Has the excess risk of acute myocardial infarction in rheumatoid arthritis relative to the general population declined? A population study of trends over time

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate secular trend in ten-year risk of incident acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in incident rheumatoid arthritis (RA) relative to the general population.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of population-based incident RA cohorts with RA incidence from 1997 to 2004 in British Columbia, Canada, with matched general population comparators, using administrative health data. RA and their matched cohorts were divided according to the year of RA incidence, defined according to the first RA visit of the case definition. Incident AMI was defined as the first event occurring within 10 years from RA incidence. Secular trend was assessed using delayed-entry Cox models with an interaction term between the year of RA onset and indicator of RA vs. general population. Linear, quadratic and spline functions of year of RA onset were compared to assess possibility of nonlinear trends. The model with the lowest AIC was selected to interpret the results. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to account for potential effect of unmeasured (e.g. smoking) or partially measured (e.g. obesity) confounders in administrative data, on the interaction term.

RESULTS

Overall, 23,237 RA and 46,474 general population controls experienced 1,133 and 1,606 incident AMIs, respectively. A linear Cox model was selected as the model best fitting the AMI events. Overall, RA patients were found to have a 21% higher risk of AMI than the matched general population controls [1.21 (1.10, 1.32); p < 0.001]. A significant linear decline in risk of AMI was observed in RA patients [0.94 (95% CI 0.91, 0.97) p = <0.0001], and in the general population [0.93 (0.91, 0.95); p = <0.0001]. The change in AMI risk over time did not differ in RA compared to the general population [p-value of interaction term=0.49]. Our results remained similar after adjusting for the potential effect of confounders on the interaction term, and no difference in the change in risk of AMI over time was observed between RA and the general population.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest a decline in 10-year risk of AMI in RA, and in the general population. The decline in the risk of AMI over time did not differ between RA and the general population, such that the excess risk of AMI in RA relative to the general population, has remained the same.

Rheumatology health care providers' views and practices on obesity and smoking cessation management in rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To assess rheumatology health care providers' (HCPs) knowledge, beliefs, self-efficacy, practices, and perceived barriers pertaining to weight management and smoking cessation counselling in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHOD

We administered an online survey to collect self-reported data on rheumatology HCPs' knowledge, beliefs, self-efficacy, perceived barriers, and practices related to weight management and smoking cessation counselling. Participants were recruited through invitation emails (with anonymous survey links) sent by three Canadian rheumatology organizations.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine rheumatology HCPs (15 nurses, 44 physicians) completed the survey (response rate: 11%). Over 85% correctly identified associations between obesity, or smoking, and more severe or active RA, as well as poorer response to treatment. All but one participant agreed that it was part of their responsibility to discuss these issues with patients, but 78% (46/59) felt not or slightly confident in their ability to help patients quit smoking or achieve clinically significant weight loss. The majority did not routinely assist patients in accessing appropriate resources or providers (only 42% did for obesity, 36% for smoking), send referrals (2-44%, depending on referral), or offer relevant educational materials (15% for obesity, 20% for smoking). Common barriers included competing demands and lack of time, training, access to expertise, and knowledge of available programs.

CONCLUSION

Most rheumatology HCPs understood the implications of cigarette smoking and obesity in RA and accepted responsibility in addressing these issues. However, they lacked the time, training, confidence, and knowledge of local resources to do so effectively. There is a need to bridge this gap. Key Points • Training through medical and nursing school as well as residency on weight management and smoking cessation counselling was nearly unanimously described as poor or fair. • Most rheumatology health care providers understood the implications of cigarette smoking and obesity in rheumatoid arthritis and accepted responsibility in addressing these issues; however, they lacked the time, training, confidence, and knowledge of local resources to do so effectively. • There is a need to bridge the gap between health care providers' intentions and actions, and this may include the development of guides outlining local weight management and smoking cessation expertise, programs, referral processes, and educational materials.

Implementation and Evaluation of Audit and Feedback for Monitoring Treat-to-Target (T2T) Strategies in Rheumatoid Arthritis Using Performance Measures

INTRODUCTION

In collaboration with the Alberta Medical Association's Physician Learning Program we developed individualized physician reports and held a group feedback session on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) performance measures (PM) to facilitate treat-to-target (T2T) strategies and evaluated physician experiences with this process.

METHODS

5 PMs addressing T2T concepts from an established Canadian quality framework were operationalized for physician practice reports at 2 university-affiliated rheumatology clinics. Rheum4U, a quality improvement and research platform, was the data source. The audit results were reviewed in a facilitated group feedback session. Rheumatologists provided experiential feedback on the process through survey and/or an interview. Transcripts from interviews were analyzed using a 6-step thematic analysis.

