Efficacy of conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, glucocorticoids and tofacitinib: a systematic literature review informing the 2013 update of the EULAR recommendations for management of rheumatoid arthritis

Transdermal Microneedles Alleviated Rheumatoid Arthritis by Inducing Immune Tolerance via Skin-Resident Antigen Presenting Cells

Restoring immune tolerance is the ultimate goal for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment. The most reported oral or intravenous injection routes for the immunization of autoantigens cause gastrointestinal side effects, low patient compliance, and unsatisfied immune tolerance induction. Herein, the use of a transdermal microneedle patch is for the first time investigated to codeliver CII peptide autoantigen and rapamycin for reversing immune disorders of RA. The immunized microneedles efficiently recruit antigen-presenting cells particularly Langerhans cells, and induce tolerogenic dendritic cells at the administration skin site. The tolerogenic dendritic cells further homing to lymph nodes to activate systemic Treg cell differentiation, which upregulates the expression of anti-inflammatory mediators while inhibiting the polarization of Th1/2 and Th17 T cell phenotypes and the expression of inflammatory profiles. As a result, the optimized microneedles nearly completely eliminate RA symptoms and inflammatory infiltrations. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that a low dose of rapamycin is crucial for the successful induction of immune tolerance. The results indicate that a rationally designed microneedle patch is a promising strategy for immune balance restoration with increased immune tolerance induction efficiency and patient compliance.

Hydroxychloroquine: Key therapeutic advances and emerging nanotechnological landscape for cancer mitigation

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is a unique class of medications that has been widely utilized for the treatment of cancer. HCQ plays a dichotomous role by inhibiting autophagy induced by the tumor microenvironment (TME). Preclinical studies support the use of HCQ for anti-cancer therapy, especially in combination with conventional anti-cancer treatments since they sensitize tumor cells to drugs, potentiating the therapeutic activity. However, clinical evidence has suggested poor outcomes for HCQ due to various obstacles, including non-specific distribution, low aqueous solubility and low bioavailability at target sites, transport across tissue barriers, and retinal toxicity. These issues are addressable via the integration of HCQ with nanotechnology to produce HCQ-conjugated nanomedicines. This review aims to discuss the pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic and antitumor properties of HCQ. Furthermore, the antitumor performance of the nanoformulated HCQ is also reviewed thoroughly, aiming to serve as a guide for the HCQ-based enhanced treatment of cancers. The nanoencapsulation or nanoconjugation of HCQ with nanoassemblies appears to be a promising method for reducing the toxicity and improving the antitumor efficacy of HCQ.

Histone deacetylase inhibitors as a potential new treatment for psoriatic disease and other inflammatory conditions

Collectively known as psoriatic disease, psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are immune-mediated inflammatory diseases in which patients present with cutaneous and musculoskeletal inflammation. Affecting roughly 2-3% of the world's total population, there remains unmet therapeutic needs in both psoriasis and PsA despite the availability of current immunomodulatory treatments. As a result, patients with psoriatic disease often experience reduced quality of life. Recently, a class of small molecules, commonly investigated as anti-cancer agents, called histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, have been proposed as a new promising anti-inflammatory treatment for immune- and inflammatory-related diseases. In inflammatory diseases, current evidence is derived from studies on diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systematic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and while there are some reports studying psoriasis, data on PsA patients are not yet available. In this review, we provide a brief overview of psoriatic disease, psoriasis, and PsA, as well as HDACs, and discuss the rationale behind the potential use of HDAC inhibitors in the management of persistent inflammation to suggest its possible use in psoriatic disease.

Case report: Joint deformity associated with systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

Typically, Jaccoud arthropathy (JA) is characterized by joint deformation without bone erosion. However, some recent studies have shown that bone erosion also occurs in JA; however, this remains controversial. To date, there have been no unified diagnostic standards for JA. Herein, we report a case of systemic lupus erythematosus complicated with JA without bone erosion.

METHODS

A 27-year-old woman was admitted to our department with a 2-year history of pain, swelling, and progressive deformities of her hands and feet. She was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus and class V lupus nephritis 5 years prior. Upon examination, her erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels were found to be increased. She was positive for antinuclear antibodies, antidouble stranded DNA antibodies, and antiextractable nuclear antigen antibodies, with a decreased complement C3 and C4. Radiography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed no bone erosion. The patient was diagnosed with JA. She was treated with oral prednisone (10 mg daily), tofacitinib (5 mg twice daily), methotrexate (10 mg weekly), and celecoxib (0.2 g twice daily).

RESULTS

The patient's joint symptoms improved after treatment. No further progress was observed during the 4-month follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

We believe that bone erosion is the key to distinguish rhupus syndrome from JA. However, this needs to be confirmed with further long-term follow-up studies. We found that the use tofacitinib, MTX, and celecoxib in combination with prednisone may be an effective regimen for the treatment of JA.

ASSESSMENT OF FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY REDUCTION - AS A CRITERION FOR DETERMINING DISABILITY IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

OBJECTIVE

The aim: To analyze the assessment of the decrease in working capacity degree in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in accordance with modern diagnostic disease criteria and social approaches to disability definition in the world (the decline degree of vital activity).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Materials and methods: We analyzed the dynamics of primary disability caused by musculoskeletal system and connective tissue diseases (the main disease - RA) in Ukraine in 2016-2020. We analyzed the data of medical and social cases of 433 patients with RA (referral for medical and social examination, Form 088/o). We studied the degree of reduction of their efficiency. Statistical processing was performed using descriptive and variational statistics methods. The results were calculated on a personal computer using the licensed programs STATISTICA 6.1 (StatoftInc., Serial № AGAR909E415822FA).

RESULTS

Results: It is shown that in Ukraine in 2016-2020 the primary disability had a tendency to increase. The article defines the approaches to medical and social examination of patients with rheumatoid arthritis to determine the ability to work and signs of disability. The article emphasizes the importance of a thorough study of medical data, data on the functional state of the affected joints using functional tests, determining the state of the patient's social activity according to the assessments of questionnaires based on the principles of evidence-based medicine.

CONCLUSION

Conclusions: The problem of RA is a relevant in the world and in Ukraine. The dynamics of primary disability caused by musculoskeletal system and connective tissue diseases (the main disease - RA) in Ukraine in 2016-2020 shows a growth trend: from 5.8 to 7.1 per 10 thousand population. Carrying out medical and social examination of RA patients to determine the state of working capacity and signs of disability requires careful study of medical data, data on the functional state of the affected joints with functional tests and determining the state of social activity of the patient according to questionnaires. In patients with RA, the most important data for determining violations of vital signs and the presence of functional disability are: disease activity, its course, the presence of lesions of internal organs and the completeness and quality of treatment methods recommended from the standpoint of evidence-based medicine.

Efficacy and Safety of Acupuncture with Western Medicine for Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Objectives: In the present study, we assessed the therapeutic qualities of the combination of acupuncture with Western medicine to determine further lines of clinical research.<br/> Methods: We searched English-language databases and Chinese-language databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to February 2020. Two reviewers performed a meta-analysis of the efficacy and toxicity of the use of acupuncture with Western medicine for RA measured by a visual analogue scale (VAS), rheumatoid factor (RF), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP).<br/> Results: In total, 9 RCTs involving 698 patients were included for analysis. VAS, ESR, CRP, and RF were all shown to favor the combination of acupuncture with Western medicine compared to Western medicine alone. ST36 (Zusanli), EX-UE9 (Baxie), Ll11 (Quchi), GB34 (Yanglingquan), TE14 (Jianliao) and TE4(Yangchi) were frequently used in 9 clinical trials.<br/> Conclusion: Treatment using acupuncture with Western medicine was associated with higher efficacy and lower risks than treatment with Western medicine alone. ST36 (Zusanli), EX-UE9 (Baxie), Ll11 (Quchi), GB34 (Yanglingquan), TE14 (Jianliao) and TE4 (Yangchi) were frequently used in treatment of RA and had been verified with effect in clinical practice.

Efficacy of baricitinib in patients with moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis with 3 years of treatment: results from a long-term study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the long-term efficacy of once-daily baricitinib 4 mg in patients with active RA who were either naïve to DMARDs or who had inadequate response (IR) to MTX.

