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Vandebeek D, Lodewijckx E, Van Hoovels L, Verschueren P, Bossuyt X. Integrating pretest probability for rheumatoid arthritis with likelihood ratios of RF and ACPA to improve clinical utility of rheumatoid arthritis autoantibody testing. Clin Chim Acta 2025; 564:119928. [PMID: 39163897 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2024.119928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) manifests through various symptoms and systemic manifestations. Diagnosis involves serological markers like rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA). Past studies have shown the added value of likelihood ratios (LRs) in result interpretation. LRs can be combined with pretest probability to estimate posttest probability for RA. There is a lack of information on pretest probability. This study aimed to estimate pretest probabilities for RA. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective study included 133 consecutive RA patients and 651 consecutive disease controls presenting at a rheumatology outpatient clinic. Disease characteristics, risk factors associated with RA and laboratory parameters were documented for calculating pretest probabilities and LRs. RESULTS Joint involvement, erosions, morning stiffness, and positive CRP, ESR tests significantly correlated with RA. Based on these factors, probabilities for RA were estimated. Besides, LRs for RA were established for RF and ACPA and combinations thereof. LRs increased with antibody levels and were highest for double high positivity. Posttest probabilities were estimated based on pretest probability and LR. CONCLUSION By utilizing pretest probabilities for RA and LRs for RF and ACPA, posttest probabilities were estimated. Such approach enhances diagnostic accuracy, offering laboratory professionals and clinicians insights in the value of serological testing during the diagnostic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphné Vandebeek
- Laboratory Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elke Lodewijckx
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospitals, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lieve Van Hoovels
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, OLV Aalst, Aalst, Belgium; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Xavier Bossuyt
- Laboratory Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Belgium.
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Ruscitti P, Nunziato M, Caso F, Scarpa R, Di Maggio F, Giacomelli R, Salvatore F. Prevention of rheumatoid arthritis using a familial predictive medicine approach. Autoimmun Rev 2024:103653. [PMID: 39370029 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2024.103653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 09/03/2024] [Accepted: 09/28/2024] [Indexed: 10/08/2024]
Abstract
Most of the chronic-degenerative diseases deserve a very early recognition of symptoms and signs for the earliest secondary prevention, which could be also very useful in many cases for the most precocious clinical approach. The periodic monitoring of a subject at risk of a specific disease, because of genomic predisposition by predictive medicine approach, may help to earlier detection of onset and/or the progression of the pathology itself, through intra-individual monitoring. This is particularly the case of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for which an early diagnosis is undoubtedly the first step to ensure the most proper therapy for the patient. Thus, the earlier identification of individuals at high risk of RA could lead to ultra-preventive strategies to start for the best lifestyle performances and/or for any other effective therapeutic interventions to contrast the onset, and/or the evolution of the putative RA. This will also optimize both costs and medical resources, according to the health care policies of many countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piero Ruscitti
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Marcella Nunziato
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini, 5, 80131 Napoli, NA, Italy; CEINGE - Biotecnologie Avanzate, Via Gaetano Salvatore, 486, 80145 Napoli, Italy
| | - Francesco Caso
- Rheumatology Research Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Scarpa
- Rheumatology Research Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Di Maggio
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini, 5, 80131 Napoli, NA, Italy; CEINGE - Biotecnologie Avanzate, Via Gaetano Salvatore, 486, 80145 Napoli, Italy
| | - Roberto Giacomelli
- Clinical and Research Section of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Fondazione Policlinico Campus Bio-Medico, Via Álvaro del Portillo 200, 00128 Rome, Italy; Rheumatology, Immunology and Clinical Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Rome "Campus Biomedico" School of Medicine, Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesco Salvatore
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini, 5, 80131 Napoli, NA, Italy; CEINGE - Biotecnologie Avanzate, Via Gaetano Salvatore, 486, 80145 Napoli, Italy.
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3
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Hinkema HJ, Westra J, Arends S, Brouwer E, Mulder DJ. Higher levels of markers for early atherosclerosis in anti-citrullinated protein antibodies positive individuals at risk for RA, a cross sectional study. Rheumatol Int 2024; 44:2007-2016. [PMID: 39012360 PMCID: PMC11393035 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-024-05659-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify differences in levels of serum biomarkers associated with atherosclerosis between anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) positive groups. METHODS Cross-sectional data were used from the Dutch Lifelines Cohort Study combined with data derived from RA risk and early RA studies conducted at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG). Serum biomarkers of inflammation, endothelial cell activation, tissue remodeling and adipokine, which were previously associated with atherosclerosis, were measured with Luminex in four ACPA positive groups with different characteristics: without joint complaints, with joint complaints, RA risk and early RA groups. RESULTS Levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor 1 (TNFR1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were significantly higher in the RA risk and early RA groups compared to the joint complaints and the no joint complaints groups. The difference remained statistically significant after correcting for renal function, smoking and hypertension in multivariate logistic regression analysis, with focus on ACPA positive with joint complaints group versus RA risk group: CRP OR = 2.67, p = 0.033; IL-6 OR = 3.73, p = 0.019; TNFR1 OR = 1.003, p < 0.001; VGEF OR = 8.59, p = 0.019. CONCLUSION Individuals at risk for RA have higher levels of inflammatory markers and VEGF, which suggests that they might also have a risk of higher cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, this does not apply to individuals with ACPA positivity with self-reported joint complaints or without joint complaints only. Therefore, it is important that individuals with RA risk are referred to a rheumatologist to rule in or out arthritis/development of RA and discuss CVD risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helma J Hinkema
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, P.O. Box 30001, Groningen, 9700 RB, The Netherlands.
| | - Johanna Westra
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, P.O. Box 30001, Groningen, 9700 RB, The Netherlands
| | - Suzanne Arends
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, P.O. Box 30001, Groningen, 9700 RB, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth Brouwer
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, P.O. Box 30001, Groningen, 9700 RB, The Netherlands
| | - Douwe J Mulder
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Moradi K, Mohajer B, Guermazi A, Kwoh CK, Bingham CO, Mohammadi S, Cao X, Wan M, Roemer FW, Demehri S. Cachexia in preclinical rheumatoid arthritis: Longitudinal observational study of thigh magnetic resonance imaging from osteoarthritis initiative cohort. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2024; 15:1823-1833. [PMID: 38923846 PMCID: PMC11446725 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preclinical rheumatoid arthritis (Pre-RA) is defined as the early stage before the development of clinical RA. While cachexia is a well-known and potentially modifiable complication of RA, it is not known if such an association exists also in the Pre-RA stage. To investigate such issue, we aimed to compare the longitudinal alterations in the muscle composition and adiposity of participants with Pre-RA with the matched controls. METHODS In this observational cohort study, the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) participants were categorized into Pre-RA and propensity score (PS)-matched control groups. Pre-RA was retrospectively defined as the absence of RA from baseline to year-2, with progression to physician-diagnosed clinical RA between years 3-8 of the follow-up period. Using a validated deep learning algorithm, we measured MRI biomarkers of thigh muscles and adiposity at baseline and year-2 follow-ups of the cohort. The outcomes were the differences between Pre-RA and control groups in the 2-year rate of change for thigh muscle composition [cross-sectional area (CSA) and intramuscular adipose tissue (Intra-MAT)] and adiposity [intermuscular adipose tissue (Inter-MAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT)]. Linear mixed-effect regression models were used for comparison. RESULTS After 1:3 PS-matching of the groups for confounding variables (demographics, risk factors, co-morbidities, and knee osteoarthritis status), 408 thighs (102 Pre-RA and 306 control) of 322 participants were included (age mean ± SD: 61.7 ± 8.9 years; female/male: 1.8). Over a 2-year period, Pre-RA was associated with a larger decrease in total thigh muscle CSA [estimate, 95% confidence interval (CI): -180.13 mm2/2-year, -252.80 to -107.47, P-value < 0.001]. Further examination of thigh muscle composition showed that the association of the presence of Pre-RA with a larger decrease in muscle CSA over 2 years was noticeable in the quadriceps, flexors, and sartorius muscle groups (P-values < 0.05). Comparison of changes in total adipose tissue showed no difference between Pre-RA and control participants (estimate, 95% CI: 48.48 mm2/2-year, -213.51 to 310.47, P-value = 0.691). However, in the detailed analysis of thigh adiposity, Pre-RA presence was associated with a larger increase in Inter-MAT (estimate, 95% CI: 150.55 mm2/2-year, 95.58 to 205.51, P-value < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Preclinical rheumatoid arthritis is associated with a decrease in muscle cross-sectional area and an increase in intermuscular adipose tissue, similar to rheumatoid cachexia in clinical rheumatoid arthritis. These findings suggest the presence of cachexia in the preclinical phase of rheumatoid arthritis. Given that cachexia, which can exacerbate health outcomes, is potentially modifiable, this study emphasizes the importance of early identification of patients in their preclinical phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamyar Moradi
- Department of Musculoskeletal Radiology, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological ScienceJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Bahram Mohajer
- Department of Musculoskeletal Radiology, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological ScienceJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Ali Guermazi
- Department of RadiologyBoston University School of MedicineBostonMAUSA
| | - C. Kent Kwoh
- University of Arizona Arthritis CenterUniversity of Arizona College of MedicineTucsonAZUSA
| | - Clifton O. Bingham
- Department of Medicine, Division of RheumatologyJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Soheil Mohammadi
- School of MedicineTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Xu Cao
- Department of Orthopedic SurgeryJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Mei Wan
- Department of Orthopedic SurgeryJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Frank W. Roemer
- Department of RadiologyBoston University School of MedicineBostonMAUSA
- Department of RadiologyUniversitätsklinikum Erlangen & Friedrich‐Alexander‐Universität Erlangen‐NürnbergErlangenGermany
| | - Shadpour Demehri
- Department of Musculoskeletal Radiology, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological ScienceJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
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Deane KD, Holers VM, Emery P, Mankia K, El-Gabalawy H, Sparks JA, Costenbader KH, Schett G, van der Helm-van Mil A, van Schaardenburg D, Thomas R, Cope AP. Therapeutic interception in individuals at risk of rheumatoid arthritis to prevent clinically impactful disease. Ann Rheum Dis 2024:ard-2023-224211. [PMID: 39242182 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-224211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
Multiple clinical trials for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) prevention have been completed. Here, we set out to report on the lessons learnt from these studies. Researchers who conducted RA prevention trials shared the background, rationale, approach and outcomes and evaluated the lessons learnt to inform the next generation of RA prevention trials. Individuals at risk of RA can be identified through population screening, referrals to musculoskeletal programmes and by recognition of arthralgia suspicious for RA. Clinical trials in individuals at risk for future clinical RA have demonstrated that limited courses of corticosteroids, atorvastatin and hydroxychloroquine do not alter incidence rates of clinical RA; however, rituximab delays clinical RA onset, and methotrexate has transient effects in individuals who are anticitrullinated protein antibody-positive with subclinical joint inflammation identified by imaging. Abatacept delays clinical RA onset but does not fully prevent onset of RA after treatment cessation. Additionally, subclinical joint inflammation and symptoms appear responsive to interventions such as methotrexate and abatacept. To advance prevention, next steps include building networks of individuals at risk for RA, to improve risk stratification for future RA and to understand the biological mechanisms of RA development, including potential endotypes of disease, which can be targeted for prevention, thus adopting a more precision-based approach. Future trials should focus on interceptions aimed at preventing clinical RA onset and which treat existing symptoms and imaging-defined subclinical inflammation. These trials may include advanced designs (eg, adaptive) and should be combined with mechanistic studies to further define pathophysiological drivers of disease development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin D Deane
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - V Michael Holers
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Paul Emery
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Kulveer Mankia
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Hani El-Gabalawy
- Departments of Medicine and Immunology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Jeffrey A Sparks
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Karen H Costenbader
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Georg Schett
- Rheumatology, University of Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Annette van der Helm-van Mil
- Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Ranjeny Thomas
- Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrew P Cope
- Academic Department of Rheumatology, Kings College London, London, UK
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van Mulligen E, Bour SS, Goossens LMA, de Jong PHP, Rutten-van Mölken M, van der Helm-van Mil A. Is a 1-year course of methotrexate in patients with arthralgia at-risk for rheumatoid arthritis cost-effective? A cost-effectiveness analysis of the randomised, placebo-controlled TREAT EARLIER trial. Ann Rheum Dis 2024:ard-2024-226286. [PMID: 39299721 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2024-226286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has a considerable disease burden with life-long physical limitations, reduced work productivity and high societal costs. Trials on arthralgia at-risk for RA are therefore conducted, aiming to intercept evolving RA and reduce the disease burden. A 1-year course of methotrexate in patients with clinically suspect arthralgia (CSA) caused sustained improvements in subclinical joint inflammation and physical impairments. Since the cost-effectiveness of treatment in CSA has never been investigated, we investigated whether methotrexate is cost-effective. METHODS Cost-effectiveness was assessed using the TREAT EARLIER trial. 236 patients with CSA with subclinical joint inflammation were randomised to 1-year treatment with methotrexate, or placebo, and followed for 2 years. Cost-effectiveness was analysed by computing costs and effects. For costs, both a societal perspective (healthcare-productivity and work-productivity costs) and a healthcare perspective (healthcare costs only) were used. For effects, quality adjusted life years (QALYs) were used. RESULTS Treatment increased QALYs by 0.041 (95% CI -0.050 to 0.091), and reduced costs with €-4809 (95% CI -12 382 to 2726) over the course of 2 years using a societal perspective, with a probability of 88.1% that treatment was cost-effective. From a healthcare perspective, the cost-difference between treatment and placebo was estimated at €-418 (95% CI -1198 to 225). CONCLUSION A fixed treatment course in individuals with arthralgia at-risk for RA and MRI-detected subclinical joint inflammation resulted in better work productivity, lower healthcare costs and improved quality of life over the course of 2 years; with the largest gain in productivity costs. This is the first evidence that methotrexate treatment aiming at secondary prevention in arthralgia at-risk for RA is cost-effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise van Mulligen
- Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sterre S Bour
- Health Technology Assessment, Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lucas M A Goossens
- Health Technology Assessment, Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Maureen Rutten-van Mölken
- Health Technology Assessment, Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam Institute for Medical Technology Assessment, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Annette van der Helm-van Mil
- Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Doumen M, Westhovens R, Verschueren P. Individuals with ACPA-negative clinically suspect arthralgia experience more symptom burden: is seronegative disease truly less severe? Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024; 63:2323-2324. [PMID: 38341670 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keae106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michaël Doumen
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Rheumatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - René Westhovens
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Rheumatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patrick Verschueren
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Rheumatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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8
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Gao KX, Yang YH, Liang Q, Mei LY, Liang YB, Wang MJ, Chen XM, Huang QC, Wen ZH, Huang RY. Targeting Therapeutic Windows for Rheumatoid Arthritis Prevention. Chin J Integr Med 2024; 30:842-851. [PMID: 38753276 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-024-3760-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/25/2024]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a worldwide public health problem. Interventions to delay or prevent the onset of RA have attracted much attention in recent years, and researchers are now exploring various prevention strategies. At present, there is still no unified consensus for RA prevention, but targeting therapeutic windows and implementing interventions for at-risk individuals are extremely important. Due to the limited number of clinical trials on pharmacologic interventions, further studies are needed to explore and establish optimal intervention regimens and effective measures to prevent progression to RA. In this review, we introduce the RA disease process and risk factors, and present research on the use of both Western and Chinese medicine from clinical perspectives regarding RA prevention. Furthermore, we describe several complete and ongoing clinical studies on the use of Chinese herbal formulae for the prevention of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Xin Gao
- Section of Rheumatology and Immunology Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Yi-Hong Yang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Qi Liang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Li-Yan Mei
- Section of Rheumatology and Immunology Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - You-Bang Liang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Mao-Jie Wang
- Section of Rheumatology and Immunology Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Xiu-Min Chen
- Section of Rheumatology and Immunology Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Qing-Chun Huang
- Section of Rheumatology and Immunology Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Refractory Chronic Diseases, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Ze-Huai Wen
- The Key Unit of Methodology of Clinical Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Run-Yue Huang
- Section of Rheumatology and Immunology Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
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9
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Moosig F, Holle JU. [Joint pain - a rheumatic disease?]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2024; 149:1163-1173. [PMID: 39250955 DOI: 10.1055/a-2329-6673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
Pain in the musculoskeletal system and therefore joint pain is one of the most common reasons for consulting a general practitioner (GP). Inflammatory rheumatic diseases are among the important differential diagnoses. However, the prevalence of rheumatological diseases is significantly lower than that of degenerative causes of pain. Incorrect referrals can be avoided if the causes of pain are better differentiated in GP practices. This article presents the first differential diagnostic steps that make it easier for the GP to make further treatment decisions. Physical examination, laboratory diagnostics and imaging are discussed, and the concept of "clinically suspect arthralgia" as well as the possible effects of treatment trials with glucocorticoids are presented.
