Superiority of SDAI over DAS-28 in assessment of remission in rheumatoid arthritis patients using power Doppler ultrasonography as a gold standard

Prevalence and Predictors of Remission and Sustained Remission in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis from the United Arab Emirates: A Two-Year Prospective Study

Aim

To estimate the prevalence of remission and sustained remission for more than 12 months in a cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis in the United Arab Emirates and explore predictors of remission and sustained remission in these patients.

Methods

A two-year prospective study conducted in Dubai Hospital (January 1, 2018-December 31, 2019) included all consecutive patients with rheumatoid arthritis attending the rheumatology clinic. Patients with a Simplified Disease Activity Index ≤3.3 and/or Clinical Disease Activity Index ≤2.8 in December 2018 were considered in remission and followed until December 2019. Those who maintained remission through 2019 were considered in sustained remission.

Results

In this study, a total of 444 patients were followed for a 12-months period. The percentage of remission achieved in RA patients was 30.4% according to the Clinical Disease Activity Index, 31.1% according to Simplified Disease Activity Index, and 50.9% according to the Value of Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28) remission criteria. The 12-months sustained remission rates ranged from 38.3% for the ACR-EULAR to 69.3% for the DAS28. Male gender, shorter disease duration, better functioning as evaluated by the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (lower HAQ scores), and higher compliance rates are among sustained remission predictors.

Conclusion

Establishing "real-world" data and understanding local predictors to sustained remission is principal for implementing timely and appropriate patient-tailored strategies. These strategies include early detection, close monitoring, and enhancing treatment adherence among UAE patients.

da Cunha Sauma M, Alves Pereira I, Werner de Castro GR, Viegas Brenol C, Machado Xavier R, Maria Henrique Mota L, Louzada-Junior P, da Rocha Castelar-Pinheiro G. Comparison of rheumatoid arthritis composite disease activity indices and residual activity in a Brazilian multicenter study- REAL study

INTRODUCTION

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) composite disease activity indices have become handy tools in daily clinical practice and crucial in defining remission or low disease activity, the main target of the RA treatment. However, there is no definition of the best index to assess disease activity in clinical practice.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the residual activity among the indices with the ACR/EULAR remission criteria (Boolean method) to identify the most feasible for assessing remission in daily practice, also considering correlation and concordance, sensibility, and specificity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We selected 1116 patients with established RA from the real-life rheumatoid arthritis study database-REAL. The composite disease activity indices-DAS28-ESR, DAS28-CRP, SDAI, and CDAI-and their components were compared to the Boolean method to identify residual activity using binomial regression. The indices were analyzed for correlation and agreement using the Spearman index and weighted kappa. The chi-square test evaluated sensibility and specificity for remission based on the Boolean method.

RESULTS

DAS28-CRP overestimated remission and confirmed higher residual activity than SDAI and CDAI. The indices showed good correlation and agreement, with a better relationship between SDAI and CDAI (k:0,88). CDAI and SDAI showed higher sensitivity and specificity for remission based on the Boolean method. CDAI was performed in 99% of patients, while DAS28 and SDAI were completed in approximately 85%.

CONCLUSIONS

Although all composite indices of activity can be used in clinical practice and showed good agreement, CDAI and SDAI have better performance in evaluating remission based on the Boolean method, showing less residual activity and higher sensibility and specificity. In addition, CDAI seems to be more feasible for disease activity evaluation in daily clinical practice, especially in developing countries.

Relationship between the prevalence of subclinical tenosynovitis and treatment in patients with RA in clinical remission: STARTER study

OBJECTIVE

This study is a sub-analysis from the patient cohort of the STARTER (Sonographic Tenosynovitis Assessment in RheumaToid arthritis patiEnts in Remission) study. The aim was to evaluate differences in ultrasound-detected joint and/or tendon involvement between patients receiving therapies based on a combination of csDMARDs and bDMARDs and those who were treated with either csDMARDs or bDMARDs in monotherapy.

METHODS

427 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis were recruited between October 2013 and June 2014.They were divided into 3 subgroups based on their therapy at baseline: patients with bDMARDs in monotherapy, patients with csDMARDs in monotherapy, patients in combination therapy (csDMARD+bDMARD). At baseline, 6 months and 12 months, a clinical examination (28 joint count), an ultrasound evaluation were performed in each patient. A score of Grey Scale (GS) and Power Doppler (PD)-synovitis and -tenosynovitis, was calculated based on the OMERACT scoring systems.

RESULTS

256 patients completed the observation period: 48 patients from the bDMARDs group (19.7%), 152 patients from the csDMARDs group (59.1%) and 56 pts from csDMARD+bDMARD group (21.8%).The analysis has shown that GS-tenosynovitis and PD-tenosynovitis are better controlled in combination therapy than they are with csDMARDs alone (p:0.025 and p:0.047, respectively); for PD synovitis, there was a better response in those who were treated with the combination therapy when compared to the patients in csDMARD (p:0.01) and those in bDMARD (p:0.02).

CONCLUSION

The analysis showed a lower prevalence of subclinical inflammatory manifestations detected with ultrasound imaging in those patients treated with the combination therapy than in those in monotherapy.

Subjective Symptoms Contributing to the Quality of Life of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients with Clinical Remission from the IORRA Database

OBJECTIVES

To explore patient-reported outcomes (PROs) related to quality of life (QOL) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who achieved clinical remission.

METHODS

In the Institute of Rheumatology, Rheumatoid Arthritis (IORRA) dataset, RA patients over 18 years old who met the simplified disease activity index (SDAI) remission criteria in April 2017 were enrolled in this analysis. Pain-visual analogue scale (pain-VAS) (0-100 mm), Patient's Global Assessment of Disease Activity (0-100 mm), Japanese version of Health Assessment Questionnaire, duration of morning joint stiffness, and fatigue (Checklist Individual Strength 8R [CIS]) were the tools used to evaluate PROs. To assess the contribution of each PRO to the European QOL-5 Dimensions-5 Level (EQ-5D-5L) score, analysis of variance was conducted.

RESULTS

Among the 2,443 patients with remission, the mean EQ-5D-5L was 0.9. The mean pain VAS and patients' global assessment of disease activity (Pt-GA) were 7.2 and 7.4, respectively. Factors that significantly contributed to the EQ-5D-5L were pain-VAS (48.8%), CIS score (18.1%), and Pt-GA (15.6%). Around 82.5% of the variance in EQ-5D-5L were explained by the three PROs.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that pain-VAS, CIS, and Pt-GA were significant contributors to the EQ-5D-5L score in patients with RA who achieved SDAI remission.

Interleukin-17 as a predictor of subclinical synovitis in the remission state of rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVES

To compare the level of pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and angiogenic mediators between Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with and without subclinical synovitis (SS) in remission state, to find the correlation of these mediators with Greyscale synovitis (GSS) and power Doppler (PD) scores, and to find the probable predictor/s of SS.

METHODS

52 RA patients in remission state were recruited and subdivided into with and without SS group by Ultrasonography (USG) of 14 joints. Total GSS and PD scoring was done. The serum levels of the pro/anti-inflammatory cytokines and angiogenic mediators were compared between groups, and correlation and regression analysis were done with GSS and PD scores.

RESULT

63.46% patients had USG evidence of SS. Patients with SS had significantly higher levels of pro-inflammatory and angiogenic mediators [matrix-metalloproteinase -3 (p = 0.0001), Tumour necrosis factor-α (p = 0.0001), Interleukin (IL)-6 (p = 0.001), IL-1b (p = 0.0001), IL-17 (p = 0.0005), IL-33 (p = 0.0003), Tie-2 (p = 0.0001), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF (p = 0.03)], and lower anti-inflammatory cytokines [IL-27 (p = 0.0003), IL-10(p = 0.0001)]. A strong positive correlation of GSS score was noted with IL-17(r = 0.7), IL-6 (r = 0.7), IL-1b (r = 0.7), and IL-33 (r = 0.6). Multiple linear regression model identified IL-17 and IL-6 as predictors of GSS score, and TNF-α and VEGF as predictors of PD score. IL-17 level > 249 picogram/millilitre (pg/ml) could predict the SS with high specificity (89.5%).

