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Hoque A, Steultjens M, Dickson DM, Hendry GJ. Assessing the construct validity of musculoskeletal ultrasound and the rheumatoid arthritis foot disease activity index (RADAI-F5) for managing rheumatoid foot disease. Rheumatol Adv Pract 2023; 7:rkad048. [PMID: 37251662 PMCID: PMC10224803 DOI: 10.1093/rap/rkad048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The RA foot disease activity index (RADAI-F5) is a valid, reliable and clinically feasible patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) for the measurement of RA foot disease activity. Further validation of the RADAI-F5 against musculoskeletal ultrasonography (MSUS) for foot disease activity is necessary before clinical implementation. The aim of this study was to examine the construct validity of the RADAI-F5 in relationship to MSUS and clinical examination. Methods Participants with RA completed the RADAI-F5. MSUS was used to evaluate disease activity (synovial hypertrophy/synovitis/tenosynovitis/bursitis) and joint damage (erosion) using greyscale (GS) and power Doppler (PD) at 16 regions in each foot, including joints and soft tissues. These same regions were examined clinically for swelling and tenderness. The construct validity of the RADAI-F5 was assessed using correlation coefficients and a priori-specified hypotheses for the strength of associations. Results Of 60 participants, 48 were female, with a mean (s.d.) age of 62.6 (9.96) years and median disease duration of 15.49 (interquartile range 6-20.5) years. Theoretically consistent associations confirming construct validity [95% CI] were observed between the RADAI-F5 and MSUS GS (0.76 [0.57, 0.82]; strong), MSUS PD (0.55 [0.35, 0.71]; moderate), MSUS-detected erosions (0.41 [0.18, 0.61]; moderate), clinical tenderness (0.52 [0.31, 0.68]; moderate) and clinical swelling (0.36 [0.13, 0.55]; weak). Conclusion Moderate to strong correlations between RADAI-F5 and MSUS demonstrate the good measurement properties of this instrument. With greater confidence in the utility of the RADAI-F5, clinical use of this new instrument as an adjunct to the disease activity score for 28 joints (DAS-28) could help to identify RA patients at risk for poor functional and radiological outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anika Hoque
- Correspondence to: Anika Hoque, Department of Podiatry and Radiography, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK. E-mail:
| | - Martijn Steultjens
- Department of Podiatry and Radiography, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Diane M Dickson
- Department of Podiatry and Radiography, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Gordon J Hendry
- Department of Podiatry and Radiography, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
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Terslev L, Ostergaard M, Georgiadis S, Brahe CH, Ellegaard K, Dohn UM, Fana V, Møller T, Juul L, Huynh TK, Krabbe S, Ornbjerg LM, Glinatsi D, Røgind H, Hansen A, Nørregaard J, Jacobsen S, Jensen DV, Manilo N, Asmussen K, Boesen M, Rastiemadabadi Z, Morsel-Carlsen L, Møller JM, Krogh NS, Hetland ML. Flare during tapering of biological DMARDs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in routine care: characteristics and predictors. RMD Open 2022; 8:rmdopen-2022-002796. [PMID: 36549857 PMCID: PMC9791469 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2022-002796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify predictors of flare in a 2-year follow-up study of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in sustained clinical remission tapering towards withdrawal of biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs). METHODS Sustained clinical remission was defined as Disease Activity Score for 28 joints (DAS28)-C reactive protein (CRP) ≤2.6 without radiographic progression for >1 year. bDMARDs were tapered according to a mandatory clinical guideline to two-thirds of standard dose at baseline, half of dose at week 16 and discontinuation at week 32. Prospective assessments for 2 years included clinical evaluation, conventional radiography, ultrasound and MRI for signs of inflammation and bone changes. Flare was defined as DAS28-CRP ≥2.6 with ∆DAS28-CRP ≥1.2 from baseline. Baseline predictors of flare were assessed by logistic regression analyses. RESULTS Of 142 included patients, 121 (85%) flared during follow-up of which 86% regained remission within 24 weeks after flare. Patients that flared were more often rheumatoid factor positive, had tried more bDMARDs and had higher baseline ultrasound synovitis sum scores than those not flaring. For patients on standard dose, predictors of flare within 16 weeks after reduction to two-thirds of standard dose were baseline MRI-osteitis (OR 1.16; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.33; p=0.014), gender (female) (OR 6.71; 95% CI 1.68 to 46.12; p=0.005) and disease duration (OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.11; p=0.020). Baseline predictors for flare within 2 years were ultrasound grey scale synovitis sum score (OR 1.19; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.44; p=0.020) and number of previous bDMARDs (OR 4.07; 95% CI 1.35 to 24.72; p=0.007). CONCLUSION The majority of real-world patients with RA tapering bDMARDs flared during tapering, with the majority regaining remission after stepwise dose increase. Demographic and imaging parameters (MR-osteitis/ultrasound greyscale synovitis) were independent predictors of immediate flare and flare overall and may be of importance for clinical decision-making in patients eligible for tapering.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Terslev
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Ostergaard
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stylianos Georgiadis
