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Balasundaram D, Veerasamy V, Sylvia Singarayar M, Neethirajan V, Ananth Devanesan A, Thilagar S. Therapeutic potential of probiotics in gut microbial homeostasis and Rheumatoid arthritis. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 137:112501. [PMID: 38885604 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112501] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and joint damage. Existing treatment options primarily focus on managing symptoms and slowing disease progression, often with side effects and limitations. The gut microbiome, a vast community of microorganisms present in the gastrointestinal tract, plays a crucial role in health and disease. Recent research suggests a bidirectional relationship between the gut microbiome and RA, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic option. This review focuses on the interaction between the gut microbiome and RA development, by discussing how dysbiosis, an imbalance in gut bacteria, can contribute to RA through multiple mechanisms such as molecular mimicry, leaky gut, and metabolic dysregulation. Probiotics, live microorganisms with health benefits, are emerging as promising tools for managing RA. They can prevent the negative effects of dysbiosis by displacing harmful bacteria, producing anti-inflammatory metabolites like short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), Directly influencing immune cells, and modifying host metabolism. animal and clinical studies demonstrate the potential of probiotics in improving RA symptoms and disease outcomes. However, further research is needed to optimize probiotic strains, dosages, and treatment protocols for personalized and effective management of RA. This review summarizes the current understanding of the gut microbiome and its role in RA and discusses future research directions. In addition to the established role of gut dysbiosis in RA, emerging strategies like fecal microbiota transplantation, prebiotics, and postbiotics offer exciting possibilities. However, individual variations in gut composition necessitate personalized treatment plans. Long-term effects and clear regulations need to be established. Future research focusing on metagenomic analysis, combination therapies, and mechanistic understanding will unlock the full potential of gut microbiome modulation for effective RA management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Veeramurugan Veerasamy
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620024, India
| | - Magdalin Sylvia Singarayar
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620024, India
| | - Vivek Neethirajan
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620024, India
| | | | - Sivasudha Thilagar
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620024, India.
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Courel-Ibáñez J, Vetrovsky T, Růžičková N, Marañón C, Durkalec-Michalski K, Tomcik M, Filková M. Integrative non-pharmacological care for individuals at risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatol Int 2024; 44:413-423. [PMID: 38180500 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-023-05507-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
There is increasing knowledge in the recognition of individuals at risk for progression to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) before the clinical manifestation of the disease. This prodromal phase preceding the manifestation of RA may represent a "window of opportunity" for preventive interventions that may transform the clinical approach to this disease. However, limited evidence exists in support of effective interventions to delay the onset or even halt the manifestation of RA. Given the multifactorial nature of RA development and disease progression, the latest guidelines for established RA stress the use of integrative interventions and multidisciplinary care strategies, combining pharmacologic treatment with non-pharmacological approaches. Accordingly, individuals at risk of RA could be offered an integrative, multifactorial intervention approach. Current data point toward pharmacological intervention reverting the subclinical inflammation and delay in the disease onset. In addition, targeting life style modifiable factors (smoking cessation, dental health, physical activity, and diet) may presumably improve RA prognosis in individuals at risk, mainly by changes in epigenetics, autoantibodies, cytokines profiles, and microbiome. Nonetheless, the benefits of multidisciplinary interventions to halt the manifestation of RA in at-risk individuals remain unknown. As there is a growing knowledge of possible pharmacological intervention in the preclinical phase, this narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of non-pharmacological treatments in individuals at risk of RA. Considering the mechanisms preceding the clinical manifestation of RA we explored all aspects that would be worth modifying and that would represent an integrative non-pharmacological care for individuals at risk of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Courel-Ibáñez
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Granada, C/Camino de Alfacar, 21, 18071, Granada, Spain.
