Stabilizing effect of total ankle arthroplasty by distal translation and lateralization of talus in varus ankle deformity

BACKGROUND

In end-stage arthritis indicated for total ankle arthroplasty (TAA), full-thickness cartilage damage, subchondral bone defect/shaving, and fluttering of the talar dome occur, shortening the distance between the tibial and talar insertions of ligaments and leading to laxity of ligaments surrounding the ankle joint. Under such conditions, medial ligaments (including the deltoid ligament) would not be expected to function properly. To stabilize the ankle joint during the stance phase, medial ligament function under tension is important. This study therefore examined whether TAA contributes to lengthening of the medial tibio-talar joint as evaluated radiographically, as a preferable method for achieving tensile effects on medial ligaments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-four feet with end-stage varus deformity of the ankle joint that underwent TAA were retrospectively investigated, excluding cases with any malleolar osteotomy or fracture. Distance between proximal and distal insertions of medial ligaments, lateralization of the talus, and talar tilt angle under valgus/varus stress condition were evaluated pre- and postoperatively.

RESULTS

Distance between proximal and distal insertions of medial ligaments was significantly elongated after TAA. At the same time, the talus showed significant lateralization. Furthermore, talar tilt under valgus/varus stress conditions was also significantly reduced after TAA.

CONCLUSION

TAA affects distal translation and lateralization of the talus in cases of varus ankle deformity. These effects might contribute to re-providing tensile force on lax medial ligaments, improving ligament function.

An investigation of the differential therapeutic effects of romosozumab on postmenopausal osteoporosis patients with or without rheumatoid arthritis complications: a case-control study

The impact of ROMO on the width of anabolic windows and the increase in BMD was reduced in the RA group compared to the non-RA group, and this reduction was associated with correlations to RA-related factors.

PURPOSE

To investigate the effects of romosozumab (ROMO) in postmenopausal osteoporosis, with and without comorbid rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

In this retrospective, case-controlled, multicenter study, 171 postmenopausal patients who did not receive oral glucocorticoid, comprising 59 in the RA group and 121 in the non-RA group, received uninterrupted ROMO treatment for 12 months. Propensity score matching was employed to ensure comparability in clinical backgrounds, resulting in 41 patients in each group. Baseline characteristics were as follows: overall (mean age, 76.3 years; T-score of lumbar spine (LS), - 3.0; 45.1% were treatment-naive for osteoporosis); RA group (anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (ACPA) positivity, 80.5%; titer, 206.2 U/ml; clinical disease activity index (CDAI), 13.6; health assessment questionnaire disability index (HAQ-DI), 0.9). Bone mineral density (BMD) and serum bone turnover markers were monitored over a 12-month period.

RESULTS

The rate of increase in the bone formation marker, PINP, and the rates of decrease in the bone resorption marker, TRACP-5b, exhibited a trend toward smaller changes in the RA group compared to the non-RA group, implying a smaller anabolic window. After 12 months, the RA group displayed lower BMD increases in the LS (9.1% vs. 12.6%; P = 0.013) and total hip (2.4% vs. 4.8%; P = 0.025) compared to the non-RA group. Multiple regression analysis in the all RA group (n = 59) for the association between RA-specific factors and 12-month BMD changes revealed negative correlations between ACPA titer and LS BMD and between HAQ-DI and femoral neck BMD.

CONCLUSIONS

The efficacy of ROMO may be attenuated by RA-related factors.

Early mobilization of dorsiflexion from 3 days after cemented total ankle arthroplasty with modified antero-lateral approach

BACKGROUND

According to the conventional postoperative procedure after total ankle arthroplasty (TAA), mobilization is currently started after completion of wound healing. To investigate the possibility of expediting rehabilitation, this study evaluated the feasibility and safety of early mobilization of dorsiflexion after cemented TAA utilizing a modified antero-lateral approach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective, observational study investigated 14 consecutive ankles that had received cemented TAA. Mobilization of dorsiflexion was started from 3 days after surgery. Postoperative wound complications including blister formation, eschar formation, wound dehiscence, peri-incisional decreased sensation were observed and recorded. Range of motion (ROM) of dorsiflexion/plantar flexion was measured. Patients also completed a self-administered foot evaluation questionnaire (SAFE-Q) and the scale of Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) ankle/hindfoot score preoperatively and at final follow-up.

RESULTS

No postoperative complications related to wound healing were observed. ROM for dorsiflexion, SAFE-Q score, and JSSF score improved significantly after TAA.

CONCLUSION

Within this small number of cases, early mobilization of dorsiflexion from 3 days after cemented TAA was feasible and safe with the modified antero-lateral approach. Innovations in postoperative procedures for rehabilitation after TAA can be expected.

Iguratimod suppresses sclerostin and receptor activator of NF-κB ligand production via the extracellular signal-regulated kinase/early growth response protein 1/tumor necrosis factor alpha pathway in osteocytes and ameliorates disuse osteoporosis in mice

Disuse osteoporosis is a prevalent complication among patients afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although reports have shown that the antirheumatic drug iguratimod (IGU) ameliorates osteoporosis in RA patients, details regarding its effects on osteocytes remain unclear. The current study examined the effects of IGU on osteocytes using a mouse model of disuse-induced osteoporosis, the pathology of which crucially involves osteocytes. A reduction in distal femur bone mass was achieved after 3 weeks of hindlimb unloading in mice, which was subsequently reversed by intraperitoneal IGU treatment (30 mg/kg; five times per week). Histology revealed that hindlimb-unloaded (HLU) mice had significantly increased osteoclast number and sclerostin-positive osteocyte rates, which were suppressed by IGU treatment. Moreover, HLU mice exhibited a significant decrease in osteocalcin-positive cells, which was attenuated by IGU treatment. In vitro, IGU suppressed the gene expression of receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and sclerostin in MLO-Y4 and Saos-2 cells, which inhibited osteoclast differentiation of mouse bone marrow cells in cocultures. Although IGU did not affect the nuclear translocation or transcriptional activity of NF-κB, RNA sequencing revealed that IGU downregulated the expression of early growth response protein 1 (EGR1) in osteocytes. HLU mice showed significantly increased EGR1- and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα)-positive osteocyte rates, which were decreased by IGU treatment. EGR1 overexpression enhanced the gene expression of TNFα, RANKL, and sclerostin in osteocytes, which was suppressed by IGU. Contrarily, small interfering RNA-mediated suppression of EGR1 downregulated RANKL and sclerostin gene expression. These findings indicate that IGU inhibits the expression of EGR1, which may downregulate TNFα and consequently RANKL and sclerostin in osteocytes. These mechanisms suggest that IGU could potentially be used as a treatment option for disuse osteoporosis by targeting osteocytes.

Association of large joint involvement at the start of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and Janus kinase inhibitors with disease activity and drug retention in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: The ANSWER cohort study

AIM

To investigate the association of large joint involvement (LJI) with disease activity and drug retention in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who started receiving a biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drug or Janus kinase inhibitor.

METHODS

Patients with RA from a Japanese multicenter observational registry were enrolled. Our definition of large joints included the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and ankle joints. Linear mixed-effects models were used to examine changes in the clinical disease activity index (CDAI) score at Week 24 as the primary outcome, and drug retention rates were compared between patients with and without LJI using Cox proportional hazards models. We examined the potential effect modifications of changes in the CDAI by baseline characteristics.

RESULTS

Overall, 2507 treatment courses from 1721 patients were included (LJI, 1744; no LJI, 763). Although LJI was associated with significantly higher changes in CDAI from baseline at Week 24 (difference in change in CDAI: -5.84 [-6.65 to -5.03], p < .001), CDAI was significantly higher in patients with LJI over time. Retention rates were similar in both groups. The association of LJI with changes in disease activity was more prominent in patients with a short disease duration, negative anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies, and interleukin-6 receptor inhibitor (IL-6Ri) use.

CONCLUSION

Although LJI was associated with a greater reduction in disease activity from baseline, higher disease activity at baseline was not offset over time in patients with LJI, demonstrating that LJI is an unfavorable predictor. An early treat-to-target strategy using an IL-6Ri may be beneficial for patients with LJI.

The 2023 Guidelines for the management and treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis

INTRODUCTION

Although synthetic glucocorticoids (GCs) are commonly used to treat autoimmune and other diseases, GC induced osteoporosis (GIOP) which accounts for 25% of the adverse reactions, causes fractures in 30-50% of patients, and markedly decreases their quality of life. In 2014, the Japanese Society for Bone and Mineral Research (JSBMR) published the revised guidelines for the management and treatment of steroid-induced osteoporosis, providing the treatment criteria based on scores of risk factors, including previous fractures, age, GC doses, and bone mineral density, for patients aged ≥18 years who are receiving GC therapy or scheduled to receive GC therapy for ≥3 months.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Committee on the revision of the guidelines for the management and treatment of GIOP of the JSBMR prepared 17 clinical questions (CQs) according to the GRADE approach and revised the guidelines for the management and treatment of GIOP through systematic reviews and consensus conferences using the Delphi method.

