Drug survival and change of disease activity using a second janus kinase inhibitor in patients with difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis who failed to a janus kinase inhibitor and subsequent biologics

BACKGROUND

To assess the drug survival and change of disease activity using a second Janus kinase inhibitor (JAKi) after failure to a JAKi and subsequent biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) in patients with difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 32 patients with difficult-to-treat RA who failed to a JAKi and subsequently to one or more bDMARDs and then switched to a second JAKi. To assess drug survival, electronic medical records of each patient were reviewed. Data on whether the second JAKi was discontinued, and the reasons for discontinuation were collected. The change of disease activity was assessed by analyzing changes in tender joint count (TJC), swollen joint count (SJC), patient's global assessment of disease activity on a visual-analogue scale (VAS), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), Disease Activity Score for 28 joints with ESR (DAS28-ESR), and DAS28-CRP from baseline to that at six months from initiation of the second JAKi.

RESULTS

Overall, discontinuation of the second JAKi occurred in 20 (62.5%) patients. Primary failure, secondary failure, adverse events, and insurance coverage issues were the reasons for discontinuation in 9 (45.0%), 5 (25.0%), 2 (10.0%), and 4 (20.0%) patients, respectively. The estimated 2-year drug survival rate was 39.3%. In terms of change of disease activity, the second JAKi significantly improved TJC (p < 0.001), SJC (p < 0.001), VAS (p < 0.001), CRP (p = 0.026), DAS28-ESR (p < 0.001), and DAS28-CRP (p < 0.001) at 6-month compared with that at the baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

Second JAKi could be a therapeutic option in patients with difficult-to-treat RA who have failed to a JAKi and subsequent bDMARDs.

5-aminosalicylic acid suppresses osteoarthritis through the OSCAR-PPARγ axis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive and irreversible degenerative joint disease that is characterized by cartilage destruction, osteophyte formation, subchondral bone remodeling, and synovitis. Despite affecting millions of patients, effective and safe disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs are lacking. Here we reveal an unexpected role for the small molecule 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), which is used as an anti-inflammatory drug in ulcerative colitis. We show that 5-ASA competes with extracellular-matrix collagen-II to bind to osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR) on chondrocytes. Intra-articular 5-ASA injections ameliorate OA generated by surgery-induced medial-meniscus destabilization in male mice. Significantly, this effect is also observed when 5-ASA was administered well after OA onset. Moreover, mice with DMM-induced OA that are treated with 5-ASA at weeks 8-11 and sacrificed at week 12 have thicker cartilage than untreated mice that were sacrificed at week 8. Mechanistically, 5-ASA reverses OSCAR-mediated transcriptional repression of PPARγ in articular chondrocytes, thereby suppressing COX-2-related inflammation. It also improves chondrogenesis, strongly downregulates ECM catabolism, and promotes ECM anabolism. Our results suggest that 5-ASA could serve as a DMOAD.

Comparative risk of incident and recurrent acute anterior uveitis across different biological agents in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the comparative risk of incident and recurrent acute anterior uveitis (AAU) across different biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

METHODS

A retrospective nationwide cohort study was conducted on 34 621 patients with AS without a previous history of AAU using a national claims database. Patients were followed-up from 2010 to 2021. The comparative risk of incident and recurrent AAU across different bDMARDs was examined using multivariable time-dependent Cox models and counting process (AG) models, respectively.

RESULTS

The adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for incident AAU (bDMARDs non-exposure as reference) were: adalimumab 0.674 (0.581-0.891), etanercept 1.760 (1.540-2.012), golimumab 0.771 (0.620-0.959), infliximab 0.891 (0.741-1.071), and secukinumab 1.324 (0.794-2.209). Compared with adalimumab exposure, etanercept (aHR = 2.553 [2.114-3.083]), infliximab (aHR = 1.303 [1.039-1.634]), and secukinumab exposures (aHR = 2.173 [1.273-3.710]) showed a higher risk of incident AAU. The aHRs and 95% CIs for recurrent AAU (bDMARDs non-exposure as reference) were: adalimumab 0.798 (0.659-0.968), etanercept 1.416 (1.185-1.693), golimumab 0.874 (0.645-1.185), infliximab 0.926 (0.729-1.177), and secukinumab 1.257 (0.670-2.359). Compared with adalimumab exposure, etanercept exposure (aHR = 1.793 [1.403-2.292]) was associated with a higher risk of recurrent AAU.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest preference for bDMARDs in the following order: adalimumab/golimumab > infliximab > secukinumab > etanercept (for incident AAU prevention) and adalimumab > golimumab/infliximab/secukinumab > etanercept (for recurrent AAU prevention).

Corrigendum: Korean treatment recommendations for patients with axial spondyloarthritis

[This corrects the article on p. 151 in vol. 30, PMID: 37476674.].

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus who are underweight have distinct disease characteristics

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to detail the disease characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in individuals who are underweight and assess whether underweight status is associated with SLE disease activity.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study involving 218 patients newly diagnosed with SLE. Patients were categorized as underweight (body mass index [BMI] <18.5 kg/m2) or not underweight (BMI ≥18.5 kg/m2). We reviewed disease characteristics including the SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) at diagnosis. High disease activity was defined as SLEDAI-2K ≥10. Disease characteristics were compared between those who were underweight and not underweight. We used multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine whether underweight status is associated with high disease activity.

RESULTS

Out of the 218 patients, 35 (16.1%) were underweight and 183 (83.9%) were not. Underweight patients had less renal involvement (5.7% vs 20.2%, p = .040), lower C-reactive protein levels (1.0 [0.3-2.3] mg/L vs 1.2 [0.8-5.0] mg/L, p = .028), and lower SLEDAI-2K scores (6.7 ± 4.6 vs 9.1 ± 5.7, p = .009), and were less likely to be at high disease activity status (22.9% vs 42.6%, p = .028), compared with those who were not underweight. Following adjustment for multiple covariates, being underweight was inversely associated with high disease activity status (adjusted odds ratio = 0.38, 95% confidence interval = 0.16 to 0.92, p = .031).

CONCLUSION

Patients with SLE who were underweight showed less renal involvement and lower SLEDAI-2K scores compared with those who were not underweight. Moreover, those with SLE who were underweight had a 60% lower risk of exhibiting high disease activity.

Systemic sclerosis is a risk factor of incident psoriasis: results from a nationwide cohort study

Objective

Although the co-existence of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and psoriasis (PsO) has been reported, the risk relationship between the two diseases remains unclear. We aimed to assess whether SSc is associated with the risk of incident PsO.

Methods

From the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, 4,933 patients with SSc and 24,665 age- and sex-matched controls were selected. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for incident PsO were estimated using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for known risk factors of PsO. Further, we selected individuals whose health check-up data were available (2,355 patients with SSc and 11,775 age- and sex-matched controls). In this population, we further adjusted for additional risk factors of PsO using the health check-up data.

Results

In the analysis of 4,933 patients with SSc and 24,665 age- and sex-matched controls, incidence rates of PsO in patients with SSc and controls were 10.26 and 3.20 per 1,000 person-years, respectively. After adjusting for risk factors of PsO, patients with SSc had a significantly higher risk of incident PsO (adjusted HR: 3.055 [95% CI: 2.597, 3.594]). Moreover, in the analysis of individuals who had health check-up data, additional risk factors of PsO were further adjusted; the result also showed that patients with SSc have a significantly higher risk of incident PsO (adjusted HR: 2.820 [95% CI: 2.207, 3.603]).

Conclusion

Patients with SSc had a 3-fold higher risk of developing incident PsO than controls, independent of known risk factors of PsO.

Higher gamma-glutamyl transferase levels are associated with an increased risk of incident systemic sclerosis: a nationwide population-based study

Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is known to promote oxidative stress. As oxidative stress is a key component in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc), we investigated whether GGT levels are associated with the risk of incident SSc. A cohort of individuals without SSc who underwent national health examination in 2009 were extracted from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. The incidence rate of SSc during the observation period, between 2009 and 2019, was estimated. GGT levels measured in 2009 were categorized into quartiles (Q1 [lowest], Q2, Q3, and Q4 [highest]). Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the risk of incident SSc according to the quartiles of GGT, using Q1 as the reference. A total of 6,091,788 individuals were included. Incidence rate of SSc was 1.16 per 100,000 person-years over a mean observation period of 9.2 years. After adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, economic income, smoking status, alcohol consumption, physical activity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and chronic kidney disease, higher quartiles of GGT levels were significantly associated with a higher risk of incident SSc (Q4: adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.807, 95% confidence interval CI 1.446-2.259; Q3: aHR 1.221, 95% CI 0.971-1.536; and Q2: aHR 1.034, 95% CI 0.807-1.324; p for trend < 0.001). Higher GGT levels were associated with a higher risk of incident SSc. These findings could lead to a closer monitoring for high risk individuals and an earlier diagnosis and treatment.

