Development and Internal Validation of a Clinical and Genetic Risk Score for Rheumatoid Arthritis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease

OBJECTIVE

Although clinical and genetic risk factors have been identified for rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD), there are no current tools allowing for risk stratification. We sought to develop and validate an ILD risk model in a large, multicentre, prospective RA cohort.

METHODS

Participants in the Veterans Affairs RA (VARA) registry were genotyped for 12 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. ILD was validated through systematic record review. A genetic risk score (GRS) was computed from minor alleles weighted by effect size with ILD, using backward selection. The GRS was combined with clinical risk factors within a logistic regression model. Internal validation was completed using bootstrapping, and model performance was assessed by the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC).

RESULTS

Of 2,386 participants (89% male, mean age 69.5 years), 9.4% had ILD. Following backward selection, five SNPs contributed to the GRS. The GRS and clinical factors outperformed clinical factors alone in discriminating ILD (AUC 0.675 vs 0.635, p< 0.001). The shrinkage-corrected performance for combined and clinical-only models was 0.667 (95% CI 0.628, 0.712) and 0.623 (95% CI 0.584, 0.651), respectively. Twenty percent of the cohort had a combined risk score below a cut-point with >90% sensitivity.

CONCLUSION

A clinical and genetic risk model discriminated ILD in a large, multicentre RA cohort better than a clinical-only model, excluding 20% of the cohort from low-yield testing. These results demonstrate the potential utility of a GRS in RA-ILD and support further investigation into individualized risk stratification and screening.

NOD1 mediates interleukin-18 processing in epithelial cells responding to Helicobacter pylori infection in mice

The interleukin-1 family members, IL-1β and IL-18, are processed into their biologically active forms by multi-protein complexes, known as inflammasomes. Although the inflammasome pathways that mediate IL-1β processing in myeloid cells have been defined, those involved in IL-18 processing, particularly in non-myeloid cells, are still not well understood. Here we report that the host defence molecule NOD1 regulates IL-18 processing in mouse epithelial cells in response to the mucosal pathogen, Helicobacter pylori. Specifically, NOD1 in epithelial cells mediates IL-18 processing and maturation via interactions with caspase-1, instead of the canonical inflammasome pathway involving RIPK2, NF-κB, NLRP3 and ASC. NOD1 activation and IL-18 then help maintain epithelial homoeostasis to mediate protection against pre-neoplastic changes induced by gastric H. pylori infection in vivo. Our findings thus demonstrate a function for NOD1 in epithelial cell production of bioactive IL-18 and protection against H. pylori-induced pathology.

The effect of standing posture on amplitude and variability of postural tremor in Parkinson’s disease

INTRODUCTION

This study examined whether altering body position (i.e., sitting or standing) affected the dynamics of physiological tremor for healthy older adults and persons with Parkinson's disease (PD). It was also of interest to determine how consistent the tremor was for both groups as determined by examining changes in within-subject variability of tremor amplitude, regularity and frequency.

METHODS

Ten Parkinsonian participants (65.1±3.2 yrs.) and twelve elderly persons (71.2±2.6 yrs.) participated in this study. Tremor was collected from the index finger and hand segments using lightweight accelerometers during the performance of a bilateral pointing task. Persons performed the pointing task in a standing or sitting position.

RESULTS

As expected, the tremor for the PD persons was greater in magnitude (mean RMS, peak power), more regular (lower SampEn), and more inconsistent from trial-to-trial (increased intra-individual variability, IIV) than the tremor recorded for the elderly. Further, when assessed during standing, the magnitude of the tremor for all individuals (elderly and PD) was greater, more variable, and less complex compared to the tremor when assessed during the sitting posture. The only measure which did not change within each group was the frequency of the major tremor peak which remained consistent, showing no significant change between limbs or as a function of the posture adopted.

CONCLUSION

The findings revealed that tremor increased in amplitude and decreased in regularity for all individuals was assessed when standing compared to sitting. It is likely that these increases were task-related, reflecting the increased physical demands of performing the task when standing rather than being driven by specific age- or disease-related changes in the mechanisms underlying tremorgenesis. Further, the tremor for the PD individuals tended to be more variable from trial-by-trial in terms of both amplitude and regularity as compared to the elderly persons. Interestingly, the only tremor metric which showed no change within each group was the frequency of the major tremor peak which was consistent within both groups irrespective of the posture adopted.

Increasing Advocacy Awareness in Early Career Rheumatologists: A Web-Based Educational Tool

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the utility of a web-based advocacy training tool in increasing advocacy awareness.

METHODS

Early career rheumatologists who attended 2019 American College of Rheumatology Advocacy 101 were invited to participate. A web-based tool consisting of 9 cases covering various aspects of advocacy was developed and included the opportunity for continuing medical education credit. A preparticipation questionnaire surveyed prior involvement, knowledge, and willingness to participate in an advocacy program. Participants rated cases based on educational quality, relevance of content, achievement of training goals, competency, and evidence of bias. Two web-based conferences were held to address technical questions, review, and discussion of cases and responses, and to obtain feedback.

