Adherence to Treat-to-target Management in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Associated Factors: Data from the International RA BIODAM Cohort

Objective.

Compelling evidence supports a treat-to-target (T2T) strategy for optimal outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). There is limited knowledge regarding the factors that impede implementation of T2T, particularly in a setting where adherence to T2T is protocol-specified. We aimed to assess clinical factors that associate with failure to adhere to T2T.

Methods.

Patients with RA from 10 countries who were starting or changing conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and/or starting tumor necrosis factor inhibitors were followed for 2 years. Participating physicians were required per protocol to adhere to the T2T strategy. Factors influencing adherence to T2T low disease activity (T2T-LDA; 44-joint count Disease Activity Score ≤ 2.4) were analyzed in 2 types of binomial generalized estimating equations models: (1) including only baseline features (baseline model); and (2) modeling variables that inherently vary over time as such (longitudinal model).

Results.

A total of 571 patients were recruited and 439 (76.9%) completed 2-year followup. Failure of adherence to T2T-LDA was noted in 1765 visits (40.5%). In the baseline multivariable model, a high number of comorbidities (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.02–1.19), smoking (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.08–1.63) and high number of tender joints (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02–1.04) were independently associated with failure to implement T2T, while anticitrullinated protein antibody/rheumatoid factor positivity (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.50–0.80) was a significant facilitator of T2T. Results were similar in the longitudinal model.

Conclusion.

Lack of adherence to T2T in the RA BIODAM cohort was evident in a substantial proportion despite being a protocol requirement, and this could be predicted by clinical features. [Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) BIODAM cohort; ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01476956].

Measuring the T-cell down-regulation of TCR-zeta, ZAP-70 and CD28 in arthritis patients: An old tool for new biomarkers

Low T-cell receptor (TCR)/CD28 signaling lymphocytes are expanded in arthritis. We asked whether the down-expression of TCR-related molecules correlates with specific arthritis characteristics and if it has clinical implications. TCR-ZETA, ZAP-70 and CD28 expression was measured by flow cytometry in synovial fluid (SF) and peripheral blood (PB)-derived T cells. In PB, ZETA-downregulation in CD4⁺ CD28⁺ and consequent CD4⁺ CD28lowZETAlow cell expansion correlate with CRP elevation, leukocyte recruitment into SF and, primarily, disease activity (DAS). In some patients, ZETA-downregulation extends to CD8⁺ CD28null and/or CD8⁺ CD28⁺ cells, and this correlates with enhanced leukocyte recruitment, multiple joint involvement, and disability index (HAQ). ZETA-downregulation in CD4⁺ CD28⁺ may also lead to CD4⁺ CD28⁺ ZETAnull cell expansion, which strongly correlates with HAQ. In SF, ZETA-downregulation in CD8⁺ CD28null and consequent CD8⁺ CD28nullZETAlow/null cell expansion correlate with CRP elevation and neutrophilic influx into SF, whereas ZAP-downregulation in CD8⁺ CD28⁺ and consequent CD8⁺ CD28lowZAPlow cell expansion strongly correlate with HAQ and DAS. ZETA-downregulation is preponderant in SF of seronegative arthritides, with seronegative rheumatoid arthritis showing significant down-regulation in CD8⁺ CD28null, and non-rheumatoid arthritides showing significant down-regulation in CD4⁺ CD28⁺ . Altogether, we identified new molecular and cellular biomarkers of arthritis-related T-cell inflammation, useful for assessing arthritis activity, predicting polyarticular progression and functional impairment, characterizing seronegative arthritides, and possibly tailoring immunotherapies.

Body mass index as a driver of selection of biologic therapy in rheumatoid arthritis. Results from the US-CLARA study

PURPOSE

Body mass index (BMI) demonstrated to influence the clinical response to different drugs in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this study was to investigate the role of BMI in the achievement of remission in active RA patients starting the treatment with abatacept.

METHODS

Data regarding 130 RA patients enrolled in the UltraSound-CLinical ARthritis Activity (US-CLARA) study were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were assessed at baseline (when starting abatacept treatment) and at 3- and 6-months. An extensive clinimetric evaluation, including a new ultrasound (US)/clinical composite disease activity index, termed US-CLARA, was performed at every timepoints. Outcome of interest of the study was the impact of BMI on the achievement of the Disease Activity Score 28-joints erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) or the ACR/EULAR Boolean remission criteria at 6 month.

RESULTS

At 6-month 26 out of 130 patients were defined as responders to abatacept. Comparing the baseline characteristics of responders to non-responders, US-CLARA showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups. The logistic regression analysis showed that the two indipendent variables, predictive of treatment response (keeping the DAS28-ESR and/or Boolean remission criteria as dependent variable), were the self-tender joint count assessment (p = 0.0412) and the ultrasound score (p = 0.0211). No other baseline variable, notably BMI, was associated to 6-month abatacept response.

CONCLUSIONS

BMI does not influence the abatacept response in RA patients with active disease. During abatacept treatment, the clinical response can be achieved despite a condition of overweight or obesity.

JAK inhibition by methotrexate (and csDMARDs) may explain clinical efficacy as monotherapy and combination therapy

Methotrexate (MTX) is recognized as the anchor drug in the algorithm treating chronic arthritis (RA, psoriatic arthritis), as well as a steroid sparing agent in other inflammatory conditions (polymyalgia rheumatica, vasculitis, scleroderma). Its main mechanism of action has been related to the increase in extracellular adenosine, which leads to the effects of A2_A receptor in M1 macrophages that dampens TNFα and IL12 production and increases IL1Ra and TNFRp75. By acting on A2_B receptor on M2 macrophages it enhances IL10 synthesis and inhibits NF-kB signaling. MTX has also been shown to exert JAK inhibition of JAK2 and JAK1 when tested in Drosophila melanogaster as a model of kinase activity and in human cell lines (nodular sclerosis Hodgkin's lymphoma and acute myeloid leukemia cell lines). These effects may explain why MTX leads to clinical effects similar to anti-TNFα biologics in monotherapy, but is less effective when compared to anti-IL6R in monotherapy, which acting upstream exerts major effects downstream on the JAK1-STAT3 pathway. The MTX effects on JAK1/JAK2 inhibition also allows to understand why the combination of MTX with Leflunomide, or JAK1/JAK3 inhibitor leads to better clinical outcomes than monotherapy, while the combination with JAK1/JAK2 or JAK1 specific inhibitors does not seem to exert additive clinical benefit.

Rate of serious infections in spondyloarthropathy patients treated with anti-tumour necrosis factor drugs: a survey from the Italian registry GISEA

OBJECTIVES

To determine the incidence of serious infections (SIs) among the spondyloarthropathy (SpA) patients from the "Gruppo Italiano per lo Studio delle Early Arthritis" (GISEA) registry and treated with tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors (TNFIs), and to identify the factors associated with the development of the infections.

METHODS

This observational study on 3321 GISEA-registered SpA patients collected real-world demographic and clinical data relating to their biological drug treatments. The overall incidence of infections was analysed by type of SpA.

