The treatment journey for patients with axial spondyloarthritis in North Africa and the Middle East: From diagnosis to management

Patient perspectives on rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases: insights from a large-scale survey

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES

Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMD) are prevalent among Arabic-speaking patients in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), yet their perspectives remain underexplored. This study examines patient experiences and perspectives.

METHOD

A cross-sectional survey was developed using pilot testing with clinimetric sensibility assessment to ensure clarity and relevance, and the Open-Source Metric for Measuring Arabic Narratives (OSMAN) to assess readability. The Checklist for Reporting Internet E-Surveys (CHERRIES) was used to enhance the quality of the survey. The survey was distributed via social media to Arabic-speaking patients with self-reported RMDs. Collected data included demographics, disease characteristics, medication use, treatment satisfaction factors, perceived causes, and patient concerns.

RESULTS

Of the 1050 responses received, 456 were complete and included in the analysis. Most respondents were female (81.4%) and between the ages of 25 and 44 (63.4%). The most frequently reported diseases were systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Nearly all (97.1%) used medications within the previous three months, primarily hydroxychloroquine, glucocorticoids, and biologics. Key factors influencing treatment satisfaction were pain relief, laboratory result discussions, sleep quality, and mood improvement. Patients perceived immune system abnormalities (76.5%), psychological factors (54.8%), and genetics (41.7%) as primary disease causes. Main concerns included fear of disease complications, adverse drug reactions, and being a burden to others. Rheumatologists and internet search engines were the primary sources of information for patients. Most avoided alternative medicine, while 33.3% used it.

CONCLUSION

This survey is the first and largest in the MENA region, providing valuable insights into patient perspectives on RMD. It highlights the need for holistic management, enhanced education, and supportive services to improve quality of life. Key Points • The most commonly perceived causes of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases among patients with RMD were immune system abnormalities, psychological factors, genetic/hereditary influences, and envy. • Patients' top concerns included fear of future complications, adverse drug reactions, becoming a burden to others, physical disability, and issues related to marriage and childbirth. • Key factors influencing treatment satisfaction included pain relief, discussions of laboratory results, sleep quality, and mood improvement. • Approximately one-third of patients had consulted practitioners of complementary and alternative medicine.

Consensus-Based Overarching Principles and Recommendations on the Use of Biosimilars in the Treatment of Inflammatory Arthritis in the Gulf Region

BACKGROUND

Though biologic agents have significantly improved the treatment of inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and axial spondyloarthritis), high costs, stringent regulations, strict reimbursement criteria, and existing patents have limited patient access to treatments. While being highly similar in quality, safety, and efficacy to biologic reference products, biosimilars can reduce the financial burden and prevent underutilization of medication.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this initiative was to develop an evidence-based consensus of overarching principles and recommendations aimed at standardizing the use of biosimilars in treating inflammatory arthritis in the Gulf region.

METHODS

A task force of practicing rheumatologists, a clinical pharmacist, a health economist, patients, regulators, and payors from across the Gulf region developed recommendations and overarching principles based on the outputs of a systematic literature review conducted to address Patient-Intervention-Comparison-Outcome (PICO) questions specific to key challenges regarding the use of biosimilars for the treatment of inflammatory arthritis in the region. As the data before 2017 have been previously reviewed in another publication, the current review focused on data published between January 2017 and August 2022 (PROSPERO ID CRD42022364002). Consensus on each statement required a level of agreement of 70% or greater.

RESULTS

Consensus was reached for five overarching principles and nine recommendations by the task force. The principles emphasize the importance of improving the awareness, understanding, and perception of biosimilars, as well as the need for regulated regional real-world data generation and protocols to make biosimilars a viable and affordable treatment option for all patients. The consensus recommendations advocate the need for shared treatment decisions between rheumatologists and patients when considering biosimilars. They further recommend that confirmation of a biosimilar's efficacy and safety in a single indication is sufficient for extrapolation to other diseases for which the reference product has been approved. Finally, there is a need for pharmacovigilance and national health policies governing the adoption and prescription of biosimilars in clinical practice across the region.

CONCLUSIONS

These are the first consensus recommendations for the Gulf region based on a systematic literature review and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, integrating clinical evidence with clinical expertise to optimize decision making for the use of biosimilars in patients with inflammatory arthritis. They were formulated based on predominantly international data because of the limited regional data and therefore can be generalized to serve as recommendations for healthcare professionals in other parts of the world.

