Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score Research Articles

Risk Factors Associated with Difficult-to-treat (D2T) Psoriatic Arthritis - A One-year Analysis from the APLAR SpA Registry

Background: Despite the widespread advocacy of the treat-to-target(T2T) strategy for managing psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a significant number of patients fail to achieve minimal disease activity (MDA) even with advanced therapies. While a universal definition of difficult-to-treat(D2T) PsA is absent, investigating the heterogeneity of D2T PsA within a real-life T2T-cohort can offer valuable insights into comprehending this concept. Methods: This analysis included the first 111 PsA patients enrolled in the APLAR SpA registry who underwent 1-year T2T management. They were recruited from 6 Asia-Pacific regions. D2T was defined as the failure to achieve MDA despite receiving [Formula: see text]1 conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs(csDMARDs) and [Formula: see text]1 biologic/targeted synthetic DMARDs(b/tsDMARDs) over 6-months. Results: A total of 111 patients (mean age: 48± 13 years, 59 [53%] male, mean disease duration: 5.3± 7.3 years) were included. At baseline, the patients exhibited moderate disease activity, with only 35% achieving MDA. After 1-year, a significant improvement in Disease Activity in Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA) was observed (16.3± 14.0 at baseline vs 10.1± 9.7 at 1-year, p<0.001), with 56% of patients achieving MDA. At one-year, 17(15%) patients fulfilled the definition of D2T-PsA. Compared to the non-D2T group, patients in the D2T group had lower education level, longer disease duration, worse disease activity across domains, and higher functional disability at baseline (Table 1). During the 1-year treatment, the T2T adherence rate was significantly lower in the D2T group (71% vs 90%, p=0.028). Reasons for not escalating treatment in the D2T group included patients’ preference (60%), physician’s decision (20%), and no alternative treatment available (20%). Using multivariate logistic regression, a lower education level (OR:4.64, 95%CI:1.16-16.9, p=0.029) and higher Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) (OR: 1.81, 95%CI:1.07-3.04, p=0.026) were significantly associated with D2T after adjusting for baseline disease duration, number of dactylitic digits, MDA status and protocol adherence. Conclusions: Despite the implementation of the T2T-strategy and increased utilization of b/tsDMARDs, more than 40% of patients were unable to achieve MDA. Factors such as higher axial disease activity and lower education level were associated with D2T PsA. Further studies are required to determine whether a more aggressive treatment approach focusing on the axial domain should be implemented for these individuals.

Vascular Effects of Achieving Low Disease Activity in Axial Spondyloarthritis - A 2-Year Prospective Cohort Study

Background: Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is associated with accelerated atherosclerosis driven by chronic inflammation. Achieving LDA may result in significant benefits in articular disease, little is known about its effect on extra-articular disease, including CVD risk in axSpA. To investigate the effect of achieving Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) low disease activity (LDA) using a protocolized treatment strategy on the progression of subclinical atherosclerosis and arterial stiffness in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) patients. Methods: One hundred consecutive AxSpA patients will participate in this 2-year prospective, hospital-based, cohort study. All participants will receive 2 years of tight-control treatment. Treatment will be adjusted according to a standardized protocol every 3-6 monthly aiming at ASDAS LDA (ASDAS <2.1). Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and total plaque area (TPA) will be measured using high-resolution ultrasound. Arterial stiffness is measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AIx). The main outcome measure is the change in subclinical atherosclerosis over a period of 2 years comparing between patients who achieve sustained LDA at year 2 (sLDA group: achieved LDA at both year 1 and year 2) to those who cannot achieve LDA (non-sLDA group). Secondary outcomes include differences in the changes in AIx and PWV over 2 years between the 2 groups. Results: In this interim analysis, a total of 56 axSpA patients (age: 38± 10 years, 43 (76.8%) male) who completed 2 year of follow-up were included. A significant improvement in disease activity was observed after 2 years of treatment (ASDAS-CRP at baseline: 2.9± 0.6 vs 1.9± 0.7 at year 2, p<0.001). Forty-one patients achieved LDA at year 1 and 31 patients achieved sustained LDA (sLDA) at year 2. The baseline traditional CV risk factors were comparable between the sLDA and non-sLDA groups. The multivariate analysis demonstrated that the sLDA group exhibited a smaller increase in mean IMT ([Formula: see text]: -0.04, 95%CI -0.07 to -0.01, P=0.025) and max IMT ([Formula: see text]: -0.06, 95%CI -0.12 to -0.004, P=0.038) after adjustment for covariates compared to the non-sLDA group. However, there were no significant differences in the progression of carotid plaque and arterial stiffness markers between the two groups in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Patients with AxSpA who are able to achieve sLDA through a protocolized treatment algorithm experience reduced progression of subclinical atherosclerosis compared to patients who cannot achieve sLDA. This indicates that effective suppression of inflammation in AxSpA patients who reach sLDA may potentially lower CV risk.

