Duration Of Morning Stiffness Research Articles

Increased risk of periodontitis occurrence in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and its association with the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in gingival crevicular fluid.

Periodontitis (PD) is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by infection of the periodontal supporting tissues. Clinical studies have reported that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients have a higher prevalence of PD. This study aimed to explore the correlation between RA and PD. A total of 307 RA patients (RA group) and 324 healthy individuals (control group) who received physical examinations during the same period were recruited to this study. The incidence of PD in the two groups was analyzed, and the periodontal disease index (PDI) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were recorded. Then, 42 RA patients with PD and 56 control group patients with PD were selected for further analysis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of the two groups. For patients with both RA and PD, the level of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and the duration of morning stiffness were also recorded. The prevalence of PD in the RA group (51.5%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (31.2%), and the prevalence of PD also increased notably with the increase of age and the duration of the disease in RA patients. The levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in the PDI and the GCF in the concurrent RA and PD group were significantly higher than those in the PD group (P<0.05). Partial correlation analysis showed that TNF-α in the GCF positively correlated with the BOP of patients with RA and PD. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the level of TNF-α in the GCF and serum CRP were independent influencing factors of the level of IL-1β in the GCF (the r values were 1.074 and 3.851, respectively; P<0.01). The presence of RA can increase risk of PD occurrence and is positively correlated with the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in the GCF.

Current status and influencing factors of fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A cross-sectional study in China.

This study aimed to explore the level and influencing factors of fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 243 patients with rheumatoid arthritis from April 2016 to March 2017. The Bristol Rheumatoid Arthritis Fatigue Multi-Dimensional Questionnaire, Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale-8, Visual Analogue Scale for pain, physical function subscale of Short Form 36-Item Health Survey, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Perceived Social Support Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and a self-designed demographic and disease-related information questionnaire were used to collect the data. Stepwise linear multiple regression was used to clarify the impact of statistically significant variables (P < 0.05) in the independent sample t test, one-way ANOVA and correlation analysis on the level of fatigue. Stepwise linear multiple regression analyses showed that disease activity, self-efficacy, physical function, pain, depression, duration of morning stiffness and anxiety were major factors influencing fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, which explained 59.5% of the total variance. Our study demonstrated a moderate level of fatigue in Chinese patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In clinical practice, nurses should explore individualized intervention programmes based on related predictors of fatigue to help patients relieve fatigue.

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS – A CASE REPORT

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, systemic, inflammatory disease that affects primarily sacroiliac joints and the spine. It is a gradually progressive condition over several years until structural damage manifests clinical- ly as sacroiliitis, loss of spinal mobility, extra-articular symptoms, peripheral arthritis and reduced quality of life. The onset is typically between the ages of 20 to 30, with a male preponderance of about 3:1. Modern science has very limited options to treat Ankylosing spondylitis. So, the necessity of management through Ayurveda is very much essential. Various Panchakarma procedures and internal Ayurvedic medicines have been proved beneficial in the management of Ankylosing spondylitis. The present report deals with a case of ‘Ankylosing spondylitis came to our hospital for Ayurvedic treatment. The patient was diagnosed as having 'Asthi-Majja Gata Vata’ ac- cording to Ayurveda and treated with various Panchakarma procedures and internal medicines for 60 days. A cri- terion of assessment was based on the scoring of 'Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI)'. Total two assessments were carried out before and after 60 days of treatment. The patient has shown good improvement on BASDAI (80% relief). Improvement was found in signs and symptoms like fa- tigue/tiredness, back/hip pain, tenderness and intensity as well as the duration of morning stiffness. Ayurvedic treatment seems to be promising in the management of Ankylosing spondylitis without causing any adverse effects. Keywords: Ankylosing spondylitis; Asthi-Majja Gata Vata; Panchakarma; Ayurveda; Bath ankylosing spondyli- tis disease activity index (BASDAI)

