Screening and Referral Strategies for the Early Recognition of Psoriatic Arthritis Among Patients With Psoriasis: Results of a GRAPPA Survey

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the experiences of dermatologists and rheumatologists in the early recognition of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and to identify potential improvements to the current shared-care model.

METHODS

A 24-question survey addressing referral strategies was constructed by the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA) project steering committee and sent to all members (n = 927). Questions addressed the use of screening tools, frequency of PsA in patients with psoriasis, therapeutic decision making, and suggestions for earlier PsA recognition and current unmet needs.

RESULTS

There were 149 respondents (16.1% response rate), which included 113 rheumatologists from 37 countries and 26 dermatologists from 16 countries. Of the dermatologists, 81% use PsA-specific screening instruments. Conversely, rheumatologists reported that only 26.8% of patients referred to them from all sources had been assessed with screening tools. Although dermatologists reported that a mean of 67% of suspected PsA cases were confirmed, rheumatologists reported a mean of 47.9% of confirmed cases. Both specialties reported similar views regarding optimization of the diagnostic process and indicated that the best approach involved combining patient-reported (ie, screening tools) and physician-confirmed findings. Moreover, both specialties identified the education of primary care physicians (PCPs) and dermatologists as the greatest priority to improve PsA screening.

CONCLUSION

The survey indicated the current unmet needs in the early recognition of PsA. Important areas to address include improving the use of screening instruments, increasing the education of community-based dermatologists and PCPs, and using a combination of patient-reported and physician-confirmed findings in the screening approach.

Identification of Psoriatic Arthritis in Patients With Psoriasis

People with psoriasis (PsO) are at increased risk of developing psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Screening patients with PsO for PsA may be helpful in diagnosing PsA early. Dermatologists play a role in assessing their patients with PsO for musculoskeletal symptoms and referring them to a rheumatologist for diagnosis and treatment.

[Systematic review to estimate the prevalence of inflammatory rheumatic diseases in Germany. German version]

OBJECTIVE

To update the estimated prevalence of inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRD) in Germany.

METHODS

A systematic literature search in PubMed and Web of Science (last search 8 November 2022) identified original articles (regional and nationwide surveys and routine data analyses for arthritides, connective tissue diseases, and vasculitides) on the prevalence for the period 2014-2022. Data sources, collection period, case definition, and risk of bias are reported. The prevalences were estimated from available national data, with consideration of international data.

RESULTS

Screening by 2 authors yielded 263 hits, of which 18 routine data analyses and 2 surveys met the inclusion criteria. Prevalence data ranged from 0.42% to 1.85% (rheumatoid arthritis), 0.32-0.5% (ankylosing spondylitis), 0.11-0.32% (psoriatic arthritis), 0.037-0.14% (systemic lupus erythematosus), 0.07-0.77% (Sjoegren's disease/sicca syndrome), 0.14-0.15% (polymyalgia rheumatica, ≥ 40 years), 0.04-0.05% (giant cell arteritis, ≥ 50 years), and 0.015-0.026% (ANCA-associated vasculitis). The risk of bias was moderate in 13 and high in 7 studies. Based on the results, we estimate the prevalence of IRD in Germany to be 2.2-3.0%, which corresponds to approximately 1.5-2.1 million affected individuals. Prevalence data of juvenile idiopathic arthritis was reported to be around 0.10% (0.07-0.10%) of patients 0-18 years old, corresponding to about 14,000 children and adolescents in Germany.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review shows an increase in the prevalence of IRD in Germany, which is almost exclusively based on routine data analyses. In the absence of multistage population studies, the available data are overall uncertain sources for prevalence estimates at moderate to high risk of bias.

Self-reported diagnostic confidence predicts diagnostic accuracy in axial spondyloarthritis imaging

OBJECTIVES

Reporting diagnostic confidence (DC) in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) imaging is recommended by the ASAS guidelines. Our aim was to investigate whether self-reported DC predicts diagnostic accuracy in axSpA imaging using X-ray (XR), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

METHODS

We performed a post hoc analysis including 163 patients with low back pain (89 axSpA and 56 non-axSpA). Nine blinded readers with different experience levels (inexperienced (< 1 year), semi-experienced (3-8 years) and experienced (> 12 years)) scored the sacroiliac joint images for compatibility with axSpA. DC was reported on a scale from 1 (not sure) to 10 (very sure). Mean DC scores and standard deviations were calculated for correct and incorrect responses using XR, CT, MRI, XR+MRI and CT+MRI. Differences in DC were assessed using the Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS

DC scores were higher for correct axSpA diagnoses and differed significantly between correct and incorrect responses for all modalities (p< 0.001), with a mean DC of 7.1 ± 2.1 and 6.3 ± 2.1 for XR, 8.3 ± 1.8 and 6.7 ± 2.0 for CT, 8.1 ± 1.9 and 6.2 ± 1.9 for MRI, 8.2 ± 1.8 and 6.7 ± 1.8 for XR+MRI and 8.4 ± 1.8 and 6.8 ± 1.8 for CT+MRI, respectively. This was also the case when looking at the results by experience group, except for XR in the inexperienced group.