Impact on Work Productivity Among Patients with Axial Spondyloarthritis in a Rheumatology Specialized Care Centre in Sri Lanka

Background: Axial Spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) is a chronic inflammatory condition which impacts various aspects of patients’ lives, including work productivity. This study aims to identify the impact of AxSpA on key work outcomes including sick leave rate, disease related unemployment rate, work productivity loss and its association with disease activity. Methods: 62 Adult patients aged ¿20 years who met the Assessment in Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) 2009 criteria for AxSpA were enrolled. Work productivity was assessed by the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment scale (WPAI:SpA). The validated Sinhala version of WPAI questionnaire was used to obtain data and calculate absenteeism, presenteeism and work productivity loss (WPL). Higher scores for presenteeism, absenteeism, or WPL indicate greater work impairment due to illness. Disease activity was assessed by Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS). Multivariate linear regression was utilized to assess the association between work productivity and disease activity. Results: Among 62 patients who were on paid employment, permanent loss of employment rate due to disease was 20.9% and disease related sick leave rate for [Formula: see text] 2 months was 58.06%. Out of them 48% engaged in heavy labor jobs and 65% had high or very high disease activity. (Figure 1) Among employed patients, mean Absenteeism, Presenteeism and WPL were 22%, 51.04% and 56% respectively. A decrease in work productivity was related to an increase in disease activity. Disease activity was strongly correlated with absenteeism (p [Formula: see text] 0.01), presenteeism (p [Formula: see text] 0.01) and work productivity loss (p [Formula: see text] 0.001). (Figure 2) Conclusion: The impact of AxSpA on work outcomes is substantial and necessitates effective intervention, like controlling disease activity. The significantly elevated levels of presenteeism, absenteeism, and WPL when compared to global data may be linked to suboptimal disease management due to limited availability of biological treatments as well as labor-intensive jobs among the population.

Incidence of ANA Positivity After the Administration of Biologicals

Background: Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are often used in diagnosing autoimmune rheumatological diseases, but their behavior in response to biological therapies, particularly in Asian patients, is not well-documented. The impact of these therapies on ANA status is crucial for understanding disease management and treatment efficacy. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and significance of ANA positivity following the administration of biological agents in patients with autoimmune rheumatological diseases. Methods: This pilot study was a prospective cohort study involving 100 patients with autoimmune rheumatological diseases who were initially ANA negative at baseline. Predominantly included patients were axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) (n=95) and ANCA vasculitis (n=5). Patients with AxSpA were diagnosed according to the 2009 ASAS criteria, and treated with biological agents (e.g., TNF inhibitors such as adalimumab, etanercept, or IL-17 inhibitors such as secukinumab) and followed at a tertiary care center in India from January 2021 to December 2023. ANA levels were measured before and after 3, 6, 9, or 12 months of biological therapy. Changes in ANA positivity, clinical outcomes, and correlations with disease activity were analyzed. Results: Out of the 100 patients enrolled, 67 (67%) completed the study. All participants were ANA negative at baseline. After biological therapy, ANA positivity developed in 4 patients (5.9%). Despite this increase in Ana positivity, there was no significant correlation between ANA positivity and clinical disease activity, as measured by the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) and the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, BVAS suggesting effective therapeutic response despite changes in ANA status. Additionally, 30 patients were lost to follow-up, highlighting challenges related to the financial sustainability of biological therapy in the resource limited countries. Conclusion: Biological therapies for AxSpA are associated with an increase in ANA positivity although this change does not appear to impact clinical disease activity. The rise in ANA titres may reflect disease-related changes or treatment effects rather than a direct correlation with therapeutic efficacy. Further longitudinal studies are needed to understand the clinical significance of these findings and to refine the interpretation of ANA results during biological therapy.

