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Ebadati S, Sahebari M, Ahmadzadeh AM, Emadzadeh M, Khoroushi F, Ragati Haghi H, Giti R, Aminzadeh B. Correlation of US-7 and US-9 Scores with Disease Activity Score using 28 Joint Counts (DAS28) in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2024; 49:167-175. [PMID: 38584648 PMCID: PMC10997851 DOI: 10.30476/ijms.2023.97776.2996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Background The attentive management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has attracted particular attention. The German 7-joint Ultrasound (US-7) is the first scoring system that combines bone erosions and soft tissue lesions in a single composite scoring system. This study aimed to assess the correlation between US-7 and Disease Activity Score Using 28 Joint Counts (DAS28) in clinically active RA patients. The efficacy of a novel ultrasound score-based system, the US-9 score (joints assessed with US-7 plus knees), was also compared with the standard US-7 score. Methods All the RA patients referred to the outpatient rheumatology clinic of Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad, Iran, during 2019-2020 were included. 28 joints were clinically examined to calculate DAS28. Nine joints were assessed comprising the German US-7 plus knees using grayscale ultrasonography (GSUS) and power Doppler ultrasonography (PDUS). Retrieved data were analyzed by SPSS software, version 22. The Spearman Correlation test was used to find the correlation between DAS28 and ultrasonographic findings. The statistical significance level was set at P<0.05. Results This study was composed of thirty-five RA patients with a mean age of 49.1±12.0 years. US-7 synovitis scores in GSUS and PDUS were significantly correlated with DAS28 (P=0.02, r=0.38 and P=0.003, r=0.48, respectively). US-9 synovitis scores in GSUS and PDUS were also significantly correlated with DAS28 (P=0.003, r=0.49 and P=0.006, r=0.45, respectively). The synovitis score measured by GSUS was significantly correlated with the GSUS knee synovial score (P=0.01, r=0.42). Conclusion Ultrasound assessment of large joints such as knees can be an effective approach to determining RA severity. However, it can be proposed that adding more involved joints into the sonographic assessment does not necessarily provide a better clinical correlation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Ebadati
- Department of Radiology, Medical Imaging Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maryam Sahebari
- Rheumatic Diseases Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amir Mahmoud Ahmadzadeh
- Transplant Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maryam Emadzadeh
- Clinical Research Development Unit, Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Khoroushi
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hedieh Ragati Haghi
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Ramesh Giti
- Department of Radiology, Medical Imaging Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Behzad Aminzadeh
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Zhao J, Huang H, Wang Y, Deng X, Geng Y, Zhang X, Ji L, Song Z, Zhang Z. Real-World Clinical Equivalence of Generic and Branded Tofacitinib: A Prospective Longitudinal Cohort Study in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis. Mayo Clin Proc 2024; 99:26-38. [PMID: 38176832 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2023.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the clinical efficacy and safety of generic tofacitinib vs brand name tofacitinib in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a single-center comparative study based on a prospective real-world cohort. METHODS Patients with RA receiving tofacitinib, either generic (Kelejia) or branded (Xeljanz), from March 2017, to December 31, 2022, were enrolled. The primary outcome was the simplified disease activity index (SDAI)-defined remission rate at month 6. Secondary outcomes included the rates of remission and low disease activity defined by other composite scores; European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology response rate, and ultrasonic synovitis scores at months 1, 3, 6, and 12. Cost-effectiveness was investigated. Propensity score-based inverse probability of treatment weighting was adopted to reduce selection bias. RESULTS A total of 204 patients were enrolled: 59 in the generic group and 145 in the branded group. An SDAI-defined remission was achieved in 41.1% and 39.2% of patients in the generic and branded groups, respectively, at month 6 (P=.85). Rates of remission and low disease activity achievement, changes in clinical disease activity scores, and power Doppler and gray scale synovitis scores at months 1, 3, 6, and 12 were comparable between the 2 groups. Similar proportions of patients in the groups achieved moderate/good response at months 1, 3, 6, and 12. Rates of drug retention and adverse effects were also similar in the 2 groups. Both Kelejia and Xeljanz were cost-effective, but Kelejia had a lower average cost-effectiveness ratio. CONCLUSION Generic tofacitinib (Keljia) had equivalent clinical efficacy and safety and better cost-effectiveness compared with its originator (Xeljanz).
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China; National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Huang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China; National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China; National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Xuerong Deng
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China; National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Geng
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China; National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China; National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Lanlan Ji
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China; National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Zhibo Song
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China; National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuoli Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China; National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China.
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Cinar C, Dogan YE, Harman H, Yurttutmus Z, Bagatir N, Doran M, Öneş K. Comparison of Hand-Wrist Findings of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients According to the Use of Synthetic and Biological Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs): A Clinical, Radiographic, and Ultrasonographic Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e46876. [PMID: 37954693 PMCID: PMC10638456 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to evaluate the hand-wrist findings in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using synthetic and a combination of synthetic and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in terms of ultrasonographic, clinical, and radiographic data. METHODS The study is designed as a cross-sectional study, and 31 RA patients followed up in the rheumatology outpatient clinic were enrolled. Nineteen patients were using only synthetic DMARDs, and 12 patients were using a combination of synthetic and biological DMARDs. The clinical data of each patient were recorded simultaneously. Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS-28) was used for the assessment of disease activation, and the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) score was used for the evaluation of general health status. Bilateral proximal interphalangeal (PIP), metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints, and the radiocarpal, ulnocarpal, and midcarpal joints of the patients were examined by ultrasonography (US). The Sharp-van der Heijde modified score was used to determine the radiographic damage. RESULTS There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of demographic data, clinical findings, ESR, and CRP. When the groups were compared in terms of right and left PIP, MCP, and radiocarpal, ulnocarpal, and midcarpal synovitis grade total scores, no significant difference was found between the two groups. Radiographic total joint space scores were significantly lower in the group receiving only synthetic DMARD treatment (p=0.047) and 25-OH vitamin D levels were significantly higher (p=0.008). CONCLUSION This study revealed that there was no significant difference between groups except radiographic total joint space scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cigdem Cinar
- Department of Interventional Physiatry, Biruni University, Istanbul, TUR
| | - Yunus Emre Dogan
- Department of Physiotherapy, Istanbul Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Health Application and Research Center, Istanbul, TUR
| | - Halil Harman
- Department of Rheumatology, Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Health Application and Research Center, Istanbul, TUR
| | - Zeynep Yurttutmus
- Department of Physiotherapy, Istanbul Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Health Application and Research Center, Istanbul, TUR
| | - Nazire Bagatir
- Department of Physiotherapy, Istanbul Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Health Application and Research Center, Istanbul, TUR
| | - Muhsin Doran
- Department of Physiotherapy, Yalvac Public Hospital, Istanbul, TUR
| | - Kadriye Öneş
- Department of Physiotherapy, Istanbul Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Health Application and Research Center, İstanbul, TUR
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Boldeanu MV, Boldeanu L, Cristea OM, Ciobanu DA, Poenariu SI, Dijmărescu AL, Bărbulescu AL, Pădureanu V, Sas TN, Dinescu ȘC, Vreju FA, Popoviciu HV, Ionescu RA. MMP-13, VEGF, and Disease Activity in a Cohort of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13091653. [PMID: 37175043 PMCID: PMC10184131 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13091653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Identifying certain serum biomarkers associated with the degree of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) activity can provide us with a more accurate view of the evolution, prognosis, and future quality of life for these patients. Our aim was to analyze the presence and clinical use of matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13), along with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and well-known cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) for patients with RA. We also wanted to identify the possible correlations between MMP-13 and these serological markers, as well as their relationship with disease activity indices, quality of life, and ultrasonographic evaluation. For this purpose, we analyzed serum samples of 34 RA patients and 12 controls. In order to assess serum concentrations for MMP-13, VEGF, TNF-α, and IL-6, we used the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Our results concluded that higher levels of MMP-13, VEGF, TNF-α, and IL-6 were present in the serum of RA patients compared to controls, with statistical significance. We furthermore identified moderately positive correlations between VEGF, MMP-13, and disease activity indices, as well as with the ultrasound findings. We also observed that VEGF had the best accuracy (97.80%), for differentiating patients with moderate disease activity. According to the data obtained in our study, that although MMP-13, TNF-α and C-reactive protein (CRP) have the same sensitivity (55.56%), MMP-13 has a better specificity (86.67%) in the diagnosis of patients with DAS28(4v) CRP values corresponding to moderate disease activity. Thus, MMP-13 can be used as a biomarker that can differentiate patients with moderate or low disease activity. VEGF and MMP-13 can be used as additional parameters, along with TNF-α and IL-6, that can provide the clinician a better picture of the inflammatory process, disease activity, and structural damage in patients with RA. Our data can certainly constitute a start point for future research and extended studies with multicenter involvement, to support the selection of individualized and accurate therapeutic management strategies for our patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihail Virgil Boldeanu
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Lidia Boldeanu
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Oana Mariana Cristea
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Dana Alexandra Ciobanu
- Doctoral School, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Sabin Ioan Poenariu
- Doctoral School, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Anda Lorena Dijmărescu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Andreea Lili Bărbulescu
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Vlad Pădureanu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Teodor Nicuşor Sas
- Department of Radiology and Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Ștefan Cristian Dinescu
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Florentin Ananu Vreju
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Horațiu Valeriu Popoviciu
- Department of Rheumatology, BFK and Medical Rehabilitation, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Răzvan Adrian Ionescu
- Third Internal Medicine Department, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
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Gessl I, Hana CA, Deimel T, Durechova M, Hucke M, Konzett V, Popescu M, Studenic P, Supp G, Zauner M, Smolen JS, Aletaha D, Mandl P. Tenderness and radiographic progression in rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2023; 82:344-350. [PMID: 36261248 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2022-222787] [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: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the predictive value of tenderness in the absence of swelling with consideration of other potential risk factors for subsequent radiographic progression in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). METHODS Clinical and sonographic (grey scale and power Doppler (PD)) examination of 22 joints of the hand were performed in patients with RA and PsA. The impact of tenderness on progression after 2 years was analysed in non-swollen joints for RA and PsA separately with multilevel mixed logistic regression analysis. RESULTS We included 1207 joints in 55 patients with RA and 352 joints in 18 patients with PsA. In RA, tenderness was associated with radiographic progression after 2 years (model 2: OR 1.85 (95% CI 1.01 to 3.27), p=0.047), although the association of PD (OR 2.92 (95% CI 1.71 to 5.00), p<0.001) and erosions (OR 4.74 (95% CI 2.44 to 9.23), p<0.001) with subsequent structural damage was stronger. In PsA, we found a positive but not significant association between tenderness and radiographic progression (OR 1.72 (95% CI 0.71 to 4.17), p=0.23). In contrast, similarly to RA, erosions (OR 4.62 (95% CI 1.29 to 16.54), p=0.019) and PD (OR 3.30 (95% CI 1.13 to 9.53), p=0.029) had a marked effect on subsequent structural damage. CONCLUSION Our findings imply that tenderness in non-swollen joints in RA is associated with subsequent damage. In both diseases, additional risk factors, such as sonographic signs for synovitis and baseline radiographic damage are associated with radiographic progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Gessl
- Departement of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia A Hana
- Departement of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Deimel
- Departement of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martina Durechova
- Departement of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Miriam Hucke
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Nephrology, Klinikum Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, Klagenfurt, Austria
| | - Victoria Konzett
- Departement of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mihaela Popescu
- Department of Rheumatology, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Paul Studenic
- Departement of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Medicine (Solna), Division of Rheumatology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gabriela Supp
- Departement of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Zauner
- Departement of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Josef S Smolen
- Departement of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniel Aletaha
- Departement of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Mandl
- Departement of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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6
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Heckert SL, Bergstra SA, Goekoop-Ruiterman YPM, Güler-Yüksel M, Lems WF, Matthijssen XME, van Oosterhout M, Huizinga TWJ, Allaart CF. Frequency of joint inflammation is associated with local joint damage progression in rheumatoid arthritis despite long-term targeted treatment. RMD Open 2023; 9:rmdopen-2022-002552. [PMID: 36609354 PMCID: PMC9827264 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2022-002552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate whether in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) frequency of local joint inflammation is associated with radiographic joint damage progression in that joint. METHODS Data from 473 patients with RA and available radiographs from the BeSt study were used. Patients were treated to target (Disease Activity Score of ≤2.4) for a median of 10 years. At each study visit every 3 months, joints were assessed for swelling and tenderness. Radiographs of hands and feet were made yearly. A generalised linear mixed model was used to assess the association between the percentage of study visits at which clinical inflammation was observed in a joint (cumulative inflammation) and radiographic joint damage in that same joint. Clinical inflammation was primarily defined as joint swelling (with or without joint tenderness). For secondary analyses, we also investigated joint tenderness without joint swelling. Damage was measured as the percentage of the maximum possible Sharp-Van der Heijde score in a particular joint. RESULTS Cumulative local joint swelling was associated with local progression of radiographic damage in the same joint (β=0.14, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.15). This association was also found in a subset of joints that were swollen at least once. Cumulative local joint tenderness without concurrent local joint swelling was less strongly associated with local radiographic joint damage progression (β=0.04, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.05). CONCLUSIONS In RA, long-term cumulative local joint inflammation is associated with joint damage progression in the same joint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sascha L Heckert
- Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Melek Güler-Yüksel
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Willem F Lems
- Rheumatology, Amsterdam UMC VUMC Site, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Tom W J Huizinga
- Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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7
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Morales-Ivorra I, Narváez J, Gómez-Vaquero C, Moragues C, Nolla JM, Narváez JA, Marín-López MA. Assessment of inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis using thermography and machine learning: a fast and automated technique. RMD Open 2022; 8:rmdopen-2022-002458. [PMID: 35840312 PMCID: PMC9295660 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2022-002458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Sensitive detection of joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is crucial to the success of the treat-to-target strategy. In this study, we characterise a novel machine learning-based computational method to automatically assess joint inflammation in RA using thermography of the hands, a fast and non-invasive imaging technique. Methods We recruited 595 patients with arthritis and osteoarthritis, as well as healthy subjects at two hospitals over 4 years. Machine learning was used to assess joint inflammation from the thermal images of the hands using ultrasound as the reference standard, obtaining a Thermographic Joint Inflammation Score (ThermoJIS). The machine learning model was trained and tuned using data from 449 participants with different types of arthritis, osteoarthritis or without rheumatic disease (development set). The performance of the method was evaluated based on 146 patients with RA (validation set) using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, area under the receiver-operating curve (AUROC), average precision, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value and F1-score. Results ThermoJIS correlated moderately with ultrasound scores (grey-scale synovial hypertrophy=0.49, p<0.001; and power Doppler=0.51, p<0.001). The AUROC for ThermoJIS for detecting active synovitis was 0.78 (95% CI, 0.71 to 0.86; p<0.001). In patients with RA in clinical remission, ThermoJIS values were significantly higher when active synovitis was detected by ultrasound. Conclusions ThermoJIS was able to detect joint inflammation in patients with RA, even in those in clinical remission. These results open an opportunity to develop new tools for routine detection of joint inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Javier Narváez
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Carmen Gómez-Vaquero
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Carmen Moragues
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Joan M Nolla
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - José A Narváez
- Radiodiagnosis Department, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
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Gasperi N, Schreiber N, Bosch P, Adinolfi A, Kleyer A, Hagen M, Gasperi C, Weger M, Kiechl S, Willeit J, Schett G, Iagnocco A, Gasperi A, Mayr A, Dejaco C. Ultrasound-detected inflammation is more common in clinically manifest hand osteoarthritis than in painless bony enlarged finger joints: subanalysis of the population-based Bruneck study. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis 2022; 14:1759720X221096382. [PMID: 35586515 PMCID: PMC9109483 DOI: 10.1177/1759720x221096382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this article is to examine the extent of structural and
inflammatory lesions by ultrasound in elderly subjects with hand
osteoarthritis (HOA) fulfilling the ACR classification criteria (Group A),
in subjects with painless enlarged finger joints (Group B), and in
individuals without clinical abnormalities at hands (Group C). Methods: This study was nested within the population-based, prospective Bruneck study;
293 subjects of ⩾65 years of age were assessed. Clinical and ultrasound
assessment was conducted at wrists and finger joints. Gray scale synovitis
(GSS), Power Doppler (PD), osteophytes, and erosions were scored
semiquantitatively (0–3). The Short Form Score for the Assessment and
Quantification of Chronic Rheumatic Affections of the Hands (SF-SACRAH), the
Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), and the Functional Index for Hand
Osteoarthritis (FIHOA) were retrieved. Results: Most subjects had ⩾1 ultrasound abnormality, of which osteophytes were the
most prevalent finding in all groups (Group A: 100%, Group B: 99.4%, and
Group C: 93.9%). GSS and PD-signals were more common in Group A than in
Group B (94% versus 67% and 33% versus
13%, respectively). In Group C, GSS was observed in 39.4% of subjects. In
subjects with HOA, the SF-SACRAH correlated with osteophyte scores
(corrcoeff = 0.48), and the FIHOA correlated with the
osteophyte (corrcoeff = 0.42) and PD scores
(corrcoeff = 0.33). Conclusion: GSS and PD were more frequent in patients with symptomatic HOA than in cases
with painless bony enlargements and subjects without clinical joint
abnormalities. Functional restriction in HOA is associated with structural
and inflammatory ultrasound changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Gasperi
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Nikolaus Schreiber
- Intensive Care Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Philipp Bosch
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Antonella Adinolfi
- Rheumatology Unit, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Arnd Kleyer
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Melanie Hagen
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christiane Gasperi
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Weger
- Department of Internal Medicine, Bruneck Hospital, Bruneck, Italy
| | - Stefan Kiechl
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Johann Willeit
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Georg Schett
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Arno Gasperi
- Department of Neurology, Bruneck Hospital, Bruneck, Italy
| | - Agnes Mayr
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Bruneck Hospital, Bruneck, Italy
| | - Christian Dejaco
- Rheumatology Service, South Tyrolean Health Trust, Hospital of Bruneck, Spitalstraße 11, Bruneck 39031, Italy
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9
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Machine learning-based prediction of relapse in rheumatoid arthritis patients using data on ultrasound examination and blood test. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7224. [PMID: 35508670 PMCID: PMC9068780 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11361-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent effective therapies enable most rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients to achieve remission; however, some patients experience relapse. We aimed to predict relapse in RA patients through machine learning (ML) using data on ultrasound (US) examination and blood test. Overall, 210 patients with RA in remission at baseline were dichotomized into remission (n = 150) and relapse (n = 60) based on the disease activity at 2-year follow-up. Three ML classifiers [Logistic Regression, Random Forest, and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost)] and data on 73 features (14 US examination data, 54 blood test data, and five data on patient information) at baseline were used for predicting relapse. The best performance was obtained using the XGBoost classifier (area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) = 0.747), compared with Random Forest and Logistic Regression (AUC = 0.719 and 0.701, respectively). In the XGBoost classifier prediction, ten important features, including wrist/metatarsophalangeal superb microvascular imaging scores, were selected using the recursive feature elimination method. The performance was superior to that predicted by researcher-selected features, which are conventional prognostic markers. These results suggest that ML can provide an accurate prediction of relapse in RA patients, and the use of predictive algorithms may facilitate personalized treatment options.
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Silvagni E, Zandonella Callegher S, Mauric E, Chiricolo S, Schreiber N, Tullio A, Zabotti A, Scirè CA, Dejaco C, Sakellariou G. Musculoskeletal ultrasound for treating rheumatoid arthritis to target-a systematic literature review. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2022; 61:4590-4602. [PMID: 35512175 PMCID: PMC9707059 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to systematically review the literature to retrieve evidence on the diagnostic and prognostic value of musculoskeletal ultrasound for a treat to target (T2T) approach in RA. METHODS Eight research questions were developed addressing the role of ultrasound (including different ultrasound scores and elementary lesions) for diagnosis, monitoring and prognosis of RA. PubMed and EMBASE were searched (2005-2020). Articles on RA and reporting data on musculoskeletal ultrasound were included and extracted according to the underlying questions, and risk of bias assessed according to the study design. RESULTS Out of 4632 records, 60 articles were included. Due to clinical heterogeneity, meta-analysis was not possible. Ultrasound better predicted disease relapses with respect to clinical examination in patients in remission, while both methods performed similarly in predicting response to therapy, achievement of remission and radiographic progression. Ultrasound was superior to clinical examination in diagnosing joint involvement using another imaging modality, such as magnetic resonance imaging, as reference. Limited ultrasound scores performed like more extensive evaluations for the detection of joint inflammation and for outcome prediction. Higher ultrasound scores of synovitis were linked to poor outcomes at all disease stages, but a specific cut-off distinguishing between low- and high-risk groups did not emerge. CONCLUSIONS These data confirm the pivotal role of ultrasound when evaluating synovial inflammation and when identifying RA patients at higher risk of relapse. Further research is needed to better define the role of ultrasound in a T2T management strategy in moderately-to-highly active RA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Eleonora Mauric
- Division of Rheumatology, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, University of Pavia, Pavia, PV, Italy
| | - Sofia Chiricolo
- Division of Rheumatology, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, University of Pavia, Pavia, PV, Italy
| | | | | | - Alen Zabotti
- Rheumatology Clinic, Department of Medical Area, Academic Hospital ‘Santa Maria della Misericordia’, Udine, UD
| | - Carlo Alberto Scirè
- Rheumatology Unit, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca,Epidemiology Unit, Italian Society for Rheumatology, Milan
| | - Christian Dejaco
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital of Brunico (SABES-ASDAA), Brunico, BZ,Department of Rheumatology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Garifallia Sakellariou
- Correspondence to: Garifallia Sakellariou, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, University of Pavia, Via Maugeri, 10, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
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Diao XH, Shen Y, Chen L, Zhan J, Fang L, Liu YC, Chen Y. Superb microvascular imaging is as sensitive as contrast-enhanced ultrasound for detecting synovial vascularity in rheumatoid arthritis. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2022; 12:2866-2876. [PMID: 35502398 PMCID: PMC9014166 DOI: 10.21037/qims-21-859] [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: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Detection of synovitis is essential for assessing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) activity and predicting prognosis. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of superb microvascular imaging (SMI) with that of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in patients with RA in clinical remission. METHODS SMI and CEUS were applied to 63 patients with active RA and 48 patients with RA in clinical remission. Differences in positive synovial vascularity (SV) and its semi-quantitative scale were observed, and the correlations of SMI and CEUS results with C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and rheumatoid factor (RF) were analyzed. RESULTS For the 63 joints with active RA, the detection rates of SV as determined by SMI and CEUS were 90.5% (95% CI: 83.0-97.9%) and 93.7% (95% CI: 87.5-99.8%), respectively, with no significant difference observed between the two modalities (t=-1.137; P=0.260). There was good agreement between the two modalities in detecting positive blood flow (Kappa =0.784) and blood flow signal score (Kappa =0.792). For the 48 joints with clinical remission, the detection rates of SV determined by SMI and CEUS were 79.2% (95% CI: 67.2-91.1%) and 83.3% (95% CI: 72.4-94.3%), respectively, with no significant difference found between the two modalities (t=1.000; P=0.322). There was high consistency between the two modalities in detecting positive blood flow (Kappa =0.727) and blood flow signal score (Kappa =0.661). The vascularity scores of SMI and CEUS were positively correlated with CRP, ESR, and RF in the joints with active RA, but not in those with clinical remission. CONCLUSIONS SMI is as sensitive as CEUS for detecting vessels in the synovium and displaying local SV in patients with RA who achieve clinical remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Hong Diao
- Department of Ultrasound, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Shen
- Department of Rheumatology, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of Ultrasound, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Zhan
- Department of Ultrasound, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Fang
- Department of Ultrasound, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying-Chun Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Chen
- Department of Ultrasound, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Almeida DE, Costa E, Cerqueira M. Advances in Ultrasound Imaging in Rheumatology-What Do They Mean and What Challenges Do They Pose? The Example of Microvascular Imaging. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2022; 41:785-787. [PMID: 34013997 DOI: 10.1002/jum.15754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Musculoskeletal ultrasound is an important tool for the monitorization of inflammatory rheumatic diseases, with subclinical synovitis being frequently detected in ultrasound scans of patients in clinical remission. It has been shown, for example, that the presence of Power Doppler signal synovial membrane has prognostic value for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Microvascular imaging technologies significantly improve the sensitivity for slow-flow vessels and may potentially detect subclinical inflammation when Power Doppler fails to do so. The authors briefly discuss the implications of the use of such techniques in rheumatology setting and review available evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emanuel Costa
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital de Braga, Braga, Portugal
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Eymard F, Foltz V, Chemla C, Gandjbakhch F, Etchepare F, Fautrel B, Richette P, Tomi AL, Gaujoux-Viala C, Chevalier X. MRI and ultrasonography could be useful to detect early interphalangeal osteoarthritis. Joint Bone Spine 2022; 89:105370. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2022.105370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Ultrasound-detected tenosynovitis as a risk factor for flares in rheumatoid arthritis patients in clinical remission. Clin Rheumatol 2022; 41:1843-1849. [PMID: 35102535 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-022-06079-1] [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: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our objective was to investigate the value of ultrasound (US) detected synovitis and tenosynovitis as risk factors for short term flare in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in clinical remission. METHODS Consecutive RA patients in clinical remission (DAS28 ERS < 2.6) for at least 3 months underwent Power Doppler ultrasound (PDUS) examination of 1st to 6th extensor compartments at the wrist, 2nd to 5th finger flexor, posterior tibial tendon, and peroneal tendons. To assess synovitis, carpal joints, 1st to 5th metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints, and 2nd to 5th interphalangeal proximal (IPP) joints were bilaterally examined. Synovitis and tenosynovitis were defined according to OMERACT. Patients were followed for 1 year. Disease flare was defined as an increase in disease activity generating the need for a change in therapy by the attending rheumatologist. RESULTS Ninety patients were included. After 1 year of follow-up, 26 patients (29%) experienced a flare. At baseline 39%, 23% and 8% had US-detected synovitis, tenosynovitis or both, respectively. In the 1-year period after the baseline US examination, US-detected tenosynovitis (RR: 4.9; 95% CI: 2.2-10.8) was associated with an increased risk of exacerbation. This association was not shown with US-detected synovitis (RR: 1.3; 95% CI: 0.76-2.2). In the multivariate analysis, only subclinical tenosynovitis (OR: 9.8; 95% CI: 2.5-39.1; p = 0.001) and baseline DAS28 (OR: 5.7; 95% CI: 1.1-31.6; p = 0.047) were significantly associated with an increased risk of having a flare. CONCLUSION In our study, subclinical tenosynovitis was associated with disease flare in patients with RA in clinical remission. KEY POINTS • Synovitis and tenosynovitis are risk factors for short term flare in RA patients in clinical remission. • Subclinical tenosynovitis, but not synovitis, was associated with disease flare in patients with unstable remission. • Ultrasound-detected tenosynovitis could be useful to predict relapses in RA patients in clinical remission.