METHODS

Analyses of data from two completed 52-week, phase III studies, RA-BEGIN (DMARD-naïve) and RA-BEAM (MTX-IR), and one ongoing long-term extension (LTE) study (RA-BEYOND) were performed (148 total weeks). At week 52, DMARD-naïve patients treated with MTX monotherapy or baricitinib 4 mg+MTX in RA-BEGIN were switched to open-label baricitinib 4 mg monotherapy; MTX-IR patients treated with adalimumab (+MTX) in RA-BEAM were switched to open-label baricitinib 4 mg (+MTX) in the LTE. Patients who received placebo (+MTX) were switched to baricitinib 4 mg (+MTX) at week 24. Low disease activity (LDA) [Simple Disease Activity Index (SDAI) ≤11], clinical remission (SDAI ≤ 3.3), and physical functioning [Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) ≤ 0.5] were assessed. Data were assessed using a non-responder imputation.

RESULTS

At week 148, SDAI LDA was achieved in up to 61% of DMARD-naïve patients and 59% of MTX-IR patients initially treated with baricitinib, and SDAI remission was achieved in up to 34% of DMARD-naïve patients and 24% of MTX-IR patients; HAQ-DI ≤ 0.5 was reached in up to 48% of DMARD-naïve patients and 38% of MTX-IR patients initially treated with baricitinib. Over 148 weeks, 3.6% and 10.7% of MTX-IR patients discontinued across treatment groups due to lack of efficacy or due to adverse events, respectively; discontinuation rates were similar in the DMARD-naïve population.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with baricitinib 4 mg demonstrated efficacy for up to 3 years and was well tolerated.

Predictors of joint damage progression and stringent remission in patients with established rheumatoid arthritis in clinical remission

OBJECTIVES

To study if clinical, radiographic and MRI markers can predict MRI and radiographic damage progression and achievement of stringent remission in patients with established RA in clinical remission followed by a targeted treatment strategy.

METHODS

RA patients (DAS28-CRP <3.2, no swollen joints) receiving conventional synthetic DMARDs were randomized to conventional or MRI-targeted treat-to-target strategies with predefined algorithmic treatment escalations. Potentially predictive baseline variables were tested in multivariate logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

In the 171 patients included, baseline MRI osteitis independently predicted progression in MRI erosion [odds ratio (OR) 1.13 (95% CI 1.06, 1.22)], joint space narrowing [OR 1.15 (95% CI 1.07, 1.24)] and combined damage [OR 1.23 (95% CI 1.13, 1.37)], while tenosynovitis independently predicted MRI erosion progression [OR 1.13 (95% CI 1.03, 1.25)]. A predictor of radiographic erosion progression was age, while gender predicted progression in joint space narrowing. Following an MRI treat-to-target strategy predicted stringent remission across all remission definitions: Clinical Disease Activity Index remission OR 2.94 (95% CI 1.25, 7.52), Simplified Disease Activity Index remission OR 2.50 (95% CI 1.01, 6.66), ACR/EULAR Boolean remission OR 5.47 (95% CI 2.33, 14.13). Similarly, low tender joint count and low patient visual analogue scale pain and global independently predicted achievement of more stringent remission.

CONCLUSION

Baseline MRI osteitis and tenosynovitis were independent predictors of 2 year MRI damage progression in RA patients in clinical remission, while independent predictors of radiographic damage progression were age and gender. Following an MRI treat-to-target strategy, low scores of patient-reported outcomes and low tender joint count predicted achievement of stringent remission.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov (https://clinicaltrials.gov), NCT01656278.

Carbon Nanotubes-Potent Carriers for Targeted Drug Delivery in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Two types of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), HiPco- and carboxyl-SWCNT, are evaluated as drug carriers for the traditional anti-inflammatory drug methotrexate (MTX) and a small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting NOTCH1 gene. The nanotubes are solubilized by PEGylation and covalently loaded with MTX. The coupling efficiency (CE%) of MTX is 77–79% for HiPco-SWCNT and 71–83% for carboxyl-SWCNT. siRNA is noncovalently attached to the nanotubes with efficiency of 90–97% for HiPco-SWCNT and 87–98% for carboxyl-SWCNT. Through whole body imaging in the second near-infrared window (NIR-II window, 1000–1700 nm), SWCNTs were found to be selectively accumulated in inflamed joints in a serum transfer mouse model. We further investigated the interactions of the siRNA/MTX loaded nanotubes with human blood and mice bone marrow cells. In human blood, both types of unloaded SWCNTs were associated with B cells, monocytes and neutrophils. Interestingly, loading with MTX suppressed SWCNTs targeting specificity to immune cells, especially B cells; in contrast, loading siRNA alone enhanced the targeting specificity. Loading both MTX and siRNA to carboxyl-SWCNT enhanced targeting specificity to neutrophils and monocytes but not B cells. The targeting specificity of SWCNTs can potentially be adjusted by altering the ratio of MTX and siRNA loaded. The combined results show that carbon nanotubes have the potential for delivery of cargo drugs specifically to immune cells involved in rheumatoid arthritis.

Mini-Review: The Administration of Apoptotic Cells for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis: Current Knowledge and Clinical Perspectives

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic immune-mediated disease managed by conventional synthetic drugs, such as methotrexate (MTX), and targeted drugs including biological agents. Cell-based therapeutic approaches are currently developed in RA, mainly mesenchymal stroma cell-based approaches. Early-stage apoptotic cells possess direct and indirect anti-inflammatory properties. During the elimination of dying cells (a process called efferocytosis), specific mechanisms operate to control immune responses. There are compelling evidences in experimental models of arthritis indicating that apoptotic cell administration may benefit joint inflammation, and may even have therapeutic effects on arthritis. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that apoptotic cells could be administered with standard treatments of RA, such as MTX or TNF inhibitors (TNFi), given even a synergistic response with TNFi. Interestingly, apoptotic cell infusion has been successfully experienced to prevent acute graft-vs.-host disease after hematopoietic cell transplantation in patients with hematologic malignancies, with a good safety profile. In this mini-review, the apoptotic cell-based therapy development in arthritis is discussed, as well as its transfer in the short-term to an innovative treatment for patients with RA. The use of apoptotic cell-derived factors, including secretome or phosphatidylserine-containing liposomes, in RA are also discussed.

TREAT Early Arthralgia to Reverse or Limit Impending Exacerbation to Rheumatoid arthritis (TREAT EARLIER): a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial protocol

BACKGROUND

We present a study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that investigates the hypothesis if intervention in the symptomatic phase preceding clinical arthritis (clinically suspect arthralgia (CSA)) is effective in preventing progression from subclinical inflammation to clinically apparent persistent arthritis. Currently, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be recognized and diagnosed when arthritis (joint swelling) has become detectable at physical examination. Importantly, at this time, the immune processes have already matured, chronicity is established, and patients require long-standing treatment with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. The TREAT EARLIER trial studies the hypothesis that intervention in the symptomatic phase preceding clinical arthritis is more often successful in permanent disease modification because of less matured underlying disease processes.

METHODS

A two-level definition to identify patients that are prone to develop RA is used. First, patients should have CSA and recent-onset arthralgia (< 1 year) that is suspect to progress to RA according to the expertise of the treating rheumatologist. Second, patients need to have subclinical inflammation of the hand or foot joints at 1.5 T MRI. The trial aims to recruit 230 participants from secondary care hospital settings across the south-west region of The Netherlands. Intervention will be randomly assigned and includes a single-dose of intramuscular 120 mg methylprednisolon followed by methotrexate (increasing dose to 25 mg/week orally) or placebo (both; injection and tablets) over the course of 1 year. Thereafter, participants are followed for another year. The primary endpoint is the development of clinically detectable arthritis, either fulfilling the 2010 criteria for RA or unclassified clinical arthritis of ≥ 2 joints, which persists for at least 2 weeks. DMARD-free status is a co-primary endpoint. The patient-reported outcomes functioning, along with workability and symptoms, are key secondary endpoints. Participants, caregivers (including those assessing the endpoints), and scientific staff are all blinded to the group assignment.

DISCUSSION

This proof-of-concept study is the logical consequence of pre-work on the identification of patients with CSA with MRI-detected subclinical joint inflammation. It will test the hypothesis whether intervention in patients in this early phase with the cornerstone treatment of classified RA (methotrexate) hampers the development of persistent RA and reduce the disease burden of RA.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Dutch Trial Register NL4599 (NTR4853). Registered on 20 October 2014.

