Long-term sustained remission in a cohort study of patients with rheumatoid arthritis: choice of remission criteria

Intensive treatment for the progression of joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis patients with low disease activity or remission

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effects of intensive treatment on joint damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) showing progression of joint damage and low disease activity or remission.

METHODS

Eighty-nine patients who had change in the van der Heijde modified total Sharp score (TSS) of >0.5 points at baseline when compared with the score 1 year ago were enrolled and categorized into two groups to receive intensive (intensive group) or current (current group) treatment. The intensive and current groups were compared for change (Δ) from baseline to 1 year of erosion score, joint space narrowing score, and TSS.

RESULTS

The ΔTSS values at 1 year in the intensive and current groups were 0.67 ± 1.09 and 1.79 ± 1.70, respectively (P < 0.001). In the intensive and current groups, the ΔTSS ≤ 0.5 at 1 year were 66.7% and 32.4%, respectively (P = 0.010).

CONCLUSIONS

The intensive treatment was more effective at suppressing joint damage than the current treatment. The progression of joint damage is an important target to consider for intensive treatment.

Increased remission with fewer corticosteroids and more biologics in rheumatoid arthritis at 7-year follow-up in real-life conditions

Remission in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an important therapeutic target that is not easy to achieve in real-life conditions. Some prognostic factors have been identified but the literature is variable. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the remission rate and the maintenance of remission in patients with RA over 7 years of follow-up in real-life conditions and to identify prognostic factors of long-term remission. Patients with RA seen at the Poitiers University Hospital were identified and clinical and biological data were collected. Data were analysed after 1 year and 7 years. Twice as many patients were in remission at 7 years than at 1 year of follow-up. 48.6% of patients who were not in remission at 1 year obtained remission at 7 years of follow-up. Patients achieving remission were more often receiving coprescription of csDMARDs and bDMARDs. Patients not in remission at 7 years were given more corticosteroids at higher doses. After 7 years of follow-up, low initial disease activity and use of csDMARDs and bDMARDs appeared to be independent positive predictive factors. Once obtained at one year, remission was maintained for 76% of our patients. As a conclusion, modern management of RA, whatever disease duration, leads to remission rates similar to those of early RA after 7 years of follow-up.

Treating-to-target in rheumatology: Theory and practice

Despite its inclusion in current treatment recommendations, adherence to the treat-to-target strategy (T2T) is still poor. Among the issues are the definition(s) of target, especially the caveats of the patient global assessment (PGA), included in all recommended definitions of remission. The PGA is poorly related to inflammation, especially at low levels of disease activity, rather being a measure of the disease impact. Up to 60% of all patients otherwise in remission still score PGA at >1 and as high as 10. These patients (PGA-near-remission) are exposed to overtreatment if current recommendations are strictly followed and will continue to endure significant impact, unless adjuvant measures are implemented. A proposed method to overcome both these risks is to systematically pursue two targets: one focused on the disease process (the biological target) and another focused on the symptoms and impact (the impact target), the dual-target strategy. Candidate instruments to define each of these targets are discussed.

Clinical remission of rheumatoid arthritis in a multicenter real-world study in Asia-Pacific region

BACKGROUND

Clinical remission is an attainable goal for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). However, data on RA remission rates from multinational studies in the Asia-Pacific region are limited. We conducted a cross-sectional multicentric study to evaluate the clinical remission status and the related factors in RA patients in the Asia-Pacific region.

METHODS

RA patients receiving standard care were enrolled consecutively from 17 sites in 11 countries from APLAR RA SIG group. Data were collected on-site by rheumatologists with a standardized case-report form. Remission was analyzed by different definitions including disease activity score using 28 joints (DAS28) based on ESR and CRP, clinical disease activity index (CDAI), simplified disease activity index (SDAI), Boolean remission definition, and clinical deep remission (CliDR). Logistic regression was used to determine related factors of remission.

FINDINGS

A total of 2010 RA patients was included in the study, the overall remission rates were 62•3% (DAS28-CRP), 35•5% (DAS28-ESR), 30•8% (CDAI), 26•5% (SDAI), 24•7% (Boolean), and 17•1% (CliDR), respectively, and varied from countries to countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Biological and targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (b/tsDMARDs) prescription rate was low (17•9%). Compared to patients in non-remission, patients in remission had higher rates of b/tsDMARDs usage and lower rates of GC usage. The favorable related factors were male sex, younger age, fewer comorbidities, fewer extra-articular manifestations (EAM), and use of b/tsDMARDs, while treatment with GC was negatively related to remission.

INTERPRETATION

Remission rates were low and varied in the Asia-Pacific region. Treatment with b/tsDMARDs and less GC usage were related to higher remission rate. There is an unmet need for RA remission in the Asia-Pacific region.

Comparison of the effects of baricitinib and tocilizumab on disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a propensity score matching analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the effects of baricitinib, a Janus kinase inhibitor, and tocilizumab, a monoclonal anti-interleukin-6 receptor antibody, on disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to investigate the influence of inflammation on improvement in patient global assessment (PGA) of disease activity.

METHODS

This study was performed based on data from a multicenter registry, and included 284 and 113 patients treated with tocilizumab and baricitinib, respectively, who were observed for longer than 24 weeks. Propensity score matching was performed to address potential treatment-selection bias. To assess the influence of inflammation on PGA, patients were divided into two groups based on whether or not they achieved improvement in C-reactive protein (CRP, an objective marker of inflammation) at 24 weeks.

