European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations for the management of psoriatic arthritis with pharmacological therapies: 2015 update

Nutritional effect on lipoproteins and their subfractions in patients with Psoriatic Arthritis: a 12-week randomized trial-the DIETA trial

INTRODUCTION

Patients with psoriatic arthritis have some lipid metabolism changes and higher risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cardiovascular diseases, regardless of traditional risk factors, suggesting that chronic inflammation itself plays a central role concerning the atherosclerosis. However, there is a lack of information regarding atherogenic pattern and lipoprotein subfractions burden in these individuals.

AIM

To evaluate the HDL and LDL-cholesterol plasmatic levels and their subfractions after a nutritional intervention in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

METHODS

This was a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial of a 12-week nutritional intervention. PsA patients were randomly assigned to 1-Placebo: 1 g of soybean oil daily, no dietetic intervention; 2-Diet + Supplementation: an individualized diet, supplemented with 604 mg of omega-3 fatty acids, three times a day; and 3-Diet + Placebo: individualized diet + 1 g of soybean oil. The LDL subfractions were classified as non-atherogenic (NAth), atherogenic (Ath) or highly atherogenic (HAth), whereas the HDL subfractions were classified as small, medium, or large particles, according to the current recommendation based on lipoproteins electrophoresis.

RESULTS

A total of 91 patients were included in the study. About 62% of patients (n = 56) had an Ath or HAth profile and the main risk factors associated were male gender, longer skin disease duration and higher BMI. Thirty-two patients (35%) had a high-risk lipoprotein profile despite having LDL plasmatic levels below 100 mg/dL. The 12-week nutritional intervention did not alter the LDL subfractions. However, there were significant improvement of HDL subfractions.

CONCLUSION

Recognizing the pro-atherogenic subfractions LDL pattern could be a relevant strategy for identifying PsA patients with higher cardiovascular risk, regardless total LDL plasmatic levels and disease activity. In addition, a short-term nutritional intervention based on supervised and individualized diet added to omega-3 fatty acids changed positively the HDLLARGE subfractions, while LDLLARGE subfraction was improved in hypercholesterolemic individuals.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov identifier: NCT03142503 ( http://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

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Efficacy and safety of pharmacological treatment of psoriatic arthritis: a systematic literature research informing the 2023 update of the EULAR recommendations for the management of psoriatic arthritis

OBJECTIVES

To obtain an overview of recent evidence on efficacy and safety of pharmacological treatments in psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

METHODS

This systematic literature research (SLR) investigated the efficacy and safety of conventional synthetic (cs), biological (b) and targeted synthetic (ts) disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in patients with PsA. A systematic database search using Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL was conducted to identify relevant articles published since the previous update in 2019 until 28 December 2022. Efficacy was assessed in trials while for safety observational data were also considered. Adverse events of special interest were infections (including herpes zoster, influenza and tuberculosis), malignancies, major adverse cardiovascular events, venous thromboembolisms, liver disease, laboratory changes and psychiatric adverse events. No meta-analyses were performed.

RESULTS

For efficacy, of 3946 articles screened, 38 articles (30 trials) were analysed. The compounds investigated included csDMARDs (leflunomide, methotrexate), bDMARDs inhibiting IL17 (bimekizumab, brodalumab, ixekizumab, izokibep, secukinumab,), IL-23 (guselkumab, risankizumab, tildrakizumab), IL-12/23 (ustekinumab) as well as TNF (adalimumab, certolizumab-pegol, etanercept, infliximab, golimumab) and Janus Kinase inhibitors (JAKi) (brepocitinib, deucravacitinib, tofacitinib, upadacitinib). The compounds investigated were efficacious in improving signs and symptoms of PsA, improving physical functioning and quality of life. For safety, 2055 abstracts were screened, and 24 articles analysed: 15 observational studies and 9 long-term follow-ups of trials, assessing glucocorticoids, TNFi, IL-17i, JAKi, IL-12/23i and PDE4i (apremilast). Safety indicators were generally coherent with the previous SLR in 2019.

CONCLUSION

The results of this SLR informed the task force responsible for the 2023 update of the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology recommendations for pharmacological management of PsA.

EULAR recommendations for the management of psoriatic arthritis with pharmacological therapies: 2023 update

OBJECTIVE

New modes of action and more data on the efficacy and safety of existing drugs in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) required an update of the EULAR 2019 recommendations for the pharmacological treatment of PsA.

METHODS

Following EULAR standardised operating procedures, the process included a systematic literature review and a consensus meeting of 36 international experts in April 2023. Levels of evidence and grades of recommendations were determined.

RESULTS

The updated recommendations comprise 7 overarching principles and 11 recommendations, and provide a treatment strategy for pharmacological therapies. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be used in monotherapy only for mild PsA and in the short term; oral glucocorticoids are not recommended. In patients with peripheral arthritis, rapid initiation of conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs is recommended and methotrexate preferred. If the treatment target is not achieved with this strategy, a biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (bDMARD) should be initiated, without preference among modes of action. Relevant skin psoriasis should orient towards bDMARDs targeting interleukin (IL)-23p40, IL-23p19, IL-17A and IL-17A/F inhibitors. In case of predominant axial or entheseal disease, an algorithm is also proposed. Use of Janus kinase inhibitors is proposed primarily after bDMARD failure, taking relevant risk factors into account, or in case bDMARDs are not an appropriate choice. Inflammatory bowel disease and uveitis, if present, should influence drug choices, with monoclonal tumour necrosis factor inhibitors proposed. Drug switches and tapering in sustained remission are also addressed.

CONCLUSION

These updated recommendations integrate all currently available drugs in a practical and progressive approach, which will be helpful in the pharmacological management of PsA.

The management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease-associated spondyloarthritis: Italian Group for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IG-IBD) and Italian Society of Rheumatology (SIR) recommendations based on a pseudo-Delphi consensus

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is the most frequent extraintestinal manifestation in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). When IBD and spondyloarthritis coexist, musculoskeletal and intestinal disease features should be considered when planning a therapeutic strategy. Treatment options for IBD and SpA have expanded enormously over the last few years, but randomized controlled trials with specific endpoints focused on SpA are not available in the IBD setting. To address this important clinical topic, the Italian Group for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IG-IBD) and the Italian Society of Rheumatology (SIR) jointly planned to draw updated therapeutic recommendations for IBD-associated SpA using a pseudo-Delphi method. This document presents the official recommendations of IG-IBD and SIR on the management of IBD-associated SpA in the form of 34 statements and 4 therapeutic algorithms. It is intended to be a reference guide for gastroenterologists and rheumatologists dealing with IBD-associated SpA.

Etanercept in Axial Spondyloarthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Plaque Psoriasis: Real-World Outcome Data from German Non-interventional Study ADEQUATE

INTRODUCTION

For chronic diseases such as axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and plaque psoriasis (PsO), treatment goals include remission or at least low disease activity (LDA) by 12 weeks. Improvements in symptoms such as pain and fatigue should also be treatment goals.

METHODS

ADEQUATE was a German, prospective, non-interventional study to evaluate the proportion of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, PsA, axSpA, or PsO who, in routine clinical practice, benefit from the continuation of treatment with etanercept (ETN) beyond 12 weeks, even when their treatment goals have not yet been reached. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and changes in concomitant glucocorticoid use were also recorded. This article focuses on results for patients with axSpA and PsA; data for patients with PsO are described briefly.

RESULTS

In total, 305, 254, and 70 patients with axSpA, PsA, and PsO, respectively, were included. Rates of remission at week 12 and week 24, respectively, were 19% and 18% for axSpA, 38% and 51% for PsA, and 7% and 19% for PsO. Rates of LDA at week 12 and week 24, respectively, were 39% and 45% for axSpA, 50% and 60% for PsA, and 34% and 51% for PsO. Extending treatment up to 52 weeks was associated with stable rates of or further increases in remission and LDA rates. Improvements in pain, fatigue, and depression (axSpA, PsA, and PsO) and reductions in concomitant glucocorticoid use (axSpA and PsA) were observed. No new safety signals were detected.

CONCLUSION

These findings confirm the effectiveness and safety of ETN in routine clinical practice for several indications and highlight potential benefits of continuing ETN treatment in patients who have not reached their treatment goals after 12 weeks. Additional benefits included improvements in PROs and reduction of concomitant glucocorticoids.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02486302.

Patient-reported outcomes in axial spondyloarthritis and psoriatic arthritis patients treated with secukinumab for 24 months in daily clinical practice

OBJECTIVES

In patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) or psoriatic arthritis (PsA) initiating secukinumab, we aimed to assess and compare the proportion of patients achieving 6-, 12- and 24-month patient-reported outcomes (PRO) remission and the 24-month retention rates.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with axSpA or PsA from 16 European registries, who initiated secukinumab in routine care were included. PRO remission rates were defined as pain, fatigue, Patient Global Assessment (PGA) ≤2 (Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) 0-10) and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) ≤0.5, for both axSpA and PsA, and were calculated as crude values and adjusted for drug adherence (LUNDEX). Comparisons of axSpA and PsA remission rates were performed using logistic regression analyses (unadjusted and adjusted for multiple confounders). Kaplan-Meier plots with log-rank test and Cox regression analyses were conducted to assess and compare secukinumab retention rates.

RESULTS

We included 3087 axSpA and 3246 PsA patients initiating secukinumab. Crude pain, fatigue, PGA and HAQ remission rates were higher in axSpA than in PsA patients, whereas LUNDEX-adjusted remission rates were similar. No differences were found between the patient groups after adjustment for confounders. The 24-month retention rates were similar in axSpA vs. PsA in fully adjusted analyses (HR [95 %CI] = 0.92 [0.84-1.02]).

CONCLUSION

In this large European real-world study of axSpA and PsA patients treated with secukinumab, we demonstrate for the first time a comparable effectiveness in PRO remission and treatment retention rates between these two conditions when adjusted for confounders.

