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Makhani N, Lebrun-Frenay C, Siva A, Shabanova V, Wassmer E, Santoro JD, Narula S, Brenton JN, Mar S, Durand-Dubief F, Zephir H, Mathey G, Rojas JI, de Seze J, Tenembaum S, Stone RT, Casez O, Carra-Dallière C, Neuteboom RF, Ahsan N, Arroyo HA, Cabre P, Gombolay G, Inglese M, Louapre C, Margoni M, Palavra F, Pohl D, Reich DS, Ruet A, Thouvenot E, Timby N, Tintore M, Uygunoglu U, Vargas W, Venkateswaran S, Verhelst H, Wickstrom R, Azevedo CJ, Kantarci O, Shapiro ED, Okuda DT, Pelletier D. The diagnostic workup of children with the radiologically isolated syndrome differs by age and by sex. J Neurol 2024; 271:4019-4027. [PMID: 38564056 PMCID: PMC11323224 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12289-1] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and spinal MRIs are often obtained in children with the radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) for diagnosis and prognosis. Factors affecting the frequency and timing of these tests are unknown. OBJECTIVE To determine whether age or sex were associated with (1) having CSF or spinal MRI obtained or (2) the timing of these tests. METHODS We analyzed children (≤ 18 y) with RIS enrolled in an international longitudinal study. Index scans met 2010/2017 multiple sclerosis (MS) MRI criteria for dissemination in space (DIS). We used Fisher's exact test and multivariable logistic regression (covariates = age, sex, MRI date, MRI indication, 2005 MRI DIS criteria met, and race). RESULTS We included 103 children with RIS (67% girls, median age = 14.9 y). Children ≥ 12 y were more likely than children < 12 y to have CSF obtained (58% vs. 21%, adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.9, p = 0.03). Pre-2017, girls were more likely than boys to have CSF obtained (n = 70, 79% vs. 52%, AOR = 4.6, p = 0.01), but not more recently (n = 30, 75% vs. 80%, AOR = 0.2, p = 0.1; p = 0.004 for interaction). Spinal MRIs were obtained sooner in children ≥ 12 y (median 11d vs. 159d, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Younger children with RIS may be at continued risk for misdiagnosis and misclassification of MS risk. Consensus guidelines are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naila Makhani
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University, LMP 3088, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Christine Lebrun-Frenay
- CRCSEP Neurologie Pasteur 2, CHU de Nice, Université Cote d'Azur, UMR2CA (URRIS), Nice, France
| | - Aksel Siva
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Neurology Department, Istanbul University Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Veronika Shabanova
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University, LMP 3088, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Evangeline Wassmer
- Neurology Department, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jonathan D Santoro
- Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Sona Narula
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | | | - Soe Mar
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, USA
| | - Francoise Durand-Dubief
- Service de sclérose en plaques, Pathologies de la myéline et Neuro-Inflammation, Hôpital Neurologique, Groupement Hospitalier Est, 59 Bd Pinel, 69677, BRON Cedex, France
| | - Helene Zephir
- Inserm UMR-S 1172 LilNcog, Lille University Hospital FHU Precise, Lille University, Lille, France
| | - Guillaume Mathey
- Department of Neurology, Nancy University Hospital, 54035, Nancy, France
| | - Juan I Rojas
- Hospital Universitario de CEMIC, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jerome de Seze
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Hautepierre, CHU de Strasbourg and Clinical Investigation Center (CIC) INSERM 1434, Strasbourg, France
| | - Silvia Tenembaum
- Department of Neurology, National Pediatric Hospital Dr. Juan P Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Olivier Casez
- Neurology MS Clinic Grenoble, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
- T-RAIG, TIMC-IMAG, Grenoble Alpes University, Grenoble, France
| | - Clarisse Carra-Dallière
- Neurology MS Clinic, Montpellier University Hospital, 34295, Montpellier, France
- University of Montpellier (MUSE), 34295, Montpellier, France
| | - Rinze F Neuteboom
- Department of Neurology, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, Sophia's Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nusrat Ahsan
- Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Hugo A Arroyo
- Department of Neurology, Hospital de Pediatría SAMIC. Prof. Dr. J.P. Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Philippe Cabre
- Centre Hospitalo Universitaire, Fort-de-France, Martinique
| | - Grace Gombolay
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Matilde Inglese
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health Department of Neuroscience (DINOGMI), University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Celine Louapre
- Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Inserm, CNRS, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, CIC Neurosciences, Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Paris, France
| | - Monica Margoni
- Department of Neurosciences, Multiple Sclerosis Center of the Veneto Region, University Hospital-School of Medicine, Padua, Italy
| | - Filipe Palavra
- Center for Child Development - Neuropaediatrics Unit, Hospital Pediátrico, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Daniela Pohl
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Daniel S Reich
- Translational Neuroradiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Aurélie Ruet
- Department of Neurology, CHU Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, University of Bordeaux, U1215, Bordeaux, France
| | - Eric Thouvenot
- Department of Neurology, Nîmes University Hospital, Nîmes, France
