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Hinkema HJ, Westra J, Arends S, Brouwer E, Mulder DJ. Higher levels of markers for early atherosclerosis in anti-citrullinated protein antibodies positive individuals at risk for RA, a cross sectional study. Rheumatol Int 2024:10.1007/s00296-024-05659-5. [PMID: 39012360 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-024-05659-5] [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: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify differences in levels of serum biomarkers associated with atherosclerosis between anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) positive groups. METHODS Cross-sectional data were used from the Dutch Lifelines Cohort Study combined with data derived from RA risk and early RA studies conducted at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG). Serum biomarkers of inflammation, endothelial cell activation, tissue remodeling and adipokine, which were previously associated with atherosclerosis, were measured with Luminex in four ACPA positive groups with different characteristics: without joint complaints, with joint complaints, RA risk and early RA groups. RESULTS Levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor 1 (TNFR1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were significantly higher in the RA risk and early RA groups compared to the joint complaints and the no joint complaints groups. The difference remained statistically significant after correcting for renal function, smoking and hypertension in multivariate logistic regression analysis, with focus on ACPA positive with joint complaints group versus RA risk group: CRP OR = 2.67, p = 0.033; IL-6 OR = 3.73, p = 0.019; TNFR1 OR = 1.003, p < 0.001; VGEF OR = 8.59, p = 0.019. CONCLUSION Individuals at risk for RA have higher levels of inflammatory markers and VEGF, which suggests that they might also have a risk of higher cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, this does not apply to individuals with ACPA positivity with self-reported joint complaints or without joint complaints only. Therefore, it is important that individuals with RA risk are referred to a rheumatologist to rule in or out arthritis/development of RA and discuss CVD risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helma J Hinkema
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, P.O. Box 30001, Groningen, 9700 RB, The Netherlands.
| | - Johanna Westra
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, P.O. Box 30001, Groningen, 9700 RB, The Netherlands
| | - Suzanne Arends
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, P.O. Box 30001, Groningen, 9700 RB, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth Brouwer
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, P.O. Box 30001, Groningen, 9700 RB, The Netherlands
| | - Douwe J Mulder
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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2
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Figueroa-Parra G, Castañeda-Martinez MM, Herrera-Sandate P, Castañeda-Martinez DD, Esquivel-Valerio JA, Vega-Morales D. Clinical features of patients with hands arthralgia referred from primary care physicians to rheumatologists: A cohort study. REUMATOLOGIA CLINICA 2024; 20:67-72. [PMID: 38395497 DOI: 10.1016/j.reumae.2023.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Early referral of patients with suspicious of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has an impact on prognosis. Our study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics of patients with hands arthralgia who were referred from primary care physicians (PCP) to the rheumatologist. METHODS A descriptive, observational, prospective cohort study was performed. We included patients who visited a PCP for the first time for hands arthralgia. Demographics and the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology criteria for arthralgia suspicious for progression to RA plus seven complementary questions, the time to referral, the pressure needed to provoke pain with an automatic squeeze test machine in the metacarpophalangeal joints of both hands, and the diagnoses established at the last review of medical charts from patients on follow-up were documented. The primary outcome was the referral to a rheumatologist. RESULTS A total of 109 patients were included. The mean age was 49.9 years, 81.6% were women. 30.3% were referred to the rheumatologist. The time to referral was a median of 38 days. The main clinical characteristics associated with referral to the rheumatologist were the "most severe symptoms are present after midnight" (OR=6.29) and the "difficulty with making a fist" (OR=3.67). An isolated "positive squeeze test of metacarpophalangeal joints" was not associated with a referral to the rheumatologist. CONCLUSIONS Among patients with hands arthralgia who attended PCP, those with most severe symptoms after midnight and difficulty making a fist were more likely to be referred to the rheumatology clinic. Isolated positive squeeze tests are not a parameter for referral, it should only be performed if arthralgia is clinically suspected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Figueroa-Parra
- Rheumatology Service, University Hospital "Dr. José Eleuterio González", Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico
| | | | - Pablo Herrera-Sandate
- Rheumatology Service, University Hospital "Dr. José Eleuterio González", Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico
| | | | - Jorge Antonio Esquivel-Valerio
- Rheumatology Service, University Hospital "Dr. José Eleuterio González", Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - David Vega-Morales
- Rheumatology Service, University Hospital "Dr. José Eleuterio González", Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico.
