Patient Perspectives in OMERACT Provide an Anchor for Future Metric Development and Improved Approaches to Healthcare Delivery in Connective Tissue Disease Related Interstitial Lung Disease (CTD-ILD)

The burden of cough in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and other interstitial lung diseases: a systematic evidence synthesis

BACKGROUND

Cough remains a persistent symptom in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and other interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). To inform future research, treatment and care models, we conducted the first systematic synthesis of evidence on its associated burden.

METHODS

A literature search was performed for articles published between January 2010 and October 2023 using databases including Embase, MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library. Studies in patients with IPF and other ILDs reporting cough-related measures were eligible for inclusion. Included studies were categorised based on the types of ILD they examined and their design. Study details, patient characteristics and outcomes were extracted, and the risk of bias was assessed. A narrative synthesis approach was employed to interpret the findings.

RESULTS

Sixty-one studies were included: 33 in IPF, 18 in mixed-ILDs, six in connective tissue disease-associated-ILDs and four in sarcoidosis. Across the studies, a range of tools to assess cough and its impact were used. The most frequently used measures of cough were cough severity visual analogue scale (VAS) and objective cough counts, whereas the most frequently used health-related quality of life (HRQoL)/impact measures were the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ). In IPF, studies consistently reported correlations between various cough and HRQoL measures, including between cough VAS scores and objective cough counts, LCQ scores and SGRQ scores. Similar correlations were observed in studies in other ILDs, but data were more limited. Qualitative studies in both IPF and other ILDs consistently highlighted the significant cough-related burden experienced by patients, including disruption of daily activities, fatigue and social embarrassment. Although there were no studies specifically investigating the economic burden of cough, one study in patients with fibrotic ILD found cough severity was associated with workplace productivity loss.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study underscores the heterogeneity in assessing cough and its impact in IPF and other ILDs. The findings confirm the negative impact of cough on HRQoL in IPF and suggest a comparable impact in other ILDs. Our synthesis highlights the need for standardised assessment tools, along with dedicated studies, particularly in non-IPF ILDs and on the economic burden of cough.

Diagnostic Approach to Interstitial Lung Diseases Associated with Connective Tissue Diseases

Interstitial lung disorders are a group of respiratory diseases characterized by interstitial compartment infiltration, varying degrees of infiltration, and fibrosis, with or without small airway involvement. Although some are idiopathic (e.g., idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, idiopathic interstitial pneumonias, and sarcoidosis), the great majority have an underlying etiology, such as systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease (SARD, also called Connective Tissue Diseases or CTD), inhalational exposure to organic matter, medications, and rarely, genetic disorders. This review focuses on diagnostic approaches in interstitial lung diseases associated with SARDs. To make an accurate diagnosis, a multidisciplinary, personalized approach is required, with input from various specialties, including pulmonary, rheumatology, radiology, and pathology, to reach a consensus. In a minority of patients, a definitive diagnosis cannot be established. Their clinical presentations and prognosis can be variable even within subsets of SARDs.

Impaired health-related quality of life in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: a cross-sectional analysis from the COVAD-2 e-survey

Objectives

To investigate health-related quality of life in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) compared with those with non-IIM autoimmune rheumatic diseases (AIRDs), non-rheumatic autoimmune diseases (nrAIDs) and without autoimmune diseases (controls) using Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) instrument data obtained from the second COVID-19 vaccination in autoimmune disease (COVAD-2) e-survey database.

Methods

Demographics, diagnosis, comorbidities, disease activity, treatments and PROMIS instrument data were analysed. Primary outcomes were PROMIS Global Physical Health (GPH) and Global Mental Health (GMH) scores. Factors affecting GPH and GMH scores in IIMs were identified using multivariable regression analysis.

Results

We analysed responses from 1582 IIM, 4700 non-IIM AIRD and 545 nrAID patients and 3675 controls gathered through 23 May 2022. The median GPH scores were the lowest in IIM and non-IIM AIRD patients {13 [interquartile range (IQR) 10-15] IIMs vs 13 [11-15] non-IIM AIRDs vs 15 [13-17] nrAIDs vs 17 [15-18] controls, P < 0.001}. The median GMH scores in IIM patients were also significantly lower compared with those without autoimmune diseases [13 (IQR 10-15) IIMs vs 15 (13-17) controls, P < 0.001]. Inclusion body myositis, comorbidities, active disease and glucocorticoid use were the determinants of lower GPH scores, whereas overlap myositis, interstitial lung disease, depression, active disease, lower PROMIS Physical Function 10a and higher PROMIS Fatigue 4a scores were associated with lower GMH scores in IIM patients.

Conclusion

Both physical and mental health are significantly impaired in IIM patients, particularly in those with comorbidities and increased fatigue, emphasizing the importance of patient-reported experiences and optimized multidisciplinary care to enhance well-being in people with IIMs.

