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Kesarwani V, Sinnappan S, Husni ME, Weisman MH, Ermann J. Screening Tools for Spondyloarthritis in Patients With Psoriasis, Uveitis, and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Scoping Review. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2024; 76:860-870. [PMID: 38303576 PMCID: PMC11132942 DOI: 10.1002/acr.25308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Extramusculoskeletal manifestations of spondyloarthritis (SpA) may precede the development of articular features. Patients seen in ophthalmology, dermatology, and gastroenterology clinics with uveitis, psoriasis, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may have undiagnosed SpA. We set out to identify and evaluate screening tools for SpA in patients with psoriasis, uveitis, and IBD and determine factors that influence the performance of these instruments. METHODS This scoping review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched from inception to January 2022. RESULTS We identified 13 screening tools for psoriatic arthritis, 2 SpA screening tools for uveitis, and 3 SpA screening tools for IBD. All screening tools were patient-oriented questionnaires except for the Dublin Uveitis Evaluation Tool, a physician-applied algorithm. The questionnaires varied in length, scoring method, cutoff score, and spectrum of included SpA features. Average completion time was less than five minutes. Across the three patient populations, the sensitivities and specificities of these screening tools were comparable in the primary validation cohorts. Sensitivities and specificities were generally lower in secondary validation studies, with marked variability among cohorts. CONCLUSION Our results highlight the heterogeneity and limitations of existing SpA screening tools. Although these tools show promise for use within a specific target population, none are generalizable to all patients with extramusculoskeletal manifestations at risk of SpA. Future studies should explore the utility of a generic patient-oriented SpA screening tool that can be applied to patients with psoriasis, uveitis, or IBD; is easy to use and comprehend; and captures all clinical domains of SpA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Michael H. Weisman
- Stanford University School of Medicine, 291 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Joerg Ermann
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA 02115
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115
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2
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Zimba O, Kocyigit BF, Korkosz M. Diagnosis, monitoring, and management of axial spondyloarthritis. Rheumatol Int 2024:10.1007/s00296-024-05615-3. [PMID: 38758383 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-024-05615-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic condition predominantly affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints. This article provides an in-depth overview of the current approaches to diagnosing, monitoring, and managing axSpA, including insights into developing terminology and diagnostic difficulties. A substantial portion of the debate focuses on the challenging diagnostic procedure, noting the difficulty of detecting axSpA early, particularly before the appearance of radiologic structural changes. Despite normal laboratory parameters, more than half of axSpA patients experience symptoms. X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are essential for evaluating structural damage and inflammation. MRI can be beneficial when there is no visible structural damage on X-ray as it can help unravel bone marrow edema (BME) as a sign of ongoing inflammation. The management covers both non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches. Lifestyle modifications, physical activity, and patient education are essential components of the management. Pharmacological therapy, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs), are explored, emphasizing individualized treatment. To effectively manage axSpA, a comprehensive and well-coordinated approach is necessary, emphasizing the significance of a multidisciplinary team. Telehealth applications play a growing role in axSpA management, notably in reducing diagnostic delays and facilitating remote monitoring. In conclusion, this article underlines diagnostic complexities and emphasizes the changing strategy of axSpA treatment. The nuanced understanding offered here is designed to guide clinicians, researchers, and healthcare providers toward a more comprehensive approach to axSpA diagnosis and care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olena Zimba
- Department of Rheumatology, Immunology and Internal Medicine, University Hospital in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
- National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Internal Medicine N2, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Burhan Fatih Kocyigit
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Health Sciences, Adana City Research and Training Hospital, Adana, Türkiye
| | - Mariusz Korkosz
- Department of Rheumatology, Immunology and Internal Medicine, University Hospital in Krakow, Krakow, Poland.
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Jakubowskiego 2 Str., 30-688, Kraków, Poland.