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Vivas AJ, Boumediene S, Tobón GJ. Predicting autoimmune diseases: A comprehensive review of classic biomarkers and advances in artificial intelligence. Autoimmun Rev 2024; 23:103611. [PMID: 39209014 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2024.103611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases comprise a spectrum of disorders characterized by the dysregulation of immune tolerance, resulting in tissue or organ damage and inflammation. Their prevalence has been on the rise, significantly impacting patients' quality of life and escalating healthcare costs. Consequently, the prediction of autoimmune diseases has recently garnered substantial interest among researchers. Despite their wide heterogeneity, many autoimmune diseases exhibit a consistent pattern of paraclinical findings that hold predictive value. From serum biomarkers to various machine learning approaches, the array of available methods has been continuously expanding. The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) presents an exciting new range of possibilities, with notable advancements already underway. The ultimate objective should revolve around disease prevention across all levels. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the most recent data pertaining to the prediction of diverse autoimmune diseases and encompasses both traditional biomarkers and the latest innovations in AI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Synda Boumediene
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, Southern Illinois University-School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, United States of America
| | - Gabriel J Tobón
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, Southern Illinois University-School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, United States of America; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Southern Illinois University-School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, United States of America.
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11
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Toyoda T, Mankia K. Prevention of Rheumatoid Arthritis in At-Risk Individuals: Current Status and Future Prospects. Drugs 2024; 84:895-907. [PMID: 38954266 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-024-02061-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Early intervention has been the cornerstone of improving outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Over the past decade, the boundaries have been pushed in an attempt to achieve effective prevention strategies in those who are at high risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Core risk factors including the presence of serum anti-citrullinated protein antibodies, arthralgia and subclinical inflammation on imaging are highly predictive of arthritis development. The influence of air pollution, diet and the role of microbiome on disease progression are less clear. In turn, therapeutic focus has shifted to an earlier pre-arthritis phase of the disease continuum where the clinically apparent arthritis may potentially be intercepted. Seven proof-of-concept interventional trials in at-risk individuals have been conducted so far. Whether true prevention of rheumatoid arthritis is possible remains elusive. Promising signals towards permanent disease modulation and improvement in symptom burden were seen with some immunomodulatory therapies, whilst others were unsuccessful. Long-term follow-up is required to ascertain a true effect. Looking forward, a better understanding of the natural history and underlying biological mechanisms of arthritis development and more accurate, validated risk stratification is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Task Toyoda
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Kulveer Mankia
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
- NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK.
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12
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Sebastian M, Jonatan M, Alvaro R, Santiago R, Facundo S, Ramiro G, Rodrigo GS. Detection of systemic autoimmune diseases in an ongoing assessment program for hand arthralgias. A comparative analysis with inflammatory and non-inflammatory arthropathies. Int J Rheum Dis 2024; 27:e15292. [PMID: 39166426 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.15292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Arthralgias are prevalent in systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARD), emphasizing the need for early recognition. This study aimed to estimate SARD frequency and compare clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings among SARD, non-inflammatory arthralgia (NIA), and RA in patients with hand arthralgias. METHODS A prospective evaluation program included individuals aged ≥18 with hand arthralgias. Baseline assessments covered clinical, laboratory, ultrasound, and radiography. Follow-up diagnoses categorized patients into SARD, NIA, and RA groups. Comparison between groups was performed using parametric and non-parametric tests. Two multivariate logistic regression analyzes were performed using the final diagnosis of SARD as the dependent variable (NIA and RA). ROC curves were calculated in those variables that presented an independent association in the multivariate analysis. RESULTS Among 1053 patients, 9.6% were SARD (SLE 47%). Comparing SARD with NIA revealed higher CRP levels, power Doppler, less rhizarthrosis in ultrasound, and more ANA positivity in SARD patients. Distinct differences were observed between SARD and RA patients in terms of pain levels, swollen joints, metacarpophalangeal involvement and morning symptoms. Diagnostic markers demonstrated specific sensitivities and specificities: ANA for SARD versus NIA (82%, 34%), US not finding rhizarthrosis for SARD versus NIA (66%, 85%), CRP (cut-off >2.5 mg/L) sensitivity 52%, specificity 60%, AUC 0.62, RA antibodies (RF, 11 IU/mL) sensitivity 76%, specificity 74%, AUC 0.8, ACPA (1.25) sensitivity 50%, specificity 98%, AUC 0.7, ANA+ sensitivity 95%, specificity 32%, AUC 0.7, and US absence of synovitis sensitivity 82%, specificity 34%, AUC 0.75. CONCLUSION This study highlights distinct clinical, laboratory, and imaging features differentiating SARD-related hand arthralgia from non-SARD hand arthralgia and RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magri Sebastian
- Rheumatology Unit, Hospital Italiano de La Plata - Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Mareco Jonatan
- Rheumatology Unit, Hospital Italiano de La Plata - Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Ruta Alvaro
- Rheumatology Unit, Hospital Italiano de La Plata - Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Ruta Santiago
- Rheumatology Unit, Hospital Italiano de La Plata - Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Salvatori Facundo
- Rheumatology Unit, Hospital Italiano de La Plata - Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Gomez Ramiro
- Consultorio Reumatología Buenos Aires (CREuBA) - Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Garcia-Salinas Rodrigo
- Rheumatology Unit, Hospital Italiano de La Plata - Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
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El-Gabalawy H. The Impact of Rheumatoid Arthritis on First Nations and How We Can Work With Communities to Prevent It. J Rheumatol 2024; 51:3-9. [PMID: 38950968 DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.2024-0369_dunlop-dottridge] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is prevalent in many Indigenous North American First Nations (FN) and tends to be seropositive, familial, and disabling, as well as associated with highly unfavorable outcomes such as early mortality. The risk of developing RA is based on a perfect storm of gene-environment interactions underpinning this risk. The gene-environment interactions include a high frequency of shared epitope encoding HLA alleles, particularly HLA-DRB1*1402, in the background population, and prevalent predisposing environmental factors such as smoking and periodontal disease. Together, these provide a compelling rationale for an RA prevention agenda in FN communities. Our research team has worked in partnership with several FN communities to prospectively follow the first-degree relatives of FN patients with RA, with the aim of better understanding the preclinical stages of RA in this population. We have focused on specific features of the anticitrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) and other proteomic biomarkers as predictors of future development of RA. These studies have now led us to consider interventions having a favorable risk-benefit ratio if applied at a stage prior to a hypothetical "point of no return," when the autoimmunity potentially becomes irreversible. Based on a supportive mouse model and available human studies of curcumin, omega-3, and vitamin D supplements, we are undertaking studies where we screen communities using dried blood spot technology adapted for the detection of ACPA, and then enrolling ACPA-positive individuals in studies that use a combination of these supplements. These studies are guided by shared decision-making principles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hani El-Gabalawy
- H. El-Gabalawy, MD, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
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14
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Haugen IK, Felson DT, Abhishek A, Berenbaum F, Bierma-Zeinstra S, Dziedzic KS, Edwards JJ, Englund M, Hermann-Eriksen M, Herrero-Beaumont G, Hill C, Ishimori ML, Jonsson H, Karjalainen T, Leung YY, Maheu E, Mallen CD, Marshall M, Moe RH, Ramonda R, Ritschl V, Ritt MJ, Stamm TA, Szekanecz Z, van der Giesen F, van de Stadt LA, van der Meulen C, Wittoek R, Greibrokk E, Laheij H, Kloppenburg M. 2023 EULAR classification criteria for hand osteoarthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2024:ard-2023-225073. [PMID: 38821712 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-225073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study is to develop classification criteria for overall hand osteoarthritis (OA), interphalangeal OA and thumb base OA based on self-reported data and radiographic features. METHODS The classification criteria sets were developed in three phases. In phase 1, we identified criteria that discriminated hand OA from controls. In phase 2, we used a consensus-based decision analysis approach to derive a clinician-based evaluation of the relative importance of the criteria. In phase 3, we refined the scoring system, determined the cut-offs for disease classification and compared the sensitivity and specificity of the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) criteria with the 1990 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. RESULTS In persons with hand symptoms and no other disease (including psoriasis) or acute injury that can explain the hand symptoms (mandatory criteria), hand OA can be classified based on age, duration of morning stiffness, number of joints with osteophytes and joint space narrowing, and concordance between symptoms and radiographic findings. Using a sum of scores based on each diagnostic element, overall hand OA can be classified if a person achieves 9 or more points on a 0-15 scale. The cut-off for interphalangeal OA and thumb base OA is 8 points. While the EULAR criteria demonstrated better sensitivity than the ACR criteria in the phase 1 data set, the performance of the two criteria sets was similar in two external cohorts. CONCLUSIONS International experts developed the EULAR criteria to classify overall hand OA, interphalangeal OA and thumb base OA in clinical studies using a rigorous methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida K Haugen
- Center for Treatment of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (REMEDY), Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - David T Felson
- Rheumatology Section, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Francis Berenbaum
- Department of Rheumatology, Sorbonne Universite, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Sita Bierma-Zeinstra
- Department of Family Practice, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Krysia S Dziedzic
- Primary Care Centre Versus Arthritis, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, UK
| | - John James Edwards
- Primary Care Centre Versus Arthritis, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, UK
| | - Martin Englund
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Orthopaedics, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Gabriel Herrero-Beaumont
- Department of Rheumatology, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de la Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Catherine Hill
- Rheumatology Unit, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Mariko L Ishimori
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | - Teemu Karjalainen
- Department of Surgery, Central Finland Central Hospital, Jyvaskyla, Finland
| | - Ying Ying Leung
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Emmanuel Maheu
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Saint-Antoine, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Christian D Mallen
- Primary Care Centre Versus Arthritis, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, UK
| | - Michelle Marshall
- Primary Care Centre Versus Arthritis, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, UK
| | - Rikke H Moe
- Center for Treatment of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (REMEDY), Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Roberta Ramonda
- Rheumatology Unit, University of Padua, Padova, Veneto, Italy
| | - Valentin Ritschl
- Center for Medical Data Science, Institute for Outcomes Research, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Gesellschaft, Wien, Austria
| | - Marco Jpf Ritt
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC Locatie AMC, Amsterdam, North Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Tanja A Stamm
- Center for Medical Data Science, Institute for Outcomes Research, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Gesellschaft, Wien, Austria
| | - Zoltan Szekanecz
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hajdú-Bihar, Hungary
| | - Florus van der Giesen
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Lotte A van de Stadt
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
- Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Elsie Greibrokk
- Center for Treatment of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (REMEDY), Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hellen Laheij
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Margreet Kloppenburg
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
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15
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Deane KD. Rheumatoid arthritis: prediction of future clinically-apparent disease, and prevention. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2024; 36:225-234. [PMID: 38441488 PMCID: PMC10959682 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000001013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review discusses updates in the prediction and prevention of future rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RECENT FINDINGS In individuals with musculoskeletal symptoms and elevated antibodies to citrullinated proteins (ACPA) without clinical inflammatory arthritis (IA), a 'simple' score has a positive predictive value (PPV) of ∼28% for clinical IA/RA within 1 year, and a comprehensive score (including ultrasound) has a PPV of ∼71% for clinical RA within 5 years. Controlled clinical trials in individuals at-risk for future RA have been performed using corticosteroids, rituximab, atorvastatin, methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine and abatacept. Abatacept modestly reduced rates of incident clinical RA and imaging inflammation within the trials, rituximab delayed clinical IA, and methotrexate improved function, symptoms and imaging inflammation. Vitamin D with or without omega 3 fatty acids reduced incidence of autoimmune diseases, including RA. While not proven in controlled clinical trials, observational studies suggest exercise, weight loss and smoking cessation may reduce progression to clinical RA. SUMMARY Prediction and prevention of RA is advancing although there are no currently approved interventions for prevention. Future studies should include deeper evaluation of the pathophysiology of RA development to improve prediction and identify key pathways to target in future clinical trials, as well as develop infrastructure to support prevention-related research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin D Deane
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 1775 Aurora Court, Mail Stop B-115, Aurora, Colorado USA
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16
