Reduced disability at five years with early treatment of inflammatory polyarthritis: results from a large observational cohort, using propensity models to adjust for disease severity

Outcomes of undifferentiated peripheral inflammatory arthritis in real-world practice. A longitudinal cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Undifferentiated peripheral inflammatory arthritis (UPIA) may have 3 different courses, including evolution to differentiated arthritis, remaining undifferentiated, and self-limited course. The purpose of this study was to provide a real-world evidence for predictors of outcomes in UPIA in a longitudinal cohort of patients.

METHODS

Patients enrolled in the CTDRC-UA cohort were screened for eligibility. Inclusion criteria were: (i) having synovitis in ≥ 1 joint, (ii) not meeting the criteria of any other rheumatic disease, (iii) having at least 2 visits per year, iv) included in the cohort during the period of 2004 to 2021, and (v) having active disease at cohort entry. Two hundred and three patients who met the inclusion criteria were followed up until January 2023.

RESULTS

Medication-free remissions occurred in 42 (20.7%) cases. In 24 (11.8%) cases, the disease met the criteria of other rheumatic diseases, of which rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was the most common. In addition, joint damage occurred in 33 (16.3%) cases. Predictors of medication-free remissions were absence of comorbidity, starting a sustained remission at ≤ 6 months, and having no flare. Factors associated with disease evolution to RA were anti-citrullinated peptide antibody (ACPA) positivity, non-adherence to therapy, not going into sustained remission and having flare. Delay in treatment for > 3 months and being ACPA positive were the predictors of joint damage.

CONCLUSION

Although the majority of UIPA cases treated with step-up combination therapy with DMARDs do not progress to RA, most require continued treatment and a few achieve medication-free remissions. Key Points • Undifferentiated peripheral inflammatory arthritis (UPIA) can progress to rheumatoid arthritis in 11% of cases; and lack of sustained remission, being anti-citrullinated peptide antibody positive, non-adherence to therapy, and having flare are its predictors. • Medication-free remissions occur in 21% of patients with UPIA; and absence of comorbidity, starting a sustained remission at ≤ 6 months, and having no flare are its predictors. • Initiating treatment in the window of opportunity may lead to a better joint outcome.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Risk in Patients With Axial Spondyloarthritis Treated With Biologic Agents Determined Using the BSRBR-AS and a MetaAnalysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine, among patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), whether the risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) varies between patients treated with biologic therapies and those treated with other therapies and, specifically, whether the risk is higher in patients treated with etanercept (ETN).

METHODS

The British Society for Rheumatology Biologics Register in Ankylosing Spondylitis (BSRBR-AS) was used to determine the incidence of IBD during follow-up and to calculate the incidence rate difference (IRD) per 1000 person-years (PY), between biologic treatment and other treatment groups. We then conducted a systematic review, involving observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs), to perform a metaanalysis to quantify the difference in incidence of IBD between treatment groups.

RESULTS

According to the BSRBR-AS, among people with axSpA, exposure to biologic therapy was associated with an increased incidence of IBD compared to those who were not exposed to biologic therapy (IRD 11.9, 95% CI 4.3-19.6). This finding was replicated across observational studies but was not seen in placebo-controlled RCTs (IRD 2.2, 95% CI -4.1 to 8.5). Data from the BSRBR-AS do not suggest that excess incidence of IBD is associated with exposure to ETN compared to other anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapies (IRD -6.5, 95% CI -21.3 to 8.5). RCTs and their extensions suggest a small-yet not statistically significant-absolute increased incidence associated with ETN of between 2.1 and 5.8 per 1000 PY compared to other anti-TNF therapies.

CONCLUSION

There was an excess risk of IBD among persons treated with biologics in observational studies. Only evidence from RCTs suggested that ETN was associated with an increased risk compared to other anti-TNF therapies, albeit with considerable uncertainty.

[Improvement of prognosis by timely treatment : Requirement: initial presentation within 6 weeks]

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most frequent chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases and when untreated leads to chronic tissue destruction and increased mortality. Due to innovative systemic treatment strategies established over the last 20-25 years, the prognosis has considerably improved in terms of disease and socioeconomic burdens, symptoms, long-term prognosis, ability to work and mortality; however, as a rule a prerequisite is long-term and continuous treatment. A medicinal cure of RA is still not in view. For many patients this means the long-term use of very expensive medications. In addition to hemato-oncology, rheumatology has become the second most expensive discipline in Germany in terms of cost per patient. Convincing data from many studies imply that an early start of treatment within the first few weeks after clinical onset of symptoms improves the prognosis, reduces the necessity for expensive drugs and thereby considerably decreases medical costs. This results in the requirement that every patient with symptoms of arthritis must be seen by a rheumatologist within the first 6 weeks following initial manifestation of the disease. Such an improvement in treatment can only be achieved in Germany if the numbers of rheumatologists and trained healthcare professionals in practices such as clinics are considerably increased. This is not only in the interests of patients but also in the interests of the health insurance companies because the investment in the healthcare infrastructure with internistic rheumatologists will result in substantial economic benefits for the cost bearer. It must be the common task of all players in healthcare policy, cost bearers and internistic rheumatologists to provide optimal conditions in medical as well as economical terms.

Have the 10-year outcomes of patients with early inflammatory arthritis improved in the new millennium compared with the decade before? Results from the Norfolk Arthritis Register

Objective

To compare the 10-year outcome (disease activity, disability, mortality) of two cohorts of patients with inflammatory polyarthritis (IP) recruited 10 years apart.

Methods

Patients with IP were recruited to the Norfolk Arthritis Register from 1990 to 1994 (cohort 1 (C1)) and from 2000 to 2004 (cohort 2 (C2)). Demographic and clinical data were collected at baseline and at years 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 10. Longitudinal disease activity (swollen/tender 51 joint counts (SJC51/TJC51)) and disability (Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ)) were compared between the cohorts using population-average negative binomial regression and generalised estimating equation analysis, respectively. Risk of 10-year mortality was compared between cohorts using Cox models. Risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality was compared between cohorts using competing risks analysis. Mortality rate ratios (MRR), adjusted for changes in mortality risk of the general population, were calculated using Poisson regression.

Results

In total 1653 patients were recruited (C1=1022, C2=631). Patients in C2 had 17% lower SJC51 than C1 over 10 years (95% CI −23% to −10%), whereas TJC51 and HAQ were comparable. C2 patients had reduced risk of all-cause and CVD mortality compared with C1 (all-cause: HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.95; CVD: subhazard ratio 0.58, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.93). After accounting for changes in mortality risk in the general population, the difference in mortality was non-significant (all-cause: MRR 0.78, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.10; CVD: MRR 0.77, 95% CI 0.48 to 1.24).

