1
|
Gamez-Guijarro M, Reinoso-Cobo A, Perez-Galan MJ, Ortega-Avila AB, Ramos-Petersen L, Torrontegui-Duarte M, Gijon-Nogueron G, Lopezosa-Reca E. Foot Anthropometry Measures in Relation to Treatment in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Longitudinal Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1656. [PMID: 39201214 PMCID: PMC11353708 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12161656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Approximately 90% of patients with arthritis exhibit forefoot deformities, including deformities within the metatarsophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints. Current pharmacological treatment with Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) consists of two groups: synthetic drugs (sDMARDs) and biological drugs (bDMARDs). The objective of our study was to investigate foot anthropometry changes in RA patients based on the administered treatment over a five-year period Method: A longitudinal analysis was conducted with RA patients who were grouped based on their pharmacological treatment. The pharmacological treatment groups were categorized into (I) methotrexate (MTX), (II) MTX plus biological treatments (including all variables), (III) biological treatment alone, and (IV) a miscellaneous group comprising patients with diverse treatments, including patients for whom various drugs had failed or who had not achieved remission with pharmacological treatment. For the anthropometric measurements, a foot measurement platform validated by McPoil et al. was used. Post hoc analyses with Bonferroni correction were performed to identify pairwise differences between the treatment groups while controlling for Type I errors due to multiple comparisons. Results: In the period from 2018 to 2023, significant changes were observed in several foot measurements. For instance, the MTX group showed a statistically significant increase in left heel width (p = 0.026). The MTX group experienced a slight increase in left foot length, while the Biologics and MTX + Bio groups exhibited more substantial increases in both maximum medial arch height and midfoot width. Conclusions: Different RA treatments can have a significant impact on foot structure over a five-year period, showing notable changes in heel width and overall foot morphology. Combined treatments with MTX and biologics potentially offer better management of RA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gamez-Guijarro
- Department of Nursing and Podiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malaga, Arquitecto Francisco Peñalosa 3, Ampliación de Campus de Teatinos, 29071 Malaga, Spain; (M.G.-G.); (A.R.-C.); (A.B.O.-A.); (L.R.-P.); (M.T.-D.); (E.L.-R.)
| | - Andres Reinoso-Cobo
- Department of Nursing and Podiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malaga, Arquitecto Francisco Peñalosa 3, Ampliación de Campus de Teatinos, 29071 Malaga, Spain; (M.G.-G.); (A.R.-C.); (A.B.O.-A.); (L.R.-P.); (M.T.-D.); (E.L.-R.)
| | - Maria Jose Perez-Galan
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain;
| | - Ana Belen Ortega-Avila
- Department of Nursing and Podiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malaga, Arquitecto Francisco Peñalosa 3, Ampliación de Campus de Teatinos, 29071 Malaga, Spain; (M.G.-G.); (A.R.-C.); (A.B.O.-A.); (L.R.-P.); (M.T.-D.); (E.L.-R.)
- IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, 29010 Malaga, Spain
| | - Laura Ramos-Petersen
- Department of Nursing and Podiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malaga, Arquitecto Francisco Peñalosa 3, Ampliación de Campus de Teatinos, 29071 Malaga, Spain; (M.G.-G.); (A.R.-C.); (A.B.O.-A.); (L.R.-P.); (M.T.-D.); (E.L.-R.)
| | - Marcelino Torrontegui-Duarte
- Department of Nursing and Podiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malaga, Arquitecto Francisco Peñalosa 3, Ampliación de Campus de Teatinos, 29071 Malaga, Spain; (M.G.-G.); (A.R.-C.); (A.B.O.-A.); (L.R.-P.); (M.T.-D.); (E.L.-R.)
| | - Gabriel Gijon-Nogueron
- Department of Nursing and Podiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malaga, Arquitecto Francisco Peñalosa 3, Ampliación de Campus de Teatinos, 29071 Malaga, Spain; (M.G.-G.); (A.R.-C.); (A.B.O.-A.); (L.R.-P.); (M.T.-D.); (E.L.-R.)
- IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, 29010 Malaga, Spain
| | - Eva Lopezosa-Reca
- Department of Nursing and Podiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malaga, Arquitecto Francisco Peñalosa 3, Ampliación de Campus de Teatinos, 29071 Malaga, Spain; (M.G.-G.); (A.R.-C.); (A.B.O.-A.); (L.R.-P.); (M.T.-D.); (E.L.-R.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lee J, Kumar N, Kabeto M, Galecki A, Chang CH, Singh N, Yung R, Makris UE, Bynum JPW. Prevalence and Factors Associated with De-escalation of Anti-TNFs in Older Adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Medicare Claims-Based Observational Study. Drugs Aging 2024; 41:601-613. [PMID: 38900379 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-024-01125-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim was to evaluate prevalence and factors associated with anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) de-escalation in older adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS We identified adults ≥ 66 years of age with RA on anti-TNF therapy within 6 months after RA diagnosis with at least 6-7 months duration of use (proxy for stable use), using 20% Medicare data from 2008-2017. Patient demographic and clinical characteristics, including concomitant use of glucocorticoid (GC), were collected. Anti-TNF use was categorized as either de-escalation (identified by dosing interval increase, dose reduction, or cessation of use) or continuation. We used (1) an observational cohort design with Cox regression to assess patient characteristics associated with de-escalation and (2) a case-control design with propensity score-adjusted logistic regression to assess the association of de-escalation with different clinical conditions and concomitant medication use. RESULTS We identified 5106 Medicare beneficiaries with RA on anti-TNF, 65.5% of whom had de-escalation. De-escalation was more likely with older age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.02) or greater comorbidity (HR 1.07, 95% CI 1.05-1.09), but was less likely with low-income subsidy status (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.78-0.92), adjusting for patient sex and race/ethnicity. Lower odds of de-escalation were associated with serious infection (odds ratio [OR] 0.79, 95% CI 0.66-0.94), new heart failure diagnosis (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.52-0.95), and long-term GC use (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.74-0.95), whereas higher odds were associated with concomitant methotrexate use (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.03-1.31). CONCLUSIONS Anti-TNFs are de-escalated in two-thirds of older adults with RA in usual care. Further study is needed on RA outcomes after anti-TNF de-escalation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiha Lee
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Navasuja Kumar
- Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Mohammed Kabeto
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Andrzej Galecki
- Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Chiang-Hua Chang
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Namrata Singh
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Raymond Yung
- Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Una E Makris
- Division of Rheumatic Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- VA North Texas Health Care System, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Julie P W Bynum
- Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Birkner B, Rech J, Edelmann E, Verheyen F, Schett G, Stargardt T. Treatment patterns of individualized real-life tapering approaches based on shared decision-making in rheumatoid arthritis. Z Rheumatol 2024; 83:142-150. [PMID: 37351593 PMCID: PMC10901995 DOI: 10.1007/s00393-023-01380-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide real-world evidence on patient-individual tapering patterns of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in daily clinical practice. METHODS Data obtained through a controlled prospective cohort study in Germany conducted from July 2018 to March 2021 were analyzed. Participants consist of RA patients in sustained remission who were eligible for DMARD tapering at enrolment. Data from RA patients who experienced tapering of DMARDs at least once during the observational period (n = 200) were used. Descriptive analyses of medical outcomes at baseline and at time of first tapering, time to first tapering, tapering patterns by substance group, and tapering intensity were documented. RESULTS We did not observe meaningful differences in either disease activity or quality of life measures between substance groups at enrolment, time of first tapering, and at 6 or 12 months after tapering. Median time until first tapering varied between substance groups (csDMARDs: 108 days; bDMARDs: 189 days; combination: 119 days). Most patients received one iteration of tapering only (147/200 patients, 73.5%). Dose reduction was applied for patients treated with csDMARDs (79/86 patients, 91.8%), spacing of interval was the most frequent strategy for patients treated with bDMARDs only (43/48 patients, 89.5%). Necessity for increased DMARD dosage was observed in only 10% of patients (20/200). Tapering intensity by substance was overall heterogenous, indicating high individualization. CONCLUSION We identify highly heterogeneous tapering patterns between substance groups and within substances. Identification and recognition of patient-individual approaches of tapering will help to further improve the management of RA for both patients and rheumatologists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Birkner
- Hamburg Center for Health Economics (HCHE), Universität Hamburg, Esplanade 36, 20354, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Jürgen Rech
- Medizinische Klinik 3 - Rheumatologie und Immunologie, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Ulmenweg 18, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Edmund Edelmann
- Berufsverband Deutscher Rheumatologen e.V, Hauptstraße 9, 13055, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Verheyen
- Techniker Krankenkasse, Bramfelder Straße 140, 22305, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Georg Schett
- Medizinische Klinik 3 - Rheumatologie und Immunologie, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Ulmenweg 18, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Tom Stargardt
- Hamburg Center for Health Economics (HCHE), Universität Hamburg, Esplanade 36, 20354, Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Meng CF, Rajesh DA, Jannat-Khat DP, Jivanelli B, Bykerk V. The Gap in Knowledge about Tapering Targeted Therapy being used as Monotherapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review. Curr Rheumatol Rev 2024; 20:46-56. [PMID: 37641998 DOI: 10.2174/1573397119666230828160108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Up to 30% of patients with RA are being treated with biologic (b)-disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) as monotherapy. Monotherapy with Interleukin (IL)-6 inhibitors(i) and Janus-kinase (JAK)-i has been shown to be effective. Whether patients can taper targeted therapy (bDMARDs and JAK-i) used as monotherapy (targeted monotherapy) is unknown. OBJECTIVE To determine the feasibility of tapering of targeted monotherapy in patients with controlled RA. METHODS We conducted a literature search in Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library for prospective studies reporting remission outcomes after tapering targeted monotherapy in RA patients, from 1/2014 - 8 /2021. RESULTS 5 randomized studies which met our inclusion criteria, evaluating tapering of monotherapy with tumor necrosis factor-inhibitors, tocilizumab, abatacept and baricitinib in RA. Studies were heterogeneous. Three trials studied early RA. Three studies gradually tapered therapy, including 1 dose reduction study. Three studies tapered both biological and conventional-synthetic (cs)-DMARDs. No study compared stopping targeted monotherapy to continuing it. Remission rates were low 14-28% across all studies that stopped targeted monotherapy. The highest remission rate of 72% was reported by the dose reduction study. Trials that studied early RA reported remission rates after tapering ranging 27-72%. Trials tapering therapy in established RA reported rates of remission from 14-20%. CONCLUSION There is a crucial gap in published literature to inform on tapering targeted monotherapy in patients with RA. Stopping targeted monotherapy is unlikely to maintain disease control in RA. Dose reduction strategies and early treatment of disease may be associated with more successful tapering, and warrant future study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charis F Meng
- Division of Rheumatology, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, USA
| | - Diviya A Rajesh
- Division of Rheumatology, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, USA
| | - Deanna P Jannat-Khat
- Division of Rheumatology, Epidemiology and Biostatistics CORE, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, USA
| | - Bridget Jivanelli
- Kim Barrett Memorial Library, HSS Education Institute, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, USA
| | - Vivian Bykerk
- Division of Rheumatology, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ward MM, Madanchi N, Yazdanyar A, Shah NR, Constantinescu F. Prevalence and predictors of sustained remission/low disease activity after discontinuation of induction or maintenance treatment with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic and scoping review. Arthritis Res Ther 2023; 25:222. [PMID: 37986101 PMCID: PMC10659063 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-023-03199-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To determine the prevalence of sustained remission/low disease activity (LDA) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) after discontinuation of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi), separately in induction treatment and maintenance treatment studies, and to identify predictors of successful discontinuation. METHODS We performed a systematic literature review of studies published from 2005 to May 2022 that reported outcomes after TNFi discontinuation among patients in remission/LDA. We computed prevalences of successful discontinuation by induction or maintenance treatment, remission criterion, and follow-up time. We performed a scoping review of predictors of successful discontinuation. RESULTS Twenty-two induction-withdrawal studies were identified. In pooled analyses, 58% (95% confidence interval (CI) 45, 70) had DAS28 < 3.2 (9 studies), 52% (95% CI 35, 69) had DAS28 < 2.6 (9 studies), and 40% (95% CI 18, 64) had SDAI ≤ 3.3 (4 studies) at 37-52 weeks after discontinuation. Among patients who continued TNFi, 62 to 85% maintained remission. Twenty-two studies of maintenance treatment discontinuation were also identified. At 37-52 weeks after TNFi discontinuation, 48% (95% CI 38, 59) had DAS28 < 3.2 (10 studies), and 47% (95% CI 33, 62) had DAS28 < 2.6 (6 studies). Heterogeneity among studies was high. Data on predictors in induction-withdrawal studies were limited. In both treatment scenarios, longer duration of RA was most consistently associated with less successful discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS Approximately one-half of patients with RA remain in remission/LDA for up to 1 year after TNFi discontinuation, with slightly higher proportions in induction-withdrawal settings than with maintenance treatment discontinuation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael M Ward
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Building 10CRC, Room 4-1339, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892-1468, USA.
