Osteoporosis in psoriatic arthritis: a cross-sectional study of an outpatient clinic population

Areal bone mineral density, trabecular bone score and 3D-DXA analysis of proximal femur in psoriatic disease

Objectives

To evaluate bone mineral density (BMD) and bone quality, with assessment of the cortical and trabecular compartments, in patients with psoriasis (PsO) alone or with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Methods

Patients with PsA and patients with PsO alone were evaluated and compared to control subjects matched for age, sex and body mass index category. Areal BMD (aBMD) was determined for the lumbar spine, femoral neck, total hip and total body using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Bone quality was evaluated by using trabecular bone score (TBS) at the lumbar spine, and by 3D DXA-based analysis (3D Shaper) for the proximal femur.

Results

One hundred ninety-six subjects including 52 patients with PsA and 52 patients with PsO and their respective paired controls were analyzed. Patients with PsA had comparable aBMD, TBS and 3D DXA analysis parameters compared to their paired controls. After adjustment for confounders, patients with PsO alone were characterized by a higher aBMD at the left femur and higher cortical 3D DXA derived parameters (total hip cortical surface BMD and total hip cortical thickness) than their paired controls. TBS was decreased in PsO compared to their controls.

Conclusion

Patients with PsA had normal bone mass and bone quality parameters. Patients with PsO were characterized by higher femoral neck bone density by DXA and cortical parameters by 3D DXA-based analysis, supporting no increased risk for hip fracture. Conversely, bone texture by TBS assessment was decreased in patients with PsO, which may be associated with impaired vertebral bone resistance.

Osteoimmunology of Spondyloarthritis

The mechanisms underlying the development of bone damage in the context of spondyloarthritis (SpA) are not completely understood. To date, a considerable amount of evidence indicates that several developmental pathways are crucially involved in osteoimmunology. The present review explores the biological mechanisms underlying the relationship between inflammatory dysregulation, structural progression, and osteoporosis in this diverse family of conditions. We summarize the current knowledge of bone biology and balance and the foundations of bone regulation, including bone morphogenetic protein, the Wnt pathway, and Hedgehog signaling, as well as the role of cytokines in the development of bone damage in SpA. Other areas surveyed include the pathobiology of bone damage and systemic bone loss (osteoporosis) in SpA and the effects of pharmacological treatment on focal bone damage. Lastly, we present data relative to a survey of bone metabolic assessment in SpA from Italian bone specialist rheumatology centers. The results confirm that most of the attention to bone health is given to postmenopausal subjects and that the aspect of metabolic bone health may still be underrepresented. In our opinion, it may be the time for a call to action to increase the interest in and focus on the diagnosis and management of SpA.

Managing psoriatic arthritis in different clinical scenarios

INTRODUCTION

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic, immune-mediated disease characterized by synovio-entheseal inflammation. It is estimated to affect around 30% of patients with psoriasis and significantly reduces patients' physical function and quality of life. There is a growing number of treatment options for PsA, but due to the heterogeneous clinical features of the disease and prevalence of comorbidities, managing PsA can be challenging.

AREAS COVERED

In this article, we review current understanding of the disease and available pharmacological options. Based on published treatment guidelines, emerging evidence and clinical experience, we provide our expert opinion on treatment strategies, taking into consideration the predominant disease domain and the presence of comorbidities, which can impact treatment decisions and clinical outcomes.

EXPERT OPINION

Biological and targeted synthetic disease-modifying agents are dramatically improving the lives of patients with PsA. Biosimilar TNF inhibitors offer a particularly versatile and cost-effective option, whilst newer biologics and targeted synthetic molecules that can be used to treat most domains of psoriatic disease are an attractive alternative to TNF inhibitors. Despite a lack of consensus on treatment sequencing and tapering, it is important that PsA patients, especially those with comorbidities, are looked after by a multidisciplinary team to optimize their care.