Conclusion

Disease activity significantly improved in the new millennium, whereas disability and mortality were unchanged.

Predictors for orthopaedic surgery in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: results from a retrospective cohort study of 1010 patients diagnosed from 1972 to 2009 and followed up until 2015

OBJECTIVES

To investigate how patient characteristics, time of diagnosis, and treatment affect the need for orthopaedic surgery in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHOD

We reviewed the medical history of 1544 patients diagnosed with RA at Haukeland University Hospital in Bergen, Norway, from 1972 to 2009, of whom 1010 (mean age 57 years, 69% women) were included in the present study. Relevant orthopaedic procedures were obtained from the Norwegian Arthoplasty Register and the hospital's administrative patient records. In total, 693 procedures (joint synovectomies 22%, arthrodeses 21%, prostheses 41%, and forefoot procedures 12%) were performed in 315 patients. Survival analyses were completed to evaluate the impact of different factors such as age, gender, radiographic changes, and year of diagnosis, on the risk of undergoing surgery.

RESULTS

Patients diagnosed in 1972-1985 and 1986-1998 had a relative risk of undergoing surgery of 2.4 and 2.2 (p < 0.001), respectively, compared to patients diagnosed in 1999-2009. Radiographic changes at diagnosis and female gender were also significant risk factors. Anti-rheumatic medication was significantly different in the three time periods.

CONCLUSION

Patients with a diagnosis in the early years had a greatly increased risk of having orthopaedic surgery performed. This is probably due to the year of diagnosis being a proxy for the type and intensity of medical treatment.

Optimal methotrexate dose is associated with better clinical outcomes than non-optimal dose in daily practice: results from the ESPOIR early arthritis cohort

Background

Although methotrexate (MTX) is the consensual first-line disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), substantial heterogeneity remains with its prescription and dosage, which are often not optimal.

Objective

To evaluate the symptomatic and structural impact of optimal MTX dose in patients with early RA in daily clinical practice over 2 years.

Methods

Patients included in the early arthritis ESPOIR cohort who fulfilled the ACR-EULAR (American College of Rheumatology/European League against Rheumatism) criteria for RA and received MTX as a first DMARD were assessed. Optimal MTX dose was defined as ≥10 mg/week during the first 3 months, with escalation to ≥20 mg/week or 0.3 mg/kg/week at 6 months without Disease Activity Score in 28 joints remission. Symptomatic and structural efficacy with and without optimal MTX dose was assessed by generalised logistic regression with adjustment for appropriate variables.

Results

Within the first year of follow-up, 314 patients (53%) with RA received MTX as a first DMARD (mean dose 12.2±3.8 mg/week). Only 26.4% (n=76) had optimal MTX dose. After adjustment, optimal versus non-optimal MTX dose was more efficient in achieving ACR-EULAR remission at 1 year (OR 4.28 (95% CI 1.86 to 9.86)) and normal functioning (Health Assessment Questionnaire ≤0.5; OR at 1 year 4.36 (95% CI 2.03 to 9.39)), with no effect on radiological progression. Results were similar during the second year.

Conclusion

Optimal MTX dose is more efficacious than non-optimal dose for remission and function in early arthritis in daily practice, with no impact on radiological progression over 2 years.

Twenty-Year Outcome and Association Between Early Treatment and Mortality and Disability in an Inception Cohort of Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Results From the Norfolk Arthritis Register

Objective

To describe the outcome in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) over 20 years from symptom onset, and to assess the association between early treatment (with disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs/steroids) and mortality and disability during follow‐up.

Methods

Patients recruited to the Norfolk Arthritis Register (NOAR) between 1990 and 1994 who met the 2010 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism RA criteria at baseline were included in this analysis. Demographic and clinical variables were collected at baseline and at years 1–3, 5, 7, 10, 15, and 20. Disease activity (swollen joint count [SJC]/tender joint count [TJC]), disability (Health Assessment Questionnaire disability index [HAQ DI]), and mortality over 20 years were determined. Associations between treatment group (early treatment [ET], treatment ≤6 months after symptom onset; late treatment [LT], treatment >6 months after symptom onset; never treatment [NT], no treatment) and mortality and disability were assessed using weighted pooled logistic regression and weighted multilevel mixed‐effects linear regression, respectively. Inverse weights were used to account for confounding by indication and censoring.

Results

This study included 602 patients with RA (median age 56 years [interquartile range 44–68 years]; 65.9% women). The median SJCs and TJCs were low during the follow‐up period (1–3 swollen joints and 3–6 tender joints). The median HAQ DI score increased after year 1 but remained at low/moderate levels (median 1.25 after year 10). The risk of mortality was reduced in the ET and LT groups compared with that in the NT group. The ET group and the NT group had comparable HAQ DI scores during the follow‐up period (β = 0.03, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] −0.06, 0.12), while the HAQ DI score was increased in the LT group (for LT versus NT, β = 0.10 [95% CI 0.02, 0.17]).

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate the importance of early treatment with regard to the long‐term outcomes in patients with RA.

Disease Characteristics and Rheumatoid Arthritis Development in Patients with Early Undifferentiated Arthritis: A 2-year Followup Study

OBJECTIVE

To examine the 2-year disease course in patients with undifferentiated arthritis (UA) focusing on fulfillment of the 2010 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism (ACR/EULAR) rheumatoid arthritis (RA) classification criteria.

METHODS

Data were provided by the Norwegian Very Early Arthritis Clinic study, which included patients presenting with ≥ 1 swollen joint of ≤ 16 weeks' duration. UA was defined as patients not fulfilling the 2010 ACR/EULAR RA criteria and who did not have a clinical diagnosis other than RA at baseline. The main outcome was fulfillment of the 2010 RA criteria. Secondary outcomes were disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) use, resolution of synovitis without use of DMARD during followup, and final clinical diagnosis.

RESULTS

We included 477 patients with UA of whom 47 fulfilled the 2010 ACR/EULAR RA criteria during followup (UA-RA) and 430 did not (UA-non-RA). Of the UA-RA patients, 70% fulfilled the criteria within the first 6 months. UA-RA patients were older, more often positive for rheumatoid factor and anticitrullinated protein antibodies, female, and ever smokers, and they more often presented with polyarticular arthritis, small joint involvement, and a swollen shoulder joint. During followup, 53% of UA-RA patients vs 13% of UA-non-RA patients used DMARD (p < 0.001). Overall, 71% of patients with UA achieved absence of clinical synovitis at final followup without use of DMARD. The most frequent final clinical diagnosis was UA (61%).