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3
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Maurits MP, Wouters F, Niemantsverdriet E, Huizinga TWJ, van den Akker EB, Le Cessie S, van der Helm-van Mil AHM, Knevel R. The Role of Genetics in Clinically Suspect Arthralgia and Rheumatoid Arthritis Development: A Large Cross-Sectional Study. Arthritis Rheumatol 2023; 75:178-186. [PMID: 36514807 PMCID: PMC10107764 DOI: 10.1002/art.42323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether established genetic predictors for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) differentiate healthy controls, patients with clinically suspect arthralgia (CSA), and RA patients. METHODS Using analyses of variance, chi-square tests, and mean risk difference analyses, we investigated the association of an RA polygenic risk score (PRS) and HLA shared epitope (HLA-SE) with all participant groups, both unstratified and stratified for anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) status. We used 3 separate data sets sampled from the same Dutch population (1,015 healthy controls, 479 CSA patients, and 1,146 early classified RA patients). CSA patients were assessed for conversion to inflammatory arthritis over a period of 2 years, after which they were classified as either CSA converters (n = 84) or CSA nonconverters (n = 395). RESULTS The PRS was increased in RA patients (mean ± SD PRS 1.31 ± 0.96) compared to the complete CSA group (1.07 ± 0.94) and compared to CSA converters (1.12 ± 0.94). In ACPA- strata, PRS distributions differed strongly when comparing the complete CSA group (mean ± SD PRS 1.05 ± 0.94) and CSA converters (0.97 ± 0.87) to RA patients (1.20 ± 0.94), while in the ACPA+ strata, the complete CSA group (1.25 ± 0.99) differed clearly from healthy controls (1.05 ± 0.94) and RA patients (1.41 ± 0.96). HLA-SE was more prevalent in the RA group (prevalence 0.64) than the complete CSA group (0.45), with small differences between RA patients and CSA converters (0.64 versus 0.60) and larger differences between CSA converters and CSA nonconverters (0.60 versus 0.42). HLA-SE prevalence differed more strongly within the ACPA+ strata as follows: healthy controls (prevalence 0.43), CSA nonconverters (0.48), complete CSA group (0.59), CSA converters (0.66), and RA patients (0.79). CONCLUSION We observed that genetic predisposition increased across pre-RA participant groups. The RA PRS differed in early classified RA and inflammatory pre-disease stages, regardless of ACPA stratification. HLA-SE prevalence differed between arthritis patients, particularly ACPA+ patients, and healthy controls. Genetics seem to fulfill different etiologic roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc P Maurits
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Fenne Wouters
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | | | - Thomas W J Huizinga
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Erik B van den Akker
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences Leiden, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia Le Cessie
- Department of Medical Statistics, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | | | - Rachel Knevel
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands, and Translational & Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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4
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Singhal J, Wells I, Simons G, Wöhlke S, Raza K, Falahee M. Public perceptions of predictive testing for rheumatoid arthritis compared to breast cancer and early-onset Alzheimer's disease: a qualitative study. BMC Rheumatol 2022; 6:14. [PMID: 35232494 PMCID: PMC8889636 DOI: 10.1186/s41927-021-00244-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is increasing research focus on prediction and prevention of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Information about risk of RA is increasingly available via direct-to-consumer testing. However, there is limited understanding of public perceptions around predictive testing for RA. This study explores public perceptions of predictive testing for RA in comparison to breast cancer (BC) and early-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS Four focus groups with 21 members of the public were conducted using hypothetical vignettes about predictive testing for each disease. Transcripts of focus group proceedings were analysed inductively using thematic analysis. RESULTS Thematic analysis of the data produced three key themes: decision-making factors, consequences, and consumer needs. Factors suggested that might influence decision-making about predictive testing included family history, fear, and perceived severity and treatability of the illness. RA was perceived to be less severe and more treatable than BC/AD. Potential consequences of predictive testing across all diseases included lifestyle modification, planning for the future and discrimination by employers or insurers. Predictive testing for RA was perceived to have less potential for negative psychological consequences than other diseases. Participants highlighted that individuals undertaking predictive testing should be signposted to appropriate support services and receive information on the accuracy of predictive testing. It was suggested that strategies to mitigate concerns regarding communication and confidentiality of risk results are required. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study reflect public misunderstandings regarding RA that may impact the uptake of and responses to predictive testing, and key informational needs of individuals considering a predictive test. Predictive strategies should be accompanied by awareness-raising initiatives and informational resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juhi Singhal
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Imogen Wells
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham Research Laboratories, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, B15 2WB, UK
| | - Gwenda Simons
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham Research Laboratories, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, B15 2WB, UK
| | - Sabine Wöhlke
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Karim Raza
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham Research Laboratories, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, B15 2WB, UK
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Hamburg, Germany
- MRC Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Birmingham, UK
- Research Into Inflammatory Arthritis Centre Versus Arthritis, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Marie Falahee
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham Research Laboratories, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, B15 2WB, UK.