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Torlinska B, Raza K, Filer A, Jutley G, Sahbudin I, Singh R, de Pablo P, Rankin E, Rhodes B, Amft N, Justice E, McGrath C, Baskar S, Trickey J, Calvert M, Falahee M. Predictors of quality of life, functional status, depression and fatigue in early arthritis: comparison between clinically suspect arthralgia, unclassified arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2024; 25:307. [PMID: 38643104 PMCID: PMC11031996 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-024-07446-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is often preceded by symptomatic phases during which classification criteria are not fulfilled. The health burden of these "at-risk" stages is not well described. This study assessed health-related quality of life (HRQoL), function, fatigue and depression in newly presenting patients with clinically suspect arthralgia (CSA), unclassified arthritis (UA) or RA. METHODS Cross-sectional analysis of baseline Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) was conducted in patients from the Birmingham Early Arthritis Cohort. HRQoL, function, depression and fatigue at presentation were assessed using EQ-5D, HAQ-DI, PHQ-9 and FACIT-F. PROMs were compared across CSA, UA and RA and with population averages from the HSE with descriptive statistics. Multivariate linear regression assessed associations between PROMs and clinical and sociodemographic variables. RESULTS Of 838 patients included in the analysis, 484 had RA, 200 had CSA and 154 had UA. Patients with RA reported worse outcomes for all PROMs than those with CSA or UA. However, "mean EQ-5D utilities were 0.65 (95%CI: 0.61 to 0.69) in CSA, 0.61 (0.56 to 0.66) in UA and 0.47 (0.44 to 0.50) in RA, which was lower than in general and older (≥ 65 years) background populations." In patients with CSA or UA, HRQoL was comparable to chronic conditions such as heart failure, severe COPD or mild angina. Higher BMI and older age (≥ 60 years) predicted worse depression (PHQ-9: -2.47 (-3.85 to -1.09), P < 0.001) and fatigue (FACIT-F: 5.05 (2.37 to 7.73), P < 0.001). Women were more likely to report worse function (HAQ-DI: 0.13 (0.03 to 0.21), P = 0.01) and fatigue (FACIT-F: -3.64 (-5.59 to -1.70), P < 0.001), and residents of more deprived areas experienced decreased function (HAQ-DI: 0.23 (0.10 to 0.36), P = 0.001), greater depression (PHQ-9: 1.89 (0.59 to 3.18), P = 0.004) and fatigue (FACIT-F: -2.60 (-5.11 to 0.09), P = 0.04). After adjustments for confounding factors, diagnostic category was not associated with PROMs, but disease activity and polypharmacy were associated with poorer performance across all PROMs. CONCLUSIONS Patient-reported outcomes were associated with disease activity and sociodemographic characteristics. Patients presenting with RA reported a higher health burden than those with CSA or UA, however HRQoL in the pre-RA groups was significantly lower than population averages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Torlinska
- Centre for Patient-Reported Outcomes Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Birmingham Health Partners Centre for Regulatory Science and Innovation, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Karim Raza
- Department of Rheumatology, Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2WB, UK
- NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- MRC Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research and the Research into Inflammatory Arthritis Centre Versus Arthritis, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Andrew Filer
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2WB, UK
- NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- MRC Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research and the Research into Inflammatory Arthritis Centre Versus Arthritis, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Gurpreet Jutley
- Department of Rheumatology, Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2WB, UK
| | - Ilfita Sahbudin
- Department of Rheumatology, Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2WB, UK
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Ruchir Singh
- Department of Rheumatology, Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2WB, UK
| | - Paola de Pablo
- Department of Rheumatology, Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2WB, UK
| | - Elizabeth Rankin
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Benjamin Rhodes
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Nicole Amft
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Elizabeth Justice
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Catherine McGrath
- Department of Rheumatology, Frimley Park Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Camberley, UK
| | - Sangeetha Baskar
- Department of Rheumatology, Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jeanette Trickey
- Department of Rheumatology, The County Hospital, Wye Valley NHS Trust, Hereford, UK
| | - Melanie Calvert
- Centre for Patient-Reported Outcomes Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Birmingham Health Partners Centre for Regulatory Science and Innovation, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Applied Research Centre West Midlands, Birmingham, UK
- Health Data Research UK, London, UK
| | - Marie Falahee
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2WB, UK.
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Di Matteo A, Mankia K, Garcia-Montoya L, Sharrack S, Duquenne L, Nam JL, Mahler M, Emery P. Utility of testing for third-generation anticyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP3) antibodies in individuals who present with new musculoskeletal symptoms but have a negative second-generation anticyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP2) antibody test. RMD Open 2024; 10:e003927. [PMID: 38599655 PMCID: PMC11015229 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the role of third-generation anticyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP3) antibodies in predicting progression to inflammatory arthritis (IA) in individuals with new musculoskeletal (MSK) symptoms and a negative second-generation anti-CCP antibody test (anti-CCP2-). METHODS 469 anti-CCP2- individuals underwent baseline anti-CCP3 testing (QUANTA Lite CCP3; Inova Diagnostics) and received a post enrolment 12-month questionnaire. A rheumatologist confirmed or excluded diagnosis of IA. Univariable/multivariable analyses were performed to assess the value of anti-CCP3 in predicting IA development in these anti-CCP2- individuals. RESULTS Only 16/469 (3.4%) anti-CCP2- individuals had a positive anti-CCP3 test. Of these 16 individuals, 4 developed IA. In addition, 61/469 (13.0%) anti-CCP2- individuals self-reported, to have developed, IA. Progression was confirmed in 43/61 of them (70.5%); of whom 30/43 (69.8%) and 13/43 (30.2%) were given a diagnosis of IA and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), respectively. In qualitative univariable analysis, anti-CCP3 positivity was associated with self-reported progression (p<0.01) and IA (p=0.03), but not with RA. Anti-CCP3 levels differed significantly between progressors and non-progressors (p<0.01) for all three categories. At the manufacturer's cut-off, OR for progression ranged from 2.4 (95% CI 0.5 to 18.6; RA) to 7.5 (95% CI 2.3 to 24.0; self-reported progression). Interestingly, when cut-offs for anti-CCP3 were optimised, lower values (≥5 units) significantly increased the OR for progression in all three categories. In multivariable analysis, anti-CCP3 positivity at the manufacturer's cut-off did not remain associated with IA progression, while this lower cut-off value (≥5 units) was associated with diagnosis of RA (p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS Anti-CCP3 testing could improve the prediction of IA development in anti-CCP2- individuals with new MSK symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Di Matteo
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Disease, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Kulveer Mankia
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Disease, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Leticia Garcia-Montoya
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Disease, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Sana Sharrack
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Laurence Duquenne
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Disease, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Michael Mahler
- Werfen Autoimmunity Technology Center, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Paul Emery
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Disease, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
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18
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O'Neil LJ, Alpízar-Rodríguez D, Deane KD. Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Continuum of Disease and Strategies for Prediction, Early Intervention, and Prevention. J Rheumatol 2024; 51:337-349. [PMID: 38224993 PMCID: PMC10984790 DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.2023-0334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is known to include a pre-RA stage that can be defined as the presence of familial or genetic risk factors, biomarker abnormalities (eg, anticitrullinated protein antibodies [ACPA]), symptoms, and even abnormal imaging findings prior to the development of the onset of clinical RA with inflammatory arthritis that is apparent on physical examination. Indeed, there are multiple completed or ongoing retrospective case-control as well as prospective observational studies to identify the key biologic drivers of disease. Further, building on the predictive ability of combinations of biomarkers, symptoms, and imaging for future RA, there are multiple clinical trials completed, underway, or in development to identify approaches that may prevent, delay, or ameliorate future clinical RA in at-risk individuals. Importantly, however, although an effective preventive intervention has not yet been identified, at-risk individuals are being increasingly identified in clinical care; this presents a challenge of how to manage these individuals in clinical practice. This review will discuss the current understanding of the biology and natural history of RA development, nomenclature, and current models for prediction of future RA, as well as evaluate the current and ongoing clinical prevention trials with the overall goal to provide insights into the challenges and opportunities in the field of RA prevention. Moreover, this review will provide up-to-date options for clinical management of individuals at risk for RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam J O'Neil
- L.J. O'Neil, MD, MHSc, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | | | - Kevin D Deane
- K.D. Deane, MD, PhD, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA.
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van der Helm-van Mil AHM. Abatacept in individuals with autoantibody-positive arthralgia at risk for rheumatoid arthritis. Lancet 2024; 403:785-787. [PMID: 38367639 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(24)00055-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Annette H M van der Helm-van Mil
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2300 RC Leiden, Netherlands; Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Netherlands.
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20
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Rech J, Tascilar K, Hagen M, Kleyer A, Manger B, Schoenau V, Hueber AJ, Kleinert S, Baraliakos X, Braun J, Kiltz U, Fleck M, Rubbert-Roth A, Kofler DM, Behrens F, Feuchtenberger M, Zaenker M, Voll R, Venhoff N, Thiel J, Glaser C, Feist E, Burmester GR, Karberg K, Strunk J, Cañete JD, Senolt L, Filkova M, Naredo E, Largo R, Krönke G, D'Agostino MA, Østergaard M, Schett G. Abatacept inhibits inflammation and onset of rheumatoid arthritis in individuals at high risk (ARIAA): a randomised, international, multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet 2024; 403:850-859. [PMID: 38364841 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)02650-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) and subclinical inflammatory changes in joints are at high risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment strategies to intercept this pre-stage clinical disease remain to be developed. We aimed to assess whether 6-month treatment with abatacept improves inflammation in preclinical rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS The abatacept reversing subclinical inflammation as measured by MRI in ACPA positive arthralgia (ARIAA) study is a randomised, international, multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial done in 14 hospitals and community centres across Europe (11 in Germany, two in Spain, and one in the Czech Republic). Adults (aged ≥18 years) with ACPA positivity, joint pain (but no swelling), and signs of osteitis, synovitis, or tenosynovitis in hand MRI were randomly assigned (1:1) to weekly subcutaneous abatacept 125 mg or placebo for 6 months followed by a double-blind, drug-free, observation phase for 12 months. The primary outcome was the proportion of participants with any reduction in inflammatory MRI lesions at 6 months. The primary efficacy analysis was done in the modified intention-to-treat population, which included participants who were randomly assigned and received study medication. Safety analyses were conducted in participants who received the study medication and had at least one post-baseline observation. The study was registered with the EUDRA-CT (2014-000555-93). FINDINGS Between Nov 6, 2014, and June 15, 2021, 139 participants were screened. Of 100 participants, 50 were randomly assigned to abatacept 125 mg and 50 to placebo. Two participants (one from each group) were excluded due to administration failure or refusing treatment; thus, 98 were included in the modified intention-to-treat population. 70 (71%) of 98 participants were female and 28 (29%) of 98 were male. At 6 months, 28 (57%) of 49 participants in the abatacept group and 15 (31%) of 49 participants in the placebo group showed improvement in MRI subclinical inflammation (absolute difference 26·5%, 95% CI 5·9-45·6; p=0·014). Four (8%) of 49 participants in the abatacept group and 17 (35%) of 49 participants in the placebo group developed rheumatoid arthritis (hazard ratio [HR] 0·14 [0·04-0·47]; p=0·0016). Improvement of MRI inflammation (25 [51%] of 49 participants in the abatacept group, 12 [24%] of 49 in the placebo group; p=0·012) and progression to rheumatoid arthritis (17 [35%] of 49, 28 [57%] of 49; HR 0·14 [0·04-0·47]; p=0·018) remained significantly different between the two groups after 18 months, 12 months after the end of the intervention. There were 12 serious adverse events in 11 participants (four [8%] of 48 in the abatacept group and 7 [14%] of 49 in the placebo group). No deaths occurred during the study. INTERPRETATION 6-month treatment with abatacept decreases MRI inflammation, clinical symptoms, and risk of rheumatoid arthritis development in participants at high risk. The effects of the intervention persist through a 1-year drug-free observation phase. FUNDING Innovative Medicine Initiative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juergen Rech
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany; Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Koray Tascilar
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany; Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Melanie Hagen
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany; Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Arnd Kleyer
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany; Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Bernhard Manger
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany; Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Verena Schoenau
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany; Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Axel J Hueber
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany; Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany; Division of Rheumatology, Paracelsus Medical University, Klinikum Nürnberg, Nürnberg, Germany
| | | | - Xenofon Baraliakos
- Department of Rheumatology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany; Rheumazentrum Ruhrgebiet, Herne, Germany
| | - Jürgen Braun
- Department of Rheumatology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany; Rheumazentrum Ruhrgebiet, Herne, Germany
| | - Uta Kiltz
- Department of Rheumatology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany; Rheumazentrum Ruhrgebiet, Herne, Germany
| | - Martin Fleck
- Division of Rheumatology, Asklepios Klinikum Bad Abbach, Bad Abbach, Germany
| | | | - David M Kofler
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department 1 of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne and Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Cologne, Germany
| | - Frank Behrens
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Frankfurt, Germany
| | | | - Michael Zaenker
- Division of Internal Medicine, Immanuel Klinikum Bernau, Bernau, Germany
| | - Reinhard Voll
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nils Venhoff
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jens Thiel
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Cornelia Glaser
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Eugen Feist
- Division of Rheumatology, Helios Clinic Vogelsang-Gommern, Vogelsang, Germany; Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gerd R Burmester
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Johannes Strunk
- Division of Rheumatology, Porz am Rhein Hospital, Cologne, Germany
| | - Juan D Cañete
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ladislav Senolt
- Institute of Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Maria Filkova
- Institute of Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Esperanza Naredo
- Department of Rheumatology and Bone and Joint Research Unit, Hospital Fundación Jiménez Díaz and IIS-FJD, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Largo
- Department of Rheumatology and Bone and Joint Research Unit, Hospital Fundación Jiménez Díaz and IIS-FJD, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gerhard Krönke
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany; Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany; Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria-Antonietta D'Agostino
- Unitá Operativa Complessa of Rheumatology, Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic Foundation IRCCS, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Mikkel Østergaard
- University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Center for Arthritis Research (COPECARE), Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Copenhagen, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Georg Schett
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany; Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.
