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Mashayekhi M, Khalaji A, Malek Mahdavi A, Khabbazi A. Outcomes of undifferentiated peripheral inflammatory arthritis in real-world practice. A longitudinal cohort study. Clin Rheumatol 2023; 42:3143-3152. [PMID: 37407905 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-023-06678-6] [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: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Undifferentiated peripheral inflammatory arthritis (UPIA) may have 3 different courses, including evolution to differentiated arthritis, remaining undifferentiated, and self-limited course. The purpose of this study was to provide a real-world evidence for predictors of outcomes in UPIA in a longitudinal cohort of patients. METHODS Patients enrolled in the CTDRC-UA cohort were screened for eligibility. Inclusion criteria were: (i) having synovitis in ≥ 1 joint, (ii) not meeting the criteria of any other rheumatic disease, (iii) having at least 2 visits per year, iv) included in the cohort during the period of 2004 to 2021, and (v) having active disease at cohort entry. Two hundred and three patients who met the inclusion criteria were followed up until January 2023. RESULTS Medication-free remissions occurred in 42 (20.7%) cases. In 24 (11.8%) cases, the disease met the criteria of other rheumatic diseases, of which rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was the most common. In addition, joint damage occurred in 33 (16.3%) cases. Predictors of medication-free remissions were absence of comorbidity, starting a sustained remission at ≤ 6 months, and having no flare. Factors associated with disease evolution to RA were anti-citrullinated peptide antibody (ACPA) positivity, non-adherence to therapy, not going into sustained remission and having flare. Delay in treatment for > 3 months and being ACPA positive were the predictors of joint damage. CONCLUSION Although the majority of UIPA cases treated with step-up combination therapy with DMARDs do not progress to RA, most require continued treatment and a few achieve medication-free remissions. Key Points • Undifferentiated peripheral inflammatory arthritis (UPIA) can progress to rheumatoid arthritis in 11% of cases; and lack of sustained remission, being anti-citrullinated peptide antibody positive, non-adherence to therapy, and having flare are its predictors. • Medication-free remissions occur in 21% of patients with UPIA; and absence of comorbidity, starting a sustained remission at ≤ 6 months, and having no flare are its predictors. • Initiating treatment in the window of opportunity may lead to a better joint outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Mashayekhi
- Connective Tissue Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Golgasht St., P.O Box 5166614756, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amirreza Khalaji
- Connective Tissue Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Golgasht St., P.O Box 5166614756, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Aida Malek Mahdavi
- Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Rahat Breathe and Sleep Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Alireza Khabbazi
- Connective Tissue Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Golgasht St., P.O Box 5166614756, Tabriz, Iran.
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Mankia K, Siddle HJ, Kerschbaumer A, Alpizar Rodriguez D, Catrina AI, Cañete JD, Cope AP, Daien CI, Deane KD, El Gabalawy H, Finckh A, Holers VM, Koloumas M, Ometto F, Raza K, Zabalan C, van der Helm-van Mil A, van Schaardenburg D, Aletaha D, Emery P. EULAR points to consider for conducting clinical trials and observational studies in individuals at risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2021; 80:1286-1298. [PMID: 34362746 PMCID: PMC8458095 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-220884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite growing interest, there is no guidance or consensus on how to conduct clinical trials and observational studies in populations at risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS An European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) task force formulated four research questions to be addressed by systematic literature review (SLR). The SLR results informed consensus statements. One overarching principle, 10 points to consider (PTC) and a research agenda were proposed. Task force members rated their level of agreement (1-10) for each PTC. RESULTS Epidemiological and demographic characteristics should be measured in all clinical trials and studies in at-risk individuals. Different at-risk populations, identified according to clinical presentation, were defined: asymptomatic, musculoskeletal symptoms without arthritis and early clinical arthritis. Study end-points should include the development of subclinical inflammation on imaging, clinical arthritis, RA and subsequent achievement of arthritis remission. Risk factors should be assessed at baseline and re-evaluated where appropriate; they include genetic markers and autoantibody profiling and additionally clinical symptoms and subclinical inflammation on imaging in those with symptoms and/or clinical arthritis. Trials should address the effect of the intervention on risk factors, as well as progression to clinical arthritis or RA. In patients with early clinical arthritis, pharmacological intervention has the potential to prevent RA development. Participants' knowledge of their RA risk may inform their decision to participate; information should be provided using an individually tailored approach. CONCLUSION These consensus statements provide data-driven guidance for rheumatologists, health professionals and investigators conducting clinical trials and observational studies in individuals at risk of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kulveer Mankia
