Science Summit at United Nations General Assembly 77 (UNGA77)

1) Research in Latin America. Is it possible? Bernardo A. Pons-Estel.
2) Experience of the research group “Grupo Latinoamericano del Estudio de Enfermedades Reumáticas en Pueblos Originarios”(GLADERPO). Rosana Quintana.
3) Diagnostic strategies: The role of red cell distribution width (RDW) as an integrative measure of pathological processes for screening and monitoring autoimmune diseases. Mariana Lagrutta.
4) Autoimmune Interstitial lung diseases: the impact of regional research: EPIMAR Study group. Florencia Vivero.
5) Preventing disability through early diagnosis in Autoimmune Interstitial lung diseases. Juan Enghelmayer.
6) Conclusions: Mariana Lagrutta
Moderator: Guillermo Pons-Estel

Abstract:
Understanding the peculiar characteristics of our population with autoimmune diseases in Latin America, with particular emphasis on epidemiological issues, is crucial to developing strategies and facing future challenges in this area. Undertaking multi-center studies in Latin America enable us to understand more clearly the real-life scenario in our region and improve our insight into the impact of autoimmune disease. This path is essential to increasing the recognition of regional patients’ characteristics and behavior. Educational strategies destined for the community and primary care physicians are also valuable tools to improve patients’ and physicians’ awareness and reduce diagnostic delays. In particular, we emphasize the importance of reaching out to Indigenous People communities, sharing knowledge, and committing to mutual learning to achieve consensual treatment agreement according to their customs. This approach, which targets mutual understanding, reduces the breach that may be responsible for late diagnosis and delayed treatment or noncompliance.
Another topic of interest that has long been unrecognized and under-diagnosed is autoimmune Interstitial lung diseases. In the last decade, numerous studies have highlighted the high prevalence of an autoimmune etiology underlying interstitial lung disease. Its prompt recognition is essential to undergo specific treatment that significantly improves the prognosis of this otherwise highly disabling illness. Multi-center regional studies in our region significantly impact achieving this goal.
Regarding diagnostic strategies in autoimmune diseases based on analytical parameters, we analyze the role and impact of red cell distribution width (RDW). RDW is an inexpensive and routinely available laboratory parameter reported on all standard hemograms. It is an automated measure of the variation in red blood cell size or volume. A growing body of knowledge suggests that it is a potential integrative measure of pathological processes. RDW is a promising candidate biomarker for screening, monitoring inflammation, predicting disease activity, and prognostic stratification for several autoimmune diseases. This valid simple measure with reasonable accuracy is commonly overlooked, despite the need for inexpensive biomarkers for autoimmune disease management.
Early diagnosis and treatment is probably the best strategy to achieve more effective and economically feasible management of autoimmune diseases, improve outcomes, and reduce treatment costs and disability.