CONCLUSION

Patients with SS in the remission state of RA showed altered expression of some of the pro/anti-inflammatory/angiogenic markers compared to those not having SS. IL-17, IL-6, VEGF, and TNF-α could be the predictors of USG synovial scores.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Defining Clinical and Ultrasound Deep Remission

The prognosis of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has improved substantially in the last two decades due to the appearance of biological therapies, but above all, due to the improvement in the strategy and management of the disease. Our goal in RA should be to achieve remission, or in its absence, the lowest inflammatory activity. Achieving remission will prevent from structural and functional damage highly associated with RA itself. Clinical remission is defined as the absence of significant signs and symptoms of inflammatory disease activity, as well as the abrogation of any signs of systemic inflammation. Currently, there are some controversies about remission. Which is the real remission? Which remission criteria should be used and when? Does clinical remission mean ultrasound remission? In the present review, we try to answer and put some light into it, focusing on clinical and ultrasound deep remission.

Predictors of long-term clinical remission in rheumatoid arthritis

AIM

Little is known about possible predictors of long-term survival on biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARD) after achievement of deep clinical remission in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. We aimed at assessing factors associated with drug persistence of the first bDMARD in RA patients who achieved Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) remission.

METHODS

The clinical charts of RA patients beginning a first bDMARD were retrospectively reviewed, and those who achieved SDAI-based remission were selected for this analysis. Drug retention rate and mean survival time (MST) were estimated using Kaplan-Meier curves, and hazard ratios (HRs) of discontinuing bDMARD were estimated by multivariate Cox-regression models.

RESULTS

Eight-six patients were on SDAI remission, and the survival rate of bDMARDs since 'baseline-time' was 82.6% (MST = 77.8 (95% CI: 69-86) months). Once on remission, patients not taking concomitant glucocorticoids had significantly higher survival rate (90.7%, MST = 86.3 (95% CI: 78-95) months) than patients who continued to intake low dose of glucocorticoids (68.8%, MST = 56.9 (95% CI: 45-69) months; P = .008). On the contrary, those patients assuming methotrexate (MTX) had significantly higher survival (87.7% (MST = 81.8 (95% CI: 73-91) months) than patients who were not taking MTX (66.7% (MST = 55.3 (95% CI: 40-71) months) (log-rank 4.72, P = .03). After the achievement of disease remission, stopping glucocorticoids (HR 0.31, 95% CI: 0.10-0.93) and methotrexate co-therapy (HR 0.34, 95% CI: 0.12-0.98) were independently associated with a lower risk of bDMARD discontinuation.

CONCLUSIONS

Among RA patients on clinical remission with a first bDMARD, those stopping glucocorticoids and continuing MTX had much longer survival on bDMARD.

Contemporary imaging of rheumatoid arthritis: Clinical role of ultrasound and MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) are sensitive imaging modalities used by clinicians to assist in decision-making in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This review will examine the utility of MRI and MSUS in diagnosing RA, predicting RA flares, tapering therapy, assessing remission, and examining difficult periarticular features. We will also outline the strengths and weaknesses of utilizing MRI and MSUS as outcome measures in the management of RA.

Relapse in rheumatoid arthritis patients undergoing dose reduction and withdrawal of biologics: are predictable factors more relevant than predictive parameters? An observational prospective real-life study

OBJECTIVE

To determine predictive/predictable factors of relapse in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients undergoing biologic Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (bDMARDs) dose reduction/discontinuation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

RA patients receiving the same bDMARD for more than 1 year, in Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) remission, were selected in an observational monocentric real-life study. The 18-month follow-up included spacing (6 months) and withdrawal (12 months) periods of bDMARD. Clinical, biological and ultrasonographic (US) parameters were collected regularly. Relapse was defined by SDAI>11.

RESULTS

Fifty-three RA patients (mean age: 58 years; 72% women; median duration: 11 years) were enrolled. Forty-two received anti-cytokinic bDMARD targeting tumour necrosis factor (n=39) or interleukin-6R (n=3) and 11 were treated by abatacept. The number of relapses during the spacing and discontinuation periods were 19 and 20, respectively. After 18 months of follow-up, among the 53 patients, 12 maintained bDMARD-free remission, 39 had relapsed and 2 were lost of follow-up. Median time to relapse was 11.8 months. In multivariate analysis, baseline factors predictive of relapse were corticosteroid intake, female gender, longer disease duration and no methotrexate intake with bDMARD. Concerning the survival analysis, also taking into account the factors of predictability, the main risk factor of relapse after discontinuation was an increase of SDAI >0 during the spacing period (p=0.03). US findings were not contributive.

CONCLUSION

In the context of RA in remission under bDMARDs, variation of SDAI during the dose-reduction phase is more relevant than baseline parameters to predict success of drug withdrawal.

The "Treat to Target" Approach to Rheumatoid Arthritis

Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis has evolved significantly over the past decades. Therapeutic advances have made clinical remission a feasible goal. Systematic treatment approaches taking into account objective measures of disease activity ("treat-to-target"/"T2T") have been shown to result in better outcomes. This article reviews the latest information regarding T2T in rheumatoid arthritis, including a synopsis of the different disease activity scores available, new definitions of remission used in clinical trials and in routine clinical care, studies supporting a T2T approach, the role of imaging to guide treatment, and areas in which uncertainty remains.

Investigation of the predictors of the response to Iguratimod therapy: A post-hoc analysis of post-marketing surveillance study

Objectives: The treatment response according to patient disease activity during Iguratimod therapy for rheumatoid arthritis has not been sufficiently assessed. A post-hoc analysis of post-marketing surveillance was performed. The treatment effect was evaluated using the European League against Rheumatism (EULAR) response criteria.Methods: Disease Activity Score (DAS) 28 was assessed at various time points. Patients showing a moderate or good response according to the EULAR response criteria at 24 weeks after the start of Iguratimod therapy were considered Responders. Propensity score matching was also performed, after which the factors with the greatest effect on the treatment evaluation were investigated.Results: The mean DAS28 at the start of administration and after 24 weeks was 4.31 and 2.52, respectively, in the Responder and 3.48 and 3.48, respectively, in the Non-responder. After propensity score matching for patient characteristics, the primary factors found to be related to being a Responder were concomitant use of methotrexate (MTX) with Iguratimod, and prior treatment with MTX before the start of Iguratimod.Conclusion: As factors related to the treatment effect, the concomitant use of MTX may contribute to achieving a better effect, and this study has shown that real-world are consistent with the results of clinical trials.

Should the Ultrasound of Hands be a Component of Rheumatoid Arthritis Remission Criteria?

INTRODUCTION

The definition of remission in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is still difficult to determine. An ultrasound of the hands may be important in helping confirm clinical remission.

OBJECTIVE

This study's aim was to evaluate the interest in using an ultrasound of the hands to confirm clinical remission, as well as comparing the various remission scores (DAS 28 VS, DAS 28 CRP, and SDAI) and the ultrasound data, in order to deduce the most accurate score to confirm this remission.

METHODS

In this prospective monocentric study, we studied patients with rheumatoid arthritis in clinical remission, according to DAS 28 VS, for at least 3 months without corticosteroid therapy. An ultrasound mode B / Doppler of the hands was taken by an experienced rheumatologist, involving 22 joints: wrists, Metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints and proximal interphalangeal joints (PPI) bilaterally.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients were included. They were classified in remission according to DAS 28 VS as well as DAS 28 CRP, whereas the remission according to SDAI was achieved in 66.7% of our patients. Synovial hypertrophy and power Doppler were present in respectively 65% and 25% of the patients. SDAI was the most accurate score to confirm RA remission (p < 0.003).

