Duration Of Morning Stiffness Research Articles

Eye involvement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a cross-sectional study

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic immune disease. The authors aimed to report the characteristics of ocular manifestations in patients with RA. Methods: Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected including: age, sex, and BMI. Disease data included the duration, the present main complaint, including the number of painful and swollen joints, duration of morning stiffness, and the patient’s self-evaluation form had also been applied and registered. Eye symptom including pain, dryness, redness, photophobia, discharge, and blurred vision was asked and registered, in addition to full medical history, treatment, and evaluation of clinical disease activity index. Rheumatologic examination included: the number of tender and swollen joints in patients was done. All study subjects underwent complete ophthalmological examination in the following manner: visual acuity assessment by Snellen’s chart, evaluation of pupil diameter and reflexes as well as eyeball movements, tear film evaluation by using Schirmer’s test, intraocular pressure measurement, slit-lamp evaluation of the anterior segment with concentration on ocular surface assessment, followed by installation of topical mydriatic/cycloplegic eyedrops for posterior eye segment exam and fundoscopy. Laboratory tests included rheumatic factor, anti cytoplasmic citrulinted peptide, C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were performed and analyzed. Results: Mean age of study group was 41.5±10 years,78.59% of which were females. Ocular manifestations were present in 31.14%. Dry eye was diagnosed in (36.71%), among which burning sensation was found in (35.15%), and photophopia in (27.34%). The most frequent ocular manifestation was episcleritis (66.40%), while scleritis was diagnosed in (22.65%), and keratoconjuctivitis was present in (7.04%). Discussion: The most common manifestations of ocular involvement in our RA patients was episcleritis, dry eye, and scleritis. Positive serum rheumatoid factor and anticitrulinated peptide antibody significantly increased the risk of having ocular manifestations, especially dry eyes, and the ocular manifestations prevalence was higher among male patients, long disease duration and treatment with biologics and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Conclusion: Ocular symptoms are relatively frequent manifestation of RA. Regular ophthalmological examinations are essential among patients with RA.

Efficacy and safety of tetrandrine in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: a meta analysis.

To explore the efficacy and safety of tetrandrine in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Randomized controlled studies of tetrandrine in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis were searched in China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), World Wide Web Database, SinoMed, PubMed, Springer, Web of Science, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trails database. A meta-analysis was conducted using R software version 3.5.3 to evaluate the clinical outcomes, including the total effective rate, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, disease activity score (DAS), tender joint count (TJC), swollen joint count (SJC), and morning stiffness duration, as well as adverse events of RA patients. A total of 10 articles were included in the study. The meta-analysis indicated that tetrandrine significantly improved the total effective rate (OR=3.27, 95%CI: 2.01-5.37, P<0.01), ESR (SMD=1.12, 95%CI: 0.06-2.19, P<0.05), CRP (SMD=0.75, 95%CI: 0.28-1.22, P<0.01), VAS (SMD=0.55, 95%CI: 0.21-0.89, P<0.01), SJC (SMD=0.85, 95%CI: 0.40-1.31, P<0.01), TJC (SMD=1.16, 95%CI: 0.58-1.74, P<0.01), and morning stiffness (SMD=1.09, 95%CI: 0.68-1.50, P<0.01). However, no statistical significance was found in RF (SMD=1.70, 95%CI: －1.10-4.51, P>0.05) and DAS (SMD=0.26, 95%CI: －0.59-1.11, P>0.05). The overall incidence of adverse events associated with tetrandrine treatment for rheumatoid arthritis was 20% (95%CI: 12%-27%, I2=60%, P<0.05), with mild severity and favorable outcomes. Tetrandrine is effective in the treatment of RA patients with a mild degree of adverse events.

Analysis of the Effect of Rehabilitation Nursing Intervention on Functional Recovery in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective: To explore and analyze the effect of rehabilitation nursing intervention on functional recovery in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: From May 2020 to May 2023, 150 patients with rheumatoid arthritis who received integrated treatment of Tibetan and Western medicine in the rheumatology department were selected as the research subjects. They were divided into the rehabilitation group and the reference group according to the double-blind mechanism, with 75 cases in each group. The rehabilitation group received rehabilitation nursing intervention and the reference group received basic nursing. The standard of living, joint function recovery, and nursing satisfaction were compared between the two groups. Results: Before the intervention, there was no statistically significant difference (P &gt; 0.05) in living standards such as physiology, mental outlook, emotional performance, and social culture between the groups. After the intervention, the standard of living such as culture, of the rehabilitation group was significantly better than that of the reference group (P &lt; 0.05). Before the intervention, there was no statistically significant difference (P &gt; 0.05) in the recovery of joint functions such as the number of joint tenderness, grip strength of both hands, duration of morning stiffness, and number of joint swelling among the groups. After the intervention, the number of joint tenderness, hand grip strength, duration of morning stiffness, number of joint swelling, and other joint function recovery in the rehabilitation group were significantly better than those in the reference group (P &lt; 0.05). The nursing satisfaction of the rehabilitation group was significantly higher than that of the reference group (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Rehabilitation nursing intervention can accelerate the recovery of joint function and improve the living standard of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Positive and Negative Effects of Administering a Magnetic Field to Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).