RESULTS

A total of 48 matched pairs of patients were identified. Compared to treatment with tocilizumab, baricitinib showed a similar improvement in tender and swollen joint count and serum CRP levels, and a significantly greater improvement in PGA at 24 weeks. As a result, the baricitinib group had a significantly higher proportion of patients who achieved Boolean remission at 24 weeks. In subgroups of patients who did not achieve 50% or 70% CRP improvement, significant decreases from baseline to 24 weeks were observed in PGA in patients treated with baricitinib, but not in those treated with tocilizumab.

CONCLUSION

Compared to tocilizumab, baricitinib significantly improved PGA despite similar effects on inflammation in patients with RA. Moreover, the influence of inflammation on PGA improvement differed between baricitinib and tocilizumab. Key-points • Baricitinib and tocilizumab had similar effects on inflammation in RA patients. • Baricitinib improved patient global assessment (PGA) more than tocilizumab. • Baricitinib had a higher Boolean remission rate than tocilizumab at 24 weeks. • Influence of inflammation on PGA improvement differed between the two drugs.

Revisiting the use of remission criteria for rheumatoid arthritis by excluding patient global assessment: an individual meta-analysis of 5792 patients

OBJECTIVES

To determine the impact of excluding patient global assessment (PGA) from the American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Boolean remission criteria, on prediction of radiographic and functional outcome of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

Meta-analyses using individual patient data from randomised controlled trials testing the efficacy of biological agents on radiographic and functional outcomes at ≥2 years. Remission states were defined by 4 variants of the ACR/EULAR Boolean definition: (i) tender and swollen 28-joint counts (TJC28/SJC28), C reactive protein (CRP, mg/dL) and PGA (0-10=worst) all ≤1 (4V-remission); (ii) the same, except PGA >1 (4V-near-remission); (iii) 3V-remission (i and ii combined; similar to 4V, but without PGA); (iv) non-remission (TJC28 >1 and/or SJC28 >1 and/or CRP >1). The most stringent class achieved at 6 or 12 months was considered. Good radiographic (GRO) and functional outcome (GFO) were defined as no worsening (ie, change in modified total Sharp score (ΔmTSS) ≤0.5 units and ≤0.0 Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index points, respectively, during the second year). The pooled probabilities of GRO and GFO for the different definitions of remission were estimated and compared.

RESULTS

Individual patient data (n=5792) from 11 trials were analysed. 4V-remission was achieved by 23% of patients and 4V-near-remission by 19%. The probability of GRO in the 4V-near-remission group was numerically, but non-significantly, lower than that in the 4V-remission (78 vs 81%) and significantly higher than that for non-remission (72%; difference=6%, 95% CI 2% to 10%). Applying 3V-remission could have prevented therapy escalation in 19% of all participants, at the cost of an additional 6.1%, 4.0% and 0.7% of patients having ΔmTSS >0.0, >0.5 and >5 units over 2 years, respectively. The probability of GFO (assessed in 8 trials) in 4V-near-remission (67%, 95% CI 63% to 71%) was significantly lower than in 4V-remission (78%, 74% to 81%) and similar to non-remission (69%, 66% to 72%).

CONCLUSION

4V-near-remission and 3V-remission have similar validity as the original 4V-remission definition in predicting GRO, despite expected worse prediction of GFO, while potentially reducing the risk of overtreatment. This supports further exploration of 3V-remission as the target for immunosuppressive therapy complemented by patient-oriented targets.

Comparable long-term outcomes between DAS28-ESR remission criteria and ACR/EULAR definitions in patients with established rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To compare long-term clinical, immunological, and radiographic outcomes between five sets of remission criteria (four clinical and one ultrasound (US)-based) in a cohort of RA patients in a clinical care setting.

METHODS

RA patients in remission (DAS28-ESR <2.6) were selected. Hand US assessments were made, and serum levels of inflammation/angiogenesis biomarkers were determined at baseline. Changes in baseline treatment and radiographic progression, defined as the variation in the modified Sharp van der Heijde score (mSHS) at 5 years, were analyzed. Five concepts were used to define remission: DAS28-ESR<2.6, SDAI<3.3, CDAI<2.8, Boolean criteria and Power Doppler score (PD)=0.

RESULTS

Eighty-seven patients with DAS28-ESR<2.6 were included. One-third fulfilled SDAI (33.3%), CDAI (31%), and Boolean (35.6%) remission criteria, and 25.3% had no PD signal in the US evaluation. 26 patients (29.9%) changed therapy, ranging from 13.6% (PD remission) to 33.3% (CDAI remission) (p=0.11). Serum levels of ANG (p=0.015) and TNFa (p=0.025) were significantly lower in patients with Boolean remission, whereas IL-18 levels were significantly lower in those with PD remission (p=0.049). Patients without PD in the US assessment had significantly-lower mSHS erosion progression (p=0.014) at 5 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with established RA in DAS28-ESR remission had comparable clinical and radiographic outcomes in SDAI, CDAI, and Boolean definitions in a clinical care setting. US remission remained the closest to structural damage abrogation. Key Points • This study provides real world data on long-term outcomes of five clinical and imaging remission criteria in rheumatoid arthritis. • DAS28-ESR remission criteria had comparable radiographic progression and clinical prognosis than more stringent criteria in clinical practice. • US-based remission was closest to structural damage abolishment.

