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Thomas K, Calabrese C, Vassilopoulos D. Editorial: Infection-Related Rheumatic Diseases. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:779773. [PMID: 34746198 PMCID: PMC8568794 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.779773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Thomas
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Attikon University General Hospital, Chaidari, Greece
| | - Cassandra Calabrese
- Department of Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases, Orthopedic & Rheumatologic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States.,Department of Infectious Disease, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Dimitrios Vassilopoulos
- Joint Rheumatology Program, Clinical Immunology-Rheumatology Unit, 2nd Department of Medicine and Laboratory, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
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Thomas K, Lazarini A, Kaltsonoudis E, Voulgari PV, Drosos AA, Repa A, Sali AMI, Sidiropoulos P, Tsatsani P, Gazi S, Evangelia A, Boki KA, Katsimbri P, Boumpas D, Fragkiadaki K, Tektonidou MG, Sfikakis PP, Karagianni K, Sakkas LI, Grika EP, Vlachoyiannopoulos PG, Evangelatos G, Iliopoulos A, Dimitroulas T, Garyfallos A, Melissaropoulos K, Georgiou P, Areti M, Georganas C, Vounotrypidis P, Georgiopoulos G, Kitas GD, Vassilopoulos D. Incidence, risk factors and validation of the RABBIT score for serious infections in a cohort of 1557 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 60:2223-2230. [PMID: 33295627 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keaa557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Predicting serious infections (SI) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is crucial for the implementation of appropriate preventive measures. Here we aimed to identify risk factors for SI and to validate the RA Observation of Biologic Therapy (RABBIT) risk score in real-life settings. METHODS A multi-centre, prospective, RA cohort study in Greece. Demographics, disease characteristics, treatments and comorbidities were documented at first evaluation and one year later. The incidence of SI was recorded and compared with the expected SI rate using the RABBIT risk score. RESULTS A total of 1557 RA patients were included. During follow-up, 38 SI were recorded [incidence rate ratio (IRR): 2.3/100 patient-years]. Patients who developed SI had longer disease duration, higher HAQ at first evaluation and were more likely to have a history of previous SI, chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease. By multivariate analysis, longer disease duration (IRR: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.005, 1.1), history of previous SI (IRR: 4.15; 95% CI: 1.7, 10.1), diabetes (IRR: 2.55; 95% CI: 1.06, 6.14), chronic lung disease (IRR: 3.14; 95% CI: 1.35, 7.27) and daily prednisolone dose ≥10 mg (IRR: 4.77; 95% CI: 1.47, 15.5) were independent risk factors for SI. Using the RABBIT risk score in 1359 patients, the expected SI incidence rate was 1.71/100 patient-years, not different from the observed (1.91/100 patient-years; P = 0.97). CONCLUSION In this large real-life, prospective study of RA patients, the incidence of SI was 2.3/100 patient-years. Longer disease duration, history of previous SI, comorbidities and high glucocorticoid dose were independently associated with SI. The RABBIT score accurately predicted SI in our cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Thomas
- Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Argyro Lazarini
- Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | - Argyro Repa
- Clinical Immunology and Allergy Department, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Pelagia Katsimbri
- Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Boumpas
- Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Fragkiadaki
- Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria G Tektonidou
- Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Petros P Sfikakis
- Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Lazaros I Sakkas
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Eleftheria P Grika
- Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Georgios Georgiopoulos
- Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - George D Kitas
- Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
- Rheumatology Department, Hygeia Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Vassilopoulos
- Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
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Increased influenza vaccination rates in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases during the Covid-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study. Rheumatol Int 2021; 41:895-902. [PMID: 33661331 PMCID: PMC7931496 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-021-04817-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
To assess non-compliance and potential changes in seasonal flu vaccination coverage before and during the Covid-19 pandemic in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs). Consecutive patients with ARDs followed-up in 2 tertiary hospitals were telephone-interviewed (December 12–30, 2020) regarding seasonal flu vaccination during the 2019/20 and 2020/21 time periods. Self-reported disease flares that occurred after flu vaccination, as well as reasons for non-vaccination were recorded.