The Effect of Low Level Laser Therapy on Early Onset Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic chronic, inflammatory disease that may affect many tissues and organs. Objective: To investigate effectiveness and safety of Low-level-laser-therapy (LLLT) in management of early onset RA compared to symptomatic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) therapy. Methods: A convenient selection 3 arms single blinded trial conducted in Al-Saraj Center for Rheumatoid Diseases in Baghdad during period between January-May 2017. Thirty-four patients with RA onset below one year were recruited. Disease activity score (DAS28) formula with American College of Rheumatology criteria (ACR20), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), visual analogue scale (VAS), complete blood count (CBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF) were measured. Patients were divided into three groups: group 1 (n=12) received LLLT, group 2 (n=12) received placebo laser and naproxen and group 3 (n=10) received only naproxen. Primary outcomes measured were disease activity using DAS28 score, clinical improvement using ACR20 and pain assessment using VAS. Secondary outcomes measured were remission ACR50 and 70 and inflammatory indicators. Results: LLLT group has shown significant decrease of DAS28 (P=0.02), morning stiffness duration (p=0.05), number of tender joints (p=0.03), number of swelling joints (p=0.04), and VAS (p=0.01) compared to baseline whereas placebo laser group with naproxen and naproxen only group showed only significant reduction in duration of morning stiffness(P=0.04) and (p=0.048) respectively. There was marginal lowering of ESR (P=0.06) in LLLT group but no changes in CRP, RF. There were no reported side effects of LLLT use. Conclusion: Laser therapy is better than NSAIDS in controlling RA symptoms with no associated side effects. Therefore, it is recommended as first-line therapy in early onset RA. Keywords: laser, Low level laser therapy, rheumatoid arthritis, NSAIDS, ESR, Nerve root Citation: Al-Saraj MJA, Al-Ethary ZY, Al-Attar ZI. the effect of low level laser therapy on early onset rheumatoid arthritis patients. Iraq Iraqi JMS. 2021; 19(1): 126-133. doi: 10.22578/IJMS.19.1.16

Not just pain and morning stiffness duration in the daily experience of patients with polymyalgia rheumatica. Does the rheumatologist listen to all patient-reported outcomes?

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) provide a means for patients to communicate with their care teams about their disease. Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is considered to be one of the most common inflammatory rheumatic diseases in older adults. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of pain is the only PRO assessed by the PMR activity score (PMR-AS), which is still the only validated score for monitoring disease activity in patients affected with PMR. Other PROs such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, depressive symptoms, and patient’s perspective related to adverse effects of prednisolone are still unmet needs. This short communication suggests the gerontorheumatological outpatient clinic as an answer.

POS1045 Ixekizumab efficacy on spinal pain, disease activity and quality of life in patients with psoriatic arthritis presenting with symptoms suggestive of axial involvement

Background:Many patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) experience back pain and stiffness, which may suggest axial involvement [1]. The prevalence of axial involvement in PsA varies between 25-70% [2]. Ixekizumab (IXE), a monoclonal antibody with high affinity for IL17-A, has been studied in Phase 3 trials in patients with PsA (SPIRIT-P1 [Biologic-naïve; NCT01695239] and SPIRIT-P2 [Inadequate response or intolerant to 1 or 2 TNF inhibitors (TNFi); NCT02349295]) [3] [4].Objectives:To determine the efficacy of IXE up to 52 weeks (Wks) in reducing axial symptoms in patients with active PsA presenting with symptoms suggestive of axial involvement.Methods:This post-hoc analysis included data from two subpopulations of patients with PsA (pooled SPIRIT-P1 and -P2). Symptoms suggestive of axial involvement were defined as Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) Q2 (back pain) ≥4, and an average of Q5 + Q6 (intensity and duration of morning stiffness in the spine) ≥4 at baseline. Patients included in the sensitivity analysis subgroup 1 were, in addition to the above-mentioned overall analysis criteria, &lt;45 years of age, while patients included in sensitivity analysis subgroup 2 were aged &lt;45 but also had elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) (&gt; 5 mg/l) at baseline. Efficacy of IXE was analysed using BASDAI questions, total BASDAI, mBASDAI (without Q3), and Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) change from baseline, as well as BASDAI50 response and Short-Form-36 physical component summary (SF-36 PCS) improvement, at Wks 16, 24 and 52. Treatment comparison was done using logistic regression for BASDAI50, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) model for other endpoints. Missing data for binary and continuous endpoints were imputed by non-responder imputation and modified baseline observation carried forward (mBOCF), respectively.Results:A total of 313 patients (placebo (PBO), N=151; IXE Q4W, N=162) met the overall analysis inclusion criteria. Baseline values for BASDAI and ASDAS related endpoints were balanced across treatment arms (Table 1). Improvement in axial symptoms were significantly greater in patients treated with IXE compared to PBO at Wks 16 and 24 (Figure 1. next page) Improvement in quality of life (QoL) measures (SF-36 PCS) were also significantly greater in patients treated with IXE compared to PBO at Wks 16 and 24 (Table 1). Similar results were observed for patients &lt; 45 years, and in patients &lt; 45 years with CRP &gt; 5 mg/l at baseline (sensitivity analysis, data not shown).Table 1.Baseline values and change from baseline (mBOCF) in the overall analysis population at Wks 16, 24 and 52 for BASDAI and ASDAS related endpoints in patients with PsA and axial pain. Data presented as mean (SD) unless otherwise specified. ‡p&lt;0.001 vs PBO.Conclusion:IXE is effective in reducing axial symptoms and improving QoL in patients with active PsA presenting with symptoms suggestive of axial involvement.

