1
|
Phatak S, Khenat A, Malandkar M, Amin S. Effectiveness and safety of generic tofacitinib in spondyloarthritis: A real-world retrospective analysis from India. Int J Rheum Dis 2023; 26:487-492. [PMID: 36670550 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.14570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical trial evidence demonstrates the efficacy of tofacitinib in ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Real-world data from spondyloarthritis (SpA) patients are scarce; there are few reports of its effectiveness and safety from low- to middle-income countries like India, despite its widespread usage. METHODS This was a retrospective analysis of clinical and laboratory records of 100 patients with SpA prescribed generic tofacitinib from a single center in Mumbai, India. Disease activity was measured using the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score C-Reactive Protein (ASDAS-CRP) in all patients, along with disease-specific outcome measures in the subgroups. We used paired t test for response to tofacitinib. We compared Δ ASDAS-CRP in patients with active peripheral arthritis and in patients without. We defined clinical tofacitinib failure as the physician's decision to change or add a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD), and performed logistic regression to identify factors associated with tofacitinib failure. RESULTS Among 100 patients (71 male, median age 42.5 years), 57 had axial SpA, 10 had peripheral SpA, 4 had inflammatory bowel disease-SpA and 29 had PsA. One-third had received biologic DMARDs previously. Patients received tofacitinib for a median of 192 days. There was a significant improvement in ASDAS-CRP in all types of SpA. Patients with active peripheral arthritis had a significantly greater fall in ASDAS-CRP. There were no serious adverse events, 19 patients had mild COVID-19; no patient had tuberculosis. Ten patients had tofacitinib failure; no baseline parameter could predict failure. INTERPRETATION In the real-world setting, generic tofacitinib showed good effectiveness and tolerable safety profile in Indian patients with SpA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanat Phatak
- K.E.M. Hospital Research Centre, Pune, India.,B.J. Medical College and Sassoon General Hospital, Pune, India
| | - Aditya Khenat
- B.J. Medical College and Sassoon General Hospital, Pune, India
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Misra DP, Tomelleri A, Rathore U, Benanti G, Singh K, Behera MR, Jain N, Ora M, Bhadauria DS, Gambhir S, Kumar S, Baldissera E, Agarwal V, Campochiaro C, Dagna L. Impact of Geographic Location on Diagnosis and Initial Management of Takayasu Arteritis: A Tale of Two Cohorts from Italy and India. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12123102. [PMID: 36553110 PMCID: PMC9777621 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12123102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study compares disease characteristics, imaging modalities used, and patterns of treatment in two large cohorts of Takayasu arteritis (TAK) from Italy and India. Clinic files were retrospectively reviewed to retrieve information about initial choices of vascular imaging and immunosuppressive therapies. Unpaired t-tests compared means, and proportions were compared using Fisher’s exact test or Chi square test [Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) calculated where appropriate]. The cohorts comprised 318 patients [Italy (n = 127), India (n = 191)] with similar delays to diagnosis. Ultrasound (OR Italy vs. India 9.25, 95%CI 5.02−17.07) was more frequently used in Italy and CT angiography in India (OR 0.32, 95%CI 0.20−0.51). Corticosteroid use was more prevalent and for longer duration in Italy. TAK from Italy had been more often treated with methotrexate, leflunomide or azathioprine, as opposed to tacrolimus in TAK from India (p < 0.05). Biologic or targeted synthetic disease-modifying agents were almost exclusively used in Italy. Survival on first immunosuppressive agent was longer from Italy than from India (log rank test p value 0.041). Considerable differences in the choice of initial vascular imaging modality and therapies for TAK from Italy and India could relate to prevalent socio-economic disparities. These should be considered while developing treatment recommendations for TAK.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Durga Prasanna Misra
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow 226014, India
- Correspondence: (D.P.M.); (C.C.)
