Effectiveness of ultrasound treatment applied with exercise therapy on patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

Efficacy and safety of non-pharmacological and non-biological interventions: a systematic literature review informing the 2022 update of the ASAS/EULAR recommendations for the management of axial spondyloarthritis

OBJECTIVE

To update the evidence of non-biological treatments for axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), as a basis for the 2022 Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society-European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (ASAS-EULAR) recommendations for the management of axSpA.

METHODS

A systematic literature review (2016-2021) on efficacy and safety of non-pharmacological and non-biological pharmacological treatments was performed, up to 1 January 2022. The research question was formulated according to the PICO format: Population: adult patients with r-axSpA and nr-axSpA; Intervention: non-pharmacological and non-biological pharmacological treatments; Comparator: active comparator or placebo; Outcomes: all relevant efficacy and safety outcomes. Type of studies included were: randomised controlled trials (RCTs), observational studies (for efficacy of non-pharmacological treatments, and safety), qualitative studies. Cohen's effect size (ES) was calculated for non-pharmacological and risk ratio (RR) for pharmacological treatments.

RESULTS

Of 107 publications included, 63 addressed non-pharmacological interventions, including education (n=8) and exercise (n=20). The ES for education on disease activity, function, mobility was small to moderate (eg. Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), ES: 0.06-0.59). Exercise had moderate to high ES on these outcomes (eg.

BASDAI, ES

0.14-1.43). Six RCTs on targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) showed efficacy of tofacitinib, upadacitinib and filgotinib (phase 2 only) in r-axSpA (range RR vs placebo for ASAS20: 1.91-3.10), while apremilast and nilotinib were not efficacious. Studies on conventional synthetic DMARDs (n=3), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, n=8) and other drugs (n=12) did not provide new evidence on efficacy/safety (efficacy of NSAIDs confirmed; limited efficacy of short-term glucocorticoids in one RCT).

CONCLUSIONS

Education, exercise and NSAIDs confirmed to be efficacious in axSpA. JAKi were proved efficacious in r-axSpA.

Spectrum of Spondyloarthritis Among Chinese Populations

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review aims to emphasize interesting and important new findings with a focus on the spectrum of spondyloarthritis (SpA) in China.

RECENT FINDINGS

Over the past decade, significant advances have been made in the investigation of SpA epidemiology, the exploration of genetic and environmental risk factors, the identification of clinical features, and the updating of treatment protocols in the Chinese population. The prevalence of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in China is 0.20-0.42%, and the prevalence of HLA-B27 in AS patients is 88.8-89.4%. HLA-B*2704 is the most common subtype in Chinese AS patients, followed by HLA-B*2705. HLA-A*01, more precisely HLA-A*01:01, may be associated with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors and IL-17A inhibitors have been shown to be effective and safe for AS patients in China. Juvenile-onset AS is relatively rare, accounting for only 9.1% of the AS population. The prevalence of arthritis related to inflammatory bowel disease is 6.9 to 7.2%. A Chinese study showed that the most frequently prescribed medication was methotrexate (66.4%). Biological agents were prescribed in only16.4% of patients with PsA. This review summarizes the latest research in the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and management of SpA among Chinese populations. Multiple HLA associations with SpA have also been described, and it is hoped that discoveries of such ethnic-specific risk factor(s) and understanding of their pathological mechanisms may potentially lead to newer targeted therapies for the Chinese populations worldwide.

