1
|
Ramiro S, Landewé R, van der Heijde D, Sepriano A, FitzGerald O, Østergaard M, Homik J, Elkayam O, Thorne JC, Larché MJ, Ferraccioli G, Backhaus M, Boire G, Combe B, Schaeverbeke T, Saraux A, Dougados M, Rossini M, Govoni M, Sinigaglia L, Cantagrel AG, Allaart CF, Barnabe C, Bingham CO, van Schaardenburg D, Hammer HB, Dadashova R, Hutchings E, Paschke J, Maksymowych WP. Stricter treat-to-target in RA does not result in less radiographic progression: a longitudinal analysis in RA BIODAM. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2023; 62:2989-2997. [PMID: 36645243 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead021] [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: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate whether meticulously following a treat-to-target (T2T)-strategy in daily clinical practice will lead to less radiographic progression in patients with active RA who start (new) DMARD-therapy. METHODS Patients with RA from 10 countries starting/changing conventional synthetic or biologic DMARDs because of active RA, and in whom treatment intensification according to the T2T principle was pursued, were assessed for disease activity every 3 months for 2 years (RA-BIODAM cohort). The primary outcome was the change in Sharp-van der Heijde (SvdH) score, assessed every 6 months. Per 3-month interval DAS44-T2T could be followed zero, one or two times (in a total of two visits). The relation between T2T intensity and change in SvdH-score was modelled by generalized estimating equations. RESULTS In total, 511 patients were included [mean (s.d.) age: 56 (13) years; 76% female]. Mean 2-year SvdH progression was 2.2 (4.1) units (median: 1 unit). A stricter application of T2T in a 3-month interval did not reduce progression in the same 6-month interval [parameter estimates (for yes vs no): +0.15 units (95% CI: -0.04, 0.33) for 2 vs 0 visits; and +0.08 units (-0.06; 0.22) for 1 vs 0 visits] nor did it reduce progression in the subsequent 6-month interval. CONCLUSIONS In this daily practice cohort, following T2T principles more meticulously did not result in less radiographic progression than a somewhat more lenient attitude towards T2T. One possible interpretation of these results is that the intention to apply T2T already suffices and that a more stringent approach does not further improve outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Ramiro
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Rheumatology, Zuyderland Medical Center, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Robert Landewé
- Department of Rheumatology, Zuyderland Medical Center, Heerlen, The Netherlands
- Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam Rheumatology Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Alexandre Sepriano
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Oliver FitzGerald
- Conway Institute for Biomolecular Research, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mikkel Østergaard
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research, Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup and Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Joanne Homik
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Ori Elkayam
- Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center and the "Sackler" Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - J Carter Thorne
- The Arthritis Program Research Group, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Maggie J Larché
- Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, Divisions of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergy, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | | | - Marina Backhaus
- Park-Klinik Weissensee, Academic Hospital of the Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gilles Boire
- Department of Medicine/Division of Rheumatology, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux de l'Estrie-Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke (CIUSSS de l'Estrie-CHUS), University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Bernard Combe
- Department of Rheumatology, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Thierry Schaeverbeke
- Department of Rheumatology, FHU ACRONIM, University Hospital of Bordeaux, University of Bordeaux, France
| | - Alain Saraux
- LBAI, U1227, Université Brest, Inserm, CHU Brest, Brest, France
| | - Maxime Dougados
- Rheumatology Department, Paris Cité University, Cochin Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, INSERM (U1153): Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, PRES Sorbonne Paris-Cité, Paris, France
| | - Maurizio Rossini
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Marcello Govoni
- Rheumatology Unit, S. Anna Hospital and University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luigi Sinigaglia
- Department of Rheumatology, Gaetano Pini Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alain G Cantagrel
- Department of Rheumatology, CHU Toulouse, Paul Sabatier University, Toulouse, France
| | - Cornelia F Allaart
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Cheryl Barnabe
- Departments of Medicine and Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | | | - Hilde B Hammer
- Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gessl I, Hana CA, Deimel T, Durechova M, Hucke M, Konzett V, Popescu M, Studenic P, Supp G, Zauner M, Smolen JS, Aletaha D, Mandl P. Tenderness and radiographic progression in rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2023; 82:344-350. [PMID: 36261248 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2022-222787] [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: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the predictive value of tenderness in the absence of swelling with consideration of other potential risk factors for subsequent radiographic progression in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). METHODS Clinical and sonographic (grey scale and power Doppler (PD)) examination of 22 joints of the hand were performed in patients with RA and PsA. The impact of tenderness on progression after 2 years was analysed in non-swollen joints for RA and PsA separately with multilevel mixed logistic regression analysis. RESULTS We included 1207 joints in 55 patients with RA and 352 joints in 18 patients with PsA. In RA, tenderness was associated with radiographic progression after 2 years (model 2: OR 1.85 (95% CI 1.01 to 3.27), p=0.047), although the association of PD (OR 2.92 (95% CI 1.71 to 5.00), p<0.001) and erosions (OR 4.74 (95% CI 2.44 to 9.23), p<0.001) with subsequent structural damage was stronger. In PsA, we found a positive but not significant association between tenderness and radiographic progression (OR 1.72 (95% CI 0.71 to 4.17), p=0.23). In contrast, similarly to RA, erosions (OR 4.62 (95% CI 1.29 to 16.54), p=0.019) and PD (OR 3.30 (95% CI 1.13 to 9.53), p=0.029) had a marked effect on subsequent structural damage. CONCLUSION Our findings imply that tenderness in non-swollen joints in RA is associated with subsequent damage. In both diseases, additional risk factors, such as sonographic signs for synovitis and baseline radiographic damage are associated with radiographic progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irina Gessl
- Departement of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia A Hana
- Departement of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Deimel
- Departement of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martina Durechova
- Departement of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Miriam Hucke
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Nephrology, Klinikum Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, Klagenfurt, Austria
| | - Victoria Konzett
- Departement of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mihaela Popescu
- Department of Rheumatology, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Paul Studenic
- Departement of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Medicine (Solna), Division of Rheumatology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gabriela Supp
- Departement of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Zauner
- Departement of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Josef S Smolen
- Departement of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniel Aletaha
- Departement of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Mandl
- Departement of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Choe JY, Lee CU, Kim SK. Association between Novel Hematological Indices and Measures of Disease Activity in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:medicina59010117. [PMID: 36676741 PMCID: PMC9862645 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59010117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Hematological indices have been known to be available markers used for evaluating disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study serves to verify the association between four different hematological indices and disease activity measures in patients with RA. Materials and Methods: The study included 257 female RA patients and 71 age-matched female controls. Four hematological indices, namely systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), neutrophil-to-hemoglobin and lymphocyte (NHL) score, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), were evaluated. Composite measures of RA included Disease Activity Score 28 joints (DAS28), the simplified disease activity index (SDAI), and the clinical disease activity index (CDAI). Results: Patients with RA showed statistically higher SII, NHL score, NLR, and PLR compared with controls. SII and NHL score were significantly associated with DAS28 erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR), DAS28 C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP), CDAI, and SDAI, whereas NLR was related to DAS28-CRP, CDAI, and SDAI. SII, NHL score, and NLR tended to increase as disease activity based on DAS28-ESR, DAS28-CRP, and CDAI worsened. In the analysis using receiver operating characteristic curve of hematological indices for diagnostic accuracy, the area under the curve was 0.703 (95% confidence interval, CI 0.637−0.769, p < 0.001) for SII and 0.705 (95% CI 0.639−0.770, p < 0.001) for NHL score, which showed acceptable potential for the diagnosis of RA. Four hematological indices showed weak potential for the detection of remission. Conclusions: The present study results showed that SII and NHL scores might be useful markers that adequately reflect disease activity and lead to more accurate diagnosis in RA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Yoon Choe