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McDermott GC, Monshizadeh A, Selzer F, Zhao SS, Ermann J, Katz JN. Factors Associated With Diagnostic Delay in Axial Spondyloarthritis: Impact of Clinical Factors and Social Vulnerability. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2024; 76:541-549. [PMID: 37881826 PMCID: PMC10963166 DOI: 10.1002/acr.25264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) often experience significant delay between symptom onset and diagnosis for reasons that are incompletely understood. We investigated associations between demographic, medical, and socioeconomic factors and axSpA diagnostic delay. METHODS We identified patients meeting modified New York criteria for ankylosing spondylitis (AS) or 2009 Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society criteria for axSpA in the Mass General Brigham health care system between December 1990 and October 2021. We determined the duration of diagnostic delay, defined as the duration of back pain symptoms reported at diagnosis, as well as disease manifestations and specialty care prior to diagnosis from the electronic health record. We obtained each patient's Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) by mapping their address to the US Centers for Disease Control SVI Atlas. We examined associations among disease manifestations, SVI, and diagnostic delay using ordinal logistic regression. RESULTS Among 554 patients with axSpA who had a median diagnostic delay of 3.8 years (interquartile range 1.1-10), peripheral arthritis (odds ratio [OR] 0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.45-0.93) and older age at symptom onset (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.78-0.88 per five years) were associated with shorter delay. AS at diagnosis (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.30-2.63), a history of uveitis prior to diagnosis (OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.73-4.52), and higher social vulnerability (defined as national SVI 80th to 99th percentiles; OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.06-3.84) were associated with longer diagnostic delay. CONCLUSION Older age at back pain onset and peripheral arthritis were associated with shorter delay, whereas uveitis was associated with longer diagnostic delay. Patients with higher socioeconomic vulnerability had longer diagnostic delay independent of clinical factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory C McDermott
- Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Faith Selzer
- Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Joerg Ermann
- Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jeffrey N Katz
- Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Heiligenhaus A, Bertram B, Baquet-Walscheid K, Becker M, Deuter C, Ness T, Ostrowski A, Pleyer U. [Non-infectious anterior uveitis : S1 guideline of the German Society of Ophthalmology (DOG) and the German Professional Association of Ophthalmologists (BVA). Version: 13.12.2023]. DIE OPHTHALMOLOGIE 2024:10.1007/s00347-024-02007-7. [PMID: 38438812 DOI: 10.1007/s00347-024-02007-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
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Werkl P, Rademacher J, Pleyer U. HLA-B27-positive anterior uveitis : Clinical aspects, diagnostics, interdisciplinary management, and treatment. DIE OPHTHALMOLOGIE 2024; 121:12-22. [PMID: 38085287 DOI: 10.1007/s00347-023-01960-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Acute anterior uveitis (AAU) associated with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) B27 is the most common form of noninfectious intraocular inflammation and is considered to be a separate clinical entity. Young adults between the ages of 20 and 40 years are predominantly affected. The HLA-B27 positive AAU typically presents as a unilateral, fulminant disruption of the blood-aqueous humor barrier, which is accompanied by pronounced cellular infiltration and fibrinous exudation. Other characteristics are reduced intraocular pressure and a high tendency to relapse, which can also involve the partner eye. Patients with HLA-B27 positive AAU share a high risk for other genetically associated diseases, especially spondylarthritis, chronic inflammatory bowel diseases and psoriasis. As up to 40% of those affected have a systemic disease that has not yet been diagnosed, the ophthalmologist is of major importance for early detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Werkl
- Universitätsaugenklinik Graz-LKH-Universitätsklinikum Graz, Medizinische Universität Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 4, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Judith Rademacher
- Medizinische Klinik für Gastroenterologie, Infektiologie und Rheumatologie, Division of Gastroenterology, Infectious Diseases and Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Uwe Pleyer
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
- Universitäts-Augenklinik, Charité, Campus Virchow Klinikum-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, und Berlin Institute of Health, 13355, Berlin, Germany.