CONCLUSION

Providing self-reported DC in radiological reports is useful information to predict diagnostic reliability in axSpA imaging.

Sex-specific diagnostic efficacy of MRI in axial spondyloarthritis: challenging the 'One Size Fits All' notion

OBJECTIVES

Sex-specific differences in the presentation of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) may contribute to a diagnostic delay in women. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic performance of MRI findings comparing men and women.

METHODS

Patients with back pain from six different prospective cohorts (n=1194) were screened for inclusion in this post hoc analysis. Two blinded readers scored the MRI data sets independently for the presence of ankylosis, erosion, sclerosis, fat metaplasia and bone marrow oedema. Χ2 tests were performed to compare lesion frequencies. Contingency tables were used to calculate markers for diagnostic performance, with clinical diagnosis as the standard of reference. The positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+/LR-) were used to calculate the diagnostic OR (DOR) to assess the diagnostic performance.

RESULTS

After application of exclusion criteria, 526 patients (379 axSpA (136 women and 243 men) and 147 controls with chronic low back pain) were included. No major sex-specific differences in the diagnostic performance were shown for bone marrow oedema (DOR m: 3.0; f: 3.9). Fat metaplasia showed a better diagnostic performance in men (DOR 37.9) than in women (DOR 5.0). Lower specificity was seen in women for erosions (77% vs 87%), sclerosis (44% vs 66%), fat metaplasia (87% vs 96%).

CONCLUSION

The diagnostic performance of structural MRI markers is substantially lower in female patients with axSpA; active inflammatory lesions show comparable performance in both sexes, while still overall inferior to structural markers. This leads to a comparably higher risk of false positive findings in women.

HLA-B27 status and inflammatory MRI lesions of the sacroiliac joints: a post hoc analysis in patients without axial spondyloarthritis

OBJECTIVE

The assessment of inflammatory and structural lesions in the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is crucial in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). HLA-B27 status plays an important role in axSpA diagnosis and has been linked to MRI lesion burden in the general population. We aimed to investigate the sex-specific influence of HLA-B27 status on inflammatory and structural MRI findings in patients with low back pain of non-inflammatory origin.

METHODS

This post hoc analysis included 139 non-axSpA patients (90 women) with chronic low back pain. Two readers scored MRIs of the SIJ for the presence of sclerosis, erosion, fat metaplasia, bone marrow oedema (BMO) and ankylosis. Frequencies and extent of lesions were compared regarding the HLA-B27 status using χ2 tests and t-tests. Regression models to assess the sex-dependent influence of HLA-B27 on lesion burden were computed.

RESULTS

HLA-B27 was positive in 33 women (36.7%) and 23 men (46.9%). The overall occurrence of all SIJ lesions did not differ in HLA-B27 negative and positive individuals. There were no significant differences in the extent of lesions considering the HLA-B27 positivity, for erosion (mean sum score (MSS) of 0.91 vs 0.48; p=0.144), sclerosis (MSS 1.65 vs 1.88; p=0.576), fat metaplasia (MSS 0.56 vs 0.27; p=0.425), BMO (MSS 0.75 vs 0.59; p=0.460) and ankylosis (MSS 0.06 vs 0.04; p=0.659).

CONCLUSION

HLA-B27 status has no significant influence on the occurrence and extent of SIJ lesions in patients with low back pain of non-inflammatory origin in either men or women.

Magnetic resonance imaging in spondyloarthritis: Friend or Foe?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as a valuable tool for early detection and of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). A standardized imaging acquisition protocol, aligned with the current state-of-the-art, is crucial to obtain MRI scans that meet the diagnostic quality requirements. It is important to note that certain lesions, particularly bone marrow edema (BME), can be induced by mechanical stress or be a manifestation of another non-inflammatory disorder and may mimic the characteristic findings of axSpA on MRI. Therefore, a thorough assessment of MRI lesions, considering their localization and presence of highly specific features such as erosions and backfill, becomes imperative. Additionally, the application of additional imaging modalities, when necessary, can contribute to the differentiation of axSpA from other conditions that may exhibit similar MRI findings. This review provides recommendations on how to perform MRI in daily clinical practice and how to interpret finding from the differential diagnostic point of view.

The effect of ixekizumab on axial manifestations in patients with psoriatic arthritis from two phase III clinical trials: SPIRIT-P1 and SPIRIT-P2

Background

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory condition predominantly affecting the peripheral joints. However, some patients with PsA can experience axial involvement which is manifested with back pain and associated with increased burden of illness.

Objectives

The aim of this post hoc analysis was to determine the efficacy of ixekizumab (IXE) up to 52 weeks in reducing axial symptoms in PsA patients, presenting with axial manifestations.

Design

This was a post hoc analysis of two pooled phase III clinical trials.

Methods

Patients with axial manifestations, from two placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind, phase III trials (SPIRIT-P1 and SPIRIT-P2), were defined as Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) Question 2 (Q2; back pain)] total score ⩾4 and average of BASDAI Q5 + Q6 (morning stiffness) ⩾4 at baseline. For this post hoc analysis, the efficacy of IXE was evaluated at weeks 16, 24, and 52 using separate BASDAI questions (including back pain and morning stiffness), total BASDAI and modified BASDAI (mBASDAI; without Q3), Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS), and 50% improvement in BASDAI (BASDAI50) response. Treatment comparisons were performed using logistic regression and analysis of covariance model for categorical and continuous end points, respectively.