Background: Magnetotherapy applied to patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) produces anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioedema effects. Observations suggest that the beneficial and adverse effects of magnetotherapy are related to the parameters of the magnetic field applied. This study aimed to assess the positive and negative effects of magnetotherapy, taking into account the type of the field. Methods: This study involved 39 patients with RA, who were randomly assigned to two groups: SMF-static magnetic field (n = 18) and PEMF-low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field (n = 21). The examinations carried out before and after the therapy included a general assessment of the functional status, assessment of pain severity, measurement of the duration and severity of morning stiffness, computer-aided measurement of the range of motion of the hand joints and measurement of the hand volume using water displacement method. The patients received kinesiotherapy and magnetotherapy, as determined by the randomisation. Results: The findings show improved functional status by 0.26 points on average (p = 0.0166) measured with the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ-20), reduced pain by 2.2 points on average (p = 0.0000) on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), decreased duration of morning stiffness by 23.2 min on average (p = 0.0010) and reduced severity of morning stiffness by 15.2 points on average (p = 0.0010). The assessment of the dominant hand showed improved range of motion by 1.9 mm on average (p = 0.0036) and reduced volume by 0.9 mm3 on average (p = 0.0230). A significantly reduced duration and severity of morning stiffness was observed in the SMF group. Statistically significant changes in the HAQ-20 scores, range of motion and the volume of the dominant hand were identified in the PEMF group. Conclusions: Magnetic fields improved the functional status and reduced pain, morning stiffness and swelling in the hand. A static magnetic field may be more effective in reducing morning stiffness, whereas a pulsed magnetic field may, to a greater extent, improve function and reduce swelling in the rheumatoid hand. The effects of magnetotherapy reported so far require further observation.

Presence of subclinical giant cell arteritis in patients with morning stiffness of duration less than 45 minutes at the time of diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica.

In some patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), giant cell arteritis (GCA) is subclinical as underlying inflammation of large vessels (LV) is present without evidence of related clinical manifestations. Different factors have been proposed as predictive of subclinical GCA in PMR patients. To date, the literature reports scant data about the association between subclinical GCA and long-lasting morning stiffness (MS) in patients at the time of diagnosis of PMR. Given this background, the aim of this study was to assess the association between subclinical GCA and MS < 45 min in patients with newly diagnosed PMR. We performed an observational, retrospective, single-centre cohort study of patients consecutively referred to our public out-of-hospital rheumatologic clinic between January 2015 and December 2020, who could be classified as having PMR according to the 2012 EULAR/ACR criteria. Subclinical GCA was investigated through ultrasound examination of a core set of arteries (temporal, axillary, common carotid, and subclavian arteries), in accordance with the EULAR recommendations for the use of imaging in LV vasculitis. Patients who did not have GCA symptoms but showed halo sign in at least one of these arteries were described as having subclinical GCA. We included a total of 143 patients (35 men and 108 women). Their median age was of 71.5 years. Thirty-five had MS duration < 45 min at the time of PMR diagnosis. Subclinical GCA was found in 23 PMR patients (16.1%); 18 had a cranial and 5 an extracranial GCA. A univariate analysis highlighted that MS < 45 min was associated with a lower prevalence of GCA (OR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.04-0.29; p < 0.0001). This association was retained in a multivariable analysis that accounted for 6 different potential covariates (OR = 0.06, 95% CI: 0.01-0.26; p < 0.0001. In our study MS < 45 min at the time of PMR diagnosis was associated with a significantly lower risk of subclinical GCA, when patients were screened by ultrasound, of approximately 90%. Identification of a more accurate MS cut-off value could improve the accuracy for subclinical GCA in patients with newly diagnosed PMR.

Is it possible to objectively determine morning stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis?