One thousand fifteen patients were included. The rate of flu vaccination increased from 76% before to 83% during the COVID-19 pandemic (p = 0.0001). The rate of self-reported disease flares was < 1% among vaccinated patients. Reasons for not vaccination in both periods, respectively, included: ‘was not recommended by their rheumatologists’ (35.0vs.12.2%, p < 0.0001), ‘did not feel that they would have any benefit’ (36.9 vs. 32.6%), felt unsafe to do so (27.5 vs. 30.2%), or other reasons (18.9 vs. 23.8%). By multivariate analysis, age [OR = 1.03 (95% CI 1.02–1.04)] vs. [1.04 (95% CI 1.02–1.05)] and treatment with biologics [OR = 1.66 (95% CI 1.22–2.24) vs. [1.68 (95% CI 1.19–2.38)] were independent factors associated with vaccination in both periods. These findings, although are temporally encouraging, emphasize the need for continuous campaigns aiming at increasing patients’ and physicians’ awareness about the benefits of vaccination.
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Vaccination Against SARS-CoV-2 in Immunosuppressed Patients with Rheumatic Diseases: Position Statement of the Greek Rheumatology Society. Mediterr J Rheumatol 2020; 31:430-432. [PMID: 33521579 PMCID: PMC7841095 DOI: 10.31138/mjr.31.4.430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
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Thomas K, Vassilopoulos D. Infections in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Era of Targeted Synthetic Therapies. Mediterr J Rheumatol 2020; 31:129-136. [PMID: 32676571 PMCID: PMC7361184 DOI: 10.31138/mjr.31.1.129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The third decade of the 21st century marks the beginning of a new era in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recently, after the introduction in clinical practice of different biologics in the first decade, three different oral synthetic targeted agents (JAK inhibitors) have been licensed for the treatment of RA, in patients who had failed or are intolerant to disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Despite the significant progress that these agents bring to the care of RA patients, the risk of infections is still present and clear, given that their risk for serious infections is at least comparable with that of biologic DMARDs, whereas the incidence of herpes zoster is higher than that of bDMARDs. Here, we review the most recent data regarding the risk for serious and opportunistic infections in RA patients treated with biologics or JAK inhibitors, as well the up-to-date approach for managing and preventing such infections in RA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Thomas
- 4 Department of Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Vassilopoulos
- Clinical Immunology-Rheumatology Unit, 2 Department of Medicine and Laboratory, Hippokration General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
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Koutsianas C, Thomas K, Vassilopoulos D. Reactivation of hepatitis B virus infection in rheumatic diseases: risk and management considerations. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis 2020; 12:1759720X20912646. [PMID: 32206094 PMCID: PMC7076579 DOI: 10.1177/1759720x20912646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In patients with rheumatic diseases undergoing immunosuppressive treatment, hepatitis B virus reactivation (HBVr) has been long recognized as a major treatment-related adverse event with substantial morbidity and mortality. Because HBVr is easily preventable with appropriate screening and monitoring strategies, and, when indicated, prophylactic antiviral treatment, awareness of this complication is of the utmost importance, especially in the era of biologic treatments. As a condition, it continues to be topical, in view of the emergence of novel classes of immunosuppressive drugs (i.e. Janus kinase inhibitors) acquiring licenses for a variety of rheumatic diseases. The class-specific risk of these agents for HBVr has not yet been determined. Moreover, ambiguity still exists for the management of patients planned to be treated with traditional agents, such as cyclophosphamide and glucocorticoids, particularly in the setting of resolved HBV infection. Clinicians in the field of rheumatic diseases should be tailoring their practice according to the host's profile and treatment-specific risk for HBVr. In this review, the authors attempt to critically review the existing literature and provide practical advice on these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Koutsianas
- Clinical Immunology-Rheumatology Unit, 2nd Department of Medicine and Laboratory, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Thomas
- Clinical Immunology-Rheumatology Unit, 2nd Department of Medicine and Laboratory, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Vassilopoulos
- Clinical Immunology-Rheumatology Unit, 2nd Department of Medicine and Laboratory, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital, 114 Vass. Sophias Ave., Athens, 115 27, Greece
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Kuang ZS, Yang YL, Wei W, Wang JL, Long XY, Li KY, Tong CY, Sun Z, Song ZJ. Clinical characteristics and prognosis of community-acquired pneumonia in autoimmune disease-induced immunocompromised host: A retrospective observational study. World J Emerg Med 2020; 11:145-151. [PMID: 32351646 DOI: 10.5847/wjem.j.1920-8642.2020.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in autoimmune diseases (AID)-induced immunocompromised host (ICH) had a high incidence and poor prognosis. However, only a few studies had determined the clinical characteristics of these patients. Our study was to explore the characteristics and predictors of mortality in CAP patients accompanied with AID-induced ICH. METHODS From 2013 to 2018, a total of 94 CAP patients accompanied with AID-induced ICH, admitted to Emergency Department of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, were enrolled in this study. Clinical data and the risk regression estimates of repeated predictors were evaluated by generalized estimating equations (GEEs) analysis. An open-cohort approach was used to classify patient's outcomes into the survival or non-survival group. RESULTS The hospital mortality of patients with CAP occurring in AID-induced ICH was 60.64%. No significant differences were found with respect to clinical symptoms and lung images between survival and