Lay Health Worker Interventions in Rheumatology: A Scoping Review

OBJECTIVE

To determine next steps for lay health worker (LHW) intervention research, specifically in patients with rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs), there is a need to establish what strategies have been effective for chronic disease management thus far. The goal of this scoping review is to collate the literature of LHW interventions for adults with RMDs to inform next steps for LHW research.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was performed in the following databases from inception to September 2021: Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and The Cochrane Library. Studies retrieved were then screened for eligibility against predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria.

RESULTS

Twenty-two articles were eligible and included in this review. The most common RMDs studied, not mutually exclusive, were osteoarthritis (n = 13), rheumatoid arthritis (n = 9), and unspecified or other RMD (n = 14). Most studies had a homogenous patient population, enrolling White, non-Hispanic, or Latina women over the age of 60 (n = 13). Eight studies observed statistically significant results in the intervention arm compared with the control. Only one of these studies exhibited sustained treatment effects past one year.

CONCLUSION

There are not enough data to conclude if LHW interventions have a positive, null, or negative effect on patients with RMDs. Future LHW interventions should specify a priori hypotheses, be powered to detect statistical significance for primary outcomes, employ a theoretical framework, include an active control, describe training protocols for LHWs, and increase minority representation to establish the effectiveness of LHWs for patients with RMDs.

A Novel Approach for Mixed-Methods Research Using Large Language Models: A Report Using Patients' Perspectives on Barriers to Arthroplasty

OBJECTIVE

Mixed-methods research is valuable in health care to gain insights into patient perceptions. However, analyzing textual data from interviews can be time-consuming and require multiple analysts for investigator triangulation. This study aims to explore a novel approach to investigator triangulation in mixed-methods research by employing a large language model (LLM) for analyzing data from patient interviews.

METHODS

This study compared the thematic analysis and survey generation performed by human investigators and ChatGPT-4, which uses GPT-4 as its backbone model, using data from an existing study that explored patient perceptions of barriers to arthroplasty. The human- and ChatGPT-4-generated themes and surveys were compared and evaluated based on their representation of salient themes from a predetermined topic guide.

RESULTS

ChatGPT-4 generated analogous dominant themes and a comprehensive corresponding survey as the human investigators but in significantly less time. The survey questions generated by ChatGPT-4 were less precise than those developed by human investigators. The mixed-methods flowchart proposes integrating LLMs and human investigators as a supplementary tool for the preliminary thematic analysis of qualitative data and survey generation.

CONCLUSION

By utilizing a combination of LLMs and human investigators through investigator triangulation, researchers may be able to conduct more efficient mixed-methods research to better understand patient perspectives. Ethical and qualitative implications of using LLMs should be considered.

Healthcare disparities: patients' perspectives on barriers to joint replacement

OBJECTIVE

Racial and ethnic disparities in arthroplasty utilization are evident, but the reasons are not known. We aimed to identify concerns that may contribute to barriers to arthroplasty from the patient's perspective.

METHODS

We identified patients' concerns about arthroplasty by performing a mixed methods study. Themes identified during semi-structured interviews with Black and Hispanic patients with advanced symptomatic hip or knee arthritis were used to develop a questionnaire to quantify and prioritize their concerns. Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the association between race/ethnicity and the importance of each theme. Models were adjusted for sex, insurance, education, HOOS, JR/KOOS, JR, and discussion of joint replacement with a doctor.

RESULTS

Interviews with eight participants reached saturation and provided five themes used to develop a survey answered by 738 (24%) participants; 75.5% White, 10.3% Black, 8.7% Hispanic, 3.9% Asian/Other. Responses were significantly different between groups (p < 0.05). Themes identified were "Trust in the surgeon" "Recovery", "Cost/Insurance", "Surgical outcome", and "Personal suitability/timing". Compared to Whites, Blacks were two-fold, Hispanics four-fold more likely to rate "Trust in the surgeon" as very/extremely important. Blacks were almost three times and Hispanics over six times more likely to rate "Recovery" as very/extremely important.

CONCLUSION

We identified factors of importance to patients that may contribute to barriers to arthroplasty, with marked differences between Blacks, Hispanics, and Whites.

Frailty and emergency department utilisation in adults with systemic lupus erythematosus ≤65 years of age: an administrative claims data analysis of Medicaid beneficiaries

OBJECTIVE

Frailty is a risk factor for adverse health in adults with SLE, including those <65 years. Emergency department (ED) utilisation is high in adults with SLE, but to our knowledge, whether frailty is associated with ED use is unknown. In a large administrative claims dataset, we assessed risk of ED utilisation among frail adults with SLE ≤65 years of age relative to non-frail adults ≤65 years of age with SLE.

METHODS

Using the MarketScan Medicaid subset from 2011 to 2015, we identified beneficiaries 18-65 years with SLE (≥3 SLE International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes ≥30 days apart). Comparators without a systemic rheumatic disease (SRD) were matched 4:1 on age and gender. Frailty status in 2011 was determined using two claims-based frailty indices (CFIs). We compared risk of recurrent ED utilisation among frail and non-frail beneficiaries with SLE using an extension of the Cox proportional hazard model for recurrent events data.

RESULTS

Of 2262 beneficiaries with SLE and 9048 non-SRD comparators, 28.8% and 11.6% were frail, respectively, according to both CFIs. Compared with non-frail beneficiaries with SLE, frail beneficiaries with SLE had significantly higher hazard of recurrent ED use (HR 1.75, 95% CI 1.48 to 2.08).

CONCLUSION

Frailty increased hazard of recurrent ED visits in frail adults ≤65 years of age with SLE relative to comparable non-frail adults with SLE. Frailty is a potential target for efforts to improve quality of care in SLE.

A single-center, open-label, randomized, parallel-group trial to pilot the effectiveness of a peer coach behavioral intervention versus an active control in reducing anxiety and depression in patients scheduled for total knee replacement

BACKGROUND

Moving Well is a behavioral intervention for patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) scheduled for a total knee replacement (TKR). The objective of this intervention is to help patients with KOA mentally and physically prepare for and recover from TKR.

METHODS

This is an open-label pilot randomized clinical trial that will test the feasibility and effectiveness of the Moving Well intervention compared to an attention control group, Staying Well, to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with KOA undergoing TKR. The Moving Well intervention is guided by Social Cognitive Theory. During this 12-week intervention, participants will receive 7 weekly calls before surgery and 5 weekly calls after surgery from a peer coach. During these calls, participants will be coached to use principles of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), stress reduction techniques, and will be assigned an online exercise program, and self-monitoring activities to complete on their own time throughout the program. Staying Well participants will receive weekly calls of similar duration from research staff to discuss a variety of health topics unrelated to TKR, CBT, or exercise. The primary outcome is the difference in levels of anxiety and/or depression between participants in the Moving Well and Staying Well groups 6 months after TKR.

