State of the Art Review on the Treatment of Psoriatic Disease

Introduction

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease that in some cases is accompanied by systemic manifestations. Given the varied clinical manifestations, the term psoriatic disease probably better reflects the clinical picture of these patients.

Literature review

In most cases, the skin lesions precede joint involvement as well as other potentially involved organs such as the intestine and the eye. Various immune-mediated cellular pathways such as that of TNFα, IL-23, IL-17 as well as other cytokines are involved in the pathophysiology of the psoriatic disease.

Future insights

A better understanding of the way they interfere with our immune system has led to remarkably better disease control and outcomes. This review aims to highlight the newest treatments for psoriatic disease, which are expected to significantly reduce unmet needs and treatment gaps.

Development of Morphea Following Treatment with an ADA Biosimilar: A Case Report

BACKGROUND

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) is a pivotal cytokine involved in the pathogenesis of certain inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), spondyloarthropathies, and inflammatory bowel diseases. In the last two decades, TNFα inhibitors (TNFi) have revolutionized the treatment and outcome of the above disorders. However, the use of TNFi has been associated with the development of many autoimmune phenomena and paradoxical skin manifestations that may present as the same type of clinical indications for which the TNFi effectively used. Thus, they may display as arthritis, uveitis, colitis, psoriasis, and several other cutaneous clinical manifestations, among them the development of morphea, a localized scleroderma skin lesion.

CASE PRESENTATION

We describe a 58-year-old woman with seronegative RA, refractory to methotrexate, who was treated with ABP-501 (Hefiya), an adalimumab (ADA) biosimilar and developed an oval-shaped, deep skin lesion of approximately 3.5cm in size, affecting the left part of her back compatible with morphea 3 months after the initiation of therapy. ADA biosimilar was discontinued and two months later, she had substantial skin improvement.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report of morphea manifestation during TNFi biosimilar since the patient had no other trigger factors for morphea development like trauma and infections. Physicians dealing with patients treated with TNFi biosimilars should be aware of paradoxical skin reactions, among them morphea; thus, close monitoring, a minute and careful clinical examination, and a follow- up check are required.

Pharmacological treatment for connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung involvement: Protocol for an overview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses

Background

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the most important pulmonary manifestation of connective tissue diseases (CTDs) since it is associated with high morbidity and mortality. However, there is uncertainty on what constitutes the optimal treatment options from a variety of competing interventions. The aim of the overview is to summarize existing evidence of the effectiveness and harm of pharmacological therapies for adults with CTD-ILD.

Methods

A literature search will be conducted in MEDLINE, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, DARE, the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination Health Technology Assessment database, Epistemonikos.org, KSR Evidence, and PROSPERO. We will search for systematic reviews with or without meta-analysis that examine pharmacological treatment for CTD-ILD. Updated supplemental search will also be undertaken to identify additional randomized controlled trials. The primary outcomes will be changes in lung function measures and adverse events. The methodological quality of the included reviews will be assessed using the AMSTAR 2 tool. The overall quality of the evidence will be evaluated using the GRADE rating. Summarized outcome data extracted from systematic reviews will be described in narrative form or in tables. For each meta-analysis we will estimate the summary effect size by use of random-effects and fixed-effects models with 95% confidence intervals, the between-study heterogeneity expressed by I², and the 95% prediction interval. If feasible, given sufficient data, network meta-analysis will be conducted to combine direct and indirect evidence of class and agent comparisons.

Discussion

While many factors are crucial in selecting an appropriate treatment for patients with CTD-ILD, evidence for the efficacy and safety of a drug is essential in guiding this decision. Thus, this overview will aid clinicians in balancing the risks versus benefits of the available therapies by providing high-quality evidence to support informed decision-making and may contribute to future guideline development.

Systematic review registration

MedRxiv: DOI 10.1101/2022.01.25.22269807

PROSPERO: CRD42022303180

Treatment strategies of COVID-19: A rheumatology perspective

The clinical progression of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) to critical illness is associated with a systemic and uncontrolled inflammatory response of the innate and adaptive immunity with the release of a plethora of proinflammatory cytokines termed "cytokine storm". In the absence of an effective treatment, many off-label agents from the armamentarium of rheumatology are used. Here, from the perspective of a rheumatologist, we will discuss the current therapeutic strategies in critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Thus, we will discuss the agents that aim to target viral entry and its replication into the host cell and those focusing and targeting the inflammatory response. In this setting, many agents have been used with promising results but, not all have been approved by the International Authorities and Institutions. In the first step (viral entry), SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies and remdesivir have been approved to be used and, in the second step, corticosteroids along with interleukin-6 inhibitors, or Janus Kinase inhibitors are currently used.

Colchicine Against SARS-CoV-2 Infection: What is the Evidence?