non-survival groups, while renal insufficiency and dysfunction of coagulation had higher proportions in non-survival patients (P<0.05). Both noninvasive ventilation (NIV) and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) were performed more frequently in non-survival group (P< 0.05). By the multivariate GEEs analysis, the repeated measured longitudinal indices of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (odds ratio [OR]=1.055, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.025-1.086), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (OR=1.004, 95%CI 1.002-1.006) and serum creatinine (sCr) (OR=1.018, 95%CI 1.008-1.028), were associated with a higher risk of mortality. CONCLUSION The CAP patients in AID-induced ICH had a high mortality. A significant relationship was demonstrated between the factors of NLR, LDH, sCr and mortality risk in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Shu Kuang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yi-Lin Yang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jian-Li Wang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiang-Yu Long
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ke-Yong Li
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Chao-Yang Tong
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhan Sun
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhen-Ju Song
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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Pagkopoulou E, Arvanitaki A, Daoussis D, Garyfallos A, Kitas G, Dimitroulas T. Comorbidity burden in systemic sclerosis: beyond disease-specific complications. Rheumatol Int 2019; 39:1507-1517. [PMID: 31300848 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-019-04371-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic, systemic disease characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, vasculopathy, and auto-immune activation. On the top of severe organ involvement such as interstitial lung and myocardial fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, and renal crisis, individuals diagnosed with SSc may suffer from a number of comorbidities. This is a narrative review according to published recommendations and we searched the online databases MEDLINE and EMBASE using as key words the following terms: systemic sclerosis, scleroderma, myocardial fibrosis in combination with micro- and macro-vascular disease, cardiac involvement, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease and coronary arteries, infections, cancer, depression, osteoporosis, and dyslipidemia. Although data are usually inconclusive it appears that comorbidities with significant impact on life expectancy, namely cardiovascular disease, infections, and cancer as well as phycological disorders affecting emotional and mental health are highly prevalent in SSc population. Thereafter, the aim of this review is to summarize the occurrence and the clinical significance of such comorbidities in SSc population and to discuss how rheumatologists can incorporate the management of these conditions in daily clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Pagkopoulou
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration University Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 49 Konstantinoupoleos Str, 54642, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alexandra Arvanitaki
- Cardiology Department, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Daoussis
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Patras University Hospital, University of Patras Medical School, Patras, Greece
| | - Alexandros Garyfallos
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration University Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 49 Konstantinoupoleos Str, 54642, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - George Kitas
- Department of Rheumatology, Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, West Midlands, UK.,Arthritis Research UK, Centre for Epidemiology, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Theodoros Dimitroulas
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration University Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 49 Konstantinoupoleos Str, 54642, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Sakkas LI, Tronzas P. The Greek (Hellenic) rheumatology over the years: from ancient to modern times. Rheumatol Int 2019; 39:947-955. [PMID: 30805680 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-019-04261-4] [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: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatology has its roots in ancient Greece. Hippocrates and other prominent Greek (Hellenes) physicians in ancient times, Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine period were acute observers of disease course and of patients and were able to define many disorders. They wrote books on various aspects of medicine and these writings were the basis of medical practice and education in Europe and the Arabic world well into the seventeenth century. In 1821, Greece emerged from a long occupation by the Turks. In 1930, Adamantiades, a Greek Ophthalmologist, before Behcet of Turkey, described what is known as (Adamantiades)-Behcet disease. The first scientific Hellenic Society for Rheumatology (ERE) was established in 1960 and today ERE having been merged with the Professional Union of Greek rheumatologists (EPERE) is known as ERE-EPERE. Rheumatology is a strong specialty with 348 rheumatologists for a population of around 11 million. Greek rheumatologists have contributed to rheumatology science and practice, and are active physicians participating in the American College of Rheumatology and the EULAR annual congresses and in many educational postgraduate courses. ERE-EPERE formed therapeutic protocols for inflammatory and autoimmune rheumatic diseases which were incorporated in the electronic National prescription system. Rheumatologists are authorized to use this platform to prescribe biologicals free of charge for patients. ERE-EPERE publishes a peer-reviewed English language journal, the Mediterranean Journal of Rheumatology (MJR), an open access journal with no publication fees. MJR is a quarterly journal with international Editorial Board.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lazaros I Sakkas
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly Biopolis, 41 110, Larissa, Greece.