RESULTS

Bisphosphonates (oral and injectable formulations), anti-RANKL antibody teriparatide, eldecalcitol, or selective estrogen receptor modulators are recommended for patients who has received or scheduled for GC therapy with risk factor scores of ≥3. It is recommended that osteoporosis medication is started concomitantly with the GC therapy for the prevention of fragility fractures in elderly patients.

CONCLUSION

The 2023 guidelines for the management and treatment of GIOP was developed through systematic reviews and consensus conferences using the Delphi method.

Comparison of retention of biologics in Japanese patients with elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis-the ANSWER cohort study

OBJECTIVES

This multicentre, retrospective study aimed to compare retention and reasons for discontinuation between Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) and biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in patients with elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis (EORA).

METHODS

Patients with RA enrolled in a Japanese multicentre observational registry between 2015 and 2022 were included. EORA was defined as RA with onset at 60 or over. To adjust confounding factors by indication for initiation of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi), interleukin-6 inhibitors (IL-6i), cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated antigen 4 immunoglobulin (CTLA4-Ig) blockers, or JAKi, a propensity score based on baseline characteristics was used to compare drug retention. To assess the reasons for discontinuation, retention rates for ineffectiveness, adverse events, and remission were analyzed as secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 572 patients with 835 treatment courses were identified (314 TNFi, 175 IL-6i, 228 CTLA4-Ig, and 118 JAKi). After adjusting for differences in baseline characteristics, drug retention was significantly higher for IL-6i (HR = 0.38, 95%CI = 0.27-0.55, p< 0.01) as compared with TNFi. Discontinuation due to lack of effectiveness was lower with the JAKi (HR = 0.38, 95%CI = 0.22-0.66, p< 0.01) and the IL-6i (HR = 0.29, 95%CI = 0.19-0.46, p< 0.01) as compared with the TNFi although the CTLA4-Ig had a similar HR to TNFi. The adjusted incidence of discontinuation due to adverse event was higher in the JAKi (HR = 2.86, 95%CI = 1.46-5.59, p< 0.01) than the TNFi.

CONCLUSIONS

In EORA patients, IL-6i and JAKi had longer retention and less discontinuation due to ineffectiveness than TNFi. The potential risks of JAKi should be approached with an individualized perspective.

Vibration acceleration enhances proliferation, migration, and maturation of C2C12 cells and promotes regeneration of muscle injury in male rats

Vibration acceleration (VA) using a whole-body vibration device is beneficial for skeletal muscles. However, its effect at the cellular level remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the effects of VA on muscles in vitro and in vivo using the C2C12 mouse myoblast cell line and cardiotoxin-induced injury in male rat soleus muscles. Cell proliferation was evaluated using the WST/CCK-8 assay and proportion of Ki-67 positive cells. Cell migration was assessed using wound-healing assay. Cell differentiation was examined by the maturation index in immunostained cultured myotubes and real-time polymerase chain reaction. Regeneration of soleus muscle in rats was assessed by recruitment of satellite cells, cross-sectional area of regenerated muscle fibers, number of centrally nucleated fibers, and conversion of regenerated muscle from fast- to slow-twitch. VA at 30 Hz with low amplitude for 10 min promoted C2C12 cell proliferation, migration, and myotube maturation, without promoting expression of genes related to differentiation. VA significantly increased Pax7-stained satellite cells and centrally nucleated fibers in injured soleus muscles on Day 7 and promoted conversion of fast- to slow-twitch muscle fibers with an increase in the mean cross-sectional area of regenerated muscle fibers on Day 14. VA enhanced the proliferation, migration, and maturation of C2C12 myoblasts and regeneration of injured rat muscles.

IL-6 inhibitors and JAK inhibitors as favourable treatment options for patients with anaemia and rheumatoid arthritis: ANSWER cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Anaemia, a common comorbidity of RA, is related to high disease activity and poor prognosis. It is unknown which biologic/targeted synthetic (b/ts)-DMARDs are optimal for patients with anaemia and RA in regulating anaemia and controlling disease activity.

METHODS

We investigated the change in haemoglobin (Hb) levels, drug retention rates and disease activities after the administration of b/ts-DMARDs with different modes of action [TNF inhibitors (TNFis), immunoglobulin fused with cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen (CTLA-4-Ig), IL-6 receptor inhibitors (IL-6Ris) and Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKis)] in patients with RA stratified by baseline Hb levels using the multicentre observational registry for patients with RA in Japan (ANSWER cohort).

RESULTS

A total of 2093 patients with RA were classified into three groups based on tertiles of the baseline Hb levels (Hblow, anaemic; Hbint, intermediate; Hbhigh, non-anaemic). IL-6Ri increased Hb levels in all groups (the mean change at 12 months in Hblow was +1.5 g/dl, Hbint +0.7 g/dl and Hbhigh +0.1 g/dl). JAKis increased the Hb level in patients with anaemia and RA and retained or decreased the Hb level in non-anaemic patients (the mean change at 12 months in Hblow was +0.6 g/dl, Hbint 0 g/dl and Hbhigh -0.3 g/dl). In patients with anaemia and RA, overall adjusted 3-year drug retention rates were higher in JAKi followed by IL-6Ri, CTLA4-Ig and TNFi (78.6%, 67.9%, 61.8% and 50.8%, respectively). Change of disease activity at 12 months was not different among different b/ts-DMARDs treatments.

CONCLUSION

IL-6Ri and JAKi can effectively treat patients with anaemia and RA in a real-world setting.

Reverse V-shaped osteotomy for ankylosing rocker-bottom foot deformity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. A report of 3 cases

This study evaluated reverse V-shaped osteotomy for ankylosing rocker-bottom foot deformity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. We experienced 3 feet: rheumatoid rocker-bottom deformities with painful and/or infectious bony prominence towards the bottom of the foot, treated with a reverse V-shaped osteotomy in the mid-hindfoot. In all three cases, significant correction was achieved with restoration of the medial longitudinal arch, and improvement in clinical scores was confirmed. Reverse V-shaped osteotomy has the potential to be a useful and definitive procedure for ankylosing rocker-bottom deformity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Early full weight-bearing and gait exercise after cemented total ankle arthroplasty with modified antero-lateral approach

BACKGROUND

According to the conventional postoperative procedure after total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) against end-stage osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), mobilization and weight-bearing is currently started after completion of wound healing. Recently, early mobilization for dorsiflexion after TAA with modified antero-lateral approach was reported to be feasible and safe. To investigate the further possibility of expediting rehabilitation, this study evaluated the feasibility and safety of early full weight-bearing and gait exercise after cemented TAA utilizing a modified antero-lateral approach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective, observational study investigated 23 consecutive ankles (OA: 14 ankles, RA: 9 ankles) that had received cemented TAA with a modified antero-lateral approach. These ankles were divided into three groups [1. conventional postoperative protocol: 8 ankles, 2. early dorsiflexion protocol: 7 ankles, 3. early dorsiflexion+full weight-bearing protocol: 8 ankles]. In group 3, after early dorsiflexion mobilization (day 3), full weight-bearing/gait exercise was started from 7 days after surgery (10 days after if malleolar osteotomy was added). Postoperative wound complications were observed and recorded. Number of days for hospitalization was also evaluated. Range of motion (ROM) of dorsiflexion/plantar flexion was measured. Patients also completed a self-administered foot evaluation questionnaire (SAFE-Q) and the scale of Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) ankle/hindfoot score preoperatively and at final follow-up.

RESULTS

No postoperative complications related to wound healing were observed even after early full weight-bearing and gait exercise. Days for hospitalization was significantly shortened in early full weight-bearing and gait exercise group (group 3) from 35-38 days to 24 days. ROM for both dorsiflexion and plantar flexion significantly increased in group 3, furthermore all indices of SAFE-Q score also showed stronger significant improvement in group 3. JSSF score improved significantly after TAA in all groups.

CONCLUSION

Within this small number of cases, early full weight-bearing and gait exercise from 7 days after cemented TAA was feasible and safe with the modified antero-lateral approach. Combination of early dorsiflexion mobilization and weight-bearing/gait exercise contributed to shortening the hospitalization day, and improving ROM for both dorsiflexion and plantar flexion after surgery. Innovations in postoperative procedures for rehabilitation after TAA can be expected.

The effect of forearm rotation on the bone mineral density measurements of the distal radius

INTRODUCTION

Forearm dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is often performed in clinics where central DXA is unavailable. Accurate bone mineral density (BMD) measurement is crucial for clinical assessment. Forearm rotation can affect BMD measurements, but this effect remains uncertain. Thus, we aimed to conduct a simulation study using CT images to clarify the effect of forearm rotation on BMD measurements.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forearm CT images of 60 women were analyzed. BMD was measured at the total, ultra-distal (UD), mid-distal (MD), and distal 33% radius regions with the radius located at the neutral position using digitally reconstructed radiographs generated from CT images. Then, the rotation was altered from - 30° to 30° (supination set as positive) with a one-degree increment, and the percent BMD changes from the neutral position were quantified for all regions at each angle for each patient.