DISCUSSION

This study will pilot test the feasibility and effectiveness of Moving Well, a peer coach intervention, alongside principles of CBT and home exercise, to help patients with KOA mentally and physically prepare for and recover from TKR.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov. NCT05217420; Registered: January 31, 2022.

Virtual training of rheumatoid arthritis peer coaches in motivational interviewing skills and concepts of cardiovascular disease

Background

Peer coaching interventions are effective in helping individuals with chronic conditions understand their disease. Most peer coach training programs occur in person, which has become an obstacle during the COVID pandemic. We describe our experiences with virtual training for future peer coach interventions.

Methods

Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) between 40 and 75 years of age were recruited and interviewed by the research team. We conducted seven virtual training sessions focused on four main points: Listen, Discuss, Practice, and Certify. The peer coaches provided feedback throughout the program, which was used to refine the training and intervention. A post-training focus group assessed satisfaction with the training program and intervention development process.

Results

Four peer coaches (3 women, 1 man) were trained, including 2 Black and 2 White individuals with advanced degrees. Their ages ranged from 52 to 57, and their RA duration ranged from 5 to 15 years. An iterative process with the coaches and researchers resulted in a nine-week training program. Peer coaches reported satisfaction, confidence, and a preference for the virtual training format.

Conclusion

This virtual peer coach training program was feasible and acceptable for coaches with advanced degrees during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Our approach represents an opportunity to adapt training that has been traditionally done in person. By doing so, our approach facilitates the recruitment and training of a diverse group of coaches and promotes sustainability.

Comparing cardiovascular risk of patients with rheumatoid arthritis within the Social Security Disability Insurance with those commercially insured

Objective

To compare cardiovascular disease (CVD) rates in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) beneficiaries of the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) with commercially insured RA patients.

Method

We created three cohorts of RA patients aged < 65 years for SSDI and three for Marketscan using claims data from 2006 to 2016. The cohort definitions were as follows: (1) cohort 1: ≥ 2 diagnosis codes for RA occurring 7–365 days apart with ≥ 1 diagnosis code from a rheumatologist; (2) cohort 2: ≥ 1 diagnosis code for RA from a rheumatologist and a disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDS); and (3) cohort 3: cohort 2, plus initiation of a new biologic/tofacitinib. We used Cox regression to determine the CVD risk comparing SSDI vs. Marketscan. Models were sequentially adjusted for age and sex (model 1); model 1 + diabetes, smoking, and high CVD risk (model 2); and model 2 + dual eligible (Medicare and Medicaid), subsidy, and state buy in (model 3).

Results

There were 380,336 RA patients, mean age 53.3 (SD 8.1) years, 21–24% male. Prevalence of comorbidities was higher in SSDI vs. Marketscan. SSDI RA patients in cohort 2 (model 3) had higher CVD risk (HR 1.23 (1.14–1.33). In cohort 3 (model 3), CVD risk was not statistically significantly different between SSDI and Marketscan (HR 0.89 (0.69–1.15).

Conclusion

RA patient beneficiaries of the SSDI had higher risk for CVD events than those employed. The differences in CVD events between SSDI and Marketscan were partially attributable to differences in CVD risk factors.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13075-022-02847-1.

Protocol for the pilot randomized trial of the CArdiovascular Risk assEssment for Rheumatoid Arthritis (CARE RA) intervention: a peer coach behavioral intervention

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most common cause of death among people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with an estimated increased risk of 50–60% compared to the general population. Lipid-lowering strategies have been shown to lower CVD risk significantly in people with RA and hyperlipidemia. Thus, CVD risk assessment has an important role to play in reducing CVD among people with RA. Yet currently only 37 to 45% of this population are receiving primary lipids screening. This paper describes the CArdiovascular Risk assEssment for RA (CARE RA) intervention, which is designed to address this issue. CARE RA is a peer coach intervention, that is, an intervention in which a person with RA coaches another person with RA, which is designed to educate people with RA about the relation between RA and CVD risk and to help them obtain evidence-based CVD risk assessment and treatment.

Methods

This is an open-label pilot study that will test if the participants assigned to complete the CARE RA curriculum with a peer coach will receive a cardiovascular risk assessment more frequently compared to those that complete the CARE RA curriculum by themselves. The CARE RA intervention is guided by Social Cognitive Theory. Participants in the peer coach intervention arm will receive the assistance of a peer coach who will call the participants once a week for 5 weeks to go over the CARE RA curriculum and train them on how to obtain CVD risk assessment. The control arm will complete the CARE RA curriculum without any assistance. Participants will be randomized 1:1 either to the control arm or to the peer coach intervention arm. The primary outcome is a participant’s having a CVD risk assessment or initiating a statin, if indicated. Secondary outcomes include patient activation and RA medication adherence. The RE-AIM implementation framework guides the implementation and evaluation of the intervention.

Discussion

This pilot study will test the feasibility of the peer coach intervention in anticipation of a larger trial. CARE RA pioneers the use of peer coaches to facilitate the implementation of evidence-based treatment guidelines among people with RA.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04488497. Registered on July 28, 2020.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40814-022-01041-z.

Prevalence of Frailty in Ankylosing Spondylitis, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis: Data from a National Claims Dataset

OBJECTIVE

Frailty is associated with disability and mortality independent of age. Although studies have evaluated frailty in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), information on the prevalence of frailty in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is limited. We aimed to determine the prevalence of frailty in AS and PsA and to evaluate whether characteristics known to be associated with frailty, including anxiety, differ among these three types of inflammatory arthritis.

METHODS

We performed a cross sectional study of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) beneficiaries aged 65 years or older with AS, PsA, or RA enrolled in 2014. We operationalized frailty using a validated claims-based frailty index. We also explored the prevalence of frailty among CMS beneficiaries younger than age 65 years with work disability, a younger population that also may be at risk of frailty.

