Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis 2015 Treatment Recommendations for Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis: A comprehensive review for the dermatologist-Part II: Screening and management

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a common comorbidity of psoriasis occurring in up to one-third of patients. Dermatologists hold an essential role in screening patients with psoriasis for PsA, since as many as 85% of patients develop psoriasis before PsA. Early detection and treatment of PsA are important for both short- and long-term patient outcomes and quality of life. Many factors must be weighed when selecting the appropriate therapy for PsA. One must consider the 'domains of disease' that are manifested, the disease severity, patient comorbidities, patient preferences (routes of dosing or frequency, as examples) as well as factors often outside of patient-physician control, such as access to medications based on insurance coverage and formularies. As many patients will have involvement of multiple domains of psoriatic disease, selecting the therapy that best captures the patient's disease is required. In this review, we will address PsA screening, diagnosis, therapeutic approach to psoriatic disease, comorbidity considerations, and comanagement.

Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Different Regimens of Current JAK Inhibitors in Psoriatic Arthritis: A Network Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors have been approved for treating psoriatic arthritis (PsA); however, the comparative efficacy of different JAK inhibitors remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the comparative efficacy and safety of different JAK inhibitors in treating PsA.

METHODS

This network meta-analysis was conducted in strict accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses for Network Meta-Analyses and Cochrane methods.

RESULTS

Five studies involving 2757 patients were included. Pairwise meta-analysis revealed that JAK inhibitors significantly increased the American College of Rheumatology 20 score and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index 75 responses, which were confirmed by the network meta-analysis. The network meta-analysis further suggested that filgotinib 200 mg once daily (OD) (odds ratio [OR] = 3.17, 95% credible interval [CrI] = 1.07-9.88) and upadacitinib 30 mg OD (OR = 2.34, 95% CrI = 1.13-4.78) had higher American College of Rheumatology 20 score responses compared with tofacitinib 5 mg twice a day. However, upadacitinib 30 mg OD was associated with a higher risk of adverse events (placebo: OR = 1.80, 95% CrI = 1.14-2.87) and serious adverse events compared with filgotinib 200 mg OD (OR = 0.05, 95% CrI = 0.00-0.82). Upadacitinib 15 mg OD, the currently recommended therapy, is comparable in both efficacy and safety to other treatment regimens.

CONCLUSIONS

Filgotinib 200 mg OD is the safest and most effective JAK inhibitor for PsA, followed by upadacitinib 30 mg OD. However, upadacitinib 30 mg OD carries the highest risk of adverse events. Upadacitinib 15 mg OD, the currently recommended therapy, is not superior in efficacy and safety compared with other treatment options. More high-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings due to the limited number of included studies.

Tofacitinib treatment for plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Objectives Tofacitinib is used as an oral Janus-associated kinase (JAK) inhibitor acting on JAK1 and JAK3, in treating psoriatic disease. However, there is still no consensus on the optimal dosage and duration of tofacitinib. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of tofacitinib in treating psoriatic disease. Methods A literature search was done utilising Cochrane library, Medline, EMBASE, Wiley Online library, Web of Science and BIOSIS Previews through December 18, 2022. We performed a meta-analysis of published original studies to assess the impact of tofacitinib in plaque psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis therapy based on seven randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving 2,672 patients (receiving tofacitinib) and 853 controls (receiving placebo). Results Compared with placebo, the treatment of 5 mg twice-daily (BID) tofacitinib for 12 weeks is sufficient to significantly alleviate the main clinical manifestations of psoriasis [≥75% decrease in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score (PASI 75): Risk ratio (RR)=4.38 (95% Confidence interval (CI) 2.51 to 7.64); ≥90% decrease in PASI score (PASI 90): RR=21.68 (95% CI 4.20 to 111.85); Physician's Global Assessment of 'clear' or 'almost clear' (PGA 0/1): RR=3.93 (95%CI 3.03 to 5.09)]. Interestingly, there was no significant difference in improvement in PGA 0/1 with 5 mg BID tofacitinib given for 16 weeks when compared with 5 mg BID tofacitinib for 12 weeks [RR=1.11 (95%CI 0.98 to 1.25)]. Additionally, the 5 mg BID tofacitinib for 16 weeks treatment schedule significantly increased the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) [RR=1.89 (95%CI 1.06 to 3.38)] as compared to 5 mg BID tofacitinib for 12 weeks treatment schedule [RR=1.15 (95%CI 0.60 to 2.20)]. Conclusion The 5 mg BID tofacitinib for 12 weeks treatment significantly improved psoriasis without causing too many specific adverse events. This indicated that tofacitinib is an effective treatment plan for psoriatic disease by reasonably controlling dosage and dosing time.

Pediatric Society of the African League Against Rheumatism juvenile idiopathic arthritis recommendations for enthesitis-related arthritis and juvenile psoriatic arthritis

The objective of this study is to develop evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and management of enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) and juvenile psoriatic arthritis (JPsA) in the African context. The recommendations for ERA and JPsA were combined into a single document. The steering committee and task force identified 15 key questions and formulated 35 research questions. A comprehensive literature review, utilizing Medline and a manual search for African local data, was conducted to gather evidence. Following this synthesis, the task force developed draft recommendations and engaged in a Delphi process with an expert panel, including 17 African and three international experts, to reach a consensus and ensure alignment with global standards. The final recommendations were assigned a level of evidence and subsequently approved by the task force members, the expert panel, and the PAFLAR Board. Fifteen recommendations on the diagnosis and management of ERA and JPsA were developed, covering the role of the pediatric rheumatologist in multiple aspects of disease management, including diagnosis, monitoring of disease and extra-articular manifestations, determining treatment strategies, and guiding interventions. The level of evidence supporting these recommendations was variable, leading to the identification of a research agenda to address African particularities and answer pending questions. The final recommendations achieved a high level of agreement, with consensus ranging from 90 to 100%. These recommendations represent an important achievement for pediatric rheumatology in Africa, being the first of their kind, tailored specifically to the region. Developed through a rigorous methodology and collaboration between international and African experts, they aim to standardize care and address the unique challenges faced in African setting.

Exposure-Response Analysis of Tofacitinib in Active Psoriatic Arthritis: Results from Two Phase 3 Studies

Tofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase inhibitor for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). These post hoc exposure-response (E-R) analyses of pooled data from two Phase 3 studies (NCT01877668 and NCT01882439) characterized the relationships between tofacitinib exposure and efficacy (American College of Rheumatology [ACR] criteria), and changes in hemoglobin (Hgb) in patients with PsA. Efficacy data for the proportion of patients receiving tofacitinib 5 or 10 mg twice daily, or placebo, achieving ACR ≥20%, ≥50%, or ≥70% response criteria (ACR20, ACR50, and ACR70, respectively) at Month 3, were modeled jointly using a four-category ordered categorical exposure-response model (ACR20 non-responder, ACR20 responder but not ACR50 responder, ACR50 responder but not ACR70 responder, and ACR70 responder). A maximum drug effect (Emax) model (using average concentrations of tofacitinib at steady state [Cavg]) adequately described the exposure-ACR response rate relationship. Model-predicted response rates for tofacitinib 5 and 10 mg twice daily were 51% and 58%, respectively, for ACR20; 29% and 36% for ACR50; and 15% and 20% for ACR70. The E-R relationship between tofacitinib exposure and changes in Hgb was assessed using an indirect response model, which generally predicted Hgb concentration-time profiles across treatments well. The proportions of patients experiencing a decrease in Hgb of >2 g/dL were similar with tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily or placebo. These results were generally consistent with previous analyses in rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, and support the use of tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily for active PsA.

Psoriatic arthritis in Jordan: a cross-sectional study of disease characteristics, patient-reported outcomes, and disease activity

BACKGROUND

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic, inflammatory rheumatic disease. We aim to describe the characteristics of PsA patients and examine factors affecting their psychological and physical well-being.

METHODS

This multicenter, cross-sectional study enrolled consecutive PsA patients from rheumatology clinics over six months. Data was collected through questionnaires and chart reviews. Disease activity was assessed using Disease Activity in Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA) and Psoriatic Arthritis Impact of Disease-12 (PsAID-12), with fibromyalgia and psychological well-being screened via Fibromyalgia Rapid Screening Tool (FiRST) and Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4), respectively.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 105 patients with a mean age of 45.6 ± 12.9, and 46.7% (N = 49) were males. The predominant disease type was polyarthritis (80%, N = 84), with 90.5% (N = 95) having psoriasis (PSO). Arthritis and PSO were diagnosed simultaneously in 18 patients (17.1%), arthritis preceded PSO in 11 patients (10.5%) by 3.5 ± 3.8 years, and PSO preceded arthritis in 76 patients (72.4%) by 10.65 ± 11.27 years. The diagnostic delay of PsA was 3.1 ± 4.9 years. Methotrexate was used by 50.5% (N = 53) and 20% (N = 21) used anti-TNF. Severe disease activity, according to DAPSA scores, was present in 38.1%, positive screening for fibromyalgia in 29.5% (N = 31), and 35.2% (N = 37) had severe depression and anxiety-related symptoms. Using multivariate regression analysis, Obesity (OR = 3.267, 95% CI: 1.015-10.513) and the presence of CVD (OR = 4.769, 95% CI: 1.121-20.293) were predictors of bone erosions. PsAID-12 scores and ESR were associated with severe depression and anxiety-related symptoms (95% OR: 1.443-4.459 and 1.001:1.078), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with PsA often face diagnostic delays, with fibromyalgia, depression, and anxiety being common, resulting in poorer patient-reported outcomes.