| | - Nima Madanchi
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Current address: Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ali Yazdanyar
- Department of Emergency and Hospital Medicine, Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, Allentown, PA, USA
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
- Current address: Division of Hospital Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nehal R Shah
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
van Esveld L, Cox JM, Kuijper TM, Bosch TM, Weel-Koenders AE. Cost-utility analysis of tapering strategies of biologicals in rheumatoid arthritis patients in the Netherlands. Ann Rheum Dis 2023; 82:1296-1306. [PMID: 37423648 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-224190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Current guidelines recommend tapering biological disease-modifying antirheumatoid drugs (bDMARDs) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) if the disease is under control. However, guidelines on tapering are lacking. Assessing cost-effectiveness of different tapering strategies might provide broader input for creating guidelines on how to taper bDMARDs in patients with RA. The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term cost-effectiveness from a societal perspective of bDMARD tapering strategies in Dutch patients with RA, namely 50% dose reduction (tapering), discontinuation and a 50% dose reduction followed by discontinuation (de-escalation). METHODS Using a societal perspective, a Markov model with a life-time horizon of 30 years was used to simulate 3-monthly transitions between Disease Activity 28 (DAS28)-defined health states of remission (<2.6), low disease activity (2.63.2). Transition probabilities were estimated through literature search and random effects pooling. Incremental costs, incremental quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) and incremental net monetary benefits for each tapering strategy were compared with continuation. Deterministic, probabilistic sensitivity analyses and multiple scenario analyses were performed. RESULTS After 30 years, the ICERs were €115 157/QALY lost, €74 226/QALY lost and €67 137/QALY lost for tapering, de-escalation and discontinuation, respectively; mainly driven by bDMARD cost savings and a 72.8% probability of a loss in quality of life. This corresponds to a 76.1%, 64.3% and 60.1% probability of tapering, de-escalation and discontinuation being cost-effective, provided a willingness-to-accept threshold of €50 000/QALY lost. CONCLUSIONS Based on these analyses, the 50% tapering approach saved the highest cost per QALY lost.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Juul M Cox
- Hospital Pharmacy, Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, MaasstadLab Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Tessa M Bosch
- Hospital Pharmacy, Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, MaasstadLab Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Angelique Eam Weel-Koenders
- Rheumatology, Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ringold S, Dennos AC, Kimura Y, Beukelman T, Shrader P, Phillips TA, Kohlheim M, Schanberg LE, Yeung RSM, Horton DB. Disease Recapture Rates After Medication Discontinuation and Flare in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: An Observational Study Within the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Registry. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2023; 75:715-723. [PMID: 35921198 DOI: 10.1002/acr.24994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Children with well-controlled juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) frequently experience flares after medication discontinuation, but the outcomes of these flares have not been well described. The objective of this study was to characterize the rates and predictors of disease recapture among children with JIA who restarted medication to treat disease flare. METHODS Children with JIA who discontinued conventional synthetic or biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs for well-controlled disease but subsequently experienced a flare and restarted medication were identified from the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) registry. The primary outcome was inactive disease (ID) (physician global assessment <1 and active joint count = 0) 6 months after flare. RESULTS A total of 333 patients had complete data for ID at 6 months after flare. The recapture rate for the cohort was 55%, ranging from 47% (persistent oligoarthritis) to 69% (systemic arthritis) (P = 0.4). Approximately 67% of children achieved ID by 12 months. In the multivariable model, history and reinitiation of biologic drugs were associated with increased odds of successful recapture (odds ratio [OR] 4.79 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.22-18.78] and OR 2.74 [95% CI 1.62-4.63], respectively). Number of joints with limited range of motion was associated with decreased odds (OR 0.83 per 1 joint increase [95% CI 0.72-0.95]). CONCLUSION Approximately half of JIA flares post-discontinuation were recaptured within 6 months, but rates of recapture varied across JIA categories. These findings inform shared decision-making for patients, families, and clinicians regarding the risks and benefits of medication discontinuation. Better understanding of biologic predictors of successful recapture in JIA are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yukiko Kimura
- Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital, Hackensack, New Jersey
| | | | | | | | - Melanie Kohlheim
- Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Parent/Patient Partner
| | | | - Rae S M Yeung
- Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang M, Xue Y, Du F, Ma L, Lu LJ, Jiang L, Tao YL, Yang C, Shi H, Liu H, Cheng X, Ye J, Su Y, Zhao D, Dai SM, Teng J, Hu Q. Continuation, reduction, or withdrawal of tofacitinib in patients with rheumatoid arthritis achieving sustained disease control: a multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial. Chin Med J (Engl) 2023; 136:331-340. [PMID: 36848153 PMCID: PMC10106157 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic systemic autoimmune disease, is characterized by synovitis and progressive damage to the bone and cartilage of the joints, leading to disability and reduced quality of life. This study was a randomized clinical trial comparing the outcomes between withdrawal and dose reduction of tofacitinib in patients with RA who achieved sustained disease control. METHODS The study was designed as a multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial. Eligible patients who were taking tofacitinib (5 mg twice daily) and had achieved sustained RA remission or low disease activity (disease activity score in 28 joints [DAS28] ≤3.2) for at least 3 months were enrolled at six centers in Shanghai, China. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to one of three treatment groups: continuation of tofacitinib (5 mg twice daily); reduction in tofacitinib dose (5 mg daily); and withdrawal of tofacitinib. Efficacy and safety were assessed up to 6 months. RESULTS Overall, 122 eligible patients were enrolled, with 41 in the continuation group, 42 in the dose-reduction group, and 39 in the withdrawal group. After 6 months, the percentage of patients with a DAS28-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) of <3.2 was significantly lower in the withdrawal group than that in the reduction and continuation groups (20.5%, 64.3%, and 95.1%, respectively; P < 0.0001 for both comparisons). The average flare-free time was 5.8 months for the continuation group, 4.7 months for the dose reduction group, and 2.4 months for the withdrawal group. CONCLUSION Withdrawal of tofacitinib in patients with RA with stable disease control resulted in a rapid and significant loss of efficacy, while standard or reduced doses of tofacitinib maintained a favorable state. TRIAL REGISTRATION Chictr.org, ChiCTR2000039799.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengyan Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yu Xue
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Fang Du
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Lili Ma
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Liang-jing Lu
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Lindi Jiang
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yi-Li Tao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Chengde Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Hui Shi
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Honglei Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xiaobing Cheng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Junna Ye
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yutong Su
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Dongbao Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Sheng-Ming Dai
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Jialin Teng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Qiongyi Hu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
D'Onofrio B, van der Helm-van Mil A, W J Huizinga T, van Mulligen E. Inducibility or predestination? Queries and concepts around drug-free remission in rheumatoid arthritis. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2023; 19:217-225. [PMID: 36511619 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2023.2157814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Drug-free remission (DFR) and its maintenance have been defined as the most desirable outcome for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. DFR is linked to resolution of arthritis-related symptoms and restoration of normal functioning. However, there is currently no consensus if an optimal strategy, upon the initiation of treatment to the proper drugs withdrawal, is enough to induce it, or whether it is a predetermined condition related to patients' intrinsic characteristics. AREAS COVERED This review focuses on two key concepts around DFR. First, we analyze patients' intrinsic factors that may increase the chance of DFR, regardless of therapeutic choices. Second, we discuss on the evidence that it can be induced thanks to adequate, extrinsic disease management. Finally, we provide a glimpse into consequences of drugs discontinuation. EXPERT OPINION The early initiation of DMARD and the subsequent strict monitoring and drug adjustments are of primary importance to allow patients to achieve DFR, irrespective of initial treatment strategy. Once remission is obtained and maintained, it is possible to gradually taper and discontinue drugs with no dramatic consequences on the disease course. Among those who stop medication, ACPA-negative patients more often maintain the remission. Thus, DFR might depend on a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernardo D'Onofrio
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands.,Division of Rheumatology, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Annette van der Helm-van Mil
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tom W J Huizinga
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Elise van Mulligen
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Meng CF, Rajesh DA, Jannat-Khah DP, Jivanelli B, Bykerk VP. Can Patients With Controlled Rheumatoid Arthritis Taper Methotrexate From Targeted Therapy and Sustain Remission? A Systematic Review and Metaanalysis. J Rheumatol 2023; 50:36-47. [PMID: 35970524 DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.220152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the risk of not being able to sustain remission after tapering methotrexate (MTX) from targeted therapy in patients with controlled rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for studies reporting remission outcomes after tapering MTX from targeted therapies in RA. Full-text articles and abstracts reported in English were included. Metaanalyses were conducted using random-effects models. Forest and funnel plots were created. RESULTS A total of 10 articles were included. Studies evaluated MTX being tapered from combination treatment with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, tocilizumab, abatacept, and tofacitinib. A total of 9 studies used a randomized design and 1 was observational. Out of 10 studies, 3 focused on early RA (ie, < 1 yr). The MTX-tapering strategy was gradual in 2 studies and rapid in 8 studies. Follow-up ranged from 3 to 18 months in randomized trials and up to 3 years in the observational study. Our metaanalysis, which included 2000 participants with RA from 10 studies, showed that patients who tapered MTX from targeted therapy had a 10% reduction in the ability to sustain remission and an overall pooled risk ratio of 0.90 (95% CI 0.84-0.97). There was no heterogeneity (I 2 = 0%, P = 0.94). Our funnel plot indicated minimal publication bias. CONCLUSION Patients with controlled RA may taper MTX from targeted therapy with a 10% reduction in the ability to sustain remission for up to 18 months. Longer follow-up studies with attention to radiographic, functional, and patient-reported outcomes are needed. The risk of disease worsening should be discussed with the patient with careful follow-up and prompt retreatment of disease worsening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charis F Meng
- C.F. Meng MD, V.P. Bykerk, MD, Division of Rheumatology, Hospital for Special Surgery, and Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College.
