Rheumatic Joint Diseases Research Articles

Synovial fluid D-lactate- a pathogen-specific biomarker for septic arthritis: a prospective multicenter study.

The performance of synovial fluid biomarker D-lactate to diagnose septic arthritis (SA) and differentiate it from crystal-induced arthritis (CA), other non-infectious rheumatic joint diseases (RD) and osteoarthrosis (OA) was evaluated. Consecutive adult patients undergoing synovial fluid aspiration due to joint pain were prospectively included in different German and Swiss centers. Synovial fluid was collected for culture, leukocyte count and differentiation, detection of crystals, and D-lactate concentration. Youden's J statistic was used to determine optimal D-lactate cut-off value on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve by maximizing sensitivity and specificity. In total 231 patients were included. Thirty-nine patients had SA and 192 aseptic arthritis (56 patients with OA, 68 with CA, and 68 with RD). The median concentration of synovial fluid D-lactate was significantly higher in patients with SA than in those with OA, CA, and RD (p<0.0001, p<0.0001 and p<0.0001, respectively). The optimal cut-off of synovial fluid D-lactate to diagnose SA was 0.033 mmol/L with a sensitivity of 92.3 % and specificity of 85.4 % independent of previous antimicrobial treatment. Sensitivity and specificity of synovial fluid leukocyte count at a cut-off of 20,000 cells/µL was 81.1 % and 80.8 %, respectively. Synovial fluid D-lactate showed a high performance for diagnosing SA which was superior to synovial fluid leukocyte count. Given its high sensitivity and specificity, it serves as both an effective screening tool for SA and a differentiator between SA and RD, especially CA.

Wnt signaling regulates chemokine production and cell migration of circulating human monocytes

The β-catenin dependent canonical Wnt signaling pathway plays a crucial role in maintaining normal homeostasis. However, when dysregulated, Wnt signaling is closely associated with various pathological conditions, including inflammation and different types of cancer.Here, we show a new connection between the leukocyte inflammatory response and the Wnt signaling pathway. Specifically, we demonstrate that circulating human primary monocytes express distinct Wnt signaling components and are susceptible to stimulation by the classical Wnt ligand—Wnt-3a. Although this stimulation increased the levels of β-catenin protein, the expression of the classical Wnt-target genes was not affected. Intriguingly, treating circulating human monocytes with Wnt-3a induces the secretion of cytokines and chemokines, enhancing monocyte migration. Mechanistically, the enhanced monocyte migration in response to Wnt stimuli is mediated through CCL2, a strong monocyte-chemoattractant.To further explore the physiological relevance of these findings, we conducted ex-vivo experiments using blood samples of patients with rheumatic joint diseases (RJD) – conditions where monocytes are known to be dysfunctional. Wnt-3a generated a unique cytokine expression profile, which was significantly distinct from that observed in monocytes obtained from healthy donors.Thus, our results provide the first evidence that Wnt-3a may serve as a potent stimulator of monocyte-driven immune processes. These findings contribute to our understanding of inflammatory diseases and, more importantly, shed light on the role of a core signaling pathway in the circulation.

Outcome of joint replacement in patients with underlying rheumatoid disease

Artificial joint replacement is ameaningful treatment option for patients with advanced rheumatic degenerative joint diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the underlying rheumatic diseases on postoperative complications and patient-reported outcome (PRO) after elective total joint replacement (TJR). In aretrospective analysis of 9149 patients with elective total knee or total hip arthroplasty (TKR and THR), complication rates and PRO of patients with and without rheumatic diseases (RD) were compared. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine whether the underlying rheumatic disease was an independent risk factor for various complications. In the univariate analyses the RD patients had an increased risk of medical complications (7.1% vs. 5.2%; p = 0.028) and Clavien-Dindo gradeIV complications (2.8% vs. 1.8%; p = 0.048) after TJR. This was confirmed in multivariate statistical analyses (p < 0.034). The rates for operative revisions and surgical complications were comparable (2.5% vs. 2.4%; p = 0.485). Analysis of the PRO showed ahigher responder rate in patients with RD after TKR (91.9% vs. 84.5%, p = 0.039). In contrast, the responder rate in patients with RD after THR was comparable (93.4% vs. 93.2%, p = 0.584). Despite increased postoperative complication rates, patients with underlying rheumatic diseases showed acomparable outcome 1 year after TJR. After TKR the RD patients showed even higher responder rates. Although RD patients are avulnerable patient group, they can still benefit from joint replacement.