Effectiveness of Physiotherapy in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions supervised by a physiotherapist in patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis, PROSPERO Protocol number CRD42020209453. Five databases (PubMed, PEDro, Scopus, Web of Science Core, and EMBASE) and reference lists with relevant articles were searched. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions supervised by a physiotherapist were compared with usual care or home-based exercise programmes. Two investigators independently screened eligible studies. A total of 12 RCTs satisfied eligible criteria. The risk of bias ranged between medium and high. The meta-analysis results indicated that between supervised physiotherapy and usual care, the former was significantly associated with improvement in disease activity (standardised mean difference = -0.37, 95% CI, -0.64; -0.11; p < 0.001, I² = 71.25%, n = 629), and functional capacity (standardised mean difference = -0.36, 95% CI, -0.61; -0.12, p < 0.05; n = 629). No statistically significant differences emerged when interventions were compared with home-based exercise programmes. Supervised physiotherapy is more effective than usual care in improving disease activity, functional capacity, and pain in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. No significant improvements emerged when supervised physiotherapy and home-based exercise programmes were compared. Further investigation and RCTs with larger samples are needed.

Recommendations of the Mexican College of Rheumatology for the Management of Spondyloarthritis

OBJECTIVES

To update the recommendations for the management of patients with Spondyloarthritis (SpA) in the Mexican population, and identify which variables could influence patient management.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A group of 15 experts in SpA translated, analyzed and modified the recommendations of the Mexican College of Rheumatology (CMR) and the International Society for the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis (ASAS)/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) 2016 group through a systematic review of the literature by two external reviewers during the period from 2015 to 2018 using the grade of recommendation, Oxford levels of evidence, percentage of concordance (Delphi).

RESULTS

Compared to previous recommendations, there were no significant changes from the year 2015. However, we modified the five fundamental principles and reduced the number of recommendations to ten by incorporating the first item in the text and combining five recommendations into two and adding a further recommendation. We confirmed the tendency to use glucocorticoids for patients with inflammatory activity and scarce access to biologicals. We identified the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients with SpA and their influence on the application of the recommendations.

CONCLUSIONS

The ten recommendations of the CMR and the analysis of the characteristics of the Mexican patients with SpA focussed on step therapy, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies, in a spectrum from easily accessible to high-tech substances available to a small percentage of the population.

MicroRNA‑204‑5p inhibits the osteogenic differentiation of ankylosing spondylitis fibroblasts by regulating the Notch2 signaling pathway

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory systemic disease and is difficult to detect in the early stages. The present study aimed to investigate the role of microRNA (miR)-204-5p in osteogenic differentiation of AS fibroblasts. Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) was used to induce osteogenic differentiation. Cells were divided into the following groups: AS group, AS + BMP-2 group, AS + BMP-2 + miR-negative control group, AS + BMP-2 + miR-204-5p mimics group and AS + BMP-2 + miR-204-5p mimics + pcDNA-Notch2 group. The expression levels of miR-204-5p, Notch2, runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and osteocalcin were detected via reverse transcription-quantitative PCR analysis. The binding site between Notch2 and miR-204-5p was predicted using TargetScan software and verified via the dual-luciferase reporter assay. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was assessed via the ALP assay, while the mineralized nodules area was determined via the Alizarin Red S staining assay. The results demonstrated that Notch2 is a target gene of miR-204-5p. Furthermore, treatment with BMP-2 significantly decreased miR-204-5p expression, and significantly increased ALP activity, the mineralized nodules area and the expression levels of Notch2, RUNX2 and osteocalcin in ligament fibroblasts (all P<0.05). Conversely, transfection with miR-204-5p mimics significantly increased miR-204-5p expression, and significantly decreased ALP activity, the mineralized nodules area and the expression levels of Notch2, RUNX2 and osteocalcin in ligament fibroblasts (all P<0.05). Notably, transfection with pcDNA-Notch2 significantly reversed the inhibitory effects induced by miR-204-5p mimics on the osteogenic differentiation of ligament fibroblasts (all P<0.05). Furthermore, miR-204-5p inhibited the osteogenic differentiation of ligament fibroblasts in patients with AS by targeting Notch2. Thus, miR-204-5p may negatively regulate Notch2 expression and may be a potential therapeutic target for AS. Collectively, the results of the present study provide a theoretical basis for the effective treatment of patients with AS.