RESULTS

The prevalence of frailty in beneficiaries aged 65 years or older with AS and PsA was 45.2% and 46.7%, respectively, significantly lower than in RA (65.9%, P < 0.05). The prevalence of frailty in beneficiaries less than 65 years old was much lower overall, though still highest in RA; 11.7%, 4.4%, and 7.0% in RA, AS, and PsA, respectively (P < 0.05). Anxiety was significantly associated with frailty in subjects of all ages, particularly among those less than 65 years old (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Almost half of beneficiaries with AS or PsA aged 65 years old or older were frail, higher than in younger disabled beneficiaries. Further studies are needed to understand the risks of developing frailty in these diseases. Frailty was associated with anxiety, particularly in the younger age groups.

The Patients' Perspective of Important Glucocorticoid Effects: A Nominal Group Study Among Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Myositis

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

The objective of this cohort study was to understand the positive and negative effects of glucocorticoids (GCs) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and myositis from the patients' perspective with the aim of developing a patient-reported outcome measure.

METHODS

Included patients were asked to participate in 1 of 5 nominal groups where demographic information and a quality-of-life questionnaire were collected. Patients were asked 2 open-ended questions on (1) benefits and (2) harms related to GC use. We used the Nominal Group Technique, a highly structured consensus method in which responses are generated, shared, and ranked. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the results. Nominal group sessions took place from April to May 2019.

RESULTS

Of 206 patients who were approached, 21 patients participated, 17 with systemic lupus erythematosus and 4 with myositis, predominantly women with more than 10 years of steroid use. The domains ranked highest for GC benefits were disease control (55 votes), fast onset of action (30 votes), increased energy (10 votes), and pain relief (10 votes). The highest-ranked negative effects were bone loss (38 votes) and weight gain (16 votes); psychological effects and damaged internal organs each received 12 votes.

CONCLUSIONS

The top-ranked GC effects-both benefits and harms-among patients with systemic rheumatic disease are consistent with the top domains associated with GC use reported with other inflammatory diseases. This study informs the development of a comprehensive patient-reported outcome measure that can be used across inflammatory diseases.

The role of immunomodulatory medications in the treatment of COVID-19

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Given the role of inflammation in severe forms of COVID-19, glucocorticoids and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) have been assessed as potential COVID-19 therapies.

RECENT FINDINGS

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown that glucocorticoids reduce mortality in severe COVID-19. RCTs of DMARDs have shown mixed results varying on intervention and inclusion criteria. DMARDs, including colchicine or biologic agents, may improve COVID-19 outcomes in specific patient populations.

SUMMARY

Glucocorticoids are an effective treatment for the management of severe COVID-19. Further studies are needed to better define the patient populations who could benefit from DMARD use, as well as provide guidance regarding the timing of these interventions.

2021 American College of Rheumatology Guideline for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To develop updated guidelines for the pharmacologic management of rheumatoid arthritis.

METHODS

We developed clinically relevant population, intervention, comparator, and outcomes (PICO) questions. After conducting a systematic literature review, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to rate the certainty of evidence. A voting panel comprising clinicians and patients achieved consensus on the direction (for or against) and strength (strong or conditional) of recommendations.

RESULTS

The guideline addresses treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), including conventional synthetic DMARDs, biologic DMARDs, and targeted synthetic DMARDs, use of glucocorticoids, and use of DMARDs in certain high-risk populations (i.e., those with liver disease, heart failure, lymphoproliferative disorders, previous serious infections, and nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease). The guideline includes 44 recommendations (7 strong and 37 conditional).

CONCLUSION

This clinical practice guideline is intended to serve as a tool to support clinician and patient decision-making. Recommendations are not prescriptive, and individual treatment decisions should be made through a shared decision-making process based on patients' values, goals, preferences, and comorbidities.

2021 American College of Rheumatology Guideline for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To develop updated guidelines for the pharmacologic management of rheumatoid arthritis.

METHODS

We developed clinically relevant population, intervention, comparator, and outcomes (PICO) questions. After conducting a systematic literature review, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to rate the certainty of evidence. A voting panel comprising clinicians and patients achieved consensus on the direction (for or against) and strength (strong or conditional) of recommendations.

RESULTS

The guideline addresses treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), including conventional synthetic DMARDs, biologic DMARDs, and targeted synthetic DMARDs, use of glucocorticoids, and use of DMARDs in certain high-risk populations (i.e., those with liver disease, heart failure, lymphoproliferative disorders, previous serious infections, and nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease). The guideline includes 44 recommendations (7 strong and 37 conditional).

CONCLUSION

This clinical practice guideline is intended to serve as a tool to support clinician and patient decision-making. Recommendations are not prescriptive, and individual treatment decisions should be made through a shared decision-making process based on patients' values, goals, preferences, and comorbidities.

Racial, ethnic, and healthcare disparities in rheumatoid arthritis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review highlights the available data describing racial and ethnic health disparities among patients with rheumatoid arthritis in the United States from an epidemiological, disease activity, and wider socioeconomic standpoint.

RECENT FINDINGS

Despite centralized government initiatives to include more underrepresentative minority populations into research, many of the studies that examined rheumatoid arthritis still fail to include sizeable cohorts of races or ethnic groups other than whites. Evidence is slowly mounting that individual, provider, and system-level barriers exist and contribute to unequal care that leads to poorer outcomes amongst patients with rheumatoid arthritis. As rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive disease, early treatment is crucial to delay functional decline - a narrow window for many minority patients who are disproportionality affected by disability.

SUMMARY

To combat the inequality that exists amongst rheumatoid arthritis patients we must focus on why discrepancies exist on every level, system, physician, patient, and illness. Further research is needed to tease the complex interplay between race, social economic status, medical access, and outcomes to explain the disparities found in rheumatoid arthritis.

Association of cardiovascular disease and traditional cardiovascular risk factors with the incidence of dementia among patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence of dementia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) 65 years and older, and compare the incidence of dementia in patients with RA with prevalent cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD), CV risk factors but no prevalent CVD and neither (referent group).

METHODS

We analyzed claims data from the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) from 2006-2014. Eligibility criteria included continuous medical and pharmacy coverage for ≥ 12 months (baseline period 2006), > 2 RA diagnoses by a rheumatologist and at least 1 medication for RA. CVD and CV risk factors were identified using codes from the Chronic Condition Data Warehouse. Incident dementia was defined by 1 inpatient or 2 outpatient claims, or one dementia specific medication. Age-adjusted incident rates were calculated within each age strata. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate Hazard Ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

Among 56,567 patients with RA, 11,789 (20.1%) incident cases of dementia were included in the main analysis. Age adjusted incident rates were high among all groups and increased with age. After adjustment for age, sex, comorbidities and baseline CV and RA medications, patients with CVD and CV risk factors between 65 and 74 years had an increased risk for incident dementia compared to those without CVD and without CV risk factors (HR 1.18 (95% CI 1.04-1.33) and HR 1.03 (95% CI 1.00-1.11), respectively). We observed a trend towards increased risk in patients between 75 and 84 years with CVD at baseline.