RESULTS

A total of 3321 SpA patients (1731 males, 52.2%; mean age 47±13 years; median disease duration 3 years, interquartile range [IQR] 0-8) were eligible for inclusion in the analysis. Two hundred and fifty-nine patients experienced at least one of 391 microbiologically diagnosed SIs, 32% of which were recorded during the first 12 months of treatment. The overall incidence of SIs was 43.9/1000 patient-years of follow-up (95% confidence interval [CI] 39.6-48.4): 29.9/1000 (95% CI 23.1-38.1) among those treated with adalimumab (ADA); 36.1/1000 (95% CI 30.0-43.1) among those treated with etanercept (ETN); and 61.4/1000 (95% CI 53.3-70.5) among those treated with infliximab (INF). The highest incidence was observed among the patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), but the difference was statistically significant only in comparison with the patients with undifferentiated SpA (p=0.002), whose incidence of SIs was also lower than in the patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) (p=0.034). Multivariate models showed that the number of comorbidities (hazard ratio [HR] 1.29, 95%CI 1.2-1.4; p<0.001), age at the start of TNFi treatment (HR 0.99, 95%CI 0.97-0.99; p=0.030), steroid use (HR 1.40, 95%CI 1.1-1.8; p=0.012) and male sex (HR 0.72, 95%CI 0.5-0.9; p=0.012) were all statistically significant predictors of infection. The factors independently associated with a lower risk of SIs were the use of ETN (HR 0.52, 95%CI 0.4-0.7; p<0.001) or ADA (HR 0.59, 95%CI 0.4-0.8; p=0.002) rather than INF.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of SIs was higher among patients with PsA or AS than among those with undifferentiated SpA, and among patients treated with INF than among those treated with ADA or ETN. Male sex, steroid use and the number of comorbidities were all factors predictive of SIs.

Body mass index and treatment response to subcutaneous abatacept in patients with psoriatic arthritis: a post hoc analysis of a phase III trial

Objective

This post hoc analysis of the phase III Active PSoriaTic Arthritis RAndomizEd TriAl (ASTRAEA) evaluated the effect of baseline body mass index (BMI) on subsequent response to subcutaneous (SC) abatacept in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Methods

In ASTRAEA, patients with active PsA were randomised (1:1) to receive blinded weekly SC abatacept 125 mg or placebo for 24 weeks. Treatment response at week 24 was assessed by the proportions of patients achieving American College of Rheumatology 20% improvement response, Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28 (C reactive protein (CRP))) ≤3.6 and <2.6, Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index reduction from baseline ≥0.35 and radiographic non-progression (defined as change from baseline ≤0 in PsA-modified total Sharp/van der Heijde score). Responses were stratified by baseline BMI (underweight/normal, <25 kg/m²; overweight, 25–30 kg/m²; obese, >30 kg/m²) and compared in univariate and multivariate models.

Results

Of 212/213 and 210/211 patients with baseline BMI data in the abatacept and placebo groups, respectively, 15% and 19% were underweight/normal, 36% and 27% were overweight, and 49% and 54% were obese. After adjusting for baseline characteristics, there were no significant differences for any outcome measure at week 24 with abatacept in the overweight or obese versus underweight/normal subgroup. In the placebo group, patients in the obese versus underweight/normal subgroup were significantly less likely to achieve DAS28 (CRP) <2.6 at week 24 (OR 0.26; 95% CI 0.08 to 0.87; p=0.03).

Conclusion

BMI does not impact clinical or radiographic response to SC abatacept in patients with PsA.

Trial registration number

NCT01860976.

Differential synovial tissue biomarkers among psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid factor/anti-citrulline antibody-negative rheumatoid arthritis

Background

Differential diagnosis among psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and seronegative rheumatoid arthritis (Ab^neg RA) can be challenging particularly in the clinical setting of peripheral phenotype and autoantibodies seronegativity. The aim of the study was to identify synovial tissue (ST) biomarkers differentially expressed in PsA and Ab^neg RA and test their predictive value of therapeutic response.

Methods

Thirty-four PsA patients [12 DMARD naive and 22 non-responder to methotrexate (MTX-IR)] with peripheral joint involvement and 55 Ab^neg RA (27 DMARD naive and 28 MTX-IR) underwent US-guided ST biopsy and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for CD68⁺, CD3⁺, CD20⁺, CD21⁺, CD117⁺, and CD138⁺ cells. After study entry, each DMARD-naive patient started MTX therapy and was followed in an outpatient setting for at least 6 months to define the achievement of Minimal Disease Activity (PsA) and DAS remission (Ab^neg RA) status respectively. Each IR-MTX patient was treated according to EULAR recommendations.

Results

At study entry, IHC analysis revealed that PsA patients had comparable levels of lining and sublining CD68⁺ and sublining CD21⁺, CD20⁺, and CD3⁺ cells than Ab^neg RA, despite the therapeutic regimen. Moreover, regardless of the therapeutic scheme, PsA patients showed higher IHC score of CD117⁺ cells (p = 0.0004 and p = 0.0005 for naive and MTX-IR patients respectively) compared to Ab^neg RA patients. Conversely, Ab^neg RA patients showed higher IHC score of CD138⁺ cells, irrespective to the therapeutic scheme (p = 0.04 and p = 0.002 for naive and MTX-IR patients respectively). Analyzing the response rate to the therapeutic scheme, naive PsA patients reaching MDA status at 6 months follow-up, showed, at the study entry, lower IHC score of CD3⁺ cells compared to PsA patients not reaching this outcome (p = 0.02); conversely, naive Ab^neg RA patients reaching DAS remission status at 6 months follow-up, showed, at the study entry, lower IHC score of sublining CD68⁺ cells compared to Ab^neg RA patients not reaching this outcome (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

CD117⁺ and CD138⁺ cells are differentially distributed among PsA and Ab^neg RA. Histological analysis of ST may help to solve the clinical overlap between the two diseases and provides prognostic data about the therapy success.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13075-019-1898-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Selective Inhibitors of T Cell Receptor Recognition of Antigen-MHC Complexes for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Autoreactive T cells specific to human collagen type II have a crucial role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the context of MHC class II allele HLA-DRB1-*04. The protein-protein interactions between the T cell receptor (TCR) and the type II collagen bound to the allele MHC of class II may thus represent the target for the development of new drugs against RA. In this study, a structure-based pharmacophore model for potential small molecule inhibitors was developed from protein-protein interface structure. The 3D model obtained was used for a virtual screening workflow, which resulted in three hits for experimental follow up. Three compounds have been identified that interfere with the TCR/collagenII-MHCII (K _i values below 10 μM) and open up new possibilities in the treatment of RA.

Long-Term Retention Rate of Anakinra in Adult Onset Still's Disease and Predictive Factors for Treatment Response

Background: Anakinra (ANA) is an effective treatment choice in patients with adult onset Still’s disease (AOSD). Variables affecting treatment survival include loss of efficacy or adverse events, but also the decision to discontinue treatment after long-term clinical remission.

Objectives: Aims of this study were: (i) to assess the drug retention rate (DRR) of ANA during a long-term follow-up looking for any difference related to the line of biologic treatment, the concomitant use of conventional disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (cDMARDs) and the different type of AOSD (systemic versus chronic articular); (ii) to identify predictive factors of lack of efficacy, loss of efficacy, and ANA withdrawal owing to long-term remission.

Methods: AOSD patients classified according with Yamaguchi criteria and treated with ANA were retrospectively enrolled in 18 Italian tertiary Centers. Demographic, laboratory, clinical and therapeutic data related to the start of ANA (baseline), the 3-month assessment and the last follow-up visit while on ANA treatment were retrospectively collected and statistically analyzed.

Results: One hundred and forty-one AOSD patients (48 males, 93 females) treated with ANA for a mean period of 35.96 ± 36.05 months were enrolled. The overall DRR of ANA was 44.6 and 30.5% at the 60- and 120-month assessments, respectively, with no significant differences between: (i) biologic naïve patients and those previously treated with other biologics (log-rank p = 0.97); (ii) monotherapy and concomitant use of cDMARDs (log-rank p = 0.45); (iii) systemic and chronic articular types of AOSD (log-rank p = 0.67). No variables collected at baseline could predict primary inefficacy, while the number of swollen joints at baseline was significantly associated with secondary inefficacy (p = 0.01, OR = 1.194, C.I. 1.043–1.367). The typical AOSD skin rash was negatively related with ANA withdrawal owing to long-term remission (p = 0.03, OR = 0.224, C.I. 0.058–0.863).