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Defining the Optimal Strategies for Achieving Drug-Free Remission in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Narrative Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9121726. [PMID: 34946453 PMCID: PMC8701994 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9121726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: It is now accepted that the optimum treatment goal for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is sustained remission, as this has been shown to be associated with the best patient outcomes. There is little guidance on how to manage patients once remission is achieved; however, it is recommended that patients can taper therapy, with a view to discontinuing and achieving drug-free remission if treatment goals are maintained. This narrative review aims to present the current literature on drug-free remission in rheumatoid arthritis, with a view to identifying which strategies are best for disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) tapering and to highlight areas of unmet clinical need. Methods: We performed a narrative review of the literature, which included research articles, meta-analyses and review papers. The key search terms included were rheumatoid arthritis, remission, drug-free remission, b-DMARDS/biologics, cs-DMARDS and tapering. The databases that were searched included PubMed and Google Scholar. For each article, the reference section of the paper was reviewed to find additional relevant articles. Results: It has been demonstrated that DFR is possible in a proportion of RA patients achieving clinically defined remission (both on cs and b-DMARDS). Immunological, imaging and clinical associations with/predictors of DFR have all been identified, including the presence of autoantibodies, absence of Power Doppler (PD) signal on ultrasound (US), lower disease activity according to composite scores of disease activity and lower patient-reported outcome scores (PROs) at treatment cessation. Conclusions: DFR in RA may be an achievable goal in certain patients. This carries importance in reducing medication-induced side-effects and potential toxicity, the burden of taking treatment if not required and cost effectiveness, specifically for biologic therapy. Prospective studies of objective biomarkers will help facilitate the prediction of successful treatment discontinuation.
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Yoshida M, Taniguchi Y, Yoshida T, Nishikawa H, Terada Y. Ultrasonography of auricular cartilage is a potential tool for diagnosing relapsing polychondritis and monitoring disease activity. Int J Rheum Dis 2021; 25:201-209. [PMID: 34866329 PMCID: PMC9299703 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.14256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Aim To assess the clinical utility of ultrasonography in the diagnosis and monitoring of disease activity in relapsing polychondritis (RP). Methods Auricular and nasal chondritis of 6 patients with RP were assessed by ultrasonography before treatment initiation. Changes in the ultrasonographic and clinical findings and serum inflammatory markers were longitudinally assessed. Ultrasonography was also performed in 6 patients with repeat ear trauma, 6 patients with auricular cellulitis and 6 healthy controls for comparison among groups. Results In all cases of RP, ultrasonographic findings before treatment revealed low‐echoic swollen auricular and nasal cartilage and perichondral soft‐tissue with increased power Doppler signals (PDS) corresponding to biopsy findings. After 2‐month treatment with prednisolone (PSL) combined with methotrexate, clinical and serum inflammatory markers were completely resolved. Although swollen perichondral soft‐tissue, cartilage and PDS on auricular ultrasonography were also significantly improved, PDS remained in 2 of 6 cases, which showed flare early after tapering PSL. Finally, ultrasonographic findings of RP were substantially differentiated between patients with repeat trauma and cellulitis and healthy controls based on the thickness of soft tissue around the cartilage, PDS and subperichondral serous effusion. Conclusion Assessment of RP lesions by ultrasonography is useful for the evaluation of cartilaginous lesions and monitoring of disease activity, especially when considering the treatment response and the timing of drug tapering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuharu Yoshida
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism, Nephrology and Rheumatology, Kochi Medical School Hospital, Kochi University, Nankoku, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Taniguchi
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism, Nephrology and Rheumatology, Kochi Medical School Hospital, Kochi University, Nankoku, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yoshida
- Department of Rheumatology, Chikamori Hospital, Kochi, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Nishikawa
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism, Nephrology and Rheumatology, Kochi Medical School Hospital, Kochi University, Nankoku, Japan
| | - Yoshio Terada
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism, Nephrology and Rheumatology, Kochi Medical School Hospital, Kochi University, Nankoku, Japan
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Lu CH, Chen LF, Huang YM, Cheng CF, Hsieh SC, Li KJ. Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibodies Correlate to Ultrasound Synovitis in Rheumatoid Arthritis Better Than C-Reactive Protein. J Clin Rheumatol 2021; 27:e412-e417. [PMID: 32604244 PMCID: PMC8612904 DOI: 10.1097/rhu.0000000000001499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to compare ultrasound (US) grading and laboratory measures in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS Two-hundred four patients with rheumatoid arthritis who received US evaluation for synovitis were included after excluding those using tocilizumab. Ultrasound grading of synovial hypertrophy (SH) and power Doppler (PD) at the most severe site were recorded. An assessment of the correlation of laboratory measures and US grading was conducted by reviewing the electronic medical records. RESULTS High-titer anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies positivity was associated with SH grade ≥2 (odds ratio [OR], 6.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.78-20.2) and PD grade ≥2 (OR, 5.56; 95% CI, 1.82-16.9). Recent C-reactive protein (CRP) levels ≥0.3 mg/dL were associated with SH grade ≥2 (OR, 3.13; 95% CI, 1.38-7.10) and PD grade ≥2 (OR, 2.38; 95% CI, 1.31-4.31). Anti-CCP antibody levels correlated with US scores better than the levels of CRP with higher Spearman ρ correlation coefficients. Most of the patients with recent CRP levels <0.3 mg/dL had US synovitis. In logistic regression, high levels of anti-CCP antibodies and CRP were both independently associated with SH grade ≥2 and PD grade ≥2. CONCLUSIONS Higher levels of anti-CCP antibodies and CRP may predict synovitis on US, whereas discrepancies existed between inflammatory markers and US grading. These findings suggest that US has a role in the comprehensive assessment of disease activity, especially for patients with high-titer positive anti-CCP antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Hsun Lu
- From the Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University
| | - Lung-Fang Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei
| | - Yi-Min Huang
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yun-Lin Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Chiao-Feng Cheng
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yun-Lin Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Song-Chou Hsieh
- From the Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital
| | - Ko-Jen Li
- From the Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital
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Sundin U, Sundlisater NP, Aga AB, Sexton J, Nordberg LB, Hammer HB, van der Heijde D, Kvien TK, Haavardsholm EA, Lillegraven S. Value of MRI and ultrasound for prediction of therapeutic response and erosive progression in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis managed by an aggressive treat-to-target strategy. RMD Open 2021; 7:rmdopen-2020-001525. [PMID: 33547228 PMCID: PMC7871342 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2020-001525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate if inflammation detected by MRI or ultrasound at rheumatoid arthritis (RA) onset is predictive of erosive progression or poor response to methotrexate monotherapy, and to investigate if subclinical inflammation in remission is predictive of future treatment escalation or erosive progression. METHODS In a 2-year study, 218 patients with disease-modifying antirheumatic drug-naïve early RA were treated by a tight-control treat-to-target strategy corresponding to current recommendations. MRI and ultrasound were performed at regular intervals. Baseline imaging-based inflammation measures were analysed as predictors for early methotrexate failure and erosive progression using univariate and multivariate regression adjusted for clinical, laboratory and radiographic measures. In patients in remission after 1 year, imaging measures were analysed as predictors of treatment escalation and erosive progression during the second year. The added value of imaging in prediction models was assessed using receiver operating characteristic analyses. RESULTS Baseline MRI inflammation was associated with MRI erosive progression and ultrasound with radiographic erosive progression. No imaging inflammation measure was associated with early methotrexate failure. Imaging inflammation was present in a majority of patients in clinical remission. Tenosynovitis was associated with treatment escalation, and synovitis and tenosynovitis with MRI/radiographic erosive progression during the second year. Imaging information did not improve prediction models for any of the outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Imaging-detected inflammation, both at diagnosis and in remission, is associated with elements of future disease development. However, the lack of a significant effect on prediction models indicates limited value of systematic MRI and ultrasound in management of early RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulf Sundin
- Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway .,Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nina Paulshus Sundlisater
- Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Joseph Sexton
- Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lena Bugge Nordberg
- Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hilde Berner Hammer
- Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Desirée van der Heijde
- Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, South Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Tore K Kvien
- Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Espen A Haavardsholm
- Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Siri Lillegraven
- Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Heckert SL, Bergstra SA, Matthijssen XME, Goekoop-Ruiterman YPM, Fodili F, Ten Wolde S, Allaart CF, Huizinga TWJ. Joint inflammation tends to recur in the same joints during the rheumatoid arthritis disease course. Ann Rheum Dis 2021; 81:169-174. [PMID: 34462262 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-220882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We investigated whether local joint swelling recurs in the same joints over time in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who are treated to target. METHODS Patients with newly diagnosed RA participating in the Behandel-Strategieën, "treatment strategies" (BeSt) study (n=508) were followed for median 10 years while receiving Disease Activity Score (DAS) ≤2.4 steered treatment. Every 3 months 68 joints were assessed for the presence of swelling. We evaluated whether baseline local joint swelling was predictive for swelling in the same joint during follow-up using a multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression model. Different strategies were used to account for missing data. A permutation test was performed to assess if joint swelling was better predicted by baseline swelling of the joint itself than by baseline swelling of randomly selected other joints. RESULTS In 46% of the joints that were swollen at baseline, joint swelling later recurred at least once during follow-up. Joint swelling at baseline was statistically significantly associated with swelling in the same joint during follow-up (OR 2.37, 95% CI 2.30 to 2.43, p<0.001), and also specifically with recurrent swelling in the same joint (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.37 to 1.59, p<0.001). Local joint swelling was better predicted by baseline swelling of that particular joint than by baseline swelling of other joints (p<0.001). CONCLUSION Joint swelling tends to recur locally in the joints swollen at RA onset. This suggests that local factors influence the manifestation of joint inflammation over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sascha L Heckert
- Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Sytske Anne Bergstra
- Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Faouzia Fodili
- Rheumatology, Reumazorg Zuid West Nederland, Roosendaal, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia Ten Wolde
- Rheumatology, Spaarne Hospital, Haarlem, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelia F Allaart
- Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Tom W J Huizinga
- Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
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Rinkin C, Fosse P, Malaise O, Chapelier N, Horrion J, Seidel L, Albert A, Hustinx R, Malaise MG. Dissociation between 2-[ 18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission computed tomography, ultrasound and clinical assessments in patients with non-severe rheumatoid arthritis, including remission. BMC Rheumatol 2021; 5:31. [PMID: 34344479 PMCID: PMC8336401 DOI: 10.1186/s41927-021-00196-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 07/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Inflammation of patients joints with severe disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has already been visualized and quantified by 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission computed tomography ([18F] FDG PET/CT), but little is known about the metabolic status and its relationship with clinical and ultrasonography (US) metrology in patients with low/moderate activity or in remission. Methods Clinical assessments [based on 28-joint disease activity score (DAS28-CRP) and Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI)], [18F] FDG PET/CT, US and X-ray were performed on 63 RA patients classified into remission or low/moderate or severe disease activity groups. PET/CT was visually and then semi-quantitatively analysed by determining the standardized uptake value (SUV) of positive joints. Results Of the 1764 joints, 21.1% were tender only, 13.7% swollen only, 27.6% tender or swollen, 7.3% tender and swollen, 20.5% PET/CT-positive and 8.6% US-positive. PET and US measurements were correlated, albeit with poor concordance. The positive predictive value of PET/CT for clinical evaluation (tender and/or swollen) was low, whereas its negative predictive value was high. Highly significant differences were found with the number of PET/CT-positive joints and with cumulative SUV between “severe” and “non-severe” patients (including those in remission and those with low/moderate activity) and not between those classified as “remission” and “non-remission” or “remission” and “low/moderate activity”. Moreover, the correlation between PET/CT measurements and clinical activity was positive only in the CDAI severe disease group. In patients in remission or with low/moderate activity, only 20–30% of joints were PET/CT-negative. In remission, PET/CT and US were positive in different joints, and PET/CT-positive but US-negative joints mainly exhibited RA (38.1%) or normal (49.2%) and not osteoarthritic (12.7%) X-ray patterns. Conclusions [18F] FDG PET/CT was effective at distinguishing patients with severely active disease from other patients. In non-severe RA patients, including those in remission, PET/CT results are discordant from US and clinical observations. A longitudinal analysis is needed to explore the clinical relevance of such infra-clinical disease. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s41927-021-00196-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charline Rinkin
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital of Liège, Room 155 BC + 3, CHU Sart-Tilman B35, Avenue de l'hôpital 1, B-4000, Liège, Belgium.