Risk of atrial fibrillation in patients with systemic sclerosis: a nationwide population-based study

OBJECTIVE

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in the general population causing substantial economic burden, morbidity, and mortality. The incidence rate and risk of AF in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) are unclear. We aimed to assess the incidence rate of AF in patients with SSc, and the risk of incident AF in patients with SSc compared with the general population.

METHODS

The Korean National Health Insurance Service database was used as the data source. Patients with claims data for SSc between 2010 and 2017 were extracted from the database along with 1:5 age- and sex-matched controls. The index date was the earliest date with claims data for SSc between 2010 and 2017. The follow-up duration was from the index date to 2019. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for AF in patients with SSc.

RESULTS

Overall, 2,519 patients with SSc and 12,595 age- and sex-matched controls were included. Over a mean follow-up duration of 5.2±2.6 years, the incidence rates of AF were 3.52 and 1.68 per 1,000 person-years for patients with SSc and controls, respectively. Compared with controls, patients with SSc had a significantly higher risk of incident AF (adjusted HR = 2.095, 95% CI = 1.466-2.994).

CONCLUSION

Patients with SSc had a two-fold higher risk of incident AF than controls. Given the significant economic burden, morbidity, and mortality that AF poses, close monitoring for incident AF in patients with SSc is warranted.

Drug Retention Rate and Factors Associated with Discontinuation of Interleukin-17 Inhibitors in Patients with Axial Spondyloarthritis

PURPOSE

To assess the drug retention rate of interleukin-17 inhibitors (IL-17is) over long-term observation in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) in whom treatment with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFis) failed and to determine baseline factors associated with discontinuation of IL-17is.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 68 patients with axSpA started on IL-17is after an inadequate response or intolerance to ≥1 TNFis. Drug retention rates at 1, 2, and 3 years were assessed. Baseline (i.e., at initiation of IL-17is) factors associated with discontinuation of IL-17is were evaluated using multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analysis.

RESULTS

Over 1933.9 person-months of observation in 68 patients, discontinuation of IL-17is occurred in 27 (39.7%) patients. Twenty (29.4%) patients discontinued IL-17is because of ineffectiveness, and 7 (10.3%) patients discontinued IL-17is because of adverse events. The 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year drug retention rates for IL-17is were 71.9%, 66.5%, and 62.0%, respectively. Current smoking was associated with a higher risk of IL-17is discontinuation [adjusted hazard ratio (HR)=2.256, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.053-4.831, p=0.036], while previous use of ≥3 TNFis (vs. 1) was significantly associated with a lower risk of IL-17is discontinuation (adjusted HR=0.223, 95% CI=0.051-0.969, p=0.045).

CONCLUSION

In patients with axSpA in whom TNFis failed, the long-term drug retention rate of IL-17is appears to be acceptable, with a 3-year drug retention rate of approximately 60%. Current smoking was associated with a higher risk of discontinuing IL-17is, whereas previous use of ≥3 TNFis was associated with a lower risk of discontinuing IL-17is.

IgSF11 deficiency alleviates osteoarthritis in mice by suppressing early subchondral bone changes

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease. While it is classically characterized by articular cartilage destruction, OA affects all tissues in the joints and is thus also accompanied by local inflammation, subchondral bone changes, and persistent pain. However, our understanding of the underlying subchondral bone dynamics during OA progression is poor. Here, we demonstrate the contribution of immunoglobulin superfamily 11 (IgSF11) to OA subchondral bone remodeling by using a murine model. In particular, IgSF11 was quickly expressed by differentiating osteoclasts and upregulated in subchondral bone soon after destabilization-of-the-medial-meniscus (DMM)-induced OA. In mice, IgSF11 deficiency not only suppressed subchondral bone changes in OA but also blocked cartilage destruction. The IgSF11-expressing cells in OA subchondral bone were found to be involved in osteoclast maturation and bone resorption and colocalized with receptor-activator of nuclear-factor κ-B (RANK), the key osteoclast differentiation factor. Thus, our study shows that blocking early subchondral bone changes in OA can ameliorate articular cartilage destruction in OA.

Association Between Lipid Profile and Risk of Incident Systemic Sclerosis: A Nationwide Population-Based Study

Background and Aims

Lipid metabolism is altered in systemic sclerosis (SSc), mediating activation of immune cells and fibroblasts. However, it is unclear whether altered lipid profile is associated with a risk of developing SSc. We aimed to assess the association between lipid profile and risk of incident SSc.

Methods

From a Korean nationwide database, individuals without SSc who underwent national health check-ups in 2009 were selected and followed-up through 2019. Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglyceride were measured on the health check-up date in 2009. Individuals who developed SSc during follow-up were identified. Multivariable Cox models were performed to estimate the risk of incident SSc according to TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, and triglyceride levels, respectively.

Results

Of the 9,894,996 individuals selected, 1355 individuals developed SSc during a mean follow-up of 9.2 years (incidence rate=1.49 per 100,000 person-years). Levels of TC (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.959, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.945-0.974), HDL-C (aHR 0.968, 95% CI 0.950-0.987), LDL-C (aHR 0.968, 95% CI 0.952-0.983) were inversely associated with the risk of incident SSc, whereas no significant association was observed between levels of triglyceride (aHR 1.004, 95% CI 0.998-1.011) and risk of incident SSc.

Conclusion

Serum levels of TC, HDL-C, and LDL-C were inversely associated with the risk of incident SSc. Our findings provide new insights that altered lipid profile could be considered a non-causal biomarker associated with incident SSc, which could help early diagnosis. The underlying mechanism for this association needs further studies.

Risk of kidney failure in patients with systemic sclerosis: a nationwide population-based study

OBJECTIVE

Data from a decade ago have shown that patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) have a higher risk of kidney failure than the general population. However, as the incidence of kidney failure due to SSc has been declining, the comparative risk of kidney failure between patients with SSc and the general population could have changed over time. We investigated the risk of kidney failure in patients with SSc compared with the general population, up to more recent years.

METHODS

This was a nationwide population-based study using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. Patients with claims data for SSc between 2010 and 2017 (n=2591) and 1:5 age-matched and sex-matched controls (n=12 955) were selected. The index date was the earliest date of claim for SSc between 2010 and 2017. The follow-up duration was from the index date to 2019. The adjusted HRs (aHRs) and 95% CI for kidney failure were estimated using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models.

RESULTS

Over 5.2±2.6 years, the incidence rates of kidney failure in patients with SSc and controls were 2.88 and 0.35 per 1000 person-years, respectively. Patients with SSc had a significantly higher risk of kidney failure than controls (aHR=7.244, 95% CI=4.256 to 12.329). The effect size was larger in patients diagnosed with SSc between 2014 and 2017 (aHR=9.754, 95% CI=3.254 to 29.235) than in those diagnosed before 2010 (aHR=6.568, 95% CI=2.711 to 15.571) or between 2010 and 2013 (aHR=6.553, 95% CI=2.721 to 15.781).

CONCLUSION

The risk of kidney failure remains higher in patients with SSc than in the general population.

Korean treatment recommendations for patients with axial spondyloarthritis

We aimed to develop evidence-based recommendations for treating axial spondylarthritis (axSpA) in Korea. The development committee was constructed, key clinical questions were determined, and the evidence was searched through online databases including MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, KoreaMed, and Kmbase. Systematic literature reviews were conducted, quality of evidence was determined, and draft recommendations were formulated according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluations methodology. Recommendations that reached 80% consensus among a voting panel were finalized. Three principles and 21 recommendations were determined. Recommendations 1 and 2 pertain to treatment strategies, regular disease status assessment, and rheumatologist-steered multidisciplinary management. Recommendations 3 and 4 strongly recommend patient education, exercise, and smoking cessation. Recommendations 5-12 address pharmacological treatment of active disease using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticoids, sulfasalazine, biologics, and Janus kinase inhibitors. Recommendations 13-16 address treatment in stable disease. We suggest against spa and acupuncture as therapies (Recommendation 17). Recommendations 18 and 19 pertain to total hip arthroplasty and spinal surgery. Monitoring of comorbidities and drug toxicities are recommended (Recommendations 20 and 21). Recommendations for axSpA treatment in a Korean context were developed based on comprehensive clinical questions and evidence. These are intended to guide best practice in the treatment of axSpA.