| | - Alessandro Tomelleri
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases (UnIRAR), IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Upendra Rathore
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow 226014, India
| | - Giovanni Benanti
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases (UnIRAR), IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Kritika Singh
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow 226014, India
| | - Manas Ranjan Behera
- Department of Nephrology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow 226014, India
| | - Neeraj Jain
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow 226014, India
| | - Manish Ora
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow 226014, India
| | - Dharmendra Singh Bhadauria
- Department of Nephrology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow 226014, India
| | - Sanjay Gambhir
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow 226014, India
| | - Sudeep Kumar
- Department of Cardiology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow 226014, India
| | - Elena Baldissera
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases (UnIRAR), IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Vikas Agarwal
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow 226014, India
| | - Corrado Campochiaro
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases (UnIRAR), IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: (D.P.M.); (C.C.)
| | - Lorenzo Dagna
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases (UnIRAR), IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sahoo RR, Wakhlu A, Agarwal V. Neglected tropical rheumatic diseases. Clin Rheumatol 2022; 41:1293-1304. [PMID: 35142903 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-022-06090-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The complexities of dealing with rheumatic diseases in tropical countries are diverse and likely due to limited health care infrastructure, lack of diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, impact of dominant prevailing diseases, and the challenges of differentiating from infectious and non-infectious disease mimics. Several tropical diseases present with musculoskeletal and rheumatic manifestations and often pose a diagnostic dilemma to rheumatologists. The diagnosis is often delayed or the disease is misdiagnosed, leading to poor patient outcomes. Endemic tropical diseases like tuberculosis and leprosy have myriad rheumatic presentations and remain important differentials to consider in patients with rheumatic manifestations. Infection with human immunodeficiency virus is a great masquerade and can mimic manifestations of multiple diseases. The role of viral infections in triggering and perpetuating autoimmunity is well known and chikungunya arthritis is a classic example of the same. This review highlights the rheumatic manifestations of tropical diseases and aims to create awareness among the caregivers. Key Points • It is crucial to be aware and identify infectious diseases presenting with rheumatic manifestations in the tropics. • Presentations akin to classic rheumatic syndromes such as rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and vasculitis are common.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rasmi Ranjan Sahoo
- Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology Services, Apollomedics Super Specialty Hospitals, Lucknow, 226012, India
| | - Anupam Wakhlu
- Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology Services, Apollomedics Super Specialty Hospitals, Lucknow, 226012, India
| | - Vikas Agarwal
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow-226014, India.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Westhovens R. CT-P13 SC for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2021; 18:5-13. [PMID: 34842032 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2022.2012451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) has improved following the implementation of early intensive treat to target recommendations and the availability of different biologicals. Most experience is with TNF blockers, but challenges remain in the efficacy/safety balance, immunogenicity, and long-term drug survival as well as availability and affordability despite the introduction of biosimilars. AREA COVERED We provide an overview of the development of CT-P13 SC based on infliximab biosimilar CT-P13 IV. The one-year pivotal phase I/III trial in RA showed CT-P13 120 mg SC fixed dose to have favorable pharmacokinetics compared to CT-P13 IV classical weight adapted dosing, similar to lower anti-drug antibodies, similar safety and non-inferiority for efficacy at 6 months. EXPERT OPINION CT-P13 SC is an additional option in RA treatment and by extension for other inflammatory diseases as Inflammatory Bowel Disease. This new way of administration has the potential to improve long-term drug survival of infliximab, improve patient outcomes, and patient comfort.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rene Westhovens
- Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, Department of Development and Regeneration KU Leuven, Rheumatologist UZ, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pediatric Rheumatic Disease in Lower to Middle-Income Countries: Impact of Global Disparities, Ancestral Diversity, and the Path Forward. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2021; 48:199-215. [PMID: 34798947 DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Pediatric rheumatology subspecialists treat chronic autoimmune diseases with onset in childhood. Prompt diagnosis and ongoing management of these conditions are imperative to prevent damage from ongoing inflammation. Here, we aim to describe the current landscape of pediatric rheumatic disease in lower to middle-income countries (LMICs) and explore current barriers to understanding global disease burden. We then examine innovative strategies to promote a more equitable future for children and young people living with rheumatic diseases worldwide.