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5
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Meehan GR, Thomas R, Al Khabouri S, Wehr P, Hilkens CM, Wraith DC, Sieghart D, Bonelli M, Nagy G, Garside P, Tough DF, Lewis HD, Brewer JM. Preclinical models of arthritis for studying immunotherapy and immune tolerance. Ann Rheum Dis 2021; 80:1268-1277. [PMID: 34380700 PMCID: PMC8458054 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-220043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Increasingly earlier identification of individuals at high risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (eg, with autoantibodies and mild symptoms) improves the feasibility of preventing or curing disease. The use of antigen-specific immunotherapies to reinstate immunological self-tolerance represent a highly attractive strategy due to their potential to induce disease resolution, in contrast to existing approaches that require long-term treatment of underlying symptoms. Preclinical animal models have been used to understand disease mechanisms and to evaluate novel immunotherapeutic approaches. However, models are required to understand critical processes supporting disease development such as the breach of self-tolerance that triggers autoimmunity and the progression from asymptomatic autoimmunity to joint pain and bone loss. These models would also be useful in evaluating the response to treatment in the pre-RA period. This review proposes that focusing on immune processes contributing to initial disease induction rather than end-stage pathological consequences is essential to allow development and evaluation of novel immunotherapies for early intervention. We will describe and critique existing models in arthritis and the broader field of autoimmunity that may fulfil these criteria. We will also identify key gaps in our ability to study these processes in animal models, to highlight where further research should be targeted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin R Meehan
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Ranjeny Thomas
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Shaima Al Khabouri
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pascale Wehr
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Catharien Mu Hilkens
- Translational & Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - David C Wraith
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Daniela Sieghart
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Bonelli
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - György Nagy
- Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Genetics, Cell and Immunobiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Paul Garside
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - David F Tough
- GlaxoSmithKline Research and Development, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Huw D Lewis
- GlaxoSmithKline Research and Development, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - James M Brewer
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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6
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Novella-Navarro M, Plasencia-Rodríguez C, Nuño L, Balsa A. Risk Factors for Developing Rheumatoid Arthritis in Patients With Undifferentiated Arthritis and Inflammatory Arthralgia. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:668898. [PMID: 34211986 PMCID: PMC8239127 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.668898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, there is an increasing interest in treating patients at risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to prevent the development of this chronic disease. In this sense, research has focused attention on the early identification of predictive factors of this disease. Autoantibodies and markers of systemic inflammation can be present before clinical arthritis and RA development. So, the phase of inflammatory arthralgia preceding clinical arthritis is an important part of the window of opportunity and, starting treatment might prevent progression to chronic arthritis. Additionally, the early diagnosis and treatment initiation, in patients with inflammatory arthritis at risk of persistence and/or erosive progression, are fundamental because may allow optimal clinical responses, better chances of achieving sustained remission, preventing irreversible organ damage and optimizing long-term outcomes. This review aims to give an overview of clinical risk factors for developing RA, both in suspected arthralgia and in undifferentiated arthritis. Besides taking into consideration the role of serological markers (immunological and acute phase reactants) and clinical features assessed at consultation such as: articular affection and patient's clinical perception. Other features as sociodemographic and environmental factors (lifestyle habits, microbiota, periodontal disease among others), have been included in this revision to give an insight on strategies to prevent development of RA and/or to treat it in early stages.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Laura Nuño
- Rheumatology Department Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Balsa
- Rheumatology Department Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
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7
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Toes RE, Raza K. The autoimmune response as a potential target for tolerance induction before the development of rheumatoid arthritis. THE LANCET. RHEUMATOLOGY 2021; 3:e214-e223. [PMID: 38279384 DOI: 10.1016/s2665-9913(20)30445-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the synovial joints. Although treatment options and efficacy have increased substantially in the past two decades, the disease cannot be cured or prevented. Therefore, rheumatoid arthritis still has a considerable effect on the quality of life of patients, not only because life-long medication is often required, but also because residual disease activity leads to progressive loss of function in the musculoskeletal system and extra-articular morbidity. Key future goals in the management of rheumatoid arthritis are the ability to induce long-lasting drug-free remission in patients with the disease (ie, to achieve a cure), and to prevent disease before it emerges. To reach these goals, it is pivotal to understand the autoimmune response underlying rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis and to develop ways to permanently silence it (ie, to induce tolerance). For preventive studies, the identification of markers (clinical, immunological, and biological) predictive of future disease is crucial, as prevention of disease will not be feasible without the ability to identify relevant at-risk target populations. In this Series paper, we review the autoimmune response underlying rheumatoid arthritis, how rheumatoid arthritis-specific autoimmunity develops and evolves during the transition from health to disease, and how tolerance studies could be designed to achieve prevention or cure of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rene Em Toes
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.
