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Schmukler J, Li T, Pincus T. Physician estimate of inflammation vs global assessment in explaining variations in swollen joint counts in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Rheumatol Adv Pract 2024; 8:rkae057. [PMID: 38800575 PMCID: PMC11116827 DOI: 10.1093/rap/rkae057] [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: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To analyse patients with RA for inflammatory activity by physician estimate of global assessment (DOCGL) vs an estimate of inflammatory activity (DOCINF) to explain variation in the swollen joint count (SJC). Methods Patients with RA were studied at routine care visits. Patients completed a multidimensional health assessment questionnaire (MDHAQ) and the physician completed a 28-joint count for swollen (SJC), tender (TJC) and deformed (DJC) joints and a RheuMetric checklist with a 0-10 DOCGL visual numeric scale (VNS) and 0-10 VNS estimates of inflammation (DOCINF), damage (DOCDAM) and patient distress (DOCSTR). The disease activity score in 28 joints with ESR (DAS28-ESR), Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) and Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3 (RAPID3) were calculated. Individual scores and RA indices were compared according to Spearman correlation coefficients and regression analyses. Results A total of 104 unselected patients were included, with a median age and disease duration of 54.5 and 5 years, respectively. The median DAS28-ESR was 2.9 (Q1-Q3: 2.0-3.7), indicating low activity. DOCINF was correlated significantly with DOCGL (ρ = 0.775). Both DOCGL and DOCINF were correlated significantly with most other measures; correlations with DOCGL were generally higher than with DOCINF other than for SJC. In regression analyses, DOCINF was more explanatory of variation in SJC than DOCGL and other DAS28-ESR components. Conclusions Variation in SJC is explained more by a 0-10 DOCINF VNS than the traditional DOCGL or any other measure in RA patients seen in routine care. DOCINF on a RheuMetric checklist can provide informative quantitative scores concerning inflammatory activity in RA patients monitored over long periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Schmukler
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Rush University School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tengfei Li
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Rush University School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Theodore Pincus
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Rush University School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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2
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Howe C, Smith ID, Coles TM, Overton R, Economou-Zavlanos N, Solomon MJ, Doss J, Henao R, Clowse MEB, Leverenz DL. Evaluating Provider Perceptions of Telehealth Utility in Outpatient Rheumatology Telehealth Encounters. J Clin Rheumatol 2024; 30:46-51. [PMID: 38169348 DOI: 10.1097/rhu.0000000000002050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to explore the factors associated with rheumatology providers' perceptions of telehealth utility in real-world telehealth encounters. METHODS From September 14, 2020 to January 31, 2021, 6 providers at an academic medical center rated their telehealth visits according to perceived utility in making treatment decisions using the following Telehealth Utility Score (TUS) (1 = very low utility to 5 = very high utility). Modified Poisson regression models were used to assess the association between TUS scores and encounter diagnoses, disease activity measures, and immunomodulatory therapy changes during the encounter. RESULTS A total of 481 telehealth encounters were examined, of which 191 (39.7%) were rated as "low telehealth utility" (TUS 1-3) and 290 (60.3%) were rated as "high telehealth utility" (TUS 4-5). Encounters with a diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis were significantly less likely to be rated as high telehealth utility (adjusted relative risk [aRR], 0.8061; p = 0.004), especially in those with a concurrent noninflammatory musculoskeletal diagnosis (aRR, 0.54; p = 0.006). Other factors significantly associated with low telehealth utility included higher disease activity according to current and prior RAPID3 scores (aRR, 0.87 and aRR, 0.89, respectively; p < 0.001) and provider global scores (aRR, 0.83; p < 0.001), as well as an increase in immunomodulatory therapy (aRR, 0.70; p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS Provider perceptions of telehealth utility in real-world encounters are significantly associated with patient diagnoses, current and prior disease activity, and the need for changes in immunomodulatory therapy. These findings inform efforts to optimize the appropriate utilization of telehealth in rheumatology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Theresa M Coles
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | | | | | | | - Jayanth Doss
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Medicine
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3