- IGF, University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Niklas Timby
- Department of Clinical Sciences/Pediatrics, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mar Tintore
- Neurology Department, MS Center of Catalunya Cemcat, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), UVIC-Universitat Central de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ugur Uygunoglu
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Neurology Department, Istanbul University Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Wendy Vargas
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, USA
| | | | - Helene Verhelst
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ronny Wickstrom
- Neuropaediatric Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christina J Azevedo
- Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Orhun Kantarci
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Eugene D Shapiro
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University, LMP 3088, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Darin T Okuda
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, USA
| | - Daniel Pelletier
- Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
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Ohta R, Sano C. Factors affecting the duration of initial medical care seeking among older rural patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Rheumatol 2024; 8:23. [PMID: 38840174 PMCID: PMC11155024 DOI: 10.1186/s41927-024-00392-9] [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: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are essential to prevent progressive joint destruction and improve the quality of life (QOL) of patients. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with the duration from symptom onset to seeking initial medical care among older rural patients diagnosed with RA. METHODS This retrospective cohort study was conducted in Unnan City, Japan, using electronic patient records. Data from patients aged > 65 years, who were admitted to the Unnan City Hospital between April 2016 and March 2021, were analyzed. The primary outcome was the duration from symptom onset to the initial visit to the medical institution. Demographic factors, laboratory data, and data on symptoms were collected and analyzed using statistical tests and regression models. RESULTS In total, 221 participants were included in this study. The longer duration from symptom onset to medical care usage was significantly associated with age (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-1.15), isolated conditions (adjusted OR: 4.45, 95% CI: 1.85-10.70), and wrist symptoms (adjusted OR: 3.22, 95% CI: 1.44-7.17). Higher education level and alcohol consumption were also associated with the duration from symptom onset to medical care usage. CONCLUSIONS Older age, isolated conditions, and specific joint symptoms were significant factors influencing delays in seeking medical care among older rural patients with RA. Interventions to improve health literacy, increase social support, and raise awareness of RA symptoms are essential for expediting diagnosis and improving patient QOL. Further research is needed to explore additional psychosocial factors and beliefs that affect health-seeking behaviors in patients with RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuichi Ohta
- Community Care, Unnan City Hospital, Unnan, 699-1221, Japan.
| | - Chiaki Sano
- Department of Community Medicine Management, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo, 690-0823, Japan
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Iacovantuono M, Ferrigno S, Conigliaro P, Triggianese P, D'Antonio A, Spinelli FR, Bergamini A, Chimenti MS. Evaluation of diagnostic and therapeutic delay in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Reumatismo 2024; 76. [PMID: 38523584 DOI: 10.4081/reumatismo.2024.1607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A monocentric cross-sectional study recruiting rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients residing in the Lazio region, Italy, to assess factors related to diagnostic delay and treatment accessibility. METHODS Clinical/serological data, including the time between symptom onset, diagnosis, and the beginning of treatment, were collected. Residence, referral to a rheumatologic center, physician who made the diagnosis, and previous misdiagnosis were also evaluated. RESULTS A higher diagnostic delay (p=0.003), and time between symptom onset and the start of I-line therapy (p=0.006) were observed in PsA compared to RA. A delayed start of II-line therapy was observed in RA compared to PsA (p=0.0007). Higher diagnostic delay (p=0.02), and time between symptom onset and the start of conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) (p=0.02) were observed among residents of small-medium cities for both groups. Patients who have been diagnosed by another physician rather than a rheumatologist had a longer diagnostic delay (p=0.034) and a delayed start of I-line therapy (p=0.019). Patients who received a different previous diagnosis experienced greater diagnostic delay (p=0.03 and p=0.003) and time of start of csDMARDs (p=0.05 and p=0.01) compared with those receiving RA or PsA as the first diagnosis. PsA had a delay in starting targeted synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (p=0.0004) compared to RA. Seronegative RA had delayed diagnosis (p=0.02) and beginning of therapies (p=0.03; p=0.04) compared to seropositive ones. CONCLUSIONS According to our results, greater diagnostic delay was found in PsA compared to RA, in patients living in small-medium cities, in those who did not receive the diagnosis from a rheumatologist, in those who were previously misdiagnosed, and in seronegative RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Iacovantuono
- Rheumatology, Allergology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome.