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds, UK
| | - Heidi J Siddle
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds, UK
| | - Andreas Kerschbaumer
- Department of Medicine III, Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Juan D Cañete
- Department of Rheumatology, Arthritis Unit, Hospital Clinic and IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrew P Cope
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Centre for Rheumatic Diseases, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Claire Immediato Daien
- Department of Rheumatology, CHU de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, PhyMedExp, INSERM, CNRS UMR, Montpellier, France
| | - Kevin D Deane
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Hani El Gabalawy
- Department of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Axel Finckh
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - V Michael Holers
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Francesca Ometto
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Karim Raza
- Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research and Research into Inflammatory Arthritis, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Department of Rheumatology, Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Annette van der Helm-van Mil
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dirkjan van Schaardenburg
- Department of Rheumatology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Rheumatology, Reade, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel Aletaha
- Department of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Paul Emery
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Leeds, UK
- NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
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Maassen JM, van Ouwerkerk L, Allaart CF. Tapering of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs: an overview for daily practice. THE LANCET. RHEUMATOLOGY 2021; 3:e659-e670. [PMID: 38287612 DOI: 10.1016/s2665-9913(21)00224-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
In this Review, we discuss the possibility of drug tapering in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in remission or low disease activity, for glucocorticoids and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. We review international guidelines and recommendations, as well as remaining uncertainties, and provide an overview of the current literature. Three strategies of tapering are discussed: (1) tapering by discontinuation of one of the drugs in combination therapy regimens, (2) tapering by reducing the dose of one of the drugs in combination therapy regimens, and (3) tapering by dose reduction of monotherapy with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. We discuss the outcomes and robustness of evidence of trials and observational cohorts, and we give a trajectory for further research and drug tapering in daily practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lotte van Ouwerkerk
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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Bergstra SA, Van Der Pol JA, Riyazi N, Goekoop-Ruiterman YPM, Kerstens PJSM, Lems W, Huizinga TWJ, Allaart CF. Earlier is better when treating rheumatoid arthritis: but can we detect a window of opportunity? RMD Open 2021; 6:rmdopen-2020-001242. [PMID: 32471854 PMCID: PMC7299505 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2020-001242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The window of opportunity (WOO) hypothesis suggests a limited time frame to stop rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We hypothesised that a WOO could either be represented by a hyperbolic (‘curved’) decline in the chance to achieve the outcome sustained drug-free remission (sDFR) over time, after which achieving sDFR is not possible anymore, or by a more gradual linear decline approaching zero chance to achieve sDFR. Methods Patients with RA (symptom duration <2 years) were included from two randomised trials: BehandelStrategieën (BeSt), n=508 and Induction therapy with Methotrexate and Prednisone in Rheumatoid Or Very Early arthritic Disease (IMPROVED), n=479. Cox-regression was performed to assess the shape of the association between symptom duration and sDFR (Disease Activity Score<1.6, no disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs for ≥1 year) for patients starting slow-acting monotherapy (IMPROVED, BeSt) or fast-acting combination therapy (BeSt). Likelihood ratio tests were used to compare the fit of linear and non-linear models in both databases separately. Predictions from the best fitting models were used to assess whether the absolute risk to achieve sDFR approaches zero with increasing symptom duration. Results In BeSt and IMPROVED, 54/226 and 110/421 patients achieved sDFR with fast-acting treatment, and 53/243 (BeSt) with slow-acting treatment. Non-linear models did not fit better than linear models (fast-acting treatment BeSt p=0.743, IMPROVED p=0.337; slow-acting treatment BeSt p=0.609). After slow-acting monotherapy, linear models declined steeper. None of the models approached zero chance to achieve sDFR over time. Conclusions The chance to achieve sDFR decreased gradually over time, and decreased fastest in patients starting slow-acting monotherapy. In both treatment groups, we found no evidence for a WOO within 2 years symptom duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sytske Anne Bergstra