| | - Diviya A Rajesh
- D.A. Rajesh, BA, Division of Rheumatology, Hospital for Special Surgery
| | - Deanna P Jannat-Khah
- D.P. Jannat-Khah, DRPH, MSPH, Division of Rheumatology, Epidemiology and Biostatistics CORE, Hospital for Special Surgery, and Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College
| | - Bridget Jivanelli
- B. Jivanelli, MLIS, Kim Barrett Memorial Library, HSS Education Institute, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vivian P Bykerk
- C.F. Meng MD, V.P. Bykerk, MD, Division of Rheumatology, Hospital for Special Surgery, and Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sakashita E, Nagatani K, Endo H, Minota S. Serum level of IFNβ distinguishes early from late relapses after biologics withdrawal in rheumatoid arthritis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16547. [PMID: 36192530 PMCID: PMC9529916 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21160-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the advent of biological disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), most RA patients receiving such drugs have achieved remission at the expense of cost and infection risk. After bDMARDs are withdrawn, a substantial proportion of patients would have relapses even if they were in complete remission. In our previous report, relapse prediction could be made at the time of bDMARD withdrawal by measuring the serum levels of five cytokines. We report herein that, among 73 cytokines examined, serum levels of only interferon β (IFNβ) at the time of bDMARD withdrawal could predict early relapse (within 5 months) in patients who were categorized to relapse by the five cytokines in our previous report, with a cut-off value of 3.38 in log2 and AUC of 0.833. High serum levels of IFNβ in the early-relapse group remained high until actual relapse occurred. Therefore, patients who relapse early might be biochemically different from those who relapse late or do not relapse at all. We recommend that patients who are predicted to relapse early continue bDMARDs even if they are in complete remission. This finding contributes to shared decision-making regarding how and when bDMARDs should be discontinued.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eiji Sakashita
- Department of Biochemistry, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Katsuya Nagatani
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi, 3290498, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Endo
- Department of Biochemistry, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Seiji Minota
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi, 3290498, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wang X, Tang Z, Huang T, Hu H, Zhao Y, Liu Y. Withdrawal of MTX in rheumatoid arthritis patients on bDMARD/tsDMARD plus methotrexate at target: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2022; 62:1410-1416. [PMID: 36125185 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of methotrexate (MTX) withdrawal on disease activity and remission rate in patients at target after treatment with bDMARDs/tsDMARDs plus MTX. METHODS We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases for all RCTs on MTX withdrawal in patients with rheumatoid arthritis at target after combination therapy from inception to 2022-3-7 in order to extract data, including the change from withdrawal in DAS28 at the end point; proportion of low disease activity (LDA) assessed by DAS28, SDAI or CDAI; proportion of remission assessed by DAS28, SDAI, CDAI or ACR/EULAR Boolean remission. The Cochrane Q test and I2 test were used to assess heterogeneity, and random-effects models were used for data synthesis. This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022303891). RESULTS Six articles were included for qualitative and quantitative analysis, all of which were noninferior RCTs involving 1430 patients (734 in the withdrawal group and 696 in the continuation group). Compared with continuing combination therapy, tapering off or discontinuing MTX increased DAS28 by 0.20 (95% CI 0.09-0.32, I2 = 0%) and decreased the percentage of patients with LDA assessed by DAS28 to < 3.2 (RR 0.88 [0.80, 0.97] I2 = 0%). However, MTX withdrawal did not decrease remission rates assessed by DAS28, SDAI, CDAI or ACR/EULAR Boolean remission (RR 0.90 [0.81, 1.01], 0.93 [0.77, 1.11], 0.90 [0.74, 1.11], 0.95 [0.70, 1.29], respectively). CONCLUSION Withdrawing MTX slightly increases the RA disease activity in patients treated at target with bDMARDs/tsDMARDs plus MTX and has limited effects for patients with deep remission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangpeng Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ziyi Tang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tianwen Huang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Huifang Hu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yaxi Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Birkner B, Rech J, Edelmann E, Verheyen F, Schett G, Stargardt T. Patient-individual tapering of DMARDs in rheumatoid arthritis patients in a real-world setting. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2022; 62:1476-1484. [PMID: 35980267 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aim to provide real-world evidence on the effectiveness of patient-individual tapering of DMARDs for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in daily clinical practice using medical records and claims data. METHODS We utilize data obtained through a controlled prospective cohort study in Germany conducted from July 2018 to March 2021. Participants consist of RA patients in sustained remission (>6 months) who were eligible for tapering at enrolment. Patients treated with individual tapering based on shared decision making (n = 200) are compared with patients without any dose-reduction (n = 237). The risk of loss of remission and the risk of flare is assessed with risk-adjusted Kaplan-Meier estimators and Cox-Regressions. We evaluate differences in costs one year before and after baseline based on claims data for the subgroup of patients insured at one major sickness fund in Germany (n = 76). RESULTS The risk of flare (HR 0.88 95%-CI: 0.59-1.30) or loss of remission (HR 1.04 95%-CI: 0.73, 1.49) was not statistically different between the individual tapering group and the continuation group. Minor increases of disease activity and decreases of quality of life were observed 12 months after baseline, again with no statistically significant difference. Drug costs decreased by 1,017€in the individual tapering group while increased by 1,151€in the continuation group (p< 0.01). CONCLUSION Individual tapering of DMARDs does not increase the average risk of experiencing flares or loss of remission. Encouraging rheumatologists and patients to apply tapering in shared decision may be a feasible approach to allow individualisation of treatment in RA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Birkner
- Hamburg Center for Health Economics (HCHE), Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Rech
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | | | - Georg Schett
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Tom Stargardt
- Hamburg Center for Health Economics (HCHE), Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Contreras-Yáñez I, Guaracha-Basáñez GA, Cuevas-Montoya M, de Jesús Hernández-Bautista J, Pascual-Ramos V. Early persistence on therapy impacts drug-free remission: a case-control study in a cohort of Hispanic patients with recent-onset rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Res Ther 2022; 24:193. [PMID: 35962421 PMCID: PMC9373313 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-022-02884-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Medication adherence is suboptimal in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and impacts outcomes. DMARD-free remission (DFR) is a sustainable and achievable outcome in a minority of RA patients. Different factors have been associated with DFR, although persistence in therapy (PT), a component of the adherence construct, has never been examined. The study’s primary aim was to investigate the impact of PT’s characteristics on DFR in a cohort of Hispanic patients with recent-onset RA. Methods A single data abstractor reviewed the charts from 209 early (symptoms duration ≤ 1 year) RA patients. All the patients had prospective assessments of disease activity and PT and at least 1 year of follow-up, which was required for the DFR definition. DFR was defined when patients achieved ≥ 1 year of continuous Disease Activity Score-28 joints evaluated ≤ 2.6, without DMARDs and corticosteroids. PT was defined based on pre-specified criteria and recorded through an interview from 2004 to 2008 and thereafter through a questionnaire. Cases (patients who achieved ≥ 1 DFR status) were paired with controls (patients who never achieved DFR during their entire follow-up) according to ten relevant variables (1:2). Cox regression analysis estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for DFR according to two characteristics of PT: the % of the patient follow-up PT and early PT (first 2 years of patients’ follow-up). Results In March 2022, the population had 112 (55–181) patient/years follow-up. There were 23 patients (11%) with DFR after 74 months (44–122) of follow-up, and the DFR status was maintained during 48 months (18–82). Early PT was associated with DFR, while the % of the patient follow-up PT was not: HR = 3.84 [1.13–13.07] when the model was adjusted for cumulative N of DMARDs/patient and 3.16 [1.14–8.77] when also adjusted for baseline SF-36 physical component score. A lower N of cumulative DMARDs/patient was also retained in the models. Receiving operating curve to define the best cutoff of patient follow-up being PT to predict DFR was 21 months: sensitivity of 0.739, specificity of 0.717, and area under the curve of 0.682 (0.544–0.821). Conclusions DFR status might be added to the benefits of adhering to prescribed treatment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13075-022-02884-w.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irazú Contreras-Yáñez
- Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador-Zubirán (INCMyN-SZ), Vasco de Quiroga 15, colonia Belisario Domínguez Sección XVI, Tlalpan, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Guillermo Arturo Guaracha-Basáñez
- Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador-Zubirán (INCMyN-SZ), Vasco de Quiroga 15, colonia Belisario Domínguez Sección XVI, Tlalpan, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico.,Emergency Medicine Department, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador-Zubirán (INCMyN-SZ), Vasco de Quiroga 15, colonia Belisario Domínguez Sección XVI, Tlalpan, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Maximiliano Cuevas-Montoya
- Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador-Zubirán (INCMyN-SZ), Vasco de Quiroga 15, colonia Belisario Domínguez Sección XVI, Tlalpan, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José de Jesús Hernández-Bautista
- Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador-Zubirán (INCMyN-SZ), Vasco de Quiroga 15, colonia Belisario Domínguez Sección XVI, Tlalpan, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Virginia Pascual-Ramos
- Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador-Zubirán (INCMyN-SZ), Vasco de Quiroga 15, colonia Belisario Domínguez Sección XVI, Tlalpan, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Chaiamnuay S, Jiemjit S, Songdechaphipat W, Narongroeknawin P, Pakchotanon R, Asavatanabodee P. Predictors of flare in rheumatoid arthritis patients with persistent clinical remission/low disease activity: Data from the TARAC cohort. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e29974. [PMID: 35960097 PMCID: PMC9371488 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000029974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
To identify predictors of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity flare in RA patients who achieved low disease activity (LDA) or persistent remission from the observational Thai Army Rheumatoid Arthritis Cohort study. RA patients with persistent clinical remission, defined by disease activity score 28 (DAS28) < 2.6 and LDA defined by DAS28 ≤ 3.2 for 3 consecutive months, were recruited and followed-up for at least 2 years. The flare was defined by an escalation of DAS28 ≥ 1.2 plus their physicians' decision to enhance RA treatment. Differences between sustained remission/LDA and flare groups were analyzed, by Chi-square test and unpaired Student t test. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was conducted to determine flare predictors. From 199 RA patients, female were 82.9%. Anticitrullinated peptide antibodies (ACPA) or Rheumatoid factor (RF) were found in 69.8% of patients. Flares occurred in 69 patients (34.9%). Multivariate analysis found that the timescale from symptoms emergence to DMARD commencement, the timescale from DMARD commencement to when RA patients showed remission/LDA, the occurrence of RF or ACPA, LDA (in contrast to remission) and the increased DAS28 score when remission/LDA was achieved and tapering DMARDs promptly when persistent remission/LDA was achieved were predictors of RA flares with hazard ratios of (95% confidence interval [CI]) of 1.017 (1.003-1.030), 1.037 (1.015-1.059), 1.949 (1.035-3.676), 1.926 (0.811-4.566), 2.589 (1.355-4.947), and 2.497 (1.458-4.276), respectively. These data demonstrated that early and aggressive DMARDs treatment approach could maintain remission espcially in seropositive patients. Tapering should be applied minimally 6 months after reaching remission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sumapa Chaiamnuay
- Rheumatic Disease Unit, Phramongkutklao Hospital and College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand
- * Correspondence: Sumapa Chaiamnuay, MD, Rheumatic Disease Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Phramongkutklao Hospital & Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, 315 Ratchawithi Road Ratchathewi district, Bangkok 10400, Thailand (e-mail: )
| | - Srisakul Jiemjit
- Rheumatic Disease Unit, Phramongkutklao Hospital and College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | - Rattapol Pakchotanon
- Rheumatic Disease Unit, Phramongkutklao Hospital and College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Paijit Asavatanabodee
- Rheumatic Disease Unit, Phramongkutklao Hospital and College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Mori S, Okada A, Koga T, Ueki Y. Long-term outcomes after discontinuing biological drugs and tofacitinib in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A prospective cohort study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270391. [PMID: 35737642 PMCID: PMC9223309 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study examined long-term outcomes of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) and tofacitinib discontinuation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods Ninety-seven RA patients who desired drug discontinuation after sustained remission or low disease activity for at least 48 weeks due to stable treatment with biological drugs or tofacitinib were enrolled into this study. All patients were prospectively followed until disease flare or the end of the study. Discontinued drugs (previous drugs) were reintroduced to treat flares. Results Following bDMARD/tofacitinib discontinuation (mean follow-up, 2.1 years; standard deviation, 2.0), disease flare occurred at a crude incidence rate of 0.36 per person-year. The median time to flare was 1.6 years (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.9–2.6), and the cumulative flare probability was estimated to be 45% at 1 year, 64% at 3 years, and 80% at 5 years. No or little radiological progression was shown in 87.1% of patients who maintained remission for 3 years. A Fine‒Gray competing risk regression analysis showed that predictive factors for a flare were longer RA duration at the start of bDMARD/tofacitinib treatment, previous failure of treatment with bDMARDs, and a shorter period of remission or low disease activity before drug discontinuation. Type of discontinued drug was not identified as a predictive factor after adjusting for other predictor variables. Restarting previous treatment regimens led to rapidly regaining disease control in 89% of flare patients within 1 month. Conclusion Discontinuation of bDMARD/tofacitinib may be a feasible strategy in RA patients, especially patients with early treated and longer-controlled RA. Flares are manageable in most RA patients and radiological progression is rare for at least 3 years in patients with sustained remission after bDMARD/tofacitinib discontinuation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Mori
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Research Center for Rheumatic Diseases, National Hospital Organization Kumamoto Saishun Medical Center, Kohshi, Kumamoto, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Akitomo Okada
- Department of Rheumatology, Japanese Red Cross Nagasaki Genbaku Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Koga
- Division of Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences, Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
- Center for Bioinformatics and Molecular Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yukitaka Ueki
- Rheumatic and Collagen Disease Center, Sasebo Chuo Hospital, Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Xu J, Xiao L, Zhu J, Qin Q, Fang Y, Zhang JA. Methotrexate use reduces mortality risk in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2022; 55:152031. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2022.152031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
18
|
De-escalation of Anti-tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Agents and Reduction in Adverse Effects: A Systematic Review. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10051034. [PMID: 35625771 PMCID: PMC9139158 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The long-term use of anti-TNF-α agents can lead to adverse effects, such as infections and immune-mediated cutaneous reactions. Whether de-escalation by dose reduction or interval lengthening reduces these adverse effects is uncertain. This systematic review aims to compare the incidence of infections and skin manifestations after anti-TNF-α dose de-escalation with standard dosing. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from inception to 14 January 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies comparing anti-TNF-α de-escalation strategies with standard dosing among patients with inflammatory conditions, that report on infections, skin manifestations, or both, were included. The risk of bias was assessed with the revised Cochrane risk-of bias tool (RCTs) or the Newcastle–Ottawa scale (non-RCTs). Results: Fourteen RCTs and six observational studies (or 2706 patients) were included. Eight RCTs had low risk of bias or some concerns. Four non-RCTs were of good methodological quality. The studies described patients with axial spondyloarthritis (8 studies, 780 patients), rheumatoid arthritis (7 studies, 1458 patients), psoriasis (3 studies, 332 patients), or inflammatory bowel disease (2 studies, 136 patients). De-escalation strategies included interval lengthening (12 studies, 1317 patients), dose reduction (6 studies, 1130 patients), or both (2 studies, 259 patients). Overall, the occurrence of infections and skin manifestations did not differ between standard treatment and de-escalation. The disappearance of infections or skin manifestations after de-escalation was only reported in two studies. The majority of studies focused on etanercept and adalimumab. Heterogeneity in reporting of infections and skin manifestations precluded meta-analysis. Conclusion: We found that anti-TNF-α de-escalation does not reduce infections or skin reactions. A de-escalation strategy should not be recommended for the sole purpose of reducing drug-related adverse effects. The meticulous documentation of adverse effects is recommended to further address this question. Registration: PROSPERO CRD42021252977.
