[Osteopecilia associated with psoriatic arthritis]

Osteopecilia is a benign and rare condensing osteopathy. Its association with inflammatory rheumatism is very rare. We here report the case of a 25-year old patient with skin psoriasis, presenting with groin pain of inflammatory origin. Physical examination showed limitation of hip motions, lower limb-length inequality and pain on right sacroiliac mobilization. Laboratory tests showed inflammatory syndrome and negative immunological assessment. The radiograph of the pelvis revealed osteopecilia associated with destructive coxitis. CT scan of the pelvis showed coxitis and osteopecilia associated with bilateral sacroiliitis. The diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis associated with osteopecilia was retained. The patient was treated with methotrexate and NSAIDS. Osteopecilia usually is unexpectedly detected. Diagnostic radiology is essential to avoid unnecessary explorations and treatments.

Role and Function of A2A and A₃ Adenosine Receptors in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis, Psoriatic Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases that affect joints, causing debilitating pain and disability. Adenosine receptors (ARs) play a key role in the mechanism of inflammation, and the activation of A_2A and A₃AR subtypes is often associated with a reduction of the inflammatory status. The aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of ARs in patients suffering from early-RA (ERA), RA, AS and PsA. Messenger RNA (mRNA) analysis and saturation binding experiments indicated an upregulation of A_2A and A₃ARs in lymphocytes obtained from patients when compared with healthy subjects. A_2A and A₃AR agonists inhibited nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) activation and reduced inflammatory cytokines release, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6. Moreover, A_2A and A₃AR activation mediated a reduction of metalloproteinases (MMP)-1 and MMP-3. The effect of the agonists was abrogated by selective antagonists demonstrating the direct involvement of these receptor subtypes. Taken together, these data confirmed the involvement of ARs in chronic autoimmune rheumatic diseases highlighting the possibility to exploit A_2A and A₃ARs as therapeutic targets, with the aim to limit the inflammatory responses usually associated with RA, AS and PsA.

Of patents and patent disputes: The TNFα patent files. Part 1: Humira

This article discusses the patent strategy underlying the world's best selling drug, AbbVie's Humira®. Despite a non-optimal starting position, AbbVie has established an extensive portfolio to fend off biosimilar competition. This article is the first part of a trilogy that discusses IP issues related to anti-Tumor Necrosis factor α (TNFα) biologics.

Clinical and genetic associations of radiographic sacroiliitis and its different patterns in psoriatic arthritis

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to 1) identify clinical and genetic associations of sacroiliitis (SI) in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and 2) describe the different radiographic patterns of SI in PsA and their clinical and genetic associations.

METHODS

283 PsA patients, fulfilling CASPAR criteria, underwent detailed skin and rheumatologic assessments. In addition, HLA-B*27 and B*080101 status was recorded, which have been shown as the key genetic markers of radiographic SI in PsA. Grade 2 Unilateral or bilateral radiographic changes of SI were required for inclusion and involvement was further defined as asymmetrical or symmetrical.

RESULTS

70 patients (25%) had radiographic SI; all either with a present or past history of backache. Regression analysis demonstrated a significant association of SI with peripheral joint erosions (p=0.043), PASI maximum (p=0.041), younger age of PsA onset (p=<0.001), presence of HLA-B*0801 (p=0.002) and only marginal significance with HLA-B*2705 (p=0.059). Asymmetrical SI was noted in 51 patients (73%). In striking contrast to those patients with symmetrical SI, patients with asymmetrical SI were more likely to be female (p=0.04), have a trend towards more severe nail disease (p=0.08) and peripheral joint erosions (p=0.08), more osteolysis (p=0.01), more HLA-B*0801 positivity (p=0.001) and much less HLA-B*270502 positivity (p=<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

PsA developing at a younger age, severe skin disease, peripheral joint erosions, and HLA-B*0801 are significantly associated with SI, and there was only a marginal trend towards significance for HLA-B*2705. HLA-B*27 positive Axial-PsA patients resemble AS, while HLA-B*0801 positive Axial-PsA patients have asymmetrical and/or unilateral SI, which are typical of PsA.