Disease activity trajectories in rheumatoid arthritis: a tool for prediction of outcome

Objective: Predicting treatment response and disease progression in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains an elusive endeavour. Identifying subgroups of patients with similar progression is essential for understanding what hinders improvement. However, this cannot be achieved with response criteria based on current versus previous Disease Activity Scores, as they lack the time component. We propose a longitudinal approach that identifies subgroups of patients while capturing their evolution across several clinical outcomes simultaneously (multi-trajectories). Method: For exploration, the RA cohort BARFOT (n = 2829) was used to identify 24 month post-diagnosis simultaneous trajectories of 28-joint Disease Activity Score and its components. Measurements were available at inclusion (0), 3, 6, 12, 24, and 60 months. Multi-trajectories were found with latent class growth modelling. For validation, the TIRA-2 cohort (n = 504) was used. Radiographic changes, assessed by the modified Sharp van der Heijde score, were correlated with trajectory membership. Results: Three multi-trajectories were identified, with 39.6% of the patients in the lowest and 18.9% in the highest (worst) trajectory. Patients in the worst trajectory had on average eight tender and six swollen joints after 24 months. Radiographic changes at 24 and 60 months were significantly increased from the lowest to the highest trajectory. Conclusion: Multi-trajectories constitute a powerful tool for identifying subgroups of RA patients and could be used in future studies searching for predictive biomarkers for disease progression. The evolution and shape of the trajectories in TIRA-2 were very similar to those in BARFOT, even though TIRA-2 is a newer cohort.

Impact of Patient's Global Assessment on Achieving Remission in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Multinational Study Using the METEOR Database

OBJECTIVE

There is an ongoing debate about excluding patient's global assessment (PtGA) from composite and Boolean-based definitions of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remission. This study aimed at determining the influence of PtGA on RA disease states, exploring differences across countries, and understanding the association between PtGA, measures of disease impact (symptoms), and markers of disease activity (inflammation).

METHODS

Cross-sectional data from the Measurement of Efficacy of Treatment in the Era of Outcome in Rheumatology international database were used. We calculated the proportion of patients failing American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism Boolean-based remission (4-variable remission) solely due to PtGA (PtGA-near-remission) in the overall sample and in the most representative countries (i.e., those with >3,000 patients in the database). Multivariable linear regression models were used to identify the main determinants of PtGA, grouped in predominantly inflammatory impact factors (28 tender joint counts, 28 swollen joint counts, and C-reactive protein level) and disease impact factors (pain and function).

RESULTS

This study included 27,768 patients. Excluding PtGA from the Boolean-based definition (3-variable remission) increased the remission rate from 5.8% to 15.8%. The rate of PtGA-near-remission varied considerably between countries, from 1.7% in India to 17.9% in Portugal. One-third of the patients in PtGA-near-remission group scored PtGA >4 of 10. Pain and function were the main correlates of PtGA, with inflammation-related variables contributing less to the model (R² = 0.57).

CONCLUSION

PtGA is moderately related to joint inflammation overall, but only weakly so in low levels of disease activity. A considerable proportion of patients otherwise in biologic remission still perceive high PtGA, putting them at risk of excessive immunosuppressive treatment.

Predicting drug-free remission in rheumatoid arthritis: A prospective interventional cohort study

BACKGROUND

Many patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) achieve disease remission with modern treatment strategies. However, having achieved this state, there are no tests that predict when withdrawal of therapy will result in drug-free remission rather than flare. We aimed to identify predictors of drug-free remission in RA.

METHODS

The Biomarkers of Remission in Rheumatoid Arthritis (BioRRA) Study was a unique, prospective, interventional cohort study of complete and abrupt cessation of conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Patients with RA of at least 12 months duration and in clinical and ultrasound remission discontinued DMARDs and were monitored for six months. The primary outcome was time-to-flare, defined as disease activity score in 28 joints with C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP) ≥ 2.4. Baseline clinical and ultrasound measures, circulating inflammatory biomarkers, and peripheral CD4+ T cell gene expression were assessed for their ability to predict time-to-flare and flare/remission status by Cox regression and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis respectively.

RESULTS

23/44 (52%) eligible patients experienced an arthritis flare after a median (IQR) of 48 (31.5-86.5) days following DMARD cessation. A composite score incorporating five baseline variables (three transcripts [FAM102B, ENSG00000228010, ENSG00000227070], one cytokine [interleukin-27], one clinical [Boolean remission]) differentiated future flare from drug-free remission with an area under the ROC curve of 0.96 (95% CI 0.91-1.00), sensitivity 0.91 (0.78-1.00) and specificity 0.95 (0.84-1.00).

CONCLUSION

We provide proof-of-concept evidence for predictors of drug-free remission in RA. If validated, these biomarkers could help to personalize immunosuppressant withdrawal: a therapy paradigm shift with ensuing patient and economic benefits.

Prevalence of sustained remission in rheumatoid arthritis: impact of criteria sets and disease duration, a Nationwide Study in Sweden

Objectives

The aims of this national study in Sweden of patients with RA were to: examine the prevalence of sustained remission (SR), that is, remission lasting for at least 6 months; compare the prevalence of SR in patients with early RA and established RA; study the timing of onset of and time spent in SR; and study possible predictors of SR.

