The patient perspective on absence of disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis: a survey to identify key domains of patient-perceived remission

"It means almost forgetting that you've got a disease": An OMERACT study to define independence in the context of rheumatoid arthritis remission from the patient perspective

AIMS

Our previous work identified pain, fatigue, and independence as missing from the ACR/EULAR rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remission criteria from the patient perspective. Validated measures exist for pain and fatigue, but not for independence. As a first step towards developing such a measure, this study aimed to understand 'Independence' in the context of RA remission from the patient perspective.

METHODS

International qualitative research study comprising five focus groups of 19 participants with RA. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Five overarching themes were identified, underpinned by a construct of "stages of independence". Independence means at least being 'physically and functionally able' but may go beyond this and enable 'participation beyond function', 'cognitive independence', and 'having or taking control'. There was no agreement on whether assistance is an aid to independence or undermines ability to achieve independence ('assistance is complicated'). The construct "Stages of independence" acknowledges that Independence may mean different things to different patients and there may be other factors beyond disease activity that hold patients in each of these stages.

CONCLUSION

These novel data suggest a desirable definition of independence includes full active participation without the need to consider or work around disease activity, and cognitive independence from thoughts of RA. Independence in RA remission is a complex concept and next steps will be to seek patient and professional agreement on the most important issues raised in these focus groups to take forward to developing a measure for independence in the context of RA remission from the patient perspective.

Is there a role for novel supplements in the management of fatigue in rheumatic diseases?

Fatigue is a common symptom of rheumatic diseases and frequently persists even when patients are in a near-remission state. In seeking options to manage troublesome symptoms such as fatigue, complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) are often used by patients despite a lack of evidence base behind such treatment strategies. CAM use is further promoted by social media and 'influencer' marketing without rigorous process to ensure scientific accuracy. One mechanism of recent interest in the CAM market is enhancing cellular pathways of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), purported to restore mitochondrial function. However, clinical trials of NAD+ pathway supplements lack rigorous trial design, many declare conflicts of interest, and safety data is limited. Ultimately, CAM use by our patients is unavoidable. To adequately inform patients about CAM, we need to keep updated on both the latest scientific literature and social media trends. In so doing, we can then propose to patients how standard-of-care therapies, evidence-based lifestyle modifications and CAM might safely and effectively integrate to form a treatment plan.

Real-World Effectiveness of Upadacitinib for Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Canadian Patients: Interim Results from the Prospective Observational CLOSE-UP Study

INTRODUCTION

Upadacitinib (UPA), a selective, reversible, oral Janus kinase (JAK)-1 inhibitor, was approved in 2019 in Canada for the treatment of adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This phase 4 prospective study aimed to characterise the effectiveness of UPA in the real-world population of patients with RA.

METHODS

Adults with RA who initiated treatment with once daily UPA (15 mg) and enrolled in the Canadian Real-Life post-marketing Observational Study assessing the Effectiveness of UPadacitinib for treating rheumatoid arthritis (CLOSE-UP) and who completed a 6-month assessment as of 28 February 2023 were included. The primary endpoint of the CLOSE-UP study is the proportion of patients achieving a Disease Activity Score-28 Joint Count C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP) < 2.6 at 6 months. Data was collected at routine visits. Data analysed and summarised descriptively for the overall interim population and for subgroups based on prior therapy included remission or low disease activity, patient-reported outcomes (PROs), and adverse events.

RESULTS

A total of 392 patients were included in the interim analysis. Overall, 63.5% (191/301) of patients achieved a DAS28-CRP score < 2.6 at month 6, with similar rates observed for all subgroups analysed according to prior therapy including those with prior JAK inhibitor exposure (range 57.4-71.0%), and in patients who received UPA monotherapy (71.6% [48/67]). Early (month 3) and sustained improvements up to 6 months were observed for all PROs. The safety profile was consistent with previous reports.

CONCLUSION

Real-world improvements in disease activity and PROs in response to UPA treatment were consistent with clinical trial data across a range of Canadian patients with prior therapy exposure and with UPA monotherapy, with an overall favourable benefit-risk profile.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT04574492.

Factors influencing the outcomes of non-pharmacological interventions for managing fatigue across the lifespan of people living with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions: a scoping review protocol

INTRODUCTION

Fatigue is an important and distressing symptom for many people living with chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. Many non-pharmacological interventions have been investigated in recent years and some have been demonstrated to be effective in reducing fatigue and fatigue impact, however, there is limited guidance for clinicians to follow regarding the most appropriate management options. The objective of this scoping review is to understand and map the extent of evidence in relation to the factors that relate to the outcome of non-pharmacological interventions on MSK condition-related fatigue across the lifespan.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This scoping review will include evidence relating to people of all ages living with chronic MSK conditions who have been offered a non-pharmacological intervention with either the intention or effect of reducing fatigue and its impact. Databases including AMED, PsycINFO, CINAHLPlus, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Scopus will be searched for peer-reviewed primary research studies published after 1 January 2007 in English language. These findings will be used to identify factors associated with successful interventions and to map gaps in knowledge.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval was not required for this review. Findings will be disseminated by journal publications, conference presentations and by communicating with relevant healthcare and charity organisations.

Quality of life of patients with rheumatic diseases

OBJECTIVE

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is an important indicator of population health and can measure the impact of medical actions. The main objective of this study was to determine the HRQoL of patients with rheumatic diseases (RD) and compare it with that of the general population.

METHODS

Observational, cross-sectional, single-center study, with consecutive inclusion of outpatients over 18 years of age seen at a Rheumatology hospital-based outpatient clinic in Madrid. Sociodemographic, clinical variables and HRQoL were recorded. HRQoL was measured with the 5-dimension, 5-level EuroQoL (EQ-5D-5L), which includes the EQ-Index (0-1 scale) and a visual analog scale (VAS, 0-100 scale). A descriptive analysis and a comparison with the HRQoL of the Spanish general population were performed.

RESULTS

1144 patients were included, 820 (71.68%) women, with a mean age of 56.1 years (range 18-95), of whom 241 (25.44%) were new patients. In patients with RD, the HRQoL measured with the EQ-Index and with the VAS, was 0.186 and 12 points lower, respectively, than in the general population. The decrease in HRQoL affected the 5 health dimensions, especially "pain/discomfort", followed by "daily activities" and "mobility". This reduction in HRQoL was observed in both men and women, and in all age ranges, although it was greater between 18 and 65 years of age. The reduction in HRQoL affected all RD subtypes, especially the "peripheral and axial mechanical pathology" and the "soft tissue pathology" group.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with rheumatic diseases report worse HRQoL when compared to the general population in all dimensions of HRQoL.

Physical function and severe side effects matter most to patients with RA (< 5 years): a discrete choice experiment assessing preferences for personalized RA treatment

AIM

Early assessment of patient preferences has the potential to support shared decisions in personalized precision medicine for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this study was to assess treatment preferences of patients with RA (< 5 years) with previous experience of inadequate response to first-line monotherapy.

METHOD

Patients were recruited (March-June 2021) via four clinics in Sweden. Potential respondents (N = 933) received an invitation to answer a digital survey. The survey included an introductory part, a discrete choice experiment (DCE) and demographic questions. Each respondent answered 11 hypothetical choice questions as part of the DCE. Patient preferences and preference heterogeneity were estimated using random parameter logit models and latent class analysis models.

RESULTS

Patients (n = 182) assessed the most important treatment attributes out of physical functional capacity, psychosocial functional capacity, frequency of mild side effects and likelihood of severe side effects. In general, patients preferred a greater increase in functional capacity and decreased side effects. However, a substantial preference heterogeneity was identified with two underlying preference patterns. The most important attribute in the first pattern was the 'likelihood of getting a severe side effect'. Physical functional capacity was the most important attribute in the second pattern.

CONCLUSION

Respondents focused their decision-making mainly on increasing their physical functional capacity or decreasing the likelihood of getting a severe side effect. These results are highly relevant from a clinical perspective to strengthen communication in shared decision making by assessing patients' individual preferences for benefits and risks in treatment discussions.

Upadacitinib for Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Comprehensive Review

Upadacitinib is a selective and reversible Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor recently approved by the European Medicine Agency and the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at a dose of 15 mg/day. We present the chemical structure and mechanism of action of upadacitinib together with a comprehensive review of the efficacy of this drug in RA based on the SELECT clinical trial program and its safety profile. Its role in the management and therapeutic strategy of RA is also discussed. Upadacitinib in the different clinical trials has shown similar rates of clinical response, including the remission rates, regardless of the population analyzed (methotrexate-naïve, methotrexate-failure or biologic failure). In a head-to-head randomized clinical trial, upadacitinib plus methotrexate was superior to adalimumab when given on background methotrexate (MTX) in patients who have experienced an inadequate response to MTX. Upadacitinib also demonstrated superiority over abatacept in patients with RA after failure to previous biologic drugs. The safety profile of upadacitinib is generally consistent with those observed with biological or other JAK inhibitors.