Korean treatment recommendations for patients with axial spondyloarthritis

We aimed to develop evidence-based recommendations for treating axial spondylarthritis (axSpA) in Korea. The development committee was constructed, key clinical questions were determined, and the evidence was searched through online databases including MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, KoreaMed, and KMbase. Systematic literature reviews were conducted, quality of evidence was determined, and draft recommendations were formulated according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluations methodology. Recommendations that reached 80% consensus among a voting panel were finalized. Three principles and 21 recommendations were determined. Recommendations 1 and 2 pertain to treatment strategies, regular disease status assessment, and rheumatologist-steered multidisciplinary management. Recommendations 3 and 4 strongly recommend patient education, exercise, and smoking cessation. Recommendations 5~12 address pharmacological treatment of active disease using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticoids, sulfasalazine, biologics, and Janus kinase inhibitors. Recommendations 13~16 address treatment in stable disease. We suggest against spa and acupuncture as therapies (Recommendation 17). Recommendations 18 and 19 pertain to total hip arthroplasty and spinal surgery. Monitoring of comorbidities and drug toxicities are recommended (Recommendations 20 and 21). Recommendations for axSpA treatment in a Korean context were developed based on comprehensive clinical questions and evidence. These are intended to guide best practice in the treatment of axSpA.

Disease course of non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis: Data from a long-term retrospective observational cohort

BACKGROUND

Disease course of non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) has been extensively studied in non-Asian population; however, there are limited data in Asian population. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term disease course of non-radiographic axSpA in Asian patients and identify factors associated with progression to radiographic axSpA.

METHODS

In this retrospective observational cohort study, 56 Korean patients newly diagnosed with non-radiographic axSpA between 2006 and 2015 were included. All patients fulfilled the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society classification criteria for axSpA, and did not fulfil the radiological criterion of the 1984 modified New York criteria. Disease course was assessed by the rate of progression to radiographic axSpA. Factors associated with the risk of progression to radiographic axSpA were assessed using multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analysis.

RESULTS

The mean age at baseline was 31.4±13.3 years, and 37 (66.1%) patients were men. Over a mean observation period of 8.4±3.7 years, 28 (50.0%) patients progressed to radiographic axSpA. In multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, the presence of syndesmophytes at diagnosis (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 4.50, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.54-13.15, p = 0.006) and active sacroiliitis on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at diagnosis (adjusted HR: 5.88, 95% CI: 2.05-16.82, p = 0.001) were significantly associated with a higher risk of progression to radiographic axSpA, whereas longer exposure to tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFis) was significantly associated with a lower risk of progression to radiographic axSpA (adjusted HR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.80-0.98, p = 0.022).

CONCLUSION

During long-term follow-up, a substantial proportion of Asian patients with non-radiographic axSpA progressed to radiographic axSpA. The presence of syndesmophytes and active sacroiliitis on MRI at the time of non-radiographic axSpA diagnosis were associated with a higher risk of progression to radiographic axSpA, while longer exposure to TNFis was associated with a lower risk of progression to radiographic axSpA.

Risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality associated with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases in Korea

Objective

Immune-mediated inflammatory disease (IMID) is associated with an increased risk of mortality. It is unclear whether the higher mortality is attributable to the IMIDs themselves or to the higher prevalence of comorbidities in IMIDs. We aimed to investigate whether IMIDs per se confer a higher risk of mortality.

Methods

From the Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort database, this population-based cohort study included 25,736 patients newly diagnosed with IMIDs between January 2007 and December 2017, and 128,680 individuals without IMIDs who were matched for age, sex, income, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and the Charlson comorbidity index. All individuals were retrospectively observed through December 31, 2019. The outcomes included all-cause and cause-specific mortalities. Adjustments for age, sex, and comorbidities were performed using multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analyses, and adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the outcomes were estimated.

Results

The adjusted risk of all-cause mortality was significantly lower in patients with IMIDs than that in those without (aHR, 0.890; 95% CI, 0.841-0.942). Regarding cause-specific mortality, cancer-specific (aHR, 0.788; 95% CI, 0.712-0.872) and cardiovascular disease-specific (aHR, 0.798; 95% CI, 0.701-0.908) mortalities were the two causes of death that showed significantly lower risks in patients with IMIDs. A similar trend was observed when organ based IMIDs were analyzed separately (i.e., gut, joint, and skin IMIDs).

Conclusion

After adjusting for comorbidities, IMIDs were associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to those without IMIDs. This was attributable to the lower risks of cancer-and cardiovascular disease-specific mortalities.

Comparative effectiveness of JAK inhibitors and biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Background/Aims

We aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) vs. biologic disease- modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARD) in Korean patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who had an inadequate response to conventional synthetic DMARDs.

Methods

A quasi-experimental, multi-center, prospective, non-randomized study was conducted to compare response rates between JAKi and bDMARDs in patients with RA naïve to targeted therapy. An interim analysis was performed to estimate the proportion of patients achieving low disease activity (LDA) based on disease activity score (DAS)-28- erythroid sedimentation rate (ESR) (DAS28-ESR) at 24 weeks after treatment initiation and to evaluate the development of adverse events (AEs).

Results

Among 506 patients enrolled from 17 institutions between April 2020 and August 2022, 346 (196 JAKi group and 150 bDMARD group) were included in the analysis. After 24 weeks of treatment, 49.0% of JAKi users and 48.7% of bDMARD users achieved LDA (p = 0.954). DAS28-ESR remission rates were also comparable between JAKi and bDMARD users (30.1% and 31.3%, respectively; p = 0.806). The frequency of AEs reported in the JAKi group was numerically higher than that in the bDMARDs group, but the frequencies of serious and severe AEs were comparable between the groups.

Conclusions

Our interim findings reveal JAKi have comparable effectiveness and safety to bDMARDs at 24 weeks after treatment initiation.

Risk of systemic lupus erythematosus flares according to autoantibody positivity at the time of diagnosis

To estimate the risk of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) flares based on the autoantibody positivity at the time of SLE diagnosis. This retrospective cohort study included 228 patients with newly diagnosed SLE. Clinical characteristics including autoantibody positivity at the time of diagnosis of SLE were reviewed. Flares were defined as a new British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) A score or BILAG B score for at least one organ system. Multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to estimate the risk of flares according to autoantibody positivity. Anti-dsDNA, anti-Sm, anti-U1RNP, anti-Ro, and anti-La antibodies (Abs) were positive in 50.0%, 30.7%, 42.5%, 54.8%, and 22.4% of the patients, respectively. The incidence rate of flares was 28.2/100 person-years. Multivariable Cox regression analysis, adjusted for potential confounders, revealed that anti-dsDNA Ab positivity (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 1.46, p = 0.037) and anti-Sm Ab positivity (adjusted HR: 1.81, p = 0.004) at the time of diagnosis of SLE were associated with higher risk of flares. To better delineate the flare risk, patients were categorized as double-negative, single-positive, double-positive for anti-dsDNA and anti-Sm Abs. Compared with double-negativity, double-positivity (adjusted HR: 3.34, p < 0.001) was associated with higher risk of flares, while anti-dsDNA Ab single-positivity (adjusted HR: 1.11, p = 0.620) or anti-Sm Ab single-positivity (adjusted HR: 1.32, p = 0.270) was not associated with higher risk of flares. Patients who are double-positive for anti-dsDNA and anti-Sm Abs at the time of the diagnosis of SLE are at higher risk of flares and may benefit from stringent monitoring and early preventive treatment.