Objectives: This study aimed to objectively and quantitatively exhibit morning stiffness by using electrophysiological methods. Patients and methods: The prospective, controlled study was conducted with 52 participants between February 2013 and February 2014. Of the participants, 26 were recruited among RA patients (3 males, 23 females; mean age: 55.9±11.2 years; range, 24 to 74 years) followed at the rheumatology clinic, and 26 were healthy subjects (4 males, 22 females; mean age: 54.9±8.3 years; range, 41 to 70 years) for the control group. Duration and severity of morning stiffness were recorded for all participants. Activity of disease and functional status were evaluated by the Disease Activity Score 28 and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), respectively. Electrophysiological reaction times, severity of pain (Visual Analog Scale), HAQ, and grip strength were measured for each participant twice in 24 h in the morning (08:00-09:00 am) and afternoon (03:00-05:00 pm). Results: In the RA group, motor reaction and response times and severity of pain values were significantly lower in the afternoon compared to the morning (p=0.030, p=0.031, and p=0.002, respectively), and hand grip strengths were significantly higher in the afternoon (p=0.007). In the control group, no change was observed between morning and afternoon measurements in the strength and reaction time variables. Conclusion: Our hypothesis that stiffness would slow down the movements in the morning in RA was supported by the prolonged motor and response times in the morning compared to the afternoon. However, in the control group (no morning stiffness), there was no difference in reaction time variables between the morning and afternoon, objectively demonstrating the concept of morning stiffness in this study.

Dissociation of clinical symptoms and magnetic resonance imaging data in axial psoriatic arthritis

Currently, there is no generally accepted definition of axial lesions in psoriatic arthritis (axPsA), and the diagnostic criteria are extrapolated from the recommendations for ankylosing spondylitis and axial spondyloarthritis.Objective: To evaluate data of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of spine and sacroiliac joints (SIJ) in patients with psoriasis complaining of chronic back pain of any cause.Material and methods. 143 patients were enrolled to the study, including 57 (39.9%) men and 86 (60.1%) women, median age – 47 [36; 57] years, mean duration of psoriasis was 17.4±13.4 years. In all patients, the agreement of the existing symptoms with the inflammatory back pain (IBP) criteria of A. Calin et al., M. Rudwaleit et al. and ASAS was checked. All patients underwent MRI of the spine and SIJ, determination of ESR, CRP levels, HLA-B27 and consultations with a dermatologist and a rheumatologist.Results and discussion. An association of bone marrow edema (BME) in the spine and SIJ with nail involvement (odds ratio, OR 2.32; 95% confidence interval, CI 1.12–4.81; p=0.035), palmoplantar psoriasis (OR 3.85; 95% CI 1.43–10.41; p=0.054) and a weak correlation with PASI (r=0.329, p=0.034) was found. There were no statistically significant differences in PASI between patients with BME and without BME. In patients with IBP who fulfilled the criteria of A. Calin et al., osteitis in the SIJ was present in 19 (34.5%; OR 2.79; 95% CI 1.26–6.19; p=0.01); Berlin criteria of 4 signs – 25 (28.7%; OR 2.42; 95% CI 1.00–5.84; p=0.045); Berlin criteria of 3 signs – in 18 (24.0%; OR 1.12; 95% CI 0.51–2.44; p=0.783); ASAS criteria – in 17 (34.0%; OR 2.48; 95% CI 1.12–5.49; p=0.023). In almost half of the patients with BME in the spine or SIJ, the symptoms did not fulfil the criteria for IBP. Signs such as the presence and duration of morning stiffness had a high prognostic value. Isolated spondylitis (presence of BME in vertebrae and absence of BME in SIJ) was rarely found in patients with IBP fulfilling various criteria (in 4.0–8.1% of cases).Conclusion. Considering the existing discrepancy between symptoms and MRI results, it is necessary to develop independent tools for screening and early diagnosis of axPsA.

Efficacy and safety of Duhuo-Jisheng decoction in rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 42 randomized controlled trials.