Hand function is already reduced before RA development and reflects subclinical tenosynovitis

BACKGROUND

Clinically suspect arthralgia (CSA) is characterised by arthralgia of small joints and considered a risk stage for development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, it remains unknown if the function of the hands is already affected and what mechanisms underlie impaired hand-function in CSA.

METHODS

We studied various measures of hand function in two CSA populations. CSA patients in the TREAT EARLIER-trial (n=236) were evaluated at baseline for: grip strength on a dynamometer (GS), patient-reported difficulties in the grip domain of the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) questionnaire and incomplete fist closure at physical examination. Findings were validated in an independent CSA cohort (n=600) where hand function was measured as: GS evaluated by squeezing the examiner's fingers, grip domain of the HAQ questionnaire and fist closure. Contrast-enhanced MRI of the hands measured synovitis, tenosynovitis and bone marrow oedema (summed as subclinical inflammation) in both cohorts.

RESULTS

GS (on a dynamometer) was reduced in 75% compared with reference values in healthy controls, 60% reported grip difficulties and 13% had incomplete fist closure. Reduced GS was associated with subclinical inflammation (-0.38 kg/point inflammation, 95% CI -0.68 to -0.08). Studying separate MRI features, GS reduction was independently associated with tenosynovitis, decreasing with -2.63 kg (95% CI -2.26 to -0.33)/point tenosynovitis (range observed tenosynovitis scores: 0-20). Similar relations with tenosynovitis were seen for patient-reported grip difficulties (OR 1.12/point, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.42) and incomplete fist closure (OR 1.36/point, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.79). In the validation cohort, 36% had decreased examiner-assessed GS, 51% reported grip difficulties and 14% incomplete fist closure: all were associated with tenosynovitis. Decreased dynamometer-measured GS was most sensitive for detecting tenosynovitis (75%), while incomplete fist closure was most specific (88%-90%).

CONCLUSION

Hand function is already often affected before RA development. These limitations are related to subclinical inflammation and tenosynovitis in particular.

Defining independence: A scoping review by the OMERACT patient perspective of remission in rheumatoid arthritis group

AIMS

The Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Trials (OMERACT) Remission in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patient perspective working group has previously found that patients prioritised independence, pain, and fatigue as key domains of remission in RA. However, there is currently no clear definition of independence. Consequently, this scoping review aimed to explore how independence is represented in the RA literature.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of the EMBASE, Medline, and PsycInfo databases was performed for publications that used independence or autonomy as a disease activity measure, description of disease in remission or treatment outcome. Papers were included if they involved adult participants and were written in English, with no restrictions on study design or publication year. Two reviewers (TK and AC, AT or BJ) independently screened the abstracts. A thematic approach was applied to derive common definitions and descriptions of independence.

RESULTS

660 articles were identified, of which 58 (25 qualitative, 28 quantitative, one mixed, and four reviews) met the inclusion criteria. 86% of total participants were female. Ten publications referenced remission. Independence took many forms; in addition to physical and functional capability, it was described in relation to work, social activities, autonomy in healthcare, and household activities. Four common themes describing independence were identified: 1. A return to a state before arthritis. 2. Being physically and functionally able. 3. A sense of freedom without needing to rely on others. 4. Having control over the organisation of one's life.

CONCLUSION

Although independence is frequently mentioned in the RA literature, it has various meanings, lacks a consistent definition, and is a concept rarely applied to remission. It is multi-factorial, exceeding functional ability alone, and contextualised within sociodemographic and disease factors. This scoping review provides common descriptions of independence to inform future qualitative work towards the development of an outcome measure of independence for the assessment of RA in remission.

The course of fatigue during the development of rheumatoid arthritis and its relation with inflammation: a longitudinal study

OBJECTIVE

Fatigue is a prominent and disabling symptom in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), that is only partially explained by inflammation and responds poorly to DMARD-therapy. We hypothesized that inflammation explains fatigue to a larger extent in the phase of clinically suspect arthralgia (CSA), when persistent clinical arthritis is still absent and fatigue has not yet become chronic. We therefore studied the course of fatigue in CSA during progression to RA and the association with inflammation at CSA-onset and at RA-diagnosis.

METHODS

600 consecutive CSA-patients were followed for RA-development. Additionally, 710 early RA-patients were studied at diagnosis. Fatigue was assessed every study visit and expressed on a 0-100 scale. Inflammation was measured with the DAS44-CRP, with and without including subclinical inflammation. The course of fatigue over time was studied with linear mixed models. Associations between fatigue and inflammation were studied with linear regression. Analyses were stratified by ACPA-status.

RESULTS

In 88 CSA-patients who developed RA, pre-arthritis fatigue-levels increased gradually with 7 points/year, towards 48 (95%CI=41-55) at RA-development (P=ns). Fatigue decreased in CSA-patients who did not develop RA (4 points/year, P<0.001). At CSA-onset, inflammation was associated with fatigue (β=18, meaning 18 points more fatigue per point increase DAS-score, P<0.01). This association was stronger than at RA-diagnosis (β=5, P<0.001). Fatigue-levels were lower in ACPA-positive pre-RA, but its association with inflammation was stronger compared to ACPA-negative pre-RA.

CONCLUSION

Fatigue increased gradually during progression from arthralgia to clinical arthritis, and fatigue was better explained by inflammation in CSA than in RA. This implies a 'phase-dependent relation' between inflammation and fatigue.

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).

Remission or Not Remission, That's the Question: Shedding Light on Remission and the Impact of Objective and Subjective Measures Reflecting Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Introduction

The inclusion of certain variables in remission formulas for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may give rise to discrepancies. An increase in patient global assessment (PGA), a variable showing the patient's self-evaluation of their disease activity, may alone tilt a patient out of remission when using certain remission-assessing methods. This study aimed to explore differences in remission rates among various formulas and the impact of PGA and other clinical variables on the calculation of remission.

Methods

Data were collected from RA patients monitored during the years 2015–2019 at an outpatient clinic in southern Norway. Linear and logistic regression assessed associations between PGA, other RA-related variables, and remission-assessing methods.

Results

Remission rates were 23%, 65%, and 73% in 2019 when assessing the same 502 RA patients using Boolean remission, Boolean remission without PGA, and the disease activity score (DAS) with C-reactive peptide [DAS28(3)-CRP] method, respectively. Among the same population that year, 27% reported PGA ≤ 10, 74% had a tender joint count of ≤ 1, 85% had a swollen joint count of ≤ 1, and 86% had CRP ≤ 10. Pain (standardized coefficient β = 0.7, p < 0.001) was most strongly associated with PGA. Pain, fatigue, and morning stiffness were substantially associated with the remission-assessing methods that incorporated PGA.

Conclusions

Since PGA is strongly associated with the patient’s perception of pain and may not reflect the inflammatory process, our study challenges the application of remission-assessing methods containing PGA when monitoring RA patients in the outpatient clinic. We recommend using measures that are less likely to be associated with noninflammatory pain and psychosocial factors.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40744-022-00490-5.

Intervention with methotrexate in patients with arthralgia at risk of rheumatoid arthritis to reduce the development of persistent arthritis and its disease burden (TREAT EARLIER): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, proof-of-concept trial

BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common autoimmune disease worldwide and requires long-term treatment to suppress inflammation. Currently, treatment is started when arthritis is clinically apparent. We aimed to evaluate whether earlier intervention, in the preceding phase of arthralgia and subclinical joint inflammation, could prevent the development of clinical arthritis or reduce the disease burden.

METHODS

We conducted a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, proof-of-concept-trial at the Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands. Adults aged 18 years or older with arthralgia clinically suspected of progressing to rheumatoid arthritis and MRI-detected subclinical joint inflammation were eligible for enrolment across 13 rheumatology outpatient clinics in the southwest region of the Netherlands and randomly assigned (1:1) to a single intramuscular glucocorticoid injection (120 mg) and a 1-year course of oral methotrexate (up to 25 mg/week), or placebo (single injection and tablets for 1 year). Participants and investigators were masked to group assignment. Follow-up continued for 1 year after the end of the 1-year treatment period. The primary endpoint was development of clinical arthritis (fulfilling the 2010 rheumatoid arthritis classification criteria or involving two or more joints) that persisted for at least 2 weeks. Patient-reported physical functioning, symptoms, and work productivity were secondary endpoints, which were measured every 4 months. Additionally, the course of MRI-detected inflammation was studied. All participants entered the intention-to-treat analysis. This trial is registered with EudraCT, 2014-004472-35, and the Netherlands Trial Register, NTR4853-trial-NL4599.

