1
|
Bertsias A, Flouri ID, Repa A, Avgoustidis N, Kalogiannaki E, Pitsigavdaki S, Bertsias G, Sidiropoulos P. Patterns of comorbidities differentially affect long-term functional evolution and disease activity in patients with 'difficult to treat' rheumatoid arthritis. RMD Open 2024; 10:e003808. [PMID: 38242549 PMCID: PMC10806522 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Characterisation of the long-term outcome of patients with 'difficult to treat' (D2T) rheumatoid arthritis and factors contributing to its evolution are unknown. Herein, we explored the heterogeneity and contributing factors of D2T long-term outcome. METHODS Patients included from a prospective single centre cohort study. The EULAR definition of D2T was applied. Longitudinal clustering of functional status (modified Health Assessment Questionnaire (mHAQ)) and disease activity (Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS28)) were assessed using latent-class trajectory analysis. Multiple linear mixed models were used to examine the impact of comorbidities and their clusters on the long-term outcome. RESULTS 251 out of 1264 patients (19.9%) were identified as D2T. Younger age, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, DAS28-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) at first biological or targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (b/ts-DMARD) initiation and failure to reduce DAS28-ESR scores within the first 6 months of b/ts-DMARD therapy were significant predictors of patients becoming D2T. Long-term follow-up (total of 5872 person-years) revealed four groups of functional status evolution: 18.2% had stable, mildly compromised mHAQ (mean 0.41), 39.9% had gradual improvement (1.21-0.87) and two groups had either slow deterioration or stable significant functional impairment (HAQ>1). Similarly, four distinct groups of disease activity evolution were identified. Among the different clusters of comorbidities assessed, presence of 'mental-health and pain-related illnesses' or 'metabolic diseases' had significant contribution to mHAQ worsening (p<0.0001 for both) and DAS28 evolution (p<0.0001 and p=0.018, respectively). CONCLUSION D2T patients represent a heterogeneous group in terms of long-term disease course. Mental-health/pain-related illnesses as well as metabolic diseases contribute to long-term adverse outcomes and should be targeted in order to optimise the prognosis of this subset of rheumatoid arthritis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonios Bertsias
- Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergy Department, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Irini D Flouri
- Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergy Department, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Argyro Repa
- Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergy Department, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Nestor Avgoustidis
- Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergy Department, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Eleni Kalogiannaki
- Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergy Department, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Sofia Pitsigavdaki
- Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergy Department, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - George Bertsias
- Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergy Department, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity-Inflammation, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Prodromos Sidiropoulos
- Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergy Department, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity-Inflammation, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dey M, Busby A, Isaac J, Pratt A, Ndosi M, Young A, Lempp H, Nikiphorou E. Personalised care packages for people with rheumatoid arthritis: a mixed-methods study. RMD Open 2024; 10:e003483. [PMID: 38191212 PMCID: PMC10806595 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Disease management in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) requires holistic assessment. We aimed to design personalised care packages suitable for people with RA. METHODS This study was conducted using a mixed-methods approach and exploratory sequential design. Consensus workshops were held, involving people with RA and healthcare professionals (HCPs) treating them. Subsequently, an online survey sought views on future care packages for people with RA at relevant disease progression/stages, based on (1) results from previous quantitative data analyses (eg, socioeconomic/clinical factors), and (2) themes identified during workshops. RESULTS Two conceptual care pathways were identified: (1) around the time of RA diagnosis, an early opportunity to influence the disease course; (2) for individuals with established RA, emphasising the importance of 'the right MDT member at the right time'.Three care packages were suggested: (1) early care package (around RA diagnosis): introduction to MDT; (2) continuity of care package (established RA): primary/secondary providers; and (3) personalised holistic care package: integral to packages 1 and 2, implemented alongside allied health professionals.The survey received 41 responses; 82.9% agreed that people with RA need a consistent 'early care package' at diagnosis. 85.4% approved of additional care packages tailored to individuals' clinical, psychological and social needs when moving to different stages of their long-term disease. Fleiss' Kappa calculations demonstrated fair level of agreement among respondents. CONCLUSION Two care pathways, with three tailored care packages, were identified, with potential to improve management of people with RA. Future research will help to determine if such care packages can impact clinical (including patient-reported) outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mrinalini Dey