Impact of immune regulation and differentiation dysfunction of mesenchymal stem cells on the disease process in ankylosing spondylitis and prospective analysis of stem cell transplantation therapy.

Abstract Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a rheumatic bone and joint disease caused by inflammation, erosion, and pathological bone formation. The pathological features of chronic inflammation, bone destruction, and pathological ossification occur due to the disruption of the body’s immune regulation and altered bone remodeling balance. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have multidirectional differentiation potential and immunomodulatory functions and play an important role in immune regulation and bone formation. The immune regulation and osteogenic capacity of MSCs in AS are altered by factors such as genetic background, internal environment, infection, and mechanical forces that drive disease development. This review further evaluates the role of MSCs dysfunction in inflammation and pathological bone formation by analyzing the effects of the above-mentioned factors on MSCs function and also looks forward to the prospects of MSCs in treating AS, providing some ideas for an in-depth study of inflammation and ectopic ossification. Key messages

Can rheuma be scanned? : Review of the current study situation on fluorescence optical imaging

The novel technique of indocyanine green (ICG)-based fluorescence optical imaging (FOI) using the Xiralite® system (Rheumascan) has been the subject of many different studies worldwide since approval for clinical use in the European Union (2009), USA (2014) and Asia. The FOI depicts the disturbed microcirculation in the joints of both hands caused by inflammation. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the current state of studies on ICG-based FOI in different rheumatologic indications. Anarrative literature review of publications on ICG-based FOI in the diagnosis of various inflammatory rheumatic joint diseases since 2010 is presented, its use in treatment monitoring is explained, and its value in systemic sclerosis is outlined. In summary, studies have extensively demonstrated the accuracy of FOI in inflammation detection. Therefore, it can be concluded that FOI is agood supplement to existing imaging modalities. Due to characteristic patterns of both skin and nails, FOI is an indicated procedure especially in psoriatic arthritis and can be very helpful in the diagnostic process in early undifferentiated arthritis. The FOI has shown its usefulness in children (juvenile idiopathic arthritis), for monitoring the course of treatment, and for demonstrating disturbed microcirculation in patients with systemic sclerosis. The presented data imply that FOI should be considered as avaluable complementary imaging tool in the diagnostic algorithm of daily rheumatologic practice, both for diagnosis and for follow-up monitoring. In particular, the automated analyses should be able in the future to objectify measurements of inflammatory activity as well as monitoring the response to treatment.

"The Place of Osteoimmunology in the Pathogenesis of Rheumatic Joint and Bone Diseases"

"The Place of Osteoimmunology in the Pathogenesis of Rheumatic Joint and Bone Diseases"

Arthroscopic synovectomy versus intra-articular injection of corticosteroids for the management of refractory psoriatic or rheumatoid arthritis of the wrist: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial (ARCTIC trial)

BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are inflammatory diseases that often affect the wrist and, when affected, can lead to impaired wrist function and progressive joint destruction if inadequately treated. Standard care consists primarily of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), often supported by systemic corticosteroids or intra-articular corticosteroid injections (IACSI). IACSI, despite their use worldwide, show poor response in a substantial group of patients. Arthroscopic synovectomy of the wrist is the surgical removal of synovitis with the goal to relieve pain and improve wrist function. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate wrist function following arthroscopic synovectomy compared to IACSI in therapy-resistant patients with rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis. Secondary objectives include radiologic progress, disease activity, health-related quality of life, work participation and cost-effectiveness during a 1-year follow-up.MethodsThis protocol describes a prospective, randomized controlled trial. RA and PsA patients are eligible with prominent wrist synovitis objectified by a rheumatologist, not responding to at least 3 months of conventional DMARDs and naïve to biological DMARDs. For 90% power, an expected loss to follow-up of 5%, an expected difference in mean Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation score (PRWE, range 0–100) of 11 and α = 0.05, a total sample size of 80 patients will be sufficient to detect an effect size. Patients are randomized in a 1:1 ratio for arthroscopic synovectomy with deposition of corticosteroids or for IACSI. Removed synovial tissue will be stored for an ancillary study on disease profiling. The primary outcome is wrist function, measured with the PRWE score after 3 months. Secondary outcomes include wrist mobility and grip strength, pain scores, DAS28, EQ-5D-5L, disease progression on ultrasound and radiographs, complications and secondary treatment. Additionally, a cost-effectiveness analysis will be performed, based on healthcare costs (iMCQ questionnaire) and productivity loss (iPCQ questionnaire). Follow-up will be scheduled at 3, 6 and 12 months. Patient burden is minimized by combining study visits with regular follow-ups.DiscussionPersistent wrist arthritis continues to be a problem for patients with rheumatic joint disease leading to disability. This is the first randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect, safety and feasibility of arthroscopic synovectomy of the wrist in these patients compared to IACSI.Trial registrationDutch trial registry (CCMO), NL74744.100.20. Registered on 30 November 2020.ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04755127. Registered after the start of inclusion on 15 February 2021.

The Non-medical Switch from Reference Adalimumab to Biosimilar Adalimumab is Highly Successful in a Large Cohort of Patients with Stable Inflammatory Rheumatic Joint Diseases: A Real-Life Observational Study

IntroductionThe adalimumab biosimilar (ADAbio) Amgevita® has a similar efficacy and safety profile as the adalimumab reference (ADA) Humira®. We studied the clinical consequences of a non-medical switch from ADA to ADAbio in adult patients with mainly established rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and spondyloarthritis (SpA).MethodsPatients that received treatment with ADA for at least three months were switched to ADAbio. Data was collected retrospectively from 1 year before the switch up to 6 months after.ResultsA total of 603 patients were switched from ADA to ADAbio (switch group). During a 1-year follow-up, over 93% of all patients underwent a successful transition in terms of disease activity and safety from ADA to biosimilar, supporting the bioequivalence of both drugs in patients with stable inflammatory rheumatic joint diseases. Forty patients (6.6%) switched back to ADA (re-switch group). There were no objective changes in disease activity score in 28 joints using C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP), or adverse effects before and after the switch between both groups.ConclusionsIn line with earlier reports, the transition to ADAbio went successful in the majority of patients with stable inflammatory rheumatic joint diseases. Patient-reported symptoms without objective signs that indicate a flare of disease activity after the switch to ADAbio are probably explained by nocebo effects. A pre-emptive approach to counteract nocebo effects and stimulate placebo response may have a positive impact on health outcomes for patients and preserve the economic benefits of cost savings that can be achieved by prescribing a biosimilar instead of the reference drug.

Alpha-1-antitrypsin reduces inflammation and exerts chondroprotection in arthritis.

While new treatments have been developed to control joint disease in rheumatoid arthritis, they are partially effective and do not promote structural repair of cartilage. Following an initial identification of α-1-Antitrypsin (AAT) during the resolution phase of acute inflammation, we report here the properties of this protein in the context of cartilage protection, joint inflammation, and associated pain behavior. Intra-articular and systemic administration of AAT reversed joint inflammation, nociception, and cartilage degradation in the KBxN serum and neutrophil elastase models of arthritis. Ex vivo analyses of arthritic joints revealed that AAT promoted transcription of col2a1, acan, and sox9 and downregulated mmp13 and adamts5 gene expression. In vitro studies using human chondrocytes revealed that SERPINA1 transfection and rAAT protein promoted chondrogenic differentiation through activation of PKA-dependent CREB signaling and inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin pathways. Thus, AAT is endowed with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and chondroprotective properties that are partially inter-related. We propose that AAT could be developed for new therapeutic strategies to reduce arthritic pain and repair damaged cartilage.