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a matter of concern worldwide and a huge challenge for rheumatologists. Indeed, several antirheumatic drugs are currently used at different stages of COVID-19, such as several cytokine inhibitors and colchicine. Colchicine is one of the oldest medicines with potent anti-inflammatory properties. In rheumatic diseases it is widely used for the treatment of gout, calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease, and familial Mediterranean fever. It is also used off-label in cardiology to treat atrial fibrillation, pericarditis, and myocardial infarction. Over the last few years, advances in the understanding of colchicine's mechanism of action and its pharmacology and safety have made colchicine a promising candidate agent for the fight against COVID-19. In this review, we discuss COVID-19 pathophysiology highlighting colchicine's mode of action, its pleiotropic effects on neutrophils, inflammasome inhibition, and its viral activity. Finally, we discuss the main clinical studies dealing with the use of colchicine in COVID-19. Given the large body of evidence that demonstrates its effectiveness, safety, and its simple way of administration, colchicine seems to be a promising drug to reduce the risk of severe COVID-19 disease.

State-of-the-art glucocorticoid-targeted drug therapies for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

INTRODUCTION

Glucocorticoids are steroid hormones broadly used for the treatment of several inflammatory and autoimmune diseases among other numerous indications, including rheumatoid arthritis.

AREAS COVERED

For the purposes of this article, the authors have performed an extensive review of the literature to present the latest studies on glucocorticoid use in rheumatoid arthritis. They also provide the reader with their expert perspectives on future developments.

EXPERT OPINION

The authors do not anticipate that glucocorticoids with be replaced in the near future by newer drugs. As such, rheumatologists should be fully aware of the possible side-effects and educate appropriately their patients to recognize and report them. Newer formulations, such as the liposomal/nanoparticle-based treatments, will result in less pronounced adverse effects, but the input of clinical experience along with the current recommendations for the glucocorticoid use will benefit both clinicians and patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

A Patient with Symmetrical Polyarthritis. The Value of Conventional Radiography for a Correct Diagnosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Among the imaging modalities for the investigation of articular damage of patients with peripheral inflammatory arthropathies, conventional radiography (CR) is the mostly used. Other imaging modalities such as the musculoskeletal ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, and dual-energy computed tomography scans are often used depending on a patient's clinical needs.

RECENT FINDINGS

With the publication of new classification criteria for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), spondyloarthropathies, polymyalgia rheumatica, and others, many physicians are not using any of the above imaging techniques because they believe that by relying only on the classification criteria of a disease the diagnosis can be an easy task. We present a patient with peripheral symmetrical polyarthritis involving the small joints of the hands, diagnosed and treated as RA and we discuss the role of imaging, especially the use of CR as an initial screening tool for the evaluation of the articular manifestations and joint damage, and its further usefulness in order to reach a definitive correct diagnosis.

Anti-Rheumatic Drugs May Ameliorate the Clinical Course and Outcome of COVID-19 In Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Current data demonstrated that in patients with coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), there is a dysregulation of the immune system during the severe form of the disease. This dysregulation is expressed with an uncontrolled release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, IL-17, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFa) and chemokines, associated with increased serum ferritin levels and other acute phase reactants. On the other side, these cytokines play a pivotal role in autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD), mostly in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the spondyloarthropathies. Patients affected with ARD represent a particular vulnerable group, considering that they may be in an immunocompromised status due to their ailment and its treatment on one side, but on the other side, they may be protected from their immunosuppressive therapy. To this end, we present five patients with RA treated with conventional synthetic (cs) disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologic (b) DMARDs who were affected from COVID-19 and we will try to give answers to the above hypothesis.

A not-to-miss Cause of Severe Cervical Spine Pain in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case-Based Review

Background:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may affect any diarthrodial joint with a predilection on the peripheral skeleton in a symmetrical manner. When the axial skeleton is affected, it is the cervical spine (CS) that gets involved with potentially detrimental effects, if not treated promptly.

Case:

A 60-year-old female suffering from RA presented with severe neck pain and stiffness, difficulty of standing and walking with brisk tendon reflexes, Babinski sign positive, and clonus. Despite the high inflammatory markers and high titres of autoantibodies (rheumatoid factor and anticitrullinated protein antibodies), she never received proper treatment. She was using only paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Conventional radiography (CR) of CS showed extensive degenerative changes affecting the C3–C5 vertebral level. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the neck showed sub-axial subluxation (SAS) and spinal cord compression at C3 level, and to a lesser extent, in other levels. A multi-level cervical laminectomy and spinal cord decompression were deployed with good results. To this end, literature review was performed until September 2020 and showed that the frequency of radiological findings varies substantially, ranging between 0,7–95% in different studies. The most common radiological feature is the atlanto-axial subluxation (AAS) followed by SAS. Because CS involvement can often be clinically asymptomatic, its assessment should not be forgotten by physicians and should be assessed using CR, which is an easy-to-perform technique and gives important information as a screening tool. On the other hand, RA patients need to be treated in a prompt and efficient manner in order to avoid any potentially fatal complications.