POS0983 WORK PARTICIPATION IN PATIENTS WITH AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS IN GERMANY: RESULTS FROM A MULTICENTER, OBSERVATIONAL SURVEY (ATTENTUS-axSpA)

Background:Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory condition often associated with impaired working participation1 not only translating to devastating outcomes for patients (pts) but also increased economic and social burden due to a significant amount of indirect costs. Data on the different work participation domains in axSpA pts with access to biologic therapies are limited.Objectives:To characterise the different domains of work participation [presenteeism, absenteeism, sick leave, unemployment, disability pensions] in axSpA pts and their associations with demographic and clinical confounders.Methods:Pts with confirmed clinical diagnosis of axSpA were enrolled in a multicenter, observational ATTENTUS survey conducted across Germany (Nov-2019 to Jul-2020). To ensure high data quality, inclusion criteria was verified by external monitoring, followed by evaluation of the domains of impaired work participation, including absenteeism and presenteeism (WPAI). Demographics, clinical parameters and patient related outcomes (PROs) were collected via tablet. This analysis included working age (18–65 years) pts; and excluded students and retired pts. Pts without absenteeism (value=0) and presenteeism ≤20% were defined as no impairment at work.Results:A total of 787 axSpA pts were enrolled in the survey. Seven students, 68 retired pts and 17 pts not fulfilling the inclusion criteria were excluded from this analysis, leaving 695 pts with complete data sets. Baseline data are outlined in Table 1. 50 pts received disability pensions, 29 pts received unemployment benefits, 590 (84.9%) pts reported paid work [part-time: n=132 (22.4%); full-time: n=458 (65.9%)], with 242 (41.0%) pts having no impairments at work. 379 (64.2%) employed pts took sick leave within the previous 12 months (mo) (&lt;3 mo: n=351; 3–6 mo: n=17; &gt;6 mo: n=11). Absenteeism and presenteeism occurred in 140 (23.7%) and 496 (84.1%) pts, respectively. Pts without impairments were mostly of young age, male sex, well-educated, with low disease activity, less fatigue and shorter duration of morning stiffness, and preserved global and physical functioning. No apparent differences between pts with and without impairment of work participation were observed in terms of biologic treatment, disease duration and BMI.Table 1.Descriptive characteristics of the study populationMean (SD), unless specifiedImpaired WP (n=453)Full WP(n=242)p-valueTotal(n=695)Age (yrs)46.7 (11.1)42.8 (10.1)&lt;0.00145.3 (10.9)BMI28.5 (14.0)27.0 (6.8)0.14628.0 (12.0)Male, n(%)246 (54)177 (73)&lt;0.001423 (61)Disease duration (yrs)12.7 (11.3)12.4 (10.2)0.81312.6 (11.0)University-Education, n(%)104 (23.0)82 (33.9)0.001186 (26.8)In a committed relation, n(%)310 (68.4)159 (65.7)0.464469 (6.6)ASAS-HI8.0 (3.3)3.7 (3.0)&lt;0.0016.5 (3.8)BASDAI4.8 (1.9)2.1 (1.6)&lt;0.0013.9 (2.2)BASDAI &gt; 4, n(%)286 (63.1)28 (11.6)&lt;0.001314 (45.2)Fatigue [BASDAI #1]5.8 (2.1)2.8 (2.1)&lt;0.0014.7 (2.5)Duration morning stiffness [BASDAI #6]3.5 (2.4)1.6 (1.8)&lt;0.0012.8 (2.4)BASFI4.2 (2.3)1.5 (1.5)&lt;0.0013.3 (2.4)Biologic treatment, n(%)230 (50.8)134 (55.4)0.390364 (52.4)Full time employment, n(%)256 (56.5)202 (83.5)&lt;0.001458 (65.9)Absenteeism17.9 (32.1)0-10.6 (26.2)Presenteeism48.6 (21.00)9.6 (8.3)-32.6 (25.6)ASAS-HI, Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society-Health Index; BASDAI, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index; BASFI, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index; BMI, basal metabolic index; n, number of pts; SD, standard deviation; WP, work productivity; years, yrsConclusion:There was a substantial impact on work participation for axSpA pts, despite numerous available therapeutic options. Pts with impaired work participation compared to pts with no impairment, reported increased fatigue, longer duration of morning stiffness, decreased functional capacity, female sex and a lower level of education.

POS0245 PERFORMANCE OF STANDARDIZED SCORES FOR DISEASE ASSESSMENT AND PAIN IN PATIENTS WITH SPONDYLOARTHRITIS AND FIBROMYALGIA