RESULTS

Twenty-one early career rheumatologists from 9 academic institutions enrolled, with 15 (75%) completing all cases. Correct continuing medical education answers were scored on 85% of cases. Overall educational quality of content received a mean rating of 4.3 of 5. Seven cases achieved positive ratings for relevance of case content, achievement of training goals, objectivity, and competency. All cases were assessed free of bias. Feedback indicated that 30 minutes were dedicated to each case, and that a combination of skill set and content learning were most effective. Pre- and postquestionnaire scores indicated significant improvement in knowledge of advocacy matters (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

A web-based advocacy training tool was successful in significantly improving awareness and knowledge of advocacy matters among early career rheumatologists. This innovative educational tool may play a vital role in shaping the future of rheumatology for both patients and physicians.

Adipocytokines and achievement of low disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis

PURPOSE

To determine if adipocytokines are independently associated with the achievement of low disease activity (LDA) over long-term follow-up in a large rheumatoid arthritis (RA) registry.

METHODS

This cohort study evaluated adults with RA from the Veteran's Affairs RA Registry. Adipocytokines (adiponectin, leptin, and fibroblast growth factor [FGF]-21) and inflammatory cytokines were measured as part of a multi-analyte panel on banked serum from enrollment. Covariates were derived from medical record, biorepository, and registry databases. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models evaluated associations between adipocytokines and rates of 1) DAS28 LDA and remission, 2) individual Boolean remission criteria and 3) initiation of a new bDMARD or tsDMARD.

RESULTS

There were 1,276 participants with a DAS28 >3.2 at enrollment. Of these, 827 achieved LDA and 598 achieved remission over 2,287 and 4,096 person-years, respectively. Patients in the highest quartile of adiponectin had lower rates LDA before and after adjustment [aHR Q4: 0.68 (0.53,0.87) p<0.001]. Those in the highest quartile of leptin and FGF-21 also had lower rates of LDA. Higher quartiles of adipocytokines were also associated with lower rates of achieving a low patient/evaluator global scores and low tender joint counts. Among 1,236 biologic-naïve participants, values above the median for adiponectin [HR: 1.67 (1.23,1.26) p = 0.001] and FGF-21 [HR: 1.27 (1.09,1.47) p = 0.002] were associated with a greater likelihood of initiating a b/tsDMARD.

CONCLUSIONS

Adipocytokines may serve as prognostic biomarkers of a more severe RA disease course. Additional study is needed to determine whether adipocytokines are phenotypic markers or whether they actively promote disease progression.

Protocol for a multi-center randomized controlled trial to evaluate the benefits of exercise incentives and corticosteroid injections in osteoarthritis of the knee (MOVE-OK)

BACKGROUND

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a high-priority problem among the aging population. While exercise has been shown to be beneficial in management of the disease, scalable and low-cost interventions to improve exercise in this population are lacking. Recent controversy over the value of corticosteroid injections for palliation has also arisen. Therefore, we designed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with a 2-period crossover design to study (1) behavioral incentives to promote exercise and (2) corticosteroid injections to reduce pain and improve function in patients with KOA when compared to lidocaine only.

METHODS

The study design is a pragmatic factorial and crossover randomized clinical trial. Patients with KOA who are deemed eligible by their provider to receive knee injections and are able to walk without assistive devices will be recruited from clinical practices at four sites within the Veterans Affairs (VA) Health System in the USA. In total, 220 participants will be randomized to receive social incentives with gamification (i.e., incorporation of game elements) to promote exercise and compared to controls that receive a Fitbit but no incentive. Each patient will also be assigned to receive a blinded corticosteroid injection and a lidocaine-only injection in random order. The primary outcomes are the change in average daily step counts from baseline and the change in Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) from baseline. The study team will continuously collect step count, heart rate, and sleep data using activity monitors and patient-reported outcomes using the Way to Health (WTH) platform at two four-week intervals over eight months of follow-up. Mixed effects regression incorporating all available data points will be used for analysis.

DISCUSSION

The "Marching on for Veterans with Osteoarthritis of the Knee" (MOVE-OK) trial will take a pragmatic approach to evaluate (1) whether incentives based on behaviorally enhanced gamification can improve physical activity in this patient population and (2) whether corticosteroids injections reduce pain and disability in patients with KOA. Results of this trial will help to direct clinical practice and inform management guidelines.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05035810 . Registered on 5 September 2021.

AB0209 PHYSICIAN TRUST RATHER THAN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS KNOWLEDGE RELEVANT IN DISEASE OUTCOMES IN ETHNIC MINORITY PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background

Ethnic minority (EM) patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) have more severe disease, more disability, and less use of biologic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs). A Treat to target (T2T) strategy has been recommended to improve clinical outcomes but barriers include patient preference, access to specialty care and increased administrative effort. Additionally, EM patients in the US often have low health literacy, express greater reluctance to accept physician recommendations, in part due to sociocultural preference and mistrust of a historically biased healthcare system. It is unknown whether improving knowledge of RA would improve T2T outcomes in EM active RA patients.

Objectives

To assess the proportion of EM RA patients who achieve low disease activity or remission following implementation of a coordinator-based education program highlighting T2T RA strategy.