Seronegative Erosive Arthritis Following SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) affecting mostly the respiratory system, but several other organs and systems can be involved. Extrapulmonary manifestations and autoimmune phenomena following SARS-CoV-2 infection are frequent events occurring during the first 2 weeks or in later stages of the disease course. These can be expressed as an isolated discovery of autoantibodies, mostly antinuclear or antiphospholipid antibodies, through to full-blown autoimmune organ-specific and systemic diseases. Joint pain is a frequent complain in most patients, but to our knowledge, frank arthritis has not been reported so far. A 46-year-old woman developed symmetrical polyarthritis 2 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Laboratory tests showed high acute phase reactants, while the immunological profile was negative. Hand and wrists X-rays revealed soft tissue swelling as well as bone erosions at the ulnar base of the third and fourth metacarpophalangeal joint of the right hand and carpal bones. The patient responded well to small doses of prednisone and methotrexate and after 4 months she had a sustained clinical and laboratory improvement. This is the first report making an association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and erosive polyarthritis. Physicians dealing with patients infected from SARS-CoV-2 should be aware for the possible development of musculoskeletal disorders, among them symmetrical polyarthritis. Thus, a close follow-up and monitoring is mandatory.

Clinical features and diagnostic tools in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) are rare autoimmune disorders affecting primarily muscles, but other organs can be involved. This review describes the clinical features, diagnosis and treatment for IIMs, namely polymyositis (PM), dermatomyositis (DM), sporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM), immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM), and myositis associated with antisynthetase syndrome (ASS). The diagnostic approach has been updated recently based on the discovery of circulating autoantibodies, which has enhanced the management of patients. Currently, validated classification criteria for IIMs allow clinical studies with well-defined sets of patients but diagnostic criteria to guide the care of individual patients in routine clinical practice are still missing. This review analyzes the clinical manifestations and laboratory findings of IIMs, discusses the efficiency of modern and standard methods employed in their workup, and delineates optimal practice for clinical care. Α multidisciplinary diagnostic approach that combines clinical, neurologic and rheumatologic examination, evaluation of electrophysiologic and morphologic muscle characteristics, and assessment of autoantibody immunoassays has been determined to be the preferred approach for effective management of patients with suspected IIMs.

TNF-Induced Lupus. A Case-Based Review

Nowadays, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) inhibitors have revolutionised the treatment of inflammatory arthritides by demonstrating efficacy with an acceptable toxicity profile. However, autoimmune phenomena and clinical entities have been reported ranging from an isolated presence of autoantibodies to full-blown autoimmune diseases, among them, drug-induced lupus (DIL). Case Presentation: A 62-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) refractory to methotrexate and prednisone, was treated with adalimumab (ADA). 4 months later, she presented acute cutaneous eruptions after sun exposure, positive ANA (1/640 fine speckled pattern), Ro (SSA) and anti-Smith (Sm) antibodies with no other clinical or laboratory abnormalities. The diagnosis of DIL was made, ADA was discontinued and she was treated successfully with prednisone plus local calcineurin inhibitors. Conclusion: Thus, we review the literature for cases of DIL development in patients treated with TNFα inhibitors. Rheumatologists should be aware of the possible adverse events and the requirement of careful clinical evaluation and monitoring.

Biologic Therapies and Autoimmune Phenomena

The use of biologic medications has represented a great advancement in the treatment of autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Despite their excellent efficacy, during the last years, a growing number of reports of autoimmune phenomena and paradoxical inflammation has emerged. These phenomena may range from the discovery of an isolated autoantibody to full-blown autoimmune diseases, organ-specific and systemic. This review has been carried out in order to underline the multitude of the potential adverse manifestations from the use of biologic medications. Thus, early recognition of specific types of autoimmune phenomena is an imperative for the physicians allowing them to have an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

COVID-19 in patients with gout on colchicine

Current data demonstrated that severe cases of coronavirus-disease-19 (COVID-19) require treatment with antiviral therapy, dexamethasone, supportive care, as well as some anti-rheumatic drugs, among them, cytokine inhibitors and colchicine. Colchicine is an anti-inflammatory drug that is being used in rheumatology for many years to treat mostly gout, calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease, and Familial Mediterranean Fever. Here, we present for the first time, two patients suffering from gout being treated with colchicine, who were affected from severe acute respiratory coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) syndrome. Both patients presented with mild symptoms of COVID-19 expressed with myalgias, arthralgias, and sore throat, while laboratory investigations showed only high acute phase reactants. Four weeks later, both patients were free of symptoms with negative SARS-CoV-2 tests and without any complications. To our knowledge, there are no other studies of gout arthritis and SARS-CoV-2 infection published so far. Thus, our preliminary conclusion is that chronic use of colchicine may mitigate the clinical picture and disease course of COVID-19 in gout arthritis patients. Further studies with a large number of patients are needed to confirm the above beneficial effect of colchicine.