RESULTS

11 of 12 eligible rheumatologists consented to receive practice reports and provided feedback through surveys (n = 5) and interviews (n = 6). The practice reports from Rheum4U (n = 448 patients) revealed high rates of yearly follow-up (> 85%, PM1) and 100% performance on documentation of disease activity at ≥ 50% of visits (PM2). Only 34% of patients were seen within 3 months if not in remission (PM3) with 62% (2017) and 69% (2018) of those with active RA achieving a LDA state within 6 months (PM4). Approximately 70% of patients were in remission at any time point (PM5). All survey respondents agreed or strongly agreed comparison to peers was valuable and helped them reflect on their practice. Several strategies for improvement were identified, including but not limited to, leveraging of electronic records for future audit and feedback reports, providing additional granularity of results, additional stratification of results, and using high-performing peers as the comparator rather than the group mean.

CONCLUSIONS

Audit and feedback was perceived by clinicians as a useful strategy for evaluating T2T efforts in RA. Future work will focus on longitudinal evaluation of the clinical impact of this quality improvement initiative.

"There are still a lot of things that I need": a qualitative study exploring opportunities to improve the health services of First Nations People with arthritis seen at an on-reserve outreach rheumatology clinic

Background

Arthritis is a highly prevalent disease and leading cause of disability in the Indigenous population. A novel model of care consisting of a rheumatology outreach clinic in an on-reserve primary healthcare center has provided service to an Indigenous community in Southern Alberta since 2010. Despite quality assessments suggesting this model of care improves accessibility and is effective in meeting treatment targets, substantial improvements in patient-reported outcomes have not been realized. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore the experiences of Indigenous persons with arthritis and healthcare providers involved in this model of care to inform the development of health service improvements that enhance patient outcomes.

Methods

This was a narrative-based qualitative study involving a purposeful sample of 32 individuals involved in the Indigenous rheumatology model of care. In-depth interviews were conducted to elicit experiences with the existing model of care and to encourage reflections on opportunities to improve it. A two-stage analysis was conducted. The first stage aimed to produce a narrative synthesis of concepts through a dialogical method comparing people with arthritis and health providers’ narratives. The second stage involved a collective effort to synthesize concepts and propose specific recommendations to improve the quality of the current model of care. Triangulation, through participant checking and discussion among researchers, was used to increase the validity of the final recommendations.

Results

Ten Indigenous people with arthritis lived experience, 14 health providers and 8 administrative staff were interviewed. One main overarching theme was identified, which reflected the need to provide services that improve people’s physical and mental functioning. Further, the following specific recommendations were identified: 1) enhancing patient-provider communication, 2) improving the continuity of the healthcare service, 3) increasing community awareness about the presence and negative impact of arthritis, and 4) increasing peer connections and support among people living with arthritis.

Conclusions

Improving the quality of the current Indigenous rheumatology model of care requires implementing strategies that improve functioning, patient-provider communication, continuity of care, community awareness and peer support. A community-based provider who supports people while navigating health services could facilitate the implementation of these strategies.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-020-05909-9.

Priorities for High-quality Care in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Results of Patient, Health Professional, and Policy Maker Perspectives

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the essential elements of high-quality rheumatoid arthritis (RA) care in order to develop a vision statement and a set of strategic objectives for a national RA quality framework.

METHODS

Focus groups and interviews were conducted by experienced qualitative researchers using a semistructured interview or focus group guide with healthcare professionals, patients, clinic managers, healthcare leaders, and policy makers to obtain their perspectives on elements essential to RA care. Purposive sampling provided representation of stakeholder types and regions. Recorded data was transcribed verbatim. Two teams of 2 coders independently analyzed the deidentified transcripts using thematic analysis. Strategic objectives and the vision statement were drafted based on the overarching themes from the qualitative analysis and finalized by a working group.

RESULTS

A total of 54 stakeholders from 9 Canadian provinces participated in the project (3 focus groups and 19 interviews). Seven strategic objectives were derived from the qualitative analysis representing the following themes: (1) early access and timeliness of care; (2) evidence-informed, high-quality care for the ongoing management of RA and comorbidities; (3) availability of patient self-management tools and educational materials for shared decision making; (4) multidisciplinary care; (5) patient outcomes; (6) patient experience and satisfaction with care; and (7) equity, the last of which emerged as an overarching theme. The ultimate vision obtained was "ensuring patient-centered, high-quality care for people living with rheumatoid arthritis."

CONCLUSION

The 7 strategic objectives that were identified highlight priorities for RA quality of care to be used in developing the National RA Quality Measurement Framework.

Evaluating Quality of Care for Rheumatoid Arthritis for the Population of Alberta Using System-level Performance Measures

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated 4 national rheumatoid arthritis (RA) system-level performance measures (PM) in Alberta, Canada.

METHODS

Incident and prevalent RA cases ≥ 16 years of age since 2002 were identified using a validated case definition applied in provincial administrative data. Performance was ascertained through analysis of health data between fiscal years 2012/13-2015/16. Measures evaluated were as follows: proportion of incident RA cases with a rheumatologist visit within 1 year of first RA diagnosis code (PM1); proportion of prevalent RA patients who were dispensed a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) annually (PM2); time from first visit with an RA code to DMARD dispensation and proportion of incident cases where the 14-day benchmark for dispensation was met (PM3); and proportion of patients seen in annual follow-up (PM4).