- Centre for Rheumatic Diseases, Department of Inflammation Biology, King's College London School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, London, UK
| | - Amanda Busby
- Centre for Health Services and Clinical Research, Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - John Isaac
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Musculoskeletal Unit, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Arthur Pratt
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Musculoskeletal Unit, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Mwidimi Ndosi
- School of Health and Social Wellbeing, College of Health Science and Society, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
- Academic Rheumatology Unit, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Adam Young
- Centre for Health Services and Clinical Research, Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Heidi Lempp
- Centre for Rheumatic Diseases, Department of Inflammation Biology, King's College London School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, London, UK
| | - Elena Nikiphorou
- Centre for Rheumatic Diseases, Department of Inflammation Biology, King's College London School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, London, UK
- Department of Rheumatology, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Katz J, Bartels CM. Multimorbidity in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Literature Review and Future Directions. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2024; 26:24-35. [PMID: 37995046 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-023-01121-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To offer a narrative review of literature and an update on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) multimorbidity research over the past five years as well as future directions. RECENT FINDINGS Patients with RA experience higher prevalence of multimorbidity (31-86% vs 18-71% in non-RA) and faster accumulation of comorbidities. Patients with multimorbidity have worse outcomes compared to non-RA multimorbid patients and RA without multimorbidity including mortality, cardiac events, and hospitalizations. Comorbid disease clusters often included: cardiopulmonary, cardiometabolic, and depression and pain-related conditions. High-frequency comorbidities included interstitial lung disease, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis, thyroid disorders, hypertension, and cancer. Furthermore, patients with RA and multimorbidity are paradoxically at increased risk of high RA disease activity but experience a lower likelihood of biologic use and more biologic failures. RA patients experience higher prevalence of multimorbidity and worse outcomes versus non-RA and RA without multimorbidity. Findings call for further studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Katz
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology Division, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 1685 Highland Ave #4132, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Christie M Bartels
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology Division, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 1685 Highland Ave #4132, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Surandran S, Ahmed S, Walton T, Nikiphorou E, Dey M. Multimorbidity in rheumatoid arthritis: common mechanistic links and impact and challenges in routine clinical practice. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2023; 62:SI260-SI270. [PMID: 37871920 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead489] [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: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Early identification and management of multimorbidity in patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs), such as RA, is an integral, but often neglected, aspect of care. The prevalence and incidence of conditions such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease and malignancies, often co-existing with RA, continues to have significant implications for the management of this patient group. Multimorbidity in RMDs can be associated with inflammatory disease activity and target organ damage. Lifestyle factors, such as smoking and inactivity, further contribute to the burden of disease. Inflammation is the underlying factor, not just in RA but also many comorbidities. The current framework of a treat-to-target approach focuses on achieving early remission and inflammatory activity suppression. We describe how the comorbidity burden in people with RMDs impacts on disease outcome and treatment response. The importance of addressing comorbidity at an early stage and adopting a patient centred approach is critical in modern practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Saad Ahmed
- Department of Rheumatology, Colchester General Hospital, Colchester, UK
| | - Tom Walton
- Department of Rheumatology, Colchester General Hospital, Colchester, UK
| | - Elena Nikiphorou
- Centre for Rheumatic Diseases, King's College London, London, UK
- Rheumatology Department, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Mrinalini Dey