POS1194 THE EFFECT OF SARS-COV-2 ON THE COURSE AND THE TREATMENT OF RHEUMATIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASES. EXPERIENCE FORM THE NORTHWESTERN GREECE

Background:

COVID-19 has been shown to significantly affect the vulnerable population [1,2]. Among them, patients suffering from inflammatory rheumatic diseases, and especially the immunosuppressed [3].

Objectives:

to assess the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on the course and the treatment of rheumatic inflammatory diseases.

Methods:

from February to December 2020, 46 patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases were included (32 female) that got infected with the SARS-CoV-2. Mean age was 65 years old, 17 were smokers, 12 had arterial hypertension, 8 diabetes mellitus, and 3 hypothyroidism. Most of them had their comorbidities well-controlled and their rheumatic disease was in remission. More specifically, 24 patients had rheumatoid arthritis, 13 psoriatic arthritis, and 9 ankylosing spondylitis. All patients were under treatment with conventional synthetic (cs) and/or biological (b) disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), while 7 of them were also on treatment with glucocorticoids (GC) (<5mg/day). Twenty-eight patients were on tumor necrosis alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors (19 as monotherapy), 4 on anti- interleukin (IL)-6 monotherapy, 3 on Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors plus on low dose methotrexate (MTX), and the rest (11 patients) were on a csDMARD with or without GCs.

Results:

positive patients with the SARS-CoV-2, instructed to discontinue their immunosuppressive treatment, except GCs that were adjusted for their disease. Most patients (37 out of 46) had a mild disease course and their symptomatology was nothing more than a simple flu-like syndrome. Furthermore, on 9 of them olfactory dysfunction and gastrointestinal manifestations as well as low grade fever were noted but without the need of a hospital admission. On the other hand, only 5 patients needed hospitalization (2 on MTX monotherapy and 3 on combination therapy) due to dyspnea with low oxygen saturation (hypoxemia) and high fever. From those 5, 3 had a short in-hospital stay, while 2 developed pneumonia and a longer in-hospital stay was required in order to get the appropriate treatment. None of the patients did not require an intensive care unit admission. Finally, in 14 patients that got infected from February to May 2020, viral antibodies had been measured. All patients had high titres of IgG antibodies in their serum for as long as six months after their infection. Of note, none of the infected patients were smokers.

Conclusion:

patients with rheumatic diseases that are in remission using low doses of GCs and DMARDs, have almost the same chances with the general population to have a serious course of their infection with the SARS-Cov-2. In addition, in these patients, the immune response appears to be adequate, both in the production and maintenance of antibodies, which appear to be maintained for at least 6 months after infection.

References:

[1]Patel JA, Nielsen FBH, Badiani AA, Assi S, Unadkat VA, Patel B, et al. Poverty, inequality and COVID-19: the forgotten vulnerable. Public Health. 2020;183:110-111. Doi: 10.1016/j.puhe.2020.05.006.

[2]Poteat T, Millet GA, Nelson LE, Beyrer C. Understanding COVID-19 risks and vulnerabilities among black communities in America: the lethal force of syndemics. Ann Epidemiol. 2020;47:1-3. Doi: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2020.05.004.

[3]Gianfrancesco MA, Hyrich KL, Gossec L, Strangfeld A, Carmona L, Mateus EF, et al. Rheumatic disease and COVID-19: initial data from the COVID-19 Global Rheumatology Alliance provider registries. Lancet Rheumatol. 2020;2(5):e250-e253. Doi: 10.1016/S2665-9913(20)30095-3.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared.

Cutaneous Autoimmune Phenomena of the Anti-TNFa Biosimilars. Casebased Review

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis (Pso) is a common chronic inflammatory disease affecting the skin, both sexes, and all ages. It can be associated with other chronic inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders and certain drugs, including tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) antagonists.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 64-year-old man with seronegative rheumatoid arthritis (RA) refractory to leflunomide and prednisone was treated with SB-4 (Benepali), an etanercept biosimilar 50mg/week subcutaneously. He responded well to the treatment, but a year later, he developed erythematous skin eruptions affecting mainly in the palms of both hands. Skin biopsy showed a picture compatible with Pso. SB-4 was discontinued, and the skin lesions disappeared with the addition of topical steroid therapy. This is the only case of psoriatic skin lesions associated with SB-4 treatment.

CONCLUSION

Thus, we review and discuss the relevant literature of Pso cases related to SB-4 and other anti-TNFα biosimilars. Rheumatologists dealing with patients on anti-TNFα biosimilars should be aware of and recognize these complications.