Duhuo-Jisheng decoction (DJD) is a Chinese herb formula. Previous studies have reported that the clinical symptoms and laboratory indicators of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients could be improved by DJD. However, the existing evidence was not robust enough and controversial. Randomized controlled trials of DJD for RA were retrieved from Chinese and English databases from their inception to April 16, 2023. Meta-analysis was performed by Stata 17 software. We used subgroup analysis, meta-regression, and sensitivity analysis to identify potential sources of heterogeneity. The subgroup analysis and meta-regression were conducted from 6 aspects, including age, course of disease, course of treatment, interventions used in the experimental or control group, and random sequence generation. Galbraith plot was used to find studies with possible heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed by Egger's test and funnel plots when the number of relevant studies was greater than or equal to 10. Forty-two studies were included, involving 3635 patients and 19 outcome indicators. Meta-analysis showed that, compared with the routine disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (rDMARDs), DJD could better improve the level of laboratory indicators, main symptoms and signs, and questionnaire scores of RA patients. The laboratory indicators included rheumatoid factor, T lymphocyte subpopulation (including CD4+, CD8+, and CD4+/CD8+), and inflammatory biomarkers (including erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin 6, interleukin 1β, and interleukin 1). The main symptoms and signs included the duration of morning stiffness, the number of joint tenderness, the number of swollen joints, and the grip strength of both hands. The questionnaire included visual analogue scale, health assessment questionnaire, and disease activity score in 28 joints. In addition, the adverse events of DJD treatment were significantly lower than those of rDMARDs. However, the results of a few subgroup analyses differed from the overall results. Furthermore, the publication bias assessment showed that, out of 11 evaluated results, 4 had publication bias. DJD could be a satisfactory complementary and alternative therapy for RA. However, due to a small number of subgroup analysis results being different from the overall results, it should be verified by further studies.

Variations in the severity of symptoms, DAS28, and Disability Index among different Vata predominant Deha-Prakriti individuals of Amavata (~Rheumatoid Arthritis) - An Analytical Observational Study

Background: Subgrouping of diseased population, based on Deha-Prakriti (DP), phenotypic classification of Ayurveda will explore the variation in the disease severity, which further aid in the management of the disease more precisely and selectively. But there is a paucity in the data generation. Amavata (~Rheumatoid Arthritis) is one of such diseases, resulting from the conglomeration of Ama and aggravated Vata gets lodged in the joints. Aim &amp; Objective: To evaluate variations in the severity of symptoms, duration of morning stiffness, DAS28 (Disease Activity Score in 28 Joints), and Disability Index (DI) among different Vata predominant Deha-Prakriti (DP) individuals of Amavata (~Rheumatoid Arthritis). Materials &amp; Methodology: The study was conducted among 155 clinically diagnosed patients of Amavata, who were screened for DP assessment through the CCRAS-PAS scale. Those who were found to have Vata predominant DP were sub-grouped into Single Vataja (V), Vata-Pittaja (VP), and Vata-Kaphaja (VK) DP, based on the proportion of the doshas in the output of scale. Demographic profile, the severity of the symptoms, duration of the morning stiffness, DAS28, and DI were assessed and calculated using SPSS software version 20.0, p≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Kruskal-Walli’s test revealed that Single Vata predominant DP patients were found to have severe Sandhi-shula (Joint pain) (p&lt;0.0001), Shunatanga (Numbness of the joint) (p-value at 0.0069), Nidra-Viparyaya (Irregular sleep patterns) (p-value at 0.0012) than VP and VK DP individuals. Sandhi-Shotha (Joint swelling) (p-value at 0.0299), Angamarda (generalized body pains) (p-value at 0.0130), Alasya (laziness) (p&lt;0.0001), Gaurava (Heaviness) (p&lt;0.0001), and Apaka (delayed digestion) (p-value at 0.0254) were found severe in VK DP, whereas Trishna (Thirsty) (p&lt;0.0001), Nidraviparyaya (p-value at 0.0012) were more severe in VP DP individuals. One-way ANOVA revealed that the duration of morning stiffness (2.03±0.2 hours, p-value at 0.446), DAS28 (6.85±0.175, p-value at 0.0035), and DI (1.87±0.54, p-value at 0.0003) were found significantly high in single Vataja than VP and VK Deha-Prakriti. Conclusion: The disease severity in terms of duration of morning stiffness, DAS28, and DI were found more severe in Single Vataja DP. The severity of the signs and symptoms also varied according to DP.

Gender Disparities in Ankylosing Spondylitis: An Algerian Retrospective Analytical Cohort Study