CONCLUSION

Patients with RA with both CVD and CV risk factors alone are at an increased risk for dementia compared to those with neither CVD nor CV risk factors; however, this risk is attenuated with increasing age. The impact of RA treatment and CV primary prevention strategies in the prevention of dementia in patients with RA warrants further studies.

Use of Anakinra to Prevent Mechanical Ventilation in Severe COVID-19: A Case Series

Objective

To report the clinical experience with anakinra in preventing mechanical ventilation in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), symptoms of cytokine storm syndrome, and acute hypoxemic respiratory failure.

Methods

To be included in this retrospective case series, patients must have had severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS–CoV‐2), fever, ferritin levels >1,000 ng/ml with 1 additional laboratory marker of hyperinflammation, and acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure was defined as requiring 15 liters of supplemental oxygen via a nonrebreather mask combined with 6‐liter nasal cannula or use of ≥95% oxygen by high‐flow nasal cannula. We excluded patients in whom there was suspicion of bacterial infection or who were receiving immunosuppressants. Subcutaneous anakinra was initiated at 100 mg every 6 hours and gradually tapered off completely. The primary outcome was the prevention of mechanical ventilation.

Results

Of the 14 patients who met the criteria, 11 patients received anakinra for a maximum of 19 days. Seven of the patients who started anakinra treatment ≤36 hours after onset of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure did not require mechanical ventilation, and all were discharged home. Four patients who started anakinra ≥4 days after onset of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure required mechanical ventilation. Of those, 3 patients were extubated (2 discharged home and 1 remained hospitalized), and 1 died. All 3 patients who met the criteria but did not receive anakinra required mechanical ventilation. Two patients were extubated (1 discharged home and 1 remained hospitalized), and 1 remained on mechanical ventilation.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that anakinra could be beneficial in treating COVID‐19 patients with evidence of cytokine storm syndrome when initiated early after onset of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. Our patient selection and treatment approach should be considered for investigation in a clinical trial to determine the safety and efficacy of anakinra in treating patients with COVID‐19 and symptoms of cytokine storm syndrome.

Racial and ethnic differences in medication use among beneficiaries of social security disability insurance with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To determine racial/ethnic differences in the use of conventional synthetic or biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs or bDMARDs, respectively) and long-term glucocorticoids (GC) or opioids among beneficiaries of the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and <65 years old.

METHODS

Serial cross-sectional analyses of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services claims data (2007, 2011, and 2014) for individuals <65 years old with RA receiving SSDI Medicare and Medicaid, no longer working because they were considered disabled. Generalized estimating equation models were used to determine whether the proportion of patients who used csDMARD, bDMARD, long-term GC, and long-term opioids differed by race/ethnicity.

RESULTS

There were 12,931; 15,033; and 15,599 participants in 2007, 2011, and 2014, respectively. The overall use of csDMARD without bDMARD among beneficiaries of the SSDI were 31.1%, 30.3%, and 29.2%; 50.2%, 51.7%, and 53.8% used bDMARDs; 37.6%, 36.1%, and 34.4% used long-term GC; and 61.1%, 63.8%, and 63.7% used long-term opioids in years 2007, 2011, and 2014 respectively. The use of csDMARDs without bDMARDs was higher and the use of bDMARDs was lower among Blacks compared to Whites (adjusted absolute difference: +3.0%, +5.0%, and +3.3% for csDMARDs without bDMARDs and -4.6%, -5.7%, and -4.0% for bDMARDs in 2007, 2011, and 2014, respectively; all p<0.05). The use of bDMARDs was higher among Hispanics compared to Whites (adjusted absolute difference: +7.1%, +7.3%, and +7.5% in 2007, 2011, and 2014, respectively; all p<0.05). Long-term GC use was lower among Hispanics than among Whites only in year 2014 (absolute percentage point difference of -4.2%); no other difference in long-term GC use was identified. Whites were the patients with the highest use of long-term opioids (more than two third in each calendar year).

CONCLUSION

Racial and ethnic differences exists in regards to the treatment of RA among beneficiaries of the SSDI. These findings suggest that this already vulnerable population of patients with RA can also have a racial and ethnic disparity that can contribute to additional disease burden and that should be examined in order to inform future interventions or even inform future policy changes to the SSDI.

Barriers and facilitators for screening and treatment of hyperlipidemia among patients with inflammatory arthritis

Background

Patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA), defined as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The frequency of screening and treatment of hyperlipidemia, a modifiable CVD risk factor, is low in these patients. The reasons for low screening and treatment rates in this population are poorly understood. Our objective was to elicit the barriers and facilitators for screening and treatment of hyperlipidemia from the perspective of patients with IA.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study using focus groups of patients with IA, guided by Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory. We recruited patients with IA aged 40 years and older from a single academic center. Data were analyzed thematically.

Results

We conducted three focus groups with 17 participants whose mean age was 56 (range 45–81) years; 15 were women. Four themes emerged as barriers: 1) need for more information about arthritis, prognosis, and IA medications prior to discussing additional topics like CVD risk; 2) lack of knowledge about how IA increases CVD risk; 3) lifestyle changes to reduce overall CVD risk rather than medications; and 4) the need to improve doctor-patient communication about IA, medications, and CVD risk. One theme emerged as a facilitator: 5) potential for peer coaches (patients with IA who are trained about concepts of CVD risk and IA) to help overcome barriers to screening and treatment of hyperlipidemia to lower CVD risk.

Conclusion

Patients with IA identified educational needs about IA, increased CVD risk in IA and the need for improved doctor-patient communication about screening for hyperlipidemia and its treatment. Patients were receptive to working with peer coaches to facilitate achievement of these goals.

Validation of the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Pain and Function Subscales for Use in Total Hip Replacement and Total Knee Replacement Clinical Trials

BACKGROUND

Total hip replacement (THR)/total knee replacement (TKR) studies do not uniformly measure patient centered domains, pain, and function. We aim to validate existing measures of pain and function within subscales of standard instruments to facilitate measurement.