COVID-19in patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatic joint disease.

Since patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatic joint diseases may be more prone to infections, we wished to investigate the incidence of COVID-19in this group, and explore the possible significance of factors related to the rheumatic disease, the patient or the treatment. Altogether 27907patients registered in the Norwegian Arthritis Registry (NorArthritis) were linked to the Norwegian Surveillance System for Communicable Diseases and the Norwegian Intensive Care and Pandemic Registry in order to find the incidence of COVID-19in 2020, and the proportion of patients who were hospitalised. A standardised incidence ratio (SIR) was calculated by comparing with sex and age-specific incidence in the general population. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate whether diagnosis, age, sex, disease activity, comorbidity or drug therapy had any bearing on the incidence. A total of 185of the patients in NorArthritis tested positive for COVID-19, of whom 10% were hospitalised. The incidence was lower than in the general population (SIR 0.84; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.72-0.97, P = 0.02). Young age and low disease activity were associated with higher incidence of infection. The other factors had no significant effect. The fact that the incidence of COVID-19 was lower than in the general population, and that within the group it was lower in those with moderate/high disease activity and greater age, is most likely attributable to patients of advanced age with chronic active disease having protected themselves against infection to a greater degree.

Suppression of inflammatory arthritis in human serum paraoxonase 1 transgenic mice

Paraoxonase 1(PON1) is an HDL-associated protein, which metabolizes inflammatory, oxidized lipids associated with atherosclerotic plaque development. Because oxidized lipid mediators have also been implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), we evaluated the role of PON1 in murine inflammatory arthritis. K/BxN serum transfer (STIA) or collagen antibody transfer (CAIA) was used for arthritis induction in B6 mice homozygous for the PON1 human transgene [PON1Tg], PON1 knock-out mice [PON1KO], and wild type littermate control mice [WT]. Experiments were also performed in K/BxN mice with chronic arthritis, and in RA patients and healthy controls. Arthritis activity in K/BxN mice was associated with a marked dyslipidemia, lower PON1 activity and higher bioactive lipid mediators (BLM), as well as a dysregulated hepatic lipid gene expression profile. Higher serum PON1 activity correlated with lower BLM and lower arthritis activity in both K/BxN mice and RA patients. Overexpression of the human PON1 transgene was associated with reduced inflammatory arthritis, which correlated strongly with higher circulating PON1 activity, upregulation of the hepatic glutathione pathway, and reduction of circulating BLM. These results implicate PON1 as a potential novel therapeutic target for joint disease in RA with potential for vascular benefit, which warrants further investigation.

Efficacy and safety of switching from reference adalimumab to SB5 in a real-life cohort of inflammatory rheumatic joint diseases.

SB5 showed comparable efficacy and safety profile in respect to adalimumab originator (ADA) in randomized clinical trials of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriasis. We aimed to describe the efficacy and safety of SB5 after switching from ADA in RA, axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients. Adult RA, PsA, axSpA, JIA patients treated with ADA for at least 6months, switched to SB5 in stable clinical conditions, were eligible. Data on safety, activity indexes and patient-reported outcomes were collected at baseline, 3 and 6months after switching. Eighty-two patients (19 RA, 28 PsA, 32 axSpA and 3 JIA; 45 females, mean age 54 ± 14years, disease duration 13 ± 7years, ADA duration 6 ± 3years) were enrolled. RA patients showed stable conditions, while PsA patients showed an increase in both HAQ, DAS28(CRP) and DAPSA and axSpA patients an increase in VAS pain, VAS patient disease activity and ASDAS, both at 3months. There were changes in the concomitant medications profile, with regression of activity indexes increases at 6months. Adverse events were reported by 33.7% patients at 3months and 16.6% patients at 6months, mostly disease flares and infectious events. Two patients stopped SB5. Despite temporary changes in the concomitant medication profile for mild disease flares, our real-life data replicate the safety profile of switching from ADA to SB5 in RA, with additional data for its applicability in PsA and axSpA patients, further supporting switching to biosimilars in treating inflammatory rheumatic conditions. Key Points • Switching from adalimumab originator to SB5 is feasible in real life rheumatic inflammatory joint diseases. • Mild disease flares can present after switching from originator adalimumab to SB5, in particular in axial spondyloarthritis and psoriatic arthritis. • Changes in concomitant medications profile allows the control of minor disease flares presenting after switching from adalimumab originator to SB5.