Collapse
|
6
|
Rheumatology education in India: a survey-based cross sectional study. Rheumatol Int 2021; 41:1773-1783. [PMID: 34357454 PMCID: PMC8343210 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-021-04962-9] [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: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed at understanding the perception and perspectives of rheumatology trainees about specialist training in India. Rheumatology trainees (Doctorate of Medicine, Diplomate of National Board) in Indian universities (2010 onwards) were contacted to complete a validated e-survey consisting of 41 questions to evaluate the current rheumatology training in India. Of 53 respondents (M:F 3.4:1, mean age 37 years ± 12.7), 81.1% trained at government hospitals, and 15.1% trained at private hospitals. During training period, 37.5% respondents were exposed to 6–7 h of didactics/week. They treated nearly 175 patients (175 ± 35.4) per week and reported a reasonable level of independence in management of patients with common rheumatic diseases (RDs) during their training (7.5 ± 0.7 SD). However, nearly one-third of the trainees were not exposed to basic immunology and laboratory techniques. Similarly, placement in the radiology department was not a part of the curriculum for nearly half of the trainees, 80% were not confident to manage paediatric RDs and soft tissue rheumatism. Almost 60% did not feel comfortable in addressing ancillary care including patient counselling as they had not received formal training. Among the participants, 59% were not satisfied by the current system of assessment, 86.8% suggested for multiple time point-based assessment systems and 45.3% preferred objective and subjective assessment in final examinations. Rheumatology training in India offers notable exposure to patients and independence in managing cases. However, there is an unmet need for improvement in training in the field of laboratory, radiology and ancillary care, and to overhaul assessment system by including objective evaluation.
Collapse
|
7
|
Hitchon CA, Mody GM, Feldman CH, Lau Y, Shi S, Meltzer M, Scuccimarri R, Weinblatt ME, Colmegna I. Perceptions and Challenges Experienced by African Physicians When Prescribing Methotrexate for Rheumatic Disease: An Exploratory Study. ACR Open Rheumatol 2021; 3:522-530. [PMID: 34196510 PMCID: PMC8363848 DOI: 10.1002/acr2.11290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Guidelines for methotrexate (MTX) use in rheumatic disease may not be feasible for physicians practicing in the least developed countries. We aimed to understand the experiences of MTX prescribers relating to MTX use for rheumatic disease in African countries to inform the development of culturally and geographically appropriate recommendations. METHODS African physicians who self-identified as MTX prescribers from countries classified as having a low versus a medium or high Human Development Index (L-HDI versus MH-HDI) participated in semistructured interviews between August 2016 and September 2017. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, coded thematically, and stratified by HDI. RESULTS Physicians (23 rheumatologists; six internists) from 29 African countries were interviewed (15 L-HDI; 14 MH-HDI). Identified barriers to MTX use included inconsistent MTX supply (reported by 87% L-HDI versus 43% MH-HDI), compounded by financial restrictions (reported by 93% L-HDI versus 64% MH-HDI), patient hesitancy based partly on cultural beliefs and societal roles (reported by 71%), few prescribers (reported by 33%), prevalent infections (especially viral hepatitis, tuberculosis, and human immunodeficiency virus), and both availability and cost of monitoring tests. MTX pretreatment evaluation and starting and maximal doses were similar between L-HDI countries and MH-HDI countries. CONCLUSION The challenges of treating rheumatic disease in African countries include unreliable drug availability and cost, limited subspecialists, and patient beliefs. Adapting recommendations for MTX use in the context of prevalent endemic infections; ensuring safe but feasible MTX monitoring strategies, enhanced access to stable drug supply, and specialized rheumatology care; and improving patient education are key to reducing the burden of rheumatic diseases in L-HDI countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yan Lau
- McGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Steven Shi
- Université de MontréalMontrealQuebecCanada
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Misra DP, Agarwal V. The perennial search for alternatives to corticosteroids in rheumatology: is there light at the end of the tunnel? Clin Rheumatol 2020; 39:2845-2848. [PMID: 32827282 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-020-05357-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
|
9
|