RESULTS

There were 31,566 prevalent and 2730 incident RA cases (2012/13). Over the analysis period, the proportion of patients seen by a rheumatologist within 1 year of onset (PM1) increased from 55% to 63%; however, the proportion of RA patients dispensed DMARD annually (PM2) remained low at 43%. While the median time to DMARD from first visit date in people who received DMARD improved over time from 39 days to 28 days, only 38-41% of patients received treatment within the 14-day benchmark (PM3). The percentage of patients seen in yearly follow-up (PM4) varied between 73-80%.

CONCLUSION

The existing Alberta healthcare system for RA is suboptimal, indicating barriers to accessing specialty care and treatment. Our results inform quality improvement initiatives required within the province to meet national standards of care.

Development of a Patient-centered Quality Measurement Framework for Measuring, Monitoring, and Optimizing Rheumatoid Arthritis Care in Canada

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to develop a patient-centered quality measurement framework to address a predefined vision statement and 7 strategic objectives for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) care that was developed in prior qualitative work with arthritis stakeholders.

METHODS

One hundred forty-seven RA-related performance measures (PMs) were identified from a systematic review. A candidate list of 26 PMs meeting predefined criteria and addressing the strategic objectives previously defined was then assessed during a 3-round (R) modified Delphi. Seventeen panelists with expertise in RA, quality measurement, and/or lived experience with RA rated each PM on a 1-9 scale based on the items of importance, feasibility, and priority for inclusion in the framework during R1 and R3, with a moderated discussion in R2. PMs with median scores ≥ 7 on all 3 items without disagreement were included in the final set, which then underwent public comment.

RESULTS

Twenty-one measures were included in the final framework (15 PMs from the Delphi and 6 published system-level measures on access to care and treatment). The measures included 4 addressing early access to care and timely diagnosis, 12 evidence-based care for RA and related comorbidities, 1 addressing patient participation as an informed partner in care, and 4 on patient outcomes.

CONCLUSION

The proposed framework builds upon existing measures capturing early access to care and treatment in RA and adds important PMs to promote high-quality RA care and outcome measurement. In the next phase, the authors will test the framework in clinical practice in addition to addressing certain areas where no suitable PMs were identified.

Trends of venous thromboembolism risk before and after diagnosis of gout: a general population-based study

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the overall risk and the temporal trend of venous thromboembolism (VTE), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE) before and after gout diagnosis in an incident gout cohort compared with the general population.

METHODS

We conducted a matched cohort study using a province-wide population-based administrative health database in Canada. We calculated incidence rates (IRs) and multivariable adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for the risk of VTE, DVT and PE before and after gout diagnosis.

RESULTS

Among 130 708 incident individuals with gout (64% male, mean age 59 years), 2071 developed VTE, 1377 developed DVT and 1012 developed PE. IRs per 1000 person-years for gout were 2.63, 1.74 and 1.28 compared with 2.03, 1.28 and 1.06 for non-gout, respectively. The fully adjusted HRs (95% CI) for VTE, DVT and PE were 1.22 (1.13, 1.32), 1.28 (1.17, 1.41) and 1.16 (1.05, 1.29). For the pre-gout period, the fully adjusted HRs (95% CI) were 1.51 (1.38, 1.64), 1.55 (1.40, 1.72) and 1.47 (1.31, 1.66) for VTE, DVT and PE. During the third, second and first years preceding gout, the fully adjusted HRs for VTE were 1.44, 1.56 and 1.62. During the first, second, third, fourth and fifth years after gout, the fully adjusted HRs were 1.63, 1.29, 1.33, 1.28 and 1.22. Similar trends were also seen for DVT and PE.

CONCLUSION

Increased risks of VTE, DVT and PE were found both before and after gout diagnosis. The risk increased gradually before gout, peaking in the year prior to diagnosis, and then progressively declined. Gout-associated inflammation may contribute to venous thrombosis risk.

FRI0064 SAFETY OF LOW DOSE METHOTREXATE (MTX) AND TUBERCULOSIS (TB)

Background:

Increased awareness of the importance of MTX in rheumatic disease is leading to more MTX use in patients from TB-endemic areas. Current management guidelines for rheumatic disease address TB in the context of biologics but not MTX use.

Objectives:

To systematically review the published literature on TB rates with MTX ≤30 mg per week.

Methods:

We searched CINAHL, Embase, Global, MEDLINE and World of Science databases (Jan 1990 to May 2018) for terms including ‘methotrexate’ and ‘tuberculosis’. We also searched citations from review articles. Titles, abstracts or full manuscripts of the 4707 reports identified were screened independently by 2 reviewers to identify studies reporting TB in patients taking MTX. Study quality was assessed using the McGill Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Data was extracted on TB incidence (new TB diagnosis vs reactivation of latent TB), and outcomes (pulmonary, dissemination, death) and safety of isoniazid, INH. Descriptive summaries are presented on studies providing outcomes in patients taking MTX ≤30 mg per week.

