Active Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Research Articles

Serum amyloid a level and musculoskeletal ultrasound in assessment of disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Aim of the workTo assess serum amyloid A (SAA) level and study its relation to musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) findings and to clinical disease activity indices in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Patients and methods60 RA patients and 60 matched controls were enrolled. Disease activity score-C-reactive protein (DAS-28-CRP) and simplified disease activity index (SDAI) and clinical disease activity Index (CDAI) were determined. MSUS evaluation was done using 12 -joint power Doppler ultrasound (PDUS) score. SAA was analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. ResultsSAA levels were highly significant in patients (35.1 ± 3.6 mg/l) than in controls (1.6 ± 0.12 mg/l)(p < 0.001). There was significantly higher SAA level among steroid users (56.7 %)(p = 0.001) and a lower level among leflunomide users (30 %)(p = 0.04). SAA and PDUS significantly increased in patients with low disease activity (n = 13) compared to those in remission (n = 10)(p < 0.001). SAA significantly correlated with disease duration (p = 0.004), morning stiffness duration, swollen joint count, tender joint count, rheumatoid factor, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide, DAS-28-CRP, SDAI, CDAI, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, CRP and total 12-joint PDUS score (p < 0.001). The highest discriminatory ability of active RA and remission was attributed to the combination of SAA, PDUS and CRP (accuracy = 96.7 %, AUC = 0.99; sensitivity 96 % and specificity 100 %). ConclusionRA patients have a significantly increased level of SAA which indicates a key pathogenic role in the disease. SAA level is a potentially effective biomarker in the assessment of disease activity in RAand allied to PDUS. Combining SAA, PDUS and CRP provide the highest sensitivity and specificity in discrimination of active RA from remission.

Beneficial Effects of Physical Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: Focus on Active Biomolecules

Physical Activity (PA) has a fundamental role in subjects with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), in terms of motility, joint function, muscle wasting, BMI (Body Mass Index), Cardiovascular Fitness (CRF), mental health, but also changes in bioactive molecules that might influence the disease activity and patient’s wellbeing. Literature was searched for clinical trials, randomized-controlled trials, and pilot studies published in the last 15 years. Studies using as adjunctive therapy aerobic exercise, High- Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), and moderate training were included. The available papers shown that exercise programs improve joint’s mobility and flexibility and the overall health status, without differences regarding age, gender or disease activity. All these findings are supported by the modulatory role of exercise-induced cytokines as interleukin-6 (IL- 6) and irisin, together with a reduction of inflammatory markers.

Impact of central sensitization on clinical parameters in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of central sensitization (CS) on pain sensitivity, disease activity, neuropathic symptoms and quality of life (QoL) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Sixty patients diagnosed with RA according to the American College of Rheumatology and the European League Against Rheumatism (ACR/EULAR) 2010 classification criteria were included in the study. Patient assessment tools included visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, algometer for pain pressure threshold (PPT), disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS-28) for disease activity (DA), central sensitization inventory (CSI) for CS and rheumatoid arthritis QoL questionnaire for QoL. Central sensitization was identified in 29 (48.3%) patients. Although erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein and swollen joint count were comparable between patients with or without CS, higher VAS, tender joint count and DAS-28 scores were observed in patients with CS (all p<0.05). Pain pressure thresholds (PPT) at the wrist (PPTW) and the trapezius muscle (PPTT) were lower in patients with CS (p=0.004, p=0.001, respectively). It was found that neuropathic pain components increased and quality of life decreased as CSI scores increased (all p=0.000). The presence of CS leads to pain sensitivity as well as overestimation of disease activity in RA patients. The presence of CS should not be overlooked in RA patients to avoid overtreatment for inflammation and to determine the treatment need for nociplastic pain.

Importance of STAT3 Polymorphisms on the Risk and Clinical Characteristics of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) has been introduced as one of the critical genetic factors in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in microRNA binding sites, known as miRSNPs, are a class of common variants in the 3' untranslated regions of genes targeted by miRNAs. miRSNPs unbalance gene expression by disrupting the binding regions of microRNAs. In this study, we intended to evaluate the association of two miRSNPs with the risk of RA development and its clinical features. We studied 120 Iranian patients with RA and 125 non-RA subjects as controls. The genotypes and alleles of rs1053005 and rs1053023 in each individual were assessed by the high-resolution melting method. The distribution of STAT3 variants did not differ markedly in RA patients compared to healthy controls. Stratification analysis revealed that rs1053005 was linked with a higher concentration of C-reactive protein and an increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, two indicators of inflammation and disease activity in RA patients. The rs1053023 variant was correlated with higher levels of creatinine as an indicator of renal involvement. Our data demonstrate an association between STAT3 variants and clinical characteristics of RA, such as disease activity and probably kidney impairment. However, we did not observe a significant relationship between the two targeted variants and a predisposition to RA.