Methods

Adult participants with active RA (RAPID3>6 or CDAI > 10) were invited to participate in a series of five one-on-one 20-minute educational sessions, co-occurring with scheduled routine clinic visits (6 -12-week intervals). Sessions were facilitated by a rheumatology care coordinator, a non-healthcare professional with intensive training over 4 weeks to conduct RA patient education. Sociodemographic data was collected, and disease activity measures (TJC, SJC, RAPID3, CDAI) and validated patient questionnaires on RA Knowledge (ACREU), compliance (CQR5), and physician trust (Trust in Physician Scale) were recorded at baseline and after the final educational session. Descriptive statistics were applied and medians and ranges for instrument scores are reported. Paired T-test was used to test for significant differences in scores after the education sessions. Correlations between the ACREU scores and clinical-demographic variables were measured using Pearson’s correlation coefficient.

Results

20 EM patients (75% Female, mean age, 58.8 years (12.2) seen by EM physicians were enrolled, with mean RA disease duration of 7 years and poor prognosticators (75% double seropositivity). ACREU scores were low at baseline (mean 0.45 (0.16)), with no significant improvement on completion of educational sessions, and no correlation with years of education or duration of RA. There was a positive correlation between ACREU and compliance scores at baseline (r=0.3). Average duration of the education period was 9.72 months, with a 33% decrease in average RAPID3 over time, and 42% of patients achieving a target of remission or LDA. Trust in Physician scores were high at baseline and persisted with >50% of patients completing at least one medication change during study period.

Conclusion

RA knowledge did not impact RA patient outcomes in this cohort of EM patients. However, patients had high trust in their providers and achieved clinical remission or LDA despite risk for poor outcomes highlighting the importance of the provider- patient relationship in achieving targeted goals of therapy. Limitations include the small sample size from a single institution, and the lengthy time between initial and final assessment of RA knowledge.

References

[1]Lineker SC, Badley EM, Hughes EA, Bell MJ. Development of an instrument to measure knowledge in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis: the ACREU rheumatoid arthritis knowledge questionnaire. The Journal of rheumatology. 1997/04// 1997;24(4):647-653.

[2]Hughes LD, Done J, Young A. A 5 item version of the Compliance Questionnaire for Rheumatology (CQR5) successfully identifies low adherence to DMARDs. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2013-12-01 2013;14(1):286. doi:10.1186/1471-2474-14-286

[3]Anderson LA, Dedrick RF. Development of the Trust in Physician Scale: A Measure to Assess Interpersonal Trust in Patient-Physician Relationships. Psychological Reports. 1990-12-01 1990;67(3_suppl):1091-1100. doi:10.2466/pr0.1990.67.3f.1091

Acknowledgements

Sincere gratitude to our patients for their participation, and to the team at Bristol Myers Squibb for supporting this research initiative.

Disclosure of Interests

Sharon Dowell Speakers bureau: Horizon Pharma, Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc, Abbvie, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Bristol Myers Squibb, Mercedes Quinones Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Sanofi Genzyme, Grant/research support from: Bristol Myers Squibb, Pfizer, Alani Miller: None declared, Oshoze Kadiri: None declared, Tahereh Jamshidi: None declared, Gail Kerr Speakers bureau: Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc, Consultant of: CSL Behring, Janssen, Pfizer, Samumed, UCB, Viela Bio/Horizon, Grant/research support from: Novartis

Elevations in adipocytokines and mortality in rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVES

This study assessed whether circulating levels of adiponectin and leptin are associated with higher mortality in patients with RA.

METHODS

Participants were adults from the Veterans Affairs RA Registry. Adipokines and inflammatory cytokines were measured as part of a multi-analyte panel on banked serum at enrolment. Dates and causes of death were derived from the Corporate Data Warehouse and the National Death Index. Covariates were derived from medical record, biorepository and registry databases. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models evaluated associations between biomarkers and all-cause and cause-specific mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 2583 participants were included. Higher adiponectin levels were associated with older age, male sex, white race, lower BMI, autoantibody seropositivity, radiographic damage, longer disease duration, prednisone use and osteoporosis. Higher adiponectin concentrations were also associated with higher levels of inflammatory cytokines but not higher disease activity at enrolment. Leptin was primarily associated with greater BMI and comorbidity. The highest quartile of adiponectin (vs lowest quartile) was associated with higher all-cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR): 1.46 (95% CI: 1.11, 1.93), P = 0.009] and higher cardiovascular mortality [HR: 1.85 (95% CI: 1.24, 2.75), P = 0.003], after accounting for covariates. Higher leptin levels were also associated with greater all-cause and cancer mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevations in adipokines are associated with age, BMI, comorbidity and severe disease features in RA and independently predict early death. Associations between adiponectin and inflammatory cytokines support the hypothesis that chronic subclinical inflammation promotes metabolic changes that drive elevations in adipokines and yield adverse health outcomes.

2021 American College of Rheumatology Guideline for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To develop updated guidelines for the pharmacologic management of rheumatoid arthritis.

METHODS

We developed clinically relevant population, intervention, comparator, and outcomes (PICO) questions. After conducting a systematic literature review, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to rate the certainty of evidence. A voting panel comprising clinicians and patients achieved consensus on the direction (for or against) and strength (strong or conditional) of recommendations.