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Huang Y, Sompii-Montgomery L, Patti J, Pickering A, Yasin S, Do T, Baker E, Gao D, Abdul-Aziz R, Behrens EM, Canna S, Clark M, Co DO, Collins KP, Eberhard B, Friedman M, Graham TB, Hahn T, Hersh AO, Hobday P, Holland MJ, Huggins J, Lu PY, Mannion ML, Manos CK, Neely J, Onel K, Orandi AB, Ramirez A, Reinhardt A, Riskalla M, Santiago L, Stoll ML, Ting T, Grom AA, Towe C, Schulert GS. Disease Course, Treatments, and Outcomes of Children With Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis-Associated Lung Disease. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2024; 76:328-339. [PMID: 37691306 PMCID: PMC11156420 DOI: 10.1002/acr.25234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated lung disease (SJIA-LD) is a life-threatening disease complication. Key questions remain regarding clinical course and optimal treatment approaches. The objectives of the study were to detail management strategies after SJIA-LD detection, characterize overall disease courses, and measure long-term outcomes. METHODS This was a prospective cohort study. Clinical data were abstracted from the electronic medical record, including current clinical status and changes since diagnosis. Serum biomarkers were determined and correlated with presence of LD. RESULTS We enrolled 41 patients with SJIA-LD, 85% with at least one episode of macrophage activation syndrome and 41% with adverse reactions to a biologic. Although 93% of patients were alive at last follow-up (median 2.9 years), 37% progressed to requiring chronic oxygen or other ventilator support, and 65% of patients had abnormal overnight oximetry studies, which changed over time. Eighty-four percent of patients carried the HLA-DRB1*15 haplotype, significantly more than patients without LD. Patients with SJIA-LD also showed markedly elevated serum interleukin-18 (IL-18), variable C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 9 (CXCL9), and significantly elevated matrix metalloproteinase 7. Treatment strategies showed variable use of anti-IL-1/6 biologics and addition of other immunomodulatory treatments and lung-directed therapies. We found a broad range of current clinical status independent of time from diagnosis or continued biologic treatment. Multidomain measures of change showed imaging features were the least likely to improve with time. CONCLUSION Patients with SJIA-LD had highly varied courses, with lower mortality than previously reported but frequent hypoxia and requirement for respiratory support. Treatment strategies were highly varied, highlighting an urgent need for focused clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannan Huang
- Yannan Huang, MD, Laura Sompii-Montgomery, MD, Jessica Patti, BSN, Thuy Do, BS, Elizabeth Baker, Denny Gao, MS: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Laura Sompii-Montgomery
- Yannan Huang, MD, Laura Sompii-Montgomery, MD, Jessica Patti, BSN, Thuy Do, BS, Elizabeth Baker, Denny Gao, MS: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Jessica Patti
- Yannan Huang, MD, Laura Sompii-Montgomery, MD, Jessica Patti, BSN, Thuy Do, BS, Elizabeth Baker, Denny Gao, MS: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Alex Pickering
- Alex Pickering, PhD: Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Shima Yasin
- Shima Yasin, MD, MSc: University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City
| | - Thuy Do
- Yannan Huang, MD, Laura Sompii-Montgomery, MD, Jessica Patti, BSN, Thuy Do, BS, Elizabeth Baker, Denny Gao, MS: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Elizabeth Baker
- Yannan Huang, MD, Laura Sompii-Montgomery, MD, Jessica Patti, BSN, Thuy Do, BS, Elizabeth Baker, Denny Gao, MS: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Denny Gao
- Yannan Huang, MD, Laura Sompii-Montgomery, MD, Jessica Patti, BSN, Thuy Do, BS, Elizabeth Baker, Denny Gao, MS: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Rabheh Abdul-Aziz
- Rabheh Abdul-Aziz, MD, MS: University at Buffalo, Oishei Children’s Hospital, Buffalo, New York
| | - Edward M. Behrens
- Edward M. Behrens, MD, Scott Canna, MD: The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine at The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Scott Canna
- Edward M. Behrens, MD, Scott Canna, MD: The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine at The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Matthew Clark
- Matthew Clark, MD: Prisma Health Children’s Hospital Upstate and University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville, Greenville
| | - Dominic O. Co
- Dominic O. Co, MD, PhD: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison
| | - Kathleen P. Collins
- Kathleen P. Collins, MD: University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine, Memphis
| | - Barbara Eberhard
- Barbara Eberhard, MD: Cohen Children’s Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, New York
| | - Monica Friedman
- Monica Friedman, DO: Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, Orlando, Florida
| | - Thomas B. Graham
- Thomas B. Graham, MD, MS: Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Timothy Hahn
- Timothy Hahn, MD: Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Aimee O. Hersh
- Aimee O. Hersh, MD: University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City
| | - Patricia Hobday
- Patricia Hobday, MD, Mona Riskalla, MD: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | - Michael J. Holland
- Michael J. Holland, MD, MS: Children’s Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Jennifer Huggins
- Jennifer Huggins, MD, Tracy Ting, MD, MSc, Alexei A. Grom, MD, Christopher Towe, MD, Grant S. Schulert, MD, PhD: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and University Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Pai-Yue Lu
- Pai-Yue Lu, MD, MSc: University of Kentucky, Lexington
| | - Melissa L. Mannion
- Melissa L. Mannion, MD, Matthew L. Stoll, MD, PhD: University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham
| | - Cynthia K. Manos
- Cynthia K. Manos MD: Emory University School of Medicine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jessica Neely
- Jessica Neely, MD: University of California, San Francisco
| | - Karen Onel
- Karen Onel, MD: Hospital for Special Surgery and Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York City, New York
| | | | - Andrea Ramirez
- Andrea Ramirez, MD: Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Adam Reinhardt
- Adam Reinhardt, MD: Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, Nebraska
| | - Mona Riskalla
- Patricia Hobday, MD, Mona Riskalla, MD: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | - Laisa Santiago
- Laisa Santiago, MD: Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, St. Petersburg, Florida
| | - Matthew L. Stoll
- Melissa L. Mannion, MD, Matthew L. Stoll, MD, PhD: University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham
| | - Tracy Ting
- Jennifer Huggins, MD, Tracy Ting, MD, MSc, Alexei A. Grom, MD, Christopher Towe, MD, Grant S. Schulert, MD, PhD: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and University Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Alexei A. Grom
- Jennifer Huggins, MD, Tracy Ting, MD, MSc, Alexei A. Grom, MD, Christopher Towe, MD, Grant S. Schulert, MD, PhD: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and University Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Christopher Towe
- Jennifer Huggins, MD, Tracy Ting, MD, MSc, Alexei A. Grom, MD, Christopher Towe, MD, Grant S. Schulert, MD, PhD: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and University Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Grant S. Schulert
- Jennifer Huggins, MD, Tracy Ting, MD, MSc, Alexei A. Grom, MD, Christopher Towe, MD, Grant S. Schulert, MD, PhD: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and University Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
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Rodwell N, Hassett G, Bird P, Pincus T, Descallar J, Gibson KA. RheuMetric Quantitative 0 to 10 Physician Estimates of Inflammation, Damage, and Distress in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Validation Against Reference Measures. ACR Open Rheumatol 2023; 5:511-521. [PMID: 37608509 PMCID: PMC10570671 DOI: 10.1002/acr2.11574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze a RheuMetric checklist, which includes four feasible physician 0 to 10 scores for DOCGL, inflammation (DOCINF), damage (DOCDAM), and distress (DOCSTR) for criterion and discriminant validity against standard reference measures. METHODS A prospective, cross-sectional assessment was performed at one routine care visit at Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, Australia. Rheumatologists recorded DOCGL, DOCINF, DOCDAM, DOCSTR, and 28 joint counts for swelling (SJC), tenderness (TJC), and limited motion/deformity (DJC). Patients completed a multidimensional health assessment questionnaire (MDHAQ), which includes routine assessment of patient index data (RAPID3), fibromyalgia assessment screening tool (FAST4), and MDHAQ depression screen (MDS2). Laboratory tests and radiographic scores were recorded. RheuMetric estimates of inflammation, damage, and distress were compared with reference and other measures using correlations and linear regressions. RESULTS In 173 patients with RA, variation in RheuMetric DOCINF was explained significantly by SJC and inversely by disease duration; variation in DOCDAM was explained significantly by DJC, radiographic scores, and physical function; and variation in DOCSTR was explained significantly by fibromyalgia and depression. CONCLUSION RheuMetric DOCINF, DOCDAM, and DOCSTR estimates were correlated significantly and specifically with reference measures of inflammation, damage, and distress, documenting criterion and discriminant validity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Rodwell
- Liverpool Hospital and Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia, and University of New South WalesMedicine and HealthSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Geraldine Hassett
- Liverpool Hospital and Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia, and University of New South WalesMedicine and HealthSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Paul Bird
- University of New South Wales, Medicine and HealthKensingtonSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | | | - Joseph Descallar
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia, and University of New South WalesMedicine and HealthSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Kathryn A. Gibson
- Liverpool Hospital and Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia, and University of New South WalesMedicine and HealthSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
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5