Methods

Adult patients with RA included in the Swedish Rheumatology Quality registry were studied. The registry was searched for patients fulfilling remission criteria: DAS28-ESR, Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI), Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) and ACR/EULAR remission for at least 6 months. Early RA was defined as symptom duration ⩽6 months at inclusion in the Swedish Rheumatology Quality.

Results

Of 29 084 patients, 12 193 (41.9%) reached DAS28 SR at some time point during follow-up compared with 6445 (22.2%), 6199 (21.3%) and 5087 (17.5%) for CDAI, SDAI and ACR/EULAR SR, respectively. SR was more common in early RA (P < 0.001). The median time from symptom onset to SR was 1.9, 2.4, 2.4 and 2.5 years according to DAS28, CDAI, SDAI and ACR/EULAR criteria, respectively. Lower age, male sex and milder disease characteristics were associated with SR.

Conclusion

The majority of patients in this nationwide study never reached SR. Patients with early RA are more likely to reach SR than patients with established RA.

Secular trends of sustained remission in rheumatoid arthritis, a nationwide study in Sweden

Objectives

The aim of this study of patients with RA in Sweden was to investigate secular trends in achieving sustained remission (SR), i.e. DAS28 <2.6 on at least two consecutive occasions and lasting for at least 6 months.

Methods

All adult RA patients registered in the Swedish Rheumatology Quality register through 2012, with at least three registered visits were eligible, a total of 29 084 patients. Year of symptom onset ranged from 1955, but for parts of the analysis only patients with symptom onset between 1994 and 2009 were studied. In total, 95% of patients fulfilled the ACR 1987 classification criteria for RA. Odds of reaching SR for each decade compared with the one before were calculated with logistic regression and individual years of symptom onset were compared with life table analysis.

Results

Of patients with symptom onset in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, 35.0, 43.0 and 45.6% reached SR, respectively (P < 0.001 for each increment), and the odds of SR were higher in every decade compared with the one before. The hazard ratio for reaching SR was 1.15 (95% CI 1.14, 1.15) for each year from 1994 to 2009 compared with the year before. Five years after symptom onset in 2009, 45.3% of patients had reached SR compared with 15.9% in 1999.

Conclusion

There is a clear secular trend towards increased incidence of SR in patients with RA in Sweden. This trend most likely reflects earlier diagnosis and treatment start, and adherence to national and international guidelines recommending the treat to target approach.

Association of 17 Definitions of Remission with Functional Status in a Large Clinical Practice Cohort of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective.

To compare the association between different remission criteria and physical function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis followed in clinical practice.

Methods.

Longitudinal data from the METEOR database were used. Seventeen definitions of remission were tested: American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism (ACR/EULAR) Boolean-based; Simplified/Clinical Disease Activity Index (SDAI/CDAI); and 14 Disease Activity Score (DAS)-based definitions. Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) ≤ 0.5 was defined as good functional status. Associations were investigated using generalized estimating equations. Potential confounders were tested and sensitivity analyses performed.

Results.

Data from 32,915 patients (157,899 visits) were available. The most stringent definition of remission was the ACR/EULAR Boolean-based definition (1.9%). The proportion of patients with HAQ ≤ 0.5 was higher for the most stringent definitions, although it never reached 100%. However, this also meant that, for the most stringent criteria, many patients in nonremission had HAQ ≤ 0.5. All remission definitions were associated with better function, with the strongest degree of association observed for the SDAI (adjusted OR 3.36, 95% CI 3.01–3.74).

Conclusion.

The 17 definitions of remission confirmed their validity against physical function in a large international clinical practice setting. Achievement of remission according to any of the indices may be more important than the use of a specific index. A multidimensional approach, targeted at wider goals than disease control, is necessary to help all patients achieve the best possible functional status.

Repair of Erosions in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective.

The aim of this study was to examine the occurrence of repair in a cohort of conventionally treated patients with early rheumatoid arthritis over 8 years.

Methods.

There were 395 patients included in the BARFOT study having radiographs of hands and feet at inclusion, and at 1, 2, 5, and 8 years, which were chronologically scored for erosions by the Sharp/van der Heijde method. An erosion with repair was defined as an erosion that has become partially or totally filled, with or without sclerosis.

Results.

Erosions with repair were observed in 64 patients (16%) at 1 year, 113 (29%) at 2 years, 142 (36%) at 5 years, and 200 (51%) at 8 years. At the 1-year visit, 13% of the patients with at least 1 new erosion showed repair versus 3% of the patients with no new erosions (p = 0.001). At 2, 5, and 8 years the corresponding figures were 22% and 6%, 28% and 8%, and 39% and 11%, respectively (all p = 0.001). The sum of all repaired erosions correlated strongly with the sum of all erosions and with the sum of all erosion scores (ρ = 0.79 and 0.77). Presence of rheumatoid factor (RF) and anticyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP) was significantly associated with both new erosions and repair.

Conclusion.

Repair was more common than previously described. The frequency of repair increased over time and was associated with the number of erosions. RF- and anti-CCP–positivity, patient age, and presence of erosions at baseline were independent predictors of repair.

