Evidence and consensus based GKJR guidelines for the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis

African guidelines for diagnosis and management of polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis: PAFLAR initiative

BACKGROUND

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common rheumatologic disease of childhood. The Existing guidelines for polyarticular JIA are typically based on data from non-African populations and may not fully address the unique challenges faced in African settings. We aimed to produce updated African guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of children and adolescents with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (poly-JIA).

METHODS

This study was conducted with the aim of reaching a consensus among African experts on the diagnosis and treatment of poly-JIA using the Delphi technique. The first scientific committee identified a total of 15 key clinical questions according to the PICO (Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) approach. A systematic review of the evidence-based literature was conducted for this work. The core steering group identified researchers and clinicians with expertise in pediatric rheumatology. A Delphi process was used to reach consensus.

RESULTS

An online questionnaire was sent to the expert panel that participated in the survey (100% response rate). A total of 15 recommendation points were identified, divided into two parts: five recommendations for diagnosis and ten recommendations for management. The percentage of those who agreed with the recommendations (fourth and fifth place) ranged from 80 to 100%. All 15 clinical recommendation statements that the scientific committee had identified had been agreed upon in wording (i.e., 75% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed).

CONCLUSIONS

We successfully developed guidelines for children with polyarticular JIA, taking into consideration the African specific nature of limited resources and low income, also on the same time incorporating newly released data and using a treat to target approach.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis management: insights into the utilization of intra-articular corticosteroid injections

BACKGROUND

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a common chronic rheumatic disease in children, requiring careful management to reduce both short- and long-term morbidity. In this study, our objective was to assess the clinical features of patients diagnosed with JIA who received intra-articular corticosteroid injections (IACI).

METHODS

In this retrospective study, we evaluated the clinical and laboratory characteristics of 225 JIA patients monitored from January 2012 to October 2023 at a tertiary care center. We focused on patients who underwent intra-articular corticosteroid injections (IACI) as part of their treatment. Triamcinolone hexacetonide (TH) was used due to its demonstrated safety and efficacy.

RESULTS

Our analysis revealed that IACI, particularly utilizing TH, was a widely employed and effective adjunct therapy, contributing to rapid symptom relief and local disease control. Patients receiving IACI exhibited earlier symptom onset, younger age at diagnosis, longer follow-up durations, and higher cumulative treatment burden (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.01, p < 0.001 respectively). Despite inconclusive acute-phase reactants, a higher frequency of ANA positivity and elevated initial lymphocyte counts were associated with increased IACI use (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 respectively). Importantly, on a joint basis, a high percentage of arthritis remission following IACI underscores its efficacy and favorable safety profile.

CONCLUSIONS

Notably, the high percentage of arthritis remission achieved with intra-articular corticosteroid injections (IACI) on a joint-specific basis highlights its efficacy and favorable safety profile. A lymphocyte count exceeding 5000/mm3 at the time of diagnosis may serve as an early indicator for considering intra-articular steroid administration. These findings emphasize the need for nuanced and individualized treatment strategies in JIA management to optimize outcomes for affected children.

The effect of intra-articular steroid injection on the cartilage and tendon thicknesses in juvenile idiopathic arthritis

OBJECTIVES

Intra-articular corticosteroid injection (IACI) is a safe first-line or adjunct therapy used in any subtype of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Limited studies evaluated the effect of IACI on cartilage. Our study aimed to examine the femoral cartilage thickness of patients with JIA who received IACI to the knee joint using ultrasound.

METHODS

We randomly selected JIA patients who performed IACI in the knee joint. Baseline bilateral joint cartilage and tendon thicknesses were measured. The articular fluid was aspirated, and applied IACI at the same period. Six months after injection, the exact measurements were repeated. Distal femoral cartilage, quadriceps tendon, and distal and proximal patellar tendon thicknesses were compared at the baseline (before IACI) and 6 months after IACI.

RESULTS

Thirty patients with JIA were included, and 23 (76.7%) were female. The median age was 11 years (interquartile range, 6 to 14), and the median disease duration was 3.3 years (interquartile range, 5 months to 5 years). The subtypes of JIA were oligoarticular in 25 (83.3%), polyarticular in 2 (6.7%), enthesitis-related arthritis in 2 (6.7%), and juvenile psoriatic arthritis in 1 (3.3%). Distal femoral cartilage thickness was 2.96 ± 0.79 mm at baseline and 2.85 ± 0.70 mm at 6 months after IACI (P = .35). The tendon thicknesses were similar at 6 months after baseline measurements.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings reveal that knee IACI in patients with JIA did not significantly change cartilage and tendon thicknesses. This observation could indicate that IACIs have no detrimental effects on the cartilage and the tendons.

Intravitreal immunotherapy in non-infectious uveitis: an update

INTRODUCTION

In the past several years, there have been numerous advances in pharmacotherapeutics for the management of uveitis and other ocular inflammatory diseases, including newer therapeutic agents and ocular drug delivery systems. One of the most attractive modes of drug delivery is the intravitreal route since it has proven to be safe and efficacious and prevents unwanted systemic adverse events related to the agent.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, intravitreal delivery of various pharmacotherapeutic agents for noninfectious uveitis has been described. An extensive review of the literature was performed using specific keywords on the PubMed database to identify clinical studies employing various pharmacotherapeutic agents with intravitreal drug delivery for noninfectious uveitis. The mode of action, safety, efficacy, and tolerability of these drugs have also been elucidated.

EXPERT OPINION

Several agents, including biologic response modifier agents, have been found to be safe and efficacious for various indications of uveitis, such as cystoid macular edema, active uveitis, and other conditions such as retinal vasculitis and vitreous haze. The use of intravitreal biological therapies, especially infliximab, has been fraught with potential safety signals such as photoreceptor toxicity. However, pharmacotherapeutic agents such as corticosteroids and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents are now widely used in the clinical management of uveitis and its complications.

A comprehensive overview of juvenile idiopathic arthritis: From pathophysiology to management

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a progressive autoimmune disease. It is among the most widespread chronic illnesses in children, with an annual incidence of 1.6 to 23 new instances per 100,000 adolescents. About 1 child in every 1000 develops Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) type of chronic arthritis. The cause of JIA is not well known but what known is that it involves inflammation of the synovium and destruction of tissues in joints which can cause early-onset of oligo articular JIA. It is challenging to diagnose the condition in some children who initially complain of pain and joint swelling as there is no blood test discovered that can confirm the diagnoses of JIA. As JIA patients are immunosuppressed due to the use of drugs, making them vulnerable to catch infections like COVID 19 which can lead to cardiovascular diseases having high rate of morbidity and mortality. The comorbidity like Diabetes has higher incidence in these patients resulting in synergistic effect on inflammation. Currently, the connection of genetics in JIA provides evidence that HLA Class I and II alleles have a role in the pathophysiology of various subtypes of JIA which includes inflammation in the axial skeletal. The primary objective of therapy in juvenile idiopathic arthritis is the suppression of clinical symptoms. The pharmacological approach includes use of medications like DMARDs, NSAIDs etc. and non-pharmacological approach includes physiotherapy, which helps in restoring normal joint function and herbs as adjuvants which has the benefit of no side effects.