Background: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory disease that can impair function and lower quality of life, which causes spinal bone fusion and new bone production. Several studies have been done on the differences in damage between women and men. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the differences between men and women with AS regarding clinical characteristics, structural damage, and treatment used by Algerian patients. Methods: In this study, 292 patients diagnosed with AS at the Hassani Abdelkader Hospital Rehabilitation Department of Sidi Bel Abbes Region between 2018 and 2021 were enrolled. The studied parameters were age, disease duration, age at disease onset, morning stiffness, joint involvements, laboratory data, disease activity, and treatments. All data were processed and analyzed via Excel and SPSS 20.0 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, IBM Corporation, Chicago, IL, August 2011). Results: We assessed 166 females and 126 males. The mean age at disease onset was 31.69 ± 10.675 vs. 30.38 ± 10.250 years, and morning stiffness duration was 26.08 ± 26.977 vs. 23.80 ± 26.529 minutes in females and males, respectively. Positive HLA-B27 was noted more in 71.9% of women and 69.6% of men. Also, the female group suffered more from their lumbar (100%) and high inflammation (83.8% elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and 59.9% positive C-reactive protein (CRP)) rather than females who suffered from a long disease duration (7.28 ± 4.867 vs. 6.74 ± 3.584). Peripheral joints were primarily affected in males than females (knees involvement: 26.4% vs. 3.6% and hips involvement: 69.6% vs. 3%, respectively). In addition, high disease activity was more noted in men (52.8% vs. 41.9%, respectively). The most noted comorbidities, including uveitis, psoriasis, and diabetes, affected more females than males (40% vs. 29.9%, 4.8% vs. 2.4%, and 2.4% vs. 1.2%, respectively). Concerning the treatment, men used more sulfasalazine than women, 86.4% vs. 76%, while women used more Humira than men (88.6% vs. 74.4%, respectively). Conclusions: According to our findings, women had a higher inflammation rate and more damage in their lumbar, requiring more sulfasalazine and Humira treatment than men who suffered from their peripheral joints and higher disease activity.

Patterns of movement-evoked pain during tendon loading and stretching tasks in Achilles tendinopathy: A secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThis study aimed to characterize movement-evoked pain during tendon loading and stretching tasks in individuals with Achilles tendinopathy, and to examine the association between movement-evoked pain with the Achilles tendinopathy type (insertional and midportion), biomechanical, and psychological variables. MethodsIn this laboratory-based, cross-sectional study, 37 individuals with chronic Achilles tendinopathy participated. Movement-evoked pain intensity (Numeric Rating Scale: 0 to 10) and sagittal-plane ankle biomechanics were collected simultaneously during standing, fast walking, single-leg heel raises, and weight-bearing calf stretch. Description of symptoms, including location of Achilles tendon pain and duration of tendon morning stiffness, as well as pain-related psychological measures, including the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia were collected. Linear mixed effects models were built around two paradigms of movement-evoked pain (tendon loading and stretching tasks) with each model anchored with pain at rest. FindingsMovement-evoked pain intensity increased as task demand increased in both models. Lower peak dorsiflexion with walking (β = −0.187, 95% CI: −0.305, −0.069), higher fear of movement (β = 0.082, 95% CI: 0.018, 0.145), and longer duration of tendon morning stiffness (β = 0.183, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.296) were associated with greater pain across tendon loading tasks (R2 = 0.47). Lower peak dorsiflexion with walking (β = −0.27, 95% CI: −0.41, −0.14), higher dorsiflexion with the calf stretch (β = 0.095, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.16), and insertional Achilles tendinopathy (β = −0.93, 95% CI: −1.65, −0.21) were associated with higher pain across tendon stretching tasks (R2 = 0.53). InterpretationIn addition to exercise, the ideal management of Achilles tendinopathy may require adjunct treatments to address the multifactorial aspects of movement-evoked pain.

Latent characteristics and influencing factors of stigma in rheumatoid arthritis: A latent class analysis.

To explore the latent classes of stigma in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, we analyzed the characteristics of the different categories. Adopting a convenient sampling method, socio-demographic and disease-related information from the outpatient clinics and wards of 3 tertiary care hospitals in China was collected. The Chinese version of the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness scale-Rheumatoid Arthritis was used in this survey. Rheumatoid arthritis stigma was divided into 3 potential categories: Low Stigma-Strong Resistance (83, 41.5%), Medium Stigma-Strong Alienation (78, 39.0%), and High Stigma-Weak Resistance (39, 19.5%). Unordered multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that pain (OR = 1.540, P = .005; OR = 1.797, P < .001), elementary school education and below (OR = 4.051, P = .037), and duration of morning stiffness (OR = 0.267, P = .032) were risk factors for stigma, whereas family history was a protective factor against stigma (OR = 0.321, P = .046). Patients with longer morning stiffness, more severe pain, and less education have a greater risk of heavier stigma. Strong alienation is an early warning of heavy stigma. Resistance to stigma and family support can help patients overcome their psychological obstacles. More attention should be paid to constructing family centered support systems to help resist stigma.

Prevalence and characteristics of subclinical giant cell arteritis in polymyalgia rheumatica.