FINDINGS

Between April 16, 2015, and Sept 11, 2019, 901 patients were assessed for eligibility and 236 were enrolled and randomly assigned to active treatment (n=119) or placebo (n=117). At 2 years, the frequency of the primary endpoint was similar between the groups (23 [19%] of 119 participants in the treatment group vs 21 [18%] of 117 in the placebo group; hazard ratio 0·81, 95% CI 0·45 to 1·48). Physical functioning improved more in the treatment group during the first 4 months and remained better than in the placebo group (mean between-group difference in Health Assessment Questionnaire disability index over 2 years: -0·09, 95% CI -0·16 to -0·03; p=0·0042). Similarly, pain (on scale 0-100, mean between-group difference: -8, 95% CI -12 to -4; p<0·0001), morning stiffness of joints (-12, -16 to -8; p<0·0001), presenteeism (-8%, -13 to -3; p=0·0007), and MRI-detected joint inflammation (-1·4 points, -2·0 to -0·9; p<0·0001) showed sustained improvement in the treatment group compared with the placebo group. The number of serious adverse events was equal in both groups; adverse events were consistent with the known safety profile for methotrexate.

INTERPRETATION

Methotrexate, the cornerstone treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, initiated at the pre-arthritis stage of symptoms and subclinical inflammation, did not prevent the development of clinical arthritis, but modified the disease course as shown by sustained improvement in MRI-detected inflammation, related symptoms, and impairments compared with placebo.

FUNDING

Dutch Research Council (NWO; Dutch Arthritis Society).

Patient perceived needs and experiences of person-centered care in patients with inflammatory arthritis

BACKGROUND

Health care is shifting toward a person-centered care (PCC) approach. For implementation of PCC, there may be a special role for nurse practitioners (NPs).

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to explore the patient-perceived levels of and needs for of PCC in inflammatory arthritis patients who visited the NP at the outpatient clinic of an academic hospital in the Netherlands.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed. Disease characteristics were inventoried from the patient records. Patients filled out the PCCoc/rheum instrument, an instrument to measure patient perceived PCC, and a questionnaire based on the 14 life areas of the Self-Management Web, extended with areas including pain, fatigue, and night's rest. Participants were asked which life areas caused problems, and whether these problems were discussed. Mean values were calculated for normally distributed data and medians for nonnormally distributed data.

RESULTS

Most of the patients had well-controlled disease (86.1%). The mean score of the PCCoc/rheum was 55.3 (SD 8.1). Patients experienced most problems in life areas fatigue (37.3%) and pain (35.3%), these were also the life areas that were most often addressed at consultation. The life areas that gave problems and that were least addressed during consultation were intimate relationships & sexuality (66.7%) and household chores (58.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite an overall high level of patient perceived PCC delivered by NPs, patient with low disease activity frequently reported problems in life areas not addressed at consultation.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Implementation of the Self-Management Web and changing the focus of NP consultations may help to improve accommodating individual patient needs.

Maintenance of Patient-Reported Outcomes in Baricitinib-Treated Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Active Rheumatoid Arthritis: Post Hoc Analyses from Two Phase 3 Trials

Introduction

Baricitinib has been shown to improve patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who are inadequate responders (IR) to conventional synthetic and biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs and bDMARDs, respectively). We assessed the ability of baricitinib 2-mg to maintain minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) in PROs until week 24 among week 4 and 12 responders.

Methods

Data were from two phase 3 trials, RA-BUILD (NCT01721057; csDMARD-IR patients) and RA-BEACON (NCT01721044; bDMARD-IR patients). PROs included Pain Visual Analogue Scale, Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue, Short-Form 36 Physical Component Score, and Patient’s Global Assessment of Disease Activity. Outcomes were evaluated by proportions of patients achieving MCID improvements, number needed to treat (NNT) at weeks 4, 12, and 24, proportions of patients maintaining MCID responses at week 24 among week 4 or 12 responders, and median time to achieve substantial response with baricitinib 2-mg versus placebo.

Results

A higher proportion of baricitinib-treated patients achieved MCID improvements, with NNTs ranging from 5 to 8 for baricitinib 2-mg versus placebo at week 24. Generally, early MCID responses in PROs at weeks 4 or 12 were better maintained through week 24 in RA patients treated with baricitinib 2-mg versus placebo. Patients treated with baricitinib 2-mg also achieved substantial PRO responses or normative values more quickly than placebo.

Conclusions

These results suggest baricitinib-treated patients with RA achieving MCID improvement in PROs at weeks 4 and 12 maintained those improvements over time and that substantial PRO responses were achieved quickly.

Post Hoc Analysis of the Correlation Between Patient-Reported Outcomes and Clinical Response to Repository Corticotropin Injection for Persistently Active Rheumatoid Arthritis

Purpose

Approximately 6% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the USA have refractory disease that is resistant to standard-of-care therapies. A recent phase IV clinical trial affirmed the safety and efficacy of repository corticotropin injection (RCI; Acthar® Gel) for refractory RA. This post hoc analysis of the clinical trial data assessed whether changes in clinical measures correlated with patient-reported outcome (PRO) improvements.

Methods

Data were assessed from the trial’s open-label period when patients received RCI (80 U) twice weekly for 12 weeks. Clinical assessments included hemoglobin A1c, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), total joint count (TJC), swollen joint count (SJC), Disease Activity Score with 28 joint count and ESR (DAS28-ESR), and Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI). PROs included pain (Visual Analog Scale), fatigue (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue [FACIT-F]), disability (Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index [HAQ-DI]), and activity impairment (Work Productivity and Activity Impairment [WPAI] questionnaire). Patients grouped by minimal clinically important difference (MCID) improvement vs no improvement in PROs were compared with clinical measures at week 12. Correlations were determined by multivariable linear regression analysis and standardized coefficient estimates.

Results

RCI responders, defined as patients with DAS28-ESR < 3.2 at week 12, reported significantly greater PRO improvements for pain, disability, fatigue, activity impairment, current work impairment, and overall work impairment than nonresponders. Patients with MCID improvements in all PROs showed significantly greater decreases in mean values for TJC, DAS28-ESR, and CDAI, whereas those with pain, fatigue, and disability improvements had significantly greater SJC and ESR reductions. Multivariable linear regression analysis determined that improvement from baseline in all PROs correlated with significant decreases in TJC, DAS28-ESR, and CDAI. ESR reduction significantly correlated with improvements in pain and disability, but not fatigue or WPAI.

Conclusions

These results confirm that clinical responses to RCI were directly correlated with patient perception of improvement.

Fatigue Is Not Associated With Objective Assessments of Inflammation During Tocilizumab Treatment of Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective

In patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the relation between fatigue and disease activity is not established, and our objective was to explore in post hoc analyses the associations between fatigue and subjective as well as objective assessments of inflammation during follow‐up of patients with RA initiating biologic treatment.

Methods

In a Nordic multicenter study, patients with RA starting tocilizumab were examined for fatigue (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Fatigue sum score) as well as patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) (patient's global disease activity, joint pain, and Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index), clinical examinations (examiner's global disease activity, 28 tender/swollen joint counts), laboratory variables (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C‐reactive protein), and ultrasound assessments (semiquantitative scoring [0‐3]) of gray scale and Doppler of 36 joints and 4 tendons) at baseline and 4, 12, and 24 weeks. The associations were explored by using nonparametric tests, including the Wilcoxon rank test, the Mann–Whitney U test, Spearman correlations, and a linear regression and linear mixed model.

Results

One hundred ten patients were included (83% female, mean [SD] age 55.6 [12.1] years, mean [SD] RA duration 8.7 [9.5] years, 81% anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide positive). Fatigue, PROMs, and clinical, laboratory, and ultrasound variables all decreased significantly during follow‐up, already at 4 weeks (P < 0.001). Fatigue was both cross‐sectionally and longitudinally associated with PROMs, whereas there were no or low associations with clinical, laboratory, or ultrasound assessments of inflammation. Baseline fatigue was predictive of PROMs at 12 and 24 weeks (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively) but not of any objective assessments.

Conclusion

Fatigue was primarily associated with subjective assessments of disease activity. Thus, the present study supports fatigue to reflect other aspects of RA disease activity than inflammation.

Functional capacity vs side effects: treatment attributes to consider when individualising treatment for patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Introduction

Individualisation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment needs to take account of individual patients’ preferences to increase patient-centeredness in treatment decisions. The aim of this study was to identify patient-relevant treatment attributes to consider when individualising treatment for patients with RA.

Method

Patients with RA in Sweden were invited to rank the most important treatment attributes in an online survey (April to May 2020). Semi-structured interviews were conducted (October to November 2020) to further identify and frame potential attributes for shared decision-making. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic framework analysis. Patient research partners and rheumatologists supported the selection and framing of the treatment attributes across the assessment.