| | - Tomas Vetrovsky
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Nora Růžičková
- Department of Rheumatology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Rheumatology, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Concepción Marañón
- Pfizer-University of Granada-Junta de Andalucía Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), Granada, Spain
| | - Krzysztof Durkalec-Michalski
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Sports Dietetics, Poznan University of Physical Education, Poznan, Poland
| | - Michal Tomcik
- Department of Rheumatology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Rheumatology, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Mária Filková
- Department of Rheumatology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Rheumatology, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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Biskupiak Z, Ha VV, Rohaj A, Bulaj G. Digital Therapeutics for Improving Effectiveness of Pharmaceutical Drugs and Biological Products: Preclinical and Clinical Studies Supporting Development of Drug + Digital Combination Therapies for Chronic Diseases. J Clin Med 2024; 13:403. [PMID: 38256537 PMCID: PMC10816409 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13020403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Limitations of pharmaceutical drugs and biologics for chronic diseases (e.g., medication non-adherence, adverse effects, toxicity, or inadequate efficacy) can be mitigated by mobile medical apps, known as digital therapeutics (DTx). Authorization of adjunct DTx by the US Food and Drug Administration and draft guidelines on "prescription drug use-related software" illustrate opportunities to create drug + digital combination therapies, ultimately leading towards drug-device combination products (DTx has a status of medical devices). Digital interventions (mobile, web-based, virtual reality, and video game applications) demonstrate clinically meaningful benefits for people living with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, chronic pain, epilepsy, depression, and anxiety. In the respective animal disease models, preclinical studies on environmental enrichment and other non-pharmacological modalities (physical activity, social interactions, learning, and music) as surrogates for DTx "active ingredients" also show improved outcomes. In this narrative review, we discuss how drug + digital combination therapies can impact translational research, drug discovery and development, generic drug repurposing, and gene therapies. Market-driven incentives to create drug-device combination products are illustrated by Humira® (adalimumab) facing a "patent-cliff" competition with cheaper and more effective biosimilars seamlessly integrated with DTx. In conclusion, pharma and biotech companies, patients, and healthcare professionals will benefit from accelerating integration of digital interventions with pharmacotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zack Biskupiak
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Victor Vinh Ha
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Aarushi Rohaj
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- The Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84113, USA
| | - Grzegorz Bulaj
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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Barahona-Correa JE, Rueda-Ortiz C, Muñoz O, García ÁA, Fernández-Ávila DG. YouTube® as a source of information for Spanish-speaking patients with rheumatoid arthritis. REUMATOLOGIA CLINICA 2023; 19:571-578. [PMID: 38056982 DOI: 10.1016/j.reumae.2023.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Social media (SoMe) has reshaped access to health information, which may benefit patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), although an evaluation of the characteristics of contents for Spanish-speaking patients is lacking. We aimed to assess patient engagement, reliability, comprehensiveness, and quality of data uploaded to YouTube® for Spanish-speaking patients. METHODS We evaluated the videos uploaded to YouTube® in Spanish about RA. Information about video length, engagement (i.e., views, likes, popularity index), time online, and the source was retrieved; we appraised reliability (DISCERN), comprehensiveness (content score), and quality (Global Quality Score) using standardized scores. RESULTS We included 200 videos in the study and classified 67% of the videos as useful. These videos had a higher number of views (19,491 [10,132-61,162] vs. 11,208 [8183-20,538]), a longer time online (1156 [719-2254] vs. 832 [487-1708] days), and a shorter duration (6.3 [3.4-15.8] vs. 11.8 [7.4-20.3] min). Engagement parameters were similar between useful and misleading videos. Useful videos had higher reliability, comprehensiveness, and quality scores. Useful videos were mainly uploaded by independent users and government/news agencies; academic organizations offered only 15% of useful videos. CONCLUSIONS Most of the information in YouTube® for Spanish-speaking patients with RA is useful; however, patient engagement is similar between useful and misleading content. More substantial involvement of academia in developing high-quality educational multimedia is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julián E Barahona-Correa
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogota, Colombia.