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Recommendations and barriers to vaccination in systemic lupus erythematosus. Autoimmun Rev 2018; 17:990-1001. [PMID: 30103044 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2018.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) pose a unique dilemma pertaining to immunization against common pathogens. SLE patients are usually not immunized with vaccines based on the fear of either precipitating infection in this immunosuppressed patient population (with live vaccines) or aggravating autoimmunity and hence lupus flares (with any vaccines). However, elevated vulnerability to infection makes patients with SLE precisely the population that needs protection from vaccine-preventable diseases. A summary of guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, professional societies, review articles and expert opinions regarding use of individual vaccines applicable to adults with SLE is presented in this review.
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Thomas K, Lazarini A, Kaltsonoudis E, Drosos A, Papalopoulos I, Sidiropoulos P, Katsimbri P, Boumpas D, Tsatsani P, Gazi S, Fragkiadaki K, Tektonidou M, Sfikakis PP, Pantazi L, Boki KA, Grika EP, Vlachoyiannopoulos PG, Karagianni K, Sakkas LI, Dimitroulas T, Garyfallos A, Kassimos D, Evangelatos G, Iliopoulos A, Areti M, Georganas C, Melissaropoulos K, Georgiou P, Vounotrypidis P, Ntelis K, Mavragani CP, Bournazos I, Katsifis G, Mavrommatis C, Kitas GD, Vassilopoulos D. Multicenter Cross-sectional Study of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Greece: Results from a cohort of 2.491 patients. Mediterr J Rheumatol 2018; 29:27-37. [PMID: 32185294 PMCID: PMC7045959 DOI: 10.31138/mjr.29.1.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim of the study: To evaluate the current disease characteristics, treatment and comorbidities of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Greece. Methods: Multicenter, cross-sectional study with a 9-month recruitment period between 2015 and 2016. Demographics, disease characteristics, treatment and comorbidities were collected via a web-based platform. Results: 2.491 RA patients were recruited: 96% from tertiary referral centers, 79% were females with a mean age of 63.1 years and disease duration of 9.9 years. Fifty-two percent were rheumatoid factor and/or anti-CCP positive, while 41% had erosive disease. Regarding treatment, 82% were on conventional synthetic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs), 42% on biologic DMARDs (TNFi: 22%, non-TNFi: 20%) and 40% on corticosteroids (mean daily dose: 5.2 mg). Despite therapy, 36% of patients had moderate and 12% high disease activity. The most frequent comorbidities were hypertension (42%), hyperlipidemia (33%), osteoporosis (29%), diabetes mellitus (15%) and depression (12%). Latent tuberculosis infection (positive tuberculin skin test or interferon gamma release assay) was diagnosed in 13 and 15.3% of patients, respectively. Regarding chronic viral infections, 6.2% had history of herpes zoster while 2% and 0.7% had chronic hepatitis B and C virus infection, respectively. A history of serious infection was documented in 9.6%. Only 36% and 52% of the participants had ever been vaccinated against pneumococcus and influenza virus, respectively. Conclusion: This is one of the largest epidemiologic studies providing valuable data regarding the current RA characteristics in Greece. Half of patients were seropositive but despite therapy, half displayed residual disease activity, while preventive vaccination was limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Thomas
- Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Argiro Lazarini
- Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Ioannis Papalopoulos
- Clinical Immunology and Allergy Department, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Pelagia Katsimbri
- Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Boumpas
- Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Kalliopi Fragkiadaki
- Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Tektonidou
- Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Petros P Sfikakis
- Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Lina Pantazi
- Rheumatology Unit, Sismanoglio Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Eleftheria P Grika
- Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Lazaros I Sakkas
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Clio P Mavragani
- Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | - George D Kitas
- Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece.,Hygeia Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Vassilopoulos
- Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
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