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21
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Cope AP, Jasenecova M, Vasconcelos JC, Filer A, Raza K, Qureshi S, D'Agostino MA, McInnes IB, Isaacs JD, Pratt AG, Fisher BA, Buckley CD, Emery P, Ho P, Buch MH, Ciurtin C, van Schaardenburg D, Huizinga T, Toes R, Georgiou E, Kelly J, Murphy C, Prevost AT. Abatacept in individuals at high risk of rheumatoid arthritis (APIPPRA): a randomised, double-blind, multicentre, parallel, placebo-controlled, phase 2b clinical trial. Lancet 2024; 403:838-849. [PMID: 38364839 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)02649-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with serum antibodies to citrullinated protein antigens (ACPA), rheumatoid factor, and symptoms, such as inflammatory joint pain, are at high risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. In the arthritis prevention in the pre-clinical phase of rheumatoid arthritis with abatacept (APIPPRA) trial, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and acceptability of treating high risk individuals with the T-cell co-stimulation modulator abatacept. METHODS The APIPPRA study was a randomised, double-blind, multicentre, parallel, placebo-controlled, phase 2b clinical trial done in 28 hospital-based early arthritis clinics in the UK and three in the Netherlands. Participants (aged ≥18 years) at risk of rheumatoid arthritis positive for ACPA and rheumatoid factor with inflammatory joint pain were recruited. Exclusion criteria included previous episodes of clinical synovitis and previous use of corticosteroids or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) using a computer-generated permuted block randomisation (block sizes of 2 and 4) stratified by sex, smoking, and country, to 125 mg abatacept subcutaneous injections weekly or placebo for 12 months, and then followed up for 12 months. Masking was achieved by providing four kits (identical in appearance and packaging) with pre-filled syringes with coded labels of abatacept or placebo every 3 months. The primary endpoint was the time to development of clinical synovitis in three or more joints or rheumatoid arthritis according to American College of Rheumatology and European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology 2010 criteria, whichever was met first. Synovitis was confirmed by ultrasonography. Follow-up was completed on Jan 13, 2021. All participants meeting the intention-to-treat principle were included in the analysis. This trial was registered with EudraCT (2013-003413-18). FINDINGS Between Dec 22, 2014, and Jan 14, 2019, 280 individuals were evaluated for eligibility and, of 213 participants, 110 were randomly assigned to abatacept and 103 to placebo. During the treatment period, seven (6%) of 110 participants in the abatacept group and 30 (29%) of 103 participants in the placebo group met the primary endpoint. At 24 months, 27 (25%) of 110 participants in the abatacept group had progressed to rheumatoid arthritis, compared with 38 (37%) of 103 in the placebo group. The estimated proportion of participants remaining arthritis-free at 12 months was 92·8% (SE 2·6) in the abatacept group and 69·2% (4·7) in the placebo group. Kaplan-Meier arthritis-free survival plots over 24 months favoured abatacept (log-rank test p=0·044). The difference in restricted mean survival time between groups was 53 days (95% CI 28-78; p<0·0001) at 12 months and 99 days (95% CI 38-161; p=0·0016) at 24 months in favour of abatacept. During treatment, abatacept was associated with improvements in pain scores, functional wellbeing, and quality-of-life measurements, as well as low scores of subclinical synovitis by ultrasonography, compared with placebo. However, the effects were not sustained at 24 months. Seven serious adverse events occurred in the abatacept group and 11 in the placebo group, including one death in each group deemed unrelated to treatment. INTERPRETATION Therapeutic intervention during the at-risk phase of rheumatoid arthritis is feasible, with acceptable safety profiles. T-cell co-stimulation modulation with abatacept for 12 months reduces progression to rheumatoid arthritis, with evidence of sustained efficacy beyond the treatment period, and with no new safety signals. FUNDING Bristol Myers Squibb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Cope
- Centre for Rheumatic Diseases, King's College London, London, UK.
| | | | - Joana C Vasconcelos
- Nightingale-Saunders Clinical Trials & Epidemiology Unit, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Andrew Filer
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Karim Raza
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Sumera Qureshi
- Centre for Rheumatic Diseases, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Maria Antonietta D'Agostino
- Division of Rheumatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A Gemelli, IRCCS, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Iain B McInnes
- School of Infection and Immunity, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - John D Isaacs
- Translational & Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University and Musculoskeletal Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Arthur G Pratt
- Translational & Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University and Musculoskeletal Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Benjamin A Fisher
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Paul Emery
- Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Pauline Ho
- Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Maya H Buch
- Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Coziana Ciurtin
- Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology Versus Arthritis, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - Dirkjan van Schaardenburg
- Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Reade, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Thomas Huizinga
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - René Toes
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Joanna Kelly
- King's Clinical Trials Unit, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Caroline Murphy
- King's Clinical Trials Unit, King's College London, London, UK
| | - A Toby Prevost
- Nightingale-Saunders Clinical Trials & Epidemiology Unit, King's College London, London, UK
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22
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Courel-Ibáñez J, Vetrovsky T, Růžičková N, Marañón C, Durkalec-Michalski K, Tomcik M, Filková M. Integrative non-pharmacological care for individuals at risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatol Int 2024; 44:413-423. [PMID: 38180500 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-023-05507-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
There is increasing knowledge in the recognition of individuals at risk for progression to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) before the clinical manifestation of the disease. This prodromal phase preceding the manifestation of RA may represent a "window of opportunity" for preventive interventions that may transform the clinical approach to this disease. However, limited evidence exists in support of effective interventions to delay the onset or even halt the manifestation of RA. Given the multifactorial nature of RA development and disease progression, the latest guidelines for established RA stress the use of integrative interventions and multidisciplinary care strategies, combining pharmacologic treatment with non-pharmacological approaches. Accordingly, individuals at risk of RA could be offered an integrative, multifactorial intervention approach. Current data point toward pharmacological intervention reverting the subclinical inflammation and delay in the disease onset. In addition, targeting life style modifiable factors (smoking cessation, dental health, physical activity, and diet) may presumably improve RA prognosis in individuals at risk, mainly by changes in epigenetics, autoantibodies, cytokines profiles, and microbiome. Nonetheless, the benefits of multidisciplinary interventions to halt the manifestation of RA in at-risk individuals remain unknown. As there is a growing knowledge of possible pharmacological intervention in the preclinical phase, this narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of non-pharmacological treatments in individuals at risk of RA. Considering the mechanisms preceding the clinical manifestation of RA we explored all aspects that would be worth modifying and that would represent an integrative non-pharmacological care for individuals at risk of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Courel-Ibáñez
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Granada, C/Camino de Alfacar, 21, 18071, Granada, Spain.
| | - Tomas Vetrovsky
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Nora Růžičková
- Department of Rheumatology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Rheumatology, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Concepción Marañón
- Pfizer-University of Granada-Junta de Andalucía Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), Granada, Spain
| | - Krzysztof Durkalec-Michalski
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Sports Dietetics, Poznan University of Physical Education, Poznan, Poland
| | - Michal Tomcik
- Department of Rheumatology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Rheumatology, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Mária Filková
- Department of Rheumatology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Rheumatology, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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23
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Neys SFH, Heutz JW, van Hulst JAC, Vink M, Bergen IM, de Jong PHP, Lubberts E, Hendriks RW, Corneth OBJ. Aberrant B cell receptor signaling in circulating naïve and IgA + memory B cells from newly-diagnosed autoantibody-positive rheumatoid arthritis patients. J Autoimmun 2024; 143:103168. [PMID: 38350168 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2024.103168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Altered B cell receptor (BCR) signaling has been implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Here we aimed to identify signaling aberrations in autoantibody-positive and autoantibody-negative RA patients by performing a comprehensive analysis of the BCR signaling cascade in different B cell subsets. METHODS We first optimized phosphoflow cytometry for an in-depth analysis of BCR signaling across immunoglobulin isotypes in healthy donors. Subsequently, we compared BCR signaling in circulating B cell subsets from treatment-naïve, newly-diagnosed autoantibody-positive RA and autoantibody-negative RA patients and healthy controls (HCs). RESULTS We observed subset-specific phosphorylation patterns of the BCR signalosome in circulating B cells from healthy donors. Compared with HCs, autoantibody-positive RA patients displayed enhanced responses to BCR stimulation for multiple signaling proteins, specifically in naïve and IgA+ memory B cells. Whereas in unstimulated healthy donor B cells, the phosphorylation status of individual signaling proteins showed only limited correlation, BCR stimulation enhanced the interconnectivity in phosphorylation within the BCR signalosome. However, this strong interconnectivity within the BCR signalosome in stimulated B cells from HCs was lost in RA, especially in autoantibody-positive RA patients. Finally, we observed strong correlations between SYK and BTK protein expression, and IgA and IgG anti-citrullinated protein antibody concentrations in serum from autoantibody-positive RA patients. CONCLUSION Collectively, the isotype-specific analysis of multiple key components of the BCR signalosome identified aberrant BCR signaling responses in treatment-naïve autoantibody-positive RA patients, particularly in naïve B cells and IgA+ memory B cells. Our findings support differential involvement of dysregulated BCR signaling in the pathogenesis of autoantibody-positive and autoantibody-negative RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan F H Neys
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Judith W Heutz
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Madelief Vink
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ingrid M Bergen
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Pascal H P de Jong
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Erik Lubberts
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rudi W Hendriks
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Odilia B J Corneth
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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24
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Figueroa-Parra G, Castañeda-Martinez MM, Herrera-Sandate P, Castañeda-Martinez DD, Esquivel-Valerio JA, Vega-Morales D. Clinical features of patients with hands arthralgia referred from primary care physicians to rheumatologists: A cohort study. REUMATOLOGIA CLINICA 2024; 20:67-72. [PMID: 38395497 DOI: 10.1016/j.reumae.2023.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Early referral of patients with suspicious of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has an impact on prognosis. Our study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics of patients with hands arthralgia who were referred from primary care physicians (PCP) to the rheumatologist. METHODS A descriptive, observational, prospective cohort study was performed. We included patients who visited a PCP for the first time for hands arthralgia. Demographics and the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology criteria for arthralgia suspicious for progression to RA plus seven complementary questions, the time to referral, the pressure needed to provoke pain with an automatic squeeze test machine in the metacarpophalangeal joints of both hands, and the diagnoses established at the last review of medical charts from patients on follow-up were documented. The primary outcome was the referral to a rheumatologist. RESULTS A total of 109 patients were included. The mean age was 49.9 years, 81.6% were women. 30.3% were referred to the rheumatologist. The time to referral was a median of 38 days. The main clinical characteristics associated with referral to the rheumatologist were the "most severe symptoms are present after midnight" (OR=6.29) and the "difficulty with making a fist" (OR=3.67). An isolated "positive squeeze test of metacarpophalangeal joints" was not associated with a referral to the rheumatologist. CONCLUSIONS Among patients with hands arthralgia who attended PCP, those with most severe symptoms after midnight and difficulty making a fist were more likely to be referred to the rheumatology clinic. Isolated positive squeeze tests are not a parameter for referral, it should only be performed if arthralgia is clinically suspected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Figueroa-Parra
- Rheumatology Service, University Hospital "Dr. José Eleuterio González", Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico
| | | | - Pablo Herrera-Sandate
- Rheumatology Service, University Hospital "Dr. José Eleuterio González", Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico
| | | | - Jorge Antonio Esquivel-Valerio
- Rheumatology Service, University Hospital "Dr. José Eleuterio González", Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - David Vega-Morales
- Rheumatology Service, University Hospital "Dr. José Eleuterio González", Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico.
