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Venetsanopoulou AI, Voulgari PV, Drosos AA. Advances in non-biological drugs for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2024; 25:45-53. [PMID: 38126739 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2023.2297798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex autoimmune disease that affects millions of people worldwide, with a systemic impact. This review explores the role of non-biological conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) in its management. AREAS COVERED We discuss the effectiveness and safety of key csDMARDs such as Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, Hydroxychloroquine, Sulfasalazine, Methotrexate, and Leflunomide in relieving symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease. We also highlight the importance of combination therapy using csDMARDs, supported by clinical studies demonstrating the benefits of various csDMARD combinations. Early intervention with these drugs is emphasized to prevent joint damage, improve clinical symptoms, and enhance patient outcomes. EXPERT OPINION Overall, csDMARDs have proven pivotal in managing RA, providing cost-effective and versatile treatment options. We acknowledge the advantages of biologics but highlight the associated challenges, making the choice between non-biological and biological drugs a personalized decision. This comprehensive overview aims to provide a deeper understanding of RA treatment strategies, contributing to improving the quality of life for patients with this chronic condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliki I Venetsanopoulou
- Department of Rheumatology, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Paraskevi V Voulgari
- Department of Rheumatology, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Alexandros A Drosos
- Department of Rheumatology, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
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Guski LS, Jürgens G, Pedder H, Levinsen NKG, Andersen SE, Welton NJ, Graudal N. Monotreatment With Conventional Antirheumatic Drugs or Glucocorticoids in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Network Meta-Analysis. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2335950. [PMID: 37801318 PMCID: PMC10559183 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.35950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance This is the first network meta-analysis to assess outcomes associated with multiple conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and glucocorticoid. Objective To analyze clinical outcomes after treatment with conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and glucocorticoid among patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Data Sources With no time restraint, English language articles were searched in MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central, ClinicalTrials.gov, and reference lists of relevant meta-analyses until September 15, 2022. Study Selection Four reviewers in pairs of 2 independently included controlled studies randomizing patients with rheumatoid arthritis to mono-conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, glucocorticoid, placebo, or nonactive treatment that recorded at least 1 outcome of tender joint count, swollen joint count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein level. Of 1098 assessed articles, 130 articles (132 interventions) were included. Data Extraction and Synthesis The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses reporting guideline, and data quality was assessed by the Cochrane risk of bias tool RoB 2. Data were extracted by a single author and checked independently by 2 authors. Data were analyzed using a random effect model, and data analysis was conducted from June 2021 to February 2023. Main Outcomes and Measures A protocol with hypothesis and study plan was registered before data recording. The most complete of recorded outcomes (tender joint count) was used as primary outcome, with imputations based on other outcomes to obtain a full analysis of all studies. Absolute change adjusted for baseline disease activity was assessed. Results A total of 29 interventions in 275 treatment groups among 132 randomized clinical trials (mean [range], 71.0% [27.0% to 100%] females in studies; mean [range] of ages in studies, 53 [36 to 70] years) were identified, which included 13 260 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The mean (range) duration of RA was 79 (2 to 243) months, and the mean (range) disease activity score was 6.3 (4.0 to 8.8). Compared with placebo, oral methotrexate was associated with a reduced tender joint count by 5.18 joints (95% credible interval [CrI], 4.07 to 6.28 joints). Compared with methotrexate, glucocorticoid (-2.54 joints; 95% CrI, -5.16 to 0.08 joints) and remaining drugs except cyclophosphamide (6.08 joints; 95% CrI, 0.44 to 11.66 joints) were associated with similar or lower tender joint counts. Conclusions and Relevance This study's results support the present role of methotrexate as the primary reference conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise S. Guski
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Gesche Jürgens
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Hugo Pedder
- Department of Population Health Science, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | | | - Stig E. Andersen
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Nicky J. Welton
- Department of Population Health Science, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Niels Graudal
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, The Lupus and Vasculitis Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Nayak RR. Fanning the flames of autoimmunity: the microbiome in rheumatic disease. Arthritis Rheumatol 2021; 74:549-552. [PMID: 34962101 DOI: 10.1002/art.42057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Renuka R Nayak
- Rheumatology Division, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
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He S, Wen Y, Yang X, Liu Z, Song X, Huang X, Bo X. PIMD: An Integrative Approach for Drug Repositioning Using Multiple Characterization Fusion. GENOMICS PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS 2020; 18:565-581. [PMID: 33075523 PMCID: PMC8377380 DOI: 10.1016/j.gpb.2018.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The accumulation of various types of drug informatics data and computational approaches for drug repositioning can accelerate pharmaceutical research and development. However, the integration of multi-dimensional drug data for precision repositioning remains a pressing challenge. Here, we propose a systematic framework named PIMD to predict drug therapeutic properties by integrating multi-dimensional data for drug repositioning. In PIMD, drug similarity networks (DSNs) based on chemical, pharmacological, and clinical data are fused into an integrated DSN (iDSN) composed of many clusters. Rather than simple fusion, PIMD offers a systematic way to annotate clusters. Unexpected drugs within clusters and drug pairs with a high iDSN similarity score are therefore identified to predict novel therapeutic uses. PIMD provides new insights into the universality, individuality, and complementarity of different drug properties by evaluating the contribution of each property data. To test the performance of PIMD, we use chemical, pharmacological, and clinical properties to generate an iDSN. Analyses of the contributions of each drug property indicate that this iDSN was driven by all data types and performs better than other DSNs. Within the top 20 recommended drug pairs, 7 drugs have been reported to be repurposed. The source code for PIMD is available at https://github.com/Sepstar/PIMD/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song He
- Department of Biotechnology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Yuqi Wen
- Department of Biotechnology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Xiaoxi Yang
- Department of Biotechnology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Department of Biotechnology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Xinyu Song
- Department of Biotechnology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Department of Biotechnology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Xiaochen Bo
- Department of Biotechnology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China.
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Different Original and Biosimilar TNF Inhibitors Similarly Reduce Joint Destruction in Rheumatoid Arthritis-A Network Meta-Analysis of 36 Randomized Controlled Trials. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20184350. [PMID: 31491879 PMCID: PMC6770755 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The effect of five approved tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi: infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab, certolizumab, and golimumab) on joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been compared versus methotrexate (MTX) in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) but have not been compared directly to each other or to an otherwise untreated placebo control. The present analysis compares effects of standard doses, high doses, and low doses of TNFis on radiographic joint destruction in RA and relate these effects to MTX and placebo by means of a Bayesian network meta-analysis. We identified 31 RCTs of the effect of TNFis on joint destruction and 5 RCTs with controls, which indirectly could link otherwise untreated placebo controls to the TNFi treatments in the network. The previously untested comparison with placebo was performed to estimate not only the effect relative to another drug, but also the absolute attainable effect. Compared to placebo there was a highly significant inhibitory effect on joint destruction of infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab, certolizumab, and golimumab, which was about 0.9% per year as monotherapy and about 1.2% per year when combined with MTX. Although significantly better than MTX and placebo, golimumab seemed inferior to the remaining TNFis. There was no difference between original reference drugs (Remicade, Enbrel) and the almost identical copy drugs (biosimilars).
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Ho CTK, Mok CC, Cheung TT, Kwok KY, Yip RML. Management of rheumatoid arthritis: 2019 updated consensus recommendations from the Hong Kong Society of Rheumatology. Clin Rheumatol 2019; 38:3331-3350. [PMID: 31485846 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-019-04761-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The expanding range of treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), from conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to biological DMARDs (bDMARDs), biosimilar bDMARDs, and targeted synthetic DMARDs, has improved patient outcomes but increased the complexity of treatment decisions. These updated consensus recommendations from the Hong Kong Society of Rheumatology provide guidance on the management of RA, with a focus on how to integrate newly available DMARDs into clinical practice. The recommendations were developed based on evidence from the literature along with local expert opinion. Early diagnosis of RA and prompt initiation of effective therapy remain crucial and we suggest a treat-to-target approach to guide optimal sequencing of DMARDs in RA patients to achieve tight disease control. Newly available DMARDs are incorporated in the treatment algorithm, resulting in a greater range of second-line treatment options. In the event of treatment failure or intolerance, switching to another DMARD with a similar or different mode of action may be considered. Given the variety of available treatments and the heterogeneity of patients with RA, treatment decisions should be tailored to the individual patient taking into consideration prognostic factors, medical comorbidities, drug safety, cost of treatment, and patient preference.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chi Chiu Mok
- Department of Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong, China.