Collapse
|
19
|
Dutta K, Friscic J, Hoffmann MH. Targeting the tissue-complosome for curbing inflammatory disease. Semin Immunol 2022; 60:101644. [PMID: 35902311 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2022.101644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Hyperactivated local tissue is a cardinal feature of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases of various organs such as the joints, the gut, the skin, or the lungs. Tissue-resident structural and stromal cells, which get primed during repeated or long-lasting bouts of inflammation form the basis of this sensitization of the tissue. During priming, cells change their metabolism to make them fit for the heightened energy demands that occur during persistent inflammation. Epigenetic changes and, curiously, an activation of intracellularly expressed parts of the complement system drive this metabolic invigoration and enable tissue-resident cells and infiltrating immune cells to employ an arsenal of inflammatory functions, including activation of inflammasomes. Here we provide a current overview on complement activation and inflammatory transformation in tissue-occupying cells, focusing on fibroblasts during arthritis, and illustrate ways how therapeutics directed at complement C3 could potentially target the complosome to unprime cells in the tissue and induce long-lasting abatement of inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kuheli Dutta
- Department of Dermatology, Allergology, and Venereology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Jasna Friscic
- Department of Dermatology, Allergology, and Venereology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Markus H Hoffmann
- Department of Dermatology, Allergology, and Venereology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Park Y, Kwok SK. Recent Advances in Cell Therapeutics for Systemic Autoimmune Diseases. Immune Netw 2022; 22:e10. [PMID: 35291648 PMCID: PMC8901702 DOI: 10.4110/in.2022.22.e10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic autoimmune diseases arise from loss of self-tolerance and immune homeostasis between effector and regulator functions. There are many therapeutic modalities for autoimmune diseases ranging from conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and immunosuppressants exerting nonspecific immune suppression to targeted agents including biologic agents and small molecule inhibitors aiming at specific cytokines and intracellular signal pathways. However, such current therapeutic strategies can rarely induce recovery of immune tolerance in autoimmune disease patients. To overcome limitations of conventional treatment modalities, novel approaches using specific cell populations with immune-regulatory properties have been attempted to attenuate autoimmunity. Recently progressed biotechnologies enable sufficient in vitro expansion and proper manipulation of such ‘tolerogenic’ cell populations to be considered for clinical application. We introduce 3 representative cell types with immunosuppressive features, including mesenchymal stromal cells, Tregs, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Their cellular definitions, characteristics, mechanisms of immune regulation, and recent data about preclinical and clinical studies in systemic autoimmune diseases are reviewed here. Challenges and limitations of each cell therapy are also addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Youngjae Park
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung-Ki Kwok
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Hirose T, Kawaguchi I, Murata T, Atsumi T. Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Etanercept 25 mg Maintenance Therapy After Treatment with Etanercept 50 mg for Moderate Rheumatoid Arthritis in the PRESERVE Trial in Japan. Value Health Reg Issues 2021; 28:105-111. [PMID: 34923285 DOI: 10.1016/j.vhri.2021.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To use Markov modeling to estimate the cost-effectiveness of treatment with etanercept 25 mg once weekly plus methotrexate (MTX) in Japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had achieved remission or low disease activity with etanercept 50 mg once weekly plus MTX. METHODS Effectiveness data were estimated based on results from a clinical trial (PRESERVE) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had achieved remission or low disease activity and who were then randomized to receive etanercept 25 mg plus MTX or placebo plus MTX. A Markov model was established and included flare rates of 21% and 62% in the etanercept 25 mg and placebo groups, respectively. EQ-5D was calculated using an ordinary least-squares model that included the health assessment questionnaire disability index and pain visual analog scale. Worsening of the health assessment questionnaire score over 1 year was estimated to be 0.047 for patients with flare, and when associated with radiographic progression it was estimated to increase by 0.006 and 0.025 in the etanercept 25 mg and placebo groups, respectively. A cycle length of 1 year was applied to calculate the cumulative cost and effectiveness for a 10-year time span. RESULTS Compared with the placebo group, the quality-adjusted life-years for the etanercept 25 mg group was increased by 0.841. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was ¥6 173 772. CONCLUSION These results suggest that maintenance treatment with etanercept 25 mg is cost-effective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Hirose
- Immunology & Inflammation Medical Affairs, Pfizer Innovative Health, Pfizer Japan, Tokyo, Japan; Atopy (Allergy) Research Center, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Isao Kawaguchi
- Immunology & Inflammation Medical Affairs, Pfizer Innovative Health, Pfizer Japan, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Tatsuya Atsumi
- Department of Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Defining the Optimal Strategies for Achieving Drug-Free Remission in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Narrative Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9121726. [PMID: 34946453 PMCID: PMC8701994 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9121726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: It is now accepted that the optimum treatment goal for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is sustained remission, as this has been shown to be associated with the best patient outcomes. There is little guidance on how to manage patients once remission is achieved; however, it is recommended that patients can taper therapy, with a view to discontinuing and achieving drug-free remission if treatment goals are maintained. This narrative review aims to present the current literature on drug-free remission in rheumatoid arthritis, with a view to identifying which strategies are best for disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) tapering and to highlight areas of unmet clinical need. Methods: We performed a narrative review of the literature, which included research articles, meta-analyses and review papers. The key search terms included were rheumatoid arthritis, remission, drug-free remission, b-DMARDS/biologics, cs-DMARDS and tapering. The databases that were searched included PubMed and Google Scholar. For each article, the reference section of the paper was reviewed to find additional relevant articles. Results: It has been demonstrated that DFR is possible in a proportion of RA patients achieving clinically defined remission (both on cs and b-DMARDS). Immunological, imaging and clinical associations with/predictors of DFR have all been identified, including the presence of autoantibodies, absence of Power Doppler (PD) signal on ultrasound (US), lower disease activity according to composite scores of disease activity and lower patient-reported outcome scores (PROs) at treatment cessation. Conclusions: DFR in RA may be an achievable goal in certain patients. This carries importance in reducing medication-induced side-effects and potential toxicity, the burden of taking treatment if not required and cost effectiveness, specifically for biologic therapy. Prospective studies of objective biomarkers will help facilitate the prediction of successful treatment discontinuation.
Collapse
|
23
|
Hayes K, Panaccio MP, Houston P, Niewoehner J, Fahim M, Wan GJ, Dhillon B. Real-World Treatment Patterns and Outcomes from an Electronic Medical Records Database for Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated with Repository Corticotropin Injection. Open Access Rheumatol 2021; 13:315-323. [PMID: 34703332 PMCID: PMC8526946 DOI: 10.2147/oarrr.s329766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Repository corticotropin injection (RCI; Acthar® Gel) is a naturally sourced mixture of adrenocorticotropic hormone analogs and other pituitary peptides that exerts anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties via melanocortin receptors. RCI is approved as a short-term adjunctive therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is typically used in patients with refractory RA. The objective of this study was to describe real-world outcomes of RA patients treated with RCI by retrospective analysis of an electronic medical records (EMR) database. PATIENTS AND METHODS EMR data were obtained from the United Rheumatology-Normal Integrated Community Evidence (UR-NICETM) data repository for patients who used RCI for the treatment of RA. Demographics, comorbidities, disease history, medications, and laboratory evaluations 365 days prior to and 365 days after initiation of RCI were examined. RESULTS The patient cohort was predominantly White females with a mean age of 60 years and high RA activity prior to RCI therapy. Clinical measures of disease severity indicated that patients had high RA activity before starting RCI therapy. Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) scores were significantly reduced 365 days post-initiation of RCI. Swollen and tender joint counts and patient-reported outcomes, including Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3 (RAPID3), Physician Global Assessment, and patient assessment of pain severity were also significantly lower. The number of patients taking conventional synthetic (cs) disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologic (b) DMARDs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), and opioids decreased, as did the number of drugs tried within each class for csDMARDs, bDMARDs, NSAIDs, and glucocorticoids. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that RCI significantly improves clinical outcomes of RA and decreases the need for concomitant medications for up to 1 year following initiation of therapy. The study provides valuable insights into the use of RCI and management of these difficult-to-treat RA patients during routine clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Hayes
- Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Hampton, NJ, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Maassen JM, van Ouwerkerk L, Allaart CF. Tapering of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs: an overview for daily practice. THE LANCET. RHEUMATOLOGY 2021; 3:e659-e670. [PMID: 38287612 DOI: 10.1016/s2665-9913(21)00224-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
In this Review, we discuss the possibility of drug tapering in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in remission or low disease activity, for glucocorticoids and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. We review international guidelines and recommendations, as well as remaining uncertainties, and provide an overview of the current literature. Three strategies of tapering are discussed: (1) tapering by discontinuation of one of the drugs in combination therapy regimens, (2) tapering by reducing the dose of one of the drugs in combination therapy regimens, and (3) tapering by dose reduction of monotherapy with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. We discuss the outcomes and robustness of evidence of trials and observational cohorts, and we give a trajectory for further research and drug tapering in daily practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lotte van Ouwerkerk
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Inamo J, Suzuki K, Takeshita M, Kondo Y, Okuzono Y, Koga K, Kassai Y, Takiguchi M, Kurisu R, Yoshimura A, Takeuchi T. Molecular remission at T cell level in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16691. [PMID: 34404865 PMCID: PMC8371080 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96300-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
While numerous disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) have brought about a dramatic paradigm shift in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), unmet needs remain, such as the small proportion of patients who achieve drug-free status. The aim of this study was to explore key molecules for remission at the T cell level, which are known to be deeply involved in RA pathogenesis, and investigate the disease course of patients who achieved molecular remission (MR). We enrolled a total of 46 patients with RA and 10 healthy controls (HCs). We performed gene expression profiling and selected remission signature genes in CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells from patients with RA using machine learning methods. In addition, we investigated the benefits of achieving MR on disease control. We identified 9 and 23 genes that were associated with clinical remission in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated that their expression profiling was similar to those in HCs. For the remission signature genes in CD4+ T cells, the PCA result was reproduced using a validation cohort, indicating the robustness of these genes. A trend toward better disease control was observed during 12 months of follow-up in patients treated with tocilizumab in deep MR compared with those in non-deep MR, although the difference was not significant. The current study will promote our understanding of the molecular mechanisms necessary to achieve deep remission during the management of RA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Inamo
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Katsuya Suzuki
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Masaru Takeshita
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Yasushi Kondo
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Yuumi Okuzono
- Immunology Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, Fujisawa-Shi, ResearchKanagawa, Japan
| | - Keiko Koga
- Immunology Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, Fujisawa-Shi, ResearchKanagawa, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Kassai
- Immunology Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, Fujisawa-Shi, ResearchKanagawa, Japan
| | - Maiko Takiguchi
- Immunology Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, Fujisawa-Shi, ResearchKanagawa, Japan
| | - Rina Kurisu
- Immunology Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, Fujisawa-Shi, ResearchKanagawa, Japan
| | - Akihiko Yoshimura
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Takeuchi
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Sellam J, Morel J, Tournadre A, Bouhnik Y, Cornec D, Devauchelle-Pensec V, Dieudé P, Goupille P, Jullien D, Kluger N, Lazaro E, Le Goff B, de Lédinghen V, Lequerré T, Nocturne G, Seror R, Truchetet ME, Verhoeven F, Pham T, Richez C. PRACTICAL MANAGEMENT of patients on anti-TNF therapy: Practical guidelines drawn up by the Club Rhumatismes et Inflammation (CRI). Joint Bone Spine 2021; 88:105174. [PMID: 33992225 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2021.105174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jérémie Sellam
- Service de Rhumatologie, CHU Saint-Antoine, Paris, France
| | - Jacques Morel
- Service de Rhumatologie, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Anne Tournadre
- Service de Rhumatologie, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Yoram Bouhnik
- Service de Gastro-entérologie, CHU Hôpital Beaujon, Clichy, France
| | - Divi Cornec
- Service de Rhumatologie, CHRU La Cavale Blanche, Brest, France
| | | | - Philippe Dieudé
- Service de Rhumatologie, CHU Bichat-Claude Bernard, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Nicolas Kluger
- Dpt Dermatology, Helsinki, Finland; Service de Dermatologie, CHU Bichat-Claude Bernard, Paris, France
| | - Estibaliz Lazaro
- Service de Médecine interne, Hôpital Haut-Lévêque, CHU Bordeaux, Pessac, France
| | | | - Victor de Lédinghen
- Unité d'Hépatologie et transplantation hépatique, Hôpital Haut-Lévêque, CHU Bordeaux, Pessac, France
| | | | | | - Raphaèle Seror
- Service de Rhumatologie, Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | | | | | - Thao Pham
- Service de Rhumatologie, CHU Sainte-Marguerite, Marseille, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Luurssen-Masurel N, Weel AEAM, Koc GH, Hazes JMW, de Jong PHP. The number of risk factors for persistent disease determines the clinical course of early arthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 60:3617-3627. [PMID: 33484138 PMCID: PMC8328505 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keaa820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Management of early arthritis is based upon early recognition of individuals at high risk of developing persistent arthritis. Therefore, this study investigates whether the number of risk factors for persistent disease or treatment determines the clinical course of early arthritis by comparing the chance at (sustained) DMARD-free remission ((S)DFR) after 2 years follow-up. Methods Data from the tREACH trial, a stratified single-blinded multicentre strategy trial with a treat-to-target approach were used. We selected all patients with ≥1 swollen joint who did not fulfil 1987 and/or 2010 criteria for RA. The number of risk factors present; autoantibody-positivity, polyarthritis (>4), erosive disease and elevated acute phase reactants, determined risk group stratification. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed with (S)DFR as dependent variables and baseline disease activity score (DAS), treatment, symptom duration and number of risk factors present as independent variables. Results In total, 130 early arthritis patients were included and respectively 31, 66 and 33 had 0, 1 and ≥2 risk factors present. DFR rates were respectively 74%, 48% and 45% for early arthritis patients with 0, 1 and ≥2 risk factors present. In accordance SDFR rates were 61%, 32% and 30%. In our logistic model (S)DFR was not influenced by the initial treatment strategies when stratified for risk groups. Conclusion The chance at (S)DFR in early arthritis diminishes when more risk factors are present, which is irrespective of the given initial treatment. Our data point out to a stratified management approach in early arthritis based on their risk profile, but validation is needed. Trial registration ISRCTN registry: ISRCTN26791028 (http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN26791028).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - A E A M Weel
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology, Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - G H Koc
- Department of Internal Medicine, Izmir Katip Celebi University Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - J M W Hazes
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - P H P de Jong