| | - Camilo Rueda-Ortiz
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Oscar Muñoz
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogota, Colombia; Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Ángel Alberto García
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogota, Colombia; Division of Cardiology, Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Daniel G Fernández-Ávila
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogota, Colombia; Division of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogota, Colombia
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Doumen M, De Meyst E, Lefevre C, Pazmino S, Joly J, Bertrand D, Devinck M, Westhovens R, Verschueren P. Effectiveness and feasibility of a mobile health self-management intervention in rheumatoid arthritis: study protocol for a pragmatic multicentre randomised controlled trial (AEGORA). Trials 2023; 24:697. [PMID: 37898781 PMCID: PMC10613379 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07733-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) considerably impacts patients' lives. Patients' confidence in their ability to manage this impact, or self-efficacy, can be supported with self-management interventions. One approach is to use mobile health (mHealth) applications, which can additionally provide insight into disease impact by remotely monitoring patient-reported outcomes. However, user engagement with mHealth-apps is variable, and concerns exist that remote monitoring might make patients overly attentive to symptoms. METHODS App-based Education and GOal setting in RA (AEGORA) is a multicentre, pragmatic randomised controlled trial investigating an mHealth-based self-management intervention to improve self-efficacy and remotely monitor disease impact in patients with RA. The intervention is provided via an adapted version of the application Sidekick (Sidekick Health, Reykjavik, Iceland) and consists of education, goal setting, lifestyle advice, and remote assessment of the Rheumatoid Arthritis Impact of Disease (RAID) questionnaire. Across two centres, 120 patients will be recruited and randomised (2:1:1) to usual care or intervention group A/B (study app with weekly/monthly prompts to complete the RAID, respectively). Outcomes are assessed at baseline and after 4-6 months. The primary endpoint is a clinically important improvement (≥ 5.5/110) in the Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale in the combined intervention group compared to usual care. Secondary endpoints are (a) non-inferiority regarding pain catastrophising, as a measure of symptom hypervigilance; (b) superiority regarding the RAID, sleep quality, and physical activity; and (c) participant engagement with the study app. Finally, the relationship between engagement, prompted frequency of RAID questionnaires, and the primary and secondary outcomes will be explored. DISCUSSION The AEGORA trial aims to study the effectiveness of mHealth-based, multicomponent self-management support to improve self-efficacy in the context of RA, while providing potentially valuable insights into temporal disease activity dynamics and the feasibility and possible negative effects of remote symptom monitoring in this population. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov NCT05888181. Retrospectively registered on March 23, 2023. Study inclusion started on March 3, 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaël Doumen
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
- Rheumatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Elias De Meyst
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Rheumatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Cedric Lefevre
- Rheumatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sofia Pazmino
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johan Joly
- Rheumatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Delphine Bertrand
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - René Westhovens
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Rheumatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patrick Verschueren
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Rheumatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Duarte C, Spilker RLF, Paiva C, Ferreira RJO, da Silva JAP, Pinto AM. MITIG.RA: study protocol of a tailored psychological intervention for managing fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis randomized controlled trial. Trials 2023; 24:651. [PMID: 37803467 PMCID: PMC10559483 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07692-4] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite remarkable medical advances in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a subset of patients fails to achieve complete clinical remission, as the Patient Global Assessment (PGA) of disease activity remains above 1, even after the inflammatory process is brought under control. This so-called state of 'PGA-near-remission' negatively impacts individuals' functioning and potentiates inadequate care. Fatigue is a distressing and disabling symptom frequently reported by patients in PGA-near-remission, and its management remains challenging. While classic cognitive-behavioural interventions show some benefits in managing fatigue, there is potential for improvement. Recently, contextual-cognitive behavioural therapies (CCBT), like mindfulness, acceptance, and compassion-based interventions, have shown promising results in fatigue-associated disorders and their determinants. This study primarily aims to examine the efficacy of the Compassion and Mindfulness Intervention for RA (MITIG.RA), a novel intervention combining different components of CCBT, compared to treatment-as-usual (TAU) in the management of RA-associated fatigue. Secondary aims involve exploring whether MITIG.RA produces changes in the perceived impact of disease, satisfaction with disease status, levels of depression, and emotion-regulation skills. METHODS This is a single center, two-arm parallel randomized controlled trial. Patients will be screened for eligibility and willingness to participate and will be assessed and randomized to the experimental (MITIG.RA + TAU) or control condition (TAU) using computer randomization. MITIG.RA will be delivered by a certified psychologist and comprises eight sessions of 2 h, followed by two booster sessions. Outcomes will be assessed through validated self-report measures, including fatigue (primary outcome), perceived impact of disease, depressive symptoms, mindfulness, self-compassion, safety, and satisfaction (secondary outcomes). Assessment will take place at baseline, post-intervention, before the first and second booster sessions (weeks 12 and 20, respectively), and at 32 and 44 weeks after the interventions' beginning. DISCUSSION We expect MITIG.RA to be effective in reducing levels of RA-associated fatigue. Secondarily, we hypothesize that the experimental group will show improvements in the overall perceived impact of disease, emotional distress, and emotion regulation skills. Our findings will contribute to determine the benefits of combining CCBT approaches for managing fatigue and associated distress in RA. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05389189. Registered on May 25, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia Duarte
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar E Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | | | - Cláudia Paiva
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar E Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ricardo J O Ferreira
- Nursing Research, Innovation and Development Centre of Lisbon (CIDNUR), Nursing School of Lisbon (ESEL), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - José A Pereira da Silva
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar E Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana M Pinto
- Centre for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioural Intervention (CINEICC), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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Taylor PC. Pain in the joints and beyond; the challenge of rheumatoid arthritis. THE LANCET. RHEUMATOLOGY 2023; 5:e351-e360. [PMID: 38251602 DOI: 10.1016/s2665-9913(23)00094-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Pain is a common and often debilitating symptom for people living with rheumatoid arthritis. Although pain is a generic feature of inflammation and often improves with successful treatment that targets inflammatory pathways, pain experience can persist. Emerging data suggest that the magnitude of pain relief might vary according to the therapeutic target of pharmacological intervention within the inflammatory cascade. Both inflammatory and non-inflammatory causes contribute to the pain experience, which depends on tissue origin, peripheral sensory mechanisms and their transmission, integration, and interpretation within the nervous system. Contemporary neuroimaging is transforming our understanding of these mechanisms and the role of sensory, emotional, and cognitive contributions to the experience of pain. This understanding paves the way for therapeutic approaches that recognise the existence of multiple, cognitively driven, supraspinal mechanisms for pain modulation and could complement pharmacological inflammation suppression. Such approaches include neuropsychological interventions that have the potential to modify human brain cortical structure and reduce suffering that is often associated with pain experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter C Taylor
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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Labinsky H, Gupta L, Raimondo MG, Schett G, Knitza J. Real-world usage of digital health applications (DiGA) in rheumatology: results from a German patient survey. Rheumatol Int 2023; 43:713-719. [PMID: 36543961 PMCID: PMC9770561 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-022-05261-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Mobile health applications and digital therapeutics (DTx) aim to improve current patient care. Real-world data on DTx are, however, scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the adherence, acceptance, and efficacy of DTx in a clinical routine rheumatology setting. We conducted a prospective observational cohort study assessing the use, adherence, acceptance, and efficacy of the DTx DiGA (Digitale Gesundheitsanwendungen) by survey over 12 weeks. Patients included had to have a rheumatic disease and had been prescribed a DiGA. Acceptance was assessed using the Net promoter score (NPS). 48 patients were prescribed DiGA. Of these, 39/48 (81%) completed the follow-up survey. 21/39 (54%) patients downloaded the DTx and 20/39 (51%) used the DTx at least once. 9/39 (23%) of patients stopped quickly afterward and 5/39 (13%) reported having completed the whole DTx program. Lack of time and commitment were reported as the main reasons for non-use. Overall acceptance of DiGA was high (Net promoter score (NPS) mean (SD) 7.8/10 (2.3)). While the majority of patients (60%) reported no improvement, one subgroup of patients (7/20, 35%) who regularly used an exercise-based DTx for back pain reported symptom improvement. Acceptance of DTx in patients with rheumatic diseases is high, however onboarding to DTx use and adherence to DTx is still challenging in patients with rheumatic diseases. In a subgroup of patients with back pain, however, the use of an exercise-based DTx led to symptom improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Labinsky
- Department of Internal Medicine 3- Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Ulmenweg 18, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Latika Gupta
- Department of Rheumatology, Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust, Wolverhampton, UK
- Department of Rheumatology, City Hospital, Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
- Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Maria Gabriella Raimondo
- Department of Internal Medicine 3- Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Ulmenweg 18, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Georg Schett
- Department of Internal Medicine 3- Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Ulmenweg 18, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Johannes Knitza
- Department of Internal Medicine 3- Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Ulmenweg 18, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.