CONCLUSION

SDAI appears to be the most appropriate score for the definition of remission in rheumatoid arthritis, but despite the use of the latter, ultrasound synovitis may still be present. Further work deserves to be done to clarify the value of ultrasound evaluation in the definition of RA remission.

Body Mass Index Impact on Disease Activity, Clinical and Sonographic Remission Rates in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

AIM

To investigate the impact of body mass index (BMI) on clinical disease activity indices and clinical and sonographic remission rates in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixty-three patients with RA were categorized according to BMI score into three groups: normal (BMI<25), overweight (BMI 25-30) and obese (BMI≥30). Thirty-three of them were treated with conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs), and 30 with biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs). Patients underwent clinical and laboratory assessment and musculoskeletal ultrasound examination (MSUS) at baseline and at 6 months after initiation of therapy. We evaluated the rate of clinical and sonographic remission (defined as Power Doppler score (PD) = 0) and its correlation with BMI score.

RESULTS

In the csDMARDs group, 60% of the normal weight patients reached DAS28 remission; 33.3% of the overweight; and 0% of the obese patients. In the bDMARDs group, the percentage of remission was as follows: 60% in the normal weight subgroup, 33.3% in the overweight; and 15.8% in the obese. Within the csDMARDs treatment group, two significant correlations were found: BMI score-DAS 28 at 6th month, rs = .372, p = .033; BMI score-DAS 28 categories, rs = .447, p = .014. Within the bDMARDs group, three significant correlations were identified: BMI score-PDUS at sixth month, rs = .506, p =.004; BMI score-DAS 28, rs = .511, p = .004; BMI score-DAS 28 categories, rs = .592, p = .001. Sonographic remission rates at 6 months were significantly higher in the normal BMI category in both treatment groups.

CONCLUSION

BMI influences the treatment response, clinical disease activity indices and the rates of clinical and sonographic remission in patients with RA. Obesity and overweight are associated with lower remission rates regardless of the type of treatment.

Ultrasound-defined remission for good functional status in rheumatoid arthritis

Background & objectives:

It has been shown that joint damage due to subclinical synovitis progresses despite apparent clinical remission in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Hence, finding more objective methods to investigate subclinical synovitis has become a current issue. Ultrasonography (US) has been among the most investigated methods. This study was conducted to detect whether there was subclinical inflammation in RA patients in clinical remission by power Doppler ultrasonography (PDUS) and to evaluate the effects of this inflammation on upper extremity function.

Methods:

Forty five RA patients fulfilled the remission criteria of disease activity score 28 using erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR), were enrolled in the study. Bilateral wrist, 2^nd and 3^th metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints and 2^nd and 5^th metatarsophalangeal joints were examined by PDUS. Upper extremity function was assessed with Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ) and handgrip strength. The pain was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS).

Results:

In 29 of 45 RA patients in clinical remission, synovitis was detected by PDUS at least in one joint. VAS and DAS28-ESR scores were significantly lower and total MHQ, some subgroup scores of MHQ (overall hand function, activity of daily living and work performance) and grip strength of the dominant hand were higher in patients with PD signal negativity.

Interpretation & conclusions:

PDUS showed a crucial role in determining the subclinical synovitis. Subclinical synovitis negatively affects the upper extremity function. Ultrasound-defined remission may be considered for good functional status and real remission in patients with RA.

Clinical, Imaging, and Pathological Suppression of Synovitis in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Is the Disease Curable?

The management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has witnessed a dramatic revolution in recent years, and disease remission has become an increasingly achievable outcome. Rheumatologists are now facing the urgent question of whether, once remission has been achieved and stably maintained, drugs can be tapered, and even discontinued. The concept of disease remission however encompasses progressive layers of complexity, all of which need to be disentangled before considering RA as a “curable” condition. As the synovial membrane represents the ultimate target of the pathological process of RA, a critical issue remains whether disease remission coincides with true suppression of inflammation and definitive tissue “healing.” In this short review, we will provide a critical summary of recent studies investigating the possibility of controlling RA synovitis at the clinical, imaging or pathological level. Potential advantages and limitations of these perspectives in the definition of remission are also discussed.

What is the added value of ultrasound joint examination for monitoring synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis and can it be used to guide treatment decisions? A systematic review and cost-effectiveness analysis

BACKGROUND

Synovitis (inflamed joint synovial lining) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be assessed by clinical examination (CE) or ultrasound (US).

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the added value of US, compared with CE alone, in RA synovitis in terms of clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness.

DATA SOURCES

Electronic databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane databases were searched from inception to October 2015.

REVIEW METHODS

A systematic review sought RA studies that compared additional US with CE. Heterogeneity of the studies with regard to interventions, comparators and outcomes precluded meta-analyses. Systematic searches for studies of cost-effectiveness and US and treatment-tapering studies (not necessarily including US) were undertaken.

MATHEMATICAL MODEL

A model was constructed that estimated, for patients in whom drug tapering was considered, the reduction in costs of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and serious infections at which the addition of US had a cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained of £20,000 and £30,000. Furthermore, the reduction in the costs of DMARDs at which US becomes cost neutral was also estimated. For patients in whom dose escalation was being considered, the reduction in number of patients escalating treatment and in serious infections at which the addition of US had a cost per QALY gained of £20,000 and £30,000 was estimated. The reduction in number of patients escalating treatment for US to become cost neutral was also estimated.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight studies were included. Two randomised controlled trials compared adding US to a Disease Activity Score (DAS)-based treat-to-target strategy for early RA patients. The addition of power Doppler ultrasound (PDUS) to a Disease Activity Score 28 joints-based treat-to-target strategy in the Targeting Synovitis in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis (TaSER) trial resulted in no significant between-group difference for change in Disease Activity Score 44 joints (DAS44). This study found that significantly more patients in the PDUS group attained DAS44 remission (p = 0.03). The Aiming for Remission in Rheumatoid Arthritis (ARCTIC) trial found that the addition of PDUS and grey-scale ultrasound (GSUS) to a DAS-based strategy did not produce a significant between-group difference in the primary end point: composite DAS of < 1.6, no swollen joints and no progression in van der Heijde-modified total Sharp score (vdHSS). The ARCTIC trial did find that the erosion score of the vdHS had a significant advantage for the US group (p = 0.04). In the TaSER trial there was no significant group difference for erosion. Other studies suggested that PDUS was significantly associated with radiographic progression and that US had added value for wrist and hand joints rather than foot and ankle joints. Heterogeneity between trials made conclusions uncertain. No studies were identified that reported the cost-effectiveness of US in monitoring synovitis. The model estimated that an average reduction of 2.5% in the costs of biological DMARDs would be sufficient to offset the costs of 3-monthly US. The money could not be recouped if oral methotrexate was the only drug used.

LIMITATIONS

Heterogeneity of the trials precluded meta-analysis. Therefore, no summary estimates of effect were available. Additional costs and health-related quality of life decrements, relating to a flare following tapering or disease progression, have not been included. The feasibility of increased US monitoring has not been assessed.

CONCLUSION

Limited evidence suggests that US monitoring of synovitis could provide a cost-effective approach to selecting RA patients for treatment tapering or escalation avoidance. Considerable uncertainty exists for all conclusions. Future research priorities include evaluating US monitoring of RA synovitis in longitudinal clinical studies.

STUDY REGISTRATION

This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42015017216.

FUNDING

The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.

Comparison of composite indices with global synovitis score on ultrasound for detecting remission

We aimed to compare composite indices with Ultrasound Global Synovitis Score (GLOESS) for remission in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA patients in remission according to the clinician were investigated with Disease Activity Score28 (DAS28), Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI), Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI), and RAPID-3 (Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3). Ultrasonography was performed using the GLOESS scores. Patients in CDAI-remission had lower GLOESS (median (IQR), 5(3-9.75) vs 7(4-11.75), p = 0.048) with a similar trend in SDAI (5(3-9.25) vs 7(4-11.25), p = 0.064). This was not observed with DAS28-CRP and RAPID3. Our results show that CDAI is superior to other indices to assess remission in RA.