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Essex M, Rios Rodriguez V, Rademacher J, Proft F, Löber U, Markó L, Pleyer U, Strowig T, Marchand J, Kirwan JA, Siegmund B, Forslund SK, Poddubnyy D. Shared and Distinct Gut Microbiota in Spondyloarthritis, Acute Anterior Uveitis, and Crohn's Disease. Arthritis Rheumatol 2024; 76:48-58. [PMID: 37471465 DOI: 10.1002/art.42658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a group of immune-mediated diseases highly concomitant with nonmusculoskeletal inflammatory disorders, such as acute anterior uveitis (AAU) and Crohn's disease (CD). The gut microbiome represents a promising avenue to elucidate shared and distinct underlying pathophysiology. METHODS We performed 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing on stool samples of 277 patients (72 CD, 103 AAU, and 102 SpA) included in the German Spondyloarthritis Inception Cohort and 62 back pain controls without any inflammatory disorder. Discriminatory statistical methods were used to disentangle microbial disease signals from one another and a wide range of potential confounders. Patients were naive to or had not received treatment with biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for >3 months before enrollment, providing a better approximation of a true baseline disease signal. RESULTS We identified a shared, immune-mediated disease signal represented by low abundances of Lachnospiraceae taxa relative to controls, most notably Fusicatenibacter, which was most abundant in controls receiving nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug monotherapy and implied to partially mediate higher serum C-reactive protein. Patients with SpA showed an enrichment of Collinsella, whereas human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27+ individuals displayed enriched Faecalibacterium. CD patients had higher abundances of a Ruminococcus taxon, and previous conventional/synthetic DMARD therapy was associated with increased Akkermansia. CONCLUSION Our work supports the existence of a common gut dysbiosis in SpA and related inflammatory pathologies. We reveal shared and disease-specific microbial associations and suggest potential mediators of disease activity. Validation studies are needed to clarify the role of Fusicatenibacter in gut-joint inflammation, and metagenomic resolution is needed to understand the relationship between Faecalibacterium commensals and HLA-B27.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Essex
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC; a cooperation of the Max Delbrück Center and Charité-Universitätsmedizin), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), and Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin (a corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin), Berlin, Germany
| | - Valeria Rios Rodriguez
- Medical Department of Gastroenterology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Judith Rademacher
- Medical Department of Gastroenterology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Fabian Proft
- Medical Department of Gastroenterology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrike Löber
- ECRC, MDC, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Berlin, Germany
| | - Lajos Markó
- ECRC, MDC, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Berlin, Germany
| | - Uwe Pleyer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Campus Virchow, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Till Strowig
- Helmholtz Center for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany, and Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School and Center for Individualized Infection Medicine (CiiM; a joint venture between the Helmholtz Center for Infection Research and the Hannover Medical School), Hannover, Germany
| | - Jérémy Marchand
- MDC and BIH Metabolomics Platform at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jennifer A Kirwan
- MDC and BIH Metabolomics Platform at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany, and University of Nottingham School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Loughborough, UK
| | - Britta Siegmund
- Medical Department of Gastroenterology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sofia K Forslund
- ECRC, MDC, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, and DZHK, Berlin, and Structural and Computational Biology Unit, EMBL, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Denis Poddubnyy
- Department of Gastroentergology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin and German Rheumatism Research Center (DRFZ), Berlin, Germany
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Ciurea A, Götschi A, Bräm R, Bürki K, Exer P, Andor M, Nissen MJ, Möller B, Hügle T, Rubbert-Roth A, Kyburz D, Distler O, Scherer A, Micheroli R. Early axial spondyloarthritis according to the ASAS consensus definition: characterisation of patients and effectiveness of a first TNF inhibitor in a large observational registry. RMD Open 2023; 9:e003455. [PMID: 38053462 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterise the population fulfilling the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) consensus definition of early axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and to determine the effectiveness of a first tumour necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) in early versus established axSpA in a large observational registry. METHODS A total of 3064 patients with axSpA in the Swiss Clinical Quality Management registry with data on duration of axial symptoms were included (≤2 years=early axSpA, N=658; >2 years=established axSpA, N=2406). Drug retention was analysed in patients starting a first TNFi in early axSpA (N=250) versus