Remission in early rheumatoid arthritis defined by 28 joint counts: limited consequences of residual disease activity in the forefeet on outcome

2011 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lilian H D van Tuyl ◽  
Karin Britsemmer ◽  
George A Wells ◽  
Josef S Smolen ◽  
Bin Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Residual Disease ◽  
Health Assessment ◽  
Joint Damage ◽  
Likelihood Ratios ◽  
X Ray ◽  
European League Against Rheumatism ◽  
Remission Criteria ◽  
Metatarsophalangeal Joints

IntroductionThe new American College for Rheumatology (ACR)/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) remission criteria are based on the assessment of 28 joints. A study was undertaken to study the consequences of remission misclassification due to residual disease activity in the feet on physical function and joint damage in the subsequent year in an observational early disease cohort.MethodsAll patients with rheumatoid arthritis at inclusion or at 1-year follow-up in the early arthritis cohort of the Jan van Breemen Institute, The Netherlands were included. ACR/EULAR remission definitions for trials and clinical practice were calculated twice, once using a 28-joint count and once using a 38-joint count that included the 10 metatarsophalangeal joints. Disease stability was defined as stable x-ray scores over 1 year (change ≤0 in Sharp/van der Heijde scores) and stable and low scores on the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ change ≤0 and HAQ score consistently ≤0.5), all during the second year after inclusion. Analyses comprised residual disease activity (swollen or tender joints >0) in the feet of patients who fulfilled the candidate remission criteria using a 28-joint count and likelihood ratios of remission definitions to predict disease stability.ResultsOf 421 patients, 9–15% reached remission at 1 year using a 28-joint count. Of these, 26–40% showed activity in the feet. Misclassification due to reduced joint counts was observed in 2–3%. A state of remission increased the likelihood of stability of both x-ray and HAQ, with similar likelihood ratios for definitions using 38-joint counts and those using 28-joint counts.ConclusionThe ability of remission definitions with 28-joint counts versus 38-joint counts to predict long-term good radiological and functional outcome is similar. This confirms that inclusion of ankles and forefeet in the assessment of remission is not required, although inclusion of these joints in the examination is recommended.

scholarly journals The Adequacy of Evaluation by Rheumatologists before Undergoing Arthroscopic Synovectomy in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-7
Author(s):  
Neunghan Jeon ◽  
Hyun Jun Kim ◽  
Min Jong Park
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Treatment Response ◽  
Laboratory Tests ◽  
Arthroscopic Synovectomy ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Treatment Response Evaluation ◽  
American College Of Rheumatology ◽  
European League Against Rheumatism ◽  
Remission Criteria

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the progression of arthritis and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) through the treatment-resistant mono joint rheumatoid arthritis treated with arthroscopic synovectomy.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 65 patients who underwent arthroscopic synovectomy for rheumatoid wrist or elbow which had not responded to systemic treatment for at least 6 months. The main treatment response evaluation methods of rheumatologists were the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) response criteria, and the ACR/EULAR (European League Against Rheumatism) remission criteria. The medical records, results of laboratory tests and radiographs of wrist or elbow that had been performed by rheumatologists before arthroscopic synovectomy were investigated. We examined whether the results of laboratory tests and arthritic change of radiograph had statistically significant correlation. Results: The mean duration of joint symptom until referral to orthopedic department was 23 months (range, 1 month to 9.2 years). During this period, rheumatologists had took average one X-ray (range, 0–3). Forty-seven patients (72.3%) had CRP of 1 mg/dL or less as included in the ACR/EULAR remission criteria. Seventeen out of 65 patients who had two or more X-ray were able to evaluate the progression of arthritis. The change of arthritis and mean ESR (p=0.787) or CRP (p=0.303) the same period didn’t have statistically significant relationship (Spearman correlation analysis).Conclusion: Since the method of evaluating the treatment response of rheumatologists is to assess the systemic condition, arthritis of one joint that is resistant to treatment is considered to require periodic radiographs as method to assess itself.