Improvements in Patient-Reported Outcomes After Treatment With Deucravacitinib in Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis: Results From a Randomized Phase 2 Trial

OBJECTIVE

Deucravacitinib, a tyrosine kinase 2 inhibitor, was assessed in a phase 2 trial in patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Here, we report effects of deucravacitinib from the patient perspective.

METHODS

This phase 2, double-blind trial (NCT03881059) randomized patients with active PsA 1:1:1 to deucravacitinib 6 mg once daily (QD), 12 mg QD, or placebo, for 16 weeks. Key secondary end points were changes from baseline (CFBs) at week 16 in Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) and 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) physical component summary (PCS) scores. Additional patient-reported outcomes (PROs) assessed disease impact, including fatigue, pain, and mental health. The mean CFBs in PROs and percentages of patients reporting improvements with minimum clinically important differences (MCIDs) or scores of greater than normal values were also assessed.

RESULTS

This study comprised 203 patients (51.2% female; mean ± SD age, 49.8 ± 13.5 years). At week 16, the adjusted mean difference (95% confidence interval) versus placebo in HAQ-DI and SF-36 PCS CFB was significant for each deucravacitinib group (HAQ-DI 6 mg, -0.26 [-0.42 to -0.10], P = 0.0020; HAQ-DI 12 mg, -0.28 [-0.45 to -0.12], P = 0.0008; SF-36 PCS 6 mg, 3.3 [0.9 to 5.7], P = 0.0062; SF-36 PCS 12 mg, 3.5 [1.1 to 5.9], P = 0.0042). MCID at week 16 were reported for all PROs with either dose of deucravacitinib. Improvements of MCID or to normative values were reported by more patients receiving deucravacitinib than placebo.

CONCLUSION

Deucravacitinib groups demonstrate significant and clinically meaningful improvements in PROs versus placebo in patients with active PsA, which warrants further study.

The Saudi consensus recommendations for the management of psoriatic arthritis (2023)

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a complex inflammatory disease characterized by musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal manifestations. It is a distinct disease entity at the interface between rheumatology and dermatology, making it challenging to manage. The diverse clinical presentation and severity of PsA require a multidisciplinary approach for optimal care. Early diagnosis and management are necessary to improving quality of life for patients. In Saudi Arabia, there is currently no unified national consensus on the best practices for managing PsA. This lack of consensus leads to debate and uncertainty in the treatment of the disease, resulting in over or under prescribing of biological agents. To address this issue, a multidisciplinary work group was formed by the Saudi Ministry of Health. This group, consisting of dermatologists, rheumatologists, and pharmacists, aimed to develop evidence-based consensus recommendations for he use and monitoring of biological therapy in PsA management. The work group conducted five consensus workshops between December 2021 to March 2022. Using the nominal group technique, they discussed various aspects of PsA management, including eligibility criteria for biological treatment, monitoring of disease activity, treatment goals, screening, precautions, and management of PsA with biologic therapies. The group also considered special considerations for patients with comorbidities, pregnant and lactating women, as well as pediatric and adolescent populations. The resulting consensus document provides recommendations that are applicable to the Saudi setting, taking into account international guidelines and the specific needs of PsA patients in the country. The consensus document will be regularly updated to incorporate new data and therapeutic agents as they become available. Key Points • In Saudi Arabia, there is a lack of unified national consensus on the optimal management of PsA, therefore, this article aims to provide up-to-date evidence-based consensus recommendations for the optimal use and monitoring of biologic therapy in the management of PsA in Saudi Arabia. • The consensus development process was undertaken by a multidisciplinary work group of 13 experts, including two dermatologists, six rheumatologists, and five pharmacists. • There is more than one disease activity tool used in PsA disease, depending on the disease domain - peripheral arthritis Disease Activity Index in Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA) or Minimal Disease Activity (MDA), axial PsA Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS), and dactylitis and enthesitis MDA. • The main goal of therapy in all patients with PsA is to achieve the target of remission, or alternatively, low disease activity in all disease domains and improve quality of life (QoL).

A cross-sectional questionnaire survey involving physicians for the clarification of the diagnosis and current status of therapeutic intervention of psoriatic arthritis in Japan

Patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) often experience comorbid, irreversible joint destruction, therefore early diagnosis and treatment of PsA are important. The diagnosis requires a comprehensive assessment, which includes an interview, a physical examination, a visual examination of the skin and nails, a blood test, and an imaging test. To clarify how patients with PsA are actually diagnosed and how physicians collaborate among clinical departments, we conducted a web-based questionnaire survey of 500 physicians (dermatologists, rheumatologists, and orthopedists) frequently involved in PsA treatment in Japan. The survey showed that those patients are rarely confirmed to have axial arthritis, peripheral arthritis, enthesitis, or dactylitis by general dermatology practitioners (GP dermatologists). Overall, <60% of patients suspected of having PsA underwent PsA examination by GP dermatologists more than once every 6 months; this percentage is lower than that of patients who underwent PsA examination by rheumatologists and orthopedists. The Psoriatic Arthritis Screening and Evaluation (PASE) questionnaire is the most commonly used for PsA screening. However, users of PASE were only 11.0%, 25.3%, 14.8%, and 24.1% of GP dermatologists, attending dermatologists in hospitals (HP dermatologists), rheumatologists, and orthopedists, respectively. While >80% of HP dermatologists, rheumatologists, and orthopedists used imaging tests (ultrasound, X-ray, and magnetic resonance imaging) for PsA screening, only 40% of GP dermatologists performed imaging tests. Regarding the demands on the healthcare environment of PsA treatment, early diagnosis and treatment for PsA are crucial in every clinical department. The present study showed that GP dermatologists rarely perform imaging tests or confirm a PsA diagnosis, thus patients may miss out on appropriate treatment through collaboration among clinical departments and step-up therapy. Because patients with PsA present diverse comorbid clinical symptoms, early diagnosis, including routine imaging tests, and appropriate treatment in collaboration with other experts are necessary.

Patients with longstanding pPatients with longstanding psoriatic arthritis can achieve DAPSA remission or low disease activity and it correlates to better functional outcomes: results from a Latin-American real-life cohort

BACKGROUND

Patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) experience reduced physical function and impaired quality of life. Better patient-reported functional outcomes are found when lower disease activity is achieved.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the variation of physical function by HAQ-DI over time in PsA patients treated with standard therapy in a real-life setting: to verify predictors of achieving a minimum clinically important difference (MCID) in function by HAQ-DI (ΔHAQ-DI ≤ - 0.35) and to measure the impact of achieving REM/LDA on long-term function by HAQ-DI.

METHODS

This is a longitudinal analysis of a real-life retrospective cohort. Data from PsA patients with at least 4 years of follow-up in the PsA clinic from 2011 to 2019 were extracted from electronic medical records. The variations of physical function by HAQ-DI and disease activity by DAPSA over time were calculated. A multivariate hierarchical regression model was applied to verify predictors of MCID in HAQ-DI. A comparison of HAQ-DI variation between patients with DAPSA REM, LDA, moderate and high disease activity was made using the generalized estimating equation model (GEE), adjusted by Bonferroni test. The Spearman correlation method was applied to verify the correlation of ΔDAPSA and ΔHAQ-DI over time. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS program version 21.0.

RESULTS

Seventy-three patients were included in the analysis. Physical function measured by HAQ-DI was determined by PsA disease activity measured by DAPSA (p < 0.000). A moderate and statistically significant correlation between ΔDAPSA and ΔHAQ-DI was observed (rs = 0.60; p < 0.001). Only patients in DAPSA REM demonstrated a constant decline in HAQ-DI scores during the follow-up. White ethnicity and older age at baseline were predictors for not achieving MCID in HAQ-DI [RR 0.33 (0.16-0.6795% CI p = 0.002) and RR 0.96 (0.93-0.9895% CI p < 0.000), respectively, while higher scores of HAQ-DI at baseline were predictors of achieving MCID [RR 1.71 (1.12-2.6095%CI p = 0.013)].

CONCLUSIONS

In PsA, patients who maintained DAPSA REM/LDA over time had better long-term functional outcomes. Higher HAQ-DI scores at baseline, non-white ethnicity and younger age were predictors for achieving a clinical meaningful improvement of HAQ-DI.

Real-world apremilast use in biologic-naïve psoriatic arthritis patients. Data from Spanish clinical practice

INTRODUCTION

Apremilast is approved for treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Real-world evidence on apremilast effectiveness in clinical practice is limited.

METHODS

Observational study enrolling adult patients, across 21 Spanish centres, who had initiated apremilast in the prior 6 (±1) months and were biologic naive. Data were collected at routine follow-up visits 6 and 12 months after apremilast initiation. Primary outcome was 6 and 12-month persistence to apremilast. Secondary outcomes included Disease Activity for PsA (DAPSA), joint erosions, enthesitis, dactylitis, and patient-reported quality of life (QoL, measured using the PsA impact of disease [PsAID] questionnaire).

RESULTS

We included 59 patients. Most had oligoarticular PsA, moderate disease activity, and high comorbidity burden. Three-quarters were continuing apremilast at 6 months and two-thirds at 12 months; mean (SD) apremilast treatment duration was 9.43 (1.75) months. DAPSA scores showed improved disease activity: one-third of patients in remission or low activity at apremilast initiation versus 62% and 78% at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Eleven of 46 patients with radiographic assessments had joint erosions at apremilast initiation and none at month 12. Median (Q1, Q3) number of swollen joints was 4.0 (2.0, 6.0) at apremilast initiation versus 0.0 (0.0, 2.0) at 12 months. Incidence of dactylitis and enthesitis decreased between apremilast initiation (35.6% and 28.8%, respectively) and month 12 (11.6% and 2.4%, respectively). Over two-thirds of patients had a PSAID-9 score <4 (cut-off for patient-acceptable symptom state) at month 12.

CONCLUSIONS

In Spanish clinical practice, two-thirds of PsA patients continued apremilast at 12 months, with clinical benefits at the joint level, no radiographic progression of erosions, and a positive impact on patient-reported QoL. Trial registration number Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03828045.