CONCLUSION

Only 9.8% of patients with UA fulfilled the 2010 RA criteria during 2-year followup. Small joint involvement and swollen shoulder joint were among the factors associated with RA development. In two-thirds of patients with UA, the arthritis resolved without use of DMARD.

Early medication use in new-onset rheumatoid arthritis may delay joint replacement: results of a large population-based study

Introduction

Use of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may prevent joint damage and potentially reduce joint replacement surgeries. We assessed the association between RA drug use and joint replacement in Quebec, Canada.

Methods

A cohort of new-onset RA patients was identified from Quebec’s physician billing and hospitalization databases from 2002–2011. The outcome was defined using procedure codes submitted by orthopedic surgeons. Medication use was obtained from pharmacy databases. We used alternative Cox regression models with time-dependent variables measuring the cumulative effects of past use during different time windows (one model focussing on the first year after cohort entry) for methotrexate (MTX), and other DMARDs. Models were adjusted for baseline sociodemographics, co-morbidity and prior health service use, time-dependent cumulative use of other drugs (anti-tumor necrosis factor [anti-TNF] agents, other biologics, cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors [COXIBs], nonselective nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs [NSAIDs], and systemic steroids), and markers of disease severity.

Results

During follow-up, 608 joint replacements occurred among 11,333 patients (median follow-up: 4.6 years). The best-fitting model relied on the cumulative early use (within the first year after cohort entry) of MTX and of other DMARDs, with an interaction between MTX and other DMARDs. In this model, greater exposure within the first year, to either MTX (adjusted hazard ratio, HR = 0.95 per 1 month, 95 % confidence interval, 95 % CI 0.93-0.97) or other DMARDs (HR = 0.97, 95 % CI 0.95-0.99) was associated with longer time to joint replacement.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that longer exposure to either methotrexate (MTX) or other DMARDs within the first year after RA diagnosis is associated with longer time to joint replacement surgery.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13075-015-0713-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Comprehensive arthritis referral study -- phase 2: analysis of the comprehensive arthritis referral tool

OBJECTIVE

Rheumatologists triage referrals to assess those patients who may benefit from early intervention. We describe a referral tool and formally evaluate its sensitivity for urgent and early inflammatory arthritis (EIA) referrals.

METHODS

All referrals received on a standardized referral tool were reviewed by a rheumatologist and, based on the information conferred, assigned a triage grade using a previously described triage system. Each referral was also dichotomized as suspected EIA or not. After the initial rheumatologic assessment, the diagnosis was recorded and a consultation grade, blinded to referral grade, was assigned to each case. Agreement between referral and consultation grades was assessed. A regression analysis was performed to determine factors that predicted truly urgent referrals including EIA.

RESULTS

We evaluated 696 referrals. A total of 210 (30.2%) were categorized as urgent at the time of consultation. The referral tool was able to successfully detect 169 of these referrals (sensitivity 80.5%, specificity 79.4%). EIA occurred in 95 (13.6%); of those referrals, 86 were correctly classified as urgent at the time of triage (sensitivity 90.5%, specificity 69.6%). Items that helped correctly discriminate urgent or EIA referrals included patient age < 60, duration of disease, morning stiffness, patient-reported joint swelling, a personal or family history of psoriasis, urgency as rated by referring physician, prior assessment by a rheumatologist, elevated C-reactive protein, and a positive rheumatoid factor.

CONCLUSION

A 1-page referral tool that includes parts completed by the referring physician and patient has good sensitivity to detect urgent referrals including EIA.

Clinical and serological features of patients referred through a rheumatology triage system because of positive antinuclear antibodies

Background

The referral of patients with positive anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) tests has been criticized as an inappropriate use of medical resources. The utility of a positive ANA test in a central triage (CT) system was studied by determining the autoantibody profiles and clinical diagnoses of patients referred to rheumatologists through a CT system because of a positive ANA test.

Methods

Patients that met three criteria were included: (1) referred to Rheumatology CT over a three year interval; (2) reason for referral was a “positive ANA”; (3) were evaluated by a certified rheumatologist. The CT clinical database was used to obtain demographic and clinical information and a serological database was used to retrieve specific ANA and/or extractable nuclear antigen (ENA) test results. Clinical information was extracted from the consulting rheumatologist's report.

Results

15,357 patients were referred through the CT system; 643 (4.1%) of these because of a positive ANA and of these 263 (40.9%) were evaluated by a certified rheumatologist. In 63/263 (24%) of ANA positive patients, the specialist provided a diagnosis of an ANA associated rheumatic disease (AARD) while 69 (26.2%) had no evidence of any disease; 102 (38.8%) had other rheumatologic diagnoses and 29 (11%) had conditions that did not meet AARD classification criteria. Of ANA positive archived sera, 15.1% were anti-DFS70 positive and 91.2% of these did not have an AARD.

Conclusions

This is the first study to evaluate the serological and clinical features of patients referred through a CT system because of a positive ANA. The spectrum of autoantibody specificities was wide with anti-Ro52/TRIM21 being the most common autoantibody detected. Approximately 15% of referrals had only antibodies to DFS70, the vast majority of which did not have clinical evidence for an AARD. These findings provide insight into the utility of autoantibody testing in a CT system.

Adjustment of therapy in rheumatoid arthritis on the basis of achievement of stable low disease activity with adalimumab plus methotrexate or methotrexate alone: the randomised controlled OPTIMA trial

BACKGROUND

Biological agents offer good control of rheumatoid arthritis, but the long-term benefits of achieving low disease activity with a biological agent plus methotrexate or methotrexate alone are unclear. The OPTIMA trial assessed different treatment adjustment strategies in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis attaining (or not) stable low disease activity with adalimumab plus methotrexate or methotrexate monotherapy.

METHODS

This trial was done at 161 sites worldwide. Patients with early (<1 year duration) rheumatoid arthritis naive to methotrexate were randomly allocated (by interactive voice response system, in a 1:1 ratio, block size four) to adalimumab (40 mg every other week) plus methotrexate (initiated at 7·5 mg/week, increased by 2·5 mg every 1-2 weeks to a maximum weekly dose of 20 mg by week 8) or placebo plus methotrexate for 26 weeks (period 1). Patients in the adalimumab plus methotrexate group who completed period 1 and achieved the stable low disease activity target (28-joint disease activity score with C-reactive protein [DAS28]<3·2 at weeks 22 and 26) were randomised to adalimumab-continuation or adalimumab-withdrawal for an additional 52 weeks (period 2). Patients achieving the target with initial methotrexate continued methotrexate-monotherapy. Inadequate responders were offered adalimumab plus methotrexate. All patients and investigators were masked to treatment allocation in period 1. During period 2, treatment reallocation of patients who achieved the target was masked to patients and investigators; patients who did not achieve the target remained masked to original randomisation, but were aware of the subsequent assignment. The primary endpoint was a composite measure of DAS28 of less than 3·2 at week 78 and radiographic non-progression from baseline to week 78, compared between adalimumab-continuation and methotrexate-monotherapy. Adverse events were monitored throughout period 2. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00420927.