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Burgers LE, Raza K, van der Helm-van Mil AH. Window of opportunity in rheumatoid arthritis - definitions and supporting evidence: from old to new perspectives. RMD Open 2019; 5:e000870. [PMID: 31168406 PMCID: PMC6525606 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2018-000870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic window of opportunity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is often referred to. However, some have questioned whether such a period, in which the disease is more susceptible to disease-modifying treatment, really exists. Observational studies are most frequently referenced as supporting evidence, but results of such studies are subject to confounding. In addition formal consensus on the definition of the term has never been reached. We first reviewed the literature to establish if there is agreement on the concept of the window of opportunity in terms of its time period and the outcomes influenced. Second, a systemic literature search was performed on the evidence of the benefit of early versus delayed treatment as provided by randomised clinical trials. We observed that the concept of the window of opportunity has changed with respect to timing and outcome since its first description 25 years ago. There is an ‘old definition’ pointing to the first 2 years after diagnosis with increased potential for disease-modifying treatment to prevent severe radiographic damage and disability. Strong evidence supports this concept. A ‘new definition’ presumes a therapeutic window in a pre-RA phase in which the biologic processes could be halted and RA development prevented by very early treatment. This definition is not supported by evidence, although is less well studied in trials. Some suggestions for future research in this area are made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie E Burgers
- Department of Rheumatology, Leids Universitair Medisch Centrum, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Karim Raza
- Immunity and Infection, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Rheumatology, Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Annette H van der Helm-van Mil
- Department of Rheumatology, Leids Universitair Medisch Centrum, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Hsiao HB, Wu JB, Lin WC. Anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory effects of (-)-Epicatechin-3-O-β-d-allopyranoside, a constituent of Davallia formosana. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2019; 52:12-22. [PMID: 30599891 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2018.09.192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND (-)-Epicatechin-3-O-β-d-allopyranoside (ECAP) is isolated from the popular Chinese herbal medicine Davallia formosana, which has been used to treat bone diseases including bone fracture, arthritis, and osteoporosis. PURPOSE To investigate the antiarthritic and the anti-inflammatory effect of ECAP on a mouse model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and in vitro. METHODS Male DBA/1 J mice were immunized by administering an intradermal injection of 100 µg of type II collagen in Freund's complete adjuvant. The control groups (vehicle) and ECAP were administered orally at doses of 1 ml/kg (H2O), 50 and 100 mg/ml/kg once a day from Day 22 to Day 42 after primary immunization. Paw swelling, arthritis severity score, and histological changes were examined. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the levels of cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-10, IL-17, IL-4, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), in splenocytes. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory activities of ECAP were investigated in vitro by measuring nitric oxide (NO) levels in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW264.7 macrophages. RESULTS In the CIA model, the oral administration of ECAP ameliorated paw edema and reduced the arthritis severity score and disease incidence. Histopathological examination demonstrated that ECAP treatment effectively protected the bone and cartilage of knee joints from erosion, lesion formation, and deformation compared with the vehicle treatment. ECAP also reduced IL-1β and MMP-9 expression in inflamed joints. Compared with the vehicle-treated mice with CIA, the reduced severity of the disease in ECAP-treated mice was associated with decreased levels of TNF-α and IL-17 and increased levels of IL-10 and IL-4 in the supernatants of splenocyte cultures. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that ECAP increased the population of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells, thereby inhibiting the B cell population. Anticollagen IgG1 and IgG2a levels decreased in the serum of ECAP-treated mice. ECAP suppressed LPS-induced NO production in RAW264.7 macrophages. CONCLUSION The administration of ECAP effectively suppressed inflammation and inflammatory pain and adjuvant-induced arthritis, indicating its therapeutic potential in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Bo Hsiao
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jin-Bin Wu
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chuan Lin
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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10
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Hammad M, Eissa M, Dawa GA. Factors contributing to disability in rheumatoid arthritis patients: An Egyptian multicenter study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 16:103-109. [PMID: 29724488 DOI: 10.1016/j.reuma.2018.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Minimizing disability and enhancing physical function to its optimal levels is still a challenge in management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim is to identify factors leading to disability in RA. METHODS This is a cross-sectional Egyptian multicenter study carried out on 215 RA patients attending to our inpatient and outpatient rheumatology clinics during 4 months starting from April to July 2017 who agreed to participate in the study; 170 patients were from Cairo University hospitals and 45 from Zagazig University hospitals. We recorded a number of possible risk factors including demographic, clinical, serological and therapeutic factors. The assessment of patients' disability was done using Modified HAQ (MHAQ). RESULTS A significant positive correlation was found between MHAQ and different markers of activity in addition to age and depression score (P<0.001). Illiteracy accounted for higher MHAQ scores (P=0.001). A higher MHAQ was found in patients with ischemic heart disease (P<0.05). Patients with erosions on X-rays had significantly higher MHAQ scores. Subluxations also accounted for higher MHAQ scores (P=0.000). CONCLUSION Aging, illiteracy, disease activity, erosions, subluxations, depression and ischemic heart disease were all related to higher disability. Good control of disease activity which in turn reduces erosions and subluxations is mandatory. Screening for depression and proper use of anti-depressants is of great value. Proper screening and prophylaxis is recommended against ischemic heart disease by controlling modifiable risk factors like obesity, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, smoking and sedentary lifestyle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Hammad
- Rheumatology & Rehabilitation Department, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Mervat Eissa
- Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Department, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Ghada A Dawa
- Rheumatology & Rehabilitation Department, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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Tam HW, Chen CM, Leong PY, Chen CH, Li YC, Wang YH, Lin LC, Chiou JY, Wei JCC. Methotrexate might reduce ischemic stroke in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a population-based retrospective cohort study. Int J Rheum Dis 2018; 21:1591-1599. [PMID: 29372595 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.13267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the effects of hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine and methotrexate on ischemic stroke in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS This population-based retrospective cohort study included 7904 RA patients and 15 808 non-RA patients between 2000 and 2010. All of the participants were sampled from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) of Taiwan. Using univariate analyses, these two groups of patients were compared to evaluate the differences in disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs usage and demographic variables. Cox proportional hazard models and Schoenfeld residuals test were performed to estimate the hazard ratios for ischemic stroke and proportional hazard assumptions of these drugs, respectively. RESULTS The mean age of participants was about 53 years old, and about 70% of RA patients were women. The hazard ratio for ischemic stroke was 1.21 (95% CI: 1.10-1.34; P < 0.01) in the case group compared with the control group, and this significant difference persisted throughout the 10-year period. With respect to RA patients, while hydroxychloroquine showed an insignificant protective effect on ischemic stroke, sulfasalazine and methotrexate were found out to have inconsistent effects during these 10 years. The proportional hazard assumption test of methotrexate at > 0.5 defined daily dose (8.75 mg/week) was violated at a significant level after adjustment (P = 0.0002). CONCLUSIONS At a dosage of > 0.5 defined daily dose, short-term methotrexate might decrease ischemic stroke risk in RA patients, while hydroxychloroquine and sulfasalazine were neutral.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Wei Tam
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Tai Chung, Taiwan
| | - Chyong-Mei Chen
- Institute of Public Health, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pui-Ying Leong
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Tai Chung, Taiwan.,Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Tai Chung, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Hsi Chen
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Tai Chung, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Chao Li
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Tai Chung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsun Wang
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Tai Chung, Taiwan
| | - Li-Chi Lin
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Tai Chung, Taiwan.,Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Tai Chung, Taiwan.,Department of Statistics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Jeng-Yuan Chiou
- School of Health Policy and Management, Chung Shan Medical University, Tai Chung, Taiwan
| | - James Cheng-Chung Wei
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Tai Chung, Taiwan.,Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Tai Chung, Taiwan.,Institute of Integrative Medicine, China Medical University, Tai Chung, Taiwan
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Rogier R, Evans-Marin H, Manasson J, van der Kraan PM, Walgreen B, Helsen MM, van den Bersselaar LA, van de Loo FA, van Lent PL, Abramson SB, van den Berg WB, Koenders MI, Scher JU, Abdollahi-Roodsaz S. Alteration of the intestinal microbiome characterizes preclinical inflammatory arthritis in mice and its modulation attenuates established arthritis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15613. [PMID: 29142301 PMCID: PMC5688157 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15802-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Perturbations of the intestinal microbiome have been observed in patients with new-onset and chronic autoimmune inflammatory arthritis. However, it is currently unknown whether these alterations precede the development of arthritis or are rather a consequence of disease. Modulation of intestinal microbiota by oral antibiotics or germ-free condition can prevent arthritis in mice. Yet, the therapeutic potential of modulation of the microbiota after the onset of arthritis is not well characterized. We here show that the intestinal microbial community undergoes marked changes in the preclinical phase of collagen induced arthritis (CIA). The abundance of the phylum Bacteroidetes, specifically families S24-7 and Bacteroidaceae was reduced, whereas Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, such as Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae and Desulfovibrinocaceae, were expanded during the immune-priming phase of arthritis. In addition, we found that the abundance of lamina propria Th17, but not Th1, cells is highly correlated with the severity of arthritis. Elimination of the intestinal microbiota during established arthritis specifically reduced intestinal Th17 cells and attenuated arthritis. These effects were associated with reduced serum amyloid A expression in ileum and synovial tissue. Our observations suggest that intestinal microbiota perturbations precede arthritis, and that modulation of the intestinal microbiota after the onset of arthritis may offer therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Rogier
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Heather Evans-Marin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, United States
| | - Julia Manasson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, United States
| | - Peter M van der Kraan
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Birgitte Walgreen
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Monique M Helsen
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Fons A van de Loo
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter L van Lent
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Steven B Abramson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, United States
| | - Wim B van den Berg
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marije I Koenders
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jose U Scher
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, United States
| | - Shahla Abdollahi-Roodsaz
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, United States.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to frame the discussion of the potential use of probiotics for the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the historical and scientific context linking the human microbiota to the etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of RA. Given this context, the review then details the clinical trials that have been carried out so far that have tried to address the question. RECENT FINDINGS A variety of laboratory and clinical observations link the flora of the oral cavity and lower gastrointestinal tract with citrullination, as well as immunological alterations that may contribute to the risk of developing RA. Clinical trials to date have been small and mostly short term. Statistically significant change in certain disparate clinical endpoints has been reported, but these endpoints have varied from study to study and have been of limited clinical significance. No consistent, robust impact on patient reported, or laboratory outcome measures has emerged from clinical trials so far. There remain theoretical reasons to further investigate the use of probiotics as adjunctive therapies for autoimmune disease, but changes in trial design may be needed to reveal the benefit of this intervention.