METHODS

We evaluated baseline and 2-year pain and function for THR and TKR using Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS)/Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), with primary unilateral TKR (4796) and THR (4801). Construct validity was assessed by correlating HOOS/KOOS pain and activities of daily living (ADL), function quality of life (QOL), and satisfaction using Spearman correlation coefficients. Patient relevant thresholds for change in pain and function were anchored to improvement in QOL; minimally clinically important difference (MCID) corresponded to "a little improvement" and a really important difference (RID) to a "moderate improvement." Pain and ADL function scores were compared by quartiles using Kruskal-Wallis.

RESULTS

Two-year HOOS/KOOS pain and ADL function correlated with health-related QOL (KOOS pain and Short Form 12 Physical Component Scale ρ = 0.54; function ρ = 0.63). Comparing QOL by pain and function quartiles, the highest levels of pain relief and function were associated with the most improved QOL. MCID for pain was estimated at ≥20, and the RID ≥29; MCID for function ≥14, and the RID ≥23. The measures were responsive to change with large effect sizes (≥1.8).

CONCLUSION

We confirm that HOOS/KOOS pain and ADL function subscales are valid measures of critical patient centered domains after THR/TKR, and achievable thresholds anchored to improved QOL. Cost-free availability and brevity makes them feasible, to be used in a core measurement set in total joint replacement trials.

Screening of Hyperlipidemia Among Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis in the United States

OBJECTIVE

To determine the proportion of primary lipid screening among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and compare it with those among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and patients with neither RA nor DM, and to assess whether primary lipid screening varied according to the health care provider (rheumatologist versus non-rheumatologist).

METHODS

We analyzed claims data from US private and public health plans from 2006-2010. Eligibility requirements included continuous medical and pharmacy coverage for ≥12 months (baseline period) and >2 physician diagnoses and relevant medications to define RA, DM, RA and DM, or neither condition. Among the 330,695 eligible participants, we calculated the proportion with a lipid profile ordered during the 2 years following baseline. Time-varying Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine the probability of hyperlipidemia screening in participants with RA according to provider specialty.

RESULTS

More than half of the patients were ages 41-71 years. Among patients with RA (n = 12,182), DM (n = 62,834), RA and DM (n = 1,082), and those who did not have either condition (n = 167,811), the proportion screened for hyperlipidemia was 37%, 60%, 55%, and 41%, respectively. Patients with RA who visited a rheumatologist and a non-rheumatology clinician during follow-up had a 55% (95% confidence interval 1.36-1.78) higher screening probability than those who only visited a rheumatologist.

CONCLUSION

Primary lipid screening was suboptimal among patients with RA. It was also lower for patients with DM and minimally different from the general population. Screening was higher for RA patients who received care from both a rheumatologist and a non-rheumatologist (e.g., primary care physician).

Views of primary care physicians and rheumatologists regarding screening and treatment of hyperlipidemia among patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Background

Despite high risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, screening and treatment of hyperlipidemia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is suboptimal. We asked primary care physicians (PCPs) and rheumatologists to identify barriers to screening and treatment for hyperlipidemia among patients with RA.

Methods

We recruited rheumatologists and PCPs nationally to participate in separate moderated structured group teleconference discussions using the nominal group technique. Participants in each group generated lists of barriers to screening and treatment for hyperlipidemia in patients with RA, then each selected the three most important barriers from this list. The resulting barriers were organized into physician-, patient- and system-level barriers, informed by the socioecological framework.

Results

Twenty-seven rheumatologists participated in a total of 3 groups (group size ranged from 7 to 11) and twenty PCPs participated in a total of 3 groups (group size ranged from 4 to 9). Rheumatologists prioritized physician level barriers (e.g. ‘ownership’ of hyperlipidemia screening and treatment), whereas PCPs prioritized patient-level barriers (e.g. complexity of RA and its treatments).

Conclusion

Rheumatologists were conflicted about whether treatment of CVD risk among patients with RA should fall within the role of the rheumatologist or the PCP. All participating PCPs agreed that CVD risk reduction was within their role. Factors that influenced PCPs’ decisions for screening and treatment for CVD risk in patients with RA were mainly related to their concern about how treatment for CVD risk could influence RA symptomatology (myalgia from statins) or how inflammation from RA and RA medications influences lipid profiles.

Perspectives of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients on Electronic Communication and Patient-Reported Outcome Data Collection: A Qualitative Study

OBJECTIVE

To identify the perspectives of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on electronic recording of between-visit disease activity and other patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and on sharing this information with health care providers or peers.

METHODS

Patients with RA were recruited to participate in focus groups from December 2014 to April 2015. The topic guide and analysis were based on the Andersen-Newman framework. Sessions were audiorecorded, transcribed, independently coded, and analyzed for themes.

RESULTS

Thirty-one patients participated in 7 focus groups. Their mean ± SD age was 51 ± 13.1 years, 94% were women, 52% were African American, 11% were Hispanic, and 37% were white. Three themes emerged: provider communication, information-seeking about RA, and social and peer support. Participants expressed a willingness to track disease activity data to share with health care providers electronically if providers would act on the information. Participants envisioned symptom tracking and information sharing as a mechanism to relay and obtain reliable information about RA. Participants were also interested in electronic communication between visits if it facilitated learning about symptom management and enhanced opportunities for social support among patients with RA.

CONCLUSION

Patients with RA may be amenable to electronic collection and sharing of PRO-type data between clinical encounters if it facilitates communication with health care providers and provides access to reliable information about RA. Providing patients with social support was important for enhancing PROs collection by helping them overcome barriers by using electronic devices and overcome reservations about the value of these data.

Which patient reported outcome domains are important to the rheumatologists while assessing patients with rheumatoid arthritis?

BACKGROUND

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) aid in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) management, but it is not well understood which measures would be most relevant to the rheumatologists for making treatment decisions.

METHODS

We recruited rheumatologists nationally to participate in moderated structured group teleconference discussions using the nominal group technique. Participants in each group generated lists of the elements from patient's history and signs that they use to make treatment recommendations for RA. Each participant then selected the three most important elements from the generated list. The results of each group were then combined and summarized.

RESULTS

Twenty-five rheumatologists participated in 4 groups (group size ranged from 4 to 8) and 150 available ranking votes across all groups. The statements generated across the 4 groups were categorized into 13 topics (including symptoms, physical function, comorbidities, social aspects, physical findings, response to treatment, treatment adherence, pain management, side effects, tests, access to care, contraception, and organ involvement), 10 of which received ranking votes. Symptoms received the highest ranking (46% of votes), followed by physical function (16%), and physical findings (13%). Among the unranked topics, social aspects had the highest number of statements (8 statements).