Conclusion: Long-term DRR of ANA has been found excellent and is not affected by different lines of biologic treatment, concomitant use of cDMARDs, or type of AOSD. The risk of losing ANA efficacy increases along with the number of swollen joints at the start of therapy, while the typical skin rash is a negative predictor of ANA withdrawal related to sustained remission.

Quantitative and semi-quantitative computed tomography analysis of interstitial lung disease associated with systemic sclerosis: A longitudinal evaluation of pulmonary parenchyma and vessels

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate interstitial lung disease associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc-ILD) and its changes during treatment by using quantitative analysis (QA) compared to semi-quantitative analysis (semiQA) of chest computed tomography (CT) scans. To assess the prognostic value of QA in predicting functional changes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively selected 35 consecutive patients with SSc-ILD with complete pulmonary functional evaluation, Doppler-echocardiography, immunological tests, and chest CT scan at both baseline and follow-up after immunosuppressive therapy. CT images were analyzed by two chest radiologists for semiQA and by a computational platform for texture analysis of ILD patterns (CALIPER) for QA. Concordance between semiQA and QA was tested. Traction bronchiectasis severity was scored. Analysis of ROC curves was performed.

RESULTS

Seventy CT scans were analyzed and QA failed in 4/70 scans. Thus, the final population included 31/35 patients (51.3±12.1 years). QA had a weak-to-good concordance with semiQA (ICC reticular:0.275; ICC ground-glass:0.667) and QA correlated better than semiQA (r = -0.3 to -0.74 vs r = -0.3 to -0.4) with functional parameters. Both methods correlated with traction bronchiectases score and pulmonary artery diameter at CT. A pulmonary artery diameter ≥29mm distinguished patients with lower lung volumes and ILD extent greater than 39% (p<0.001). Changes in QA patterns during treatment were not accurate (AUC: 0.50 to 0.70; p>0.05) in predicting disease progression as assessed by functional parameters, whereas variation in total lung volume at QA accurately predicted changes in the composite functional respiratory endpoint with FVC% and DLco% (AUC = 0.74; 95%CI: 0.54 to 0.93; p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Pulmonary QA of CT images can objectively quantify specific patterns of ILD changes during treatment in patients with SSc-ILD. Changes in QA patterns do not correlate with functional changes, but variation in total lung volume at QA accurately predicted changes in the composite functional respiratory endpoint with FVC% and DLco%. Pulmonary artery diameter at CT reflects the interstitial involvement, identifying patients with more severe prognosis.

Cardiac troponin T and NT-proBNP as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of primary cardiac involvement and disease severity in systemic sclerosis: A prospective study

OBJECTIVES

The aim of our study was to define the role of high-sensitive cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) and NT-proBNP in identifying Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) patients with cardiac involvement and at higher risk of cardiac death.

METHODS

Plasma hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP concentrations were measured in 245 SSc-patients.

RESULTS

hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP levels were higher in SSc-patients than in healthy controls. Hs-cTnT levels were higher than 0.014 ng/ml in 32.3% SSc-patients, while NT-proBNP was above 125 pg/ml in 31.8% of them, irrespective of classical cardiovascular risk factor and of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Elevated hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP were associated with diffuse skin involvement and directly correlated with the skin score. Patients with increased cardiac markers presented a lower left-ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and a higher rate of right bundle branch block (RBBB) on electrocardiogram (ECG) compared to patients with normal cardiac enzymes. During the follow-up, 12 SSc-patients experience a disease-related death; 9 of these were directly related to cardiac involvement (sudden cardiac death or heart failure) and the majority of them occurred among patients with increase of at least one cardiac biomarker. Long-term survival was worse in patients with increase of both cardiac biomarkers.

CONCLUSIONS

Evaluation of hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP levels may provide a tool to screen non-invasively SSc-patients for heart involvement. A higher incidence of impaired systolic function, ECG abnormalities and a poor outcome in SSc-patients with elevated cardiac enzymes suggests that they may be valuable screening biomarkers to detect a cardiac damage at early stages and to improve risk stratification.

Anti-Müllerian hormone serum levels in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: Influence of the disease severity and therapy on the ovarian reserve

PURPOSE

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) mainly affects childbearing age women and pharmacological treatments may negatively influence the ovarian reserve. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) could be a good biomarker for ovarian reserve.

METHODS

AMH serum levels were assessed in 86 consecutive SLE female patients with regular menstrual cycle compared with 44 aged matched healthy controls. Clinical and demographic characteristics, disease duration, pattern of organ involvement, and previous and current therapies were recorded.

RESULTS

AMH levels were comparable between patients and controls (4.2 ± 3.1 ng/ml vs. 5.0 ± 3.1 ng/ml, p = 0.21). According to disease severity, AMH levels were lower in SLE patients with major organ involvement than in controls (3.8 ± 2.7 ng/ml vs. 5.0 ± 3.1 ng/ml, p = 0.08); no difference was found between SLE patients with mild organ involvement (4.5 ± 3.4 ng/ml) and controls (p = 0.43). Grouping patients based on the pharmacological treatments, AMH serum levels did not differ among SLE patients treated with antimalarials only (4.7 ± 3.3 ng/ml), conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (cDMARDs) only (4.8 ± 3.2 ng/ml), cDMARDs and antimalarials (3.9 ± 2.9 ng/ml) or cyclophosphamide (CYC) only (4.9 ± 3.9 ng/ml), compared to controls, but patients sequentially treated with cDMARDs and CYC, had significantly lower AMH serum levels than controls (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

SLE patients showed comparable AMH levels than controls, however, a reduction of the ovarian reserve was associated with sequentially therapy with CYC and cDMARDs and with the disease severity. AMH could be a sensitive and specific biomarker of ovarian reserve in SLE and it could be useful for therapeutic strategy and family planning.

Correction to: Anti-Müllerian hormone serum levels in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: influence of the disease severity and therapy on the ovarian reserve

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake in given and family names of all the authors.

Chemerin and PEDF Are Metaflammation-Related Biomarkers of Disease Activity and Obesity in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective: Obesity is a risk factor for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) being associated to low grade inflammation. This study aimed to determine whether PEDF and Chemerin are biomarkers of inflammation related to fat accumulation in RA and to investigate whether weight loss associates with clinical disease improvement through the modification of fat-related biomarkers in overweight/obese RA with low-moderate disease.

Participants and Methods: Two-hundred and thirty RA patients were enrolled, of whom 176 at disease onset treated according to a treat-to-target strategy (T2T) and 54 overweight/obese RA in stable therapy and low-moderate disease activity. Gene expression of adipokines, interleukin-6 and their receptors were examined in adipose tissue from obese RA. Obese RA with low-moderate disease activity underwent low-calories diet aiming to Body Mass Index (BMI) reduction >5%, maintaining RA therapy unchanged. Chemerin, PEDF and Interleukin-6 plasma values were assessed by ELISA and disease activity was evaluated.

Results: At RA onset, PEDF and Chemerin plasma values correlated with BMI (p < 0.001) but only Chemerin plasma values correlated with disease activity (p < 0.001). After adopting a T2T strategy, Chemerin arose as an independent factor associated with remission in early RA [OR(95%CIs):0.49(0.25–0.97)]. Moreover, after low-calories diet, RA with low-moderate disease activity reaching BMI reduction ≥5% (62.6%) at 6 months had significant decrease of PEDF (p < 0.05) and Chemerin (p < 0.05) plasma values, in parallel with the improvement in disease activity.

Conclusions: PEDF and Chemerin arose as biomarkers of obesity and metaflammation respectively, providing a link between chronic inflammation and excess of body weight in RA. Therefore, BMI reduction of at least 5% in obese RA allowed better disease control without modifying RA treatment.