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Taylor PC, Askari A, Choy E, Ehrenstein MR, Else S, Nisar MK. Approaches to optimising access to NICE-approved biologic anti-TNFs for patients with rheumatoid arthritis with moderately active disease. BMC Med 2023; 21:55. [PMID: 36782189 PMCID: PMC9925364 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-02746-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that is associated with joint pain and stiffness. Biologics represent some of the most effective treatments for RA, but previous guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has limited their use to patients with severely active disease. This has meant patients with moderately active RA have been treated as if they have an acceptable disease state, despite many cases where the inflammation has a major impact on joint damage, mobility, pain and quality of life. However, recent guideline changes (NICE TA715) have approved the use of three biologics - adalimumab, etanercept and infliximab - for the treatment of moderately active RA. MAIN BODY In response to these changes, we have held discussions with medical teams from across the UK to consider the main implications for implementation of these new recommendations, as well as any differences in approach that may exist at a local level. Several key challenges were identified. These included establishing methods of educating both physicians and patients concerning the new availability of the biologic treatments, with suggestions of various organisations that could be approached to circulate informative material. Identifying which patients with moderately active RA stand to benefit was another discussion topic. Relying solely on scoring systems like Disease Activity Score in 28 Joints (DAS28) was acknowledged to have limitations, and alternative complementary approaches such as ultrasound, as well as assessing a patient's co-morbidities, could also be useful tools in determining those who could benefit from biologics. An additional challenge for the process of patient identification has been the increase in the use of telemedicine consultations in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. More use of patient-reported outcomes was raised as one possible solution, and the importance of maintaining up-to-date databases on patient disease scores and treatment history was also stressed. CONCLUSION While challenges exist in education and identifying patients who may benefit from the use of biologics, the NICE TA715 recommendations hold great potential in addressing an unmet need for the treatment of moderate RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter C Taylor
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Windmill Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK.
| | - Ayman Askari
- Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic and District Hospital NHS Trust, Oswestry, UK
| | - Ernest Choy
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Michael R Ehrenstein
- Centre for Rheumatology, UCL Division of Medicine, Rayne Building, 5 University Street, London, UK
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Santos-Moreno P, Sánchez-Vanegas G, Monterrosa-Blanco A, Rodríguez-Vargas GS, Rivero M, Rodriguez P, Calixto OJ, Rojas-Villarraga A, Castro CA. Adherence to Subcutaneous Anti-Tumour Necrosis Factor Treatment in a Cohort of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Before and After the Implementation of a Comprehensive Care Model. Biologics 2022; 16:199-209. [PMID: 36440060 PMCID: PMC9699109 DOI: 10.2147/btt.s385422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess, in a cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with subcutaneous antitumor necrosis factor drugs (anti-TNFs), the levels of treatment adherence before and after implementing a comprehensive care model (CCM). PATIENTS AND METHODS An observational study including RA patients under treatment with subcutaneous anti-TNFs (adalimumab, etanercept, and golimumab) selected at convenience was performed; a sample size of 125 patients was calculated. The outcome variable was adherence assessed with the Compliance Questionnaire on Rheumatology (CQR19), measured before and after implementing a CCM. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed comparing adherence before and after applying the model (Wilcoxon and McNemar's Chi2 test). For multivariate analysis, a generalized linear model adjusted for covariates was performed, where the difference in the proportion of adherence was the outcome measure. RESULTS A total of 131 RA patients were followed-up for 24 months; average age was 62 years, and 83.9% were women. The median of DAS28 at the beginning of the follow-up was 2.32, and the HAQ was 0.25. At baseline, 87.8% were adherent; after 24 months, 96.2% were adherent according to CQR19. At the end of follow-up, adherence increased with the three types of anti-TNFs treatment. In a matched model adjusted for clinical variables, the CCM was estimated to produce a 9.4% increase in the total percentage of adherent patients. Additionally, a statistically significant increase of 4.5% in the percentage of adherent patients treated with golimumab compared with etanercept and adalimumab was found. CONCLUSION A CCM produced an important increase in the percentage of patients with rheumatoid arthritis adherent to treatment after 24 months of follow-up. It is noteworthy that Golimumab patients were more adherent when compared with other current anti-TNFs treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guillermo Sánchez-Vanegas
