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D'Agostino J, Souki A, Lohse A, Carvajal Alegria G, Dernis E, Richez C, Truchetet ME, Wendling D, Toussirot E, Perdriger A, Gottenberg JE, Felten R, Fautrel B, Chiche L, Hilliquin P, Le Henaff C, Dervieux B, Direz G, Chary-Valckenaere I, Cornec D, Guellec D, Marhadour T, Nowak E, Saraux A, Devauchelle-Pensec V. Concordance and agreement between different activity scores in polymyalgia rheumatica. RMD Open 2024; 10:e003741. [PMID: 38490696 PMCID: PMC10946364 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003741] [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: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The C reactive protein polymyalgia rheumatica activity score (CRP-PMR-AS) is a composite index that includes CRP levels and was developed specifically for PMR. As treatments such as interleukin-6 antagonists can normalise CRP levels, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) of PMR-AS, the clinical (clin)-PMR-AS and the imputed-CRP (imp-CRP)-PMR-AS have been developed to avoid such bias. Our primary objective was to measure the correlation of these activity scores. Our secondary objective was to evaluate the concordance between different cutoffs of the PMR-ASs. METHOD Data from the Safety and Efficacy of tocilizumab versus Placebo in Polymyalgia rHeumatica With glucocORticoid dEpendence (SEMAPHORE) trial, a superiority randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial, were subjected to post hoc analysis to compare the efficacy of tocilizumab versus placebo in patients with active PMR. The CRP-PMR-AS, ESR-PMR-AS, clin-PMR-AS and imp-CRP-PMR-AS were measured at every visit. The concordance and correlation between these scores were evaluated using kappa correlation coefficients, Bland-Altman correlations, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and scatter plots. RESULTS A total of 101 patients were included in the SEMAPHORE trial, and 100 were analysed in this study. The correlation between the PMR-ASs was excellent, as the ICC and kappa were >0.85 from week 4 until week 24 (CRP-PMR-AS ≤10 or >10). Bland-Altman plots revealed that the differences between the CRP-PMR-AS and the other threescores were low. The cut-off values for the clin-PMR-AS were similar to those for the CRP-PMR-AS 86% of the time. CONCLUSION The correlation between all the PMR-ASs was excellent, reflecting the low weight of CRP. In clinical trials using drugs that have an impact on CRP, the derived activity scores can be used. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NTC02908217.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine D'Agostino
- Department of Rheumatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Brest, Brest, France
| | - Aghiles Souki
- Public Agency for Clinical Research and Innovation (DRCI), Brest University Hospital, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Brest, Brest, France
| | - Anne Lohse
- Hopital Nord Franche-Comte-Site de Belfort, Belfort, France
| | | | - Emanuelle Dernis
- Department of Rheumatology, Centre Hospitalier Le Mans, Le Mans, France
| | - Christophe Richez
- Department of Rheumatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux Groupe Hospitalier Pellegrin, Bordeaux, France
- UMR CNRS 5164, Université de Bordeaux Collège Sciences de la Santé, Bordeaux, France
| | - Marie-Elise Truchetet
- Department of Rheumatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux Groupe Hospitalier Pellegrin, Bordeaux, France
| | - Daniel Wendling
- Rheumatology and EA4266 Franche-Comté University, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Besancon, Besancon, France
| | - Eric Toussirot
- INSERM Clinical Investigation Center 1431, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Besancon, Besancon, France
- Department of Rheumatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Besancon, Besancon, France
| | - Aleth Perdriger
- Department of Rheumatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Jacques-Eric Gottenberg
- Department of Rheumatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Renaud Felten
- Department of Rheumatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Bruno Fautrel
- Department of Rheumatology, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- INSERM UMR-S 1136, Pierre Louis Epidemiology and Public Health Research Institute, Paris, France
| | - Laurent Chiche
- Internal Medicine, Marseille Public University Hospital System, Marseille, France
| | - Pascal Hilliquin
- Department of Rhumatology, Centre Hospitalier Sud Francilien, Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | - Catherine Le Henaff
- Department of Rheumatology, Pays de Morlaix Hospital Centre, Morlaix, France
| | - Benjamin Dervieux
- Department of Rhuamtology, GHR Mulhouse Sud Alsace, Mulhouse, France
| | - Guillaume Direz
- Department of Rheumatology, Centre Hospitalier Le Mans, Le Mans, France
| | | | - Divi Cornec
- Department of Rheumatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Brest, Brest, France
- INSERM 1227, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France
| | - Dewi Guellec
- Department of Rheumatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Brest, Brest, France
- INSERM Clinical Investigations Centre 1412, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Brest, Brest, France
| | - Thierry Marhadour
- Department of Rheumatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Brest, Brest, France