Early detection of interstitial lung disease in rheumatic diseases: A joint statement from the Portuguese Pulmonology Society, the Portuguese Rheumatology Society, and the Portuguese Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Society

INTRODUCTION

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality in connective tissue disease (CTD). Early detection and accurate diagnosis are essential for informing treatment decisions and prognosis in this setting. Clear guidance on CTD-ILD screening, however, is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To establish recommendations for CTD-ILD screening based on the current evidence.

METHOD

Following an extensive literature research and evaluation of articles selected for their recency and relevance to the characterization, screening, and management of CTD-ILD, an expert panel formed by six pulmonologists from the Portuguese Society of Pulmonology, six rheumatologists from the Portuguese Society of Rheumatology, and six radiologists from the Portuguese Society of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine participated in a multidisciplinary discussion to produce a joint statement on screening recommendations for ILD in CTD.

RESULTS

The expert panel achieved consensus on when and how to screen for ILD in patients with systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, mixed connective tissue disease, Sjögren syndrome, idiopathic inflammatory myopathies and systemic lupus erythematous.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the lack of data on screening for CTD-ILD, an expert panel of pulmonologists, rheumatologists and radiologists agreed on a series of screening recommendations to support decision-making and enable early diagnosis of ILD to ultimately improve outcomes and prognosis in patients with CTD.

Multi-Organ System Screening, Care, and Patient Support in Systemic Sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a heterogenous systemic autoimmune disease of complex multi-organ manifestations with a disease-specific mortality of >50%. The patient journey is fraught with severe, diverse, and diffuse physical impairment, psychological burden, and diminishing health-related quality of life. SSc remains unfamiliar to many clinicians. Delayed/misdiagnosis, inadequate screening, and attention for common complications with potentially preventable disability/death contribute to patients feeling isolated and unsupported. We present actionable standards including screening, anticipatory guidance, and counseling in patient-centered SSc-care emphasizing psycho-social health as the central goal, whereas robust vigilance and efforts to improve biophysical health and survival are imperatives that support this goal.

Assessment of disease outcome measures in systemic sclerosis

The assessment of disease activity in systemic sclerosis (SSc) is challenging owing to its heterogeneous manifestations across multiple organ systems, the variable rate of disease progression and regression, and the relative paucity of patients in early-phase therapeutic trials. Despite some recent successes, most clinical trials have failed to show efficacy, underscoring the need for improved outcome measures linked directly to disease pathogenesis, particularly applicable for biomarker studies focused on skin disease. Current outcome measures in SSc-associated interstitial lung disease and SSc skin disease are largely adequate, although advancing imaging technology and the incorporation of skin mRNA biomarkers might provide opportunities for earlier detection of the therapeutic effect. Biomarkers can further inform pathogenesis, enabling early phase trials to act as reverse translational studies through the incorporation of routine high-throughput sequencing.

Ageing with Interstitial lung disease: preserving health and well being

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Ageing, the accrual of molecular and cellular damage over a lifetime confers progressive physiologic dysfunction of bodily systems, leaving the body in a heightened state of vulnerability to biophysical and psychosocial stressors. The inflection point is frailty which easily leads to disability and death. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) creates biophysical and psychosocial stresses difficult for even optimally fit patients to cope with. With evolving ILD treatment pathways, people with ILD are living longer.

RECENT FINDINGS

ILD and ageing are bi-directionally influential: ILD, its treatments, complications, and collateral systemic extra-pulmonary damage (hypoxic and oxidative stress) wear on the ageing person and ageing impacts a person's tolerance of ILD. ILD extent may proportionally accelerate age-related vulnerabilities. ILD related to inflammatory systemic diseases, e.g. connective tissue diseases or sarcoidosis, exert an even more complex biophysical impact on the body.

SUMMARY

The present review stresses goals of preventing frailty in ILD and preserving general health and well being of people living with ILD of any age, from time of diagnosis and as they age. The development of a prediction score is proposed to classify those at risk of frailty and guide interventions that preserve successful ageing for all levels of ILD severity.

VIDEO ABSTRACT

http://links.lww.com/COPM/A32.

Patient preferences for the treatment of systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease: a discrete choice experiment

Objectives

Treatments for SSc-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) differ in attributes, i.e. mode of administration, adverse events (AEs) and efficacy. As physicians and patients may perceive treatments differently, shared decision-making can be essential for optimal treatment provision. We therefore aimed to quantify patient preferences for different treatment attributes.