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Rheumatology, Countless of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Chester, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Leon L, Madrid-Garcia A, Lopez-Viejo P, González-Álvaro I, Novella-Navarro M, Freites Nuñez D, Rosales Z, Fernandez-Gutierrez B, Abasolo L. Difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis (D2T RA): clinical issues at early stages of disease. RMD Open 2023; 9:rmdopen-2022-002842. [PMID: 36889800 PMCID: PMC10008455 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2022-002842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Most studies on difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis (D2T RA) have focused on established RA. Here, we analyse whether disease activity in the early stages of RA could influence progression to a D2T RA under real-life conditions. Other clinical and treatment-related factors were also analysed. METHODS A longitudinal multicentre study of patients with RA was conducted from 2009 to 2018. Patients were followed up until January 2021. D2T RA was defined based on EULAR criteria (treatment failure, signs suggestive of currently active/progressive disease and management being perceived as problematic by the rheumatologist and/or patient). The main variable was disease activity in the early stages. The covariates were sociodemographic, clinical and treatment-related factors. We ran a multivariable logistic regression analysis to investigate risk factors associated with progression to D2T RA. RESULTS The study population comprised 631 patients and 35 (5.87%) developed D2T RA. At the time of diagnosis, the D2T RA group were younger, with a higher disability, 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28) score, tender joint count and pain scores. In our final model, DAS28 was not statistically significantly associated with D2T RA. No differences were found between groups for therapy. Disability was independently associated with D2T RA (OR: 1.89; p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS In this cohort of patients newly diagnosed with RA, our results do not allow us to prove the influence of active disease according to DAS28. However, we did find that younger patients and those with elevated initial disability scores are more likely to develop D2T RA regardless of other factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Leon
- IdISSC and Rheumatology, Hospital Clinico Universitario San Carlos, Madrid, Spain .,Health Sciences, Universidad Camilo Jose Cela, Villafranca del Castillo, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Zulema Rosales
- Rheumatology, Hospital Clinico Universitario San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Lydia Abasolo
- IdISSC and Rheumatology, Hospital Clinico Universitario San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Falcon RMG, Alcazar RMU, Mondragon AV, Penserga EG, Tantengco OAG. Rheumatoid arthritis and the risk of preterm birth. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 89:e13661. [PMID: 36450344 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13661] [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: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, many diseases are correlated with different adverse outcomes. In turn, pregnancy affects the body, leading to increased disease susceptibility. This interplay between diseased states and pregnancy outcomes is illustrated in the effect of the chronic autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and the adverse outcome, preterm birth (PTB). RA is a systemic disorder characterized by inflammation of the joints and other body organs. Joint pain and swelling are the most prominent manifestations of RA during pregnancy. However, the exact role of RA on PTB among pregnant women has yet to be established. This review highlighted the immunologic mechanisms involved in PTB in pregnant patients with RA. The immune cell population in pregnant women with RA exhibited higher activity of macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils, helper T (Th) 1 cells, and Vδ1 cells, but lower activity of CD4 + CD25high T regulatory (CD24 + CD25high Treg ), Th2, and Vδ2 cells. Increased pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ and decreased anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-12 and IL-10 are also exhibited by pregnant patients with RA. This review also discussed factors that may predict the risk of PTB in RA. These include disease activity and severity of RA, laboratory parameters (cytokines and immune cell population), and sociodemographic factors such as ethnicity, smoking, alcohol intake, and the level of education. Current findings on the underlying immunological mechanisms of RA can help identify possible strategies to prevent PTB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alric V Mondragon
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | - Ester G Penserga
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | - Ourlad Alzeus G Tantengco
- Career Incentive Program, Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute, Taguig, Philippines