RESULTS

The maximum mean BMD changes were 5.8%, 7.0%, 6.2%, and 7.2% for the total, UD, MD, and distal 33% radius regions, respectively. The analysis of the absolute values of the percent BMD changes from the neutral position showed that BMD changes of all patients remained within 2% when the rotation was between - 5° and 7° for the total region, between - 3° and 2° for the UD region, between - 4° and 3° for the MD region, and between - 3° and 1° for the distal 33% radius region.

CONCLUSION

Subtle rotational changes affected the BMD measurement of each region. The results showed the importance of forearm positioning when measuring the distal radius BMD.

Angioleiomyoma mimicking a swollen bursa on first metatarsophalangeal joint accompanying with hallux valgus deformity

We present a case of a patient who underwent a modified scarf osteotomy and tumour excision based on a preoperative diagnosis of hallux valgus deformity and accompanying bursitis. Subsequent histopathological examination revealed that the tumour was an angioleiomyoma. While tumours around the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint are typically associated with gouty nodules, infections, or swollen bursa (bursitis) in patients with hallux valgus deformity, the occurrence of soft tissue tumours in this area is rare. Moreover, angioleiomyoma is an even rarer form of soft tissue tumour and is seldom suspected prior to resection. To our knowledge, there have been no reports of angioleiomyoma arising in the first MTP joint. However, it is important to consider the possibility of an atypical tumour in cases where soft tissue masses are present, even in patients with hallux valgus deformity, and to perform at least imaging tests such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging before surgery. This prospect should always be kept in mind.

Basic fibroblast growth factor promotes meniscus regeneration through the cultivation of synovial mesenchymal stem cells via the CXCL6-CXCR2 pathway

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in promoting meniscus regeneration by cultivating synovial mesenchymal stem cells (SMSCs) and to validate the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Human SMSCs were collected from patients with osteoarthritis. Eight-week-old nude rats underwent hemi-meniscectomy, and SMSCs in pellet form, either with or without bFGF (1.0 × 106 cells per pellet), were implanted at the site of meniscus defects. Rats were divided into the control (no transplantation), FGF (-) (pellet without bFGF), and FGF (+) (pellet with bFGF) groups. Different examinations, including assessment of the regenerated meniscus area, histological scoring of the regenerated meniscus and cartilage, meniscus indentation test, and immunohistochemistry analysis, were performed at 4 and 8 weeks after surgery.

RESULTS

Transplanted SMSCs adhered to the regenerative meniscus. Compared with the control group, the FGF (+) group had larger regenerated meniscus areas, superior histological scores of the meniscus and cartilage, and better meniscus mechanical properties. RNA sequencing of SMSCs revealed that the gene expression of chemokines that bind to CXCR2 was upregulated by bFGF. Furthermore, conditioned medium derived from SMSCs cultivated with bFGF exhibited enhanced cell migration, proliferation, and chondrogenic differentiation, which were specifically inhibited by CXCR2 or CXCL6 inhibitors.

CONCLUSION

SMSCs cultured with bFGF promoted the expression of CXCL6. This mechanism may enhance cell migration, proliferation, and chondrogenic differentiation, thereby resulting in superior meniscus regeneration and cartilage preservation.

Anti-NF-κB peptide derived from nuclear acidic protein attenuates ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in mice

NF-κB is a transcription factor that is activated with aging. It plays a key role in the development of osteoporosis by promoting osteoclast differentiation and inhibiting osteoblast differentiation. In this study, we developed a small anti-NF-κB peptide called 6A-8R from a nuclear acidic protein (also known as macromolecular translocation inhibitor II, Zn2+-binding protein, or parathymosin) that inhibits transcriptional activity of NF-κB without altering its nuclear translocation and binding to DNA. Intraperitoneal injection of 6A-8R attenuated ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in mice by inhibiting osteoclast differentiation, promoting osteoblast differentiation, and inhibiting sclerostin production by osteocytes in vivo with no apparent side effects. Conversely, in vitro, 6A-8R inhibited osteoclast differentiation by inhibiting NF-κB transcriptional activity, promoted osteoblast differentiation by promoting Smad1 phosphorylation, and inhibited sclerostin expression in osteocytes by inhibiting myocyte enhancer factors 2C and 2D. These findings suggest that 6A-8R has the potential to be an antiosteoporotic therapeutic agent with uncoupling properties.

Real-world comparative study of the efficacy of Janus kinase inhibitors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: the ANSWER cohort study

OBJECTIVE

This multicentre, retrospective study compared the efficacy and safety of tofacitinib, baricitinib, peficitinib and upadacitinib in real-world clinical settings after minimizing selection bias and adjusting the confounding patient characteristics.

METHOD

The 622 patients were selected from the ANSWER cohort database and treated with tofacitinib (TOF), baricitinib (BAR), peficitinib (PEF) or upadacitinib (UPA). The patient's background was matched using propensity score-based inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) among four treatment groups. The values of Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI), C-reactive protein (CRP), and modified Health Assessment Questionnaire (mHAQ) after drug initiation and the remission or low disease activity (LDA) rates of CDAI at 6 months after drug initiation were compared among the four groups. Further, the predictive factor for TOF and BAR efficacy was analysed.

RESULTS

The retention and discontinuation rates until 6 months after drug initiations were not significantly different among the four JAK inhibitors treatment groups. Mean CDAI value, CDAI remission rate, and CDAI-LDA rate at 6 months after drug initiation were not significantly different among treatment groups. Baseline CDAI (TOFA: OR 1.09, P < 0.001; BARI: OR 1.07, P < 0.001), baseline CRP (TOFA: OR 1.32, P = 0.049), baseline glucocorticoid dose (BARI: OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.01-1.38, P = 0.035), a number of previous biological or targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (biological/targeted synthetic DMARDs) (BARI: OR 1.36, P = 0.004) were predictive factors for resistance to CDAI-LDA achievement to JAK inhibitor treatment.

CONCLUSION

The efficacy and safety of TOF, BAR, PEF and UPA were not significantly different for the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Trends of disease activity in Japanese patients over 75 years with rheumatoid arthritis from 2014 to 2021- the ANSWER cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate if disease activity among elderly RA patients over 75 years has changed over time in the real-world clinical setting.

METHODS

Data from an observational multicentre registry of RA patients in Japan were analyzed. The primary outcome was to evaluate the changes in the proportion of very elderly RA patients (over 75 years) who achieved remission and low disease activity, from 2014 to 2021. The secondary outcome was to identify factors associated with remission and low disease activity by comparing demographic and clinical characteristics among the patients who had a study visit within the study period, using multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 32 161 patient visits were identified from 2014 to 2021. The proportion of patients over 75 years increased from 16.5% to 26.9%, with biologics and targeted-synthetic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (b/tsDMARDs) usage increasing and glucocorticoids usage decreasing, while conventional-synthetic DMARDs usage remained relatively stable. The proportion of RA patients over 75 years achieving remission and low disease activity significantly increased from 62.2% to 78.2% (p for trend < 0.001). A negative factor associated with achieving remission and low disease activity was glucocorticoid usage, seropositivity, and history of previous b/tsDMARDs use while MTX usage was associated positively, independent of other predictors.

CONCLUSIONS

In our cohort, disease activity among very elderly RA patients has improved over time. The study suggests the importance of using a treat-to-target approach in very elderly RA patients to improve clinical outcomes.

Drug retention of biologics and Janus kinase inhibitors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: the ANSWER cohort study

OBJECTIVES

This multicentre retrospective study in Japan aimed to assess the retention of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi), and to clarify the factors affecting their retention in a real-world cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

METHODS

The study included 6666 treatment courses (bDMARD-naïve or JAKi-naïve cases, 55.4%; tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) = 3577; anti-interleukin-6 receptor antibodies (aIL-6R) = 1497; cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4-Ig (CTLA4-Ig) = 1139; JAKi=453 cases). The reasons for discontinuation were divided into four categories (ineffectiveness, toxic adverse events, non-toxic reasons and remission); multivariate Cox proportional hazards modelling by potential confounders was used to analyse the HRs of treatment discontinuation.

RESULTS

TNFi (HR=1.93, 95% CI: 1.69 to 2.19), CTLA4-Ig (HR=1.42, 95% CI: 1.20 to 1.67) and JAKi (HR=1.29, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.63) showed a higher discontinuation rate due to ineffectiveness than aIL-6R. TNFi (HR=1.28, 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.56) and aIL-6R (HR=1.27, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.57) showed a higher discontinuation rate due to toxic adverse events than CTLA4-Ig. Concomitant use of oral glucocorticoids (GCs) at baseline was associated with higher discontinuation rate due to ineffectiveness in TNFi (HR=1.24, 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.41), as well as toxic adverse events in JAKi (HR=2.30, 95% CI: 1.23 to 4.28) and TNFi (HR=1.29, 95%CI: 1.07 to 1.55).

CONCLUSIONS

TNFi (HR=1.52, 95% CI: 1.37 to 1.68) and CTLA4-Ig (HR=1.14, 95% CI: 1.00 to 1.30) showed a higher overall drug discontinuation rate, excluding non-toxicity and remission, than aIL-6R.