Comparison of the ASAS Health Index in patients classified as radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) or non-radiographic axSpA in the ASAS Health Index international validation study

ObjectivesTo determine if there were differences in the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society Health Index (ASAS HI) scores between patients classified as radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA) and non-radiographic axSpA (nr-axSpA),...

Follow-Up of Patients With Axial Spondyloarthritis in Specialist Health Care With Remote Monitoring and Self-Monitoring Compared With Regular Face-to-Face Follow-Up Visits (the ReMonit Study): Protocol for a Randomized, Controlled Open-Label Noninferiority Trial.

Patients with chronic inflammatory joint diseases such as axial spondyloarthritis have traditionally received regular follow-up in specialist health care to maintain low disease activity. The follow-up has been organized as prescheduled face-to-face visits, which are time-consuming for both patients and health care professionals. Technology has enabled the remote monitoring of disease activity, allowing patients to self-monitor their disease and contact health care professionals when needed. Remote monitoring or self-monitoring may provide a more personalized follow-up, but there is limited research on how these follow-up strategies perform in maintaining low disease activity, patient satisfaction, safety, and cost-effectiveness. The Remote Monitoring in Axial Spondyloarthritis (ReMonit) study aimed to assess the effectiveness of digital remote monitoring and self-monitoring in maintaining low disease activity in patients with axial spondyloarthritis. The ReMonit study is a 3-armed, single-site, randomized, controlled, open-label noninferiority trial including patients with axial spondyloarthritis with low disease activity (Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score <2.1) and on stable treatment with a tumor necrosis factor inhibitor. Participants were randomized 1:1:1 to arm A (usual care, face-to-face visits every sixth month), arm B (remote monitoring, monthly digital registration of patient-reported outcomes), or arm C (patient-initiated care, self-monitoring, no planned visits during the study period). The primary end point was disease activity measured with the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score, evaluated at 6, 12, and 18 months. We aimed to include 240 patients, 80 in each arm. Secondary end points included other measures of disease activity, patient satisfaction, safety, and cost-effectiveness. The project is funded by the South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority and Centre for the treatment of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (REMEDY), Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Norway. Enrollment started in September 2021 and was completed with 242 patients by June 2022. The data collection will be completed in December 2023. To our knowledge, this trial will be among the first to evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness of remote digital monitoring and self-monitoring of patients with axial spondyloarthritis compared with usual care. Hence, the ReMonit study will contribute important knowledge to personalized follow-up strategies for patients with axial spondyloarthritis. These results may also be relevant for other patient groups with inflammatory joint diseases. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05031767; hpps://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05031767. DERR1-10.2196/52872.

Upadacitinib in real clinical practice: new horizons in the treatment of axial spondyloarthritis

Introduction. Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is an inflammatory disorder affecting the axial skeleton, accompanied by pain, restricted mobility, and other symptoms. The Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) is a metric expressing disease activity, assessing inflammation and symptoms. In clinical trials, Upadacitinib has demonstrated reduced axSpA activity, but real-world evidence remains limited. Objective. The objective of this study is to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of Upadacitinib in axSpA by analysing its impact on symptoms, activity, and inflammatory markers in real clinical practice. Additional goals include comparing outcomes between biologic-naive and biologic-experienced patients, as well as assessing the influence of radiographic stage on Upadacitinib's therapeutic response. Methods. Sixty-four patients with axSpA were enrolled in Upadacitinib treatment. Among them, 42 were evaluated after 6 months and 13 after 12 months of therapy. ASDAS was assessed at various time points and analyzed based on prior experience with biologic drugs and radiographic stage of sacroiliitis. Results. A notable reduction in mean ASDAS values was observed after 6 months of Upadacitinib treatment (3.5 vs. 1.9, p &lt; 0.001), with this reduction being sustained after 12 months (1.6 vs. 1.9, p &gt; 0.05). A substantial proportion of patients (80.9%) achieved ASDAS values below 2.1 after 6 months, and this achievement was maintained after 12 months (84.6%, p &gt; 0.05). No significant differences were found between biologic-naive and biologic-experienced patient subgroups (84.2% vs. 78.3%, p &gt; 0.05). Similar trends were observed in the analysis of other parameters such as BASDAI, fatigue, pain, CRP, haemoglobin, and ESR. Upadacitinib increased the number of patients with low disease activity regardless of radiographic stage after 6 and 12 months (23.7 vs. 83.3% and 5.7 vs. 85.3%, p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion. Upadacitinib proves to be effective in axSpA treatment. Regardless of demographic, clinical, and radiographic disease characteristics, as well as "biologic-naive/biofailure" status, Upadacitinib leads to ASDAS improvement after 6 and 12 months of treatment. This medication represents an effective tool in real-world clinical practice for controlling axSpA activity.