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Pickles T, Macefield R, Aiyegbusi OL, Beecher C, Horton M, Christensen KB, Phillips R, Gillespie D, Choy E. Patient Reported Outcome Measures for Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity: a systematic review following COSMIN guidelines. RMD Open 2022; 8:e002093. [PMID: 35351807 PMCID: PMC8966547 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2021-002093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current standard of care in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) requires regular assessment of disease activity (DA). All standard RA DA measurement instruments require joint counts to be undertaken by a healthcare professional with/without a blood test. Few healthcare providers have the capacity to assess patients as frequently as stipulated by guidelines. Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) could be an efficient and informative way to assess RA DA, which is highlighted by the SARS-COV-2 pandemic, as most consultations are remote rather than face-to-face. We aimed to assess all PROMs for RA DA against the internationally recognised COSMIN guidelines to provide evidence-based recommendations to select the most suitable PROMs. METHODS Review registered on PROSPERO as CRD42020176176. The search strategy was based on a previous similar systematic review and expanded to include all articles up to January 2019. All identified articles were rated by two independent assessors following the COSMIN guidelines. RESULTS 668 abstracts were identified, with 10 articles included. A further 21 were identified from a previous review. Ten PROMs were identified. There was insufficient evidence to place any of the identified PROMs into recommendation for use category A due to lack of evidence for content validity, as stipulated by the COSMIN guidelines. CONCLUSION Lack of evidence of content validity limits suitable PROM selection, therefore none can be recommended for use. It is acknowledged that all included PROMs were developed before the COSMIN guidelines were published. Future research on PROMs for RA DA must provide evidence of content validity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Pickles
- Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Rhiannon Macefield
- Bristol Centre for Surgical Research, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Olalekan Lee Aiyegbusi
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Centre for Patient Reported Outcomes Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands, Birmingham, UK
- Birmingham Health Partners Centre for Regulatory Science and Innovation, University of Birmingham, Brmingham, UK
- NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Claire Beecher
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Evidence Synthesis Ireland and Cochrane Ireland, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Health Research Board - Trials Methodology Research Network, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Mike Horton
- Psychometric Laboratory for Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Rhiannon Phillips
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Ernest Choy
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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Shrestha S, Zhao J, Yang C, Zhang J. Relative efficacy and safety of iguratimod monotherapy for the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Rheumatol 2020; 39:2139-2150. [PMID: 32076916 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-020-04986-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to compare the efficacy and the safety of the iguratimod with placebo and other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in adults with rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS Two authors independently searched and selected randomized controlled trials from Cochrane library, Medline (through Pubmed), and Chinese databases, and then assessed the risk of bias (using ROB 2 tool), and graded the certainty of evidence (using the GRADEpro GDT software). We applied the RevMan 5 software for performing meta-analyses of the final consensus data. RESULTS We identified 12 trials involving 1938 participants. Ten trials had an overall high risk of bias. Although iguratimod had superior efficacy than placebo, the incidence of adverse events was also higher. Inferring to non-inferiority analysis with other DMARD therapy (primarily comprising methotrexate), iguratimod is likely to result in similar treatment response (20% (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.36), 50% and 70% improvement in American College of Rheumatology criteria) and functional ability at 24 weeks. Although the disease state was slightly better with iguratimod (MD - 0.55, 95% CI - 0.85 to - 0.25), a clinically important improvement was not achieved. Iguratimod may have lower C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate values. Swollen joint count, tender joint count, pain intensity, and patient's and physician's global assessment of disease state may be comparable between the therapies. Both the therapies are likely to have similar odds (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.26) of adverse events. CONCLUSION Our evidence suggests that iguratimod may be considered a potential alternative to methotrexate to treat rheumatoid arthritis.Key Points• The Asia Pacific League of Association for Rheumatology (APLAR) has recommended that iguratimod may be used a first-line drug for rheumatoid arthritis in specific cases.• Patients on iguratimod may have similar treatment response, functional ability, disease state, and adverse event profile at 24 weeks compared with those on methotrexate.• Iguratimod may be considered a better alternative to methotrexate in RA patients having high CRP and ESR values.• Future clinical trials in diverse population comparing the efficacy and safety of iguratimod in monotherapy or combination therapy with DMARDs (other than methotrexate) are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajan Shrestha
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Changqing Yang
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning, Nanjing, 211198, China.
| | - Jinping Zhang
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China.