Add-on effectiveness of methotrexate or iguratimod in patients with rheumatoid arthritis exhibiting an inadequate response to Janus kinase inhibitors: The ANSWER cohort study

OBJECTIVES

This multicenter, retrospective study evaluated the effectiveness of add-on methotrexate (MTX) or iguratimod (IGU) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis exhibiting an inadequate response to Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKis).

METHODS

Forty-five patients were treated with new additional MTX (n = 22) or IGU (n = 23) and followed for 6 months. Patients' background is as follows: age, 59.2 years; disease activity score of 28 joints with C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP), 3.4; clinical disease activity index, 15.7; biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD)-switched cases, 77.8%; first JAKi cases, 95.6%; and JAKi treatment: tofacitinib (n = 25), baricitinib (n = 17), upadacitinib (n = 2), and peficitinib (n = 1) for 9.6 months.

RESULTS

Thirty-five patients continued the combination therapy for 6 months without a significant change in concomitant glucocorticoid or other conventional synthetic DMARDs. DAS28-CRP (MTX, 3.6 to 2.6, p < 0.05; IGU, 3.3 to 2.1, p < 0.001) and clinical disease activity index (MTX, 16.7 to 8.8, p < 0.05; IGU, 14.6 to 6.5, p < 0.01) improved significantly from baseline. Using the 2019 European League Against Rheumatism criteria, 45.4% (MTX) and 39.1% (IGU) achieved moderate or good response and 40.9% (MTX) and 39.1% (IGU) achieved American College of Rheumatology 20% improvement criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

Adding MTX or IGU to inadequate responders of JAKi can be considered as a complementary treatment.

Early Resection of the Tibialis Anterior Tendon for Tendon Exposure After Total Ankle Arthroplasty to Prevent Deep Infection: A Report of Three Cases in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Exposure of the tibialis anterior (TA) tendon with wound dehiscence after total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) with the anterior approach is a problematic complication, especially in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Once the TA tendon is exposed, the duration of wound healing is prolonged, and it could be a risk factor for deep infection. Thus, early resection of the TA tendon was evaluated for tendon exposure with wound dehiscence after TAA in RA patients. In this case report, three rheumatoid ankles that showed wound dehiscence with exposure of the TA tendon after TAA with the anterior approach are presented. Early resection of the TA tendon and debridement under local anesthesia were performed within two days after wound dehiscence. In all cases, wound healing was completed within two weeks after the treatment. Drop foot was not seen in any patients, and there was no difference between the pre and postoperative (1 year after TAA) range of dorsiflexion. Muscle strength for ankle dorsiflexion was also maintained. In conclusion, early resection of the TA tendon appears to be a useful option for undesirable tendon exposure with wound dehiscence to prevent deep infection and prolonged wound healing after total ankle arthroplasty in RA patients.

Prognostic Factors Affecting Death in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Complicated by Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia and One-Year Clinical Course: The ANSWER Cohort Study

This multicenter retrospective study aimed to clarify the prognostic factors for mortality and changes in treatment modalities and disease activities after the onset of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Data regarding the clinical background, treatment modalities, and disease activity indicators of RA at the onset of PCP (baseline), and 6 months and 12 months after treatment were extracted. Of the 37 patients with RA-PCP (median age, 69 years; 73% female), chemical prophylaxis was administered to 8.1%. Six patients died during PCP treatment. The serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and the prednisolone (PDN) dose at baseline in the PCP death group were significantly higher than those in the survivor group. Multivariate analysis using a Cox regression model showed that PDN dose at baseline was a predictor of death from PCP in patients with RA. During the 12 months from baseline, the RA disease activity significantly decreased. A high dose of corticosteroids for RA may result in a poor prognosis when PCP is complicated. In the future, preventive administration techniques must be established for patients with RA who need PCP prevention.

Baseline serum PINP level is associated with the increase in hip bone mineral density seen with Romosozumab treatment in previously untreated women with osteoporosis

Baseline serum PINP value was significantly and independently associated with the increased bone mineral density (≥ 3%) in both total hip and femoral necks by 12 months of romosozumab treatment in patients with treatment-naive postmenopausal osteoporosis.

PURPOSE

Some patients fail to obtain a sufficiently increased hip bone mineral density (BMD) by romosozumab (ROMO) treatment. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic factor for increased hip BMD with ROMO in patients with treatment-naive postmenopausal osteoporosis.

METHODS

This prospective, observational, and multicenter study included patients (n = 63: mean age, 72.6 years; T-scores of the lumbar spine [LS], - 3.3; total hip [TH], - 2.6; femoral neck [FN], - 3.3; serum type I procollagen N-terminal propeptide [PINP], 68.5 µg/L) treated by ROMO for 12 months. BMD and serum bone turnover markers were evaluated at each time point. A responder analysis was performed to assess the patient percentage, and both univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate the factors associated with clinically significant increased BMD (≥ 3%) in both TH and FN.

RESULTS

Percentage changes of BMD from baseline in the LS, TH, and FN areas were 17.5%, 4.9%, and 4.3%, respectively. In LS, 96.8% of patients achieved ≥ 6% increased LS-BMD, although 57.1% could not achieve ≥ 3% increased BMD in either TH or FN. Multiple regression analysis revealed that only the baseline PINP value was significantly and independently associated with ≥ 3% increased BMD in both TH and FN (p = 0.019, 95% confidence interval = 1.006-1.054). The optimal cut-off PINP value was 53.7 µg/L with 54.3% sensitivity and 92.3% specificity (area under the curve = 0.752).

CONCLUSIONS

In a real-world setting, baseline PINP value was associated with the increased BMD of TH and FN by ROMO treatment in treatment-naive patients.

Modified scarf osteotomy with capsular interposition as salvage for resection or silicone implant arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. A report of three cases

This study investigated modified scarf osteotomy as a salvage procedure after resection arthroplasty or silicone implant arthroplasty to preserve mobility of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint after hallux valgus surgery in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We investigated three feet with rheumatoid forefoot deformities that showed recurrence of forefoot deformity or breakage of the implant after resection or silicone implant arthroplasty in the first MTP joint. All feet were treated using modified scarf osteotomy with capsular interposition. All cases achieved obvious correction after modified scarf osteotomy despite resection of the first MTP joint and consequently showed both radiographic and clinical improvements. Modified scarf osteotomy offers potential as a definitive salvage procedure after resection arthroplasty or silicone implant arthroplasty for forefoot deformity in patients with RA, because the procedure can realign the first MTP joint obviously with preservation of the range of motion. Concomitant medial capsular interposition into the newly formed first MTP joint is also recommended where possible, to protect the edges of the proximal basal phalanx and distal first metatarsal and also to smoothen the motion of newly formed first MTP joint.

Low serum albumin concentration is associated with increased risk of osteoporosis in postmenopausal patients with rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND

The risk of osteoporosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is frequently overlooked, and investigating a simple indicator in routine care may be beneficial to motivate osteoporosis examination. The aim of this retrospective, case-controlled study was to identify the correlation between serum albumin concentrations and the prevalence of osteoporosis in postmenopausal patients with RA.

METHODS

This study enrolled 197 patients who underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry of lumbar spine (LS) and proximal femur without osteoporosis treatment [mean age, 67.5 years; disease duration, 12.8 years; Disease Activity Score assessing 28 joints with C-reactive protein, 2.0; prednisolone dose, 4.9 mg/day (usage, 42.6%); and LS T-score, -1.9]. Patients were classified into 2 groups: osteoporosis, defined as ≥ 1 part bone mineral density T-score ≤ -2.5 or history of fragility fracture of the vertebra or proximal femur (121 patients), and non-osteoporosis (76 patients). Groups were then matched by propensity score using clinical backgrounds affecting bone metabolism.

RESULTS

In non-matched model, serum albumin concentration was significantly associated with osteoporosis-related factors such as aging, inflammation, physical disability, and glucocorticoid dose. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that serum albumin concentration was independently and significantly associated with osteoporosis risk (odds ratio = 0.22, 95% confidence interval = 0.08, 0.61, p = 0.0033). After propensity score matching, 57 patients for each group showed that in addition to the LS and femoral neck T-scores (p < 0.001), serum albumin concentrations (p = 0.01) remained lower in the osteoporosis group compared to non-osteoporosis group. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis in non-matched model revealed that when cut-off value of serum albumin concentration for indicating osteoporosis was set at 4.2 g/dl, the area under the curve was 0.69, sensitivity 0.74, and specificity 0.58.

CONCLUSIONS

Low serum albumin concentration was significantly and independently associated with the prevalence of osteoporosis, which may be considered as one of the osteoporosis-related factors in postmenopausal patients with RA.