Association of Body Mass Index Categories with Disease Activity and Radiographic Joint Damage in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Metaanalysis

2015 ◽  
Vol 42 (12) ◽  
pp. 2261-2269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Celine Vidal ◽  
Thomas Barnetche ◽  
Jacques Morel ◽  
Bernard Combe ◽  
Claire Daïen
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Health Assessment ◽  
Joint Damage ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Obese Patients

Objective.Obesity and overweight are increasing conditions. Adipose tissue with proinflammatory properties could be involved in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) activity and radiographic progression. This study aims to investigate the influence of overweight and obesity on RA activity and severity.Methods.We conducted a systematic review and metaanalysis to assess the association of body mass index (BMI) categories with the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28), functional disability [Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ)], and radiographic joint damage in patients with RA. We searched Medline through PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for all studies assessing DAS28, HAQ, or/and radiographic damage according to predefined BMI groups.Results.Among the 737 citations retrieved, 58 articles met the inclusion criteria and 7 were included in the metaanalysis. DAS28 was higher in obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2) than non-obese (BMI ≤ 30 kg/m2) patients (mean difference 0.14, 95% CI 0.01–0.27, p = 0.04, I2 = 0%). HAQ score was also higher among obese patients (mean difference 0.10, 95% CI 0.01–0.19, p = 0.03, I2 = 0%). Radiographic joint damage was negatively associated with obesity (standardized mean difference −0.15, 95% CI −0.29 to −0.02, p = 0.03, I2 = 38%).Conclusion.Obesity in RA is associated with increased DAS28 and HAQ score and with lower radiographic joint damage. These associations mainly result from an increase of subjective components of the DAS28 (total joint count and global health assessment) in obese patients. Conflicting results were reported concerning inflammation markers (C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate).

scholarly journals Abatacept Plus Methotrexate Provides Incremental Clinical Benefits Versus Methotrexate Alone in Methotrexate-naive Patients with Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Who Achieve Radiographic Nonprogression

2011 ◽  
Vol 38 (11) ◽  
pp. 2362-2368 ◽  
Author(s):  
ALVIN F. WELLS ◽  
RENE WESTHOVENS ◽  
DIANE MONIZ REED ◽  
LUCIANA FANTI ◽  
JEAN-CLAUDE BECKER ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Disease Activity Score ◽  
Health Assessment ◽  
Joint Damage ◽  
Joint Disease ◽  
Activity Score ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
American College Of Rheumatology

Objective.This article reports 1-year clinical outcomes in the subgroup of patients with rheumatoid arthritis in the Abatacept study to Gauge Remission and joint damage progression in methotrexate-naive patients with Early Erosive rheumatoid arthritis (AGREE) who achieved radiographic nonprogression at the end of the double-blind phase.Methods.Patients who achieved radiographic nonprogression (change from baseline in total Sharp score ≤ 0 at 12 months) with abatacept plus methotrexate (MTX) or MTX alone were eligible for this analysis. Clinical outcomes were remission, defined by 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28) using C-reactive protein (CRP), low Disease Activity Score (LDAS), American College of Rheumatology (ACR) scores, physical function (Health Assessment Questionnaire), and tender and swollen joint counts. Safety was assessed at each visit.Results.Patients in the abatacept plus MTX and MTX monotherapy groups had similar baseline characteristics and were similar to the overall study population. The proportion of patients who achieved DAS28 (CRP) remission or LDAS was greater with abatacept plus MTX vs MTX alone [43.2% vs 22.7% (p < 0.001) and 57.4% vs 40.6% (p = 0.008), respectively]. More patients receiving abatacept plus MTX achieved key ACR responses, including major clinical response (27.3% vs 11.9%; p < 0.001). Safety profiles were similar in both treatment groups.Conclusion.More MTX-naive patients with early RA who achieved radiographic nonprogression taking abatacept plus MTX also achieved DAS28 (CRP)-defined remission and LDAS compared with patients who received MTX alone, supporting the use of abatacept as a first-line biologic in combination with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.