The UltraSound-CLinical ARthritis Activity (US-CLARA) index: Properties of a new composite disease activity index for rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To assess validity, responsiveness and interpretability of the UltraSound-CLinical ARthritis Activity (US-CLARA) index in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

In this longitudinal study were involved RA patients starting treatment with abatacept. Subjects were followed along three visits in the first 6 months of therapy and underwent a comprehensive clinimetric evaluation. Validity was explored correlating the baseline scores and the cumulative inflammatory burden of the US-CLARA with the other composite indices applied. Sensitivity to change was assessed after 6 months of treatment in terms of internal and external responsiveness. Interpretability was defined in terms of determination of cutoffs against external criteria for remission (REM), low disease activity (LDA), moderate disease activity (MDA), and high disease activity (HDA) of SDAI.

RESULTS

One-hundred and thirty patients completed the study.

VALIDITY

moderate correlations were observed between US-CLARA and both DAS28-CRP and DAS28-ESR. Higher correlations were also found between US-CLARA and both SDAI and CDAI scores. Responsiveness: internal responsiveness was wide, with SRM and ES ranging from 0.91 to 1.51. US-CLARA responsiveness was similar to that of DAS28, SDAI, or CDAI. Similarly, the area under ROC curve (AUC-ROC) of US-CLARA gives identical results. The AUC of cumulative inflammatory burden, calculated during the 6-months follow-up of all combinations were highly correlated (p < 0.0001). Interpretability: cutoff values for REM, US-CLARA <2.0; for LDA, 2.0 ≤US-CLARA <3; for MDA, 3 ≤US-CLARA ≤4.8; for HDA, US-CLARA >4.8.

CONCLUSION

The US-CLARA is valid and sensitive tool to assess disease activity in RA.

Subclinical synovitis measured by ultrasound in rheumatoid arthritis patients with clinical remission induced by synthetic and biological modifying disease drugs

BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with disease in clinical remission might show subclinical synovitis, which can be related to the progress of structural joint damage.

OBJECTIVE

To determine and compare the degree of synovial inflammation by ultrasound (US) in patients with RA in clinical remission, treated with DMARD or combination therapy with DMARD and anti-TNF.

METHODS

Hospital-based cross-sectional study of 58 patients with RA in sustained remission for at least 6 months by DAS28 <2.6, who attended the Rheumatology Service at the Hospital Universitario de Caracas. Patients underwent clinical, functional, and laboratory assessments. Ultrasound was performed in hands measuring synovial effusion, synovial hypertrophy and power Doppler signal; using a semiquantitative 4-point scale of 0=none to 3=severe. Chi-square and t-test were used to compare the clinical, functional, laboratory and US assessments between the DMARD (N=37) and combination therapy with DMARD and anti-TNF (N=21) groups. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Out of 58 patients, 25.9% had remission by US and 74.1% had synovial effusion or hypertrophy or positive power Doppler signal. Non-significant differences in US synovitis between the two groups were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Persistent US activity was evident in a high percentage of rheumatoid arthritis patients in clinical remission by DAS28. No differences in subclinical synovitis measured by US were found between patients with DMARD and anti-TNF-induced clinical remission.

No clear association between ultrasound remission and health status in rheumatoid arthritis patients in clinical remission

Objectives

Although RA patients achieve clinical remission, risk of flare still exists. Given the association between US synovitis and increased risk of flare, it is of clinical interest whether these patients report a different health status. Therefore, our aim was to evaluate the frequency of US remission in RA patients in clinical remission and to compare the health status of RA patients in clinical remission with those who were also in US remission.

Methods

In a prospective study, we included 89 RA patients (aged >17 years) treated with a synthetic DMARD and a TNF inhibitor who were in remission (DAS in 44 joints ⩽2.4 and swollen joint count ⩽1). Demographic characteristics, swollen and tender joints, laboratory variables, US (MCP2-5, PIP2-5, wrists and MTP2-5) and patient-reported outcomes (general health, functional ability, fatigue, depression and anxiety, pain and morning stiffness) were recorded at two consecutive visits (3 months apart). US remission was defined as grey scale grade ⩽1 and power Doppler = 0.

Results

At visit 1, 39% of patients were in US remission. At visit 2, 32% of patients were in US remission. At visit 1, functional ability (HAQ) was scored lower by patients in US remission (P = 0.029). At visit 2, HAQ scores were similar (P = 0.928). At visit 2, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale anxiety score and visual analog scale pain were significantly higher in patients in US remission. Similar levels were found for the other patient-reported outcomes.

Conclusion

One-third of RA patients in clinical remission were in US remission. In our study population, we could not find a clear association between health status of RA patients and being in US remission.

Absence of ultrasound inflammation in patients presenting with arthralgia rules out the development of arthritis

BACKGROUND

To decrease the burden of disease of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), patients at risk for RA need to be identified as early as possible, preferably when no clinically apparent synovitis can be detected. Up to now, it has been fairly difficult to identify those patients with arthralgia who develop inflammatory arthritis (IA), but recent studies using ultrasound (US) suggest that earlier detection is possible. We aimed to identify patients with arthralgia developing IA within 1 year using US to detect subclinical synovitis at first consultation.

METHODS

In a multi-centre cohort study, we followed patients with arthralgia with at least two painful joints of the hands, feet or shoulders without clinical synovitis over 1 year. Symptom duration was < 1 year, and symptoms were not explained by other conditions. At baseline and at 6 and 12 months, data were collected for physical examinations, laboratory values and diagnoses. At baseline, we examined 26 joints ultrasonographically (bilateral metacarpophalangeal joints 2-5, proximal interphalangeal joints 2-5, wrist and metatarsophalangeal joints 2-5). Scoring was done semi-quantitatively on greyscale (GS; 0-3) and power Doppler (PD; 0-3) images. US synovitis was defined as GS ≥ 2 and/or PD ≥ 1. IA was defined as clinical soft tissue swelling. Sensitivity and specificity were used to assess the diagnostic value of US for the development of IA. Univariate logistic regression was used to analyse the association between independent variables and the incidence of IA. For multivariate logistic regression, the strongest variables (p < 0.157) were selected. Missing values for independent variables were imputed.

RESULTS

A total of 196 patients were included, and 159 completed 12 months of follow-up. Thirty-one (16%) patients developed IA, of whom 59% showed US synovitis at baseline. The sensitivity and specificity of US synovitis were 59% and 68%, respectively. If no joints were positive on US, negative predictive value was 89%. In the multivariate logistic regression, age (OR 1.1), the presence of morning stiffness for > 30 minutes (OR 3.3) and PD signal (OR 3.4) were associated with incident IA.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of PD signal, morning stiffness for > 30 minutes and age at baseline were independently associated with the development of IA. Regarding the value of US in the diagnostic workup of patients with early arthralgia at risk for IA, US did perform well in ruling out IA in patients who did not have US synovitis.

Remission induction by Raising the dose of Remicade in RA (RRRR) study: Rationale and study protocol for a randomized controlled trial comparing for sustained clinical remission after discontinuation of infliximab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Infliximab, an inhibitor of TNF-α, is one of the most widely used biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Recent studies indicated that baseline serum TNF-α could be considered as a key indicator for optimal dosing of infliximab for RA treatment to achieve the clinical response and its sustained remission. The Remission induction by Raising the dose of Remicade in RA (RRRR) study is an open-label, parallel group, multicenter randomized controlled trial to compare the proportions of clinical remission based on the simplified disease activity index (SDAI) after 1 year of treatment and its sustained remission rate after another 1 year between the investigational treatment strategy (for which the dose of infliximab was chosen based on the baseline serum TNF) and the standard strategy of 3 mg/kg per 8 weeks of infliximab administration in infliximab-naïve patients with RA showing an inadequate response to MTX. The primary endpoint is the proportion of patients who kept discontinuation of infliximab 1 year after discontinued infliximab at the time of 54 weeks after the first administration of infliximab. The secondary endpoints are the proportion of clinical remission based on SDAI and changes in SDAI from baseline at each time point, other clinical parameters, quality of life measures and adverse events. Target sample size of randomized patients is 400 patients in total. The main results of the RRRR study are expected to be published at the end of 2017.