| | - Karim Raza
- Research into Inflammatory Arthritis Centre Versus Arthritis and MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK; Department of Rheumatology, Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
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8
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Eloff E, Martinsson K, Ziegelasch M, Cedergren J, Reckner Å, Skogh T, Karlsson L, Ärlemalm A, Borggreven NV, Trouw LA, Kastbom A. Autoantibodies are major predictors of arthritis development in patients with anti-citrullinated protein antibodies and musculoskeletal pain. Scand J Rheumatol 2020; 50:189-197. [PMID: 33243072 DOI: 10.1080/03009742.2020.1818820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: Predictors of arthritis development are highly warranted among patients with anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) and musculoskeletal symptoms to optimize clinical management. We aimed to identify clinical and laboratory predictors of arthritis development, including biochemically assessed alcohol consumption, among ACPA-positive patients with musculoskeletal pain.Method: 82 ACPA-positive individuals with musculoskeletal pain but no clinical arthritis were followed for a median of 72 months (interquartile range 57-81 months). We evaluated the prognostic value of baseline clinical and laboratory factors including smoking, symptom duration, age, gender, shared epitope, rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-carbamylated protein antibodies, ACPA levels, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein levels, tender joint count, patient-reported general well-being, 28-joint Disease Activity Score, and alcohol consumption as measured by phosphatidyl ethanol (PEth) levels in whole blood.Results: During follow-up, 48% developed at least one arthritis. Multivariable analysis revealed an increased risk of arthritis development with RF positivity [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-4.8, p = 0.028] and higher ACPA levels (HR = 1.0, 95% CI 1.000-1.001, p = 0.002). High levels of RF (HR = 4.4, 95% CI 1.7-11) entailed the highest HR in this ACPA-positive population. Neither clinical characteristics nor alcohol consumption measured by PEth conferred significant prognostic value.Conclusions: ACPA levels and concurrent presence of RF are independent predictors of arthritis development among ACPA-positive patients with musculoskeletal pain. The results are compatible with a dose-response relationship between RA-related autoantibodies and risk of arthritis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Eloff
- Department of Rheumatology, and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - K Martinsson
- Department of Rheumatology, and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - M Ziegelasch
- Department of Rheumatology, and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - J Cedergren
- Department of Rheumatology, and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Å Reckner
- Department of Rheumatology, and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - T Skogh
- Department of Rheumatology, and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - L Karlsson
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - A Ärlemalm
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - N V Borggreven
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - L A Trouw
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - A Kastbom
- Department of Rheumatology, and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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9
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Niemantsverdriet E, van den Akker EB, Boeters DM, van den Eeden SJF, Geluk A, van der Helm-van Mil AHM. Gene expression identifies patients who develop inflammatory arthritis in a clinically suspect arthralgia cohort. Arthritis Res Ther 2020; 22:266. [PMID: 33168080 PMCID: PMC7653888 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-020-02361-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Established rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients display differentially expressed genes coding for cytokine/chemokine-mediated immunity compared to healthy controls. It is unclear, however, if in the pre-arthritis phase of clinically suspect arthralgia (CSA) expression of immune genes differ between patients who do or do not develop clinically evident inflammatory arthritis (IA). METHODS Two hundred thirty-six consecutive patients presenting with arthralgia clinically suspected for progression to RA were followed until IA development or else for median 24 months (IQR 12-26). Baseline whole blood RNA expression was determined for a previously identified set of 133 genes associated with the innate and adaptive immune system by dual-color reverse-transcription multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (dcRT-MLPA) profiling. Cox proportional hazard models were used. RESULTS Twenty percent of CSA patients developed IA. After correction for multiple testing, expression levels of six genes (IFNG, PHEX, IGF-1, IL-7R, CD19, CCR7) at the time of presentation were associated with progression to IA. PHEX and IGF-1 were highly correlated with each other (ρ = 0.97). In multivariable analysis correcting for the different genes, expressions of IL-7R and IGF-1 were independently associated with IA development (p = 0.025, p = 0.046, respectively). Moreover, IL-7R and IGF-1 remained significantly associated even after correction for known predictors (ACPA, CRP, imaging-detected subclinical joint inflammation; p = 0.039, p = 0.005, respectively). These genes are also associated with RA development. CONCLUSIONS IL-7R and IGF-1 were differentially expressed between CSA patients who did or did not progress to IA, independent from regularly used predictors. These biomarkers may become helpful in prognostication of CSA patients. Furthermore, because both genes are associated with T cell functioning, T cell dysregulation may mediate progression from arthralgia to arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellis Niemantsverdriet
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, Leiden, 2300 RC, The Netherlands.