scholarly journals Estimation of a numerical value for joint damage-related physical disability in rheumatoid arthritis clinical trials

2009 ◽  
Vol 69 (6) ◽  
pp. 1058-1064 ◽  
Author(s):  
Josef S Smolen ◽  
Daniel Aletaha ◽  
Johannes C Grisar ◽  
Tanja A Stamm ◽  
John T Sharp
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
Health Assessment ◽  
Joint Damage ◽  
Disease Activity Index ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Radiographic Changes

BackgroundJoint damage is an important outcome in trials of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), usually assessed by Total Sharp Score (TSS). It is currently unknown how it translates numerically into disability by the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ).ObjectiveTo determine the units of HAQ score corresponding to one TSS unit.MethodsA short-term observational trial of glucocorticoids in RA (the ‘BEst LIfe with Rheumatoid Arthritis’ (BELIRA) trial) was evaluated, using randomised controlled clinical trial (RCT) data for confirmation. For each trial arm HAQ, TSS and the Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) were assessed. Based on the hypothesis that short-term HAQ changes will mostly be due to changes of disease activity, activity HAQ (ACT-HAQ) at end point (EP) was determined and remaining disability defined as damage related (DAM-HAQ). Using TSS at EP, the HAQ units corresponding to a TSS unit were estimated.ResultsIn BELIRA, one TSS unit corresponded to a mean of 0.017 HAQ units; to account for other causes of irreversible disability, the 25th percentile was used: 0.011 HAQ units/TSS unit. In RCT trial arms, the HAQ/TSS were similar (0.013 and 0.015 in established and early RA, respectively; 25th percentile: 0.010). The correlation between DAM-HAQEP and TSS was r=0.829. Over 5 years, damage would amount to an increase of irreversible HAQ of 0.33 on placebo, 0.13 on disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and 0.03 on TNF inhibitors+methotrexate (MTX).ConclusionAn approach to estimate the numerical relationship between HAQ and damage as 0.01 HAQ points/TSS unit is presented, although the linear relationship may not be generally valid. This allows the assessment of functional correlates of radiographic changes in trials.

scholarly journals Comparative Analyses of Serological Biomarkers and Disease Characteristics between Elderly-onset and Younger-onset Rheumatoid Arthritis

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 237-245
Author(s):  
Rajalingham Sakthiswary ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Functional Disability ◽  
Disease Duration ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Age At Onset ◽  
Health Assessment ◽  
Joint Damage ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Elderly Onset

The onset of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may occur any time after the age of 16 years. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and serological differences between elderly onset RA (EORA); which is begins at the age of 60 and above, with younger onset RA (YORA). A total of 69 EORA and 82 YORA female patients were enrolled in this study. Data on medications, disease duration, age at onset, disease activity at onset and laboratory parameters were collected by reviewing the medical records. All patients had their blood samples taken for serum anticyclic citrulinated peptide (anti-CCP), IgA rheumatoid factor (RF), IgM RF and IgG RF. Besides, the subjects were assessed for their radiographic joint damage based on Modified Sharp Score (MSS) and functional disability based on the Health Assessment Questionnaire-disability Index (HAQ-DI) scores. Despite comparable disease duration and frequency of seropositivity, the YORA group had significantly higher disease activity at onset of the disease (p=0.009). In keeping with this finding, the YORA group had more severe joint damage based on radiographic assessment (MSS scores of 17.49+19.04 versus 10.04+12.79). The YORA group had significantly higher levels of IgA RF and anti-CCP with p-values of 0.035 and 0.002, respectively. Our findings suggest that YORA is associated with more severe disease, worse radiographic joint damage and higher levels of anti-CCP and IgA RF.

scholarly journals Tocilizumab inhibits progression of joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis irrespective of its anti-inflammatory effects: disassociation of the link between inflammation and destruction