Synovial Predictors of Differentiation to Definite Arthritis in Patients With Seronegative Undifferentiated Peripheral Inflammatory Arthritis: microRNA Signature, Histological, and Ultrasound Features

Objectives: To examine synovial tissue (ST) predictors of clinical differentiation in patients with seronegative undifferentiated peripheral inflammatory arthritis (UPIA).

Methods: Fourty-two patients with IgA/IgM-Rheumatoid Factor and anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies negative UPIA, naive to Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs, underwent Gray Scale (GSUS) and power Doppler (PDUS) evaluation and Ultrasound (US) guided ST biopsy. CD68, CD3, CD21, CD20, and CD31 synovial expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Whole ST microRNA expression was assessed using miScript miRNA PCR Array. Peripheral blood (PB) and synovial fluid (SF) IL-6, VEGF-A, and VEGF-D levels were measured by ELISA and ST TNF expression was assessed by RT-PCR. Each patient was prospectively monitored and classified at baseline and within 1 year as UPIA, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Spondyloarthritis (SpA) or Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA), respectively.

Results: At baseline, CD68⁺ cells were the most common cells within the lining layer (p < 0.001) in seronegative UPIA, directly correlating with GSUS (R = 0.36; p = 0.02) and PDUS (R = 0.55; p < 0.001). Synovial CD31⁺ vessels count directly correlated with GSUS (R = 0.41; p = 0.01) and PDUS (R = 0.52; p < 0.001). During the follow-up, 6 (14.3%) UPIA reached a definite diagnosis (2 RA, 2 SpA and 2 PsA, respectively). At baseline, UPIA who differentiated had higher GSUS (p = 0.01), PDUS scores (p = 0.02) and higher histological scores for CD68⁺ (p = 0.005 and p = 0.04 for lining and sublining respectively), sublining CD3⁺ cells (p = 0.002), CD31⁺ vessels count (p < 0.001) and higher IL-6 PB levels (p = 0.01) than patients who remained as UPIA. MiRNA PCR Array showed that among the 86 tested miRNA species, at baseline, miR-346 and miR-214 were significantly down-regulated (p = 0.02 for both) in ST of UPIA who differentiated than in patients who remained as UPIA, inversely correlating with the lining CD68⁺ cells IHC score (R = −0.641; p = 0.048) and CD31⁺ vessels count (R = −0.665; p = 0.036) and with higher baseline ST expression of TNF (p = 0.014). Finally, logistic regression analysis demonstrated that baseline GSUS and PDUS scores ≥1.5 [OR:22.93 (95%CI:0.98–534.30)] and CD31⁺ vessels count ≥24.3 [OR:23.66 (95%CI:1.50–373.02)] were independent factors associated with the development of definite arthritis.

Conclusions: MiRNA signature, histological and US features of ST may help in the identification of seronegative UPIA with high likelihood of clinical differentiation toward definite seronegative arthritis.

Abatacept in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis: biological and clinical profiles of the responders

Abatacept (CTLA4Ig), a selective T-cell costimulation modulator, has been approved for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis patients with an inadequate response to conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, but not for those with uncontrolled skin lesions, nor with axial involvement. In this review, we will try to interpret such a differential efficacy of abatacept on the psoriatic arthritis clinical domains, on the basis of its differential effectiveness on the diverse T-cell subsets at different sites. Clinical and biological profiles of possible responders to abatacept will be provided.

The Relevance of VDJ PCR Protocols in Detecting B-Cell Clonal Expansion in Lymphomas and Other Lymphoproliferative Disorders

Aims and background

The detection of immunoglobulin heavy chain variable (VH)-diversity (DH)-joining (JH) region gene rearrangement by polymerase chain reaction (VDJ PCR) has been recently proposed as a rapid approach to assess B-cell clonality in lymphoproliferative disorders. The aim of the present study was to determine the efficacy of VDJ PCR in a wide spectrum of lymphoproliferative disorders previously characterized by immunohistochemistry and Southern blot (SB).

Methods

83 SB-rearranged B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) of different histotype, 22 cases of SB-unrearranged classical Hodgkin's disease (HD), 18 cases of HIV-related reactive lymphadenopathy, and 4 frankly pre-lymphomatous lesions (MESA) in the course of Sjögren's syndrome were investigated by 2 different VDJ PCR protocols (FR3, FR2).

Results

The detection rate in NHL was 64% and 71% using the protocols FR3 and FR2, respectively. However, the overall VDJ PCR efficacy increased to 81% by combining the results of both protocols. In addition, differences in the combined, as well as in the single FR3 or FR2 protocol efficacy, were noted in the different NHL subgroups. B-cell clonality was also detected in 4/22 (18%) SB-unrearranged classical HD cases and in 2/18 (11%) reactive lymphadenopathy cases, whereas it was demonstrated in all the MESA lesions, 2 of them being SB-negative.

Conclusions

VDJ PCR represents a useful and rapid technique to detect B-cell clonality in NHL, although with some differences depending on the NHL histotype and the panel of primers employed. The technique may also be of value to investigate the possible progression of early B-cell clonal expansion into frankly B-cell malignancy and to contribute to the controversy about the clonal lineage origin of the putative HD malignant cells.

Characterization of inflammatory cell infiltrate of scleroderma skin: B cells and skin score progression

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency and the distribution of inflammatory cell infiltrate in two sets of cutaneous biopsies derived from clinically affected and unaffected skin in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and to test correlation between the cell infiltrate and the progression of skin involvement.

METHODS

Skin was immunohistochemically assessed to identify CD68, CD3, CD20 and CD138-positive (+) cells in clinically affected and unaffected skin in 28 patients with SSc. Patients were followed for 6 months and the characteristics of the infiltrate were analyzed according to disease duration, clinical features and skin involvement progression.

RESULTS

In all SSc cutaneous specimens, cellular infiltrates were found in a perivascular location predominantly in the mid and deeper portions of the dermis. All the analyzed biopsies showed a CD3⁺ and CD68⁺ cell infiltrate and the mean number of CD3⁺ and of CD68⁺ cells was higher in clinically involved skin (CD3⁺, 71.7 ± 34.6 and CD68⁺, 26.3 ± 8.4, respectively) than in clinically uninvolved skin (CD3⁺, 45.7 ± 36.0 and CD68⁺, 13.6 ± 6.1, respectively) (p < 0.001 for both comparisons). CD20⁺ cells were found in 17 (60.7%) patients and in these patients the mean number of CD20⁺ cells was higher in clinically involved (4.7 ± 5.9) than in uninvolved skin (1.9 ± 2.9), (p = 0.04). There was a greater number of CD20⁺ cells in patients with early SSc compared with patients with long-standing disease. CD138⁺ cells were found in 100% of biopsies of clinically involved skin and in 89.3% of biopsies of uninvolved skin. The mean number of CD138⁺ cells was higher in clinically involved skin (3.6 ± 2.3) than in clinically uninvolved skin (1.9 ± 1.7), (p < 0.001). Seven patients experienced more than 20% worsening in the skin score after 6 months of follow up; all of them had a CD20⁺ skin infiltrate on biopsy of clinically involved skin.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results confirm that mononuclear cells are present in the skin of all patients with SSc, underlining the role of inflammatory cell infiltrates in skin involvement in SSc. B cells in the skin seem to characterize patients with early diffuse skin disease and to correlate with skin progression.

Lack of Hcv Infection in Malignant, Cells Refutes the Hypothesis of a Direct Transforming Action of the Virus in the Pathogenesis of Hcv-Associated B-Cell Nhls

Aims and background

Preliminary evidence suggests that hepatitis C virus (HCV) might play a pathogenetic role in autoimmune-related, non-malignant B-cell lymphoproliferation, as well as in a subset of B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHLs). With regard to the mechanism(s) by which HCV might favor B-cell expansion and malignant transformation, most data support an indirect pathogenetic role of the virus as an exogenous trigger. A direct oncogenetic role of HCV by direct cell infection and deregulation has only been hypothesized on the basis of the lymphotropism of the virus.