Use of conventional synthetic and biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs in patients with rheumatic diseases contracting COVID-19: a single-center experience

To examine whether patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA) treated with conventional synthetic (cs) disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and/or biologic (b) DMARDs, could be affected from SARS-CoV-2 infection and to explore the COVID-19 disease course and outcome in this population. This is a prospective observational study. During the period February-December 2020, 443 patients with IA who were followed-up in the outpatient arthritis clinic were investigated. All patients were receiving cs and/or bDMARDs. During follow-up, the clinical, laboratory findings, comorbidities and drug side effects were all recorded and the treatment was adjusted or changed according to clinical manifestations and patient's needs. There were 251 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 101 with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and 91 with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). We identified 32 patients who contracted COVID-19 (17 RA, 8 PsA, 7 AS). All were in remission and all drugs were discontinued. They presented mild COVID-19 symptoms, expressed mainly with systemic manifestations and sore throat, while six presented olfactory dysfunction and gastrointestinal disturbances, and all of them had a favorable disease course. However, three patients were admitted to the hospital, two of them with respiratory symptoms and pneumonia and were treated appropriately with excellent clinical response and outcome. Patients with IA treated with cs and/or bDMARDs have almost the same disease course with the general population when contract COVID-19.

Incidence of spondyloarthritis subtypes: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

Several epidemiologic studies of spondylarthritis (SpA) and its subtypes have been reported during the last decades. The majority of these studies provided prevalence estimates and showed a considerable variation in the reported frequency of SpA subtypes. Most systematic reviews published in this field aimed to summarise the results of prevalence studies, however, incidence studies are important for an accurate picture of a disease occurrence in a defined population. We conducted a systematic review regarding the incidence of SpA subtypes on studies published during the last 25 years, to compare their methodology and summarise their results.

METHODS

A systematic literature search of PubMed was performed to identify all published studies on the incidence of SpA subtypes between 1/1/1995 and 31/12/2019. Studies were considered eligible if the incidence of one or more SpA subtypes was measured in the general population, and met concrete inclusion criteria. Incidence rates (IR) were summarised using a random effect model.

RESULTS

A total of 24 publications fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Most of them included results for two or more SpA subtypes. Sixteen studies presented the incidence of psoriatic arthritis, which gave an overall IR estimate of 9.7 cases per 100.000 person-years. Thirteen studies presented the incidence of ankylosing spondylitis with an overall IR estimate of 4.8, and eight studies presented reactive arthritis incidence with an overall IR estimate of 3.4. A small number of studies referred to the incidence of enteropathic arthritis or undifferentiated spondyloarthritis.

CONCLUSIONS

Incidence studies of SpAs differ considerably in their methods, and result in a wide variation of the IRs for all SpA subtypes. Methodological differences may only partly explain the differences in disease occurrence observed among studies. More studies from different populations based on specific classification criteria are needed for a more accurate picture of SpA epidemiology.

Preclinical discovery and development of adalimumab for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that is characterized by progressive joint disorders with significant pain and stiffness. In the past, RA was a difficult -to-treat ailment, but nowadays with the advent of biologics and better treatment strategies, disease remission is an achievable goal. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) inhibitors were the first category of biologics to emerge with adalimumab being the first fully human TNFα.Areas covered: the authors provide an overview of the historical events that led to the discovery of TNFα inhibitors and more specifically the drug adalimumab. Several key trials are presented regarding the safety of the drug as well as its successful journey, but there is also a narrative description of the drug's future after patent expiration.Expert opinion: Adalimumab is a fully human TNFα inhibitor with a fairly rapid onset of action. It has a generally good safety and efficacy profile. Clinicians must be aware of the possible side effects and treat them in a timely manner or discontinue the drug where appropriate. Due to the success of the bio-originator adalimumab, a multitude of biosimilars have emerged but not, thus far, for all of the indications of the bio-originator.

Calcified constrictive pericarditis resulting in tamponade in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with multiorgan involvement, including heart. Pericarditis-the most common cardiac manifestation-occurs in up to 50% of cases, resulting in positive treatment outcomes. Rarely, it evolves to hazardous complications. A 50-year-old woman with SLE in clinical remission, receiving hydroxychloroquine 400 mg/day, presented to us with severe chest pain and low-grade fever. Physical examination revealed a friction rub and decreased breath sounds at the right lung base. Laboratory evaluation demonstrated leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, low C4 levels, and high acute phase reactants. Chest X-ray exhibited cardiomegaly, calcified pericardium, and right pleural effusion, confirmed by CT scan. PPD skin test and IGRA were both negative. Pericardial fluid, blood, and urine cultures for bacteria and fungi, as well as Gram and Ziehl-Neelsen stains were negative. Serological tests for viruses were also negative. The patient was diagnosed with calcified constrictive pericarditis (CP) due to SLE. She was treated with cyclophosphamide and methylprednisolone pulses, without improvement. Her clinical condition deteriorated, developing signs and symptoms compatible with cardiac tamponade (TMP), which was confirmed by Doppler echocardiography. The patient underwent pericardiectomy. A dramatic response was noted and she was discharged with prednisone 50 mg/day and azathioprine 100 mg/day. Thus, we review and discuss the relevant literature of SLE cases with CP or TMP. When an SLE patient presents with CP, infectious causes should be excluded first. To the best of our knowledge, this is the only case of SLE and calcified CP leading to TMP, hence physicians should be aware of this complication.