RESULTS

The guideline addresses treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), including conventional synthetic DMARDs, biologic DMARDs, and targeted synthetic DMARDs, use of glucocorticoids, and use of DMARDs in certain high-risk populations (i.e., those with liver disease, heart failure, lymphoproliferative disorders, previous serious infections, and nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease). The guideline includes 44 recommendations (7 strong and 37 conditional).

CONCLUSION

This clinical practice guideline is intended to serve as a tool to support clinician and patient decision-making. Recommendations are not prescriptive, and individual treatment decisions should be made through a shared decision-making process based on patients' values, goals, preferences, and comorbidities.

2021 American College of Rheumatology Guideline for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To develop updated guidelines for the pharmacologic management of rheumatoid arthritis.

METHODS

We developed clinically relevant population, intervention, comparator, and outcomes (PICO) questions. After conducting a systematic literature review, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to rate the certainty of evidence. A voting panel comprising clinicians and patients achieved consensus on the direction (for or against) and strength (strong or conditional) of recommendations.

RESULTS

The guideline addresses treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), including conventional synthetic DMARDs, biologic DMARDs, and targeted synthetic DMARDs, use of glucocorticoids, and use of DMARDs in certain high-risk populations (i.e., those with liver disease, heart failure, lymphoproliferative disorders, previous serious infections, and nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease). The guideline includes 44 recommendations (7 strong and 37 conditional).

CONCLUSION

This clinical practice guideline is intended to serve as a tool to support clinician and patient decision-making. Recommendations are not prescriptive, and individual treatment decisions should be made through a shared decision-making process based on patients' values, goals, preferences, and comorbidities.

POS0487 ASSOCIATION OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS WITH MORTALITY IN A COHORT OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS

Background:

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. RA is also associated with increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) (1, 2), which is a known cardiovascular risk factor (3). We hypothesized that RA (compared with no RA) would be associated with increased risk of mortality among a cohort of patients with CKD.

Objectives:

To determine the risk of mortality in RA patients with CKD.

Methods:

This study was conducted using participants from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) prospective Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) study. Approximately 3600 participants were enrolled from seven US clinical centers. Patients aged 21 – 74 years with mild to moderate CKD were eligible for enrollment. The primary outcome of interest was all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes of interest included: kidney event defined as end stage renal disease (ESRD) or 50% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), myocardial infarction (MI), cerebrovascular accident (CVA), heart failure and a composite cardiovascular endpoint. The association of RA mortality over time was examined using Cox multivariate proportional hazards regression, adjusting for potential covariates (age, sex, race/ethnicity, BMI, current smoker, education).

Results:

The study cohort included 492 participants with self-reported RA with a mean follow up of 9.5 years. Compared to the non-RA group, RA patients tended to be older, female, Black. Hypertension, diabetes, use of prednisone was more prevalent among the RA cohort. The unadjusted hazards ratio (HR) for mortality based on RA status was 1.45 (1.26, 1.67) but this association was attenuated after adjusting for the confounding factors [aHR 1.09 (0.94, 1.27)] (Table 1). Participants with RA had a significantly higher risk for heart failure than those without RA [aHR 1.17 (1.02, 1.34)]. We did not observe a statistically significant association between RA status and other secondary outcomes.

Conclusion:

RA was not associated with higher mortality among participants with CKD. However, RA was associated with higher rates of heart failure. Further studies evaluating the mechanisms behind this association are needed.

References:

[1]Kochi M, Kohagura K, Shiohira Y, Iseki K, Ohya Y. Chronic kidney disease, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease risk in rheumatoid arthritis. J Cardiol. 2018;71(3):277-83.

[2]Sumida K, Molnar MZ, Potukuchi PK, Hassan F, Thomas F, Yamagata K, et al. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with biologic agents lowers the risk of incident chronic kidney disease. Kidney Int. 2018;93(5):1207-16.

[3]Chiu HY, Huang HL, Li CH, Chen HA, Yeh CL, Chiu SH, et al. Increased Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease in Rheumatoid Arthritis Associated with Cardiovascular Complications - A National Population-Based Cohort Study. PLoS One. 2015;10(9):e0136508.

[4]Muthukumar P, Dhanapriya J, Gopalakrishnan N, Dineshkumar T, Sakthirajan R, Balasubramaniyan T. Evaluation of renal lesions and clinicopathologic correlation in rheumatoid arthritis. Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl. 2017;28(1):44-50.

Table 1.