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Uk Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kwak’s Hospital, Daegu 41919, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Kyu Kim
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-53-650-3465; Fax: +82-53-629-8248
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Svensson B, Andersson MLE, Gjertsson I, Hafström I, Ajeganova S, Forslind K. Erosion-free rheumatoid arthritis: clinical and conceptional implications-a BARFOT study. BMC Rheumatol 2022; 6:88. [PMID: 36581910 PMCID: PMC9801569 DOI: 10.1186/s41927-022-00317-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bone erosions may appear early or later during rheumatoid arthritis (RA), causing joint damage and functional impairment. However, in some patients erosions do not occur, even after several years of disease. This study evaluates the prevalence, clinical relevance and possible predictors of erosion-free RA. METHODS Six hundred and eight patients from an early RA cohort (BARFOT) having radiographs of hands and feet at inclusion and after 1, 2, 5 and 8 years were studied. Clinical and functional assessments were performed on all these time-points. RESULTS In all, 144 patients (24%) did not develop erosions up to 8 years follow-up (Never erosive group), while 464 patients (76%) had erosions on one or more assessments (Ever erosive group). At diagnosis, the patients in the Never erosive group were significantly younger, satisfied fewer ACR criteria, and were less frequently RF- and/or anti-CCP- positive compared with those in the Ever erosive group. The Never erosive patients had consistently more tender joints, lower erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and, from two years and onwards, fewer swollen joints. Absence of rheumatoid factor (RF) and/or anti-CCP were strong independent predictors for erosion-free disease. The erosion-free patients were less frequently treated with DMARDs and/or prednisolone. CONCLUSIONS One-quarter of the patients was erosion-free during eight years in this early RA cohort. Erosion-free patients had a less severe disease course as to disease activity and were more often seronegative compared with those with erosive disease. The results suggest that non-erosive RA represents a milder form of RA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Björn Svensson
- grid.4514.40000 0001 0930 2361Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Maria L. E. Andersson
- grid.4514.40000 0001 0930 2361Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden ,Spenshult Research and Development Center, Halmstad, Sweden
| | - Inger Gjertsson
- grid.8761.80000 0000 9919 9582Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ingiäld Hafström
- grid.24381.3c0000 0000 9241 5705Division of Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sofia Ajeganova
- grid.24381.3c0000 0000 9241 5705Division of Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden ,grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Department of Clinical Sciences, Rheumatology Division, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kristina Forslind
- grid.4514.40000 0001 0930 2361Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden ,Spenshult Research and Development Center, Halmstad, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hammer HB, Caporali R. Controversies in rheumatology: Ultrasound for monitoring of RA - do we need it? Rheumatology (Oxford) 2022; 61:4245-4251. [PMID: 35394009 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical joint examination is the cornerstone for evaluation of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, since large discrepancies have been shown even between experienced rheumatologists in evaluation of joint inflammation, and tender joints may have limited value in reflecting inflammation, ultrasound has in the last decennials been introduced in the clinical assessments of RA patients. Ultrasound has high accordance with other imaging modalities and enables detection of clinically difficult pathologies and contributes to assessments of joints difficult to evaluate clinically. However, there is no general agreement on the optimal use of ultrasound in rheumatology and the prevalence of machines as well as the level of experience is highly different across the countries. In addition, standardized use of ultrasound in treat-to-target follow-up of RA patients was found not to have any added value. Thus, how to use ultrasound in monitoring of RA patients is open for debate. The present article will discuss the pros and cons for using ultrasound in the clinical setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hilde Berner Hammer
- Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Faculty of medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Roberto Caporali
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Department of Rheumatology and Medical Sciences, ASST Pini-CTO, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