Interleukin-32 as a biomarker in rheumatic diseases: A narrative review

Interleukin-32 (IL-32) is an important cytokine involved in the innate and adaptive immune responses. The role of IL-32 has been studied in the context of various diseases. A growing body of research has investigated the role of IL-32 in rheumatic diseases including inflammatory arthritides (rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis) and connective tissue diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, granulomatosis and polyangiitis, and giant cell arteritis). IL-32 has been shown to play different roles according to the type of rheumatic diseases. Hence, the putative role of IL-32 as a biomarker is also different in each rheumatic disease: IL-32 could serve as a biomarker for disease activity in some diseases, whereas in other diseases it could be a biomarker for certain disease manifestations. In this narrative review, we summarize the associations between IL-32 and various rheumatic diseases and discuss the putative role of IL-32 as a biomarker in each disease.

Association of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases with depression and anxiety in patients with type 2 diabetes: A nationwide population-based study

Objective

Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) are at a high risk of developing depression and anxiety. To better stratify the risk, we aimed to assess whether the presence of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) confers a higher risk of depression and anxiety in these patients.

Methods

Patients with T2DM without prior depression or anxiety who underwent national health examination between 2009 and 2012 (n = 1,612,705) were enrolled from the nationwide health check-up data from Korean National Health Insurance Service. The outcome events were incident depression and anxiety, defined as International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision codes F32-F33 and F40-F41, respectively. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were conducted to estimate the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) according to the existence of IMIDs.

Results

Over an average follow-up time of 6.4 years, existence of gut IMIDs was associated with a higher risk of depression (aHR: 1.28 [95% CI: 1.08-1.53]) and anxiety (1.22 [1.06-1.42]). Existence of joint IMIDs was associated with a higher risk of depression (1.34 [1.31-1.37]) and anxiety (1.31 [1.29-1.34]). Existence of skin IMID was associated with a higher risk of depression (1.18 [1.14-1.23]) and anxiety (1.13 [1.09-1.16]). The effect sizes of IMIDs on depression and anxiety were larger in those with ≥ 2 IMIDs (1.42 [1.19-1.69] and 1.49 [1.29-1.72], respectively) than in those with one IMID (1.30 [1.27-1.32] and 1.26 [1.24-1.28], respectively).

Conclusion

In patients with T2DM, presence of IMIDs was associated with a higher risk of depression and anxiety. More stringent attention and screening for anxiety and depression should be encouraged in patients with T2DM and comorbid IMIDs due to clinical implications of psychological distress on patient-reported outcomes and prognosis.

Correlation between serologic parameters and disease activity of IgG4-related disease: Differences between patients with normal and elevated serum IgG4 concentrations

Objective

We aimed to identify serologic parameters that correlate with the disease activity of IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) in patients with normal and elevated serum IgG4 concentrations, respectively.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 148 patients with IgG4-RD. Patients were categorized into normal (≤201 mg/dL) and elevated (>201 mg/dL) serum IgG4 concentration groups. Disease activity was assessed using the IgG4-RD responder index (RI). The correlations between IgG4-RD RI and serologic parameters (erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR], C-reactive protein, C3, C4, IgG4 concentration, IgG concentration, and IgG4/IgG ratio) were evaluated in each group, using Spearman’s correlation coefficient.

Results

Of the 148 patients with IgG4-RD, 38 (25.7%) and 110 (74.3%) patients were categorized into the normal and elevated serum IgG4 concentration groups, respectively. In the normal serum IgG4 concentration group, IgG concentration was the only serologic parameter that showed a significant correlation with IgG4-RD RI (rho=0.411, p=0.013). However, in the elevated serum IgG4 concentration group, ESR (rho=0.196, p=0.041), C3 (rho=-0.432, p<0.001), C4 (rho=-0.363, p=0.001), IgG4 concentration (rho=0.423, p<0.001), IgG concentration (rho=0.224, p=0.020), and IgG4/IgG ratio (rho=0.328, p=0.001) correlated with IgG4-RD RI. The combination of C3 and IgG4 concentration (rho=0.509, p<0.001) had the strongest correlation with IgG4-RD RI in this group.

Conclusion

Among the serologic parameters tested, IgG concentration was the only parameter that correlated with IgG4-RD RI in patients with normal serum IgG4 concentrations, whereas multiple parameters correlated with IgG4-RD RI in those with elevated serum IgG4 concentrations. The combination of C3 and IgG4 concentration had the strongest correlation coefficient in the latter group.

Effects of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases on cardiovascular diseases in patients with type 2 diabetes: a nationwide population-based study

Both type 2 diabetes and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs), such as Crohn’s disease (CD), ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and psoriasis (PsO) are risk factors of cardiovascular disease. Whether presence of IMIDs in patients with type 2 diabetes increases their cardiovascular risk remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes and IMIDs. Patients with type 2 diabetes without cardiovascular disease were retrospectively enrolled from nationwide data provided by the Korean National Health Insurance Service. The primary outcome was cardiovascular mortality, and the secondary outcomes were myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and all-cause mortality. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW)-adjusted Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for each IMID. Overall 2,263,853 patients with type 2 diabetes were analyzed. CD was associated with a significantly higher risk of stroke (IPTW-adjusted HR: 1.877 [95%CI 1.046, 3.367]). UC was associated with a significantly higher risk of MI (1.462 [1.051, 2.032]). RA was associated with a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular mortality (2.156 [1.769, 2.627]), MI (1.958 [1.683, 2.278]), stroke (1.605 [1.396, 1.845]), and all-cause mortality (2.013 [1.849, 2.192]). AS was associated with a significantly higher risk of MI (1.624 [1.164, 2.266]), stroke (2.266 [1.782, 2.882]), and all-cause mortality (1.344 [1.089, 1.658]). PsO was associated with a significantly higher risk of MI (1.146 [1.055, 1.246]), stroke (1.123 [1.046, 1.205]) and all-cause mortality (1.115 [1.062, 1.171]). In patients with type 2 diabetes, concomitant IMIDs increase the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Vigilant surveillance for cardiovascular disease is needed in patients with type 2 diabetes and IMIDs.

Derivation and Validation of a New Disease Activity Assessment Tool With Higher Accuracy for Takayasu Arteritis

Objective

To develop a new disease activity assessment tool with high accuracy for Takayasu arteritis.

Methods

Individual items from National Institute of Health (NIH) criteria and the Indian Takayasu Clinical Activity Score (ITAS2010) were tested as candidate variables to develop a new disease activity assessment tool in a derivation cohort (N = 100). Physician global assessment on disease activity was used as the gold standard. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed and the model with the highest accuracy was identified. A formula assessing disease activity was generated using simplified β coefficients (rounded to decimal place). Diagnostic performance was evaluated through estimating the area under the curve (AUC). The new assessment tool was subsequently validated in a validation cohort (N = 46).

Results

The multivariable model yielding the highest accuracy consisted of a high erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), NIH criteria 1 and 4, and carotidynia. Using simplified β coefficients, the following disease activity assessment tool was developed: high ESR (3 points), NIH criterion 1 (2 points), NIH criterion 4 (4 points), and carotidynia (3 points) (total score ≥5, active; total score <5, inactive). The new disease activity assessment tool had a higher AUC (89.37) for discriminating active and inactive diseases than NIH criteria (AUC 77.96), ITAS2010 (AUC 66.12), ITAS-ESR (AUC 75.58), and ITAS-C-reactive protein (AUC 71.34). The AUC (85.23) of the new assessment tool was similar in the validation cohort.

Conclusion

A new disease activity assessment tool that consists of high ESR, NIH criteria 1 and 4, and carotidynia had higher accuracy in discriminating active and inactive disease than currently used clinical assessment tools.

Effect of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors on risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with axial spondyloarthritis

Background

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. We aimed to evaluate the effect of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFis) on the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with axSpA.

Methods

This retrospective study included 450 patients with axSpA without pre-existing cardiovascular disease. The outcome was incident cardiovascular disease (myocardial infarction or stroke) after the diagnosis of axSpA. The effect of TNFis on cardiovascular risk was analyzed in the total study population and in an inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW)-adjusted population. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for cardiovascular disease, according to exposure to TNFis.

Results

Of the 450 patients, 233 (51.8%) and 217 (48.2%) patients were and were not exposed to TNFis, respectively. Twenty cardiovascular diseases occurred during 2868 person-years of follow-up (incidence rate: 6.97/1000 person-years). In the total study population, exposure to TNFis was associated with a reduced cardiovascular risk when adjusted for traditional cardiovascular risk factors (HR 0.30, 95% CI 0.10–0.85, p = 0.024). However, when time-averaged erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein were additionally adjusted, this association was attenuated and lost statistical significance (HR 0.37, 95% CI 0.12–1.12, p = 0.077). Furthermore, in the IPTW-adjusted population, exposure to TNFis showed no significant reduction in cardiovascular risk (HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.23–1.54, p = 0.287).