| | - Erik B van den Akker
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Pattern Recognition & Bioinformatics, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Debbie M Boeters
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, Leiden, 2300 RC, The Netherlands
| | - Susan J F van den Eeden
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Annemieke Geluk
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Annette H M van der Helm-van Mil
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, Leiden, 2300 RC, The Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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10
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Niemantsverdriet E, Dakkak YJ, Burgers LE, Bonte-Mineur F, Steup-Beekman GM, van der Kooij SM, Boom HD, Allaart CF, de Jong PHP, van der Helm-van Mil AHM. TREAT Early Arthralgia to Reverse or Limit Impending Exacerbation to Rheumatoid arthritis (TREAT EARLIER): a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial protocol. Trials 2020; 21:862. [PMID: 33076964 PMCID: PMC7574479 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-020-04731-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We present a study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that investigates the hypothesis if intervention in the symptomatic phase preceding clinical arthritis (clinically suspect arthralgia (CSA)) is effective in preventing progression from subclinical inflammation to clinically apparent persistent arthritis. Currently, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be recognized and diagnosed when arthritis (joint swelling) has become detectable at physical examination. Importantly, at this time, the immune processes have already matured, chronicity is established, and patients require long-standing treatment with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. The TREAT EARLIER trial studies the hypothesis that intervention in the symptomatic phase preceding clinical arthritis is more often successful in permanent disease modification because of less matured underlying disease processes. METHODS A two-level definition to identify patients that are prone to develop RA is used. First, patients should have CSA and recent-onset arthralgia (< 1 year) that is suspect to progress to RA according to the expertise of the treating rheumatologist. Second, patients need to have subclinical inflammation of the hand or foot joints at 1.5 T MRI. The trial aims to recruit 230 participants from secondary care hospital settings across the south-west region of The Netherlands. Intervention will be randomly assigned and includes a single-dose of intramuscular 120 mg methylprednisolon followed by methotrexate (increasing dose to 25 mg/week orally) or placebo (both; injection and tablets) over the course of 1 year. Thereafter, participants are followed for another year. The primary endpoint is the development of clinically detectable arthritis, either fulfilling the 2010 criteria for RA or unclassified clinical arthritis of ≥ 2 joints, which persists for at least 2 weeks. DMARD-free status is a co-primary endpoint. The patient-reported outcomes functioning, along with workability and symptoms, are key secondary endpoints. Participants, caregivers (including those assessing the endpoints), and scientific staff are all blinded to the group assignment. DISCUSSION This proof-of-concept study is the logical consequence of pre-work on the identification of patients with CSA with MRI-detected subclinical joint inflammation. It will test the hypothesis whether intervention in patients in this early phase with the cornerstone treatment of classified RA (methotrexate) hampers the development of persistent RA and reduce the disease burden of RA. TRIAL REGISTRATION Dutch Trial Register NL4599 (NTR4853). Registered on 20 October 2014.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yousra J Dakkak
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Leonie E Burgers
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Femke Bonte-Mineur
- Department of Rheumatology, Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gerda M Steup-Beekman
- Department of Rheumatology, Haaglanden Medical Center - Bronovo, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | | | - Hido D Boom
- Department of Rheumatology, Spaarne Gasthuis, Haarlem, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelia F Allaart
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Pascal H P de Jong
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annette H M van der Helm-van Mil
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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11
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Rodríguez-Carrio J, Coras R, Alperi-López M, López P, Ulloa C, Ballina-García FJ, Armando AM, Quehenberger O, Guma M, Suárez A. Profiling of Serum Oxylipins During the Earliest Stages of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2020; 73:401-413. [PMID: 33001576 DOI: 10.1002/art.41537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Eicosanoids modulate inflammation via complex networks involving different pathways and downstream mediators, including oxylipins. Although altered eicosanoids are linked to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), suggesting that metabolization is enhanced, the role of oxylipins in disease stratification remains unexplored. This study was undertaken to characterize oxylipin networks during the earliest stages of RA and evaluate their associations with clinical features and treatment outcomes. METHODS In total, 60 patients with early RA (according to the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism 2010 criteria), 11 individuals with clinically suspect arthralgia (CSA), and 28 healthy control subjects were recruited. Serum