de la Vega M, Guerra Bautista G, Xavier RM, Pacheco-Tena C, Solano G, Pedersen RD, Szumski AE, Borlenghi C, Santana K, Vlahos B. Predictors of response to etanercept-methotrexate treatment: a post hoc logistic regression analysis of a randomized, open-label study in Latin American patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Adv Rheumatol 2021; 61:56. [PMID: 34496979 DOI: 10.1186/s42358-021-00213-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Determining potential predictors of clinical response would allow a more personalized rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment approach in heterogeneous populations such as Latin American (LA) patients. METHODS Post hoc analysis to identify baseline characteristics predictive of clinical remission in response to treatment with etanercept (ETN) plus methotrexate (MTX) in LA patients with moderate to severe MTX-resistant RA. We report data from the group of patients who received ETN 50 mg/week plus MTX (ETN + MTX, n = 281) in a clinical trial consisting of an initial 24-week open-label phase, followed by a 104-week extension. Remission was defined as 28-joint Disease Activity Score with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) score < 2.6. Cutoff values to dichotomize baseline variables maximizing the detection of remission were obtained from Receiver Operator Curve analyses. Baseline dichotomized and categorical variables were analyzed altogether in a stepwise logistic regression model. Odds of attaining response at Weeks 24 and 128 were estimated for each significant predictor. RESULTS At Week 24 and Week 128, 27% (66/241) and 42% (91/219) of patients in the ETN + MTX group achieved remission. On average, patients achieving remission were younger and had lower baseline ESR, lower Physician Global Assessment (PGA) scores, lower total Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) scores, and lower visual analog scale (VAS) Pain scores compared with patients who did not achieve remission. The best subset of baseline variables predicting Week 24 remission in the stepwise regression model were age ≤ 49 years (odds ratio [OR] 2.93), body mass index (BMI) > 28.5 kg/m2 (OR 3.24), disease duration > 3.7 years (OR 2.22), ESR ≤ 42 mm/h (OR 2.72), PGA ≤ 6 (OR 3.21), tender joint count ≤ 14 (OR 2.25), and total HAQ score ≤ 1.6 (OR 2.86). At Week 128, age ≤ 42 years (OR 2.21), SF-36 Mental Health Scale score > 39.6 (OR 2.16), White race (OR 4.07), > 18 swollen joints (OR 2.11), and VAS Pain ≤ 41 (OR 6.05) at baseline were the best subset of significant predictors of remission. CONCLUSIONS In LA patients with RA, younger age, higher BMI, longer disease duration, higher SF-36 Mental Health Scale score, higher swollen joint count, and overall lower disease activity predicted clinical response to ETN + MTX therapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00848354.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria de la Vega
- CEIM Investigaciones Médicas, Laprida 1307, Ciudad De Buenos Aires, 1425, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gessl I, Aletaha D, Mandl P. Can imaging help unravel pain in psoriatic arthritis? Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 61:488-489. [PMID: 34320634 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keab596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Irina Gessl
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept. of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniel Aletaha
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept. of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Mandl
- Division of Rheumatology, Dept. of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gessl I, Popescu M, Schimpl V, Supp G, Deimel T, Durechova M, Hucke M, Loiskandl M, Studenic P, Zauner M, Smolen JS, Aletaha D, Mandl P. Role of joint damage, malalignment and inflammation in articular tenderness in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and osteoarthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2021; 80:884-890. [PMID: 33436384 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-218744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine whether clinical tenderness can be considered a sign of inflammatory joint activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA) or psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and to assess other possible factors associated with tenderness. METHODS Patients diagnosed with RA, PsA and OA underwent clinical and ultrasound examination of wrists and finger joints. Radiographs of the hands were scored for erosions, joint space narrowing (JSN), osteophytes and malalignment. A binary damage score (positive if ≥1 erosion, JSN and/or presence of malalignment) was calculated. Differences in grey scale signs of synovitis and power Doppler (PD) between tender non-swollen (TNS) versus non-tender non-swollen (NTNS) joints were calculated. Disease duration was assessed,<2 years was regarded as early and >5 years as long-standing arthritis. RESULTS In total, 34 patients (9 early and 14 long-standing) from patients with RA, 31 patients (7 early and 15 long-standing) with PsA and 30 with OA were included. We found equal frequencies of PD signal between TNS and NTNS joints in RA (p=0.18), PsA (p=0.59) or OA (p=0.96). However, PD had a significant association with tenderness in early arthritis both in RA (p=0.02) and in PsA (p=0.02). The radiographic damage score showed significant association with tenderness in RA (p<0.01), PsA (p<0.01) and OA (p=0.04). CONCLUSION Tenderness might not always be a sign of active inflammation in RA, PsA and OA. While tenderness in early arthritis may be more related to inflammation, established disease is better explained by joint damage and malalignment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irina Gessl