Semaphorin 4D induces articular cartilage destruction and inflammation in joints by transcriptionally reprogramming chondrocytes

Proinflammatory cytokines play critical roles in the pathogenesis of joint diseases. Using a mass spectrometry-based cloning approach, we identified Semaphorin 4D (Sema4D) as an inflammatory cytokine that directly promoted cartilage destruction. Sema4d-deficient mice showed less cartilage destruction than wild-type mice in a model of rheumatoid arthritis. Sema4D induced a proinflammatory response in mouse articular chondrocytes characterized by the induction of proteolytic enzymes that degrade cartilage, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and aggrecanases. The activation of Mmp13 and Mmp3 expression in articular chondrocytes by Sema4D did not depend on RhoA, a GTPase that mediates Sema4D-induced cytoskeletal rearrangements. Instead, it required NF-κB signaling and Ras-MEK-Erk1/2 signaling downstream of the receptors Plexin-B2 and c-Met and depended on the transcription factors IκBζ and C/EBPδ. Genetic and pharmacological blockade of these Sema4D signaling pathways inhibited MMP induction in chondrocytes and cartilage destruction in femoral head organ culture. Our results reveal a mechanism by which Sema4D signaling promotes cartilage destruction.

Effects of prior osteoporosis treatment on the treatment response of romosozumab followed by denosumab in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis

In patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis, prior osteoporosis treatment affected the bone mineral density increase of following treatment with 12 months of romosozumab, although it did not affect that of following treatment with 12 months of denosumab after romosozumab.

PURPOSE

To investigate the effects of prior osteoporosis treatment on the response to treatment with romosozumab (ROMO) followed by denosumab (DMAb) in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis.

METHODS

In this prospective, observational, multicenter study, treatment-naïve patients (Naïve; n = 55) or patients previously treated with bisphosphonates (BP; n = 37), DMAb (DMAb; n = 45) or teriparatide (TPTD; n = 17) (mean age, 74.6 years; T-scores of the lumbar spine [LS] - 3.2 and total hip [TH] - 2.6) were switched to ROMO for 12 months, followed by DMAb for 12 months. Bone mineral density (BMD) and serum bone turnover markers were evaluated for 24 months.

RESULTS

A BMD increase was observed at 12 and 24 months in the following patients: Naïve (18.2% and 22.0%), BP (10.2% and 12.1%), DMAb (6.6% and 9.7%), and TPTD (10.8% and 15.0%) (P < 0.001 between the groups at both 12 and 24 months) in LS and Naïve (5.5% and 8.3%), BP (2.9% and 4.1%), DMAb (0.6% and 2.2%), and TPTD (4.3% and 5.4%) (P < 0.01 between the groups at 12 months and P < 0.001 at 24 months) in TH, respectively. The BMD increase in LS from 12 to 24 months was negatively associated with the levels of bone resorption marker at 24 months. Incidences of major fragility fractures for the respective groups were as follows: Naïve (5.5%), BP (16.2%), DMAb (11.1%), and TPTD (5.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Previous treatment affected the BMD increase of following treatment with ROMO, although it did not affect that of following treatment with DMAb after ROMO.

Modified Scarf Osteotomy with Medial Capsular Interposition Combined with Metatarsal Shortening Offset Osteotomy: A Comparison of Patients with Noninflammatory Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Foot

BACKGROUND

Patients who have noninflammatory arthritis of the feet may develop destructive changes on the first metatarsal head and painful dislocation of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint of 1 or more lesser toes. This aim of this study was to compare feet with noninflammatory arthritis and those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with respect to the clinical and radiographic outcomes after treatment of these destructive deformities with a modified Scarf osteotomy with medial capsular interposition into the newly formed first MTP joint, combined with metatarsal shortening offset osteotomy.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study of 93 feet (31 with noninflammatory arthritis and 62 with RA) was performed. Hallux and lesser-toe scores on the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) scoring system, a self-administered foot evaluation questionnaire (SAFE-Q), and preoperative and postoperative radiographic parameters were evaluated.

RESULTS

There were significant improvements at the time of the final follow-up in the mean scores on the hallux and lesser-toe scales of the JSSF system and in the SAFE-Q score. The postoperative JSSF lesser-toes function score was better for the feet with noninflammatory arthritis feet than the feet with RA. There was no significant difference in the hallux valgus angle (HVA) between 1 month postoperatively and the final follow-up for both groups. Furthermore, the HVA showed a strong correlation between the 1-month and final follow-up values.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of the modified Scarf osteotomy with medial capsular interposition and shortening metatarsal offset osteotomy was useful and safe in feet with noninflammatory arthritis. The HVA at 1 month after surgery is useful to predict the HVA within 5 years after surgery. The postoperative clinical score for the lesser toes was better in the feet with noninflammatory arthritis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

POS0532 DRUG RETENTION OF BIOLOGICS OR JAK INHIBITORS IN PATIENTS WITH DIFFICULT-TO-TREAT RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: RESULTS FROM THE ANSWER COHORT

Background

Difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis (D2T RA) is defined as RA in which disease activity is uncontrolled despite the use of two or more biologics or Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) with different mechanisms of action (MOA).

Objectives

To explore the optimal treatment strategy for D2T RA, we evaluated the drug retention, efficacy, and reasons for discontinuation of biologics or JAKi used for patients with D2T RA in a longitudinal multicenter cohort.

Methods

RA patients with clinical disease activity index (CDAI) >10 despite the use of at least two biologics or JAKi with different MOA and further treated with biologics or JAKi were included. The drug retention rates of biologics (TNFi, IL-6Ri, and CTLA4-Ig) or JAKi were estimated at 12 months using the Kaplan-Meier method and adjusted for potential confounders (age, sex, disease duration, concomitant MTX and PSL use, and the number of switched biologics or JAKi) using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

A total of 251 treatment courses (TCs) from 167 patients were included (TNFi: 97 TCs, IL-6Ri: 67 TCs, CTLA4-Ig: 27 TCs, JAKi: 60 TCs). Baseline characteristics showed no difference in age, sex, disease duration, ACPA positivity, CDAI, and concomitant MTX and PSL use between the four groups. Drug retention excluding non-toxic reasons and remission was significantly higher in patients treated with JAKi or IL-6Ri than in patients treated with TNFi or CTLA4-Ig (P=0.00172). Multivariate analysis using Cox proportional hazards models demonstrated that discontinuation of the drug was associated with the use of TNFi or CTLA4-Ig (HR: 3.29, 95%CI: 1.15-9.42, P=0.027) and concomitant PSL use (HR: 1.14, 95%CI: 1.04-1.26, P=0.0084). In terms of disease activity evaluated with CDAI, no difference was observed between the four groups at 3 months (P=0.90), at 6 months (P=0.77), and at 12 months (P=0.75).

Conclusion

In patients with D2T RA, JAKi or IL-6Ri may have treatment advantages compared with TNFi or CTLA4-Ig.

References

[1] EULAR definition of difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Nagy G, Roodenrijs NMT, Welsing PM, Kedves M, Hamar A, van der Goes MC, Kent A, Bakkers M, Blaas E, Senolt L, Szekanecz Z, Choy E, Dougados M, Jacobs JW, Geenen R, Bijlsma HW, Zink A, Aletaha D, Schoneveld L, van Riel P, Gutermann L, Prior Y, Nikiphorou E, Ferraccioli G, Schett G, Hyrich KL, Mueller-Ladner U, Buch MH, McInnes IB, van der Heijde D, van Laar JM.

Ann Rheum Dis. 2021 Jan;80(1):31-35.

[2] Prevalence and predictive factors of difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis: the KURAMA cohort.

Watanabe R, Hashimoto M, Murata K, Murakami K, Tanaka M, Ohmura K, Ito H, Matsuda S.

Immunol Med. 2021 May 25:1-10.

Disclosure of Interests

Ryu Watanabe Speakers bureau: Eli Lilly, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Pfizer, Sanofi, AbbVie, Asahi Kasei, Eisai, Bristol-Myers Squibb, UCB Japan, Chugai, Janssen, Astellas, Nippon Shinyaku, Daiichi Sankyo, Gilead Sciences Japan, and Boehringer ingelheim., Tadashi Okano Speakers bureau: Asahi Kasei, Astellas, Abbvie, Amgen, Ayumi, Chugai, Daiichi-Sankyo, Eisai, Eli Lilly, Gilead Sciences, Janssen, Kyowa Kirin, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Novartis, Ono, Pfizer, Sanofi, Takeda, UCB, Grant/research support from: Asahi Kasei, Abbvie, Chugai, Eisai, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Shinsuke Yamada: None declared, Wataru Yamamoto: None declared, Koichi Murata Speakers bureau: Eisai Co., Ltd., Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.; Asahi Kasei Pharma Corp.; and Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Co., and Daiichi Sankyo Co. Ltd., Kosaku Murakami: None declared, Kosuke Ebina Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Asahi-Kasei, Astellas, Ayumi, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Chugai, Eisai, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Ono Pharmaceutical, Pfizer, Sanofi, and UCB Japan., Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Asahi-Kasei, Astellas, Chugai, Eisai, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Ono Pharmaceutical, Teijin Pharma, and UCB Japan, Yuichi Maeda Speakers bureau: Eli Lilly Japan K.K., Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Pfizer Inc., Bristol Myers Squibb, and Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation., Sadao Jinno Speakers bureau: AbbVie G.K., Asahi Kasei Pharma., Bristol-Myers Squibb., Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Eisai Co., Ltd., Eli Lilly Japan K.K., Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K., and Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, and Ono Pharmaceutical Co, Iku Shirasugi: None declared, Yonsu Son: None declared, Hideki Amuro Speakers bureau: Chugai Pharmaceutical Co.,Ltd, Masaki Katayama: None declared, Ryota Hara: None declared, Kenichiro Hata Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Asahi-Kasei, Chugai, Janssen, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Eisai, Ayaka Yoshikawa: None declared, Motomu Hashimoto Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Asahi-Kasei, Brystol-Meyers, Eisai, Eli Lilly, Novartis Pharma.