samples were collected at the time of onset. In the early RA group, 50 patients who had not been exposed to disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) or glucocorticoid treatment at the time of recruitment were prospectively followed up at 6 and 12 months after having received conventional synthetic DMARDs. A total of 75 oxylipins, mostly derived from arachidonic, eicosapentanoic, and linoleic acids, were identified in the serum by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS Univariate analyses demonstrated differences in expression patterns of 14 oxylipins across the RA, CSA, and healthy control groups, with each exhibiting a different trajectory. Network analyses revealed a strong grouping pattern of oxylipins in RA patients, whereas in individuals with CSA, a fuzzy network of oxylipins with higher degree and closeness was found. Partial least-squares discriminant analyses yielded variable important projection scores of >1 for 22 oxylipins, which allowed the identification of 2 clusters. Cluster usage differed among the groups (P = 0.003), and showed associations with disease severity and low rates of remission at 6 and 12 months in RA patients who were initially treatment-naive. Pathway enrichment analyses revealed different precursors and pathways between the groups, highlighting the relevance of the arachidonic acid pathway in individuals with CSA and the lipooxygenase pathway in patients with early RA. In applying distinct oxylipin signatures, subsets of seropositive and seronegative RA could be identified. CONCLUSION Oxylipin networks differ across stages during the earliest phases of RA. These distinct oxylipin networks could potentially elucidate pathways with clinical relevance for disease progression, clinical heterogeneity, and treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Rodríguez-Carrio
- Universidad de Oviedo, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias, and Instituto Reina Sofía de Investigación Nefrológica, REDinREN del Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Roxana Coras
- University of California School of Medicine, San Diego, and Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mercedes Alperi-López
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias and Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Patricia López
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias and Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Catalina Ulloa
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias, Instituto Reina Sofía de Investigación Nefrológica, REDinREN del Instituto de Salud Carlos III, and Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Ballina-García
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias and Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | | | | | - Mónica Guma
- University of California School of Medicine, San Diego, and Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Suárez
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias and Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
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12
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Harrison SR, Jutley G, Li D, Sahbudin I, Filer A, Hewison M, Raza K. Vitamin D and early rheumatoid arthritis. BMC Rheumatol 2020; 4:38. [PMID: 32728658 PMCID: PMC7384217 DOI: 10.1186/s41927-020-00134-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have linked rheumatoid arthritis (RA) risk and disease activity with vitamin D-deficiency (low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD)), but a causal role for vitamin D in RA is still unclear, with conflicting results from many previous studies, partly due to heterogeneity in study design and patient populations. In this study we aimed to (1) analyse serum 25OHD in early inflammatory arthritis, (2) compare 25OHD with disease activity and fatigue in early RA and (3) determine whether low 25OHD is associated with progression to RA. METHODS An analysis of 790 patients recruited to the Birmingham Early Inflammatory Arthritis Cohort and followed longitudinally to determine clinical outcomes. The following were recorded at baseline: demographic data, duration of symptoms, duration of early morning stiffness (EMS), tender and swollen joint counts, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain/fatigue/EMS, PHQ-9, HAQ and FACIT-Fatigue scores, DAS28-ESR, DAS28-CRP, CRP, ESR, anti-CCP antibody status, rheumatoid factor status, and serum 25OHD (ng/ml). Diagnosis was recorded at 0 and 12 months onwards as either RA, Undifferentiated Inflammatory Arthritis (UIA; synovitis not meeting other classification/diagnostic criteria), Clinically Suspect Arthralgia (CSA; arthralgia of an inflammatory type without synovitis), or Other. RESULTS Baseline demographic data were similar between all groups, with median symptom duration of 16.8-34.0 days. Baseline 25OHD was not significantly different between groups [median, interquartile range (IQR): RA 46.7, 30.0-73.3; UIA 51.4, 30.0-72.3; CSA 47.7, 30.3-73.0; Other 39.9, 28.6-62.2]. In RA (n = 335), there were no significant differences between 25OHD and measures of disease activity or fatigue. No association between 25OHD and progression from UIA or CSA to RA was observed. CONCLUSIONS There was no clear association between serum 25OHD and baseline diagnosis, RA disease activity, or progression from UIA or CSA to RA. Future studies of other vitamin D metabolites may better define the complex role of vitamin D in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie R. Harrison
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
- Department of Rheumatology, Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, Birmingham, B18 7QH UK
| | - Gurpreet Jutley
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, Research into Inflammatory Arthritis Centre Versus Arthritis and MRC Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