[Psoriatic arthritis : Overview of drug therapy options and administration characteristics]

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the musculoskeletal system with association to skin psoriasis and is characterized by variable clinical symptoms with very heterogeneous degrees of disease suffering for patients. Clinical manifestations essentially include alterations to the skin and nails, peripheral arthritis, enthesitis, dactylitis and/or spinal involvement. This variability necessitates an individualized therapy of patients with different therapy targets. Apart from international guidelines no therapy recommendations are available in Germany for treatment of psoriatic arthritis. For this reason this article summarizes the established points, characteristics and aspects to be considered in the therapy of psoriatic arthritis in Germany, taking the various main forms of the disease into consideration.

Limited association between scalp psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis severity and treatment response

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated whether scalp psoriasis (PsO) is associated with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) severity and/or with treatment response to etanercept.

METHODS

Patients with moderate-to-severe PsO and active PsA received etanercept 50 mg once weekly for 24 weeks. Patients were stratified according to whether scalp PsO was present at baseline. Demographics and disease characteristics were compared at baseline and after 12 and 24 weeks of treatment with etanercept.

RESULTS

Scalp PsO was present in 273/373 (73.2%) patients; they were significantly younger and a higher proportion were male versus those without scalp PsO. At baseline, the patient global assessment psoriasis score was significantly higher for patients with scalp PsO versus without (67.0 vs. 57.9, p<0.01); tender joint count was significantly higher for patients without scalp PsO (6.0 vs. 5.0, p<0.05). A higher proportion of patients without versus with scalp PsO achieved enthesitis ≤1 at Week 12 (91.5% vs. 81.7%, p<0.05) and dactylitis ≤1 at week 24 (93.9% vs. 85.6%, p<0.05). Patients with scalp PsO showed significantly greater improvements in fatigue and joint pain at weeks 12 and 24, and a greater proportion achieved a score ≤0.5 in the health assessment questionnaire at week 12 (65.2% vs. 53.0%, p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Scalp PsO was not clearly associated with PsA severity, and it did not affect treatment response. Patients without scalp PsO exhibited greater improvements in objective joint outcomes, whereas patients with scalp PsO experienced better outcomes in patient-reported outcomes.

Differing local and systemic inflammatory burden in polyarticular psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis patients on anti-TNF treatment in clinical remission

OBJECTIVES

To analyse clinical, serological and sonographic differences between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and polyarticular psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients on anti-TNF therapy in clinical remission.

METHODS

Angiogenic and proinflammatory cytokine serum levels were determined by multiplex ELISA in patients with RA and PsA in clinical remission (DAS28-ESR<2.6), clinically-active RA patients (DAS28>3.2) and healthy controls. Ultrasound (US) scans were made of both wrists and hands.

RESULTS

30 RA and 47 PsA patients in remission, 22 active RA patients and 20 healthy controls were included. PsA patients had significantly lower disease activity according to DAS28-ESR (p=0.006) but not according to DAS28-CRP (p=0.319), and lower serum levels of proinflammatory and angiogenic cytokines than RA patients in remission. PsA patients had cytokine levels similar to healthy controls, while RA patients in remission had similar levels to those of active RA patients. Globally, 31 (40.25%) patients in remission had a PD signal and 12 had SH>2 plus PD [1 PsA vs. 11 RA (p=0.0001)], meeting the criteria for ultrasound-defined active synovitis (UdAS). Patients with UdAS had significantly higher levels of IL-6, IL-20, PIGF and SDF1. More PsA patients were on tapered doses of anti-TNF (63.8%), and more frequently as monotherapy (72.3%), compared with RA patients (26.6% and 20%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Polyarticular PsA patients in remission had lower levels of local (US synovitis) and systemic inflammation than RA patients in remission, even though a significantly higher percentage of PsA patients were on tapered doses of anti-TNF, mainly in monotherapy.