Results

The highest ranked attributes (N = 184) were improved functional capacity, reduced inflammation, reduced pain and fatigue and the risk of getting a severe side effect. The framework analysis revealed two overarching themes for further exploration: treatment goals and side effects. ‘Treatment goals’ emerged from functional capacity, revealing two dimensions: physical functional capacity and psychosocial functional capacity. ‘Side effects’ revealed that mild and severe side effects were the most important to discuss in shared decision-making.

Conclusions

Functional capacity (physical and psychosocial) and potential side effects (mild and severe) are important treatment attributes to consider when individualising RA treatment. Future research should assess how patients with RA weigh benefits and risks against each other, in order to increase patient-centeredness early on the treatment trajectory.

Upadacitinib monotherapy improves patient-reported outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis: results from SELECT-EARLY and SELECT-MONOTHERAPY

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of upadacitinib (UPA) monotherapy vs MTX on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in patients with RA who were MTX-naïve or who had an inadequate response to MTX (MTX-IR).

METHODS

PROs from the SELECT-EARLY and SELECT-MONOTHERAPY randomized controlled trials were evaluated at Weeks 2 and 12/14. Patients were ≥18 years of age with RA symptoms for ≥6 weeks (SELECT-EARLY, MTX-naïve) or diagnosed RA for ≥3 months (SELECT-MONOTHERAPY, MTX-IR) and received UPA monotherapy (15 or 30 mg) or MTX. PROs included Patient Global Assessment of Disease Activity (PtGA), pain visual analogue scale, HAQ Disability Index (HAQ-DI), morning stiffness duration/severity, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT)-Fatigue (SELECT-EARLY), health-related quality of life (HRQOL) by the 36-iem Short Form Health Survey and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI; SELECT-EARLY). Least square mean (LSM) changes and proportions of patients reporting improvements greater than or equal to the minimum clinically important differences and normative values were determined.

RESULTS

In 945 MTX-naïve and 648 MTX-IR patients, UPA monotherapy (15 mg, 30 mg) vs MTX resulted in greater reported LSM changes from baseline at Weeks 12/14 in PtGA, pain, HAQ-DI, morning stiffness duration/severity, FACIT-F (SELECT-EARLY), HRQOL and WPAI (SELECT-EARLY). These changes were statistically significant with both doses of UPA vs MTX at Weeks 12/14 in both RCTs. Improvements were reported as early as week 2. Compared with MTX, more UPA-treated MTX-naïve and MTX-IR patients reported improvements greater than or equal to the minimum clinically important differences and scores greater than or equal to normative values.

CONCLUSION

Among MTX-naïve and MTX-IR patients with active RA, UPA monotherapy at 15 or 30 mg for 12/14 weeks resulted in statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in pain, physical function, morning stiffness, HRQOL and WPAI compared with MTX alone.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

SELECT-EARLY (NCT02706873) and SELECT-MONOTHERAPY (NCT02706951) are registered with ClinicalTrials.gov.

Summarizing current refractory disease definitions in rheumatoid arthritis and polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis: systematic review

OBJECTIVES

To identify how refractory disease (or relevant terminology variations) in RA and polyarticular JIA (polyJIA) is defined and establish the key components of such definitions.

METHODS

Searches were undertaken of English-language articles within six medical databases, including manual searching, from January 1998 to March 2020 (PROSPERO: CRD42019127142). Articles were included if they incorporated a definition of refractory disease, or non-response, in RA/polyJIA, with clear components to the description. Qualitative content analysis was undertaken to describe refractory disease in RA/polyJIA and classify each component within each definition.

RESULTS

Of 6251 studies screened, 646 met the inclusion criteria; 581 of these applied non-response criteria while 65 provided refractory disease definitions/descriptions. From the non-response studies, 39 different components included various disease activity measures, emphasizing persistent disease activity and symptoms, despite treatment with one or more biologic DMARD (bDMARD). From papers with clear definitions for refractory disease, 41 components were identified and categorized into three key themes: resistance to multiple drugs with different mechanisms of action, typically two or more bDMARDs; persistence of symptoms and disease activity; and other contributing factors. The most common term used was 'refractory' (80%), while only 16.9% reported explicitly how their definition was generated (e.g. clinical experience or statistical methods).

CONCLUSION

Refractory disease is defined as resistance to multiple drugs with different mechanisms of action by persistence of physical symptoms and high disease activity, including contributing factors. A clear unifying definition needs implementing, as the plethora of different definitions makes study comparisons and appropriate identification of patients difficult.

Patient perspective on remission in rheumatoid arthritis: Validation of patient reported outcome instruments to measure absence of disease activity

OBJECTIVE

Patients have identified pain, fatigue and independence as the most important domains that need to be improved to define remission in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study identified and validated instruments for these domains and evaluated their added value to the ACR/EULAR Boolean remission definition.

METHODS

Patients with a 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28) ≤3.2 or in self-perceived remission (declaring their disease activity 'as good as gone') from the Netherlands, Portugal, Australia, and Canada, were assessed at 0, 3 and 6 months for patient-reported outcomes and the WHO-ILAR RA core set. Instrument validity was evaluated cross-sectionally, longitudinally and for the ability to predict future good outcome in terms of physical functioning. Logistic regression quantified the added value to Boolean remission.

RESULTS

Of 246 patients, 152 were also assessed at 3, and 142 at 6 months. Most instruments demonstrated construct validity and discriminative capacity. Pain and fatigue were best captured by a simple numerical rating scale (NRS). Measurement of independence proved more complex, but a newly developed independence NRS was preferred. NRS for pain, fatigue and independence, in addition to or instead of patient global assessment did not add enough information to justify modification of the current Boolean definition of remission in RA.

CONCLUSION

Key elements of the patient perspective on remission in RA can be captured by NRS pain, fatigue, and independence. Although this study did not find conclusive evidence to improve the current definition of remission in RA, the information from these instruments adds value to the physician's assessment of remission and further bridges the gap between physician and patient.

Considerations and priorities for incorporating the patient perspective on remission in rheumatoid arthritis: An OMERACT 2020 special interest group report

OBJECTIVE

To determine how best to incorporate the patient perspective into rheumatoid arthritis remission criteria.

METHODS

At OMERACT 2020, several studies, including a longitudinal multi-centre study testing the validity of adding patient-valued domains to the ACR/EULAR criteria, were presented and discussed by the virtual Special Interest Group.

RESULTS

Overall consensus was that there is insufficient evidence to change the remission criteria at this point. Future work should focus on measurement of the new domain of independence, clarifying the value of the patient global assessment, and optimizing the input of domains that patients value in the criteria.

CONCLUSION

Incorporating the patient perspective into remission criteria should be further explored.

What do patients prefer? A multinational, longitudinal, qualitative study on patient-preferred treatment outcomes in early rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVES

To explore treatment outcomes preferred by patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and how these change throughout the early disease stage across three European countries.

METHODS

A longitudinal, qualitative, multicentre study was conducted in Belgium, the Netherlands and Sweden. 80 patients with early RA were individually interviewed 3-9 months after treatment initiation and 51 of them participated again in either a focus group or an individual interview 12-21 months after treatment initiation. Data were first analysed by country, following the Qualitative Analysis Guide of Leuven (QUAGOL). Thereafter, a meta-synthesis, inspired by the principles of meta-ethnography and the QUAGOL, was performed, involving the local research teams.

RESULTS

The meta-synthesis revealed 11 subthemes from which four main themes were identified: disease control, physical performance, self-accomplishment and well-being. 'A normal life despite RA' was an overarching patient-preferred outcome across countries. Belgian, Dutch and Swedish patients showed many similarities in terms of which outcomes they preferred throughout the early stage of RA. Some outcome preferences (eg, relief of fatigue and no side effects) developed differently over time across countries.

CONCLUSIONS

This study on patient-preferred outcomes in early RA revealed that patients essentially want to live a normal life despite RA. Our findings help to understand what really matters to patients and provide specific insights into the early stage of RA, which should be addressed by clinicians of different disciplines from the start of treatment onwards.

Fatigue assessment by FACIT-F scale in Pakistani cohort with Rheumatoid Arthritis (FAF-RA) study

Objective:

To fine out fatigue frequency and severity by FACIT-F scale in Pakistani cohort with rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods:

This study was conducted at department of Medicine division of rheumatology CPMC Lahore. After the approval of IRB, 192 patients of RA were recruited. Written, informed consent was taken, demographic details were noted, patients filled the URDU version of FACIT-F (fatigue severity scale). 5-ml of blood was taken for fasting blood sugar, viral markers and ESR by a trained phlebotomist. Each individual’s disease activity was assessed by DAS-28 and FACIT-F score was calculated.