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Jung SY, Koh JH, Kim KJ, Park YW, Yang HI, Choi SJ, Lee J, Choi CB, Kim WU. Switching from TNFα inhibitor to tacrolimus as maintenance therapy in rheumatoid arthritis after achieving low disease activity with TNFα inhibitors and methotrexate: 24-week result from a non-randomized, prospective, active-controlled trial. Arthritis Res Ther 2021; 23:182. [PMID: 34233727 PMCID: PMC8265052 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-021-02566-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tapering or stopping biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs has been proposed for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in remission, but it frequently results in high rates of recurrence. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus (TAC) as maintenance therapy in patients with established RA in remission after receiving combination therapy with tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) and methotrexate (MTX). Methods This 24-week, prospective, open-label trial included patients who received TNFi and MTX at stable doses for ≥24 weeks and had low disease activity (LDA), measured by Disease Activity Score-28 for ≥12 weeks. Patients selected one of two arms: maintenance (TNFi plus MTX) or switched (TAC plus MTX). The primary outcome was the difference in the proportion of patients maintaining LDA at week 24, which was assessed using a logistic regression model. Adverse events were monitored throughout the study period. Results In efficacy analysis, 80 and 34 patients were included in the maintenance and switched arms, respectively. At week 24, LDA was maintained in 99% and 91% of patients in the maintenance and switched arms, respectively (odds ratio, 0.14; 95% confidence interval, 0.01–1.59). Drug-related adverse effects tended to be more common in the switched arm than in the maintenance arm (20.9% versus 7.1%, respectively) but were well-tolerated. Conclusion This controlled study tested a novel treatment strategy of switching from TNFi to TAC in RA patients with sustained LDA, and the findings suggested that TNFi can be replaced with TAC in most patients without the patients experiencing flare-ups for at least 24 weeks. Trial registration Korea CDC CRIS, KCT0005868. Registered 4 February 2021—retrospectively registered Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13075-021-02566-z.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sang Youn Jung
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Jung Hee Koh
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Bucheon St. Mary's Hospital, the Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ki-Jo Kim
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Vincent Hospital, the Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yong-Wook Park
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hospital, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Hyung-In Yang
- College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sung Jae Choi
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, South Korea
| | - Jisoo Lee
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Chan-Bum Choi
- Department of Rheumatology, Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Wan-Uk Kim
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St Mary's Hospital, Center for Integrative Rheumatoid Transcriptomics and Dynamics, College of Medicine, the Catholic University of Korea, 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Emery P, Breedveld F, Campos-Alberto E, Szumski AE, Hirose T. Clinical, Radiologic, and Functional Outcomes Following Methotrexate Withdrawal in Etanercept-Treated Patients with Active Early Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Subanalysis of COMET Year 2 by Week 52 DAS28 Status. Open Rheumatol J 2021. [DOI: 10.2174/1874312902115010031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction:
This post-hoc analysis explored Methotrexate (MTX) withdrawal on clinical, radiographic, and functional outcomes in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis who previously received 52 weeks of Etanercept (ETN) + MTX treatment in the COMET study.
Methods:
Response at week 104 was analyzed based on the attainment of remission (28-joint disease activity score [DAS28] <2.6; Boolean); low disease activity (LDA; 2.6 ≤DAS28 ≤3.2); normal Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) score (≤0.5); or radiographic non-progression (change in modified Total Sharp Score ≤0.5).
Results:
Of 208 patients with baseline DAS28 scores at week 52, 105 received ETN + MTX and 103 received ETN over weeks 52-104 (Period 2). At week 104, rates of LDA (70% vs 67%), remission (59% vs 52%), and normal HAQ-DI (63% vs 61%) were similar in both arms; week 52 responders also had a higher response rate at week 104 irrespective of treatment during Period 2. Overall rates of radiographic non-progression were higher for ETN + MTX (90%) vs ETN (74%) at week 104; week 52 non-responders in the Period 2 ETN + MTX arm had a 21-27% higher rate vs ETN, while the treatment difference was 11-12% for week 52 responders.
Conclusion:
The data suggest that for responders to ETN + MTX at week 52, MTX may be safely withdrawn. For non-responders where de-escalation would not be considered, the continuation of the combination is advisable. Radiological outcome was numerically worse, but of uncertain clinical significance.
Collapse
|
30
|
Kwok SK, Tang LM, Tsang HL, Chung HY, Chung MH, Ho CT, Lau CS, Cheung TT. Nurse-led consultations for patients with rheumatoid arthritis at low disease activity- a randomized non-inferiority trial. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2021; 74:1736-1744. [PMID: 33973407 DOI: 10.1002/acr.24625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the effectiveness of nurse-led consultations in patients with stable rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Hong Kong. METHOD This is a single-centre, randomized, open-label, non-inferiority trial. RA patients with low disease activity (LDA) were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to nurse-led consultation or rheumatologist follow-up for 2 years. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who remained at LDA. Secondary endpoints included the proportion of patients in disease remission and the scores of Leeds satisfaction questionnaire (LSQ) at 2 years, changes from baseline in DAS28-CRP, modified Total Sharp Score (mTSS), Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI), Short Form 36-item (SF-36) physical component score and Compliance Questionnaire of Rheumatology 19-item (CQR-19) score. RESULTS Among 280 patients who were randomized equally to either nurse-led consultation or rheumatologist follow-up, 267 patients completed the study. 92.1% and 91.4% patients remained at LDA at 2 years in nurse-led consultation and rheumatologist follow-up group, respectively. The 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the adjusted treatment difference were within the pre-defined non-inferiority margin in both the intention-to-treat analysis (95% CI -5.75, 7.15) and the per-protocol analysis (95% CI -1.67, 7.47). Although the changes in DAS28-CRP over 2 years were significantly different between the 2 treatment groups (p<0.001), there were no significant changes from baseline in mTSS, HAQ-DI, SF-36 physical component scores and CQR-19 scores. At the end of the study, more patients expressed satisfaction with nurse-led consultations. CONCLUSION Nurse-led consultation is not inferior to rheumatologist follow-up in patients with stable RA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suet-Kei Kwok
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lai-Man Tang
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hoi-Lun Tsang
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ho-Yin Chung
- Department of Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Man-Ho Chung
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Carmen Tk Ho
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chak-Sing Lau
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tommy T Cheung
- Department of Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Medicine, Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Verstappen M, van Mulligen E, de Jong PHP, van der Helm-Van Mil AHM. DMARD-free remission as novel treatment target in rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic literature review of achievability and sustainability. RMD Open 2021; 6:rmdopen-2020-001220. [PMID: 32393523 PMCID: PMC7299506 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2020-001220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Although current treatment guidelines for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) suggest tapering disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), it is unclear whether DMARD-free remission (DFR) is an achievable and sustainable outcome. Therefore, we systematically reviewed the literature to determine the prevalence and sustainability of DFR and evaluated potential predictors for DFR. Methods A systematic literature search was performed in March 2019 in multiple databases. All clinical trials and observational studies reporting on discontinuation of DMARDs in RA patients in remission were included. Our quality assessment included a general assessment and assessment of the description of DFR. Prevalence of DFR and its sustainability and flares during tapering and after DMARD stop were summarised. Also, potential predictors for achieving DFR were reviewed. Results From 631 articles, 51 were included, comprising 14 clinical trials and 5 observational studies. DFR definition differed, especially for the duration of DMARD-free state. Considering only high- and moderate-quality studies, DFR was achieved in 5.0%–24.3% and sustained DFR (duration>12 months) in 11.6%–19.4% (both relative to the number of patients eligible for tapering). Flares occurred frequently during DMARD tapering (41.8%–75.0%) and in the first year after achieving DFR (10.4%–11.8%), while late flares, >1 year after DMARD-stop, were infrequent (0.3%–3.5%). Many patient characteristics lacked association with DFR. Absence of autoantibodies and shared epitope alleles increased the chance of achieving DFR. Conclusions DFR is achievable in RA and is sustainable in ~10%–20% of patients. DFR can become an important outcome measure for clinical trials and requires consistency in the definition. Considering the high rate of flares in the first year after DMARD stop, a DMARD-free follow-up of >12 months is advisable to evaluate sustainability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Verstappen
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - E van Mulligen
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - P H P de Jong
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - A H M van der Helm-Van Mil
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Tian X, Wang Q, Li M, Zhao Y, Zhang Z, Huang C, Liu Y, Xu H, Chen Y, Wu L, Su Y, Xiao W, Zhang M, Zhao D, Sun L, Zuo X, Lei J, Li X, Zeng X. 2018 Chinese Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. RHEUMATOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2021; 2:1-14. [PMID: 36467901 PMCID: PMC9524773 DOI: 10.2478/rir-2021-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
A multidisciplinary guideline development group was established to formulate this evidence-based diagnosis and treatment guidelines for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in China. The grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) system was used to rate the quality of the evidence and the strength of recommendations, which were derived from research articles and guided by the analysis of the benefits and harms as well as patients' values and preferences. A total of 10 recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of RA were developed. This new guideline covered the classification criteria, disease activity assessment and monitoring, and the role of disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, small molecule synthetic targeting drugs, and glucocorticoids in the treat-to-target approach of RA. This guideline is intended to serve as a tool for clinicians and patients to implement decision-making strategies and improve the practices of RA management in China.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinping Tian
- Department of Rheumatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases (NCRC-DID), Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Chinese Rheumatism Data Center (CRDC), Chinese SLE Treatment and Research Group (CSTAR), Beijing, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases (NCRC-DID), Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Chinese Rheumatism Data Center (CRDC), Chinese SLE Treatment and Research Group (CSTAR), Beijing, China
| | - Mengtao Li
- Department of Rheumatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases (NCRC-DID), Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Chinese Rheumatism Data Center (CRDC), Chinese SLE Treatment and Research Group (CSTAR), Beijing, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases (NCRC-DID), Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Chinese Rheumatism Data Center (CRDC), Chinese SLE Treatment and Research Group (CSTAR), Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyi Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, the First Affiliated Hospital Affiliated to Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Cibo Huang
- Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Huji Xu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaolong Chen
- Institute of Health Data Science, Lanzhou University, Chinese GRADE Center, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
| | - Lijun Wu
- Department of Rheumatology, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region People's Hospital, Urumuqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yin Su
- Department of Rheumatology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Weiguo Xiao
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Miaojia Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University. Nanjing, JiangSu Province, China
| | - Dongbao Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Changhai Hospital, The Second Military Medical University/Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Linyun Sun
- Department of Rheumatology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School
| | - Xiaoxia Zuo
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Rheumatic Diseases Research Center of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Junqiang Lei
- Department of Radiology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
| | - Xiaofeng Li
- Department of Rheumatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases (NCRC-DID), Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Chinese Rheumatism Data Center (CRDC), Chinese SLE Treatment and Research Group (CSTAR), Beijing, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zeng
- Department of Rheumatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases (NCRC-DID), Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Chinese Rheumatism Data Center (CRDC), Chinese SLE Treatment and Research Group (CSTAR), Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Bilal M, Qindeel M, Nunes LV, Duarte MTS, Ferreira LFR, Soriano RN, Iqbal HMN. Marine-Derived Biologically Active Compounds for the Potential Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Mar Drugs 2020; 19:10. [PMID: 33383638 PMCID: PMC7823916 DOI: 10.3390/md19010010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease with a prevalence rate of up to 1% and is significantly considered a common worldwide public health concern. Commercially, several traditional formulations are available to treat RA to some extent. However, these synthetic compounds exert toxicity and considerable side effects even at lower therapeutic concentrations. Considering the above-mentioned critiques, research is underway around the world in finding and exploiting potential alternatives. For instance, marine-derived biologically active compounds have gained much interest and are thus being extensively utilized to confront the confines of in practice counterparts, which have become ineffective for 21st-century medical settings. The utilization of naturally available bioactive compounds and their derivatives can minimize these synthetic compounds' problems to treat RA. Several marine-derived compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and can be effectively used for therapeutic purposes against RA. The results of several studies ensured that the extraction of biologically active compounds from marine sources could provide a new and safe source for drug development against RA. Finally, current challenges, gaps, and future perspectives have been included in this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Bilal
- School of Life Science and Food Engineering, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huaian 223003, China
| | - Maimoona Qindeel
- Department of Pharmacy, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan;
| | - Leonardo Vieira Nunes
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora-MG 36036-900, Brazil;
| | | | - Luiz Fernando Romanholo Ferreira
- Graduate Program in Process Engineering, Tiradentes University (UNIT), Av. Murilo Dantas, 300, Farolândia, Aracaju-Sergipe 49032-490, Brazil;
- Institute of Technology and Research (ITP), Tiradentes University (UNIT), Av. Murilo Dantas, 300, Farolândia, Aracaju-Sergipe 49032-490, Brazil
| | - Renato Nery Soriano
- Division of Physiology and Biophysics, Department of Basic Life Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares-MG 35010-180, Brazil;
| | - Hafiz M. N. Iqbal
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Reduction of biologics in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Rheumatol Int 2020; 40:1949-1959. [PMID: 32710197 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-020-04651-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The effects of dose reduction or spacing of all types of biologics in rheumatoid arthritis has not been consistently assessed in systematic reviews. We aimed to assess the effects of biologics reduction compared with dose maintenance in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in low disease activity or remission. We performed a systematic review with meta-analysis according to a previously registered protocol (PROSPERO registration: CRD42017069080); and searched MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library and trial registers up to July, 2020. Two researchers selected, extracted and assessed the risk of bias of controlled trials that randomized patients to reduction/spacing or dose maintenance of biologics. Low disease activity, disability and other clinically important outcomes were summarized in random effect meta-analyses. We rated the certainty of evidence according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. We included ten studies (n = 1331 patients), which assessed reduction or spacing of abatacept, adalimumab, certolizumab pegol, etanercept, or tocilizumab. Risk of bias was high in over half of trials, mainly due to lack of blinding. No statistically significant difference was found in low disease activity (RR = 0.90; 95% CI 0.78-1.04; I2 = 60%, very low certainty), and other outcomes. Subgroup analysis of blinded studies led to homogeneous results, which remained heterogeneous in open-label studies. Reduction or spacing biologics did not affect disease activity and other important outcome. Changes in the doses regimen should consider patient preferences, considering the low certainty of evidence.