Characteristics of Intermetatarsal Angle Between the Second and Fifth Metatarsals (M2-M5A) in the Rheumatoid Foot

Background: Increasing of intermetatarsal angle between the first and second metatarsals (M1-M2A) has been reported as a risk factor for recurrence of hallux valgus (HV) deformity, on the other hand, increasing of intermetatarsal angle between the second and fifth metatarsals (M2-M5A) has been reported as a risk factor for resubluxation of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint of the lesser toe after rheumatoid forefoot surgery. In this study, parameters related to increasing M2-M5A were investigated, as compared with M1-M2A and M1-M5A.

Methods: Radiographic parameters including M1-M2A, M1-M5A, and M2-M5A were retrospectively evaluated for 119 lower limbs from 68 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To clarify the clinical importance of these intermetatarsal angles, relationships with results from the timed up-and-go (TUG) test were also investigated.

Results: M1-M5A showed no correlation with mid-hind foot parameters, whereas M1-M2A and M2-M5A correlated with valgus/varus parameters. An increased M1-M2A was associated with lateral shift of the loading axis in the tibial plafond, whereas an increased M2-M5A was associated with medial shift, but M1-M5A showed no associations. M2-M5A/M1-M2A was significantly lower (1.7) in the normal TUG group than in the delayed TUG group (2.8) (p=0.045).

Conclusions: Different patterns of spread are seen for the forefoot. One has a predominantly increased M1-M2A with lateral shift of the loading point in the tibial plafond, whereas the other has a predominantly increased M2-M5A with medial shift of the loading point in the tibial plafond. M2-M5A also should be calculated, and M2-M5A/M1-M2A might be meaningful in understanding physical mobility in RA patients.

High-precision measurement of the W boson mass with the CDF II detector

The mass of the W boson, a mediator of the weak force between elementary particles, is tightly constrained by the symmetries of the standard model of particle physics. The Higgs boson was the last missing component of the model. After observation of the Higgs boson, a measurement of the W boson mass provides a stringent test of the model. We measure the W boson mass, M_W, using data corresponding to 8.8 inverse femtobarns of integrated luminosity collected in proton-antiproton collisions at a 1.96 tera-electron volt center-of-mass energy with the CDF II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron collider. A sample of approximately 4 million W boson candidates is used to obtain [Formula: see text], the precision of which exceeds that of all previous measurements combined (stat, statistical uncertainty; syst, systematic uncertainty; MeV, mega-electron volts; c, speed of light in a vacuum). This measurement is in significant tension with the standard model expectation.

Improvement of Knee Alignment and Function After Corrective Surgery for Hindfoot Deformity: A Report of 3 Cases

CASE

Marked varus or valgus hindfoot deformities in 3 patients with ankle osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis were treated by corrective surgery using total ankle arthroplasty or distal tibia oblique osteotomy. All cases achieved not only sufficient correction and satisfactory clinical/radiographic hindfoot improvement but also improvements in both knee alignment and function.

CONCLUSION

Corrective surgery for hindfoot deformity can potentially change or improve ipsilateral knee alignment and function, representing an unexpected benefit of hindfoot realignment.

Differential efficacy of TNF inhibitors with or without the immunoglobulin fragment crystallizable (Fc) portion in rheumatoid arthritis: the ANSWER cohort study

Rheumatoid factor (RF) binds to the fragment crystallizable (Fc) portion of immunoglobulin. It could bind to the Fc portion of anti-TNF inhibitors (TNFi) and attenuate the clinical efficacy. We tried to determine whether the therapeutic efficacy of TNFi with Fc might be lower than that of TNFi without Fc in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with high titres of RF. The Kansai Consortium for Well-being of Rheumatic Disease Patients (ANSWER) cohort is an observational multi-center registry of patients with RA in the Kansai district of Japan. RA patients treated with TNFi were included and divided into two groups based on the structural characteristics between TNFi with Fc (infliximab, adalimumab, golimumab, and etanercept) and TNFi without Fc (certolizumab pegol). Patients were classified into 4 groups according to RF titre quartiles. The sequential disease activity score in 28 joints using erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) was compared by Mann-Whitney U test between TNFi with and without Fc in each RF titre group. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to analyze the effect of TNFi without Fc for the change of DAS28-ESR adjusted after potential confounders. A total of 705 RA patients were classified into four groups (RF¹; RF 0-15.0 IU/mL, RF²; 15.0-55.0, RF³; 55.0-166, RF⁴; 166-7555). In RF⁴, RA patients treated with TNFi without Fc had a significantly lower DAS28-ESR than those treated with TNFi with Fc [3.2 (2.3-4.2) vs. 2.7 (2.0-3.0)] after 12 months. This effect of TNFi without Fc for the change of DAS28-ESR after 12 months treatment retained in multivariate analysis in RF⁴. TNFi without Fc may be more efficacious than TNFi with Fc in RA patients with high RF titres.

Midfoot Derotational Osteotomy for Ankylosing Inversion Deformity in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Report of 3 Cases

CASE

Ankylosing midfoot inversion deformities in 3 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated by midfoot derotational osteotomy to remove the pain due to excessive loading of the fifth metatarsal base and to obtain the plantigrade position are presented. All cases achieved sufficient correction and good clinical and radiographic improvement.

CONCLUSION

Midfoot derotational osteotomy seems useful and has the possibility to be a definitive surgical procedure for ankylosing inversion deformity in patients with RA. Osteotomy should be performed from both medial and lateral sides, and careful retraction of soft tissues should always be kept in mind.

Association of Decreased Physical Activity with Rheumatoid Mid-Hindfoot Deformity/Destruction

Foot/ankle problems remain important issues in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Although forefoot deformity generally takes a major place in surgical treatment, concomitant mid-hindfoot deformity is also commonly seen. In this situation, it can be easy to overlook that mid-hindfoot deformity can also induce or exacerbate clinical problems behind the forefoot events. Thus, the relationship between mid-hindfoot deformity/destruction and physical activity/ADL was investigated. Radiographic findings of 101 lower limbs (59 patients) were retrospectively evaluated. Alignment parameters in the lower extremity and joint destruction grade (Larsen grade) were measured. The timed-up-and-go (TUG) test, modified health assessment questionnaire (mHAQ), pain, self-reported scores for the foot and ankle (SAFE-Q), and RA disease activity were investigated to assess clinical status. The relationships among these parameters were evaluated. Subtalar joint destruction was correlated with TUG time (r = 0.329), mHAQ score (r = 0.338), and SAFE-Q: social functioning (r = 0.332). TUG time was correlated with the HKA (r = −0.527), talo-1st metatarsal angle (r = 0.64), calcaneal pitch angle (r = −0.433), M1-M5A (r = −0.345), and M2-M5A (r = −0.475). On multivariable linear regression analysis, TUG time had a relatively strong correlation with the talo-1st metatarsal angle (β = 0.452), and was negatively correlated with calcaneal pitch angle (β = −0.326). Ankle joint destruction was also correlated with TUG time (β = 0.214). Development of structural problems or conditions in mid-hindfoot, especially flatfoot deformity, were related with decreased physical activity in RA patients. Wearing an insole (arch support) as a preventative measure and short foot exercise should be considered from the early phase of deformity/destruction in the mid-hindfoot in the management of RA.

Favorable clinical response and drug retention of anti-IL-6 receptor inhibitor in rheumatoid arthritis with high CRP levels: the ANSWER cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Currently, biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) with different modes of action [tumour necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi), interleukin-6 receptor inhibitor (IL-6Ri), or cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4-immunoglobulin (CTLA4-Ig)] are used in clinical practice to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, it is unclear which type of bDMARD is the most efficacious for a specific clinical situation. C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase reactant driven by IL-6 signalling. Here, we aimed to establish whether therapeutic efficacy differs between IL-6Ri and other bDMARDs with alternative modes of action in RA patients according to their CRP level.

METHOD

RA patients treated with bDMARDs were enrolled from an observational multicentre registry in Japan. Patients were classified into three groups according to baseline CRP tertiles. The overall 3 year retention rates of each bDMARD category were assessed. The Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) was also assessed before and 3, 6, and 12 months after bDMARD initiation.