Concurrent Psoriatic Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis in a Middle-Aged Man: A Case Report With Peripheral Joint Functional and Quality of Life Assessment

The concurrent presentation of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is rare within the spondyloarthritis spectrum, presenting unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to the simultaneous involvement of axial and peripheral joints. Accurate differentiation is crucial to guide appropriate treatment strategies and optimize patient outcomes. This report describes a 38-year-old man diagnosed with concurrent PsA and AS, managed over a 12-month period with infliximab. Functional assessments included the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) Disability Index, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, grip strength test, and EuroQol 5-Dimension (EQ-5D) Health Utility Index. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to monitor joint inflammation at baseline and after 12 months. Following 12 months of infliximab therapy, the patient demonstrated significant improvements in disease activity, functional outcomes, and quality of life: BASDAI: 7.3 → 1.9; HAQ Disability Index: 2.6 → 0.9; VAS for pain: 8.5 → 2.0; grip strength (right/left): 16/14 kg → 22/20 kg; EQ-5D Health Utility Index: 0.45 → 0.8; and MRI findings: a marked reduction in sacroiliac inflammation with no new erosive changes. This case underscores the therapeutic efficacy of infliximab in managing overlapping PsA and AS, demonstrating improvements in disease activity, functional capacity, and quality of life. The inclusion of grip strength as an objective functional outcome measure offers novel insights into treatment response evaluation in spondyloarthropathies. Further prospective studies are warranted to validate its clinical utility and establish optimized management protocols for patients with coexisting PsA and AS.

Psoriatic arthritis phenotype clusters and their association with treatment response: a real-world longitudinal cohort study from the psoriatic arthritis research consortium

OBJECTIVES

To identify phenotype clusters and their trajectories in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and examine the association of the clusters with treatment response in a real-world setting.

METHODS

In the multicentre PsA Research Consortium (PARC) study, we applied factor analysis of mixed data to reduce dimensionality and collinearity, followed by hierarchical clustering on principal components. We then evaluated the transition of PsA clusters and their response to new immunomodulatory therapy and tumour necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi).

RESULTS

Among 627 patients with PsA, three clusters were identified: mild PsA and psoriasis only (PsO) (Cluster 1, 47.4%), severe PsA and mild PsO (Cluster 2, 34.3%) and severe PsA and severe PsO (Cluster 3, 18.3%). Among 339 patients starting or changing, significant differences in response were observed (mean follow-up of 0.7 years, SD 0.8), with Cluster 3 showing the largest improvements in cDAPSA and PsAID. No differences were found among those starting TNFi (n=218). cDAPSA remission and PsAID patient acceptable symptom state were achieved in 10% and 54%, respectively. Clusters remained stable over time despite treatment changes, though some transitions occurred, notably from Cluster 3 to milder clusters.

CONCLUSION

Data-driven clusters with distinct therapy responses identified in this real-world study highlight the extensive heterogeneity in PsA and the central role of psoriasis and musculoskeletal severity in treatment outcomes. Concurrently, these findings underscore the need for better outcome measures, particularly for individuals with lower disease activity.

Enhancing current guidance for psoriatic arthritis and its comorbidities: recommendations from an expert consensus panel

OBJECTIVES

The existing guidelines for PsA cover many aspects of management. Some gaps remain relating to routine practice application. An expert group aimed to enhance the current guidance and develop recommendations for clinical practice that are complementary to the existing guidelines.

METHODS

A steering committee comprising experienced, research-active clinicians in rheumatology, dermatology and primary care agreed on themes and relevant questions. A targeted literature review of PubMed and Embase following a PICO framework was conducted. At a second meeting, recommendations were drafted, and subsequently an extended faculty comprising rheumatologists, dermatologists, primary care clinicians, specialist nurses, allied health professionals, non-clinical academic participants and members of the Brit-PACT patient group, was recruited. Consensus was achieved via an online voting platform at which 75% of respondents agreed in the range of 7-9 on a 9-point scale.

RESULTS

The guidance comprised 34 statements covering four PsA themes. Diagnosis focused on strategies for identifying PsA early and referring appropriately, assessment of diagnostic indicators, use of screening tools and use of imaging. Disease assessment centred on holistic consideration of disease activity, physical functioning and impact from a patient perspective, and on how to implement shared decision-making. For comorbidities, recommendations included specific guidance on high-impact conditions such as depression and obesity. Management statements (which excluded extant guidance on pharmacological therapies) recommended multidisciplinary team working, implementation of lifestyle modifications and treat-to-target strategies. Minimizing CS use was recommended where feasible.

CONCLUSION

The consensus group have made evidence-based best-practice recommendations for the management of PsA to enhance the existing guidelines.

Development of Extramusculoskeletal Manifestations in Upadacitinib-Treated Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis or Axial Spondyloarthritis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the development of extramusculoskeletal manifestations (EMMs) among patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) or axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) treated with upadacitinib 15 mg.

METHODS

Data (cutoff: August 15, 2022) from five clinical trials in PsA (2), radiographic axSpA (r-axSpA; previously ankylosing spondylitis) (2), and nonradiographic axSpA (nr-axSpA) (1) were analyzed. Treatment-emergent adverse events of EMMs including uveitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and psoriasis were assessed in patients treated with placebo, upadacitinib 15 mg, or adalimumab (PsA only) and are reported as exposure-adjusted event rates (events per 100 patient-years [E/100 PY]).

RESULTS

Most patients (87.1%-99.3%) did not have a history of EMMs at baseline. In PsA, development of uveitis and IBD were low regardless of treatment or prior EMM history; rates were similar with upadacitinib 15 mg and adalimumab. In r-axSpA, development of uveitis was numerically lower (E/100 PY) in patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg (2.8) versus placebo (7.5) and in patients with no history of uveitis (upadacitinib 15 mg 0.6; placebo 1.2) versus a history of uveitis (upadacitinib 15 mg 2.1; placebo 6.2); occurrence of IBD and psoriasis were low regardless of treatment or history. In nr-axSpA, development of uveitis was low regardless of history but was numerically lower in patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg (0.9) versus placebo (2.1); occurrence of IBD and psoriasis were low or absent.

CONCLUSION

In patients with spondyloarthritis, development of EMMs was generally low with upadacitinib 15 mg. Uveitis was numerically lower in patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg versus placebo, and particularly in r-axSpA. Regardless of treatment in r-axSpA, having a history of uveitis appeared to predispose patients for future uveitis events.

Association of enthesitis with severity of psoriasis in psoriatic arthritis: an observational study

The relationship between dermatological and articular manifestations of psoriatic disease remains incompletely elucidated. There is no strong correlation between the severity of cutaneous psoriasis and the clinical phenotypes of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). This study aims to examine the correlation between the severity of psoriasis and various clinical features, including measures of severity and activity of PsA, in a real-world clinical setting. Seventy-six consecutive adult patients of both genders with confirmed diagnoses of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and psoriasis were included in the study. The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) was assessed alongside various PsA variables: tender joint count (TJC), swollen joint count (SJC), duration of morning stiffness, presence of dactylitis and number of affected digits, presence of enthesitis and Maastricht Ankylosing Spondylitis Enthesitis Score (MASES), patient's global assessment (PGA), and examiner's global assessment (EGA). Associations were analyzed using the Spearman correlation test and the Kruskal-Wallis test. Statistical significance was established at p = 0.05. Forty-two men and thirty-four women, median age of 56 (range 33-85) years, participated in the study. The median duration of psoriasis was 216 (range 0-600) months and median duration of PsA was 120 (range 7-456) months. There was no significant correlation between PASI and any PsA variables, except for the correlation between PASI and the presence of enthesitis (ρ = 0.285; p = 0.013). Moreover, older patients and patients with a long history of psoriasis manifested more often with enthesis as a sign of PsA. Our findings emphasize the correlation between the severity of psoriasis and presence of enthesitis in patients with PsA.

Cost and Cost Effectiveness of Treatments for Psoriatic Arthritis: An Updated Systematic Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory disease characterised by a variety of clinical manifestations. Considering the economic burden posed by PsA and the increasing number of treatment options, economic evaluations are required to better allocate available resources. This work aims to update a previous published literature review on PsA cost-of-illness and cost-effectiveness analysis.