A Swedish register-based, long-term inception cohort study of patients with rheumatoid arthritis - results of clinical relevance

PURPOSE

At the end of the twentieth century, the outcome of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was shown to be unsatisfactory and new therapeutic strategies were introduced. This initiated a register-based long-term study of early RA, the Better Anti-Rheumatic PharmacOTherapy (BARFOT) study. The aims were to evaluate the disease course and to acquire knowledge for improved care.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

BARFOT is a multicentre observational study of patients with early RA, consecutively included 1992-2006. The patients are followed in daily practice according to a structured protocol for 15 years and data recorded in a web-based register. Also, through linkage of the BARFOT register to national registers we have acquired information on comorbidity and mortality.

RESULTS

In all, 2857 patients have been included and over 80 scientific articles have been published. Phenotypic characteristics at disease onset, i.e. gender, smoking habits and autoantibody profiles have been addressed. The disease course over 15 years was described. Early predictors for persistent disease activity, impaired function, joint damage and co-morbidities have been identified. Treatment strategies have been studied. A randomized sub-study gave strong support for the treatment of recent RA with low-dose prednisolone in combination with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug. Furthermore, the impact of lifestyle factors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, body weight and physical activity has been addressed.

CONCLUSION

A register-based study like BARFOT has provided a basis for optimal long-term management of patients with RA. In addition, the register has made it possible to perform a diversity of studies of RA addressing various issues of major relevance to the patients.

Remission rate and predictors of remission in patients with rheumatoid arthritis under treat-to-target strategy in real-world studies: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the remission rate of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in real-world studies and to summarize potential predictors of remission in RA. Studies reporting remission rate in patients with RA were searched from MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Scopus databases. Two reviewers independently assessed all studies according to eligibility criteria and extracted data. Generally, observational studies reporting remission rate in adult (≥ 18 years) patients with RA were included. Quality assessments were performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Pooled analyses of remission rate were conducted using a random-effects model and data were analyzed in subgroups to identify potential source of heterogeneity. Sensitivity analyses were performed by serially excluding each study. Potential predictors of remission were summarized. Thirty-one studies with ~ 82,450 RA patients in total were included. Using the DAS28 remission criteria, the pooled 3-, 6-, 12-, and 24-month remission rates were 17.2%, 16.3%, 21.5%, and 23.5%, respectively. Subgroup analyses showed that 11.7% and 13.8% of TNFi inadequate responders reached remission after 6- and 12-month use of non-TNFi biologics. Predictors of remission included male, higher education level, and lower baseline disease activity, while initial use of corticosteroids was negative predictors of remission. Sustained remission was rare regardless of different criteria used. Remission was a reachable target in real-world studies, while attention should also be paid to achieve sustained remission.

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

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

Long-term efficacy and predictors of remission following adalimumab treatment in peripheral spondyloarthritis: 3-year results from ABILITY-2

Objectives

Describe efficacy and safety of 3 years of adalimumab treatment in patients with peripheral spondyloarthritis (pSpA) and identify predictors of remission.

Methods

Patients with pSpA were randomised to adalimumab 40 mg every other week or placebo for 12 weeks; a 144-week open-label extension followed (NCT01064856). Remission was assessed by the Peripheral SpA Response Criteria (PSpARC) and Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score inactive disease (ASDAS ID). Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine predictors of remission at 1 and 3 years and sustained remission (≥24 consecutive weeks).

Results

In 165 patients, ASDAS ID was achieved by 47% at 1 year and 39% at 3 years; 36% and 33% achieved PSpARC remission, respectively. Sustained ASDAS ID and PSpARC remission were achieved by 52% (86/165) and 42% (70/165) of patients, respectively. Achieving ASDAS ID at week 12 significantly predicted 1 year (OR, 8.64 (95% CI 2.97 to 25.14)), 3 year (OR, 36.12 (95% CI 2.29 to 569.08)) and sustained ASDAS ID (OR, 8.01 (95% CI 2.47 to 25.97)); achieving PSpARC remission at week 12 consistently predicted 1 year (OR, 6.47 (95% CI 1.91 to 21.95)), 3 years (OR, 15.66 (95% CI 4.19 to 58.56)) and sustained PSpARC remission (OR, 20.27 (95% CI 5.37 to 76.46)). No baseline variables consistently predicted 1-year or 3-year remission or sustained remission. The safety profile of adalimumab was consistent with observations in other SpA disease indications.

Conclusions

In patients with pSpA, early response to adalimumab, but not baseline demographics or disease characteristics, was a better predictor of long-term remission.

Suppressing Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Does Patient Global Assessment Blur the Target? A Practice-Based Call for a Paradigm Change

OBJECTIVE

In current management paradigms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), patient global assessment (PGA) is crucial to decide whether a patient has attained remission (target) or needs reinforced therapy. We investigated whether the clinical and psychological determinants of PGA are appropriate to support this important role.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional, single-center study including consecutive ambulatory RA patients. Data collection comprised swollen 28-joint count (SJC28), tender 28-joint count (TJC28), C-reactive protein (CRP) level, PGA, pain, fatigue, function, anxiety, depression, happiness, personality traits, and comorbidities. Remission was categorized using American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism Boolean-based criteria: remission, near-remission (only PGA >1), and nonremission. A binary definition without PGA (3v-remission) was also studied. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to identify explanatory variables of PGA in each remission state.

RESULTS

A total of 309 patients were included (remission 9.4%, near-remission 37.2%, and nonremission 53.4%). Patients in near-remission were indistinguishable from remission regarding disease activity, but described a disease impact similar to those in nonremission. In multivariable analyses, PGA in near-remission was explained (R²_adjusted = 0.50) by fatigue, pain, anxiety, and function. Fatigue and pain had no relationship with disease activity measures.