RESULTS

A total of 1438 RA patients were included and classified into three groups according to tertiles of baseline CRP levels (CRP¹, 0-0.3; CRP², 0.3-1.8; CRP³, 1.8-18.4 mg/dL). In CRP³, the overall 3 year drug retention rates were significantly higher for IL-6Ri than for TNFi and CTLA4-Ig (77.5 vs 48.2 vs 67.3, respectively). No significant difference was evident in terms of CDAI 12 months after bDMARD initiation in CRP¹-CRP³.

CONCLUSION

IL-6Ri may be a favourable therapeutic option over TNFi and CTLA4-Ig in RA patients with high CRP levels.

The real-world effectiveness of anti-RANKL antibody denosumab on the clinical fracture prevention in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: The ANSWER cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by localized and generalized bone loss. The risk of fractures is doubled in patients with RA. Denosumab, an anti-RANKL monoclonal antibody, is used for those with osteoporosis at high risk fracture and it has inhibitory effect of progressive bone erosion in patients with RA. While the increase in bone mineral density by denosumab has been reported in patients with RA, preventive effect of fracture by denosumab remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of denosumab in treating clinical fracture risk in patients with RA.

METHODS

Patients with RA who received denosumab treatment between 2013 and 2019 were retrospectively evaluated using the ANSWER (Kansai Consortium for the Well-Being of Rheumatic Disease Patients) cohort data. Fracture rates were evaluated between 0 and 6 months (reference period) versus > 6 months (post-reference period) of denosumab use.

RESULTS

A total of 873 patients with RA received denosumab, and their characteristics were as follows: 88% females, mean age 68 years, and average disease duration 14.5 years. The hazard rates of all clinical fractures were 0.69 (per 100 person-years) in the reference period and 0.35 in the post-reference period, indicating a 49.2% decrease (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Denosumab suppresses the risk of clinical fractures in patients with RA.

Drug efficacy and safety of biologics and Janus kinase inhibitors in elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are frequently associated with higher disease activity and impaired physical function, although they show intolerance for conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs), such as methotrexate, because of their comorbidities. However, the present treatment recommendation based on randomized controlled trials is not distinguished by age or comorbidities. Therefore, this review aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of biological DMARDs (bDMARDs) and Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) in elderly patients. Present bDMARDs, including tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi), cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4-immunoglobulin (abatacept), interleukin (IL)-6 receptor antibody (tocilizumab and salirumab), and anti-CD20 antibody (rituximab), may be similarly or slightly less effective or safe in elderly patients compared with younger patients. Oral glucocorticoid use, prolonged disease duration, and very old patients appear to be associated with an increased risk of adverse events, such as serious infection. Some recent cohort studies demonstrated that non-TNFi showed better retention than TNFi in elderly patients. Both TNFi and non-TNFi agents may not strongly influence the risk of adverse events such as cardiovascular events and malignancy in elderly patients. Regarding JAKi, the efficacy appears to be similar, although the safety (particularly for serious infections, including herpes zoster) may be attenuated by aging.

Effects of iguratimod on glucocorticoid-induced disorder of bone metabolism in vitro

INTRODUCTION

Glucocorticoids are widely used to treat various diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, one of the most frequent and severe adverse effects is glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP). Iguratimod (IGU) is a novel conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug developed in Japan. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of IGU on glucocorticoid-induced disorder of bone metabolism in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In osteoclastogenesis of mouse bone marrow-derived cells, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining, resorption pit assay, western blotting, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and mRNA sequencing were performed. In osteoblastogenesis of MC3T3-E1 cells, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and activity, alizarin red staining, and mRNA sequencing were performed, and real-time PCR and western blotting were conducted in MC3T3-E1 cells and murine osteocyte-like cell line MLO-Y4 cells.

RESULTS

IGU significantly suppressed a dexamethasone-induced increase in osteoclasts, differentiation, and bone resorption activity by inhibition of the receptor activator of the nuclear factor kappa-B (RANK)/tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)-associated factor 6 (TRAF6)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NFκB)-p52 pathway. In MC3T3-E1 cells, IGU significantly upregulated dexamethasone-induced downregulation of ALP activity, bone mineralization, and osteoblast-related gene and protein expression. In MLO-Y4 cells, IGU significantly upregulated dexamethasone-induced downregulation of the gene expression of ALP and osteocalcin, and also downregulated receptor activator of NFκB ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin gene expression ratio without dexamethasone.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that IGU may improve glucocorticoid-induced disorder of bone metabolism and may exhibit positive effects against GIOP associated with RA.

Effects of prior osteoporosis treatment on 12-month treatment response of romosozumab in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effects of prior treatment and determine the predictors of a 12-month treatment response of romosozumab (ROMO) in 148 patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis.

METHODS

In this prospective, observational, and multicenter study, treatment naïve patients (Naïve; n=50) or patients previously treated with bisphosphonates (BP; n=37) or denosumab (DMAb; n=45) or teriparatide (TPTD; n=16) (mean age, 75.0 years; T-scores of the lumbar spine [LS] -3.2 and total hip [TH] -2.6) were switched to ROMO due to insufficient effects of prior treatment. Bone mineral density (BMD) and serum bone turnover markers were evaluated for 12 months.

RESULTS

At 12 months, changes in LS BMD were Naïve (18.2%), BP (10.2%), DMAb (6.4%), and TPTD (11.2%) (P<0.001 between groups) and changes in TH BMD were Naïve (5.6%), BP (3.3%), DMAb (0.6%), and TPTD (4.4%) (P<0.01 between groups), respectively. In all groups, the LS BMD significantly increased from baseline at 6 and 12 months, although only the DMAb group failed to obtain a significant increase in TH BMD during 12-month treatment. Mean values of N-terminal type I procollagen propeptide (PINP; μg/L) from baseline → 1 month → 12 months were Naïve (67.9 → 134.1 → 51.0), BP (32. 2 → 81.7 → 40.9), DMAb (30.4 → 56.2 → 75.3), and TPTD (97.4 → 105.1 → 37.1), and those of isoform 5b of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP-5b; mU/dL) were Naïve (500.4 → 283.8 → 267.1), BP (273.4 → 203.1 → 242.0), DMAb (220.3 → 246.1 → 304.8), and TPTD (446.6 → 305.1 → 235.7), respectively. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the significant predictors of BMD change at 12 months were difference of prior treatment (r=-2.8, P<0.001) and value of PINP at 1 month (r=0.04, P<0.01) for LS, and difference of prior treatment (r=-1.3, P<0.05) and percentage change of TRACP-5b at 1 month (r=-0.06, P<0.05) for TH.

CONCLUSIONS

The early effects of ROMO on LS and TH BMD increase at 12 months were significantly affected by the difference of prior treatment and are predicted by the early change in bone turnover markers.

Comparison of efficacy between anti-IL-6 receptor antibody and other biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in the patients with rheumatoid arthritis who have knee joint involvement: the ANSWER cohort, retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the efficacy of anti-IL-6 receptor antibody (aIL-6) and other biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs), such as TNF inhibitor and CTLA4-Ig in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in patients with knee joint involvement.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 1059 treatment courses of patients with RA who visited our hospitals and were treated with bDMARDs. We categorized them into two groups, with or without knee joint involvement. We investigated the clinical disease activity index (CDAI) at baseline and 12 weeks after the initiation of bDMARDs. We compared the improvement of the markers between aIL-6 and other bDMARDs.

RESULTS

Treatment with aIL-6 significantly increased ΔCDAI (n = 91, 15.4 ± 1.1; mean ± SEM) in patients with knee joint involvement, compared to other bDMARDs (n = 232, 11.0 ± 0.7) at 12 weeks (P = 0.006). Following the multivariate analysis adjusted by the CDAI levels at baseline, age, gender, concomitant use of methotrexate, and the first use of bDMARDs, ΔCDAI levels were significantly higher in aIL-6, compared to other bDMARDs (P = 0.02). However, there was no significant difference in ΔCDAI improvement between aIL-6 (n = 162, 5.9 ± 0.6) and other bDMARDs (n = 573, 6.2 ± 0.4) in patients without swollen knee joints. ΔCDAI levels were equally increased in patients with shoulder and elbow joint involvement.

CONCLUSION

aIL-6 was more effective in the patients with RA and knee joint involvement, compared to other bDMARDs.

Comparison of the drug retention and reasons for discontinuation of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors and interleukin-6 inhibitors in Japanese patients with elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis-the ANSWER cohort study

BACKGROUND

This multi-center, retrospective study aimed to clarify retention rates and reasons for discontinuation of either tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) or interleukin-6 inhibitors (IL-6i) in patients with elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis (EORA).

METHODS

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) enrolled in a Japanese multicenter observational registry between 2011 and 2020 were included. EORA was defined as RA with onset at 60 or over. To adjust confounding by indication for treatment with TNFi or IL-6i, a propensity score based on multiple baseline characteristics variables was used to compare the drug retention and causes for discontinuation between TNFi and IL-6i. Adjusted cumulative incidence of drug discontinuation for each reason was compared between the two groups using the Fine-Gray model.