Background:The pathogenesis of spondyloarthritis (SpA) including axial SpA (axSpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) differs from fibromyalgia (FM). However, symptoms partially overlap and both patient groups suffer from pain and stiffness. In addition, SpA patients may also develop a secondary form of FM. Classification criteria for SpA and diagnostic criteria for FM are used to differentiate between these subsets. Patient reported outcomes (PRO) often generated by questionnaires are used to assess severity and other disease features.Objectives:To study whether PROs developed for axSpA, PsA, and related physician-based information behave in a similar way in patients diagnosed with FM without an additional chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease (CIRD) as in patients with a primary diagnosis of SpA without or with secondary FM.Methods:Patients were consecutively recruited. The main inclusion criterion was a clinical diagnosis of FM (without CIRD), axSpA or PsA (without or with secondary FM) and the indication for a treatment adaptation (escalation or change within the same class) for any reason, based on the judgement of experienced rheumatologists. Standardized assessment tools and lab parameters (BASDAI, ASDAS-CRP, DAPSA, patient´s and global assessment (NRS), CRP, BASFI, Fibromyalgia Impact questionnaire (FIQ), Leeds Enthesitis Index (LEI), Maastricht Ankylosing Spondylitis (MASES) and SpA Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) Enthesitis Score were assessed and compared between subgroups.Results:The baseline demographics of 300 recruited patients (100 FM. 100 axSpA and 100 PsA) are shown in Table 1. All patients with FM (primary or secondary to SpA) showed the highest scores in almost all assessments, and this was independent of the main diagnosis (Table 2). In comparison, patients with axSpA or PsA without secondary FM showed significantly lower scores in all PROs as compared to those with primary and secondary FM, with exception of (i) scores of ASDAS-CRP and (ii) duration of morning stiffness (Question 6 of BASDAI), which were not affected by the presence of secondary FM (Table 2).Conclusion:Secondary FM is leading to significantly higher levels of SpA-specific scores. ASDAS-CRP was the only score that was not influenced by the presence of secondary FM in patients with axSpA even though it was also increased in patients with primary FM, while similar results were found for the duration but not the level of morning stiffness. On the other hand, FM-specific questionnaires also showed high scores in patients with axSpA and PsA with concomitant FM but not in those without.Table 1.Baseline characteristics of all diagnosis subtypes and comparison (p-values) to primary FM diagnosis. ‘+’: diagnosis with concomitant FM, ‘-‘: diagnosis without concomitant FMTable 2.Mean values (±standard deviation) of the assessed diseasespecific indices and comparison (p-values) to primary FM diagnosis.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

POS0606 DISEASE ACTIVITY AND PATIENTS-REPORTED OUTCOMES AFTER SWITCHING BETWEEN IL-6 RECEPTOR INHIBITORS AND JAK INHIBITORS: AN ANALYSIS FROM THE CORRONA REGISTRY