METHODS

A search was performed of English-language literature between January 2017 and March 20, 2024 in Medline/PubMed, Embase and Cochrane library using the terms 'psoriatic arthritis', 'cost of illness' and 'cost effectiveness'. Data on decision model, time horizon, population, treatment options, perspective, type of costs, relevant results and authors' conclusion were extracted from the reviewed articles. Finally, the quality of the included studies was evaluated.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria: 16 cost-of-illness and 11 cost-effectiveness/cost-utility analyses. PsA is characterised by high direct and indirect costs. Drug costs as well as hospitalisation and absenteeism were the major drivers of the observed costs. The cost-effectiveness analyses reported the dominance or the cost effectiveness of biologic therapies compared with non-biologic PsA treatment. Biological options like bimekizumab and ixekizumab have demonstrated a better cost-effectiveness profile in PsA patients compared with other treatments (i.e., other biological treatments).

CONCLUSIONS

There was an increased number of economic evaluations compared with the previous review. PsA is still associated with significant economic burden worldwide. The main cost was represented by therapies, specifically biological therapies. Amongst the biological therapies, bimekizumab and ixekizumab appear to provide the most economic benefit. Finally, new economic studies are needed to enrich knowledge on the economic burden of subgroups of PsA patients as well as early treatment of PsA with new therapies.

A review and recommendations on the management of psoriatic arthritis in Australia 2024

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a progressive, systemic inflammatory disease. It can lead to serious joint damage and disability, increased cardiovascular risk and reduced quality of life. Six experts met to develop the recommendations for the management of PsA in Australia. The final recommendations are approved by all panel members. Management and treatment recommendations have been made under six subheadings: Recommendations for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and glucocorticoids; Disease-modifying treatment; Screening and monitoring; Family planning; Symptom treatment and extra-articular manifestations; Comorbidities and lifestyle considerations. Our recommendations for the management of PsA in Australia draw heavily on the established global guidelines. These recommendations aim to assist clinicians to make informed, patient-centric choices when delivering treatment to people with PsA.

Disabling foot pain and its impact on daily living among people with psoriatic arthritis in Singapore: a cross-sectional observational investigation

BACKGROUND

Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)-related foot involvement has been shown to have a profound impact on daily functioning, with most studies having focused on predominantly Caucasian populations. The aim was to describe disabling foot pain (DFP) and its impact on daily living in PsA in Singapore.

METHODS

A cross-sectional, retrospective study was conducted using clinical data collected during a single-visit to a rheumatology clinic in Singapore. Records for adults with physician-diagnosed PsA were reviewed for sociodemographic information, disease characteristics, global disease activity and burden. Foot-specific measures included clinical assessment and the Manchester Foot Pain and Disability Index used to define DFP and evaluate between-group differences.

RESULTS

Forty-two participants with PsA (83% female, 57% Chinese, 31% Malay, 9.5% Indian, mean (SD) age 54-years (16)) attended the rheumatology clinic over the study-period. The median (IQR) disease duration was 2-years (11) and all were taking current DMARDs. Global disease measures demonstrated mild-to-moderate global disease activity and mild functional impairment, and were significantly higher in those with DFP. Despite 90% reporting to be coping well with their condition, self-care and having emotional support (n = 38), this study sample demonstrated high levels of anxiety/depression (29%), sleep disturbance (34%) and fatigue (24%), and a lack of disease- and drug-specific knowledge (64%). Further management was indicated for medication adherence counselling (48%), occupational therapy (43%), physiotherapy (36%) and podiatry (30%). Nearly half had current foot pain with 40% reporting DFP (n = 17), which caused significantly greater difficulty walking 3 km than those without DFP (p < 0.05). Rearfoot enthesitis (plantar fasciitis, Achilles enthesitis) was the most common cause of DFP (67%) with pain lasting longer than 1-year. 72% were overweight or obese, with a high proportion not engaging in any cardiovascular exercise (70%). Three of 42 participants had previously seen a podiatrist.

CONCLUSIONS

People with DFP in PsA experience more severe global disease activity, reduced mobility and higher levels of negative impact on their daily lives in Singapore. In the absence of working in a multidisciplinary-team, there is value in comprehensive assessments that have potential to capture a holistic view of personal impact and improve person-centred care in PsA.

The Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA) Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary

The Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA) started in August 2003 with 40 initial participants and celebrated its 20th anniversary with 1036 members, many of whom attended the annual meeting in Dublin, Ireland, on July 15 to 17, 2023. GRAPPA arose from a need experienced by psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and psoriasis (PsO) investigators to meet to address questions related to psoriatic disease (PsD). Though other groups were meeting at the time to classify and discuss PsA, GRAPPA arose from a desire to include international clinical and investigational researchers of both dermatology and rheumatology. The organization has built awareness of PsO and PsA, developed and validated research assessment tools to measure clinical status and disease outcomes, published multiple treatment recommendations, supported basic and clinical research on PsD pathophysiology, fostered interactions across research fields, and educated the future generation of PsO and PsA researchers. The group continues to focus on major priorities affecting patients with PsD and will continue evolving in the next decades.

Exploring pulmonary involvement in newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis: a single center study

OBJECTIVES

This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence, manifestation, and risk factors of pulmonary involvement in newly diagnosed, untreated rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients, and to evaluate the efficacy of various diagnostic tools in screening for pulmonary involvement.

METHODS

Untreated, newly diagnosed patients with RA and PsA underwent an extensive multimodal diagnostic approach including clinical and laboratory assessment, pulmonary function tests, and chest radiography.

RESULTS

We recruited 50 arthritis patients (26 RA, 24 PsA) and 26 control subjects. Respiratory symptoms were found in 36.0 % of arthritis patients and 11.5 % of controls (p = 0.031). Pathologically reduced breathing width (< 3.0 cm) was significantly more common in arthritis patients (64.0 %) than in controls (23.1 %) (p < 0.001). Pulmonary function test results did not differ significantly between groups. Chest radiography revealed pulmonary involvement in 37.0 % of arthritis patients, higher in RA (50.0 %) than in PsA (22.7 %). Notably, only 35.3 % of arthritis patients with radiographic pulmonary involvement were symptomatic, with 64.7 % being asymptomatic. Radiographic pulmonary involvement was associated with advanced age (p = 0.002) and increased rheumatoid factor levels (p = 0.024).

CONCLUSION

Our research underscores the significant prevalence of largely asymptomatic pulmonary involvement in newly diagnosed RA and PsA patients. These findings highlight the importance of an early, multidisciplinary screening approach, particularly for high-risk individuals. Further large-scale studies are needed to develop comprehensive screening protocols to improve early detection and treatment of pulmonary involvement in arthritis.

Treatment strategies for Spondyloarthritis: Implementation of precision medicine - Or "one size fits all" concept?

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a term to describe a group of chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases, which have common pathophysiological, genetic, and clinical features. Under the umbrella term SpA, two main groups are subsumed: axial SpA (radiographic axSpA and non-radiographic axSpA) and peripheral SpA (with the leading representative being psoriatic arthritis (PsA) but also arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), reactive arthritis, and undifferentiated pSpA). The key clinical symptom in axSpA is chronic back pain, typically with inflammatory characteristics, which starts in early adulthood, while the leading clinical manifestations of peripheral SpA (pSpA) are arthritis, enthesitis, and/or dactylitis. Furthermore, extra-musculoskeletal manifestations (EMMs) (acute anterior uveitis, psoriasis, and IBD) can accompany axial or peripheral symptoms. All these factors need to be taken into account when making treatment decisions in SpA patients. Despite the major advances in the treatment landscape over the past two decades with the introduction of biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) and most recently targeted synthetic DMARDs (tsDMARDs), a relevant proportion of patients still does not achieve the desired state of remission (=absence of disease activity). With this implementation of new treatment modalities, clinicians now have more choices to make in the treatment algorithms. However, despite generalized treatment recommendations, all factors need to be carefully considered when deciding on the optimal treatment strategy for an individual patient in clinical practice, aiming at an important first step towards personalized treatment strategies in SpA. In this narrative review, we focus on the efficacy of approved and emerging treatment options in axSpA and PsA as the main representative of pSpA and discuss their selective effect on the different manifestations associated with SpA to provide guidance on drivers of treatment decisions in specific situations.

Ultrasound assessment of Achilles enthesitis: a dedicated training program

OBJECTIVE

To describe an intensive and multimodal ultrasound (US) training program focused on Achilles enthesitis and to illustrate the learning curve of trainees without experience.

METHODS

Three medical students (trainees) and two rheumatologists experienced in musculoskeletal US (trainers) were involved in the training program, which encompassed one preliminary theoretical-practical meeting and five scanning sessions (two patients per session). The students and one expert performed the US examination of the Achilles enthesis bilaterally. The trainees acquired representative images and assessed the presence of Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) US abnormalities of enthesitis. The experts provided feedback addressing trainees' misinterpretations, and the quality of the acquired images was evaluated. A dedicated questionnaire was used to evaluate the students' confidence. After each session, five sets of static images (total=100 images of most commonly scanned entheses) were provided and scored by the students according to OMERACT US definitions. Total agreement and prevalence and bias adjusted kappa (PABAK) were used to evaluate the concordance between the trainees and the expert sonographer.