RESULTS

Among a total of 9,550 patients in the registry, 674 TNFi and 297 IL-6i initiators with EORA were identified. Age, the proportion of females, disease duration, and baseline disease activity at the time of TNFi or IL-6i initiation were similar between the two groups. After adjusting for differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups, overall drug discontinuation was significantly lower in the IL-6i as compared to the TNFi (HR = 0.71, 95%CI = 0.59-0.86, p < 0.001). The adjusted cumulative incidence of discontinuation due to lack of effectiveness was lower with the IL-6i (HR = 0.46, 95%CI = 0.33-0.63, p < 0.001) while those due to adverse events (HR = 0.82, 95%CI = 0.56-1.18, p = 0.28) or achievement of clinical remission (HR = 1.09, 95%CI = 0.62-1.91, p = 0.76) were similar between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In EORA patients initiating a TNFi or IL-6i, significantly higher drug retention was observed with IL-6i. Discontinuation due to lack of effectiveness was significantly less frequent in IL-6i while discontinuations due to adverse event or achievement of clinical remission were similar between the two groups.

Modified Anterolateral Approach for Total Ankle Arthroplasty

Level of Evidence:

Level V.

Effects of prior osteoporosis treatment on early treatment response of romosozumab in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis

PURPOSE

To investigate the effects of prior treatment and the predictors of early treatment response to romosozumab (ROMO) in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis.

METHODS

In this prospective, observational, multicenter study, 130 treatment-naïve patients (Naïve; n = 37) or patients previously treated with bisphosphonates (BP; n = 33), denosumab (DMAb; n = 45), or teriparatide (TPTD; n = 15) (age, 75.0 years; T-scores of the lumbar spine [LS] -3.2 and femoral neck [FN] -2.9) were switched to ROMO based on their physician's decision. Bone mineral density (BMD) and serum bone turnover markers were evaluated for six months.

RESULTS

At six months, LS BMD changes were 13.6%, 7.5%, 3.6%, and 8.7% (P < .001 between groups) and FN BMD changes were 4.2%, 0.4%, 1.6%, and 1.5% (P = .16 between groups) for Naïve, BP, DMAb, and TPTD groups, respectively. Changes in N-terminal type I procollagen propeptide (PINP; μg/L) levels from baseline → one month were 72.7 → 139.0, 33.5 → 85.4, 30.4 → 54.3, and 98.4 → 107.4, and those of isoform 5b of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP-5b) (mU/dL) were 474.7 → 270.2, 277.3 → 203.7, 220.3 → 242.0, and 454.1 → 313.0 for Naïve, BP, DMAb, and TPTD groups, respectively. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that significant predictors of LS BMD change at six months were prior treatment difference (r = -3.1, P = .0027) and TRACP-5b percentage change (r = -2.8, P = .0071) and PINP value at one month (r = 3.2, P = .0021).

CONCLUSION

Early effects of ROMO on the increase in LS BMD are significantly affected by the difference of prior treatment and are predicted by the early change in bone turnover markers.

MINI ABSTRACT

Early effects of ROMO on the increase in LS BMD at six months is significantly affected by the difference of prior treatment and also predicted by the early change of bone turnover markers in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Radiographic effects observed in the coronal view after medial malleolar osteotomy at total ankle arthroplasty in rheumatoid arthritis cases

BACKGROUND

When soft tissue balance is not acceptable at total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) for rheumatoid varus deformity, medial malleolar osteotomy has been performed. At the same time, the shape of the ankle joint changes after soft tissue balancing with such an osteotomy, however there is few information for the radiographic findings after the osteotomy. Thus, radiographic changes in the coronal view of such cases were investigated.

METHODS

JSSF-RA foot and ankle scale and SAFE-Q scores were determined along with pre/postoperative radiographic parameters of the ankle joint in 70 ankles (65 patients) with rheumatoid arthritis followed for a mean of 7.9 years (range, 2-16 years) after TAA. Seven ankles were excluded because those underwent lateral or lateral/medial malleolar osteotomy. Twenty-seven ankles underwent medial malleolar osteotomy, and compared with 36 ankles without osteotomy.

RESULTS

All ankles achieved bone union after medial malleolar osteotomy, and the tibial medial malleolus (TMM) angle was significantly decreased [30.3°-19.1°] following significant valgus correction [TC angle: -2.7° to 0.5°]. The gap due to medial soft tissue tightness was significantly improved by medial malleolar osteotomy [4.95° to 0.7°]. Lateral malleolar fractures sometimes occurred (19%: 5/27 ankles) at valgus correction, but they healed completely without any internal fixation.

CONCLUSION

Medial malleolar osteotomy was useful in rheumatoid varus ankle for not only controlling the soft tissue balance, but also providing a stabilized shape of the ankle joint. Lateral malleolar fractures were caused by valgus correction following medial malleolar osteotomy in some cases, but all fractures were completely healed without any internal fixation.

A report of three cases which required tibialis anterior tendon resection to recover delayed wound healing after total ankle arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Delayed wound healing is one of the severe complications after total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). In particular, once tibialis anterior (TA) tendon is exposed from tendon sheath of extensor retinaculum, wound healing will be critically intractable. We report three cases (mean age: 75.3 years old) of delayed wound healing after TAA cured by resection of TA tendon in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). All three cases underwent TAA through an anterior approach, with careful suture of extensor retinaculum in wound closure. Ankle joint was fixed with splint and avoid weight bearing for three weeks after surgery. Delayed wound healing with TA tendon exposure was observed, and initially treated by debridement, basic fibroblast growth factor spray, and negative pressure wound therapy, which all failed to obtain wound healing. Finally, complete resection of TA tendon led to rapid wound healing. In all cases, ankle dorsal flexion was compensated by other extensors, with maintained range of motion and muscle strength (manual muscle testing 3 to 4) compared to pre-operation at 1 year after TAA operation. Resection of TA tendon may be considered as one of the salvage treatment options of severe delayed wound healing in TAA with anterior approach, especially in elderly patients.

Combined effect of teriparatide and an anti-RANKL monoclonal antibody on bone defect regeneration in mice with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of single or combination therapy of teriparatide (TPTD) and a monoclonal antibody against the murine receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (anti-RANKL Ab) on cancellous and cortical bone regeneration in a mouse model of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP).

METHODS

C57BL/6 J mice (24 weeks of age) were divided into five groups: (1) the SHAM group: sham operation + saline; (2) the prednisolone (PSL) group: PSL + saline; (3) the TPTD group: PSL + TPTD; (4) the Ab group: PSL + anti-RANKL Ab; and (5) the COMB group: PSL + TPTD + anti-RANKL Ab (n = 8 per group). With the exception of the SHAM group, 7.5 mg of PSL was inserted subcutaneously into mice, to generate a mouse model of GIOP. Four weeks after insertion, bone defects with a diameter of 0.9 mm were created to assess bone regeneration on both femoral metaphysis (cancellous bone) and diaphysis (cortical bone). After surgery, therapeutic intervention was continued for 4 weeks. Saline (200 μl) or TPTD (40 μg/kg) was injected subcutaneously five times per week, whereas the anti-RANKL Ab (5 mg/kg) was injected subcutaneously once on the day after surgery. Subsequently, the following analyses were performed: microstructural assessment of bone regeneration and bone mineral density (BMD) measurement via micro-computed tomography, and histological, histomorphometrical, and biomechanical analyses with nanoindentation.

RESULTS

The COMB group showed the highest lumbar spine BMD increase (vs. the PSL, TPTD, and Ab groups). The volume of regenerated cancellous bone at the bone defect site was higher in the COMB group compared with the PSL, TPTD, and Ab group. The volume of the regenerated cortical bone was significantly higher in the COMB group compared with the PSL group, and its hardness was significantly higher in the COMB group compared with the PSL and TPTD groups.

CONCLUSION

In a mouse model of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, the combination therapy of TPTD plus the anti-RANKL Ab increased bone mineral density in the lumbar spine and regenerated cancellous bone volume compared with single administration of each agent, and also increased regenerated cortical bone strength compared with single administration of TPTD.

Meta-analysis for the efficacy of bisphosphonates on hip fracture prevention

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of bisphosphonates on preventing osteoporotic hip fracture in patients with or without prior major osteoporotic fracture. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies (OSs) based on electronic health records were used to assess bisphosphonate efficacy and were searched using PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library databases. Eight RCT studies and 14 OSs were extracted from the studies and quantitatively combined by random-effects meta-analysis. The odds ratio (OR) for all hip fractures in RCTs of 0.66, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.55-0.79, was lower than that in the OSs (OR 0.83; CI 0.74-0.94). The OR in patients with prior fracture was significantly reduced by bisphosphonates in both RCTs and OSs. Conversely, significant fracture reduction was not apparent in patients without prior fracture. A moderate relationship between prior major fracture rates and OR in hip fractures was defined. In patients with an average age of over 80 years, similar results were confirmed. In this meta-analysis, the efficacy of bisphosphonates was significant in patients with prior major fracture, recommending to prescribe for such patients. Their effect in patients without prior fracture, in contrast, remains unclear.