Results:

The Mean age (39.9±10.5) years, (71.9%) were females. Fatigue frequency was 62% (n=126), age, education, hypertension, DAS-28, exercise levels and HCV gives significant association with fatigue score. Linear regression analysis, results showed one unit increase in DAS-28 will gives 2.71 unit increases in fatigue scores(P <0.05).

Conclusions:

We have very high frequency of fatigue in RA, increases with disease activity & associated conditions.

Tapering Biologic Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Qualitative Study of Patient Perspectives

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Biologic therapies are cost effective for active rheumatoid arthritis but have adverse effects and are costly. Tapering of biologics is emerging as an important consideration when sustained remission is achieved. Recent trials have highlighted the clinical feasibility of tapering, but there is little evidence on how proposed tapering would be received by patients. The aim of this study was to explore factors influencing hypothetical decisions of patients with rheumatoid arthritis on tapering their biologics and their perspectives on remission and flare when considering the possibility of tapering.

METHODS

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis with diverse experiences of biologics with different modes of administration were purposively sampled to participate in one of six focus groups (n = 43) or an individual interview (n = 2). Transcripts were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Five overarching themes on what influences a participant's decision to taper their biologic were identified. First, participants were fearful of uncertain outcomes of tapering, especially flare and joint damage. Second, participants prioritized quality of life from continuing biologics over the risk of adverse effects. Third, tapering biologics was seen as providing relief from the inconvenience of taking biologics regularly. Fourth, participants wanted assurance of prompt access to healthcare if their rheumatoid arthritis were to flare when tapering. Fifth, preferences for involvement in decision making varied, but fulfilling information needs was desired to aid a patient's preferred role in decision making on tapering.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides novel insight into the perspectives of patients with rheumatoid arthritis on tapering biologics when sustained remission is achieved at a crucial juncture in global affordability for healthcare systems. These patient perspectives can inform the planning of decision aids and clinical trials of decision-making processes when tapering is proposed.

Upadacitinib improves patient-reported outcomes vs placebo or adalimumab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: results from SELECT-COMPARE

Objective

To evaluate the impact of upadacitinib vs placebo and adalimumab treatment, on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in SELECT-COMPARE in an active RA population with inadequate responses to MTX (MTX-IR).

Methods

PROs in patients receiving upadacitinib (15 mg QD), placebo, or adalimumab (40 mg EOW) while on background MTX were evaluated over 48 weeks. PROs included Patient Global Assessment of Disease Activity (PtGA) and pain by visual analogue scale (VAS), the HAQ Disability Index (HAQ-DI), the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), morning (AM) stiffness duration and severity, the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Fatigue (FACIT-F), and work instability. Least squares mean (LSM) changes and proportions of patients reporting improvements ≥ minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) and scores ≥ normative values were evaluated.

Results

Upadacitinib and adalimumab resulted in greater LSM changes from baseline vs placebo across all PROs (P < 0.05) at week 12, and pain and AM stiffness severity (P < 0.05) at week 2. More upadacitinib- vs placebo-treated (P < 0.05) and similar percentages of upadacitinib- vs adalimumab-treated patients reported improvements ≥ MCID across all PROs at week 12. Upadacitinib vs adalimumab resulted in greater LSM changes from baseline in PtGA, pain, HAQ-DI, stiffness severity, FACIT-F, and the SF-36 Physical Component Summary (PCS) (all P < 0.05) at week 12. More upadacitinib- vs adalimumab-treated patients reported scores ≥ normative values in HAQ-DI and SF-36 PCS (P < 0.05) at week 12. More upadacitinib- vs adalimumab-treated patients maintained clinically meaningful improvements in PtGA, pain, HAQ-DI, FACIT-F, and AM stiffness through 48 weeks.

Conclusion

In MTX-IR patients with RA, treatment with upadacitinib resulted in statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in PROs equivalent to or greater than with adalimumab.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, http://clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02629159.

[Pain in rheumatic diseases : What can biologics and JAK inhibitors offer?]

Persistent pain despite adequate inflammation control poses a big challenge in many rheumatic diseases for patients as well as physicians. The focus of drug development over the past years was on anti-inflammatory therapies. Enormous progress has been made and several treatment options have been added. It has been observed that pain triggered by inflammation can be effectively treated by inflammation control; however, the chronic pain component remains a problem, is little studied and specific treatment options are missing. Pain is influenced by inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines, which act on peripheral nociceptors and lead to peripheral sensitization. If inflammation continues, this can potentially lead to central sensitization and chronification of pain via immigration of immune cells and/or local activation of e.g. microglia. This leads to increasing autonomization and uncoupling of pain from the actual inflammatory process. The present review deals with the question if bDMARD or tsDMARD also show benefits concerning pain processes in addition to the profound inhibitory effects on inflammation. There are preclinical data that show an influence on sensitization following the use of cytokine inhibitors. On the other hand, so far clinical data show that bDMARDs as well as tsDMARDs consistently rapidly and reliably reduce nociceptive inflammatory pain across disease entities. An effect especially on the process of central sensitization and therefore on chronification of pain cannot be finally evaluated based on the currently available data.

Patient preferences on rheumatoid arthritis second-line treatment: a discrete choice experiment of Swedish patients

Background

Preference assessments of patients with rheumatoid arthritis can support clinical therapeutic decisions for including biologic and targeted synthetic medicines to use. This study assesses patient preferences for attributes of second-line therapies and heterogeneity within these preferences to estimate the relative importance of treatment characteristics and to calculate the minimum benefit levels patients require to accept higher levels of side effects.

Methods

Between November 2018 to August 2019, patients with rheumatoid arthritis were recruited to a survey containing demographic and disease-related questions as well as a discrete choice experiment to measure their preferences for second-line therapies using biologics or Janus kinases inhibitors. Treatment characteristics included were route of administration, frequency of use, probability of mild short-term side effects, probability of side effects changing appearance, probability of psychological side effects, probability of severe side effects and effectiveness of treatment.

Results

A total of 358 patients were included in the analysis. A latent class analysis revealed three preference patterns: (1) treatment effectiveness as the single most important attribute, (2) route of administration as the most important attribute, closely followed by frequency of use and psychological side effects and (3) severe side effects as the most important attribute followed by psychological side effects. In addition, disease duration and mild side effects influenced the patients’ choices.

Conclusion

Respondents found either effectiveness, route of administration or severe side effects as the most important attribute. Patients noting effectiveness as most important were more willing than other patients to accept higher risks of side effects.

Does Including Pain, Fatigue, and Physical Function When Assessing Patients with Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Provide a Comprehensive Picture of Disease Burden?

Objective.

To explore the possibility of integrating patient-important outcomes like pain, fatigue, and physical function into the evaluation of disease status in early rheumatoid arthritis (ERA) without compromising correct disease activity measurement.

Methods.

Patients from the 2-year Care in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis (CareRA) trial were included. Pain and fatigue (visual analog scales), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), standard components of disease activity [swollen/tender joint counts (SJC/TJC), C-reactive protein (CRP) or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), physician (PhGH) and patient (PaGH) global health] were recorded at every visit (n = 10). Pearson correlation and exploratory factor analyses (EFA), using multiple imputation (15×) and outputation (1000×), were performed per timepoint and overall, on standard components of disease activity scores with and without pain, fatigue, and HAQ. Each of the 15,000 datasets was analyzed using EFA with principal component extraction and oblimin rotation to determine which variables belong together.

Results.

We included 379 patients. EFA on standard composite score components extracted 2 factors with no substantial cross-loadings. Still, pain (0.83), fatigue (0.65), and HAQ (0.59) were strongly correlated with PaGH. When rerunning the EFA with the inclusion of pain, fatigue, and HAQ, the 2-factor model had substantial cross-loadings between factors. However, a 3-factor model was optimal, with Factor 1: patient assessment, Factor 2: clinical assessment (PhGH, SJC, and TJC), and Factor 3: laboratory assessment (ESR/CRP).

Conclusion.

PaGH, pain, fatigue, and physical function represent a separate aspect of the disease burden of patients with ERA, which could be further explored as a target for care apart from disease activity. [ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01172639].

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

BACKGROUND

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

METHODS

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

DISCUSSION

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

TRIAL REGISTRATION

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

Fatigue is cross-sectionally not associated with objective assessments of inflammation, but changes in fatigue are associated with changes of disease activity assessments during biologic treatment of patients with established rheumatoid arthritis

Objective

The associations between fatigue and disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have not been defined. The present objectives were to explore in RA patients the cross-sectional and longitudinal relation of fatigue with subjective as well as objective assessments of disease activity.

Methods

RA patients were consecutively included when initiating biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and assessed at baseline, 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months with investigation of fatigue, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs; joint pain and patient’s global disease activity, MHAQ, pain catastrophizing, Mental Health score), clinical examinations (examiner’s global disease activity, 28 tender and swollen joint counts), and laboratory variables (ESR, CRP, calprotectin). Ultrasound examinations (semi-quantitative scoring (0–3)) with grey scale and power Doppler were performed of 36 joints and 4 tendons. Statistics included one-way analysis of variance, Pearson’s correlations, and multiple linear and logistic regression analysis.

