Facing the challenges of running a rheumatology-based ultrasound service in the COVID-19 era

Predicting Flare in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis in Biologic Induced Remission, on Tapering, and on Stable Therapy

OBJECTIVE

The tapering of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (b-DMARD) therapy for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in stable remission is frequently undertaken, but specific guidance on how to successfully taper is lacking. The objective of this study is to identify predictors of flare in patients in stable b-DMARD-induced clinical remission, who did or did not follow structured b-DMARD tapering.

METHODS

Patients with RA receiving b-DMARD treatment who had achieved sustained remission according to a Disease Activity Score in 28 joints using the C-reactive protein level (DAS28-CRP) <2.6 for ≥6 months were offered tapering. Clinical, ultrasound (US) (total power Doppler [PD]/grayscale abnormalities), CD4+ T cell subsets, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were collected at inclusion. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of flare (loss of DAS28-CRP remission) over 12 months. Logistic regression analyses identified predictors of flare. Dichotomization into high/low-risk groups was based on 80% specificity using the area under the receiving operator curve (AUROC).

RESULTS

Of 63 patients choosing tapering, 23 (37%) flared compared with 12 of 60 (20%) on stable treatment (P = 0.043). All patients who flared regained remission upon reinstating treatment. In the tapering group, flare was associated with lower regulatory T cell (Treg) (P < 0.0001) and higher CRP levels (P < 0.0001), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P < 0.035), and inflammation-related cells (IRCs) (P = 0.054); stepwise modeling selected Tregs (odds ratio [OR] = 0.350, P = 0.004), IRCs (OR = 1.871, P = 0.007), and CRP level (OR = 1.577, P = 0.004) with 81.7% accuracy and AUROC = 0.890. In the continued therapy group, modeling retained the tender joint count, total PD, and visual analog scale pain score, with 82.1% accuracy and AUROC = 0.899. Most patients in the study were considered low risk of flare (80 of 123 patients [65%]). Only 5 of 37 (13.5%) of the low-risk patients who tapered flared, which was notable compared with the continued therapy group (20% flare).

CONCLUSION

Flare on tapering b-DMARDs was predicted by lower Tregs and elevated inflammation biomarkers (IRCs/CRP level); flare on continued b-DMARDs was associated with raised pain parameters and US inflammation. Knowledge of these biomarkers should improve outcomes by targeted selection for tapering, and by increased monitoring of those on continued therapy predicted to flare.

Dissemination of a Pediatric Musculoskeletal POCUS Scoring System via Virtual Education: A Proof-of-Concept Study

Point of care pediatric musculoskeletal POCUS scanning and scoring protocols for childhood arthritis have emerged in recent years. However, pediatric musculoskeletal POCUS curricula in rheumatology fellowship programs are limited due to availability of trained faculty and resources. This proof-of-concept study investigated the effectiveness of educational methods for a pediatric musculoskeletal POCUS scoring protocol among fellows and physicians of differing subspecialties. Educational methods assessed included recorded videos and virtual review sessions. Effectiveness was assessed by calculating interrater reliability for the musculoskeletal POCUS scoring systems using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Following training sessions, participants then underwent scoring exercise(s) until the goal of an excellent ICC ≥ 0.75 was reached. Four participants completed two rounds of virtual education, review, and scoring sessions. Excellent interrater reliability was achieved for most views. This proof-of-concept study demonstrated virtual education covering advanced concepts of pediatric musculoskeletal POCUS provides a knowledge base for physicians from different subspecialties and various experience.

Imaging of Joint and Soft Tissue Involvement in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To highlight the potential uses and applications of imaging in the assessment of the most common and relevant musculoskeletal (MSK) manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

RECENT FINDINGS

Ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are accurate and sensitive in the assessment of inflammation and structural damage at the joint and soft tissue structures in patients with SLE. The US is particularly helpful for the detection of joint and/or tendon inflammation in patients with arthralgia but without clinical synovitis, and for the early identification of bone erosions. MRI plays a key role in the early diagnosis of osteonecrosis and in the assessment of muscle involvement (i.e., myositis and myopathy). Conventional radiography (CR) remains the traditional gold standard for the evaluation of structural damage in patients with joint involvement, and for the study of bone pathology. The diagnostic value of CR is affected by the poor sensitivity in demonstrating early structural changes at joint and soft tissue level. Computed tomography allows a detailed evaluation of bone damage. However, the inability to distinguish different soft tissues and the need for ionizing radiation limit its use to selected clinical circumstances. Nuclear imaging techniques are valuable resources in patients with suspected bone infection (i.e., osteomyelitis), especially when MRI is contraindicated. Finally, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry represents the imaging mainstay for the assessment and monitoring of bone status in patients with or at-risk of osteoporosis. Imaging provides relevant and valuable information in the assessment of MSK involvement in SLE.

Utilisation of musculoskeletal ultrasonography for the evaluation of septic arthritis in a patient presenting to the emergency department with fever during the era of COVID-19

Prompt recognition and treatment of septic arthritis are crucial to prevent significant morbidity and mortality in affected patients. During the current COVID-19 pandemic, anchoring bias may make an already challenging diagnosis like septic arthritis more difficult to diagnose quickly and efficiently. Musculoskeletal (MSK) point of care ultrasonography (POCUS) is an imaging modality that can be used to quickly and efficiently obtain objective findings that may help a clinician establish the diagnosis of septic arthritis. We report a case where MSK POCUS was a key element in establishing the diagnosis of glenohumeral joint septic arthritis and subdeltoid septic bursitis for a patient that presented to the emergency department with a fever during the era of the COVID-19 pandemic.