Results:

After removing duplicates and studies not meeting criteria or providing sufficient information, 31 studies were included (8 cohort, 7 case-control, 1 clinical trial, 15 case reports/case series). Only 27% of articles reported data from low to moderate human development index countries. Studies were of moderate quality. Seven case control studies were heterogeneous but most demonstrated a modest increased risk of TB with MTX (Table). Five cohort studies reported TB incidence rates in rheumatic disease (treated with MTX +/- biologics) ranging from 102-367.9/100,000 patient-years. These rates were generally higher than comparator general population rates. Two cohort studies of MTX in RA (without biologic) reported cumulative TB incidence in Maldova (12 TB cases in 44 RA patients, 27%) and in China (9/114, 7.9%). Other cohort studies generated rates of overt infection (143/100,000 patient years in Spain, higher if co-prescribed with corticosteroids and other immunosuppressants in South Africa), and latent TB rates detection (16/922 RA screened, 1.7%, in Canada). When reported, rates of extra-pulmonary TB were higher than comparator general population rates. One clinical trial (China), 2 cohorts (Japan, USA) and 2 case-series (Belgium, USA) evaluated safety of INH and MTX. Isoniazid-related hepatotoxicity and neutropenia were generally more common when taken with MTX, but were usually reversible.

Conclusion:

Despite a paucity of high-quality data, this review confirms that TB screening and clinical surveillance are needed in patients from TB-endemic areas who are prescribed MTX, particularly with co-administration of corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants. Isoniazid, if monitored, appears safe and prevents TB reactivation.

References:

Table .

Case control studies

Region (Year)DiagnosisTB with MTXTB without MTXOdds RatioMexico(1999)Mixed (4 RA)1/65/752.76Japan(2004)RA3/4717/1540.56Canada(2009)RA29/48321/10463.12Brazil(2010)Lupus2/31/57112Taiwan(2012)Psoriasis33/144464/23411.2Taiwan(2015)JIA4/3574/10262.90South Africa (2017)RA0/1340/18NA

JIA=juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Acknowledgments:

Funded by the International League Against Rheumatism and McGill University Global Health Scholar Awards

Disclosure of Interests:

Anna Davidson: None declared, Alize Gunay: None declared, Ines Colmegna: None declared, Diane Lacaille: None declared, Hal Loewen: None declared, Michele Meltzer: None declared, Rosie Scuccimarri: None declared, Yewondwossen Mengistu: None declared, Sasha Bernatsky: None declared, Carol Hitchon Grant/research support from: UCB Canada; Pfizer Canada

OP0010 EFFECTIVENESS OF THE MAKING IT WORK™ PROGRAM AT IMPROVING PRESENTEEISM AND WORK CESSATION IN WORKERS WITH INFLAMMATORY ARTHRITIS – RESULTS OF A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Background:

Arthritis often leads to presenteeism (decreased at-work productivity), missed days from work and permanent work disability, leading to reduced quality of life and high costs to individuals and society. Yet, health services addressing the employment needs of people with arthritis are lacking.

Objectives:

We evaluated the effectiveness of the Making-it-WorkTM(MiW) program, an online self-management program developed to help people with inflammatory arthritis (IA) deal with employment issues.

Methods:

A multi-center RCT evaluated the effectiveness of MiW at improving presenteeism and preventing work cessation (WC) over two years. Participants were recruited from rheumatologist practices, consumer organizations and arthritis programs, in three Canadian provinces. Eligibility criteria: diagnosis of IA, employed, age 18-59, and concerned about ability to work. Participants were randomized 1:1 to MiW or usual care plus printed material on workplace tips. MiW consists of five online self-learning modules and group meetings, and individual vocational counselling and ergonomic consultations. Questionnaires were administered every 6 months. Outcomes were presenteeism [Rheumatoid Arthritis Work Instability Scale (RA-WIS)], time to WC ≥ 6 months, and time to WC ≥ 2 months (secondary outcome). Baseline characteristics (age, gender, ethnicity, occupation, education, disease duration and self-employment) were collected. Intention-to-treat (ITT) longitudinal analysis of RA-WIS using linear mixed effect regression models with 2-year comparison as primary endpoint and survival analysis for time to WC using Kaplan-Meier and Cox Proportional Hazard models were performed. Robustness analyses were conducted by using various missing values imputation methods like last observation carried forward, imputation using worse possible outcomes and model-based multiple imputations; using square root transformation of RA-WIS outcome; and adjusting for baseline covariates. SAS version 9.4 was used.

Results:

A total of 564 participants were recruited, with 478 (84.75%) completing 2-year follow-up. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Mean RA-WIS scores were significantly lower in the intervention group from 6 months onwards, with the greatest difference observed at 2 years (-1.78, 95%CI: -2.7, -0.9, p < .0001), yielding a standardized effect size of 32%. Satisfactory robustness was observed. Work cessation occurred less often in intervention than control groups, but only reached statistical significance for WC ≥ 2 months (WC ≥ 6 months: 31 versus 44 events, aHR 0.70, 95%CI: 0.44, 1.11, p = 0.13; WC ≥ 2 months: 39 versus 61 events, aHR: 0.65, 95%CI: 0.43, 0.98, p = 0.04).