Results

In the post hoc analysis among PsA patients with axial manifestations at baseline (N = 313), improvements in back pain and morning stiffness at weeks 16 and 24 were significantly greater in patients receiving IXE versus placebo (both p < 0.001). Improvements in BASDAI individual scores and total scores, mBASDAI, and ASDAS were significantly greater in patients receiving IXE compared with placebo. Similarly, significantly more IXE-treated patients achieved BASDAI50 at weeks 16 and 24 versus placebo. The effect of IXE was sustained at week 52. Similar effects were observed in sensitivity analyses subgroups.

Conclusion

IXE is effective in improving axial symptoms in patients with active PsA presenting with axial manifestations.

Drug switching in axial spondyloarthritis patients in Germany - a social listening analysis

Background

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory disease which primarily affects the axial skeleton resulting in chronic back pain and stiffness. According to the guideline, the first-line treatment includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) and non-pharmacological treatment. Second line treatment involves biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) such as tumour necrosis factor and interleukin-17 inhibitors.

Objectives

The aim of this social media listening research project was to analyse switches of medication and the reasons thereof to gain valuable insights into real-life journeys of patients suffering from axSpA.

Methods

Publicly available posts in German-speaking disease-specific forums were scanned for disease-specific keywords and commonly used drugs by axSpA patients on the Permea platform. Posts containing at least two key words were selected and switches between medications were manually labelled. A total of 287 scraped posts between 01 July 2010 and 04 Feb 2022 were analysed.

Results

The largest group of described medication switches was initially using bDMARDs. Switches to a different bDMARD, termination of medication and switches to glucocorticoids were most frequently named. Patients on NSAIDs switched to glucocorticoids, a different NSAID or bDMARD, whereas patients on csDMARDs most frequently changed to bDMARDs. In all medication groups the main reason for switching was insufficient efficacy and side effects. Additionally, for the medication groups bDMARDs, csDMARDs and corticosteroids, pregnancy and lactation were given as a reason for switching, whereas patients in the NSAID group never mentioned pregnancy and breastfeeding as a reason for switching treatment.

Conclusion

Our analysis shows medication switches based on real-life patient experiences shared with peers in a social listening setting. We also show medication switches differing from advised guidelines. Gathering real-life insights into patients' journey dealing with chronic diseases allows us to understand, and thereby improve patient care and treatment.

Depressive symptoms are associated with fatigue, poorer functional status and less engagement in sports in axSpA and PsA: an analysis from the RABBIT-SpA cohort

BACKGROUND

In patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) or psoriatic arthritis (PsA), concomitant depression might have a negative impact on the course of disease and treatment outcomes. The aims of this analysis are to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms in axSpA and PsA patients in a real-world cohort study and to identify sociodemographic and clinical associated factors for moderate or severe depressive symptoms in both diseases.

METHODS

Patients from the RABBIT-SpA cohort with an axSpA or PsA diagnosis and a valid WHO-5 Well-Being Index score at baseline were included. A descriptive analysis of baseline and outcome parameters by category of depressive symptoms was performed and factors associated with the presence of depressive symptoms (moderate or severe) were examined in a logistic regression.

RESULTS

Two thousand four hundred seventy patients (1,245 axSpA; 1,225 PsA) were included in the analysis. In both diagnoses, the proportion of patients with moderate depressive symptoms was 8% and 21% with severe symptoms. Patients with moderate or severe depressive symptoms were less likely to engage in sports than those with no or mild depressive symptoms, had more comorbidities and higher scores for disease activity, functional limitations, fatigue, and pain and took more analgesics. In axSpA, patients with a higher disease activity, a greater functional impairment and more severe fatigue were more likely to experience depressive symptoms, while patients with more years in education and engaging in sports for at least 1 h/week were less likely to experience depressive symptoms. PsA patients with a greater functional impairment and more severe fatigue were more likely to experience depressive symptoms while those engaging in sports for at least 1 h/week were less likely to experience depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSION

We confirmed a high prevalence of depressive symptoms in both PsA and axSpA. Factors negatively associated with the presence of depressive symptoms were fatigue, not engaging in sports, and greater functional limitations. Depressive symptoms may affect the perception of disease activity / severity by patients. Thus, depressive symptoms are an important condition in axSpA and PsA that should be considered when evaluating disease activity and treatment outcomes.

Effect of Upadacitinib on Quality of Life and Work Productivity in Active Non-radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis: Results From Randomized Phase 3 Trial SELECT-AXIS 2

INTRODUCTION

To evaluate the effect of upadacitinib vs. placebo on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and work productivity in patients with active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) enrolled in the SELECT-AXIS 2 phase 3 randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

Adult patients with active nr-axSpA and an inadequate response to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were randomized 1:1 to receive upadacitinib 15 mg once daily or placebo. Mean changes from baseline in measures of HRQoL (Ankylosing Spondylitis QoL [ASQoL], Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society Health Index [ASAS HI], Short-Form 36 Physical Component Summary [SF-36 PCS] score) and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) were assessed through 14 weeks based on mixed-effects repeated measures or analysis of covariance models. The proportions of patients with improvements ≥ minimum clinically important differences (MCID) were assessed in HRQoL measures at week 14 using non-responder imputation with multiple imputation.

