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Doumen M, Diricks L, Hermans J, Bertrand D, De Meyst E, Westhovens R, Verschueren P. Definitions of rheumatoid arthritis flare and how they relate to patients' perspectives: A scoping review of qualitative and quantitative evidence. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2024; 67:152481. [PMID: 38815403 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2024.152481] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by intermittent flares of disease activity with a significant impact on patients' lives. However, distinguishing flare from daily symptom variation may be approached differently by patients and healthcare providers, potentially hampering shared decision-making when treating RA. OBJECTIVES To provide a comprehensive overview of RA flare definitions reported in the published literature, and to compare these with patients' perceptions of the flare concept according to qualitative evidence. METHODS A systematic search was conducted on August 30th, 2022, and updated on September 30th, 2023, for both quantitative and qualitative studies reporting "flare" or related terms in the context of RA. We searched the following databases: Pubmed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL. Definitions of RA flare reported in quantitative studies were summarized descriptively. In parallel, a thematic synthesis of qualitative studies was performed to outline patients' views on the concept of flare, and to compare these with the currently used definitions. RESULTS Among 32,864 potentially eligible records, 304 studies were included, 5 of which used qualitative/mixed methods to study patients' perceptions of flare. Remarkably, 62 different definitions for RA flare were reported, with many studies reporting more than one. The most commonly used definitions (54 %) were based on disease activity indices, with DAS28-based definitions the most widely applied (84 %). For each of the disease activity indices, several different cutoffs to define flares were used. Various definitions based on physician report were applied in 24 % of cases, while patient-reported criteria represented only 15 % of the applied definitions. Thematic synthesis of the qualitative/mixed-methods studies highlighted the multidimensional impact of flares on patients' lives, resulting in five sequential overarching themes: "Living with RA: a balancing act", "Flare: a disturbance of this balance", "The biopsychosocial impact of flares", "Self-management: the first line of defense", and "Medical help: the last resort". In turn, these five themes were underpinned by a central theme of "Uncertainty and variability". CONCLUSION We found a striking heterogeneity regarding the conceptualization and measurement of RA flare in the published literature. Although qualitative evidence highlighted the considerable impact of flares on patients' wellbeing, the majority of reported flare definitions were not based on patient report. There is a need to bridge this gap by aligning patients' and healthcare professionals' views on what distinguishes a flare from acceptable symptom variability when living with RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaël Doumen
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Rheumatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Lotte Diricks
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joppe Hermans
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Delphine Bertrand
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elias De Meyst
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Rheumatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - René Westhovens
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Rheumatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patrick Verschueren
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Rheumatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Brown P, Pratt AG, Hyrich KL. Therapeutic advances in rheumatoid arthritis. BMJ 2024; 384:e070856. [PMID: 38233032 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2022-070856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common immune mediated inflammatory diseases. People with rheumatoid arthritis present with pain, swelling, and stiffness that typically affects symmetrically distributed small and large joints. Without effective treatment, significant joint damage, disability, and work loss develop, owing to chronic inflammation of the joint lining (synovium). Over the past 25 years, the management of this condition has been revolutionized, resulting in substantially higher levels of disease remission and better long term outcomes. This improvement reflects a paradigm shift towards early and aggressive pharmacological intervention coupled with a proliferation in treatment choice, in turn related to enhanced pathobiological understanding and the advent of new drugs for rheumatoid arthritis. Following an overview of these developments from a historical perspective, and with a general audience in mind, this review focuses on newer, targeted treatments in an ever evolving landscape. The review highlights ongoing areas of debate and unmet need, including the proportion of patients with persistent, difficult-to-treat disease, despite recent advances. Also discussed are personalized, strategic approaches to individual patients, the role for imaging in clinical decision making, and the goal of sustained, drug free remission and disease prevention in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Brown
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals and Cumbria, Northumberland; and Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trusts, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Arthur G Pratt
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals and Cumbria, Northumberland; and Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trusts, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Kimme L Hyrich
- Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