Efficacy and Safety of NSAIDs in Infants: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature of the Past 20 Years

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used in infants, children, and adolescents worldwide; however, despite sufficient evidence of the beneficial effects of NSAIDs in children and adolescents, there is a lack of comprehensive data in infants. The present review summarizes the current knowledge on the safety and efficacy of various NSAIDs used in infants for which data are available, and includes ibuprofen, dexibuprofen, ketoprofen, flurbiprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, ketorolac, indomethacin, niflumic acid, meloxicam, celecoxib, parecoxib, rofecoxib, acetylsalicylic acid, and nimesulide. The efficacy of NSAIDs has been documented for a variety of conditions, such as fever and pain. NSAIDs are also the main pillars of anti-inflammatory treatment, such as in pediatric inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Limited data are available on the safety of most NSAIDs in infants. Adverse drug reactions may be renal, gastrointestinal, hematological, or immunologic. Since NSAIDs are among the most frequently used drugs in the pediatric population, safety and efficacy studies can be performed as part of normal clinical routine, even in young infants. Available data sources, such as (electronic) medical records, should be used for safety and efficacy analyses. On a larger scale, existing data sources, e.g. adverse drug reaction programs/networks, spontaneous national reporting systems, and electronic medical records should be assessed with child-specific methods in order to detect safety signals pertinent to certain pediatric age groups or disease entities. To improve the safety of NSAIDs in infants, treatment needs to be initiated with the lowest age-appropriate or weight-based dose. Duration of treatment and amount of drug used should be regularly evaluated and maximum dose limits and other recommendations by the manufacturer or expert committees should be followed. Treatment for non-chronic conditions such as fever and acute (postoperative) pain should be kept as short as possible. Patients with chronic conditions should be regularly monitored for possible adverse effects of NSAIDs.

Pro-Kind Rheuma – aktueller Stand des GBA-Projektes

Die Initiative Protokolle in der Kinderrheumatologie (Pro-Kind) der GKJR hat es sich zum Ziel gesetzt, durch Entwicklung von Therapieprotokollen die Behandlung von kindlich-rheumatischen Erkrankungen zu standardisieren und dadurch das Outcome zu verbessern. Seit 2019 wird die Überprüfung der Effektivität dieser standardisierten Protokolle im Rahmen des Projektes „Pro-Kind Rheuma“ vom Gemeinsamen Bundesausschuss (GBA) gefördert. Hierzu werden 500 neu diagnostizierte Patienten mit kindlich-rheumatischen Erkrankungen (Polyartikuläre JIA, Oligoartikuläre JIA, Enthesitis-assoziierte JIA, systemische JIA, juvenile Dermatomyositis, Systemischer Lupus Erythematodes) in einer Registerstudie erfasst und prospektiv über ein Jahr verfolgt. Dieser Artikel möchte über den aktuellen Stand des Projektes informieren. Die derzeitige Rekrutierungszahl (Stand 12/2021) beträgt 275 Patienten.

Application of Intra-articular Corticosteroid Injection in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is one of the common rheumatic diseases in pediatrics. Persistent synovitis and joint pain cause reduced range of motion, deformity and gait interruption, which are important reasons for children's disability and a decline in their quality of life. Rheumatology experts have explored good treatment strategies, among which intra-articular corticosteroid injections (IACIs) targeting joints can greatly reduce these systemic adverse reactions while still obtaining local anti-inflammatory effects. Local inhibition of synovitis by the use of steroid hormones in a joint cavity can avoid or reduce adverse reactions of systemic therapy, prevent or treat leg length variance and joint contracture, solve Baker's cyst, improve tenosynovitis, promote physical therapy and rehabilitation, make gait change smoothly, relieve pain, and restore joint function. Given the importance of IACIs in treating JIA, this paper reviewed the case selection, drug injection, dose selection, current anesthesia and injection techniques, the efficacy, recurrence, and influencing factors of IACIs, the management of physiotherapy intervention post-injection, the application of ultrasound guidance and the safety and complications of IACIs in children with JIA. This study aims to guide the use of IACIs for the best approach throughout the review.

Efficacy of Pulse Dexamethasone in non-systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: a double-blind randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

Early aggressive therapy using biologicals is increasingly being used in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) for early disease remission. Pulse-steroids are used in induction regimes for rheumatic disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic JIA; however, no controlled studies demonstrate their use in non-systemic JIA. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pulse dexamethasone therapy in children with treatment-naive non-systemic JIA as early aggressive therapy in resource-limited settings.

METHODS

60 treatment-naive children with non-systemic JIA with an active joint count of ≥ 5 and/or involvement of hip or cervical joints were randomised to receive either pulse dexamethasone (3 mg/kg/day, max : 100 mg/d) or placebo (normal saline) for three consecutive days during each visit at 0, 6 ± 2, 12 ± 2 weeks; along with standard therapy (methotrexate and NSAIDs). The use of oral bridge steroids was permissible for persistent severe disease as per pre-defined criteria. The primary outcome was ACR-Pedi 70 response at 16 ± 2 weeks after enrolment in the two groups.

RESULTS

The proportion of children achieving ACR-Pedi 70 in the two groups, at last follow-up was 11/30 (36.7%) in pulse dexamethasone arm vs 11/28 (39.3%) in the placebo arm (p-value 0.837, RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.48-1.80). We did not observe any significant difference in the proportion of children requiring bridge steroids. Adverse events were comparable in the two groups.

CONCLUSION

The addition of pulse dexamethasone to standard treatment may not add any advantage in improving ACR-Pedi 70 scores at medium-term follow-up.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical Trial Registry-India www.ctri.nic.in CTRI/2018/08/015151.

Langfristentwicklungen in der Kinder- und Jugendrheumatologie

Im Gebiet der Kinderrheumatologie gab es in den letzten Jahrzehnten immense Fortschritte, die sowohl die Diagnostik, als auch die Therapie nachhaltig verbessert haben. Obwohl erst seit 2003 in Deutschland offiziell als Zusatzbezeichnung anerkannt, stehen heutzutage über 200 Kinder- und Jugendrheumatologen (d. h. 1,4 Kinderrheumatologen pro 100 000 Kinder) für die Erkennung und Behandlung von rheumatischen Erkrankungen bei Kindern und Jugendlichen bundesweit zur Verfügung. Neue Erkenntnisse in der Pathogenese rheumatischer Erkrankungen und die sich stetig weiterentwickelnde genetische Diagnostik haben das rheumatische Krankheitsspektrum und die Behandlungsmöglichkeiten dramatisch erweitert Internationale Forschungsnetzwerke und eine spezielle Gesetzgebung für die Entwicklung von pädiatrischen Medikamenten führten zur Zulassung von zahlreichen neuen Rheumamedikamenten, deren Sicherheit im klinischen Alltag seit der Jahrtausendwende systematisch in Deutschland untersucht wird. Maßnahmen zur Sicherung der Versorgungsqualität wurden implementiert, Standardinstrumente zur Bewertung der Krankheitsaktivität und Krankheitslast aus Patientensicht eingeführt sowie Initiativen zur Verbesserung der Versorgung Betroffener (z. B. die ProKind-Initiative) auf den Weg gebracht. Diese Veränderungen haben die Prognose und Lebensperspektive rheumakranker Kinder und Jugendlicher verbessert, wenngleich noch weiterer Optimierungsbedarf besteht.

[Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis : Common features and differences]

The spectrum of polyarthritic diseases in childhood as well as in adulthood is wide. In the differential diagnostics different age-related diseases must be taken into consideration. Although, a clear similarity is obvious in all age groups for the classical diseases of polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis with respect to the pathogenesis, clinical manifestation and treatment options, this review points to specific differences. The prognosis of polyarthritis in children mainly depends on the joint manifestation, whereas extra-articular comorbidities play a predominant role in the older adult population.

Consensus clinical approach for a newly diagnosed systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis among members of the pediatric rheumatology Arab group

BACKGROUND

Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) is a diagnosis of exclusion. The complex nature and clinical variety of the disease, as well as the vast clinical variation of disease presentation, may lead to difficulties in disease detection and subsequent delays in treatment.

AIM

To provide a consensus guidance on the management of newly diagnosed sJIA patients among pediatric rheumatologists in Arab countries.

METHODS

This work was conducted in two phases. The first phase utilized an electronic survey sent through an email invitation to all pediatric rheumatologists in Arab countries. In the second phase, a Task Force of ten expert pediatric rheumatologists from Arab countries met through a series of virtual meetings. Results obtained in phase one were prioritized using a nominal group and Delphi-like techniques in phase two.

RESULTS

Seven overarching principles and a set of recommendations were approved by the Task Force to form the final consensus.

CONCLUSION

This is the first consensus on a clinical approach for pediatric rheumatic diseases among Arab pediatric rheumatologists. It is presented as a guidance on the clinical approach to sJIA that requires further evidence, and future updates are anticipated.

Tuberculosis Disease in Children and Adolescents on Therapy With Antitumor Necrosis Factor-ɑ Agents: A Collaborative, Multicenter Paediatric Tuberculosis Network European Trials Group (ptbnet) Study

BACKGROUND

In adults, anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) therapy is associated with progression of latent tuberculosis (TB) infection (LTBI) to TB disease, but pediatric data are limited.

METHODS

Retrospective multicenter study within the Paediatric Tuberculosis Network European Trials Group, capturing patients <18 years who developed TB disease during anti-TNF-α therapy.

RESULTS

Sixty-six tertiary healthcare institutions providing care for children with TB participated. Nineteen cases were identified: Crohn's disease (n = 8; 42%) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (n = 6; 32%) were the commonest underlying conditions. Immune-based TB screening (tuberculin skin test and/or interferon-γ release assay) was performed in 15 patients before commencing anti-TNF-α therapy but only identified 1 LTBI case; 13 patients were already receiving immunosuppressants at the time of screening. The median interval between starting anti-TNF-α therapy and TB diagnosis was 13.1 (IQR, 7.1-20.3) months. All cases presented with severe disease, predominantly miliary TB (n = 14; 78%). One case was diagnosed postmortem. TB was microbiologically confirmed in 15 cases (79%). The median duration of anti-TB treatment was 50 (IQR, 46-66) weeks. Five of 15 (33%) cases who had completed TB treatment had long-term sequelae.

CONCLUSIONS

LTBI screening is frequently false-negative in this patient population, likely due to immunosuppressants impairing test performance. Therefore, patients with immune-mediated diseases should be screened for LTBI at the point of diagnosis, before commencing immunosuppressive medication. Children on anti-TNF-α therapy are prone to severe TB disease and significant long-term morbidity. Those observations underscore the need for robust LTBI screening programs in this high-risk patient population, even in low-TB-prevalence settings.

[Therapeutic options in juvenile idiopathic arthritis : Surgical and conservative orthopedic rheumatological treatment]

The treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) has made substantial progress within the last 25 years. Modern medicinal treatment enables inflammatory activity of the disease to be controlled in most of the cases. Mutilating courses of disease, which were formerly the rule have now become the exception. Today remission of disease is the aim of pediatric rheumatological treatment. Apart from effective control of inflammation this includes complete restoration of functional abilities of affected joints and the surrounding structures also affected. To achieve this goal a holistic and foresighted view of each patient's course is required. Therefore, even in an apparently uncomplicated course of disease in some cases of JIA it is advisable to plan an early interdisciplinary consultation including the pediatric rheumatologist and the orthopedic surgeon, in order to discuss an early surgical intervention, which can then be carried out in a timely manner, if necessary. This article provides an overview of the orthopedic rheumatological indications and options.

Experiences with IL-1 blockade in systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis - data from the German AID-registry

BACKGROUND

Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) is a complex disease with dysregulation of the innate immune system driven by cytokines. A major role is ascribed to interleukin-1β (IL-1β), supporting the autoinflammatory character of the disease and offering an effective blocking mechanism for treatment. Here we present clinical practice data from the German AID-registry for patients treated with IL-1 inhibition (IL-1i).

METHODS

In 2009 a clinical and research consortium (AID-Net) was established, including an online AID-registry. Patients with documented sJIA diagnosis were identified. Data for this retrospective IL-1i study were recorded by 17 centers. Response to treatment was evaluated according to Wallace criteria and additionally by an own classifying clinical response system.

RESULTS

In 6 years, 202 patients with confirmed sJIA were recorded in the AID-registry. Out of these, 111 children received therapy with Anakinra (ANA) (n = 84, 39 f) and/or Canakinumab (CANA) (n = 27, 15 f) at a median age of 8.7 y (range 0.6-19.1). During the first 12 months 75/111 (ANA 55, CANA 20) patients were evaluated according to Wallace criteria (achievement of inactive disease 28/55 and 17/20, remission over 6 months under medication 13/55 and 7/20 cases). Over the whole period of time, clinical response was preserved in the majority of patients (ANA 54/80, CANA 20/27). Arthritis mostly persisted in polyarticular (PA) courses. During treatment with IL-1i concomitant medication could be tapered in about 15%. IL-1i was discontinued in 59/111 patients. 45 (15) adverse events (AE)s in ANA (CANA) treated patients (19.7 (26.6) AE/100 ANA (CANA) exposure years, 95%CI: 14.4-26.4 (14.9-43.9)) were reported.

CONCLUSION

In a large cohort of sJIA patients from Germany, we can confirm an overall favorable clinical response to both available IL-1 blocking agents. IL-1i was well tolerated with acceptable safety and effectiveness in a real-life clinical setting.

Prescribing Patterns and Impact of Factors Associated with Time to Initial Biologic Therapy among Children with Non-systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine patterns of initial prescriptions, investigate time to initiation of biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs), and evaluate the impact of clinical and other baseline factors associated with the time to first bDMARD in treating children with newly diagnosed non-systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

METHODS

Using longitudinal patient-level data extracted from electronic medical records (EMR) in a large Midwestern pediatric hospital from 2009 to 2018, the initial prescriptions and prescribing patterns of bDMARDs, conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and glucocorticoids within 3 months of JIA diagnosis were examined. Kaplan-Meier analyses were performed to assess time to initiation of bDMARDs. Cox proportional hazard models were used to identify factors associated with time to first bDMARD.