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Cecilie Heegaard Brahe
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Karen Ellegaard
- The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg og Frederiksberg Hospital, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - UM Dohn
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Viktoria Fana
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Torsten Møller
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Lars Juul
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Tuan Khai Huynh
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark,Holte Rheumatology Clinic, Capital Region, Holte, Denmark
| | - Simon Krabbe
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - L M Ornbjerg
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Daniel Glinatsi
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark,Department of Rheumatology, Skaraborg Hospital Skövde, Skovde, Sweden
| | - Henrik Røgind
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Annette Hansen
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Jesper Nørregaard
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Søren Jacobsen
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dorte V Jensen
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark,Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Center of Head and Orthopedics, Danbio Registry, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Natalia Manilo
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Karsten Asmussen
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Mikael Boesen
- Department of Radiology, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg University Hospitals, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Lone Morsel-Carlsen
- Department of Radiology, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg University Hospitals, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Merete Lund Hetland
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre for Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Germanò G, Macchioni P, Maranini B, Ciancio G, Bonazza S, Govoni M, Salvarani C. Ultrasound response to tofacitinib in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: Data from a multicenter 24 weeks prospective study. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:990317. [PMID: 36226143 PMCID: PMC9549158 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.990317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundTreatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) should aim at full remission. Ultrasonography (US) might have an added value to clinical examination in assessing disease activity of RA. In this study we evaluated the ultrasound response, next to clinical and laboratory response, in RA patients treated with tofacitinib (TOF).MethodsIn this observational multicenter study, patients received TOF 5 mg twice daily, with or without the contemporary use of methotrexate or other conventional DMARD, for 24 weeks. All patients underwent clinical, laboratory and US examinations of 40 sites among joints and tendons. Sonographers were blinded to clinical and laboratory parameters. Data were assessed at baseline, week 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24. For each patient we used two US joint scores (Gray Scale –GS–and power Doppler –PD– score), a 0–3 semi-quantitative scale for each joint and the EULAR-OMERACT US scoring system (combined GS and PD graded from 0 to 3). Besides, we calculated a tenosynovitis scores (GS and PD) according to the OMERACT score.ResultsFifty-two RA patients completed the 6 months period study: mean disease duration 9.97 ± 8.75 years, baseline DAS28-CRP 4.9 ± 1.2, HAQ 1.4 ± 0.7, C-reactive protein (CRP 2.25 ± 3.11 mg/dl). Baseline joint (GS, PD and combined-US) and tendon US scores (GS and PD) were 23.5 ± 18.4, 22.7 ± 19.3, 25.7 ± 20.6, 10.5 ± 11.4 and 11.0 ± 12.0, respectively. US joint and tendon scores significantly reduced as early as T1 (week 2) examination as well as at week 4, 12 and 24, as compared to baseline values (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). Improvement of joint US scores (GS, PD and US-combined) correlated at T4 examination, with the reduction of serum CRP levels (rho 0.418, p = 0.036, rho 0.495, p = 0.004 and rho 0.454, p = 0.009, respectively). We did not find any correlation between the variations of DAS28-CRP and any US scores at any visits.ConclusionThese results provide evidence that TOF treatment leads to early (2 weeks) and persistent reduction of US signs of inflammation both at tendon and joint level comparable to clinical improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Germanò
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- AUSL-IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy
- *Correspondence: Giuseppe Germanò
| | - Pierluigi Macchioni
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- AUSL-IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Beatrice Maranini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Rheumatology, University of Ferrara, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Sant'Anna Ferrara,, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Ciancio
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Rheumatology, University of Ferrara, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Sant'Anna Ferrara,, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sara Bonazza
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Rheumatology, University of Ferrara, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Sant'Anna Ferrara,, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marcello Govoni
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Rheumatology, University of Ferrara, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Sant'Anna Ferrara,, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carlo Salvarani