| | - Pacôme Fosse
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Liège, Angers, France
| | - Olivier Malaise
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital of Liège, Room 155 BC + 3, CHU Sart-Tilman B35, Avenue de l'hôpital 1, B-4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Chapelier
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital of Liège, Room 155 BC + 3, CHU Sart-Tilman B35, Avenue de l'hôpital 1, B-4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Jil Horrion
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Laurence Seidel
- Department of Biostatistics, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Adelin Albert
- Department of Biostatistics, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Roland Hustinx
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Michel G Malaise
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital of Liège, Room 155 BC + 3, CHU Sart-Tilman B35, Avenue de l'hôpital 1, B-4000, Liège, Belgium
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21
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Terslev L, Ostergaard M. Rheumatoid Arthritis Relapse and Remission - Advancing Our Predictive Capability Using Modern Imaging. J Inflamm Res 2021; 14:2547-2555. [PMID: 34163211 PMCID: PMC8215903 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s284405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical remission has become an achievable target for the majority of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, but subclinical inflammation as assessed by ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been demonstrated to be frequent in patients in clinical remission. Subclinical synovitis has been shown to be linked to both subsequent structural damage progression and a risk of flare, demonstrating that subclinical synovitis represents incomplete suppression of inflammation and questions whether it is appropriate only to use clinical composite scores as treatment target in clinical practice. Maintaining a state of remission has proven important as sustained clinical remission impacts long-term outcome regarding joint damage progression, physical function and quality of life. Treating subclinical inflammation has been attempted and has led to more frequent strict clinical remission and better physical function, but also to more adverse events. Thus, an overall benefit of incorporating imaging goals in treat-to-target strategies has not been documented. However, in patients in clinical remission on biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, both ultrasound and MRI may aid in the clinical decision regarding whether drug tapering or even discontinuation should be attempted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lene Terslev
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research, Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Glostrup, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Ostergaard
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research, Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Glostrup, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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22
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Matsuo H, Tabuchi Y, Yukimatsu R, Imamura A, Shimizu M, Inagaki M, Tsuji Y, Nakabo S, Tsuji H, Nakajima T, Hashimoto M, Ito H, Morinobu A, Fujii Y. Positive rate and prognostic significance of the superb microvascular imaging signal in joints of rheumatoid arthritis patients in remission with normal C-reactive protein levels and erythrocyte sedimentation rates. J Med Ultrason (2001) 2021; 48:353-359. [PMID: 34014426 DOI: 10.1007/s10396-021-01102-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to evaluate the positive rate and prognostic significance of superb microvascular imaging (SMI) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in remission with normal C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESR). METHODS The study enrolled 112 RA patients, and ultrasound (US) assessment was performed on 28 joints of each patient. RESULTS The SMI signal-positive rates for each joint were: metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints: 20.5%, wrist joints: 43.8%, metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints: 17.0%, and other foot joints: 25.0%. Investigation of the prognostic significance of the SMI signal in each joint revealed that only in the MTP joints was the total score of the SMI signal in the patients with relapse significantly higher than that in the patients with remission (P = 0.01). Comparison of the receiver operating characteristics curves for predicting relapse showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of the MTP joints was the highest (AUC = 0.66) of the investigated joints. The optimal threshold for the total MTP SMI score was 1 (accuracy = 83.3%). Positive/negative data of the SMI signal in the MTP joints were not significantly associated with the values of conventional disease activity markers. CONCLUSION In RA patients in remission with normal CRP and ESR levels, the percentage of positive SMI signal was highest in the wrist joints. However, the accuracy of the SMI signal for predicting relapse was greatest for the MTP joints, suggesting that US assessment of the MTP joints by SMI is useful for predicting relapse in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidemasa Matsuo
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.
| | - Yuya Tabuchi
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Risako Yukimatsu
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Akari Imamura
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Madoka Shimizu
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Maiko Inagaki
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Yuko Tsuji
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Shuichiro Nakabo
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hideaki Tsuji
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Toshiki Nakajima
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Motomu Hashimoto
- Department of Advanced Medicine for Rheumatic Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiromu Ito
- Department of Advanced Medicine for Rheumatic Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akio Morinobu
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yasutomo Fujii
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
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23
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Cipolletta E, Smerilli G, Di Matteo A, Di Battista J, Di Carlo M, Grassi W, Filippucci E. The sonographic identification of cortical bone interruptions in rheumatoid arthritis: a morphological approach. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis 2021; 13:1759720X211004326. [PMID: 33948124 PMCID: PMC8053750 DOI: 10.1177/1759720x211004326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone erosions are the hallmark of structural damage in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Among imaging techniques, ultrasonography (US) has emerged as an accurate, reliable, repeatable, low-cost and non-invasive imaging modality to detect erosive changes in RA. However, small interruptions of the cortical bone detectable by last generation US equipment do not necessarily represent bone erosions. According to the available data, in addition to cortical bone interruption itself, only a few morphological US findings have been proposed to define RA bone erosions. However, other additional features may be considered to facilitate the interpretation of US cortical bone interruptions in RA. These could be summarised using the following four domains: size, site, shape and scenery. This hypothesis article provides a critical literature review of US features characteristic of RA bone erosions and pictorial evidence supporting the potential role of a morphological analysis in the US identification of bone erosions in RA patients. Plain language summary The ultrasonographic morphology of cortical interruptions is helpful for the identification of bone erosions in rheumatoid arthritis: the "four Ss" approach Bone erosions are characteristic features of rheumatoid arthritis. They are associated with a more aggressive disease and with irreversible physical disability. In recent years, ultrasonography has emerged as an accurate and reliable technique for the detection of bone erosions, that appear as interruptions of the cortical bone with variable size. However, cortical bone interruptions do not necessarily represent bone erosions. Since bone erosions represent the earliest evidence of the destructive behaviour of RA, their identification is crucial.Besides the cortical interruption itself, only a few morphological ultrasonographic features were proposed to characterise bone erosions in rheumatoid arthritis.We believe that a morphological approach, including size, site, shape and scenery, may be considered to facilitate the interpretation of ultrasonographic cortical bone interruptions in rheumatoid arthritis.In this hypothesis article we carried out a critical review of the scientific literature and provided extensive pictorial evidence of the ultrasonographic spectrum of cortical interruptions supporting the potential role of considering the "four Ss" for the ultrasonographic identification of bone erosions in rheumatoid arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrea Di Matteo
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, ‘Carlo Urbani’ Hospital, Jesi (Ancona), Italy
| | - Jacopo Di Battista
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, ‘Carlo Urbani’ Hospital, Jesi (Ancona), Italy
| | - Marco Di Carlo
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, ‘Carlo Urbani’ Hospital, Jesi (Ancona), Italy
| | - Walter Grassi
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, ‘Carlo Urbani’ Hospital, Jesi (Ancona), Italy
| | - Emilio Filippucci
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, ‘Carlo Urbani’ Hospital, Jesi (Ancona), Italy
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24
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Park HJ, Chang SH, Lee JW, Lee SM. Clinical utility of F-18 sodium fluoride PET/CT for estimating disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2021; 11:1156-1169. [PMID: 33816157 DOI: 10.21037/qims-20-788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Background The present study aimed to investigate the clinical implication of F-18 sodium fluoride (NaF) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) for assessing the disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis. Methods Seventeen patients with rheumatoid arthritis according to the 2010 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism classification criteria were prospectively enrolled. All enrolled patients underwent F-18 NaF PET/CT along with physical examination, blood test, and ultrasonography. On PET/CT images, two quantitative parameters, F-18 NaF uptake of the joint (joint SUV) and joint-to-bone uptake ratio, were measured for each of the 28 joints included in calculating the disease activity score in 28 joints using erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR). The relationship between PET/CT parameters and clinical factors and the predictive values of PET/CT parameters for joints with synovitis and high disease activity were evaluated. Results Tender joints (joint SUV, 13.6±8.4; joint-to-bone uptake ratio, 1.70±1.02) and both tender and swollen joints (joint SUV, 13.9±5.4; joint-to-normal bone uptake ratio, 1.81±0.76) had significantly higher joint SUV and joint-to-bone uptake ratio than joints without synovitis (joint SUV, 6.0±2.4; joint-to-bone uptake ratio, 0.74±0.31; P<0.001). On correlation analysis, summed joint SUV (P=0.002, correlation coefficient=0.705) and summed joint-to-bone uptake ratio (P<0.001, correlation coefficient=0.861) of 28 joints showed strong positive correlation with DAS28-ESR after adjustment for age and body mass index. Summed joint SUV showed significant positive correlations with ultrasonography findings (grey scale ultrasonography: P=0.047, correlation coefficient =0.468; power Doppler ultrasonography: P=0.045, correlation coefficient =0.507). On the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the sensitivity and specificity for predicting synovitis were 83.2% and 92.7%, respectively, for joint SUV and 81.5% and 90.7%, respectively, for joint-to-bone uptake ratio. Moreover, the summation of both PET/CT parameters of 28 joints showed a diagnostic accuracy of 100.0% for predicting high disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis. Conclusions Summed joint uptake on F-18 NaF PET/CT had a strong positive correlation with DAS28-ESR and accurately predicted high disease activity. F-18 NaF PET/CT parameters might be used as an imaging biomarker for disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis. Trial registration This study was registered at the Clinical Research Information Service of the Korea (CRIS, http://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/en; registry number, KCT0002597; registered November 2017).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Jin Park
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University College of Medicine, International St. Mary's Hospital, 25, Simgok-ro 100-gil, Seo-gu, Incheon, Korea
| | - Sung Hae Chang
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, 31 Suncheonhyang 6-gil, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea
| | - Jeong Won Lee
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University College of Medicine, International St. Mary's Hospital, 25, Simgok-ro 100-gil, Seo-gu, Incheon, Korea
| | - Sang Mi Lee
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, 31 Suncheonhyang 6-gil, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea
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25
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Terslev L, Brahe CH, Hetland ML, Georgiadis S, Ellegaard K, Juul L, Huynh T, Døhn UM, Fana V, Møller T, Krabbe S, Ørnbjerg LM, Glinatsi D, Røgind H, Hansen A, Nørregaard J, Jacobsen S, Jensen DV, Manilo N, Asmussen K, Boesen M, Rastiemadabadi Z, Morsel-Carlsen L, Møller JM, Krogh NS, Østergaard M. Doppler ultrasound predicts successful discontinuation of biological DMARDs in rheumatoid arthritis patients in clinical remission. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 60:5549-5559. [PMID: 33748831 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keab276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the ability of ultrasound to predict successful tapering and successful discontinuation of biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) at 2-year follow-up in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in sustained remission. METHODS Patients in sustained remission (DAS28-CRP≤2.6) and no radiographic progression the previous year tapered bDMARD according to a standardized regime. One-hundred-and-nineteen of these patients were included in this ultrasound sub-study. At baseline, clinical assessment, MRI, x-ray and ultrasound of 24 joints were performed. Ultrasound-detected synovitis was defined and scored 0-3 using the Outcome in Rheumatology (OMERACT) scoring system at joint level for both greyscale and Doppler activity. Sum scores for each ultrasound modality were calculated for 24 joints at patient level. Final state of treatment was assessed after 2 years. The predictive value of ultrasound measures for successful tapering and discontinuation at 2-year follow-up was assessed via logistic regression analyses. RESULTS Negative IgM-RF (OR = 0.29; 95% Confidence Interval (CI)=0.10-0.85; p = 0.024) and lower Doppler sum score of 24 joints (OR(95%CI)=0.44;(0.15-0.87); p = 0.014) were independent predictors for successful discontinuation of bDMARD at 2-year follow-up. The predictive value of Doppler sum score was independent of MRI findings. Previous numbers of bDMARDs were predictive of successful tapering (OR(95% CI)=0.58(0.35-0.91); p = 0.018), whereas ultrasound was not. Clinical parameters were not predictive for successful tapering/discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS Doppler sum score was an independent predictor for successful discontinuation of bDMARDs at 2-year follow-up - the odds for achieving successful discontinuation decreased by 56% per one-unit increase in Doppler sum score. Ultrasound could not predict successful tapering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lene Terslev