Methods

Seven SSc-ILD attributes were identified from mixed-methods research and clinician input: mode of administration, shortness of breath, skin tightness, cough, tiredness, risk of gastrointestinal AEs (GI-AEs) and risk of serious and non-serious infections. Patients with SSc-ILD completed an online discrete choice experiment (DCE) in which they were asked to repeatedly choose between two alternatives characterized by varying severity levels of the included attributes. The data were analysed using a multinomial logit model; relative attribute importance and maximum acceptable risk measures were calculated.

Results

Overall, 231 patients with SSc-ILD completed the DCE. Patients preferred twice-daily oral treatments and 6–12 monthly infusions. Patients’ choices were mostly influenced by the risk of GI-AEs or infections. Improvement was more important in respiratory symptoms than in skin tightness. Concerning trade-offs, patients accepted different levels of increase in GI-AE risk: +21% if it reduced the infusions’ frequency; +15% if changing to an oral treatment; up to +37% if it improved breathlessness; and up to +36% if it reduced the risk of infections.

Conclusions

This is the first study to quantitatively elicit patients’ preferences for treatment attributes in SSc-ILD. Patients showed willingness to make trade-offs, providing a firm basis for shared decision-making in clinical practice.

Impact of lung function decline on time to hospitalisation events in systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD): a joint model analysis

BACKGROUND

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common organ manifestation in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and is the leading cause of death in patients with SSc. A decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) is an indicator of ILD progression and is associated with mortality in patients with SSc-associated ILD (SSc-ILD). However, the relationship between FVC decline and hospitalisation events in patients with SSc-ILD is largely unknown. The objective of this post hoc analysis was to investigate the relationship between FVC decline and clinically important hospitalisation endpoints.

METHODS

We used data from SENSCIS®, a phase III trial investigating the efficacy and safety of nintedanib in patients with SSc-ILD. Joint models for longitudinal and time-to-event data were used to assess the association between rate of decline in FVC% predicted and hospitalisation-related endpoints (including time to first all-cause hospitalisation or death; time to first SSc-related hospitalisation or death; and time to first admission to an emergency room [ER] or admission to hospital followed by admission to intensive care unit [ICU] or death) during the treatment period, over 52 weeks in patients with SSc-ILD.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant association between FVC decline and the risk of all-cause (n = 78) and SSc-related (n = 42) hospitalisations or death (both P < 0.0001). A decrease of 3% in FVC corresponded to a 1.43-fold increase in risk of all-cause hospitalisation or death (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24, 1.65) and a 1.48-fold increase in risk of SSc-related hospitalisation or death (95% CI 1.23, 1.77). No statistically significant association was observed between FVC decline and admission to ER or to hospital followed by admission to ICU or death (n = 75; P = 0.15). The estimated slope difference for nintedanib versus placebo in the longitudinal sub-model was consistent with the primary analysis in SENSCIS®.

CONCLUSIONS

The association of lung function decline with an increased risk of hospitalisation suggests that slowing FVC decline in patients with SSc-ILD may prevent hospitalisations. Our findings also provide evidence that FVC decline may serve as a surrogate endpoint for clinically relevant hospitalisation-associated endpoints.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02597933 . Registered on 8 October 2015.

Expert opinion and patients' in-depth interviews on the impact of pulmonary complications in systemic sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

To qualitatively explore the perceptions and opinions of experts dealing with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and patients with SSc on the impact of the disease and pulmonary complications on economic status, psycho-social wellbeing and the diagnostic and therapeutic journey, and to identify which strategies/interventions may be useful to address patients' and their family's needs.

METHODS

An expert meeting was conducted using the NGT to discuss the consequences of pulmonary complications on the Italian SSc community. The direct experience of five patients with SSc and pulmonary complications was described through in-depth interviews conducted by psychologists.

RESULTS

The experts' meeting and patients' in-depth interviews underline the complexity of SSc and the consequences of pulmonary involvement on patients' and caregivers' health-related quality of life, working ability, psychological wellbeing and social interactions. Panellists suggest that improved communication between physicians, associations and institutions could help protect the working status of patients with SSc. Granting patients disability benefits, providing access to part-time jobs and productivity-focused training could also help decrease the economic burden of the disease. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended to reduce treatment burden, together with the implementation of standard diagnostic and therapeutic paths and increased use of telemedicine via platforms that ensure secure health data sharing. Both patients and caregivers may benefit from psychological support.

CONCLUSION

SSc and pulmonary fibrosis have profound consequences on patients' and caregivers' health-related quality of life, working ability, psychological wellbeing and social interactions. Some activities may help patients and families deal with these aspects of the disease.