Evaluation of newly proposed remission cut-points for disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28) in rheumatoid arthritis patients upon IL-6 pathway inhibition

Background

Stringent remission criteria are crucial in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) assessment. Disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28)-remission has not been included among American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism definitions, because of its association with significant residual disease activity, partly due to high weighting of acute-phase reactants (APR). New, more stringent cut-points for DAS28-remission have recently been proposed that are suggested to reflect remission by clinical and simplified disease activity indices (clinical disease activity index (CDAI), simple disease activity index (SDAI)). However, their stringency in therapies directly influencing APR, like IL-6-blockers, has not been tested. We tested the new cut-points in patients with RA receiving tocilizumab.

Methods

We used data from randomised controlled trials of tocilizumab and evaluated patients in remission according to new DAS28-C-reactive protein (DAS-CRP) and DAS-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS-ESR) cut-points (1.9 and 2.2). We assessed their disease activity state using the CDAI, SDAI and Boolean criteria and analysed their individual residual core set variables, like swollen joint counts (SJC28).

Results

About 50% of patients in DAS28-CRP-remission (<1.9) fell into higher disease activity states when assessed with CDAI, SDAI or Boolean criteria. Also, 15% had three or more (up to eight) SJC. Even higher disease activity was seen in patients classified as being in DAS28-ESR-remission (<2.2).

Conclusions

Even with new, more stringent cut-points, DAS28-remission is frequently associated with considerable residual clinical disease activity, indicating that this limitation of the DAS28 is related to score construction rather than the choice of cut-points.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13075-017-1346-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Active Foot Synovitis in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Unstable Remission Status, Radiographic Progression, and Worse Functional Outcomes in Patients With Foot Synovitis in Apparent Remission

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether foot synovitis is associated with adverse radiographic and functional outcomes after 3 years in an inception rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cohort receiving treat-to-target combination disease-modifying antirheumatic drug therapy.

METHODS

Disease activity was assessed in early RA patients (n = 266) using the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints, Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI), and Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI). Radiographic outcomes were assessed with annual hand and feet radiographs and quality of life with the Short Form 36 (SF-36). The prevalence of remission and foot synovitis was calculated using marginal binomial generalized estimating equations, transition between remission and nonremission states by a multistate Markov model, and changes in radiographic scores by a negative binomial mixed regression log-link model. Population-matched SF-36 data were analyzed by mixed-effects linear regression.

RESULTS

Disease activity scores that omit foot joints were modest in their ability to capture foot synovitis. Despite the relative stringency of the SDAI and CDAI for remission, 25-36% of patients in remission had foot synovitis. In patients in remission, foot synovitis predicted transition from remission into relapse by up to 2-fold. The sustainability of remission markedly influenced the progression of erosion scores (P = 0.006). After adjusting for disease activity, foot synovitis was associated with worse SF-36 physical functioning scores (P = 0.025).

CONCLUSION

Disease activity measures that omit foot joints capture foot synovitis poorly. When it is used to define remission, foot synovitis is found in a substantial proportion of patients, which predicts relapse and worse physical function. Foot synovitis influences the sustainability of remission, which in turn markedly influences radiographic progression. Regardless of remission status, persistent foot synovitis should prompt therapy escalation in order to improve long-term outcomes.

A reduced 12-joint ultrasound examination predicts lack of X-ray progression better than clinical remission criteria in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

To study the predictive value of clinical remission definitions and ultrasound (US) examination on X-ray progression in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This was an observational prospective multicenter 1-year follow-up cohort of RA patients with moderate disease activity (3.2 < DAS28 ≤ 5.1) who started anti-TNF therapy. DAS28ESR, DAS28CRP, SDAI, CDAI, and ACR/EULAR remission criteria were applied and reduced 12-joint US examination was performed at baseline and at 6 and 12 months. At baseline and month 12, radiographs of hands and feet were obtained in a subset of patients. A blind independent reader scored radiographs. X-ray progression was defined as Sharp van der Heijde change score >1 and no progression was defined as ≤0. 319 of 357 patients completed the study; patients had a mean (SD) age of 53.5 (13.1) years, with a disease duration of 7.5 (7.1) years. Laboratory, clinical, and US values significantly improved at month 6, except CRP, with additional improvement at month 12. Remission and low disease activity rates increased at follow-up. In the subset of 115 patients with radiological studies, clinical remission by any definition was not significantly associated with X-ray progression. Patients without PD signal at baseline and month 6 were a lower risk of X-ray progression than patients with PD signal, OR 0.197 (95% CI 0.046-0.861) and 0.134 (95% CI 0.047-0.378), respectively. Absence of PD signal, but not clinical remission predicts lack of X-ray progression. A feasible 12-joint US examination may add relevant information to RA remission criteria.

The adjuvant use of calcium fructoborate and borax with etanercept in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: Pilot study

Objective:

This study was designed to evaluate the effects calcium fructoborate (CFB) and sodium tetraborate (NTB) as supplements in Iraqi patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) maintained on etanercept.

Materials and Methods:

A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial with 60 days treatment period was carried out at Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Medical city, Baghdad, Iraq. Eighty RA patients were randomized into three groups to receive either 220 mg/day CFB, 55 mg/day NTB in capsule dosage form (equivalent to 6 mg elemental Boron), or placebo formula once daily. Only 72 patients completed the study. All patients were clinically evaluated utilizing DAS28-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), simple disease activity index-C-reactive protein (CRP), and clinical disease activity index scores at baseline, and at the end of the study. Venous blood was obtained at baseline and after 60 days, and utilized for the measurement of ESR, hemoglobin, in addition to evaluation of high-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1α (IL-1α) and IL-6.

Results:

After 60 days, both types of boron significantly improve the clinical scores, in association with significant decrease in the serum levels of ESR, hsCRP, IL-1α, IL-6, and TNF-α with remarkable superiority for calcium fructoborate (CFB) over sodium tetraborate (NTB), compared to baseline and placebo-treated group.

Conclusion:

The use of boron, as adjuvant with etanercept, has potentiated therapeutic outcomes in RA patients, and may be a new strategy to improve treatment, and avoid the problems associated with biologics utilized in RA treatment.

Continual Maintenance of Remission Defined by the ACR/EULAR Criteria in Daily Practice Leads to Better Functional Outcomes in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective.

To evaluate longterm functional outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) based on the number of times that the American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) or the 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28) remission criteria were fulfilled.

Methods.

Patients with RA who participated in all 6 data collections in an observational cohort from 2008 to 2010 and who fulfilled the DAS28 remission criteria at baseline were studied. Patients were classified by the number of times they fulfilled the ACR/EULAR [Boolean trial, Boolean practice, Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI), or Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI)] or DAS28 remission criteria at each collection. The OR for the Japanese version of the Health Assessment Questionnaire (J-HAQ) progression, based on the number of times each set of remission criteria was fulfilled, were calculated by logistic regression.

Results.

A total of 915 patients were studied. The OR (95% CI) for J-HAQ progression were 0.54 (0.33–0.87), 0.55 (0.33–0.92), 0.48 (0.28–0.82), 0.29 (0.16–0.51), 0.24 (0.13–0.47), and 0.07 (0.03–0.15) for those fulfilling the Boolean trial remission from 1 to 6 times. This tendency was also observed for the other 4 criteria. The OR (95% CI) for J-HAQ progression in patients who achieved remission at all 6 data collections were 0.07 (0.03–0.14) for the Boolean practice, 0.10 (0.05–0.20) for the SDAI, and 0.07 (0.04–0.15) for the CDAI, whereas 0.15 (0.08–0.29) for the DAS28.