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Center of Head and Orthopedics, Glostrup, Rigshospitalet, Capital Region, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cecilie Heegaard Brahe
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Center of Head and Orthopedics, Glostrup, Rigshospitalet, Capital Region, Denmark
| | - Merete Lund Hetland
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Center of Head and Orthopedics, Glostrup, Rigshospitalet, Capital Region, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,DANBIO registry, Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Center of Head and Orthopedics, Glostrup, Rigshospitalet, Capital Region, Denmark
| | - Stylianos Georgiadis
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Center of Head and Orthopedics, Glostrup, Rigshospitalet, Capital Region, Denmark
| | - Karen Ellegaard
- The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Juul
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Center of head and orthopedics, Gentofte, Rigshospitalet, Capital Region, Denmark
| | - Tuan Huynh
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Center of Head and Orthopedics, Glostrup, Rigshospitalet, Capital Region, Denmark.,Holte Rheumatology Clinic, Capital Region, Denmark
| | - Uffe Møller Døhn
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Center of Head and Orthopedics, Glostrup, Rigshospitalet, Capital Region, Denmark
| | - Viktoria Fana
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Center of Head and Orthopedics, Glostrup, Rigshospitalet, Capital Region, Denmark
| | - Torsten Møller
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Center of Head and Orthopedics, Glostrup, Rigshospitalet, Capital Region, Denmark
| | - Simon Krabbe
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Center of Head and Orthopedics, Glostrup, Rigshospitalet, Capital Region, Denmark
| | - Lykke Midtbøll Ørnbjerg
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Center of Head and Orthopedics, Glostrup, Rigshospitalet, Capital Region, Denmark
| | - Daniel Glinatsi
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Center of Head and Orthopedics, Glostrup, Rigshospitalet, Capital Region, Denmark.,Department of Rheumatology, Skaraborg Hospital, Skövde, Sweden
| | - Henrik Røgind
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Center of Head and Orthopedics, Glostrup, Rigshospitalet, Capital Region, Denmark
| | - Anette Hansen
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Center of head and orthopedics, Gentofte, Rigshospitalet, Capital Region, Denmark
| | - Jesper Nørregaard
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Center of Head and Orthopedics, Glostrup, Rigshospitalet, Capital Region, Denmark
| | - Søren Jacobsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Copenhagen Lupus and Vasculitis Clinic, Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dorte Vendelbo Jensen
- DANBIO registry, Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Center of Head and Orthopedics, Glostrup, Rigshospitalet, Capital Region, Denmark.,Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Center of head and orthopedics, Gentofte, Rigshospitalet, Capital Region, Denmark
| | - Natalia Manilo
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Center of head and orthopedics, Frederiksberg, Rigshospitalet, Capital Region, Denmark
| | - Karsten Asmussen
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Center of head and orthopedics, Frederiksberg, Rigshospitalet, Capital Region, Denmark
| | - Mikael Boesen
- Department of Radiology, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Lone Morsel-Carlsen
- Department of Radiology, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Mikkel Østergaard
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Center of Head and Orthopedics, Glostrup, Rigshospitalet, Capital Region, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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26
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Torgutalp M, Yayla ME, Eroglu DS, Dincer ABK, Yurteri EU, Okatan IE, Sezer S, Guloksuz EGA, Us E, Turgay TM, Kinikli G, Ates A. Serum Calprotectin is Indicating Clinical and Ultrasonographic Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis, even with Normal C-Reactive Protein Levels. Mediterr J Rheumatol 2021; 32:56-65. [PMID: 34386702 PMCID: PMC8314882 DOI: 10.31138/mjr.32.1.56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Calprotectin is an inflammatory biomarker which assesses disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The objective of this study was to test whether serum calprotectin is associated with clinical and ultrasonographic disease activity in patients with RA, and to analyse its predicting value for disease activity evaluation despite normal C-Reactive protein (CRP) levels. Methods: We included 80 patients with RA and 30 healthy subjects. Patients were examined clinically and by ultrasound, (US7 score) along with laboratory parameters (calprotectin, CRP, erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR]). Disease activity scores (DAS28) were calculated to assess disease activity. Firstly, patients were divided into four subgroups according to the DAS28-ESR (high, moderate, low disease activity, and remission), then into two subgroups; group-1 (DAS-28≤3.2) and group-2 (DAS28>3.2). The predicting value of calprotectin for disease activity in patients with normal CRP was analysed with univariate and multivariate analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves. Results: Calprotectin levels were higher in RA patients than controls (96.3±45.9 ng/ml, 54.7±50.0 ng/ml, respectively; p<0.001). Calprotectin levels were 74.8±45.5 ng/ml in group-1 (n=37) and 114.7±37.9 ng/ml in group-2 (n=43) (p<0.001). In univariate analyses, calprotectin was significantly correlated with clinical, laboratory, and ultrasound parameters (p<0.05), and was a better predictor of power doppler synovitis than CRP in multivariate analysis (OR=1.014; 95%CI 1.002–1.027; p=0.024). The discriminatory capacity for calprotectin to distinguish ultrasonographically active disease in patients with normal CRP levels using AUC was 0.75 (95%CI 0.56–0.90, p=0.023). Conclusions: Calprotectin represents disease activity, even in patients who are clinical and ultrasonographical active but have normal CRP levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Torgutalp
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Serdar Sezer
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | | | - Ebru Us
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Gulay Kinikli
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - Askin Ates
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, and
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27
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Terslev L, Brahe CH, Østergaard M, Fana V, Ammitzbøll-Danielsen M, Møller T, Krabbe S, Hetland ML, Døhn UM. Using a DAS28-CRP-steered treat-to-target strategy does not eliminate subclinical inflammation as assessed by ultrasonography in rheumatoid arthritis patients in longstanding clinical remission. Arthritis Res Ther 2021; 23:48. [PMID: 33522948 PMCID: PMC7849184 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-021-02426-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Subclinical synovitis by ultrasound is a frequent finding in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in remission and has been shown to be related to erosive progression, risk of flare and unsuccessful drug tapering, but it has not been investigated how a DAS28 T2T-steered strategy in routine care affects the presence of subclinical synovitis in RA patients in remission. The aim of the current study was to investigate the presence of ultrasound-detected subclinical inflammation in RA patients in long-term remission receiving either biological or conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARD/csDMARD) and, finally, to investigate the presence of ultrasound remission using different ultrasound remission criteria. Methods Eighty-seven RA patients (42 patients receiving bDMARD and 45 csDMARD) received DAS28-CRP-steered treatment in routine care and had achieved DAS28-CRP-remission for > 1 year without radiographic progression. Twenty-four joints were scored 0–3 by ultrasound (elbows, wrists, knees, ankles, metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints 2–5) for grey-scale synovial hypertrophy (GS) and colour Doppler activity (CD) using the OMERACT scoring system. Ultrasound remission was defined as strict (GS score = 0 and CD score = 0), semi-strict (GS score < 1 and Doppler score = 0) and Doppler remission (Doppler score = 0). Results No differences between treatment groups were found for GS sum score and Doppler sum score (median (range) 6 (0–19) and 0 (0–12), respectively). A Doppler score > 0 in at least 1 joint was seen in 44%, a GS score > 1 in at least 1 joint in 93% and a GS score > 2 in at least 1 joint in 54% of patients. Strict ultrasound remission was only observed in bDMARD patients (7%; p = 0.01). Thirty-seven per cent were in semi-strict ultrasound remission and 56% in Doppler remission (no significant difference between groups) with similar results across the subgroups of patients who also fulfilled the ACR-EULAR Boolean-, CDAI- and SDAI-remission criteria. Conclusions Ultrasound frequently detected subclinical synovitis in RA patients in longstanding DAS28-remission obtained through a DAS28-CRP-steered strategy. This was independent of treatment and applied ultrasound remission criteria. Strict ultrasound remission was rare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lene Terslev
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research (COPECARE), Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Cecilie Heegaard Brahe
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research (COPECARE), Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Østergaard
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research (COPECARE), Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Viktoria Fana
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research (COPECARE), Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mads Ammitzbøll-Danielsen
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research (COPECARE), Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Torsten Møller
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research (COPECARE), Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Simon Krabbe
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research (COPECARE), Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Merete Lund Hetland
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research (COPECARE), Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Uffe Møller Døhn
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research (COPECARE), Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Finzel S, Aegerter P, Schett G, D'Agostino MA. Identification, localization and differentiation of erosions and physiological bone channels by ultrasound in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 59:3784-3792. [PMID: 32417898 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keaa183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Ultrasound (US) can detect cortical bone lesions in RA. However, not all cortical bone lesions are erosions. Herein, we aimed to define whether US can differentiate between physiological bone channels and pathological erosions in RA and to provide topographic description of their differential localization. METHODS RA patients and healthy controls (HC) received US examination of the metacarpophalangeal (MCPJ) and proximal inter-phalangeal (PIPJ) joints adjudicating cortical bone lesions as physiological bone channels or pathological erosions. In a subset of RA patients and HC, high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) of the hand was performed to validate the classification of lesions. RESULTS A total of 40 RA patients and 43 HC were enrolled and totally 771 MCPJ and 638 PIPJ were examined by US, and 94 and 51, respectively, by HR-pQCT. US-defined cortical bone lesions clustered in the lateral part of the MCP (50%) and the dorsal part of the PIPJ (66.7%) in RA. US-defined physiological bone channels clustered in the palmar parts of the MCPJ and PIPJ in both RA (78.8% and 100%, respectively) and HC (51.8% and 80%, respectively). HR-pQCT data confirmed US data with respect to adjudication of physiological bone channels and pathological erosions. Erosions were significantly (all P <0.000001) larger than physiological channels and preferentially localized at radial and ulnar sites, while physiological channels were clustered at palmar sites. Specificity of US was excellent for erosions in RA and for physiological bone channels in HC and RA. CONCLUSION US allows differentiation between physiological channels and bone erosions in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Finzel
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nurnberg and Universitaetsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen.,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Philippe Aegerter
- Laboratoire Vieillissement et Maladies Chroniques, Approches Epidémiologique et de Santé Publiques, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm U1168, Montigny-Le-Bretonneux
| | - Georg Schett
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nurnberg and Universitaetsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen
| | - Maria-Antonietta D'Agostino
- Department of Rheumatology, Université de Versailles St-Quentin-en Yvelines-Paris Saclay, AP-HP, Ambroise Paré Hospital, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
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Kida D, Takahashi N, Kaneko A, Hirano Y, Fujibayashi T, Kanayama Y, Hanabayashi M, Yabe Y, Takagi H, Oguchi T, Kato T, Funahashi K, Matsumoto T, Ando M, Kuwatsuka Y, Tanaka E, Yasuoka H, Kaneko Y, Hirata S, Murakami K, Sobue Y, Nishiume T, Suzuki M, Yokota Y, Terabe K, Asai S, Ishiguro N, Kojima T. A retrospective analysis of the relationship between anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody and the effectiveness of abatacept in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19717. [PMID: 33184461 PMCID: PMC7661716 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76842-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of abatacept (ABA) by anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (ACPA) status on disease activity as well as radiographic progression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in clinical settings. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from a multicenter registry. Data from a total of 553 consecutive RA patients treated with intravenous ABA were included. We primarily compared the status of disease activity (SDAI) and radiographic progression (van der Heijde modified total Sharp score: mTSS) between the ACPA-negative (N = 107) and ACPA-positive (N = 446) groups. 'ACPA positive' was defined as ≥ 13.5 U/mL of anti-CCP antibody. Baseline characteristics between groups were similar. The proportion of patients who achieved low disease activity (LDA; SDAI ≤ 11) at 52 weeks was significantly higher in the ACPA-positive group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified ACPA positivity as an independent predictor for achievement of LDA at 52 weeks. Drug retention rate at 52 weeks estimated by the Kaplan-Meier curve was significantly higher in the ACPA-positive group. Achievement rate of structural remission (ΔmTSS ≤ 0.5) at 52 weeks was similar between groups. ABA treatment demonstrated a significantly higher clinical response and higher drug retention rate in ACPA-positive patients. Progression of joint destruction was similar between the ACPA-negative and ACPA-positive groups. Close attention should be paid to joint destruction even in patients showing a favorable response to ABA, especially when the ACPA status is positive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daihei Kida
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rheumatology, Nagoya Medical Center, 4-1-1 Sanno-maru, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Nobunori Takahashi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rheumatology, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan.