Estimated hazard ratios (HR) for various outcomes from Cox proportional hazards regression for RA status

UnadjustedModel 1Model 2HR (95% CI)HR (95% CI)HR (95% CI)Death1.45 (1.26, 1.67)1.09 (0.94, 1.27)1.13 (0.97, 1.32)MI or death1.43 (1.25, 1.63)1.09 (0.95, 1.26)1.15 (0.99, 1.33)CVA or death1.42 (1.24, 1.63)1.07 (0.92, 1.24)1.11 (0.95, 1.29)CHF or death1.54 (1.35, 1.75)1.17 (1.02, 1.34)1.22 (1.06, 1.40)Composite1.49 (1.31, 1.69)1.13 (0.99, 1.30)1.18 (1.03, 1.35)Kidney event1.09 (0.94, 1.27)0.91 (0.78, 1.07)1.01 (0.85, 1.20)

Model 1 adjusted for: age, sex, race/ethnicity, BMI, current smoker, education

Model 2 adjusted for: model 1 + cardiovascular risk factors (urine albumin creatinine ratio, systolic blood pressure, estimated glomerular filtration rate)

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Sex Differences in the Achievement of Remission and Low Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis

OBJECTIVE

In rheumatoid arthritis, whether women are less likely to achieve low disease activity is unclear. We evaluated sex differences in remission and low disease activity, comparing different clinical and imaging measures.

METHODS

We used data from the Veterans Affairs Rheumatoid Arthritis (VARA) registry and from 2 clinical trials. Remission and low disease activity were defined using composite scores, individual items (tender joints, swollen joints, erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR], C-reactive protein [CRP] level, and evaluator/patient global assessment), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In the VARA registry, we assessed the likelihood of point remission at any time during follow-up using logistic regression, and time to sustained remission (2 consecutive visits) using Cox proportional hazards models. In the clinical trials, logistic regression models evaluated the likelihood of low clinical and MRI activity at 52 weeks.

RESULTS

Among 2,463 patients in VARA, women (10.2%) were less likely to be in Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28)-ESR remission in follow-up (odds ratio [OR] 0.71 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.55-0.91]; P < 0.01) and had a longer time to sustained DAS28-ESR remission. This difference was not observed for DAS28-CRP, Clinical Disease Activity Index, or Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3. Women were more likely to achieve favorable individual components except for an ESR <30 mm/hour (OR 0.72 [95% CI 0.57-0.90]; P < 0.01). Among 353 trial participants (83.7% women), women had reduced rates of DAS28-ESR remission (OR 0.39 [95% CI 0.21-0.72]; P = 0.003) but similar rates of low MRI synovitis and osteitis.

CONCLUSION

The comparison of remission rates between men and women varies based on the disease activity measure, with sex-specific differences in ESR resulting in reliably lower rates of remission among women. There were no differences in MRI measures.

Development of Preliminary Remission Criteria for Gout Using Delphi and 1000Minds Consensus Exercises

OBJECTIVE

To establish consensus for potential remission criteria to use in clinical trials of gout.

METHODS

Experts (n = 88) in gout from multiple countries were invited to participate in a web-based questionnaire study. Three rounds of Delphi consensus exercises were conducted using SurveyMonkey, followed by a discrete-choice experiment using 1000Minds software. The exercises focused on identifying domains, definitions for each domain, and the timeframe over which remission should be defined.

RESULTS

There were 49 respondents (56% response) to the initial survey, with subsequent response rates ranging from 57% to 90%. Consensus was reached for the inclusion of serum urate (98% agreement), flares (96%), tophi (92%), pain (83%), and patient global assessment of disease activity (93%) as measurement domains in remission criteria. Consensus was also reached for domain definitions, including serum urate (<0.36 mm), pain (<2 on a 10-point scale), and patient global assessment (<2 on a 10-point scale), all of which should be measured at least twice over a set time interval. Consensus was not achieved in the Delphi exercise for the timeframe for remission, with equal responses for 6 months (51%) and 1 year (49%). In the discrete-choice experiment, there was a preference towards 12 months as a timeframe for remission.

CONCLUSION

These consensus exercises have identified domains and provisional definitions for gout remission criteria. Based on the results of these exercises, preliminary remission criteria are proposed with domains of serum urate, acute flares, tophus, pain, and patient global assessment. These preliminary criteria now require testing in clinical data sets.

Increased inflammation and disease activity among current cigarette smokers with rheumatoid arthritis: a cross-sectional analysis of US veterans

OBJECTIVES

Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for RA and has been associated with increased disease severity and lower rates of disease remission. We hypothesized that inflammation and disease activity would be associated with smoking status and this would be related to levels of ACPA.

METHODS

RA patients from the Veterans Affairs RA registry were studied (n = 1466): 76.9% anti-CCP2 positive, 89% male, median age 63 years (interquartile range 57-72), median disease duration 8.45 years (interquartile range 2.8-18). Baseline serum samples were evaluated for levels of anti-CCP2, RF, 19 distinct ACPAs and 17 cytokines. Smoking status at baseline was recorded as current, former or never. The association of smoking status with cytokines, autoantibodies and disease activity (DAS28) was evaluated.

RESULTS

Among anti-CCP-positive RA patients, RA-associated cytokines (false-discovery rates q < 0.1%) and DAS28 (P < 0.01) were higher in current smokers compared with former or never smokers. DAS28 and cytokine levels were similar between former and never smokers. In contrast, ACPA concentrations were higher among both current and former smokers compared with never smokers, and levels of ACPA were not associated with DAS28 or cytokine levels.

CONCLUSION

Among anti-CCP2-positive RA patients, current smoking status is associated with elevations in pro-inflammatory cytokines and increased RA disease activity. Similar levels of inflammation and disease activity among former and never smokers suggests that the detrimental effects of smoking could be ameliorated through tobacco cessation. The effect of tobacco cessation on RA disease activity should be evaluated prospectively.