Conclusion.

Continual fulfillment of any remission criteria was strongly effective in preventing patients from progression of functional disability; however, the ACR/EULAR criteria appear to be preferable.

Serum Calprotectin Discriminates Subclinical Disease Activity from Ultrasound-Defined Remission in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Clinical Remission

OBJECTIVE

Clinical remission in some patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may be associated with ongoing synovial inflammation that is not always detectable on clinical examination or reflected by laboratory tests but can be visualized by musculoskeletal ultrasound. The goal of our study was to determine the levels of serum calprotectin, a major leukocyte protein, in patients with RA in clinical remission and to investigate the ability of serum calprotectin levels to distinguish patients in ultrasound-defined remission from those with residual ultrasound subclinical inflammation.

METHODS

Seventy RA patients in clinical remission underwent clinical and ultrasound examination. Ultrasound examination was performed according to the German US7 score. Ultrasound remission was defined as grey scale (GS) range 0-1 and power Doppler (PD) range 0. The levels of serum calprotectin and C-reactive protein (CRP) were determined. The discriminatory capacity of calprotectin and CRP in detecting residual ultrasound inflammation was assessed using ROC curves.

RESULTS

The total number of patients fulfilling the DAS28-ESR, DAS28-CRP, SDAI and CDAI remission criteria was 58, 67, 32 and 31, respectively. Residual synovial inflammation was found in 58-67% of the patients who fulfilled at least one set of clinical remission criteria. Calprotectin levels were significantly higher in patients with residual synovial inflammation than in those with ultrasound-defined remission (mean 2.5±1.3 vs. 1.7±0.8 μg/mL, p<0.005). Using ultrasound-defined remission criteria, calprotectin had an AUC of 0.692, p<0.05 using DAS28-ESR remission criteria and an AUC of 0.712, p<0.005 using DAS28-CRP remission criteria. Calprotectin correctly distinguished ultrasound remission from subclinical activity in 70% of patients. CRP (AUC DAS28-ESR = 0.494, p = NS; AUC DAS28-CRP = 0.498, p = NS) had lower and insignificant discriminatory capacity.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrates the potential of calprotectin to distinguish RA patients in both clinical and ultrasound-defined remission from patients in clinical remission but with residual subclinical disease activity.

Rheumatoid shoulder assessed by ultrasonography: prevalence of abnormalities and associated factors

INTRODUCTION

The shoulder involvement in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is common. It can be subclinical and compromise the function of the upper limb. Musculoskeletal ultrasonography can detect subclinical abnormalities in rheumatoid shoulder. Our aim was to assess the prevalence of ultrasound abnormalities in rheumatoid shoulder, and investigate their association with different parameters.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study including 37 patients with RA, meeting the ACR/EULAR 2010 classification criteria, who were enrolled during a month. A questionnaire with sociodemographic, clinical and laboratory data was filled in for all patients. Ultrasound evaluation was performed by a single experienced operator. For each patient, both of shoulders were evaluated.

RESULTS

Mean age was 50 years with female predominance. Median disease duration of RA was 7.5 years. All patients had a seropositive form of RA. Mean clinical DAS28 was 5.1. Mean HAQ was 1.2. Thirty-one (83.8%) patients had involvement of the shoulder: unilateral in 9(24.3%) cases and bilateral in 22(59.5%) cases. Synovitis was found in 16(43.2%) patients with Doppler in 4 (10.8%) cases. Sub-acromial bursitis was noted in 14 (37.8%) cases and the effusion in 20 (54.1%). Synovitis was noted especially in elderly individuals (p: 0.01). The Doppler was visualized in elderly patients (p: 0.01), with a shorter disease duration (p: 0.02) and with a high SDAI (p: 0.006). US inflammatory findings in anterior recess of glenohumeral joint were linked to a higher synovial index (p: 0.03) and a higher level of rheumatoid factor (p: 0.01).

CONCLUSION

59.5% of our RA patients had bilateral involvement of the shoulder which was related to the disease activity. Ultrasound should be a systematic tool to look for the involvement of this joint in RA patients.

Recommendations for the use of ultrasound and magnetic resonance in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To develop evidence-based recommendations on the use of ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

Recommendations were generated following a nominal group technique. A panel of experts, consisting of 15 rheumatologists and 3 radiologists, was established in the first panel meeting to define the scope and purpose of the consensus document, as well as chapters, potential recommendations and systematic literature reviews (we used and updated those from previous EULAR documents). A first draft of recommendations and text was generated. Then, an electronic Delphi process (2 rounds) was carried out. Recommendations were voted from 1 (total disagreement) to 10 (total agreement). We defined agreement if at least 70% of experts voted ≥7. The level of evidence and grade or recommendation was assessed using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine Levels of Evidence. The full text was circulated and reviewed by the panel. The consensus was coordinated by an expert methodologist.

RESULTS

A total of 20 recommendations were proposed. They include the validity of US and MRI regarding inflammation and damage detection, diagnosis, prediction (structural damage progression, flare, treatment response, etc.), monitoring and the use of US guided injections/biopsies.

CONCLUSIONS

These recommendations will help clinicians use US and MRI in RA patients.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory joint disease, which can cause cartilage and bone damage as well as disability. Early diagnosis is key to optimal therapeutic success, particularly in patients with well-characterised risk factors for poor outcomes such as high disease activity, presence of autoantibodies, and early joint damage. Treatment algorithms involve measuring disease activity with composite indices, applying a treatment-to-target strategy, and use of conventional, biological, and newz non-biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. After the treatment target of stringent remission (or at least low disease activity) is maintained, dose reduction should be attempted. Although the prospects for most patients are now favourable, many still do not respond to current therapies. Accordingly, new therapies are urgently required. In this Seminar, we describe current insights into genetics and aetiology, pathophysiology, epidemiology, assessment, therapeutic agents, and treatment strategies together with unmet needs of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Changes in Ultrasonographic Vascularity Upon Initiation of Adalimumab Combination Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients With an Inadequate Response to Methotrexate

Objective

To assess joint disease activity by ultrasound (US) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) initiating treatment with adalimumab (ADA) plus methotrexate (MTX).

Methods

Data for this post hoc analysis originated from the MUSICA trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01185288), which evaluated the efficacy of initiating ADA (40 mg every other week) plus 7.5 or 20 mg/week MTX in 309 patients with RA with an inadequate response to MTX. Synovial vascularization over 24 weeks was assessed bilaterally at metacarpophalangeal joint 2 (MCP2), MCP3, MCP5, metatarsophalangeal joint 5, and the wrists by power Doppler US (PDUS). A semiquantitative 4‐grade scale was used. Disease activity was assessed using the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints using the C‐reactive protein level (DAS28‐CRP) and Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI). The correlation between continuous variables was assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficient.

Results

After 24 weeks of treatment with ADA plus MTX, rapid improvements in the mean synovial vascularity score were observed; the greatest improvements were in MCP2 (−0.5), MCP3 (−0.4), and the wrist (−0.4). At week 24, patients with the lowest DAS28‐CRP (<2.6) had the lowest mean 5‐joint and 3‐joint composite synovial vascularity scores. The 5‐joint and 3‐joint scores were strongly correlated (ρ > 0.9). Synovial vascularity scores correlated poorly with DAS28, swollen joint count in 66 joints (SJC66), SJC28, tender joint count in 68 joints (TJC68), TJC28, Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI), SDAI, physician's global assessment, patient's global assessment of pain, and disease duration (ρ < 0.2). Thirty‐two (70%) of 46 patients with a DAS28‐CRP of <2.6, and 11 (58%) of 19 patients with an SDAI indicating remission had at least 1 joint with a synovial vascularity score of ≥1.

Conclusion

PDUS detects changes in synovial vascularity in RA patients treated with ADA plus MTX, and residual synovial vascularity in patients in whom clinical disease control has been achieved.