RESULTS

Of 821 children, the proportion of patients with initial csDMARDs increased from 45.3% in 2009 to 60.3% in 2018. Around 57.5% of polyarthritis rheumatoid factor-positive (Poly RF+) patients and 43.2% of polyarthritis rheumatoid factor-negative (Poly RF-) patients received a bDMARD therapy within 3 months of diagnosis, 14.4% as monotherapy and 28.3% in combination with a csDMARD. Among patients who received combination therapy, combination of methotrexate with adalimumab increased from 16.7% in 2009 to 40% in 2018. The proportion of patients treated with adalimumab gradually increased and passed etanercept in 2016. The predictors of earlier initiation of biologic therapy were JIA category enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) [hazard ratio (HR) vs persistent oligoarthritis 4.82; p < 0.0001], psoriatic arthritis (PsA) (HR 2.46; p = 0.0002), or Poly RF- (HR 2.43; p = 0.0002); the number of joints with limited range of motion (HR 1.02; p = 0.0222), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR, HR 1.01; p = 0.0033).

CONCLUSIONS

There was a substantial increase in the proportion of patients receiving the combination of methotrexate and adalimumab among patients receiving combination therapy. Adalimumab overtook etanercept as the most frequently prescribed bDMARD. Multiple factors affect the time to biologic initiation, including the number of joints with limited range of motion, ESR, and JIA category.

Different corticosteroid induction regimens in children and young people with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: the SIRJIA mixed-methods feasibility study

BACKGROUND

In the UK, juvenile idiopathic arthritis is the most common inflammatory disorder in childhood, affecting 10 : 100,000 children and young people aged < 16 years each year, with a population prevalence of around 1 : 1000. Corticosteroids are commonly used to treat juvenile idiopathic arthritis; however, there is currently a lack of consensus as to which corticosteroid induction regimen should be used with various disease subtypes and severities of juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

OBJECTIVE

The main study objective was to determine the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial to compare the different corticosteroid induction regimens in children and young people with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

DESIGN

This was a mixed-methods study. Work packages included a literature review; qualitative interviews with children and young people with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and their families; a questionnaire survey and screening log to establish current UK practice; a consensus meeting with health-care professionals, children and young people with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and their families to establish the primary outcome; a feasibility study to pilot data capture and to collect data for future sample size calculations; and a final consensus meeting to establish the final protocol.

SETTING

The setting was rheumatology clinics across the UK.

PARTICIPANTS

Children, young people and their families who attended clinics and health-care professionals took part in this mixed-methods study.

INTERVENTIONS

This study observed methods of prescribing corticosteroids across the UK.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The main study outcomes were the acceptability of a future trial for children, young people, their families and health-care professionals, and the feasibility of delivering such a trial.

RESULTS

Qualitative interviews identified differences in the views of children, young people and their families on a randomised controlled trial and potential barriers to recruitment. A total of 297 participants were screened from 13 centres in just less than 6 months. In practice, all routes of corticosteroid administration were used, and in all subtypes of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Intra-articular corticosteroid injection was the most common treatment. The questionnaire surveys showed the varying clinical practice across the UK, but established intra-articular corticosteroids as the treatment control for a future trial. The primary outcome of choice for children, young people, their families and health-care professionals was the Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score, 71-joint count. However, results from the feasibility study showed that, owing to missing blood test data, the clinical Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score should be used. The Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score, 71-joint count, and the clinical Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score are composite disease activity scoring systems for juvenile arthritis. Two final trial protocols were established for a future randomised controlled trial.

LIMITATIONS

Fewer clinics were included in this feasibility study than originally planned, limiting the ability to draw strong conclusions about these units to take part in future research.

CONCLUSIONS

A definitive randomised controlled trial is likely to be feasible based on the findings from this study; however, important recommendations should be taken into account when planning such a trial.

FUTURE WORK

This mixed-methods study has laid down the foundations to develop the evidence base in this area and conducting a randomised control trial to compare different corticosteroid induction regimens in children and young people with juvenile idiopathic arthritis is likely to be feasible.

STUDY REGISTRATION

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN16649996.

FUNDING

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 24, No. 36. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Treat-to-target study for improved outcome in polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis

BACKGROUND

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is one of the most prevalent chronic inflammatory diseases in children. Evidence suggests that early effective treatment minimises the burden of disease during childhood and in further life. We hypothesise that a guided treat-to-target (T2T) approach is superior to routine care in polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) in terms of reaching a clinical remission after 12 months of treatment.

METHODS

Patients with early and active pJIA were enrolled. Targets for treatment were the following: Recognisable Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score (JADAS) improvement after 3 months, acceptable disease at 6 months, minimal disease activity at 9 months and as primary endpoint remission after 12 months. Initially, patients received methotrexate. Failure to meet a defined target required treatment modification at the specified intervals. The choice of biologics was not influenced by the protocol. Finally, T2T patients were compared with a cohort of matched controls of patients with pJIA with unguided therapy documented by BIKER.

RESULTS

Sixty-three patients were enrolled. Treatment targets after 3/6/9 and 12 months were reached by 73%/75%/77% and 48% of patients. Fifty-four patients completed the protocol. Compared with matched controls, on T2T guidance significantly more patients reached JADAS remission (48% vs 32%; OR 1.96 (1.1-3.7); p=0.033) and JADAS minimal disease activity (JADAS-MDA) (76% vs 59%; OR 2.2 (1.1-4.4); p=0.028). Patients from the T2T cohort received a biologic significantly more frequent (50% vs 9% after 12 months; OR 9.8 (4.6-20.8); p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The T2T concept was feasible and superior to unguided treatment. High rates of patients reached JADAS-MDA and JADA remission after 12 months. Approximately half of the patients achieved their therapy goals without a biologic.

[Injuries in children and adolescents with inflammatory rheumatic diseases : Special risks and techniques for fracture treatment of the growing skeleton]

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory rheumatic diseases in childhood and adolescence are a special challenge in the treatment of acute trauma. The pharmaceutical treatment strategies for children and adolescents have been modified.

OBJECTIVE

Which special aspects must be considered in young patients suffering from rheumatism when a trauma necessitates an operative procedure?

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A literature search was carried out to elaborate recommendations for the practice.

RESULTS

The joint-related alterations in young patients suffering from rheumatism differ with respect to the differently altered inflammatory rheumatic destruction. The extent of these inflammatory destructive alterations dictates the operative approach. Consequences arise in paying attention to the concurrent medication with respect to avoidance of events triggering an exacerbation and tissue infections. The bone strength necessitates an individualized selection of implants and sometimes influences the duration of follow-up treatment. In the early stages of the inflammatory process the approach in cases of trauma is no different to that for healthy patients but in later stages (Larsen stage III) it does differ.