Occupational mimics of rheumatoid arthritis: hair dye-induced arthritis

Hair dye (HD) and its component para-phenylenediamine (PPD) are commonly used to enhance beauty and youth. HD is associated with allergic contact reactions and the development of autoimmune phenomena. A 28-year-old woman presented to us complaining of pain and swelling affecting the small joints of the hands bilaterally lasting for 7 weeks. Laboratory evaluation was remarkable only for an increase of acute-phase reactants, while the rest of laboratory tests including serological tests for viruses, as well as immunological tests were negative or within normal limits. She noticed a close correlation between the onset of symmetrical polyarthritis and the use of HD product. Thus, after excluding other possibilities of inflammatory arthritides, the diagnosis of HD-induced arthritis was made. The patient was treated with naproxen, and after 3 weeks, she had a complete clinical response with decrease of acute-phase reactants. Thus, we review and discuss the relevant literature of cases related with the use of HD and arthritis development. This is the first described case of HD-induced arthritis. Physicians must be aware and recognize these symptoms and signs of patients exposed to HD and treat them appropriately.

Recent advances in the opioid mu receptor based pharmacotherapy for rheumatoid arthritis

INTRODUCTION

Opioids are used for severe forms of acute and cancer pain. Over the last years, their potential use in patients with noncancer pain such as those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been postulated. A recent population-based comparative study showed that chronic opioid use was 12% vs. 4% among RA and non-RA patients, respectively. Another study showed an increase from 7.4% to 16.9% (2002 to 2015). In general, there has been an increasing tendency to use opioids in recent years.

AREAS COVERED

The authors have performed an extensive literature search using PubMed for articles including noncancer pain and the use of the mu opioid receptor (MOR) agonists in patients with RA.

EXPERT OPINION

Data is not sufficient to support opioid use for the treatment of chronic pain in patients with RA. Data is scarce and inconclusive. Rheumatologists should think and ponder the question: Why is this patient in pain? Differential diagnosis should include a disease flare, degenerative changes of the musculoskeletal system, and fibromyalgia. And while there are new strategies for opioid administration currently being researched, unfortunately, they are far from being applied to human subjects in the everyday clinical setting, and are still being evaluated at an experimental level. CNS: Central nervous system; DORs: delta opioid receptor agonists; GI: Gastrointestinal; GPCRs: G protein-coupled receptors; IL: Interleukin; JAK: Janus kinase; KORs: kappa opioid receptor agonists; MCPs: Metacarpophalangeal joints; MORs: Mu opioid receptor agonists; MTPs: Metatarsophalangeal joints; NSAIDs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugsOA: Osteoarthritis; ORs: Opioid receptors; PD: Pharmacodynamic; PIPs: Proximal interphalangeal joints; PK: Pharmacokinetic; PNS: Peripheral nervous system; RA: Rheumatoid arthritis; RGS: Regulator of G protein signaling; SSRIs: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors; TNF: Tumor necrosis factor.

Anti-Rheumatic Drugs for the Fight Against the Novel Coronavirus Infection (SARSCoV-2): What is the Evidence?

SARS-CoV-2 is a positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus that causes the COVID-19 infection. Spike proteins are the most important proteins found on its capsule using the host's ACE2 receptors to invade respiratory cells. The natural course of the COVID-19 infection is variable, from asymptomatic to severe and potentially fatal. A small percentage of the severely infected patients will end up in an intensive care unit for ventilatory support. Elderly male patients with pre-existing medical conditions and smokers are at a disproportionate high risk to develop severe complications. Studies have shown that deaths occur due to a dysregulated immune system that overreacts, producing a plethora of cytokines, leading to the so-called "cytokine storm" phenomenon. In this direction, many drugs that are used in the everyday practice of Rheumatologists have been used. Indeed, pro-inflammatory cytokines such as the IL-1 and IL-6 have been shown to be the pivotal cytokines expressed, and anti-cytokine treatment has been tried so far with various results. In addition, hydroxychloroquine, an antimalarial drug, has been shown to reduce COVID-19 symptoms. Other drugs have also been used, such as intravenous pulses of immunoglobulins, and colchicine. Robust clinical trials are needed in order to find the suitable treatment. Current data indicate that hydroxychloroquine and cytokine targeting therapies may prove helpful in the fight of SARS-CoV-2 in appropriately selected patients.