The comparative efficacy of supervised- versus home-based exercise programs in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this meta-analysis is to investigate the comparative efficacy between supervised- and home-based programs in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

METHOD

A systematic search in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library was electronically performed by 2 independent investigators in order to capture all potential studies comparing supervised- with home-based in patients with AS from inception to April 2018. After extracted essential information, apprised risk of bias, statistical analysis was performed with Review Manager (RevMan) software (version 5.3.0). The protocol was registered at PROSPERO platform with an identifier of CRD42018097046.

RESULTS

A total of 7 studies comprising 271 patients were included finally. Meta-analyses showed that, compared to home-based program, supervised-based program was associated with reduced bath ankylosing spondylitis metrology index (BASMI) scores (mean difference [MD], -0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.73, -0.17), bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI) scores (MD, -0.48; 95% CI, -0.88, -0.08), and bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index (BASFI) scores (MD, -0.78; 95% CI, -1.19, -0.37). However, depression scores (standard mean difference, -0.22; 95% CI, -0.58, 0.14) between the 2 groups showed no significant defference.

CONCLUSIONS

Both supervised- and home-based programs can benefit to reduce BASMI, BASDAI, and BASFI scores in AS patients. However, short-term, supervised exercise program may be more effective than home-based exercises at decreasing disease activity with AS.

Tragus-to-wall: A systematic review of procedures, measurements obtained, and clinimetric properties

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to summarize the literature on the applicability, procedures for performing, and clinimetric findings related to the measurement of tragus-to-wall (TTW) distance.

METHOD

Pubmed, Scopus, and CINAHL databases were systematically searched using the key words "tragus" AND "wall". Articles were examined for information on the participants whose TTW distance was measured, the procedures used for measuring TTW, and findings regarding TTW distances measured and the clinimetric properties of the measurements.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine articles were identified that described use of the TTW test. Most used the test with patients with ankylosing spondylitis. We found evidence for the convergent and known groups validity and reliability of the TTW measurements. Limited support for the responsiveness of TTW measurements was found. Two studies provided normative reference values.

CONCLUSIONS

The TTW test is a simple objective indicator of forward flexed posture supported by research on its validity and reliability. More specific information on responsiveness and age-specific norms would increase the value of this nonspecific postural indicator.

Chiropractic Care in the Management of Inactive Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Case Series

Objective

This report describes chiropractic management for 3 cases of inactive ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Clinical Features

A 25-year-old woman presented with chronic, mechanical neck pain and stiffness that was ultimately diagnosed as AS. A 23-year-old man presented with chronic low back and left hip pain that was diagnosed as AS. A 31-year-old man with low back pain presented with a known diagnosis of AS. Physical examination in 2 cases failed to identify systemic findings associated with AS. In the third case, examination revealed a history of ulcerative colitis. Laboratory examination of case 2 yielded a positive HLA-B27, but cases 1 and 3 were HLA-B27 negative. The acute reactants were negative in all 3 patients, indicating an inactive phase of disease. All 3 patients underwent spinal imaging including sacroiliac joint radiography. In case 3, magnetic resonance imaging of the sacroiliac joints was performed. All 3 imaging examinations revealed bilateral, symmetric sacroiliitis.

Interventions and Outcome

Patients were managed by both a medical rheumatologist and a doctor of chiropractic. Chiropractic care ranged from instrument-assisted spinal manipulation to diversified spinal and soft tissue manipulation and Cox flexion-distraction. Patients were given home stretches and rehabilitation exercises. All 3 patients experienced some relief of their symptoms including pain reduction and improved activities of daily living.

Conclusion

These 3 patients displayed differences and commonalities in clinical, laboratory, and imaging features. Chiropractic manipulation and rehabilitation seemed to be beneficial in reducing symptomatology and improving musculoskeletal function for these 3 patients. These findings suggest the potential for collaborative or integrative management in similar cases.