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- AUSL-IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy
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Lu CH, Chen LF, Huang YM, Cheng CF, Hsieh SC, Li KJ. Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibodies Correlate to Ultrasound Synovitis in Rheumatoid Arthritis Better Than C-Reactive Protein. J Clin Rheumatol 2021; 27:e412-e417. [PMID: 32604244 PMCID: PMC8612904 DOI: 10.1097/rhu.0000000000001499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to compare ultrasound (US) grading and laboratory measures in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS Two-hundred four patients with rheumatoid arthritis who received US evaluation for synovitis were included after excluding those using tocilizumab. Ultrasound grading of synovial hypertrophy (SH) and power Doppler (PD) at the most severe site were recorded. An assessment of the correlation of laboratory measures and US grading was conducted by reviewing the electronic medical records. RESULTS High-titer anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies positivity was associated with SH grade ≥2 (odds ratio [OR], 6.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.78-20.2) and PD grade ≥2 (OR, 5.56; 95% CI, 1.82-16.9). Recent C-reactive protein (CRP) levels ≥0.3 mg/dL were associated with SH grade ≥2 (OR, 3.13; 95% CI, 1.38-7.10) and PD grade ≥2 (OR, 2.38; 95% CI, 1.31-4.31). Anti-CCP antibody levels correlated with US scores better than the levels of CRP with higher Spearman ρ correlation coefficients. Most of the patients with recent CRP levels <0.3 mg/dL had US synovitis. In logistic regression, high levels of anti-CCP antibodies and CRP were both independently associated with SH grade ≥2 and PD grade ≥2. CONCLUSIONS Higher levels of anti-CCP antibodies and CRP may predict synovitis on US, whereas discrepancies existed between inflammatory markers and US grading. These findings suggest that US has a role in the comprehensive assessment of disease activity, especially for patients with high-titer positive anti-CCP antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Hsun Lu
- From the Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University
| | - Lung-Fang Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei
| | - Yi-Min Huang
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yun-Lin Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Chiao-Feng Cheng
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yun-Lin Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Song-Chou Hsieh
- From the Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital
| | - Ko-Jen Li
- From the Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital
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5
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Dubash SR, Alabas OA, Michelena X, Garcia-Montoya L, De Marco G, Merashli M, Wakefield RJ, Emery P, McGonagle D, Tan AL, Marzo-Ortega H. Ultrasound shows swollen joints are the better proxy for synovitis than tender joints in DMARD-naïve early psoriatic arthritis. Rheumatol Adv Pract 2021; 5:rkab086. [PMID: 35284780 PMCID: PMC8908782 DOI: 10.1093/rap/rkab086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the relationship between clinical examination/US synovitis in DMARD-naïve early PsA. Methods Eligible patients underwent matched clinical/US 44-joint assessment for tender and/or swollen joints (TJ/SJ) and US synovitis [grey scale (GS) ≥ 2 or power Doppler (PD) ≥ 1]. Statistical agreement between TJ/SJ, GS ≥ 2 and PD ≥ 1 was calculated by prevalence-adjusted and bias-adjusted κ (PABAK). To derive probabilities of GS ≥ 2/PD ≥ 1, mixed-effects logistic regression-modelled odds of US synovitis in TJ/SJ were conducted. Results In 155 patients, 5616 joints underwent clinical/US examination. Of these joints, 1039 of 5616 (18.5%) were tender, 550 of 5616 (9.8%) were swollen, 1144 of 5616 (20.4%) had GS ≥ 2, and 292 of 5616 (5.2%) had PD ≥ 1. GS ≥ 2 was most prevalent in concomitantly tender and swollen joints [205 of 462 (44%)], followed by swollen non-tender joints [32 of 88 (36.4%)], tender non-swollen joints [148 of 577 (25.7%)] and non-tender non-swollen joints (subclinical synovitis) [759 of 4489 (16.9%)]. Agreement between SJ/PD ≥ 1 was high at the individual joint level (82.6–96.3%, PABAK 0.65–0.93) and for total joints combined (89.9%, PABAK 0.80). SJ/GS ≥ 2 agreement was greater than between TJ/GS ≥ 2 [73.5–92.6% vs 51.0–87.4% (PABAK 0.47–0.85 vs PABAK 0.35–0.75), respectively]. Swelling was independently associated with higher odds of GS ≥ 2 [odds ratio (OR) (95% CI); 4.37 (2.62, 7.29); P < 0.001] but not tenderness [OR = 1.33 (0.87, 2.06); P = 0.192]. Swelling [OR = 8.78 (3.92, 19.66); P < 0.001] or tenderness [OR = 3.38 (1.53, 7.50); P = 0.003] was independently associated with higher odds of PD ≥ 1. Conclusion Synovitis (GS ≥ 2 and/or PD ≥ 1) was more likely in swollen joints than in tender joints in DMARD-naïve, early PsA. Agreement indicated that swollen joints were the better proxy for synovitis, adding to greater understanding between clinical and US assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayam R Dubash
- NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds
| | - Oras A Alabas
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Xabier Michelena
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds
- Rheumatology Unit, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Leticia Garcia-Montoya
- NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds
| | - Gabriele De Marco
- NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds
| | - Mira Merashli
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Richard J Wakefield
- NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds
| | - Paul Emery
- NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds
| | - Dennis McGonagle
- NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds
| | - Ai Lyn Tan
- NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds
| | - Helena Marzo-Ortega
- NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds
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Terslev L, Ostergaard M. Rheumatoid Arthritis Relapse and Remission - Advancing Our Predictive Capability Using Modern Imaging. J Inflamm Res 2021; 14:2547-2555. [PMID: 34163211 PMCID: PMC8215903 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s284405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical remission has become an achievable target for the majority of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, but subclinical inflammation as assessed by ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been demonstrated to be frequent in patients in clinical remission. Subclinical synovitis has been shown to be linked to both subsequent structural damage progression and a risk of flare, demonstrating that subclinical synovitis represents incomplete suppression of inflammation and questions whether it is appropriate only to use clinical composite scores as treatment target in clinical practice. Maintaining a state of remission has proven important as sustained clinical remission impacts long-term outcome regarding joint damage progression, physical function and quality of life. Treating subclinical inflammation has been attempted and has led to more frequent strict clinical remission and better physical function, but also to more adverse events. Thus, an overall benefit of incorporating imaging goals in treat-to-target strategies has not been documented. However, in patients in clinical remission on biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, both ultrasound and MRI may aid in the clinical decision regarding whether drug tapering or even discontinuation should be attempted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lene Terslev
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research, Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Glostrup, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Ostergaard
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research, Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Glostrup, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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7
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Terslev L, Brahe CH, Østergaard M, Fana V, Ammitzbøll-Danielsen M, Møller T, Krabbe S, Hetland ML, Døhn UM. Using a DAS28-CRP-steered treat-to-target strategy does not eliminate subclinical inflammation as assessed by ultrasonography in rheumatoid arthritis patients in longstanding clinical remission. Arthritis Res Ther 2021; 23:48. [PMID: 33522948 PMCID: PMC7849184 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-021-02426-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Subclinical synovitis by ultrasound is a frequent finding in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in remission and has been shown to be related to erosive progression, risk of flare and unsuccessful drug tapering, but it has not been investigated how a DAS28 T2T-steered strategy in routine care affects the presence of subclinical synovitis in RA patients in remission. The aim of the current study was to investigate the presence of ultrasound-detected subclinical inflammation in RA patients in long-term remission receiving either biological or conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARD/csDMARD) and, finally, to investigate the presence of ultrasound remission using different ultrasound remission criteria. Methods Eighty-seven RA patients (42 patients receiving bDMARD and 45 csDMARD) received DAS28-CRP-steered treatment in routine care and had achieved DAS28-CRP-remission for > 1 year without radiographic progression. Twenty-four joints were scored 0–3 by ultrasound (elbows, wrists, knees, ankles, metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints 2–5) for grey-scale synovial hypertrophy (GS) and colour Doppler activity (CD) using the OMERACT scoring system. Ultrasound remission was defined as strict (GS score = 0 and CD score = 0), semi-strict (GS score < 1 and Doppler score = 0) and Doppler remission (Doppler score = 0). Results No differences between treatment groups were found for GS sum score and Doppler sum score (median (range) 6 (0–19) and 0 (0–12), respectively). A Doppler score > 0 in at least 1 joint was seen in 44%, a GS score > 1 in at least 1 joint in 93% and a GS score > 2 in at least 1 joint in 54% of patients. Strict ultrasound remission was only observed in bDMARD patients (7%; p = 0.01). Thirty-seven per cent were in semi-strict ultrasound remission and 56% in Doppler remission (no significant difference between groups) with similar results across the subgroups of patients who also fulfilled the ACR-EULAR Boolean-, CDAI- and SDAI-remission criteria. Conclusions Ultrasound frequently detected subclinical synovitis in RA patients in longstanding DAS28-remission obtained through a DAS28-CRP-steered strategy. This was independent of treatment and applied ultrasound remission criteria. Strict ultrasound remission was rare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lene Terslev
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research (COPECARE), Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Cecilie Heegaard Brahe
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research (COPECARE), Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Østergaard
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research (COPECARE), Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Viktoria Fana
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research (COPECARE), Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mads Ammitzbøll-Danielsen