| | - Emmanuel Nowak
- Public Agency for Clinical Research and Innovation (DRCI), Brest University Hospital, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Brest, Brest, France
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Brest, Brest, INSERM Clinical Investigations Centre (CIC) 1412, France
| | - Alain Saraux
- Department of Rheumatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Brest, Brest, France
- INSERM 1227, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France
| | - Valérie Devauchelle-Pensec
- Department of Rheumatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Brest, Brest, France
- INSERM 1227, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France
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Hofmann W, Kötter I, Winterhalter S, Krupp S. [Polymyalgia rheumatica-A challenge in geriatrics : Interdisciplinary presentation of diagnostics and treatment]. Z Rheumatol 2024; 83:112-121. [PMID: 38285216 DOI: 10.1007/s00393-024-01484-0] [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] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Polymyalgia rheumatica is the second most frequent inflammatory rheumatic disease in people aged over 50 years, after rheumatoid arthritis. It is characterized by pain and morning stiffness in the region of the shoulders, hip girdle and neck. It can be associated with giant cell arteritis (CGA). Treatment with glucocorticoids is indispensable. The duration of treatment varies and often exceeds 1 year. The additive administration of methotrexate is an option for saving glucocorticoids. The biologicals tocilizumab or secukinumab are very promising alternatives. The course of treatment should be closely monitored for inflammation parameters, glucocorticoid side effects, pain, visual acuity, depression, activities of daily living and especially related to functions of the upper extremities. The geriatric assessment plays an important role in the management of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Hofmann
- , An den Uferwiesen 6, 17248, Rechlin/Müritz, Deutschland.
- ehem. Geriatrisches Zentrum, Neumünster und Bad Bramstedt, Deutschland.
| | - I Kötter
- Klinik für Rheumatologie und Immunologie, Klinikum Bad Bramstedt, Bad Bramstedt, Deutschland
- Sektion Rheumatologie und entzündliche Systemerkrankungen, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Deutschland
| | - S Winterhalter
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - S Krupp
- Forschungsgruppe Geriatrie Lübeck, Krankenhaus Rotes Kreuz Lübeck - Geriatriezentrum, Lübeck, Deutschland
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Nageswaran P, Ahmed S, Tahir H. Review of phase 2/3 trials in polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2024; 29:5-17. [PMID: 38180809 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2024.2303093] [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: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION GCA (giant cell arteritis) and PMR (polymyalgia rheumatica) are two overlapping inflammatory rheumatic conditions that are seen exclusively in older adults, sharing some common features. GCA is a clinical syndrome characterized by inflammation of the medium and large arteries, with both cranial and extracranial symptoms. PMR is a clinical syndrome characterized by stiffness in the neck, shoulder, and pelvic girdle muscles. Both are associated with constitutional symptoms. AREAS COVERED In this review, we assess the established and upcoming treatments for GCA and PMR. We review the current treatment landscape, completed trials, and upcoming trials in these conditions, to identify new and promising therapies. EXPERT OPINION Early use of glucocorticoids (GC) remains integral to the immediate management of PMR and GCA but being aware of patient co-morbidities that may influence treatment toxicity is paramount. As such GC sparing agents are required in the treatment of PMR. Currently there are limited treatment options available for PMR and GCA, and significant unmet needs remain. Newer mechanisms of action, and hence therapeutic options being studied include CD4 T cell co-stimulation blockade, IL-17 inhibition, IL-12/23 inhibition, GM-CSF inhibition, IL-1β inhibition, TNF-α antagonist and Jak inhibition, among others, which will be discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Saad Ahmed
- Department of Rheumatology, East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust, Colchester, UK
| | - Hasan Tahir
- Department of Rheumatology, Royal Free London NHS Trust, London, UK
- Department of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