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Ward MM, Madanchi N, Yazdanyar A, Shah NR, Constantinescu F. Prevalence and predictors of sustained remission/low disease activity after discontinuation of induction or maintenance treatment with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic and scoping review. Arthritis Res Ther 2023; 25:222. [PMID: 37986101 PMCID: PMC10659063 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-023-03199-0] [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: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To determine the prevalence of sustained remission/low disease activity (LDA) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) after discontinuation of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi), separately in induction treatment and maintenance treatment studies, and to identify predictors of successful discontinuation. METHODS We performed a systematic literature review of studies published from 2005 to May 2022 that reported outcomes after TNFi discontinuation among patients in remission/LDA. We computed prevalences of successful discontinuation by induction or maintenance treatment, remission criterion, and follow-up time. We performed a scoping review of predictors of successful discontinuation. RESULTS Twenty-two induction-withdrawal studies were identified. In pooled analyses, 58% (95% confidence interval (CI) 45, 70) had DAS28 < 3.2 (9 studies), 52% (95% CI 35, 69) had DAS28 < 2.6 (9 studies), and 40% (95% CI 18, 64) had SDAI ≤ 3.3 (4 studies) at 37-52 weeks after discontinuation. Among patients who continued TNFi, 62 to 85% maintained remission. Twenty-two studies of maintenance treatment discontinuation were also identified. At 37-52 weeks after TNFi discontinuation, 48% (95% CI 38, 59) had DAS28 < 3.2 (10 studies), and 47% (95% CI 33, 62) had DAS28 < 2.6 (6 studies). Heterogeneity among studies was high. Data on predictors in induction-withdrawal studies were limited. In both treatment scenarios, longer duration of RA was most consistently associated with less successful discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS Approximately one-half of patients with RA remain in remission/LDA for up to 1 year after TNFi discontinuation, with slightly higher proportions in induction-withdrawal settings than with maintenance treatment discontinuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael M Ward
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Building 10CRC, Room 4-1339, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892-1468, USA.
| | - Nima Madanchi
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Current address: Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ali Yazdanyar
- Department of Emergency and Hospital Medicine, Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, Allentown, PA, USA
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
- Current address: Division of Hospital Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nehal R Shah
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
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Lillegraven S, Paulshus Sundlisæter N, Aga AB, Sexton J, Olsen IC, Lexberg ÅS, Madland TM, Fremstad H, Høili CA, Bakland G, Spada C, Haukeland H, Hansen IM, Moholt E, Uhlig T, Solomon DH, van der Heijde D, Kvien TK, Haavardsholm EA. Effect of tapered versus stable treatment with tumour necrosis factor inhibitors on disease flares in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in remission: a randomised, open label, non-inferiority trial. Ann Rheum Dis 2023; 82:1394-1403. [PMID: 37607809 PMCID: PMC10579188 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-224476] [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: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Many patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) require treatment with tumour necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) to reach remission. It is debated whether tapering of TNFi to discontinuation should be considered in sustained remission. The aim of ARCTIC REWIND TNFi was to assess the effect of tapering TNFi to withdrawal compared with stable treatment on the risk of disease activity flares in patients with RA in remission ≥1 year. METHODS This randomised, open-label, non-inferiority trial was undertaken at nine Norwegian rheumatology departments. Patients with RA in remission ≥12 months on stable TNFi therapy were allocated by computer-based block-randomisation to tapering to discontinuation of TNFi or stable TNFi. Conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic co-medication was unchanged. The primary endpoint was disease flare during the 12-month study period (non-inferiority margin 20%), assessed in the per-protocol population. RESULTS Between June 2013 and January 2019, 99 patients were enrolled and 92 received the allocated treatment strategy. Eighty-four patients were included in the per-protocol population. In the tapering TNFi group, 27/43 (63%) experienced a flare during 12 months, compared with 2/41 (5%) in the stable TNFi group; risk difference (95% CI) 58% (42% to 74%). The tapering strategy was not non-inferior to continued stable treatment. The number of total/serious adverse events was 49/3 in the tapering group, 57/2 in the stable group. CONCLUSION In patients with RA in remission for more than 1 year while using TNFi, an increase in flare rate was reported in those who tapered TNFi to discontinuation. However, most regained remission after reinstatement of full-dose treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS EudraCT: 2012-005275-14 and clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01881308.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siri Lillegraven
- REMEDY Center for treatment of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nina Paulshus Sundlisæter
- REMEDY Center for treatment of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anna-Birgitte Aga
- REMEDY Center for treatment of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Joseph Sexton
- REMEDY Center for treatment of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Inge Christoffer Olsen
- Department of Research Support for Clinical Trials, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Tor Magne Madland
- Department of Rheumatology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Hallvard Fremstad
- Department of Rheumatology, Møre og Romsdal Hospital Trust, Ålesund, Norway
| | | | - Gunnstein Bakland
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Cristina Spada
- Department of Rheumatology, Revmatismesykehuset AS, Lillehammer, Norway