Results

A total of 208 RA patients (mean (SD) age 53.2 (13.2) years, disease duration 9.8 (8.5) years) were included. Fatigue levels diminished during follow-up (mean (SD) baseline/12 months; 4.8 (2.8)/3.0 (2.5) (p < 0.001)). Substantial correlations were cross-sectionally found between fatigue and PROMs (median (IQR) r=0.61 (0.52-0.71)) but not with the objective inflammatory assessments. During follow-up, baseline fatigue was associated with PROMs (p < 0.001) but not with objective inflammatory assessments. However, change of fatigue was associated with change in all variables. Higher baseline fatigue levels were associated with lower clinical composite score remission rates.

Conclusion

Fatigue was cross-sectionally associated to subjective but not to objective disease assessments. However, change of fatigue during treatment was associated to all assessments of disease activity.

Trial registration number

Anzctr.org.au identifier ACTRN12610000284066, Norwegian Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics South East reference number 2009/1254

Key Points • In this longitudinal study of patients with established RA, fatigue was associated with patient reported outcome measures at each visit, but not with objective assessments of inflammation including calprotectin and comprehensive ultrasound examinations. • Changes in fatigue during biological treatment were associated with changes in patient reported outcome measures, clinical, laboratory and ultrasound assessments. • Baseline fatigue was associated with all patient reported outcome measures, but not objective assessments of inflammation at all the prospective visits. • Higher baseline fatigue levels were associated with lower remission rates as assessed by clinical composite scores.

Enhanced treatment strategies and distinct disease outcomes among autoantibody-positive and -negative rheumatoid arthritis patients over 25 years: A longitudinal cohort study in the Netherlands

BACKGROUND

Based on different genetic and environmental risk factors and histology, it has been proposed that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) consists of 2 types: autoantibody-positive and autoantibody-negative RA. However, until now, this remained hypothetical. To assess this hypothesis, we studied whether the long-term outcomes differed for these 2 groups of RA patients.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

In the Leiden Early Arthritis Clinic cohort, 1,285 consecutive RA patients were included between 1993 and 2016 and followed yearly. Treatment protocols in routine care improved over time, irrespective of autoantibody status, and 5 inclusion periods were used as instrumental variables: 1993-1996, delayed mild disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) initiation (reference period); 1997-2000, early mild DMARDs; 2001-2005, early methotrexate; 2006-2010, early methotrexate followed by treat-to-target adjustments; 2011-2016, similar to 2006-2010 plus additional efforts for very early referral. Three long-term outcomes were studied: sustained DMARD-free remission (SDFR) (persistent absence of clinical synovitis after DMARD cessation), mortality, and functional disability measured by yearly Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). Treatment response in the short term (disease activity) was measured by Disease Activity Score-28 with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR). Linear mixed models and Cox regression were used, stratified for autoantibody positivity, defined as IgG anti-CCP2 and/or IgM rheumatoid factor positivity. In total, 823 patients had autoantibody-positive RA (mean age 55 years, 67% female); 462 patients had autoantibody-negative RA (age 60 years, 64% female). Age, gender, and percentage of autoantibody-positive patients were stable throughout the inclusion periods. Disease activity significantly decreased over time within both groups. SDFR rates increased after introduction of treat-to-target (hazard ratio [HR] 2006-2010 relative to 1993-1996: 3.35 [95% CI 1.46 to 7.72; p = 0.004]; HR 2011-2016: 4.57 [95% CI 1.80 to 11.6; p = 0.001]) in autoantibody-positive RA, but not in autoantibody-negative RA. In autoantibody-positive RA, mortality decreased significantly after the introduction of treat-to-target treatment adjustments (HR 2006-2010: 0.56 [95% CI 0.34 to 0.92; p = 0.023]; HR 2011-2016: 0.33 [95% CI 0.14 to 0.77; p = 0.010]), but not in autoantibody-negative RA (HR 2006-2010: 0.79 [95% CI 0.40 to 1.56; p = 0.50]; HR 2011-2016: 0.36 [95% CI 0.10 to 1.34; p = 0.13]). Similarly, functional disability improved in autoantibody-positive RA for the periods after 2000 relative to 1993-1996 (range -0.16 [95% CI -0.29 to -0.03; p = 0.043] to -0.32 [95% CI -0.44 to -0.20; p < 0.001] units of improvement), but not in autoantibody-negative RA (range 0.10 [95% CI -0.12 to 0.31; p = 0.38] to -0.13 [95% CI -0.34 to 0.07; p = 0.20] units of improvement). Limitations to note were that treatment was not randomized-but it was protocolized and instrumental variable analysis was used to obtain comparable groups-and that a limited spread of ethnicities was included.

CONCLUSIONS

Although disease activity has improved in both autoantibody-positive and autoantibody-negative RA in recent decades, the response in long-term outcomes differed. We propose that it is time to subdivide RA into autoantibody-positive RA (type 1) and autoantibody-negative RA (type 2), in the hope that this leads to stratified treatment in RA.

'It can't be zero!' Difficulties in completing patient global assessment in rheumatoid arthritis: a mixed methods study

OBJECTIVES

Patient global assessment (PGA) is purported to add the patient's perspective in the composite measures of RA. However, PGA is not standardized and it is not known whether patients' interpretation of the measure is consistent with its intended purpose. This study aimed to explore difficulties experienced by patients with RA in completing PGA, and to assess the impact of a structured explanation in improving its validity and reliability.

METHODS

This was a mixed methods study, using interviews, focus groups and PGA data. During interviews, patients (convenience sample, n = 33) completed three often-used PGA formulations. Then a nurse provided structured explanation about what PGA is and why it is used. After further discussion, patients completed one PGA version again. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. We compared PGA scores pre- and post-explanation (Wilcoxon signed-ranks) and the proportion of patients achieving RA remission with PGA ⩽1 (McNemar's tests).

RESULTS

Three themes emerged: understanding the meaning of PGA, the purpose of PGA and measurement difficulties. The difficulties caused systematic errors in PGA completion such as marking higher when feeling well, marking near the centre or away from zero. The structured explanation was helpful. Following the explanation, the median PGA score decreased from 3.0 to 2.1 cm, and the proportion of non-remission solely due to PGA >1 from 52% to 41%; none of these changes was statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Many patients have difficulties in completing PGA. Standardization of PGA and a structured explanation may improve its clarity, validity and reliability.

The impact of fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis and the challenges of its assessment

Fatigue is one of the most important symptoms for patients with RA, and imposes a great burden on patients’ lives, being associated with significantly reduced health-related quality of life. Although being recognized by the rheumatology community as a major gap in the current management of the disease, fatigue has not been easy to measure and conceptualize. Part of the problem seems to reside in the multidimensional causality of this phenomenon, which may warrant dedicated measures and interventions. Although there are several instruments available to measure it, no consensus has yet been reached to recommend a ‘gold-standard’. This review aims at synthesizing the role of fatigue in the global impact of RA; describing validated instruments and their psychometric properties as measures of fatigue among patients with RA; and finally proposing a clinically meaningful, valid and feasible process to measure fatigue in clinical practice.

Defining Pain That Does Not Interfere With Activities Among Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this study were to: 1) characterize the distribution of noninterfering pain (defined as the pain intensity level at which individuals can function without interference) across different aspects of life among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and 2) identify clinical characteristics associated with differing levels of noninterfering pain.

METHODS

Patients with RA in FORWARD, The National Databank for Rheumatic Diseases completed 8 items from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) pain interference item bank that asked about interference with activities. If subjects reported pain interference, they were asked, "At what level would pain no longer interfere with this activity?" on a scale of 0 to 10. Subjects were also asked, "At what level of pain would you be able to do everything you want to do?" Multiple linear regression analyses examined associations between clinical characteristics and noninterfering pain.

RESULTS

A total of 3,949 patients with RA completed the questionnaires. Pain interference was most common for daily activities and least common for ability to concentrate. The mean ± SD level at which pain no longer interfered with activities ranged from 2.7 ± 2.1 for ability to fall/stay asleep to 3.1 ± 2.0 for social activities. Overall, the mean ± SD threshold for noninterfering pain was 2.8 ± 1.9. The mean ± SD level of pain at which patients could do everything they wanted to do was 2.3 ± 1.9. More severe pain intensity was associated with higher noninterfering pain.

CONCLUSION

The mean pain level that did not interfere with activities was 3. High pain intensity was associated with high self-reported noninterfering pain.