Modulation of bone remodeling by the gut microbiota: a new therapy for osteoporosis

The gut microbiota (GM) plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall health and well-being of the host. Recent studies have demonstrated that the GM may significantly influence bone metabolism and degenerative skeletal diseases, such as osteoporosis (OP). Interventions targeting GM modification, including probiotics or antibiotics, have been found to affect bone remodeling. This review provides a comprehensive summary of recent research on the role of GM in regulating bone remodeling and seeks to elucidate the regulatory mechanism from various perspectives, such as the interaction with the immune system, interplay with estrogen or parathyroid hormone (PTH), the impact of GM metabolites, and the effect of extracellular vesicles (EVs). Moreover, this review explores the potential of probiotics as a therapeutic approach for OP. The insights presented may contribute to the development of innovative GM-targeted therapies for OP.

Systemic Inflammation Markers Associated with Bone Mineral Density in perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Women

Objective

The aim of this research was to determine whether systemic inflammatory indicators, including aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI), neutrophils lymphocyte to platelet ratio (NLPR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), are related to bone mineral density (BMD) in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.

Methods

One hundred and eighty-one perimenopausal and 390 postmenopausal women were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Continuous variables by analysis of variance and Kruskal Wallis test for comparing the clinical characteristics. Linear regression analysis was conducted to investigate the associations between inflammatory indicators with BMD. The comparison between the subgroups was performed using the nonparametric test and the T-test.

Results

AISI, NLPR, SII, and SIRI quartile values were inversely associated with BMD in menopausal women (P = 0.021; P = 0.047; P < 0.001; P < 0.001, respectively). After adjusting for confounding factors, four inflammatory indicators remained significantly associated with BMD (all P for trend <0.001). Analysis according to menopausal status demonstrated that AISI, SII, and SIRI were significantly correlated with mean femoral neck BMD in postmenopausal women (P for trend = 0.015, 0.004, and 0.001), but not significantly associated with BMD in perimenopausal women (P for trend = 0.248, 0.054, and 0.352) after adjustment for covariates.

Conclusion

The quartile values of AISI, SII, and SIRI were inversely associated with BMD in postmenopausal women, following adjustment for individual variables, hormone profiles and glucolipid metabolism profiles. AISI, SII, and SIRI have potential to be important tools for screening and prevention of bone loss in menopausal women in future clinical practice.

Psoriatic arthritis and its special features predispose not only for osteoporosis but also for fractures and falls

Limited data are available on the predisposing factors to fractures and falls of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Our study intended to explore the differences between PsA patients and controls, concerning bone mineral density (BMD), the 10-year fracture risk, the number of prevalent fractures, the frequency of falls and to investigate the association of the same factors with PsA disease characteristics within the PsA group. Medical reports of 61 PsA patients and 69 consecutive, age-matched controls were analyzed, physical examination and bone mineral density (BMD, and T-score) were performed, and the 10-year fracture risk was calculated. The results were subjected to statistical analysis. Femoral neck BMD, as well as vertebral and femoral neck T-scores were lower, the odds ratio (OR) for low BMD and the 10-year risk of hip fracture was higher (p = 0.0029; 0.0002, p < 0.0001, OR = 21,9, p = 0.014) in the PsA group. The PsA patients were more predisposed to prevalent fractures, including peripheral fractures, and vertebral fractures as well as falls (OR 3.42; 2.26; 13.33; 3.95, respectively), compared to controls. Within the PsA group (beyond the age) scalp psoriasis and late-onset psoriasis, were significantly associated with a greater number of prevalent fractures (p = 0.0049; 0.029), while the number of falls per year correlated with late-onset psoriasis and the flexural psoriasis (p = 0.007; 0.023). Our results suggest that PsA is an independent risk factor for reduced bone density and falls hence to related bone fractures. Patients with late-onset psoriasis are more likely to suffer falls and related fractures, especially if their disease is characterized by the involvement of the hairy scalp and body folds.