FINDINGS

The study was done between Dec 28, 2006, and Aug 3, 2010. 1636 patients were assessed and 1032 were randomised in period 1 (515 to adalimumab plus methotrexate; 517 to placebo plus methotrexate). 466 patients in the adalimumab plus methotrexate group completed period 1; 207 achieved the stable low disease activity target, of whom 105 were rerandomised to adalimumab-continuation. 460 patients in the placebo plus methotrexate group completed period 1; 112 achieved the stable low disease activity target and continued methotrexate-monotherapy. 73 of 105 (70%) patients in the adalimumab-continuation group and 61 of 112 (54%) patients in the methotrexate-monotherapy group achieved the primary endpoint at week 78 (mean difference 15% [95% CI 2-28%], p=0·0225). Patients achieving the stable low disease activity target on adalimumab plus methotrexate who withdrew adalimumab mostly maintained their good responses. Overall, 706 of 926 patients in period 2 had an adverse event, of which 82 were deemed serious; however, distribution of adverse events did not differ between groups.

INTERPRETATION

Treatment to a stable low disease activity target resulted in improved clinical, functional, and structural outcomes, with both adalimumab-continuation and methotrexate-monotherapy. However, a higher proportion of patients treated with initial adalimumab plus methotrexate achieved the low disease activity target compared with those initially treated with methotrexate alone. Outcomes were much the same whether adalimumab was continued or withdrawn in patients who initially responded to adalimumab plus methotrexate.

FUNDING

AbbVie.

Imaging in rheumatology: reconciling radiology and rheumatology

Imaging in rheumatology was in the past largely confined to radiographs of the hands and sacroiliac joints (SIJs) helping to establish the diagnosis and then monitoring disease progression. Radiographs are not very sensitive for early inflammation in inflammatory rheumatic disorders and the demand on imaging services was therefore limited. However, over the last 10-15 years new drugs and new technologies have brought new challenges and opportunities to rheumatology and radiology as specialties. New drug treatments allow more effective treatment, preventing many complications. Early diagnosis and disease monitoring has become the challenge for the rheumatologist and radiologist alike. The best possible patient outcome is only achieved if the two specialties understand each other's viewpoint. This article reviews the role of imaging-in particular radiography, magnet resonance imaging, computer tomography, ultrasound and nuclear medicine-for the diagnosis and monitoring of rheumatological disorders, concentrating on rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory spondylarthropathies and gout. Teaching Points • New drugs for the treatment of inflammatory disorders has led to greatly improved outcomes. • Imaging often allows for earlier diagnosis of inflammatory disorders. • Early diagnosis and treatment can often prevent the development of crippling disease manifestations. • Tailored imaging examinations are best achieved by consultation of rheumatologist and radiologist.

Rheumatoid arthritis--early diagnosis and disease management

BACKGROUND

0.5% to 0.8% of all adults suffer from rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The main considerations for persons with new-onset RA are early diagnosis, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), remission, and interdisciplinary treatment.

METHOD

As part of the process of creating a new S3 guideline on the management of early RA and a new S1 guideline on stage-adapted pharmacotherapy for RA, the authors conducted a selective search and review of the literature and specifically updated it to 20 March 2013.

RESULTS

In patients presenting with joint inflammation, the diagnosis of RA can be directly confirmed (positive predictive value, 85% to 97%), and its prognosis assessed, on the basis of the following findings: joint examination, acute phase reaction, serology (rheumatoid factor [RF], antibody against citrullinated peptides/proteins [ACPA], and duration of symptoms (ACR/Eular classification criteria, 2010). Early, remission-oriented and adapted treatment with DMARDs ("treating to target") leads to several years of normal bodily function without disability in 40% to 60% of patients. Treatment by an interdisciplinary team promotes the achievement of this goal. The risks associated with this form of treatment are low, with a dropout rate of less than 1 per 100 patient-years. Life-threatening complications are rare.

CONCLUSION

Early diagnosis, intervention with DMARDs in the first three months of disease, and the achievement of a remission minimize the adverse sequelae of RA. The sequential introduction of DMARDs, including biological agents in non-responders, as part of a treat-to-target concept optimizes the long-term outcome, as has been demonstrated in clinical trials for periods of up to eight years.

Validation of a Self-administered Inflammatory Arthritis Detection Tool for Rheumatology Triage

Objective.

The benefits of early intensive treatment of inflammatory arthritis (IA) are dependent on timely and accurate case identification. In our study, a scoring algorithm for a self-administered IA detection tool was developed and validated for the rheumatology triage clinical setting.

Methods.

A total of 143 consecutive consenting adults, newly referred to 2 outpatient rheumatology practices, completed the tool. A scoring algorithm was derived from the best-fit logistic regression model using age, sex, and responses to the 12 tool items as candidate predictors of the rheumatologists' blinded classification of IA. Bootstrapping was used to internally validate and refine the model.

Results.

The 30 IA cases were younger than the 113 non-cases (p < 0.0001) and included clinical diagnoses of early IA (n = 10), rheumatoid arthritis (n = 9), and spondyloarthropathies (n = 11). Non-cases included osteoarthritis (n = 46), pain syndromes (n = 19), systemic lupus erythematosus (n = 5), and miscellaneous, noninflammatory musculoskeletal complaints (n = 43). The best-fit model included younger age, male sex, “trouble making a fist,” “morning stiffness,” “ever told you have RA,” and “psoriasis diagnosis.” The overall predictive performance (standard error, SE) of the derivation model was 0.91 (0.03). Internal validation of the derivation model across 200 bootstrap samples resulted in a mean predictive performance (SE) of 0.904 (0.002). The refined tool had a mean predictive performance (SE) of 0.915 (0.002), a sensitivity of 0.855 (0.005), and specificity of 0.873 (0.003).

Conclusion.

A simple, self-administered tool was developed and internally validated for the sensitive and specific detection of IA in a rheumatology waiting list sample. The tool may be used to triage IA from rheumatology referrals.