| | - Danyang Li
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
| | - Ilfita Sahbudin
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, Research into Inflammatory Arthritis Centre Versus Arthritis and MRC Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
| | - Andrew Filer
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, Research into Inflammatory Arthritis Centre Versus Arthritis and MRC Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
| | - Martin Hewison
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
| | - Karim Raza
- Department of Rheumatology, Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, Birmingham, B18 7QH UK
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, Research into Inflammatory Arthritis Centre Versus Arthritis and MRC Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
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13
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Warburton L, Hider SL, Mallen CD, Scott IC. Suspected very early inflammatory rheumatic diseases in primary care. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2019; 33:101419. [PMID: 31810550 DOI: 10.1016/j.berh.2019.06.001] [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] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
As primary care clinicians are typically the first point of contact for patients with musculoskeletal problems, they are crucial to the early diagnosis and treatment of patients with an incident inflammatory arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis. Current UK and international guidelines recognise this, recommending the prompt referral of patients with suspected persistent synovitis to secondary care. In England and Wales, this is advised to occur within 3 working days. However, recent audit data suggests this recommendation is infrequently met, with some patients waiting many months for referral. In this review article we will discuss the various challenges to achieving the early referral of patients with a new-onset inflammatory arthritis from primary to secondary care. We will also describe how these challenges could potentially be overcome, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that the right patients are referred to the right services, and at the right time.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Samantha L Hider
- Primary Care Centre Versus Arthritis, Research Institute for Primary Care and Health Sciences, Primary Care Sciences, Keele University, Keele, UK; Haywood Academic Rheumatology Centre, Haywood Hospital, Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, High Lane, Burslem, Staffordshire, UK
| | - Christian D Mallen
- Primary Care Centre Versus Arthritis, Research Institute for Primary Care and Health Sciences, Primary Care Sciences, Keele University, Keele, UK; Haywood Academic Rheumatology Centre, Haywood Hospital, Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, High Lane, Burslem, Staffordshire, UK
| | - Ian C Scott
- Primary Care Centre Versus Arthritis, Research Institute for Primary Care and Health Sciences, Primary Care Sciences, Keele University, Keele, UK; Haywood Academic Rheumatology Centre, Haywood Hospital, Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, High Lane, Burslem, Staffordshire, UK.
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14
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Rantapää Dahlqvist S, Andrade F. Individuals at risk of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis: the evolving story. J Intern Med 2019; 286:627-643. [PMID: 31562671 PMCID: PMC6878216 DOI: 10.1111/joim.12980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The aetiology of the autoimmune disease rheumatoid arthritis (RA) involves a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors that initiate many years before the onset of clinical symptoms. These interactions likely include both protective and susceptibility factors which together determine the risk of developing RA. More than 100 susceptibility loci have been linked to RA. The strongest association is with HLA-DRB1 alleles encoding antigen presenting molecules containing a unique sequence in the peptide-binding grove called the 'shared epitope'. Female sex, infections during childhood, lifestyle habits (e.g. smoking and diet) and distinct microbial agents, amongst many others, are interacting risk factors thought to contribute to RA pathogenesis by dysregulating the immune system in individuals with genetic susceptibility. Interestingly, patients with RA develop autoantibodies many years before the clinical onset of disease, providing strong evidence that the lack of tolerance to arthritogenic antigens is amongst the earliest events in the initiation of seropositive RA. Here, we will discuss the clinical and mechanistic evidence surrounding the role of different environmental and genetic factors in the phases leading to the production of autoantibodies and the initiation of symptomatic RA. Understanding this complexity is critical in order to develop tools to identify drivers of disease initiation and propagation and to develop preventive therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Rantapää Dahlqvist
- Institution of Public Health and Clinical Medicine/Rheumatology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - F Andrade
- Division of Rheumatology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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15