Gender differences among patients with primary ankylosing spondylitis and spondylitis associated with psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease in an iberoamerican spondyloarthritis cohort

The aim of the study was to compare clinical manifestations, disease activity, functional capacity, spinal mobility, and radiological findings between men and women from a multicenter, multiethnic Ibero-American cohort of patients with Spondyloarthritis (SpA).This observational cross-section study included 1264 consecutive SpA patients who fulfilled the modified New York criteria for ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Demographic, clinical, and radiologic data were evaluated. Categorical data were compared by X or Fisher's exact tests and continuous variables by ANOVA with post-hoc tests.Primary AS was diagnosed in 1072 patients, psoriatic spondylitis in 147, and spondylitis associated to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in 45 patients. Overall, male patients were significantly younger, had longer diagnostic delay, lower disease activity, worse spinal mobility, better quality of life, and more severe radiologic damage. Dactylitis and enthesitis, as well as swollen joint count, were significantly more common among women. In primary AS, there was a marked male predominance (76.2%). Among patients with psoriatic spondylitis, male predominance was lower (57.8%), but was also associated with worse spinal mobility and more severe radiologic damage. In the total population, male patients with primary AS referred higher permanent work disability (13.2% vs 6.9%; P < 0.05), although no difference was observed in psoriatic or IBD spondylitis according to the gender.Among Ibero-American SpA patients, there are some differences in clinical and radiological manifestations, men showing more structural damage, whereas women more active disease. These data suggest that the phenotype of SpA differs between genders. This can influence the subsequent diagnostic approach and therapeutic decisions.

Clinical characteristics and systemic therapies administered to first-time patients at a tertiary psoriasis outpatient clinic

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics and the systemic therapies given to a cohort of patients attending for the first time our tertiary psoriasis outpatient clinic.

METHODS

Data were extracted from an electronic database where the patients, mostly eligible for systemic therapies, are consecutively recorded. Based on skin disease severity the subjects were classified into three groups: group 1, mild psoriasis (MP; Psoriasis Area Severity Index [PASI]≤5); group 2, mild-to-moderate psoriasis (MMP; 5<PASI<10); group 3, moderate-to-severe psoriasis (MSP; PASI>10).

RESULTS

Of the 289 patients studied, 88 (30.4%) presented with MP, 91 (31.5%) with MMP, and 110 (38%) with MSP, 89 (30.8%) of whom were affected by psoriatic arthritis. Of the 289 patients, 267 (92.3%) were deemed eligible for a systemic treatment, and 228 (85.4%) of them started a systemic treatment as monotherapy. The therapies administered were as follows: cyclosporine to 65 (28.5%); methotrexate to 59 (25.8%); etanercept to 33 (44%); adalimumab to 25 (33.3%); ustekinumab to 17 (22.6%); acitretin to 29 (12.7%); golimumab to one (1.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data show a composite distribution of patients eligible for a systemic therapy and attending for the first time our center. The traditional drugs were more frequently administered (67.1%) as compared to biological ones (32.9%).

A review of clinical trials of biologic agents and small molecules for psoriasis in Asian subjects

INTRODUCTION

Biologics are increasingly used in the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis. However, most of the pivotal studies were performed mainly in western countries. The purpose of this review article was to compare the differences of clinical trial results between Asian and Western subjects of psoriasis regarding baseline demographics, efficacy, dermatology life quality index, safety and antidrug antibodies.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

In this review article, we searched the PubMed/Medline, ClinicalTrials.gov, and posters from main dermatologic meetings.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Only randomized controlled trial results or trial results for registration purposes of etanercept, adalimumab, infliximab, ustekinumab, secukinumab, brodalumab, ixekizumab, guselkumab, tofacitinib, and apremilast are included.

CONCLUSIONS

Asian subjects were generally 15-20 Kgs lighter, with fewer psoriatic arthritis, shorter disease duration since diagnosis, and higher baseline severity compared to western subjects. Better efficacy had been found in some studies such as secukinumab, brodalumab, ixekizumab, and tofacitinib in Japanese groups. The safety in Asian trials was generally compatible with the pivotal studies, except for the occurrence of active tuberculosis in the infliximab trial in China. Additional indications of pustular and erythrodermic psoriasis are approved in Japan for some of the agents based on phase II/III studies.