| | - S Ferrigno
- Rheumatology, Allergology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome.
| | - P Conigliaro
- Rheumatology, Allergology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome.
| | - P Triggianese
- Rheumatology, Allergology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome.
| | - A D'Antonio
- Rheumatology, Allergology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome.
| | - F R Spinelli
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Sapienza University, Rome.
| | - A Bergamini
- Rheumatology, Allergology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome.
| | - M S Chimenti
- Rheumatology, Allergology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome.
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Khan A, Salim B, Perveen S, Samreen S, Gul H, Nasim A. Overcoming rheumatoid arthritis challenges: Ensuring timely referral to rheumatologists in resource-scarce countries. RHEUMATOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2023; 4:222-224. [PMID: 38125644 PMCID: PMC10729589 DOI: 10.2478/rir-2023-0033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anum Khan
- Rheumatology Department, Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Babur Salim
- Rheumatology Department, Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Shahida Perveen
- Foundation University School of Health Sciences (FUSH), Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Saba Samreen
- Foundation University School of Health Sciences (FUSH), Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Haris Gul
- Rheumatology Department, Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Amjad Nasim
- Rheumatology Department, Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
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Fayyaz I, Khaliq S, Bano F, Kaul H. Genetic Polymorphism and serum levels of Insulin like Growth Factor-1 (Igf-1) in patients of rheumatoid arthritis. Pak J Med Sci 2023; 39:764-768. [PMID: 37250538 PMCID: PMC10214818 DOI: 10.12669/pjms.39.3.6561] [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: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Insulin like growth factor-1(IGF-1), is a modulator of immunity and inflammation, it promotes the anabolic role of growth hormone (GH) on bone and skeletal tissue. Genetic polymorphism in IGF-1 gene is reported to affect the transcriptional efficiency affecting its serum level. In this study we aim: 1) To study the presence of 192bp polymorphism of IGF-1 gene in patients of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 2) To study the association of 192 bp polymorphism of IGF-1 gene with serum IGF-1 levels and disease severity in patients of RA. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out at University of Health Sciences (UHS), Lahore. Diagnosed RA cases who fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria were recruited from Fatima Memorial Hospital (FMH) and Behbud Rheumatology Clinics, Lahore during 2018-2019. Serum IGF-1 levels were determined by ELISA in blood samples of 200 RA patients and 200 healthy individuals. DNA was extracted and genetic polymorphism was determined. Results The serum IGF-1 level in RA group was significantly lower compared to healthy group. Our study shows presence of 192bp allele of IGF-1in 77% of the studied population. Carriers of 192bp allele of IGF-1 had a significantly higher serum level of IGF-1 as compared to non-carriers in the RA patients. Rheumatoid factor (RF) positive patients had a higher number of 192bp carriers in comparison to RF negative patients. Significant difference was also seen in severity of disease between carrier and non-carriers of 192bp allele with the disease being more severe in male carriers. Conclusions There is an association of IGF-1gene polymorphism with variation in serum IGF-1 levels and severity of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iram Fayyaz
- Iram Fayyaz, MBBS, DCH, M.Phil. Department of Biochemistry, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Saba Khaliq
- Saba Khaliq, PhD Department of Physiology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Farhat Bano
- Farhat Bano, PhD Department of Biochemistry, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Haiba Kaul
- Haiba Kaul, PhD Department of Genetics, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
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Jain A, Joseph S, James J, James TS, Kumar K, Raza K, Greenfield S, Shenoy P. Delay in diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis: reasons and trends over a decade. Rheumatol Int 2023; 43:503-508. [PMID: 35996027 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-022-05187-0] [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: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Delay in diagnosis and treatment initiation often lead to poorer outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Most of the data on delay in diagnosis and management are from western population with no data from India. Additionally, with improved health care services, whether the delay has changed over years is not known. In this longitudinal observational study, we investigated delay to diagnosis and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) initiation over past 9 years. METHODS Patients aged ≥ 18 years having RA fulfilling 