Conclusions

Although controlling inflammation through TNFis could be beneficial in cardiovascular risk reduction, our data indicate no TNFi-specific reduction in cardiovascular risk in patients with axSpA.

Correlation Between Salivary Microbiome of Parotid Glands and Clinical Features in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome and Non-Sjögren's Sicca Subjects

Recent studies have demonstrated that the oral microbiome in patients with Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is significantly different from that in healthy individuals. However, the potential role of the oral microbiome in SS pathogenesis has not been determined. In this study, stimulated intraductal saliva samples were collected from the parotid glands (PGs) of 23 SS and nine non-SS subjects through PG lavage and subjected to 16S ribosomal RNA amplicon sequencing. The correlation between the oral microbiome and clinical features, such as biological markers, clinical manifestations, and functional and radiological characteristics was investigated. The salivary microbial composition was examined using bioinformatic analysis to identify potential diagnostic biomarkers for SS. Oral microbial composition was significantly different between the anti-SSA-positive and SSA-negative groups. The microbial diversity in SS subjects was lower than that in non-SS sicca subjects. Furthermore, SS subjects with sialectasis exhibited decreased microbial diversity and Firmicutes abundance. The abundance of Bacteroidetes was positively correlated with the salivary flow rate. Bioinformatics analysis revealed several potential microbial biomarkers for SS at the genus level, such as decreased Lactobacillus abundance or increased Streptococcus abundance. These results suggest that microbiota composition is correlated with the clinical features of SS, especially the ductal structures and salivary flow, and that the oral microbiome is a potential diagnostic biomarker for SS.

Distinct Gut Microbiota in Patients with Asymptomatic Hyperuricemia: A Potential Protector against Gout Development

PURPOSE

Here, we aimed to elucidate the differences in microbiota composition between patients with gout and those with asymptomatic hyperuricemia (asHU) and determine the effect of uric acid-lowering therapy (ULT) on the gut microbiome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Stool samples from patients with asHU (n=8) and three groups of gout patients, i.e., acute gout patients before ULT (0ULT, n=14), the same acute gout patients after 30-day ULT (30ULT, n=9), and chronic gout patients after ≥6-month ULT (cULT, n=18) were collected and analyzed using 16S rRNA gene-based pyrosequencing. The composition of microbial taxonomy and communities, species diversity, and relationships among microbial communities were elucidated by bioinformatic analysis.

RESULTS

Gout patients showed less diverse gut microbiota than asHU patients. The microbiota of the asHU group exhibited a higher Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio and lower Prevotella-to-Bacteroides (P/B) ratio than the gout group; significantly, the F/B ratio increased in gout patients after ULT. Moreover, a balanced enterotype populated asHU patients compared to gout patients. Notably, the gut microbiota in asHU patients had a higher proportion of taxa with potentially anti-inflammatory effects compared to the gut microbiota in gout patients.

CONCLUSION

We found that microbial composition differs between asHU and gout patients. The differential gut microbiota in asHU patients may protect against gout development, whereas that in gout patients may have a role in gout provocation. ULT in gout patients altered the gut microbiota, and may help alleviate gout pathology and mitigate gout progression.

Selection of X-ray versus magnetic resonance imaging as a first-line imaging modality for diagnosing axial spondyloarthritis

Introduction:

To determine the cut-off values for age and symptom duration that could be used in selecting preferential first-line imaging modality of sacroiliac joints [X-ray versus magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)] for diagnosing axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study included 388 patients newly diagnosed with axSpA. Patients were classified into radiographic axSpA (n = 322) and non-radiographic axSpA (n = 66) groups according to the fulfilment of modified New York criteria by X-ray. Patient characteristics of the two groups were compared. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to determine the cut-off values for age and symptom duration that best distinguish non-radiographic axSpA from radiographic axSpA.

Results:

Compared with patients with radiographic axSpA, those with non-radiographic axSpA were younger at diagnosis (35.7 ± 11.3 years versus 26.8 ± 7.8 years, p < 0.001) and had shorter symptom duration [5.1 (2.1–12.0) years versus 1.0 (0.5–3.2) years, p < 0.001]. ROC analysis showed that age > 33.5 years at diagnosis [area under the curve (AUC): 0.734] and symptom duration > 4.1 years (AUC: 0.787) were the cut-off values that best discriminate radiographic axSpA from non-radiographic axSpA.

Conclusion:

The best cut-off values for age and symptom duration for predicting radiographic sacroiliitis are 33.5 and 4.1 years, respectively. It is reasonable to use X-ray as a first-line imaging modality in patients older than 33.5 years with a symptom duration longer than 4.1 years, and use MRI as a first-line imaging in patients younger than 33.5 years with a symptom duration less than 4.1 years.

BASDAI cut-off values corresponding to ASDAS cut-off values

OBJECTIVE

To determine cut-off values of Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) that can discriminate the four disease activity states (inactive disease, moderate disease activity, high disease activity, and very high disease activity), separated by the validated Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) cut-off values (1.3, 2.1, and 3.5).

METHODS

We included 333 patients with axial spondyloarthritis whose data on BASDAI and ASDAS-C reactive protein (ASDAS-CRP) were available. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was performed to determine the BASDAI cut-off values that best corresponded to ASDAS-CRP cut-off values. The degree of agreement between disease activity states based on the BASDAI and ASDAS-CRP cut-off values was assessed using weighted kappa.

RESULTS

Of the total 333 patients, 52 (15.6%), 190 (57.1%), 76 (22.8%), and 15 (4.5%) patients had inactive disease, moderate disease activity, high disease activity, and very high disease activity, respectively, according to the ASDAS-CRP. ROC analyses revealed that the BASDAI values 1.9 (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.948 [0.922-0.974]), 3.5 (AUC: 0.926 [0.887-0.966]), and 4.9 (AUC: 0.917 [0.837-0.996]) best corresponded to the ASDAS-CRP values 1.3, 2.1, and 3.5, respectively. The degree of agreement between disease activity states based on the BASDAI and ASDAS-CRP cut-off values was good (weighted kappa: 0.724, p< 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The BASDAI values 1.9, 3.5, and 4.9 corresponded to the ASDAS-CRP values 1.3, 2.1, and 3.5, respectively. These cut-off values could be useful in clinical studies and real-world practice for determining disease activity status when ASDAS-CRP is unavailable.

Effect of statins on the prevention of recurrent thrombosis in thrombotic antiphospholipid syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of statins on the prevention of recurrent thrombosis in patients with thrombotic antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 184 patients with thrombotic APS. The effect of statins on recurrent thrombosis was investigated in the total study population and in an inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW)-adjusted population. Multivariable and IPTW-adjusted Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed on the total study population and the IPTW-adjusted population, respectively, to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for recurrent thrombosis, according to the use of statins.

RESULTS

Of the 184 patients, 103 (56.0%) received statins, while the other 81 (44.0%) did not. Recurrent thrombosis occurred in 22 (12.0%) patients during the mean observation period of 48.5 (±34.9) months. In the multivariable Cox regression analyses, the use of statins was associated with a lower risk of recurrent thrombosis: (1) model 1 adjusted for risk factors of arterial and venous thrombosis, HR 0.24, 95% CI 0.09-0.63, p= 0.004; (2) model 2 adjusted for the use of anticoagulants, antiplatelets, and hydroxychloroquine, HR 0.28, 95% CI 0.10-0.76, p= 0.012; and (3) model 3 adjusted for the antiphospholipid autoantibody profile, HR 0.26, 95% CI 0.10-0.67, p= 0.005. The IPTW-adjusted Cox regression analysis also showed a lower risk of recurrent thrombosis with the use of statins (HR 0.28; 95% CI, 0.12-0.65; p= 0.003).

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that statins could be effective in reducing the risk of recurrent thrombosis in patients with thrombotic APS.

Clinical characteristics of non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis: Results of the Korean Nonradiographic Axial SPondyloArthritis (KONASPA) data

AIM

To evaluate clinical characteristics and natural history of non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) using KOrean Nonradiographic Axial SPondyloArthritis (KONASPA) data.