ACR/EULAR Definitions of Remission Are Associated with Lower Residual Inflammatory Activity Compared with DAS28 Remission on Hand MRI in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective.

To determine the level of residual inflammation [synovitis, bone marrow edema (BME), tenosynovitis, and total inflammation] quantified by hand magnetic resonance imaging (h-MRI) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in remission according to 3 different definitions of clinical remission, and to compare these remission definitions.

Methods.

A cross-sectional study. To assess the level of residual MRI inflammation in remission, cutoff levels associated to remission and median scores of MRI residual inflammatory lesions were calculated. Data from an MRI register of patients with RA who have various levels of disease activity were used. These were used for the analyses: synovitis, BME according to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scoring system, tenosynovitis, total inflammation, and disease activity composite measures recorded at the time of MRI. Receiver-operating characteristic analysis was used to identify the best cutoffs associated with remission for each inflammatory lesion on h-MRI. Median values of each inflammatory lesion for each definition of remission were also calculated.

Results.

A total of 388 h-MRI sets of patients with RA with different levels of disease activity, 130 in remission, were included. Cutoff values associated with remission according to the Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) ≤ 3.3 and the Boolean American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism (ACR/EULAR) definitions for BME and tenosynovitis (1 and 3, respectively) were lower than BME and tenosynovitis (2 and 5, respectively) for the Disease Activity Score on 28 joints (DAS28) ≤ 2.6. Median scores for synovitis, BME, and total inflammation were also lower for the SDAI and Boolean ACR/EULAR remission criteria compared with DAS28.

Conclusion.

Patients with RA in remission according to the SDAI and Boolean ACR/EULAR definitions showed lower levels of MRI-detected residual inflammation compared with DAS28.

Ultrasound-detected tenosynovitis independently associates with patient-reported flare in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in clinical remission: results from the observational study STARTER of the Italian Society for Rheumatology

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of US-detected tenosynovitis in RA patients in clinical remission and to explore its clinical correlates.

METHODS

A total of 427 RA patients in clinical remission were consecutively enrolled from 25 Italian rheumatology centres. Tenosynovitis and synovitis were scored by US grey scale (GS) and power Doppler (PD) semi-quantitative scoring systems at wrist and hand joints. Complete clinical assessment was performed by rheumatologists blinded to the US results. A flare questionnaire was used to assess unstable remission (primary outcome), HAQ for functional disability and radiographic erosions for damage (secondary outcomes). Cross-sectional relationships between the presence of each US finding and outcome variables are presented as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs, both crude and adjusted for pre-specified confounders.

RESULTS

The prevalence of tenosynovitis in clinical remission was 52.5% (95% CI 0.48, 0.57) for GS and 22.7% (95% CI 0.19, 0.27) for PD, while the prevalence of synovitis was 71.6% (95% CI 0.67, 0.76) for GS and 42% (95% CI 0.37, 0.47) for PD. Among clinical correlates, PD tenosynovitis associated with lower remission duration and morning stiffness while PD synovitis did not. Only PD tenosynovitis showed a significant association with the flare questionnaire [OR 1.95 (95% CI 1.17, 3.26)]. No cross-sectional associations were found with the HAQ. The presence of radiographic erosions associated with GS and PD synovitis but not with tenosynovitis.

CONCLUSIONS

US-detected tenosynovitis is a frequent finding in RA patients in clinical remission and associates with unstable remission.

Exploring a new ultrasound score as a clinical predictive tool in patients with rheumatoid arthritis starting abatacept: results from the APPRAISE study

Objectives

To explore whether changes in a composite (power Doppler/greyscale ultrasound (PDUS)) synovitis score, developed by the OMERACT-EULAR-Ultrasound Task Force, predict disease activity outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Patients with RA who were methotrexate inadequate responders starting abatacept were evaluated. Individual joint PDUS scores were combined in the Global OMERACT-EULAR Synovitis Score (GLOESS) for metacarpophalangeal joints (MCPs) 2–5, all joints (22 paired) and a reduced (9 paired) joint set. The predictive value of changes in GLOESS at week 1–16 evaluations for clinical status and response (Disease Activity Score (DAS)28 (C reactive protein, CRP) <2.6; DAS28(CRP) ≤3.2; DAS28(CRP) ≥1.2 improvement) up to week 24, and correlations between DAS28 and GLOESS were assessed.

Results

Eighty-nine patients completed the 24-week treatment period. Changes in GLOESS (MCPs 2–5) from weeks 1 to 16 were unable to predict DAS28 outcomes up to week 24. However, significant improvements in GLOESS (MCPs 2–5) were observed at week 12 in patients with DAS28 ≥1.2 improvement at week 24 versus those who did not achieve that clinical response. In patients achieving DAS28 ≥1.2 improvement or DAS28 ≤3.2 at week 24, changes in GLOESS (22 and 9 paired joint sets) were greater in patients who already achieved DAS28 ≥1.2 at week 12 than in those who did not. No significant correlations were found between changes in DAS28 and GLOESS definitions at any time point.

Conclusions

PDUS was not correlated with clinical status or response as measured by DAS28-derived criteria, and PDUS changes were not predictive of clinical outcome. The discrepancies require further exploration.

Trial registration number

NCT00767325; Results.

Ultrasonographic evaluation in psoriatic arthritis is of major importance in evaluating disease activity

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between clinical and ultrasonographic (US) evidence of inflammation in psoriatic arthritis (PsA), as well as to compare clinical and US remission criteria.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study 141 PsA outpatients were included. Minimal disease activity (MDA), 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28), Disease Activity Index for PSoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA) and modified versions of Composite Psoriatic Disease Activity Index (CPDAI) and Psoriatic ArthritiS Disease Activity Score (PASDAS) were assessed. Remission criteria were explored. US evaluation was performed on 34 joints, in addition to joints being tender/swollen by 66/68 joint count, 30 tendons, 10 entheses and additionally entheses found to be tender by clinical examination of 19 other entheses. Power Doppler (PD) and grey scale global scores on joints, entheses and tendons were assessed. US remission was defined as no PD activity in joints, entheses and tendons.

RESULTS

DAPSA and DAS28, but not CPDAI and PASDAS, were associated with PD activity. MDA was fulfilled in 22.7% and the clinical remission criteria in 5.7%-9.9% of the patients. US remission was found in 49.6% of the patients. The prevalence of PD activity at joints, entheses and tendons was similar for patients fulfilling versus not fulfilling MDA/clinical remission criteria. MDA (OR 2.3, p=0.048), DAPSA ≤3.3 (OR 4.2, p=0.025) and Boolean's (OR=7.8, p=0.033) definitions of remission were found to predict US remission.

CONCLUSIONS

We found major discrepancies between US and clinical findings. DAPSA and DAS28 reflected US findings better than CPDAI and PASDAS. MDA, DAPSA and Boolean's remission criteria predicted US remission.

Clinical joint inactivity predicts structural stability in patients with established rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVES

Clinical joint activity is a strong predictor of joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but progression of damage might increase despite clinical inactivity of the respective joint (silent progression). The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of silent joint progression, but particularly on the patient level and to investigate the duration of clinical inactivity as a marker for non-progression on the joint level.

METHODS

279 patients with RA with any radiographic progression over an observational period of 3-5 years were included. We obtained radiographic and clinical data of 22 hand/finger joints over a period of at least 3 years. Prevalence of silent progression and associations of clinical joint activity and radiographic progression were evaluated.

RESULTS

120 (43.0%) of the patients showed radiographic progression in at least one of their joints without any signs of clinical activity in that respective joint. In only 7 (5.8%) patients, such silent joint progression would go undetected, as the remainder had other joints with clinical activity, either with (n=84; 70.0%) or without (n=29; 24.2%) accompanying radiographic progression. Also, the risk of silent progression decreases with duration of clinical activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Silent progression of a joint without accompanying apparent clinical activity in any other joint of a patient was very rare, and would therefore be most likely detected by the assessment of the patient. Thus, full clinical remission is an excellent marker of structural stability in patients with RA, and the maintenance of this state reduces the risk of progression even further.