Background:Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who fail therapy may be switched to any of the five classes of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and targeted synthetic DMARDs, to meet treatment goals. Physicians may hesitate to switch between Janus Kinase inhibitors (JAKi) and interleukin-6 receptor inhibitors (IL-6Ri) since they both impact IL-6 signalling and due to limited data on switching between the two classes.Objectives:This retrospective, observational study based on the real-world Corrona RA registry aimed to describe the response in RA patients switching between IL-6Ri and JAKi.Methods:Adult RA patients who initiated either IL-6Ri or JAKi after November 2012 and had a six-month post-initiation follow-up visit were eligible. Patients in ‘Cohort A’ initiated an IL-6Ri following discontinuation of a JAKi and those in ‘Cohort B’ initiated a JAKi following discontinuation of an IL-6Ri. Disease activity measures and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were evaluated at baseline and at six-month follow-up. Within each group, change from baseline was assessed for Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), pain, fatigue, tender joint count (TJC), swollen joint count (SJC), physician global assessment (MDGA), patient global assessment (PtGA) and morning stiffness duration. Proportion of patients achieving CDAI low disease activity (LDA), CDAI remission and minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for HAQ, pain, fatigue, MDGA, PtGA were assessed. Adjusted linear and logistic regression models were performed for between-group comparisons (Cohort A vs Cohort B) excluding initiators who switched therapy prior to six-month visit.Results:Cohorts A and B included 122 and 144 initiators, respectively. Patients who switched toIL-6Ri (vs JAKi) were younger (mean [SD] age, 56.2 [11.3] vs 58.9 [12.6] years), had higher baseline CDAI (23.2 [12.9] vs 20.2 [12.8]), had higher prior use of ≥2 csDMARDs (75% vs 65%), and were less likely to initiate therapy as monotherapy (44% vs 50%).In Cohort A, significant changes from baseline were observed for all continuous outcomes except HAQ and fatigue. In Cohort B, a significant improvement was observed only for patient-reported pain (Table 1).Table 1.Unadjusted Within-Group Change from Baseline to Six Months, Mean (95% CI), nOutcomesCohort A, N = 122Cohort B, N = 144CDAI-4.7 (-7.6, -1.9), 109-2.4 (-5.2, 0.4), 116HAQ-0.0 (-0.1, 0.1), 105-0.1 (-0.1, 0.0), 118Patient-reported pain-8.2 (-13.4, -3.0), 109-5.9 (-11.5, -0.2), 120Patient-reported fatigue-4.4 (-9.0, 0.2), 109-1.7 (-6.6, 3.3), 117TJC-1.6 (-3.0, -0.1), 112-1.2 (-2.6, 0.3), 117SJC-1.5 (-2.5, -0.4), 112-0.4 (-1.3, 0.6),117MDGA-10.9 (-15.6, -6.3), 112-4.3 (-8.7, 0.2), 117PtGA-6.0 (-11.2, -0.8), 109-4.8 (-10.5, 0.8), 120Morning stiffness durationa-1.3 (-2.2, -0.5), 109-0.1 (-1.1, 0.8), 118aAmong those reporting morning stiffness at baseline.In the adjusted between-group comparison (data not shown) of change from baseline, there were no significant differences in clinical outcomes between Cohorts A and B.In both cohorts, patients achieved CDAI LDA, CDAI remission, and MCIDs across other PROs (Figure 1). In the adjusted between-group comparison (data not shown), the results were similar with the exception of achievement of CDAI LDA among patients with moderate to high disease activity at baseline.Figure 1.Rates of CDAI LDA, CDAI Remission, and MCID for PROsa at Six MonthsConclusion:In general, in both cohorts a substantial proportion of patients achieved CDAI LDA and MCID across PROs. Despite some overlap of JAKi and IL-6Ri therapies’ on the IL-6 pathway, there are some distinct mechanisms of action which may result in meaningful improvements for a subset of patients.Acknowledgements:Amy Praestgaard (Sanofi) contributed to the interpretation of the statistical analysis for this abstract. Medical writing support for this abstract was provided by Nupur Chaubey (Sanofi).Disclosure of Interests:Anisha Dua Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Consultant of: Consulting/advisory board for AbbVie, Novartis, and Chemocentryx, Employee of: Board member of Vasculitis foundation and Chicago Rheumatism Society, Kerri Ford Shareholder of: Sanofi, Employee of: Sanofi, Stefano Fiore Shareholder of: Sanofi, Employee of: Sanofi. In addition, Stefano Fiore has a patent EP 19306553.9; USPTO #s 62/799,698; 62/851,474; 62/935,395 issued, Dimitrios A Pappas Shareholder of: Corrona LLC, Consultant of: Sanofi, AbbVie, Gtech, Roche Hellas, and Novartis, Employee of: Corrona LLC. Board of directors, Corrona Research Foundation, Judson Janak: None declared, Taylor Blachley: None declared, Carla Roberts-Toler: None declared, Kelechi Emeanuru: None declared, Joel Kremer Consultant of: AbbVie, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, BMS, Genentech, Regeneron, Sanofi, and Corrona, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Lilly, Novartis, and Pfizer, Alan Kivitz Shareholder of: Pfizer, Sanofi, GlaxoSmithKline, Gilead Sciences, Inc., and Novartis, Speakers bureau: Celgene, Merck, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi, Flexion, and AbbVie, Consultant of: AbbVie, Boehringer Ingelheim, Flexion, Janssen, Pfizer, Sanofi, Regeneron, SUN Pharma Advanced Research, Gilead Sciences, Inc. In addition, Alan Kivitz reports other from Altoona Center for Clinical Research, PC, during the conduct of the study.

AB0713 EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF LASER THERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background:Despite the fact that the introduction of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic medicines (bDMARDs) and the early start of treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can effectively stop the inflammatory process in RA, a fairly large number of patients continue to experience joint pain [1]. It is assumed that in some cases, joint pain in patients with RA is not associated with the inflammation, so it requires consideration of the possibility of using alternative strategies for the treatment of RA.Objectives:The aim of the research is to study the effectiveness of laser therapy in the treatment of RA.Methods:114 patients with RA aged from 32 to 53 years have been monitored for 6 months. There were 82 women (71.9 %) and 32 men (28.1%) among them. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. The first group of patients (57 people) received basic medical therapy with methotrexate 15 mg intramuscularly once a week and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) on demand. The dose of methotrexate was selected taking into account the disease activity index DAS 28. The second group of patients (57 people) received basic medical therapy with methotrexate 15 mg intramuscularly once a week and NSAIDs on demand. In addition, the cutaneous low-intensity laser irradiation of the joints was added along the projection of the joint gap in a pulse mode with a wavelength of 0.89 microns. The pulse frequency is 80-1500 Hz, the pulse power is 5 W, the exposure time in the field is 1-2 minutes and the total radiation time per session is no more than 10 minutes [2]. The course of treatment consisted of 10 procedures (the device “Milta F-8 RD”, Russia, Moscow). The course of laser therapy was repeated after 4 weeks. To assess clinical indicators, patients were examined using the SF-36 questionnaire before treatment and 6 months after the start of treatment.Results:The survey after 6 months revealed the significant decrease in the severity of pain on the VAS from the initial average indicator 4.5±0.2 to 3.69±0.2 points (p&lt;0.01) and morning stiffness from 60±5 to 40.8±4 minutes (p&lt;0.01). In the first group, the dynamics of clinical indicators were not statistically significant: the intensity of pain decreased from 4.6±0.2 to 4.2±0.3 points (p&gt;0.05) and the duration of morning stiffness reduced from 62±7 to 58.6±6 minutes (p&gt;0.05). In the second group the decrease in the need for NSAIDs was observed in 21 patients, while in the first group the same was observed only in 10 patients (px2 = 0.020).Conclusion:Laser therapy in the treatment of patients with RA enabled to decrease the frequency of the need for NSAIDs and reduce morning stiffness. We recommend using laser therapy in patients with RA at the second radiological stage as an addition to basic therapy.