Short-Term Efficacy and Adverse Effects of Sulfasalazine in the Management of Axial Spondyloarthropathy.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory spondyloarthropathy that involves the sacroiliac joints and the axial skeleton. Sulfasalazine's efficacy in treating the axial symptoms of AS has been a subject of controversy. This prospective observational study recruited AS patients and categorized them into two groups: the first group had AS for less than or equal to four years and the second group had AS for more than four years. Erythrocytic sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were recorded at baseline and at six-month follow-up. Disease severity was assessed using the ankylosing spondylitis disease activity score (ASDAS), Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI) score, and Bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index (BASFI) score. A total of 33 patients diagnosed with AS were recruited in this study, mostly males (88%) and within 21-30 years of age. ESR and CRP values were measured at baseline and at six months post-treatment with sulfasalazine. Mean ESR and mean CRP values showed a statistically significant reduction of 43.5% (p=0.001) and 58.45% (p=0.0012) respectively, at the 6-month follow-up. Four patients (12.12%) reported gastrointestinal intolerance. The mean reduction in the ASDAS score was 24% (p=0.002), the BASDAI score was 40.08% (p=0.001), and the BASFI score was 39.54% (p=0.01). Additionally, the duration of symptoms did not appear to influence with efficacy of sulfasalazine. Sulfasalazine is a safe alternative therapy for patients with AS who cannot afford biologics, due to its reasonable short-term efficacy, good tolerability, cost-effective nature, and low incidence of adverse effects.

Factors associated with treatment intensification in patients with axial spondyloarthritis and high disease activity in clinical practice.

To investigate which factors are associated with treatment intensification (TI) in axial spondylarthritis (axSpA) patients with high disease activity (HDA). Patients with axSpA and HDA (Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score [ASDAS]≥2.1) from the Dutch SpA-Net registry were included. TI was defined as: 1) higher dose or shorter interval of the same drug, 2) switch from current drug to another due to inefficacy, or 3) addition of a new drug. Only anti-inflammatory drugs were considered. Primary determinants considered were ASDAS, Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society Health Index (ASAS HI) and physician global (PhGA). Acceptable symptom state according to patient (PASS-patient) or physician (PASS-physician) were included in sensitivity analyses. Patient-centered and physician-centered logistic regression models were used to investigate the association between potential determinants and TI. In total, 121 patients with HDA were included. TI was conducted in a minority (41/121, 33.9%), and mainly involved a switch or addition of a drug. In multivariable regression analyses, a higher ASDAS was associated with TI in the patient-centered model (ORASDAS = 1.94, [95%CI 1.00-3.74]). However, in the physician-centered model, this association attenuated, and PhGA or PASS-physician were the primary factors associated with TI (ORPhGA = 1.71 [1.24-2.34]; ORPASS-physician = 94.95). Interestingly, patient-centered factors (ASAS HI/PASS-patient/education level) did not contribute to TI. In practice, treatment is intensified in a minority of axSpA patients with HDA. Physician-centered factors are associated with the decision to change treatment, independently of disease activity or patient perspective. Further research is needed to better understand these decisions.

Impact of disease outcomes on the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society Health Index (ASAS HI): a Bayesian network analysis of the DESIR cohort

ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to build a structural model visualising and quantifying the interrelationships of different disease outcomes with the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society Health Index (ASAS...

The Effect of Two Years of Secukinumab Treatment on Bone Metabolism in Patients with Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis: Results from Daily Clinical Practice.