Collapse
|
35
|
van Mulligen E, Weel AE, Hazes JM, van der Helm-van Mil A, de Jong PHP. Tapering towards DMARD-free remission in established rheumatoid arthritis: 2-year results of the TARA trial. Ann Rheum Dis 2020; 79:1174-1181. [PMID: 32482645 PMCID: PMC7456559 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-217485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the 2-year clinical effectiveness of two gradual tapering strategies. The first strategy consisted of tapering the conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) first (i.e., methotrexate in ~90%), followed by the tumour necrosis factor inhibitor (TNF-inhibitor), the second strategy consisted of tapering the TNF-inhibitor first, followed by the csDMARD. METHODS This multicentre single-blinded randomised controlled trial included patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with well-controlled disease for ≥3 consecutive months, defined as a Disease Activity Score (DAS) measured in 44 joints ≤2.4 and a swollen joint count ≤1, which was achieved with a csDMARD and a TNF-inhibitor. Eligible patients were randomised into gradual tapering the csDMARD followed by the TNF-inhibitor, or vice versa. The primary outcome was the number of disease flares. Secondary outcomes were DMARD-free remission (DFR), DAS, functional ability (Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI)) and radiographic progression. RESULTS 189 patients were randomly assigned to tapering their csDMARD (n=94) or TNF-inhibitor (n=95) first. The cumulative flare rate after 24 months was, respectively, 61% (95% CI 50% to 71%) and 62% (95% CI 52% to 72%). The patients who tapered their csDMARD first were more often able to go through the entire tapering protocol and reached DFR more often than the group that tapered the TNF-inhibitor first (32% vs 20% (p=0.12) and 21% vs 10% (p=0.07), respectively). Mean DAS and HAQ-DI over time, and radiographic progression did not differ between groups (p=0.45, p=0.17, p=0.8, respectively). CONCLUSION The order of tapering did not affect flare rates, DAS or HAQ-DI. DFR was achievable in 15% of patients with established RA, slightly more frequent in patients that first tapered csDMARDs. Because of similar effects from a clinical viewpoint, financial arguments may influence the decision to taper TNF-inhibitors first.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Angelique E Weel
- Rheumatology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
- Rheumatology, Maasstad Ziekenhuis, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
- Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - J M Hazes
- Rheumatology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Annette van der Helm-van Mil
- Rheumatology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
- Rheumatology, Leiden Universitair Medisch Centrum, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Rezk MF, Pieper B. Unlocking the Value of Anti-TNF Biosimilars: Reducing Disease Burden and Improving Outcomes in Chronic Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases: A Narrative Review. Adv Ther 2020; 37:3732-3745. [PMID: 32740789 PMCID: PMC7444394 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-020-01437-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) are chronic conditions that create a significant disease burden on millions of patients while adding a major financial burden to societies and healthcare systems. The introduction of biologic medicines has contributed majorly to improving the clinical outcomes of IMIDs and as such these modalities have gained first- or second-line positions in a wide range of treatment guidelines from different international clinical societies. However, the high cost of these biologics traditionally limited their accessibility and delayed their initiation, leaving millions of patients with unmet medical needs for a more affordable and sustainable solution. The introduction of cost-efficient biosimilar anti-TNFs within Europe since 2013 has allowed more patients with IMIDs to access biologic therapies earlier and for longer, potentially altering the course of the disease into a milder phenotype and reducing the long-term disease burden. This review provides the latest evidence for the impact of biosimilars on patient outcomes and demonstrates their clinical value beyond a reduction in price.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mourad F Rezk
- Biogen International GmbH, Neuhofstrasse 30, 6340, Baar, Switzerland.
| | - Burkhard Pieper
- Biogen International GmbH, Neuhofstrasse 30, 6340, Baar, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Ma MHY, Defranoux N, Li W, Sasso EH, Ibrahim F, Scott DL, Cope AP. A multi-biomarker disease activity score can predict sustained remission in rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Res Ther 2020; 22:158. [PMID: 32580789 PMCID: PMC7313155 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-020-02240-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Reliable assessment of remission is important for the optimal management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. In this study, we used the multi-biomarker disease activity (MBDA) test to explore the role of biomarkers in predicting point remission and sustained remission. Methods RA patients on > 6 months stable therapy in stable low disease activity (DAS28-ESR ≤ 3.2) were assessed every 3 months for 1 year. Baseline, intermittent (IR) and sustained (SR) remission were defined by DAS28-ESR, DAS28-CRP, simple disease activity index (SDAI), clinical disease activity index (CDAI) and ACR/EULAR Boolean criteria. Patients not fulfilling any remission criteria at baseline were classified as ‘low disease activity state’ (LDAS). Patients not fulfilling any remission criteria over 1 year were classified as ‘persistent disease activity’ (PDA). MBDA score was measured at baseline/3/6 months. The baseline MBDA score, the 6-month time-integrated MBDA score and MBDA biomarkers were used for analyses. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) assessed the ability of the MBDA score to discriminate between remission and non-remission. Biomarkers were analysed at baseline using the Mann-Whitney test and over time using the Jonckheere-Terpstra trend test. Results Of 148 patients, 27% were in the LDAS, 65% DAS28-ESR remission, 51% DAS28-CRP remission, 40% SDAI remission, 43% CDAI remission and 25% ACR/EULAR Boolean remission at baseline. Over 1 year, 9% of patients were classified as PDA. IR and SR were achieved in 42%/47% by DAS28-ESR, 46%/29% by DAS28-CRP, 45%/20% by SDAI, 44%/21% by CDAI and 35%/9% by ACR/EULAR Boolean criteria, respectively. By all remission criteria, baseline MBDA score discriminated baseline remission (AUROCs 0.68–0.75) and IR/SR (AUROCs 0.65–0.74). The 6-month time-integrated MBDA score discriminated IR/SR (AUROCs 0.65–0.79). Baseline MBDA score and concentrations of IL-6, leptin, SAA and CRP were significantly lower in all baseline remission criteria groups vs LDAS. They and the 6-month time-integrated values were lower among patients who achieved IR/SR vs PDA over 1 year. Conclusions This study demonstrated that the MBDA score and its biomarkers IL-6, leptin, SAA and CRP differentiated between small differences in disease activity (i.e. between low disease activity and remission states). They were also predictors of remission over 1 year.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M H Y Ma
- Academic Department of Rheumatology, Division of Immunology, Infection and Inflammatory Disease, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, Weston Education Centre, 10 Cutcombe Road., London, SE5 9RJ, UK. .,Level 10, Tower Block, Division of Rheumatology, University Medicine Cluster, National University Health System, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore. .,Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119228, Singapore.