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria were enrolled from January to June in years 2012, 2017 and 2021. Diagnoses received before presenting to clinic, socioeconomic status, educational level and other demographic variables were recorded. RESULTS Each year, 323 patients (mean age 49.5-52.01 years) were enrolled. There was a significant reduction in delay in diagnosis from a median (IQR) of 36 (12-84, range 1-288) months in 2012 to 12 (4-36, range 1-180) months in 2017 and 10 (5-24, range 1-120) months) in 2021 (p < 0.0001). A significant improvement in time to initiating DMARDs from 2012 [48 (24-96) months] to 2017 [12 (6-36) months] (p < 0.0001) and from 2017 to 2021 [12 (5-24) months] (p = 0.03) was seen. Higher education, more patients opting for treatment from rheumatologists, and urbanisation contributed significantly to improvement in delay. There was no impact of age or gender on delay. CONCLUSION Delay in diagnosis has improved significantly between 2012 and 2021. However, delay still remains long as most patients miss the 3-month therapeutic window. Future work focussing on reasons for delays in the patient pathway could help improve consultation pathways in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinash Jain
- Department of Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology, SMS Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur, India
| | - Sanjana Joseph
- Department of Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology, Centre for Arthritis and Rheumatism Excellence (CARE), 16/554-2, NH 47, Nettoor, Cochin, Kerala, 682040, India
| | - Jeenamol James
- Department of Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology, Centre for Arthritis and Rheumatism Excellence (CARE), 16/554-2, NH 47, Nettoor, Cochin, Kerala, 682040, India
| | - Tintus Sara James
- Department of Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology, Centre for Arthritis and Rheumatism Excellence (CARE), 16/554-2, NH 47, Nettoor, Cochin, Kerala, 682040, India
| | - Kanta Kumar
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Karim Raza
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK.,Department of Rheumatology, Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Sheila Greenfield
- Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Padmanabha Shenoy
- Department of Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology, Centre for Arthritis and Rheumatism Excellence (CARE), 16/554-2, NH 47, Nettoor, Cochin, Kerala, 682040, India.
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Javaid U, Mahmud TH, Rasheed A, Javaid AUR, Riaz S, Zohaib A. Factors Leading to Diagnostic and Therapeutic Delay of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Their Impact on Disease Outcome. Cureus 2023; 15:e34481. [PMID: 36874695 PMCID: PMC9982193 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.34481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To identify the factors which lead to delay in diagnosis and initiation of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and their impact on disease outcome and functional ability. Methodology This cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2021 to May 2022 at the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore. Inclusion criteria were patients aged >18 years who were diagnosed with RA, based on American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria 2010. Delay was defined as any sort of delay which leads to delay in diagnosis or initiation of treatment of more than three months. The factors and impact on disease outcome were measured by using Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS-28) for disease activity and Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) for functional disability. The collected data were analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results One hundred and twenty patients were included in the study. Mean delay in referral to a rheumatologist was 36.75±61.07 weeks. Fifty-eight (48.3%) patients with RA were misdiagnosed before presentation to a rheumatologist. Sixty-six (55%) patients had the perception that RA is a non-treatable disease. Delay in diagnosis of RA from onset of symptoms (lag 3) and delay in start of DMARDs from onset of symptoms (lag 4) were significantly associated with increased DAS-28 and HAQ-DI scores (p-value 0.001). Conclusion The factors which led to diagnostic and therapeutic delay were delayed consultation with a rheumatologist, old age, low education status and low socioeconomic status. Rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies had no role in diagnostic and therapeutic delay. Many RA patients were misdiagnosed with gouty arthritis and undifferentiated arthritis before consulting a rheumatologist. This diagnostic and therapeutic delay compromises RA management leading to high DAS-28 and HAQ-DI in RA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umair Javaid
- Rheumatology, Sheikh Zayed Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore, PAK
| | - Tafazzul H Mahmud
- Rheumatology, Sheikh Zayed Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore, PAK
| | - Aflak Rasheed
- Rheumatology, Sheikh Zayed Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore, PAK
| | | | - Saima Riaz
- Rheumatology, Sheikh Zayed Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore, PAK