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Skagen K, Hetlevik SO, Zamani M, Lilleby V, Skjelland M. Preclinical Carotid Atherosclerosis in Patients With Juvenile-Onset Mixed Connective Tissue Disease. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2019; 28:1295-1301. [PMID: 30772156 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2019.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study investigated preclinical atherosclerosis in patients with juvenile mixed connective tissue disease (JMCTD), which is a chronic inflammatory disease with a varied phenotype. Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) has well known associations with other autoimmune diseases known to have increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the cardiovascular risk for patients with the juvenile form remains unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-nine patients with JMCTD and 45 age-and sex-matched controls took part in this study. They underwent blood tests, clinical examination, and ultrasound measurement of the carotid arteries. RESULTS We found that patients had significantly higher average carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) as compared to controls (mean 0.57 ± 0.09 versus 0.53 ± 0.06, P = .03). IMT also increased with both increasing disease duration (years from diagnosis), and severity as assessed by the physicians global assessment score, after adjustment for age. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to demonstrate increased preclinical atherosclerosis in juvenile MCTD. Our findings suggest that the atherosclerotic burden in this patient group, which was independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, might be secondary to the underlying connective tissue disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Skagen
- Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Siri Opsahl Hetlevik
- Department of Rheumatology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Mahtab Zamani
- Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Vibke Lilleby
- Department of Rheumatology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Mona Skjelland
- Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.
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Wu J, Ma J, Zhang WH, Di W. Management and outcomes of pregnancy with or without lupus nephritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ther Clin Risk Manag 2018; 14:885-901. [PMID: 29785115 PMCID: PMC5955382 DOI: 10.2147/tcrm.s160760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although it is well established that systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) negatively affects pregnancy outcomes, there is insufficient evidence on the effect of lupus nephritis (LN) on antenatal management and pregnancy outcomes. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the association of LN with management and pregnancy outcomes in SLE patients. Methods Embase, Medline, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov were carefully searched for relevant English and Chinese language studies. A total of 2,987 articles were reviewed. Data were extracted that compared management and pregnancy outcomes in SLE pregnant women with LN vs without LN. Risk of bias was assessed by a modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the STROBE checklist. Combined odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were obtained and sensitivity analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. Results Sixteen studies, including 1,760 pregnant patients with SLE, were included. Gestational hypertension (OR=5.65, 95% CI=2.94–10.84), preeclampsia (OR=2.84, 95% CI=1.87–4.30), SLE flare (OR=2.66, 95% CI=1.51–4.70), renal flare (OR=15.18, 95% CI=5.89–39.14), proteinuria (OR=8.86, 95% CI=4.75–16.52), and hypocomplementemia (OR=2.86, 95% CI=1.68–4.87) were significantly affected in pregnant women with LN. Anti-Sjögren’s syndrome-related antigen A/Ro autoantibodies were negatively associated with pregnant women with LN (OR=0.57, 95% CI=0.33–0.98). Pregnant women with LN presented a significant decrease in live births (OR=0.62, 95% CI=0.49–0.80) and a significant increase in preterm births (OR=1.92, 95% CI=1.49–2.49) and fetal growth restriction (OR=1.43, 95% CI=1.08–1.91). Regarding antenatal management, steroids (OR=2.48, 95% CI=1.59–3.87) and immunosuppressant treatment (OR=6.77, 95% CI=3.30–13.89) were more frequently used in women with LN. Conclusion This review identified a significant association between the aforementioned outcomes and SLE pregnant patients with LN. In patients with SLE, LN increased the risks for adverse pregnancy outcomes and the use of medication. Therefore, special treatment and close monitoring should be allocated to pregnant women with LN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayue Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,International Centre for Reproductive Health (ICRH), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jinghang Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Hong Zhang
- International Centre for Reproductive Health (ICRH), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wen Di
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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Taylor J, Giannini EH, Lovell DJ, Huang B, Morgan EM. Lack of Concordance in Interrater Scoring of the Provider's Global Assessment of Children With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis With Low Disease Activity. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2017; 70:162-166. [DOI: 10.1002/acr.23203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Janalee Taylor
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Cincinnati Ohio
| | | | | | - Bin Huang
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Cincinnati Ohio
| | - Esi M. Morgan
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Cincinnati Ohio
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Walter MJM, Van't Spijker A, Pasma A, Hazes JMW, Luime JJ. Focus group interviews reveal reasons for differences in the perception of disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis. Qual Life Res 2017. [PMID: 27444780 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-016-1369-4)] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Doctors frequently see patients who have difficulties coping with their disease and rate their disease activity high, despite the fact that according to the doctors, the disease activity is low. This study explored the patients' perspectives on this discordance that may help to understand why for some patients, usual care seems to be insufficient. METHODS In our qualitative study we conducted focus group interviews where questions were used as a guideline. Transcripts were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. FINDINGS Twenty-nine patients participated in four focus groups. Participants could not put their finger exactly on why doctors estimated that their disease activity was low, while they experienced high levels of disease activity. During the in-depth focus interviews, seven themes emerged that appeared related to high experienced disease activity: (1) perceived stress, (2) balancing activities and rest, (3) medication intake, (4) social stress, (5) relationship with professionals, (6) comorbidity, and (7) physical fitness. CONCLUSION When patients were asked why their view of their disease activity was different from that of their physician, seven themes emerged. The way participants coped with these themes seemed to be the predominant concept. Specific interventions that focus on one or more of the reported themes and on coping may improve not only the quality of life of these patients but also the satisfaction with the patient-doctor relationship for both parties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margot J M Walter