Methods

In this study we investigated the possible HCV infection of NHL B cells by means of sensitive and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on affinity-purified neoplastic cells, and by HCV-specific immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization.

Results

HCV infection of neoplastic B cells was documented in only three cases, namely the low-grade B-cell NHLs that arose in the course of mixed cryoglobulinemia syndrome (MC). HCV infection, below one viral genome per cell, was detectable only by PCR. All the remaining low-grade (one case) and high-grade B-cell NHLs (two cases) were HCV uninfected. Previous immunoglobulin gene analyses were consistent with an antigen-driven B-cell lymphoproliferation in the studied cases.

Conclusions

Overall, our data are consistent with an indirect oncogenetic role of HCV in B-cell lymphomagenesis as an exogenous trigger. Infection of B cells by HCV appears possible in some NHL subsets, but the implications remain unknown.

Paradoxical arthritis occurring during anti-TNF in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: histological and immunological features of a complex synovitis

OBJECTIVE

Paradoxical arthritis under tumour necrosis factor inhibitor (TNF-i) for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been described. This study aims to evaluate the histological features of paired synovial tissue (ST) and colonic mucosa (CM) tissue in patients with IBD developing paradoxical arthritis under TNF-i.

METHODS

Patients with IBD without history of coexisting joint involvement who developed arthritis under TNF-i were enrolled. Each patient underwent ST biopsy and ileocolonoscopy with CM biopsies. ST and CM paired samples were stained through immunohistochemistry (IHC) for CD68, CD21, CD20, CD3 and CD117. Clinical and immunological parameters (anticitrullinated peptides antibodies (ACPA)-immunoglobulin (Ig)M/IgA rheumatoid factor (RF)) were collected. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and ACPA/IgM-RF/IgA-RF negative rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were enrolled as comparison.

RESULTS

10 patients with IBD (age 46.0±9.7 years, 13.2±9.9 years of disease duration, 2.5±1.6 years of TNF-i exposure, six with Crohn's disease and four with ulcerative colitis, respectively) were studied. At ST level, IHC revealed that patients with IBD with paradoxical arthritis showed more similar histological findings in terms of synovial CD68+, CD21+, CD20+, CD3+ and CD117+ cells compared with PsA than ACPA/IgM-RF/IgA-RF negative RA. Analysing the CM specimens, patients with IBD showed the presence of CD68+, CD3+, CD117+ and CD20+ cells in 100%, 70%, 60% and 50% of cases, respectively, despite endoscopic remission. Finally, addition of conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and switch to ustekinumab were more effective than swapping into different TNF-i in patients with IBD with paradoxical arthritis.

CONCLUSION

Patients with IBD may develop histologically proven synovitis during TNF-i, comparable to PsA. The inhibition of inflammatory pathways alternative to TNF (IL12/1L23) may be an effective therapeutic option for severe paradoxical articular manifestations.

Interleukin-6 and IgA-rheumatoid factor are crucial for baseline erosiveness, and anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies for radiographic progression in early rheumatoid arthritis treated according to a treat-to-target strategy

OBJECTIVES

To define baseline clinical and immunological characteristics [anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies (ACPAs), immunoglobulin M (IgM)- and IgA-rheumatoid factor (RF), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels] involved in determining baseline erosiveness, outcome, and radiographic progression among seropositive and seronegative early rheumatoid arthritis (ERA) patients.

METHOD

The 408 ERA patients enrolled in the study were monitored every 3 months according to the treat-to-target strategy. At baseline and after 12 months, hand and foot radiographs were evaluated using the Sharp/van der Heijde erosion score.

RESULTS

At diagnosis, seronegative patients were older and had higher Disease Activity Scores (DASs) than seropositive patients. A higher risk of erosiveness at baseline was conferred by IgA-RF positivity and IL-6 plasma levels ≥7.6 pg/mL, particularly when simultaneously present. In multivariate analysis, disease duration and IL-6 plasma levels ≥7.6 pg/mL arose as independent variables associated with presence of erosions at onset. Radiographic progression at 1 year follow-up, which occurred in 11.1% of ERA patients, was predicted by ACPA positivity, together with higher age at diagnosis. Despite similar percentages of good European League Against Rheumatism response, DAS and Boolean remission being observed over time among seropositive and seronegative patients and between erosive and non-erosive subjects, ERA patients who were erosive at onset, IgA-RF seropositive, and simultaneously having high baseline IL-6 plasma levels (≥7.6 pg/mL) were treated to a greater extent with tumour necrosis factor blockers after 12 months.

CONCLUSION

IgA-RF positivity and IL-6 plasma levels are crucial for baseline erosiveness, while ACPA positivity represents the strongest risk factor for developing radiographic progression in ERA.

Driving chronicity in rheumatoid arthritis: perpetuating role of myeloid cells

Acute inflammation is a complex and tightly regulated homeostatic process that includes leucocyte migration from the vasculature into tissues to eliminate the pathogen/injury, followed by a pro‐resolving response promoting tissue repair. However, if inflammation is uncontrolled as in chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), it leads to tissue damage and disability. Synovial tissue inflammation in RA patients is maintained by sustained activation of multiple inflammatory positive‐feedback regulatory pathways in a variety of cells, including myeloid cells. In this review, we will highlight recent evidence uncovering biological mechanisms contributing to the aberrant activation of myeloid cells that contributes to perpetuation of inflammation in RA, and discuss emerging data on anti‐inflammatory mediators contributing to sustained remission that may inform a novel category of therapeutic targets.

Free light chains of immunoglobulins in patients with systemic sclerosis: correlations with lung involvement and inflammatory milieu

AIM

Humoral immunity and B cells are thought to play an important role in the pathophysiology of the systemic sclerosis (SSc). The production of free light chains (FLC) of immunoglobulins is abnormally high in several pathological autoimmune conditions and reflects B cell activation. Furthermore, FLCs demonstrated different biological activities including their capability to modulate the immune system, proteolytic activity and complement cascade activation. The aims of this study are to determine the FLC levels in patients with SSc compared with healthy controls (HC) and to study their possible association with organ involvement and disease characteristics.

METHODS

Sixty-five patients with SSc and 20 HC were studied. Clinical and immunological inflammatory characteristics were assessed for all the patients with SSc. κ-FLC and λ-FLC, interleukin 6 (IL-6) and B cell activating factor levels were measured.

RESULTS

The mean serum κ-FLC levels and FLC ratio were significantly higher in patients with SSc compared with HC, while the serum λ-FLC levels were comparable.The levels of FLC were comparable in patients with diffuse skin disease and limited skin involvement, while κ-FLC levels were increased in patients with restrictive lung (forced vital capacity (FVC) <80%) disease (26.4±7.4 mg/L) when compared with patients with FVC ≥80% (19.6±7.3 mg/L, P=0.009). In patients with SSc, the levels of serum κ-FLC level directly correlated with the IL-6 levels (R=0.3, P=0.001) and disease activity (R=0.4, P=0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

FLC levels are elevated in SSc and high levels are associated with lung involvement and with a higher degree of inflammation, supporting a possible role of B cell activation in the pathophysiology of the disease.

MicroRNA-155-at the Critical Interface of Innate and Adaptive Immunity in Arthritis

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that fine-tune the cell response to a changing environment by modulating the cell transcriptome. miR-155 is a multifunctional miRNA enriched in cells of the immune system and is indispensable for the immune response. However, when deregulated, miR-155 contributes to the development of chronic inflammation, autoimmunity, cancer, and fibrosis. Herein, we review the evidence for the pathogenic role of miR-155 in driving aberrant activation of the immune system in rheumatoid arthritis, and its potential as a disease biomarker and therapeutic target.