- Department of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mihaela Popescu
- Department of Rheumatology, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Victoria Schimpl
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Klinik Donaustadt, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gabriela Supp
- Department of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Deimel
- Department of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martina Durechova
- Department of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Miriam Hucke
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Nephrology, Klinikum Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, Klagenfurt, Kärnten, Austria
| | - Michaela Loiskandl
- Department of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Paul Studenic
- Department of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Zauner
- Department of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Josef S Smolen
- Department of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniel Aletaha
- Department of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Mandl
- Department of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Carvajal Alegria G, Milin M, Gandjbakhch F, Saraux A, Bailly F, Jousse-Joulin S, Schaeverbeke T, Lukas C, Foltz V, Fautrel B, Devauchelle-Pensec V. A simplified radiographic score effectively predicts radiographic progression of early arthritis in a large nationwide French cohort. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2020; 59:1566-1573. [PMID: 31628807 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kez450] [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: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 09/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Evaluating radiographic progression is a key component of the follow-up of patients with RA. Existing scores are ill-suited to everyday clinical practice. The objective here was to validate a new simplified radiographic score (SRS) for evaluating radiographic progression in patients with early arthritis. METHODS Patients with arthritis of <6 months' duration were included in the large, prospective, nationwide, French ESPOIR cohort. Radiographs of the hands and feet were obtained at inclusion then 1 and 5 years later. The modified Sharp scores and SRS were determined by blinded readers. Interobserver reliability and intraobserver repeatability of each score, as well as agreement between the two scores, were assessed by computing the intraclass correlation coefficients. The rates of progression over the first year and the next 4 years were determined. RESULTS The 506 patients with complete data for the first 5 years were included. At inclusion, the intraclass correlation coefficient between the two scores was good for erosions (0.715, P < 0.001), joint space narrowing (0.892, P < 0.001) and the total score (0.896, P < 0.001). Agreement between the two scores was also good for radiographic progression after 1 year (0.781, P < 0.001). The SRS had good positive and negative predictive values for slow and for rapid progression. SRS determination was less time consuming. CONCLUSION The SRS is effective for monitoring radiographic progression in early arthritis and is easier to use and less time-consuming than the Sharp score. The usefulness of the SRS in clinical practice deserves further evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Carvajal Alegria
- UMR1227, Lymphocytes B et Autoimmunité, Université de Brest, Inserm, LabEx IGO, Brest.,Rheumatology Department, Cavale Blanche Hospital, Brest
| | - Morgane Milin
- Rheumatology Department, Hôpital Yves Le Foll, Saint-Brieuc
| | - Frédérique Gandjbakhch
- Sorbonne Université, UMR S 1136, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et Santé publique, Paris.,APHP, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, Rheumatology Department Unit, Paris
| | - Alain Saraux
- UMR1227, Lymphocytes B et Autoimmunité, Université de Brest, Inserm, LabEx IGO, Brest.,Rheumatology Department, Cavale Blanche Hospital, Brest
| | - Florian Bailly
- Sorbonne University, Paris.,Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, APHP, Pain Unit, Paris
| | - Sandrine Jousse-Joulin
- UMR1227, Lymphocytes B et Autoimmunité, Université de Brest, Inserm, LabEx IGO, Brest.,Rheumatology Department, Cavale Blanche Hospital, Brest
| | | | - Cédric Lukas
- Rheumatology Department, Montpellier University, Montpellier Hospital and EA2415, Montpellier, France
| | - Violaine Foltz
- Sorbonne Université, UMR S 1136, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et Santé publique, Paris.,APHP, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, Rheumatology Department Unit, Paris
| | - Bruno Fautrel
- Sorbonne Université, UMR S 1136, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et Santé publique, Paris.,APHP, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, Rheumatology Department Unit, Paris