| | - N Defranoux
- Crescendo Bioscience, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA.,Present Address: Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - W Li
- Crescendo Bioscience, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA.,MyoKardia, Inc., Brisbane, CA, USA
| | - E H Sasso
- Crescendo Bioscience, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - F Ibrahim
- Academic Department of Rheumatology, Division of Immunology, Infection and Inflammatory Disease, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, Weston Education Centre, 10 Cutcombe Road., London, SE5 9RJ, UK
| | - D L Scott
- Academic Department of Rheumatology, Division of Immunology, Infection and Inflammatory Disease, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, Weston Education Centre, 10 Cutcombe Road., London, SE5 9RJ, UK
| | - A P Cope
- Academic Department of Rheumatology, Division of Immunology, Infection and Inflammatory Disease, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, Weston Education Centre, 10 Cutcombe Road., London, SE5 9RJ, UK.,Department of Rheumatology, Guy's and St Thomas' UK National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Schlager L, Loiskandl M, Aletaha D, Radner H. Predictors of successful discontinuation of biologic and targeted synthetic DMARDs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in remission or low disease activity: a systematic literature review. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2020; 59:324-334. [PMID: 31325305 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kez278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To systematically review possible predictors of successful discontinuation of biologic or targeted synthetic DMARDs (b/tsDMARDs) in RA patients in remission or low disease activity. METHODS MEDLINE database and Cochrane Library were scanned for studies that discontinued b/tsDMARDs in remission/low disease activity and searched for predictors of successful discontinuation. Additionally, EULAR and ACR meeting abstracts were hand searched. RESULTS Thirty-four studies with a total of 5724 patients were included. Predictors of successful b/tsDMARD discontinuation were (number of studies): low disease activity (n = 13), better physical function (n = 6), low or absence of rheumatoid factor (n = 5) or ACPA (n = 3), low levels of CRP (n = 3) or ESR (n = 3), shorter disease duration (n = 3), low signals of disease activity by ultrasound (n = 3). Only one study with high risk of bias was identified on tsDMARD discontinuation. CONCLUSION Several predictors of successful bDMARD discontinuation were identified. Although studies are heterogeneous, these predictors may inform clinical decision making in patients who are considered for a potential bDMARD discontinuation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Schlager
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michaela Loiskandl
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniel Aletaha
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Helga Radner
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Ladhari C, Le Blay P, Vincent T, Larbi A, Rubenstein E, Lopez RF, Jorgensen C, Pers YM. Successful long-term remission through tapering tocilizumab infusions: a single-center prospective study. BMC Rheumatol 2020; 4:5. [PMID: 32161846 PMCID: PMC7047400 DOI: 10.1186/s41927-019-0109-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Strategic drug therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with prolonged remission is not well defined. According to recent guidelines, tapering biological Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (bDMARDs) may be considered. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of long-term maintenance of tocilizumab (TCZ) treatment after the progressive tapering of infusions. Methods We conducted an exploratory, prospective, single-center, open-label study, on RA patients with sustained remission of at least 3 months and treated with TCZ infusions every 4 weeks. The initial re-treatment interval was extended to 6 weeks for the first 3 months. Thereafter, the spacing between infusions was determined by the clinician. Successful long-term maintenance following the tapering of TCZ infusions was defined by patients still treated after two years by TCZ with a minimum dosing interval of 5 weeks. Results Thirteen patients were enrolled in the study. Eight out of thirteen were still treated by TCZ after two years. Successful long-term maintenance was possible in six patients, with four patients maintaining a re-treatment interval of 8-weeks or more. We observed 5 patients with TCZ withdrawal: one showing adverse drug reaction (neutropenia) and four with secondary failure. Patients achieving successful long-term maintenance with TCZ were significantly younger than those with secondary failure (p < 0.05). In addition, RA patients with positive rheumatoid factor and anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies, experienced a significantly greater number of flares during our 2-year follow-up (p < 0.01). Conclusions A progressive tapering of TCZ infusions may be possible for many patients. However, larger studies, including more patients, are needed to confirm this therapeutic option. Trial registration NCT02909998. Date of registration: October 2008.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chayma Ladhari
- 1IRMB, University of Montpellier, Inserm U1183, CHU Montpellier, 371, avenue du doyen Gaston Giraud, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Pierre Le Blay
- 1IRMB, University of Montpellier, Inserm U1183, CHU Montpellier, 371, avenue du doyen Gaston Giraud, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Thierry Vincent
- Department of Immunology, Saint Eloi University Hospital, 80 rue Augustin Fliche, 34295 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Ahmed Larbi
- 3Department of Radiology, CHU Nimes, Place du Pr R. Debré, 30029 Nîmes Cedex 9, France
| | - Emma Rubenstein
- 1IRMB, University of Montpellier, Inserm U1183, CHU Montpellier, 371, avenue du doyen Gaston Giraud, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Rosanna Ferreira Lopez
- 1IRMB, University of Montpellier, Inserm U1183, CHU Montpellier, 371, avenue du doyen Gaston Giraud, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Christian Jorgensen
- 1IRMB, University of Montpellier, Inserm U1183, CHU Montpellier, 371, avenue du doyen Gaston Giraud, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Yves-Marie Pers
- 1IRMB, University of Montpellier, Inserm U1183, CHU Montpellier, 371, avenue du doyen Gaston Giraud, 34295 Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
van Mulligen E, Weel AEAM, Kuijper TM, Hazes JMW, van der Helm-van Mil AHM, de Jong PHP. The impact of a disease flare during tapering of DMARDs on the lives of rheumatoid arthritis patients. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2020; 50:423-431. [PMID: 32224045 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2020.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the impact of a disease flare on patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, who are tapering treatment. METHODS Data were used from the TARA trial; a multicenter, randomized controlled trial in which RA patients, with a well-controlled disease (DAS≤2.4 and SJC≤1) for at least 6 months, gradually tapered their DMARDs. PROMs of patients with a flare (DAS>2.4 and/or SJC>1) were compared every three months before and after a flare with their own norm values. Linear Mixed Models were used to investigate whether a disease flare influenced functional ability (HAQ-DI), fatigue (BRAF-MDQ), quality of life (EQ-5D and SF36), anxiety and depression (HADS), morning stiffness, general health (GH) and worker productivity, and if so, the duration was determined. For unemployment and sick leave we used descriptive statistics. RESULTS A flare negatively influenced GH, morning stiffness, HAQ-DI, EQ-5D, BRAF-MDQ, and the SF36 physical component scale and this effect lasted >3 months. Except for the HAQ-DI, effect sizes exceeded the minimum clinically important differences (MCIDs). For the physical outcomes effects lasted >6 months. Worker productivity was not significantly affected by a flare. CONCLUSION A disease flare influenced patients' lives, the largest effect was seen in the physical outcomes, and lasted 6 months. Although on a group level effect sizes for the separate PROMs were not always significant or larger than specific MCIDs, a disease flare can still be of great importance for individual patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E van Mulligen
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - A E A M Weel
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Rheumatology, Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - T M Kuijper
- Department of Rheumatology, Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - J M W Hazes
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - A H M van der Helm-van Mil
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Rheumatology, LUMC, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - P H P de Jong
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Cost-utility analysis of de-escalating biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0226754. [PMID: 31895926 PMCID: PMC6939943 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Recent guideline updates have suggested de-escalating DMARDs when patients with rheumatoid arthritis achieve remission or low disease activity. We aim to evaluate whether it is cost-effective to de-escalate the biological form of DMARDs (bDMARDs). Methods Using a Markov model, we performed a cost-utility analysis for RA patients on bDMARD treatment. We compared continuing treatment (standard care) to a tapering approach (i.e., an immediate 50% dose reduction), withdrawal (i.e., an immediate 100% dose reduction) and tapering followed by withdrawal of bDMARDs. The parametrization is based on a comprehensive literature review. Results were computed for 30 years with a cycle length of three months. We applied the payer’s perspective for Germany and conducted deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Results Tapering or withdrawing bDMARD treatment resulted in ICERs of €526,254 (incr. costs -78,845, incr. QALYs -0.1498) or €216,879 (incr. costs -€121,691, incr. QALYs -0.5611) compared to standard care. Tapering followed by withdrawal resulted in a loss of 0.4354 QALYs and savings of €107,969 per patient, with an ICER of €247,987. Deterministic sensitivity analysis revealed that our results remained largely unaffected by parameter changes. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis suggests that tapering, withdrawal and tapering followed by withdrawal were dominant in 39.8%, 28.2% and 29.0% of 10,000 iterations. Conclusion Our findings suggest that de-escalating bDMARDs in patients with RA may result in high cost savings but also a decrease in quality of life compared to standard care. If decision makers choose to implement de-escalation in daily practice, our results suggest the tapering approach.
Collapse
|
42
|
Monnet E, Choy EH, McInnes I, Kobakhidze T, de Graaf K, Jacqmin P, Lapeyre G, de Min C. Efficacy and safety of NI-0101, an anti-toll-like receptor 4 monoclonal antibody, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis after inadequate response to methotrexate: a phase II study. Ann Rheum Dis 2019; 79:316-323. [PMID: 31892533 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2019-216487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) form immune complexes with citrullinated proteins binding toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, which has been proposed as a mediator of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). NI-0101 is a first-in-class humanised monoclonal antibody blocking TLR4, as confirmed by inhibition of in vivo lipopolysaccharide-induced cytokine release in healthy volunteers. This study was design to confirm preclinical investigations supporting a biomarker-driven approach for treatment of patients with RA who present positive for these immune complexes. METHODS Placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomised (2:1) trial of the tolerability and efficacy of NI-0101 (5 mg/kg, every 2 weeks for 12 weeks) versus placebo in ACPA-positive RA patients with inadequate response to methotrexate. Efficacy measures included Disease Activity Score (28-joint count) with C reactive protein (DAS28-CRP), European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) good and moderate responses, and American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 20, ACR50 and ACR70 responses. Subgroup analyses defined on biomarkers were conducted. Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and safety were reported. RESULTS 90 patients were randomised (NI-0101 (61) and placebo (29)); 86 completed the study. No significant between-group difference was observed for any of the efficacy endpoints. Subgroup analyses using baseline parameters as covariants did not reveal any population responding to NI-0101. Treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in 51.7% of patients who received placebo versus 52.5% for NI-0101. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate for the first time that in RA, a human immune-mediated inflammatory disease, blocking the TLR4 pathway alone does not improve disease parameters. Successful targeting of innate immune pathways in RA may require broader and/or earlier inhibitory approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Monnet
- Clinical Development, NovImmune SA, Plan les Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ernest H Choy
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| | - Iain McInnes
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Tamta Kobakhidze
- University Clinic, High Technology Medical Center, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Kathy de Graaf
- Clinical Development, NovImmune SA, Plan les Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Geneviève Lapeyre
- Clinical Development, NovImmune SA, Plan les Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Cristina de Min
- Clinical Development, NovImmune SA, Plan les Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Ho CTK, Mok CC, Cheung TT, Kwok KY, Yip RML. Management of rheumatoid arthritis: 2019 updated consensus recommendations from the Hong Kong Society of Rheumatology. Clin Rheumatol 2019; 38:3331-3350. [PMID: 31485846 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-019-04761-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The expanding range of treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), from conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to biological DMARDs (bDMARDs), biosimilar bDMARDs, and targeted synthetic DMARDs, has improved patient outcomes but increased the complexity of treatment decisions. These updated consensus recommendations from the Hong Kong Society of Rheumatology provide guidance on the management of RA, with a focus on how to integrate newly available DMARDs into clinical practice. The recommendations were developed based on evidence from the literature along with local expert opinion. Early diagnosis of RA and prompt initiation of effective therapy remain crucial and we suggest a treat-to-target approach to guide optimal sequencing of DMARDs in RA patients to achieve tight disease control. Newly available DMARDs are incorporated in the treatment algorithm, resulting in a greater range of second-line treatment options. In the event of treatment failure or intolerance, switching to another DMARD with a similar or different mode of action may be considered. Given the variety of available treatments and the heterogeneity of patients with RA, treatment decisions should be tailored to the individual patient taking into consideration prognostic factors, medical comorbidities, drug safety, cost of treatment, and patient preference.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Chi Chiu Mok
- Department of Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong, China.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Pope JE. What is the best treatment for early rheumatoid arthritis? Rheumatology (Oxford) 2019; 58:2086-2088. [DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kez353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Janet E Pope
- Division of Rheumatology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, St Joseph’s Health Care, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Uhrenholt L, Schlemmer A, Hauge EM, Christensen R, Dreyer L, Suarez-Almazor ME, Kristensen S. Dosage reduction and discontinuation of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis: protocol for a pragmatic, randomised controlled trial (the BIOlogical Dose OPTimisation (BIODOPT) trial). BMJ Open 2019; 9:e028517. [PMID: 31292181 PMCID: PMC6624054 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-028517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The The BIOlogical Dose OPTimisation (BIODOPT) trial is a pragmatic, multicentre, randomised controlled, open-label, parallel-group, equivalence study designed to evaluate tapering of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) in sustained clinical remission or low disease activity (LDA). Traditionally, these patients maintain standard dosage of bDMARD lifelong; however, recent studies indicate that a significant proportion of patients in sustained remission or LDA can taper their bDMARD and maintain stable disease activity. Thus, this trial aims to evaluate whether a disease activity-guided tapering strategy for bDMARDs will enable a significant dosage reduction while maintaining disease activity compared with usual care. From the individual patient's standpoint as well as from a societal perspective, it would be advantageous if bDMARDs could be reduced or even discontinued while maintaining disease activity. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A total of 180 patients with RA, PsA or axSpA treated with bDMARDs and in clinical remission/LDA during the past 12 months will be enrolled from four centres in Denmark. Patients will be randomised in a ratio of 2:1 to either disease activity-guided tapering of bDMARDs (intervention group) or continuation of bDMARDs as usual care (control group).The primary objective is the difference between the two groups in the proportion of patients who have reduced their inclusion dosage of bDMARDs to 50% or less while maintaining stable disease activity at 18 months follow-up. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study is approved by the ethics committee of Northern Jutland, Denmark (N-20170073) and by the Danish Medicine Agency. Patient research partner KHH contributed to refinement of the protocol and approved the final manuscript. Results will be disseminated through publication in international peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER 2017-001970-41; Pre-results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Line Uhrenholt
- Department of Rheumatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Musculoskeletal Statistics Unit, The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Annette Schlemmer
- Department of Rheumatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Ellen-Margrethe Hauge