Secondary Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Diseases

Fragility fracture is a worldwide problem and a main cause of disability and impaired quality of life. It is primarily caused by osteoporosis, characterized by impaired bone quantity and or quality. Proper diagnosis of osteoporosis is essential for prevention of fragility fractures. Osteoporosis can be primary in postmenopausal women because of estrogen deficiency. Secondary forms of osteoporosis are not uncommon in both men and women. Most systemic illnesses and organ dysfunction can lead to osteoporosis. The kidney plays a crucial role in maintaining physiological bone homeostasis by controlling minerals, electrolytes, acid-base, vitamin D and parathyroid function. Chronic kidney disease with its uremic milieu disturbs this balance, leading to renal osteodystrophy. Diabetes mellitus represents the most common secondary cause of osteoporosis. Thyroid and parathyroid disorders can dysregulate the osteoblast/osteoclast functions. Gastrointestinal disorders, malnutrition and malabsorption can result in mineral and vitamin D deficiencies and bone loss. Patients with chronic liver disease have a higher risk of fracture due to hepatic osteodystrophy. Proinflammatory cytokines in infectious, autoimmune, and hematological disorders can stimulate osteoclastogenesis, leading to osteoporosis. Moreover, drug-induced osteoporosis is not uncommon. In this review, we focus on causes, pathogenesis, and management of secondary osteoporosis.

Risk factors associated with osteoporosis and fracture in psoriatic arthritis

BACKGROUND

Although there are few studies mentioned there may be some relationship between psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and osteoporosis, clinical data in real world still need to be clarified in China. The aim of this study was to assess the areal and volumetric bone mineral density (BMD), frequency of fracture, and risk factors in patients with PsA.

METHODS

A total of one hundred PsA patients who visited Peking University First Hospital and one hundred age- and sex-matched healthy controls with DXA data were enrolled in the study. Patients with clinical fractures confirmed by X-ray during follow-up were also recorded. Clinical characteristics of the patients were recorded and compared between the abnormal BMD group and the normal BMD group, as well as between the fracture and non-fracture groups. Risk factors for fracture and low BMD were analyzed.

RESULTS

Mean BMD at the total hip and femoral neck was significantly lower in PsA patients than that in healthy controls (0.809 ± 0.193 vs. 0.901 ± 0.152 g/cm2, P  = 0.041; 0.780 ± 0.146 vs. 0.865 ± 0.166 g/cm2, P  = 0.037, respectively). Moreover, lumbar spine BMD was negatively correlated with psoriasis duration, swollen joint count and DAS28-CRP (r = -0.503, -0.580, -0.438; P < 0.05). Total hip BMD and femoral neck BMD were negatively correlated with HAQ (r = -0.521, -0.335; P < 0.05). Fractures occurred in 29 patients during the follow-up period. Logistic regression analysis showed that older age (OR 1.132 [95%CI: 1.026-1.248), P < 0.05], higher HAQ score (OR 1.493, 95%CI: 1.214-1.836, P < 0.01), higher disease activity index for psoriatic arthritis (OR 1.033, 95% CI: 1.002-1.679, P < 0.05) and hip joint involvement (OR 6.401, 95% CI: 4.012-44.180, P < 0.05) were risk factors for fracture in the multivariate model.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased risks of osteoporosis and fracture were found in PsA patients compared to healthy controls. Besides age, high disease activity and hip joint involvement were risk factors for decreased BMD and fracture.

Prevalence and factors associated with osteoporosis and bone mineral density testing in psoriatic arthritis

OBJECTIVES

To determine bone mineral density (BMD) in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients, factors associated with undergoing BMD testing, and the effect of PsA clinical activity on BMD.

METHODS

Patients attending the University of Toronto PsA Clinic with a BMD from cohort inception to January 2019 were included. Descriptive statistics summarized lumbar spine, femoral neck and total hip T-scores. Cox proportional hazard regression identified predictors for BMD testing. Logistic regression analysis determined odds of having normal (T-score ≥ -1.0) versus osteoporotic range BMD (T-score ≤ -2.5). A multi-state model determined factors associated with BMD state changes over time.

RESULTS

Of the 1479 patients, 214 had BMDs. Mean T-scores at the lumbar spine, femoral neck and total hip were -0.30±0.32, -1.10±1.04 and -0.45±0.42 respectively. Osteopenia and osteoporosis occurred in 45.27% and 12.94% of patients. Increasing age, menopause, elevated acute phase reactants, biologic, methotrexate and systemic glucocorticoid use were associated with a higher chance of undergoing BMD testing. Increased BMI and biologic use were associated with a lower chance of having osteoporotic range BMD. In multi-state analysis, polyarthritis may portend lower BMDs over time, although this did not achieve statistical significance due to low patient numbers.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in the PsA cohort were similar to the general population. Clinicians are using osteoporosis risk factors and PsA disease severity markers to select patients for BMD testing. Polyarticular disease may portend worse BMDs. Biologic use and increased BMI appear to have a protective effect.