established axSpA (N=874) with multiple-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models. Adjusted logistic regression analyses were used to determine the achievement of the ASAS criteria for 40% improvement (ASAS40) at 1 year. RESULTS Sex distribution, disease activity, impairments of function and health-related quality of life were comparable between patients with early and established axSpA. Patients with established disease were older, had more prevalent axial radiographical damage and had a higher impairment of mobility. A comparable TNFi retention was found in early versus established disease after adjustment for age, sex, human leucocyte antigen-B27 status, education, body mass index, smoking, elevated C reactive protein and sacroiliac inflammation on MRI (HR 1.05, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.42). The adjusted ASAS40 response was similar in the two groups (OR 1.09, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.78). Results were confirmed in the population fulfilling the ASAS classification criteria. CONCLUSION Considering the recent ASAS definition of early axSpA, TNFi effectiveness seems comparable in early versus established disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Ciurea
- Department of Rheumatology, Zurich University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Götschi
- Swiss Clinical Quality Management Foundation, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - René Bräm
- Swiss Ankylosing Spondylitis Association, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kristina Bürki
- Department of Rheumatology, Zurich University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Pascale Exer
- Gemeinschaftspraxis Rheuma-Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michael Andor
- Rheumatologie im Zürcher Oberland, Uster, Switzerland
| | - Michael J Nissen
- Department of Rheumatology, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Burkhard Möller
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Hügle
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Rubbert-Roth
- Department of Rheumatology, Cantonal Hospital St Gallen, St Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Diego Kyburz
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Distler
- Department of Rheumatology, Zurich University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Almut Scherer
- Swiss Clinical Quality Management Foundation, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Raphael Micheroli
- Department of Rheumatology, Zurich University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Kougkas N, Magiouf K, Gialouri CG, Evangelatos G, Pappa M, Dimouli A, Iliopoulos A, Karmanakos A, Dimitroulas T, Tektonidou MG, Sfikakis PP, Fragoulis GE. Higher frequency but similar recurrence rate of uveitis episodes in axial spondylarthritis compared to psoriatic arthritis. A multicentre retrospective study. Rheumatol Int 2023; 43:2081-2088. [PMID: 37610650 PMCID: PMC10495278 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-023-05424-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE Data on risk factors predicting uveitis development in spondyloarthritis (SpA) is scarce. Our aim was to examine associations between demographic, clinical and/or laboratory characteristics of SpA with the occurrence and the course of uveitis, including ocular damage and recurrence rate. METHODS Characteristics (at disease diagnosis and ever-present) from axSpA and Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients followed in 3 tertiary rheumatology-clinics were retrospectively recorded. Comparisons were made between patients with and without uveitis, as well as between those with uveitis-rate [episodes/year] above the median uveitis-rate in the whole cohort ("recurrent"-uveitis) and the remaining uveitis patients ("non-recurrent uveitis"). In multivariable models, age, gender and variables significantly different in univariate analyses were included. RESULTS 264 axSpA and 369 PsA patients were enrolled. In axSpA, uveitis occurred in 11.7% and was associated with HLA-B27 (OR = 4.15, 95%CI 1.16-14.80, p = 0.028) and ever-present peripheral arthritis (OR = 3.05 (1.10-8.41, p = 0.031). In contrast, uveitis in PsA occurred only in 2.7% of patients and was associated with SpA family-history (OR = 6.35 (1.29-31.27), p = 0.023) axial disease at diagnosis (OR = 5.61 [1.01-28.69], p = 0.038) and disease duration (OR = 1.12 [1.04-1.21], p = 0.004). Median uveitis recurrence rate was comparable between axSpA and PsA (0.205 and 0.285 episodes/year, respectively). No associations were found between recurrent uveitis and demographic/clinical/laboratory characteristics. Ocular damage (e.g. synechiae) was seen in 16.1% of axSpA and 30% of PsA patients, all of them with recurrent uveitis. CONCLUSION Uveitis occurred more commonly in axSpA than in PsA patients, while uveitis recurrence rate was similar. Permanent ocular damage may occur more often in PsA than axSpA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Kougkas
- Department of Rheumatology, Ippokration Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Konstantina Magiouf
- Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, First Department of Propedeutic and Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Chrysoula G. Gialouri
- Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, First Department of Propedeutic and Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, Clinical Immunology, Rheumatology unit, Second Department of Medicine and Laboratory, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Maria Pappa
- Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, First Department of Propedeutic and Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Dimouli