Implementation of the Treat-to-Target Approach in Psoriatic Arthritis and Its Outcomes in Routine Clinical Practice

Background Measuring disease activity in psoriatic arthritis using validated tools and treating to a target (T2T) is advocated. It improves quality of life and delays radiographic progression. In clinical practice, it guides therapy escalation to achieve better disease control. This study aimed to assess the real-life implementation of the T2T concept in daily clinical practice and the proportion of patients achieving the target of low disease activity or remission. Methodology In this study, a retrospective review of patients diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis having clinical visits from January 2020 to February 2023 was done. The proportion of patients in whom disease activity was monitored using the Disease Activity Index for Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA) 28 and Physician Global Assessment (PGA) and those achieving the target was calculated using SPSS version 21 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results A total of 89 patients were included in the study after fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Overall, 56.2% (50) of patients were males and 43.8% (39) were females, with a mean age of 43.5 ± 14.5 years, mean disease duration of 6.6 ± 3.8 years, and mean follow-up duration of 2.8 ± 1.6 years. Of the study population, 43.8% (39) had axial involvement, 23.6% (21) had dactylitis, and 12.4% (11) had enthesitis. Skin psoriasis was present in 84.3% (75), 11.2% (10) had a family history of psoriasis, 19.1% (17) had nail changes, 1.1% (1) had uveitis, and in 94.8% (73) of patients skin psoriasis presented before arthritis. Overall, 97.7% (85) of patients were on conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs), with the most common being methotrexate in 77%, followed by leflunomide in 8%. Further, 34.8% (31) were using biological DMARDs (bDMARDs), with the most common being tofacitinib (33.7%), infliximab (28.1%), and secukinumab (24.7%) being other choices. Overall, 21.1% (18) of patients experienced adverse events with csDMARDs and 3.2% (1) with biological DMARDs. DAPSA28 was recorded in 44.9% (40), Psoriasis Area and Severity Index in 16.8% (15), and PGA in 100% of patients. Target of low disease activity (LDA)/remission was achieved in 50.6% (45) patients, as assessed by PGA or DAPSA28 cutoff. The LDA/remission target was achieved in 51.2% of patients taking csDMARDs, and 74.2% in those who were on bDMARDs. Conclusions It is crucial to measure the disease activity using validated tools and treat the patient to target for achieving better disease control and improved quality of life. Despite the evidence that T2T improves outcomes, it is not widely practiced in routine clinical practice.

Management der Psoriasisarthritis durch Dermatologen - eine deutschlandweite Umfrage: Management of psoriatic arthritis by dermatologists - a German nationwide survey

Hintergrund und Zielsetzung

Die Psoriasisarthritis (PsA) erfordert für bestmögliche therapeutische Ergebnisse eine frühzeitige Diagnose und den Einsatz adäquater antirheumatischer Therapien sowie der regelmäßigen Überprüfung des Therapieerfolges. Ziel dieser Studie war es, die routinemäßigen Überwachungsmaßnahmen für Patienten mit gesicherter PsA und Psoriasis vulgaris (PsO) durch Dermatologen zu untersuchen und Daten zu generieren, wie die Bedingungen für ein optimales Therapiemanagement bei Dermatologen sichergestellt werden können.

Patienten und Methodik

Diese nichtinterventionelle, prospektive, epidemiologische Querschnittsstudie (2016–2019) umfasste Patienten mit bestätigter PsA, die sich bei einem Dermatologen in Behandlung befanden. Für Zentrums‐ und Patientencharakteristika sowie die Daten zur PsA‐Überwachung und ‐Behandlung, stratifiziert nach verschiedenen Zentrumsarten, wurden deskriptive statistische Analysen durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse

212 Patienten von 34 niedergelassenen Ärzten, 5 nichtuniversitären Krankenhäusern und 9 Universitätskliniken wurden eingeschlossen. Die Mehrheit der PsA‐Patienten wurde von Rheumatologen (> 55% in jedem Zentrumstyp) in einem frühen oder mittleren Stadium (> 59%) diagnostiziert. Die Behandlung der PsA wurde hingegen am häufigsten von Dermatologen eingeleitet (niedergelassene Ärzte: 69,6%, Krankenhäuser: 60,9%, Universitätskliniken: 82.9%). In Universitätskliniken wurden die Patienten häufiger mit Biologika behandelt (alleinige Therapie: 43,9%, in Kombination mit weiteren systemischen Therapien: 26,8%) als bei niedergelassenen Ärzten (alleinige Therapie: 44,6%, Kombinationstherapie: 13,5%) und in nichtuniversitären Krankenhäusern (alleinige Therapie: 34,8%, Kombination: 8,7%).

Schlussfolgerungen

Da die PsA‐Diagnose am häufigsten von Rheumatologen gestellt wurde, während hingegen die Behandlung von mild bis moderater PsA hauptsächlich von Dermatologen eingeleitet wird, ist eine optimale Zusammenarbeit zwischen diesen Fachärzten von entscheidender Bedeutung.

Management of psoriatic arthritis by dermatologists - a German nationwide survey

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) warrants early diagnosis and treatment for optimal results. This study aimed to elucidate routine monitoring activities for PsA with concurrent psoriasis (PsO) by dermatologists to gather data on how conditions for optimal treatment are ensured.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This non-interventional, prospective, epidemiological, cross-sectional study (2016-2019) included patients with confirmed PsA from dermatologists. Descriptive statistics were conducted for center and patient characteristics as well as for data of PsA monitoring and treatment stratified by different center types.

RESULTS

212 patients from 34 office-based physicians, five non-university hospitals, and nine university hospitals were included. The majority of the PsA patients were diagnosed by a rheumatologist (> 55% in each center type) at an early or intermediate stage (> 59%). Treatment was initiated most frequently by a dermatologist (office-based physicians: 69.6%, hospitals: 60.9%, university hospitals: 82.9%). Patients were treated with biologics more frequently in university hospitals (single therapy: 43.9%, in combination with systemic therapy: 26.8%) compared to private practices (single: 44.6%, combination: 13.5%) and non-university hospitals (single: 34.8%, combination: 8.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

As PsA diagnosis was performed most frequently by rheumatologists whereas treatment was primarily initiated by dermatologists, an optimal collaboration between these specialists is crucial.

Persistence of Biologics in the Treatment of Psoriatic Arthritis: Data From a Large Hospital-Based Longitudinal Cohort

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the trends in biologics use at a specialized center over a period of 20 years.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of 571 patients diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis enrolled in the Toronto cohort who initiated biologic therapy between January 1, 2000, and July 7, 2020. The probability of drug persistence over time was estimated nonparametrically. The time to discontinuation of first and second treatment was analyzed using Cox regression models, whereas a semiparametric failure time model with a gamma frailty was used to analyze the discontinuation of treatment over successive administrations of biologic therapy.

RESULTS

The highest 3-year persistence probability was observed with certolizumab when used as first biologic treatment, while interleukin-17 inhibitors had the lowest probability. However, when used as second medication, certolizumab had the lowest drug survival even when accounting for selection bias. Depression and/or anxiety were associated with a higher rate of drug discontinuation due to all causes (relative risk [RR] 1.68, P = 0.01), while having higher education was associated with lower rates (RR 0.65, P = 0.03). In the analysis accommodating multiple courses of biologics, a higher tender joint count was associated with a higher rate of discontinuation due to all causes (RR 1.02, P = 0.01). Older age at the start of first treatment was associated with a higher rate of discontinuation due to side effects (RR 1.03, P = 0.01), while obesity had a protective role (RR 0.56, P = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Persistence in taking biologics depends on whether the biologic was used as first or second treatment. Depression and anxiety, higher tender joint count, and older age lead to drug discontinuation.

Lifestyle Modifications and Nonpharmacologic Interventions to Improve Outcomes in Psoriatic Arthritis: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a multisystem inflammatory disorder associated with significant mortality and morbidity, including functional impairment and psychological disability. Although evidence-based treatment recommendations are available for the use of drug treatments in PsA, there is little guidance for health professionals on nonpharmacologic and psychological interventions that may be useful in PsA. The objective of this systematic review (SR) was to identify how lifestyle modifications and the use of nonpharmacologic and psychological interventions may improve the outcomes of patients with PsA.

METHODS

Studies were included if they evaluated adults diagnosed with PsA and included exposure to nonpharmacologic interventions, psychological interventions, and lifestyle modifications. The outcomes used needed to have been validated in PsA. A systematic literature search was run on May 28, 2021, in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED), EMBASE, Global Health, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO databases to identify articles related to lifestyle modifications and nonpharmacologic or psychological interventions for adults with PsA published between 2010 and 2021. Two review authors independently screened and selected full-text studies for inclusion in the SR. Risk of bias was assessed with either the Risk of Bias 2 (ie, RoB 2) tool or Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklist depending on the study type.

FINDINGS

The search strategy identified 26,132 references. Eight studies examining lifestyle modifications and the effect on PsA were eligible to be included in the SR. Three of the 8 studies were randomized controlled trials, and 5 were nonrandomized studies. Three studies assessed physical activity, 3 assessed diet, 1 study assessed smoking, and another study assessed mud bath therapy. There was large heterogeneity between studies, and the measures of disease activity, and psychological and functional outcomes varied widely between studies.

IMPLICATIONS

Although this SR identified 8 relevant studies, these studies did not provide high-quality evidence to guide patients for non-drug treatments of PsA. The effectiveness of these interventions has therefore not been established. We found that physical activity seems to have a positive impact on disease activity and psychological well-being. Further well-designed research studies are needed to develop treatment recommendations. PROSPERO identifier: CRD42021257404.