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Center, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Postal Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Adriaan Van't Spijker
- Department of Psychiatry, Section Medical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Erasmus Medical Center, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annelieke Pasma
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Center, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Postal Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johanna M W Hazes
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Center, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Postal Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jolanda J Luime
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Center, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Postal Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Hendrikx J, de Jonge MJ, Fransen J, Kievit W, van Riel PL. Systematic review of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for assessing disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis. RMD Open 2016; 2:e000202. [PMID: 27651921 PMCID: PMC5013514 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2015-000202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2015] [Revised: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Patient assessment of disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may be useful in clinical practice, offering a patient-friendly, location independent, and a time-efficient and cost-efficient means of monitoring the disease. The objective of this study was to identify patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) to assess disease activity in RA and to evaluate the measurement properties of these measures. Systematic literature searches were performed in the PubMed and EMBASE databases to identify articles reporting on clinimetric development or evaluation of PROM-based instruments to monitor disease activity in patients with RA. 2 reviewers independently selected articles for review and assessed their methodological quality based on the Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) recommendations. A total of 424 abstracts were retrieved for review. Of these abstracts, 56 were selected for reviewing the full article and 34 articles, presenting 17 different PROMs, were finally included. Identified were: Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity Index (RADAI), RADAI-5, Patient-based Disease Activity Score (PDAS) I & II, Patient-derived Disease Activity Score with 28-joint counts (Pt-DAS28), Patient-derived Simplified Disease Activity Index (Pt-SDAI), Global Arthritis Score (GAS), Patient Activity Score (PAS) I & II, Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data (RAPID) 2–5, Patient Reported Outcome-index (PRO-index) continuous (C) & majority (M), Patient Reported Outcome CLinical ARthritis Activity (PRO-CLARA). The quality of reports varied from poor to good. Typically 5 out of 10 clinimetric domains were covered in the validations of the different instruments. The quality and extent of clinimetric validation varied among PROMs of RA disease activity. The Pt-DAS28, RADAI, RADAI-5 and RAPID 3 had the strongest and most extensive validation. The measurement properties least reported and in need of more evidence were: reliability, measurement error, cross-cultural validity and interpretability of measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jos Hendrikx
- Department of IQ Healthcare, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke J de Jonge
- Department of IQ Healthcare , Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences , Nijmegen , The Netherlands
| | - Jaap Fransen
- Department of Rheumatology , Radboud University Medical Center , Nijmegen , The Netherlands
| | - Wietske Kievit
- Department for Health Evidence , Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences , Nijmegen , The Netherlands
| | - Piet Lcm van Riel
- Department of IQ Healthcare , Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences , Nijmegen , The Netherlands
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Focus group interviews reveal reasons for differences in the perception of disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis. Qual Life Res 2016; 26:291-298. [PMID: 27444780 PMCID: PMC5288407 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-016-1369-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Objective Doctors frequently see patients who have difficulties coping with their disease and rate their disease activity high, despite the fact that according to the doctors, the disease activity is low. This study explored the patients’ perspectives on this discordance that may help to understand why for some patients, usual care seems to be insufficient. Methods In our qualitative study we conducted focus group interviews where questions were used as a guideline. Transcripts were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Findings Twenty-nine patients participated in four focus groups. Participants could not put their finger exactly on why doctors estimated that their disease activity was low, while they experienced high levels of disease activity. During the in-depth focus interviews, seven themes emerged that appeared related to high experienced disease activity: (1) perceived stress, (2) balancing activities and rest, (3) medication intake, (4) social stress, (5) relationship with professionals, (6) comorbidity, and (7) physical fitness. Conclusion When patients were asked why their view of their disease activity was different from that of their physician, seven themes emerged. The way participants coped with these themes seemed to be the predominant concept. Specific interventions that focus on one or more of the reported themes and on coping may improve not only the quality of life of these patients but also the satisfaction with the patient–doctor relationship for both parties.