Targeting ultrasound remission in early rheumatoid arthritis: the results of the TaSER study, a randomised clinical trial

Objective

To investigate whether an intensive early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treat-to-target (T2T) strategy could be improved through the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) assessment of disease activity.

Methods

111 newly diagnosed patients with RA or undifferentiated arthritis (symptom duration <1 year) were randomised to strategies that aimed to attain either DAS28-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)<3.2 (control) or a total power Doppler joint count≤1 during a combined DAS28-ESR/MSUS assessment (intervention). MSUS examination was indicated if: DAS28-ESR<3.2 or DAS28-ESR≥3.2 with two swollen joints. Step-up disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) escalation was standardised: methotrexate monotherapy, triple therapy and then etanercept/triple therapy. American College of Rheumatology (ACR) core-set variables were assessed 3 monthly by a metrologist blinded to group allocation. MRI of dominant hand and wrist, and plain radiographs of hands and feet were undertaken at baseline and 18 months for grading by two readers using the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) Rheumatoid Arthritis MRI Scoring System (RAMRIS) and van der Heijde/Sharp Score, respectively. The coprimary outcomes were mean change from baseline of DAS44 and RAMRIS erosion score.

Results

Groups were matched for baseline clinical, demographic and radiographic features. The intervention group received more intensive DMARD therapy. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in DAS44 (mean change: control −2.58, intervention −2.69; 95% CI difference between groups −0.70 to 0.48; p=0.72). There were no significant between-group differences for any ACR core-set variables, except DAS44 remission after 18 months (control 43%, intervention 66%; p=0.03). There was minimal progression of MRI and radiographic erosions and no difference in imaging outcomes or serious adverse event rates.

Conclusions

In early RA, a MSUS-driven T2T strategy led to more intensive treatment, but was not associated with significantly better clinical or imaging outcomes than a DAS28-driven strategy.

Trial registration number

NCT00920478.

Pulmonary involvement in rheumatoid arthritis: A cross-sectional study in Iran

Background:

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a type of pulmonary manifestation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Mostly RA-ILD has no symptoms and is only diagnosed by clinical examination, pulmonary function test (PFT), and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT); hence it seems that the diagnosis of pulmonary involvement in early stages of RA is of great importance. Therefore, we decided to answer this question whether the evaluation of RA patients without pulmonary symptoms using methods such as PFT and HRCT are justifiable and reasonable or not.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional study in a referral rheumatology clinic in Razi hospital of Rasht, Iran. Forty-four consecutive patients, diagnosed with RA, were enrolled. Physical examination of the joints was performed by an rheumatologist. The activity of RA was evaluated in all patients by Disease Activity Score 28. An expert pulmonologist performed the respiratory examination in all participants. Then, all subjects were referred for chest X-ray, PFT, and HRCT of lungs.

Results:

Patients included in this study, 9 (20.45%) males and 35 (79.55%) females, were 21–73 years old and their mean age was 49 ± 13 years. Significant relation between PFT and respiratory complaints was observed (P = 0.016). PFT had significant relation with respiratory examinations (P = 0.009). Our results indicated a significant relation between disease activity rate and PFT (P = 0.038). While HRCT had any significant relation with above items.

Conclusion:

We concluded, using PFT in the respiratory assessment of RA patients can be limited to persons with high disease activity, respiratory complaints, and positive findings in the clinical respiratory examination.

Musculoskeletal ultrasonography in routine rheumatology practice: data from Central and Eastern European countries

The main aim was to gain structured insight into the use of musculoskeletal ultrasonography (MSUS) in routine rheumatology practices in Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries. In a cross-sectional, observational, international, multicenter survey, a questionnaire was sent to investigational sites in CEE countries. Data on all subsequent routine MSUS examinations, site characteristics, MSUS equipment, and investigators were collected over 6 months or up to 100 examinations per center. A total of 95 physicians at 44 sites in 9 countries provided information on a total of 2810 MSUS examinations. The most frequent diagnoses were rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondyloarthritis (34.8 and 14.9 % of cases, respectively). Mean number of joints examined was 6.8. MSUS was most frequently performed for diagnostic purposes (58 %), particularly in patients with undifferentiated arthritis, suspected soft tissue disorders, or osteoarthritis (73.0–85.3 %). In RA patients, 56.3 % of examinations were conducted to monitor disease activity. Nearly all investigations (99 %) had clinical implications, while the results of 78.6 % of examinations (51.6–99.0 %) were deemed useful for patient education. This first standardized multicountry survey performed in CEEs provided a structured documentation of the routine MSUS use in participating countries. The majority of MSUS examinations were performed for diagnostic purposes, whereas one-third was conducted to monitor disease activity in RA. A majority of examinations had an impact on clinical decision making and were also found to be useful for patient education.

Treating rheumatoid arthritis to target: 2014 update of the recommendations of an international task force

BACKGROUND

Reaching the therapeutic target of remission or low-disease activity has improved outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) significantly. The treat-to-target recommendations, formulated in 2010, have provided a basis for implementation of a strategic approach towards this therapeutic goal in routine clinical practice, but these recommendations need to be re-evaluated for appropriateness and practicability in the light of new insights.

OBJECTIVE

To update the 2010 treat-to-target recommendations based on systematic literature reviews (SLR) and expert opinion.

METHODS

A task force of rheumatologists, patients and a nurse specialist assessed the SLR results and evaluated the individual items of the 2010 recommendations accordingly, reformulating many of the items. These were subsequently discussed, amended and voted upon by >40 experts, including 5 patients, from various regions of the world. Levels of evidence, strengths of recommendations and levels of agreement were derived.

RESULTS

The update resulted in 4 overarching principles and 10 recommendations. The previous recommendations were partly adapted and their order changed as deemed appropriate in terms of importance in the view of the experts. The SLR had now provided also data for the effectiveness of targeting low-disease activity or remission in established rather than only early disease. The role of comorbidities, including their potential to preclude treatment intensification, was highlighted more strongly than before. The treatment aim was again defined as remission with low-disease activity being an alternative goal especially in patients with long-standing disease. Regular follow-up (every 1-3 months during active disease) with according therapeutic adaptations to reach the desired state was recommended. Follow-up examinations ought to employ composite measures of disease activity that include joint counts. Additional items provide further details for particular aspects of the disease, especially comorbidity and shared decision-making with the patient. Levels of evidence had increased for many items compared with the 2010 recommendations, and levels of agreement were very high for most of the individual recommendations (≥9/10).

CONCLUSIONS

The 4 overarching principles and 10 recommendations are based on stronger evidence than before and are supposed to inform patients, rheumatologists and other stakeholders about strategies to reach optimal outcomes of RA.

Evidence for treating rheumatoid arthritis to target: results of a systematic literature search update

OBJECTIVE

A systematic literature review (SLR; 2009-2014) to compare a target-oriented approach with routine management in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to allow an update of the treat-to-target recommendations.

METHODS

Two SLRs focused on clinical trials employing a treatment approach targeting a specific clinical outcome were performed. In addition to testing clinical, functional and/or structural changes as endpoints, comorbidities, cardiovascular risk, work productivity and education as well as patient self-assessment were investigated. The searches covered MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane databases and Clinicaltrial.gov for the period between 2009 and 2012 and separately for the period of 2012 to May of 2014.

RESULTS

Of 8442 citations retrieved in the two SLRs, 176 articles underwent full-text review. According to predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria, six articles were included of which five showed superiority of a targeted treatment approach aiming at least at low-disease activity versus routine care; in addition, publications providing supportive evidence were also incorporated that aside from expanding the evidence provided by the above six publications allowed concluding that a target-oriented approach leads to less comorbidities and cardiovascular risk and better work productivity than conventional care.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study expands the evidence that targeting low-disease activity or remission in the management of RA conveys better outcomes than routine care.