Interactions of the Immune System with Skin and Bone Tissue in Psoriatic Arthritis: A Comprehensive Review

Cutaneous psoriasis (e.g., psoriasis vulgaris (PsV)) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are complex heterogeneous diseases thought to have similar pathophysiology. The soluble and cellular mediators of these closely related diseases are being elucidated through genetic approaches such as genome-wide association studies (GWAS), as well as animal and molecular models. Novel therapeutics targeting these mediators (IL-12, IL-23, IL-17, IL-17 receptor, TNF) are effective in treating both the skin and joint manifestations of psoriasis, reaffirming the shared pathophysiology of PsV and PsA. However, the molecular and cellular interactions between skin and joint disease have not been well characterized. Clearly, PsV and PsA are highly variable in terms of their clinical manifestations, and this heterogeneity can partially be explained by differences in HLA-associations (HLA-Cw*0602 versus HLA-B*27, for example). In addition, there are numerous other genetic susceptibility loci (LCE3, CARD14, NOS2, NFKBIA, PSMA6, ERAP1, TRAF3IP2, IL12RB2, IL23R, IL12B, TNIP1, TNFAIP3, TYK2) and geoepidemiologic factors that contribute to the wide variability seen in psoriasis. Herein, we review the complex interplay between the genetic, cellular, ethnic, and geographic mediators of psoriasis, focusing on the shared mechanisms of PsV and PsA.

Psoriatic arthritis: embracing pathogenetic and clinical heterogeneity?

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a clinically heterogeneous condition of skin, joint, enthesis and bone that provides considerable unmet therapeutic need. Recent treatment advances have offered new opportunities to improve quality of life and long term well being for afflicted patients. It is timely therefore, to consider the underlying heterogeneity inherent in the disease from a pathologic aspect so as to best optimise the choice and order of therapeutic application over time. Herein I will discuss the various contributions made by immune pathways to discrete tissue compartments that in turn might allow a more targeted approach to the management of PsA in which different tissues express variable severity of involvement.

Infliximab Monotherapy for Refractory Psoriasis: Preliminary Results

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha plays an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Infliximab is an anti-TNF-alpha chimeric monoclonal antibody, which is licensed for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. Some reports have shown the efficacy of infliximab, either in monotherapy or in combination with methotrexate, for the treatment of psoriatic arthropathy and psoriasis.

The efficacy and tolerability of infliximab monotherapy was evaluated in 29 patients with moderate to severe psoriasis, unresponsive to conventional treatments. Fourteen patients suffered from concomitant arthropathy. Patients received intravenous infliximab, 5mg/kg, at weeks 0, 2, and 6. After this 3-dose-induction regimen, patients were followed-up at monthly intervals and retreated with a single-dose infusion in case of relapse of signs and symptoms. Clinical assessment was performed using the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) to monitor psoriasis activity; pruritus and joint pain were assessed on a scale of 0 to 3. A marked improvement of skin lesions and subjective symptoms was noted in the majority of patients; an excellent reduction of PASI score (⩾75%) was observed in 13.8% of cases at week 2, 71.4% at week 6 and 78.6% at week 10. During the follow-up period, some patients maintained satisfactory clinical results without requiring any additional infusions. In general, skin lesions showed a trend towards a more prolonged and sustained improvement as compared with subjective symptoms. Treatment was well tolerated and no serious adverse events occurred.

Psoriasis-associated fatigue: pathogenesis, metrics, and treatment

Fatigue, a substantial symptom of psoriasis, is triggered by complex interactions of inflammation in psoriatic disease, both directly via inflammatory cytokines and indirectly via psychological and physiological factors. We provide data and observations that highlight the importance of qualifying and quantifying fatigue among patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and underscore the need to develop novel therapeutics to target this debilitating element of a multisystem disease.

Risk of malignancy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis under immunosuppressive therapy: a single-center experience

Systemic inflammatory rheumatic diseases are associated with an increased risk of malignancy, in particular of lymphoproliferative disorders. Chronic inflammation, due to the disease itself, generates a microenvironment able to promote cancer development, but it is still controversial whether immunosuppressive therapy may contribute to carcinogenesis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the risk of malignancy in 399 patients affected by rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, all treated with either tumor necrosis factor α-inhibitors plus disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or DMARDs alone. The risk of malignancy in this cohort of patients, observed in the period between 2005 and 2011 at S. Andrea Hospital-Sapienza University of Rome, was compared with that of the general Italian population, matched for age, sex, and area of residence. Fourteen (3.5%) malignancies, five of which were hematologic, have been observed. The overall cancer risk was not significantly increased in comparison to the general population, whereas the risk of hematologic malignancies appeared significantly higher in RA patients (SIR 4.94, 95% CI 1.35-12.64), particularly in female gender (SIR 6.9, 0.95% CI 1.88-17.66). No significant association between therapy and malignancy was demonstrated in RA patients.