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DeMaria L, Acelajado MC, Luck J, Ta H, Chernoff D, Florentino J, Peabody JW. Variations and practice in the care of patients with rheumatoid arthritis: quality and cost of care. J Clin Rheumatol 2014; 20:79-86. [PMID: 24561410 DOI: 10.1097/rhu.0000000000000076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Variability in treatment is linked to lower quality of care and higher costs. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease for which care and management may vary considerably among rheumatologists. The extent of this variability and its cost ramifications have not been widely studied. This prospective study evaluated the quality and variability in care and quantified the potential cost implications. METHODS We used Clinical Performance and Value® vignettes to measure the quality of RA care among community-based rheumatologists. Three online Clinical Performance and Value® vignettes--representing patients likely seen in practice with mild disease activity (case A), worsening disease activity (case B), and stable disease with a complicating comorbidity (case C)--were administered to each rheumatologist. Responses were scored against evidence-based criteria. Costs were computed using current (2011) Medicare pricing. Data were analyzed using t test and fixed-effects analysis of variance. RESULTS One hundred eight board-certified rheumatologists (72% were male; mean age, 49.1 years) completed the study. Overall quality scores averaged 61.3%. Those employed by a health system or in a multispecialty practice were more likely to score higher. Highest combined scores for diagnosis and treatment were evident with case A (61.7%) and lowest with case C (46.7%). Up to 79% of rheumatologists ordered at least 1 laboratory test that was considered unnecessary by study protocol criteria, incurring a mean excess cost of $37.85 per physician per case. Up to 26.9% rheumatologists prescribed biologic agents that were not indicated based on American College of Rheumatology treatment guidelines, resulting in additional costs of $2041 per patient per month. CONCLUSION In this study, we observed a wide range of reported practice variability by rheumatologists in the management of RA. This included unnecessary testing and use of biologic agents that increased the costs of treatment. Opportunities for quality improvement and cost control exist in the management of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa DeMaria
- From *QURE Healthcare, San Rafael, CA; †Faculty of Medicine, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines; ‡Oregon State University, Corvalis, OR; §Crescendo Biosciences, South San Francisco, CA; ∥School of Economics, University of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines; and ¶Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA
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Choy T, Bykerk VP, Boire G, Haraoui BP, Hitchon C, Thorne C, Keystone EC, Pope JE. Physician global assessment at 3 months is strongly predictive of remission at 12 months in early rheumatoid arthritis: results from the CATCH cohort. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2013; 53:482-90. [DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/ket366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Anderson JK, Zimmerman L, Caplan L, Michaud K. Measures of rheumatoid arthritis disease activity: Patient (PtGA) and Provider (PrGA) Global Assessment of Disease Activity, Disease Activity Score (DAS) and Disease Activity Score with 28-Joint Counts (DAS28), Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI), Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI), Patient Activity Score (PAS) and Patient Activity Score-II (PASII), Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data (RAPID), Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity Index (RADAI) and Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity Index-5 (RADAI-5), Chronic Arthritis Systemic Index (CASI), Patient-Based Disease Activity Score With ESR (PDAS1) and Patient-Based Disease Activity Score without ESR (PDAS2), and Mean Overall Index for Rheumatoid Arthritis (MOI-RA). Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2012; 63 Suppl 11:S14-36. [PMID: 22588741 DOI: 10.1002/acr.20621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Newman ED, Lerch V, Jones JB, Stewart W. Touchscreen questionnaire patient data collection in rheumatology practice: development of a highly successful system using process redesign. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2012; 64:589-96. [PMID: 22162301 DOI: 10.1002/acr.21560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE While questionnaires have been developed to capture patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in rheumatology practice, these instruments are not widely used. We developed a touchscreen interface designed to provide reliable and efficient data collection. Using the touchscreen to obtain PROs, we compared 2 different workflow models implemented separately in 2 rheumatology clinics. METHODS The Plan-Do-Study-Act methodology was used in 2 cycles of workflow redesign. Cycle 1 relied on off-the-shelf questionnaire builder software, and cycle 2 relied on a custom programmed software solution. RESULTS During cycle 1, clinic 1 (private practice model, resource replete, simple flow) demonstrated a high completion rate at the start, averaging between 74% and 92% for the first 12 weeks. Clinic 2 (academic model, resource deficient, complex flow) did not achieve a consistent completion rate above 60%. The revised cycle 2 implementation protocol incorporated a 15-minute "nurse visit," an instant messaging system, and a streamlined authentication process, all of which contributed to substantial improvement in touchscreen questionnaire completion rates of ∼80% that were sustained without the need for any additional clinic staff support. CONCLUSION Process redesign techniques and touchscreen technology were used to develop a highly successful, efficient, and effective process for the routine collection of PROs in a busy, complex, and resource-depleted academic practice and in typical private practice. The successful implementation required both a touchscreen questionnaire, human behavioral redesign, and other technical solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric D Newman
- Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA.