CONCLUSION

In RA, a consensually acceptable level of disease activity (SJC28, TJC28, and CRP level ≤1) does not equate to low disease impact: a large proportion of these patients are considered in nonremission solely due to PGA. PGA mainly reflects fatigue, pain, function, and psychological domains, which are inadequate to define the target for immunosuppressive therapy. This consideration suggests that clinical practice should be guided by 2 separate remission targets: inflammation (3v-remission) and disease impact.

Drivers of patient global assessment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who are close to remission: an analysis of 1588 patients

Objectives

ACR/EULAR Boolean remission in RA is frequently not obtained solely due to a patient global assessment (PGA) >1/10 (a condition often designated as near-remission). This study aimed to assess which domains of impact could explain an elevated PGA in near-remission patients.

Methods

We performed an ancillary analysis of data from three cross-sectional studies in patients with established RA. Three disease activity states were defined: remission (tender and swollen joint counts, CRP and PGA all ⩽1), near-remission (tender and swollen joint counts, and CRP are all ≤1 but PGA >1) and non-remission. Physical and psychological domains were assessed using the RA Impact of Disease 0-10 (numeric rating scale) as explanatory factors of PGA. Univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to explain PGA.

Results

A total of 1588 patients (79.1% females) were analysed. The mean disease duration was 13.0 years (s.d. 9.8) and the 28-joint DAS with four variables was 3.2 (s.d. 1.4). Near-remission [mean PGA 3.6 (s.d. 1.9)] was more frequent (19.1%) than remission (12.3%). Scores of RA Impact of Disease domains were similar in near-remission and non-remission patients. In near-remission, PGA was explained (R2adjusted = 0.55) by pain (β = 0.29), function (β = 0.23), physical well-being (β = 0.19) and fatigue (β = 0.15).

Conclusion

Near-remission was more frequent than remission. These patients, despite having no signs of significant inflammation, report an impact of disease similar to the non-remission patients. PGA in near-remission seems to be driven by physical rather than psychological domains. Selecting the best therapy for these patients requires a better understanding of the meaning of PGA, both globally and in individual patients.

Sustained remission in rheumatoid arthritis: latest evidence and clinical considerations

Sustained remission is an ultimate treatment goal in the management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Historically the frequency of sustained remission was low but the frequency of achieved sustained remission is increasing over time. The last years’ clinical studies of tight control targeted treatment and intervention trials of early use of intensive strategy suggest that these treatment strategies are associated with higher rates of sustained remission. Achievement of sustained remission, in particular but not limited to early sustained remission, can provide tapering and stopping disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). With new treatment strategies drug-free sustained remission is becoming an achievable goal. Sustained remission is associated with improved outcomes in regard to function, patient-reported outcomes and survival. Drug-free sustained remission is characterized by normalized function ability and survival. Sustained remission and, in particular, drug-free sustained remission offer hope that early identification of patients with arthritis, early improved novel treatments and treatment with target to achieve remission may potentially transform the progressive course of RA disease and disrupt RA chronicity.

In this review we summarize the recent evidence on sustained remission in patients with RA, treatment strategies to achieve sustained remission, management of patients in sustained remission and significance of sustained remission from the patient perspective.

Persistently active disease is common in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, particularly in women: a long-term inception cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Despite improved treatment strategies for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), some patients do not respond satisfactorily. The aim of this study was to investigate the course and outcome of early RA diagnosed during the 1990s and followed for 8 years with a focus on those who did not respond well to treatment.

METHOD

This study included 640 patients (66% women) who were enrolled in the BARFOT (Better Anti-Rheumatic PharmacOTherapy) RA inception cohort between the years 1993 and 1999. The 28-joint count Disease Activity Score (DAS28) < 2.6 criteria were used to assess remission. Persistent disease (PD) was defined as absence of remission at all predefined follow-up visits at 1, 2, 5, and 8 years. Function was assessed by Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and Signals of Functional Impairment (SOFI) scores and radiological joint damage by the Sharp/van der Heijde score (SHS).

RESULTS

Of the 640 patients, 214 (37%) had PD (43% of the women and 25% of the men). Over the 8 years of follow-up, patients with PD had significantly worse mean values for patient's global health measured on a visual analogue scale (VAS patGH), VAS pain, HAQ, SOFI, and SHS compared with those in the non-PD group. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that female gender, current smoking, disease activity at baseline, and absence of remission at 6 months independently predicted PD.

CONCLUSIONS

Of the patients who entered the early RA inception cohort, 37% suffered a PD course over 8 years. The consequences of PD with regard to general health, pain, function, and joint damage were considerable. Of note, PD was more common in women than in men.

One-year maintenance with routine assessment of patient index data 3-based remission may inhibit radiographic progression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with routine clinical therapy: A retrospective comparison of radiographic outcome and its prognostic factors between maintained remissions with patient-reported outcome index and physician-oriented disease activity indices

OBJECTIVES

We investigated whether the maintenance of routine assessment of patient index data 3 (RAPID3) remission for one year (RAPID3-MR) may predict good radiographic outcomes. We also compared radiographic progression to prognostic factors among patients with RAPID3-MR, with the maintenance of clinical disease activity index remission for one year (CDAI-MR) or with the maintenance of 28 joint count disease activity score remission for one year (DAS28-MR).