METHODS

Data were collected from 11 centers in South Korea. A total of 278 patients with nr-axSpA from January 2018 to July 2020 were included. Demographic data, clinical features, comorbidities, disease activity, medications, and laboratory results were collected.

RESULTS

Mean age at symptom onset was 28.2 ± 14.2 years. Of 278 patients, 152 (54.7%) were male. Mean Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index at diagnosis was 3.5 ± 2.1. Dyslipidemia was the most common comorbidity (8.4%), followed by hypertension (6.1%). Mean age at diagnosis of nr-axSpA was older in female patients than in male patients (31.8 ± 15.8 years vs 24.9 ± 12.0 years, P < 0.001). Enthesitis and uveitis were more frequently found in female patients than in male patients. Thirty-one (11.1%) participants with nr-axSpA progressed to ankylosing spondylitis. The median follow-up duration was 48 months. In multivariable Cox regression analysis, age at symptom onset (hazard ratio [HR] 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.88-0.97, P = 0.006), body mass index (BMI) (HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.06-1.44, P = 0.005) and sacroiliitis grade (HR 1.86, 95% CI 1.19-2.92, P = 0.006) were associated with progression to ankylosing spondylitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Results of nationwide data revealed that women with nr-axSpA showed a late disease onset and more extra-articular manifestations than men. Young age at symptom onset, high BMI, and presence of radiographic sacroiliitis at diagnosis were risk factors for progression to AS.

Factors affecting drug survival of an alternative TNF inhibitor and secukinumab in patients with ankylosing spondylitis switching from the first TNF inhibitor

BACKGROUND

To investigate factors associated with drug survival of an alternative tumour necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) and secukinumab (SEC) after switching from the first TNFi in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

METHODS

We included a total of 78 patients with AS who switched to an alternative TNFi (n = 56) or SEC (n = 22) from the first TNFi. Patient characteristics at the time of switching and drug discontinuation rate were compared between the two groups. Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate factors associated with the risk of discontinuing the alternative TNFi and SEC.

RESULTS

The proportion of patients with syndesmophytes was numerically lower (28.6% versus 45.5%, p = 0.155) and the C-reactive protein (CRP) level was numerically higher [3.8 (1.0-15.4) mg/L versus 1.1 (0.5-3.5) mg/L, p = 0.060] in patients who received an alternative TNFi. The drug discontinuation rate (alternative TNFi: 35.7% versus SEC: 36.4%, p = 0.957) and reasons for discontinuation were similar (primary failure, p = 0.342; secondary failure, p > 0.999; and adverse events, p = 0.670) between the two groups. A higher CRP level at switching was associated with a lower risk (adjusted HR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.87-0.99, p = 0.022) of discontinuing the alternative TNFi, and primary failure of the first TNFi was associated with a higher risk [adjusted HR (HR) = 5.20, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.91-14.11, p = 0.001]. Current smokers (adjusted HR = 5.77, 95% CI = 1.20-27.74, p = 0.029) and the presence of syndesmophytes (adjusted HR = 7.49, 95% CI = 1.39-40.23, p = 0.019) were associated with a higher risk of discontinuing SEC.

CONCLUSION

When switching the drug from the first TNFi in patients with AS, an alternative TNFi could be preferable in patients with higher CRP levels or syndesmophytes, or current smokers, whereas SEC could be a better choice in patients who presented primary failure of the first TNFi in terms of drug survival.

Tumour necrosis factor inhibitor tapering in patients with ankylosing spondylitis at low disease activity: factors associated with flare

Background:

To investigate factors associated with flare in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) who tapered tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFis) after achievement of low disease activity (LDA) with the standard dose of TNFis.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study included 101 patients with AS who tapered their first TNFis after achievement of LDA. The proportion of reduced versus standard doses of TNFi throughout the follow up in each patient was quantified using the time-averaged dose quotient (DQ). Clinical characteristics were compared between patients who did and did not experience flare after TNFi tapering. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with flare. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine the cut-offs of these covariates that best predicted flare.

Results:

Of the total 101 patients, 45 (44.6%) patients experienced flare after TNFi tapering. Compared with patients who did not experience flare, those who experienced flare had a shorter disease duration (p = 0.006), shorter LDA duration before TNFi tapering (p < 0.001) and lower time-averaged DQ (p < 0.001). In multivariable Cox regression analysis, the LDA duration [adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 0.944, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.906–0.983, p = 0.006] and time-averaged DQ (adjusted HR: 0.978, 95% CI: 0.959–0.998, p = 0.032) were inversely associated with flare. The cut-off values of the LDA duration and time-averaged DQ that best predicted flares were <5.3 months and <60.6%, respectively.

Conclusion:

Shorter LDA duration (cut-off value: 5.3 months) and lower time-averaged DQ (cut-off value: 60.6%) were associated with a higher risk of flare after tapering TNFi.

Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Bone Mineral Density in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients With Osteoporosis

Objectives: To assess the effect of vitamin D supplementation on bone mineral density (BMD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with osteoporosis and determine whether supplementation of more than 800 IU/day, which is the currently recommended dose, is beneficial.

Methods: RA patients with osteoporosis who received bisphosphonate were included. Patients were classified into four groups according to the dose of vitamin D supplementation (0, 400, 800, and ≥1,000 IU/day). Multivariable linear regression models were performed to evaluate the effect of each dose of vitamin D supplementation on 1-year% change of BMD.

Results: In total, 187 RA patients with osteoporosis were included. In the multivariate model adjusted for potential confounders, patients receiving vitamin D supplementation had a significantly higher increase in 1-year % change in lumbar spine BMD (400 IU/day: β = 2.51 [95% CI: 0.04–4.99], 800 IU/day: β = 2.90 [95% CI: 0.47–5.33], and ≥1,000 IU/day: β = 6.01 [95% CI: 3.71–8.32]) and femoral neck BMD (400 IU/day: β = 3.88 [95% CI: 1.83–5.94], 800 IU/day: β =4.30 [95% CI: 2.25–6.35], and ≥1,000 IU/day: β = 6.79 [95% CI: 4.87–8.71]) than those not receiving the supplementation. Notably, the ≥1,000-IU/day group had a significantly higher increase in 1-year % change in lumbar spine BMD (β = 3.11 [95% CI: 0.86–5.37]) and femoral neck BMD (β = 2.50 [95% CI: 0.63–4.36]) than the 800-IU/day group.

Conclusion: In RA patients with osteoporosis receiving bisphosphonates, vitamin D supplementation was associated with a higher increase in BMD. This effect was higher in the vitamin D supplementation dose of ≥1,000 IU/day than in 800 IU/day.

Frequency of peripheral diseases in Korean patients with ankylosing spondylitis and the effectiveness of adalimumab

Aim

Peripheral features contribute to disease burden in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). This study investigated the frequency of peripheral disease and effectiveness of adalimumab among Korean patients with AS.

Methods

Peripheral disease was evaluated in consecutively enrolled patients with active AS (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index [BASDAI] score ≥ 4). An adult subpopulation was subsequently enrolled in a prospective, observational study and received adalimumab 40 mg, every 2 weeks. During a 52‐week follow‐up, AS disease activity was assessed by BASDAI score, and effectiveness in peripheral disease assessed via changes in Maastricht Ankylosing Spondylitis Enthesitis Score (MASES; 0‐13), swollen joint and tender joint counts (SJC, 0‐44; TJC, 0‐46), and dactylitic digits from baseline.

Results

Of 1161 Korean patients with AS, 178 (15.3%) and 306 (26.4%) had enthesitis and peripheral arthritis, respectively; dactylitis was diagnosed in 28 patients (2.4%). Of 201 patients enrolled in the observational study, 46.3%, 33.3%, and 3.0% had enthesitis, peripheral arthritis, and dactylitis, respectively. Overall, 75.1% of patients achieved >50% improvement in BASDAI score by week 12. Mean MASES was significantly reduced from 2.67 at baseline to 0.85 and 0.34 at weeks 12 and 52, respectively (P < .0001). Similarly, SJC and TJC improved significantly from 2.58 and 3.49 at baseline to 0.80 and 1.68, respectively, by week 12 (P < .0001). Dactylitis was resolved in all affected patients by week 28.

Conclusion

Of these Korean patients with AS, those who received adalimumab demonstrated higher prevalence for peripheral symptoms and, subsequently, adalimumab treatment improved peripheral features of their AS.