| | - Hilde Haukeland
- Department of Rheumatology, Martina Hansens Hospital, Sandvika, Norway
| | | | - Ellen Moholt
- REMEDY Center for treatment of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Till Uhlig
- REMEDY Center for treatment of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Daniel H Solomon
- Division of Rheumatology, Division of Pharmacoepidemiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Désirée van der Heijde
- REMEDY Center for treatment of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Tore K Kvien
- REMEDY Center for treatment of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Espen A Haavardsholm
- REMEDY Center for treatment of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Wiemer N, Webster P, Attur M, Yin Y, Sharma T. Patient perspectives on tapering biologic or targeted synthetic therapy in well-controlled rheumatoid arthritis and comparison with providers' perspectives. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2023; 62:iv3-iv7. [PMID: 37855678 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead431] [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: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We examined patient and providers' perspectives on tapering biologic or targeted synthetic disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARD or tsDMARD) in well-controlled RA to determine which factors influence their long-term treatment decisions. METHODS A standardized phone survey was administered to patients with well-controlled RA based on electronic health record review. Providers were also surveyed. Univariate and multivariable regression analysis was performed with odds ratios (OR) and 95% CI. RESULTS Sixty-two patients and 11 providers completed the survey. In total, 39 (63%) patients would consider a bDMARD/tsDMARD taper. Patients were more likely to consider a taper if they thought their RA was well-controlled (OR 8.02, 95% CI 2.15-29.99, P = 0.002) and of shorter duration (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.89-0.99, P = 0.02). Patients were less likely to consider a taper if older (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.91-1.0, P = 0.05), if they were being treated with conventional synthetic DMARDs (OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.07-0.86, P = 0.0275) or daily glucocorticoids (OR 0.08, 95% CI 0.02-0.44, P = 0.0033). Patients' and providers' top concerns about long-term bDMARD/tsDMARD use were malignancy and infection. Their concerns about tapering were worsening pain, flare and loss of function. Patients were more likely to consider a bDMARD/tsDMARD taper than providers (63% vs 36%). CONCLUSION Patients who have had well-controlled RA are more likely to consider tapering bDMARD/tsDMARD when not being treated with csDMARDs or glucocorticoids. Patients and providers shared similar concerns regarding long-term use and tapering of bDMARD/tsDMARD, but patients were more likely to consider a taper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Wiemer
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Patrick Webster
- Division of Rheumatology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine-Montefiore, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Yue Yin
- Allegheny Singer Research Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Tarun Sharma
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Uhrenholt L, Duch K, Christensen R, Dreyer L, Hauge EM, Schlemmer A, Taylor PC, Kristensen S. Predicting successful biologics tapering in patients with inflammatory arthritis: Secondary analyses based on the BIOlogical Dose OPTimisation (BIODOPT) trial. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2023; 89:3152-3164. [PMID: 37271939 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15806] [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: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS To evaluate predictors for successful biologic tapering among patients with inflammatory arthritis using baseline characteristics from the BIODOPT trial. METHODS Adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis or axial spondyloarthritis on stable biologic dose and in low disease activity ≥12 months were enrolled. Participants were randomized (2:1) to disease activity-guided biologic tapering or continuation of baseline biologic. Patients achieving successful tapering reduced their biologic dose by ≥50%, had no protocol deviations and were in low disease activity at 18 months. Modified Poisson regression with robust variance estimator was applied. RESULTS In total, 142 patients were randomized to tapering (n = 95) or control (n = 47). Successful tapering was achieved by 32 and 2%, respectively. Tapering group was the only statistically significant independent predictor for successful tapering, risk ratio (RR): 14.0 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.9 to 101.3, P = .009). However, higher Short Form Health Survey 36 mental component summary (SF-36 MCS) was observed to be a predictor of potential importance, RR: 1.06 (95% CI: 0.99 to 1.13, P = .097). When limiting the analyses to the tapering group only, none of the baseline variables were statistically significant independent predictors but SF-36 MCS was still considered to be of potential importance, RR: 1.05 (95% CI: 0.99 to 1.12, P = .098). CONCLUSION Successful tapering is a reachable target for 1 in 3 patients with inflammatory arthritis who are interested in reducing their biological therapy. No statistically significant predictors (besides allocation to tapering) were identified. Future research on mental health and tapering is encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Line Uhrenholt
- Center of Rheumatic Research Aalborg (CERRA), Department of Rheumatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Section for Biostatistics and Evidence-Based Research, the Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kirsten Duch
- Center of Rheumatic Research Aalborg (CERRA), Department of Rheumatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Unit of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Robin Christensen
- Section for Biostatistics and Evidence-Based Research, the Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Research Unit of Rheumatology, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Lene Dreyer