RESULTS

At week 14, upadacitinib- vs. placebo-treated patients reported greater improvements from baseline in ASQoL and ASAS HI (ranked, P < 0.001) and in SF-36 PCS and WPAI overall work impairment (nominal P < 0.05). Improvements were observed as early as week 2 in ASAS HI. Greater proportions of upadacitinib vs. placebo-treated patients reported improvements ≥ MCID in ASQoL (62.6 vs. 40.9%), ASAS HI (44.8 vs. 28.8%), and SF-36 PCS (69.3 vs. 52.0%), with numbers needed to treat < 10 for all (nominal P ≤ 0.01). Improvements ≥ MCID were consistently observed irrespectively of prior exposure to tumor necrosis factor inhibitors.

CONCLUSIONS

Upadacitinib provides clinically meaningful improvements in HRQoL and work productivity in patients with active nr-axSpA.

CLINICAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04169373, SELECT-AXIS 2.

ASAS consensus definition of early axial spondyloarthritis

OBJECTIVES

To develop a consensual definition for the term 'early axial spondyloarthritis-axSpA'-and 'early peripheral spondyloarthritis-pSpA'.

METHODS

The ASAS (Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society-Spondyloarthritis EARly definition) steering committee convened an international working group (WG). Five consecutive steps were followed: (1) systematic literature review (SLR); (2) discussion of SLR results within the WG and ASAS community; (3) a three-round Delphi survey inviting all ASAS members to select the items that should be considered for the definition; (4) presentation of Delphi results to the WG and ASAS community and (5) ASAS voting and endorsement (2023 annual meeting).

RESULTS

Following the SLR, consensus was to proceed with an expert-based definition for early axSpA (81% in favour) but not for pSpA (54% against). Importantly, early axSpA should be based on symptom duration taking solely axial symptoms into account. 151-164 ASAS members participated in the Delphi surveys. Consensus was achieved for considering the following items within early axSpA definition: duration of symptoms ≤2 years; axial symptoms defined as cervical/thoracic/back/buttock pain or morning stiffness; regardless of the presence/absence of radiographic damage. The WG agreed that in patients with a diagnosis of axSpA 'early axSpA' should be defined as a duration of ≤2 years of axial symptoms. Axial symptoms should include spinal/buttock pain or morning stiffness and should be considered by a rheumatologist as related to axSpA. The ASAS community endorsed this proposal (88% in favour).

CONCLUSIONS

Early axSpA has newly been defined, based on expert consensus. This ASAS definition should be adopted in research studies addressing early axSpA.

Two-year imaging outcomes from a phase 3 randomized trial of secukinumab in patients with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis

BACKGROUND

Radiographic progression and course of inflammation over 2 years in patients with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) from the phase 3, randomized, PREVENT study are reported here.

METHODS

In the PREVENT study, adult patients fulfilling the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society classification criteria for nr-axSpA with elevated CRP and/or MRI inflammation received secukinumab 150 mg or placebo. All patients received open-label secukinumab from week 52 onward. Sacroiliac (SI) joint and spinal radiographs were scored using the modified New York (mNY) grading (total sacroiliitis score; range, 0-8) and modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (mSASSS; range, 0-72), respectively. SI joint bone marrow edema (BME) was assessed using the Berlin Active Inflammatory Lesions Scoring (0-24) and spinal MRI using the Berlin modification of the AS spine MRI (ASspiMRI) scoring (0-69).

RESULTS

Overall, 78.9% (438/555) of patients completed week 104 of the study. Over 2 years, minimal changes were observed in total radiographic SI joint scores (mean [SD] change, - 0.04 [0.49] and 0.04 [0.36]) and mSASSS scores (0.04 [0.47] and 0.07 [0.36]) in the secukinumab and placebo-secukinumab groups. Most of the patients showed no structural progression (increase ≤ smallest detectable change) in SI joint score (87.7% and 85.6%) and mSASSS score (97.5% and 97.1%) in the secukinumab and placebo-secukinumab groups. Only 3.3% (n = 7) and 2.9% (n = 3) of patients in the secukinumab and placebo-secukinumab groups, respectively, who were mNY-negative at baseline were scored as mNY-positive at week 104. Overall, 1.7% and 3.4% of patients with no syndesmophytes at baseline in the secukinumab and placebo-secukinumab group, respectively, developed ≥ 1 new syndesmophyte over 2 years. Reduction in SI joint BME observed at week 16 with secukinumab (mean [SD], - 1.23 [2.81] vs - 0.37 [1.90] with placebo) was sustained through week 104 (- 1.73 [3.49]). Spinal inflammation on MRI was low at baseline (mean score, 0.82 and 1.07 in the secukinumab and placebo groups, respectively) and remained low (mean score, 0.56 at week 104).