The earlier, the better or the worse? Towards accurate management of patients with arthralgia at risk for RA

The favourable long-term results of early treatment in patients with classified rheumatoid arthritis have resulted in an increasing interest in the diseases phases preceding clinical arthritis. The hypothesis to test is that an intervention in these early phases may better prevent or reduce disease persistence than an intervention when arthritis has become clinically manifest. While several placebo-controlled trials are still ongoing, to date there is no firm evidence that this hypothesis truly holds. Therefore, it is important to reflect on the current status of arthralgia preceding clinical arthritis. Inherent to every new field of research, attitudes are conflicting, with opinions propagating innovation (based on the fear of undertreatment) on the one hand, and critical sounds pleading for more restraint (fear of overtreatment) on the other hand. In this Viewpoint, we will examine these divergent opinions, relate them to a preferred ultimate scenario and provide considerations for future studies and daily practice.

"Mastering a New Life Situation" - Patients' Preferences of Treatment Outcomes in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis - A Longitudinal Qualitative Study

PURPOSE

To explore patients' preferred treatment outcomes during their first two years with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A qualitative, longitudinal, multicenter study with interviews at two time points was performed in Sweden. Individual interviews were conducted at time point 1 with 31 patients with RA, defined as disease duration of ≤1 year and treatment for 3-7 months. Seven focus group interviews and five individual interviews were conducted at time point 2 with 22 patients 12-20 months after treatment initiation. The interviews were analyzed using the Qualitative Analysis Guide of Leuven. A core category with four related concepts emerged.

RESULTS

The core finding of patient-preferred treatment outcomes was "mastering a new life situation". Patients preferred to experience control of the disease by controlling the symptoms and by experiencing absence of disease. To experience autonomy by regaining former activity level, experiencing independence, and being empowered was another preferred outcome. Patients preferred to regain identity through being able to participate, experience well-being, and regain former self-image. To experience joy in everyday life through vitality and believing in the future was another preferred outcome. Patients' preferences developed over time from the acute phase of controlling the symptoms and wanting to return to the life they lived prior to diagnosis, to a more preventive way of self-management and empowerment to master the new life situation.

CONCLUSION

The patients' preferred treatment outcomes during the first two years with RA were to master their new life situation and changed from a preference to return to a life lived prior disease onset, to a preference of living with quality of life, despite RA. This study increases the understanding of patients' preferred treatment outcomes in the early disease course and can be a foundation for tailoring interventions to be more person-centered and to improve long-term treatment outcomes.

Upadacitinib improves patient-reported outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and inadequate response to conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs: results from SELECT-NEXT

Background

To evaluate the effect of upadacitinib on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in patients with RA who had an inadequate response to csDMARDs.

Methods

Patients in SELECT-NEXT, a randomised controlled trial, were on a background of csDMARDs and received upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg or placebo daily for 12 weeks. PROs included Patient Global Assessment of Disease Activity (PtGA), pain, Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F), duration and severity of morning (AM) joint stiffness, Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36), and Work Instability Scale for RA (RA-WIS). Least squares mean (LSM) changes were based on mixed-effect repeated measure models. Percentages of patients reporting improvements ≥ minimum clinically important differences (MCIDs) and scores ≥ normative values and number needed to treat (NNT) were determined; group comparisons used chi-square tests.

Results

Data from 661 patients were analysed. Compared with placebo, patients receiving upadacitinib reported statistically significant improvements (both doses, P < 0.05) in PtGA, pain, HAQ-DI, FACIT-F, duration and severity of AM stiffness, SF-36 (PCS and 6/8 domains), and RA-WIS at week 12. Significantly, more upadacitinib-treated patients (both doses, P < 0.05) reported improvements ≥ MCID in PtGA, pain, HAQ-DI, FACIT-F, AM stiffness, SF-36 (PCS and 4 or 7/8 domains), and RA-WIS and scores ≥ normative values in HAQ-DI, FACIT-F, and SF-36 (PCS and 4 or 5/8 domains). For most PROs, the incremental NNT with upadacitinib to report clinically meaningful improvement from baseline ranged from 4 to 8 patients.

Conclusions

Upadacitinib 15 mg or 30 mg daily for 12 weeks resulted in significant and clinically meaningful improvements in global disease activity, pain, physical function, fatigue, duration and severity of AM stiffness, HRQOL, and work instability among csDMARD-IR patients with RA.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02675426. Retrospectively registered 5 February 2016.

Work productivity loss among rheumatoid arthritis patients in India: a qualitative study

Objective

The aim was to explore the extent to which RA impacts work productivity in patients living with RA in India.

Methods

Face-to-face semi-structured interviews took place with 13 male and seven female patients attending outpatient clinics at Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, India, living with RA. Patients who were currently working were recruited. Data were audio recorded, transcribed by an independent translation company and analysed using the framework method of thematic analysis.

Results

Four themes that explained patients’ experiences of coping with work whilst having RA were identified. These were as follows: balancing act of work and RA, in which participants expressed their day-to-day struggle of living with RA and coping at work; workplace adaptation after RA, in which participants shared insights into communicating with employers and their efforts to adapt at the workplace; support from others and information to manage RA and work, in which participants considered seeking support from different sources that would help them cope at work and understand RA; and wanting a better support mechanism, in which participants made recommendations that could help them to cope at work.

Conclusion

This is the first study to explore the impact of RA on patients’ work productivity in India. Patients might have different support needs compared with previous studies in other countries. Patients seem to be adopting additional coping strategies not addressed by current interventions or country systems, which might not be sufficient to support patients in remaining employed. Patients made future recommendations.

What Does the Patient Global Health Assessment in Rheumatoid Arthritis Really Tell Us? Contribution of Specific Dimensions of Health-Related Quality of Life

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the contributions of health-related quality of life domains to the patient global assessment of disease activity (PtGA) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

Data are drawn from baseline visits of 2 observational RA cohorts. Participants completed forms for patient-reported outcome measures, including PtGA and measures from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System, and clinical data were collected. Factor analysis was used to identify latent variables, and multivariable linear regression was used to estimate determinants of the PtGA.

RESULTS

Patients were mostly female (81%), white (78%), and had established disease (mean ± SD 12.3 ± 10.7 years), with 62% in remission or having low disease activity. In cohort 1 (n = 196), the following 2 factors emerged: 1) daily function (moderate-to-strong [i.e., >|0.65|] loadings of physical function, pain interference, social participation, and fatigue, and weak [>0.35] loadings of sleep disturbance); and 2) emotional distress (strong loadings of depression and anxiety). In crude analysis, daily function explained up to 53% and emotional distress up to 20% of the variance in PtGA. In both cohorts, in adjusted analyses, daily function and, to a much lesser extent, swollen joint count independently predicted PtGA; age was inversely related to PtGA in cohort 1 only.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that in patients with RA, PtGA ratings largely reflect the extent to which patients feel they can function in everyday roles and are not impacted by mood. This suggests that higher than expected PtGA scores may offer an opportunity to discuss patient expectations regarding roles and activities and the impact of their RA symptoms on daily function.

Experiences of South Asian patients in early inflammatory arthritis clinic: a qualitative interview study

Objective

The aim was to explore how UK South Asian patients living with RA interact with health care professionals and experience receiving health information in an early inflammatory arthritis clinic.

Methods

A semi-structured interview schedule, designed in conjunction with a patient partner, was used for face-to-face interviews. South Asian participants with RA were recruited from Central Manchester University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust. Data were recorded and transcribed by an independent company. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Fifteen participants were interviewed. Three predominant themes emerged around participants’ experiences and interaction with health care professionals in early inflammatory arthritis clinic. First, ‘the personal experiences of RA and cultural link to early inflammatory arthritis clinic’, where participants described the impact of RA as individuals and their altered roles within their cultural setting. Second, ‘experiences of interacting and receiving information in the early inflammatory arthritis clinic’, where participants described their limited engagement with health care professionals and the quality of information discussed in the clinic. Third, ‘views on future content for early inflammatory arthritis clinics’, where participants highlighted new innovative ideas to build on current practice.

Conclusion

We believe this to be the first study to generate insight into the experiences of South Asian patients of interacting with health care professionals while attending an early inflammatory arthritis clinic. Policy directives aimed at improving access to services and delivery of information for ethnic minority groups in early inflammatory arthritis clinics should include consideration of the different roles of cultures. Professionals should be cognizant of the factors that drive health inequalities and focus on improving service delivery.