| | - Valérie Devauchelle-Pensec
- UMR1227, Lymphocytes B et Autoimmunité, Université de Brest, Inserm, LabEx IGO, Brest.,Rheumatology Department, Cavale Blanche Hospital, Brest
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hammer HB, Michelsen B, Sexton J, Haugen IK, Provan SA, Haavardsholm EA, Uhlig T, Kvien TK. Swollen, but not tender joints, are independently associated with ultrasound synovitis: results from a longitudinal observational study of patients with established rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2019; 78:1179-1185. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2019-215321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
ObjectivesJoint swelling and tenderness are considered a proxy for inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). With ultrasound-detected inflammation as reference, our objectives were to explore on patient and joint level the associations between ultrasound synovitis and joint swelling, tenderness and patient-reported joint pain (PRJP).Methods209 patients with established RA were examined six times during 12 months with assessment of 32 joints in upper/lower extremities for joint swelling/tenderness and Grey scale (GS)/power Doppler (PD) synovitis. PRJP was assessed on a manikin. Correlations between different sum scores were at each examination calculated using Spearman’s rho (r), agreement at joint level was examined by Cohen’s kappa and logistic regression models were used to explore the associations between joint assessment and GS/PD scores.ResultsAt patient level, swollen joints were strongly correlated with GS/PD sum scores (r=0.64–0.88), while tender joints were primarily associated with PRJP (r=0.54–0.68). At joint level, GS/PD pathology had higher agreement with swelling (kappa 0.54–0.57) than tenderness (kappa 0.20–0.21) or PRJP (0.23–0.25). Higher percentages of joints were swollen according to increasing GS/PD scores, independently of joint tenderness. However, joints being tender, but not swollen, were not associated with GS/PD scores. Receiver operating curves showed swollen but not tender joints to be associated with GS/PD scores.ConclusionsSwollen joints were strongly associated with ultrasound detected synovitis at both patient and joint level, while this association was not found for tender joints. These results may question if tender joints reflect ongoing inflammation in established RA.
Collapse
|
11
|
Ciurtin C, Jones A, Brown G, Sin FE, Raine C, Manson J, Giles I. Real benefits of ultrasound evaluation of hand and foot synovitis for better characterisation of the disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis. Eur Radiol 2019; 29:6345-6354. [PMID: 31028442 PMCID: PMC6795612 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-019-06187-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Optimal management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) depends on accurate evaluation of disease activity. Foot synovitis is not included in the most used RA outcome measure (DAS-28 score). The aim of this study was to investigate how musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK-US) examination of hand and feet correlate with the disease activity score (DAS-28 score). We also explored whether performing MSK-US assessments of hands alone compared with hands and feet underestimates the disease activity in RA. Methods This is a real-life cross-sectional study of 101 patients (51 with RA and 50 with other musculoskeletal conditions) with inflammatory small joint pain, who underwent MSK-US examination of hands and feet. Results MSK-US-detected hand synovitis was found in 18/51 (35.3%) RA patients and 16/50 (32%) of those with other musculoskeletal conditions (p = 0.96), while foot synovitis was detected in 18/51 (35.3%) and 12/50 (24%) patients, respectively (p = 0.78). DAS-28 did not correlate with any of the US outcome measures in patients with RA. Six out of 13 (46.1%) RA patients in remission, 7/14 (50%) with low disease activity and 18/32 (56.2%) with moderate disease activity (according to DAS-28 definition) had active synovitis as assessed by the MSK-US examination of their hands and feet. MSK-US-detected synovitis led to treatment escalation in 26/51 (51%) RA patients. Conclusion This study emphasises that MSK-US examination of hands and feet has led to optimised management of the majority of RA patients, which would have not been possible otherwise, because of the lack of correlation between DAS-28 assessment and MSK-US outcomes. Key Points • The most used disease activity score in rheumatoid arthritis (DAS-28) did not correlate with US outcome measures derived from hands and feet examination. • DAS-28 did not differentiate between RA patients with subclinical active synovitis versus well-controlled disease on US. • As a result of US examination of the hands and feet, 51% RA patients had their immunosuppressive treatment optimised. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00330-019-06187-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Coziana Ciurtin
- Department of Rheumatology, University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, 250 Euston Road, London, NW1 2PG, UK.