2011 ◽  
Vol 71 (5) ◽  
pp. 687-693 ◽  
Author(s):  
Josef S Smolen ◽  
José C Martinez Avila ◽  
Daniel Aletaha
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Structural Damage ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
Joint Damage ◽  
Disease Activity Index ◽  
High Disease Activity ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Damage Progression ◽  
Spearman Test

BackgroundTreatment with tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNF-i) plus methotrexate (MTX), but not MTX monotherapy alone, inhibits joint damage progression even at higher levels of disease activity. Such disassociation of disease activity and structural damage has not been shown for biological agents other than TNF-i.ObjectivesTo evaluate whether interleukin 6 (IL-6) inhibition with tocilizumab (TCZ) interferes with joint destruction beyond its effects on disease activity.MethodsA random 90% sample of data from the (The Tocilizumab Safety and the Prevention of Structural Joint Damage Study) LITHEtrial on active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) despite MTX was used, which compared addition of placebo (n=117) with addition of TCZ (n=414) every 4 weeks. Baseline and 1-year values of clinical and serological variables were correlated with changes to 1 year of the total Genant-modified Sharp score (TGSS) using a Spearman test, and the progression of TGSS, erosion and joint space narrowing (JSN) scores in groups with low and high disease activity were compared for placebo and TCZ (Kruskal–Wallis).ResultsBaseline variables were similar among the groups. Change of TGSS was lower in patients receiving TCZ than placebo (TCZ: 0.29±0.96; placebo: 0.90±1.92; p=0.0007). In patients receiving placebo, the correlation with TGSS change was significant for baseline scores of the simplified disease activity index (SDAI; r=0.18, p=0.047) and swollen joint count 28 (r=0.22, p=0.019), with similar trends for C-reactive protein. Similar correlations were seen for SDAI, clinical disease activity index, disease activity score 28 at 1 year with x-ray change during that year (r=0.26–0.28, p=0.002–0.006). In contrast, none of the baseline or 1-year variables showed significant correlation with x-ray changes in patients receiving TCZ+MTX, suggesting a disassociation of the link between disease activity and damage by TCZ. Finally, for patients in remission or with low disease activity, progression of TGSS, erosion and JSN was similar among treatment groups (TGSS: placebo, 0.4±1.1; TCZ, 0.2±0.7; p=NS), while for patients with moderate or high disease activity placebo-treated patients progression was significantly greater (TGSS: 1.2±2.2 vs 0.4±1.2; p=0.0009).ConclusionsIL-6 inhibition with TCZ plus MTX retards joint damage progression independently of its impact on disease activity. Similar effects have hitherto been reported only for TNF-i. This indicates that the effects of IL-6 inhibition on progression of joint damage in RA are among the most profound currently attainable.

scholarly journals Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Siddha System of Medicine - A Case report

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 383-385
Author(s):  
Bhavani Subramani ◽  
Sathiyarajeswaran P
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Health Assessment ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Measurement Tool ◽  
Activity Measurement ◽  
External Application ◽  
European League Against Rheumatism ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Questionnaire Disability

A case of Uthiravathasronitham (Rheumatoid arthritis) had been treated with a classical Siddha preparation Rasa chenduram (100mg) along with Thirikadugu choornam (1 gm) for 3 weeks and with Pinda thailam as an external application. The patient condition has been assessed by a validated simplified disease activity measurement tool for Rheumatoid arthritis by Disease activity score (DAS) with 28 joints and formula using Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) as recommended by EULAR (European League against rheumatism) criteria. The functional status of the patient was evaluated by administering the Health assessment questionnaire disability index (HAQ-DI) and Visual analog scale (VAS) score before and after treatment. The treatment yielded moderate improvement in the patient’s health condition.