Disease-specific factors associated with cardiovascular events in patients with Takayasu arteritis

Background

To identify disease-specific factors associated with cardiovascular events in patients with Takayasu arteritis (TAK).

Methods

Patients with TAK who fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology 1990 criteria for the classification of TAK and were followed up between 2006 and 2019 were included. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors and TAK disease-specific factors at the index date and incident cardiovascular events during the follow-up were retrospectively assessed. To estimate the risk of cardiovascular events according to TAK disease-specific factors, Cox regression analysis with adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors was performed.

Results

Of the total 207 patients with TAK, cardiovascular events occurred in 41 (19.8%) patients. Compared with patients who did not develop cardiovascular events, patients who developed cardiovascular events were older (38.5 ± 13.4 years vs. 43.6 ± 11.8 years, p = 0.028), more commonly had diabetes mellitus (6.6% vs. 19.5%, p = 0.029), had lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (57.3 ± 17.1 mg/dl vs. 51.2 ± 15.7 mg/dl, p = 0.040), more commonly had type V vascular involvement (33.1% vs. 63.4%, p 0.001), and less commonly received methotrexate (65.1% vs. 43.9%, p = 0.013). In Cox regression analysis, type V vascular involvement was significantly associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events (adjusted HR 2.852, 95% CI 1.474–5.518, p = 0.002), whereas the use of methotrexate was associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular events (adjusted HR 0.515, 95% CI 0.268–0.993, p = 0.047).

Conclusion

Type V vascular involvement was associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events, while the use of methotrexate was associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular events, in patients with TAK.

Non-histologic factors discriminating proliferative lupus nephritis from membranous lupus nephritis

BACKGROUND

To investigate non-histologic factors that can discriminate proliferative lupus nephritis (LN) from membranous LN in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus with renal manifestations.

METHODS

Patients with biopsy-proven proliferative LN (class III ± V and class IV ± V) and membranous LN (class V) were included. Non-histologic factors were compared between the two groups. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with proliferative LN. To assess the accuracy of these factors in discriminating between proliferative LN and membranous LN, we performed a receiver-operating characteristic analysis.

RESULTS

Of the total 168 patients with biopsy-proven LN, 150 patients (89.3%) had proliferative LN, and 18 patients (10.7%) had membranous LN. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, positive anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibody (adjusted OR = 11.200, 95% CI = 2.202-56.957, p = 0.004) was associated with proliferative LN, while positive anti-U1RNP antibody (adjusted OR = 0.176, 95% CI = 0.040-0.769, p = 0.021) and higher glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (adjusted OR = 0.973, 95% CI = 0.951-0.994, p = 0.013) were inversely associated with proliferative LN. Among these covariates, the anti-dsDNA antibody (area under the curve = 0.806, 95% CI = 0.695-0.916) had the highest accuracy in discriminating between proliferative LN and membranous LN.

CONCLUSION

The positivity of anti-dsDNA antibody was associated with proliferative LN, while the positivity of anti-U1RNP antibody and GFR were inversely associated with proliferative LN. The anti-dsDNA antibody had a good accuracy in discriminating proliferative LN from membranous LN.

Seroconversion to antinuclear antibody negativity and its association with disease flare in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the rate of seroconversion to antinuclear-antibody negativity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and its association with subsequent systemic lupus erythematosus flare risk.

METHODS

Medical records of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus with positive antinuclear antibodies (titer ≥1 : 40) at diagnosis and at least one repeat antinuclear antibody test were reviewed. We determined the frequency of seroconversion to antinuclear antibody negativity among these patients and investigated whether seroconversion to antinuclear antibody negativity was associated with subsequent systemic lupus erythematosus flare risk. The seroconversion to antinuclear antibody negativity was defined as a conversion of positive antinuclear antibodies to a titer below the cut-off of 1 : 40. Systemic lupus erythematosus flare was defined as one new British Isles Lupus Assessment Group A or two new British Isles Lupus Assessment Group B domain scores. To estimate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for systemic lupus erythematosus flare according to seroconversion to antinuclear antibody negativity, Cox regression analysis with adjustment for known systemic lupus erythematosus flare risk factors was performed. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare flare-free survival rates between negative converters and non-converters.

RESULTS

Among the total 175 patients, seroconversion to antinuclear antibody negativity was found in 17 (9.7%) patients in a median 53.5 (range: 25.7-84.0) months. After the last antinuclear antibody tests, 53 systemic lupus erythematosus flare cases were identified during 14.3 (range: 8.2-21.7) months of follow-up. Systemic lupus erythematosus flare risk was significantly lower in patients with negatively seroconverted antinuclear antibodies (adjusted hazard ratio 0.13, 95% confidence interval 0.03-0.58, p = 0.007). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed significantly higher flare-free survival in negative converters than in non-converters (p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

Seroconversion to antinuclear antibody negativity occurred in 9.7% of patients over 53.5 months and was associated with a lower future systemic lupus erythematosus flare risk.

Plasma immunoglobulin binding protein 1 as a predictor of development of lupus nephritis

Objective

Urine levels of immunoglobulin binding protein 1 (IGBP1) are increased in patients with lupus nephritis (LN) compared with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients without nephritis. However, the clinical significance of IGBP1 level in plasma is unclear. We aimed to evaluate whether the plasma level of IGBP1 can predict future development of LN in SLE patients without nephritis.

Methods

Forty-three SLE patients without nephritis were followed for 5 years. Plasma IGBP1 levels were measured using ELISA, and clinical and laboratory data were obtained at study entry. Development of LN was confirmed by renal biopsy. Cox regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with development of LN, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the predictive value of each factor.

Results

Of the total 43 patients, eight (18.6%) developed LN during the follow-up period. Compared with patients who did not develop LN, those who developed LN had higher levels of plasma IGBP1 (6.3 ng/ml (range 4.3–9.6 ng/mL) vs. 13.3 ng/ml (range 7.2–31.3 ng/ml); p=0.023). In the Cox regression analysis, higher CRP (hazard ratio (HR)=1.325, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.073–1.637, p=0.009), anti-dsDNA antibody (Ab; HR=1.066, 95% CI 1.012–1.124, p=0.017) and plasma IGBP1 (HR=1.091, 95% CI 1.034–1.152, p=0.002) were associated with future development of LN. Among these factors, anti-dsDNA Ab (area under the curve (AUC)=0.893) had the highest predictive value followed by plasma IGBP1 (AUC=0.761) and CRP (AUC=0.634). A combination of anti-dsDNA Ab and plasma IGBP1 as a composite predictor was highly specific (97%) for predicting the development of LN.

Conclusions

Plasma IGBP1 can be used complementarily with anti-dsDNA Ab for detecting SLE patients at a higher risk of developing LN.

An Ultrasonically Powered Implantable Microprobe for Electrolytic Ablation

Electrolytic ablation (EA) is a promising nonthermal tumor ablation technique that destroys malignant cells through induction of a locoregional pH change. EA is typically performed by inserting needle electrodes inside the tumor followed by application of direct current (DC), thus inducing electrolysis and creating localized pH changes around the electrodes. In this paper, we report an ultrasonically powered implantable EA microprobe that may increase the clinical relevance of EA by allowing wireless control over device operation (capability to remotely turn the device on and off) and providing flexibility in treatment options (easier to administer fractionated doses over a longer period). The wireless EA microprobe consists of a millimeter-sized piezoelectric ultrasonic receiver, a rectifier circuit, and a pair of platinum electrodes (overall size is 9 × 3 × 2 mm³). Once implanted through a minimally invasive procedure, the microprobe can stay within a solid tumor and be repeatedly used as needed. Ultrasonic power allows for efficient power delivery to mm-scale devices implanted deep within soft tissues of the body. The microprobe is capable of producing a direct current of 90 µA at a voltage of 5 V across the electrodes under low-intensity ultrasound (~200 mW/cm²). The DC power creates acidic (pH < 2) and alkaline (pH > 12.9) regions around the anode and the cathode, respectively. The pH change, measured using tissue-mimicking agarose gel, extends to 0.8 cm³ in volume within an hour at an expansion rate of 0.5 mm³/min. The microprobe-mediated EA ablative capability is demonstrated in vitro in cancer cells and ex vivo in mouse liver.