Non-biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) improve pain in inflammatory arthritis (IA): a systematic literature review of randomized controlled trials

Evidence supports early use of non-biologic DMARDs to prevent irreversible damage in inflammatory arthritides, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and possibly ankylosing spondylitis (AS). However, there is a paucity of data exploring their effects on pain as a primary outcome in these conditions. This systematic literature review investigated the effect of non-biologic DMARDs on pain levels in IA and examined whether disease duration impacted efficacy. We searched Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, abstracts from the 2008 to 2010 American College of Rheumatology annual congresses, and citation lists of retrieved publications. Only randomized, double-blind controlled trials were analyzed. Quality was assessed with the Risk of Bias tool. Descriptive statistics were used in meta-analysis. 9,860 articles were identified, with 33 eligible for inclusion: 8 in AS, 6 in PsA, 9 in early RA (ERA), and 10 in established RA. In ERA and established RA, all studies of DMARDs (monotherapy and combination therapies) consistently revealed statistically significant reductions in pain except three oral gold studies. In AS, sulfasalazine studies showed significant pain reduction, whereas use of other DMARDs did not. In PsA, 5 of 6 studies reported VAS-pain improvement. From the studies included, we were unable to assess the influence of disease duration on pain outcomes in these rheumatic conditions. DMARDs improve pain in early and established RA. Sulfasalazine may improve pain in AS and PsA. Further study is needed to assess the relationship between disease duration and DMARD efficacy in reducing pain in these conditions.

Time to Disease-modifying Antirheumatic Drug Treatment in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Its Predictors: A National, Multicenter, Retrospective Cohort

Objective.

To determine the proportion of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) under rheumatologic care treated with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) within 6 months from symptom onset and the components of time to treatment and its predictors.

Methods.

A historical inception cohort of 339 patients with RA randomly selected from 18 rheumatology practices was audited. The proportion that initiated DMARD treatment within 6 months from symptom onset was estimated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Time to each component of the care pathway was estimated. Multivariable modeling was used to determine predictors of early treatment using 12 preselected variables available in the clinical charts. Bootstrapping was used to validate the model.

Results.

Within 6 months from symptom onset, 41% (95% CI 36%−46%) of patients were treated with DMARD. The median time to treatment was 8.4 (interquartile range 3.8−24) months. Events preceding rheumatology referral accounted for 78.1% of the time to treatment. The most prominent predictor of increased time to treatment was a concomitant musculoskeletal condition, such as osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia. The significance of other variables was less consistent across the models investigated. Included variables accounted for 0.69 ± 0.03 of the variability in the model.

Conclusion.

Fewer than 50% of patients with RA are treated with DMARD within 6 months from symptom onset. Time to referral to rheumatology represents the greatest component delay to treatment. Concomitant musculoskeletal condition was the most prominent predictor of delayed initiation of DMARD. Implications of these and other findings warrant further investigation.

Evidence of the symptomatic and structural efficacy of methotrexate in daily practice as the first disease-modifying drug in rheumatoid arthritis despite its suboptimal use: results from the ESPOIR early synovitis cohort

OBJECTIVE

To describe the use of MTX in early arthritis (EA) in daily clinical practice and to evaluate its 6-month symptomatic efficacy and 12-month structural efficacy.

METHODS

Patients included in the French observational ESPOIR cohort were assessed. Evaluation of the symptomatic and structural efficacy was performed by generalized linear regression after adjustment on propensity score (PS) in the group of patients receiving at least 3 months of MTX vs the ones receiving any other treatment except LEF, SSZ or TNF inhibitors.

RESULTS

Within the first 6 months of follow-up of 777 EA patients, 59% received a DMARD, which was MTX in 68% (N = 313) of patients. The mean dose of MTX was 12.7 ± 3.8 mg/week. Only 53.7% of the patients received folic acid supplementation. MTX was initiated in patients with more active and severe disease. At 6 months, in unadjusted analysis, patients starting MTX had a significantly higher DAS-28 (3.58 vs 3.23; P = 0.001) and a significantly higher HAQ (0.60 vs. 0.48; P = 0.01) compared with controls. After adjustment by PS, there were no significant differences. Adjustment for the PS also revealed a statistically significant decrease in the radiological progression at 12 months in the MTX group [total Sharp-van der Heijde score (SHS), 1.05 ± 0.29 vs 2.02 ± 0.29, P = 0.025].

CONCLUSION

This study confirms the symptomatic and structural efficacy of MTX in EA in daily practice despite the non-optimal use of MTX, including low doses and infrequent concomitant folic acid supplementation.

Effectiveness of sulfasalazine and methotrexate in 1102 DMARD-naive patients with early RA

OBJECTIVE

To compare baseline characteristics, responses and drug survival in patients with early RA starting SSZ or MTX in a real-life setting.

METHODS

The analyses included DMARD-naïve patients with RA (disease duration ≤ 1 year) starting SSZ or MTX. Three- and 6-month effectiveness was compared by unadjusted analysis and with adjustment for propensity score quintile. In addition, effectiveness in SSZ- and MTX-treated patients matched for RF status and baseline DAS-28 was compared.

RESULTS

SSZ-treated patients (n = 175) had lower baseline disease activity than patients treated with MTX (n = 927) [mean 28-joint DAS (DAS-28) 4.4 vs 5.0, P < 0.001], and were less often RF positive (50 vs 61%, P = 0.006). Six-month mean ΔDAS-28 was smaller with SSZ than MTX (-1.0 vs -1.5, P = 0.003); the difference was not significant after adjustment for propensity score quintile (P = 0.36). For SSZ/MTX, 3-month ACR50 and European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) good responses were 9/23% (P < 0.001) and 24/31% (P = 0.14), respectively. Three-year drug survival was superior for MTX (P < 0.001) and estimated 1-year survival rates were 42/75% for SSZ/MTX. In patients matched for baseline DAS-28 and RF, mean ΔDAS-28 (MTX -1.2, P = 0.55 vs SSZ) and EULAR good responses (39 vs 37%, P = 0.74) were similar at 6 months; drug survival was superior for MTX (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Patients treated with SSZ as first DMARD were more often RF negative and had lower baseline disease activity. Drug survival was superior for MTX, and effectiveness was greater with MTX than with SSZ although the difference was reduced when adjusting for differences in baseline characteristics.

Relative clinical influence of clinical, laboratory, and radiological investigations in early arthritis on the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Data from the French Early Arthritis Cohort ESPOIR

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the relative level of influence of usual investigations in early arthritis on the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

PATIENTS

those included in the ESPOIR early arthritis cohort, a national cohort of patients with grade ≥ 2 synovitis for > 6 weeks and < 6 months. The diagnostic properties of variables assessed at baseline were measured against the diagnosis of RA defined by American College of Rheumatology criteria (at any timepoint between inclusion and 12-month followup) and expert opinion. Various models, including (1) clinical data; (2) clinical + radiographic data (plain radiographs); (3) addition of rheumatoid factor (RF) and/or anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP); and (4) addition of HLA-DR typing, were assessed by comparing areas under the curves for ROC curves.