Body mass index and clinical response to intravenous or subcutaneous abatacept in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

This post hoc analysis of ACQUIRE (NCT00559585) explored the effect of baseline body mass index (BMI) on the pharmacokinetics of and clinical response to subcutaneous (SC) or intravenous (IV) abatacept in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). ACQUIRE was a phase 3b, 6-month, double-blind, double-dummy study in which patients with RA were randomized (1:1) to SC (fixed - dose; 125 mg/week) or IV (weight-tiered; ~ 10 mg/kg/month) abatacept plus methotrexate. In this analysis, minimum abatacept plasma concentration (Cmin) was measured at 3 and 6 months, and clinical remission over 6 months was assessed by Disease Activity Score 28 (C-reactive protein; DAS28 [CRP], < 2.6), Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI, ≤ 3.3), and Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI, ≤ 2.8). Data were stratified by baseline BMI (underweight/normal, < 25 kg/m2; overweight, 25 to < 30 kg/m2; obese, ≥ 30 kg/m2) and administration route. Of the 1456/1457 patients for whom baseline BMIs were available, 526 (36%; SC 265, IV 261) patients were underweight/normal, 497 (34%; SC 249, IV 248) were overweight, and 433 (30%; SC 221, IV 212) were obese. Median Cmin abatacept concentration was ≥ 10 μg/mL (efficacy threshold) at 3 and 6 months in > 90% of patients across BMI groups with both administration routes. DAS28 (CRP), SDAI, and CDAI remission rates at 6 months were similar across BMI groups and 95% confidence intervals overlapped at all time points in both separate and pooled SC/IV analyses. Therapeutic concentrations of abatacept and clinical remission rates using stringent criteria were similar across patient BMIs and administration routes.

The UltraSound-CLinical ARthritis Activity (US-CLARA) index: Properties of a new composite disease activity index for rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To assess validity, responsiveness and interpretability of the UltraSound-CLinical ARthritis Activity (US-CLARA) index in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

In this longitudinal study were involved RA patients starting treatment with abatacept. Subjects were followed along three visits in the first 6 months of therapy and underwent a comprehensive clinimetric evaluation. Validity was explored correlating the baseline scores and the cumulative inflammatory burden of the US-CLARA with the other composite indices applied. Sensitivity to change was assessed after 6 months of treatment in terms of internal and external responsiveness. Interpretability was defined in terms of determination of cutoffs against external criteria for remission (REM), low disease activity (LDA), moderate disease activity (MDA), and high disease activity (HDA) of SDAI.

RESULTS

One-hundred and thirty patients completed the study.

VALIDITY

moderate correlations were observed between US-CLARA and both DAS28-CRP and DAS28-ESR. Higher correlations were also found between US-CLARA and both SDAI and CDAI scores. Responsiveness: internal responsiveness was wide, with SRM and ES ranging from 0.91 to 1.51. US-CLARA responsiveness was similar to that of DAS28, SDAI, or CDAI. Similarly, the area under ROC curve (AUC-ROC) of US-CLARA gives identical results. The AUC of cumulative inflammatory burden, calculated during the 6-months follow-up of all combinations were highly correlated (p < 0.0001). Interpretability: cutoff values for REM, US-CLARA <2.0; for LDA, 2.0 ≤US-CLARA <3; for MDA, 3 ≤US-CLARA ≤4.8; for HDA, US-CLARA >4.8.

CONCLUSION

The US-CLARA is valid and sensitive tool to assess disease activity in RA.

Tocilizumab in the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis in real clinical practice: results of an Italian observational study

OBJECTIVES

To describe the effectiveness and safety of tocilizumab (TCZ), an interleukin-6 receptor inhibitor, in a cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) recruited in clinical practice.

METHODS

TRUST was an observational study in RA patients who started treatment with TCZ in the 6 months prior to site activation and were still on treatment at start of study; patients were followed up to 12 months after the first TCZ infusion.

RESULTS

322 RA patients were enrolled in 59 Italian centres (mean age: 55.8 years; mean disease duration: 120.5 months; baseline DAS28: 5.3). After 6 months of TCZ treatment, patients achieving low disease activity (DAS28 ≤3.2; 57.52%) or disease remission (DAS28 <2.6; 38.05%) were 216 out of 226 patients with available DAS28 (p<0.001). No statistically significant differences were found in mean DAS28 and HAQ score changes from baseline (start of TCZ treatment) to study end between patients previously inadequately responding to disease-modifyinganti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD-IR) or to DMARDs plus tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (DMARD +TNFi-IR): both patient populations responded to TCZ. A statistically significant decrease in mean VAS Fatigue score (48.4 vs. 34.7; p=0.0025) at month 6 was observed. In patients treated with TCZ as monotherapy (32.61%), DAS28, VAS fatigue and HAQ scores decreased from baseline to any post-baseline time point. Overall, 62 patients (19.3%) prematurely discontinued TCZ treatment, 24 (7.5%) for safety reasons. Drug-related adverse events occurred in 92 patients (28.6%) (mostly 3 hypercholesterolaemia and leucopenia) and drug-related serious adverse events in 11 patients (3.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms the good effectiveness and safety profile of TCZ in real life RA patient care.

Recommendations for the management of pulmonary fungal infections in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Often life-threatening pulmonary fungal infections (PFIs) can occur in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receiving disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Most of the data concerning PFIs in RA patients come from case reports and retrospective case series. Of the ve most widely described PFIs, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) has rarely been seen outside Japan, pulmonary cryptococcosis has been diagnosed in only a small number of patients worldwide, pulmonary coccidioidomycosis has almost only been observed in endemic areas, the limited number of cases of pulmonary histoplasmosis have mainly occurred in the USA, and the rare cases of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis have only been encountered in leukopenic patients. Many aspects of the prophylaxis, diagnosis and treatment of PFIs in RA patients remain to be defined, as does the role of each DMARD in increasing the risk of infection, and the possibility of resuming biological and non-biological DMARD treatment after the infection has been cured. The recommendations for the management of PFIs described in this paper are the product of a consensus procedure promoted by the Italian group for the Study and Management of Infections in Patients with Rheumatic Diseases (the ISMIR group).

B cell activating factor (BAFF) and BAFF receptors: fakes and facts

Analysis of B cell activating factor (BAFF) receptors before and after B cell depletion therapy (BCDT) might offer a clue to the understanding of whether some B cell subsets may represent useful biomarkers of biological and clinical responses. Among the BAFF receptors in a cohort of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, the AA have shown, by fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis of median fluorescence intensity (MFI), that transmembrane activator and calcium-modulating cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI) and B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) do not change, whereas the most important, BAFF receptor 3 (BR3), appears to be decreased before as well as after BCDT in all B cell subsets but not in plasmablasts, the most important subset, depleted by BCDT.

Clinical heterogeneity of SAPHO syndrome: challenging diagnose and treatment

Synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis and osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome is a rare disease which is often misdiagnosed and under-recognized, because of its peculiar and heterogeneous clinical presentation. Its main features consist of cutaneous and osteoarticular manifestations, the latter affecting more often the anterior chest wall and having typical radiologic findings. There are no validated diagnostic criteria for SAPHO and no guidelines for treatment, due mainly to its rarity; as a consequence, therapy is empirical and aimed to control pain and modifying inflammatory process. To date, the use of anti-TNF agents has been proved to be a valid alternative for patients unresponsive to conventional treatments, such as NSAIDs, corticosteroids, DMARDs and biphosphonates. The clinical heterogeneity of the disease, possibly due to differences in pathogenic mechanism of different manifestations, is challenging for both diagnosis and treatment, which should aim to control both skin and bone involvement in different clinical subsets. Here, we summarize the current status of knowledge about the SAPHO syndrome and present two cases of patients with very different disease manifestations, suggesting the need for personalized treatment.