Challenges for biosimilars: focus on rheumatoid arthritis

Healthcare systems worldwide are struggling to find ways to fund the cost of innovative treatments such as gene therapies, regenerative medicine, and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). As the world's best known mAbs are close to facing patent expirations, the biosimilars market is poised to grow with the hope of bringing prices down for cancer treatment and autoimmune disorders, however, this has yet to be realized. The development costs of biosimilars are significantly higher than their generic equivalents due to therapeutic equivalence trials and higher manufacturing costs. It is imperative that academics and relevant companies understand the costs and stages associated with biologics processing. This article brings these costs to the forefront with a focus on biosimilars being developed for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). mAbs have remarkably changed the treatment landscape, establishing their superior efficacy over traditional small chemicals. Five blockbuster TNFα mAbs, considered as first line biologics against RA, are either at the end of their patent life or have already expired and manufacturers are seeking to capture a significant portion of that market. Although in principle, market-share should be available, withstanding that the challenges regarding the compliance and regulations are being resolved, particularly with regards to variation in the glycosylation patterns and challenges associated with manufacturing. Glycan variants can significantly affect the quality attributes requiring characterization throughout production. Successful penetration of biologics can drive down prices and this will be a welcome change for patients and the healthcare providers. Herein we review the biologic TNFα inhibitors, which are on the market, in development, and the challenges being faced by biosimilar manufacturers.

The influence of coffee intake and genetics on adenosine pathway in rheumatoid arthritis

Aim: We studied the influence of coffee consumption on the therapeutic effect of methotrexate (MTX) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) sorted according to ADORA2A genotypes. Patients & methods: 82 RA patients were dichotomized according to caffeine intake with a threshold of 700 mg/week. Disease activity score 28 (DAS28) was applied (>3.2: high; <3.2: low or remission). Patients were genotyped using quantitative PCR allelic discrimination. Results: We found significantly higher risk of RA in patients with higher caffeine intake and the CT genotype of ADOARA2A rs2298383, rs3761422 and rs2267076 SNPs. The CC genotype of ADORA2A rs2236624 SNP in patients with lower caffeine intake treated with MTX is significantly protective. Conclusion: ADORA2A genotypes and coffee intake influence risk of RA and efficacy of it MTX treatment.

Efficacy and safety of low-dose glucocorticoids combined with methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine in the treatment of early rheumatoid arthritis: A single-center, randomized, double-blind clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Glucocorticoids (GCs), especially low-dose GCs, are commonly prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), although the risk/benefit ratio is controversial. A randomized, double-blind clinical trial was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of low-dose oral GCs combined with methotrexate (MTX) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in early RA (ERA).

METHODS

Eighty untreated ERA patients were randomized into the trial (GCs + MTX + HCQ) and control (placebo + MTX + HCQ) groups, for 1-year treatment. Therapeutic evaluation indices were American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 20 of ACR, disease activity score (DAS) 28- erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), visual analog scale scores, joint function, health assessment questionnaire-disability index score, morning stiffness duration, C-reaction protein and ESR. The clinical indicators were evaluated pre-treatment and at 1st, 3th, 6th and 12th month of treatment. The MRI data of single joint (ie, the most swollen joint) for each patient were acquired with a revised OMERACT RAMRIS Scoring System before and after treatment. The correlation analysis was adopted to confirm whether the efficacy of GC treatment is related to the time of RA onset. The side effects (eg, gastrointestinal reactions, liver dysfunction, upper respiratory tract infection, leukocyte reduction) were also monitored.

RESULTS

At 1st month, 55% and 20% cases in the experimental and control groups achieved ACR20 response, respectively, indicating a significant difference (χ = 16.157, P < .001). This trend continued until 6th month. At 12th month, the number of patients achieved ACR20 response was similar in both groups. At 1st to 6th month, DAS28- ESR scores in the experimental group were significantly lower than control values (all p < .05). The experimental group showed improved inflammation, quality of life and radiological symptoms. Bone erosion remained unchanged in the experimental group, while worsening in control group. Correlation coefficients between RA duration and DAS28-ESR score were 0.496, 0.464, 0.509, and 0.550 at 1st, 3th, 6th, and 12th month, respectively. No differences were found in adverse events between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Low-dose GCs combined with MTX and HCQ significantly achieves disease remission indexed by ACR20 and DAS28-ESR, and improves clinical and radiological outcomes in ERA patients at the early stage, with superiority over placebo + MTX + HCQ, without enhancing adverse reactions.

Glucocorticoids in rheumatoid arthritis: the silent companion in the therapeutic strategy

INTRODUCTION

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are key actors in RA management, despite the increasing number of available drugs. In fact, due to their efficacy and safety, the combination therapy between GCs and conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) is still recommended in the early phase of RA treatment, because improving the long-term results.

AREAS COVERED

In this paper, we reviewed the role of GCs in RA management, focusing on mechanisms of action as well as the benefit/risk ratio of GCs and newer therapeutic formulations. Furthermore, we analyzed GCs DMARDs proprieties on disease activity and their long-term effects on radiographic damage. We designed a narrative review aimed to provide an overview concerning GCs in RA management.

EXPERT OPINION

A large amount of evidence supports the use of GCs in RA, especially in the earliest phases of the disease. Besides GCs symptomatic effects due to their strong anti-inflammatory effects, data from several randomized clinical trials have shown a substantial benefit of low-dose GCs in inhibiting the radiographic damage, thus highlighting GCs DMARDs properties. Besides their recognized role in the treatment of early RA, systematic monitoring of adverse events should be recommended to minimize GCs toxicity.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Seronegative Elderly-Onset Rheumatoid Arthritis: Two Different Diseases with Many Similarities

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and seronegative elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis (SEORA) are two of the most frequent inflammatory rheumatologic diseases in elderly patients. At first presentation, there are many similarities between PMR and SEORA, that may lead to a real diagnostic conundrum. The most relevant similarities and differences between PMR and SEORA are discussed in this review. In addition to the acute involvement of the shoulder joints, important features characterising both diseases are morning stiffness longer than 45 minutes, raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and a good response to low doses of prednisone. Some findings (such as erosive arthritis or symmetrical involvement of metacarpophalangeal and/or proximal interphalangeal joints) can help to make the diagnosis of SEORA, whereas shoulder and hip ultrasonography and 18-FDG PET/CT seem to be less specific. However, in several patients only long-term follow-ups confirm the initial diagnosis. A definite diagnosis of PMR or SEORA has significant therapeutic implications, since patients with PMR should be treated with long-term glucocorticoids, and sometimes throughout life, which predisposes the patients to serious side effects. On the contrary, in patients with SEORA, short-term treatment with glucocorticoids should be considered when initiating or changing disease modifying antirheumatic drugs, followed by rapid tapering.

Analysis of the Indirect Costs of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Romania

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with increased costs generated by resource utilization and loss of work productivity. We have studied 206 RA patients and analyzed indirect costs of RA in Romania (estimated using the human capital approach) in comparison with reported data for other countries. Data were collected using self-reported questionnaires. The average age at inclusion was 55 years, with mean disease duration of 9.4 years; 55 patients had permanent work disability due to RA; 6.35 days of sick leave per patient were reported for the entire year of follow-up; the cost of permanent work disability was 1256€ per patient. From a societal perspective, the average indirect costs for a patient with RA were 1506€, significantly lower than the ones reported by other countries, especially due to the low monetary value of paid work.

Fosdagrocorat (PF-04171327) versus prednisone or placebo in rheumatoid arthritis: a randomised, double-blind, multicentre, phase IIb study

Objectives

Glucocorticoids have anti-inflammatory, transrepression-mediated effects, although adverse events (AEs; transactivation-mediated effects) limit long-term use in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We evaluated the efficacy and safety of fosdagrocorat (PF-04171327), a dissociated agonist of the glucocorticoid receptor, versus prednisone or placebo.

Methods

In this 12-week, phase II, randomised controlled trial, 323 patients with moderate to severe RA were randomised 1:1:1:1:1:1:1 to fosdagrocorat (1 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg or 15 mg), prednisone (5 mg or 10 mg) or placebo, once daily. The primary endpoints (week 8) were American College of Rheumatology 20% improvement criteria (ACR20) responses, and percentage changes from baseline in biomarkers of bone formation (procollagen type 1 N-terminal peptide [P1NP]) and resorption (urinary N-telopeptide to urinary creatinine ratio [uNTx:uCr]). Safety was assessed.