Fluorescence optical imaging for treatment monitoring in patients with early and active rheumatoid arthritis in a 1-year follow-up period

BackgroundFluorescence optical imaging (FOI) enables visualization of inflammation in the hands in rheumatic joint diseases with currently a lack of long-term follow-up studies.ObjectiveTo investigate FOI for treatment monitoring in a homogenous cohort of patients with early (disease duration < 2 years) and active (DAS28 > 3.2) RA over a period of 12 months.MethodsThirty-five RA patients (24 (68.6%) females, mean age 53.3 years (SD 13.6)) were investigated clinically by DAS28, tender joint count (TJC) and swollen joint count (SJC) and by FOI in phases 1–3 and PrimaVistaMode (PVM) before therapy change and after 12 months. The FOI activity score (FOIAS) was calculated based on individual joint scores from 0 to 3 in 30 joints per patient, adding up to a sum score (0–90).ResultsWe found a statistically significant reduction of FOIAS in phase 1 from baseline (median 5.0, IQR 24.96) to follow-up (median 1.0, IQR 4.0) in all patients (p = 0.0045), both in responders and non-responders according to EULAR response criteria by DAS28. Statistically significant reductions over 12 months were found for median DAS28(ESR) 5.61 to 3.31, TJC 7.0 to 1.0, and SJC 5.0 to 1.0 (each p < 0.001). No statistically significant correlations were detected between the FOIAS change in phase 1 and DAS28(ESR), TJC, or SJC. Correlations between the other phases and clinical outcomes were weak to moderate.ConclusionReduced early enhancement in FOI phase 1 can be observed in clinically responding and non-responding early RA patients under treatment. Regarding potential marker performance, FOI probably shows a reduction of inflammation more objectively.

Inflammatory Versus Degenerative (Non Inflammatory) Ultrasound Detected Shoulder Abnormalities in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients with Shoulder Pain

AbstractBackground: The early and definitive diagnosis of a chronic inflammatory joint disease in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is crucial for initiating optimal treatment. Conventional radiography detects late changes such as joint destruction, but fails to visualize inflammation in synovial membrane.Aim of Study: To compare type and frequency of Ultra-sound (US) abnormal findings (inflammatory versus degen-erative (non inflammatory)) detected in shoulders of RA patients with shoulder pain in relation to disease characteristics.Patients and Methods: Musculoskeletal US (MSUS) shoulder examination and plain radiography were performed bilaterally for 45 RA patients and 45 controls with only painful shoulder and compared.Results: Comparison between RA patients and controls in number (No) and frequency of inflammatory shoulder findings detected by MSUS (active bursitis, synovitis, teno-synovitis, erosions) revealed statistical significant difference (43 (47.8%) versus 18 (20.0%), respectively), p=0.000. There was no statistical significant difference between RA patients and controls in No. and frequency of non-inflammatory findings detected by MSUS (chronic bursitis, tendinopathy, tendon tears, osteophytes), (65 (72.2%) versus 60 (66.7%), respectively), p=0.418. In RA patients, inflammatory MSUS findings were significantly related to shoulder pain, older ages and higher ESR p<0.05. MSUS detected erosions in 42 (180) shoulders versus 6 (180) by X-ray, of the 42 MSUS detected erosions, X-ray detected only 4 (9.5%). Of the 138 MSUS-ve erosions, X-ray agreed in 136 (98.6%), kappa=0.115, p=0.01.Conclusion: MSUS detected shoulder inflammatory ab-normalities are more frequent, symptomatic, usually bilateral in RA patients. They are related to shoulder pain, old age and disease activity. Early diagnosis of joint lesions by MSUS, proved superiority to conventional radiography, is crucial for initiating optimal treatment.