Retention rate of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, anti-interleukin 17, and anti-interleukin 12/23 drugs in a single-center cohort of psoriatic arthritis patients

The objective of this study was to evaluate biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) survival in several therapy courses of patients affected by psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and to compare tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) and non-TNFi retention rates. A total of 241 bDMARD therapy courses (155 TNFi drugs, 65 anti-interleukin (IL)-17 drugs, and 21 anti-IL12/23) were analyzed. Bivariate analyses were performed to assess the presence of demographic and clinical features, as well as comorbidities, associated with bDMARD discontinuation in TNFi and non-TNFi groups. In the bivariate analyses of TNFi and non-TNFi groups, we found a lower age at the start of TNFi therapy in the former group [46 years, interquartile range (IQR) 45-54 vs 50.5 years, IQR 42-61; p=0.004] as well as a lower proportion of patients with skin psoriasis (65.8% vs 88.4%; p<0.001). Survival analysis showed no significant differences between TNFi and non-TNFi groups. Cox regression found fibromyalgia as a predictor of drug failure [hazard ratio (HR) 3.40, confidence interval (CI) 1.92-6.03; p<0.001] and first-line bDMARDs as a protective factor (HR 0.46, CI 0.25-0.88; p=0.019). Lastly, among TNFi courses, fibromyalgia was associated with drug suspension (HR 6.52, CI 3.16-13.46; p<0.001), while only a trend of significance for skin psoriasis as a risk factor for drug failure was shown (HR 2.38, CI 1.00-5.66, p=0.05). This study provides information about clinical and demographic factors associated with retention rates of bDMARDs from a real-life, single-center cohort of PsA patients.

Changes in musculoskeletal disease activity and patient-reported outcomes in patients with psoriatic arthritis treated with ixekizumab: results from a real-world US cohort

Introduction

Ixekizumab has demonstrated efficacy in pivotal trials in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), both those naïve to prior biologic therapy and those with prior inadequate response or intolerance to biologics; however, minimal information is currently available on the effectiveness of ixekizumab in routine clinical practice. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical effectiveness of ixekizumab for the treatment of PsA over 6- and 12-month follow-up periods in a real-world setting.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included patients who initiated treatment with ixekizumab from the OM1 PremiOM^TM PsA dataset, a dataset of over 50,000 patients with claims and electronic medical record (EMR) data. Changes in musculoskeletal outcomes, such as tender and swollen joint count and patient-reported pain, as well as physician and patient global assessment, as measured using the Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI), and Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3 (RAPID3) were summarized at 6 and 12 months. The RAPID3, CDAI score, and their individual components were assessed in multivariable regressions adjusting for age, sex, and baseline value. The results were stratified by biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (bDMARD) status (naïve vs. experienced) and monotherapy status (monotherapy vs. combination therapy with conventional synthetic DMARDs). Changes in a 3-item composite score derived from a physician global assessment, patient global assessment, and patient-reported pain score were summarized.

Results

Among the 1,812 patients identified receiving ixekizumab, 84% had prior bDMARD treatment and 82% were monotherapy users. All outcomes improved at 6 and 12 months. For RAPID3, the mean (SD) change at 6 and 12 months was -1.2 (5.5) and -1.2 (5.9), respectively. Patients overall, bDMARD experienced, and monotherapy patients achieved statistically significant mean change in CDAI and all components from baseline to 6 and 12 months in adjusted analyses. Patients experienced an improvement in the 3-item composite score at both time points.

Conclusion

Treatment with ixekizumab was associated with improvements in musculoskeletal disease activity and PROs as assessed by several outcome measures. Future research should assess ixekizumab's clinical effectiveness in the real world across all PsA domains using PsA-specific endpoints.

A Cross-Indication Budget Impact Model of Secukinumab for the Treatment of Psoriasis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis and Non-radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis in Italy

BACKGROUND

Recent developments improved outcomes in patients with autoimmune diseases. Biologics were approved as first-line treatment in selected naïve patients with plaque psoriasis (PsO), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA). Among them, secukinumab was most recently approved for treatment of active nr-axSpA in adults. In this work, we assessed the budget impact of new secukinumab treatment options in the Italian market.

METHODS

A cross-indication budget impact model was designed to estimate the effects of adding secukinumab in the Italian market from the National Health System perspective over a 3-year period. The model included all adults with PsO, PsA, AS and nr-axSpA, treated with biologics or biosimilars. It compared costs between two scenarios, secukinumab availability or absence, for the four diseases combined and taken individually. A sensitivity analyses was conducted.

RESULTS

There were 68,121 adult patients treated with biologics in 2021 and 68,341 in 2023. The budget impact analysis (BIA) on all indications showed a cost reduction of €33.7 million (- 1.5%) over 3 years with the introduction of secukinumab. PsA patients had the highest saving (- €34.9 million), followed by PsO patients (- €7.8 million). Cost saving in PsO patients was balanced by increased budget reported in AS patients (+ €8.0 million). In nr-axSpA patients, secukinumab reported no significant budget increase (+ 1.0%).

CONCLUSION

This BIA accounted for the new indication of secukinumab in nr-axSpA patients, reporting no significant changes in the required budget and adding an effective treatment option. Considering all indications, secukinumab is a sustainable treatment option.

Cytokine Signatures in Psoriatic Arthritis Patients Indicate Different Phenotypic Traits Comparing Responders and Non-Responders of IL-17A and TNFα Inhibitors

This study aimed to explore the dynamic interactions between 32 cytokines and biomarkers in Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) patients to compare cytokine signatures of treatment responders and non-responders. Biomarkers were measured before and after four months of treatment in 39 PsA patients initiating either Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha inhibitor (TNFi) or Interleukin-17A inhibitor (IL-17Ai). Response to treatment was defined by the composite measure, Disease Activity in Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA). A two-component principal component analysis (PCA) was implemented to describe cytokine signatures comparing DAPSA50 responders and non-responders. The cytokine signature of TNFi responders was driven by the correlated cytokines interferon γ (IFNγ) and IL-6, additionally associated with IL-12/IL-23p40, TNFα, and CRP, while the cytokine signature of TNFi non-responders was driven by the correlated cytokines IL-15, IL-8, and IFNγ. IL-17Ai responders were characterized by contributions of strongly correlated Th17 inflammatory cytokines, IL-17A, IL-12/IL-23p40, IL-22 to the cytokine signature, whereas IL-17A and IL-12/IL-23p40 did not demonstrate significant contribution in IL-17Ai non-responders. Based on PCA results it was possible to differentiate DAPSA50 responders and non-responders to treatment, endorsing additional examination of cytokine interaction models in PsA patients and supporting further PsA patient immune stratification to improve individualized treatment of PsA patients.

Cost-Utility Analysis of Biologic Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs for Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis in Thailand

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) for treating patients with psoriatic arthritis who failed conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs).

METHODS

A decision tree and Markov model were constructed to capture long-term costs and outcomes from a societal perspective. Patients with psoriatic arthritis who failed 2 previous csDMARDs were modeled over a 3-month cycle with a lifetime horizon. Clinical probabilities were derived from a published meta-analysis. Prices of bDMARDs were proposed by pharmaceutical companies. Other costs and utilities were based on data in Thailand. All costs and outcomes were discounted at a 3% annual rate. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio and a series of sensitivity analyses were performed.

RESULTS

All 11 bDMARDs (3 infliximab originator and biosimilars, 2 etanercept originator and biosimilar, golimumab, 2 secukinumab 150 mg and 300 mg, 3 adalimumab biosimilars) gained better quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) with more costly than csDMARDs. Infliximab had the highest QALYs compared with other bDMARDs. Only secukinumab 150 mg showed the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio below the Thai threshold of 5152 US dollars per QALY. Cost of bDMARDs was the most influential factor.

CONCLUSIONS

At the current price, secukinumab 150 mg shows the value for money in the Thai context. Price negotiation is of great importance for other bDMARDs.

Predictors of DAPSA Response in Psoriatic Arthritis Patients Treated with Apremilast in a Retrospective Observational Multi-Centric Study

BACKGROUND

To date, only a few real-world-setting studies evaluated apremilast effectiveness in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The aims of this retrospective observational study are to report long-term Disease Activity Index for Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA) response of apremilast in PsA patients and to analyze the predictors of clinical response.

METHODS

All PsA consecutive patients treated with apremilast in fifteen Italian rheumatological referral centers were enrolled. Anamnestic data, treatment history, and PsA disease activity (DAPSA) at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months were recorded. The Mann-Whitney test and chi-squared tests assessed the differences between independent groups, whereas the Wilcoxon matched pairs signed-rank test assessed the differences between dependent samples. Logistic regressions verified if there were factors associated with achievement of DAPSA low disease activity or remission at 6 and 12 months.

RESULTS

DAPSA low disease activity or remission rates at 6 and 12 months were observed, respectively, in 42.7% (n = 125) and 54.9% (n = 161) patients. Baseline DAPSA was inversely associated with the odds of achieving low disease activity or remission at 6 months (odds ratio (OR) 0.841, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.804-0.879; p < 0.01) and at 12 months (OR 0.911, 95% CI 0.883-0.939; p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Almost half of the PsA patients receiving apremilast achieved DAPSA low disease activity or remission at 6 and 12 months. The only factor associated with achievement of low disease activity or remission at both 6 and 12 months was baseline DAPSA.

Patient participation in defining best-practice rheumatology service provision in Aotearoa New Zealand: a qualitative study with service consumers

BACKGROUND

Aotearoa New Zealand (AoNZ) has no agreed models for rheumatology service provision in government-funded health care. We aimed to describe what people with inflammatory rheumatic diseases who have used rheumatology services view as being important in those services, and map these views to previously collated statements describing best practice components of rheumatology services from international recommendations. If these statements did not capture all service aspects that people with inflammatory rheumatic diseases considered important, we aimed to co-create new statements with our patient-participants.

METHODS

We conducted one focus group and an interview with people with inflammatory rheumatic disease who had used a government-funded rheumatology service in the previous 5 years (patient-participants) and analysed data using thematic analysis. The research team mapped subthemes to previously collated best practice recommendations that had been included in a Delphi consensus exercise with rheumatologists in AoNZ and proposed new statements, based on patient-participant data. Patient-participant feedback on thematic analysis and the new statements led to a refining of statements. A patient-partner in the research team informed research design and data analysis.