Conclusion:

Results of the RCT reveal the program was effective at improving presenteeism and preventing short-term WC. Effectiveness at preventing long-term work disability will be assessed at 5 years. This program fills one of the most important and costly unmet needs for people with inflammatory arthritis.

References:

[1]Carruthers EC, Rogers P, Backman CL, et al. “Employment and arthritis: making it work” a randomized controlled trial evaluating an online program to help people with inflammatory arthritis maintain employment (study protocol).BMC Med Inform Decis Mak. 2014;14:59. Published 2014 Jul 21. doi:10.1186/1472-6947-14-59

Disclosure of Interests:

Andre Luquini: None declared, Yufei Zheng: None declared, Hui Xie: None declared, Catherine Backman: None declared, Pamela Rogers: None declared, Alex Kwok: None declared, Astrid Knight: None declared, Monique Gignac: None declared, Dianne Mosher: None declared, Linda Li: None declared, John Esdaile: None declared, Carter Thorne Consultant of: Abbvie, Centocor, Janssen, Lilly, Medexus/Medac, Pfizer, Speakers bureau: Medexus/Medac, Diane Lacaille: None declared

SAT0078 SAFETY OF LOW DOSE METHOTREXATE (MTX) IN HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV) INFECTION

Background:

Increased awareness of the efficacy of MTX in rheumatic disease is leading to more MTX use in patients from HIV endemic areas. While HIV related immunosuppression may contribute to improvement of some rheumatic diseases, immune reconstitution from highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) may lead to exacerbation or presentation of autoimmune disorders for which MTX therapy may be warranted. Most management guidelines for rheumatic disease do not address MTX use in the context of HIV.

Objectives:

To systematically review the published literature on the safety of using MTX ≤30 mg per week in HIV.

Methods:

We searched CINAHL, Embase, Global, MEDLINE and World of Science databases (Jan 1990 to May 2018) for terms including ‘methotrexate’ and ‘human immunodeficiency virus’. We also searched citations from review articles. Titles, abstracts or full manuscripts were screened independently by 2 reviewers to identify studies reporting HIV in patients taking MTX. Study quality was assessed using the McGill Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Data was extracted on MTX and HIV adverse events (MTX toxicity, HIV viral load, CD4 count). Descriptive summaries are presented for studies providing outcomes in patients taking MTX ≤30 mg per week.

Results:

After removing duplicates and studies not meeting criteria or not providing sufficient information, 42 of the 2714 identified reports were included (1 clinical trial, 2 cohort, 1 cross-sectional study, 38 case reports/case series). Most reports (81%) originated from USA or Europe. Study quality was generally good with most studies fulfilling 50-100% of MMAT criteria. The randomized controlled trial (USA) assessing MTX on atherosclerotic disease in HIV showed that adverse events were more common in MTX versus placebo (12.8% vs 5.6%, p non-inferiority <0.05) and included infection, transient CD4 and CD8 drop, pulmonary toxicity, and death (1 attributed to MTX/HIV, 1 unrelated). One cohort study (South Africa) reported 43 RA patients on MTX who acquired HIV. In this cohort, RA generally improved despite only 5 individuals continuing MTX. No data on MTX adverse event rates was reported. One cohort study (USA) reported 13 HIV patients with myositis. One received MTX (with other immunosuppression) without MTX adverse effects but died due to AIDS. A cross-sectional study (France) of 43 HIV pts with autoimmune disease reported one patient on MTX (and other immunosuppression) developed an adverse event (cytopenia) compared to 5/33 patients not on MTX (cytopenia). The 38 case reports/series described 54 individuals with HIV receiving MTX. Of these studies, 27 (describing 42 subjects) reported on MTX adverse events and 35 (describing 46 subjects) reported on HIV adverse events. MTX adverse events developed in 29 subjects (hematologic 13, renal/hepatic 1, opportunistic infections 10, other events 2). HIV adverse events were noted in 23 subjects (Kaposi’s sarcoma 4, CD4 decrease 16, HIV viral titer increase 4). Five deaths were reported (2 infection, 1 infection and wasting, 2 HIV related deaths). Most subjects also received corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants including biologics.

Conclusion:

There remains limited data on the safety of low dose MTX in HIV. Surveillance for HIV is warranted for individuals on MTX who are at risk for acquiring HIV. Caution and careful monitoring for MTX toxicity, opportunistic infections and HIV state is suggested if MTX is used in the setting of HIV particularly if combined with other immunosuppression.