CONCLUSION

Structural damage was low at baseline and most patients showed no radiographic progression in SI joints and spine over 2 years in the secukinumab and placebo-secukinumab groups. Secukinumab reduced SI joint inflammation, which was sustained over 2 years.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02696031.

Efficacy and safety of bimekizumab in axial spondyloarthritis: results of two parallel phase 3 randomised controlled trials

OBJECTIVES

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a complex disease with diverse manifestations, for which new treatment options are warranted. BE MOBILE 1 (non-radiographic (nr)-axSpA) and BE MOBILE 2 (radiographic axSpA (r-axSpA)) are double-blind, phase 3 trials designed to evaluate efficacy and safety of bimekizumab, a novel dual interleukin (IL)-17A and IL-17F inhibitor, across the axSpA spectrum.

METHODS

In parallel 52-week trials, patients with active disease were randomised 1:1 (nr-axSpA) or 2:1 (r-axSpA) to bimekizumab 160 mg every 4 weeks:placebo. From week 16, all patients received bimekizumab 160 mg every 4 weeks. Primary (Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society ≥40% improvement (ASAS40)) and secondary endpoints were assessed at week 16. Here, efficacy and treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) are reported up to week 24.

RESULTS

254 patients with nr-axSpA and 332 with r-axSpA were randomised. At week 16, primary (ASAS40, nr-axSpA: 47.7% bimekizumab vs 21.4% placebo; r-axSpA: 44.8% vs 22.5%; p<0.001) and all ranked secondary endpoints were met in both trials. ASAS40 responses were similar across TNFi-naïve and TNFi-inadequate responder patients. Improvements were observed in Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) states and objective measures of inflammation, including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and MRI of the sacroiliac joints and spine. Most frequent TEAEs with bimekizumab (>3%) included nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, pharyngitis, diarrhoea, headache and oral candidiasis. More fungal infections (all localised) were observed with bimekizumab vs placebo; no major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) or active tuberculosis were reported. Incidence of uveitis and adjudicated inflammatory bowel disease was low.

CONCLUSIONS

Dual inhibition of IL-17A and IL-17F with bimekizumab resulted in significant and rapid improvements in efficacy outcomes vs placebo and was well tolerated in patients with nr-axSpA and r-axSpA.

A rare case of severely elevated septic parameters caused by intercurrent juvenile rheumatoid arthritis despite dual trauma surgery

Procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are considered markers used in clinical practice to differentiate bacterial infections from autoimmune origin. Here we evaluate a rare case of a male patient diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The patient presented repeatedly to our department with atraumatic femoral head necrosis, traumatic medial femoral neck fracture and peri-implant femoral fracture. While undergoing repeated surgical interventions including a removal of osteosynthesis material and total endoprosthesis of his right hip including double subtrochanteric osteotomy, the patient developed drastically increasing infection parameters of PCT and CRP. After a completely inconspicuous revision we revealed the untypical genesis of a rheumatic cause. Consequently, we emphasize this etiology to be considered in further decision making for trauma surgery.

Managing Psoriatic Arthritis Patients Presenting with Axial Symptoms

Axial symptoms (i.e., back pain) are common in the general population. At the same time 25-70% of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) exhibit signs of inflammatory axial involvement (axial PsA). The presence of unexplained chronic (duration ≥ 3 months) back pain in a patient with psoriasis or PsA should trigger evaluation of the presence of axial involvement. Evaluation of axial involvement normally involves imaging of the axial skeleton (sacroiliac joints and/or spine) in addition to clinical and laboratory evaluation. Symptomatic patients with confirmed axial PsA are treated with a combination of non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic methods including the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, tumour necrosis factor, interleukin 17, and Janus kinase inhibitors. Interleukin 23 blockade might also be effective in the axial domain of PsA; a dedicated clinical study is ongoing at present. Safety considerations, patient preference, as well as the presence of other disease manifestations (especially of extra-musculoskeletal manifestations-clinically relevant psoriasis, acute anterior uveitis, inflammatory bowel disease), define the choice of a specific drug or drug class.

Anatomical variation of the sacroiliac joint carries an increased risk for erosion and bone marrow oedema in axial spondyloarthritis

OBJECTIVES

To assess the impact of joint shape variations on inflammatory lesions on SI joint MRIs in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).

METHODS

A total of 1194 patients from four different prospective cohorts were evaluated, with 684 (57.3%) having sufficient imaging data for inclusion (379 axSpA, 305 controls). All images were evaluated for joint form, erosion, sclerosis, fat metaplasia and bone marrow oedema (BMO) by two independent readers. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association of joint form and lesions on imaging for axSpA patients and controls.