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Jansen JP, Vieira MC, Bradley JD, Cappelleri JC, Zwillich SH, Wallenstein GV. Meta-analysis of long-term joint structural deterioration in minimally treated patients with rheumatoid arthritis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2016; 17:348. [PMID: 27538585 PMCID: PMC4991055 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-016-1195-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2014] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and joint structural deterioration. Driven by recent expectations that patients in clinical trials randomized to placebo should be 'rescued' with active therapy within 6 months of starting treatment, the relative benefit of arresting joint damage with biologic agents beyond this period is unclear. With longer-term evidence of the rate of joint deterioration with minimal treatment, the efficacy of biologic agents and novel treatments might be projected beyond the placebo-controlled phase observed in clinical trials. The aim of this study was to estimate radiographic structural deterioration over time in patients with moderate-to-severe RA minimally treated with DMARDs. METHODS A literature review identified evidence of joint structural deterioration in patients with (DMARD-IR population) and without (non-DMARD-IR population) a history of inadequate response to DMARDs. Patients were minimally treated with one non-biologic DMARD or palliative care (non-DMARD-IR population only). Outcomes of interest were the (modified) Total Sharp Score (TSS) and subscales (Erosion Subscore [ES] and Joint Space Narrowing [JSN] Subscore), and Larsen score. Pooled joint-deterioration curves over time were obtained with meta-analysis models. RESULTS Mean change from baseline in TSS increased in the DMARD-IR population from 1.14 (95 % credible interval [CrI] 0.66, 1.67) to 9.84 (5.68, 14.46) at Weeks 12 and 104, respectively, and a non-linear increase of 1.56 (0.79, 2.34) and 5.13 (-1.35, 11.67) in the non-DMARD-IR population. At the same time points, mean changes (95 % CrI) were 0.51 (0.27, 0.83) and 4.43 (2.38, 7.21) for ES and 0.36 (0.09, 0.67) and 3.14 (0.80, 5.78) for JSN in the DMARD-IR population, whereas corresponding changes in the non-DMARD-IR population were 0.69 (0.31, 1.12) and 2.93 (0.92, 5.02), and 0.29 (0.17, 0.44) and 2.55 (1.45, 3.80), respectively. Larsen scores were only available for the non-DMARD-IR population, with mean changes (95 % CrI) of 0.08 (0.04, 0.11) and 0.65 (0.36, 0.96) at Weeks 12 and 104, respectively. CONCLUSION Minimal treatment of RA with one non-biologic DMARD results in deterioration of joint structure in patients with or without a history of inadequate response to non-biologic DMARDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen P. Jansen
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA USA
- 1714 Stockton Street, 3rd floor, San Francisco, CA 94133 USA
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Betahistine attenuates murine collagen-induced arthritis by suppressing both inflammatory and Th17 cell responses. Int Immunopharmacol 2016; 39:236-245. [PMID: 27494687 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2016.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Revised: 05/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential therapeutic effects of betahistine dihydrochloride (betahistine) in a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model. CIA was induced in DBA/1 male mice by primary immunization with 100μl of emulsion containing 2mg/ml chicken type II collagen (CII) mixed with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) in an 1:1 ratio, and booster immunization with 100μl of emulsion containing 2mg/ml CII mixed with incomplete Freund's adjuvant (IFA) in an 1:1 ratio. Immunization was performed subcutaneously at the base of the tail. After being boosted on day 21, betahistine (1 and 5mg/kg) was orally administered daily for 2weeks. The severity of CIA was determined by arthritic scores and assessment of histopathological joint destruction. Expression of cytokines in the paw and anti-CII antibodies in the serum was evaluated by ELISA. The proliferative response against CII in the lymph node cells was measured by (3)H-thymidine incorporation assay. The frequencies of different CII specific CD4(+) T cell subsets in the lymph node were determined by flow-cytometric analysis. Betahistine treatment attenuated the severity of arthritis and reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6, IL-23 and IL-17A, in the paw tissues of CIA mice. Lymph node cells from betahistine-treated mice showed a decrease in proliferation, as well as a lower frequency of Th17 cells. In vitro, betahistine suppressed CD4(+) T cell differentiation into Th17 cells. These results indicate that betahistine is effective in suppressing both inflammatory and Th17 responses in mouse CIA and that it may have therapeutic value as an adjunct treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.
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Toll-like receptor mediated modulation of T cell response by commensal intestinal microbiota as a trigger for autoimmune arthritis. J Immunol Res 2015; 2015:527696. [PMID: 25802876 PMCID: PMC4352938 DOI: 10.1155/2015/527696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In autoimmune diseases, a disturbance of the balance between T helper 17 (Th17) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) is often observed. This disturbed balance is also the case in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Genetic predisposition to RA confers the presence of several polymorphisms mainly regulating activation of T lymphocytes. However, the presence of susceptibility factors is neither necessary nor sufficient to explain the disease development, emphasizing the importance of environmental factors. Multiple studies have shown that commensal gut microbiota is of great influence on immune homeostasis and can trigger the development of autoimmune diseases by favoring induction of Th17 cells over Tregs. However the mechanism by which intestinal microbiota influences the Th cell balance is not completely understood. Here we review the current evidence supporting the involvement of commensal intestinal microbiota in rheumatoid arthritis, along with a potential role of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in modulating the relevant Th cell responses to trigger autoimmunity. A better understanding of TLR triggering by intestinal microbiota and subsequent T cell activation might offer new perspectives for manipulating the T cell response in RA patients and may lead to the discovery of new therapeutic targets or even preventive measures.