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Joy A Van Der Pol
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Naghmeh Riyazi
- Department of Rheumatology, HAGA Hospital, The Hague, Netherlands
| | | | - Pit J S M Kerstens
- Rheumatology, Amsterdam Rheumatology & Immunology Center
- Reade, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Willem Lems
- Department of Rheumatology, VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Tom W J Huizinga
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Cornelia F Allaart
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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5
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Einarsson JT, Willim M, Ernestam S, Saxne T, Geborek P, Kapetanovic MC. Prevalence of sustained remission in rheumatoid arthritis: impact of criteria sets and disease duration, a Nationwide Study in Sweden. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2019. [PMID: 29538755 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/key054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The aims of this national study in Sweden of patients with RA were to: examine the prevalence of sustained remission (SR), that is, remission lasting for at least 6 months; compare the prevalence of SR in patients with early RA and established RA; study the timing of onset of and time spent in SR; and study possible predictors of SR. Methods Adult patients with RA included in the Swedish Rheumatology Quality registry were studied. The registry was searched for patients fulfilling remission criteria: DAS28-ESR, Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI), Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) and ACR/EULAR remission for at least 6 months. Early RA was defined as symptom duration ⩽6 months at inclusion in the Swedish Rheumatology Quality. Results Of 29 084 patients, 12 193 (41.9%) reached DAS28 SR at some time point during follow-up compared with 6445 (22.2%), 6199 (21.3%) and 5087 (17.5%) for CDAI, SDAI and ACR/EULAR SR, respectively. SR was more common in early RA (P < 0.001). The median time from symptom onset to SR was 1.9, 2.4, 2.4 and 2.5 years according to DAS28, CDAI, SDAI and ACR/EULAR criteria, respectively. Lower age, male sex and milder disease characteristics were associated with SR. Conclusion The majority of patients in this nationwide study never reached SR. Patients with early RA are more likely to reach SR than patients with established RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon T Einarsson
- Lund University, Department of Clinical Sciences, Section of Rheumatology, Lund, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Minna Willim
- Lund University, Department of Clinical Sciences, Section of Rheumatology, Lund, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sofia Ernestam
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Centre of Rheumatology, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tore Saxne
- Lund University, Department of Clinical Sciences, Section of Rheumatology, Lund, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Pierre Geborek
- Lund University, Department of Clinical Sciences, Section of Rheumatology, Lund, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Meliha C Kapetanovic
- Lund University, Department of Clinical Sciences, Section of Rheumatology, Lund, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
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Yilmaz-Oner S, Gazel U, Can M, Atagunduz P, Direskeneli H, Inanc N. Predictors and the optimal duration of sustained remission in rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Rheumatol 2019; 38:3033-3039. [PMID: 31270696 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-019-04654-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine predictors and optimal duration of sustained remission (SR) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS A total of 428 consecutive patients with RA visiting our clinic routinely between 2012 and 2013 were evaluated. Seventy seven of these patients in DAS28 remission were enrolled and followed up for 62.2 ± 9.9 months. Patients in remission ≥ 6 months (SR) and shorter (non: N-SR) were compared in terms of demographic-clinical data and the psychosocial factors. At enrollment, 1st and 5th years, patients in DAS28, SDAI, and Boolean remission were determined. RESULTS Sixty three patients were in SR and 14 in N-SR. Lower baseline DAS28 and HAQ scores, anti-CCP were positive predictors of SR. Although the presence of anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia, and fatigue were lower in the SR group, there was no significance. Patients in DAS28 remission (100%) at baseline reduced to 64% at 1st and 42.6% at 5th years. Patients satisfying SDAI and Boolean remission at these three visits were 49%, 44%, and 32.4% vs 41%, 28%, and 20.6%, respectively. If the duration of remission is defined as 6 months, the remission rates of SDAI at inclusion and fifth years' visits were similar but Boolean remission rates differed significantly and if it is accepted as ≥ 12 months, both the SDAI and Boolean remission rates were not different. CONCLUSION Low DAS28 and HAQ scores at baseline, anti-CCP were positive predictors of SR. Instead of 6 months, remission duration for ≥ 12 months would probably help us to predict SR independently from the chosen criteria; Boolean or SDAI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibel Yilmaz-Oner