RESULTS

Atypical joint forms were common in both axSpA (43.5% [154/354]) and control patients (44.2% [134/303]); both intra-articular variants and a crescent joint shape were significantly more common in axSpA patients (18.4% vs 11.6% and 11.0% vs 5.3.%, respectively; P < 0.001). The axSpA patients with intra-articular joint form variants had 2-fold higher odds of exhibiting erosions [odds ratio (OR) 2.09 (95% CI 1.18, 3.69)] and BMO [OR 1.79 (95% CI 1.13, 2.82)]; this association was not observed in controls. Accessory joints increased the odds for sclerosis in axSpA patients [OR 2.54 (95% CI 1.10, 5.84)] and for sclerosis [OR 17.91 (95% CI 6.92, 46.37)] and BMO [OR 2.05 (95% CI 1.03, 4.07)] in controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Joint form variations are associated with the presence of inflammatory lesions on SI joint MRIs of axSpA patients. This should be taken into consideration in future research on the interplay of mechanical strain and inflammation in axSpA.

Comparison of patients with axial PsA and patients with axSpA and concomitant psoriasis: an analysis of the German register RABBIT-SpA

BACKGROUND

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) show certain overlaps: A subset of patients with PsA can develop axial involvement (axial PsA, axPsA), while a subset of patients with axSpA presents with psoriasis (axSpA+pso). Treatment strategy for axPsA is mostly based on axSpA evidence.

OBJECTIVES

To compare demographic and disease-specific parameters of axPsA and axSpA+pso.

METHODS

RABBIT-SpA is a prospective longitudinal cohort study. AxPsA was defined based on (1) clinical judgement by rheumatologists; (2) imaging (sacroiliitis according to modified New York criteria in radiographs or signs of active inflammation in MRI or syndesmophytes/ankylosis in radiographs or signs of active inflammation in spine MRI). axSpA was stratified into axSpA+pso and axSpA without pso.

RESULTS

Psoriasis was documented in 181/1428 axSpA patients (13%). Of 1395 PsA patients, 359 (26%) showed axial involvement. 297 patients (21%) fulfilled the clinical definition and 196 (14%) the imaging definition of axial manifestation of PsA. AxSpA+pso differed from axPsA regardless whether clinical or imaging definition was used. axPsA patients were older, more often female and less often HLA-B27+. Peripheral manifestations were more often present in axPsA than in axSpA+pso, whereas uveitis and inflammatory bowel disease were more common in axSpA+pso. Burden of disease (patient global, pain, physician global) was similar among axPsA and axSpA+pso patients.

CONCLUSIONS

AxPsA differs from axSpA+pso in its clinical manifestations, irrespective of whether axPsA is defined clinically or by imaging. These findings support the hypothesis that axSpA and PsA with axial involvement are distinct entities, so extrapolation of treatment data from randomised controlled trials in axSpA should be performed with caution.

Dual-Energy-CT for Osteitis and Fat Lesions in Axial Spondyloarthritis: How Feasible Is Low-Dose Scanning?

BACKGROUND

To assess the ability of low-dose dual-energy computed tomography (ld-DECT) virtual non-calcium (VNCa) images for detecting bone marrow pathologies of the sacroiliac joints (SIJs) in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Material and Methods: Sixty-eight patients with suspected or proven axSpA underwent ld-DECT and MRI of the SIJ. VNCa images were reconstructed from DECT data and scored for the presence of osteitis and fatty bone marrow deposition by two readers with different experience (beginner and expert). Diagnostic accuracy and correlation (Kohen's k) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the reference standard were calculated for the overall and for each reader separately. Furthermore, quantitative analysis was performed using region-of-interest (ROI) analysis. Results: Twenty-eight patients were classified as positive for osteitis, 31 for fatty bone marrow deposition. DECT's sensitivity (SE) and specificity (SP) were 73.3% and 44.4% for osteitis and 75% and 67.3% for fatty bone lesions, respectively. The expert reader achieved higher diagnostic accuracy for both osteitis (SE 93.33%; SP: 51.85%) and fatty bone marrow deposition (SE: 65%; SP: 77.55%) than the beginner (SE: 26.67%; SP: 70.37% for osteitis; SE: 60%; SP: 44.9% for fatty bone marrow deposition). Overall correlation with MRI was moderate (r = 0.25, p = 0.04) for osteitis and fatty bone marrow deposition (r = 0.25, p = 0.04). Fatty bone marrow attenuation in VNCa images (mean: -129.58 HU; ±103.61 HU) differed from normal bone marrow (mean: 118.84 HU, ±99.91 HU; p < 0.01) and from osteitis (mean: 172 HU, ±81.02 HU; p < 0.01) while osteitis did not differ significantly from normal bone marrow (p = 0.27). Conclusion: In our study, low-dose DECT failed to detect osteitis or fatty lesions in patients with suspected axSpA. Thus, we conclude that higher radiation might be needed for DECT-based bone marrow analysis.

Long-term Safety and Efficacy of Ixekizumab in Patients With Axial Spondyloarthritis: 3-year Data From the COAST Program

OBJECTIVE

To report safety and efficacy of ixekizumab (IXE) from the COAST program at 3 years, including 1 year from the originating studies (COAST-V, COAST-W, and COAST-X), and 2 years from COAST-Y.