Determining the Relationship between Severity of Clinical Symptoms and Severity of Radiographic Findings in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the relationship between severity of clinical symptoms and severity of radiographic findings in patients with knee osteoarthritis.Methods: In this cross-sectional analysis, 84 patients with knee osteoarthritis were studied. Clinical signs, including pain, joint effusion, morning stiffness, and limb deformity, were compared with the Kellgren and Lawrence radiographic classification reviewed by each patient.The relationship between K/L garde and BMI, age, duration of disease and gender was also investigated.Results: This study conducted on 84 patients with knee osteoarthritis found a significant direct relationship betweenquantitative pain, VAS, and K/Lscore,as well asqualitative pain and K/L score(P=0.000).Moreover, there was a significant relationship between morning stiffness duration and gender (P=0.012). A direct relationship was also reported between disease duration and K/L score of patients (P=0.000) and Pearson coefficient was positive.Conclusion: this study proved that with increasing VAS and patients’ pain, patients are in a higher classification of K/L score.

Trajectories in early rheumatoid arthritis related fatigue over 10 years: results from the ESPOIR cohort.

In a cohort of early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, we aimed to determine and characterise fatigue trajectories over 10 years of follow-up and identify predictors of trajectory membership. We selected patients fulfilling the 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria for RA included in the ESPOIR cohort. We used a cluster analysis to obtain fatigue (assessed by fatigue visual analogue scale) trajectories over the course of 10 years from enrolment. Chi-square tests or ANOVA were performed to evaluate differences of baseline variables between fatigue trajectories. Using a multinomial logistic regression we were able to identify predictors of trajectory membership. We analysed 598 patients with mean disease duration at enrolment of 26.2±40.9 days. Cluster analysis revealed 3 trajectories: high (18%), moderate (52%) and low fatigue (30%). Compared to patients with moderate or low fatigue trajectory, patients with high fatigue trajectory were predominantly women and reported significantly higher duration and intensity of morning stiffness, HAQ score, tender joints count, levels of pain, number of awakenings due to arthritis, frequency of fibromyalgic RA, levels of physician and patient global assessment, more frequent sleep problems, and increased psychological distress. Female patients with pain, psychological distress and presence of sicca symptoms had a higher risk of being in the high trajectory group. These findings suggest that levels of fatigue are rather stable over time in each trajectory. Baseline clinical measures and baseline patient-reported measures of functional status better distinguished the three fatigue trajectories. We did not find any differences between trajectories in baseline laboratory measures. Inflammatory activity was not a predictor of being in the high trajectory fatigue group.

Effects of Laser Therapy on Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

The aim of the study was to examine the effects of laser therapy on rheumatoid arthritis. A search of controlled trials was conducted in different medical electronic databases. The primary outcome was immediate pain relief after treatment. Secondary outcomes were level of functional disability, morning stiffness duration, and 3-mo follow-up for pain. Ten trials met the inclusion criteria. Rheumatoid arthritis treatment with laser therapy significantly improved immediate pain relief (standardized mean difference = -0.839, 95% confidence interval = -1.336 to -0.343) and overall functional score (standardized mean difference = -0.309, 95% confidence interval = -0.587 to -0.031). There was no significant improvement in morning stiffness duration (standardized mean difference = -0.519, 95% confidence interval = -1.176 to 0.138), and 3-mo follow-up for pain (standardized mean difference = -1.125, 95% confidence interval = -2.311 to 0.061). There was no publication bias (Egger regression, P = 0.277). However, heterogeneity was noted despite the removal of an outlier (Q = 18.646, I2 = 57.096). Results of subgroup analyses suggested that high-intensity laser therapy and nerve irradiation are better suited for immediate pain relief. Meta-regression analyses showed no significant linear relationship between the treatment effect with laser wavelength or number of treatment sessions. Laser therapies provide significant immediate pain relief and improve function for rheumatoid arthritis patients, but without significant improvement in morning stiffness duration and 3-mo follow-up for pain.Systematic review registration number: CRD42020192906.