Autoinflammatory Diseases and Physical Therapy

Autoinflammatory diseases (AIDs) constitute a group of clinical conditions, characterized by recurrent episodes of systemic inflammation, due to dysregulation of the innate immune system, without involving autoantibodies or antigen-specific T-cells. The patients exhibit recurrent episodes of fever with potentially serious complications and may have classic rheumatologic symptoms, including joint, skin, eye and muscle inflammation. Therefore, musculoskeletal problems and impaired quality of life can be anticipated as unavoidable consequences. In this regards any approach to ease the burden of symptoms and compensate the functional deficits are the main objectives of rehabilitation approach. For patients with inflammatory arthritis, physical therapy and rehabilitation methods have an important role in reducing joint pain and stiffness, preventing deformity, reconstructing muscle tissue and improving function. In order to justify the integration of rehabilitation approach in the management of AIDs and to determine the optimal protocols to use in this group of patients, well-designed, comprehensive, longitudinal, clinical trials using physical therapy centred outcomes are greatly needed.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Inflammatory Joint Disease

Arthritis damages the cartilage within joints, resulting in degenerative changes, including loss of function and joint instability. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the spine and bone-to-tendon attachment area within the sacroiliac joint leading to back pain and progressive spinal stiffness. In the final stages, AS causes hyperkyphosis-a condition closely tied to the human leukocyte antigen-B27 gene. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease characterized by the simultaneous inflammation of the synovium of multiple joints, leading to joint damage (e.g., destruction, deformation and disability). In the past, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARDs) have been used for the treatment of these autoimmune diseases, but biologic DMARDs have recently been introduced with excellent results. Gout is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes an alteration of joints resulting in severe pain. Specifically, gout is associated with an accumulation of uric acid within the body resulting from dysregulated purine metabolism, causing recurrent paroxysmal inflammation in the joints. Allopurinol and febuxostat are the primary treatment options for individuals with gout. It is necessary to have an accurate understanding of the pathogenesis, pathological ecology and treatment of AS, rheumatoid arthritis, and gouty arthritis, which are the representative diseases that may cause inflammatory arthritis.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms of ABCB1 gene and response to etanercept treatment in patients with ankylosing spondylitis in a Chinese Han population

BACKGROUND

Etanercept was highly recommended for patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), as its efficacy has been confirmed in AS, while genetic polymorphisms, by affecting drug metabolism or drug receptor, lead to interindividual variability in drug disposition and efficacy. Therefore, this study aims to investigate whether ABCB1 gene polymorphisms can predict therapeutic response to etanercept in patients with AS.

METHODS

A total of 185 patients with AS in our hospital were recruited into our study from December 2012 to May 2015. The frequency distributions of genotype and allele of rs2032582, rs1128503, and rs1045642 were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and electrophoresis verification enzyme products method. AS patients received etanercept treatment for 12 weeks, followed by this would be evaluated by the bath AS disease activity index (BASDAI) score improvement and the assessment of spondyloArthritis international society 20/50/70 (ASAS20/50/70) score improvements to explore the relationship between genotype of ABCB1 gene polymorphisms and therapeutic response to etanercept in patients with AS.

RESULTS

After 12 weeks, the BASDAI score mean improvement value of rs2032582 A/A genotype was 2.87 ± 0.52. The ratios of patients with rs2032582 A/A genotype reaching the BASDAI50 and ASAS20 evaluation criteria were 64.29% and 92.86%, respectively. The results indicated that efficacy of etanercept was promoted in rs2032582 A/A genotype. The BASDAI score mean improvement value of rs1128503 C/C genotype was 2.79 ± 0.54 after 12 weeks. The ratios of patients with rs1128503 C/C genotype reaching the BASDAI50 and ASAS20 evaluation criteria were 66.67% and 93.94%, respectively. The results indicated that efficacy of etanercept was promoted in rs1128503 C/C genotype. However, no significant associations were observed between rs1045642 and therapeutic response to etanercept in AS patients.

CONCLUSION

ABCB1 gene rs2032582 and rs1128503 polymorphisms may be associated with the efficacy of etanercept in AS patients. ABCB1 gene polymorphisms can act as biological indicators of etanercept efficacy.