| | - Alexis Jones
- Department of Rheumatology, University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, 250 Euston Road, London, NW1 2PG, UK
| | - Geraint Brown
- Department of Rheumatology, University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, 250 Euston Road, London, NW1 2PG, UK
| | - Fang En Sin
- Department of Rheumatology, University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, 250 Euston Road, London, NW1 2PG, UK
| | - Charles Raine
- Department of Rheumatology, University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, 250 Euston Road, London, NW1 2PG, UK
| | - Jessica Manson
- Department of Rheumatology, University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, 250 Euston Road, London, NW1 2PG, UK
| | - Ian Giles
- Department of Rheumatology, University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, 250 Euston Road, London, NW1 2PG, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Salaffi F, Di Carlo M, Iannone F, Fedele AL, Epis OM, Pellerito R, Foti R, Passiu G, Punzi L, Furini F, Sarzi-Puttini P, Carletto A, Gremese E, Lapadula G, Ferraccioli G. The UltraSound-CLinical ARthritis Activity (US-CLARA) index: Properties of a new composite disease activity index for rheumatoid arthritis. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2017; 47:619-629. [PMID: 29102157 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2017.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Revised: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess validity, responsiveness and interpretability of the UltraSound-CLinical ARthritis Activity (US-CLARA) index in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS In this longitudinal study were involved RA patients starting treatment with abatacept. Subjects were followed along three visits in the first 6 months of therapy and underwent a comprehensive clinimetric evaluation. Validity was explored correlating the baseline scores and the cumulative inflammatory burden of the US-CLARA with the other composite indices applied. Sensitivity to change was assessed after 6 months of treatment in terms of internal and external responsiveness. Interpretability was defined in terms of determination of cutoffs against external criteria for remission (REM), low disease activity (LDA), moderate disease activity (MDA), and high disease activity (HDA) of SDAI. RESULTS One-hundred and thirty patients completed the study. VALIDITY moderate correlations were observed between US-CLARA and both DAS28-CRP and DAS28-ESR. Higher correlations were also found between US-CLARA and both SDAI and CDAI scores. Responsiveness: internal responsiveness was wide, with SRM and ES ranging from 0.91 to 1.51. US-CLARA responsiveness was similar to that of DAS28, SDAI, or CDAI. Similarly, the area under ROC curve (AUC-ROC) of US-CLARA gives identical results. The AUC of cumulative inflammatory burden, calculated during the 6-months follow-up of all combinations were highly correlated (p < 0.0001). Interpretability: cutoff values for REM, US-CLARA <2.0; for LDA, 2.0 ≤US-CLARA <3; for MDA, 3 ≤US-CLARA ≤4.8; for HDA, US-CLARA >4.8. CONCLUSION The US-CLARA is valid and sensitive tool to assess disease activity in RA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fausto Salaffi
- Rheumatology Unit, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Aldo Moro, 25-60035, Jesi (Ancona), Italy
| | - Marco Di Carlo
- Rheumatology Unit, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Aldo Moro, 25-60035, Jesi (Ancona), Italy.
| | - Florenzo Iannone
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine-Rheumatology Unit, Policlinico, Università di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Anna Laura Fedele
- Rheumatology Unit, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Rosario Foti
- Rheumatology Unit, A.O.U. Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Passiu
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria, Sassari, Italy
| | - Leonardo Punzi
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, Rheumatology Unit, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Federica Furini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Rheumatology Unit, University of Ferrara and Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Sant'Anna, Cona, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Carletto
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Elisa Gremese
- Rheumatology Unit, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Lapadula
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine-Rheumatology Unit, Policlinico, Università di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Závada J, Hánová P, Hurňáková J, Szczuková L, Uher M, Forejtová Š, Klein M, Mann H, Olejárová M, Růžičková O, Šléglová O, Hejduk K, Pavelka K. The relationship between synovitis quantified by an ultrasound 7-joint inflammation score and physical disability in rheumatoid arthritis - a cohort study. Arthritis Res Ther 2017; 19:5. [PMID: 28086960 PMCID: PMC5237153 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-016-1208-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Restoring normal physical functioning is a major therapeutic aim in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is unknown, whether the extent of synovial inflammation quantified by musculoskeletal ultrasound (US) can predict current or future capacity for physical functioning. To answer this question we investigated the longitudinal relationship between physical function assessed by the health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) and the German 7-joint ultrasound score (US7S) in a prospective cohort of patients with RA. Methods Patients with RA (n = 185 (46 with incident and 139 with prevalent disease) were followed for 30.9 ± 9.1 months. Baseline and annual assessments comprised the disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28), HAQ and US7S. The US7S includes semiquantitative measurements of synovitis assessed by greyscale (GS) and power Doppler (PD) in seven joints of the clinically dominant hand and foot, which are then aggregated in PD and GS synovitis sum-scores (PDsynSS and GSsynSS). A linear mixed-effect model was used to assess the longitudinal relationship between GSsynSS, PDsynSS and HAQ. We used standard and time-lag models to explore the association between HAQ, and GSsynSS, PDsynSS and DAS28 measured at the same time or at the previous visit 12 months ago, respectively. Results When the standard model was applied, in univariate analyses HAQ score was positively associated with GSsynSS and PDsynSS with β coefficients significantly higher in incident than in prevalent disease. In multivariate analysis both synSSs were individually no longer significant predictors of HAQ score. When using the time-lag model, after adjustment for the previous DAS28 or HAQ score, both PDsynSS and GSsynSS were significantly and negatively associated with the current HAQ. Conclusions US7 PD and GS synovitis sum-scores alone were positively associated with current functional status reflected by the HAQ in patients with RA, and this relationship was stronger in patients with early disease. When combined with the DAS28 or HAQ, US7 PD and GS synovitis sum-scores were predictive of the change in HAQ score over one year. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13075-016-1208-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Závada
- Institute of Rheumatology, Prague, and Department of Rheumatology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Na Slupi 4, 12850, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Petra Hánová
- Institute of Rheumatology, Prague, and Department of Rheumatology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Na Slupi 4, 12850, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Hurňáková
- Institute of Rheumatology, Prague, and Department of Rheumatology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Na Slupi 4, 12850, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Szczuková
- Institute of Biostatistics and Analyses, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Uher
- Institute of Biostatistics and Analyses, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Šárka Forejtová
- Institute of Rheumatology, Prague, and Department of Rheumatology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Na Slupi 4, 12850, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Klein
- Institute of Rheumatology, Prague, and Department of Rheumatology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Na Slupi 4, 12850, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Herman Mann
- Institute of Rheumatology, Prague, and Department of Rheumatology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Na Slupi 4, 12850, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marta Olejárová
- Institute of Rheumatology, Prague, and Department of Rheumatology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Na Slupi 4, 12850, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Olga Růžičková
- Institute of Rheumatology, Prague, and Department of Rheumatology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Na Slupi 4, 12850, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Olga Šléglová
- Institute of Rheumatology, Prague, and Department of Rheumatology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Na Slupi 4, 12850, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Hejduk
- Institute of Biostatistics and Analyses, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Pavelka
- Institute of Rheumatology, Prague, and Department of Rheumatology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Na Slupi 4, 12850, Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
D'Agostino MA, Boers M, Wakefield RJ, Emery P, Conaghan PG. Is it time to revisit the role of ultrasound in rheumatoid arthritis management? Ann Rheum Dis 2016; 76:7-8. [PMID: 27941072 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2016-210453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 10/16/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
For over a decade, a large number of studies have highlighted the benefits of ultrasound (US) in the diagnosis and management of rheumatic diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, its benefits in routine practice have been less studied and trials examining US as part of various clinical strategies are just emerging, with recent randomised trials examining the added value of US in tight-control paradigms. The conclusions of these trials have raised questions on the role of US in RA management. This Viewpoint analyses the recent studies, and discusses potential limitations in study designs as well as the methodological challenges of assessing the added value of an imaging technique.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M A D'Agostino
- Rheumatology Department, APHP, Hôpital Ambroise Paré, Boulogne-Billancourt, France.,INSERM U1173, Laboratoire d'Excellence INFLAMEX, UFR Simone Veil, Versailles-Saint-Quentin University, Saint-Quentin en Yvelines, France.,Leeds institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds & NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Leeds, UK
| | - M Boers
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - R J Wakefield
- Leeds institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds & NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Leeds, UK
| | - P Emery
- Leeds institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds & NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Leeds, UK
| | - P G Conaghan
- Leeds institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds & NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Leeds, UK
| |
Collapse
|