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Perez-Sancristobal I, Alvarez-Hernandez P, Lajas-Petisco C, Fernandez-Gutierrez B. Effect of combined treatment with prednisone and methotrexate versus prednisone alone over laboratory parameters in giant cell arteritis. REUMATOLOGIA CLINICA 2024; 20:108-112. [PMID: 38395494 DOI: 10.1016/j.reumae.2024.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the effect of combined treatment with prednisone and methotrexate (MTX) versus prednisone alone over laboratory parameters in giant cell arteritis (GCA). PATIENTS AND METHODS We performed a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial about usefulness of treatment with prednisone and MTX versus prednisone and placebo in GCA (Ann Intern Med 2001;134:106-114). As a part of follow-up of patients (n=42), we performed laboratory analysis in 20 time points during the two-year period of follow-up. To analyze differences, we calculated the area under the curve (AUC) for erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), hemoglobin, and platelets, and compared the results in both groups adjusting by time of follow-up, existence of relapses and dose of prednisone. RESULTS A total of 724 laboratory measurements were done. Median value of ESR was 33 [18-56] in patients with placebo and 26 [15-44] in patients with MTX (P=0.0002). No significant differences were observed in ESR during relapses. The mean ESR value followed a parallel course in both groups, but was lower in the group with MTX than in the group with placebo in 18 of 20 time points of follow-up. The AUC of ESR by time of follow-up was 28,461.7±12,326 in the group with placebo and 19,598.4±8,117 in the group with MTX (mean difference 8,863, 95% CI 1.542-16.184; P=0.019). The course of other laboratory parameters paralleled, without statistical significance, those observed for ESR. CONCLUSIONS These data, along with clinical data, suggest that MTX might play a role as a disease-modifying agent in the treatment of GCA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cristina Lajas-Petisco
- UGC Reumatologia, Hospital Clinico San Carlos, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain; Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Spain
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Florescu MM, Bobircă F, Florescu A, Pădureanu V, Bobircă A, Ciurea PL, Criveanu C, Florescu LM, Muşetescu AE. Polymyalgia rheumatica: An update (Review). Exp Ther Med 2023; 26:543. [PMID: 37928511 PMCID: PMC10623218 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a chronic inflammatory disease which affects the connective vascular tissue, characterized by pain accompanied by morning stiffness, predominantly of the neck muscles, hip and shoulder girdle. Usually, patients with this disease are >50 years of age and biological inflammatory syndrome is present with an increase in both the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels, aspects similar to giant cell arteritis. The aim of the present review was to depict the current pathogenic hypothesis, diagnostic and treatment approach for patients with PMR, and novelties since the development of the currently used 2012 European League Against Rheumatism and American College of Rheumatology provisional classification criteria. PMR is a prevalent disease that can occasionally prove difficult to diagnose and treat. Possibly, the most abundant type of evidence and data revealed over the past decade have been acquired through musculoskeletal imaging, with implications in diagnosis, disease monitoring and relapse, prognosis and changes with treatment. Further research on pathophysiology is required to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying processes, which will serve as the foundation for future personalized treatments. In addition, there is an increasing demand for improved diagnostic techniques, which should include a further development of various imaging modalities, in order to provide accurate diagnosis and appropriate therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirela Marinela Florescu
- Department of Pathology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Florin Bobircă
- Department of General Surgery, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Dr I. Cantacuzino Clinical Hospital, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alesandra Florescu
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Vlad Pădureanu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Anca Bobircă
- Department of Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Paulina Lucia Ciurea
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Cristina Criveanu
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Lucian Mihai Florescu
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Anca Emanuela Muşetescu
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
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Hofmann W, Kötter I, Winterhalter S, Krupp S. [Polymyalgia rheumatica-A challenge in geriatrics : Interdisciplinary presentation of diagnostics and treatment]. Z Gerontol Geriatr 2023:10.1007/s00391-023-02211-1. [PMID: 37522895 DOI: 10.1007/s00391-023-02211-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Polymyalgia rheumatica is the second most frequent inflammatory rheumatic disease in people aged over 50 years, after rheumatoid arthritis. It is characterized by pain and morning stiffness in the region of the shoulders, hip girdle and neck. It can be associated with giant cell arteritis (CGA). Treatment with glucocorticoids is indispensable. The duration of treatment varies and often exceeds 1 year. The additive administration of methotrexate is an option for saving glucocorticoids. The biologicals tocilizumab or secukinumab are very promising alternatives. The course of treatment should be closely monitored for inflammation parameters, glucocorticoid side effects, pain, visual acuity, depression, activities of daily living and especially related to functions of the upper extremities. The geriatric assessment plays an important role in the management of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Hofmann
- , An den Uferwiesen 6, 17248, Rechlin/Müritz, Deutschland.