Failure in Longterm Treatment is Rare in Actively Treated Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis, But May Be Predicted by High Health Assessment Score at Baseline and by Residual Disease Activity at 3 and 6 Months: The 5-year Followup Results of the Randomized Clinical NEO-RACo Trial

2014 ◽  
Vol 41 (12) ◽  
pp. 2379-2385 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vappu Rantalaiho ◽  
Hannu Kautiainen ◽  
Salme Järvenpää ◽  
Markku Korpela ◽  
Timo Malmi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Treatment Failure ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Residual Disease ◽  
Health Assessment ◽  
Normal Function ◽  
Clinical Feature ◽  
Assessment Score ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Combination Treatments

Objective.With modern initial aggressive combination treatments with synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (sDMARD), most patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) achieve remission, have marginal radiographic progression, and sustain normal function. Here we aim to identify the patients failing these targets even after aggressive treatment.Methods.Ninety-nine patients with early, active RA were treated with a combination of 3 sDMARD and prednisolone (PRD), and either infliximab or placebo infusions during the first 6 months, aiming at strict remission. After 24 months, the treatments became unrestricted. At 60 months, 4 evident clinical features of treatment failure were defined: area under curve (AUC) between 6–60 months for disease activity score assessing 28 joints > 2.6; AUC 6–60 for health assessment questionnaire > 0.5; progression in total Sharp/van der Heijde score 0–60 months > 3 units; and need of PRD or biologic DMARD treatment at 60 months.Results.A total of 93 patients were followed up for 60 months. Of them, 45 had no features of treatment failure, 30 had 1, 10 had 2, 7 had 3, and 1 patient had all 4 features. Having 2–4 features of treatment failure at 5 years was predicted by the health assessment score at baseline, and by even low residual disease activity at 3 and 6 months.Conclusions.Only 20% of the patients with RA treated early with combination sDMARD and PRD have more than 1 clinical feature of treatment failure at 60 months. Residual clinical disease activity at 3–6 months was the most important predictor for identifying these patients. The study was registered at www.clintrials.gov (NCT00908089).

Anti-carbamylated Protein Antibodies and Serum Level of 14-3-3 Protein for Early Detection of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient in Correlation with Rheumatoid Factor, Anti-CCP Antibodies, Disease Activity and Joint Damage using High Frequency Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-153
Author(s):  
Sahar A. Ahmed ◽  
Enas M. Darwish ◽  
Walaa A. Attya ◽  
Mai Samir ◽  
Mennatallah Elsayed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Rheumatoid Factor ◽  
Disease Activity Score ◽  
Joint Damage ◽  
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound ◽  
Activity Score ◽  
Das 28 ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Hands And Feet

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common progressive chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease which affects mostly small joints, causing pain, swelling, deformity, and disability. Although progress has been made in exploring RA nature, still there is a lot to know about the disease pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. Aim of the Work: To investigate the role of serum anti-carbamylated protein antibodies and 14-3-3η in the diagnosis of RA compared to rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-CCP antibodies, and highfrequency musculoskeletal ultrasound used to assess the disease activity and joint damage. Methods: Serum anti-carbamylated protein antibodies and 14-3-3η were measured using ELISA in 61 RA patients and 26 normal controls. RA Disease Activity Score (DAS 28), X-ray and musculoskeletal ultrasound (hands and feet), carotid ultrasound (Intima-Media Thickness IMT) were used in assessing the RA disease. Results: Anti-carbamylated protein antibodies were significantly elevated in RA patients 4.5 (4.1- 8.9 U⁄ml) compared to the control 3.2(1.9- 4.3 U⁄ml) (p< 0.001) but 14-3-3η showed no significant difference. There was a significant positive correlation between anti-carbamylated protein antibodies, 14-3-3η levels and disease activity score assessed by DAS 28, increased IMT measured by carotid duplex, total synovitis and total erosion score were assessed by musculoskeletal ultrasound. There was no correlation between RF and anti-CCP antibodies. Anti-carbamylated protein antibodies were found to have 66.7% sensitivity and 85.2% specificity in RA diagnosis, while 14- 3-3η had 51.9% sensitivity and 72.1% specificity. Conclusion: Anti-carbamylated protein antibodies and 14-3-3η have a high sensitivity and specificity in RA diagnosis and had a correlation with the disease activity and joint damage.

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