- Department of Rheumatology, “Evangelismos” General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexios Iliopoulos
- Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, Clinical Immunology, Rheumatology unit, Second Department of Medicine and Laboratory, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Maria G. Tektonidou
- Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, First Department of Propedeutic and Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Petros P. Sfikakis
- Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, First Department of Propedeutic and Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George E. Fragoulis
- Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, First Department of Propedeutic and Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Ulas ST, Proft F, Diekhoff T, Rios Rodriguez V, Rademacher J, Poddubnyy D, Ziegeler K. HLA-B27 status and inflammatory MRI lesions of the sacroiliac joints: a post hoc analysis in patients without axial spondyloarthritis. RMD Open 2023; 9:e003357. [PMID: 37739448 PMCID: PMC10533781 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The assessment of inflammatory and structural lesions in the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is crucial in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). HLA-B27 status plays an important role in axSpA diagnosis and has been linked to MRI lesion burden in the general population. We aimed to investigate the sex-specific influence of HLA-B27 status on inflammatory and structural MRI findings in patients with low back pain of non-inflammatory origin. METHODS This post hoc analysis included 139 non-axSpA patients (90 women) with chronic low back pain. Two readers scored MRIs of the SIJ for the presence of sclerosis, erosion, fat metaplasia, bone marrow oedema (BMO) and ankylosis. Frequencies and extent of lesions were compared regarding the HLA-B27 status using χ2 tests and t-tests. Regression models to assess the sex-dependent influence of HLA-B27 on lesion burden were computed. RESULTS HLA-B27 was positive in 33 women (36.7%) and 23 men (46.9%). The overall occurrence of all SIJ lesions did not differ in HLA-B27 negative and positive individuals. There were no significant differences in the extent of lesions considering the HLA-B27 positivity, for erosion (mean sum score (MSS) of 0.91 vs 0.48; p=0.144), sclerosis (MSS 1.65 vs 1.88; p=0.576), fat metaplasia (MSS 0.56 vs 0.27; p=0.425), BMO (MSS 0.75 vs 0.59; p=0.460) and ankylosis (MSS 0.06 vs 0.04; p=0.659). CONCLUSION HLA-B27 status has no significant influence on the occurrence and extent of SIJ lesions in patients with low back pain of non-inflammatory origin in either men or women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sevtap Tugce Ulas
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Fabian Proft
- Department of Gastroenterology, Infectiology and Rheumatology (Including Nutrition Medicine), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Torsten Diekhoff
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Valeria Rios Rodriguez
- Department of Gastroenterology, Infectiology and Rheumatology (Including Nutrition Medicine), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Judith Rademacher
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology, Infectiology and Rheumatology (Including Nutrition Medicine), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Denis Poddubnyy
- Department of Gastroenterology, Infectiology and Rheumatology (Including Nutrition Medicine), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katharina Ziegeler
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Barnett R, Gaffney K, Sengupta R. Diagnostic delay in axial spondylarthritis: A lost battle? Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2023; 37:101870. [PMID: 37658016 DOI: 10.1016/j.berh.2023.101870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Diagnostic delay in axial spondylarthritis (axSpA) remains an unacceptable worldwide problem; with evidence suggesting significant detrimental impact both clinically on the individual, and economically on society. There is therefore, a need for global action across various healthcare professions that come into contact with patients living, and suffering, with undiagnosed axSpA. Recent estimates of the median diagnostic delay suggest that globally, individuals with axSpA wait between 2 and 6 years for a diagnosis - revealing a clear benchmark for improvement. This timespan presents a window of opportunity for earlier diagnosis and intervention, which will likely improve patient outcomes. This review describes the current diagnostic delay as estimated across countries and over time, before presenting evidence from published strategies that may be implemented to improve this delay across primary and secondary care, including for specialties treating extra-musculoskeletal manifestations of axSpA (ophthalmology, gastroenterology, dermatology). Ongoing campaigns tackling delayed diagnosis in axSpA are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemarie Barnett
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK; Rheumatology Department, Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases & Brownsword Therapies Centre, Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, Combe Park, Bath, BA1 3NG, UK.
| | - Karl Gaffney
- Rheumatology Department, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Norfolk & Norwich, University Hospital, Colney Lane, Norwich NR4 7UY, UK.
| | - Raj Sengupta
- Rheumatology Department, Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases & Brownsword Therapies Centre, Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, Combe Park, Bath, BA1 3NG, UK.