| | - Amer Zohaib
- Rheumatology, Sheikh Zayed Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore, PAK
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Muacevic A, Adler JR, Sano C, Ohta R. Subacute Bacterial Cellulitis With a Subacute Clinical Course With Difficulty in Distinguishing From Sjögren's Syndrome: A Case Report. Cureus 2023; 15:e33554. [PMID: 36779117 PMCID: PMC9908298 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.33554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Differentiating between infectious and autoimmune diseases regarding inflammatory changes in the soft tissues around the joints that develop in a subacute course is often difficult. Herein, we present the case of a 65-year-old woman who presented with a chief complaint of the tarsal metatarsal joint (Lisfranc joint) pain in the second, third, and fourth toes of her right foot that had persisted for several days. The patient was initially treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, colchicine, and prednisolone 10 mg for pseudogout and Sjogren's syndrome arthritis; however, there was little improvement. A few weeks later, the skin of the fingers and toes peeled, and the patient was diagnosed with subacute burn-like skin syndrome and treated with antibiotics. After the treatment, the inflammatory findings steadily improved. Arthritis associated with an infection is considered to have an acute course. However, subacute-to-chronic arthritis associated with Staphylococcus aureus infection may also be possible, as in this case. Therefore, the possibility of infection should be evaluated in patients with subacute-to-chronic refractory arthritis.
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Muacevic A, Adler JR, Horinishi Y, Sano C, Ohta R. A Case of Capillary Leak Syndrome and Intestinal Ischemia Caused by Rheumatoid Vasculitis. Cureus 2023; 15:e33404. [PMID: 36751197 PMCID: PMC9899103 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.33404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid vasculitis (RV) is a rare disease associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The incidence of RV has decreased with the development of treatment for RA. However, some patients still develop RV in rural areas, where medical care for autoimmune diseases is inadequate. In this report, we describe a case of RV complicated by an acute exacerbation of generalized ulcerative lesions and capillary leak syndrome in an 86-year-old woman with a severe joint deformity due to RA. RV is a systemic vasculitis characterized by various symptoms. When a patient with RA is diagnosed with poorly controlled joint deformities, general physicians should consider the possibility of RV. Urgent investigation and intensive treatment should be initiated for vasculitis to support the lives of older patients with advanced RA.
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Ochola B, Nankabirwa J, Buwembo W, Kaddumukasa M, Mayanja-Kizza H. The Clinical Presentation and Factors Associated with Disease Severity of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study. Open Access Rheumatol 2022; 14:75-86. [PMID: 35535352 PMCID: PMC9078424 DOI: 10.2147/oarrr.s361454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, debilitating disease that leads to joint destruction and disability if left untreated. Few studies on RA have been conducted in Uganda, and there is limited information on disease severity and associated factors. This study sought to characterize the clinical presentation and to determine disease severity and the factors associated with disease severity among participants with RA in Uganda. Methods Between August 2018 and February 2019, patients presenting to the rheumatology outpatient clinic in Mulago National Referral Hospital were enrolled into the study using a cross-sectional design. Participants' demographics and clinical characteristics were collected using a study questionnaire, and laboratory results were extracted from their charts. The patients' functionality was assessed using the Modified Health Assessment Questionnaire and their disease severity was assessed using the RA Disease Activity Score based on 28-joint count (DAS28). Results A total of 170 participants were enrolled, of whom 81.2% were female. Nearly two-thirds (111/170) were classified as having severe disease. Having a functional status score of >0.5 (adjusted odds ratio 1.7, 95% confidence interval 1.4-2.2, p<0.001) was significantly associated with severe disease. Conclusion In this population, the majority of the patients seen at the rheumatology outpatient clinic had severe disease, suggesting that patients may be presenting late, with limited early detection of the disease. Impaired functional status was associated with increased disease severity and may be used by clinicians to highlight disease severity when it is not possible to assess the RA DAS28.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Ochola
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joaniter Nankabirwa
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - William Buwembo
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mark Kaddumukasa
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Harriet Mayanja-Kizza
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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