References:

[1] Clin Infectious Disease 2019:68

[2] J Rheumatology 2014:41

[3] Arthritis and Rheumatism 2003:49

[4] Medicine 2017:96

Acknowledgments :

Funding from International League Against Rheumatism

McGill University Global Health Scholar Awards

Disclosure of Interests:

Alize Gunay: None declared, Anna Davidson: None declared, Ines Colmegna: None declared, Diane Lacaille: None declared, Hal Loewen: None declared, Michele Meltzer: None declared, Yewondwossen Mengistu: None declared, Rosie Scuccimarri: None declared, Zenebe Yirsaw: None declared, Sasha Bernatsky: None declared, Carol Hitchon Grant/research support from: UCB Canada; Pfizer Canada

Effectiveness of an online self-management tool, OPERAS (an On-demand Program to EmpoweR Active Self-management), for people with rheumatoid arthritis: a research protocol

Background

Active self-management is a process where patients are fully engaged in managing their health in daily life by having access to contextualized health data and tailored guidance to support a healthy lifestyle. This study aims to determine whether an e-health intervention that incorporates symptom/disease activity monitoring and physical activity counselling can improve self-management ability in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

The ‘Empowering active self-management of arthritis: Raising the bar with OPERAS (an On-demand Program to EmpoweR Active Self-management)’ project is a randomized controlled trial that uses a delayed control design. One hundred thirty-four participants with RA will be randomly assigned to start the intervention either immediately (immediate group) or 6 months later (delayed group). The intervention involves (1) use of a Fitbit-compatible web app to record and monitor their RA disease activity, symptoms, and time spent on physical activity and a Fitbit; (2) group education and individual counselling by a physiotherapist (PT); and (3) six phone calls with a PT. The primary outcome measure is self-management ability measured by the Patient Activation Measure. Secondary outcome measures include disease status, fatigue, pain, depressive symptoms, and characteristics of habitual behavior and also time spent in physical activity and sedentary activity with a wearable multi-sensor device (SenseWear Mini). After the 6-month intervention, we will interview a sample of participants to examine their experiences with the intervention.

Discussion

The results of this study will help to determine whether this technology-enhanced self-management intervention improves self-management ability and health outcomes for people living with RA. A limitation of this study is that participants will need to self-report their symptoms, disease status, and treatment use through questionnaires on the OPERAS web app. The user-friendly interface, reminder emails from the research staff, and tailored guidance from PTs will encourage participants to actively engage with the app.

Trial registration

Date of last update in ClinicalTrials.gov: January 2, 2019. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03404245.

Testing population-based performance measures identifies gaps in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) care

BACKGROUND

The study evaluates Performance Measures (PMs) for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA): The percentage of patients with new onset JIA with at least one visit to a pediatric rheumatologist in the first year of diagnosis (PM1); and the percentage of patients with JIA under rheumatology care seen in follow-up at least once per year (PM2).

METHODS

Validated JIA case ascertainment algorithms were used to identify cases from provincial health administrative databases in Manitoba, Canada in patients < 16 years between 01/04/2005 and 31/03/2015. PM1: Using a 3-year washout period, the percentage of incident JIA patients with ≥1 visit to a pediatric rheumatologist in the first year was calculated. For each fiscal year, the proportion of patients expected to be seen in follow-up who had a visit were calculated (PM2). The proportion of patients with gaps in care of > 12 and > 14 months between consecutive visits were also calculated.

RESULTS

One hundred ninety-four incident JIA cases were diagnosed between 01/04/2008 and 03/31/2015. The median age at diagnosis was 9.1 years and 71% were female. PM1: Across the years, 51-81% of JIA cases saw a pediatric rheumatologist within 1 year. PM2: Between 58 and 78% of patients were seen in yearly follow-up. Gaps > 12, and > 14, months were observed once during follow-up in 52, and 34%, of cases, and ≥ twice in 11, and 5%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Suboptimal access to pediatric rheumatologist care was observed which could lead to diagnostic and treatment delays and lack of consistent follow-up, potentially negatively impacting patient outcomes.

Considerations for Evaluating and Recommending Worker Productivity Outcome Measures: An Update from the OMERACT Worker Productivity Group

OBJECTIVE

The Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) Worker Productivity Group continues efforts to assess psychometric properties of measures of presenteeism.

METHODS

Psychometric properties of single-item and dual answer multiitem scales were assessed, as well as methods to evaluate thresholds of meaning.

RESULTS

Test-retest reliability and construct validity of single item global measures was moderate to good. The value of measuring both degree of difficulty and amount of time with difficulty in multiitems questionnaires was confirmed. Thresholds of meaning vary depending on methods and external anchors applied.

CONCLUSION

We have advanced our understanding of the performance of presenteeism measures and have developed approaches to describing thresholds of meaning.

When does the increased mortality risk appear in rheumatoid arthritis? A distributed data analysis comparing mortality in two Canadian provinces

IntroductionRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is chronic inflammatory arthritis. For decades studies showed that RA patients died earlier than their general population counterparts. Some inception cohorts have failed to detect an increased mortality risk, possibly due to limited follow-up or to improvement in mortality risk in cohorts of more recent onset. Objectives and ApproachWe evaluated mortality risk in RA patients and estimated when the increased risk appears. Using a common protocol, we conducted distributed analyses using administrative data, of incident RA patients in British Columbia (BC) and Ontario (ON) over 2000-2015. We identified all RA patients (using validated criteria), and identified non-RA comparators, matched 1:2 on age, sex and index years. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated using multivariable Cox regression, controlling for comorbidities and other factors. To estimate when the increased risk appeared we included an interaction with follow-up time, to detect if and how the HR varied by RA duration. ResultsAmong 13834 RA patients in BC (27668 comparators), 66% were female with a mean age of 58 years at cohort entry. Among 27405 RA patients in ON (54810 comparators), 70% were female with a mean age of 56 years. The prevalence of individual comorbidities was comparable across RA cohorts. During follow-up, 23% of RA patients in each province died, with corresponding crude mortality rates of 2.3 deaths per 100 person-years in both provinces. Multivariable analyses detected an increased mortality risk in RA by 6 years of follow-up, with a linear relationship suggesting further increase over time. By 10 years, the adjusted HR was 1.14 (95% CI 1.07,1.22) in BC and 1.13 (95% CI 1.08,1.18) in ON. Conclusion/ImplicationsIn 2 large Canadian RA inception cohorts, a small increased mortality risk appeared after 6 years of RA duration and increased to a 14% (in BC) and 13% (in ON) increased mortality risk after 10 years, suggesting increased efforts to prevent disease progression and optimizing comorbidity management are needed.

Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Compliance with Diabetes Screening Guidelines

Objective.

To evaluate compliance with diabetes screening guidelines for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared to the general population.

Methods.

We conducted the first longitudinal study of a population-based RA cohort including all prevalent RA cases in British Columbia between 1996 and 2006 and followed until 2010, with matched general population comparators. Using administrative data, we measured compliance with general population guidelines [i.e., testing plasma glucose (PG) at least once every 3 years after age 45] after excluding individuals with previous diabetes. Followup was divided into 3-year eligibility periods. Compliance was measured as the proportion of periods with ≥ 1 PG test performed. OR (95% CI) of compliance in RA (vs general population) was calculated using generalized estimating equation models, adjusting for age and sex. Mean compliance rate per patient was also calculated and compared using the Mann-Whitney U test.

Results.

Analysis included 22,624 individuals with RA, contributing 48,724 three-year eligibility periods; and 22,579 people in a general population group, contributing 51,081 three-year eligibility periods. PG was measured in 72.3% (SD 37%) of the eligible time periods in the RA sample and in 70.4% (SD 38%) for the general population (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02–1.09, p < 0.0001). RA individuals met recommended screening guidelines in 71.4% of their eligible periods, compared to 70.6% (p < 0.001). Screening improved over time in RA relative to the general population. Family physicians ordered nearly all the PG tests.

Conclusion.

Compliance with general population guidelines for diabetes screening in RA was suboptimal, with little difference relative to the general population, despite a higher risk of CVD and diabetes.

Feasibility of Measurement and Adherence to System Performance Measures for Rheumatoid Arthritis in 5 Models of Care

OBJECTIVE

To test the feasibility of reporting on 4 national performance measures for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in 5 different models of care.

METHODS

The following performance measures were evaluated in 5 models of care: waiting time (WT) to rheumatologist consultation, percentage of patients seen in yearly followup (FU), percentage taking disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD), and time to starting DMARD. All models aimed to improve early access and care for patients with RA.

RESULTS

A number of feasibility issues were encountered in performance measure evaluation because of differences in site data collection and/or the duration of the model of care. For example, while 4/5 programs maintained clinical or research databases, chart reviews were still required to report on WT. Median WT for care in 2015 varied by site between 21 and 75 days. Yearly FU rates could only be calculated in 2 sites (combined owing to small numbers) and varied between 83% and 100%. Percentage of patients taking a DMARD and time to DMARD could be calculated in 3 models, and rates of DMARD use were between 90% and 100%, with median time to DMARD of 0 days in each.

CONCLUSION

Our review has shown that even in models of care designed to improve access to care and early treatment, data to document improvements are often lacking. Where data were available for measuring, deficits in WT performance were noted for some centers. Our results highlight a need to improve reporting processes to drive quality improvement.

High Adherence to System-Level Performance Measures for Rheumatoid Arthritis in a National Early Arthritis Cohort Over Eight Years

OBJECTIVE

To assess adherence to 3 system-level performance measures in a national early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cohort.

METHODS

Patients enrolled in the Canadian Early Arthritis Cohort (2007-2015) who met 1987 or 2010 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism criteria with <1 year of symptom duration and ≥1 year of followup after enrollment were included. Performance measures assessed were the percentage of RA patients seen in yearly followup, and the number of gaps between visits of >12 or >14 months, the percentage of RA patients treated with a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD), and days from RA diagnosis to initiation of a DMARD. Results are shown stratified by enrollment year to assess for temporal changes in performance.

RESULTS

A total of 1,763 early RA patients were included (mean age 54 years, 73% female, and 82% white). At enrollment, mean ± SD disease duration was 6 ± 3 months, and Disease Activity Score in 28 joints was 5.1 ± 1.5. Over 8 years, the proportion of patients seen in annual followup declined from 100% to 91%. Over followup, 42% of patients had 0 gaps in care of >12 months, and 64% had 0 gaps >14 months. The percentage of DMARD-treated early RA patients was and remained high (95-87%), and the percentage receiving DMARDs within 14 days of diagnosis was 75%. Median time-to-DMARD therapy was 1 day, indicating DMARDs were initiated at diagnosis (90th percentile 93 days).