The Importance of Prostate-specific Antigen (PSA) Nadir and Early Identification of PSA Relapse after 10 Years of Prostate Iodine 125 Seed Brachytherapy in Edinburgh

AIMS

To analyse our 5 and 10 year prostate brachytherapy outcome data and to assess the impact of PSA nadir on relapse free survival and whether an alternative definition of PSA relapse could detect men destined to fail by the Phoenix definition at an earlier time point.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

474 men were treated over a 10 year period between 20012 and 2011 and divided into 2 five year cohorts for the purpose of the analysis.

RESULTS

The risk of relapse is strongly predicted by post treat prostate-specific antigen (PSA) nadir. After 3 years post-treatment, PSA nadir plus 0.4 ng/ml identified men at risk of relapse 17 months earlier than the Phoenix definition.

CONCLUSION

The Phoenix definition of nadir plus 2.0 ng/ml does not allow the early identification of men destined to relapse. The initiation of salavage therapy at the earliest opportunity could potentially affect subsequent survival and an outline randomised controlled trial proposal is presented.

Disease characteristics and treatment patterns in veterans with rheumatoid arthritis and concomitant hepatitis C infection

OBJECTIVE

To assess disease characteristics, disease activity, and treatment patterns in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with comorbid hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

METHODS

RA patients with concomitant HCV were identified within the Veterans Affairs Rheumatoid Arthritis Registry. HCV was defined as at least 1 diagnostic code present in medical record databases. Generalized estimating equations in linear regression models compared component and composite measures of disease activity between HCV-positive and HCV-negative patients over the study period, accounting for within-subject correlations. Similar analysis of pharmacy databases evaluated medication use within each group.

RESULTS

Ninety-two of 1,706 registry participants (5.1%) were identified with concomitant HCV. At enrollment, HCV-positive patients were younger (mean ± SD 61.7 ± 7.1 years versus 67.5 ± 11.2 years; P < 0.001), more often African American (35% versus 15%; P < 0.001), and smokers (48% versus 26%; P < 0.001). In unadjusted and adjusted analyses incorporating all study visits, patient-reported outcomes (pain, tender joints, and patient global scores) were higher in HCV-positive patients, contributing to higher disease activity scores. There was no difference in physician-reported outcomes (swollen joints or physician global scores). HCV-positive patients had lower C-reactive protein levels (β -0.30 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) -0.53, -0.07], P = 0.01). Over all visits, HCV-positive patients were less likely to receive methotrexate (odds ratio [OR] 0.27 [95% CI 0.17, 0.40], P < 0.001), and more likely to receive prednisone (OR 1.41 [95% CI 1.02, 1.97], P = 0.04) and anti-tumor necrosis factor α (anti-TNFα) therapies (OR 1.51 [95% CI 1.04, 2.19], P = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

RA patients with concomitant HCV have higher disease activity scores, driven primarily by higher patient-reported measures. HCV-positive patients were more likely to be treated with prednisone and anti-TNFα therapies and less likely to receive methotrexate compared to HCV-negative patients.

Tuberculosis reactivation in hepatocellular carcinoma: association with transarterial chemoembolization

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is an important therapeutic option for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We discuss five patients with HCC and tuberculosis (TB) reactivation following TACE. Screening patients for latent TB infection at diagnosis of cirrhosis or HCC should be considered because of the immunosuppression inherent in both the diseases and their treatments.

Associations of hydroxychloroquine use with lipid profiles in rheumatoid arthritis: pharmacologic implications

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) use with lipid profiles in a Veterans Affairs Rheumatoid Arthritis (VARA) cohort.

METHODS

Lipid profiles in HCQ users were compared with HCQ nonusers, adjusting for potential confounders (age, sex, race, disease activity, prednisone, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, diabetes mellitus, and statin use). Applying current National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) guidelines for reduction of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events risk, the frequency of target lipid profiles with HCQ status was evaluated. Varied periods of HCQ exposure were compared to ascertain pharmacologic associations with lipid values. CVDs were compared between HCQ users and nonusers.

RESULTS

In an elderly, predominantly male VARA cohort, 1,011 patients had lipid profiles; 787 patients (77.8%) were white. Statin use was recorded in 11.6% of patients, diabetes mellitus in 33.5%, and CVD in 31.2%. HCQ users (n = 150) were older, had longer rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease duration, and had lower disease activity. Optimum lipid profiles, including total cholesterol:high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and HDL:low-density lipoprotein ratios (P ≤ 0.001), were more frequent in HCQ users, with the exception of HDL (P = 0.165), and persisted in multivariate analyses. Similarly, more HCQ users had NCEP-ATP III target levels. Varied periods of HCQ exposure suggested lipid changes to occur early, but lost within a year of drug discontinuation. HCQ users had less prevalent CVD.

CONCLUSION

In RA patients, HCQ use of at least 3 months' duration was associated with better lipid profiles irrespective of disease activity or statin use. Given the increased CVD risks in RA and the relative low cost and toxicity of HCQ, continued use, regardless of treatment regimen, should be considered.

