Factors associated with resolution of ultrasound subclinical synovitis in anti-CCP-positive individuals with musculoskeletal symptoms: a UK prospective cohort study

Therapeutic interception in individuals at risk of rheumatoid arthritis to prevent clinically impactful disease

Multiple clinical trials for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) prevention have been completed. Here, we set out to report on the lessons learnt from these studies. Researchers who conducted RA prevention trials shared the background, rationale, approach and outcomes and evaluated the lessons learnt to inform the next generation of RA prevention trials. Individuals at risk of RA can be identified through population screening, referrals to musculoskeletal programmes and by recognition of arthralgia suspicious for RA. Clinical trials in individuals at risk for future clinical RA have demonstrated that limited courses of corticosteroids, atorvastatin and hydroxychloroquine do not alter incidence rates of clinical RA; however, rituximab delays clinical RA onset, and methotrexate has transient effects in individuals who are anticitrullinated protein antibody-positive with subclinical joint inflammation identified by imaging. Abatacept delays clinical RA onset but does not fully prevent onset of RA after treatment cessation. Additionally, subclinical joint inflammation and symptoms appear responsive to interventions such as methotrexate and abatacept. To advance prevention, next steps include building networks of individuals at risk for RA, to improve risk stratification for future RA and to understand the biological mechanisms of RA development, including potential endotypes of disease, which can be targeted for prevention, thus adopting a more precision-based approach. Future trials should focus on interceptions aimed at preventing clinical RA onset and which treat existing symptoms and imaging-defined subclinical inflammation. These trials may include advanced designs (eg, adaptive) and should be combined with mechanistic studies to further define pathophysiological drivers of disease development.

Prevention of Rheumatoid Arthritis in At-Risk Individuals: Current Status and Future Prospects

Early intervention has been the cornerstone of improving outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Over the past decade, the boundaries have been pushed in an attempt to achieve effective prevention strategies in those who are at high risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Core risk factors including the presence of serum anti-citrullinated protein antibodies, arthralgia and subclinical inflammation on imaging are highly predictive of arthritis development. The influence of air pollution, diet and the role of microbiome on disease progression are less clear. In turn, therapeutic focus has shifted to an earlier pre-arthritis phase of the disease continuum where the clinically apparent arthritis may potentially be intercepted. Seven proof-of-concept interventional trials in at-risk individuals have been conducted so far. Whether true prevention of rheumatoid arthritis is possible remains elusive. Promising signals towards permanent disease modulation and improvement in symptom burden were seen with some immunomodulatory therapies, whilst others were unsuccessful. Long-term follow-up is required to ascertain a true effect. Looking forward, a better understanding of the natural history and underlying biological mechanisms of arthritis development and more accurate, validated risk stratification is needed.

Rheumatoid arthritis: prediction of future clinically-apparent disease, and prevention

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review discusses updates in the prediction and prevention of future rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

RECENT FINDINGS

In individuals with musculoskeletal symptoms and elevated antibodies to citrullinated proteins (ACPA) without clinical inflammatory arthritis (IA), a 'simple' score has a positive predictive value (PPV) of ∼28% for clinical IA/RA within 1 year, and a comprehensive score (including ultrasound) has a PPV of ∼71% for clinical RA within 5 years. Controlled clinical trials in individuals at-risk for future RA have been performed using corticosteroids, rituximab, atorvastatin, methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine and abatacept. Abatacept modestly reduced rates of incident clinical RA and imaging inflammation within the trials, rituximab delayed clinical IA, and methotrexate improved function, symptoms and imaging inflammation. Vitamin D with or without omega 3 fatty acids reduced incidence of autoimmune diseases, including RA. While not proven in controlled clinical trials, observational studies suggest exercise, weight loss and smoking cessation may reduce progression to clinical RA.

SUMMARY

Prediction and prevention of RA is advancing although there are no currently approved interventions for prevention. Future studies should include deeper evaluation of the pathophysiology of RA development to improve prediction and identify key pathways to target in future clinical trials, as well as develop infrastructure to support prevention-related research.