RESULTS

The total agreement and PABAK significantly improved between the first and fifth scanning sessions (76.2% versus 92.9%, p<0.01, and 0.5 versus 0.79, p<0.01) and between the first and fifth static image sets (64.5% versus 81.9%, p<0.01, and 0.29 versus 0.74, p<0.01). Image quality did not significantly improve (p=0.34). A significant increase in trainees' confidence was registered (p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The described training program rapidly improved the students' performance in the US assessment of Achilles enthesitis, appearing to be an effective starting model for the future development of pathology-oriented teaching programs for the US in rheumatology.

Enthesitis in IBD Patients

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is marked by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and encompasses two major subtypes, Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). IBD is frequently accompanied by extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs), with axial and peripheral spondyloarthritis (SpA) being the most common. Enthesitis, an inflammation of the bone insertions of capsules, ligaments, and tendons, represents an initial lesion in SpA. However, enthesitis remains an underestimated and often obscured EIM. The early detection of subclinical entheseal involvement in IBD patients using ultrasound (US) could provide an opportunity for timely intervention. US is a more feasible and affordable approach than magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). While previous meta-analyses have reported on the incidence and prevalence of SpA in IBD, specific attention to enthesitis has been lacking. Therefore, this narrative review aims to assess the current knowledge on existing IBD-SpA cohorts, focusing specifically on enthesitis.

Axial Disease in Psoriatic Arthritis: A Challenging Domain in Clinical Practice

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting about one-third of individuals with psoriasis. Defining axial involvement in PsA (axPsA) remains debated. While rheumatologists guide clinical practice, consensus on axPsA is still lacking. This paper explores historical and upcoming definitions from the Axial Involvement in Psoriatic Arthritis (AXIS) study, which aims to establish a validated axPsA definition. Epidemiological data reveal diverse axPsA prevalence rates, emphasizing its complex relationship with peripheral arthritis and enthesitis. Unique genetic, clinical, and radiological features differentiate axPsA from ankylosing spondylitis (AS), necessitating refined classification criteria. The recommendations from the Assessment of Spondylarthritis international Society (ASAS) provide valuable guidance due to the limited direct evidence. Emerging therapies, including interleukin-23 (IL-23) inhibitors or Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, are under investigation for axPsA. Currently, secukinumab, an interleukin-17 (IL-17) inhibitor, is an evidence-based option for axPsA management. However, given the variability in individual patient responses and disease manifestations, personalized, evidence-based treatment approaches remain essential for optimizing patient outcomes. In the final section, two real-life cases illustrate the challenges in managing axPsA, emphasizing the importance of tailored therapies. Achieving precision in defining axPsA remains a formidable task, making detailed criteria essential for effective strategies and improving patient outcomes.

Early psoriatic arthritis: when is the right time to start advanced therapy?

Despite significant advances in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in the last two decades, remission remains elusive and there is no cure. Evidence from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) confirming enhanced response and outcome from earlier treatment intervention suggests the plausibility of the window of opportunity in the pathogenesis of RA. Yet, data are lacking in PsA. Although treatment response may be enhanced in shorter disease duration, it is unknown how this early intervention may impact long-term outcomes. Furthermore, it remains to be demonstrated whether there is a best treatment strategy and time of intervention. Crucially, the main hurdle when aiming for early treatment intervention is the ability to achieve a timely diagnosis that highlights the need to focus research efforts on characterizing the very early disease stages including the transition to PsA in the at-risk psoriasis population.

Psoriasis Comorbidities and Their Treatment Impact

Psoriasis, a systemic inflammatory disease classically presenting with cutaneous lesions, has significant involvement in other organ systems. This article explores the prevalence, clinical manifestations, screening mechanisms, and laboratory testing by which to evaluate these comorbidities. Treatment approach for these comorbidities must combine patient preference with established treatment algorithms while recognizing innovative therapeutics currently under development.

Defining the Minimal Important Change and Meaningful Change Value of the Disease Activity Index for Psoriatic Arthritis: A Chinese Longitudinal Study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the minimal important change (MIC) and meaningful change value (MCV) of the Disease Activity Index for Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA) and the effect size (ES) of DAPSA.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study, recruiting 106 patients who agreed to participate in the research from the Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, between November 1, 2019, and April 1, 2023. An anchor-based method using linear regression analyses was used to determine the MICs and MCVs of the DAPSA. The anchor question assessed whether the patient's well-being had changed since their previous visit, employing a 5-point Likert scale that ranged from "much improved" to "much deteriorated."

RESULTS

The overall MIC value was 8.4 (95% CI 0.01-16.75). The MIC improvement was 9.5 (95% CI 0.89-18.14) and MIC deterioration was 1.1 (95% CI -9.81 to 12.05). The overall MCV was 10.5 (95% CI 4.34-16.72). MCV improvement was 11.4 (95% CI 5.95-16.95) and MCV deterioration was 1.1 (95% CI -9.81 to 12.05). The ES was 0.6.

CONCLUSION

A change in DAPSA of 8.4 is indicative of an MIC, offering physicians an additional means to contextualize the patient's perception of disease activity during treatment, and a change in DAPSA of 10.5 is likely to be regarded as MCV. These values can enhance the utility of DAPSA in psoriatic arthritis clinical trials.

50 years of spondyloarthritis: a look back and a look ahead

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

It is now 50 years since the concept of spondyloarthritis was introduced by Moll, Wright and co-authors from Leeds, UK. This review will review the original concept and mark significant milestones over the last 50 years while looking ahead to developments in the future.

RECENT FINDINGS

While the diseases included under this rubric in the original description may have changed the core conditions remain and are still characterized by axial inflammation as a common feature. Imaging, animal models, genetics and immunology have contributed to our knowledge of the pathogenesis and classification of these diseases and have led to the development of more effective treatments.

SUMMARY

Future developments, facilitated by large research consortia, will help build on our current knowledge and will help clarify disease heterogeneity and provide insights into new therapeutic pathways.

Ultrasonographic Synovitis Is Associated with the Development of Joint Destruction in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis

BACKGROUND

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is characterized by enthesitis. As persistent inflammation around joints results in bone and cartilage destruction and physical impairment, a detailed assessment of inflammation is essential. We previously reported the difference between clinical assessment (tenderness) and ultrasound (US) assessment (inflammation) of entheses. Herein, we investigated whether clinical or US assessment of joints and entheses can predict the progression of joint destruction in Japanese patients with PsA.

METHODS

Thirty joints and 14 entheses in 47 patients were assessed using US and clinical examination. The US greyscale (GS) and power Doppler (PD) scores at the ultrasonographic synovitis, the US active enthesitis count, and the clinical tender joint/entheses count were assessed. Additionally, the yearly radiographic progression of the Sharp-van der Heijde scoring method for PsA was assessed. Their correlations were investigated.

RESULTS

About half of the patients with PsA experienced joint destruction during a follow-up period of 20.4 months. Progression of joint destruction in patients with PsA only correlated with joint GS and PD scores, reflecting the severity of ultrasonographic synovitis, not with the tender joint/entheses count.

CONCLUSIONS

US examinations are essential for preventing joint destruction and physical impairment in patients with PsA.

Assessing sleep-related breathing disorders among newly diagnosed rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis patients: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) in newly diagnosed, untreated rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients, and to develop a screening algorithm for early detection.

METHODS

We evaluated newly diagnosed RA or PsA patients using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) questionnaire, cardiorespiratory polygraphy (RPG), and clinical and laboratory assessments. Sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) was diagnosed based on pathological RPG findings excessive daytime sleepiness, defined as ESS score above 10.

RESULTS

The study included 39 patients (22 RA, 17 PsA) and 23 controls. In RPG, SRBD was identified in 38.5% of arthritis patients compared to 39.1% of controls (p = 1.00), with male gender (p = .004) and age (p < .001) identified as risk factors. Excessive daytime sleepiness was noted in 36.4% of RA patients, 17.6% of PsA patients, and 21.7% of controls. Of the 24 patients diagnosed with SRBD, 41.6% met the criteria for SAS. SAS prevalence was 31.8% among RA patients, 0% in PsA patients, and 13% in controls. A significant association was observed between excessive daytime sleepiness and SRBD (p = .036).

CONCLUSION

Our findings reveal a high prevalence of SRBD in newly diagnosed, untreated RA and PsA patients in ESS and RPG, with excessive daytime sleepiness being a reliable predictor of SRBD. Patients with RA exhibited a higher predisposition to SAS. We therefore suggest incorporating ESS and RPG as screening tools in RA or PsA for early detection and management of SRBD.

Efficacy and Safety of Secukinumab in US Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis: A Subgroup Analysis of the Phase 3 FUTURE Studies

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this work is to evaluate secukinumab vs. placebo in a challenging-to-treat and smaller US patient subpopulation of the international FUTURE 2-5 studies in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

METHODS

Data were pooled from US patients enrolled in the phase 3 FUTURE 2-5 studies (NCT01752634, NCT01989468, NCT02294227, and NCT02404350). Patients received secukinumab 300 or 150 mg with subcutaneous loading dose, secukinumab 150 mg without subcutaneous loading dose, or placebo. Categorical efficacy and health-related quality-of-life (QoL) outcomes and safety were evaluated at week 16. Subgroup analyses were performed based on tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) status and body mass index (BMI). For hypothesis generation, odds ratios (ORs) for American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 20/50/70 and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 75/90/100 responses by treatment were estimated using logistic regression without adjustment for multiple comparisons.