S100A8 and S100A12 Proteins as Biomarkers of High Disease Activity in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis That Can Be Regulated by Epigenetic Drugs.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune chronic inflammatory disease that is still not well understood in terms of its pathogenesis and presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Monocytes are key players in initiating and maintaining inflammation through the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and S100 proteins in RA. This study aimed to test a specific DNA methylation inhibitor (RG108) and activator (budesonide) in the regulation of pro-inflammatory mediators-especially the S100 proteins. We also searched for new biomarkers of high disease activity in RA patients. RNA sequencing analysis of healthy controls (HCs) and RA monocytes was performed. Genes such as the S100 family, TNF, and IL-8 were validated by qRT-PCR following DNA-methylation-targeted drug treatment in a monocytic THP-1 cell line. The concentrations of the S100A8, S100A11, and S100A12 proteins in the sera and synovial fluids of RA patients were tested and correlated with clinical parameters. We demonstrated that RA monocytes had significantly increased levels of S100A8, S100A9, S100A11, S100A12, MYD88, JAK3, and IQGAP1 and decreased levels of IL10RA and TGIF1 transcripts. In addition, stimulation of THP-1 cells with budesonide statistically reduced the expression of the S100 family, IL-8, and TNF genes. In contrast, THP-1 cells treated with RG108 had increased levels of the S100 family and TNF genes. We also revealed a significant upregulation of S100A8, S100A11, and S100A12 in RA patients, especially in early RA compared to HC sera. In addition, protein levels of S100A8, S100A11, and S100A12 in RA synovial fluids compared to HC sera were significantly increased. Overall, our data suggest that the S100A8 and S100A12 proteins are strongly elevated during ongoing inflammation, so they could be used as a better biomarker of disease activity than CRP. Interestingly, epigenetic drugs can regulate these S100 proteins, suggesting their potential use in targeting RA inflammation.

Linkage of calprotectin with inflammation, activity and treatment response of rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis.

Aim: This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the clinical value of calprotectin in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Methods: The data regarding blood calprotectin levels in RA patients were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, Web of Scienceand Cochrane databases. Results: Thirty-one eligible articles were included. Calprotectin was increased in RA patients compared with healthy controls (mean difference [MD]=1.48, 95% CI: 1.16-1.79). Calprotectin was positively associated with C-reactive protein (correlation coefficient [CC]=0.58, 95% CI: 0.53-0.63) and disease activity score (CC=0.48, 95% CI: 0.38-0.58) in RA patients. Interestingly, calprotectin showed an increased trend in RA responders compared withnonresponders, but without statistical significance (MD=0.38, 95% CI: -0.09-0.85). Conclusion: Blood calprotectin relates to disease risk, inflammationand activity in RA patients.

Collagen triple-helix repeat containing 1 (CTHRC1) protein in rheumatoid arthritis patients: Relation to disease clinical, radiographic and ultrasound scores

Aim of the workto study the relationship between collagen triple helix repeat containing 1 (CTHRC1) protein serum levels and disease activity, patients’ well-being, as well as ultrasonographic and radiological scores in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patients and methodsThe work included 70 RA patients and 70 age and gender matched controls. The disease activity score (DAS28) and health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) were assessed. Modified Larsen's score was used to score the hands and feet digital radiographs and musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) examination using ultrasound-7 score was carried out. Serum CTHRC1 levels were measured by ELISA. ResultsPatients were 62 females and 8 males (F: M 7.8:1), their mean age was 42.2 ± 17.7 years and median disease duration 15 years. The median CTHRC1 serum levels were significantly higher in patients (453 ng/dl; 158–688 ng/dl) than control (99 ng/dl; 67–179 ng/dl) (p < 0.001). CTHRC1 was significantly increased in those with high activity (p < 0.001).CTHRC1 levels significantly correlated with DAS28 (r = 0.87,p < 0.001), CRP (r = 0.43,p < 0.001) and total ultrasound-7 score (r = 0.27,p = 0.03). Only total US7 score (p = 0.003) and CTHRC1 (p < 0.001) were significant predictors of activity. Serum CTHRC1 could significantly differentiate between patients and controls at cut off 179 ng/ml; sensitivity 95.7 % and specificity 100 % (p < 0.001) and between patients active and in remission at cut off 324 ng/ml; sensitivity 92.2 % and specificity 94.7 % (p < 0.001). ConclusionsPatients with RA have significantly elevated serum levels of CTHRC1. In the process of structural bone ultrasonographic abnormalities as well as disease activity in RA patients, elevated CTHRC1 levels play a key role.