Higher depression rates and similar cardiovascular comorbidity in psoriatic arthritis compared with rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes mellitus

Background

We explore the spectrum of comorbidities in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients in comparison with other high comorbidity-burden diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods

Two hundred and fifteen PsA patients, cross-sectionally collected from two tertiary hospitals, were compared with 215 RA and 215 DM patients (age/sex-matched, similar disease duration). Cardiovascular risk factors [hypertension, current smoking, hyperlipidaemia, obesity (body mass index (BMI) ⩾30)], coronary artery disease (CAD), stroke, major adverse cardiac events (MACEs; combined CAD and stroke), depression, osteoporosis and malignancies were recorded. Odds ratios (ORs) for stroke, CAD and MACE were adjusted for age, sex, hypertension, smoking, hyperlipidaemia, BMI, glucocorticoids use and those for depression were adjusted for age, sex, disease duration, skin involvement and smoking. Within the PsA group, associations between comorbidities and demographic/clinical features were assessed.

Results

Depression [OR (95% confidence interval (CI)): 3.02 (1.57-5.81)], obesity [OR (95% CI): 2.83, (1.65-4.86)] and hyperlipidaemia [OR (95% CI): 1.96 (1.32-2.90)] were more prevalent in PsA compared with RA, while no differences were observed for CAD, stroke, MACE and malignancies. Depression [OR (95% CI): 4.85 (2.37-9.93)] and osteoporosis [OR (95% CI): 6.22 (1.33-29.2)] were more common in PsA than in DM. Hypertension, but not the other cardiovascular risk factors, was more frequent in DM [OR (95% CI) 0.49 (0.33-0.74)]. However, prevalence of stroke, CAD and MACE did not differ between PsA and DM. Within PsA group, depression was associated with age [OR (95% CI): 1.03 (0.99-1.06)], female sex [OR (95% CI): 3.47 (1.51-7.99)] and smoking [OR (95% CI): 2.78 (1.31-5.88)] while MACEs were associated with age [OR (95% CI): 1.08 (1.00-1.17)], male sex [OR (95% CI) for females: 0.26 (0.06-1.23) and hypertension [OR (95% CI): 6.07 (1.12-33.0)]. No differences were recorded in comorbidities between the different PsA phenotypes.

Conclusion

Depression was more prevalent in PsA compared with RA and DM, while cardiovascular comorbidity was comparable to both groups, supporting the need for their assessment and management.

Osteoporosis in Inflammatory Arthritides: New Perspective on Pathogenesis and Treatment

Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder characterized by impaired bone strength and increased risk of fragility fracture and is among the most relevant comorbidities of rheumatic diseases. The purpose of the present review is to discuss the pathogenesis of local and systemic bone involvement in inflammatory arthritides, especially Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Spondyloarthritides, as well as the effect of anti-rheumatic treatments and anti-osteoporotic medication on bone health and fracture incidence, including recent data on novel therapeutic perspective.

Multimorbidity and comorbidity in psoriatic arthritis - a perspective

INTRODUCTION

Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) is a multifaceted disease in which various musculoskeletal and skin manifestations are involved. Beyond these features, PsA is associated with comorbidities that might increase the burden of the disease.

AREAS COVERED

In the last years a growing interest has come out for the concept of multimorbidity in rheumatology. Multimorbidity was defined as the 'co-existence of two or more chronic diseases in the same individual.' In the multimorbidity concept, the patient is of central concern and all coexisting diseases are of equal importance. Comorbidity was defined as the 'occurrence of any distinct additional entity during the clinical course of patient who has the index disease under study.' In PsA, comorbidity and multimorbidity have often been confusingly used interchangeably, showing that there is an unmet need on this topic.

EXPERT OPINION

This perspective article dealt with these different visions of the co-existence of other diseases in PsA, providing a distinction between them, not only for the impact on the treatment decision but also in how this concept might be incorporated into clinical trials design, choosing the right outcome measures for the patient-centric concept of multimorbidity. For this perspective, the authors searched PubMed and the Cochrane library for articles published.