CONCLUSION

There was evidence of high adherence to system-level performance measures in this early RA cohort following a protocol. Small declines in performance were noted with increasing length of patient followup. Our findings are useful for performance measure benchmarking.

Risk of Incident Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Population-Based Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

Studies have demonstrated a link between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and inflammation, raising the question whether chronic inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), predispose to COPD. Our objective was to evaluate the risk of incident COPD hospitalization in RA compared to the general population.

METHODS

We studied a population-based incident RA cohort with matched general population controls, using administrative health data. All incident RA cases in British Columbia who first met RA definition between January 1996 and December 2006 were selected using previously published criteria. General population controls were randomly selected, matched 1:1 to RA cases on birth year, sex, and index year. COPD outcome was defined as hospitalization with a primary COPD code. Incidence rates, 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), and incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were calculated for RA and controls. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models estimated the risk of COPD in RA compared to the general population after adjusting for potential confounders. Sensitivity analyses were performed to test the robustness of the results to the possible confounding effect of smoking, unavailable in administrative data, and to COPD outcome definitions.

RESULTS

The cohorts included 24,625 RA individuals and 25,396 controls. The incidence of COPD hospitalization was greater in RA than controls (IRR 1.58, 95% CI 1.34-1.87). After adjusting for potential confounders, RA cases had a 47% greater risk of COPD hospitalization than controls. The increased risk remained significant after modeling for smoking and with varying COPD definitions.

CONCLUSION

In our population-based cohort, individuals with RA had a 47% greater risk of COPD hospitalization compared to the general population.

Social Role Participation and Satisfaction With Life: A Study Among Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis and Population Controls

OBJECTIVE

Participation in society of persons with chronic diseases receives increasing attention. However, little is known about which components of participation are most relevant to life satisfaction. This study examines the association between several aspects of social role participation and satisfaction with life (SWL) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) compared to population controls.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study, participants completed the Social Role Participation Questionnaire (SRPQ) and SWL scale. The SRPQ assesses several dimensions of participation (importance, satisfaction with performance, and satisfaction with time and physical difficulty) in 11 roles representing 3 domains (interpersonal relations, leisure, and work). For individuals with AS and controls, the association between role domains and SWL was examined using linear regression for each participation dimension separately, in the total and the employed population, adjusting for age, sex, education, and income.

RESULTS

A total of 246 AS patients (mean ± SD age 51 ± 12 years, 62% males, mean ± SD disease duration 17 ± 12 years) and 510 controls (mean ± SD age 42 ± 15 years, 70% males) were included. AS patients were more frequently (extremely) dissatisfied with life (17.9% versus 8.6%; P < 0.05). In the total and the employed population, less physical difficulty and higher satisfaction with interpersonal relations and leisure were associated with higher SWL, and this was somewhat stronger in patients than in controls (P < 0.1). In employed controls, but not in employed patients, satisfaction with work was independently associated with SWL.

CONCLUSION

These findings highlight the importance of supporting persons with AS in ameliorating social role participation, particularly in areas like close relationships and leisure activities, which are typically ignored when treating AS.

Effects of a Web-Based Patient Decision Aid on Biologic and Small-Molecule Agents for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Results From a Proof-of-Concept Study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the extent to which ANSWER-2, an interactive online patient decision aid, reduces patients' decisional conflict and improves their medication-related knowledge and self-management capacity.

METHODS

We used a pre-post study design. Eligible participants had a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), had been recommended to start using a biologic agent or small-molecule agent or to switch to a new one, and had internet access. Access to ANSWER-2 was provided immediately after enrollment. Outcome measures included 1) the Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS), 2) the Medication Education Impact Questionnaire (MeiQ), and 3) the Partners in Health Scale (PIHS). A paired t-test was used to assess differences pre- and postintervention.

RESULTS

The majority of the 50 participants were women (n = 40), and the mean ± SD age of participants was 49.6 ± 12.2 years. The median disease duration was 5 years (25th, 75th percentile: 2, 10 years). The mean ± SD DCS score was 45.9 ± 25.1 preintervention and 25.1 ± 21.8 postintervention (mean change of -21.2 of 100 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) -28.1, -14.4], P < 0.001). Before using ANSWER-2, 20% of participants had a DCS score of <25, compared to 52% of participants after the intervention. Similar results were observed in the PIHS (mean ± SD 25.3 ± 14.8 preintervention and 20.4 ± 13.0 postintervention; mean change of -3.7 of 88 [95% CI -6.3, -1.0], P = 0.009). Findings from the MeiQ were mixed, with statistically significant differences found only in the self-management subscales.

CONCLUSION

Patients' decisional conflict decreased and perceived self-management capacity improved after using ANSWER-2. Future research comparing the effectiveness of ANSWER-2 with that of educational material on biologic agents will provide further insight into its value in RA management.