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research (COPECARE), Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Torsten Møller
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research (COPECARE), Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Simon Krabbe
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research (COPECARE), Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Merete Lund Hetland
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research (COPECARE), Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Uffe Møller Døhn
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research (COPECARE), Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Copenhagen, Denmark
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8
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A Pragmatic Application of Ultrasonography for the Assessment of Disease Activity in Patients with Early Inflammatory Arthritis. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10020283. [PMID: 33466710 PMCID: PMC7828798 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10020283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to examine the usefulness of targeted musculoskeletal ultrasonography (MSUS) in assessing the disease activity of patients with early inflammatory arthritis (EIA). Twenty-eight patients with EIA were enrolled. The MSUS examination of joints with arthritic signs (tenderness or swelling), measurement of 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28), and its components were performed at four-week interval visits until power doppler (PD) US remission was achieved. Various MSUS parameters of grey scale (GS) and PD synovitis were measured. Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficients were determined for the purpose of the study. Data were gathered from a total of 85 visits. The Sum of GS grade correlated better with physical examination findings, while the Sum of PD grade correlated better with serum inflammatory markers and patient global health. However, Global OMERACT-EULAR Synovitis Score (GLOESS), which reflected both PD and GS grades, correlated evenly well with each clinical parameter. In addition, GLOESS correlated best with DAS28 in the overall study population (p < 0.01). Conclusively, our targeted MSUS parameters of arthritic joints, especially sums of semi-quantitative grades of synovitis, could be useful in monitoring patients with EIA.
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Terslev L, Østergaard M, Sexton J, Hammer HB. Synovial hypertrophy without Doppler in the feet changes during treatment: results from a longitudinal study of rheumatoid arthritis patients initiating biological treatment. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2020; 59:1765-1767. [PMID: 31848623 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kez607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lene Terslev
- Copenhagen Centre for Arthritis Research, Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Østergaard
- Copenhagen Centre for Arthritis Research, Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Joe Sexton
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Oslo, Diakonhjemmet, Oslo, Norway
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Kuettel D, Terslev L, Weber U, Østergaard M, Primdahl J, Petersen R, Ammitzbøll-Danielsen M, Möller S, Hørslev-Petersen K. Flares in rheumatoid arthritis: do patient-reported swollen and tender joints match clinical and ultrasonography findings? Rheumatology (Oxford) 2020; 59:129-136. [PMID: 31382292 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kez231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate how patient-reported flares in RA are related to clinical joint examination and inflammation detected by US. METHODS Eighty RA patients with DAS28-CRP <3.2 and no swollen joints at baseline were followed for 1 year. In case of patient-reported hand flare with swollen and tender joints (SJ and TJ, respectively), patients underwent clinical examination for SJ/TJ and US of bilateral wrists, MCP and PIP 1st-5th, six extensor tendon compartments and wrist flexor tendons for synovitis/tenosynovitis. Percentage agreement and kappa were calculated between patient-reported SJ and TJ, clinical examination for SJ/TJ and US findings indicative of inflammation. With US as reference, sensitivity, specificity, positive/negative predictive value and accuracy of patient-reported and clinically examined joints were determined. RESULTS Hand flare was reported by 36% (29/80) of patients. At time of flare, all clinical and ultrasonographic measures of disease activity deteriorated compared with baseline. Agreement between patient-reported SJ/TJ, clinically examined SJ/TJ and US was slight (kappa = 0.02-0.20). Patients and clinicians agreed in 79-93% of joints, more frequently on SJ than TJ. With US as reference, specificities were 86-100% and 88-100%, and sensitivities 12-34% and 4-32% for patient-reported SJ/TJ and clinically examined SJ/TJ, respectively. CONCLUSION Over 12 months of follow-up, hand flare was reported by every third RA patient. Self-reported flares were associated with increased disease activity as determined by clinical examination and US. Patient-reported joint assessment may aid in capturing flares between routine clinical visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Kuettel
- Danish Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Sønderborg, Denmark.,Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Lene Terslev
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research (COPECARE), Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Rigshospitalet - Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Ulrich Weber