Our objective was to explore bone-related outcome and bone turnover markers (BTM) during 2 years of secukinumab treatment in patients with radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA) in daily clinical practice. Included were consecutive r-axSpA outpatients from the Groningen Leeuwarden axSpA (GLAS) cohort treated with secukinumab for 2 years. At baseline and 2 years, spinal radiographic damage was assessed using the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score (mSASSS; 0-72), cervical facet joint involvement according the "de Vlam" scoring method (0-15) and radiographic vertebral fractures (VF) using the "Genant" method (grade 0-3). At all visits, BTM reflecting collagen resorption (serum type I collagen C-telopeptide; sCTX), collagen formation (procollagen type 1 N-terminal peptide; PINP) and bone mineralization (bone-specific alkaline phosphatase; BALP) were measured and expressed in Z-scores to correct for the normal influence of age and gender. 17 r-axSpA patients were included; 53% male, mean age was 47±15 years, mean Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) 3.9±1.2, and 53% was biological naïve. The median 2-year progression rates were 1.1 for mSASSS and 0.5 for facet joints, which was less than the smallest detectable change. One traumatic VF (grade 3) occurred. Serum levels of sCTX and PINP remained stable during secukinumab treatment and BALP decreased significantly after 2 years, with median 0-2 year change in Z-scores of +0.1, -0.4, and -1.2, respectively. This explorative study of r-axSpA patients treated with secukinumab in daily clinical practice showed low radiographic spinal progression during 2 years of follow-up. Collagen resorption and formation markers remained stable, whereas mineralization marker BALP decreased significantly after 2 years. Our results are in line with the results of in vitro studies demonstrating that inhibition of IL17-A resulted in suppression of osteogenic differentiation with significant decrease in mineralization.

Sex differences in the effectiveness of first-line tumour necrosis factor inhibitors in axial spondyloarthritis: results from the EuroSpA Research Collaboration Network

ObjectiveEvidence indicates reduced treatment effectiveness of TNFi in women with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) compared with men. We aimed to investigate sex differences in treatment response and retention rates over 24...

Serum interα-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H4 may be an anti-inflammatory marker reflecting disease risk, activity and treatment outcome of ankylosing spondylitis

Interα-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H4 (ITIH4) modulates inflammation and immunity, which take part in the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The current research intended to discover the clinical value of serum ITIH4 quantification for AS management. Serum ITIH4 among 80 AS patients before current treatment initiation (baseline) at weeks (W) 4, 8 and 12 after treatment was detected by ELISA. Serum ITIH4 from 20 disease controls (DCs) and 20 healthy controls (HCs) was detected. ITIH4 expression was lower in AS patients than in DCs (p = 0.002) and HCs (p < 0.001). Among AS patients, ITIH4 was negatively associated with C-reactive protein (CRP) (r = −0.311, p = 0.005), bath AS disease activity index (BASDAI) (r = −0.223, p = 0.047), total pack pain (r = −0.273, p = 0.014) and AS disease activity score (ASDAS) (CRP) (r = −0.265, p = 0.018). Meanwhile, ITIH4 was negatively related to tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (r = −0.364, p = 0.001), interleukin (IL)-1β (r = −0.251, p = 0.025), IL-6 (r = −0.292, p = 0.009) and IL-17A (r = −0.254, p = 0.023). After treatment, the assessment of the spondylitis arthritis international society 40 response rate was 28.7% at W4, 46.3% at W8 and 55.0% at W12; ITIH4 showed an increasing trend from baseline to W12 (p < 0.001). Furthermore, ITIH4 at W8 (p = 0.020) and W12 (p = 0.035), but not at baseline or W4 (both p > 0.05), was enhanced in response patients vs. nonresponse patients. Additionally, ITIH4 at W12 was increased in AS patients receiving TNF inhibitors vs. those receiving nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (p = 0.024). Serum ITIH4 increases after treatment, and its augmentation is correlated with lower disease activity, decreased inflammation and enhanced treatment response in AS patients.

Opening Lecture

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), also referred to as radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA), is a challenging, inflammatory rheumatic condition primarily impacting the sacroiliac joints and often extending to the spine. The prevalence of axSpA, encompassing both radiographic AS and non-radiographic axSpA, is estimated to vary between 0.2% and 0.5% among Chinese adults, depending on the classification criteria employed. Treatment objectives for AS focus on improving the patient’s quality of life, function, and social involvement by managing inflammation and other disease symptoms. To achieve these goals, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), the Spondylitis Association of America (SAA), and the Spondyloarthritis Research and Treatment Network (SPARTAN) advocate the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as the first-line treatment for AS, followed by biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) like TNF inhibitors. While it has been common practice to initiate treatment with a TNF inhibitor or IL-17 inhibitor, the updated recommendations from the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS) and the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) now suggest the consideration of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors for patients with persistent high disease activity despite conventional therapy. Furthermore, the updated guidelines propose switching to another biologic DMARD (TNF inhibitor or IL-17 inhibitor) or JAK inhibitor if the first biologic DMARD proves ineffective. Despite recent advancement, there remains an unmet need for effective therapies in the treatment of AS. Across various biologic studies, only 40-50% of patients achieve an ASAS40 response. Moreover, approximately one-third of patients fail to attain low disease activity according to the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS), and 65% do not achieve inactive disease status on ASDAS after one year of bDMARD therapy. There is a lack of oral treatment options for AS beyond NSAIDs, as all current biologics are administered via injection or infusion. Targeting JAK-mediated pathways with an oral option holds promise as a potential approach for treating adult AS patients.