RESULTS

Patient-participants viewed it as highly valuable for rheumatology services to respect and value their experiences as people and patients, and those of their whānau (Māori word for family). They expected rheumatology services to provide the right care, at the right time. Many of the subthemes mapped to the best-practice statements. However, three new principles and three new statements were developed and refined by patient-participants. The three principles addressed valuing individuals, and their whānau (family) and their experiences, and providing a patient-focused health system that supports patient participation in decision-making and self-management, and patient education. New statements related to having a specific rheumatologist and other staff for comprehensive care, having adequate nurse staffing, and active provision of outside services and support.

CONCLUSION

It was important to patients that rheumatology services demonstrated that patients and their whānau (family) were valued. The inclusion of people with rheumatic diseases who are users of rheumatology services in service development can provide valuable insights to inform how services should be delivered.

Prognostic factors associated with achieving minimal disease activity in early psoriatic arthritis patients treated according to “treat-to-target” st rategy within 12 months

Background. The goal of “treat-to-target” strategy (T2T) in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is attaining remission or minimal disease activity (MDA). The benefits of T2T are shown recently in the study TICOPA and REMARCA. But prognostic factors for achievement MDA in PsA patients (pts) at the early-stage hasn’t been studied yet.Objective – to determine the prognostic factors associated with achievement of minimal disease activity within 12 months (mo) of treatment according to T2T strategy in early psoriatic arthritis patients.Methods. 77 pts (M/F=36/41) with early PsA fulfilling the CASPAR criteria were included. Mean age 36.9±10.45 years, PsA duration 11.1±10.0 mo, psoriasis duration 82.8±92.1 mo. At baseline (BL) and at 12 mo of therapy PsA activity by tender joins count (TJC) out of 68; swelling joints count (SJC) out of 66; pain; patient global assessment disease activity (PGA) using visual analogue scale; CRP; dactylitis, enthesitis by LEI and plantar fascia; BSA; HAQ and fatigue by FACIT 4 scale were evaluated. A score FACIT <30 indicates severe fatigue, the higher the score – the better the quality of life. All pts were given therapy with Methotrexate (MTX) s/c, 29 pts with ineffectiveness of MTX after 3–9 mo of treatment were added biologic DMARDs. The one-factor model of logistic regression was used to identify a group of features that are associated with achievement MDA.Results. By 12 mo of therapy, the proportion of pts who have reached MDA (5/7) were calculated. Pts were split into 2 groups: MDA+ (n=45) and MDA– (n=32).Comparative analysis of BL features in both groups and one-factor model of logistic regression showed the following features were associated with achievement MDA: TJC and SJC<3 (p<0.001); PGA≤20 mm (p<0.001); pain≤15 mm (p<0.001); CRP≤5 mg/l (p<0.03); HAQ≤0.5 (p<0.001); FACIT>30 points (p<0.021); absent of entesitis (p<0.003), dactylitis (p<0.029) and nail damage (p<0.012). Early PsA pts with combination of these features on first visit have more chance to achieve MDA in comparison to PsA pts without them (OR=9.684 [95% CI: 4.6–20.4]).Conclusion. It is a combination of features on first visit – oligoarthritis, moderate activity, absent of entesitis, dactylitis, nail psoriasis, significant impact on function and fatigue – that constitutes a clinical prognostic factors for achievement MDA after 12 mo of treatment in pts with early PsA according T2T.

A real-world economic analysis of biologic therapies for psoriatic arthritis in Italy: results of the CHRONOS observational longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic, immune-mediated, spondyloarthropathy characterised by musculoskeletal signs and symptoms with associated joint pain and tenderness. The average worldwide PsA prevalence is 133/100,000, while in the Italian population is 90-420/100,000. Traditionally, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticoid, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs have been used in the treatment of PsA. However, for those patients who are not adequately controlled with conventional therapies, the new biologics compounds represent a valid option. Biologic therapies have been shown to be more effective but also more expensive than conventional systemic treatments. Based on the CHRONOS study, the economic analyses presented in this paper aim to assess the annualised direct costs and the cost-per-responder of biologics in a real-world context assuming the Italian National Health System perspective.

METHODS

The economic assessments were carried out on the overall cohort of patients, and on the tumour necrosis factor alpha inhibitors (TNFi) and the secukinumab subgroup, the most prescribed biologic therapies within the CHRONOS study.

RESULTS

The annual economic impact of PsA in the overall group was €12,622, €11,725 in the secukinumab subgroup, and €12,791 in the TNFi subgroup. Biologics absorbed the main expenditure costs in the treatment of PsA accounting for about the 93% of total costs. At 6 months, secukinumab performed better in all the considered outcomes: cost-per-responder according to EULAR DAS28 and ACR50 response criteria were €12,661- €28,975, respectively, while they were €13,356 - €33,368 in the overall cohort and €13,138 - €35,166 in the TNFi subgroup. At 12 months secukinumab remained the subgroup with the lowest cost-per-responder ratio in EULAR DAS28 and ACR50 response criteria, while TNFi subgroup was the lowest one considered the ACR20.

CONCLUSION

Despite some potential methodological limitations, our cost-per-response analysis provides physicians and payers additional insights which can complement the traditional risk-benefit profile assessment and drive treatment decisions.

Patients' Perspectives on Shared Decision-Making About Medications in Psoriatic Arthritis: An Interview Study

OBJECTIVE

Decision-making regarding medications to manage psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is complex because of multiple disease manifestations and comorbidities. Fear of side effects from systemic medications and misalignment in priorities between patients with PsA and rheumatologists makes shared decision-making challenging. We aimed to describe the perspectives of patients with PsA on shared decision-making regarding medication taking.

METHODS

Face-to-face semistructured interviews were conducted with 25 adult patients with PsA in Australia. Transcripts were thematically analyzed.

RESULTS

Five themes were identified: lacking agency in decision-making (denied choice, knowledge asymmetry, desperation and necessity, restricted by unfair eligibility criteria, automated approach); overwhelmed by potential harms (daunted by aggressive therapy, anticipating lifestyle disruption from side effects, jeopardizing fertility and pregnancy, avoiding relapse); gaining confidence (discernible benefit in function and mental health, sharpening knowledge over time, expertise of family and peers, empowered by information); opting for alternatives (pursuing normality, suspicion of over-medicalization, seeking comprehensive solutions); and developing trust and fortifying collaboration (assurance through a personable approach, seeking consistency, supported in decisional power, resolution through respectful negotiation).

CONCLUSION

Patients with PsA lack agency in making treatment decisions and are overwhelmed by the potential harms of systemic medication. Improving knowledge and trust with medical teams in a supportive and collaborative environment, and strategies for managing risks and side effects may improve decision-making about pharmacologic management of PsA.

2-years outcomes of the treat-to-target strategy in early psoriatic arthritis

Aim – to study 2 years outcomes of the treat-to-target (T2T) strategy in early psoriatic arthritis (ePsA) patients. Material and methods. 68 (33 male/35 female) ePsA patients according to CASPAR criteria (mean age – 37.3±10.8 years; PsA duration – 11.0±9.8 months) were included and were observed till 2 years follow-up. At baseline and every 3 months all patients underwent standard clinical examinations. All patients was given mono-therapy with Methotrexate (MTX) s/c or in combination with biological (b) DMARDs. The number of pts achieved remission (DAPSA≤4), low disease activity (LDA) (5≥DAPSA≤14), minimal disease activity (MDA) (5/7) or very low disease activity (VLDA) (7/7) at least 1 time were calculated. Analysis were performed into three groups depends on type of therapy: 1st group (19 patients) – MTX-monotherapy; 2nd group (11 patients) – combination MTX with bDMARDs; 3rd group – 25 patients who stopped taken bDMARD by the end of the follow-up. Results. By 2 years of follow-up remission by DAPSA/LDA/MDA/VLDA was seen in 51.5%/16.2%/58.8%/42.65% of patients accordingly. In the 1st/2nd groups remission by DAPSA was noted in 68.4%/90% and MDA – in 81.8%/78.9% of patients accordingly. In the 3rd group remission by DAPSA/MDA maintained in 24%/32% of patients accordingly. Conclusion. The T2T strategy is optimal management approach in more than half of the ePsA patients despite of type of treatment within 2 years . The stopped of bDMARD caused a “lost” of remission/MDA in the most of patients.

Psoriatic arthritis successfully treated with second-line anti-interleukin-6 treatment: a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Psoriatic arthritis treatment with antitumor necrosis factor has been shown to reduce disease activity. Nonetheless, more than 30% of patients do not achieve a sufficient response to tumor necrosis factor blockers. Currently, treatment with interleukin-6 inhibitors is expected to be effective and suppress the joint destruction in patients with psoriatic arthritis; however, evidence regarding their efficacy is limited to a few reports.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 78-year-old Japanese woman with psoriatic arthritis associated with rapid joint destruction was successfully treated with a second-line anti-interleukin-6 receptor agent. In this case, a tumor necrosis factor inhibitor induced an inadequate response, and the right knee and left hip joints required artificial joint replacement surgery. However, second line treatment with anti-interleukin-6 treatment was effective, and the right elbow joint function was preserved.

CONCLUSIONS

We experienced a case of psoriatic arthritis, in which anti-interleukin-6 treatment repaired a bone cyst in the lateral epicondyle of the humerus and enthesitis of the distal interphalangeal joints. The patient is currently in clinical remission with no restrictions in daily life activities. Anti-interleukin-6 treatment may address the unmet needs of patients with psoriatic arthritis who are resistant or intolerant to antitumor necrosis factor treatment, with rapidly destructive large joints but with well-managed skin manifestations.

Determinants of prescribing decisions for off-patent biological medicines in Belgium: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

A competitive market for off-patent biologicals leads to more affordable and high-quality healthcare. In recent years, Belgium has been characterized by its low use of biosimilars and by its shifts from off-patent biologicals toward new alternative therapies. Yet, the prescribing decisions involved in these observations are poorly understood. This study aims to better understand prescribing choices among Belgian physicians in the ambulatory care setting.