Interface Management between General Practitioners and Rheumatologists-Results of a Survey Defining a Concept for Future Joint Recommendations

OBJECTIVE

To measure the views of general practitioners (GPs) and rheumatologists in a nationwide evaluation, so as to optimise their cooperation in managing patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases.

METHODS

A questionnaire covering aspects of collaboration was sent, both by mail and/or by email, to all GPs and rheumatologists in Austria. Topics covered were (i) examinations and interventions to be performed before referral, (ii) the spectrum of diseases to be referred, and (iii) the role of GPs in follow-up and continuous management of patients.

RESULTS

1,229 GPs of the 4,016 GPs (31%) and 110 of the 180 rheumatologists (61%) responded to the questionnaire. In cases of suspected arthritis, 99% of the GPs and 92% of the rheumatologists recommended specific laboratory tests, and 92% and 70%, respectively, recommended X-rays of affected joints before referral. Rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis, psoriatic arthritis and connective tissue disease were unanimously seen as indications for referral to a rheumatologist. Only 12% of rheumatologists felt responsible for the treatment of hand osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. 80% of GPs and 85% of rheumatologists were of the opinion that treatment with disease-modifying drugs should be initiated by a specialist. Subsequent drug prescription and administration by GPs was supported by a majority of GPs and rheumatologists, with a concomitant rheumatologist follow-up every three to six months.

CONCLUSION

The considerable consensus between the two professional groups constitutes a solid base for future joint recommendations, with the aim to accelerate the diagnostic process and the initiation of adequate therapy.

Psoriatic Arthritis with Annular Pustular Psoriasis

We herein present the case of a 56-year-old woman who presented with symptoms of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) with erythema that progressed to annular pustular psoriasis. The patient had a 15-year history of polyarthritis. Annular pustular psoriasis is not typically observed in cases of arthritis. This is the first reported case of PsA with annular pustular psoriasis.

The joint in psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a chronic inflammatory joint disease associated with psoriasis, is notable for diversity in disease presentation, course and response to treatment. Equally varied are the types of musculoskeletal involvement which include peripheral and axial joint disease, dactylitis and enthesitis. In this review, we focus on the psoriatic joint and discuss pathways that underlie synovial, cartilage and bone inflammation and highlight key histopathologic features. The pivotal inflammatory mechanisms and pathobiology of PsA parallel findings in other forms of spondyloarthritis but are distinct from disease pathways described in rheumatoid synovitis and bone disease. The diagnosis of PsA from both a clinical and imaging perspective is also discussed.

Peripheral joint involvement in psoriatic arthritis patients

Peripheral joint involvement is a common, potentially debilitating feature of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Joint involvement is commonly symmetrical and polyarticular similar to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but it can also be oligoarticular, asymmetrical or occasionally monoarticular. Involvement of the distal interphalangeal joints is a feature which distinguishes PsA from RA. Articular involvement in PsA can be severe with a mutilating arthropathy found in about 5%. These patients are characterised clinically by digital shortening and on radiographs by erosion on both sides of the joint and/or osteolysis. Treatments targeting joint disease frequently reduces symptoms and signs resulting in prevention of damage progression.

Magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosing, monitoring and prognostication in psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic systemic, inflammatory disease associated with skin psoriasis. PsA may be difficult to assess with clinical examination and blood tests because of its complex and multifaceted clinical presentation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can visualise all peripheral and axial joints and entheses involved in PsA, and allow the rheumatologist to assess inflammation and structural damage in detail. In the present paper, we provide a brief overview of MRI to diagnose, monitor and prognosticate in PsA in clinical care.

Novel psoriasis therapies and patient outcomes, part 2: biologic treatments

Biologic treatments have revolutionized the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α monoclonal antibodies presently are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of these conditions. In this article, new therapies that target this pathway and other steps in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and PsA are discussed, including IL-12/IL-23, IL-17, T-cell activation in antigen-presenting cells, regulatory T cells, toll-like receptors, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. This article is the second in a 3-part series on treatments presently in the pipeline for the management of psoriasis and PsA including topical agents, biologic treatments, and systemic therapies in phase 2 through phase 4 clinical trials as well as agents that are recently FDA approved. Pivotal clinical trials, mechanisms of action, patient outcomes, and pertinent safety information will be discussed for each new therapy. As our knowledge of the underlying pathogenesis of psoriasis and PsA deepens, it enables the development of more targeted therapies in the management of these conditions.