Concomitant Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia and Ankylosing Spondylitis: Relation to Clinical Features and Plasma Pentraxin -3 Level.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic systemic inflammatory rheumatic disease that specifically affects the spine and sacroiliac joint. AS diagnosis is often delayed in the clinical practice and this delay may cause the patients to miss the chance of early treatment. Fibromyalgia (FM) is a frequently encountered clinical syndrome, fibromyalgianess is a term used when patients who are diagnosed with inflammatory arthropathies meet the criteria for FM syndrome as shown in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjogren syndrome, and AS. We aimed primarily to assess the frequency of concomitant diagnosis of FM syndrome in AS patients and study its impact on clinical disease aspects. Secondary, our aim extended as a preliminary pilot study to assess the Plasma Pentraxin-3(PTX-3) as a potential marker for the diagnosis of FM syndrome in AS patients. Plasma PTX-3 in 61 AS patients was compared to 60 matched controls. FM was diagnosed by FM Rapid Screening Tool. Bath AS disease activity index (BASDAI) and AS disease assessment score using C- reactive protein (ASDAS-CRP), Bath AS functional impairment index (BASFI), Bath AS metrology index (BASMI), AS quality of life (ASQoL) scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Bath AS Radiology Index (BASRI) were assessed. The patients were categorized into two groups according to the concomitant diagnosis of FM syndrome. Group I included 14 (22.9%) AS patients who fulfilled the clinical diagnosis of FM syndrome. Group II included 47 (77.1%) AS patients without FM syndrome. AS patients with FM (Group I) had significantly(p<0.001) increased an average of ages, disease duration, diagnostic delay of AS, switching of bDMARDs, morning stiffness duration, ASDAS-CRP, BASFI, ASQoL score, BASDAI (p=0.008), and BDI score (p=0.005) compared to AS patients without FM (Group II). PTX-3 levels were significantly (p<0.001) higher in Group I (p<0.001) (median, 0.23; IQR, 0.15-0.41 ng/ml) than Group II (median, 0.13; IQR, 0.035-0.21ng/ml) which showed no significant differences (p>0.05) compared to the controls. PTX-3 levels had significant positive correlations (p<0.05) with disease duration, BASFI, and ASQOl. Age, female sex, switch of biologic, ASDAS - CRP, and PTX-3 were significant predictors of FM in AS patients. These results indicate that concomitant FM is a significant problem in patients with AS and its presence is associated with higher disease activity, impaired function as well as an overall negative impact on QoL. Easy scanning of suspicious cases of FM with FiRST questionnaire can be done in daily practice. PTX-3 is more or less accurate as the clinical features to improve the diagnostic certainty of FM in the presence of AS with a proven sensitivity of 62.3%, a specificity of 90%, a positive predictive value of 82.75%, and a negative predictive value of 73.9%.

Chinese traditional medicine (GuiZhi-ShaoYao-ZhiMu decoction) as an add-on medication to methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

Background:GuiZhi-ShaoYao-ZhiMu decoction (GSZD), a traditional Chinese herbal medication, has been frequently used as an add-on medication to methotrexate (MTX) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment in China. This meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of adding GSZD to MTX for RA treatment.Methods:We performed a systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library (all databases) for English-language studies and WanFang, VIP, and CNKI for Chinese-language studies up to 28 July 2020. Data from selected studies, mainly the response rates and rate of adverse events (AEs), were extracted independently by two authors, and a random-effects model (Mantel–Haenszel method) was used for the meta-analysis.Results:A total of 14 randomized controlled trials and 1224 patients were included (623 patients in the GSZD + MTX group and 601 patients in the MTX group). For efficacy, the meta-analysis found that combining GSZD with MTX increased the effective rate [relative risk (RR) = 1.24, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.18–1.30, based on 1069 patients], defined as >30% efficacy, American College of Rheumatology 20, or a decrease of disease activity score 28 >0.6. Adding GSZD reduced the swollen and tender joint counts, the duration of morning stiffness, the levels of C-reactive protein and rheumatoid factor, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The adjuvant therapeutic effect of GSZD was independent of the dose of MTX or the combined utilization of other drugs in both groups. For safety, adding GSZD was associated with a lower rate of total AEs (RR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.26–0.83, based on 615 patients) and gastrointestinal tract AEs (RR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.24–0.88, based on 537 patients).Conclusion:Combining GSZD with MTX may be a more efficacious and safer strategy for treating RA compared with MTX alone. Further large studies are warranted to investigate the long-term efficacy and safety of adding GSZD to MTX for RA treatment.