RESULTS

Of 2148 international patients originally randomized, 279 US patients were included in this pooled analysis. Mean BMI was > 30 kg/m2 and 55.2% had prior TNFi treatment. ORs for ACR20/50/70 significantly favored patients receiving secukinumab 300 mg and 150 mg with loading dose vs. placebo (P < 0.05), but not those receiving secukinumab 150 mg without loading dose vs. placebo. For PASI75, ORs favored all secukinumab groups over placebo (P < 0.05); for PASI90 and PASI100, only the secukinumab 300-mg group was significantly favored over placebo (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In this challenging sub-population of US patients with PsA, secukinumab provided rapid improvements in disease activity and QoL. Patients with PsA and active psoriasis might benefit more from secukinumab 300 mg than 150 mg.

Higher Synovial Immunohistochemistry Reactivity of IL-17A, Dkk1, and TGF-β1 in Patients with Early Psoriatic Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis Could Predict the Use of Biologics

BACKGROUND

Delay in diagnosis and therapy in patients with arthritis commonly leads to progressive articular damage. The study aimed to investigate the immunohistochemical reactivity of synovial cytokines associated with inflammation and the bone erosives/neoformatives processes among individuals diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), and radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA), with the intention of identifying potential biomarkers.

METHODS

Specimens were collected from the inflamed knee joints of patients referred for arthroscopic procedures, and the synovial tissue (ST) was prepared for quantifying protein expression through immunohistochemical analysis (% expressed in Ratio_Area-Intensity) for TGF-β1, IL-17A, Dkk1, BMP2, BMP4, and Wnt5b. The collected data underwent thorough analysis and examination of their predictive capabilities utilising receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

RESULTS

Valid synovial tissue samples were acquired from 40 patients for IHC quantification analysis. Initially, these patients had not undergone treatment with biologics. However, after 5 years, 4 out of 13 patients diagnosed with PsA and two out of nine patients diagnosed with RA had commenced biologic treatments. Individuals with early PsA who received subsequent biologic treatment exhibited significantly elevated IHC reactivity in ST for TGF-β1 (p = 0.015). Additionally, patients with both PsA and RA who underwent biologic therapy displayed increased IHC reactivity for IL-17A (p = 0.016), TGF-β1 (p = 0.009), and Dkk1 (p = 0.042). ROC curve analysis of IHC reactivity for TGF-β1, Dkk1, and IL-17A in the synovial seems to predict future treatment with biologics in the next 5 years with the area under the curve (AUC) of a combined sum of the three values: AUC: 0.828 (95% CI: 0.689-0.968; p 0.005) S 75% E 84.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher synovial immunohistochemistry reactivity of IL-17A, Dkk1, and TGF-β1 in patients with early psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis may serve as potential indicators for predicting the necessity of utilising biologic treatments.

Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs) and PRO Remission Rates in 12,262 Biologic-Naïve Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis Treated With Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors in Routine Care

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after initiation of tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) treatment in European real-world patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Further, to investigate PRO remission rates across treatment courses, registries, disease duration, sex, and age at disease onset.

METHODS

Visual analog scale or numerical rating scale scores for pain, fatigue, patient global assessment (PtGA), and the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) from 12,262 patients with PsA initiating a TNFi in 13 registries were pooled. PRO remission rates (pain ≤ 1, fatigue ≤ 2, PtGA ≤ 2, and HAQ-DI ≤ 0.5) were calculated for patients still on the treatment.

RESULTS

For the first TNFi, median pain score was reduced by approximately 50%, from 6 to 3, 3, and 2; as were fatigue scores, from 6 to 4, 4, and 3; PtGA scores, from 6 to 3, 3, and 2; and HAQ-DI scores, from 0.9 to 0.5, 0.5, and 0.4 at baseline, 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. Six-month Lund Efficacy Index (LUNDEX)-adjusted remission rates for pain, fatigue, PtGA, and HAQ-DI scores were 24%, 31%, 36%, and 43% (first TNFi); 14%, 19%, 23%, and 29% (second TNFi); and 9%, 14%, 17%, and 20% (third TNFi), respectively. For biologic-naïve patients with disease duration < 5 years, 6-month LUNDEX-adjusted remission rates for pain, fatigue, PtGA, and HAQ-DI scores were 22%, 28%, 33%, and 42%, respectively. Corresponding rates for patients with disease duration > 10 years were 27%, 32%, 41%, and 43%, respectively. Remission rates were 33%, 40%, 45%, and 56% for men and 17%, 23%, 24%, and 32% for women, respectively. For patients aged < 45 years at diagnosis, 6-month LUNDEX-adjusted remission rate for pain was 29% vs 18% for patients ≥ 45 years.

CONCLUSION

In 12,262 biologic-naïve patients with PsA, 6 months of treatment with a TNFi reduced pain by approximately 50%. Marked differences in PRO remission rates across treatment courses, registries, disease duration, sex, and age at onset of disease were observed, emphasizing the potential influence of factors other than disease activity on PROs.

The Saudi consensus recommendations for the management of psoriatic arthritis (2023)

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a complex inflammatory disease characterized by musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal manifestations. It is a distinct disease entity at the interface between rheumatology and dermatology, making it challenging to manage. The diverse clinical presentation and severity of PsA require a multidisciplinary approach for optimal care. Early diagnosis and management are necessary to improving quality of life for patients. In Saudi Arabia, there is currently no unified national consensus on the best practices for managing PsA. This lack of consensus leads to debate and uncertainty in the treatment of the disease, resulting in over or under prescribing of biological agents. To address this issue, a multidisciplinary work group was formed by the Saudi Ministry of Health. This group, consisting of dermatologists, rheumatologists, and pharmacists, aimed to develop evidence-based consensus recommendations for he use and monitoring of biological therapy in PsA management. The work group conducted five consensus workshops between December 2021 to March 2022. Using the nominal group technique, they discussed various aspects of PsA management, including eligibility criteria for biological treatment, monitoring of disease activity, treatment goals, screening, precautions, and management of PsA with biologic therapies. The group also considered special considerations for patients with comorbidities, pregnant and lactating women, as well as pediatric and adolescent populations. The resulting consensus document provides recommendations that are applicable to the Saudi setting, taking into account international guidelines and the specific needs of PsA patients in the country. The consensus document will be regularly updated to incorporate new data and therapeutic agents as they become available. Key Points • In Saudi Arabia, there is a lack of unified national consensus on the optimal management of PsA, therefore, this article aims to provide up-to-date evidence-based consensus recommendations for the optimal use and monitoring of biologic therapy in the management of PsA in Saudi Arabia. • The consensus development process was undertaken by a multidisciplinary work group of 13 experts, including two dermatologists, six rheumatologists, and five pharmacists. • There is more than one disease activity tool used in PsA disease, depending on the disease domain - peripheral arthritis Disease Activity Index in Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA) or Minimal Disease Activity (MDA), axial PsA Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS), and dactylitis and enthesitis MDA. • The main goal of therapy in all patients with PsA is to achieve the target of remission, or alternatively, low disease activity in all disease domains and improve quality of life (QoL).

Investigating causal associations among gut microbiota, metabolites, and psoriatic arthritis: a Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

Currently, there has been observed a significant alteration in the composition of the gut microbiome (GM) and serum metabolites in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) compared to healthy individuals. However, previous observational studies have shown inconsistent results regarding the alteration of gut microbiota/metabolites. In order to shed light on this matter, we utilized Mendelian randomization to determine the causal effect of GM/metabolites on PsA.

METHODS

We retrieved summary-level data of GM taxa/metabolites and PsA from publicly available GWAS statistics. Causal relationships between GM/metabolites and PsA were determined using a two-sample MR analysis, with the IVW approach serving as the primary analysis method. To ensure the robustness of our findings, we conducted sensitivity analyses, multivariable MR analysis (MVMR), and additional analysis including replication verification analysis, LDSC regression, and Steiger test analysis. Furthermore, we investigated reverse causality through a reverse MR analysis. Finally, we conducted an analysis of expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) involved in the metabolic pathway to explore potential molecular mechanisms of metabolism.

RESULTS

Our findings reveal that eight GM taxa and twenty-three serum metabolites are causally related to PsA (P < 0.05). Notably, a higher relative abundance of Family Rikenellaceae (ORIVW: 0.622, 95% CI: 0.438-0.883, FDR = 0.045) and elevated serum levels of X-11538 (ORIVW: 0.442, 95% CI: 0.250-0.781, FDR = 0.046) maintain significant causal associations with a reduced risk of PsA, even after adjusting for multiple testing correction and conducting MVMR analysis. These findings suggest that Family Rikenellaceae and X-11538 may have protective effects against PsA. Our sensitivity analysis and additional analysis revealed no significant horizontal pleiotropy, reverse causality, or heterogeneity. The functional enrichment analysis revealed that the eQTLs examined were primarily associated with glycerolipid metabolism and the expression of key metabolic factors influenced by bacterial infections (Vibrio cholerae and Helicobacter pylori) as well as the mTOR signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our study demonstrates that Family Rikenellaceae and X-11538 exhibit a strong and negative causal relationship with PsA. These particular GM taxa and metabolites have the potential to serve as innovative biomarkers, offering valuable insights into the treatment and prevention of PsA. Moreover, bacterial infections and mTOR-mediated activation of metabolic factors may play an important role in this process.