Ultrasonographic wrist and hand abnormalities in early psoriatic arthritis patients: correlation with clinical, dermatological, serological and genetic indices

OBJECTIVES

The aims of our study are to describe the wrist and hand ultrasound (US) abnormalities compared to clinical examination in early psoriatic arthritis (ePsA) and to analyse their correlation with clinical, dermatological, serological and genetic indices.

METHODS

We analysed 1120 fingers and 224 wrists of 112 early PsA, with MyLab70 Xview (Esaote, linear probe) ultrasound (US). Power Doppler active synovitis (AS), erosions, finger tendons tenosynovitis or peritendinitis (TP) and pseudotenosynovitis (PT), were compared to clinical (BASDAI, SHAQ), dermatological (PASI and psoriasis aspects), serological (ESR, CRP, ACPA) and genetic (HLA haplotypes) indices.

RESULTS

All US abnormalities were present: AS was more frequent at wrists (50/224 [22.3%]), followed by hand PT (68/1120 [6,1%]) and TS (29/1120 [2.6%]), while erosions were rare (10/1120 [0.8%]). US abnormalities were independent of ePsA clinical indices (except erosions - even if represented only in a low percentage - that correlated to BASDAI [p<0.05]), while they were associated to several dermatological (except PASI), serological and genetic parameters: psoriasis (all p<0.0001), palmoplantar psoriasis (wrist and hand AS p<0.0005 and p<0.005, respectively), hand psoriasis (all p<0.0001), nail dystrophy (hand AS p<0.05, PT p<0.0001, erosions p<0.0001); positive CRP (all p<0.0001), ESR (wrist and hand AS p<0.005 and <0.0005, respectively, TS, PT and erosions p<0.0001) and ACPA - even if represented only in 1.78% of patients - (wrist and hand AS and TS p<0.0001, PT p<0.5); HLA-B27 (wrist and hand AS p<0.0001, TS p<0.01, PT p<0.05), -B35 (wrist and hand AS p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively), -B38 (wrist and hand AS p<0.0001, TS p<0.0001, PT p<0.005), -CW6 (wrist AS p<0.05), -DR4 (wrist and hand AS p<0.0001, TS p<0.0001, PT p<0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

US abnormalities of hand and wrist were independent of clinical ePsA indices (except erosions), while they correlated to dermatological (except PASI), serological and genetic parameters of disease.

A comparison of disease burden in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis

OBJECTIVE

The main objective of this study was to compare disease burden in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and axial spondyloarthritis (ax-SpA).

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, all the RA (1093), PsA (365) and ax-SpA (333) patients who visited the out-patient clinic of the Hospital of Southern Norway Trust during the year 2013 were included; the RA patients all had a RA diagnosis verified by the treating rheumatologist, the PsA patients all fulfilled the ClASsification for Psoriatic ARthritis (CASPAR) criteria and the ax-SpA patients all fulfilled the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) classification criteria for ax-SpA. Patient-reported health status, demographic variables, medications, and composite scores of disease activity were assessed. The main analyses were performed using General Linear Models adjusted for age, sex and multiple comparisons. Correlation analyses were performed using Spearman's rho.

RESULTS

The reported pain, joint pain, patient's global assessment and fatigue were similar in PsA and ax-SpA, but significantly lower in RA. The 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28) (0.3±0.1, p = 0.003), Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) (1.0±0.4, p = 0.028) and Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3 (RAPID3) (0.4±0.1, p = 0.004) were all significantly higher in PsA vs. RA. RAPID3 showed moderate to high correlation with DAS28 (rho = 0.521, p<0.001) and CDAI (rho = 0.768, p<0.001) in RA and PsA, and with Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) (rho = 0.902, p<0.001) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) (0.865, p<0.001) in ax-SpA and PsA.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, patient- reported outcome measures were similar in our population of PsA and ax-SpA patients, but significantly lower for the RA patients. Composite disease activity measures were lower in RA than in PsA and ax-SpA, but the magnitude of these differences was small and probably not of clinical significance. Our study indicates that disease burden in RA, PsA and ax-SpA may be more similar than previously demonstrated.