Yeap SS, Gun SC, Das Gupta E, Veerapen K. Rheumatology in Malaysia. Rheumatol Int 2020; 40:829-836. [PMID: 32285145 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-020-04577-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Malaysia is a developing country in the South-East Asian region with a significant burden of disability from musculoskeletal disease. Rheumatology in Malaysia is a relatively young speciality. Currently, there is approximately 1 rheumatologist per 390,000 population, mostly concentrated in the urban areas. This article aims to give a brief overview of the research in rheumatology, the healthcare system, and rheumatology training and education in Malaysia. From 1950 until mid-2019, there were 547 publications about rheumatological conditions from Malaysia, with a 27-fold increase in the numbers from the period before 1980 compared to 2010-2019. Although there is universal access to healthcare through the public (government funded) hospitals and clinics, as well as a system of private healthcare, funding for expensive biological therapies remain patchy and scarce, leading to significant under-utilization of such treatments in rheumatology patients. Training in rheumatology in Malaysia is well established with a formalised training curriculum introduced in 2004, followed by the introduction of training in musculoskeletal ultrasound in 2006. To improve care for patients with musculoskeletal conditions, there has been regular continuing educational meetings and courses, not just for rheumatologists, but also for other medical professionals, as not all areas in Malaysia have easy access to rheumatology services. Thus overall, despite the small number of rheumatologists, rheumatology in Malaysia has made encouraging progress over the past 2 decades, but improvements in patient care, training, education and research need to continue in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Swan Sim Yeap
- Department of Medicine, Subang Jaya Medical Centre, 47500, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Suk Chyn Gun
- Department of Medicine, Hospital Tuanku Ja'afar, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Esha Das Gupta
- Department of Internal Medicine, International Medical University, Seremban Campus, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Kiran Veerapen
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Oliver S, Tam LS, Suet-Kei Kwok G, Fusama M, Nakahara H, Zhang CY, Yamamoto K, Furtner D. The Asia-Pacific Initiative for Rheumatology Nurse Education: Current gaps, programme development and future outlook. Musculoskeletal Care 2020; 18:397-403. [PMID: 32302046 DOI: 10.1002/msc.1473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Susan Oliver
- Rheumatology Nurse Consultant, Susan Oliver Associates, Barnstaple, Devon, UK
| | - Lai-Shan Tam
- Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | | | - Mie Fusama
- School of Nursing, Takarazuka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hideko Nakahara
- Faculty of Health Science, Osaka Yukioka College of Health Sciences, Osaka, Japan
| | - Chun-Yan Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Kazuhiko Yamamoto
- Center for Integration Medical Sciences, RIKEN Yokohama Institute, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Daniel Furtner
- Janssen, a Division of Johnson & Johnson Private Limited, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Doskaliuk B, Zimba O, Yatsyshyn R, Kovalenko V. Rheumatology in Ukraine. Rheumatol Int 2020; 40:175-182. [PMID: 31898762 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-019-04504-4] [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: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatology in Ukraine is based on established research and clinical infrastructure that enable the integration with regional and global societies. This article overviews current state of Ukrainian rheumatology, important steps toward expanding clinical settings, and opportunities for strengthening cooperation of local rheumatologists and patients with rheumatic diseases with related international societies. The main achievements and some challenges encountered by the Association of Rheumatologists of Ukraine are outlined. The Association supports continuing medical education of local specialists and explores options for advancing research and publishing in rheumatology. One of the main challenges still remains the creation of registries of patients with rheumatic diseases and expansion of activities of public societies with interest in combating rheumatic diseases. The issue of inadequate access to immunobiological therapies is also highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bohdana Doskaliuk
- Academician Ye. M. Neiko Department of Internal Medicine #1, Clinical Immunology and Allergology, Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Halytska Str. 2, Ivano-Frankivsk, 76000, Ukraine.