A comprehensive framework for navigating patient care in systemic sclerosis: A global response to the need for improving the practice of diagnostic and preventive strategies in SSc

Systemic sclerosis (SSc), the most lethal of rheumatologic conditions, is the cause of death in >50% of SSc cases, led by pulmonary fibrosis followed by pulmonary hypertension and then scleroderma renal crisis (SRC). Multiple other preventable and treatable SSc-related vascular, cardiac, gastrointestinal, nutritional and musculoskeletal complications can lead to disability and death. Vascular injury with subsequent inflammation transforming to irreversible fibrosis and permanent damage characterizes SSc. Organ involvement is often present early in the disease course of SSc, but requires careful history-taking and vigilance in screening to detect. Inflammation is potentially reversible provided that treatment intensity quells inflammation and other immune mechanisms. In any SSc phenotype, opportunities for early treatment are prone to be under-utilized, especially in slowly progressive phenotypes that, in contrast to severe progressive ILD, indolently accrue irreversible organ damage resulting in later-stage life-limiting complications such as pulmonary hypertension, cardiac involvement, and malnutrition. A single SSc patient visit often requires much more physician and staff time, organization, vigilance, and direct management for multiple organ systems compared to other rheumatic or pulmonary diseases. Efficiency and efficacy of comprehensive SSc care enlists trending of symptoms and bio-data. Financial sustainability of SSc care benefits from understanding insurance reimbursement and health system allocation policies for complex patients. Sharing care between recognised SSc centers and local cardiology/pulmonary/rheumatology/gastroenterology colleagues may prevent complications and poor outcomes, while providing support to local specialists. As scleroderma specialists, we offer a practical framework with tools to facilitate an optimal, comprehensive and sustainable approach to SSc care. Improved health outcomes in SSc relies upon recogntion, management and, to the extent possible, prevention of SSc and treatment-related complications.

Exercise as a multi-modal disease-modifying medicine in systemic sclerosis: An introduction by The Global Fellowship on Rehabilitation and Exercise in Systemic Sclerosis (G-FoRSS)

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a heterogeneous multisystem autoimmune disease whereby its main pathological drivers of disability and damage are vascular injury, inflammatory cell infiltration, and fibrosis. These mechanisms result in diffuse and diverse impairments arising from ischemic circulatory dysfunction leading to painful skin ulceration and calcinosis, neurovascular aberrations hindering gastrointestinal (GI) motility, progressive painful, incapacitating or immobilizing effects of inflammatory and fibrotic effects on the lungs, skin, articular and periarticular structures, and muscle. SSc-related impairments impede routine activities of daily living (ADLs) and disrupt three critical life areas: work, family, social/leisure, and also impact on psychological well-being. Physical activity and exercise are globally recommended; however, for connective tissue diseases, this guidance carries greater impact on inflammatory disease manifestations, recovery, and cardiovascular health. Exercise, through myogenic and vascular phenomena, naturally targets key pathogenic drivers by downregulating multiple inflammatory and fibrotic pathways in serum and tissue, while increasing circulation and vascular repair. G-FoRSS, The Global Fellowship on Rehabilitation and Exercise in Systemic Sclerosis recognizes the scientific basis of and advocates for education and research of exercise as a systemic and targeted SSc disease-modifying treatment. An overview of biophysiological mechanisms of physical activity and exercise are herein imparted for patients, clinicians, and researchers, and applied to SSc disease mechanisms, manifestations, and impairment. A preliminary guidance on exercise in SSc, a research agenda, and the current state of research and outcome measures are set forth.

Patient-centered Outcomes Research in Interstitial Lung Disease: An Official American Thoracic Society Research Statement

Background: In the past two decades, many advances have been made to our understanding of interstitial lung disease (ILD) and the way we approach its treatment. Despite this, many questions remain unanswered, particularly those related to how the disease and its therapies impact outcomes that are most important to patients. There is currently a lack of guidance on how to best define and incorporate these patient-centered outcomes in ILD research. Objectives: To summarize the current state of patient-centered outcomes research in ILD, identify gaps in knowledge and research, and highlight opportunities and methods for future patient-centered research agendas in ILD. Methods: An international interdisciplinary group of experts was assembled. The group identified top patient-centered outcomes in ILD, reviewed available literature for each outcome, highlighted important discoveries and knowledge gaps, and formulated research recommendations. Results: The committee identified seven themes around patient-centered outcomes as the focus of the statement. After a review of the literature and expert committee discussion, we developed 28 research recommendations. Conclusions: Patient-centered outcomes are key to ascertaining whether and how ILD and interventions used to treat it affect the way patients feel and function in their daily lives. Ample opportunities exist to conduct additional work dedicated to elevating and incorporating patient-centered outcomes in ILD research.

Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in Sarcoidosis: Diagnosis, Management, and Health Outcomes

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL), though rarely considered as a primary endpoint in clinical trials, may be the single outcome reflective of patient priorities when living with a health condition. HRQoL is a multi-dimensional concept that reflects the degree to which a health condition interferes with participation in and fulfillment of important life areas. HRQoL is intended to capture the composite degree of physical, physiologic, psychological, and social impairment resulting from symptom burden, patient-perceived disease severity, and treatment side effects. Diminished HRQoL expectedly correlates to worsening disability and death; but interventions addressing HRQoL are linked to increased survival. Sarcoidosis, being a multi-organ system disease, is associated with a diffuse array of manifestations resulting in multiple symptoms, complications, and medication-related side effects that are linked to reduced HRQoL. Diminished HRQoL in sarcoidosis is related to decreased physical function, pain, significant loss of income, absence from work, and strain on personal relationships. Symptom distress can result clearly from a sarcoidosis manifestation (e.g., ocular pain, breathlessness, cough) but may also be non-specific, such as pain or fatigue. More complex, a single non-specific symptom, e.g., fatigue may be directly sarcoidosis-derived (e.g., inflammatory state, neurologic, hormonal, cardiopulmonary), medication-related (e.g., anemia, sleeplessness, weight gain, sub-clinical infection), or an indirect complication (e.g., sleep apnea, physical deconditioning, depression). Identifying and distinguishing underlying causes of impaired HRQoL provides opportunity for treatment strategies that can greatly impact a patient's function, well-being, and disease outcomes. Herein, we present a reference manual that describes the current state of knowledge in sarcoidosis-related HRQoL and distinguish between diverse causes of symptom distress and other influences on sarcoidosis-related HRQoL. We provide tools to assess, investigate, and diagnose compromised HRQoL and its influencers. Strategies to address modifiable HRQoL factors through palliation of symptoms and methods to improve the sarcoidosis health profile are outlined; as well as a proposed research agenda in sarcoidosis-related HRQoL.

Establishing content-validity of a disease-specific health-related quality of life instrument for patients with chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis

Background

Chronic Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (CHP) is caused by an immune mediated response in the lung tissue after exposure to an inhaled environmental antigenic stimulant. We previously documented the ways in which CHP impacts patients’ lives and have now developed a disease-specific instrument, the CHP-HRQOL instrument, to measure health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The objective of this study was to assess content validity for the CHP-HRQOL.

Methods

Cognitive interviews were conducted among adults with CHP. The instrument was revised and refined between each round of interviews. Feedback was obtained on the instructions, items, response options, and recall period. Items where participants had difficulty with comprehension, wording, or misinterpretation were marked by the interviewer and participant feedback was reviewed to make revisions, add or delete items when appropriate. Readability statistics were calculated using Flesch-Kincaid grade level and reading ease scores.

Results

Ten participants were interviewed over three rounds, with revisions made to the questionnaire in an iterative process. In the initial 39 item instrument, we identified 7 items where two or more participants reported difficulty. Participants preferred a four-week recall period (compared to a two-week recall period) and response options with a 5-point response scale. The final version of the CHP-HRQOL includes 40 items with a median reading level between 6th and 7th grade.

Conclusion

The CHP-HRQOL instrument demonstrated high content validity and is ready for psychometric testing in further validation studies.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s41687-020-00282-x.

Patient-reported outcome instruments in clinical trials of systemic sclerosis

Patient-reported outcome instruments provide valuable insight into disease-related morbidity known only to the patient and complement more objective outcome tools in the clinical trial setting. They are of particular importance in systemic sclerosis owing to the challenges around defining disease activity, the episodic nature of many disease-specific manifestations and the paucity of validated objective surrogate outcome measures for use in clinical trials. Early clinical trials of systemic sclerosis often incorporated legacy patient-reported outcome instruments, but the last 20 years has witnessed the emergence of several scleroderma-specific instruments that are now being routinely used alongside other outcomes in systemic sclerosis clinical trials. More recently, the value of patient-reported outcomes has been highlighted by their prominence in the American College of Rheumatology Combined Response Index for Systemic Sclerosis that has been utilized as the primary endpoint of recent clinical trials of early diffuse systemic sclerosis. This review considers the role and performance of the various patient-reported outcome instruments utilized in systemic sclerosis clinical trials, the current positioning of patient-reported outcome instruments within clinical trial endpoint models across the range of systemic sclerosis disease manifestations and, where applicable, we shall highlight areas for future research.

Challenges in physician-patient communication for optimal management of systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease: a discourse analysis

Introduction

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare, potentially life-threatening condition. The prognosis is difficult to predict, and treatment is complex. This can be difficult to understand or explain, posing challenges for effective physician-patient communication. Our study assessed communication between physicians and patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) to identify information gaps and needs.

Methods

Twenty-three 20-min consultations between physicians (rheumatologists, pulmonologists) and patients (19 real, 4 actors) with diagnosed SSc-ILD across 6 countries were observed and recorded. Interactional sociolinguistic discourse analysis was used to understand the pattern and meaning of communication, whether the needs of both participants were met, and the level of understanding between participants.