- Center of Rheumatic Research Aalborg (CERRA), Department of Rheumatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Ellen-Margrethe Hauge
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Annette Schlemmer
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Rheumatology, Randers Regional Hospital, Randers, Denmark
| | - Peter C Taylor
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Salome Kristensen
- Center of Rheumatic Research Aalborg (CERRA), Department of Rheumatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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Uhrenholt L, Christensen R, Dreyer L, Hauge EM, Schlemmer A, Loft AG, Rasch M, Horn HC, Gade KH, Østgård RD, Taylor PC, Duch K, Kristensen S. Disease activity-guided tapering of biologics in patients with inflammatory arthritis: a pragmatic, randomized, open-label, equivalence trial. Scand J Rheumatol 2023; 52:481-492. [PMID: 36745114 DOI: 10.1080/03009742.2023.2164979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether disease activity-guided tapering of biologics compared to continuation as usual care enables a substantial dose reduction while disease activity remains equivalent. METHOD In this pragmatic, randomized, open-label, equivalence trial, adults with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or axial spondyloarthritis in low disease activity on stable-dose biologics for ≥ 12 months were randomized 2:1 into either the tapering group, i.e. disease activity-guided prolongation of the biologic dosing interval until flare or withdrawal, or the control group, i.e. maintaince of baseline biologics with a possible small interval increase at the patients request. The co-primary outcome in the intention-to-treat population was met if superiority in ≥ 50% biologic reduction at 18 months was demonstrated and disease activity was equivalent (equivalence margins ± 0.5). RESULTS Ninety-five patients were randomized to tapering and 47 to control, of whom 37% (35/95) versus 2% (1/47) achieved ≥ 50% biologic reduction at 18 months. The risk difference was statistically significant [35%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 24%-45%], while disease activity remained equivalent [mean difference 0.05, 95% CI -0.12-0.29]. A statistically significant flare risk was observed [tapering 41% (39/95) vs control 21% (10/47), risk difference 20%, 95% CI 4%-35%]; but, only 1% (1/95) and 6% (3/47) had persistent flare and needed to switch to another biological drug. CONCLUSIONS Disease activity-guided tapering of biologics in patients with inflammatory arthritis enabled one-third to achieve ≥ 50% biologic reduction, while disease activity between groups remained equivalent. Flares were more frequent in the tapering group but were managed with rescue therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Uhrenholt
- Center of Rheumatic Research Aalborg (CERRA), Department of Rheumatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Section for Biostatistics and Evidence-Based Research, The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - R Christensen
- Section for Biostatistics and Evidence-Based Research, The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Research Unit of Rheumatology, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - L Dreyer
- Center of Rheumatic Research Aalborg (CERRA), Department of Rheumatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - E-M Hauge
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - A Schlemmer
- Center of Rheumatic Research Aalborg (CERRA), Department of Rheumatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Rheumatology, Randers Regional Hospital, Randers, Denmark
| | - A G Loft
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Mnb Rasch
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - H C Horn
- Department of Rheumatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - K H Gade
- Center of Rheumatic Research Aalborg (CERRA), Department of Rheumatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Rheumatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - R D Østgård
- Department of Rheumatology, Silkeborg Regional Hospital, Silkeborg, Denmark
| | - P C Taylor
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - K Duch
- Center of Rheumatic Research Aalborg (CERRA), Department of Rheumatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Unit of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - S Kristensen
- Center of Rheumatic Research Aalborg (CERRA), Department of Rheumatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Lukasik Z, Carron P, Webers C. To taper or not to taper biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in axial spondyloarthritis anno 2023: That is the question. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2023; 37:101869. [PMID: 37658017 DOI: 10.1016/j.berh.2023.101869] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
The 2022 ASAS-EULAR recommendations for the management of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) propose to consider dose reduction of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) for patients in sustained remission. However, this recommendation does not offer clear guidance for daily clinical practice. In this review, we analyze randomized clinical trials and real-world data on tapering and discontinuation of bDMARDs in patients with axSpA. We discuss the scientific rationale and benefits of tapering, identify advice to apply tapering in current practice, and delineate aspects to be investigated in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzanna Lukasik
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium; VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Philippe Carron
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium; VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Casper Webers
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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9