| | - Olena Zimba
- Department of Internal Medicine #2, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Roman Yatsyshyn
- Academician Ye. M. Neiko Department of Internal Medicine #1, Clinical Immunology and Allergology, Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Halytska Str. 2, Ivano-Frankivsk, 76000, Ukraine
| | - Volodymyr Kovalenko
- Department of Therapy and Rheumatology, P.L. Shupyk National Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education, Kiev, Ukraine
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Misra DP, Agarwal V. Open Access Publishing in India: Coverage, Relevance, and Future Perspectives. J Korean Med Sci 2019; 34:e180. [PMID: 31293108 PMCID: PMC6624418 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2019.34.e180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Open access (OA) publishing is a recent phenomenon in scientific publishing, enabling free access to knowledge worldwide. In the Indian context, OA to science has been facilitated by government-funded repositories of student and doctoral theses, and many Indian society journals are published with platinum OA. The proportion of OA publications from India is significant in a global context, and Indian journals are increasingly available on OA repositories such as Pubmed Central, and Directory of Open Access Journals. However, OA in India faces numerous challenges, including low-quality or predatory OA journals, and the paucity of funds to afford gold OA publication charges. There is a need to increase awareness amongst Indian academics regarding publication practices, including OA, and its potential benefits, and utilize this modality of publication whenever feasible, as in publicly-funded research, or when platinum OA is available, while avoiding falling prey to poor quality OA journals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Durga Prasanna Misra
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India.
| | - Vikas Agarwal
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Mistry RR, Patro P, Agarwal V, Misra DP. Enthesitis-related arthritis: current perspectives. Open Access Rheumatol 2019; 11:19-31. [PMID: 30774484 PMCID: PMC6354696 DOI: 10.2147/oarrr.s163677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In this narrative review, we overview the recent literature on enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA). For the purpose of our review, we searched Scopus for recent articles on this subject from 2013 onward, including some classic older articles for perspective. ERA is a juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) subtype more common in males, associated in a majority with human leucocyte antigen B27. Such children generally present with asymmetric oligoarthritis or polyarthritis, predominantly of lower limb joints, associated with enthesitis or sacroiliitis. While diagnosis remains clinical, ultrasound is being increasingly used to detect subclinical enthesitis and for guiding entheseal site injections. Spine MRI can help detect sacroiliitis, inflammatory spinal changes, and pelvic sites of enthesitis in such patients. The recent juvenile spondyloarthropathy disease activity index recognizes the key clinical features of ERA, viz enthesitis and inflammatory back pain, which other disease activity indices used in JIA did not include. Management includes NSAIDs with physical therapy. Conventional disease-modifying agents like sulfasalazine and methotrexate may be used to minimize duration of NSAID use and in those with high inflammatory burden. In patients refractory to these drugs, biologics such as antitumor necrosis factor alpha agents have proven useful, based on evidences from randomized controlled trials and retrospective registry analyses. Factors predicting a poorer outcome in such children include hip or ankle involvement or restricted spinal mobility. Considering that children with ERA have overall poorer long-term outcomes than other subtypes of JIA, there is a need to further optimize therapeutic strategies for such patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rutviz Rajendra Mistry
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow, India,
| | - Pallavi Patro
- Department of Pharmacology, Sriram Chandra Bhanja (SCB) Medical College, Cuttack, India
| | - Vikas Agarwal
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow, India,
| | - Durga Prasanna Misra
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow, India,