Validity of clinical disease activity index (CDAI) to evaluate the disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis patients in Sri Lanka: A prospective follow up study based on newly diagnosed patients.

Routine use of the Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS28) to assess the disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is limited due to its dependency on laboratory investigations and the complex calculations involved. In contrast, the clinical disease activity index (CDAI) is simple to calculate, which makes the "treat to target" strategy for the management of RA more practical. We aimed to assess the validity of CDAI compared to DAS28 in RA patients in Sri Lanka. A total of 103 newly diagnosed RA patients were recruited, and their disease activity was calculated using DAS 28 and CDAI during the first visit to the clinic (0 months) and re-assessed at 4 and 9 months of follow-up visits. The validity of the CDAI, compared to DAS 28, was evaluated. Patients had a female preponderance (6:1) and a short symptom duration (mean = 6.33 months). Internal consistency reliability of CDAI, as assessed by Cronbach's α test, was 0.868. Convergent validity was assessed by correlation and Kappa statistics. Strong positive correlations were observed between CDAI and DAS 28 at the baseline (0 months), 4 and 9 months of evaluation (Spearman's r = 0.935, 0.935, 0.910, respectively). Moderate-good inter-rater agreements between the DAS-28 and CDAI were observed (Weighted kappa of 0.660, 0.519, and 0.741 at 0, 4, and 9 months respectively). Discriminant validity, as assessed by ROC curves at 0, 4th, and 9th months of the evaluation, showed the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.958, 0.979, and 0.910, respectively. The suggested cut-off points for different CDAI disease activity categories according to ROC curves were ≤ 4 (Remission), > 4 to ≤ 6 (low), > 6 to ≤ 18 (moderate), > 18 (high). These findings indicate that the CDAI has good concordance with DAS 28 in assessing the disease activity in RA patients, in this study sample.

Association between Paraoxonase/Arylesterase Activity of Serum PON-1 Enzyme and Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

A decrease in serum paraoxonase (PON-1) and arylesterase (ARE) activity has been reported in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and linked to chronic inflammation and impaired antioxidant defense. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to critically appraise the current evidence on plasma/serum concentrations of PON-1 and ARE activity in RA patients and healthy controls. The Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were searched from inception to November 2021. We used random-effects meta-analysis. The risk of bias was estimated using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist tool. The certainty of the evidence was assessed with GRADE. The study complied with the PRISMA statements and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022345380). Seventeen studies reported PON-1 activity (1144 RA patients, 797 controls) and ten reported ARE activity (1367 RA patients, 1037 controls). RA patients had significantly lower PON-1 (SMD = -1.32, 95% CI -1.94 to -0.70; p &lt; 0.001) and ARE activity (SMD = -0.91, 95% CI -1.37 to -0.46; p &lt; 0.001). There was substantial heterogeneity (PON, I2 97%; ARE, 95.7%, p &lt; 0.001 for both). There was no publication bias. The pooled SMD values did not significantly change after sensitivity analysis. The certainty of the evidence was very low due to the observational nature of the studies and the large heterogeneity. Our meta-analysis has shown that both serum PON-1 and ARE activity are significantly lower in RA patients, suggesting a deficit in antioxidant defense mechanisms in this disease.

CD169+ Monocyte and Regulatory T Cell Subsets Are Associated with Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is influenced by activation of circulating and synovial immune cells. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) and monocytes are key cells that drive inflammation in RA. This study investigated if a relationship exists between disease activity in RA and circulating Treg and monocyte numbers and phenotypes. A potential sialic acid (Sia) mediated link between Tregs and monocytes was also probed in vitro. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from RA patient (n = 62) and healthy control (n = 21) blood using density gradient separation. Flow cytometry was used to count and phenotype Treg and monocyte subsets, and to sort healthy control Tregs for Sia cell culture experiments. The effects of Sia on activated Treg FoxP3 and NFκB expression was assessed by flow cytometry and concentrations of secreted TNFα, IL-10 and IFNγ determined by ELISA. High disease activity RA patients who were unresponsive to disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (n = 31), have significantly lower relative numbers (percentages) of CD4+CD25+CD127- Tregs (p &lt; 0.01) and memory CD45RA-FoxP3+ Tregs (p &lt; 0.01), compared to low disease activity responders (n = 24). Relative numbers of non-classical CD169+ monocytes are associated with disease activity in RA (p = 0.012). Sia reduced Treg expression of FoxP3, NFκB and cytokines in vitro. A strong association has been identified between non-classical CD169+ monocytes and post-treatment disease activity in RA. This study also indicates that Sia can reduce Treg activation and cytokine release. We postulate that such a reduction could be mediated by interaction with sialyted proteins captured by CD169+ monocytes.