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Valero M, Sánchez-Piedra C, Freire M, Colazo M, Busquets N, Meriño-Ibarra E, Rodríguez-Lozano C, Manrique S, Campos C, Sánchez-Alonso F, Castrejón I. Factors associated with discontinuation of biologics in patients with inflammatory arthritis in remission: data from the BIOBADASER registry. Arthritis Res Ther 2023; 25:86. [PMID: 37217997 PMCID: PMC10201751 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-023-03045-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objectives of this study were to assess the discontinuation of biologic therapy in patients who achieve remission and identify predictors of discontinuation of biologics in patients with inflammatory arthritis in remission. METHODS An observational retrospective study from the BIOBADASER registry comprising adult patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), or psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and receiving 1 or 2 biological disease-modifying drugs (bDMARDs) between October 1999 and April 2021. Patients were followed yearly after initiation of therapy or until discontinuation of treatment. Reasons for discontinuation were collected. Patients who discontinued bDMARDs because of remission as defined by the attending clinician were studied. Predictors of discontinuation were explored using multivariable regression models. RESULTS The study population comprised 3,366 patients taking 1 or 2 bDMARDs. Biologics were discontinued owing to remission by 80 patients (2.4%): 30 with RA (1.7%), 18 with AS (2.4%), and 32 with PsA (3.9%). The factors associated with a higher probability of discontinuation on remission were shorter disease duration (OR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.91-0.99), no concomitant use of classic DMARDs (OR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.34-0.92), and shorter usage of the previous bDMARD (before the decision to discontinue biological therapy) (OR: 1.01; 95% CI: 1.01-1.02); in contrast, smoking status (OR: 2.48; 95% CI: 1.21-5.08) was associated with a lower probability. In patients with RA, positive ACPA was associated with a lower probability of discontinuation (OR: 0.11; 95% CI: 0.02-0.53). CONCLUSIONS Discontinuation of bDMARDs in patients who achieve remission is uncommon in routine clinical care. Smoking and positive ACPA in RA patients were associated with a lower probability of treatment discontinuation because of clinical remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Valero
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital Universitario Ramón Y CajalInstituto Ramón Y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Carretera de Colmenar Viejo Km: 9,100, 28034, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Carlos Sánchez-Piedra
- Health Technology Assessment Agency of Carlos III Institute of Health (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Freire
- Department of Rheumatology, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - María Colazo
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario de Burgos, Burgos, Spain
| | - Noemí Busquets
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital General de Granollers, Granollers, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Erardo Meriño-Ibarra
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Saragossa, Spain
| | - Carlos Rodríguez-Lozano
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Doctor Negrín, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Sara Manrique
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario Regional de Málaga (Hospital Carlos Haya), Málaga, Spain
| | - Cristina Campos
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Isabel Castrejón
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio MarañónInstituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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10
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Huang JX, Lee YH, Wei JCC. Patient-tailored dose reduction of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors in axial spondyloarthritis. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 116:109804. [PMID: 36764276 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors have been widely used in the field of axial spondyloarthritis, with current guidelines now recommending dose reduction instead of withdrawal of biologics. Systemic review and meta-analyses in literature have summarized present tapering strategies and principles in published heterogeneous studies. In this study, we reviewed and provided an update on present evidence based on prospective and retrospective studies from 2008 to 2022 by performing a literature review of related publications on remission or relapse from PubMed. We further stated the core issues concerning dose reduction, including the timing, optimization, intensity, maintenance, monitoring, factors associated with tapering and solutions to de-escalation failure. Remission/relapse should be the principal consideration in dose reduction implementation for individuals without comorbidities. As a treat-to-target scope of this multifaceted systemic disease, extra-articular manifestations such as uveitis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, cardiovascular complication, hip involvement and progressed structural damage influence patient-tailored dose reduction plans. Safety concerns and costs should be integrated into the decision-making schedule to optimize the individualized dose reduction paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Xian Huang
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yung-Heng Lee
- Department of Senior Services Industry Management, Minghsin University of Science and Technology, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Department of Recreation and Sport Management, Shu-Te University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Orthopedics, Cishan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - James Cheng-Chung Wei
- Department of Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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11