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25
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DiSantostefano RL, Simons G, Englbrecht M, Humphreys JH, Bruce IN, Bywall KS, Radawski C, Raza K, Falahee M, Veldwijk J. Can the General Public Be a Proxy for an "At-Risk" Group in a Patient Preference Study? A Disease Prevention Example in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Med Decis Making 2024; 44:189-202. [PMID: 38240281 PMCID: PMC10865770 DOI: 10.1177/0272989x231218265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND When selecting samples for patient preference studies, it may be difficult or impractical to recruit participants who are eligible for a particular treatment decision. However, a general public sample may not be an appropriate proxy. OBJECTIVE This study compares preferences for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) preventive treatments between members of the general public and first-degree relatives (FDRs) of confirmed RA patients to assess whether a sample of the general public can be used as a proxy for FDRs. METHODS Participants were asked to imagine they were experiencing arthralgia and had screening tests indicating a 60% chance of developing RA within 2 yrs. Using a discrete choice experiment, participants were offered a series of choices between no treatment and 2 unlabeled hypothetical treatments to reduce the risk of RA. To assess data quality, time to complete survey sections and comprehension questions were assessed. A random parameter logit model was used to obtain attribute-level estimates, which were used to calculate relative importance, maximum acceptable risk (MAR), and market shares of hypothetical preventive treatments. RESULTS The FDR sample (n = 298) spent more time completing the survey and performed better on comprehension questions compared with the general public sample (n = 982). The relative importance ranking was similar between the general public and FDR participant samples; however, other relative preference measures involving weights including MARs and market share differed between groups, with FDRs having numerically higher MARs. CONCLUSION In the context of RA prevention, the general public (average risk) may be a reasonable proxy for a more at-risk sample (FDRs) for overall relative importance ranking but not weights. The rationale for a proxy sample should be clearly justified. HIGHLIGHTS Participants from the general public were compared to first-degree relatives on their preferences for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) preventive treatments using a discrete choice experiment.Preferences were similar between groups in terms of the most important and least important attributes of preventive treatments, with effectiveness being the most important attribute. However, relative weights differed.Attention to the survey and predicted market shares of hypothetical RA preventive treatments differed between the general public and first-degree relatives.The general public may be a reasonable proxy for an at-risk group for patient preferences ranks but not weights in the disease prevention context; however, care should be taken in sample selection for patient preference studies when choosing nonpatients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - G. Simons
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - M. Englbrecht
- freelance healthcare data scientist, Eckental, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine and Institute for Clinical Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jennifer H. Humphreys
- Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Kellgren Centre for Rheumatology, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Ian N. Bruce
- Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Kellgren Centre for Rheumatology, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | | | - C. Radawski
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - K. Raza
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Department of Rheumatology, Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
- MRC Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research and Research into Inflammatory Arthritis Centre Versus Arthritis, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - M. Falahee
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - J. Veldwijk
- School of Health Policy & Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Erasmus Choice Modelling Centre, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Gilbert BTP, Tadeo RYT, Lamacchia C, Studer O, Courvoisier D, Raes J, Finckh A. Gut microbiome and intestinal inflammation in preclinical stages of rheumatoid arthritis. RMD Open 2024; 10:e003589. [PMID: 38296308 PMCID: PMC10836359 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Faecal Prevotellaceae, and other microbes, have been associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and preclinical RA. We have performed a quantitative microbiome profiling study in preclinical stages of RA. METHODS First-degree relatives of patients with RA (RA-FDRs) from the SCREEN-RA cohort were categorised into four groups: controls, healthy asymptomatic RA-FDRs; high genetic risk, asymptomatic RA-FDRs with two copies of the shared epitope; autoimmunity, asymptomatic RA-FDRs with RA-associated autoimmunity; and symptomatic, clinically suspect arthralgias or untreated new-onset RA.Faecal samples were collected and frozen. 16S sequencing was performed, processed with DADA2 pipeline and Silva database. Cell counts (cytometry) and faecal calprotectin (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, ELISA) were also obtained. Microbial community analyses were conducted using non-parametric tests, such as permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA), Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis, or Aldex2. RESULTS A total of 371 individuals were included and categorised according to their preclinical stage of the disease. Groups had similar age, gender and body mass index. We found no significant differences in the quantitative microbiome profiles by preclinical stages (PERMANOVA, R2=0.00798, p=0.56) and, in particular, no group differences in Prevotellaceae abundance. Results were similar when using relative microbiome profiling data (PERMANOVA, R2=0.0073, p=0.83) or Aldex2 on 16S sequence counts. Regarding faecal calprotectin, we found no differences between groups (p=0.3). CONCLUSIONS We could not identify microbiome profiles associated with preclinical stages of RA. Only in a subgroup of individuals with the most pronounced phenotypes did we modestly retrieve the previously reported associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoît Thomas P Gilbert
- Division of Rheumatology, HUG, Geneva, Switzerland
- Geneva Centre for Inflammation Research, UNIGE, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Raul Yhossef Tito Tadeo
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
- VIB, Center for Microbiology, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Celine Lamacchia
- Division of Rheumatology, HUG, Geneva, Switzerland
- Geneva Centre for Inflammation Research, UNIGE, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Olivia Studer
- Division of Rheumatology, HUG, Geneva, Switzerland
- Geneva Centre for Inflammation Research, UNIGE, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Delphine Courvoisier
- Division of Rheumatology, HUG, Geneva, Switzerland
- Geneva Centre for Inflammation Research, UNIGE, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jeroen Raes
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
- VIB, Center for Microbiology, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Axel Finckh
- Division of Rheumatology, HUG, Geneva, Switzerland
- Geneva Centre for Inflammation Research, UNIGE, Geneva, Switzerland
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Lamacchia C, Aymon R, Hattel BC, Aeby S, Kebbi-Beghdadi C C, Gilbert B, Studer O, Norris JM, Nolers MV, Demoruelle MK, Feser ML, Moss L, Courvoisier DS, Lauper K, Deane KD, Greub G G, Finckh A. A potential role for chlamydial infection in rheumatoid arthritis development. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2023:kead682. [PMID: 38092030 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the relationship between self-reported and serologic evidence of prior chlamydial infection, rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-related autoantibodies and risk of RA-development. METHODS This is a nested study within a prospective Swiss-based cohort including all first-degree relatives of RA patients (RA-FDR) who answered a question on past chlamydial infections. Primary outcome was systemic autoimmunity associated with RA (RA-autoimmunity) defined as positivity for anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies (ACPA) and/or rheumatoid factor (RF). Secondary outcomes were high levels of RA-autoimmunity, RA-associated symptoms and RA-autoimmunity, and subsequent seropositive RA diagnosis. We conducted a nested case-control analysis by measuring the serological status against Chlamydia trachomatis' major outer membrane protein. We replicated our analysis in an independent United States-based RA-FDR cohort. RESULTS Among 1231 RA-FDRs, 168 (13.6%) developed RA-autoimmunity. Prevalence of self-reported chlamydial infection was significantly higher in individuals with RA-autoimmunity compared with controls (17.9% vs 9.8%, OR = 2.00, 95%CI: 1.27-3.09, p < 0.01). This association remained significant after adjustments (OR = 1.91, 95%CI: 1.20-2.95). Stronger effect sizes were observed in later stages of RA development. There was a similar trend between a positive C. trachomatis serology and high levels of RA-autoimmunity (OR = 3.05, 95% CI: 1.10-8.46, p= 0.032). In the replication cohort, there were significant associations between chlamydial infection and RF positivity and incident RA, but not anti-CCP positivity. CONCLUSIONS Self-reported chlamydial infections are associated with elevated RA-autoimmunity in at risk individuals. The differing association of chlamydial infections and ACPA/RF between cohorts will need to be explored in future studies but is consistent with a role of mucosal origin of RA-related autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celine Lamacchia
- Division of Rheumatology, Geneva University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Romain Aymon
- Division of Rheumatology, Geneva University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Brian C Hattel
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Sebastien Aeby
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Lausanne & University Hospital Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Carole Kebbi-Beghdadi C
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Lausanne & University Hospital Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Benoit Gilbert
- Division of Rheumatology, Geneva University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Olivia Studer
- Division of Rheumatology, Geneva University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jill M Norris
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Michael V Nolers
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - M Kristen Demoruelle
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Marie L Feser
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - LauraKay Moss
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Delphine S Courvoisier
- Division of Rheumatology, Geneva University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Kim Lauper
- Division of Rheumatology, Geneva University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Kevin D Deane
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Gilbert Greub G
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Lausanne & University Hospital Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Axel Finckh
- Division of Rheumatology, Geneva University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Geneva Center for Inflammation Research (GCIR), University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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van Steenbergen HW, Cope AP, van der Helm-van Mil AHM. Rheumatoid arthritis prevention in arthralgia: fantasy or reality? Nat Rev Rheumatol 2023; 19:767-777. [PMID: 37814057 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-023-01035-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
The concept of a 'window of opportunity' in treating a disease assumes the existence of a time frame during which the trajectory of the disease can be effectively and permanently modified. In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), optimal timing of this period is presumed to be during the phase before arthritis is clinically apparent and disease is diagnosed. Several proof-of-concept trials of treatment during the 'arthralgia' phase of RA have been completed in the past 4 years, with the underlying notion that temporary treatment at this stage could prevent the development of RA or induce a sustained reduction in the burden of disease. This Review summarizes the results of these trials and reflects on the outcomes in relation to the patients' perspectives. Overall, the majority of symptomatic at-risk individuals could benefit from a fixed period treatment, even if RA does not develop. Various factors must be taken into consideration when translating these findings into clinical practice. More evidence is needed to target the individuals at highest risk, and additional tools are needed to monitor treatment and guide decisions about whether treatment can be discontinued. Without these tools, there is a paradoxical risk of seemingly increasing the incidence of the disease and prolonging disease duration, which is the opposite of what the concept of intervening in the window of opportunity entails.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew P Cope
- Centre for Rheumatic Diseases, Department of Inflammation Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Annette H M van der Helm-van Mil
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands.
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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Bekaryssova D, Mruthyunjaya Vijaya P, Ahmed S, Sondur S, Zimba O. Revisiting articular syndrome in the peri-pandemic COVID-19 era. Rheumatol Int 2023; 43:2157-2166. [PMID: 37747562 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-023-05459-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Articular syndrome is often the presentation of a person's various rheumatic or related diseases. It includes both arthralgia and arthritis, with objective signs of joint inflammation defining the latter. This syndromic approach to joint pain enables a scientific method for early diagnosis of common rheumatic conditions without compromising the recognition of uncommon conditions. This review explores common rheumatic conditions associated with articular syndrome, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It supports the early differentiation of uncommon but emerging entities such as reactive arthritis (ReA). The aim of the review is to comprehensively overview various forms of articular syndrome to update rheumatologists' and allied health specialists' knowledge. Epidemiology, clinical presentations, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic strategies are discussed in the context of articular syndrome. The challenges emerging in the peri-pandemic COVID-19 era are highlighted. The improved understanding of the spectrum of clinical conditions and disease states presenting with articular syndrome may facilitate early diagnosis, optimal management, and enhanced patient outcomes within the realm of rheumatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Bekaryssova
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, South Kazakhstan Medical Academy, Shymkent, Kazakhstan.