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Harrold LR, Harrington JT, Curtis JR, Furst DE, Bentley MJ, Shan Y, Reed G, Kremer J, Greenberg JD. Prescribing practices in a US cohort of rheumatoid arthritis patients before and after publication of the American College of Rheumatology treatment recommendations. ARTHRITIS AND RHEUMATISM 2012; 64:630-8. [PMID: 21953645 PMCID: PMC3253907 DOI: 10.1002/art.33380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine prescribing practices in the use of biologic and nonbiologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to treat patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), before and after publication of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) treatment recommendations. METHODS Biologics-naive RA patients under the care of a rheumatologist in the US were identified from the Consortium of Rheumatology Researchers of North America registry. Patients were included if their visits occurred prior to and/or at least 6 months after publication of the ACR treatment recommendations (time periods of February 2002-June 2008 versus December 2008-December 2009). The population was divided into 2 mutually exclusive cohorts: 1) methotrexate (MTX) monotherapy users, and 2) multiple nonbiologic DMARD users. Initiation or dose escalation of biologic and nonbiologic DMARDs in response to active disease was assessed cross-sectionally and longitudinally in comparison to the ACR recommendations. The impact of the publication of the ACR recommendations on treatment practices was assessed using logistic regression, stratified by disease activity and adjusted for clustering of physicians and geographic region. RESULTS After 1 visit, 24-37% of patients receiving MTX monotherapy who had moderate disease activity and a poor prognosis or high disease activity received care consistent with the ACR recommendations; after 2 visits, 34-56% of the MTX monotherapy group received care consistent with the recommendations. In the patients receiving multiple nonbiologic DMARDs, 31-47% of those with moderate or high disease activity received care consistent with the recommendations after 1 visit, and 43-51% received such care after 2 visits. Publication of the recommendations did not significantly change treatment patterns for those with active disease. CONCLUSION Substantial numbers of RA patients with active disease did not receive care consistent with the current ACR treatment recommendations. Innovative approaches to improve care are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie R Harrold
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, USA.
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Desai SP, Yazdany J. Quality measurement and improvement in rheumatology: rheumatoid arthritis as a case study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 63:3649-60. [PMID: 22127687 DOI: 10.1002/art.30605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sonali P Desai
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology, and Allergy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, PBB-B3, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Kievit W, van Hulst L, van Riel P, Fraenkel L. Factors that influence rheumatologists' decisions to escalate care in rheumatoid arthritis: results from a choice-based conjoint analysis. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2010; 62:842-7. [PMID: 20535795 PMCID: PMC3682224 DOI: 10.1002/acr.20123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In order to improve adherence to treatment guidelines and performance indicators advocating tight control of disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), it is important to gain insight into the factors influencing rheumatologists' decisions whether or not to escalate care. Our objective was to determine the influence of specific attributes relative to a validated measure of disease activity (the Disease Activity Score [DAS]) on rheumatologists' decisions to escalate care. METHODS We used a computer-based choice-based conjoint analysis survey to determine the relative importance of 6 attributes on rheumatologists' decisions related to escalation of care in RA. We administered the survey in a convenience sample of rheumatologists attending the 2008 American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting. Utilities were calculated using hierarchical Bayes modeling, and these results were used to calculate the relative importance of each attribute. RESULTS Rheumatologists assigned the most importance to the DAS score (relative importance of 30.7%) in their decision to escalate care. The age of the patient (21.5%) and erosions (20.5%) were rated as equally important in this decision. The decision to escalate care was least influenced by change in symptoms reported by the patient (11.1%), current treatment (8.9%), and disease duration (7.4%). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that rheumatologists endorse the DAS as a means to guide decision making in RA. We also found that age and erosions are important influences on rheumatologists' decisions to escalate care in RA. Our results add to the literature supporting age bias in RA and suggest that further research is needed to determine how age affects quality of care in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wietske Kievit
- Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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