A prospective survey on therapeutic inertia in psoriatic arthritis (OPTI'PsA)

OBJECTIVES

Clinical inertia, or therapeutic inertia (TI), is the medical behaviour of not initiating or intensifying treatment when recommended by clinical recommendations. To our knowledge, our survey is the first to assess TI around psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

METHODS

Eight hundred and twenty-five French rheumatologists were contacted via email between January and March 2021 and invited to complete an online questionnaire consisting of seven clinical vignettes: five cases ('oligoarthritis', 'enthesitis', 'polyarthritis', 'neoplastic history', 'cardiovascular risk') requiring treatment OPTImization, and two 'control' cases (distal interphalangeal arthritis, atypical axial involvement) not requiring any change of treatment-according to the most recent PsA recommendations. Rheumatologists were also questioned about their routine practice, continuing medical education and perception of PsA.

RESULTS

One hundred and one rheumatologists completed this OPTI'PsA survey. Almost half the respondents (47%) demonstrated TI on at least one of the five vignettes that warranted treatment optimization. The complex profiles inducing the most TI were 'oligoarthritis' and 'enthesitis' with 20% and 19% of respondents not modifying treatment, respectively. Conversely, clinical profiles for which there was the least uncertainty ('polyarthritis in relapse', 'neoplastic history' and 'cardiovascular risk') generated less TI with 11%, 8% and 6% of respondents, respectively, choosing not to change the current treatment.

CONCLUSION

The rate of TI we observed for PsA is similar to published data for other chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, gout or multiple sclerosis. Our study is the first to show marked clinical inertia in PsA, and further research is warranted to ascertain the reasons behind this inertia.

Burden of Disease in Psoriatic Arthritis in Latin America: a Systematic Literature Review

INTRODUCTION

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic inflammatory pathology that generates a substantial and progressive deterioration of functionality and quality of life. It is associated with comorbidities (cardiovascular and metabolic) and involvement of mental health. In Latin America, information regarding the disease is limited. This study reviews the burden of disease (disease activity, functional involvement, clinical manifestations, comorbidities, patient-reported outcomes, quality of life, and use of health resources) in PsA patients in Latin America.

METHODS

Systematic literature review of publications in PUBMED, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews-CDSR/Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, LILACS, Scielo, Redalyc, conference abstracts, and grey literature. Two independent assessors selected studies and extracted information. Quality was assessed according to the type of study.

RESULTS

We identified 692 references, selecting 50 studies: 41 cross-sectional, four economic-studies, four cohort studies and one systematic review. The information comes mainly from Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico. The estimated disease prevalence for Latin America ranges from 0.004 to 0.08% (95% CI 0.02-0.20). Measurements with validated instruments suggest suboptimal assessment of disease domains, significant functional compromise, loss of productivity, and high frequency of comorbidities, including mental health. Methodological and population considerations limit the generalizability of the findings.

CONCLUSIONS

The available information reports a considerable burden of disease in patients with PsA in Latin America, with involvement of quality of life associated with disability in relation to disease activity and its various manifestations. Future research and funding efforts should be aimed at generating more standardized information about the impact of PsA in the region. Key Points •The functional involvement related to disease activity, the impact on the quality of life, and the frequency of cardiometabolic and psychological comorbidities are remarkable in Latin American patients with PsA. •The current synthesis offers an overview of the burden of disease (disease activity, functional involvement, clinical manifestations, comorbidities, patient-reported outcomes, quality of life, and use of health resources) in PsA patients in Latin America. •Future research efforts and clinical strategies are required in order to generate standardized data on the patients and better estimate the burden of disease in the region.

Immune cells in the epithelial immune microenvironment of psoriasis: emerging therapeutic targets

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease characterized by erroneous metabolism of keratinocytes. The development of psoriasis is closely related to abnormal activation and disorders of the immune system. Dysregulated skin protective mechanisms can activate inflammatory pathways within the epithelial immune microenvironment (EIME), leading to the development of autoimmune-related and inflammatory skin diseases. In this review, we initially emphasized the pathogenesis of psoriasis, paying particular attention to the interactions between the abnormal activation of immune cells and the production of cytokines in psoriasis. Subsequently, we delved into the significance of the interactions between EIME and immune cells in the emergence of psoriasis. A thorough understanding of these immune processes is crucial to the development of targeted therapies for psoriasis. Finally, we discussed the potential novel targeted therapies aimed at modulating the EIME in psoriasis. This comprehensive examination sheds light on the intricate underlying immune mechanisms and provides insights into potential therapeutic avenues of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.

Patients with longstanding pPatients with longstanding psoriatic arthritis can achieve DAPSA remission or low disease activity and it correlates to better functional outcomes: results from a Latin-American real-life cohort

BACKGROUND

Patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) experience reduced physical function and impaired quality of life. Better patient-reported functional outcomes are found when lower disease activity is achieved.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the variation of physical function by HAQ-DI over time in PsA patients treated with standard therapy in a real-life setting: to verify predictors of achieving a minimum clinically important difference (MCID) in function by HAQ-DI (ΔHAQ-DI ≤ - 0.35) and to measure the impact of achieving REM/LDA on long-term function by HAQ-DI.

METHODS

This is a longitudinal analysis of a real-life retrospective cohort. Data from PsA patients with at least 4 years of follow-up in the PsA clinic from 2011 to 2019 were extracted from electronic medical records. The variations of physical function by HAQ-DI and disease activity by DAPSA over time were calculated. A multivariate hierarchical regression model was applied to verify predictors of MCID in HAQ-DI. A comparison of HAQ-DI variation between patients with DAPSA REM, LDA, moderate and high disease activity was made using the generalized estimating equation model (GEE), adjusted by Bonferroni test. The Spearman correlation method was applied to verify the correlation of ΔDAPSA and ΔHAQ-DI over time. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS program version 21.0.

RESULTS

Seventy-three patients were included in the analysis. Physical function measured by HAQ-DI was determined by PsA disease activity measured by DAPSA (p < 0.000). A moderate and statistically significant correlation between ΔDAPSA and ΔHAQ-DI was observed (rs = 0.60; p < 0.001). Only patients in DAPSA REM demonstrated a constant decline in HAQ-DI scores during the follow-up. White ethnicity and older age at baseline were predictors for not achieving MCID in HAQ-DI [RR 0.33 (0.16-0.6795% CI p = 0.002) and RR 0.96 (0.93-0.9895% CI p < 0.000), respectively, while higher scores of HAQ-DI at baseline were predictors of achieving MCID [RR 1.71 (1.12-2.6095%CI p = 0.013)].

CONCLUSIONS

In PsA, patients who maintained DAPSA REM/LDA over time had better long-term functional outcomes. Higher HAQ-DI scores at baseline, non-white ethnicity and younger age were predictors for achieving a clinical meaningful improvement of HAQ-DI.

Real-world apremilast use in biologic-naïve psoriatic arthritis patients. Data from Spanish clinical practice

INTRODUCTION

Apremilast is approved for treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Real-world evidence on apremilast effectiveness in clinical practice is limited.

METHODS

Observational study enrolling adult patients, across 21 Spanish centres, who had initiated apremilast in the prior 6 (±1) months and were biologic naive. Data were collected at routine follow-up visits 6 and 12 months after apremilast initiation. Primary outcome was 6 and 12-month persistence to apremilast. Secondary outcomes included Disease Activity for PsA (DAPSA), joint erosions, enthesitis, dactylitis, and patient-reported quality of life (QoL, measured using the PsA impact of disease [PsAID] questionnaire).

RESULTS

We included 59 patients. Most had oligoarticular PsA, moderate disease activity, and high comorbidity burden. Three-quarters were continuing apremilast at 6 months and two-thirds at 12 months; mean (SD) apremilast treatment duration was 9.43 (1.75) months. DAPSA scores showed improved disease activity: one-third of patients in remission or low activity at apremilast initiation versus 62% and 78% at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Eleven of 46 patients with radiographic assessments had joint erosions at apremilast initiation and none at month 12. Median (Q1, Q3) number of swollen joints was 4.0 (2.0, 6.0) at apremilast initiation versus 0.0 (0.0, 2.0) at 12 months. Incidence of dactylitis and enthesitis decreased between apremilast initiation (35.6% and 28.8%, respectively) and month 12 (11.6% and 2.4%, respectively). Over two-thirds of patients had a PSAID-9 score <4 (cut-off for patient-acceptable symptom state) at month 12.

CONCLUSIONS

In Spanish clinical practice, two-thirds of PsA patients continued apremilast at 12 months, with clinical benefits at the joint level, no radiographic progression of erosions, and a positive impact on patient-reported QoL. Trial registration number Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03828045.