| | - Prakashini Mruthyunjaya Vijaya
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Sakir Ahmed
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Suhas Sondur
- Department of Orthopedics, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Olena Zimba
- Department of Clinical Rheumatology and Immunology, University Hospital in Krakow, Kraków, Poland
- National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Internal Medicine N2, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
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30
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Boeren AMP, Khidir SJH, de Jong PHP, van der Helm-van Mil AHM, van Mulligen E. Patient-reported swelling in arthralgia patients at risk for rheumatoid arthritis: is it of value? Rheumatology (Oxford) 2023:kead606. [PMID: 37952171 PMCID: PMC7616518 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with Clinically Suspect Arthralgia (CSA) are at risk for developing Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). These patients often report joint swelling while this is not objectified by physical examination. To explore the value of patient-reported swelling in CSA, we aimed to determine its association with subclinical joint-inflammation on imaging and RA-development. METHODS In two independent, similarly designed CSA-cohorts from the Netherlands, symptomatic patients at risk for RA were studied. At baseline, patients indicated whether they had experienced swelling in hand joints. Subclinical joint-inflammation was assessed with MRI or ultrasound (US). Patients were followed for inflammatory arthritis development. RESULTS In total, 534 CSA-patients from two independent cohorts were studied, patient-reported swelling was present in 57% in cohort 1, and in 43% in cohort 2. In both cohorts patient-reported swelling was associated with subclinical joint-inflammation. Using MRI, it associated specifically with tenosynovitis (OR 3.7 (95%CI 2.0-6.9)) and when using US with synovitis (OR 2.3 (95%CI 1.04-5.3)). CSA-patients with self-reported swelling at baseline developed arthritis more often, with hazard ratios of 3.7 (95%CI 2.0-6.9) and 3.4 (95%CI 1.4-8.4) in cohort 1 and 2, respectively. This was independent of clinical predictors (e.g. morning stiffness), autoantibody-positivity and US-detected subclinical joint-inflammation. However, when corrected for MRI-detected subclinical joint-inflammation, self-reported swelling was no longer an independent predictor. CONCLUSION Patient-reported joint swelling in CSA relates to subclinical joint-inflammation and is an independent risk factor for RA-development, but it is less predictive than the presence of MRI-detected subclinical joint-inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M P Boeren
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sarah J H Khidir
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Pascal H P de Jong
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annette H M van der Helm-van Mil
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Elise van Mulligen
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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31
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Scherlinger M, Schaeverbeke T. Correspondence on 'Factors associated with progression to inflammatory arthritis in first-degree relatives of individuals with RA following autoantibody positive screening in a non-clinical setting'. Ann Rheum Dis 2023; 82:e221. [PMID: 33757969 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-220345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marc Scherlinger
- Rheumatology, Hopitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, Alsace, France
- Rheumatology Department, Centre National de Référence des Maladies Auto-Immunes et Systémiques Rares, Strasbourg, France
| | - Thierry Schaeverbeke
- Rheumatology, CHU Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- Rheumatology Department, Centre National de Référence des Maladies Auto-Immunes et Systémiques Rares, Bordeaux, France
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Arleevskaya MI, Larionova RV, Shagimardanova EI, Gogoleva NE, Kravtsova OA, Novikov AA, Kazarian GG, Carlé C, Renaudineau Y. Predictive risk factors before the onset of familial rheumatoid arthritis: the Tatarstan cohort study. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1227786. [PMID: 37877020 PMCID: PMC10593450 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1227786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A familial history of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) predisposes an individual to develop RA. This study aimed at investigating factors associated with this conversion from the Tatarstan cohort. Methods A total of 144 individuals, referred to as pre-RA and at risk for familial RA, were selected 2 years (range: 2-21 years) before conversion to RA and compared to non-converted 328 first-degree relatives (FDR) from RA as assessed after ≥2 years follow-up, and 355 healthy controls were also selected (HC). Preclinical parameters and socio-demographic/individual/HLA genetic factors were analyzed when data were available at the time of enrollment. Results As compared to FDR and HC groups, pre-RA individuals were characterized before conversion to RA by the presence of arthralgia, severe morning symptoms, a lower educational level, and rural location. An association with the HLA-DRB1 SE risk factor was also retrieved with symmetrical arthralgia and passive smoking. On the contrary, alcohol consumption and childlessness in women were protective and associated with the HLA-DRB1*07:01 locus. Conclusion Before RA onset, a combination of individual and genetic factors characterized those who are at risk of progressing to RA among those with familial RA relatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina I. Arleevskaya
- Central Research Laboratory, Kazan State Medical Academy, Kazan, Russia
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Regina V. Larionova
- Central Research Laboratory, Kazan State Medical Academy, Kazan, Russia
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Elena I. Shagimardanova
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Natalia E. Gogoleva
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Olga A. Kravtsova
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Andrej A. Novikov
- Innovation Department, Sobolev Institute of Mathematics, Siberian Brunch of Russian Academy of Science, Novosibirsk, Russia
- Immunology Department Laboratory, Institut Fédératif de Biologie, Toulouse University Hospital Center, Toulouse, France
- INFINITy, Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, INSERM U1291, CNRS U5051, University Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Caroline Carlé
- Immunology Department Laboratory, Institut Fédératif de Biologie, Toulouse University Hospital Center, Toulouse, France
- INFINITy, Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, INSERM U1291, CNRS U5051, University Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Yves Renaudineau
- Immunology Department Laboratory, Institut Fédératif de Biologie, Toulouse University Hospital Center, Toulouse, France
- INFINITy, Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, INSERM U1291, CNRS U5051, University Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
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van Boheemen L, Ter Wee MM, Falahee M, Filer A, van Beers-Tas M, Finckh A, Hensvold A, Raza K, van Schaardenburg D. The Symptoms in Persons At Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis (SPARRA) questionnaire: predicting clinical arthritis development. Scand J Rheumatol 2023; 52:460-467. [PMID: 36174085 DOI: 10.1080/03009742.2022.2116806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is a need to better define symptom characteristics associated with arthritis development in individuals at risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We investigated whether reported symptoms in at-risk individuals could predict arthritis development and whether predictive symptoms differed between seropositive and seronegative at-risk individuals. METHOD At-risk individuals from four cohorts (Netherlands, UK, Sweden, and Switzerland) completed the Symptoms in Persons At Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis (SPARRA) questionnaire. Participants had either (i) anti-citrullinated protein antibodies and/or rheumatoid factor, or (ii) relevant symptoms with or without RA antibodies. Follow up was ≥ 24 months or until clinical arthritis development. Stepwise forward selection created SPARRA prediction models for the combined group and for a seropositive subgroup. RESULTS Of 214 participants, the mean age was 50 years, 67% were female, and 27% (n = 58) developed clinical arthritis after a median time of 7 months. Four symptoms predicted arthritis development: self-reported joint swelling, joint pain moving from side to side (combined group only), feeling pins and needles in the joints, and often feeling fatigued (predicting non-arthritis). CONCLUSION Specific symptoms can provide useful information to estimate a person's RA risk. Differences in predictive symptoms between seropositive and seronegative at-risk individuals need to be further investigated. Future research is needed to determine whether changes in symptoms over time improve prediction and to determine the value of SPARRA in optimizing the selection of individuals who need to consult a rheumatologist.
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Affiliation(s)
- L van Boheemen
- Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Rheumatology, Reade, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M M Ter Wee
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M Falahee
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - A Filer
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - M van Beers-Tas
- Department of Rheumatology, Reade, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A Finckh
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - A Hensvold
- Department of Rheumatology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centrum for Rheumatology, Academic Specialist Center, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - K Raza
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
- Department of Rheumatology, Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - D van Schaardenburg
- Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Rheumatology, Reade, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Simons G, Schölin Bywall K, Englbrecht M, Johansson EC, DiSantostefano RL, Radawski C, Veldwijk J, Raza K, Falahee M. Exploring preferences of at-risk individuals for preventive treatments for rheumatoid arthritis. Scand J Rheumatol 2023; 52:449-459. [PMID: 36178461 DOI: 10.1080/03009742.2022.2116805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Some immunomodulatory drugs have been shown to delay the onset of, or lower the risk of developing, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), if given to individuals at risk. Several trials are ongoing in this area; however, little evidence is currently available about the views of those at risk of RA regarding preventive treatment. METHOD Three focus groups and three interviews explored factors that are relevant to first degree relatives (FDRs) of RA patients and members of the general public when considering taking preventive treatment for RA. The semi-structured qualitative interview prompts explored participant responses to hypothetical attributes of preventive RA medicines. Transcripts of focus group/interview proceedings were inductively coded and analysed using a framework approach. RESULTS Twenty-one individuals (five FDRs, 16 members of the general public) took part in the study. Ten broad themes were identified describing factors that participants felt would influence their decisions about whether to take preventive treatment if they were at increased risk of RA. These related either directly to features of the specific treatment or to other factors, including personal characteristics, attitude towards taking medication, and an individual's actual risk of developing RA. CONCLUSION This research highlights the importance of non-treatment factors in the decision-making process around preventive treatments, and will inform recruitment to clinical trials as well as information to support shared decision making by those considering preventive treatment. Studies of treatment preferences in individuals with a confirmed high risk of RA would further inform clinical trial design.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Simons
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - K Schölin Bywall
- Centre for Research Ethics & Bioethics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - M Englbrecht
- Freelance Healthcare Data Scientist, Eckental, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine and Institute for Clinical Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - E C Johansson
- Patient Research Partner, Swedish Rheumatism Association, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - C Radawski
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - J Veldwijk
- Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management and Erasmus Choice Modelling Centre, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - K Raza
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Department of Rheumatology, Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
- MRC Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research and Research into Inflammatory Arthritis Centre Versus Arthritis, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - M Falahee
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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Zabotti A, De Marco G, Gossec L, Baraliakos X, Aletaha D, Iagnocco A, Gisondi P, Balint PV, Bertheussen H, Boehncke WH, Damjanov NS, de Wit M, Errichetti E, Marzo-Ortega H, Protopopov M, Puig L, Queiro R, Ruscitti P, Savage L, Schett G, Siebert S, Stamm TA, Studenic P, Tinazzi I, Van den Bosch FE, van der Helm-van Mil A, Watad A, Smolen JS, McGonagle DG. EULAR points to consider for the definition of clinical and imaging features suspicious for progression from psoriasis to psoriatic arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2023; 82:1162-1170. [PMID: 37295926 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-224148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The transition from psoriasis (PsO) to psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and the early diagnosis of PsA is of considerable scientific and clinical interest for the prevention and interception of PsA. OBJECTIVE To formulate EULAR points to consider (PtC) for the development of data-driven guidance and consensus for clinical trials and clinical practice in the field of prevention or interception of PsA and for clinical management of people with PsO at risk for PsA development. METHODS A multidisciplinary EULAR task force of 30 members from 13 European countries was established, and the EULAR standardised operating procedures for development for PtC were followed. Two systematic literature reviews were conducted to support the task force in formulating the PtC. Furthermore, the task force proposed nomenclature for the stages before PsA, through a nominal group process to be used in clinical trials. RESULTS Nomenclature for the stages preceding PsA onset, 5 overarching principles and 10 PtC were formulated. Nomenclature was proposed for three stages towards PsA development, namely people with PsO at higher risk of PsA, subclinical PsA and clinical PsA. The latter stage was defined as PsO and associated synovitis and it could be used as an outcome measure for clinical trials evaluating the transition from PsO to PsA. The overarching principles address the nature of PsA at its onset and underline the importance of collaboration of rheumatologists and dermatologists for strategies for prevention/interception of PsA. The 10 PtC highlight arthralgia and imaging abnormalities as key elements of subclinical PsA that can be used as potential short-term predictors of PsA development and useful items to design clinical trials for PsA interception. Traditional risk factors for PsA development (ie, PsO severity, obesity and nail involvement) may represent more long-term disease predictors and be less robust for short-term trials concerning the transition from PsO to PsA. CONCLUSION These PtC are helpful to define the clinical and imaging features of people with PsO suspicious to progress to PsA. This information will be helpful for identification of those who could benefit from a therapeutic intervention to attenuate, delay or prevent PsA development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alen Zabotti
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, Azienda sanitaria universitaria Friuli Centrale, Udine, Italy
| | - Gabriele De Marco
- Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Centre, Chapel Allerton Hospital, Leeds, UK
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Laure Gossec
- INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, INSERM, Sorbonne Universite, Paris, France
- APHP, Rheumatology Department, Hopital Universitaire Pitie Salpetriere, Paris, France
| | | | - Daniel Aletaha
- Department of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Annamaria Iagnocco
- Scienze Cliniche e Biologiche, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Paolo Gisondi
- Department of Medicine, Section of Dermatology and Venereology, Università degli Studi di Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Peter V Balint
- 3rd Department of Rheumatology, National Institute for Rheumatology and Physiotherapy, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | | | - Nemanja S Damjanov
- Rheumatology, University of Belgrade Faculty of Medicine, Beograd, Serbia
| | - Maarten de Wit
- Medical Humanities, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Duivendrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Enzo Errichetti
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences University Hospital "Santa Maria della Misericordia", Azienda sanitaria universitaria Friuli Centrale, Udine, Italy
| | - Helena Marzo-Ortega
- Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Centre, Chapel Allerton Hospital, Leeds, UK
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Mikhail Protopopov
- Department of Gastroenterology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Charite Universitatsmedizin Berlin Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lluis Puig
- Dermatology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rubén Queiro
- Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Piero Ruscitti
- University of L'Aquila Department of Clinical Sciences and Applied Biotechnology, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Laura Savage
- Chapel Allerton Hospital Department of Dermatology, Leeds, UK
| | - Georg Schett
- Rheumatology, Erlangen University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stefan Siebert
- Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Tanja A Stamm
- Section for Outcomes Research, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Paul Studenic
- Department of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Ilaria Tinazzi
- Unit of Rheumatology, Don Calabria Sacred Heart Hospital, Negrar, Italy
| | | | - Annette van der Helm-van Mil
- Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Abdulla Watad
- Internal Medicine, Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Josef S Smolen
- Department of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Dennis G McGonagle
- Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Centre, Chapel Allerton Hospital, Leeds, UK
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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Thoms BL, Bonnell LN, Tompkins B, Nevares A, Lau C. Predictors of inflammatory arthritis among new rheumatology referrals: a cross-sectional study. Rheumatol Adv Pract 2023; 7:rkad067. [PMID: 37641692 PMCID: PMC10460484 DOI: 10.1093/rap/rkad067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Early diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory arthritis (IA) is essential to optimize disease control. We aimed to identify variables that distinguish IA from non-inflammatory arthropathy by performing a cross-sectional study of rheumatology referral letters and visit records. Further work describes time to assessment and documentation of variables within referral letters. Methods We reviewed rheumatology referral letters and new patient visits over a 6-month period. The diagnosis of IA was based on the clinical judgement of the assessing rheumatologist. IA diagnoses included RA, SpAs, unspecified IA, PMR, crystalline arthropathies and remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting oedema. Univariate analysis was performed for each variable. Multivariable logistic regression was performed on statistically significant variables. Results Of 697 patients referred for arthralgia, 25.7% were diagnosed with IA. Variables predictive of IA included tenderness and swelling on examination and ≥1 h of morning stiffness. Increasing arthralgia duration, fatigue and brain fog were negative predictors. The median time from referral to IA diagnosis was 55 days and 20.7% of these patients were seen within 6 weeks. Among referral letters, documentation of arthralgia duration, morning stiffness or joint examination findings was uncommon (31%, 20.5% and 56.7%, respectively). Conclusion We identified positive and negative predictors of IA. Referral letters often missed key information required for the triaging process. Future efforts will be directed towards build a triaging tool to improve the referral quality and capture of those patients with IA who need earlier access to rheumatology care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan L Thoms
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Robert Larner, MD College of Medicine at the University of Vermont and University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Levi N Bonnell
- Department of General Internal Medicine Research, Robert Larner, MD College of Medicine at the University of Vermont and University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Bradley Tompkins
- Quality Program, Department of Medicine, Robert Larner, MD College of Medicine at the University of Vermont and University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Alana Nevares
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Robert Larner, MD College of Medicine at the University of Vermont and University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - ChiChi Lau
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Robert Larner, MD College of Medicine at the University of Vermont and University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT, USA
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Duquenne L, Hensor EM, Wilson M, Garcia-Montoya L, Nam JL, Wu J, Harnden K, Anioke IC, Di Matteo A, Chowdhury R, Sidhu N, Ponchel F, Mankia K, Emery P. Predicting Inflammatory Arthritis in At-Risk Persons: Development of Scores for Risk Stratification. Ann Intern Med 2023; 176:1027-1036. [PMID: 37523695 DOI: 10.7326/m23-0272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammatory arthritis (IA) is an immune-related condition defined by the presence of clinical synovitis. Its most common form is rheumatoid arthritis. OBJECTIVE To develop scores for predicting IA in at-risk persons using multidimensional biomarkers. DESIGN Prospective observational cohort study. SETTING Single-center, Leeds, United Kingdom. PARTICIPANTS Persons with new musculoskeletal symptoms, a positive test result for anticitrullinated protein antibodies, and no clinical synovitis and followed for 48 weeks or more or until IA occurred. MEASUREMENTS A simple score was developed using logistic regression, and a comprehensive score was developed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox proportional hazards regression. Internal validation with bootstrapping was estimated, and a decision curve analysis was done. RESULTS Of 455 participants, 32.5% (148 of 455) developed IA, and 15.4% (70 of 455) developed it within 1 year. The simple score identified 249 low-risk participants with a false negative rate of 5% (and 206 high-risk participants with a false-positive rate of 72%). The comprehensive score identified 119 high-risk participants with a false-positive rate of 29% (and 336 low-risk participants with a false-negative rate of 19%); 40% of high-risk participants developed IA within 1 year and 71% within 5 years. LIMITATIONS External validation is required. Recruitment occurred over 13 years, with lower rates of IA in later years. There was geographic variation in laboratory testing and recruitment availability. CONCLUSION The simple score identified persons at low risk for IA who were less likely to need secondary care. The comprehensive score identified high-risk persons who could benefit from risk stratification and preventive measures. Both scores may be useful in clinical care and should also be useful in clinical trials. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE National Institute for Health and Care Research Leeds Biomedical Research Centre.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Duquenne
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, and NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds, United Kingdom (L.D., E.M.H., M.W., L.G., J.L.N., K.H., A.D.M., R.C., N.S., K.M., P.E.)