Results

In most consultations, patients were given little opportunity to explain their concerns or ask questions. Physicians used plain language but would revert to medical terminology for complex issues. Patients would also use medical terminology, despite not fully understanding the terms, which led to some physicians mistakenly believing that patients had a better understanding than they did. Differences in cognitive models between physicians and patients were often responsible for misunderstandings. However, during effective consultations, patients were invited to tell their story, and physicians used techniques to check and demonstrate understanding, express empathy and build rapport.

Conclusions

Communication challenges between physicians and patients limit joint understanding of SSc-ILD and may result in both parties misunderstanding important information and patients being less aware of self-help management approaches. Strategies should be developed with physicians to facilitate effective communication and increase patient understanding and support.

Patient and Physician Perspectives on Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease

Systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease is challenging to diagnose and treat. Patients and physicians can perceive the disease differently and have different views on its management. Communication issues between them can lead to suboptimal disease management. Despite a clear need for improvement in the speed and accuracy of the diagnostic workup, the heterogeneity of clinical symptoms renders the process long and challenging. When considering treatment options, physicians may be more focused on the evidence supporting a particular treatment or on a patient's pulmonary function test results, as opposed to the realities of the patient's difficulties with symptoms or the psychosocial effects of systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease. Disease management plans should be determined by the patient's own preferences and goals as well as the objective clinical situation. Health care providers must consider their patients as partners on a journey in which treatment decisions are reached jointly. This review will focus on the perspectives of physicians and patients in relation to the diagnosis and management of systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease. Similarities and differences in these perspectives will be identified, and strategies for achieving optimal disease management will be proposed.

Patient-reported outcome measures in systemic sclerosis-related interstitial lung disease for clinical practice and clinical trials

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a progressive vasculopathic, fibrosing autoimmune condition, portending significant mortality; wherein interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the leading cause of death. Although lacking a definitive cure, therapeutics for (SSc-ILD) that stave progression exist with further promising primary and adjuvant compounds in development, as well as interventions to reduce symptom burden and increase quality of life. To date, there has been a significant but varied history related to systemic sclerosis-related interstitial lung disease trial design and endpoint designation. This is especially true of endpoints measuring patient-reported perceptions of efficacy and tolerability. This article describes the underpinnings and complexity of the science, methodology, and current state of patient-reported outcome measures used in (SSc-ILD) systemic sclerosis-related interstitial lung disease in clinical practice and trials.

Connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease

BACKGROUND

Connective tissue diseases (CTD) are frequently associated with interstitial lung disease (ILD), significantly impacting their morbidity and mortality.

AIM

Analyze the experience of an autoimmune specialized unit on treating CTD-ILD and characterize the population based on most frequent diseases, imaging patterns, lung function tests results, serology and treatment. Assess mortality and mortality predictors in these patients.

METHODS

Retrospective, descriptive and statistical analysis of the CTD-ILD patients followed up at an autoimmune diseases unit during a 6-year period.

RESULTS

Over the study period, 75 patients with CTD-ILD were treated with a mean follow-up of 49 ± 31 months. The most frequent CTD were systemic sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. ILD was diagnosed prior to CTD in 8% of patients and concomitantly in 35%. Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia was the CT pattern in 60% and 35% had an isolated diminished DLCO on lung function tests. Pulmonary hypertension was present in 12% and it was the single most important mortality predictor (OR 14.41, p = 0.006). Corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment but biologics were prescribed in 39% of the patients (mostly tocilizumab and rituximab). Two scleroderma patients were recently treated with nintedanib.

CONCLUSIONS

ILD is a potential complication of every CTD and can impose a dramatic burden on these patients. The clinical relevance of ILD together with their early expression in the course of the disease underlines the importance of the presence of chest physicians in these units.

Psychometric performance of the PAncreatic CAncer disease impact (PACADI) score

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Pancreatic Cancer Disease Impact (PACADI) score measures the impact of pancreatic cancer (PC) on important health dimensions, selected by patients. The aim of this single center study was to test the psychometric performance of the Pancreatic Cancer Disease Impact (PACADI) score.

METHODS

Patients with suspected pancreatic cancer (PC) completed PACADI, the EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D index) and Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) in this longitudinal observational study. Measures were compared across patients with PC (n = 210), other malignant lesions (OML) (n = 109) and non-malignant lesions (NML) (n = 41). Associations, test-retest and internal consistency reliability, longitudinal changes, sensitivity to change and prediction of mortality during the first year were examined in patients with PC.