Effect of Baricitinib and Adalimumab in Reducing Pain and Improving Function in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Low Disease Activity: Exploratory Analyses from RA-BEAM

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may experience residual pain and functional impairment despite good control of disease activity. This study compared improvements in pain and physical function in patients with well-controlled RA after 24 weeks' treatment with baricitinib, adalimumab or placebo in the 52-week RA-BEAM phase III study. Adults with active RA and inadequate response to methotrexate received baricitinib 4 mg once daily, adalimumab 40 mg every two weeks or placebo, with background methotrexate. Patients (N = 1010) were categorised as in remission, in remission or low disease activity, or not in remission or low disease activity at week 24. For patients in remission or low disease activity (n = 310), improvements in mean pain and physical function scores at week 24 were significantly greater with baricitinib than placebo (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively) and adalimumab (p < 0.05 for both). For both outcomes, differences between adalimumab and placebo were not significant. The proportions of patients in remission or low disease activity with minimal or no pain and with normalised physical function were numerically greater with baricitinib than placebo. Baricitinib 4 mg once daily provided enhanced improvement in pain and physical function in patients with well-controlled RA, suggesting it may produce effects beyond immunomodulation.

Patient-reported fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who commence biologic therapy: a longitudinal study

Aims and objectives

To examine changes in patient-reported fatigue, over a twelve month period, in rheumatoid arthritis patients who commence biologic treatment, and to identify possible predictors for such changes.

Background

Fatigue is a burdensome symptom for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Despite biologics being effective in reducing disease activity, patients still report fatigue.

Design

A longitudinal observational study.

Methods

A total of 48 patients were enrolled in the study. Fatigue was measured by the Fatigue Severity Scale. Independent samples T-tests were used to test gender differences, and paired samples T-tests were used to measure differences between repeated measures. Bivariate and multiple regression analyses were used to examine potential predictors for changes in fatigue, such as age, sex, Disease Activity Score 28, pain and physical and emotional well-being.

Results

Forty-seven patients completed the study. From baseline to 12-month follow-up, fatigue decreased significantly in both women and men. Analyses of predictors were performed step-wise, and the final model included sex and physical well-being. The results from this final step showed that female sex was the only significant predictor for changes in fatigue.

Conclusion

Patients commencing biologic therapy reported a significant reduction in fatigue. Female sex was a significant predictor of changes in fatigue.

Relevance to clinical practice

Despite improvements in pharmacological treatment, patients with rheumatoid arthritis still report fatigue. This is a multifaceted health problem encompassing personal and emotional factors in addition to the clinical factors directly connected to the disease.

Patient Preferences for Disease-modifying Antirheumatic Drug Treatment in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review

Objective.

To summarize patients’ preferences for disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods.

We conducted a systematic review to identify English-language studies of adult patients with RA that measured patients’ preferences for DMARD or health states and treatment outcomes relevant to DMARD decisions. Study quality was assessed using a published quality assessment tool. Data on the importance of treatment attributes and associations with patient characteristics were summarized across studies.

Results.

From 7951 abstracts, we included 36 studies from a variety of countries. Most studies were in patients with established RA and were rated as medium- (n = 19) or high-quality (n = 12). The methods to elicit preferences varied, with the most common being discrete choice experiment (DCE; n = 13). Despite the heterogeneity of attributes in DCE studies, treatment benefits (disease improvement) were usually more important than both non-serious (6 of 8 studies) and serious adverse events (5 of 8), and route of administration (7 of 9). Among the non-DCE studies, some found that patients placed high importance on treatment benefits, while others (in patients with established RA) found that patients were quite risk averse. Subcutaneous therapy was often but not always preferred over intravenous therapy. Patient preferences were variable and commonly associated with the sociodemographic characteristics.

Conclusion.

Overall, the results showed that many patients place a high value on treatment benefits over other treatment attributes, including serious or minor side effects, cost, or route of administration. The variability in patient preferences highlights the need to individualize treatment choices in RA.

Limited Health Literacy and Patient Confusion About Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient Global Assessments and Model Disease States

OBJECTIVE

Patient global assessment visual analog scales (PGA-VAS) are widely used in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) practice and research, and low PGA-VAS scores are required for remission. Vulnerable patients with RA may have difficulty completing the PGA-VAS. There is limited information about both patients' perceptions of PGA-VAS and how patients score VAS model disease states. The objective of this study was to understand the perspectives of vulnerable patients regarding PGA-VAS and model disease states.

METHODS

We enrolled patients with RA at Denver Health (n = 300). Subjects completed the PGA-VAS in the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints and the Multidimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire and completed a questionnaire regarding these PGA-VAS. Subjects also scored remission, mild, moderate, and severe model disease states by VAS. We performed analyses by linear and logistic regression and by using summary statistics. Outcomes included whether subjects found the PGA-VAS confusing, whether subjects' responses to the model disease states followed a natural progression (remission <mild <moderate <severe), and whether responses to the remission model would meet Boolean and Simplified Disease Activity Index-based remission criteria.

RESULTS

Approximately 40% of subjects found the PGA-VAS confusing; lower health literacy and depressive symptoms were associated with finding them confusing. Less than 25% of subjects ranked the model disease states with natural progression and ranked the remission model at the threshold for remission; higher health literacy and income were associated with accomplishing these objectives.

CONCLUSION

Vulnerable patients perceive difficulty with PGA-VAS and do not reliably rate a model disease state VAS. These patients are potentially at risk for disease activity misclassification because of literacy and other barriers in completing VAS.

European Qualitative research project on Patient-preferred outcomes in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis (EQPERA): rationale, design and methods of a multinational, multicentre, multilingual, longitudinal qualitative study

INTRODUCTION

Including the patient perspective is important to achieve optimal outcomes in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Ample qualitative studies exist on patient outcomes in RA. A Belgian study recently unravelled what matters most to patients throughout the overwhelming and rapidly evolving early stage of RA. The present study, European Qualitative research project on Patient-preferred outcomes in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis (EQPERA) was created to contribute to a more universal understanding of patient-preferred health and treatment outcomes by integrating the perspectives of patients with early RA from three European countries.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

In EQPERA, a qualitative, explorative, longitudinal study will be implemented in The Netherlands and Sweden, parallel to the methods applied in the previously conducted Belgian study. In each country, a purposive sample of patients with early RA will be individually interviewed 3-6 months after start of the initial RA treatment and subsequently, the same participants will be invited to take part in a focus group 12-18 months after RA treatment initiation. Data collection and analysis will be independently conducted by the local research teams in their native language. A meta-analysis of the local findings will be performed to explore and describe similarities, differences and patterns across countries.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethics approval was granted by the responsible local ethics committees. EQPERA follows the recommendations of the Declaration of Helsinki. Two main papers are foreseen (apart from the data reporting on the local findings) for peer-reviewed publication.

Overview of changes in RMD epidemiology and outcome development in the last 10 years

Epidemiological studies have been affected by environmental (or technological and societal) changes in the last 10 years, such as the emergence of registries, big data and machine learning algorithms, epigenetics, data protection regulations or a more solid presence of the patient perspective in outcomes research. As a consequence we, epidemiologists, are facing challenges in the design, conduct, and analysis of the studies, as well as on the interpretation of the results. Not everything that is new may be better than the old ways of doing epidemiology. In this article, we will review pros and cons of new technologies and regulations on epidemiological research, as well as ways to tackle obstacles and co-living of old and new methods.

Patient-reported outcomes with golimumab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis: non-interventional study GO-NICE in Germany

The TNF inhibitor golimumab (GLM) is a treatment option in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The GO-NICE study assessed patient-reported outcomes (PRO) in patients newly treated with monthly GLM 50 mg subcutaneously (SC) under real-life conditions in Germany. A prospective non-interventional study with 24-month observation per patient was conducted at 158 sites. Available for analysis were 1,458 patients, 474 with rheumatoid arthritis (RA: 54.9 ± 13.4 years, 72.8% females, 60.4% biologic-naïve), 501 with psoriatic arthritis (PsA: 50.5 ± 12.1 years, 54.1% females; 47.5% biologic-naïve), and 483 with ankylosing spondylitis (AS: 43.6 ± 12.3 years, 66.5% males; 58.4% biologic-naïve). A total of 664 patients completed follow-up to month 24. An improvement of QoL by EuroQoL EQ-5D-3L was seen after 6 months and was maintained over 24 months. The patients’ health state today (EQ visual analog scale) improved statistically significantly (p < 0.0001 vs. BL) from 51.0 at baseline (BL) to 63.4 (RA), from 48.4 to 64.3 (PsA) and from 46.8 to 66.5 (AS). Functional ability (FFbH) improved significantly (p < 0.003 vs. BL) from BL 68.2 to 76.1 points (RA), from 69.0 to 76.8 points (PsA), and from 69.0 to 78.5 points (AS). The mean FACIT-Fatigue score increased significantly (p < 0.0001 vs. BL) from BL 32.4 to 38.3 points (RA), from 30.0 to 35.9 points (PsA), and from 29.9 to 37.9 points after 24 months (AS); p < 0.0001 vs. BL each. On treatment with GLM SC once monthly, significant improvements in patient-reported QoL parameters were noted in a very similar manner in all three diseases.

Trial registration ClinTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01313858. Registered March 14, 2011; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT01313858.