RESULTS

Of 731 patients studied, 372 (50.9%) satisfied criteria for RA at 1 year. In univariate analysis, sensitivity was highest for distal articular presentation (94.6%), presence of IgM RF (69.4%), pain on metatarso-phalangeal squeeze test (66.1%), and presence of anti-CCP (65.6%); whereas specificity was highest for nodules (100%), HLA typing: shared-epitope double dose (95.9%), radiographic erosions (86.5%), and anti-CCP antibodies (86.4%). The most efficient model included swollen joint count, morning stiffness, erosions, RF, and anti-CCP. Adding rheumatoid nodules, C-reactive protein, or HLA-DR information was not contributive.

CONCLUSION

In addition to the clinical variables and radiographs, RF and/or anti-CCP are the single variables of interest that are contributive for the diagnosis of RA.

Benefit of early treatment in inflammatory polyarthritis patients with anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies versus those without antibodies

Objective

To compare the clinical utility of anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies and rheumatoid factor (RF) testing in predicting both functional outcome and response to treatment in early inflammatory polyarthritis (IP) patients.

Methods

A total of 916 IP subjects from a primary care incidence registry (1990–1994) had anti-CCP antibody and RF status determined at baseline. Mean change in Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) score between baseline and 5 years was compared by antibody status. The effect of treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and/or steroids over 5 years, early (<6 months of symptom onset) versus late initiation, and duration of treatment were also compared by anti-CCP antibody status. The analysis was adjusted for treatment decisions and censoring over the followup, using marginal structural models.

Results

Anti-CCP antibody–positive patients (n = 268) had more severe disease both at presentation and 5 years of followup, and this was independent of RF. On adjustment, anti-CCP antibody–negative patients treated early experienced a significant improvement in functional disability compared with anti-CCP antibody–negative patients who were never treated (−0.31; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] −0.53, −0.08), and experienced additional benefit for each additional month of early treatment. Anti-CCP antibody–positive patients treated early did not have a significant improvement in HAQ score compared with those not treated (−0.14; 95% CI −0.52, 0.24).

Conclusion

In this first observational study to examine the influence of anti-CCP antibody status on treatment response, anti-CCP antibody–positive IP patients showed less benefit from treatment, particularly early treatment, than anti-CCP antibody–negative patients. This provides support for the inclusion of anti-CCP antibodies as well as RF in the classification criteria for rheumatoid arthritis and for stratification by anti-CCP antibody status in clinical trials.

Urinary diversion and morbidity after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer

BACKGROUND

The rate of continent urinary diversion after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer varies by patient and provider characteristics. Demonstration of equivalent complication rates, independent of diversion type, may decrease provider reluctance to perform continent reconstructions. The authors sought to determine whether continent reconstructions confer increased complication rates after radical cystectomy.

METHODS

From the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, the authors used International Classification of Disease (ICD-9) codes to identify subjects who underwent radical cystectomy for bladder cancer during 2001-2005. They determined acute postoperative medical and surgical complications from ICD-9 codes and compared complication rates by reconstruction type using the nearest neighbor propensity score matching method and multivariate logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Adjusting for case-mix differences between reconstructive groups, continent diversions conferred a lower risk of medical, surgical, and disposition-related complications that was statistically significant for bowel (3.1% lower risk; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], -6.8% to -0.1%), urinary (1.2% lower risk; 95% CI, -2.3%, to -0.4%), and other surgical complications (3.0% lower risk; 95% CI, -6.2% to -0.4%), and discharge other than home (8.2% lower risk; 95% CI, -12.1% to -4.6%) compared with ileal conduit subjects. Older age and certain comorbid conditions, including congestive heart failure and preoperative weight loss, were associated with significantly increased odds of postoperative medical and surgical complications in all subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

Mode of urinary diversion after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer is not associated with increased risk of immediate postoperative complications. These results may encourage broader consideration of continent urinary diversion without concern for increased complication rates.

Utility of synovial biopsy

Synovial biopsies, gained either by blind needle biopsy or minimally invasive arthroscopy, offer additional information in certain clinical situations where routine assessment has not permitted a certain diagnosis. In research settings, synovial histology and modern applications of molecular biology increase our insight into pathogenesis and enable responses to treatment with new therapeutic agents to be assessed directly at the pathophysiological level. This review focuses on the diagnostic usefulness of synovial biopsies in the light of actual developments.

The comparative responsiveness of the EQ-5D and SF-6D to change in patients with inflammatory arthritis

PURPOSE

Comparative evidence regarding the responsiveness of the EQ-5D and SF-6D in arthritis patients is conflicting and insufficient across the range of disease severity. We examined the comparative responsiveness of the EQ-5D and SF-6D in cohorts of patients with early inflammatory disease through to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

Responsiveness was tested using the effect size (ES) and standardised response mean (SRM). Correlation of change in EQ-5D and SF-6D with disease specific measures was tested using Pearson correlations and the Steiger's Z test. Treatment response and self-reported change were used as anchors of important change.

RESULTS

The EQ-5D was more responsive to deterioration (ES ratio (EQ-5D/SF-6D): 1.6-3.0) and the SF-6D more responsive to improvement (ES ratio (SF-6D/EQ-5D): 1.1-1.8) in health. The SF-6D did not respond well to deterioration in patients with established severe RA (ES and SRM 0.08). The EQ-5D provided larger absolute mean change estimates but with greater variance compared to the SF-6D.

CONCLUSIONS

The comparative responsiveness of the EQ-5D and SF-6D differs according to the direction of change. The level of mean change of the EQ-5D relative to the SF-6D has implications for cost-effectiveness analysis. Use of the SF-6D in patients with severe progressive disease may be inappropriate.

Early treatment with, and time receiving, first disease-modifying antirheumatic drug predicts long-term function in patients with inflammatory polyarthritis

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the influence of early disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) treatment on long-term functional outcome in patients with recent-onset inflammatory polyarthritis (IP), and the impact of the duration of first and subsequent DMARD treatment.

METHODS

642 subjects from a primary care registry of patients with new-onset IP, recruited 1990-4, were followed up for 10 years. Mean change in Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) scores between baseline and 10 years were compared by time to, and time receiving, first DMARD treatment and total time receiving treatment, using linear regression. Adjustment for time-dependent confounders and censoring was performed using marginal structural weights.