| | - Elizabeth M Hensor
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, and NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds, United Kingdom (L.D., E.M.H., M.W., L.G., J.L.N., K.H., A.D.M., R.C., N.S., K.M., P.E.)
| | - Michelle Wilson
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, and NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds, United Kingdom (L.D., E.M.H., M.W., L.G., J.L.N., K.H., A.D.M., R.C., N.S., K.M., P.E.)
| | - Leticia Garcia-Montoya
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, and NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds, United Kingdom (L.D., E.M.H., M.W., L.G., J.L.N., K.H., A.D.M., R.C., N.S., K.M., P.E.)
| | - Jacqueline L Nam
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, and NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds, United Kingdom (L.D., E.M.H., M.W., L.G., J.L.N., K.H., A.D.M., R.C., N.S., K.M., P.E.)
| | - Jianhua Wu
- Leeds Institute for Data Analytics, University of Leeds, Leeds, and Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom (J.W.)
| | - Kate Harnden
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, and NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds, United Kingdom (L.D., E.M.H., M.W., L.G., J.L.N., K.H., A.D.M., R.C., N.S., K.M., P.E.)
| | - Innocent Chidi Anioke
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom, and Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nigeria (I.C.A.)
| | - Andrea Di Matteo
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, and NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds, United Kingdom (L.D., E.M.H., M.W., L.G., J.L.N., K.H., A.D.M., R.C., N.S., K.M., P.E.)
| | - Rahaymin Chowdhury
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, and NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds, United Kingdom (L.D., E.M.H., M.W., L.G., J.L.N., K.H., A.D.M., R.C., N.S., K.M., P.E.)
| | - Navkiran Sidhu
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, and NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds, United Kingdom (L.D., E.M.H., M.W., L.G., J.L.N., K.H., A.D.M., R.C., N.S., K.M., P.E.)
| | - Frederique Ponchel
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom (F.P.)
| | - Kulveer Mankia
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, and NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds, United Kingdom (L.D., E.M.H., M.W., L.G., J.L.N., K.H., A.D.M., R.C., N.S., K.M., P.E.)
| | - Paul Emery
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, and NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds, United Kingdom (L.D., E.M.H., M.W., L.G., J.L.N., K.H., A.D.M., R.C., N.S., K.M., P.E.)
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Thompson KN, Bonham KS, Ilott NE, Britton GJ, Colmenero P, Bullers SJ, McIver LJ, Ma S, Nguyen LH, Filer A, Brough I, Pearson C, Moussa C, Kumar V, Lam LH, Jackson MA, Pawluk A, Kiriakidis S, Taylor PC, Wedderburn LR, Marsden B, Young SP, Littman DR, Faith JJ, Pratt AG, Bowness P, Raza K, Powrie F, Huttenhower C. Alterations in the gut microbiome implicate key taxa and metabolic pathways across inflammatory arthritis phenotypes. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eabn4722. [PMID: 37494472 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abn4722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Musculoskeletal diseases affect up to 20% of adults worldwide. The gut microbiome has been implicated in inflammatory conditions, but large-scale metagenomic evaluations have not yet traced the routes by which immunity in the gut affects inflammatory arthritis. To characterize the community structure and associated functional processes driving gut microbial involvement in arthritis, the Inflammatory Arthritis Microbiome Consortium investigated 440 stool shotgun metagenomes comprising 221 adults diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or psoriatic arthritis and 219 healthy controls and individuals with joint pain without an underlying inflammatory cause. Diagnosis explained about 2% of gut taxonomic variability, which is comparable in magnitude to inflammatory bowel disease. We identified several candidate microbes with differential carriage patterns in patients with elevated blood markers for inflammation. Our results confirm and extend previous findings of increased carriage of typically oral and inflammatory taxa and decreased abundance and prevalence of typical gut clades, indicating that distal inflammatory conditions, as well as local conditions, correspond to alterations to the gut microbial composition. We identified several differentially encoded pathways in the gut microbiome of patients with inflammatory arthritis, including changes in vitamin B salvage and biosynthesis and enrichment of iron sequestration. Although several of these changes characteristic of inflammation could have causal roles, we hypothesize that they are mainly positive feedback responses to changes in host physiology and immune homeostasis. By connecting taxonomic alternations to functional alterations, this work expands our understanding of the shifts in the gut ecosystem that occur in response to systemic inflammation during arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey N Thompson
- Department of Biostatistics, T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Harvard Chan Microbiome in Public Health Center, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kevin S Bonham
- Department of Biostatistics, T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Nicholas E Ilott
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedic, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Oxford University, Oxford OX3 7FY, UK
| | - Graham J Britton
- Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute and Department of Genetics and Genomic Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Paula Colmenero
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedic, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Oxford University, Oxford OX3 7FY, UK
| | - Samuel J Bullers
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedic, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Oxford University, Oxford OX3 7FY, UK
| | - Lauren J McIver
- Department of Biostatistics, T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Chan Microbiome in Public Health Center, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Siyuan Ma
- Department of Biostatistics, T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Long H Nguyen
- Department of Biostatistics, T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Chan Microbiome in Public Health Center, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Andrew Filer
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
- MRC Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research and Research Into Inflammatory Arthritis Centre Versus Arthritis, University of Birmingham, Chesterfield S41 7TD, UK
| | - India Brough
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedic, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Oxford University, Oxford OX3 7FY, UK
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LD, UK
| | - Claire Pearson
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedic, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Oxford University, Oxford OX3 7FY, UK
| | - Caroline Moussa
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedic, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Oxford University, Oxford OX3 7FY, UK
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedic, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Oxford University, Oxford OX3 7FY, UK
| | - Lilian H Lam
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedic, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Oxford University, Oxford OX3 7FY, UK
| | - Matthew A Jackson
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedic, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Oxford University, Oxford OX3 7FY, UK
| | - April Pawluk
- Department of Biostatistics, T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Chan Microbiome in Public Health Center, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Serafim Kiriakidis
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LD, UK
| | - Peter C Taylor
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LD, UK
| | - Lucy R Wedderburn
- Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology Versus Arthritis, University College London, UCLH, and GOSH, Chesterfield S41 7TD, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Biomedical Research Centre, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
- UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Brian Marsden
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedic, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Oxford University, Oxford OX3 7FY, UK
| | - Stephen P Young
- Department of Rheumatology, Sandwell & West Birmingham NHS Trust, West Bromwich B71 4HJ, UK
| | - Dan R Littman
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Kimmel Center for Biology and Medicine of the Skirball Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Jeremiah J Faith
- Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute and Department of Genetics and Genomic Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Arthur G Pratt
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
- Research into Inflammatory Arthritis Centre Versus Arthritis, Newcastle Birmingham, Glasgow, and Oxford, Chesterfield S41 7TD, UK
- Department of Rheumatology, Musculoskeletal Services Directorate, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7DN, UK
| | - Paul Bowness
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LD, UK
| | - Karim Raza
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
- MRC Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research and Research Into Inflammatory Arthritis Centre Versus Arthritis, University of Birmingham, Chesterfield S41 7TD, UK
- Department of Rheumatology, Sandwell & West Birmingham NHS Trust, West Bromwich B71 4HJ, UK
| | - Fiona Powrie
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedic, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Oxford University, Oxford OX3 7FY, UK
| | - Curtis Huttenhower
- Department of Biostatistics, T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Harvard Chan Microbiome in Public Health Center, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Dumoulin QA, Matthijssen XME, Wouters F, Krijbolder DI, Niemantsverdriet E, van der Helm-van Mil AHM. Correspondence on 'Role of joint damage, malalignment and inflammation in articular tenderness in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and osteoarthritis'. Ann Rheum Dis 2023; 82:e160. [PMID: 34226190 PMCID: PMC7615881 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-220511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fenne Wouters
- Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Annette H M van der Helm-van Mil
- Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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40
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Ohrndorf S. Beyond the synovium-interosseus tendon inflammation and the development of rheumatoid arthritis. THE LANCET. RHEUMATOLOGY 2023; 5:e367-e368. [PMID: 38251545 DOI: 10.1016/s2665-9913(23)00158-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Ohrndorf
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
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41
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Trier NH, Houen G. Anti-citrullinated protein antibodies as biomarkers in rheumatoid arthritis. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2023; 23:895-911. [PMID: 37578277 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2023.2247986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The serological biomarker anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) may have several functions but is especially important for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) along with clinical symptoms. AREAS COVERED This review provides an overview of ACPAs, which are useful in RA diagnostics and may improve our understanding of disease etiology. PubMed was searched with combinations of words related to antibodies recognizing epitopes containing the post-translationally modified amino acid citrulline in combination with rheumatoid arthritis; cyclic citrullinated peptide, CCP, anti-CCP, anti-citrullinated protein antibodies, ACPA, citrullination, peptide/protein arginine deiminase, PAD, filaggrin, vimentin, keratin, collagen, perinuclear factor, EBNA1, EBNA2, and others. From this search, we made a qualitative extract of publications relevant to the discovery, characterization, and clinical use of these antibodies in relation to RA. We highlight significant findings and identify areas for improvement. EXPERT OPINION ACPAs have high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for RA and recognize citrullinated epitopes from several proteins. The best-performing single epitope originates from Epstein-Barr Virus nuclear antigen 2 and contains a central Cit-Gly motif, which is recognized by ACPAS when located in a flexible peptide structure. In addition, ACPAs may also have prognostic value, especially in relation to early treatment, although ACPAs' main function is to aid in the diagnosis of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gunnar Houen
- Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
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Khidir SJH, van Dijk BT, Krijbolder DI, Verstappen M, van Mulligen E, van der Helm-van Mil AHM. Joint involvement in RA starts predominantly in the hands: functional, clinical and imaging studies in clinically suspect arthralgia and during progression to RA. RMD Open 2023; 9:e003107. [PMID: 37328293 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES It is unknown whether rheumatoid arthritis (RA) starts in hands or feet. To investigate this, we performed functional, clinical and imaging studies during progression from clinically suspect arthralgia (CSA) to RA. Additionally, we studied whether functional disabilities of hands/feet at CSA onset contribute to predicting RA development. METHODS 600 patients with CSA were followed for clinical inflammatory arthritis (IA) during median follow-up of 25 months, during which 99 developed IA. Functional disabilities were measured at baseline/4/12/24 months with the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ); HAQ items assessing hand disabilities and foot disabilities were selected. The course of disabilities towards IA development (here considered as t=0) was depicted by increasing incidences and analysed using linear mixed models. To evaluate robustness of findings, tender hand/foot joints and subclinical joint inflammation (measured with CE-1.5TMRI) of hand/foot were additionally studied. Associations between disabilities at CSA presentation (here t=0) and future IA development were studied using Cox regression in the total CSA population. RESULTS During IA development, hand disabilities occurred earlier and more frequently than foot disabilities. Despite both hand disabilities and foot disabilities rose significantly towards IA development, hand disabilities were more severe during this course (mean difference over time: 0.41 units, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.55, p<0.001, on a range 0-3). Similar to functional disabilities, tender joints and subclinical joint inflammation occurred earlier in the hands than feet. In the total CSA population, a single HAQ question on difficulties with dressing (hand functioning) was independently predictive for IA development: HR=2.2, 95% CI 1.4 to 3.5, p=0.001. CONCLUSION Evaluation of functional disabilities, supported by clinical and imaging findings, revealed that joint involvement starts predominantly in the hands during RA development. Additionally, a single question on dressing difficulties adds value to risk stratification in patients with CSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J H Khidir
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Bastiaan T van Dijk
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Doortje I Krijbolder
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Marloes Verstappen
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Elise van Mulligen
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Annette H M van der Helm-van Mil
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
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Khidir SJH, Boeren AMP, Boonen A, de Jong PHP, van Mulligen E, van der Helm-van Mil AHM. Clinically suspect arthralgia patients with a low educational attainment have an increased risk of developing inflammatory arthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2023; 62:1944-1949. [PMID: 35920786 PMCID: PMC10152278 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cross-sectional studies have shown that rheumatoid arthritis is more prevalent among people with a lower educational attainment. No longitudinal data are present on educational attainment in the at-risk phase of clinically suspect arthralgia (CSA). We therefore analysed the association between educational attainment and progression from CSA to inflammatory arthritis (IA), and performed mediation analysis with subclinical joint inflammation to elucidate pathways of this association. METHODS A total of 521 consecutive patients presenting with CSA were followed for IA development during median 25 months. Educational attainment was defined as low (lower secondary vocational education), intermediate or high (college/university education). Subclinical inflammation in hand and foot joints was measured at presentation with contrast enhanced 1.5 T-MRI. Cox-regression was used to analyse IA development per educational attainment. A three-step mediation analysis evaluated whether subclinical joint inflammation was intermediary in the path between educational attainment and IA development, before and after age correction. Association between educational attainment and IA development was verified in an independent CSA cohort. RESULTS Low educational attainment was associated with increased IA development (HR = 2.35, 95% CI = 1.27, 4.33, P = 0.006), independent of BMI and current smoking status (yes/no). Moreover, patients with a low educational attainment had higher levels of subclinical inflammation, which also was associated with IA development. Partial mediation effect of subclinical inflammation was observed in the relationship between education and IA development. Low educational attainment was also associated with increased IA development in the validation cohort (HR = 5.72, 95% CI = 1.36, 24.08, P = 0.017). CONCLUSION This is the first study providing evidence that lower educational attainment is associated with a higher risk of progressing from arthralgia to IA. This effect was partially mediated by subclinical joint inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J H Khidir