METHODS

This study consisted of two phases. First, a scoping literature review to identify determinants of prescribing choices was conducted. Scientific databases (Embase and PubMed) were searched until 4 November 2021. Second, the nominal group technique (NGT) was employed during focus group discussions with Belgian physicians to consider and validate these determinants for off-patent biologicals in the Belgian context. The qualitative data resulting from the literature review and focus group discussions were analyzed using the thematic framework method.

RESULTS

Fifty-three scientific articles that discussed elements that determine prescribing choices were identified. Out of these, 17 determinants of prescribing choices were found. These were divided into five categories: (1) product-related, (2) physicians' personal, (3) healthcare system-related, (4) patient-related, and (5) determinants related to the pharmaceutical company or brand. Nineteen Belgian physicians from different therapeutic areas that regularly prescribe biologicals then participated in focus group discussions. Using the NGT, the group discussions revealed that prescribing choices for off-patent biologicals are determined by a complex set of elements. Clinical data, geographical region, working environment, pharmaceutical marketing, patient profile, clinical guidelines, and preference of key opinion leaders (KOL) were considered most influential. Physicians indicated that the importance of these determinants differs depending on product classes or therapeutic domain.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple elements determine the choice of an off-patent biological or biosimilar product. The importance of each of these determinants varies depending on the context in which the prescribing choice is made. To increase the prescription of best-value biologicals in the Belgian ambulatory care, a set of synergistic measures is required including information for healthcare providers (HCP) and patients, prescribing feedback, prescribing targets, tangible incentives, KOL involvement, guidelines regarding pharmaceutical promotion, and regular revision of reimbursement modalities.

Effect of biological DMARDs and JAK inhibitors in pain of chronic inflammatory arthritis

INTRODUCTION

The advent of biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) and, more recently, of Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) has had a major impact on the long-term outcomes of chronic inflammatory arthritis (IA). However, the persistence of pain, even in patients with a complete pharmacological control of peripheral inflammation, represents an important clinical challenge in the treatment of IA.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, we provide an overview of possible mechanisms underlying pain in IA and its assessment, as well as the effects of bDMARDs and JAKi on pain management.

EXPERT OPINION

The overall data showed a good effect of bDMARDs and JAKi on pain, more pronounced for JAKi. However, it is challenging to distinguish the effect on the different types of pain (nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic).

Minimal disease activity and remission in patients with psoriatic arthritis with elevated body mass index: an observational cohort study in the Swiss Clinical Quality Management cohort

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of elevated body mass index (BMI) in the achievement of minimal disease activity (MDA) and several definitions of remission in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in Switzerland. Secondarily, to assess the overlapping across the study outcomes.

METHODS

This observational cohort study in the Swiss Clinical Quality Management in Rheumatic Diseases (SCQM) registry included patients with PsA starting their first biologic or targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (b/tsDMARD) from 1997 to 30 June 2018. Exposure was BMI category at b/tsDMARD start: overweight, obese, and normal weight (reference). Logistic regression was used to assess the achievement of MDA and remission at ≤12 months, as well as treatment persistence at 1 year, in overweight patients and patients with obesity compared with the normal weight group. Remission was defined by Disease Activity for Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA), clinical DAPSA (cDAPSA) and 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28). Additionally, overlapping across study outcomes was investigated.

RESULTS

The study included 306 (39.5%) normal weight patients, 285 (36.8%) overweight patients and 183 (23.6%) patients with obesity. Compared with the normal weight group, patients with obesity had lower odds of achieving MDA at ≤12 months (adjusted OR (ORadj) 0.45, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.82). This was consistent with the observed reduced odds of achieving DAPSA-remission (ORadj 0.42, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.85), cDAPSA-remission (ORadj 0.51, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.96) and DAS28-remission (ORadj 0.51, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.81) in patients with obesity versus normal weight patients. Among the 125 patients achieving MDA, the majority (81.8% normal weight, 80.0% overweight, 78.9% obese) achieved cDAPSA-remission. No differences were observed in the odds to achieving treatment persistence between the BMI strata.

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity halved the likelihood of achieving MDA and remission in patients with PsA with b/tsDMARDs compared with those with normal weight, while it did not impact treatment persistence. High overlapping of patients achieving the outcomes MDA and cDAPSA-remission was observed across every BMI group.

Biosimilar Use and Switching in Belgium: Avenues for Integrated Policymaking

Background: By improving the affordability and accessibility of biologicals, biosimilar competition provides important benefits to healthcare systems and patients. In Belgium, biosimilar uptake and competition is limited compared to other European markets. Whereas other countries have initiated structured biosimilar introduction or switching plans, no such framework or guiding principles are yet available in Belgium.

Objective: This study aims to develop recommendations that can inform policy action in Belgium on biosimilar use, especially in the context of switch decision-making, and this by drawing from the perspectives of healthcare professionals involved in procuring, prescribing, switching and dispensing biologicals including biosimilars.

Methods: This study made use of the consensus-building Nominal Group Technique, consisting of a three-step process 1) individual grading, 2) three structured Focus Group Discussions, 3) final individual grading involving an expert group of Belgian healthcare professionals (physician specialists and hospital pharmacists).

Results: Participants (n = 13) voiced challenges with the use of biosimilars and switching in practice, and a lack of incentives to use them. Six concrete areas for policy development to support stakeholders with biosimilar use and switch decision-making were identified: 1) address stakeholder hesitations regarding (multiple) switching, 2) provide meaningful incentives, 3) guide healthcare professionals with product decision-making, 4), align practical product modalities when possible, 5) involve healthcare professionals in policy making, and 6) provide practical switch support and patient information material, particularly in the ambulatory care setting. For each area, specific consensus-based recommendations were developed. Furthermore, a set of switch management and patient communication principles was derived, including amongst others, generating buy-in from involved stakeholders prior to switching and communicating with a one-voice message.

Conclusion: Without cohesive actions to reduce hurdles and without tangible benefits or steering mechanisms, changes in biosimilar use are unlikely in Belgium. To overcome this and stimulate market competitiveness, this study advances a set of concrete policy recommendations. At large, policy makers should develop an integrated policy framework, with a pro-active, best-value biological implementation roadmap that provides guidance and compelling measures to incentivize healthcare professionals to use biosimilars. Particular consideration should go to the ambulatory care setting, since drivers for biosimilar use are quasi absent in this context.

Low-dose Methotrexate Therapy Does Not Affect Semen Parameters and Sperm DNA

BACKGROUND

Methotrexate is widely used in inflammatory diseases during the patients' reproductive years. The effect on male fertility and sperm DNA integrity is largely unknown. We evaluated sperm DNA integrity and basic semen parameters according to the World Health Organization (WHO) in male patients with inflammatory diseases treated with methotrexate.

METHODS

Semen samples from 14 patients on low-dose maintenance methotrexate were compared with samples from 40 healthy volunteers. Further, 5 patients delivered samples on and off methotrexate therapy for paired comparison. Sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI), concentration, motility, and morphology were evaluated. Blood sex hormones and methotrexate levels were measured in blood and semen.

RESULTS

DNA fragmentation index in methotrexate-treated patients was comparable with that in healthy volunteers (DFI, 11.5 vs 15.0; P = .06), and DFI did not change significantly on and off methotrexate in the paired samples (DFI, 12.0 vs 14.0; P = 0.35). Sperm concentration, motility, and morphology did not differ between men treated with methotrexate and healthy volunteers. Sperm progressive motility increased off therapy compared with on therapy (65.0% vs 45.0%, P = .04), but all fluctuations in progressive motility were within the WHO reference interval. All methotrexate polyglutamates1-5 were detected in blood, but only methotrexate polyglutamate1 in semen. Serum testosterone was unaffected by methotrexate therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients treated with low-dose methotrexate have a sperm quality comparable with that of healthy volunteers, and methotrexate treatment does not increase sperm DNA fragmentation. This study does not support cryopreservation of semen before treatment initiation nor a 3-month methotrexate-free interval prior to conception.

Impact of TRAF3IP2, IL10 and HCP5 Genetic Polymorphisms in the Response to TNF-i Treatment in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease. The introduction of therapy with biological drugs is promising, even if the efficacy is very variable. Since the response to drugs is a complex trait, identifying genetic factors associated to treatment response could help define new biomarkers for a more effective and personalized therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the potential role of polymorphisms in genes involved in PsA susceptibility as predictors of therapy efficacy. Nine polymorphisms were analyzed in a cohort of 163 PsA patients treated with TNF-i. To evaluate the treatment response, the DAPsA score was estimated for each patient. The possible association between the selected SNPs and mean values of DAPsA differences, at 22 and 54 weeks from the beginning of the treatment, were evaluated by t-test. Patients carrying the variant allele of TRAF3IP2 seemed to respond better to treatment, both at 22 and 54 weeks. This variant allele was also associated with an improvement in joint involvement. In contrast, patients carrying the IL10 variant allele showed an improvement lower than patients with the wild-type genotype at 54 weeks. Our results suggest that polymorphisms in genes associated with PsA susceptibility could also play a role in TNF-i treatment response.

Risk of incident type 2 diabetes in patients with psoriatic arthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies

OBJECTIVES

To determine the risk of type 2 diabetes among patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

METHODS

Electronic database searches of PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library were performed from inception to June 2020 and updated in May 2022. Cohort studies were included if they reported hazard ratios (HR) or relative risks with 95% confidence interval (CI) of incident diabetes in patients with PsA compared with non-rheumatic populations. Pooled HR and 95% CI were calculated using a DerSimonian and Laird method random-effects model.