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Turunen S, Hannonen P, Koivula MK, Risteli L, Risteli J. Separate and overlapping specificities in rheumatoid arthritis antibodies binding to citrulline- and homocitrulline-containing peptides related to type I and II collagen telopeptides. Arthritis Res Ther 2015; 17:2. [PMID: 25573503 PMCID: PMC4320812 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-014-0515-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2014] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Our objective was to find out if there are antibodies binding to homocitrulline-containing type I and II collagen carboxyterminal telopeptides in sera of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and if these antibodies cross-react with citrulline and homocitrulline in the same peptide sequence. Methods A total of 72 RA and 72 control sera were analyzed for binding using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to citrulline- or homocitrulline-containing type I and II collagen carboxyterminal telopeptides, as well as to cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) and to mutated citrullinated vimentin (MCV). Specificities of the antibodies were tested using inhibition-ELISA. Results Of the RA sera, 39 (54%) and 41 (57%) were positive for binding to CCP and MCV, respectively. Further, 34 (47%) and 30 (42%) of the patients had specific antibodies binding to and being inhibited by citrulline-containing type I collagen telopeptides and by citrulline-containing type II collagen carboxyterminal telopeptides, respectively. The corresponding figures regarding homocitrulline-containing type I and homocitrulline-containing type II collagen telopeptides were 16 (22%) and 14 (19%). Most of the patients, who were seropositive for citrullinated peptides, showed binding in multiple assays. A total of 10 (14%) RA patients were positive for all the tested peptide pairs, while 28 (39%) of them had antibodies that contained overlapping specifities between citrulline and homocitrulline in the same peptide sequence. Conclusions Antibodies to both citrulline and homocitrulline containing type I and II collagen telopeptides can be found in sera of RA patients. These antibodies are not constant from one RA patient to another, but contain separate or overlapping specificities within the same peptide sequence varying between individuals. Our results suggest some relationship between citrulline and homocitrulline-recognizing antibodies, since homocitrulline antibodies exist mainly in individuals seropositive to anti-CCP and anti-MCV. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13075-014-0515-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanna Turunen
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Institute of Diagnostics, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, Oulu, FI-90014, Finland. .,Northern Laboratory Centre NordLab and Medical Research Centre, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland.
| | - Pekka Hannonen
- Department of Medicine, Central Hospital, Jyväskylä, Finland.
| | - Marja-Kaisa Koivula
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Institute of Diagnostics, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, Oulu, FI-90014, Finland. .,Northern Laboratory Centre NordLab and Medical Research Centre, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland.
| | - Leila Risteli
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Institute of Diagnostics, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, Oulu, FI-90014, Finland. .,Northern Laboratory Centre NordLab and Medical Research Centre, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland.
| | - Juha Risteli
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Institute of Diagnostics, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, Oulu, FI-90014, Finland. .,Northern Laboratory Centre NordLab and Medical Research Centre, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland.
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The use of 'off-the-shelf' foot orthoses in the reduction of foot symptoms in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis. Foot (Edinb) 2013; 23:123-9. [PMID: 24252399 DOI: 10.1016/j.foot.2013.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2012] [Revised: 08/29/2013] [Accepted: 09/02/2013] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Foot pain in patients diagnosed with early rheumatoid arthritis is common. OBJECTIVES To investigate effects of off-the-shelf foot orthoses on outcomes of swollen and tender joints, and pain, in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS Thirty-five patients with painful and swollen foot joints were recruited. None had previously used foot orthoses or had contraindications to their use. Any patients with concomitant musculoskeletal disease, endocrine disorders, and neurological disease, were excluded. At baseline, participants were prescribed a customised off-the-shelf foot orthosis with chair-side modifications. Data was collected at baseline, three and six months. Foot pain (using Visual Analogue Scale) and the number of tender and swollen foot joints was measured. RESULTS There was a trend towards a reduction in the number of swollen and tender joints by 3 months with a further improvement by 6 months. Statistically (p<0.05) and clinically significant reductions in pain levels were also noted. CONCLUSION Patients diagnosed with early RA may benefit from using off-the-shelf foot orthoses with the majority of their pain reduction occurring within the first 3 months of use, but with some small further symptomatic improvement up to 6 months. There was a tendency to a reduction in swollen and tender joints although more studies are required to substantiate these findings.
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Yeoh N, Burton JP, Suppiah P, Reid G, Stebbings S. The role of the microbiome in rheumatic diseases. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2013; 15:314. [PMID: 23378145 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-012-0314-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
There is a growing understanding of the mechanisms by which the influence of the microbiota projects beyond sites of primary mucosal occupation to other human body systems. Bacteria present in the intestinal tract exert a profound effect on the host immune system, both locally and at distant sites. The oral cavity has its own characteristic microbiota, which concentrates in periodontal tissues and is in close association with a permeable epithelium. In this review we examine evidence which supports a role for the microbiome in the aetiology of rheumatic disease. We also discuss how changes in the composition of the microbiota, particularly within the gastrointestinal tract, may be affected by genetics, diet, and use of antimicrobial agents. Evidence is presented to support the theory that an altered microbiota is a factor in the initiation and perpetuation of inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), spondyloarthritis (SpA), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Mechanisms through which the microbiota may be involved in the pathogenesis of these diseases include altered epithelial and mucosal permeability, loss of immune tolerance to components of the indigenous microbiota, and trafficking of both activated immune cells and antigenic material to the joints. The potential to manipulate the microbiome, by application of probiotics and faecal microbial transplant (FMT), is now being investigated. Both approaches are in their infancy with regard to management of rheumatic disease but their potential is worthy of consideration, given the need for novel therapeutic approaches, and the emerging recognition of the importance of microbial interactions with human hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel Yeoh
- Department of Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Non-biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) improve pain in inflammatory arthritis (IA): a systematic literature review of randomized controlled trials. Rheumatol Int 2013; 33:1105-20. [PMID: 23292213 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-012-2619-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2012] [Accepted: 12/09/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Evidence supports early use of non-biologic DMARDs to prevent irreversible damage in inflammatory arthritides, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and possibly ankylosing spondylitis (AS). However, there is a paucity of data exploring their effects on pain as a primary outcome in these conditions. This systematic literature review investigated the effect of non-biologic DMARDs on pain levels in IA and examined whether disease duration impacted efficacy. We searched Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, abstracts from the 2008 to 2010 American College of Rheumatology annual congresses, and citation lists of retrieved publications. Only randomized, double-blind controlled trials were analyzed. Quality was assessed with the Risk of Bias tool. Descriptive statistics were used in meta-analysis. 9,860 articles were identified, with 33 eligible for inclusion: 8 in AS, 6 in PsA, 9 in early RA (ERA), and 10 in established RA. In ERA and established RA, all studies of DMARDs (monotherapy and combination therapies) consistently revealed statistically significant reductions in pain except three oral gold studies. In AS, sulfasalazine studies showed significant pain reduction, whereas use of other DMARDs did not. In PsA, 5 of 6 studies reported VAS-pain improvement. From the studies included, we were unable to assess the influence of disease duration on pain outcomes in these rheumatic conditions. DMARDs improve pain in early and established RA. Sulfasalazine may improve pain in AS and PsA. Further study is needed to assess the relationship between disease duration and DMARD efficacy in reducing pain in these conditions.
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Ogrendik M, Karagoz N. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with roxithromycin: a randomized trial. Postgrad Med 2011; 123:220-7. [PMID: 21904105 DOI: 10.3810/pgm.2011.09.2478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High levels of antibodies to oral anaerobic bacteria have been found in the serum and synovial fluid of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Macrolide antibiotics are active against oral anaerobic bacteria. The aim of this trial was to evaluate the efficacy of roxithromycin in patients with RA who had not responded to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. METHODS This was a 6-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. We treated 100 patients with active RA with either once-daily oral roxithromycin 300 mg or daily oral placebo for 6 months. The primary efficacy variable was the percentage of patients who had a 20% improvement according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria (an ACR20 response) at 6 months. Secondary outcome measures were 50% improvement and 70% improvement according to ACR criteria (an ACR50 response and an ACR70 response, respectively). RESULTS A significantly greater percentage of patients treated with roxithromycin 300 mg met the ACR 20% improvement criteria (ie, achieved an ACR20 response) at 6 months compared with patients who received placebo (60% vs 34%; P = 0.009). Greater percentages of patients treated with roxithromycin 300 mg also achieved ACR50 responses (38% vs 12%; P = 0.003) and ACR70 responses (18% vs 2%; P = 0.008) compared with patients who received placebo. Roxithromycin was well tolerated, with an overall safety profile similar to that of placebo. CONCLUSION In patients with active RA, treatment with roxithromycin significantly improved the signs and symptoms of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mesut Ogrendik
- Nazilli State Hospital, Division of Rheumatology, Nazilli, Turkey.