| | - Atsushi Kaneko
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rheumatology, Nagoya Medical Center, 4-1-1 Sanno-maru, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yuji Hirano
- Department of Rheumatology, Toyohashi Municipal Hospital, 50 Hakken-nishi, Aotake-cho, Toyohashi, Japan
| | - Takayoshi Fujibayashi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Konan Kosei Hospital, 137 Oomatsubara, Takaya-cho, Konan, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yasuhide Kanayama
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Toyota Kosei Hospital, 500-1 Ibohara, Josui-cho, Toyota, Aichi, Japan
| | - Masahiro Hanabayashi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Ichinomiya Municipal Hospital, 2-2-22 Bunkyo, Ichinomiya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Yabe
- Department of Rheumatology, Tokyo Shinjuku Medical Center, 5-1 Tsukudo-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideki Takagi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nagoya Central Hospital, 3-7-7 Taiko, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Takeshi Oguchi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Anjo Kosei Hospital, 28 Higashihirokute, Anjo, Aichi, Japan
| | - Takefumi Kato
- Kato Orthopedic Clinic, 8-4 Minami-myoudaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
| | - Koji Funahashi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kariya-Toyota General Hospital, 5-15 Sumiyoshi-cho, Kariya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Takuya Matsumoto
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shizuoka Kosei Hospital, 23 Kitaban-cho, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Masahiko Ando
- Department of Advanced Medicine, Nagoya University Hospital, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yachiyo Kuwatsuka
- Department of Advanced Medicine, Nagoya University Hospital, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Eiichi Tanaka
- Department of Rheumatology, School of Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidekata Yasuoka
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake-cho, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yuko Kaneko
- Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University Hospital, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shintaro Hirata
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Hiroshima University Hospital, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kosaku Murakami
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Kawaharacho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yasumori Sobue
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rheumatology, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Nishiume
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rheumatology, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Mochihito Suzuki
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rheumatology, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Yutaka Yokota
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rheumatology, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Kenya Terabe
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rheumatology, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Shuji Asai
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rheumatology, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Naoki Ishiguro
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rheumatology, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Toshihisa Kojima
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rheumatology, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
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Möller B, Aletaha D, Andor M, Atkinson A, Aubry-Rozier B, Brulhart L, Dan D, Finckh A, Grobéty V, Mandl P, Micheroli R, Nissen MJ, Nydegger AM, Scherer A, Tamborrini G, Ziswiler HR, Zufferey P. Synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis detected by grey scale ultrasound predicts the development of erosions over the next three years. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2020; 59:1556-1565. [PMID: 31630207 PMCID: PMC7310093 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kez460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives To evaluate grey scale US (GSUS) and power Doppler US synovitis (PDUS), separately or in combination (CombUS), to predict joint damage progression in RA. Methods In this cohort study nested in the Swiss RA register, all patients with sequential hand radiographs at their first US assessment were included. We analysed the summations of semi-quantitative GSUS, PDUS and CombUS assessments of both wrists and 16 finger joints (maximum 54 points) at their upper limit of normal, their 50th, 75th or 87.5th percentiles for the progression of joint damage (ΔXray). We adjusted for clinical disease activity measures at baseline, the use of biological DMARDs and other confounders. Results After a median of 35 months, 69 of 250 patients with CombUS (28%), 73 of 259 patients with PDUS (28%) and 75 of 287 patients with available GSUS data (26%) demonstrated joint damage progression. PDUS beyond upper limit of normal (1/54), GSUS and CombUS each at their 50th (9/54 and 10/54) and their 75th percentiles (14/54 and 15/54) were significantly associated with ΔXray in crude and adjusted models. In subgroup analyses, GSUS beyond 14/54 and CombUS higher than 15/54 remained significantly associated with ΔXray in patients on biological DMARDs, while clinical disease activity measures had no significant prognostic power in this subgroup. Conclusion Higher levels of GSUS and CombUS are associated with the development of erosions. GSUS appears to be an essential component of synovitis assessment and an independent predictor of joint damage progression in patients on biological DMARDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burkhard Möller
- Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Inselspital, University Hospital of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Aletaha
- Medical Department III, Rheumatology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Andrew Atkinson
- Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Inselspital, University Hospital of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,SCQM statistics group, Zurich
| | | | | | - Diana Dan
- Rheumatology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne
| | - Axel Finckh
- Rheumatology, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva
| | | | - Peter Mandl
- Medical Department III, Rheumatology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Elangovan S, Tan YK. The Role of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Imaging in Rheumatoid Arthritis. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2020; 46:1841-1853. [PMID: 32446676 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2020.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) is gaining popularity among rheumatologists, especially in the context of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) joint assessment, as it is a non-invasive, radiation-free imaging modality that is relatively easy to set up in a clinic setting. Although ultrasonography (US) is often regarded as being operator dependent with associated reproducibility issues, the use of consensus-based scoring system along with standardized definition of joint inflammation in RA has been shown to improve its performance/reliability as an outcome measurement tool. Through this review article, we have (i) gone through the principle US findings in RA joint assessment, (ii) discussed various scoring systems for evaluation of US joint pathologies, (iii) described the literature in the use of US in areas of RA diagnosis and disease prognostication and (iv) examined the findings of recent major randomized controlled trials incorporating US as monitoring tools to help target treatment in RA. By doing so, we hope to provide clinicians with an insight into the role of musculoskeletal US imaging in areas of RA diagnosis, prognosis and disease monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakktivel Elangovan
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.
| | - York Kiat Tan
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore; Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Kawashiri SY, Endo Y, Okamoto M, Tsuji S, Shimizu T, Sumiyoshi R, Koga T, Iwamoto N, Ichinose K, Tamai M, Nakamura H, Origuchi T, Kawakami A. Contributing factors of clinical outcomes at 1 year post-diagnosis in early rheumatoid arthritis patients with tightly controlled disease activity in clinical practice: a retrospective study. Mod Rheumatol 2020; 31:343-349. [PMID: 32654596 DOI: 10.1080/14397595.2020.1795392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine whether specific parameters contribute to clinical outcomes at 1 year post-diagnosis in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients under the 'treat-to-target' strategy in clinical practice. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 125 RA patients selected according to the following criteria; the patients' symptom duration was ≤6 months, and none had experience with DMARDs. We evaluated the patients' clinical disease activity at baseline and 1 year of treatment and the musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS)-detected synovitis activity at baseline. We performed an analysis to identify parameters that contribute to SDAI remission and the use of biologic/targeted synthetic (b/ts) DMARDs at 1 year post-diagnosis. RESULTS Forty-seven patients received b/tsDMARDs therapy, and 58 patients achieved SDAI remission at 1 year post-diagnosis. Rheumatoid factor positivity, low patient's/evaluator's global assessment at baseline, and methotrexate use at 1 year post-diagnosis were associated with SDAI remission. The baseline clinical disease activity and MSUS scores were not associated with SDAI remission. Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody positivity/high titer and high swollen joint counts or the presence of severe synovial hypertrophy at baseline were associated with the use of b/tsDMARDs therapy. CONCLUSION The value of the expected poor-prognosis factors may be diminished by intensive therapy within the 'windows of opportunity'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin-Ya Kawashiri
- Departments of Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan.,Immunology and Rheumatology, Division of Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yushiro Endo
- Immunology and Rheumatology, Division of Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Momoko Okamoto
- Immunology and Rheumatology, Division of Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Sosuke Tsuji
- Immunology and Rheumatology, Division of Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Toshimasa Shimizu
- Immunology and Rheumatology, Division of Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Remi Sumiyoshi
- Immunology and Rheumatology, Division of Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Koga
- Immunology and Rheumatology, Division of Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Naoki Iwamoto
- Immunology and Rheumatology, Division of Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kunihiro Ichinose
- Immunology and Rheumatology, Division of Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Mami Tamai
- Immunology and Rheumatology, Division of Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hideki Nakamura
- Immunology and Rheumatology, Division of Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Tomoki Origuchi
- Immunology and Rheumatology, Division of Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kawakami
- Immunology and Rheumatology, Division of Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
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Mandl P, Studenic P, Supp G, Durechova M, Haider S, Lehner M, Stamm T, Smolen JS, Aletaha D. Doubtful swelling on clinical examination reflects synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis 2020; 12:1759720X20933489. [PMID: 32612711 PMCID: PMC7309376 DOI: 10.1177/1759720x20933489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims The aim of this study was to evaluate the implication of doubtful joint swelling on clinical examination with respect to objective markers of synovitis by ultrasound (US) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods Two independent observers performed a modified 28 swollen joint assessment (28SJC), in which joints could be graded as either definitely swollen, non-swollen, or doubtfully swollen. Two examiners blinded to clinical information performed US assessment of the hands. We performed descriptive statistics and models to analyse the links between clinical assessment and objective markers of inflammation. Results A total of 1204 joints were evaluated in 43 RA patients; 93% (40/43) of patients had ⩾1 joint with doubtful swelling (range: 0-4/patient). Inter-reader reliability for the modified 28SJC was good (0.74). Generally, both grey scale (GS) and power Doppler (PD) discriminated across not swollen, doubtful, and swollen joints. GS signals discriminated better than PD between doubtful swelling and no swelling [odds ratio (OR) for GS: 5.2; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2-23.3 versus OR for PD 1.7; 95% CI 0.2-13.0], whereas PD discriminated better than GS between swelling and doubtful swelling (OR for PD: 28.7; 95% CI 3.6-228.2 versus GS: 1.7; 95% CI 0.3-8.4). Joint osteophytes did not increase the degree of doubtfulness. Conclusion Clinical doubt in the assessment of joint swelling constitutes an intermediate state between unequivocal swelling and the lack thereof also regarding the objectively quantified level of inflammation. In order to increase sensitivity for joint inflammation, the historical clinical approach of considering doubtful swelling the absence of swelling should be revisited to interpret clinical doubtfulness as an indication of swelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Mandl
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, 18-20, Währinger Gürtel, Vienna, 1180, Austria
| | - Paul Studenic
- Department of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gabriela Supp
- Department of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martina Durechova
- Department of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefanie Haider
- Orthopedic Hospital Speising, Institute of Physical Medicine und Orthopaedic Rehabilitation, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michaela Lehner
- Department of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tanja Stamm
- Center for Medical Statistics, Informatics, and Intelligent Systems, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Daniel Aletaha
- Department of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Zhao J, Wang Y, Geng Y, Zhang X, Deng X, Ji L, Song Z, Zhang Z. Intensive therapy alleviates subclinical synovitis on ultrasound and disease activity and reduces flare in rheumatoid arthritis patients who have achieved clinical target - a randomized controlled trial. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2020; 50:673-679. [PMID: 32512262 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2020.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Whether intensive therapy can alleviate subclinical synovitis and reduce flare in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in clinical remission remains unclear. We designed a 1-year open-labelled, randomized controlled clinical trial to elucidate this question. METHODS RA patients in clinical remission/low disease activity (defined by DAS28-CRP≤ 3.2), however with subclinical synovitis on ultrasound [power Doppler (PD)≥1 and/or gray scale (GS)≥2] were randomized to receive maintenance or intensive treatment at a ratio of 1:1. The primary outcome was the rate of RA relapse (defined by DAS28-CRP>3.2 and an increase≥0.6). The secondary outcomes were changes of PD and GS scores, and clinical disease activity at each visit from baseline. RESULTS 108 patients with 54 in each group were enrolled. During 1-year follow-up, the relapse rate was significantly higher in maintenance group than in intensive group, regardless of all enrolled patients or those in remission [24.1% (13/54) vs. 9.1% (5/54), p=0.039; 26.2% (11/42) vs. 5.3% (2/38), p=0.026, respectively]. Although GS and PD scores were decreased at 12 months in both groups, the decline was more remarkable in intensive group than in maintenance group. The improvement of clinical disease activity score was only observed in intensive group, not maintenance group. Adverse events were comparable between two groups. Abnormal liver function tests were observed in 24 (22%) patients with 16 from intensive group. CONCLUSION Intensive therapy can alleviate subclinical synovitis on ultrasound and clinical disease activity, and prevent relapse in RA patients who have achieved clinical remission or low disease activity, with comparable safety profiles to maintenance therapy. REGISTRATION NUMBER ChiCTR2000029279.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Yan Geng
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Xuerong Deng
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Lanlan Ji
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Zhibo Song
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Zhuoli Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China.
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Treat-to-target strategies aiming at additional ultrasound remission is associated with better control of disease activity and less flare in rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Rheumatol 2020; 40:113-121. [PMID: 32514681 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-020-05186-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Treat-to-target (T2T) strategy has greatly improved the prognosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the additional benefit of targeting ultrasound (US) remission in addition to clinical remission has been debated. METHODS RA patients in clinical remission or low disease activity were enrolled. They were assorted into two groups according to the principle of T2T strategy adopted. In clinical group, treatment decision was made with the aim of maintaining DAS28(ESR) ≤ 3.2 only, while in clinical US group, the aim was to attain total power Doppler (PD) US score = 0 in addition to DAS28(ESR) ≤ 3.2. The time-averaged DAS28, flare, and changes of treatment strategy were compared. RESULTS One hundred ninety-four patients completed 1-year follow-up, with 100 in clinical US and 94 in clinical group. Compared to clinical group, time-averaged DAS28 in clinical US group was significantly lower (1.89 ± 0.51 vs. 2.33 ± 0.71, P < 0.01) with less flare (20.0% vs. 36.2%, P < 0.05). Furthermore, at the end of 1 year, significantly more patients successfully achieved step-down therapy (66.0% vs. 44.7%, P < 0.01) and dramatically fewer patients with step-up therapy in the clinical US group (13.0% vs. 25.5%, P < 0.05) compared to clinical group. In clinical US group, baseline DAS28(ESR) > 2.29, presence of subclinical synovitis, and step-down strategy were independent risk factors for relapse after clinical remission or low disease activity was achieved. CONCLUSIONS An US-driven T2T in addition to current clinical remission strategy is associated with better control of the disease activity, reduction of relapse, as well as long-term step-down therapy. Step-down strategy should be carefully applied to the patients with baseline DAS28(ESR) over 2.29 and presence of subclinical synovitis even after they have achieved clinical remission or low disease activity. Key Points • Targeting ultrasound remission in addition to current T2T strategy is associated with a better control of RA. • Step-down strategy should be cautiously considered in those with DAS28(ESR) > 2.29 and baseline subclinical synovitis after they have achieved clinical remission or low disease activity.