Abstract 16 — Are We Treating-to-Target on Spondyloarthritis (SpA)? A One-Year Analysis from the Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology (APLAR) SpA Registry

Background This analysis aimed to evaluate the extent of treat-to-target (T2T) achievement after 1-year intensive treatment in patients enrolled to the APLAR SpA registry. Methods Patients who fulfilled the CASPAR2006 for psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and 2009ASAS criteria for axial spondylitis (AxSpA) were recruited. Current analysis included the first 143 patients reaching the 1-year timepoint across 7 Asia-Pacific regions (Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea, India, Pakistan, Qatar and Thailand). Results 79 patients with PsA(age: 52±13 years, 43(55%) male, disease duration: 8.0±8.3 years) and 64 patients with AxSpA (age:41±16 years, 48(75%) male, disease duration: 4.8±7.2 years) were included. There were significant improvement in Disease Activity in Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA) (22.1±14.4 at baseline vs 11.5±10.0 at 1-year, p&lt;0.001) while Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) remained stable. Other characteristics are listed in Table 1. Concerning the medication use, there was an increase in the number of patients receiving biologic/target synthetic disease-modifying drug (b/tsDMARDS, 29% at baseline to 61% at 1-year for PsA, and 52% at baseline to 64% at 1-year for AxSpA) (Fig. 1). Regarding T2T, 62% and 45% of PsA patient achieved DAPSA-low disease activity (DAPSA-LDA) and minimal disease activity (MDA) respectively, while 53% of patients with Axial SpA achieved ASDAS-LDA. The use of b/tsDMARDs was significantly higher in patient who achieved MDA when compared to those who did not (Fig. 1). The MDA/ASDAS-LDA achievement rate were comparable to that of the tight control arm of TICOPA cohort (41%) or TICOSPA study (60%) respectively. Treatment was escalated in 86% of visits when treatment target was not met. The reason for non-escalation of drug included: patients’choice (42%), mild symptoms only and physician decides to keep current regime (27%), adverse events (19%), no viable alternatives (8%) and others (4%). Conclusions Implementing the T2T strategy in patient with SpA was feasible in selected centres from the APLAR region, with similar target achievement rate compared to T2T studies conducted in Europe.

Efficacy of Guselkumab on Axial-Related Symptoms Through up to 2 Years in Adults with Active Psoriatic Arthritis in the Phase 3, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled DISCOVER-2 Study.

Guselkumab previously showed greater improvements versus placebo in axial symptoms in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) (assessed by Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index [BASDAI] and Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score [ASDAS]), in post hoc analyses of the phase 3, placebo-controlled, randomized DISCOVER-1 and DISCOVER-2 studies. We now evaluate durability of response in axial-related outcomes through 2 years of DISCOVER-2. DISCOVER-2 biologic-naive adults with active PsA (≥ 5 tender/ ≥ 5 swollen joints, C-reactive protein ≥ 0.6 mg/dl) were randomized to guselkumab 100 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W) or at week0, week4, then Q8W, or placebo → guselkumab Q4W at week 24. Among patients with imaging-confirmed sacroiliitis (investigator-identified), axial symptoms were assessed through 2years utilizing BASDAI, BASDAI Question #2 (spinal pain), modified BASDAI (mBASDAI; excludes Question #3 [peripheral joint pain]), and ASDAS. Mean changes in scores and proportions of patients achieving ≥ 50% improvement in BASDAI (BASDAI 50) and ASDAS responses, including major improvement (decrease ≥ 2.0), were determined through week 100. Treatment failure rules (through week 24) and nonresponder imputation of missing data (post-week 24) were utilized. Mean BASDAI component scores were assessed through week 100 (observed data). Exploratory analyses evaluated efficacy by sex and HLA-B*27 status. Among 246 patients with PsA and imaging-confirmed sacroiliitis, guselkumab-treated patients had greater mean improvements in BASDAI, mBASDAI, spinal pain, and ASDAS scores, lower mean BASDAI component scores, and greater response rates in achieving BASDAI 50 and ASDAS major improvement vs. placebo at week 24. Differences from placebo were observed for guselkumab-treated patients in selected endpoints regardless of sex or HLA-B*27 status. At week 100, mean improvements were ~ 3 points for all BASDAI scores and 1.6-1.7 for ASDAS; 49-54% achieved BASDAI50 and 39% achieved ASDAS major improvement at week 100. Guselkumab treatment provided durable and meaningful improvements in axial symptoms and disease activity in substantial proportions of patients with active PsA and imaging-confirmed sacroiliitis. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03158285.