- Scientific Direction Department, Hospital Universitario Mayor Mederi, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Angélica Monterrosa-Blanco
- Research and Health Education Department, Comprehensive Solutions for Health Research and Education-SIIES, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Manuel Rivero
- Rheumatology Department, Biomab IPS, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Omar-Javier Calixto
- Rheumatology and Immunology Department, Hospital Militar Central, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Carlos Alberto Castro
- Research and Health Education Department, Comprehensive Solutions for Health Research and Education-SIIES, Bogotá, Colombia
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11
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Taylor PC, Matucci Cerinic M, Alten R, Avouac J, Westhovens R. Managing inadequate response to initial anti-TNF therapy in rheumatoid arthritis: optimising treatment outcomes. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis 2022; 14:1759720X221114101. [PMID: 35991524 PMCID: PMC9386864 DOI: 10.1177/1759720x221114101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-tumour necrosis factors (anti-TNFs) are established as first-line biological therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with over two decades of accumulated clinical experience. Anti-TNFs have well established efficacy/safety profiles along with additional benefits on various comorbidities. However, up to 40% of patients may respond inadequately to an initial anti-TNF treatment because of primary non-response, loss of response, or intolerance. Following inadequate response (IR) to anti-TNF treatment, clinicians can consider switching to an alternative anti-TNF (cycling) or to another class of targeted drug with a different mechanism of action, such as Janus kinase inhibitors, interleukin-6 receptor blockers, B-cell depletion agents, and co-stimulation inhibitors (swapping). While European League Against Rheumatism recommendations for pharmacotherapeutic management of RA, published in 2020, are widely regarded as helpful guides to clinical practice, they do not provide any clear recommendations on therapeutic choices following an IR to first-line anti-TNF. This suggests that both cycling and swapping treatment strategies are of equal value, but that the treating physician must take the patient’s individual characteristics into account. This article considers which patient characteristics influence clinical decision-making processes, including the reason for treatment failure, previous therapies, comorbidities, extra-articular manifestations, pregnancy, patient preference and cost-effectiveness, and what evidence is available to support decisions made by the physician.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter C Taylor
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Rd, Headington, Oxford OX3 7LD, UK
| | - Marco Matucci Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Rieke Alten
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Osteology, Schlosspark-Klinik University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jérôme Avouac
- AP-HP Centre, Université de Paris, Hôpital Cochin, Service de Rhumatologie, Paris, France
| | - Rene Westhovens
- Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, Department of Development and Regeneration and Division of Rheumatology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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12
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Gukova X, Hazlewood GS, Arbillaga H, MacMullan P, Zimmermann GL, Barnabe C, Choi MY, Barber MRW, Charlton A, Job B, Osinski K, Hartfeld NMS, Knott MW, Pirani P, Barber CEH. Development of an interdisciplinary early rheumatoid arthritis care pathway. BMC Rheumatol 2022; 6:35. [PMID: 35751106 PMCID: PMC9233314 DOI: 10.1186/s41927-022-00267-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To develop an interdisciplinary care pathway for early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) including referral triage, diagnosis, and management. Methods Our process was a four-phase approach. In Phase 1, an anonymous survey was electronically distributed to division rheumatologists. This provided data to a small interprofessional working group of rheumatology team members who drafted an initial care pathway informed by evidence-based practice in Phase 2. In Phase 3, an education day was held with approximately 40 physicians (rheumatologists and rheumatology residents), members of our interprofessional team, and two clinic managers to review the proposed care elements through presentations and small group discussions. The care pathway was revised for content and implementation considerations based on feedback received. Implementation of the care pathway and development of strategies for evaluation