Bertolotti syndrome: a not-to-miss cause of chronic low back pain in young adults

Low back pain (LBP) in young adults is a common condition that needs to be appropriately examined in cases of refractory to classic treatment strategies. We present two cases of chronic LBP with challenging diagnosis and treatment refractoriness. The first case corresponds to a young lady that has been treated mistakenly with an anti-tumor necrosis factor because her treating doctors diagnosed unilateral sacroiliitis which turned out to be a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) artifact (partial volume artifact). The second case is about another young lady with chronic LBP that did not respond to the classic treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Both cases have been diagnosed as having Bertolotti syndrome. Bertolotti syndrome is an anatomical abnormality consisting of partial unilateral or bilateral fusion of the transverse process of the lowest lumbar vertebrae to the sacrum. The presentation of both cases highlights the importance of a minute history taking and clinical examination especially in young patients with chronic LBP.

Clinical evaluation of the safety, efficacy and tolerability of sarilumab in the treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that is characterised by synovial inflammation and progressive joint disorder with significant pain and stiffness, which lead to functional disability and systemic complications if left untreated. Although methotrexate (MTX) is the cornerstone in the RA therapy, it is ineffective or intolerable in up to 50% of patients. In addition, tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors which are regarded as the standard of care for those patients, have not been proven a panacea creating a therapeutic gap. In this direction, other cytokines such as the interleukin (IL)-6 in combination with MTX or as monotherapy have been approved. Sarilumab has already been approved for the treatment of moderate to severe RA, but more studies are on their way including polymyalgia rheumatica, giant cell arteritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and indolent systemic mastocytosis. On the other hand, a study was prematurely discontinued after approximately 1.5 years, when the ankylosing spondylitis development program was discontinued due to lack of efficacy. Regarding safety, efficacy and tolerability of the molecule, three pivotal clinical trials have established sarilumab as one of the safe and efficacious choices for the treatment of RA (mobility, target and monarch trials). Significant decreases in progression of structural damage have been demonstrated. Infections and neutropenia are two of the most common adverse events. Sarilumab is beyond any doubt another molecule that can be added to the clinicians’ armamentarium for the treatment of patients with moderate to severe RA with a good safety and efficacy profile.

Maintained Clinical Remission in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Switched from Reference Infliximab to Its Biosimilar: An 18-Month Comparative Open-Label Study

BACKGROUND

Switching from reference infliximab (RI) to biosimilar infliximab (BI) had no detrimental effects on efficacy and safety. However, long-term follow-up data is missing.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) in clinical remission who were switching from RI to BI, in terms of the safety and efficacy of this, in a long-term fashion.

METHODS

One hundred and nine consecutive unselected AS patients were investigated. All were naïve to other biologics and were followed-up at predefined times receiving RI. Patients in clinical remission were asked to switch from RI to BI. Those who switched to BI were compared with a matched control-group receiving continuous RI. During follow-up, several parameters were recorded for at least 18 months. Disease activity was measured using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI), and the Ankylosing Spondylitis disease activity score (ASDAS), using the C-reactive protein. Remission was defined as BASDAI < 4 and ASDAS < 1.3.

RESULTS

Eighty-eight patients were evaluated (21 excluded for different reasons). From those, 45 switched to BI, while 43 continued receiving RI. No differences between groups regarding demographic, clinical and laboratory parameters were observed. All patients were in clinical remission. During follow-up, five patients from the BI-group and three from the maintenance-group discontinued the study (4 patients nocebo effect, 1 loss of efficacy). After 18 months of treatment, all patients in both groups remained in clinical remission. No significant adverse events were noted between groups.

CONCLUSION

BI is equivalent to RI in maintaining AS in clinical remission for at least 18 months.

The impact of temporal artery biopsy for the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis in clinical practice in a tertiary university hospital

Background

Temporal artery biopsy (TAB) is useful in assisting with giant cell arteritis (GCA) diagnosis but lacks sensitivity. The aim of our study was to assess the diagnostic impact of TAB histology in patients with suspected GCA on hospital admission.

Methods

A prospectively maintained database was queried for all TABs performed between 1-1-2000 until 31-12-2017 at the University Hospital of Ioannina. Thus, inclusion criteria were made on the grounds of every patient that underwent a TAB during the above-mentioned period, regardless of demographic, clinical and laboratory data.

Results

Two hundred forty-five TABs were included (149 females and 96 males), with a mean age of 64.5 (±3.5) years. The mean symptoms duration until admission to the hospital was 8.6 (±1.3) weeks and all had elevated acute phase reactants on admission. The reasons of admission were fever of unknown origin (FUO) in 114 (46.5%) patients, symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) in 84 (34.3%), new headache in 33 (13.5%), anemia of chronic disease (ACD) in 8 (3.32%) and eye disturbances in 6 (2.5%) patients. Positive results were found in 49 (20%) TABs. More specifically, in 14% of patients with FUO, 21% in those with PMR, while in patients with a new headache the percentage was 27%. Finally, 5 out of 6 (83.3%) of patients with ocular symptoms and only one (12.5%) of those suffering from ACD. Visual manifestations and FUO are correlated with a positive TAB.

