were -1.04 SD and -1.27 SD, respectively. Osteoporosis was found in 25.7% and osteopenia in 37.1%. Osteoporosis among CD and UC patients was found in respectively 63% and 37%. The age of the osteoporotic patients was significantly higher compared to those who were not osteoporotic (52.23 vs 43.67 years, p = 0.01). We found a significantly higher percentage of osteoporosis among men compared to women (35.6% vs 18.3%, p=0.046). The BMI was significantly lower in the osteoporotic patients (23.87 vs 26.48 kg/m2, p=0.035) and we found a significant correlation between BMI and BMD at the femoral site (p=0.01). No increase in the frequency of osteoporosis was noted in patients treated with corticosteroids (27.9% vs 21.6%, p=0.479). Comparing the UC and CD patients, no difference was found in baseline characteristics, use of steroids or history of fracture. No statistically significant difference was found between UC and CD patients for osteoporosis(p=0.478), BMD at the femoral site (p=0.529) and at the vertebral site (p=0.568).Conclusion:Osteoporosis was found in 25.7% of IBD patients without any difference between CD and UC. This decline does not seem to be related to the treatment with corticosteroids but rather to the disease itself. Hence the interest of an early screening of this silent disease.Disclosure of Interests:None declared


2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1078.1-1079
Author(s):  
I. Yoshii

Background:Patient’s global assessment (PGA) is one important component of Boolean composite criteria for remission in treat with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, PGA no more than 10mm is sometimes obstacle to attain clinical remission. In recent few years, one opinion that PGA no more than 20mm may be comparable as no more than 10mm.Objectives:The aim of this study is to analyze how difference of these PGA level affect disease activity and daily activities in living, and evaluate which is optimal for the remission with Boolean remission criteria from real world setting.Methods:RA patients who were followed up for more than three years in the institute were picked up in the study. Each patient was monitored with tenderness joint count (TJC), swollen joint count (SJC), PGA, evaluator’s global assessment (EGA), serum C-reactive protein level (CRP), calculated disease activity score with simplified disease activity index(SDAI), Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI), and pain score using visual analog scale (PS-VAS) every consulted time from the first encounter (Baseline). Patients were classified according to achievement of Boolean remission criteria. Group 1: a patient group who attained Boolean remission wih TJC≦1, SJC≦1, CRP≦1mg/dl, and PGA≦1 (G-1), Group 2: a patient group who could not attained the Boolean remission used in the G-1 evaluation, but could attained another Boolean remission with TJC≦1, SJC≦1, CRP≦1mg/dl, and PGA≦2 (G-2), and Group 3: a patient group who could not attain Boolean remission for neither criterion.Mean values of measured parameters at Baseline and after the Baseline were compared statistically with Student T-test. Mean values of the same parameters in the G-1 and G-2 at the time of attain Boolean remission for each criteria, mean values of each of these parameters thereafter, and changes of these parameters were compared statistically with Student T-test.Results:A total of 438 patients 385 in the G-1 group, 16 in the G-2 group, and 37 in the G-3 group, were recruited. In parameters at Baseline, level of TJC, SJC, PGA, EGA, SDAI, and HAQ-DI in the G-1 was significantly lower than in the G-3, whereas no significant differences in any parameters demonstrated between in the G-2 and G-3. Level of HAQ-DI, and PS-VAS after Baseline in the G-1 was lower than in the G-3, whereas no significant difference of these parameters after Baseline demonstrated between in the G-2 and G-3. TJC, SJC, PGA, and EGA demonstrated significant less level in the G-1 than in the other two groups. The mean SDAI score at the time of first achievement of Boolean remission in the G-1 and G-2 were 1.08 and 2.57, respectively. The mean value of SDAI score after remission in the G-1 and G-2 were 3.35 and 6.44, respectively. These values and PS-VAS including change of the SDAI score demonstrated significant difference between the two groups (p<0.01), whereas HAQ-DI in the two groups demonstrated no significant difference.Conclusion:These results suggested that setting PGA as no more than 10mm should be reasonable for the evaluation of clinical remission with the Boolean criteria.Disclosure of Interests:None declared


2021 ◽  
pp. 263183182110274
Author(s):  
Deblina Roy ◽  
Sujita Kumar Kar ◽  
SM Yasir Arafat ◽  
Pawan Sharma ◽  
Russell Kabir

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown measures have affected the sexuality and emotional bonding among the couple across the world. Objectives: We aimed to assess the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown on the married people’s emotional bonding and sexual relationships in 3 south Asian counties (Bangladesh, India, and Nepal). Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among Bangladesh, India, and Nepal residents from April 3 to April 15, 2020. The survey was designed in English. The participants were selected through convenience sampling technique, the link of the online questionnaire was shared with the participants. Only participants older than 18 years and above, married, and living with their spouses were included in the study. Results: A total number of 120 respondents were included finally for analysis from the participating countries (India, Nepal, and Bangladesh). The mean age of the participants was 35.42 (±5.73) years; the majority were males under the age of 40 years and had completed postgraduation as their qualification. Among the study participants, more than half (53.8%) of the women reported being sexually active during the lockdown, whereas 41% of the men reported being sexually active. Among the sexually active participants, most women (57.7%) reported that they perceived positive emotional bonding with their partners. Nevertheless, there was no significant difference observed when compared with men. There are variations in responses. However, no significant association was identified. Conclusion: There are a few insights from the study, that is, there was no significant difference found in almost 3 countries in emotional intimacy. There had been a trend that there is improved emotional bonding with their partners, although no significant difference was observed.


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