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden
| | - Anna M P Boeren
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam
| | - Annelies Boonen
- Department of Rheumatology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Elise van Mulligen
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam
| | - Annette H M van der Helm-van Mil
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam
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Takami K, Tsuji S, Nishikawa M, Owaki H. Association of the Clinical and Radiographic Findings at Onset With Future Joint Destruction in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis. Cureus 2023; 15:e39428. [PMID: 37362488 PMCID: PMC10288816 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.39428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Since inflammation can cause joint destruction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), it is assumed that joints that are symptomatic at onset are at higher risk of joint destruction; however, this theory remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate whether the progression of joint destruction in hands and feet could be predicted from the clinical and radiographic findings at onset. METHODS This study included 75 patients who visited our hospital within one year after the onset of RA with at least 12 months of follow-up. We examined the positive predictive value (PPV) and the sensitivity of the clinical findings (swelling, tenderness, and squeeze test) and joint destruction at onset for the progression of joint destruction. RESULTS Sixty joints (45 metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints, 15 metatarsophalangeal joints) exhibited progressive structural destruction during the study course. Both the PPV and the sensitivity of the clinical findings for the progression of joint destruction were low; however, only the sensitivity of the squeeze test for the feet was high. The PPV of joint destruction at onset was higher than the clinical findings, and the sensitivity of joint destruction at onset was as high as the squeeze test for the feet. Conclusions: Regular follow-up with imaging is necessary regardless of symptoms and joint destruction at the onset. Adding the squeeze test for feet to routine clinical practice may help predict the risk of joint destruction for the feet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Takami
- Orthopaedic Surgery, Nippon Life Hospital, Osaka, JPN
| | | | - Masataka Nishikawa
- Rheumatology, Japan Community Healthcare Organization Osaka Hospital, Osaka, JPN
| | - Hajime Owaki
- Orthopaedic Surgery, Japan Community Healthcare Organization Osaka Hospital, Osaka, JPN
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van de Stadt LA, Haugen IK, Felson D, Kloppenburg M. Prolonged morning stiffness is common in hand OA and does not preclude a diagnosis of hand osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2023; 31:529-533. [PMID: 36403716 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2022.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Prolonged morning stiffness (>60 min) is considered a symptom of inflammatory arthritis, but has a poor discriminative ability. Knowledge about morning stiffness in patients with hand osteoarthritis (OA) is lacking. We therefore studied morning stiffness in patients with hand OA. DESIGN Patients with primary hand OA according to their treating rheumatologist in the Hand OSTeoArthritis in Secondary care (HOSTAS) cohort were studied. Severity of morning stiffness was examined with Australian/Canadian hand OA index (AUSCAN) and presence and duration of morning stiffness were examined with a standardized questionnaire. Association of patient and disease characteristics with prolonged morning stiffness (>60 min) were analyzed with logistic regression. RESULTS In total 519 of 538 patients had available data about duration of morning stiffness, of whom 89 (17%) had prolonged morning stiffness. Severity of stiffness was mild in 158 of 525 (30%), intermediate in 194 (37%), severe in 97 (18%) and extreme in 19 (4%) patients. Patients with prolonged morning stiffness reported more pain, worse physical function and had a reduced mental and physical quality of life. Patients with prolonged morning stiffness also had more severe radiographic disease, although the association did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS Prolonged and severe morning stiffness are frequently present in patients with hand OA. Patients with these symptoms report more pain in general and have a lower quality of life than patients that do not report these symptoms. Prolonged morning stiffness does not preclude a diagnosis of hand OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A van de Stadt
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - I K Haugen
- Center of Treatment of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (REMEDY), Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - D Felson
- Rheumatology Section, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; NIHR Manchester Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - M Kloppenburg
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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Vinicki JP, Zamora JLV, Salinas RG, Alarcón GS. How are rheumatologists from Argentina managing patients with arthralgias suspicious for progressing to rheumatoid arthritis? Clin Rheumatol 2023; 42:1479-1483. [PMID: 36977950 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-023-06581-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Patients with arthralgias who could be at risk of progressing to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) represent a clinical challenge. Recommendations for their management and treatment are lacking. The purpose of the present study was to determine how Argentinean rheumatologists deal with these patients. We developed an anonymous ad hoc survey which was sent to 522 Argentinean rheumatologists. The RA study group of our Argentinean Rheumatology National Society assisted in forwarding the surveys to its members via the internet (e-mail or WhatsApp). The findings of the collected data are presented as descriptive statistics. The questionnaires were completed by 255 rheumatologists (overall response rate of 48.9%), and 97.6% confirmed that their practices had received medical consultations to rule out RA in patients with arthralgias. Ultrasound (US) was the method of first choice (93.7%) as part of the evaluation of these patients. For those in whom US power Doppler signal was present in at least one joint, 93.7% of the participants would start treatment and methotrexate was the first choice (58.1%). In patients with tenosynovitis but no synovitis on US, most rheumatologists would start treatment (89.4%), being NSAIDs the drug of first choice (52.3%). Argentinean rheumatologists evaluate patients with imminent RA and treat them based on their clinical judgment and findings from the US evaluation of affected joints; the drug of first choice for these patients among these rheumatologists was methotrexate. Despite published data of recent clinical trials, recommendations for the management and treatment of these patients are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Pablo Vinicki
- Sección Reumatología, Hospital de Quilmes, 770, Allison Bell, Quilmes, 1878, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | | | | | - Graciela S Alarcón
- Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
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Abstract
Various scores have attempted to predict the onset of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In particular, EULAR proposed a simple rule to identify new-onset arthralgia suspicious for progression to RA. However, its specificity would likely be higher if serological tests were included. In patients with clinical arthritis, reliable predictive criteria for progression to RA have also been identified. Overall, the validity of the available scores is still being debated. Such scores do not fully account for the interactions between risk factors in specific subpopulations. New technologies could help to overcome these limitations, but we need databases containing a sufficient number of RA and pre-RA patients, including pre-diagnostic monitoring. Today, the existing predictive rules cannot compete with expert opinions.
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Liem SIE, Neppelenbroek S, Fehres CM, Wevers BA, Toes REM, Allaart CF, Huizinga TWJ, Scherer HU, De Vries-Bouwstra JK. Progression from suspected to definite systemic sclerosis and the role of anti-topoisomerase I antibodies. RMD Open 2023; 9:e002827. [PMID: 36746531 PMCID: PMC9906376 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2022-002827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Early diagnosis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) is important to start therapeutic interventions timely. Important risk factors for progression to SSc are the SSc-specific autoantibodies, of whom anti-centromere antibodies (ACA) and anti-topoisomerase I antibodies (ATA) are the most frequent. ATA is associated with a severe disease course. A more detailed characterisation of the ATA-response in SSc might increase insights in preclinical disease stages and improve prognostication. To address this we identified all patients with suspected very early ATA-positive SSc, defined as all patients who are ATA-positive not fulfilling American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) 2013 criteria, in the Leiden Combined Care in Systemic Sclerosis (CCISS)-cohort and found very low numbers. METHODS This triggered us to search the literature on the ATA prevalence in patients with suspected very early SSc and contribution of the SSc-specific autoantibodies to progression from suspected very early to definite SSc. To increase insights on the ATA-response in suspected very early SSc, we then evaluated the association between the ATA-response and time between onset of Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and first non-RP symptom, as a proxy for progressing to definite SSc, in all patients with ATA-positive SSc from the Leiden CCISS-cohort. RESULTS In short, included studies show that prevalence of ATA is much lower in suspected very early SSc than in populations fulfilling ACR/EULAR 2013 criteria. After 1-15 years of follow-up, only 52% of the patients with suspected very early SSc progress to definite SSc. ATA-IgG levels tend to be higher in patients with ATA-positive SSc with more rapid disease progression. CONCLUSION Although a role of ATA in disease progression is suggested, more studies on the ATA response in suspected very early SSc are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie I E Liem
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sam Neppelenbroek
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Cynthia M Fehres
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Brigitte A Wevers
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - René E M Toes
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelia F Allaart
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Tom W J Huizinga
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Ulrich Scherer
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Maurits MP, Wouters F, Niemantsverdriet E, Huizinga TWJ, van den Akker EB, Le Cessie S, van der Helm-van Mil AHM, Knevel R. The Role of Genetics in Clinically Suspect Arthralgia and Rheumatoid Arthritis Development: A Large Cross-Sectional Study. Arthritis Rheumatol 2023; 75:178-186. [PMID: 36514807 PMCID: PMC10107764 DOI: 10.1002/art.42323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether established genetic predictors for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) differentiate healthy controls, patients with clinically suspect arthralgia (CSA), and RA patients. METHODS Using analyses of variance, chi-square tests, and mean risk difference analyses, we investigated the association of an RA polygenic risk score (PRS) and HLA shared epitope (HLA-SE) with all participant groups, both unstratified and stratified for anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) status. We used 3 separate data sets sampled from the same Dutch population (1,015 healthy controls, 479 CSA patients, and 1,146 early classified RA patients). CSA patients were assessed for conversion to inflammatory arthritis over a period of 2 years, after which they were classified as either CSA converters (n = 84) or CSA nonconverters (n = 395). RESULTS The PRS was increased in RA patients (mean ± SD PRS 1.31 ± 0.96) compared to the complete CSA group (1.07 ± 0.94) and compared to CSA converters (1.12 ± 0.94). In ACPA- strata, PRS distributions differed strongly when comparing the complete CSA group (mean ± SD PRS 1.05 ± 0.94) and CSA converters (0.97 ± 0.87) to RA patients (1.20 ± 0.94), while in the ACPA+ strata, the complete CSA group (1.25 ± 0.99) differed clearly from healthy controls (1.05 ± 0.94) and RA patients (1.41 ± 0.96). HLA-SE was more prevalent in the RA group (prevalence 0.64) than the complete CSA group (0.45), with small differences between RA patients and CSA converters (0.64 versus 0.60) and larger differences between CSA converters and CSA nonconverters (0.60 versus 0.42). HLA-SE prevalence differed more strongly within the ACPA+ strata as follows: healthy controls (prevalence 0.43), CSA nonconverters (0.48), complete CSA group (0.59), CSA converters (0.66), and RA patients (0.79). CONCLUSION We observed that genetic predisposition increased across pre-RA participant groups. The RA PRS differed in early classified RA and inflammatory pre-disease stages, regardless of ACPA stratification. HLA-SE prevalence differed between arthritis patients, particularly ACPA+ patients, and healthy controls. Genetics seem to fulfill different etiologic roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc P Maurits
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Fenne Wouters
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | | | - Thomas W J Huizinga
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Erik B van den Akker
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences Leiden, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia Le Cessie
- Department of Medical Statistics, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | | | - Rachel Knevel
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands, and Translational & Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Muñoz CM, Goulden B, Ahmed K, Alijotas-Reig J, Giles I. Risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes prior to the onset of an autoimmune rheumatic disease: a systematic review. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2023; 62:497-511. [PMID: 35929796 PMCID: PMC9891407 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES An increased risk of adverse maternal and foetal pregnancy complications (including pre-eclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, and small for gestational age) is well described in women with autoimmune rheumatic disease (ARD) compared with the general population (GenPop). It is less clear, however, whether this risk of adverse pregnancy outcome (APO) also exists in women with 'preclinical ARD' (pre-ARD) before they are diagnosed with an ARD many years post-partum. Therefore, we have undertaken a systematic review of the available evidence on APO in patients who subsequently were diagnosed with a rheumatic disease to identify whether there is an increased risk in pre-ARD. METHODS The present study was reported in accordance with the guidance of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standard. A systematic literature review was performed using the online PubMed database. Pre-SLE and pre-RA patients were defined as those who, over the subsequent years, developed SLE or RA according to international classification criteria. RESULTS A total of 176 articles were screened, and 27 original articles were selected for final analysis. Pre-RA was the most studied group, with 15 studies and a total of >1600 pregnancies, and pre-SLE was the second-most studied pre-ARD in pregnancy, with 14 studies and a total of >1000 pregnancies. We found that patients who subsequently developed SLE had an increased burden of poor pregnancy outcomes compared with pregnant women from the GenPop, but fewer APOs compared with pregnancies of women with SLE. In contrast, a similar rate of APOs was found when pre-RA pregnancies were compared with GenPop pregnancies. CONCLUSION Our findings of an increased risk of APO in certain pre-ARDs highlights the relevance of taking an obstetric history during the first rheumatology appointment and the need for novel screening strategies for the prediction of APOs. Further research is required to elucidate the immune basis of APOs in preclinical and clinical ARD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candido Muñoz Muñoz
- Centre for Rheumatology, Department of Inflammation, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK.,Systemic Autoimmune Disease Unit, Department of Medicine, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bethan Goulden
- Centre for Rheumatology, Department of Inflammation, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - Kawser Ahmed
- Centre of Inflammation, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jaume Alijotas-Reig
- Systemic Autoimmune Disease Unit, Department of Medicine, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ian Giles
- Centre for Rheumatology, Department of Inflammation, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
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