The Impact of Spondyloarthritis on Health-Related Quality of Life and Healthcare Resource Utilization in Saudi Arabia: A Narrative Review and Directions for Future Research

Spondylarthritis (SpA) is an umbrella term that encompasses a wide range of rheumatological disorders. Several studies demonstrated that SpA is associated with increased healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and a lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This review aimed to summarize the current literature regarding the multidimensional impact of SpA on HRQoL and HCRU in Saudi Arabia and explore the correlation of the extent of severity of SpA with HRQoL and HCRU. Although the prevalence of SpA varies across different populations and is correlated with HLA-B27 prevalence, the magnitude of SpA in the Saudi population has not been extensively evaluated. Few studies have investigated the impact of SpA on HRQoL and HCRU in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. There is a need to study the cost-effectiveness of various SpA treatment strategies, including biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs), to prioritize healthcare spending in the Saudi healthcare system. Data on SpA in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East region are mainly based on expert views, with few population-based studies compared to other regions. Therefore, there is an imperative need to develop high-quality, national-level epidemiological studies that assess the following: (1) more accurate estimates of the current prevalence of SpA in Saudi Arabia, including the prevalence of axial SpA and psoriatic arthritis; (2) the phenotypes/clinical characteristics of SpA, including disease severity and extra-articular involvement; (3) the impact of SpA on the HRQoL of the patients and the factors that can predict the extent of impaired HRQoL in such population, which can represent the first step in developing psychological interventions that should be personalized to this patient population; (4) the impact of implementing formal assessment of disease activity on the management of the patients and, subsequently, their HRQoL; and (5) the HCRU and costs for patients with SpA, and how treatment patterns can affect this cost.

What is the best referral strategy for axial spondyloarthritis? A prospective multicenter study in patients with suspicious chronic low back pain

OBJECTIVE

To assess the value of referral strategies for axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) in patients with suspicious chronic inflammatory low back pain (LBP), to estimate the value of inflammatory back pain (IBP) for referral, and to identify the predictive factors of the final diagnosis of axSpA in Middle Eastern Arab countries.

METHODS

The study was multicentric, prospective, and conducted in LBP first-line clinics (rheumatology, internal, family medicine, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, and neurology). Consecutive adult patients aged under 45years were included in case of LBP suspicious of inflammatory nature according to the first-line physician. The rheumatologist's final diagnosis was the gold standard. The diagnostic properties of ten referral strategies (Brandt I, II, III, Hermann, RADAR, RADAR 2/3, MASTER, Braun, CAFASPA, and ASAS) and of IBP were calculated. A multivariable logistic regression identified the clinical predictive factors of axSpA.

RESULTS

In 515 referred patients, axSpA was confirmed in 48%, refuted in 43%, and diagnosis remained inconclusive in 9%. The optimal referral strategy was the MASTER (PLR 3.3), which comprises IBP, good response to NSAIDs, positive HLA-B27, and SpA family history. Considering strategies without HLA-B27, the RADAR 2/3 had a PLR of 2.9 (IBP, good response to NSAIDs, any extra-musculoskeletal manifestation). The predictive factors for axSpA were MRI sacroiliitis, positive HLA-B27, high CRP, psoriasis, IBP, and longer symptom duration. Of all patients, 35% were self-referred, 16% were referred by primary care physicians, and 15% by neuro/orthopedic surgeons.

CONCLUSION

Optimizing physicians' awareness of these clinical features may enhance referral in axSpA.

Human leucocyte antigen-B27 testing in clinical practice: a global perspective

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The association between human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 and spondyloarthritis (SpA) was described half a century ago. New insights about pathophysiologic pathways and their role in bone formation were reported in recent years and will be discussed in this review.

RECENT FINDINGS

There is a considerable variation in the association between HLA-B27 and SpA across the globe, with the strongest association reported in populations of Northern European and Asian descent and the lowest in the Middle East and Africa. Other genes are also involved in disease susceptibility, highlighting the importance of newly proposed weighted genetic scores to support the diagnosis. On the global level, the interaction between genetic background and gut dysbiosis seems critical for disease predisposition. As for the individual patient, the presence of HLA-B27 can have a significant influence on SpA diagnosis and disease phenotype. More importantly, new studies suggested a role for HLA-B27 in radiographic damage in the sacroiliac joints and the progression of bone formation in the spine.

SUMMARY

Findings in recent years have enhanced our understanding of the role of HLA-B27 in the pathophysiology and in disease-related bone formation in SpA, which may pave the way for new therapeutic targets.

The Role of CD1 Gene Polymorphism in the Genetic Susceptibility to Spondyloarthropathies in the Moroccan Population and the Possible Cross-Link with Celiac Disease