CONCLUSION

An interdisciplinary concept can help to avoid disadvantages in the treatment of the underlying disease. Due to the special dysplastic anatomy and tissue alterations, trauma in these patients is a particular challenge.

S2k guidelines for the treatment of psoriasis in children and adolescents - Short version part 2

The present guidelines are aimed at residents and board-certified physicians in the fields of dermatology, pediatrics, pediatric dermatology and pediatric rheumatology as well as policymakers and insurance funds. They were developed by dermatologists and pediatric dermatologists in collaboration with pediatric rheumatologists using a formal consensus process (S2k). The guidelines highlight topics such as disease severity, quality of life, treatment goals as well as problems associated with off-label drug therapy in children. Trigger factors and diagnostic aspects are discussed. The primary focus is on the various topical, systemic and UV-based treatment options available and includes recommendations for use and treatment algorithms. Other aspects addressed herein include vaccinations in children and adolescents with psoriasis as well as various disease subtypes such as guttate psoriasis, diaper psoriasis, pustular psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Finally, we also provide recommendations for imaging studies and the diagnostic workup to rule out tuberculosis prior to initiating systemic treatment. Note: This article constitutes part 2 of the Sk2 guidelines for the treatment of psoriasis in children and adolescents. Part 1 was published in last month's issue. It contained introductory remarks and addressed aspects of diagnosis and topical treatment.

The Efficacy and Evidence-Based Use of Biologics in Children and Adolescents: Using Monoclonal Antibodies and Fusion Proteins as Treatments

BACKGROUND

Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) and fusion proteins (FP) are increasingly being used in children and adolescents. In this review, we analyze the evidence for their safety and efficacy in the treatment of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases.

METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed, AWMF.org, and other databases for high-quality trials (i.e., randomized controlled trials with clinical primary endpoints) and guidelines published at any time up to 10 December 2018 that dealt with mAb and FP that are approved for pediatric use. The search term was "monoclonal anti- body/fusion protein [e. g. adalimumab] AND children."

RESULTS

The 620 hits included 25 high-quality trials (20 of them manufacturer- sponsored) on 9 mAb/FP (omalizumab, adalimumab, etanercept, ustekinumab, infliximab, golimumab, anakinra, canakinumab, tocilizumab, and abatacept), as well as 6 guidelines (3 each of levels S3 and S2k) on the treatment of bronchial asthma, psoriasis, juvenile idopathic arthritis, and chronic inflammatory bowel diseases. For none of these conditions are mAb and FP the drugs of first choice. Adverse drug effects are rare but sometimes severe (infection, immune dysregulation, tumors).

CONCLUSION

The retrieved trials have deficiencies that make it difficult to reliably evaluate the efficacy, safety, and utility of mAb/FP for children and adolescents with chronic inflammatory diseases. mAb/FP nonetheless represent a treatment option to be considered in case conventional immune-modulating drugs are ineffective. Researcher-initiated, high-quality trials and manufacturer-independent, systematic long-term evaluations of adverse effects (e.g., tumors) are sorely needed.

[Therapeutic options in juvenile idiopathic arthritis : Part 1: Nonsurgical treatment]

The treatment of children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) has progressed substantially during recent years. Multiple different factors have played a role in this advancement: improved medical treatment due to the introduction of new drugs, structural improvements with provision of units specializing in childhood rheumatology, multidisciplinary treatment concepts, structured educational programs for patients and parents, improved functional treatment including sports therapy, and selective surgical and orthopedic interventions improving functional capacities. Current treatment strategies in JIA are aimed at achieving disease remission, i.e., control of disease activity and re-establishment of age-appropriate functional capacities. This review summarizes important developments in the conservative treatment of JIA. Part 2 deals with orthopedic and surgical treatment strategies.

Treatment patterns and economic outcomes in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Purpose: To describe health care resource utilization (HCRU) and costs among patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) compared to patients without JIA and to describe treatment patterns among JIA patients who initiated biologic and non-biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Patients and methods: The IBM MarketScan^® Commercial Database was used to identify patients aged 2-17 years with a new JIA diagnosis (index date) and 12 months continuous enrollment pre- and post-diagnosis from 2008 to 2016. JIA patients were matched to non-JIA patients on age, gender, region, and health plan type. Patients with other rheumatic or autoimmune conditions were excluded. Receipt of a biologic and/or non-biologic was evaluated on or after the new JIA diagnosis. Results: A total of 3,815 JIA patients were matched to 11,535 non-JIA patients (mean age 10.0 [SD=4.5], 69% female). Average total costs were greater for JIA patients than non-JIA controls ($18,611 [SD=$42,104; median=$8,189] versus $2,203 [SD=$9,309; median=$649], p<0.001). Outpatient pharmacy costs were 33.6% of the total costs among JIA patients compared to 18.4% among non-JIA patients (p<0.001). The proportion of inpatient cost (11.4% versus 14.3%, p<0.001) and outpatient costs (55% versus 67.4%, p<0.001) of total costs was lower among JIA patients compared to non-JIA patients. Patients with 12 months of continuous enrollment post-treatment initiation (n=2,014) were classified as non-biologic only (n=734), biologic only (n=873), and both biologic and non-biologic (n=407) users. Among biologic and non-biologic users, 41.1% and 56.8% were persistent on their index medication for 12 months. Of patients treated with a biologic only, TNF inhibitors (TNFi) comprised 87.1% of the total treatment costs. Conclusion: JIA is associated with increased costs and utilization in every HCRU category compared to matched non-JIA patients. While JIA-related costs varied by treatment cohort, patients on biologic DMARDs had substantially higher costs than patients on non-biologic DMARDs and fewer than one-half were persistent at 12 months after biologic initiation.

Glucocorticoid treatment in juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common chronic rheumatic disease of joints in childhood. Glucocorticoids are being used in JIA treatment effectively for decades. Although systemic glucocorticoid use decreased with the introduction of biologic drugs, intraarticular glucocorticoid injections (IAGI) with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and non-biologic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) still remain the primary treatment in JIA, especially in oligoarticular subcategory. Systemic glucocorticoids are used mainly for severe JIA-associated complications such as macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), myocarditis, pericarditis, pleuritis, peritonitis, and severe anemia; as bridging therapy while waiting for the full therapeutic effect of DMARDs; and in certain occasions for patients with severe refractory uveitis. Since glucocorticoid administration is associated with many adverse events, it is important to use glucocorticoids in an optimum way balancing the risks and benefits. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on glucocorticoid treatment in JIA. A comprehensive literature search was conducted utilizing the Cochrane Library and MEDLINE/PubMed databases. The main topics include mechanism of action, dose, duration, adverse events, vaccination during glucocorticoid treatment, the place of glucocorticoids in JIA treatment guidelines and consensus treatment plans, glucocorticoid use in JIA-associated uveitis, MAS, and IAGI. Data from the literature provide guidance on how to use glucocorticoids in JIA treatment especially for IAGI and systemic use in systemic JIA and MAS. However, there is lack of evidence and need for prospective randomized studies in most parts including the indications in different JIA subcategories, optimum dose/route of administration/duration of treatment, and tapering strategies.

