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Zimba O, Kocyigit BF, Korkosz M. Diagnosis, monitoring, and management of axial spondyloarthritis. Rheumatol Int 2024; 44:1395-1407. [PMID: 38758383 PMCID: PMC11222196 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-024-05615-3] [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: 03/27/2024] [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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Zimba O, Kocyigit BF, Kadam E, Haugeberg G, Grazio S, Guła Z, Strach M, Korkosz M. Knowledge, perceptions, and practices of axial spondyloarthritis diagnosis and management among healthcare professionals: an online cross-sectional survey. Rheumatol Int 2024; 44:1501-1508. [PMID: 38907762 PMCID: PMC11222259 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-024-05638-w] [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: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a group of inflammatory disorders, including axial SpA (axSpA), characterized by inflammation in the spine and sacroiliac joints. Healthcare professionals have a crucial role in diagnosing and managing axSpA. Assessing their knowledge, perceptions, and practices is essential to enhance patient care. The objective of this study is to evaluate these factors by conducting an online survey. This online survey was performed using SurveyMonkey.com to assess healthcare professionals' knowledge, perceptions, and practices related to axSpA diagnosis, management, and monitoring. The questionnaire included questions about definitions, management strategies, monitoring approaches, treatment options, and barriers to care. Convenience sampling was used, and the data were analyzed descriptively by Microsoft Excel. One hundred sixty-four healthcare professionals participated; most respondents were rheumatologists from various geographic locations (27 countries). Most participants were familiar with axSpA definitions and diagnostic criteria, demonstrating high expertise. Variations were seen in follow-up intervals and diagnostic preferences, reflecting clinical heterogeneity. Seventy-two (43.9%) individuals had a multidisciplinary team, frequently including rheumatologists, physiotherapists, and radiologists. Of the participants, 73 (44.5%) had online/telephone follow-up sessions. The pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment approaches varied, pointing to the importance of personalized care. Glucocorticoid use varied among countries. Recognizing inflammatory back pain, interpreting radiographs, and diagnosing early was essential to medical education. This study provides beneficial data on healthcare professionals' knowledge, perceptions, and practices regarding axSpA. While diagnostic familiarity and multidisciplinary approach are positives, there is a potential to standardize management, improve telemedicine services, remove barriers to physical activity, and optimize treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olena Zimba
- Department of Rheumatology, Immunology and Internal Medicine, University Hospital in Kraków, Kraków, 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
| | - Esha Kadam
- Seth Gordhandhas Sunderdas Medical College and King Edwards Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Glenn Haugeberg
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Sørlandet Hospital, Kristiansand, Norway
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Simeon Grazio
- Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Centre, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Rheumatology, Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Referral Centre for Spondyloarthritides, Ministry of Health of Republic of Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia
- UEMS PRM Board Training Centre in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Zofia Guła
- Department of Rheumatology, Immunology and Internal Medicine, University Hospital in Kraków, Kraków, Poland
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Magdalena Strach
- Department of Rheumatology, Immunology and Internal Medicine, University Hospital in Kraków, Kraków, Poland
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Mariusz Korkosz
- Department of Rheumatology, Immunology and Internal Medicine, University Hospital in Kraków, Kraków, Poland
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
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Kronbi F, Rkain H, Benzine N, Ez-Zaoui S, Abouqal R, Belayachi J, Hajjaj-Hassouni N, Tahiri L, Allali F. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Moroccan Community Rheumatologists' Regarding the Management of Non-radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis: A National Cross-Sectional Study. Cureus 2024; 16:e61162. [PMID: 38803407 PMCID: PMC11129670 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61162] [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: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) is within the spectrum of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). The emergence of the nr-axSpA concept, defined by the absence of significant erosive damage to the sacroiliac joints, has prompted numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing the early detection and management of this condition. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to the diagnosis and management of nr-axSpA by rheumatologists in Morocco. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional online survey among the rheumatologist community in Morocco. Rheumatologists received via e-mail a structured Google Forms (Google Inc., Mountainview, CA) questionnaire divided into four sections: sociodemographic data of rheumatologists, knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to the diagnosis and treatment management of nr-axSpA. Results A total of 110 rheumatologists (mean age of 44±13 years, 77.3% females, median professional experience of 12 years (4, 75; 26.25 years)) participated in the survey (response rate of 25%). Most responders reported a diagnosis delay issue in spondyloarthritis (SpA) (93.6%); 70.9% of rheumatologists incorrectly regarded the 2009 Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) classification criteria for axSpA as diagnostic criteria. Rheumatologists' awareness of recommended magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences for detecting sacroiliac joint inflammation and structural changes in SpA varied significantly, from 69.1% to 14.5%. Their knowledge of additional subchondral edema cases in these joints, beyond SpA, ranged from 48.2% to 87.3%. Almost all rheumatologists believed that the use of sacroiliac MRI would contribute to the early diagnosis of axSpA (97.3%) but could also lead to false positive diagnoses, according to 47.3% of rheumatologists; 73.6% believed that incorrectly using the 2009 ASAS classification criteria as diagnostic criteria in nr-axSpA could also result in false-positive diagnoses. In their practice, 2009 ASAS classification criteria were used as diagnostic criteria in axSpA by 39.1% of rheumatologists. Of the total participants, 91.8% indicated that they approach nr-axSpA similarly to radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, with disparities in recommendations of biological therapies. Conclusion Our survey provides insight into the current status of nr-axSpA management among Moroccan rheumatologists. It also addresses concerns regarding the risk of false positive diagnoses when using the 2009 ASAS classification criteria for axSpA as diagnostic criteria by rheumatologists and the potential risk of misdiagnosis associated with excessive reliance on MRI, despite its utility for early diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatine Kronbi
- Rheumatology, Ayachi Hospital, Ibn Sina Hospital Center, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University, Rabat, MAR
| | - Hanan Rkain
- Rheumatology, Ayachi Hospital, Ibn Sina Hospital Center, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University, Rabat, MAR
- Exercise Physiology and Autonomous Nervous System Team, Physiology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University, Rabat, MAR
| | - Nada Benzine
- Rheumatology, Ayachi Hospital, Ibn Sina Hospital Center, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University, Rabat, MAR
| | - Samya Ez-Zaoui
- Rheumatology, Ayachi Hospital, Ibn Sina Hospital Center, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University, Rabat, MAR
| | - Radouane Abouqal
- Acute Medical Unit, Ibn Sina University Hospital, Rabat, MAR
- Biostatistics, Clinical, and Epidemiological Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University, Rabat, MAR
| | - Jihane Belayachi
- Acute Medical Unit, Ibn Sina University Hospital, Rabat, MAR
- Biostatistics, Clinical, and Epidemiological Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University, Rabat, MAR
| | | | - Latifa Tahiri
- Rheumatology, Ayachi Hospital, Ibn Sina Hospital Center, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University, Rabat, MAR
| | - Fadoua Allali
- Rheumatology, Ayachi Hospital, Ibn Sina Hospital Center, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University, Rabat, MAR
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Marques ML, Ramiro S, van Lunteren M, Stal RA, Landewé RB, van de Sande M, Fagerli KM, Berg IJ, van Oosterhout M, Exarchou S, Ramonda R, van der Heijde D, van Gaalen FA. Can rheumatologists unequivocally diagnose axial spondyloarthritis in patients with chronic back pain of less than 2 years duration? Primary outcome of the 2-year SPondyloArthritis Caught Early (SPACE) cohort. Ann Rheum Dis 2024; 83:589-598. [PMID: 38233104 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-224959] [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: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the prevalence of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) in patients with chronic back pain (CBP) of less than 2 years (2y) duration referred to the rheumatologist, the development of diagnosis over time, and patient characteristics of those developing definite (d-)axSpA over 2y. METHODS We analysed the 2y data from SPondyloArthritis Caught Early, a European cohort of patients (<45 years) with CBP (≥3 months, ≤2y) of unknown origin. The diagnostic workup comprised evaluation of clinical SpA features, acute phase reactants, HLA-B27, radiographs and MRI (sacroiliac joints and spine), with repeated assessments. At each visit (baseline, 3 months, 1y and 2y), rheumatologists reported a diagnosis of axSpA or non-axSpA with level of confidence (LoC; 0-not confident at all to 10-very confident). MAIN OUTCOME axSpA diagnosis with LoC≥7 (d-axSpA) at 2y. RESULTS In 552 patients with CBP, d-axSpA was diagnosed in 175 (32%) at baseline and 165 (30%) at 2y. Baseline diagnosis remained