RESULTS

The three measures discriminated between PC and OML. The PACADI score correlated strongly at baseline (n = 199)/after three months (n = 85) with the EQ-5D index and ESAS "sense of well-being" (0.64 and 0.66/0.73 and 0.69, p < 0.001, respectively), showed high test-retest reliability (ICC 0.84) and very good internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha 0.81-0.85) across all visits. Scores improved over time at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months for survivors, and standardized response mean (SRM) for improvement between 2 and 3 months (n = 44) was 0.80 (PACADI), -0.59 (EQ-5D index) and 0.69 (ESAS "sense of well-being"). The PACADI score significantly predicted mortality within the first year (p = 0.02) in contrast to the EQ-5D index and ESAS "sense of well-being".

CONCLUSION

This study showed satisfactory psychometric performance of the PACADI score. The results support its use in clinical practice and intervention trials.

Current and future perspectives on management of systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease

Introduction: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare and complex connective tissue disease characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common complication of SSc and the leading cause of SSc-related death. No drugs are licensed for the treatment of SSc-ILD. Areas covered: This review provides an overview of the current treatment of SSc-ILD and a perspective on investigational therapies, focusing on those studied in randomized controlled trials. Expert opinion: There is substantial room for improvement in the treatment of SSc-ILD. Current treatment focuses on immunosuppressant therapies, particularly cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has been shown to improve long-term outcomes, but the risk of treatment-related mortality restricts its use to select patients at specialized centers. Modifying the course of disease to improve outcomes remains the goal for new therapies. Several drugs are under investigation as potential therapies for SSc-ILD, providing hope that the limited treatment armamentarium for SSc-ILD will be expanded and improved in the near future. Expert consensus is needed on how to screen for and monitor SSc-ILD and on when to initiate and escalate therapy.

Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disorder of unknown cause that is characterized by granuloma formation in affected organs, most often in the lungs. Patients frequently suffer from cough, shortness of breath, chest pain and pronounced fatigue and are at risk of developing lung fibrosis or irreversible damage to other organs. The disease develops in genetically predisposed individuals with exposure to an as-yet unknown antigen. Genetic factors affect not only the risk of developing sarcoidosis but also the disease course, which is highly variable and difficult to predict. The typical T cell accumulation, local T cell immune response and granuloma formation in the lungs indicate that the inflammatory response in sarcoidosis is induced by specific antigens, possibly including self-antigens, which is consistent with an autoimmune involvement. Diagnosis can be challenging for clinicians because of the potential for almost any organ to be affected. As the aetiology of sarcoidosis is unknown, no specific treatment and no pathognomic markers exist. Thus, improved biomarkers to determine disease activity and to identify patients at risk of developing fibrosis are needed. Corticosteroids still constitute the first-line treatment, but new treatment strategies, including those targeting quality-of-life issues, are being evaluated and should yield appropriate, personalized and more effective treatments.

Management of Interstitial Lung Disease in Patients With Myositis Specific Autoantibodies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review advances in the management of idiopathic inflammatory myopathy-associated interstitial lung disease (IIM-associated ILD) in the past 5 years, with highlights in myositis-specific antibody (MSA) groups.

RECENT FINDINGS

With the recent advent of widespread MSA testing, the study of specific homogeneous autoantibody-based subgroups of IIM-associated ILD is now possible. The prevalence, severity, prognosis, and response to treatment are under study for these individual MSAs. Early evidence suggests that PL-7- and PL-12-positive patients are more likely to have ILD and worse severity, compared to Jo-1 patients. Many medications have been efficacious for the treatment of IIM-associated ILD, including calcineurin inhibitors, rituximab, and cyclophosphamide. We suggest vigilant screening and monitoring of ILD in IIM patients with focus on the potential side effects associated with therapy and thus advocate appropriate vaccination, PCP prophylaxis, and bone health protection. Many different agents are used to manage patients with ILD with no comparative effectiveness studies to guide the clinician. The possibility of using MSAs to help guide treatment decisions is an appealing, although unproven, focus of research. Unfortunately, the rarity of non-Jo-1 myositis-specific antibodies has precluded robust study of response to treatment and overall management. Ongoing clinical trials and working groups are coordinating efforts to provide evidence-based management.

Performance of the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire in patients with connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) is a self-administered questionnaire used to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in various chronic respiratory diseases. Few studies have assessed the performance of the SGRQ in patients with connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease (CTD-ILD). We aimed to examine the SGRQ's performance characteristics and generate data to support its reliability and validity in patients with CTD-ILD.

METHODS

We used data from 193 CTD-ILD patients evaluated at Tosei General Hospital from May 2007 to July 2016 to assess the cross-sectional and longitudinal validity of the SGRQ.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 64.2 years and 122 (63.2%) were women. There were no significant differences in SGRQ scores between any of the CTD groups. Internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.905) and repeatability (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.873) for the SGRQ total score were excellent. At baseline, SGRQ total score was significantly associated with clinically meaningful measures of physiological function, exercise capacity and dyspnoea. Change in SGRQ total score over 6 months was also associated with change in other measures. Cox proportional hazards models showed that higher baseline SGRQ total score was a significant predictor of mortality. The estimated minimal clinically important difference of SGRQ total score was 4-13 points.