Time spent in inactive disease before MTX withdrawal is relevant with regard to the flare risk in patients with JIA

OBJECTIVES

To determine the reasons of methotrexate (MTX) discontinuation, frequency of adverse events (AE) and whether the time in inactive disease before MTX withdrawal disease is associated with the risk of disease flare.

METHODS

Patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) beginning treatment with MTX were prospectively observed in the national JIA biologic register Biologika in der Kinderrheumatologie/Biologics in Paediatric Rheumatology and its follow-up register Juvenile arthritis Methotrexate/Biologics long-term Observation. Inactive disease was defined by a clinical Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score ≤1, flare after MTX discontinuation by reoccurrence of at least moderate disease activity or restart of treatment with a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug .

RESULTS

MTX treatment was initiated in 1514 patients after a mean disease duration of 2.1 years (SD=2.8). 40% of the patients experienced oligoarticular onset of JIA. MTX was discontinued in 982 (64.9%) patients. Ineffectiveness (36.9%) and achieving inactive disease (32.1%) were the most common reasons. Among the latter (n=316), 184 (58.2%) patients experienced a flare on follow-up. The likelihood of a flare was a function of time in inactive disease prior to MTX discontinuation (HR 0.95; 95% CI 0.92 to 0.97). Patients with inactive disease for longer than 12 months had a significantly lower flare rate (58 of 119, 48.7%; HR 0.48; 95% CI 0.34 to 0.69). The most frequently reported AE was MTX intolerance, including nausea, aversion and vomiting, accounting for 441 events (13.0 events/100 exposure years) in 307 (20.3%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who spent at least 12 months in inactive disease before MTX discontinuation had a significantly lower flare rate.

Development of minimum standards of care for juvenile localized scleroderma

Juvenile localized scleroderma (jLS), also known as morphea, is an orphan disease. Pediatric guidelines regarding diagnosis, assessment, and management are lacking.Our objective was to develop minimum standards of care for diagnosis, assessment, and management of jLS. A systematic review was undertaken to establish the pediatric evidence for assessment and monitoring of jLS. An expert panel, including members of the Pediatric Rheumatology European Society (PRES) Scleroderma Working Group, were invited to a consensus meeting where recommendations were developed based on evidence graded by the systematic review and, where evidence was lacking, consensus opinion. A nominal technique was used where 75% consensus was taken as agreement. Recommendations for diagnosis, assessment, and management were developed. Due to a lack of pediatric evidence, these were primarily consensus driven. Careful assessment for extra-cutaneous manifestations including synovitis, brain involvement, and uveitis were key features together with joint assessments between Dermatology and Rheumatology to improve and standardize care.

CONCLUSION

Management of jLS is varied. These recommendations should help provide standardization of assessment and care for those with this rare and potentially debilitating condition. What is Known: • Children with juvenile localized scleroderma (jLS) are managed by a number of specialties including pediatric rheumatologists and dermatologists, sometimes in shared clinics. Studies have shown that management varies considerably and that there are notable differences between specialties [1]. • There is very little published guidance on management of jLS. What is new: • These recommendations aim to standardize diagnosis, assessment, and management through review of pediatric evidence and consensus agreement. • Joint review of patients by both pediatric rheumatologists and dermatologists is recommended.

Treating juvenile idiopathic arthritis to target: recommendations of an international task force

Recent therapeutic advances in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) have made remission an achievable goal for most patients. Reaching this target leads to improved outcomes. The objective was to develop recommendations for treating JIA to target. A Steering Committee formulated a set of recommendations based on evidence derived from a systematic literature review. These were subsequently discussed, amended and voted on by an international Task Force of 30 paediatric rheumatologists in a consensus-based, Delphi-like procedure. Although the literature review did not reveal trials that compared a treat-to-target approach with another or no strategy, it provided indirect evidence regarding an optimised approach to therapy that facilitated development of recommendations. The group agreed on six overarching principles and eight recommendations. The main treatment target, which should be based on a shared decision with parents/patients, was defined as remission, with the alternative target of low disease activity. The frequency and timeline of follow-up evaluations to ensure achievement and maintenance of the target depend on JIA category and level of disease activity. Additional recommendations emphasise the importance of ensuring adequate growth and development and avoiding long-term systemic glucocorticoid administration to maintain the target. All items were agreed on by more than 80% of the members of the Task Force. A research agenda was formulated. The Task Force developed recommendations for treating JIA to target, being aware that the evidence is not strong and needs to be expanded by future research. These recommendations can inform various stakeholders about strategies to reach optimal outcomes for JIA.

The majority of patients with newly diagnosed juvenile idiopathic arthritis achieve a health-related quality of life that is similar to that of healthy peers: results of the German multicenter inception cohort (ICON)

Background

Achieving the best possible health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for a patient is an important treatment goal in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). We investigated the 36-month trajectories of HRQoL in children with JIA compared with healthy peers and identified the predictors of an unfavorable HRQoL.

Methods

Patients with a recent JIA diagnosis were enrolled in the German inception cohort study ICON. As a peer group, friends of patients of the same age and sex were asked to cooperate. Children were prospectively followed and regularly questioned about their HRQoL using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQL). Disease activity was assessed by the clinical Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score (cJADAS-10), and the burden of the child’s chronic illness on their family was assessed by the Family Burden Questionnaire (FaBel). Linear mixed models were used to compare the HRQoL of the patients and their peers. Associations between the health status of a patient at enrollment and an unfavorable HRQoL (PedsQL total < 79.3) at their 3-year follow-up (FU) were analyzed by logistic regression.

Results

Data from 953 patients (median symptom duration 6 months, mean age 7.9 years) and 491 healthy peers (aged 8.4 years) were analyzed. During 3 years of FU, the disease activity and HRQoL of the patients improved significantly (cJADAS-10 from 9.8 (6.2) to 2.7 (3.6) and PedsQL total score from 71.7 (18.2) to 87.3 (13.9)). While the HRQoL of the patients varied among the several JIA categories at the time of enrollment, no significant differences were found at the 3-year FU. After 36 months, the HRQoL of the patients had largely converged with that of their healthy peers. JIA patients had a psychosocial health status comparable with their healthy peers, whereas a small significant mean difference remained in physical health (5.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.1–7.6). Up to the 36-month FU, three-quarters of JIA patients attained a favorable HRQoL (PedsQL ≥ 79.3) which was achieved by 90% of the peers. A higher family burden, higher pain level, and lower well-being at enrollment were associated with an unfavorable HRQoL.

Conclusions

Under current therapeutic conditions, an HRQoL corresponding with that of healthy children is a realistic treatment goal in JIA.

Practice and consensus-based strategies in diagnosing and managing systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis in Germany

BACKGROUND

Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) is an autoinflammatory disease associated with chronic arthritis. Early diagnosis and effective therapy of SJIA is desirable, so that complications are avoided. The PRO-KIND initiative of the German Society for Pediatric Rheumatology (GKJR) aims to define consensus-based strategies to harmonize diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in Germany.