RESULTS

When adjusted for baseline and subsequent disease severity, those treated early (<6 months from symptom onset) experienced a non-significant improvement in function compared with those never treated (adjusted mean difference in change (adj_MDIC) in HAQ -0.24; 95% CI -0.58 to 0.09); and a significant benefit for each additional month of treatment within 6 months of the onset of symptoms (adj_MDIC -0.10; 95% CI -0.19 to -0.02). Patients who discontinued their first DMARD within 6 months experienced a significant deterioration in long-term function (adj_MDIC in HAQ 0.28; 95% CI 0.04 to 0.52), while those who continued their first treatment for > 3 years experienced an improvement (adj_MDIC in HAQ -0.37; 95% CI -0.77 to 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

The importance of time to, and response to, first DMARD treatment and total duration of DMARD treatment in modifying the 10-year function in patients with IP has been demonstrated.

The DERAA HLA-DR alleles in patients with early polyarthritis: protection against severe disease and lack of association with rheumatoid arthritis autoantibodies

OBJECTIVE

To define the association of alleles encoding the HLA-DR rheumatoid arthritis (RA) protective epitope (DERAA) with the presence of RA-associated antibodies at study inclusion and with severe outcome in patients with early polyarthritis (EPA).

METHODS

Consecutive EPA patients (n = 210) were evaluated early (mean of 4.8 months after diagnosis) and prospectively (for 30 months). HLA class II typing was performed by polymerase chain reaction using sequence-specific primers, and HLA-DR alleles DERAA, RA-associated shared epitope (SE), and non-SE/non-DERAA (neither SE nor DERAA) were identified. RA-associated antibodies identified were anti-Sa/citrullinated vimentin, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide 2, and IgM rheumatoid factor. Severe disease was defined according to a preset threshold of joint destruction and/or functional limitation.

RESULTS

DERAA and SE alleles were present in 62 and 110 of the 210 EPA patients, respectively. At 30 months, severe disease was present in 78 patients (37%). In contrast to SE alleles, DERAA alleles were not associated with the production of RA-associated antibodies, but were strongly protective against severe disease at 30 months (odds ratio 0.30, P < 0.001). DERAA alleles emerged as a strong, independent protective marker on multivariate analysis. The protective effect of DERAA was seen only in patients who did not already have erosions at study inclusion, was independent of the presence of antibodies, but was not associated with spontaneous remission.

CONCLUSION

In our EPA cohort, the presence of a DERAA sequence was a strong independent predictor of a better prognosis, but only in the absence of erosive disease that was already present at inclusion. Identification of DERAA alleles may help in managing the large subgroup of EPA patients who do not have erosions at baseline.

No evidence that early use of inhaled corticosteroids reduces current asthma at 10 years of age

BACKGROUND

It is debated whether early treatment with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) can change the natural course of childhood asthma.

AIM

To assess if ICS treatment before 2 years of age in children with obstructive airways disease reduces current asthma at 10 years of age.

METHODS

Children with (n=233) and without (n=219) recurrent (r) bronchial obstruction (BO) attending clinical examination at 2 years of age in the birth cohort Environment and Childhood Asthma study in Oslo, were reinvestigated at 10 years of age. Current asthma (CA) at 10 years was defined as asthma with either symptoms and/or asthma treatment during the last year, and/or 10% fall in forced expired volume in 1s after standardized treadmill run. The risk of CA was assessed by logistic regression and propensity modelling (including gender, parental atopy and severity score at 2 years) in children with rBO who received ICS or not by 2 years.

RESULTS

CA was found in 97 children, more often among rBO children with (56.9%) and without ICS treatment (30.8%) compared to no-BO children (5.5%) (p<0.001). In rBO children logistic regression analyses (adjusted odds ratio aOR (95% confidence interval)) identified male gender (aOR 1.82 (1.01-3.27), p=0.046) and severity score at 2 years 1.14 (1.03-1.28), (p=0.01), as significant and ICS treatment as non-significant 2.00 (0.98-4.12) risk factors for CA. With propensity modelling adjusting for disease severity, ICS treatment by 2 years caused a non-significant increased risk aOR of CA of 1.84 (0.89-3.82).

CONCLUSION

No evidence was found that early use of ICS before age two in children with rBO reduces current asthma 8 years later.

Aspects of early arthritis. What determines the evolution of early undifferentiated arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis? An update from the Norfolk Arthritis Register

Over 3500 patients with recent onset inflammatory polyarthritis (IP) have been recruited by the Norfolk Arthritis Register (NOAR) since 1990. Longitudinal data from this cohort have been used to examine the prevalence and predictors of remission, functional disability, radiological outcome, cardiovascular mortality and co-morbidity and the development of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Rheumatoid factor titre, high baseline C-reactive protein and high baseline HAQ score are all predictors of a poor outcome. There is a strong association between possession of the shared epitope and the development of erosions. Patients who satisfy the American College of Rheumatology criteria for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have a worse prognosis than those who do not. However, it appears that these patients are a poorly defined subset of all those with IP rather than having an entirely separate disease entity. New statistical techniques offer exciting possibilities for using longitudinal datasets such as NOAR to explore the long-term effects of treatment in IP and RA.

EULAR recommendations for the management of early arthritis: report of a task force of the European Standing Committee for International Clinical Studies Including Therapeutics (ESCISIT)

OBJECTIVE

To formulate EULAR recommendations for the management of early arthritis.

METHODS

In accordance with EULAR's "standardised operating procedures", the task force pursued an evidence based approach and an approach based on expert opinion. A steering group comprised of 14 rheumatologists representing 10 European countries. The group defined the focus of the process, the target population, and formulated an operational definition of "management". Each participant was invited to propose issues of interest regarding the management of early arthritis or early rheumatoid arthritis. Fifteen issues for further research were selected by use of a modified Delphi technique. A systematic literature search was carried out. Evidence was categorised according to usual guidelines. A set of draft recommendations was proposed on the basis of the research questions and the results of the literature search.. The strength of the recommendations was based on the category of evidence and expert opinion.

RESULTS

15 research questions, covering the entire spectrum of "management of early arthritis", were formulated for further research; and 284 studies were identified and evaluated. Twelve recommendations for the management of early arthritis were selected and presented with short sentences. The selected statements included recognition of arthritis, referral, diagnosis, prognosis, classification, and treatment of early arthritis (information, education, non-pharmacological interventions, pharmacological treatments, and monitoring of the disease process). On the basis of expert opinion, 11 items were identified as being important for future research.

CONCLUSIONS

12 key recommendations for the management of early arthritis or early rheumatoid arthritis were developed, based on evidence in the literature and expert consensus.