Evaluation of the Impact of the Whole-body Cryotherapy Treatment on the Functional Condition of the Knee Joints in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that leads to disability of patients. The use of the whole-body cryotherapy treatment for RA patients provides analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects and improves their efficiency. Aim: Assessment of the effect of the whole-body cryotherapy treatment on the functional state of knee joints for patients with RA. Material and Method: The study was conducted on a group of 30 RA patients, who underwent a series of 10 whole-body cryotherapy treatment. The effectiveness and efficiency of the applied therapy was assessed on the basis of: the VAS scale, the Laitinen scale, the assessment of the range of motion, muscle strength with the MicroFet dynamometer and the Up and Go test. Results: As a result of the applied whole-body cryotherapy treatment, a reduction in the intensity of pain, measured with the VAS scale and the Laitinen scale, and a reduction in the duration of morning stiffness by about 55% were found. There was an increase in the range of motion and muscle strength. The time needed to perform the Up and Go test was reduced by 17%. Conclusions: The whole-body cryotherapy treatment is an effective analgesic method of physiotherapy for patients with RA. It provides an improvement in the functional state, increases the range of motion, muscle strength and improves the gait function.

Quality of life in children and adults with Idiopathic juvenile arthritis: cross-sectional study in Brazilian patients

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a chronic rheumatic disease which may persist into adulthood. Pain and joint deformities affect quality of life (QoL). The objective was to study the influence of JIA in QoL of children and adults, comparing the two groups. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 47 JIA patients (20 children and 27 adults) using the following questionnaires: Juvenile Arthritis Multidimensional Assessment Report (JAMAR), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) in adults and Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire CHAQ) in children. Epidemiological, clinical and treatment data was collected. RESULTS: No differences were found in gender, arthritis subset, presence of uveitis and fever, visual analog scale for pain and duration of morning stiffness. Adult patients required more biologics in the treatment (p=0.02) and had higher age at disease onset than children (p=0.001). About 45% of children and 51.8% of adults complained having pain and 40% of children and 48% of adults were not satisfied with the current status of their disease. CONCLUSION: Children and adult patients with JIA had similar degree of pain, morning stiffness and functional impairment. Functional impairment was considered mild but the level of pain found was higher than in other studies. Almost half of patients were not satisfied with the treatment.

Evaluation of asymptomatic bacteriuria and urinary tract infections in Egyptian rheumatoid arthritis patients using biological and /or conventional DMARDs

Objective: To determine how frequently Egyptian RA patients receiving biological and/or traditional DMARDs experience asymptomatic bacteriuria and urinary tract infections (UTI). Methods: 100 RA patients and 100 age- and sex-matched healthy controls made up this cross-sectional study. For urine analysis and culture, each participant provided mid-stream urine sample. Each participant's blood was drawn for ELISA testing to measure the levels of IgG antibodies against Proteus mirabilis and E. coli, the most frequently isolated pathogen from RA patients’ urine samples. Additionally, RA patients' clinical assessments were carried out. Results: (5%) of healthy controls and (40%) of RA patients had asymptomatic bacteriuria, respectively. E. coli (25%), followed by Proteus mirabilis (42.5%), were the two most frequently isolated organisms. IgG antibody levels against Proteus mirabilis were significantly different between the two study groups (P 0.001). Regarding the levels of IgG antibodies against E. coli, there was no discernible difference between the two study groups (P 0.571). Proteus mirabilis IgG antibody levels were observed to significantly positively correlate with ESR, CRP, DAS28, m HAQ, duration of morning stiffness, and conventional DMARDs in RA patients.

The effectiveness and safety of Tripterygium wilfordii glycosides combined with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 40 randomized controlled trials.

This systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to investigate the efficacy and safety of Tripterygium wilfordii glycosides (TG) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from the current literature. An electronic search was conducted in eight databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Chinese VIP Database, and Wanfang Database) from inception until September 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with risk of bias (RoB) score ≥ 4 according to the Cochrane RoB tool were included for the analyses. The primary outcome measures were duration of morning stiffness (DMS), tender joint count (TJC), swollen joint count (SJC), visual analog score (VAS), C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and rheumatoid factor (RF). The secondary outcome measures were the total clinical effective rate and adverse events. All the analyses were used by the random effects models. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 and STATA 14.0. A total of 40 RCTs with 3092 patients met our inclusion criteria. This meta-analysis showed that TG plus DMARDs for RA could decrease the DMS (p < .001), TJC (p < .001), SJC (p < .001), VAS (p < .001), serum CRP (p < .001), ESR (p < .001), and RF (p < .001) and improve total effective rate (p < .001). In addition, TG was generally safe and well tolerated in RA patients. Despite the limitations, the present evidence supports, at least to an extent, that TG can be recommended for routine use for RA patients. More large multicenter and high-quality RCTs are required for further research.

Reply

We are grateful for the interest in our manuscript describing synovial histology features that associate with patient reports of morning stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis1 . Jain et al raise an important point; not all joints in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis are affected equally at any given time, making it challenging to associate studies of synovium from only one joint with assessments of global patient symptoms. We had discovered that morning stiffness duration was associated with the presence of fibrin and neutrophils in synovium, however, neither of the questions used in this analysis focus on any particular joint and it is likely that joints other than the arthroplasty joint influenced patient responses.