- Medical Faculty, Department of Rheumatology, Marmara University, Pendik, 34890, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Ummugulsum Gazel
- Medical Faculty, Department of Rheumatology, Marmara University, Pendik, 34890, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Meryem Can
- Medical Faculty, Department of Rheumatology, Marmara University, Pendik, 34890, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Pamir Atagunduz
- Medical Faculty, Department of Rheumatology, Marmara University, Pendik, 34890, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Haner Direskeneli
- Medical Faculty, Department of Rheumatology, Marmara University, Pendik, 34890, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nevsun Inanc
- Medical Faculty, Department of Rheumatology, Marmara University, Pendik, 34890, Istanbul, Turkey
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Amirdelfan K, Gliner BE, Kapural L, Sitzman BT, Vallejo R, Yu C, Caraway D, Rotte A, Province-Azalde R, Krames E. A proposed definition of remission from chronic pain, based on retrospective evaluation of 24-month outcomes with spinal cord stimulation. Postgrad Med 2019; 131:278-286. [PMID: 30901266 DOI: 10.1080/00325481.2019.1592401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Objective: In the treatment of chronic diseases, remission is commonly used as a meaningful treatment goal, synonymous with the absence of significant clinical signs and symptoms of a disease, but not representing a cure. The objective of this paper is to propose a definition for remission for use as an outcome to evaluate the long-term efficacy of therapies for chronic pain. Methods: Data from a randomized clinical trial (NCT01609972) testing the efficacy of spinal cord stimulation in low back and leg pain subjects was used to evaluate the association between pain and functional outcomes and identify the cut-off value to predict remission. Available data over 24-month assessment period included visual analog score (VAS), disability (Oswestry Disability Index [ODI]), patient and clinician global impression of change (PGIC and CGIC), and patient satisfaction. Cluster analysis, Pearson's correlation coefficients, sensitivity, and specificity analyses were used to evaluate its utility in predicting higher patient functionality and satisfaction. Results: Though the term remission has been used in the chronic pain field, a consistent definition has not been previously established. Based on the analysis of the clinical data, we propose that a sustained (≥6 months) pain score of ≤3.0 cm out of 10 cm on VAS be defined as remission. Applying this definition to the clinical trial data: subjects in remission at 24 months versus non-remitters were significantly more likely to be in the highest functional category of minimally disabled according to the ODI (31.5 vs. 8.2%, respectively, p = 0.001), and be 'very satisfied' (75.7 vs 22.6%, respectively, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The validity of the proposed definition of remission is supported by the persistence of remission in this study group, and its correspondence with patient satisfaction, and reduced disability. Further evaluation of the definition using clinical data from other long-term studies is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasra Amirdelfan
- a Department of Research , IPM Medical Group, Inc , Walnut Creek , CA , USA
| | - Bradford E Gliner
- b Clinical and Regulatory Affairs , Nevro Corp ., Redwood City , CA , USA
| | - Leonardo Kapural
- c Wake Forest Baptist Health , Center for Clinical Research and Carolinas Pain Institute at Brookstown , Winston-Salem , NC , USA
| | | | - Ricardo Vallejo
- e Department of Research , Millennium Pain Center , Bloomington , IL , USA
| | - Cong Yu
- f Department of Research , Swedish Pain Center , Seattle , WA , USA
| | - David Caraway
- g Medical Affairs , Nevro Corp ., Redwood City , CA , USA
| | - Anand Rotte
- b Clinical and Regulatory Affairs , Nevro Corp ., Redwood City , CA , USA
| | | | - Elliot Krames
- h Department of Research , Medical Consulting in Pain and Neuromodulation , San Francisco , CA , USA
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Bugatti S, Manzo A, Montecucco C, Caporali R. The Clinical Value of Autoantibodies in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2018; 5:339. [PMID: 30560132 PMCID: PMC6287017 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2018.00339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a highly heterogeneous syndrome in terms of clinical presentation, progression, and response to therapy. In such a complicated context, the identification of disease-related biomarkers would be undoubtedly helpful in assisting tailored approaches for every patient. Despite remarkable efforts, however, progress in new biomarker development and validation is dramatically slow. At present, none of the candidate genetic, cellular, or molecular biomarker has yet surpassed the clinical value of RA-specific autoantibodies, including rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated protein autoantibodies (ACPA). Rather, recent years have witnessed significant advancements in our understanding of the multiple roles that RF and ACPA play in RA pathophysiology. This has helped clarifying the mechanistic basis of the clinical associations of autoantibodies in RA. In this short review, we will briefly summarize the effector functions of RF and ACPA, and analyse how autoantibodies may help subclassifying RA patients in terms of clinical presentation and response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Bugatti