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Angiogenic cytokines can reflect the synovitis severity and treatment response to biologics in rheumatoid arthritis. Exp Mol Med 2020; 52:843-853. [PMID: 32461558 PMCID: PMC7272442 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-020-0443-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis and synoviocyte hyperplasia, called 'pannus,' are pathologic hallmarks of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To determine the clinical significance of angiogenic cytokines in RA, the levels of pro-angiogenic cytokines, including VEGF, placenta growth factor (PlGF), and IL-6, were measured in the synovial fluid (SF, n = 54) and sera of RA patients (n = 157) using ELISA. Patients (n = 103) with disease activity score 28 (DAS28) > 3.2, which indicates moderate to high RA activity, underwent follow-up blood sampling at 6 months after treatment with conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (c-DMARD) or biologic DMARD (b-DMARD) including an anti-TNFα antibody, an anti-IL-6 antibody, and abatacept. Ultrasonography (US) was performed on affected joints to define the synovitis severity at the time of sampling. Consequently, in the SF of RA patients, PlGF and IL-6 levels correlated well with synovitis severity determined by US. In RA sera, VEGF and IL-6 levels were elevated in proportion to synovitis severity, correlating with conventional markers for disease activity, including ESR, CRP, and DAS28. In c-DMARD users (n = 53), serially monitored levels of serum VEGF, IL-6, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) all decreased in good and moderate responders but not in nonresponders. In b-DMARD users (n = 49), only serum VEGF well represented the treatment response, while CRP nonspecifically decreased irrespective of the treatment outcome. By multivariable analysis, serum ΔVEGF, but not ΔESR or ΔCRP, was an independent factor associated with good and moderate responses to DMARD. In summary, the angiogenic cytokines PlGF and VEGF represent the synovitis severity of RA assessed by US. In patients receiving b-DMARD, serum VEGF may be more valuable than CRP in reflecting the treatment response.
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Nakabo S, Tsuji Y, Inagaki M, Tsuji H, Nakajima T, Murakami K, Terao C, Hashimoto M, Furu M, Tanaka M, Ito H, Fujii T, Mimori T, Fujii Y. Severe joint deformity and patient global assessment of disease are associated with discrepancies between sonographic and clinical remission: A cross-sectional study of rheumatoid arthritis patients. Mod Rheumatol 2020; 31:334-342. [PMID: 32243209 DOI: 10.1080/14397595.2020.1751922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although recent clinical trials showed that ultrasound (US) remission is not required to achieve good outcomes at the group level, it currently remains unclear whether the prognosis of individual patients in clinical remission, but not US remission, i.e. those with subclinical sonographic synovitis (SSS), is favorable. However, it is no longer acceptable to perform US on all patients in order to identify those with SSS. Therefore, the present study was initiated to elucidate the conditions under which SSS is frequently detected. METHODS In total, 563 consecutive RA patients were recruited. Bilateral 2-5 MCP, wrist, ankle, and 2-5 MTP joints were scanned by US, and Gray scale and Power Doppler (PD) images were scored semi-quantitatively. Clinical data were obtained by physicians who were blind to US results. Changes in the modified Total Sharp Score (mTSS) of tocilizumab (TCZ) users were calculated. RESULTS A total of 402 patients were included. SSS was more frequently detected in patients with more severe joint deformity, even if they were in remission. In contrast, a high Patient Global Assessment of Disease (PtGA) did not reflect SSS. Furthermore, the relationship between PtGA and PD scores was weak. Although the frequency of SSS was high in TCZ user, the presence of SSS in TCZ users not always results in the progression of mTSS. CONCLUSIONS While remission is overestimated in patients with severe joint deformity, underestimations may occur in those who do not fulfill remission criteria because of a high PtGA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuichiro Nakabo
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuko Tsuji
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Clinical Ultrasound Laboratory, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Maiko Inagaki
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Clinical Ultrasound Laboratory, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hideaki Tsuji
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Toshiki Nakajima
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kosaku Murakami
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Chikashi Terao
- Laboratory for Statistical and Translational Genetics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan.,Clinical Research Center, Shizuoka General Hospital, Shizuoka, Japan.,The Department of Applied Genetics, the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Motomu Hashimoto
- Department of Advanced Medicine for Rheumatic Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Moritoshi Furu
- Department of Advanced Medicine for Rheumatic Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masao Tanaka
- Department of Advanced Medicine for Rheumatic Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiromu Ito
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takao Fujii
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Tsuneyo Mimori
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Ijinkai Takeda General Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yasutomo Fujii
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Clinical Ultrasound Laboratory, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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Lillegraven S, Haavardsholm EA. Subclinical Treatment Targets in Rheumatology: Lessons from Randomized Clinical Trials in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2020; 45:593-604. [PMID: 31564299 DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2019.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
In treat-to-target strategies, choosing the correct target is fundamental to success. The target should be associated with future good outcomes for the patient. Most rheumatic diseases are characterized by inflammation, affecting different tissues depending on the condition. Low-grade, subclinical inflammation is by definition not apparent on clinical examination, but may have significant long-term consequences for the individual. It has thus been debated whether targeting subclinical inflammation would improve long-term outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis. The authors use rheumatoid arthritis as an example to describe and discuss the status of subclinical targets in treat-to-target strategies within rheumatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siri Lillegraven
- Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, PO Box 23 Vinderen, N-0319 Oslo, Norway
| | - Espen A Haavardsholm
- Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, PO Box 23 Vinderen, N-0319 Oslo, Norway; Department of Health Management and Health Economics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
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Mandl P, Aletaha D. The role of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging for treat to target in rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2020; 58:2091-2098. [PMID: 31518423 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kez397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 08/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The treat-to-target (T2T) approach has revolutionized the way we treat patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. Recent attention has focused on imaging techniques, in particular musculoskeletal ultrasound and MRI as a focus for T2T strategies. Recently, a number of randomized clinical trials have been performed that compared tight clinical control vs control augmented by imaging techniques. While the three published trials have concluded that imaging does not add to tight clinical care, implementing imaging into the T2T strategy has actual advantages, such as the detection of subclinical involvement, and information on joint involvement/pathology and may possess potential advantages as evidenced by certain secondary endpoints. This review examines the findings of these studies and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating imaging into the T2T strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Mandl
- Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniel Aletaha
- Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Kuettel D, Glinatsi D, Østergaard M, Terslev L, Primdahl J, Möller S, Pedersen A, Petersen R, Weber U, Hørslev-Petersen K. Serial magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound examinations demonstrate differential inflammatory lesion patterns in soft tissue and bone upon patient-reported flares in rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Res Ther 2020; 22:19. [PMID: 32014018 PMCID: PMC6998154 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-020-2105-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography (US) are more sensitive than clinical evaluation in assessing inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Data is scarce regarding potential link between patient-reported flares and inflammation on imaging. The aim of the study was to explore the pattern and longitudinal associations of inflammatory lesions detected by serial MRI and US in relation to patient-reported flares in patients with RA. METHODS Eighty RA patients with baseline DAS28CRP < 3.2 and no swollen joints were examined at baseline and followed for 1 year. Patients were requested to contact the hospital in case of patient-reported hand flare accompanied by ≥ 1 tender and swollen joint. The 29 patients who reported hand flare had four extra visits within 4 months from flare onset comprising clinical examination, patient-reported outcomes, MRI, and US of wrists and hands. MRI synovitis/tenosynovitis/bone marrow edema (BME) and US synovitis/tenosynovitis were scored. MRI and US scores at and after the flare were compared to baseline before the flare, and associations were explored by linear mixed models for repeated measurements. RESULTS Synovitis and tenosynovitis by MRI/US increased significantly at flare onset. Synovitis waned quickly, as did US tenosynovitis. BME showed delayed increase yet persisted, once the patient-reported flare had resolved, as did MRI tenosynovitis. In univariate models, patient-reported flares were associated with all MRI and US inflammatory markers, except for BME, which was only associated with SJC28 and long-lasting flares > 14 days. Independent associations were observed between patient-reported flares and tenosynovitis by MRI and US (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Patient-reported flares were linked to inflammation detected by serial MRI and US. Differential patterns of inflammatory lesion evolution were observed by serial imaging with early synovial and tenosynovial inflammation, followed by delayed-onset BME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Kuettel
- Danish Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Engelshøjgade 9A, DK-6400, Sønderborg, Denmark. .,Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Winsløwparken 19, C 5000, Odense, Denmark.
| | - Daniel Glinatsi
- Department of Rheumatology, Skaraborg Hospital, Lövängsvägen, 541 42, Skövde, Sweden.,Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research (COPECARE), Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Nordre Ringvej 57, 2600, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Østergaard
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research (COPECARE), Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Nordre Ringvej 57, 2600, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Lene Terslev
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research (COPECARE), Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Nordre Ringvej 57, 2600, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Jette Primdahl
- Danish Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Engelshøjgade 9A, DK-6400, Sønderborg, Denmark.,Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Winsløwparken 19, C 5000, Odense, Denmark.,Hospital of Southern Denmark, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Kresten Philipsens Vej 15, 6200, Aabenraa, Denmark
| | - Sören Möller
- OPEN - Open Patient data Explorative Network, Odense University Hospital and Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 9 A, C 5000, Odense, Denmark
| | - Andreas Pedersen
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Winsløwparken 19, C 5000, Odense, Denmark
| | - Randi Petersen
- Danish Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Engelshøjgade 9A, DK-6400, Sønderborg, Denmark
| | - Ulrich Weber
- Danish Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Engelshøjgade 9A, DK-6400, Sønderborg, Denmark.,Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Winsløwparken 19, C 5000, Odense, Denmark
| | - Kim Hørslev-Petersen
- Danish Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Engelshøjgade 9A, DK-6400, Sønderborg, Denmark.,Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Winsløwparken 19, C 5000, Odense, Denmark
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Bradford CM, McDonnell T, Raj D, Robinson GA, Cole A, Ramakrishnan S, González-Serrano R, Mak J, Eskiocak YC, Isenberg DA, Ciurtin C, Jury EC, Manson JJ. Characterization of a Subset of Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis for Whom Current Management Strategies are Inadequate. ACR Open Rheumatol 2019; 1:145-155. [PMID: 31777790 PMCID: PMC6857995 DOI: 10.1002/acr2.1021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective A subset of patients with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) do not mount a C‐reactive protein (CRP) response during flares. We hypothesize that these patients are more likely to experience poor clinical care and less likely to respond to traditional therapy. This study questioned whether this presentation was associated with worse disease outcome and distinct immunological features. Methods Using Power Doppler ultrasound, 48 RA patients with active synovitis were recruited; 30 had normal (n)CRP (5 mg/L or less) and 18 had high (h)CRP (more than 5 mg/L) levels. All had equivalent disease burden assessed by other clinical and laboratory parameters. Results Time to diagnosis and time to first disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug were significantly longer in nCRP compared with hCRP patients (P < 0.05). Significantly more nCRP patients needed escalation to biologics after 2‐year follow‐up (P = 0.01). The inflammatory milieu was also different between the two subgroups. Synergy between inflammatory cytokines observed in hCRP patients was lost in nCRP patients, and nCRP patients had significantly increased regulatory T‐cell (Treg) frequencies that correlated positively with predictors of poor disease outcome. Conversely, hCRP but not nCRP patients demonstrated a significant upregulation of alternative complement pathway factors that correlated negatively with Treg frequency. Conclusion Patients with nCRP during flares of RA had an altered immunological profile compared with hCRP patients and experienced diagnostic delays and responded less favorably to conventional treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Andrew Cole
- University College London Hospital London UK
| | | | | | | | | | - David A Isenberg
- University College London and University College London Hospital London UK
| | - Coziana Ciurtin
- University College London and University College London Hospital London UK
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43