METHODS

We analyzed data on patients diagnosed with SJIA from 3 national registries in Germany. Subsequently, via online surveys and teleconferences among pediatric rheumatologists with a special expertise in the treatment of SJIA, we identified current diagnostic and treatment approaches in Germany. Those were harmonized via the formulation of statements and, supported by findings from a literature search. Finally, an in-person consensus conference using nominal group technique was held to further modify and consent the statements.

RESULTS

Up to 50% of patients diagnosed with SJIA in Germany do not fulfill the International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR) classification criteria, mostly due to the absence of chronic arthritis. Our findings suggest that chronic arthritis is not obligatory for the diagnosis and treatment of SJIA, allowing a diagnosis of probable SJIA. Malignant, infectious and hereditary autoinflammatory diseases should be considered before rendering a diagnosis of probable SJIA. There is substantial variability in the initial treatment of SJIA. Based on registry data, most patients initially receive systemic glucocorticoids, however, increasingly substituted or accompanied by biological agents, i.e. interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6 blockade (up to 27.2% of patients). We identified preferred initial therapies for probable and definitive SJIA, including step-up patterns and treatment targets for the short-term (resolution of fever, decrease in C-reactive protein by 50% within 7 days), the mid-term (improvement in physician global and active joint count by at least 50% or a JADAS-10 score of maximally 5.4 within 4 weeks) and the long-term (glucocorticoid-free clinically inactive disease within 6 to 12 months), and an explicit treat-to-target strategy.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed consensus-based strategies regarding the diagnosis and treatment of probable or definitive SJIA in Germany.

Protocols on classification, monitoring and therapy in children's rheumatology (PRO-KIND): results of the working group Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis

OBJECTIVE

Several effective pharmacologic treatment options for polyarticual juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) have emerged but initial treatment is heterogeneous in Germany. Therefore, the German Society of Pediatric Rheumatolgy has established a commission to develop consensus "Protocols on classification, monitoring and therapy in children's rheumatology (PRO-KIND)" to harmonize diagnostic and treatment approaches for new-onset JIA in Germany.

METHODS

A set of definitions for in- and exclusion, diagnostic workup, parameters for the evaluation of disease activity criteria, therapeutic options, medication dosing, monitoring recommendations, targets, definitions of a therapy failure and four therapeutic algorithms developed by a working group were agreed by web based survey to which all members of the GKJR have been invited. A final protocol with 4 consensus treatment plans (CTP) was agreed in a face-to-face consensus conferences employing modified nominal group technique.

RESULTS

The initial 17 definitions and recommendations for new-onset polyarticular JIA agreed by the working group reached >80% agreement in a web survey in 68 German paediatric rheumatologist. Four CTPs were developed based on treatment strategies for the first 12 months of therapy, as well as definitions for clinical and laboratory monitoring. The CTPs include a step-up plan (nonbiologic Disease-modifying antirheumatic drug [DMARD] followed by a biologic), a combination plan (combination of nonbiologic and biologic after failure of initial DMARD), an intensive pulse corticosteroid scheme in parallel with a DMARD followed by combination therapy and a multiple corticosteroids joint injections strategy in a treat to target approach. Step up will be guided by a treat to target strategy to reach a JADAS-improvement at month 3, acceptable disease at month 6 or 9 and JADAS remission or at least JADAS minimal disease activity at month 12.

CONCLUSION

Standardized baseline work-up, disease activity evaluation and a definition of a treat to target approach will result in better health outcomes for polyarticular JIA patients. Four CTPs were developed for new-onset polyarticular JIA, which coupled with data collection at defined intervals will be evaluated and improved to optimize management of polyarticular JIA. Harmonization of treatment will be the basis for future comparative effectiveness research.

Safety and effectiveness of etanercept for treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis: Results from a postmarketing surveillance

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this surveillance were to determine safety and effectiveness of etanercept in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

METHODS

In this postmarketing surveillance, patients aged 5-16 years with active polyarthritis JIA were treated with etanercept at the doses approved in the Japanese package insert. The occurrence and seriousness of adverse events (AEs) were assessed using the Japanese Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities version 15.1. Effectiveness was determined as the improvement from baseline in disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28)-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), remission, and physician's assessment of overall improvement. The number of responders was expressed as a percentage. The last observation carried forward method was used to impute missing data.

RESULTS

Safety analysis included 102 patients; 22 patients experienced 36 treatment-related AEs, three of which were unexpected. None of the AEs were deemed to need special safety warnings. Effectiveness analysis included 87 patients. At 24 weeks, 29/46 (63.0%) patients demonstrated either good or moderate response in DAS28-4/ESR and treatment was assessed to be markedly effective or effective by physicians in 79/83 (95.2%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

These data are consistent with earlier reports showing that etanercept was effective and demonstrated no safety signals in patients with JIA.

[DGRh recommendations for the implementation of current security aspects in the NSAID treatment of musculoskeletal pain]

NSAIDs exert their anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects by inhibition of COX‑2, a key enzyme for proinflammatory prostanoid synthesis. Therapy with NSAIDs is limited by their typical gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and renal side effects, which are caused by inhibition of COX‑1 (gastrointestinal toxicity), COX‑2 (cardiovascular side effects) or both COX-isoenzymes (renal side effects). Appropriate prevention strategies should be employed in patients at risk. If gastrointestinal risk factors are present, co-administration of a proton pump inhibitor or misoprostol is recommended; in patients with cardiovascular risk, coxibs, diclofenac and high-dose ibuprofen should be avoided. Furthermore, drug interactions and contraindications should be considered. In patients with renal impairment (GFR < 30 ml/min) all NSAIDs must be avoided. Ulcer anamnesis is a contraindication for traditional NSAIDs. Preexisting cardio- or cerebrovascular diseases are contraindications for coxibs. Treatment decisions should be individually based with a continuous monitoring of the risk - benefit ratio and exploitation of non-pharmacological treatment options.

Management of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Clinical Guide

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common chronic rheumatic disease of childhood. The outcome in patients with JIA has markedly improved with the advent of biologic drugs. Although early aggressive therapy with biologics seems to be very effective, this approach leads to overtreatment in patients who would respond to classic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Therefore, methotrexate remains first-line long-term therapy for most children with polyarticular JIA. Tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors have shown tremendous benefit in children with refractory non-systemic JIA. Similar effects have been observed with interleukin-1 and interleukin-6 blockade in patients with systemic JIA. Correct choice and timely use of available medications to achieve early and sustained remission with as few side effects as possible remain challenges for the treating physician. In this review, a practical, clinically oriented guide to the management of JIA is provided, focusing on pharmacological treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, intra-articular and systemic corticosteroids, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, and biologic agents. In addition, issues regarding treatment failure, early aggressive treatment, and drug tapering are discussed, with alternative treatment options being suggested.

Treatment prescribing patterns in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA): Analysis from the UK Childhood Arthritis Prospective Study (CAPS)

OBJECTIVE

Initial treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is largely based on the extent of joint involvement, disease severity and ILAR category. The licensing of biologic therapies for JIA has expanded treatment options. The aims of the study are (1) to describe treatment prescribing patterns in JIA over the first 3 years following first presentation to paediatric rheumatology and (2) to determine whether patterns of treatment have changed as biologics have become more widely available.