Examining the functions of the vascular endothelial growth factor/hypoxia-inducible factor signaling pathway in psoriatic arthritis

Objectives

The present study aimed to examine the roles of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Patients and methods

In this cross-sectional study conducted between November 2020 and May 2021, 64 patients (43 female, 21 male; mean age: 43.2±10.4 years; range, 22 to 60 years) with active PsA were included in the patient group, and 64 healthy volunteers (43 female, 21 male; mean age: 42.8±10.5 years; range, 23 to 61 years) were included in the control group. The demographic features of all cases were recorded. The following indices were used to assess the activity of PsA: Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28), and Visual Analog Scale. Additionally, Disease Activity in Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA) and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) were used to evaluate the patients. The biochemical parameters of the patients were calculated. The serum levels of VEGF, HIF, and HO-1 were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

When the molecule levels and clinical features of the groups were evaluated, it was found that the VEGF and HIF-1 levels were higher in the patient group compared to the control group (p<0.05). No difference was observed in the comparison of the HO-1 levels of the patient group and the control group (p<0.05). A positive correlation was found between VEGF, HIF-1, and HO-1 (p<0.05). A positive relationship was found between VEGF and HIF-1 and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, DAPSA score, and PASI score (p<0.05). It was also determined that there was a positive relationship between the HIF molecule and DAS28 (p<0.05).

Conclusion

According to the results obtained in the present study, VEGF and HIF play a role in the etiology of PsA, and the observation of intermolecular correlation suggests that these molecules move together in pathogenesis.

A Systematic Review Evaluating the Effectiveness of Several Biological Therapies for the Treatment of Skin Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin illness that has the potential to manifest at any stage of life, it is most frequently observed in early adulthood. Biological drugs have significantly transformed the landscape of psoriasis treatment through the provision of focused therapy, which effectively mitigates inflammation and regulates the overproduction of skin cells. Notwithstanding the accessibility of these biological drugs, rigorous evaluations that juxtapose their safety and efficacy profiles are necessary. The objective of this study is to conduct a thorough investigation of the relative efficacy of these drugs in alleviating psoriasis symptoms and increasing the quality of life for patients by synthesizing the existing evidence. A comprehensive review was conducted to evaluate and compare the safety and effectiveness of different biochemical medicines utilized in the management of psoriasis. In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations, the review process was conducted among the available studies. A search was conducted across electronic databases, such as Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase, utilizing a combination of keywords and Mesh phrases pertaining to psoriasis, biological medications, and particular names of pharmaceuticals. In total, 475 studies were ascertained by the preliminary search of the database. After eliminating duplicate research, 358 distinct studies remained. After meticulous screening of titles and abstracts against the predefined inclusion criteria, 281 papers were deemed ineligible and thus excluded. For final inclusion, the whole texts of the remaining 77 studies were evaluated. Forty additional papers were removed during the full-text evaluation for a variety of reasons, including improper research design, or insufficient outcome data. Finally, 37 studies were included in this systematic review since they satisfied all inclusion criteria. The results of the current systematic review showed that all biological medications showed high efficacy in the treatment of skin psoriasis compared with placebo based on the clinical assessment outcomes using different tools such as PASI.

Palmoplantar pustulosis with psoriatic arthritis ineffective to interleukin-17 inhibitors: two patients successfully treated with upadacitinib

Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) is a rare chronic pustular disease. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is one of the common manifestations of arthritis in PPP associated with a high burden of disease. The treatment of PPP is difficult and still in the exploratory stage. Only a few cases show that PPP complicated with arthritis have been successfully treated with janus kinase inhibition, interleukin (IL)-6 inhibitors, IL-12/23 inhibitors and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors. Here we reported that two patients were diagnosed as PPP with PsA and initially treated with IL-17 inhibitors. One case was only partially relieved, and the other case had severe paradoxical reaction in the trunk. The joint and skin condition of two patients had been significantly improved without reported adverse reactions after 18 weeks treatment with upadacitinib, which support upadacitinib may be a potential option for patients with PPP combined PsA.

Real-world effectiveness and persistence of secukinumab in the treatment of patients with psoriatic arthritis

Introduction

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a complex and heterogeneous inflammatory disease. Secukinumab, a biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (bDMARD), has extensive clinical evidence of efficacy and safety in the treatment of PsA but data in clinical practice are still limited. This study aims to provide real-world evidence on secukinumab use, effectiveness, and persistence in PsA.

Methods

A retrospective, multicenter study was conducted on patients diagnosed with PsA and treated with secukinumab up to June 2021 at 12 centers in the Valencian Community (Spain). Data on DAS28-CRP, DAPSA, Tender and Swollen Joint Counts (TJC, SJC), enthesitis, dactylitis, skin and nail involvement, pain, patient and physician global assessment (ptGA, phGA) using 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS), and persistence for up to 24 months were collected.

Results

A total of 178 patients were included (49% men; mean [standard deviation, SD] age: 51.4 [10.5] years; 39% obese). Secukinumab was used as a first-, second-, or ≥ third-line bDMARD in 37, 21, and 42% of patients, respectively. The percentage of patients achieving at least low disease activity (DAS28-CRP ≤ 3.2) increased from 25% at baseline to 66% at month 6 (M6) and was maintained (75%) up to M24. Mean (SD) DAS28-CRP baseline values (3.9 [1.2]) decreased to 2.9 (1.1) (p < 0.001) at M6 and remained low through M24 (2.6 [1.1]) (p < 0.001). Secukinumab also improved peripheral arthritis increasing the percentage of patients with TJC = 0 (20% baseline; 57% M24) and SJC = 0 (37% baseline; 80% M24). Treatment reduced the percentage of patients with enthesitis (25% baseline; 6% M24), dactylitis (20% baseline; 4% M24), and skin (70% baseline; 17% M24), and nail (32% baseline; 2% M24) involvement. Additionally, we observed improvements in the mean pain VAS (-26.4 mm M24), ptGA (-26.2 mm M24), and phGA (-24.8 mm M24). Secukinumab showed an overall 24-month persistence rate of 67% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 60-74%). Patients receiving first-line secukinumab showed the highest 24-month persistence rate (83, 95% CI: 73-92; p = 0.024).

Conclusion

Secukinumab showed long-term effectiveness across the six key PsA domains thus reducing disease activity and pain, which are major treatment goals. This was accompanied by high persistence rates, especially in bDMARD naive patients.

Management der Psoriasisarthritis durch Dermatologen - eine deutschlandweite Umfrage: Management of psoriatic arthritis by dermatologists - a German nationwide survey

Hintergrund und Zielsetzung

Die Psoriasisarthritis (PsA) erfordert für bestmögliche therapeutische Ergebnisse eine frühzeitige Diagnose und den Einsatz adäquater antirheumatischer Therapien sowie der regelmäßigen Überprüfung des Therapieerfolges. Ziel dieser Studie war es, die routinemäßigen Überwachungsmaßnahmen für Patienten mit gesicherter PsA und Psoriasis vulgaris (PsO) durch Dermatologen zu untersuchen und Daten zu generieren, wie die Bedingungen für ein optimales Therapiemanagement bei Dermatologen sichergestellt werden können.

Patienten und Methodik

Diese nichtinterventionelle, prospektive, epidemiologische Querschnittsstudie (2016–2019) umfasste Patienten mit bestätigter PsA, die sich bei einem Dermatologen in Behandlung befanden. Für Zentrums‐ und Patientencharakteristika sowie die Daten zur PsA‐Überwachung und ‐Behandlung, stratifiziert nach verschiedenen Zentrumsarten, wurden deskriptive statistische Analysen durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse

212 Patienten von 34 niedergelassenen Ärzten, 5 nichtuniversitären Krankenhäusern und 9 Universitätskliniken wurden eingeschlossen. Die Mehrheit der PsA‐Patienten wurde von Rheumatologen (> 55% in jedem Zentrumstyp) in einem frühen oder mittleren Stadium (> 59%) diagnostiziert. Die Behandlung der PsA wurde hingegen am häufigsten von Dermatologen eingeleitet (niedergelassene Ärzte: 69,6%, Krankenhäuser: 60,9%, Universitätskliniken: 82.9%). In Universitätskliniken wurden die Patienten häufiger mit Biologika behandelt (alleinige Therapie: 43,9%, in Kombination mit weiteren systemischen Therapien: 26,8%) als bei niedergelassenen Ärzten (alleinige Therapie: 44,6%, Kombinationstherapie: 13,5%) und in nichtuniversitären Krankenhäusern (alleinige Therapie: 34,8%, Kombination: 8,7%).

Schlussfolgerungen

Da die PsA‐Diagnose am häufigsten von Rheumatologen gestellt wurde, während hingegen die Behandlung von mild bis moderater PsA hauptsächlich von Dermatologen eingeleitet wird, ist eine optimale Zusammenarbeit zwischen diesen Fachärzten von entscheidender Bedeutung.

Management of psoriatic arthritis by dermatologists - a German nationwide survey

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) warrants early diagnosis and treatment for optimal results. This study aimed to elucidate routine monitoring activities for PsA with concurrent psoriasis (PsO) by dermatologists to gather data on how conditions for optimal treatment are ensured.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This non-interventional, prospective, epidemiological, cross-sectional study (2016-2019) included patients with confirmed PsA from dermatologists. Descriptive statistics were conducted for center and patient characteristics as well as for data of PsA monitoring and treatment stratified by different center types.