The Effects of Pilates Exercise Training Combined with Walking on Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Functional Capacity, and Disease Activity in Patients with Non-Radiologically Confirmed Axial Spondylitis.

The objective of the study was to examine the effects of Pilates exercise training combined with walking on cardiorespiratory fitness, functional capacity, and disease activity in patients with non-radiologically confirmed axial spondylitis (nr-axSpA). Thirty patients with nr-axSpA (seven women (90%), with a mean age of 46.07 ± 10.48 years old and C-reactive protein (CRP) 2.26 ± 2.14 mg/L) were randomly divided into two groups: A (n1 = 15 patients) and B (n2 = 15 patients). Group A followed a 6-month home-based Pilates exercise training program, while Group B remained untrained until the end of the study. A cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), timed up and go test (TUG), five times sit-to-stand test (5×STS), sit-and-reach test (SR), back scratch test for the right (BSR) and the left arm (BSL), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), and Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) were applied to all patients, both at the beginning and at the end of the study. After 6 months, Group A showed higher values in exercise time by 37.41% (p = 0.001), higher peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) by 25.41% (p = 0.01), a higher ratio between oxygen uptake and maximum heart rate (VO2/HRmax) by 14.83% (p = 0.04), and higher SR by 18.70% (p = 0.007), while lower values were observed in TUG by 24.32% (p = 0.001), 5×STS by 12.13% (p = 0.001), BASDAI score by 20.00% (p = 0.04) and ASDAS score by 23.41% (p = 0.03), compared to Group B. Furthermore, linear regression analysis showed a positive correlation in Group A between BASDAI and 5×STS (r = 0.584, p = 0.02), BASDAI and TUG (r = 0.538, p = 0.03), and ASDAS and 5×STS (r = 0.538, p = 0.03), while a negative correlation was found between BASDAI and VO2peak (r = -0.782, p < 0.001), ASDAS and SR (r = -0.548, p = 0.03), and ASDAS and VO2peak (r = -0.659, p = 0.008). To sum up, cardiorespiratory fitness, functional capacity, and disease activity improved after a long-term Pilates exercise training program in patients with nr-axSpA.

ЦЕНТРAЛЬНAЯ СЕНСИТИЗAЦИЯ ПРИ ПСOРИAТИЧЕСКOМ AРТРИТЕ

Introduction. Chronic pain consists of nociceptive, neuropathic and nociplastic components. Nociplastic pain based on central sensitization. Patients with central sensitization may experience severe pain even with no any signs of clinical and laboratory inflammation, and describe it in descriptors of neuropathic pain. The prevalence and influence of central sensitization in clinical and laboratory activity, the development of mood disorders in patients with psoriatic arthritis are not explored well. Aim. To assess the prevalence of central sensitization in patients with psoriatic arthritis, to compare the parameters of patients with and without central sensitization. Materials and methods. We examined 107 patients with psoriatic arthritis: number of tender and swollen joints, severity of pain, patient global assessment, and C-reactive protein were determined. Activity of disease was assessed with Disease activity in psoriatic arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score. Central sensitization was determined with Central Sensitization Inventory, presence of anxiety and depression - with Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Descriptors of neuropathic pain were determined with Pain Detect Questionnaire. Statistical processing was carried out with Statistics 26.0. Differences were considered significant at p-value &lt; 0.05. Results and discussion. Central sensitization was found in 46 (43%) patients – they had patient global assessment (p=0.004) and severity of pain (p=0.002) in higher values. The C-reactive protein (p=0.423), Disease activity in psoriatic arthritis (p=0.083) did not differ between groups, but the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (p=0.002) was higher in patients with central sensitization. High prevalence of anxiety (25.2%) and depression (40.2%) was found; more often in patients with central sensitization (p=0.001 and p=0.004). Most of patients described the tactile allodynia, «electric shocks», and burning. Conclusion. Significant contribution of central sensitization to the persistence of pain in patients with psoriatic arthritis was found. The frequency of clinically significant anxiety and depression in patients with psoriatic arthritis was shown, as well as their higher prevalence among patients with central sensitization. Patients with psoriatic arthritis often described pain like neuropathic pain, which can indicate both local damage to the nervous system and the formation of pain sensitization without direct damage to peripheral nerve structures.