- ehem. Geriatrisches Zentrum, Neumünster und Bad Bramstedt, Deutschland.
| | - I Kötter
- Klinik für Rheumatologie und Immunologie, Klinikum Bad Bramstedt, Bad Bramstedt, Deutschland
- Sektion Rheumatologie und entzündliche Systemerkrankungen, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Deutschland
| | - S Winterhalter
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - S Krupp
- Forschungsgruppe Geriatrie Lübeck, Krankenhaus Rotes Kreuz Lübeck - Geriatriezentrum, Lübeck, Deutschland
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Reisch M, Dejaco C. [Methods for assessment of disease activity of polymyalgia rheumatica]. Z Rheumatol 2023:10.1007/s00393-023-01358-x. [PMID: 37184675 DOI: 10.1007/s00393-023-01358-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is the second most frequent inflammatory rheumatic disease in old age. Remission and recurrence are frequently used as endpoints in clinical trials; however, there is as yet no international consensus on the definition of these states, which limits the comparability of published studies. The PMR activity score (PMR-AS) is the only composite score specifically developed for PMR, which together with remission is used to define low, middle and high disease activity. In recent studies the PMR-AS was often used and low disease activity was established as endpoint. The most important limitation of the PMR-AS is the potential influence of the individual variables by comorbidities. The value of C‑reactive protein (CRP) and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) are of restricted value in studies using drugs that influence the interleukin 6 (IL-6) axis. In these cases, calprotectin and osteopontin are promising alternative biomarkers, as they have already been shown to reflect disease activity independently of CRP in rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, imaging modalities including sonography, magnetic resonance imaging and fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography could also be helpful in monitoring disease activity; however, these techniques must first be validated in further studies. The PMR impact scale (PMR-IS) is a composite score to assess the impact of PMR on the patients; however, it has not yet been used in clinical studies. The development of additional patient reported outcomes (PRO) for PMR and the definition of standardized criteria for documentation of remission and recurrence are important questions in the future research agenda for PMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Reisch
- Abteilung für Rheumatologie und Immunologie, Medizinische Universität Graz, Graz, Österreich
| | - Christian Dejaco
- Abteilung für Rheumatologie und Immunologie, Medizinische Universität Graz, Graz, Österreich.
- Rheumatologie, Krankenhaus Bruneck, Südtiroler Sanitätsbetrieb: Azienda Sanitaria dell'Alto Adige, Spitalstr. 11, 39031, Bruneck (BZ), Italien.
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Bolhuis TE, Marsman DE, den Broeder AA, den Broeder N, van der Maas A. 1-year results of treatment with rituximab in polymyalgia rheumatica: an extension study of a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial. THE LANCET. RHEUMATOLOGY 2023; 5:e208-e214. [PMID: 38251523 DOI: 10.1016/s2665-9913(23)00032-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rituximab was effective for patients with polymyalgia rheumatica in the 21-week BRIDGE-PMR randomised controlled trial. Here, we aimed to assess rates of glucocorticoid-free remission up to 1 year after infusion in an extension of this trial. METHODS BRIDGE-PMR was a randomised controlled proof-of-concept trial that enrolled participants with polymyalgia rheumatica according to 2012 European League Against Rheumatism-American College of Rheumatology classification criteria at the Sint Maartenskliniek, Nijmegen, Netherlands. Patients were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to receive one intravenous dose of 1000 mg rituximab or placebo, with identical pre-medication and accelerated glucocorticoid tapering over 17 weeks. After the 21-week study, patients were followed in a double-blind extension until 1 year after infusion during which standard-of-care treatment was provided. The primary outcome after 52 weeks was between-group difference in glucocorticoid-free remission (ie, polymyalgia rheumatica activity score [PMR-AS] <10), assessed in all randomly allocated participants, with data imputed using a predictive mean matching model (provided data were missing at random). A sensitivity analysis restricted to patients with complete data (complete case analysis) was also done. This trial is registered with EudraCT (2018-002641-11) and the Dutch trial database (NL7414). FINDINGS Between Dec 18, 2019 and June 8, 2021, 47 patients enrolled in the BRIDGE-PMR were followed up in this extension study (23 [11 women and 12 men] allocated rituximab and 24 [13 women and 11 men] allocated placebo), of who 38 had recently diagnosed polymyalgia rheumatica and nine had relapsing polymyalgia rheumatica. Mean (SD) age was 64 (10) years in the rituximab group and 66 (9) years in the placebo group. All participants were White. Missing data were imputed for six participants (four rituximab, two placebo); because the data were probably missing at random, a complete case analysis was added as sensitivity analyses. In the imputed analysis, the between-group absolute difference reached statistical significance (12 [52%] of 23 in the rituximab