CONCLUSION

Rheumatologists highly valued patient-reported RA symptoms and physical function to inform their treatment decisions, even above objective data such as physical findings and test results. These results can guide the selection of validated PRO measures to assess these domains to inform the clinical care of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Cardiovascular co-morbidity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a narrative review of risk factors, cardiovascular risk assessment and treatment

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is markedly increased in patients with rheumatoid arthritis partly due to accelerated atherosclerosis from chronic inflammation. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, diabetes mellitus and physical inactivity are also highly prevalent among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and contribute to the CVD risk. The impact of traditional risk factors on the CVD risk appears to be different in the RA and non-RA population. However, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, body mass index and family history of CVD influence the CVD risk in RA patients the same way they do for the non-RA population. Despite that, screening and treatment of these risk factors is suboptimal among patients with RA. Recent guidelines from the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommend aggressive management of traditional risk factors in addition to RA disease activity control to decrease the CVD risk. Several CVD risk calculators are available for clinical use to stratify a patients' risk of developing a CVD event. Most of these calculators do not account for RA as a risk factor; thus, a multiplication factor of 1.5 is recommended to predict the risk more accurately. In order to reduce CVD in the RA population, national guidelines for the prevention of CVD should be applied to manage traditional risk factors in addition to aggressive control of RA disease activity. While current data suggests a protective effect of non-biologic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics on cardiovascular events among patients with RA, more data is needed to define this effect more accurately.

Lipid management among individuals with inflammatory arthritis in the national REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort

Objective

Hyperlipidemia guidelines do not currently identify inflammatory arthritis (IA) as a cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor. We compared hyperlipidemia treatment of individuals with and without IA (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis) in a large national cohort.

Methods

Participants from the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study were classified as having IA (without diabetes or hypertension); diabetes (but no IA); hypertension (but no diabetes or IA); or no IA, diabetes, or hypertension. Multivariable logistic regression models examined the odds of medical treatment among those with hyperlipidemia.

Results

Thirty-nine participants had IA, 5423 had diabetes, 7534 had hypertension, and 5288 had no diabetes, hypertension, or IA. The fully adjusted odds of treatment were similar between participants with IA and those without IA, hypertension, or diabetes. Participants with diabetes and no IA and participants with hypertension and no IA were twice as likely to be treated for hyperlipidemia as those without IA, diabetes, or hypertension.

Conclusion

Despite their higher CVD risk, patients with IA were as likely to be treated for hyperlipidemia as those without diabetes, hypertension, or IA. Lipid guidelines should identify IA as a CVD risk factor to improve CVD risk optimization in IA.

Improvement of High-Density Lipoprotein Function in Patients With Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated With Methotrexate Monotherapy or Combination Therapies in a Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

Abnormal function of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) has been implicated as a potential mechanism for the increased incidence of cardiovascular (CV) disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study was undertaken to evaluate changes in HDL function and HDL-associated proteins over 2 years of follow-up in patients with early RA receiving either methotrexate (MTX) monotherapy, MTX + etanercept (ETN) combination therapy, or MTX + sulfasalazine (SSZ) + hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) triple therapy in the Treatment of Early Aggressive Rheumatoid Arthritis (TEAR) trial.

METHODS

The antioxidant capacity of HDL, paraoxonase 1 (PON-1) activity, and levels of HDL-associated haptoglobin (Hp), HDL-associated apolipoprotein A-I (Apo A-I), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were measured in 550 TEAR participants at 4 time points (time 0 [pretreatment] and at 24, 48, and 102 weeks of treatment). Repeated-measures analysis using mixed-effects linear models with an autoregressive covariate structure was performed to model the within-subject covariance over time.

RESULTS

Mixed-effects models, which were controlled for traditional CV risk factors, treatment regimen, prednisone use, and statin use, demonstrated significant associations between RA disease activity, measured using the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, or C-reactive protein level, and the profile of HDL function over time. Specifically, decreases in RA disease activity over time were associated with increases in PON-1 activity and levels of HDL-associated Apo A-I, and decreases in the HDL inflammatory index and levels of MPO and HDL-associated Hp.

CONCLUSION

Reduced disease activity in patients with early RA treated with MTX monotherapy, MTX + ETN combination therapy, or MTX + SSZ + HCQ triple therapy in the TEAR trial was associated with improvements in the HDL function profile. Additional studies are warranted to evaluate abnormal HDL function as a potential mechanism and therapeutic target for CV risk in patients with RA.

Association of anti-peptidyl arginine deiminase antibodies with radiographic severity of rheumatoid arthritis in African Americans

Background

Evidence suggests that the presence of peptidyl arginine deiminase type 4 (PAD4) antibodies is associated with radiographic-severity rheumatoid arthritis (RA) among Caucasian patients. The presence of anti-PAD4 antibodies that were cross-reactivity against PAD3 was associated with more aggressive erosive disease (compared with the presence of anti-PAD4 antibodies without anti-PAD3 crossreactivity) in Caucasian RA patients. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of serum anti-PAD4 and anti-PAD4/PAD3 cross-reactive autoantibodies in African Americans with RA and whether these antibodies associate with radiographic severity and radiographic progression.

Methods

Serum anti-PAD4 and anti-PAD4/PAD3 antibodies were measured by immunoprecipitation, and the temporal trends in titers were analyzed. We compared total radiographic scores among anti-PAD4-positive, anti-PAD4/PAD3-positive, and anti-PAD4-negative patients and used a zero-inflated negative binomial model to determine associations between radiographic severity and antibody status. Logistic regression was used to analyze radiographic progression.

Results

Of 192 African-American patients with RA, 73 % were anti-citrullinated peptide/protein antibody (ACPA)-positive, 46 out of 192 (24 %) of whom had serum anti-PAD4 antibodies. Median (interquartile range) total Sharp van der Heijde radiographic scores were 2 (1–97.5) in ACPA-positive patients and 0 (0–3) in ACPA-negative patients (P < 0.001). Of the 46 anti-PAD4-positive patients, 20 had anti-PAD4 antibodies that cross-reacted with PAD3. In patients with early RA, anti-PAD4 and anti-PAD4/PAD3 antibody titers increased over time (P = 0.006, P = 0.001, respectively). Median (interquartile range) total radiographic scores were higher for anti-PAD4-positive than for anti-PAD4-negative patients (3 (1–115) versus 2 (0–11), respectively; P = 0.005). Median (interquartile range) total radiographic score for anti-PAD4/PAD3-positive patients was 76 (3–117) (P < 0.001) versus anti-PAD4-negative patients. Only anti-PAD4/PAD3 antibodies associated with radiographic severity (incidence rate ratio = 2.81; 95 % confidence interval 1.23, 6.43).