Aksiyal spondiloartritli hastalarda D vitamini eksikliğinin yorgunluk ve depresyon üzerine etkisi

Aim: In this study, we aimed to examine the effect of vitamin D deficiency on fatigue and depression in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (Ax-SpA).&#x0D; &#x0D; Methods: This cross-sectional study included 141 Ax-SpA patients. Demographic information of the patients was recorded. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Visual Analog Scale, Fatigue Severity Scale, and Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score were used to evaluate depression, anxiety, pain, fatigue, and disease activity levels, respectively. Vitamin D levels were classified as deficiency (20 ng/ml).&#x0D; &#x0D; Results: A total of 141 patients enrolled in the study (67 female and 74 male). Vitamin D levels were deficient in 14.2%, insufficient in 56%, and sufficient in 29.8% of cases. In the evaluation of fatigue, 20.6% of the cases were evaluated as normal, 60.3% as tired, and 19.1% as chronically tired. Although fatigue was detected in 79.4% of Ax-SpA patients, fatigue scores were not associated with vitamin D deficiency (p=0.191). There were no significant differences between the vitamin D groups (deficiency, insufficiency, and normal) in fatigue and depression scores, sex, disease duration, and activity.&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is not associated with fatigue, depression, or disease activity in patients with Ax-Spa. Regardless of vitamin D deficiency, patients with depression and fatigue should be evaluated and managed appropriately, and the management of vitamin D deficiency should not be ignored.

Physical function and sex differences in radiographic axial spondyloarthritis: a cross-sectional analysis on Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index

BackgroundPhysical function is an important determinant of health-related quality of life in radiographic axial spondyloarthritis patients (r-axSpA). To improve the basis of effective healthcare efforts, we aimed to investigate which demographic and disease-related factors that influence Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) in r-axSpA patients overall and stratified by sex. Furthermore, we sought to explore differences between sexes regarding separate BASFI questions and also to explore which factors that may contribute to these differences.MethodsThis observational cross-sectional study included patients fulfilling the modified New York criteria for Ankylosing Spondylitis. Patients were assessed with 66/68 joint count and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI) measurements. Lateral X-rays were performed for Modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score (mSASSS). Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS)-C-Reactive Protein (CRP), and BASFI were registered. Multivariable linear regression analyses were used to investigate which factors that associate with BASFI.ResultsA total of 353 r-axSpA patients were included, mean age 52.2 ± 12.7 years, 62.3% males. No significant sex difference was seen in BASFI scores (2.7 ± 2.0 in males vs 2.9 ± 2.1 in females). Age, body mass index, ASDAS-CRP, BASMI or mSASSS, fatigue, and tenderness were found to associate independently with BASFI in different models (R2 0.53–0.63). Investigation of separate BASFI questions revealed that the ability to look over shoulder was worse in males than females (mean 4.43 ± 3.37 vs 3.74 ± 3.06, p = 0.05) and most strongly correlated with mSASSS and BASMI among separate BASFI questions (r = 0.53, p < 0.001; r = 0.62, p < 0.001). The ability to climb stairs was worse in females than males (mean 2.49 ± 2.77 vs 1.54 ± 2.32, p < 0.001).ConclusionsNo difference between male and female r-axSpA patients was seen in BASFI despite significant sex differences in BASMI, mSASSS, and CRP levels. Our results underline the impact of fatigue and tenderness on BASFI. The ability to climb stairs without a handrail was scored worse among females compared to males. Furthermore, the ability to look over the shoulder was worse in males than females and closely related to spinal mobility and structural spinal changes.