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Abstract
Humans are not (and have never been) alone. From the moment we are born, millions of micro-organisms populate our bodies and coexist with us rather peacefully for the rest of our lives. This microbiome represents the totality of micro-organisms (and their genomes) that we necessarily acquire from the environment. Micro-organisms living in or on us have evolved to extract the energy they require to survive, and in exchange they support the physiological, metabolic and immune capacities that have contributed to our evolutionary success. Although currently categorized as an autoimmune disorder and regarded as a complex genetic disease, the ultimate cause of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains elusive. It seems that interplay between predisposing genetic factors and environmental triggers is required for disease manifestation. New insights from DNA sequence-based analyses of gut microbial communities and a renewed interest in mucosal immunology suggest that the microbiome represents an important environmental factor that can influence autoimmune disease manifestation. This Review summarizes the historical clues that suggest a possible role for the microbiota in the pathogenesis of RA, and will focus on new technologies that might provide scientific evidence to support this hypothesis.
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Abstract
Over the past 2 decades, the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been revolutionized by advances in the understanding of its pathologic mechanisms and the development of drugs that target them. These newer medications have shown great promise at improving disease outcomes, but they come with notable side effects that can pose long-term treatment challenges and difficulties in the perioperative arena. In this article, the major manifestations of RA and the current medical options for management are discussed. Complications from treatment are then reviewed, and special consideration is given to perioperative medication recommendations.
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Graudal N, Jürgens G. Similar effects of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, glucocorticoids, and biologic agents on radiographic progression in rheumatoid arthritis: meta-analysis of 70 randomized placebo-controlled or drug-controlled studies, including 112 comparisons. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 62:2852-63. [PMID: 20560138 DOI: 10.1002/art.27592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To define the differences in effects on joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients between therapy with single and combination disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), glucocorticoids, and biologic agents. METHODS Randomized controlled trials in RA patients, investigating the effects of drug treatment on the percentage of the annual radiographic progression rate (PARPR) were included in a meta-analysis performed with the use of Review Manager 5.0 software according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Statement protocol. RESULTS Data from 70 trials (112 comparisons, 16 interventions) were summarized in 21 meta-analyses. Compared with placebo, the PARPR was 0.65% smaller in the single-DMARD group (P < 0.002) and 0.54% smaller in the glucocorticoid group (P < 0.00001). Compared with single-DMARD treatment, the PARPR was 0.62% smaller in the combination-DMARD group (P < 0.001) and 0.61% smaller in the biologic agent plus methotrexate (MTX) group (P < 0.00001). The effect of a combination of 2 DMARDs plus step-down glucocorticoids did not differ from the effect of a biologic agent plus MTX (percentage mean difference -0.07% [95% confidence interval -0.25, 0.11]) (P = 0.44). CONCLUSION Treatment with DMARDs, glucocorticoids, biologic agents, and combination agents significantly reduced radiographic progression at 1 year, with a relative effect of 48-84%. A direct comparison between the combination of a biologic agent plus MTX and the combination of 2 DMARDs plus initial glucocorticoids revealed no difference. Consequently, biologic agents should still be reserved for patients whose RA is resistant to DMARD therapy. Future trials of the effects of biologic agents on RA should compare such agents with combination treatments involving DMARDs and glucocorticoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Graudal
- Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Lee HJ, Waller RD, Stebbings S, Highton J, Orlovich DA, Schmierer D, Fawcett JP. The effects of an orally administered probiotic on sulfasalazine metabolism in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis: a preliminary study. Int J Rheum Dis 2010; 13:48-54. [PMID: 20374384 DOI: 10.1111/j.1756-185x.2009.01449.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIM To carry out a pilot study to investigate the effect of short-term oral probiotic administration on the metabolism of sulfasalazine (SSZ) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) stabilized on SSZ. METHODS Twelve subjects with RA taking stable doses of SSZ for a minimum of 3 months prior to the study, received a probiotic preparation contained three strains of bacteria (1.8 x 10(9) CFU/day) twice daily for 1 week. Single point blood and 12-h urine samples were taken before and after probiotic treatment and 3 weeks following discontinuation of probiotics, for determination of SSZ and its metabolites. The presence of the probiotic bacteria in the feces of patients was investigated by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). RESULTS Adverse events recorded were three instances of gastrointestinal disturbance and one flare of RA. Plasma and urinary levels of SSZ and its metabolites showed no statistically significant changes after probiotic administration and the incidence of gastrointestinal disturbance did not appear to be ascribed to higher sulfapyridine plasma levels. Probiotic-specific DGGE bands were detected in the feces of some patients after the treatment period. CONCLUSIONS Short-term treatment of RA patients with a multi-strain probiotic did not significantly influence SSZ metabolism as has been demonstrated in animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Ji Lee
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
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Cheung PP, Dougados M, Gossec L. Reliability of ultrasonography to detect synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic literature review of 35 studies (1,415 patients). Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2010; 62:323-34. [PMID: 20391478 DOI: 10.1002/acr.20102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To perform a systematic review on the reliability of ultrasonographic (US) synovitis detection in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by B-mode and power Doppler (PD) in image acquisition and still-image interpretation. US is a sensitive method for synovitis detection. However, reliability is still a key concern. METHODS Articles reporting any US reliability results for synovitis in RA in PubMed, EMBase, the Cochrane Library, and meeting abstracts were selected. Data were extracted from the collection of data on US synovitis detection (either qualitatively [binary] or semiquantitatively [0-3 scale], for intraobserver and interobserver reliability in B-mode and PD, and for image acquisition and still-image interpretation). The type of joints tested, the experience of the ultrasonographer, and the quality of the studies were assessed. Data analysis involved descriptive and graphic interpretation of reliability and its potential determinants. RESULTS Thirty-five studies (12 for B-mode, 11 for PD, or 12 for both) with a total of 1,415 patients were analyzed. Intraobserver and interobserver reliability for still images in B-mode and PD was high (kappa = 0.5-1.0 [14,991 joints] for intraobserver reliability for B-mode, kappa = 0.59-1.0 [14,934 joints] for PD, kappa = 0.49-1.0 [3,138 joints] for interobserver for B-mode, and kappa = 0.66-1.0 [3,325 joints] for PD). Interobserver reliability for image acquisition in both US modes was lower than still-image interpretation (kappa = 0.22-0.95). Few studies reported intraobserver image acquisition reliability. CONCLUSION Intraobserver and interobserver reliability of still-image interpretation was high, especially for PD, in published studies involving highly trained observers. However, reliability of acquisition of US should be further assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter P Cheung
- Paris Descartes University, Cochin Hospital, Paris, France.
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Ogrendik M. Efficacy of roxithromycin in adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had not received disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs: a 3-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Clin Ther 2009; 31:1754-64. [PMID: 19808134 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2009.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been reported that antibodies to oral anaerobic bacteria are elevated in the serum and synovial fluids of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Macrolide antibiotics are active against oral anaerobic bacteria. OBJECTIVE The aim of this work was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of roxithromycin in patients with early seropositive rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS This was a double-blind trial. We enrolled adult patients with early rheumatoid arthritis who had not previously received disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and randomized them to receive either once-daily oral roxithromycin 300 mg or once-daily oral placebo for 3 months. The primary efficacy variable was the percentage of patients who had a 20% improvement according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria (an ACR 20 response) at 3 months. Secondary outcome measures were 50% improvement and 70% improvement according to ACR criteria (an ACR 50 response and an ACR 70 response, respectively). The 28-joint disease activity score (DAS28) was also calculated. Clinical remission was defined as DAS28 score <2.6, and a low level of disease activity was defined as DAS28 score <3.2 but > or =2.6. Adverse event data (eg, example, type, severity, time of occurrence, time to resolution) were obtained from physical examinations and patient self-reporting. RESULTS The roxithromycin group had 16 patients (mean [SD] age, 45 [4] years; 11 women, 5 men; all white). The placebo group had 15 patients (mean [SD] age, 42 [5] years; 10 women, 5 men; all white). A significantly greater percentage of patients treated with 300 mg of roxithromycin experienced an ACR 20 re- sponse at 3 months, compared with those who received placebo (75% [n = 12] vs 20% [n = 3]; P = 0.002). Greater percentages of patients treated with 300 mg of roxithromycin also achieved ACR 50 responses (56% [n = 9] vs 7% [n = 1]; P = 0.003) and ACR 70 responses (44% [n = 7] vs 0%; P = 0.004) compared with patients who received placebo. At month 3, DAS28 response rates were significantly greater with once-daily roxithromycin 300 mg than with once-daily placebo (P < 0.001). Adverse events were reported for 11 patients (69%) in the roxithromycin group and 7 patients (47%) in the placebo group. The most common adverse events (>5%) were nausea, abdominal pain, headache, and dry mouth. There were no dose-limiting toxic effects. One participant in the roxithromycin group withdrew from the study because of severe emesis; two withdrew from the placebo group because of lack of efficacy. CONCLUSIONS In these adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis, 3-month treatment with roxithromycin significantly improved the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and was generally well tolerated. Future studies should investigate the relationship between disease activity and serum or joint antibodies to anaerobic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mesut Ogrendik
- Division of Rheumatology, Nazilli State Hospital, Nazilli, Turkey.