METHODS

In COAST-Y, patients continued with the dose received at the end of the originating study at week 52: 80 mg IXE either every 4 weeks (Q4W) or every 2 weeks (Q2W). Placebo-treated patients from COAST-X received IXE Q4W in COAST-Y. Starting at week 116 (week 64 of COAST-Y), patients receiving IXE Q4W could be escalated to Q2W. Safety for patients receiving ≥ 1 dose of IXE and efficacy for patients receiving ≥ 1 dose of IXE Q4W was assessed. Data are summarized as observed.

RESULTS

For the 932 patients who received ≥ 1 dose of IXE (Q2W or Q4W) through 3 years, treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) occurred at an incidence rate (IR) of 38.0 per 100 patient-years (PYs). The most frequently reported were infections (IR 25.7 per 100 PYs) and injection site reactions (IR 7.4 per 100 PYs); the majority of TEAEs were mild or moderate in severity. In total, 7.1% of TEAEs led to discontinuation (IR 3.1 per 100 PYs). All patient groups receiving IXE Q4W assessed through 3 years saw sustained improvements in Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score, clinically important improvement, and other efficacy end points.

CONCLUSION

The 3-year safety profile of IXE in the COAST program is consistent with the previously established long-term safety profile. IXE Q4W provided sustained improvement of disease activity in patients who received treatment through 3 years. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02696785 [COAST-V], NCT02696798 [COAST-W], NCT02757352 [COAST-X], and NCT03129100 [COAST-Y]).

Association between baseline cardiovascular risk and incidence rates of major adverse cardiovascular events and malignancies in patients with psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis receiving tofacitinib

Background

Tofacitinib is a Janus kinase inhibitor for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and has been investigated for psoriasis (PsO).

Objectives

This post hoc analysis examined baseline cardiovascular (CV) disease risk and its association with the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and malignancies in tofacitinib-treated patients with PsA and PsO.

Design

Included three phase III/long-term extension (LTE) PsA trials and seven phase II/phase III/LTE PsO trials of patients receiving ⩾ 1 dose of tofacitinib.

Methods

Incidence rates (IRs: patients with events/100 patient-years) for MACE and malignancies (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) were determined in subgroups according to history of atherosclerotic CV disease (ASCVD), baseline 10-year risk of ASCVD (in patients without history of ASCVD), and baseline metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Results

For patients with PsA (N = 783) and PsO (N = 3663), respectively, tofacitinib exposure was 2038 and 8950 patient-years (median duration: 3.0 and 2.4 years), and 40.9% and 32.7% had MetS. Excluding missing CV risk profile data, 51/773 (6.6%) and 144/3629 (4.0%) patients had history of ASCVD, and in patients without history of ASCVD, around 20.0% had intermediate/high baseline 10-year ASCVD risk. For PsA and PsO, IRs of MACE were greatest in those with history of ASCVD or high baseline 10-year ASCVD risk. For PsA, five of six patients with MACE had baseline MetS. Malignancy IRs in patients with PsA were greatest in those with intermediate/high baseline 10-year ASCVD risk. Of these, eight of nine patients with malignancies had baseline MetS. In the PsO cohort, IR of malignancies was notably greater with high versus low/borderline/intermediate baseline 10-year ASCVD risk.

Conclusion

In tofacitinib-treated patients with PsA/PsO, increased ASCVD risk and baseline MetS were associated with higher IRs for MACE and malignancies. Our results support assessing CV risk in patients with PsA/PsO and suggest enhanced cancer monitoring in those with increased ASCVD risk.

Registration ClinicalTrialsgov

NCT01877668/NCT01882439/NCT01976364/NCT00678210/NCT01710046/NCT01241591/NCT01186744/NCT01276639/NCT01309737/NCT01163253.

Plain Language Summary

People who have psoriatic arthritis or psoriasis may have more heart-related problems and cancer if they have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease: A study in people with psoriatic arthritis or psoriasis receiving tofacitinib Why was this study done? • People with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and psoriasis (PsO) are more likely than the general population to have a disease affecting the heart and blood vessels [cardiovascular (CV) disease].• People who are more likely to have CV disease may also be more likely to have certain types of cancer.• Tofacitinib is a medicine to treat people with PsA and has been tested in people with PsO.• We wanted to know if the risk of CV disease affects the number of heart-related problems (including heart attack, stroke, or death) and cancer in people with PsA and PsO. What did the researchers do? • We used results from 10 clinical trials.• In these trials, people with PsA and PsO were taking tofacitinib 5 or 10 mg twice a day.• After the trials had ended, we measured people's risk of CV disease using a risk calculator. This risk calculator showed if they had a low, borderline, intermediate, or high risk of CV disease over the next 10 years. We also checked if they had had CV disease before treatment.• We checked if people had a group of conditions linked to CV disease: diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.• We counted the cases of heart-related problems and cancer in people once they started taking tofacitinib. What did the researchers find? In people with PsA and PsO taking tofacitinib:• There were more cases of heart-related problems and cancer in people who had intermediate or high risk of CV disease.• There were more cases of heart-related problems in people who had had CV disease before.• More people with diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity had heart-related problems and cancer than people without those conditions. What do the findings mean? • It is important to measure risk and assess history of CV disease in people with PsA and PsO, including those taking tofacitinib.• We should test for cancer in people with high risk of CV disease.