- Division of Rheumatology and Early Arthritis Clinic, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Antonio Manzo
- Division of Rheumatology and Early Arthritis Clinic, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Carlomaurizio Montecucco
- Division of Rheumatology and Early Arthritis Clinic, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Roberto Caporali
- Division of Rheumatology and Early Arthritis Clinic, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Akdemir G, Heimans L, Bergstra SA, Goekoop RJ, van Oosterhout M, van Groenendael JHLM, Peeters AJ, Steup-Beekman GM, Lard LR, de Sonnaville PBJ, Grillet BAM, Huizinga TWJ, Allaart CF. Clinical and radiological outcomes of 5-year drug-free remission-steered treatment in patients with early arthritis: IMPROVED study. Ann Rheum Dis 2017; 77:111-118. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2017-211375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Revised: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
ObjectivesTo determine the 5-year outcomes of early remission induction therapy followed by targeted treatment aimed at drug-free remission (DFR) in patients with early arthritis.MethodsIn 12 hospitals, 610 patients with early (<2 years) rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or undifferentiated arthritis (UA) started on methotrexate (MTX) 25 mg/week and prednisone (60 mg/day tapered to 7.5 mg/day). Patients not in early remission (Disease Activity Score <1.6 after 4 months) were randomised (single blind) to arm 1, adding hydroxychloroquine 400 mg/day and sulfasalazine 2000 mg/day, or arm 2, switching to MTX plus adalimumab 40 mg/2 weeks. Treatment adjustments over time aimed at DFR. Outcomes were remission percentages, functional ability, toxicity and radiological damage progression after 5 years.ResultsAfter 4 months, 387 patients were in early remission, 83 were randomised to arm 1 and 78 to arm 2. After 5 years, 295/610 (48%) patients were in remission, 26% in sustained DFR (SDFR) (≥1 year) (220/387 (57%) remission and 135/387 (35%) SDFR in the early remission group, 50% remission, 11% SDFR in the randomisation arms without differences between the arms). More patients with UA (37% vs 23% RA, p=0.001) and more anticitrullinated protein antibody (ACPA)-negative patients (37% vs 18% ACPA-positive, p<0.001) achieved SDFR.Overall, mean Health Assessment Questionnaire was 0.6 (0.5), and median (IQR) damage progression was 0.5 (0–2.7) Sharp/van der Heijde points, with only five patients showing progression >25 points in 5 years.ConclusionsFive years of DFR-steered treatment in patients with early RA resulted in almost normal functional ability without clinically relevant joint damage across treatment groups. Patients who achieved early remission had the best clinical outcomes. There were no differences between the randomisation arms. SDFR is a realistic treatment goal.
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Ajeganova S, Huizinga T. Sustained remission in rheumatoid arthritis: latest evidence and clinical considerations. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis 2017; 9:249-262. [PMID: 28974987 PMCID: PMC5613855 DOI: 10.1177/1759720x17720366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Sustained remission is an ultimate treatment goal in the management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Historically the frequency of sustained remission was low but the frequency of achieved sustained remission is increasing over time. The last years’ clinical studies of tight control targeted treatment and intervention trials of early use of intensive strategy suggest that these treatment strategies are associated with higher rates of sustained remission. Achievement of sustained remission, in particular but not limited to early sustained remission, can provide tapering and stopping disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). With new treatment strategies drug-free sustained remission is becoming an achievable goal. Sustained remission is associated with improved outcomes in regard to function, patient-reported outcomes and survival. Drug-free sustained remission is characterized by normalized function ability and survival. Sustained remission and, in particular, drug-free sustained remission offer hope that early identification of patients with arthritis, early improved novel treatments and treatment with target to achieve remission may potentially transform the progressive course of RA disease and disrupt RA chronicity. In this review we summarize the recent evidence on sustained remission in patients with RA, treatment strategies to achieve sustained remission, management of patients in sustained remission and significance of sustained remission from the patient perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Ajeganova
- Leids Universitair Medisch Centrum, Albinusdreef 2, Leiden, 2300 RC, The Netherlands
| | - Tom Huizinga
- Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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