The main objective of this study was to analyse the prevalence and characteristics of subclinical GCA in patients with PMR. This was a cross-sectional multicentre international study of consecutive patients with newly diagnosed PMR without symptoms or signs suggestive of GCA. All patients underwent US of the temporal superficial, common carotid, subclavian and axillary arteries. Patients with halo signs in at least one examined artery were considered to have subclinical GCA. The clinical, demographic and laboratory characteristics of the PMR group without subclinical vasculitis were compared with subclinical GCA, and the pattern of vessel involvement was compared with that of a classical single-centre GCA cohort. We included 346 PMR patients, 267 (77.2%) without subclinical GCA and 79 (22.8%) with subclinical GCA. The PMR patients with subclinical GCA were significantly older, had a longer duration of morning stiffness and more frequently reported hip pain than PMR without subclinical GCA. PMR with subclinical GCA showed a predominant extracranial large vessel pattern of vasculitic involvement compared with classical GCA, where the cranial phenotype predominated. The patients with PMR in the classical GCA group showed a pattern of vessel involvement similar to classical GCA without PMR but different from PMR with subclinical involvement. More than a fifth of the pure PMR patients had US findings consistent with subclinical GCA. This specific subset of patients showed a predilection for extracranial artery involvement. The optimal screening strategy to assess the presence of vasculitis in PMR remains to be determined.

P127 Baricitinib Efficacy in Moderate Rheumatoid Arthritis - A Post-hoc Analysis from two Phase III Trials

Abstract Background/Aims Baricitinib, an oral selective JAK 1/2 inhibitor, is approved for treating adults with moderate-to-severe active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This analysis aims to report the efficacy of baricitinib in patients with moderate RA at weeks (W)12 and 24 from two phase III studies, RA-BEAM (NCT01710358) and RA-BUILD (NCT01721057). Methods This post-hoc analysis included patients from RA-BEAM (inadequate responders to methotrexate) and RA-BUILD (inadequate responders to conventional synthetic DMARDs) with moderate RA at baseline (defined as Disease Activity Score (DAS)-28 with C-reactive protein (CRP) of &amp;gt; 3.2 and ≤5.1). This analysis reports treatment response as low disease activity (LDA) defined by DAS28-CRP ≤3.2 and &amp;gt;2.6 or remission defined by &amp;lt; 2.6 and presents descriptive data at W12 and W24, including pain (visual analogue scale [VAS]), fatigue (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue [FACIT-F]), physical functioning (Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index [HAQ-DI]), Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI), duration and severity of morning stiffness, joint pain, and fatigue using daily diaries. Continuous variables are presented as median with interquartile range and categorical variables as frequencies and percentages. Results At baseline, moderate RA was observed in 117 patients on baricitinib 4-mg, 80 on adalimumab, and 133 on placebo in RA-BEAM; and 80 on baricitinib 2-mg, 63 on baricitinib 4-mg, and 73 on placebo in RA-BUILD. In RA-BEAM at W12, 46.2%, 37.5%, and 9.0% of patients on baricitinib 4-mg, adalimumab, and placebo, respectively, achieved remission. In RA-BUILD at W12, 38.8%, 44.4%, and 13.7% of patients on baricitinib 2-mg, baricitinib 4-mg, and placebo, respectively, achieved remission. At W24, a further increase in the percentage of patients achieving remission was reported in both trials (Table). Improvement in pain (VAS), FACIT-F, and HAQ-DI was similar across RA-BEAM and RA-BUILD with baricitinib treatment (Table). In both trials, patients reported improvement in duration and severity of morning stiffness, worst tiredness, and worst joint pain with baricitinib treatment (Table). Additionally, baricitinib treatment yielded numerical improvement in impairment of daily activity and work productivity in RA-BEAM (Table). Conclusion In patients with moderate RA, baricitinib markedly improved signs and symptoms of RA and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) at W12 and W24. Disclosure B.W. Kirkham: Member of speakers’ bureau; B.K. has received speaker’s payments from AbbVie, Eli Lilly and Company, Galapagos, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB. Grants/research support; B. K. has received research support from Eli Lilly and Company and Novartis. Other; B. K. has been an adviser for AbbVie, Eli Lilly and Company, Galapagos, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB. B. W. has received meeting support payments from Eli Lilly and Company. E. Nikiphorou: Honoraria; E.N. received speaker honoraria from Celltrion, Pfizer, Sanofi, Gilead, Galapagos, AbbVie, Eli Lilly and Company, and Fresenius. Grants/research support; E.N. holds grants from Pfizer and Eli Lilly and Company. Other; E.N. participated in advisory boards for Celltrion, Pfizer, Sanofi, Gilead, Galapagos, AbbVie, Eli Lilly and Company, and Fresenius. E. N. received travel payments from Eli Lilly and Company. C.J. Edwards: Honoraria; C.E received honoraria from Eli Lilly and Company. Grants/research support; C.E. received grant payments from Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche, Biogen, and Eli Lilly and Company. Other; C.E. received personal fees from Abbvie, Astra-Zeneca, BMS, Celltrion, Fresenius, Galapagos, Gilead, GSK, Janssen, Roche, Pfizer, and Sanofi and travel and meeting payments from Eli Lilly and Company. M. Sheesh: Corporate appointments; M. S. is a full-time employee at Eli Lilly and Company. Shareholder/stock ownership; M. S. is a minor shareholder at Eli Lilly and Company. E. Haladyj: Corporate appointments; E. H. is a full-time employee at Eli Lilly and Company. Shareholder/stock ownership; E. H. is a minor shareholder at Eli Lilly and Company. J. Gerwien: Corporate appointments; J. G. is a full-time employee at Eli Lilly and Company. Shareholder/stock ownership; J. G. is a minor shareholder at Eli Lilly and Company. L. Zaremba-Pechmann: Corporate appointments; L. Z-P is a contractor at HaaPACS gmbH. P.C. Taylor: Consultancies; P. T. has been a consultant for AbbVie, Biogen, Galapagos, Gilead, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Eli Lilly and Company, BMS, Pfizer, Roche, Celltrion, Sanofi, Nordic Pharma, Fresenius, and UCB. Grants/research support; P. T. received grant/research support from Galapagos. Other; P. T. has received meeting support payments from Eli Lilly and Company.