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Robin Christensen
- Musculoskeletal Statistics Unit, The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Research Unit of Rheumatology, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Lene Dreyer
- Department of Rheumatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Maria E Suarez-Almazor
- Department of General Internal Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Salome Kristensen
- Department of Rheumatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Tanaka Y, Smolen JS, Jones H, Szumski A, Marshall L, Emery P. The effect of deep or sustained remission on maintenance of remission after dose reduction or withdrawal of etanercept in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Res Ther 2019; 21:164. [PMID: 31277720 PMCID: PMC6610967 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-019-1937-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) are important options for managing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Once patients achieve disease control, clinicians may consider dose reduction or withdrawal of the bDMARD. Results from published studies indicate that some patients will maintain remission; however, others will flare. We analyzed data from three etanercept down-titration studies in patients with RA to determine what extent of remission provides the greatest predictability of maintaining remission following dose reduction or discontinuation. Methods Patients with moderate to severe RA from the PRESERVE, PRIZE, and Treat-to-Target (T2T) randomized controlled trials were included. We determined the proportion of patients achieving remission with etanercept at the last time point in the induction period, and sustained remission (last two time points), according to the Disease Activity Score 28-joints (DAS28), the American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Boolean criteria, and the clinical disease activity index (CDAI). We also calculated the proportion achieving DAS28 deep remission (DAS28 ≤ 1.98), sustained deep remission (last two time points), and low disease activity (LDA), and LDA according to the CDAI. Then, we evaluated whether they maintained remission or LDA following etanercept dose reduction or withdrawal. Results Patients achieving sustained and/or deep remission were more likely than patients achieving remission or LDA to maintain remission/LDA after etanercept dose reduction or withdrawal. In PRESERVE, the proportions of patients with DAS28 sustained deep remission, deep remission, sustained remission, remission, and LDA who maintained remission following etanercept dose reduction were 81%, 67%, 58%, 56%, and 36%, respectively, P < 0.001 for trend. In PRESERVE, this trend was significant when etanercept was discontinued and when ACR/EULAR Boolean and CDAI remission criteria were used. Although some sample sizes were small, the PRIZE and T2T studies also demonstrated response trends according to ACR/EULAR Boolean and CDAI remission criteria, and T2T demonstrated response trends according to DAS28. Conclusions These results suggest that patients achieving disease control according to a stringent definition, such as sustained ACR/EULAR Boolean or CDAI remission, or a new definition of sustained deep remission by DAS28, have a higher probability of remaining in remission or LDA following etanercept dose reduction or withdrawal. Trial registration PRESERVE: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00565409, registered 30 November 2007; PRIZE: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00913458, registered 4 June 2009; T2T: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01578850, registered 17 April 2012 Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13075-019-1937-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiya Tanaka
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahata-nishi, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | - Paul Emery
- Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Verhoef LM, van den Bemt BJF, van der Maas A, Vriezekolk JE, Hulscher ME, van den Hoogen FHJ, Jacobs WCH, van Herwaarden N, den Broeder AA. Down-titration and discontinuation strategies of tumour necrosis factor-blocking agents for rheumatoid arthritis in patients with low disease activity. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019; 5:CD010455. [PMID: 31125448 PMCID: PMC6534285 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd010455.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) agents are effective in treating people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but are associated with (dose-dependent) adverse effects and high costs. To prevent overtreatment, several trials have assessed the effectiveness of down-titration compared with continuation of the standard dose. This is an update of a Cochrane Review published in 2014. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the benefits and harms of down-titration (dose reduction, discontinuation, or disease activity-guided dose tapering) of anti-TNF agents on disease activity, functioning, costs, safety, and radiographic damage compared with usual care in people with RA and low disease activity. SEARCH METHODS We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and CENTRAL (29 March 2018) and four trial registries (11 April 2018) together with reference checking, citation searching, and contact with study authors to identify additional studies. We screened conference proceedings (American College of Rheumatology and European League Against Rheumatism 2005-2017). SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) comparing down-titration (dose reduction, discontinuation, disease activity-guided dose tapering) of anti-TNF agents (adalimumab, certolizumab pegol, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab) to usual care/no down-titration in people with RA and low disease activity. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard Cochrane methodology. MAIN RESULTS One previously included trial was excluded retrospectively in this update because it was not an RCT/CCT. We included eight additional trials, for a total of 14 studies (13 RCTs and one CCT, 3315 participants in total) reporting anti-TNF down-titration. Six studies (1148 participants) reported anti-TNF dose reduction compared with anti-TNF continuation. Eight studies (2111 participants) reported anti-TNF discontinuation compared with anti-TNF continuation (three studies assessed both anti-TNF discontinuation and dose reduction), and three studies assessed disease activity-guided anti-TNF dose tapering (365 participants). These studies included data on all anti-TNF agents, but primarily adalimumab and etanercept. Thirteen studies were available in full text, one was available as abstract. We assessed the included studies generally at low to moderate risk of bias; our main concerns were bias due to open-label treatment and unblinded outcome assessment. Clinical heterogeneity between the trials was high. The included studies were performed at clinical centres around the world and included people with early as well as established RA, the majority of whom were female with mean ages between 47 and 60. Study durations ranged from 6 months to 3.5 years.We found that anti-TNF dose reduction leads to little or no difference in mean disease activity score (DAS28) after 26 to 52 weeks (high-certainty evidence, mean difference (MD) 0.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.11 to 0.24, absolute risk difference (ARD) 1%) compared with continuation. Also, anti-TNF dose reduction does not result in an important deterioration in function after 26 to 52 weeks (Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI)) (high-certainty evidence, MD 0.09, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.19, ARD 3%). Next to this, anti-TNF dose reduction may slightly reduce the proportion of participants switched to another biologic (low-certainty evidence), but probably slightly increases the proportion of participants with minimal radiographic progression after 52 weeks (moderate-certainty evidence, risk ratio (RR) 1.22, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.95, ARD 2% higher). Anti-TNF dose reduction may cause little or no difference in serious adverse events, withdrawals due to adverse events and proportion of participants with persistent remission (low-certainty evidence).Results show that anti-TNF discontinuation probably slightly increases the mean disease activity score (DAS28) after 28 to 52 weeks (moderate-certainty evidence, MD 0.96, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.25, ARD 14%), and that the RR of persistent remission lies between 0.16 and 0.77 (low-certainty evidence). Anti-TNF discontinuation increases the proportion participants with minimal radiographic progression after 52 weeks (high-certainty evidence, RR 1.69, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.59, ARD 7%) and may lead to a slight deterioration in function (HAQ-DI) (low-certainty evidence). It is uncertain whether anti-TNF discontinuation influences the number of serious adverse events (due to very low-certainty evidence) and the number of withdrawals due to adverse events after 28 to 52 weeks probably increases slightly (moderate-certainty evidence, RR 1.46, 95% CI 0.75 to 2.84, ARD 1% higher).Anti-TNF disease activity-guided dose tapering may result in little or no difference in mean disease activity score (DAS28) after 72 to 78 weeks (low-certainty evidence). Furthermore, anti-TNF disease activity-guided dose tapering results in little or no difference in the proportion of participants with persistent remission after 18 months (high-certainty evidence, RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.06, ARD -9%) and may result in little or no difference in switching to another biologic (low-certainty evidence). Anti-TNF disease activity-guided dose tapering may slightly increase proportion of participants with minimal radiographic progression (low-certainty evidence) and probably leads to a slight deterioration of function after 18 months (moderate-certainty evidence, MD 0.2 higher, 0.02 lower to 0.42 higher, ARD 7% higher), It is uncertain whether anti-TNF disease activity-guided dose tapering influences the number of serious adverse events due to very low-certainty evidence. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We found that fixed-dose reduction of anti-TNF, after at least three to 12 months of low disease activity, is comparable to continuation of the standard dose regarding disease activity and function, and may be comparable with regards to the proportion of participants with persistent remission. Discontinuation (also without disease activity-guided adaptation) of anti-TNF is probably inferior to continuation of treatment with respect to disease activity, the proportion of participants with persistent remission, function, and minimal radiographic damage. Disease activity-guided dose tapering of anti-TNF is comparable to continuation of treatment with respect to the proportion of participants with persistent remission and may be comparable regarding disease activity.Caveats of this review are that available data are mainly limited to etanercept and adalimumab, the heterogeneity between studies, and the use of superiority instead of non-inferiority designs.Future research should focus on the anti-TNF agents infliximab and golimumab; assessment of disease activity, function, and radiographic outcomes after longer follow-up; and assessment of long-term safety, cost-effectiveness, and predictors for successful down-titration. Also, use of a validated flare criterion, non-inferiority designs, and disease activity-guided tapering instead of fixed-dose reduction or discontinuation would allow researchers to better interpret study findings and generalise to clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lise M Verhoef
- Sint MaartenskliniekDepartment of RheumatologyHengstdal 3NijmegenGelderlandNetherlands6574 NA
| | - Bart JF van den Bemt
- Sint MaartenskliniekDepartment of PharmacyHengstdal 3NijmegenGelderlandNetherlands6522JV
- Radboud University Medical CenterDepartment of PharmacyNijmegenNetherlands
| | - Aatke van der Maas
- Sint MaartenskliniekDepartment of RheumatologyHengstdal 3NijmegenGelderlandNetherlands6574 NA
| | - Johanna E Vriezekolk
- Sint MaartenskliniekDepartment of RheumatologyHengstdal 3NijmegenGelderlandNetherlands6574 NA
| | - Marlies E Hulscher
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical CenterIQ healthcarePO Box 9101117 KWAZONijmegenNetherlands6500 HB
| | - Frank HJ van den Hoogen
- Sint MaartenskliniekDepartment of RheumatologyHengstdal 3NijmegenGelderlandNetherlands6574 NA
- Radboud University Medical CenterDepartment of RheumatologyNijmegenNetherlands
| | - Wilco CH Jacobs
- The Health ScientistFraeylemastraat 13The HagueNetherlands2532 TX
| | - Noortje van Herwaarden
- Sint MaartenskliniekDepartment of RheumatologyHengstdal 3NijmegenGelderlandNetherlands6574 NA
| | - Alfons A den Broeder
- Sint MaartenskliniekDepartment of RheumatologyHengstdal 3NijmegenGelderlandNetherlands6574 NA
- Radboud University Medical CenterDepartment of RheumatologyNijmegenNetherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
van Mulligen E, de Jong PHP, Kuijper TM, van der Ven M, Appels C, Bijkerk C, Harbers JB, de Man Y, Molenaar THE, Tchetverikov I, Goekoop-Ruiterman YPM, van Zeben J, Hazes JMW, Weel AEAM, Luime JJ. Gradual tapering TNF inhibitors versus conventional synthetic DMARDs after achieving controlled disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: first-year results of the randomised controlled TARA study. Ann Rheum Dis 2019; 78:746-753. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2018-214970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of two tapering strategies after achieving controlled disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), during 1 year of follow-up.MethodsIn this multicentre single-blinded (research nurses) randomised controlled trial, patients with RA were included who achieved controlled disease, defined as a Disease Activity Score (DAS) ≤ 2.4 and a Swollen Joint Count (SJC) ≤ 1, treated with both a conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARD) and a TNF inhibitor. Eligible patients were randomised into gradual tapering csDMARDs or TNF inhibitors. Medication was tapered if the RA was still under control, by cutting the dosage into half, a quarter and thereafter it was stopped. Primary outcome was proportion of patients with a disease flare, defined as DAS > 2.4 and/or SJC > 1. Secondary outcomes were DAS, European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ5D) and functional ability (Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index [HAQ-DI]) after 1 year and over time.ResultsA total of 189 patients were randomly assigned to tapering csDMARDs (n = 94) or tapering anti-TNF (n = 95). The cumulative flare rates in the csDMARD and anti-TNF tapering group were, respectively, 33 % (95% CI,24% to 43 %) and 43 % (95% CI, 33% to 53 % (p = 0.17). Mean DAS, HAQ-DI and EQ-5D did not differ between tapering groups after 1 year and over time.ConclusionUp to 9 months, flare rates of tapering csDMARDs or TNF inhibitors were similar. After 1 year, a non-significant difference was found of 10 % favouring csDMARD tapering. Tapering TNF inhibitors was, therefore, not superior to tapering csDMARDs. From a societal perspective, it would be sensible to taper the TNF inhibitor first, because of possible cost reductions and less long-term side effects.Trial registration numberNTR2754
Collapse
|
49
|
Kim SU, Kim BK, Park JY, Kim DY, Ahn SH, Park YB, Han KH, Lee SW. Fibrosis-4 index at diagnosis can predict all-cause mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A retrospective monocentric study. Mod Rheumatol 2019; 30:70-77. [PMID: 30557057 DOI: 10.1080/14397595.2018.1558760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Seung Up Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Beom Kyung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Yong Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Do Young Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Ahn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Beom Park
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Yonsei University College of Medicine, Institute for Immunology and Immunological Diseases, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Hyub Han
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Won Lee
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Yonsei University College of Medicine, Institute for Immunology and Immunological Diseases, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Mangoni AA, Al Okaily F, Almoallim H, Al Rashidi S, Mohammed RHA, Barbary A. Relapse rates after elective discontinuation of anti-TNF therapy in rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis and review of literature. BMC Rheumatol 2019; 3:10. [PMID: 30886998 PMCID: PMC6408847 DOI: 10.1186/s41927-019-0058-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inhibitors of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) are current mainstay of therapies for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The decision when to withdraw TNF-α inhibitors after achieving remission and the incidence of relapse rates with elective discontinuation are both important questions that demand intense survey in these patients. In this meta-analysis we aimed to estimate the magnitude of relapse rate after elective TNF-α inhibitor discontinuation in RA patients with remission. METHODS Systematic searches of PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library databases, grey literature (unpublished and ongoing trials) from the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and the US National Institutes of Health were performed for studies reporting the outcomes of elective discontinuation of TNF-α inhibitor in RA patients after remission. Random-effects models for meta-analyses were conducted on extracted data. RESULTS Out of 390 references screened, 16 RCTs were included. Meta-analysis of 1264 patient data revealed a relapse rate of 0.47 (95% CI 0.41-0.54). Sensitivity analysis showed that none of the studies had higher influence on the results. CONCLUSIONS Almost half of all the RA patients in remission relapse after elective TNF-α inhibitor discontinuation. This information might be useful when considering this management option with individual patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arduino A Mangoni
- 1Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Flinders University and Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, SA 5042 Australia
| | | | - Hani Almoallim
- 3Department of Medicine, Umm Alqura University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Reem Hamdy A Mohammed
- 4Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Cairo University Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt
- 5Internal Medicine Department, Alhada Armed Forces Hospital, Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Amal Barbary
- 6Department of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Tanta University Faculty of Medicine, Elgesh Street, Tanta, Gharbeia Egypt
| |
Collapse
|