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Terslev L, Ostergaard M, Georgiadis S, Brahe CH, Ellegaard K, Dohn UM, Fana V, Møller T, Juul L, Huynh TK, Krabbe S, Ornbjerg LM, Glinatsi D, Røgind H, Hansen A, Nørregaard J, Jacobsen S, Jensen DV, Manilo N, Asmussen K, Boesen M, Rastiemadabadi Z, Morsel-Carlsen L, Møller JM, Krogh NS, Hetland ML. Flare during tapering of biological DMARDs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in routine care: characteristics and predictors. RMD Open 2022; 8:rmdopen-2022-002796. [PMID: 36549857 PMCID: PMC9791469 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2022-002796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify predictors of flare in a 2-year follow-up study of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in sustained clinical remission tapering towards withdrawal of biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs). METHODS Sustained clinical remission was defined as Disease Activity Score for 28 joints (DAS28)-C reactive protein (CRP) ≤2.6 without radiographic progression for >1 year. bDMARDs were tapered according to a mandatory clinical guideline to two-thirds of standard dose at baseline, half of dose at week 16 and discontinuation at week 32. Prospective assessments for 2 years included clinical evaluation, conventional radiography, ultrasound and MRI for signs of inflammation and bone changes. Flare was defined as DAS28-CRP ≥2.6 with ∆DAS28-CRP ≥1.2 from baseline. Baseline predictors of flare were assessed by logistic regression analyses. RESULTS Of 142 included patients, 121 (85%) flared during follow-up of which 86% regained remission within 24 weeks after flare. Patients that flared were more often rheumatoid factor positive, had tried more bDMARDs and had higher baseline ultrasound synovitis sum scores than those not flaring. For patients on standard dose, predictors of flare within 16 weeks after reduction to two-thirds of standard dose were baseline MRI-osteitis (OR 1.16; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.33; p=0.014), gender (female) (OR 6.71; 95% CI 1.68 to 46.12; p=0.005) and disease duration (OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.11; p=0.020). Baseline predictors for flare within 2 years were ultrasound grey scale synovitis sum score (OR 1.19; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.44; p=0.020) and number of previous bDMARDs (OR 4.07; 95% CI 1.35 to 24.72; p=0.007). CONCLUSION The majority of real-world patients with RA tapering bDMARDs flared during tapering, with the majority regaining remission after stepwise dose increase. Demographic and imaging parameters (MR-osteitis/ultrasound greyscale synovitis) were independent predictors of immediate flare and flare overall and may be of importance for clinical decision-making in patients eligible for tapering.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Terslev
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Ostergaard
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stylianos Georgiadis
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Cecilie Heegaard Brahe
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Karen Ellegaard
- The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg og Frederiksberg Hospital, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - UM Dohn
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Viktoria Fana
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Torsten Møller
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Lars Juul
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Tuan Khai Huynh
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark,Holte Rheumatology Clinic, Capital Region, Holte, Denmark
| | - Simon Krabbe
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - L M Ornbjerg
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Daniel Glinatsi
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark,Department of Rheumatology, Skaraborg Hospital Skövde, Skovde, Sweden
| | - Henrik Røgind
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Annette Hansen
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Jesper Nørregaard
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Søren Jacobsen
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dorte V Jensen
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark,Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Center of Head and Orthopedics, Danbio Registry, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Natalia Manilo
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Karsten Asmussen
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Mikael Boesen
- Department of Radiology, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg University Hospitals, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Lone Morsel-Carlsen
- Department of Radiology, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg University Hospitals, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Merete Lund Hetland
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Flares correspond to fluctuations in disease activity or symptoms. They should be avoided in chronic inflammatory diseases. In axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), work is ongoing to better conceptualise and treat flares. This review highlights recent data on the definition and management of flares in axSpA. RECENT FINDINGS Many definitions of flares have been used in clinical trials, limiting the interpretation and comparison of studies. The expert group Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS) developed a data-driven definition of flares/disease worsening: an increase in Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score-C-reactive protein (ASDAS-CRP) of at least 0.9 points, for use in axSpA clinical trials. Flares are more challenging to define in clinical practice because of their multifaceted nature. Qualitative studies have shown that flares from the patient's perspective are related not only to disease activity, but also to fatigue, mood, sleep and general well-being. The management of axSpA relies on a treat-to-target (T2T) strategy and aims at reaching clinical remission while monitoring closely disease activity to prevent and shorten flares. SUMMARY The concept of flares has been clarified, and definitions have been developed for use in trials. The T2T approach aims at minimising flares in axSpA. The early recognition of flares and their severity may lead to better management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystel Aouad
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Paris, France
- Saint George Hospital University Medical Center, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Laure Gossec
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Paris, France
- Pitié-Salpêtrière hospital, AP-HP, Rheumatology Department, Paris, France
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