Biopsychosocial factors should be considered when evaluating central sensitization in axial spondyloarthritis.

To identify the determinants of central sensitization (CS) in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) was used to determine CS frequency. Disease-related variables including Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS-CRP/-ESR), Maastricht Ankylosing Spondylitis Enthesitis Score (MASES), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (ASQoL) and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)GLOBAL were assessed. Biopsychosocial variables were evaluated by the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (B-IPQ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and subscales for Anxiety (HADS-A) and Depression (HADS-D), and Jenkins Sleep Evaluation Scale (JSS). To determine the predictors of the development and severity of CS, multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were performed. The frequency of CS was 57.4% in the study population (n = 108). CSI score was correlated with the duration of morning stiffness, BASDAI, ASDAS-CRP, ASDAS-ESR, NRSGLOBAL, BASFI, MASES, ASOoL, JSS, HADS, and B-IPQ total scores (ρ ranged from 0.510 to 0.853). Multiple regression analysis indicated that BASDAI (OR: 10.44, 95% CI: 2.65-41.09), MASES (OR: 2.47, 95% CI: 1.09-5.56) and HADS-A (OR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.11-2.37) were independent predictors of the development of CS. Additionally, higher NRSGLOBAL, JSS, HADS-D, and HADS-A scores appeared to determine the severity of CS. This study confirms that worse disease activity, more enthesal involvement, and anxiety independently predict the development of CS. Additionally, higher patient-perceived disease activity, sleep impairment and poor mental health significantly contribute to the severity of CS.

Efficacy and Safety of Tofacitinib in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective: The aim of our study is to show the efficacy and side effects of tofacitinib in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: 66 Patients who were followed up in the rheumatology outpatient clinic, were older than 18 years, and used tofacitinib for at least three months were included. Blood count, liver transaminase levels, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were determined before and at the third and sixth months of the tofacitinib treatment. Before and after treatment, DAS 28-ESR, morning stiffness duration, and VAS score were also calculated Results: The mean age was 54.7±12.0 years, and 84.8% were women. The mean duration of tofacitinib use was 19.0±13.5 months. Duration of morning stiffness, VAS and DAS 28-ESR scores decreased significantly after tofacitinib (p&amp;lt;0.001). The leukocyte count after treatment also decreased significantly compared to before treatment. Side effects related to tofacitinib were seen in 33.3% of the patients. Rash, cough, and nausea were the most common side effects. Tofacitinib-associated Herpes Zoster infections were seen in 13.6% of the patients. Tofacitinib treatment was discontinued in 48.5% of patients due to adverse effects, drug ineffectiveness, and disease activation. Conclusion: There was statistically significant decrease in RA disease activity with tofacitinib treatment. It was noteworthy that 33.3% of the patients developed adverse effects and 48.5% developed a condition requiring discontinuation of tofacitinib treatment.

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.