Results

ACR20 responses with fosdagrocorat 10 mg and 15 mg were superior to placebo, and fosdagrocorat 15 mg was non-inferior to prednisone 10 mg (week 8 model-predicted ACR20 responses: 47%, 61%, 69% and 73% vs 51%, 71% and 37% with fosdagrocorat 1 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg and 15 mg vs prednisone 5 mg, 10 mg and placebo, respectively). Percentage changes from baseline in P1NP with fosdagrocorat 1 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg met non-inferiority criteria to prednisone 5 mg. Corresponding changes in uNTx:uCr varied considerably. All fosdagrocorat doses reduced glycosylated haemoglobin levels. AEs were similar between groups; 63 (19.5%) patients reported treatment-related AEs; 9 (2.8%) patients reported serious AEs. No patients had adrenal insufficiency, treatment-related significant infections or laboratory abnormalities. No deaths were reported.

Conclusion

In patients with RA, fosdagrocorat 10 mg and 15 mg demonstrated efficacy similar to prednisone 10 mg and safety similar to prednisone 5 mg.

Trial registration number

NCT01393639

Cytosolic group IVA phospholipase A2 inhibitors, AVX001 and AVX002, ameliorate collagen-induced arthritis

Background

Cytosolic phospholipase A2 group IVA (cPLA2α)-deficient mice are resistant to collagen-induced arthritis, suggesting that cPLA2α is an important therapeutic target. Here, the anti-inflammatory effects of the AVX001 and AVX002 cPLA2α inhibitors were investigated.

Methods

In vitro enzyme activity was assessed by a modified Dole assay. Effects on inhibiting IL-1β-induced release of arachidonic acid (AA) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were measured using SW982 synoviocyte cells. In vivo effects were studied in prophylactic and therapetic murine collagen-induced arthritis models and compared to methotrexate (MTX) and Enbrel, commonly used anti-rheumatic drugs. The in vivo response to treatment was evaluated in terms of the arthritis index (AI), histopathology scores and by plasma levels of PGE2 following 14 and 21 days of treatment.

Results

Both cPLA2α inhibitors are potent inhibitors of cPLA2α in vitro. In synoviocytes, AVX001 and AVX002 reduce, but do not block, release of AA or PGE2 synthesis. In both CIA models, the AI and progression of arthritis were significantly lower in the mice treated with AVX001, AVX002, Enbrel and MTX than in non- treated mice. Several histopathology parameters of joint damage were found to be significantly reduced by AVX001 and AVX002 in both prophylactic and therapeutic study modes; namely articular cavity and peripheral tissue inflammatory cell infiltration; capillary and synovial hyperplasia; articular cartilage surface damage; and periostal and endochondral ossification. In comparison, MTX did not significantly improve any histopathology parameters and Enbrel only improved ossification. Finally, as a biomarker of inflammation and as an indication that AVX001 and AVX002 blocked the cPLA2α target, we determined that plasma levels of PGE2 were significantly reduced in response to the AVX inhibitors and MTX, but not Enbrel.

Conclusions

AVX001 and AVX002 display potent anti-inflammatory activity and disease-modifying properties in cellular and in vivo models. The in vivo effects of AVX001 and AVX002 were comparable to, or superior, to those of MTX and Enbrel. Taken together, this study suggests that cPLA2α inhibitors AVX001 and AVX002 are promising small molecule disease-modifying anti-rheumatic therapies.

The Role of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide in the Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Potential Implications for Treatment

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic, inflammatory, autoimmune disease characterised by small joint swelling, deformity, and dysfunction. Its exact aetiology is unclear. Current treatment approaches do not control harmful autoimmune attacks or prevent irreversible damage without considerable side effects. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), an important hydrogen carrier in mitochondrial respiration and oxidative phosphorylation, is the major determinant of redox state in the cell. NAD+ metabolites act as degradation substrates for a wide range of enzymes, such as sirtuins, poly-ADP-ribose polymerases, ADP-ribosyltransferases, and CD38. The roles of NAD+ have expanded beyond its role as a coenzyme, linking cellular metabolism to inflammation signalling and immune response. The aim of this review is to illustrate the role of NAD+-related enzymes in the pathogenesis of RA and highlight the potential therapeutic role of NAD+ in RA.

Effects of Conventional Synthetic Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs on Response to Periodontal Treatment in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontitis are common chronic inflammatory diseases and periodontitis is known to be more common and more severe in patients with RA. Based on a paucity of studies about the relationship between common conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) and periodontitis, this prospective study aimed to evaluate the adjunctive effect of csDMARDs on response to nonsurgical periodontal treatment in patients with RA. Thirty-two patients with RA (RA group) and 32 systemically healthy patients (control group) with periodontitis were included in this study. The RA group patients were treated with csDMARDs, such as methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, and sulfasalazine. Conventional nonsurgical periodontal treatment with scaling and root planing was performed in both groups. The extent and severity of periodontitis were evaluated by plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP) at baseline and 4 weeks after periodontal treatment. There was no statistically significant difference of periodontal parameters between the RA and control groups at baseline. Four weeks after scaling and root planing, PD reduction, and CAL gain were higher in the RA group treated with csDMARDs compared to the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.006 and 0.003, respectively). A post hoc analysis of the RA group showed no statistically significant difference on the response to nonsurgical periodontal treatment in multiple csDMARDs therapy and addition of NSAIDs and/or steroids to csDMARDs. In patients with RA, csDMARDs showed beneficial effect on periodontal clinical parameters following the nonsurgical periodontal treatment.

Recommendations for the management of rheumatoid arthritis in the Eastern Mediterranean region: an adolopment of the 2015 American College of Rheumatology guidelines

Clinical practice guidelines can assist rheumatologists in the proper prescription of newer treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The objective of this paper is to report on the recommendations for the management of patients with RA in the Eastern Mediterranean region. We adapted the 2015 American College of Rheumatology guidelines in two separate waves. We used the adolopment methodology, and followed the 18 steps of the "Guidelines 2.0" comprehensive checklist for guideline development. For each question, we updated the original guidelines' evidence synthesis, and we developed an Evidence Profile (EP) and an Evidence to Decision (EtD) table. In the first wave, we adoloped eight out of the 15 original questions on early RA. The strength changed for five of these recommendations from strong to conditional, due to one or more of the following factors: cost, impact on health equities, the balance of benefits, and harms and acceptability. In the second wave, we adoloped eight out of the original 44 questions on established RA. The strength changed for two of these recommendations from strong to conditional, in both cases due to cost, impact on health equities, balance of benefits and harms, and acceptability. The panel also developed a good practice recommendation. We successfully adoloped 16 recommendations for the management of early and established RA in the Eastern Mediterranean region. The process proved feasible and sensitive to contextual factors.

Efficacy and safety of interleukin-1 antagonists in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Rheumatoid arthritis patients have a high level of pro-inflammatory interleukin-1. Augmenting the blockade of interleukin-1 receptors by external interleukin-1 receptor antagonist modifies the progression of the disease. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (anakinra) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Clinical trials and extension studies that compared anakinra with placebo or other medications were included. Electronic bibliographic databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Sciences were searched from inception to November 2017. The American College of Rheumatology 20% (ACR20) improvement was the primary efficacy outcome measure. Total number of adverse drug events, serious adverse drug events, total treatment withdrawals, and treatment-related withdrawals were safety outcome measures. Ten studies were included in this review. One study did not fulfil quantitative criteria and was assessed qualitatively. Six clinical trials and three extension studies were included in meta-analysis. Patients treated with anakinra are 42% more likely to have ACR20 response than patients without IL-1Ra (pooled RR 1.42; 95% CI 1.01, 2.00). Patients on 30-150 mg anakinra have lower Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) score than patients without IL-1Ra (SMD - 0.28; 95% CI - 0.53, - 0.03). The inflammatory marker erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was significantly lower among patients treated with 30-150 mg anakinra (SMD - 0.44; 95% CI - 0.65, - 0.23). Patients on anakinra have a 34% more risk of treatment-related withdrawal than placebo. The other parameters were not found to be statistically significant. Anakinra has a significant improvement in ACR20, HAQ, and ESR. The ACR20 response is maintained after 48 weeks of treatment. Anakinra shows higher episodes of treatment-related withdrawals than placebo.