The Correlation of IL-6 Levels With the Degree of Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity at Dr. Mohammad Hoesin Palembang

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that requires careful management and regular evaluation of the degree of disease activity. AR is known for its pathophysiology and is strongly influenced by the increase of proinflammatory cytokines, especially IL-6. This study was conducted to determine the correlation of IL-6 levels with the degree of disease activity in AR patients at Dr. Mohammad Hoesin Palembang. A cross-sectional study was conducted on RA patients at the Rheumatology Polyclinic, Department of Internal Medicine, Dr. Moh Hoesin Palembang, who met the inclusion criteria consecutively in October 2021. The degree of RA disease activity was assessed using the Disease Activity Score (DAS 28). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 24.0. A total of 34 subjects participated in the study, with most being women and a median age of 49.5 years. The majority of subjects had a moderate-high degree of RA activity. There is no significant correlation between IL-6 levels with DAS 28 CRP (r=0.256, p=0.072) and DAS 28 LED (r= 0.056, p=0.376). There was no significant correlation between serum IL-6 levels and disease activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis patients at Dr. Mohammad Hoesin Palembang.

Oxi-inflammatory stress and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 in post-COVID active rheumatoid arthritis patients

Background: Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) has sparked the deterioration of human health at an unprecedented scale globally and affected the patient’s musculoskeletal health also. It is conceivable that active rheumatoid arthritis (ARA) patients recovered from COVID-19 after second wave are at enhanced risk of cardiovascular complications. Aim and Objectives: In this context, the present study was intended to estimate the soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), serum paraoxonase (PON), and markers of oxi-inflammatory stress in ARA patients diagnosed reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction negative after second wave of COVID-19 and to determine their role in predicting cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Materials and Methods: Sixty ARA patients (30–45 years) of Delhi-NCR region were recruited and categorized into two groups (n=30 in each group; on the basis of their history of COVID infection). Using standard methods, study group parameters were estimated in ARA patients and statistically compared it with that of 30 healthy controls by using student’s t-test. Results: Serum sVCAM-1, malondialdehyde (MDA), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were significantly high (P&lt;0.001) in Group II and Group III subjects as compared to healthy controls. Conversely, serum PON activity was found to be significantly low (P&lt;0.001) in Group III as compared healthy controls. However, PON activity was altered insignificantly (P&lt;0.1) with respect to Group II subjects. sVCAM-1 levels were positively correlated with MDA, CRP, and atherogenic index; and negatively correlated with PON activity (P&lt;0.001) in post-COVID ARA patients. Conclusion: Thus, enhanced sVCAM-1 and reduced PON activity along with enhanced oxi-inflammatory stress status are more efficient molecular signatures of CVD risk among post-COVID ARA patients. Therefore, the present study emphasizes the dire need of special attention to provide cardiovascular rehabilitation strategy among post-COVID ARA patients along with reduction of oxi-inflammatory stress to reduce the CVD mortality in ARA population.

Evaluation of the Tocilizumab therapy in human cancers: Latest evidence and clinical potential.

Tocilizumab (Actemra®), as the first human interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R) antagonist, has been used in treating moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who were undertreatment with one or more disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and did not improve significantly. Tocilizumab also has been administrated and confirmed in several inflammatory-based diseases. Recently, tocilizumab has been prescribed to treat patients with advanced coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and is used as one of the effective drugs in reducing the increased inflammation in these patients. On the other hand, cancer treatment has been considered by researchers one of the most important challenges to human health. Regarding inflammatory-associated malignancies, it has been shown that inflammatory mediators such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) may play a role in tumorigenesis, thus targeting these cytokines as evidence suggested can be useful in the treatment of these types of cancers. This review summarized the role of the IL-6/IL-6R axis in inflammation-based cancers and discussed the effectiveness and challenges of treating cancer with tocilizumab.