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Díaz-Borjón A. Guidelines for the Use of Conventional and Newer Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs in Elderly Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Drugs Aging 2009; 26:273-93. [DOI: 10.2165/00002512-200926040-00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Scott DL. What have we learnt about the development and progression of early RA from RCTs? Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2009; 23:13-24. [PMID: 19233042 DOI: 10.1016/j.berh.2008.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Most randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the treatment of early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) use the core set of measures proposed by consensus meetings in the 1990s; these include tender and swollen joint counts, pain, global assessments, disability, and acute-phase responders such as the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Trials in early RA generally assess three key outcomes based on this core data set: symptoms and signs of inflammatory arthritis, progression of disability, and erosive damage. Adverse events are also recorded. This chapter considers the lessons learned from the various trials in terms of benefits and adverse effects of different treatment regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Scott
- King's College School of Medicine, Weston Education Centre, King's College, London, UK.
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Sokka T, Mäkinen H. Drug management of early rheumatoid arthritis – 2008. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2009; 23:93-102. [DOI: 10.1016/j.berh.2008.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Grijalva CG, Chung CP, Arbogast PG, Stein CM, Mitchel EF, Griffin MR. Assessment of Adherence to and Persistence on Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis. Med Care 2007; 45:S66-76. [PMID: 17909386 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0b013e318041384c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are efficacious for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, measurements of relative effectiveness, including treatment adherence and persistence, are lacking. We evaluated adherence and persistence during new episodes of use of traditional and biologic DMARDs. METHODS Using Tennessee Medicaid databases (1995-2004), we assembled a retrospective cohort of patients diagnosed with RA, and identified new episodes of use for 12 DMARD regimens. We evaluated persistence through survival analyses, and adherence within episodes through the medication possession ratio. A risk score was included in the analyses to account for measured confounders. RESULTS We identified 14,932 patients with RA; 6018 patients had 10,547 episodes of new use of DMARDs. Considering methotrexate as the reference and after adjustment for measured confounders, episodes of new use of sulfasalazine [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.59; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.47-1.72] and infliximab alone (aHR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.09-1.73) were more likely to be discontinued; and new episodes of etanercept (aHR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.73-0.92) and methotrexate + adalimumab (aHR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.48-0.84) were less likely to be discontinued. Compared with methotrexate, adherence was higher for leflunomide, infliximab, etanercept, and adalimumab and lower for sulfasalazine and all combined therapies. CONCLUSIONS We developed an approach to assess persistence on and adherence to the most common DMARD therapies. In this large cohort, persistence and adherence to leflunomide and most biologic DMARD therapies were at least comparable to methotrexate. Adherence was lower for sulfasalazine and all combined therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos G Grijalva
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Division of Pharmacoepidemiology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical efficacy, safety, and tolerability of clarithromycin in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This was a 6-month, monocenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. A total of 81 patients with early rheumatoid arthritis were treated with either once-daily oral clarithromycin (500 mg) or daily oral placebo for 6 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary efficacy variable was the percentage of patients who had a 20% improvement according to American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria (an ACR 20 response) at 6-months. Secondary outcome measures were 50% improvement and 70% improvement according to ACR criteria (an ACR 50 response and an ACR 70 response, respectively). RESULTS A significantly greater percentage of patients treated with 500 mg clarithromycin met the ACR 20 response at 6 months compared with patients who received placebo (59 vs. 33%; p < 0.001). Greater percentages of patients treated with 500 mg clarithromycin also achieved ACR 50 responses (34 vs. 10%; p < 0.001) and ACR 70 responses (20 vs. 3%; p = 0.003) compared with patients who received placebo, respectively. Clarithromycin was well tolerated. There were no dose-limiting toxic effects. CONCLUSIONS In patients with early active rheumatoid arthritis, treatment with clarithromycin significantly improved the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Clarithromycin has been shown to be effective against rheumatoid arthritis.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Sulfasalazine and tetracyclines are effective against rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Levofloxacin, the bacteriologically active isomer of ofloxacin, is used in the treatment of infections caused by periodontopathic bacteria and facultative anaerobic bacteria. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical efficacy, safety, and tolerability of levofloxacin in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS In a 6-month, double-blind trial, we randomly assigned 76 patients with persistently active rheumatoid arthritis despite at least 6 months of methotrexate therapy at a stable dose of 15 to 25 mg per week to receive either levofloxacin (500 mg) or placebo orally once daily while continuing to receive methotrexate. The change from baseline to six months in the swollen-joint count and tender-joint count was the primary measure of efficacy. Secondary endpoints included pain, quality of life, duration of morning stiffness, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein level, and physician's and patient's global assessments. The data were also analyzed to determine the number of patients meeting American College of Rheumatology criteria for 20, 50, and 70% improvement. RESULTS The levofloxacin plus methotrexate was associated with the greatest reduction in the number of swollen or tender joints (P < 0.001). The levofloxacin plus methotrexate group also had significant improvement in many of the secondary outcome measures (P < 0.001). Levofloxacin was well tolerated. There were no dose-limiting toxic effects. CONCLUSION In patients with active rheumatoid arthritis who received methotrexate, treatment with levofloxacin significantly improved the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mesut Ogrendik
- Division of Rheumatology, Nazilli State Hospital, Nazilli, Turkey.
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Ranganath VK, Furst DE. Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drug Use in the Elderly Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2007; 33:197-217. [PMID: 17367700 DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2006.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
During the 10-year period since the last review was done by Gardner and Furst, studies have furthered the knowledge of the use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in the elderly rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patient. This article briefly reviews the clinical pharmacology of humans as they age, and details the effects of aging on the specific pharmacokinetics and responses to commonly used DMARDs. There has been some progress in understanding the elderly RA patient; however, data are insufficient to provide much confidence in DMARDs effects in the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veena K Ranganath
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, 1000 Veteran Avenue, Room 32-59, Los Angeles, CA 90025-1670, USA
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van Dongen H, van Aken J, Lard LR, Visser K, Ronday HK, Hulsmans HMJ, Speyer I, Westedt ML, Peeters AJ, Allaart CF, Toes REM, Breedveld FC, Huizinga TWJ. Efficacy of methotrexate treatment in patients with probable rheumatoid arthritis: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 56:1424-32. [PMID: 17469099 DOI: 10.1002/art.22525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 264] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether patients with undifferentiated arthritis (UA; inflammatory, nontraumatic arthritis that cannot be diagnosed using current classification criteria) benefit from treatment with methotrexate (MTX). METHODS The PRObable rheumatoid arthritis: Methotrexate versus Placebo Treatment (PROMPT) study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, multicenter trial involving 110 patients with UA who fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 1958 criteria for probable RA. Treatment started with MTX (15 mg/week) or placebo tablets, and every 3 months the dosage was increased if the Disease Activity Score was >2.4. After 12 months, the study medication was tapered and discontinued. Patients were followed up for 30 months. When a patient fulfilled the ACR criteria for RA (primary end point), the study medication was changed to MTX. Joint damage was scored on radiographs of the hands and feet. RESULTS In 22 of the 55 patients (40%) in the MTX group, UA progressed to RA compared with 29 of 55 patients (53%) in the placebo group. However, in the MTX group, patients fulfilled the ACR criteria for RA at a later time point than in the placebo group (P = 0.04), and fewer patients showed radiographic progression over 18 months (P = 0.046). CONCLUSION This study provides evidence for the efficacy of MTX treatment in postponing the diagnosis of RA, as defined by the ACR 1987 criteria, and retarding radiographic joint damage in UA patients.