Conclusion

It seems that TAB is useful in assisting with GCA diagnosis, but lacks sensitivity.

Golimumab for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Since the advent of infliximab for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), new genetically-engineered molecules have appeared. This review aims to present the current data and body of evidence for golimumab (GLM). Safety, efficacy, tolerability and immunogenicity are all being investigated, not only through phase III trials (GO-BEFORE, GO-FORWARD, GO-AFTER, GO-MORE, GO-FURTHER, GO-NICE), but also through studies of real-world data. It seems that GLM in the subcutaneous form is an efficacious molecule with a good safety profile at the standard dosage scheme, but a 100 mg subcutaneous dose is associated with a higher risk of opportunistic infections, lymphoma and demyelination. Furthermore, when compared to other tumor necrosis factor-α molecules, it is non-inferior, and, at some points, such as when it comes to immunogenicity and persistence of the drug, it has a better profile. In summary, GLM is an effective, well-tolerated option for the treatment of RA, for both the clinician and patients who are seeking a convenient dosage scheme.

Unmet needs in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis: a long-term observational study from a single university center

Despite the progress in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a significant number of patients do not achieve low disease activity (LDA). The aim of the study is to estimate the size of unmet needs in the treatment of AS in a long-term observational study. Between January 2003 and December 2017, 220 patients with radiographic SpA were evaluated fulfilling the ASAS criteria. They were followed up at predefined times and were naive to biological treatment with anti-tumor necrosis factor agents (anti-TNFs) and the interleukin (IL)-17 inhibitor. NSAIDs, all anti-TNFs and the IL-17 inhibitor secukinumab were used according to the European, United States and Canadian guidelines for AS. During follow-up, several clinical parameters including disease activity scores were recorded. All 220 patients had an active disease and received at least two NSAIDs for 3 months. The anti-TNF of first choice was infliximab-51%, followed by adalimumab-27% and etanercept-22%. During follow-up, 22 patients were excluded from the study (18 lost, 4 never received anti-TNF due to comorbidities). From the rest (198), 12 did not receive anti-TNFs (8 due to sustained LDA on NSAIDs solely and 4 due to treatment denial). Finally, 186 (94%) were treated with anti-TNFs demonstrating sustained long-term LDA. However, 16 patients never achieved LDA despite they received two or three anti-TNFs or the IL-17 inhibitor. Thus, a total of 20 (10.1%) patients never achieved LDA. This is the first study aiming to estimate the gap and the size of unmet needs in AS patients using the international guidelines and recommendations for AS treatment, which is 10.1%.

Granuloma annulare development in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis treated with tocilizumab: case-based review

Granuloma annulare (GA) is the most common non-infectious disease. Despite the fact that it is a benign disease, it can be associated with a variety of disorders and certain drugs including biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs). A 50-year-old man with a history of rheumatoid arthritis refractory to methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine and infliximab was treated with tocilizumab (TCZ), an interleukin-6 receptor antagonist, 162 mg subcutaneously every week. The patient responded very well to TCZ treatment with a decrease of acute phase reactants and reduction of disease activity score for 28-joints count. However, 3 months later he developed erythematous polycyclic eruptions affecting the lower extremities consistent with a diagnosis of GA which was confirmed by a skin biopsy. TCZ has been discontinued and the patient was treated with prednisone presenting complete resolution of skin manifestations after 4 weeks. This is the first case of GA development during TCZ treatment. Thus, we review the literature and discuss the relevant cases of GA development in patients treated with bDMARDs. When dealing with patients treated with these agents, all physicians should be aware of possible adverse events and the potential development of such complications.

An uncommon presentation of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis

In this case, we present a patient with an uncommon presentation of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA) with hepatic involvement and the possible association with subclinical coeliac disease. We discuss the differential diagnosis and the relevant therapy.

A Case of Recalcitrant Psoriatic Arthritis to TNF Inhibitors Improved After Administration of Secukinumab, an IL-17A Inhibitor

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a unique inflammatory arthritis due to the fact that patients have to deal not only with pain but also with their skin appearance, which may have a detrimental effect on their everyday lives and psychology. Treating a patient with PsA, improving both the musculoskeletal and skin symptoms is a challenge for the clinical rheumatologist. In this case, we present a patient of recalcitrant PsA to tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) who had an exceptional improvement after administration of the interleukin-17A inhibitor (IL-17Ai) secukinumab.

Dermatomyositis sine myositis - Case presentation

In this case, we present a patient with unilateral salivary gland enlargement and periorbital edema with erythematous rash. We discuss the differential diagnosis and the relevant therapy.