Conclusion

This analysis suggests that autoantibodies against PAD4 and PAD3 proteins may serve as biomarkers for identifying African-American patients with RA and higher radiographic severity.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13075-016-1126-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Association of Triple Therapy With Improvement in Cholesterol Profiles Over Two-Year Followup in the Treatment of Early Aggressive Rheumatoid Arthritis Trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate long-term changes in cholesterol levels in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who were randomized to begin treatment with methotrexate (MTX) monotherapy, MTX plus etanercept, or triple therapy (MTX plus sulfasalazine plus hydroxychloroquine) in the Treatment of Early Aggressive Rheumatoid Arthritis (TEAR) trial.

METHODS

Levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were analyzed in 416 patients participating in the TEAR trial, during 102 weeks of followup. Associations of cholesterol changes with disease activity and drug treatment were evaluated using repeated-measures analysis with mixed-effect linear models to model within-subject covariance over time.

RESULTS

Mixed-effect models controlling for traditional cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, TEAR treatment, and baseline prednisone and statin use demonstrated significant inverse associations of RA disease activity with changes in cholesterol over time. Decreases in the 28-joint Disease Activity Score, the C-reactive protein level, or the erythrocyte sedimentation rate were associated with increases in levels of HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol in all treatment groups (P < 0.001-0.035). Triple therapy was strongly associated with higher levels of HDL cholesterol, lower levels of LDL cholesterol, and higher ratios of total cholesterol:HDL cholesterol (P < 0.001 for all) compared to MTX monotherapy or MTX plus etanercept therapy over the 2-year followup.

CONCLUSION

Decreases in RA disease activity over long-term followup were associated with increases in cholesterol levels in patients with early RA treated with either biologic or nonbiologic therapies. The use of triple therapy during 2 years of followup was associated with higher HDL cholesterol levels, lower LDL cholesterol levels, and lower total cholesterol:HDL cholesterol ratios compared to those observed in patients who received MTX monotherapy or MTX plus etanercept combination therapy. Additional studies are needed to assess the effects of these cholesterol changes on CV events in patients with RA.

Comparative Effectiveness of Etanercept and Adalimumab in Patient Reported Outcomes and Injection-Related Tolerability

OBJECTIVE

To describe patient preferences in selecting specific biologics and compare clinical response using patient reported outcomes (PROs) among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) started on different anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapies.

METHODS

Participants were enrollees in Kaiser Permanente Northern California. Patients with RA who had at least two provider visits and started a new anti-TNF therapy from 10/2010-8/2011, were eligible for participation in this longitudinal study. Using a telephone survey, patient preferences in biologic selection and RAPID3, MDHAQ, and SF-12 scores were collected at baseline and at 6 months. Patient scores rating injection/infusion-site burning and stinging (ISBS) were collected at 6 months.

RESULTS

In all, 267 patients with RA responded to the baseline survey, of whom 57% preferred an injectable biologic, 22% preferred an infused biologic, and 21% had no preference. Motivation for injectable biologics was convenience (92%) and for infusion therapy was dislike or lack of self-efficacy for self-injection (16%). After 6 months of treatment with anti-TNF, 70% of the 177 patients who answered the ISBS question reported ISBS with the last dose; on a scale of 1 (none) to 10 (worst), 41% of these reported a score of 2-5; and 29% reported a score of 6-10. Adalimumab users experienced 3.2 times (95% confidence interval 1.2-8.6) the level of ISBS that etanercept users experienced. There were no significant differences in RAPID3, MDHAQ, or SF-12 scores between etanercept or adalimumab initiators.

CONCLUSION

Convenience and fear of self-injection were important considerations to patients selecting a biologic drug. Although more convenient, adalimumab associated with more ISBS than did etanercept, and this rate was higher than reported in clinical trials. At 6 months, PROs did not differ between etanercept and adalimumab users.

Association of hyperlipidaemia, inflammation and serological status and coronary heart disease among patients with rheumatoid arthritis: data from the National Veterans Health Administration

Objective

To examine the association of serum lipids, inflammation and seropositivity on coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

The incidence of hospitalised myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke was calculated in a cohort of patients with RA receiving care within the national Veterans Health Administration from 1998 to 2011. Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine the association between these outcomes and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), C reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) as time-varying variables, divided into quintiles.

Results

There were 37 568 patients with RA in the cohort with mean age of 63 years (SD 12.1); 90% were men. There was a no clear association between LDL-C and CHD/stroke. Compared with lower HDL-C (<34 mg/dL), higher HDL-C (≥54 mg/dL) was inversely associated with MI (hazard ratio (HR)=0.68, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.85) and stroke (HR=0.69, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.96). Higher CRP >2.17 mg/dL (vs CRP <0.26 mg/dL) was associated with increased risk (HR=2.43, 95% CI 1.77 to 3.33) for MI and 2.02 (95% CI 1.32 to 3.08) for stroke. ESR >47 mm/h compared with <8 mm/h had an HR 1.87 (95% CI 1.39 to 2.52) for MI and 2.00 (95% CI 1.26 to 3.18) for stroke. The association between MI was significant for RA seropositivity (HR=1.23, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.48).

Conclusions

In this predominantly older male RA cohort, there was no clear association between LDL-C and CHD, whereas higher HDL-C was inversely associated with MI and stroke. CRP and ESR were similarly associated with increase MI risk and stroke, reflecting the prominent role of inflammation in CHD risk in RA.

Systematic review of tumor necrosis factor inhibitor discontinuation studies in rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND

Anti-tumor necrosis factor agents (anti-TNFs) have changed the course of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for more than a decade. Use of these medications often results in remission, or at least low disease activity (LDA), but at a substantial cost. It has been postulated that discontinuation of these medications among patients with RA in remission or LDA may be possible without an associated increase in RA disease activity.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this systematic literature review was to summarize published articles regarding discontinuation of anti-TNFs in patients with RA.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was conducted to identify English-language articles indexed in PubMed from July 1999 through June 2013 reporting results regarding anti-TNF discontinuation in patients with RA. Study designs included observational longitudinal studies and clinical trials. Outcomes had to include 1 of the following: time to flare after anti-TNF discontinuation, failure to remain in remission, or proportion of patients in LDA or remission at the end of the study.