is ongoing across multiple practice sites (Phase 4). Results Our care pathway promotes an approach to patient-centered early RA care using an interdisciplinary approach. Care pathway elements include triage processes, critical diagnostics, pre-treatment screening and vaccinations, and uptake of suggested RA pharmacologic treatment using shared decision-making strategies. Pathway implementation has been facilitated by nursing protocols and evaluation includes continuous monitoring of key indicators. Conclusion The ‘Calgary Early RA Care Pathway’ emphasizes a patient-centered and interdisciplinary approach to early RA identification and treatment. Implementation and evaluation of this care pathway is ongoing to support, highest quality care for patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s41927-022-00267-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xenia Gukova
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive, NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Glen S Hazlewood
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive, NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.,Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Arthritis Research Canada, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Hector Arbillaga
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive, NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Paul MacMullan
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive, NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Gabrielle L Zimmermann
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Learning Health System, Alberta SPOR SUPPORT Unit, Alberta, Canada
| | - Cheryl Barnabe
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive, NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.,Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Arthritis Research Canada, Vancouver, Canada
| | - May Y Choi
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive, NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.,Arthritis Research Canada, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Megan R W Barber
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive, NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | | | - Becky Job
- Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Canada
| | | | - Nicole M S Hartfeld
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive, NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | | | | | - Claire E H Barber
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive, NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada. .,Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada. .,Arthritis Research Canada, Vancouver, Canada.
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13
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Ingegnoli F, Cavalli S, Giudice L, Caporali R. Caffeine and rheumatoid arthritis: A complicated relationship. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2022; 21:103117. [PMID: 35595049 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2022.103117] [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: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The current ideal goal of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) management is to resolve joint and systemic inflammation by using pharmacological interventions, assuming this will correspondingly lead to overall well-being. Nonetheless, it has emerged that a substantial number of RA patients do not reach optimal disease control. Thus suggesting the holistic management of subjective symptoms might be overlooked. This poses significant medical challenges; hence the proposal of incorporating lifestyle interventions as part of a multidimensional approach. Among these aspects, both patients and physicians perceive the important role of nutrition. This review shall examine how caffeine, one of the most studied bioactive components of the most widely consumed beverages, may potentially interfere with RA management. In particular, the mechanism by which caffeine affects RA pathogenesis, as a trigger for RA onset or flare, including its influence on rheumatic drug metabolism and the most common RA comorbidities and constitutional symptoms are outlined, highlighting important knowledge gaps and unmet research needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Ingegnoli
- Clinical Rheumatology Unit, ASST Pini-CTO, Dept. of Clinical Sciences & Community Health, Research Center for Adult and Pediatric Rheumatic Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
| | - Silvia Cavalli
- Clinical Rheumatology Unit, ASST Pini-CTO, Dept. of Clinical Sciences & Community Health, Research Center for Adult and Pediatric Rheumatic Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Laura Giudice
- Clinical Rheumatology Unit, ASST Pini-CTO, Dept. of Clinical Sciences & Community Health, Research Center for Adult and Pediatric Rheumatic Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto Caporali
- Clinical Rheumatology Unit, ASST Pini-CTO, Dept. of Clinical Sciences & Community Health, Research Center for Adult and Pediatric Rheumatic Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
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