- Danish Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Sønderborg, Denmark.,Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Østergaard
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research (COPECARE), Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Rigshospitalet - Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Jette Primdahl
- Danish Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Sønderborg, Denmark.,Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Sygehus Sønderjylland, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Aabenraa, Denmark
| | - Randi Petersen
- Danish Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Sønderborg, Denmark
| | - Mads Ammitzbøll-Danielsen
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research (COPECARE), Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Rigshospitalet - Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Sören Möller
- OPEN - Odense Patient data Explorative Network, Odense University Hospital, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Kim Hørslev-Petersen
- Danish Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Sønderborg, Denmark.,Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Future use of musculoskeletal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging in rheumatoid arthritis. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2020; 32:264-272. [PMID: 32205568 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000000709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Musculoskeletal ultrasonography (MSUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) play important roles in diagnosis, monitoring, and prognostication of rheumatoid arthritis. This review highlights recent literature in this field and aims to provide insight into the future use in clinical practice. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies concerning the use of MSUS and MRI in clinical practice show how MSUS and MRI can improve diagnosis and monitoring of rheumatoid arthritis and how they can predict both radiographic progression and clinical outcome (e.g., successful tapering of medical treatment). Moreover, novel technical developments of the two imaging modalities, such as 3D ultrasonography, ultrasound image reading with convolutional neural network, image fusion (MSUS and MRI) and whole-body MRI show promising results. Further validation of these novel techniques is required prior to implementation. SUMMARY MSUS and MRI will be important parts of the future management of rheumatoid arthritis patients, mostly because of their ability to detect rheumatoid arthritis changes at a very early stage and to predict the course of disease. However, the exact role in routine clinical practice is still to be defined.
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Terslev L, Christensen R, Aga AB, Sexton J, Haavardsholm EA, Hammer HB. Assessing synovitis in the hands in patients with rheumatoid arthritis by ultrasound: an agreement study exploring the most inflammatory active side from two Norwegian trials. Arthritis Res Ther 2019; 21:166. [PMID: 31277679 PMCID: PMC6612125 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-019-1930-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To assess if the right hand, the dominant hand, or the hand with more clinically swollen joints (SwJ) is per se the most inflamed and exhibits the greatest change during treatment and hence preferred for unilateral scoring of synovitis by ultrasound in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Methods Using data from two previously published Norwegian RA patient cohorts initiating treatment, bilateral metacarpophalangeal joint 1–5, proximal phalangeal joint 2+3, and wrists were evaluated by ultrasound. Using a 0–3 scoring system a grey-scale (GS), power Doppler (PD) and global synovitis score (GLOESS) was calculated for each hand (0–30). For precision, a difference of < ± 3 in sum score was pre-specified as indicating clinically insignificant difference in inflammatory activity for all three scores. Results Four hundred thirty-seven RA patients were included. Baseline ultrasound inflammation was statistically significantly higher in hands with more vs fewer SwJ ([mean difference, 95%CI] GS sum score 2.21[1.30 to 3.12], PD sum score 1.70 [0.94 to 2.47] and GLOESS 2.31[1.36 to 3.26]) and also exhibited significantly more change for all sum scores at 3 months follow-up (GS sum score 1.34 [0.60 to 2.08], PD sum score 1.17 [0.44 to 1.91], and GLOESS 1.43 [0.63 to 2.22]). No such differences were found between the dominant and the non-dominant or the right and the left hands at any time points. Conclusion The hand with clinically more SwJ is statistically more inflammatory active according to GS, Doppler, and GLOESS sum scores, exhibits a change during treatment, and is potentially the best choice for unilateral scoring systems. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13075-019-1930-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lene Terslev
- Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Valdemar Hansens vej 17, Glostrup, DK-2600, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Musculoskeletal Statistics Unit, The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Frederiksberg, Denmark.
| | - Robin Christensen
- Musculoskeletal Statistics Unit, The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Frederiksberg, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, Research Unit of Rheumatology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Joe Sexton
- Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Espen A Haavardsholm
- Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Health Management and Health Economics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hilde B Hammer
- Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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