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Hafkenscheid L, de Moel E, Smolik I, Tanner S, Meng X, Jansen BC, Bondt A, Wuhrer M, Huizinga TWJ, Toes REM, El-Gabalawy H, Scherer HU. N-Linked Glycans in the Variable Domain of IgG Anti-Citrullinated Protein Antibodies Predict the Development of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2019; 71:1626-1633. [PMID: 31067000 PMCID: PMC6790576 DOI: 10.1002/art.40920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) are disease-specific biomarkers in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). More than 90% of IgG ACPAs harbor N-linked glycans in the antibody variable (V) domain. The corresponding N-glycosylation sites in ACPA V-region sequences result from somatic hypermutation, a T cell-dependent process. As ample evidence indicates that T cells drive the maturation of the ACPA response prior to arthritis onset, we undertook this study to investigate whether the presence of glycans in IgG ACPA V domains predicts the transition from predisease autoimmunity to overt RA. METHODS We analyzed 2 independent sets of serum samples obtained from 126 ACPA-positive first-degree relatives (FDRs) of RA patients. Both sets originated from an Indigenous North American population and comprised cross-sectional and longitudinal samples of individuals who did or did not develop inflammatory arthritis. Serum IgG ACPAs were affinity-purified and subjected to ultra high-performance liquid chromatography-based glycan analysis. RESULTS In both data sets, FDR-derived IgG ACPA displayed markedly lower levels of V domain glycans (<50%) compared to IgG ACPA from RA patients. Notably, FDRs who later developed RA showed extensive V-domain glycosylation before the onset of arthritis. Moreover, IgG ACPA V-domain glycosylation was strongly associated with future development of RA (hazard ratio 6.07 [95% confidence interval 1.46-25.2]; P = 0.013). CONCLUSION Extensive glycosylation of the IgG ACPA V domain is present in a subset of predisposed FDRs of Indigenous North American RA patients. The presence of this feature substantially increases the risk of RA development. Based on these findings, we propose that glycosylation of the IgG ACPA V domain represents a predictive marker for RA development in ACPA-positive individuals and may serve to better target prevention measures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emma de Moel
- Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Irene Smolik
- University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | | | - Xiaobo Meng
- University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | | | - Albert Bondt
- Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Manfred Wuhrer
- Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Rene E M Toes
- Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Hans U Scherer
- Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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16
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Falahee M, Finckh A, Raza K, Harrison M. Preferences of Patients and At-risk Individuals for Preventive Approaches to Rheumatoid Arthritis. Clin Ther 2019; 41:1346-1354. [PMID: 31196645 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2019.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Effective treatments for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are available and can lead to remission for some patients, but most patients remain on potentially toxic and expensive medications in the long term. Interest is increasingly turning to the disease phases preceding the development of RA that represent opportunities for preventive interventions. At-risk target populations include individuals with genetic and environmental risk factors, those who have developed systemic autoimmunity, and those who have developed clinically suspect symptoms (eg, arthralgias without synovitis, or an early arthritis). Ongoing prospective studies will inform the development of increasingly accurate predictive tools to identify individuals at risk of developing RA. Furthermore, a range of preventive approaches has been suggested, including lifestyle modification (eg, smoking cessation) and pharmacologic interventions (eg, hydroxychloroquine, methotrexate, abatacept, rituximab) that are currently the subject of randomized controlled trials. As prediction and prevention of RA evolve, it is increasingly likely that individuals at risk (including asymptomatic individuals) may be faced with complex decisions about whether to accept assessment of their risk status or to take a preventive intervention associated with risk of serious adverse events and uncertain benefit. Acceptance of preventive medication in other contexts can be low. For example, <25% of women at high risk of breast cancer are willing to take preventive hormonal treatments. Actual uptake is lower still. Patients' beliefs and preferences predict treatment uptake and adherence. Before the dream of preventing RA can become reality, health care providers need to understand the perspectives of individuals in the target population and to identify barriers and facilitators for this approach. This commentary reviews what is currently known about the perspectives of patients and individuals at risk about predictive and preventive approaches for RA and identifies gaps to be addressed to inform the development of efficient preventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Falahee
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
| | - Axel Finckh
- Department of Rheumatology, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Karim Raza
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Department of Rheumatology, Sandwell & West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Arthritis Research UK Rheumatoid Arthritis Pathogenesis Centre of Excellence, MRC Arthritis Research UK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Harrison
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Arthritis Research Centre of Canada, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada
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