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Doumen M, Bertrand D, Pazmino S, De Cock D, Stouten V, Joly J, de Wergifosse I, Moeyersoons A, Westhovens R, Verschueren P. Validation and predictive capacity of a Dutch version of the FLARE-RA questionnaire within the context of a TNFi-tapering trial. Clin Rheumatol 2023; 42:39-45. [PMID: 35943667 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-022-06320-x] [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: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Flare Assessment in Rheumatoid Arthritis (FLARE-RA) is a self-administered tool aiming to capture current or recent flares in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We aimed to externally validate the FLARE-RA instrument and its existing cutoffs for flare detection within a bDMARD-tapering context in established RA. Data were analyzed from the Tapering Etanercept in Rheumatoid Arthritis (TapERA) trial, which studied the feasibility of tapering etanercept in patients with established RA in sustained remission. The English FLARE-RA was translated and cross-culturally adapted into Dutch, and internal consistency and test-retest reliability were evaluated with Crohnbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Participants completed the FLARE-RA 3-monthly for 12 months. Accuracy and optimal cutoffs of FLARE-RA to detect DAS28-defined flares were assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC). Association of FLARE-RA scores with current and future flares was studied using logistic generalized estimating equations (GEE). The Dutch FLARE-RA showed excellent internal consistency and test-retest reliability (Cronbach's alpha 0.96; ICC 0.96 [95% CI 0.70-1.00]). Discriminatory capacity of FLARE-RA to detect flares was acceptable (AUC 0.77, 0.80, and 0.72 for global, arthritis, and general symptoms subscales, respectively), with an optimal global score cutoff of 4/10. In GEE-models, higher FLARE-RA scores were associated with increased odds of both current and future flares. We successfully translated and cross-culturally adapted the FLARE-RA into a Dutch version and validated its capacity to detect flares in a bDMARD-tapering context in established RA. Finally, higher FLARE-RA scores might indicate an increased risk of future flares.Trial registration: EU Clinical Trials Register, https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/trial/2012-004631-22/BE , EudraCT number 2012-004,631-22. Key Points • Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the FLARE-RA resulted in a Dutch version with excellent internal consistency and test-retest reliability. • The FLARE-RA is a valid instrument to detect current OMERACT-defined flares within a bDMARD tapering setting, with an optimal global score cutoff of 4/10. • Higher scores on the FLARE-RA are associated with increased risk of future flares, which could be particularly relevant when considering DMARD tapering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaël Doumen
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Centre, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
- KU Leuven University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Delphine Bertrand
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Centre, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sofia Pazmino
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Centre, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Diederik De Cock
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Centre, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Biostatistics and Medical Informatics Research Group, Department of Public Health, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Veerle Stouten
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Centre, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Johan Joly
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Centre, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | - René Westhovens
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Centre, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patrick Verschueren
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Centre, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Flares correspond to fluctuations in disease activity or symptoms. They should be avoided in chronic inflammatory diseases. In axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), work is ongoing to better conceptualise and treat flares. This review highlights recent data on the definition and management of flares in axSpA. RECENT FINDINGS Many definitions of flares have been used in clinical trials, limiting the interpretation and comparison of studies. The expert group Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS) developed a data-driven definition of flares/disease worsening: an increase in Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score-C-reactive protein (ASDAS-CRP) of at least 0.9 points, for use in axSpA clinical trials. Flares are more challenging to define in clinical practice because of their multifaceted nature. Qualitative studies have shown that flares from the patient's perspective are related not only to disease activity, but also to fatigue, mood, sleep and general well-being. The management of axSpA relies on a treat-to-target (T2T) strategy and aims at reaching clinical remission while monitoring closely disease activity to prevent and shorten flares. SUMMARY The concept of flares has been clarified, and definitions have been developed for use in trials. The T2T approach aims at minimising flares in axSpA. The early recognition of flares and their severity may lead to better management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystel Aouad
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Paris, France
- Saint George Hospital University Medical Center, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Laure Gossec
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Paris, France
- Pitié-Salpêtrière hospital, AP-HP, Rheumatology Department, Paris, France
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Bozzalla-Cassione E, Grignaschi S, Xoxi B, Luvaro T, Greco MI, Mazzucchelli I, Bugatti S, Montecucco C, Manzo A. Insights Into the Concept of Rheumatoid Arthritis Flare. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:852220. [PMID: 35372374 PMCID: PMC8968115 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.852220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Identification of a pathological change in the course of systemic chronic immune-inflammatory diseases is key to delivering effective treatment strategies. In this context, one of the most compelling issues is the concept of flare. The multifaceted expression of disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) makes it challenging to provide an omni-comprehensive definition of flare, encompassing the pathology's different objective and subjective domains. Our incomplete understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this process contributes to the partial comprehension of its potential clinical expression. This review focuses on the proposed pathophysiological processes underlying disease recrudescence in RA and the variable definitions adopted to capture flare in clinical practice through its objective, subjective, and temporal domains. Overall, what emerges is a complex landscape far from being unraveled.
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