Development of a multiplex assay based on chimeric citrullinated peptides as proof of concept for diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.

Anti-citrullinated peptide/protein antibodies (ACPAs) are the most specific serological biomarkers for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). They have both diagnostic and prognostic value, and are related to more aggressive joint disease in RA. However, a single biomarker cannot differentiate RA subtypes. So, simultaneous analysis of target citrullinated peptides, using a multiplex array based on chimeric peptides composed of several domains of human proteins, could be useful. In this work, eight chimeric peptides and the corresponding native arginine-containing control peptides were obtained by solid-phase peptide synthesis. The study included RA and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients attending the Rheumatology Unit of the Hospital Clinic in Barcelona, as well as healthy blood donors (BD) at the same hospital. Our main aim was to explore the diagnostic value of the novel multiplex array compared to a commercial ELISA-based ACPA assay in a serum-saving way. Using the combination of the eight chimeric peptide antigens in the multiplex array, 61.4% of the RA cohort were positive for 3 or more peptides; while, the healthy BD and PsA cohorts did not show any reactivity with the tested peptides. These results indicate that we have developed a highly specific multiplex assay based of chimeric citrullinated peptides derived from filaggrin, fibrin, vimentin and human enolase proteins for the detection of ACPAs in a serum-saving way.

MicroRNA-31 Reduces the Motility of Proinflammatory T Helper 1 Lymphocytes.

Proinflammatory type 1 T helper (Th1) cells are enriched in inflamed tissues and contribute to the maintenance of chronic inflammation in rheumatic diseases. Here we show that the microRNA- (miR-) 31 is upregulated in murine Th1 cells with a history of repeated reactivation and in memory Th cells isolated from the synovial fluid of patients with rheumatic joint disease. Knock-down of miR-31 resulted in the upregulation of genes associated with cytoskeletal rearrangement and motility and induced the expression of target genes involved in T cell activation, chemokine receptor– and integrin-signaling. Accordingly, inhibition of miR-31 resulted in increased migratory activity of repeatedly activated Th1 cells. The transcription factors T-bet and FOXO1 act as positive and negative regulators of T cell receptor (TCR)–mediated miR-31 expression, respectively. Taken together, our data show that a gene regulatory network involving miR-31, T-bet, and FOXO1 controls the migratory behavior of proinflammatory Th1 cells.

Feasibility of cardiovascular disease risk assessments in rheumatology outpatient clinics: experiences from the nationwide NOCAR project

ObjectiveThe European League Against Rheumatism recommends implementing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessments for patients with inflammatory joint diseases (IJDs) into clinical practice. Our goal was to design a structured programme...

Transition in der Kinderrheumatologie – Erfahrungen aus dem Kinderrheumazentrum Sankt Augustin

Transition is ajoint effort of the young patients, their families and the attending pediatric and adult rheumatologists. The quality of the transitional process for patients with rheumatic diseases was retrospectively reviewed using astandardized questionnaire. Patients were transferred to rheumatologists for adult care through personal contact, if possible. Inclusion criteria were: diagnosis of chronic inflammatory rheumatic joint disease or systemic rheumatic disease, duration of care for >2years in the pediatric rheumatology center and ≥2presentations at the age of 17-18years. Atelephone interview was performed using astandardized questionnaire on the type of care, medication, diagnosis, satisfaction with the care and the transition process. Of the 62 enrolled patients 50 (81%) had juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). In total, 40patients (65%) were seen by an adult rheumatologist on aregular basis. Reasons for discontinuation of medical care were mainly freedom of symptoms, lack of time and non-compliance. Before and after transition, 15 and 9 patients, respectively were treated with conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) and 27 and 27, respectively with biologics. The subjective assessment of medical care in pediatric rheumatology was (mean ± SD) 9.3 ± 1.05, in adult rheumatology 7.6 ± 1.1 and the satisfaction with the transition process was 7.7 ± 2.1. Problem issues mentioned by some patients were lack of time with the rheumatologist and long waiting periods for appointments. Individual transfer of patients from pediatric to adult rheumatology care was associated with a high degree of satisfaction in this analysis. Change of diagnosis or an unexpected termination of rheumatology treatment was not detected.