METHODS

Of 1220 patients with available clinical data, 92 with RAPID3-MR, 80 with RAPID3-NMR (not satisfying RAPID3-MR), 45 with CDAI-MR, and 75 with DAS28-MR were retrospectively investigated. CDAI and DAS28 for clinical outcomes and the modified total Sharp score (mTSS) for radiographic joint damage were investigated for at least one year.

RESULTS

RAPID3, CDAI, DAS28, and their categories remained unchanged or significantly improved in RAPID3-MR patients but significantly deteriorated in RAPID3-NMR patients. The mean annual ΔmTSS was significantly lower in RAPID3-MR patients (0.12 ± 0.55) than in RAPID3-NMR patients (0.54 ± 1.27) (p = 0.025). There was no significant difference among RAPID3-MR patients, CDAI-MR patients (0.06 ± 0.85), and DAS28-MR patients (0.11 ± 0.89). The baseline mTSS (p = 0.038) and monotherapy with nonbiological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (p = 0.033) were good prognostic factors in RAPID3-MR patients.

CONCLUSIONS

One-year RAPID3 remission maintenance may predict good radiographic outcomes.

Early Remission Is a Realistic Target in a Majority of Patients with DMARD-naive Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective.

We analyzed remission rates at 3 and 12 months in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who were naive for disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) and who were treated in a Finnish rheumatology clinic from 2008 to 2011. We compared remission rates and drug treatments between patients with RA and patients with undifferentiated arthritis (UA).

Methods.

Data from all DMARD-naive RA and UA patients from the healthcare district were collected using software that includes demographic and clinical characteristics, disease activity, medications, and patient-reported outcomes. Our rheumatology clinic applies the treat-to-target principle, electronic monitoring of patients, and multidisciplinary care.

Results.

Out of 409 patients, 406 had data for classification by the 2010 RA criteria of the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism. A total of 68% were female, and mean age (SD) was 58 (16) years. Respectively, 56%, 60%, and 68% were positive for anticyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP), rheumatoid factor (RF), and RF/anti-CCP, and 19% had erosive disease. The median (interquartile range) duration of symptoms was 6 (4–12) months. A total of 310 were classified as RA and 96 as UA. The patients with UA were younger, had better functional status and lower disease activity, and were more often seronegative than the patients with RA. The 28-joint Disease Activity Score (3 variables) remission rates of RA and UA patients at 3 months were 67% and 58% (p = 0.13), and at 12 months, 71% and 79%, respectively (p = 0.16). Sustained remission was observed in 57%/56% of RA/UA patients. Patients with RA used more conventional synthetic DMARD combinations than did patients with UA. None used biological DMARD at 3 months, and only 2.7%/1.1% of the patients (RA/UA) used them at 12 months (p = 0.36).

Conclusion.

Remarkably high remission rates are achievable in real-world DMARD-naive patients with RA or UA.

A patient-initiated DMARD self-monitoring service for people with rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis on methotrexate: a randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effectiveness of a patient-initiated disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) self-monitoring service for people with rheumatoid (RA) or psoriatic arthritis (PsA) on methotrexate.

METHODS

A two-arm, single-centre, randomised controlled trial assessing superiority in relation to healthcare use, clinical and psychosocial outcomes. Participants were 100 adults with either RA or PsA on a stable dose of methotrexate, randomly assigned to usual care or the patient-initiated service. Intervention participants were trained how to understand and interpret their blood tests and use this information to initiate care from their clinical nurse specialist (CNS). The primary outcome was the number of outpatient visits to the CNS during the trial period. Differences between groups were analysed using Poisson regression models. Secondary outcomes were collected at baseline and after the third and sixth blood tests. Disease activity was measured using either the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints or Psoriatic Arthritis Response Criteria (PsARC), pain and fatigue using a visual numeric scale and the Health Assessment Question-II, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and SF12 were completed to assess disability, mood and quality of life, respectively. Differences between groups over time on secondary outcomes were analysed using multilevel models.

RESULTS

The patient-initiated DMARD self-monitoring service was associated with 54.55% fewer visits to the CNS (p<0.0001), 6.80% fewer visits to the rheumatologist (p=0.23) and 38.80% fewer visits to the general practitioner (p=0.07), compared with control participants. There was no association between trial arm and any of the clinical or psychosocial outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that a patient-initiated service that incorporates patients' self-monitoring DMARD therapy can lead to significant reductions in healthcare use, while maintaining clinical and psychosocial well-being.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN21613721.

Alternative Ways to Quantify Sustained Remission: Applying the Continuity Rewarded Score and Patient Vector Graph

OBJECTIVE

Although the Computer Assisted Management in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Trial-II (CAMERA-II) showed favorable clinical effects in the most intensive methotrexate (MTX)-based strategy with prednisone (MTX ± prednisone) compared to that with placebo (MTX + placebo), this beneficial difference was only seen in 1 of the 3 analyses of remission. Our objective was to investigate whether the Continuity Rewarded (ConRew) score and a simple sum score would better reveal differences regarding remission between the 2 treatment arms of CAMERA-II. Furthermore, we investigated whether the patient vector graph, which plots on patient level, would add visual information on remission compared to a conventional box plot only, which displays data on the group level.