rather stable: at 2y, baseline d-axSpA was revised in 5% of patients, while 8% 'gained' d-axSpA. Diagnostic uncertainty persisted in 30%. HLA-B27+ and baseline sacroiliitis imaging discriminated best 2y-d-axSpA versus 2y-d-non-axSpA patients. Good response to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and MRI-sacroiliitis most frequently developed over follow-up in patients with a new d-axSpA diagnosis. Of the patients who developed MRI-sacroiliitis, 7/8 were HLA-B27+ and 5/8 male. CONCLUSION A diagnosis of d-axSpA can be reliably made in nearly one-third of patients with CBP referred to the rheumatologist, but diagnostic uncertainty may persist in 5%-30% after 2y. Repeated assessments yield is modest, but repeating MRI may be worthwhile in male HLA-B27+ patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Lucy Marques
- Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands
- Rheumatology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitario de Coimbra EPE, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sofia Ramiro
- Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands
- Rheumatology, Zuyderland Medical Centre Heerlen, Heerlen, Limburg, Netherlands
| | - Miranda van Lunteren
- Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands
| | - Rosalinde Anne Stal
- Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands
| | - Robert Bm Landewé
- Rheumatology, Zuyderland Medical Centre Heerlen, Heerlen, Limburg, Netherlands
- Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marleen van de Sande
- Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Karen Minde Fagerli
- Center for Treatment of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (REMEDY), Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Inger Jorid Berg
- Center for Treatment of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (REMEDY), Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Sofia Exarchou
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Rheumatology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Roberta Ramonda
- Rheumatology Unit, Padua University Hospital, Padova, Veneto, Italy
| | | | - Floris A van Gaalen
- Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands
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Venerito V, Del Vescovo S, Lopalco G, Proft F. Beyond the horizon: Innovations and future directions in axial-spondyloarthritis. Arch Rheumatol 2023; 38:491-511. [PMID: 38125058 PMCID: PMC10728740 DOI: 10.46497/archrheumatol.2023.10580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the spine and sacroiliac joints. This review discusses recent advances across multiple scientific fields that promise to transform axSpA management. Traditionally, axSpA was considered an immune-mediated disease driven by human leukocyte antigen B27 (HLA-B27), interleukin (IL)-23/IL-17 signaling, biomechanics, and dysbiosis. Diagnosis relies on clinical features, laboratory tests, and imaging, particularly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) nowadays. Management includes exercise, lifestyle changes, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and if this is not sufficient to achieve disease control also biological and targeted-synthetic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Beyond long-recognized genetic risks like HLA-B27, high-throughput sequencing has revealed intricate gene-environment interactions influencing dysbiosis, immune dysfunction, and aberrant bone remodeling. Elucidating these mechanisms promises screening approaches to enable early intervention. Advanced imaging is revolutionizing the assessment of axSpA's hallmark: sacroiliac bone-marrow edema indicating inflammation. Novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques sensitively quantify disease activity, while machine learning automates complex analysis to improve diagnostic accuracy and monitoring. Hybrid imaging like synthetic MRI/computed tomography (CT) visualizes structural damage with new clarity. Meanwhile, microbiome analysis has uncovered gut ecosystem alterations that may initiate joint inflammation through HLA-B27 misfolding or immune subversion. Correcting dysbiosis represents an enticing treatment target. Moving forward, emerging techniques must augment patient care. Incorporating patient perspectives will be key to ensure innovations like genetics, microbiome, and imaging biomarkers translate into improved mobility, reduced pain, and increased quality of life. By integrating cutting-edge, multidisciplinary science with patients' lived experience, researchers can unlock the full potential of new technologies to deliver transformative outcomes. The future is bright for precision diagnosis, tightly controlled treatment, and even prevention of axSpA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Venerito
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), Polyclinic Hospital, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Sergio Del Vescovo
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), Polyclinic Hospital, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lopalco
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), Polyclinic Hospital, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Fabian Proft
- Department of Gastroenterology, Infectiology and Rheumatology (including Nutrition Medicine), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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