2017 recommendations of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology for the pharmacological treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

The objective of this document is to provide a comprehensive update of the recommendations of Brazilian Society of Rheumatology on drug treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), based on a systematic literature review and on the opinion of a panel of rheumatologists. Four general principles and eleven recommendations were approved. General principles: RA treatment should (1) preferably consist of a multidisciplinary approach coordinated by a rheumatologist, (2) include counseling on lifestyle habits, strict control of comorbidities, and updates of the vaccination record, (3) be based on decisions shared by the patient and the physician after clarification about the disease and the available therapeutic options; (4) the goal is sustained clinical remission or, when this is not feasible, low disease activity. Recommendations: (1) the first line of treatment should be a csDMARD, started as soon as the diagnosis of RA is established; (2) methotrexate (MTX) is the first-choice csDMARD; (3) the combination of two or more csDMARDs, including MTX, may be used as the first line of treatment; (4) after failure of first-line therapy with MTX, the therapeutic strategies include combining MTX with another csDMARD (leflunomide), with two csDMARDs (hydroxychloroquine and sulfasalazine), or switching MTX for another csDMARD (leflunomide or sulfasalazine) alone; (5) after failure of two schemes with csDMARDs, a bDMARD may be preferably used or, alternatively a tsDMARD, preferably combined, in both cases, with a csDMARD; (6) the different bDMARDs in combination with MTX have similar efficacy, and therefore, the therapeutic choice should take into account the peculiarities of each drug in terms of safety and cost; (7) the combination of a bDMARD and MTX is preferred over the use of a bDMARD alone; (8) in case of failure of an initial treatment scheme with a bDMARD, a scheme with another bDMARD can be used; in cases of failure with a TNFi, a second bDMARD of the same class or with another mechanism of action is effective and safe; (9) tofacitinib can be used to treat RA after failure of bDMARD; (10) corticosteroids, preferably at low doses for the shortest possible time, should be considered during periods of disease activity, and the risk-benefit ratio should also be considered; (11) reducing or spacing out bDMARD doses is possible in patients in sustained remission.

Tofacitinib for induction of remission in ulcerative colitis: systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy and safety of tofacitinib and its impact on quality of life in patients with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing tofacitinib with placebo or any active comparator. We searched Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library and gray literature for articles published up to May 2017. We synthesized data using a fixed-effect model. We conducted subgroup analysis based on prior exposure to anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF). We summarized the strength of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

Results

We included three trials with 1220 participants. Compared with placebo, tofacitinib was effective in inducing clinical remission (odds ratio [OR] 3.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.29-6.44, I^2: 41%, GRADE: moderate), clinical response (OR 2.95, 95%CI 2.21-3.95, I^2: 0%, GRADE: high), mucosal healing (OR 2.70, 95%CI 1.81-4.03, I^2: 0%, GRADE: high). Tofacitinib was effective in both anti-TNF-naïve and -experienced patients. Tofacitinib had a favorable effect on quality of life. There were no significant differences in the safety profile in terms of the incidence of any or serious adverse events compared to placebo. The risk for infections was increased (OR 1.51, 95%CI 1.05-2.19, I^2: 0%, GRADE: moderate), but the incidence of serious infections did not differ between tofacitinib and placebo.

Conclusion

In patients with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis, short-term treatment with tofacitinib is effective for induction of remission and improvement of quality of life.

Levetiracetam mitigates lipopolysaccharide-induced JAK2/STAT3 and TLR4/MAPK signaling pathways activation in a rat model of adjuvant- induced arthritis

Levetiracetam (LEV), a novel anti-epileptic drug that has been demonstrated with an anti-inflammatory effect, but the exact mechanisms of its action remain to be fully defined. The present study aimed to evaluate the possible effects of LEV on lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced Janus kinase-signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT) as well as toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/ mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways activation in adjuvant induced arthritis (AIA). Rats were allocated into normal control, three arthritic control groups: Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) (0.4 ml/3days/12days), LPS (100 µg/kg/day), CFA+LPS, and three treated groups: CFA+LEV, LPS+LEV and CFA+LPS+LEV. LEV was administered in a dose 50 mg/kg/day for 15 day. After 28 days, tissue samples were collected for assessment of phosphorylated JAK2, STAT3, TLR4, MAPK and cathepsin K quantitative expression in synovium. Additionally, Serum samples were used for biochemical evaluation of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1beta (IL-1B), LPS, anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Histopathological and macroscopical examinations of joints were also performed to support our study. Results indicated that LEV exerted its anti-inflammatory effect through inhibiting LPS-dependent phosphorylation of JAK2/STAT3 signaling. It significantly suppressed TLR4 and MAPK expressions, thereby decreasing release of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6.LEV exhibited a potent inhibitory effect on cathepsin K and 8-OHdG parallel to confirmatory histopathological and macroscopical findings. In conclusion, LEV has a powerful therapeutic effect on adjuvant induced arthritis in rats and its mechanisms are strongly related to inhibiting excessive activation of JAK2-STAT3 and TLR4 pathways. This may add a new approach for treatment of RA.

Effect of Glucocorticoids on the Clinical and Radiographic Efficacy of Tofacitinib in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Posthoc Analysis of Data from 6 Phase III Studies

Objective.

Tofacitinib has been investigated for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in phase III studies in which concomitant glucocorticoids (GC) were allowed. We analyzed the effect of GC use on efficacy outcomes in patients with RA receiving tofacitinib and/or methotrexate (MTX) or conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARD) in these studies.

Methods.

Our posthoc analysis included data from 6 phase III studies (NCT01039688; NCT00814307; NCT00847613; NCT00853385; NCT00856544; NCT00960440). MTX-naive patients or patients with inadequate response to csDMARD or biological DMARD received tofacitinib 5 or 10 mg twice daily alone or with csDMARD, with or without concomitant GC. Patients receiving GC (≤ 10 mg/day prednisone or equivalent) before enrollment maintained a stable dose throughout. Endpoints included the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 20/50/70 response rates, rates of Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI)-defined low disease activity (LDA; CDAI ≤ 10) and remission (CDAI ≤ 2.8), and changes from baseline in CDAI, 28-joint count Disease Activity Score (DAS28-4)–erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), Health Assessment Questionnaire–Disability Index (HAQ-DI), pain visual analog scale (VAS), and modified total Sharp score.

Results.

Of 3200 tofacitinib-treated patients, 1258 (39.3%) received tofacitinib monotherapy and 1942 (60.7%) received tofacitinib plus csDMARD; 1767 (55.2%) received concomitant GC. ACR20/50/70 response rates, rates of CDAI LDA and remission, and improvements in CDAI, DAS28-4-ESR, HAQ-DI, and pain VAS with tofacitinib were generally similar with or without GC in monotherapy and combination therapy studies. GC use did not appear to affect radiographic progression in tofacitinib-treated MTX-naive patients. MTX plus GC appeared to inhibit radiographic progression to a numerically greater degree than MTX alone.

Conclusion.

Concomitant use of GC with tofacitinib did not appear to affect clinical or radiographic efficacy. MTX plus GC showed a trend to inhibit radiographic progression to a greater degree than MTX alone.

Population Pharmacokinetics of Fosdagrocorat (PF-04171327), a Dissociated Glucocorticoid Receptor Agonist, in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Dissociated agonists of the glucocorticoid receptor (DAGRs) show similar antiinflammatory effects but improved tolerability compared with standard glucocorticoid receptor (GR) agonists. The prodrug fosdagrocorat (PF‐04171327), with active DAGR metabolite PF‐00251802 (Metabolite‐1), is postulated to show superior efficacy over placebo and prednisone in patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We investigated the population pharmacokinetics of active Metabolite‐1 and its active metabolite PF‐04015475 (Metabolite‐2) in patients with moderate to severe RA enrolled in a 12‐week, phase II, randomized, double‐blind study (NCT01393639). A simultaneous fit of a two‐compartment model for Metabolite‐1 and a one‐compartment model for Metabolite‐2 provided an adequate fit to the data. Significant covariates included weight, with an additional female effect on clearance of Metabolite‐1 (∼26%) and Metabolite‐2 (∼33%) compared with males. Age influenced clearance of Metabolite‐1. In combination, age, weight, and sex predicted >twofold differences in area under the concentration–time curve of Metabolite‐1 at the extremes.