group in glucocorticoid-free remission vs five [21%] of 24 participants in the placebo group; absolute difference 31% [95% CI 5 to 57], RR 2·5 [1·0 to 6·0]; p=0·04). In the complete case analysis, nine (47%) of 19 patients in the rituximab group were in glucocorticoid-free remission 1 year after infusion compared with five (23%) of 22 in the placebo group (absolute difference 25% [95% CI -4 to 53], relative risk (RR) 2·1 [95% CI 0·8 to 5·2]; p=0·12). Eight (33%) patients in the placebo group and six (26%) in the rituximab group had adverse events. INTERPRETATION After a single dose of rituximab (1000 mg), the proportion of patients with polymyalgia rheumatica in glucocorticoid-free remission remained stable at 1 year after infusion, and a glucocorticoid sparing effect was evident. A larger trial including possibility for retreatment is warranted to confirm these results. FUNDING Sint Maartenskliniek.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E Bolhuis
- Department of Rheumatology, Sint Maartenskliniek, Ubbergen, Netherlands; Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Diane E Marsman
- Department of Rheumatology, Sint Maartenskliniek, Ubbergen, Netherlands
| | - Alfons A den Broeder
- Department of Rheumatology, Sint Maartenskliniek, Ubbergen, Netherlands; Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Nathan den Broeder
- Department of Rheumatology, Sint Maartenskliniek, Ubbergen, Netherlands; Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Aatke van der Maas
- Department of Rheumatology, Sint Maartenskliniek, Ubbergen, Netherlands.
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Colaci M, Dichiara J, Aprile ML, Ippolito M, Schinocca C, Guggino G, Malatino L. Use of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography in patients affected by polymyalgia rheumatica and persistent increase of acute phase reactants. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:1042620. [PMID: 36465900 PMCID: PMC9709413 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1042620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory disease affecting older adults characterized by aching pain and morning stiffness of the shoulder and pelvic girdles. Moreover, PMR can be associated with giant cell arteritis (GCA). Generally, PMR is highly responsive to steroids, reaching complete remission in the majority of cases. However, the possibility of occult diseases, including extra-cranial GCA, should be excluded. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG-PET) is able to detect the presence of peri-/articular or vascular inflammation, which may be both present in PMR, thus representing a useful diagnostic tool, mainly in presence of extra-cranial GCA. We retrospectively evaluated all consecutive patients who received the diagnosis of PMR in our rheumatology clinic, classified according to the 2012 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism (ACR/EULAR) criteria, in the period between April 2020 and May 2022. Among this case series, we selected the patients who underwent 18F-FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) because of the persistent increase of acute phase reactants (APR) besides the steroid therapy. Eighty patients were diagnosed with PMR. Nine out of them also presented arthritis of the wrists during the follow-up, whereas none showed signs of cranial GCA at the diagnosis. Seventeen out of eighty subjects (mean age 71.5 ± 7.5 years; M/F 2/15) presented persistent increase of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (mean ESR 44.2 ± 20.8 mm/h) and/or C-reactive protein (mean CRP 25.1 ± 17 mg/l), thus they underwent total body 18F-FDG-PET/CT. Large vessel 18F-FDG uptake indicating an occult GCA was found in 5/17 (29.4%) cases. Twelve out of seventeen (70.6%) patients showed persistence of peri-/articular inflammation, suggesting a scarce control of PMR or the presence of chronic arthritis. Finally, in 2 cases, other inflammatory disorders were found, namely an acute thyroiditis and a hip prosthesis occult infection. 18F-FDG-PET/CT in PMR patients with persistent increase of APR is a useful diagnostic technique in order to detect occult GCA, persistence of active PMR or other misdiagnosed inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Colaci
- Rheumatology Clinic, Internal Medicine Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera per l’Emergenza (AOE) Cannizzaro, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Jessika Dichiara
- Rheumatology Clinic, Internal Medicine Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera per l’Emergenza (AOE) Cannizzaro, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Letizia Aprile
- Rheumatology Clinic, Internal Medicine Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera per l’Emergenza (AOE) Cannizzaro, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Massimo Ippolito
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera per l’Emergenza (AOE) Cannizzaro, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudia Schinocca
- Rheumatology Unit, Policlinico “P. Giaccone”, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuliana Guggino
- Rheumatology Unit, Policlinico “P. Giaccone”, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Malatino
- Rheumatology Clinic, Internal Medicine Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera per l’Emergenza (AOE) Cannizzaro, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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