Quality of life assessment and its correlation with disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease of unknown etiology that leads to synovial membrane inflammation &amp; destruction of the synovial joints. Quality of life (QoL) is a multidimensional concept that is used to describe the individuals’ perceptions, satisfaction, and evaluation of different areas of their own lives. Objective: to assess the impact of rheumatoid arthritis on the quality of life of the patients &amp; its correlation with disease activity &amp; functional impairment. Materials and methods: The study was carried out on 60 RA patients. All patients were subjected to complete clinical examination &amp; laboratory assessment. Disease activity had been assessed through Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS 28). Functional assessment by HAQ-DI (Health Assessment Questionnaire - Disability Index) was done. Quality of life assessment by: World Health Organization Quality of Life BREF (WHO QoL BREF) and Rheumatoid Arthritis Quality of Life (RAQoL). Sleep quality was assessed by PSQI. Results: There was significant negative correlation between QoL assessed by (WHO QoL BREF) &amp; DAS. There was significant positive correlation between QoL assessed by RAQoL &amp; DAS (P &lt; 0.001), quality of sleep assessed by (PSQI) &amp; DAS.

Serum Level of Galactin-1 Association with Disease Activity of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients under Conventional Treatment

Serum Level of Galactin-1 Association with Disease Activity of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients under Conventional Treatment

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (Fgf23) levels and their relationship with disease activity, bone mineral density, and radiological damage score in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a single center case–control study

BackgroundThere is limited and conflicting information on Fgf23 levels and their relationship with bone loss and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this study was to compare Fgf23 levels in RA patients with a healthy population and to evaluate the relationship between Fgf23 levels in RA with disease activity, bone mineral density (BMD), and radiological damage score.ResultsThe median Fgf23 levels in patients with RA and in hospital staff were 20.06 (11.2–51.0) and 26.40 (12.6–49.5) pg/ml (P < 0.001), respectively. RA patients were divided into active (DAS28 > 3.2) and inactive (DAS28 ≤ 3.2) subgroups. The median Fgf23 levels in active and inactive RA patients were 22.12 (13.90–51.02) and 17.71 (11.20–31.19) pg/ml, respectively (P = 0.001). BMD of RA patients was evaluated with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and radiological damage scores were evaluated independently by two investigators using the modified Sharp score (MSS). In RA patients, Fgf23 values correlated with DAS28 and with erosion score of observer-2 (r = 0.297, P = 0.036), but not with erosion score of observer-1 (r = 0.252, P = 0.077). No correlation was found between DAS28 and femur and lumbar vertebra BMD.ConclusionIn RA, Fgf23 is not associated with BMD but may be associated with local bone loss and disease activity.

Implication and utility of DAS-28 squeeze in rheumatoid arthritis: an Indian experience.

The purpose of this study was to compare and correlate disease activity score including 28 joints counts (DAS-28) Squeeze with DAS-28 and clinical disease activity index (CDAI) to assess disease activity (DA) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. A total of 100 RA patients were included in the study. All subjects were evaluated for disease activity using the DAS-28 Squeeze, DAS-28, and CDAI. Spearman's rho (ρ) was calculated to determine the correlation between DAS-28 Squeeze, DAS-28, and CDAI. Cross-tabulation was performed to compare and calculate the kappa coefficient for the link between two indices. For each scale, Cronbach's alpha was also calculated to test dependability. The average age of the study group was 43.9±11.3. The mean scores on the DAS-28 Squeeze, DAS-28, and CDAI were, respectively, 3.58±1.06, 5.06±1.56, and 22.81±14.92. p=0.001 indicated a significant correlation between DAS-28 Squeeze and DAS-28 (ρ=0.986) and CDAI (ρ=0.939) for DAS-28 Squeeze. There was a considerable correlation between all three measures at various DA levels. Cronbach's alpha for DAS-28 Squeeze, DAS-28, and CDAI were respectively 0.716, 0.663, and 0.734. DAS-28 Squeeze exhibited a substantial positive association with DAS-28 and CDAI for assessing disease activity and appears to be a more useful and reliable method than DAS-28 and CDAI for monitoring disease activity in RA patients.