Comparison of efficacy of first- versus second-line adalimumab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: experience of the Italian biologics registries

OBJECTIVES

Targeted drugs against key pathogenetic molecules such as TNF-alpha have significantly improved outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). They are widely used in clinical practice and drug registries give us information to support their use. Adalimumab (ADA) is able to induce a comprehensive disease control in RA by achieving clinical, functional and radiographic control.

METHODS

By interrogating 2 Italian registries, LORHEN and GISEA, we analysed the efficacy of ADA in first- or second-line in a total of 2262 RA patients.

RESULTS

Patients in 1st line were significantly older, with lower disease activity and HAQ scores compared to 2nd line. In 1st line, rates of DAS28-remission (DAS28rem) at 2 years were 34.4% while 26.5% in 2nd line (p=0.038). A normal HAQ score (HAQ≤0.5) was achieved in 53.5% after 2 years in 1st line versus 30.1% in 2nd (p<0.0001). DAS28rem+HAQ≤0.5, a combined parameter that we defined global clinical disease control, was reached in 20.7% in 1st line versus 13.3% in 2nd (p<0.01). Five-year-survival on therapy was higher for patients in 1st line (45.6% vs. 33.2%, p<0.0001). Discontinuation due to lack of efficacy was lower in 1st line (37.4 vs. 54.4%, p<0.0001). Rates of adverse events were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Responses in 1st line are generally significantly better than after a first anti-TNF-alpha failure but patients in 2nd line have a worse clinical and functional profile. A global disease control with clinical and functional remission is an achievable target in both lines.

MicroRNA-34a dependent regulation of AXL controls the activation of dendritic cells in inflammatory arthritis

Current treatments for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) do not reverse underlying aberrant immune function. A genetic predisposition to RA, such as HLA-DR4 positivity, indicates that dendritic cells (DC) are of crucial importance to pathogenesis by activating auto-reactive lymphocytes. Here we show that microRNA-34a provides homoeostatic control of CD1c⁺ DC activation via regulation of tyrosine kinase receptor AXL, an important inhibitory DC auto-regulator. This pathway is aberrant in CD1c⁺ DCs from patients with RA, with upregulation of miR-34a and lower levels of AXL compared to DC from healthy donors. Production of pro-inflammatory cytokines is reduced by ex vivo gene-silencing of miR-34a. miR-34a-deficient mice are resistant to collagen-induced arthritis and interaction of DCs and T cells from these mice are reduced and do not support the development of Th17 cells in vivo. Our findings therefore show that miR-34a is an epigenetic regulator of DC function that may contribute to RA.

Response to Interleukin-1 Inhibitors in 140 Italian Patients with Adult-Onset Still's Disease: A Multicentre Retrospective Observational Study

Background: Interleukin (IL)-1 plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Adult onset Still's disease (AOSD). Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of anakinra (ANA) and canakinumab (CAN) in a large group of AOSD patients. Methods: Data on clinical, serological features, and concomitant treatments were retrospectively collected at baseline and after 3, 6, and 12 months from AOSD patients (Yamaguchi criteria) referred by 18 Italian centers. Pouchot's score was used to evaluate disease severity. Results: One hundred forty patients were treated with ANA; 4 were subsequently switched to CAN after ANA failure. The systemic pattern of AOSD was identified in 104 (74.2%) of the ANA-treated and in 3 (75%) of the CAN-treated groups; the chronic-articular type of AOSD was identified in 48 (25.8%) of the ANA-treated and in 1 (25%) of the CAN-treated groups. Methotrexate (MTX) was the most frequent disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) used before beginning ANA or CAN [91/140 (75.8%), 2/4 (50%), respectively]. As a second-line biologic DMARD therapy in 29/140 (20.7%) of the patients, ANA was found effective in improving all clinical and serological manifestations (p < 0.0001), and Pouchot's score was found to be significantly reduced at all time points (p < 0.0001). No differences in treatment response were identified in the ANA-group when the patients were stratified according to age, sex, disease pattern or mono/combination therapy profile. ANA primary and secondary inefficacy at the 12-month time point was 15/140 (10.7%) and 11/140 (7.8%), respectively. Adverse events (AEs) [mainly represented by in situ (28/47, 59.5%) or diffuse (12/47, 25.5%) skin reactions and infections (7/47, 14.8%)] were the main causes for discontinuation. Pouchot's score and clinical and serological features were significantly ameliorated at all time points (p < 0.0001) in the CAN-group, and no AEs were registered during CAN therapy. Treatment was suspended for loss of efficacy only in one case (1/4, 25%). Conclusion: This is the largest retrospective observational study evaluating the efficacy and safety of IL-1 inhibitors in AOSD patients. A good response was noted at 3 months after therapy onset in both the ANA- and CAN-groups. Skin reaction may nevertheless represent a non-negligible AE during ANA treatment.

Refractory adult-onset Still disease complicated by macrophage activation syndrome and acute myocarditis: A case report treated with high doses (8 mg/kg/d) of anakinra

RATIONALE

Myocarditis is a rare but potentially fatal complication of Still's disease (about 7% of total cases).

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 42-year-old woman was admitted to our ward with high-grade fever, rash and polyarthralgia, lasting since 4 weeks and rapidly complicated by MAS and acute heart failure.

DIAGNOSES

Adult Onset Still's Disease rapidly developping macrophage activation syndrome and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, further complicated by iperacute myocarditis with cardiac arrest.

INTERVENTIONS

After failure of conventional therapies (steroids plus cyclosporine and then biological therapy with Anakinra 100 mg/day), the patient was treated with anakinra 100 mg sc 1 fl 4 times a day.

OUTCOMES

Fast clinical and laboratoristic improvement and subsequent disease remission with complete recovery of cardiac function.

LESSONS

This is the first case report in which high doses of Anakinra have been used to treat a refractory AOSD complicated by MAS and myocarditis. In AOSD complicated by life-threatening conditions, probably we need to consider aggressive therapeutic approaches with higher doses of Il-1 receptor blocker to switch off the hyper-inflammation.

Prevalence and incidence of osteoporotic fractures in patients on long-term glucocorticoid treatment for rheumatic diseases: the Glucocorticoid Induced OsTeoporosis TOol (GIOTTO) study

Osteoporosis and fractures are common and invalidating consequences of chronic glucorticoid (GC) treatment. Reliable information regarding the epidemiology of GC induced osteoporosis (GIOP) comes exclusively from the placebo group of randomized clinical trials while observational studies are generally lacking data on the real prevalence of vertebral fractures, GC dosage and primary diagnosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and incidence of osteoporotic fractures and to identify their major determinants (primary disease, GC dosage, bone mineral density, risk factors, specific treatment for GIOP) in a large cohort of consecutive patients aged &gt;21 years, on chronic treatment with GC (≥5 mg prednisone - PN - equivalent) and attending rheumatology centers located all over Italy. Glucocorticoid Induced OsTeoporosis TOol (GIOTTO) is a national multicenter cross-sectional and longitudinal observational study. 553 patients suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) and Connective Tissue Diseases (CTDs) and in chronic treatment with GCs were enrolled. Osteoporotic BMD values (T score &lt;-2.5) were observed in 28%, 38% and 35% of patients with CTDs, PMR or RA at the lumbar spine, and in 18%, 29% and 26% at the femoral neck, respectively. Before GC treatment, prevalent clinical fractures were reported by 12%, 37% and 17% of patients with CTDs, PMR, or RA, respectively. New clinical fragility fractures during GC treatment were reported by 12%, 10% and 23% of CTDs, PMR and RA patients, respectively. Vertebral fractures were the prevailing type of fragility fracture. More than 30% of patients had recurrence of fracture. An average of 80% of patients were in supplementation with calcium and/or vitamin D during treatment with GCs. Respectively, 64%, 80%, and 72% of the CTDs, PMR and RA patients were on pharmacological treatment for GIOP, almost exclusively with bisphosphonates. The GIOTTO study might provide relevant contributions to clinical practice, in particular by highlighting and quantifying in real life the prevalence of GIOP and relative fractures, the frequency of the main risk factors, and the currently sub-optimal prevention. Moreover, these results emphasize the importance of the underlying rheumatic disease on the risk of GIOP associated fractures.