RESULTS

A total of 5 studies comprising 37 811 PsA patients with 174 825 patient-years and 476 838 non-rheumatic controls with 2 945 358 patient-years were identified and included in our data analysis. During the follow-up, 2335 and 23 035 incident diabetes were observed in PsA and non-rheumatic control groups, corresponding to a crude incidence rate of 13.4 and 7.8 per 1000 patient-years, respectively. The pooled age- and gender-adjusted, and fully adjusted HR of incident diabetes in patients with PsA compared with non-rheumatic populations were 1.54 (95% CI: 1.43-1.67, I²  = 50.8%) and 1.38 (95% CI: 1.31-1.47, I²  = 0.0%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicates a 38% increase in the risk of type 2 diabetes among patients with PsA, with an incidence rate of 13.4 per 1000 patients-years. These findings suggest the awareness of managing diabetes with careful screening of PsA patients in daily practice.

Treat-to-target dose reduction and withdrawal strategy of TNF inhibitors in psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis: a randomised controlled non-inferiority trial

OBJECTIVES

Tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) are effective in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), but are associated with a small (0.6%) increase in serious infection risk, patient burden due to need for self-injection and high costs. Treat-to-target (T2T) tapering might ameliorate these drawbacks, but high-quality evidence on T2T tapering strategies is lacking in PsA and axSpA.

METHODS

We performed a pragmatic open-label, monocentre, randomised controlled non-inferiority (NI) trial on T2T tapering of TNFi. Patients with PsA and axSpA using a TNFi with ≥6 months stable low disease activity (LDA) were included. Patients were randomised 2:1 to disease activity-guided T2T with or without tapering until withdrawal and followed-up to 12 months. Primary endpoint was the difference in proportion of patients having LDA at 12 months between groups, compared with a prespecified NI margin of 20%, estimated using a Bayesian prior.

RESULTS

122 patients (64 PsA and 58 axSpA) were randomised to a T2T strategy with (N=81) or without tapering (N=41). The proportion of patients in LDA at 12 months was 69% for the tapering and 73% for the no-tapering group: adjusted difference 5% (Bayesian 95% credible interval: -10% to 19%) which confirms NI considering the NI margin of 20%. The mean percentage of daily defined dose was 53% for the tapering and 91% for the no-tapering group at month 12.

CONCLUSIONS

A T2T TNFi strategy with tapering attempt is non-inferior to a T2T strategy without tapering with regard to the proportion of patients still in LDA at 12 months, and results in a substantial reduction of TNFi use.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NL 6771.

Comorbidity in Adult Psoriasis: Considerations for the Clinician

Psoriasis is associated with several comorbidities ranging from cardiovascular comorbidity and mental disorders to other immune mediated inflammatory diseases. However, most of these co-morbidities are often overlooked or diagnosed late. Furthermore, evidence suggests that comorbidities are undertreated. Here, we provide an overview of comorbidities in psoriasis and present a simple rundown of considerations of relevance to the clinician. We hope that this review may raise clinicians' awareness of comorbidities in psoriasis and provide simple guidance regarding screening tools and treatment decisions in psoriasis with comorbidities.

Identifying inadequate response among patients with ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis prescribed advanced therapy in a real-world, commercially insured adult population in the USA

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess treatment patterns and frequency of inadequate response associated with advanced therapy initiation among patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in the USA.

METHODS

Adult patients with AS or PsA who initiated advanced therapy were identified from the HealthCore Integrated Research Database®. Inadequate response to advanced therapies (tumour necrosis factor inhibitors [TNFi] and non-TNFi biologics) was identified using a claims-based algorithm. Factors influencing inadequate response were assessed using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

In total, 646 patients with AS, and 1433 patients with PsA were evaluated. Among patients with AS (mean age, 43 years; male, 58%), 93% patients initiated TNFi, and 69% of patients had inadequate response. In patients with PsA (mean age, 49 years; male, 47%), 67% initiated TNFi, and 77% had inadequate response. Low adherence was the main predictor of inadequate response in patients with AS (56%) and PsA (63%). Inadequate responders were more likely to be female (odds ratio [OR] 2.05 for AS and 1.37 for PsA). Prior exposure to TNFi was associated with 3.89- and 2.14-fold greater odds of inadequate response in both AS and PsA patients, respectively, while patients using methotrexate were less likely to have inadequate response (OR 0.48 for AS and 0.72 for PsA; all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Over 69% of patients with AS and 77% of patients with PsA had inadequate response to their index advanced therapy during 1 year after initiation. Health plan claims data appear useful to classify inadequate responders in AS and PsA. Key Points • Estimating inadequate response to advanced therapies and identifying factors associated with this outcome using claims data could improve treatment outcomes in AS and PsA. • In a sample of commercially insured US patients, over 69% of patients with AS and 77% of patients with PsA had inadequate response to their index advanced therapy during 1 year after initiation. Patient characteristics such as sex and prior therapy use were predictive of inadequate response to advanced therapies. • Health plan claims data appear useful to classify inadequate responders in AS and PsA and identify factors associated with this outcome.

Psoriatic arthritis treatment to the target: a consensus, evidence-based clinical practice recommendations for the management of psoriatic arthritis and its concomitant clinical manifestations

Background

We aimed to provide up-to-date, evidence-based and consensus-based recommendations for Treat-to-Target management of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and associated clinical manifestations.

In this recommendations, 14 key clinical questions were identified by scientific committee according to the Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes and Timing (PICOT) approach. Literature Review team performed a systematic review to summarize evidence advocating the benefits and harms of available pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies for psoriatic arthritis. Subsequently, recommendations were formulated. The level of evidence was determined for each section using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine (CEBM) system. A 3-round Delphi process was conducted with 19 experts whom were drawn from different governorates and health centers across Egypt with diverse in their experiences, including private, governmental workplace, tertiary university hospitals, and insurance hospitals. All rounds were conducted online. A consensus was achieved on the direction and the strength of the recommendations.

Results

An online questionnaire was sent to an expert panel who participated in the three rounds (response rate 100%). At the end of round 3, a total of 51 recommendation items, categorized into 6 sections to address the main 6 psoriatic arthritis categories, were obtained. Agreement with the recommendations (rank 7–9) ranged from 89.5 to 100%. Consensus was reached (i.e., ≥ 75%of respondents strongly agreed or agreed) on the wording of all the 51 clinical standards identified by the scientific committee. Algorithms for the management of psoriatic arthritis have been suggested.

Conclusion

These recommendations provide an updated consensus on the pharmacological treatment of psoriatic arthritis and strategies to reach optimal treat-to-target outcomes in in common clinical scenarios, based on a combination of evidence and expert opinion. Best treatment decisions should be tailored to each individual patient situation.

Differential Diagnosis of Inflammatory Arthritis from Musculoskeletal Ultrasound View

Diagnostic imaging in rheumatology has evolved over the centuries, and novel imaging modalities, including musculoskeletal ultrasonography (MSUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are being widely used in the 21st century. With the increase in availability of molecular target-specific therapies, including biologic agents and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, the therapeutic outcome of inflammatory arthritis has changed, and early and accurate diagnosis of inflammatory rheumatic diseases has become more important. Given this situation, MSUS, which is a portable, convenient, noninvasive, and cost-effective imaging technique, plays an important role in the diagnosis of rheumatic diseases. MSUS can be used to detect subclinical inflammation and to accurately determine the distribution of joint involvement and inflammation sites in each joint. Definitive diagnosis for patients with early arthritis should be made after noting their history and performing clinical examination, laboratory testing, and additional procedures. However, MSUS is an extension of physical examination and it can provide a further opportunity and motivation to consider differential diagnoses rather than a conclusive diagnosis. This review aims to describe the usefulness of MSUS in differential diagnoses of the phenotype of early inflammatory arthritis.

Drugs Recommended in Adult Rheumatic Diseases, But Considered for Off-Label Use in Argentina

BACKGROUND

Off-label (OL) drug use is the prescription of a drug for indications other than those authorised in its technical datasheet. The objective of this study was to identify drugs recommended in rheumatology but considered for off-label use in Argentina.

METHODS

A list of medications for certain selected rheumatic conditions was compiled. A drug was considered recommended if it was endorsed by a) at least one Argentine or Pan-American treatment guideline or consensus, or b) two international treatment guidelines, or c) one international treatment guideline and one selected textbook. Approval of these drugs for any condition in Argentina until December 31st, 2018 was explored, and medicines were divided into those with on-label indications and those considered for OL use.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty-six medications were analysed in 13 clinical conditions. Sixty-seven OL recommendations (49%) were found, and several drugs had more than one. All the conditions included the recommendation of at least 1 OL drug except osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. The frequency of OL recommendations for the following conditions was 100%: calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease, polymyalgia rheumatica, Sjögren syndrome, and systemic sclerosis. The drugs with the highest number of OL recommendations were methotrexate (in 7 conditions), and glucocorticoids and mycophenolate (in 4). There were 2 OL recommendations for rituximab and 1 for abatacept.

CONCLUSIONS

Almost all the rheumatic disorders analysed involved the recommendation of at least 1 OL medication, and in 4 conditions all the recommendations were OL. Most OL drugs recommended in rheumatology are neither biological nor small-molecule therapies.

Conventional Synthetic Disease-Modifying Anti-rheumatic Drugs for Psoriatic Arthritis: Findings and Implications From a Patient Centered Longitudinal Study in Brazil

Background: Conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs are the first-line treatment to inhibit the progression of psoriatic arthritis. Despite their widespread clinical use, few studies have been conducted to compare these drugs for psoriatic arthritis. Methods: a longitudinal study was carried out based on a centered patient national database in Brazil. Market share of drugs, medication persistence, drug costs, and cost per response were evaluated. Results: a total of 1,999 individuals with psoriatic arthritis were included. Methotrexate was the most used drug (44.4%), followed by leflunomide (40.6%), ciclosporin (8.2%), and sulfasalazine (6.8%). Methotrexate and leflunomide had a greater market share than ciclosporin and sulfasalazine over years. Medication persistence was higher for leflunomide (58.9 and 28.2%), followed by methotrexate (51.6 and 25.4%) at six and 12 months, respectively. Leflunomide was deemed the most expensive drug, with an average annual cost of $317.25, followed by sulfasalazine ($106.47), ciclosporin ($97.64), and methotrexate ($40.23). Methotrexate was the drug being the lowest cost per response. Conclusion: Methotrexate had the best cost per response ratio, owing to its lower cost and a slightly lower proportion of persistent patients when compared to leflunomide. Leflunomide had a slightly higher medication persistence than methotrexate, but it was the most expensive drug.