A review of the application of propensity score methods yielded increasing use, advantages in specific settings, but not substantially different estimates compared with conventional multivariable methods

OBJECTIVE

Propensity score (PS) analyses attempt to control for confounding in nonexperimental studies by adjusting for the likelihood that a given patient is exposed. Such analyses have been proposed to address confounding by indication, but there is little empirical evidence that they achieve better control than conventional multivariate outcome modeling.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Using PubMed and Science Citation Index, we assessed the use of propensity scores over time and critically evaluated studies published through 2003.

RESULTS

Use of propensity scores increased from a total of 8 reports before 1998 to 71 in 2003. Most of the 177 published studies abstracted assessed medications (N=60) or surgical interventions (N=51), mainly in cardiology and cardiac surgery (N=90). Whether PS methods or conventional outcome models were used to control for confounding had little effect on results in those studies in which such comparison was possible. Only 9 of 69 studies (13%) had an effect estimate that differed by more than 20% from that obtained with a conventional outcome model in all PS analyses presented.

CONCLUSIONS

Publication of results based on propensity score methods has increased dramatically, but there is little evidence that these methods yield substantially different estimates compared with conventional multivariable methods.

Leflunomide: long-term clinical experience and new uses

Leflunomide (Arava, Aventis Pharmaceuticals) is an oral pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor with immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activity. This agent has demonstrated significant efficacy in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis in randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. Both the efficacy and safety of leflunomide are maintained with long-term administration in patients with RA. Leflunomide compares favourably with other biological and non-biological agents used to treat RA in the incidence of adverse events and serious adverse events. Economic studies indicate that leflunomide is a cost-effective option in the treatment of RA. New investigations with leflunomide have focused mainly on combination regimens for the treatment of RA and the use of leflunomide in other inflammatory or autoimmune disorders.

Comparing the long-term clinical outcome of treatment with methotrexate or sulfasalazine prescribed as the first disease-modifying antirheumatic drug in patients with inflammatory polyarthritis

OBJECTIVE

To compare the clinical and functional outcome at 2 and 5 years in patients with inflammatory polyarthritis treated with either methotrexate (MTX) or sulfasalazine (SSZ) as the first disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD).

METHODS

Patients recruited to a primary-care-based inception cohort of patients with inflammatory polyarthritis were eligible for this analysis if they were started on either SSZ (n = 331) or MTX (n = 108) as their first DMARD within 3 months. Outcomes assessed included the Disease Activity Score (DAS)28, Health Assessment Questionnaire, radiological erosions (Larsen Score) and cumulative mortality with the proportions still on the original treatment. To overcome potential bias in allocation to these two treatments, a propensity score was calculated based on baseline disease status variables.

RESULTS

are expressed as the mean difference between MTX and SSZ, both unadjusted and adjusted for propensity score.

RESULTS

The baseline differences between the two groups disappeared after adjusting for propensity score. At 2 and 5 years there were few differences in the clinical outcomes, either unadjusted or after adjustment for propensity. By contrast, at 5 years the proportion that was erosive was lower in the MTX group: odds ratio 0.3 (95% confidence interval 0.1 to 0.8), with a 31% lower Larsen Score after adjustment. At both time points, those treated with MTX were at least twice as likely to remain on that drug as those treated with SSZ.

CONCLUSION

Long-term clinical outcome is similar in patients prescribed MTX and SSZ, although it would seem that MTX has greater potential to suppress erosions, which supports it being the first DMARD of choice.

Long-term impact of early treatment on radiographic progression in rheumatoid arthritis: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Although early initiation of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) is effective in controlling short-term joint damage in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the long-term benefit in disease progression is still controversial. We examined the long-term benefit of early DMARD initiation on radiographic progression in early RA.

METHODS

We identified published and unpublished clinical trials and observational studies from 1966 to September 2004 examining the association between delay to treatment initiation and progressive radiographic joint damage. We included studies of persons with RA disease duration <2 years and DMARD therapy of similar efficacy during followup. The differences in annual rates of radiographic progression between early and delayed therapy were pooled as standardized mean differences (SMDs).

RESULTS

A total of 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled estimate of effects from these studies demonstrated a significant reduction of radiographic progression in patients treated early (-0.19 SMD, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] -0.34, -0.04), which corresponded to a -33% reduction (95% CI -50, -16) in long-term progression rates compared with patients treated later. Patients with more aggressive disease seemed to benefit most from early DMARD initiation (P = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

These results support the existence of a critical period to initiate antirheumatic therapy, a therapeutic window of opportunity early in the course of RA associated with sustained benefit in radiographic progression for up to 5 years. Prompt initiation of antirheumatic therapy in persons with RA may alter the long-term course of the disease.

[Early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis]

The therapeutic concept of rheumatoid arthritis changed dramatically during the last years. There is significant evidence for the need of an early treatment with disease modifying drugs, the new therapeutic aim is remission. And then the question is: what is a rheumatoid arthritis and when does it start? There is move into the direction of an early undifferentiated arthritis, which may or may not become a persistent arthritis with or without development of erosions. Diagnostic criteria for rheumatoid arthritis are not exsisting, and this article comes after reviewing the existing instruments to the conclusion there is no need for such criteria. In fact, there is a need for instruments that evaluate the risk of an individual patient for persistence, erosive arthritis, and even better, the severity of the disease, which means a judgement of progression. And then the rheumatologists can set the crossbar for starting a DMARD-therapy.

Early Undifferentiated Arthritis

Patients who cannot be classified as having a well-defined arthropathy typically are labeled as having undifferentiated arthritis. Some patients develop sufficient features to permit classification, whereas others remain undifferentiated, but with persistent joint inflammation, functional disability, and development of radiographic damage. Identifying the subset of patients destined to develop rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthropathy, or a more severe and persistent form of undifferentiated arthritis and choosing appropriate treatment strategies remain challenges for clinicians. Numerous investigative strategies are available with which to characterize undifferentiated arthritis and assess prognosis. This article discusses the characteristics of undifferentiated arthritis at presentation and the investigative strategies that can be used to predict prognosis and outcome early in the disease course. Therapeutic strategies also are explored.

Conventional Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs in Early Arthritis

This article reviews the use of conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in the treatment of early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The Finnish early RA cohorts are used as examples of how early and active treatment strategies have improved over time with increasing variety of available DMARDs. Therapy goals of early RA include remission to prevent severe long-term outcomes of RA. Remission can be achieved in a third of patients with early RA using a combination of conventional DMARDs, including methotrexate, sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine, and prednisolone. Of patients with early RA, 20% to 30% do not improve enough with conventional treatments and should be identified at early phases to consider institution of biologic agents.