Spondyloarthropathies (SpA) are a group of chronic inflammatory disorders usually affecting the axial spine and asymmetrical peripheral joints. Strong evidence links genetic and environmental factors to SpA pathogenesis. The HLA-B27 is the most important genetic factor associated with SpA. Nevertheless, the involvement of other HLA and non-HLA loci has been also reported. Some patients with SpA may also manifest features of celiac disease (CeD), thus suggesting a genetic overlap across these autoimmune diseases. Recently, CD1 glycoproteins, a class of molecules able to bind and present non peptidic antigens to T cells, aroused interest for their contribution to the pathogenesis of CeD. Therefore, to evaluate whether functional polymorphisms of CD1A and E genes also influence susceptibility to SpA, we analyzed 86 patients from Morocco affected by SpA and 51 healthy controls, using direct sequencing analysis. An increase of CD1E*01/01 homozygous genotype (p = 0.046) was found in SpA, compared with controls. CD1E*01/01 genotype was associated particularly to patients with sacroiliac joints/spine/peripheral joints pain (p = 0.0068), while a decrease of CD1E*01/02 genotype was evidenced compared to controls (p = 0.0065). Results from haplotypes analysis demonstrated that CD1A*02-E*02 decreased the risk of SpA, while CD1A*02-E*01 increased risk to develop disease. Our data indicate a relationship between CD1 genes and susceptibility to SpA in the Moroccan population and suggest the existence of shared genetic risk loci across SpA and CeD that might be useful to explain common pathogenetic features and define novel therapeutic strategies.

Long-Term Adherence to Etanercept in Treatment Effectiveness of Patients with Spondyloarthritis: 7-Year Data from the Iraq National Registry

INTRODUCTION

The diagnosis and treatment of spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a global challenge, with no cure available. Adherence to treatment with biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, such as the tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitor etanercept, varies among patients with SpA. Inadequate or poor adherence to treatment may have a negative effect on clinical outcome and quality of life and may lead to greater health-related expense.

METHODS

This observational, retrospective study used real-world patient data from the Iraq National Center of Rheumatology database to retrospectively assess long-term adherence to etanercept, specifically evaluating 1- and 7-year adherence to etanercept among Iraqi patients with SpA.

RESULTS

In total, data from 763 patients were included in the analysis. The majority of patients were men (82.2%). Mean disease duration at baseline was 5.85 years; 84.0% of patients received concomitant steroids, and 14.2% were treated with concomitant methotrexate. Measures of disease activity and functional status (mean ± SD) at baseline based on the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) were 8.06 ± 0.83 (range 6.0-9.5) and 7.75 ± 1.12 (range 4.1-9.7), respectively. Around 30% of patients initiated etanercept treatment within 1 year of diagnosis. After 1 and 7 years, 91.7% (700/763) and 60.6% (80/132) of patients were adherent to etanercept treatment. Mean (± SD) changes from baseline in BASDAI and BASFI scores for adherent versus non-adherent patients at 1 year were 6.73 (± 1.90) versus 4.20 (± 1.85) (p = 0.0001) and 6.43 (± 2.04) versus 4.18 (± 1.88) (p = 0.0001), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that Iraqi patients with SpA benefit from long-term adherence to etanercept treatment; however, additional analyses are needed to further assess the reasons for treatment discontinuation, which may include disease remission.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04507776.

Expert recommendations on early diagnosis and referral of axial spondyloarthritis in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Axial spondyloarthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily involves the axial skeleton (sacroiliac joints and spine), causing stiffness, severe pain and fatigue. In some patients, definitive structural damage of sacroiliac joints is visible on imaging and is known as radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. Some patients do not have a clear radiographic damage of the sacroiliac joints, and this subtype is known as non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. Early diagnosis is important for reducing the risk of irreversible structural damage and disability. Management of axial spondyloarthritis is challenging in Saudi Arabia because of inadequate disease knowledge and the unavailability of local guidelines. Therefore, this expert consensus is intended to provide recommendations, including the referral pathway, the definition of remission and the treat-to-target approach, to all healthcare professionals for the management of patients with axial spondyloarthritis. A Delphi technique of consensus was developed by involving an expert panel of 10 rheumatologists, 1 dermatologist and 1 general physician. The experts offered consensus-based recommendations based on a review of available scientific evidence and clinical experience for the referral, screening and management of patients with axial spondyloarthritis.

The treatment journey for patients with axial spondyloarthritis in North Africa and the Middle East: From diagnosis to management

The management of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is challenging worldwide, and the particular challenges shared by North Africa and the Middle East are mainly related to early diagnosis and standardized management. We believe there are several reasons for these challenges, including: (a) limited awareness of the disease manifestations and prevalence in the region among physicians; (b) the concept of nonradiographic axSpA, while accepted with some difficulty by the rheumatology community, may not be well understood by the referring primary care physicians; (c) access to, and training in magnetic resonance imaging varies greatly between countries in the North Africa and Middle East region, and this may have a large impact on early diagnosis; (d) country‐specific treatment guidelines are unavailable; and (e) economic and cultural factors influence patients’ attempts to seek and continue treatment. In this review, we will discuss the prevalence of axSpA in North Africa and the Middle East, as well as the challenges to diagnose and treat patients in this region. As rheumatologists practicing in North Africa and the Middle East, we also provide suggestions to assist physicians, other healthcare professionals, and researchers in facilitating early, accurate diagnosis and treatment of axSpA.