Tofacitinib improves atherosclerosis despite up-regulating serum cholesterol in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis: a cohort study

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have an increased cardiovascular (CV) risk. This study aimed to analyze the effects of Tofacitinib treatment, a Janus kinase inhibitor, on atherosclerosis in patients with RA. Patients with an active RA (28-joint disease activity score-erythrocyte sedimentation rate > 3.2) despite methotrexate (MTX) treatment 12 mg/week were included in this open-label prospective study and started on Tofacitinib (10 mg/day, 5 mg twice/day). Japanese guideline does not allow high dose of MTX. All patients used a stable dosage of MTX, steroids, and statins or lipid-lowering drugs. The primary endpoint was the comparison of the carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) at the baseline and 54 weeks after Tofa treatment. Clinical data were collected at regular visits. Forty-six patients completed this study. CIMT did not significantly change from baseline to 54 weeks (1.09 ± 0.69 and 1.08 ± 0.78 mm, p = 0.82). In 12 patients who had atherosclerosis at baseline (carotid intima-media thickness > 1.10 mm), there was a significant decrease in CIMT (0.05± 0.026 mm; p < 0.05). However, the decrease in CIMT was of limited clinical significance. Tofacitinib increased fasting total cholesterol levels from baseline to 54 weeks (216 ± 25.3 and 234 ± 28.8 mg/dL, p < 0.01). Tofacitinib affects atherosclerosis in patients with active RA The CIMT in RA patients was stable. Tofacitinib decreased the CIMT of patients who had increased CIMT at baseline. Tofacitinib reduced RA disease activity and limited vascular damage despite up-regulating cholesterol in patients with an active RA.

The plausible association of MTHFR and ADORA2A polymorphisms with nodules in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with methotrexate

OBJECTIVE

The treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with methotrexate (MTX) is linked to the development or progression of rheumatoid nodules. The aim of this study was to determine whether folate and adenosine pathways-related single nucleotide polymorphisms might be predictive of increased nodule formation in RA patients treated with oral MTX.

METHODS

A total of 185 Caucasian RA patients were enrolled in this cross-sectional study, all of whom fulfilled the 1987 RA criteria of the American College of Rheumatology; each patient had a history of MTX treatment.

RESULTS

A higher frequency of the MTHFR 1298AA genotype was found in 17 (70.8%) of 24 patients with general nodules [odds ratio (OR)=3.08, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.20-7.69] and in 14 (73.7%) of 19 patients who developed nodules during MTX treatment (OR=3.55, 95% CI: 1.22-10.32). In contrast, a negative association with nodules during MTX treatment (OR=0.29, 95% CI: 0.08-1.10) was found for 19 (79.2%) patients with the TT genotype (rs2298383) in the adenosine A2a receptor gene (ADORA2A). However, the significance did not remain upon correction for multiple testing. The combination of MTHFR 1298AA along with ADORA2A rs2298383 CC or CT genotypes occurring in one-third of RA patients showed a higher frequency of general nodules 15/59 (25.4%) as well as developing nodules during MTX treatment 13/59 (22.0%) in comparison with the overall studied group: 24/185 (13.0%) and 19/185 (10.3%), respectively.

CONCLUSION

This exploratory study indicates for the first time a plausible association of adenosine and folate pathways single nucleotide polymorphisms in nodules' etiopathogenesis.

Adaptation of the 2015 American College of Rheumatology treatment guideline for rheumatoid arthritis for the Eastern Mediterranean Region: an exemplar of the GRADE Adolopment

BACKGROUND

It has been hypothesized that adaptation of health practice guidelines to the local setting is expected to improve their uptake and implementation while cutting on required resources. We recently adapted the published American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) treatment guideline to the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). The objective of this paper is to describe the process used for the adaptation of the 2015 ACR guideline on the treatment of RA for the EMR.

METHODS

We used the GRADE-Adolopment methodology for the guideline adaptation process. We describe in detail how adolopment enhanced the efficiency of the following steps of the guideline adaptation process: (1) groups and roles, (2) selecting guideline topics, (3) identifying and training guideline panelists, (4) prioritizing questions and outcomes, (5) identifying, updating or conducting systematic reviews, (6) preparing GRADE evidence tables and EtD frameworks, (7) formulating and grading strength of recommendations, (8) using the GRADEpro-GDT software.

RESULTS

The adolopment process took 6 months from January to June 2016 with a project coordinator dedicating 40% of her time, and the two co-chairs dedicating 5% and 10% of their times respectively. In addition, a research assistant worked 60% of her time over the last 3 months of the project. We held our face-to-face panel meeting in Qatar. Our literature update included five newly published trials. The certainty of the evidence of three of the eight recommendations changed: one from moderate to very low and two from low to very low. The factors that justified a very low certainty of the evidence in the three recommendations were: serious risk of bias and very serious imprecision. The strength of five of the recommendations changed from strong to conditional. The factors that justified the conditional strength of these 5 recommendations were: cost (n = 5 [100%]), impact on health equities (n = 4 [80%]), the balance of benefits and harms (n = 1 [20%]) and acceptability (n = 1 [20%]).

CONCLUSION

This project confirmed the feasibility of GRADE-Adolopment. It also highlighted the value of collaboration with the organization that had originally developed the treatment guideline. We discuss the implications for both guideline adaptation and future research to advance the field.

Diagnostic value of a 3-day course of prednisolone in patients with possible rheumatoid arthritis - the TryCort study

Background

In patients with tender and swollen finger joints, the differential diagnosis between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) of the hands can be initially difficult. This prospective study (the TryCort study) was performed to study the diagnostic value of prednisolone in differentiating between RA and hand OA. We present the results of this potentially diagnostic test in patients with possible RA in daily clinical practice by demonstrating the results of a pilot and a validation part of this ‘prednisolone test’ (pred-test).

Methods

We investigated the response to a 3-day course of 20 mg of prednisolone in patients with suspicion of RA. All patients received 1 g of paracetamol per day for 5 days for pain relief. On days 3–5, a morning dose of 20 mg of prednisolone was added. Hand pain was quantified on a 0–10 Numerical Rating Scale, and the subjective percentage of improvement (0–100%) was recorded. Thresholds for response to prednisolone were investigated in a pilot phase with differentiation in response between patients with RA and patients with OA of the hands, both with pain in the hands ≥4. In a validation phase, the best differentiating cut-off of the pilot phase was applied to discriminate responders from non-responders in consecutive patients with hand pain ≥4 referred because of suspected RA. Final diagnoses were made by the expert upon re-examination at week 12. Primary outcomes were the sensitivity and specificity of a positive test in relation to the diagnosis.

Results

A percentage of 40% subjective improvement of pain in the hands on day 3 discriminated best between RA and OA in the pilot phase. Among 95 patients with complete data in the validation phase, RA was diagnosed in about 50%. Patients with RA had more swollen joints, higher C-reactive protein levels and slightly higher Health Assessment Questionnaire scores. The pred-test was positive in 42.1% of all patients (40 of 95). The median percentage of improvement on day 5 was higher in RA than in non-RA: 50% (IQR 30–60%) vs. 20% (IQR 10–30%) (p < 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of the pred-test were 0.6 (95% CI 0.5–0.8) and 0.8 (95% CI 0.7–0.9), respectively, and the positive and negative predictive values were 0.77 and 0.70, respectively.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first evaluation of the widely used pred-test that has ever been performed. The pred-test had a moderate sensitivity and a good specificity. We conclude that rheumatologists may use this test in unclear clinical situations to better differentiate between inflammatory and other conditions.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01395251. Registered on 14 Jul 2011.

EudraCT number: 2011-002633-19. Registered on 21 Dec 2011.

Cost-Effectiveness of TNF-Blocker Injection Spacing for Patients with Established Rheumatoid Arthritis in Remission: An Economic Evaluation from the Spacing of TNF-Blocker Injections in Rheumatoid Arthritis Trial

BACKGROUND

In patients with rheumatoid arthritis in remission, a disease activity-driven tapering of adalimumab or etanercept relying on progressive injection spacing has not been shown to be equivalent to a maintenance strategy at full dose in terms of disease activity in the Spacing of TNF-blocker injections in Rheumatoid ArthritiS Study (STRASS) trial.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of such a spacing strategy based on the data of the STRASS trial.