The use of tenoxicam in active axial spondyloarthritis – focus on efficacy and safety

Purpose of the study – to study the efficacy and safety of tenoxicam (Texared®) in patients with active axial spondyloarthritis.Material and methods. The study included 35 patients with active axial spondyloarthritis with BASDAI≥4.0. Patients were given continuous oral tenoxicam (Texared®, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories) at a dosage of 20 mg/day. Subsequently, 5 patients were excluded from the study due to discontinuation of the drug after 5–10 days of administration. 30 patients were included in the final analysis. Initially and after 30 days, to assess the severity of pain and stiffness, activity, patients filled out questionnaires in electronic form using Google forms, a general assessment of pain in the lower back and the intensity of night pain by the patient, subjective sleep characteristics were carried out. The doctor calculated the BASDAI, ASDAS-CRP, BASMI indices, and evaluated the activity according to the doctor’s opinion. The baseline blood pressure level was determined, and a patient diary was issued for ambulatory blood pressure measurement in the morning/evening for 30 days. After 30 days, the patient’s ambulatory blood pressure control was assessed. At baseline and after 30 days, biochemical blood parameters were studied, including a complete blood and urine test.Results and conclusion. In patients with axial spondyloarthritis with high and very high activity, a positive effect of tenoxicam (Texared®) therapy on disease activity was noted. The effect of Texared® develops with regular use already during the first 2 weeks, and after 4 weeks there is a clear decrease in the severity of pain in the lower back, a decrease in the duration of morning stiffness. The drug is well tolerated, has a favorable safety profile, no serious adverse events and few side effects that do not require discontinuation of therapy.

Patients' and parents' satisfaction to improve patient care in JIA: factors determining acceptable symptom state measured with JAMAR.

The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with patients' and parents' reported satisfaction with JIA care, measured with the juvenile arthritis child and parent acceptable symptom state (JA-CASS and JA-PASS, respectively). A prospective cohort of 239 JIA patients and 238 parents in a tertiary centre who completed the juvenile arthritis multidimensional assessment report (JAMAR) was analysed cross-sectionally. The primary outcomes were positive JA-CASS and JA-PASS, respectively. Items in the JAMAR, as well as JIA subtype, demographics, and disease activity parameters, were analysed in univariate analysis. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to build models explaining the variance of the primary outcome as a dependent variable. According to the JAMAR, 141 (59.0%) of 239 patients and 149 (62.6%) of 238 parents were satisfied with their or their child's current condition. For patients, the determinants in the final model were a shorter duration of morning stiffness (P = 0.001), a lower age at disease onset (P = 0.044), a longer disease duration (P = 0.009) and a higher rating of the patient's well-being measured on a visual analogue scale (VAS) (P = 0.004). For parents, the determinants were the current state of disease activity (current state of persistent activity P = 0.002, relapse P < 0.005), problems at school (P = 0.002) and the items regarding quality of life (QoL) (P = 0.005). Our data highlight the importance of patients' and parents' opinions in the evaluation of disease activity, and support their integration into the shared decision-making in daily clinical practice to improve the quality of medical care.

Prolonged morning stiffness is common in hand OA and does not preclude a diagnosis of hand osteoarthritis

Prolonged morning stiffness (>60min) is considered a symptom of inflammatory arthritis, but has a poor discriminative ability. Knowledge about morning stiffness in patients with hand osteoarthritis (OA) is lacking. We therefore studied morning stiffness in patients with hand OA. Patients with primary hand OA according to their treating rheumatologist in the Hand OSTeoArthritis in Secondary care (HOSTAS) cohort were studied. Severity of morning stiffness was examined with Australian/Canadian hand OA index (AUSCAN) and presence and duration of morning stiffness were examined with a standardized questionnaire. Association of patient and disease characteristics with prolonged morning stiffness (>60min) were analyzed with logistic regression. In total 519 of 538 patients had available data about duration of morning stiffness, of whom 89 (17%) had prolonged morning stiffness. Severity of stiffness was mild in 158 of 525 (30%), intermediate in 194 (37%), severe in 97 (18%) and extreme in 19 (4%) patients. Patients with prolonged morning stiffness reported more pain, worse physical function and had a reduced mental and physical quality of life. Patients with prolonged morning stiffness also had more severe radiographic disease, although the association did not reach statistical significance. Prolonged and severe morning stiffness are frequently present in patients with hand OA. Patients with these symptoms report more pain in general and have a lower quality of life than patients that do not report these symptoms. Prolonged morning stiffness does not preclude a diagnosis of hand OA.