METHODS

The ConRew method, which awards continuous periods of remission with a higher score, was applied, in addition to a simple sum score of remission periods of 4 weeks. A patient vector graph was compared with box plots.

RESULTS

Both the mean ± SD simple sum score and the ConRew score of remission were significantly higher (favorable) in the MTX + prednisone strategy group versus the MTX + placebo group, respectively: 9 ± 7 versus 12 ± 8; P = 0.003, and 23 ± 16 versus 17 ± 14; P = 0.004. The patient vector graphs show a visual pattern of more and longer periods of remission in the MTX + prednisone strategy and visually add information to the box plots.

CONCLUSION

The simple sum of remission periods, the ConRew score, and the patient vector graph add understanding and discrimination to the analysis of the remission outcome in CAMERA-II.

Earlier time to remission predicts sustained clinical remission in early rheumatoid arthritis--results from the Canadian Early Arthritis Cohort (CATCH)

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prevalence and predictive factors of sustained remission in an early rheumatoid arthritis (ERA) population. Predictive factors of sustained remission in ERA are unknown. We hypothesized that a short time to remission is an important predictor of sustained clinical remission.

METHODS

Patients in the Canadian Early Arthritis Cohort were included. Remission was defined by Boolean-based American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism clinical trial and clinical practice definitions and Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI). Logistic regression analysis identified predictors of sustained remission and influence of time to remission.

RESULTS

Of 1840 patients, 633 (34%) achieved clinical trial remission, 759 (41%) clinical practice remission, and 727 (39%) SDAI remission. Over half of those meeting remission criteria achieved sustained remission based on clinical trial (55%), clinical practice (60%), and/or SDAI (58%). Corticosteroid use and lack of initial disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) were associated with decreased probability of sustained remission, while initial combination DMARD increased this probability. Female sex, greater pain, and longer time to first remission made sustained remission less likely.

CONCLUSION

Female sex, greater pain, and lack of initial DMARD therapy reduced the probability of sustained remission. A shorter time to remission is related to sustainability and supports striving for early remission.

The effect of different remission definitions on identification of predictors of both point and sustained remission in rheumatoid arthritis treated with anti-TNF therapy

OBJECTIVE

Predictors of remission in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been defined in cross-sectional analyses using the 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28), but not with newer composite disease activity measures or using the more clinically relevant state of sustained remission. We have evaluated predictors of remission using cross-sectional and longitudinal durations of disease state, and by applying additional definitions of remission [American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism Boolean, Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI), and Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI)].

METHODS

Individuals in the Alberta Biologics Pharmacosurveillance Program were classified for the presence of remission (point and/or sustained > 1 yr) by each of the 4 definitions. Multivariate models were constructed including all available variables in the dataset and refined to optimize model fit and predictive ability to calculate OR for remission.

RESULTS

Nonsmoking status independently predicted point remission by all definitions (OR range 1.20-2.71). Minority ethnicity decreased odds of remission by DAS28 (OR 0.13) and CDAI (OR 0.09) definitions. Male sex was associated with DAS28 remission (OR 2.85), whereas higher baseline physician global (OR 0.67) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate values (OR 0.98) decreased odds of DAS28 remission. Higher baseline patient global score (OR 0.77) and swollen joint counts (OR 0.93) were negative predictors for CDAI remission. Higher baseline Health Assessment Questionnaire (OR 0.62) reduced odds for remission by the SDAI definition, and educational attainment increased these odds (OR 2.13). Sustained remission was negatively predicted by baseline physician global for the DAS28 (OR 0.80), and higher tender joint count (OR 0.96) for the CDAI.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrate the influence of duration of remission state and remission definition on defining independent predictors for remission in RA requiring anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy. These predictors offer improved applicability for modern rheumatology practice.

Prevalence and concordance of early and sustained remission assessed by various validated indices in the early arthritis "ESPOIR" cohort

OBJECTIVES

To assess the prevalence of remission in early arthritis, to evaluate the concordance across different criteria sets in defining this state, and to look for predictive factors for early and sustained remission.

METHODS

Patients from the ESPOIR cohort were followed-up every 6months. We analysed early remission and sustained remission in 3 groups of patients: patients having rheumatoid arthritis (RA) according to 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria, undifferentiated arthritis (UA), and the whole cohort. Remission was defined according to ACR/EULAR criteria, 28 Joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28<2.6), and Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI≤3.3). Agreement was evaluated by k-coefficient. Predictive factors for sustained remission at 1, 3 and 5year in RA patients were analyzed.

RESULTS

Eight hundred and nineteen patients were included. Early remission rates in the RA/UA/ESPOIR groups were observed in respectively 29.2% (181/682), 51.4% (55/123) and 32.7% (239/813) of patients by DAS28; 15.7%, 29.1% and 18% by SDAI; and 11.2%, 29.1% and 12.8% by ACR/EULAR criteria. Agreement between classifications of remission was low for DAS28 vs. ACR/EULAR (k=0.44), high for SDAI vs. ACR/EULAR (k=0.78), and moderate for SDAI vs. DAS28 (k=0.54). Lower baseline disease activity scores, non-menopausal status and younger age were the best predictive factors for sustained remission, with consistent results across the 3 definitions of remission.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that the rate of early and sustained remission in early arthritis is dependent on the definition used, with a variable degree of agreement across criteria sets, but with consistent predictive factors of favourable outcome in patients finally diagnosed with RA.