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Bamford S, Tahir H, Ladan Z, Hanumunthadu D. Patient Survey Exploring the Burden of Inflammatory Back Pain in Patients With Uveitis. Cureus 2023; 15:e37473. [PMID: 37187633 PMCID: PMC10176535 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.37473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In the UK, diagnostic delays remain a challenge in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Studies have shown that acute anterior uveitis is the most common extra-articular manifestation associated with axSpA. As part of a National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society (NASS) Aspiring to Excellence quality improvement project, this study aimed to ascertain the burden of inflammatory back pain (IBP) in patients attending a uveitis clinic and to establish the number of these patients who had not been referred to a rheumatologist, thereby contributing to the diagnostic delay. The secondary aims were to explore the factors contributing to the diagnostic delay. Methods A 22-question patient survey was created to identify the burden of back pain in patients attending a specialist uveitis clinic at a London NHS Trust. Participants were recruited when attending their clinic appointments. Survey content included patient demographics and whether they had experienced back pain for longer than three months. The Berlin Criteria was used to identify the presence of inflammatory back pain, and it was also ascertained whether participants had a previous diagnosis of axSpA. Participants were asked if they had seen any healthcare professionals regarding their back pain and the total number of consultations they had had with each profession. Results A cohort of 50 patients who attended the uveitis clinic at the Royal Free London NHS Trust completed the survey between February and July 2022. The mean age of the respondents was 52 years with a mean length of time with uveitis of 6.57 years. Of them, 64% were female and 36% were male. Forty per cent (40%) of participants (20 respondents) reported experiencing back pain for more than three months and 12% (six respondents) had a diagnosis of axSpA. Of those who reported back pain for more than three months, the mean age of onset of back pain was 28.6 years. Of the 14 participants (28%) who had back pain and were not diagnosed with axSpA, nine (18%) fulfilled the Berlin criteria for IBP. All participants had seen a GP or allied health professional specifically for their back pain. On average, respondents had seen two allied healthcare professionals, but only 40% (eight) of respondents with back pain had been seen by a rheumatologist. Conclusions In this study, the data highlights that inflammatory back pain is common in patients with uveitis and the majority of patients with inflammatory back pain had not been referred to a rheumatology service and potentially have undiagnosed axSpA. Contributing factors to this potential delay in diagnosis include a lack of awareness of axSpA and its presenting features and associated conditions and a lack of onward referral for a specialist rheumatology opinion. This highlights the need for public, patient and healthcare professional education and the development of timely referral pathways to reduce delays in diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sian Bamford
- Physiotherapy, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, GBR
| | - Hasan Tahir
- Medicine, University College London, London, GBR
- Rheumatology, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, GBR
| | - Zahra Ladan
- General Medicine, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, GBR
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Werkl P, Rademacher J, Pleyer U. [HLA-B27 positive anterior uveitis : Clinical aspects, diagnostics, interdisciplinary management and treatment]. DIE OPHTHALMOLOGIE 2023; 120:108-122. [PMID: 36633629 DOI: 10.1007/s00347-022-01793-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Acute anterior uveitis (AAU) associated with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) B27 is the most common form of noninfectious intraocular inflammation and is considered to be a separate clinical entity. Young adults between the ages of 20 and 40 years are predominantly affected. The HLA-B27 positive AAU typically presents as a unilateral, fulminant disruption of the blood-aqueous humor barrier, which is accompanied by pronounced cellular infiltration and fibrinous exudation. Other characteristics are reduced intraocular pressure and a high tendency to relapse, which can also involve the partner eye. Patients with HLA-B27 positive AAU share a high risk for other genetically associated diseases, especially spondylarthritis, chronic inflammatory bowel diseases and psoriasis. As up to 40% of those affected have a systemic disease that has not yet been diagnosed, the ophthalmologist is of major importance for early detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Werkl
- Universitätsaugenklinik Graz - LKH-Universitätsklinikum Graz, Medizinische Universität Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 4, 8036, Graz, Österreich
| | - Judith Rademacher
- Medizinische Klinik für Gastroenterologie, Infektiologie und Rheumatologie, Division of Gastroenterology, Infectious Diseases and Rheumatology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203, Berlin, Deutschland.,Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Uwe Pleyer
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Deutschland. .,Universitäts-Augenklinik, Charité, Campus Virchow Klinikum - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, und Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Deutschland.
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