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ben Tekaya A, Hannech E, Saidane O, Rouached L, Bouden S, Tekaya R, Mahmoud I, Abdelmoula L. Association between Rheumatic Disease Comorbidity Index and factors of poor prognosis in a cohort of 280 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. BMC Rheumatol 2022; 6:78. [PMID: 36539858 PMCID: PMC9769002 DOI: 10.1186/s41927-022-00308-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is commonly associated with higher rates of comorbidities. Recent recommendations highlight screening comorbidities during the disease course because of their impact on patients' ability to function, on disease outcome, but also on treatment choices. Hence the interest of our study that aimed to quantify the impact of comorbidities among RA patients using a validated tool the Rheumatic Disease Comorbidity Index (RDCI) and to explore the association between comorbidities and disease characteristics. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study over 12 months period, including patients followed for an established RA according to the ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria and hospitalized in our rheumatology department. Patients' characteristics and disease features were collected for each patient. Comorbidities were quantified using the RDCI. We looked for the association between RDCI and patients characteristics and RA parameters. Univariable and multivariable analysis were made. RESULTS They were 280 patients: 233 female (83.2%) and 47 male (16.8%) with a mean age of 58.07 (SD 11.12) years. The mean follow-up period was 14.74 (SD 1.63) years. Comorbidities were noted in 133 patients (47.5%). The mean comorbidity score measured by the RDCI was 1.05 (SD 1.23). RDCI was positively correlated with age (p < 0.001, r = 0.359). RA patients whose age of disease onset exceeds 40 years have significantly higher RDCI (1.8 (SD 1.3) [CI 95%: 1.36-1.88] vs. 1.5 (SD 1.2), p = 0.007). Moreover, RDCI was significantly associated with the presence pulmonary involvement (p < 0.001) and ocular involvement (p = 0.002). RDCI was also associated with erosive RA (p = 0.006), the presence of atlanto-axial dislocation (p = 0.014), and coxitis (p = 0.029). Regarding therapy regimen, RDCI was statistically increased in patients receiving bDMARDs compared to patients under csDMARDs (2.8 (SD 1.6) vs. 1.0 (SD 1.0), p = 0.021). CONCLUSION In this study, comorbidity index was associated with signs of poor prognosis such as erosions, coxitis, and atlanto-axial dislocation. This confirmed the hypothesis that comorbidity can be a threat to the improvement in the long-term prognosis in RA patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aicha Ben Tekaya
- grid.413827.b0000 0004 0594 6356Rheumatology Department, Charles Nicolle Hospital, 1007 Tunis, Tunisia ,grid.12574.350000000122959819Faculty of medicine of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Emna Hannech
- grid.413827.b0000 0004 0594 6356Rheumatology Department, Charles Nicolle Hospital, 1007 Tunis, Tunisia ,grid.12574.350000000122959819Faculty of medicine of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Olfa Saidane
- grid.413827.b0000 0004 0594 6356Rheumatology Department, Charles Nicolle Hospital, 1007 Tunis, Tunisia ,grid.12574.350000000122959819Faculty of medicine of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Leila Rouached
- grid.413827.b0000 0004 0594 6356Rheumatology Department, Charles Nicolle Hospital, 1007 Tunis, Tunisia ,grid.12574.350000000122959819Faculty of medicine of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Selma Bouden
- grid.413827.b0000 0004 0594 6356Rheumatology Department, Charles Nicolle Hospital, 1007 Tunis, Tunisia ,grid.12574.350000000122959819Faculty of medicine of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Rawdha Tekaya
- grid.413827.b0000 0004 0594 6356Rheumatology Department, Charles Nicolle Hospital, 1007 Tunis, Tunisia ,grid.12574.350000000122959819Faculty of medicine of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ines Mahmoud
- grid.413827.b0000 0004 0594 6356Rheumatology Department, Charles Nicolle Hospital, 1007 Tunis, Tunisia ,grid.12574.350000000122959819Faculty of medicine of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Leila Abdelmoula
- grid.413827.b0000 0004 0594 6356Rheumatology Department, Charles Nicolle Hospital, 1007 Tunis, Tunisia ,grid.12574.350000000122959819Faculty of medicine of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
The point of no return? Functional disability transitions in patients with and without rheumatoid arthritis: A population-based cohort study. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2022; 52:151941. [PMID: 35000788 PMCID: PMC8810705 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2021.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess transition probability between different levels of functional disability (FD) and time spent with FD in patients with versus without rheumatoid arthritis (RA) after RA incidence/index date. METHODS This retrospective population-based cohort study included Olmsted County, Minnesota residents (1987 ACR criteria met in 1999-2013) and comparators without RA from the same area with similar age, sex and RA incidence/index date. Activities of Daily Living (ADL) were obtained by self-report questionnaires annually since 1999. FD was defined as having difficulty with ≥1 ADL. Multistate modeling was used to estimate the probability of transitioning between FD states. RESULTS Five hundred fifty-eight patients with RA and 457 comparators completed ≥2 questionnaires and were included. Patients with RA had increased risk of transitioning from no FD to FD: Hazard Ratio (HR) 2.4; 95%CI:1.9-3.0. Each additional FD at RA onset reduced the probability of returning to no FD by 14%. However, the probability of having ≥1 FD was stable between RA incidence and 10-year follow-up. In the first 15 years of disease, patients with RA spent on average 10.1 years without FD and 3.4 years with ≥1 FD versus 11.6 years and 2.0 years (p<0.001) in comparators. CONCLUSION Patients with RA remain functionally disadvantaged compared to individuals without RA. The likelihood of returning to no FD in RA decreases with each additional preexisting FD. However, the probability of FD does not increase within 10 years of RA onset, potentially reflective of the benefits of disease-modifying treatments in RA.
Collapse
|