The perspectives of adults with venous leg ulcers on exercise: an exploratory study

OBJECTIVE

Exercise has the potential to offer a range of health benefits in addition to improving healing outcomes for people with venous leg ulcers (VLUs). However, despite evidence-based recommendations, most of these individuals do not engage in regular exercise. The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of the perspectives of adults with VLUs, in relation to exercise.

METHOD

This was a qualitative design using semi-structured interviews and discussions. Ten participants with venous leg ulceration volunteered to participate. Recruitment was through a specialist wound clinic. Verbatim data were collected by an experienced moderator using a semi-structured guide. Data saturation was reached after three group discussions and two interviews. A random selection of transcripts was sent back to the participants for verification. Thematic content analysis was used to determine major themes and categories. Two transcripts were independently analysed, categories and themes independently developed, cross checked and found comparable. Remaining transcripts were analysed using the developed categories and codes.

RESULTS

Regardless of their current exercise routine, participants reported exercising before venous leg ulceration and expressed an interest in either becoming active or maintaining an active lifestyle. Overall, four themes emerged from the findings: i) participant understanding of the relationship between chronic venous insufficiency and exercise patterns; ii) fear of harm impacts upon positive beliefs and attitudes to exercise; iii) perceived factors limit exercise; and iv) structured management facilitates exercise.

CONCLUSION

The value of exercise in improving outcomes in VLUs lies in its capacity to promote venous return and reduce the risk of secondary conditions in this population. Despite motivation and interest in being exercise active, people with VLUs report many obstacles. Further exploration of mechanisms that assist this patient population and promote understanding about management of barriers, coupled with promotion of enabling factors, is vital for improving their exercise participation.

The pattern of coupling dynamics between postural motion, isotonic hand movements and physiological tremor

This study was designed to examine differences in the coupling dynamics between upper limb motion, physiological tremor and whole body postural sway in young healthy adults. Acceleration of the hand and fingers, forearm EMG activity and postural sway data were recorded. Estimation of the degree of bilateral and limb motion-postural sway coupling was determined by cross correlation, coherence and Cross-ApEn analyses. The results revealed that, under postural tremor conditions, there was no significant coupling between limbs, muscles or sway across all metrics of coupling. In contrast, performing a rapid alternating flexion/extension movement about the wrist joint (with one or both limbs) resulted in stronger coupling between limb motion and postural sway. These results support the view that, for physiological tremor responses, the control of postural sway is maintained independent to tremor in the upper limb. However, increasing the level of movement about a distal segment of one arm (or both) leads to increased coupling throughout the body. The basis for this increased coupling would appear to be related to the enhanced neural drive to task-specific muscles within the upper limb.

Rheumatoid factor as a potentiator of anti-citrullinated protein antibody-mediated inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

The co-occurrence of rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) positivity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is well described. However, the mechanisms underlying the potential interaction between these 2 distinct autoantibodies have not been well defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiologic and molecular interaction of ACPAs and RF and its association with both disease activity and measures of RA-associated inflammation.

METHODS

In a cohort of 1,488 US veterans with RA, measures of disease activity and serum levels of cytokines and multiplex ACPAs were compared between the following groups of patients: double-negative (anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide [anti-CCP]-/RF-), anti-CCP+/RF-, anti-CCP-/RF+, or double-positive (anti-CCP+/RF+). Additional studies were performed using an in vitro immune complex (IC) stimulation assay in which macrophages were incubated with ACPA ICs in the presence or absence of monoclonal IgM-RF, and tumor necrosis factor α production measured as a readout of macrophage activation.

RESULTS

Compared with the double-negative subgroup (as well as each single-positive subgroup), the double-positive subgroup exhibited higher disease activity as well as higher levels of C-reactive protein and inflammatory cytokines (all P < 0.001). In vitro stimulation of macrophages by ACPA ICs increased cytokine production, and the addition of monoclonal IgM-RF significantly increased macrophage tumor necrosis factor α production (P = 0.003 versus ACPA ICs alone).

CONCLUSION

The combined presence of ACPAs and IgM-RF mediates increased proinflammatory cytokine production in vitro and is associated with increased systemic inflammation and disease activity in RA. Our data suggest that IgM-RF enhances the capacity of ACPA ICs to stimulate macrophage cytokine production, thereby providing a mechanistic link by which RF enhances the pathogenicity of ACPA ICs in RA.

Malnutrition and falls risk in community-dwelling older adults

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Falls and fall-related injuries result in reduced functioning, loss of independence, premature nursing home admissions and mortality. Malnutrition is associated with falls in the acute setting, but little is known about malnutrition and falls risk in the community. The aim of this study was to assess the association between malnutrition risk, falls risk and falls over a one-year period in community-dwelling older adults.

METHODS

Two hundred and fifty four subjects >65 years of age were recruited to participate in a study in order to identify risk factors for falls. Malnutrition risk was determined using the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form.

RESULTS

28.6% had experienced a fall and according to the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form 3.9% (n=10) of subjects were at risk of malnutrition. There were no associations between malnutrition risk, the risk of falls, nor actual falls in healthy older adults in the community setting.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a low prevalence of malnutrition risk in this sample of community-dwelling older adults and no association between nutritional risk and falls. Screening as part of a falls prevention program should focus on the risk of developing malnutrition as this is associated with falls.