RESULTS

Ten studies examined discontinuation of anti-TNF therapies in RA. Inclusion criteria varied significantly across studies in terms of disease activity status (remission or LDA) and duration of this disease status (1 year or 1 month) before discontinuation being attempted. Results from larger studies (eg, >100 patients) suggest that the proportion of patients who discontinued anti-TNF and did not have an increase in disease activity ranged from 24% to 81%. In 3 studies that evaluated durability of LDA or remission after anti-TNF discontinuation, the mean time to relapse varied from 15 weeks to 17 months. In studies that analyzed radiographic data, once therapies were reinitiated after an increase in disease activity was detected, patients generally did not experience progression in structural damage.

CONCLUSIONS

Discontinuation of anti-TNF therapy is achievable for many RA patients who start in clinical remission or LDA. However, heterogeneous inclusion criteria and highly variable outcome definitions across studies make it difficult to efficiently summarize the literature on this topic or to conduct a meta-analysis. There is a lack of evidence regarding how to best predict which patients have the greatest likelihood of continuing to do well after discontinuation of anti-TNF therapy.

Changes in lipoproteins associated with methotrexate or combination therapy in early rheumatoid arthritis: results from the treatment of early rheumatoid arthritis trial

OBJECTIVE

To study changes in lipid profiles at 24 weeks among patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) participating in the Treatment of Early RA (TEAR) trial and randomized to receive methotrexate (MTX) plus etanercept, triple therapy (MTX plus sulfasalazine plus hydroxychloroquine), or aggressively titrated MTX monotherapy.

METHODS

This TEAR substudy included 459 participants with biologic specimens. Serum levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were measured at 0 and 24 weeks.

RESULTS

At 24 weeks, there were statistically significant increases in mean cholesterol levels in the MTX plus etanercept, triple therapy, and MTX monotherapy arms. The observed increases were 31.4 mg/dl, 28.7 mg/dl, and 30 mg/dl in LDL cholesterol, 19.3 mg/dl, 22.3 mg/dl, and 20.6 mg/dl in HDL cholesterol, and 56.8 mg/dl, 53 mg/dl, and 57.3 mg/dl in total cholesterol (P < 0.0001 versus baseline for each comparison). There was a statistically significant decrease in the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol at 24 weeks in all 3 treatment groups versus baseline. There was no difference in any lipid changes between the 3 treatment arms. After multivariable adjustment, change in C-reactive protein, but not the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints, was associated with change in LDL cholesterol (P = 0.03) and total cholesterol (P = 0.01). Baseline glucocorticoid use was associated with changes in HDL cholesterol (P = 0.03) and total cholesterol (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol increased comparably shortly after initiation of MTX plus etanercept, triple therapy, and MTX monotherapy among patients with early RA with active disease participating in a clinical trial. The clinical relevance of short-term changes in traditional lipids on cardiovascular outcomes remains to be determined.

Clinical response within 12 weeks as a predictor of future low disease activity in patients with early RA: results from the TEAR Trial

OBJECTIVE

Rapidly predicting future outcomes based on short-term clinical response would be helpful to optimize rheumatoid arthritis (RA) management in early disease. Our aim was to derive and validate a clinical prediction rule to predict low disease activity (LDA) at 1 year among patients participating in the Treatment of Early Aggressive Rheumatoid Arthritis (TEAR) trial escalating RA therapy by adding either etanercept or sulfasalazine + hydroxychloroquine [triple therapy (TT)] after 6 months of methotrexate (MTX) therapy.

METHODS

Eligible subjects included in the derivation cohort (used for model building, n = 186) were participants with moderate or higher disease activity [Disease Activity Score 28-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS-ESR) > 3.2] despite 24 weeks of MTX monotherapy who added either etanercept or sulfasalazine + hydroxychloroquine. Clinical characteristics measured within the next 12 weeks were used to predict LDA 1 year later using multivariable logistic regression. Validation was performed in the cohort of TEAR patients randomized to initially receive either MTX + etanercept or TT.

RESULTS

The derivation cohort yielded 3 prediction models of varying complexity that included age, DAS28 at various timepoints, body mass index, and ESR (area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve up to 0.83). Accuracy of the prediction models ranged between 80% and 95% in both derivation and validation cohorts, depending on the complexity of the model and the cutpoints chosen for response and nonresponse. About 80% of patients could be predicted to be responders or nonresponders at Week 12.

CONCLUSION

Clinical data collected early after starting or escalating disease-modifying antirheumatic drug/biologic treatment could accurately predict LDA at 1 year in patients with early RA. For patients predicted to be nonresponders, treatment could be changed at 12 weeks to optimize outcomes.

Systematic review of tocilizumab for rheumatoid arthritis: a new biologic agent targeting the interleukin-6 receptor

BACKGROUND

Tocilizumab (TCZ), a humanized anti-interleukin-6 receptor monoclonal antibody, represents a new treatment strategy for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is currently approved in the United States for RA patients who have failed to improve with at least one anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to summarize the efficacy and safety profile of TCZ.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was conducted to identify English-language articles within PubMed and the Cochrane Library from January 1989 to August 2011 reporting results from Phase III TCZ double-blind, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), noncontrolled clinical trials, and open-label extensions with a duration ≥6 months. Study outcomes had to include at least one of the following: American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 20, 50, or 70 response rates; tender/swollen joint count; Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index; radiographic outcomes and drug persistence. Phase II RCTs were included only if they contained relevant information not available in Phase III RCTs. Relevant studies were selected to evaluate TCZ's pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.

RESULTS

Ten published clinical trials (7 Phase III, 3 Phase II) for TCZ were retrieved (7833 articles initially identified) from PubMed and 31 from the Cochrane library. Compared with methotrexate (MTX) monotherapy, TCZ 8 mg/kg IV monotherapy had higher rates of ACR20 (P < 0.001), ACR50 (P = 0.002), and ACR70 (P < 0.001) scores at week 24. TCZ 8 mg/kg IV plus oral MTX had a higher ACR20 response rate than oral MTX plus placebo in patients with RA who failed to respond to MTX or anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy (P < 0.001). Patients receiving TCZ 8 mg/kg had less radiographic progression on the Genant-modified Sharp score (85% had no progression) than the control group (67% had no progression) (P < 0.001). The rate of serious infections was 4.7 events/100 patient-years of exposure in the TCZ groups. A greater frequency of neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, hyperlipidemia, and transaminitis was observed with TCZ compared with placebo.

CONCLUSION

The short-term efficacy and safety profile of TCZ is promising. Additional long-term safety data are needed to better characterize the risk-benefit profile of this agent.