Recapture and retreatment rates with ixekizumab after withdrawal of therapy in patients with axial spondyloarthritis: results at week 104 from a randomised placebo-controlled withdrawal study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the recapture of response with open-label (OL) ixekizumab (IXE) retreatment at week 104 in patients with axial spondyloarthritis who flared after withdrawal of IXE therapy.

METHODS

COAST-Y (NCT03129100) is a phase III extension study that included a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised withdrawal-retreatment period (RWRP). Patients who achieved remission (Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) <1.3 (inactive disease, ID) at least once at week 16 or 20 and <2.1 (low disease activity, LDA) at both visits) were randomised 2:1 at week 24 to continue IXE or withdraw to placebo. Patients who subsequently flared were switched to OL IXE every 2 or 4 weeks (Q2W or Q4W) at the next visit. The proportions of patients who recaptured ASDAS LDA and ID were summarised for those who experienced flare.

RESULTS

Of the 155 patients who entered the RWRP (placebo, n=53; IXE Q4W, n=48; IXE Q2W, n=54), 138 (89%) completed week 104. Of the placebo-treated patients (n=53), 28 (53%) experienced a flare during weeks 24-104; of these, 4 (14%) recaptured ASDAS LDA before retreatment with OL IXE, and 23 (82%) recaptured ASDAS LDA and 19 (68%) met ASDAS ID after retreatment. Of the continuously treated IXE patients (n=102), 13 experienced flare; 7 of 13 (54%) recaptured ASDAS LDA before switching to OL IXE retreatment, while 5 of 13 (38%) recaptured ASDAS LDA and 4 of 13 (31%) met ID after switching.

CONCLUSIONS

Ninety-six per cent of patients withdrawn to placebo recaptured at least ASDAS LDA and 71% recaptured ASDAS ID with IXE retreatment at week 104. This may provide support to patients who may require a brief interruption in therapy.

Management of Axial Disease in Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis: An Updated Literature Review Informing the 2021 GRAPPA Treatment Recommendations

OBJECTIVE

Axial involvement in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a common subset of this condition, but a unanimous definition has yet to be established. It has been defined by using different criteria, ranging from the presence of at least unilateral grade 2 sacroiliitis to those used for ankylosing spondylitis (AS), or simply the presence of inflammatory low back pain (IBP). Our aim was to identify and evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic interventions for treatment of axial disease in PsA.

METHODS

This systematic review is an update of the axial PsA (axPsA) domain of the treatment recommendations project by the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA).

RESULTS

The systematic review of the literature showed that new biologic and targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug classes, namely interleukin (IL)-17A and Janus kinase inhibitors, could be considered for the treatment of axPsA. This would be in addition to previously recommended treatments such as nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, physiotherapy, simple analgesia, and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors. Conflicting evidence still remains regarding the use of IL-12/23 and IL-23 inhibitors.

CONCLUSION

Further studies are needed for a better understanding of the treatment of axPsA, as well as validated outcome measures.

Keep an Eye on the Back: Spondyloarthritis in Patients With Acute Anterior Uveitis

OBJECTIVES

This study was undertaken to analyze the prevalence of spondyloarthritis (SpA) in patients with acute anterior uveitis (AAU), to identify parameters associated with the presence of SpA, and to evaluate the performance of referral algorithms for identifying patients with a high probability of having SpA.

METHODS

Prospectively recruited consecutive patients with noninfectious AAU underwent structured rheumatologic assessment including magnetic resonance imaging of the sacroiliac joints, allowing a definitive diagnosis/exclusion of concomitant SpA. Fisher's exact test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare AAU patients with SpA and AAU patients without SpA. Furthermore, logistic regression analyses were performed. The predictive performance of SpA referral strategies was analyzed by calculating the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and positive and negative likelihood ratios.

RESULTS

Among the 189 AAU patients evaluated, 106 (56%) were diagnosed as having SpA. The majority of SpA patients (93%) had predominantly axial SpA and 7 patients had peripheral SpA. In 74 patients (70%), the SpA diagnosis was established for the first time. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, psoriasis (odds ratio [OR] 12.5 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.3-120.2]), HLA-B27 positivity (OR 6.3 [95% CI 2.4-16.4]), elevated C-reactive protein level (OR 4.8 [95% CI 1.9-12.4]), and male sex (OR 2.1 [95% CI 1.1-4.2]) were associated with the presence of SpA. None of the ophthalmologic parameters were found to be predictive of SpA. The Dublin Uveitis Evaluation Tool (DUET) showed higher specificity for SpA recognition than the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) tool for the early referral of patients with a suspected diagnosis of axial SpA (specificity for SpA 42% versus 28%), whereas the sensitivity of the ASAS tool was slightly higher than the DUET tool (sensitivity for SpA 80% versus 78%). However, more than 20% of the AAU patients in this study who were diagnosed as having SpA would have been missed by both referral strategies.

CONCLUSION

Our study revealed a high prevalence of SpA in AAU patients overall, as well as a high prevalence of previously undiagnosed SpA in AAU patients. Therefore, we propose rheumatologic evaluation for all AAU patients with musculoskeletal symptoms.