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Rocha FAC, Landim JIVD, da Rocha LN. Advances in rheumatology practice in Brazil. Rheumatol Int 2018; 39:1125-1134. [PMID: 30506466 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-018-4211-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite resilient inequities, Brazil has seen progressive improvement in health care in the last 25 years. Infectious diseases rendered place to chronic non-communicable diseases as a major cause of death. Existence of traditional schools of medicine and training services in rheumatology helped form a reasonable number of specialists, though irregular distribution due to the economic issues favoring their clustering in major cities. The Brazilian Society of Rheumatology provides continued medical education, helps training rheumatologists, family physicians and other health professionals and has worked to publish national recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of major rheumatic diseases. Access to medications and health care facilities is provided for most patients, free of direct charge, including biologics. Specialized services for autoimmune and rare diseases, including pediatric rheumatology and autoinflammatory diseases, have improved, particularly in developed centers of the southern best developed parts of the country. A major unmet need is the lack of access to non-pharmacological treatment modalities. In this article, we will summarize some of the strengths and points that need improvement to enhance access to the rheumatological health care in Brazil.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Airton Castro Rocha
- Laboratório de Investigação em Osteoartropatias, Department of Internal Medicine, Liga de Reumatologia e Doenças Autoimunes, Instituto de Biomedicina, Faculdade de Medicina, Federal University of Ceará, Rua Cel. Nunes de Melo, 1315, 1°. Andar, Rodolfo Teófilo, Fortaleza, CE, 60430-270, Brazil.
| | - Joaquim Ivo Vasques Dantas Landim
- Laboratório de Investigação em Osteoartropatias, Department of Internal Medicine, Liga de Reumatologia e Doenças Autoimunes, Instituto de Biomedicina, Faculdade de Medicina, Federal University of Ceará, Rua Cel. Nunes de Melo, 1315, 1°. Andar, Rodolfo Teófilo, Fortaleza, CE, 60430-270, Brazil
| | - Leila Nascimento da Rocha
- Laboratório de Investigação em Osteoartropatias, Department of Internal Medicine, Liga de Reumatologia e Doenças Autoimunes, Instituto de Biomedicina, Faculdade de Medicina, Federal University of Ceará, Rua Cel. Nunes de Melo, 1315, 1°. Andar, Rodolfo Teófilo, Fortaleza, CE, 60430-270, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Persistent eosinophilia in rheumatoid arthritis: a prospective observational study. Rheumatol Int 2018; 39:245-253. [DOI: 10.1007/s00296-018-4191-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
|
16
|
Gheita TA, Eesa NN. Rheumatology in Egypt: back to the future. Rheumatol Int 2018; 39:1-12. [PMID: 30406299 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-018-4192-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Medical knowledge in ancient Egypt had a remarkable reputation since rulers of other empires used to request the pharaoh to send them their best physician to treat their beloved ones. Many rheumatologic conditions as giant-cell arteritis, reactive arthritis and other forms of spondyloarthritis have been identified in ancient Egyptian materials. Rheumatologists in Egypt are enormously expanding and mastering the tools that aid them in enhancing the management of rheumatic diseases. More Egyptian rheumatologists are actively participating in the annual European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) and American College of Rheumatology conferences and those attached to well known state of the art centers are increasing. EULAR certified Egyptian MSUS trainers are effectively performing regionally. This review throws light on the rheumatology practice in Egypt, its progress from ancient times passing through Egyptian medical healthcare services, education systems for rheumatologists, rheumatology associations, an overview on the spectrum of rheumatic diseases through publications in the field till future perspectives. Rheumatology in Egypt is an actively growing and dynamic specialty of medicine with considerable contributions to the world's literature. These days, persistent efforts are mandatory to raise the standard of clinical and basic research, to optimize clinical practice with regard to new biologics, to develop tailored and targeted therapies for the rheumatic diseases, and to meet the medical demands of the exponentially increasing Egyptian population. Opportunities and challenges discussed high-lighten future perspectives needed to boost the rheumatology practice in Egypt.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamer A Gheita
- Rheumatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Nahla N Eesa
- Rheumatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|