METHODS

This is a cost-utility analysis of the STRASS trial, a French multicenter 18-month equivalence randomized open-label controlled trial that included patients at stable dose for at least 1 year, in remission for at least 6 months. Effectiveness was assessed in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). Costs involved in the study period were assessed from a payer perspective. The decremental cost-effectiveness ratio (DCER) was calculated in the complete cases sample (n = 98). Several sensitivity analyses were conducted and the impact of missing data on DCER estimate was investigated. An acceptability analysis was performed.

RESULTS

In the spacing arm, TNF-blockers were stopped for 34.1% of the patients, tapered for 43.2%, and maintained at full dose for 18.2%. The spacing strategy was associated with less QALYs gain (mean difference of -0.158; 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.085 to -0.232) and reduced costs (mean difference of -€8,440; 95% CI -6,507 to -10,212). The estimated DCER of the spacing strategy over the maintenance at full dose was €53,417 saved per QALY lost (95% CI 32,230 to 104,700).

CONCLUSIONS

The spacing strategy appears cost-effective, but the acceptability of such a QALY loss reported to the cost avoided remains to be evaluated, because no consensual threshold has been determined for willingness to accept as compared with willingness to pay.

Efficacy of glucocorticoids, conventional and targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs: a systematic literature review informing the 2016 update of the EULAR recommendations for the management of rheumatoid arthritis

Objectives

To perform a systematic literature review (SLR) informing the 2016 update of the recommendations for the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

An SLR for the period between 2013 and 2016 was undertaken to assess the efficacy of glucocorticoids (GCs), conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) and targeted synthetic DMARDs (tsDMARDs) (tofacitinib and baricitinib) in randomised clinical trials.

Results

For GCs, four studies were included in the SLR. Patients without poor prognostic factors experienced benefit when GCs were added to methotrexate (MTX). Lower doses of GCs were similar to higher doses. For csDMARDs, two new studies comparing MTX monotherapy with combination csDMARD were included in the SLR. In the tREACH trial at the end of 12 months no difference between the groups in disease activity, functional ability and radiographic progression was seen, using principles of tight control (treat-to-target). In the CareRA trial, combination therapy with csDMARDs was not superior to MTX monotherapy and monotherapy was better tolerated.

For tsDMARDs, tofacitinib and baricitinib were shown to be more effective than placebo (MTX) in different patient populations.

Conclusions

Addition of GCs to csDMARD therapy may be beneficial but the benefits should be balanced against the risk of toxicity. Under tight control conditions MTX monotherapy is not less effective than combination csDMARDs, but better tolerated. Tofacitinib and baricitinib are efficacious in patients with RA, including those with refractory disease.

Improved disease activity with fosdagrocorat (PF-04171327), a partial agonist of the glucocorticoid receptor, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a Phase 2 randomized study

AIM

To assess efficacy and safety of fosdagrocorat (PF-04171327), a potential dissociated agonist of the glucocorticoid receptor, in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

METHODS

This multicenter, double-blind, parallel-group, active- and placebo-controlled Phase 2 study (NCT00938587) randomized 86 patients (1 : 1 : 1 : 1) to receive fosdagrocorat 10 mg, fosdagrocorat 25 mg, prednisone 5 mg or placebo, all with stable background methotrexate therapy. The primary outcome was change from baseline in Disease Activity Score of 28 joints (DAS28-4[C-reactive protein (CRP)]) after 2 weeks of treatment. Secondary outcomes included American College of Rheumatology (ACR) response rates, change from baseline in ACR core components and Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index.

RESULTS

At week 2, improvements from baseline in DAS28-4(CRP) with fosdagrocorat 10 and 25 mg, prednisone 5 mg and placebo were -1.69, -2.22, -1.17 and -0.96, respectively, and were statistically significantly greater for both fosdagrocorat doses versus placebo (P < 0.05) and for fosdagrocorat 25 mg versus prednisone 5 mg (P < 0.001). The effects of fosdagrocorat on secondary outcomes were generally consistent with those observed for the primary outcome. Adverse events (AEs) were reported for eight (38%), three (14%), four (19%) and 12 (55%) patients treated with fosdagrocorat 10 and 25 mg, prednisone 5 mg and placebo, respectively. Most AEs were mild in severity. Four patients discontinued treatment due to AEs (fosdagrocorat 10 mg, n = 2; placebo, n = 2). There were no serious AEs.

CONCLUSION

Fosdagrocorat 10 and 25 mg demonstrated efficacy in improving signs and symptoms in RA patients, with manageable AEs. Additional studies are needed to assess the longer-term safety and efficacy of fosdagrocorat.

EULAR recommendations for the management of rheumatoid arthritis with synthetic and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs: 2016 update

Recent insights in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) necessitated updating the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) RA management recommendations. A large international Task Force based decisions on evidence from 3 systematic literature reviews, developing 4 overarching principles and 12 recommendations (vs 3 and 14, respectively, in 2013). The recommendations address conventional synthetic (cs) disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) (methotrexate (MTX), leflunomide, sulfasalazine); glucocorticoids (GC); biological (b) DMARDs (tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-inhibitors (adalimumab, certolizumab pegol, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab), abatacept, rituximab, tocilizumab, clazakizumab, sarilumab and sirukumab and biosimilar (bs) DMARDs) and targeted synthetic (ts) DMARDs (Janus kinase (Jak) inhibitors tofacitinib, baricitinib). Monotherapy, combination therapy, treatment strategies (treat-to-target) and the targets of sustained clinical remission (as defined by the American College of Rheumatology-(ACR)-EULAR Boolean or index criteria) or low disease activity are discussed. Cost aspects were taken into consideration. As first strategy, the Task Force recommends MTX (rapid escalation to 25 mg/week) plus short-term GC, aiming at >50% improvement within 3 and target attainment within 6 months. If this fails stratification is recommended. Without unfavourable prognostic markers, switching to-or adding-another csDMARDs (plus short-term GC) is suggested. In the presence of unfavourable prognostic markers (autoantibodies, high disease activity, early erosions, failure of 2 csDMARDs), any bDMARD (current practice) or Jak-inhibitor should be added to the csDMARD. If this fails, any other bDMARD or tsDMARD is recommended. If a patient is in sustained remission, bDMARDs can be tapered. For each recommendation, levels of evidence and Task Force agreement are provided, both mostly very high. These recommendations intend informing rheumatologists, patients, national rheumatology societies, hospital officials, social security agencies and regulators about EULAR's most recent consensus on the management of RA, aimed at attaining best outcomes with current therapies.

No impact of concomitant methotrexate use on serious adverse event and serious infection risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with bDMARDs: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To compare the risk of serious adverse events, serious infections and death caused by methotrexate and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (bDMARD) combination therapy versus a bDMARD prescribed as monotherapy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

A systematic literature review was conducted until February 2016 in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases by selecting randomised controlled trials comparing methotrexate and bDMARD combination therapy to bDMARD monotherapy in RA. The meta-analysis compared the occurrence of (1) serious adverse events, (2) serious infections and (3) death among these groups by the Mantel-Haenszel method.

RESULTS

The literature review selected 16 controlled trials comparing methotrexate and bDMARD combination therapy to bDMARD monotherapy. After meta-analysis comparing patients under monotherapy to those under combination therapy: (1) the risk of occurrence of serious adverse events was comparable in 12 trials: RR (95% CI) 0.92 (0.78 to 1.08). (2) No significant difference was observed in the risk of occurrence of serious infections in 13 trials: RR (95% CI) 1.15 (0.84 to 1.58). We noted a trend, although insignificant, towards a high risk of the occurrence of tuberculosis in 10 studies: RR (95% CI) 1.78 (0.63 to 4.99). (3) The risk of death was comparable in 12 trials: RR (95% CI) 0.73 (0.40 to 1.35).

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed no significant difference between the two groups, confirming that the use of methotrexate and bDMARD combination therapy in RA does not cause an increased risk of serious adverse events or serious infections or death compared with bDMARD monotherapy.

Effects of antirheumatic drug underutilization on rheumatoid arthritis disease activity

BACKGROUND

Following the recommended guidelines is crucial for achieving patient remission in rheumatoid arthritis. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of proper drug utilization of antirheumatic drugs on disease activity and drug safety in Jordan.

METHODS

In a retrospective cross-sectional study, patient's demographics, clinical variables, drug regimens and side effects were recorded and the 28-joint disease activity scores were calculated. Patients were stratified into high, moderate, low disease activity or remission group.