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Prediction of recurrence and remission using superb microvascular imaging in rheumatoid arthritis. J Med Ultrason (2001) 2019; 47:131-138. [DOI: 10.1007/s10396-019-00978-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Ventura-Ríos L, Sánchez Bringas G, Hernández-Díaz C, Cruz-Arenas E, Burgos-Vargas R. Subclinical synovitis and tenosynovitis by ultrasonography (US) 7 score in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with synthetic drugs, in clinical remission by DAS28. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 15:e5-e9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reuma.2017.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Girolimetto N, Macchioni P, Tinazzi I, Costa L, Peluso R, Tasso M, Bascherini V, Addimanda O, Marchetta A, Possemato N, Salvarani C, McGonagle D, Scarpa R, Caso F. Predominant ultrasonographic extracapsular changes in symptomatic psoriatic dactylitis: results from a multicenter cross-sectional study comparing symptomatic and asymptomatic hand dactylitis. Clin Rheumatol 2019; 39:1157-1165. [PMID: 31302859 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-019-04683-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite diffuse digital swelling, dactylitis may sometimes be asymptomatic. The objective of this study was to compare the clinical and ultrasonographic features of symptomatic with asymptomatic psoriatic arthritis (PsA) dactylitis. METHODS One hundred and twenty-five hand dactylitis were evaluated in a multicenter cross-sectional study for the presence of pain, subjective functional limitation, and tenderness (4-points scale) with the calculation of a Leeds Dactylitis Index (LDI) score. Fingers were subsequently investigated using high-frequency ultrasound (US) both in gray-scale (GS) and power Doppler (PD), for the presence and grading of flexor tenosynovitis, soft tissue edema, subcutaneous PD signal (PDUS), extensor tendon involvement, and joints synovitis. Clinical and US characteristics of symptomatic dactylitic fingers were compared with the asymptomatic dactylitic ones. RESULTS Symptomatic fingers (n = 80) had a significantly lower dactylitis duration compared to asymptomatic fingers (n = 36) (p < 0.001). Values of LDI, patient VAS-pain, and VAS-functional score were significantly higher in fingers with symptomatic dactylitis (p < 0.001 and p = 0.010, respectively). Symptomatic dactylitis had a higher prevalence of flexor tenosynovitis of grade > 2, soft tissue edema and subcutaneous PDUS signal (p < 0.001). Asymptomatic dactylitis showed a greater prevalence of joint synovitis (both in GS and in PD) than symptomatic dactylitis (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Digital tenderness and pain are linked to US tenosynovitis of grade > 2 and extra synovial abnormalities and conversely asymptomatic dactylitis is associated with joint-based synovitis.Key Points• Digital tenderness and local pain in psoriatic arthritis dactylitis are strongly associated with flexor tenosynovitis of grade> 2, soft tissue edema, and subcutaneous PD signal.• In psoriatic arthritis, asymptomatic dactylitis showed a greater prevalence of joint synovitis than symptomatic dactylitis.• In psoriatic arthritis, ultrasound inflammatory abnormalities are present in about 70% of cold dactylitis which is linked for disease chronicity.• In psoriatic arthritis, the flexor tendon and adjacent soft tissues play a significant role in symptomatic dactylitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolò Girolimetto
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University Federico II, via S. Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Macchioni
- Department of Rheumatology, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Ilaria Tinazzi
- Rheumatology Unit, Ospedale Sacro Cuore, Negrar, Verona, Italy
| | - Luisa Costa
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University Federico II, via S. Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosario Peluso
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University Federico II, via S. Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Tasso
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University Federico II, via S. Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Vittoria Bascherini
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University Federico II, via S. Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Olga Addimanda
- Department of Rheumatology, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | | | - Niccolò Possemato
- Department of Rheumatology, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Carlo Salvarani
- Department of Rheumatology, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy.,Rheumatology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Dennis McGonagle
- NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust and the University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Raffaele Scarpa
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University Federico II, via S. Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
| | - Francesco Caso
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University Federico II, via S. Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
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Lighter D, Filer A, Dehghani H. Detecting inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis using Fourier transform analysis of dorsal optical transmission images from a pilot study. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS 2019; 24:1-12. [PMID: 31222990 PMCID: PMC6977034 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.24.6.066008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
A clinical need exists for low-cost and noninvasive imaging tools capable of detecting inflammation in the joints of inflammatory arthritis patients. Previous studies have reported an optical contrast between inflamed and noninflamed joints resulting from distinct absorption and scattering properties. Accurate classification using nonocclusion-based continuous wave, transillumination imaging was limited to patient-specific changes during follow-up examination as opposed to single time-point examination, which was attributed to high intersubject variability. In distinction from previous work, optical images were acquired from the dorsal side with illumination on the palmar side and features about the spatial distribution of transmitted light along the joint were assessed using a normalized Fourier transform method. Results using this approach demonstrated an area under receiver operator curve of up to 0.888 for detecting inflammation in a pilot study involving single time-point examination of 144 joints from 21 rheumatology patients. This workflow may enable future development of clinically viable, low-cost devices for assessing inflammation in arthritis patients, without the need for cuff occlusion or comparison to baseline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Lighter
- University of Birmingham, Sci-Phy-4-Health Centre for Doctoral Training, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Filer
- University of Birmingham, Rheumatology, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Hamid Dehghani
- University of Birmingham, School of Computer Science, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Rubin DA. MR and ultrasound of the hands and wrists in rheumatoid arthritis. Part II. Added clinical value. Skeletal Radiol 2019; 48:837-857. [PMID: 30806723 DOI: 10.1007/s00256-019-03180-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 02/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Advanced imaging has become just as vital for diagnosing, staging, and monitoring disease in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients as it is for cancer patients. Part 1 of this review discussed synovitis, tenosynovitis, erosions, and osteitis-key imaging findings that occur in patients with RA. Part 2 will now show how these features, in combination with clinical and serologic data, can assist clinical decision-making at various stages of a patient's disease course. Specifically, assessing current disease activity and prognosticating future aggressiveness inform treatment decisions at initial presentation, during medical treatment, and at clinical remission. In addition to summarizing the current literature on advanced imaging in RA, clinical examples from different stages throughout the disease course will illustrate practical approaches for applying these research results. Last, this review will describe potential future roles of imaging in RA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Rubin
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 510 South Kingshighway Blvd., St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
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48
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Sun X, Deng X, Xie W, Wang L, Wang Y, Zhang Z. The agreement between ultrasound-determined joint inflammation and clinical signs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Res Ther 2019; 21:100. [PMID: 30995934 PMCID: PMC6471966 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-019-1892-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ultrasound (US) is sensitive for detecting joint and tendon inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). So far, which grade of abnormalities on US corresponds to clinical manifestations is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the agreement between US-detected joint inflammation and clinical signs (joint swelling and tenderness). Methods In this cross-sectional study, 22 joints of the wrists and hands were, respectively, evaluated by physical examination (PE) and ultrasound in RA patients. Gray scale (GS) and power Doppler (PD) of synovitis, detected by ultrasound, were graded by semi-quantitative scoring systems (0–3). Tenosynovitis and peritendinitis were assessed qualitatively (0/1). Results A total of 258 consecutive RA patients were included, with median disease duration of 57 months and mean Disease Activity Score based on 28 joints (DAS28)-ESR/DAS28-CRP of 4.47/3.99. In a total of 5676 joints assessed, the overall concordance rate between positive clinical signs and ultrasound-determined joint inflammation was fair (κ = 0.365, p < 0.01). In wrists, joint tenderness showed higher κ coefficient (κ = 0.329, p < 0.01) with ultrasound-determined joint inflammation than swelling (κ = 0.263, p < 0.01); however, swelling showed higher κ coefficient (κ = 0.156–0.536, p < 0.01) with ultrasound-determined joint inflammation than tenderness (κ = 0.061–0.355, p < 0.01) in metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints. Synovitis had consistently higher agreement with tenderness and swelling than tenosynovitis/peritendinitis. Tenderness and swelling had the highest κ coefficient with GS ≥ 1 synovial hyperplasia in most MCP and PIP joints, while with GS ≥ 2 synovial hyperplasia in wrists. For all 22 joints, PD ≥ 1 synovitis had the highest κ coefficient with clinical tenderness and swelling. Conclusions Synovitis had better agreement with clinical signs than tenosynovitis/peritendinitis. Joint swelling showed better agreement with US-determined inflammation than tenderness for MCP and PIP joints, while the opposite for wrists. Both tenderness and swelling are more likely to correspond to GS ≥ 2 for wrists, GS ≥ 1 for MCP and PIP joints, and PD ≥ 1 for any joint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Sun
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking University First Hospital, No. 8 Xishiku Street, West District, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Xuerong Deng
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking University First Hospital, No. 8 Xishiku Street, West District, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Wenhui Xie
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking University First Hospital, No. 8 Xishiku Street, West District, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Liujun Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking University First Hospital, No. 8 Xishiku Street, West District, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking University First Hospital, No. 8 Xishiku Street, West District, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Zhuoli Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking University First Hospital, No. 8 Xishiku Street, West District, Beijing, 100034, China.
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Han N, Tian X. Detection of subclinical synovial hypertrophy by musculoskeletal gray-scale/ power Doppler ultrasonography in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: A cross-sectional study. Int J Rheum Dis 2019; 22:1058-1069. [PMID: 30834675 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.13525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2018] [Revised: 01/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Laboratory investigations are invasive methods. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has a small field of view. Ultrasound can be performed at multiple parts of the body. The objective of the study was to find out subclinical synovial hypertrophy in systemic lupus erythematosus patients using gray-scale/power Doppler ultrasonography. METHODS A total of 247 systemic lupus erythematosus (without musculoskeletal involvement) patients from 21 February 2017 to 28 October 2018 were included in the cross-sectional study. Patients were subjected to physical examinations, laboratory tests, and gray-scale/power Doppler ultrasonography examinations. Synovial hypertrophy was confirmed if it was present in at least 4 out of 100 of the examined location sites. MRI examinations were performed for confirmation purposes. Spearman correlation was performed between imaging and laboratory investigations at the 99% confidence level. RESULTS No correlation was observed for results of synovial hypertrophy between physical examinations/laboratory tests and gray-scale/power Doppler ultrasonography examinations except erythrocyte sedimentation rate (r = 0.354). Cost of laboratory tests (315.47 ± 19.15 ¥/person) for subclinical synovial hypertrophy detection was higher than that of gray-scale/power Doppler ultrasonography examinations (135.47 ± 8.17 ¥/person, P <0.0001, q = 230.87). Results of gray-scale/power Doppler ultrasonography have a correlation with results of MRI (r = 0.34). CONCLUSION Only perform gray-scale/power Doppler ultrasonography examinations for regular maintenance of rheumatologic disease in systemic lupus erythematosus patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Han
- Department of Ultrasonography, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiliang Tian
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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Chung MK, Park B, Kim IJ, Cho SK, Kim D, Sung YK, Choi CB, Choe JY, Chung WT, Hong SJ, Kim TH, Koh E, Lee SS, Yoon BY, Park H, Bae SC, Lee J. Clinical outcomes of patients with active rheumatoid arthritis with normal acute phase reactant values. Int J Rheum Dis 2019; 22:852-859. [PMID: 30677239 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.13469] [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: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM Despite high clinical disease activity, some patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have normal acute phase reactant (APR) values. This study aimed to determine the clinical outcomes of active RA patients with normal APR values. METHOD Of 5376 patients with RA enrolled in the Korean observational study network for arthritis (KORONA) registry, 400 patients with disease duration of <2 years who had Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) score of >2.8 at baseline, biologic-naïve, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) drawn at both baseline and 2-year follow-up visits were identified. Patients were grouped according to baseline APR levels: normal APRs, one APR elevated, and both APRs elevated. RESULTS Baseline tender and swollen joint counts, mean CDAI and Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) scores were significantly lower in the normal APRs group compared with APR-elevated groups (P < 0.0001). At 2-year follow-up, mean CDAI scores, HAQ-DI, and percentage of the patient achieving remission were not significantly different between the normal APRs group compared with the APR-elevated groups regardless of the baseline disease activity. However, in patients with baseline CDAI moderate to high disease activity, the normal APRs group less frequently required initiation of the biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs compared with the APR-elevated groups (P = 0.044). CONCLUSION Active RA patients with normal APR values have milder disease presentation, but similar clinical outcomes to those with elevated APRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Kyung Chung
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Bohyun Park
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - In Je Kim
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soo-Kyung Cho
- Clinical Research Center for Rheumatoid Arthritis (CRCRA), Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Rheumatology, Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dam Kim
- Clinical Research Center for Rheumatoid Arthritis (CRCRA), Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Rheumatology, Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yoon-Kyoung Sung
- Clinical Research Center for Rheumatoid Arthritis (CRCRA), Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Rheumatology, Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chan-Bum Choi
- Clinical Research Center for Rheumatoid Arthritis (CRCRA), Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Rheumatology, Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung-Yoon Choe
- Department of Rheumatology, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Won Tae Chung
- Department of Rheumatology, Dong-A University Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - Seung-Jae Hong
- Department of Rheumatology, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tae-Hwan Kim
- Department of Rheumatology, Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eunmi Koh
- Department of Rheumatology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Shin-Seok Lee
- Department of Rheumatology, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hospital, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Bo Young Yoon
- Department of Rheumatology, Inje University Ilsan Paik Hospital, Goyang, Korea
| | - Hyesook Park
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang-Cheol Bae
- Clinical Research Center for Rheumatoid Arthritis (CRCRA), Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Rheumatology, Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jisoo Lee
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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