Quantitative Imaging in Inflammatory Arthritis: Between Tradition and Innovation

Radiologic imaging is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring rheumatic inflammatory diseases. Particularly the emerging approach of precision medicine has increased the interest in quantitative imaging. Extensive research has shown that ultrasound allows a quantification of direct signs such as bone erosions and synovial thickness. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (CT) contribute to the quantitative assessment of secondary signs such as osteoporosis or lean mass loss. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), using different techniques and sequences, permits in-depth evaluations. For instance, the perfusion of the inflamed synovium can be quantified by dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging or diffusion-weighted imaging, and cartilage injury can be assessed by mapping (T1ρ, T2). Furthermore, the increased metabolic activity characterizing the inflammatory response can be reliably assessed by hybrid imaging (positron emission tomography [PET]/CT, PET/MRI). Finally, advances in intelligent systems are pushing forward quantitative imaging. Complex mathematical algorithms of lesions' segmentation and advanced pattern recognition are showing promising results.

The Impact of Comorbidity on Patient-Reported Outcomes in Psoriatic Arthritis: A Systematic Literature Review

INTRODUCTION

A systematic literature review was conducted with the aim to analyse the impact of comorbidity on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

METHODS

A sensitive search strategy of the Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library (up to March 2019) was applied to retrieve studies for inclusion in this systematic literature review. Abstracts of the ACR and EULAR scientific meetings were also searched. The selection criteria were: (1) patients with PsA (population) with a comorbidity (intervention) and (2) report of any impact of the comorbidity on PROs. Systematic literature reviews, randomized controlled trials and observational were included in this systematic literature review. Two of the authors selected the articles and collected the data.

RESULTS

Eighteen articles were included in this systematic literature review, with most being cross-sectional studies that included more than 9000 patients with PsA. Some studies analysed the impact of an individual comorbidity, such as fibromyalgia (FM), and in others the analysis was according to the number of comorbidities. The most frequently analysed PROs were function, quality of life and fatigue. Analysis of the studies included in the review showed that patients with a higher number of comorbidities and/or more severe comorbidities reported worse impacts of their disease on function, patient's global assessment (PGA), pain, fatigue, work disability and quality of life. Specifically, FM had a negative impact on the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), function, quality of sleep and quality of life; anxiety and depression had a negative impact on function and fatigue; metabolic syndrome had a negative impact on BASDAI, function, PGA and quality of life; obesity had a negative impact on function and pain; smoking (current and ex-smokers) had a negative impact on pain, function, fatigue, quality of life and overall health; alcohol intake had a negative impact on pain, function, fatigue, quality of life and overall health.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence and impact of medical comorbidity on PROs are very high in patients with PsA.

Comorbidities associated with psoriatic arthritis: Review and update

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory arthropathy frequently associated with psoriasis and several other comorbidities. The goal of this review is to summarize the available evidence on the epidemiology, clinical implications, pathological mechanisms proposed, and screening and management recommendations for the comorbidities related with PsA. Reported comorbidities include cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, inflammatory bowel disease, fatty liver disease, uveitis, kidney disease, infections, osteoporosis, depression, central sensitization syndrome, and gout. Given that these comorbidities may affect both clinical outcomes and the management for these patients, their recognition and monitoring by all health-care providers caring for patients with psoriatic arthritis is of utmost importance.

Osteoimmunology: The Regulatory Roles of T Lymphocytes in Osteoporosis

Immune imbalance caused bone loss. Osteoimmunology is emerging as a new interdisciplinary field to explore the shared molecules and interactions between the skeletal and immune systems. In particular, T lymphocytes (T cells) play pivotal roles in the regulation of bone health. However, the roles and mechanisms of T cells in the treatment of osteoporosis are not fully understood. The present review aims to summarize the essential regulatory roles of T cells in the pathophysiology of various cases of osteoporosis and the development of T cell therapy for osteoporosis from osteoimmunology perspective. As T cell-mediated immunomodulation inhibition reduced bone loss, there is an increasing interest in T cell therapy in an attempt to treat osteoporosis. In summary, the T cell therapy may be further pursued as an immunomodulatory strategy for the treatment of osteoporosis, which can provide a novel perspective for drug development in the future.