Residual Disease Associated with Suboptimal Treatment Response in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis: A Systematic Review of Real-World Evidence

Objective

This systematic literature review aimed to identify and summarise real-world observational studies reporting the type, prevalence and/or severity of residual symptoms and disease in adults with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who have received treatment and been assessed against remission or low disease activity targets.

Methods

Patients had received treatment and been assessed with treat-to-target metrics, including minimal disease activity (MDA), Disease Activity Index in PsA (DAPSA) and others. MEDLINE, Embase® and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR) were searched using search terms for PsA, treatment targets and observational studies. Screening of search results was completed by two independent reviewers; studies were included if they reported relevant residual disease outcomes in adults with PsA who had received one or more pharmacological treatments for PsA in a real-world setting. Non-observational studies were excluded. Information from included studies was extracted into a prespecified grid by a single reviewer and checked by a second reviewer.

Results

Database searching yielded 2328 articles, of which 42 publications (27 unique studies) were included in this systematic literature review. Twenty-three studies reported outcomes for MDA-assessed patients, and 14 studies reported outcomes for DAPSA-assessed patients. Physician- and patient-reported residual disease was less frequent and/or severe in patients reaching targets, but often not absent, including when patients achieved very low disease activity (VLDA) or remission. For example, studies reported that 0–8% patients in remission according to DAPSA (or clinical DAPSA) had > 1 tender joint, 25–39% had Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score > 1 and 0–10% had patient-reported pain > 15. Residual disease was usually less frequent and/or severe among patients achieving MDA-assessed targets versus DAPSA-­assessed targets, especially for skin outcomes.

Conclusion

The findings demonstrate a need for further optimisation of care for patients with PsA.

Frequency and Duration of Early Non-serious Adverse Events in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis Treated with Tofacitinib

INTRODUCTION

Tofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase inhibitor for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). This post hoc analysis assessed frequency or duration of early select non-serious adverse events (AEs; excluding infections), and their impact on treatment discontinuation, in patients with RA or PsA treated with tofacitinib 5 or 10 mg twice daily, or placebo.

METHODS

Data were pooled from five phase 3 and one phase 3b/4 studies in patients with moderate-to-severe RA, and two phase 3 studies in patients with active PsA. Select all-causality, non-serious AEs, reported to month 3 (placebo-controlled period), were headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and gastric discomfort (including dyspepsia, gastritis, epigastric discomfort, and abdominal discomfort or pain); incidence rates (unique patients with events per 100 patient-years of follow-up), duration of, and discontinuations due to these non-serious AEs were reported.

RESULTS

We analyzed 3871 and 710 patients with RA and PsA, respectively. Incidence of non-serious AEs to month 3 was generally similar with tofacitinib and placebo. The most frequent non-serious AEs were headache and diarrhea with tofacitinib, and dyspepsia, nausea, and headache with placebo. Most events were mild or moderate in severity, lasting ≤ 4 weeks. Permanent discontinuations due to non-serious AEs were not observed in patients with PsA, and were < 1.0% in patients with RA across treatment groups. The most frequent cause of temporary discontinuation across all groups was gastric discomfort (0.3-0.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

Non-serious AE incidence was generally similar in patients with RA or PsA receiving tofacitinib or placebo. Most events were mild or moderate and generally resolved within 4 weeks.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: NCT00960440; NCT00847613; NCT00814307; NCT00856544; NCT00853385; NCT01877668; NCT01882439; NCT02187055.

Comparison between adalimumab introduction and methotrexate dose escalation in patients with inadequately controlled psoriatic arthritis (CONTROL): a randomised, open-label, two-part, phase 4 study

BACKGROUND

Many patients with psoriatic arthritis do not reach minimal disease activity (MDA) on methotrexate alone. This phase 4 open-label study aimed to compare attainment of MDA following introduction of adalimumab with methotrexate escalation in patients with psoriatic arthritis who do not reach MDA after an initial methotrexate course (≤15 mg every week).

METHODS

CONTROL was a phase 4, randomised, two-part, open-label study conducted in 14 countries and 46 sites. We recruited patients with confirmed active psoriatic arthritis, naive to biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, with an inadequate response to 15 mg or less of methotrexate. In part 1, patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either methotrexate 15 mg (oral or subcutaneous) every week with the addition of adalimumab 40 mg (subcutaneously) every other week (adalimumab plus methotrexate group) or methotrexate (oral or subcutaneous) escalation up to 25 mg every week (escalated methotrexate group). Randomisation was done using Interactive Response Technology and stratified by the duration of methotrexate treatment (≤3 months and >3 months). In this open-label study there was no masking; participants, people giving the interventions, those assessing outcomes, and those analysing the data were aware of group assignment. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who reached MDA at 16 weeks. After 16 weeks (part 2), patients who reached MDA (responders) had their current therapy maintained or modified, wheras patients who did not reach MDA (non-responders) had their therapy escalated until 32 weeks. The primary endpoint in part 2 was the proportion of patients who reached MDA at 32 weeks, analysed in all patients who received one or more doses of study drug. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02814175.

FINDINGS

Between Aug 5, 2016, and March 19, 2020, 245 of 287 patients initially assessed were enrolled in the study (50% men and 50% women; 92% of patients were White). 123 patients were randomly assigned to receive adalimumab plus methotrexate and 122 patients to receive escalated methotrexate. All 245 patients were included in the primary analysis, and 227 completed part 1 and entered part 2. A significantly higher proportion of patients reached MDA at 16 weeks in the adalimumab plus methotrexate group (51 [41%] patients) compared with the escalated methotrexate group (16 [13%] patients; p<0·0001). Efficacy was generally maintained through 32 weeks for patients who reached MDA at 16 weeks, with 41 (80%) of 51 adalimumab responders and ten (67%) of 15 methotrexate responders maintaining MDA at 32 weeks. Of adalimumab non-responders, 17 (30%) of 57 patients reached MDA at 32 weeks after adalimumab escalation to every week dosing. Among methotrexate non-responders, 50 (55%) of 91 reached MDA after adalimumab introduction. In part 1, two patients in the adalimumab plus methotrexate group reported serious adverse events; and in part 2, one adalimumab responder, three adalimumab non-responders, and three methotrexate non-responders reported serious adverse events. No new safety signals were identified.

INTERPRETATION

Results from this novel treatment-strategy trial support the addition of adalimumab over escalating methotrexate in patients with psoriatic arthritis not reaching MDA after an initial methotrexate course. Safety results were consistent with the therapies' known safety profiles.

FUNDING

AbbVie.

Systemic glucocorticoid use and the occurrence of flares in psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis: a systematic review

Objectives

The use of systemic glucocorticoids (SGCs) is traditionally discouraged in the treatment of PsA and psoriasis due to the risk of psoriatic flares. However, despite this recommendation, SGCs are frequently prescribed for these patients. In this study we reappraise the old paradigm that SGCs are contra-indicated in the treatment of PsA and psoriasis.

Methods

A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library databases was performed in November 2019 to identify articles on any SGC use compared with no use in the PsA and psoriasis population. Topical glucocorticoid treatment was excluded. Our two primary outcomes focused on the prescribing characteristics and the occurrence of any type of flare.

Results

Our search yielded 4922 articles, and of these 21 full-text articles were eligible for inclusion. There were 11 retro- and prospective cohorts involving a total of 4,171,307 patients. Of these, 6727 (37.82%) of the patients with PsA and 1 460 793 (35.17%) of the patients with psoriasis were treated with any type of SGC. Ten observational/interventional studies did not report an increased risk or occurrence of psoriatic flares related to SGC use.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that SGCs are frequently prescribed for PsA and psoriasis patients. The occurrence of psoriatic flares appears to be low upon SGC exposure. In patients with a clear indication for SGCs, e.g. in need of rapid anti-inflammatory therapy or bridging of therapies, the use of SGCs should be considered in view of the low risk of skin flaring. It remains of importance to weigh risks for short- and long-term SGC-related side effects in clinical decision making.

Experiences and Treatment Preferences in Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study in the ArthritisPower Registry

Introduction

Despite recent advances in treatment for psoriatic arthritis (PsA), many patients experience inadequate response or intolerance to therapy, indicating that unmet treatment-related needs remain. To further characterize these unmet needs, we evaluated patients’ experiences regarding the burden of PsA symptoms and disease impacts, and patients’ preferences for treatment.

Methods

Patients from ArthritisPower, a rheumatology research registry, completed a web-based survey. Object case best–worst scaling (BWS) was used to evaluate the relative burden of 11 PsA-related symptoms and the relative importance of improvement in nine PsA-related disease impacts. BWS data were analyzed using a random-parameters logit model. Patient demographics, preferences for mode and frequency of therapy, and preferences for methotrexate were analyzed descriptively.

Results

Among the 332 participants, most were White (94%), female (80%), with mean age of 54 years (SD 11.4). In the BWS, joint pain was the most bothersome symptom, followed by other musculoskeletal pain and fatigue. The BWS for disease impacts found that improvements in the ability to perform physical activities were most important, followed by improvements in the ability to function independently, sleep quality, and the ability to perform daily activities. The most burdensome symptoms and desired disease impact improvements were similar in patients regardless of their experience with biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. The most preferred mode and frequency of treatment administration was oral, once-daily medication (preferred by 38% of respondents), and 74% prioritized therapies that significantly improved joint-related symptoms versus psoriasis-related symptoms. The majority of respondents (65%) preferred PsA treatment regimens that did not include methotrexate.

Conclusions

Patients with PsA from a rheumatology registry found musculoskeletal pain symptoms to be the most bothersome and prioritized improvements to functional impacts of their disease. These findings can better inform development of new therapies and guide shared patient-provider treatment decision-making.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40744-022-00436-x.