RESULTS

Around 80% of patients were using methotrexate which was under-dosed in 82% of them. Only 25% were using biologic drugs. Surprisingly, only 10% of patients had low disease activity and only 4% were in a remission state. Anaemia (32.3%) and mild renal impairment (27.6%) were the most common side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

The low frequency of well-controlled disease activity is interpreted by high occurrence of methotrexate underdosing and biologic agent underprescription. Implementing the role of a clinical pharmacist could have a real impact on tight control of such disease issues in Jordan.

Non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions in patients with early arthritis: a systematic literature review informing the 2016 update of EULAR recommendations for the management of early arthritis

Objective

To perform a systematic literature review (SLR) on pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments, in order to inform the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations for the management of early arthritis (EA).

Methods

The expert committee defined research questions concerning non-pharmacological interventions, patient information and education, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, glucocorticoid (GC) and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) use, as well as on disease monitoring. The SLR included articles published after the last EULAR SLR until November 2015 found in the MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases and abstracts from the 2014 and 2015 American College of Rheumatology and EULAR conferences.

Results

Exercise programmes may improve pain and physical function in patients with EA. Patients with EA treated within the first 3 months of symptoms have better clinical and radiological outcomes than those treated beyond 3 months. The clinical and radiological efficacy of GCs is confirmed, with similar efficacy of oral and parenteral administrations. Long-term data raise concerns regarding cardiovascular safety when using GCs. Step-up DMARD therapy is as effective as intensive DMARD therapy ‘ab initio’ for the long-term outcome of EA. Short-term superiority of intensive therapy with bDMARDs is not maintained on withdrawal of bDMARD. Patients with early psoriatic arthritis have better skin and joint outcomes when tight control is used compared to standard care.

Conclusions

The findings confirm the beneficial effect of exercise programmes and the importance of early drug therapy and tight control. They support the use of methotrexate and GCs as first-line drugs, although the long-term use of GCs raises safety concerns.

2016 update of the EULAR recommendations for the management of early arthritis

OBJECTIVES

Since the 2007 recommendations for the management of early arthritis have been presented, considerable research has been published in the field of early arthritis, mandating an update of the 2007 European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations for management of early arthritis.

METHODS

In accordance with the 2014 EULAR Standardised Operating Procedures, the expert committee pursued an approach that was based on evidence in the literature and on expert opinion. The committee involved 20 rheumatologists, 2 patients and 1 healthcare professional representing 12 European countries. The group defined the focus of the expert committee and target population, formulated a definition of 'management' and selected the research questions. A systematic literature research (SLR) was performed by two fellows with the help of a skilled librarian. A set of draft recommendations was proposed on the basis of the research questions and the results of the SLR. For each recommendation, the categories of evidence were identified, the strength of recommendations was derived and the level of agreement was determined through a voting process.

RESULTS

The updated recommendations comprise 3 overarching principles and 12 recommendations for managing early arthritis. The selected statements involve the recognition of arthritis, referral, diagnosis, prognostication, treatment (information, education, pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions), monitoring and strategy. Eighteen items were identified as relevant for future research.

CONCLUSIONS

These recommendations provide rheumatologists, general practitioners, healthcare professionals, patients and other stakeholders with an updated EULAR consensus on the entire management of early arthritis.

2016 update of the EULAR recommendations for the management of early arthritis

OBJECTIVES

Since the 2007 recommendations for the management of early arthritis have been presented, considerable research has been published in the field of early arthritis, mandating an update of the 2007 European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations for management of early arthritis.

METHODS

In accordance with the 2014 EULAR Standardised Operating Procedures, the expert committee pursued an approach that was based on evidence in the literature and on expert opinion. The committee involved 20 rheumatologists, 2 patients and 1 healthcare professional representing 12 European countries. The group defined the focus of the expert committee and target population, formulated a definition of 'management' and selected the research questions. A systematic literature research (SLR) was performed by two fellows with the help of a skilled librarian. A set of draft recommendations was proposed on the basis of the research questions and the results of the SLR. For each recommendation, the categories of evidence were identified, the strength of recommendations was derived and the level of agreement was determined through a voting process.

RESULTS

The updated recommendations comprise 3 overarching principles and 12 recommendations for managing early arthritis. The selected statements involve the recognition of arthritis, referral, diagnosis, prognostication, treatment (information, education, pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions), monitoring and strategy. Eighteen items were identified as relevant for future research.

CONCLUSIONS

These recommendations provide rheumatologists, general practitioners, healthcare professionals, patients and other stakeholders with an updated EULAR consensus on the entire management of early arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis management of early disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Early effective treatment has led to major improvements in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. This review aims to address the treatment of early rheumatoid arthritis, in particular the different therapeutic strategies evaluated in clinical trials to achieve optimal disease control.

RECENT FINDINGS

The use of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) has significantly improved patient outcomes. Overall, studies using bDMARD induction have shown early clinical improvements, with high proportions achieving remission with minimal radiographic progression. As these drugs are still relatively costly, conventional synthetic DMARDs, as monotherapy or in combination, remain the mainstay of treatment initiation. Good, albeit somewhat slower, responses can be achieved with these drugs. Strategies incorporating glucocorticoids and a treat-to-target approach (i.e. regular monitoring of disease activity and early treatment escalation with a conventional synthetic or b-DMARD, if needed) have shown additional benefit. In patients achieving low disease activity or remission, bDMARD dose reduction and withdrawal, and even drug-free remission have been possible in some.

SUMMARY

In patients with early rheumatoid arthritis, conventional synthetic DMARDs and glucocorticoids used within a treat-to-target setting, and the addition of a bDMARD if required, outcomes have improved significantly. A proportion of patients are able to deescalate treatment after bDMARD therapy, with a significant minority achieving drug-free remission.

Major involvement of bacterial components in rheumatoid arthritis and its accompanying oxidative stress, systemic inflammation and hypercoagulability

We review the evidence that infectious agents, including those that become dormant within the host, have a major role to play in much of the etiology of rheumatoid arthritis and the inflammation that is its hallmark. This occurs in particular because they can produce cross-reactive (auto-)antigens, as well as potent inflammagens such as lipopolysaccharide that can themselves catalyze further inflammagenesis, including via β-amyloid formation. A series of observables coexist in many chronic, inflammatory diseases as well as rheumatoid arthritis. They include iron dysregulation, hypercoagulability, anomalous morphologies of host erythrocytes, and microparticle formation. Iron dysregulation may be responsible for the periodic regrowth and resuscitation of the dormant bacteria, with concomitant inflammagen production. The present systems biology analysis benefits from the philosophical idea of "coherence," that reflects the principle that if a series of ostensibly unrelated findings are brought together into a self-consistent narrative, that narrative is thereby strengthened. As such, we provide a coherent and testable narrative for the major involvement of (often dormant) bacteria in rheumatoid arthritis.

Chronotherapy with low-dose modified-release prednisone for the management of rheumatoid arthritis: a review

To date, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains a debilitating, life-threatening disease. One major concern is morning symptoms (MS), as they considerably impair the patients’ quality of life and ability to work. MS change in a circadian fashion, resembling the fluctuations of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6, whose levels are higher in RA patients compared to healthy donors. Conversely, serum levels of the potent anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid cortisol are similar to that of healthy subjects, suggesting an imbalance that sustains a pro-inflammatory state. From a therapeutic point of view, administering synthetic glucocorticoids (GCs) to RA patients represents an optimal strategy to provide for the inadequate levels of cortisol. Indeed, due to their high efficacy in RA, GCs remain a cornerstone more than 60 years after their first introduction, and despite the development of a wide range of targeted agents. However, to improve safety, low-dose GCs have been introduced, that have demonstrated high efficacy in reducing disease activity, radiological progression, and improving patients’ signs and symptoms especially in early RA when added to conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. A further improvement has been provided by the development of modified-release prednisone, which, by taking advantage of the circadian fluctuations of inflammatory cytokines, cortisol and MS, is given at bedtime to be released approximately 4 hours later. Several studies have already demonstrated the efficacy of this agent on disease activity, MS, and quality of life in the setting of established RA. Moreover, preliminary studies have shown that this new formulation not only has no impact on the adrenal function, but likely improves it. This review is a comprehensive, updated summary of the current evidence on the use of GCs in RA, with focus on the efficacy and safety of low-dose prednisone and modified-release prednisone, the latter representing a rational, cost-effective, and tailored approach to maximize the benefit/risk ratio 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.