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Ogrendik M. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with ornidazole: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Rheumatol Int 2006; 26:1132-7. [PMID: 16770616 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-006-0145-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2005] [Accepted: 05/06/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy, safety, and tolerability of ornidazole in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This was 3 months, randomized, double-blind,placebo-controlled study. A total of 160 patients with active RA were randomly assigned to receive 1,000 mg ornidazole (n = 53), 500 mg ornidazole (n = 55), or placebo (n = 52). A significantly greater percentage of patients treated with 1,000 mg ornidazole met the American College of Rheumatology 20% improvement criteria (achieved an ACR20 response) at 3 months compared with patients who received placebo (62.0 vs. 32.4%; P < 0.001). Greater percentages of patients treated with 1,000 mg ornidazole also achieved ACR50 responses (38.3 vs. 10.9%; P < 0.001) and ACR70 responses (19.6 vs. 1.2%; P < 0.001) compared with patients who received placebo. Ornidazole treatment was also associated with significant reductions in pain and duration of morning stiffness, significant improvement in the quality of life and both the physician's and patient's global assessments, and significant reductions in disease activity as assessed by objective laboratory measures (erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein level). Ornidazole was well tolerated. There were no dose-limiting toxic effects. In this 3-month-trial ornidazole was safe, well tolerated, and associated with improvement in the inflammatory symptoms of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mesut Ogrendik
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Nazilli State Hospital, Nazilli, Aydin, Turkey.
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Khanna D, Arnold EL, Pencharz JN, Grossman JM, Traina SB, Lal A, MacLean CH. Measuring Process of Arthritis Care: The Arthritis Foundation’s Quality Indicator Set for Rheumatoid Arthritis. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2006; 35:211-37. [PMID: 16461068 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2005.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the scientific evidence that supports each of the explicit process measures in the Arthritis Foundation's Quality Indicator Set for Rheumatoid Arthritis. METHODS For each of the 27 measures in the Arthritis Foundation's Quality Indicator set, a comprehensive literature review was performed for evidence that linked the process of care defined in the indicator with relevant clinical outcomes and to summarize practice guidelines relevant to the indicators. RESULTS Over 7500 titles were identified and reviewed. For each of the indicators the scientific evidence to support or refute the quality indicator was summarized. We found direct evidence that supported a process-outcome link for 15 of the indicators, an indirect link for 7 of the indicators, and no evidence to support or refute a link for 5. The processes of care described in the indicators for which no supporting/refuting data were found have been assumed to be so essential to care that clinical trails assessing their importance have not, and probably never will be, performed. The process of care described in all but 2 of the indicators is recommended in 1 or more practice guidelines. CONCLUSION There are sufficient scientific evidence and expert consensus to support the Arthritis Foundation's Quality Indicator Set for Rheumatoid Arthritis, which defines a minimal standard of care that can be used to assess health care quality for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Khanna
- Division of Immunology, University of Cincinnati and VAMC, OH, USA
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Thorne JE, Jabs DA. Rheumatic Diseases. Retina 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-02598-0.50081-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Abstract
It is believed that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common, potentially treatable cause of disability in the Western world. A commonsense approach to the management of a persistent, progressive, damaging condition such as RA would seem to be intervention before the onset of damage, at a stage when disease still may be reversible. Such a phase of disease has been described as a "window of opportunity" for intervention. This article discusses the evidence for early intervention in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Quinn
- Academic Unit of Musculoskeletal Disease, Department of Rheumatology, Chapel Allerton Hospital, Leeds LS7 4SA, UK.
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Sokka T, Hannonen P, Möttönen T. Conventional Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs in Early Arthritis. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2005; 31:729-44. [PMID: 16287594 DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2005.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This article reviews the use of conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in the treatment of early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The Finnish early RA cohorts are used as examples of how early and active treatment strategies have improved over time with increasing variety of available DMARDs. Therapy goals of early RA include remission to prevent severe long-term outcomes of RA. Remission can be achieved in a third of patients with early RA using a combination of conventional DMARDs, including methotrexate, sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine, and prednisolone. Of patients with early RA, 20% to 30% do not improve enough with conventional treatments and should be identified at early phases to consider institution of biologic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuulikki Sokka
- Department of Rheumatology, Jyväskylä Central Hospital, Jyväskylä, Finland
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Ranganath VK, Furst DE. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drug use in the elderly rheumatoid arthritis patient. Clin Geriatr Med 2005; 21:649-69, viii. [PMID: 15911212 DOI: 10.1016/j.cger.2005.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
During the 10-year period since the last review was done by Gardner and Furst, studies have furthered our knowledge of use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in the elderly rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patient. This article will briefly review the clinical pharmacology of human as they age, and detail the effects of aging on the specific pharmacokinetics and responses to commonly used DMARDs. There has been some progress in understanding the elderly RA patient, however, there is insufficient data for much confidence in DMARDs effects in the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veena K Ranganath
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90025-1670, USA
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McColl GJ. Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Elderly. JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE AND RESEARCH 2005. [DOI: 10.1002/j.2055-2335.2005.tb00324.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey J McColl
- Department of Medicine; Royal Melbourne Hospital; Parkville Victoria
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van Aken J, van Dongen H, le Cessie S, Allaart CF, Breedveld FC, Huizinga TWJ. Comparison of long term outcome of patients with rheumatoid arthritis presenting with undifferentiated arthritis or with rheumatoid arthritis: an observational cohort study. Ann Rheum Dis 2005; 65:20-5. [PMID: 15901632 PMCID: PMC1797989 DOI: 10.1136/ard.2005.038471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The outcome of undifferentiated arthritis (UA) ranges from remission to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria. OBJECTIVES To report the outcome of UA after 1 year of follow up and compare the disease course of patients who presented with UA, but evolved into RA within 1 year (UA-RA group), with that of patients who presented with RA fulfilling the ACR criteria (RA-RA group). METHODS The diagnosis of 330 patients who presented with UA was recorded at 1 year. The UA-RA and RA-RA groups were then followed up for 3 more years. Outcome measurements were radiographic progression, disease activity, and functional capacity. RESULTS From 330 patients who were diagnosed UA, 91 had evolved into RA at 1 year; 62 patients had presented with RA. No significant differences were detected between the UA-RA and RA-RA groups in median Sharp/van der Heijde score at baseline, radiographic progression rates, disease activity, and functional capacity. However, significantly more disease modifying antirheumatic drugs were prescribed in the RA-RA group. CONCLUSION The disease outcome of patients who present with UA that evolves into RA within 1 year is the same as that of patients who present with RA as measured by radiographic progression, disease activity, and functional capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- J van Aken
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Centre, The Netherlands
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Abstract
Sulfasalazine (salazosulfapyridine) [Azulfidine, Salazopyrin] is a well established disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) used in the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Clinical trials with sulfasalazine have used an array of measures of disease activity, such as the number of tender and swollen joints, Ritchie articular index (RAI) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). In randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, sulfasalazine was associated with statistically significant benefits for various measures of disease activity, according to results of individual trials and/or meta-analysis. Sulfasalazine was associated with broadly similar efficacy to that of various other DMARDs in several randomised, double-blind, comparative trials. Promising results have also been demonstrated with sulfasalazine in combination with other DMARDs (e.g. methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine) in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis and in those with more established disease. Sulfasalazine was generally well tolerated in clinical trials, the most frequently reported adverse effects being adverse gastrointestinal effects, headache, dizziness and rash; myelosuppression can also occur. Sulfasalazine has a relatively short lag time until its onset of action and is often considered to be among the more efficacious traditional DMARDs. Based on considerations of safety, convenience and cost, many rheumatologists (particularly outside of the US) select sulfasalazine as initial therapy, although preferred first-line treatment options vary between countries.