Correlation of IL-17 Serum Levels with Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Degree of Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients at Dr. Mohammad Hoesin General Hospital Palembang, Indonesia

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (AR) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic and progressive systemic inflammation, in which the joints are the main target. AR has long been associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Vascular inflammation plays an important role in atherosclerosis. In AR, there is an increase in IL-17, which accelerate the formation of atherosclerosis. In Indonesia alone, there is no data that publishes the correlation between IL-17 levels with carotid IMT and the severity of AR.&#x0D; Methods: This type of research is a descriptive observational study with a correlation test approach. A total of 31 subjects participated in this study who were AR patients and calculated a DAS score of 28. Carotid IMT was measured by high-resolution carotid Doppler ultrasound B-mode ultrasound machine (PHILIPS, iE33) equipped with an 11 MHz linear array transducer. IL-17 was measured by the ELISA method. Data analysis was performed with a correlation test with SPSS software version 25.&#x0D; Results: There was a strong positive correlation between IL-17 and the degree of disease activity in AR (DAS28 score) with r = 0.657; p = 0.0001; n=31. There was no significant correlation between carotid IMT and IL-17 levels (r= 0,207; p=0,264; n=31).&#x0D; Conclusion: There is a strong positive correlation between IL-17 and the degree of AR disease activity. There was no significant correlation between carotid IMT and IL-17 levels.

The role of musculoskeletal ultrasound in assessment of disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients with fibromyalgia

IntroductionFibromyalgia (FM) is frequently present in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and this can lead to an overestimation of disease activity and consequently overtreatment. Musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) can aid in evaluating synovitis for assessment of disease activity with more precision. Aim of the workTo verify the potential role of MSUS in the assessment of disease activity in RA patients with and without FM. Patients and methodsThis study was conducted on 100 active RA patients. Disease activity score (DAS28) and clinical disease activity index (CDAI) were assessed. MSUS was assessed using the 12 joint simplified score. ResultsThe 100 patients were 88 females and 12 male (F:M 7.3:1) with a mean age of 44.82 ± 11.4 years and disease duration of 6.88 ± 5.77 years. 67 RA patients had associated secondary FM and 33 did not. DAS-28 and CDAI were significantly higher in those with FM (4.99 ± 0.82 and 30.49 ± 10.59) compared to those without (4.22 ± 0.96 and 18 ± 10.68)(p < 0.001). Regarding ultrasonographic finding, no significant difference was found between those with and without FMS. DAS28 and CDAI significantly correlated (p = 0.006, p = 0.002 respectively) with grey scale ultrasound (GS-US12) in patients without FMS while DAS28 only significantly correlated with GS-US12 in those with FMS (r = 0.28, p = 0.022). ConclusionSecondary FM is common in RA patients and associated with a higher disease activity making it a potential influencer on the treatment strategy. MSUS can complement physical examination in the assessment of disease activity but had a limited role to delineate RA patients with FM from those without.

The Safety and Effectiveness of Infliximab Biosimilar in Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Real-Life Experience from Jordan.

Background Infliximab (IFX) biosimilar was the first biosimilar approved in Jordan in 2014, with limited evidence of its safety and effectiveness from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of IFX biosimilar in active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients over 34 weeks by investigating (1) the adverse events (AEs), serious adverse events (SAEs), and therapy discontinuation and (2) the score changes of the 28-Joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28) and the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI). Methods This multicenter prospective cohort study collected clinical parameters within hospital settings every four weeks. The numbers and percentages of observed AEs and SAEs were informed. The DAS28 utilizing Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), HAQ-DI, and ESR were reported at baseline and 14th and 30th weeks; thus, they were reported as means (SD). Results A total of 22 RA patients were enrolled and initiated IFX biosimilar, of which nine (41.0%) discontinued the study, but their data were analyzed up to the point of withdrawal. A total of 35 AEs were reported in 14 patients, including two (5.7%) SAEs. None of the participants discontinued treatment due to AEs. The mean (SD) score of DAS28-ESR significantly decreased from 6.55 (1.16) at baseline to 4.59 (1.45) at week 14 (p < 0.0001) and to 4.77 (1.09) at week 30 (p < 0.0001). Similarly, the mean (SD) HAQ-DI score significantly decreased from 0.95 (0.74) at baseline to 0.48 (0.62) at week 14 (p=0.008) and to 0.71 (0.78) at week 30 (p=0.483). The mean (SD) value of ESR decreased from 58.75 (26.94) at baseline to 47.92 (33.89) at week 14 (p=0.082) and to 39.83 (17.38) at week 30 (p=0.005). Conclusion IFX biosimilar demonstrated safety and effectiveness in managing RA patients bringing real-world clinical support for biosimilars' role in rheumatology.