Variability, regularity and coupling measures distinguish PD tremor from voluntary 5Hz tremor

A characteristic of Parkinson's disease (PD) is the development of tremor within the 4-6Hz range. One method used to better understand pathological tremor is to compare the responses to tremor-type actions generated intentionally in healthy adults. This study was designed to investigate the similarities and differences between voluntarily generated 4-6Hz tremor and PD tremor in regards to their amplitude, frequency and coupling characteristics. Tremor responses for 8 PD individuals (on- and off-medication) and 12 healthy adults were assessed under postural and resting conditions. Results showed that the voluntary and PD tremor were essentially identical with regards to the amplitude and peak frequency. However, differences between the groups were found for the variability (SD of peak frequency, proportional power) and regularity (Approximate Entropy, ApEn) of the tremor signal. Additionally, coherence analysis revealed strong inter-limb coupling during voluntary conditions while no bilateral coupling was seen for the PD persons. Overall, healthy participants were able to produce a 5Hz tremulous motion indistinguishable to that of PD patients in terms of peak frequency and amplitude. However, differences in the structure of variability and level of inter-limb coupling were found for the tremor responses of the PD and healthy adults. These differences were preserved irrespective of the medication state of the PD persons. The results illustrate the importance of assessing the pattern of signal structure/variability to discriminate between different tremor forms, especially where no differences emerge in standard measures of mean amplitude as traditionally defined.

Evaluating a community-based dental registration program for preschool children living in areas of high social deprivation

AIM

This was to evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based program to promote dental registration and access to dental services for preschool children residing in areas of high social deprivation using monthly registration data provided by the Central Services Agency (CSA).

DESIGN

A quasi-experimental non-equivalent two group comparison.

SETTING

Areas of high social deprivation in the greater Belfast area.

METHODS

The dental registration program was conducted by community-based nurses (health visitors). The health visitors provided oral health education and distributed registration vouchers to mothers of new babies during home visits. The mothers exchanged the vouchers for motivational materials from the participating dental practices. Preschool child registration data were obtained from the CSA to evaluate the effectiveness of the program.

RESULTS

The registration rates were significantly greater 5 months after the program for 0-2-year old children residing in the intervention wards compared with control wards. During the program the rate of change in registration for the 0-2-year-old group residing in the intervention wards was significantly greater compared with those residing in the control wards (t [DF:21]=4.26: p<0.001). There was a significant increase in registration rate 5 months after the program compared with 6 months before the study started for the 0-2 year old group residing in the intervention wards compared with those residing in the control wards (t [df: 21]=3.33: P=0.003). There were no equivalent effects for the 3-5-year old group.

CONCLUSION

The adoption of a community-based approach assisted in promoting dental registration and access to dental services for preschool children residing in areas of high social deprivation.

Levamisole-induced occlusive necrotising vasculitis in cocaine abusers: an unusual cause of skin necrosis and neutropenia

We present three cases describing the various skin manifestations of presumed levamisole-contaminated cocaine use. Antibody-mediated vasculitis and neutropenia were consistent findings in these cases and repeat exposure resulted in distinct dermatologic complications. This phenomenon of levamisole-induced vasculitis and neutropenia is being increasingly described and has characteristic wound manifestations that must be recognised and treated early.

Benefit of chemotherapy as part of treatment for HPV DNA-positive but p16-negative squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx

Background:

To determine (a) the cause of an improvement in survival from oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in South East Scotland and (b) whether this improvement was human papillomavirus (HPV) and p16 subtype-dependent.

Methods:

Clinicopathological characteristics and outcome data for patients referred with OSCC from 1999 to 2001 (Cohort-1) and 2003 to 2005 (Cohort-2) were obtained. Molecular HPV detection and immunohistochemistry for p16 were performed from paraffin blocks.

Results:

Cohort-1 and Cohort-2 contained 118 and 136 patients, respectively. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed significantly improved survival in Cohort-2 (P<0.0001). Sub-classification according to HPV and p16 status revealed no improvement in survival in Class-I (HPV−ve/p16−ve; 47 patients) or Class-III (HPV+ve/p16+ve; 77 patients). However in Class-II (HPV+ve/p16−ve; 56 patients) an increase in 5-year cause-specific survival from 36% in Cohort-1 to 73% in Cohort-2 was detected (P=0.0001).

Proportional hazards analysis of 217 patients treated radically demonstrated that significant variables were p16 (P<0.0001), N stage (P=0.0006) and cohort (P=0.0024). Removing cohort from the variables offered to the model showed that, whereas p16 (P<0.0001) and N stage (P=0.0016) remain significant, chemotherapy (P=0.0163) and T stage (P=0.0139) are now significant. This suggests that much of the cohort effect is due to the higher use of chemotherapy in the second cohort.

Conclusion:

These data suggest that HPV+ve/p16−ve patients constitute a separate subclass of OSCC who may particularly benefit from chemotherapy. They imply that p16 status cannot be considered a surrogate for HPV status, and those trials to de-escalate treatment in HPV+ve OSCC should take p16 status into account.