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van Aken J, Lard LR, le Cessie S, Hazes JMW, Breedveld FC, Huizinga TWJ. Radiological outcome after four years of early versus delayed treatment strategy in patients with recent onset rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2004; 63:274-9. [PMID: 14962962 PMCID: PMC1754928 DOI: 10.1136/ard.2003.010298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of different treatment strategies (early versus delayed) on the radiological progression of joint damage during 4 years. Additionally, to determine the effect of treatment strategy on the association of HLA class II alleles and joint damage. METHODS Progression of radiographic damage and association of radiographic damage and genetic predisposition were compared in two cohorts, one treated according to the delayed treatment strategy (initial treatment with analgesics), the other treated according to the early treatment strategy (treatment with disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) chloroquine or sulfasalazine). Radiographic damage was measured by the modified Sharp-van der Heijde method. Genetic predisposition was determined by high resolution HLA-DR and DQ typing. RESULTS A completers-only analysis of 153 patients (originally 206 patients) in a non-randomised design showed less radiographic progression from 0 to 4 years in the early treatment group (median Sharp progression rate 1.3 points/year, n = 75) than in the delayed treatment group (2.5 points/year, n = 78) (p = 0.03). The progression from 1 to 4 years did not differ significantly between the groups. At 4 years, joint destruction in both groups was positively correlated with the presence of the shared epitope. CONCLUSIONS The beneficial effect of early DMARD treatment on the radiological progression of joint damage is still present at 4 years. However, the rate of joint destruction from 1 to 4 years did not differ between the delayed and early treatment group. Neither the radiographic nor the immunogenetic data suggest that longlasting disease modification has been induced by early treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- J van Aken
- Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Paulus HE, Oh M, Sharp JT, Gold RH, Wong WK, Park GS, Bulpitt KJ. Classifying structural joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis as progressive or nonprogressive using a composite definition of joint radiographic change: A preliminary proposal. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 50:1083-96. [PMID: 15077290 DOI: 10.1002/art.20270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To categorize radiographic joint damage as progressive or nonprogressive in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) participating in clinical studies. METHODS Using the total Sharp radiographic damage score, erosion score, and joint space narrowing (JSN) score for 751 serial films of the hand/wrist and forefoot obtained from 190 patients with early RA during 6-60 months of followup (mean 31 months), various threshold values for progression of joint damage were evaluated singly and in various combinations. For each patient, the progression rate was estimated from the linear regression line for all available radiographic time points. After preliminary screening, 23 candidate definitions were tested to select a definition that discriminated well between radiographic progression and radiographic nonprogression. RESULTS The definition selected describes radiographic nonprogression in individual patients as an increase of < or =0.1 in the standardized response mean of the trimmed population (the central 95% of patients) for > or =5 of 6 change measures (erosion scores and JSN scores for the fingers, wrists, and feet). Using this definition, 59% of the 190 patients with early RA were defined as having nonprogressive radiographic damage. Moreover, 95% of 95 patients with progression of the total Sharp score at or below the median and 24% of 95 patients with progression of the total Sharp score above the median were defined as having nonprogressive joint damage (chi(2) = 98, P < 0.0001), as were 97% of patients in the lowest quintile of total Sharp score progression rates and none of the patients in the highest progression quintile. Patients defined as nonprogressors had significantly lower baseline levels of C-reactive protein and lower erythrocyte sedimentation rates compared with patients defined as progressors, and those patients in the nonprogressive joint damage group more frequently had American College of Rheumatology 20% and 50% improvement criteria responses, "good" improvements (decrease of > or =1.2) in the Disease Activity Score, and > or =50% decreases in the swollen joint counts during the first 2 years of followup. CONCLUSION RA joint damage in an observational cohort can be classified as progressive or nonprogressive with the use of a composite definition. Validation and/or refinement of this definition is needed by utilizing the data from controlled clinical trials that compare placebo with active treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harold E Paulus
- University of California at Los Angeles, School of Medicine, 90095, USA.
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Krishnan E, Fries JF. Reduction in long-term functional disability in rheumatoid arthritis from 1977 to 1998:a longitudinal study of 3035 patients. Am J Med 2003; 115:371-6. [PMID: 14553872 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9343(03)00397-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE If newer, more aggressive treatment strategies in rheumatoid arthritis are more effective, long-term outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis should be improving substantially. We therefore assessed trends in disability over time in a large cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS We examined functional disability data from 3035 patients with rheumatoid arthritis whose disease onset was from 1977 to 1998. Disability data were collected semiannually with the Health Assessment Questionnaire disability index. We then estimated average disability for each patient. We also computed mean disability for each calendar year by averaging the values from all patients in that year. We examined the relation of successive annual cohorts and subsequent disability, adjusting for age, sex, race, education, clinical center, disease duration, follow-up, and attrition. We used two regression approaches: ordinary and generalized least squares. RESULTS Average disability declined by about 2% to 3% per calendar year of disease onset (2.7% to 2.8% per year [P <0.001] in univariable models and 2.0% to 2.1% per year [P <0.001] in multivariable models). This trend was consistent by age, sex, race, disease duration, clinical center, and baseline disability. CONCLUSION After accounting for potential confounders, average disability levels in rheumatoid arthritis have declined by approximately 40% in the 20+ years since 1977. This decline is consistent with a beneficial effect of the associated changes in treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eswar Krishnan
- Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94304, USA
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Neva MH, Isomäki P, Hannonen P, Kauppi M, Krishnan E, Sokka T. Early and extensive erosiveness in peripheral joints predicts atlantoaxial subluxations in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. ARTHRITIS AND RHEUMATISM 2003; 48:1808-13. [PMID: 12847673 DOI: 10.1002/art.11086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the prevalence of cervical spine subluxations and predictive factors for atlantoaxial subluxations (including anterior atlantoaxial subluxation and atlantoaxial impaction, i.e., vertical subluxation) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who were treated early and continuously with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs for 8-13 years. METHODS Radiographs of the cervical spine were obtained in 103 of 110 patients (the 110 surviving patients of the original 135-patient cohort) at their 8-13-year followup visits. The prevalence of cervical spine subluxations was determined. Demographic variables and the first 5-year serial data concerning disease course were analyzed in a logistic regression model to find predictive factors for atlantoaxial subluxations. RESULTS Atlantoaxial subluxations were found in 14 patients (14%), and 5 patients (5%) had subaxial subluxations. Older age at baseline, greater disease activity during the first 5 years, and early erosiveness in peripheral joints predicted the development of atlantoaxial subluxations. Patients who had >or=10% of the maximum possible radiographic damage (by Larsen score) in peripheral joints at 5 years were 15.9 times more likely to develop atlantoaxial subluxations at 8-13 years than patients whose peripheral joint damage remained <10% of the maximum. CONCLUSION Compared with historical control RA cohorts, a lower prevalence of cervical spine destruction was found in the present group of patients. Rapid erosiveness in peripheral joints was the best predictor for atlantoaxial subluxations. Extensive erosiveness in peripheral joints should alert rheumatologists to the possible development of atlantoaxial subluxations in patients with RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Henrik Neva
- Division of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Department of Surgery,Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland.
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Verstappen SMM, Jacobs JWG, Bijlsma JWJ, Heurkens AHM, van Booma-Frankfort C, Borg EJT, Hofman DM, van der Veen MJ. Five-year followup of rheumatoid arthritis patients after early treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs versus treatment according to the pyramid approach in the first year. ARTHRITIS AND RHEUMATISM 2003; 48:1797-807. [PMID: 12847672 DOI: 10.1002/art.11170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether the clinical advantages observed after 1 year in a randomized controlled clinical trial, in which 2 treatment strategies were compared (the early disease-modifying antirheumatic drug [DMARD] approach versus the pyramid approach), persist after 5 years. METHODS In this study, 238 patients with recently diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were randomized to either the pyramid group (n = 56) or the early DMARD group (n = 182). Patients assigned to the pyramid group received nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs for at least 1 year after inclusion (the mean +/- SD lag time until first prescription of a DMARD was 14 +/- 9 months). Patients in the early DMARD group were treated with a DMARD immediately after inclusion. RESULTS After 5 years, data were available for 44 patients in the pyramid group (79%) and 145 patients in the early DMARD group (80%). No prolongation of the clinical advantages in favor of the early DMARD group, as observed after the first year, was demonstrated. Nevertheless, a significantly shorter delay time until complete response and a higher number of patients with overall clinically relevant improvement at several assessment points were observed in the early DMARD group compared with the pyramid group. CONCLUSION The clinical results in favor of the early DMARD group, as observed after the first year, were not as evident after 5 years. This indicates that a more aggressive treatment approach in early RA is required, and that treatment should be continued for a prolonged period of time, in order to maintain the advantages obtained in the first year.
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Fleischmann R. Safety and efficacy of disease-modifying antirheumatic agents in rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2003; 2:347-65. [PMID: 12904092 DOI: 10.1517/14740338.2.4.347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The definition of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) has changed dramatically over the last decade. Current expectations of efficacy now include amelioration of signs and symptoms of disease activity as well as slowing, if not complete cessation, of disease progression as evidenced by Xray progression and significant improvement of patient function. Rheumatologists assess the safety profile of these agents more critically in an attempt to increase the risk:benefit profile. Traditional agents, such as methotrexate (MTX), sulfasalazine and leflunomide have provided patients with substantial relief of symptoms and some decrease of X-ray progression but have been hampered by the frequent occurrence of significant adverse events (AEs) and inability to maintain benefit for a prolonged period of time. With the increased understanding of the basic mechanism of the disease process, there has been the introduction of four biological disease-modifying agents introduced into clinical practice which have substantially increased the risk:benefit ratio for patients with various rheumatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy Fleischmann
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, St Paul University Hospital, 5939 Harry Hines Boulevard, Suite 400, Dallas, Texas 75235, USA.
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