Positive conversion of interferon-γ release assay in patients with rheumatic diseases treated with biologics

The objective of this study is to investigate whether the type of biologics (TNFi or others) or type of rheumatic diseases (RA or AS) influence the conversion rate of initially negative tuberculosis (TB) screening test results. A total of 119 patients with RA or AS who had negative baseline interferon-γ release assay (IGRA) results assessed by QuantiFERON-TB Gold in tube (QTF-GIT) were included. All patients received biologic agents, and rescreening with QTF-GIT was performed after a median of 25.9 months from the baseline test. Clinical characteristics and IFN-γ levels were compared between converters and non-converters. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with positive conversion. IGRA conversion was found in 14 of 119 patients (11.8%). The converters were older (53.4 ± 14.2 vs 44.4 ± 15.5 years, p = 0.040), had higher baseline TB-specific IFN-γ responses (0.105 [0.018-0.205] vs 0.010 [0.000-0.035] IU/ml, p = 0.001) and higher incidence of active TB (14.3% vs 0.0%, p = 0.013). The number of patients with RA or AS was 9 (64.3%) or 5 (35.7%) in converters, and 45 (42.9%) or 60 (57.1%) in non-converters. In terms of use of biologics, TNFi of monoclonal antibody form was less commonly used in the converters (p = 0.024). In the logistic regression analysis, type of disease and type of biologics used were not associated with IGRA conversion, whereas baseline TB-specific IFN-γ response was significantly associated with IGRA conversion (OR 1.083, 95% CI 1.019-1.151, p = 0.011). Serial monitoring of LTBI with IGRA retesting is needed during biologic treatment, regardless of the type of rheumatic diseases or type biologics used.

Evaluation of macrophage activation syndrome in hospitalised patients with Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease based on the 2016 EULAR/ACR/PRINTO classification criteria

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the impact of macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) on clinical features in patients with Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) and to compare the features of MAS in KFD with those of adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

The medical records of febrile patients hospitalised with KFD between November 2005 and April 2017 were reviewed. Patients fulfilling the 2016 classification criteria for MAS were classified as having MAS. Clinical and laboratory features of patients with KFD with and without MAS were evaluated. Poor hospitalisation outcomes were defined as intensive care unit admission or in-hospital mortality. The treatment outcomes of MAS in KFD, AOSD, and SLE were also compared.

RESULTS

Among 78 patients hospitalised with KFD, 24 (30.8%) patients had MAS during admission. Patients with KFD and MAS more frequently required glucocorticoid treatment (66.7% vs 40.7%, p = 0.036) and had longer hospital stays than patients with KFD without MAS (12.5 vs 8.5 days, p<0.001). In addition, patients with MAS had worse hospitalisation outcomes than patients without MAS (29.2% vs. 0.0%, p<0.001). Among patients with MAS in KFD, AOSD, and SLE, the number of patients requiring glucocorticoid treatment after 3 months was significantly lower among patients with MAS and KFD (KFD 33.3%, AOSD 88.9%, SLE 100%, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of MAS in KFD was associated with adverse clinical outcomes including higher steroid usage and worse hospitalisation outcomes. However, compared to those with AOSD and SLE, patients with MAS and KFD were less likely to require long-term glucocorticoid treatment.

Long-term efficacy, safety and immunogenicity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis continuing on an etanercept biosimilar (LBEC0101) or switching from reference etanercept to LBEC0101: an open-label extension of a phase III multicentre, randomised, double-blind, parallel-group study

Background

To evaluate the long-term efficacy, safety and immunogenicity of continuing LBEC0101; the etanercept (ETN) biosimilar; or switching from the ETN reference product (RP) to LBEC0101 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

This multicentre, single-arm, open-label extension study enrolled patients who had completed a 52-week randomised, double-blind, parallel phase III trial of LBEC0101 vs ETN-RP. Patients treated with ETN-RP during the randomised controlled trial switched to LBEC0101; those treated with LBEC0101 continued to receive LBEC0101 in this study. LBEC0101 (50 mg) was administered subcutaneously once per week for 48 weeks with a stable dose of methotrexate. Efficacy, safety and immunogenicity of LBEC0101 were assessed up to week 100.

Results

A total of 148 patients entered this extension study (70 in the maintenance group and 78 in the switch group). The 28-joint disease activity scores (DAS28)-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were maintained in both groups from week 52 to week 100 (from 3.068 to 3.103 in the maintenance group vs. from 3.161 to 3.079 in the switch group). ACR response rates at week 100 for the maintenance vs. switch groups were 79.7% vs. 83.3% for ACR20, 65.2% vs. 66.7% for ACR50 and 44.9% vs. 42.3% for ACR70. The incidence of adverse events and the proportion of patients with newly developed antidrug antibodies were similar in the maintenance and switch groups (70.0% and 70.5%, 1.4% and 1.3%, respectively).

Conclusions

Administration of LBEC0101 showed sustained efficacy and acceptable safety in patients with RA after continued therapy or after switching from ETN-RP to LBEC0101.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02715908. Registered 22 March 2016.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13075-019-1910-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Statins reduce relapse rate in Takayasu arteritis

BACKGROUND

To investigate the effect of statins on relapse of Takayasu arteritis (TAK), which frequently occurs after achievement of remission.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study on TAK patients with active disease, diagnosed between 2012 and 2017. Relapse was defined as recurrence of active disease after achieving remission. Demographic and clinical parameters of patients who experienced relapse were compared to those who did not. To identify factors associated with relapse, significant factors identified in this comparison were included in a multivariate Cox regression analysis. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW)-adjusted analysis was used to evaluate the influence of statins on relapse.

RESULTS

Of the total 74 TAK patients, 40 (54.1%) patients received statins, whereas 34 (45.9%) patients did not. Relapse was observed in 36 (48.6%) patients of the total 74 TAK patients. Compared with patients who did not experience relapse, patients who experienced relapse were younger (44.5 ± 13.5 years vs 34.1 ± 12.6 years, p = 0.001), had lower prevalence of hypertension (63.2% vs 38.9%, p = 0.037), more commonly had carotidynia (7.9% vs 27.8%, p = 0.025), had higher LDL-cholesterol (84.8 ± 18.8 mg/dl vs 100.5 ± 26.1 mg/dl, p = 0.010), and were less commonly taking statins (71.1% vs 36.1%, p = 0.003). The use of statins was significant in multivariate Cox regression analysis (adjusted hazard ratio 0.260, 95% confidence interval 0.120-0.563, p = 0.001). Furthermore, IPTW-adjusted analysis confirmed that statin use was associated with a lower risk of relapse (IPTW-adjusted hazard ratio 0.153, 95% confidence interval 0.038-0.616, p = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

In TAK, statins can be beneficial in reducing relapse rate after achieving remission.

Rapid onset of efficacy predicts response to therapy with certolizumab plus methotrexate in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of add-on therapy with certolizumab pegol (CZP) in active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients of a single ethnicity.

METHODS

In this 24-week, phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, eligible patients (n = 127) were randomized 2:1 to subcutaneous CZP + methotrexate (MTX; 400 mg at week 0, 2, and 4 followed by 200 mg every 2 weeks) or placebo + MTX.

RESULTS

At week 24, the American College of Rheumatology criteria for 20% (ACR20) response rate was significantly greater with CZP + MTX than with placebo (66.7% vs. 27.5%, p < 0.001). Differences in ACR20 response rates for CZP vs. placebo were significant from week 1 (p < 0.05) and remained significant through week 24. The CZP group reported significant improvement in physical function and disability compared to the placebo group (p < 0.001) at week 24, as assessed by Korean Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (KHAQ-DI). Post hoc analysis indicated that the proportion of patients who had ACR70 responses, Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28) low disease activity, and DAS28 remission at week 24 was greater in CZP + MTX-treated patients who achieved a decrease in DAS28 ≥ 1.2 (43.8%) at week 4 than in nonresponders. Among 18 (22.2%) and 14 patients (35.0%) in CZP and placebo groups who had latent tuberculosis (TB), none developed active TB. Most adverse events were mild or moderate.

CONCLUSION

CZP treatment combined with MTX in active RA patients with moderate to severe disease activity and an inadequate response to MTX resulted in rapid onset of efficacy, which is associated with better clinical outcome at week 24 and has an acceptable safety profile, especially in an intermediate TB-burden population.