CONCLUSION

These data support the validity and reliability of SGRQ as a sensitive measure for capturing HRQoL in patients with CTD-ILD.

Incorporating the patient's perspective in outcomes research

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Incorporation of the patients' perspective in clinical research is critical to ensure that outcomes measured reflect those, which matter most to patients. This review summarizes recent efforts to include the patients' perspective in the development of outcome measures and the importance of encouraging patient participation in decision-making and self-management.

RECENT FINDINGS

Since the inclusion of fatigue as a patient-endorsed core outcome measure in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) trials, OMERACT has been instrumental in advocating for patient involvement in the development of core domains and instruments; current endeavors include cultivating an understanding of remission through the eyes of patients and gaining a sense of how to measure features of pain and 'stiffness' deemed as important to patients. The concept of remission was further explored in RA patients, highlighting a common goal of returning to normality; additionally, various tools have been developed to assess for unmet needs in rheumatology patients. Advances have also been made in the development and revision of patient-centered core measures in rheumatologic diagnoses outside of RA.

SUMMARY

Incorporating the patients' perspective is now considered an essential feature in outcomes research. Future research should focus on how best to involve patients in specific research activities.

Recent advances in connective tissue disease related interstitial lung disease

INTRODUCTION

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common manifestation of connective tissue disease (CTD). Although the majority of patients with CTD-ILD are stable or slowly progressive, a significant group exhibits a more severe and progressive decline. Interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF) describes the subset of patients with interstitial pneumonia who have features suggesting underlying autoimmunity, but whose features fall short of a clear diagnosis of CTD. Areas covered: In this focused review, we discuss recent advances in early detection, prognostic evaluation, and management of autoimmune forms of ILD. Expert commentary: Early detection of ILD and a better understanding of factors that impact prognostication may be helpful when making decisions regarding therapeutic interventions. The treatment of CTD-ILD should be comprehensive, is often fraught with challenges and can be complicated by comorbid conditions and extra-thoracic disease activities. Several large randomized studies have examined the impact of immunosuppressive therapy for CTD-ILD, however, additional studies are needed to determine the optimal treatment strategies. Future studies may provide additional information about the best treatments in patients with IPAF.

Incorporating the patient's perspective in outcomes research

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Incorporation of the patients' perspective in clinical research is critical to ensure that outcomes measured reflect those, which matter most to patients. This review summarizes recent efforts to include the patients' perspective in the development of outcome measures and the importance of encouraging patient participation in decision-making and self-management.

RECENT FINDINGS

Since the inclusion of fatigue as a patient-endorsed core outcome measure in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) trials, OMERACT has been instrumental in advocating for patient involvement in the development of core domains and instruments; current endeavors include cultivating an understanding of remission through the eyes of patients and gaining a sense of how to measure features of pain and 'stiffness' deemed as important to patients. The concept of remission was further explored in RA patients, highlighting a common goal of returning to normality; additionally, various tools have been developed to assess for unmet needs in rheumatology patients. Advances have also been made in the development and revision of patient-centered core measures in rheumatologic diagnoses outside of RA.

SUMMARY

Incorporating the patients' perspective is now considered an essential feature in outcomes research. Future research should focus on how best to involve patients in specific research activities.

Connective Tissue Disease-associated Interstitial Lung Diseases (CTD-ILD) - Report from OMERACT CTD-ILD Working Group

OBJECTIVE

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is common in connective tissue disease (CTD) and is the leading cause of mortality. Investigators have used certain outcome measures in randomized controlled trials (RCT) in CTD-ILD, but the lack of a systematically developed, CTD-specific index that captures all measures relevant and meaningful to patients with CTD-ILD has left a large and conspicuous gap in CTD-ILD research.

METHODS

The CTD-ILD working group, under the aegis of the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) initiative, has completed a consensus group exercise to reach harmony on core domains and items for inclusion in RCT in CTD-ILD. During the OMERACT 12 meeting, consensus was sought on domains and core items for inclusion in RCT. In addition, consensus was pursued on a definition of response in RCT. Consensus was defined as ≥ 75% agreement among the participants.

RESULTS

OMERACT 12 participants endorsed the domains with minimal modifications. Clinically meaningful progression for CTD-ILD was proposed as ≥ 10% relative decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) or ≥ 5% to < 10% relative decline in FVC and ≥ 15% relative decline in DLCO.

CONCLUSION

There is consensus on domains for inclusion in RCT in CTD-ILD and on a definition of clinically meaningful progression. Data-driven approaches to validate these results in different cohorts and RCT are needed.