Guideline recommended treatment to targets of cardiovascular risk is inadequate in patients with inflammatory joint diseases

ObjectivesPatients with inflammatory joint diseases (IJD) have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Our goal was to examine indications for, and use of, lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) and antihypertensive treatment (AntiHT) in patients with IJD. Furthermore, to investigate the frequency of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and blood pressure (BP) goal attainment among IJD patients. MethodsThe cohort was derived from the NOrwegian Collaboration on Atherosclerosis in patients with Rheumatic joint diseases (NOCAR). Indications for AntiHT were: systolic/diastolic BP ≥ 140/90 mm Hg, self-reported hypertension or AntiHT. CVD risk was estimated by the systematic coronary risk evaluation (SCORE) algorithm. LDL-c goals were <2.6 mmol/L in case of diabetes, total cholesterol > 8 mmol/L or a SCORE estimate ≥ 5%, and <1.8 mmol/L for those with established CVD or SCORE ≥ 10%. Comparisons across IJD entities were performed using age and sex adjusted logistic regression. ResultsIn total, 2277 patients (rheumatoid arthritis: 1376, axial spondyloarthritis: 474, psoriatic arthritis: 427) were included. LLT and AntiHT were indicated in 36.1% and 52.6% of the patients, of whom 37.6% and 47.0% were untreated, respectively. LDL-c and BP targets were obtained in 26.2% and 26.3%, respectively. Guideline recommended treatment and/or corresponding treatment targets were not initiated or obtained in approximately 50%. Rheumatoid arthritis patients were particularly likely to be undertreated with LLT, whereas hypertension undertreatment was most common in psoriatic arthritis. ConclusionsInadequate CVD prevention encompasses all the three major IJD entities. The unmet need for CVD preventive measures is not only prevalent in RA, but exists across all the major IJD entities.

Situation of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Treated with Biologics In Germany Based on a Claims Data Analysis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common chronic inflammatory rheumatic joint disease in industrialized countries. This study provides information on the current supply with biological agents and its related costs in Germany. A retrospective claims data analysis was conducted utilizing the Institute for Applied Health Research (InGef) Berlin, formerly HRI Health Risk Institute, database including approximately 6.7 million insured anonymities originating from 63 statutory health insurances. Analyses were performed by the InGef institute. A sample with approximately 4 million insured persons was drawn and stratified by age and gender according to the official demographic structure of the German statutory health insured population (DeStatis, Dec 31st, 2013). Patients between 2012 - 2016 were included if they met the following conditions: Main diagnosis of RA (ICD-10 code M05.- and M06.-), and start / maintenance / switch of treatment with RA approved biological agent(s) (at least for three months). The study evaluated hospitalization, change in medication and direct medical costs (drug, outpatient care, hospitalization). The level of share of prescriptions of all biological agents considered is low. Etanercept and adalimumab are administered mostly to patients already on treatment (in 2015 etanercept 32.7 % vs. adalimumab 28.9 %). The total costs of the included 4’233 patients add up to € 78’202’566 in 2015. The total number of patients, the number of hospital admissions and the total treatment costs including all individual cost items (costs of biological agents /other medication / outpatient care / hospitalizations) grew yearly on average between 7.7 % and 18.9 % (2012 – 2015). Hospitalization per patient remained constant at 0.8. Etanercept and adalimumab and are those biological agents mainly used by patients already on treatment. Costs grew steadily over the last four years. Total costs in 2015 were € 78.2 million (on average € 18’475 per patient).