METHODS

Children with at least 3 years of follow-up within the Childhood Arthritis Prospective Study (CAPS) were included. For analysis, children were placed into one of five groups according to their initial presentation to paediatric rheumatology: oligoarthritis (oJIA), polyarthritis (pJIA), systemic (sJIA), enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Treatment patterns over 3 years were described.

RESULTS

Of 1051 children, 58% received synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (sDMARD) and 20% received biologics over the 3 years. Use of sDMARDs and biologics was higher in more severe disease presentations (sJIA and pJIA); however, 35% and 10% who presented with oJIA were also treated with sDMARDs and biologics, respectively. The number of children receiving sDMARD after 2006 was higher (p = 0.02); however, there was no difference in biologic prescribing before and after 2006 (p = 0.4).

CONCLUSIONS

A high proportion of children presenting with JIA received sDMARDs plus/minus biologics during 3 years of follow-up. This was most common for patients with severe JIA but was also prescribed for patients with oligoarticular disease, despite the lack of evidence for effectiveness in this category.

Evidence for Tocilizumab as a Treatment Option in Refractory Uveitis Associated with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Objective.

To report on experience using the anti-interleukin 6 receptor antibody tocilizumab (TCZ) to treat severe and therapy-refractory uveitis associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Methods.

Retrospective data were gathered from patients with JIA receiving TCZ treatment for uveitis. JIA and related uveitis data (disease onset, activity, structural complications, and topical and systemic antiinflammatory treatment) were evaluated at the start of TCZ (baseline) and every 3 months during TCZ therapy.

Results.

A total of 17 patients (14 women) with active uveitis were included (mean age 15.3 ± 6.9 yrs, mean followup time 8.5 mos). In all patients, uveitis had been refractory to previous topical and systemic corticosteroids, methotrexate (MTX), and other synthetic and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, including ≥ 1 tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inhibitor. Uveitis inactivity was achieved in 10 patients after a mean of 5.7 months of TCZ treatment (in 3 of them, it recurred during followup) and persisted in the remaining 7 patients. By using TCZ, systemic corticosteroids or immunosuppressives could be spared in 7 patients. Macular edema was present in 5 patients at baseline and improved in all of them under TCZ treatment. Arthritis was active in 11 patients at the initial and in 6 at the final followup visit.

Conclusion.

TCZ appears to represent a therapeutic option for severe JIA-associated uveitis that has been refractory to MTX and TNF-α inhibitors in selected patients. The present data indicate that inflammatory macular edema responds well to TCZ in patients with JIA-associated uveitis.

[Intra-articular injection of cortisone]

Intra-articular injections with glucocorticoids are standard procedures according to therapy guidelines in many rheumatic conditions. There is increasing evidence from clinical trials on the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis that more patients will attain the target of remission using a combination of systemic medication and intra-articular injections with glucocorticoids compared to systemic medication alone. Intra-articular injections with glucocorticoids play an important role in the therapeutic management of pediatric rheumatic diseases. In many countries competency in performing intra-articular injections is among the important skills necessary for certification as a specialist in rheumatology.

Methotrexate efficacy, but not its intolerance, is associated with the dose and route of administration

BACKGROUND

There is a lack of published evidence on the importance of methotrexate (MTX) dose and route of administration on both its efficacy and adverse events in children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). We aimed to document our clinical practice based on the treat-to-target approach in order to support the concept that better therapeutic effect achieved with an optimal dose of parenteral MTX is associated with clinically acceptable adverse effects comparable to those reported for oral treatment.

METHODS

Study inclusion criteria were indication of new MTX therapy for active arthritis in confirmed JIA patients younger than 18 years. Eligible patients were evaluated prospectively every 3 months for 1 year using standardized instruments for treatment response (American College of Rheumatology Pediatric (ACRPedi) response, Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score (JADAS) 71, Clinically Inactive Disease (CID)) and adverse events (laboratory monitoring, Methotrexate Intolerance Severity Score (MISS)). MTX responders had to achieve at least ACRPedi 70 response. MTX intolerance was defined by MISS ≥ 6.

RESULTS

In 45/55 patients (81.8 %) MTX was started as subcutaneous injection. The initial median weekly dose was 14.4 mg/m(2) in parenteral and 11.7 mg/m(2) in oral administration. MTX therapy was effective in the level of ACRpedi70 and CID in 50.9 % and 30.9 % of patients at month 6 and in 70.9 % and 56.4 % after 12 months of the treatment, respectively. MTX intolerance at 6 and 12 months was noted in 25.5 % and 30.6 %, respectively. Management of intolerance included change in the dose and/or route of administration, education and councelling. Adverse events led to MTX withdrawal in 5 patients (9 %) due to toxicity (n = 3) and intolerance (n = 2). We did not find any significant predictive factors for either MTX therapeutic response or intolerance.

CONCLUSION

Subcutaneous MTX weekly dose around 15 mg/m(2) is associated not only with a high response rate within the first 12 months of treatment, but also with a relatively low rate of significant adverse effects that would lead to the treatment termination. It allows early recognition of MTX non-responders and addition of biologic therapy. Sustainability of therapeutic effect and longer-term evolution of adverse events will be addressed by an ongoing extension of the study.

Impact of Antiinflammatory Treatment on the Onset of Uveitis in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Longitudinal Analysis From a Nationwide Pediatric Rheumatology Database

Objective

Based on a nationwide database, this study analyzed the influence of methotrexate (MTX), tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, and a combination of the 2 medications on uveitis occurrence in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients.

Methods

Data from the National Paediatric Rheumatological Database in Germany were used in this study. Between 2002 and 2013, data from JIA patients were annually documented at the participating pediatric rheumatologic sites. Patients with a JIA disease duration of <12 months at initial documentation and ≥2 years of followup were included in this study. The impact of antiinflammatory treatment on the occurrence of uveitis was evaluated by discrete‐time survival analysis.

Results

A total of 3,512 JIA patients (mean ± SD age 8.3 ± 4.8 years, 65.7% female, 53.2% antinuclear antibody positive, and mean ± SD age at arthritis onset 7.8 ± 4.8 years) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Mean ± SD total followup time was 3.6 ± 2.4 years. Uveitis developed in a total of 180 patients (5.1%) within 1 year after arthritis onset. Uveitis onset after the first year was observed in another 251 patients (7.1%). Disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) treatment in the year before uveitis onset significantly reduced the risk for uveitis as follows: MTX: hazard ratio (HR) 0.63, P = 0.022; TNF inhibitors: HR 0.56, P < 0.001; and a combination of the 2 medications: HR 0.10, P < 0.001. Patients treated with MTX within the first year of JIA had an even a lower uveitis risk (HR 0.29, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The use of DMARDs in JIA patients significantly reduced the risk for uveitis onset. Early MTX use within the first year of disease and the combination of MTX with a TNF inhibitor had the highest protective effect.