Synovial features of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis in clinical and ultrasound remission differ under anti-TNF therapy: a clue to interpret different chances of relapse after clinical remission?

Objective

To define the synovial characteristics of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in clinical and ultrasound remission achieved by combination therapy with methotrexate (MTX) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) blockers.

Methods

Patients with RA in remission (n=25) (disease activity score (DAS)<1.6 for at least 6 months), patients with RA in low disease activity (LDA) (n=10) (1.6<DAS<2.4 for at least 6 months) and patients with PsA in remission (n=18) (DAS<1.6 and Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI)=0 for at least 6 months) achieved by MTX+anti-TNF (adalimumab 40 mg or etanercept 50 mg) with power Doppler (PDUS)-negative synovial hypertrophy underwent synovial tissue biopsy. Patients with RA with high/moderate disease naïve to treatment (n=50) were included as a comparison group. Immunostaining for cluster designation (CD)68, CD21, CD20, CD3, CD31 and collagen was performed.

Results

PDUS-negative patients with RA in remission showed lower histological scores for synovial CD68⁺, CD20⁺, CD3⁺ cells and CD31⁺ vessels and collagen deposition (p<0.05 for both lining and sublining) compared with PDUS-positive patients with RA with high/moderate disease. In addition, there was no significant difference in terms of lining and sublining CD68⁺, CD20⁺, CD3⁺, CD31⁺ cells and collagen comparing PDUS-negative patients with RA in remission and in LDA, respectively. On the contrary, PDUS-negative patients with PsA in remission showed higher histological scores for sublining CD68⁺ (p=0.02) and CD3⁺ cells (p=0.04) as well as CD31⁺ vessels (p<0.001) than PDUS-negative patients with RA in remission.

Conclusions

PDUS-negative patients with RA in remission have comparable synovial histological features than PDUS-negative patients with RA in LDA. However, patients with PsA in remission are characterised by a higher degree of residual synovial inflammation than patients with RA in remission, despite PDUS negativity under TNF inhibition.

2016 update of the EULAR recommendations for the management of early arthritis

OBJECTIVES

Since the 2007 recommendations for the management of early arthritis have been presented, considerable research has been published in the field of early arthritis, mandating an update of the 2007 European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations for management of early arthritis.

METHODS

In accordance with the 2014 EULAR Standardised Operating Procedures, the expert committee pursued an approach that was based on evidence in the literature and on expert opinion. The committee involved 20 rheumatologists, 2 patients and 1 healthcare professional representing 12 European countries. The group defined the focus of the expert committee and target population, formulated a definition of 'management' and selected the research questions. A systematic literature research (SLR) was performed by two fellows with the help of a skilled librarian. A set of draft recommendations was proposed on the basis of the research questions and the results of the SLR. For each recommendation, the categories of evidence were identified, the strength of recommendations was derived and the level of agreement was determined through a voting process.

RESULTS

The updated recommendations comprise 3 overarching principles and 12 recommendations for managing early arthritis. The selected statements involve the recognition of arthritis, referral, diagnosis, prognostication, treatment (information, education, pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions), monitoring and strategy. Eighteen items were identified as relevant for future research.

CONCLUSIONS

These recommendations provide rheumatologists, general practitioners, healthcare professionals, patients and other stakeholders with an updated EULAR consensus on the entire management of early arthritis.

Evidence-based algorithm for diagnosis and assessment in psoriatic arthritis: results by Italian DElphi in psoriatic Arthritis (IDEA)

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory disease involving skin, peripheral joints, entheses, and axial skeleton. The disease is frequently associated with extrarticular manifestations (EAMs) and comorbidities. In order to create a protocol for PsA diagnosis and global assessment of patients with an algorithm based on anamnestic, clinical, laboratory and imaging procedures, we established a DElphi study on a national scale, named Italian DElphi in psoriatic Arthritis (IDEA). After a literature search, a Delphi poll, involving 52 rheumatologists, was performed. On the basis of the literature search, 202 potential items were identified. The steering committee planned at least two Delphi rounds. In the first Delphi round, the experts judged each of the 202 items using a score ranging from 1 to 9 based on its increasing clinical relevance. The questions posed to experts were How relevant is this procedure/observation/sign/symptom for assessment of a psoriatic arthritis patient? Proposals of additional items, not included in the questionnaire, were also encouraged. The results of the poll were discussed by the Steering Committee, which evaluated the necessity for removing selected procedures or adding additional ones, according to criteria of clinical appropriateness and sustainability. A total of 43 recommended diagnosis and assessment procedures, recognized as items, were derived by combination of the Delphi survey and two National Expert Meetings, and grouped in different areas. Favourable opinion was reached in 100% of cases for several aspects covering the following areas: medical (familial and personal) history, physical evaluation, imaging tool, second level laboratory tests, disease activity measurement and extrarticular manifestations. After performing PsA diagnosis, identification of specific disease activity scores and clinimetric approaches were suggested for assessing the different clinical subsets. Further, results showed the need for investigation on the presence of several EAMs and risk factors. In the context of any area, a rank was assigned for each item by Expert Committee members, in order to create the logical sequence of the algorithm. The final list of recommended diagnosis and assessment procedures, by the Delphi survey and the two National Expert Meetings, was also reported as an algorithm. This study shows results obtained by the combination of a DElphi survey of a group of Italian rheumatologists and two National Expert Meetings, created with the aim of establishing a clinical procedure and algorithm for the diagnosis and the assessment of PsA patients. In order to find accurate and practical diagnostic and assessment items in clinical practice, we have focused our attention on evaluating the different PsA domains. Hence, we conceived the IDEA algorithm in order to address PsA diagnosis and assessment in the context of daily clinical practice. The IDEA algorithm might eventually lead to a multidimensional approach and could represent a useful and practical tool for addressing diagnosis and for assessing the disease appropriately. However, the elaborated algorithm needs to be further investigated in daily practice, for evidencing and proving its eventual efficacy in detecting and staging PsA and its heterogeneous spectrum appropriately.

2016 update of the EULAR recommendations for the management of early arthritis

OBJECTIVES

Since the 2007 recommendations for the management of early arthritis have been presented, considerable research has been published in the field of early arthritis, mandating an update of the 2007 European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations for management of early arthritis.

METHODS

In accordance with the 2014 EULAR Standardised Operating Procedures, the expert committee pursued an approach that was based on evidence in the literature and on expert opinion. The committee involved 20 rheumatologists, 2 patients and 1 healthcare professional representing 12 European countries. The group defined the focus of the expert committee and target population, formulated a definition of 'management' and selected the research questions. A systematic literature research (SLR) was performed by two fellows with the help of a skilled librarian. A set of draft recommendations was proposed on the basis of the research questions and the results of the SLR. For each recommendation, the categories of evidence were identified, the strength of recommendations was derived and the level of agreement was determined through a voting process.

RESULTS

The updated recommendations comprise 3 overarching principles and 12 recommendations for managing early arthritis. The selected statements involve the recognition of arthritis, referral, diagnosis, prognostication, treatment (information, education, pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions), monitoring and strategy. Eighteen items were identified as relevant for future research.

CONCLUSIONS

These recommendations provide rheumatologists, general practitioners, healthcare professionals, patients and other stakeholders with an updated EULAR consensus on the entire management of early arthritis.