RESULTS

212 patients from 34 office-based physicians, five non-university hospitals, and nine university hospitals were included. The majority of the PsA patients were diagnosed by a rheumatologist (> 55% in each center type) at an early or intermediate stage (> 59%). Treatment was initiated most frequently by a dermatologist (office-based physicians: 69.6%, hospitals: 60.9%, university hospitals: 82.9%). Patients were treated with biologics more frequently in university hospitals (single therapy: 43.9%, in combination with systemic therapy: 26.8%) compared to private practices (single: 44.6%, combination: 13.5%) and non-university hospitals (single: 34.8%, combination: 8.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

As PsA diagnosis was performed most frequently by rheumatologists whereas treatment was primarily initiated by dermatologists, an optimal collaboration between these specialists is crucial.

Proceedings of the GRAPPA 2022 Executive Retreat

The Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA) leadership congregated for a strategic planning meeting before the 2022 GRAPPA annual meeting in New York, USA. Meeting aims were to review GRAPPA's performance in relation to its 2016 goals and identify successes and areas for further improvement, identify key GRAPPA priorities and activities for the next 5 years, and explore committee structures to best support these aims.

GRAPPA 2021 Treatment Recommendations for Psoriatic Arthritis

At the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA) 2022 annual meeting, the recently published new GRAPPA recommendations were presented and their unique characteristics highlighted, including their truly international approach, the inclusion of patient views from the very beginning, the representation by both rheumatologists and dermatologists, consideration of the diverse domains of psoriatic arthritis, and the inclusion of comorbidities to inform possible adverse events and their potential influence on treatment choices.

Persistence of Biologics in the Treatment of Psoriatic Arthritis: Data From a Large Hospital-Based Longitudinal Cohort

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the trends in biologics use at a specialized center over a period of 20 years.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of 571 patients diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis enrolled in the Toronto cohort who initiated biologic therapy between January 1, 2000, and July 7, 2020. The probability of drug persistence over time was estimated nonparametrically. The time to discontinuation of first and second treatment was analyzed using Cox regression models, whereas a semiparametric failure time model with a gamma frailty was used to analyze the discontinuation of treatment over successive administrations of biologic therapy.

RESULTS

The highest 3-year persistence probability was observed with certolizumab when used as first biologic treatment, while interleukin-17 inhibitors had the lowest probability. However, when used as second medication, certolizumab had the lowest drug survival even when accounting for selection bias. Depression and/or anxiety were associated with a higher rate of drug discontinuation due to all causes (relative risk [RR] 1.68, P = 0.01), while having higher education was associated with lower rates (RR 0.65, P = 0.03). In the analysis accommodating multiple courses of biologics, a higher tender joint count was associated with a higher rate of discontinuation due to all causes (RR 1.02, P = 0.01). Older age at the start of first treatment was associated with a higher rate of discontinuation due to side effects (RR 1.03, P = 0.01), while obesity had a protective role (RR 0.56, P = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Persistence in taking biologics depends on whether the biologic was used as first or second treatment. Depression and anxiety, higher tender joint count, and older age lead to drug discontinuation.

Charakterisierung von Patienten mit Psoriasisarthritis in der dermatologischen und rheumatologischen Versorgung: Analyse von zwei Registern: Characterization of patients with psoriatic arthritis in dermatologic and rheumatologic care: analysis of two registries

Hintergrund und Zielsetzung

Die Psoriasisarthritis (PsA) ist eine chronische systemische Entzündungskrankheit, die den Bewegungsapparat, die Haut und die Nägel betrifft. Ziel ist es, soziodemografische und klinische Patientenprofile zu charakterisieren, die in der dermatologischen und rheumatologischen Versorgung dokumentiert werden.

Patienten und Methodik

Es wurden die Daten von 704 PsA‐Patienten aus dem dermatologischen Psoriasis‐Register PsoBest (PB) und 1066 Patienten aus dem rheumatologischen Krankheitsregister RABBIT‐SpA (RS) analysiert. Vergleichbare anamnestische und klinische Variablen wurden identifiziert und deskriptiv ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

Das Durchschnittsalter betrug 51,7 Jahre bei PB und 51,9 Jahre bei RS. Die Krankheitsdauer der Psoriasis war länger und der mittlere Schweregrad der Hauterkrankung war bei den Patienten in PB höher, jedoch hatten mehr Patienten in RS schmerzende und geschwollene Gelenke. Der mittlere Dermatology Life Quality Index war bei den Patienten in PB höher und der mittlere Health Assessment Questionnaire bei den Patienten in RS. Die von den Patienten angegebene globale Krankheitsaktivität und die Schmerzen waren in PB geringer. IL‐23‐Inhibitoren wurden in PB häufiger eingesetzt, TNF‐Inhibitoren bei RS.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die klinische Spezialisierung wurde mit unterschiedlichen Krankheitsbildern und Behandlungsmustern der PsA in Verbindung gebracht. Dies könnte auf eine Selektion nach der vorherrschenden Manifestation der Psoriasis‐Erkrankung und möglicherweise auf Auswirkungen des Zugangs zur Gesundheitsversorgung hinweisen. Die PsA sollte in einem multidisziplinären Ansatz behandelt werden, der alle Facetten dieser komplexen Erkrankung berücksichtigt.

Structural disease modification in axial spondyloarthritis

"Disease modification" in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) seeks to not only alleviate clinical symptoms but also alter the disease's natural course by impeding new bone formation. Recent years have witnessed the effectiveness of treatments, including biologics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, in managing axSpA symptoms. Emerging evidence points toward their potential impact on slowing structural disease progression. This comprehensive review centers on the pivotal role of inhibiting new bone formation in axSpA disease modification. It delves into the significance of imaging techniques for assessing disease progression and explores the disease-modifying properties of available axSpA treatments, encompassing NSAIDs, TNF inhibitors, IL-17 inhibitors, and JAK inhibitors. This article offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of disease modification strategies in axial spondyloarthritis, highlighting the multifaceted approaches used to attain these objectives.

The Conundrum of Psoriatic Arthritis: a Pathogenetic and Clinical Pattern at the Midpoint of Autoinflammation and Autoimmunity

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by psoriasis, synovitis, enthesitis, spondylitis, and the possible association with other extra-articular manifestations and comorbidities. It is a multifaceted and systemic disorder sustained by complex pathogenesis, combining aspects of autoinflammation and autoimmunity. Features of PsA autoinflammation include the role of biomechanical stress in the onset and/or exacerbation of the disease; the evidence of involvement of the innate immune response mediators in the skin, peripheral blood and synovial tissue; an equal gender distribution; the clinical course which may encounter periods of prolonged remission and overlapping features with autoinflammatory syndromes. Conversely, the role of autoimmunity is evoked by the association with class I major histocompatibility complex alleles, the polyarticular pattern of the disease which sometimes resembles rheumatoid arthritis and the presence of serum autoantibodies. Genetics also provide important insights into the pathogenesis of PsA, particularly related to class I HLA being associated with psoriasis and PsA. In this review, we provide a comprehensive review of the pathogenesis, genetics and clinical features of PsA that endorse the mixed nature of a disorder at the crossroads of autoinflammation and autoimmunity.

Connecting the use of innovative treatments and glucocorticoids with the multidisciplinary evaluation through rule-based natural-language processing: a real-world study on patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and psoriasis

Background

The impact of a multidisciplinary management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and psoriasis on systemic glucocorticoids or innovative treatments remains unknown. Rule-based natural language processing and text extraction help to manage large datasets of unstructured information and provide insights into the profile of treatment choices.

Methods

We obtained structured information from text data of outpatient visits between 2017 and 2022 using regular expressions (RegEx) to define elastic search patterns and to consider only affirmative citation of diseases or prescribed therapy by detecting negations. Care processes were described by binary flags which express the presence of RA, PsA and psoriasis and the prescription of glucocorticoids and biologics or small molecules in each cases. Logistic regression analyses were used to train the classifier to predict outcomes using the number of visits and the other specialist visits as the main variables.

Results

We identified 1743 patients with RA, 1359 with PsA and 2,287 with psoriasis, accounting for 5,677, 4,468 and 7,770 outpatient visits, respectively. Among these, 25% of RA, 32% of PsA and 25% of psoriasis cases received biologics or small molecules, while 49% of RA, 28% of PsA, and 40% of psoriasis cases received glucocorticoids. Patients evaluated also by other specialists were treated more frequently with glucocorticoids (70% vs. 49% for RA, 60% vs. 28% for PsA, 51% vs. 40% for psoriasis; p < 0.001) as well as with biologics/small molecules (49% vs. 25% for RA, 64% vs. 32% in PsA; 51% vs. 25% for psoriasis; p < 0.001) compared to cases seen only by the main specialist.

Conclusion

Patients with RA, PsA, or psoriasis undergoing multiple evaluations are more likely to receive innovative treatments or glucocorticoids, possibly reflecting more complex cases.